Reading Time: 122 Minutes

Title: In The Aftermath of War
Author: Meri
Fandom: Harry Potter
Genre: Drama, Family, First Time, Future Fic / Post-Canon, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Slash
Relationship(s): Harry Potter/Theodore Nott, Pre-Draco Malfoy/Hermione Granger
Content Rating: R
Warnings: *No Mandatory Warnings Apply, Canon-level Violence, discussions of child abuse, PTSD
Author Note: Note 1: As always, I believe that canon is a suggestion, not a rule. Note 2: This story starts at the very end of Deathly Hallows, it veers off after that. Because that epilogue served no one and nothing.
Beta: Serpent’s Garden
Word Count: 88,000
Summary: In the aftermath of a war that took years to ignite and ended in a bloody battle with deep losses on both sides, the consequences stretched far beyond the last battle. Headmistress McGonagall is determined to see her students work through what happened to them and hopefully find a measure of peace with it. Narcissa Malfoy’s one goal for the war was to make sure her son survived it. Now that she has accomplished that, her next goal is to make sure her society survives as well — that includes everyone in it.

Now that it was all over, Harry Potter wanted all the information that had been kept from him and to make some sense of his life. Hermione Granger wanted nothing more than for the nightmares to stop long enough to get a whole night’s sleep. Theodore Nott wanted the same thing. So did Draco Malfoy.
Artist: Spuddoc

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Chapter 12

Later That Week

Nott Hall

The morning of Harry’s Birthday dawned bright and sunny. It was going to be a nice day. Well, Harry hoped it would be. It started out very nicely with a lie-in with Theo. It amazed Harry how quickly he’d acclimated to sharing a bed with someone and having someone in his life. Things with Theo seemed almost too easy, and there was definitely a part of him that was waiting for the next bad thing to happen.

The floo sounded as he took his last sip of tea, and he tensed. The need to pull his wand and see who was there was present and persistent, but he just waited. Jobaba would not let anyone in who wasn’t supposed to be here. And after a moment, he heard the unmistakable sound of Molly Weasley’s laughter.

“I shall do that, Jobaba,” she said. “Harry, dear. Happy Birthday. How are you this morning?”

“Thanks. I’m good, Mrs. Weasley. I wasn’t expecting you until this afternoon,” Harry said, standing to greet her.

“I just came by to bring the cake so it would not be late, since I’m sure we will be,” Molly said brightly. A little too brightly, maybe.

“Thank you. You didn’t have to do that. I know that celebrating –”

“Anything after a death in the immediate family isn’t done,” she finished for him. “But it is your birthday. And I appreciate that. I would have done a nice dinner for you tonight, but I’m just as glad that you understood.”

“Of course,” Harry said, his heart squeezing a little at the thought of Fred. “Plus, Theo wanted to have the party.”

“It is like that, is it?” Molly asked knowingly.

“I think so,” Harry said, looking down and trying not to blush. “There is something between us.”

She smiled much more warmly than he was expecting. “Then hosting your birthday party is a good first pre-courtship gesture.”

“Theo said as much. I don’t know all the rules for this yet,” Harry explained. “I feel like it’s so complicated. I wish we’d known about this kind of thing when we started school.”

“It would have made it easier for you and Hermione, and all the other Muggleborn or raised students,” Molly agreed and then met Harry’s eyes. “Are you really all right with Theodore Nott? He is not what I would have thought would appeal to you?”

“Because he’s a wizard?” Harry asked, surprised.

She looked askance at him. “Why would that matter? I meant that he’s, well, I’d heard he was marked.”

Okay, so that was the same answer he’d kept getting from everyone about his choice being a male. Maybe it was time to accept that the wizarding world was a completely different society. And they did things differently.

“He was marked underaged and unwillingly,” Harry answered. “I know he is a good man. I enjoy his company so much. In a way, he’s like a wizard version of Hermione –”

“It is almost as if they were related.” Molly laughed. “Oh, they are related.”

“I guess it shows,” Harry said. “Thanks. I guess I should let you get back home.”

“We’ll be here this afternoon. All of us. Well, maybe not Charlie. He said he was busy at the reserve and could not get away today.” Molly humphed. “That boy. He needs to find a social life that does not include dragons and does include a wizard he likes. I keep telling him I am expecting grandchildren from all of my children. And he is the only one who is not listening.”

“I’m sure he will eventually,” Harry said, smiling at her.

“That includes you, too, young man. Although you seem to have found yourself a wizard you like. That’s a step in the right direction,” Molly said, walking towards the floo room.

He followed her. “And we’ll need three heirs between us, so there will be grandchildren,” Harry said, and he hugged her. “Thanks.”

“We shall see you this afternoon. Happy birthday, dear.” And she was gone.

*****

“Narcissa and probably Draco will be here in a few minutes,” Theo said as he came into the room. “She’s going to act as hostess along with me.”

“I did know that,” Harry said, taking his hand. “Are you all right?”

Theo seemed a little jittery about the party. “I am,” Theo said, without his usual self-assurance. “I have never hosted a party. My father was not that popular, and while he went to many parties and celebrations, he did not hold many events himself.”

“I’ve heard that Narcissa is an expert, so don’t worry. Between her and Jobaba, I’m sure she is going to have this under control,” Harry said, trying to be reassuring. Even if he didn’t know it for sure, it was likely a true statement from what he knew about both of them.

“She hasn’t hosted anything since the end of the war,” Theo pointed out. “It’s almost too soon, but a party for you for your birthday is a good way to ease back into the season. And people will understand the significance of it.”

“You mean the coming courtship? Molly mentioned that this morning,” Harry said.

“Yes. And she’s right. It’s going to be a happy occasion,” Theo agreed.

“Are there usually a lot of parties over the summer?” Harry asked, curious about what was different this year.

“Usually, yes. Of course, the last two summers with the dark — Voldemort here, there were far fewer and much less joyous celebrations than we usually have in the summer.”

“I guess you went to a lot of them,” Harry said.

“Over the years, yes,” Theo said. “But after I was marked, I tried to avoid everyone. I could feel the taint of the mark inside me. And it made me uncomfortable.”

Harry took him into his arms and held him. He could almost feel Theo’s unhappiness about that time. “Is there anything I can do to help with that?”

“No. After the mark is gone from my skin, I think it will ease more. But I doubt it will ever go away completely. I hate my father so much,” Theo said quietly. “How could he have done this to me?”

“I don’t know,” Harry said. “I know there are evil people in the world who just don’t care about anything other than what they want. I’ve lived with a few of them myself.”

Theo leaned down and kissed him, but as soon as Harry started to respond, the floo chimed. He stepped back and resisted the urge to draw his wand, and they moved toward the floo room.

As they entered the room, Narcissa stepped out of the fireplace, impeccably dressed. She waved a wand over her clothes, but really, there was no ash or soot on her anywhere. Harry wanted to ask her how she did it, but he was sure it came from a lifetime of practice.

“Good afternoon, Lord Potter-Black, Lord Nott,” Narcissa said as she stepped aside, and Draco stepped out, as perfectly groomed as his mother. Of course.

“Good afternoon, Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy,” Harry said, nodding his head as he’d been taught. “Thank you both for coming to help out.”

Narcissa beamed at him. “You’re welcome, and happy birthday, Lord Potter-Black,” she said smoothly.

“Please call me Harry,” he said, which he’d said before, too. “You as well, Lord Malfoy.”

“Harry,” Draco said with a small smile and held out his hand. Which Harry took. “Please call me Draco.”

“I have something for you,” Harry said, and he pulled Draco’s wand out of his robes. “I have been meaning to get this back to you for weeks.”

Draco breathed in sharply and took the wand. “Thank you so much. I have missed this wand greatly.”

“The other one didn’t work as well,” Harry suggested.

“It was a family wand, and so there was some family resonance. I was going to get another one before I went back to school in the fall.”

“I guess you won’t have to,” Harry said. Draco pocketed the wand and smiled at him.

“Both of you should come into the great hall. Most people should start arriving in about twenty to thirty minutes,” Theo said. “Are there any last-minute details that need to be taken care of?”

Narcissa and Draco followed him out of the room.

“I have been in communication with Jobaba,” Narcissa said. “He and I have coordinated everything. You should not have to worry about anything at this point.”

“Thank you again for all your help,” Theo said. “I am not sure what I would have done without your help.”

“Oh, I am quite sure you would have managed,” Narcissa said.

*****

Narcissa surveyed the room and felt a sense of satisfaction at having pulled this together in just two weeks. Almost everyone had been on time. Not the elder Weasleys, of course, although the children had all shown up on time.

A perfectly dressed Ginerva arrived on the arm of Lord Fenwick. Clearly, something was going on there. Rumor had it, she had been dating him on and off through their years at school. Marriage and the Prewitt title looked good on the eldest boy, William. He worked for the Goblins, as did his wife. The next eldest boy — the one who favored dragons — wasn’t there, and the one who worked at the Ministry was dressed sharply. He was talking to the Minister for Magic, who had been invited as a matter of course, and who, surprisingly, was attending, even if he scowled constantly at Lord Dagwood-Granger.

It was all perfectly done and timed, but she felt out of place, no, not quite that. More, not at ease with the surroundings. There were too few people here who were her age. And the ones that were here were mainly from the other side of the war. Had it been possible, it was likely she would have been on that side, but she was on the side she was on. And that left a gap that would be slow to fill.

Ah, the floo. She turned toward the door and felt a bit of relief. “Lord Parkinson,” she said with a nod of her head towards Pansy. “Lady Parkinson.” She also nodded to Rose. “How are you both this afternoon?”

“Quite well, Lady Malfoy,” Pansy said with a wan smile. “Though surprised to be invited here today.” She glanced around. “I see that several other people are surprised at the invitation as well.”

“I am sure you are mistaken,” Narcissa said. “But you might work on connecting with the right people.”

“I am sure you are correct about that.” Pansy smiled more brightly. “I shall go and do that.” She headed towards Theo and Harry, leaving her mother with Narcissa.

As Narcissa watched, Pansy greeted them both cordially, and they responded as they were expected to, and some of the tension bled out of the hall. Narcissa let out a sigh of relief, hoping no one had heard it. Pansy needed to work on getting along with Harry. It would help that she and Theo were good friends. But there were few who had forgotten that less than three months ago, Pansy had tried to give Harry to the Dark Lord to save her friends.

“That was well done of you,” Rose said as she drifted back to stand next to Narcissa.

“If Pansy is going to make it as Lord Parkinson, she needs to socialize with the right people. And that is going to be Potter-Black and his crew of friends.”

“Which now includes Theodore Nott,” Rose snorted. “I admit, I did not see that coming.”

Neither had Narcissa, but she was delighted by it. Both for Theo’s sake because he needed someone with that kind of dedication and loyalty in his life, and for the obvious benefits that having Theo, and by association, herself and Draco, tied to Harry Potter-Black. “It seems like a true magical resonance.”

“It would have to be for them to have already started this kind of courtship. Obviously, they will run it through their school year and then marry next summer. And as Lord Nott’s designated hostess, you shall plan the wedding. Quite the feather in your societal cap,” Rose said, her tone was teasing, but there was a note of admiration in there as well.

That was true, too. Things were going better than she had any right to expect when she decided that educating Harry Potter and Hermione Granger on Wizarding Culture would be a good idea. Now, she needed to turn back to some of the other important things she needed to do. “I am once again reminded of how much we have lost.”

“Don’t be maudlin,” Rose snapped. “We were just talking about how well things are going for us.”

“There are so few of us left, Rose. Look around. There is virtually no one our age. Your husband is dead, and mine is in prison without much chance of survival. Most of our friends and their families are dead. On both sides.”

Rose sighed. “I am not unhappy Thomas is gone. He was a tyrant. As is Lucius.”

“As were most of the men who were marked by the dark lord, as young men before or just after we married them.” Narcissa did not like to think about what Lucius became, even just a few years after getting the mark. This many years later, there was nothing left of the man she married.

“I know,” Rose said. “There are fewer dead in the next generation, though many of those are tainted by the mark forced on them by their fathers. Like some awful legacy that will end with them.”

“It is my hope that at least some of them can have the mark removed. Also, the taint is less potent now that The Dark Lord is actually dead.”

“I had heard that the In Magicis Opera might be able to remove the mark if the wizard was unwilling,” Rose commented, glancing around. “None besides your son and Nott are here.”

“Draco is hopeful,” Narcissa said. So was she. It would be one more thing to go in their favor. “I have not spoken to Minerva McGonagall yet.”

“She is here now. Perhaps you will have a chance.”

Narcissa was not sure this party was the place for that, but if the chance presented itself, she would take it.

*****

Harry looked around, and the hall was packed. “I’m amazed at how many of my friends came here for this.”

Theo gave him a speculative look. “Did you think they wouldn’t?”

“Nothing against you, but I wasn’t sure how any of them might feel about coming here,” Harry said.

“You still do not realize the amount of social capital you have,” Theo asked, sounding amused. “You could have asked anyone, and ninety percent of the British wizarding world would show up.”

That made no sense to Harry. “I don’t get that,” he finally said. But before Theo could answer him, Ginny and Dean came over.

Ginny gave him a hug and smirked as she glanced at Theo. “Lord Nott,” she said, nodding her head. “Thank you for the invitation.”

“Miss Weasley. I am glad you could join us today.”

“Dean,” Ginny said. “This is Lord Theodore Nott. Lord Nott. Please meet Dean Thomas, Lord Fenwick.”

Theo nodded and held out his hand to Dean.

And for a second, Dean hesitated, then reached out to shake Theo’s hand. “Oh, sorry. I don’t actually know the formality of the whole Lord thing yet.” He looked at Harry. “How do you know this?”

“I spent most of the summer so far learning it from Lady Malfoy.”

Dean’s eyes widened. “Is there some way I can get in on those lessons? Or can you tell me about it? Because I feel like I almost missed something significant with that introduction.”

“You don’t want to hesitate to shake a Wizard’s hand unless you want to insult them gravely,” Harry said. “I know this one very well.” He looked across the room, and Narcissa was talking to someone he didn’t know. “I’ll speak to Lady Malfoy about it. But if not, both Hermione and I can write up a lot of the information.”

“I can help with that, too,” Ginny added and then looked at Dean and smiled. “I guess I never realized you didn’t know this because it has been drummed into me since I was a child. The worst punishment we could get was being sent to Aunt Muriel’s for the weekend when Mom was exasperated with one of us.”

“At least you know it,” Harry said. “I had no clue at all.

“You seem to carry it off pretty well,” Dean said. “I could probably do to read up on everything I can on Wizarding Society because I’m going to go to the next meeting in August.”

“If I may make a suggestion, Lord Fenwick,” Theo said. “You might request the minutes of the last year’s worth of meetings and familiarize yourself with the laws that were introduced.”

“Please call me Dean. I’m still not used to Lord Fenwick. And thanks. It sounds like good homework. And I have the time now,” Dean said.

“And call me Theo as well,” he said. “I have copies of the minutes if you would like them.”

“That would be great, thanks, Theo.”

Ginny turned to Theo. “Thanks. And is this the opening of a courting between you and Harry?”

Harry was a little surprised she asked up front, but he’d thought more than once that one of the things he liked best about her was that she was upfront.

“Yes,” Theo said with a nod.

“Don’t hurt him,” Ginny said to Theo, very seriously. And Harry wanted to cringe. He did not need people standing up for him this way.

Before Harry could say anything, Theo took his hand and squeezed it. “I will not,” he replied to Ginny.

*****

“I have been looking for you,” Malfoy said as he sat beside Hermione on the wall outside.

The gardens were beautiful and in full bloom right now. Hermione continued to stare out at the flowers. “I guess you’ve found me.” She sighed.

“Are you all right?” Malfoy asked, and there was a note or two of concern in his tone.

She totally was not ready to talk to him about that. “I’m fine, Malfoy, thanks for asking.”

“You do not remotely sound like you are fine,” Malfoy countered.

“Whatever I am or might be, really isn’t your concern. I know,” she stopped. She wasn’t going to admit that she felt what he did. Though she suspected he knew. “I am not ready to discuss anything with you, yet.”

“Fair enough,” Malfoy said. “But you seem, I do not know, something. Still out of sorts as it were.”

Why did he have to feel so sincere? Why couldn’t he still feel like he did in second year when he called her a mudblood for the first time? All that hate and anger. She looked at him. Why did he have to be so damned good-looking?

Malfoy laughed. “The look on your face is so disgruntled. What have I done now to evoke your ire?”

She broke into a grin she didn’t want to let out, and she couldn’t pull it back. “I was just thinking that you had changed from the time you called me a –”

“I was told to do that, and I did,” Malfoy said, and his expression had turned grim. “At twelve, I had a faint hope that my father might love me again.”

Hermione closed her eyes at the horror of that statement. “I’m sorry. I know that must have been awful.”

“I should go,” Malfoy said, standing.

“I’m just not dealing very well with this many people,” Hermione said quietly.

He looked down at her. “I can understand that,” Malfoy said. “Do you feel like everyone is trying too hard to be nice to each other?”

She looked at him. “Yes. That’s exactly it. It feels very forced. Like some of them didn’t really want to come to Nott Hall for the party and only came because it was Harry.”

“I agree,” Malfoy said. “I do not know what to do about it.”

“I think we all need to give it some time. I need time,” Hermione said. “I mean that. I know it’s there, and I know it is not going to go away. But I need to process that, as well as everything else that happened. And it’s going much slower than I thought it would. Even with seeing Dr. Cameron four times a week.”

“It might take a long time, Lord –”

“Oh, do call me Hermione, for Merlin’s sake,” she snapped.

“The Lord Dagwood-Granger-Nott appellation getting to be a mouthful?”

She couldn’t help but snicker. “It’s a lot. I’m grateful for all of it, especially for Theo, but Miss Granger was easier to deal with.”

