Author's Note: Yes, I know I'm a horrible, horrible person. I'm so sorry this took so long! My last semester was crazier than I thought it would be, and well, I just had literally no time to write! I hope you enjoy this chapter, it's been a long time coming. I PROMISE to write more this summer. Thanks for reading!
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Scorpius' gaze is set on his plate, his fork scraping against in it in a distasteful fashion. He hadn't bothered to look up since he had taken his seat, nor had he eaten more than a few bites. I couldn't hold it against him. He was clearly embarrassed and angry at my intrusion yesterday. Rose, however, had no knowledge of this reason, and found his silence both pleasant and maddening.

"Can you please stop with the scratching? If you don't like it, don't eat." She says matter-of-factly, setting her fork down at her side with force.

Scorpius glares at her from beneath his eyelashes. In one swift motion, he stabs a green bean with his fork and brings it quickly up to his mouth. He chews slowly, a sneer developing on his face. Without saying a word, his thoughts are clear.

With a roll of her eyes, Rose picks up her glass and takes a sip of water. "I would think you'd be a little more grateful. You know, we don't have to feed you."

"But he'd starve!" Hugo cuts in with a horrified expression. He turns towards Scorpius, his eyes serious, and lowers his voice to say, "I'd bring you bread and soup, even if Rose told me not to."

Although he hadn't been particularly pleasant to Rose or I, Scorpius seemed to have a soft spot for my youngest. This was obvious on a few occasions, now being one of them. Scorpius nods at Hugo and gives him a weak smile. "Thank you, Hugo. I doubt we'll come to that, but just in case, I am partial to French onion."

Hugo's face lights up with a large grin. Rose shakes her head in annoyance. Tired of the conversation, she turns her attention to me. "Mum, can we go to Diagon Alley tomorrow? Uncle George owled today, he has a new brand of candy for us to try."

I am still grinning at Hugo's reaction to Scorpius' praise when she asks. She catches me off guard. I have yet to tell anyone about Scorpius' stay here… To show up in Diagon Alley may not be the best idea. After all, no one is supposed to know he is here. "I don't know, Rose. We have cleaning to finish up, and I believe the three of you still have homework to attend."

"Uncle George? Oh please, mum!" Hugo joins ranks with his sister. His eyes are bright. Scorpius leans back against his chair and stares at scene in front of him. His eyes fall on me, awaiting my answer.

"We have all summer to finish homework. I've already done loads. Please, we haven't seen anyone in weeks!" Rose adds for good measure.

I fold my napkin in front of me, and shake my head. "You saw Albus and Lily last week. Maybe next week, we can plan a trip into town. It'll be beautiful outside tomorrow, you could practice Quidditch."

Rose looks dejected. But she knows the answer will not change. "With three people? Can I invite Albus over? Maybe Aunt Ginny could come too, and help you with the cleaning." She is testing me. I haven't spoke to Ginny since last week, unsure how to tell her about our new guest. Rose knows this, she's been trying to coax the truth out of me since the Malfoys arrived.

"I'm sure Ginny's busy with work. Another time, Rose. You'll have plenty to do tomorrow." I try not to meet her gaze. There was no need to make Scorpius feel more awkward than he already does. "Everyone finished?" I ask a little too brightly as I stand.

"Fine," She grumbles, and pushes her plate away from her. "I'll just spend the rest of the summer locked away from the world."

"Don't be so dramatic." Scorpius mutters under his breath. He is glaring at his plate as he pushes the beans angrily. "It'll only be until I'm gone."

There is no sourness in his voice, but Rose glares daggers at him. Her Weasley temper flares and she snaps back, "Can you tell me when that may be, if it happens at all? Your father left you here… what makes you think he even wants you back?"

Both Rose and my eyes widen when she finishes her thought. She swallows hard as if she wants to swallow the words back up. "Rose Weasley!" I chastise quickly. "You apologize. How dare you speak those lies."

