Chapter Text
“Theo! Blair! What did I say about going near the cake!” Daphne shouted as she ran after her four year old twins.
Luna laughed from Viktor side as the kids quickly made a turn and ran in the opposite direction. Soon they were joined by a girl with flowing white blond hair and silver eyes, a laughing little boy with messy black hair and silver eyes right behind her.
“Please tell me Marc and Hyacinth nothing to do with whatever is going on,”Hadrian said as he came up to the laughing couple holding his daughter Ivy whose head was on his shoulder. Their only child that was carried by Luna and the only child that seemed to get her grandmothers deep auburn hair along with her green eyes.
“They joined after,”Luna said with a grin, “Come here Ivy.”
Ivy smiled and reached out for her godmother, quickly settling on her hip she started to babble to her, a few words coming here and there.
“The worst part of being pregnant is morning sickness, which is not morning sickness, bloody liars,”Draco said as he came up to them with a frown. Draco was just over a month pregnant and had been hit with morning sickness the week before. That was also when they found out Draco was pregnant.
“I agree,”Luna said with a small laugh. To the delight of all Luna was pregnant with her and Viktor first child, matching perfectly with Draco.
“Mum,”Ivy said at Draco voice, lifting her head up from Lunas shoulder she made grabby motions to Draco.
“If I told one child I told them all not to call me mum,”Draco mumbled as he took his almost two year old from Luna, “Where are the others?”
“Causing havoc with Blaire and Theo. I saw all three of them early today with Fred and George whispering in a corner,”Hadrian said dryly.
“We have got to monitor their conversations,”Draco said with a roll of his eyes.
Hadrian shared an amused look with Luna. To Dracos dismay both Hyacinth and Marc had inherited the marauders spirit of pranking which was spurred on by the twins and Sirius.
“Guilty,”Draco said with a grin. Other then Luna and Viktor no one had known about this pregnancy yet as Hadrian and Draco didn’t want to take away from Luna and Viktor wedding or their own pregnancy announcement. In fact the only reason Luna knew is because she was, well Luna.
“Merlin. You guys really want a number four?”Bill joked only half serious.
“And five,”Luna hummed.
Hadrian frowned and did a quick count before turning to Draco,“This is number four right?”
Luna laughed delightedly before taking Viktor hand and skipping away. It only took another moment for them to realize what she had meant.
“No,”Draco whispered in horror before lookin at Hadrian accusingly as if it was all his fault.
“Blimey,”Bill said as he stared at them. Hadrian looked like he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry and with the way Draco was looking at him he might be dead before Hadrian could do either.
“She’s kidding right? Right Hadrian?”Draco said turning to his bonded.
“I don’t know,”Hadrian admitted, “I haven’t felt for the baby yet.”
Draco stared at him for a moment before walking away and quickly making a beeline directly to Luna for her to tell him it was a joke. It had to be a joke.
“Can I crash on your couch? Or porch? I’ll even pitch a tent in your back yard,”Hadrian asked Bill desperately.
“And face Draco? Pregnant Draco? Your own your own,”Bill laughed as he clapped Hadrians shoulder and walked away.
Hadrian groaned quietly and went to look for his father. Maybe he could stay at their manor.
*~~*
“I hate you both so much right now,”Daphne said to a grinning Blaise and Antony.
“I’m sorry,”Antony said, only just sounding like he meant it.
“I thought you liked being pregnant?”Blaise asked confused.
“Not this part!”Daphne said as she sat back from the toilet and accepted the potion from the house elf Zippy.
Daphne was just over two months pregnant with Blaise and Antonys first child. When they first made the agreement for her to be the bearer of the children it was decided that the first child Daphne had would be for her and Theo. It was just her luck that it ended up being twins. Blaise and Antony were far from being ready to be parents but had graciously allowed her to live in their manor to raise her children. They were without a doubt Theo and Blaires favorite uncles and the only father figures the children had. The situation was strange too many but it worked perfectly for them. Three months ago they decided to end their Jetsetter ways and settle down to have the grandchildren their parents begged for. Daphne was more than happy to help them.
Daphne washed out her mouth and accepted Antonys help up and they made their way back to the sitting room to relax. The excitement of the wedding was too much for the twins and they were passed out on Daphnes bed where they would sleep until morning. Merlin willing. Accepting her cup of tea from Blaise Daphne curled up in the large chair that sat next to the fire and allowed the warmth of the flames to relax her. It had been a long and hard day.
Grief was like a ballon in a box. Sometimes the balloon was so big that the smallest thing would have it touch the box and she would feel pain and grief for Theo like never before. Other times the ballon was the size of a grape and when it hit the sides of the box it was a bittersweet memory of their time. Important days, like today, the balloon always seemed bigger than ever.
“Is there anything you need?”Antony asked as he peered at her. During her last pregnancy Antony had become a mother hen and made it his life mission to make sure Daphne had everything she needed or wanted. It was shaping up to the be same way this time around.
“Thank you but no. I’m just thinking,”Daphne said giving him a soft smile.
“Theo would have been hidden away in the library,”Blaise said with a fond smile, “He always hated big things.”
“The twins would have put bets on how long he would have been able to last with everyone,”Daphne said, a sad smile tugging at her lips.
“Have you seem him recently?”Blaise asked hesitantly.
Daphne looked into the fire, “No,” She said quietly.
