Draco 17 August 2017
Tomorrow I am surprising my wife.
Shhhhh don't tell her.
I'm getting a new toy. And it is sweet.
But it is really an excuse to see her.
She's going to Chicago, I'm going to Detroit. I have to pick up my new 'baby'. Something that was recommended to me when we were in Rio.
I'm getting a completely tricked out Dodge Viper in Venom Black. It is this side of a race car.
I am excited.
But Christina in acquisitions will be meeting me in Chicago to look over some properties that we are looking to add to our portfolio.
Also Los Angeles is on the itinerary. But that I'm not going to. Christina has that.
I am more excited about a possible date with my wife in my new toy.
Yesterday was Rosie's birthday and party. She looked beautiful as did her mother. After the party there was a lovely thank you letter that arrived, sending my son directly to his room with a smile on his face and an owl left not much later.
Malfoy men have a thing for Granger women. It seems to have continued on to the next generation. I swear if Granger had sent me an owl, any year really, I would have done the exact same thing. And probably framed it. Even a mundane thank you letter.
Oh well, this will just make Sunday dinner a little more 'special'.
I wonder what my wife is going to say about this?
Oh bloody hell.
This is pure comedy. A comedy of errors.
I probably should say something. I need some liquid luck right now. "Scorpius Malfoy down here this instant."
"Yeah dad?" Dad. The best sounding word in the dictionary.
"What was that all about? With the inst-owl message? Was it to a Miss Weasley?"
He's blushing. Oh he's blushing. Got him now.
"How did you…"
"How did I know? Son I was a boy once before. I just need to know what I am stepping into. I know her mother," very well if I do say so, "myself."
"I just told her the truth. I was grateful to be invited. It was a lovely party. I look forward to seeing her at school. And…" his voice trailed off.
"Son you wouldn't be a Malfoy if there wasn't more to that letter."
"I told her she was really pretty and gave her my cell phone number." That may have been one word, but don't hold me to it.
Damnit.
"You know you'll see her every day, at meals and in class. She doesn't need your number."
"Well for this week dad. I said maybe we could talk or meet up to get our supplies." His blush gives everything away.
"I met her mum one year at Flourish and Blotts. With your grandfather." Not the best memory, but alas father was right, I had been talking about her quite a bit. "And I don't see any problem meeting up with Miss Weasley to get your supplies. Are you willing to reschedule with your mum?"
"She said she doesn't think she can go. She isn't feeling well."
Even though Astoria and I are divorced, everything was civil and even amicable for Scorp's sake. "Anything that I should be concerned about?"
"I don't know dad. She isn't talking much about it. But she is having a harder time getting downstairs for dinner."
"I'll stop by later today to check on her. Do you want to come?"
"Nah, I have a few things to do. I was hoping to have Al Potter come by later if possible."
"Send an owl to his mum. I don't see why not." Ginny probably would like one less boy under her feet, even for an evening.
"I'll do it right away. Are you off to the office dad?"
"I was just heading out. Let me know if the mini-Potter is joining us tonight." I gave him a hug. One that said that I never want him to grow up, or at least not grow up this fast. "I love you son."
"I love you too dad."
Moments later I am striding into the executive suites "Blaise, you here?" I call out, ignoring that his office door is open and there are voices coming out of it.
"Draco, my office, NOW!" he commanded me, as only he and Trini can.
"Yes deary. What did I do now and what flowers will get me out of the doghouse this time? Or is it so bad that jewelry is needed? Anything for my Missus."
I was greeted with the most overly dramatic eyeroll imaginable. One that Blaise has mastered but Pansy has perfected. They really are a pair. Across from him was someone not expected, Kingsley Shacklebolt.
"Good morning Minister, what brings you by at this unholy of hours in the morning?"
"I'll have you know I've had a lovely discussion with Mr Zabini here already and an equally lovely meeting with Mrs Weasley." Kingsley looked at me with eyes asking if he can divulge the information that he has entrapped in his brain.
"Oh how is my lovely wife this morning?" I casually lean on the corner of Blaise's desk, earning me a much deserved death stare, and knowing that should answer the question Kingsley subtly posed.
"Ah I didn't know my liberties extended so far Mr Malfoy." The politician replied. "She is doing well, I believe you only saw her yesterday at Rose Weasley's party. But the niceties are not the cause of my visit today, though your wife's situation is. May we speak freely?"
