November
The sound of screams and exploding glass caused Alana to wake from her bed in fright, pressing a hand to her growing stomach as she hurried to the window. To her horror, the bookshop down the path was completely engulfed in flames and cloaked figures surrounded it.
Trembling anxiously, Alana moved away from the window and nearly screamed as the door burst open and Aaron's wife, Amelia, came into the room with a housecoat over her nightclothes, "Please, don't let them find me," Alana sobbed. "Any of them."
"The Death Eaters and the Ministry aren't going to find you," Amelia Dumbledore, who felt very sorry for the young girl who had obviously suffered a lot. "Grab your things and let's go."
Nodding, Alana grabbed her bag of personal things from the bedside table and silently followed Amelia from the room and down the stairs, "We'll take refuge in the tunnel," Amelia spoke.
Before Alana could reply, the portrait of Ariana moved back and the portrait swung open, revealing a wide hiding space where Aaron and two teenage children sat on small cots, "Rianna, Remus, make room for our guest," Aaron spoke firmly. "I'm so sorry about this, Miss Alana."
"What's going on?" Alana asked, deeply terrified that she would be found and punished by Kadir for not staying where he had designated her to stay. "Why is the bookshop on fire?"
Aaron sighed, his blue eyes misty, "It was planted here by Dark Magic for some ill intent, but that plan has obviously failed," he replied shakily. "I want you to lie down and rest, Alana."
Shaking, Alana took the empty cot, but couldn't bring herself to lie down because she was scared that she would wake up with a wand at her throat, "You're not well," Aaron observed, gazing at the pale young woman with concern. "How exactly did Kadir give you that child?"
"It was painful and I think I'm going to die," Alana replied in a shaking voice. "I'm…destined."
Aaron frowned, "You mentioned a sister," he replied, recalling the conversations that they had shared since Alana had come to hide. "Where might I find this sister of yours, Alana?"
"Amanda's at Hogwarts," Alana replied shakily. "If they find out about me, I'll be arrested."
Another explosion rocked the pub and letting out a low moan, Alana passed out cold.
HOGSMEADE BOOKSHOP GOES UP IN FLAMES! MINISTRY INVESTIGATING CAUSE.
Not bothering to read the rest of the article, Allison set the Daily Prophet aside and helped herself to some toast and jam. Now that the bookshop was gone, she had no choice but to spend time with her friends while visiting Hogsmeade. Gone was her only source of relief.
"We've got Care of Magical Creatures first today," Lysander spoke in a kind voice as he took a seat at the table next to her. "It's such a nice day for it. One of the last nice ones for a while."
Allison nodded, but didn't say anything, "Did you read about the bookshop?" Lysander asked in a concerned voice, noticing the paper on the table. "They list the owner as being missing."
"It was a good shop," Allison replied softly. "I don't know why people were afraid of it."
Lysander sighed, "Adults have odd theories about things that are different," he replied gently.
"I guess," Allison replied softly, deeply upset about losing yet another comfort in her life.
"Hagrid, do you have a moment?" Kaysar asked quietly as he walked over to Hagrid's hut and saw Hagrid silently preparing some unusual looking creatures for class. "I need a favor."
Hagrid nodded, "I was wondering if you would allow a parent to come observe the lesson?" Kaysar asked kindly. "In short, Draco is not going to be available to visit Scorpius next Hogsmeade weekend. I trust you are aware what Fenrir Greyback did to him?"
"It'll be all right," Hagrid replied calmly. "They should see each other when they can."
Kaysar nodded and sighed as Draco, who was exhausted from the long journey of Apprating from Keresley tom Hogsmeade and walking to Hogwarts with Kaysar, slowly came into view with a cloak over his clothes and his hair and beard neatly kept, "The students are at breakfast and should be here shortly," Hagrid commented, upset by how ill Draco appeared to be.
Draco nodded and moved closer to the hut as he heard the noise of chattering students, allowing himself a weak smile as he saw Scorpius at the front of the pack of third-years with Molly, Adeleina, and Albus, "Dad!" Scorpius said in an excited voice, rushing over to Draco.
