Hello all! Welcome to my newest fic "Illegitimate Abandonment". It's another fic featuring Colin and Cormac as the main characters and the future main pairing. Yes, you will see a prior Draco/Colin relationship in the beginning, but that won't last long. Anyway, this is rated-M for later content. It's mixture of humor, drama and romance...hope it suits your liking. I'm trying here! :P If you didn't notice earlier, this is AU! Also, the formation of this story will differ from most of the fics I am still updating. I'm trying to make this easier for the readers to follow...it's still kinda hard due to the small font. All new fics will be arranged in this style like in "Swan". The ones I'm working on/updating will continue to be formatted as they are. I have the revised versions...I may decide to switch the chapters to the new format...I dunno. It's up in the air.
Author's Note and Disclaimer: Harry Potter does NOT belong to me...only this plot. Any spelling/grammatical/punctuation errors and the like are my own.
Full Synopsis: When Colin's son is several months old, Draco is given an ultimatum-either leave and marry someone of his social pureblood standing, or be disowned. Money or Colin and their child ? Guess which he chooses? Colin is now a single father, devastated and moves in with Neville and Hannah and their little boy until he gets his own place. Eventually, he meets up with Star Keeper Cormac McLaggen...a wild bachelor who has a new piece of arm candy more often than not. They're old friends and they hang out. Cormac eventually offers him a bigger place to stay and Colin accepts for the sake of his son. What will come later on from their arrangement? Will they begin to have feelings for one another? How will Cormac fare with a baby in the house?-More importantly, will he keep his sanity? :P Will Draco ever come looking for his son? Read to find out.
Chapter One-A Father and Son Scorned
~Mid-January, 2014. Colin and Draco, both 22 years old...at their flat in Wizarding London.~
"You ready yet, Colin? I don't wish to be late for supper. You know how Father requests that I be there on time." Draco called out, peering through an open door in one hallway of their London flat.
"Be there in just a minute! I have to finish up with River's nappies. Don't I, big guy? Huh? Yes I do.." Colin grinned, cooing at the wiggling blonde infant upon the changing table. The baby gurgled, putting his tiny fist into his mouth. 'Simply adorable..' Colin mused as he finished dressing his son.
Yes, they have a son. Draco Malfoy, a wealthy pureblood descended from a long line of Slytherins and Colin Creevey, a muggleborn Gryffindor...both have a child together. Out of all people in Hogwarts, this ice prince ended up with the most unlikely person. If Harry Potter could die twice in his lifetime, then this was possible. Long story short, Draco used to have animosity towards muggleborns but Colin eventually made him see differently. One night in detention in fifth year, these two started talking, then one thing led to another and they became an item. After graduation, Draco and Colin moved in together and decided to start a family, thus River coming into the picture. Technically, River Draconis Creevey-Malfoy came into the world five months ago, but anyway...these three were readying themselves for dinner at Malfoy Manor. Lucius had something important that he wanted to discuss with Draco but wasn't too clear on the specifics when he fire-called him two weeks ago.
"All done. We're ready."
"Fantastic." Draco smiled, gazing at the two special men in his life. Colin; dressed in midnight blue, with long light blonde hair cascading down his shoulders, and sky blue eyes sparkling like flawless gems. River was also a light blonde but had several peculiar streaks of a silvery tone coursing through the hair upon his small head. He was dressed in a light blue onesie with matching booties. Currently, the infant was maneuvering around in what looked like an attempt to remove the blasted things. River never liked anything foreign upon his feet.
Colin patted River's feet and adjusted the way he held him before he put him inside a baby carrier next to the diaper bag. "Now now, no kicking. We have to keep your feet covered...I don't want these tiny piggies getting cold."
Draco tilted his head, responding out of the blue. "Why not consider matching outfits? I think it would be adorable. Mother would think so, too."
"Nah, that's too clichéd for the whole picture-perfect family angle. I prefer that he'd have a separate identity."
"Colin, he's a baby. They don't exactly care what you dress them up in. Babies don't give a damn in exceptions of feeding, bathing them, changing their diapers and providing comfort and protection."
"Jeez...get all technical with me, why don'cha?" Colin mock-sneered before he donned a dazzling smile. "I know he won't care since he'll soil it anyway. That'll be something to look forward to after dinner, huh?"
