A/N: All right, alright… calm down. I have finally updated. None of you are seeing things or receiving bogus emails declaring updates. I have simply been busy and tired from work. I got a promotion to Group Leader in the Toddler Room… yes, spending 8 hours a day with Toddler's. I LOVE it. Anyway… thanks for the reviews.
DISCLAIMER: A toddler could answer this one…. NOT MINE!
Chapter Twelve: An Old Promise
Ron turned to Harry as he came stalking over to him, looking mixed with fury and glee. The Head of Department began shouting orders to the Auror team as they looked up at the middle-class two-storey house. The wooden exterior had some pale blue paint peeling from the top level with one of the shutters squeaking nosily in the light breeze.
"Everything alright?" asked Ron heading into the house with Harry.
The front corridor was dark and musk smelling. Some empty boxes were stacked in the corner, which, Harry and Ron decided to go through first, murmuring spells to reverse any concealing charms possibly used.
"Habberworthy tried to blackmail me," said Harry in annoyance, "Into automatically sending Scorpius to Azkaban."
"What? Why?"
"Apparently if Scorpius gets off scot-free the Ministry will suffer a major blow of humiliation and Habberworthy will lose a lot… oh and I will probably lose my job."
Ron stopped examining a box and looked at Harry, "You're the best damn Head of Department in the entire Ministry. Doing that will ruin the Auror Department."
"I don't care about the job Ron. I could easily find another one. It's just low of Habberworthy to attempt blackmailing me. It won't work anyway," replied Harry selecting another box with his brow furrowed, "I got the whole conversation recorded thanks to your daughter."
Ron frowned in confusion for a moment before grinning with a nod, "Bright child she is."
Two hours later the team left the house empty handed. Harry and Ron both stood on the side walk looking annoyed and dejected.
"He bragged about it," said Harry shaking his head, "We need to bring the wife in and question her. If she has it, we can scare her with putting her up on with holding evidence charges."
Ron nodded, "Sounds fine to me. How are those lawyers going?"
"Nearly there," said Harry pulling gloves off in frustration, "Only the Malfoy's would have an army of lawyers at their beck and call."
Two Months and One Week Ago…
Rose hovered over her mother's shoulder examining the three cooked roast chickens. Hermione glanced back at Rose with an amused smile and murmured a warming charm to keep the chickens at their perfect temperature.
"Calm down Rosie. Everything is going according to plan," said Hermione turning to face her ever-nervous daughter.
"I know Mum. What if Victoire causes a scene? You know what that woman is like."
"I do and if she does I will simply silence her myself. This night is about you and Scorpius. Not her and her blonde hair."
Rose gave a halfhearted chuckle and sat down on the kitchen stool, "I really don't want Grandma and Grandpa Weasley to be upset. Dad always said Grandpa Weasley would never approve me marrying a Pureblood."
"Honey your father was only joking with you. You were eleven then!"
"I do remember things Mum."
"I know," said Hermione placing a hand on each of Roses' shoulders, "Honey, all anybody wants is for you to be happy. With everything happening in your life that is so horrible this is your beckon of happiness. Don't let any other person's opinions darken it."
Rose gave a nod and smile before jumping up and hugging her mother tightly, "I love you Mum. Thanks for everything."
Hermione smiled as she hugged her daughter back just as tight, "I love you too Sweetie."
Rose pulled away and left the kitchen with a bounce in her step, causing Hermione to laugh a little. She hadn't seen the bounce in her daughter's step in a long time. Ron walked into the kitchen and gave his wife and hug and kiss of greeting.
"You look happy today," said Ron reaching to pick at one of the chickens.
Hermione tapped his hand away and gestured to the freshly made chicken sandwiches to snack on, "Oh I am just a mother who is happy her daughter is happy. How was work?"
"Today was interesting," said Ron before munching into a sandwich, "Dish is so gwad."
Hermione nodded waiting for Ron to finish chewing. When he did she quickly popped in her next question, "Why was it interesting?"
"We finally got permission to bring in Henry Wilson's wife," said Ron, eyeing the sandwich in his hands, "Harry and I questioned her for about two hours straight. She claims to know nothing of the contract. But we know she is lying."
"How?"
Ron held back a groan, longing to eat the sandwich, "Because when a suspect is lying the heat charm kicks in."
"Hang on," said Hermione with a frown, "Then obviously the heat charm would have worked on Scorpius."
"He was taken into one of the old interview rooms. Harry has tried to have him brought in again but the Ministry won't allow it because he would be in close contact range with his father."
