SUN & MOON

Theo woke up to a floo call to Draco.

Malfoy had faced many dangers in his life. He'd lived through war, seen friends fall, and had blood on his own hands. But nothing could have prepared him for this. The fire crackled ominously in the heart as he paced back and forth, each step sharp and purposeful, though his mind was anything but calm. His usually composed demeanour had shattered, replaced with something raw and desperate.

The faint scent of soot lingered in the air as he knelt by the fireplace, his trembling hand reaching for the jar of Floo powder. He could still hear the faint echo of the Healer's words ringing in his ears: "She's stable now, but another dose like that, and we might not have been so lucky."

Stable. The word was meant to offer reassurance, but it only served to deepen the pit of despair in Draco's gut. She wasn't supposed to be in this position in the first place.

Inhaling sharply, he tossed the powder into the flames. Emerald green flames roared to life, flickering ominously as he leaned in. His voice trembled, the weight of the situation bearing down on him like a suffocating force.

"Theo. Pansy. I need you. It's Hermione."

The urgency in his voice hung in the air for a moment before the flames died down, leaving a stifling silence behind. Draco rose to his feet, running a hand through his hair. His mind was racing, trying to piece together what had happened.

Hermione had always been the strongest person he knew—the smartest, the most resilient, always able to handle whatever was thrown her way. But something had cracked in her. Something had slipped through the cracks of her ever-calm façade. And it had shattered her in a way Draco hadn't seen coming.

A sob threatened to escape him, but he swallowed it down, willing himself to stay composed.

Just hold on, Granger. Please.

Moments later, the fire blazed once more. This time, Pansy's sharp face materialised in the flames, her eyes instantly narrowing as she took in Draco's appearance.

"Draco, what's happened?" Her voice, usually dripping with sarcasm or amusement, was now laced with genuine concern.

"It's bad," Draco muttered, his voice hollow. "She—she tried to overdose on calming potions."

Pansy's face paled, and behind her, Theo appeared, his tall frame tense as he leaned over to hear better.

"Bloody hell," Theo breathed, his normally carefree demeanour evaporating in an instant. "Is she…?"

"She's alive," Draco cut in quickly, but his voice wavered. "But she's in the hospital. They said if I hadn't found her in time…" He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

For a beat, there was only the crackling of the fire and the weight of what Draco had said.

"We're coming," Pansy declared, her tone firm. "Don't you dare leave her side until we get there."

The fire flared and died as Pansy and Theo vanished from the Floo, leaving Draco once again alone with his thoughts. His hands clenched into fists, his knuckles white as he stared into the embers. Every second dragged on like an eternity. He couldn't sit still, couldn't stand the quiet. The silence gnawed at him, a cruel reminder of how close he had come to losing the one person who had come to mean everything to him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Minutes felt like hours as Draco stood there, his fists clenched at his sides, waiting for the unmistakable whoosh of the Floo. The silence in the manor was oppressive, each second dragging on as his thoughts raced back to Hermione—her pale skin, her trembling form, and the empty potion bottles scattered on the floor. His heart clenched painfully at the memory.

He had found her just in time, but the image of her lying there, so fragile and broken, haunted him.

Finally, the fireplace flared with green flames, and out stepped Pansy and Theodore, their faces a mixture of concern and determination. Pansy's usual biting sarcasm was nowhere to be found, replaced by a softness in her eyes that was reserved for only the most serious of moments. Theo, ever the quiet thinker, immediately assessed the situation without needing a word.

Draco wasted no time. "I need you both to help me," he said, his voice thick with urgency. "I need Hermione to feel safe again. The manor... it's not the place for her right now. Too many memories. Too much pressure. I need you to prepare her old cottage. Make it perfect for her. Move everything—her cat, her books, whatever she needs."

Pansy raised an eyebrow, concern flickering in her sharp eyes. "The cottage? You think she'll want to go back there after... everything?"

Draco nodded, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "It's the only place she was truly herself. Before the war, before the marriage act, before all this... madness. I think it's what she needs."

Theo stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Draco's shoulder. "Consider it done. We'll handle everything. You just focus on Hermione."

