CHAPTER 14

The street on which Astoria stood was quiet. With very little movement between the elaborate homes that impressively demanded the attention of any person that walked down this particular street. It was surprisingly a muggle town. The house that she was looking for sat further down the street. The crisp early morning air brushed past Astoria as her footsteps echoed purposefully through the deserted street.

Feeling the strong allure of magic she stopped in front of an ornate gate with the number twenty-two printed on the impressive wrought iron gate. This was definitely it. None of this clueless muggles would be able to see the extensive protective barrier that was cast over the impressive home. She tethered on her excitement for a moment. It had been a bit of a challenge getting the whereabouts of her son and Draco. After visiting the ministry a number of times with them refusing to help her, she tired a different approach. A few select curses and not to mention a memory charm or two later and she was in luck. While she wasn't given the exact location of his home, she had managed to procure a general location of where they could be. This narrowed the search and so she slowly began scouring through the neighbourhoods. She had first tried all the magical towns within the area but came up with nothing. And here she stood, in this ridiculous muggle neighbourhood, being drawn towards the magical boundaries that protected the home. It would have been easier to try and sense if her son was inside but to do that it required an exceptionally strong bond between mother and child. Something she hadn't thought to develop with her own child. Maybe now she could have her chance.

This was after all what all this was about; getting her family back. She was after all destined to be the next Malfoy matriarch. But before that could happen she would need to sort this mess that she and Draco had created. Moving out them out of this ridiculous muggle town was the first step…well the first step after getting rid of the mudlbood that is.

She walked towards the gate and was hit with the familiar feel of Draco's magic. Only it wasn't just his that she was sensing. There was someone else helping to protect the occupants of the home. She smirked at this as she pulled her wand and a piece of parchment out and started reciting various incantations. Naturally Draco would have made sure his home was well protected, but she was prepared for this. Lucius had given a list of various spells that were likely being used and as she recited the various counter spells, she could feel the wards weakening. With each counter spell, she took a step closer to the iron gates until eventually she stood facing the intimidating gate. Unable to hold back her gleeful smile anymore she looked up and down the street once again ensuring she was alone, held her wand to the wrought iron gate before forcefully saying "Reducto!"

The gate was blasted back with a deafening BANG which she was sure would certainly wake a few of the sleeping muggles. She was rather expecting Draco to come barrelling through the door ready to hex her, but he didn't. Astoria was slightly nervous as the house stood unresponsive to her invasion. Stepping over the threshold tentatively, she felt the weakened wards as she walked up the small pathway towards the door. Standing at the bottom of the steps leading to the front door she saw the curtains moved slightly and ends of what could only be elf ears moving away from the window. Her confidence rose as she realised this was probably the moment that was going to change everything. Not wanting to waste another second she ascended the stairs towards the intimidating door, wand at the ready for another reducto. Only before she could get the spell out, the intricate vines on the door moved leaving the distinct lettering of a warning in its place, "You are not welcome here. LEAVE". Scowling at the message she raised her wand again calling out another reducto spell.

The spell hit the door making it seem like it was going to have the desired effect. But rather than the door shattering to a million pieces, the door shook for a moment before an unsettling sensation ran through her. As if it were a warning, a red glow was emitted off the door and before Astoria could gather the good sense to back away, she was sent flying through the air. She landed in a heap on the still deserted street, her expensive robes is a tangled mess around her. She winced as a slight pain shot through the arm she had used to break her fall. Rage filled her as the house looked mockingly down at her. She lifted herself up, straightening her robes as she did so, and walked back to the house with a chilling determination. Back up the paved pathway, past the broken gate that lay in pieces on the small lawn, she marched until she stood at the bottom of the steps again ready for a fight. Only to find that she couldn't move past the steps, the wards seemed to have temporarily restored itself…or rather a certain something had managed to restore them. She did notice a folded piece of parchment at her feet. The small parchment she held between her delicate fingers contained one small message, "You have been warned. LEAVE", and then proceeded to burst into flames. She let out a yell in surprise as the fire licked at her fingers and the parchment fell to the ground in ashes.

Clearly walking through the front door was not going to work, gathering the remaining pieces of her dignity, she turned and walked back down the pathway. Looking at the house once more she managed a slight smirk. She had found them, and for now that was progress enough. She walked back down the silent street, as the sun began to rise behind her. Astoria turned on the spot, apparating away from the muggle neighbourhood to another house. This one situated in a more dreary and isolated location that the previous.

