"Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am in a thousand winds that blow,

I am the softly falling snow.

I am the gentle showers of rain,

I am the fields of ripening grain.

I am in the morning hush,

I am in the graceful rush

Of beautiful birds in circling flight,

I am the starshine of the night.

I am in the flowers that bloom,

I am in a quiet room.

I am in the birds that sing,

I am in each lovely thing.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there. I do not die."

— Mary Elizabeth Frye

" — from what we know, the Riddle manor was mostly used as a storage unit for collected Dark Objects during the war," Ginny began, "but over the coming months there has been more activity sighted there. In particular, dementors have been on guard, suggesting something is being hidden there. Additionally, one of the Death Eaters we captured admitted that Nagini is in there and only Bellatrix and the Dark Lord are allowed inside."

Hermione surveyed the room, packed enough that there weren't enough seats on the table. She was surprised at how many turned up, but she recognized the hollow looks on their faces. She was not the only one who had had enough of the war dragging on.

Some Order members shifted around her and she didn't need to turn her head to know that Draco had his eyes narrowed as he scrutinized every word of the plan. Ignoring the glances at her ring, Hermione tried to concentrate on what Ginny was saying. Word had spread quickly about their union but no one dared comment. The only ones not unsettled by their presence were Theo and Luna who also decided to volunteer on the mission.

" — we'll divide the team into groups to handle the dementors and Death Eaters while one group focuses on getting inside and taking out Nagini. Kings and Moody have given us the last basilisk fang and so the group going in will take it. We only get one shot at this and we need to be ready for whatever is inside."

Ginny looked the true general, confident and unfaltering as those in the room murmured in assent. Ron was on his sister's right, a serious determination on his face that Hermione hadn't seen in a long time. Taking in the rest of the room, Hermione looked at the faces around her, faces that she may never see again. Despite not being close to many of them, they were still all together in this war. At the end of the day, they all wanted the same thing.

"Theodore and I have finished perfecting the device that dismantles wards such as anti-apparition ones. We've also got some other weapons that might be useful for this particular mission," Luna chirped in. "For example, we have a spray we can use on the Death Eaters to make the wrackspurts go after them."

Hermione looked curiously at the proud look in Theo's eyes as he watched Luna continue speaking. It was a deep look, so odd yet natural on his usually playful face. She smiled, glad that there were some good things that managed to bloom in this war.

"Although we have that last basilisk fang Hermione saved, we've been working with Kingsley on developing a backup and it's only now that we can confirm it works." Draco cocked his head in interest at Theo's words. "We've managed to contain fiendfyre," Theo finished with a grin.

A chorus of gasps resounded throughout the room, including Hermione's. Even Draco blinked in surprise. Perhaps they did have a chance.

***

Two jackets, pajamas, underwear...

Hermione grazed her fingers along Scorpius' stuffed dragon before shrinking it along with the oversized ferret Draco had won at the fair. She placed them inside the bag she added an extension charm to, followed by Scorpius' books. It was time. Running through her mental list of what else Scorpius needed, Hermione distracted herself from thinking about what was going to happen next or what could happen.

The next thing she reached for was one of her most treasured items. It was the strip of photographs of the three of them from the fair photo booth. Hermione smiled fondly at Scorpius' and her grinning faces, Draco's expression going from broody, to confused, then pensive in each photo. These were the only photographs they had together and she wanted Scorpius to have it, to always remember. Carefully, she placed it in the bag along with two envelopes containing letters she and Draco had written for Scorpius... in case.

When she finished her letter to Scorpius, it had left her more anxious than settled. Draco found her the night before in the small library restlessly writing on an almost two foot long parchment. It was a manual for Blaise and Pansy about Scorpius. She made sure to list the lullabies he liked that helped him fall asleep, to explain that Scorpius was more likely to eat his veggies if he was not forced but instead given an explanation to understand why and how it was good for him. Because Scorpius liked to understand things — even if his vocabulary was still growing, he liked to learn and be treated like he was capable of handling information.

