June

Newt and Tina Scamander declared dead! Son takes them off of life support!

Draco's hand shook as he skimmed the article that discussed how Jacob Scamander removed his parents from wizarding life-support after they had been declared brain dead. The funeral would be held in the summer so that any witch or wizard who wanted to attend would be free to without having to worry about missing school.

The next article was an obituary written jointly by Jacob, Martha, and Rolf and Draco found himself unable to read it. He sighed, set the paper down, and slowly sat up in bed, nearly gagging as a wave of dizziness hit him like a ton of Bludgers. He slowly got up and as he dressed in simple clothing, the dizziness slowly faded away.

A quick glance at the clock told Draco that it was well past noon, which meant that Scorpius was either on his way home or already there. He had intended on waking early enough to meet his son at the train, but he obviously hadn't managed it.

Sighing irritably, Draco left his room and slowly made his way downstairs only to see that the pub was empty and dark. A loud BOOM suddenly filled the room and as everything exploded into pieces, Draco felt himself losing consciousness…

Thunder boomed overhead as Draco opened his eyes and realized that he had fallen asleep in front of the fireplace at the Leaky Cauldron. A quick look at the clock made him realize that it was early and the pub wasn't open yet, which meant that Scorpius and his friends were still at Hogwarts and wouldn't be on the train til later on.

Hannah Longbottom had hired on Amelia Dumbledore to manage the Three Broomsticks over the summer since she and her family lived in Hogsmeade with Aberforth. She had come back to London a few days ago and had given him a room, help for which Draco was grateful because he had no home of his own anymore.

"Morning, Draco," a warm voice suddenly spoke. "You're awake early."

Draco sighed as he got up and saw Hannah preparing to open the pub, "I thought I might go meet Scorpius at the train," he spoke softly. "I'm sure he's read the articles where I renounce Lucius and Narcissa by now and I need to explain…"

"You don't need to," Hannah replied quietly. "You're very different from them."

Draco shrugged, "It's going to be hard on you to go to the station," Hannah spoke in a concerned voice as she opened the pub. "Neville's going to be on the train…"

"It's not going to hurt me anymore than I'm already hurt, now is it?" Draco asked.

Before Hannah could reply, the door opened and Kingsley, Harry, and several other Aurors came into the pub, "Morning," Kingsley spoke calmly. "Is the fireplace clean and ready? Aurors will be going and gathering the students into groups soon."

"The fireplace here is ready and other shopkeepers should be ready shortly," Hannah replied in a quiet voice. "It's awkward that the train won't be used this year."

Kingsley nodded, "It's awkward, but safer," he replied quietly. "Aurors, go…"

Draco frowned as all of the Aurors except for Harry and Kingsley departed for Diagon Alley, "The train's not going to be running?" he asked in a quiet, concerned voice.

"This plan was just arranged this week and the students will be gathered today," Harry explained in a concerned voice. "There's concern how safe the train is, but…"

Draco scowled, "Let me guess, I'm not trustworthy to know your plan because of who my parents are!" he hissed coldly. "I publicly renounced Lucius AND Narcissa…!"

Pain suddenly shot through Draco's body that was intense enough to send him to his knees. Harry moved over to Draco, but Draco cursed at him and shakily got up again.

"Draco, sit down," Kingsley intervened, getting between the two. "Nobody knows of the plan except for the shopkeepers and the opening of the shops will be delayed…"

Draco sat, but glared daggers at Harry, "It's not personal and no parents know of the plan," Kingsley explained in a concerned voice. "At least no parents who aren't staff."

"...Make sure you have everything and stay in the Great Hall until your group is called to take the Floo," a voice echoed out of the Great Hall as Albus, Scorpius, and Remus made their way upstairs for breakfast. "After you eat, go gather your trunks…"

Albus and Scorpius exchanged a look, but Remus said nothing as they entered the Great Hall just in time to see Headmistress McGonagall gesture to Aurors, including Victoire, as they came out of the fireplace, "Each of these Aurors will supervise students in their Common Rooms and escort them at their designated time…"

"Are we not taking the train?" Albus muttered anxiously as he, Remus, and Scorpius hurried over to their area of the tables where Molly, Adeleina, Rianna, Lorcan, Lysander, Hugo, Rose, Roxane, James, Fred, and Frank were already sitting.

Lysander sighed, "Allison's still asleep," he spoke softly. "She's getting better, but it's still a process. Her dad said we can visit over the summer if my parents bring me…"

"Al, Scorpius, we're not taking the train home," Molly spoke worriedly. "Headmistress McGonagall said everyone's travelling in groups by Floo."

