Two
"Liam's Secret"
"So you still have no plans for after graduation," Lucius asked Liam as they had dinner in the formal dining room.
Liam adjusted his tie as he answered, "no." Let's be clear, Liam is not scared of Lucius. He never has been he's worried about everything.
"You're young I'm sure you'll figure something out," Narcissa comforted.
"Well, I'm open to suggestions… Justin thinks I should go to law school."
"That's not a bad idea," agreed Lucius, "as long as you don't go down the same ridiculous path as your father. Finance is also not a bad field."
"How about a professor, you're intelligent and have a calm understanding demeanor. That would be great for working with students," suggested Narcissa.
That wasn't a bad idea. His Uncle Percy is the Head of the Department of Magical Transportation. He has suggested he take up a post in the government. Uncle Dean said the only thing worth going into at the Ministry is games and sports. Uncle Perry suggested he invest his inheritance well so he doesn't have to work and get to partying.
"Professor is not a bad idea, of what is the question. I wouldn't want to be an environmental lawyer although I could do human rights—"
"How about art law," Lucius interrupted. "We give so much money to the arts and preserving historical sites. We should have a member of the family on the legal team."
"Well, I do love art."
"Me too," everyone looked up as Draco entered the room, dressed for dinner like a good Malfoy son, "so sorry I'm late."
The Malfoy's always dressed for dinner. It didn't matter that it wasn't a holiday or they didn't have guests, they were always dressed. Draco knew how to dress for an occasion and instilled this in his son but they were more relaxed in his home. They only dressed for dinner on holidays or if they had guests.
Here he was 43 years old, his hairline in constant jeopardy, and with an almost grown son. When he was born he thought he was too young and now that he was aging he still thought he was too young.
"It's all right darling," Narcissa assured him as he kissed her.
Draco hugged Liam from behind and kissed him on top of his head. He then went over to Lucius at the other end of the table and patted him on the head. He then took his seat across the table from Liam.
"I can still put you over my knee," Lucius narrow his eyes at Draco.
"I know father," he chuckled helping himself to a glass of wine. "So you were talking about art?"
"We were discussing what I'm going to do when I graduate."
"Oh, you've decided? Going to be an artist?"
"No, Grandfather suggested art law."
"I can't picture you as a lawyer," a plate of food appeared in front of Draco.
"Why not, I'm shrewd, cunning, and can be quite persuasive when I want to be," defended Liam.
"That's true but most legal work is hours of research and meticulous detective work. I know you like mystery novels and all but I can't see you putting in that kind of effort."
"I can't either," agreed Liam, "lawyer is out."
"Where's Ginny?" asked Draco
"She hasn't made it yet. The weather is bad in Malaysia, so she couldn't take off but she arranged a portkey for the morning," explained Liam.
"Good."
(***)
After dinner came cocktails and light chatter. Liam excused himself on the pretense of being tired and having to take Herman out. He changed into a cool yet ascetically pleasing outfit, redid his hair, and then took Herman out for a walk. And ever did they walk; they kept walking all the way downtown.
As they left the quiet suburban streets the place began to get livelier. People were out doing last-minute holiday shopping and spending time with family and friends. He stopped at the corner to wait for the light to change with all the other pedestrians, when the walk signal came on Herman sprinted. He yanked Liam into the street and ran so fast that the leash went flying out of his hand.
"HERMAN!" Liam shouted running after him.
In the next block, he jumped on this girl with big thick kinky curly hair. Everyone in the area was looking on either laughing or mortified.
"I'm so sorry," Liam exclaimed when he reached her and the dog.
"It's fine," she laughed hugging the dog who was up on his hind legs. Standing that way he was the same height as her. "I suppose he missed me." When Herman hopped down she crouched down and rubbed him behind the ears, "did you miss me?"
"He's not the only one."
She took hold of his leash and stood up, "I missed you too."
Liam leaned over Herman and kissed her, "hi," he spoke between kisses.
"Hi," she laughed. She broke the kiss and hugged him.
"It's so good to see you," Liam breathed in Elianna Peterson's scent. She has big brown eyes. The smoothest most gorgeous dark brown skin, the perfect bone structure, and a smile that could make anyone fall in love with her. She was beautiful and Liam adored her.
