There is a poor use of Zulu in this chapter. I want to apologize if I have butchered anyone's native tongue. All translations are via Google.

Eight
"Fathers and the Boys that Date Their Daughters"

"You're up early," Mr. Peterson wasn't surprised at his daughter's presence in the kitchen.

"No, I'm not," it was early for her. She never gets up unless she has something to do or something on her mind.

He knew she was up to be around as long as possible before he and Liam went off for their round of golf. What did she think was going to happen? She would bring home a boy and her father not pry his every intention out of him?

It was also weird that she was making breakfast. He supposed she thought her parents would poison him or slip him veritaserum.

"Good morning sir," Liam was sitting at the counter.

"Good morning"

"Would you like an omelet?" Elianna flipped the current vegetable-filled delight in the frying pan.

"Did you poison it?"

"Would you like me to," she narrowed her eyes at him.

"No, veggie cheesy meaty," he took a seat at the kitchen table. "In this house, we eat our joint meals at the table."

Liam picked up his coffee mug and vacated his spot at the counter. He joined Mr. Peterson at the table.

Elianna sighed, "He was keeping me company."

"He can keep you company from here."

"Oh, everyone's up," Mrs. Peterson joined them in the kitchen.

"Good morning," Liam said politely.

"Morning," she replied short. She went over to Elianna, "good morning sweetheart," she kissed her. "That one needs flipping."

She had two pans going at once. "I got it, mum, what would you like in your omelet?"

"Veggies, oh great you made coffee," she helped herself to a mug. She could use it after the restless night she had. She received urgent correspondence from the Ministry and there was a Malfoy in the guest room. She needed something stronger but it was seven in the morning. She took her piping hot beverage and sat next to her husband, "you drink coffee."

"Yeah"

"Yeah?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Yes" he fidgeted with his mug, "it's not my usual morning beverage but with the time change I could use the jolt."

"I suppose your parents aren't concerned with your health," she disappeared into her mug.

"They don't like it. I don't do it very often," he explained.

"Mum, would you like some gin in yours?"

Yvonne's head whipped towards her daughter, "excuse me."

"What, I know you like a nice laced beverage from time to time." Elianna brought Liam's plate over and placed it in front of him.

"Thank you, it looks amazing," this was going to be an awkward breakfast.

She then brought her parents over, "perhaps it would help you to relax."

(***)

They were on the 17th hole and Liam was doing terrible. He's never played golf in his life. He's relieved it's almost over. He was leaning against the golf cart as Mr. Peterson prepped for his swing. His phone pinged and he pulled it out of his pocket. He looked down at the text from Elianna.

Elianna: Is my dad behaving himself?

Liam: All is well

Elianna: Are you just saying that?

Liam: Nope. How are things going for you?

Elianna: I'm sitting under a noisy hairdryer.

Liam: When you come out you'll be super sexy.

Elianna: as opposed to what? Lol

Liam: regular sexy, lol ;)

"Ahem," Liam looked up at Mr. Peterson, "am I interrupting something?"

"No," he put his phone away. "Checking the scores on the football match," he lied.

"Real football or American football?"

"Aston Villa"

"On to the next, the caddie will bring the cart." He and Liam began on foot, "so how does it work? Being so no magic but magic, being British but American?"

"I spent most of my time with muggles. It wasn't until I started school that I got immersed in the wizarding world. That's also when I got immersed in British culture. I grew up in New York. The UK was for holidays and family gatherings."

"And you like the awukho umlingos?"

"Yeah, they're people like us."

"And you understand Zulu?" Talking about him in front of him wouldn't be able to be veiled.

"No, Elianna refers to muggles as awukho umlingos. That's all I know other than sawubona and hamba kahle.*"

Talking about him in front of him was back on, "She's had it pretty tough. People can be so cruel. My daughter is everything to me and I would never allow her someplace where she's not wanted."

"I wouldn't want that either."

"Yet your family doesn't like her."

Liam was sure Elianna didn't tell her father that but it was quite simple to work out. "I guess that's something else she and I have in common. Her family doesn't like me either… But I like her and my family is not going to get in the way of that."

He could see that the boy came to the other side of the world just to take his daughter to a dance.