"The Ministry want him to be guilty Ron," said Hermione shaking her head, "Merlin the system is completely screwed in this country. What happened to a fair trail and innocent until proven guilty?"
"I don't know, Hermione," sighed Ron lowering his sandwich and giving his wife a one armed hug, "But I do know that Draco Malfoy has been looking more ragged these past few days."
Hermione hugged her husband biting her lower lip at the mention of her long ago ex-boyfriend.
"How do I look?" asked Rose spinning around.
Scorpius looked up from tying his shoes up and watched his wife to be stand in front of her dresser examining her reflection. Her dark red-brown hair was curled loosely and her pale yellow dress suited her figure perfectly. It came to just above her knees with spaghetti straps. On her feet were yellow, strappy, kitten heels that she hardly ever wore.
"You look gorgeous," said Scorpius as Rose turned to face him.
She smiled and fixed his blue silk tie up a little, "You look handsome in your suit."
Scorpius grinned and gave her a quick kiss as a knock came at the door. Rose walked over and opened it revealing her mother. Hermione had changed into a black, short sleeved wrap dress with matching coloured heels.
"Everyone is here and waiting," she said, "Oh Scorpius, what a nice suit."
Scorpius smiled in reply, one arm on Roses' waist, "Thankyou Mrs Weasley."
"Honestly, I wish you would call me Hermione," laughed Hermione, "You two head on down. I just need to fix up my eye-shadow."
Rose and Scorpius left the room murmuring to each other quietly as they headed down. The voices from the lounge room were warm and friendly, laughing every now and then.
"Are you nervous?" asked Rose looking at Scorpius.
"Well a little. This is the first family function of yours I have been too," replied Scorpius.
Rose stopped at the bottom of the stairs and faced Scorpius, "Well I know that you will be accepted. James, Al, Lily and Hugo already accept you. So does my Dad, Mum, Uncle Harry and Aunty Ginny."
Scorpius managed a small smile before Rose led him into the lounge room.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" cried everyone at the sight of Rose and Scorpius.
Rose stood back laughing as her family swarmed on Scorpius with hugs, kisses and slaps on the backs. Scorpius just took it all, stunned at the acceptance from them all. Even Fleur and Victoire were giving him hugs with smiles.
Albus walked over to Rose with a woman at his side, looking somewhat nervous.
"Rose," said Albus holding the woman's hand, "I'd like you to meet Kate. Kate this is my cousin, Rose."
"Kate," said Rose with a smile, "It's so nice to meet you. Albus told me about you."
Kate smiled, brushing her black hair from her pale blue eyes, "I've heard about you as well. Albus' best friend and cousin Rose Weasley."
Rose smiled as Scorpius made his way over to them with tinged pink cheeks. Rose automatically hugged him and turned to Albus and Kate.
"Scorpius this is Kate, Kate well this is Scorpius."
Kate gave Scorpius a smile and shook his hand in greeting, "Nice to meet you."
"You as well. Rose mentioned Albus was seeing someone."
The small chit-chat continued with Payton joining them. Payton had eased into the family nicely, almost visiting Hugo everyday, or even to stop by to chat with Rose, Scorpius, Hermione and Ron.
"So," said Payton brightly, "They all love you Scorpius."
"Maybe now," laughed Scorpius, "But they haven't heard the dinner announcement yet."
"Oh stop stressing," said Rose with a nudge to his ribs, "They'll be fine with it."
James walked over and gave Rose a hug, "Long time no see cousin of mine!"
Rose laughed and nodded, "I know. Where are you been all this time?"
"With Liana," smirked Albus before whispering, "It's serious."
"Really?" cried Rose looking at James happily.
James nodded and gave a sigh, "I'm a sucker in love."
The group laughed, though Kate managed a small chuckle looking a tad awkward. Hermione stepped into the room with a bright smile, clearing her throat.
"Dinner is served," she said with a gesture to the dining room with the extended table and extra chairs.
The large group moved through to the dining room chatting loudly. They found their seats murmuring comments about the table setting.
"This is rather formal," said James to Lily who nodded in agreement.
Rose and Scorpius swapped small, all-knowing smiles as Hermione waved her wand to have the trays and platters of food float from the kitchen and land gracefully on the table.
"Oh I wish I had your grace, Hermione," said Molly with a smile, "I normally always spill the soup."
"Well," said Ron as Hermione sat beside him, "Let's eat."
They all moved into motion, taking their share from the now perfectly carved chicken, potatoes, pasta dishes, beans, carrot and whatever else was on the table. The chatter was calm and nice with the sound of cutlery hitting plates and the pouring of wine into glasses.
