"LUCIUS!" Lucius heard Kadir roar in an angry voice from the study. "GET IN HERE AT ONCE!"
Trembling anxiously, Lucius entered the study and saw that Kadir was lingering at the window in dark red robes with his wand out, "I want to start training that grandson of yours," Kadir commanded as he glared at Lucius menacingly. "I want him out of that filthy school!"
"I don't have access to Scorpius, my Lord," Lucius replied. "Hogwarts is well guarded."
Kadir scoffed, "Lure him to your bookstore using that adorable little Gryffindor girl who seems to enjoy writing you," he replied coldly. "You said she wishes Scorpius would disappear."
"The next Hogsmeade weekend is not yet known," Lucius replied anxiously. "I….I…."
Kadir scoffed, "You did a better job of getting that Darmouth girl to have a child," he hissed.
Lucius flinched, but said nothing as the door opened and Alana silently entered the room wearing a dark red dress that showed her pregnancy, "My Lord Kadir," Alana spoke quietly.
"How are you and the heir?" Kadir asked calmly, delighted at the prospect of a suitable heir.
Alana sighed, "As well as can be, Lord Kadir," she replied quietly. "It's a difficult pregnancy."
"I've decided that you need a quieter environment to have the baby in," Kadir replied smoothly, a smile flickering across his face. "I've made a quiet home for you in the hills near Hogsmeade that has everything you and the child will need until it's old enough to be of service to me."
Alana frowned, "The Ministry will surely arrest me if they see me," she replied worriedly.
"The house is protected by wards that can only be accessed by foot," Kadir replied calmly.
Nodding, Alana moved towards the fireplace, "Your things are there waiting for you," Kadir spoke, smirking as Alana turned the fire green with Floo Powder and left the dark mansion.
The Three Broomsticks
Draco's hands trembled as he gripped the mug of steaming tea in his hands that Ron had bought him while they waited for the students to come for their Hogsmeade weekend trip, "I'm worried Scorpius won't show up," he spoke shakily. "I've been unable to care for him…"
Ron said nothing, as he wasn't entirely comfortable with the situation because Kingsley had only given it to him that morning at Charlie's recommendation. Draco had Apprated to Hogsmeade from Keresley alone and the two had met at the Three Broomsticks. Hannah had been immensely relieved to see that Draco was alive and had shown great sympathy when she realized what had happened to him. As a result, they were also being given free lunch that day.
Swallowing hard, Draco silently reached into his pocket and extracted a vial, quickly devouring the contents of it before returning it to his pocket, "Medicine to keep me from getting sick," he murmured, forcing a smile on his face as the door opened and Scorpius came into the pub with Albus, Molly, and Adeleina at his heels. "Scorpius is looking very well cared for. "I'm glad."
"Dad!" Scorpius called out, running towards Draco with his arms out. "I've missed you."
Draco cuddled Scorpius close and kissed his forehead while Ron rose and discreetly moved to the bar to give them time together, "Dad, these are my friends," Scorpius spoke quietly.
"My name is Albus Potter, sir," Albus spoke politely, offering a friendly hand to Draco.
Deeply surprised, Draco accepted and returned the handshake, "I'm Adeleina Linnis, sir," Adeleina spoke kindly, knowing that her father would want her to be nice to this man.
"I'm Molly Weasley, sir," Molly replied quietly, noting that Draco looked very nervous.
Draco nodded, but didn't say anything because he was extremely nervous to be around the children of those who hated him, "We'll meet back here later," Albus spoke. "I know you haven't seen your dad in a long time, so we're gonna go over to the joke shop for a bit."
Scorpius nodded and remained where he was while Albus, Molly, and Adeleina left, "I wanna come visit you at Christmas, Dad," he spoke quietly. "The Longbottoms have been good to me for the most part, but Allison doesn't like me and she's been teasing me and my friends…"
"I'm not sure the Ministry would allow it because I think I have a full moon cycle during the holidays," Draco replied quietly. "Not even your grandmother sees me in that condition…"
Scorpius nodded, but said nothing, "As far as this Allison goes, just do your best to stay away from her," Draco spoke gently. "Now would you like some food or do you want to walk…?"
"Let's walk around outside," Scorpius replied eagerly. "It'll probably help you feel better."
Draco nodded and silently rose from the table with Scorpius's help, nodding to Ron as the two left the pub together. Ron knew that the two needed time together after what happened.
