Part Three
Twelve
"Being The Malfoy's"
Liam appeared out of nowhere on the corner of 95th street and 5th avenue. He walked in stride with the crowd as if he had been there the whole time. The Upper East Side block has apartment buildings with a covetable central park view.
In the center of the block was a door guarded by two men. It was an ornate door with a gold plaque next to it with symbols on it. People thought it was the residence of a foreign diplomat. The tourist often stopped to take photos of the guards.
Liam opened the door and the guards didn't move a muscle. When he appeared on the other side he was still outside on the sidewalk. There was an iron gate surrounding the giant gilded age mansion. The muggles walking past had no idea.
The house stood grand and demanding. With soaring turrets, a dome solarium, and ornate stonework. There were two sets of extra tall gates, at each end of the semi-circular driveway. Liam went through the open gate; walked up the drive, then up the steps to the front door, and rang the bell. The butler answered, "Good afternoon Mr. Weasley-Malfoy."
"Good afternoon Mr. Henry, it's so nice to see you again," Liam said, "is Evie in?"
"Yes, if you'd like to have a seat in the living room, I'll let Miss. Farrow know you're here," he nodded.
Evie's New York home was extraordinary. Built-in 1890, the gilded age of New York. The family hid it in the early 20th century during the age of demolishing such homes. The house was designed in the French influence; the rococo rival work was remarkable. The entry hall was full of marble, grand artwork, and a demanding staircase. It rose the four stories of the house.
People believe the Astor-Bishop house was demolished along with the other legendary Astor homes. The thing about this branch of the Astor family was they could do magic. They knew how to slip away.
Liam wandered into the open double doors on the left side of the entry hall. He picked one of the sofas and took a seat.
"You've come back across the pond," Evie entered the living room. He stood up and she hugged him, "it's nice to see you."
"You too," they both sat down.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were staying in London until school begins."
"I am but I came to look at apartments I'm heading back tomorrow. What's going on with you?"
"I'm trying to pack. I'm doing a ten days in Havana piece," she sighed. "I'm trying to put together photo worry outfits."
"Havana should be fun."
"I'm looking forward to it. Where are you looking to live?"
He shrugged, "anywhere within budget. The place I like best is this loft in Brooklyn."
"No"
"What do you mean no?"
"I mean you cannot live in Brooklyn."
"It's a faux pas," a young boy entered the room his face hidden behind a book.
"Eavesdropping again Jacob," Evie hissed. "Liam this is my cousin Jacob; Jacob my friend Liam."
Jacob lowered his book to look at Liam, "hi," he raised his book again.
"Hi," Liam watched as Jacob walked across the room without running into a thing. He opened a hidden door on the far wall and disappeared through. "He's weird."
"Yeah but you get used to it. He's staying with us for a few days while his parents are out of town… but back to Brooklyn. Let me tell you a story. Brooklyn used to be a green place and lots of well-to-do families had country homes out there. Then they finished that horrific bridge. It made it easier for people to get over to the island. All the new money folks, most of whom owned factories downtown had lavish homes built. Known today as the Brooklyn brownstone. The respectable families immediately moved out, including the Astor's. We have never set foot in Brooklyn again. You're telling me if I want to visit you, I'm going to have to break the family tradition?"
"Maybe," this hunt has been a nightmare. He wanted a clean renovated apartment. He showed his mother the apartment on video chat. She complained that it cost five times what her first flat cost. He pointed out that it's Brooklyn not a quiet island in Wales.
She muttered about New York robbing people blind and said she'd think about it. So until she was done mulling it over, it was up in the air about whether he would call Red Hook home.
She sighed, "I'm not going. You're going to have to come to me." She stood up, "let's go to my room so I can finish packing."
"What's in your family home now?" Liam asked as he followed her out of the living room and up the grand staircase. There was exquisite artwork throughout the house. Some magical, some muggle, and they ran into Jacob again. He was still behind his book making his way through the house.
"It was torn down in 1900. From what I have ascertained via Google maps there's a road through where it used to stand. It was magnificent. There are photos in the family archive and at the New York Historical Society. We moved upstate and that was that."
Evie's room was on the third floor. Unfortunately, she wasn't blessed with a park view but 95th street. Her spacious room has a king-size bed at one end, and a large fireplace at the other. The wall opposite the entry is full of floor-to-ceiling windows. The room was a beautiful powdered blue with touches of pink and yellow. There was a full sitting area in front of the fireplace.
"Evelyn Charlotte Farrow, did you let a boy into your room?" Edith Astor-Bishop Farrow's eyes widened as she saw the back of someone disappear into her daughter's room.
