Chapter 1
"Mione!"
Hermione folded the shirt and placed it inside the mahogany drawer.
"What, Tessa?"
"Turn on the radio, Mindy just owled me and said they might cancel school!"
Hermione smiled and placed the last shirt inside the wardrobe before closing the drawer. She stood and stretched her back with a moan. She really had to get something for it. She had hoped her backaches were temporary, but it looked like that was going to be wishful thinking. Pushing her hair out of her face, she crossed the room and switched on the radio.
"The bomb went off at 2:15 am at the executive offices of Regierung Communication Head Quarters. These are the offices of Communications President Alfred Nott and his immediate staff, including Christina Winslow, editor-in-chief of the Daily Prophet. While no fractions have claimed responsibility, a white flare was seen beforehand, which is a sign of the terrorist organization Operation Phoenix. There were no casualties, however two members of WNN staff are in the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. In response to the attack, Supreme Lord Voldermort II is expected to speak later this afternoon. St. Thomas School of Magical Training has announced that school will proceed as usual-"
"Damn it!"
With a swift kick, Tessa knocked over her trashcan and a pile of tissues blotted with lipstick tumbled out. She rolled her eyes and slammed a fist on the marble counter of the vanity.
"When these attacks first started we always got school out. Now they barely raise an eyebrow. What do they have to do nowadays for anyone to respond?" she muttered, not taking her eyes off of the blue- green marble.
Hermione didn't answer, but merely walked to the trashcan and started to pick up the tissues.
"No, it's ok, I've got it."
Tessa bent over to relieve her. Hermione let out a sigh, wishing she could let her, but if her mother saw her picking up trash while Hermione just stood there, it would be bad for both of them.
"Don't worry about it, dear, I'm fine."
Tessa wrinkled her nose.
"I'm perfectly capable of picking up my own trash. And I don't have a bad back."
"But you do have a mother obsessed with decorum and etiquette, who would not be pleased to see her only daughter doing servant's work."
"You're not a servant, Mione."
Hermione paused momentarily before scooping the last of the tissues into the trashcan.
"No, I'm not, but it's still my job."
When she looked up, she found Tessa studying her with a look of pity in her grey eyes. She grew uncomfortable under the gaze and returned to her task of setting up the trash can.
"You need to finish your hair."
"Oh, yeah"
Tessa smiled and headed back to the vanity to return to work on her half- curled locks.
Hermione headed back to switch off the radio.
"All we can do is hope that these attacks stop soon and we can return to peace. I'm Cynthia Knight, and you're listening to the Wizarding News Network, London.
*
"Kathleen, did you blow up Nott's office?"
Kathleen continued to read and took another bite of her eggs.
"Now Josh, why would I do a thing like that? Blowing up Nott's office, why someone would really have to hate the government to blow up the chief of brainwashing propaganda's office."
"Kath, if I wanted your sarcasm, I would have asked for it."
Kathleen folded the paper she had been reading and returned his accusing gaze. He was so passive and accepting of this world, she really didn't know what was wrong with him sometimes. It didn't take a whole lot of common sense to see that the government, or 'Regierung' as they insisted on being called, was wrong, but he refused to help fight it. It was really too bad, he was always so precise; he'd help a lot. But he always shook his head and then got mad at her when anything happened. It was hard to believe they were related sometimes.
"Yes, me and Will were both there."
He groaned and tipped his head back.
"Oh, Kathleen."
"What, Joshua?" she asked, rolling her eyes upward.
He sat back up.
"First of all, I don't get you. You're really not doing any good you know. No one really benefits when you blow up some Regierung building. Not you, not Will, and certainly not any one in our family that had to work for them."
"No one in our family works for the government, they are slaves to the bunch of murdering bastards that run it!"
"So! Mum works for the Daily Prophet. And you blew up Christina Winslow's office! You think it's easy for any them when these attacks happen. And second of all, it's Will and I."
Kathleen returned her gaze from the ceiling back to Josh.
"What?"