The sight of Allison Longbottom walking alone down the village path towards the bookstore deeply confused Percy, as he understood Neville's daughter to have made friends with Rose, Lorcan Lovegood, and Lysander Lovegood. It seemed too nice a day to be on one's own.
A gentle hand touched his arm and Percy smiled at LeighAnn tenderly, relieved that she had felt well enough to come along with him to Hogsmeade while his mother happily looked after Michael and Lucy for the next few hours, "I'm going to slip into the joke shop," she said.
Percy nodded and gave her a kiss before setting off down the path to the Hog's Head, bypassing several groups of students along the way. He quickly got to the dusty pub and slipped inside, unsurprised to see Aaron hard at work trying to fix some of the damage done in the fight.
"Aaron Dumbledore," Percy spoke calmly. "Do you remember me? My name's Percy Weasley."
Aaron turned to face Percy and broke into a smile, "Ah, my dearest friend," he said warmly as he approached Percy and eyed his missing hand briefly. "It is truly wonderful to see you again!"
"I heard you had come back from America," Percy commented quietly. "How are you?"
Aaron gestured to a table, "Sit down, my friend, and we will talk," he replied calmly.
Nodding, Percy took a seat at the table and waited as Aaron got some food and drinks.
"Have you thought about what you're going to do when you leave school, Amanda?" Louis asked softly as he and Amanda sat together on a bench in the middle of the busy village.
Amanda shook her head, "I haven't," she replied softly. "I might apply to the Ministry."
"My father speaks very highly of you," Louis replied softly. "He says you are good for me."
Amanda smiled and took Louis's hand, both of them suddenly noticing Collins and Dominque walking with James and Fred towards the joke shop. They also noticed Draco and Scorpius walking together near the gardens that had been planted in the village in recent years.
"What's say you and I go to the joke shop?" Amanda suggested kindly. "I have to check and see if the students are buying forbidden items anyway, as it is part of my duties as Head Girl."
Louis nodded and strolled off towards the joke shop, "Dad, you're looking really pale," Scorpius commented worriedly as he gazed at his father. "Did you want to go back to the pub?"
Draco shook his head, "I'm all right," he replied quietly. "The transformation takes its toll."
"Isn't there a cure for it?" Scorpius asked worriedly. "Can't you take stuff to get well?"
Draco sighed, "Lycanthropy is terminal, but Professor Snape brews me a potion so that the transformations aren't as brutal as they could be," he replied quietly. "I'm grateful for that."
"Hey there, Scorpius," Draco and Scorpius suddenly heard Hagrid say. "Draco?"
Scorpius and Draco turned to see Hagrid standing beside the bench looking curiously at Draco, "Yes?" Draco asked quietly and uncertainly, wondering if he was about to get chewed out.
"It's good to see yeh alive," Hagrid replied calmly. "I was worried that yeh were dead."
Draco shrugged, but didn't say anything because he wasn't sure how Hagrid would react to his new condition, "Yer looking a bit peaky," Hagrid commented softly. "Has it happened yet?"
Draco frowned in confusion, "Dad, I told Hagrid," Scorpius spoke quietly. "He knows…"
"Ah," Draco replied quietly. "It should happen around Halloween, I think…"
Suddenly, Draco cringed and without warning, he turned his head towards the bushes and threw up for several moments before stopping, "Dad?" Scorpius asked worriedly.
"I'm on a medication for the pain associated with the transformations," Draco replied shakily. "It's something the Healers recommended to make things easier for the rest of my life…"
Quickly understanding his father to say that his life would be shorter because of his illness, Scorpius gave his father a hug, "I'll love you for as long as I have you," he said quietly.
Blinking back tears, Hagrid silently slipped away to get himself a drink; he had been told of Draco's lycanthropy by Scorpius, but he had no idea that it was slowly killing Draco.
The bookstore was quiet, but Allison found comfort in that and quickly busied herself with a book about magical history. She had come to the village with Rose, Lorcan, and Lysander, but they had wanted to visit the joke shop and Allison had wanted to go back to the bookstore.
"Ah, Miss Longbottom," Lucius, who had disguised himself after Apprating from Kadir's mansion, said in a merry voice as he walked into the store and saw Allison there.