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and held her close while they walked, "dinner?"
"Yes, I'm starved."
"Me too, I made the food disappear from my plate so I could eat with you."
"That's sweet," she kissed him on the cheek. "There's a great Mexican place a couple of blocks over."
"Mexican sounds good."
"They have outdoor seating so Herman can join us."
"Perfect"
"I'm so happy you're here!" She cheered.
They walked the two blocks to the restaurant and got a table outside. It was a nice night it wasn't too hot and the people watching was great. Herman was under the table using Elianna's feet as a pillow.
"So how did you get out of the house," Elianna asked.
"I'm taking Herman for a walk."
"This is a long walk."
He shrugged, "I don't think anyone even noticed I left." They didn't, they were all preoccupied and he walked out the front door.
"We haven't talked in a couple of days. How is everything?"
"Great, I'm relieved that the term is over."
"Are your parents going to be happy with your history of magic grade?"
"I think there will be an improvement but only time will tell. I'd ask you about your grades but you're such a bookworm," he smiled as she laughed. He loved when she looked so happy. It made her more beautiful.
"They're pleased… right now the only thing I'm concerned about is swim team tryouts. They're on December 27."
"You've been on the team for three years isn't trying out only a formality?"
"There's a new coach this year so no," she bit her lip.
"I'm sure you'll do great."
"Thanks"
"Who had the tacos," the waitress came over with the food.
March 2022
Sydney, Australia
Chauncey's Beach Cauldron
Liam climbed out of the car. This was a very busy area right on Bondi Beach. There were muggles and sand everywhere. Chauncey's was the spot, it was the hangout for witches and wizards. It was a casual place that boasted seafood and burgers. It was also the entry point to an area full of magical shops.
The Weasley-Malfoy family had just arrived in the city and his parents turned in. He wanted food, he was going to get greasy takeaway from Chauncey's.
He ordered his food and as he waited, he noticed a girl across the restaurant. Her hair was in this huge bun at the top of her head. She had on this white see-through button-down with a bright pink bikini top underneath. She was pretty. She smiled at something the girl with her said, and Liam corrected his thought to beautiful.
He watched her as they put money on the table and got up to leave.
"Here you go sir," the waiter placed a bag on the table.
He shook himself from his thoughts. "Thanks," he paid for his food. He began sipping on his shake as he left the restaurant. He had every intention of hopping back into the car and going home but the girl was standing out front. She was alone, she was on the phone with someone and a moment later she hung up.
"You don't see many witches with cell phones."
She looked up, "are you talking to me?"
"I am," he widened his eyes a bit. He thought he had only thought that "I hadn't realized I was talking out loud."
"Oh well you are," she looked down at her phone.
"Your phone is missing a number."
She looked up again, not at him but straight ahead. She sighed, "Let me guess, yours? Such a bad pick-up line, Americans."
The tips of his ears were bright red he just knew it. This was embarrassing, he should go stand in front of the car and have Borden run him over. He's never picked up a girl in his life and given how bad this was going, he was still going to be able to say that after tonight. He dare not say the line about rearranging the alphabet.
"You don't see many wizards with chauffeured cars."
"Huh"
"I saw you get out of a car and go into Chauncey's."
"Oh, well my parents are practical and... private." He was getting ready to skip. She noticed him. "And I guess it's a great way to get noticed by cute girls."
She rolled her eyes and smiled, "next you'll be saying if you could rearrange the alphabet you'd put U and I together."
Was she reading his mind? "I won't but I'm going to ask you for your number."
"I don't know you."
"That's why I would like to call you."
"You have a mobile?"
"Yeah," he took his phone out of his pocket.
His mother thought it was a good idea with them all in different parts of the world. Draco threw a fit but calmed down when he realized how easy it was to track Liam. They still communicate with magic, this created more possibilities. He doesn't really use it except to play games, look stuff up, talk to Evie, and Uncle Dean.
He pulled up the contacts, tapped add new, and handed her the phone. She stared at it. He was convinced she was going to throw the phone back at him.
"I should tell you something so it won't be an issue later."
"You have a boyfriend?"
"I'm a Squib."
"I wasn't expecting you to say that."
"Some people have a problem with it. I prefer not to associate with bigots or people who want to put me down."
