Chapter 4: What to do

Daphne would always just appear, right into the living room of Draco's apartment, much to his chagrin. Today was no different. Her sister had been living with him for sometime now. When Daphne turned around, to face the couch, she saw Draco looking at her, over the book he had been reading. Papers were all over the coffee table, in front of him. Draco sneered, "Daphne, to what, do I owe the pleasure?"

"Where is Astoria. I need to speak with her. It's," Daphne paused, thinking of the right word to describe the situation. "Important."

Draco put his book down, "Important, how?"

"Important, meaning it can't wait. Where is she?" Daphne put her hands on her hips, glaring at him. He loved trying to get under her skin. Seemed to be his favorite pass time, whenever she came for dinner.

"Sleeping. She didn't have a good night. It will have to wait." Draco went back to his book, like this was the end of the conversation.

Daphne walked past him, and went down the hall to the bedroom door. As she went to open it, he quickly grabbed her wrist. "I said, she was sleeping."

"Draco please, I really need my sister. How long as she been asleep?" Daphne looked up at him, pleading with her eyes.

He looked at his watch, "About three hours. I guess you can go in, but do not get her all excited, if she says so, you leave. Agreed?"

It always did surprise her, how much he looked after her sister. She remembered nine months ago, when Astoria told her, she was seeing someone; that someone turning out to be the biggest prat, she had ever known. Daphne had tried everything she could think of to discourage the relationship, but Astoria had been determined. Somewhere, during the course of their time together, Daphne had seen how much Draco had changed. He was no longer the arrogant, selfrighteous prick, who had strutted around Hogwarts, as if he owned the place. Draco the self important boy, had been replaced with Draco the man, who was lost, sad, damaged and lonely. A man, who wanted nothing more than to find redemption, a way to prove to the world, he deserved the beautiful woman, who had fallen in love with him.

"Fine, I promise." Daphne pushed the door open. Astoria had always been a light sleeper. She began stirring, when the light from the hallway hit her. Daphne hurried over to the bed and started shaking Astoria awake.

Draco stood in the doorway, "Hey, take it easy."

"Draco, go away. I want to talk to my sister, alone." Daphne liked how Draco was protective of her sister, but sometimes, she felt he was over protective.

Astoria sat up, stretching her arms over her head, "Daphne, what are you doing here?"

"Good you're awake. I need to talk to you. You will never guess whom I ran into today at the café?" Daphne pushed Astoria's feet over, proceeding to sit on the bed beside her.

Draco started laughing as he stood by the door. Daphne shot him a dirty look.

"Theodore Nott." Astoria said, matter of factually.

Daphne, snapped her head back to Astoria, "How could you have known?"

Astoria gestured, to the hysterical man, standing by the door. "Really, Daph? Theo was one of Draco's best mates. We knew he was back two weeks ago."

"I win the bet!" Draco's fist pumped the air. "Our son's name will be Scorpius."

"Excuse me?" Daphne looked from Draco to Astoria, and back trying to understand. "Son? What bet?"

"Calm down, I am not having a baby. He is talking about the far-off future." Astoria giggled at the look on her sister's face.

Draco pointed, from Astoria to himself. "We had a bet, as to the location, where Theo would seek you out. I said, in public, like the café. No Flint that way. Astoria figured, it had been long enough, since our fourth year, thinking he would go to your flat."

"Draco, don't you have an exam to study for?" Astoria, crossed her arms over her chest, giving him a disapproving look.

Draco walked over to the bed, he leaned down, giving Astoria an affectionate kiss, "Yes, I do. I will leave you to it." He walked back to the door, but before leaving, turned back. "Scorpius. Now, I need to think of a middle name." He gave his signature smirk to the girls, and was gone.

Daphne got up, closed the bedroom door, turning back to her sister, "Astoria, you haven't told him. Have you?"

"Don't give me that, Daphne. He knows all about my illness, and how it works. Or don't you remember, how he fell apart four months ago? That's when, I told him." Astoria got up, putting a robe on.

"He may know about the illness, but you have not told him, if you enter stage two, there may be no children. Have you?" Daphne's voice was stern.

Astoria looked at her sister, "No. I have not told him that part, yet." She sat in the chair in the room, pulling her knees up to her chest. "I was afraid to. He is doing so well, right now. No nightmares, and school is going great. I really think he will be chosen for the healer internship, after the final exams. I didn't want to throw that in there, and mess with his progress."

"Tori, he needs to know." Daphne sat back on the edge of the bed.

"Look, I go in for tests next month. I will tell him then."

Daphne gave her sister a look, "I don't believe you."

"I will, I promise." Astoria got up, crossed back over to the bed, grabbing Daphne's hands. "Right now, I want to hear all about Theodore Nott!"

