The weekend couldn't come soon enough for Hermione and Draco. Receiving their observation reports on Monday had left them feeling dejected and discouraged for the rest of the week. While they tried to teach with their usual spirit and motivation, most professors felt their lessons were falling flat. Individual conversations with Headmistress McGonagall had helped them feel supported. Still, the reports had been harsh and trying to develop enough lesson improvements for professors to reach higher than a Poor was proving difficult.
Hermione and Draco had both decided to spend the weekend away from everyone and in the comfort of their own home with Scorpius. Since Mitty had a day off every Saturday, they decided to start the weekend by cooking breakfast together as a family.
However, halfway through eating their scrambled eggs and bacon on toast, a large owl swoops through their open kitchen window, landing beside the apple juice.
Draco sighs deeply, "What now!" As he removed the rolled-up parchment from its large claw. He reads the front to find it addressed to both of them.
"It's probably from Mr Ahmed, replying to my letter about resuming our visits with Lucius," Hermione reminds him.
"You can read it then," Draco mumbles, passing the parchment over and returning to helping Scorpius eat his eggs so they don't end up all over their floor.
Hermione unfurls the parchment, surprised to see the crest of MACUSA at the top. She had written to President Harris a fortnight ago and impatiently awaited her reply.
"It's from MACUSA," she informs Draco as she begins to read.
President Cerys Harris
Magical Congress of the United States of America
New York
United States of America
Saturday 13th October 2001
Dear Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy,
I wish to thank you for your letter and informing us of the troubles that have taken place in Britain over the past few weeks. The information you gained from your Death Eater liaison caught us off guard. I apologise for taking longer than expected to reply.
I would like to invite you both to MACUSA for a meeting with me to discuss this matter and some further information that has come to light since. My assistant has booked you a portkey from the Ministry of Magic to MACUSA at midday today.
I look forward to seeing you both.
President Cerys Harris
Hermione sighs, throwing the letter across the table towards Draco, "There goes our quiet weekend alone."
Draco skims the letter with a frown. "She's not asking; she's telling us to be there. It must be important."
Hermione nods, watching her son chew on a piece of bacon with his couple of teeth. "I'm not taking Scorpius. Do you think Hyperion would have him? My parents are at work, and my grandparents have their hands full with the kids."
"I'll call to ask." Draco stands, searching their surroundings for his phone, eventually finding it in the fruit bowl. Hyperion answers on the third ring. "Hi, Hyperion, how are you?"
Hermione tidies their breakfast while Draco dances around, asking his uncle to babysit their son.
"Oh, you're at work," Draco says, glancing at Hermione.
"What about his children?" She asks.
"It's just Hermione, and I have a meeting to attend, and we haven't got anyone to watch Scorpius." Draco grimaces, hating to ask his loved one for favours. "No, you don't have to close the shop. Is Abe not free? Or Arania?"
Hyperion must be arguing why he should close his shop because Draco then sighs, "Yes, we'll be there in twenty minutes. See you soon."
Hermione is grinning when he hangs up. "You know he doesn't mind."
"I know, which makes it worse because now he's losing out on business," Draco says, throwing his phone back into the fruit bowl.
"Hyperion always says family comes first. He doesn't care about missing out on a day's work." Hermione tries to assure him. "I'm going to bathe Scorpius. Can you dress him after?"
"Yeah, I'll finish off down here." Draco presses a kiss on both his wife's and son's forehead.
Twenty minutes later, they're standing in front of Hyperion's driveway after apparating from their house. Before they close the gate, Hyperion runs out of the house to take Scorpius from them.
"There's my little man; look how grown you are?" Hyperion coos, lifting the toddler into the air to get a better look at him.
Scorpius giggles, kicking his feet in the air. When Hyperion lowers him into a hug, Scorpius wraps his arms around his neck, hugging his great-uncle back.
"Come on, Sarah's made breakfast," Hyperion calls back to Draco and Hermione.
"You didn't need to do that; we've already eaten," Draco mentions.
"But we haven't, so come on."
Hermione closes the door behind her and then takes off her shoes, following her husband and Hyperion into the kitchen, where a small table is filled with cereals, pastries, eggs, bacon and sausages.
Despite eating already, the food smells delicious, so after hugging Sarah in greeting, Hermione helps herself to a croissant and cup of tea.
"How have you both been? We haven't seen you in so long," Sarah asks.
"Mum, we saw them during the summer. I'm sure you've been busy with work," Hyperion mentions.
"You don't know the half of it," Draco sighs. "We're getting observed by the Ministry now, which is stressful."
"Oh, I know, Arania is a teacher, and Ofsted is the most stressful three days of any teacher's career," Hyperion comments.