"You said me and Will were both there. It should have been Will and I were both there."
Kathleen just stared incredulously.
"Did you honestly just correct my grammar in the middle of one of your pacifist rants?"
"Yes, I did. One of us went to school."
"Until they were expelled for fighting with the future Supreme Lord Arsehole IV."
Josh glared at her as he took a sip from his mug.
"He started it, you know that."
"I also know had your last name been Lestrang instead of Potter, you would have gotten a slap on the wrist and been sent your merry way. I notice he didn't get expelled."
Josh finished his last bite of toast.
"It doesn't matter Kath, the point is-"
"The point is they're wrong, you know it, and I'm trying to do something about it."
"Fine then, it's your life, and if you want to end up dead or in Azkaban, that's your problem."
"What's her problem?"
Kathleen quickly swallowed her sausage as her mother walked in, dressed for work and carrying a bundle of paperwork. Luckily, her mother hadn't seemed to have heard their conversation. She knew nothing of Kathleen's role in the recent building bombings, and Kathleen would like to keep it that way.
"Hi, Mum! How did you sleep?"
"Quite well, thank you. Now, what's your problem?"
"Nothing, Josh was merely correcting me on my grammar and being quite rude about it if I do say so."
"Well, he did go to school for four years, unlike you dear," she chided, flipping a dark lock behind her shoulder.
Kathleen rolled her eyes, not looking forward to another conversation with her mother about her untapped potential.
"Don't roll your eyes at me, young lady. All I'm saying is maybe you should listen to him next time he corrects you." She took the hair band off her wrist and started to pull her black hair into a loose bun. "William! Get out of bed and come eat!"
She sighed and gave Kathleen a smile over the rim of her coffee cup as Will stomped down the stairs.
"Can't a man sleep around here?" he asked grumpily.
"Not a man who has work at noon. Now before you all go I want these dishes done and the parlor cleaned, got it? Now it will probably be a long day. I was listening to the WNN this morning and it seemed my boss had her office blown up. So if I'm not home by seven, you're on your own for dinner. I'll see you later."
"Okay Mum," Josh murmured.
"Go file Winslow's paperwork like you've never filed it before," Will chimed in.
She rolled her eyes and headed out the door.
"See, what did I tell you? You blow up an office, and Mum has to do overtime."
"Shut up, Joshua!"
"Nah, she'll be okay Josh. She's only on the staff of Winslow's secretary's, secretary's, secretary, so she won't be bugged too bad by it," Will assured him with a mouth full of beans.
"Whatever, you two. I have to get ready for work."
Kathleen sighed and watched as her twin stood and walked out of the room.
*
Narcissa Malfoy held her coffee cup in one hand and a bagel in the other. Both were fresh and hot, but she paid them no heed. She simply stared at her daughter-in-law.
"I'm sorry, Pansy, they blew up what?"
"Al and Christina's offices."
Narcissa let out a groan. Other then that she made no move, only closed her eyes. Pansy steadily grew uneasy. She wasn't completely sure she trusted the woman who so thoroughly controlled the Manor, and everyone in it. What she was planning to do behind those closed eyes was beyond Pansy, but she was sure she wouldn't like it.
"Okay."
Pansy looked up, startled. Narcissa's eyes were open now, and she was smiling, the stunning yet deceptive smile she always gave.
"No need worrying too much. Let's go eat breakfast."
She placed her food on a silver serving-tray and handed it back to the house elf before turning towards the breakfast room. Pansy stared after her in disbelief.
"Did you not here me?"
"I heard you perfectly clear. There was another bombing. So what else is new? I'll write to Christina later today and offer my condolences. Then I'll invite Al and Laura over for dinner, we haven't had them in a long time, and they're such excellent guests. Remember that wine they brought us, where was that from again?"
"Florence."
"Yes, Florence. Speaking of which, we haven't been to Florence since we were planning your honeymoon, goodness that's a long time. When school lets out for holiday, we should take Tessa and Dace. They've seen precious little of Italy, only Rome and Vienna, and Lord knows those cities could use a cleaning. But Florence is still very beautiful; it's aged very well. How long have you been married again?"