When he was moody, sometimes Scorpius just needed to express himself through art or go outside for fresh air. He liked books before bed and didn't like bath time so they needed to watch out for that, especially his sneaky negotiation tactics. Scorpius was scared of thunder and he needed to be reminded that it was okay to be scared and that he was safe. Sometimes Scorpius just needed a hug and ate too much chocolate even if his tummy would hurt. Oh and to check his socks where he sometimes kept secret supplies of chocolate. She remembered to also mention that Scorpius loved to draw and if they didn't mind, to let him hang up his work and encourage him in whatever he was passionate about. She wanted them to show him the stars and to remember Astoria and Raul's tradition on the day of her death where they put twin hibiscus flowers on a flowing river.

There was so much more she wanted to tell them, so many things she wanted to write to make sure her little boy was going to be okay and be taken care of. And that's how Draco found her, frantically scribbling on the parchment, so focused she hadn't realized he was there. When he asked what she was doing she tried to speak but she stumbled and choked from the emotions about to break her from the inside out. He reached out for her and she immediately launched herself at him, burying herself into his chest and finally let herself break. She was terrified for Scorpius — she didn't want him to lose anyone anymore. Silently, Draco held her, his arms secure and safe around her. He was a steady anchor through the violent waves crashing inside of her.

Although Draco remained silent, she didn't miss the slight shakiness in his breath nor the almost imperceptible tremble of his hand. He was trying hard not to break.

We will find a way, he whispered.

"Look, mama! I'm in my coat like daddy!"

Hermione zipped the bag up quickly and dabbed her eyes before turning to the pair that entered the room. She put on a big smile that turned genuine at the adorable sight of Scorpius dressed in his tiny shield cloak Luna and Theo had given him.

"You look very handsome!" She chuckled when the boy preened.

Scorpius buried his bashful face into his father's chest, reminding her of the first time she met him. He still latched on to his father and his eyes held the same worldly curiosity she hoped was never extinguished. But the boy before her was bigger now, growing a little more into his features and exuded more confidence and bravery despite all he had gone through. Hermione wondered if she would get to see him grow up. She wondered if he would be nervous or excited for his first day of school like she was, if one day he would make friends his age and get to have a normal life without looking over his shoulder. She hoped he never felt alone and should she and Draco not come back, that he would be able to move on without them. She remembered Harry growing up an orphan and she prayed he would never feel unwanted or unloved. She trusted Blaise, Pansy, and Watson to take care of him and be his family — Theo and Luna as well. All she wished for was more time, to be able to grow old with Draco and be with him and Scorpius as a little family.

"Mama?" Scorpius broke her from her thoughts and reached out to her, brows pinched in concern.

"Yes, love," Hermione said shakily. Automatically, she took him into her arms and held him close. She sat on the bed and Scorpius buried his face in her neck while Draco joined them.

"Scorpius, we'd like to talk to you about something before we go," Draco began.

Scorpius pulled back, shifting his eyes between them. Draco nodded for Hermione to continue, his hand resting solidly on her lower back, steadying her.

"Scorp, love," gently, she brushed his hair back, "your father and I are going on a mission so we will be gone for a while. You'll be staying with Watson at Uncle Blaise and Aunt Pansy's home."

Scorpius listened but didn't seem to grasp that this was different from the missions she and Draco usually went on. Hermione hesitated and Draco continued for her.

"Your mama and I will try to come home to you as soon as possible, but this mission is dangerous. We are going after the bad people. You remember them, right?" Scorpius' eyes widened and he nodded. "Sometimes things don't turn out how we want them to. One of us will try to come back, we will try to promise that but still, we want you to be prepared in case something goes wrong. Do you remember what your Nana Cissa told you?"

Scorpius blinked. "Nana says — Nana says she is here wid mother Storia, and gran-pa..." he said pointing to his heart.

Draco's jaw clenched, fighting to remain calm.

Hermione pulled Scorpius closer, blinking back tears. "Yes. Your daddy and I will always be in your heart just like you are always in our heart."

She placed her hand on her chest to emphasize her words.

Scorpius looked pensive before placing a small hand on his own chest as well, his face turning serious.

