Draco 21 August 2017

Last night went better than expected I think. Rose asked a great deal of questions. Hugo, well he wants his dad back terribly, and feels like I'm replacing him. Scorp was pretty silent on the measure until we got home and it was the two of us.

"Okay dad, dish. You and Rose's mum, how long have you two been together?"

"Since the beginning of the month."

"No, not how long have you been married. How long were you dating?"

"That's the thing son, we weren't. We hadn't seen each other in years. We saw each other in Rio, talked all night and realized there was a spark that neither of us knew about before. We were impulsive - something I don't recommend for Malfoys in general - and we eloped that night. I woke up next to her the next morning and realized that it was what I had been missing my whole life. So much was right in general, but there was something missing. She was it."

"Dad, you do realize how cheesy that sounds. The whole 'lost love found' cliche'. It is a bad chick flick in the making." My dear son collapsed on the living room couch, throwing his feet over the armrest. The rest of the flat was empty, which felt weird - like something was missing. It had always been the two of us at most here, but there lacked a warmth. It was very muscular, urban, contemporary. The couches were all black leather and metal. The coffee table matched in glass and a simple metal oval frame. The three side chairs surrounding the hearth and - above it, hidden by some random black and white abstract art piece - a telly. The vaulted walls of glass showed the whole city below. It fit me, up until this month.

"Yeah I know. But kiddo, it's the truth. I love you mother, but she was never 'the one'. Even she knew it. When I told her the other day, she knew exactly who I married. She didn't ask, she knew. Son, I don't know what else to say, but I hope you find that kind of love." I went to the adjacent kitchen, also very urban feel with the onyx counters and matching glazed black cabinetry, and pulled out a Muggle beer from the fridge.

"Okay, I'll bite. So are we moving or are they? Because I don't think I want to share a room with Hugo and there aren't that many bedrooms here in the loft." He's right, above us were four bedrooms - one of them that was always designated as my at home office.

"I got a house for us all. You'll each have your own room. I am thinking about putting something on so that I know when you sneak out of yours. Like a alarm or something."

"For what dad? I mean really. Why?"

"To talk to Rose."

"No dad. It is kinda weird now that she's kinda my sister and all. Wait, does that mean I have to help Al and keep boys away from her? That's what James said he had to do."

"Only if you don't think they're right for her."

"No one will be right for her dad. I know it."

That's because you're in love with her son, and don't know it yet. Wait until all the Weasleys come down on you for falling for their Rose.

Now that the kids know, and some of the family, we think it is semi-safe to be in public as 'friends'. Yesterday was the Potters for dinner. Tonight it is us for the first time as a family together for dinner, after lunch with the Zabinis. I owe Blaise and we need to break the news to Pansy. Oh lordy Pansy… At least she'll have the baby to keep her occupied. Unless she hands her off to me and then I'm doomed. That little puggy has me wrapped around her finger worse than any of her sisters. I don't know why… she just does.

"Okay son, do you have your supply list? Not like Rosie won't have hers, and Al won't have one also. Three of you, all together. When I was in school there was the Golden Trio - Harry, Hermione and Ron - and the 'Silver Trio' the Slytherin side as we called ourselves - Pansy, Blaise, and I. Now that I think about it both groups had two members marry each other. Never thought of that until now."

"But dad, now you're married to a member of the Golden Trio. What does that make you both?"

"The biggest power couple in the Wizarding World son: she has the Ministry; I have business." If my reputation doesn't ruin it for her.

"Hmmm that could be interesting." I see the cogs turn in his head.

"Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy, what in bloody hell are you thinking?"

"How much Al and I can get away with. I mean he swears he can get away with the Avadra because his dad is the Chosen One and saved the whole bloody world. Now my step mum and dad pretty much either run it or own it."

Dear Merlin's saggy moobs, I am so fucked. Must warn my wife. And Harry.

