APPENDIX C: Four Miscellaneous Items
A/N Originally I planned on including a series of interview of the various characters, but it all felt out of place. Only Harry's interview seemed to show any life.
*
(Interview following the Victory Ball)
Reporter: What is your feelings toward the Ringbearer?
Harry Potter: (laughs) We have always been the best of friends. To be honest he was the first friend I ever made, and the truest friend I have. I'm not surprised that he succeeded even where I had failed. He always had a strength about him. Ron was never a quitter in any sense of the word. I do feel sorry for him, however. I was always known as the Boy-Who-Lived and I learned to deal with the popularity. Now, Ron has the same problem, only worse.
Re: Do you resent his actions in the cave, or the fact that they came out.
HP: Not at all. If anything, it shows exactly how difficult the task was. The Ring had a mind of its own, you might say. and even the Boy-Who-Lived was not immune to it. It reflects more upon Ron Weasley, as the Ringbearer, that he was able to accomplish the Ring's destruction, where I could not. Fame isn't everything. A teacher once told me that.
Re: How do you think your life will change as a result of what happened.
HP: Only for the good. All my life I had the shadow of Voldemort hanging over me. Add on my notoriety, and my childhood. I've had a very sad life. Now, I have a chance to live a real life. I couldn't be happier.
~~~
A/N: This is a section on what happened to Lucius Malfoy. While I personally liked it, I never found a space for it to fit comfortably. However, I didn't want to throw it away.
*
(A Journey out of the Dark)
It was dark and wet, a typical London night for that time of year. I was standing near a doorway, debating on where to sleep, when I heard someone call my name.
"Lucius Malfoy?" a young man asked. He had a distinct Irish accent. "Are you Lucius Malfoy, Sir?"
"What of it?" I responded angrily. I was dry on this doorstep and I did not want to move.
"Draco sent me," the young man said cautiously. "He told me where I could find you. Draco wants to ask you to come live with them."
"Them?" I asked out of curiosity.
"His wife and family, Sir."
"Draco is married?" I asked in surprise.
"Aye, Sir, with a spry lad to call him Da, and another one due any day now. Will you come, Sir?"
"Yes," I said without hesitation. To go with this man meant food, and a warm place, perhaps. When you are left with nothing, a warm place is like a palace. And I was right. We went to a house near the docks, where I was fed. Then I was given a bath to use, and a change of clothes. The clothing was rough, but clean and warm, and I was grateful for it.
"What? Grateful?" I hear you ask.
"Yes," I answer, "Grateful."
For eighteen months I have lived on nothing. Stripped of my magic by the elves. My money and my home taken from me by a scheming wife and vengeful wizards. No friends, no skills, no where to go and no one to turn to. Living only by the charity of strangers. Yes, I was grateful for clean clothes and a free meal.
My new friends led me to their boat, and I was shown to a cabin, with a bed, but I had to ask, "Why are we on a boat?"
"We're fishermen," the young man who was my guide told me, surprise showing in his voice. "Didn't you know?" When I shook my head, he continued. "Draco Malfoy is one of the best fishermen in all of Ireland. He can find the largest schools with his eyes closed."
"Draco? A Fisherman?" I asked showing my own surprise. My worst fear was that he had suffered my fate, although why I felt that way, I could not explain. "He was a wizard," I told them.
"Aye, he was," admitted one of the crew, "but he gave that up when he married Fiona. She doesn't care for magic."
My surprise was total. Draco, my son, gave up magic? To marry a fisherman's daughter? Something snapped inside of me, and I started to laugh. My own son threw away what I had stolen from me.
"Are you all right, Sir?" the young man asked.
"I'm sorry," I said, an honest apology. "Fiona, is that her name. What will she do when her children grow up?"
"I don't understand, Sir."
I laughed again, saying, "You said Draco had a son, and another child on the way. He may have given up magic, but that doesn't mean it went away."
The young man's eyes grew wide as he understood, and he laughed as well. "Fiona's got herself in a barrel of fish, she does."
The young man help settle me into the bunk, as the boat was already underway. As he went to take care of some chores I called to him, "I'm sorry, I don't know your name."
"It's Sean, Sir, although around the docks I'm called Little Sean, because of my uncle I'm named after. Fiona is my sister."
"Thank You, Sean," I said, and slept soundly for the first time in a long while.
*
Poverty changes a man. You can be rich for ages and it doesn't matter. Poverty will change you. I know. I've been high and low, and after you are low, anything is better. I arrived at my son's house, which two years ago I would have called a shack. Now, I am on the outside looking in, and it looks wonderful. As I walk up to the door, my main thoughts are still on a warm place and plenty of food. Then the door opens.