"I keep nothing from Blaise, as you probably can tell already. He actually has known of the situation long before you Minister. Even before Potter."
"Goodness, that is refreshing to know. At least I haven't divulged anything improper. But this meeting, the one in Chicago with MACUSA, this is going to be difficult for her and I worry about her safety. Especially after the incident in Manila. I am unable to send the aurors I would usually have accompany her, namely Harry, due to his involvement in the incident in its entirety. Your wife mentioned that she may have someone from your organization accompany her?" His baritone voice sounded of authority and stature. Kingsley was not one to be overstepped nor underestimated.
"Theo has suggested that he accompany her, as a friend. And - this is between us and remains in these walls - I will be in the states also. I have an acquisition that we are looking at in the area, and I am in the need of a new toy."
"Draco what the bloody hell are you buying now?" Blaise looked exasperated at my frivolous spending habits.
"You'll like this one, mate. I'm buying a Dodge Viper in Venom Black." You would think that I got a lollipop from the candy store as goofy my grin probably looked right now. "I was trying to get green trim, but it isn't offered. But to appease my belle, I have gone with the gold rims. She just… um… doesn't know just yet."
"Is it for her or you?" Blaise was staring me down. A battle he should know he won't win by now.
"Me. She got my new broom, so I'm getting something that can fly on land. Since she doesn't like flying in the first place."
"Merlin, help me please!" Blaise ejaculated verbally.
"But back on track, she will have protection on our end. Subtly disguised as an acquisition team investigating a prospective hotel venture. I wanted this out of the ministry's radar, so you and she could claim plausible deniability and such."
"And your presence?" the Minister looked at him accusingly.
"In case she broke again."
"Good thinking. Harry handed in his report on Rio the time she shut down. I can only assume it was you that gave him the information."
"You assume correctly. It was a text that brought Harry out in the first place. Well that an unsubstantiated paranoia and disdain towards me."
The Minister chuckles. "I wish I was privy to what transpired between the two of you for such a change of heart. Even when the Manila incident was unfolding, he had no reservations on bringing you into the team immediately. Something drastic must have taken place."
"Yeah that's something between my wife, Potter, and me." Blaise is looking at me with the 'oh you are telling me this later look' that his wife gives so often. "So now that you are reassured as to the Malfoy Industry presence, is there anything else?"
"Yes when can we 'borrow' the amazing Trini and Theo?"
"Theo upon his return. Trini - she's taking a much deserved mandatory vacation. Actually I believe Theo is going to join her on the vacation after this trip." Blaise's jaw is now on the 3rd floor. Which is surprising because the rest of him is currently residing on the 33rd floor. "I'll explain later mate. Minister, I will let you know when their mandatory vacation has concluded and they will be at your disposal."
"Also, I have heard about a magical piece of jewelry that your company is thinking of making? Personally I would be very interested in it."
"The one Miss Rose received, or the one my wife currently wears, Minister?"
"Both actually."
"At this point neither are in production, nor do they have any timeframe for production. They are immediate family only."
"Immediate family?" Blaise smirks. "Hmmm."
"Pansy is included. Actually she was supposed to get the prototype. But there were some, um, extenuating issues regarding her receiving the prototype. Adult ones. And you have yourself to blame for them."
"You're not saying my wife and my sex life"
"Is something I don't want to be privy to." The Minister concluded.
"You and me both Minister. But considering I am the godfather to half his kids, I am more than privy to much of the aftereffects. Now if this meeting goes down this path much further, I must insist that we move beyond tea and coffee to something more appropriate for the inappropriate topics discussed."
"Well, Mr Malfoy, it is a little early in my day to imbibe in such libation, so I will take my leave. I believe that Mrs Weasley is in good hands."
"As is Mrs Malfoy, Minister." I say smirking as the Minister leaves the office suite. I can't help it. I like the way Mrs Malfoy fits her.
"Oh you don't think you're going to get out of here that easily Draco. What happened to change Potter's opinion of you so drastically so fast? And Theo and Trini? When did that start?"
"To answer the first question: Much mate. Maybe my wife standing up to him, maybe walking in on us, maybe understanding that she comes first no matter what. Last night was harsh. I hate being away from her. The 20th can't come soon enough. I can't wait to tell the kids. Especially after this morning. And Theo and Trini, I can only guess in Manila maybe? I had no idea either."
