Chapter Text
About three years later
“Have you seen my darling husband?” Blaise asked Alden who walked into the Great Hall with Draco’s hand in his. They were supposed to meet up for lunch, but Raven hadn’t appeared. There was no danger around, so Blaise had just figured that his husband was busy doing something.
Alden chuckled and shook his head. “Not today, no. But I heard Kefira talking him into helping her in the potion lab. If it’s exploded, he’s there.”
Blaise rolled his eyes, amused. “You’re not helping.”
“I’ll ask him, stop worrying” Draco laughed and shook his head. Blaise smiled and waited for his friend to ask his husband where he was.
He had always suspected that the Malfoy triplets had a mind link and when Raven had revealed that they indeed had a link, it wasn’t really surprising to him. However, he had taught him Occlumency rather quickly, not really wanting the Malfoy siblings listening in on their private times…
“He’s by the shore. Apparently, Kefira heard that Viktor was coming by for ten minutes on their way to the United States” Draco said with a snort. “Should we meet him too?”
“Ten minutes?” Blaise shook his head. “Let’s give her the time to meet her fiancé.”
They walked into the Great Hall, seeing Ginny sitting with the Lions once more. Ever since Graham had left Hogwarts, she had switched between Slytherin and Gryffindor during meals. Luna had at first argued that she wasn’t seeing her anymore, just for Ginny to pull her with her when she was at the Slytherin table, leaving to a heavily blushing Theodore and Luna. It was adorable.
“It’s crazy considering that next year we’re not going to be back” Alden said with a sigh. “There’s so much history here.”
Draco snorted. “You will be back! It’s us who’s not going to be here!”
Blaise sniggered. “Agreed. You’re back two days a week to continue your practical Mastery while studying to become a Healer… someone is clearly overworking himself.”
Alden rolled his eyes with a grin. “I just like it!”
“Also, Blaise… who is going to work with the Goblins next year?”
“Raven” Blaise said sarcastically. “I just got in because of him.”
They hadn’t told their friends that they were already in their masteries. Mostly because the goblins had told them not to, but also because they didn’t want to add more pressure to them. It was already hard for everyone when Alden had started his Mastery with Madam Pomfrey.
Pansy and Hannah Abott had almost had a panic attack trying to figure out what they wanted to do, Draco had an identity crisis, where he struggled with the fact that he had no idea what to do in the future. Raven had told Blaise that he didn’t want to add to that, seeing as Kefira was happily creating and brewing potions – she had a clear path in front of her, and he had the invitation to work for the goblins.
The announcement that the goblins would be hiring him in secret helped with that. Naturally, Narcissa, Lucius and Professor McGonagall knew, but that was all. Blaise understood completely and they used the excuse that they wanted alone-time, to run off and study in Gringotts.
Also, Sirius being around Hogwarts and helping Blaise went a long way.
“Kind of true” Alden said with a snigger. They settled down at the Slytherin table, where most of Hufflepuff seventh year were sitting now as well. Pansy and Hannah were talking about opening a beauty shop together, while Susan was working on some things for the Ministry, helped along by Theodore’s knowledge.
“How is it already spring?!” Daphne asked with a sigh as she settled down beside Blaise. “I was hoping of savouring our last year here!”
Astoria a little down the table had clearly heard her and sniggered. “That’s your problem!”
“It really is!” Daphne threw a pancake towards her sister, which made several people laugh. Draco shook his head with a grin.
“It’s kind of sad that we’re about to leave here. All the things we went through here…”
Raven snorted. “All the messed-up potions” he said, sitting down across from Blaise with a grin. “Hey love.”
Blaise rolled his eyes. “What excuse do you have now?”
“Oh, stop being mad, I know Draco told you where I was.” A playful grin tugged at the corners of Raven's lips as he spoke. Blaise chuckled, knowing he could never be mad at him. Well, maybe if he did the same thing as Michael did, when he ran into danger, then he would be mad.