"I-"

"It's fine." Scorpius says coldly. He stands and pushes in his chair with the same stiff politeness he's used the past few days. He doesn't look our way as he turns fiercely towards the stairs. His voice, however, loses all civility with the next utterance. "At least I have a father."

The looks on my children's faces break my heart. "Scorpius," I say sternly, but he continues his way up the staircase. For a moment, I wish to run after him and drag him back here to apologize. But I know that is not going to help the situation. He cannot say anything that will erase the glassy look in both my children's eyes. Instead, I throw down the towel I had grabbed and walk calmly towards them.

"He didn't mean that." I say softly. Hugo runs to me, and I crouch down to meet his hug. I hold him tightly with one arm and gesture to Rose with my other. But she doesn't take it. She sniffles twice, and takes a deep breath.

"Yes he did. He's a Malfoy, mum. Just like dad said. I told you." She shakes her head and steps forward to rustle Hugo's hair. "It's okay, Hugo. He's just jealous we had the best dad in the world."

Hugo snuggles closer to me. "He didn't mean it, Hugo. He misses his dad too." I whisper as I pull back. I give him a kiss on the forehead and look at Rose. "I think it's about time for bed, don't you? Why don't you two go get ready, and I'll be up to say goodnight soon?"

The two of them nod and start towards the stairs. Rose lets Hugo go first. She doesn't look at me even when I stand and follow them. I pat her back once at the top of the stairs, and veer off to the left, having to make one stop along the way to their rooms.

His door is open. With two steps, I am standing in his doorway, my hands on my hips.

"You will not speak to my children or me in such a way, Scorpius. Do you understand that? Rose should not have said what she said, I know. She knows. We have tried to make you feel as comfortable as we can. None of us deserve to be spoken to as such."

He is silent. His back to me, he stares out the bedroom window into the blackness of the night. I give him a few more moments to speak before I step into his room again. My arms cross in front me, and I say softly, "I know this is difficult. You don't know us, but this is the way it has to be, for now. Your father has done what he thinks is best."

"What's best is for me is to be with my family." He mumbles but still loud enough for me to hear. "I'm not comfortable here. I never will be."

"I hope that isn't the case, Scorpius. That is going lead to a very long summer. It would be best if we could be friends. It could be fun." I say with a smile.

He finally turns to face me, expressionless. "Like you and my dad were friends? Rose already told me all the stories. She says he never cared about anyone, and was always getting you into trouble."

My smile falters, and I take another step closer to him. "Scorpius, those were different times. Many of those stories were exaggerated by Rose's dad. I won't pretend that we were friends, because we were nowhere near that, but people do change. And I think your father is a… respectable man. He loves you very much."

"Maybe not. Maybe he's the same person from those stories… Maybe that's why he left me here. He's tired of me." His voice is steady, but he turns his back to me again, hiding his face.

"Never say that. You know that isn't true, Scorpius. The situation is much more complicated." I start, but he interrupts me abruptly.

"I would like to go to bed, so if you would please…" He trails off, swallowing.

"I can help you with your covers." I say, wishing to do something other than leave. I walk around to the other side of his bed, my hands outstretched towards the quilt. "Here."

He shakes his head quickly. Although I am standing straight across from him, he does his best to turn from me and grabs the blanket himself. "I can do it myself. I don't need to be tucked in. Just go, please."

He doesn't move to adjust his blankets, just stands still, clutching the quilt. I take in his small frame looking solemn and sad. I've seen it before, but never understood it like this. He tries too hard to build himself up, to show he is bigger than he is. "Goodnight, Scorpius. Tomorrow will be a brighter day, you'll see." I say my hand on the door, ready to pull it closed.

He folds the blanket over a few inches and whispers, "Sorry. For what I said before… It was rude."

I shrug, knowing he can't see it for his are still trained on the bed. "I'm not the one you have to apologize to, Scorpius. More feelings were hurt tonight than just mine. But tomorrow's another day to make amends. Goodnight."

