Five Days In November

Thank you to everyone who has read my story!  Particular thanks to those readers who took the time to review: HarryGinny4eva, sheedy, anaidra, Luminari_Lilium, Victoria, Sarah, and discord_the_lunatic.

June 2001

Hermione put out an assortment of chopped breakfast food for the twins, Scorpius and Severus.  At 13 months, they were still getting comfortable with eating solids. Scor and Sev were identical twins.  They had their father’s fair hair with Hermione’s curls and big brown eyes.  Scor was temperamental and dramatic, often using his angelic face to get a smile or laugh from his parents.  Sev, like his namesake, was quieter but much more mischievous.    

Draco came into the kitchen, helping his wife get out of her chair.  They had been shocked to find out Hermione was once again pregnant five months ago.  While Hermione had abstained from using the hot spring and working with the active potion ingredients in Draco’s Conforto* potion, Draco had not.  He found that nothing soothed his body as the hot spring did, so he soaked at least once a week.  The side effect was that Draco was incredibly potent.  Hermione had been on a contraceptive potion, but that hadn’t seemed to matter.  Hermione had been overwhelmed with the news at first, but felt that she and Draco had room in their hearts for the new baby.

Draco’s wet hair tickled Hermione’s nose when he leaned in for a kiss.

“How did you sleep?  You were up early this morning,” Draco said, rubbing her round belly. 

“I wanted to get some work done on the house before your mum arrives,” Hermione said.  “I’m quite excited that she’ll be here for the next few months.”

“She wants to be able to help us with the boys and the baby, after she’s born.  I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before she buys a house here.”  Draco chuckled, but he was quite serious.

“Do you think she would?  I would love the kids to have her nearby.  She’s a natural with them.”  Hermione had come to love Narcissa, enjoying the intelligent witch’s company and doting attention she provided for her grandsons. 

Draco’s potion had become a staple in apothecaries.  The potion’s initial purpose of easing pain and depression had become secondary to the fertility boost users received.  Draco sold licenses for the potion instructions to potioneers throughout the world.  Each license, renewed annually, brought in several hundred galleons, amounting to a very decent yearly sum.  Hermione was pleased they could live off their potion’s work, leaving the Malfoy legacy and her war reward for the next generation.       

Draco pushed his wife towards the bath, “Yes, Mother would love to be closer to us.  We can talk to her about it when she’s here.  I’ve got the boys.  Go shower, love.”

Hermione kissed each twin and watched her striking husband clean food from their messy faces and hands.  He’s such a good father.  Hermione walked towards the bath, tearing up.  I have more than I ever could have wished for. 

The  End  

A.N. Conforto is Latin for console and strengthen.