After thirty minutes of the sounds of eating it eventually became just noises of voices. Looking around Ron picked his wine glass up and tapped it with his spoon.
"Thanks," he said standing up, "Well not only did we invite you all here to help celebrate Scorpius' 20th birthday but there is another reason… Rose, Scorpius? Would you like to tell everyone?"
Rose and Scorpius stood up holding their wine glasses.
"Well," said Rose with a little laugh, "We've been meaning to tell everyone this for some time now."
"Right," nodded Scorpius, "Rose and I are engaged."
The room remained silent, with all eyes on the two. But like a ripple expanding in water the room filled with excited voices congratulating them. Arthur and Molly jumped up and hugged the pair happily, their faces beaming.
As the congratulations continued Hermione brought out the dessert of chocolate mud cake, caramel tart, fruit flan and strawberry, chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
"Wow," said Scorpius to Rose as they sat down, "I really wasn't expecting that."
Rose smiled happily and leaned over to kiss him tenderly on the lips, "Well you're family now."
Two Months Ago…
Hermione closed a file on the desk and stood up. She walked over to her office door and glanced along the corridor's checking for anyone who would possibly walk in on her. She shut the door and walked back over to her desk and opened the draw. She lifted the phial and looked at the bubbling substance.
"Poly-juice potion," she murmured to her self.
She sat it on her desk and reached under her desk sliding out a bag. Inside was a small pouch full with strands of Astoria Malfoy's hair. Hermione opened the clear bag and pulled out two long, pale strands. She dropped them into the poly-juice potion and watched the concoction bubble before settling.
She took a deep breath, shifting a little in her seat before taking a long gulp. The taste burned her throat and made her cough somewhat.
She gripped onto the desk tightly as the transformation took place. Her waist dropped two sizes and her fingers became somewhat smaller. Her hair lost it's wild-curliness as it smoothed and lengthened past her shoulder's. Looking up into the small mirror on her wall, she stared into the shocked face of Astoria Malfoy.
Hastily, Hermione stood and changed into a snug fitting, pale green robe set. She slipped on a pair of dragon hide heels she'd borrowed from Payton, having sworn her to secrecy. She slipped from her office unnoticed and walked through the corridor as if she owned the place.
In her mind she played over her plan again and again. She needed a confession, a verbal one. One that she could extract from her memory to be used in a pensive. It had to work; she wanted her daughter to have the happiness that she deserved more then anything else.
In the elevator people ignored her, something she wasn't use to. Harry stepped in and eyed her silently, but said nothing. Hermione almost blurted out a cheery hello before remembering Harry and Astoria did not get along. Hermione knew Ginny had a strong opinion on Astoria, not a nice one. The elevator came to a stop and Hermione slipped past Harry without a word. She walked slowly down the corridor looking around for Draco's office. He worked in selling shares around the world and had managed, naturally, to make him self a far few million galleons in the process.
"Astoria?"
Hermione whirled around and gave a smile to Draco as he walked over to her looking stunned to see her.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to see my husband," shrugged Hermione in a slow tone, "Is that wrong of me?"
"Well you never normally come to see me any other time, so it is a surprise."
"I'm lonely, Draco."
Draco gave a sigh and hugged her warmly, "I already said one was enough. Look at the trouble we're in."
"I know," sighed Hermione resisting to breathe in his scent.
Draco stiffened and pulled back, eyeing her curiously, "I was expecting you to bite back at that."
Hermione looked at him and then away, "What would be the point? It will never happen Draco. We have a son who already hates us."
"That will change."
"How?"
"I… I'm going to talk to my father. Get him to see things right. He's getting old… and I won't live forever."
Hermione resisted frowning in confusion, "Do… do you think it will help?"
Draco sighed, rubbing his hands up and down her arms, "We can only hope it will Astoria. As much as we dislike the girl he has chosen I want him to be happy."
"As do I," whispered Hermione meaning what she said as her eyes dropped down to the ground, "Will you… will you, you know?"
"What?" frowned Draco.
"When you speak to your father and let's say that he agrees, will you-"
"Turn ourselves in?"
Hermione felt her heart beat accelerate at being so close to the truth. She needed him to say it, that him and Lucius were behind the murder of Henry Wilson. She kept her composure and nodded firmly.
"We'll have too if we are to save Scorpius. I don't want him to be charged with it… he didn't do it," sighed Draco releasing Astoria and stepping back.
Hermione watched him, her mouth partly open in anticipation. He was so close… so very close to saying it.