He didn't know what to think. He didn't think there was anything wrong with it, she was basically a muggle. He knew several people would have something to say. She was just so, something. He's intrigued by her so after a bit he said, "My last name is Malfoy … well Weasley-Malfoy."
Her face fell, "really?"
"Yes"
"I thought the Malfoy's were blonde?"
He chuckled and ran his hand through his hair, "I'm blessed with the Weasley red."
"Well I'm a Squib, you're a Malfoy, and my mother is the Minister of Finance."
"Really?"
"Yes really, I'm blessed with the Okeke ability to be good at maths."
"Well before you hand my phone back don't forget to put your number in."
She smiled, typed in her name and number then handed back his phone.
Her name was Elianna, he immediately texted her. Her phone pinged
Hi, Elianna I'm Liam
She smiled, "nice to meet you, Liam. I should go."
"Have a good night"
"Good night"
She walked down the street. He went two cars over and climbed into the passenger's seat.
"I thought my fish and chips were going to get cold while you were out there mackin'," smirked Borden.
"You saw that," his ears were red.
"Not if you didn't want me to," he took his bottle of lemonade out of the bag.
"It's fine"
"Better than fine, you got her number."
He called the next day, they hung out before he left town. They didn't get their first kiss until summer, their first date until the following spring, and this moment now at Christmas…
(***)
"I haven't had tacos in so long," the waitress put their food on the table.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Elianna was having a taco salad minus tortillas. "I'm going light on the carbs in prep for swim."
"You're a twig"
"I know, when I'm lighter I can propel myself through the water faster… otherwise I would be joining you with the tacos."
"I support your will power"
She smiled and dug into her salad. She was so happy to be there with him, she missed him so much. Almost two years ago she was at Chauncey's with her cousin…
March 2022
Sydney, Australia
Chauncey's Beach Cauldron
"It takes three coats to get this color to the perfect shade of red," Kristen Yeboah examined her nails.
Elianna nodded; normally she would be very interested. The Okeke women were very fashion and beauty conscious. At the moment her attention was elsewhere. A Black SUV pulled up in front of Chauncey's. It was probably one of the many awukho umlingos* that couldn't see the place.
A red-haired guy got out of the passenger's side. It was dark out, with nothing but street lights and illuminated signage to light the place. But he was handsome or at least at this distance, he was tall, his hair was kind of floppy, and he looked lean.
He entered the restaurant. He was a wizard. He went over to the counter, ordered something, and then sat on a nearby bar stool.
"It's getting late and my mum is being a pain," Kristen dug around in her purse for money.
"That sounds like Aunt Angela," Elianna pulled out her money too.
They both dropped money on the table and left. "I'm going to get the bus, I'll call you later."
"Bye"
She pulled out her mobile to call her friend Jane. They were thinking of going for a late movie and she wanted to confirm before she walked home. Unfortunately, Jane didn't pick up the phone. She was getting ready to text her when…
"You don't see many witches with cell phones."
She looked up. It was the handsome guy. She could now confirm he's handsome, "are you talking to me?"
"I am," his eyes widened a bit, "I hadn't realized I was talking out loud."
"Oh well you are," she looked down at her phone. Calling Jane didn't seem all that important now. A guy with the most gorgeous blue eyes was looking at her and he was American. She was going to play this cool or at least try to. She had no idea what she was doing, she was often told she's pretty but her luck with guys hasn't been that great.
"Your phone is missing a number."
She looked up again, not at him but straight ahead. She had an idea of where this was going and it was kind of pathetic… kind of cute. "Let me guess, yours? Such a bad pick-up line, Americans."
The tips of his ears were bright red, she embarrassed him. He was going to roll his eyes and walk away any moment. She tried to think of a way to recover but all she could say was, "You don't see many wizards with chauffeured cars."
"Huh"
"I saw you get out of a car and go into Chauncey's."
"Oh well, my parents are practical and... private. And I guess it's a great way to get noticed by cute girls."
She rolled her eyes and smiled, "next you'll be saying if you could rearrange the alphabet you'd put U and I together."
"I won't but I'm going to ask you for your number."
"I don't know you."
"That's why I would like to call you."
"You have a mobile?"
