Chapter 1: Project Beginnings

2033

Scorpius Malfoy looked at the piles of parchment on his desk for the third time, trying to decide which pile to start with first. Instead of making a decision on the piles, though, he picked up the picture frame on his desk and brought it closer to his face. Inside the boundaries of the frame he watched Mione, his wife, smile at the camera and then move the blankets from the small bundle in her arms. The small, chubby face of his daughter Karen appeared, angry and crying. Hurriedly his mother-in-law Melody sat down next to Mione, and the picture started all over again.

After looking at his appointment calendar and realizing that he was not scheduled for anything else the rest of the day Scorpius had finally reached his decision. Once his briefcase was packed he closed the door to his office, locked it, and walked down the rows of desks until he found the department assistant. "Mabel, I've decided to work from home this afternoon. Have to catch up on some things. Tell Norld I'll be in a bit late tomorrow.

Before she could answer Scorpius exited the office, sure that the Department of International Magical Cooperation could survive without his services for a few hours. Luckily for Scorpius his in-laws didn't mind unexpected guests, and if the conversation with his wife last night before bed was any indication, his mother-in-law would probably welcome his arrival. For the first time since he began teaching at Hogwarts Professor Muggle was taking a sabbatical, ostensibly to work on another book, but if he knew his father-in-law he was probably puttering around the house, listening to music and driving his Melody crazy. Once he'd made it down to the Floo he took a pinch of powder, threw it down and said "Colony House."

A few seconds after arriving he realized that it was true; Professor Muggle was already annoying Melody Boyd.

"Hank, do you have to leave…oh! Scorpius! This is a surprise." Melody levitated five empty teacups with saucers in front of her. "Let me just put these away."

Professor Muggle made his way into the living room. "Hello Scorpius. What brings you by at this time of the day? Problems at the Ministry?"

Scorpius brushed the Floo powder off of his robes and siphoned the excess away with his wand. "No, Hank, I came over because I need some advice."

"Don't listen to anything he says about making Mione happy, because after more than twenty-five years someone still doesn't know how to pick up after himself. Empty teacups everywhere, clothes on the floor, and our loo…" Melody sat down in one of the chairs in the living room. "Never mind, sit down, Scorpius. Are Mione and Karen joining you?"

"No, Mum, they're not. Well, maybe later, she doesn't know I'm here. I've decided to finally start the book." He shifted his weight and took a deep breath. "I want to begin, but I just don't know where to start."

"Ah, the book about the war. That's going to be a big one. You'll need a big outline…" Hank rubbed his goatee. "…and a lot of research. Not counting your experiences, obviously."

"I'll bring you two some tea." Melody got up and put her hand on Scorpius' shoulder, and in a quiet voice leaned in so only he could hear. "You do know what you're getting yourself into, don't you?"

Hank motioned towards his office. "Come on, no time to get started like the present."

After entering Professor Muggle's office Scorpius was surprised when his father-in-law didn't sit at his desk; instead he sat in one of the big, old comfortable leather chairs.

"You're going to be doing the work, you take the desk. I'm just a consultant, after all."

Scorpius didn't want to argue with his father-in-law so he sat down in the chair and pulled himself closer to the desk. Instead of parchment and quills, though, a laptop computer sat on the top of the desk. "Um, Hank, I don't know how to use this thing."

"Oh sorry, I'll get that out of your way." Hank leaned over, unplugged the laptop and closed the lid. "It's ancient anyway, should probably get a new one." After setting the laptop on a pile of books next to the chair Hank settled down into the deep, worn leather chair and crossed his legs. "So, any initial ideas on where to start?"

"I don't want it to be like The History of Magic. I know it's a good textbook but it's so dry and hard to read. Hard to stay awake while reading it, actually." Scorpius leaned back in the desk chair. "I was thinking I'd like to try something like you did in your first book."

"Really? You actually read it? You're not just saying that to win brownie points with your father-in-law, are you?" Hank exhaled. "Might be kind of risky. Straight history is easier because you can be detached and objective. Anytime you start mixing personal things into it, well…"

Scorpius nodded. "I know, but a lot of people don't know what the average soldier went through. All they know are the reports that were in the paper and on WeasleyVision. There's the official Ministry version, they put out that overview book, but it doesn't tell people what it was like."

"So a personal history of the war, by those who where there. I like the sounds of that. Matter of fact that's something I would buy at Flourish & Blotts. With the author discount I get, of course, but since it's your book I might actually pay full price."

"Um, thanks." Scorpius laughed, as he knew his father-in-law loved nothing more than getting a discount on things. "As I said earlier, I'm not sure where to start."

