A/N:

To those who read my other stories, I have to apologize as all my work was completely deleted when my computer crashed. To say I was devastated would be an understatement. I don't know when I'll pick them back up as I am finding difficult to restart after I had made so much progress. To I have chosen to delete and if I decide to repost I will say so. For now, I have began a brand new story and hope you enjoy it. As always, I don't own harry potter or anything to do with the baseball legend Roger Clemens...

November 4th, 1981

"Do you still wish to hex me, darlin'?" Killian Picquery said, stepping into the family room of their newly built estate in Wiltshire. He smiled softly attempting to use humor, as he always did, at all the wrong times.

Having only been in England for three months, it seemed the American family had left their colonial home in Georgia at exactly the wrong time. Still, following the death of Ambrose Cogsworth(who had been murdered at the hands of a death eater), M.A.C.U.S.A had named Killian the new Ambassador of Magical Agreements between Britain and American wizardry culture. No matter what his personal thoughts, and those of his wife Victoria, his career now required that their lives be spent in both countries. The Piquery's would be, for however long he held the position, occupying two homes in two very different lands.

Victoria, who had been staring out the large window that faced the gardens, seemed to ignore his joke. "They say, You Know Who has been vanquished but the air still seems cold." Victoria's long brown hair swayed as she turned to face her husband. Her hazel eyes were filled with fear before she continued. "I don't believe his reign is over."

Killian crossed the distance between them both before wrapping his arms around her. His mocha skin was quite a bit darker than hers, and as he held her, it seemed to make her fair skin even more noticeable.

Victoria leaned against his chest, thinking solely of their daughter, Cassia, sleeping soundly in her crib upstairs. The thought of her life being in danger was what had bothered her most when Killian had discussed the move. Cassia had remained unaffected so far, but Victoria could only hope that would not change.

"Is that- Millicent Bagnold- coming toward our front door?" Killian said in surprise.

His wife immediately turned toward the window, her eyes narrowing in on the Minister of Magic. "What in the world?" She said, facing her husband.

They both headed for the front door in confusion. Although Killian had had many interactions with the woman at work, she'd never paid a visit to their home.

Killian thought back to their conversation the day before. He'd remembered discussing the result of Sirius Black's trial, as well as that of The Lestrange's. He had reported that M.A.C.U.S.A had backed their decisions and any assistance in discovering other supporters of Voldemort would be given immediately upon request. No, he thought to himself, her visit must be in regards to something else entirely.

"Minister Bagnold, what an unexpected surprise." Killian greeted her before guestering her inside. Victoria stood next to her husband with a welcoming grin, but hoped whatever the reason for her visit, it wasn't bad news.

Millicent smiled courteously, recognizing his confusion at once. "Before we begin, let me state you have been an exemplary ambassador and we appreciate your ongoing negotiations between our magical governments, and my being here has nothing to do with your work."

With a sigh, Killian smirked. "Well that's a relief."

"How about I make some lunch? Have you ever tried fried green tomatoes?" Victoria asked pleasantly. "I've got the best recipe in all of Georgia." She finished.

Millicent couldn't hold back her amused grin. It made her feel as if she'd just apparated to America, and she didn't want to refuse such a nice gesture, but knew Victoria needed to be present upon this particular discussion. "As delightful as that sounds, I have some news that I believe you both should hear."

Killian and Victoria shared a glance before Killian turned to look at the Minister.

"Alright." He said curiously before continuing. "Why don't we take this in the family room?"

Millicent nodded in agreement before the three of them headed toward their family room. It was a large area with beige walls and rustic furnishings that reminded them of their home in Georgia. The large fireplace was made of brick with several family photos placed on the mantel. One of Killian and Victoria smiling at the camera, then lovingly looking at each other, before facing the camera again. Another was the day Cassia was born. Victoria stared lovingly down at her daughter, caressing her tiny cheek. The final picture was on Cassia's first birthday. Her cheeks and mouth were covered in ice cream, as she put another bite in her mouth.

The sheer curtains were drawn back with twine and the hardwood floors were dark and seemed to glisten with each dancing flame.

"Please, take a seat." Killian instructed Millicent, who immediately sat on the family's large leather couch. Victoria chose to sit next to her husband on the matching loveseat just left of the couch.

"Now then." Millicent started out. She flicked open her brown briefcase before a large piece of parchment emerged from inside, floating upward, before remaining just at her eye level. "As of yesterday, Lucius Malfoy has been found guilty of all charges, and was sent to Azkaban indefinitely."