"Yeah," she watched him pull a phone out of his pocket. She watched as he tapped his screen, the boy was fit. His shoulders were broad, and the way his t-shirt was hanging, he looked chiseled. How many teenage boys are chiseled? She asked herself, toned girl.
He handed her the phone, there was a new contact page up. She wanted to give him her number. He's American and although Sydney has many international residents there's no guarantee that he lives here. There was also something else. Something people were uneasy about. She was pretty confident about it; her parents raised her that way. Although at this moment she didn't want to share, she usually has no problem but she's interested in this guy. She didn't want him to snatch his phone away, get back into his car and have her run over.
"I should tell you something so it won't be an issue later."
"You have a boyfriend?" He looked so worried.
"I'm a Squib."
Surprised wasn't a good enough descriptor for the look on his face.
"I wasn't expecting you to say that."
"Some people have a problem with it. I prefer not to associate with bigots or people who want to put me down," Elianna explained confidently.
"My last name is Malfoy … well Weasley-Malfoy."
Her face fell, the only Malfoy she ever heard of had something to do with terrorism. She thought to herself, "Malfoy could be a common surname, right?"
The only Weasley she knew was a photojournalist her mother gushed over. Especially after she did a photo essay on the Sydney wildfires and the effect they had on the magical community, "really?"
"Yes"
"I thought the Malfoy's were blonde?"
He chuckled and ran his hand through his hair, "I'm blessed with the Weasley red."
"Well I'm a Squib, you're a Malfoy, and my mother is the Minister of Finance."
"Really?"
"Yes really, I'm blessed with the Okeke ability to be good at maths."
"Well before you hand my phone back don't forget to put your number in." Her heart swelled and she smiled. She hoped it wasn't a ridiculous grin. She was so excited he still wanted her number. She typed in her name and number and then handed the phone back. He looked at his phone and typed something, and her phone pinged.
Hi, Elianna I'm Liam
She smiled, "nice to meet you, Liam. I should go."
"Have a good night"
"Good night"
She walked down the street, when she got around the corner she squealed and jumped up and down. A few people looked at her as if she lost her mind. She contained herself and smiled all the way home.
He called the next day, they hung out before he left town. They didn't get their first kiss until summer, their first date until the following spring, and this moment now at Christmas…
(***)
"So what are your holiday plans while you're in town," asked Elianna.
He shrugged, "this is pretty much it. We're all here. We'll have an elaborate Christmas dinner and pretend to be jolly."
She laughed, "That doesn't sound fun."
"It's not. Are you doing anything fun?"
"The entire family is coming over, loud Africans. So headache, but we all live in town and see each other all the time so it's not a big deal."
"That's like the Weasley Christmas. We're the only ones that don't live in the UK so everyone sees everyone all the time." He took a sip of his soda, "so… are you still going to the ballet?"
"Yes"
"I've been thinking…," he was nervous, "maybe we should go public."
She looked him in the eye, "I think that's an interesting idea, one that is going to take some serious consideration."
"How much consideration?"
"Well for one thing I don't think either of our parents will be thrilled. To tell them in a public place would be lunacy."
"If we tell them before and introduce them—"
"Babe, I want to tell everyone. I want us to be completely open about this. I'm worried that all the drama will ruin things. I love what we have going."
"I understand that but you're my girl, I want to publicly claim you. Things are going well. They're not showing signs of slowing. No matter what happens good or bad at the end of the day it will always be you and me."
"I suppose … but we should talk to our parents separately before the ballet. Then we can make introductions."
"Ok… this is for the best."
She nodded, she was nervous but it was for the best. Withholding information from your parents as a kid was normal but it would be nice, to be honest about this.
"Elianna if you don't want to—"
"I do want to," she cut him off, "I'm nervous…let me be nervous. I will tell my parents." She knew her parents weren't going to react great but she was more worried about his family. When they met she had a vague idea of who they were. Since they talk about everything she now has a clear idea. They have a long dark magical lineage. They may resort to anything to keep it that way.
She's confident that Liam cares about her but he was risking a lot. With his family and money, he's set for life. They're a couple of kids, this may lead nowhere. She didn't want this time with him cut short because he had to make an impossible choice.
"If you're sure"
"I am sure. What do you want to do after this," she changed the subject.