"How do you feel about awukho umlingos?" Inquired Liam

"I like the cars. Speaking of which I hear you're providing the transportation for tonight."

"Yes, I've rented a 1965 Aston Martin."

"Are you a licensed driver or do you wing it and use the confundus charm when pulled over?"

"I'm a licensed driver. I didn't use magic to pass the test. I've never been pulled over."

"Good, do you own your own car?"

"No, but my parents allow me to drive theirs when I'm home."

"Any accidents"

"I have a clean driving record."

"Very good and you will be driving directly to the dance and back."

"Yes, Elianna said she may want to leave a bit early to make sure everything's set for the party but other than that, there and back." There was no way in hell he was going to stop anywhere. He was going to be the perfect guy parents wanted with their daughters.

"I can track Elianna's phone. So say, she and it wind up in a ditch or a Holiday Inn I'll know."

"Technology, what would we do without it?"

"Use magic… I love my daughter. If you hurt or harm her in any way I will come after you," he stared Liam down.

He looked scary and Liam was trying hard to not look frightened, "I understand… May I ask a favor?"

"Depends"

"While we're out here can we stop and pick up the corsage I ordered?"

"Yes, we can do that."

"Thanks… what else do you like other than the cars?" The man dodged the question and now he was more curious.

Robert stopped walking as they arrived at the next hole. "It's your swing."

Liam went over to where the caddy had set up the ball for him. His only goal for today was to make sure he hit the ball in the right direction.

He looked at the flag in the hole in the distance. He lined up the club and swung. He watched the ball fly towards the hole, over the hole. It hit a tree and bounced into the pond.

"Rotten luck"

"If you distract the caddie I'll get the ball." There was no way he was wading into the murky water but he could pull it up with magic.

"Don't worry about it… I grew up with the awukho umlingos. My family and community intergraded. We didn't hide magic. I grew up in a remote village it was very simple."

"How did you end up in Australia?"

"Graduate school, I won a scholarship to the University of Cape Town. I knew I wanted to work in the magical world so I decided to do my post-graduate work in a magical place. Plus I wanted to spend some time out of South Africa."

"So you didn't go to Uagadou?"

"My parents couldn't afford that, I was needed at home. Going to school in the village allowed me to work on the lake with my father and contribute to the household." Robert got ready to take his turn, "so have you figured out your post-graduation plans?" He swung; the ball landed near the hole and slowly rolled in.

"That was amazing sir."

"Thank you, you'll get better."

"I hope so," he didn't know-how. He had no plans to play golf again. Unless the man was suggesting that he was going to insist they golf again. That was unlikely; the man doesn't like him. Liam thought he should take up golf in case, "Production design."

"Are you going to have a go at it or are you going to study?"

"I've applied to several schools and got into all of them. I've decided which one I'm going to. I'm going to keep that info to myself until Elianna and I have a chance to discuss it."

He didn't like it, it sounded as if they were having a real relationship. "That sounds promising. That's game."

They got into the golf cart and headed back to the clubhouse. They sat in the lounge near the large windows that overlooked the grounds. Without even asking the waiter brought two scotches and cigars.

Mr. Peterson gestured for him to help himself to the cigars on the ornate silver tray.

Liam knew he was being watched as he picked one up, he cut off the tip, and then picked up the gold lighter.

"You've done this before."

"Yes," he said out of the side of his mouth as he lit the cigar, "With my father and grandfather. Sometimes we have after dinner brandy and cigars," he exhaled smoke.

"Are you close to your father and grandfather?"

"Um," he wasn't sure if he should be honest. He loved them. Everything was fine until the Elianna thing. He didn't think he should be ashamed of his family, well in certain respects. But at this moment getting in good with Mr. Peterson was most important. "Not really."

"Not family-oriented?"

"I've got this large red-haired family that would never let me be anything but. It's just…"

"That's only one side of the family."

"My family is complicated."

"Family should never be complicated."

"That's funny considering most people would say that's how families are."

"Those are the types of people that like to brush things under the rug. To spare their discomfort or not fess up to their part."

Liam sipped his scotch. He wondered if being honest was a good idea. "My family doesn't brush anything under the rug... Unless you count my grandfather's secret living room chamber. They keep quiet for the most part and sneer."