Draco looked around and frowned. “Where did you leave Kefira then?”
Raven grinned at his brother. “I left her kissing Viktor. She said something about having to do some research for potions N.E.W.T.s.”
“I will kill her” Draco said darkly, which made Raven snigger and he looked at Blaise with a grin.
“Sorry I didn’t make it to lunch. I was kind of a guinea pig for Kefira.”
“If she researched any harmful potions and you’re going to suffer, I will aid Draco, just so you know” Blaise said with a grin. He knew that the siblings would never harm each other, their bond was just so strong.
Ever since the end of fourth year, he had been watching their bond strengthen so quickly and so unbreakable that there was nothing that could come in between them.
After everything was dealt with, Severus had decided to continue teaching for another year and then until Minerva had found someone to take over. That had gone faster than he head thought. Maybe Minerva had realized that his heart wasn’t in it anymore… or never had been, and therefore she had tried to find someone as fast as possible.
Fact was, when his godchildren had started their sixth year, he had been freed of his professorship. So, he took a year off with his partners and travelled around the world, while making sure to visit his friends and godchildren during the year.
On their seventh year, he had settled in Hogsmeade, opened a small potion shop with living quarters on top. Sirius had started teaching Transfiguration. He had refused to be Head of Gryffindor, seeing as that prevented him from living with Severus and Remus. The werewolf following Sirius’ example had also denied, but taken up the DADA class, much to everyone’s joy.
And so, Severus had started a peaceful existence, brewing, creating, experimenting potions, and working with owl-orders most of the year. Poppy had asked him if she could continue ordering some potions on market price value which he had agreed to.
Their evenings were usually spent together. Severus had started to enjoy his free time, watching his partners grading essays, preparing for lessons and researching. He loved snuggling up to them and just enjoying his life.
“You’re so smitten with them” Narcissa had said when she had come over to visit him.
Severus laughed softly and nodded. “I’m not even going to try and argue with that. I never would have imagined that my life would have gone into this direction.”
Narcissa snorted. “You and me, both, Sev.” She smiled more to herself. “I had given up on finding my babies all these years ago. And then… here they were, right in front of me.”
Nodding, Severus smiled at his friend. “It truly was luck on our part that Kefira messed up that potion. Or, that she found the wrong one.”
“She found the wrong one, yes. But in the end, it was the right one.” Narcissa sighed. “Could you imagine our lives if she hadn’t done so?”
“It would be miserable” Severus said with a sigh. “I don’t think I would have been in the right mindset to start a triad.”
Narcissa chuckled at that. “Neither would we. And our poor Raven would have still been under Dumbledore’s thumb.”
Severus smiled at his friend. “Let’s not think about that. Our lives have turned into something beautiful. Thanks to Kefira’s mishap.”
“She would hate to hear that a faulty potion made her future possible.”
“Not faulty” Severus pointed out. “Just not the one they were looking for, I assume.”
The door to Severus’ apartment opened and he turned to look at the stairs, where a few seconds later, Remus appeared. He smiled at them and took off his professor robes. “Don’t mind me, I’ll be in the shower. Hi, Cissa.”
Narcissa chuckled. “Hello Remus.”
The second Remus disappeared through another room, Narcissa turned to Severus. “We should enjoy the lives we were given. And I’m so happy you’re doing well.”
The visit didn’t last much longer, but Severus was invited to tea next weekend in Malfoy Manor, which he accepted. Apparently, the Alliance was there and meeting over tea.
That was something else that had changed: the Alliance was still standing strong and had even overtaken the Ministry, due to several of their children working there. Nobody wanted to be on their bad side. It was funny, in a way.
A few minutes after Narcissa had left, Remus appeared again, looking more relaxed after the shower. He walked through the apartment and pulled Severus into a tight hug.
Severus chuckled softly. “I guess you missed me?”
