Deep breathes, we've reached the last chapter. Please save your tears for the very end!
Dedicated to: You, for staying by me through long hiatuses and my love of cliffhangers. Let's do it again sometime!
Thank you to: BigBangVIP, xXMizz Alec VolturiXx, fowlgirl19, Modesto-Love-128898, Love. Fiction. 2016, flamesofamonster, devi no kaze, Elysae, and Alice Ladeux for reviewing the previous chapter. Thank you for the love and support! :)
And of course, thank you to all of those that added this story to their favorites and/or alerts. I see you all and I sincerely appreciate you!
Disclaimer: I've come to an end of a long road, and I only own my OCs, plot changes, and the countless nights of no sleep myself and my readers had to suffer through to get to this point! Onward march!
Eighteen Years Later
September 1, 2017
Angeline Malfoy née Jensen, was somewhere between sleep and awake when she realized exactly what day it was. Letting consciousness win, Angeline slowly opened her eyes, blinking to clear what sleep stayed behind. She stared at her husband's back for moment before she ran her hand down it. Draco Malfoy twitched slightly, but otherwise did not move or acknowledge he was awake too.
Deciding she'd wait to wake him, she sighed as she turned over onto her side to face the window. Light was starting to peek through slits in the curtain, the autumn seemed to come early this year, or perhaps it was the first time in a long while, that she had really given the First of September any thought.
Of course, it wouldn't be the first time she would be seeing a child off to Hogwarts…but this would be the first time she would be seeing her child off to Hogwarts. And as a worrier by nature, Angeline couldn't help but worry about her only child.
Scorpius Malfoy, her magnificently kind son, would be off to Hogwarts and as proud as she was; as excited for him she was…she was incredibly concerned.
She hadn't a doubt that her son would be just fine after all, he had a magnetic pull about him that she could only say came from his father. Because as well liked as she might be, she didn't think she had the attribute to pull people in like they did. People tended to gravitate toward Draco, whether he believed they did or not. That was something Scorpius had. A natural charm.
Yet, she worried.
Because this was her son. Eleven years of hearing his voice, his laughter, his dreams. Eleven years of drying his tears, giving him hugs and kisses, nursing him back to health. The everyday routine for eleven years that she had gotten used to would end today. Nothing in those eleven years prepared her this.
It was only for a few months, she knew this, and again, she knew he would be just fine, but…A parent couldn't help but worry now could they?
Angeline felt the bed shift and only moments later an arm was draped over her waist and she was pulled into an embrace from behind. She couldn't help the laugh that escaped her as Draco nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck.
"You think too loud," he said, his voice vibrating against her neck.
"How do I think too loud?" Angeline asked. Draco kissed her neck before lifting his face completely.
"You just do," he said. "What's the matter?"
"Nothing," she said.
Draco chuckled, "That's cute," he said. "After eighteen years of marriage, twenty years of being together, and basically a lifetime of knowing each other…you still think you can get away with saying, nothing is wrong?" he chuckled again, "Tell me what's wrong."
Angeline rolled her eyes before she turned to face him, "You're rather talkative for a man who just woke up," she said.
"Because my wife is clearly fraught with worry over the fact that our son is going to Hogwarts."
"You're so irritating," she sighed. "But yes, I'm fraught with worry," she admitted. "Aren't you?"
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't," Draco said. "But aren't you just a tad bit excited as well?" he asked. "We'd get the whole house to ourselves. When was the last time we could say that?"
"Honestly, I don't recall," Angeline shrugged. "I just…He's a rather interesting boy, Scorpius, very intelligent for his age and observant. Not to mention kind. I don't want people to take advantage of him or for him to compromise who he is just for people to like him…"
Draco sighed. They had had this conversation before. Once while Scorpius had been at his cousin's for the day. They hadn't exactly gotten far in the conversation that time either.
"As you said," Draco began, "He's an intelligent boy, I doubt he'd let a few punks change who he is. After all he's got two of the most stubborn people in the world as parents. Though we hate to admit it, he's just like us…"
"But better," Angeline laughed shortly. "Bloody hell," she sat up. "Parenting is still nerve wracking."
"I'll say," Draco said sitting up. "What do you want to do?"