“Or at least shorter. Well, if you’re going to let me call you Hermione, you should definitely call me Draco.”

“I think I can manage that,” she said. “Maybe.”

He laughed and bowed. “I will see you later, Hermione.”

She breathed out a sigh that was not quite relief. He was a different person from the one she’d known at school. And that he had put on the whole thing was strange beyond words. But she knew it to be true. It resonated true to her. The same way the attraction to him resonated. Maybe there would be something there when she was ready for it.

“All right, Hermione?” Ron asked, and he sat down opposite her. “Was that Malfoy I saw you with?”

“If you saw him with me, I’m assuming you have something to ask me,” she said. She was not in the mood for a runaround argument with Ron. He had been very supportive, but she still wasn’t sure she trusted him. Though he had as much right to be changed by what happened as the rest of them did. So maybe it was all true.

“I’m just wondering what’s going on with the two of you,” Ron asked.

“Honestly, nothing yet,” Hermione said.

“But maybe something later?”

“Not tomorrow, or the next day, but possibly in the future,” Hermione hedged. “I don’t want to talk about it now.”

“Fair enough,” Ron said. “Let me know when, and I’ll have the same talk with him I did with Nott.”

That would so not go over well. “Ronald. There is nothing yet. And I can take care of myself.”

“Sure, but I can help with that, and I plan to,” Ron said and stood up and pointed a finger at her. “You and Harry are my two best friends. I’m going to have words with someone you’re involved with. No arguments.”

There was part of her that was charmed by his neanderthal notions. “Fine,” she huffed. “When there is something to threaten Draco about, I’ll let you know. Leave it for now.”

*****

Theo reached out and took Harry’s hand as they made their way around the room again. He was pretty sure that Harry was trying to avoid Kingsley Shacklebolt and some of the other Ministry people like Percy Weasley, who was Kingsley’s undersecretary. Although he’d actually heard that Weasley was very competent, much more so than several of the previous undersecretaries.

Finally, Percy Weasley cornered them by the buffet table. “Lord Potter-Black,” Weasley said, nodding his head. “If I can have a moment of your time?”

Harry sighed. “I don’t want to talk to Kingsley right now,” he said. “I’m sure you know why.”

“I actually am not sure why, but I do know that the Minister is very angry right now. I was told to tell you that he wants to talk to you today. And that you should meet him in the library in a few minutes. Alone.”

“And do you think I should do that?” Harry asked, and it was clear that he was annoyed.

“I would do so cautiously. I would guard what you say,” Percy said. “You must understand that there are many in the Ministry who do not want things to change at all. They like the status quo. It works for them, even if it does a disservice to others in our world.”

“Do you agree with that?” Harry asked, glaring at him.

“I do not. I do not want to advance if I have to trample someone else in the effort,” Percy said, and he sounded very sincere to Theo.

Harry tipped his head to the side. “I believe you mean that.”

“I do. I read Lord Dagwood-Granger’s article and was startled that it was true. Things need to change if we are to survive as a society. And I want that very much.”

“And Minister Shacklebolt?” Theo asked.

“Needs to change his thoughts or needs to be removed from office,” Percy said. “We cannot afford to have anything like Voldemort happen again. We cannot afford to lose any more people.”

“Thanks, Percy,” Harry said and looked at Theo. “I guess I’ll go talk to him now.”

“Of course, Lord Potter-Black,” Percy said.

“You know, you can keep calling me Harry,” he said.

“Only with permission.” Percy smirked at him and moved away.

“You do know that I am going to come with you to talk to Minister Shacklebolt,” Theo told him.

“Yeah, I assumed as much,” Harry agreed.

*****

Nott Hall had some nicely appointed grounds. Ron walked out onto the terrace and caught a glimpse of Pansy Parkinson sitting alone on a low wall outside in the sunshine.

Pansy looked up when he sat down beside her.

“Why did you come here today?” Ron asked without preamble.

“Theo invited me. He and I are friends,” Pansy said, but without the bite that her tone would typically have. “To be honest, I was surprised by the invitation, even if Lady Malfoy is a close friend of my mother’s.”

“Why did you try to give Harry to Voldemort?” Ron asked. It had always bothered him that she was ready to give him up like that. Even if they weren’t friends, it seemed like such a betrayal to Ron.

“Well, that was blunt,” Pansy said, looking at him as if she were seeing him for the first time.

“Do you have an excuse for it?” He found her vexing. She seemed to be the ultimate in Pureblood nobility and nonsense, but she also seemed…something else as well.

“It truly was not personal.” She sighed at the look of utter disbelief he gave her. “I barely knew Potter. And my friends, most of whom I have known since childhood, were in danger.” She scuffed her shoe against the wall. “As it was, I lost my father and brothers to something I do not even believe in.”

“I lost my brother, too.” It never got any easier to say that, Ron thought.

“At least, you and he believed in what you were doing.”

“Come on, Parkinson,” Ron snorted. “You’re a Pureblood. You’ve made it clear that you hate Muggles and Muggleborns all through school.”

“I do not hate them,” Parkinson said, sounding more sincere than she usually did. “I just do not care about Muggles one way or another.” She shrugged. “It is all about magic for me.”

“What about Hermione. You’ve made it clear you hate her. She’s a Muggleborn.”

“I have never liked her because she is a dreadful know-it-all, not because she is a Muggleborn.” She looked at him. “You do know that technically she is a Half-blood. Because of her relationship to Theo. As well as the Dagwood-Granger inheritance.”

Yeah, Ron knew all about that. And he nodded. “I am not sure you dislike her for that. I mean, seriously? Because she’s smarter than you?”

Parkinson was the one to snort this time. “It is not that she is actually smarter than I am. It is that she thinks she is,” Parkinson said. “It is very annoying.”

“She is smarter than everyone.” Ron looked at her. “You can’t expect me to believe that is the only reason.”

“Why would I lie?”

“So that we’d accept you.”

“Are you thinking like a Slytherin, Weasley?” She smiled at him. “There might be hope for you yet.”

Ron’s face went red. “Still, that makes sense.”

“I never cared,” Parkinson said. “It is all about magic, having it and using it. And, I will admit, tradition. Muggleborns do not seem to care about learning our traditions. That is something else I find annoying.”

That was true. “I don’t either. I grew up with far fewer traditions than the rest of you.”

“It is not that you do not know them, it is that you choose not to follow traditions. While I disagree with that, I know that you do know them.”

“Fair enough.” He looked at her. “Maybe you should teach them. Narcissa Malfoy spent a lot of time so far this summer teaching Harry and Hermione about wizarding traditions. I went to a few of the classes, just to make sure.”

“I doubt it will make Dagwood-Granger any less of a know-it-all,” Parkinson said with a smirk. “But it is not my place to do that. They should have learned at home, as the rest of us did.”

That was so damned typical of Purebloods. “And how would they do that when Hermione was Muggleborn, and Harry was Muggle-raised? They learn their families’ traditions, not ours.” Ron said and thought that Harry had probably not learned anyone’s traditions living with the horrible Dursleys.

It was clear that Parkinson had never thought of it that way. She snorted. “You might have a point. Do you think what Dagwood-Granger wants to do will work? I mean, trying to educate the Muggleborns in this society?”

“Generally, if she puts her mind and her considerable will into something, it works,” Ron said. “Are you going to help?”

“I will not agree wholesale to anything, but I would be willing to look at each piece of legislation she wants to enact,” Pansy said thoughtfully. “I like the idea of changing things so that we do not die out as a culture.”

“I agree with that,” Ron said. “But aside from talking to my brother, Bill, I’m not going to have much say. It’s on the Wizengamot to make this work.”

Pansy looked off into the distance and nodded.

*****

Chapter 13

Harry thought about putting Kingsley off for a while longer, just to show him he could, but it would be rude, and Harry was making an effort not to be rude even by accident anymore.

“I asked to speak to you alone,” Kingsley said without so much as a proper greeting as soon as he and Theo entered the library.

“Good to see you, too, Minister,” Harry said, much more smoothly than he felt. “Let me introduce your host, Lord Theodore Nott. Theo, my darling, this is the Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt.”

A muscle in Kingsley’s jaw clenched as he nodded to Theo. “Lord Nott.”

“Minister,” Theo’s voice was harder than Harry had ever heard it. “This is my house, and I dictate who is allowed to use the library.”

“Of course, Lord Nott,” Kingsley said, placatingly. “I would like to speak to Harry alone.”

“Lord Potter-Black is a dear friend, and I suspect I should be present, if he wishes me to be.” Theo’s tone was quiet and firm. He raised an eyebrow at Kingsley. The expression on Theo’s face was harder than Harry had seen it, well, ever. As a matter of fact, Theo was radiating power and superiority, as if to say that he knew his place in the world and his self-worth, and Merlin help anyone who questioned it.

And didn’t Kingsley look shocked by that, Harry thought. It was his own damned fault for underestimating Theo.

Harry cleared his throat. “I can’t imagine what you need to say to me that you couldn’t say in front of Lord Nott.”

Kingsley folded his arms over his chest, and Harry wondered what his blood pressure might be as they continued to stand there in silence. Finally, Kingsley breathed out. “I find your behavior unacceptable given what else is going on in the Wizarding World.”

“Can you tell me exactly what you mean by that, Minister?” Harry asked, keeping his temper under wraps. “Because I have been under the impression that I was doing my best to learn about Wizarding customs and culture, so that I can comport myself in a manner befitting my station.”

Theo cracked a small smile at that but remained silent.

“You know exactly what I mean. Encouraging Granger to stir up the Muggleborns. It won’t go well for her. Or for you, if you support her,” Kingsley said, sounding pretty furious about the whole thing.

Well, that was too damned bad for him. “It is not just Granger any longer, Minister. She is Lord Dagwood-Granger-Nott,” Harry said. “You know very well she was confirmed by the Spirit of the Wizengamot as well as made Heir to the Nott Estate.”

“I do not care what she thinks she is. She is still a Muggleborn and still needs to understand her place in our society.”

“It isn’t what she thinks, Minister,” Harry said, meeting his eyes. “It is what she actually is — a lord in her own right, and a member of the Nott family. Also, a member of the Wizengamot. And lest we forget, the smartest magical of her generation, and the reason I lived long enough to win the war at all.” Harry smiled at that. “I think it’s you who should remember your place, Minister. You are elected by the Wizengamot and are not the ruler of it.”

Kingsley’s head came up, and he looked shocked. “You do not have the power to tell me that and back it up.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that. There have been quite a few changes in the Lordships, and quite a few from my generation have taken them up at very young ages, many of those fought with me. And the reason for that is that two wars killed off half of your generation.”

“That just isn’t true,” Kingsley insisted.

“You know, Minister,” Theo drawled in an imitation of Malfoy’s most bored tone. “Denying the facts will not remake them to your satisfaction. In fact, it makes you look like a fool.”

“These are verifiable facts,” Harry said confidently. He could not believe the minister was being this stupid. “You can look them up.”

“I do not need to because they are false,” Kingsley said. “I do not have to prove anything to the likes of you.”

“What about me?” Theo asked. “I am also a Lord. And most of my friends are Lords or Ladies of the Wizengamot.”

“You’re just a teenager. You shall do what you are told,” Kingsley scoffed. “Or I’ll see you in prison for having the dark mark.”

Theo grinned with all his teeth at that. “You may certainly go ahead and try. You will need more than your word on it. You will actually need to prove I committed a crime.”

“I am quite sure your cousin Ormond will be happy to testify against you for a free pass out of all the charges against him,” Kingsley said with a smirk.

Harry sucked in a breath and opened his mouth, ready to eviscerate him. But a glance at Theo–who shook his head minutely–kept Harry’s mouth shut.

Kingsley opened his mouth to say something else, and Theo cut him off. “As interesting as this has been, you are in my house and have now threatened me with an illegal ministry action, in front of witnesses. I find that to be unforgivably rude. I am going to ask that you leave now and not come back. Jobaba.”

Jobaba popped in. “Yes, Lord Nott? How may I serve you?”

Kingsley just stared at Jobaba.

“Please escort the Minister out of the house,” Theo said, and held out his hand to Harry. “Come, Harry, we shall return to our guests.”

*****

Harry and Theo worked their way across the room, stopping to talk to anyone they thought might be helpful, certainly their friends who were on the Wizengamot. Although he wasn’t sure what he was going to say, Harry knew he had to do something to convince everyone this was serious.

“I think the best way to do this is to show you all a memory of what just happened with the Minister,” Theo said and took his wand and removed a memory, putting it into a pensive that had some kind of device on it. “This will display the memory for everyone to see.”

The memory of their encounter with Kingsley was played. And there was silence for a moment, and then everyone started to talk at one time. Harry made a loud noise with his wand. “I think we need to be more organized than this. Hermione, what do you think?”

She looked up, startled. “I think this is consistent with what he’s said to me when he wanted me to issue the retraction and an apology. He seemed to feel that I should be grateful even to be allowed to have a job. Which is why I looked up the Muggle-born statistics in the first place.”

“And I can verify that fifty percent of my generation is dead,” Narcissa said. “It is very easy to verify.”

“So, you want to replace our Purebloods with Muggleborns?” Someone who Harry didn’t know and figured must be one of the ministry people who had been invited along with Kingsley. “Where is the Minister?”

“As you saw, I asked him to leave,” Theo said with his chin stuck out. “This is my home, and no one threatens me in it, not anymore.”

“Fair enough,” someone else that Harry didn’t know said. “What do you want to do about this? He is the Minister of Magic.”

“I would call for a vote of no confidence,” Theo said. “The problem is who would replace him. There are so few choices of that generation left.”

“That is a problem,” Narcissa agreed. “But I think the obstacles that Kingsley Shacklebolt is creating are not insurmountable.”

“Do you want to talk to him, Lady Malfoy?” Neville Longbottom asked. “Despite our seats on the Wizengamot, I doubt he is going to listen to any of us. We’re too much his junior.”

“Do we have enough votes to unseat him?” Pansy asked, thoughtfully. “I find his attitude less than entertaining.”

Hermione actually smiled at that comment. “What do you find entertaining?” she asked, sounding surprisingly curious.

Pansy smirked at her. “Things that would no doubt horrify you.”

“I’m sure you are correct,” Hermione agreed. “We would need a better than fifty percent vote of the Wizengamot to unseat him and call for new elections.”

“And he could still run again,” Theo added. “But it is unlikely he would win, and most who are unseated just go away.”

“So, what do we do?” Harry asked. “We need a plan because I’m sure he’s going to have one. And it’s going to start with disinformation about Theo, Hermione, and me.”

“Just like old times,” Hermione said, snidely. “I think Harry’s right about a plan. Are there any volunteers to help out?”

“I’m in,” Neville said with a smile.

“I’m in, too,” Dean agreed and looked at Ginny, and she nodded. “We’re in.”

“Me, too,” Ron said. “The rest of my family as well.”

“You might ask them about that before volunteering us, son,” Arthur said tartly. “That said, we’re in, too.”

And so, it went around the room. Almost everyone who was there was with them.

*****

“You do know that the ministry people will report back to the Minister,” Percy said as he was leaving. “He’s going to know you’re up to something.”

“He can’t do anything about it,” Harry said. “Theo can lock down the wards, and no one is getting in here.”

“That means you’re a prisoner of your own home,” Hermione said. “I would not like that.”

“No. I wouldn’t either. But we’ll do what we have to,” Harry said. “Besides. I think it’s possible that we might need to unseat him at the next meeting.”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that,” Hermione said.

Narcissa nodded. “I would hope the Minister can be convinced to see reason.”

“The next meeting is in two weeks,” Theo said. “We shall have to convince him that his current way of thinking is no longer going to be tolerated.”

“I agree. I’m just not sure how that’s going to work out,” Harry said.

“We have the trial of the three who attacked us next week,” Theo said. “And before the trial, there should be a few more people from our generation taking their seats. Greg Goyle, who I believe was also marked against his will. And I have heard that a Lestrange heir had appeared out of nowhere. I thought that line was dead with Rodolphus.”

“Any thoughts on who they are?” Ron asked.

“There is no way of knowing until we get there and find out,” Theo said.

“All right. I’m going back to the Burrow tonight,” Hermione said, and hugged them both. “I’ll talk to you all tomorrow. Ron, are you coming with me?”

“I am,” Ron said. “I’m dead tired. I never think a party is work until I’m there.”

They both were gone in a minute. That just left him and Theo and Narcissa and Draco. Neither of whom had said much.

Theo turned to them. “Thoughts?”

“I do not know,” Draco said. “Shacklebolt does not have a large coalition since his election happened because he was the only one on the winning side to put his name in.”

“There weren’t many people left,” Harry said. “And that goes back to who could possibly replace him if he refuses to see reason?”

“What about a less obvious choice?” Narcissa said. “William Weasley is Lord Prewitt. He is how old?”

“Twenty-eight,” Harry supplied, since he knew Bill was ten years older than he and Ron.

“He is young for it,” Narcissa said. “But perhaps he could grow into the job.” She sounded doubtful about that.

“What about someone from the Ministry?” Draco asked.

Theo shook his head. “You are just as likely to run into the same problem we have now. They want to keep the status quo in place. It needs to be an outsider.”

“What about Edward Tonks?” Narcissa said thoughtfully. “He is at least the right generation.”

“He died in the war,” Harry said, sadly. “It was reported on Potter Watch.”

“A most reliable source of information,” Draco scoffed. “They got it wrong half the time, and sometimes I have to believe it was deliberate. Everyone was listening to it, including Voldemort and the Ministry.”

Harry hadn’t thought about that. “So, Ted survived? How?”

“He disappeared into the Muggle world. I believe he stayed with his Muggle brother. Despite what some people might think, there were few enough Death Eaters who knew how to do anything in the Muggle world. Most hadn’t ever set foot in it,” Narcissa pointed out.

