"you're cute, like a puppy"

—

HERMIONE GRANGER had always been pragmatic.

She prided herself on her intellect and meticulous planning and research. Hermione thought through everything before it happened.

Every possible outcome in all possible situations.

She simultaneously prepared for the best and the worst and there had never been anyone to contradict her perspectives.

Until Draco Malfoy.

The arrogant prat was her least favorite part about school. He pranced around with a sense of entitlement and self-importance that she had never encountered in another human being.

He was cruel and pathetic and vindictive. He bullied her and belittled her and did his very best to make her life a living hell.

But the logical part of her brain couldn't deny it.

Draco Malfoy was brilliant.

He surpassed her intellect in Potions — not that she'd ever admit he was right — and had proven a worthy rival in both Arithmancy and Ancient Runes.

He was arrogant and obsessive and punching him was the highlight of her life.

Until she kissed him.

And all thoughts and observations and preparation went entirely out of the window.

Draco Malfoy was a narcissistic egomaniac with childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

But, Merlin, he was a good kisser.

His hands were in her hair, his palms cupping her face. Simultaneously, he pressed her against the wall and pulled her close to him.

And it was wrong to enjoy the kiss as much as she did. She was technically still with Ron — though she couldn't recall the last time they'd so much as smiled at one another — and he was absolutely and completely wrong for her.

Except, he wasn't.

According to this magical rope she was supposed to place all faith and hopes into.

And Hermione, as logical and practical as they come, knew that there must be a way to undo this absolutely terrible match.

Whatever the "universe" or "god" or "magic" put her and Draco together indefinitely, it didn't matter. The matching of their souls was nothing short of a cosmic joke.

Until he pulled back, gently kissing her again, softer, less needy.

"Is this okay?" He whispered, eyes finding hers.

Hermione had always liked storms. They were temperamental and ostentatious but they were also beautiful and irreplaceable.

Grey eyes stared back at her. Confliction, anxiety, happiness, adoration.

An entanglement of emotions so carefully categorized and methodically placed in complete disarray.

Because of her.

A perfectly serene sky rested in his gaze, but now she could see a storm. He was a storm and he was crashing into her. He was a tumultuous tornado and blinding rainstorm and freezing blizzard and inescapable tsunami all at once.

Hermione hesitated, and then kissed him again.

—

If Stefan's hug and whisper of "please don't leave me alone with him again" was anything to go by, Eden and Elijah had a far better week.

"He's insane," Stefan vented, lying next to her in the pool.

Eden was surprised when he wanted to join her, but she didn't object. Elijah and Niklaus were to catch up Nik's endeavors anyhow, and Stefan desperately needed a break from the hybrid.

That left the friends lying on pool floaties they'd picked up from a gas station three hours previously, fully clothed.

Eden's jeans were sopping wet in the chlorinated water and Stefan's shirt was soaking, but neither of them found it in themselves to care.

"He tried to force me to drink human blood," Stefan continued. "And compel me not to stop."

"I'm so happy I got you an anklet," Eden pointed out. "I told you I could charm it to inhibit the pain receptors for you, so the vervain doesn't hurt you and I was right."

"Okay, you're smart," Stefan sighed. "Your boyfriend still sucks."

"Nik's not my boyfriend," Eden argued weakly. "We're hardly friends."

Stefan rolled his eyes. "You both are idiots," he muttered. "I'd do anything to be with Elena again and you're just letting this pass you by."

Eden thought about his words for a moment, looking over her flamingo floaty to his downtrodden gaze.

"Why don't you call her?" She suggested. "Surely, she misses you. I'll just yell at Nik if he objects."

Stefan sighed, shaking his head. "Damon's with her," he admitted quietly. "I think I've lost her. If we go home...she won't be mine anymore."

Eden mulled over his admission, trying to come up with a counter point.

But he was right.

Eden knew Elena had feelings for Damon. Everyone did. And everyone knew Damon had feelings for Elena.

"You'll find someone," Eden whispered. "I know you will."