"Right. You both keep thinking that until the first time you and in Minerva McGonagall's office." That threat might not work - I mean Hermione and Harry were two of her favorite students. Nope I'm going to any and all the meetings with Minerva. And dragging Ginny with me. Better keep the super star Gryffindors out of the picture. "Now get your supply list together. We are almost late. Again."

"Only if you admit I'm right."

"Nope. Remember I know a number of the professors, still. And then there's Longbottom. He's going to dislike you from the moment he sees your name on the roster. Al might be saving your Malfoy family jewels. You see son, I was an ass. And the people I was an ass to, they're in charge at school. So you're screwed any which way you look at it."

"Good. I only have one way to go. Up."

He said that too confidently and with too much sass for my liking. I think I need to pay a visit to Minerva once school starts.

We finally made it to the Potters, Merlin I was dragging that little version of me to get there, and everyone was waiting for us. Patiently, but we were the last to show. "See son, I told you we were running late."

"Nonsense," Ginny chimes. When the hell did she really get this nice? "You're fine. We have all day and we are meeting some old friends for lunch. Right Draco?"

"Friends for us, acquaintances for you. But we might as well get to be chummy with those I owe and my best friends. Just please be nice. I already made them promise to be on their best behaviors."

"It will be fine Draco" hearing those words out of my wife's mouth puts me at ease. "It has been a long time since we've seen Blaise and Pansy, but I'm kinda looking forward to it."

"Guys," Scorp looks at his newly expanded family, "they're cool. Just stay away from any of the girls and you'll be fine. Otherwise you'll be dealing with me since I'm their god-bro."

"Dude, no. Aren't they like little?" Al looks at him with a look that says 'gross'.

"No man. Jay - well Jadis - is 9. She's the one I have been told by Uncle Blaise to keep an eye on. Then there's Phoebe, but she's 7. Esme is the baby."

"Jay has no chance on ever dating with you Scorp." Al laughs. "Except maybe you're best friend…"

"Dude, hurt her and you're so dead. Really. You'll have me, dad, Uncle Blaise, oh Uncle Theo will get in for good measure, and not to mention Aunt Pans. You don't want to even go there."

I laugh. My son's words are very true. Jay got the best of both her parents, she's stunning and cunning. That girl is nothing but trouble. She'll need Scorp and Al to keep her in line.

"We should get going," Harry reminds us all, "Diagon Alley awaits."

We aren't even there 15 minutes - Rose and Hermione ran into Flourish and Blotts with Lily; Al, Scorp, James, Teddy, Harry and Ginny went to the quidditch store; I convinced Hugo to join me in an ice cream.

"I know something's bothering you. I saw the same look on Scorpius when his mother and I separated."

"I miss my dad. I'm not ready for a new 'dad'."

I nod, completely understanding. "I wouldn't either if I were you. How about we just start as friends? Or maybe just some random person who sits at the dinner table while we get to know each other?"

"I like the second option."

"Fine," I nod, "I'll be that random guy at the dinner table. I didn't ask, but do you like Italian food?"

"What like pizza?" His eyes widen in expectation.

"Pizza, pasta, the whole shebang."

"But isn't pizza Muggle food? I thought the Malfoys didn't do Muggle anything."

I laugh, yeah he has heard about us from his family. "That was my father. Not the nicest guy around. But I spent some time in Italy with Mr Zabini - or Uncle Blaise as Scorp calls him - when we got out of school. I learned to make pasta, pizza, caprese salad with fresh homemade mozzarella, all of it when I was there. If I wasn't playing quidditch, I would have gained about 10 kg. I was thinking of making pasta tonight. How does that sound?"

"Mum won't like it if you use house elves."

"No house elves. I do hire a couple of Muggle maids to keep the flat clean, no elves though. I have too many Muggle investors come by to have elves."

He's nodding. That's a good sign. "You like my mum?"

"More than that. I really do love her. Your mum - she's special. I can't even say she's one in a million, because there is no one remotely like her. It isn't her name or who she is that I love. I love the person she is."

