Family Dynamics

Harry was a bit nervous about meeting with Alexei. As much as he loved Teddy, he was expected to love his godson. This boy just called to him somehow. He puttered around Hogwarts, getting everything prepared. He wanted everything just right.

Alexei was equally nervous. At dinner he peppered the adults with questions about Harry; he seemed especially amused by the stories of Draco and Harry's rivalry.

"It makes sense, Uncle Draco."

"What does, Alexei?"

"You and Uncle Harry needing a wife to make it all work."

Ginny and Hermione exchanged amused looks.

"Why do you say that, Alexei?"

"Because, Mama Hermione, like Dado says, the best way to keep two magnets is with a buffer. Uncle Harry and Uncle Draco are like magnets; either drawn together strongly or repelling each other. Aunt Ginny will be the buffer. And if the whole thing is put together correctly, it takes an immense force to separate them. Otherwise they are together forever."

"Out of the mouths of babes, my love."

The other three adults agreed with Viktor's assessment.

When he saw that the adults seemed to like his comment, Alexei regaled them with stories full of an eleven-year-old's wisdom.

He fell asleep over pudding, the day having been too much for him.

As the adults started to go their separate ways, Draco turned to Hermione. "Granger, you know, I can see your influence on Alexei; he reminds me so much of you at that age. Yes, before you say anything, I WATCHED you. You, Harry, and even the one we aren't naming. All I can say is that I like Alexei so much more than I liked myself at that age. Promise me that you and Viktor will be godparents to our first child. I want him or her to grow up like that, intelligent, opinionated, wise, and loving."

Hermione turned to Viktor with tears in her eyes. She had grown fond of Draco because of Harry, but there had been a last barrier there, one where she felt he would never truly accept her. That was now gone. She threw her arms around Draco. "Of course. We would be honoured."

"That is true, Draco. I agree." With that, Viktor strode through the fire with his precious, sleeping, starting to get heavy burden.

Hermione beamed at Draco and Ginny, then followed Viktor.

Once through the Floo, Viktor put Alexei to bed, only stopping to move the owl cage that was sitting next to the fireplace. Hermione fed the small bird and covered its cage.

She and Viktor had a late cup of tea as they talked over the day. "Remind me to never leave Alexei with Arthur Weasley too long."

"Why is that, my love? Arthur has no aberrations like his son."

"Oh, no, nothing like that, Viktor. It is just that Alexei would feed Arthur's Muggle obsession to the point the two of them would surely get into trouble. But, you know, it might be fun to watch."

"I think Draco surprised you tonight, Hermione. He has surprised me a lot in the last ten years. He was such an insecure boy during the Triwizard year. It was only after the war was over, and he no longer had to keep up the pretence of pureblood superiority, that he began to grow as a person."

"Why do you see so much more in my classmates than I ever did? You were so quiet during the Triwizard, but you talked to me as an equal. I never quite figured out whether you just had no use for any of the other students or just didn't want to waste time talking to them."

"I did talk to a few, love. I found that Neville, for all his timidity, had as solid a grasp of his classes as you did. And, in Harry, I saw a lot of myself. He and I started a tentative friendship that year that has grown."

"I saw that you introduced Harry to your parents at the third task. He was quite a bit in awe of you. He knew, even back then, that Ron and I were a bad match. He just didn't want to admit it."

"He seemed really happy when you started seeing me again, though, love. I think he must have felt our connection was more than just a school romance. He has made some astonishing captures as an Auror. He fought Dolores Umbridge single-handedly after she killed Draco's parents. Bringing her in won lots of accolades for him. I'm happy he has finally found love of his own. He deserves more happiness than he has had previously. Dumbledore and Snape yanked the boy around as if he were a marionette. That always bothered me."

"What time in the morning are you leaving? I know Alexei will miss you almost as much as I will."

"I'll wake both of you before I go. We can have breakfast one last time. I'll be back on September 15th, just in time for your birthday. Alexei has given me specific instructions on what to buy you from him. I think you'll be impressed. Let's go to bed, love. I need some fresh memories to keep me content while I am on this blasted tour."

Well before dawn, Viktor was up, showered, dressed, and cooking. The smell of Turkish coffee brought Hermione into the kitchen. Alexei was not far behind. Viktor set plates of eggs and bacon on the table along with a pot of tea made exactly the way Hermione liked it. There was Blackcurrant juice for Alexei. The three had a companionable breakfast until just before Viktor had to leave.

