Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, and the licensed copyright holders including Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Warner Bros., Inc. No money has been exchanged and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
A/N: Sigh...twist my arm why doncha...okely dokely let it never be said that I don't listen to my readers (but don't think 'cause I'm giving in this time that I always will--hrmph...) So...I'm not exactly overjoyed with this chapter I still think it needs work but you all seem to want to read it so I'm posting twice today and yes standard warnings apply...blah blah blah...we're in the home stretch now you know...by the way, I think 10+ reviews in a week is pretty awesome so again I'll post a 'thank you' chapter on Friday, consider this a freebie.
And umm...THANK YOU for the reviews--I LOVE THEM! Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy this chapter. Again thank you for your comments...and Review! Ciao.
11.
Draco scrubbed a tired hand over his face. wiping away his mirth at his son's antics and motioned to another door along the corridor. He sighed, he'd known this day was coming he'd just hoped…well he hoped it would never actually arrive. "I suppose you'd all like to talk a bit. Why don't you let me get changed and then we can get a coffee or something." He led the way into his dressing room, which contrary to what many think, was just a simple room with a simple wardrobe, a well lit vanity and small loo.
"Can't say I'm all that impressed with the accommodations Malfoy. Nothing here to suit a big name superstar like yourself," Ron sneered as he examined the room.
Draco sighed and with a slight wince slumped into the vanity chair. "Muzzle him Hermione. For both our sakes please," he said to the mirror. She obliged by casting Ron a scathing glare. He flushed but quieted.
Draco stood, "Thank you." He was in the loo a few minutes and when he emerged all his stage makeup was gone and his hair was damp. He stepped behind a curtained partition and threw his vest and trousers over the top then came back out in outfit that was surprisingly similar to what he'd worn on stage. The suede vest was a soft moss colour this time with a standard number of pewter buttons which he paired with a pair of linen trousers of such a dark green they were nearly black. He sat at the vanity again and brushed out his hair plaiting the platinum blond locks that fell nearly to his waist simply and quickly, tying off the braid with a strip of moss green suede. Standing gracefully he made his way across the room and opened a combination safe in the wall. He pulled out a black leather satchel then nodded toward the door. "If you three are ready?"
He followed them through the near empty parking lot to Hermione's car. When it became obvious that they hadn't any idea where to go for this conversation he politely commandeered the keys, ignoring Ron's grumbling about "Self-absorbed know-it-all, presumptuous gits". Before too long he pulled up to a large stately townhouse. He turned round and looked at his passengers. "The offer for coffee stands, however since I have a feeling we'll be up late I extend an invitation to each of you to stay the night if you wish. There's plenty of space, though I warn you the children can be…a bit rambunctious in the mornings." He stepped out then quickly went to Hermione's side and opened the door for her. Ron and Harry caught up just as the front door was opening.
"Honey youtook forever to get hereand who are these people?" Rhiannon asked casting a weather eye over all of them.
"Lay off Rhi," Draco sighed tiredly. "This is Miss Hermione Granger, at least I'm assuming so since I don't imagine Ron's taken his head out of his arse long enough to make an honest woman of you." He smiled gently and Hermione giggled.
"It's still Granger."
He nodded, "That's settled then. Miss Hermione Granger, please meet my good friend and Bad Faith's manager, Rhiannon Vaughn."
Rhi smiled at Hermione and held out her hand to shake, "Just call me Rhi honey, everybody does."
"The gentleman turning a distressing shade of crimson is her boyfriend, Mr. Ron Weasley. Weasley this is Rhiannon Vaughn." The two shook hands stiffly. Obvious dislike already arching like electricity between them.
"And this last gentleman is the infamous Harry Potter." Draco said nothing else but it was obvious Rhi was cataloguing Harry closely.
"We're going to have a coffee in the small salon and catch up on old times. I'd invite you along Rhi but there's so much to do tomorrow..."
"Pffft! There's always so much to do tomorrow. I may be in a little later if you don't mind." She cast a heavy look Draco's way. "There's some paperwork we need to go over that's important and should be seen to as soon as possible."
Draco swallowed thickly and nodded. Rhi turned and headed down the hall to the right and Draco took his guests to the left into a comfortable sitting room with oversized leather armchairs and a matching sofa. A fire was lit making the room toasty and comfortable. Ron and Hermione sat on the sofa and Harry and Draco chose the armchairs. When they were all seated Draco asked what they'd like to drink and whether they'd had any supper.
"Well you know Ron, he can always eat."
Their host smiled, "That I do remember. But Ron's bottomless stomach aside I assume you'd eaten before the concert?"