Draco is standing there. He has a beard, as I do, except it is neatly trimmed. He is holding someone, a boy I have been told is only a year old. His name is Cathal, and he is my grandson. I cry out of joy, and Draco steps forward to hug me. He actually hugs me. My son that I never spent more than two minutes with when I didn't have to. I feel the questions building in my head, and I am bursting to ask why, when he whispers in my ear.
"What is past is lost, and what is lost is gone forever," Draco whispers, and I understand. What has been done is done, and today is a new day. I then do something I would never have dreamed of two years ago. I return his hug.
Poverty changes a man. It teaches you to be grateful for what you have. I learned this the hard way, and I am grateful. I have a family, and it is more precious to me than any jewel.
*
On May 13, 2003, Lucius Malfoy passed away. He was dearly missed by his family and friends, many of whom would never have believed his earlier life.
~~~
A/N: The following is an alternate version of the Christmas Dinner at Hogwarts. It deals with the Slytherin orphan, David, but offered a different solution to his situation. Unfortunately, this version meant that Harry and Hermione would not be at Hogwarts for Christmas, and my timeline, left them hanging for almost a week. I had to change this chapter, but again, I didn't want to loose it because it gave insight to the character of Aaron Schmidt.
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Chapter 16: Christmas
Aaron watched his granddaughter as her eyes went everywhere. She was delighted at everything. Dennis sat next to her, pointing out everyone he knew, and telling her everything he could about his school. He did not know the future, but he knew the two of them would always be friends.
It was not his holiday, but the old man felt a kinship with all of the families who had gathered in Hogwart's Great Hall. Each of them knew that their lives were hanging by a thread. When someone actually used that line, Aaron spoke up, loudly, and said, "Yes, but it is a very strong thread." This was a day of hope.
The boy, Colin, looked happy, but it was hard to tell with him. Mary said the hardest part was trying to live in a muggle household. Colin said he liked the fact that Mary would talk to him, instead of just being nice. Like all things, it would take time.
One of the long tables was empty, except for one lone boy, who was eating as fast as he could. Aaron did the one thing no one else did. He went to talk to the boy.
"Merry Christmas," he said, looking down at the boy. He appeared to be a plain looking boy, maybe eleven.
The boy ignored him, so Aaron sat down, "Would it help if I spoke German? I also know French and Hebrew, but you wouldn't know that one, I would guess."
The boy stared at him in disbelief. "How dare you," he hissed, "You're only a muggle."
"And if you look around," Aaron said, "You are only alone. And you are alone on this day. My name is Aaron."
The old man held out his hand to the boy, who slowly put down his fork, and shook. "My name is David," he said carefully, as though someone might hear. He kept staring at the old man not knowing what to do. He was a Slytherin. He wasn't supposed to be doing this. But the man had spoken the truth, he was alone, and he was here because he had no other place to go.
Aaron put some food on a plate and began to eat. To be sociable, the boy pointed out the roast pork, and Aaron smiled saying he could not eat it, it was against his religion. The boy stared again, and then asked what he could eat. A conversation started.
As the dinner neared its end, Albus Dumbledore was thankful for all the families and their guests for attending. This was one day when everyone should make the effort, as Mary had said, to see hope. He looked over the crowd, and saw, to his delight, that the lone Slytherin boy, had a companion, and was even laughing at some joke an old man was telling him. He made it a point to talk to the two of them after the meal.
As headmaster, Albus was supposed to know everything, but sometimes he failed to know something that should have been obvious. He had been introduced briefly to everyone, and he had an excellent memory, but it failed him when he walked over and greeted the old man, saying how happy he was that Aaron came to see his grandson.
"I'm sorry," Albus said quickly, "did I say something wrong?"
"He isn't . . . I don't, " David began to say, then he became angry and shouted, "You know I don't have any family anymore." The boy tried to decide whether to run or sit down and cry, when he heard Aaron shout.
"How dare you," Aaron said loudly. "You know he has no one, and you let him sit here, alone."
"It was his choice," Albus said, "but you are right. And my mistake was unforgivable."
Aaron stood silently, then asked, "Is that true, David.? Would you have preferred to be alone."
"Yes," the boy said, sadly, and then admitted "until you came."
"Ah, now I understand," Aaron said, as Dumbledore gave a polite bow and walked away. "He is a smart man, that Dumbledore. He saw you opening up to me, and said what he did to force you to make that admission. Now I am supposed to try and make you like me and trust me."
David looked up, and asked, "If you want me to trust you, why are you telling me all of that. You're admitting that it was a trick."
"I thought you would like someone to talk to," Aaron said, "but if you need someone, I would be willing."
"Oh, Right," David said, sarcastically, "And why you?"
"Because I am being honest with you, Little Boy." Aaron said in a stern voice. "Everyone thinks I should talk you into something. I will not, because then it would be a lie. If you need someone, than I will help."
"Help from a muggle," David said with a sneering laugh.