Angeline bit her lip as she played with the pendant around her neck. What was she suppose to do other than to have faith that her little boy would be fine. That his adventures were just beginning. Times were better now, she didn't have much to worry about. And Scorpius would tell them if something was wrong…maybe…
She was going to drive herself crazy.
She was just nervous about saying goodbye. A small case of separation anxiety she was sure.
"What I want to do is to go prepare breakfast like we said we were going to do," she said dropping the pendant and looking at her husband. Draco stared back, searching her face for a moment before nodding. "Do you think he's awake?" she asked.
"I highly doubt he slept," Draco rolled his eyes. "But I'll check on him. Then we can get dressed and start breakfast, yeah?"
"Sounds good," Angeline said before Draco leaned over and kissed her swiftly before climbing out of bed.
Angeline sighed again before moving herself. She had come to the decision that she would simply be proud that their son was off to school, but that didn't mean she couldn't pout about it in the confines of her room.
"No pouting," Draco called just before he turned out the door.
What had he said? After eighteen years of marriage, twenty years of being together, and basically a lifetime of knowing each other, he was cute to think she wouldn't do whatever the hell she wanted.
Pouting included.
It had been a good forty-five minutes while in their kitchen that Angeline realized something was amiss.
"Scorpius has been awfully quiet," Angeline stated. "You said he was awake…"
Draco turned a burner down as he turned to look at her, "Hm, that is rather concerning, he's never this quiet," he said. "That's just not your son," Draco quipped.
"Why is he my son? I certainly didn't magic him into being…"
"Au contraire, my love, that night was plenty magical don't you recall?" he smirked.
"Can't say I recall, Malfoy," Angeline deadpanned.
"Should I remind you, Jensen?"
"Merlin, at least wait until he's out of the house!" she hissed. "Can we refrain from traumatizing our child?"
"Just this once," Draco chuckled as he turned around. Angeline snorted. It amazed her that over the years they had been together they were still able to pick at one another as they did. It was like every day they found something new to pick at or laugh at.
Her mother called it true love, Angeline called it something between true love and dumb luck. Perhaps they were actually two sides of the same coin.
But her thoughts went back to how quiet their son had been. The house apart from the two of them in the kitchen was as quiet as a—
"Mum!"
Well, almost as quiet as a mouse.
Angeline and Draco Malfoy looked away from their respective activities in the kitchen to glance up at the ceiling as the sound of thundering feet echoed above them. One would have thought they had a hoard of children with the way their single child made noise when wanting to announce his presence. Their gazes fell upon each other before slowly shifting toward the kitchen door.
This was more like it. This made it another typical morning in the Malfoy household. Their eleven year old son, calling for one of them as if the world was ending before he ran down the corridor above, down the stairs, past the sitting area, past the study, and—
On cue, Scorpius Malfoy came sliding into the kitchen, coming to a halt just dangerously close to bowling his mother over.
Yes, a very typical morning indeed, Angeline thought.
"Mum!" he exclaimed again, though this time in surprise. "Hey Dad!"
Angeline smiled at him as she placed her hands on his shoulders and gave him a tiny shake, "Scorpius!" She said in the same tone of surprise. "Why are you screaming?" she asked.
"And how many times do I have to tell you to stop running in the house?" Draco questioned.
"Only a million and one more, Dad," Scorpius smiled sheepishly. Angeline had to stop from pinching her son's cheeks as she watched him glance around the kitchen, his green eyes scanning and widening.
The kitchen was warm from the heat emitting from food that she and Draco had been preparing. All their son's favorite foods: scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, and sausage…and a small pot of melted chocolate because Angeline just couldn't resist the sweet this early in the morning, even at the age of thirty-seven.
"Mum!" Scorpius suddenly jolted.
"What's wrong with your son?" Draco asked.
"Our son," Angeline replied for the second time, her hands finally falling from said son's shoulders and onto her hips.
"You're the one he keeps screaming for," he pointed out. "He's yours right now."
"In any case," she rolled her eyes, "What's the problem? I'm right here, Scorp."
"I'm going to Hogwarts today," Scorpius bounced, "Your baby! Your pride and joy! The coolest kid ever—is going away today and you won't see him for three months!"
"He gets those dramatics from your gene pool," Draco said.
"Lies," Angeline scoffed, "I recall you being quite dramatic until you were at least fifteen. And let's not forget how terribly theatrical your father is."
