I DO NOT agree with the hurtful, harmful, and disparaging comments of J.K. Rowling.
Liam Christopher Weasley-Malfoy has a secret that could end a dynasty…you ended centuries of Malfoy when you married me... Tell him it's your way or he'll spend the rest of his life as a black spot on the family tree... if you ever assault my son again, it will be the last thing you do... It's you and me.
This story is about the son of Ginny and Draco in "The Snitch Life". FYI I have not seen the movies nor have I read the published scripts of the Fantastic Beast series. My New York is nothing like J.K. Rowling's.
A Disillusioned Life
One
"T'was Two Nights Before Christmas"
"Civilization, we're almost there," Justin Nott cheered. The suburban neighborhood outside of London whipped past. They've been stranded at Hogwarts in the middle of nowhere. It had only been since September, it felt like forever.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was the same old place. It was drafty, rigorous, and pestered by Peeves. The Hogwarts express was still rickety as it approached London.
"Do you want to go for drinks tonight? I think Tommy and Evie are back in town." Nott asked as he began to collect his things.
"If I can get away, you know my father can be such an ass about things."
Liam Weasley-Malfoy was a little over six feet tall. He's as handsome as Bill Weasley and in a certain light as pretty as Narcissa Malfoy. He was intelligent, athletic, artistic, and unfazed by how handsome he is. He was seventeen and in his final year at school.
He was quiet, kept to himself, and his inner circle. He had a nice smile but when his face fell he got this look as if he could murder, people would scurry. It was the only time he ever looked related to his father. Being a Malfoy still has a bad reputation. When he was angry he would turn as red as his hair. But usually, he was as laid back as could be.
"The lovely Mr. Malfoy," Nott chuckled.
"As if your father's a walk in the park"
"True, he completely ignores me. Seems to always pop up at the most inopportune times," Nott shook his head. "I can't tell you how grateful I am to spend the holidays with my mother… but my grandmother is already in a huff. I missed the first night of Hanukah." Justin Nott is the son of Theodore Nott and Ellen Rosen. His parents were the picture-perfect society pair until they weren't. Justin was eight when they divorced.
Mr. Nott was a demanding parent. He wanted top marks and no foolishness in public. His father kept to himself. When the exuberant Justin became too much, Theodore Nott wielded his wrath.
He and Liam have been friends for a long time, even before school. They met through their fathers and survived their fathers through each other.
"That's rough man."
"What are you doing?"
"It's a Malfoy year so we're doing Christmas at the Sydney flat."
"You're going to be out there where there is real sun." Nott spoke as if it were a dream, "that should be nice, and girls in bikinis that should be even nicer."
Liam laughed, "It's going to be nice to be in a warmer climate," he looked out the window.
England was dark and frigid. Sure there was going to be fun, sun, and girls in bikinis but that wasn't his thing. He liked girls, they always smile at him and giggle when he walks passed.
He turned away from the window and began to put his sketchbook and copy of Quidditch Daily in his bag.
This holiday was going to be rough for him too. He wasn't skipping out on family traditions. He's in violation of an unwritten family rule. They hadn't discussed it but he knew this wasn't going to be good. This whole thing could leave his family torn apart. He may even be disowned, disinherited, and forced to grow up way sooner than he should. But that was the sacrifice of being part Malfoy.
He's the son of an heir to an unfathomable fortune. A retired Quidditch player turned journalist, who amassed a hefty sum of gold. He was getting ready to jet off to one of the many homes his grandparents owned. All of which would most likely become his someday, being the only child of an only child.
On his mother's side, he has more cousins than he can count. The only thing he's going to inherit is his granddad's favorite armchair. That was completely okay because he called dibs.
The whistle on the train began to blow. Students had begun to swarm the halls. Liam put on his coat and began to pull his rucksack onto his back.
"Well let me know about tonight?" Justin pulled on his coat as well.
"Will do," as the train came to a screeching halt Liam opened the compartment door. He and Justin waded out into the crowd of students. When he hit the bottom step before the platform…
"LIAM OVER HERE!"
"WHAT ARE YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS?"
He was immediately charged by the paparazzi. This was the bad thing about having famous parents. He was never comfortable in the spotlight and there was no reason for it to follow him around.