"So what happened this morning? Unless she made a surprise appearance."
"Nope. Scorp. He is cursed. He is cursed with falling for a Granger."
"Him and Rose?!"
"He gave her his cell number to try and meet up to get supplies." Blaise shakes his head with the 'you're screwed' face. I take a deep breath. "Does Pansy know what's wrong with Astoria? She is backing out of going shopping with Scorp."
"No but I can ask her. This isn't something that she would miss. She's been looking forward to it since his birthday."
"I know. I am worried. I am worried for Scorpius. This is big for him. He's getting his wand."
"And dad is getting a broom? He's probably hoping to get one also."
I shake my head. "Lord help him if he makes the team. That will give him the confidence to ask her out if he's already telling her she's pretty and giving her his phone number."
"And they'll be living under one roof…"
"Don't even think it. Remember you're his godfather. I might just send him to you to spend some time. Like every holiday."
"He'll never want kids if you do that. I swear that Esme may be the last of them. She is so… not easy."
"Just like her mum I see. I have my job cut out."
"Yeah, but you can also use her as birth control." I double over laughing. Oh please let's get off this topic.
"Let's get some work done. It's been nice chatting with you, but I think my board actually would appreciate my appearance."
"I think your board would love to hear how you flew in and rescued the future Minister from a bloody madman. Think about the good public relations."
"Have them focus on Theo going in to assist in the extraction of Trini. Leave her out of it. And me."
"Draco Malfoy avoiding great press? This is a first."
"Wait until after we announce to the press. And by we - I mean"
"I know what you mean. Damn this is the hardest secret that would do a world of good for you."
"But it might bite her in the butt. Have you told mother?"
"Nope. I have been a good boy."
"You get a lollipop."
"I want a Viper. I looked it up while you were talking to Kingsley. I want one Dracooooooo."
"Maybe one will be in your stocking at Christmas." The bloke, love him. "What else do we need to go over before I leave tomorrow?"
"I want it in red." I just roll my eyes at him.
At the end of the day I remembered the promise I made to Scorp. I got an owl from Ginny saying that Scorpius is welcome to come over so that I could have the time to discuss matters with Astoria.
I strut into Malfoy Manor, ah it is so not good to be home. I wonder what my wife will think about being the Lady of this House?
"Master Malfoy, what brings you sir?" Rassy, one of the many house elves ask.
"Good eve Rassy, I am here to see Astoria. Is she in?"
"Of course Master. Would you like me to announce you?"
"Please. I'll wait in the library. There are a few things I am interested in. I might be taking a couple of books with me."
"Of course sir. I'll be right back. Would you be interested in some refreshments?"
"No Rassy, just Astoria. Thank you."
I look through the library to see if there are the tomes that I have been interested in and a couple that my wife was interested in. I find one, about the history of the Malfoy family and some of the jewels.
"Ah Draco, what do I owe this visit."
I turn to see my former wife, or the shell of my former wife. She still has the regal nature that Astoria always had, but her cheekbones are protruding and her formally tailored clothes hang on her as they would a clothes hanger - limp and deflated. "Darling, how are you?" I go and give her a hug, only to feel her ribs and see her collarbone. "Scorpius says you are not coming with us to get his school supplies."
"I have been better Draco." She speaks slowly, like always, but it sounds forced coming out. And breathy. "I found out that I have a rare blood curse that has befallen on me. There is no cure."
I fall into one of the wing chairs that flank the fireplace. "You didn't think to tell me? Astoria, I'm… I'm so sorry. What can I do?"
"There's nothing Draco. The healers and I have tried everything. There is nothing to cure it. It took me a while, but I have resigned myself that I don't have much longer." She sat across from me in the mirroring chair.
"Darling, that is all the more reason to come with us. If not for you, for Scorpius. Let him have these memories with his mother. With his family." I reach over to her, my eyes pleading.
"If I am feeling well enough when you choose to go, I will. But Draco, we need to discuss matters for afterwards."
"In due time my dear. Now we need to have you rest. There is another matter I need to discuss with you, but only if you are feeling up to it."
"Draco, I am here. I am talking to you. It will take a great deal of effort to get me back upstairs. Say everything you need to now." Even weak, her stern demanding demeanor comes through.