Millicent paused, looking at the Picquery's carefully, wondering if they would give any indication that the reason for her visit was becoming clear, but both Victoria and Killian seemed to remain aloof, so she continued. "It would appear he was given Veritaserum before the trial, which is not commonly done in court, but this does not change Mr. Malfoy's crimes. Following the trial, Narcissa has requested I reach out to you both."

Killian's brows creased together firmly, turning to face his wife, who had had several interactions with Narcissa since they'd arrived, wondered if she knew what was about to be said. Victoria, who could read her husband's expressions as plainly as spoken words, shrugged and shook her head, as if to say she didn't have the slightest idea what was going on.

With her eyes now fixed on the piece of parchment, Millicent began to speak its exact contents. "As of November 3rd, 1981 I, Narcissa Malfoy, have chosen to give my full cooperation to The Ministry of magic, including a list of names and places of operations for Death Eaters, letters exchanged between followers of Voldemort, and absolute proof regarding the innocence of Sirius Black."

Killian's eyes instantly grew large, trying to restrain himself from interrupting, the wheels inside his head spinning at the news of Sirius Black's innocence, as she continued. "Upon my cooperation, I have requested my son, Draco Malfoy, be placed with the Picquery family and both Victoria and Killian given partial custody and or guardianship in order to protect him from any wizard community outlash in regards to the Malfoy name."

Millicent paused, glancing above her glasses at the couple who stared in shock with their mouths slightly ajar. When neither of them said a word she continued.

"Draco will have a seperate account at Gringots which the Picquery's will be given full access to in regards to financial support. I have specifically chosen the Piquery's for reasons I would like to express, in the hopes they understand my decision. This family is dignified and respected amongst the wizarding community. Wealthy, influential, and also purebloods. Beyond that my impressions of Victoria were that she is a woman of dignity, pride, and a fierce love for her child. I too love my son just as fiercely as she does Cassia. I do not wish my son to live under his father's shadow, and know that having his time split between two countries, and under the influence of the Picquery's , there is a chance the prejudices of others will fade and all that will be remembered is whom I've chosen to come for assistance. I know the Picquery's might find this request strange, as they hardly know me, but my son is my world, and I will go to great lengths to restore the Malfoy name in high society, no matter the cost. If they so agree, I give my word at all I have said. Signed, Narcissa Malfoy."

The parchment began to fold itself, before gently floating back into her suitcase. With a deep breath, Killian placed his hands firmly on his knees, shaking his head in shock. Several times he had opened his mouth to speak, but words never came. He couldn't seem to find the right ones.

When the silence began to last, Millicent was about to speak when Victoria finally spoke out. "This is quite the shock, Minister. I-I understand how important us following the request must be to the Ministry, but this isn't money or some small favor she requests." Her hand touched her heart in deep thought. She couldn't imagine what Narcissa must be going through and it was obvious that protecting her son from prejudice was important to her, but they'd met five times and each of then had been very brief! She thought back to the day she'd decided to visit the Malfoy Manor, which was also in Wiltshire, and hadn't met Lucius as he was gone(he'd likely been busy with death eater things). Narcissa had been flustered and on edge, but she'd noticed how often Narcissa would seem to watch her intently as if studying her.

This wasn't something that affected Victoria whatsoever. She was, afterall, a white woman who had married a black man in the south. Not all people are ignorant, but she'd faced those who were many times, and developed tough skin under the scrutiny of others eyes.

Thinking back on that day, she wondered if Narcissa had been testing her just incase. As if, even then, Narcissa feared her husband might be caught, and if so she needed a way to save her son and protect him from the hate of others. A rush of empathy swept over Victoria, thinking of the lengths she would go for Cassia, before she continued.

"I can't speak for my husband, but there is nothing I wouldn't do for Cassia, even if it meant sending her away." Tears began to build as Victoria tried to hold them back. She couldn't imagine how Narcissa must have been feeling, but knew if she had to be parted from Cassia, it would cause her heart to break. Reaching for her husband's hand, she stared into his eyes pleadingly.

Killian could see his wife's answer immediately. She was ready to take this boy in, and he wasn't surprised in the least. Victoria had always been a nurturer and a giver. She'd spent more time donating to local charities, both no-maj(or muggle as the people of England said. He still didn't have that one down yet) and wizard alike, than she did in their home.

With a sigh, he smiled softly at his wife and her kind heart, now visible through her beautiful hazel eyes. When he faced Millicent he spoke. "We will help Draco and Narcissa, but I have a condition of my own."

Millicent's shoulders seemed to sink with sudden relief. The Ministry needed what Narcissa offered, especially if an innocent man had been locked away for crimes he never committed. She hoped reading exactly what Narcissa had written, her words would speak to the kindness within the Piquery family.