His guests shook their heads and he frowned, "You must be half-starved! Morry!"
A house-elf dressed in a sort of linen toga popped into their presence. "Mr. Malfoy is calling for Morry sir?"
Draco nodded, "Yes. Morry our guests haven't eaten any supper. Will you bring us sandwiches from that lovely roast you served yesterday, relishes, crisps, oh whatever you think will suffice, and three slices of chocolate cake along with some coffee and tea?"
The small elf bowed, "Of course. Mr. Malfoy. Morry and Rebby is bringing the food and Dowly is bringing coffee and tea right away sir."
"Thank you very much Morry."
The elf smiled in a rather disconcerting way, "You is very welcome Mr. Malfoy."
Hermione tipped Ron's jaw closed, "Your house elf was wearing a toga Malfoy. Why is he still in service to you?" Her voice and eyes were cold.
Draco answered just as coolly. "No house elf in the service of the Malfoy family is here against their will Granger. They are each employed and receive regular wages, along with compensatory holidays, and overtime pay. For those who work here at the townhouse, the toga-garments are of their choosing and design and serve as both an indicator of their freedom and a uniform of their service. At other Malfoy properties the uniforms are different. At Malfoy Manor, for example, the house elves prefer a simple long tunic and wide legged pants."
Draco sat back and steepled his fingers.
"Y-you freed your house elves? I don't believe it!" Ron blustered.
"Whether or not you believe it Weasley it's true." Draco sighed. "Perhaps you will understand when you have your own. But children are very astute when it comes to hypocrisy and what they know of the world is what they see as much as what they are taught. How could I teach my son that the war was fought for freedom from tyranny and oppression and maintain slavery in our home? And even if Evan weren't my reason, I actually did listen to the rambling ranting of a certain S.P.E.W. president. While I thought some of her ideas ridiculous, others I felt indicated a need for a systematic change in how house-elves are treated and understood. I have done as my conscience dictates Weasley, no more or less." He smiled a bit at Hermione to take the sting from his words then sat back in his chair, looking everywhere but at the man seated next to him.
A heavy and uncomfortable silence settled in the room until food and beverages were brought. They made some small talk as they ate. Draco sharing a bit about the places they'd travelled on tour and various customs. Hermione was enthralled and wanted to know more about the Wizarding communities they'd encountered and how Draco coped in the Muggle world. The conversation between them was surprisingly light and easy. It was Ron and Harry who were quiet, one overcome by shame and sorrow and the other sullen with resentment.
Finally their conversation petered out and Harry took up his courage, "Did you read the note?"
Draco slowly nodded. "Thank you for the ring. I cannot accept it for myself of course, but when he comes of age I think it'll be a fine gift for Evan."
"You arse! Why would you give Harry's ring to your son?" Ron was fuming again.
Draco rolled his eyes, "I will give Harry's ring, which bears the crest of Houses Malfoy and Potter to Harry's son who is heir to both House Malfoy and Potter." There he'd said it, evenly and calmly, none of his inner turmoil showing. "That is," he added softly, "unless you have another child I don't know about."
Harry's eyes were wide and again he felt the burn of tears, "No, no I don't. Your son is…Evan is my…our...wh-what is Evan's full name Draco?"
He took a deep breath and stilled his hands, it was all coming out now and he wasn't ready. He didn't think he'd ever be ready. His voice was steady though, and matter-of-fact, as though he could detach himself from the painful blow he knew was coming. "As is common with first born male children of the most prominent families he has five names. During his naming day ceremony he became Evan Harrison Aurelianus James Draconis Malfoy."
He took a breath and hurried on to explain before he could be interrupted, "Evan, in honour of your mother's family, Harrison, literally Harry's son, for you, Aurelianus was a Roman emperor and it's Malfoy tradition for the heir to have one Roman name, but Aurelians are a type of lily, James for your father and Draconis, after me of course. You are listed as sire in his birth records but I did not give…I could not…I felt having your surname would be detrimental. You and I…You had said…"
Draco swallowed thickly, "'There is nothing between us, what we thought was love was a lie' you said" he quoted whispering as the tears he'd fought fell. He stood quickly giving his back to the room, knowing full well he was running again. "P-Please excuse me I-I'll return shortly."
As late as it was it was easy to hear the hurried footsteps fade down the empty hallway and firm sound of a rapidly closing door.
Tbc...
A/N: Hmmm...suspense anyone? Don't you know you should be careful what you wish for... Mwaaa-ha ha ha :D (yup, I'm certifiable...got the papers and everything)