"For now," Stefan reached his hand over and grabbed Eden's, stopping her from picking at a hangnail. "I've got you. And it's the best thing I've had in a while."

Eden squeezed his hand, brown eyes meeting green.

"Is bunny an acceptable nickname for Bunny Muncher?"

"I hate you."

—

Eden sat at the breakfast table with a migraine, sniffling into her coffee.

"No," Nik pulled the cup away from her. "Not when you're sick, love, don't mix the coffee with the medicine."

"Thanks Dr. Cullen," Eden muttered sarcastically.

Nik rolled his eyes, looking over his phone. "Eden, are you aware your Granger friend has sent me twelve messages in an hour?"

"Blimey," Eden's head fell forward and she felt something soft before it hit the table. It smelled like hand soap and cedar wood. "Is your hand here?"

"You've got a fever, sweetheart," Nik explained. "My brother's getting you more medicine, I really wish you'd stayed in bed."

"Nuh-uh," Eden shook her head. "'M'feelin'fine."

"Yes, your mumbling and nasal congestion is absolutely a sign of your peak health," Nik replied sarcastically. "Come on, let's get you back to bed."

"No," Eden pouted, shaking her head.

"Have you always been a terrible patient?"

"Have you always been a terrible loser?"

Nik sighed, moving his hand from under her forehead. He stood quickly and gently pulled her into a standing position.

"Your trip must've gotten you sick," he suggested. "I told you apparating was a better idea than a plane. Elijah can't get sick, but he can absolutely carry bacteria on his hands."

"He's clean," Eden muttered, leaning against the hybrid. "Like me. I'm clean. Clean like a whistle."

"Hush, love," Nik pat her head gently, walking her to the elevator. "You're exhausted. Did you even sleep last night?"

"Lungs felt funny," she shrugged. "Body hurts. Ow."

Nik chuckled. "Yes, ow," he smiled against her skin. "Greyið litla nornin mín," he sighed. "I'll stay with you until Elijah comes back. I think you'll wander into traffic in your state of disorientation."

"'Tis but a scratch," Eden mumbled. "Hurrah! Eden the Great will live on. Mwuahaha," she started to laugh deeply but then burst into coughs, covering her mouth with her elbow.

Letting out a soft whine, she leaned against Nik again.

"Bed sounds nice," she whimpered. He let out a soft noise of agreement and keyed open her bedroom door, gesturing her inside.

Eden flopped onto the bed, not even bothering to take off her slippers. He adjusted her softly and pulled the blanket back, wrapping it around her.

"Rest, sæta," he pressed a kiss to her forehead, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. "You need to sleep this off. I'll have Stefan get soup later."

"Wanna cuddle," Eden mumbled, pulling his hand to her chest and wrapping her arms around it. She closed her eyes and hummed in contentment.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea, love," Nik objected softly, moving to pull his arm back.

Her face fell when he moved his arm from her grasp.

"Alright," Nik relented with a sigh. "One moment, ástin mín."

He searched around the room for a chair but didn't have to move far. Under the complimentary desk was a comfortable enough looking office chair. Nik pulled it up next to the bed and reached his hand to her face.

With a soft expression and gentle smile, Nik ran his fingers through her hair.

She wouldn't remember any of this when the fever broke, but he'd cherish every second.

—

Eden's opened slowly and she whimpered in pain, spotting Niklaus sitting next to her bed.

"Nik?" She asked tiredly. "Time is it?"

Nik's head darted up from his phone, his free hand still running through her hair.

"Quarter past three, you've only slept a few hours. How're you feeling?"

"Bad," Eden pouted a bit. "Can I ask y'question?"

Nik nodded. "Anything, sweetheart." He replied softly.

"Why'd you bring Stefan?"

Nik raised an eyebrow, as though that's not the question he'd imagine she'd ask, but he answered anyway.

"Stefan doesn't remember, but we were best friends once," his fingertips trailed over her cheek and she smiled softly, eyes fluttering closed. "I'd like to be that again."