“I have never even been in the Muggle world,” Theo said.

“Nor I,” Draco agreed.

“You should both learn to at least move around in the Muggle world,” Harry said. But he hadn’t spent much time there since he left the Dursleys’ house at the middle of the summer before seventh year.

“We should speak to both of them and see if they are at all interested,” Narcissa said. “There are pros and cons for both of them. Mr. Weasley’s age is an issue, and –”

“Ted is Muggleborn,” Harry said.

“There is that,” Theo agreed. “Though I wonder if that would not make it better for some people. I would vote for him.”

“I would as well,” Narcissa said.

“When did you meet him?” Draco asked.

“A few weeks ago. Andromeda got in touch with me.”

Draco looked surprised but didn’t say anything else. “We should go home, Mother. There is a lot to think about.”

Narcissa nodded. “That is very true.”

*****

The Following Week

“Good morning to you, Lady Ross,” Narcissa said as she stepped out of the floo. She nodded her head towards Minerva. “Thank you for seeing me.”

“And to you, Lady Malfoy,” Minerva said, also nodding her head, and opening her hand for Narcissa to come into the office proper. “Thank you for coming up to Hogwarts. It is nearly impossible for me to find time to leave the school this close to the beginning of the new term. Please have a seat.”

“I’m sure there is a lot that needs to be done.” Narcissa glanced around quickly and sat in the chair in front of the desk.

“What can I do for you?” Minerva got right to the point. She didn’t have time for tomfoolery right now.

Narcissa cleared her throat. “I wished to speak to you about your coven.”

Minerva raised an eyebrow at her. “What about it?”

“We, of the Ember’s Forge, those that are left, are looking for a new coven. As you might guess, there are few enough left after the war. We were mostly neutral gray or gray leaning-dark. And none of us are called to lead.” Narcissa met her eyes calmly.

Well, that was a surprise. But maybe not an unpleasant one. “How many are you?”

“Four,” Narcissa said.

“Which would be a good counterbalance for those in my coven who mostly lean light.”

“A balance is the key.”

“It is indeed,” Minerva agreed. “I would want to meet with each of you. And if you would not mind, I would like to examine your magic.”

“As you please,” Narcissa said. “I did not take the mark, if that is what you are looking to ascertain.”

“I can tell you did not. It is a distinctive taint,” Minerva said. She also knew that Narcissa’s son had been forced to take it. “This is to determine your magical leanings.”

“I believe I lean dark,” Narcissa said.

Minerva pulled out her wand and waved it in Narcissa’s direction. “You are indeed gray, leaning dark.”

“Of the other three. Donatella Burke and Emily Greengrass are both gray neutral. And Rose Parkinson leans dark as I do.”

“They would be welcome,” Minerva said. “I plan to do a cleansing and healing for Hermione Dagwood-Granger-Nott on the new moon. We will also be doing a renewal cleansing for the rest of us who went through the war. And a cleansing of Hogwarts. Would you be willing to join us then?”

“I believe we will be delighted,” Narcissa said. “Thank you so much for the opportunity. Is there anything we can do for you to help here?”

Minerva smiled a little at that. “Not unless you can find me some teachers.”

“What subjects? I never finished my mastery, but I did score very high on my potions N.E.W.T.S. I would need to check on it, but I believe Lady Parkinson did very well in charms. I am not close to Severus’ level. And the problem with any of us is that we have other responsibilities, so we could not stay at the school overnight.”

“I am not asking any of the teachers to do that anymore. I have hired heads of houses who will stay here and keep track of the children. They will have no other responsibilities.”

“That does make more sense,” Narcissa agreed. “I would be happy to talk more about this. And I will also speak to Lady Parkinson about it.”

“Also, your son has agreed to teach first year, as an internship as part of his potions mastery.”

“He did mention that,” Narcissa said. “And I am sure it will put him that much further ahead for his mastery.”

“I will be in touch with a schedule,” Minerva said. “This will be a big help to me.”

“What other subjects do you still need teachers for?” Narcissa asked.

“I need an advanced teacher for Defense,” Minerva said. “I had been thinking of asking the goblins about finding someone.”

“William Weasley works for them, does he not?” Narcissa said. “I believe his wife does as well.”

“That’s a good idea,” Minerva said. “I should speak to him. If nothing else, he should be able to remove the curse from the Defense classroom.”

“With the Dark Lord dead, I would think it would fade with time.”

“I am not willing to wait.”

“Of course not,” Narcissa said, nodding, and she stood. “Thank you for your time.”

*****

Narcissa’s eyes swept the large expanse of space. It had finally started to look like what she’d envisioned after the destruction of the first floor.

When she and Draco had returned from the Battle of Hogwarts, and after Lucius had been arrested, she’d gone to work with her wand, destroying anything that the dark lord had touched, the dishes, the furniture, the tapestries. After that turned out to be completely unsatisfying, she started on the walls and the carpets. Draco had hurried to collect the books he wished to keep from the library, and she completely incinerated it. By the time she had worn herself and her rage out, there had been nothing left except a vast cavernous space and the charred outside brick walls.

Now weeks later, the first floor was white and cream, and felt clean in a way the old rooms never had. Too much dark magic had been done there, too much pain and suffering of the occupants. But this new room had no traces of dark magic. Indeed, they had banished anything dark from the Manor. And she and Draco had cleansed it with fire.

There were new windows and French doors where there had been nothing but grim walls before. And now, there were few walls. Most of the dark books had been locked away in the Malfoy vault, and what was left was in the second-floor library, next to a new sitting room. There was a new potions library, near the restored potions lab in the basement.

The ground floor still held the kitchen, but now there was a small family dining room next to it. She and Draco took their meals there or on the new terrace that overlooked the back lawn and gardens.

“Mother,” Draco said. “Are you well?”

“I am fine, dear,” she said. “I have just returned from Hogwarts.”

“What were you doing there?” Draco asked, coming to stand beside her. “It is all so different.” He waved a hand at the room.

“I spoke with Headmistress McGonagall about several things. She told him about what McGonagall had said. “I also got a note from Lord Fenwick asking if I might instruct him on traditions in the Wizarding World. I am quite sure that Ginerva Weasley helped him frame it since it was perfectly correctly worded.”

“What did you say to that?” Draco asked, sounding both surprised by the request and curious.

“That he would be welcome to join the last two sessions, this week and next, and that I would give him some texts to read.”

“I did not think any existed.”

“I had a thought to write down some of what I have told Hermione and Harry over the summer. I believe having something written will be of value.”

“I am not sure you can get something like that published in Britain,” Draco said.

“Possibly not, but I can make copies of it, and have it typeset and hand it out to anyone who asks.”

“The problem being that many still do not know what to ask,” Draco pointed out. “Perhaps, give it to Hermione to publish in the Prophet.”

“That is another good idea. I believe we can disseminate this information widely enough to be effective.” That had been her plan, to have the Muggleborns get the information they needed. “I need to owl my friends on what I spoke to McGonagall about.” She nodded to him. “I will see you at dinner.”

“Very good, Mother,” he said.

“Oh, and before I forget, I need you to come to the next session with Harry and Hermione,” Narcissa said. “I am going to teach them to dance.”

“Surely they already know how,” Draco said without thinking. “I mean, Muggles dance, too.”

“I am hoping they both know how and can adapt it to our styles of dancing.”

“I recall that Dagwood-Granger did very well at the Yule ball,” Draco said. “I do not remember seeing Potter-Black dance at all. Though he must have done so to open the ball.”

“I suspect he is less likely to know how to dance than she will be.”

“That is likely true,” Draco agreed. “I think Theo might also help out with that.”

“If you wish to ask him to come too, I am sure it would be helpful. It will give Lord Potter-Black a partner that will be his.” She looked at him, but Draco nodded and said nothing more.

*****

A Few Days Later

Harry went into the room with Hermione. They had floo’d in from Grimmauld Place, and Narcissa had warned them that they would be dancing and to wear the correct shoes. He never thought about shoes for dancing before. But apparently Hermione knew what she was talking about and told him which pair he should wear today. It looked like the conference room had been slightly altered to accommodate an area at the back that would allow for dancing for a few couples.

As soon as they came in, there was a knock, and Dean and Ginny came in as well. He nodded to Narcissa. “Lady Malfoy, thank you for including us.”

“Yes, thank you,” Ginny said, also nodding towards Narcissa. “We appreciate being included.”

“I was glad of your interest,” she said politely. “Both of you. We’re going to work on dancing today.”

“I can’t dance,” Harry admitted with a grimace. “I mean, at all.”

“I can help you with that,” Theo said, coming in with Draco. He smiled at Harry.

“Can you dance?” Narcissa asked the rest of them.

“I had Muggle dance lessons as a child,” Hermione said. “I was able to follow Viktor well enough at the Yule ball. I haven’t danced since then.”

“I had Muggle dance lessons as well,” Dean admitted. “I was never very good at it.”

Narcissa smiled at him. “I am sure you are better than you think, Lord Fenwick. You should not have any problems.” She waved her wand, and soft music started. “Hermione will dance with Draco.”

Hermione looked at Draco and then at Narcissa, sighing. “All right,” she said.

To Harry, they looked good together, moving in sync with each other to the music. Narcissa agreed and pointed out why they moved so well together.

Apparently, it was about moving in time to the music, and the steps could be counted. That was not something he would have thought about. But when she made him try it with Theo, he could follow along as he counted the beats of the music and the steps. Theo also let him lead. Which probably wasn’t always going to happen because he was shorter and would have to learn to follow. If he could just dance well enough not to make a fool of himself, Harry would be thrilled.

*****

After about thirty or forty minutes, they took a break. Hermione was done, too. Dancing with Draco was easy. Too easy. But that was a problem for another day.

“Thank you,” she said as he handed her a glass of water. “It’s not hot in here, but I feel like I’ve been working hard.”

“Dancing is hard,” Ginny agreed. “Are you looking forward to going back to school?”

“I have to admit that I haven’t even thought about it,” Hermione said. “I still feel like I have so much to do before then. But it’s really only a few more weeks, isn’t it?” She needed to go see her parents before school started. And she wanted to spend a night or two at the Dagwood-Granger manor. “Are you looking forward to it?

Ginny shook her head. “I feel too old to be in school anymore.”

There was that, too, Hermione thought. But again, she wasn’t ready to deal with that yet. “I understand that. It’s been a long time since I sat in a classroom. And I’m not sure how I’m going to react to that.”

“I wouldn’t even go back if I didn’t need to take my N.E.W.T.S.,” Ginny agreed.

Beside her, Dean nodded. “The Fenwick estate came with a title, as well as a lot of holdings and things like other houses that needed to be managed. I’m going to need to work just to understand everything. Plus, I wasn’t raised to be a man of leisure.”

“I get that. I have had to do so much work just understanding what I have,” Harry said. Theo stood next to him, and Harry smiled at him.

“I haven’t even looked at any of that for the Dagwood-Granger estate yet,” Hermione sighed. One more thing. “I should look into that.”

“I can help you with that,” Theo said. “All of you, actually. I have been trained in this kind of management my whole life, and actually so has Draco.”

“I would be happy to help out as well,” Draco agreed.

“I would be very grateful for any help, mate,” Dean said. “I mean that. Maybe we can meet when we’re back at school to go over some of this stuff.”

“I’ve also found the Goblins are very helpful with explanations and suggestions on what to do,” Harry suggested. “I got rid of all the companies that were held by Death Eaters or blood supremacists and replaced them with other companies.”

“Yeah, I should look into that, too,” Dean agreed. “I don’t want any of them making money on me.”

“Fair enough,” Theo said. “There’s a lot to do before the ball. Harry, you and I should practice dancing again.” Theo held out his hand.

Hermione laughed at the expression on Harry’s face, but he did take Theo’s hand.

*****

“I wanted to let you know,” Hermione started.

Narcissa looked up at her.

“I ran into a friend a week or so ago, and I passed some of the information you gave me to her right before she had her first interview with the ministry. She sent me a note yesterday that she had made the finals. And her last interview will be this week.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” Narcissa said, sounding a little surprised. “She must have taken what you said to heart to have made it so far.”

“What was different about her?” Draco asked. “I had always heard that no matter how many N.E.W.T.S., most Muggleborns don’t make it to the second round. And your statistics pointed that out. I wonder if that had anything to do with it.”

“I think maybe it did. She also went out of her way to dress like a witch rather than Muggle business clothes.”

“I believe that would be at least part of the answer,” Narcissa suggested. “I suspect the time is right for things to change. Though with Kingsley Shacklebolt in charge, it might not be that fast.”

“If he doesn’t let go of his ideas, then he isn’t going to last long,” Dean agreed.

“Mum said that someone needs to have a conversation with him,” Ginny said. “I’m wondering if he would even listen. He was so rude to Harry and Theo.”

“I think someone older and more established in their power might make more of an impression,” Narcissa said thoughtfully.

Hermione wondered if Narcissa was planning to do that. It would have much more significance coming from her than almost anyone else.

*****

Minerva straightened her robes and pushed open the door to Kingsley Shacklebolt’s outer office. She was not sure he would even be willing to speak to her, but she felt that she needed to have a word with him about his recent behavior.

She had left Harry’s Birthday party before the scene with him, and Lord Nott had taken place, but she’d heard about it in detail from several people who were there. They were appalled by the entire incident.

It was clear that while Kingsley was not in favor of the wholesale murder of Muggles or Muggleborns, he was also not in favor of helping them at all. She hoped she could make him understand that he was committing political suicide by holding on to the old ways of keeping Muggleborns down. It might already be too late for him.

“Can I help you, Professor?” Michael Corner asked politely. He was sitting at the secretary’s desk, clearly guarding the Minister’s office.

“Mr. Corner,” Minerva said. “It’s good to see you, lad. I had no idea you were working at the ministry.”

“Yes, I started last year, and have been promoted already,” he said proudly.

As she remembered, Mr. Corner wasn’t the brightest light that ever held a wand. But at least he’d gotten a job. So, many better-qualified people had not. But that would change. One way or another.

“I would very much like to speak to the Minister,” Minerva said. “If he has a moment for me.”

“I will ask,” Mr. Corner said, but he sounded dubious. Which was fair enough. She didn’t have an appointment, and she was fairly sure that Kingsley would not want to talk to her.

The door opened, and Kingsley came out and looked at her. “Minerva? What can I do for you?”

“Let us speak in your office,” she said in her best teacher’s tone.

That always worked. Kingsley sighed and nodded, holding the door open for her.

She marched on in and waited for him to close the door.

“Can I get you some tea or refreshments?” he asked politely.

“No, thank you. I do not have long. There’s still so much to do at the school,” she said, sitting in the chair in front of his desk, and he sat down as well.

“Are you going to tell me why you are here?” Kingsley finally said when the quiet had gone on too long.

“I think you know,” Minerva said. “You cannot hold back progress. And if you try, you’re going to lose your job.”

Kingsley bristled visibly. “I do not believe the claptrap that Granger and Potter are putting out there, and really, you should not either.”

“Whether or not you believe it to be true, does not make it any less true,” Minerva said tartly. “You cannot ignore it forever. You will end up having it bite you –”

“I am not going to put up with their lies for much longer –”

That was enough of that. Minerva glared at him.

“Ach man, look around you!” Minerva scolded him. “Count how many of your friends from Hogwarts are still alive? How many of their children are fatherless, motherless, or completely orphaned? The statistics Hermione quoted are correct, and you need to get your head out of your arse and realize that.”

Kingsley looked stunned by that. As well he should be. “No,” he said with some finality. As if, like a child, he believed that if he said it hard enough or loudly enough, it would make it true.

Minerva shook her head. “Then, you can expect to be unseated at the next Wizengamot meeting.”

That surprised him. “She does not have the votes for that.”

“Yes, she does, they do. More than enough. Because half of the Wizengamot is now her generation, years earlier than they should have gotten there.”

Kingsley shook his head again, but it was clear he was finally thinking about it. “How the fuck did that happen?”

“Do you really expect me to answer that. Because you know the answer yourself. Two wars in twenty years took out half a generation of magical people. Three wars, if you count Grindelwald before the two Riddle wars. It certainly was not just the Muggleborns who died. Actually, it was mostly purebloods because many Muggleborns had a place to retreat to,” Minerva pointed out and glanced at him.

Kingsley still had a disbelieving look on his face.

So, she went on, “Most of the Muggleborns who were not caught and killed outright, didn’t die. They retreated to the Muggle world. Edward Tonks is one of those survivors.”

“How? I’d heard he’d disappeared.”

“Exactly. He did disappear into the Muggle world. His brother is a Muggle. And that brother sheltered Ted for the remainder of the war. There is some talk that he might be Minister next.”

Kingsley snorted. “There is no way that a mud –”

“Do not finish that sentence. That is the kind of malarky that got us into this situation in the first place,” Minerva said.

“You believe it, too.”

“Oh, I most certainly do not,” Minerva spat out. She could not believe he was so blind. “Do I need to remind you that I am a Half-blood myself?”

“I never remember that about you,” Kingsley admitted, deflating.

Of course, he didn’t. He wasn’t meant to. She’d worked hard to talk and act as she was supposed to, and it had paid off for her. Having the Ross title didn’t hurt either. Just like having all those old titles would help Hermione and her generation, too.

*****

Chapter 14

Nott Hall

A Week Later

“Do you know what’s going on?” Ron whispered to Hermione as soon as she came into the great room at Nott Hall. It was crowded with people, most, but not all, of whom had been at Harry’s birthday party last week.

Hermione shook her head. “I don’t. I got a note from Harry to be here at 1:00 pm today. No other explanation. Though it might have something to do with the trial tomorrow.”

She looked at Ron, and he nodded.