Draco's jaw tightened, and he gave a short nod. "Thank you."

Without another word, Theo and Pansy turned and disappeared back into the Floo, their mission clear. Draco stood for a moment, staring into the fading green flames, before his gaze shifted to the empty corridor leading to Hermione's room in St. Mungo's. The echo of her name caught in his throat as he forced himself to move.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They wasted no time as they flooed back to the Malfoy's penthouse. Pansy's heels clicked sharply against the floor as she moved with purpose, her mind racing with the gravity of the situation. "You know, Draco's always been tough, but this… this is different," Pansy muttered, more to herself than Theo.

Theo, who was already gathering a few things they might need, paused and glanced at her. "He's scared. And if anyone knows what it's like to hide fear behind control, it's him."

She let out a sharp breath. "Yeah, but Hermione… she's strong too. The strongest of us all in a lot of ways. It's just… people like that, they crack sometimes. The pressure builds until—"

"Until it all comes crashing down," he finished quietly.

Pansy nodded, grabbing a small pile of Hermione's favourite blankets, ones she had given her after the war. "Come on, we have work to do."

With swift efficiency, they packed up everything that might bring Hermione comfort—her books, her writing supplies, the few personal items she had brought with her to the manor after the forced marriage. Everything had to be perfect. They couldn't afford to leave anything behind that might help Draco bring her back from the brink.

As they moved through the penthouse, Pansy knelt down and opened the carrier for Hermione's cat, Crookshanks, who had been sitting on the windowsill, blissfully unaware of the chaos surrounding him. The ginger half-Kneazle padded over to Pansy, rubbing his head against her leg in a lazy greeting. "Come on, beast," she murmured, gently lifting him into the carrier. "You're coming with us."

Theo, now carrying several enchanted bags filled with Hermione's things, glanced over at her. "Think we have everything?"

"Everything that matters," Pansy said, closing the door behind her as they headed for the Floo once more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione's cottage had once been her sanctuary. It was nestled in a quiet, secluded area just outside the village of Ottery St., where the sounds of everyday life faded into the background, replaced by the gentle rustling of trees and the distant hum of nature. It had been the one place she'd felt entirely in control of her life, the one place untouched by the complexities of war or politics.

They Apparated to the front door, and immediately, Pansy set to work. "This place needs to feel like home again," she said, her voice firm.

He nodded, taking in the modest cottage. It was charming, with ivy growing along the stone walls and a wooden door that had clearly seen better days. It was worlds away from the grandeur of Malfoy Manor, but it was cosy, intimate—everything Hermione needed right now.

They moved quickly, transforming the space with a careful touch. Pansy meticulously placed Hermione's belongings around the cottage, making sure everything was exactly how she would remember it. He cleaned the place with a few quick spells, tidying up the dust that had settled during her time away. Crookshanks, now free from his carrier, wandered lazily through the house, occasionally rubbing against a chair leg or curling up in his favourite spot near the fireplace.

Pansy paused in the middle of setting up Hermione's favourite books on the shelf and looked around. The cottage was warm again, like it had been before the weight of the world had settled onto Hermione's shoulders. She glanced at him, who had just finished setting the table with fresh flowers and tea. "It feels like her, doesn't it?"

He nodded slowly. "It does. I hope it's enough."

Pansy exhaled softly, a rare moment of vulnerability slipping through her composed exterior. "It has to be. She's done so much for us... we have to help her find herself again."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Draco arrived just as the sun began to set, his heart heavy but his mind determined. The cottage looked exactly as he remembered it—the small garden, the stone path leading to the front door, the soft glow of light inside. It was simple but welcoming, just as it had always been.

Pansy greeted him at the door with a quiet nod. "Everything's ready."

"How is she?" He asked quietly, his brow furrowed with concern.

"She's... tired. She'll be home soon," Draco replied, his voice raw but steady.

Pansy crossed her arms, her eyes softening as she glanced at Draco. "She's strong, Draco. She's going to come through this."

"I know," he said, though the doubt still lingered at the edges of his mind. "I just… I just need to make sure she's okay. I need her to know she's not alone."

"And she won't be," he added firmly. "You have us. She has us."