"Like me 'n Harry?"

Nik hummed in response.

Eden fell back asleep to the thought of Nik's smile.

—

"Okay, hang on, hang on," Eden looked between the brothers and Stefan. "Nik, you used an American accent?"

Niklaus grinned and Stefan rolled his eyes.

"It was awful," Stefan muttered. "Show her, Klaus."

Nik's dimples were on full display as he met Eden's eyes. "I said to the pretty little blonde, 'my car broke down a few miles back and I was—"

Eden cut him off with a loud laugh, her face falling into Elijah's shoulder.

"That's rubbish!" She exclaimed. "It's absolutely terrible."

Nik's smile fell and a pout settled on his lips. Eden reached over the table and poked his chin.

"Turn that frown upside down, Nik, you look like a puppy."

"I'm not a puppy," Nik shifted in his seat, frown deepening. "I'm a wolf. I'm more than that. I'm the immortal hybrid. Why would I need a passing American accent if I can just—"

"Bark, bark," Eden mocked, snorting. "It's all I'm hearing. You're a puppy."

"I am not!" Niklaus exclaimed, mouth falling open. He looked to Stefan and Elijah for help. Stefan appeared preoccupied with the napkin on the table and Elijah was fighting his own smile. "Don't — don't call me that."

"Little puppy, Nik."

"Keep that up and I'll —"

"—You'll what, Niklaus?" Elijah asked in amusement. "Let her have her fun. She's only jesting."

"And when my enemies hear of my nickname from—"

"—Let them hear it," Eden smiled at Niklaus. "It's a compliment, Nik. You're cute, like a puppy."

Nik's mouth fell open again and his cheeks reddened. He looked between Elijah and Eden before mumbling about a phone call and rushing from the table.

"Great," Stefan rolled his eyes. "You've broken him. Nice job."

Eden smiled at her friend. "You're just jealous you're not the only harmless creature I know, bunny."

Stefan sighed, closing his eyes and whispering about how much he hated his life. Elijah pressed a kiss to Eden's head.

Eden smiled to herself and took another bite of her pudding.

—

Eden sat outside her hotel room, deep in thought. Her finger hovered over George's name on her phone, but she didn't even know what to say.

How could she say anything at all?

Someone sat next to her, and she knew immediately by his cologne that it was Niklaus. Elijah had gone to make arrangements for the next few days in London, providing help and anonomously donating where he could before she arrived.

She missed him, but she'd see him tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow.

A hand took the phone gently away from her, locking it and placing it out of sight. He took her hand softly, stroking the veins on her wrist and palm first, calming her. He slowly intertwined their fingers and the warmth of his hand clashed against the cool metal of his rings.

Eden squeezed his hand.

"What do you need from me?" He asked gently.

She appreciated his words. He didn't ask her how she was or what she was feeling. Eden couldn't really label those emotions. She couldn't identify them beyond grief and survivor's guilt.

He squeezed her hand, centering her.

"I just need you," Eden whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder.

His head laid atop hers.

"Then I'm here," he whispered back, squeezing her hand again. "As long as you need."

Eden didn't say anything for a long time. She wasn't sure how much time had passed. It felt surreal to be in this moment. A year before to the day, she was prepping herself for a war, crying into mirrors and changing bandages on her wounds.

Now, she sat next to an immortal hybrid that had killed her niece, was mystically tied to her, and was the brother of her soulmate.

Shame flooded her when she realized there was nowhere else, she'd rather be.

"I didn't tell Stefan," Nik spoke finally, breaking the silence. "He knows tomorrow is the anniversary, but I didn't tell him what else it is to you."

Eden nodded, tears filling her vision. "How am I supposed to mark a celebratory period in my life when we'll be honoring the people who lost their lives to help me get here?"

Nik didn't reply, only squeezed her hand.