(**)

I woke up this morning, still seated next to my old bedroom window. The sun had just begun to peek through the morning mist. I had rubbed my sore neck, and cursed myself for being foolish. I hadn't meant to fall asleep; my intention was to be awake as soon as Father arrived. Why else would I stay here even for one night? The plan proved to be worthless, for it is now nearly noon and he still hasn't returned.

I pace around my bedroom (as I have been for hours) letting thoughts race through my head. Was Granger right? Did I really have a plan? Could I do this alone? She had a lot of faith in her dear Potter. But something tells me he won't be as easily swayed into helping as she was. Would Potter want be willing to work with his old Hogwarts enemy? I scoff at the air. Of course, he would. Any opportunity for a photo, Potter would be the first in line. But would that bright celebrity status really be helpful?

No, Potter would not be a useful ally. He couldn't bring himself to understand the inner workings of these people's minds. He was the golden boy. He was part of the problem; after all, he helped reconstruct this new world.

A clang captures my attention and I stop in my tracks. I stare at the grey door several steps in front of me and wait for more noise. Nothing comes. Whatever it was, it came from down the hall. It sounded too close to be from the kitchens or the foyer…

It could be mother. She had locked herself in Father's study all morning. Her low mutterings had been what woke me. She had been talking to herself, doing random cleaning jobs I had expected, anything to make the time fly by faster. Lost in my thoughts, I almost miss the soft hoot that filters into the room. Could she be…?

As quietly as possible, I reach for the doorknob. It is cold in my hand when I grasp and turn it. The door does not make a sound. I inch out, light on my feet, ensuring that no noise disrupts my spying. Growing up, I had to be light on my feet. All the Malfoys were. We were masters are finding out information that wasn't meant for us, it was how we gained the power we had. Pure blood and blackmail-what a legacy we have created.

The door to the study is open, but only just so. There is no way for me to see exactly what made the noise from earlier, but a rustling of feathers gives me an idea. Mother hates owls surprisingly. She must be trying to give one a letter. It always takes her several tries before she gathers enough courage to get close enough to hand the parchment off. Our family owl was used to this, and wouldn't be upset by her tiresome ritual.

For some reason, Mother is using a strange owl to communicate with someone. My curiosity gets the better of me, and I push the door open dramatically with my foot. Mother jumps at the sound of the door hitting the wall. The sound also scares the dark brown owl next to the window. It hoots violently and lifts into the air.

"Draco! Never do that again. My, what has gotten into you?" She clutches her chest in fright, a sight I haven't seen in years. What doesn't she want me to see? My eyes narrow on a piece of rolled up parchment in her left hand. A name is scribbled on it, but no address.

"Who is that for?" I ask, knowing it is none of my business.

She clears her throat and lifts the letter higher into the air, as if begging the owl to grab hold of it. "No one in particular…" She trails off, her eyes tearing from mine and following the bird. She shakes the parchment again towards the bird. It understands her meaning and swoops near her to grab it in its claws.

It flies in another circle over our heads before exiting out the window. Mother breathes an audibly sigh of relief. I don't understand why until she speaks again a few moments later. "She only wanted to know how Scorpius was. She would have sent for you, but we both knew that wasn't a good idea."

As the realization of her words hits me, she sets to close the window. Within seconds, I am next to her, pulling her hands away from the lock. They are cold to my touch, but I shake that from my thoughts and push the window open again. Frantically, I search the sky. The bird is gone.

I snap, "Are you telling me… Astoria- my wife- has been writing you?"

Mother steps back from me and clasps her hands together in front of her. She doesn't respond to my angry tone or glare. Instead, her eyes are blank and she nods. "She has to receive news somehow."

"And her husband isn't good enough?" Words rush out of my mouth in fury. I don't know what to do. I stand still, my hands clenched at my sides. "If she is free to write, then she is free to come home. Why would she need to write you if she can come see for herself!"