Allison smiled as she looked up from her book, "Hi there, Mister Quillfeather," she said in an eager voice as she held the book up. "I was just looking at this history book. Is it new?"
"Yes, it's a book about the various happenings during the Harry Potter era," Lucius replied in his fake merry voice. "It's quite an interesting book to read. It's not overly expensive either."
Allison nodded, "I mighty buy it," she replied calmly. "My dad likes that I read history books."
"You seem unhappy," Lucius observed as he walked over to the counter. "Why?"
Allison nodded and carried her book over to the counter, "I saw a guy that looks like he could be related to Scorpius come to the village and I'm mad that Scorpius has to stay with us instead of being with his dad," she replied in an irritated voice. "Why can't he just go away?"
Lucius looked amused, as he had no idea that Draco was actively trying to be involved in Scorpius's life despite what Greyback had done to him, "Dear girl, if you wish hard enough for something, it may come true," he replied smoothly. "There's a set of new spellbooks for students in the back room. I was wondering if you could help me get them on the shelves?"
Allison nodded and followed Lucius into the back room, deeply surprised when Lucius raised his wand and revealed himself, "My dear, my name is Lucius Malfoy," he spoke grandly, bowing to her as she looked at him with astonishment. "Thank you so much for your lovely letters."
"Are you Scorpius's grandpa?" Allison asked quietly. "Why isn't he living with you?"
Lucius sighed, "His grandmother and his father want nothing to do with me because of my past as a Death Eater," he replied calmly. "The Ministry does not believe that I have changed, so I cannot live freely. Please don't tell anyone that this is the life I have been forced to live."
Allison nodded and Lucius quickly used his wand to return to his disguise before grabbing a stack of books, handing them to Allison, and guiding her out into the shop. Severus and a tired looking Kaysar were silently looking at books and they were surprised to see Allison there.
"Allison Longbottom, I believe you are supposed to be with your friends?" Kaysar asked in a kind, cheerful voice as he smiled at her. "It's nice that you're helping here, but you should…"
Allison sighed, "Mister Quillfeather needs help putting these books on the shelves and then I'm going to find my friends, sir," she replied quietly, not wanting to be around Professor Snape.
Severus gave the shopkeeper a look, but said nothing as Allison quickly put the books on an empty shelf before paying for the book she left on the counter, "See you later, Mister Quillfeather," Allison said brightly as she took her book and quickly left the store.
Severus moved over to the counter with a small, exquisitely decorated book and set it on the counter while eyeing the shopkeeper suspiciously. Not liking having Severus's intense stare on him, Lucius quietly completed the sale and watched as the two men left the bookshop.
"He's not who he claims to be," Kaysar spoke anxiously as they stood outside the bookshop.
Severus shook his head, but said nothing, "Your Legimency is good as it ever was," he replied firmly, deeply impressed with his protégé's magical ability. "Do you think we have enough…?"
"We don't have proof that the bookstore is a dangerous place for the students to be," Kaysar replied in a concerned voice. "Headmistress McGonagall wanted us to investigate and see if there was danger, but I'm not sure we have enough proof. We could recommend that no student is allowed to come here alone because the Ministry is currently investigating the shop."
Severus nodded and frowned when he saw the door to the Hog's Head open and Percy emerge alone as if he didn't want to be found. Kaysar and Severus silently moved out of view and watched as Percy silently and quickly walked up the path back towards the village.
"Percy's probably been visiting with Aaron," Kaysar spoke quietly. "I heard he came back."
Severus's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing as he and Kaysar walked back to the village square just in time to see students gathering to go back to the school. Draco was lingering near the village entrance and had an arm around Scorpius, who was silently hugging him tightly.
"I want you to behave yourself and keep your chin up," Draco spoke softly as he released Scorpius and looked down at him gently. "I expect you to write me at least once a week."
Scorpius nodded, "And I expect you to write back so I know that you're still alive, Dad," he replied softly, smiling sadly at the look from Draco. "Do you think you'll come next time?"
"I'll try," Draco replied quietly. "As long as the moon cycle doesn't keep me busy."
Scorpius nodded and gave his father a hug before he joined Molly, Albus, Adeleina and the rest of the crowd of students and staff returning to school. Draco sighed and silently wept as he rose and returned to the Three Broomsticks, unsurprised when he saw Ron seated at a table with a tired looking Hermione and an enthusiastic looking Rose and Hugo at his side.