Scorpius frowned, "Is it because of the article the Prophet wrote about my dad disowning my grandparents?" he asked worriedly. "I didn't know he was…"

"You two need to eat," Adeleina interrupted softly. "There's a busy day ahead."

As Scorpius and Albus helped themselves to food, Neville came into the Great Hall with Allison at his side, "She looks tired," Fred spoke in a worried voice.

"I wasn't the only one tortured in that dump," Scorpius spoke, having suddenly lost his appetite for food and company. "I seem to have lost my appetite. Excuse me."

Albus frowned as Scorpius got up and made a beeline for the door, "I don't think assuming Allison was untouched is right," Molly hissed, her expression angry.

"Do you really think Kadir and his followers discriminate on who they torture?" James asked in a surprised voice, giving Fred a look. "They really don't care who you are; if you're their prisoner, they'll have their fun. You should remember that…"

Fred looked ashamed and Albus quickly finished his meal. As Albus got up to leave, he noticed that Neville and Allison were sitting together, apart from the tables; he knew that she had seen and heard Fred's gossip and was hurt because of it.

Instead of going to Allison, however, Albus hurried out of the Great Hall and down to the Slytherin Common Room. Scorpius was in their dorm, silently reading a letter while sitting on his bed while his trunk sat on the floor, completely packed.

"Dad's moved to the Leaky," Scorpius spoke softly. "This was his last letter."

Albus nodded as he sat on his own bed, "It's not our house, but it's somewhere safe," Scorpius spoke in a quiet voice. "Dad…he's trying his best with the time he has left."

"You should talk to someone about how you feel," Albus spoke worriedly.

Scorpius sighed, "My father's dying and it's sad, but I don't think I can do anything about it and he might be sad if I showed that I was sad," he spoke quietly.

Before Albus could reply, Kaysar came into the dorm, "Are you two packed?" he asked in a kind voice, his smile fading when he saw Scorpius's expression.

"I'm fine," Scorpius replied quietly, quickly stashing the letter in his trunk.

Kaysar, however, shook his head, "You're a terrible pretender," he replied in a patient voice as he sat on the edge of the bed. "I know you're thinking about your dad."

"He's had it rough ever since my grandparents joined Kadir," Scorpius spoke in a concerned voice, his expression fearful. "I'm not sure how much time he's got."

Kaysar looked thoughtful, but sighed, "I'll make sure to have a look at him once you're safely reunited," he replied calmly. "Maybe I can help ease his pain."

Scorpius quietly hopped off the bed and grabbed his trunk, "Oh, leave them," Kaysar spoke in a calm voice. "The House Elves will bring them to the Great Hall."

Albus quickly packed his trunk and then followed Kaysar and Scorpius up to the Great Hall, "Why don't you visit with your friends while you wait?" Kaysar said in a kind voice. "We have to send off other students before we send you off."

It was easy to find James, Fred, Roxane, Rose, Hugo, Lorcan, Lysander, Remus, Rianna, Lily, Frank, Molly, Louis, and Adeleina sitting together at a table with leftovers from breakfast. Once he was sure Albus and Scorpius were settled, Kaysar walked off to help Aurors gather students so they could get them home safely.

It was early, but Collins found himself awake and silently doing the dishes in the Weasley kitchen to thank them for their kindness. He was of age and could use magic outside of school, but he also knew how to do things the Muggle way because his parents and Mrs. Figg had taught him self reliance at a very young age.

The dishes needed to be done anyway, as Collins had made breakfast the Muggle way and had set it up buffet style for anyone who was hungry. He had been taught how to cook when he was young so that he could survive among Muggles if necessary.

Quiet footsteps filled the air, "Morning," Mr. Weasley spoke in a kind voice as he came into the kitchen dressed for work and froze at seeing Collins doing dishes while a breakfast buffet sat ready on the counter. "Um, did you make breakfast?"

"Hello, sir," Collins replied softly. "I…I thought I'd show my gratitude.."

Mr. Weasley looked shocked, "It looks good, but you didn't have to do all of this when you're still recovering," he spoke worriedly. "Using so much magic…"

"I cooked the Muggle way, sir," Collins replied. "I found it relaxing."

Mr. Weasley nodded, deeply surprised, but he was prevented from giving thanks because a groggy Mrs. Weasley came into the kitchen just then. Mrs. Weasley stopped and stared at the food before looking at Collins, who had soap-covered hands.

"Alexander decided to make breakfast for everyone," Mr. Weasley said with a smile.

Mrs. Weasley smiled warmly, "That's very kind of you to do," she replied in a kind voice as she walked over to Collins. "I hope you didn't overdo it?"