"No, help from Aaron Schmidt, and if that isn't good enough, then you are worthless. And I'm making this offer to you, David whatever your name is, because if I do not then I am worthless." Aaron erased all the anger from his voice, and held out his hand, saying, "Can I help?"
David took the hand, and said, "Yes, Please." As he did that, he did something he did not even realize. He judged someone for what they were, and not what he thought they should be.
"You know what amazes me most?" Aaron asked, as they shook hands, "How everyone around was listening, while pretending that nothing was going on." Everyone in the immediate area fell silent, while an old man and a young boy laughed.
At the teachers table, Albus smiled. He hoped to see another orphan drawn out of his shell. The scene he caused, surprised him, as did the result. It was a hard year made a little bit easier. He looked around at the emptying tables and thought of the sad facts. Eight of his students started the year with normal families. Now they lived with Aunts and Uncles, or Foster Parents, or, like David, at the school. His parents died in the wrong cause, and no one wanted him, until now.
He left his sad thoughts behind and went to say goodbye to those who would not spend the night. The Weasley, grateful to be going back home, stopped by with all their family, except Ron who was fine, and Charlie, who had to delay his visit. The Grangers were also there, even though their daughter wasn't. They thanked Dumbledore for his help, and the warning that saved them. They also held him to the promise, never to tell their daughter.
"Have you seen grandfather," a girl asked him.
"Yes, I have, Jennifer," Albus answered, "He went of with one of the students. I believe he is getting a tour of the school."
"We were supposed to be leaving," she said. concerned.
"There is plenty of room," Albus said, "if you need to stay the night."
~~~
A/N: As with everything else, stories don't always end exactly the same way. This was the original draft of the ending, but I should point out that I had not even written most of the last chapters, at this point. I only wanted to know where I was heading.
*
(Alternate Ending)
It seemed like forever, but graduation day came. Not long after, came the wedding, and it was nothing like anyone had seen before. The bride walked down the aisle escorted by her father. The groom waited impatiently at the altar, while the best man adjusted his glasses. She walked the path made for her to the small platform built by the lake. The sky was blue and clear, and the birds vied with the elves to see whose song could be more beautiful. The small hobbit, Cory, walked before the bride, holding two rings on a pillow. He beamed with pride at the great honor he had been given, Dwarves and Goblins bowed as he led the bride past them.
Hermione was as dazzled as she was dazzling. She had always dreamed of a large wedding, but the scale of it was more than she could grasp. It had become an affair of state. Everyone, of any race, who could attend was there.
Her father stopped, kissing her for one last time, and handed her over to Ron, who walked her to the platform. The ceremony began, and Hermione waited to say her small part. She blushed under her veil as Albus Dumbledore, who was presiding over the ceremony, asked her the question: Do you, Hermione Granger, Lady Elvellon, Hero of the Mark, Comrade of the Halls of Stone, Knight of the Empire, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?
Cameras flashed as she looked at Ron, and said that she did. Dumbledore, his eyes glinting with merriment, turned and asked, "Do you Ronald Weasley, Ringbearer, take this women to be your lawfully wedded wife."
Everything else was a blur. She heard someone say something, then Ron lifted her veil, kissing her. Cheers sounded, and never seemed to stop. The merriment began almost immediately and lasted past dawn, but the bride and groom left long before then.
*
Morning came, and Hermione lazily walked to the window, looking out at the scores of people still enjoying the revelry. Ron was already there, staring down at them.
"He didn't come," Ron said.
"Why should he?" Hermione asked. "He was invited but he said it would be too much trouble."
"I don't trust him," Ron continued. "You know what he's like. He's up to something. Remember what he told Harry when he was asked if he was coming back to school?"
"He said he had his own plans," Hermione answered, "That he didn't need us anymore."
They sat and stared out the window, and Hermione said, "Let's visit him. When we stop to see Ginny near the end of our Grand Tour, we can go to where he is."
Ron smiled at his genius of a wife, "You're right, We're the most famous couple in the world, right now. If we stop by, he can't hide what he's doing. I love you."
They kissed, and went back to bed.
*
The most famous couple in the wizarding world, found themselves walking down the street of a muggle fishing village, on the Dingle Peninsula. This was not what they had expected, and became suspicious. They found the address, a modest bungalow near the docks, and knocked on the door. After the second knock, a neighbor stuck her head out, and said, "They're not here, dears. They always go to the pub for lunch after Sunday Mass." She gave them directions, and they walked off, confused.
"It must be a trick," Ron said, "He knew we were coming."
"Of course he did," Hermione said, "He can see the future the way we read books." She paused, and added, "The way I read books."
They found the pub, modestly crowded, and looked around. A young man came up to them and said, "Ye must be the friends Draco was expecting. It wasn't hard to spot ye. I'll take ye to them. I'm Fiona's brother, Sean."