Liam stared at her, perhaps this wasn't the best time or perhaps he should have brought it up sooner. He had been thinking about this for a while perhaps he shouldn't have waited. "Whatever you want… we could go make out in the back of the movies like a couple of horny teenagers." She chuckled, he was glad to see her loosen up a bit.
"If you want to do that, we may as well go make out in my car."
"That sounds like a plan."
(***)
At almost one in the morning, Liam entered the house. The place was quiet. There was a leather duffle, broom, and beat-up leather rucksack near the front door. His mother had made it. He began to cross the foyer to go to his room.
"Hello Li"
He looked up; his mother appeared in the doorway across from the one that leads to the bedrooms. Ginny Weasley-Malfoy, still short, still fiery, and now older often complains about her crow's feet. It was always an eye roll moment, yes she was 42 and you could tell she wasn't 25 anymore but she looked great. She retired from Quidditch at 35 and still worked out as if she played Quidditch.
She had transitioned into journalism. First, she began sports writing. This led her to the perception of sports in underserved and indigenous cultures and how they affect the financial lives of women. Then she dropped the sports and started doing long-form photo and written essays. Shocking everyone she became award-winning and acclaimed. There is still disbelief she's not some pretty airhead Quidditch player turned wasp wife.
Here she stood in the Malfoy's grand foyer looking tired. Her red hair was hanging a bit below her shoulders and she never let it exceed chin length. She had been off the grid in a rural farming community for the last four months so beauty routines were not on her mind.
"Mommy"
Ginny laughed as she hugged him, "My darling you are as handsome as ever," she beamed up at him.
Liam shook his head, "thanks, mom. Waiting up for us?"
"No, I didn't even know you weren't here," she bent down and kissed Herman on top of his head. She released him from his leash. "I got here five minutes ago. I'm making a sandwich, come talk to me," she looped her arm through his and pulled him towards the kitchen.
"Did you fly here on your broom?"
"Oh god no," she continued working on her sandwich. "I flew out of the rural area. Then I apparated took a carriage, hitched on to someone else's portkey, and then apparated here. Do you want one?"
"No thank you. That was a whirlwind trip," he took a seat at the kitchen table.
"Yeah that's what happens when work takes you to remote locations… so how was the term? I should be getting your end-of-term marks any day now. Am I going to see an improvement in your History grade?"
"Yeah, I think so. I did well on my last couple of tests. I've received extra help from Binn's which was weird."
Ginny laughed as she joined him at the table, "how does a ghost do with tutoring?"
"He lectures like he does in class except it's just you and him. So how was the trip? Did you get any good photos?"
"I did, the whole thing was amazing."
"When are you off again?"
"I'm not sure. After the New Year, I have to go back to London to begin editing the whole thing. Then we'll see what I want to work on next."
(***)
Ginny opened the bedroom door, she saw the light and figured Draco was up. He was still dressed, fast asleep on top of the covers. A file open on his chest, she quietly put down her things and slipped into the bathroom to shower.
She missed showers. Being off the grid meant showers consisted of splashing captured rainwater on herself or fetching river water. She was going to scrub her head and shave everything.
(***)
Draco opened his eyes, the room was dark. He looked to his side; Ginny was under the covers, fast asleep. He tried to get out of bed without disturbing her.
"Hey"
He turned to look at her, "hi, I was trying not to wake you."
"You failed."
He smiled, "I see that." He climbed out of bed, "how long have you been here?"
"What time is it?"
He looked at his watch, "Almost four."
"About three hours," she yawned.
He went over to his suitcase and opened it. He fished around for his pajamas.
Ginny watched as he changed, they hadn't been in the same spot since September. It was the day they took Liam to the train station for his final year at Hogwarts. It was odd, it seemed like he was a baby a few months ago. Now he was legal and sometimes had to shave.
There was something different about their relationship. They had been together for 24 years. She was 18 when they began their charade. She was 25 when she had Liam. She was 26 when they got married for real. Sometimes she still couldn't believe she married Draco Malfoy. They had a life full of ups and downs to prove it.
When he climbed back into bed, she scooted over and got close to him. He wrapped his arm around her. He kissed her on the forehead and closed his eyes. She loved him more than anything but lately, something was different.
"Liam's Secret"
* awukho umlingos – Zulu for muggle