“Yeah, I heard that was actually going to happen,” Ron sounded incredulous.

“I’m surprised that Kingsley didn’t try to squash it.”

“Rumor has it that he has done an about-face,” Percy said, joining them. “I am doubtful of that.”

“Me, too,” Hermione agreed. She looked around again. “Do you have any idea what’s going on?”

Percy shook his head. “I do not.”

There were little groups of people whom Hermione would not have thought to have been invited to the same party. Especially Graham Montague, Adrian Pucey, and Marcus Flint, none of whom were — as far as she knew — close friends with Theo.

“Nor do I,” Bill said as he came over, too. “It’s a strange assortment.”

Before she could speculate any further, Theo and Harry came into the room.

“I know you’re all wondering why I asked you here today,” Theo said as he and Harry moved to the front near the fireplace.

“Well, we’re an odd lot, mate,” Ron said, glancing around at those assembled.

“We are,” Harry agreed. “Most of us know who each of us here is, but we don’t know them personally.”

“I propose we each introduce ourselves first,” Theo said. “I’m Lord Theodore Nott, Head of the Nott family. Most of you already know that. I called you all here to talk about our society and what we need to do to help fix some of the things that are wrong with it.”

He held up a hand as several people started to open their mouths to say something. “When the introductions are done, I think that some of what is going on is going to be clear.” He looked at Harry.

“I’m Lord Harry Potter-Black, Head of the houses of Potter and Black. I guess most of you know who I am,” Harry said, sounding rueful. “I was Muggle-raised, and until this summer, had no idea who I was or anything about wizarding society.”

Several people looked startled by that.

“I am Lord Hermione Dagwood-Granger-Nott,” Hermione said and nodded to those around her. “I am head of the house of Dagwood-Granger.”

Pansy Parkinson was next, and it went around the room. Draco Malfoy, Susan Bones, Neville Longbottom, Millicent Bulstrode, Bill Weasley-Prewett, Graham Montague, Adrian Pucey, and Marcus Flint.

Each person, with the exception of Ron and Percy, had a title and or was head of a house.

“As you can see,” Theo said. “We all mostly have something in common. And looking at us, we’re decades too young for our positions. But that is what we need to talk about. We need to step up and take control of our society.”

“You just said we’re too young for that. So, who is going to let us –” Neville Longbottom said.

“That’s just it, Neville,” Harry said. “There is no one left to tell us no.”

Neville looked surprised by the answer, and then thoughtful.

“We can let society go on and continue to make the same mistakes from the past, and likely another generation of us will die, or we can do something about it,” Theo said.

“What exactly do you want us to do?” Marcus Flint asked. Except for Bill Weasley-Prewett, he was probably the oldest of those gathered. “I do not fancy the thought of serving another dark lord.”

Harry laughed at that. “You do know, Theo is probably the lightest wizard here. Moreso than even me or Neville.”

“Not Lord Dagwood-Granger?” Pansy asked with a slight smile on her face.

“I’m pure gray,” Hermione said with a laugh. Pansy did not know her at all.

“And I am gray leaning light,” Ron said.

Pansy looked at Ron with some speculation. “I guess I was right when I said there was some hope for you, yet.”

Ron smirked at her.

“As I was saying,” Flint said. “I want to know what you want or expect from us.”

“Then, I will come right to the point. I want to talk about the trial tomorrow,” Theo said, and then held up a hand. “Not to decide anything in advance of it, but I would like to talk about what Travers, Nott, and Carrow are likely expecting –”

“Which is to have the charges dismissed because they are Purebloods and Lord Dagwood-Granger is a Muggleborn,” Millicent suggested, and surprisingly, she did not sound pleased with the idea of that. “I am going to guess you would like to change that eventuality.”

“And how do you feel about giving up that privilege?” Adrian asked. “I have to admit, I like mine.” Then he sighed. “Even if it is not fair, and I know it.”

“I do too,” Pansy agreed. “But as a society, we are not going to be able to continue to allow one section of the population to be favored over another.”

Ron, Neville, and Hermione all turned to look at her.

“What?” Pansy said. “Did you think I was stupid enough not to know or understand what the consequences of Pureblood actions will eventually be?”

Hermione looked down, feeling a little guilty, that was exactly what she thought. And maybe she should examine her own prejudices.

“There just are not enough Purebloods left for our society to continue with just them. We need to integrate our Half-bloods and Muggleborns into society as equals,” Draco said. “We absolutely cannot afford another war where we kill half of our generation. Too many have died already.”

“I agree,” Graham Montague said. “I know that the statistics that Lord Dagwood-Granger has revealed are true. My parents both died in the last conflict. Most of my friends who survived also had one or both parents die. We simply cannot keep doing this. We need to find a way to fix what is wrong.”

Hermione agreed with that, but mostly kept silent, letting them talk amongst themselves.

“So, what do we do?” Neville finally asked. “I mean, about tomorrow?”

Harry cleared his throat. “I have a thought that we might offer a plea deal –”

“Which they would not take because they believe that they will be exonerated,” Susan Bones said and looked at Marcus. “You are a solicitor, are you not?”

“I am. But I’ve only been practicing for a few years. My knowledge of the law is still quite bookish,” Marcus said. “What are you thinking?”

“I think that if we put it to the three of them as an option, they will not take it, but if they realize the times have changed, then maybe we might convince them,” Susan said. “But whether or not they are convinced or take the deal, they need to go to Azkaban as a deterrent for others who might try the same thing.”

Hermione agreed with that, too.

“How do we do that?” Harry asked.

“I think that if we can get someone who is a Pureblood and powerful to present it,” Hermione said. “It might be accepted.”

“Someone like Kingsley Shacklebolt,” Percy said. “It might work. If you can get him to do it.”

“Well, he’s not going to listen to me,” Hermione said with a huff.

“Nor me,” Harry agreed, but he looked at Bill.

Who shrugged and said, “I don’t know. Percy?”

“I do not think it can come from me. I mean, I am his undersecretary. So, it would be a conflict of interest,” Percy said. “What about one of your lot?” Percy looked at a couple of the Slytherins.

“I can try,” Marcus said. “Maybe Graham or Adrian can come with me.”

“You’re slightly older than the rest of us,” Draco agreed. “At least you’re past twenty, which most of the rest of us are not.”

“Though maybe you could ask your mother,” Marcus suggested. “She still has a lot of social capital.”

“I actually think that it needs to come from us,” Theo said. “He needs to see us as a powerful entity.”

Pansy and Neville nodded.

“Theo is right,” Hermione agreed. “We have to take the power we have and use it. Because I am sure that Kingsley and all the other Purebloods who like their power and society just the way it is, will try and take it from us, and the Wizengamot.”

“She’s right,” Theo said. “So, the three of you?”

Marcus, Graham, and Adrian nodded in agreement. “Perhaps Lord Prewett should come with us. I am pretty sure he is the oldest of us.”

Bill nodded.

*****

That Night

Nott Hall

Theo looked up as Hermione came into the main room. It was late, and he was surprised she was still awake. “Are you all right, Hermione?” he asked.

“I’m…” she trailed off, sighing. “I had another nightmare. After today’s meeting, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. It seems like I’m good until something new happens, and then, I’m not so good.”

“I understand that,” Theo said. “And me too, on the nightmare. Although this one was a little different.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” she asked, sitting down next to him on the sofa.

Did he? Well, no, of course, he did not want to talk about it. But if he had learned nothing else from Dr. Cameron, he had learned that talking about it did help. “It was my father, being his usual self, and me, trying to defend myself.”

“It’s always our parents. Mine was about watching my parents die and not being able to do anything about it,” Hermione said with a shudder.

Theo nodded. She had had that one in various forms before. “Do you want to see them? Or not see them?”

“I do want to see them,” she said, and looked down. “But I am afraid of what they are going to say to me about, well, everything.”

“You might start with an apology and go from there,” Theo suggested.

“I was going to do that. I have no excuse for what I did,” Hermione said with a sigh. “I should not have done it.”

“Probably not, but on the other hand, you were too young to be in the situation you were in, and the worry about your parents was just one more thing.”

Hermione nodded. “I need to see them.”

“If you would allow it, I would go with you,” Theo offered.

“Why would you want to do that?” Hermione seemed to be genuinely startled by the idea.

Theo was not sure why she might be. To him, it was clear. “Your mother is family to me. My first cousin –”

“But she’s a Squib at best,” Hermione pointed out as if he did not already know that.

“So, she is still my cousin, she is still family, just as you are.” Theo did not care. “I would rather claim your mother — what is her name — as family than most of the rest of my living wizarding relatives.”

“Helen,” Hermione said. “My father’s name is Richard.” She looked at him. “I didn’t think family connections worked that way in the Wizarding world. Not with the way you discard your children if they aren’t magical.”

“I have discarded no one, nor would I. Although that said, it is not easy for a Squib to make their way in the Wizarding World,” Theo finished.

“We can change that, too,” Hermione suggested.

Theo knew she was right. “We should add that to the list. Not everything in the wizarding world is about a wand. And Squibs do have magic, just not enough for using a wand.”

“I was reading that many of the great seers were Squibs,” Hermione said.

“And does that not just annoy the hell out of most of the supremist Purebloods?” Theo said. “The British wizarding world has not had a great seer in a hundred or more years because of the way they are treated.”

“So, Squibs weren’t always treated like the trash to be taken out?” Hermione asked with an eyebrow raised.

“No, not at all. As I said, there are plenty of things that can be done without wand magic. But we, as a society, have forgotten that,” Theo said. “And it is past time to remind them of it.”

“I agree with that,” Hermione said. “However, my parents?”

“I might be able to act as a buffer,” Theo said. “It was just a thought.”

“A good one. Harry also said he’d come with me. They haven’t met him, but they have heard about him from me over the years.”

“Maybe between the two of us, we will be able to get you through this.”

“Maybe,” Hermione agreed. “Thanks. I appreciate the offer, and I’ll let you know. Soon. We’re running out of summer at this point. It’s only a few weeks until we go back to school.”

“How are you dealing with that?”

“If I’m honest,” Hermione said. “I’m much more concerned about the End of Summer Ball at Malfoy Manor.”

“Because of what happened to you there?” Theo asked, but he was sure that it was true.

Hermione shivered. “I am not sure how I’m going to react to being there again.”

“I haven’t been there since before the final battle, so I am not sure what has been done to the first floor,” Theo said. “But I do know it was gutted to the studs and then cleansed with fire.”

For a moment, Hermione was silent. “I had not realized that they had gone that far,” Hermione said, and she sounded relieved by that. “I can understand why they did it, though. And that might not make it better so much as different.”

“Yes. I had thought that, too,” Theo said. After another minute of quiet between them, he cleared his throat. “When we go to see your parents, do you plan to just arrive or ask their permission to see them?” He could see pros and cons with each of those options, and he was sure Hermione could too.

“I’m just going to arrive,” she said. “I don’t want to give them the chance to say no without seeing me.”

“I think that’s probably the best idea,” Theo agreed.

*****

The Next Day

The Wizengamot Chamber

The special session was anti-climactic. Kingsley Shaklebolt had obviously been convinced to do what they asked, and it was announced that Munroe Travers, Ormand Nott, and Phineas Carrow had taken the plea deal.

The three of them had each pled guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and given three years each in Azkaban. They were to be incarcerated in minimum security. No dementors as well, and some better living conditions. The maximum sentence for GBH with intent was ten years in Azkaban in maximum security, which they might not have survived.

Hermione wanted to do something about the prison, but there were so many other things that needed to be addressed. She was thoughtful as she stepped out of the Wizengamot chamber and was unprepared to find herself with a wand at her neck.

Around her, people were screaming and yelling. But she remained calm and moved quickly. She raised her hand and grabbed the hand that was holding the wand, twisting it until the person dropped the wand and was on the floor in front of her. She looked down and saw Octavio Travers and sighed. “Not you again,” she muttered. “Didn’t you learn anything from what just happened to your son?”

“This is all your fault,” Octavio screamed at her. “I am going to kill you for it, you Mudblood bitch.”

“I do not think you’re in a position to do anything,” Hermione pointed out, since she had him in a hold that would break his hand should he move too much.

“And really, did you think you would get away with something like this?” Pansy drawled.

Hermione looked up, and there were five people around, all of whom had their wands trained on Travers. That was surprising. Well, not Harry, Ron, or Theo, but Pansy Parkinson and Marcus Flint? Susan Bones and Neville had their wands out and looked ready to fight.

“I can take it from here,” Kingsley Shacklebolt said. “Octavio and I need to have a chat about proper behavior.”

“What the fuck are you talking about, Shacklebolt. I’m the one with the rights here, not her,” Octavio said with a stunning lack of understanding of his situation.

“As I explained to your son earlier,” Kingsley said. “The times have changed, and we have to change with them.”

“What are you talking about?” Octavio demanded. “I am a Pureblood. You cannot possibly prosecute me for this.”

“Actually, I can. And will. And if Lord Dagwood-Granger–”

“Stop calling that Mudblood that –”

“It is her title, and there is nothing you or anyone else can do about it. It was granted by the Spirit of the Wizengamot. The same Spirit who took your title and banned you for life from the room. There is no arguing about any of that. It is the law of our land,” Kingsley said.

“I do not care –”

“You should,” Kingsley said. “What you just did — threatening a Lord — could get you five years in Azkaban.”

“I would never be charged, let alone convicted,” Octavio spat out.

“Perhaps not in the past, but right now, Lord Dagwood-Granger has enough witnesses to convict you.”

“That’s not possible,” Octavio seemed to look around at the many people gathered who were wearing purple robes. “How?”

“Exactly what Lord Dagwood-Granger said. Two wars in two generations killed off half of our generation, most of them Purebloods from noble houses.”

“No –”

“Think about who you went to school with, Octavio. How many of them are still alive?” Kingsley said. “Think.”

Hermione could see it hit him, and the shock on his face. And then he seemed to shrink into himself. “No.”

She let go of him.

“I’m afraid so,” Kingsley said. “And the campaign that you have started against Lord Dagwood-Granger stops now. Do you understand me?”

Octavio straightened up. “All right.”

“Good,” Kingsley said and turned to Hermione. “Lord Dagwood-Granger, do you wish to press charges?”

“What?” Octavio said, even after what had just been said, he clearly was startled by the idea.

“I think I’ll let it go this time,” Hermione said and looked at Octavio. “But this is the last time.”

“Very good,” Kingsley said, looking relieved. “Octavio, you have two years before your son Benedict can take the title. Do not do anything else to tarnish your family name any further.”

Octavio nodded once and walked away.

Kingsley glanced at Hermione. “Thank you for that,” he said, flatly. He still didn’t look happy with her, but hopefully, he wasn’t going to be a roadblock anymore.

*****

Later That Afternoon

“Thank you for seeing me later today. I had a special session of the Wizengamot this morning,” Theo said, sitting down on the sofa.

“I had an opening for this time slot, so I didn’t mind moving you into it,” Dr. Cameron said. “How are you doing?”

“I am doing well,” Theo said and then looked down. “I had a nightmare last night. Hermione stayed over, and she and I talked about it.”

Theo went on to talk about the nightmare in detail. And that helped him put it into perspective. “I am wondering if we’ll keep going once school starts.”

“That is up to you, Theo. We can certainly continue,” Cameron said. “I think that we could also go down to one session a week. I believe you are making good progress. I also plan to offer group therapy sessions for each of the years.”

“How does that work? Group therapy.”

“With something like the aftermath of the war, it can give someone a broader perspective. Also, it can help with the isolation someone might feel. Plus, having contemporaries to talk to can also help with dealing with the trauma. It’s one more aspect of therapy.”

“That sounds very interesting. I might be interested in doing that, too. I do feel much better since we started. It feels like I can live with what happened,” Theo said. “I know I have said this before, but I feel like this has been remarkably helpful. I wish more Purebloods were willing to consider this type of solution.”

“Thank you,” Dr. Cameron said. “I am very glad to help. I hope to help more of you when school starts. In addition to the group sessions, we will be offering individual sessions to anyone who wants them. If you know someone who would benefit, please let them know to get in touch.”

“I will do that. Truthfully, I had no idea how the referral system worked with this kind of thing. I had to contact you,” Theo said. “And I know most Purebloods would not even think of this without prompting of some kind.”

“I agree with that. But beyond being here, we cannot force anyone to talk about what is bothering them.” Cameron looked at him. “Do you know what you’re going to be doing at school?”

“I am going to be teaching a section of third year Arithmancy. Beyond that, I do not know,” Theo said. But that brought up something he wanted to discuss. “I have been thinking about what I want to do. I mean, after school.”

When Theo fell silent after that, Cameron nodded for him to continue. “Go on.”

“Would it surprise you to hear that I am considering apprenticing to become a mind healer?”

“Through St. Mungo’s?” Cameron said, sounding not quite surprised, but something.

Theo nodded. “But I think I would also like to add Muggle therapy to that as well. I honestly think it is something that is very much lacking in the Wizarding world.”

“I agree about it being missing in British society. Where are you thinking of getting your Muggle therapy training?” Cameron asked.

“I was going to ask you about my options for it. I have never set foot in the Muggle world. Though Harry has promised to take me there before the end of the summer.”

“That makes it harder to do. You could do an independent study to learn what you need to know. But you would need to have credentials in the Muggle world that you don’t have. Starting with a birth certificate, and then Primary, Secondary, and A Levels for education. Then on to University for your PhD in psychology.”

“How difficult is all of that going to be to obtain?” Theo asked.

“The Goblins can set some of it up for you, like a birth certificate, but you would have to navigate through the Muggle world for your schooling either during your apprenticeship or after it.” He looked at Theo. “I find it hard to believe I’m going to say this, but I can help you with some of it. I also offer a yearlong apprenticeship every year for someone in the wizarding world who wants to learn to do this kind of magical/Muggle therapy.”

