AN: I can't promise the edit is up to snuff, frankly, I was tired of reading it.

As always...enjoy. *kisses*

Confrontations

"I am wearing a dress!" Fred Weasley pointed his long fingers terribly close to his mother's face as he shouted.

"You will not!" Molly hadn't a particular reason for her utter distaste of the idea, other than her son was a man. "It's bad enough that young, impressionable boy is calling you mum. A wedding dress, I can't imagine…"

"Nanny Molly, why does it matter?" Elliot asked her with quiet reverence while he tugged on the hem of her apron.

He'd sat idly by while Molly and Fred shouted at each other, but he didn't understand why there was such a fuss. Wizards wore robes all the time, and if they weren't like dresses, he didn't know what was. There were times, Elliot dreamed of wearing nothing beneath his new robes, just to feel the air against his skin as he walked.

"Elliot, when you're older you'll understand. Now, I've been fairly accepting of this relationship with Blaise. I was wary at first, but he's quite a lovely man. I was supportive when you moved in together, and I congratulated you on your impending nuptials, however I draw the line at wedding dresses." Molly flapped her palm in front of her face, wishing for a breath of fresh air.

"I'll do it." Ginny Weasley wandered into the kitchen with Gideon on her hip, tired of all the yelling. "You should see all the witches and wizards in America. They don't care a wit about blood. They also dress however they like. I saw a wizard once with a shock of metal in his nose and shocking blue hair. He also happened to be wearing a plaid skirt and a ruffled blouse, but no one gave him a second glance. I'll take you to the shops, Fred. I'm sure we'll find you something befitting your wedding." Ginny looked up at her brother with a critical eye while bouncing her squirming son on her hip, "Though, the dresses would look a damn sight better if you had breasts."

Fred curled his forefinger away from his mother's face, and tilted his head to the side. Molly shook her head with a roll of her eyes, and set the plates to wash. She muttered to herself while Fred contemplated Ginny's words, and had nothing more to add to the discussion.

"Blaise promised to work me up a spell, but after his last spell snafu, I can't say I put much faith in his abilities." Fred shook his head, his bright red hair shaking out behind him, just before he slumped into a nearby wooden chair.

"How did…all this come about? I mean, when I left, I was fairly certain you were a bloke, and now…it seems the lines have become a bit blurred. I'm not one to judge or anything, just insanely curious." Ginny rocked to and fro while her son nestled into her hair, his thumb firmly wedged between his teeth as his eyes fluttered shut.

"Why does everyone wish to label everything? Does it matter? I can be a bloke that just so happens to want to wear a bloody dress. It is my wedding. I should be able to wear whatever I choose." Fred propped his chin in his palm and glared at his only sister.

Ginny nodded slowly and meandered into the sitting room. Gideon was getting a bit heavy to carry around, but he was in unfamiliar surroundings, and still unsure of all the red haired folks intent upon pinching his cheeks. Ginny settled into a shabby armchair near the hearth, hoping Fred would join her.

"You're sure then? About Blaise I mean, you haven't been dating particularly long or anything. I suppose when you know…you know." She sighed in a seemingly forlorn sort of manner, and Fred took a bit of pity on her.

"I wasn't right away. Blaise had a bit of a reputation with the ladies. I had ventured down that road with Angelina, but it never felt right. I mean, she's perfectly nice and everything, but it was all wrong. I wasn't even angry when she left me. In fact, I was more perturbed over the fact she decided my twin brother was the perfect choice. It was hard with Angelina, sort of how it was with you and Harry. You lot really had to struggle to maintain a relationship, and I was tired of the struggle. With Blaise, while completely unexpected, it's easy. We fight often, and he's a tendency to be ridiculously sour, as well as sarcastic with traces of narcissism, but I never have to guess where I stand with him." Fred wandered into the sitting room and brushed across Gideon's dark hair with a soft hand, and sat beside Ginny.

Ginny had often contemplated her former relationship with Harry, and Fred was exactly correct in his deductions. It had been exceedingly hard to maintain a relationship with Harry. She had wanted it desperately for so long, when she finally had it, it slipped through her fingers. Neither of them had been willing to fight for it, which made it that much easier to walk away.

"Do you think Malfoy and Hermione ever wonder if it's all worth it? I mean, they have plenty of obstacles, and it just seems utterly exhausting." Ginny crossed her legs and shifted her now sleeping son in her arms quite easily.

