CHAPTER ONE: NIGHT DRIVE

"He's a SQUIB! Just admit it now, Draco!" Astoria Greengrass yelled, flinging clothes into a large suitcase.

"He's FINE! Maybe you would notice that if you didn't run around SHOPPING ALL DAY!" Draco exclaimed, pacing in the doorway of their bedroom. He looked weary from nights filled with arguments and lacking sleep.

Draco and Astoria started talking immediately after the war, after Lucius had been sent to Azkaban. Narcissa and Draco had been let off by testimonies by Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. The parts of the newspaper-dubbed "Golden Trio" had proclaimed that neither Draco, nor Narcissa had seemed in any way violent towards them when they were trapped in the Malfoy Manor. It seemed they could not bring themselves to lie about Lucius' involvement. Draco's father had been sentenced for a lifetime in prison.

Astoria and her family had stopped to pay condolences to the Malfoys, as was tradition in the upper class. No matter the tragedy or issue, it seemed that holding up appearances is most important. There had been a tea for all the women; Astoria had snuck off to have a smoke and ran into Draco. They had talked in his family's garden all afternoon.

The memory was clear in his mind. Astoria's hair had been braided elegantly down her back and she wore a floral sundress in the appropriate shades of blacks and grays. She had walked with utmost grace, perching herself next to him on a concrete wall. Coolly, she pulled out a cigarette, placing it between her lips like an advertisement. Draco didn't particularly like smoking, but he couldn't say she looked unattractive. She had complained about how stuffy high teas seemed to her. The conversation had flowed from there, slipping easily from puppies to palaces and all the topics in between, but nothing too deep or personal.

After that day, they decided to have a relationship; both for separate and selfish reasons. Draco wanted someone to take away the raw feeling of loneliness; Astoria was in it for a higher social standing and money.

Their relationship moved very fast because of an accident. Draco and Astoria had both gotten drunk at one of their families dinners and had sex, both forgetting about protection in the heat of the moment. A week later, after Draco guiltily avoided her, Astoria showed up in his fireplace, announcing she was pregnant. They had tried to keep it under wraps, but word eventually got around. Astoria's mother and Narcissa had decided that their children must be wed; it was protocol after all. Malfoy had avoided the matter by only engaging her and brushing off any questions of when they would be married.

Looking at the situation he was in now, he was relieved it hadn't gone as far as marriage. After the birth of their child, Marcus Lucius Malfoy, Astoria had made herself as scarce as possible, hiring a nanny for whenever she planned to be out. The only time she was really around was at Marcus' fifth birthday. Five was the age wizards could start showing their magic, without much control. When he did not do anything remotely magical, Astoria had left, yelling all the way.

Astoria slammed shut her case and turned around, looking weary. "I'm going to my mother's. We need to come up with an excuse of why I need a break."

"A break? A break from what? Spending my money?" Draco growled. "This isn't a break. We're done."

Astoria's jaw fell to the floor. "You're not going to care for a kid on your own. Really, you're no good with children."

"Bloody hell." Draco ran his hands through his hair. "I HAVE been taking care of Marcus on my own. You only come home when it's fucking convenient. The NANNY might as well be his mother."

"Come on, Draco. I haven't been a mother before; I don't know what to do, neither of us does." She approached him, putting a hand on his shoulder.

The man turned away. "Go. We're not going to miss you." He pushed the hand away. Astoria gasped and turned away.

"Fuck you." She said and left suitcase and all. Draco sighed; glad he had sent Marcus to Narcissa for the day. His hands went to his hair again, trying to wrap his brain around everything. Then he heard a voice from the door. "You forgot something." He heard clacking steps, but continued to gaze at the wooden floorboards. Astoria's bony fingers grabbed his wrist and placed something cold and metallic in his palm.

The ring. It was a symbol of their entire sham of a relationship. It had been genuine at first, they wanted to be together casually. But it was all a mistake. Astoria had changed right after that night, becoming a cold bitch. He heard doors slam and released a rush of air again. At least there wouldn't be anymore fighting.

"Marmy." The former Slytherin said. His house elf popped in the room, its large, blue eyes filled with sadness for her master. "Please make sure that all of Miss Greengrass' items are out of the house. Owl anything left over so she doesn't have to come back."

"Yes, sir. I will see to it. Does sir desire anything to eat?" Marmy asked, her raspy voice filled with concern. "You didn't have lunch because you were in discussion with Miss."

"No, that's not necessary." He replied. "I shall eat at mother's when I go to pick up Marcus."

"Very good, sir." A small pop and the elf vanished.