Hermione nods in agreement. "Our personal grades were low, but they were far too harsh. Am I not supposed to encourage students to independently research topics they're interested in but I don't cover within the Ministry-ordered curriculum?"
Draco chuckles, "The joys of teaching are beginning to be overshadowed by the stress. We hoped to have a relaxing weekend, but then we got a letter from New York requiring our presence at a meeting. We're grateful you're taking time off to look after Scorpius for us."
"Nonsense," Sarah dismisses Draco's concern. "We love Scorpius and can't get enough of him."
Hermione smiles, watching her son chew on a piece of sausage Sarah had given him on a plate. Scorpius then picks up a piece of croissant and holds it out for Sarah.
"Oh, thank you, dear." Sarah takes it and pretends to eat it, then places it on her plate when his eyes are diverted. "He's a sweet boy. Have you thought about giving him a sibling?"
Hermione glances at Draco, who looks amused rather than nervous like herself. They had agreed to tell Hyperion's family soon. Still, Hermione was scared they'd react similarly to her family, which she didn't want to experience again.
"Mum, Scorpius is barely a year old; give them time, they're only twenty-one years old," Hyperion tells her off for pressurising them.
Hermione drops the remaining croissant back on her plate, feeling sick with nerves.
"We had been thinking about waiting another couple of years," Draco begins.
"That's a good idea!" Hyperion says.
"But plans change, and surprises happen," Draco adds.
Hyperion frowns, "Hmm?"
"We're expecting our second child," Draco announces, smiling with pride.
Hermione knows all Draco's ever wanted was his parents' approval, so it makes sense that when he never got it from them, he looks for it from his uncle. She's nervous for both of them when it takes them a prolonged moment to respond.
"Are you serious?" Hyperion stands, beaming at his nephew. "Congratulations!" He pulls Draco out of his seat and into a deep hug. "To both of you." Hyperion gently hugs her, too.
Sarah holds her hand out for Hermione's and squeezes it with a pat. "I'm very happy for you. When are they due?"
"In March."
"Only five more months?"
"I know; we waited to tell people because we were worried about their reaction. We were still on parental leave for Scorpius when we found out, and we know how young we are, but we are ultimately very happy. Neither of us grew up with siblings, so we're excited for Scorpius to have that childhood."
"You don't know what you're getting yourself into. It will be hard, but every day will feel like a blessing," Sarah informs them. "I can't wait to meet them."
"Me too," Hermione smiles.
"Can you let the others know?" Draco asks. "I'll tell Alate, but I won't have time to visit all the others, and Christmas is a little too long to wait."
"Of course, everyone will be happy for you."
"Thanks, Hyperion."
Hermione checks her watch and sighs, "We should get going. We haven't got long before our meeting."
"There's no need to rush back," Sarah tells them, pinching Scorpius' chubby cheek.
Hermione and Draco leave Hyperion's house, leaving their son in safe hands. Once outside, they apparate to the Ministry of Magic, hoping they'll be able to slip up to the Portkey department without drawing attention to themselves.
Once outside Hyperion's house, having left their son in safe hands, Hermione and Draco apparate to the Ministry of Magic. Hoping they'll be able to slip up to the Department of Transportation without drawing attention to themselves. It seems they can't do anything these days without rousing the attention of Minister Shacklebolt. Thankfully, they can board a lift and ride it all the way to the correct floor without being seen, most likely due to their limited staff working on weekends.
The only ministerial worker inside the Department for Transportation is the receptionist, who looks bored out of her mind as she flips through Witch Weekly.
"Hi, we have a portkey booked for midday," Hermione says as they approach the desk.
The receptionist glances up, recognises them and quickly closes her magazine.
"Sure, let me check," she says, flipping through the booking forms. "Oh, you're going to MACUSA? I'm supposed to log all trips to MACUSA for Minister Shacklebolt," she mentions, staring at them expectantly.
"You're supposed to?" Draco says, needing clarification.
"Yeah, but what he doesn't know, you know," she hints at them.
Draco sighs, pointing out, "I've only got five galleons on me. Is that enough?"
"Sure!" The woman's eyes widen as Draco places the five coins on the desk. Quickly, before the transaction can be seen, she swipes up the coins, pocketing them before returning to her magazine. "Fifth door," she informs them. "And I haven't seen you today."
"Thank you," Hermione says.
"Mhmm," the woman hums, uninterested now.
Inside the fifth room, they find a violently purple teapot on the floor. However, they still have five minutes to wait before it is activated, so they sit in the provided chairs. When the teapot starts to glow, signalling its activation, Hermione grabs hold of the handle while Draco takes the spout.