"Malfoy's been in love with her forever. He's a stubborn sort. He's also ridiculously possessive, so no. I think he'd move mountains for her, because he can't imagine his life without her. I think when you've a love like that, you never let go. Perhaps, if you can end something, and not have it break your heart into a million pieces, it wasn't love in the first place."

"When did you get so smart?" Ginny whispered sadly.

"I've always been smart, but I hide my pain with humour and inappropriate jokes. Now, enough of this depressing shit. Tell Aunt Fred all about Gideon's daddy. I'm absolutely positive there's a story there." Fred batted his eyes, causing Ginny to snort with laughter, and somehow, Molly knew it would all be fine in the end.

Severus Snape walked around the Malfoy dining table in such a way, he seemed to glide on thin air. His black robes rustled behind him, as if they were lifted in a breeze, though the air was still. His shoulder length black hair swung to and fro, and his arms were crossed behind his back as he glowered.

"I don't understand…" Draco began, with his arm casually crossed across his wife's chair.

"Silence!" Severus demanded, pausing at the empty chair designated for his use. "I have listened to inane babble for entirely too long. Someone needed to take control of this situation, and it was obvious none of you are prepared." He sneered, but he was not unkind in his declarations.

Hermione Malfoy glanced down the long table. She realised they were all slightly confused. She herself refused to even look upon her birth father, though Severus had sat the man across from her. Instead, she studied the curious Sullivan, realising he wasn't much younger than she.

It amused her to see Harry seated near Lucius, and while the two did not speak, they shared a bottle of firewhiskey without issue. She wondered if they would forge some sort of friendship when all was said and done. She attempted to dismiss the thought, yet a small burst of laughter escaped her swollen lips.

"You are amused, Mrs. Malfoy?" Severus glowered at her with curious eyes, pausing as though he expected her to refute his words.

"I'm sorry, Professor. Please…continue." Hermione folded her hands over her abdomen, conscious of life beneath her fingertips.

"Perhaps Lucius and Mr. Potter should refrain from indulging in entirely too much firewhiskey, lest they're unable to contribute to the issues at hand." Snape's pointed gaze was ignored by the wizards at the other end of the table, which surprised no one.

"Perhaps Snape should be less stuffy and drink himself stupid." Harry muttered not nearly as quiet as he thought, and Lucius Malfoy actually guffawed.

"I concur." Lucius raised his glass in silent toast, quickly finishing the addictive amber liquid. "Dear gods, I've just agreed with Harry Potter, I require a Healer…immediately."

Severus Snape pinched the bridge of his nose, and counted to ten in Latin while he inhaled. He decided he was entirely too old to deal with such shenanigans, and retirement sounded like a lovely idea. He proposed to discuss such details with Headmistress McGonagall posthaste.

"Langston Fawley, I believe you owe your daughter an explanation. I'm not one to usually meddle in the private affairs of others, however Draco is my godson and if I receive another owl complaining of his wife's upsets, I will be forced to Avada myself."

"Is that possible?" Harry whispered, bumping Lucius Malfoy's elbow with his own, and nearly fell from his seat.

"Why don't you try it and let me know?" Lucius winked at the man, chortling happily to himself.

"I'll have you know…" Harry attempted to puff out his chest, but he wobbled on his chair, ruining the effect, "I've been Avada'd by…by…what the fuck is his name?"

"Voldemort." Hermione supplied with a sigh and a roll of her eyes.

"Yeah, him. Twice no less, and I'm still here." Harry nodded, quite pleased with himself, and Snape resumed counting.

"You should definitely try it, Potter." Draco winced upon receiving a particularly hard elbow in his ribs, "What? He should, then we could be done listening to them blather."

"He's got a point. Should I lend him my wand?" Byron Greengrass hadn't the slightest idea why he was forced to sit, and frankly wished to return to the decanter of port that had been removed from his hands.

Narcissa Malfoy pressed her lips together and rose from her chair. She dared Severus to remark upon her gesture, yet he remained silent. She left the room without a word, causing the others to wonder as to her intent.

She returned a few moments later, followed by three small house elves. They bowed grandly and presented Lucius and Harry with piping hot cups of tea. Narcissa stood between the men, angrily tapping her foot. They hastily picked up the china teacups and sipped, burning their tongues. Less than a handful of minutes later, their foreheads were upon the dark wood, and the snores were growing to a crescendo.