“Honestly, is that really a question? I’ll always miss you. You and Sirius.”
Kissing his partner on his temple, he could feel Remus’ wolf relax. There was something in his magic that, once you got very close to him, Severus could separate the two very easily. And it hadn’t taken him long to realize that the wolf seemed to relax around him and Sirius.
“Well, sadly for you, Sirius just sent a Patronus. Minerva told him to take someone’s night shift today. He won’t come home till two o’clock” Severus said with a soft chuckle.
Remus groaned. “Leave it to her to destroy our date night.”
Severus laughed softly. “Let’s have a date night, just the two of us, then. Or we could try and see how long it takes Sirius to realize he’s being followed.”
Judging by Remus’ sparkling eyes and mischievous smirk, it was clear which option he preferred. Sirius was probably going to feel haunted tonight. Severus chuckled and thanked whoever was responsible for bringing him and his partners together.
This was the best thing that had ever happened in his life.
Michael landed in Gringotts London Branch again and felt like sleeping for hours now. Still, he pulled the last reserves he had left and trudged to Hembrock’s office. After a quick knock he was allowed to enter.
“Good morning, Hembrock” he said in Gobbledygook.
“You look like hell” the goblin said instead of a greeting. “Why are you not home?”
Michael let himself fall into the chair on the opposite side of his boss’ desk. “I thought you would want me to tell you what happened in the grotto as soon as we were back.”
“Under normal circumstances yes. Is everyone in your team as exhausted as you?”
“Yeah, it did take a lot out of all of us” he said with a sigh. Part of being the Head of a team meant he would need to report what had happened. However, at the moment, he really hated this fact. He just wanted to go home and sleep.
It seemed as if Hembrock had heard his silent wish. “Then go home, Michael. You can come back tomorrow and report to me. Tell your team to take a week off, fully paid.”
“Thank you, so much!” Michael said tiredly. “You’re a life-saver.”
He left not a minute later, telling everyone to go home and rest for a week, they would meet up on Wednesday morning again, after the week was up. Then, the trudged through Gringotts to the floo. He did not feel strong enough to Apparate without splinting.
The imposing arrival room in Dolohov Estate was as familiar to him as the magic in the air. Dust motes danced in the golden morning light, highlighting the long journey he’d just undertaken. Stepping out of the fire, he stretched his stiff muscles, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. He felt all the stress falling away from him
An unexpected sight greeted him in the grand arrival room – Antonin, sprawled across a plush armchair, fast asleep. Papers cascaded from his lap like a snowdrift, a half-eaten pastry perched precariously on his chest. Michael couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head fondly.
The sight was a stark contrast to the usually meticulous Antonin. A stray lock of hair tickled his forehead, and the furrow between his brows, usually etched with concentration, was replaced by a peaceful serenity. A warmth bloomed in Michael’s chest – there was something undeniably endearing about seeing his normally composed husband so utterly disarmed by sleep.
With a most likely love-struck expression, he snuck over to his husband. “Hey, wake up, darling” he whispered and shook the dark-haired man softly.
Antonin stirred, a soft groan escaping his lips. His eyelids fluttered open, blinking away the remnants of sleep. For a moment, confusion clouded his features, the papers scattered around him a testament to his interrupted work. Then, recognition dawned. A slow smile spread across his face, lighting up his tired eyes.
“You're back!” he exclaimed, a hint of relief lacing his voice. It wasn’t a booming declaration, but the weariness that had clung to him moments ago seemed to melt away, replaced by a warmth that radiated from his entire being.
Michael chuckled fondly, the sound rich and warm like aged brandy. “Indeed, I am, my love. Seems I interrupted your midday siesta.” His gaze swept over Antonin, taking in the mussed hair, the smudge of ink on his cheek, and the gentle rise and fall of his chest. Despite the mess, Antonin had never looked more endearing.
Antonin groaned and let his head fall back. “I was still asleep, worked until late into the night.”
