Nearly a year break! I knew I'd take a hiatus after MM finished but not when we're about to hit the ending in 15-20 chapters from now (estimate). How am I able to apologize? I know you guys just want a chapter and hopefully this somewhat satiates it, while I also hope I still have an audience!

Thoughts? Hmu or comment! Just more plot seeds right now and I'm sorry if it's underwhelming— I have many many ideas that I can barely fit or organize in one chapter. At least from here after this massive block, I can move forward to plots that I've been anticipating for so long.

Modern Myth will be completed damnit.

Draco and Tanya whipped their heads to the bedroom door upon opening. Elia quietly entered the room, unable to meet their leering gaze. The air felt much more heavier by her demeanor alone. Draco could see how much she wanted to crumble, he began to worry.

"What happened?" He questioned immediately.

Elia pressed her back to the door and shut it gently. She looked down at her toes, fidgeting with her nails behind her which was the only sound in the room.

"El." Tanya called out.

Elia finally breathed, yet her gaze stayed just across from her, but not on the Slytherins ahead.

"Your father," Elia paused, "He offered to give me 15,000 galleons."

Draco frowned, "What? What for?"

He knew his father and this wasn't a donation out of the kindness of his heart. There was a stipulation.

"In exchange for that… he demanded that I break up with you. For good this time. He even encouraged me to use the money to move away with Papa, before the war gets worse."

"Of course he'd hit you where it'd hurt." Tanya muttered scornfully.

"Elia— look at me." Draco said, his tone more stern.

She did as he said, her head raising up towards him meagerly.

"What did you say?"

Elia bit her lip lightly, "Well… I asked if I agreed to his deal, would he ensure my dad's safety and business?"

"And?"

"I said no."

Their mutual concern dissipated, now Tanya and Draco looked at Elia in the most perplexed way.

"Why in the bloody hell would you do that?" Tanya questioned.

Now it was Elia's turn to be as confused, "You want me to say yes?!"

"There's something called lying." Draco stated.

The Hufflepuff's face dropped and her silence said it all. It finally clicked to her.

"Oh."

Tanya and Draco turned around in frustration. She ran her hands through her hair before sitting down with a low hiss, Draco on the other side of her as he paced around in short circles. Pausing, he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, looking back at Elia because he realized she must be feeling anxious now.

"It's fine. It's fine." He reached out to her, but she backed up.

"No, I'm sorry. I just—" Elia fidgeted again, "I didn't want to lose you again."

Draco felt guilt settle inside of him. He wasn't mad at her, neither was Tanya. They didn't mean for their reaction to come off the way it did. He leaned by his fireplace and motioned for Elia to come over again. His gentle eyes told her it was okay, so she stepped towards him. Draco embraced her, holding her body against his tenderly. He brushed his hand over her hair, sighing at her scent.

"Listen to me. I'm not angry at you. There's nothing to be angry about, other than my bloody parents meddling with you again."

Draco's teeth grit at his last statement, looking down at her soft face to calm down at the very idea of his family's intentions. He relaxed against her, Elia leaning into his chest as she listened to more.

"I won't let them do anything to you— to us. While I'm glad you chose to stay, in all honesty, tricking my parents would've been a lot more fun."

Draco earned a light fist against his chest that only pulled a snicker out of him.

"Careful, mon couer. We have company."

"Don't worry, El." Tanya said across the room, "We don't expect anything less of you. Accepting the cash would weigh too much on your conscience. She's not like us, Draco."

Draco chuckled, "No she is not, but that's a good thing."

"A three headed snake would begin to eat the other." Her sister added.

Elia pulled away, her perplexed face showed that her mind was still muddled with more thoughts. A small part of her regretted that she wasn't as quick witted as Draco. Or else they'd have devised a plan to take his family's money to make a new life. But her sister was right, it wasn't right to Elia, no matter how rude Lucius and Narcissa were to her. She walked away, reaching towards her cat that was sitting on the ground. Scooped up in her arms, Elia kept Toast close for comfort as she sat down by the fireplace.

"I want to see Papa."

Tanya sighed, "We can check in on him tomorrow. Grandmother should be here soon. Get ready for that conversation."

Her sister stood and left the couple, promising to get the brandy out below to quench the tension of the mansion. Tanya left and Draco sat in one of his chairs beside Elia. His knee right by her head as she stared at the flames, cross legged on the ground and clutching her cat.

"You're suffocating him."

"He's used to it. Right?" Elia directed her question to Toast, pulling him up to level at her face. The cat simply placed his paws over her face, pushing away.