It wasn’t because she didn’t want to. Hadrian would pull Theo for her whenever she wanted him to but she tried to keep it to major life events only. The birth of the twins, their adoption, their birthdays, her birthday, Christmas. When Hadrian first offered it to her she took him up on it weekly at least but soon it became obvious to her that it was doing more harm than good. Seeing him was amazing and in so many ways helped but it also hurt. Seeing him but being able to touch him, have him hold her, to truly be apart of her life was a new kind of torture. So she asked Theo if he would be upset if she didn’t see him as much and reserved it. He seemed to know the question was coming and told her he just wanted her happy and to move on. So she made sure to only see him when it really mattered.
That however wasn’t why she hadn’t seen him recently. Guilt. Guilt was the reason. When Theo died Daphne thought that was it. He was the love of her life and in so many ways he was. She would never love anyone with the fierceness and completeness that she loved Theo. That fact was indisputable. But recently Daphne came to a realization that she could love again. It was a love that was strong enough to knock the breath from her lungs but it was a different love then she shared with Theo. This realization sent her spiraling into a see of guilt and anguish. She didn’t want to see Theo. She didn’t want to look into his eyes and have him know she loved another. It was irrational. Theo wouldn’t care, he would be happy that she moved on, Daphne knew this to the bottom of her soul but she still felt scared.
Daphne closed her eyes and pulled her knees to her chest to lay her cheek on them. Antony and Blaise watched her with concerned eyes but knew better than to say anything to her. They knew that just their presence would comfort her far more than any words could. It was no wonder she fell in love with them.
—
Daphne found Hadrian sitting on her ottoman that was placed at the front of of her bed gently touching a dark bruising that had appeared on his cheek.
“What happen?”Daphne asked as she reached into her cabinet to pull out bruise paste.
“Draco is pregnant with twins,”Hadrian told her. He tilted his head and let her apply the paste before continuing, “He’s not exactly thrilled about it.”
“Did he hit you?”Daphne asked in concern. While Draco would sometimes do it in jest she didn’t think he would do it in anger.
“Oh no. He lost control of his magic and a book flew into my face, he doesn’t even know he did this. I left before he could see.”
“You came here for healing so he wouldn’t know?” Daphne said as she closed up the paste and put it back. Her children weren’t in her bed and when she glanced into their room she saw them sleeping peacefully in their beds.
“I moved them,”Hadrian said answering her silent question, “They are completely out. Didn’t even twitch.”
Daphne hummed, “I’m sure yours are the same tonight.”
“The boys and Ivy. Hyacinth is with Severus practicing how to prepare ingredients,”Hadrian said with a wrinkle of his nose. Hyacinth got her fathers love of potions and Hadrians love of mischief. It didn’t make for a very good combination.
“I see.”
Daphne knew Hadrian came for a reason and knew the conversation that was waiting for her wasn’t one she wanted to participate in. Instead she started getting ready for bed, changing into her night clothes, removing her make up and charms. It was when she started organizing her creams that Hadrian spoke up.
“Theo contacted me,”Hadrian said as he leaned back and placed his elbows on the bed.
“Did he?”Daphne said quietly not allowing her eyes to stray to his face in the mirror.
“He was pretty insistent. Almost shattered my mothers orb,”Hadrian said conversationally, “Do you want to know what was so urgent?”
“You will tell me.”
“Have I ever told you what afterlife is like?”Hadrian said instead.
“No,”Daphne said finally turning to face him in her confusion at the change of topic.
“You know those who leave us can look down on us, watch us as we go about our days. They have feelings as they did when they were alive. It’s life but in a paradise.”
“What is your point Hadrian,”Daphne said tiredly.
“Theo knows about your feelings for the idiots,”Hadrian said sitting up and rising his forearms on his knees, “As do I. Draco. Luna. Viktor. The twins. Marvolo-“
“I get the point,”Daphne snapped at him, “Everyone knows what a bloody idiot I am!”
“The only people who don’t know are the idiots themselves,”Hadrian continued on, “What the rest of us don’t know is why you haven’t said anything.”
“What should I say Hadrian? I know you're suppose to be like my gay brothers but my heart didn’t get the owl and I’m in love with you!”Daphne burst out as she stood and started pacing in front of Hadrian. She wrapped her arms around herself, “We have a good arrangement Hadrian. They let me live with them and raise my boys and I give them the children they can’t have. The boys are doted on by loving uncles. I have my best friends.”
“But you want more,”Hadrian said softly. He stood up from the ottoman and grasped her arms, stopping her in her place.
“It’s not worth the risk,”Daphne whispered as she looked past Hadrian and into her children bedroom, “I won’t risk what I have with them Hadrian. I refuse.”
“What if you're depriving yourself of something amazing,”Hadrian said quietly lowering his head until he was face to face with her, “Blaise and Antony can’t see the love you have for them just as you can’t see the love they have for you.”
“Your wrong,”Daphne said, refusing to let the bubble of hope she felt raise.
“I don’t know when it happen Daphy but they do love you. Also neither of them is gay, Blaise is Bi and Antony is Pansexual. Which you very well know.”
Daphne sighed and rested her head on Hadrians chest, “Your an arse Hadrian.”
“Oh yeah I am,”Hadrian agreed, “So much so that I didn’t tell you that Blaise and Antony have been listening to this entire conversation.”
Daphnes head shot up in horror and she spun around. He had to be lying. He had to be bloody lying.
He wasn’t lying.
Blaise and Antony were standing in her bedroom doorway looking at her in shocked silence. Underneath the shock however was something that caused Daphnes heart to race and palms to get sweaty and that pesky hope to try and come up again.
“Well thank you for the paste! Gotta go. I have an angry bonded and he always gets deliciously needy after his anger. See ya!”Hadrian said giving them all a wave before the apparated out of the room.