"Deputy Headmaster Linnis is allowing me to visit today because I'll be unavailable come your next Hogsmeade weekend," Draco spoke softly. "I've got important business at home."
Scorpius nodded and held to his father as the other students gathered around Hagrid, "Today we've got some Centaurs coming to talk with us," Hagrid said in a pleasant voice. "They'll…"
Suddenly, there was a loud boom in the Forest, followed by loud gallops. A cloaked figure quickly shot out of the forest, causing the students to scream and gather round Hagrid.
The figure removed its hood, revealing Lucius Malfoy, "Don't even try it!" Draco shouted, his entire body trembling as he pulled out his wand and pointed it at his insane father.
"You know what I want, Draco," Lucius hissed angrily as Scorpius pushed himself backwards.
Swearing, Kaysar lunged at Lucius to try and give the students time to run, but Lucius threw him aside, "Scorpius, come now," Lucius hissed as used his wand to blast a path through the students to get to Scorpius. "Lord Kadir wants to see you, you talented child."
Before Scorpius could react, Lucius grabbed him by the neck of his robes and then eyed Allison, who looked both curious and hungry to see Scorpius taken. With his free hand, he grabbed her.
"LET THIS BE A LESSON!" Lucius roared, causing an explosion with his wand as he Apprated away with both Scorpius and Allison in tow. "As for you, my ungrateful brat, take this…"
Suddenly, Draco screamed in agony and collapsed to the ground with a hand on his chest, "Mister Malfoy!" Albus said anxiously as he pulled out his wand to help the ailing man.
"Get to the castle, all of yeh!" Hagrid ordered in an upset voice as he pulled his umbrella out.
Albus swore loudly, "Molly, Adeleina, help me!" he shouted. "We just can't leave him!"
Realizing that Albus was right, Molly and Adeleina remained behind and did what they could to keep Draco from passing out. After several moments, Draco relaxed, but was in tears.
"My son," Draco gasped as he struggled to stand. "Draco…Draco, I'm so sorry…."
Nearly half an hour later, after Hagrid had convinced Draco to let him help, Draco lay on a bed in the Hospital Wing while Madam Pomfrey fussed over him. Headmistress McGonagall had ordered all classes cancelled for the day and had sent all students back to their common rooms.
Albus had stubbornly refused to listen and was now sitting in the Hospital Wing, silently listening and watching Madam Pomfrey help Draco. The door suddenly burst open and Harry strode in, followed by a concerned Neville, prompting Albus to stand and look at them.
"We've got Aurors combing the grounds," Harry stated calmly. "We'll find Lucius…"
Neville, who looked like he had been crying, eyed Albus warily, "You, Albus, are a stubborn child and you are also a very good friend," he spoke shakily. "Poppy…how….how is Draco?"
"That guy tried to use a dark spell on him," Albus replied quietly. "It was one with a red light."
Harry frowned, "The Cruciatus," he replied quietly. "Is there anything we can do?"
"Mister Malfoy here suffered a heart attack as a result and he's already in pain because of the Lycanthropy," Madam Pomfrey explained sternly. "He's refusing transfer to St. Mungo's."
Neville frowned, but Harry chose to approach the bed, "I can't do anything until after I transform," Draco spoke weakly, unable to open his eyes. "Right now, I need to rest."
Nodding, Harry silently backed away and pulled Neville along with him as he left, "Hannah's closed the pub and is up in Ravenclaw Tower with Frank," Neville commented anxiously.
"The House Elves will see to getting everyone whatever they need," Harry spoke softly.
Silence filled the air as Harry and Neville moved down the corridor and into the Entrance Hall where Headmistress McGonagall was talking with Kingsley and Kaysar was silently standing guard on the stairs, "…This is highly unheard of," Kingsley spoke solemnly. "It really is."
"Harry, there is no sign of Lucius, Allison, or Scorpius," Kingsley reported somberly.
Harry nodded, his expression grim, "Is Albus still in the Hospital Wing?" Headmistress McGonagall asked in a concerned voice. "I don't like that he's unprotected."