Mother looks at me oddly, as if she's concerned with my well-being, instead of that of my wife, who's Merlin only knows where. "I told you, she knows where she is needed. She'll be back when she believes it's time. Until then, there isn't much any of us can do about it."

"Of course there is. I can tell her to-"

"She does not wish to speak with you." Mother replies shortly, her gaze no longer on me. Instead, she walks towards the desk and begins straightening the contents atop it.

"She knows I'm right. She's just scared I'll change her mind. Where did you send the letter? Where is she?" I ask, almost pleading. I hate hearing the strangled tone behind my words.

Mother frowns, but still does not meet my gaze. "Of course she's scared. But her loyalty runs deep, Draco. She will not let you take that from her. Please, stop this."

(**)

Hermione had been right. The next morning was beautiful. The sun shone against the back garden where Scorpius and Hugo quickly dispersed. Hugo hadn't been on the ground for very long before he grabbed his broom and pushed off into the sky. Scorpius sat as far from the back door as he could under a large tree. With a book in his hand, he hadn't looked up in quite a while. The warm air blew gently across his face as he read; only occasionally was he brought back to reality at the whooshing sound of Hugo's flying.

Scorpius had been told he got his love of books from his father. It wasn't the fantasy of the stories, or the escape they brought, but rather the intense quantity of knowledge that could be packed in one simple page. Back at home, he had a library full of books he had planned to start on this summer… He was only able to bring a few here with him. Excitement had filled him when Rose brought up Diagon Alley at dinner last night; he was due for a trip to Flourish and Blotts, but that was out of the question, especially now.

No one had spoken a word to him since his outburst in the kitchen late last night. Rose glared at him every chance she got and had decided she'd rather stay inside than be anywhere near him today. She had made a large scene when her equally annoying cousin, Albus, had showed up earlier in the day. She stated that no amount of sunshine could coax her within 10 feet of him; which was fine by Scorpius. He would much rather be alone anyway.

Although he wasn't ever really alone. While Hugo hadn't spoken a word to him, he had chosen to continue to follow him around. They never sat closer than a few feet, but Scorpius could always feel the younger boy's eyes on him. Scorpius wasn't sure why anyone would want to be near him now. What he had said was horrible, he knew it, but it just came out. Normally he could control his thoughts, but this family… acting as though everything was okay, got to him.

Half mesmerized in his thoughts, Scorpius didn't notice Hugo's close proximity. The boy had slowed himself so he was hovering only a few feet above the boy dressed in black. "What are you reading?" He says cautiously.

Scorpius jumps at the intrusion, his book falling away at his side. "What?" He says uncharacteristically caught off guard.

"You must really like it, the book I mean." Catching Scorpius' confused expression, Hugo continues. "To rather read than fly… it must be a good book. Unless… you like flying don't you?"

Scorpius rolls his eyes at this. "Of course, only one problem: to fly, I need a broom." Scorpius adjusts his seating and grabs his book quickly, using his knees as a makeshift desk.

"Oh," Hugo mumbles. He looks at the sky as if questioning this. A few moments pass before his feet touch the ground gently beside the large tree. "Well then, you can use mine." He held his broom out in front of him, gesturing for the blond boy to take it.

Scorpius shakes his head. "No, it's yours. Go ahead."

"You have to miss it. I would if I was you. Here," His arm stretches out, sticking a pitch black, only slightly scuffed, Stargaze 100 model in front of Scorpius' face; disrupting his view of the book in his lap. Normally, this type of act was ill advised with Scorpius, however the sight of the Stargaze cleared his mind completely.

"What is that?"

A huge grin spreads across Hugo's face at the sound of awe in the older boy's voice. He pulls the broom back to admire it. "A Stargaze 100. Got it for my birthday from Uncle George."

