Chapter 14: Baba

"Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter. There has been a situation with Andrew. Please meet us at St. Mungos. The Minister has been informed."

"Right this way, Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. Director Amy and the Minister are already in the room." Scorpius was sure the healer leading them down the first floor to Andrew's room had given their name, but his focus was elsewhere.

He and Albus had been met on the Dangerous' Dai Llewellyn ward of St. Mungos and immediately taken to Andrew. Scorpius was more familiar with the first floor than that of the second or fourth, but he still was not pleased to be visiting it after hours and for a member of his family.

"Albus, Scorpius! I'm glad you made it here rather swiftly. Hermione told me you guys have experience with this, but the witch who was in control of the group home was worried and-"

"Rubbish!"

"Mr. Leon. I am aware that this might be shocking to you but-"

"I will repeat myself. This is Rubbish! The fact that my son is in here for an outburst and the fact that you called upon two children to check on him. These boys have no right to be in here, this is a family matter." Leon stated, his face turning red.

"Mr. Leon. With all due respect, Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter have been taking care of your son for the past few months. They consider your son, their family."

"Yes, and we didn't leave him behind," Albus mumbled loud enough for everyone to hear.

Leon reached into his pocket and pulled out his wand raising it towards Albus, "It will do you well to mind your manners. I don't care who your father is!"

"That is enough! I will ask you to lower your wand from in front of my fiancé's face and step aside so that I may check on Andrew. Or did everyone forget he was in the room?" Scorpius's voice did not yell, but it held a sense of authority that Albus was sure he only used for work and with his patients who were in need.

Without another word, the adults in the room, including Leon, moved aside so Scorpius could make his way to the bed.

"Andy, love. How are you feeling?" Scorpius spoke as he sat on the edge of the bed next to the child.

Albus took a step near them and place his hand on Scorpius's shoulder and looked down at the child.

"I am sleepy." Andrew's eyes fluttered open only a second so the couple could see his glowing orbs.

The young couple looked over at Amy in a silent question on why that was.

"The gave him a calming draught. Small dose when he came in. He was in a bit of a panic and rage."

Scorpius remembered all too well, about the month prior and witnessing Andrew at the Manor yelling and refusing help from anyone. He knew it was probably much worse in a new environment with people who may not have understood him.

"Was that necessary?" Leon asked. "I have never needed one for him in all the times he has acted out over the moon."

"I am not sure if they are needed per se, but they do help, even children. As long as he doesn't take it regularly. Once or twice a month around his episodes will not affect him." Scorpius said, looking at the chart attached to the side of Andrew's bed. His vitals were high, but he could tell they had dropped since the medicine.

"Love, do you remember what happened?"

After the first incident with Andrew, Scorpius had taken it upon himself to create a journal to document Andrew's symptoms surrounding the moon cycles. Since this was only the second time he had one, it was imperative to make sure he added this to the list.

"I was sleepy after I saw you's. And I took a nap back at the home. When I woke up, I was mad. And I yelled at the kids and Misses Helen. I am sorwy"

Scorpius nodded. Though he didn't have to journal with him, he took notes down next to Andrew's file and made a mental note to copy this for his notes.

"Scor, remember Andrew was tired this morning when we saw him. We thought it was because he hadn't been resting well at the new home. I'm sure this is because of the cycle."

"Yes, I had pieced that together as well." Scorpius rubbed Andrew's hair, "Get some rest, dear. We have to talk to a few people."

With a small nod, Andrew let his head bob to the side, and Albus and Scorpius stood up and headed to the others in the room.

"He is very young. He still cannot control the symptoms he faces during the full moon. Just like someone who can't control their full transformations. He doesn't mean any harm. My uncle and

brother-in-law explained to us last month that these occurrences will be present for a lifetime but will dull over time. Me and Albus have been keeping an eye on things, but with everything going on the last few days we must have slipped on keeping track of the cycles."

"This is understandable healer Malfoy. I appreciate your need to be thorough. Your boss Lisa, spoke highly of your abilities to detail with your patients. I will inform Helen that Andrew is going to be just fine."