For years he didn't even know his parents were famous. They kept him pretty sheltered for this exact reason. They rarely took him into the wizarding world and when they did his face was always hidden. When he started school press flooded the platform hoping to get a picture of the mystery son. For some unknown reason, people were still fascinated by him. Despite the interest, it's not as if he gets followed or bothered every second of the day. The arrival of the Hogwarts Express was hardly newsworthy. He wondered what happened.
"Whoa, are you going to be ok man?"
"Yeah it's fine, I'll see you."
"Bye"
Justin walked one way and Liam lowered his head a bit and began to push through. This was chaos, heathens mixed with reuniting families. Families that were more interested in staring at him rather than collecting their children. It was madness.
"CLEAR!"
"OUT OF THE WAY!"
Two big guys began to forcibly disband the crowd of photographers. Liam recognized them immediately. They were in the rotation of the private security firm his family uses from time to time. They were doing a shitty job. The point was to prevent the mob so you don't have to save him from it.
"Mr. Weasley-Malfoy," an older man approached Liam through the clearing. He had on a classic herringbone coat, with brown leather gloves. His grey mustache was only a few shades lighter than the grey bowler perched on his head.
"Alan," Liam was surprised to see him.
"So sorry we're late," William Alan is his father's private secretary. He was very correct and always polished. It was unnerving and creepy.
"Good term?"
"Yes thank you."
"Did you bring your trunk?"
"Nope just me"
"Great the car is waiting," Alan extended his arm.
Security escorted them through the barrier and Kings Cross. Unfortunately, the presence of muggles didn't deter the paps. They followed and tried to be inconspicuous. They did a horrible job because the muggles were looking. Liam surrounded by his entourage didn't help either.
The London air was as frigid as Liam predicted, he slipped his hands into the pockets of his coat.
Before he got to the curb the driver's door to a black Escalade opened. The ever-reliable and ever-cool Borden hopped out. He opened the back door. Liam and Alan got in quickly, as security tried to keep the photographers back.
Borden got back in the car, "Welcome home Liam."
"Thanks, good to see you," Liam smiled as he leaned forward to clasp Borden's shoulder. Now in the privacy of the Weasley-Malfoy family car, he asked, "Alan what are you doing here?"
"Your father was called back to New York on business. He asked me to meet you at the station. He wanted me to give you this," he pulled an envelope out of his inner coat pocket. "He also wanted me to remind you that curfew is in effect. Borden will escort you to Sydney in the morning via portkey."
"Sounds good," Liam turned the envelope over in his hand. "So what happened?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean this," he pointed to the people with cameras outside the car.
"Oh nothing much"
"So what's the much part," Liam persisted.
He sighed, "It's nothing."
"You know Alan this aloofness is not working for me," he couldn't stand this guy sometimes.
"I can assure you there is nothing for you to worry about. Have a good holiday and I will see you in the New Year," Alan climbed out of the car. He and the security guards disappeared into the night.
"All right Liam straight home or someplace else?"
"Home… do you know what happened?"
"I don't know the particulars. Something in whatever your father is working on is heating up," Borden explained as he pulled away from the curb.
"Oh," Liam sighed. That's all that thick head had to say. He knows his father occasionally takes on high-profile cases.
He opened the note. It said what Alan told him in more detail and to bring Herman with him tomorrow. His mother was working in Malaysia. His father was supposed to be in the London office for the week leading up to Christmas break. The plan was to travel together.
Well, he was down to go drinking tonight. "Do you have to go off duty or can you drive tonight?"
"Are you planning on breaking curfew?" Borden knows him too well.
Liam laughed, "I'm not but it may happen. But there will be alcohol so I need a designated driver."
Borden shook his head. "If you're going out we need to get security back."
"Don't worry about it, we're going muggle," his friends would be okay with it. They prefer privacy. That was the thing about his friends. They came from prominent or respected families too. They had no interest in gaining from the attention Liam got. "So what are your holiday plans?"
"I'll be hanging with my family in Ireland. My brother and sister, all my nieces and nephews are going to congregate at my parent's house. Then Shelia and I are going to spend the New Year in a cottage in Scotland. I'll be back on duty on January 3."