Mr. Peterson regarded him as he puffed on his cigar. He was pretty certain he already knew the answer but he wanted to see what Liam would say. "What do your grandparents have to say about your relationship with my daughter?"

He sighed, "Well two of them don't know… I haven't seen them. The perils of boarding school… the other two were here at Christmas to witness it… they aren't pleased."

"Do you share the beliefs of the Malfoy's? As I assume that's who you're talking about."

"I don't, if I did I wouldn't be dating your daughter."

"That means nothing."

"To me it means everything… my father and grandparents were involved in something there will never be an excuse for. I'm not going to apologize for it because I didn't do it, I wasn't even born. My grandparents still have some unpopular beliefs and they're pureblood maniacs. Their way of thinking was not taught to me and was discouraged by my parents."

"So why did you hide my daughter?"

"I didn't."

"Why would I want her to be with someone ashamed to be seen with her?"

"Sir," he got real serious, real fast, "I am not now nor have I ever hidden your daughter. We were private and in a lot of ways we still are. She and I both wanted to keep it quiet because we knew what would happen if we shared. It was me who wanted it in the open so I could claim her."

"She's not property."

"I know she's not. She's a beautiful capable young woman. I'm some lucky bloke she took a chance on."

(***)

Later that night Liam was all deck out in his Elianna-approved outfit. The things his girl could talk him into. He held his breath as he exited the guest room. Being seen like this was saying something. He hoped it conveyed a good message to her parents.

He went down the hall through the foyer, into the living room, and let his breath out. To his relief it was empty. He went over to the window. He could barely see the top of the car over the hedge.

It arrived shortly after they returned from the golf club. Elianna was checking him over to make sure he was in one piece when he got a robocall telling him his car was being delivered. She squealed when she saw it and declared it would compliment her dress. He was so happy she was happy.

"That is some snazzy tux"

Liam turned around. The purple ensemble wasn't his taste but at least it wasn't head-to-toe purple. He hoped no one would mistake him for a pimp.

Liam sighed, "Your daughter picked it out."

"Oh well…" that explained a lot, "You're a good young man for going along with it."

Mr. Peterson went on about his business and Liam dropped down into the nearest armchair.

"Don't slouch you'll wrinkle."

Liam looked up and his eyes left his head. He stood, she looked wonderful. He's never seen her this way. He's seen her in formal attire but her look was sexy. She was usually pretty and elegant.

She had on an ombre purple halter dress. The entire thing was sequin and showed off her shape. It had a high neck and when he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek he found out it was backless.

Her eye makeup was striking, the rest of her face nude, and her hair was the straightest he's ever seen it. She looked beautiful.

"You look gorgeous"

"Thank you, my handsome man," she smiled.

"Oh um, before I forget," it was hard to look away from her. He picked up the corsage from the coffee table, "I hope this is okay."

"It's lovely," she watched him take the purple orchids from the box.

"Would you like it pinned or on the wrist? It can go either way."

"Wrist please," she extended her left hand to him. He slipped the flowers on her wrist and then kissed the back of her hand.

"Picture, pictures, pictures," Mrs. Peterson came in with the camera. "In front of the fireplace will be nice."

Liam and Elianna posed in front of the fireplace.

"Liam if you could take a couple of steps to the right."

"Mum if he does that, he won't be in the picture."

"Exactly," Yvonne didn't want any evidence of his time there.

"We're leaving now," she didn't wait to get photos. She took Liam's hand and marched right out the front door. This was getting more tiresome by the moment. She wanted to get out before her mother ruined what was supposed to be a fun night.

"Remember straight there and straight back," Mr. Peterson called to their retreating backs.

They went down the front walk through the gate where the rented Aston Martin DB5 was parked on the street.

"So your parents caved on the dress," Liam asked as he opened the door for her.

"God no," she snorted, "My wonderful grandmother made this. She got rid of the plunging neckline and raised the back a bit." She got into the car and Liam closed her in.

She wanted an ombre sequin Tom Ford dress for this occasion. Her parents said no. They said it was too expensive for some teenage shenanigans. They didn't care that the seven thousand dollar dress was on sale for forty-five hundred. Pointing out that her mother wore Carolina Herrera at Christmas wasn't helpful. She retorted, "I'm the parent and have every right to deny my daughter frivolous things." Then her mother told her, "It doesn't matter anyway the dress is too grown for you."