"It's Liam mum." Evie would never have a boy in her room. She lived with her family and they wouldn't approve. Plus she always thought that was tacky and inconsiderate. She only dated guys that have their own place. Ok, in a pinch she would have a guy over but only if no one's home.
Liam stepped back out into the hall, "hi Mrs. Farrow," he smiled. He went over and hugged her.
"How are you?"
"I'm very well thanks. You look wonderful."
She looked like a colorful summer breeze, "thank you, I'm heading to a junior league meeting. Evie, we're sitting down to dinner at seven. Liam, you are more than welcome to join us."
"Thank you."
"You two have fun, I must be going," she continued down the hall to the stairs.
In Evie's bedroom, Liam took a seat on the couch. There were clothes everywhere and a rolling rack setup in the center of the room.
"I see you've put a dent in things," Liam looked around.
"It's a process," she began to sort through the dresses on her bed. "So how are things with your father?"
"The same"
"And you came here to stay with him?"
"I'm not staying with him. I'm staying at a hotel. I didn't tell him I was coming."
"All this is getting out of hand. My packing situation and your family drama," she shook her head.
"It is but if we both refuse to budge then this is how it's going to be."
"Well you should've told me you were coming, you could have stayed here."
"I don't like to impose."
"It's no imposition, my family loves you. It would be like when we were kids."
Liam has spent countless nights and days in this house and the one upstate. As she has spent them in his, "next time. I'm leaving tomorrow anyway."
"But you should stay for dinner," she went back into her closet. The open door revealed the large Chinoiserie wallpapered space filled with clothes.
"I will"
"Great, do you want to bowl afterward," she came out of the closet wearing a ruffled maxi dress.
"We can do that too"
"How are things with Elianna?"
"Fine," he shrugged. "I miss her but that's the normal feeling in our relationship."
"Is she enjoying the Australian winter?"
"She's in South Africa visiting her Grandparents… Oh and don't ask me if she knows."
Evie snorted, "The guys told me about that conversation. I wasn't going to; I already know what she knows. It's not a lot."
"What did you tell her?"
"Only things she could have found out by ordering a back copy of the Daily Prophet."
"A notoriously inaccurate newspaper."
"They got the charges right."
"Just… I want to be the one to tell her."
"Ok, but in my experience sooner is better than later." Evie pulled off the dress she was wearing and slipped into another. Liam turned his head, "don't be such a prude. Did she make the desired impression on Draco?"
"He's still acting as if she doesn't exist so I would say no." The only acceptable impression was going to be gone. He was so sure his father was steaming when their picture made the society page. It hasn't been fun for him either; it seems like everywhere he goes someone is whispering and pointing at him. On the worse days, it's someone with a camera.
Elianna is surrounded by security at all times, again. There are photos of her everywhere. A tabloid hacked, or whatever the magical equal is; her private Instagram. They were hoping to find the timeline of Liam and Elianna but she has never posted a picture of him. They made use of the photos of her waterskiing with her parents, the SCEGGS field hockey team, and her with Carrie and Jane at their school formal. Witch Weekly even published a piece on how to get an Elianna Peterson-esque hairdo.
That was the good stuff. There have been many think pieces written by blood-purity extremists. People have presented alleged scientific base findings on the damage of blood mixing. There are tales of how it's worse when it's a squib, not an ordinary muggle because squibs are defects. There was a horrific article that used body language or what they claimed to be body language. They affirmed David and Yvonne Peterson do not love their daughter. They tolerate her for publicity's sake.
"She wanted to make a good impression."
"She always wants to and she always does… Draco Malfoy is impossible to please."
"She told me she was concerned about it," Evie shrugged, "I told her it wasn't worth it."
"I bet Ethan made a good impression," Liam looked at her knowingly, "since he's a Stanley." Liam had no idea what the guy's last name was until the Debutante Ball.
Evie's cheeks reddened, "that's neither here nor there."
"Uh huh, you can't tell me your parents aren't thrilled."
"They are but they had nothing to do with us getting together, we met and liked each other," she defended.
"Well aristocratic families like to unite. An Astor marrying a Stanley would be quite the to-do," he said as if he were joking. However he wasn't, their union would go down well with both families. It would land a mention in Town and Country and Page Six. The New York Times wedding section would approach them and Vogue would cover the wedding.
Evie rolled her eyes, "what is this 1998? I will not be thinking about marriage for at least a decade. I've got a life to live and lessons to learn."
"Same," Liam sighed, "It's been suggested many times that Elianna and I are going to get married."
"That's because you don't date. I've been hearing the whispers because I've committed to Ethan." Evie disappeared into her closet, this time she returned with a couple of Rimowa spinners. "Although the innocence of your relationship is quite sweet."