"Cool, how is Shelia?"
"Ah… I don't think it's going to last."
"Does it ever with you?"
"No," Borden was so blasé about it. They both laughed.
(***)
Liam climbed out of the car in front of his building. The doorman behind the desk had the wireless on. The presenter said they'd be right back and the Lyle Farms Pumpkin Juice Christmas jingle began to play.
"Good evening Mr. Malfoy," Samuel smiled as he proceeded to the lift.
"Evening" Liam replied and pushed the button. The door opened, he pressed two, and then stuck the tip of his wand in the hole and the lift began moving. The doors opened on the Weasley-Malfoy London apartment. The entire place was dark except for the entry hall. Liam dropped his rucksack next to the hall table. Some marvel at the luxurious space but to him, it was home; on this side of the pond anyway. Herman came running into the entry hall.
"Hi," Liam got down on the floor to play with him. "I missed you, buddy," he kissed him on top of his head. He was older and even had a bit of grey hairs around his eyes. Herman was the best big brother Liam could ask for. When he first started school he begged his parents to get the Headmistress to allow him to bring Herman. "Let's go for a walk."
(***)
After taking Herman out Liam wandered into the sitting room. The place always looks so pristine, as if no one lives here. He may not be there that much but his mother is she works out of London.
There were no Christmas decorations but the desk in the study was stacked with presents. All the tags were addressed to different Weasley's and all their signatures were forged by his mother. She was always so organized. He knew she bought these months ago and his father was instructed to pull them out.
Liam began to pack up the gifts. He thought it would be nice to deliver them. It would be nice to see his grandparents. Plus who wouldn't want their Christmas presents on Christmas rather than in the New Year?
"Come on Herman," Liam went over to the cold fireplace. He opened the jar on the mantle and threw some powder in and green flames emerged. Herman stepped into the green flames as he's done many times before and waited for Liam. He and his shopping bags enter the fireplace, "the burrow."
"Hello," Liam shouted as he and Herman stepped out of the fireplace into the kitchen.
"Liam?" Arthur came around the corner.
"Hi Granddad," he put down the shopping bags to hug his grandfather.
"It's so good to see," Arthur happily hugged him back.
"You too"
"We weren't expecting you."
"I know but I wanted to bring by your Christmas presents."
"That was so nice of you, come on into the sitting room," he waved him down the hall.
The cozy room at the burrow was as warm as ever. The wireless was on low, the tree sparkling in the corner, and hand-knitted pillow covers everywhere. Arthur resumed his position in his favorite chair. Liam took the gifts out of the bag and placed them under the tree.
"Where's your father? I know your mum is traveling," asked Arthur.
"He had to go back to New York last minute… urgent business."
"So you're all alone at home?"
"Nope, I've got Herman," Herman had sprawled out flat on the rug in front of the fireplace. He looked like a fluffy pancake.
"Don't tell Grandma or she'll insist you come and stay here."
"That would be nice but I'm leaving early in the morning so there's no point." Liam finished putting the gifts under the tree and took a seat on the couch. "Where is Grandma anyway?"
"She went into the village to pick up dinner."
"Molly Weasley getting takeout? I never thought I would see the day." Molly Weasley didn't do takeaway, instant, or prepackaged.
"Yeah, she's loosened up a bit since it's just us. She's cooking up a storm as usual for Christmas Eve and Christmas so she decided we could go casual tonight. You're welcome to join us."
"I wish I had known sooner. I have dinner plans."
Arthur looked over at him, "do your parents know about this?"
"No, they said I could do whatever but I have to be back by curfew." He shrugged, "I'll wait around so I can say hi to Grandma."
Kricket
Soho, London
Kricket is a trendy restaurant that serves signature cocktails and traditional inspired cuisine. In this case, it's Indian inspired. It's one of those moderately priced places that attract hipsters and urban intellectuals. Liam headed towards the back of the restaurant.
His father scoffed at places like this. He preferred the likes of the stuffy Savoy and the Ritz. The only reason Liam ever set foot in there was with his parents or when he didn't have any money because his father had an account in both places.
The food is great and he likes to try different mixed drinks. There isn't a wizard equivalent to hipster and urban intellectual. His group didn't fit that description.
