Authors' note: Thanks to those of you who have read and reviewed. This chapter sees the Weasley boys graduate from Hogwarts and a couple of twists and turns that you might not have expected from the Malfoys. We hope you guys enjoy the chapter!
Chapter Ten
A couple of days later, Lucius came back from meeting with one of his contacts expecting to find an empty house. Narcissa would no doubt have her daughter-in-law out and about trying to make her over. He was planning on going upstairs and writing a few letters when he heard the sound of someone humming a tune of some sort.
Ginny felt particularly good that day- she'd been able to dodge spending the afternoon with Narcissa, who had gone out shopping by herself for a change, and had taken a long, luxurious bubble bath, soaking for at least an hour before getting out. She was now seated at her vanity in a towel, combing out her long red hair.
Lucius walked past his son's bedroom door and was surprised to find the door slightly ajar. Curiosity got the better of him and he looked inside the room to see his daughter-in-law clad in only a towel and softly singing a song as she combed her hair.
Ginny wasn't sure what she wanted to do with the rest of her day- she toyed with the idea of visiting her husband at work. She kept humming as she got up, using her wand to dry her hair and then let her towel drop as she headed for her drawers to grab some knickers.
Lucius stood transfixed at the sight of her. Her attitude left something to be desired, but there was no denying she was a beautiful witch.
She took her time picking out a set of knickers to wear- finally deciding on a pair of silky black ones and a bra to match.
Lucius licked his lips as he watched her, wondering if she knew that she had an audience.
Still clad only in her knickers, Ginny stood in front of the mirror, admiring herself.
He was contemplating whether or not he should step inside the room and get to know his daughter-in-law better. He'd never properly welcomed her to the family.
After a few more minutes, Ginny disappeared into her closet to find her nicest set of robes. "There we are," she purred in satisfaction.
Marisol was just finishing tidying up the upstairs bedrooms when she saw the elder Malfoy standing just outside Ginny's door.
She almost said something to him but decided to hold her tongue- she could never decide who was worse, the elder or the younger Malfoy.
Lucius saw Ginny grab her bag and he quickly backtracked so she'd think he'd just come upstairs. When she walked out of the bedroom, Lucius leered at her. "Hello, Ginevra."
"Mr. Malfoy," she said coolly, brushing a strand of hair out of her eyes.
"Come now," he laughed. "We're family after all. You can call me Lucius."
"Perhaps," she said, her eyes darting away down the hall.
"It seems as if we're the only ones here," Lucius said stepping in front of her.
"I suppose," Ginny replied in a bored tone. She may have been intimidated by her father in law but she didn't have to show it.
"Would you like to grab a bite to eat?" Lucius asked looking admiringly at her. "We could get to know each other."
"I'm meeting Draco for lunch," Ginny lied. "I'm already running late." she moved past him but he caught her arm.
"I'm sure he wouldn't mind," Lucius whispered huskily. "You and I getting...closer."
Ginny was alarmed. "I really need to go," she said, pulling her arm way. "I'm sure your wife would like having lunch with you."
"Perhaps," Lucius said leering at her again.
Ginny gave him a dirty look and hurried away, feeling uncomfortable under his scrutinizing gaze.
Lucius watched her walk away and thought for the first time that perhaps his son wasn't so foolish after all.
*** *** ***
The next few days, no one saw that much of Hermione. She was gone before Harry and the kids awoke and she arrived long after the children had gone to sleep. She hated missing out on so much, but at the moment, she felt she needed to concentrate on righting what was wrong at the Ministry.
Just when she and Harry thought everything was going fine, more negative articles started appearing in the paper. The most damaging came out this morning with a full-page spread about Gordon Devereaux. The Daily Prophet reporter had portrayed Hermione as a vixen who had toyed with Gordon's emotions and had ultimately drove him insane.
At the moment, she was busily signing some papers and didn't hear someone knocking on the door.
"Madame Minister?" Lavender asked, knocking on the door.
"Hey Lav," Hermione gave her cousin a tired smile. "Come on in."
"You do recognise me then?" Lavender asked. "Because it's been a long time since I saw you..."
"I know," Hermione finished signing her papers. "And I feel just awful being so busy when you've come for a visit but--"
"You have to do damage control," Lavender finished for her. "You know that's what your husband told you son this morning over breakfast."
Hermione's face fell. "Ethan's upset that I'm not home isn't he," she sighed and rubbed her eyes.
Lavender nodded. "And Harry had to field questions from Ethan about who this Gordon Devereaux person was..."
"Oh no," Hermione moaned. "I've just about had it with all this."
"Hermione," Lavender said sitting down. "You're running yourself ragged." Hermione opened her mouth to protest, but Lavender held up her hand. "Hermione, I'm your cousin and I love you, but you are. You're trying to burn your candle at both ends and it's not working in either your personal or your professional life."
