Friday, 25 June, 12:45 HST, almost 8 years ago
Drew sat in the living room of the beach house along with Aston, Steven Davis, his Pureblood Squib significant other who was also a fellow Culinary Arts graduate, Dean and Neve, his wife of two years, who was also a Half-blood Squib. The former Ms. Longbottom and Dean had gotten reacquainted at Cambridge. Two years later, Neville and Parvati Longbottom gave their blessing when Dean asked them for their oldest daughter's hand in marriage. Luna and Dean Thomas welcomed Neve into their family. The pair was going to give birth in another four months, hence they figured what better time to award themselves with a vacation.
Aston, Steven, Dean and Neve, coincidentally had graduated from their respective universities a month earlier. Aston and Steven both received Culinary Arts diplomas from Kapi'olani Community College. Dean had received an Applied Criminology degree while Neve collected a Plant Sciences degree.
Also graduating in May were Phillip and his new brown haired, hazel eyed girlfriend, girlfriend number 11, Reese Livingston. Phillip graduated with an Education Degree in English and Reese graduated with a Business and Marketing diploma. They had reason not to be sitting in the living room of the beach house. Phillip was currently sitting at a table at the Barclays Center in New York.
The camera panned to show the 6'8" power forward in his grey suit with a dark green tie. His father, Phillip, Sr. sat on one side of him, smiling widely, also looking quite dapper in his own suit. On Phillip's other side sat Reese, looking lovely in her silver dress, clinging to his upper arm. Drew excused herself to get drink refills for her guests.
Drew and her guests sat watching the proceedings of the National Basketball Association's annual draft. This year, Phillip was a prime prospect, projected to be one of the top ten draft picks. He had a great year helping the University of Hawai'i Men's Basketball team repeat as National Champions. The five friends sat watching, probably more anxious than the potential draft pick, himself.
o-o-o
As predicted, Drew had quickly dispatched of her undergraduate studies, graduating with a Medical Technology Bachelor's Degree in her first two years of university. She then entered the John A. Burns School of Medicine where she was now finishing her second year of Medical School.
Phillip was there every step of the way, keeping her grounded, as many a supportive housemate would be. He even kept up his half of the bargain with reference to keeping any Muggles away from the home; in layman's terms, no sleepovers.
They had many a long night conversing about their studies, their trials and tribulations, and their personal lives, or at least Phillip's love life and who he was with at any given moment. She dreaded hearing a new name. The last two years were a bit of a trial for her. He would have his "sleepovers" elsewhere. And like clockwork, she would usually get the morning after phone calls for whatever one-night stand he had participated in.
Aston would hang out at the beach house on the Sundays. His secret was just that, still a secret. The three Londoners would keep each other in line and on track with their schooling.
o-o-o
Wednesday, 20 December, 21:00 HST almost12 years ago
It was during their first winter recess that Drew suggested that Phillip tell his father about her and her family. Phillip looked at her as if she were crazy.
"You can't keep your father in the dark for much longer, Phillip," Drew said. "He's going to want to see your quarters soon."
"I'm trying to avoid that," he said.
"Well, it's going to be quite difficult," Drew said, shrugging.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Well, my parents, kind of, invited your Dad to take the holiday here at the beach house," Drew said.
"You're shitting me, right?" Phillip said.
Drew laughed nervously. "I think it would be best if he heard it from you," she said. "Mum, Dad, the boys and your dad are flying in on British Air in two days.
"Grandpa Lucius and Grandma Narcissa are Flooing into the house a little after Mum and Dad them are set to arrive," Drew said. "You need to help me craft an explanation, especially when we start to drive on the ocean."
He guffawed. "Okay," he nodded. "We'll make this work."
o-o-o
It had actually turned out okay. Phillip and Drew picked up the travelers from the airport; Phillip in his black Cruze hatchback and Drew in her used blue Buick Encore. Phillip and Drew helped to load the luggage into both vehicles. Phillip, his father and Mr. Malfoy jumped into Phillip's car. Mr. Malfoy nodded at the young man to give him some encouragement in his explanation of the Wizarding and Muggle Worlds. They drove home.
By the time Lucius and Narcissa arrived, Mr. Martinez was at the brink of disbelief. It wasn't until the grandparents stepped out of the green flames of the Floo networked fireplace that he finally believed everything. The veteran Airman took it all in stride.
The two clans had an amazing dinner. Drew and Phillip grilled steaks, chicken, shrimp and vegetables. Everyone filled their stomachs.
When it was time for bed, the grandparents shared a room. Draco and Hermione shared another one. Drew kept her room. Phillip kept his room. Draco showed Phillip's father another of the guest rooms. Junior took the last guest room while the twins took the couches in the living room.
Thus, began the tradition over the next three years. Mr. Martinez came to know the rest of the Malfoy clan with the yearly Christmas holiday in Hawai'i. Phillip, Sr. would keep this secret safe. Drew reminded Phillip that she knew everything was going to work out fine. Phillip had rolled his eyes and smiled.
o-o-o
Friday, 25 June, 13:30 HST, almost 8 years ago
The friends were on the edge of their seats as they watched the commissioner call out the picks. Drew watched as the camera focused on the Martinez family. She blew out a breath as the commissioner started to announce the next pick.
"With the number seven pick, the Boston Celtics choose, 6'8" power forward from the University of Hawai'i, Phillip Martinez, Jr."
Phillip hugged his father who whispered that his Mum would be so proud of him. Mr. Martinez looked into his eyes and nodded to him. Reese hugged him before he could head up to the stage. Drew's breath hitched for a moment. She had to take a gulp of her drink to calm down. Dean squeezed her shoulder.
Phillip held up the green Celtics jersey top for the cameras to see after placing the team's cap on his head. He was all smiles. He didn't care who drafted him, he just wanted to play. He knew he would make the most of his opportunity.
o-o-o
Friday, 25 June, 13:45 HST, almost 8 years ago
Phillip sat in front of the Celtics logo for the proverbial draft pick press conference. He sat in between both his father and his brunette girlfriend.
"So, Phillip," one of the members of the press started, "you might be an anomaly. You're the first draft pick in recent years to have graduated from college before declaring for the draft."
Phillip laughed, "Em, it wasn't a very difficult decision for me to stay in school. I promised my Mom years ago that I would get my degree. I wanted to do right by her. I'm glad I had the opportunity. I learned a lot, culturally, educationally as well as athletically with my time at U.H."
Drew smiled to herself. The group of friends six time zones away raised their drinks in a toast to the student-athlete turned professional baller.