Before they know it, they're spinning around the dark room, wind whipping at their faces as the walls and floor fall away. Quite suddenly, their feet touch down upon a plush cream carpet in an extremely bright room. An entire wall comprises windows facing the rising sun. In contrast, the three other walls are plastered in ornate white and gold wallpaper.
Setting down the teapot, they begin to wander around the unfamiliar room that looks more like the office of a rich business person rather than a portkey room. Hermione makes her way to the window, recognising the New York skyline. Draco walks towards the door, trying the handle only to find it locked. He assumes from the outside since there's no one else in the room with them.
A few seconds later, the lock in the door glows a soft light as it is unlocked, and President Harris' assistant, Adam, steps into the room.
"Thanks for making my job ten times harder, by the way," Adam states.
"I'm sorry?" Hermione asks, offended by his accusations.
"Apology noted," Adam says. "President Harris will be with you momentarily," he informs them before locking the door behind him.
"I do not like that man," Draco mutters, turning to scan the room again.
"I wonder where we are," Hermione comments, still by the window, looking down at people below on the street, making their way to work.
"You're in the President's apartment."
Draco and Hermione turn to find President Harris standing behind their desk. Draco turns back to the door, wondering how she entered without him hearing.
"There's a door behind me to my private living quarters," Harris informs him.
"Right," Draco says, embarrassed at having been caught wondering.
"Why aren't we in your official office?" Hermione asks, walking over to the desk.
"There are too many ears there," she states, sitting in her plush desk chair. "And I don't want our meeting to be interrupted." She gestures to the two chairs before her.
Draco and Hermione take a seat in front of the President's desk.
"Why didn't you contact us through Megan? She's usually our liaison," Draco asks.
"I'll get to that shortly," Harris mentions. "We don't have long to discuss what needs to be discussed, so I apologise for skipping the pleasantries. I do hope you're well, and I do appreciate your continued support across the pond."
"Thank you," Hermione says, pleased to finally be appreciated.
"I want to apologise again for taking so long to reply, but the letter you sent after the death of your poor student really shook things up here," Harris admits.
"I would say so; you have a mole somewhere close," Draco comments, angry that nowhere seems free from the Death Eaters.
"We had a mole that has been dealt with accordingly," Harris assures them.
"Who was it?" Hermione asks.
"Soon," Harris assures them. "I need to assure me that your Death Eater friend can be trusted, and he isn't going to double cross you?"
Hermione sighs, "I trust the information he has been giving us as it has already led to the arrest of one Death Eater, but I can't assure you that he won't turn his back on us. His main priority is getting revenge for his brother's murder. If he were offered that information in return for crossing us, I'm sure he would do so. However, the new Dark Lord doesn't know he is working with us, so we're safe for now. He's not in the Inner Circle, so his job is to sit and listen, only speaking when spoken to."
"That is of little comfort to me," Harris admits. "Tell me again, in person, what your Death Eater mole told you?"
"Harry Potter and I met with him to find out how the Death Eaters knew to attack our students that weekend. We discovered the new Dark Lord despises Draco, so I asked how he feels about me and our son. Our mole informed me that the new Dark Lord sees me as a means to an end since we're working with MACUSA to take down Minister Shacklebolt, which is also what the Dark Lord wants," Hermione goes back through her conversation with Dennis for what feels like the tenth time.
Harris nods for her to continue.
"Well, I was shocked, so I asked him how he knew we were working with MACUSA, and he thought it was common knowledge between those involved and told me that the Death Eaters had known for a while. I told him that we had reformed the Order to take down Kingsley, but only the main seven knew we were working with MACUSA to do so. I asked if he knew who told the Death Eaters, and he said it was one of their Inner Circle and American."
Harris leans intently over her desk, needing to hear this next part properly.
"He said he didn't know her name due to their masks, but he knew it was a woman, and she was an American because of her voice. He then said that he thinks she works closely with the President of MACUSA because she had told them about August 2002. We looked quite foolish when I had to ask what's happening in August 2002, and he seemed surprised that we didn't know you had a date planned for the takedown," Hermione finishes.
"We were also surprised we didn't know about this takedown date," Draco comments coldly.
"Did he say anything else about our mole?" Harris asks.
"No, I made it clear to him that we're not working with the Death Eaters, and we don't want nor need their support in taking down Shacklebolt. He reminded me he doesn't talk during their meetings so as not to draw attention to himself, so he wasn't going to tell any of them that we didn't want their help," Hermione adds.
"Good, we could use them to cause as much chaos as possible on the day," Harris states.
"I'd prefer it if we kept everyone in the Ministry safe from the Death Eaters. If you're planning on storming the Ministry and arresting Shacklebolt, there are going to be hundreds of ministry workers present, and the Death Eaters aren't going to hold back on attacking," Draco states.