"Here you are, tea for the authors." Melody sat a teacup on the desk in front of Scorpius and handed the other to Hank. "Should I expect Mione and Karen for supper?"

Before Scorpius could respond Hank answered affirmatively, so Melody left to go send an owl off to her daughter. After taking a sip of tea Hank looked over towards Scorpius.

"Well, there's the phases of the war, how things started, the first few years, how the tide turned and then how things were finished up. I think I have some books you might be interested in; don't be scared of their size, I think you'll find it fascinating." Hank got out of the chair and went over to the bookcases that covered an entire wall of his office. After scanning through the books he found what he was looking for, and brought over three large hardcover books and put them on the desk.

"Merlin's pants, Hank! When will I find time to read those and work on my book?"

"Oh, you don't have to read it all at once, take a look and see what you think about the structure. Shelby Foote's The Civil War: A Narrative was highly influential. Damn good read, too. Its American history, so most of the stuff you won't know about, but don't worry about that." Hank sat back down in the chair and took up his tea. "That's for later; let's get back to your question, where to start? Who are the people that you would like to interview, to get their views?"

Scorpius pushed his blonde bangs away from his face. "I'm not sure they'd want to talk to me. I was just a regular soldier, and…"

"Shit, Scorpius, did you forget what family you married into? I don't think anyone will dismiss you out of hand. You might have some trouble scheduling things, but I am more than willing to send a few owls or call in a few favors."

"What about your book, Hank? Won't this keep you from your work? I know your sabbatical is supposed to be for your new book."

"Yeah, well…" Hank leaned forward in his chair. "Don't tell Melody but I already scrapped the idea I had. No clue where to go next, so this is better than trying to pretend to be busy for a year. No, not that, I'm not going to write it, that's your deal, but I'll help with editing and stuff like that. So, who's the person who you'd like to interview the most? Why not get the big fish out of the way first?"

After a deep breath Scorpius looked over hesitantly at Hank. "Ron Weasley."

Hank snapped his fingers. "No problem. I'll send Edith an owl and she'll get us on his schedule."

"Um, Hank, I'm supposed to be working from home right now. You know, my real job?"

"Oh, well, yes. Five points from Slytherin and all that. Ok, how about I invite Ron and Hermione over for dinner tonight? Give Mione a chance to see her godparents, and after eating we can talk to Ron. Hermione won't miss a chance to see Karen." Hank looked over towards the doorway. "MEL! MEL, CAN YOU COME HERE FOR A MINUTE?"

Melody walked into the office, her glasses perched on the top of her head and several pieces of parchment in her hands. "Yes, Hank, you hallared?"

Hank laughed. "Mom would be proud of you, but it's hollered. I'm inviting Hermione and Ron over for supper tonight, so you know what that means."

Melody nodded. "That's fine; I'll just have to go to the shops to stock up on some more food, especially dessert."

Ron Weasley was finishing his third piece of pie when Hank suggested they come see something in his shed. Scorpius laughed inwardly as he knew what that usually meant, that his father-in-law wanted to sneak away and have a cigar or light his pipe. They left the women in the living room, Karen on Hermione's lap, and walked out towards the garden.

As soon as they entered the shed both Ron and Scorpius took out their wands and produced small flames at the end, causing Hank to laugh.

"Obvious, am I?"

"How long have I known you, Hank? Thirty odd years?" Ron shook his head. "Completely obvious, mate."

"Well if that's the case, then fuck it." Hank reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch, reached inside and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "In for a Gnut, in for a Galleon."

"So…" Ron put his wand away. "Why the shed meeting, besides your smoking habit?"

Hank pointed his hand holding the cigarette towards Scorpius, who was leaning on the fender of his Morris Minor. "We, I mean, Scorpius, has a request for you."

Ron raised an eyebrow and looked over to Scorpius. At that moment Scorpius was keenly aware that not only was Ron Weasley the Assistant Minister of Magic, an Order of Merlin First class recipient, one of the people that his father was incredibly cruel and evil towards at Hogwarts as well as his wife's godfather, but he was intimately aware that Ron was a lot taller than him.

"Um, yes, well…I'm writing a book on the war. Not the dull history stuff, but accounts from people who were there at important times as well as the regular moments. The history will be in there as well, but…I'd like to interview you about the war. If you don't want to I understand. I mean, I know you and Dad…"

"Got nothing to do with your dad, Scorpius." Ron leaned against the shed wall. "I'm not sure what I can and can't say, on the record. War secrets act, you know. What did the others say, the ones you want to interview?"

