A Witch's Tale | By : snowblind12 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female Views: 27756 -:- 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! |
Disclaimer: Theses characters and the world they live in belong to JKR and her publishers. I own nothing!
Well, this is it :) The final chapter!
A huge and special thank you to LissaDream, who not only acted as beta for a huge part of this story, but helped guide the plot as well. I've been struggling with this final chapter for weeks and she came to my rescue, assisting with writing some of the epilogue as well as giving me the encouragement and pep talk I needed to get it finished. I think subconsciously I didn't want to let it go. I love you, LD!
This was my first Harry Potter FF and it holds a special place in my heart. Thanks to all who have stuck with this story!
Sunday Morning
Hermione and Theo arrived at St. Mungo's, happy to find Ginny sitting up in bed and positively glowing. Theo placed the flowers they brought on the table near the window as Hermione walked over to Ginny's bedside, giving the ginger-haired girl a big hug.
"How are you feeling?" she murmured.
Ginny shrugged and spoke softly. "Tired, overwhelmed, and like the luckiest witch in the world." She smiled warmly, her eyes alight with wonder and surprise. "Lilly James, she's perfect, you know? I didn't know it was possible to feel so much love. It's like my heart grew and expanded times ten! And Harry...oh Gods, Harry is the most amazing man! I love him so much. I don't know what I did to deserve him."
Hermione wasn't used to this sentimental side of Ginny. "Gin, Harry loves you, too. Very much. You should see him out there. He's bragging about his beautiful wife's right hook and smoking cigars in the new dad's lounge. He keeps a constant eye over Lilith in the nursery. I've never seen him so happy."
Ginny reached out and took Hermione's hand. "Is it wrong that I'm terrified she won't have magic?"
Hermione squeezed her friend's hand reassuringly. "Grimmauld Place scored in a low, but acceptable range, Ginny. The Burrow scored very high. You said you thought you conceived at the Burrow, but even if you didn't, I'm quite confident Lilith will have magic. Either location should produce magical children."
Ginny squeezed Hermione's hand in thanks. Hermione felt Ginny's hand freeze and then rub her ring finger. The redhead's reaction was instantaneous. All of a sudden, she sat up and pulled Hermione's hand close. Her eyes grew wide and her jaw fell open as she looked at Hermione's ring. "Hermione Granger!" Her eyes then shot to Theo who had a huge smile on his face, she looked back at the ring. "When did this happen?" A guilty look marred her expression. "Oh no…! Don't tell me you were sporting this rock at dinner on Friday night and I was too self-absorbed to notice!"
Hermione reassured her friend, a huge smile on her face. "Last night, Ginny. When we got home."
Theo stepped behind Hermione, wrapping his arms around her waist and settling his chin on her shoulder. "She's made me a very happy man," he said warmly, smiling at the new mother.
All heads turned to the door when Harry walked in with a smirk on his face. Draco peeked his head in behind him and looked slightly abashed as he held the door open for Luna, who walked in carrying a huge, life size, stuffed ram. Ginny's jaw fell open at the size of the thing; Luna could barely carry it. Hermione and Ginny both startled when the ram's eyes fluttered, and it bleated.
"Oh Merlin, is that real?" Ginny squeaked. Draco scratched the back of his head and stood apart from the group as Luna, with a beaming smile, set the huge animal on the floor beside Ginny's bed.
Luna was clearly tickled with joy as the stuffed Ram continued to bleat. Theo chuckled when it started to paw the floor as though it were preparing to attack.
Ginny looked to Harry, who merely shrugged with a bemused expression, and then at Draco who seemed to suddenly find the flowers in Ginny's room very interesting. She looked back at the stuffed creature and then at Luna, mustering the best smile she could offer. "Uh...thanks, Luna."
Luna clapped when the Ram did it's last trick of rearing up on it's hind legs before starting the whole sequence over again.
"It's a Ram. It represents Aries, Lilith's zodiac astrological sign," Luna explained, clearly overjoyed with her clever gift.
Harry, ever the gentleman, walked over to Luna and pulled her into a hug. "It's wonderful, Luna. Thank you."
Draco moved to the bedside beside Luna and winked at her before smirking at Ginny. "So, another Gryffindor graces the wizarding world with her presence."
Ginny smirked back. "We can only hope." Her smirk broadened into a grin before she added playfully, "As long as the hat doesn't place her in Slytherin, she won't be disowned."
Draco barked a laugh. "Ha! The day a Potter gets sorted into Slytherin will be the day Hogwarts spontaneously combusts. Much less a Potter named Lilith James."
