Hermione 25 August 2017

This is going to be the hardest thing to tell my children. Telling them their father is missing and presumed dead will have been easier than saying that their father left us to start a family with someone else, yet didn't have the decency to say goodbye.

Draco keeps fearing that his cowardice will come through at some point. But it is Ronald that is the true coward. Draco feared for the safety of those he loved. Ronald ran from those he loved and loved him. I have respect for Draco, even in his cowardice. I have none for Ronald, and I married the arse.

Draco pulling me into the kitchen to tell me of the 'baby pool' going on that Ginny started and now has spread to his work is a mood changer. I didn't think of having another baby. Looking at him, slightly stressed over the pressure of it, but leaving the ultimate decision to me… I'm not against it. Like he says, if it happens… Or I can try and make it happen. We can work towards a baby. Hmmm maybe after this whole Ronald thing calms down.

But that is a thought for another day. Right now focus on damage control and the fallout from it.

I see Draco's expression change ever so slightly. I can't put my finger on it. It looks like - maybe - hope. But I don't know.

"Come on kids gather around the portkey." He calls out. The silly portkey is a shoebox. I take a double glance, a Valentino shoe box. Remind me to wear those red Valentinos tomorrow.

"Draco Malfoy, what are you doing with a Valentino shoebox?" I tease to him.

"Probably Pansy's. Oh just so you're aware love, the security department scans our personal trash on occasion to find adequate items for portkeys and to make sure nothing that could be considered scandalous is available to the press. And Theo knows where we're going. I didn't know all exec portkey requests end up on his desk until now."

"That's fine, but I wish I knew where we are going before Theo."

"Our safety is his concern. He probably swept the place already. But you'll be happy with it either way." I sigh, and see the twinkle in his eyes. Yes, there's hope there. "Now dear, we're waiting on you."

I huff as I take the portkey and we all are whisked off to find ourselves on a private beach. "Draco this is perfect."

"I thought so. Private, so we can scream and yell if need be. Quiet so we can talk the matter at hand over. Secluded, so no press is involved."

"Fine, mum, now are you going to tell us what this is about?" my impatient son questions. He has his father's patience level and I dread that it will get him as far as it has Ron.

I wave my wand and the blanket and comes out of the basket Draco was carrying, as well as a couple of umbrellas and a meal fit for a king. Or a table full of Weasleys.

"Let's eat and we'll talk during lunch."

Draco and I look back and forth at each other trying to read each other. Finally he breaks the silence. "Darling do you want me?"

"Please. I…"

"Kids, this hasn't been the easiest month at all," he begins. "I can't imagine what all is going through your heads. But I need you to hear us out before saying anything. Know that we both love you. Actually I feel happier than ever in my life, like it's full. And we won't do anything to change that."

"MUM, TELL ME YOU'RE NOT PREGNANT!" Rose exclaims.

"Well we know her take on the baby pool." Draco laughs. "No she's not. And maybe Rosie, you can talk to your aunt Ginny with your mum about the ridiculous pool she has going." His eyes are calm, a soft warm grey. One that I can get lost in forever. "No… Rosie, Hugo… 'Mione love how much do you really want them to know?"

"Your father is back." I answer for him. "He came back this morning, not in a good mood apparently, because all morning Uncle Harry, Draco and I have been with him. He broke into the old house, looking for us. We found out why he left like he did, which to me isn't a real reason and one I am not sure you want to hear. He is your father and I never want to deny you access to him and his new family I guess we can call them."

"Right now," Draco continued not missing a beat, "he isn't in a good place. He came back to see you off to school Rosie, so we know he cares for you. Hugo, we both want you to talk to him too. We still have a lot of details to work out, and this isn't easy for your mum."

"I don't care, I want to see dad." Hugo actually said.

Of course he does. He idolizes his father. As much as it kills me. "Hugo, right now he needs to calm down, settle down, and get his life somewhat together. But once it is better, you can." I see Draco nod to me. At least he went through a very public divorce and have worked for the best of Scorp. Now I need him to give me guidance on how to proceed with my own children.