"Don't you really want to stick it to Shacklebolt? Imagine his face when he realises he's been taken down by you two and the Order, the American government and the various nightmares he denies even exist," Harris tries to convince them.
"Unless we can have the Aurors there ready to arrest any Death Eaters that show up, I don't feel comfortable agreeing to that," Hermione states.
"We'll work out the finer details closer to the time," Harris dismisses their concern.
"What is the date?" Draco asks
"We don't have one set yet. We were playing around with the anniversary of the Marriage Decree. Still, we don't want to force everyone to be ready for a date only because it's sentimental. We settled on August because you'll be on your summer vacation, and the ICW hold their elections in September and wish to have this done by then," Harris explains.
"That makes sense," Hermione agrees.
"The ICW president and I have a few dates in mind, but we're keeping them close to our chest for now, especially since it seems there could be a mole anywhere. Once we've finalised the details between ourselves, we'll probably let the important players know a few weeks before so they can organise their people and be ready," Harris states.
"So, your mole, who was it?" Draco asks.
"With the information you gave me, there was only one American woman, besides myself, who was aware of August 2002, but just to be sure, I investigated the only other woman who knew since she could've always put on an accent to further protect her identity," Harris begins. "I pulled them individually into a meeting to discuss their loyalties. One of whom broke down immediately into a fit of tears when I accused her of being a Death Eater spy and tried to assure me that she was loyal and innocent. The other's smile immediately fell and turned into a cold expression of disgust and annoyance at being found out. I instantly knew she was the one, and I had her arrested. She's currently in our holding cells, being interrogated for further information. Once we know anything of interest, we'll pass the information along to the British Aurors," she claims.
"It was Secretary Tiffany Tyler, wasn't it?" Draco asks.
Harris nods in agreement. "I didn't want to believe it was one of my secretaries and certainly not Tyler. I worked with her closely during my presidential campaign six years ago, and we've been close ever since. Apparently not close enough," she sighs.
"And Megan Goyle was the one who broke down, which is why she isn't here now?" Draco asks.
"Yes, she's taking a month's paid leave. I am sorry for accusing her; she's such a sweet girl, but I had to be sure," Harris admits.
"I'm sure she understands," Hermione says.
"I hope so. If you see her, let her know I'm wishing her well," Harris tells them.
"Of course," Draco agrees. "Is this meeting concluded?""
"Yes, unless you have any information while you're here?" Harris questions.
"We received our results from the inspection, and Shacklebolt is definitely going down the route of dictating what we can and cannot teach our students," Hermione mentions. "I got into trouble for asking a student to research a topic that wasn't on the curriculum. The Minister will conduct the next inspection, and I'm interested to understand what exactly he wants out of the professors of Hogwarts."
"Would you say that infringes on your right to free speech and a student's right to education?" Harris asks, scribbling down notes.
"I would say it definitely impacts the education our students receive when we're on edge for days," Hermione confirms.
"And the days after our results. My teaching rhythm has been off since the inspection," Draco admits.
"Thank you. Keep me posted on any other information. It's nearly eight o'clock, and I must get to my official office." President Harris stands, motioning to the teapot, which still lies in the middle of the room. "It'll be ready at eight o'clock. Adam will lock the door behind me, so you shouldn't be disrupted.
After the President of MACUSA leaves, Hermione and Draco are left alone for five minutes, waiting for their portkey to activate.
"That was a lot of information," Draco states.
"We'll have to review everything and decide what to pass along to the Order. I don't think we should mention MACUSA wanting the Death Eaters involved in the takedown. Our last meeting got overrun with Death Eater talk, and we have more important things to discuss," Hermione mentions.
Draco nods in agreement. "Do you think we should visit Megan and check on her? It sounds like she was quite distraught after she met with Harris."
Hermione smiles, leaning against Draco's chest. "Have I ever told you I love how sweet you are?"
Draco scoffs, "I'm not sweet. I just care about my friends and their spouses."
"Sweet!" Hermione kisses his cheek.
"Seriously, though," Draco mutters. "It feels like we keep catching Death Eaters only for more to come out of the woodwork. I thought there were only twenty-four of them. Our prophecy mentioned a clock, and we assumed that's what it was referencing, but what if there's more? What if this Heres replaces the ones we catch with new recruits?"
"I don't think Heres has had time to replace them. I assume a lot of training and hazing occurs to ensure each new recruit is trustworthy and up to the required tasks."
Draco nods, "Each new recruit will be tasked to prove their loyalty and abilities."
"Would we be aware of such tasks?"
"Not necessarily."
As the teapot begins to slightly hum with activation, they quickly grab the handle and spout, ready to be transported back to the Ministry for Magic.
"We need to keep our eyes and ears open," Hermione says as the floor falls away beneath them.