So she called in her secret weapon. Grandmother Peterson, Ugogo, was a seamstress by trade and a dressmaker to the community. She can make anything, so Elianna sent her photos. She said, "of course, I can make this dress but it's too grown for you."

Liam looked at Elianna from his position behind the wheel, she was upset. She was so excited when he told her his mother was allowing him to come. He wanted that smile to stay on her face this whole weekend.

"We're going to have an amazing night." She looked at him the disappointment and sadness etched on her face. Liam caressed the side of her face, "you and me."

She smiled slightly, "and a selfie," she held up her phone and he leaned into her. She snapped a couple of pictures.

As he pulled away from the curb she said, "We're going to have to get someone to take photos when we get there. Ugogo is going to want to see me in the dress."

Dolton House
Hyde Park

The black and gold ballroom was dim with colored strobe lights going to the beat of the music. SCEGGS Darlinghurst and their brother school, Sydney Church of England Grammar School, also known as the Shores were decked out in their finest. They were getting down to celebrate the end of their final term. The class of 2025 was having a ball.

It was a typical dance. The food sucked, girls were crying in the bathroom, and teachers broke up kids for dancing too close. Elianna was dancing with her friends

Liam and Jared were camped out at the table playing Soul Knight on their phones. Neither of them dances so they left their girls to boogie while they paired up to take on the aliens.

"This probably isn't what the girls had in mind for tonight," Jared said as he moved his fingers across his phone.

"Elianna knew I couldn't dance when she met me," he chuckled never looking away from his phone. "Well, she found out yesterday."

"You already had the outfit it was too late to back out."

Liam shook his head. This ensemble got him some stares. He had a feeling they were pity, "Says the guy in the cummerbund and bow tie that look as if they were made from the spare fabric of his girlfriend's dress." They were a hideous iridescent teal color.

"We're very good boyfriends," Jared had no other way to describe it.

"Are you two planning on staying together?"

"Well Jane's going to Melbourne in the spring and I got a scholarship to play rugby at Adelaide."

"You're not a Shores guy?"

"Hell no, I'm not even a private school kid. Jane and I go to the same church." He sighed, "It's hard because she's amazing it's just… I don't know how it's going to work with us in two different parts of the country. How do you do it?"

"By talking a lot and not caring about only getting two hours sleep."

"It must suck only getting to talk, I hope you've made this weekend steamy."

"No comment." Liam glanced towards the dance floor. Elianna was having a great time. He looked again when he thought a guy was getting ready to approach her. He did and she smiled at him, she stopped dancing and spoke to him. This all seemed very innocent and she had it in hand. Liam turned his attention back to the game.

"Get your mind out of the gutter, we're getting creamed."

His mind was nowhere near the gutter. He was perfectly capable of thinking about his girl in a respectful manner. That's not to say he hasn't fantasized about her in an intimate light.

When there was no possible way for them to save this round, he looked back to Elianna. The guy was still there and she was beginning to look a bit put out.

"Sorry man, I have to go be boyfriendly," Liam didn't wait for a response. He got up slipping his phone into his pocket on the way. He weaved through a few people and slipped his arm around Elianna's waist, "Hey babe."

"Hi," she looked relieved to see him, "Liam this is Dashiell he goes to Shores. Dashiell this is my boyfriend Liam," she leaned into him.

"Boyfriend," Dashiell looked suspicious of this news. "I don't recall you mentioning a boyfriend."

"I've mentioned him numerous times, like every time you've asked me out. You just thought I was making it up," he's been frustrating her with his requests for the last year.

"I assumed you were playing hard to get," he shrugged. He concentrated his gaze on Elianna, "well I wanted to let you know how lovely you look. I was hoping you'd save a dance for me."

Liam couldn't believe this jackass.

"Thank you Dashiell but my dance card is full tonight."

"Well, perhaps another time."

"No," Liam spoke before Elianna could, "how dense can you be? All further pursuits by you are off. If I hear about any unwanted overtures I will…" he stopped talking when Elianna tightened her grasp on him.