"Nineteen years in August."
"Nineteen years! Yes, see that's much too long."
By then they had reached the breakfast room. It was a simple room by the Manor's standards, painted azure blue with silver accents. Velvet curtains hung over full-length windows and oak paneling covered the walls and floors. The long polished table was set with china and silver dishes. Sitting at one of the velvet-lined chairs was Dacian, spreading tangerine marmalade on his toast while reading a Potions essay.
"When is that due?" Pansy asked her son suspiciously.
"Yesterday."
"Dacian!"
"Now dear, get off his back, a boy is only 18 once, let him enjoy himself. Besides what are they going to do, we own the bloody school. Who's teaching Potions these days, Dace?"
"His name's Augustus Henrik. He's some German bloke who couldn't cut it at Hogwarts, but worked well with cauldrons. I barely understand a word he's saying. I'm telling you, if it wasn't for Mindy, I would fail my mind out."
"Yes, Dacian, we are all grateful you have a brilliant girlfriend."
"You scoff Mum, but she's the driving force in my education."
"Meaning, you don't care enough to do it without her 'motivation.' And only her motivation. Why do you think we hired you a private tutor, Dacian? To motivate you! I can't imagine what Melina does to get you studying."
"Now Pansy, Dace can't be doing anything you weren't doing while you were in school."
Pansy knew better then to rise to Narcissa's bait. Narcissa knew exactly what she had done while in school, and it was her fear that Dacian was doing just that.
"Anyway, Melina-"
"What is with you and nicknames, Mum? No one calls her Melina or ever has, it's only her name because Hannah Flint couldn't stand to put something as informal as Mindy on her daughter's birth certificate, even though she planned on calling her that from day one."
"Don't interrupt me again, Dacian. If her name is Melina, I will call her Melina. And like I was saying, she always came across as trying to push herself into this family. She becomes 'best friends' with Theresia, starts dating you. There's something fishy about that girl."
"Hmm, sounds like some else we know, Pansy."
Pansy gave Narcissa an incredulous glare, desperately hoping Dacian didn't catch on to the reference when her husband walked in.
"Oh, Draco, you're just in time, we were about to sit down for breakfast."
Draco looked at her confused.
"Mum, since when do we sit down for breakfast?"
"Since today, now where are Tessa and your father?"
"I'm here, honey, but I'm going to have to grab a Danish and go; there's an emergency," Lucius announced as he entered the room. Although his clothes and hair were immaculate, the bags under his eyes were deepened, an ever- present sign of his growing stress.
"Really, Lucius, what?"
"Some of those crazy terrorists blew up Al and his staff's offices.
"I know I heard that. What's the emergency?"
Man, she is on a roll this morning, Pansy thought as Lucius tried to get him wife to understand the disaster it was that his communication executives had lost their million dollar offices. But the pretty blond was not buying it.
"You are not going to run off this morning, we are going to sit down and eat breakfast like all normal, functional families do."
"Mum, since when are we a normal, functional family?"
"Don't you get snippy with me, Draco. I don't care if you're grown, I am still you're mother, and I will still demand respect. Now we are going to sit down and eat this lovely breakfast that was prepared for us by the not- so-lovely house elves."
Dacian glanced up from his essay and gave his grandmother a weird look
"What?"
"Never mind her dear. Where is your sister?"
"Probably doing her, hair and all that girly stuff."
"Well she takes entirely too long doing it," Pansy muttered. "THERESIA MACKENZIE MALFOY! HURRY UP!"
Her daughter came running into the room.
"What the hell is the bloody matter?"
"It's time for breakfast and don't you use that language. It's undignified and you come off unattractive and will never attract a husband."
"And what a tragedy that would be. Honestly Mum, my life doesn't revolve around a marriage that's ten years away."
Pansy looked scandalized.