"I'm terrified to go tomorrow, Nik," she whispered, a tear falling from her eyes. "I have to see everyone again. Not just the Weasley's and Harry. That's okay, I can handle them. But how can I," her voice choked. "How am I supposed to see the Creevey's after Colin?" She let out a sob. "I loved him so much and now he's gone. The sweetest little boy with the softest heart and the kindest soul and the most irreplaceable smile. He's gone and I have to face his mum and tell her that he died to save my life. How can I just...?"

"He made his choice," Nik assured her quietly. "I know without a shadow of a doubt, you'd have done the exact same thing for him. If he loved you a fraction of how much you loved him, then he doesn't regret you standing here. It's not your fault he's gone, sweetheart. I adore you, but you have a knack of taking on everyone's problems and never resolving your own."

Eden didn't respond, nuzzling her face deeper into his shoulder.

"And that's alright sometimes," Nik continued. "But often, it leaves you a bit hollow. And I think you've finally started to grieve, to understand, to let go of your pain and work through it. But you keep taking on everyone's issues and that's consumed you. It's been a year, love. I was there."

Eden's head moved from his shoulder, and she looked at him in confusion. "What?"

"I fought with your kind," he informed her gently. "Voldemort asked me to join him, to...fight against Harry Potter and Muggles and I...I'll be honest, it was entirely selfish that I fought with you."

At Eden's even more confused look, he smiled a bit.

"I know what happens to a vampire that drinks the blood of a wizard, love. And your lot doesn't taste very good, either. I didn't want to chance a world without Muggles. Average people I could drink from."

"So, you fought in a war against a psychotic snake-man for a world that wasn't even yours because you didn't want to change your diet?" Eden asked with an aghast expression.

"In layman's terms," Nik let out a light chuckle. "Point is," he squeezed her hand again, "I saw what happened there. I have fought in every major war this world has had, and that was a brutal, horrific massacre. They were relentless and vindictive and if Colin died to save you, he didn't do it lightly. He made a reactive decision to save someone he loved."

"What do I tell his parents?"

"The truth," Nik's thumb traced her wrist. "Tell them what you loved most about Colin. Tell them that you keep his photograph in your Hello Kitty wallet, and you've framed all the pictures he's taken of you and your friends. Tell them that each night, when you look to the stars and thank the universe for letting you see another day, you thank them for allowing you to know Colin."

Eden's eyes widened, meeting his own. "H-how do you know all of that?" She breathed out.

"You're the prettiest thing in any room, Eden, I can't keep my eyes off you."

Eden's breath hitched at his words, and she looked away, cheeks warming.

"Your heartbeat thinks I'm lying," he shifted positions, turning to face her more. He brought his finger to her chin, forcing her to look at him. His eyes were dark and twinged with a haunted sadness that only someone with unspeakable trauma could inhabit, but they were also full of longing and desire.

Eden knew her eyes were reflecting the same things in his, only in a different color.

"I'm not lying, Eden Sommers. You are the most beautiful creature I've seen in my thousand years on this planet. You are a star amongst asteroids and a siren among men. You are absolutely stunning, and I intend to show you that."

Eden opened her mouth to speak. To ask why now. Why was he saying these things? Why was he acting upon emotions he'd previously shut her down for having? She didn't object to them, the opposite, in fact, but she didn't understand what shifted his behavior.

"You need rest, drottningin mín," he pressed a kiss to her head, removing his hand from hers and standing. He offered his hand to help her up. "Come, let's get you into bed."

"I can do it myself," she blurted out, but wished she hadn't by the twitch in his face. Why had she said that? She didn't want to do it herself. She wanted him with her. She wanted him to smile down at her again, remind her of how much he adored her.

"Of course," Nik nodded. "Goodnight, Eden."

Eden was left alone outside the door.

Again.

—

Harry had asked Eden to come by the morning before the memorial, wanting to forgo a celebration and offer companionship by the only person who knew her prior to being a witch.