The snow fell like soft droplets and all Scorpius Malfoy wanted to do was build a snowman. It had been what his aunt Luna had told him was the most exciting thing to do in the snow. Knowing that he was still slightly sick, the littlest Malfoy wondered how he would manage to convince not only his father but Hermione too, to let him out to play in the magnificent snow.

He pulled his shoes on and walked across the foreign bedroom and out the door, following the distant voices of his family. The manor being as big exciting as his grandma Cissa's manor was also foreign and it wasn't long before Scorpius found himself lost in one of the manor corridors. His father's familiar voice faded into the strange hallways as Scorpius' childish curiosity took him in the opposite direction.

The ornate doors leading into another foreign room were slightly ajar. Scorpius squeezed himself through the door, and walked into the room. He stood taking in the vast room before him. There was another big fireplace with a fire dancing about in it. Many shelves all across the room, filled with books of sizes and near the window was the biggest desk he had seen. He walked towards middle of the room, where comfortable couches had been placed, not to far off from the fireplace.

He attempted to hoist himself up on one of the couches, but he was to small and the couch too big. So busy in trying to climb up the couch he didn't notice the figure that appeared behind him.

"Want some help my dear boy?" Adrian asked politely, getting Scorpius' attention.

"No, thank you," he said politely. Adrian laughed as he watched Scorpius had finally managed to get himself off the ground, but was now stuck holding onto the seat with his feet dangling in the air.

With gentleness that most would not have attributed to the older gentleman, Adrian carefully helped the boy onto the couch, with out the little Malfoy knowing so. Looking utterly pleased with himself at managing such a feat, Scorpius got comfortable. Adrian took a seat beside the boy and the two sat in silence for a moment, before Scorpius pointed to something on the small table next to the couch.

"Uncle Blaise!" he said excitedly pointing at the picture. Adrian looked down at the picture with a sad smile. It was his favourite and every time he looked at it, it had saddened him to know what he had lost. The picture itself was of just him and Blaise, at the manor they had shared as a family back in England.

"Mr. Adrian," Scorpius said looking at the man next to him with confusion, "How do you have a picture with my uncle Blaise?"

"Well, you see my dear boy," Adrian began, "Your uncle Blaise and I have known each other for a very long time."

"How long?" Scorpius asked curiously.

"A very long time," he answered. Seeing the wheels turning in the little boys head he added before Scorpius could ask another question, "We were once family you know."

"Aren't you anymore?" he asked.

Adrian considered this for a moment before he gave Scorpius his answer, "We are still a family…of sorts."

Scorpius scrunched his face in confusion as Adrian was left thinking of an easier way of explaining the complexity of the situation.

"You see Scorpius," Adrian said looking down at him, "I married your uncle's mother a long time ago, and that made us a family. But… but then …grown ups make stupid mistakes a lot and so I wasn't married to her anymore. And …well we stopped being a family." He said hoping he explained it well enough for Scorpius to understand.

"But don't you love uncle Blaise anymore?" Scorpius asked still confused.

"I do."

"Then you're still uncle Blaise's family …right?" Scorpius asked innocently, "Grandma Cissa says that it's always our love that makes us family and not always our blood."

Adrian sat shocked for a moment, as he reeled in the wisdom of the four year old in front of him. He was in further disbelief as Scorpius revealed that his source of such insight was none other than the Malfoy matriarch. Times have indeed changed he mused.

"My dear boy, I do believe that your Grandma Cissa is right. Loving someone is what matters the most when it comes to family. And I guess that would still make your uncle Blaise and I family." He added hoping to appease Scorpius.

Happy with this answer Adrian decided to take the opportunity to find out a few things, "What about your family Scorpius?" he asked.

"My family?" Scorpius asked, "what about my family?"

"Well my family is just your uncle Blaise, but I imagine your family is a lot bigger than mine." He said with a small smile.

"Well," Scorpius said considering it for a moment, "I have my grandma Cissa, uncle Blaise and my dad…oh and Hermione too."

Adrian couldn't help the smirk that grew on his face at this. "Oh Hermione too?" Adrian repeated, at which Scorpius feverishly nodded, "Why Hermione too?'

"Because…she makes me feel better when I get sick and she's funny and she always smells nice….and she gives me goodnight kisses. Oh and she makes my daddy smile and…well… I don't have a mummy, but Hermione's a lot like a mummy, so she's my family too. " he said innocently.

