Finding Home

Epilogue:

In the years that passed we came to realize that we each needed some counseling. The war had just done too much scarring to the both of us. So once a week we would visit our friends in Britain. Perseus would play with James, Albus and Clive (who knew Lavender had a thing for muggle movie stars?), while Draco and I would go to St Mungo’s, and each see our perspective healer, then meet afterwards for lunch. We talked about what we shared and we did it without judgment. Sometimes we cried or held each other, sometimes we just talked about it. We learned that we could depend on one another. We could trust one another, as adults. Once we learned to communicate our truths, our fears and the parts of us that aren’t so great, our relationship was more solid. Solid enough that after one lunch, Draco slid a four-carat emerald heirloom onto my finger.  It was how we got through to where we are now.

We still have the cute “little 2 bedroom”, quickly dubbed Malfoy Cottage, that was expanded every couple of years. I taught every fall and spring. But it did seem like every time I turned around something was happening with that house. We first expanded because Draco insisted I needed a library. Then he insisted he needed a potions lab. Then the next year he insisted we have another baby. Which turned into two babies. We did put in a pool and added a game room with surround sound. I guess their trip in search of yours truly really was a bonding experience, Draco and Harry played darts and pool. You wouldn’t have even known Quidditch existed. But I will be ever so happy if I never hear another Elvis song! And of course, we needed a playroom, complete with an entertainment center and bunkbeds so their many friends could stay the night. (Also, because they made their dislike of the KING known quite often and very loudly.)

 Pansy stayed as my assistant until she got her own degree. She did end up going back to the magical world but she took Phillip with her. She is a wonderful healer, with her own practice, and a house full of tan dark headed half-bloods. Phillip is a consultant for muggle medicine in the Magical world, that is, when magic isn’t working.

 Of course, now that Perseus, Cleo, and Hera are all at Hogwarts we spend most of our time at Malfoy Manor. Malfoy Cottage is primarily our summer home. When the kids come home we head straight there. And we spend all summer there until they go back. Draco and I agree that place on the beach, that’s our home with the kids. That’s our haven. That’s where all the great memories are made and where we protect our family from the dark pasts. And when the kids are grown we may go back, but despite our pasts, our home is with each other.