Draco's gaze swept the cottage, taking in all the small touches they had made. The place felt warm, welcoming—exactly what Hermione needed. He nodded in appreciation. "Thank you. Both of you."

Pansy smiled softly, placing a hand on Draco's arm. "We're all in this together, Nevie. Now go and take care of her."

With a final glance at the cottage, Draco knew it was time. Time to bring her home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The night, already thick with the weight of unspoken emotions, was shattered by a rapping on the door. An insistent, almost frantic rhythm that jolted Hermione and Draco from a sleep laced with worry. Draco stirred first, blinking away the remnants of dreams and reaching for his wand, a reflex honed during years of war. The rapping came again, louder this time, a discordant note in the quiet symphony of the night.

With a questioning glance at Hermione, Draco rose, his hand hovering over his wand as he crept towards the door. Hermione followed, her own wand clutched tightly in her hand.

"Who could it be at this unholy hour?" she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.

Draco shook his head, a sliver of apprehension tightening his features. "Stay behind me, love," he murmured, his voice low and steady despite the disquiet gnawing at his gut.

He cracked the door open with a sliver, revealing a sight that both surprised and relieved him. Pansy, Blaise and Theo stood on the doorstep, their faces etched with concern in the pale moonlight spilling from the doorway.

Pansy, ever the drama queen, rolled her eyes dramatically, a hint of amusement flickering in her gaze. "Merlin's saggy ball sack, you two look like you've seen a boggart."

Blaise chuckled, his usual sardonic air tinged with genuine worry. "Sorry to rouse you from your beauty sleep, but we figured it was high time for a little reunion, wouldn't you say?"

Theo, the quiet observer of the group, surprised them both with a wide grin. "We wouldn't want you lovebirds to have all the fun recovering, now would we?"

Relief washed over Draco, a wave so powerful it threatened to steal the breath from his lungs. He sighed, a mixture of exasperation and gratitude colouring his voice. "Come in, come in," he said, ushering them inside. "But next time, try knocking at a decent hour, shall we?"

A small smile tugged at the corners of Hermione's lips, the first genuine one in days. Stepping aside to let them in, she couldn't help but ask, "It's good to see you all, truly. But why are you here exactly?"

Pansy shrugged, her usual bravado faltering slightly. "News travels fast, Granger," she said, her voice softer than Draco had ever heard it. "We heard what happened. We were worried, and... well, we wanted to offer our support, in whatever way we can."

Blaise nodded curtly, his gaze lingering on Draco for a moment before meeting Hermione's. "We've all been through our share of darkness," he said, his voice gruff but sincere. "And sometimes, the only way out is to face it together."

Pansy reached over and squeezed Hermione's hand. "We're here for you, no matter what. You're part of our family now."

What a lovely little traumatised family.

The pre-dawn gloom slowly surrendered to the tentative fingers of sunlight, painting the cosy cottage in a warm glow. As the conversation flowed, punctuated by bursts of laughter and clinking teacups, memories unfurled like well-worn tapestries. Stories of past pranks (some successful, some hilariously disastrous), whispered secrets shared under the cloak of invisibility, and the harrowing battles that had forged an unexpected bond – all these threads wove a tapestry of camaraderie.

Despite the darkness that had threatened to engulf them, a sense of peace settled over Hermione. Here, in the flickering firelight and the gentle hum of their shared history, she found a haven. They were not merely survivors, but a chosen family, bound by the invisible threads of empathy and a shared journey through war and its aftermath.

With each shared laugh and murmured word, a silent vow was made. They would face the challenges ahead, together. Not as individuals burdened by their past, but as a united front, their strength amplified by the unwavering support they offered each other. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the floor, Hermione knew, with a certainty that warmed her from the inside out, that they would emerge from the darkness, a little stronger, a little braver, and forever bound by the unyielding ties of friendship.

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luna stepped into Hermione's cottage, her eyes taking in the cosy, serene atmosphere. The cottage was a testament to the life they had built together—filled with soft, inviting furniture and touches of whimsy that reflected both of their personalities.

Hermione greeted her at the door, her smile wide and welcoming. "Oh, Babes, I'm so happy you're here!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her friend.