"Hugo, neither your mum nor I want to see you mad at your dad or not allow you to see him at all. We know how close you two are. He just has some adult issues to work through with your mum and others before we want you to see him. We don't want you hurt in the process. Once he gets past these issues, you can see him as much as you want."

"Mum" my daughter looks at me with a question poised on her tongue, "you said 'his new family'. What do you mean by that?"

"Mum, doesn't he still love us? Doesn't he want to come home and be a family? What did you do, mum? Why did he leave us?" My son keeps getting louder with every protest.

"Hugo, sit down and take a deep breath now. I don't want to hear from you until you have your emotions in check," I scold. I rarely raise my voice to my children but this, after everything I've gone through already today, is too much for me to handle.

"'Mione, why don't you take a breather too. You've had a hard morning." He reaches for my hand and draws little hearts on the top of it with his finger absentmindedly. I agree and take a walk to the water's edge, letting my toes feel their cleansing saltiness. I hear my husband explaining as much as he can to Hugo, trying to diffuse his anger.

I didn't hear another person slowly and quietly approaching me.

"Mum," starts the young voice, "dad will do everything for them. Know that. He was great when mother and he divorced. This sounds worse. What did you mean by his new family?"

"He left us Scorpius. He left us for another woman."

"How has dad not killed him yet?"

I smile. This young man is so much like his father. "I have no answer to that. He didn't even defend himself."

"There's more to the story. I can tell. It's on dad's face."

"Much more dear."

"Rose may not want to hear, but she deserves to hear. Know what she will be facing at school and when we step outside the house. It was something dad prepared me for a lot. But even still Uncle Theo was there and he'd keep the press away when things got ugly. I can help her if you want."

"Thank you. I would love you to guide her. And if you can help her at school, your dad and I both know how word gets around there and with everything this family has gone through this month…" I shake my head. "Hugo needs to cool down. He needs someone who isn't family to listen to him."

"What about that friend of Trini's? The one she keeps threatening to send dad to." He get a confused look on his face, "at least she used to. I haven't heard him rant about it since, well since you."

"Knowing your dad and Trini, they probably have something already set for any of you. Your dad is always a step ahead of me."

He chuckles, "that's cause he's still trying to catch up to you. At least that is what he would say when he'd read about you in the Prophet. He'd always say, 'I may be doing this, but that gal is still ahead of me. Won't she let me catch up to her once?' He said that he only had me before you had Rose. It was the only thing he beat you to and he didn't have to do any of the hard work."

"Remind me to hold that over his head." I smile. Something I didn't think I could this little day trip. "Why don't you go be with Rosie. Let her know what she's in for. Neither of you know what school will hold, but until you leave on the train you're both subject to the press."

"Mum, don't worry about Rose. She's strong like you. Focus on Hugo. He'll need you more now."

"Thank you Scorp." I give the young man a hug. I will write Astoria later tonight to tell her how much I appreciate the work she did with him.

My husband did his best to calm Hugo down, but ultimately he demanded to see his dad. We sent a message to Molly to see if Ronald was still there, but never got a reply. Draco did his best, but even that wasn't that great.

We got to our house to find Ginny and Harry waiting for us in the living room.

My sister - screw the in-law part, she's my bloody sister - ran up to us all, "How are you guys? Is there anything we can do?" She looked directly at me and Harry had looked at Draco with a new found respect.

"Gin, do you know where Ron is? Hugo wants to talk to him."

She got down to his eye level, "Sweetie, your gran and grandfather kicked your dad out of the Burrow. Right now we don't know where he went. As soon as we hear, we'll bring you to him."

My husband and I are pulled aside by Harry to the sunroom, out of earshot.

"Molly threatened Ron. Arthur wants to disown him. Both are furious at how he acted and what has come of it. Ginny… don't get me started on her. She owl'd all her brothers and they are providing a unified front. Percy suggested that the kids stay with him since it is the last place Ron would expect you send them."

"Harry," my knight says, his arm around my shoulder comforting and protecting me from the news that may from my best friend, "they'll stay here. Ron doesn't know about it, and I had it disconnected from 'Mione's house floo."