"I'll fetch him out in a moment, Headmistress," Neville promised. "Is there a staff meeting?"
Headmistress McGonagall nodded, "Everyone but you, Linnis, and Professor Snape have assembled in the staff room," she replied worriedly. "He refuses to leave his office."
Kaysar sighed, "Headmistress, with great respect, Scorpius is very important to Professor Snape and perhaps he should be given a bit of space for now," he replied calmly. "I'll brief him."
"Ever the voice of reason, Kaysar," Kingsley replied gently. "Remus taught you a lot."
Just then, the front doors opened and Ron, Charlie, Teddy, Victoire, Dennis Creevey, and several other Aurors that Harry recognized as being old schoolmates, entered the castle along with a concerned looking Susan Bones, Rob Wood, and Alicia Spinnet, "I'm here to get statements from everyone involved in the attack," Susan spoke in a prim voice.
"Draco Malfoy is medically unfit for any sort of visitors at the moment, but Professor Linnis can take you to the students who saw what happened," Headmistress McGonagall replied calmly, quickly looking at Harry. "Potter, take Albus back to his Common Room for his safety."
The crowd of Aurors watched as Harry went off to the Hospital Wing to collect Albus, "We can start anywhere you like, Madam Bones," Kaysar spoke calmly, determined to be brave.
Susan nodded, "I'm going to have a look at Draco myself," Rob spoke quietly.
As Rob left, Kaysar and Susan silently walked up the staircase towards Gryffindor Tower.
You could have been a better friend. Rose heard her conscience whisper as she sat alone in the third-year girls' dorm, silently wondering why Allison had been kidnapped by Lucius Malfoy.
Rose sighed heavily, as she had tried very hard to listen to her father and make friends with Allison so that she would stay away from Adrian. Allison, however, had been captivated by the bookstore and enjoyed being alone ever since school began and it was very frustrating.
Feeling a need to apologize to Allison's mother for not being a better friend, Rose silently got up and went down to the Common Room. To her surprise, James and Fred were sitting in front of the fire while several groups of people, including Dominique, Louis, Hugo, and Roxane were all scattered throughout the common room, everyone too shaken to speak or relax.
"Domi, can you take me to Ravenclaw Tower?" Rose asked as she approached Dominique.
"Why?" Dominique asked in a concerned voice, giving Rose a look of pure confusion.
Rose sighed, "I need to apologize to Allison's Mum for not being a better friend to Allison," she replied in a worried voice. "I really tried very hard to do what my dad asked me to, but…"
"Oh, Rose, give Allison's Mum and brother time together right now…," Domi started quietly.
Ignoring the rest of Dominique's words, Rose silently left the Common Room and walked quickly through the hallways until she neared Ravenclaw Tower. To her surprise, she saw her parents standing outside of the portrait hole, quietly hugging and talking to each other.
"Rose, what are you doing here?" Hermione asked, quickly spotting her daughter.
Rose sighed, "I wasn't a good friend to Allison like Dad said to be," she replied sadly.
Hermione frowned, but said nothing, "I wanna apologize to Allison's Mum," Rose admitted.
Ron and Hermione exchanged a look, "Rose, I'm sure you were a very good friend," Hermione spoke in a comforting tone, her heart aching for her daughter. "We're not sure what…"
"Lysander and I both tried, but Allison seemed obsessed with writing in her diary and spending time at that creepy bookstore," Rose continued anxiously. "We really tried…"
Ron frowned, "Diary?" he asked, remember what Ginny had once endured at school.
"Allison often wrote in it whenever she was in a bad mood," Rose explained worriedly.
Hermione suddenly looked frightened as Ron paled, "It could be exactly what happened to Ginny in her second year," he muttered anxiously. "Rose, could you get the diary for me?"
Nodding, Rose ran off back to Gryffindor Tower, "Allison could have become bewitched by some dark magic and not have even been aware of it," Ron reasoned anxiously. "That would explain her desire to be alone and visit the bookshop. That poor girl had to deal with…"
"Here's Allison's journal, Daddy," Rose spoke anxiously as she returned holding an elaborately decorated book with her sleeve. "When I tried to touch it, I felt really uncomfortable."