Hermione cocked an eyebrow at Draco. "You know, I hope you have a daughter Draco, and I can't wait to see your face when she's sorted into Gryffindor!"
This made Draco laugh harder. "First off, there hasn't been a female Malfoy in three centuries and secondly, a Malfoy would never be sorted into Gryffindor. It's simply not possible."
Luna was looking at Draco curiously. "Hmm, I come from a long line of witches who have never had sons. My Grandmother was a seer and a Hufflepuff, and my mother a Ravenclaw."
This gave Draco pause and he looked slightly uncomfortable as Luna looked absently around the room. Hermione couldn't help but wonder if this was something that truly concerned him. Draco would definitely want a son. The Malfoy name would die out, otherwise.
The room grew quiet for a minute before Ginny exclaimed, "Oh, Harry...guys, did you see 'Mione's ring?" Just as she said the words, Ron and Georgina walked in the room holding hands.
Hermione's heart raced as her eyes met Ron's. This was not how she had wanted him to find out about her engagement; she felt a touch of guilt. She realized within a minute or so, however, she had no reason to worry. The genuine smile that spread across Ron's face as he strode over to embrace her in a congratulatory hug said it all; he was genuinely happy for her. It begged to reason, therefore, that he was likely sincerely happy as well. This added to Hermione's own joy. Georgina stepped up beside Ron as he and Hermione pulled apart from each other, Ron wrapped his arm around the young witch as she congratulated Hermione and Theo, also.
Harry was the next to grab Hermione and pull her into a tight hug. He held her as he whispered, "I'm so happy for you 'Mione. I'm so happy for both of us!" Her eyes watered, but she managed to keep the tears from falling. She hugged him back tightly. "Thanks, Harry. It seems we both have reason to be over the moon right now!"
When they pulled apart, Harry stepped over to Theo who was already shaking Ron's hand. The wizards' conversation quickly changed to bachelor parties and cigars. Hermione noticed Draco was being quiet and was standing off to the side as Georgina and Luna crowded Ginny.
She walked over to the subdued blond. "You're surprisingly quiet, Malfoy."
A crooked smile crept over his face. "If I got too close, Weasel might've gotten confused and hugged me."
Hermione cocked an eyebrow. "I know you, Draco. Something's up. Tell me?"
He sighed and gave her a truly genuine smile, ignoring her question. "So, he finally proposed, did he? He's been carrying that damn ring around for months. I told him if he didn't do it soon, I was going to do it for him!"
Hermione threw back her head and laughed. "Yes, he asked me last night in the throes of passion. It was quite romantic."
Draco had a mock look of disgust as he held his palm up. "Ugh! Please, spare me the details." They smirked at each other and he picked up her hand, looking at the ring. "Ah, well. I'm happy for you, Granger." His steel grey gaze twinkled with mirth when he added, "But don't be getting any ideas about being a kept witch. I won't let you quit. No babies anytime soon. Got it?"
Hermione sighed, her face looking slightly contrite. "Well, actually…I've already started the nursery. I'm only six weeks, but, you know me! I always like to be prepared!"
His expression fell as the color drained from his face. "Wha…?"
She smiled teasingly. "Gotcha!"
When it was time for Lilith's next feeding, the throngs of visitors conglomerated in the waiting room. The mood was light, and the excitement was high. So many people had stopped by, including school mates from all houses at Hogwarts. Some old professors even joined the foray; it was lovely to see Minerva McGonagall, Filius Flitwick, Hagrid, and Horace Slughorn. Fortunately, the visitors didn't all come at once; so, it was a manageable feat to see and talk to everyone.
It was during a quiet spell in the late afternoon when Kingsley Shacklebolt arrived. He approached Hermione and pulled her aside, telling her there was good news. She was not going to have to testify against the Carrows, Rabastan LeStrange or the other Death Eaters that had been captured as a result of her kidnapping. They had confessed their crimes in what they had thought would be a show of martyrdom. Unfortunately for them, the public was outraged by what they had done. They had been skirted off quietly to Azkaban to await their sentence, which Kingsley assured Hermione would be no less than life.
Their play to the public's sympathy fell short due to the love and appreciation the wizarding community held for the brilliant witch. Hermione Granger was now not only a famous third of the Golden Trio, she was possibly the savior of the worldwide wizarding population. Her name – as well as her employer, Malfoy Enterprises – were now household names whispered throughout the entire world.