"Mum! Dad!" Scorpius bounced, "This is serious! I'm having a dilemma! In," he glanced at the clock over the stove, "In two and a half hours, I'll be on the Hogwarts Express and who knows if I'll have my life together by then."
"You're eleven," Draco deadpanned. "You're not going to have your life together for at least another fifteen years, son," he said walking around the island to stand near them.
"For once your father's right," Angeline said kissing the top of Scorpius's head. "You need to relax. You're going to be fine."
"But what if I'm not?"
Draco ruffled his hair, "You take after your mother, you will be just fine," he said. "Hm, have we spoiled you, Scorpius?"
"Well, I'm your favorite child," he replied.
"You're our only child," they chorused with a laugh.
"Yeah, biologically," he said. "But I still rank higher than, Olivia, Ethan, and even Teddy. I mean I've got the looks, the wit, the charm, the—"
"Unparalleled confidence of a Malfoy," Angeline finished. "Now you ran down here in a panic, and I doubt it had much to do with you thinking you wouldn't be alright at Hogwarts. So what was it?"
This seemed to bring Scorpius back to his initial bouncing state of urgency.
"Yeah, I'm having a serious problem."
"So we've heard," Draco said, "What is it?"
"I can't find my wand," he whined.
Draco rolled his eyes ever so slightly as he reached forward and plucked something off of Scorpius's person, Angeline laughed.
"You put it behind your ear," she chuckled.
"Merlin," Draco began as he handed over the wand. "You'd lose your head if it weren't attached to your body."
"Great! I'm going to be a terrible loser, who loses his head," Scorpius groaned as he pocketed his wand. "Mum, please check my trunk! I'm bound to have forgotten something!"
And before Angeline could edge a word in he had grabbed her hand and started to tug her out of the kitchen.
"Draco finish breakfast!" she called.
"Yeah, yeah!" he called back. "I know the drill!"
Scorpius pulled his mother into the room and instantly yanked her toward his trunk, which he had no problem kicking open for her to look at.
"Mum, please make sure I've packed everything," he said pointing at trunk. His mother smiled that comforting smile of hers and after releasing his hand, she smoothed the back of his hair before she started rifling through his trunk.
"Have you got enough socks, Scorpius?" she asked after a moment.
"Do I need more?" Scorpius asked. Angeline laughed and shook her head.
"You'll probably never have to wash a single pair ever again…" she mumbled as she continued. "And you are not taking these Weasley products with you," she said extracting the box filled with pranks. "I'm going to have a word with those twins when I see them," she muttered. "Merlin, wait until the second term before you beginto wreck havoc on your peers, Scorpius."
Scorpius laughed, but somehow he felt like his mother was very serious about waiting to cause mischief.
Silence washed over them as she checked a second time because she was very much aware that he would ask her to check again.
"Hm," she hummed. "It seems you have everything," she said. "I'll look again, but you can always write us if you've forgotten something and we can send it to you."
Scorpius stared at her as she triple checked his trunk, almost as if he were trying to commit every bit of her features to memory. From the simple things like, his mother's wavy brown hair, to the old scars that littered her arms and hands from when she fought during the war. To the peculiar tattoo of a wolf that would occasionally run circles around her wrist.
It was silly of him to think he would forget what she looked like, he had spent his entire life with his parents. Seeing them day in and day out. It was rare when he didn't see them, which was why he thinks he can't stop looking at his mum.
He had inherited majority of his father's looks, but his dad was always quick to point out his face was much softer than his had been at his age. Yet, it didn't matter to Scorpius when he knew he would get the, "You look so much like your father," spiel with each person he met. No one cared that he might have looked similar to his mother when all they saw was his father, so Scorpius was sure to etch her face into his memory so that someone other than his father would appreciate it.
He was like both his parents and he wasn't so sure that those at Hogwarts would understand that.
In his eleven years of course, he had met various members of the incredibly vast Weasley-Potter joint clan and other peers from his parent's school days, but with everyone having such different lives, it was more often than not that Scorpius spent majority of those eleven years with people that understood him and his family without question.
Not that he didn't think that the Weasley-Potter and others' didn't understand him and his family, it was more that they didn't have the same stigma his did. And no one outside his family would understand what it meant to be the product of a reformed Death Eater and a Hero.