Collins shook his head, "I actually wanted to thank you for being so kind to me," he explained in a quiet voice. "I…I've been thinking I should go look at Umbridge's vault and see what was left to me. I'm of age and I really need to take responsibility…"

Mrs. Weasley frowned at the trembling in Collins's voice and hands as he spoke about Umbridge, "Come sit," she spoke in a gentle voice, putting an arm around him before gently guiding him to the table. "You don't have to do anything before you're ready."

"I'm going back to complete my seventh year," Collins finally managed to say.

Mrs. Weasley nodded, "There's time to get what you need for that," she replied softly. "We're having a family dinner later to celebrate the last day of term and I want you to be in top form later. I understand from Bill and Fleur that Dominique misses you very much, but she's been too weak to do much but rest. She'll be coming today."

"I tried my best to protect her," Collins spoke sadly. "I…I would have died for her."

Mrs. Weasley nodded and quickly got Collins and Mr. Weasley plates filled with food, "Eat up, both of you," she replied gently. "The children should be coming through the fireplace about noon and it'll be busy around here. It's a new security measure."

"Is the train not safe?" Collins asked softly. "I don't understand why they would..."

Mr. Weasley sighed, "MACUSA's restrictions are getting worse and they don't seem to realize that Linus Picquery is influencing them because he's one of Kadir's top soldiers," he explained. "His father went to Ilvermony and was one of the purists there, as did his grandfather. His grandfather was very close friends with Kadir."

Collins sighed and quietly ate his food, eating nearly the whole plate before he set it aside, "I've got to make a plate for Ron," Mrs. Weasley spoke calmly. "He's not feeling altogether well this morning, so he'll probably stay in his room til later."

"People who haven't been magically tortured before find it overwhelming when it happens for the first time," Collins spoke softly, his eyes downcast. "He's not going to feel completely good for a while, but I'm sure he'll eventually feel like himself..."

Just then, Charlie, Stacey, Percy, and LeighAnn came into the kitchen with Charlie, Charity, Lucy, and Michael and Collins quickly slipped outside while Mrs. Weasley talked to them. He was very shy around the Weasleys, as he wasn't sure how they felt about him and he was worried about appearing too clingy or dependent.

As Collins stared outward, he felt a blanket being draped over his shoulders, "It's summer, but mornings are a bit chilly," Mr. Weasley spoke gently.

"I'm sorry, I just needed some air," Collins apologized. "Should I come back in?"

Mr. Weasley sighed patiently, "Only if you want to, but I'll stay with you if you need a moment," he replied in a patient voice as he conjured two chairs with his wand. "Sit."

Nodding, Collins sat next to Mr. Weasley and the two gazed outwards in silence.

"...Scorpius, it's time to go," Scorpius heard a gentle voice say as he sat with James, Fred, Roxane, Rose, Hugo, Lorcan, Lysander, Remus, Rianna, Lily, Frank, Molly, Louis, Adeleina, and Albus. "I'm sure your dad's going to be happy to see you."

Scorpius looked up and saw Neville standing there with Frank, Allison and three trunks, "Hey, Scorp, my dad will probably visit his cousin in the summer and I'll see if I can come too," Albus spoke quietly. "Maybe we can visit if that happens."

Nodding, Scorpius silently stood, gathered his trunk, and followed Neville, Frank, and Allison over to the fireplace. As much as he wanted to visit with his friends over the summer if given the chance, he wanted to spend time with his father while he was still alive.

Within minutes, they were in the pub at the Leaky Cauldron and Hannah and Harry were at the bar, "Dad?" Scorpius called out anxiously. "Dad, where are you?"

Hannah pointed to the couch near the fire, "Your dad's sleeping on the couch," she replied patiently. "He wanted to be awake for your arrival, but he got tired."

Scorpius silently set his trunk down near the bar and hurried over to the couch and saw that his father was asleep under a knitted blanket, "Dad," Scorpius whispered.

Draco's eyes opened and he slowly sat up, "Hey," he spoke softly. "Come here."

Scorpius sat on the couch and Draco silently put an arm around his son, pulling him close, "I'm very relieved to see you're safe, my Scorpius," Draco whispered.

Allison watched them for a moment and then sighed tiredly, "Mum, Dad, can I have a nap?" she asked softly, her expression worried. "Watching them...makes me sad."

Hannah nodded and Neville led Allison upstairs to her room, "Draco Malfoy's dying and I remember Umbridge laughing about it when Scorpius and I were prisoners," Allison spoke softly. "It's sad watching them knowing that Draco doesn't have long and he won't get to see Scorpius become a man. I...please don't tell Mum I said that."

"I'll tell your Mum you were tired from the journey," Neville replied softly.