Landing in their Portkey room in the Department of Transport, Hermione and Draco sneak out through a busy reception and follow the corridor down to the lifts. They hope their departure from the Ministry will go as smoothly as their entrance. However, hope has never got them far, as they step out of the lift and straight into the warpath of Alexander Vyner.
"You shouldn't be here," he warns them as a greeting.
"Why?"
"You need to leave quickly!" Alexander glances around behind him, but nobody is looking in their direction.
"What's going on!" Hermione asks, panic entering her voice.
"He knows someone is visiting MACUSA, and if he finds out you two have been here, he'll assume it was you," Alexander explains.
"It could have been Megan," Hermione offers an alternative suggestion.
"Who?"
"Megan Goyle, the liaison."
"Oh, Gideon's girl. I suppose it could've been, but will the Minister believe she didn't book her portkey?" Alexander asks.
"Has he asked the receptionist who arrived this morning?" Draco asks, trying not to sound too interested.
"I don't know," Alexander scowls. "I don't have any information."
"You're pretty useless at the moment," Draco comments.
Alexander Vyner points his finger at Draco. "I don't put my nose where it doesn't belong. I keep it firmly in the archives." At the mention of Alexander's domain, his shoulders relax. "Come talk to me when he starts messing with my department again."
"You're never going to let that go, are you?" Hermione asks, slightly amused.
"Of course not; that's why I joined your little order," Alexander reminds her.
"Well, thank you for your continued support."
Alexander rolls his eyes, "I just need someone more competent at their job to be in charge so I can get on with mine. I'd get out of here as soon as possible if I were you, preferably through the main entrance, as he's tracking the floo network."
"Thank you, Alexander." Hermione smiles. "I hope you and Lyra are well."
That stops Alexander in his continued storming into the lift. He turns back with a slight smile upturning his lips. "We are well," he assures them before pressing the button for his floor.
"We better get going." Draco takes her hand and guides them towards the exit.
Once outside, the chill of October hits them, and they quicken their footsteps towards a nearby alleyway, where they can apparate to Gregory and Megan's house in Kent.
They've only been to the Goyle residence once after they first bought it, but as they appear outside the semi-detached house, they find they barely recognise it. Gregory and Megan have spent considerable time creating a beautiful front garden full of colourful flowers and a bird bath, which currently has a little robin perched on the edge. As they walk down the drive, which would never hold a car as the wizarding couple did not need such transportation, the robin flies off, disturbed by their presence.
Surrounding their front door is a white trellis with pink roses climbing up and around. Hermione knocks on the wooden door and immediately feels guilty as they hear Augusta begin to cry, probably awoken from her nap.
The crying gets louder as they see Megan walking towards them through the frosted window in the door. When she opens the door, the woman looks surprised to see them standing on her doorstep.
"Hi, Gregory's at work right now, but he's off tomorrow if you want to come over," Megan informs them, rocking an upset Augusta on her hip.
"We're actually here to see you," Hermione says.
"Oh," Megan stares at them, probably wondering if they were there for the reason she assumes them to be. "Come in then. I'll put the kettle on."
"Do you want me to take Augusta?" Hermione offers.
"Yeah, thanks," Megan hands her fifteen-month-old daughter over. "There's milk in the fridge if you wouldn't mind."
Hermione fetches the milk bottle, heating it up with a warming charm, then sits on the couch to feed the adorable little girl, who curiously stares at her as she drinks the bottle. Once finished, Hermione pats her back to burp her, then sits the girl on her lap. However, she's soon drifting off again in Hermione's arms, which she doesn't mind.
Draco has cleared the coffee table of toddler toys and magazines, finding three coasters for the cups of tea. He then makes his way into the kitchen to help carry them through. Megan found a few biscuits and placed them on a small plate.
"I wasn't expecting guests, so it's not much," Megan apologises.
"It's more than enough, Megan. We shouldn't have dropped by, but we needed to speak with you," Hermione explains.
"Dare I ask what this is about?" Megan lifts her cup to her lips with shaky hands.
"How are you doing, Megan?" Hermione asks.
Megan swallows her tea hard. "So you've heard. You can leave now if you're here to question and accuse me further!" Her eyes begin to water with anger and embarrassment.
"No, we know it wasn't you. We know you would never betray your friends and family like that," Draco assures her.
Megan breathes a sigh in relief. "Thank you."
"We've come straight from MACUSA. President Harris called us in for a meeting. When she told us she accused you and Tyler, we immediately knew who the Death Eater spy was," Hermione explains.
"It was awful," Megan admits. "President Harris had kept your letter secret. I had no idea that confidential information was getting out or that we had a spy within MACUSA," Megan sniffs.
"What happened, Megan?" Draco asks.