Draco lifted the boy's chin. "No matter what happens, we will always love you. So much. But remember there are other people who love you too and who will love you. Right now you have Aunt Pansy, Uncle Blaise, Uncle Theo..."

"And Watsy?"

Hermione laughed. "Yes and Watsy."

"We'll always be a family even if you can't see us or hear us. You will always feel how much we love you because we are always going to be watching you and we will always be with you in here," Draco said gently, tapping the hand on Scorpius' heart. "We love you, just remember that."

Scorpius didn't respond but his lips wobbled before he threw himself at them. Draco and Hermione instantly wound themselves around him, holding their son close between them. Hermione could tell her little boy was trying to be strong. It was not long before she felt his tears on her neck as she rubbed circles on his back and whispered that it was okay, that they were going to be okay. The words weren't only for his comfort.

Draco's eyes were shut but Hermione didn't miss the single tear that silently slid down his cheek. They held each other like it was the last time.

***

"But wheres we going?" Scorpius pouted from his perch on Hermione's hip. Draco's grip was tight in her other hand.

"We're taking you to Aunt Pansy and Uncle Blaise's place in a moment," Hermione replied, trying to reassure the boy. They stood just outside headquarters waiting for Watson who would be accompanying them.

"Kay..."

Draco cupped his son's head. "You'll behave?"

"Of-cowse, daddy!" The boy grinned back cheekily, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Hermione relaxed slightly, giving Draco's hand a squeeze.

"We're just waiting for Watson and then we'll be good to go — "

Whatever she was going to say was cut off by a loud bang that shook the wards surrounding headquarters. Order members suddenly rushed out the house, wands raised as black figures surrounded the area.

"Get back," Draco hissed, stepping in front of his wife and son. Vaguely he heard Hermione whispering to Scorpius who was whimpering as more loud sounds filled the space.

Draco felt a surge of protectiveness and fury go through him. He channeled it in every curse, tearing down every Death Eater that attempted to come their way. Everything erupted in chaos, the smell of smoke, sulfur, and fresh blood pungent in the air.

The rest of the Order members fought on, but most of their forces weren't there.

"Draco!" Hermione shrieked from behind him.

Swiftly, he turned to see Hermione using one hand to hold Scorpius and the other to fend off a Death Eater. With Scorpius in her arms, she was too slow and unable to maintain her defensive shields. Suddenly, the tip of the Death Eater's wand glowed purple before a dark curse hurled towards them. Hermione turned to shield Scorpius with her body just as Draco lunged at them, shutting his eyes as the world went violet.

He braced himself for the curse but instead the world around him was upended as a vacuum sensation sucked them in. The only thing pounding through his mind was Scorpius and Hermione in his arms.

"Scorpius! Hermione!" Draco gasped, trying to orient himself on the sprawled grass outside what he realized was the Zabini manor.

"We're alright," Hermione said shakily, holding Scorpius close to her.

Draco sighed in relief. He shut his eyes and pulled them close.

"Watsy!" Scorpius screamed.

The pair snapped their heads to where Scorpius was looking, and sure enough, there lay the elf. His purple eyes were wide and glassy as he curled into himself, the left side of his body evidently hit.

"Fuck," Draco cursed upon noticing the rapidly growing curse. It was the one aimed at Scorpius and Hermione. Watson's flesh on the left side of his body turned black, as if rotting from the inside out. Blood spilled from the gaping wound, black and sticky, despite Hermione's attempts to heal the damage.

"Watson, can you hear me?" Hermione asked urgently, kneeling by his side as Scorpius sobbed. "Watson?"

The old elf choked, facing going pale. Nothing Hermione was casting seemed to help.

"I think I can at least slow it down." Hermione swallowed before muttering an onslaught of complex spells. Draco joined her, focusing his magic on alleviating Watson's pain.

The curse slowed but did not stop.

"Scorpius..." Draco said carefully. Hermione gritted her teeth, trying to save the elf but Draco could tell she was out of ideas.

Watson's face turned pale, the darkness in his arm now spreading to his neck. But he managed to turn and look at Scorpius who knelt close by his side.