Boy, was his mother quick to tell him she wasn't a hero and his father was more than a reformed Death Eater. She was simply a girl that had done some brave, albeit dangerous things, for the greater good. While his father had been a boy doing all he could to protect his family.
She tells him they had been young, not much older than he was, just trying to do what they thought was the right thing.
It didn't matter that most sources disagreed with her on that.
Malfoy equaled a fall from grace. Jensen equaled a mixture of praise and apprehension.
After all, his mother was also the product of an imprisoned Death Eater and a reformed one. Then she married one...it was a wonder people questioned her too at times.
It was the deep thoughts like that, that made him worry. And his dad had told him to relax and just be a kid, but Scorpius couldn't help but notice the way people stared at his family or whispered. Of course, his parents explain in short detail but it wasn't enough to fully ease him. Especially when he would be away from them. There wouldn't be anyone to reassure him that he was okay and that there was nothing wrong.
Nothing wrong with his family nor with him.
It was just…After spending so much time with his parents, he didn't know what life was going to be like not seeing them everyday. What if he didn't adjust? What if he didn't make friends?
His mum always said he was charming, but what if that charm was nothing but a fading facade? What if he just simply had no talent at making real relationships with people?
He didn't want to be alone…
His cousins wouldn't be of any help either. Ethan after all was older than him and would be too busy with his own friends to want to spend time with him. And Olivia was still two years from going to Hogwarts. And then there was Teddy who had already graduated.
Once again, Scorpius had met plenty of his peers prior to the start of school, but…who would he turn to when he had bad days or didn't want to talk about anything? When he just wanted to sit and say nothing?
He had spent so much time in his father's office, mixing potions with his mother, or the three of them going on family holidays to exciting new places.
His family knew him…and because he paid attention, Scorpius wondered who at Hogwarts outside of family would try to get to know him. Because people didn't always put in the effort.
Scorpius was a lot of things, but nervous was a whole new concept. And if remembering his mother's face helped calm him then so be it. He was always the most calm when he thought of her…
It's not working…
"Well, I think you've got everything, Scorp," she said still glancing into his trunk. "If you're still worried, your father can—"
Her sentence was cut short as he had wrapped his arms around her neck, where he buried his face. It took very little time for her to wrap her arms around him comfortingly.
"Mum," he mumbled, "I'm really going to miss you," he whispered.
Despite how tiny and muffled his voice had been, she must have somehow heard him before her hug tightened and a hand had gone to soothingly smooth the back of his hair again.
"Well, I'm only the coolest mum ever. Of course you'll miss me," she joked, then seriously, "But I reckon I'll miss you more, Scorpius."
"That's not possible," he said. "Mum," he sighed as he lifted his face and rested his chin on her shoulder. "I'm scared."
For a moment, his mum didn't say anything as she continued to rub circles on his back. Silence wasn't an uncommon thing for either of his parents. And he had seen how they both used it in varying ways.
His aunt Gisele had told him he had picked up on that habit of using silence. How it could make people comfortable and uncomfortable.
As boisterous as he could be, silence was his friend.
"The thing is Scorpius," his mother finally spoke, "It's okay to be afraid. Everyone gets scared."
Scorpius didn't think that was true. His parents were some of the bravest people he knew. The daily crap they went through, and not to mention, they had fought in a war…he hardly thought everyone could be afraid.
"When were you ever afraid, mum?" He asked. "Dad says you've always been brave."
"He would say that," she said. "And he's certainly not lying when he says that, but do you want know a little something about bravery?" He nodded without lifting his chin from her shoulder. "To be brave there needs to be a certain level of fear. So to say I've always been brave is to say I'm always a little bit afraid. And that's okay. It's okay to be afraid."
Scorpius pulled back to look at her in surprise. She was wearing that same warm smile from before.
"As long as you don't let it stop you from moving forward, fear can be a good thing," she said. "Be scared if you must, Scorpius, but remember that you'll be okay because Hogwarts is a place filled with amazing adventure."
"It's okay to be scared?" he asked. "And you still think I'll be fine…" he paused. "But what if I'm not?"
His mother tilted her head to the side, and there it was, one of those looks that he didn't like. It was like she was looking through him, seeing all his secrets.