Not wanting to disrupt the Auror's time with his family, Draco silently moved over to the fire and sat, unaware that the small Weasley clan had noticed him. Swallowing hard, Draco got some parchment and a quill out and silently began composing a letter to Scorpius, oblivious to the fact that Hermione had come over to see how he was getting on since being rescued.
"Draco, hi," Hermione commented softly. "I haven't seen you in a while and I was just…"
Draco scoffed, "If you're going to accuse me of abandoning my son, Granger, you can just turn round and go away," he snapped, gazing up at her. "I may not live to see him become a man."
Hermione frowned in confusion and Draco sighed, realizing she had no idea what he was talking about, "I was bitten by Fenrir Greyback a while ago," Draco replied firmly. "I'm a werewolf…"
"Does Scorpius know?" Hermione asked in a concerned voice. "If he doesn't, you need to…"
Draco growled, "Do you honestly think I would keep something like that from my only son?!" he asked angrily, shoving the parchment and quill back in his pockets as he shot to his feet. "Longbottom and his family are doing me a very kind favor in looking after Scorpius because I can't be there all the time. Scorpius found out after I rescued Kaysar from his disgusting father and we've been writing about it ever since. I don't need you telling me what I need to do because I'm perfectly aware that this condition will kill me and leave Scorpius an orphan…"
"Hermione, this isn't the best time to be engaging Draco," Neville, who had seen Allison and Frank back to school with friends while intending to stay in the village to see Draco off safely, said as he came over to the fire. "I think you and Ron need to see your kids back to school."
Hermione looked quizzically at Neville while Draco shakily made his way to the door, "I'll write Scorpius again after the cycle's over," Draco spoke shakily. "Please…take care of him."
Before Ron or Hermione could reply, Draco Apprated away, "His cycle?" Hermione asked.
"Tonight's the first night and Draco decided to come see his son anyway," Neville replied in a concerned voice. "He'll probably take the potion Snape gives him and then wait it out."
Hermione nodded, "He'll go back to the woods near his village and when it's over, the Ministry will get an owl and someone will be sent to check on him," Neville explained calmly. "I've got temporary custody of Scorpius for that reason; Draco is still adapting and wants to protect his son."
"Professor Snape?" Severus heard a quiet voice ask as he silently studied the book that he had bought from the bookstore to see if there was dark magic on it. "Do you have a moment?"
Severus looked up from the book and was surprised to see Albus standing there, "Sir, Scorpius is extremely upset and I'm not sure why," Albus spoke softly. "Could you come talk to him?"
For a moment, Severus was quiet, "You are notably Scorpius's best friend, Mister Potter, so I trust he has confided in you about his father's current condition?" he asked in a quiet voice.
Albus nodded solemnly, but said nothing, "The werewolf lives by a specific moon cycle and tonight is the beginning of it," Severus explained quietly. "Scorpius is probably aware of it."
"Scorpius's dad was in Hogsmeade today," Albus replied quietly. "He looked very ill."
Severus frowned, but said nothing, "Scorpius knows that his father is going to be in pain and agony until the cycle is over and so naturally, he is upset over that," he finally explained.
"What can I do to help him?" Albus asked in a concerned voice. "He…he's my friend."
Severus sighed calmly, "Just be there," he replied calmly. "That is what a true friend does."
Suddenly, shouting filled the hallway and Severus rose and swept into the hallway just in time to see several Gryffindor boys pelting a shaken looking Allison with chalk, "ENOUGH!" Severus roared, wondering if Allison had been following Albus with the purpose of eavesdropping.
Screaming filled the hallway as the boys took off running, "I was just coming to hand in my essay on decorum, sir," Allison commented as she held out a roll of parchment to him.
Severus nodded and silently took the parchment, "It is on time," he commented softly.
Allison nodded and hurried off, having overheard Severus's comments about Draco being too sick to look after Scorpius alone. She had no idea that Draco was a werewolf until now and it frightened her, as Scorpius had been with him all day and could potentially harm her.
When Allison got to the Entrance Hall, she saw Scorpius sitting on the steps with Molly and Adeleina, both girls watching as Scorpius showed things from the joke shop to Frank. Allison sighed and walked into the Great Hall for a snack, deciding to keep what she knew quiet simply because she was trying hard to stay on her father's good side so she could keep her freedom.