“Would you allow me to apply?” Theo asked.

“Anyone may apply for it,” Cameron countered. “It’s one of the rules of having an accredited apprenticeship. Everyone must be welcome to apply. It’s just who is chosen that can be a sticking point.”

“But?” Because Theo knew there was something else going on here. And he was very much afraid he was going to be told no, not because he was not qualified or could not become qualified, but because he was a Pureblood. And that would be so ironic.

“But as I have said, my apprenticeship has been listed at the ministry and at Hogwarts in the Spring, and no Pureblood has ever applied.”

“I guess I will be the first,” Theo said. “Do I get my credential at St. Mungo’s first or wait and then do it after?”

“Truthfully, I doubt having Muggle credentials will do you any good at St. Mungo’s.”

“I see your point. I will speak to the Goblins about obtaining the necessary documents to get into a Muggle university. And none of this can start until I finish up this year and take my N.E.W.T.S.”

“It’s a long course of schooling and apprenticeships.”

“I think it will be worth it. I would like to help people deal with what has happened to them. I also have plans to change the laws and make it harder for heads of house to abuse their families in the future.”

“I think that is an excellent idea,” Cameron agreed.

“Thank you,” Theo said, standing. “I appreciate the information.”

*****

Ashwood and Ivy

The Following Morning

Narcissa was the last to arrive for brunch and hurried in, casting a quick silencing spell on the room as she went by the door jamb.

“I am sorry to be late,” she said as she sat down at the table. “I had an early floo call that lasted too long. How have you all been?”

“Good enough,” Donatella said. “I am curious why you called us all here.”

“I am as well,” Rose said. And Emily nodded.

“So, I wanted to share some news with you and to have it be in private. My son was called to Nott Hall a few days ago –”

“And that is not normal?” Rose asked with a huff.

“Not under the circumstances of the meeting he attended.”

Emily raised an eyebrow at her. “Yes, and what were those circumstances?”

Narcissa related the events of the meeting and smiled smugly. “I believe this is the eventuality that we were hoping for.”

“I am both surprised and gratified by even the possibility,” Donatella said. “Do you know any of the details?”

“Nothing beyond what I said. Aside from the plea bargain, as they called it, I think they have not yet decided on anything else,” Narcissa said. She had some ideas for Draco to pass on, but that would come in time.

“I can understand why you’d want to impart that in person, but was there anything else?” Rose asked. “Pansy did tell me something about that meeting, but nothing in detail. She has also kept me busy working on detangling the mess her father made of the family holdings and finances.”

“I had no idea you knew anything about that,” Emily said. “And as far as I know, my Daphne was not invited. Though she is just an heir at this point.”

“One of the few who is still an heir and not a Lord or Lady,” Donatella commented.

“I think she is just as likely to be pleased with being able to finish school before she takes up her responsibilities. Benton does plan to have her start to take over after she finishes up at Hogwarts and takes her N.E.W.T.S.”

Narcissa thought Daphne was one of the lucky ones to actually get a chance to train to be a lord rather than have it thrust upon them without knowing anything about how to deal with everything. “There is more. I spoke with Minerva McGonagall, and she is willing to allow us to participate in the Blackthorn-Ross Coven. She is going to do a cleansing and magical healing for Hermione Dagwood-Granger and Hogwarts. Also, for any of the coven members that want it.”

“I expect that would be all of them left,” Donatella guessed. “I would like that as well.”

“She said all of us may join in and help with the cleansing of Hogwarts,” Narcissa said. “Next, the End of the Summer Ball will take place on the last Saturday before the train leaves. You are all invited.”

“Thank you,” Donatella said. “Who else is going to attend?”

“I’m inclined to invite everyone who would have attended a few years ago,” Narcissa said. Last year, there was no ball at the end of the summer. And the year before that, it was poorly attended and a depressing event. “Did you want someone specific invited?”

“I would like to suggest that Octavio Travers not be invited.” Rose snorted. “I think he has made his loyalties and convictions crystal clear.”

Narcissa agreed with that. “I understand Kingsley Shacklebolt had words with him about his behavior. But I do not know if that is going to be enough to keep his mouth shut.”

Emily shook her head. “I have heard he is still disgruntled by Lord Dagwood-Granger’s status. Although really, he should realize that she was instrumental in Harry Potter-Black’s winning of the war, and as his best friend, that would have been enough to elevate her to top tier just as Potter-Black was and Weasley.”

“I am not sure that he can be reasoned with,” Donatella said. “He literally tried to argue with the Spirit of the Wizengamot. That just is not done.”

“I know,” Narcissa said. “He has lost what little status he had. I was not planning to have him this year.”

“Is there anything else?” Rose asked. “I am hungry and would like a meal before I go back to work on everything.”

“One more thing,” Narcissa said. “The headmistress is looking for people to teach –”

“Hogwarts is always looking for teachers, and no one wants to give up their lives for ten months of the year to do it,” Emily said. “I would have loved to teach part-time, but I have too many other responsibilities to even consider it. As we all do.”

“Now that Professor McGonagall is the headmistress, things will be changing. She is also allowing the eighth years students to leave campus if they need to and not requiring the staff to stay beyond 6:00 pm on weekdays when they teach, and not at all on weekends,” Narcissa said.

“I would be interested in those hours,” Emily said. “I would be interested in teaching the Wizarding Culture class she has advertised, but I had not heard about the new policy on staff requirements or lack thereof.”

“You should get in touch with her. All of you who might be willing to contribute,” Narcissa said and glanced around the table.

“What do you plan to do? You never finished your mastery in potions,” Rose said. “And I never finished mine in charms.”

“Would you want to finish it?” Emily asked.

“I might. I am still young enough to have a career in it, especially once I get the Parkinson finances sorted,” Rose said thoughtfully. “I’ll get in touch with her.”

“As will I,” Narcissa said. “I believe we can all help out for a year or two.”

*****

Chapter 15

Hogwarts

That Afternoon

“Thank you for coming in, Filius,” Minerva said.

“It was no problem, Minerva. I have been working on various things. How has the teacher situation been coming?”

“I had three potential teachers owl me today,” she said. “Now that it has gotten around that teachers will not be locked into ten months of staying at the school and being overworked and underpaid, we have had a lot more interest than I was expecting.”

“I have always felt there were plenty of potential teachers –”

“The problem was the workload and the hours.”

“Few will put up with that,” Filius agreed.

“I often wonder why I did,” Minerva said. “But those called to serve, do what they must to be of service.”

“You are a better person than I,” Filius said. “I was definitely coming to the end of what I could tolerate after these last few years. I was planning to resign at the end of last year and was convinced by Severus to give it one more year.”

“Did you know about him?” Minerva asked.

Filius shrugged. “I suspected that he was not what he seemed. He protected the children as best he could while maintaining the charade of being a loyal follower.”

“I agree. I was too mired in the moment to see it then, but once I had a chance to think about it, I can see you were correct.” Minerva felt she should have realized it much sooner. Many things did not add up about Severus, starting with the way he protected the children and ending with his own Half-blood status.

“Has his portrait shown up yet?” Filius asked curiously.

Minerva shook her head. “I have been expecting it since the final battle.”

“Is it possible he did not die?” Filius wondered. “I mean, all we have is Lord Potter-Black’s assumption on that.”

“Lord Dagwood-Granger also seemed to think he had passed on,” Minerva said. “But we have no body, so we can only assume that he did. He would have reached out to someone had he been able to.”

Fillius shrugged. “I am not sure there is anything we can do one way or another with that. We may never know for certain. Moving on, I have the schedule for next year under control.”

“I appreciate the work you have put into this for me,” Minerva said. She was grateful too. It had freed her up to work on curriculum and staffing.

They worked for a few minutes on the schedule and what teachers they still needed. Filius finally set that aside. “How did the school board meeting go? Was everything approved?” he asked.

“There was an entirely new school board. Apparently, almost everyone on the previous board was either killed or quit. The school’s charter went into effect and sent out a notice. Various people applied to the ministry to be on the board,” Minerva said. “Fortunately, they seem as if they do want to do what is best for the school and the children.”

“What was decided?”

“Since I was chosen by Hogwarts, they were going to let me do as I thought fit for this coming year,” Minerva said.

“To say I am surprised by that would be an understatement. Dumbledore complained bitterly about the board trying to rein him in,” Fillius said.

“His rants were epic,” Minerva agreed. “Although now I wonder if that might not have been for show. At least some of it.”

“So, we will go forward with our plans for change?” Fillius asked, sounding not quite dubious, but still slightly disbelieving.

“I believe so. I also think that we cannot do any worse than Dumbledore’s last year. Hogwarts was dead last in the entire world.”

“No. That bad?”

“Worse. It will be made public soon, but we are an embarrassment. Fortunately, no one from last year will take their N.E.W.T.S. until at least mid-year next year. So, with the new teachers and staffing, we should do better.

“I do hope so,” Fillius said.

“I doubt we could do worse.” And that was unfortunate, but true.

*****

Nott Hall

A Few Nights Later

“I am surprised you are on your own tonight,” Draco said, sitting down in the great room. “This room is so much more comfortable than it ever was before you redecorated it.”

“You have mentioned that several times, and I agree,” Theo said with a laugh. “I am so much more comfortable here than I ever thought I would be. I can see Harry and me raising our children in this house now.”

At the look on Draco’s face, Theo laughed. “What, did you think I was not serious about him? We have a magical resonance.”

“So, where is Harry tonight? I got the impression he was living here now,” Draco asked.

“He is. He will be back later. He is with Hermione. She will be moving in for the duration of the summer. He is helping her move,” Theo said.

“They are wizards. It should not take them more than ten minutes to pack everything into a trunk. Surely, she does not have that much in the way of clothes,” Draco said.

“Well, to hear her tell it, your mother forced far too many clothes on her, but I think there might be dinner with the Weasleys involved there as well.”

“And you weren’t invited?” Draco asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

“I was, actually, but I had already made plans with you,” Theo pointed out. “Plus, they are still in mourning, so I would not impose on that, if I could help it.” He knew the time would come when he would have to deal with all of them, but it could wait until he and Harry were a little more settled.

“That makes sense,” Draco said. “I am going to assume you will announce the courtship at the ball in two weeks?”

“Yes. I had planned to do that,” Theo said and glanced at Draco. “And to ask you to deliver the first gift, if you would.”

Draco smiled at that. “Of course, who else would you ask?”

“True. I do not have another best friend. Although Pansy would probably do it for me if I asked her,” Theo said. “I appreciate it.”

“She would. And you’re welcome,” Draco said. “What did you get him?”

“I found an emerald and gold tie pin with the Nott crest on it in one of the betrothal chests in the main vault. He can wear it at school.”

“Starting grandly, are you not?” Draco said with a laugh. “I wonder if he knows enough to understand what you will be saying with that. You are not going to tell him, are you?”

Theo shook his head. “I do not want to scare him off.”

“I doubt you could at this point, but someone, and I mean someone other than you or me, should explain to him what he needs to do in return.”

“I will ask Hermione to speak to him –”

“Do you think she even knows?” Draco sounded doubtful.

Theo frowned at him. “You are joking, right? I am quite sure she will know all there is to know about a courtship and what to expect from you when you make your first move.”

“It will not be for some time. She asked me for time. I have nothing but time to give her.”

“Do not let it go on too long,” Theo said. “She is getting better. I can see it every time I see her.

“Speaking of that, are you going to continue when we go back to school?” Draco asked.

“Are you not going to continue?” Theo asked. “I do plan to.”

“I am not sure. I feel better, and once we go through the ritual, that might be enough for me. I shall see how I feel.” Draco looked at him. “What?”

He really did know Theo too well. “I have been thinking of becoming a mind healer and a psychologist like Dr. Cameron.”

“Using Muggle mind-healing techniques?” Draco asked incredulously. “Do you think anyone would be willing to try it?”

“I have no idea,” Theo replied. “But our society needs something like that very badly. Many people are suffering and are unable to cope with what happened. Look at Octavio Travers. –”

“I had thought he was just a tainted Death Eater –”

“I am not sure he’s even marked, but he lost his wife and daughter in the lead-up to the war,” Theo said.

Draco looked at him, his eyes a little wide. “How do you even know that? I barely know anything about him.”

“I asked around,” Theo said. “His son was marked and definitely a Death Eater. Travers senior was a blood purist, but not necessarily a Death Eater.”

“You think he could be helped?” Draco said, and his tone made it clear he did not think this was the case.

And maybe that was true. But Theo felt that they should at least try to help people cope with what happened. “I think that with the way things are changing and going to continue to change, it might seem like an option to those of us who need it.”

Draco nodded. “Do you think that Dr. Cameron will give you an internship?”

“I think I will need to apply like anyone else would.” Theo was surprised that it mattered so much to him. But he felt this was the way his life should go now. Helping people would be recompense for what had happened, and even if he had not wanted what did happen to happen, and he could not have stopped it, it still happened.

“That’s a change,” Draco said. “I cannot get over the feeling that he should be honored to have you.”

Theo laughed at him. He did want this, and he wondered if there were something else he could do to push the odds in his favor.

*****

Later That Night

Harry and Hermione returned a few hours after Draco had left. And as was becoming his habit, Harry came over and gave him a quick kiss. “How was your dinner with Draco?”

Hermione seemed to be surprised by the kiss, or maybe it was the casual nature of it, but she said nothing.

“It was good. We talked a little about the ritual later this week. I know that you’re going to have one on the same night.”

Harry looked up at that. “What are you talking about?”

“I told you about it a few weeks ago. Professor McGonagal’s coven is going to do a healing ritual on my arm.”

“Right, I remember that part,” Harry said. “I guess I just forgot it would be this week. The new moon, correct?”

“Very good,” Theo said. Harry was a lot smarter than he ever let on. “I’ll be going through the removal of the dark mark ritual as well.”

“You told me about that. Lord MacLachlan’s conclave,” Harry said.

“Correct. You do not have a problem with it, do you?”

“Of course not, in fact, if it would not take anything from your ritual, I would go through the cleansing too,” Harry said.

Theo was surprised by that, and by the look on her face, Hermione was as well. “I had not thought you had an interest in ritual magic.”

“I don’t know anything about it. But I can see it’s important to you. That matters.” Harry looked at him and then down at his hands. “I also feel in a way I can’t explain that it might be good for me.”

Theo had no doubt it would be good for him. “I’ll contact Lord MacLachlan about it,” he said. “We will need to find an offering for the Lord of Magic.”

Harry didn’t ask what kind of offering, so Theo thought he must have some idea.

“I have some items that don’t really belong to me,” Harry said.

“I thought you gave those away or lost them,” Hermione said, clearly knowing what they were.

“Yeah, I guess I never told you that I couldn’t seem to do that,” Harry admitted. “I have all three of them.”

Hermione shuddered visibly.

“What are you talking about?” Theo asked.

“Uh…,” Harry hedged. “I might have some items that would make me the Master of Death. If I wanted that. Which I do not, at all. But apparently, getting rid of them is not that easy.”

Theo’s stomach twisted. “Yes. You definitely do not want to keep those items. They will only bring misery, death, and destruction to those who possess them.”

“I got that part,” Harry said. “The wand is very needy. I’ve been thinking of ways to get rid of them, and offering them back to their owner might be the best way to handle that. And that might make a good offering to the Lord of Magic for our healing.”

“It will be noticed, I guarantee that,” Theo said.

*****

MacLachlan Forest

Later That Week

Harry and Theo walked from the edge of MacLachlan Castle grounds into the woods to the conclave altar. It was lit with balls of light, evenly distributed around the area, and it was probably the most majestic thing Harry had ever seen. It had a circular, polished, solid black granite base with silver runes cut into the circumference. He had no idea, of course, what the runes meant.

As they arrived at the altar, several other people he recognized were also there. Arthur Weasley was a complete surprise. Harry would have gone to talk to him, but Theo put a hand on his arm and shook his head. “You should not speak to anyone yet. You can acknowledge them with a nod or wave,” Theo said.

Harry looked again and was even more surprised to see Ron and Percy had joined Arthur. He caught Ron’s eye and nodded. Ron returned the gesture and smiled at Harry.

Before anything more could happen, Lord MacLachlan appeared. “It is good that you both could join us tonight. You will find a door behind each of you, and you may use it to bathe before the ritual.” He glanced at Harry, probably wondering if Theo had explained the whole bath before the cleansing thing, and he had. So, Harry just nodded. He turned around, and just like Theo had described it, a door in the darkness appeared, and it seemed to have nothing around it. Before he went in, he put a hand on Theo’s arm and squeezed a little. Theo smiled at him.

The room was as Theo had described it, and he cleaned himself in the cistern, put on the white robe, and was back out just as everyone seemed to emerge from their rooms.

Each of the men went through the cleansing ritual. He was lost, but he knew what he was supposed to do, submerging himself three times in the water while the wizards around him chanted. The truth was, he hadn’t expected much, but he felt cleaner and better in a way he found hard to describe. It was as if some of the stain on his soul from the war was gone. Not all of it, but enough to be noticeable. Maybe he could do this again and see if it would get rid of more of it. He’d have to ask about that. This felt good. Right.

He finally glanced up and saw Theo smiling softly at him. And Harry smiled back. He was constantly amazed at how nice it felt to be around Theo.

“Now it is time to ask the Lord of Magic to cleanse and heal our members and guests. Do each of you have an offering for the altar?” Lord MacLachlan asked.

“I do,” Harry said with everyone else, and he took the case he’d put the hallows in and put it on the altar.

Theo and the rest of the wizards, including Arthur, Ron, and Percy, each put a gift on the altar. Harry hadn’t realized there were that many of them who wanted to get rid of the mark. But it kind of made sense since so many of those in his sixth year had been marked the summer before. Besides Theo and Draco, he recognized Greg Goyle, Graham Montague, Adrian Pucey, and Marcus Flint.

