A/N: AHA! I told you all that I would have the next chapter up soon! Looks like so far I'm keeping all of my promises for the New Year! So wahoo for me. And Happy New Year to all of you!
Anyways, thank you to all of you who reviewed the previous chapter, and congrats to all of you who guessed the quote correctly. :) Y'all are amazing. There's another "quote" in this chapter, but it's not a direct one... it's a play off of a quote by Dumbledore in the Philosopher's Stone.
As always, I own nothing, and I hope that you will all read and review!
Chapter 3
"Guess who?"
Evanna smiled at the warm tenor voice and the hands that covered her eyes; deciding to play along with the game. "Hm… could it be Jaxon?" she teased, turning slowly so she faced her visitor.
"I'm insulted," the young man replied, taking his hands off her eyes and kissing her softly.
"Quinn," Evanna breathed, wrapping her arms around him as he kissed her. "What are you doing here?"
"Do I have to have a reason to come and talk to you?" Quinn smirked, lacing his gloved fingers through hers.
"Well your job seems to keep you extremely occupied," Evanna responded. "I haven't seen you since your graduation last year."
Quinn sighed. "I'm sorry V. I know I promised I would come see you more, but things are happening at the Ministry, and everything is rather unsettled."
"What's wrong?" Evanna questioned, brushing his snow-dusted hair from his eyes. "You seem upset."
"Evanna, can we talk? There's something I need to tell you," Quinn replied softly, his soft brown eyes searching her face.
"Of course we can," Evanna said, tightening her hold on his hand as they walked to a snow covered bench between two of the Diagon Alley shops; brushing the pale flakes off before sitting down.
The pair sat on the cold metal bench; Evanna leaning lightly against Quinn's shoulder as they watched the Christmas shoppers hurry about trying to finish their tasks.
"I always thought you looked absolutely breathtaking with snowflakes in your hair," Quinn commented, breaking the silence.
Evanna laughed, looking down at one of her blonde curls. "Can you even see them?"
"It takes a very experienced eye to do so," Quinn murmured, kissing her again. "And I have plenty experience looking at you."
"Stop it," Evanna whispered, laughing against his lips. "You don't look at me that much."
"You just don't notice," he responded softly.
"Speaking of noticing...someone might see the two of us together," Evanna mentioned, taking her head off of his shoulder.
"You still haven't told anyone about us?" Quinn murmured, running his thumb lightly over her her knuckles.
"No I haven't," she sighed, smiling kindly at an elderly witch who waved at her as she walked down the snowy cobblestones. "Although Evander figured it out for himself."
"Well in your defense, it would be extremely hard to hide something like that from your twin brother," Quinn responded. "But why haven't you told the rest of your family at least?"
"I don't think they would take it very well," Evanna admitted quietly. "My mother especially would try to talk me out of it."
"Your mother still holds a grudge against my father doesn't she?" Quinn sighed, running his fingers raggedly through his hair.
"I'm afraid so," Evanna answered, letting her small hand rest on his knee. "She still tells us stories about the infamous Cormac McLaggen when one of us talks about going on a date."
Quinn laughed drily. "My father did leave behind some rather… strange stories for his past exploits to tell didn't he?"
Evanna nodded slowly. "That he did. However, I don't think your father's previous courting life is what you wanted to talk to me about."
"No," he admitted. "I'm afraid it's not quite so light hearted as that."
"This has something to do with Mahoutokoro and what's happening at the Ministry doesn't it?" Evanna whispered, her brow furrowed with worry.
Quinn nodded. "Yes. Because of what's happened, the Ministry has decided to start taking extra precautions with the second generation Death Eaters."
"The second generation Death Eaters?" Evanna echoed, confusion apparent in her tone.
"The children of the Death Eaters that fought in the Second Wizarding War," Quinn clarified, wincing slightly as Evanna turned to look at him.
"Almost all of those Death Eaters died in the war or are rotting in Azkaban at this very moment," Evanna retorted, trying to keep her voice down so the people passing them on the street wouldn't hear.