Daphne went into story telling mode, explaining to her sister all about the encounter at the café, including the kiss before he walked away. "My heart was pounding, Tori. I mean, pounding!"

"Well, if he looked anything like he did back in school, I can imagine."

"Oh my, Tori. Better! He was wearing muggle clothing though, but damn, if he didn't look good in it. He had to be at least, as tall as his father was." Daphne smiled to herself, as she imagined Theo and played with her hair.

"If he is that tall, you will need to stand on a chair in order to kiss him." Astoria snickered. "You're going to lunch on Friday right?"

Daphne snapped her head back up, "Do you think I should? I am thinking I should owl him, and back out."

Astoria slapped her sister on the arm, "Don't you dare!"

"Tori, what about Marcus?"

"Oh please, Marcus. Marcus is never here, he is always off with the team. You owe it to yourself, to find out where things can go with Theo. I remember, once upon a time, Theodore Nott, was the guy you planned to spend the rest of your life with." Astoria turned to face her sister, pulling her legs up, to sit cross legged on the bed.

Daphne pushed herself further back on the bed, "True, but that was five years ago."

"So, you didn't break up, because you no longer loved each other. Daddy dragged us off to France. You guys didn't have a choice. Seriously, he wouldn't even let you guys write to each other." Astoria started looking at her nails. Something she did, when she thought she had made a point that needed no further discussion.

Daphne grabbed her sister's hands, "So you think, I should just cheat on Marcus, with Theo?"

"No, of course not. You tell Marcus, Theo is back, and that you want to see him. Be honest. It's not like you guys are engaged. For all you know, Daph, Marcus finds other girls, in all those cities he goes to, for games, every other weekend."

"I hadn't thought that, but thank you, now I do." Daphne threw Astoria hands away, as if they just burned her.

"Come on, Daph, you don't love Marcus. We both know that. But that look in your eyes when you told me about Theo kissing you, tells me you still have feelings for him, even after all this time."

"I do love Marcus." Daphne wanted to protest. She crossed her arms in front of her, looking away.

"No, you don't. Daddy just approves of Marcus." Astoria stood up, crossing to her dresser to start getting dressed.

Daphne was feeling confused, which in turn, caused her to speak, before thinking. "Daddy's approval should matter, to at least one of us. Don't you think?"

Astoria spun around. "Fuck you! I will not let Daddy's prejudice keep me from Draco. I love him, and we are good for each other. If you have half a backbone, you won't let Daddy keep you from Theo. That is, if he is the one you decide you want. Knowing you though, you will slink back to Marcus, because you don't want to cause waves, a true Slytherin."

Daphne stood, walked over to her, and slapped Astoria. After, she covered her mouth, with her hands, "Oh Merlin. I am so sorry! Please, forgive me."

Astoria pushed her sister away from her. "Whatever Daph. I must be hitting pretty close to the truth, if you are getting that worked up."

"Tori, I just don't know what I should do. I would love to see where things go with Theo. But I made a commitment to Marcus. I guess, I am just scared. I am sorry. Please say, you forgive me." Daphne grabbed Astoria by the shoulders, forcing her to look at her.

"Fine, I forgive you. That hurt though." Astoria pouted.

Daphne pulled her into a hug, "So did your words." She released her putting one hand on her sister's cheek. "I know you're right. I need to have a backbone, when it comes to Daddy. It's just so easy, to do what he wants. Like you said, he approves of Marcus. I am not as strong as you are."

"Yes you are, Daph. You just don't see it. Look at what you have done with your designs. You don't have to work, but you wanted it, you worked hard, you made Daddy see you are good at it. If you decide you want to be with Theo, you have to find a way to make him see Theo is good for you. Honestly, Marcus is not my choice for you."

Daphne put her hands on her hips, "Let me guess, you choose Theo."

"Damn straight, I choose Theo. He was my choice all those years ago, and he is my choice for you today." Astoria gave her sister a sly smirk, which Daphne swore looked far too much, like a Malfoy.

Daphne laughed out loud. "Okay, I will go to lunch with him and we will start there." She gave Astoria a hug goodbye, and genuine kiss on the cheek. "I love you, sis." She opened the bed room door, and walked out into the living room, her sister following behind. "See you later Draco, good luck on your test."

Draco raised his eye brows, "Thank you, I would say good luck on your date with Nott, but somehow, I think Theo is the one who needs the luck."

"Always the snarky prat, aren't you Malfoy? By the way Tori, this prat is my first choice for you." She winked at them before apparating home.

When Daphne arrived in her kitchen, a large white owl was waiting outside her window, with a letter attached to it's leg. She opened the window, gave the owl a treat, while retrieving the letter. She recognized the hand writing, and the Nott seal. She couldn't help smiling, as she sat down at the table to read it.