"You is okay, Watsy, you is okay," Scorpius sobbed. Hermione looked up at Draco, tears in her eyes, silently shaking her head.

"Young M — Malfoy..." the elf rasped, trying to keep his eyes open. His unaffected hand was curled to his chest. He tried to lift it but failed. Hermione caught the movement, sighting a golden chain in his fist that connected in a loop around his neck — she hadn't noticed the necklace before.

"Let me," Hermione offered. Watson nodded.

Gently, she lifted his head and withdrew the delicate chain from around his neck. Once it came free, Watson's fist unfurled, revealing a golden locket. Watson nudged his head towards Scorpius and Hermione placed the chain around the boy's neck. It shrunk magically to fit him perfectly.

Scorpius lifted the locket in his palm and, with a click, it opened. Hermione gasped. Inside the locket was a shrunken drawing of Watson and Scorpius that she remembered Scorpius had drawn and given to him a long time ago.

"Young M — Malfoy is a good boy," Watson whispered before coughing. Mustering the last of his strength, he lifted his hand and curled it over the hand Scorpius held the locket in.

"Watsy," Scorpius' voice croaked, his tiny body shaking as he tried to huddle closer to the elf.

"Watson is grateful to be a friend," he continued, eyes landing on Scorpius, Draco, then Hermione. "Watson is... happy."

Hermione screwed her eyes shut, unable to stop the tears flowing down her cheek.

Watson's eyes started to dull. She glanced at Draco and noticed him in concentration, whispering rapidly under his breath with his wand pointed at Watson's wound.

"Watson must go now," the elf whispered. "Watson is thankful... to have family."

Draco gritted his teeth, trying harder but the curse continued to spread.

The first drops of rain fell from the grey sky, fat drops that joined the tears on Hermione's face. Watson gave Scorpius a soft smile, a smile Hermione had never seen on his face before.

Watson's hand was still curled in Scorpius' hand when his eyelids fluttered shut and his body went limp.

Draco's eyes widened, his body sagging in defeat.

Scorpius did not make a sound. His cries were silent as sobs wracked through his small body. He buried himself in the elf's chest even as blood seeped into his own shirt.

Draco, Hermione, and Scorpius stayed there under the rain, refusing to move. Draco's eyes were pained as grief choked Scorpius' little body.

They stayed there even after Pansy and Blaise found them, Scorpius never leaving Watson's side. They stayed together as they buried Watson into the earth — a small grave for a small body, for an elf who had a bigger heart than anyone knew.

Grief was a quiet friend, a shadow lingering like a companion. Grief was silent and filled the empty spaces where love once lived. It was knees bent upon the soil in mortal surrender, the cold silence of memories that once lived so vibrantly, now faded in color and in sound. It looked like upturned earth and hollow ground, mournful eyes and shaky breaths. But it also looked like a crown of white flowers on a fresh grave, some petals crushed from small hands, and a locket clutched between small shaking fists.

Draco and Hermione silently thanked Watson for all he had done especially for the boy who had managed to worm his way into the old elf's heart.

Scorpius bowed his head over Watson's grave, still holding on to the locket as he whispered into the ground. "I love you, Watsy."

***

The Riddle manor loomed before them, dark and foreboding. Dementors floated around it as if suspended underwater — sentries of the Dark Lord. Frost coated the graying grass as the marble angel in the graveyard stood like the angel of death with its hollow eyes and great wings spread in flight.

Draco observed the structure from where he and the rest of the Order members hid. His eyes zeroed in on the entry levels, comparing it with the blueprints he had studied. A warm hand slipped into his, pushing the coldness at bay. Scorpius was safe with Pansy and Blaise, and Hermione was by his side. He reminded himself of this over and over again, using it to focus on their task at hand.

Currently, their allies and the rest of the Order were engaged in the final battle, serving as a distraction for their team to go after Nagini. They suffered no losses from the attack at headquarters. Most survived and escaped, the attackers consisting of mostly new Death Eater recruits. It was clear that the attack wasn't intended to take them out — it was a message. And they were ready to answer it.