Nodding, Ron, took the journal using the sleeve of his Auror robes, "Hermione, walk Rose back to her tower," he spoke in a grave voice. "I have to get this to Kingsley right away."
Kadir chuckled as he felt Lucius's useless journal being delivered to the Ministry, as he knew the whole concept of a journal would fail. He frowned at hearing the door open and close.
"I have returned, my Lord," Lucius replied shakily. "With a couple of young surprises…"
Kadir turned and looked surprised to see a badly beaten Scorpius along with a confused looking Allison, "Now that we have the boy, teach him what he needs to know, Lucius!" he ordered briskly, both pleased and irritated that Lucius had managed to somehow grab Scorpius.
"I don't want to be a Death Eater," Scorpius said in a firm voice. "They're disgusting."
Kadir's eyes widened in amusement and he lazily flicked his wand at Scorpius, who began to writhe on the floor in pain, "Get this one out of my sight," he ordered in a commanding tone.
Lucius nodded and grabbing Scorpius from the floor, he silently fled from the room, "Now, my dear young lady, who exactly are you?" Kadir asked calmly, giving Allison an odd look.
"My name is Allison Longbottom, sir," Allison replied politely. "I wrote a lot of letters."
An expression of glee filled Kadir's face, "Ah, so you are the Allison who hates Scorpius?" he asked in an amused voice, having read her letters. "I didn't think you would be so young."
"I'm 13, sir," Allison replied in a determined voice. "I like the idea of order and quiet."
Kadir looked amused, "I live in London and I'm so annoyed about the Muggles who pass by Diagon Alley every day as if they rule the world," Allison said sharply. "It's irritating."
"You dislike Muggles?" Kadir asked in a curious voice, intrigued at this young spitfire.
Allison nodded, "Professor Weasley teaches Muggle Studies and she says we should be kind to people who don't have magic and protect them," she replied sourly. "If Muggles knew we were different than them, they would try to hurt us and I've read about that in Magical History."
"Muggles are very fearful of different," Kadir agreed calmly. "They would rather people with magical powers be killed instead of being allowed to help them solve all their problems."
Suddenly, there was a roar of fury and Lucius burst into the room, "My Lord, Scorpius is weak and refuses to fight me!" he yelled angrily. "He's acting like a worthless Muggle!"
Allison said nothing, as she knew Lucius was hurting and felt bad for him, "Leave him be for a few days and perhaps he will change his mind," Kadir replied calmly. "Go calm yourself."
Nodding, Lucius silently left the room, nearly banging into Umbridge as she came in, "Miss Longbottom, this is Dolores Umbridge," Kadir replied. "She could teach you great things."
"I thought you said I was too young?" Allison asked, giving Kadir a confused look.
Kadir smirked, "My dear, you are never too young to learn about what you could become," he replied in a calming voice. "Dolores, why don't you show Allison to the mansion's library?"
Umbridge smiled and held out her hand and Allison hesitated before taking the offered hand.
"…Let him rest for now and I'll explain things when he wakes," Draco heard a kind, concerned voice speak as he slowly felt himself drifting back into consciousness. "It was best for him."
There was a quiet gasp, "Draco?" Draco heard the concerned voice of his mother call out.
Draco slowly opened his eyes and he quickly realized that he was in a bed at St. Mungo's, "Draco," he heard his mother say in a gentle voice, suddenly feeling her hand on his face.
"I know you wanted to stay at Hogwarts, but the Healers here can control your pain better and help you when your cycle hits," Rob explained as he came into view along with Kaysar.
Draco sighed, "Scorpius," he spoke weakly. "I can't help him until after my cycle…"
"I'm sure the Ministry will find him," Kaysar spoke gently. "You need to recover."
Again, Draco sighed, "That Longbottom girl…she hates him," he spoke weakly. "Scorpius…would always tell me in his letters that she would bully him for no reason at all…little brat."
"Save your strength, Draco," Narcissa spoke softly. "I will talk to the Ministry myself."