“Well, I’ve been up for the past few days. I could sleep. However, there is not enough space on the armchair, love.”
His husband placed the pastry away and got up with a heavy sigh, clearly unhappy about the way he had been sleeping. “Have you eaten already?”
Michael shook his head. “I need sleep. Desperately.”
“Food first, then sleep. I'm afraid I won't be able to accept no for an answer.”
“Because you’re hungry.”
Antonin chuckled softly, grabbing his hand and leading him through the estate. “My love, it’s because you’re so tired you can’t even think about eating.”
Michael rolled his eyes, fondly. “I’ll eat something. But just because it’s you and I’ve learnt not to argue with you.”
Antonin's smile widened, crinkling at the corners of his eyes. A soft chuckle rumbled in his chest, the sound rich and warm. “Oh, don't be so dramatic” he teased, his voice still slightly husky from sleep. “Besides” he added, a glint in his eye, “who knows what delightful surprise I might have planned for a well-rested husband?”
Michael raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his gaze. “A delightful surprise, huh? Intriguing. Now, are we talking something edible, or something a bit more… personal?”
Antonin laughed softly, clearly enjoying having Michael back. “We'll see” he murmured, his voice playful.
“Well, I do have a week off after talking to Hembrock tomorrow… Maybe something personal can be planned after that?”
“I concur.”
Michael snorted. “If course you do.”
Life hadn’t been very different from their old lives, Fred thought as he walked through Diagon Alley towards their joke shop. They’d had this dream forever, even before they had gotten to Hogwarts, about owning a joke shop.
The difference was that now, they had the backing and knowledge of the Picquery’s standing behind their shop and it was awesome what could be done with their influence. Also, they were told to be part of the politic scene, which would have never happened when they had been Weasley’s.
Not that they would complain, they had learnt a lot throughout the years with their grandparents. It was always fun and watching the power their name carried was impressive and incredible. Fred had learnt early on that this was an honour and not to mess with it.
He had also learnt how to continue relationships with other important people, for example Lord Akingbade, the current Supreme Mugwump. Their ‘relationship’ had started as a political friendship, but quickly it had turned into a personal one. It was something that Fred had to himself. George didn’t much care for the politic world-scene. So, they had decided to separate the things.
George would make sure that their national political knowledge was top tier, including the Alliance. And he would focus on international relations. Obviously, they did have friendships all over the world, but the political scene was Fred’s baby – kind of.
The relationship with Lord Akingbade was something had just happened more or less accidentally. They had exchanged a few letters, when Lord Akingbade had asked his view on something related to the UK. Fred had stated his view on things and the next letter was challenging his views.
From then on, the two had been exchanging letters frequently. Fred, along with George and Graham had even been invited to see the Supreme Mugwump, where Graham had to constantly make sure that they wouldn’t hide any prank material anywhere.
Needless to say, he didn’t catch them a few times and the next letter to Fred had been full of humour from Babajide Akingbade. Fred obviously denied anything, but Babajide knew better.
When Fred entered the shop, he grinned at his brother, who was sitting behind the counter. “You forgot to open the shop, by the way.”
George yawned. “Yeah, I know. I wanted a quiet day for once.”
“We could just close the shop for three days instead of two. We make enough money anyway.”
“That… I think I would enjoy that.”
“And Graham would definitely tell us that we work enough as it is” Fred added with a snort. “Where is he anyway?”
George grinned and got up. They walked up the stairs to their apartment. “He went to see if Ginny can make it in a Quidditch League game. Today is the test thing.”
Fred snorted. “I see. Well, our grandparents are coming by in an hour… do you think he’ll be back by then?”
“Definitely not. Do you think they’ll want to talk to Graham about courting?” George asked with amusement. “It is kind of weird to the outside people that he’s courting two people.”
Laughing loudly, Fred nodded. “I guess most people think there are threesomes happening.”