"I was called into her private office. I've never been there before, so I knew it would be a serious meeting." Megan pulls a tissue out of her cardigan sleeve, dabbing her eyes. "I sat down opposite her, already feeling nervous. I thought she would tell me she no longer needed me as a Ministry Liaison. I almost wish she had fired me," she choked out a chuckle. "Instead, she says, 'It has been brought to my attention that you are a double crossing Death Eater spy'."
"She phrased it like that?" Hermione asks.
"She wanted to surprise me, so I couldn't hide my reaction." Megan shrugs.
"How did you react?" Hermione asks.
"At first, I just stared at her. Then, as the accusation sunk in, I completely broke down. I couldn't stop crying. After everything I've done for her and MACUSA, she would just immediately accuse me of turning my back on everything we've been working towards because my husband used to be a Death Eater." Megan wipes her eyes. "I told her all this and then asked who had brought these lies to her attention. She admitted then that she hadn't been given a name, just that a woman who knew a lot about our Shacklebolt plans was working with the Death Eaters. I assured her it wasn't me and didn't appreciate being accused that way."
"Good on you, Megan. Just because she's the President of MACUSA doesn't mean she can get away with treating people like that," Draco says.
"I told her that if she didn't trust me, I would put in a transfer form and be assigned to a different country's government." Megan laughs. "She soon changed her tune, apologising for the accusation and telling me we'd come too far for a new liaison officer to be trusted enough to catch up on their plans."
Hermione picks up a biscuit, engrossed in Megan's recount of what they've already heard.
"So I said I needed time to think about it. She's giving me a month's paid leave to decide whether or not I wish to remain the liaison officer for MACUSA. I'm going to stay, at least until Shacklebolt is dealt with. I can put up with her until then," Megan explains.
"Harris told us she is sorry for how she accused you, but she had to be sure it wasn't you before she accused Tyler. Harris has worked with Tyler for over six years and thought she could trust her," Hermione explains.
"I understand why she did it, but I don't appreciate how she went about doing it. She's lost my respect, and I won't be sticking around til the end of her term."
"That's completely understandable," Draco agrees.
"Anyway, enough about me; how are you two doing?" Megan asks, picking her cup up again with steadier hands. "There's been a lot of mentions of you in the Daily Prophet, none of them true, I assume."
"Yeah, a lot has been going on at Hogwarts," Draco sighs.
"I thought being a professor would be fun. Teaching my favourite subject, making interesting lesson plans to keep the students focused, and grading homework to ensure they understand everything as intended. Still, the Ministry has taken all the fun out of teaching with these constant inspections," Hermione admits.
"I can't even imagine. I can barely handle my responsibilities, but you've got the Order to think about and working with MACUSA," Megan points out.
Draco nods sadly, "We certainly have a lot on our plates."
Hermione looks at the sleeping toddler in her arms with a soft smile. "It's about to get a little heavier too."
"Hmm?" Megan ponders. "Oh, are you pregnant?" She asks, picking up on the soft hints.
Hermione laughs, "Yeah, we are. Due in March."
"We haven't told many people yet, so can you keep it to yourself?" Draco asks.
"Of course," she agrees, then pauses. "What about Gregory?" She asks.
"You can tell him," Draco agrees.
"He'll be home in half an hour for his lunch break if you want to hang around?" Megan suggests.
"We should probably collect Scorpius from Draco's uncle," Hermione states. "We just wanted to check you were okay after everything we heard."
Megan smiles thankfully. "I'm okay, thanks. I'm getting there."
"Do you have anyone to talk to about this?" Hermione asks.
"Not really; Gregory is so stressed with work that I don't want to bother him with all this. Especially with him being an ex-Death Eater, it would hurt him to know I was accused partly because of that link," Megan explains.
"Well, if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here," Hermione tells her.
Megan shakes her head. "You've got too much on your plate already."
"I'll make room. Why don't you come over for breakfast tomorrow morning? Draco can come over here with Scorpius for a play date and catch up with Gregory," Hermione suggests.
"Okay, if you're sure?" Megan says.
"I am sure. Come over for nine o'clock, and I'll have some breakfast sorted."
"Thanks, Hermione."
Megan stands, taking her sleeping daughter from Hermione and placing her on her sleeping mat. She walks her two guests to her front door, hugging them as they step outside.
"Your garden is beautiful, Megan," Hermione compliments.
"That's all Gregory," she tells them. "He spends most Sunday mornings out here or in the back. He wants Augusta to have a nice play space as she grows older. He's actually building her a play house in the back garden."
"That's great; I didn't know he was so good with his hands," Hermione says.
"He's a chef, so he's learnt to be precise and careful, that transfers over to carpentry quite well," Megan claims.
Hermione smiles, "I'll see you tomorrow, Megan."
