CHAPTER 21

He sat in the less than comfortable chair wearing a fierce scowl. His patience was beginning to wear thin. He didn't have much time and Lucius knew soon enough Draco and his mudblood girlfriend would have figured out what he had done. The time to move had come. Lucius had grown tired of his simple surroundings. His house arrest had come with the exasperating condition that he provided useful information to help the ministry. Of course they would never have given him that consideration if it weren't for the fact that he was dying. With the remaining Death Eaters still at large the Ministry needed all the help they could get. He cooperated as best he could at first, providing names and locations for the Death Eaters that ran after the Dark Lord fell.

But soon he grew tired of playing snitch. Thankfully before the ministry could revoke his house arrest and send him to rot in Azkaban like all the other convicted Death Eaters, Lucius grew mortally ill. The minster felt it best to keep him in the safe house to monitor his condition. Though they had consulted all the healers, discreetly of course, not much could be done. Fate had an odd sense of humour it seemed. Lucius had developed a rare blood disease. They had only managed to prolong his life. Time was against him as he withered away in the sorry excuse of a house. Slowly, excruciatingly slowly the disease took its toll, running through his system destroying him at its own pace.

He suffered and cursed the fates until one day he saw the headlines of one of the sleazy French tabloids. His son had divorced Astoria Greengrass. Lucius couldn't possibly understand why Draco would do something so incredibly stupid. Sure the Greengrass girl might not have been the smartest witch around, but she came from a noble pureblood family, and really that was all that mattered. It had been a total waste of his time really, sending the girl to Paris after Draco. And when she had come back, tail between her legs to Lucius, he was furious. After all he had presented her with the opportunity of becoming the next Mrs. Malfoy and the foolish girl had squandered the chance. Yet despite this draw back in his plan, Astoria managed to do one thing right. She had produced a pureblood heir. And that was all he needed. The succession of the pureblood Malfoy line was guaranteed. Lucius knew it was no good leaving this sort of thing up to Draco. He knew his son was weak and had given up on the ideals Lucius had worked so hard to beat into him. Narcissa hadn't helped the situation much, always pampering and smothering Draco. It had made the boy weak and weakness was no Malfoy trait.

Despite the relationship between himself and his son, Lucius had predicted Draco's moves correctly. It wasn't long after Astoria had left Draco that he set a plan into motion and it wasn't long after that, that Draco had come running back to London straight to his mother and unknowingly into his trap. Yet Draco was smarter than Lucius cared to admit and proved a challenge almost every step of the way. No matter now, the time was near he told himself with great anticipation.

There had been one thing Lucius hadn't planned for. Hermione Granger. Her relationship with his son and grandson not only infuriated him, it made him slightly nervous. Granger would be like a second brain to Draco pointing out things that only she could see. He didn't need that. Draco was curious by nature as it was. With Hermione Granger in the picture Lucius had to up his game slightly. Be more careful about executing his plan. Of course with her involvement in Draco's life, it become increasingly easier to manipulate Astoria further into carrying out his plans without having to dirty his hands. So far it seemed all had been going to plan… except for Granger being attacked. It proved to be an unexpected annoyance but he explained it to Astoria that now they had something very incriminating to hold over Weasley.

Not long now, he told himself. Not long indeed till he set things as they were meant to be. Death was around the corner and he had no intentions of meeting him just yet. No, Lucius Malfoy was going to reign supreme again… and very soon.

Hermione hummed to herself softly as she climbed the stairs slowly. It had taken a while but things seemed to be settling back to normal. Well almost normal. After a lot of hesitancy from the occupants of the house, everyone went back to their lives. Naturally it had taken a good scolding from Hermione with a threat that she would move out if Draco continued to treat her like glass. He had scowled and argued back that she was being ridiculous and needed more time to heal.

"I'm not going to break Draco!" she had told him softly. "Please trust that I am going to be okay. I'm a healer remember?"

He had consented, rather begrudgingly of course. It had been three days since Hermione decided to stay but already it felt like home.

Hermione herself felt much better, her movements hurt less, her hand and head were almost healed. It was just the nightmares that bothered her now. She couldn't hide them from Draco seeing as she woke from them every night in a cold sweat. Hermione would frantically search the room for her attacker but thankfully found only Draco beside her. He would pull her into his arms, dispelling the panic and nausea she felt almost instantly. Whispering promises that ensured her safety, and repeating over and over again that he loved her; sleep would take her much peacefully the second time around.

