Six Months Later

It was the first of September and Madison would be attending her first day at Hogwarts. It had been an eventful summer filled with trial and error in regards to magic and absorbing every piece of advice that Draco, Hermione, and Harry had to offer.

Madison's parents had reopened the pub and allowed visitation at her leisure but maintained the same close-minded view of their daughter. It didn't matter what they thought, however, as Madison had made her own family over summer and planned to continue her endeavor at Hogwarts.

Draco, Hermione, and Madison travelled by use of the local bus to King's Cross Station. Her odd assortment of luggage and pet owl, gifted by Hermione, was curiously ogled at by the Muggles.

They meet Harry, Ginny, and their newborn son, James, at the train station. Harry crouches and levels himself with Madison while squaring her shoulders with his hands. "If anyone gives you trouble, Madi, don't forget to mention that you have the Chosen One on your side."

Ginny rolls her eyes while jutting her hip, propping little James against her side. "Don't do that," she advises Madison with a smirk. "The last thing we need is my husband's head to inflate any larger than it already is."

Madison giggles while lightly pinching James' cheek.

"You're always welcome at our home," Ginny adds with a warm smile.

"Thanks Mrs. Potter," Madison beams. "And thank you Harry. I know I haven't been the easiest, but-"

"You were brilliant," Harry cuts her off with a smile. "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

"Alright, then," Draco announces while checking his pocket watch. "The train is leaving in 10 minutes."

Madison says her final goodbyes to Harry, Ginny, and James before following Draco and Hermione to the barrier that separated platforms nine and ten.

"So I just.. run at the wall?" she questions while wringing her hands together.

Hermione nods reassuringly as Draco drapes an arm around his girlfriend's shoulders. "It's like getting a tooth pulled," she reasons. "One moment of discomfort and then it's over."

Draco furrows his eyebrows at Hermione while shaking his head. "Like pulling a tooth?" he scoffs. "Brilliant metaphor, love. Very reassuring."

Madison giggles while positioning her hands against her luggage trolley. Her knuckles whiten with a firm grip as she approaches the barrier at a running pace. Once she comes into contact with the enchanted wall, she instantly teleports to the other side.

Draco interlaces his fingers with Hermione's while pulling it up to his mouth for a quick kiss. "Ready?"

Hermione gives an excited nod as he leads them through the barrier at a brisk walk. Reaching the other side to the wall, they're faced with welcome familiar surroundings to the Hogwarts Express. The train billows clouds of smoke and whistles signifying its pending departure.

Madison peers around their surroundings with her mouth held agape. Her eyes crinkle at the corners as she excitedly bounces on the balls of her feet. Draco feels an unwelcome lump forming in his throat while pulling Hermione in closer. She stretches a palm across his chest while comfortingly leaning her head in the crook of his neck.

"You're not crying, are you?" Madison teases Draco.

Draco clears his throat and viciously shakes his head while glaring at her. "There was something in my eye," he lamely excuses.

Madison bolts into his arms, ripping him from Hermione's grasp as he catches his footing. Draco pulls her into a bone crushing hug while swaying her from side to side.

"You be good, then," he whispers while blinking back any trace of tears. "And don't forget to write-"

"Once a week," she finishes his sentence with a grin. "How could I forget?"

"I'll only be a short trip away," he reassures, sounding as though he was trying to comfort himself more than she. "I'll be working five days a week at the Leaky Cauldron to stay close. So, if you need me.."

"Let her go, Draco," Hermione laughs.

"Right." Draco takes a step back from Madison and proudly positions his hands on her shoulders before doing one last quick scan. "I'll see you around, then."

"See you," Madison replies as her voice cracks, fighting back the same tears that she had teased Draco. Turning to Hermione for a hug, she expresses her gratitude once more and finally gathers her belongings.

Draco stands with his hands docked in his pockets while watching Madison walk toward the train with her luggage trailing behind her. She turns to them one last time with an enthusiastic wave. Hermione is in his arms again, pressing her body firmly against his as a level of unspoken comfort. He kisses the top of her head while rocking her in his arms.

"She'll be brilliant," Hermione assures him, addressing his inner hesitation. "She has you."

Draco tilts her chin up with the tip of his finger and presses his lips against hers. He adoringly strokes her cheek with his thumb while peering into her eyes. "And I have you."