As Viktor was draining his last cup of coffee, he remarked to Alexei, "You are to mind Hermione. She, Harry, Draco, and Ginny are all to be considered family. I think Draco is going to take you to the Burrow today to meet his young cousin, Teddy Lupin. Ginny's niece, Victoire, will be there as well. Teddy lost his parents in the Battle of Hogwarts, Alexei. He is younger than you, but I hope you will be friends. I have left funds for your necessities with Headmistress McGonagall. Tomorrow is going to be a big day for you: your own private tour of Hogwarts with its most famous graduate. Harry is a good man, Alexei. He overcame a lot of pain and misfortune to defeat the Dark Lord. Hermione fought at Harry's side during that last year of the war. She masterminded many of the strategies that were used. Her knowledge of Ancient Runes and Potions made Harry's task easier. He has admitted that he could not have succeeded without her help. So, young man, be nice to her. I love her and I know you love her."

Alexei looked at Hermione with new respect. She had never told him this about her and Harry.

He looked at Viktor and said, "Thank you for telling me this, Papa. I am very lucky to have you both as parents. Have no worries, I will cherish her as you do."

Viktor reached to tousle the boy's hair before sending him off to get dressed for the day. He refreshed Hermione's cup of tea and kissed her thoroughly.

"I will return for the Sept wedding. Tell them, please. Alexei may get his head turned by being singled out by Harry. Be sure to squelch any pretensions he might develop. I love you more than you know, Little One. Take care of yourself and the boy. I will see you soon."

"Oh, Vitya, he won't get any pretensions. Alexei is very level-headed. Harry, I think, needs this as much as Alexei does. It will give Harry a new perspective on being an orphan and on his present friendships. It will definitely be good for both of them. I want you to take care on this tour of yours. There are still lots of ditzy females who still think you are waiting just for them. Watch what you eat and drink, love."

"I will send the announcement of our engagement off to the papers today. And I will bring you the ring I bought almost ten years ago. I was too unsure of myself to give it to you then. Send the date of their wedding to me. I will find them an appropriate wedding present. Kiss me one last time, and I will be off."

Hermione put every ounce of her love for him into the kiss, and he reeled with the passion it evoked. But he resolutely took his leave and Disapparated out of the flat.

Hermione went to get dressed for work and looked in on Alexei. He was in the study, using her laptop, looking through the old clippings on the Battle of Hogwarts. Without turning his head, he said, "You really were the brains of it all, weren't you, Mama Hermione?"

She reached over and kissed the top of his head, saying, "I was merely one of the army of the Light, Alexei. Just like your father was. Even Draco wound up on the side of the Light where he never thought he would be. Ask him about it today. You are coming to work with me. Draco will pick you up there. So wear something you can roughhouse in. The other children at the Burrow aren't as old as you are. They will probably want to run and play younger kid games."

He answered her with a grin that forcibly reminded her of Viktor, "I brought many of my Muggle things from when I was smaller. Colouring books, puzzles, and that kind of thing. Would it be all right if I gave then to Teddy and Victoire?"

"You are so much like Viktor, Alexei. I can't wait until I am your mum in truth. I love both of you so much. Come on. Let's get ready. I miss him already."

An hour later, they arrived at the Ministry to find Draco already there and waiting. He grinned and told Hermione, "I'll take very good care of the young scamp, Herms. We will see you later. Gin and I will take you both out to dinner tonight."

Draco walked Alexei through the Atrium to the large public fireplaces. He enjoyed watching Alexei's face as he saw the huge Atrium filled with colourfully robed people, the fountain with its rather improved statues and the bank of fireplaces.

"Uncle Draco, where are we going again?"

"We are going to your Aunt Ginny's parents' house. Her mum watches my cousin Teddy, who is five years younger than you are, and Victoire, who is Ginny's niece; she is Bill and Fleur's little girl, and she is six younger than you are, I believe."

"Fleur Delacour, the Beauxbatons champion, is married to one of Aunt Ginny's brothers?" Alexei's eyes were wide. These people I am to consider family are all famous.

Draco laughed delightedly as they waited their turn for the Floo. It was nice to see that his infamy didn't really translate out of Britain. When they reached the fireplace, Draco threw in the powder, called out "The Burrow" and walked into the flames holding tightly to Alexei's hand.

They arrived at the Weasley home hand in hand, gracefully stepping out of the fireplace. Arthur Weasley looked up to see Draco Malfoy stepping willingly into his home, holding tightly onto a dark-haired boy who was smiling up at him delightedly and had a startling vision into the future. Ginny had spent some time with her family, explaining what both Harry and Draco had told her, the way she felt safe as well as desired with them, and they all were willing to give the whole thing a chance, especially since Harry was involved, but they weren't sure of Draco.

"Welcome to the Burrow!"

"Thank you, Mister Weasley; you are quite gracious to allow us into your home," Draco spoke sincerely. "This is Alexei Krum, Viktor's son."

