With Good Intentions

“Congratulations!”

Few would risk Molly’s wrath to attend the small party for Hermione’s graduation from magical law school. In the Room of Requirement — the safest place in a rebuilt Hogwarts — Hermione and Lucius mingled with George, Blaise and Pansy Zabini, Dean Thomas, Newt Scamander and a pregnant Luna and the Longbottoms. For fear of being followed by aurors under the direction of Molly’s son-in-law, Nolan Tutela sent regards through Minerva McGonigall but avoided the fête.

“Your nauseating habit of success grows tiresome, my pet.” Lucius smirked as he refilled Hermione’s glass.

“Your inability to discover a way to end all this drama smacks of incompetence, Luc.” Hermione retorted as she tipped her glass in thanks and quaffed the rare vintage.

“You two need to get a room!” Blaise teased as he observed the electricity between client and almost-attourney.

“Hey Sis! Come open your present. I have to get back to the shop or Ron will give away half my stock to his auror mates.”

Away from the intimate group, George gave Hermione an envelope and some advice.

“From Winky. She’s recovering at my place. Blimey! Bloody wards nearly killed her, the poor git. Haven’t read it but I think I know what it says.”

“And?”

“Mum and her inferi troopers are coming for you. Can’t get to Lucius with you around and she knows it. Be careful, Sis. Kingsley’s over for dinner at the Burrow every week. She’s…”

“This can’t be easy for you...”

“Or Ron. But she’s gone bodmin and she’s wreckin’ the world. Fred’d been all over her if he’d lived to see it. Got a new ‘ruling’ class and she’s runnin’ it.”

“She’d never have done this if Fred survived. Two wars is more than anyone should experience.”

“Yeah, speakin’ o’ that. You and Malfoy?”

“No. Don’t try and make that into something it’s not.”

“Got eyes, Sis. He’s not broken anymore.”

“Because he’s not in Azkaban — yet — and he’s working his way through losing his family. Being a Slytherin I’m sure he’ll find a way to destroy my work saving him.”

“Why? How angry does he get?”

“He doesn’t, which scares me more. Right now I have to focus on ending this legal hopscotch and getting him cleared.”

“Pay attention, Sis. He’s got plans for you and they won’t happen in a courtroom.”

Neither Gryffindor was surprised to note the openly sensual gaze Lucius sent in Hermione’s direction. Luna had mentioned it as well.

“I won’t betray you all, if that’s your concern,” she said, turning back to George.

“Ange is pregnant, Hermione. Don’t want my kid in the middle of this. You’re the brains of this ragtag bunch — figure it out with that Slytherin of yours. What he lacks in courage he makes up for in galleons and guile. ‘Long as you’re holding his tether we’ll do alright. Can’t be worse than Mum, can’ee?”