"You are most certainly not going to wait until you're twenty-six to get married!"
"Why not? Dacian can wait till he's thirty. You said so."
"Dacian's a man, and will be a very powerful one at that. He doesn't need to worry about marriage like you do."
"Oh, I see. The men go run the country, and the women stay at home and run the house elves. The world isn't like that anymore! Look at Emma Nott, she's on Grandpa's staff."
"Do not get me started on Emma Nott, that woman-"
"Okay you two, that's enough fighting for one morning," Draco broke in. "Pansy, dear, Tessa's very young, she doesn't need to worry about getting married quite yet. Tessa, please don't talk to your mother like that."
"Fine."
She flopped in a chair and started buttering a muffin before turning back to her father.
"I thought you two would be long gone by now."
"We tried," he admitted giving her a quick kiss on the top of her head. "But your grandmother detained us. She insists that we eat breakfast 'like a normal functional family.'"
"Yes I do," Narcissa shot back in defense. "Now Pansy, pass the bacon."
So they ate, though rather hurriedly, until Narcissa was satisfied, and then the early-morning-must-get-to-school/work-rush set in.
"Now you two behave. I don't want any owls from the headmaster, understand?" Draco called to his children as they headed out the door to the awaiting car.
"Since when do you get owls about us from the headmaster?" Tessa challenged.
Draco laughed.
"Good point, how about we keep it that way."
She giggled as he kissed her cheek.
"Have fun, love."
"As much as I can."
"Oh love, be a little happier."
She gave him a look of exasperation.
He smiled wickedly and then broke into song.
"And when the broken hearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be."
"Oh Dad, it's too early for singing!" she complained as he continued.
"For though they may be parted there is, still a chance that they will see, there will be an answer, let it be. Let it be, let it be. Yeah there will be an answer, let it be."
At the refrain she shut the car's door, the Beatles tune still in her head.
A/N: Sorry this took longer then I expected, but my beta had some computer troubles and I've been really sick. I was even sick on my birthday. (. Anyway thanks to for reading and please review!
"Mione!"
Hermione folded the shirt and placed it inside the mahogany drawer.
"What, Tessa?"
"Turn on the radio, Mindy just owled me and said they might cancel school!"
Hermione smiled and placed the last shirt inside the wardrobe before closing the drawer. She stood and stretched her back with a moan. She really had to get something for it. She had hoped her backaches were temporary, but it looked like that was going to be wishful thinking. Pushing her hair out of her face, she crossed the room and switched on the radio.
"The bomb went off at 2:15 am at the executive offices of Regierung Communication Head Quarters. These are the offices of Communications President Alfred Nott and his immediate staff, including Christina Winslow, editor-in-chief of the Daily Prophet. While no fractions have claimed responsibility, a white flare was seen beforehand, which is a sign of the terrorist organization Operation Phoenix. There were no casualties, however two members of WNN staff are in the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. In response to the attack, Supreme Lord Voldermort II is expected to speak later this afternoon. St. Thomas School of Magical Training has announced that school will proceed as usual-"
"Damn it!"
With a swift kick, Tessa knocked over her trashcan and a pile of tissues blotted with lipstick tumbled out. She rolled her eyes and slammed a fist on the marble counter of the vanity.
"When these attacks first started we always got school out. Now they barely raise an eyebrow. What do they have to do nowadays for anyone to respond?" she muttered, not taking her eyes off of the blue- green marble.
Hermione didn't answer, but merely walked to the trashcan and started to pick up the tissues.
"No, it's ok, I've got it."
Tessa bent over to relieve her. Hermione let out a sigh, wishing she could let her, but if her mother saw her picking up trash while Hermione just stood there, it would be bad for both of them.
"Don't worry about it, dear, I'm fine."
Tessa wrinkled her nose.
"I'm perfectly capable of picking up my own trash. And I don't have a bad back."
"But you do have a mother obsessed with decorum and etiquette, who would not be pleased to see her only daughter doing servant's work."
"You're not a servant, Mione."
