Chapter Twenty-One

The Dark Side Never Wins

The Portkey took Draco to a place he had never been before. He was outside, staring in awe at all the color he saw. The trees were tall, and some had large red flowers on them, others had coconuts looking about ready to fall right on someone's head. The sky was a brilliant blue, and to his left he could see the ocean. And even though he had shoes on, he could feel that there was sand beneath his feet.

If he hadn't been so apprehensive about what he was getting into by being here, he would have felt rather relaxed. He looked around for some sign of life, and to his right he saw a small beach house.

It was small, but very well-kept, and looked to be somewhat expensive for its size. It was just one story, and painted white. It was definitely lived-in, so Draco decided to walk towards it. Even if he had wanted to, which he really didn't, he couldn't walk fast because his feet kept sinking into the sand. In addition, he was feeling extremely warm because he dressed that morning for a chilly September day in London wearing a fashionable black jumper over a white polo. His jeans were dark denim, and his shoes weren't dressy, but definitely designer casual.

As he walked toward the beach house, he pulled at the neck of his jumper wishing he had known what kind of weather he was headed into. He was looking down watching his shoes being ruined by the sand, when he heard, "Draco!"

He looked up and saw the person he least expected to see here, but the person he trusted most in the world besides Hermione. He never thought in a million years that this was the person he was coming to meet, and he was beginning to doubt his trust in her slightly.

"Mum?" he asked shocked, walking more quickly toward her. "It was you? Why is it that I couldn't just go to the Manor? You had to bring me to…where are we?"

"Hawaii, in America." Narcissa was squinting in the sun to look at Draco. She held out her hand to him and said, "Come, Draco, walk with me."

Draco took her hand, albeit hesitantly, then immediately let go. "Wait, how do I know you're you?"

Narcissa looked hurt, then nodded. "Right, I suppose you don't have a way of knowing, do you?"

Draco shook his head, "No, I don't." He looked down at the ground trying to think of a question to ask her. "What did I give Hermione for Christmas the year we started dating?"

Narcissa didn't even need to think for a moment, for she remembered clearly. She was so happy for her son that year, that he found someone he loved that much to get her such a meaningful gift. "It was a beautiful necklace with a silver ring on the end. On the ring you had the words 'Never let go. Draco Hermione' engraved. Then when you proposed to her, you added a diamond to the very same ring and put it on her left hand."

Draco went to his mother and hugged her. Backing up from her but still holding her shoulders in his hands he said, "Mum, what are you doing here? I know you couldn't have been the one writing the letters."

Narcissa looked at her son's worried face and took a deep breath before furrowing her brow and saying, "Just come with me, hmm?"

Draco nodded and walked alongside Narcissa toward the house, his hands the pockets of his jeans.

When they reached the porch, Narcissa faced Draco and said, "Okay, Draco, I wasn't the one writing the letters. And when you see who was, you have to promise me you'll behave yourself…at least until you've heard everything."

"Why? Why do you need to tell me to behave myself? Who's in that house, Mother?" Draco raised his voice only slightly at his mother, but looked at her with deep concern in his eyes.

"Just promise me, Draco."

Draco eyed his mother one last time before nodding and saying, "I'll try my best to stay under control."

"Thank you," Narcissa said. Then she turned to the door and opened it slowly, stepping inside the house.

Draco followed her inside and she led him through the small kitchen, and into a room that was only slightly bigger. The living room was bright, and had French doors that were open so they could feel the warm breeze from the sea. There was a white couch, and next to it, a short-backed matching armchair that looked very comfortable and cushy. Sitting in said armchair, was the very person Draco thought he had killed with his own wand.

"Father?" Draco asked quietly, stunned beyond words at what he was seeing.

"Yes, Draco, it is I," Lucius replied.

Draco shook his head and backed up. "No, I killed you. You're dead, I'm not seeing this!" He was becoming beyond frightened, and wanted nothing more than to flee the house and Apparate back home and run into Hermione's outstretched arms.

"It wasn't me that you killed, son."

"Who was it then?" Draco asked. "And don't call me 'son,'" he added.

Ignoring the part about how Draco preferred to be addressed, Lucius said, "I'm not sure who you killed, Draco, but obviously it wasn't me."

Draco turned to his mother who looked ready to run incase a duel ensued any moment. "Mum, is it really him? Have you asked the necessary questions?"