Allison nodded and disappeared into her room, allowing Neville to return to the pub downstairs. His feet touched the bottom step just in time to see Scorpius help Draco to his feet and guide him over to a table, "You've got to eat and keep your strength up even if I have to feed you," Scorpius spoke firmly. "I'll take care of you, Dad."

The Burrow was filled with noise because everyone had come safely through the fireplace and lunch was being prepared. Hermione, however, was upstairs and eavesdropping at the door where Ron was talking quietly with Healer Wood.

As Hermione fished an Extendable Ear out of her pocket to slip into the crack under the door, it opened and Healer Wood came out. He smiled at Hermione, who quickly stuffed the Ear back in her pocket and tried to look as if she wasn't scheming.

"How's Ron?" Hermione asked softly. "We just got back through the Floo."

Healer Wood sighed, "I can't clear him to return to the Aurors," he replied softly.

"For how long?" Hermione asked in a concerned voice, her expression worried.

There was a sigh, "Hermione?" Ron called out softly. "We need to talk."

Sighing, Hermione went into the bedroom and saw that Ron had magicked his old bed into a double bed. Healer Wood quietly left so to give them privacy.

"I...I can't go back to being an Auror," Ron spoke softly as he lay there, his bandaged leg on a pillow. "I know it may affect how we live, but I've been thinking..."

Hermione sighed, realizing that Ron wasn't referring to a time when he could go back, "Is it permanent?" she asked softly. "You not being able to be an Auror?"

Ron nodded and Hermione joined him on the bed, "I can use magic again, but I can't regain all of the stamina I need and I can't handle the rigors of being an Auror..."

"You'd better let Harry know," Hermione spoke softly. "So he doesn't expect you..."

Ron sighed, "I wrote him a letter," he replied softly. "He's overseeing today..."

Hermione cuddled close to Ron and kissed his cheek, "We've got a few moments for a nap," she spoke softly, caressing his hand. "What do you say we take advantage?"

Ron took Hermione's hand and as they drifted off, they didn't notice Rose come upstairs and go into a bedroom where Albus was writing a letter at a desk, "Al, come on, let's play chess," Rose spoke anxiously. "You have to try my new set."

"I'm writing Scorpius to see if we can hang out when my parents go to visit my dad's cousin, Dudley, next month," Albus replied calmly. "Dudley and his family are Muggles and they're kind of into Muggle technology, but we go cause Dad..."

Rose scoffed, "Scorpius has Allison and Frank and his dad to be with," she replied.

"Rose, we'll have all summer to hang out with each other," Albus replied softly, giving Rose a look. "Scorpius's dad is sick and he needs all the friends he can get."

Rose's eyes narrowed and she walked off as Albus returned to his letter. She made her way up to the attic, determined to sulk until someone actually noticed she was gone.

Trunks filled with old books, uniforms, and other magical items were scattered across the attic and Rose couldn't help but wonder if there was something to make it so Scorpius's father would go away faster so that Albus would hang out with her again.

Sighing, Rose began to look through for the trunks for a book that could teach her magic to make Draco go away so her cousins wouldn't be obsessed with Scorpius.

"...You're not going back to your seventh year?! Please, tell me why!"

Ignoring the anxious discussion that had erupted between Louis, their parents, the adult members of the family, and their grandparents, Dominique wandered into the yard and found Collins sitting on a stone by the pond. He looked tired and sad.

"Alex," Dominique spoke softly, smiling at him as she joined him on the rock.

Collins put his arms around Dominique, "I'm not sure I could get your family's blessing even if I was done school because of who I'm related to," he spoke softly.

Dominique sighed, "I want to go back for my seventh year first," Collins continued in a soft voice. "If I could, I'd marry you tomorrow, but your family has a blood spell..."

"Alex, I know you love me," Dominique replied softly. "We...we just have a lot of healing to do and I too am thinking of going back for my seventh year."

Collins nodded and Dominique cuddled against him, not noticing that Victoire had arrived and was watching them from the Apparition point. Teddy arrived a moment later and promptly noticed Dominique and Collins, but was concerned for them.

Just then, Mr. Weasley came outside and saw the four, "Lunch!" he called out.

The four silently went inside and gathered around the table that already had Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Fleur, Charlie, Stacey, LeighAnn, Lucy, Molly, Michael, Angelina, Fred, Roxane, Hugo, Ginny, James, Lily, Louis, Amanda, and Tom. Teddy and Victoire sat together near the door while Collins and Dominique sat together in the middle of the table, "Ron and Hermione are just having a lie in, Percy's working, Harry's working, and Albus is up writing a letter," Mrs. Weasley explained warmly.

"Amanda and I are getting married when I come of age," Louis suddenly spoke up.