Hermione paused momentarily before scooping the last of the tissues into the trashcan.
"No, I'm not, but it's still my job."
When she looked up, she found Tessa studying her with a look of pity in her grey eyes. She grew uncomfortable under the gaze and returned to her task of setting up the trash can.
"You need to finish your hair."
"Oh, yeah"
Tessa smiled and headed back to the vanity to return to work on her half- curled locks.
Hermione headed back to switch off the radio.
"All we can do is hope that these attacks stop soon and we can return to peace. I'm Cynthia Knight, and you're listening to the Wizarding News Network, London.
*
"Kathleen, did you blow up Nott's office?"
Kathleen continued to read and took another bite of her eggs.
"Now Josh, why would I do a thing like that? Blowing up Nott's office, why someone would really have to hate the government to blow up the chief of brainwashing propaganda's office."
"Kath, if I wanted your sarcasm, I would have asked for it."
Kathleen folded the paper she had been reading and returned his accusing gaze. He was so passive and accepting of this world, she really didn't know what was wrong with him sometimes. It didn't take a whole lot of common sense to see that the government, or 'Regierung' as they insisted on being called, was wrong, but he refused to help fight it. It was really too bad, he was always so precise; he'd help a lot. But he always shook his head and then got mad at her when anything happened. It was hard to believe they were related sometimes.
"Yes, me and Will were both there."
He groaned and tipped his head back.
"Oh, Kathleen."
"What, Joshua?" she asked, rolling her eyes upward.
He sat back up.
"First of all, I don't get you. You're really not doing any good you know. No one really benefits when you blow up some Regierung building. Not you, not Will, and certainly not any one in our family that had to work for them."
"No one in our family works for the government, they are slaves to the bunch of murdering bastards that run it!"
"So! Mum works for the Daily Prophet. And you blew up Christina Winslow's office! You think it's easy for any them when these attacks happen. And second of all, it's Will and I."
Kathleen returned her gaze from the ceiling back to Josh.
"What?"
"You said me and Will were both there. It should have been Will and I were both there."
Kathleen just stared incredulously.
"Did you honestly just correct my grammar in the middle of one of your pacifist rants?"
"Yes, I did. One of us went to school."
"Until they were expelled for fighting with the future Supreme Lord Arsehole IV."
Josh glared at her as he took a sip from his mug.
"He started it, you know that."
"I also know had your last name been Lestrang instead of Potter, you would have gotten a slap on the wrist and been sent your merry way. I notice he didn't get expelled."
Josh finished his last bite of toast.
"It doesn't matter Kath, the point is-"
"The point is they're wrong, you know it, and I'm trying to do something about it."
"Fine then, it's your life, and if you want to end up dead or in Azkaban, that's your problem."
"What's her problem?"
Kathleen quickly swallowed her sausage as her mother walked in, dressed for work and carrying a bundle of paperwork. Luckily, her mother hadn't seemed to have heard their conversation. She knew nothing of Kathleen's role in the recent building bombings, and Kathleen would like to keep it that way.
"Hi, Mum! How did you sleep?"
"Quite well, thank you. Now, what's your problem?"
"Nothing, Josh was merely correcting me on my grammar and being quite rude about it if I do say so."
"Well, he did go to school for four years, unlike you dear," she chided, flipping a dark lock behind her shoulder.
Kathleen rolled her eyes, not looking forward to another conversation with her mother about her untapped potential.
"Don't roll your eyes at me, young lady. All I'm saying is maybe you should listen to him next time he corrects you." She took the hair band off her wrist and started to pull her black hair into a loose bun. "William! Get out of bed and come eat!"
She sighed and gave Kathleen a smile over the rim of her coffee cup as Will stomped down the stairs.
"Can't a man sleep around here?" he asked grumpily.
"Not a man who has work at noon. Now before you all go I want these dishes done and the parlor cleaned, got it? Now it will probably be a long day. I was listening to the WNN this morning and it seemed my boss had her office blown up. So if I'm not home by seven, you're on your own for dinner. I'll see you later."