"Allison, do you have a moment?" Allison heard her father call out in a merry voice.
Allison, who wanted to go back to the Gryffindor Common Room and write in her diary about Scorpius's father being a werewolf, stopped and wandered into her father's office. Neville was seated at his desk, silently reading papers from the last written exam that had been taken.
"Yes, Daddy?" Allison asked quietly, approaching his desk. "Am I in trouble?"
Neville smiled and shook his head, "I just wanted you to know that the bookstore in Hogsmeade is under investigation by both the school and the Ministry because it's a bit unusual," he explained in a concerned voice. "I'm not going to stop you from going there, as I don't want to discourage you from reading, but could you take a friend with you next time?"
"Why is the bookstore unusual?" Allison asked quietly. "I'm glad they finally have one."
Neville sighed, "It appeared so suddenly and it doesn't really have a history of being anywhere else, Allison," he replied calmly. "The Ministry can't find anything on the owner either and even one who survived the wizarding wars would have some sort of information on them available."
"That doesn't mean it's bad, though," Allison replied softly. "Wasn't the last war a bad one?"
Neville nodded, "Maybe the Ministry's just really scared, but they shouldn't be scared of a bookshop," Allison commented quietly. "I'll ask Lysander or Rose to go with me next time."
"Good girl," Neville replied calmly. "I'm pleased that you enjoy books so much."
Allison nodded, "I've got to finish marking these, but I will see you at supper," Neville commented in a kind voice. "Run along and do something fun. I love you lots."
"Love you," Allison called out as she silently left the room and continued down the hallway.
As Allison approached the stairs that led to the Gryffindor Common Room, she was surprised to see Adrian sitting on the stairs looking concerned, "Hi," Adrian spoke softly. "Allison, I need to talk to you about something important. I don't think you should go to the bookstore anymore."
Allison frowned, but said nothing, "Before I was taken in by my birth father, I was raised by Lucius Malfoy and he told me that the bookshop was part of his plans," Adrian spoke shakily.
"The bookshop's harmless and I need something to look forward to because Scorpius sees his father in Hogsmeade," Allison snapped. "I'm so tired of him getting everything he wants."
Before Adrian could reply, Allison stormed upstairs and into the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Such a beautiful young lady," Voldemort crooned softly as he placed his hand on Stacey's face, chuckling as he watched Bellatrix hold her wand at the younger woman's neck, ignoring the fact that Stacey looked visibly uncomfortable wearing the low-cut, black leather dress that she had been forced into after Snatchers had caught her trying to flee. "What should I do with you?"
Bellatrix cackled and both frightened and angry at Voldemort being so close to her, Stacey swore and spat in his face. Voldemort promptly slapped her to the floor without hesitation.
"When I have won the war, I am taking this one as my bride," Voldemort growled, gesturing to Stacey as he glared at Bellatrix. "Condition her so she will be ready for when that day comes."
Bellatrix's cruel laughter echoed through Stacey's ears as she silently woke and saw that she was in the bedroom that she and Charlie shared with the twins, "…You two are getting to be such eaters," she heard the enthusiastic voice of Mrs. Weasley say. "I love you both…"
Swallowing hard, Stacey got up and silently left the bedroom, not stopping until she came into the kitchen. She was delighted to see Charity and Charlie in highchairs, silently eating baby food while Mrs. Weasley watched them and made supper at the same time wearing a big smile.
Both babies looked at Stacey and she smiled weakly, "Where's Charlie?" Stacey asked softly.
"He said he was going to Diagon Alley after work," Mrs. Weasley replied cheerfully.
Before Stacey could reply, the kitchen door opened and Percy and LeighAnn came in, "Michael and Lucy are down for naps," Mrs. Weasley said, smiling at them. "How was Hogsmeade?"
"I got things for Lucy and Michael's schooling while Percy went to visit an old friend," LeighAnn replied as she set the shopping bags on the table. "George is stocking educational things now."
Mrs. Weasley looked at Percy warily, "Aaron Dumbledore came from America to run the pub while Aberforth recovers," Percy explained quietly. "I thought I should visit him seeing that…"
Swallowing hard, Percy went silent, "Percy, love, why don't we go check on the little ones?" LeighAnn suggested, knowing Percy was remembering. "I think they need to be woken up."