Well, perhaps Tommy; he was sitting in the back booth. There was a long sofa hugging the back wall with two tables in front of it. There was a couple at one table and Tommy was sitting by himself at the other with his head in a book.
"Hi," Liam smiled as he approached the table.
"Hey," Tommy looked up, "Welcome home."
"Thanks, how's everything," Liam asked as he took off his coat and took the chair facing him.
"Really good actually, I'm in the midst of research for a new exhibition." Tommy had perfectly styled chestnut hair and a perfectly pressed shirt and blazer. He was always so immaculate you would think he was a robot. He was a curatorial assistant at the art museum. He was into culture and world news more than anyone else. So he could fit the urban intellectual label, "Hence the book."
"Cool what's it about?"
"Ancient Arab magical illuminated manuscripts."
"Fascinating," Liam loves art. One of his favorite things to do is draw. He's following in his father's footsteps and has started collecting.
"It's already gotten crazy preparing, the Jordanian royal family owns a lot of the manuscripts. They want to be involved to make sure their culture isn't misrepresented."
"That doesn't sound unreasonable."
"It's not but it's frustrating for the curator at times, you know too many cooks spoil the broth," he shrugged. "The others should be here soon, I came straight from work."
"Do you like working at the museum?" Liam was graduating at the end of the year. He doesn't have anything planned for the future. What was he going to be? What job would he try to get? People assumed he was going to attend parties, charities events, and inherit money.
That wasn't the case, the only charity events he ever attends are the brainchild of Aunt Sophie. The only reason he went was is she's his godmother. Both his parents work, one worked hard for her money and the other inherited it but they expected him to get a job.
"Yeah, I love it."
"What about the whole working thing?"
Tommy sighed, "Well, it's tiring and frustrating but I like supporting myself." Thomas Day is the son of a Ministry Official and the Accessories Buyer at Foster and Banks Department store. His only option is to work, "Why do you ask?"
"The end of school is coming and I don't know what I'm going to do."
Tommy was going to say something but the waiter came over, "are you ready to order?"
"Not yet we're still waiting for a couple of people," Liam grabbed the drink menu, "but may I have…a Himalayan Punch?"
"Great, I'll be right back," the waiter walked away.
"I recommend that you find what you love and make it into a career."
Things Liam loved… flying, he loved brooms but horses are his favorite. He loved mystery novels, hiking, drawing, the theater, and alchemy. There's something else he loves but you can't make a career out of it. It would be nice if you could.
"Hi, sorry, sorry, sorry," Evie Farrow exclaimed when she approached the table. "It's so good to see you," she kissed Liam on the cheek before sliding onto the sofa next to Tommy who she also kissed.
"No worries," Tommy helped her off with her short sable coat.
"Oh gosh Liam, I haven't seen you since August," her cheeks were rosy from the cold. Her eye makeup was dramatic and her ponytail sleek. Evie was always the fashion plate.
"I know and it's sad. But boarding school does that."
"I remember," she sighed, "I'm so happy I'm done."
"One Himalayan Punch," the waiter placed a glass in front of Liam. "Anything for you Miss?"
"I'll have the Green Eyes," she politely told the waiter.
"Very good," he was off again.
"So where's Justin? He's not here to comment about me ordering that drink." Evie was the granddaughter of dear Weasley-Malfoy family friends Martin and Evelyn Farrow. She was a year ahead of Liam. They've known each other forever. She spent part of her year in London with her father and the other part in New York with her mother. Now that she's completed school she floats about and takes freelance travel writing jobs. She is the best resource for places to eat, party, shop, and stay around the globe.
"Probably being Bubbe," chuckled Liam. "His grandmother is up in arms because he missed the first night of Hanukah. I'm sure meeting friends for drinks on the next night is not going to go over so well."
"We're getting dinner right because I'm starved," asked Evie.
"Yes we are," assured Tommy, "none of us have had dinner yet. Right before you got here, Liam was having a mid-final year crisis."
"About what?"
"His life and career."
"Oh, the biggie… well find something you love and figure out how to get paid for it. I like to travel. I semi-regularly get paid to do it," she shrugged.
"I like to travel too but I don't think I'd like to write about it or only semi-regularly get paid."