Daphne,

Please, dress casually on Friday. I would love to see you in a pair of jeans and pearls.

Looking forward to it.

Forever Yours, Theo.

She went to the small desk, where she did her drawing, and pulled out a piece of parchment to reply.

Theo,

I am also, looking forward to seeing you. Jeans and pearls, huh?

Only, if you take me on a ride.

Daphne

Daphne sat in a hot bath that night, holding a certain ring in her fingers, which she wore on a chain around her neck, thinking about pearls and motorcycles.

xXXx

11 Years ago

Clair sat in the same waiting room at St. Mungo's, she had been in five months ago. She had not seen Theodore, since she put him on the train, so she had no idea what Healer Hamilton could possible want to talk to her about. The letter he sent her, said it was urgent. While, she had sat there and waited for him, she thought about the two letters she had received from Theodore, since he left for school. The first, came the day after the term began to tell her, he had been sorted into Slytherin. He was okay with it though, because so had Daphne, and that at least, it had made father happy. The second, had come just before the Christmas holidays. Theodore told her how great the year had been so far, and asked her to come visit. He told how he had asked father if he could just stay at school, but father had denied him. He had promised to write during the holidays, but she had never received a letter from him. She had hoped that meant he was having too good a time, but her heart fell, knowing that was most likely not the case.

Once Healer Hamilton, had her seated in his office, he had taken the seat across from her at his desk. After he started questioning her, she began to understand why she was here. "Miss Thompson, I have asked you here today, because I must insist, you tell me everything you know about what goes on in the Nott household."

This man's arrogance! How could he think she would just tell him everything, because he said so? "Sir, I no longer work for the Nott family."

"Yes, I know. That is why, I am hoping you will now be willing to tell me, what I need to know." Hamilton folded his hands, and placed them on the desk.

Clair placed her purse on the floor. They were going to be a while. "What, do you think it is I have to tell?"

"I know Theodore is abused. But, since he will not tell the truth, I am hoping you will. I know you were not the one doing it, which leaves Mr. Nott."

"Have you asked Mr. Nott?"

Hamilton sat back in his chair. "Of course, I have. His answers are perfect. Precise. Rehearsed."

Clair fidgeted slightly in her chair. "I take it, that is not good?"

Hamilton picked up a chart. "Miss Thompson, Theodore was brought in over the Christmas holidays, while I was back home in Tennessee visiting family. One of my colleges, tended to the boy, then released him." He handed her a piece of paper, "These were his injuries."

Clair took the paper, kept her head down while she looked it over. Broken collar bone. Fracture to his skull. Several lacerations on his right arm and back. Clair looked up at Healer Hamilton a little alarmed, she handed the paper back to him.

Hamilton took the paper. "Theodore claims to have slipped on the ice out front, and fallen down the front steps, leading into the Manor. Miss Thompson, I went by the house. There are only five steps leading up to the front door. Do you think a five foot two inch twelve year old boy, could sustain that much damage falling down five stairs?"

"They are stone steps."

"Don't get sassy with me, Miss Thompson." Hamilton set the file aside, he picked up another. "I have two patients, whom seem to always have injuries of this nature. Always the same type of explanation's. They claim they fell. I can't do much for the one, as he never had a governess, and only house elves. So, there is no one, who may be able to speak for him. But if you help me, help Theodore, perhaps we can find a way to help the other one."

Clair folded her hands in her lap. "Where are you from Healer Hamilton? Did you say, Tennessee?"

"Yes."

"And how long, have you been in Britain?" Clair was now the one directing this conversation.

"About three years. Why?"

"What do you know of the families you are talking about, the Nott family and the, who was the other?" Clair, knew it was none of her business, but her curiosity got the better of her.

"I really shouldn't say. But if you are willing to help me, Malfoy." Hamilton crossed his arms in front of him.

"Ah, yes. Draco. Tell me, Healer Hamilton, are Americans so perfect, they never have this type of incident accrue over there?"

"Certainly, it happens. Miss Thompson, I never claimed American's to be perfect. But, my concern is my patients, not what does or does not happen in the States." He stared at her, for the longest time. Was this women going to help him, or had he just divulged private information, for no reason? "Miss Thompson, are you aware magic leaves a mark on the skin?"

"I suppose, I have heard that somewhere before. Why?"

Hamilton picked up Theodore's file. "The last time I tended to Theodore, I scanned him. Almost 3/4 of his body has remnants of healing charms." He looked, at her thinking, this was enough to make her talk. "Not concerned. Okay." He set that chart down, and picked up the other. "What the hell, Miss Thompson, in for a penny, in for a pound, eh? The other boy's scans show, there is almost not a spot on his body, which has not needed a healing charm at one point or other. Does this still, not concern you?"