He's still nodding. Maybe he has some of his mum in him after all. "So you played quidditch." My turn to nod. "Did you play against my dad?"

I'm starting to feel like a bobble head now. "Yeah there were a few matches, back in the day."

"Was he any good? Really? I mean Uncle Harry was amazing." I cough trying not to choke. "Auntie Ginny, she went pro. But dad…"

"He kinda topped out in school. We did play against each other and Gryffindor was a good team. My house, we had good players too. Let's just say your aunt and uncle won a lot of matches for Gryffindor."

"So dad wasn't good."

"He was good, for Gryffindor. He earned his place on the team." Now I'm really choking. That was hard for me to say. One day, I might let 'Weasel is our King' slip, but today is not the day. I'm trying to get this kid on my side.

"Did you marry my mum because you were lonely? I mean with your son going to school and all?"

"Nah. I got lucky, with the timing that is. I was mentally prepared to dive into work once Scorp left for school. Your mum, wasn't in my plan, but it was a nice change in the plan."

"I've seen you in the newspaper with a lot of women. Do you date a lot?"

"Nope. There are women that I have as what's called a 'plus one' where you're expected to bring a date for an event, like a charity ball or something. But I never dated. Most of the women that were my plus one, are actually single employees that I would treat to a nice night out."

"How does your son feel?"

"He is finding a way to use this to his advantage. Already. Remind me, I need to talk to your mum and aunt and uncle about it before the day's through. I'm trusting you." Though I won't forget, give the kid something of a confidence booster to say I trust him. Which I do. But he needs to feel it.

There are a lot of ways that I see his father in this kid. Heck they eat the same. I saw it at dinner, and again now. They remind me of the Muggle cartoons of vacuum cleaners, sucking everything in sight without chewing or really tasting the food. I mean the kid just devoured a 4 scoop sundae in the time we chatted. While talking.

"Shall we go check on the others? I know we'll have to drag everyone out of the quidditch store so they get all their supplies, and we'll probably have to do the same with your mum out of the book store."

"Okay Mr Malfoy."

Well that's a start.

After dragging everyone out of the quidditch store, like I expected, my son by the nape of his neck; we get the required books for the lot, and a few dozen new ones for my wife. Then the big purchase for our three first years - their wands. Gratefully I see Astoria and Pansy come right as we are to enter Ollivander's.

"Darlings, it is so nice of you to come. Pansy, thank you for bringing Astoria. This means a lot to Scorp."

"Draco, neither of us want to miss this. What has he got so far?" Pansy asks excitedly. Next year her oldest, Fabian, is going to school and I don't think it will be easy for Pans to let go of her boy.

"Only their books. Nothing for potions, wands were next. And Astoria, your son has a list about 30 feet long for Christmas and it can all be found in the quidditch store."

"Like father, like son dear."

"MUM!" I hear my little boy yell out excitedly. "Aunt Pans! You both are here. Let me introduce you to everyone."

"Yes, let's." Astoria coos sarcastically and follows our very vibrant son.

"Dish Drake, why are the weasels and Potters here too?"

"Al Potter and Scorp are buddies now. And well, you'll learn the rest at lunch. Where are Blaise and the kids?"

"Well since you take all the time off in the world, my husband is working. The kids are coming with him later for lunch."

"Good, I want to see my goddaughters."

"Especially one little one that you seem to be overly fond of?" I nod. That little thing is adorable and I can't help myself. "Is that Granger? Oh no. If I have to have lunch with the know-it-all, I'm leaving now. Friendship or not Draco Malfoy."

"Yes it is Pansy, and trust me, you'll want to be here. Even if your husband has to sit on you or something."

"He'd tie me up before sitting on me. We have boundaries and sitting on me is on the 'no go' list."

"Too much information Pans. Way too much information there."

I see Rose go up to Mr Ollivander. It seems like it wasn't that long ago that I was getting my wand with my parents. Poor Rose, her father isn't here to see this.

