Six
"Hometown Blues"
New Years Eve
Hudson River Valley, New York
Liam's in la-la land lost somewhere between waking and dreaming. His phone made a noise and pulled him into the land of the waking. It beeped and then beeped again, he opened his eyes. He had no idea what time it was but the sun was up.
At four, his mother came in to shake him for their morning run but he declined and she went on her own with Herman.
He pulled his arm from under the covers and reached over to the nightstand. He unplugged his phone. He squinted at the screen; he reached for his glasses. He put them on and the screen became clear.
He had two messages from Elianna. One was a picture of her and her friends dressed to go out for New Year. The second was a video message, he played it and the noisy room was counting down and then shouted Happy New Year! Elianna turned the camera to herself, "Happy New Year babe, I love you!" She blew a kiss at the camera.
He smiled; it was New Year's in Sydney and ten in the morning in the Hudson River Valley on New Year's Eve. He selected the camera, turned his head in profile, closed his eyes, and snapped a photo. He put the kiss sticker on his cheek and wrote on the photo, the best way to wake up is with a New Year's kiss from my girl. Happy New Year, I love you!
(***)
"I have some business I would like to discuss with you," Palmer began taking a seat at the kitchen counter.
"You just got here and this is a trip of leisure," Ginny compiled all the ingredients to make French toast for her house guests.
"Business never stops."
"You're telling me," Shannon, Palmer's wife of the last seven years said. She's a muggle publicist and they spoke the same business lingo. But she knows she's on holiday and this is not the time.
"I know we're supposed to be having a nice time but it's about Liam."
Ginny stopped what she was doing, "what about Liam?"
"Your Australian Christmas has gained a lot of attention. I don't know if you saw these but on Christmas day, a story appeared in an Australian tabloid. It suggested a relationship between Liam and the daughter of the Minister of Finance. The story was picked up here in the US and the UK. It's all hearsay, there are no photos. Since then Elianna Peterson has gained the attention of every bloke with a camera." Palmer laid out all the tabloids for Ginny to see.
There were photos of Elianna all over them. It was for a rumored romance. There was no evidence, other than some ballet goer who saw them holding hands and sharing a kiss on the cheek. They used photos of Liam from when he arrived back in London for Christmas break. They placed them beside the recent photos of Elianna.
"Good morning," Liam entered the kitchen. "Hey guys, when did you get here," he went over and hugged Shannon. She was sitting at the kitchen table with Gracie, hers and Palmer's three-year-old daughter. "Hey cutie," he hugged Gracie too.
"We arrived like fifteen minutes ago," Shannon stared at him, "In all this time I've known you, I didn't know you wear glasses."
"That's the point,' Liam smirked.
"It's a good look."
"You think," Liam went over to the fridge and pulled out the orange juice, "Good morning mom."
"Good morning love."
"What's all this," Liam asked of all the newspapers Palmer had spread across the kitchen counter.
"Well love, the madness has begun," Ginny pushed one of the papers towards him.
He picked it up. There was a photo of Elianna outside of Chauncey's. He picked up another paper that had photos of her leaving school after swim team tryouts. The other had pictures of her out with her parents. "Shit."
"Liam said a bad word," Gracie said as Liam put down the papers and rushed from the kitchen.
"Yes he did love and don't you repeat it," her mother told her.
"But Daddy says it all the time."
Palmer tried to look innocent as everyone stared at him.
(***)
Liam took the stairs by two and hurried to his room. He grabbed his phone from the night table and immediately dialed Elianna.
"Hey babe"
He couldn't hear her through the partying, "hi, can you get someplace quieter?"
"I can't hear you… let me go someplace quieter!" She shouted into the phone. "Sorry about that. What's going on?"
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Tell you what?"
"About the media attention," She got quiet, "are you still there?"
"Yes, I'm here."
"Why didn't you tell me what was going on?"
"… I um… I didn't want you to worry," she sighed.
"Well I'm worried," she can't do magic, and people that can are stalking her through the streets. "You should have told me."
"Perhaps I should have… it's all rather surprising, I'm nobody and I haven't done a thing to warrant the attention. There is no evidence that you and I are a thing."
She most certainly didn't tell anyone and when they ask her questions she doesn't answer. She tells them to get out of her way.
He would never talk to a reporter about anything going on in his life. He hadn't been anywhere but he knew his first step back into the wizarding world was going to be met with heathens.
"I'm sorry about this but I'm concerned about you getting bombarded by crazy people."
She laughed, "That's sweet but you can calm down. My parents have already freaked out—"
"Well, I'm right there with them."
"I have a bodyguard… well private security. It's like being one of the Minister's kids," she joked.
"It's not funny. This can get out of hand and you can get hurt," he was going to agonize over this.
He sounded like he was ready to jump through the phone and guard her himself. "Baby everything will be fine. I have security, my parents insisted since I can't do magic and all. Basil during the day, Martin on evening outings and weekends, in fact, Martin is here with me now."
"Does he blend with the teenagers?"
"Very well he does that invisibility thing depending on where I am."
"Where are you?"
"On the terrace," one of her wealthy classmates threw a New Year's Party in a penthouse with a rooftop terrace. She was in the far corner beside the chimney where no one was hanging out.
"Love… I want you to be ok."
"I'm ok. I really am."
"You're lying"
She was, "I'm sure it will die down, they are going to have to realize there is nothing to report."
"You're so sensible too bad most people aren't."
"Anyway how are you, how's your morning going?" She changed the subject.
"It was going well. I woke up to a message from a very hot girl. Then I found out the same girl has been on the cover of every tabloid in the commonwealth and she didn't tell me."
"I wonder who that was," she joked.
(***)
The Weasley-Malfoy New York home was lively for their New Year's gathering. Their upstate New York 1850 colonial revival had become their home over the years. It's the place of first steps, family and friend gatherings, run-ins with muggle neighbors, and odd memories. They had four cars in the garage and flying horses outback, it was a typical home.
A little after six in the evening Draco rounded the corner onto his street. He drove down the tree-lined oasis towards his house. He left work an hour early and his hour and a half drive home became over two. Everyone was trying to get somewhere for New Year. People had plans. He was hosting a New Year's party and should have apparated.
He resisted as Ginny insisted they become more and more muggled out. The credit cards, hotels, and even their house were one thing. But the phones, cars, and Liam's schooling were another. But like most things he gave in.
He found that he likes driving. He likes antique cars, today he's driving his XJ Jag like normal, but he has a couple of collector cars. Going for a drive was relaxing, which is why despite having guests he took the long-form of transit. He was in no rush to get home.
He and Liam aren't speaking. He and Ginny were already having a hard time and now they could add this squib business on top of it.