Clair looked down, fighting back tears. He almost had her. "I ask you again, what do you know about these families?"

"I know, they are rich. Which means they have power. That is why I need your help."

Clair laughed. "Power? You have no idea, do you? Healer Hamilton, power is an understatement, when it comes to these two families. Have you not heard the name, Malfoy before?"

Hamilton rubbed his chin, "No, should I have?"

Clair considered this. Was it possible, the first wizarding war, really had not reached across the pond? She had always heard only parts of Europe had been affected, and although, the war was taught to all the wizarding world, perhaps the names of its participants had been unnecessary. "While working here, at the hospital, you have also never heard the name, Nott?"

"No. Not outside my exam room, while working on Theodore. Again I ask, why?"

"I am guessing, you are at least aware of the first Wizarding war. Please, don't tell me, they don't teach you about it at Ilvermorny." Clair had to hold her ground.

"Of course, they teach us. Are you saying these two men were involved?"

"I am telling you, to do your research, Healer Hamilton. As I look back at my education, the names of the participants, were not mentioned during class either, but over here their names are well known enough, they don't need to be." Clair uncrossed her legs, and crossed them at the ankle.

"So you won't help me, because of the parts the two men played in a war which happened, while their sons where infants?" Hamilton slammed his fist on his desk, out of frustration.

"Healer Hamilton. I would love to help you. I am telling you, while you have no idea with whom you are dealing, it is better I do not." She picked up her purse, and stood to leave.

"Miss Thompson, I am scared for the wellbeing of these two boys. I am honestly afraid one of them will be so badly injured the next time he comes in, he wont be leaving." He, stood when she did.

"Do you even have a plan? It is obvious, you don't know with whom you are dealing. How do you plan to stop them? If, they are even to blame." Clair walked around the chair, and stood behind it.

Hamilton rubbed his temples. "My plan, is to expose them."

"To whom?"

"What do you mean, to whom? The ministry of course."

"Once again, proving, you don't know with whom you are dealing." Clair moved to leave.

"Are you telling me, the ministry won't help me, or those boys?" Hamilton, moved to stop her leaving.

"I am telling you, you don't have a plan. Not a good one. Approaching the ministry, or those men without a plan which will work, would do those boys more harm, than good." Clair tried to reach for the door.

Hamilton took her hand, to stop her from grabbing the door knob. He took her other hand in his, "Please, help me. Help Theodore. I know you care about him. I can see it in your eyes." He took a step closer to her; noticing her green eyes for the first time; trying to see if he was having any effect, on the auburn haired woman in his office. He really did need her help. Without Clair's testimony, he had only the medical information, which the fathers of the two boys could get blocked from ever going to the ministry.

Clair pulled one of her hands away from him, and placed it on his shoulder, "I am, helping Theodore. I know you, don't see that. Do some research on these families, Hamilton. Once you have a firm understanding of who you are dealing with, you may call on me again." Clair pulled her other hand away and opened the door.

"Miss Thompson, wait." Hamilton handed her, his card. "Look, if at any time you change your mind, contact me. You may owl me here, or at home. My address is on there. I will look into the families, as you say. I am not giving up. Those boys need help, and I am afraid you, and I are all Theodore has."

Clair left his office. Once she made it back to her flat, she looked at the time. It had been to late too go to the school, where she had gotten a job. She sent an owl to the Headmaster, and let him know, the meeting had run long, but she would be in first thing in the morning. She pulled the card out of her pocket and looked at it.

Healer Timothy Hamilton

Head of Pediatrics St. Mungo's

Clair sat at the table, after turning on the teapot. Timothy, she thought to herself, nice name. Well, Timothy, you rattled me more than you think today. She set the card down, and picked up the last letter, she had gotten from Theodore. Rereading his words, about wanting to stay at Hogwarts for the holidays, she cursed herself for not pushing harder to visit, when Nott Sr. had told her, she was unwanted for the holidays. She got up, got a piece of parchment from the desk, and started writing to Theodore. She had decided when she left five months ago, the best thing for her, was to distance herself from the young boy. Clearly that had not been what was best for Theodore. Timothy was right, the two of them really, were all Theodore had.

A/N I just want to let every one know, that as a Harry Potter fan I believe that Draco would be going through some sort of PTSD. However I am choosing not to focus on it because I really don't want this to morph into a Draco/Astoria story. I want it to stay a story with Theo and Daphne being my lead characters. But, since my Astoria and Daphne get a long, I would be remise to not include the couple in the my story. So we will focus on Draco's good days rather then his bad. His recovery, is another story.

Thank you in advance should you choose to review.