Draco 26 August 2017

I still don't know if my question from yesterday is answered. I asked Potter if my marriage to Hermione is still valid since it was based on Weasley's being dead.

I fear the answer. Absolutely fear it.

I can't lose her. Not again.
She's mine, the Minister has to see it.
She's my entire world.
My sun that radiates the Earth, bringing it to life.

We have to be married. I just can't think of not.

Screw this damned baby pool right now. Oh hell, what if she's already pregnant? Will that mean our child is a bastard, like the weasel's? Oh please no. If she is pregnant, it is a child conceived from love, not lust. I will claim the child. He or she will be a Malfoy just like Scorpius. I will find a way to raise the child, with his or her mother, and brother.

How did my life go from being in a very good place, easy, joyful, full of love - okay maybe not so 'easy' but we are working on the kinks - to this fiasco of a hurricane ravaged disaster zone.

We still don't know where Ronald ran off to. Again. The bastard has disappeared as quickly as he came. Hopefully he ran off to that baby-momma of his in America. Theo can't find him there though and he has pulled numerous contacts and friends of friends in on the search. Harry can't find him here, he's gone through practically every one of the Ministry contacts and their friends from school.

I just know, in less than a week's time, Rose will off to school for the first time and probably the redheaded, used-arse wipe-paper of a weasel will be there. The aurors and my security team will ensure her safety. But I worry about Hugo also. He'll see his father and probably bolt off like some confused manic child he is.

I have reserved time with Trini's shrink friend and Rose has already gone once. Hugo is next. The first fight my wife - well hopefully my wife, if the bloody Ministry ever figures that out - and I had was which child should go first. I swore Hugo, and she pleaded for Rose.
I am glad I gave in, since Rose has less time to adjust to this idea before going to school and upon seeing her leave the shrink's office (just so you know, her head was the same size coming out as going in, I checked), she was a mess. He got her to open up and face the challenges that she is working through with her dad, our marriage, and even her relationship with her step-brother and cousins. She is so much like her mother, bottling every feeling up inside for the best of those around her.

I need to have Hermione go soon too. I'm worried about her.


It took two days. Two fucking agonizing days. The damn Ministry had no idea what - or if - our marriage was for two days. Finally we got an owl to come into the Minister's office, just Hermione, Harry and I.

When we got there, I swear I should have had a couple of drinks beforehand because my nerves were shot, probably 12 people were in the office with stacks of parchment surrounding them and all with confused looks.

"Good, you're all present. Well except for Ronald." Kingsley looked at us as we walked in, Harry between Hermione and I so it didn't look overly suspicious. "Has there been any word on his location yet?"

Two bespeckled members of the group shook their heads, but it was Harry that spoke up. "Minister, the auror department is scouring all known contacts of Ron's here and Theo Nott has taken lead in the United States. We have been in constant communication and he hasn't got very far on his end, though we believe we have found the name of the woman - Rachel Green-Geller."

"Minister that's a bull name." Hermione seems adamant. "That is from a telly show I would watch with Ronald."

"Really? Shit. Well we're back at square one then sir." Harry looked defeated, he was hoping for some information that can be useful. I know, because Theo and I felt the same way.

"Harry, I'll tell Theo." I resigned myself to defeat. I will fight for my love, but what can we do really? Either she was able to marry or our marriage is void. Ron, I must say, covered his tracks well.

"So we are here to determine the validity of the marriage of Hermione Jean Granger-Weasley to Draco Lucius Malfoy," the Minister proclaimed. I notice a Weasley - the one I don't like, Percy - taking notes. "The reasoning for the question of the marriage's validity stems from the previous marriage of Hermione Jean Granger to Ronald Bilius Weasley, who was presumed dead after an incident while on duty as an auror for the Ministry of Magic. The incident in question - to be called the 'American Incident' for further reference - concluded with the disappearance of Ronald Weasley on 15 November 2016 at a hotel in Chicago where the room that Ronald Weasley was last seen in was destroyed. No body was recovered and the Ministry waited the predescribed 6 months prior to declaring Ronald Weasley deceased." He paused. "Are there any questions or adjustments to the statement as I have described?"