After all the gifts were presented, Lord MacLachlan led them through a couple of prayers. Harry replied when he was supposed to, grateful that Theo had drilled him on all of it.

A loud bang exploded through the air. Then, standing on the dais of the altar, was a spirit like wizard dressed in black robes, but also not corporeal. Harry could see the night sky through him.

“I am the Lord of Magic, and your plea has been heard,” he said. “I will grant your request for cleansing and healing. You had no choice. You are absolved of the taint. Come forward, each of you.”

All six of them came forward and knelt. The Lord of Magic moved to them and touched Draco’s arm. As he did, Draco gasped and closed his eyes for a moment. “Thank you, sire,” he said as he opened them.

The Lord of Magic moved to the next one and repeated the gesture. Theo was last. When he came to Theo, he stopped, touched his arm, then Theo’s head. “You were the most abused by this travesty.”

Theo looked up at him and nodded.

“And yet, you were the least tainted. You and your friends will make sure this does not happen again,” the Lord of Magic told him, and then glanced at the others. “I charge all of you to fix what your parents and grandparents have allowed to be broken. This cannot happen again.”

“We will do so,” they answered in unison.

“Now, Harry, join us,” he said.

Harry knelt next to Theo, wondering what the fuck was going on now. This wasn’t in the script he’d been given.

“I give my blessing to both of you,” The Lord of Magic said. “May you both find what you’re looking for within each other.”

Beside him, Theo gasped. “Thank you, sire,” he whispered with his head still bowed.

Harry was confused, but he really liked the feeling that the words had given him, and he nodded. “Thank you.”

“As for your gift, it is not mine to take,” the Lord of Magic said. “But there is someone here who would like it back.”

The Lord of Magic picked up the case, and a skeletal hand that seemed to come out of nowhere reached for it. Then it was gone, and Harry felt a great relief to have that gone from this world. With another boom, the Lord of Magic was gone as well, and all of the gifts had disappeared.

The circle was closed, and Lord MacLachlan said there would be tea and food back up at MacLachlan Castle. That was good because Harry was starving. With everyone milling around, he didn’t see Theo, but he could tell he was close.

*****

Theo was still shaking from the ritual when Harry found him.

“Hey,” Harry said, putting a hand on Theo’s arm. “Are you all right?”

“Yes,” Theo said, nodding, but resisting the urge to lean into him.

Harry looked at him and put his arm around Theo’s shoulders. “What’s wrong? I thought things just went pretty well. I mean, he did take the mark off you, didn’t he?”

“I believe so. It feels like it is not there anymore. I have not checked.”

“Uh… why not,” Harry asked, and Theo could tell he was confused.

“I will as soon as I can take off my robe. Which, under most circumstances, I would not do in public,” Theo said. “Do you understand what happened when the Lord of Magic gave us his blessings?”

“I got the feeling it was a big deal,” Harry said. “But why don’t you tell me what it means to you?”

“I feel more connected to you –”

“That’s true for me, too.” Harry looked at him. “Just now, I could tell you wanted to lean into me and didn’t for some reason.”

“I would not presume without permission,” Theo said.

“I thought I’d given you that. We sleep together. We touch all the time.”

“That is not permission to touch in any significant way in public,” Theo explained. “It’s not done casually, and until we are betrothed, or at least begin our courtship, we are considered casual.”

Harry’s brow creased as if he were trying to figure something out. “My first thought is to say that if you need or want to touch me, to go ahead. But is there more than that?”

“Not from a societal perspective, but from my own. I would not want to touch anyone who did not wish me to,” Theo had too many issues with that not to want explicit permission.

“Well, of course. But you should be able to seek me out…” Harry paused, clearly trying to think of how to phrase it.

But Theo understood. “Thank you. As for the blessing, I think we’re magically connected now.”

“Did he marry us or something?” Harry asked. “Because I’m still not ready for that. Plus, I want to do the courtship.”

That was a surprise. A very pleasant one. “I do as well,” Theo agreed.

“Why are you surprised? I am interested in learning all about this society. And what better way than going through a courtship ritual like that one?”

“What better way, indeed,” Theo said, smiling. Merlin, Harry was just too adorable for words. Too bad kissing him now would be rude.

Harry smirked at him and took his hand, bringing it to his mouth to kiss his palm. “Me, too. We should get to the castle. I haven’t talked to anyone yet.”

“We should,” Theo said, and started for the path out of the woods.

*****

“Harry.” Ron sat next to him at the small table that Theo had secured and then left him there.

“I had no idea you were interested in anything like this.” Harry took another bite of his sandwich, still not sure what it was exactly, aside from being very tasty, of course.

“I feel like it’s something I should know more about,” Ron said. “Percy and my dad have been members of Lord MacLachlan’s conclave for a long time.

“Percy is someone else I would not have thought interested in this kind of thing,” Harry said, glancing around. He recognized a lot of the wizards here. Some of them were surprising, such as Arthur.

“He’s always been pretty traditional. Not in the same way my mum and dad were, are, but in his own way. Bill, too, but he belongs to another conclave.”

Harry nodded. “I guess Theo and I are going to be joining one, too.”

“You do understand what happened between you two? I mean the blessing?”

“I think so. Theo started to explain, and then we got distracted by something else.” He looked at Ron. “What do you think it means. Are we married or something?” Theo hadn’t actually answered that question, and it was important to Harry to know. Not that he thought there was much he could do about it. Now, just having the knowledge would be good.

“More like, or something. I don’t know if it counts as a magical marriage, but it’s definitely something more than a betrothal.”

“Well, Theo and I want to participate in a courtship,” Harry said. “So whatever else it is, it has to allow us to do that.”

Ron looked a little shocked for a second or two, but then he nodded. “Right. I guess it won’t matter that much. You’re going to end up with him. That’s what the Lord of Magic was saying. That’s why you got his blessing like that.”

“What does that mean? I can’t change my mind?” Harry asked carefully. He didn’t like the sound of that.

“Not exactly. More like you’re never going to want to change your mind. Doesn’t it already feel really good to be around him?”

Harry nodded. “Yes. It does. How do you know that?”

“I know what it is supposed to be like,” Ron said. “Most Magicals are looking for that. I think I would know it if I felt it.” Ron gave him a look. “That feeling is only going to get stronger as you stay together and get older.”

That was something he understood. “When you put it like that, I get it.”

“Yeah, sometimes I think those of us born here don’t really understand how to make those of you who were not born here understand what we’re talking about,” Ron said with a frown, looking a bit frustrated.

Yeah, Harry thought that a lot, too. “We’ll need to work at that. All of us.”

“That was the other thing that happened. We’re all tasked by Magic himself to fix the problems. Everyone there was included.”

“I am good with that,” Harry said. He wanted to help change things for the better.

*****

Hogwarts

The Same Night

The ritual circle was in the forbidden forest, in a part that Hermione had never been in. Minerva led her there. She barely had time to glimpse the well-lit platform before she was led to the side of it.

“You will go into the room,” Minerva said, holding open a door that had appeared. “Bathe yourself in the water provided, washing your hair and body thoroughly, making sure that all the cosmetics and dirt are gone from your skin.”

Hermione nodded. “I’ve read everything I could find about ritual healings from the Black library and the Nott library. It wasn’t a lot, but I understand what I need to do to be ready for the cleansing.”

“When you are finished with your ablutions, put on the white robe and come out again. By then, we will be ready to start,” Minerva said.

“Thank you.” Hermione went into the room. She stripped off her clothes and washed herself as she’d been instructed. There was no towel, but as soon as she put the robe on, her skin and hair were dry, as was the robe.

When she came out, Molly and Aurora Sinistra, her Astronomy teacher, were waiting for her. Both of them were a surprise for Hermione, but she nodded to them. “I am ready.”

Minerva appeared. “Very good, lass,” she said. “We will begin shortly.”

The entire ritual was something of a blur for Hermione. She did as she was instructed, submerging herself three times. As Minerva and the rest of the coven chanted and asked Lady Magic for blessings, Hermione could feel the taint of the wound leaving her. She heard a whisper in her mind, which said she was free of the taint. While she wasn’t sure who it was, she felt that it was true and was relieved beyond words. When she looked at her arm, there was a very faint white line where the wounds had been, and it no longer ached.

Afterward, they walked back to Hogwarts, and Hermione was sitting drinking tea in the great hall, trying to go over what had happened in her mind. It had been thrilling and intense during the ritual itself, and afterward, she felt so much better. She wasn’t sure what to make of any of it. It had surprised her that Molly was here, and that several of the female teachers from school, and Narcissa Malfoy.

“How are you feeling?” Narcissa said as she sat beside Hermione. “You look contemplative.”

“I am. I had always thought that any kind of ritual magic was dark –”

Narcissa looked surprised. “Who told you that?”

“You know, I don’t know,” Hermione told her. She had no idea, and she could not remember being told that, only that the knowledge was believed and firm in her mind. “It is a feeling that has stayed with me for the years I’ve been in the magical world.”

“What happened tonight wasn’t dark –”

“No, not at all,” Hermione agreed. “If anything, it made me feel so much lighter. Like a burden has been lifted or…I don’t know.” She shrugged, still trying to find the words to explain what she felt tonight.

“I have always thought that the right cleansing ritual can take the dirt off your soul,” Narcissa said.

Hermione thought about that for a moment and then nodded. “Yes. I think that was what it was like. Is that why almost everyone went through the ritual tonight? And why Hogwarts was cleansed as well.”

“Very good,” Narcissa said. “Are you interested in learning more about it?”

“Oh, yes. I would be very interested. It is fascinating and a part of magic I had never even thought about before it was mentioned to me this summer,” Hermione said. She loved learning new things, and this was definitely something she wanted to know more about. It had been a long time since she had felt excitement over learning something new.

“I believe that the Headmistress will be recruiting initiates for her coven. The few of us that are left of my old coven will also be joining her coven,” Narcissa said.

Hermione was surprised. “I thought that –” she stopped, she was not going to say that she thought Narcissa was dark.

“I am not dark, rather gray, leaning towards the dark. Also, I’ve never participated in a black rite. Although some dark rites are done with ill intent, dark magic in and of itself is as neutral as light magic. The same cannot be said for black magic. Which is all about evil intent. Dark and light magics balance each other out.”

Hermione must have looked as disbelieving as she felt, because Minerva sat down next to her.

“What Lady Malfoy said is correct,” Minerva said.

“I don’t know what to say to that. Obviously, you would know so much more than I would, but why do I want to conflate black and dark, when it is clear that they are not the same thing at all?” Hermione could hear someone telling her that all things dark were evil. That she must always beware of those who were dark or lean dark.

“I do not know, lass,” Minerva said. “I have never taught anything like that.”

“But we were not taught anything about ritual magic at all at school. We should have been,” Hermione said.

“There is a great deal you should have been taught but weren’t. And I am very sorry for that. But there were circumstances that didn’t allow for it, even though I would have liked to have changed them.” Minerva looked annoyed.

“Can I ask what some of those circumstances were? And is there some way to change or mitigate them now?” Hermione asked, not really expecting an answer.

“Part of it was that the teaching staff was overwhelmed with work. Each year, we had fewer teachers and staff, and more to do. And the reason for that was partly Dumbledore and partly the Ministry. They did not want things to change, so they made sure that nothing new would be taught. Or in some cases, old classes, like Alchemy, magical theory, and wizarding traditions, which had been taught for generations, were suddenly too much of a burden when there was no one to teach them,” Minerva said, surprising her with her honesty.

Hermione nodded. “I can see that. I guess telling Muggleborns that they were in a different culture, and that they needed to dress and act differently, was part of that. It makes too much sense, really.”

“You will find that to be true about many things.” Narcissa stood. “I must go.”

“I will contact you about the next meeting of the coven. I would be pleased to offer the four of you entry into Ross-Blackthorn,” Minerva said. “We can discuss the various levels when we meet again.”

“We would very much appreciate that. Thank you so much, High Priestess,” Narcissa said, bowing her head for a second.

“Minerva,” she said.

“Narcissa, then,” she nodded and walked away.

“And is what you told Narcissa true. Do you wish to learn more about ritual magic?” Minerva asked her.

“Yes. I would. I feel like there is this huge part of magic that I know nothing about, and I want to know.” Hermione thought that this was her future.

Minerva smiled at her. “I am so glad to hear you say that.”

*****

Chapter 16

Birmingham, UK

The Granger Home

Hermione had rehearsed a dozen different speeches, apologies, and explanations, and was undecided about what to tell her parents about the war when she got to their house. And as soon as she saw her parents standing in the doorway, it all unraveled.

She drew in a shuddering breath. “Mum? Dad?” she choked out.

Helen reached out for her, and Hermione went into her arms, trying not to cry.

“Oh, Hermione,” Helen said. “I am glad you finally got here.”

As soon as Helen let her go, her father stepped up and hugged her as well.

“We thought you’d have come sooner, Hermione. We understood that you had to go,” Helen said, stepping back to clear the doorway. “Come in. We can talk about this.”

“Thank you,” Hermione said and looked over her shoulder at Theo and Harry. “This is Harry Potter-Black and –”

“I thought it was Harry Potter,” her father said, holding out his hand to Harry. “Richard Granger. It is good to finally meet you, Harry.”

Harry stepped forward and shook his hand. “It’s kind of complicated how it got to be Potter-Black. We can explain inside.”

Hermione cleared her throat and glanced at Theo. “This is my mother, Helen Granger. Mom, this is Theodore Nott. He’s Grandma Nottingham’s nephew. And your first cousin.”

It surprised her to see her mother go that pale.

“How did you find him?” Helen asked. “When?”

“I only found out about Hermione about two months ago,” Theo said. “But I am very pleased to meet you, ma’am.”

“Helen,” her mother said automatically, and reached out to hug Theo. “I’m glad to meet you, too, Theodore.”

“Theo,” he said with a smile.

“Please come in, all of you,” Richard said.

Hermione noted as they went in that much of the furniture was the same as what it had been in the other house. They must have put it in storage.

“Can I get you some tea or coffee?” Helen asked, waving them to the living room. Richard nodded and sat down as Helen went to get tea.

They all stared at each other for a few seconds. “How did you find out about Theo being your cousin?” Richard finally asked.

“I had a blood trace done at the bank, Gringotts,” she said, looking at her father to see if he remembered, and he nodded. “It showed that not only was I related to Theo –”

“But you were also related to Hector Dagwood-Granger?” Richard guessed. “He was my grandfather.”

Hermione nodded. Helen came back with a tea tray.

After they all had tea and some biscuits, Richard looked at her. “Go on with the story.”

“There isn’t much else to tell, really. I claimed the Dagwood-Granger estate and title as I was the first one in the direct line with magic,” Hermione said. “Did you ever meet Hector?”

“No. And my father was very bitter about the whole thing. He rarely talked about it, especially after it became clear that I had no magic.”

“You know, sir,” Theo said. “You probably have some magic, just not wand usable magic. You could see the Leaky Caldron when you took Hermione for her books, could you not?”

“We both could,” Helen said. “I’m not sure why we never said anything about it.” She looked at her husband, and he shrugged.

“I’m not sure either,” Richard said, looking thoughtful.

“I wonder if you were obliviated so that Hermione would not know to claim her inheritance,” Harry suggested.

“Where did you get that from?” Hermione asked. “Although that resonates with me. Who would do it? And how would they find us? I mean, most Magicals don’t know anything about the Muggle world.”

Helen looked surprised by that. So did Richard.

“This is my first time in the Muggle world,” Theo said. “I do plan to learn more about it.”

That made Helen smile. “Well, you’re welcome to come visit again. I’d like to get to know you.”

“I would very much like that,” Theo replied, looking very pleased with it.

After a few more minutes of silence, Richard cleared his throat. “We’ve been avoiding the elephant in the room for long enough.”

Hermione nodded, and she could see that Theo had no idea what he was talking about. “The Elephant in the Room is a metaphor for a subject that no one is willing to discuss.”

Theo nodded.

“Why didn’t you know that?” Helen asked. “It’s a common metaphor.”

“For the Muggle world,” Harry said. “The Magical world is a different place. It’s a completely different culture.”

Helen and Richard looked at each other and then at Hermione. “You never told us there was that much of a cultural difference.”

“I have only begun to realize it these last few months since the war ended. And it was partly why the war was fought in the first place,” Hermione said. And then she went on to explain what happened and why it happened. About two wars in two generations that left their society in tatters. About hoping to help rebuild and set things to right.

“Which brings us to the next elephant,” she glanced at her parents and sighed. They had been so pleased to see her, and she didn’t deserve that. “Looking back on it after the fact, I know what I did to both of you was wrong. But at the time, I was so afraid of what they would do to you if they found you, and they might have. I was so afraid that I was not thinking clearly.” She looked down and then back at them. “Truthfully, I wasn’t thinking at all.”

“We knew that it had to be something horrific,” Richard said. “That was why we left as we did.”

“Why did you come back, then?” Hermione asked. Because if they understood the danger, then they should have stayed away.

“Our tour with the Mercy ship was done, and we thought that if we settled in a different city, that whomever might be looking for us, might not find us there,” Helen said. “We didn’t think the wizards knew that much about our world.”

“That would be true,” Hermione agreed. “I’m not sure they would have found you had you stayed. But I only know that now. Then, I was terrified.”

“But you didn’t tell us anything,” Helen said. “You should have said something. Anything.”

“Would you have believed me? I didn’t have time to argue it out, I was about to go on the run with Harry and Ron.” Hermione could not have dealt with one more thing at that point.

“You’ll never know,” Richard said. “But it looks like you made it through –”

“Barely. I’ve spent the summer in therapy trying to learn to cope with what happened.” Hermione sighed.