Nodding, Draco slipped back into a deep slumber, "I know the Ministry doesn't care about whether Scorpius lives or dies," Narcissa spoke softly. "They care about that Longbottom girl who was taken because her father was a battle hero, but they don't care about Malfoys."
"Narcissa, I'm sorry," Kaysar replied sadly. "I had hoped attitudes would be different now."
Narcissa nodded, "You're so very different than your father," she replied in a tired voice as she sat down on the edge of Draco's bed and took his hand in her own, resigned to what was.
"I need to get back to school," Kaysar replied softly. "Keep me posted on his progress."
Rob nodded and continued to watch Narcissa and Draco as Kaysar silently left.
"Professor Snape?"
Severus frowned as the door to his office opened and a concerned looking Collins entered the room, "What are you doing out of the dungeon?" he asked harshly. "Students are not…"
"I'm Head Boy and Headmistress McGonagall wanted the Heads and the Prefects out patrolling for a while, sir," Collins replied calmly. "The Aurors helped take Draco Malfoy to St. Mungo's…"
Severus nodded, "Mister Malfoy's a werewolf, isn't he, sir?" Collins asked in a quiet voice.
"What leads you to that conclusion?" Severus asked quietly, intrigued about the answer.
Collins sighed, "I caught a glimpse of him being carried from the school and he looked very ill," he replied quietly. "Werewolves look the most ill when their cycle is fast approaching."
"I trust you will keep the information quiet so that Scorpius will be able to resume a normal life once he is rescued," Severus replied in a tight voice. "I have little doubt that the Ministry…"
Collins nodded and Severus sighed, "You should return to your patrol," Severus spoke quietly.
Understanding Severus's need to be alone, Collins silently left and continued to the upper level of the school, "…Do you have any idea where Lucius might have taken them yet?" he heard Kingsley ask in a concerned voice. "These are third-year students and they don't know much…"
Swallowing hard, Collins silently found himself thinking back to when his parents had been killed; he had been just a young boy and living with his Squib father and Muggle mother and his father's sister had visited them one day unexpectedly. He didn't know her, but he had politely addressed her as 'Auntie Dolores' as his father had instructed. His aunt had promptly killed them and had tried to kill him too, but he had wished to be elsewhere and promptly was.
After learning that his Aunt Dolores had murdered his parents, the Ministry had given him over to the care of the home run by Mrs. Figg. He had been given the few things belonging to his parents and among those things, were a few letters from his parents for his Aunt that had been returned with nasty replies; in the letters, his parents had mentioned Kadir and his estate.
Wondering if those letters could somehow help the Ministry, Collins silently returned to the Slytherin Common Room and silently walked past the groups of students huddled together to the safety of his Head Boy bedroom. He carefully opened his trunk, retrieved the letters, and silently left. He saw Albus, Adeleina, and Molly huddled together near the fire as he left.
It didn't take Collins long to get to the Entrance Hall and he was relieved to see that Kingsley had not left and that Mr. Weasley had since arrived, "Alexander, hello," Kingsley said warmly, recognizing the young man. "Have your patrols turned up anything relevant to our search?"
"My father's letters to his sister," Collins replied quietly. "Aunt Dolores always replied and I was wondering if you could somehow trace her magic because of the quality of the handwriting?"
Mr. Weasley gave Collins a look, but Kingsley took the letters, "Headmistress McGonagall has decided to allow the students out of their Common Rooms, but nobody is allowed to go outside," Kingsley replied in an official voice. "Hogsmeade trips are cancelled for now."
Just then, noise filled the air as a large group of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff students came clamoring down the stairs with Oliver, Hermione, and Headmistress McGonagall watching and walking alongside them, "If you'll excuse me," Collins said anxiously, wanting to help out.
As Amanda came down the steps holding Hugo and Lily's hands, Kingsley suddenly waved her over, "Miss Darmouth," he spoke calmly. "Arthur and I need to have a word with you."
"Go sit at your tables," Amanda spoke quietly, sighing as James came from behind and promptly whisked them away with him and Fred. "What do you need, Minister?"