Nodding, Percy allowed LeighAnn to guide him from the room, "Oh, speaking of the children, I need to write to the ones at school," Mrs. Weasley said, going for her stationery and quills.
Stacey nodded, silently relieved that she and her children were currently safe and sound.
The Leaky Cauldron was quiet and for that Charlie was relieved because it meant he could talk to Bill and his father alone about what he wanted to do. Tradition demanded that the father of the potential bride be asked permission, but Charlie knew that Lockhart was in no mental condition to be bothered about it, as such a thing might attract the Death Eaters interest.
Charlie sighed and sat down alone at a table near the bar, hoping that Bill and their father would get off work soon and come like they had arranged. He intended on proposing soon, but the talk with his father and brother was best done that night because his primary assignment, Draco, would be unavailable for the next few days because he would be transformed.
Soon enough, Bill and Mr. Weasley arrived and joined Charlie at the table, "Dad, Bill, I want to ask Stacey to marry me," Charlie explained anxiously. "I think it's time we become a family."
"I think that's a wise idea," Mr. Weasley replied calmly. "You had two children together."
Charlie nodded, "I can get Kingsley to officiate," Mr. Weasley offered in a kind voice.
"If something happens to one of us, the other is there to raise the children this way," Charlie replied shakily. "I still think about Malfoy Manor and Stacey has her own past to remember…"
Mr. Weasley sighed heavily, "You've got to swear that you won't leak this to anyone, Charlie, but I think I know why your lovely lady is the way she is," he replied quietly. "When Voldemort was at the peak of his second reign of terror, he thought about obtaining himself a lady…"
"Bellatrix was close enough to him," Charlie replied warily. "Why didn't he obtain her?"
Mr. Weasley looked amused, "Endless years in Azkaban drove Bellatrix insane to the point where all she was capable of was evil acts," he explained calmly. "She wasn't capable."
Charlie nodded, but said nothing, "Aurors from all over the world were working together at that point and Voldemort ordered Snatchers to bring him only the most beautiful female Aurors so he could use them to produce future soldiers," Mr. Weasley explained. "Stacey was one of the female Aurors that was Snatched and she escaped Voldemort with simple outside help…"
"How do you and the Ministry know all this, Dad?" Bill asked, unable to help his curiosity.
Mr. Weasley sighed, "Voldemort's chosen were paraded through the Ministry on a daily basis and given useless spiels about how their children would someday work under Voldemort within those walls," he replied solemnly. "Everyone in the Ministry was witness to this including…"
"Percy," Bill and Charlie spoke in unison, both of them realizing what this was leading to.
Mr. Weasley nodded, "He smuggled both Muggleborns and Snatched people to safety and was eventually caught," he replied somberly. "Please, Bill and Charlie, don't tell Percy I told you this because it was hard enough for him to talk to Kingsley and to your Mum and I about it. That's probably why Lucius kidnapped him and killed Audrey; all over what happened at the Ministry."
Bill and Charlie both nodded, both of them deeply shaken at what Percy had to endure.
A few students were still in the village as the sun began its long descent from the sky and Adrian, who had spent the day alone, was among them. He had mostly spent time meditating and buying a few things for his new family because he knew that those things were needed.
As Adrian moved to the path that led back to the school, he suddenly felt an arm grab him off the path and into the trees, "Shh," a gentle voice spoke. "Adrian, I'm not going to hurt you."
"Alana?" Adrian whispered in a shocked voice, recognizing the pale girl before him. "What…?"
Alana gave Adrian a look as she reached into her robes and got out a rolled up parchment, "Adrian, Kadir used me to produce an heir," she explained shakily. "I'm in a lot of trouble."
Swallowing hard, Alana handed Adrian the parchment, "Give this to Amanda and tell her to share it with the Ministry," she spoke shakily. "What's done is done, but perhaps she'll…"
Nodding, Adrian took the parchment and hid it in his pocket, "Why can't you come back to school?" he asked in a concerned voice. "I'm sure that they would welcome you back."
"I killed my Muggle parents and tortured Aberforth Dumbledore, Adrian," Alana replied quietly, her voice cold. "My sister and I were abused by them for being magic, but it's not like I asked for help and chose to use an Unforgivable. If the Ministry finds me, I'll go to Azkaban."
It was then that Adrian noticed Alana's large stomach, "Is that a baby?" he asked softly.