"I just don't know what to do," Hermione confessed. "I can't please everyone! There's no way I can take more time off but my family doesn't understand!"
"They do understand," Lavender told her. "They just miss you, Hermione. Technically, you should still be on maternity leave. If it hadn't been for those bloody articles, you would be."
"I know," Hermione said. "I miss being with my children so much."
"And what do those reporters know anyway?" Lavender scoffed. "They have no idea how hard you work! They're nothing but vultures, Hermione. Heartless, vultures."
"I know and the public seems to believe them." Hermione retrieved that day's Prophet from her desk drawer. "Take a look at this one Lav."
"I've already seen it," Lavender said, handing it back to her. The article in question was some random interviews with witches and wizards who called into question Hermione's fitness for the office and her ability to separate her personal from her professional life. "You want to know something funny?"
"What's that?" Hermione asked, tossing the paper in the rubbish bin.
"I never pictured you having a husband and children," Lavender said point-blank. "When we were kids, I mean. My dream growing up was meeting this handsome prince and living happily ever after. But, you----you wanted so much more than that."
"I still do," Hermione answered softly. "I want everything, that's part of my problem."
"You have everything," Lavender told her. "You've got the job you always wanted. You have a husband who adores you and three of the greatest children in the world."
Hermione nodded and Lavender looked sympathetically at her cousin.
"Oh, Hermione. Do you remember what you told me when I first started designing at Madame Malkin's?" she asked. "When I was so worried that no one would buy anything I designed? That everyone would think I was crap?"
"I remember that," Hermione nodded.
"You told me that not everyone was going to like what I did, but that I wouldn't be able to please everyone," Lavender said. "And you said that I shouldn't let that hold me back from pursuing what I really wanted."
"Did I say that?" Hermione tried to joke.
"Yes you did," Lavender said. "And it was the best advice anyone ever gave me."
Hermione sighed again. "It's just so hard Lav. I'm running so much here- yet it seems a lot of people don't believe in what I said I'd do. And I've done everything I promised to do during the campaign, yet because I'm a woman they think I'm weak, they think I HAVE to put family first." she laughed sardonically. "I do put family first. That's how it has to be."
"And you have to work twice as hard to prove everyone wrong," Lavender said, shaking her head. "It's not fair."
"You know some days I just want to throw in the towel?" Hermione asked. "Just up and say I quit, and fuck you all?"
"I know," Lavender said. "But you're not a quitter, Hermione."
"I know," Hermione said. "I just wish there were two of me sometimes."
"Ever think of using a Time Turner?" Lavender asked jokingly.
"More often than not," Hermione said with a smile.
"How about you and I go home for lunch?" Lavender asked. "Come on, don't you want to see little Saffy? She should be up about now, right?"
"You're playing dirty Lav," Hermione said, a genuine grin now on her face.
"That's why you love me," Lavender said grabbing Hermione's cloak. "Come on. It's one hour. Besides, the Minister has to eat, doesn't she? She gets a lunch break, doesn't she?"
"Of course I do," Hermione began hesitantly. "But..." she'd planned on catching up on some new contracts and just have something sent in. Yet going home and seeing her daughter was too great a temptation. "Let's go." she said decisively.
"Great," Lavender said, deliberately not telling her cousin that Harry was home as well.
"Thanks Lav," Hermione gave her cousin a hug. "You have this terribly good persuasive power about you."
"It's a gift really," Lavender said smugly. "I taught Maddie everything she knows."
"Well that certainly explains a lot," Hermione laughed as she threw a pinch of Floo powder in her fireplace.
A few moments later, she and Lavender were back home.
"Well, my work here is done," Lavender said making for the stairs. "You'll find everything you need in the kitchen."
"What?" Hermione was confused. "Lav--"
"In there," Lavender said pointing toward the kitchen. "Go."
"Why what's in there?" Hermione asked as she followed her cousin's orders.
Harry looked up as Hermione came into the kitchen. He hadn't had much time to plan after Lavender came up with the idea. With some cooking help from Greta, he'd set up a nice lunch. He was holding Saffron whose eyes seem to light up as she saw her mother.
"Look, sweetheart," Harry said softly. "It's Mummy."
"Oh," Hermione said softly. "Harry..."
"It's not much, but it's the best I could do on short notice," Harry said grinning at her.
"This is wonderful," Hermione said with tears in her eyes as Harry passed Saffron over to her. She kissed her daughter's soft little head and hugged her.
"Your cousin actually can take the credit for this one," Harry told her.
"This really is fantastic," Hermione said. "Remind me to thank her later."