"Yes, Draco."

"I can't believe I didn't think to do that in the warehouse that day," he said more to himself than either of his parents.

"Well," Draco said looking at Lucius with a death glare emitting from his eyes, "I wish it was you that I killed. God knows you deserve it."

"You really shouldn't say such things, Draco, especially since all I want is to help you."

"Help me? I'm sure," Draco said with ire. "You helped me when you beat me as a child. You helped me when you forced me to rape Muggle-born girls. You were most certainly just giving me a friendly hand when you attempted to rape the love of my life," he finished, inching closer to Lucius with every hateful word.

"I wish to make amends for all of those beyond pitiful actions by helping you now. I can't say that I've completely overcome my blood prejudices, but I understand from what your mother told me that you've finally given me grandchildren?"

"No, I gave mother grandchildren. I gave you nothing."

"Draco…" Narcissa said warily. "Please, let's just sit down on the couch and discuss everything, okay? I promise he won't hurt you."

Draco reluctantly agreed, and sat with caution on the edge of his seat, ready to jump if need be.

"Why don't we start with you asking questions you clearly have, Draco?" Narcissa suggested.

Lucius agreed, so Draco said, "So, you really were released from Azkaban by the Ministry?"

"I was," Lucius said with a surprising amount of patience in his voice.

Draco noticed that Lucius was looking rather gaunt, and his hair was still blonde, but with many silvery streaks in it. "Do you know who was pretending to be you that night?"

"I don't even have an inkling of who it might be," Lucius said in such a way that Draco felt he had no choice but to believe him.

"Do you know of any Death Eaters who aren't in Azkaban?"

Lucius shook his head. "I was in a cell by myself, and since I've been released I've had contact with no one."

"Was anyone released the same day as you?"

"I know some were, but I don't know who," he said.

"How did Mother know you were here?"

Narcissa answered this time. "We've had this house for a while, and I just wanted to get away, but he was already here when I arrived." It was a simple enough answer, so Draco moved on.

"Why did I have to come alone today if you were released and you didn't escape?"

Lucius was quiet for a moment then said, "I just wasn't ready to show my face to anyone. Who would you have brought if you could? Granger?"

"Well, Hermione's a Malfoy, and there's no way I'd put her into a situation when I didn't even know what I was getting myself into. I would have brought Harry and Ron. They've been trying to figure out who could have been in the warehouse pretending to be you. When I received the first letter, I suspected it was you. I never expected Mother to be behind anything."

"I still can't believe you're friends with Harry Potter now," Lucius said without a trace of mal humor.

"Sometimes I can't either, but not for the same reasons. I just can't believe they're able to be friends with someone who has a past like mine."

Narcissa spoke up. "You're being rewarded for realizing your mistakes soon enough. It's the same reason you've been blessed with children. You've always been a good person, Draco. It was just being," she looked at Lucius with somewhat of a glare, "hidden."

"Anyway," Lucius said, "I'm hoping you can at least look past what I've done, and allow me to help you any way I can."

"I'm not sure how much help you'll be in the future, but I suppose the warning that Hermione's in danger is appreciated. But how do you know we're in danger if you don't know who's behind it?"

"I just heard some people talking, and they were in hoods. All I know is that it's a man and a woman that were plotting together. And my guess is that you killed one of them, and now the other one is going to want revenge of some sort. I simply wanted you to watch your back."

"Well, thank you, I suppose," Draco said. "Anyway, I guess I should be going."

Draco stood up, but Lucius spoke, forcing him to sit back down. "Wait, Draco, I want to ask you something. I know you don't want me to be part of your life anymore, and I can't say I blame you."

"What's your point?" Draco asked when Lucius stopped talking for a moment.

"Well, I was hoping you would at least allow me to see your babies. I've heard wonderful things from your mother."

Draco shot a look at Narcissa. "What exactly did she tell you?" he asked looking back at Lucius.

"I wasn't even aware that you and Hermione had any children, and I had to pretty much ask all sorts of questions to get any information out of Narcissa."

"And?" Draco prompted him to continue.

"I just asked how you were doing, and she said that you have twins that are around one month old. I asked their names, so she told me. She said they were adorable, and that you're a wonderful father."

"To be honest, I have no idea where I learned how," Draco said with an obvious amount of spite.