And in that moment Adrian could say nothing more, as even he wished for Scorpius to have the one thing he really desired, a mother's unconditional love.

It wasn't long before Astoria once again stood in the cold and unwelcoming room facing the deathly pale Lucius Malfoy. Astoria grew nervous as she had to explain to the older Malfoy what she experienced this morning. Despite making good progress in acquiring the location of Draco and her son, she actually hadn't managed to secure what they needed and would not doubt anger Lucius. He was brought into the cold room and sat down in the hard and uncomfortable looking chair.

He hadn't looked any better than the last time she saw him. In fact he looked deathly pale and more frail. This however did not deter from the menacing look he gave her as she sat down in the seat next to him.

She had explained to Lucius, how she had managed to find out where Draco and her son had been staying. But breaking through the wards seemed tougher than what she'd expected. Then came the moment when she had to explain that she had sought the help of a Weasley. Naturally Lucius thought it extremely foolish of her to turn to a Weasley, an auror Weasley no less to help. It was only when he heard the footsteps of the auror on guard approaching them that he ceased his rebuking and Astoria was able to explain herself.

"He's still in love with the mudblood bookworm," she explained softly, "he's willing to do just about anything to get her back. It didn't take much convincing really…."

"Have you ever thought that because he's playing you…waiting to see what it is you have planned," Lucius snapped at her, "This cannot go wrong, we've already wasted too much of it trying to find them if we-"

"Nothing is going to go wrong," Astoria said confidently, " the Weasel isn't going to turn on us…he's got everything to lose if this doesn't work out the way it should."

"You're absolutely sure of this?"

"Of course," she answered.

"You need to find them soon. The blood moon happens in a matter of months, so you can't afford any delays" Lucius said shifting in his chair, "You have instructions on what to do, so don't mess it up."

Lucius was quiet for a moment as he visualised the coming together of his plan. Finding out about the blood moon had been to his greatest advantage. The blood moon formed the tetrad, and that was ultimately the most important part of his plan. Well that and his grandson off course. The series of the four total lunar eclipses that were set to occur in the coming months would mean that all magic would be at a highly delicate level.

Seven years, he sat behind the confines of this wretched prison waiting for his moment to make it all right again. Seven years he waited for this opportunity, and now that it was within his grasp, there was no stopping him. Naturally sacrifices would have to be made, but it was all in the name of setting things to the way it should be. If his son's ex-wife did her part properly, there would be no reason why it wouldn't work. Off course involving the filthy blood traitorous Weasley was a risky business, but he trusted she could handle it.

Astoria's curiosity peaked as she heard him mention the blood moon, only for a second time. Perhaps this time Lucius would feel inclined to share why it was so important.

Adjusting her robes she asked quietly, "Why is the blood moon so important to your plans Lucius?"

Lucius eyed the witch sitting in front of him. She clearly wasn't as stupid as people believed, but that didn't mean he would trust her completely with this. He couldn't risk her developing a conscience that might hinder him later, so he decided not to tell her everything. It was better this way. She would believe that all this was some elaborate scheme to make Draco come to his senses and that would effectively put their family back to the way it should be.

"It would just help with everything if we used it to our advantage." he easily lied, "but that's not for you to worry about. You are to stick to what I have assigned you. Involving the blood traitor Weasley will definitely complicate things further down the line. Make sure you can handle it, there can be no mistakes now" he said sternly.

Astoria nodded as the alarm on the clock went off, indicating their time was up. She grabbed her heavy cloak and was leaving the room when Lucius' voice stopped her, "By the end of the week," he ordered, "I want there location secured by the end of the week," Not saying anything more she walked out and past the auror guard, who was thankfully not Longbottom.

Once outside she apparated home, laying her cloak over one of the armchairs and pulling out her wand, pointing it towards the fireplace. With the fire warming up the coldly silent flat, she sat in the armchair facing the fire, twirling her wand in her hands. The conversation with Weasley came to mind, and Astoria had to wonder for a moment if she had made a mistake in bringing him into all of this. Then she reminded herself, that she really had no choice, if she was going to get what she wanted, then some risks would have to be taken. She wasn't lying when she told Lucius that the Weasley would lose everything if he turned against them. Regardless of the fact that she was perhaps not the brightest witch at times, she was in no means stupid. She was after all, a Slytherin, and that always worked to her advantage. She would to have another talk with Weasley soon. These were important times ahead and it was imperative that very went as planned.