“I know we still have a lot to talk about, but I’m so happy to see you’re alive and safe,” Helen said, standing and pulling Hermione into a hug.

Hermione sniffed a few times, relieved beyond words. “There’s so much going on now, I’m so glad you’re here.”

“We’re glad you came to see us. There was no way we could contact you in the wizarding world.”

“You could have gone to Diagon Alley, and someone would have been able to get a message to me,” Hermione said. “I, we, are kind of famous. And given that I’ve got the Dagwood-Granger title, it wouldn’t have been hard to find me.”

“I don’t think it was for us to find you,” Richard said. “We didn’t know what was going on with the war or any of that, really.”

“Truthfully, we had no idea about a lot of this, especially the Pureblood culture part. I don’t remember my mother talking about any of this,” Helen said, sitting back down. “I knew she had come from a Magical family, and that she didn’t have magic. While her family supported her through her education, she never saw any of them after she was eleven.”

“That sounds like what happened with my father,” Richard said. “Even if he had made quite a success of himself as a solicitor, he never quite got over the loss of his family.”

“In some families, they murder the children without magic,” Hermione said, thinking of what she’d heard from Sirius about the Black family. “I guess your mum and dad were lucky.”

“Are you sure you want to live there?” Richard asked. “You’re of age now, and probably well off enough to live anywhere.”

“I feel like I have an obligation to see if I can fix the problems,” Hermione said. “And Harry and Theo are going to help with that. And many of my other friends as well.”

Both Harry and Theo nodded.

*****

Nott Hall

After Seeing Her Parents

“I expected them to be angrier with me,” Hermione said. “And I wouldn’t have blamed them for that. I took all their choices away because I didn’t feel I had time to argue with them. It was mostly about how glad they were to see me, and me them.”

“I could have guessed that it wouldn’t have been contentious,” Harry said. “How glad they were to see you was the important stuff. The rest of it will need to get resolved later, but now, it was you reconnecting with them.”

“When did you get to be so smart?” Hermione said and kissed him on the cheek.

Harry smiled at her. “I know you. That had to wear off on me at least a little bit. I also know what kind of parents you needed to have to have turned out the way you did. So, I assumed they would be very forgiving and that they probably just wanted you back in their lives again.”

“Your parents are great,” Theo agreed. “I think I would rather have been raised by them than the monster who I got.”

Hermione put her hand on his arm. “They were good parents. Do you think they were charmed, not to mention their magical connection?”

“I have no idea,” Theo said. “But what if they were. And maybe other parents were as well. It would make sense.”

“It would,” Harry agreed. “But how would we find out. I’m sure there was no official action on that.”

“No. I’m sure there wasn’t anything traceable,” Hermione agreed. “It would have been a backroom kind of thing. There would be no paper trail.”

“There would be no way to know for sure,” Theo said. “We could speak to some of the other Muggleborns. Maybe encourage them to get a blood trace done.”

“That’s on my list of things to do,” Hermione said. “I wonder if we should talk to Professor McGonagall about maybe making an announcement about it. Or sending a letter home with Muggleborns.”

“That’s a great idea,” Harry said.

Theo looked skeptical.

“What?” Hermione asked.

“I think it is a very good idea. But I believe there would be pushback from that.”

“Probably,” Harry agreed. “But we should at least suggest it, anyway.”

Hermione agreed with that.

*****

Nott Hall

Later That Week

“Tell me again why I have to go to Hogwarts today,” Harry asked, as he glanced first at Theo and then Hermione. He had a lot to do today, and this was going to take time.

“All of the eighth years are being asked to come up to the school today,” Theo said with a shrug. “I think Professor McGonagall is going to lay down the law, as it were.”

“That might not be a bad thing,” Hermione said. She seemed to be looking forward to going back to school. “We might also be able to ask about certain things.”

“Like what?” Harry asked. Not that Hermione didn’t always have questions about everything.

“I’d heard we are going to be able to leave school at least for the weekend. And possibly during the week. I would like that,” Hermione said. “I’d like to visit the Dagwood-Granger Manor and my parents.”

“I would like to visit them with you again as well,” Theo agreed. “Plus, I have a lot to do.”

“How are we supposed to get our schoolwork done?” Harry asked. “I could barely get it done when I was here full time.”

“You’re not sixteen anymore. And you’re not going to be wasting half your time on other things,” Hermione said, sounding so like her old self that Harry smiled.

“I guess you’re right about that,” he agreed.

The floo sounded, and Harry, Theo, and Hermione tensed.

“It’s just me,” Draco called as he came into the breakfast room. “I thought we might all go up together.”

Harry relaxed. He should do something about that. Unexpected floos and noises were still stress-inducing. Maybe they would fade in time.

“Good idea,” Hermione said. “The floo should be open, too.”

“That always makes it easier,” Draco said.

Easier for who, Harry wondered. “For those of you who don’t end up on their arse anytime they try to floo –”

“I shall pick you up and dust you off.” Theo laughed and knocked his shoulder into Harry’s.

That kind of thing always gave Harry a warm feeling. It was so nice to have someone care like that. “I’ll hold you to that,” Harry said, smiling back at him.

“You two are so sickeningly sweet,” Draco complained, scrunching up his face at them.

“I think it’s very sweet,” Hermione said.

Harry laughed at them and took Theo’s hand. “We should go.”

*****

Hogwarts

A Few Minutes Later

Draco, Hermione, Harry, and Theo came through the floo, and as promised, Theo helped Harry to his feet and waved a wand over him to brush the dust off his robes. They really were too cute. But she was so glad for Harry. This was probably what he needed more than anything else. Someone who loved him, and the promise of a family of his own.

They were directed to the Great Hall by Professor Sinastra. All totaled, there were about twenty-five or so eighth years, and they took seats at a long table across the front of the room, directly below the teacher’s table. The four house tables had been pushed back, and the room looked as if it had been expanded in some way.

After everyone had greeted each other, Professor McGonagall came in with Professor Flitwick. “Good morning, everyone. Thank you for coming out here this morning.”

Surprisingly, McGonagall took a seat at the head of the table, rather than stepping up to the teacher’s table, which was slightly raised. “There’s a lot to go over, so if you would all please hold your questions until I have gone over everything.” She glanced at Hermione.

Well, it wasn’t as if McGonagall didn’t know her. Hermione nodded. “Of course.”

“First, and most importantly, I am going to expect all of you to act in a proper manner. I will expel any one of you for fighting, hexing, or in any way bullying the other students. This is not optional or negotiable.”

“What if someone else attacks us first?” Zacharias Smith asked.

For a Hufflepuff, he was really belligerent, Hermione thought.

“You are older and presumably wiser than they are. Negotiate or put them in a binding spell and take them to a teacher or administrator. Do not engage with them on their level.”

Smith’s face was red. “That might not work, if someone is –”

“Make it work, Mr. Smith,” McGonagall said sternly. “Or I will expel you. Make no mistake here, there will be no escalation of violence. I will be giving this information to all returning students, but you who have fought in the war need to understand that the war is now over.”

Hermione wondered how that was going to work out, especially with someone who was leaning towards violence themselves. Smith had lost both his parents and his brother. He was likely going to be looking for trouble with any Slytherin he could find, whether or not they were involved.

“The next thing I want to tell you about is that there is help for those of you who are struggling with what happened in the war.”

“What kind of help?” Mandy Brocklehurst asked, sounding tired. She was a smart, quiet Ravenclaw. But right now, she looked like she hadn’t slept in a long time. Hermione knew exactly what that felt like.

“There is a Muggleborn psychologist on staff who can help with mind healing,” McGonagall said. “See me after the meeting, and I shall explain it to you, and anyone else who would like to know.”

Brocklehurst nodded.

“Moving on,” McGonagall said. “For those who have either agreed to or would like to agree to a teaching internship this year, it would be counted towards a mastery in several core subjects, such as Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Herbology, Charms, and Transfigurations.”

She paused and looked around. It seemed like several people were interested. Hermione wasn’t sure how she felt about doing it. It would be a good experience, but she hadn’t been in school in more than a year, and she really wasn’t herself yet. So, maybe she should give it a pass. Well, perhaps she should talk to McGonagall about it after the meeting.

“Who has volunteered so far?” Pansy asked. “I would be interested in Charms or Transfigurations.”

“I would also be interested in Charms,” Susan Bones said. “Can we do it together?”

“We are planning to have at least two or four sections of each of the first year core classes. Ideally, we would need at least two, if not four, intern teachers for each subject,” McGonagall agreed. “There will be more experienced teachers available for support, especially in the first few weeks.”

“I would also be interested in Transfiguration,” Millicent Bulstrode said.

Several other people volunteered for various subjects, including Harry for Defense, which should not have been surprising, but it was. Theo had already told her that he’d volunteered to teach a section of Arithmancy. And Neville asking for Herbology was not a surprise either.

Like Hermione, Mandy hadn’t volunteered for anything. And neither had Tracey Davis, Justin Finch-Fletchley, nor a few others. They all looked as tired as Hermione felt most of the time.

“Thank you all for stepping up like this,” McGonagall said. “I appreciate it. There will be several new classes this year, not the least of which is an updated Muggle Studies and a new Wizarding Traditions class. These will be required for all students. Muggle Studies for Wizarding Raised students, and Wizarding Traditions for Muggleborn and raised students.”

“Does that include us?” Parvati Patil asked, glancing at her sister, who nodded.

“It includes everyone,” McGonagall said very firmly. “We need to understand each other better than we do. And these classes will be the start of that.” She paused and waited for someone to argue with her, but apparently no one was going to do that. “So, one of the other changes is that the eighth years students are not tied to the school. I understand that many of you have family obligations and other responsibilities. You may floo home for weekends, and if you have need to, during the week, though I would ask you to keep that to a minimum and that you not go before 6:00 pm on any given day.”

“The Wizengamot?” Theo asked.

“Will be the exception to that rule. It is not a hard and fast rule, but it will minimize distractions for the other students, who will be allowed to leave school one weekend a month on weekends that will be decided on by the staff before school starts.”

She looked at them. “Questions?”

“How did you even get this through the school board?” Hermione asked.

McGonagall smirked a little. “The board has been entirely replaced. After the N.E.W.T.S. and O.W.L.S. scores from the previous year were published, Hogwarts was dead last. They did not come close to the next lowest school in magical Europe. And those schools were not as good as the scores from schools in Japan and the Americas. In fact, Hogwarts ranked dead last in the world. And it charges the most of any school in the world. Even the ministry could not hope to argue with my proposals to change the way we teach, starting with this year.”

“I’ve heard some rumors of big staffing changes?” Pansy asked.

“Well, with the new classes we needed more teachers, and we are going to have a large influx of first and second year students,” McGonagall said. “Many more Muggleborns who did not come here last year for obvious reasons.”

There were a few more procedural issues, and Hermione tuned them out. Finally, it was done. “I’m going to talk to Professor McGonagall about the internship and a few other things. I can floo back on my own,” Hermione said as she stood.

“We’ll wait for you,” Theo said. Harry and Ron, who were standing with him, nodded.

*****

McGonagall’s Office

After The Meeting

There was a line of people waiting at the bottom of the stairs up to McGonagall’s office. As she approached, Mandy Brocklehurst turned to look at her and nodded her head. “How are you, Lord Dagwood-Granger?”

“You can still call me Hermione,” she said. “I am doing well, thank you. How are you doing?”

“Thank you,” Mandy said. “And I am probably not doing as well as you.”

“It does look like you haven’t been sleeping well,” Hermione said. “I think the information that Professor McGonagall is going to give you will help. It helped me a lot this summer.”

“Really?” Mandy looked surprised. “I do not have any idea what psychology is, or what this Muggleborn…healer?” she paused. “What does he do?”

“He helps you to understand what your nightmares are about, and how you’re reacting to them. It isn’t always easy to talk about, but it does work. I hadn’t slept in weeks, months, and it took a while, but I’m sleeping through the night more often than not, these days.”

“I would try anything,” Mandy said. “I mean that. Will he see me?”

“I’m sure that Professor McGonagall can arrange it. And he has several other people on his staff who can help. I know Professor McGonagall saw one of the other people on his staff.”

“Why not him? What is his name?” Mandy asked.

“Dr. Douglas Cameron,” Hermione said. “And I believe that Dr. Cameron is a close relation to Professor McGonagall.”

“I thought she was a Pureblood?” Morag MacDougal, who had obviously been listening, said.

“Apparently not,” Hermione said, and saw Justin Finch-Fletchley coming down the stairs. “It’s your turn, Mandy,” he said.

*****

Nott Hall

Later that afternoon

Theo held out his hand to Harry to help him stand and laughed. “Maybe we should practice this.”

“Maybe we should,” Harry agreed, taking his hand and standing. He gave Theo a quick kiss.

“Thank you again for waiting for me,” Hermione said as she exited the floo. “It was longer than I thought it would be.”

Ron followed her out. Neither of them faltered as they exited.

“Let’s sit in the great room,” Theo suggested. He thought they all needed to talk about things.

They moved into the room. He and Harry sat next to each other on the sofa.

“What took so long with McGonagall?” Ron asked after he sat in one of the chairs beside the sofa.

“There were a number of people waiting to see her. Between Dr. Cameron and the internships, it took a while to get through all of that,” Hermione said as she took a seat in the chair by the fire. “There were still a lot of people in line to see her when I got back downstairs from her office after I was done.”

“I wonder if she was expecting that much of a response,” Theo said.

“I’m sure she must have had some clue since most of the people looked like they were as tired as I felt in June,” Hermione said. “I think Dr. Cameron’s whole staff was on call for today.”

“I suspect you’re right,” Theo said. “Two or three people asked me about Dr. Cameron on their way out after the meeting.”

“Is that what that was about?” Harry asked. “You did not seem to be talking about Dr. Cameron. In fact, I wasn’t sure what you were talking about.”

“Sorry,” Theo said. “I could not tell you anything then, even though I knew you were curious about it. But yes, they all were inquiring about what I knew about it.”

Harry nodded and looked at Hermione. “So, are you doing the internship?”

“No. I have enough going on without adding that to it as well,” she said. “They don’t need me specifically to teach anything. And really, I haven’t been in a classroom in more than a year. I’m going to have enough trouble staying where I want to be academically.”

While what she said seemed sensible to Theo, a glance at Harry and then Ron showed that both of them looked surprised by it.

“Are you sure?” Harry asked. “I mean –”

“Yes. Very sure. I can see that you and Ron are worried about it, but don’t be,” Hermione said. “I have thought about this, and I don’t want to overstress myself –”

“What about your N.E.W.T.S.?” Ron asked. “Won’t you be stressed with studying for that?”

“Sure, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of my life,” Hermione said. “I’m going to be doing some other things as well. Professor McGonagall asked me to join her coven as an initiate. And I’m going to do that. I found the whole experience with ritual magic to be very uplifting and meaningful.”

“Wow,” Ron said, sounding perhaps a little surprised. “That’s a big honor to be asked.”

Theo nodded. “Usually, if a coven or conclave is looking for members, they ask people to apply so they have the right mix of people for their purposes.”

“Oh,” Hermione said, her eyes widening a little. “I didn’t realize that. Well, I’m glad I said yes, then. It would be an insult to turn them down.”

“It would,” Theo confirmed, but quickly added, “I doubt Professor McGonagall would have taken offense, since she knows you’re Muggleborn.”

Harry tipped his head to the side. “There’s more, isn’t there?”

“You know me too well,” Hermione said. “I’ve spoken with Percy, and he and I are going to work together to see what legislation needs updating or repealing. And then work on drafting laws and policy that will move us forward.”

“Don’t you need a degree in law or something to do that?” Harry asked.

“Not necessarily. While most of the Wizengamot don’t have law degrees per se, they have an understanding of the law from reading it and from working with their parents,” Theo said. “But most of us aren’t going to have that kind of apprenticeship.”

“Which is why we need to be very careful about what we do, and how we do it,” Hermione said. “We don’t want to make things worse. Percy is going to be very helpful with all of that.”

“I’m sure he will be,” Ron agreed. “He’s really good at all the little details.”

Before anyone else could say anything, Jobaba popped in with a tray of tea and sandwiches. “You should eat something, Lord Nott,” he said and glanced at the rest of them. “All of you,”

*****

As it always was, the food was delicious, and Harry hadn’t realized just how hungry he was, but it was mid-afternoon, and he hadn’t eaten since breakfast. By the look of the rest of them, none of them thought about food either.

“Do you know what you want to do yet?” Harry asked, looking at Ron and putting the last bite of his sandwich into his mouth.

Ron shook his head. “I’m going to spend this year figuring that out. If I do well enough on my N.E.W.T.S., I’ll be able to pick what I want to do. What about you, Harry?”

“I have all of the estate stuff to work on, but truthfully, I’m ready to turn some of that back over to the Goblins. I find it dreadfully boring,” Harry said with a huff. “I have no idea beyond that what I might want to do for a living.”

“You do know you do not have to do anything besides the Wizengamot and the estate,” Theo pointed out.

“Yeah, I actually do have to do something,” Harry said. “Like Dean said a while ago, I am not suited to being a man of leisure. I don’t guess you are either.”

Theo shook his head. He suspected that too much leisure time was what was wrong with so many of those in pureblood society. “I guess I haven’t mentioned it to anyone but Draco, but I plan to become a mind healer like Dr. Cameron and study in the Muggle world for a certification in psychology.”

“Wow, that’s great,” Hermione said, putting a hand on his arm. “I’m sure you’ll do very well with that.”

“I think it’s needed here, mate,” Ron agreed. “I would love to get my parents in to see Dr. Cameron about everything.”

“They won’t go?” Hermione guessed.

Ron let out a breath and shook his head. “No. Both of them think they can work it out on their own.”

“Most magicals think that until they simply cannot anymore,” Theo said and sighed. “And then, it’s too late.”