"If it's within my power I will make sure it happens, so please name your request." Millicent said.

"I want Narcissa to remain as involved in Draco's life as possible. She must still be his mother first and foremost."

Millicent grinned. She had been made aware of Killian's good character since she'd first heard of him, but it was moments like this that she absolutely loved to witness. "Mr. Picquery, Narcissa wishes to be involved in her son's life in every way possible, but hopes that the wizarding community, knowing he will be under your family's influence, will accept that his character was modeled by good people rather than his father." She paused shifting to get comfortable and trying to phrase Narcissa's words as best as she remembered them. "She wanted us to meet at Malfoy Manor if you both agreed to the terms so arrangements could be made between the three of you."

Victoria and Killian shared another glance. Both of them were smiling at the other, ready to welcome this young boy into their lives. The two of them had faced a lot of adversities over the few years since they had been married, and had known what it was like to face community outlash. They also knew that people had the tendency to punish a child for the sins of their father, and hoped Draco could be spared from that.

Victoria reached for her husband's hand, squeezing it affectionately. She adored her husband's kindness, and it had been the reason she'd fell so madly in love with him. He was the kind of man who rushed to protect others at any cost and as his dark round eyes gazed into hers, she looked at him as if he were the most handsome man on earth.

"Narcissa is waiting for us." Millicent said, interrupting the couple's moment. "Shall we head to Malfoy Manor?"

Victoria looked toward her husband before speaking. "I'll wake up Cassia, get her ready, and we can leave."

•••••

"Mr. And Mrs. Picquery." Narcissa greeted the couple warmly but something in her manner seemed distant, and Victoria took notice. Narcissa was a thousand miles away it seemed, and despite her attempts to disguise the pain, her current broken heart could be seen deep within her eyes.

"I know how all of this must seem, especially since we hardly know each other." Narcissa started as she looked toward Victoria. "But nothing I can do on my own can redeem my son in the eyes of the community." She paused, her eyes glancing toward the ground before looking back at Victoria, who held her daughter in her arms. Narcissa smiled gently at the child, thinking of her son who played on the floor behind them. Facing him, she began to speak again. "His father is gone, and nothing can be done. But I can restore our name, and give Draco his best chance"

Victoria moved toward Narcissa as her eyes filled with all the empathy she felt. "I am sorry for your situation, and I hope what you're trying to do for your son is made possible."

Narcissa smiled wholeheartedly, pleased with the decision she'd made. She was certain they were the right people for this. Just how little convincing it had taken for the Piquery's to do this spoke volumes.

Facing Draco, Narcissa felt somewhat at ease. For the first time since Lucius' conviction, her son had a shot at a good future.

••••••

July 1st 1987

"Cass!" Draco shouted at the top of his lungs, infuriated at the sight of her fat cat sprawled across his bed.

The dark black sheets blended with his black headboard. The desk to the write of his bed was covered in letters he'd received from his mother. Some new and some from years ago, over the months they would spend a part.

Bilbo swished his tail back and forth as if to taunt Draco, spreading his long fur across his blanket.

Cassia crossed her arms as she stood in the doorframe of Draco's bedroom. Draco cursed under his breath wishing he had a wand already and could hex that bloody cat.

"Don't even think about it." Cassia snapped. The last time Bilbo had annoyed Draco he'd used underage magic and Bilbo had ended up completely bald.

With a mischievous smirk, Draco faced Cassia, her hazel eyes filled with rage. "Then get that fat, waste of space off my bed, or he can spend another month looking like a giant smashed-face rat."

Ah!" Cassia yelled before stomping toward Draco's bed and snatching up Bilbo before rushing out of his room.

"Loser." She said before disappearing down the hall.

Draco sighed, plopping himself on his mattress, with his hands clasped together behind his head. Staring at the ceiling, he thought of his mother and how this would officially be his last summer with the Picquery's. It was finally time to go home to Malfoy Manor permanently.

Over the last six years Draco had left Wiltshire for Atlanta, Georgia routinely every four months, splitting his life between two continents all for "his namesake"(as his mother always explained).

"One day you'll understand why restoring the Malfoy name has been so important." She had said two years ago over lunch. Draco had always liked the Picquery's. He'd grown extremely close to each of them(especially Cassia who he loved to tease ruthlessly) and felt welcome when they'd leave for Atlanta, but for once he wanted to stay with his mother. Who, despite his pleades, had stated how close he was to gaining respect in the wizarding community. All the trips tagging along with the Picquery's, all the Ministry parties he'd attended surrounded by a family adored by most, and things were beginning to change. She couldn't have him back out now.