All of us shake our heads.

The Minister continued: "Members of the Wizengamot, do you have any questions as to the situation before you?" The twelve or so members shook their head.

One of the two with glasses, an older gentleman that I know from somewhere, did cough, "Minister, where did the initial idea of waiting only six months after a disappearance before declaring a member dead derive? Why not a year? Or five? If a member of the aurors lost their memory, it may take a long time before they are able to retrieve it and it would be detrimental for the auror to come home and be found that they are dead."

Fuck you. You're off my Christmas card list, whoever you are.

"The dates were determined shortly after the Second Wizarding War, when many members of the aurors were missing and we needed to have the families have some closure. Now these young people in front of you are very familiar with the pains that came from that war, they all fought and lost friends and family. We determined what would be a reasonable period of finding the missing person and then allowing the family to receive some closure and give them time to grieve. All families that have gone through this have stated that the period is adequate, that they begin to lose hope after 6 months, so extending the time would only make it harder for them. And regarding the memory lapse, this is not applicable in this case as we will find out later." He took a breath. "Shall we continue with the facts of the case at hand?"

There was a communal nod of agreement.

"A more than adequate search for Mr Ronald Weasley took place, both here and in America. Exhaustive resources were utilized, mostly because of his status as an auror and a member of the three young Gryffindors that helped extensively with the demise of Voldemort.
"On 22 August 2017, there was a visitor to the Ministry of Magic claiming to be Ronald Bilius Weasley, the missing auror in question. Due to the familiar ties to Harry James Potter, head auror and Magical Law Enforcement Deputy Division Head, he was called in for verification of the claim. Upon determination that the claim was valid, that the person was in fact Ronald Bilius Weasley, questions were asked about his disappearance.
"It was determined that early in February 2015, on a mission in Ireland, Ronald Weasley performed some magic in the vicinity of a muggle who we believed until moments ago was named Rachel Green-Geller. When he was instructed to wipe her memory of the action, he presumably did not. He later carried on an affair with this woman for over 18 months time."

Hearing these details from the Minister, all I want to do is take her into my arms. But she stands tall and proud, like any true Gryffindor.

Kingsley continues with the horrid details. "On 12 November 2016, the aurors Weasley and Potter were informed and assigned a mission to further examine the claims of dark magic used in Arklow Ireland were immediately dispatched. They followed the trail for two days term where it went cold in Baxter Iowa, United States of America. The two aurors, unbeknownst to the Ministry, had traveled to this city, not informing the proper magical authorities. On the date in question, 15 November 2016, auror Weasley informed Potter that he had a contact in the nearby metropolis of Chicago, Illinois, United States of America that may be worth pursuing. Following the lead, aurors Potter and Weasley illegally and recklessly apparated to Midway Inn on South Pulaski Road and in front of a Muggle public transportation bus and proceeded to the second floor I believe it is room 218."

"That is correct Minister," Harry concurs.

"Upon entering room 218," my stomach turns knowing what will come out of the Minister's mouth next, "auror Potter was informed to return home and apparate to that location after some time. Auror Potter noticed a female in room 218, and at the time assumed that it was auror Weasley's contact. Auror Potter, being exhausted from the previous day's work, accidentally fell asleep and returned to the site 3 hours later to see that auror Weasley and the female were missing and room 218 had been completely destroyed."

"Minister if I may," Harry interrupted, "there is one point, which I should bring to the attention of the members of the Wizengamot present that was not in my initial or follow up reports." Harry looks to Hermione for reassurance and probably a bit of her confidence. "I returned to the scene, under a disguise, and found a note left for me. It informed me not to look for Ronald and to be there for his family. Now being as he is family, my wife's brother, and a dear friend, I left this out of the report so that a search could be initiated. I felt that it would be helpful for my wife's family, Hermione Granger-Weasley - his wife, and Rose Belladonna Granger-Weasley and Hugo Jace Weasley auror Weasley's children. I understand the consequences for leaving this information out of the report, but considering the members involved I felt that our Ministry owed that to the Weasley family."

The Minister nodded, "dully noted auror Potter. Now as stated a search for auror Weasley commenced throughout the United States and Britain and Ireland."