"I really should get back to work," said Draco suddenly.
"Admit it," snapped Hermione in annoyance, no anger.
"What?" hissed back Draco.
Hermione gave an irritable sigh and stepped towards Draco, "Admit what happened. Admit it to me."
"Astoria, you know the truth."
"But have you actually said that to me in actual words?"
Draco remained silent, answering Hermione's question. He focused somewhere behind Hermione's shoulder before looking back at her, "You aren't yourself today. Besides, I thought you were spending the day with your mother in France."
Hermione gave an uncaring shrug of the shoulder, "Tell me."
"Not here," snapped Draco grabbing Hermione by the hand and dragging her down a long corridor. He turned left into another and then Hermione felt it.
The rippling starting in her stomach and spreading through her body. Panic flooded through her as she yanked her hand from Draco's and turned away as he spun to look at her, "I need to go. Tell me tonight."
She started hurrying away but Draco caught up to her in a heartbeat, grabbing her by the arm. Hermione tried to pull away, feeling her facial features transforming back to normal. He spun her around, then stumbled back in shock as Hermione glared back at him and not his wife.
"Hermione?" he whispered hoarsely
Hermione gave a nod and smoothed the robe down, "I suppose this means I am busted. However, I know you know the real truth, Malfoy."
Draco stood up right and stepped forward, "Unless you manage to forget or disappear."
"You wouldn't dare hurt me," replied Hermione praying her sudden plan would go off without any mess ups.
"What makes you say that?"
"You promised me."
Suddenly Draco's face transformed from a menacing glare to something softer. Hermione gave a knowing nod doing her best to keep her strong, unfearful look on her face.
"I remember you telling me, that night just before Dumbledore died. You said I would be the last person you would ever hurt… then you added there was no way anyone, not even Voldemort could make you hurt me."
"Shut up, Hermione," whispered Draco.
"But you have hurt me. You have hurt me by hurting my daughter and the person she loves – your son!"
Suddenly Draco grabbed Hermione by the arms and slammed her against the wall, glaring down at her. Hermione looked up at him, fear evident in her eyes. He breathed heavily looking down at her, anger, pain and regret in his eyes.
"I-I know!" he yelled, "I know I have hurt you, your daughter and my son! I never, in a million years, wanted any of this to happen! I was protecting him!"
"From what?" whispered Hermione.
"Being hurt… a hurt that never goes away when the woman you love madly leaves you."
He released Hermione and stepped back. Hermione stood up right, clearly shaken. Her lips trembled with fear as she looked at Draco who couldn't look back at her.
"You made your choice long ago," whispered Hermione, "I had to make mine and at the time and even now I can see I made the right one."
She walked away, swallowing an awkward lump in her throat. As she rounded the corner Hermione flinched as she heard his fist slam into the wall followed by angry cursing.
"Hermione!"
Hermione ran down the corridor away from his call and slid into the elevator as he caught up to her. The door shut, blocking his angry and frustrated face from her and the curious observers now watching her keep her face blank of emotion.
"Rose would you quit staring at it?" laughed James as the server brought the Potter and Weasley's their lunch.
Rose smiled and lowered her hand with a content sigh, "I can't help it. I'm happy."
"Despite everything else?" asked Lily with a smile.
Rose nodded, "He'll be cleared. What's to worry about?"
James ducked his head as Albus looked at his silver fork. Hugo said nothing while Lily examined her nails, tutting at a chip in her nail polish. She pulled her wand out and fixed it with a clever little flick before putting it away and meeting Rose's probing gaze.
"Don't look at me that way," said Lily in annoyance before nudging James.
"No!" he protested but winced as Rose's foot connected with his shin under the table, "If he is cleared Dad thinks he might still be charged!"
"What for?" cried Rose.
"Some made up charge, like wasting the Ministry's time."
Rose leaned back on her seat and shook her head in anger, "How can they? I mean, Scorpius didn't do anything wrong. They are making it impossible for him to even attempt to help clear his name!"
"Calm down will you?" said Albus with a slight shake of his head in annoyance, "I heard Dad telling Mum that they should have access to the Malfoy Manor by the weekend… the Malfoy's won't even know the Auror's are coming."
"How won't they?"
"No one expects a visit from authorities on a Sunday, do they?" smirked Albus.
A/N: I truly am sorry for how long it has taken… not only has work kept me busy but I have become addicted to Edward Cullen and Bella Swan! My friend went on and on about Twilight, so I brought it and read it non—stop and now I am onto New Moon! Review!
Until next time!
Love yas!
Love Coz!