Draco snickered. "Oh yeah...can't wait."
"Have you figured out what it was your dad wanted to speak with you about? He's usually not this cryptic."
"I dunno, honestly. That's what I've been trying to sort for myself. I asked Mum but she said she didn't know, either. The last time he was this secretive was when...well...you know."
Colin nodded, clearly remembering Lucius's former Death Eater activities...much to his distaste. "I do...unfortunately."
"Yeah. It's all in the past and that's where it shall remain. So, let's..uh..go ahead and get there. Dinner's in fifteen minutes."
Two 'pops' later, they arrived at Malfoy Manor. A house elf named Polly enthusiastically greeted them. "Master Draco and Mister Colin! Polly is happy to see you and the little master, too. Your parents are waiting in the dining room. Will you be needing help with River?"
Colin shook his head. "No thank you, Polly. I can handle him."
Polly nodded in response and led them through the foyer to the grand dining room, where Lucius and Narcissa were patiently sipping their wine and having light conversation. They stopped upon seeing them. Narcissa stood and headed over, welcoming both him and Colin with a kiss and warm embrace.
"It's so wonderful to see you two. And you...you should make time for your own mother, Draco."
"I'm sorry, Mother. You know I have a busy schedule at the Ministry."
"Still, you don't work weekends...and it wouldn't hurt to stop by afterwards."
"I can't promise anything, but I'll try."
"You do that and ooohh..." she turned to her only grandson. "There's my special man..."
Draco mock-pouted. Without even looking, she responded "Now don't pout, Draco. It's unbecoming."
"How did you-?"
"A mother always knows." Narcissa smiled, taking River and kissing his petal-soft chubby cheeks. "He's getting so big. I know he'll grow up to be handsome just like his fathers. Don't you agree, Lucius?"
He looked up and nodded silently, appraising the baby with a keen mercury eye.
She fingered River's tiny hand, peeking down at his feet. "I see he's wearing the booties I had custom-made."
Colin sat down the diaper bag in the corner and pulled out a jar of strained peas and carrots. "He's been trying to get rid of them, too. No matter what we try, we can't get him to keep them on for long. Don't be surprised if he manages to remove them somehow. He usually does it when we're not looking and when I feed him."
"You know, that reminds me of when Draco was a baby...he never liked wearing clothes."
Draco's eyes widened at the mention of this one embarrassing infancy anecdote. "Mother, no..please..."
"Oh why not?"
Colin snickered. "Yeah, why not? It sounded like it would have been hilarious."
"For you, maybe.."
"Maybe? There's no 'maybe' about it..."
"As much as I'd like to further hear your banter...dinner is getting cold." Lucius interrupted after having been unusually quiet for the longest time. Narcissa, Colin and Draco were so preoccupied that they didn't notice their food come in from the kitchen.
Narcissa regained her composure, replying "Of course. Boys, shall we?"
They all took their seats, with Colin placing River in a magical high-chair. He was old enough and able to sit up on his own so he didn't need to be held as he was given solid food.
After dinner, Colin was busy cleaning River's messy face while the Malfoys chatted calmly. He couldn't help but feel something strange in the air. It's not the fact they're in what was once Voldemort's hiding place and Death Eater headquarters, he'd gotten past that long ago. In actuality, it was Lucius's distant behavior that put him off. It was more than usual. Lucius was planning something but Colin didn't know what. Why else would he have been so secretive? Was he going to bestow Draco's lordship title unto him early? Would he force Draco and himself to wed for River's sake? There was no telling. He had to wait until Lucius decided to break the ice.
Setting down his wineglass, Lucius addressed the room, Draco in particular. "I believe you are curious as to why I've asked you here this evening."
"Father, I've been wondering for two weeks. What is so important?"
"It's regarding you."
"I figured as much, but why did you insist that Colin tag along?"
Colin's ears perked at the odd turn in questioning. He closed the baby food jar and listened intently.
Lucius continued "Draco, as the future head of this family...it is time that you settle down and take your rightful place in high society."
"Father, I've already settled down. I have Colin and my son right over there." He gestured across the table in emphasis.
"That is another issue I'd like to address. By tradition, a pureblood must wed another pureblood of his or her social standing and produce an heir to carry on their line. In short, you need to marry a pureblood."
Colin and Draco stared, as did Narcissa. This surely was a blindside.