Whispers filled the table, "Are you not coming back for seventh year, then?" Fred asked in an amused voice. "Can I have your school stuff if you don't come back?"

"If there was a way to be married and finish school I would, but I doubt McGonagall would allow it," Louis replied softly. "I love Amanda and I love Tom..."

Fleur smiled and Bill didn't argue, as he had seen with his own eyes how much his son and Amanda Darmouth cared for each other. Under normal circumstances, he would have insisted they wait til they were older to marry, but Amanda and Tom needed Louis and he needed them, "Everyone eat up!" Mrs. Weasley insisted fervently.

Just then, Albus wandered downstairs with his finished letter, "Grandma, can I borrow an owl to send a letter to Scorpius?" he asked softly. "It'll cheer him up."

Mrs. Weasley nodded, "There's one eating in the garden," she replied calmly.

Albus nodded and headed out into the garden as Rose wandered downstairs, having shrunk and pocketed a few books that might give her insight in how to handle her problem.

"Dad, it's okay," Allison heard a kind voice speak in the room next to hers.

The sound of retching filled the air followed by coughing, "Dad, just rest," Scorpius's voice spoke again. "I'll go to Diagon Alley and get you something for your..."

"I don't want you worrying about me your whole holiday," a weak voice replied.

Silence filled the air and Allison poked her head out of the room just in time to see Scorpius step out of the room he shared with his father, "Hey," Allison said softly.

"Hi," Scorpius spoke quietly. "I...I need to go to Diagon Alley for my dad."

Allison nodded, "Want some company?" she asked softly. "It's dangerous..."

Scorpius shrugged before nodding and the two of them went down to the pub together where Neville and Hannah were serving patrons, "Mum, Scorpius and I are going to Diagon Alley," Allison spoke calmly. "We won't be very long..."

"Be back before sundown," Hannah replied firmly. "All right?"

Allison nodded and Scorpius sighed as they went out into Diagon Alley, "My dad just needs some potion because he's having trouble keeping food down," Scorpius spoke quietly. "I'll just buy him some stomach remedies and they should help..."

The apothecary was easy to find, but Scorpius couldn't find something he felt his father might be able to stomach, "I'm not sure what he takes for nausea and throwing up," he spoke nervously. "I don't wanna accidentally give him the wrong thing..."

A door opened and closed, "Can I help you kids?" an anxious voice spoke.

Allison and Scorpius turned to see a nervous looking man lingering behind a counter, "I'm Mister Mulpepper," the man explained. "What can I help you with?"

"Um, my dad's sick and needs potions," Scorpius spoke nervously, gazing at the man and feeling intimidated because of his name. "I...I don't know what he needs..."

There was a silence and a woman sporting plum-colored braids suddenly came out of the back. Scorpius immediately recognized the woman as Martha Scamander, daughter-in-law to the late Newt and Tina, and he found himself running outside.

Martha frowned, "Was that Scorpius Malfoy?" she asked softly. "Why did he run?"

"I...I think he's scared cause his grandpa killed your family," Allison replied worriedly, frowning. "His dad's sick and he was just trying to help him out."

Martha nodded and silently came around the counter, not stopping until she was outside, "Young man," she spoke, eyeing Scorpius as he stood in the middle of the cobblestone sidewalk looking scared. "I don't recall asking you to leave."

"My...Lucius Malfoy killed your husband's parents," Scorpius spoke nervously, his eyes filling with tears as he looked up at Martha. "I'm a Malfoy too and..."

Martha raised an eyebrow, "You and your father are certainly different than that lot," she replied firmly. "Your father denounced his parents in the paper and you are nothing less than exemplary. My son, Rolf, says you are friends with his sons..."

Scorpius nodded, "My husband is a Healer, so he would know a bit about what might help your father feel better," Martha spoke gently. "He's inside the shop...in the back."

"I…" Scorpius spoke nervously, sighing. "I…thank you."

Martha nodded and put a parental arm around him as they went back inside, "Brother, let's help young Scorpius get what he needs," she spoke in a kind voice. "Martin Mulpepper and I grew up in the same home, so we're not blood, but siblings…"

"The Second War damaged a lot of families," Mr. Mulpepper replied quietly, giving a nervous look to Scorpius and Allison. "Weren't you kidnapped by Kadir?"

Scorpius nodded and Allison shrugged, "I'd rather not talk about it, if you don't mind," he spoke quietly. "That experience was very hard on both of us."

Mr. Mulpepper nodded and disappeared into the back, leaving Martha alone with Scorpius and Allison, "He's a bit nervous, isn't he?" Allison spoke softly.