Kingsley sighed, "Your sister is in Hogsmeade under the care of Aaron Dumbledore and his family and she is in poor health," he replied worriedly. "She has asked to see you at the safest possible moment and she has only asked that no Aurors come near her at this time."
"When it's safe, I'll escort you over there," Mr. Weasley said kindly. "Unless you don't…"
Amanda sighed, "I can't be unforgiving despite all she did," she replied softly. "Let me know when it's safe and I'll go. For now, I'm going to go see if the students need anything."
As Amanda went into the Great Hall, a group of Slytherin students came up from the dungeons being escorted by a very tired looking Severus, who was being kept company by Albus, Molly, and Adeleina, "Young Mister Potter convinced me that I needed to come out of seclusion," Severus spoke as he passed by Kingsley and Mr. Weasley. "He's much like his father."
"I've got to go to St. Mungo's and check in on Draco, Arthur," Kingsley spoke softly.
Mr. Weasley nodded and continued to watch the students file into the Great Hall.
"Is that Grandpa Weasley, Molly?" Albus asked quietly as he peered towards the doors instead of at the items on the table that the House Elves had provided to entertain the students.
Molly peered over at the door and nodded, "I wonder why he's here?" she asked in a confused voice, knowing that he wasn't an Auror. "Maybe he's going to try and help find Scorpius?"
An anxious sob suddenly broke out across the hall and Albus frowned when he saw Lysander silently get up from the Gryffindor Table and sink to his knees in anxious tears, "Lysander was close to Allison," Adeleina spoke quietly. "I can't imagine how he's feeling with her missing."
"I think he's got a crush on her," James, who had come to visit his brother, whispered.
Molly, Albus, and Adeleina looked at James in surprise, "It's obvious that Lysander's been the only person who's hung out with Allison since her dad told her she wasn't allowed near Adrian anymore," James replied in a frank voice. "Uncle Ron made Rose be friends with Allison cause they're both Gryffindors and no offense, but he doesn't like her hanging with Slytherins."
"I thought Aunt Hermione told Uncle Ron to stop that!" Molly exclaimed anxiously.
Having overheard Molly, Hermione came over to the Slytherin Table, "Molly?" she asked.
"When is Uncle Ron going to stop hating on Slytherins?" Molly asked. "He's told Rose…"
Hermione sighed, "Rose's father is coming around, but he had bad experiences with Slytherins when he was in school," she explained patiently. "Rose can be friends with anyone she wants."
Molly nodded and watched as Lorcan, Rose, and a concerned looking Oliver all went to Lysander's side, "Professor Longbottom's the Gryffindor Head of House," she observed, confused as to why Oliver was responding. "Shouldn't he be handling this?"
"Professor Longbottom went to Hogsmeade with his wife and Frank," Hermione replied in a somber voice. "He asked Professor Wood to take over his duties until he gets back."
Molly nodded and watched Oliver help Lysander up off the floor, "I think we should make an extra effort to be kind to him, his brother, and Rose," Adeleina spoke in a worried voice.
"I promised my parents I'd be nice to everyone," Molly replied softly. "I agree."
At the other end of the Slytherin Table, Adrian silently selected a small book from the things on the table, shaken by the thought that Allison didn't seem to be afraid of Lucius when he had come earlier that day. He knew Lucius's true nature and was truly concerned for Allison.
"How is Scorpius's daddy?" Frank asked quietly as he sat at a table in the Three Broomsticks with his mother while his father prepared food with magic. "I heard he's really sick."
Neville sighed and nodded, unsure of how to discuss Draco's situation with Frank, "Do you think Scorpius and Allison are okay?" Frank asked in a worried voice. "I really miss them a lot."
"I'm sure they're fine," Hannah lied, very anxious about how they were doing. "Just relax."
Frank nodded and frowned when the pub door suddenly opened and a cloaked figure came in with a basket on his arm, "Mrs. Longbottom, my sympathies for what's happened," a male voice spoke in a concerned tone. "My wife insisted on making some food for your family."