Alexei piped up: "I will be Mama Hermione's son as well."

"Well, young man, in that case, welcome to the family. Hermione has always been like a daughter to us, which will make you our grandson."

Alexei smiled excitedly at that, then as most children do, switched topics rapidly. "Uncle Draco said that there was a boy named Teddy here I could play with, as well as your granddaughter Victoire. May I meet them?"

Molly had bustled into the living room by this point. "Of course, dear. They are outside with some of the even younger children. Let me take you out there."

Alexei and Molly chatted contentedly to each other as she walked him out to the back yard. She had heard Arthur tell the boy that he would be their newest grandchild, and she was determined to make him feel at home.

Draco looked at his father-in-law to be and worried. I hope Mrs. Weasley was right and he is happy for us. But I know I look quite a bit like my father, and they never did get along.

"Well, Draco. You seem quite fond of Alexei."

"Yes, sir. He reminds me very much of Hermione as a child. You can see her influence, and it was why I asked her to be Ginny's and my first child's godmother."

Arthur raised his eyebrows. This was certainly not a clone of Lucius, no matter what he looked like.

"It is good to hear that, Draco. I think she and Viktor make a good couple; they complement each other well."

"I agree. And I'm very glad that Ginny agreed to give me and Harry a chance. I love him very much, but I always knew I would have to give him up to have an heir. Harry also wanted a family, and so, we had decided to part; then fate, or magic, or circumstance, or something made it so he and I could both have a witch we could love and still be together. I'm still kind of amazed." Draco realized he was babbling and started to lower his head and turn to follow Alexei and Molly. He didn't notice Arthur moving quietly toward him until the man had his chin in his grasp and tilted his head upward to study him. I didn't realise he was this tall.

Arthur looked Draco in the eye, holding the younger man's chin firmly in his grasp. He must have seen what he wanted, because he nodded to himself, then clasped a hand on Draco's shoulder, something Draco had never felt before, as his own father wasn't given to physical forms of affection. "Welcome to the family, son. Marriage is not an easy thing, but if you ever feel the need to talk, especially to someone who has pretty much seen it all, I am here for you."

Draco smiled and, almost without thinking, stepped forward and gave Arthur a hug. Molly saw this from the kitchen and wiped a tear from her eye. It was so hard to see that Ron had lost his way so badly, but to see this young man come so far from what he had been, enough so that her Arthur could set aside his animosity toward any Malfoy, gave her hope.

She walked back into the room and smiled at Arthur. Together they walked out the back door to watch the children. Draco stood off to the side, with his hands in his pockets, watching. Alexei was organising the children in a simple game of hide and seek. He was picking up the little ones, hiding them and then shushing them when they giggled. After a bit, he pulled some things out of his backpack and set the littlest ones to colouring the colouring books, the older ones to putting together the puzzles and he was going to show Teddy how to fly a kite. He looked back at the adults and grinned.

Molly looked at Draco and made a decision. She went back into the house and made tea. She had already prepared sandwiches and juice for the children's lunch, but she wanted to include Draco with her and Arthur. She just had a feeling the young man needed some special attention.

Taking the tea tray outside, she saw that Draco had taken a seat at the picnic table close to where the children were playing. He was re-tying the shoelaces of one of the smaller tots as she put the tray down. She handed him a cup and sat down next to him.

"You certainly aren't what we expected, Draco. Your father would never have shown the kind of caring I see in you. My Ginny would never have accepted the two of you if she hadn't seen something more than a typical Malfoy."

"Mrs. Weasley, I don't know what to say. I feel like I am a huge fraud. The whole Malfoy heritage is like a millstone around my neck. I never knew what family, real family, meant until I saw all of you after the Battle of Hogwarts. I was so amazed that you were all hugging and laughing and crying together. It boggled my mind. I wanted that kind of closeness. Then unexpectedly, some of my old classmates offered friendship where I had expected the cut direct. Harry was the first, then Viktor, even Neville. I took the overtures of friendship like a drowning man will grasp at straws. I tried to do what I could to help make amends for the things my father did. Maybe, I'll eventually feel like I am not such a worm. But, our mutual relative, my Great Aunt Hepzibah thought I was doing a good job of redeeming myself. I liked her. I was truly sorry when she died."

"She was my gran, Draco. And had the sharpest eye for seeing a person's true worth. I am glad she thought that. It sort of makes sense, her leaving you that fortune and making the stipulation that you marry within a year. I think she knew Ginny was a Sept, and that somehow you, Harry and Ginny would be perfect for each other. You're like that rose bush she gave me years ago. It took over twenty years for the blasted thing to bloom, but now it is the most prolific bloomer in my garden." She leaned over and kissed the young man on his cheek before going off to feed the children.