"By the way, thank Theo for letting us in. I haven't seen charms like this on Hogwarts. It's impressive," he says probably not understanding why we had Theo place such strong magic on the house.

"As soon as the kids go to school, Theo is placing similar ones there. Just so you know, James won't be sneaking out like we would," both men crack a smile.

"That'll put Gin at ease. McGonagall would send Howler's to us about our apparent lack of parenting or his channelling both his namesakes."

"Harry do you know where Ron went?"

He looked as bad as he was this morning trying to explain what happened in the first place, "We are looking for him. Since he is trying to use his position as an auror, the Ministry's resources are being used too. Rebecca said he tried to barge his way into your office, but disappeared before Magical Law Enforcement was able to get there. Your office now has 2 aurors at all times - one for you and one for Rebecca."

"Let me inform Theo, Blaise, and Trini he might come to work. If he goes to the Zabini house, he'll have his hands full with Pansy. Also I'll see if Theo got any more information on who she is."

"Draco, it may be better I not know Theo's methods," Harry explains. "Oh and he told me that Flint is at 'Mione's house. Is that correct?"

"Yeah, he volunteered. I don't think Ron realizes what a can of snakes he opened when he hurt my wife." He gave me a kiss and then grabbed his phone and texted everyone that needed which was at least Theo, Blaise and Trini.

"Harry," I say, finding the last ounce of strength it feels like, "what are you not saying?"

"I sent word to the members of the Order that are still around, and those of our friends from school. I got everything from utter shock, to pissed off - well that's Finnegan for you, to denial. The support you have, well we defeated Voldemort. I'm just afraid…"

"Afraid of what Harry?"

"That he'll feel like a caged animal, one that's threatened. He did this to himself, but he doesn't see it that way right now. He thinks the world is against him and I'm afraid of what he'll do because of it."

"Do you think he's going to hurt someone Harry? Do you think he'll hurt us?"

His green eyes held a sympathy that only seeing his best friend break over the last few months, finally get her life together, to only have it shatter worse can hold. "I… shit… I think he might. And I think he might come after Draco, Scorpius, his mother, and you. I've put a detail on Narcissa Malfoy's apartment and George and Angelina are nearby. Ang said she'd stop by regularly to check on her. I also sent one to the Manor, but Astoria rejected it. There are also ones at the Burrow, at Molly's request. The rest of us, well, we know we can hold our own. I don't know what else we can do until he shows his face again."

Draco came back into the sunroom, still looking at his phone. "We've doubled the security at the office, especially the entrance. You have to have a key to get regular access to the executive suites. Love, you still have yours right?" he looks at me and I just nod. "Okay, Potter, let's see if we can have her work from home. I'm going to be the one to go out, whenever we need it. Pansy said she'll do some shopping for us, and when this is all over, she's taking you, Ginny and Trini on a girls weekend. Our PR department is working on something that will keep the press away, especially from us. If he wants press, he's going to start by explaining why he was gone for so long." He pauses, and there is a pain in his eyes. It's something new, not the pain we've been dealing with today. "I have a question, Potter, one that Pans just posed to me. I didn't even think of this… and I'm scared of the answer."

Harry looked at Draco, neither of us knowing what could possibly come next. "What is it?"

"The Ministry declared Ron dead, allowing for us to get married. Now that he's not dead, does that negate our marriage?"

"Oh FUCK! Let me go talk to Kingsley to find out. 'Mione, I will be back shortly." Harry gave me one of his sisterly hugs and went off in a rush with Draco on his heels.

"Let me get with my security here, so that you can get back." I could see that Draco was in defense mode. He didn't look at all like he was going to crumble, but that he was going to take on whoever is hurting his family one on one, and it won't be a fair fight.

I went into the kitchen and looked around. This is my perfect house. My perfect family.

And it's crumbling around me.

This isn't something where the answer can be looked up in books. My knowledge can't help me now.

My heart is fragile still, and I didn't know how fragile until this morning. No potion can fix that.

What I need now is someone I can talk to, have a drink with, and just cry for days.

And he just made sure that my best friend could come back in the house after finding out if I am indeed married to the man I've fallen in love with or if I'm married to the man that is tearing me apart and scaring me.