"We lost both our families during Voldemort's time and we're foster siblings," Martha explained in a kind voice. "Some people haven't ever recovered from the past…"

Scorpius nodded as the door opened and Draco came into the store leaning heavily on a walking stick, "Dad, you're up!" Scorpius exclaimed in surprise as he saw him.

"I came down for tea and Longbottom told me where you were, so I decided to come and make sure everything was okay," Draco replied softly. "And pay for what you…"

A breeze suddenly blew through the shop, followed by a cackle, "Martin?" Martha asked in a concerned voice as she took her wand from her pocket. "Stay close…"

The cackling grew louder and Draco moved closer to Scorpius while getting his wand out. Allison and Scorpius also got their wands out, ready to fight if needed.

"Martin, this isn't funny!" Martha snapped, her expression growing angry. "Martin!"

Black mists suddenly appeared with wands drawn and as spells began flying, Draco grabbed hold of Scorpius and Allison and covered them as best he could so they wouldn't have to fight. A spell, however, caught Draco in the back and he fell to the ground convulsing in pain. Windows shattered as Scorpius aimed at one of the mists.

"You don't have the guts, boy!" a voice hissed through the mist. "You're weak!"

One of the mists solidified, "Stupefy!" Scorpius shouted, aiming at the form.

An explosion suddenly rocked the shop, sending Martha, Scorpius, and Allison to the floor. Amidst screaming and crying, debris quickly came down on the four.

"…Martha, what happened?!"

Terror filled Harry's heart as he hurried into Diagon Alley and found the ruins of Mulpepper's Apocathery with people everywhere. He spotted Jacob Scamander standing with his wife, Martha, quickly bandaging her hands. Kingsley and other Aurors were going through the debris with a quiet urgency.

Harry walked over to them, "Potter, when you get Scorpius, his father, and his friend out of the debris, then you can talk to me," Martha spoke anxiously.

"Everyone's being told to stay in their shops, but Neville's angry because he knows Allison was here," Harry spoke anxiously. "I was on my way out to the Burrow…"

Jacob sighed anxiously, "Martha's foster brother, Martin Mulpepper, is missing and went into the back shortly before the attack happened," he explained anxiously.

The sounds of Apparition filled the alley and Harry was shocked to see Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley, Charlie, Percy, Victoire, Teddy, and Ginny arrive, "Were any of the other shops affected?" Harry asked worriedly. "Any other shopkeepers missing?"

A shout suddenly came from the pile and Harry turned just in time to see debris being cleared around Draco, who was laying unconscious on the ground with his arms around a conscious Allison and an injured Scorpius, "Mister Malfoy covered us when stuff started falling!" Allison managed to squeak. "He got hit in the head with stuff!"

"…Allison!" Harry suddenly heard Neville's anxious voice shout.

Allison shakily got up, "Daddy!" she cried out anxiously, coughing as she spoke.

Harry quickly hurried over to the pile just in time to see Scorpius sit up with blood pouring down his face from a head wound, "…Scorpius," Draco spoke weakly even though he didn't regain consciousness.

It was then that Harry noticed that nobody was in a particular hurry to help Draco as he lay there, "What are you all standing around for?" Harry asked in an unusually cold, sharp voice as he glared at the crowd. "Draco and Scorpius need help!"

The crowd looked ashamed and quickly went about getting Draco on a stretcher, but Scorpius managed to get up before they could touch him, "If I hear of anyone mistreating these two Malfoys, I will ensure that they are dealt with to the maximum allowed by wizarding law," Harry ordered sternly. "He renounced his parents."

Scorpius watched as a man suddenly pushed through the crowd, "Professor Linnis!" he called out in a relieved voice, pleased to see his favorite professor. "My dad…"

Kaysar nodded and used his wand to gain control of Draco's stretcher, "I couldn't have said it any better, Auror Potter," he commented softly as he touched Scorpius's hand. "Kudos to your courage. Everyone else should be ashamed of their behavior."

Before anyone could comment, Kaysar Disapprated with Draco and Scorpius because he didn't want anyone bullying the Malfoys any longer. He had read the Prophet and had been proud of Draco for standing up against his parents, but society hadn't obviously thought it was genuine, "Linnis has a lot of nerve," he heard someone say.

"He's also been through hardship, you moron!" Charlie growled, looking around for the speaker of those words so they could 'talk.' "Hermione decided to stay with Ron."

Harry nodded and approached Neville, who was holding Allison close, "Can you tell me what happened?" he asked in a concerned voice. "From the beginning?"

"Scorpius and I went to the shop to find something for Mister Malfoy because he was sick," Allison spoke softly. "As we were shopping, Mister Mulpepper went all weird and hid in the back. That lady with the braids helped us and then Mister Malfoy…"

Allison suddenly looked scared, "I'm sorry I ever bullied Scorpius," she spoke in a worried voice. "I didn't realize his dad was so sick. I'm really lucky in what I have."