Something catches my eye, the Prophet reporters are out and circling us all. "Pans, give me a minute. I need to warn the others."

She looks back and understands immediately. "Do you want me to run interference? You know I'm good for it."

"Nah, this is the Golden Trio and their kids. And Astoria, Scorp and me. We're all used to this." I quickly make my way through the herd that is our little 'family' group, to Harry. "Prophet found us."

He nods and looks back. At least 4 reporters or cameras are pointed in our direction.

"Well at least it isn't Skeeter. If she comes around, Hermione has a minor panic attack and threatens her with extreme bodily harm."

"Noted. Pansy can distract Skeeter if she shows." He nods in silent agreement.

I see that Rosie has her wand and now it's Al's turn. He goes up to the wandmaker and it takes only a moment. The first wand that was handed to him is his.

Even I'm blown away at this.

"Pans, it's Scorp's turn."

She starts bouncing excitedly. "Ohhh, Drake, you are coming with me next year. I don't think I can do this with just Blaise."

I stand slightly to the side of my son, his mother on the other side. Pansy walks up to her best friend, holding her arm reassuring her.

Wand after wand after wand after wand are handed to my son. The wandmaker looks perplexed. He looks at so many different combinations. Hermione leans over, "have you ever considered 'accio Scorpius's wand?'" she comments jokingly.

"What? You on a timetable dear?"

"No, but this is ridiculous."

"Maybe because he is unsure of himself, which is causing him to be unsure of the wand for the rest of his life."

"Why would he be unsure?"

"There's more in his life than just what we threw at him, love. Just know that."

It took six more wands that the old wandmaker pulled before we all were tired. Then a random box fell from the other side of the store from where Mr Ollivander was and it caught all our attentions. I walk over - okay the group I was with would say I strutted - and picked it up. There was something about this wand that caught my attention.

"What about this one son?"

The wandmaker looked at it, "hmmm this would be interesting. Try it young man."

He waved the wand, and the book that Rose was reading came to him catching her eye.

"Impressive son," I quipped. My ex wife looked in shock. Pansy shook her head mouthing 'what was that?' Rose went and grabbed her book back, her hand lingering a little bit on my son's. My wife didn't not notice the innocent touch. And it didn't pass my attention either.

"Drake that took a long time, now can we have lunch? My husband should be here shortly."

I look at the rest of the group and we all agree. We go to a new restaurant tucked off the main alley, which I made a reservation stating that we needed privacy finding the Zabini children on the way.

We probably should have just bought out the whole restaurant. It would have been easier. We had the Potters - Harry, Ginny, Teddy, James, Al, and Lily; Astoria, Scorpius, and me; the Weasleys - Hermione, Rose, and Hugo; and now the Zabinis - Blaise, Pansy, Fabian, Jadis, Phoebe, Ommin age 5, Christian age 2, and Esme. That was more than one restaurant should be able to handle.

"Draco, please tell me you made a reservation," Blaise chides when he sees the size of our 'little' group. "Oh and tell me that the press outside hasn't been hounding you all day."

"Only found us in the wand shop, and we only have potion supplies to get. And really, you think I'm going to throw a 'party of 20' on an unsuspecting restaurant manager? Blaise really." I look around. There are so many familiar faces going back for years, but now we see our kids together. Hugo is chatting it up with Fabian and Jadis, probably glad to have someone his own age to talk to. Scorp and Al are glued together. And us adults, well we are hesitant in our expanding circle of friends.

After we are seated in one of the back rooms, thankfully away from the press, I stand up quickly. "Okay, my bad for not bringing nametags for everyone, but I trust we all remember each other to an extent." I notice my wife cooing at little Esme and can't help but smile. "Hey kids! Yeah attention here. This is mostly for the Zabini family, but I wanted some time where we all were able to casually get re-acquainted. 'Mione, give Pansy back her daughter." I see my wife holding the little baby girl. Crap, she's wrapped too. "Blaise, I must thank you man for keeping our secret - even from my mother - for so long. Pans, well maybe it's best that 'Mione holds Esme." I take a deep breath. "The kids learned about this last night, but Zabinis and Astoria dear - I would like to formally and properly introduce you to my wife - Hermione Granger-Malfoy."

