Thank you so much for everyone's reviews. I hope you all know that this story means just as much to me as it has to some of you. I never expected for this to become what it has. Stick with me on this just a little longer. Enjoy the next part!
Part Three: Scorpius
"Nothing on earth can make up for the loss of one who has loved you."
― Selma Lagerlöf
Losing someone close to you can make a person do terrible things. Suddenly the light that lit up your world has been snuffed out and you are left to your own devices with nothing but darkness and smoke. The perfect place for terrible thoughts and ideas to fester and grow. And this is the place that Ronald Weasley found himself after his wife died.
"You are nothing... Nothing compared to him..."
And because those feelings of unworthiness never truly leave our minds, only hide in the dark recesses of our memories until they are strong enough to return, Ronald Weasley did an unmentionable thing.
"You stay away from my kids, Malfoy! You keep away!"
"Look, I know it's hard. We both lost an amazing woman, but that's no reason to-"
"You shut your fucking mouth! I lost my wife, my best friend, the mother of my children! You have list nothing!"
People have always said that when something terrible happens, you whole world slows down. Everything begins to evolve in slow motion. But those people are wrong. It all went far quicker than anyone could have reacted. Ron's shaking arm. The spell as his shot towards Draco. Little Scorpius as he cried and stepped in front of his father begging to be held. No, it didn't slow down at all.
Malfoy could only see red as he still held his crying child. From the outside, he looked unharmed, but Draco knew all too well that it was often the strongest and darkest magic that left no mark.
"What the fuck did you do!?"
"I was meant for you. You wasn't supposed to get in the way..."
"He's my child!" it took and insurmountable amount of strength to keep Draco from strangling the man with his bare hands. The only thing that kept him focused was holding Scorpius in his arms.
"What spell did you use?" The deep tone and control of his voice would have drawn the truth out of anyone.
"Obliviate... You don't deserve to remember her... You don't."
"You will leave now, Weasley. Before I break every bone in your body."
It takes him over and hour, but eventually his son tires himself into sleeping. Draco continues to sit on the floor of their living room long after his son has drifted off. His mind whirls with every raise of his son's chest. The logical side of his mind tells him that his son is okay. The father inside of him seethes at the thought of letting that poor excuse for a wizard near his son again to reverse the spell. The Malfoy in him considers calling the authorities and having him thrown into Azkaban for harming his child. None of the scenarios that filter through his mind please him completely.
As he runs his fingers through his sons golden locks, his chest gives a painful squeeze that almost leaves him breathless. He missed her so much. And he wishes that she were still her to tell him the right thing to do.
It takes him the whole night, and he's barely slept, but by the time that the sun peaks over the horizon he had made his decision. He doesn't know if it's the right one, but then again, one only knows that something was a mistake after they committed the act. It takes him the rest of the day to get everything in order.
He will not have Weasley arrested. Rose and Hugo had just lost their mother and they didn't deserve to lose their father; even if he was a blundering idiot. There was also no chance that he would willing allow that fool to point a wand at his child again, not with his anger. The Weasley had also made it quite clear that he would not be allowed to be around Rose or Hugo. Hermione had always hoped that the three of them would be able to sort out their differences and at least be cordial with one another. Sadly, Draco did not see that happening anytime soon, if at all. What he and his son needed was a fresh start. Somewhere where his son could grow up without the judgment that came along with baring the Malfoy name. Somewhere where he could have the time and peace to accept Hermione's death and begin to rebuild his life.
Draco never told his son about what happened that day. They moved to Italy for a few years, until Scorpius was old enough to attend Hogwarts. He knew it may not seem that the right thing to do in the minds of others, but he was simply trying to do what was best for his son. He knew that Rose and Hugo would grow up in a loving family, and if he could make the transition of losing their mother a little easier by not being there to be the bud of brewing fights with their father, than that is what he would do. He kept a watchful eye on them as best as he could, but for the time being he would have to keep his distance. And so, for the next 6 years, Draco spent his time raising his son into the person that he wanted him to be. Strong, loyal, and above all kind; all of the qualities that reminded him of Hermione.
And grow up he did. Before he knew it, Scorpius was eleven and buzzing with anticipation waiting for the train to take him to Hogwarts. Seeing all of the young children trying to get out of their parent's worried hugs and chase after their friends brought him back to the days of when he rode the train. The days seem so long ago that for a moment he's not even sure if he was ever that age at all.
He's checking through Scorpius' bag to make sure that he packed everything when he sees them. It didn't matter how many years had passed, he would now that red hair anywhere. A few meters down the platform stood the two youngest Weasley and Potter. While Harry and Ginny were saying goodbye to their children, Ron caught his eye and gave him a scathing glare. Something's never change. The ginger then bent down to whisper something into his daughter's ear. She seemed confused by whatever was said to her as she looked over towards them.
"Scorpius." he said as he bent down to his son's level. "Now, I know how exciting this is for you. But I want to you remember what I've taught you over the years..."
"Be brave, be smart, and be kind. I know dad! You worry too much."
Draco laughed and ruffled his son's hair. "Well can you blame me? I'm about to send my only son off to school for the first time!"
"I'll be fine dad. Come on, I'm going to be late." Giving his father one last hug, young Malfoy ran onto the train with a small group of children, soon followed by Rose and Albums. A few minutes later and the whistle of the train blew, signalling the last call for passengers. Draco waved to his son along with all the other parents long after the train was out of sight.
"Malfoy. It's been a long time." Harry and Ginny had made their way over while he was distracted. "It's been a long time. Are you back in London now?"
Draco cleared his throat and shook Harry's out stretched hand. "Uh yes. I want to be close to my son while he's in school. How are you both?" While Hermione was sick, the three had formed a sort of friendship. Nothing strong, but enough to be cordial and have a genuine interest in each other's lives. It's how he kept up to date on how Rose and Hugo were doing over the years.
"Good." Harry said as Ron stormed passed them. "Uh... Ron- he's..."
"The same as always?" Draco offered.
A nervous chuckled filtered through the trio. A few more pleasantries were exchanged, as well as an invitation to meet for coffee the following week to catch up further. They watched the train leave, waving goodbye to their children as they began their own adventures.
This is not the end. I have one last piece of this journey to give you all.
