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A Witch's Tale	By : snowblind12 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female Views: 27761 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 5
Disclaimer: This fanfic is based off the Harry Potter books which are owned by JKR. I make no money from this fanfic and these characters as well as the Harry Potter books and world belong to JKR!

Chapter List
- 35
- 36
- 37
Same disclaimer as always. I own none of this.
Thanks so much to all who read and review. They are appreciated so very much!
For those of you who like smut, I posted a second chapter to my one shot "A Witch's Tale One Shot", (I know, such an original title!) on FF this week. First chapter was H/D/T/S and the second is H/D/T/S/B. Yeah, total PWP. So if it's not your thing, don't read it. If it is...check it out. ;)
Friday Morning. Malfoy Enterprises, Executive Suite Conference Room
Draco, Hermione, Theo, Severus, Luna, Leonard, Lexie, three members of the Malfoy Enterprises legal team and Harry Potter all sat around the conference table, trying to figure out how this happened and where to go from here.
The Aurors were already on high alert as of this morning. Lives could be in danger, riots could be ignited, and sleeper cells of evasive Death Eaters, and others of that mindset could be inspired into action. Hermione had recommended bringing Harry into the fold because it was smart to have a trusted Auror amongst them.
They sat and looked at each other, wondering who could have betrayed them in such a fashion. Draco was pacing, his face tense, barely controlled anger seething beneath his attempt at being calm. "Who would have done this," he asked aloud.
Harry watched the blond pace. His face contemplative, he pushed his glass up and asked, "Who knew about this part of Hermione's theory? It has to be someone who was aware and/or had access to her notes."
Hermione picked up the morning edition of The Daily Prophet, once again reading the inflammatory article.
Hermione Granger's Theory Claims Purebloods Wield Weaker Magic Than Muggle-borns
By Rita Skeeter, Lead Columnist
Imagine this witch's surprise when an inside source from Malfoy Enterprises reported the underlying theory driving Hermione Granger's research. It seems the ambitious muggle-born witch has a theory that contradicts centuries long held beliefs and assumed fact. The 'Earth Magic', which was mentioned in yesterday's press release, is fueling muggle-born magic to the exclusion of pureblood's. Her theory claims that as Earth Magic has become less abundant, it has chosen to empower less, but more powerful muggle-borns. Her theory goes on to state that pureblood magic weakens as it is passed from generation to generation and that while in the past, Earth Magic supplemented that loss, it is no longer able to do so. This accounts for the significant magical decline of young purebloods and the uptick of squibs.
"I really think it's sad," the inside source went on to say. "I think it's clear Miss Granger misses the spotlight and this is her attempt to reclaim the glory which now eludes her. She has always been a very persuasive witch and I fear she has manipulated Draco Malfoy and others into believing her delusion. When someone has a predetermined outcome they want to prove, they can manipulate case studies and information any number of ways to yield their desired result. It's hardly academic and sound practice to conduct research with the free reign she's been granted. An unbiased, outside researcher should be consulted to confirm these far reaching conclusions."
When asked why he was speaking out and doing so anonymously, the source replied he feared not only the loss of his job, but the potential risk to his very life. "There are radicals out there. Extremists, like Miss Granger, who will do anything, hurt anyone, to come out against purebloods. Purebloods whose lives have been turned inside out, forced to think the way of the new Ministry. A Ministry which is being manipulated. The pendulum has swung, and while we are no longer manipulated by a pureblood supremacist, we are manipulated by the opposite. Pureblood values and traditions are at risk. Muggle's and muggle-born traditions and influence have invaded the wizarding world in an aggressive fashion. I fear that Miss Granger's agenda is just part of that radicalism."
Attempts to reach a Malfoy Enterprise representative were unsuccessful prior to publication of this article. More to come!
Hermione tossed the paper aside, rubbing her temples to numb the pounding behind her eyes. "It was obviously someone who feels threatened by muggle-borns."
"Or someone who wants the public to think that muggle-borns are a threat," Severus added.
Draco stopped pacing and looked at Severus. Draco nodded. "I think Severus is right. This was a pot stirrer. Someone who is trying to rile up the purebloods.. get them to panic."
Severus nodded in return. "Cause them to feel desperate, like they have no choice but to defend themselves."