"Happy birthday, bon," Harry pulled her into a tight hug before showing the table behind him. "I made us chocolate chip pancakes, your favorite sausage from Germany — which, I still hate, by the way— and your dad's homemade hot chocolate and cinnamon." He smiled kindly and then added. "And Gin's taken the boys to Andy's for the day, then she's helping Hermione prep things at Hogwarts. I think we leave these," he held up his wand, "at the door and just be Harry and Eden for now."

Eden nodded, eyes watering at the tremendous show of effort and love her best friend put into the morning for her. It was exactly what she needed. Fennels and white clovers sat in a painted vase they'd made for Eden's father when they were nine.

"I love you, Harry J," Eden looked at him with watery eyes. "I'd be such a wreck without you."

Harry's own eyes watered and he pulled her into another hug. "Me too, Eden," he pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Now come on," he pulled back and wiped her tears. "Stop with the waterworks. The Mystic Falls dramatics have completely rubbed off on you. We've got breakfast to eat."

—

One of Eden's hands was tightly wrapped around Elijah's and the other was aimed to the sky, her scar disillusioned from charms, resting next to Draco's dark mark.

PROPERTY OF A.D. it read, the letters as dark as when she'd received it, but the scar was no more than another product of war to her now. Another reason she fought. Another injury to add to her reservoir and push far into the recesses of her own mind.

"We are gathered here today," Kingsley Shacklebolt began, lowering his wand as others followed suit. "To honor those who lost their lives to protect all of us standing in this field. We honor their sacrifice and their devotion and their love. We stand here because of them, not in spite of them. We do not carry their legacy as a burden, but as a memory of what has been and what will be because of the life they have allowed us to lead.

"Sirius Black; a friend, brother, and recipient of Order of Merlin: First Class. He was failed by our system and his legacy is a reminder of exactly why the judiciary system is so crucial to establishing our new world. His sacrifice ensured the Wizarding World's survival to the highest degree, and he lives through his godson, Harry Potter."

Harry let out a choked sob from next to Elijah and she heard Ginny whispering comforting words to him.

"Remus Lupin; a father, a friend, a husband. A man who taught a generation of soldiers and warriors that should have been children to begin with. He spent his entire life in pain and alone and ostracized by nearly every community in the Wizarding World. He has been given an Order of Merlin: First Class. His legacy will live through his child, Edward Lupin, and through the newly established RJL Treatment Facility, ensuring the proper health and treatment for werewolves. It will be open to the public in a fortnight, just in time for the next full moon. No werewolf will be left in the cold again."

Eden's eyes met Draco's and he nodded subtly to Elijah, who didn't look to Eden.

"Did you do this?" Eden asked Elijah quietly as Kingsley spoke of Alastor Moody and Amelia Bones. "Did you help establish that?"

"I couldn't help my little brother," Elijah spoke softly. "But with the right understanding, temperament, medical advancements, and assistance, there will be more Remus Lupin's, and less Henrik's." He paused and then added. "It was Nik's idea, I'm ashamed I didn't think of it sooner."

Eden's eyes watered and she squeezed his hand tightly. Elijah pressed a soft kiss to her temple.

"Fred Weasley," Kingsley continued as a frog grew in Eden's throat. "A brother, a son, a heartbeat amongst Hogwarts very foundation. A man of great intellect and wit, and more mischief than a person could properly handle. He is awarded Order of Merlin: Second Class, for his fight in the Second Wizarding War. He lives through his siblings and the Messer Wing in Hogwarts, a place for misfits and pranksters to practice beyond their imaginations without limitations or regulations to advance the Wizarding World through charms and potions."

Eden wiped a tear from her eye, sniffling back her tears. She spotted George Weasley a few feet away, crumpling into his mother, sobbing. Molly held him tightly, shoulders shaking in her tears.

"Colin Creevey," Kingsley's voice softened, hesitating a moment before continuing. "A child, a brother, a son. He is awarded Order of Merlin: First Class for his participation in the Wizarding World. A reminder of sheer bravery and honor in the face of turmoil. May his sacrifice serve as a reminder of what our world was against and why we won. He lives through his family."