Hermione walked into Draco's room, well really their room now and saw him standing in front of the mirror fixing his shirt. Though the guest bedroom had been made up for Hermione on her first night, she couldn't find it in her to leave Draco's presence. Not that he wanted her anywhere but at his side. He much preferred their arrangement as it was. The following morning, Pansy had returned with some of Hermione's clothes, and Draco immediately told Ippy to put them in his room. Some of her books had taken up space on his shelf and her work files were in his office. Her clothes had filled the previously empty space of Draco's very large walk-in wardrobe.

Draco smiled as he saw Hermione standing behind him. "You sure you're going to be okay?" he asked hesitantly for what Hermione felt was the hundredth time. "I don't have to go for this stupid meeting."

"Yes of course you do!" she chided. "Right now Blaise needs you by his side. He's worked very hard for this contract. I promise I'll be fine."

"Hermione you're going to be alone since… what if something happens?" he asked worriedly.

Hermione sighed. Draco was right. This was the first time Hermione would be alone since the attack, and that scared her a little. While she didn't want anyone fussing over her, she had grown accustomed to the presence of someone always being near by. Whether it be Draco or Blaise or even Scorpius, they had kept a close eye on her. But if she wanted to regain any semblance of a normal life then she was going to have to start somewhere.

"Draco I promise I'm going to be fine." She said as reassuringly as she could. "Blaise needs you right now. So please, go be a best friend to your best friend and stop worrying about me."

Draco chuckled at this. "That's never going to happen." he said quietly though Hermione heard him and shot him a questioning look. "I'm never not going to worry about you love." He said simply.

She blushed and didn't say anything choosing rather to just enjoy the sentiment. Hermione grabbed the tie that hung off the back of the chair and walked to him. He turned and faced her and she guided the tie around his neck. She couldn't help admire the way the suit fit him perfectly. The dark grey suit held to him, emphasizing his well toned figure and made his platinum blonde hair all that more striking. The tie she was busy fixing over his crisp white shirt was an emerald green silk. As the material swam through her fingers Hermione bit her lip avoiding his eyes as she straightened the tie and smoothed it down running her fingers over his chest appreciatively. Finally she looked up and saw that he was looking at her rather intensely. Draco had taken to looking at Hermione as if she might disappear before his eyes at any moment. Almost as if he were memorising her every time he looked at her. And every time he did, she was left a little breathless.

He leaned down and captured her lips in a sweet kiss savouring what little time he had with her before pulling back. "See you in a bit?" he asked and Hermione simply nodded. Her lips were still tingling from Draco's ministrations. He placed a gentle kiss to her forehead and Hermione could feel his hesitancy to leave her. It was only when she smiled reassuringly at him that Draco grabbed a file off the bed and headed out the room.

Hermione smiled and moved upstairs towards Draco's study. The house was indeed uncharacteristically quiet. Scorpius was with Narcissa and Pansy at the manor. Pansy was hoping to set up another fashion line and needed her help. Narcissa had told Draco that Andromeda was bringing Teddy along after lunch and thought it would be a great idea if Scorpius was there to keep him company. It was a good idea and Draco consented immediately. So with the boy's busy in their meeting all morning and Scorpius at the manor, Hermione found herself with empty hours to fill her day. While she had not been cleared to return to work just yet, Hermione knew there was one case she would not stop working on, Scorpius'. Before he left that morning, Hermione had checked him over to make sure all was fine. Everything was as it was meant to be. And that was what bothered her. Thanks to Adrian's spell they knew dark magic was working on Scorpius. Hermione and Adrian had been able to narrow down their possibilities of curses but it was difficult to assume anything when Scorpius bore no visible side effects recently. They were certain though that the curse was related to Scorpius' core magic, but what it did or why it was cast was another mystery. It was like the curse had just slipped away. But Hermione knew better than to believe the solution would be so obvious.

Considering that it was part blood magic, part core magic related, finding the curse would be rather challenging to find if one didn't know where to look. Sadly despite all his knowledge this particular curse left Adrian a little stumped. Adrian thought it particularly unique that the curse was dormant for so long with no visible trigger. It didn't start on any important day in Scorpius' life or over any incident. It just happened and started developing with no apparent cause. The frightening part was that it seemed to be festering in Scorpius, growing and clinging deeper into the core of his magic. The further back they went into their research, in the old tomes the darker the curses got. Many of which were written in foreign languages and that took time translating… very carefully.

But Hermione was optimistic that they were close. They just needed another much stronger defining feature to narrow their search down. Pulling the notes she had compiled from her check ups with Scorpius as well as the notes she had made with Adrian's guidance, Hermione threw herself in her research. Ippy had brought up lunch for her along with her potions and sternly insisted that she eat it.