"We need to know who the source is and shut them down," Theo added, reaching out and taking Hermione's hand, offering it a supportive squeeze. Worry was etched on the planes of his face as he watched her.
Hermione looked up, meeting Theo's eyes and then looked at Draco. "Get Rita Skeeter in here. I'll get it out of her."
"Mr. Malfoy, Thank you for meeting with me. And, Miss Granger, a pleasure!" The garish witch shook their hands and then took her designated seat at the conference table.
Hermione and Draco exchanged looks as they took their seats. They had lured Rita in by offering her an exclusive interview.
Draco skipped the fake pleasantries and got right to the point. His hands clasped in front him, his intense, steel eyes leaving no doubt to his sincerity . "Here's the deal, Rita. You tell us your source or you leave now and we give the rest of the story to The Quibbler. We will also hold all future press releases and statements from inside Malfoy Enterprises and you will not be granted access."
Rita had the gall to look offended. "Well, I couldn't possibly reveal my source. It would mean my reputation, the paper could be sued, the source could be targeted for something sinister!"
Hermione stood, rolling her eyes. "Cut the crap, Rita," she snapped. Hermione slid the offensive article between them on the table, her index finger stabbing the paper with each word spoken. "That article was inflammatory, irresponsible and unethical." She leaned forward, resting both hands on the table in front of her, her voice barely concealing her fury. "Why wasn't Malfoy Enterprises, or myself, given a chance to respond before it went to print?"
Rita sat up tall and haughty. "The first interview with the source was yesterday afternoon just after the press conference, before the Evening Edition went to print. The second was late last night." She moved her gaze to Draco. "I tried to contact Malfoy Enterprises but it was after hours and the floos were blocked and the doors locked." A slight shrug to her shoulders, she continued flippantly. "It's not my fault ME doesn't have an emergency floo or contact information available for after hours."
Hermione fired back. "So rather than act responsibly and wait until this morning to get both sides of the story, you printed what amounted to propaganda...Inflammatory propaganda that could get people hurt!"
When Rita didn't respond, Hermione played her trump card. Her arms crossed in front of her, a knowing and threatening glare in her eyes, she asked simply, "Tell me, Rita, been bugging anyone lately?"
Hermione's threat hit it's mark. The fake blonde, shot her overly made up eyes to Hermione with a hateful glare. "I see you're still the same meddling little know it all you always were!"
Hermione's expression didn't falter. "Tell us what we want to know, and if what you say checks out, I'll continue to keep your secret. But, deny us or lie to us, and it's Azkaban for you."
Draco shot a confused look between the two witches, having no idea what Hermione was threatening Rita with. Azkaban?
Rita huffed with indignation. After a moment's contemplation, her eyes moved to Draco's. "Unfortunately, sometimes it's the people we love who betray us. Those who feel like they have lost all control of their own lives."
After a brief moment of contemplation, Draco's jaw fell. He closed his eyes and then ran his hands through his hair in frustration. He looked at Hermione. At the exact moment he whispered "Father," Hermione whispered, 'Lucius."
Rita crossed her arms in front of her, leaning back in the chair, clearly irritated with the turn of events.
Draco turned his attention back to the sulking witch, his voice menacing. "I'm going to have a little chat with my Father, and if what you say checks out, you will meet us here this afternoon. You will be writing an article, telling Malfoy Enterprise's side of things. It will go to print in this evening's edition. If you print any falsehoods or disclose any information we do not specifically provide, Miss Granger will follow through with her threat. Is that clear?"
"Perfectly," Rita snapped, standing and grabbing her things.
Draco floo'd to Malfoy Manor directly after Rita left his office. He immediately went to his father's study, where he found Snape and his father playing chess.
"Severus, would you mind giving Father and me some privacy," the blond asked, not looking at Severus. His eyes were glued to his Father's, his fury not disguised.
A surprised look on his face, Severus stood. "Certainly, I'll take a stroll on the grounds." Snape shot a look at Lucius and then back at Draco, comprehension dawning.
Draco gave his Godfather an appreciative glance. "Thanks, Sev," he said quietly.
As soon as Severus left, Lucius spoke, clearly already aware of the purpose of Draco's visit. "She's a mudblood and her pureblood theory is hogwash, Draco. You know it." He stood and walked towards the liquor cabinet. "The sooner she is discredited, the better."