Kingsley continued. "Severus Snape; professor, potions master, and soldier. He is awarded Order of Merlin: First Class for his efforts to protect and serve the Wizarding World through both wars, and the protection of Harry Potter. His sacrifice serves as a reminder that even the darkest of us have light and there is no stronger force than love. He lives through his godson, and the S.S. Salve, a medical enhancement created to combat even the most lethal and magical of venoms."

Draco grabbed Eden's wand hand and Eden squeezed his. Her gaze flickered to his and she found unshed tears there, but an otherwise impassive look on his face. Eden knew everyone had a complicated relationship with Snape, but the only person who truly loved him was the man nearly crying at his name.

"Cedric Diggory; son, friend, champion. His sacrifice is a reminder of innocence and friendship and forgiveness. He is awarded Order of Merlin: Second Class for his honor and integrity in the face of true evil. He lives through his father."

A smile pulled at Kingsley's lips. "And Dobby, a house-elf whose bravery and sacrifice ensured the freedom of people standing here today. He is awarded Order of Merlin: First Class, for refusing to look darkness in the eyes and give up. He is a reminder of exactly the sort of world we should hope to create. One where all species are honored and valued as human beings, because while small, a house-elf could be the difference between our end or our salvation. He lives through the Society for Promotion of Elfish Welfare, and the laws in effect to ensure fair pay, treatment, and living quarters for all house elves. He also lives through his friends, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Eden Sommers and Draco Malfoy."

The tears fell from Draco's eyes when his name was spoken, and he sucked in a breath. Eden dropped her hand from Elijah's, pulling Draco to her. The pair sobbed quietly as Kingsley's speech continued.

She knew this would be a hard day.

Eden didn't think it would be the hardest thing she'd ever done.

Kingsley looked out at them all before speaking again. "I have been Minister of Magic for the last year, and we have made drastic changes to the Wizarding World since then. We lost fathers, mothers, children. Those who sacrificed for us are here with us in spirit, in our hearts, in the generation born after us. As we look around and remember the battle grounds that were in place of this field a year ago, I ask that you smile at your neighbor. Offer assistance when one is short of help. Provide stability for someone seeking shelter. We no longer live in dire times, but we have all survived them. I ask that you love and honor one another as valiantly as our fallen have done."

He paused and then held a hand up.

"I would like to award the Order of Merlin: First Class to the following survivors. Harry Potter: for his ultimate sacrifice not once, but twice, and the unmatched bravery that comes with being the defeater of Tom Riddle.

"To Hermione Granger: for her bravery and resilience in the face of danger. As Muggleborns were being stripped of rights and treated like animals, she stood tall and defiant with unparalleled bravery.

"To Ronald Weasley: for his honor and bravery and integrity. Without whom, we would not have persevered as a whole.

"To Eden Sommers: for her sacrifice of mind, body, and soul, in face of protecting the savior of the Wizarding World. She is honored for sheer and unbridled courage and loyalty.

"To Draco Malfoy: for his sacrifice in both blood and mind, and the justice he sought to bring forth upon our world.

"To Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Ginevra Weasley, Rubeus Hagrid, and Dean Thomas, I award an Order of Merlin: Second Class. To Minerva McGonagall, I award an Order of Merlin: Third Class. And to the entirety of this community, these people who stand alongside you, I bow before you, as your equal, not your superior. You are survivors. You are warriors. And I am humbled and honored to have fought alongside you.

"We commemorate this ceremony with a feast in the Great Hall. All are welcome. Thank you."

With a final bow, Kingsley stepped from the pedestal and off to the side. Voices began to murmur and rise and a low buzzing volume stirred Eden from her place in Draco's arms.

The pair sobbed together, clinging to one another.

Prisoners and survivors of torment only the other could understand.

"I love you," Draco's forehead rested against Eden, his body shaking under her touch. "I don't deserve anything that's—that's been given, but—but I'm—I'm so proud of you, Eden."