"I had quite enough of that nonsense. I've slipped them a Sleeping Draught for all our sakes." Her blue eyes sought out her son, and her eyebrows arched with displeasure as she recalled his activities in her garden. "Draco, we are going to discuss your impulse control later. I shall not discuss such private matters in public. However, I have it on good authority a Healer visited your home. Is there cause for concern?"

Draco groaned, internally plotting the murder of whomsoever informed his mother anything as far as his life was concerned. He loved his mother dearly, but her meddling was enough to drive him to madness. He considered rescinding his fervent demand to his wife, considering living in the Manor, but it was too late now.

"Healer?" Langston leaned forward, paying rapt attention to the exchange.

He desperately wished Hermione would look at him, just once. There was much he wanted to say, but where to begin was the issue. He hadn't had much experience discussing his former relationship with Stella Bagley. He imagined Hermione didn't know much about the woman, considering she had been adopted, but even so.

Langston missed Stella. He missed her every moment of every day of his existence. He had never believed himself capable of loving anyone as wholly as he had loved her. It had nearly torn him in two to leave her behind. At the time, he had believed it to be safer for her.

The Wizarding World was still a bit tumultuous, but once Voldemort had disappeared, Langston had searched for her. Her parents refused to speak with him, eventually moving far from his grasp. He had bitterly married Tremaine, and gave his life over to duty.

"It's fine, it's nothing to be concerned about." Hermione's dark eyes flashed with anger, directed toward Langston, and while he was thankful to gaze upon her fully, he recoiled from her wrath.

"Granger, you're never going to get answers if you mentally murder the man who holds them." Draco whispered into her ear, squeezing her shoulder lightly and covered her hands with his own.

"Finally, a voice of reason." Severus resumed pacing, however, he paused giving Draco a particularly pointed look. "Draco, alleviate your mother's distress. It is uncustomary for you to be unkind."

Draco seemed to be sufficiently abashed, yet he and Hermione had immediately begun whispering angrily at each other. She shook her head vehemently, and he gestured, slapping his palm onto the table. Hermione bit her lip, a flash of tears in her eyes, and Draco was quick to cup her cheek tenderly. She finally nodded slowly, but it was obviously under protest.

"I was being cautious, and perhaps a bit overprotective." Draco began, and no one missed the way he leaned toward his wife. "I sent for a Healer to simply verify our suspicions. She's fine, everything is fine."

"Draco, We're all aware of the fact Hermione is pregnant. Did you forget the Tapestry? I swear, this younger generation has forgotten their ancestral history, such a pity. I require details." Narcissa dared her son to deny her, and even Hermione shivered beneath the cold stare.

"I've a slight issue, which is quite easily regulated with small, regular meals." Hermione jumped as an elf presented her with a plate filled with delicacies. "I'm expanding at an alarming rate, which is due to…which is due to…uhm, well what I mean to say…"

"Hermione will be the first Malfoy in over a century to produce more than one child…at one time." Draco smirked in a cocky sort of manner, quite pleased with himself.

"Malfoy, I'm not a cat." Hermione huffed with indignation, laced with a twinge of embarrassment as she felt the heat rise in her cheeks.

"Well, you do have a delightful pu…"

"ENOUGH!"

Ronald Weasley occupied his time by kicking the gnomes in his mother's garden. It wasn't what he wanted to be doing, but he was trying to respect his fiancée's wishes. He couldn't even manage a smile as the little dirty gnomes flew in the air with an angry yelp.

"I should be with her." He mumbled to himself as dirty fingers raked through his red locks.

"Go be with her then." Nymphadora Tonks dropped an arm over his shoulder with an easy shrug.

"She doesn't want me there." Ron's shoulders slumped with dejection, and Tonks smirked.

"Yeah, but she'll appreciate the gesture. Women are complicated, Ron. Most of the time, we don't even know what we want, except perhaps Hermione. That witch has a solid head on her shoulders, and I wouldn't recommend crossing her, but Astoria is a grand gestures sort of girl. I'll go with you if that'll make you feel a bit better. Hermione wanted me to go, Harry wished me to stay behind. Personally, I think it would be loads of fun. Afterwards, we'll take Fred dress shopping. I can't bloody wait to see that." Tonks tugged on Ron's dirty hand, and practically dragged him to the Apparition Point.

"If she's angry, I'm blaming you." Ron grumbled, but Tonks realised his steps had increased.

It tickled her pink to learn exactly how much Ronald Weasley loved Astoria Greengrass. Nymphadora believed the Switch was the best thing that could have possibly happened to them. While she knew Ron had loved Hermione, and vice versa, there was always something lacking in their relationship. She couldn't exactly pinpoint what it was until she observed Hermione and Draco.