"I will," Harry said. "Little Saffy has been cooing all morning. Lav was convinced she was trying to sing something, but I had to remind her that Saffy was way too young to be doing that just yet."
Hermione laughed. "She's my smart girl," she said in a gooey voice. "My smart, beautiful girl!"
Saffron reached out for Hermione's locket and Harry laughed. "You forgot strong. She has a vies like grip."
"Right," Hermione gently pried it away before Saffron could break the chain. "I missed you guys today," she said, looking at her husband.
"We've missed you too," Harry said.
"I just hate all this," Hermione said as Harry retrieved Saffron's bottle and handed it to her. "I feel like I should be home with you guys when I'm in the office, and when I'm here I feel like I should be at work. And now with this new article saying I can't figure out how to divide my personal and private time..."
"Hermione---"
"I know I shouldn't let it get to me," Hermione said as Saffron sucked greedily on her bottle.
"I wish there was something I could do to make this easier," Harry told her.
"There really isn't anything anyone can do," Hermione said. "I just feel like there's too much I have to be in control of right now- especially with all the Malfoys here, causing trouble. It still worries me we haven't seen hide nor hair of Lucius."
"You and me both," Harry said.
"I wish Ethan and Julie were here too," Hermione said wistfully.
"They'd be here if they could," Harry said as he poured them both a glass of pumpkin juice. "Greta made some of that vegetable soup you like so much."
"That sounds lovely," Hermione said.
"I'm proud of you, Hermione," Harry said smiling across the table at her. "I really am. You're the strongest person I know."
"I could say the same for you," Hermione said, setting Saffron in her little seat so she could have lunch. "You've had more than your share of things to deal with."
"We're not talking about me," he told her. "We're talking about you. I want you to be able to talk to me about this. Let me help if I can. You're not in this by yourself."
"It's hard for me to ask for help," Hermione said, taking some soup.
"I know," he said. "It's not easy for me, either. But you and I are in this together. We're a team."
"We're a great team," Hermione said softly.
"Absolutely," Harry said winking at her.
"I just think," Hermione paused a moment. "At this point it wouldn't do much good to have Luna write a retaliation article... no one would really pay attention to it. Everyone's more eager to read the bad things than the good and I don't know what to do about it."
Harry nodded in agreement. "I think we need to concentrate our attention on the Malfoys. We know they're behind all of this, but we need to find out why. Lupin's still checking on Lucius' whereabouts, but so far he's come up empty handed."
Hermione nodded. "I just wonder... if I should pass some more on to my assistant. I know I gave him the scare of a lifetime when I went off on him for letting Lucius out but... he's more than proved himself since then. Do you think he'd mind taking on a few duties?"
"I think that's a good idea," Harry said. "And he is there to help you out."
"That way I can be home early evenings," Hermione thought aloud. "And I can take some more weekends to be at home."
"We'd certainly like that, wouldn't we, Saffy?" Harry asked his daughter.
Saffron simply stared up at her mother before her eyes started to close. "I think that makes it unanimous," Hermione said softly with a smile. "If she cried it would mean no." she joked.
Harry laughed. "And I think if she could talk, she'd tell you that she loves that idea and she hopes that her mum won't get upset if the papers have anything to say about it."
Hermione looked down at her sleeping daughter. "I just hate the thought of not being here for her, or for Ethan," she said. "Damn it, there's nothing I can do to please everyone."
"Exactly," Harry told her gently. "And you shouldn't try because you'll come up short every time, Hermione."
"I don't like people losing faith in me," Hermione said quietly.
"I know you don't," Harry said. "But no one in this house will ever do that. I hope you realise that. And the people who care about you and know what a great job you've done, they won't feel that way either."
Hermione was only half convinced, but she nodded. "I hate not knowing what their plans are mostly," she referred to the Malfoys. "That is what bothers me most."
"We'll figure it out," Harry told her, hoping that he could deliver on that promise.
"Okay," Hermione said, gently rocking Saffron back and forth.
"And I'm about to say something to you that you have to promise you won't tell your cousin," Harry said eager to talk about something else.
"What's that?" Hermione asked curiously.
Harry leaned across the table. "Having Lavender around has been...well, it's been...not so bad, really."
Hermione laughed. "Are you really my husband?" she teased.
"I know, I know," Harry said shaking his head. "I find it hard to believe myself. But she's really been great. Helping out with Ethan and Saffy...and she's handled some of the post, too."
Hermione raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Maybe you're both going soft in your old age."
"We are not!" A muffled voice said from just outside the kitchen.
"I knew she was eavesdropping!" Harry exclaimed.
"Save it, Potter," Lavender said coming into the kitchen. "I heard what you said. And you're not so bad, either."
"Well for what it's worth I think you're BOTH fantastic," Hermione said firmly.