"This is all a bunch of crap," Leon mumbled from the side of the room.

"Mr. Leon, I will not ask you again to control your comments if they are not productive to the situation at hand."

Leon ignored Hermione and continued speaking, "I have had that boy for three years. Not once did I have to send him to the hospital or give him calming draughts. He is not like his mother. He will not fully transform. I do not believe he needs any special attention. He just needs a firm hand. Not all of this coddling. His kind will never be accepted and he needs to learn that. I can take care of him just fine."

"Mr. Leon. As touching as that all sounds, once you lost your son, it was our duty to make sure he was taken care of. We did that. You may not agree with where he is, but I can assure you he is safe and loved. As for your parenting style, the council decides if you are worthy enough to gain your son back. But tonight, I saw no evidence of you nurturing a child who has just gone through a traumatizing episode. Director Amy, if you have not please add that to your notes for the review." Hermione stern and steady, "I am no stranger to creature mistreatment and welfare. I understand your concerns for your son, and I cannot imagine what you and his mother have gone through. But I can assure you, the affliction your son has, will not be the most interesting thing about him growing up. He is a kind and loving boy. And under the right care, I believe this will help him grow and make him strong in whatever he so chooses to do."

If Leon had anything to say, he choose not to speak. Scorpius noticed that he also never once made his way over to his son's bed, and wondered if he has even shared a single word with him since returning and getting his memories back.

"Papa"

All the adults turned around towards the young boy whose eyes had reopened.

"Andrew, what do you need child?"

A lazy confusion fell over the boy as he looked towards Leon as he spoke. He raised his hand and pointed it towards Scorpius, "I meant my Papa."

If Scorpius wanted to react to his new name he held it in and made his way over to the boy, only slightly hearing Leon huff in frustration.

"Yes, love?"

"Will you stay with me? I am scared." Again Andrew reached his hand out and Scorpius took it in his. The tall man looked over to Amy and Hermione silently asking for their approval.

"I will allow it. Right now we need to keep him as calm as possible." Amy said before the latter got to speak up. Assuming the Minister would have no objections.

"Thank you," Scorpius said to Amy. he turned back to the toddler in the bed, "I can stay with you. But you need to get some sleep. Albus and I are going to step out for a moment and when I come in, it is right back to bed. Do you understand?"

Andrew nodded happily, releasing his hand as Scorpius leaned down and placed a kiss on his dark curls.

"Leon is in such a huff over everything. It was quite amusing if I do say so myself." Albus said smiling.

He and Scorpius were allowed to stay with Andrew for the night. The offer was extended to Leon, but he chose not to and made his way out of the hospital after being reminded of the time of the council meeting taking place in just a few hours.

"So," Albus said breaking the silence. He and Scorpius were sharing one chair near the foot of Andrew's bed. He had let Scorpius sit on his lap in case he needed to get up to check on Andrew. "How does it feel to be someone's Papa?"

"Am I detecting some jealousy, Al?" The taller man teased.

"Uh- heck yea! Firstly, I wanted to be Papa and secondly, I am upset that you got a name before me! I am always after someone. I even think James and Lily placed a bet against me being called some variation of 'dad' after you. Typical."

Scorpius just giggled. "I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. I doubt he will remember saying it in the morning. He is hyped up on calming draught and lycanthrope emotions." Albus still pretended to pout, "plus it will be short-lived if we lose him. That small call of Papa will be the thing that breaks my heart every time I have to think of him if he is taken from us."

The couple remained quiet for a moment. Neither of them knew what to say to the other.

After a few minutes Albus decided to break the silence, "I have a good feeling about tomorrow. You took the lead today and showed that you are more than capable to take care of Andy and also love him. That is what everyone needs to see. Leon may not be a bad guy, but I don't believe he is what Andrew needs. His life seems a little hectic."

Scorpius nodded, "but that is his father. And he did come back for him, that has to mean something. I couldn't imagine being taken away from my dad."