"You're afraid of being lonely," she sighed. She had illuminated his secret. But in turn he could see it made her sad when he nodded. His mother rarely ever let him see her sad, so he wondered why he was able to see it so clearly then. Why had this revelation made her so sad that she couldn't hide it from him?
Slowly she started to unclip the necklace that hung around her neck. "The last thing I want is for you to feel alone."
She reached for her wand and thickened the chain slightly before she proceeded to clip it around his neck. Scorpius looked down at the Slytherin pendant that his mother wore without fail, day in and day out. The very pendant that had a twin. The one that his father wore.
"With this, you won't be alone," she said. "You know how to use it?"
Scorpius frowned and nodded.
"But Dad gave you this years ago," Scorpius said. "He said so when I asked…and he has the other."
"And now what was mine is yours," she smiled. "Your father gave me that and I was never alone when I had that. Even when I thought I was. He was there and he will do the same for you."
"But what if I'm not in Slytherin?" he inquired. "Wouldn't that be strange?"
"Stranger things have happened," she shrugged. "I wouldn't worry so much about it, love," she added. "But I'm sure if you want it changed, we could very well do that."
He didn't want it changed.
Scorpius played with the pendant for a moment before looking at to his mother again. She watched him curiously and patiently waited for him to speak should he want to.
But he didn't want to and when she patted his cheek, he knew she was aware of that.
"Your father's been rather quiet. Shall we go see what he's up to?" she asked standing and offering him her hand. Scorpius nodded as he took it.
As they left the room she said, "Scorpius, where exactly did you find all those socks?"
Which he supposed was a fair question considering he was constantly claiming he had none…
"I'm going to miss the train," Scorpius huffed as the family of three rushed across the rumbling road toward the sooty station, the fumes of car exhausts and the breath of pedestrians sparkled like cobwebs in the cold air. A cage rattled on top of a trolley that Draco pushed; the owl inside hooted indignantly, while Scorpius headed the march to the station.
"Scorpius, look both ways before crossing the street," Angeline called to their son.
"We're so late!" he called back.
"Well, perhaps if you hadn't insisted we check your trunk for the fifteenth time we wouldn't have to rush," Draco remarked. "But then again, had your mother also not insisted on taking that Muggle death trap…" Angeline glared at him. "I'm not wrong," Draco said. "It's completely impractical to drive when we could have easily apparated."
"Yes, I'd love to see you apparate with all his belonging," she hissed as a Muggle stopped to watch them curiously.
That single mugglle wasn't the only one. Many morning commuters stared curiously at the family as they wove their way toward the barrier between platforms nine and ten, they weren't the first and they most certainly weren't the last odd family in that station that day.
Honestly, Muggles must be wondering as to why so many families rushed through King's Cross on the First of September every year with trunks and owls.
Finally reaching the platforms nine and ten, the family looked at one another.
"What are we waiting for?" Angeline asked.
Draco watched as their son who stood staring at the blank wall between nine and ten suddenly turned and looked at his parents, his eyes wide.
"Can we go together?" Scorpius gulped. "Through the barrier?"
"Of course," Draco smiled. Scorpius moved to situate himself between his parents. Then side by side they pushed the trolley forward, gathering speed. The family emerged onto Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, which was obscured by thick white steam that was pouring from the scarlet Hogwarts Express. Indistinct figures were swarming through the mist.
The steam was beginning to thin at the moment and it was through the thinned steam that Draco caught sight of no other than Harry Potter and company. All of them staring at him and his own family. Nodding curtly, Draco turned away to look to his wife and child.
Though he and his former schoolmates weren't friends—Angeline sure as hell tried though—they had come to a mutual respect…well, kind of…Draco and Ron Weasley would do nothing more than irritate one another, Draco decided. Angeline had agreed when he had ranted about it once, however her words had been something along the line of: "Perhaps hadn't you spent years being a complete little shite, he wouldn't hate you so much." Tch, whatever.
"Was that Harry Potter, dad?" Scorpius asked. He was standing on his tippy-toes and squinting in order to see through the once again thick steam.
"You're acting like you've never met him before," Draco replied, to which Angeline scoffed. After so many years, he knew it translated it to mean; 'Careful Draco, your jealousy is showing.'
Tch. What. Ever.