She had been reading a rather gruesome story of a man being consumed by a curse that had turned his blood poisonous when the sound of Ippy apparating into the room broke her concentration.

"Miss, Mr. Harry Potter is here to sees you." Ippy informed her.

"Thank you Ippy, Send him up please." Hermione said suddenly feeling nervous. She stood from the chair and stretched feeling her muscles loosen. The elf disappeared and Hermione moved to the couches by the fireplace. Harry was led in not a moment later and Ippy summoned a tray of tea and biscuits before leaving again.

Harry stood at the entrance looking at Hermione unsure what to say. She looked so at home sitting on the couch waiting for him to join her. He had told Draco that he would come by later to see Hermione but he didn't anticipate it would take him three days to build up the nerve to see her again. Harry didn't know how to face Hermione now, what with the new information he had been presented with. He hated to admit it but Malfoy and Zabini had made a good case against Ron and now that he was looking in to, it saddened him to see that their suspicions might have some truth to them. It had taken a good talking to from Ginny and she had all but thrown him through the floo network herself.

"Hi," he said softly testing the waters. He figured Hermione might have been angry at him for disappearing on her.

"Hey," she smiled warmly and motioned for him to join her. She knew Harry needed time, but she couldn't deny that she had missed him and wished it hadn't taken him so long to find his resolve. "It's good to see you Harry," she said a moment later.

"It's good to see you too Mione," he smiled as he sat down on the other end of the couch. "You look much better too," Harry said. "Present choice of clothing excluded though."

Harry had taken the time to look at Hermione properly. The last time he had seen her she hadn't looked all that great. Now it seemed she was doing much better. Her face had regained some its colour back, and she was smiling again. He did scowl slightly when he saw Hermione wearing one of Draco's Slytherin Quidditch jumpers. Hermione would never admit it to Draco, or Harry even but she had taken quiet a fancy to his old Slytherin t-shirts and jumpers. They were the most comfortable thing she had ever worn in her life. Draco seemed to enjoy seeing her in his old uniform almost as much as she enjoyed wearing it.

She laughed and he found himself smiling slightly at her, "Thank you Harry."

"Ginny's sorry she couldn't come to see you today, but the Harpies needed her to fill in after their chaser broke her leg." Harry explained.

Hermione nodded and looked at Harry closely. Something was obviously bothering him. He was never really good at keeping secrets. "What is it Harry?" she asked. When he shook his head trying to dissuade her worries Hermione sighed. "You've never been a very good liar Harry Potter. Come on then, out with it!"

Sighing he looked solemnly at Hermione, "I spoke to Draco about your attack on my last visit." He started and Hermione nodded showing that she already knew that Draco spoke to him about it. "Well Malfoy shared his… um suspicions with me about your attacker."

Hermione drew in a heavy breath. She was well aware of Draco's suspicions though they hadn't spoken much about it since he first mentioned them. She had been slightly angry that he had mentioned them to Harry but all he told her was that if Potter proved that it wasn't Ron then he was willing to accept that he was wrong; just this one time.

"I know it sounds somewhat ridiculous Harry." Hermione said trying to defend Ron. "But Draco does mean well. He's not trying to be cruel or anything!" she explained further hoping Harry would understand Draco's thinking.

In truth, Harry had started to understand Malfoy's way of doing things a little better himself. He hated to admit that Malfoy had done the right thing by not taking Hermione to St. Mungo's and his suspicions on Ron had brought about some startling discoveries.

"I know." Harry said dejectedly, "At first I thought he was just being his regular old arrogant self, but after hearing his argument and doing some investigating of my own, I have to say Mione, Malfoy and Zabini leave little room for me to be wrong."

Hermione sat stunned. "Harry… you're… you're saying that Ron…" she trailed off. She hadn't been expecting Harry to agree with Draco on this. In fact she was counting on Harry to prove him wrong.

"Yeah, it's very possible that Ron attacked you Mione." Harry raised his hand to stop Hermione from objecting, "I know it might sound crazy and I really wish it wasn't true. But faced with the facts I can't ignore that this might be a possibility."

"It might be a possibility… so you don't know for sure yet." Hermione argued.

"No I can't say for sure but it doesn't look good Hermione." Harry said sadly.

Hermione was silent. She could see that it pained Harry to even think that Ron might be responsible for her attack.