Draco chuckled at them. With a swish of his wand and a muttered spell, the cat tower the sisters had shrunken when packing, now appeared at the corner of the room. Toast slipped out of her grip, leaving Elia with a frown.

"You bribed our boy."

"Come here already." Draco motioned towards his lap.

Elia stood and nestled herself into his body, across his lap while her head rested on his chest. Draco sighed in content, the room falling completely quiet aside from the cracking wood at the fireplace. There was something melancholy in the space between them. Although Draco was at peace with the warmth that Elia is— the idea of running off to America should've thrilled him. It didn't.

America was only a temporary sedation to the rampant and deadly force that lurked in the war. The war itself would always leave something behind, tailing him. The things he has seen and been forced to commit, would never leave. Draco had no concrete clue as to whether the Dark Lord would win or lose this war. Either way, he had a bad feeling about all of it.

More than anything, as Draco looked down at Elia rested above his heart, he knew he had to protect her. She reminded him that there was a future that he desired. Thus, Draco wanted to leave then and there. He was impatient as ever, especially about the things he wanted. But for her, he'd wait until it was deemed safe to leave the country.

"You're too quiet." Elia spoke up.

He retorted back, "I'm just thinking."

"Are you still mad?"

Draco looked down at her, seeing how nervous she was again. He sighed and leaned his head onto hers.

"No, and I mean it. Now if you keep crying over it, you'll piss less."

He received another bump on the chest from her small first. The blond chuckled at her frown. Draco's fingers pressed against the space between her brows, smoothing out the skin as a reminder.

"I'm kidding. Again, don't worry about it. I have it taken care of."

"How?"

"I have my own vault with my savings. Your sister is helping me transfer the funds to America before we leave— should something happen. It's better having our money there than here." Draco explained, leaning back, "Who knows? I can concoct some easy potions for extra pay at school. Do you know how many would hand over their wands just to get a vial of the nightly potion? The upper class men are like stray cats in heat."

"Why not the monthly?"

"That's extra."

Elia sighed, throwing her head back in disbelief.

"You're seriously going to make a business off of the horny teenagers at school?"

"Correction— I am simply protecting these students from parenthood and bringing shame to their houses. In exchange for donations."

There was no arguing with his ambition and shamelessness, Elia knew it first hand. It was slightly amusing. She looked back at him, tentatively.

"Are we really doing this?"

Draco answered with a sweet kiss on her head, "We are. Should it go swiftly. But no matter what, we are getting married by the end of this. I'm not letting you get away this time."

As Elia settled her head back on his chest, her body shifting reminded him of the stack of papers in his breast pocket. It poked at his chest, causing Draco to sit up straight and reach inside.

"By the way, care to explain why you had these buried in your tits?"

Her eyes widened and she snatched the envelopes.

"I forgot about these! I have to show Tanya!"

Elia stood up automatically, but Draco pulled her back down onto his lap. She began to protest as she turned to him, but he hushed her.

"I was your owl in this case, you might as well tell me what's going on."

Elia contemplated it shortly, trying to gather her thoughts. She didn't know where to begin about her discovery of Sirius and his first love. It was one of the biggest secrets she knew and she couldn't fathom how close it was to her, yet so far.

"Remember how I told you that I was at the Black family home because Sirius Black had a… soft spot for me?"

"Yes, what of it?"

"Well Tanya and I discovered something big. No— huge actually." She turned to Draco fully, her eyes glittering with excitement, "He left us letters and gifts after he passed. His house elf didn't want to give it to us because he was angry that Sirius gave the Black family ring to Tanya."

"That sly bitch. I've always wanted to see the damn thing in broad daylight."

Elia scowled at him and Draco laughed it off.

"Oh give me a break, love. I've been in the Black family since I was born and I never got to see it myself. It's quite unfair."

"Anyways, Sirius had always been reserved around me. He was more friendly with Tanya, but he was always kind yet so distant from me. His letters revealed to us that it was because I reminded him too much of someone. A girl he had fallen for during his time at Hogwarts, but could never be with."

"Sounds familiar." Draco said, making Elia chuckle softly.

"He said our situation was very similar to his, because the witch was like me, a muggleborn. And he was of the pureblood Black family after all. It was forbidden." She raised her right hand with the opal ring, "He gave me this as well. It was the ring he had planned to propose to this girl with."

Draco took her hand and examined the ring, "Not bad for his time. It makes sense, he wouldn't have been able to give her the Black family ring. Considering they didn't approve of her, I know my great aunt Walburga would never. I heard she was worse than my father."