“Eww” George shook his head. “I’d rather not. At least our grandparents understand that.”
“The rest of the world can think what they want” Fred agreed. “Oh, also we’re invited to the Lammas Ball in New York and the personal one from Babajide. Which one do you want to go to?”
“Babajide has a Lammas Ball?”
“Yeah, all the important wizarding families with power are invited to go there.”
George groaned. “So in other words, a lot of fun” he said sarcastically.
Fred sniggered. “Yup. Our grandparents are definitely going there.”
“Then we should go to New York, check up on Arthur and Thomas while we’re there.”
Arthur and Thomas had recently adopted two girls who were the sweetest children ever (not that Charlie/Declan would agree, since he loved his little sisters to death). Even Thomas’ son was in love with the girls and was offering to babysit whenever he could.
It was cute how this family had turned out. Fred had asked himself if this would have been Arthur’s path without interruption of a certain someone. He was happy that his former father had found the happiness and love he deserved.
And love he had more than enough, Fred could see it everything Thomas looked at Arthur. There was so much love in this relationship.
“True. Are there no Lammas Balls in Britain we should attend?” he asked with a grin.
George shook his head. “The Alliance wanted to do one for just us, but Kefira is in the middle of her Mastery in Greece and they didn’t want to interrupt anything.”
“Makes sense.” Fred sat down by the table. “Hey, did you ever think, this would be our life?”
Snorting, George looked at him. “Definitely not. But I always thought we’d have to fight to make our dream life come to reality. And now look at us… Having an understanding boyfriend, money, our own shop… I wouldn’t want to swap with anybody else.”
*
About seven years later
Kefira cleaned her hands before she stepped out of her lab and joined her family for Yule. It was the very first time where Viktor had stayed at home. It was the hardest decision Viktor had had to make, before coming to her and asking if he would make a mistake by stopping his career as a Seeker while he was still in a high.
Naturally, Kefira had told him that she didn’t think so. It had taken Raven and Ginny to talk to him until he had realized that Kefira was right. And ending his career now while he was still one of the best Seekers was after all kind of a power move.
“Mum!” a little boy screamed and ran towards Kefira who laughed softly, watching as Edward almost tripped. “Dad is sneaking a look into the presents!” he whispered conspiratorially.
“How dare he!” Kefira said playfully. “Let’s go catch him in the act!”
She pulled her four-year-old son into her arms and snuck around the corner, where Viktor was seemingly waiting for them. As soon as he saw her looking around the corner, he turned to the next present and obviously pretended to spy at what could be in there.
Kefira chuckled softy. “Oh no, he’s looking at your present, Eddy!” she mock-whispered at the blond-haired boy.
“No!” Edward called and wriggled free from Kefira, dashing off as soon as his feet hit the floor. He ran straight into his father who laughed deeply and swooped the child up.
Leaning against the door frame, Kefira smiled lovingly at her family. While they had decided to wait until Kefira’s Mastery was over to have children, Edward had been a little drunken night mistake. The best mistake in her life, Kefira decided. He was their little sunshine and loved watching his father fly and his mother create potions.
It was also one of the reasons why Viktor wasn’t so sad to stop his career. He had decided to take over the little league training where Edward had joined as soon as he had been comfortable on a children’s broomstick.
Edward dashed off as soon as the floo sounded, leaving Viktor and Kefira in the living room, smiling at each other. Viktor got off from the floor and pulled her into a tight hug, a kiss on the corner of her lips.
“You hopeless romantic” she said with a chuckle.
“Uncle Dray is here! And Uncle Ray!”
Kefira sniggered, when she heard Raven argue with the four-year-old that his name wasn’t Ray, but Raven. Edward clearly didn’t care, he was just happy that his uncles were there.
Within a few seconds, Edward pulled Draco by the sleeve of his jumper into the living room. Behind him trailed Alden, a ten-month-old baby in his arms. Fatherhood suited them both very well, even if they looked tired beyond anything.