"The thing is Mione… I can't find Ron to ask him myself," Harry explained. It was no lie. Ron Weasley was unofficially missing. But to tell that to the department would create a big hoo-ha and probably spook him even further. Harry looked over to Hermione as she had stayed awfully quiet. "Hermione?"

"Where is he Harry?" she questioned. "Please don't lie to me either… not about this."

Harry sighed with a heavy heart, "He's unofficially missing Hermione." He told her. Hermione went silent and that worried Harry very much.

"Why Harry?" she asked deadpanned after a moment.

"I don't know." he answered truthfully. "But I am going to figure this out. I promise. And if it's not Ron, then we'll keep digging till we find the truth."

"When you find it's not him," she corrected Harry.

"It doesn't look to be that way Mione," he informed her.

"Harry how could you possibly think Ron would hurt me like this?" She asked outraged.

"Because he's been a train wreck ever since you two broke up!" he argued. "I don't want it to be Ron… but it's difficult to ignore the evidence" Hermione looked positively devastated at this revelation. It was one thing for Draco and Blaise to believe Ron would do this, it was something else for Harry to even agree. "Look, don't worry about that right now. You need to focus on getting better… should you be working?" he asked looking around the room and noticing the busy table. "Does Malfoy know you're working?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Relax Harry, I know what I'm doing. You seem to forget I'm a Healer. And besides this is Scorp's case… I couldn't just leave it" she explained.

Harry nodded quietly, "Have… have you made any progress?"

"A little, but not as much as I would have liked." Hermione admitted. "It's all a little unsettling."

"In what way?" Harry questioned.

"Scorpius has been cursed… on purpose. Who would curse a little boy Harry?" Hermione replied very distraught.

"On purpose?" Harry asked appalled.

"Yes! And I have no idea how to cure him let alone save him." Hermione admitted.

"But Zabini's step-father?"

"Well Adrian's been helping. He's more than helpful in fact but we still don't know what curse we're dealing with and…" Hermione trailed off.

"And what Hermione?" Harry asked slightly worried.

"And I've got a feeling we're running out of time." She said not looking at him. "We're running out of time and I don't know what to do Harry."

Harry remained silent, unsure what to say to console his friend. Instead he reached out and gently took her hand in his, giving it a squeeze. Seeing how upset she was and very worried that Hermione might have another 'episode', Harry thought it best to change the topic, but he was unsure of what to fill the silence with. So he decided to focus on the positive.

"You really love him don't you?" he asked truly intrigued.

"Scorpius or Draco?" Hermione asked looking at him.

"Both."

"Yes. I really do." She said without hesitation. "They filled a void I didn't even know I had Harry." She explained seeing her friend looking at her with new wonder. "I can't imagine not being here with them. I feel like I fit here… like I found somewhere I finally belong. Being here with Draco and Scorp… and even Blaise, Pansy and Narcissa, it feels so normal I don't even notice how strange it might seem. But they've become my family now." she said with a warm smile.

Harry frowned slightly at this. "You know you always have a family with us Mione."

"I know Harry," she said slowly, "But this is different. Feeling this wanted and this loved… I haven't felt like this… well ever." She said truthfully.

Harry sighed heavily, "Well any fool can see how much Malfoy cares for you." Harry admitted albeit a bit begrudgingly, "I hope he makes you happy Mione," he added surprising her a little. He laughed a little at her shocked expression. "You're my family Hermione and I do want you to be happy."

"Thank you Harry," she said grinning broadly. "And yes, Draco makes me very happy."

"Good," was all Harry could say now growing visibly uncomfortable with the direction in which their conversation had taken.

Hermione chuckled and when the last remnants of frostiness having dissolved between the two, Hermione began to fill Harry in on everything that had happened.

It had been a wonderfully peaceful day at the manor. Narcissa had always looked forward to any time she could spend with her grandson. After a delightful lunch with Andromeda and Teddy followed by some small chit-chat between the two sisters, Narcissa bid them farewell and then retired to the gardens with Scorpius.

She watched as he sat petting one of the friendlier peacocks. He smiled and waved up at her before chasing it a little further into the gardens.

Narcissa had just begun to recline a little in her chair when she sensed it. She sat upright in her char, listening… waiting. Again she felt it, stronger this time. Sensing the now obvious disturbance, she reached for her wand.

Armed and alert she rose, looking across the vast gardens for her grandson, her worry easing slightly at the sight of him still chasing the peacock. The disturbance jumped a little, almost as if battling with the wards around the Manor before disappearing.

Narcissa breathed a little, dispelling her fears. But it only lasted a moment as a moment later Tully appeared before her, wringing her hands in tension and face contorted in mild irritation.