Now to find a way past the wards…

Hermione fussed with the buttons on the thick snow coat she managed to coax Scorpius into. Having placed a heating charm on the coat as an extra measure, she managed to get all the buttons done just as Scorpius tried to make a break for it. He dashed towards the door not before Hermione managed to grab him around the waist lifting him into the air. He giggled and wriggled as she walked back over to the couch.

"Hang on Scorp," Hermione laughed as the blonde's excitement got the better of him, "You're going to need this," she said as she pulled a beanie over his head.

Tucking the blonde strands of hair that had fallen into his eyes, she suppressed a laugh as he wriggled against her hold, eager to make it to the snow sooner.

The snow that fell around Adrian's manor gave the entire estate a fairytale look. When Hermione had woken that morning, pulling back the rich curtains, she was greeted to the sight of the beautiful snow falling lightly around the manor. Somehow, the snow falling around her in St. Petersburg felt different to her than when it usually snowed back home.

When Scorpius had asked her earlier, Hermione knew she couldn't say no. Besides, she had a feeling if she did say no, he would just sneak out into the blistering cold anyway. That was the result of being raised by two Slytherins. It didn't help that Draco left this entirely up to her. Looking far to amused as his son begged and pleaded against her leg that morning. How on earth was she suppose to say no to that?

While Scorpius was given the clear from her this morning, she didn't want to take any chances and so she had ensured he was sufficiently bundled up with a few warming charms in place.

Once Hermione has happy that he would be warm enough, she gave him the go ahead, and he was off sprinting down the hall nearly knocking into poor Cersei. Hermione laughed grabbing her cloak and followed him down the hall into the foyer where his father was waiting for him. Draco who had been in deep conversation with Blaise, looked away quite amused just as Scorpius came barrelling towards him.

Draco hadn't been able to speak to Hermione about what had happened in Scorp's room the previous night. While she hadn't been outright ignoring what had happened, it was clear this was just as confusing for her as it was for him. Draco kneeled to his son's height level as Scorpius attempted to pull his father out the door, eager to not waste anymore time.

"C'mon dad! C'mon!" Scorpius said tugging at his fathers sleeve, "The snow's going to melt! C'mon!"

All three adults laughed at this before Draco responded, "Don't worry Scorp, the snow isn't going anywhere."

"C'mon dad!" Scorpius cried ignoring what his father had just said. Draco laughed and pulled his own beanie over his blonde hair before the two Slytherins walked out towards Adrian's expansive estate. Hermione pulled her cloak closer to her as she stepped out into the wintery yard. She hardly had time to check if Scorpius' beanie was still on, as he was tearing to the middle of the vast lawn. Adrian's back garden was as impressive as the rest of the house. It went on far enough to the point that all Hermione could really see was the distant form of the boundaries in the horizon. While not so long ago, the air was cold and quiet, it was now filled with the delightful sounds of a little boy being chased in the snow by his father and godfather as he trudged his way through the snow.

The snow had stopped falling around them and as Blaise and Scorpius ganged up on Draco in a snowball fight, Hermione took that moment to take in her surroundings. Adrian's garden was left her breathless as the snow fell blanketing everything in a deliciously soft white. The garden table and chairs that sat closet to the house over looking majority of the estate was frost bitten and the path leading further down was hidden underneath the snow with three different sets of footprints disturbing the snow.

She looked at Draco as he helped his son make the perfect snowball before taking aim at Blaise. Hermione knew at some point she and Draco would have to talk about what was going with them, but for now she could enjoy being here in this moment. And so without thinking it much further she bent down, her hands grabbing fistfuls of the malleable snow, forming the biggest snowball her hands would allow before aiming at the tall blonde.

SPLAT! Draco looked over at her in shock as the snow dripped down the side of his face. He looked amused for a moment before he sent Hermione a devilish look that had the hairs on her back standing up. He pulled his son closer to him whispering something into his ear before Scorpius smiled with an equally devilish smile and wandered over to his godfather. The two then set out in building a snowman. Draco smirked as he walked over to Hermione, wrapping his gloved hands around her wrist.

Pulling her to him, he wrapped his other hand around her waist, his cold breaths leaving him in an unsteady pace. As he looked at her, forcing her to make eye contact with him, the snow started falling around them again, the small snowflakes sticking to Hermione's hair.