Deeply confused, Hannah rose from the table as the figure walked over and set the basket on the table before lowering his hood, revealing Aaron Dumbledore, "My apologies for causing fear," Aaron apologized humbly. "Remus and Rianna wanted to come with me tonight, as they enjoy your food very much, but I don't want them being out and about for the rest of the day."
"Your children should be in school," Neville commented softly. "Why aren't they?"
Aaron sighed, "They were just starting their third year at Ilvermony when I got the news about my Uncle Aberforth," he explained somberly. "I have no idea how long we're going to stay."
"Mommy, I'm tired from crying," Frank spoke tiredly. "Can I have a nap somewhere?"
Hannah nodded, as she too was tired from crying, "Neville, Frank and I are going upstairs for a nap," she spoke shakily as she scooped Frank into her arms and carried him off upstairs.
"I heard that Draco Malfoy's son was also taken along with your daughter," Aaron spoke.
Neville nodded and hesitated, reluctant to share Draco's life with Aaron because they didn't know each other very well, "The paper said Draco Malfoy was at the lessons today," Aaron spoke in a confused voice. "Do parents usually come to lessons of their children here?"
"Look, I'm not wanting to be rude, but Draco's reason for being there is private," Neville replied firmly, feeling very uneasy about Aaron's questions. "What exactly does the paper say?"
Aaron sighed and gestured to the basket, "There's a paper in there," he replied calmly.
Neville nodded, "I should make sure Draco's all right," he spoke in an anxious voice.
"…Those idiots at the Prophet take every opportunity they can to knock down the Malfoys even now," Rob's angry voice spoke through the silent air. "I'll be owling Kingsley about this…"
There was a sigh, "Angelina usually gets the paper and she brought it to me straightaway," Draco heard George Weasley's voice say in an apologetic tone. "I thought you should know and since I was putting together a basket for Draco anyway, I thought I'd come here myself."
Not wanting to be seen as weak, Draco slowly woke and slowly sat up. He was surprised to see a change of clothes, a robe, and several little trinkets on the table next to his window. Fighting the urge to vomit, Draco forced himself out of bed and moved himself to the window seat, but he found himself physically unable to get out of the weathered clothes he had fallen in.
Swallowing hard, Draco shakily grabbed his wand and muttering anxiously, he managed to change himself into the clean clothes and robe. As he finished, however, a wave of nausea and exhaustion hit him and he sagged against the window in an attempt to steady himself.
"…Draco, you have a visitor," Draco suddenly heard Rob say as he closed his eyes to rest.
Draco sighed, "I have to go to my patch of woods in Keresley soon where I can transform," he spoke weakly. "It's warded so Muggles can't access it and I stay there until it's over…"
"Apprating wouldn't be a wise idea with you in such poor health," Rob replied quietly.
Draco nodded and opened his eyes, "I'm not sure I can make it there, but I need to go someplace where I won't be a danger," he whispered. "And then I can find Scorpius…"
Rob's eyes widened, but he didn't offer a comment, "You said I had a visitor," Draco spoke quietly, not wanting to discuss his plans further. "As long as it's safe, they can visit."
There was a silence and George silently entered the room holding a large basket of things from the joke shop, "Draco, I brought some things from the shop to keep you busy," George offered.
"I appreciate that, but I'm not going to be staying here for long," Draco spoke quietly.
George nodded and set the basket on the window seat, "I hope these things will keep you busy," he spoke in a kind voice. "I haven't got any news on Scorpius, though. I'm sorry."
"I didn't expect there to be," Draco replied, his tired voice filled with sorrow.
George nodded, "I think I'm going to try and rest," Draco spoke quietly.
"Your mum went to the hospital cafeteria to get something to eat, so I'll let her know you're resting," Rob called out as he led George from the room, allowing Draco some privacy.
Sighing, Draco lay back against the wall and closed his eyes, too weak to return to bed.
"Dad, I don't get why we're at Hogwarts," Remus Dumbledore spoke in a confused voice as he and Rianna followed Aaron into the Entrance Hall. "Rianna and I are enrolled at Ilvermony."
Aaron sighed and quickly fixed his tie, "You may have to spend the rest of this year at Hogwarts, maybe more," he replied in a concerned voice. "Your great uncle's recovery is going slowly."