"They've taken that into consideration. The families and close relations of those Death Eaters are also being included in that group," Quinn replied. "It's all very detailed, and I don't have the privilege of knowing it all."
"Why is the Ministry feeling the need to "investigate" the second generation? What do they think we're going to do? Rise up and take over the world?" Evanna asked incredulously..
"V please don't take it like that," Quinn said calmly. "It's just, a second generation helped the Death Eaters get into Mahoutokoro and attack the school. They don't want that to happen at Hogwarts… or anywhere for that matter."
"This is about my father. Isn't it?" Evanna interrupted, finality lacing through her words.
"Evanna I don't have anything against your father. He's a good man. But everyone knows he was instrumental in the death of Headmaster Dumbledore, and the technique used at Mahoutokoro was the same that he used.," Quinn pointed out cautiously; watching her expression.
"My father was being used by Lord Voldemort! He wasn't doing it willingly," Evanna countered.
"Evanna, I never said that. It's just… the Ministry is going to be dealing with the second generation Death Eaters. That means you and your siblings will be included because of your father," Quinn said gently.
"My father hasn't been active in the Death Eater program since the end of the Second Wizarding War," Evanna whispered, fire glowing behind her grey eyes.
"The Ministry doesn't want to take any chances Eve," Quinn reiterated. "The only way to avoid suspicion is to denounce your father."
An eerie silence followed Quinn's words; the only sound being the noise coming from the streets of Diagon Alley.
"What did you say?" Evanna asked; her tone sharp as a freshly crafted blade.
"The only way to not be tied to any suspected Death Eater activity is to denounce your father," he repeated softly.
"And what makes you think that I would ever do something like that?" Evanna hissed, her grey eyes flashing.
"Evanna, I don't want you to be caught up in this mess," Quinn explained. "I care for you."
"Of all the horrors already present in this world, you want me to add to it by abandoning my family?" Evanna repeated; astonished at his request.
"V, I'm telling you this for your own good! Do you really want to be grouped in with all the other probable Death Eaters?" Quinn questioned, grasping her hand tightly.
Evanna's kind features twisted into a sneer and she stood, ripping her hand out of his. "Of all the low-handed, backstabbing, treacherous things to do; that is the lowest of the low."
"It doesn't have to be permanent Evanna. Just until this is all over," Quinn pleaded.
"Until this is all over?! Quinn this is when my family needs me the most!" Evanna replied, tears stinging the corners of her eyes. "I can't believe you would ask me to do something like that to them."
"Evanna… I can't be with you if you're tied to the Death Eaters. I'll lose my position at the Ministry… everything I've worked for," he responded, standing to face her.
"Then don't be with me," Evanna cried, not caring if the people in the street heard. "If your job is more important to you, then just leave! Go be the perfect little Ministry employee they expect you to be."
"Evanna that's not what I-"
"Don't. Just don't," she interrupted, turning her face away from him.
"Evanna please. I do want to be with you… things are just complicated right now," Quinn argued.
"Don't bother Quinn. We can't have your perfect reputation tarnished by being tied to a Death Eater's daughter can we?" Evanna spat, silver tears carving thin paths down her porcelain cheeks.
Quinn opened his mouth to argue, but seemed to change his mind. A large sigh left his body, and his shoulders dropped as he took a step back; lengthening the gap between them. "I'm sorry V," he whispered.
And with that, Quinn was gone; the sound of his footsteps crunching in the snow, fading as he walked away. Evanna watched him leave; sinking back down onto the cold metal bench as Quinn disappeared into the throng of shoppers. She sat alone; silent tears still falling from her pale lashes, not noticing the crunch of snow as someone walked up behind her.
"Hey Vanna."
She turned at the sound of her name, her heart jumping slightly. "James," she said, quickly wiping her eyes. "I didn't see you there."
"Sorry," he responded, coming to sit beside her on the bench; his movements still seeming rather stiff and slow. "I didn't mean to intrude."