Unlike Raven and Blaise who had adopted a family of orphans. They hadn’t intended to do so, but the second Kefira had heard them talking about the for children aging from two to nine, she knew both men were in love with them. It hadn’t taken them long to get custody and later an adoption through the ministry.
The oldest was a boy called Felix, then came seven-year-old Anya, four-year-old Lisa and two-year-old Sven. They were the cutest children and Kefira loved them to bits.
Draco had tried to be a professional Quidditch player, but it had never really taken off. So, he had walked away and started a clothing line for professional Quidditch players. It had taken him a little while to figure out what to do with his life, but Raven, Alden and Kefira, along with Viktor and Blaise had helped him find something he was interested in. And now, he was clearly happy with his profession.
“Hello Vik” Raven said with a grin, holding Sven in his arms. Kefira loved to see her brother so happy and full of live. His work as a curse-breaker left him looking rather strong and healthy. “How was your last game? I’m so sorry I couldn’t join.”
“Don’t worry” Viktor shook his head. “Lisa was sick, I understand. It was fun, I wish I had taken more time to find the Snitch.”
“Fastest game in history?” Alden asked.
Viktor laughed. “No, no, the fastest game took a few seconds. But I’m sure it’s in the top ten.”
Draco grinned at that. “I mean, it is a worthy end of your career. Imagine if your opponent had gotten the Snitch instead?”
Kefira snorted and rolled her eyes. “Please, don’t even start with that. It didn’t happen!”
“Yes, don’t listen to them, Viktor” Blaise spoke up. “You were very good. Felix asked me if he could become a professional Seeker as well. Almost had a heart attack.”
Viktor laughed and looked over to the boy who was playing with Edward. Kefira smiled as she watched Eddie, Felix, Anya and Lisa play on the floor. They were so cute together.
Sitting down by the couch, Kefira smiled at Draco. “Did I open the link two days ago? So, do you already know my secret?”
“What secret?” Raven asked, curiously. “I didn’t get anything.”
“Me neither” Draco said his eyes open. “What kind of secret have you been hiding from us?!”
“I’m pregnant again!” Kefira beamed at her siblings. “This time it’s planned.”
Draco and Raven both almost jumped up in happiness, but only Draco could hug her, since Raven still held Sven on his hip. Alden too clearly wanted to hug her, but he too held a child. Blaise did so instead.
“That’s awesome!” Raven said with happiness in his eyes. “Mum and dad will freak out.”
Blaise sniggered. “I don’t think they will. They did when we announced we’d adopt four children at once.”
Draco laughed at that. “They absolutely did. And I thought the fact that Alden and I would get a baby would be a bit more interesting.”
Viktor laughed. “By that time, they already had five grandchildren.”
Rolling his eyes, Draco smirked. “Yes, but I was the oldest. Technically, the Malfoy Lordship goes to Ash first” he said while looking at the baby in Alden’s arms with such soft eyes.
Kefira grinned at her family. “Mum and dad will come over later today. I just wanted you to know first.”
“You’re going to be great parents for both your children” Raven said with a smile, before Sven wriggled himself free and Raven let him run to his siblings.
“Coming from you that does mean a lot” Viktor said with a laugh, as Raven bumped his shoulder into his.
Looking over to where Felix pulled Sven onto his lap and continued playing with Edward, Lisa and Anya, Kefira couldn’t help but with for a big, happy family.
Part of being Luna’s husband also came with being in Ginny’s orbit. And Ginny was a scary woman, especially now that she truly was a pro Quidditch player. Thankfully, Theodore had learnt that Neville was always there to keep his wife in check.
It wasn’t as bad as he made it sound, really. He loved his life as an owl trainer, something he had never thought would happen to him. It was obviously, Luna’s influence.