In the four months since her research had been made public, governments had been conducting their own research to confirm her findings. Some were further along than others, but so far, they had found that every bit of her theory was correct. Even the theory that Muggle-borns had stronger magic was becoming accepted fact in many parts of the world. It was agreed by many that pureblood lines ran the risk of extinguishing their own magic, unless they conceived in areas that measured high mppm's. Their other option was to mix their blood lines with Muggle-borns, which despite the improved tolerance and decreasing prejudices, still left an unpleasant taste in the mouths of many of the traditional, pureblood families.
The financial result of her research was that Draco Malfoy was now a very rich wizard. The magometer sales were off the charts, as were the rentals. Where he had been absurdly rich before, it was now obscene. He took care of the people around him, though. Hermione would never have to work another day in her life if she didn't want to. She had enough Galleons to retire to a life of luxury if she chose. Draco took care of Lexie's father as well. Leo Poppinstock had made a nice chunk of change when he sold his business to Draco seven months ago, but Draco went a step beyond, setting up a lifetime annuity for the American and his daughter. Poppinstock Magometers was doing so well, they were opening a European factory in Germany. It was the only way they could meet the ever increasing demand.
Hermione excused herself from the gathering of well-wishers and headed to the lady's loo. To say she was surprised when she caught a giggling Andromeda and a stone-faced Severus Snape stepping out of what appeared to be a broom closet, would have been a huge understatement. Andromeda caught Hermione's eye and actually blushed. Hermione couldn't help the giggle that escaped her mouth. Her moment of frivolity was short lived, however, when her former Potions Master cut her with a signature glare. Not intimidated, but also not willing to push the man's buttons, Hermione had simply smiled knowingly at him as she passed.
Severus Snape would experience his own boon of proven genius. His potion was about to go into production and the only thing holding it up was the pesky little task of agreeing on a name for the brilliant magic enhancing elixir. Based on the fact that Severus was living in Mexico when he developed it, they were leaning towards, Fortalecedor de Magia. The potion was still a secret and the public knew nothing about it, but Hermione was certain once it hit the market, it would be hugely popular. She still had her reservations about the sinister uses one could employ the concoction for, but the Ministry had agreed to its release with certain restrictions.
Draco was positively gleeful about the success of his Godfather and the resulting wealth that would likely ensue. Hermione merely shook her head at Draco in bemusement. There reached a point where more money was simply distasteful, and Draco was fast approaching that point. Of course, Draco had ended up surprising her with his generosity. Generosity towards not only herself, and the people he cared about, but to noble causes around the globe. He had truly become one of the finest men she had ever known. He was not just a beloved friend, he was family in her eyes.
When Hermione arrived back to the waiting room, it was to find Lexie and Leo had arrived from Dallas only moments before. Her happiness was now complete. The afternoon turned to evening, and evening turned to night, as the people Hermione considered her extended family gathered around to celebrate. They celebrated a new life in Lilith James Potter, a new union in Theo and Hermione, and a new world with hopefully less hate and prejudice and greater magic for all.
~Finite Incantatem~
Epilogue as presented by Rita Skeeter, via the Daily Prophet:
Wedding Bliss for the Wizarding World's Golden Girl
Saturday, September 12th, 2005
By: Rita Skeeter
Hermione Granger, who is Granger no more, married Theodore Nott (son of deceased parents, Reginald and Marigold) today during a small and private ceremony in Godric's Hollow. The ceremony, held in the same small church Harry Potter's parents exchanged vows twenty-six-years ago, was attended by close friends and family of the pair.
"It was a lovely ceremony, and Hermione looked beautiful," one attendee reported on the condition of anonymity. "The dress was simple, yet stunning," the source went on to say. Reporters from all over the world hovered outside the gates of the quaint church, hoping for a glimpse of the elusive witch and her guests. Rumored guests included Harry Potter and his wife Ginny, Draco Malfoy and his fiancé Luna Lovegood, as well as Victor Krum and his Russian, wizarding world, super model girlfriend, Dominica Mashkimuskin. (See page 16, "Playboy Quidditch Star on The Arms of Another Supermodel Before Ink Is Dry On Divorce Decree.")
This witch would bet her last knut that the list of attendees included many more of the wizarding world's celebrities. The Ministry of Magic oversaw security of the property due to the rumored high-profile guest list. "I think it's shameful," one passerby stated as she walked down the main street of the Godric's Hallow. "This is not how wizarding tax Galleons should be used - providing security for such an event! I'm sure Miss Granger can afford her own security!" The witch hurried off, refusing to provide her name.
Mr. and Mrs. Nott are rumored to be honeymooning in the South of France.