"How about I take your things and get them on the train?" Angeline said seeming to sense his irritation. That smirk on her face was a dead giveaway. "Maybe even find your aunt and uncle and put that big headed cousin of yours to work, yeah?"
Before either of the male Malfoys could say anything, the woman had brushed them both away from the trolley and took off with it, sufficiently disappearing into the steam.
"She looks excited," Scorpius mumbled.
"Weren't you just as excited only moments ago?" Draco asked.
"I've changed my mind…"
Draco glanced at his son. At first look, Scorpius was very much his spitting image, but if one took the time to know the young Malfoy, or better yet, just took a really good look at him they'd realize just how he different was.
Not just in mannerism but physically as well. By the time October rolled around his white blond hair would have darkened slightly. They'd notice that his eyes weren't grey, but the light green that belonged to his mother. A green that just like his mother's would dance with excitement and mischief, and darken with ferocity and negativity. Much like they were dark now.
Draco didn't need a pendant for either one to know when something was wrong.
"What's on your mind, son?" Draco asked.
Scorpius sighed, "Mum said it was okay to be afraid, but I'm still very…anxious…" he glanced up at him. "That probably rules out any sorting into Gryffindor, eh? Grandfather will surely be happy to hear that."
"Never say never, Scorpius," Draco said as he rested his hand on his son's shoulder. "And your grandfather will get over it if you're in Gryffindor. Life is much easier if you just ignore your grandfather, trust me. And another thing is, if I've learned anything, it's that anything is certainly possible."
They had started to move closer to the Hogwarts Express. "Even making friends?" Scorpius asked.
There it was, the real issue.
"Why do you think you won't make friends?"
Of course, Draco had a good idea as to why his son didn't think he would make friends. Truthfully, it was one of the things that Draco had worried about. Not because he didn't think people wouldn't like his son, because, his son was everything Draco wasn't at the age of eleven. Considerate, friendly, generous…he could go on. His fear that his son wouldn't make friends boiled down to what his last name was.
No philanthropy or clear change of habits and associations could really shake the stigma that had fallen upon the Malfoys.
And for that he was very apologetic to Scorpius.
For Draco could handle it. He was an adult, he had grown to deal with it. Scorpius was just beginning in life and he didn't need that type of burden.
"I don't really know how," Scorpius said. "What if no one likes me?"
There would be people that didn't like him, but that wouldn't necessarily mean that no one would.
"You're a nice and intelligent boy, Scorp, and I have no doubt in my mind you'll make friends."
"You have to say that, you're my dad," Scorpius mumbled. "I'm completely unprepared for this. Is there a crash course on making friends that you could give me? Quick, dad, tips!"
Draco chuckled slightly as they came to a stop just outside one of the train doors. He faced Scorpius and kneeled to his height.
"Just be yourself," he said. "I'll tell you something that your mother told me a long time ago. It doesn't matter that you're a Malfoy. All that matters is who you are. Meaning there are people who will want to get to know who Scorpius Malfoy really is and those people are the people you'll be friends with."
"Is that how you and mum became friends then?" Scorpius asked.
It was certainly more complicated than that, Draco thought, but he smiled at his son anyway.
"You could say that," he said. "But don't worry so much," he added. "You're going to make friends."
"Just be myself?"
"Just be yourself," Draco repeated.
Scorpius was just about to speak when Draco felt tiny arms wrap around his neck from behind along with a girlish giggle.
"Uncle Draco! Mum and dad have been looking everywhere for you! Aunt Angie is with Ethan he wanted to show her the new potion kit that dad got him! Hi Scorpy!"
Scorpius sighed as the little girl released Draco and launched herself at him. "'Ello Via."
"Olivia, where are your parents?" Draco stood, she was still clutching on to Scorpius. Clearly to his son's annoyance. "Don't tell me you're running off again."
"I swear they were just behind—There they are! Mum! Dad! I found them!"
"What's up, Blondie?" Gisele bumped Draco's shoulder.
With a slight eyeroll Draco responded, "Nothing much, Nutso."
"Olivia what have we told you about running off?" Blaise asked.
"Not to," the girl said sheepishly. "I'm sorry. Last time I swear! But I found them!" she exclaimed as Scorpius tried and failed to get her to let go of him.