Being Alden’s brother was also kind of an important job, especially now where they had a baby at home. Little Ash was the cutest thing he had ever seen. That was until Luna had given birth herself and he had gotten a look at the Nott twins.
The Picquery twins had immediately offered to be godparents, which neither Luna nor he could refuse. The twins were the cutest buttons around, even if Theodore hadn’t slept a wink for two weeks straight. He loved them with his life.
Ginny and Neville had had one child so far, mostly because Neville’s grandmother hadn’t stopped nagging them and they didn’t want to continue fighting her. However, instead of making a traditional thing, Ginny had gone back to playing professional Quidditch almost instantly, and Neville was at home.
Oftentimes, he came to visit Theodore and Luna with Fiona. By now, Fiona was five years old and most likely Ginny’s biggest fan. It was absolutely adorable, Theodore thought.
“Anybody here?” Theodore heard Neville’s voice and he chuckled.
“Kitchen!” he called back and looked over to his children sleeping under a one-sided silencing charm. He had found it in a book about spells for parents. And then, he had handed said book to Alden, just in case.
Neville walked into the open kitchen, Fiona by his hand. Her auburn hair was clearly from her mother. Theodore smiled. “I thought you were with Graham today?”
Sighing, Neville shook his head. “Nope, gran found me there. And I’m trying to hide from her.”
“You think she wouldn’t come looking here?” Theodore asked, amused.
“I know she can’t come looking here. Luna told me she had added gran to a black list of sorts.”
Theodore laughed softly and shook his head. “I have no idea, but I’m sure she did.” He turned to Fiona. “Auntie Luna bought a camera, do you want to take pictures of the rooms in this house?”
Fiona widened her eyes in excitement, before she looked at Neville. “May I play with the camera, dad?”
“Sure” Neville said with a chuckle. “Auntie Luna bought it for you, I assume.”
“She did” Theodore confirmed Neville’s suspicions with a grin. Then, he grabbed the child’s toy and handed it to her. Fiona was off within a second. Though not before she took a picture of the sleeping twins in the living room.
Theodore smiled at her and grabbed a piece of cake for him and one for Neville, before they settled in the living room.
“Why are you hiding from your grandmother again?” he asked, curiously.
Neville sighed. “She keeps pestering Ginny and me to give her more grandchildren.” He looked around for his child, most likely. “The only reason why we had Fiona was so that my family line will continue. Lately, she started to argue that the Longbottom line will not continue through a girl for long.”
Theodore frowned. “Wait, does she want to take the heirship away from Fiona?”
“That is her plan yes” Neville rolled his eyes. “I think it’s got to do with the fact that I refuse to make her go through the training that I received. So now, she thinks I want to end my own family magic.”
“That’s stupid” Theodore said, shaking his head. “Did you even want children in the first place?”
Neville clearly hesitated, though once Theodore told him that according to the magic he felt in his house, Fiona was in the garden taking pictures of flowers, he chuckled.
“I wanted children, yes. But I wanted to be established as a person first. And Ginny wanted to have a career. When gran just kept arguing every single time we went to visit her, we decided to have one child early. To shut her up. I would take care of Fiona until Ginny was done with her career.”
Theodore nodded. “Are you happy with your decision.”
Neville laughed, joy filling his eyes. “Definitely. Still, I’m not going to appease her again. One child is enough.”
Snorting, Theodore looked over to the twins peacefully asleep. “I absolutely agree.”
“You have two.”
“That’s why I agree.”
The families met again up in Ireland.
It had become a kind of tradition for the families of the Alliance. Once a year for a week, usually during the summer holidays, they met and talked about heir lives, shared pictures, danced and ate. The families just kept growing and growing.
Even before they hadn’t found space in the stable, but now, there was too little room. Which ended up with every family pitching tents on the grounds and spending time like that.
The elders would stay in the house with the O’Briens, while the children of that family pitched their own tents. There was always pure chaos, happiness and love around. Riagán would make sure that only people would arrive who supported this – so Neville’s gran was usually not allowed to be there.