Before Remus or Rianna could reply, Headmistress McGonagall came downstairs with Kaysar, who was carrying the Sorting Hat, at her heels, "Aaron Dumbledore, it's wonderful to see you alive and well," she said in a kind voice, smiling at him. "I trust these are your children?"
"Yes, Minerva, Remus and Rianna are both 13," Aaron replied calmly. "Ilvermony educated."
Headmistress McGonagall nodded, "Do you both have wands?" she asked calculatingly.
Remus and Rianna both reached into their jacket pockets and pulled out simple looking wands, "We got them in America," Rianna explained quietly. "Dad thought it would be safer."
"Rianna, I can assure you they are Ollivander's wands," Aaron cut in gently. "You got them earlier than most because the rules are different in America and Mister Ollivander…"
Rianna nodded, "That kind old man who gave us those playsticks," she finished quietly.
"What's with that hat?" Remus asked, eyeing the hat in Kaysar's hands very warily.
Kaysar looked amused, "It's the school Sorting Hat and it will determine what Houses you and your sister will be in," he replied calmly. "Would you like it done privately or in front of…?"
Remus shrugged, "We can do it in front of people," he replied quietly. "Rianna?"
"Anything you ask, brother," Rianna replied quietly. "You're the eldest of us."
Aaron smiled, "While, I best be getting back to your mother," he replied. "Love you both."
Remus and Rianna both hugged their father and then stood with Kaysar as Headmistress McGonagall went into the Great Hall to announce them. The two teenagers watched as their father left and then sighed anxiously as the Great Hall doors opened, beckoning them inside.
Hundreds of eyes were on Remus and Rianna as they walked to the front of the Hall with Kaysar, "I would like to welcome to new students from Ilvermony," Headmistress McGonagall said in a calm voice. "Remus and Rianna Dumbledore will be interjected into third year."
Anxious whispers filled the hall and Severus looked surprised, but a quick stern look from Headmistress McGonagall silenced everyone, "Remus," she said calmly. "Please sit."
Swallowing hard, Remus silently sat on the stool and Kaysar placed the hat on his head, "Well, this is interesting," the Hat said cunningly. "I never expected to see you in this school, let alone in this part of the world. You've got plenty of courage; the great ability to be a protector and a friend to those who are in need of one. You've also got a hurting heart from being bullied and that is not your fault. I think the best place for you would be SLYTHERIN House, young man."
Again, anxious whispers filled the Hall as Remus got up and silently joined the Slytherin Table, "Rianna," Headmistress McGonagall said, turning to face the young girl. "Please sit."
Rianna nodded and silently sat on the stool, "A very bright witch," the Hat said calmly. "You are kind and noble and that combined with intelligence will serve you well. RAVENCLAW for you!"
Whispers filled the Hall as Rianna walked over and sat at the Ravenclaw Table next to Lily, Frank, and Lorcan, "Please enjoy the Feast," Headmistress McGonagall spoke calmly.
"Alana?" Alana heard a concerned voice say as she suddenly felt someone touch her hand.
Alana opened her eyes and was surprised to see Amanda sitting on the stool by her bed while a concerned looking Mr. Weasley lingered in the background, "You're pregnant," Amanda spoke.
"Yes," Alana spoke faintly. "Kadir decided to impregnate me because he wanted a heir and I was both young and beautiful. He sent me to hide here, but I just want to protect myself now."
Amanda saw sadness in Alana's eyes, "You're going to die, aren't you?" she asked fearfully.
"Kadir knows I'm not where he sent me," Alana replied weakly. "He won't kill me quite yet."
Amanda sighed heavily, "Scorpius Malfoy and Allison Longbottom were kidnapped from a school lesson by Lucius Malfoy," she spoke softly. "I'm not sure when I can visit again."
Alana's eyes widened, but she didn't say anything, "Come when you can," she finally spoke.
"I'll do my best, Alana," Amanda whispered anxiously as she rose. "I forgive you."
As Amanda silently left the room with Mr. Weasley, Alana began to weep quietly.
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