Scorpius stares at the broom for a moment, unable to believe its presence in front of him, in a Weasley house no less. His father promised he would get at least an Orbit 260 for his birthday. He was still stuck with a Firebolt at home. It worked all right, but could never match the Stargaze in speed. "It's yours?"

"Yeah, it's faster than Mum originally thought. She gets kind of nervous when I ride. She always hated flying… Mental, I know. Dad always joked with her about it. He loved to fly." Hugo falters slightly as his rambling takes in to uncomfortable territory.

Scorpius takes a deep breath, closing his book and sitting up straighter. Unsure what to say, he pulls at a blade of grass near his shoe.

"He was a Keeper." Hugo continues. "Pretty good too, I guess."

"Yeah?" Scorpius says quietly, only to fill the long pause that was growing.

"Yeah, he taught Rose a lot. She's trying out next year. Second years are allowed brooms, so I bet she'll be begging me for this one." He adds, holding the broom closer to him.

Scorpius smirks at this. "Better not give it to her. It'd be nice if Slytherin had a fighting chance this time around. If she's as good as I've heard she won't need your broom anyway. Especially if she knows I'm on the field."

Hugo looks up at this. "You're on the team?"

Scorpius shrugs. "Going to be. Not sure what position. Chaser and Seeker are open."

"Rose'll hate that."

"I know, she hates me. That's what will make it so fun." Scorpius says with another smirk, plucking a blade of grass from the ground and rolling it between his fingers. "She has good reason to though. I know my family's history. Sadly it isn't as clean as yours."

Several seconds of silence pass before Hugo takes another step forward and nudges the Stargaze 100 towards Scorpius. "She doesn't hate you. And your family isn't all bad. Your dad seemed nice…"

"She does. And he is. Mostly." Pulling off from the ground, Scorpius stands up. He brushes the excess dirt and grass from his pants before grabbing hold of the Stargaze. "I'm sure yours was too. You're lucky. Thanks."

(**)

"Boys!" Rose huffs from her bedroom window. She had been watching the scene between Hugo and Scorpius play out in front of her for several minutes. As each second ticked by, she grew more and more angry. "Why is Hugo being so stupid? Malfoy's just manipulating him. This is ridiculous." She complains to the boy sitting on her floor.

An Exploding Snap game sprawled out before him Albus sighs and rolls his eyes. "I think you're being a little dramatic. He can't be that bad."

Rose glares at her cousin closing the space between them and plopping herself on the ground across from him. "You weren't there. He's exactly like Dad always said he'd be. Horrible and emotionless."

"When did your dad ever say that?"

"Well, he didn't have to say it. I know it's what he meant, telling us all those stories. I can't believe Mum's letting it happen." Rose exclaims, falling back against the chest at the end of her bed. "Can't you get your mum to say something to her?"

Looking unconvinced, Albus takes his turn on the board. "I hate to break it to you, but I don't think my mum even knows about Scorpius. I'm sure it'd be the talk of the house. She didn't even mention it when I Floo over." Silence fills the room as he completes his turn. Feeling something is wrong, he glances up out of the corner of his eye. "What?"

"I knew it! I knew she knew she was wrong. That's why she hasn't told Ginny. She tells Ginny everything." Rose mutters quietly to herself, Albus looking confused nearby. "That's the only way to get this taken care of; your mum has to know. She's the only one my mum will listen to. Here," As if suddenly remembering she had someone in the room, Rose jumps up and snatches a piece of paper form her desk. "Owl your mum. Tell her she needs to come get you and that my mum needs to talk with her."

Albus freezes as the paper and quill are tossed his way. He stares at them for several seconds. "I don't know. It seems a little mean, springing it on Aunt Hermione. I'm sure she'll tell my mum soon. It's not as though she can keep it a secret."

"She's been avoiding it ever since he got here. If we want him gone. We have to make it happen." Rose rushes.

"And we want to make it happen? Honestly Rose, he can't be-"

"But he is!" She interrupts, throwing her hands on her hips. "Please, Albus, write."