"I understand, but that is because your dad loves you and has never intentionally put you in harm's way." Albus took a deep breath and squeezed his fiancé tighter to him. "Teddy isn't my dad's biological son. But he took on that role for him from the day he was born. Same for my dad and my gran and granddad. They weren't my father's biological parents, but they loved him and made sure he was taken care of as one of their own, long before my parents got together."

"It isn't about blood. It is about who is the most capable to give you what you need. And I know that you and I can do that for Andrew. Leon will always be his father, but he may not be the best fit to be his Papa."

Scorpius nodded in understanding. He knew what Albus was saying and he completely agreed with it.

But he always felt a bit of guilt. He kissed the top of Albus; head and waited for him to doze off into a soft slumber.

Scorpius removed the smaller man's arms from around his waist and stood up checking on the small boy once more. Once both of his boys were okay, he made his way out of the room and up the stairs to the third floor. He found his desk and began to scribble for the next hour on a sheet of paper. He had an idea and he wanted to make sure he didn't forget it before morning.

—-

"Let's call this meeting to order. Will the Minister for magic, members of the audience, and council please be seated?"

Albus look ahead at the wizards and witches that stood before him. There were over two dozen of them. He wasn't sure if should have recognized them, but he did not.

He was sure the same couldn't be said for his father, Hermione, and Draco. The three of them were still active in the Ministry of course, and he assumed most of these people were their colleagues of sorts.

Albus hadn't needed to glance behind him, he knew that more than half of his entire family had shown up as well as Scorpius' Aunt Daphne and cousin Laurel. He assumed his Aunt Daphne was there more to be noisy than show support. But as long as she kept it to herself, he wouldn't mention it to his fiance.

He and Scorpius had sat to the left of the circular room, while Leon sat to the right. The judge had received the statements of each of the adults and decided to move on from there.

"I am judge Ashtonwein, and today we are here to make a judgment on the placement of Andrew Carter back into the care of Leon Carter. The council has already been debriefed on the situation at hand, that of Andrew's lineage, where Mr. Carter has been the last few months, and the temporary care he received at the residence of the Malfoy-Potter's. Firstly, I will call Leon to the stand to answer a few questions, then Andrew, and we will then give our ruling."

After everyone was clear on the order of events, Leon was asked to stand in the middle of the room and recite an old incantation of truth.

"Mr. Carter, is it true that you were attacked and lost your memory when you were separated from Andrew?"

"Yes." He replied.

"Before this occurrence have you ever lost Andrew?"

"No."

"Where is Andrew's mother?"

"I am unaware of her whereabouts at this time," Leon answered truthfully but Albus could tell he was uncomfortable at the mention of the woman.

"What is the nature of your relationship with Andrew's mother?"

"She and I were not married. She refused because of her... situation, I suppose. She left soon after his first birthday. I have been searching for her ever since."

"Did she give you any reason as to why she would want to run away from either of you?" The judge asked calmly as she looked at only Leon.

"It was because she didn't want to raise a son that could potentially be like her."

"Please elaborate Mr. Carter."

Leon stayed quiet for a moment.

"Mr. Carter, I asked you to elaborate."

"She didn't want a son who was a werewolf. I tried to convince her that it would be alright. But she never wanted the baby. She never wanted me. We just made a mistake. She left shortly after his first episode. They began after he turned one. His eyes began to glow, he would cry for hours at the time at the top of his lungs, and he wouldn't drink any milk. She believed he was going to turn soon. She blamed me for making her bring life into the world with a curse such as hers, and then she ran away. Aided by her pack at the time, they are unregistered and choose to live their lives off the grid. No matter how close I got to her the pack kept us out of reach."

Albus heard mumblings from both the council and his family behind him. Scorpius hadn't let go of his hand since they entered the room, but he gripped it tighter each time the judge asked Leon a question.

"Did you love Andrew's mother?"

"Yes."

"Were they any enhancements used to make her have feelings for you? Such as love charm?" "How dare you-"

The judge cleared her throat, "mind your manners Mr. Carter and answer the question."

"No. I did not use a love potion on her." Leon stated harshly.