"Fair enough," Lucius bowed his head once to show that he indeed knew he deserved that statement. "So, do you think you would agree to let me see them just once? You're still my son, Draco, and now you have children. I would like to see them before I die."

Draco shook his head. "I don't want you corrupting their lives the way you corrupted mine. You know it's true, and it took Hermione's love to help me change. The moment I found out Hermione was pregnant I promised myself you would never lay a hand on them."

"Draco, I regret everything I've ever done. I had almost nine years to think things over in Azkaban. I promised myself after the first year that I would do anything it took to redeem myself upon getting out, if that ever happened."

Draco studied his father's face, and he actually saw sincerity embedded somewhere in his eyes. He let out a deep breath and said, "Let me discuss it with Hermione. I can't promise anything, but I know she'll want to be here, and I wouldn't be surprised if their Godparents got protective as well."

"Who are their Godparents?" Lucius asked with genuine interest.

"Harry and Ginny are Miley's and Ron and Addison are Tyler's."

Lucius' head perked up. "Addison…my niece Addison?"

"The one and only," Draco said. "She and Ron are engaged."

"Really?" Lucius asked with wide eyes.

Draco nodded. "It was the same night I thought I killed you."

"Addison has been living with me," Narcissa confessed. "She's been getting to know Draco and his friends, some more than others," she added with a grin.

"Hmm, my brother must be thrilled."

"I think they are, actually," Narcissa said. "And you should be too. Your niece is marrying a wonderful man."

"She's going to be a Weasley," Lucius said with a shudder. "But I guess if she's happy, then I should be happy for her."

"Yeah," Draco began sarcastically, "I guess if you can get used to the fact that your son married a Muggle-born, then your niece marrying a pure-blood traitor should be no problem. But then, I suppose you think of your own son as a pure-blood traitor as well."

"I did at first," Lucius admitted without flinching, "but not anymore. I know you're with the person you were meant to be. I'm not a bad person at heart, Draco, really. I just believed the wrong things, and did the most awful things for much too long."

Draco nodded. "Well, I can't say I forgive you," he said standing up, "but I'll discuss allowing you to see the twins with Hermione when I get back."

Lucius and Narcissa stood up as well. "Goodbye, Draco, hug Hermione for me," Narcissa requested.

"I will, Mum," he said. "Are you sure you'll be okay here? I can Apparate back with you," he offered.

"Oh gosh no, Draco, I'll be fine," Narcissa said. Leaning up to whisper in Draco's ear she said, "I can't say I've forgiven him either, but I don't feel unsafe."

Draco nodded. "Alright," he said. "I'll see you soon."

Lucius said, "Thank you for coming, Draco. I look forward to hearing from you." He stuck his hand out for his son to shake.

"I'll let you know what Hermione's answer is. It's up to her." Then he Disapparated on the spot, denying the hand his father offered.

Draco Apparated carefully onto the front porch of 12 Grimmauld Place and walked in the front door. He checked his watch, and realized that he had only been gone for three hours. When he entered the drawing room, he saw Hermione asleep on the couch, and Harry and Ginny snogging like teenagers in a high-backed armchair.

"Ahem," he coughed, and Harry and Ginny pulled apart, but Hermione remained asleep.

The couple stood up and Harry said with embarrassingly swollen lips, "So?"

Without looking at Harry but walking straight towards Hermione, Draco said, "Lucius."

Harry put an arm around Ginny and nodded. They sat back down, refraining from making out with apparent difficulty.

Draco sat on the couch in the small amount of space that remained next to Hermione's body. He gently stroked her cheek with the back of his index finger. She woke up slowly, but as when she was awake, she sat up immediately. "Draco!" she said breathily as she threw her arms around his neck.

He slowly snaked his arms around her waist and buried his face in her neck. "Lucius," he mumbled.

Draco took notice of the fact that Hermione started crying with relief when she saw him. Neither of them knew what kind of trouble he could have been getting into today before he left. "What happened?" she asked, pulling away.

Draco used his thumbs to wipe her tear-stained face. "It was fine, Hermione. It actually seems he wants redemption." Hermione scooted back so Draco could sit next to her, and she put her legs over his lap.

Holding onto Hermione's legs with her arms around his torso, Draco continued talking. "He's not the one threatening you, and I think I actually believe that. Before you ask, I don't know what reason anyone would have to want you dead."