"Father, you can't possibly be consider-"
"Draco, you know just as well as I this needs to be done. It's for the good of our family."
"What is wrong with Colin?! Tell me why I can't stay with him!"
"You know the answer to that. We have an image to maintain and having a child out of wedlock with someone...of less prestige... is scandalous."
"Well get over it! I don't understand why you're still trying to run my life...I'm not a child anymore. This is my relationship and it's none of your business!"
Lucius eyed him impassively, his eyes taking on a slightly menacing glint and his voice, an icy tone "None of my business, is it? I don't know where you've attained this sudden flourish of Gryffindor bravery by speaking to me in such a manner and in direct defiance...but I have news for you, Draco. You are going to wed another pureblood whether you like it or not. I already have one selected for you. As long as I'm alive, you will obey me or you will suffer the consequences."
Donning that trademark Malfoy sneer, Draco snipped "And what will you do if I refuse?"
"I will disown you. Completely. You will no longer be a Malfoy. And that means no connections, no social standing, no financial support of any kind...nothing. YOU will be nothing." Narcissa gasped. Draco paled at his father's words. Lucius meant business. This man was never known to NOT make good on a threat. The man was a Death Eater...what more of an explanation is there?
"You have a choice, Draco. Either obey me and still have access to your vault and your name...or stay with Colin and this child and lose everything."
Colin was fuming at the nerve of this man. He couldn't believe Lucius would blatantly demand that Draco leave him and their only son for the hand of another. Snarling, he addressed Lucius.
''How dare you force Draco to make a choice like that?! I cannot believe you would stoop so low just to preserve your pureblood social status...especially if it means ripping our family apart! Draco would not leave us to please you! I know he has enough sense to make the right decision. No doubt about it.'' He looked to Draco who was silently mulling over in his thoughts.
'Listen to Father...or be disowned...this is the hardest decision I've ever had to make...'
"Don't you, Draco?"
The Malfoy heir looked up from his lap with a sullen expression, evidently having made his choice. "Colin..."
Lucius smirked form his seat 'You're right, he does have enough sense.'
A figurative stone dropped in the pit of Colin's stomach. His heart was feeling as if a knife was stabbing...ripping and tearing right into it as he dreaded Draco's answer.
"...I can't. I'm...I'm so sorry, Colin."
"Sorry? You're sorry?!" Undeniably enraged, Colin shot up from his seat, sending it crashing to the floor as he went to face his long-time boyfriend. "How the fuck are you sorry?! You're abandoning us!...abandoning River! How could you?!..how could you do this?! We need you!"
"Colin, it's not that simple! How do you think I've been truly paying for our flat and supporting the three of us! It's not solely my Ministry pay! We cannot survive on that alone! Your photography job would not have paid immensely, either!"
"We would have figured something out! We would have made it! I don't understand...I...I.."
"This wasn't easy for me..."
"Easy for you?! You're not the only one to worry about here! Our baby is more important than appeasing your father or some stupid tradition! And you're choosing to forsake it all for one thing...money." Colin shook his head with furious tears welling up in eyes.
"Colin, please...don't make this harder than it has to be."
"Draco, this is the absolute worst thing you have ever done. I thought you were better than this...you've turned around so much. Now...now I see I was wrong. You're a weak, selfish puppet. I hope you're fucking proud of yourself." Colin gently picked River up from his highchair, grabbed the diaper bag and headed for the front door.
Narcissa glared at both Lucius and Draco. "You ought to be ashamed of yourselves! That is your son and YOUR grandson, Lucius! Thanks to you, I'll never see him again!"
"It is your fault for growing an attachment to that child. You know he's an illegitimate halfblood and I will not have that marring our perfect line. Once Draco weds Astoria, you can bond with their children."
"Your line is far from perfect..." Narcissa muttered, leaving quickly after Colin, fearing she'll never get the chance to say goodbye.
"Colin, wait!" He whirled around to see Narcissa at the door with her own blue eyes misting over.
"Mrs. Malfoy..."
"Please..." she held out her arms, desperately wanting to cradle River once more. Colin laid him in her outstretched arms. She brought him closer to her breast, laying her head upon his. Narcissa sniffled as she smoothed out his silky locks.
''Goodbye, sweetie. Grandma loves you very much.." she kissed him softly and he squirmed, squinting mercury-gray eyes. Colin placed him back inside his carrier.