"I can see that," Blaise said, though there was a hint of amusement along with the irritation. "And would you let your cousin go? Your aunt will kill me if I allow you to let her son turn blue."
Olivia laughed, "Sorry Scorpy! You should have said something."
"I did!" Scorpius retorted. "Thanks uncle Blaise! Can you please keep her on a leash next time?"
"She'll break free," Gisele laughed. "But you know you'll miss it, little one."
"I can't let her know that, aunt Gisele."
"Hey! Why not? I love you, Scorpy, why can't you say you love me too?"
"Because you're a troublesome brat," Scorpius said poking her forehead. "I almost feel bad for Ethan."
"How have you been Draco?" Blaise finally asked as the two kids bickered. "Haven't seen you in a while."
"I've been busy as people have been particularly more idiotic lately," Draco said.
"I can second that," Blaise nodded in agreement. "Your wife and my son are on their way back."
"Probably still talking potions," Gisele scoffed.
And they most certainly were.
"Just remember you can't put the heat too high on that cauldron you've got. I don't care what the material says it's capable of, you'll ruin the potion if you don't use actual guidelines," Angeline could be heard saying. "Though it is alright to tweak a potion, amping the heat on something isn't going to give you the same results, especially the more complicated it gets."
"Yes, aunt Angie," Ethan responded. The two had come to join the group. "Can I write you if I need more tips?"
"Anytime you'd like," she smiled. "Blaise he's really excited about that potion kit."
"Yeah he's been talking about it since we got it. I'm surprised he hasn't tried to brew something before now." Blaise sighed.
"Oh he's tried," Gisele said running her hand over her son's head. "Didn't you?"
"I mean, I wasn't going to burn the house down or anything!" Ethan proclaimed. "Hi Scorpius! Excited for your first year, kid?"
Draco nearly scoffed at the clear change in subject.
"Don't call me kid," Scorpius pouted. "But yeah, I am, just don't give a hard time okay?"
"Do I look like Olivia?"
"Absolutely," Scorpius deadpanned.
Draco shook his head as the three children instantly started back bickering amongst themselves allowing the adults to talk quietly.
"He's worried about making friends," Draco said to Angeline.
"I figured as much," she replied. "Did he tell you that?"
"Mhm," Draco nodded. "Told him to be himself."
"That's pretty sound advice," Angeline nodded approvingly.
"Don't sound or look so shocked," Draco said.
"I'm not," Angeline laughed.
"I am," Gisele cut in.
"No one asked you, Nutso, so take your opinion and shove it up your—"
"Children, please," Blaise and Angeline sighed. Which Draco wasn't sure was directed at him and Gisele or at the actual children who had definitely started to get more rowdy in their argument. After all, Ethan was one move from putting Scorpius into a headlock.
"I didn't do anything," came the collective chorus from the actual three children.
That was always the case, each and everyone of them was an innocent angel until one of them ratted out the truth.
Fortunately for them they were saved from having to go through that process.
The whistle blew and Ethan settled for flicking his cousin on the ear before turning to each adult in turn to give his farewells. Hugging each one before giving his sister a long hug goodbye.
"I'll write! Via you better not touch my stuff! Come on, Scorp, hurry up and get on the train! I promise this is the worst part!" And though he made it seem as though he would wait for his cousin, Ethan jumped onto the train and promptly disappeared within it.
And Draco watched for a moment as his own son had the look of apprehension once more, but it was quickly replaced with one of determination and excitement.
Hugging his aunt, uncle and cousin first, he saved what Draco knew were the best for last. His parents. Scorpius clutched tightly to Angeline and Angeline held back just as tight. She whispered something to their son that Draco couldn't quite make out, but he was sure it had something to do with mischief as the wicked grin on his son's face told him such.
He pulled back and Angeline patted his cheek once because leaning forward and kissing the top of his head.
Scorpius paused before he turned and wrapped his arms around Draco's middle.
"I'm going to miss you, dad," he said. "And thank you."
"Anytime. And I'll miss you too," Draco whispered as he returned the hug. "C'mon now, you don't want to miss the train when you're literally right in front of it.
Scorpius released him and jumped on board, Angeline closed the door behind him. Students were hanging from the windows nearest them saying their last goodbyes.