"You're the first person I've asked." Scorpius felt his stomach drop. This was the end of his dream, the end of being able to write what he wanted. It was just going to turn out to be his war memoirs, and his name might sell some books, but it wouldn't be like he'd planned.

Hank looked over at Ron and held his gaze until Ron gave him a reluctant nod. "Hmm…first person, huh? Who else do you want to talk to?"

Scorpius' head popped up suddenly. "Um, Major General Berninger, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Cassandra Palliurum, Harry Potter, Albus and James as well, spouses and significant others of the soldiers, shop owners, Headmaster Longbottom…I want to have a rounded view of the war, not just the military aspect. Karen and kids like her will need to know what everyone went through during the war. It affected everyone, not just those on the front lines."

Ron rocked back and forth from his heels to the balls of his feet for several moments. "Suppose that does need to be documented. Tell you what, I'll talk to Kingsley tomorrow, see what he has to say. You'll have to go through the review process at the Ministry. Can't have war secrets leaked, of course. As for Cassandra Palliurum, that may be a big harder. She's still at Azkaban; have to find out the process for that one."

"Thank you." Scorpius felt a giant weight ease off of his shoulders. If Ron agreed, then the others would be easier to convince. "I promise I won't take up too much time, I…"

The shed door opened and all three men looked over. "Dad! Mum will kill you." Mione walked in, took the almost finished cigarette out of her father's hand and threw it on the floor, putting it out with her foot. "You've already got her in a right state because you never clean up, and now this?"

Scorpius and Ron laughed, but Hank gave his daughter a stern look. "Mione, after this long, do you think your mom doesn't know what happens out here?"

Mione rolled her eyes. "I guess I should expect you later tonight. At least the big guest bedroom is clean. Scorpius, we need to be going, it's Karen's bedtime."

Scorpius nodded and then turned to Hank and Ron. "Thank you both for your help. I'll speak to you soon."

Three weeks later Scorpius sat in his study at Forthingsgate, his home with Mione. He'd converted her grandfather Hieronymus' study into a working library of sorts, and had moved the large desk in front of the window, as he preferred natural light. Unfortunately the seasonably warm and clear weather had ended, and candles were needed to illuminate the room. With his notes by his side he took up the parchment again, even though he'd read it through twice, but as Hank said 'a writer is never done writing; he just gets tired of editing.' After a sip of tea he figured another read through wouldn't hurt.

In the wizarding world Ron Weasley hardly needs an introduction. The youngest son of Molly and Arthur Weasley, he attended Hogwarts under the great Headmaster Albus Dumbledore as a member of Gryffindor House. During the years when Tom Riddle, known to his followers and enemies as Lord Voldemort, attempted to take over the wizarding world, he played an integral part in defeating the evil wizard. Alongside his best friend Harry Potter, and his future wife Hermione Granger, they set in motion the events that would lead to the ultimate destruction of the leader of the Death Eaters. After Lord Voldemort was dispatched he received the Order of Merlin First Class. Subsequent to his departure from Hogwarts Mr. Weasley assisted his brother George in the reinvigoration of Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes, helping to set in motion events that would ultimately lead to that business becoming one of the largest wizarding enterprises worldwide. Once the business was on track, Mr. Weasley followed his natural inclinations and became an Auror, specializing in strategies that are standard practice for Aurors to this day. Following the cessation of hostilities Mr. Weasley returned to the Aurors for a brief time before joining Minister of Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt's staff, rising through the ranks until reaching his current position as Assistant Minister of Magic.

Some state that the worldwide wizarding war started when the WLF initiated hostilities in Switzerland, but Mr. Weasley believes the seeds of this conflict were sown much earlier.

"The WLF was initially an unfocused group of witches and wizards who felt that while Lord Voldemort may have been wrong in his methods, he was right in his belief that Muggles were the cause of all problems in the wizarding world. They may not have followed the same pureblood nonsense, but the felt the same way. It was when they started getting organized, when we first heard of the Wizarding Liberation Front back in 1999 that the groundwork was laid for the war. We became aware of their intents as a result of their actions against Professor Henry Boyd. An incident in the United Magical States provided evidence that the WLF was not just a British problem, as they had banded together with an organization known as the Knights of the Wand, a group with the same goals as the WLF but based in the UMS."