"You're not wrong. The girl… her name was Fi. From what I could gather at least. Your uncle was deeply in love with her, but her best friend was Snape. Those two didn't get along."

"No surprise there."

"Let me finish my tale. I'm sharing your family's biggest secret!" Elia exclaimed, "Fi was so angry at Sirius for the bullying that she didn't want to see him ever again. Professor Lupin told me this. He said that Sirius Black never loved anytime else again and continued to love Fi."

"If he had such strong feelings, why did he stop chasing? He never confessed to her?"

"No, he didn't."

Draco scoffed, "Typical Gryffindors. They'd take a piss on the Whomping Willow, oh but forbid they ever speak to a girl."

"Oh? And what would you have suggested to your uncle instead?"

Draco took a hold over Elia's body, cradling her close to him.

"Simple. Quit being an asshole. Tell the girl and run away with her. That's what I'm doing."

Elia sighed, "You're unbelievably still an asshole to everyone. It wasn't as easy for him. The professor did say something had happened that not even he knows about. Something Sirius experienced during one of the breaks that made him run away from home. But it also stopped him from speaking to Fi completely. To this day, no one knows."

Draco let everything he just heard finally settle in. Shock was an initial reaction, but now he was more curious than ever. Sirius and Fi. Two people once like him and Elia, yet their ending did not end well. More importantly, why hadn't he heard?

"I will say I am surprised that I never heard about this. Even though he was disowned, this is something that no one talks about, I can tell you that much. But now I'm interested as to why."

"I told you. Everyone knew her, yet it's like she never existed. All her photos and letters are hidden. People who really knew her are dead."

"Not everyone."

Elia had a small realization, "You're right. Your godfather— he knew her better than anyone! Tanya and I haven't asked him. Then again, how do you even approach that subject? Hi Professor, can you reach into your troubled teen years and tell us about Fi? Because that will go over so well."

"Then let's investigate. You have these letters. When the time comes, we can ask him ourselves about her and what happened. Someone has to speak about her. Let's hurry, I'm sure your grandmother arrived long ago."

Elia pouted, holding up the envelopes in desperation.

"Can't we just read one? I'm dying to know more."

"Those letters can wait another hour. Come now darling, they are expecting us for late night tea already."

With one quick movement, Draco's hand collided with her bum and he got up quickly before she could do anything. Elia yelped and gave him a frown.

"Oh come on, we can't keep them waiting. It'll be over quickly and then we can come back." He told her.

"Ugh. Do we have to? It'll be awkward sitting with your parents after I flat out told them to eat stale bread."

Draco always found her so humorous, snickering as his knees lowered to the ground to be at level with Elia.

"When we get back, I'll make it up to you. Just get through one cup of tea." His mischievous smile gave away his intentions and he kissed Elia with the same fervor she had.

She pulled him closer with her legs and arms wrapped around him. When Elia bit his bottom lip, she pulled away giggling and jumped over the seat to get away from him. Draco knew her game, going after her and locking her in his arms.

"Oh now you're just teasing." He said in her ear, before nibbling it, causing a shiver to go down her body.

"Stop it! My grandmother should be here-" Elia cut herself off with a soft moan as Draco cupped her breast and devoured her neck, till finally she broke out of his grasp, "And I'm hungry!"

Draco laughed, pulling away for the moment and opened the door. It was difficult for his young body to resist hers, their urges were always rampant. And it had been a while since they last saw each other. He would keep her with him for as long as he could. The Slytherin wouldn't allow his aunt finding her, nor for Elia to return to the occupied Grimmauld Place. He felt she was safest by his side.

"Fine, but when we get back, you can't stop me." Draco said, guiding her through the hall.

"Can I at least have a scone first?"

"Of course, I'm a man of class after all."

After a conversation between the adults and a cup of tea, they settled on their decision. Lucius and Narcissa agreed to Elena and Tanya's terms, Draco would travel to America with them for his and Elia's safety. All while Tanya completed her mission. Their whereabouts would remain a secret. Narcissa was grateful for the opportunity to get her son away from as much of the war as possible. Lucius on the other hand, felt his pride had been knocked down a level. From Elia's refusal to his offer, and Elena's cunningness, it had continued to pour salt on the wound by taking care of his son for him.

Before her departure, Elena took Elia on a private stroll through the manor's gardens. The Malfoy's gave them a moment, seething in their rooms at the fact that both women had beat them. For Elia was now to stay. Elia told everything that had happened to her grandmother, the conversation with the Malfoy's, their proposal, her refusal, and the reaction from Tanya and Draco. More or less, Elena couldn't help but laugh at the whole spectacle.