When spring had come that year, Narcissa had known things were different and she'd said as much to her son. She was outside of Gringotts and had run into The Diggory's. Amos, who worked for the Ministry, had given her an apprehensive look at first, but quickly asked how her son was doing. Narcissa had been quick to mention he was with the Picquery's but all was well. In which Amos had responded that Draco was becoming a fine young lad.

This was why he could finally come home for good. It seemed the name of Malfoy was no longer just his father's name, whom he didn't remember, but his as well. Draco could be the Malfoy his mom dreamed of and he only hoped he could make it happen.

Narcissa was everything to Draco, and though he wasn't always the most affectionate boy, he showed his mother love through his personal drive to be everything she hoped for and when Draco attended Hogwarts one day, he'd strive to be the best in his year. Only further solidifying what it meant to be simply Draco Malfoy, and not just the son of a prisoner.

A tap on the wall of his door frame brought Draco out of his thoughts before he sat up.

"Hey kiddo." Killian said, tossing a baseball in the air before catching it with the same hand. "Feel like a game?" Killian asked with a smile.

Draco's face immediately lit up, before he jumped off his bed and reached for the brown glove, sitting on top of his dark dresser, Killian had bought him last year. "Of course!" Draco said, excitedly.

Killian chuckled as he watched Draco rush to put on his shoes before dashing down the hall passed him. With the ball still in hand, he made his way down the hall while Draco had taken two steps at a time before leaping from the fifth step up and firmly hitting the ground.

"Will ya' relax there?" Killian said with a laugh. "The whole damn house is shaking."

"Sorry." Draco replied, but had only managed to slow down to a jog. Victoria, who had been sitting on the couch reading, looked up toward him with a smile. Draco had become a member of their family, and they adored his competitive drive.

"I want to play!" Cassia said from behind her father as she placed on her pink sneakers and matching ball cap.

He grinned at his daughter, who looked so much like her mother and had only inherited his caramel skin and curly dark hair. Her hazel eyes, that were a dead ringer for Victoria's, instantly filled with excitement.

"I think someone just wants to strike out Draco again." He said with a playful wink.

She giggled, thinking of the countless games they'd played before and how often she had managed to get under Draco's skin. Although Draco seemed to be naturally good at most things(and whatever he'd discovered he wasn't good at, Draco was the type of boy who worked to change that) Cassia was always one step ahead when it came to baseball.

Quickly making her way down the hall, she laughed as Bilbo immediately headed for Draco's room before she went downstairs, passing her father in the process."

"Mom, do you know where my-" Cassia started out before her mom quickly interrupted.

"On the deck sweetie." Victoria said, looking over the top of her book as her daughter now swiftly headed toward the back door.

"Okay thanks." She yelled out to her mom before closing the door behind her.

"She is going to miss him." Victoria said, placing the book on her lap while looking up at her husband who had finally reached the bottom step.

The living room pine, as a scented candle burned on the oval coffee table in front of Victoria. The large area was covered in wooden flooring with large windows that allowed quite a bit of natural light. It was an elegant home with furnishings that showcased the family's wealth but nothing was particularly flashy, just of great quality.

"Once she starts at Ilvermorny and he at Hogwarts, they won't even have the luxury of seeing each other every few months." Victoria started out with her eyes facing the back yard. "I'll be here during the times you are needed in London to remain close to her, and she will miss him somethin' awful."

Killian nodded. "That doesn't mean they can't see each other. Narcissa loves Cass and I'm sure she'd be just as willing to have her stay over at their place for the summers, as we are to have him over here."

"I know." Victoria replied. "But it won't be the same." There was sadness in her voice as Killian moved toward her. He touched her cheek before leaning down to kiss his wife. Her hands went around his neck as his lips moved across hers before finally pulling away.

"I know you'll miss him, maybe even more than Cass." Killian started out, smiling at all the love his wife had to offer others. "But he'll still be a part of our lives."

Victoria swallowed back her emotions before sighing heavily. "His last summer living with us." She shook her head in disbelief at how quickly the time had come and gone.

"Six years." Killian said aloud, thinking over Draco's time with their family. He smiled encouragingly before speaking. "His last summer living with us, but not his last summer seeing us."

With a final kiss he pulled away from his wife before heading toward the back yard. "I better get out there, or the two of them will start a mutiny."

Victoria laughed as Killian pulled open the door, before stepping out and shutting it behind him. For a moment she just stared toward her family, wondering when the time came to attend a magical school, if the decision should be left to Cassia and what she would choose. To attend the school every Picquery had gone to for generations, or to be alongside Draco at Hogwarts. Contemplating this, she nodded to herself, realizing she wouldn't make the choice for her. Cassia would decide.