"Mistress!" she cried, "I tried to stop her! I don't know how she did it…" the elf informed clearly very confused.

"That's alright," Narcissa said calming the elf. "Watch Scorpius." She commanded walking back towards her manor. "Oh and get Draco. I'm sure he'll like to give this deplorable woman a piece of his mind." She called marching fiercely towards the disturbance.

Livid that she had been able to gain access to the Manor, Narcissa tightened her hold on her wand. Soon she stood at the entrance of the drawing room, watching with familiar disgust at the woman before her.

"To what do I owe the displeasure of this intrusion?" Narcissa asked coldly.

Astoria looked up from her inspection of her nails to the woman before her. "Narcissa," she greeted with a fake smile plastered on her face.

"That's Mrs. Malfoy to you," Narcissa corrected her.

Astoria didn't seem to mind the matriarch's cold demeanour too much. She waved her hand dismissively as she made herself comfortable on the rich couch.

"You seem to be well despite never leaving this place," Astoria commented. "Though I must say you've done a marvellous job of redecorating so I really can't blame you for not wanting to leave," she said looking around the room with a greedy eye.

"Spare me the fake pleasantries. What are you doing here? In fact how did you get in?" Narcissa asked her eyes narrowing in deep suspicion.

"Does it really matter? I'm here now. I've come home," she said airily.

"This is not your home. It will never be," Narcissa snapped.

"Don't be so sure of that Narcissa," Astoria retorted.

Narcissa managed an elegant roll of the eyes in annoyance at the witch before her, "Malfoy Manor belongs to the head of this family and his wife. Need I remind you that you are no longer a Malfoy, and you are no longer welcome here!" she said firmly.

Astoria scowled at her words, "I've made a mistake and I've come to rectify it," she said trying to sound a sincere as she could.

"You're a little late for that," Draco said from behind his mother. He strode into the room giving his ex-wife a cold calculating stare, "Did you run out of money Astoria?"

She gasped in shock drawing only a frustrated look from Draco and an impatient sigh from Narcissa. "Draco I… I made a mistake. I know that now. I've come back so we can be a family. A proper family that –"

"Us? A Family? Have you gone completely mad?" he asked harshly. "You walked out on us Astoria! You had no interest in knowing your son!" he said his voice steadily rising.

"Where is he?" she asked ignoring Draco's rant. "I want to see my son." Astoria demanded.

"No. Now get out." Draco ordered. "My mother was right. You are no longer welcome here."

"No! I'm not leaving till I see my son! I get one visit a year. Don't make me involve the lawyers!" she threatened.

"Seeing as you haven't paid any heed to those visits in the previous years I don't think the lawyer will help you much this time." Draco replied.

"I just want to see my son!" she cried, "I just want to make sure he is okay."

An odd sort of guilt flickered through Draco. Astoria didn't know their son was sick and Draco wasn't going to tell her now, but there was a brief guilt he felt. A guilt in knowing their son was not okay and he couldn't do anything to help him.

As fortune would have it, Astoria got her wish a few moments later as the doors were pushed open and Scorpius ran through attacking his father's legs.

"Daddy!" he cried. Draco scooped his son up easily.

"Where's mummy?" he asked looking around. "Look I gots her another flower." He said not noticing the tension in the room as he showed the flower he held in his hand to his father.

"I'm right here darling," Astoria said with a sickeningly sweet voice.

Scorpius looked at her with curious eyes and then looked at his father, his smile faltering slightly. As the seconds ticked by Scorpius became aware of the angry looks on his father and grandmother's face. "Where's mummy?" he asked again much softer this time. "She's not hurt is she?" he asked worried.

"No mate. She's alright. In fact she's at home waiting for us," he said softly and revelling slightly at the look of horror on Astoria's face.

Looking relieved Scorpius continued paying no heed to the woman in front of him. "I drawed her a picture too!" he said smiling.

"I'm sure she'll love it," Draco said.

"Darling it's me," Astoria said moving towards father and son.

Scorpius looked at her with unease and clutched to his father tighter. "Oh darling, don't be afraid," she cooed. "Mummy's here now."

Scorpius had a death grip on his father and refused to look at the woman now calling herself his mother. He mumbled something into his father's shirt. Draco smirked slightly as he caught what his son had said.

"What was that?" Astoria asked moving closer.

"I want Mione," Scorpius said louder looking at his father imploringly.

"Why would you want her? I'm here darling!" Astoria spoke now a little more harshly. "Mummy's right here!"