He pushed her unruly hair away from her face and inched his lips closer. It was as his lips hovered mere inches away from hers that she felt something cold hit the back of her head. She gasped in shock as the ice melted down her neck. Hermione looked over her shoulder to see Scorpius standing not so far away looking perfectly innocent next to his half built snowman. She could feel Draco smiling beside her, but before she had the chance to do anything, another snowball was being thrown at them. Only this time it hit Draco in the back with such force that he was pushed forward into the snow, taking Hermione with him.

The ice cold snow seeped through Hermione's many layers of clothing, but as she realised that she had Draco closely pressing her into the snow, she suddenly wasn't feeling all that cold. A slight blush rose to her cheeks, whether from the cold or the look Draco was giving her, Hermione was unsure. He leaned in and gently pressed his lips to hers but pulled away all too quickly as Scorpius ran over to them.

"Daddy! You're squishing Hermione!" he cried in shock as he made an attempt to move his father of her.

"Don't worry bud," Blaise said as he walked over smirking, "I don't think Hermione minds much."

Hermione didn't say anything as her blush grew, instead choosing to hide her face in the crook of Draco's neck. Draco laughed before pulling himself off her. The moment he moved his body away, Hermione suddenly realised just how cold it was. He offered her his hand as he gently pulled Hermione to her feet. She shivered as her body adjusted to the cold wind that brushed against her icy clothes. Hermione pulled her frozen cloak tighter around her but it did nothing to dissipate the cold that was running through her veins. As she moved her wet hair away from her face, she felt a weight being placed on her shoulders, only to realise Draco had taken off his cloak and placed it around her.

'Draco," she said her teeth ever so slightly chattering, "Its deathly cold, you should keep it. I'll be fine." But even as she said that she pulled the cloak closer to her, the warmth masked with his musky scent warming her to the core. It then occurred to her that Draco might have used a warming charm on the cloak, much like the ones she used for Scorpius.

"C'mon Scorp lets finish this snowman," she said taking his mitten covered hand in hers. They walked over to the half constructed snowman.

"Hermione you-" Draco began but was cut off by Hermione.

"Hush Draco, I'm helping your son build a snowman. Now either you help or if you're too chicken to stick out the cold, Scorpius and I will meet you inside when we're done." She said with a very Slytherin smile on her face as she handed Draco back his coat.

Scorpius looked rather pleased that Hermione was taking his side and grinned widely before promptly sticking his tongue out at his father. Draco playfully glared them both at being called a chicken before he walked over and helped Hermione finish his son's snowman.

They had managed to make a pretty decent snowman and Hermione had taken of her scarf securing it around the snowman's neck before stepping back and admiring it. Scorpius looked beyond overjoyed at his snowman. Draco noticed Hermione still shivering slightly as her still damp clothes clung to her body. He wrapped his arm around her waist drawing her close to him, while Blaise managed to catch an exuberant Scorpius in his arms. They two started walking back to the manor, with Scorpius begging his godfather to let him down.

"Uncle Blaise," Scorpius whined, "pleeeaaaase….just a few more minutes," Blaise laughed at the pouty sulky face his godson was using on him.

"No mate," Blaise sighed. Seeing the dejected look on his godson's face he said, "And we better get Hermione inside before she freezes to death don't you think?"

Scorpius looked over his shoulder to see his father and Hermione walking together not to far behind them.

"That's okay, daddy can keep her warm," he said innocently causing his uncle Blaise to burst into laughter. He threw a glance over his shoulder to catch the glare Draco threw at him.

"Don't go corrupting my son Zabini," Draco called out to the laughing Italian.

"I've done nothing mate," Blaise cried his innocence, "It's not my fault your son is far to smart for his own good… I swear Draco, I think he might really end up in Ravenclaw," Blaise joked as Draco grimaced ever so slightly.

Hermione however noticed this and chuckled before joining in, "Well I suppose that is better than Hufflepuff…Imagine what people would say if the son of Slytherins very own prince ended up in Hufflepuff." She laughed harder with Blaise, as she saw Draco's scowl growing ever so slightly.

"I don't want to be in Hufflepuff," Scorpius said coming to his father's rescue. Naturally his father and godfather had mentioned the Hogwarts houses to him many times in the stories they told him about their days at the castle.

"Oh, and what house would you like to be in Scorp?" Hermione asked curious to hear what he had to say.

"Slytherin," he said simply, Hermione laughed as she shook her head believing that he might have chosen differently, while Draco grinned broadly at his son's answer.