Harry grinned. "Thanks love."
Lavender beamed at her. "I already knew that but thanks for saying it anyway."
"You're more than welcome to join us Lav," Harry said motioning for her to sit down.
"I just might," Lavender smiled down at the sleeping Saffron. "She is so sweet Hermione."
"She is," Hermione whispered. "I could hold her like this forever."
"What are the two of you going to do when she grows up?" Lavender shook her head, her blonde hair swaying.
"She's never dating for one thing," Harry replied.
"Oh Harry stop it," Hermione replied. "You were the same way with Julie and she's done just fine for herself."
"Okay," Harry said, nodding. "She can date....when she's 21."
Hermione and Lavender exchanged looks. "Sure Harry," Lavender replied.
"We might have another Frankie on our hands," Harry said looking at Saffron. "She'll probably talk me into submission."
"Cho told me that Frankie has a countdown to when she's allowed to date," Hermione smiled.
"Does she have any boys in mind?" Lavender asked.
"She probably has about six," Harry cracked.
"I had my first date when I was 13," Lavender said helping herself to some soup. "Of course, Uncle Robert had no idea."
"No but I got to hear all about it," Hermione teased.
"I thought Jean Pierre was the love of my life," Lavender remembered, a dreamy expression coming over her face.
"How many times did you find the love of your life?" Harry asked with a smartass look on his face. "Twenty? Thirty?"
Lavender glared at him. "At least I never dated someone as shallow as Isabella Marconi."
"What do you call your first husband then?" Harry shot back.
"How many times do I have to tell you that those were not real 'marriages'?" Lavender asked rolling her eyes. "They were both annulled. So technically, I have only been married once."
"If you say so," Harry replied with a smirk.
"I do say so," Lavender said smirking right back at him.
"Right," Harry snorted at her response. "I have to get back to the office."
"You know there is a bright side to all of this," Lavender said. "There was some good publicity that you both seemed to have missed."
"Like what?" Hermione asked.
Lavender couldn't hide the grin on her face as she pulled the copy of Witch Weekly from her pocket.
"Here you are," she said giggling. "Mr. Sexiest Wizard Alive."
"Bloody hell that's a great shot of me!" Harry said happily.
"You had to show that to him, didn't you?" Hermione asked laughing. "We're never going to be able to live with him now."
"Wait until I show Ron," Harry's eyes gleamed.
"He's in there too," Lavender said. "He's Number 42."
"But he's not number one." Harry laughed. "What about your better half?" he asked.
"Fifteen," Lavender said. "But I think they discriminate since he's no longer living in England."
Harry grinned at the picture and then at his wife. "Come on Hermione, what do you think about this? You're married to the sexiest wizard alive!"
"I didn't need a magazine to tell me that," she said smiling back at him. "But it is great news. Merlin knows we needed it."
"Aye," Harry said. "Now they just need an article on the sexiest Minister this country's ever seen."
Hermione laughed. "Well you do realise your Auror mates are going to have a go with you about this, right?"
"Let them say what they want," Harry said smugly. "Can I keep this Lav?"
Lavender nodded. "Sure."
"Great," Harry said, his spirits definitely brighter.
"Thank you for my lunch," Hermione said as he stood up. "I needed this more than you know."
"I'm glad you came home," Harry stroked her cheek for a moment. "And we'll see you tonight for dinner?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," she replied.
"Ethan will be so excited," Harry gave her a kiss and then pecked Lavender on the cheek. "See you lot later."
"Work it, Harry," Lavender teased.
"I will," Harry grinned as he disappeared into the sitting room to use the Floo.
"I almost didn't show that to him," Lavender admitted.
"Well at least you've made his day," Hermione laughed as she and Lavender took Saffron up to her nursery. "I see Ethan's kept up his fort."
"I'm supposed to help him build a miniature castle around the crib when he gets home from school," Lavender said.
"Goodness," Hermione replied. "That's just..." she shook her head in amusement.
"I know," Lavender said. "He's got all these great plans. You should hear him talk."
"I'll have him tell me tonight," Hermione whispered as she set her daughter in her crib.
"So are you feeling better about all this?" Lavender asked softly. "Since you spoke with Harry?"
"Yes," Hermione nodded as they left the nursery. "Well, yes and no. It doesn't solve how the public has been viewing me lately. But I don't feel guilty about leaving to spend time with my family."
"Good," Lavender said smiling at her.
"And I'm glad you talked some sense into me as well," Hermione tucked her arm into Lavender's.
"That's what I'm here for," Lavender said.
"I wish you could stay longer," Hermione's tone was slightly wistful.
"Me too," Lavender said. "I really miss you guys."
"You know, a lot of Muggle celebrities live over here now," Hermione said slyly.
