I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER!

A/N: First of all, I would like to give a HUGE thank you to all who took the time to read this story. I greatly appreciate it. Another thank you to those who gave feedback through their reviews. Here is the last chapter. I hope you've enjoyed the story.

Ch. 8- Second Chances

Draco was out of St. Mungo's the next day. He traveled back to the manor with Scorpius, each lost in their own thoughts. Scorpius couldn't get the previous night out of his mind: Seeing his father Stunned and slung over Ron Weasley's shoulder, Davon Seamore with his wand raised in offense, and Hermione- his mother- standing protectively in front of him, shielding him as if she actually cared. Perhaps she did.

Draco sat down in the soft chair in the sitting room and watched his son opposite him for a few minutes. Scorpius eventually looked up to meet his eye.

"I'm glad you're okay, Father," Scorpius murmured. Looking at his father now, he realized that he was no longer angry with him. Yes, Draco had made a lot of major mistakes, but at the same time, it seemed like he certainly regretted them. Besides, they could have easily died last night. Scorpius felt no desire to die carrying hatred for his father.

"I'm equally glad," Draco replied. "Dinner was a bust though. But I suppose it was long before Seamore showed up."

"It's okay," Scorpius retorted. "I forgive you. I'm tired of relishing on this stuff anyway. You lied to me. A big lie too. But none of us can really do anything about that now. We should just move on. It's better than wasting our lives being angry."

Draco stared at him in astonishment. "You're a smart lad. A lot smarter than I was at thirteen. But then, you are half- Granger."

Scorpius looked away. They had finally reached the specifics of the lie. Scorpius may have forgiven, but there were still things which needed to be done. "Father, may I go into Hogsmeade for a bit?"

Draco seemed to guess at his thoughts. "You want to see Hermione?"

"Even though I probably could've handled Seamore on my own, she did have the heart to protect me," Scorpius said quickly.

Draco chuckled. "And there's the Malfoy- half of you! Yeah, you can go."

Scorpius nodded his thanks, and left for the short walk to Hogsmeade.

...

Hermione heard the knock at the door. Instinct immediately told her who it was, and she quickly got up to answer it. Scorpius Malfoy was standing awkwardly in the doorway. Hermione stepped aside to let him in.

"It's just me and you," Hermione told him. "Ron's in the office doing some last- minute paperwork, and the kids are at the Potters' house."

"I suppose I should get to know them," Scorpius said. "Your family. They are my family too, after all."

Hermione was stunned at this pronouncement. "So... does this mean you want a relationship with us?"

Scorpius shrugged. "I'd like to try. To be honest, I don't know if it will work out. But you've proven that you do care about me, so I think the least I could do is try to give you a second chance."

Hermione smiled. She'd waited thirteen years for this moment. She knew there was a long, laborious road ahead of them all; their problems weren't going to just fade away in the space of one night. But both of them were willing to try again, and she was determined to make the best of these new opportunities.

"Would you like to stay for dinner?" Hermione asked. "Last night was a bit of a bust."

"Sorry, no. I've made plans with Father." He paused for a moment. "Rain check?"

Hermione beamed. "You're welcome anytime!"

Scorpius smiled back. Hermione saw in that smile a new hope for a future she'd almost destroyed. They didn't know where the future would take them. They didn't even know whether their relationship would ever get past the thirteen- year hurdle she and Draco had put in place. The smile they shared, however, signified a hopeful start.