"But," he continued and Draco's smile faulted for a moment, "I wouldn't mind being in Gryffindor," he said looking like he was deeply contemplating it for a moment, "Daddy said the bravest person he knew was in Gryffindor."

"And who was that?" Hermione asked her laughter fading away as she anticipated his answer, "Harry Potter?" she offered.

"No," the blonde turned looking at her as he answered, "You."

Hermione looked at Draco utterly stunned but the man beside her refused to look at her choosing instead to look at their feet trudging through the snow.

Blaise looked down as he carried his godson into the warm sanctuary of the manor, yes... to smart for his own good indeed.

While the plans had been to leave earlier that morning, Hermione thought it best to wait at least one more day, much to the delight of Adrian and Scorpius. After lunch the group managed to gather their things in a quickly fashion to apparate back to London. Now that they had some inclination of what was wrong with Scorpius, they could work on figuring out what to do next.

Adrian had insisted they stay longer but both Blaise and Draco politely declined all through lunch and the minutes leading up to their departure.

"I really do hope you can save your boy, Draco," Adrian said shaking hands with Draco, "He's definitely worth saving." He added looking to where the smallest Malfoy stood holding Hermione's hand.

"Thank you Adrian," Draco said sincerely, "I know helping me must not have been easy for you and for that I truly am in your debt."

"Oh nonsense," Adrian said waving the idea away, "Blaise is family and he needed help, anything for family right?" he said looking at Scorpius as Blaise stepped forward. "Besides it has been an absolute pleasure meeting your son Draco."

"Take care of yourself Adrian," Blaise said earnestly, "We'll be in touch."

"You too Blaise," Adrian said clapping him on the shoulder, "Remember what I've said," he said giving Blaise a knowing look, "I look forward to hearing all about it soon yes?"

Blaise gulped and numbly nodded as Adrian approached Hermione. Giving her a hug, and kissing her on each cheek causing a slight blush he said, "I wish you all the best in your research my dear. From what I hear, if anyone can solve this, its you. It's been a pleasure having you here, though I wish the circumstances were different." Hermione smiled at this, Adrian gently took her hands in his and pulled her closer as he whispered something in her ear. Her eyes grew in slight shock and confusion but didn't she didn't say anything instead choosing to step back and watch Adrian say his goodbyes to Scorpius.

"Goodbye Mr. Adrian," Scorpius said politely.

"Goodbye Scorpius," Adrian said with a smile, "I know you're going to be a strong and brave boy, but if you need anything, you just let me know okay?"

Scorpius nodded as Adrian pulled something from his pocket and placed it around Scorpius' neck. It was a silver chain with a beautiful griffin hanging off it. Once Adrian had moved his hand away, the griffin roared, spreading its wings before settling back against Scorpius' chest.

Scorpius gasped picking the griffin up, "wow! It…it looks like a lion," he said examining the small griffin in his hands.

Adrian laughed, "Yes, in a manner of speaking, but this lion is a little special. You see this will protect whenever you need it the most, and it will give you the courage when you think you've lost it all." he said sincerely.

Blaise immediately saw the connection as he remarked, "A lot like another lion we know," he said smiling at Hermione. She furrowed her brows in confusion looking down at the small part lion in Scorpius' hand. They couldn't possibly be referring to her …right?

Draco, seeing the connection as well walked over to where his son stood with Hermione and kneeling down to Scorpius' level, he picked up the griffin looking at it with a smile.

"Thank you Adrian," Draco said and then looked at his son, "You should thank Adrian for his gift Scorpius."

To which Scorpius grinned and threw his arms around the elderly gentleman, giving him the biggest hug he could manage. Adrian laughed as he hugged the younger boy back.

""Now you father has his lion and you have yours," Adrian said with a playful smile aimed at Hermione.

Oh damn, they were referring to her. As she thought it over she realised what Adrian and Blaise had been trying to say. She was their lion, their protector and giver of courage. She didn't even realise how that had happened. How she had become such a vital person in their lives, but it warmed her heart to know just how much they needed her. Her deceiving blush crept up again, as she ignored the smirking Adrian and the gleeful Blaise. Choosing instead to focus on Scorpius she knelt beside him as he excitedly showed her his new present.