The loss of Hadrians warmth quickly brought Daphne to her senses.
“Go,”Daphne said pointing to the two standing in her doorway, “Go away. Right now.”
“Daphne,”Blaise said softly as he came into the room carefully. Antony followed him and with a flick of his wand closed the door to the children room.
“No. No. I’m not doing this. I refuse. Go.”
“It’s too late for that Daph,”Antony said just as softly as Blaise did, “We need to talk about a few things.”
Daphnes eyes searched the room for an exit. Not finding one she considered Apparating out of the room. There were wards of course but if Hadrian did it surly she could too.
“You will splotch yourself,”Blaise said dryly as if reading her mind.
“Well it’s better than this!”Daphne exclaimed, “You were not suppose to hear any of that and I am going to murder that man!”
“I’m sending him a fruit basket,”Blaise said as he made a quick move and caught Daphnes wrists before she had the sense to run.
“Maybe some flowers,”Antony agreed as he came up to Blaise.
“Poisonous flowers and fruit,”Daphne mumbled as she tested Blaises hold on her wrists. Antony moved behind her and his his hands went to her waist.
“Do you really want us to go?”Blaise asked loosening his grip on her wrists, behind her Antony did the same, his hands barely touching her waist now.
Daphne hesitated. Part of her wanted them to leave so she could take her children and escape. Draco would gladly give her a place to stay and she could avoid this entire conversation. The other part of her however figured since they already know they might as well have the conversation.
In for a knut in for a Gallon.
“We can talk but you two will stay on your side of the room,”Daphne said firmly.
Antony and Blaise install let her go and took a few steps away from her. Taking deep breath, and pulling all of the Gryffindor courage that she truthfully didn’t have, she told them everything.
—
“Did it work?”Hadrian asked Theo as the man shimmered infront of him.
“Yes,”Theo said with a soft smile, “It worked.”
Hadrian smiled and released Theo with a wave of his hand. Hadrian felt no guilt at tricking Daphne as he did. The pinning from all three of them was annoying Draco and while Hadrian didn’t really care he wouldn’t allow anything to annoy Draco.
Well, Harry thought as he put away Theos orb for good, maybe he cared a little bit.
*~~*
“How are babies made?”
The question had Severus freezing over his cauldron. Severus looked down to his side he saw blinking green eyes looking back at him. What made Hyacinth ask the question was minimal. What made Hyacinth ask him the question is what he wanted to know.
“You will have to ask your parents,”Severus said turning back to his potion.
Hyacinth wrinkled her nose, “But I asked you. You said I could always ask you questions.”
“That is a question that I cannot answer my dear,”Severus said evenly before looking back to his potion.
Hyacinth was quiet for a moment before a soft ‘oh’ was heard and she grabbed his hand, “Let’s go.”
“Where?”Severus asked automatically placing a stasis charm on his potion.
Hyacinth just gripped his hand tightly and started dragging him from the dungeons. As they got closer to Hadrians study the more confused Severus got.
“Papa!” Hyacinth asked as she burst her way through the door with a confused Severus.
“Yes flower?”Hadrian asked looking up from his papers. Marvolo sat in one of the chairs infront of his desk working on his own paperwork and looked over as well with a raised eyebrow.
Hyacinth dragged Severus over and pushed him into the available chair before climbing into her grandfathers lap.
“Me and uncle Severus don’t know where babies come from. Can you tell us?”
Hadrian dropped his quill and stared at his daughter in shock before his eyes flicked too Severus. Severus had one elbow on the arm of the chair and was covering his face with his hand, this was not what he meant. Marvolo coughed to conceal his laughter as he leaned back into his chair pulling Hyacinth closer eager to see what his son had to say.
“Why do you want to know that?”Hadrian asked. Ignoring the small squeak in his voice. Why was it always him who got these questions? Draco got the fun questions about colors and weather. Him? Questions about babies and why her little brother had something sticking out of him and did it need to be cut off. Was hers cut off?
“I want another sister,”Hyacinth said as if it was obvious.
“You have Ivy,”Hadrian told her, “Why do you want another?”
“Aunty Angie said there was too much testy tones and we need more girls in the family,”Hyacinth said with a firm nod of her head.
“I’m going to murder that witch,”Hadrian mumbled under his breath before raising his voice, “It’s testosterone and Angie only said that because she only has boys.”
It seemed the Weasley boy curse was strong in George, four children and not one girl.
“Oh. Can you still tell us where they come from?”
Hadrian closed his eyes and counted to five before opening them and standing up, “Come on flower. We are going to find Draco so we can talk about it together.”
“What about Uncle Sev?”Hyacinth asked concerned.
“Grandpa will explain it to him,”Hadrian told her soothing her concerns.
Hyacinth gave a nod and kissed Marvolos cheek before hopping off his lap and doing the same to Severus.
“Don’t worry Uncle Sev. Grandpa is really good at explaining things,”Hyacinth whispered loudly before taking her fathers hand and allowing him to guide her out.
Once out of earshot Marvolo couldn’t hold in the laughter anymore and laughed until his stomach hurt.
“Why did she think you didn’t know?”Marvolo asked when he finally calmed down.
“I told her I could not answer the question. She drew her own conclusions,”Severus said waving a hand, “Now excuse me. I must go finish my potion.”
—
“She wants to know what?”Draco whisper yelled to Hadrian.
Draco was found in his own study down the hall. Hadrian had Hyacinth sit in a chair before dragging Draco to a corner and telling him the question.