Alana nodded, "You should get back," she replied quietly. "Please do as I have asked."
Adrian nodded and silently left the bushes. Once she was sure that Adrian was gone, Alana applied a glamour charm and silently set off down the path towards the Hog's Head where she had gotten a room earlier. Aaron had promised to not reveal that she was there because it was obvious that she didn't want to be found by anyone and Aaron sympathized with that.
"Prefect Amanda?" Adrian asked quietly as he approached the table in the Great Hall where Louis and Amanda were sitting, having some alone time before Amanda had to help gather the students for supper. "I need to talk to you in private. It's about something really important."
Giving Louis an apologetic look, Amanda rose and followed Adrian over to the doors, "What is it, Adrian?" she asked gently, wondering what was wrong. "Why do you look so upset?"
"I was on my way back to school from the village and I was pulled into the bushes by your sister, Alana," Adrian spoke in a quiet, shaken voice. "She asked me to give you something."
Amanda nodded silently and watched as Adrian produced the parchment, handing it to her with shaking hands, "She said that Kadir made her pregnant and that you need to show that to the Ministry," he explained shakily. "Alana hopes that you'll someday forgive and love her."
"Thank you for letting me know, Adrian," Amanda replied softly. "You run along now."
Adrian nodded and silently left as Amanda returned to Louis with the parchment still in her hands, knowing that she needed to trust him enough to get his help with this situation.
Nausea filled Kaysar as he silently entered his office and collapsed on the rug in front of his fireplace, deeply shaken by his visit to the bookshop in Hogsmeade. He couldn't prove that there was Dark Magic there, but he could feel his father's presence for his entire visit.
Amythest was currently at Snape Mansion and on restriction for the time being, as the Healers were concerned about how the baby could be affected by the stress. The Weasleys had graciously given her a link to their Floo in case she felt lonely or needed anything.
Cold sweat poured down Kaysar's face and hair as he lay there, trying to compose himself enough to make tea and go to bed. He didn't feel like eating; he just wanted a deep sleep.
The door suddenly unlocked and Kaysar's hands shook as he fumbled for his wand, "I knew that Hogsmeade trip was more than you could physically handle right now, but you are a stubborn one," Kaysar heard Severus say. "I take it you are reacting to being in the book sellers?"
"I could feel my father," Kaysar revealed quietly as Severus helped him to his feet.
Nodding, Severus helped Kaysar over to the four-poster bed and helped his young protégé lie down so he was comfortable, "I'll be contacting the Ministry about that bookshop," he commented in a calm voice. "The fact that you can feel your father there is unnerving."
"I don't want any students harmed by it," Kaysar spoke shakily. "I hope they listen."
Severus moved over to the fireplace to contact Kingsley while Kaysar slowly drifted off.
The Burrow was quiet by the time Charlie arrived home with Mr. Weasley, but thankfully, both Stacey and Mrs. Weasley were both awake and quietly sharing tea in the kitchen. Upon seeing Charlie, Stacey silently finished her tea and rose to put the cup away and go off to bed.
"Stacey, just a moment," Charlie spoke softly as he took her hand. "I need to talk to you."
Stacey frowned as Charlie silently knelt on the kitchen floor and got a small box out of his jacket with his free hand, "Anastasia Charity Parker-Lockhart," he spoke shakily. "I love you."
Mrs. Weasley gasped and held tight to Mr. Weasley as he sat down, "Please, will you marry me?" Charlie asked quietly, gazing up at Stacey with hopeful eyes. "I've waited so long…"
Stacey was quiet for a moment and she finally nodded, "As long as it's a quiet wedding without a great deal of fuss and fanfare," she replied softly. "I don't need a very glamourous wedding."
Charlie nodded as he rose and silently place the ring on her finger, "We can have it at Christmas when everyone is home," he replied softly. "Kingsley said he'd officiate if you said yes."
"Okay," Stacey replied softly, smiling at him. "I suppose the kids need parents who are wed."
Charlie nodded again and gently kissed her, smiling broadly as she silently returned the kiss and silently embraced him. Before meeting the Weasleys, she had been a cold and lonely soul.
"I think this calls for a bit of evening cake," Mrs. Weasley spoke quietly, not wanting to wake Percy, LeighAnn, Lucy, Michael, Charity, or Charlie as she stood up. "I'm so happy for both of you."
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