"It's not hogwash, Father. I explained it all to you, you've seen the reports! You've seen her notes. How can you dispute what's right before your eyes?!" He watched his father pull a glass out of the cabinet. Bewilderment in his voice, he continued. "How could you go against Malfoy Enterprises?" In a smaller voice, a voice reflecting the pain of betrayal he added, "how could you go against me?"
Lucius poured his drink. He sipped it and turned to his son. "How could I?" He shook his head in his own bewilderment as he walked to the leather chaise lounge near the fire place. "How could I not, is more like it!" He turned a scathing eye to his son as he reclined in the chair. "How could you finance the research of such blasphemy? You are ruining the good name of Malfoy. The purebloods will all turn against you, Draco and in time, against myself and your mother as well."
"Well, whose fault is that? We didn't even mention the part about pureblood magic losing it's potency as it's passed down and we mentioned nothing about muggle-borns wielding stronger magic! That was all going to come later, and under controlled circumstances. It's you who is going to cause mayhem by leaking the information to that harebrained reporter!" Draco had began to pace. As he spoke his words had become louder and more rushed.
Lucius sipped his drink, nonplussed. "Well, it wouldn't do for you to have time to cushion it and make it sound pretty, now would it? This will cause a visceral reaction and hopefully a long overdue uprising of purebloods. Mugggle ways are taking over society, Draco. It's pathetic." He turned a disdainful look on his son. "Look at you, with your muggle suit. Where are your proper wizarding clothes, Draco? Where are your robes?"
Draco looked down at his attire, rolling his eyes. "I wear outer robes as necessary, Father. I do a lot of business with Muggles. Muggle clothes are necessary, you know this!"
"Hmpf," Lucius snickered, taking another sip of his drink. "You wear muggle clothes around the house and on the weekends, you go to muggle clubs and restaurants, you eat muggle food and drink muggle liquor. You engage in muggle entertainment." His voice became louder, less controlled. "You are being corrupted, Draco. And now that filthy little mudblood has you convinced that muggle-borns wield stronger magic than purebloods. It's simply obscene!" Lucius's face had turned beet red, spittle flying from his mouth.
Draco sat down in the closest chair, overwhelmed by his father's words, but aware that he shouldn't be. In a resigned voice, he whispered. "I didn't realize you still harbored old prejudices, Father." He shook his head, his voice sounding tired, "although, perhaps I should have."
Draco stood and walked over to the liquor cabinet, pouring himself a drink. He gulped it down in one deep swallow and put the dirty glass on the tray. He stared at the wall over the cabinet as he spoke. "I'm sorry that times and trends have changed, but it's the future. Nothing you do or say will change what is coming. You can either accept it gracefully or you can fight it and continue to be miserable."
He turned back to Lucius. He spoke softly, non-threatening. "You've broken the parameters of your house arrest by speaking with the media. You could end up back in Azkaban if the Aurors find out."
Lucius didn't say anything, but Draco noticed the slight tremor of his father's hand as he took a long, slow swallow of his drink. His voice softer, he continued, "I'm not going to say anything. But, I can't promise Potter won't figure it out."
He sighed, hating the words that had to be said. He walked towards the older Malfoy, sadness and resignation in his voice. "I'll no longer be sharing any Malfoy Enterprise's news with you. I will no longer seek your advice, I will no longer keep you informed."
Lucius looked up at his son, his face expressionless. Draco knew this was hard for Lucius, despite his stony expression, and it broke his heart that it had come to this. His Father had run Malfoy Enterprises for twenty years until Draco had taken over.
Draco crouched in front of his frail father. His eyes warm, he took his father's cold hand in his, and spoke softly. "I love you, Father. That will never change. But, what you did was reckless and dangerous. You've potentially put the life of Hermione in danger and probably mine as well. You've put Malfoy Enterprises at risk...and you did it on purpose."
Saturday Evening
Hermione and Theo arrived at Harry and Ginny's for dinner to find they were the last to arrive. In addition to those who had traveled from Texas, Andromeda and Magnolia were in attendance as well. Ron and George had been invited, but were unable to attend due to a prearranged double date with two undisclosed witches.