"Did he know who is threatening her and the twins?" Harry asked.

Draco shook his head. "Nope. He said that he just overheard two hooded people talking. He's been in hiding since he was released." No one asked just yet where Lucius's hiding spot was.

"So, I'm assuming whoever is after Hermione would have been someone else who was released that day?" Harry asked.

"That's what we both think."

"Enough of the grilling," Hermione said looking worriedly at Draco. "Did you talk about anything besides that stuff?" she asked.

Draco knew what she was asking. She wanted to know more about the personal aspect of the conversation.

Before he had a chance to answer her, Ginny said to Harry, "C'mon my scarred wonder, let's give them some privacy."

"No," Draco stopped them, "you should stay. As the twins' Godparents, you have the right to know things like this."

Ginny and Harry nodded and stayed put in their chair.

Draco continued, mostly focusing his attention on Hermione, but occasionally glancing at Harry and Ginny. "I guess Mum told him everything about the twins."

"Narcissa?" Hermione asked, rather shocked to hear that she had anything to do with this.

"She was the one who greeted me when I got there, and she seems to think he's trustworthy. And she asked me to give you a hug for her," he added.

Hermione smiled. "So then what? She trusts him, and I guess that's a good thing, but did he ask about the twins?"

"Yes," Draco said, "he did. I told him that he can't be a part of their life. He was under the impression that I 'gave him grandchildren.'"

"What did you say then?" Hermione asked interestedly.

"I told him I gave him nothing, but that I gave Mum grandchildren."

"Good for you," Harry piped in. "He doesn't deserve to know them."

Hermione was quiet, then put a hand on Draco's face so he would look at her. "Draco," she said softly, "it's probably true that he's not good enough for them. But is he truly different? What does your gut tell you about the way he's feeling?"

Draco thought for a moment. "I dunno," he answered. "I think he actually feels bad. But that doesn't mean he should be forgiven," he amended quickly upon seeing the look on Harry's face.

"Do you think we could let him see them? Just once?" Hermione took one of his hands and intertwined her fingers with his. "You're his son, Draco, and you have children. That's a big deal for any parent, good or evil."

"Hermione," Harry interrupted, "are you listening to yourself?"

"Calm down, Harry," Ginny advised. "This is their decision."

"But he said it was our business, Ginny. I'm just speaking my opinion." However, he shut his mouth and listened to Draco and Hermione.

Draco removed Hermione's legs from his lap, stood up, and began pacing. "Draco?" Hermione asked. "What did you say when he asked?"

"Well, I said it was up to you. But I never thought in a million years that you might say yes." He turned around to face everyone. He had one hand on the mantle of the fireplace, and he looked extremely intimidating with the glow from the fire illuminating his face. It was already relatively dark in the room, due to the fact that the curtains were closed for privacy.

Hermione stood up and went to where her husband was standing. He never moved, but she put her hands on either side of his neck. "We don't have to do this, Draco. But my answer is yes."

Draco closed his eyes and nodded slowly then opened his eyes and looked at Harry and Ginny. "I told him I wouldn't be surprised if their Godparents got protective and wanted to be there when he meets them."

Harry and Ginny smiled and stood up. "You bet your Slytherin arse we'll be there…all four of us."

Draco grinned and shook Harry's hand. "I'm glad." He then pulled Hermione into a tight embrace. "That's from my mum," he said. Then he gave her a sweetly lingering kiss. "That, my Gryffindor princess, is from me."

Draco turned back to Harry and Ginny again, keeping one arm around Hermione's shoulders. "You know what the strangest thing of all Lucius said?" he asked.

"What?"

"Well, it was more what he didn't say. I broke the news about his niece being engaged to Ron. He seemed shocked at first, but I think it was more of a shock that we were in contact with her."

"You mean he didn't think she was throwing her life away?" Ginny asked.

"Not at all," Draco said. "I mean, he didn't say he was thrilled either, but if he was displeased, believe me, we'd all be regretting it by now."

Harry shrugged. "He's probably just realizing that he fucked up everyone's lives long enough, and that his way of life wasn't getting anyone jack shite."

Ginny smacked her husband in the abs for his use of language, but then agreed by saying, "Harry's right though. Did he just now come to realize that the Dark side never wins?"