Evie laughed, "You don't have to do that."
"Hello all, so sorry I'm late," Justin took off his coat and sat next to Liam. "Getting out of the house was a pain in the ass. My mother, my grandmother, my aunt, and my great aunt were all on my case. Oh, gee sorry for wanting to spend one night of my holiday break with my friends. You guys are the family I chose. I bought eight nights of gifts for everyone blew my entire allowance, and I'm entitled to a stiff drink!"
"Well hello to you too," Tommy smirked and everyone laughed.
"I'm sorry guys," he sighed, "I'm frustrated but how is everyone? I hope you didn't wait for me to order."
"We're fine and we're getting food so I hope you didn't eat."
"Are you kidding, I was too busy being hounded to eat." He ran his hands through his hair, "so what have I missed?"
"Nothing much we were discussing what's happening when we graduate."
"Well, I for one will be doing a happy dance, not stuck in the middle of nowhere. They should have built the school in Edinburgh, I love Edinburgh," informed Nott.
"But what are you going to do for a job," asked Tommy.
"Beats me," he shrugged, "I do know I will be moving to Edinburgh courtesy of my father."
"Well, I won't be doing anything courtesy of my father other than getting scolded." Draco would not be pleased with Liam sitting around doing nothing.
"Why don't you go to law school," suggested Nott, "you have a semi–preppy breeding it's the posh place for you."
"I don't want to be a lawyer." He did have the breeding. From age five to eleven he attended The Dalton School in Manhattan. Then he left for some made-up British boarding school. It was very upper crusty even among the muggles.
"You don't have to be a lawyer, just go to law school. That's what I'm doing."
"But you said you didn't know what you wanted to do," Evie was confused.
"I don't but while I'm thinking I'll have a law degree."
They all laughed, Justin was a trip sometimes. Unfortunately, he was right; lawyer was a snooty profession from their circle. Specifically, corporate lawyer, Draco Malfoy is considered a rebel for specializing in environmental law. Not to mention working for a hole-in-the-wall law firm. The Malfoy family friends note their disapproval with a constant side-eye of Draco. Not only did he not bring his wife and child to their archaic events. He held memberships at modern non-restricted social clubs. They're full of new money and non-waspy old money.
"You could go with Justin's suggestion of wasted time and money. Or you could take the time to figure it out," Tommy rolled his eyes. "That's the thing about being young you have all the time in the world."
Tommy was two years older than Liam. He sort of took him and Nott under his wing at school… well he took pity on them when they were pathetic first years.
"Green Eyes," the waiter placed Evie's drink in front of her.
"For the green-eyed girl," Nott smirked.
The waiter took their orders and then they resumed their chatter.
"We should do presents now before the food comes," Evie chirped merrily. She pulled her handbag onto her lap and pulled out a few things that should not have been able to fit.
The guys did the same thing from their pockets, Liam handed them each a medium cube box.
"I always love getting cards from you," Tommy pulled the Christmas card from the envelope. Liam always gave hand-drawn cards. They were specific to each person. They always contained beautiful intricate scenes and elaborate designs.
Evie got her box open first and pulled out a snow globe. She shook it up and watched the snowfall, "this is beautiful. How did you do this," she recognized the artwork.
"That's for me to know and for you to not," smirked Liam.
"It's my favorite pub in Edinburgh," Nott happily shook his snow globe.
"It's Stonehenge," Tommy held his up close to his face, "and a little me working on the excavation I did for my thesis. This is amazing, thank you!"
(***)
The lift doors opened on the apartment and Herman was there waiting for Liam. He patted him on his head. Am I going to sleep and throw some stuff in a bag in the morning or am I going to throw some stuff in a bag and then sleep?
He went into his bedroom, Herman right behind him, and turned on the light. Adorning the walls is a handsome green on green striped wallpaper. The center of the room is home to a hand-carved black wooden bed. The walls are personalized with a collection of posters and photographs. He has a Hobogoblins poster, a signed Annabel Smits poster and a framed baby Holyhead Harpies jersey. The back of it read Weasley-Malfoy and his Slytherin pennant was tucked into the frame crease. Troy, his giant stuffed Dragon took up an entire corner of the room.