“You heard me.”
“Bloody hell,”Draco groaned, “We can just tell her I’m pregnant. Maybe she will forget the question.”
Hadrian gave him a droll look, “Our daughter? I think not.”
“This is worse then explaining anatomy to her,”Draco mumbled before looking accusingly at Hadrian, “That’s why you came here isn’t it! To make me explain!”
“I came so we can both explain,”Hadrian said straight faced. Draco was right of course but Hadrian wouldn’t admit it.
“Bastard,”Draco hissed before sighing and making his way to the couch infront of the chair his daughter was on. Hadrian followed and sat next to his bonded before wrapping and arm around his waist. When it wasn’t brushed off he relaxed.
“So?”Hyacinth asked looking between them. She was very much Hadrian and Dracos daughter and when she asked a question she expected a response. Thankfully she had yet to torture anyone who gave her one she didn’t like. Yet it was really only a matter of time, she was truly a bloodthirsty child.
“We will answer what we can but part of the answer will have to wait until you are older,”Hadrian told her thinking fast. Draco and him had talked briefly about what they would say when this question came up but had assumed it wouldn’t be until much later. You know what they say about assuming things.
“How old?”
“Eleven,”Draco answered her, “Before you got too Hogwarts.”
“Deal,”Hyacinth said leaning back in the chair as serious as a six year old could be.
“Children are created by a man and a women-“
“But mum had babies and he’s a boy,”Hyacinth said with a frown.
“Mum got the ability because of a gift he received.”
“From Uncle Death,”Hyacinth said with a nod.
“From Uncle Death,”Hadrian confirmed, he still thought it was hilarious that all of his children referred to death as an uncle. Death themselves had no idea what to do about it and quickly made himself scarce whenever the children were around, “So he’s special. Normally it’s only common that can have babies.”
“But Uncle Phil had a baby.”
“Uncle Phil is special in his own way,”Draco told her, “That way will be talked about when you are eleven. Now back to your original question. Babies come from an action that is done by men and women and it results in a baby inside the women stomach where it grows until it’s time to be born.”
“So it’s not from a plant like Tommy said?”Hyacinth asked.
“It’s not from a plant but don’t tell Tommy that. It’s something that his parents have to tell them. Not us,”Hadrian told her sternly. The last thing he needed was for her to start the sex talk between all the cousins.
“Okay. I still want another sister.”
“We will think about it,”Draco promised.
“Okay! I’m going to go play with Ivy,”Hyacinth said happily before running out of the room in search of her sister.
“How long until Marc asks,”Draco said tiredly as he leaned against his bonded.
“He doesn’t want anymore siblings so hopefully longer than a year,”Hadrian said with a chuckle. Marc was only four when Ivy was born but he made it very clear he didn’t want anymore babies.
“He’s going to be pissed when he finds out there are two more coming,”Draco said with a grin.
“Is he the only one?”Hadrian asked looking down into Dracos face.
Draco moved and swung a leg over Hadrians lap and settled in comfortably, “Only one. I’m nervous of course but also excited. Twins will certainly be a different experience, I just wish it was an experience that Luna had and not me.”
Hadrian laughed and pulled Draco in for a kiss. Lunas pregnancy with Ivy was a breeze for her, something Draco grumbled about every time he thought about it compared to his own. Draco didn’t have bad pregnancies physically but he even he would admit his over dramatic nature was even worse where Luna stayed calm and collected. Viktor didn’t get one vase thrown at his head, which to Hadrian was very unfair.
“Hadrian,”Draco said softly as he started kissing Hadrians neck.
“Yes?”Hadrian breathed.
“Sirius is watching the kids.”
Hadrian didn’t need another word. A quick wave of his hand locked down Dracos study and another move had them laying on the carpet by the fire. Both extremely thankful their bodies stopped aging at twenty one and such acts were still easy.
*~~*
Albus didn’t know how many years it had been since he was put in the dark dungeon with only ghosts of his past as company. He lost count of how many times he had begged for death, how many times he had pushed and pushed praying that they lost their patience with him and ended his life. Albus shivered as he remembered the last time he had been visited. It was a relatively light ‘session’ but it was who was with Harry that caused him consternation. It was the young girl who had skipped into the cell behind Hadrian. It was no wonder who’s child she was with her green eyes and white blonde hair. Albus was sickened upon the realization that Harry would allow his children to see dark and wicked things. Allow them to indulge in such violent and cruel acts that had been committed upon his person.
To his horror Harry used him to teach his daughter the magic. The girl, who’s name was never given, didn’t use the magic to his relief just watched with observing eyes as she listened to the words that were told to her. The poor child. Albus knew Harry had more children as well, it was mocked to him by the guards and Ariana. The wonderful life Harry was able to live after being able to trick the world into thinking he was a good person. Albus knew the truth. After all these years he had learned nothing but the truth. He had been right all along and the others were fools for not seeing it.
“Hello,”Hadrian said as he walked confidently into the cell that held Dumbledore, Draco trailing behind him.
Dumbledore didn’t respond and kept his gaze straight ahead. They did not deserve a response.
“How disrespectful,”Draco said with a tsk, “After all those years of you telling us to respect each other.”
“Each other not him,”Hadrian said with a smirk, “No one said he had to respect anyone.”
“True but I think this means we should change our plans for today,”Draco said a cruel smirk working its way onto his face.
“I agree! To think we were going to kill him.”
Dumbledores face snapped to Hadrian. The hope that he thought he had stomped out of him coming up again. Hadrian smiled at the look and shook his head slowly.