The young man stuck out his hand to shake, and then led them through the crowd to a table in the back corner. Hermione and Ron found themselves facing Fiona, a comely girl with brown hair that was a shade darker than Hermione's. She was the same age as they were. Fiona gave a polite laugh, and said, "forgive me, but the babe had an accident, and Draco had to change him. It's one of those things he can never be sure of. He'll be back shortly. I'm Fiona."
Fiona watched them, and had to ask, "You are his friends, Ron and 'Mione, aren't you?"
"Sorry, Yes," said Ron, "We're just surprised. We haven't had a chance to talk to him in almost two years. We even had to ask around to find out where he lived."
"That's just like Draco," Fiona said, "He knows so much about everybody else, he forgets they don't know about him. Here he comes."
Ron turned around, and almost didn't see him. He saw the tall stocky man with the pale blond hair, and the start of a beard, holding a child about a year old in his right hand. In his left was a pint glass. He saw Ron and smiled, and turned to the bartender, calling, "Ted, we need two more." He then came and sat down, passing the youngster over.
"He's clean again, and happy," Draco said, giving Fiona a quick kiss. Turning to his former classmates, he said, "I wasn't sure you would actually come, I mean, to the pub. The two of you are famous, now, and this isn't what you would choose." He suddenly started laughing, and put up his hand to excuse himself.
"He does that," Fiona said, "He'll start laughing at something, and we won't know what it is, for two weeks, or a month or more, if we ever find out."
"It isn't that," Draco said, "They don't know."
"Why should they?" Fiona said, putting her hand on her stomach, "I only found out another one was coming, last week."
"You're his wife," Hermione gasped in surprise.
"I am," Fiona said, then blushed, "I should have said. You even told me you had been out of touch. We must have married, just after you lost touch. It was the Sunday before Christmas. Father was furious, saying we were too hasty, but I wouldn't have it any other way. There were dark things happening, and I wanted a small bit of happiness before, in case things went bad."
Fiona looked at Draco with eyes that seemed to worship him. Hermione noticed that Draco looked at Fiona in the same way. She looked at Ron, and he nodded to show he had seen it, too. They paused as Ted put a pint down in front of Ron, as well a plate of 'bangers and mash' in front of each of them. Ron smiled at Fiona and asked, "Did Draco tell you that we were married."
"He did," Fiona said, "We got the invitation, but the babe was ill at the time. We thought it best to stay. Was it a nice wedding?"
"It was a dream," Hermione said, laughing, "I even remember parts of it."
"I would have loved to have gone," Fiona said, "Draco tells me the two of you are famous, where you come from."
Hermione smiled, and they began to talk as friends. Fiona was gasping as Hermione complained about having to dress up all the time, and turned the tables with stories about Draco coming back from the boats, reeking of fish. In short, they had a wonderful time. The end of the brunch even found 'aunt' Hermione holding young Cathal in her arms.
As they left the pub, and walked back to the docks, Hermione confided to Ron that she felt jealous. Ron laughed, and told her he knew what she meant. Little Sean had told him, when Draco was gone for more pints, that Draco was the luckiest man in the world.
"Do you understand what he did," Ron asked.
"Not really," Hermione said, "It just doesn't make any sense. He's a Malfoy, then he gets the most amazing gift. He seems happy but I don't get it. Fiona even said she saw his wand. Ron, he USED his wand to start a fire in a fireplace."
"I've done that," Ron said.
"As kindling?" Hermione asked
"You've got me there. I guess you don't get it."
"If you know why, Ron, then please tell me?"
Ron laughed, "First, tell me, did you have a good time?"
When Hermione said yes, Ron asked, "Did you find the people friendly?"
"Yes, I did," Hermione said, "Especially after they found out we were friends of Draco."
"And you still don't get it"
"No, so tell me."
"No, I won't. Hermione, think about it. Draco had the ability to do anything he wanted. He could manipulate the world. What did he want? What would make him happy?"
"Happy," Hermione said to herself, "He just wanted to be happy?"
"It worked," Ron said, "He manipulated the entire world, to say hello to just the right girl. He was lucky, because he knew where to look. Very few of us have that luck."
Hermione thought about that and wondered how clearly Draco could see. As she stepped into the boat which would take them to the Gray Havens, she decided that if the child she was carrying was a girl, she would name her Fiona. It would be a wonderful gesture. She would have to tell Ron about it first.
A young boy, about eight or nine, ran up to Hermione and gave her a note. He then waved to the elves on board, and ran off the docks and disappeared. She was told that the boy was named Cathal, and he had come by right after she had left. Hermione read the note, which was from Draco. It said, "it will be a girl."
~~~
A/N: I thank everyone for taking the time to read all of this. I hope you enjoyed it at least half as much as I enjoyed writing it. Which gives me an idea for another story . . .