"I'm proud you've stood your ground, my dear." She told Elia, "But nonetheless, do be careful. You mustn't make yourself known during your stay. Despite how Lucius and Narcissa may feel, they are still obligated to aid your safety as their son courts you. As for the Dark Lord and his crazed slave, which we mustn't forget will be your aunt in law, they are a different case. I do commend Lucius' efforts though."

"I know, grandmother. I leave tomorrow and only to see Papa. How is he?"

"He's safe and that's all that matters. Ted will keep him company."

"Tanya says Charlie or Viktor might have a safe house soon for us before we leave, though I wouldn't like to be too far." Elia said.

Elena reassured her, "I'd say a month from now, maybe more. Your sister and I wouldn't want you and Draco out of school for so long. But— whatever must be done to ensure your safety. I rather not satiate Lucius' desire to keep you away. I ought to spite him and take Draco with us early. I'm sure he wouldn't mind the trip."

"It's just so confusing, grandmother." Elia shook her head, "All this pureblood rubbish. His father was set on the alliance with House Sayre through me. Why is he suddenly so adamant about not wanting me in the family? Enough to get rid of me and his ties."

"I would've thought Azkaban would've made him more careful, but the man continues to surprise me with his decisions." Elena frowned, "Unfortunately dear, he's afraid of them winning the war after all. He and his family are far too deep in their own graves, Lucius knows it. And if the Dark Lord wins, there's only so much we can do to preserve you from his reign of terror."

Elia gulped, tightening her grip on her grandmother's arm. Elena glanced at her before giving her a gentle squeeze.

"I'm sorry to say, but the Dark Lord won't be fond of you once he starts to ponder on your true bloodline. Sayre is merely a name, but he'll do what he sees fit from removing you as a part of his heirs of the Slytherin family. This will tarnish Lucius for allowing you to be Draco's wife."

"What about Tanya?"

"Tanya knows this. She hates to even think about it. She hangs onto the thread of keeping you safe, but she's not stupid. The Dark Lord will turn against you once his enemies are gone, because he will have nothing else in his way."

"What will happen to us then?" Elia questioned.

"You honestly think we'd let him win the war and take you? Now that's rubbish."

The following morning, Elia and Draco were getting ready to have breakfast at his aunt Andromeda's home where Abraham was staying. Elia was collecting her small belongings into a purse, sticking the letters inside so she could show everyone there. She hadn't had the chance to show Tanya the night prior, but she knew Tonks was as eager to know more. Elia finished and walked over to Draco, who was playfully fighting with her cat on his bed.

"Ah, little bugger." Draco hissed, his fist locked within Toast's body. The cat kicked and bit against his hand.

Elia frowned, "Why are you fighting him? You know he can be quite aggressive, especially when you two play."

"He chooses violence everyday."

"This is why he bites hands. You and Tanya let him!"

Draco took his hand back, tossing a mouse toy onto Toast who then turned his attention to that instead.

"What? It's fine. I like the fighter in him. His teeth have gotten really sharp."

"That's because Tanya buys him the fancy kibble."

"Oh whatever. He's posh now, before the pet shop rescued him, he was in the streets. I've caught him rummaging the trash to this day."

Elia took her cat in her arms defensively, "Leave him alone. He can't help it."

Then she saw the smug look on Draco's face.

"Don't say it…"

"Trash can baby."

"We're leaving, now!" Elia announced, storming out the room. Draco laughed and ran after her, the pair going down the stairs towards the front door.

He didn't bother with his parents, he was too preoccupied with Ella and the little time they had left in his house. Draco left his whereabouts to the house elf in case they asked, taking Elia outside into the gardens to settle in a spot for disapparation. Shortly after, they arrived at the Tonks' residence to meet everyone there.

Draco wasn't accustomed to this type of life, how it diverted drastically from his back in Malfoy Manor. The atmosphere was warm and bright, there were a lot more genuine spirits residing in the families coming together, families he didn't know he could have. It was strange for him to come to know the side that was forbidden from him. Yet, he found he had been missing out on something essential and Elia fit right in.

She practically danced around the house hugging everyone and joyful towards her father. Elia dragged Draco wherever she went to include him, even if he was the odd one out. Andromeda approached him quietly, the two watching everyone forget about the dangers around them, melting in Elia's presence.

"Quite the ray of sunshine, isn't she?" Andromeda says to him, "While you sulk comfortably in the dark corner you made for yourself."

Draco huffs, "Dark corners is exactly where our union sparked."