Once the path to war was obvious, Mr. Weasley continued to serve as an Auror but also as an advisor to the military, specialising on strategic matters, eventually transferring to the military to serve in that capacity with the rank of General. Although many officers of the high command remained in Britain for the duration of the war, General Weasley did attend several theatres of operation. The newspapers and other media were critical of General Weasley, stating that he was eschewing proper protocol and convention to ensure his son's safety. Hugo Weasley enlisted after the formation of the first wizarding army along with other like-minded individuals. (Full disclosure: The author attended the same recruitment station with Hugo Weasley and enlisted on the same day, eventually becoming unit lieutenant for several soldiers including Hugo Weasley.)

"The press hammered me, but to be honest I was used to it and ignored it most of the time. The reason I went into the field was to get a first-hand view of the situation on the ground. Its one thing to get reports, parchment and photographs, but to really be able to understand the difficulties of not only the whole army, but individual groups, I needed to be there. As for the comments that I went to protect my son, nothing could be further from the truth, which didn't make my wife very happy. Then there were the struggles we had in creating a functional, effective army, something that had never been done in the magical world. You have to understand, we weren't alone in this regard; all of the other wizarding countries were in the same boat. Putting together not only a chain of command, but training, infrastructure, supplies, intelligence, communication…we really had to start from scratch."

When asked to explain how the wizarding army found overcame those initial difficulties, General Weasley used an unlikely source: Muggle history.

"It became apparent really quickly that we needed guidance on a topic that we'd never experienced, but there was a template, the Muggles. Unlike the wizarding world the Muggle world unfortunately has a long history of armed conflict, and we drew heavily on that experience. After reading as much on the topic as possible we reached out to our colleagues in the UMS at the American Auror Bureau, as they were intimately familiar with the struggles that had happened in their country. They sent over some of their agents and other members of their command who served in the Muggle military, as the AAB commonly keeps representatives in those service branches to keep aware of current situations and be familiar with training. Unfortunately that training really didn't see results until early in 2026, after the field units had engaged the enemy, sometimes with disastrous results."

When asked if the wizarding world would have been better served by keeping a standing army, as the Muggles do, General Weasley disagreed, saying that a constant maintenance of the resources and concentration of magical personnel would be difficult due to the very nature of the secrecy that must be maintained between the Muggle and wizarding worlds.

"The amount of spell work needed to keep our activities hidden from the Muggles was enormous. I can't go into specific details, but there were a lot of units strictly devoted to keeping the Muggles from realizing what was happening."

"Scorpius?" Mione stuck her head into the study. "Dad's here. Just saw him drive up in his little black car."

"Send him up, I could use another set of eyes on this." Scorpius leaned back. "I've only made it through the first few pages of editing, and there's about twenty more to go after that. I could use a break."

"Don't let him smoke in here. I know he'll try and convince you." Mione shook her head. "I've got an appointment and then I'm going to your mum's for the afternoon with Karen. Don't let him smoke in the house."

Scorpius sat in the garden under an umbrella while his father-in-law turned pages and puffed on his pipe. After what seemed an enormous amount of time Hank finally put the parchment down on the table and reached for the bottle of butterbeer the house elf had provided a few moments before.

"So far, so good, Scorpius, but you'll need to make up your mind on how you refer to Ron. Is he Ron, Mr. Weasley or General Weasley?"

"I thought about that, but I wasn't sure if I should refer to him as General Weasley when he's talking about the military things and Mr. Weasley outside of that. Did I actually call him Ron? Please tell me I didn't."

"Only once, on the next to last page." Hank puffed a few times on his pipe. "Good thing we're out here, much more enjoyable. Now, have you shown this to anyone yet?"

"No, only you." Scorpius took a drink of butterbeer. "Why?"

"I think you've got enough here to interest a publisher. I could show it to Ian Coswock it you'd like, or set up a meeting with him. He's a little odd, that's for sure, but he's been my agent for all of my books."

"It's all new to me, Hank. I'm open to any and all suggestions."

"I'll pop by there tomorrow and see what he thinks. Can you copy this for me and send it over later?"

Scorpius nodded affirmatively. "Not a problem."

"Good, good." Hank sat back and put his fingertips together. "So, who's next on the list of interviews?"

"I'm not sure. I can't get on Kingsley's calendar until next month, the paperwork to see Cassandra Palliurum is in-process, so I guess it'll probably be James Potter. I haven't heard back from him yet, but at least he hasn't said no."

The silvery shape of a bobcat landed in front of both Hank and Scorpius, then spoke with Mione's voice. "Scorpius, bring Dad over to the Manor. Mom on her way. You did it again."

After the patronus left Hank looked over to Scorpius. "You did it again? What's she talking about?"

Scorpius paled slightly and tapped his fingers on the table. "Act surprised when you get there and I won't say anything about the pipe. Are you ready for another grandchild?"