As Killian stepped outside, he was immediately met by the brisk Atlanta heat. It had been in the 90's all week, and today was no different. Looking toward the kids he noticed Draco was holding the ball in his right hand, while wearing his glove in his left. With a strong toss, the small white ball soared directly toward Cassia who caught it with ease.

"I still love it." Draco started out. "Baseball is great fun, but nothing compares to quidditch."

Cassia rolled her eyes."Tell that to Roger Clemens,who had the chance to play either sport but chose the no-maj one anyway."

She quickly tossed the ball back to Draco, her aim so flawless he'd barely had to move his glove. When Draco threw t once again, Killian waved his wand, causing the ball to come soaring toward his glove before landing with a thud firmly inside the thick leather.

"If you two are done messin' around, how about we head to the park for a real game?"

"Yes!" they both shouted in unison, before Cassa smirked. "I wonder how many times I'll strike him out today." She said, challengingly.

Cassia was well aware just how much her comment would set Draco off, and if she was being honest, it was just the way she liked it.

•••••••••••

"I can't wait till we leave for Lake Hartwell tomorrow." Cassia said as she lay just several feet from Draco on the Piquery's back yard deck. There weren't too many stars visible in Altanta, but the few they could see twinkled above them magnificently.

"I love the stars there." she continued before shifting her weight to face him. He nodded silently, never taking his eyes away from the sky. For a moment she studied his expression, wondering what thoughts twisted in that brain of his.

With a smirk, she laid flat on her back again, resting her hands on her stomach. "You did good today." She admitted, referring to their game in the park.

Having thrown two strikes, Cassia thought she had a chance of breaking their tied score, once it was her turn to bat. All she had to do was nail her final pitch, but this time Draco was more determined than ever to win, and when she threw the ball, it connected with his bat, sending a loud crack through out the air. His hit had gone way beyond the bases and Killian cheer with wild praise. When he circled the bases and stomped on home, she knew he would never let her forget

Cassia enjoyed winning, but in truth so did most of the world. She also wasn't the type to quit or give up without a fight, but beyond her own determination, what was most important to her was the people she cared about. Draco, was definitely important to her. She'd spent most of her childhood at his side. Laughing, fighting, teaching him American culture and learning London's from him, studying school subjects and cheating off each other's work when they could get away with it, even exchanging gifts during Christmas and birthdays with one another.

Draco smiled at her comment smugly, turning to rest his head on the palm of his hand to face her. "I did, didn't I?"

She rolled her eyes and giggled, causing him to laugh as well. "You still gotta long way to go, rookie." She teased.

He stuck out his tongue in a mocking fashion and was about to say something in remark before the door swung open, catching both their attention.

"Draco, Cass, it's getting late and we leave tomorrow morning for the lakehouse." Victoria said, waving them both inside.

Following her instruction the two kids, headed for the back door before stepping passed Victoria who patted them both affectionately as they went by.

The hot water coming from the kitchen sink sent bits of steam floating through the air as the dishes were being scrubbed on their own, before moving toward a purple dish towel that gently dried each, as they then floated toward the open cabinet laying softly on top of another in perfect order.

"Good night, you too." Victoria said to the kids who both replied their goodnights to her as well as one another.

As Cassia and Draco reached the top steps, Bilbo jumped out into the hall from Draco's room with a meow, greeting Cassia as he circled her feet.

"Blimey cat." Draco said, annoyed he had returned to his room.

"Maybe you'll start to shut your door now." She said, picking Bilbo up from the ground as he immediately began to purr.

Draco turned to glance at Cassia, standing just beyond his own doorway with his hand firmly gripping the door. "Maybe you'll start to learn how to throw a good curveball that I can't hit." He gave her a sarcastic grin before slamming the door leaving her standing there before she had the chance to give a retort.

Cassia's mouth fell open in shock and annoyance as she narrowed her eyes. "Sometimes, he just needs a good punch in the nose." she said aloud, stroking Biblo under his chin as she made her way toward her room.

A/N

Thanks for reading the first chapter! I hope you enjoyed it. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Picquery name, their heritage will be explain a little more as the story continues, but Seraphina Piquery was introduce in Fantastic Beasts and was the President of MACUSA. I can't say how long it will be before the second chapter is posted but it shouldn't be too terribly long. I want to spend time introducing my character Cassia, her family, and their relationship with Draco before he heads off to Hogwarts. As always, leave a review if you like!