One can have love, but without passion, it would be a mediocre existence. Nymphadora had loved Remus, still loved Remus, absolutely passionately, but he had to be convinced and cajoled into returning her affections. She knew she had been blinded by the matters of the heart, but she couldn't regret them.

She adored her son, and had always hoped Remus would settle into life with her, especially after learning Teddy had inherited her metamorphmagus abilities, and not a shred of the wolf. There were moments when she wished she could have saved him, but in the end, Tonks knew Remus had died a good death. He had perished fighting for survival, and what was nobler than that?

"I'll take the blame, Weasley." Tonks bumped Ron's shoulder, quite excited to venture to Malfoy Manor.

She raised her wand, but Ron grasped her wrist. He seemed to be struggling for words, and she gave him a moment to collect himself. Tonks lowered her wand and rested an open palm on her abdomen, still amazed by the growing life.

"Do you love Harry?" Ron frowned and shook his head. "I mean, I know you care about him and all. I'm just curious because…well he's my best mate. Ginny hurt him quite a lot really, and he doesn't like to talk about it much. She's my sister and I love her, but Harry is like my brother. I know his proposal was right shit, but if you don't love him…don't say yes, alright? He deserves someone that really loves him. You do too. You loved Remus a lot, but honestly? I always felt he was holding back a bit. Maybe it was because of the whole werewolf thing, but I can't say for sure. I suppose we'll never know." Ron offered a small half smile and released her wrist.

Tonks merely nodded and raised her wand. She didn't wish to discuss such things any longer. She gasped as the customary compression sent them hurtling through the confines of time and space.

"Never gets easier." Tonks spat and quickly wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

"Are you sure this is right? I can't even see the bloody Manor from here." Ron groaned, as he was apt to do, and wobbled on his large feet.

"Do you always complain this much? We've got nearly two kilometers to walk before reaching the Manor. I'm sure you'll survive."

Hermione Malfoy's stomach growled quite loudly in the awkward silence after Draco's innuendo. She pretended she couldn't hear it, though she could feel Draco's eyes boring into her. She huffed, and dutifully sipped a goblet of water, while offering Sullivan a small smile.

"Did you know?" Sullivan ignored his father's large hand squeezing his forearm, and wrenched away from him. "I mean, at the wedding, did you know I'm your brother?"

"That's quite the loaded question." Hermione whispered. "I've known since I was a small child I was adopted. My mum gave me a packet of papers and I studied them for quite some time. When I entered Hogwarts, I set them aside. I was already different, being raised by Muggles. I really didn't wish to entertain the idea of having a magical parent that didn't want me. Also, it was Astoria that conversed with you at the wedding." Hermione met the blue eyes across from her with kindness, realising Sullivan was just as hurt and confused as she.

"Didn't want you?" Langston Fawley was completely aghast at the very idea, and leaned forward, desperate for Hermione's attentions. "Didn't want you? I didn't even know of you! If I had been informed…I could have done something." Langston wiped his face with his hand, and even Draco had to admit the wizard looked a bit haggard.

"Look Fawley, you upset my wife and I'll hex you. I won't even regret it." Draco snarled, ignoring the earsplitting sound of wood scraping across marble as he dragged Hermione's chair closer.

"With what wand, Draco?" Snape sneered, as was his way, thankful he had absconded with all of their wands before he was in the midst of another battle he couldn't care less about.

"I don't need a fucking wand." Draco snapped his fingers and the lights dimmed, as the Manor creaked around them. "This is my home, my father's home, and his father before him. This Manor was erected centuries ago, entwined with nothing less than Blood Magic. If you think for one moment I would allow anyone to interfere in any matter concerning my wife, you are sorely mistaken."

Severus Snape was vaguely impressed by his godson's ferally protective nature. It was a decidedly pleasant about face to the apathy he had witnessed over the years. He did not miss the sneering, arrogant, yet terrified boy he once knew. He respected the man before him, despite Draco's appalling manners.

"Draco, Jeanie doesn't look well." Astoria piped up, her fingers lazily strumming the table in boredom. "She sounds hungry. Merlin knows I'm bloody starving." She rolled her dark eyes heavenward, irritated with adults acting like children.

Draco and Severus turned toward her quickly, both forgetting she was even there. It wasn't like the young Slytherin to remain quiet. Perhaps her pregnancy was causing a lull in her ordinarily boisterous manner, for which there was much to be grateful.