He was turning red he just knew it. She knew he was thinking of inflecting harm on this fool. How dare he make moves on his girl. He had a lot of nerve to do it right in front of him too. He sucked his teeth and amended his intended statement, "I'd like it to stop."

"Noted, have a great night beautiful," Dashiell smirked and strutted away.

Elianna never let go of Liam and positioned herself in front of him. She looked up at him, "thank you, I love you, and don't you dare do anything you're thinking."

She knew him too well, "What if I was thinking about kissing you?"

"That's not what you were thinking," she smiled, "no curses or hexes."

"How about a jinx?"

"No"

He laughed and kissed her, "let's dance."

"This song's not slow."

"Isn't it," the song stopped and switched to a slow one.

"Bad boy," she wrapped her arm around his neck as he took hold of her right hand.

He smirked as they stared at each other and swayed to the music. He kept his voice low so only she could hear, "you look sexy as hell tonight."

"Really"

"Oh yeah," he was feeling kind of smug that she was his and no other man shall pass. No matter how hard that prat tried.

She closed the small space between them, "it's for you, babe."

Liam knew he was grinning like an idiot.

"Do you want to get out of here?"

His grin faded, "Why don't you just ask if I want your father to kill me?"

"He'll never know. I'll leave my phone in the car and you can pop us away."

Liam was so unsure about this idea. If her father found out he would castrate him.

She kissed him on the neck and then rested her chin on his shoulder.

She looked amazing, she smelled intoxicating, and she wanted to get out of there with him. What was the point of being there? This was only the second time they danced all night. She was bopping away with her friends but kept coming back to him for fear of neglect. He assured her he was fine and to have a wonderful time.

They spent most of their relationship talking. They didn't get much time to be intimate so nipping away to make out would be a valuable use of their time.

"All right"

She pulled away from him, "perfect, let me say my goodbyes then let's go."

Liam popped them to the Malfoy flat. A few smooches here, more smooches there, and a little Pandora. A few magical lights, private cheek-to-cheek dancing in the ballroom, it was romantic.

Thirty minutes before the dance was scheduled to end Liam popped them back. He was driving them back to the Peterson house when Elianna asked him to stop at the chemist. He didn't want to stop, it seemed like she was purposely doing this to him. She had a real need and he reluctantly stopped.

They barely made it through the door when Elianna's phone began to ring. It was in Liam's pocket because she had none. He handed it to her. She looked at her screen; it was a video call. "It's my Dad."

"I told you we shouldn't have stopped."

She answered the call as she went about her business in the store, "hey Dad."

"Where are you?"

"You've been tracking my phone, so why don't you tell me." She found her desired aisle and scanned the shelf.

"I know you left the dance and stopped before you got home."

She rolled her eyes, "you're being ridiculous."

"Where's Liam?"

She moved so Liam was in the background, "We're at the chemist."

Robert began to panic they were buying condoms or worse emergency birth control. He could strangle Liam no one would blame him. After all, his daughter was seeing a Malfoy it was bound to end this way.

"I need tampons."

Relief flooded Robert, momentarily. Then he became stricken, "then why is he there?"

"I have no money and he wanted kit kats."

"What kind of girl leaves the house without money?"

"The kind that gets frustrated with her parents, storms out of the house so fast she forgets to take her evening bag. And has a dutiful boyfriend that will buy her tampons." She was going to keep saying that because it made her father uncomfortable. She was hoping he'd hang up and it was punishment for this absurdity.

"Elianna…"

"We're going to get this stuff and then come home. We'll be there before everyone else arrives, bye."

"Wait a minute…"

Elianna hung up, "let's go get your candy and get out of here."

"I told you we shouldn't have stopped." Liam led the way out of the aisle. He read the signs and went down the aisle that read candy. "Although I'm now convinced you're trying to make your father hate me."

"Yes, that's my evil plan… I want him to lighten up. I get that fathers are protective but he needs to trust me."

"You're right but…"

"But…"

"But we have kind of been lying to him for the last couple of years so we may have to work on the whole trust thing."

Elianna looked at him. He picked up a couple of king-size kit kat bars, took her box of tampons, and left the aisle. She turned and followed him up to the register.

It wasn't a complicated concept but he was right. She never considered that. Her parents went on about his family and her lack of judgment. They were so worked up that lying didn't even come up, but at the end of the day, that's what she did.