“Can’t change it now. Maybe a few more years you obviously haven’t learned your lesson.”
“There is no lesson to learn,”Dumbledore rasped, “Your evil.”
“He’s not wrong,”Hadrian said with a shrug looking at Draco, “But I think I have mellowed out a bit with age.”
“You…brought…a child,”Dumbledore spat, “Evil man and horrible father!”
Hadrians calm face quickly turned into rage as magic gathered around his hands, “Did you just call me a bad father? You?”
“YES!”Dumbledore said. Had he found it? The way to his death.
“Hadrian,”Dracos soft voice called, “Don’t.”
Hadrian took a deep breath before releasing his magic, “I see what you tried to do. Almost worked! Thankfully I have my precious to keep me inline.”
Dumbledores body sunk.
“As for my daughter, yes I did bring her in. She has the gift and her magic seems to be just as strong as mine was at her age and needs to learn control. Can’t have her bringing a army of dead creatures into the house,”Hadrian said amused.
“It’s depraved,”Dumbledore said looking straight at him, “Letting a child know those things. It was banned for a reason Harry.”
Hadrian shrugged, “In England it was banned. Other places it was celebrated, we just brought England to where it needed to be.”
Draco came to stand next to Hadrian, “England now has one of the most progressive magical communities in the world. Hogwarts is the number one Magic school on the continent, some graduates are fought over for apprenticeships and jobs. Our crime is down, our satisfaction rates are up, there is no longer prejudice against muggle borns, well mostly. Werewolfs are no longer feared and live peaceful lives with jobs and wolfsbane is available to everyone who needs it. Paid or unpaid. Everything you promised to the world we delivered.”
Dumbledore closed his eyes and moved his head away. He didn’t believe them. It may look good on the outside but underneath it was death and decay. His only hope are those who were loyal to him. Someday, someone, would stand up for what’s right. Stand up for the light.
“They are all dead,”Hadrian said softly, Dumbledores thoughts were broadcasted into his mind, “Every follower you had is dead. The ones that tried to run were hunted down. The ones you had hidden, disappeared. I took great pleasure in killing more than a few of them. The only ones alive, who were loyal are the Weasleys and they are living lives that most only dream of.”
Dumbledore knew they were alive. He had the pleasure of their company several times over the years. Especially the twins. The blasted twins.
“So anyway,”Hadrian said wrapping an arm around Dracos waist and leading him from the room, “We shall visit you later and maybe if you're nice and respectful I’ll give you the death you beg for. In a few years.”
Dumbledore screamed into the empty room. Tears of pain and anger falling down his face unbridled. Nothing he had done deserved this life. Nothing.
*~~*
Pansy life was a little different.
Hadrian kept his promise and came for her five years after she had been given to the vampires. To his surprise found a completely different person. She was quiet, meek, her eyes never lifted above Hadrians shoulder and the most surprising, she apologized and she meant it. She apologized for her actions, for the hurt and pain she had tried to cause Draco. She apologized for her part in the rouse that Dumbledore concocted. She even apologized for being a creepy, stalking fangirl in regards to Draco. Her time with the vampires was good for her apparently and it put Hadrian in a strange position.
He wanted her dead. Draco wanted her dead. Over the years however they had realized something about her. She was a child when she cast the killing curse, not yet seventeen and had been promised a life of wealth and privilege by her parents. She didn’t live the life that Hadrian and Draco did, she wasn’t privy to the real and gritty world. She had been sheltered within the walls of her manor and later Hogwarts never knowing true consequences for her actions. How did they punish her when her transactions were those of a naive, stupid child.
“I have someone who would like to keep her,”Drake offered later that night as they lounged in his study.
“As what?”Hadrian asked swirling the tumble of scotch in his hand.
“A food source and possible wife,”Drake admitted.
“Possible wife? I don’t want her happy,”Draco said with a glare to Drake, “She killed my bloody boyfriend!”
Drake inclined his head in knowledge. The only reason he was requisition this was because the person requested it had served him long and faithfully.
“Who is it?”Hadrian asked before Draco could get started.
“Michael,” Drake told him. He studiously avoided Dracos glare and prayed to his gods that he didn’t do anything else to incur the blonds wrath.
“Hmm,”Hadrian frowned down into his drink, “She did try and kill me and she caused my precious unnecessary pain. We can’t just let that go. But…”Hadrian trailed off and looked over to Draco, “She is the reason we are able to live the way we are now.”
Draco sighed threw up his hands,“Drake!”Drake instantly gave Draco his full attention, “What do you think?”
Drake hesitated.
“You can be honest,”Draco mumbled, “You know we value your opinion. We wouldn’t have made you Marcs godfather if we didn’t.”
It was also because he delivered Marc but that was a story for another time.
“Michael has been an excellent and trusted warrior for me for many centuries and has never asked for anything. I would like to honor his request to show my gratitude. I also feel like there may be something else to his request but he’s not telling me.”
Hadrian sighed and leaned back in his seat. He watched as the candle light flickered across a crystal vase that sat in the corner. He knew whatever his decision would be Draco would accept it, he may not be happy about it but he would accept it, but Hadrian didn’t want to dismiss Dracos feelings and wants in that way. Above all Draco was most important.
“We will give you the answer tomorrow,”Hadrian said finally, “We need to talk about it first.”
—
“Hadrian,”Draco whined as he paced the floor of their room, “I don’t want to give that bitch anything! She KILLED you! Who knows what she did with my body when she was polyjuiced!”
“I am aware.”