At this point I tune out the rest of the story. I know what happens. No body is found. Ronald is not found. Hermione buries and empty casket with the rest of the Weasley family. Rose and Hugo suffer immense pain of not knowing what has happened. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

"On 1 August 2017 Draco Lucius Malfoy and Hermione Jean Granger-Weasley wed in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. The union was believed to be valid due to the missing Ronald Weasley and the time that had lapsed prior to his declaration of death by myself, the Minister."

Then my world became happy.

"On the morning of 22 August 2017, just over three weeks since the union of Draco Lucius Malfoy to Hermione Jean Granger-Malfoy, Ronald Bilius Weasley entered the Ministry of Magic. We have since learned that the reason for his disappearance was that he had been having an affair that produced a daughter with a Muggle, something that is illegal in the United States. The conception was voluntary on both parties parts."

Between hearing this and the incessant use of everyone's middle names I am getting nauseated.

"The infant girl, presumably with magical gifts, was never brought before the Ministry. After a brief altercation, with Mr. Malfoy at the former residence shared by Mrs Granger-Malfoy and Mr Weasley while married, auror Weasley has once again disappeared. Multiple owls have been dispatched to auror Weasley informing him of his required appearance today. As you can see, esteemed members of the Wizengamot, he has declined to show.
"Now the item in question is the validity of the marriage of Hermione Jean Granger-Malfoy nee Weasley to Draco Lucius Malfoy. They were married under the pretenses of her previous husband being declared deceased, which proved to be untrue. Are there any questions that the members of the Wizengamot have for the attendees?"

The same bespeckled, no longer on my Christmas card list, member asked, "I will presume that the couple wish to continue to be wed."

Finally I can say something, "Sir, there is nothing I want more than to leave this office today, knowing that I am indeed legally married to Hermione Jean Granger-Malfoy."

The old man continued, "Draco, I have known your family for many years and I sit on your Board of Directors. Why is it that this has not been made public?"

That's where I know the bastard. I smirk, "Sir, you know my family's past. You know what obstacles I have overcome to obtain the status that Malfoy Industries holds now. It has not been easy. There are a few reasons that we have yet to go public. First, we wanted to have a time where both our families were comfortable with the idea of us being married and give the time for our children to blend into one family unit. Second, and I ask your assistance with this, there is a public - shall we call it a vow announcement party - in the planning stages. We were going to surprise everyone with a joyous celebration. Also we wanted to avoid undue stress on the children from the press hounding them, just before they attend Hogwarts this year. Both my son Scorpius and Hermione's daughter Rose will be attending their first year. And probably the most honest of reasons" I look at my beautiful strong lioness of a wife, "I was afraid for her. I feared that my family's reputation and history would hurt my wife's career. She has worked hard for everything that she has received. Bloody hard. She helped save our world and the magical world for all future Muggle-born witches and wizards. She is a revolutionary in every sense. I was, and still am, worried that the Malfoy name and the wounds that my family has caused on our community, will deny her the advancement that I see for her in her future."

"Young man," another member of the Wizengamot nodded to me, "that is the plea of a husband that loves his wife. He puts her needs, and the needs of their children, before his own. I believe you love Mrs Malfoy and I cannot deny the validity of your marriage." A number of nods could be seen from the members. Even Percy Weasley smiled at me.

Okay I might not make his family's tent at all future Quidditch World Cups chartreuse and mustard orange. Maybe just chartreuse and raspberry.

Harry stood up one last time, "Members of the Wizengamot, there is something more that you need to know before coming to your decision. Draco Malfoy, upon hearing of the recent kidnapping of his wife in Manila, volunteered himself and a member of his security staff to assist in her release. I believe without their assistance, Hermione would not have been released nor would the dark wizard been captured so effortlessly."

"Speak for yourself Potter. It was anything but effortlessly. You didn't see her as a captive," I whisper, but I think I was heard by almost everyone.

The Minister waved a hand to me, "I believe this is the time that we should take a vote."

I close my eyes. I don't want to see who voted what way. But before I do, I reach behind Harry and take my wife's hand.

Possibly for the last time.