Once they were back in the car and on their way Elianna spoke, "You know I never thought of this as lying. It's not as if they asked if I was seeing someone and I said no… it was more like withholding."

"I get that but parents never see it that way."

"True… also a completely different subject why don't you freak out when I say the word tampon."

"I'm of a different generation than your father," he shrugged. "I know it's happening. I like the knowledge that you're healthy… besides I'm the one who wants to get all up in you. It would be weird if I didn't know what all that entails."

(***)

When they arrived back at the Peterson home, Elianna came through the front door first. Liam barely made it over the threshold when…

"Liam!" Mr. Peterson charged into the foyer. He was moving fast so he could throttle the boy. "What did I say?"

"Dad no," Elianna made sure she stayed between them.

Mr. Peterson lifted her and put her to the side. He grabbed Liam by his collar and slammed him against the wall. "You stopped."

"I know I figured her request was reasonable enough. I ensured her you were going to kill me."

"Dad stop" she tried to pry her father's hands off of him.

Mr. Peterson and Liam stared at each other. Okay so Mr. Peterson glared and Liam was trying hard not to look too frightened.

Mr. Peterson let go of him, "turn out your pockets."

Liam placed the contents of his pockets on the hall table; his keys, wallet, wand, crumpled receipt from the chemist, and phone.

Mr. Peterson picked up the receipt; it confirmed the purchase of candy and feminine hygiene products. He then picked up the wallet and searched it. The boy wasn't stashing a condom.

"What are you doing," Elianna was so mortified.

"He's looking for condoms," Liam knew this man thought the pause was an excuse for plundering his daughter. "Sir, I…"

"Liam," Elianna cut him off. "Don't say anything." She snatched the wallet from her father and handed it back to him. "Stopping was my idea."

Mr. Peterson didn't remove his eyes from Liam, "what were you going to say?"

He knew Elianna did not want their business shared and he assumed that's why she interrupted him. He had no intention of telling this man anything. "I was going to apologize for going against your wishes. She was in need so I thought that was more important."

He couldn't believe this boy. He put his fear aside to do right by his daughter. He didn't like this.

Elianna's phone began to ring, "Sawubona Ugogo," she smiled at what was being said to her. "Ngiyabonga, ngizizwa ngimuhle kuyo… Saba nesikhathi estimnandi. Ubaba uhlukumeza uLiam*… Uh-huh," Elianna held out the phone to her father, "your mother wants to talk to you."

Mr. Peterson sighed and snatched the phone from his daughter, "umama." His shoulders drooped. He left the foyer bickering with his mother in Zulu.

Elianna went over to Liam, "I am so sorry."

"Its fine," he gathered the contents of his pockets.

"It's not," she took his hand and interlocked their fingers. She kissed him, "Let's get changed," she led the way into the hall.

"How was the dance," Mrs. Peterson asked when they passed the kitchen.

"It was great," smiled Elianna, "the food sucked, the music was pretty cool, and the décor was subpar."

"Sounds good"

"I'm going to get changed and start setting up," she looked at the clock on the wall, "the dance is over in 5 minutes. Jane said she'll text me when they leave. So babe change too and come help. Mum, hide in your room and I will see you in the late morning," Elianna hurried off.

"My daughter can't wait to get rid of me."

"I think she's just excited."

She narrowed her eyes, "So how did you like hanging with the muggles?"

"It was great."

"Hm, I didn't think you would be open to such things."

"I hang out with muggles all the time." This woman doesn't like him. It seems deeper than there's a boy all over my daughter. It seems like pure hatred.

"Yet, you didn't invite my daughter to your end-of-year dance."

"We don't have any social activities like that. Hogwarts is very old, stuffy, and British."

"Why haven't you changed," Elianna came back into the room. She had on denim shorts and a white halter top. She went over to the kitchen and began pulling out all the food she got for her party.

"I'm going to go change before she kills me. If you'll excuse me," Liam went to his room.

"Remember the ground rules for tonight. No one in the bedrooms, the basement is your playground, and bathing suits must be worn in the pool."

"I got it and you and dad will stay in your bedroom."

"We will, have a good night," She went to her room.