"Lookit that Tonks. We arrived just in time. I'm starved!" Ronald Weasley ambled into the Manor as if he belonged there, waving cheerily to the occupants of the dining room.

"Is…Harry sleeping?" Tonks walked over and ruffled the familiar dark hair, which only earned her a hearty groan from the slumbering wizard.

"Oh for heavens sake. You'd think I had cursed them from the way you're acting. It's just a bit of Sleeping Draught. They were intoxicated and they were irritating me. You know I haven't the patience for such shenanigans." Narcissa tossed her hands in the air and strode directly into the kitchen.

It wasn't often, if ever, that Hermione, Astoria and Ron shared the same thoughts, but this was a special occasion. Hermione's stomach growled loudly, and Astoria's answered with its own sort of grumble. Ron's hand continuously rubbed his striped sweater, as though it had been ages since his last meal.

When the elves marched into the room carrying trays over their heads, Hermione was nearly salivating. She forgot all her manners and snatched the bowl of strawberries from the poor elf's hands, with barely a smile. She also eyed the bowl filled with various wedges of melon, and Ron knew better than to even glance in their direction.

"It's all…healthy." Ron grimaced, sitting heavily beside Astoria.

Tonks sat beside Hermione, deftly stealing strawberries and melon while Hermione's eyes were closed. She heaped her plate with yoghurt and honey, moaning in such a fashion Sullivan blushed as she licked the yoghurt from the tip of the strawberry.

"Hmm, Fred wants to go dress shopping. It could be fun, when all this is said and done. What on earth is going on here anyway?" Tonks knocked into Hermione's shoulder with a conspiratorial sort of grin.

"Langston Fawley was involved with my birth mother. He's here because he's seeking absolution or some such nonsense. Sullivan here is my brother." Hermione shoved a succulent piece of honeydew between her lips and savored the taste. "Serafina was here. You missed all the fun. Byron indulged in entirely too much port, hence why his chin is resting on his chest. Lucius and Harry were being completely obnoxious, and Snape is treating us all as if we're eleven."

Lucius Malfoy's forehead was pounding, but he knew better than to raise his head. He had a sneaking suspicion he was slumbering upon his antique dining table. He also had a sneaking suspicion his wife was to blame.

Harry Potter stirred slightly, jerking awake. He rubbed the back of his neck and whipped his head backward. The room spun in a delightful, yet colourful manner, which made him a big nauseous. He gripped the corner of the table, but it didn't aid him in the least. He fell off his chair, landing with a loud thump, which rattled his teeth.

"Absolution? Is that what you truly believe?" Langston's light eyes held such sadness, it was difficult for Hermione to glance away. "I swear to you, I didn't know. I only knew something had befallen Stella due to a letter I received. I didn't understand it. It only said, 'I hope you're happy now'. I-I travelled to Katrina's home, and I nearly beat my fists bloody, but she refused to answer. I sent letters, and they were always returned unopened, until the last. The last stated she had moved and left no further address. What did you want me to do? What was I supposed to do?" Langston ignored the droplets stinging the corner of his eye as he implored his only daughter for an answer.

"Granger…" Draco could see the flush spread across her chest, and knew Hermione's temper was rising.

"No. You don't get to Granger me, not now." Hermione pushed away from the table, and began to pace. "You left her. I can't pretend to know all the sordid details, but you left her. My mum never enjoyed discussing her sisters, and how could see? They were all dead! She was the only one left, and she died too. She told me you knew, my mum did. She told me you knew and she was thankful you never came for me, because I was all she had. She loved me, and you don't get to take that away from me." Hermione's knees were shaking, and she quickly covered her quivering lips to muffle the sound of her sob.

"Katrina was a complicated woman." Langston began carefully, as it was easy to see the protective glint in Draco Malfoy's eyes. "I would never suggest she didn't love you. She wouldn't have raised you if she hadn't. She wouldn't have stepped foot into Diagon Alley to aid you in buying your books, if she hadn't loved you. Katrina Bagley absolutely detested magic. She did those things out of love for you, and for Stella."

"Why's Harry on the floor?" Ron whispered loudly to Astoria while he picked at the medley of fruit and revolting fresh vegetables.

"Because he's stupid, obviously. Shut up, I want to hear this." Astoria shoved a stalk of celery into Ron's mouth and rested her hand on her chin, paying rapt attention to the scene before her.