Scorpius shook his head profusely, his blonde hair tickling Draco's chin. "I think it's time you leave Astoria," Draco said firmly.

"Leave?" she asked affronted, "No I don't think so!"

"You've seen Scorpius just like you wanted. Now leave before you upset him further and I do something I might regret," Draco growled his voice low and menacing.

"I am not leaving! Not when my son thinks that bloody mudblood is his mother!" Astoria screamed.

Scorpius clutched harder to his father at the sound of the woman shrieking before him.

"Don't you dare use that word in front of my son!" Draco warned. He ran over Scorpius' blonde looking down to see his clearly distraught son.

"Our son darling! And as I recall you had no qualms over throwing it about rather frequently in school!" she spat back.

Before Draco could think to stop her she reached out and grabbed a now very petrified Scorpius from his arms. Scorpius gave a painful squeal as he was taken away from his father's comfort and faced to this strange woman's presence. The little boy kicked and screamed, his levels of discomfort increasing as time went on.

Astoria suddenly realised what she had done and looked at her son with large eyes. She recovered from her shock rather quickly and held onto him much tighter trying to grasp at him as best she could. He was much heavier than she expected.

Draco launched forward to grab his son but saw Astoria already had her wand in hand.

"Nooooo!" Scorpius cried trying to reach out for his father.

"Darling hush now!" Astoria cried attempting to placate the child. "How would you like to come with your mummy? We can go get sweets!" she promised.

That seemed to work as Scorpius calmed down, "We're going to see Mione?" he asked in a small voice.

Astoria growled, "That mudblood is not you mother! I am!" she shouted.

"NOOO!" Scorpius screamed back, "Mione loves me! She said so!" he cried tears now cascading down his small pink cheeks at a steady pace. "Let me go!" he screamed now more frightened than ever!

"Oh darling I love you too!" Astoria said trying to appease the child.

"No you don't!" Scorpius argued. He tried kicking out of her hold but Astoria was relentless and her grip on him never faltered. "Oww!" he cried as he felt her nails dig into his arm. "Let me go! Daddy!" he cried looking to his father. He tried reaching out for his father but Astoria quickly pulled his arm back.

Draco looked murderous and could not bear to see his son kicking and screaming for another second. He stepped forward ready to take Scorpius back but as he reached out towards the fighting pair a powerful gust of white light materialised and separated Astoria from Scorpius. So powerful was the force that it threw the witch reeling across the room while Scorpius shot out and Draco's breath stopped as he watched his son in the air for a second before rushing forward and just barely managing to catch Scorpius. Neither Malfoy seemed to notice the faint glow that was being emitted from the griffin that hung around Scorpius' neck.

Draco looked over to see Astoria groaning in a heap on the floor before turning to his son. "Scorp you okay?" he asked worry etched deep in.

"I'm sorry daddy! I didn't mean to!" Scorpius rushed out. "I didn't mean to hurt her! I just wanted you." he sobbed.

Draco looked at his son in wonder. He couldn't believe it. "Sshh it's okay." He said trying to calm him down, "It's not your fault." Draco looked over to see his mother looking at them equally shocked, "Mother he… he did…"

"Magic," she whispered finishing for him. She looked at her boys with pride. "There now love," she said walking over to them, "It's going to be alright." Narcissa said smiling gently as she ran a hand over her grandson's cheek wiping away his tears. That was until she saw something else that gave her cause for great concern. "Draco," she said looking frightened. She pulled her hand away to show Draco.

He looked down at his mother and felt his stomach clench tightly. "Get Blaise and Hermione," he called over his shoulder to Tully, "now!"

The elf nodded hastily before disappearing. Draco reached up and wiped the blood away from his son's nose. Scorpius had placed his head on his father's shoulder and looked awfully pale now.

"Draco…" Narcissa whispered with worry as she watched her grandson growing more sick with each passing moment.

"He's going to be fine mother… he's going to be just fine," Draco whispered to himself this time. Almost like a small prayer as he tried to hold onto the last remnants of hope that he wasn't about to lose his son.

He clutched Scorpius closer to him and wiped away the blood once again as he waited for his last bit of hope to arrive through the flames.

The meeting had gone on longer than Blaise had expected, but now he was just grateful to be in the comfort of his own home. He flooed home and dashed up to the office knowing that that is where Hermione would likely be. With a letter burning in his hand, he pushed open the door, only his steps faltered a little when he took note of the other figure in the room. Before he could retreat Hermione spotted him.

"Blaise! You're back," she said happily.