"Don't say that," Eden blubbered, knees buckling. The pair fell to the grass, crying against one another. "You deserve it all, you idiot. I'd—I'd be dead in—in the manor with—without you."

Draco's hand rested on the back of her head, and he pulled her face to his neck, sobbing into her shoulder.

People walked past them, some mourning, some talking, a few smiling and laughing. Different levels of grief and pain passed the pair, but they were in a bubble of sheer disbelief and pain.

No more words were said, but neither had an urge to speak again.

No one would ever know the extent of, understand it or fight against the pain Eden endured.

No one, that is, except for Draco.

—

"He'd love this," George commented with red-rimmed eyes as he and Eden walked through the Messer Wing.

Objects Eden hesitated to touch lingered on shelves, bright colors filled the rooms. Maps and diagrams and unlabeled potion bottles littered the floors and hung from the ceilings.

"This looks like your bedroom at the burrow," Eden replied, sniffling. "I'm terrified to move."

"Yeah," George laughed. "It's good, though. Freddy and I liked pranks, we made a joke shop. The Marauders liked pranks; they made a map that saved the world. This was brilliant of Minnie to do. Appreciating people like us instead of hindering them could make a massive difference."

"Considering some of Fred's journals had complex potions and ingredients that Draco's used for treatments, I'd say, yeah," Eden nodded. "This is going to make an incredible difference."

"Minnie asked me to monitor it," George said quietly. "From my Hogsmeade shop. Ron's taking over the one in Diagon Alley, and I've got a lease in Hogsmeade now. I'm to check in weekends, have a testing lab with safety protocols and budgets and dangerous or rare ingredients. Keep the creators safe but allow their minds to continue creating. It's ingenious."

Eden smiled proudly at George. "That's amazing, Georgie," she ran her hand over his back. "I'm happy for you."

"Yeah," George sighed, pulling Eden into a half hug. "Every day is a fight, Eden, but...we survived the war. We won. And this?" He waved his hand with a scoff, eyes watering. "This is the fruit of our labor. This is everything we could have ever fought for."

—

"Words, darling," Elijah rested his chest against her back as they stood on the balcony of their room in the Leaky Cauldron. "You've been quiet."

"I'm just thinking," Eden whispered, encircling his fingers with hers as they wrapped around her waist. "I'm grateful Kingsley gave me that, but...Dolohov's still out there. I just keep thinking about it."

"He's been quiet," Elijah kissed her head. "We'll catch him. And I swear to you," he turned Eden around, tilting her head up to look into her eyes. "Niklaus and I will be the ones to destroy him. Piece by piece, limb from limb. He will beg for mercy and my sweet little witch; I can tell by the warmth in your cheeks that the sound of it is enticing."

"I don't like torture," Eden shook her head. "I've been through it. But..."

"You were innocent," Elijah's voice was firm. "You were pure. Dolohov is a creature of terrible destruction and horrendous violence. He is not born of innocence or kindness. He has been shown both and he is incapable of change. And we will make him beg and plead and cry out for mercy. And only then, will we kill him for you. I swear it."

Eden's voice didn't waver as she pulled his lips to hers, ghosting over them.

"Good."

—

TRANSLATIONS:

Greyið litla nornin mín: my poor little witch
sæta: sweetie
ástin mín: my love
drottningin mín: my queen

ahhhhh super long and kinda boring chapter but it needed to happen. obviously, a lot of this isn't cannon and i made it up buuuuut i thought they could be nice ideas to honor the people they lost. order of merlin first class is for 'acts of outstanding bravery or distinction' in magic, the Second Class is awarded for 'achievement or endeavour beyond the ordinary' and the Third Class is given to those who 'have made a contribution to our store of knowledge or entertainment.' hopefully you guys agree with who got what??? and enjoyed the chapter?? idk also liiiittle peak at where we're heading to, we're gonna have a couple more original chapters and then bam into season 3 plot.

oh, and if anyone is wondering: no, niklaus doesn't know elena is alive and this will be addressed in season 3.