"Okay Mum," Josh murmured.
"Go file Winslow's paperwork like you've never filed it before," Will chimed in.
She rolled her eyes and headed out the door.
"See, what did I tell you? You blow up an office, and Mum has to do overtime."
"Shut up, Joshua!"
"Nah, she'll be okay Josh. She's only on the staff of Winslow's secretary's, secretary's, secretary, so she won't be bugged too bad by it," Will assured him with a mouth full of beans.
"Whatever, you two. I have to get ready for work."
Kathleen sighed and watched as her twin stood and walked out of the room.
*
Narcissa Malfoy held her coffee cup in one hand and a bagel in the other. Both were fresh and hot, but she paid them no heed. She simply stared at her daughter-in-law.
"I'm sorry, Pansy, they blew up what?"
"Al and Christina's offices."
Narcissa let out a groan. Other then that she made no move, only closed her eyes. Pansy steadily grew uneasy. She wasn't completely sure she trusted the woman who so thoroughly controlled the Manor, and everyone in it. What she was planning to do behind those closed eyes was beyond Pansy, but she was sure she wouldn't like it.
"Okay."
Pansy looked up, startled. Narcissa's eyes were open now, and she was smiling, the stunning yet deceptive smile she always gave.
"No need worrying too much. Let's go eat breakfast."
She placed her food on a silver serving-tray and handed it back to the house elf before turning towards the breakfast room. Pansy stared after her in disbelief.
"Did you not here me?"
"I heard you perfectly clear. There was another bombing. So what else is new? I'll write to Christina later today and offer my condolences. Then I'll invite Al and Laura over for dinner, we haven't had them in a long time, and they're such excellent guests. Remember that wine they brought us, where was that from again?"
"Florence."
"Yes, Florence. Speaking of which, we haven't been to Florence since we were planning your honeymoon, goodness that's a long time. When school lets out for holiday, we should take Tessa and Dace. They've seen precious little of Italy, only Rome and Vienna, and Lord knows those cities could use a cleaning. But Florence is still very beautiful; it's aged very well. How long have you been married again?"
"Nineteen years in August."
"Nineteen years! Yes, see that's much too long."
By then they had reached the breakfast room. It was a simple room by the Manor's standards, painted azure blue with silver accents. Velvet curtains hung over full-length windows and oak paneling covered the walls and floors. The long polished table was set with china and silver dishes. Sitting at one of the velvet-lined chairs was Dacian, spreading tangerine marmalade on his toast while reading a Potions essay.
"When is that due?" Pansy asked her son suspiciously.
"Yesterday."
"Dacian!"
"Now dear, get off his back, a boy is only 18 once, let him enjoy himself. Besides what are they going to do, we own the bloody school. Who's teaching Potions these days, Dace?"
"His name's Augustus Henrik. He's some German bloke who couldn't cut it at Hogwarts, but worked well with cauldrons. I barely understand a word he's saying. I'm telling you, if it wasn't for Mindy, I would fail my mind out."
"Yes, Dacian, we are all grateful you have a brilliant girlfriend."
"You scoff Mum, but she's the driving force in my education."
"Meaning, you don't care enough to do it without her 'motivation.' And only her motivation. Why do you think we hired you a private tutor, Dacian? To motivate you! I can't imagine what Melina does to get you studying."
"Now Pansy, Dace can't be doing anything you weren't doing while you were in school."
Pansy knew better then to rise to Narcissa's bait. Narcissa knew exactly what she had done while in school, and it was her fear that Dacian was doing just that.
"Anyway, Melina-"
"What is with you and nicknames, Mum? No one calls her Melina or ever has, it's only her name because Hannah Flint couldn't stand to put something as informal as Mindy on her daughter's birth certificate, even though she planned on calling her that from day one."
"Don't interrupt me again, Dacian. If her name is Melina, I will call her Melina. And like I was saying, she always came across as trying to push herself into this family. She becomes 'best friends' with Theresia, starts dating you. There's something fishy about that girl."