"How long were you there?" Evanna questioned, folding her hands tightly in her lap.
"Not long," James lied, suddenly interested in the snowflakes that had stuck to his black cloak.
"So naturally you heard the whole conversation right?" Evanna laughed drily, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I'm sorry Vanna," James responded, trying to think of something else to say. "Quinn is a prat."
Evanna nodded, her small laugh dissolving into tears again. "He wasn't always," she whispered, staring at her gloved hands.
James nodded, still trying to think of something that would comfort her. "Well… I know I'm not someone you want to see, but… I'm here if you wanna… talk about it or something."
This made Evanna's tears fall faster, and this time she let them; burying her face in James' cloak as she cried.
…
…
Ron tapped his foot impatiently against the marble floor; his arms crossed over his chest as he looked through the glass into the room on the other side. "This doesn't seem right Harry."
The other man sighed, rolling his sleeves up past his elbows. "It's not our choice Ron. We've just got to do it. Besides, we're just in there to make sure nothing goes wrong."
"Don't you think we could have fought against this a little more though?" Ron countered, still staring through the glass. "You're the head of the MLE Department. I'm sure we could have done something."
Harry shook his head; his jaw clenched slightly. "I don't like this any more than you Ron, but unfortunately it's not my call."
Ron didn't reply, just turned away from the glass separator and exited the room; leaving Harry alone with his thoughts. He took Ron's spot near the glass and looked through; his brow furrowed as he watched the people on the other side….
Draco ran his fingers haphazardly through his hair, sighing heavily as he watched his wife and daughter.
"Daddy… are you angry?" Delanie asked, glancing over at him from her seat on Hermione's lap.
Draco's mouth turned up in a slight smile, shaking his head slowly. "No sweetheart. Daddy's not upset. Just… tired."
He spared a glance at Hermione over his daughter's head; his eyes meeting hers and finding the same frustrations and exhaustion reflected back.
"You should takes a nap then," Delanie offered, smiling sweetly as she pushed her stuffed lion towards him.
Hermione laughed, kissing her daughter's brown frizzy curls. "Why don't we save nap time until we get home alright?"
Delanie nodded, her eyes sparkling as she pulled the lion back to her side, hugging it tightly. "Mummy can I color?"
Hermione nodded, shifting Delanie onto her left knee so she could slip her small bag from her shoulder; pulling out a coloring book and a box of multi-colored pencils and setting them on the hard metal table. Delanie beamed, immediately flipping open the book and choosing a sheet to start coloring. With their young daughter distracted, Draco turned to Hermione; exhaustion written all over his pale features.
"You do know she can't be in here when they start right?" he asked quietly, catching a stray pencil that had rolled precariously near the edge of the table.
"I know," Hermione answered, letting Delanie crawl off her lap and into the empty chair beside her. "I tried calling the twins, but neither one answered their phones."
"So what are you going to-" he started, stopping as the door to the room opened.
Hermione and Draco turned simultaneously; relief flooding Hermione's face as she saw who it was.
"Teddy!" Delanie exclaimed, jumping down from her seat and running over to the tall, teal haired young man.
"Lanie!" Teddy smiled, crouching down to wrap his long, thin arms around the small girl. "Look how big you've gotten!"
Delanie shook her head enthusiastically; her brown curls bouncing around her shoulders. "I hads a birthday!"
"Really? How old are you now?" Teddy questioned, lifting Delanie up and letting her rest against his hip.
Delanie beamed proudly, holding up five small fingers.
"Five years old! Merlin Delanie, you're growing up so big!" Teddy laughed, gently high-fiving her small hand.
Delanie nodded, her eyes widening again as she saw who still remained near the door. "Harry!"
Teddy laughed, setting her back on the floor so she could run over and wrap her arms around Harry's legs. He watched her for a few moments before turning his attention to Hermione. "Sorry I'm late," he apologized, running his hands through his teal hair. "Harvey was giving me the hardest time about leaving."