"And what do you intend if you ever find her again?"

This was Albus' first case in front of a judge and council. Even after he and Scorpius got into trouble in their fourth year, they never had to do anything like this. They just suffered the raft of McGonagall and Ginny. Thinking back, he kinda would have preferred this to them.

"I want her to come back to me. I want her to love me the way I have always loved her. I have proven myself. I have taken care of the child and made him strong enough to fight off his symptoms. Well, he did before he came to live with these people." He gestured to Albus and Scorpius. Albus didn't have to look back to know a few members of his family were probably being held back by the harsh words. "I figure if she sees the kid is normal and fine she will come back and be with me. She owes me that much, I loved her despite what she is. I can look past that. She just needs to know that."

Albus noticed the judge's face never change, even though Leon's last testimony didn't mention anything about Andrew or a family, but his desire to be with Andrew's mother.

"That is all Mr. Carter. Take a seat. Can someone please bring Andrew into the room for his questioning?"

In a moment the small child was ushered into the room by Amy. She held his hand as she brought him to the center of the room.

Scorpius almost broke down into tears as he saw the young boy give him and Albus a small wave.

"Andrew. My name is Judge Ashtonwein, we met yesterday briefly. I know you had a long night, but I must ask you a few questions. Okay?" The judge spoke more softly to the toddler in front of her.

Andrew nodded.

"Andrew, do you know the man standing over there?" The judge pointed to Leon.

"Yes. He is my dad. I used to lives with hims."

"Great, and do you know the men standing over there?"

"Yes. That is my new dad's. That's Papa Scor" Andrew pointed towards Scorpius, "and that," he pointed towards Albus "is my Baba Al."

Both men were in shock at how he referred to them in front of everyone. "Okay, and do your Papa and Baba take good care of you?"

"Yup. We do a lot of fun things. We go to the park and go to all of our family's houses. They even let me and Gabe have sleepovers. He was my first friend and now my cousin. I like staying with Papa and Baba."

"That sounds like a lot of fun. And what about your dad? Did he take care of you?"

Andrew took a moment to think. He glanced back shyly at Leon and spoke more quietly than before. "Yes. But we didn't have a house and he was not very nice sometimes. He always said that we would be better if we had a mommy. But we never founds her. It made him very sad."

"I see. That can be frustrating. When your dad got mad at you what happened?"

"Umm, he would yell. And then we would have to take food from people 'cause we couldn't go home."

"And how did your dad act when you started to feel sick some nights like you did last night?"

"He would yell more. He told me not to show anyone my changes. Like my eyes. He said people would be afraid of me."

Albus' heart broke.

"I'm sorry to hear that. I can assure you that we as people sometimes do not always react well to what we do not understand. But I think we have come a long way because of some great witches and wizards. It may not always be easy but some people will understand you and love you no matter what."

"Likes my new family?" Andrew asked curiously.

The judge nodded. Albus saw the judge taken aback by Andrew's question. If she had another one for the boy she didn't ask it. "Andrew you did a good job, thank you. You can have a seat in the chair next to the Minister for Magic."

Amy and Andrew both made their way back to the stands and Albus saw Teddy reach over and high-five him.

The judge called for the council to make a decision to which they huddled together and spoke silently. Within ten short minutes, the speaker for the council stood up.

"Council what is your decision on the placement of Andrew Carter?"

"We as the council for the misplacement of children, have reviewed all evidence given to us over the last seventy-two hours. We have also taken into account the testimonies received today, and we have decided to entrust the care of three-year-old Andrew Carter with Mr. Malfoy and Potter."

The couple stood and gave each other big hugs as their families cheered for them in the background. Albus could feel Scorpius' tears on his cheek and realized he was also crying.

"Silence everyone!" The judge announced, "it has been decided. Andrew Carter will remain in the custody of Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. You two will adhere to all rules and restrictions provided to you by the Director of the Department for misplaced children. You will be under one year of probation before you are allowed to formally apply to legally adopt Andrew Carter. The year will include the past two months you have already spent with the child in question. If for any reason you two violate your terms and conditions, Andrew will be immediately removed from your care and placed elsewhere. This special hearing is adjourned."