Her face brightened, her excitement matching Hermione's. "Of course! I came to have some fun today!"

"Let's settle in the living room. I've got tea and biscuits ready," Hermione suggested, guiding her towards the comfortable seating area. The room was bathed in the soft glow of afternoon light, filtering through the windows and creating a peaceful ambiance.

As they settled in, she admired the space. "Your home is beautiful, Hermione. You and Draco have really made it a sanctuary."

Hermione blushed slightly, a shy smile on her lips. "Thank you. We've worked hard to make it our own little haven." She poured tea for both of them, her movements graceful and practised.

She smiled warmly, leaning back as she enjoyed the view. "I'm so glad to be here. It's always a delight to escape into your world, even just for a little while."

"Honestly, your visits brighten my days," Hermione replied, her voice filled with affection. "I always look forward to our time together."

Her eyes softened with concern as she asked, "How are you feeling? I've been worried about you."

Hermione looked up, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "How much do you know?" she asked quietly.

"Draco wanted us to give you space, so I figured you'd open up when you were ready," Luna explained gently. "Right now, I just want to know how you're feeling."

Hermione took a deep breath, her voice steady but tinged with vulnerability. "I'm better now. We're in therapy—both individually and as a couple. Honestly, your weekly biscuits have been a bright spot for me. They cheered me up more than you can imagine."

Her face brightened with a reassuring smile. "I'm so glad to hear that. It's a small thing, but I hoped it would bring a bit of comfort." She reached out and gave Hermione's hand a comforting squeeze. "Remember, you're not alone in this. We're all here for you."

Hermione looked at her with a mixture of surprise and relief. "Luna, I did something… something unforgivable."

Her eyes held a calm, unwavering gaze as she responded, "Good for you, love." She smiled softly, her expression one of understanding rather than shock.

Hermione's brow furrowed. "You're not shocked?"

"I am not," she replied gently. "We all did unforgivable things. The universe will handle the consequences in its own way. I did what I did out of love and necessity. I assume you did the same."

Hermione nodded, her voice tinged with regret. "I did."

"Then it's not my place to judge," she said simply. "We all have our paths and our reasons. What matters is that we move forward and support each other through it all."

Hermione looked at her with a mix of admiration and curiosity. "It's hard to imagine you've done anything wrong in your life, babe."

Her smile was wistful. "I have. I've made my share of mistakes and faced my demons. But I'm still me. When the game is over, the king and the pawn are thrown in the same box."

Hermione nodded thoughtfully. "That's true."

Her gaze was steady, filled with empathy. "I've dealt with my demons, and I suggest that when the time comes, you do the same. It's not about the past mistakes but how we handle them and move forward."

Crookshanks sauntered into the room with his characteristic swagger, a regal air about him that immediately drew everyone's attention.

"Oh, look how much he's grown!" she said with genuine delight, watching the feline with a fond smile.

Crookshanks, however, seemed far more intrigued by the presence of the two friends than by anything else. With a practised leap, he hopped onto Hermione's lap, his bushy tail flicking with curiosity as he sniffed at her.

Hermione chuckled softly, gently stroking Crookshanks's fur as he settled down, content to be a part of their gathering.

"Gentle, Crooks," Hermione said softly, her voice soothing as she watched the cat's movements with a practised eye.

Crookshanks, sensing the calm in Hermione's tone, purred contentedly, filling the room with a comforting rhythm.

She observed the scene with a tender smile, her heart swelling with affection as she took in the cosy atmosphere. "It's amazing how much comfort a simple purr can bring," she remarked, her voice filled with contentment.

Hermione nodded in agreement, her eyes softening as she watched Crookshanks and the peace of the moment. "It really is. Sometimes, it's the smallest things that make the biggest difference."

Taking a deep breath, Hermione cleared her throat, her eyes glistening as she gathered her thoughts. "Luna," she began, her voice steady but filled with emotion, "I never told you this, but you are an amazing friend. From the moment we met, your kindness and your unique perspective on life have been nothing short of inspiring. You've been a constant source of light, always finding joy and wonder in the smallest things, even when things seem dark."

