A/N: Hey guys, sorry for the delay this story is all planned out and will be completed and there will be another sequel so don't worry about that.
The reason for the delay is that my portfolio is due in for university in two weeks – this week I've literally written up 90 pages of field work!
Anyways….
Draco drew his cloak nearer too him. It was not out of cold – for it was the middle of summer – rather he did not wish to be seen wandering the streets of Hogsmeade. People who made themselves known here were usually associated with the light side, and if rumours of Draco fraternising with the light side were to get out then Tobias would make sure Draco felt his anger.
He felt a little sad to be back in the bustling wizarding village. His time here from school was just so much happier than it was now. Sure, his life had always had a dark tint overshadowing everything, but back then it was not his responsibility. Now, the only person to be blamed was….him.
Was this how a revolutionary was supposed to feel, he wondered as he wandered the streets. He was certain it was not. Great figures in the wizarding world should not feel unsure, or sad, or afraid. They should revel in the power and glory. He was a failure however you looked at it then. He was a dark wizard not worth the time of day to the light, and a failed unsure little boy to the dark.
He hoped Severus could help.
He had flooed Severus the previous night, and requested a meeting at the castle. As Draco saw the older man approaching him from a distance, he reflected upon how happy the potions master had seemed to be. He still retained his stern gaze, but you could see it pouring from him. He seemed so free.
Severus rose an eyebrow as he approached Malfoy the younger, and saying nothing, beckoned for him to follow him back to the castle. Malfoy followed without a word, walking behind Severus, his head bowed. He knew this was of no indication to his godfather's feelings, as his godfather was an insanely private man.
Before too long they had reached the castle, and penetrated to the depths of Severus's quarters. Holding open the door for Draco, the potions master sighed. He had over the years come to view Draco as a son, knowing in his heart that the Malfoy's were not the best parents. He was much disappointed in the events that had led Draco to the state he was currently in. Dejected, depressed. Severus had had such high hopes for the boy, and would still care for him now despite his actions. Severus, more than anyone, knew how much being judged by your mistakes hurt.
Beckoning towards a grand yet comfy armchair by the fire, Severus bade Draco sit down and remove his cloak. Severus made himself busy preparing tea – there was yet to be a word spoken between them yet Severus could see Draco visibly relaxing now that they were away from the public eye.
The boy looked so withdrawn.
Severus sat opposite him and offered him the drink, before leaning back into his chair and looking expectantly at his Godson.
Draco looked down at his lap. He so desperately needed his Godfather's help yet he had no idea where to begin.
He tried to speak Severus's name, but his voice wouldn't come. He didn't want to be on the dark side. He wanted so desperately to be able to tell Severus that all he wanted, all he had ever wanted, was to be part of a normal family and to belong somewhere. He wanted to run, screaming, from the torture and pain that haunted his sleep, he wanted to be somebody. He wanted to be safe.
Severus looked into his eyes. Although he could see a little into the boy's mind, he did not need to. He knew his Godson. Rising from his chair, he placed a reassuring hand on Draco's shoulder.
"You can stay as long as you need to."
He did not doubt that Draco needed to talk about what he had seen and done. And the time for that would come. But they had all the time in the world.
So they both thought.
Neville smoothed his wife's blonde hair away from her face and stroked his fingers along her jaw line. They were enjoying one of the rare moments of peace they had together before their children woke up.
"I confess, Luna, that I don't know what to do" Neville mumbled into her hair. She stared dreamily into the canopy of their bed, thinking over the problem at hand. They still had no idea how to hide their children. Neither had any family that they could leave the children with, and they certainly could not be left alone.
Neville and Luna loved their children beyond belief, and neither would let harm come to their children, their clumsy angels.
"Maybe…" Luna hesitated.
"Maybe a wizarding orphanage" Neville looked at her in shock and she carried on quickly before he could jump to conclusions.
"It wouldn't be for very long, and nobody would think to look for them there. We would be coming back for them, they're too young to remember and everybody working there would definitely know they are not up for adoption."
Neville looked at her quizzically. "But if they knew the children were not up for adoption, they would know we are their parents. Surely that would defeat the whole point?"
"We'll give them false names. And we won't tell them they're ours, a facilitator could do the placement for us."
Neville laid back onto the bed and let out a big sigh. "I hate the idea Luna."
She laid next to him and rested her head upon his chest. "I know."
Hermione wasn't sure how she felt about Draco being back at the castle. She felt no hatred towards the boy – man – however it was strange to make polite conversation with him compared to all their previous insult filled conversations. But that was fine. Because she knew people made mistakes. She would be a hypocrite if she accepted Severus and not his Godson.
She leaned back into her rocking chair with Cameo gurgling in her arms. Her chair was placed by the massive window seat, and evening sunlight streamed in through the grand castle windows. She looked down at her baby, and thought about the wedding dress she had picked out that day. In so many ways her life was perfect. She wanted to hold on to this moment forever. And in many ways, she would.