"Hmm, sounds like some else we know, Pansy."
Pansy gave Narcissa an incredulous glare, desperately hoping Dacian didn't catch on to the reference when her husband walked in.
"Oh, Draco, you're just in time, we were about to sit down for breakfast."
Draco looked at her confused.
"Mum, since when do we sit down for breakfast?"
"Since today, now where are Tessa and your father?"
"I'm here, honey, but I'm going to have to grab a Danish and go; there's an emergency," Lucius announced as he entered the room. Although his clothes and hair were immaculate, the bags under his eyes were deepened, an ever- present sign of his growing stress.
"Really, Lucius, what?"
"Some of those crazy terrorists blew up Al and his staff's offices.
"I know I heard that. What's the emergency?"
Man, she is on a roll this morning, Pansy thought as Lucius tried to get him wife to understand the disaster it was that his communication executives had lost their million dollar offices. But the pretty blond was not buying it.
"You are not going to run off this morning, we are going to sit down and eat breakfast like all normal, functional families do."
"Mum, since when are we a normal, functional family?"
"Don't you get snippy with me, Draco. I don't care if you're grown, I am still you're mother, and I will still demand respect. Now we are going to sit down and eat this lovely breakfast that was prepared for us by the not- so-lovely house elves."
Dacian glanced up from his essay and gave his grandmother a weird look
"What?"
"Never mind her dear. Where is your sister?"
"Probably doing her, hair and all that girly stuff."
"Well she takes entirely too long doing it," Pansy muttered. "THERESIA MACKENZIE MALFOY! HURRY UP!"
Her daughter came running into the room.
"What the hell is the bloody matter?"
"It's time for breakfast and don't you use that language. It's undignified and you come off unattractive and will never attract a husband."
"And what a tragedy that would be. Honestly Mum, my life doesn't revolve around a marriage that's ten years away."
Pansy looked scandalized.
"You are most certainly not going to wait until you're twenty-six to get married!"
"Why not? Dacian can wait till he's thirty. You said so."
"Dacian's a man, and will be a very powerful one at that. He doesn't need to worry about marriage like you do."
"Oh, I see. The men go run the country, and the women stay at home and run the house elves. The world isn't like that anymore! Look at Emma Nott, she's on Grandpa's staff."
"Do not get me started on Emma Nott, that woman-"
"Okay you two, that's enough fighting for one morning," Draco broke in. "Pansy, dear, Tessa's very young, she doesn't need to worry about getting married quite yet. Tessa, please don't talk to your mother like that."
"Fine."
She flopped in a chair and started buttering a muffin before turning back to her father.
"I thought you two would be long gone by now."
"We tried," he admitted giving her a quick kiss on the top of her head. "But your grandmother detained us. She insists that we eat breakfast 'like a normal functional family.'"
"Yes I do," Narcissa shot back in defense. "Now Pansy, pass the bacon."
So they ate, though rather hurriedly, until Narcissa was satisfied, and then the early-morning-must-get-to-school/work-rush set in.
"Now you two behave. I don't want any owls from the headmaster, understand?" Draco called to his children as they headed out the door to the awaiting car.
"Since when do you get owls about us from the headmaster?" Tessa challenged.
Draco laughed.
"Good point, how about we keep it that way."
She giggled as he kissed her cheek.
"Have fun, love."
"As much as I can."
"Oh love, be a little happier."
She gave him a look of exasperation.
He smiled wickedly and then broke into song.
"And when the broken hearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be."
"Oh Dad, it's too early for singing!" she complained as he continued.
"For though they may be parted there is, still a chance that they will see, there will be an answer, let it be. Let it be, let it be. Yeah there will be an answer, let it be."
At the refrain she shut the car's door, the Beatles tune still in her head.
A/N: Sorry this took longer then I expected, but my beta had some computer troubles and I've been really sick. I was even sick on my birthday. (. Anyway thanks to for reading and please review!