She paused, taking a deep breath as she looked at her with affection. "You've faced so many challenges with such grace and strength. You've supported me through my darkest times, and now, seeing you as a mother, I'm in awe of your love and dedication. You bring warmth and joy to everyone around you, and your ability to find beauty in the everyday is truly remarkable."

With that, Hermione's eyes met hers once more, her expression a mix of admiration and affection. The room fell silent, the sincerity of her words resonating deeply with both of them.

Her eyes shimmered with emotion as she listened to Hermione's heartfelt speech. The room remained still, everyone sensing the depth of the moment. She took a deep breath, her voice steady as she responded.

"Hermione, hearing those words from you means more to me than you could ever know. Your friendship has been a guiding light through so many of my own challenges. From our first meeting, your intelligence, your compassion, and your unwavering strength have been a source of inspiration for me. You've stood by me through thick and thin, and your support has helped me navigate the darkest moments."

She smiled warmly, her gaze shifting to Crookshanks, who was now curled comfortably in Hermione's lap. "You've always had a way of understanding and accepting me, and it's something I cherish deeply. Your love and dedication, not just to your family but to your friends, show the kind of person you truly are. You've been a pillar of strength, and I am so grateful for the countless ways you've been there for me."

She took Hermione's hand in hers, squeezing it gently. "Thank you for being such a wonderful friend. Your words and your presence mean the world to me. I am honoured to have you in my life, and I treasure our bond more than I can express. Here's to many more years of laughter, support, and unforgettable moments together."

With a soft smile and glistening eyes, she embraced Hermione, their shared affection and deep friendship radiating through the room.

As the afternoon sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over the room, the conversation among friends grew more reflective. They discussed their lives, reminiscing about their shared past and the paths they had each travelled. They spoke of dreams, challenges, and the unexpected turns their lives had taken. The comfort of their companionship and their shared history made the conversation both deep and light-hearted.

As the time for goodbyes approached, the atmosphere grew bittersweet. They hugged tightly, their embrace a testament to the deep connection they had forged over the years.

She prepared to leave, Crookshanks rubbing against Hermione's legs, a final sign of his approval of the gathering.

"It was so wonderful to have you here," Hermione said, her voice tinged with warmth and sadness. "Thank you for making the effort to visit."

"Absolutely," she replied, her eyes shining with emotion. "It was such a special day. We'll have to do this again soon."

With final hugs and heartfelt goodbyes, Luna made her way home, feeling a renewed sense of connection and support from her friend. As she walked away, the tranquillity of the afternoon and the depth of their conversations lingered, a comforting reminder of the enduring bonds they cherished.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She returned home to an unexpected scene that instantly warmed her heart. He was sprawled across the sofa, fast asleep, with Lady Lemongrass, the pug, nestled comfortably against his chest. The pug, usually so energetic, was now curled up like a contented ball, her little body rising and falling in sync with Theo's breaths. 

A soft smile crept onto her face as she stood there, taking in the sight of her usually stoic husband looking utterly at peace, his arm draped protectively over the little dog.She quietly stepped closer, careful not to disturb them. For a moment, she simply watched, her heart swelling with love and a touch of amusement. This was a side of Theo she cherished—the quiet, unguarded moments where all his worries and responsibilities melted away, leaving behind just the man she loved so dearly.

"How was your day with Granger?" he asked, his voice still thick with sleep as he slowly opened his eyes. He glanced down at the pug resting on him, his expression softening before he turned his attention to Luna.

"It was joyful," she replied, her eyes still sparkling with the warmth she felt. "I do love her."

"I know, my love," he said, his voice softening as he reached out to gently squeeze her hand. "I could see how much it meant to you."

She chuckled softly, her gaze shifting between Theo and the pug. "Looks like you've made a new friend while I was away."

His lips twitched into a small smile, though he tried to hide it. "She was insistent," he murmured, glancing down at Lady. "I wasn't planning on falling asleep, but she made herself comfortable."

Her heart melted a little more at his words. She knelt beside the sofa, brushing a few strands of hair away from his forehead. "It's alright," she whispered. "It's good to see you relax."