He pulled up in front of their mailbox. Rolled down the window and took out the mail. He tossed it in the passenger's seat and then turned into the long drive. At the fork, the front of the house was to the left. There was a giant gravel space, it may as well be a parking lot. To the right, the driveway went to the garage.
Draco glanced towards the front of the house and continued. There were a couple of cars in front which meant Dean and Palmer were there. This was an event for their magical friends and they were the only two that drove.
He used the button in the car to open the garage. Their four-car garage wasn't enough, he was thinking of expanding. Then he could expand his car collection. He only had a 1958 Aston Martin DB4 and 1930s Deluxe Ford Roadster which were both under covers. He pulled into the vacant space between the Aston Martin and the Escalade.
He walked the path and entered through the kitchen door. He was happy to find the place empty. He only made it two steps before…
"There you are, I was beginning to worry," Ginny entered the kitchen. She went right up to him and kissed him.
"There was a lot of traffic. I'm going to go drop my briefcase and then get things going in here."
"All right"
He left her alone and climbed the stairs to their bedroom. The master bedroom was on the third floor all by itself.
Draco opened the door at the top of the stairs and went into the blue space he shared with Ginny. He placed his briefcase on one of the armchairs near the fireplace, took his coat off, and tossed it there as well.
There was a wide hall off the bedroom which was the dressing room. Ginny's makeup table was there and there were double doors into their walk-in closet. At the other end of the hall was the bathroom. There was no door to the space that contained a sunken tub. They have his and her sinks that looked like vintage washbasins. Draco went over to his sink and turned it on; he splashed water on his face.
"Uncle Draco!"
He closed his eyes and reached for the towel, "yes Gracie," he went out into the bedroom.
"Aunt Ginny said hurry up."
He chuckled, "thanks love, I'll be right there."
He just got up there and he didn't feel like hurrying. What could have happened in the two minutes he's been up here that would be cause for him to hurry?
(***)
When he arrived back downstairs, he understood why. The help had arrived, and Ginny was explaining to a couple of people about using the study for coats. He continued to the kitchen where everyone else was waiting for directions.
Draco told everyone what was happening. Then he went to the fridge and began to pull out all the stuff he had prepped for the night.
"Hello, Malfoy's," Perry sang entering through the back door.
"Perry you know how I love it when you don't knock," Draco complained distracted by what he was doing.
"You've known me your entire life, when have I ever knocked?"
"You've never knocked and I've never liked it."
"Well, at least this time I'm not sleeping on your couch." Perry took a seat at the counter. He took off his coat and hung it on the back of the chair. He was wearing a shiny white leather tuxedo jacket.
"Your family has a home in Boston."
"True," Perry watched as Draco began to aggressively chop carrots, "What's eating you?"
"I was sitting in traffic and I'm behind on the preparations."
"You have hired help for everything why not get a cook too?" One of the wait staff came past pushing a cart full of alcohol and Perry took a bottle of beer.
Draco rolled his eyes, he waved his wand and all his chopped veggies landed on the platter. "How about you help?"
"I am helping," he opened the beer and took a sip. "I'm staying out of the way." Draco gave him a look, "I can't cook but I can throw together some punch."
"Thanks"
"So what's actually bothering you," Perry asked as he gathered ingredients and the punch bowl.
"Liam"
"What's wrong with him?"
"He's going to be the death of me. I'm going grey."
Perry chuckled, "I hate to break it to you man but you'll go bald before that happens."
"Shut it… Liam is dating Elianna Peterson."
"So"
"Do you know who she is?"
"No, should I?"
"Not really but in this case yes. She's the daughter of the Australian Magical Minister of Finance."
"What's wrong with that?"
"She's a Squib."
"The Minister of Finance?"
"No Elianna!"
"Oh well, that makes more sense… worried about your bloodline?"
"That, among other things… Ginny's ok with it, typical."
"Maybe it's a phase. We know the boy loves magic. He's probably just having fun. When he's ready for something serious he'll choose someone more appropriate." When another cart of alcohol passed, he grabbed a bottle of vodka.
"Don't put that in the punch."
"It will give it a nice kick," he popped open the bottle.
"There are children here."
"Since when have you been so considerate of little ones?" Perry said ladling some punch into a glass for himself and then spiking it with vodka.
"I have a little one."
"He's grown," he took a sip of his punch, "refreshing… in need of a bit of champagne."
"He'd like to think so but he's not." Draco went over to the oven and popped a couple of trays in and set the timer for fifteen minutes. Being seventeen doesn't mean you know everything. It means you know nothing.
"Hello all," Etienne entered the kitchen.
"Hey man, would you care for some punch?" Asked Perry
"What's in it," he knew better than to just drink whatever Perry handed him.
"It's a virgin," he smirked, "or I can sacrifice it and add some vodka."
Etienne rolled his eyes, "I'm good for now," he sat down at the counter. "And the master chef is at it again."
"If he can get everything done… you," Perry pointed at one of the servers. "Put this somewhere." The guy took the punch bowl away.
"It looks like it's done. All that's needed is presentation and heating," mused Etienne.
"You both have become too sensible for me," Perry went back to his seat.
"We grew up Perry," Etienne said as if it was obvious.
"And had headaches," he took a swig of his beer and washed it down with his vodka-laced punch.
"My Loe is wonderful," Defended Etienne, Loe is his 12-year-old daughter. Etienne didn't mellow in fatherhood but death. He's a widower. He may appear to have it all together but on the inside was a whole different story.
"I wasn't talking about Loe," he was a little. He thought all children were tiresome, "I was talking about Liam. He's dating a squib."
Etienne looked at Draco, with heartbreak in his voice he said, "I'm so sorry man."
"Me too," he sighed.
"Perhaps it's a phase," Etienne reasoned, "you know how teenagers like to rebel against their parents. Remember how we were?"
"Yeah but we stole carriages, took impromptu trips to Argentina, got drunk, and hooked up with strange women. He's having a relationship and calling the girl his girlfriend. He's never called anyone his girlfriend. This is a big deal," explained Draco.
"What does Ginny have to say about this," asked Etienne.
"She doesn't mind at all."
"I suppose your father was right about her," pointed out Etienne.
"I don't know about all that," Perry defended, "Ginny is pretty great."
(***)
Liam's bedroom was a mess. He's been locked away since he got home from Sydney. He only left the house once to go to Blick for art supplies. He decided to apply to university for production design. He's been putting together his portfolio and made some large-scale things. The remnants scattered about the room.
The room wasn't very big. His bed took up most of the space. It's positioned against the wall between two doors. They were both closets. His desk was against the opposite wall between the windows which looked out into the front yard.
The walls were white, the one with his door on it covered in black and white line drawings he did. His dresser was on the opposite wall from the entry to the bathroom. A Walden Smith was hanging over it; he's a contemporary artist he's obsessed with. So obsessed, that there was a larger piece of his work hanging over his bed and another piece in the bathroom.