(***)

The after formal party began with food because the food at the dance sucked. Everyone was starved after barely touching dinner and surviving on punch spiked with the contents of illegal flasks. The night progressed into a game of shoulder wars which Carrie and her date Gavin won every round.

Billy and his date Corey stepped out to get booze. Everyone's legal except for Bianca who wouldn't be 18 until August. So it wasn't a big deal unless the Peterson's caught them and decided to make it one. Elianna was down with the risk, so the boys left to get rations.

The pools heated but it was on the cusp of a season change and the nights were colder. So after a while, everyone retired inside. After discarding wet bathing suits for dry pajamas everyone settled in.

The only place open in the middle of the night is 7-eleven. All they had was Victoria Bitter and Smirnoff Ice. It only took a few sips for the so-called party to get tame.

Bianca and Stephen curled up on the couch and everyone else had an inflatable mattress. There was a bit of light conversation as everyone began to drift to sleep on Netflix.

(***)

There was a slight noise and it pulled Liam out of sleep. As he became more conscious he realized what the noise was, it was snoring. The TV had gone back to the menu screen. Since no one chose anything else, he guessed everyone had fallen asleep. He climbed off his mattress and zig-zagged his way through the sleeping people to the loo.

When he came back, he had every intention of getting back on his mattress and going back to sleep. He was so tired; he was still not on Sydney time. But his sleeping spot was right beneath the window and he got a glimpse outside. Elianna was lying on a chaise by the pool. He crept out of the room and went out onto the back patio.

"What are you doing up?"

"I couldn't sleep," she waved him to her. He climbed on the chaise with her, he leaned against her chest and she wrapped her legs around his waist.

"Why can't you sleep?"

"I have things on my mind," she placed her chin on his shoulder.

"Are you going to tell me?"

"I'm thinking about it… the year is almost out and I have to decide on university pretty much right now. With school coming to an end there's the possibility of us getting a chance to spend some substantial time together."

"Where did you get into university?"

"A few places here in Australia, two schools in the U.S. and one in the U.K."

"Where do you want to go?"

"Parts of me want to stay here. I love it here, my cars here and my friends. I kind of just want to move to Melbourne and get a flat with Carrie and Jane. Part of me also wants to spend time living abroad. Then there is the common sense part of me which says to go to the very best school that accepted me. Then the other part wonders how you'll feel and where you'll fit in."

Liam ran his finger along her leg, "Elianna I want you to go where ever you'll be happiest. As you know I will always come to you."

She sighed and kissed the top of his head, "Liam… I'm going to Cambridge."

He sat up and turned around to look at her, he had a huge grin on his face, "you got into Cambridge?" She nodded, "that's fantastic! My girls got a big brain." She laughed, "Even a wizard knows that's a great accomplishment! Congratulations!"

She smiled, "thank you… my parents will be pleased."

He straddled the chaise and pulled her to him, "I'm so proud of you love." He kissed her.

"I'll be an hour and twenty minutes from London."

"That you will, which will be nice but…"

"But…," she did not like where this was going.

"I um … I'll be studying in New York come fall."

"You didn't think to tell me that before I made my decision?"

"Did you apply to school in New York?"

"No, but I got into Princeton. Then I would be only an hour and twenty minutes outside of New York."

"Damn E," the girl was an academic beast. He sighed, "Why did you apply to Cambridge? Why did you apply to school in the US?"

"I just… I was considering us."

"I figured which is why I didn't say anything. I want you to do what's best for you."

She sighed, "oh god… I mean it's good that you got into school but again with the distance."

He shrugged, "well five hours time difference is better than eleven or fourteen. I spend a lot of time in London… I'll be moving to the city. So when you visit, we will be all alone. It's going to be nice to be on my own…"

"Your parents aren't making you stay home?"

"No…" he hesitated, "I wasn't going to say anything because I didn't want to spoil the weekend but um… my parents have separated."

"Oh my god babe," she hugged him, "I'm so sorry."

"Thanks but its fine… they're going through some stuff. It will be better if I'm not there. I don't want anyone to think I'm choosing sides or to cause any friction."

"I don't think you're parents will put you in that position."

"Me either but… I do want to live alone."

She ran her hand down the back of his head to his neck, "when did this happen?"