With that the judge and council members left the room, leaving the family to celebrate.

The next day, Scorpius, Albus, and Andrew were back in the conference room at the ministry. They had been summoned by Amy to sign paperwork once more and go over their new restrictions to make sure they stayed in accordance to adopt Andrew within the next year.

The couple had to agree to random visits from agents, restrict any major travel out of the country, and provide any evidence that may arise moving forward.

As Albus and Scorpius signed their paperwork, Andrew sat at the table scribbling with a crayon. "May I come in?"

All four members in the conference room turned to see Leon walking in with a bag in his arms. In all the celebrating and excitement yesterday, neither Albus nor Scorpius got a chance to see the older man leave.

Unbeknownst to Albus, Scorpius had requested to see Leon no matter how the judgment turned out.

"I hope you don't mind, I told Leon this would be an acceptable time to meet you, Mr. Malfoy," Amy spoke setting her pen down.

"Scor? What is this?" Albus asked confused.

Scorpius signed and cleared his throat. "The other night at the hospital. I realized that no matter which way the discussion was made, I didn't think any of us wanted to lose Andrew. I got up and drafted a proposal to which I owled to Amy. She reviewed it and agreed to get us all together after the decision was made."

"One part of the letter mentioned a compromise if we had lost, which isn't important at this point. The second part, was if we had won. I had asked if it was possible to allow Leon to remain in Andrew's life. You and I would set the terms of course until Andrew was of age. As long as Leon agreed to be consistent and respectful to our family, I hoped it wouldn't be a problem."

"Andrew is important to us because he made us a family." Scorpius leaned down and kissed the boy's head, as he continued to color ignoring the adults. "But he is also the hope that Leon will find Andy's mother. Though it doesn't seem like you wanted to be a dad for the right reasons, I think it would benefit Andrew to have some line of communication with you. And if you ever do find his mother, I would hope she would want to get to know her son as well."

Leon and Albus stared at the blonde man in shock, neither of them expecting to hear this. Leon bowed his head and began to talk.

"I appreciate the gesture, I do. But you said it yourself I am not father material and I was only using the kid to get what I wanted. I am not sure I am a good role model for him."

Scorpius nodded in agreement, "yes, very true. But that doesn't mean you can't change. I am not asking you to make a decision right now. But I wanted to leave the door open for you if you decide this is something you want. Amy has agreed to be our line of contact. If you change your mind at any time, you know how to reach us. In the meantime, we will be sure to tell Andrew where he comes from as much as possible." Scorpius's voice was calm and confident.

"Mr. Carter if you would fill out a few forms before you leave that would be great. As the judge told you, we need you to fill out a birth certificate and any other information you may have about your family and your partner's family for Andrew's records that will be shared with his new family. If you would follow me this way, we can take of all that in no time."

Amy stood up and held the door open for Leon to walk out of.

"He is a good kid Leon, I do hope you consider our proposal in the future." Leon nodded at the tall man, took another glance at Andrew, and spoke silently. "Thank you."

Once the door closed, Scorpius went back to signing the paperwork. "I know I should have talked to you first, but after we talked about Teddy and Harry, I wanted to make sure Andrew could have a relationship with his family. I know we will love him like our own, but I just wanted to have that option for him."

"Leon is not perfect. But you are. Thanks for trying. And who knows maybe he will come around one day." Albus leaned over and kissed Scorpius' cheek.

"Baba Al, what are we going to do for the rest of the day?" Andrew spoke looking up at his fathers curiously.

"Well squirt, I think we are going to finish planning a wedding. It's time I got your Papa here, down the aisle." Albus stated as winked at his fiancé.

Scorpius smiled back at him and thanked Dumbledore that his family was back together.

—-

Hope you all enjoyed this long chapter. We finally got things squared away with Leon (for now). The next two chapters will be the last for part one of this story. Time to get ready for the Bachelor parties!

Until next week, Jazz.