He needed to clean the mess up. He couldn't get his closet door open.
There was a knock on the door, "come in," he called still working on the closet.
"Hey," Evie entered the room. She was wearing gold dress robes. They were sparkly and fabulous but a bit conservative for her. "What are you doing," she looked around at the mess. There was paper, cardboard, Styrofoam, and crap everywhere.
"I was putting my portfolio together. You look… something."
"I went to New Year's Eve prayer service at Trinity Church with my mother and her parents."
"You mean your grandparents."
"Yes them, so I had to be covered," she made space to sit on his bed. "You know uppity New York folks, you show a shoulder or ankle during service and they'll have you beheaded."
He laughed, "Justin did get a lot of looks when he wore that skull and bones t-shirt to that church in Godric's Hollow. They got over it when he began dropping water balloons from the balcony."
"That was rude."
"So rude that you were laughing your butt off as we all went running from the church," Liam finally got into his closet. It wasn't a walk-in, but its contents extended past the door frame. It had double closet rods and there was nothing in it but shirts.
She laughed, "Rude and funny."
Liam sorted through them trying to decide which one he wanted to wear. When he realized he was putting too much thought into it, he grabbed a black long-sleeve button-down. He undid the top few buttons and then pulled it over his head.
He then began to collect his work from around the room.
"So what is the portfolio for?"
"I'm applying to art school and the deadlines are within the next couple of weeks." He had been working ever since he got home. The bonus is it kept him held up and away from his father.
"So you decided what you wanted to do," she picked up one of the drawings and examined it.
"Yup, production design I was inspired by my Christmas snow globes."
"So you're going to work in the theater?"
"Maybe and design exhibitions, even do installation art," he was kind of excited about this. It would be fun to attend classes that were only about art. Receive credit for his drawings rather than dention for doodling in class. He began using the paints Elianna gave him but those weren't included in his portfolio. He's still learning. "Have you been in the living room yet?"
"No, I came right up here. Why?"
"LIAM!" Draco didn't sound happy. Every little thing set his father off since Christmas. He was probably upset that Liam left his socks in the den.
"I suppose your angry father has something to do with what's in the living room," Evie looked scared.
(***)
Liam and Evie went downstairs. Draco was standing in the middle of the room with his arms folded. The place was transformed into an icy wonderland.
"Wow," Evie looked around marveling at the space, "you did this?"
"It depends on what Draco is getting ready to say," Liam stared at his father.
"First I'm going to say it's Dad or Mr. Malfoy. Then I'm going to ask what you've done to my house?"
"I made it festive," he shrugged. There were carved sculptures, icy furniture, and plush covers. The place was warm and snow was falling but never hitting the floor.
"This is so cool," Evie noticed that when she walked across the floor her footsteps lit up. She began dancing around. "I hope you're planning on playing good music."
"He's so not, that's why I took care of it," Perry joined them. "Liam you outdid yourself. The ambiance and music are going to make this party poppin'!"
"Thanks, Uncle Perry."
Perry was beginning to feel the buzz. He draped his arm around Liam's shoulders. "Don't get sore with your papa he's mad about the squib. He was saying how talented—"
"Perry why don't you go make yourself a cup of coffee." He did think this was wonderful. But he didn't want his son taking any more liberties without his permission. "Who told you to do this?"
"No one, I thought it would be festive."
"Icicles are hanging from my chandelier."
"And these cool trees, they look like they're growing from the walls," Evie was in awe.
"I know you don't like me very much right now but that doesn't mean you get to disregard me," Draco huffed.
"That's not what this is. You weren't here and inspiration struck," that and he needed some scenic work for his portfolio. So he turned their living room and dining room into a winter wonderland for their New Year's party. He had been working on all the pieces for days and this afternoon he installed them.
"You know how to get in contact with me. We had a conversation about you going around me!"
"No we fought and I didn't ask mom either. She saw me working on it but didn't say a thing."
Evie moved closer to Liam and lowered her voice, "they know?"
"Bad job at whispering Evie," Draco rolled his eyes. "We know what?"
"I was sensing some tension. I was checking if it was about the right thing." Perry mentioned a squib and they were just in Australia.
"What do you think you're sensing?" Wondered Draco
"That the snow globes weren't considered real gifts," she lied. "Since we're standing in one now, I suppose they weren't well received."
"How is everything coming," Ginny entered the living room. She was fastening her bracelet not paying attention, "it's 7:30. Half hour until liftoff," she looked up, "oh my god, this is what you were up to?"
"Yeah"
"It's fantastic, did you do the dining room too," she hurried away to look. "AH!" They heard her squeal. She came back into the living room, "wonderful! Evie I didn't even see you there," she went over and hugged her. "You look nice."
"Thank you, Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year," smiled Ginny, "why are you two glaring at each other?"
"Evie was just telling a very convincing lie," Draco didn't remove his glare from Liam.
"Fine she knows," huffed Liam, "my best friend knows I have a girlfriend."
"So you told everyone but your parents?"
"No, I told her." He also told a couple of other people but he wasn't going to throw them under the bus.
"You guys have nothing to worry about, Elianna's cool," Evie said as if it was nothing.
"When did you meet her," asked Ginny.
"Last year when she came to New York with her parents, we doubled one night."
The doorbell rang and a moment later a member of the staff appeared. "Excuse me Mrs. Malfoy where would you like the DJ to set up?"
She sighed, she knew Perry had done this, "I suppose over there in front of the windows. Now Liam go finish getting dressed and Draco go start getting dressed. Let's start putting the finishing touches," she addressed the staff buzzing about the room. "And please make sure the path from the apparition point is lit."
(***)
Ginny went into hers and Draco's bedroom. She went into their dressing hall, the closet doors were open. Draco was in there sitting on the chair fastening his cufflinks lost in space. She went over to him and plopped down on his lap.
"Hi."
"Hi," he didn't look happy but he didn't bother removing her.
"Can we please be happy tonight?"
"Gin—"
"This is to be a joyous event. Our son did a wonderful job decorating and contributed to our family party."
"But—"
"You don't approve of his girlfriend but she's not here."
"I know—"
"There are so many things to be grateful for. All our friends are coming to celebrate with us."
"Yes but—" this time Ginny interrupted him with a kiss. She wrapped her arm around his neck, he deepened the kiss. He tangled his hand in the back of her hair and pulled her closer to him.
His wife was beautiful. She still looked at him as if he was the greatest thing, even when they were fighting. He removed his kisses from her mouth and began work on her neck. "May I speak now?"
"Depends on what you plan on saying."
He stopped kissing her and looked at her, "I expect you to save all slow dances for me."
She smiled big, "of course my love."
She climbed off of him and left him alone in the closet. That's not what he was thinking but he didn't want to start anything. He ran his hands over his face, he was losing it.