Draco was reeling. His biggest fears had been Ginny's parents' reactions, and those had just been dispelled with acceptance and love. He put his head down on the table and cried.

Alexei came to sit down. "Why are you upset, Uncle Draco? Is something wrong?"

"No, Alexei, I'm not really upset. I am just surprised. I expected Ginny's parents to be wary of me because I am a Malfoy. But they accepted me. Me, whose father was the Dark Lord's biggest supporter. I think I am in shock."

"But you came back to the side of the Light; Mama told me so. She implied that you were never really on the Dark side."

"She said that? She really is perceptive. I was really, really scared when my parents were involved with the Dark Lord. I knew I could never do the things they wanted me to do. I was a coward, Alexei. I ran from the fighting, and when your Uncle Harry saved my life during the last battle, I knew I wasn't worth saving. But he did it anyway and offered his hand to me in friendship. Your Papa did the same thing. They stood by me when I was trying to atone for simply being a Malfoy. Hermione just kind of watched me for a couple of years, and then she offered friendship as well. By that time I was feeling much better about who I was becoming, not who I had been."

"I think Mr. and Mrs. Weasley like you. They certainly have been smiling at you a lot. Teddy is really cool. His hair colour changes when he is happy, mad, or curious. He is a nice boy. I did not realise that all the people Papa said were family are famous."

"Well, scamp, almost everyone you've met so far fought in the Battle of Hogwarts. We need to introduce you to Neville Longbottom. He killed the last of the Dark Lord's Horcruxes. Neville is a mild-mannered fellow who will be another of your teachers. He is married to the lady who runs the Leaky Cauldron now. He is another of my good friends."

"I am glad you have friends now. Oh, look, Mrs. Weasley is beckoning to you."

"I think she wants the both of us. Let's go see what she wants."

Molly had decided that it was time the littlest ones were down for a nap. She wanted Draco to read a story to them while she talked to Alexei. Draco good-naturedly agreed and went off to practice being a father. Arthur was looking on as Draco read.

Molly took Alexei aside and made him an extra sandwich. "I know boys your age are always hungry. I know your Uncle Harry was, poor mite. He grew up in an awful family, Alexei. His mother's sister raised him, but treated him as if he was a nuisance. I know Viktor loves you just like his own and Hermione, too. I saw pictures of you as a little tyke when Viktor started seeing Hermione again. He is so proud of you. I originally had hopes Hermione might marry my youngest son, but he lost his way, and your Papa was a much better man for her. You are still our grandchild in a way. Hermione was always like a second daughter to us."

"Thank you for everything, Mrs. Weasley. I had a really good time. I'm glad Uncle Draco brought me. Would you mind if I called you and Mr. Weasley Gran and Gramp, like the others do?"

Molly promptly started tearing up and had to resort to her hankie. "Oh, Alexei, that is just fine. I know Arthur will be as happy as I am." She pulled the boy into one of her signature hugs and released him when Arthur walked up to them. Arthur also hugged the boy tightly.

Draco was standing with Molly while Arthur talked to Alexei.

"You have more family than you'll know what to do with, young man. If you have any problems, you just come talk to any of us. And you, too, Draco Malfoy," Arthur said.

Draco tried to shake Arthur's hand, but Arthur pulled him into an enveloping hug, as did Molly.

When Draco and Alexei finally managed to arrive back at the Ministry of Magic, Alexei turned to Draco and put a hand up. "High five, Uncle Draco. You aced that confrontation!"

Draco put his hand out in the same configuration as Alexei's, and the boy hit it as he spun around and hit it again. Draco smiled and asked, "Is that a Bulgarian custom, Alexei?"

"No, it is a Muggle thing, Uncle Draco. When you win big or one of your friends has done something really great. I guess I am going to have to teach you more about Muggles."

"Yes, Alexei, I think I definitely need to start learning more about Muggles...about a lot of things actually. Let's go find Herms and tell her what kind of a day we had."

"I won't tell about you crying, Uncle Draco. Promise."

"Actually, I am going to tell Herms and Gin both about it. I haven't felt this good about myself in a very long time. A lot of that feeling better is due to you, Alexei. You are turning out to be a huge help for me. You explained the magnet idea about Harry, Ginny and me. Then you explained the problem with the house-elf, which by the way, you need to teach me how to communicate with her. The things you are opening my eyes to are so numerous I can't begin to list. I have had a wonderful time today."

Alexei smiled at the man. Sometimes he thought grownups forgot how to use common sense. "Look, Uncle Draco, there's Aunt Ginny and Uncle Harry, oh, and Mum Hermione, too."

The three were waving madly at Draco and Alexei.