"No need for those details, young man. I may have been a stranger for your entire childhood, but I am still your aunt." She retorts, causing a chortle to erupt from him.

Andromeda looks over Abraham and his daughters, chuckling at her own realization.

"And here I was, wondering who looked more like their father. I was convinced it was Tanya and now I need to reevaluate my stance."

Tanya overhears her, "What're you talking about? I'm too Sayre for my own good."

"Well you and Abe have a very similar look about you two. Same complexion. Same stare. Even with the same work ethic— he hasn't rested since he's got here! Elia on the other hand," Andromeda points and everyone listens in, "It's more apparent with her. The same brown hair. Same vigor. And the terrible jokes."

"Glad to see I'm not alone. They're the only ones laughing at their own jokes, that's the single thing that makes them funny." Draco said, causing Abraham and Elia to frown.

Ted shrugs, "They're not that bad!"

"No, dad. They suck." Tonks said, receiving a hit from Elia.

"And here I thought Nymphadora reminded me too much of her father." Andromeda smirked.

Elia then remembered what she brought in her bag, her biggest discovery. She hopped around the room, running to the table before throwing her bag down.

"Everyone get the snacks! You'll need it for this."

"Oh just show them. Maybe then we'll get ideas." Draco urged, the rest looked at him perplexed, "What? She has me intrigued on the biggest secret of the Black family."

Thus, reminded him. He pointed to Tanya, walking to her.

"I need to see it."

She knew exactly what, pulling up her hand and showing him the Black family ring. Draco snatched her hand, examining the black gem closely. It was a vintage piece that he finally got to view in person, and heard in tales from his mother how it was never passed on. It was an example of what she deemed family disloyalty and a tragedy in House of Black.

"The only way anyone is getting this is prying it off my cold corpse." She said.

Draco shot her look, "There's an opportunity then."

"Family secret?" Andromeda questioned, "What else has come to light that I didn't even know?"

"Stand back."

Elia set down the stack of papers onto the table. She spread them out so the rest could see from beside her. What caught their eyes were two pieces of parchment. One showed a drawing of a young Sirius, the other was clearly from the same hand. Only this piece had Regulus.

"Bloody hell." Elia muttered.

"Is that?" Draco questioned upon his own realization.

Tanya answered, "It is."

Tonks couldn't contain herself, grabbing one of the drawings to raise to her face.

"Helga's tits! Elia! How did you find this?"

Andromeda shot her a glare for her language, before taking the drawing herself to examine.

"We've never seen this before either. Huh, Ted?"

Ted took the parchment from his wife, "Even back in school, I never saw this. But it's completely obvious, it's your cousin."

They all noticed the art was quite unique in itself. They couldn't look away from the details, making them nostalgic to see young Sirius and his brother from the eyes of a missing woman. There were intricate designs within their clothing, down to the hair strands of both brothers. Draco caught this, pointing out the style to Elia.

"Notice her use of abstract strokes to create the illusion of texture." Draco said, "I've never seen anything quite like this. And no name... Odd."

"Don't artists usually sign their name on these things?" Tonks asked him, but Elia piped in.

"Draco usually does."

"Most artists do." He added.

"It could be an issue of preference." Tanya points out, "Maybe she didn't want to be found. After all, she had to be careful around their parents or else they'd find out they were friends with her."

"Andromeda— please, we have to know. Did you know her?" Elia pleaded, unfortunately Andromeda shook her head. Almost as if she was disappointed in herself.

"I only ever saw glimpses of her. Hair like honey. If I had to compare her to anyone, it'd be you."

"Sirius said the same. How come?"

Andromeda shrugged, "Stature?"

"She's saying you're a damn elf." Tonks threw in, to which Elia shot her a look. Andromeda sighed.

"I never spoke to her. Different houses, different times. I don't even know the poor girl's name, other than Fi."

"Take a look, Abe. Quite extraordinary. We're constantly learning new things about Andy's family lately, aren't we?" Ted says, handing him the photos.

Abraham looks at the sheets momentarily before putting them back down immediately. He takes a swing of his bottle with a glazed look in his eyes and walks out with Ted to get breakfast ready.

"Guess we outta fill your Dad in on the gossip." Tonks said.

Elia shrugged, "He doesn't really get this stuff anyways. Too much magic. Plus, he's never drawn a day in his life! He's like me, just stick figures."

"And trees." Tanya added.

"Oh yes, can't forget those. I've mastered the art of fluffy leaves."

Before they could inspect further, Andromeda swiped the papers into an organized stack before setting it aside.

"Come along now, the dining table is no place for these investigations. Help me set everything up."