Everyone socialized with drinks in hand as they eagerly awaited delivery of the evening paper.
Hermione and Lexie were quick to pull Ginny aside, curious how the redhead was feeling now that she was into her fifth month of pregnancy. Ginny smiled halfheartedly. "Well, I feel fine. The nausea and morning sickness was never really all that bad and now it seems to be behind me completely. But, I hate not being able to wear my favorite clothes. I look like a cow and I'm hungry all the time. And I'm soo damned horny."
She shifted on her feet as she bit into her second chicken wing in as many minutes. She wiped the grease from her chin as she looked across the room at Harry who was engrossed in conversation with Draco and Theo. "And 'the boy who won't have sex with his pregnant wife' isn't any help at all." Ginny took a big bite of wing, Hermione watching her with barely concealed amusement. Ginny would have a serious pout on her face if it wasn't for the rapid chewing going on. The redhead wiped her mouth, picking up her third wing, pointing it at Hermione as she spoke. "And not having sex makes my compulsive eating kick in which just makes me fatter!"
Hermione and Lexie exchanged looks, trying to conceal the humor they both saw in all this. Hermione touched Ginny's arm, which brought Ginny's attention to the wing in her hand. She got a sad look on her face as she forced herself to put it down. "See? I can scarf down a dozen chicken wings likes it's nothing and don't ask me what happens when I get around Harry's lasagna." Her face looked pained as her gaze darted towards the oven.
Her hand still on Ginny's arm, Hermione gently nudged her towards the vacant sofa. "Come on, let's sit down and figure this out."
Ginny shrugged and glanced back achingly towards the plate of chicken wings and other Hors d'oeuvres. Hermione laughed. "Honestly, Ginny. Harry still won't have sex with you? I just assumed you had gotten that figured out by now."
Ginny shook her head as she shot an evil glare across the room at her husband. Harry caught her look and gave her a warm smile in return, clearly not fazed by the look she gave him. She 'Hmpf'd' and exhaled as she collapsed back against the sofa, her voice sounding defeated. "No, he won't listen to reason! I even asked Andromeda to talk to him, but he won't listen to her either." Irritation in her her voice she continued, "He's happy with oral sex. That's all he wants...all the time." In a dramatic fashion she tossed her hands up in exacerbation and rolled her eyes.
Hermione smirked and whispered. "Well, have you tried saying 'no' to oral sex? Maybe if he's getting nothing he'll come around to your way of thinking."
Ginny looked at Hermione like she had sprouted another head. "Are you mad? I'll go crazy if I don't get at least a couple orgasms a day. I can't turn down the one thing he is willing to give me!"
Unable to stop herself, Lexie let out a snort. Hermione shot the blonde a look and Lexie quickly got herself under control.
Her focus back on Ginny, Hermione added, "It might be worth a shot, Ginny. What's a few days torture if it results with him giving in?"
Ginny thought for a minute. "Well, I do have a couple items given to me at my bachelorette party that might be useful. They could tide me over for a day or two." Her words were said with such seriousness, Hermione could feel her laughter bubbling beneath the surface but managed to keep it at bay. She knew if she looked at Lexie they would both lose it.
Ginny looked longingly at Theo. "I'll bet beefcake over there would be more than happy to have sex with his pregnant witch." She looked back at Hermione, her face serious. "Oh Hermione, make sure you find out before you marry him how he feels about sex during pregnancy. This is something a girl needs to know! Before it's too late!"
That was it. Hermione and Lexie glanced at each other, both bursting into a fit of laughter unable to control it any longer. Ginny's face looked incredulous before she begrudgingly saw the humor and started to laugh. Within a minute the three were laughing so hard they were drawing the attention of the others in the room.
Theo, Draco and Harry looked over at the three laughing witches. "Do the threats seem legit? I think you should let my teams look at them" Harry said, worry and concern for his best friend.
Draco shrugged. "Who knows? The owls started coming in right after the Morning Edition. I haven't told Hermione. No need to get her upset."
Theo's voice was strained with frustration. "But, Drac, if any of those threats are real she needs protection!"
Draco nodded. "I know, I know. I'm just hoping the Evening Edition will calm the waters, you know?" He looked at Harry and sighed. "I'll drop off the originals in your office tomorrow before heading back to Dallas."