"I have remarried."
"Oh good," sarcasm, her second language. "You've already found my replacement."
"Dear, we've been divorced for nearly a year and separated longer."
"We've been separated most of our marriage, but that never stopped you."
"Actually I was always faithful. Always." I take a deep breath. "Your implication, Astoria it hurts."
"Draco, you always have loved women. You may never have touched, but you also haven't not looked."
"Astoria please."
"Or was it just the one? The one you would follow in the Prophet ad nauseam? The one when her picture showed, your eyes turned soft and gentle?"
"That's her. We eloped."
"Ah the widow Weasley and the divorce' Malfoy finally have found true love. I think I'm going to be ill. Oh wait, I already am." The venom spewing from her lips is nothing but hurtful.
"Please keep it out of the press and out of your circles. We haven't told the children yet and are planning to shortly. Scorpius doesn't know."
"How long do you expect me to keep my mouth shut?" There is hurt underlying her words. Only I can hear it. Maybe because I have hurt her so much and so often that it is a standard vernacular for her.
"Sunday we are telling the children. We have a family dinner planned with the Potters and Teddy Lupin - Nymphadora's son. We are going to the press the next day probably."
"Sunday dinner. So you aren't having dinner here?"
"No. I'm sorry."
"Fine. I will keep quiet. Probably for the sake of Scorpius I will continue to bite my tongue. But Draco, is it everything you dreamed?"
"Yes Astoria, it is. Actually more. I am blissfully happy. I wish the same for you."
"My peace will be later. Will she accept our son?"
"She already has. She'll be a wonderful mother for him, when the time comes."
"Then you both have my - ugh - blessing. As much as it pains me."
"Thank you. Honestly. And let me know if you need anything. If you want some time with Scorp, I will arrange him to come out of school. Anything. If I could, darling, I would buy a company just to find a cure for you. You still mean so very much to me."
"But I was never enough. It was always her."
"Yes it was I'm afraid. I'm sorry."
Now that I have Astoria down, I just have mother to tell. This one won't be so easy.
I knock gently on her door, she has a small apartment now near the hospital that one of the healers - now that I think about it, it was a Weasley - found for her. Something that she can easily control and not worry over the memories that it holds, like the Manor.
"Mother, are you in?" I call when my knocks go unanswered.
"Draco darling, is that you?" She opens the door and I see a wisp of the mother I once knew. The woman that saved the Chosen One. The stoic lady who had everything, and lost it all. This person standing in front of me is not the woman I remember.
Much like Astoria.
Are the women in my life cursed to be mere shadows of their glory before I came into their lives?
And will it follow with my dear Hermione?
"Yes mother. I came to check on you and give you some news."
"Good news I hope." She waves me inside and motions for me to sit on the old worn out couch in her sitting room.
"Yes and no."
"Well then, start with the nasty and end with the good then."
"Astoria is not well. I just found out today. It seems to be a fatal blood curse."
"In that case you can move into the Manor with Scorpius and I can join you. There. No bad news really."
"Actually I don't want to move into the Manor mother. That goes with the good news."
"Oh darling, do tell," the look in her eyes can only make me think of what she must have looked like in school herself, when she heard a new piece of gossip.
"I recently remarried."
"Please not to Astoria again."
"No mother, if that was the case I would have known about her illness prior to today. No, this is to Hermione Granger."
"Isn't she married herself, to that oh what's his name, you called him Weasel."
"Yes, but he is now presumed dead. So according to the Ministry she is a widow."
"You finally found your love. It's about damn time Draco."
"Excuse me, mother? Finally found my love?"
"Yes dear. Your father and I knew you loved her in school. It's good that you finally got off your arse and did something to make yourself happy for once."
Anyone who thinks my mother is not in her right mind is wrong. She has all her marbles, she's just hiding some for moments like this.
"Now Draco, when are we having a wedding?"
"Mother, we already got married."
"Not according to me. It hasn't been in the Prophet. Therefore it hasn't happened. I am thinking mid-November. A nice autumn celebration. I will get on the planning immediately."
"Mother." I say resigned. Even my beautiful wife knows, but ugh. My mother.
"Plus she can get away with not wearing white and not have it look too vulgar."
Thank you mother… just thank you.