(***)
Ginny stood in their bedroom looking at the space she shared with Draco. Although as of late it was pretty much all they shared. She had no idea what was going on with him and she lied to him for the first time in decades.
Her phone pinged. She went over to where it was plugged in on the nightstand. She had a new email from the New York Botanical Gardens. She liked her neighbors and the little community they built here. However, that meant she ended up getting roped into things, like being on the board of the New York Botanical Gardens.
"I thought you went downstairs."
Ginny put her phone down, "I got distracted by my phone… I'm heading down now."
"Ginny," he stepped towards her. He apologized to her for the bit of fun comment. He never thought of Ginny as a pass time or even a bit of fun like his father suggested. She went from a business partner to a life partner and there was nothing in between.
"I um…" she looked wonderful in her crimson and black beaded long sleeve backless dress. He walked up to her and kissed her on the forehead, "you look wonderful." He hadn't touched his wife in months. He was grateful that she hadn't brought it up.
"Thank you," she stared up at him. She knows Draco's upset about Liam. She understood that, she didn't agree but she understood. But there was something else happening. "Let's go downstairs," she took his hand and led him out of the room.
(***)
The Weasley-Malfoy house was rockin'. People were enjoying the food, boozes, and dancing across the light-up living room floor. As perusal Perry was right about the music. It was a wonderful way to reign in the New Year.
"Go, go, go," Dean urged his team on. He was in the den watching basketball.
"Aren't you supposed to be on the dance floor or something," Liam asked joining him. He plopped down on the couch.
"This is a big game," he never took his eyes from the TV.
Uncle Dean as Liam calls his Godfather is the head of the British and Irish Quidditch League. "Damn!" He whined as the player missed the shot and it went to commercial. He looked over to Liam, "there has been a lot of silence around here today."
"It's been going on for days."
"You told your parents about Elianna?"
"Yup"
"I suppose it didn't go over too well."
"Nope… you got all that from silence?"
Dean chuckled, "no I got it because your mum told me. What happened?"
"My dad and I had a terrible fight… it seems so ridiculous because all I'm doing is dating."
"He's worried about his pure bloodline, which is silly by the way."
"It's extremely silly because I have no intention of becoming a parent anytime soon."
"Well, parents tend to freak. Plus you have a girlfriend. You're the guy that keeps to himself and gets embarrassed every time a girl looks in his direction. It's a big deal. And you managed to maintain a relationship for a long time and at a great distance. If you hit three years, you'll make it to as long as I managed to stay married."
Liam laughed, "She gets me. I hate being away from her. But there is something so… magical about knowing there's someone out there that believes in you."
"How did her parents take the news?"
"They aren't thrilled… no one's thrilled."
"I'm thrilled," Dean clapped him on the shoulder, "I can't wait to meet her."
"Thanks, Uncle Dean."
"Here you are," both Liam and Dean looked over to the doorway. "I haven't seen you all night," Sophie waltzed over to the couch. She leaned over the back and wrapped her arms around Liam.
"Hi, Aunt Sophie."
"How are you my dumpling," she kissed him.
"I'm well."
She let go of him and sat in the chair nearest him, "are you?"
"Yes," he raised an eyebrow, "why?"
Sophie sighed, "You've put your father in such a state."
Dean snorted, "He's a bigot… and he's beating himself up for it. GO!" He shouted as the basketball game came back on.
Sophie rolled her eyes, "look… I know you are never going to see eye to eye with your parents on a lot of things. But aren't you proud to be a wizard?"
Liam looked her in the eye, "Yes I am. But that doesn't mean that I'm not capable of seeing the value in people who are not."
"But what if I want magical god-grandchildren," she pleaded.
"Well have this discussion with Loe perhaps there's still time for her." Liam couldn't believe this.
The backdoor opened and Gunter rushed in. He sighed before he turned around; he gasped mortified the room wasn't empty. "Hello."
"Are you all right," Sophie asked concerned.
"Fine," he ran his hands through his brown hair. He couldn't remember the last time he had color in it. "Liam, nice to see you it's been ages." It's been hard over the last few years for him to keep up with everyone. He took a seat, "so what are we watching?"
"Basketball," Dean answered distracted by the game.
"Nice"
"Anyway," Sophie turned her attention back to Liam. "I'm sure everything that you're feeling is real but you should consider your family."
"What's going on," asked Gunter.
"Not much," sighed Liam, "my dad doesn't like my girlfriend. He's enlisted my Godmother to convince me to break it off."
"That is not what happened," defended Sophie, "I thought I could talk with you. She's a squib and there is no guarantee that you'll continue your lineage of magic doers."
"Well the fact that squibs exist proves that there is no guarantee that anyone can continue a line of magic doers," reasoned Liam.
"But you're a pureblood wizard, a rarity—"
"You know what's rare," Gunter interrupted. "Happiness… people seem incapable of maintaining happiness."
"She can't do magic Gunter," hissed Sophie.
"So," he said matter-of-factly. Then he jumped at something behind the others. Sophie and Liam turned around.
"See I told you we'd find him," Draco said to the rigid woman standing next to him. He was looking rather put out.
"Darling," Gunter stood, "I wondered where you got to. I was coming to find you but I got caught up, catching up," he lied. He out disapparated her, then out walked her on purpose. "Let's get a drink," he took her arm and led her away.
"YES!" Dean shouted as his team made a basket. "Good hustle, good hustle."
"This is a party, not a sports bar," scoffed Draco.
"Can you please hold your attitude until the next commercial?" Dean kept his eyes on the TV.
"Li, please come back to the party you're being rude to our guests."
Liam didn't say anything. He just got up and left the room.
"I wasn't done talking to him about your problem," Sophie sighed.
"It's only a problem if you let it be," said Dean.
"I suppose Ginny has filled you in on what's been happening around here." Draco wouldn't expect Dean, coming from his muggle family, to understand.
"Yes, she has. But on all things Elianna Peterson, Liam told me."
"You knew!" Draco shouted, "How come you didn't tell us?"
"He asked me not to," shrugged Dean.
"What kind of Godparent are if you that you don't tell his parents when he's up to something?"
"A good one… if he told me he was cutting himself or doing drugs then I would have told you. But all he said was he likes someone who can't do magic," explained Dean.
"He didn't tell me," Sophie was a bit hurt.
"Of course not, you have a big mouth," Dean turned off the TV and went to join the party.
(***)
Liam crossed the kitchen and took the connecting door to the dining room. The table was home to a delectable-looking spread and the bar was in the corner. Melanie Loc was struggling to ladle punch for her and Gracie.