This year, Viktor had brought children brooms for everyone and the chaos had tripled at least. Not that anyone seemed to care. The annual Quidditch game had become a tradition anyway, so having the children fly was just normal at this rate.
“Arthur!” Declan greeted his former father. “Welcome, welcome. Hello Thomas, how have you been?” He hugged the two men and greeted the children as well. “Raven and Alden have already pitched a tent for your family, so you have no work left.”
Thomas chuckled. “How kind of them. Don’t they have their children to look after?”
Declan snorted. “The ladies around here have already snatched up all the stray children. Yours might be taken away as well.”
Arthur laughed at that. “Does Amanda love having so many children around?”
“You would think” Declan answered with a grin, “but it’s actually Kefira who’s taken their interest.”
“How many children does she want then?” Arthur asked as they made their way towards the tents, where a few adults were sitting around a fire, talking nonsense.
Declan snorted. “A thousand, probably. Viktor wouldn’t deny her anything.”
“That depends on what you’re talking about” Viktor spoke up, walking up to them. Then he grinned at the two girls, “Auntie Fia is making Chocolate Fudge cake in a cauldron.”
The two girls perked up and were gone within seconds. Arthur chuckled while Thomas laughed amused. “Children, honestly.”
Viktor led them towards the table where all kinds of refreshments were around. Raven and Theodore were trying to enchant their potato-dragons to fight each other, while the Picquery twins tried sneaking joke food in between the real food with Konstantin catching them most of the time. Draco was working on baby food for all the small children while Graham and Michael seemed to talk about something political.
Antonin entered the clearing of tents, looking for his husband and pulling him away from Graham. “You should probably keep an eye on your rascals” he said, pointing at the twins who just that moment hid a sausage behind their backs.
Graham snorted and got up. “You are all children” he said hitting them over the head.
Arthur and Thomas greeted the other parents on the other table. They seemed very relaxed, which was nice to see. Declan headed over to the giant garden for the children. His siblings played hide and seek, looking for the smaller children with Felix Zabini’s help.
Declan leaned against the tree, watching everyone with a smile on his lips.
After a while, Michael appeared next to him. “Hey” he greeted his former brother.
Grinning, Declan looked over. “Long time no see.”
“Likewise, idiot” Michael said with a grin. “It’s been a hard year. But… a good one most definitely.”
Declan chuckled and looked back towards the children. “I agree. Who would have known that our family would grow so much!”
Michael laughed softly, watching the children as well. “No one. But… it’s pretty awesome.”
“So, how is your relationship going?” Declan asked, grinning when Michael stuck his tongue out at him.
“Not talking.”
“You guys are not talking? I’m so sorry to hear.”
Michael snorted. “How is your sex-life then?”
Declan held his hands up in mock-surrender with a smirk. He turned back to the children and saw Ginny joining the search for the children, closely followed by Neville who after begging from Felix decided to stop his wife. It was just funny to watch.
When Declan heard his brother laughing softly, he turned his attention to his brother, only to see him looking over to the space where the other adults were working and talking. He could see Graham and the twins play-fighting over joke food, Konstantin keeping some of the children away from trying to help. Raven and Theodore had finally enchanted their potatoes and started fighting, helped along by Draco and Luna. Kefira and Viktor along with some children were seemingly done with their cakes and started to decorate them.
When Declan followed his brother’s eyes, he could see him looking at Antonin, who aided the twins in hiding the prank items.
Narcissa and Lucius sat on the other side of the chaos, talking with Minerva and the Picquerys about… probably politics. Susan and Amelia right next to them, playing with Ash Malfoy.
“I love this” Michael said with finality. “All thanks to Kefira, really.”
Declan laughed softly. “A lot of things happened thanks to Kefira’s potion talents.”
Michael chuckled. “True. We did create an awesome family thanks to this.”
“That we did. We all did.”