"What do you mean she detested magic? She…she said she was proud of me when I received my letter from Hogwarts. She…she paid rapt attention when Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall visited our home. I don't believe you." The stubborn set to Hermione's jaw was achingly familiar to Langston Fawley and he closed his eyes.

"She knew me, Hermione. Stella was…gods, she was beautiful. She was outspoken and reckless, utterly reckless really. She was what Katrina considered a wild child, and I didn't blame her, not really. She disapproved of our late night rendezvous, and made it glaringly obvious." Langston's clenched fist slapped the tabletop and Lucius slowly raised his head, with bleary eyes, and a heartfelt glare.

"She couldn't have known. The Wizarding World is to remain secret from Muggles. They teach such lessons first year." Hermione allowed Draco to interlace their fingers and drag her back to her chair, as her head began to ache.

"It was an accident. I never meant…I never meant to reveal my hand, to either of them. Stella had fallen in with some unsavory fellows I suppose you could say. It was the anniversary of Charlotte's death. Katrina and Stella were in a bad way. It must have been difficult for them. I knew Stella adored her sister Charlotte. They were coming from the cemetery, and it was quite late. Stella was hours late to meet me, but I didn't mind." Langston swallowed hard, and Sullivan patted his father's hand nervously.

"I was near the brownstone, and a group of Muggle men leapt from their vehicle. Katrina was screaming, Stella was crying, and from the looks of it, they intended to cart her off. She was kicking and biting at them, but they were relentless. I couldn't stand by and do nothing. I uhm, well, I hexed them. The Ministry was forced to modify their memories, and I was severely reprimanded, but it didn't matter. None of it mattered, because Stella was safe." Langston yanked a plain white handkerchief from his blazer pocket and wiped his red eyes.

"You…really loved her." Hermione whispered, struck by the man's intensity. "My mum refused to speak of you. She claimed you were a no account wizard that decided to remain with his lot rather than sully himself with a Muggle. I believed her because I discovered your family tree in the Hogwarts library. Don't roll your eyes, Ronald, I will ensure Molly provides you nothing other than raw fruit and vegetables for a year!"

Ron's jaw clicked shut loudly, and Harry managed a snicker. He had clamored back into his chair, cursing the pounding behind his eyelids. He swiped a carrot from Ron's plate and met no resistance, knowing Ron wasn't a particular fan of anything that wasn't thoroughly cooked.

"What…happened to her?" Langston was pleading by this point, and Hermione took pity upon the man.

"I have the post clipping, but my mum refused to tell me more than what was written. Stella was on her way home from the market. I was nearly a year old, and we lived with my mum and dad. A group of young men approached her and beat her senseless. They stole her bloody groceries and the few pounds in her purse. Apparently, they decided it wasn't enough and they stabbed her quite a few times. She…she never had a chance. She was discovered near morning by a constable, who described the scene as…gruesome. Apparently, the men were never apprehended as there was no evidence left behind." Hermione sniffled, silently cursing the influx of hormones wrecking havoc with her life.

Draco was quick to embrace Hermione, holding her tight. He never knew the truth of Stella Bagley's demise was so violent. Hermione had simply told him her birth mother had died during the course of a robbery, which hadn't been a falsehood, but there had been so much more.

"How deliciously depressing. Is the poor little blight crying? It would make me feel much better if she were. I went to quite a lot of trouble to erase my competition from the face of the earth, but it seems I missed something incredibly vital. If I had known you existed, rest assured, you would be dead as well."

Tremaine Fawley smiled wickedly as she waggled her fingers in Hermione Malfoy's direction. She wasn't sorry for anything she had done. She was only doing what any good Pureblood witch would do. She had secured her future, and who could blame her really.

"Mum?" Sullivan moved toward his mother, but Langston grasped his son by the shoulders, rooting him in place. "Y-you killed Hermione's mum?" He shook his head, his dark hair falling into his eyes, and he frowned with disbelief.

"Of course not darling. I would never sully my hands with such filth. I did what any good Pureblood would do. I hired people for such things. I've come to finish the job, if you're interested in aiding your mother. I'm sure your grandfather would approve."

"Mum, what's wrong with you? You can't ago about killing people!" Sullivan wrestled with his father, finally resorting to stomping on Langston's foot.

"You're such a Hufflepuff. Alas, that changes nothing." Tremaine Fawley drew her wand faster than anyone expected.

"Mum!" Sullivan attempted to round the table and intercept the witch, but it was too late.

"Avada Kedavra!"