"I'll get that for you," Liam rushed over to help. He got a whiff of the punch, it was spiked. More than spiked, he was pretty sure there was so much alcohol in the bowl it could maintain a flame. "You guys didn't drink any of this did you?" They both shook their heads. "Hold on loves, I'll get you a couple of juice boxes… Put the punch bowl behind the bar, thanks." He told the bartender before he went into the kitchen.
"Can you please refill the dumplings and those crunchy chicken things," Ginny told one of the wait people as she entered the kitchen. "Also do the rounds pick up glasses and such… are you having fun darling?" She asked Liam.
"Lots," his word dripped with sarcasm.
"What are the juice boxes for?"
"Perry spiked the punch," he went back into the dining room. He handed one to each of the girls and then gave the rest to the bartender.
He grabbed a firewhiskey and went out into the living room. People were dancing and enjoying the general merriment of reigning in the New Year. The DJ was amazing but his life was in a hole right now so he couldn't enjoy it.
"Liam you've grown up so much," a woman he hardly knew gushed as he passed through the room.
"Good to see you, son," a man patted him so hard on the back he stumbled forward a bit.
"Such a handsome boy," little old lady lips met his cheek. He knew she left behind the hot pink lipstick she was wearing.
He smiled through it all. Aunt Ann came over and looped her arm through his, "I heard about your little problem."
"Oh, what problem is that?"
"With Draco, that ass," she sneered, "you follow your heart love. It doesn't matter that she's a squib. What matters most is that you're good in bed."
With that, he said, "I have to go do something for my mother," and hurried away.
Hiding in his room wasn't an option because he'd be found. He went out to the foyer and went to the closet to get his coat. When he opened the door…
"Where did you get that wand?" Alexander Loc and Herman were sitting on the floor in the closet. Alex is ten years old and wasn't the owner of a wand. He was reading a rather thick book by wand light.
"Out of my dad's pocket"
"Not enjoying the party?"
"It's not my scene. My Dad thinks I'm too much of a nerd," he shrugged.
"Mine thinks I'm too liberal."
"Sometimes you gotta stick it to the man."
"Word," Liam grabbed his coat and then closed them back in the closet. He slipped out the front door. Evie was out front bundled up with the valets having a cigarette among the cars and carriages. He walked on. He went around back and went to the stables.
He loved the horses. They were all in their stalls tonight so no one would apparate into them. Generally, they let them wander in the pasture. It's enchanted so they can't fly away or be seen. This is why this was the only place on the property you could apparate to, the muggles can't see it.
"Hi girl," he went over to the third stall. The horse came over to him. Her name is Zora and she was his. She was the foal of Henry and Lola. She became his the moment she was born. She's been here for seven years. He stroked her lovingly as she nuzzled up to him. At least someone still loves him.
There was a small crack outside. He didn't think anything of it. People had been apparating there all night.
"Hello Liam"
He looked up and smiled, "Uncle Charlie."
"Sorry I'm late, a dragon situation, and I missed my portkey," he approached Liam. His red hair is now mixed with bits of gray, he's as muscular as ever, and his mother keeps telling him it's time to retire. He keeps explaining that he doesn't wrangle dragons like he use to. He runs the colony. That doesn't mean he doesn't pitch in when needed.
"It's good to see you," Liam hugged him. He hadn't seen him since summer.
"You too, what are you doing out here? It's almost midnight."
"I hadn't noticed," he kind of wanted to be alone. "I'm going flying," he backed away from the horse. He took his saddle off the wall. He opened Zora's stall and went in to saddle her up.
"Would you mind if I join you?"
"Uncle Charlie I've flown at night before."
"I know you are quite the accomplished flier. I want to spend time with my oldest nephew," he tossed his beat-up duffle bag against the wall and took down a saddle.
"Did you hear something?"
Charlie looked around, "just now?"
"No, I mean about… me," he thought Charlie was going to have something to say about him and Elianna.
"No, should I have?" he had no idea what he was talking about.
"No," he shook his head, "saddle up. Let's go." Liam walked Zora out to the pasture as Charlie got Henry ready.
New York, New York could be an awful place. It's full of rude transplants, you can't outrun the smell of urine, and there was a war against the poor people. The same people who give the city its credibility as a cultural center. From this angle, it was nothing but glittering lights the metropolis seemed magical.
Liam leaned forward and wrapped his arms around the horse as if he was hugging her.
April 2023
New York, NY
Liam stood on the corner of 5th avenue and west 59th street. Ten minutes ago Elianna called him to say her parents had left. They went to some function hosted by the International Confederation of Wizards. She and her family arrived this morning.
Five minutes ago he texted her that he's outside, he appeared to be patient but on the inside, he was jumping out of his skin. He couldn't wait to see her. He couldn't believe she was here.
He saw her coming down 59th street towards him and began walking toward her. She sped up, she was in a run, she jumped into his arms, and he kissed her and spun her around.
He tightened his grip on her as she allowed him to deepen their kiss. Then they were stuck together…
"Whoa," Elianna pulled her face away from his.
Liam put her down, "hi love."
"Hi," she looked around. "Where are we?"
"We're at my house, I disapparated us."
"Your house," she turned around, "AH!" She stepped back and ran into Liam. There was a horse in her face. It made a loud noise and scurried away.
Liam wrapped his arms around her waist, "that's Henry."
"I've never been this close to a horse… let alone a flying horse," her heart was still racing from the shock.
"Well, I'll have to take you flying sometime."
"We'll see."
"Let's go to the house. This is the only place you can apparate to on the property."
"That's right you're all no magic around here," she held his hand as they walked across the lawn. "So… what kind of girl do you think I am? Bringing me back to your place?"
"Oh you know, the easy kind," he joked as they stepped off the lawn and onto the patio. He led her towards the pool house. The building looked like a small cottage. The porch was completely strung with lights. There was a candlelit table set for two.
"Liam, what is this?" She asked as she walked up a couple of steps.
He pulled a chair out for her, "happy belated one-year anniversary." She sat down and he kissed her on the cheek.
"Liam! Why didn't you tell me?"
"We've been together for a year?"
"No, that you wanted us to celebrate."
"Because then it wouldn't be a surprise. I know we exchanged gifts but I wanted us to do something."
"This is beautiful thank you," she took off her jacket, "and warm."
"I put up charms so we'd be comfortable."
"It's perfect… you got wine. Did you steal that from your parents?"
"Oh god no," he uncorked the bottle. "I bought this. My parents would notice if any of their wine was missing."
"My bad boy… they didn't mind you leaving school?"
"Well, I may not have mentioned that to my parents."
"You snuck away from school!" This was alarming news. "Won't they notice you're missing?" When she told him she was coming to New York he got excited. She told him it didn't matter because he would be in school. He insisted on knowing when. He was sure he could work something out. She was hoping he would have come up with a better plan than sneaking away.