"Yes, tomorrow," Megan agrees.
As Hermione and Draco walk back down Megan and Gregory's driveway onto their street, they hear the front door shut and lock behind them.
"Well, she seems to be doing okay. Although she's still upset about the whole ordeal," Draco says.
"I'm glad she's getting out of there as soon as Shacklebolt's gone," Hermione adds.
"Which won't be too long. Less than a year," Draco reminds her.
"I hate it, but we also need her working at MACUSA as much as they need her there. Megan is quite an integral piece in our plans," Hermione realises. "That's a lot of pressure to place on one person. I'm not surprised she cracked."
"She will be okay, though. She's lived with Gregory for over two years; she must be tough," Draco half-jokes.
Once it's safe, they return to Hyperion and Sarah's house. After knocking on the front door, it takes a while for it to finally open, and they're surprised to see Sarah standing before them.
"Back so soon," she greets them, shuffling aside to let them enter.
"We've been gone a few hours," Hermione points out.
"Why's Hyperion letting you open the door?" Draco asks the ninety-eight-year-old woman.
"Cheeky boy!" Sarah hits Draco in the shin with her walking stick as she closes the door behind them. "Hyperion had to pop down to his shop. An urgent customer enquiry."
Hermione's a little concerned that Hyperion left Scorpius with Draco's great-aunt. Scorpius is very close to walking but isn't letting that slow him down, and he tends to get underfoot.
"I hope Scorpius hasn't been too much bother," Hermione mentions as she removes her shoes.
"Oh, no bother, Hyperion took him to the shop. They shouldn't be too long," Sarah says, guiding them into the living room.
"We didn't leave a car seat; how did Hyperion get to the shop?" Draco asks.
"Hyperion has a car seat installed in his car in case he ever needs to take his grandchildren anywhere while babysitting," Sarah explains.
Hermione feels relieved to hear Scorpius has been looked after safely while they've been busy with President Harris and Megan.
"Have you heard of Pop Idol? It's a new television show that started last Saturday night. There's a repeat coming on in a few minutes that I want to watch. Daphne said I might enjoy it," Sarah tells them.
"We don't really watch much TV," Draco explains.
"Too much excitement in the magical world, eh?" She chuckles.
"Definitely," Hermione agrees, not sure she would consider the drama in their lives exciting.
"You mentioned a Daphne?" Draco says.
"Yeah, she's Arthur's youngest," Sarah states, then thinks momentarily. "She might be my youngest grandchild."
"How many do you have?" Hermione asks.
"Well, James has four, Neil has two, and Arthur has four, so I have ten grandchildren and who knows how many great-grandchildren. One issue with growing old is that everyone else grows older, too. I've got a few great-great-grandchildren as well. I get new school pictures for Christmas and go around changing the family album," Sarah explains.
"You don't talk about your family often," Hermione gently prompts.
Sarah sighs, "No, my sons never approved of me taking in Hyperion. Of course, he went by Ryan back then. My youngest, Benjamin, was the last one in the house when Ryan came to live with us, and they got on well, but he's always off gallivanting around the world with his partner. He sends postcards, though, and I also put them in an album. He's been to places I never knew existed," she chuckles. "The other boys, though, they thought Ryan was claiming relation to their father so he could scam them out of their inheritance."
"That's awful," Draco mutters.
"This was mine and Arche's house, and it'll be worth a lot if we ever chose to sell it, but I'm leaving it to Hyperion in my will. Don't go telling him that, though." She points at them.
Hermione promises, "Of course not."
"I still receive a war widower's pension from the government. I bet they didn't expect to pay me this long after the war, though," she laughs, then sighs. "I still have each telegraph they sent to inform me of my husband and three eldest boy's deaths. I still have their medals. I'm leaving one medal to each of my youngest boys and whatever's left of my savings account when I die."
"Sarah," Hermione interrupts, but she doesn't know what to say. She luckily made it to sixteen before someone she knew died, and she didn't know how to deal with it. She got used to people dying during the war, but every funeral hurt as much as the first.
"It's okay, dear. I've come to terms with the fact that I will die one day. I'm ninety-eight; not many get this far." Sarah pats her hand. "Now, Daphne told me to keep my eye out for a dashing young man called Will," she says as her television show begins.
Just as the show ends, they hear the front door opening as Hyperion and Scorpius return from the antique shop. They enter the living room in high spirits, and Scorpius has a fist full of notes.
"Scorpius is a natural," Hyperion tells them, throwing the boy in the air and catching him as he squeals. "Made his first sale today, didn't you, son?"
Scorpius babbles, "Ya, ya, ya."
Draco laughs, "What are you talking about?"