"They do," Lavender agreed. "And Seamus and I have no family in the States."
"So perhaps you should convince him to relocate," Hermione gave her cousin a charming grin she'd picked up from Harry over the years.
"I've tried," Lavender said frowning. "We've had some amazing rows about it."
"Why does he want to stay over there so badly?" Hermione asked.
"He's really successful out there," Lavender said. "And he loves being a wizard, of course, but this was something he did on his own, Hermione. No magic...just him. It's hard to explain..."
"No, I can see why he loves it," Hermione mused. "It's sort of how I was like when I was campaigning for Minister. I didn't use Harry's fame or prestige to work my way up."
"You didn't," Lavender agreed.
"So it's not because of that girl he uses all the time in his films- Stormy Rain or whatever?" Hermione teased.
Lavender groaned. "Summer Rayne? No, it's not because of her. She really is shallow, Hermione. I mean, she's okay to shop with, but the girl has nothing going on upstairs."
Hermione laughed. "You never have taken to her have you?"
"Not at all," Lavender said. "But could you ever see you and Isabella being friends?"
"No," Hermione made a face.
"Which is how I feel about Summer," Lavender said.
"I see your point," Hermione said. "Well I should probably get back to the office as well. Thanks for today Lav. I appreciate it."
"You're welcome," Lavender said giving her a hug. "You deserved the break."
"I'll see you tonight for dinner then," Hermione said. "Maybe we can both help Ethan with his castle."
"I'm going to hold you to that," Lavender said smiling at her. "Go enjoy the rest of your day, Minister Potter."
"Thank you," Hermione hugged her cousin.
*** *** ***
"Daddy?" Maddie asked ruffling her father's hair as she sat atop his shoulders. They were all waiting for Jon and Josh's graduation ceremony to begin and to say Maddie was getting antsy would be a gross understatement.
"Yes?" Ron asked, wiping some sweat from his brow. He wondered yet again why Dumbledore didn't hold the ceremony in the Great Hall instead of out here on the Quidditch pitch.
"How much longer?" Maddie asked. "It's really hot out here!"
"I don't know sweetheart," Ron said. "I think it's starting soon."
"I'm ready to take these bloody robes off," Drew muttered from beside her mother.
"You and me both," Harry said coming into the box with his family, save for Hermione who was sitting on the podium on the field with Dumbledore and the other Hogwarts professors.
"Do you know who I feel sorry for?" Ron asked his friend. "Your wife. She has to sit beside Snivellus Snape."
Harry held back his smirk. "She's always said she was curious about him. Now she gets to sit and smell him for the next few hours."
"He's really dreadful and scary," Darla commented. She looked over at Maddie. "You better hope he's long gone before you go to school, Maddie."
"He'll probably love her," Drew replied. "Like everyone else." she made a face at her little sister who giggled.
"Snape is incapable of love," Ron said shuddering.
"Please don't say Snape and love in one sentence," Harry said with a frown. "That gives me mental images that I'd rather not have."
"Daddy?" Maddie asked innocently. "Is Snape a wanker?"
"Yes he is," Ron nodded.
"Ron!" Luna said hitting her husband hard on the arm. "What have I told you about saying that word in front of Maddie! And here you are encouraging her!"
"Well he is!" Ron retorted. "Severus Snape is one big wanker."
Drew and Darla collapsed into giggles.
"He is, Mum," Drew said. "You have to admit it."
"Well," Luna's lips twitched. "I suppose for once you're right."
"I've been right on numerous occasions," Ron said glaring at her. "You lot just don't give me enough credit."
"Okay children," Harry said, bouncing Saffron gently in his arms. "I think this thing is finally about to start."
"I can't believe my babies are about to graduate," Luna whispered, tearing up yet again.
"Luna we have to go through this four more times," Ron whispered. "Save some of those tears for when they find out we bought them a flat."
"If Darla doesn't blab," Drew teased her twin sister.
"Hey!" Darla said glaring at her. "I haven't told them anything so far."
"All right," Drew conceded. "If Maddie doesn't blab."
"The one you have to worry about blabbing is Cho," Harry whispered to Drew.
"I heard that!" Cho said from behind him. "And I'm nowhere near as bad as I used to be."
"I'm still not comfortable with the thought of them having their own place," Neville muttered to his wife, glancing down at their middle daughter who was searching for a glimpse of her boyfriend.
"It's none of your concern what Luna and Ron give their sons for a graduation present," Cho hissed back at him. "For Merlin's sake, Neville can you let it rest for one day at least? This is a happy occasion."
"I know but--" Neville stopped at the look on his wife's face
"Look!" Frankie exclaimed, handing her omnioculars to Allison. "There they are, Allie!"