He went into the closet and through the other door into the bathroom. His two-room bathroom had a giant walk-in shower and a separate sunken tub. He went over to the double sinks and opened the cabinet beneath and pulled out his toiletry bag.
He only needed to make sure he had stuff for his four days in Sydney. Then he was heading home to New York and then after New Year's back to Hogwarts. His life was very back and forth.
4 pm
North of Sydney, Australia
The first thing Liam did when they landed was take off his coat. It was freezing and still dark in London but it was hot and sunny in Sydney. The second thing he did was, "Herman get down here!"
The black Labrador retriever was still floating up in the air. He was gliding about having the time of his life. He loved to travel by portkey. More often than not he would still be floating up above while everyone else had landed.
Herman finally joined them on the ground, Borden apparated them to his grandparent's house.
"It's so unnecessary for you to have to escort me all this way."
"Your parents are concerned about your safety." Borden and Liam approached the gate to the Malfoy home.
Liam's safety has been in peril many times due to the overzealous fans of his mother. He was always understanding about security when in public magical places. But he thought he could make it to his grandparent's home by himself without attack or bother.
Liam pressed the intercom button. "Yes," a squeaky voice came out.
"It's Liam"
"Young Master Malfoy," the voice perked up, "Come in!" The gate began to open.
Ginny told Liam about the first time she visited the Malfoy flat in Sydney. The moment she saw it, she turned to Draco and said, "This isn't a flat, it's a house." He explained that his parents always called in that because it was one story. A ranch-style five-bedroom mansion plus servant's quarters built in the 1930s. It has acres of lush green gardens and a sculpture garden. Just because it's literally flat wasn't reason enough to call it that.
They walked up the short drive which opened into the giant driveway. It's positioned in front of the six-car garage that didn't have a single car in it. They followed the driveway up the side of the house towards the front door. It curved around a fountain. The dancing centaur with water coming from his flute was put in by the former muggle owners. There was a lot of confunding going on during the sale. People were curious about where these people with this endless wealth came from.
There was quite a bit of magical protection on the place. They're not hidden it's enough not to be bothered. The mass of greenery created natural privacy.
Before they got up the few steps to the front terrace, the door opened. "Welcome Master Malfoy," three house elves hurried outside.
Herman barked as they took Liam's bags. He liked the elves and would always get excited when he saw them. He wanted to play but they were scared of him.
"Hello everyone," Liam tightened his grip on Herman's leash, "settle down Herman."
"Darling," Narcissa beamed rushing to greet Liam when he came through the front door.
"Hi Grandmother," Liam hugged her.
"You've gotten so tall," she looked at him adoringly. "I'm so glad you got here all right. Thank you, Borden."
"No problem, Mrs. Malfoy. You all have a great holiday and Liam I'll see you back in the states."
"Bye Borden, Merry Christmas"
"Happy Christmas"
"How was the trip," Narcissa asked leading him across the gigantic foyer. It has cathedral ceilings and a water feature. The place was so grand it even had a ballroom. "Are you hungry, tired?"
"The trip was fine. I just woke up a couple of hours ago but I'm hungry, I didn't have breakfast."
"Well, we're sitting down to dinner at seven. How about you get settled and I send a small snack to your room?"
"Perfect"
"Oh and take that dog with you."
Liam rolled his eyes, "his name is Herman Grandmother and he's very friendly."
"I don't want it running about."
"You let house-elves run about."
"They're toilet trained."
"Herman is housebroken," he headed off to the room he always stays in.
The house was full of action. It was being decorated for Christmas. Tomorrow's Christmas Eve, they aren't hosting a huge shindig but the Malfoy's always decked the halls to the fullest extent.
His things were already waiting for him in his room. There may only be five bedrooms but they're massive. It sometimes seemed like a hike to get from one end to the other. The curtains were open; he had a view of the sculpture garden. Herman curled up on the bed.
As Liam began to unpack he thought about things. This was going to be a big Christmas for him. He had some life-altering information to share with his family. He was nervous about it. His father was strict but he's never been nervous to tell him anything. Not even about the time he took his Aston Martin joy riding and got a ding in it. Or when he flew his horse to Chicago for pizza one night, but this was something completely different…
"T'was Two Nights Before Christmas"