"Glad to see I've been missed," he said with a teasing smirk, "Or perhaps you're happy that I brought your freakishly blonde boyfriend back with me?" Blaise asked enjoying the slight scowl Potter now wore. Thankfully Hermione didn't seem to notice.

Rather she merely laughed, "And where is your blonde friend exactly?" she asked.

"He's picking Scorp up from the Manor," he replied and then finally addressed Harry, "Potter," he greeted his friendly tone slipping slightly, "I would say it is a pleasure to see you again but I might be lying."

"Blaise, play nice!" Hermione chided.

Blaise gave her his most charming smile, "I always do." He said as Hermione bit back her smile at his playful nature. "Any news on the case Potter?"

"Some yes." Harry answered evasively.

"And…?" Blaise prompted.

"And it's an ongoing investigation so I can't reveal much right now." Harry said.

"But Blaise is family Harry," she said reminding him of their earlier conversation. "Ron's unofficially missing," she told the Italian after Harry remained quiet for too long.

"Hermione!" Harry scolded.

"What? He was going to find out anyway." She reasoned.

"Oh Hermione, this just came for you." Blaise said handing her the urgent envelope. It glowed red as it exchanged hands and Hermione released a quick breath realising what it was.

"How did he know to find me here?" she asked.

"I told him about your attack," he said as he took a seat at the table.

"What?!" Harry yelled. "You had no right to do that! This is an ongoing investigation. You can't be telling everyone you meet about Hermione's attack. What if you said something to the wrong person and –" but his rant was cut short.

"Are you accusing me of putting Hermione in danger?" Blaise asked dangerously.

"N-no… what I meant was… well…" Harry stuttered out. He knew the Slytherins wouldn't do anything so foolish.

Blaise rolled his eyes at the chosen one, "Look Potter, we've mentioned this to you already but I'll say it again. Hermione is perfectly safe here. And Adrian isn't just anyone. He's vital to Scorp's case."

"Blaise is right Harry. Don't worry. We can trust Adrian." Hermione promised before turning her attention back to the letter.

My dear Hermione,

I am most aggrieved to hear of your attack. It worries me that a brilliant war heroine like yourself does not take the necessary safety precautions, but that is a lecture for another time. I am happy to hear you've made a wonderful recovery.

We do however have more pressing matters at hand. I had the fortune of meeting a rather silver tongued young veela last night. He told me the most fascinating story about his mate and mentioned something you should be aware of; The Blood Moon.

The Blood Moon is a compelling time to build, to begin, to create, to start something and to flow into a new way of life. Considering young Scorpius' curse is attacking his core magic I thought you should know that any curse active during this time is considered nearly unstoppable.

You need to move fast my dear. Find the curse before the cycle of the Blood Moon begins or little can be done to save Scorpius.

I shall try to narrow down the possible curses. I do not think this Blood Moon is a coincidence so be careful.

You shall hear from me very soon but until then stay safe.

Yours affectionately,

Adrian.

Hermione felt the breath knocked out of her. She hadn't anticipated this. Panic and pure dread filled Hermione as she tried to work through Adrian's letter.

"Hermione?" Blaise called, "What did he say?"

"Nothing good I'm afraid," Hermione said with a heavy heart.

"Hermione what is it?" Blaise asked getting more upset as he saw just how torn Hermione looked.

Before she could answer there was a small pop! And a very terrified looking house elf was standing before them.

"Tully?" Blaise asked recognising Narcissa's house elf. "What are doing here? What's wrong?" He asked sitting up a little as he noticed how distressed she looked.

"Oh! Master Draco has sent for you sir!" she cried, "For the both of you," Tully said looking at Hermione. "Oh it's most awful!"

"Tully what happened?" Blaise pressed.

"The young Master has fallen ill!" Tully cried, "You must go to Malfoy Manor! Quickly!" she insisted before disappearing with another pop!

They were up faster than Hermione could register; Blaise took her hand and practically dove in to the fireplace, calling "Malfoy Manor!" as the green flames engulfed them.

Harry stared after them debating whether to follow or not, but then threw caution to the wind and quickly grabbed a hand full of floo powder and hoping to Merlin that the Malfoy Manor floo would still be opened.

As the flames wrapped around him, Harry had remembered Hermione and Blaise's horrified looks not moments ago, and he had to wonder just how awful a thing Hermione was trying to save Scorpius Malfoy from.

Scorpius had been placed on the couch with Draco kneeling before him. Narcissa was pacing a little just behind them. Every time Draco wiped away more blood, she grew a little more scared.