Hyperion passes Scorpius over to Draco, sitting down in his armchair. "I had a client that flies into Exeter twice a year to preview more upmarket items. He's a businessman and flies from all over. I was showing him an Edwardian chest, and we were just about to shake on the deal when Scorpius yelled 'no' and slapped his hand away. I apologise profusely, but this man laughs and tells Scorpius that he drives a hard bargain, then adds another hundred to the price. He even shook Scorpius' hand," Hyperion explains, beaming with pride at his great-nephew.
"Is that what he's holding?" Hermione asks, amused.
"Yeah, the man gave it straight to Scorpius, and he won't let go," Hyperion says. "A true businessman," he adds with a laugh. "He can keep it."
"Hyperion, no," Hermione quickly disagrees. "That's too much."
Hyperion brushes Hermione's concern away. "I was happy with the initial price; use that hundred to open a vault at Gringotts or something."
Hermione looks at Draco, wanting him to decline the offer, too. They both know Hyperion isn't going to take no for an answer.
"Thank you, we will," Draco assures his uncle.
"So, what have we been watching?" Hyperion asks.
Sarah explains the premise of Pop Idol, giving her opinion on each contestant who made it through their auditions.
Hermione and Draco send each other a glance, agreeing it's time to leave. So they make their excuses, thank them for looking after Scorpius, and then take their leave, more than ready to return home.
They've just sat down on the couch, all three of them dressed in their pyjamas, when they hear a scratching at the window behind them.
Hermione turns to find another owl and moans, "What now!"
Draco climbs off the couch to open the window and retrieve the letter from the owl's leg. He turns the envelope over, recognising the Azkaban seal and hands it to his wife. "Your reply from Mr Ahmed."
"Whatever it says, I'm not getting off this couch except for food," Hermione tells him, tearing the envelope open.
Head of Azkaban
Mr Rasheed Ahmed
Azkaban
Island in the North Sea
Saturday 13th October 2001
Dear Hermione Granger,
It is lovely to hear from you after such a long time. Your letter finds my family and I very well, thank you for asking. I hope my own finds you and your family just as well.
I'm afraid to tell you that in your absence from Azkaban, Mr. Lucius Malfoy's condition has deteriorated. While he does seem more open to conversing after reading your articles in The Quibbler, those have been infrequent. I have been reading The Daily Prophet and understand you have been busy, which I have passed on to Mr. Malfoy. I have also explained that due to the Rule of Seven, you have been reluctant to visit for fear of having your clearances removed. Mr. Malfoy fully understands the situation, and I assure you he does not blame you.
The Rule of Seven's wards do not reach as far as Azkaban Island, so if you wish to resume your visits, you should not be concerned about being arrested by Aurors. However, I request that you write to me beforehand so I can ensure certain guards are not on duty. I would like to recommend a timetabled visit to ensure that I am on duty, and I believe scheduled visits will suit Mr Malfoy well.
Let me know when you would like to set up the first visit, and I will get back to you with a date and time suitable for myself and Mr. Malfoy."
Mr Rasheed Ahmed.
Hermione reads the letter out to Draco and can't help but feel responsible for her father-in-law's deterioration. He's been doing so well before they had to stop their visits, and now they're hearing they didn't have to stop them in the first place. Although, she's not surprised certain guards don't agree with their visits. She assumes Mr Ahmed is warning them that these guards would likely turn them into the Ministry. Even though they have permission from the Minister of Magic himself, if Shacklebolt were to be reminded of the visitation rights and that they're still making those visits, he would probably be quick to retract his permission. It's been a long time since she trusted the Minister's word.
"What do you think?" Draco asks her.
"I'm not taking your mother anywhere near Lucius until I've seen him and can understand his condition myself," she tells him.
Draco nods. "So we're going back to Azkaban."
"Yes, I promised Lucius I'd help him, and he loves Scorpius. I still believe we are his best chance at coming out sane and changed," Hermione says.
"I know he's already changed a lot, but he raised me. I know his prejudices are buried deep. Don't feel too frustrated if we return and he's gone backwards," Draco mentions, not wanting his wife to be upset when the inevitable occurs. "I don't want to take Scorpius with us the first few times either."
Hermione nods in agreement. "Of course, our children will always be our priority."
Scorpius, who's sat between them with a cardboard book in his hands, starts clapping excitedly and pointing at a picture of a duck.
"Qack, Qack!" Their son imitates.
"Well done!" Hermione kisses the top of his head. "Maybe tomorrow we can go feed the ducks by the river."
"Yess," Scorpius hisses.
Draco just laughs, resting his head back against the couch cushion. He and Hermione had a lot going on and far too much on their plate, but if they continued to remember that their children are their priority in life, then he's sure they'll remain content in life, no matter what happens with work and the Order.