As they said their final goodbyes to Adrian, Cersei arrived with a chipped tea cup on a silver tray. The portkey had been arranged by Adrian himself, and would take the group directly back to the Malfoy's home. They gathered around the silver tray, with Scorpius in his father's arms. As the cup glowed, they felt the familiar tug at the naval as they were transported back home with no idea of the danger that lay before them.

"You want me to do what?" Ron asked the woman sitting in front of him disbelievingly.

"You heard me Weasley," Astoria said with little enthusiasm, "If you can't handle it, tell me before I waste my time with you."

Ron glared at her but didn't say anything. Astoria and Ron had been seated at the table for a while now. She hadn't wasted time in explaining just what it was she wanted from him. After previously listening to her "amazing" redemption plan, Ron hadn't been too comfortable with what she had planned. But after much consideration he realized that perhaps she was right. This might be the only way to get Hermione back and he wasn't about to let that go.

"I can handle it," Ron said assuring her, "It just seems a little harsh…don't you think?"

"A little harsh?" Astoria cried, "Have you not been listening Weasley! This is my one chance to make Draco pay for what he has done…and to get my family back! And what does it matter to you? You'll be getting that beloved bookworm of yours back."

He fought a silent war within himself as he let it sink in just what Astoria had asked him to do. A part of him, the self righteous auror within wanted to arrest her and take her in. Yet the selfish side of him, the side that wanted Hermione back won and he so he did nothing as he nodded at her and poured more firewhiskey into the glass in front of him.

Well then let's get started," Astoria continued, "Getting into Draco's home is impossible. He's put wards all over the place. Besides I don't think you'll make it out even if you managed to get in. So you'll have to grab him when they're not so protected. Quickly and discreetly is of the utmost importance. Do you understand Weasley?"

Ron nodded and tried not to look too worried over this task but apparently Astoria was not buying his façade.

"If Draco finds out my involvement in any of this, then it will have all been for nothing." Astoria warned him. "This cannot, in anyway lead back to me…You will be most sorry if it does," she threatened in a deadly whisper.

"It won't…" he said more confidently this time, "Just….what exactly are you planning to do once you have your son?"

She thought about her answer carefully. Astoria was sure he wouldn't like the idea that this was the in the grand scheme of things, Lucius Malfoy's plan. She was sure that he wouldn't be too happy knowing that he was now technically working for a Malfoy. While the idea of bring bringing down his school enemy and getting his girl back in the process seemed like a pretty good idea, it would seem less amazing if he came to know the real mastermind behind this amazing 'redemption plan'. Instead she chose to say something a little more vague.

"That's not really important to you right now," she said trying not to sound too suspicious, "What important is you find a way to me what I want."

He studied her dubiously for a moment, his years of auror training kicking in, "What exactly are you hiding? I think if I'm going to be doing all the work here I have the right to know exactly what it is you're planning."

Astoria merely scoffed at this, "What's it to you anyway Weasley? You'll be getting your beloved bookworm back soon enough. Surely that's all you really need to know" she said with a devious smile.

"And again I ask, isn't there someone more experienced to help you with this?" he asked curiously. It was an odd fact that she had come to him for help in getting her family back. There were countless family lawyers and ministry officials that could easily help her get what she wanted…but here she was in his kitchen.

"You're an auror aren't you?" she asked raising an eyebrow mockingly, "You're suppose to be an excellent auror…doubting your abilities Weasley?"

"No" he said scowling, "I just don't understand why you would come to me with this. Aren't you worried that I might turn you in for this? As you said I am an auror…and this doesn't sound all that legal."

Astoria squirmed for a moment as Lucius' words played back her head about the weasel playing her. She pushed those doubts back for a moment as her annoyance grew with each new question Weasley asked.

"I have my reasons, and they are of no importance to you." she said harshly, "If this is going to work, I need to be sure that Draco's going to come back to me when all is said and done…not Granger. You're my insurance that things go as planned," she explained and in hoping that he would understand the severity of the situation added, "So don't even think about doing anything… heroic because I can promise you it won't end well for you…or her."

She looked utterly serious as she said this and for a moment Ron had to wonder just what had he gotten himself into.

A/N: Hello again. my most sincere apologies for this extremely late update. I have no excuse other than life got really hectic.

I hope to update sooner but please don't hold me to that. I can promise that i am in no way giving up on this story, the chapters may just take a little longer but hang in there...things are just getting good.

Thank you to everyone who have favourited and followed this story and especially to those who have reviewed. I greatly appreciate it.

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Immortal Dragon Empress