Harry nodded appreciatively and added, "make sure you alert the American Aurors as well."
Draco was looking across the room at Luna as she talked with Magnolia and Leonard. "We have another press release and conference scheduled for Monday in Dallas. The New York Ghost is the national wizarding paper over there and they are covering it." He sipped his fire whiskey. "Hopefully, we won't run into the same problems we ran into over here."
Just then there was a tapping at the window. Harry rushed over and opened it, allowing Hedwig to fly in. He took the evening edition of the Daily Prophet from the beautiful owl and gave her a piece of bacon he had in his pocket. He opened it as he walked to the table where everyone started to gather around.
Hermione Granger States No Solid Evidence Muggle-borns Yield Stronger Magic
By Rita Skeeter, Lead Columnist
In an interview this afternoon with Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy, Miss Granger stated it was premature and irresponsible for any undisclosed inside source to make such a bold declaration based on her unfinished research. "We do not have definitive proof that muggle-borns are drawing on more Earth Magic than purebloods. We also don't know for sure that purebloods magic is depleting from generation to generation. These are theories only," Miss Granger went on to explain.
The CEO and owner of Malfoy Enterprises, Draco Malfoy, sat surprisingly quiet as he let Miss Granger do all the talking. It's clear he holds tremendous faith and trust in his muggle-born employee. If we did not know he was spoken for by the ever beautiful and eccentric, Luna Lovegood, one would wonder if the blond billionaire harbored feelings for the over-achieving, brilliant witch sitting beside him.
As the interview concluded, Miss Granger had a statement she wished to be printed with this article. "What's important is for wizarding couples who wish to conceive a magical child, to make sure conception happens at a location with magometer readings of at least 4000 mppm. This is true for purebloods, halfbloods and muggle-borns alike. This is a time when all witches and wizards should be supporting each other and doing all in their power to set aside prejudices and pre-conceived notions. We are all of magical flesh and blood and we are at a turning point. We now have the answer to this question that has been plaguing us these last few years. We have the power to fight this crisis. We have the knowledge to assist Mother Earth and assure a bright and long lived future for the wizarding world. Let's not squander what should be a time to rejoice with old dredged up prejudices."
Even I, Rita Skeeter, found myself moved by Miss Granger's words. Her absolute and unwavering conviction of her statement was undeniable. Mr. Malfoy provided an updated list, since yesterday, of more magical readings of areas around our great nation. He promised Malfoy Enterprises would continue to provide updated lists. He also has provided the contact information for Poppinstock Magometers, where devices can be purchased for personal geographic testing purposes.
"Perfect," Lexie whispered, a smile creeping over her beautiful face.
"If that doesn't quell the waters, than I don't know what will!" Leonard went on to add, grasping Draco's shoulder with a firm reassuring squeeze.
"Looks like she stuck to the script, for the most part," Snape added, Andromeda standing beside him. Hermione noticed their hands subtly touching, though not quite holding each other. She couldn't hide the smile on her face. A smile for the article and a smile for a plan that worked. She was thrilled that Severus was finally getting his own slice of happiness.
Theo took Hermione's hand and pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist and bending down to kiss her cheek. "Well said, Kitten. I'm so proud of you!" His whisper into her ear caused a warm flush to come over her. His closeness, the relief of the article and the hope that things would settle, caused a rush of affection and adrenaline to come over her. A heady combination, indeed. Wishing she could escape the party, Hermione wanted nothing more than to collapse into the arms and caresses of the man she loved.
As she looked around the room, she noticed Draco and Luna close to each other, Draco's eyes on Luna with a look of passion. Harry was standing behind Ginny, his arms around her, his hands on her stomach as he whispered in her ear. Ginny's eyes were closed, her cheeks slightly pink. Magnolia and Lexie were exchanging heated looks obvious to anyone who was paying attention.
Hermione was just about to comment on the sudden intense 'heat' around the room, when Luna's voice rang out. Gesturing towards the sliced mango, strawberries and pineapple on the table, the blonde beauty said quietly and matter-of-factly, "It's the carnal fairies. They really can't resist fresh fruit."
Hermione and Draco exchanged a look, both smiling, both happy, both hopeful for a bright future.
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A Witch's Tale