Secret Elopement
Tuesday, July 11th, 2006
By: Rita Skeeter
This reporter is shocked to discover the secret elopement of one dark, dangerous, and sexy war hero, turned Potions developer, Severus Tobias Snape to Andromeda Tonks née Black, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both parties and all friends and family decline comment, stating the couple prefer their privacy. Given this wizards proclivity towards mystery and intrigue, perhaps this shouldn't come as a surprise.
Lucius Malfoy, Dead at 54
Tuesday, August 7th, 2007
By: Rita Skeeter
Lucius Malfoy, Sacred Twenty-Eight Patriarch and former Death Eater, as well as father of multi-billionaire, Draco Malfoy, has passed away at age 54.
The sworn Death Eater, twice absolved (once completely and once partially) from his rumored crimes, passed away peacefully at his family estate and Manor in Wiltshire, England last evening. The cause of death has been determined to be of natural causes, although the specific ailment has been withheld. His wife of twenty-nine years, Narcissa Malfoy, is reportedly at the family Manor receiving close friends and family in her time of grief.
The reclusive and homebound Malfoy patriarch was once a prominent member of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, as well as an influential player in the world of Ministry politics and social influences. However, after the second fall of Voldemort, all control of the family funds and rights, including the seat on the Sacred Twenty, was handed down to his son, Draco, due to his house arrest. Lucius had succeeded his father, Abraxas, in the running of Malfoy Enterprises, which is also now controlled by Draco. Lucius served as chairman of the Hogwarts Board of Governors for several years before being removed from his seat for blackmailing other members for the purpose of removing former Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, in 1993.
His death falls three weeks prior to his son's planned wedding to the eccentric and beautiful pureblood, Luna Lovegood. Funeral arrangements forthcoming.
Draco Malfoy Weds
Sunday, September 2nd, 2007
By: Rita Skeeter
Pull out the tissues and the chocolate frogs single witches of the UK, Draco Malfoy is officially off the market! Champagne flowed, and the world's most influential politicians and celebrities toasted the multi-billionaire and his eccentric bride, Luna Lovegood. Draco Malfoy, CEO of Malfoy Enterprises and all its subsidiaries, including Poppinstock Magometers, wed his girlfriend of over two years, in a lavish wedding which took place in the Rose Garden on the grand estate of Malfoy Manor.
Luna Malfoy created quite a stir in a scandalous wedding dress made of swan and Thestral feathers. "It was simply pornographic," one anonymous witch claimed. Another stated, "Lucius Malfoy is rolling over in his grave right now at the indecency of it." Still, others found the dress stunning and daring. "Luna Lovegood is a true visionary, a witch before her time. If I had a body like hers, I'd show it off as well!" Of course, there were many in attendance who simply saw the dress as black and white feathers and failed to see what the big stir was. Judging by the reactions of the guests as she walked by, it was very easy to see which guests had seen death.
Draco looked handsome and dashing in formal black and white wizarding robes, accented by a single white swan feather in his breast pocket, beautifully complimenting his bride's head-turning gown. The wedding party included best man, Theodore Nott and groomsmen, Blaise Zabini and Harry Potter. In shocking, black, spider spun silk, Hermione Granger, eight months pregnant, stood as Matron of Honor, while Ginny Potter and an American witch, Lexie Poppinstock, stood as bridesmaids.
Guests included Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, American MACUSA congressional leaders, as well as President, Matilda Green. Pavarti's Secret supermodels, Mikana and Pearl, accompanied the infamous Romanian Minister of Magic, Vladimir Lonescu. "At least he only brought two dates this time," scorned ex-lover and newly outed lesbian, Pansy Parkinson chided. Pansy is clearly over the debonair Transylvanian however, as she glowingly watched her girlfriend, Lexie Poppinstock stand as bridesmaid.
Be on the lookout for the Daily Prophet's special edition this week dedicated solely to the Malfoy extravagant event.
Addendum: Luna Malfoy requested it be known that no swans or Thestrals were harmed in the making of her gown.
Theo and Hermione Nott Welcome First Born
Friday, October 5th, 2007
By: Rita Skeeter
Theodore and Hermione Nott née Granger, welcomed their son, Alexander Granger Nott, into the world yesterday afternoon in an unusual fashion. Standing on the platform, in Diagon Alley, as Draco Malfoy announced the newest ground-breaking potion to be developed under the joint genius of Severus Snape and Hermione Nott, Hermione swayed as she was overcome with dizziness. Her husband, who had been standing close, dove in for the rescue, and fearing the risk of Apparating his pregnant wife, simply carried her into Malfoy Enterprises. A room was cleared, and as luck would have it, a St. Mungo's healer, certified in Obstetrics, happened to be in the crowd. Healer Alexander Brutus oversaw the rapid delivery of the newborn. Healer Brutus was overcome with emotion and joy when the famous couple named their first son after him for coming to their rescue. "Really, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I was simply thrilled to be of assistance. To think they named their son after me is such an incredible honor!"