"Don't apologize Teddy," Hermione smiled, embracing him quickly. "I'm so sorry about jumping this on you at the last minute, but I couldn't get ahold of the other kids."
Teddy shrugged, his eyes twinkling. "No problem. I don't mind watching Delanie for you."
"Thank you so much," Hermione sighed, turning to close Delanie's coloring book and pick up the stray pencils. "I don't know how long this will take."
Teddy's smile fell and his features took on the seriousness that reminded Hermione of his father. "I still can't believe they're doing this. It doesn't seem…helpful."
"It's not," Draco commented tiredly, his gray eyes turned towards Teddy. "But it's the Ministry. When has anything they've done ever been helpful?"
Teddy's smile reappeared and he chuckled, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. "Touché Draco."
"Teddy," Harry said from the doorway, drawing his godson's attention back to what was happening.
"Right," Teddy sighed. "Am I still on the Manor's ward scanner?"
Draco nodded, resting his chin on his hand. "You'll be on it until you ask to be taken off."
"Good good," Teddy smiled, turning back to Hermione. "What time does Delanie need to go to bed if you're not home by then?"
"Six thirty," Hermione answered, smiling as Delanie ran back over to Teddy, letting him pick her back up. "Unless you watch a movie, then she can go to bed at seven."
"Bedtime already?" Delanie pouted, turning her head to look at Teddy. "Do I hafts to Teddy?"
"Tell you what," Teddy laughed, looking into her big brown eyes. "We will watch a movie tonight so you can stay up an extra thirty minutes."
"Really?" Delanie beamed. "Can it be Wonderful World of Wally the Wallaby?"
"It can be whatever movie you want," Teddy smiled. "But you have to promise to go to bed when it's over."
"I promise," Delanie nodded, holding up her pinkie and hooking it with Teddy's. "Can we color too? Mummy got me a new magic creatures book!"
"Magical Creatures? Of course we can color," Teddy agreed.
"Lanie look at Mummy for a second," Hermione said, putting Delanie's things back into the small bag, before taking her from Teddy for a moment. "Promise me you'll be a good girl for Teddy alright? Otherwise he can't come over anymore."
Delanie nodded vigorously; her eyes wide. "I promise mummy. I wants Teddy to come over 'gain."
"Alright. Be good okay? I'll see you tonight," Hermione smiled, hugging her tightly. "Daddy and I love you."
"Loves you too mummy," Delanie said sweetly, kissing Hermione on the cheek. "And I loves you too daddy," she added, peering over Hermione's shoulder to wave to Draco.
"I love you too Lanie," Draco smiled. "Have fun with Teddy."
Delanie squealed in delight, beaming as Hermione handed her back to Teddy. "We're gonna have tons of fun, huh Teddy?"
"You bet we are," Teddy replied, grabbing Hermione's bag and slipping it into the pocket of his Ministry robes as he headed toward the door.
"Teddy," Draco said, halting the young man's retreat. "Don't burn down my house alright?"
"Darn," Teddy sighed, glancing at Delanie. "He foiled our plans Lanie. We're going to have to think of something else."
Delanie dissolved into a fit of giggles as she left with Teddy, the door shutting tightly; Harry disappearing along with them.
"I hope she'll be okay," Hermione fretted, wringing her hands nervously as she sat back down beside Draco. "I don't think we've ever left her alone with Teddy before."
"She'll be fine Hermione," Draco reassured her, gently squeezing her hand. "Teddy's a good kid."
"Yes, but-"
"Hermione. She'll be just fine," Draco interrupted. "Teddy's her godfather and he's not going to let anything happen to her. Stop worrying."
"I can't Draco," Hermione sighed, lacing her fingers with his. "It's a mother's job to worry."
"I know," he murmured. "But worrying yourself sick isn't going to help."