Allison grinned. "Thanks Frankie." she said, focusing them in on Jon.
The graduation ceremony began with a few opening remarks from Dumbledore. From the stage, Hermione smiled warmly at Snape trying to make an effort to be polite. But he remained cold and aloof and hadn't said one word to her the entire time they'd been sitting here. Luckily, she didn't have much to reflect on it as Dumbledore introduced her and she stood up to give her speech to the Hogwarts graduates.
Her speech consisted of the importance of learning and how education was valuable. She had spent a fortnight writing this speech and was really quite proud of how it had turned out.
Snape patted his foot impatiently waiting for this ceremony to be over. The last thing on earth he wanted to do was sit here in the hot sun listening to Potter's wife go on and on about education. It was bad enough having to sit beside her. He could just imagine Potter up in the stands cackling to himself at the absurdity of it all.
Lucius Malfoy stood in the very back, ignoring the heat in his heavy black robes. He was here to see one person and it certainly wasn't that Mudblood currently babbling onstage at the moment.
As Hermione finished her speech, the crowd heartily applauded. Hermione took her seat again beside Snape who was staring absently at something in the crowd.
"Is everything okay, Professor Snape?" Hermione whispered. "You look as if you've seen a ghost."
"I'm fine Minister," Snape replied coolly.
"Of course," Hermione said giving him a weak smile. She returned her attention to Dumbledore who was now announcing the names of the graduates.
"Where are Jon and Josh?" Maddie craned her neck from her seat where she and Ethan had started to play a quiet Muggle card game called Go Fish.
"Here," Allison said handing the little girl Frankie's omnioculars. "They are in the front row there. Can you see them?"
Maddie gave an excited squeal. "Hi Josh!" she hollered over the crowd. "Jon!" she waved her little arms.
Josh and Jon both laughed as they heard their little sister's voice over the crowd.
"Should we turn around and wave?" Josh asked his brother.
"She might not stop calling unless we do," Jon grinned.
"Right then," Josh said turning around in his seat and waving up at his little sister. Dumbledore was getting to their names and Josh laughed. "You know I never thought you'd actually do it, little brother."
"What?" Jon asked, laughing. "And will you quit the little brother stuff. You were only born three minutes ahead of me."
"Graduate," Josh said as they made their way up the stairs. "And with good marks at that."
"You know contrary to popular belief, I am a smart bloke," Jon said nudging his brother. "I just didn't apply myself until this year."
"You mean you didn't have a smart girlfriend until this year," Josh corrected.
"What can I say?" Jon asked smugly. "She rubbed off on me a little."
Josh snorted. "A little? I bet her dad wouldn't like to know what sort of rubbing you two do."
"Don't joke about that," Jon said. "I can practically feel her dad's eyes on me right now."
"I'm sure he's watching you like a hawk," Josh teased. "With omnioculars, reading your lips so he can pounce on you later for messing with his baby girl."
"You're just lucky Lizzy's parents aren't here," Jon shot back.
"We've been good," Josh poked his brother in the back as Dumbledore read off his name.
Luna covered her mouth with her handkerchief as she started to sob. She watched proudly as Josh walked across the stage followed by Jon.
"Luna," Ron put an arm around his wife. "Come on..."
"Don't cry, Mummy," Maddie said softly. "You shouldn't be sad!"
"I-I'm not sad, baby," Luna said in between sobs. "I'm really happy for your brothers and proud..."
"My mum cried like that when Julie finished school," Ethan said from his seat next to Maddie.
"I don't understand how you can cry when you're happy," Maddie said. "It doesn't make sense."
"It will when you're older love," Luna blew her nose.
When the last graduate's name was called, the crowd stood and applauded for the entire class.
"Let's go make our way down there and tell the boys the good news," Ron said picking Maddie up.
"They're going to be so excited, Uncle Ron," Allison said happily breezing past her parents to join the Weasleys. "They have no idea that you're doing this!"
Neville looked at his middle daughter talking animatedly with Ron and Luna. "Do you see that? She's all excited about it because she thinks she'll be going over there a lot," Neville whispered furiously to Cho.
Cho rolled her eyes. "Maybe she's excited because she knows what a great present his parents are giving him, Neville. And she's very proud of Jon for what he accomplished this year. Did you ever think of that?"
"I can't help but think this is all moving too fast." Neville replied as they lagged behind a bit. "She's only sixteen Cho. I keep hoping that once the summer is over, she'll be back at Hogwarts and he'll be here and this will all be over."
"I'm going to go down on the pitch with the rest of the Weasleys," Allison said coming over to her parents. She hadn't heard any of their conversation to Cho's relief.
"Why don't you stay up here, Allison?" Neville asked grabbing her arm. "Let them have their own family moment."