Theo sighed contentedly, his eyes slipping shut once more. "It's easier when you're home," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. She leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his temple. "And it's good to see you with Lady. She seems to like you quite a lot." he opened one eye, glancing at the pug now snoring softly against him. "Don't get used to it," he mumbled, though the affection in his voice betrayed his words.

Shs smiled, settling down on the sofa beside him, her hand resting on his arm. "I think I will," she said softly, her gaze filled with love. "I think I'll get very used to it."

The evening had settled into a calm stillness, but something in Luna's mind was unsettled. As she entered the room, she stopped, her gaze steady as she looked at Theo.

"She killed Lucius," she said suddenly, her voice soft but carrying a weight that made he look up immediately. There was no hesitation, no preamble—just the truth, laid bare between them.

He nodded slowly, his expression sombre. "I know," he replied, his voice low. "Draco told me."A flicker of frustration crossed Luna's face.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt. "I could have been more gentle with her, more understanding."

He sighed deeply, the weight of his earlier decision pressing down on him. "I'm sorry, my love," he said, his voice filled with regret. "I promised Draco I wouldn't tell anyone. He was trying to protect her… and us, in his own way."

Her expression softened, but the seriousness didn't leave her eyes. She moved closer to him, her hand resting lightly on his arm. "I understand promises, my Sun," she said gently. "I know why you did it. But we need to be honest with each other, especially about things like this. It's the only way we can navigate these difficult situations together, as a family."

He looked into her eyes, seeing the love and trust she offered so freely, even when she was hurt. He took her hands in his, pulling her closer. "You're right," he admitted, his voice carrying the weight of his realisation. "I should have told you. We're partners in this—always. I never want to keep anything from you again."

Liar.

Luna playfully nudged him as they sat together in the living room, a mischievous grin on her face. "I mentioned to you after the girls' night out how big Neville is," she said casually, testing the waters.

Theo's reaction was immediate and over-the-top. He practically jumped off the sofa, eyes wide with exaggerated horror. "NO, NOT AGAIN!" he shouted, throwing his hands up as if warding off a particularly terrifying curse. "I should wash my brain with a cactus now!"

She burst into laughter, her joy bubbling up uncontrollably at his dramatic display. "Oh, stop it, my love! It's just harmless gossip. Besides, you very much enjoy a bit of gossip."

Theo, still reeling from the shock, shook his head vehemently, like a dog trying to shake off water. "I do not want to hear any kind of gossip like that!" he insisted, his voice tinged with desperation. "What happened to discussing the weather or debating the latest Quidditch match? Those are perfectly safe topics!"

She leaned in closer, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "So, you're telling me you don't want to hear how Matilda from the farmers' market is cheating on her husband?" she teased, her tone light and teasing.

He froze mid-protest, his dramatic act faltering as curiosity got the better of him. "Wait, Matilda? The one who sells those incredible apples?" he asked, his tone now laced with intrigue.

She nodded, a knowing smile on her lips. "Yes, that Matilda. Interested now?"

He, trying to maintain some semblance of his earlier dignity, cleared his throat and crossed his arms. "Well… that's the kind of gossip I'm more comfortable with," he admitted, failing to hide the eagerness in his voice. "I mean, who wouldn't want to know about that? The apples might be cursed!"

She shook her head, still laughing. "You're impossible."

"I'm just a man with very specific tastes in gossip," he declared, settling back into the sofa with an air of mock sophistication.

"And apparently, a very low tolerance for anything remotely scandalous," she added, giggling as she cuddled closer to him.

He sighed dramatically, putting an arm around her. "I'm simply a gentleman, Luna. That's all."

She smiled up at him, her eyes full of affection. "A gentleman with a weakness for juicy stories. You're one of a kind, Theodore Nott."

"And don't you forget it," he replied with a playful wink, finally relaxing as he enjoyed the banter with his wife.

As they sat down to eat, their conversation flowed easily, touching on plans for the weekend and the latest antics of their son. The atmosphere was filled with comfort and familiarity, each enjoying the other's company.

After dinner, they cleared the table together, a practised dance of shared tasks and laughter. With the dishes washed and put away, they retired to the living room, where they settled in, the soft hum of conversation continuing late into the evening.