Neville sighed patiently, but held Allison close, "Harry, can we go?" he asked in a concerned voice. "Hannah and Frank were quite upset and I should get back…"

Harry nodded and Neville quickly hurried Allison away as Mr. Weasley, Charlie, Percy, and Victoire went to talk to people in the vicinity, "Harry, would you like some company when you go to St. Mungo's?" Ginny asked softly. "Scorpius will need a place to stay if Draco has to stay in the hospital. He can always bunk with Albus."

"That would be lovely," Harry replied softly. "I'm sure Draco will appreciate the offer, but Scorpius may not want to leave him. Draco's time is limited…"

Ginny looked sad at hearing that, but she nodded, "I'll Apprate over there and see what I can find out," she spoke softly, touching his arm. "When you're done here…"

"I'll be along," Harry spoke softly. "No doubt Scorpius is very scared right now and will appreciate you being there."

Ginny nodded and Apprated away, leaving Harry free to investigate the crisis.

"Your family is nervous around me," Collins spoke in a quiet voice as he and Dominique sat together in the yard after meal's end. "They're very polite, but…"

Dominique sighed, as she had noticed that her grandparents were welcoming of Alexander, as were here parents, but nobody else seemed to be. She knew of the articles exposing her lover's family tree, but she didn't care about all of that like older members of her family did. All she saw was the Alexander she knew now.

"Your Uncle Ron came downstairs and wouldn't stop giving me looks, so that's why I'm out here," Collins spoke softly. "He knows my aunt and I remind him of her…"

Dominique nodded and yawned, "Alex, forget my relatives and their prejudice," she replied in a quiet, tired voice as she took his hand. "You are not your aunt. You are you and I wouldn't have you any other way. You were willing to die for me…"

Collins smiled, "You're worth it," he replied softly. "You look so tired."

"When Mum and Dad are ready to go, I'll go home and rest," Dominique replied in a kind voice. "The attack might take a long time to deal with. I hope everyone is okay."

The back door opened and Louis came out, "Hey there, Domi, Alex," he said in a calm, but anxious voice. "Amanda…she had to go back to Hogsmeade with Tom because he needs a nap. She's staying with the Dumbledores til our bonding."

"So, you are actually going to marry?" Dominique asked softly. "When?"

Louis sighed, "Later in the summer," he replied anxiously, smiling as he joined them on the stumps they were sitting on. "I'll go back to school at least until Christmas and then work somewhere. I'm not sure who will hire me, but I'm determined…"

The door suddenly opened and Ron limped outside and off towards the pond, a dark expression on his face. Anxious sobs filled the air as Hermione came to the door.

"Aunt Hermione, what is the matter?" Dominque asked worriedly. "Uncle Ron…"

Hermione sighed, "Ron's just having a bad day," she replied softly. "What are you kids up to out here? It's a nice day to be outside."

"Alex is worried that he will not be accepted into the clan because of who his aunt was," Dominique spoke in a concerned voice. "You have seen the articles, yes?"

Hermione nodded, "You lived in the home founded by Arabella Figg most your life after your parents were killed?" she asked softly, gazing worriedly at Collins.

Collins nodded, "My aunt could not have children of her own and she became jealous when I was born, so she killed them to try and take me," he explained in a solemn voice. "Fortunately, my parents had wills that said she was not to take custody…"

Dominque looked shocked, but said nothing, "I was very young, but I remember my parents crying about nasty letters right before they died," Collins spoke quietly, exhaling so he wouldn't put himself into a panic attack. "Should I leave?"

"Absolutely not," Hermione spoke firmly. "You're still recovering and don't…"

Collins sighed quietly, "Alex, it is okay," Dominique spoke softly. "Breathe…"

Dominique gently touched Collins and he relaxed, "Hermione," Ron called out.

Hermione hurried over to Ron, "Can we stay here tonight?" Ron asked softly.

"Of course," Hermione replied softly. "I know you're angry about not being able to go to Diagon Alley with the other Aurors, but it wouldn't be safe for you to do that…"

"I'm worried about telling Harry and I'm worried what we're going to do for money," Ron replied in an agitated voice. "Being a professor doesn't pay all that much…"

Hermione sighed, "Ron, we'll be fine," she replied softly. "We have a lot saved and you shouldn't be in a hurry to go back to work anywhere. We'll be fine."

Ron nodded and got up, sighing when he saw Louis and Dominique lead a very tired Collins inside for rest, "Should we go in?" he asked in a quiet voice.