Mom, Dad and baby are doing well and recuperating at St. Mungo's surrounded by friends and family.
The announcement of the ground-breaking potion, which cures lycanthropy, was shortened in light of the turn of events. Severus Snape, famous war hero and potioneer, who is responsible for the development of the magic strengthening potion, Fortalecedor de Magia, was unavailable for comment. This witch is one of many curious minds who want to know: what is the reclusive wizard, known for his mysterious, dark demeanor and black robes, conjuring up next?
Fourth Baby Born to Famous Couples in as Many Months!
Saturday, December 27th, 2008
By: Rita Skeeter
With bated breath, the last member of The Golden Trio welcomes son in today's wee morning hours! Ron Weasley and fiancé Georgina Goyle are pleased to welcome Frederick Arthur Weasley to the booming Weasley clan.
This birth comes hot on the heels of three other famous children born this year. Albus Sirius was born to Harry and Ginny Potter September 8th. Grace Anne arrived to Theodore and Hermione Nott on October 2nd. Larissa Pandora was blessed to Draco and Luna Malfoy on November 30th. The wizarding world will sure have its eyes open watching these children grow up together!
Hogwarts Welcomes Largest First Year Class in School History
Tuesday, September 1st, 2015
By: Rita Skeeter
If proof was ever needed of the debt Hermione Nott is owed by the wizarding world, they have it now. An astounding seventy-two first year students were welcomed to the world's most famous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. "It's simply wonderful," claimed Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall. Sure, there are a few issues that have presented with such a large class, but they are the kind of problems the school welcomes."
For those of you who have been living under a rock, Hermione Nott is responsible for discovering, not only the cause, but the solution of the problem that threatened the extinction of the wizarding world, a mere thirteen years ago. With the use of magical measuring devices, called magometers, couples wishing to conceive, can now choose locations for the amorous act that will almost guarantee a magical child. St. Mungo's has expanded its Labor & delivery ward, renaming it, Granger's Ward, a tribute to her former Muggle last name, Granger.
Malfoy Divorce
Wednesday, November 1st, 2017
By: Rita Skeeter
Shocking news has tongues wagging all over London and, dare I say, the world. Draco Malfoy has sued for divorce citing irreconcilable differences from his wife of ten years, Luna Malfoy, nee Lovegood. Given the rarity of divorce amongst purebloods, this witch can't help but to ponder; what scandalous secret is yet to be un-earthed explaining the unexpected news? Leave it to me faithful readers, Rita Skeeter will get to the bottom of this! In the meantime, ladies put down the pumpkin pasties and get to the gym! Draco Malfoy is back on the market!
Malfoy Divorce Explained!
Friday, November 3rd, 2017
By: Rita Skeeter
It isn't scandalous after all. Sources close to the couple say Draco was forced into this decision due to Luna's desire to move to South America where she can resume her studies and research of the rumored snorklerook, as well as other creatures that have yet to be proven to exist. "Luna feels strongly about her research and the need for the Wizarding community to understand what it cannot see," a close friend of the blonde confided. Sources close to the wizard say he is tired of being married to a wife who is never in the country, much less home. He desires more children, sons specifically, to carry on the Malfoy name.
Shocking News from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry!
Famous Four Sorted!
Tuesday, September 1st, 2020
By: Rita Skeeter
In a stunning turn of events, and news-worthy gossip, this reporter has received inside information that the four famous children starting their first year at Hogwarts have shocked their families with their house placements!
Frederick Arthur Weasley – Hufflepuff!
Grace Anne Nott – Ravenclaw!
Larissa Pandora Malfoy – Gryffindor!
Albus Sirius Potter – Slytherin!
The Nott's, Potter's, and Weasley's all stated similar forms of "my child will only make me proud, no matter the house they are sorted into." Draco Malfoy, however, expressed extreme disbelief and shock at the news of his daughter being sorted into Gryffindor. "The sorting hat has clearly gone senile!" He later amended his statement by saying, "It shouldn't have surprised me, she was always too daring for her own good. She's so much like her mother." Ms. Lovegood told us, "I always knew she'd be a Gryffindor, I saw it in her the day she was born."
No matter what house they were sorted into, this reporter is expecting great things from the Famous Four! The wizarding world will wait with bated breath to see the adventures of these special children.
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