I look between my ex wife, who has a cold hard expression glued to her face making her sharp features more defined, and my best friend's wife, who seems to be in a state of utter disbelief.

"Drake, I've put up with an unknown amount of stunts from you over the years, but this takes the cake. Granger? You couldn't pranked us with someone more believable than Granger?"

My wife is smitten with the baby in her arms but still is able to pull out, "Sorry to disappoint you Pansy, but it's true. For almost three weeks now. We eloped in Rio."

Pansy looks at her husband, shocked that he's not more confused. "You knew. Blaise Rupert Zabini, you bloody knew didn't you!"

"Sorry darling, but yes. Drake told me the day after it happened. So technically I knew before 'Mione remembered."

"Thanks for rubbing that part in Zabini," my wife chided. "It was just foggy."

I look over at my son, happily describing the last day or so to his mother who seems to be frozen in time. She is giving my wife a death stare, and cannot move from it.

I see Pansy begin her rant du jour. "Blaise, I don't know if I should be proud or send you to sleep in Esme's room for a month. How in bloody hell did you know before the bride? No offense Granger, but you were supposedly the smart one and I would expect you to remember something important like - oh - getting bloody married!"

"It had been a rough night originally, and I did remember. I just thought it was some beautiful dream."

"Mum, we're eating here," Hugo looked a little sickened by that thought.

"Okay okay okay," Pans always says that when she is trying to process some crucial information - like getting pregnant, again. I can't tell you how many 'okays' there were that afternoon. "So you married our Draco. There's no way out of it is there?"

"That would imply that either of us want an out," my bride looks at my best mate's wife.

"You mean you want to remain married to this bloke? Granger you really have lost your marbles. Remind me to find someone to run against her for Minister and throw all our backing into that person Blaisey. I don't know what happened, but this isn't the Granger from our school days."

"You're right Pansy," Ginny looked at her incredulously. "She isn't. Her husband went missing, she's held her family and career together single handedly, she's had her ups and her downs. But she found something in Malfoy that none of us expected. She found love. It is weird that my best friend married my brother, I admit. I also can now see how unhappy she was in that situation. It wasn't the relationship she wanted. She was in the relationship that was expected. And she was miserable. Now, I see her with a new light in her eye. Malfoy gave her that. And for that I am thankful to him. Plus he helped my husband rescue my best friend. Again I owe him. And just so you know, I don't like owing people, especially Slytherins. But he is now part of our family and I accept that. I can't say that I love him like the rest of my family, but I accept him. And Astoria, Scorpius is a wonderful boy. He's welcome whenever he feels." My ex wife nodded.

Pansy was shut up momentarily, while more 'okays' floated through her head.

"Pans, love," now it was Blaise's turn, "we know Drake is reckless at times, but this is different. All of us, well we knew. Back in school we knew that these two were destined for each other. We didn't know how or when or even if. But Theo and I, we are happy for him and I want to welcome the Potters and Weasleys - all of you - into our family fold. We may not be blood family, but we are pretty close."

Now I see my former wife address her best friend. "Pansy, don't be mad on my account. Draco and I had some good years, some bad years, some distant years, and some that were non existent. Together we are raising our son, and I would like to think that his new wife will look at him as one of her own one day. I am glad that Scorp has new friends and family. I see how happy he is, and that is what matters to me. His happiness and Draco's. Granger," she now addresses my wife, "hurt him and hell will rain down on you. Hurt my son or treat him bad, and it will be ten fold. That is a promise, from one mother to another."

"Astoria," my bride had all the strength of her years as a Gryffindor, "I do love the young man next to you. I see what a wonderful job you have done raising him. I hope to complement that only, because you are his mother. Always."