“I do like Michael though. He did take that curse for me that one time,”Draco mumbled before releasing a great sigh and pushing Hadrians paperwork away and straddling his lap, “I want to kill her.”
“Then we will kill her,”Hadrian said with a shrug as his hands settled on Dracos arse and started massaging it.
“You disagree,”Draco said quietly.
Hadrian wrapped his arms around Draco and pulled him close, “You know I do and deep down you do to. It’s easy to say she should have known better but is that the truth? She knew what she had been taught and Dumbledore has manipulated much older and wiser people then she.”
“But what about the polyjuice thing.”
Hadrian smiled that cruel smile that never failed to turn Draco into a puddle. Draco wrapped his arms around Hadrians neck and shifted closer while is arse pushed back into his hands, eager for this conversation to be over.
“I have an idea.”
—
“We have made our decision,”Hadrian said the next morning. They were once again in Drakes study with Michael in attendance this time, “I’m going to take her magic. She will be a squib and she is not to be turned,”Hadrian directed this to Michael, “In seventeen years you may come to me and if your argument is good enough, and if Draco agrees, I may allow you to turn her. But it better be a damn good argument. Understood?”
“Yes my Lord. Thank you,”Michael said standing and taking a knee, “I am more grateful than I can express.”
“Ah,”Draco said suddenly, “She’s your mate. That’s why you want her?”
“Yes Lord Consort.”
“How romantic!”Draco exclaimed.
Hadrian bit back a groan. Draco chose the worst times to find things Romantic. Merlin.
“I want to change the punishment,”Draco told Hadrian.
“As you wish precious.”
“Her magic will still be taken and she will be a squib. Regardless of how much she has changed that will hurt her and I do like a good emotion hurt more than a physical one. In seventeen years you may change her without question. If you change her before then you both die. Understood?”
“Yes Lord Consort.”
Draco in the end had been right about Pansy reaction to having her magic taken away. She had cried, screamed and begged Hadrian not to do it. To bind it, to keep her locked up, to kill her even, anything but taking her magic from her. The satisfaction Hadrian got from her pleas and heartbroken cries was well worth allowing Michael this boon. As was the fact that she did not share Michaels affections and the knowledge that she now belonged to a vampire sent her into another fit. Draco was happy with the outcome. She wasn’t dead but she sure as hell wasn’t happy.
*~~*
Hadrian grunted as he felt the weight of two small bodies land on him and pair of small hands pulling at his cheeks and hair. Cracking his eye open he was met with Ivys large green eyes and bright smile. Ivy giggled as she saw her father waking up and proceeded to pat his cheeks. Hadrian playfully nipped at her fingers before looking down at the other two children laying onto of him in a pile. Hyacinth had her head on top of her hands where they rested on his stomach, sitting on her back was Marc who’s chin was rested on Hyacinths head.
“Can I help you?”Hadrian asked, his voice still rough with sleep.
“It’s Saturday,”Hyacinth said matter of factly, “Which means it’s family day.”
Hadrian waved a hand to check the time and groaned when he read it, “It’s six am. Family day doesn’t start until ten.”
Six months after Hyacinths birth Draco came to him upset that he hadn’t seen his parents in weeks and it caused Hadrian realized quite abruptly that he hadn’t seen his parents in over a month. Running the Wizarding world and two separate armies took up much of Hadrian, Marvolo and Lucius time even now that things were settled and completely in their control. With Regulus and Severus were busy at Hogwarts and Narcissa spending much of her time in the social scene, having brunches and teas, planning events a parties it was hard to get everyone together. Draco was the only one of them who technically didn’t have a job and stayed at home with the children (Which Hadrian considered a full time job, he had done it a few times when Draco had his weekly day off and frankly Hadrian had no idea how he did it) or helped in the reserve when there was problems with the Dragons, Giants or Rowena(who was officially to big to stay in the house and had taken up residence in the closest cave available. Hadrian also turned one of the ballrooms into a space for her to enter as well). It was then that Hadrian and Draco called a emergency meeting and announced Saturdays were family days and everyone had to come. The only person to try and miss one had been Marvolo when Draco had been pregnant with Marc. Draco brought him to the manor by his ear after a quick round of cruciatous. No one dared missing after that.
“Ivy idea,”Marc said sitting up and crossing his arms over his chest.
“It was Ivys idea to wake me up at six am?”Hadrian asked rinsing and eyebrow. He turned to look at Ivy who had been twist her hands in his air for the last few minutes, “Was this your idea?”
Ivy hissed something that was unintelligible even in Parsletoung that had Hadrian chuckling. All three of his children had the ability to converse in Parsletoung and it seemed to be the first language they learned to converse in. It made things exceptionally hard for Draco until he begged Death for just one more gift. Grabbing Marc off of his sister he put him to the side next to him and lifted Hyacinth up until she got the memo and sat up crossing her legs. Ivy went into Hadrians lap where she stayed for just a moment before deciding she needed to crawl up Hadrian like a tree.
“Where is mum?”Hadrian asked as he kept Ivy from using his eye as a grasping point.
“He’s working on a potion. He wouldn’t let me help,”Hyacinth said with a pout.
“Some potions are to dangerous for you flower,”Hadrian reminded her softly, “Uncle Severus will be over tomorrow and he has a potion he’s going to teach you.”
Hyacinth perked up, “Awesome!”
“Awesome!”Hadrian repeated before grabbing Ivy and holding her in his lap after an impressive knee to the nose, “Well since we are up what should we do?”
“Grammy!”Hyacinth, “It’s family day!”