Hermione nodded slowly; the pair lapsing into silence as they waited. Eventually the door opened once again, letting Harry and Ron into the room, closely followed by Carthur Benington of the Wizengamot and one other young wizard. Harry and Ron both stood in opposite corners of the large room; arms crossed over their chests. Carthur Benington and the other man took a seat, placing two identical folders before them on the table.
"Mr and Mrs Malfoy correct?" the young wizard asked, a small smile on his face. "I'm Damien Robland. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Draco nodded once, his features expressionless.
The young man cleared his throat in discomfort, glancing down at the file for a moment. "Mrs Malfoy, your surname was Granger before you married, correct?"
"Yes," Hermione affirmed simply.
"And how many years have you been married for?"
"Almost nineteen," Hermione answered.
"Were either of you married before?" Damien asked, glancing once again at the file in front of him.
Hermione shook her head, smiling softly at the young wizard.
"Big surprise there," Benington spoke; his voice laced with disgust.
"Excuse me?" Hermione asked, her smile falling.
"I am simply stating the fact that it isn't a surprise that neither one of you were married before," the older wizard replied.
"And why should that be a surprise Mr Benington?" Hermione questioned, her face slipping into the same cold expression that Draco donned.
"Think about it Hermione," Benington replied scathingly. "Your husband is a Death Eater. No one in their right mind would marry someone like that to begin with, and if you were still single by that time, it means that you weren't highly desired either. And on top of that, you don't come from a respectable wizarding family. Or even a wizarding family for that matter, so honestly, who would want to marry you besides someone who is no longer respected by society themselves?"
Hermione's eyes flashed and she opened her mouth to retort, but Draco beat her to it.
"Don't you dare talk to her that way," he hissed; rage barely disguised behind his words.
"Like you're one to talk," the old wizard retorted sharply. "Your language and actions towards Miss Granger were hardly polite, let alone socially acceptable. Mudblood, filth, scum beneath your toes-"
"That's enough," Harry interrupted sharply. "Mr Benington, you're here to question the Malfoys about the recent Death Eater activity; not verbally berate them for their actions."
Benington sneered; disgust shining in his eyes as he looked at the young department head. "Yes… Mr Potter," he finally ground out, sitting back down and letting Damien complete the rest of the interview.
...
…
The dinner table that night was augmented with extended bits of silence. Evander was at St Mungo's, where he'd been accepted into their internship program the previous month; often causing him to stay late and miss dinner. Delanie seemed intrigued and distracted making a small tower out of her asparagus and broccoli, while Callista and Scorpius held a hushed conversation about a book they'd recently finished. Evanna for her part sat completely still, staring unseeingly at her plate; her eyes still red and puffy from crying.
"Vanna are you feeling alright?"
Evanna nodded slowly, not taking her eyes off of her plate. "May I be excused please?" she finally whispered in response; a small tremor in her voice.
Hermione's brow furrowed slightly as she looked at her daughter; noticing the tears lingering on the edge of her pale eyelashes. "Alright," she said softly. "I love you."
"Love you too," Evanna replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she left the room.
Scorpius and Callista had stopped talking once Hermione had spoken; their eyes trained on Evanna. Now they stared solemnly at their plates.
Hermione sighed, placing her utensils lightly on her plate and lifting Delanie out of her chair. "Scorpius will you please take your sister upstairs and help her get into her pyjamas?"
Scorpius nodded, picking up Delanie and walking quietly from the dining room; Callista following closely behind him. Hermione sighed again, letting her head fall heavily into her hands. "Draco, go talk to her."
"Hermione I don't think she's in the mood to talk," Draco replied, pushing his plate away.
Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose; her eyes squeezed shut. "Draco, please go talk to your daughter. You've always connected with her better than I have."
Draco cleared his throat, a small sigh breaking through. "Give me five minutes."
...
A/N: Alright, before you all review and berate me for making all of my character's relationships suck, let me just say... I promise that it's not going to be this way for the whole fic. Things always get better. :) I love you all and thanks so much for reading this chapter! Please review and tell me what you think! I love reading all of your comments!