They were quiet for a moment, and then Ron cleared his throat. “I’ve been wanting to talk to you both about something, and I think you know what it is.”

“Should I leave?” Theo asked and glanced at Harry, who shrugged because he was just as happy to have Theo here for the discussion.

He was pretty sure that Ron was going to talk about what had happened when they were on the run, and Harry supposed it was time for them to talk about it. Maybe get it resolved once and for all.

“No. It’s your house, and you’re family to both of them. And that means, you’ll be family to me soon, too.” Ron looked a little worried when he’d said that, like Theo might not agree.

But Theo nodded and smiled at him. “That is true. But if you wish –”

Ron shook his head. “I’m sure you know what I’m talking about already?”

Theo nodded and glanced at Harry. “I can make a guess.”

“First, let me say that I’m sorry,” Ron began, and then held up a hand when Hermione would have said something. “No, wait. I know that what I did was childish in the extreme. And I know that I left you two alone when I should have been there. While I know there isn’t a defense for it, I am going to say I was literally at the end of what I could cope with in that moment. As soon as I left, I knew it was the wrong decision, and there wasn’t anything I could do. And eventually, I did get back to you both.”

“I think we know that,” Harry said. “We were all in bad shape. The horcrux, being hungry and cold and scared all the time, takes a toll on you.”

“It does,” Ron agreed. “But as someone who had never had to do anything like that before, I didn’t realize just how sheltered or protected I was until it was all taken away.” Ron sighed. “I’m just sorry. I can’t change it, but I hope that in time you both can forgive me. And maybe at some point later on, I might forgive myself.”

“Well, if I haven’t said it before,” Hermione started and then cleared her throat. “I’ve forgiven you completely already. We were in a horrible situation that was not of our own making. You weren’t ready for that. None of us were.”

“Yeah, except you both stuck with it –”

“We had nowhere else to go,” Harry said. “If I’d had a family to go to, I would have been more than tempted. I forgive you, too. We all need to move on from this, all of it. I just want to go on with my life now, and my family.” He smiled at Theo, and he smiled back at Harry. That just warmed that cold place inside him a little more.

Theo reached over and took Harry’s hand and kissed it. “Me, too.”

Ron turned to Hermione. “Are they always like this?”

“Yes,” she said. “And sometimes it’s worse.”

Ron grimaced, but Harry could tell that he was pleased with the outcome of the conversation as well as the fact that Harry was happy with Theo.

*****

Chapter 17

Epilogue

The End of Summer Party

Malfoy Manor

Narcissa stood back for a moment. Everything was progressing nicely. She had made sure the arrangements were all taken care of beforehand so that she would be able to enjoy the party.

In the days leading up to the party, the Malfoy elves were at a fever pitch and seemingly enjoying taking care of all the myriad of details. Now, they were enjoying having so many happy people around, giving off a surplus of ambient magic. Tomorrow morning, there would be a big boost in their hobby fund. After everything was cleaned up, they would be given an extra day off this week to relax and enjoy whatever they wanted.

She glanced across the room. Everyone who had been invited to the party had accepted, not that she thought anyone would decline. With school starting on Tuesday, there were very few people out of town.

Groups of people gathered around the ballroom, talking softly. The music was not loud enough to impede conversation. The groups included many of Draco’s fellow Wizengamot members, as well as the Eighth-year students, all of whom had been invited. She watched Theo and Harry move between the groups, already working the room.

“Lovely party,” Rose Parkinson said, coming to stand beside her. “Quite the feather in your cap.”

Narcissa nodded. “I am pleased with the results. I think we are finally on our way to a better society.”

“Well, as you’ve said, it had to happen. We were stagnated,” Rose agreed. “Pansy has some excellent ideas for the future. And it looks as if she might have a chance to implement them.”

“I see she is talking to Ronald Weasley again,” Narcissa said, not asking what was going on there.

“I have seen that, too. And while I would say what you are thinking is not going to happen, I am actually not sure of that.” Rose sounded quite puzzled by the very idea.

“That was something I did not see coming,” Narcissa said, blinking. A Weasley? The sixth son of Arthur Weasley? “That would not be an advantageous marriage for her.”

“No. It would not, even with him being a war hero. Though rumor has it that he is looking to better himself and find his way.”

“Perhaps he just needed to grow up,” Narcissa suggested. “Still…”

“I have no say in what she does anymore,” Rose said with a sigh. “Not that I ever did. If things had been different, I would not have been surprised if she had broken entirely with our family to be independent. She was never going to do what her father wanted her to do, not unless she wanted it, too. I think he knew that and was planning something awful to teach her a lesson. It would not have ended well for Thomas.”

“She would not have responded at all well to that kind of thing,” Narcissa agreed with that. “She has always been her own person.”

As she watched, Ronald bowed to Pansy and held out his hand, clearly asking her to dance. She looked at him for one second and then smiled, taking his hand. Well, at least, he could dance. Narcissa intended to keep an eye on that situation.

*****

At the height of the party, Theo waited at the front of the ballroom to announce his intention to court Harry. At his nod, Draco appeared at Harry’s side and bowed slightly. “Please accept this gift from Lord Theodore Nott as a token of his esteem.” His voice was strong, and it carried across the room. Everyone stopped to listen.

Harry bowed as well. “I will do so, thank you so much,” he said, taking the small, nicely wrapped gift. Hermione had told him that to open it now, in front of everyone, would be to accept the courtship, and of course, Harry did that. It was a beautiful green and gold tie pin. Harry could only assume it was an heirloom and probably priceless. He took off the tie pin he was wearing and put the one that Theo had given him on instead. He smiled at Theo. Who smiled back, bowing slightly.

Before Theo left the front of the room, Ron sidled up to him and cleared his throat, bowing. “Please accept this gift from Lord Harry Potter-Black as a token of his acceptance of your courtship.”

“Thank you,” Theo murmured, looking pretty surprised by that. But he took the gift and also opened it. It was a set of green and black cufflinks that Hermione helped him find in the Potter Vault. She had said they would be appropriate. Like Harry, he took off the cufflinks he was wearing and put the new ones on.

Harry made his way across the room and held out his hand to Theo. “I think you owe me a dance, Lord Nott.”

“I do indeed, Lord Potter-Black,” Theo said, taking his hand. And if they leaned in and kissed quickly, Harry was sure that no one was going to mind. When he pulled back and glanced around, the few people who had noticed were smiling at them indulgently. That made Harry feel good.

*****

Later That Evening

Percy approached the group that Harry was talking to and bowed slightly. “Lord Potter-Black, a word if I may,” he said. “I have made some progress with the mail ward we talked about some months ago.”

“Thank you,” Harry said. “Is it fixed?”

“Yes, Headmistress McGonagall and I found it and canceled it. But there is a room at Hogwarts with literally seventeen years’ worth of your mail. Since your parents were killed, and you went to your aunt’s house.”

“What do I do with that?” Harry asked because he could not imagine that at all.

“I think you need someone to go through it. And maybe answer some of it. Or send out a note or some kind of form letter to let people know that you did not know about it, not that you were ignoring them.”

Harry felt lost.

But Theo said, “You could have some of the elves do it.”

“The Black family only has one elf, and he’s an old guy. I think he has been feeling better about the world, but that seems like it might be a burden for him.”

Hermione joined them. “I have a lot of elves who are healthy and looking for something to do other than their many and varied hobbies and the tiny bit of work I generate for them. I could see if any one of them wanted to go through the mail.”

“Hermione to my rescue again,” Harry said warmly, smiling at her. “I would be very grateful for any help.”

“Stanton,” she called.

There was a soft pop, and Stanton was standing there. “What can I do for you, Lord Dagwood-Granger?”

“Do we have anyone who might be interested in doing a large project dealing with mail from Lord Potter-Black’s mail ward of something like seventeen years?”

“I would be very appreciative and would be willing to make a big donation to the hobby fund for whoever wanted to help me out,” Harry suggested.

“I’m sure there is someone who would enjoy it. If not, I would do it. I like sorting and filing things. But a donation is not necessary. Lord Dagwood-Granger has been very generous, replenishing our magics and our funds.” He turned to Hermione. “I will let you know tomorrow after I talk to all the rest of the elves.”

“Thank you, Stanton,” Hermione said. And he popped away. “Well, that’s sorted.”

“If only we could handle everything so easily,” Theo said, looking across the room at Kingsley Shacklebolt, and sighed.

“I know. But one thing at a time, Theo,” Hermione said.

Harry could only agree with that.

*****

As if speaking of him could conjure him, Kingsley appeared at their side a few seconds later. “If I may, I would like to speak to all of you.”

Hermione straightened up. “Of course, Minister.”

“Firstly, I would like to apologize for my previous behavior. I realize now that I was not seeing the reality of our situation. That may have been wishful thinking on my part, or just plain ignorance. Whatever it was, I am sorry to have treated you that way,” Kingsley finished. His tone was sincere, but his eyes looked like he was lying.

“Of course,” Hermione said. “I’m going to assume you will not be fighting us on the changes we’re going to make.”

“I would need to know the changes before I agree to anything,” Kingsley countered. “But anything that will help our society heal and grow would be welcomed by me and the rest of the ministry.”

“Thank you,” Harry said, in the same uninflected tone that Hermione had used. “I appreciate your telling us this. And we will let you know before the next session what is on our agenda.”

“Will you be able to leave school for it?” Kingsley asked.

“Yes. Headmistress McGonagall is going to make allowances for the eighth-year students. Many of us are heads of houses and have other obligations,” Theo said.

Kingsley turned towards Theo. “I also wanted to apologize for my behavior at your home. I was wrong to speak to you as I did. You are correct, there was never a hint of your being a Death Eater anywhere. I’m sorry to have accused you unjustly.”

“In the future, please consider your words carefully. I am a forgiving man, but I will not be insulted in my own home,” Theo said, his voice cool.

Kingsley nodded his head. “Of course. I will see myself out now. Please let Lady Malfoy know that her party was enjoyable, as it always is. Congratulations on your courtship, both of you. I wish you nothing but joy in each other.”

With that, he bowed slightly, turning on his heel and leaving the room.

Theo let out a long, slow breath. “I suspect that went as well as it could, given all the circumstances.”

“Probably,” Harry said, taking Theo’s hand. “We’re allowed to do this now, right?”

“Of course, my darling,” Theo said, smiling at him. “You get all the liberties.”

“I did not need to hear that,” Draco said, joining them.

“It could hardly be a secret from you,” Hermione pointed out. “You delivered the courtship gift.”

“I was surprised you weren’t with Weasley,” Draco said.

“I’ll do the next one. Only one of us could do it, since Theo was only sending you.”

“I could ask Pansy and Draco next time,” Theo suggested. “Then both of you could do it.”

“Speaking of,” Harry nodded towards the dance floor where Ron and Pansy were dancing. “That’s like the fourth time they’ve danced tonight.”

Hermione huffed out a breath. “I am rather surprised by this.”

“As my mother said to me, I did not see this coming at all. Pansy never said a word to me.” Draco sounded a little put out by not knowing, too. “She could have said something to me.”

“Ron has to know what dancing with her that many times in so short a time means. I mean, even I know what it means,” Harry said and chuckled.

“Speaking of dancing,” Draco said, looking back at Hermione. “You haven’t danced all night.”

“I haven’t felt like it before now,” Hermione said, hoping he’d get the hint.

Draco bowed and held out his hand. “Would you do me the great honor of dancing with me?”

She curtsied and took his hand. “I would be pleased to do so.” He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it. Hermione tried not to shiver. Did he have to be so damned charming? Or so graceful. He danced as well as she remembered, and it was like they were floating around the dance floor. But she didn’t have the energy to be with this many people, and after the dance, he seemed to understand that as he led her out of the French doors into the lit garden.

“I thought you might like a breath of air,” Draco said.

“Thank you. I would. I still don’t like that many people all crammed together,” Hermione said. They walked for a few minutes. “I was a little hesitant about coming here, but this place bears no resemblance to my memories.”

“Theo said that he thought you might want to come over before the ball tonight,” Draco said with a question in his voice.

“I did think about owling you about that,” Hermione said, and then looked at him. “He told me you had redecorated. I decided that it would probably be okay without me bothering your mother about it.”

“It would not have been a bother at all,” Draco said. “I know she would not have minded.”

“But it wasn’t necessary after all.” She glanced around. “I was shocked you could do this to a house without tearing it down and then putting something new back in its place.”

“My mother and I gutted the entire first and second floors and created what you see now. There is literally nothing left of the old manor.” It sounded like relief in Draco’s tone.

Hermione could understand that. “It is so lovely. Light and bright. I love all the soft colors. I bet the gardens are beautiful during the day.”

“I would be happy to show them to you. Would you like to come to brunch tomorrow?” Draco smiled. “I am going to assume you are packed and ready to go for Tuesday. It is nice that we can just floo. I will likely come to Theo’s, and we can all go up together.”

“I would not have enjoyed the train ride up to Hogwarts. Not that I ever liked having to spend eight hours on a train.” Hermione breathed out sharply. Too many people, too much chaos. “I can’t imagine doing it now.”

“I know. But it was traditional. Now only the first through fifth years are required to take the train up and back for school.”

“One more change that I heartily approve of,” Hermione said. “Speaking of changes, I had heard there were white peacocks here, but I have not seen any.”

“They are all gone,” Draco said, his tone was something she couldn’t identify.

“They were something from the past, something my grandfather enjoyed having here. The birds themselves were mean, vicious creatures, who would bite anyone who got near them. After he passed, we just did not buy any more of them. And there were only a few left when Voldemort took up residence here. He let Nagini eat the rest of them. Merlin, I hope they gave her indigestion.”

There was nothing she could say to that. “I’m sorry,” she said, putting a hand on his arm. “I can’t imagine what living with him was like for you or your mum.”

“It was not pleasant at all. But that is in the past,” Draco said in a tone that didn’t invite questions.

“I hope you talked to Dr. Cameron about that,” she said.

“Amongst many other things,” Draco said, and stepped a half step closer, giving her time and space to step back.

Surprisingly, she didn’t want to step back. So, she tipped her head up, and he kissed her, softly, just a sweet press of his lips on hers, and then he pulled back. She put a hand into his hair, and it was as soft and fine as it looked.

He took the hint, and his arms tightened around her, and his kiss was firmer, and there was just the slightest hint of fire carefully banked behind it. Hermione sighed into it. Did it have to feel like this? But she already knew the answer. Had known for some time this was going to happen. Just maybe not right this second.

After another moment or two, he stepped back. “Not here, and not now.”

Hermione could only agree. “Maybe by Yule.”

“That would be wonderful,” Draco smiled, and it lit his face. “But truly, there is no rush.”

“Thank you,” Hermione said. “I’m relieved to hear you say that.”

“I want you to be comfortable, and well, I do not want to rush. I want to savor each moment along the way,” Draco assured her.

And that made her smile. She leaned forward and kissed him again, quickly. “I think we should go back inside, now.”

Draco nodded, holding out his hand.

“Yes. Your mother isn’t going to be surprised at all, is she?” she asked, taking it.

“Not at all,” Draco said. “She knows everything. Like any mother should.”

Hermione laughed. That was probably very true.

*****

It was late when Hermione, Harry, and Theo floo’d back to Nott Hall.

“I’m so tired,” Hermione said as she went towards the stairs. “And tomorrow is going to be a busy day getting everything ready for school.”

“You’re not packed with six lists of things to check off before we floo to Hogwarts on Tuesday morning?” Harry joked, and she gave him a look.

“Possibly,” she admitted. “But…” She shrugged and started up the stairs. “Good night.”

Harry turned to Theo. “Do you want to go up now, too?”

“Yes. I think we should. I am quite tired too,” Theo said. “This was a lot of work. And there is a lot to discuss, but maybe it will wait until morning.”

“What?” Harry took his hand as they went up the stairs, and into Theo’s bedroom. “Is something bothering you?”

“Many things, but nothing is pressing,” Theo took off his jacket and put it over a chair. He started to undo the buttons on his shirt.

Harry took off his jacket as well. He wasn’t all that fond of the layers of Wizarding clothes to peel off when he wanted to get into bed. But it was fun to peel them off Theo. “Do you need some help with that?”

Theo smiled. “Always.” And took a step towards him.

Harry met him there and reached out to finish undoing the buttons on Theo’s shirt. He eased the shirt off his shoulders and then lifted the undershirt over his head, finally running his hands down Theo’s chest.

Theo moaned softly, leaning into his hands. “I love the feel of your hands on me.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Harry said. “I like the feel of your hands on me, too. And maybe you should do something about that.”

“Maybe I should,” Theo said, smiling. “What would you like?”

“Anything you want to do,” Harry said. “I mean –”

“I know what you mean,” Theo was quick to assure him. “I am not ready for that either. But I will be at some point. At least, I think I will.”

“I will be too,” Harry promised. He thought about what it might feel like to have Theo inside him, or to be inside Theo, but that was a big step for them. “I think we need more practice…”

Theo nodded wisely. “Practice is essential, as is research. I have some relevant manuals, and there are some steps we could take along the way.”

“Trust you to research it,” Harry said, smiling at him. “What would be your plan?”

“Maybe starting with a finger.”

“You or me?”

“Maybe both,” Theo suggested, his voice thick with desire. “I can demonstrate in a minute or two.”

“I would like that,” Harry said, his heartbeat picking up.

After the demonstration and a brief lesson, they lay together, sated, holding each other, almost asleep.

“In case you didn’t notice, I liked that a lot, and I’m looking forward to further developing my skills,” Harry murmured, so content with the world, so happy with the way things had turned out. There was so much more to come, so many more things he and Theo would do together. And Theo was kind, and amazing, and his. He liked that part the best.

–finis

5/18/2025 – 5/5/2026

 

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