The room had lapsed into an eerily silence, so much so that they actually heard the roar of a fireplace several rooms down. They didn't have to wait long as the sound of hurried footsteps burst through the door.

Relief washed through Draco as he saw Hermione but then it disappeared quickly as he watched her hesitate a little. Crap! He had completely forgotten what room they were in. before he could suggest they move however, Hermione was at his side.

"What happened?" she asked pulling out her wand and getting to work on checking Scorpius' vitals.

As Draco was explaining to Hermione was had transpired it was Narcissa who noticed the arrival of a third guest.

"Mr. Potter?" she questioned, "I was not aware we had contacted the ministry."

"Mrs. Malfoy," he greeted. "You didn't. I was visiting Hermione and well… I just wanted to make sure everything was okay." Harry said honestly.

"Well perhaps it's a good thing you're here then." she said. "We have another matter that perhaps would be best if you handled it." Narcissa said looking over to the corner where Astoria sat unconscious in a chair.

"What happened?" Harry asked moving towards the witch.

"She's the cause behind all this Mr. Potter." Narcissa said coldly. "I'm not feeling particularly kind right now so I guess that for her sake it's good you're here." Narcissa said reminding Harry just how formidable this woman could be.

Harry didn't say anything but moved to check Astoria while Narcissa turned back to where Hermione sat with Draco and Scorpius. In the corner she could hear Potter muttering as he planned to take Astoria back to the ministry but she paid him no heed.

Walking closer to them, she watched with concern. There was rapid wand movements and various swirls of different spells working all around Scorpius as Hermione worked.

"Hermione?" Narcissa called tentatively.

Hermione looked up to see three very solemn faces looking back at her. Scorpius had long since fallen asleep on the couch and the bleeding had subsided.

"He's going to be fine," she said slowly, "His little body exerted quite a bit of magic." Hermione said running a hand through his blonde hair. "He's okay… for now at least."

Nobody said a word. They all understood what she had meant.

"What do you mean Hermione?" Harry asked coming to stand beside them. "If it was accidental magic surely it can't be that serious."

"That's just it. It's not just his accidental magic we have to worry about," Hermione explained with a heavy heart.

"The curse?" Draco questioned. She nodded as silent tears fell. "What does this mean Hermione?"

"It means I was right," she said looking at Draco. "We're running out of time."

"Well it's a good thing I'm here now," a voice called from the entrance. Everyone turned quickly to see the newest arrival and several gasps of surprise, the loudest from Narcissa. "Hello Cissa, so good to see you again," he said walking into the room.

"Adrian?" she questioned not believing her eyes.

"Indeed," he said smiling and then it faltered when he saw the little boy on the couch.

"Adrian… what are you doing here?" Hermione asked as Narcissa was still in shock at the sudden appearance of the man before her.

"Well my dear," Adrian said looking at her fondly, "I would have thought that was the obvious part." When no one said a word he sighed and leaned ever so slightly on his cane, "I'm here to help you save your boy." He said seriously looking at Draco and Hermione.

"You are?" Narcissa questioned suspiciously.

"Yes I am." He answered simply.

"How?" Hermione asked desperately through her state of utter shock at seeing Adrian in Malfoy Manor of all places.

"I know what curse this is." He said with a dark look in his eyes.

They all listened with baited breath. Adrian looked around and he felt a great pity in his heart. These people did not deserve this, and the man who had cast this curse would pay very dearly for it. Adrian had promised himself that much.

"Well?" Narcissa asked nervously. "What is it?"

"A blood curse," he answered slightly hesitant hating what he was about to tell them next, "More specially the Imperaturum Curse."

His news was met with a stony silence. Hermione looked to Draco and saw pain and worry flash through his eyes. His hand reached for hers and he held onto it tightly as he tried to process what Adrian had told them. Narcissa collapsed into the armchair behind her with a small sob and Blaise swore under his breath as he grasped the back of the couch to support himself.

At last Adrian spoke again but it was no better news, "I'm afraid Hermione is right. We are indeed running out of time."

A/N: Hello dears!

I AM SO SORRY! I know its been ages since my last update on this story! I got so super busy with work stuff and then I hit a bit of a snag with this story. Anyways all is good now ... i hope!

Thank you so very much to all those wonderful people that have been following, favouriting and reviewing this story. It really means the world to me. I really do look forward to hearing what you all think of this so please don't forget to leave me a review.

Also I would love if you guys checked out my other story Coveted and it's Dramione counter part Trials, Treasures and Truths.

Thank you to my darling who helped me a helluva lot with this chapter!

Cheers!

xoxo

Immortal Dragon Empress