He filled both their glasses, "I did not sneak away. I had permission… forged permission. My Dad is in London for the next two weeks. His case went to trial so there is no chance of him popping up. My mother is somewhere in the Panamanian jungle."
"I can't believe you went through all this for me."
"You know I'd go to the end of the world for you girl," he sat down across from her.
"You flatter so and here I thought it was the Slytherin in you," she smirked taking a sip of her wine.
"I should have never told you about my house reputation."
"I told you about mine."
"That's true but yours is a long history of women who went into law."
"Scoundrels"
He laughed, "So I've made us dinner."
She was uneasy, "can you cook?"
"Of course, I can cook."
"Are you sure you didn't order it and dump it onto plates," she asked hopefully at the thought of being poisoned.
"Relax love and enjoy," he waved his hand and a salad appeared in front of each of them.
"Or you conjured it out of thin air."
"That's impossible. It's all prepared in the kitchen."
She put down her glass and dug in. There was no way he could ruin the salad. "The artichokes are a nice touch."
"I know how much you like them."
"The dressing is great did you make it?"
"No that's wishbone… so tomorrow night if you don't mind. My friend Evie has asked if we would double date with her."
"You told Evie about us?" Elianna was under the impression that they weren't telling anyone.
"Yeah, why not?"
"It's just… I didn't think you wanted anyone to know so our parents won't find out."
"Well it's Evie, I've known her forever and she knows how to keep her mouth shut… I guess I wanted to share." He was so excited to tell Evie. "Plus she came into New York with me via my illegal portkey and it kind of all came out."
Elianna nodded, "Well I would love to meet Evie and her suitor tomorrow."
"Cool, I think it's going to be fun."
"I agree it'll be nice to get out and mingle. Act like a real couple."
"We are a real couple."
"I know but we don't get to go on double dates or even dates for that matter."
"True… I know this isn't technically out."
"This is beautiful," she was quite flattered he did it.
His house was nice too, she's never seen it. It wasn't quite what she imagined. It looked like a normal house. What she pictured as classic Americana; from TV and movies. The thing that did make it seem grand was the plot of land it was sitting on. It was well kept and welcoming.
"I'm glad you like it and I have something for you."
"We already exchanged anniversary gifts."
"I know, this is just because," he held out a silver ring to her.
She took the ring out of his hand. It was a silver serpent, "It's a snake."
"That's the Slytherin house ring," he watched her examine it.
"Liam," she looked up at him and arched an eyebrow, "are you pinning me?"
He laughed, "Yes I guess I am."
"That's sweet. But I have some concerns…"
"That it's hunky, too large for your finger, and goes with nothing?" He already knew she would say these things. He reached in his other pocket and pulled out a sterling silver chain, "you can wear it around your neck if you'd like."
"Thank you," she smiled. She put the ring on the chain, "do I have to put it on myself?"
"I'll do that," he got up and moved behind her. She lifted her hair so he could fasten the clasp. He kissed her on the back of the neck. He felt her shiver.
"Let me know when you're ready for the main course," he sat back down.
"What's the main course?"
"Garlic brown butter roasted beef tenderloin with red roasted potatoes and asparagus."
"That sounds delicious," she hoped it tasted that way. Liam waved his hand and the food appeared on the table. "It looks great," his presentation was lovely. "Where did you learn to cook," she dished herself out some food.
"My dad, he likes to cook and always had me in the kitchen," Liam began helping himself to food as well.
"I love a man that can cook."
"Good to know. Can you cook?"
"Of course, I'm an African woman," she said as if it was obvious.
He laughed, "What does that have to do with anything?"
"It's traditional, African women learn to cook."
"Anyone who wants to eat should learn to cook."
"Very true," she looked around the yard. "Your parents filled the pool kind of early."
"I was curious about that… they usually don't until the end of May. Maybe they used it, it's heated." He picked up his glass of wine, "but the hot tub is operational all year round."
"You want to get in the hot tub?"
He coughed, "I wasn't suggesting… I mean if you want to we can." He was only commenting. He wasn't even thinking about them getting cozy in the hot tub. But now that he was thinking about it, it wasn't a bad idea.
"I don't have a bathing suit," Elianna busied herself with her food. He wasn't inferring anything and she created an awkward moment.
"Well neither do I"
She looked up at him, "But you can always go up to your room and get one."
"That's true but I won't… solidarity."
She continued to stare at him. This was only the second time they had been in the same place since they officially became a couple. It may be odd to go from the hot tub to how many times they've seen each other, but people sometimes use hot tubs for romance. They were sitting down to a candlelit dinner, romance was in the air.
They haven't had any conversations about any intimate relations and haven't shared more than a kiss and a hug. She was into him, she's imagined blush-worthy things… caresses…
"What are you thinking," Liam realized she was in another world.
He startled her out of her thoughts, "That I'm glad its swim season so I'm completely waxed," she put down her fork. She bent down, unzipped her boots, and slipped them off. She got up and as she walked to the hot tub she unzipped her dress. There was nothing wrong with a little blushing.
Liam got up and followed her. He pulled his shirt over his head as he went. He tried hard not to notice how fit his girlfriend is. She sat on the edge of the hot tub and braided her ponytail. She then slid in.
He kicked off his shoes while he undid his belt buckle. He tossed his jeans aside and slid into the hot tub with her.
"Would you like bubbles," Liam asked. This shouldn't be weird. He's in a hot tub with his girlfriend for over a year. He was in his underwear with his girlfriend for over a year, yippee.
"Yeah let's go for it." He switched on the turbojets and there they were in the smoking bubbling tub. "This is very soothing."
"Yeah, it is," they were on opposite sides of the tub.
"So what other features does your home have?"
"There's a tennis court that no one uses," he shrugged.
"You guys don't like tennis?"
"Don't know how to play. Uncle Perry suggested swivenhodge. But my mom thinks the games disgusting and won't allow an inflated pig's bladder on the property."
"Oh"
"Over there," he pointed past the pool house, "is the garage. There is an apartment above it, Borden stays there."
"The infamous Borden, live in chauffer… fancy."
Liam chuckled, "Borden's the coolest but he only stays there when he's in New York. When he's in London he owns his own home."
He mustered up the courage and moved to the other side of the tub. He's seen a girl in her underwear before. Unfortunately, Evie isn't shy and there was the girl he was hooking up with before he ever met Elianna. But this was different, she was special to him, and he cared about her in ways he's never cared about anything. Now he was trying to find a sly way to slip his arm around her.
"We should have brought the wine."
"I'll get it," he didn't say anything. He raised both his hands in the air and their glasses came to him. After he handed Elianna hers, he summoned the bottle over.
"Perfect," she let him top her up and took a large gulp. "It's peaceful out here."
"It is, sometimes I can hardly believe this is the same state Manhattan is in."
"This is nice, thanks for dinner," she leaned over and kissed him.