"Where will you go?"
Colin blinked against the snowflakes blowing in his face. "I know a place...we'll be ok. You may want to get inside...don't wanna piss off Lucy more than what he already is." With a wave of his wand, Colin and River disappeared with a 'pop', leaving Narcissa to watch in misery.
Apparating back to their flat, Colin began packing. It didn't take long since he didn't have too much. He moved in with Draco right after graduation. River made a whining noise, alerting Colin to stop what he was doing and tend to him.
''Are you wet? Or are you still hungry?" He unbuttoned the onesie to peek and yes...River was wet as anticipated. Reaching into the diaper bag, he pulled out baby wipes, a diaper and a few other items to take care of it. Finished, he tossed the soiled object into the garbage can and washed his hands. Upon meandering back to the living room to grab a few pictures, he stilled in front of one with himself, Draco and River nestled right in between them. It was taken at St. Mungo's, three hours after River's delivery. He smiled softly in remembering how tiny he was, and being amazed at how something that special came from him and Draco. Running a finger down the silver frame's edge, those tears he hated decided to start falling again.
It was all over, his family has been destroyed because of Lucius...because of money..because of so-called pureblood tradition...because of Draco ultimately being a bloody coward. Colin has been mad at him before, but today...he has never been so disappointed and heartbroken. What hurt the most was that River would suffer a greater loss...he would not be able to see his father daily, listen to his voice, fall asleep to the sound of Draco's beating heart or have the opportunity to truly grow up with him in his life. Besides those very important things, right now...they had no other place to live. There was no point in staying because Draco will eventually bring in his new wife..or husband...or whomever the fuck Lucius paired him with and they'd be thrown into the street. Also, he wouldn't put it past Lucius to advise, more like 'command' Draco to steer clear of them. And like the mindless sheep he was, he'd likely obey.
Colin knew they had to go somewhere, anywhere but here. Right next to him, River was busy sucking his pacifier...his eyes in a contented daze. Colin scooped him up and whispered, trying not to sound distressed. If he was, then River would be. Babies picked up on a lot of energy.
''We're gonna be ok, don't you worry. You'll see...we're going to find a new place. You're not going to see your father for a while, he's decided to be an arse and side with his daddy...his mean, mean daddy. Grandma Cissy still loves you very much. Your father probably still does, but he's not coming around until I say it's ok...if he'll even bother to try and see you again. I tell you this, no matter what rich bitch Lucius weds him off to, Draco will always be your father and you'll always be his son...I will be sure to let people know and they'll never forget it. Whether Lucius likes it or not, you're still a Malfoy."
Fastening River into his baby carrier, he continued "No matter what I have to do, you will be taken care of." Depositing shrunken trunks into his pocket, Colin and River disappeared into the night.
Another 'pop' sounded in a dark alley. Streetlights lined the entire way, allowing Colin to see without using his wand. There were muggles wandering along the sidewalks so he had to be extra cautious. Checking to see if the coast was clear, Colin cast a warming charm around River and carried him across the street...sparking some curious glances. Of course they'd be wondering why a young father would be waltzing around with an infant during this icy weather, but they didn't bother to ask. He stopped at a broken-down shop, or at least that's what the muggles saw. To him, it was the Leaky Cauldron and somewhere he knew he would find help. Colin opened the door and headed inside the warm dwelling. Tom was heading the counter, wiping it clean whilst several patrons were eating or talking amongst themselves. He looked up seeing Colin approach with a sleeping baby.
''Evenin'. What can I get you?"
"Are Hannah and Neville here? I need to speak with them. It's important."
"Sure thing, mate. They're upstairs. Neville was just down here takin' care of Hannah's shift...her bein' busy with their little man and all that."
"Thank you." Bidding Tom goodnight, he trudged upstairs to the penthouse and knocked.
"Neville, honey...could you get that? Someone's at the door."
"Why this late?"
"I dunno...maybe it's Tom." Shrugging, Neville rose from his armchair and opened the door. It was Colin to his surprise, and River was with him.
"Hey, Nev. Sorry that it's kinda late, but I have a huge favor to ask of you..."
What you guys think so far? And I'm sorry if it seems kinda fast...but how long could I really drag this part out? I'll post chapter 2 to be nice.