"But Dad I want to see Jon and Josh's faces when their parents give them the key to their flat!" Allison protested.
"You can go on down, sweetheart," Cho said smiling at her. "Your father and I will meet you down there."
"Thanks Mum," Allison grinned and ran after the Weasleys.
"You and I need to have a serious talk about this," Cho said to her husband once they were alone. "This is really getting out of hand, Neville."
"I was against her dating from the start," Neville argued. "I wanted to wait until she was seventeen like we agreed for Chiaki."
"She's a good girl, Neville," Cho told him reassuringly. "We can trust Allison. You know that."
"I trust Allison," Neville said defensively. "What I don't trust is her and Jon all alone in a flat together with no adult supervision."
"Allison isn't going to be sleeping over there, Neville," Cho said.
"Something we both agree on," Neville nodded.
Down on the pitch, Josh and Jon were receiving congratulations from their family. Luna embraced her sons in a Molly Weasley fashion as she cried.
"Mum," Jon said, his face turning purple. "Josh and I can't breathe."
"You both graduated!" Luna sobbed. "I've never been so proud!"
"She cried through the whole ceremony," Ron explained to his sons. "Even I got a little teary-eyed watching my two boys."
"Sure Dad," Jon grinned. "You were just upset that I won't be able to sneak you back anything from the end of the year feast anymore."
"I still have Drew and Darla for that," Ron said grinning.
"Speaking of food," Josh said rubbing his stomach. "Let's go eat. I'm starving."
"Not so fast," Ron said, putting an arm around Luna. "Your mother and I have something we want to give you."
Allison joined them and had to bite her lower lip to keep from grinning too hard.
Ron pulled two identical keys out of his pocket. "Do you know what these are?"
"Keys," Josh guessed in a smartass tone.
"I would have expected such an answer from Jon, but yes, Josh," Ron said laughing. "They are keys. But do you know to what?"
"You've been saving up loads of money for us in Gringotts," Jon guessed. "And this is the key to the vault?"
"You're close," Luna said, wiping her eyes with her soggy handkerchief.
"Two bedrooms, a sitting room, a nice kitchen and two bathrooms," Ron said smiling at his sons.
"What?" Josh asked "Are we moving again? Because I don't think you can fit all of us in that small a place, Dad."
"We're not all moving," Ron answered with a grin. "You two are."
"You got us a flat?" Jon asked, a grin spreading across his face. "Where?"
"Right in the middle of London," Luna replied. "It's signed and ready for you two to move in. Of course, if you want to stay at home we can shred the lease- or even if you'd like to come back home to Ireland for just a few weeks or months, we wouldn't mind..."
"No," Jon and Josh said in unison.
Allison grinned and clapped her hands. "Lizzy and I have been dying to tell you both." she laughed.
"I can't believe you two managed to keep it a secret," Josh laughed.
"We did," Allison said. "I wanted to see the look on both your faces when you find out! This is so cool. I hope my parents do something like that for me when I graduate."
"Or you can come live with me," Jon said in her ear.
Allison smiled and hugged him tightly. "Why would you want to live with me?" she asked him in a whisper.
"You know why." Jon grinned but let her go as Neville and Cho approached them with Hermione.
"Congratulations boys," Cho said smiling at Josh and Jon. "I can't believe you two graduated."
"Thanks," both of them said.
"I wouldn't have done so well if it weren't for your daughter," Jon added.
"He's being modest," Allison said beaming at her boyfriend. "He did most of this on his own."
"Nonsense," Jon grinned. "If it weren't for the study sessions you insisted on--"
"Jon actually met Madam Pince for the first time this year," Josh joked. "I don't even think he'd ever set foot in the library until this year."
"I'd love to spend a day in the Hogwarts library," Hermione looked dreamily at the castle.
"That's because it's the only place you and the King here haven't done--" Ron started to say. Luna hit him in the stomach.
"OW!" He said glaring at her.
"Haven't done what Daddy?" Maddie asked.
"Um... have dinner," Ron replied. "Gosh I'm hungry!"
"Me too," Luna said. "How about we take the graduates here out for dinner and then we can show them their new place?"
"That sounds brilliant, Mum," Josh said. "I'm going to try and find Lizzy."
"You're welcome to join us," Luna said to Neville and Cho.
"We have plans--" Neville began but Cho elbowed him.
"We'd love to join you," Cho said. "It's been too long since we've all seen each other and had time to sit down. Especially you, Ms Minister."
"I know," Hermione apologised. "I've been so busy lately."
"Becoming friendly with old smelly Snape, eh?" Ron teased. "I saw the two of you on the stage there. He charmed you with his warm demeanour, didn't he?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I don't know how you put up with seven years of him. I could barely stand seven minutes."