"You're very welcome," he kissed her again. As he deepened the kiss he placed his wine glass on the edge of the tub. He pulled her towards him. She wrapped her free arm around his shoulders and climbed onto his lap.
She was enjoying this, more than she should be enjoying this. She was tingling at every touch and felt as if she was dying with every kiss. She didn't think about certain conversations they should have.
Liam's hand moved up her back and unhooked her bra. She put her wine glass down, so Liam could get it off. She didn't give it the slightest thought.
They should have talked about things. She should be concerned with what's happening. Not busy being consumed by his caress and wanting more as she moved her hips against him. She should at least be concerned about being spotted by the neighbors.
He groaned and moved his kisses to her neck. She began to feel warm things… her phone rang.
She sighed, "I need to get that."
"Ignore it," he said between kisses.
"I would but if it's my parents we may end up with a surprise."
He made a sound of displeasure and tried to compose himself to summon her phone. His mind wasn't in the right place for wandless magic. His mind was in the lower region of his body.
"Accio phone," her handbag flew over to him and he caught it.
Elianna took the bag and placed it on the edge of the hot tub. She pulled her phone out of the side pocket. "Hello," she climbed out of the water.
"Why are you out of breath," Mrs. Peterson asked.
"I'm at the movies… I ran out of the theater when my phone rang," she lied as she picked up her bra. She turned her back on Liam and hastily put it back on. "What's going on?"
"Your father and I just got back. Where are you?"
Liam watched her wondering what was up, he thought she was into it.
"Oh, well I'm downtown." She turned around when she heard the whooshing of water. She watched as Liam went across the patio. He went up onto the pool house deck and disappeared inside. "I think there's like an hour left of the movie, I'll come right back afterward."
"All right see you soon."
"Yup bye"
"Bye"
Liam came over to her and draped a towel around her shoulders. "Do I need to take you back now?"
"Soon"
"Are you all right?"
"I'm good," she pulled the towel around her. "I should get dressed it's cold." She rubbed her arms beneath the towel.
"Ok, do you want to shower and get the chlorine smell off before I take you back?"
"That's not a bad idea."
"We should head inside," They gathered their clothes. Liam led her onto the back porch of the house. She peered into the windows of a dark sitting room as she followed him to where the porch turned into a circle. He held the door open for her.
She looked around the bright kitchen. It was full of shiny modern appliances, and a stack of dirty dishes that she was sure Liam created making dinner. They went across the kitchen and through a small hall. It was full of cabinets and had a built-in floor-to-ceiling wine rack. The hall went into the foyer. There was a table across from the front door full of photos. Elianna paused for a moment to look, they were all still except one. She picked it up, "baby Liam."
"Yup, I had a huge head."
She put the photo back and smiled, "you grew into it." He laughed as they continued upstairs to his bedroom. "You drew on your wall."
"Yes, I couldn't resist. It was a blank canvas. My bathrooms through there," he pointed to the door on the opposite wall. "There are clean towels in the closet and soap and stuff in the shower. Help yourself to whatever."
"Thank you," she went into the bathroom and closed the door.
He face-planted onto his bed, things were getting good in the hot tub. Too good, they hadn't discussed that part of their relationship. He's concerned he may have rushed things. If he did they would be done forever. Give a girl your class ring and then she dumps you.
(***)
After a lap around the city, a loop about the statue of liberty they headed back north. Liam and Charlie landed along the Hudson. Henry and Zora went and stuck their heads in the water and lapped some up.
"I haven't had a proper fly in a long time," Charlie was looking at all the lights from Hudson dancing on the river. They were on the wood side across from the city, hidden by the darkness.
"That's right. You're the one everyone thought would be the professional Quidditch player."
He chuckled, "The right Weasley became the Quidditch player," he took a seat on a log. "Your mother had a passion for the game I never did."
"You and me both," Liam sat down next to him. "Why haven't you been flying?"
"I haven't had the opportunity. I normally only fly a broom but moments of leisure have been few and far between lately," he sighed.
"That's what happens when you become the big boss."
"Yeah, don't become an adult," he warned. He now had to deal with budgets and funding. He constantly had to explain how Dragons were an important part of the magical ecosystem.
"It's a bit late for that?" He's an adult, although he doesn't consider himself one.
"I know I can't believe how grown-up you are. I know that children grow up but for some reason, it's still so shocking. It seems like yesterday you were a newborn and Ginny was complaining that the stuffed dragon a bought for you was too big."
Liam smiled, he loved Troy. He was big and to this very day, he uses him as his reading chair. "I like my dragon."
"I know," he took a deep breath. They sat there quiet for a few minutes. Distant cheers interrupted the silence. It must have struck midnight, "Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year"
"Would you mind if I asked you something?"
"If it's about Elianna, yes," Liam was getting sick of having to defend himself.
"I'm going to ask two things now. I was going to ask about when you asked me if I heard something. But who's Elianna?"
Liam was a little surprised he hadn't heard. Not via tabloid, he lives in Romania, the news probably hadn't made it there... yet. But the Weasley family gossip among themselves. He figured someone may have said something. Although he hasn't spoken to his family he was sure they were talking. "Earlier I meant if you heard about Elianna. Elianna is my girlfriend."
Charlie punched him on the arm. "Good work, man. Why would have heard that?"
"Gossip"
"I must admit I am out of the family gossip circle."
"Well, there are also some rumors about us floating around the tabloids…" Liam sighed. He began to tell Charlie everything that happened this Christmas. Charlie didn't look judgmental as he listened intently. When Liam finished his story, Charlie loving patted him on the back.
"It sounds to me like you got yourself a good one."
"I do… she's too good for all this crap my dad is doing and the scandal."
Charlie sighed, "she had to know that being with you came at a price."
"Sort of…" she understands who he is. But there are certain things he may have left out or played down. "… I'm so upset with myself. If I hadn't suggested…all the ridicule and bigotry is my fault. I should have—"
"Stop," Charlie cut him off. "It is not your fault that you were honest with your family and they reacted badly... some of them reacted badly" he amended. "It's not your job to change how people feel about things. In this scenario, it's your job to be the best boyfriend you can be and leave it at that."
"But…"
"No buts," he cut him off yet again. "This is not a weight that should be on your shoulders."
(***)
When Liam and Charlie returned, the party was still going strong. The dance floor was packed, children were sent to bed, and the bartender was making drinks as if they were water.
In the center of the living room, there are a couple of decorative columns. They separate one sitting area from the other. Tonight they separated the dance floor from the sitting area. But the entire room had turned into the dance floor.
Liam had transformed the columns into trees and currently, Evie was hugging one. Her eyes were closed and she was moving her head back and forth. It was rather slow and not in time to the music. Liam went over and pried her from the tree. He took the drunk girl upstairs.