"Easter break"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

He shrugged and was quiet for a while. He hasn't told anyone. He thought it rather strange when both his parents met him at the train station. The plan was to have dinner and break the news. Everything seemed forced, so Liam inquired.

Halfway through their delicious Italian takeaway, they revealed their decision to separate. Well, they revealed they've been separated for weeks but they were now sharing this information with their child.

"It seemed like something I should keep to myself." In true Ginny and Draco fashion, they went on to explain to Liam they aren't divulging this information to anyone. As far as the world is concerned they're still together. "Please don't say anything to anyone."

"Of course"

(***)

Robert hadn't heard a peep out of the kids in his house in a couple of hours. He was in and out of sleep all night waiting for the slightest indication of mischief or destruction. He slowly climbed out of bed to not disturb Yvonne. He crept out of their room. He was going to make himself a cup of tea.

The place was quiet, perhaps they went to sleep. He filled up the kettle and placed it on the stove.

He went into the study. The door to the guest room was open. It was empty. Liam's discarded Tux was on the bed. He turned to the window.

Elianna and Liam were sitting on a chaise by the pool. They weren't doing anything. Elianna was sitting against the backrest and Liam was sitting at the end. They were just talking.

He didn't like the idea that he was going to have to get used to Liam Malfoy. He didn't like to admit that getting used to Liam Malfoy may not be so bad.

Robert jumped when Yvonne appeared in the study doorway. "You scared me. What are you doing up?"

"You weren't in bed, I thought something happened."

"I was making a cup of tea," he understood her apprehension.

"In the study?"

"I'm waiting for the water," he walked past her back to the kitchen. "Would you like one?"

"Is everything all right with the children?" She questioned, "Has something happened with Liam?"

"No," he assured her, "Come sit."

Yvonne took a seat at the counter.

"They're all fine, asleep I think. Elianna and Liam are out back…"

Yvonne hopped out of her chair, hurried out the back door, and over to the balcony railing.

"Mum!" Elianna shouted when she heard her mother plowing out onto the upper deck. "You promised to stay in bed!"

"And you promised not to get up to anything," she shot back.

"Yvonne, come back inside," Robert called from the doorway.

"You two should come back inside and go to bed… separately!" After thoroughly delivering the stink eye she begrudgingly went back into the house.

Robert closed the back door. "That was unnecessary, they're only talking."

"Now but who knows what else they did or what they'll do."

"We invited him here…"

"You invited him here," she corrected. She wanted to forbid the whole idea. The visit and even letting her go to the dance at all. "Don't try to act all high and mighty. I heard you speaking Zulu, trying to intimidate him."

"Better to keep him close than off doing god knows what," Robert poured a cup of hot water for each of them and added a teabag. "How did you hear that? We were in the basement."

"I may have enchanted the rumpus room mirror… you know to keep an eye on things. They were down there alone."

Robert rolled his eyes, she sounded insane. Is this what he looked like tracking down his daughter?

"How are you so calm about this? You don't want them together either."

He sighed, "I don't but… you know how kids can be. The more you say no the more they hear it's a good idea."

"And sometimes you have to put your foot down. What if he's up to something?"

"He's not," Robert was confident of that.

"How can you be so sure?"

"I spoke to him… he's honest."

Yvonne scoffed, "children lie."

"They do but they're also innocent."

"Someone has charmed you."

"No… it's just perhaps… we shouldn't punish him for family sins. Perhaps we should judge him on what he does."

"Well let's see what you say when she ends up pregnant. Girls always go to bed with the bad boys."

"Well, then we have nothing to worry about there. Liam isn't exactly the motorcycle riding, leather jacket-wearing type." Or a condom at the ready for a spontaneous roll in the hay.

"Fathers and the Boys that Date Their Daughters"

*Zulu translations:
"Hamba kahle" = Go well or goodbye
"Sawubona" = Hello
"Sawubona Ugogo," she smiled at what was being said to her. "Ngiyabonga, ngizizwa ngimuhle kuyo… Saba nesikhathi estimnandi. Ubaba uhlukumeza uLiam…" = "Hello Ugogo," she smiled at what was being said to her. "Thank you, I feel good about it… We had a great time. Now my father is abusing Liam…"