"You're compartment is just near the end of the train! You won't miss your initials on your trunk!" Angeline told him. "Unfortunately, you cousin's compartment was full!"
"Unfortunate?" Scorpius made a face. "I call that very fortunate!"
Angeline laughed, "Call it what you will," she said. "But don't start any unnecessary fights with him."
"Alright, I won't," he nodded. "You'll write won't you?" Scorpius asked.
"Of course," Angeline said. "Every hour on the hour."
Scorpius laughed, "Don't be silly, mum."
"I'm serious!" Angeline chuckled. "But if you don't want that how about we write every other hour?" Scorpius grinned widely, but Draco was sure his wife was only half joking that time. "You better write us, and tell us everything, but do stay out of trouble."
"But have fun," Draco said. "Enjoy your time there, it'll be over before you know it and you don't want to miss a thing."
Scorpius nodded and the train began to move. Draco and Angeline waved and smiled as their son's face lit up further.
"We love you!" Angeline called.
"I love you too!" was a shout back before he ducked his head back inside and the train rounded a corner. Angeline leaned into Draco's side, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Both of them otherwise unmoving as they looked at the place the train had just been.
"I forgot to tell Scorpius to write me too," Olivia pouted. "Do you think he will aunt Angie?"
"Of course, honey," Angeline said with a tiny smile. "We'll remind him."
"Awesome!" she jumped. "Dad, can we go to the bookstore now?"
"Come on," Blaise said taking her hand. "Draco, Angeline, come over for dinner tomorrow if you're free."
"Of course," Draco said absently.
"Are you two alright?" Gisele asked before she started away.
"We're better than that," Angeline said moving finally. "Aren't we, Draco?"
Having come out of his own little thought of nothing and everything, Draco nodded. "That we are. Scorpius is going to have the adventure of a lifetime."
"Of course he will," Angeline smiled. "After all, he is our son." Gisele chuckled and turned after Blaise as they started back to the exit off of the platform.
Draco himself laughed at the statement. It was true and thus he knew his son would be just fine. He wrapped his arm around Angeline's shoulder again and they followed after the others.
After eighteen years, he could honestly say that things was better than good.
In fact, they were wonderful.
First it is 18 years because the last chapter took place in the course of a year after the fighting so it all still lines up canonically.
Okay after that note I can say this...this is the end...and like all things lately, it is a bittersweet moment. On one hand, I've accomplished something I had only dreamed of (finishing 2 large stories). While on the other hand, I have to say farewell.
I know I say thank you a lot, but I don't think you all truly understand just how thankful I really am. Through this series I have made a number of friends and I've learned a lot. About my writing and about life in general. In the course of writing this, I've gone through some of the hardest times in my life and I've grown up.
It's been 7 years since I posted the first chapter of Simplicity. That day years ago, I didn't know what I getting myself into. I was a 17 year high school student, 6 months from graduation and starting a new chapter in my life. Now I'm 24, nearly three years out of university and feeling old as I look back on the memories.
In the course of this series, I have graduated high school and university. So I never imaged that I would be here 7 years later having finished two massive stories.
And it wouldn't have been done without all of you. I have only ever wanted to create something for others to enjoy as much as I do, and to know that I have…I get very emotional. It makes me realize that I shouldn't sell myself short. Yes, it's fanfiction, but…it gives me hope. You have all given me hope.
So from the bottom of my heart, Thank You.
I'll cherish each and every one of you, and I do plan to write more. But as I've learned, life comes at you quick. But please keep a lookout for things such as oneshots and drabbles. So don't forget me.
I hope to release something featuring Scorpius Malfoy as a main character. Because I do adore him very much.
Which reminds me, since I'm not sure I'll get around to it. House sortings of our Next Generation, that I have basically solidified in the canon of my world (though still subject to change lol):
Scorpius Malfoy - Slytherin
Albus Potter - Slytherin
Rose Weasley - Gryffindor
Ethan Zabini - Slytherin
Olivia Zabini - Hufflepuff
Hugo Weasley - Ravenclaw
Lily Luna Potter - Hufflepuff
James Sirius Potter - Gryffindor
Of course there are more children to be sorted or created lol, but those are the only ones I will share! :)
For old times sake, Review Me, Maybe?
Mischief (mostly) Managed.
Thank you. Take care. I love you.
Love always and forever,
TR