Just then, Snape brushed past them, not even acknowledging their existance.
"Wonder where he's off to in such a hurry?" Ron asked as the professor quickly made his way back to the castle.
"Who knows and who cares?" Harry asked.
Meanwhile, the very person Severus Snape was trying to avoid was the same person he ran into right inside the castle walls.
"Hello Severus," Lucius pushed back his dark hood. "You seem surprised to see me here."
"What on earth possessed you to come here of all places?" Snape hissed. "You could have been seen, Lucius."
"But I wasn't," Lucius's sneering smile disappeared. "Besides that I walk here today as a free man. As you recall, the... acting minister signed my pardon."
"Some second in command signed your pardon, you mean," Snape said. "Wait a minute. What do you mean, acting minister?"
"Surely you remember the Minister Mudblood's leave while she raised her children," Lucius mocked.
"I could care less about what she does," Snape hissed.
"I'm not here to discuss her," Lucius said abruptly. "I'm calling in a favour you owe me."
"I don't owe you anything," Snape said angrily.
"Surely you haven't forgotten a little incident from our own Hogwarts days," Lucius hissed. "Where I saved your sorry, pale hide from expulsion..."
Snape sighed. "Of course. You never do anything without expecting something in return, do you?"
"Of course not," Lucius said. "I never do anything unless there's something in it for me."
"And what is it you want this time?" Snape asked him point blank. "I don't have time to play 20 questions with you, Malfoy."
"Draco's back in London," Lucius got to the point. "He's going to take over the spot of Minister once we boot that Mudblood out. Once he does take over... you're going to help me take over."
Snape tried to comprehend what his old friend had just said. Surely all those years in Azkaban hadn't clouded his mind so much where Malfoy actually believed he---an ex-convict---would ever be accepted as Minister for Magic.
"You're confused," Lucius smirked. "I'll spell it out for you Severus. You're going to concoct a potion that you'll slip into Draco's drink. Twelve hours later he'll be dead. He'll have named me as his successor."
Snape stared at him in disbelief. "You're going to murder your own son? Is that what you're trying to tell me?"
"I told YOU, I never do anything unless there's something in it for me." Lucius said, his pale eyes narrowing.
"Yes," Snape said, still trying to wrap his brain around this. "But...Draco...he's your son, Lucius."
"My son who left me to rot in Azkaban for over twenty years," Lucius retorted.
"Draco didn't have anything to do with that," Snape told him. "You and I know he had no control over you getting in or out of Azkaban. If you should be mad at anyone, it should be Potter."
"Of course I'm angry at Potter- it's his wife we'll be kicking out of office," Lucius sneered. "Now are you going to do it or aren't you? I can make your life a living hell if you go against me Snape."
"You've gone mad," Snape said folding his arms.
"No, I'm just plain pissed off," Lucius said.
Snape didn't know what to say. He knew that Lucius Malfoy was one person you didn't want to cross, but what his old friend was asking him to do was just plain absurd.
Lucius's eyes narrowed even more into slits. "You will help me." he said in a soft, dangerous tone.
"I'm not a murderer, Lucius," Snape said defiantly.
"Get me the potion and I'll pour it in," Lucius shook his head. "You've lost your edge Snape. Bet you even gouged out your arm to take off your Dark Mark."
"I haven't lost anything," Snape retorted. "You know something, Lucius? You remind me so much of James Potter. You were an arrogant bully just like he was."
"And he's dead," Lucius's lip curled.
"And you think his son is going to just let you overthrow his wife?" Snape asked him. "I detest Potter as much as you do, but you know he isn't going to just let you march in and take over."
"We have a plan, and I don't feel a need to inform you of exactly what it entails." Lucius gripped Snape's arm. "Now are you going to help me or do I have to use what I have on you to force you?"
"What do I have to do?" Snape asked reluctantly.
"Make me a potion that's untraceable," Lucius said. "I'll put it in his drink and he'll be gone." his thoughts ran to those of his son's wife and he smiled.
"Just like that?" Snape asked him incredulously.
"Just like that," Lucius said. "I don't want any fucking side effects. Nothing that can be traced back to me."
Snape nodded. To buy himself some time to think this over, he decided to try and placate Lucius.
"I'll need some time to research this, of course."
"You have one week." Lucius said.
"I assume you'll be in touch," Snape said as Lucius pulled the hood of his robes back up.
"Of course I will," Lucius sneered. "You're to alert me the moment you have it finished."
Snape could only nod as Lucius walked away.
"Oh and Severus," Lucius called back. "Don't try and cross me."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Snape said trying to sound as if he meant the words.
Lucius gave him one last menacing glare before sweeping out of sight. Victory was finally, almost his.