What would he do now? The young Malfoy had expected the discussion of Astoria's absence to increase her time in the house, not eliminate it completely. He was fortunate that he had gotten so much time off of work, but he figured all the older writers of the Daily Prophet felt sympathy for new parents.

Draco Malfoy had been working in the Quidditch Coverage department of the Daily Prophet for eight years, from right after the war until now. Narcissa had fixed the position up for him, as she was a good friend to the editor-in-chief. At first, the decision had been made for Draco to write anonymously and only cover minor issues, but as the editor noticed his hard work he was offered to run the department, picking the articles he wished. That was when Marcus came along. Draco had to refuse the position and stick to covering any trades or off-field news from home. He thought maybe Astoria would stay home more, so he could return to work at least three days a week. He had staff meetings Thursday evenings and that was the only time he really got out of the house.

The man proceeded to get into his bedroom fireplace, muttering Malfoy Manor before throwing in Floo Powder and being engulfed by smoke. Moments later, he emerged in a wide, but plain room. The only objects in the room were hooks lining the wall. It was common for prominent families that hosted large groups of people to have a so-called Travel or Between room where newcomers arrived out of the way and could place their cloaks.

Draco entered the house to find his mother drinking a cup of tea on an ornate cream couch in their living room. Marcus was sitting on the floor. A small book was perched on his lap and he was furrowing his brow intently at it. The youngest Malfoy was much more interested in books than conversation. In fact, he had learned to read before he began to speak. Small instances like this, abnormal conditions, made Draco sure his son possessed magic.

The former Slytherin cleared his throat, alerting his mother and son to his presence. Narcissa smiled, although a weary one, at the sight of her offspring. She was graceful in aging, although the woman appeared saddened as of late. Her house was too large for just one body. Draco felt a slight guilt for leaving to move into a flat with Astoria, especially considering how it worked out. Unfortunately, his pride refused to let him return, as well as a general hate of the house and happenings that had occurred with in its walls.

"Draco, darling. It's lovely to see you. A little earlier than expected." His mother noted, glancing at a small wooden clock on the table. She crossed the room and gave his kisses on both cheeks.

"Well, I planned on staying for dinner." The man said, noticing the instant brightness behind her eyes. He had let her eat too many meals alone, not come over enough.

Narcissa signaled for an elf to begin making dinner. Draco knew it would be his favorite, steak and potatoes. "Is Astoria joining us?" His mother's disposition was considerably cheerier as she returned to her seat.

Draco sighed, settlings himself in a stiff-backed arm chair. "No, I'm afraid I have news." He gulped nervously, clearing his throat. "Astoria and I are no longer engaged. We had differences that couldn't be resolved any other way. I am taking custody of Marcus." Their heads turned to the seven-year-old on the floor. His grey eyes blinked at them, recognizing his name. He gave a small grin and waved at his father, who waved back. Draco's own facial expression mirrored the smile of his child, even as they returned to their previous endeavors.

"May I ask what was so terrible?" Narcissa asked, frowning. Her son shook his head.

"I'd rather not ruin our time together with such a disappointing discussion."

"I see. As for disappointing discussions, I have something I need to talk to you about. It's rather important. Let's go into the other room quickly." She stood and bustled out. Draco followed, turning to look at Marcus. He hadn't even lifted his blonde head from his book. When nestled in a small library, Narcissa turned. "I believe something is wrong with Marcus. Every time I've seen him, he hasn't performed magic. You haven't talked about securing him a spot at Hogwarts. And it's not just that. He doesn't enjoy talking at all. He's been reading all day. I encourage literature, but really. I've only gotten one word answers aside from a lecture on all the books he's read this month."

"I'm sure he is magical." Draco insisted, a small part to convince himself as well. "But I am going to St. Mungo's tomorrow for a check up on him." He patted her wrist. "Your concern isn't necessary. He will be alright. He is fine."

The rest of the evening was filled with small talk, but in the back of his mind, Draco couldn't fight the sensation. What if his son wasn't a wizard?

I know you
so better than the city in the rear view
I drive to
eliminate the ball that I'm chained to

Take me break me
every mile further there's a part of me that slips away
One day you'll see
Even if you go down on your knees you couldn't make me stay

Night Drive – The All-American Rejects

A/N: Hey guys! I'm really excited about this idea. I hope you all are too. Please read and review. Major thanks go out to my betas Kairi9889 and AussieGleekFreak91. You guys should read their stories. (: If anyone has any other song suggestions for this or future chapters, please message me. I love hearing about new music or getting new ideas.