Hermione and Ron joined hands as they went inside and they were surprised to see Rose sitting alone at the kitchen table with leftovers and a book, "Rosie, where's the rest of the kids?" Ron asked softly. "Are they upstairs making trouble?"

"Did something happen?" Rose asked softly. "A lot of people left by Floo."

Ron and Hermione exchanged a look, realizing that Rose must have been reading when everyone had been alerted by Kingsley's Patronus, "Yes," Ron replied softly.

"Scorpius, you should be resting," Scorpius heard a gentle voice say as he sat beside the bed where his injured father lay unconscious. "You suffered broken ribs, burns…"

Scorpius shrugged and winced, but didn't move, "My dad's doing much worse," he replied in a quiet voice. "He inhaled smoke, cracked his skull, and is very weak…"

Kaysar sighed as he approached the bed, "He's not going to die from this," he replied firmly, giving the young man a look. "It's going to be a long recovery, but he'll recover from this trauma. I expect, if he takes it easy, that he has a few years left…"

"I know," Scorpius replied softly. "I'll be lucky if he makes it to my 18th birthday."

Kaysar looked somber, "Scorpius…" he began in a concerned voice.

"I might be almost 14, but I'm not an idiot," Scorpius replied in a tired voice, wincing as he sat there, trying to hold tight to his father's hands. "My father tells me the truth."

Kaysar nodded just as Ginny came into the room, "Hi there," she spoke gently.

Scorpius sighed weakly, exhausted and sore from what had happened, "Scorpius, why don't you come stay at our house while your dad is in the hospital?" Ginny spoke in a kind voice. "Diagon Alley's a bit of a mess and under lockdown right now…"

"I think that's a capital idea," Kaysar spoke gently before Scorpius could argue. "Scorpius needs rest and potions and he won't get any rest here…"

Ginny silently nodded and Scorpius reluctantly released his father's hand, wincing as he got up, "I'll talk to Neville and get things Scorpius might need," she spoke softly.

As Ginny left with Scorpius, Kaysar heard movement nearby and immediately drew his wand, "Show yourself," he ordered in a stern voice. "I warn you, I'm armed."

Silence filled the room as Severus suddenly appeared, having Disillusioned himself for the journey from his home to avoid trouble, "Severus," Kaysar spoke softly, lowering his wand. "I didn't know you were well enough to travel yet…"

"I heard about the attack rather quickly and Draco is my godson," Severus replied in a quiet, solemn voice, his expression upset. "To ignore him in his time of need…"

Kaysar nodded and helped Severus sit at Draco's bedside, both of them eerily quiet.

New York City, United States

"Causing an uproar in Britain, I see," Linus Picquery hissed in a cold voice, his expression murderous as he came into the room where Martin Mulpepper had just appeared. "Really, Lucius, are you not man enough to act without disguises?"

The disguise of Martin Mulpepper quickly vanished, revealing a scraggly looking Lucius Malfoy, "I am wanted by every Auror in the country, yes, but Draco denounced Narcissa and I," Lucius hissed coldly. "I must deal with that, you know."

"Oh, that purist crap doesn't bother me," Linus hissed. "Just be more careful and stop trying to murder Draco and Scorpius in broad daylight. You're more likely to be..."

Lucius nodded, "Narcissa has begged me endlessly not to kill Draco, as she still very much loves him and Scorpius, but he has disgraced the Malfoy bloodline and legacy," he explained in a bitter voice. "I know Kadir needs help with other things, but I absolutely must restore the family honor before I can let myself be of help."

Linus sighed irritably, but nodded, "The time will come when you will absolutely be needed for other things, Lucius, so hurry up and get your brat out of the way," he replied in an irritated voice, looking put-out. "And get your disguise back on."

Lucius did as he was told and Linus smirked, "I've got to attend to my grandmother before she becomes paranoid that I've died," Linus spoke softly. "I own this establishment and you are a guest. Just keep a low profile here for a few days…"

Seemingly irritated at being ordered about by a much younger man, Lucius scowled, "Don't try me, Malfoy," Linus hissed coldly. "I'll report to Kadir about your little obsession with Draco if you dare, but I'm sure Kadir already knows you are weak…"

"Linus, darling, where are you?" the frail voice of Seraphina Picquery called out.

Linus scoffed, "Stay here until we can talk again," he hissed. "Or else…"

Without waiting for a response, Linus turned and made his way downstairs to the sitting room. An elderly Seraphina was sitting in a chair near the fire looking tired.

"Grandmother Seraphina, I'm here," Linus replied calmly. "What do you need?"

Seraphina turned to him and smiled, "Oh, dear boy," she replied. "You're so attentive; you're such a good young man."

Nodding, Linus walked to the chair and sat on the arm, "Yes, I am," he replied softly.

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