“Well let’s go get her then,”Hadrian said with a smile. Hyacinth and Marc jumped from the bed and took off across the room before running down the hallway in excitement to Hadrians study.
“Ready?”Hadrian asked Ivy. Putting her on his hip he quickly followed his kids to his study before Hyacinth decided to try and use the orb by herself.
—
Hadrian stood behind Draco with his arms wrapped around his waist, his chin resting on the top of Dracos head as they looked out at their family. Sirius was chasing around Marc in his padfoot from, Hyacinth sat with Severus and Regulus as they taught her common spells and ingredients to use while creating potions. Sitting a few feet behind them on a blanket were Marvolo and Lucius, Ivy between them as they taught her the ABCs, or tried to at least. Ivy was more distracted with trying to catch a butterfly than her grandfathers.
“Don’t let her get the butterfly! She’s going to try and eat it,”Draco called out to his father as the butterfly flew closer to Ivys small hand.
Lucius quickly reached out and brushed the butterfly away. Ivy stared at him with large eyes and pouting lips before turning and crawling to Marvolo. Crawling into his lap she started a stream of hissing that Marvolo was only able to half understand.
“I’m sorry he’s so mean,”Marvolo said seriously to Ivy, a smile pulling at his lips, “How about this.”
Marvolo moved his hand in a circular motion before opening it. Laying in his palm was a life like monarch butterfly made of spun sugar, with a small pulse of magic the candy flew from his palm and started flying around Ivy. With a giggle she wiggled from Marvolos lap and stood up to chase the candy butterfly around the blanket.
“That’s cheating,”Lucius hissed.
Marvolo shrugged, “Dark Lord grandpa.”
Draco snorted and looked up at Hadrian, “Should we tell them Sirius is the favorite?”
“Never,”Hadrian denied with a laugh, “that would ruin their fun and mine.”
“Favorite Grandfather he may be but I will always be the favorite Grandmother,”Narcissa said coming up next to them.
“Of course maman,”Hadrian said leaning over and giving her a kiss on the cheek, “Everything okay with the wedding plans?”
Arthur had tried to stop Narcissa from planning the wedding but no one could stop Narcissa from planning a social event. They had yet to tell him they were also paying for the wedding, they could have that argument when it was done.
Narcissa pursed her lips, “We had to get a new caterer.”
“Why?”Hadrian asked pulling away from Draco and turning more to his mother-in-law.
“The one we hired has a problem with Weres,”Narcissa said before producing a piece of parchment, “The name and address.”
Hadrian took the paper from her and gave it a scan before slipping it into his pocket,” We won’t have any other problems with anyone else?”
“Correct. This was the only new company we were using,”Narcissa assured him.
Hadrian nodded turning his attention back to Draco. He tightened his arms and pulled Draco in closer, “I’m going to give this to Adam. I will be right back.”
Draco nodded and gave him what was suppose to be a quick kiss but Draco couldn’t help slipping his hands into Hadrians hair and making it a tad longer then appropriate before pulling away out of breath, “Don’t be long. It’s almost time for dinner.”
Harry gave him a smoldering look that promised punishment later and left without another word.
Narcissa wrapped an arm around Dracos waist as soon as Hadrian was out of sight, “When were you planning on telling us?”
Draco gave his mother a side eye, “I have no idea what you are talking about maman.”
“I am your mother dragon. I can always tell.”
“Next month,”Draco admitted with a smile, after his first pregnancy his mother had hit the nail on the head when he was pregnant with Marc and surprisingly when Luna was pregnant with Ivy, “We didn’t want to take anything from Lunas wedding and pregnancy.”
“I will not say a word,”Narcissa swore before squeezing his waist lightly. Narcissa would always regret not being able to give Draco siblings and have a large family. Each time her family grew larger with every new grandchild Narcissa felt like a small part of her heart healed. There was nothing compared to watching her grandchild take their first breath in the world, seeing the love her sons had for the small baby that would be given to them. They had secretive on how many children they planned on having and, while Narcissa knew it was ridiculous, she couldn’t help but hope for many more. They had forever after all.
Draco fully turned to her and bit his lip lightly before releasing it, “It’s twins,”He said quietly.
Narcissa choked on her breath. Twins? Bloody hell.
“That’s surprising,”Narcissa managed to say.
“Your telling me,”Draco snorted, “Hadrian spent the night on the couch when I found out. Well for a few hours anyway. I don’t see why I should suffer by sleeping alone when he caused the problem.”
Narcissas laugh was quiet, “I’m not surprised my Dragon. I don’t think you two have not shared a bed while together since you were eleven. Drove your father mad.”
Draco and his mother shared a look before looking over at Lucius who was in a heated debate with Marvolo about favoritism, both of them creating candy bugs for Ivy to capture and eat.
“Ivy is spending the night with you,”Draco said flatly as he watched his daughter with one candy wing in her mouth and her small hands fishing two other butterflies.
“Ivy is spending the night with Lucius,”Narcissa corrected. Normal Ivy was hyper, Ivy after candy was a hurricane.
Draco and Narcissa stood where they were until Hadrian came back and Draco pulled him away to help with ‘something’ that ‘needed’ to be done. Narcissa simply laughed and went to join her husband and Marvolo. She had no worries that she wouldn’t have many grandchildren.
*~~*
“We have an announcement,”Draco said as he and Harry stood infront of everyone during a family day in late February. Draco was about to hit twelve weeks and would soon be unable to hide the baby bump that had formed much quicker than his last two pregnancies.