(***)
Liam came out of the bathroom. Evie was curled up in his bed wearing his pajamas already knocked out. She had been drinking Perry punch which was a definite no, no.
Liam unfolded the cot he had dragged in and made it up. He took a pillow off his bed and settled in. He picked up his phone and dialed Elianna.
"Hello"
"Hi love"
"Hey babe, Happy New Year."
"Thanks"
"Why are you talking so low?"
"Evie is asleep in my bed. I'm camping out on a cot. Although I don't think I'll wake her, she's wasted."
"So it was a good party?"
"I guess."
"You didn't attend?"
"I did but—"
"You behaved like Liam," she knew he was never the life of the party. "You hid in the corner and tried to blend in with the wall."
"No," he defended, "I left the house and went flying."
She laughed, "Typical."
He smiled, "It's still going on. I brought Evie up here and decided to call it a night… or morning."
"Does it count as calling it a night if you're talking to me instead of sleeping?"
"You know I love to hear your voice before I fall asleep…I should say that in my best fuck boy voice." He smiled as she laughed.
"Oh god, the mushy stuff is going to make me throw up more than the vodka." Evie rolled out of the bed and hurried into the bathroom.
Liam laughed, "I guess she wasn't that asleep." He scrunched up his face when he heard her hurling, "she's going to have a long night."
"Poor Evie… oh before I forget. I mentioned school formal to my parents—"
"And they don't want you going with me," he interrupted.
"No they don't but that's not it. If you come they have invited you to stay here with us. My father said something about not wanting his little girl defiled and led astray by a Malfoy," she snorted.
"He didn't care for my feminist retort about his antiquated disapproval of female sexuality."
Liam laughed, "Did you say that?"
"I did, he looked as if he was going to vomit," she laughed, "it was great."
"Bad girl"
"You know it. I'm mean with my pocket protector and Oxford English dictionary," she laughed. "You should go take care of Evie and we'll talk later."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I am. You have a guest and," she softened her voice. "With her in the room, you may not want to squirm from all the things I like to whisper to you."
Liam felt her words everywhere, "I don't know if I want to hang up now."
"I love you, babe."
"I love you, bye."
"Bye."
Liam hung up the phone and went into the bathroom. He went over to Evie and pulled her hair back. He rubbed her back. "I told you never to drink anything Perry gives you."
"It was so tasty," she whined.
(***)
At 4 am beeping broke through the silence. Liam tried to reach for the clock but it wasn't there. He sat up. He forgot he was on the cot.
"Oh god," Evie groaned. She picked up the clock and threw it against the wall.
"You could have turned it off," Liam got out of bed.
"It's the devil," she pulled the covers over her head.
Liam got on the floor in front of his bed. He did twenty-five pushups and then rolled onto his back and did twenty-five crunches. He disappeared into the bathroom and returned dressed for his run. He grabbed his phone and earbuds and went downstairs.
In the foyer, he could hear someone snoring and stuck his head in the living room. Perry was fast asleep on the couch under his leather tuxedo jacket. Liam shook his head and began to stretch. He wondered if his mother would be joining him.
As he went into the closet to get his winter running gear, Ginny came down the stairs. "Were you going to wait for me?"
"I was going to give you a couple of minutes," he tossed her, her jacket. "Morning buddy," he patted Herman on his head.
They went out in the crisp winter air. It was sharp; it felt like it was going to snow. Liam loved taking in the country air. Especially when it was this cold it felt like it was clearing everything away.
He and his mother went out together but they never kept stride. She liked to sprint and he didn't. So he would let her take off and he would do his own thing.
"Mom I need to talk to you about something," Liam began nervously as Ginny stretched.
"I wanted to talk to you too," Ginny stopped stretching. "I wanted to say sorry."
"For what?"
"Everything that happened this holiday season… I never want you to feel that you can't share your life with your family. Or that you can't have the life you want for fear of what your family will say."
"I love her mom."
"I figured since you went through all this… I want you to know that no matter what, I'm here for you and I will always be here."
He hugged her, "thanks mom… and now I have something to ask for."
"Of course you do."
He laughed as he pulled away from her, "It's what I wanted to talk to you about. Elianna's school is having a formal and I would like to take her. I was hoping for your permission to leave school?"
This seemed like a fair request but this was also something that would need to be run by Draco. She already knew he was going to say no. If she didn't tell him this would be the second thing she's hidden from him. "When is it?"
"It's on a Saturday night in May and I've been invited for the weekend."
"I don't want you off in the city by yourself."
"Her parents have invited me to stay with them so plenty of chaperones."
"That's good. You may be in love but I don't want you getting up to anything… I'm far too young to be a grandmother. People still mistake me for 17," she sighed, "in my dreams."
Liam rolled his eyes, "not that it's any of your business but we aren't sleeping together. We decided that was off the table until we were able to spend a substantial amount of time together."
"That's a smart and very grown-up decision…" Ginny couldn't say the same thing about herself. She thought the smart decision was to let him go. Withholding that information from Draco was not very grown-up. But if she told him, he was not going to behave like a grown-up. "I will confirm with Mr. and Mrs. Peterson and if they say all right I will let McGonagall know."
She hopes her run will clear her head and help her come up with a good way to deal with Draco. "Herman, are you going to run with mummy," she looked at the dog as she put her earbuds in. He moved behind Liam, "that's all right. I'll see you boys afterward," she took off down the driveway. When it came to running if Herman had a choice he always went with the jogging Liam.
Liam put in his earbuds and selected his playlist. He picked up Herman's leash and they started down the drive into the early morning darkness. As the beat pounded away in his ears, he let his mind wander. It was a new year, the time of fresh starts. His big secret was out there. He had plans to continue his education, he was graduating, and… Herman barked and pulled on the leash. Liam jogged in place while Herman sniffed around his favorite tree at the foot of the driveway. And he had Herman, life was always better with Herman.
(***)
On January 3, surrounded by security, Ginny and Liam made their way to platform nine and three quarters. They had been absent from the wizarding world for most of the holiday season. But they knew what would be waiting for them on the platform. When they went through the barrier cameras began flashing.
Ginny pulled Liam into a hug and whispered to him, "Have a good term, keep your head up, be mindful of what you share. I love you and I'll see you at Easter."
"I love you too," they parted. He immediately got on the train and she immediately went back through the barrier.
As he walked along the corridor the photographers followed down the platform. His classmates were staring at him.
"Malfoy," Nott stuck his head out of a compartment.
Liam slid inside. There was no one in there but Nott. He locked the door and pulled the shades. He put his rucksack on the seat, rested his head against the headrest, and sighed.
"I suppose you had some Christmas break?"
"Oh yeah"
"Liam, you broke a thousand hearts."
Liam laughed, he truly laughed.
"Hometown Blues"