Chapter 18

Hermione and George retire to their room. Tonight's batch of memories were very moving. Seeing how each other remembered what happened is eye opening and their present reactions to each other proves once again that they are still as much in love with each other as they were the day of their first date.

George reaches out for her. "Still as beautiful as that day we bought Zetes." He murmurs as he pulls her into a kiss. He lifts and pins her against their door. He kisses every inch of skin that he uncovers as he starts stripping her of her clothes.

"I am one lucky man." He swears when he gets her undressed. He pulls back to gaze in wonder at her. "Even after all these years, you are the hottest thing I have ever encountered."

Hermione is nearly silent aside from the odd moan and groan at his words and roving hands. George pushes his pants down to his thighs and takes her against the wall, like he did on their honeymoon, because their bed was much to squeaky to get really into it. He had gently taken their virginities on the bed, but once inside and she said she was good, he had moved them to the wall. He placed silent spells on their room and then their mouths. Everyone knew the next day, but at least they were considerate.

Hermione takes care of the spells this time and they make as much noise as they do when Isabelle is in Scotland. In the back of their minds, they wonder if it feels the same as their honeymoon because they are creating another life or if it's just because their memories are on display.

George carries her to bed and stretches out, holding the most precious person in his life in his arms. "Goodnight, my girl."

"You haven't called me that in years." Hermione whispers, her voice a little choked up. He pulls her to him more. "Well, I guess I need to step it up then. Hermione, you are everything to me. You and Belle. I know Mum gives you a hard time and lord knows she asks me if I'm sure even after all these years, but no one is ever going to tear me away from the my girl and my little girl. Now go to sleep. I need your mind tomorrow for payroll, Missy." He pecks her lips and holds her in his arms.

The news of Isabelle Weasley telling Ricky Corner off, is finally getting around the Hogwarts gossip line. As witnessed by Hermione herself as at least ten teens come in just to ask her if it's true. Fred and George don't get a reprieve either. When Belle herself comes in to Triple W for her shift. The worst of the gossip clique is waiting to pounce.

Belle rolls her eyes heavenward. "Yes, Ricky and I are not together anymore. He broke up with me. I would not take him back. Unless you want to buy anything, have a nice summer." She shuts the girl off with the bare facts and turns to the paying customer.

"Your little girl is harsh, Forge. That was a Granger smack-down if I have ever seen one." Fred winces at the icy voice, straight back and raised eyebrow. "That brow has got to be genetic. I have had Angie wake me from bad dreams about that brow." Fred mutters.

"It isn't the brow. You know you've done it, if you get the brow, compressed Minerva lips and crossed arms. That is the stuff of nightmares, mate." George tells him offhandedly, as he looks through the paper for the second time that morning.

Fred shivers.

The news about Belle begins a parade of guys through the two shops. George and Hermione jokingly have a list going on who actually is really interested. The sad thing for George is that Isabelle, who takes after her mother aside from her hair color and freckles, is growing into a beautiful woman. One that many of the younger men would be happy to claim as theirs.

One boy has already decided that Miss Isabelle Weasley was worth any gruff he will get from his grandfather. He is following his father's request to a tee. The girl's parents were not only just magical, but highly magical. Her father comes from an old pure-blooded family and her mother is the most famous witch in recent history.

Scorpius walks into the formal dining room, attired for their evening meal. "Evening Grandfather, Grandmother, Father and Hannah. How were your days?" He asks conversationally. Scorp can tell that his father and grandmother were not fooled, even if Grandfather and Hannah fell for the bait.

Once Lucius and Hannah are done recounting their days, one at the large Malfoy Inc. and the other at St. Mungo's, Cissa ventures into the breech. "How did your day out go?" She asks, genuinely wanting to know.

It was the older couple's genuine love for their grandson that cinched the custody deal for him. Draco and the Malfoy family just plain wanted him with them more than his Greengrass family. His Nott cousins are more important as the children of the heir than the spare's measly Malfoy brat. Of course, Uncle Theo's financials will never equal that of Draco Malfoy's.

"It went very well, thank you." He returns jovially. "I was fitted for my robes, made an advance order for my books and bought a few items at that joke shop, before getting more writing supplies, potions ingredients."

"What'd you find at the Weasleys'?" Hannah asks. Her best friend was married to Hermione Weasley's best friend.

"A few items that will help with my studying. I don't know who's influence it was to put mild mental enhancement charms in a candy form, but it should help during my studying sessions." Scorpius tells her.

"Ah, that would be either Hermione or Belle. Like me back then, you will have to go up against a great intellectual. Belle may have Weasley hair color and last name, but don't mistake it, she is a Granger through and through. Her mother pulled Harry through seventh year studies while on the lam. He just took the NEWTs, but 'Mione went back. Her scores are almost perfect. She didn't take Divination." Draco tells his son, watching him closely. There is something else going on with him. Scorp could never keep a question to himself for long, so they will find out soon.

Scorpius looks to his grandparents. He doesn't want to cause any harm to "Grandpa Luc". That is how he thought of his grandfather, but feared rejection too much to risk calling him that.

"Grandfather," Lucius looks up, giving Scorpius his undivided attention. He had learned the hard way to do so. "Yes, Scorp?"

Scorpius clears his throat. "When I told Father that I didn't want a betrothal, he commented on not bringing home a muggle in hopes of saving you a coronary attack." Lucius' eyes widen and he looks at Draco and Cissa.

"Would you have a problem if her parents are a pure-blood and a muggle-born?" The blonde boy is worried until both his father and grandfather relax and start smiling. "Scorpius, you had a run in with Isabelle Weasley, didn't you?" Lucius asks, relieved that the girl was properly raised.

"Yes, she and I were only able to talk for a few moments, but she didn't mind being seen with me, talking with me or helping me. She seemed smart, knew who I was immediately."

Draco laughs a bit and reaches for Hannah's hand. "Son, there is no getting away from our genes. If you looked at the family portraits, you would see that you resemble every Malfoy male going back generations. Belle is an exceptional girl. She would make an excellent girlfriend and if it lasts, wife." Draco looks to his parents as they try on the idea of being related to the girl that was tortured in their parlor.

"Scorpius, if she will have you, we would be honored to include her into the family. I am sorry that I am the reason that she could possibly turn you down. I am ashamed that I pulled your father down with me, but he has proven to be more of a man than I have ever been." His grandfather's smooth voice runs over the words.

Scorpius nods. "Alright, I will now plan to ascertain if she has a boyfriend. If she does, a little teeny bit of sabotage won't hurt. If not, then I will ask her out."

Lucius and Draco laugh as Hannah and Cissa shake their heads. "Spoken like a Malfoy, my boy." Lucius smiles at him.

After dinner, Scorpius retires to his rooms to write Isabelle. He takes out his best parchment, quills and ink and sits at his desk.

Isabelle,

Hello, this is Scorpius Malfoy. In talking to my father and grandparents, I realized that I never found out if you had a boyfriend before asking you to dinner. Do you? If so, I am deeply sorry for placing you in such a position.

If not, my offer still stands. I would like to get to know you and possibly aspire to filling such a role with you. Please feel free to write me back anytime.

Your Servant,

Scorpius Draconius Malfoy

Scorp seals the letter and addresses it to Isabelle. He sends it via his father's trusty eagle owl, Helios. He goes to bed to dream of Miss Weasley.