Narcissa sent them a beaming smile as she sat up straighter in excitement and ignored the look Lucius gave her. Marvolo, Sirius, Regulus and Severus all stared at them expectantly as Hyacinth and Marc looked at them in curiosity. Ivy smiled and held out her hands from her place on Lucius lap calling out ‘Mum!’.
“I’m pregnant,”Draco said with a beaming smile, “With twins!”
Narcissa let out a squeal of excitement even though she had known and ran to the boys, throwing her arms around them. The men all stared at Hadrian and Draco with dumbfounded looks on their faces before Sirius and Regulus started laughing as they held on to eachother to stop the other from falling. Severus rolled his eyes in fond exasperation at them before catching them both, his mind already running through potions he needed that would help Draco. Hyacinth was frowning and mumbled “I only wanted one,” While Marc cried that he didn’t want any and give them away. Ivy was the only child excited as she clapped her little hands and stared at the adults.
“Father?”Hadrian asked Marvolo, who had not uttered a single word.
As if hearing the word broke him and Lucius from their shock they quickly turned to each other and started arguing about whose house they would stay in after Draco delivered. It was now tradition that they would chose a family house to stay in for three months after the child was born, both for help but also just to be around family. It didn’t matter whose manor it was, the entire family ended up moving in but Marvolo and Lucius couldn’t help the argument.
“I don’t think Hyacinth will ever forgive us,”Hadrian whispered to Draco.
Draco snorted, “Forget Hyacinth, look at Marc.”
The children in question were both sitting on the couch with their arms crossed and identical glares as they looked at their parents in displeasure. Twins truly wasn’t on anyones list.
*~~*
THE WEASLEYS:
When Arthur started volunteering at a wolfsbane center no suspected he would meet a women who he would one day marry. Linda had been bitten in her twenties and for years was a rouge, staying in the muggle world and locking herself up in warded rooms on the full moon. The change of government meant that she could actually take her place in the wizarding world however she was still hesitant. She had gone to the wolfsbane center on a whim, even with a new job in the wizarding world the cost of wolfsbane was expensive, she got so much more than she was looking for.
Linda was full of spirit and joy, she loved the muggle world and loved to take Arthur out and spend days with him there. She showed him how to use phones, to take trains and busses, theme parks and movies. She fell in love fast and to her happiness so did Arthur. His kids were nervous for their father and didn’t want to get hurt but after meeting Linda they knew their fears were unfounded.
The wedding was just friends and those they considered family. Hadrian paid for their honeymoon as a wedding present and right after the wedding brunch they left, eager to start their new life together.
~
Bill went on to marry Fleur in a Veela bonding ceremony a year after the final battle. It was the largest wedding any of them had, the guest list hitting over five hundred people as Veela and humans flocked to the large manor that had been chosen for the ceremony and receptions. Nine months after that they welcomed their first child Victoria, soon to be followed by their son Louis. They turned down the offer of a manor by Fleurs family and decided instead on a small cottage by the seaside where Fleur stayed home to raise their growing family. Bill was officially the lead (human) curse breaker for Gringotts bank and now found himself working in an office more than going out in the field. While he missed the adventure of field work he couldn’t deny he loved coming home to his family every night more.
~
Charlie and Natasha (who was the Norwegian Ministers daughter) had a whirlwind romance that ended in a elopement just three months after they met. They settled down on the Reserve where Charlie took over as Head of the Reserve when Vic decided he was ready for retirement while Natasha settled in to help work the diplomatic side of things. To their parents displeasure both decided they did not want children and would remain childless.
~
Fred and Georges business boomed after the war. With in three years they had stores in 25 countries and were currently working on opening on in America. Sirius had joined them as an official partner when they first looked into expanding and with all three of them together the ideas never stopped.
To no ones surprise George married Angelina and they welcomed four boys, Davie, Oliver, Noah and Jack before Angelina put her foot down and refused to have anymore children. While Angelina complained she didn’t have a girl she wouldn’t have changed her boys for the world.
Fred ,to everyones surprise, married Penelope Clearwater a few years after the final battle. No one really knew what happen between them but they were happy that after everything Penelope was able to find happiness. Few years after the wedding Penelope came out as Philip. Fred didn’t even blink and took his husband on a shopping trip to update his wardrobe to whatever style Philip wanted. When they went to change the documents at the Ministry they had refused to update their wedding certificate and a few other things that brought a problem to light that no one had foreseen. Hadrian and Marvolo quickly rectified that problem and it was released in the papers that anyone in a similar situation was to go to Philips new office to get it handled. The only part Hadrian didn’t fix for them was their marriage certificate and instead Fred and Philip had a new wedding as their true selves. Philips father didn’t take it well but he disappeared shortly after the second wedding and no one asked many questions. They welcomed one child into this world, Percy Weasley and that was more than enough for them.
*~~*
Luna sung softly to her daughter. Pandora Krum was every bit her mothers daughter except for the eyes, she had inherited her fathers brown eyes much to his disappointment. Luna had commented they could always try again with a wink and he knew he was in trouble.
Luna looked away from the woods that surrounded her house and down to her sleeping daughters face. The world was at peace. It wouldn’t last forever but she knew her daughter would grow up in a world of love and acceptance. She was destined to be a powerful witch with a loving husband who will look at her with stars in his eyes and give her the world.
What more could a mother want.
*~~*
“HADRIAN! THIS IS THE LAST. THE LAST. TIME I AM DOING THIS! IF YOU DARE GET ME PREGNANT AGAIN I WILL CUT YOUR DICK OFF! I MEAN IT THIS TIME!”
*~*It wasn’t the last time*~*