"You have no idea what you're talking about."
"Of course I do. You two stare at each other with such purity… although we know that your innocence has left the building."
"We aren't going into that."
Evie smirked, "we don't have to, I'll just know."
(***)
A grey man appeared at the end of the hall with his hands clasped behind his back. The mover in the hallway dropped the box he was carrying.
"How did you do that," he was sure he wasn't drunk. He rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," he walked past him and into the open apartment. There was a lot of movement in the small space. The exposed brick space would seem uninhabitable by anyone who wasn't a kid dying to live in this wretched city. Its only redeeming quality was the large windows, they created great light.
Alan went to the middle of the room, "I am looking for Mr. Weasley-Malfoy."
One of the movers was going to say something but, "Alan what are you doing here?"
He turned around, as Liam came down the stairs from the loft. "How are you, Liam?"
"I'm fine. To what do I owe the intrusion… other than the knowledge that my mother has told my father where I live?"
"I have nothing to do with your father's personal matters."
"You have something to do with all my father's matters. But what has he sent his errand boy here to do?"
He reached into the inner pocket of his navy pinstripe suit and pulled out an envelope. "I need your signature," he then pulled out a handsome fountain pen.
"Am I being given up for adoption," he accepted the envelope and began to open it.
"University starts in a few weeks. Your parents are finalizing your school fees. Your father wishes to cash a savings bond given to you on the occasion of your birth by your grandfather. It was a gift for your education."
Liam read the papers in the envelope.
"The bond is in your name and he—"
"Needs my permission to cash it," Liam sighed, "the pen please," Alan handed him the fountain pen.
This was perfect, Draco knows where he is. He couldn't fault his mother for being honest with him and he never asked her not to tell. This was childish, sending his personal secretary to do this rather than doing it himself.
"Your presence is requested on Tuesday night at the Blu Pointe restaurant."
"I'm unavailable."
"When I say it's a request, it's only to be polite. This is an edict."
Liam handed him the document and pen. "You can tell my father to eat shit."
"Shall I pass that message along to your mother as well?" He tucked the document away, "after all it is a family dinner."
Blu Pointe
Newburgh, NY
Liam was waiting outside the restaurant where he was meeting his mother and ugh, father, for dinner. He didn't want to break bread with that man. He didn't want to do anything with the man other than throttle him.
He could see Draco seated at a table near the window. Liam disillusioned himself and leaned against a nearby tree. That was funny, he's under the disillusionment charm disappointed the man who was supposed to be everything to him was a lie. The charade is up, and the fight is ongoing.
Draco was poring over a legal brief. He was always so diligent and overworked. He has a full-time job and a full-time business. Liam had no idea how he did it, he sometimes thought the man should relax.
Don't feel sorry for him, Liam shook himself. The man's an asshole. He can work himself to death for all I care. That statement couldn't be farther from the truth. Liam would be hurt beyond measure if anything happened to his father.
Liam straightened up when his mother appeared at the table. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts he didn't even notice her arrival. He watched as Draco stood up in her presence. How they both hesitated as if they were going to kiss but thought better of it.
He wondered how long he should give them before sauntering in. Did they need time to catch up? Do they talk to each other? If he went in now he may interrupt their reconciliation. If he went in now the night could end faster and he could make it home in time for his scheduled chat with Elianna.
He started towards the restaurant removing the spell as he went.
"Good evening sir, do you have a reservation?"
"Malfoy"
"Right this way."
As he approached the table his father had put his work away. His mother was wearing her new glasses. She whimpered the day she found out she needed them. Then picked out several pairs to match her outfits and mood. She was wearing all black tonight with her red frame glasses.
Draco looked up and made eye contact with Liam. He was waiting for a glare but it never came. "Hello Li," was all he said.
"Hello"
"Hi, darling."
Liam kissed his mother before taking the seat next to her. They picked a muggle spot as usual but he wanted a stiff drink. His parents would frown upon him using magic to get the waiter to bring him one despite his age.
"Have you settled in all right," Ginny asked.
"Yeah, you should come by before you go home."
"I will"
Silence fell upon them and Liam decided it was time to get this show on the road. "So, lets we get down to business?"
"We haven't ordered dinner yet," said Ginny.
"So I'm right, this dinner is not for eating but for something else," Liam knew this was a ploy to get them all in the same spot. There were various reasons they could have called this meeting. Business obligations, divorce, or his grandparents got themselves into some shenanigans.
Ginny sighed, "We do need to talk with you about some stuff. I thought it would be nice over dinner. You like the food here, so decide what you want and we'll chat while we eat."
Liam picked up his menu; he knew he was getting lobster. The South African Lobster tails are amazing. Although the lobster macaroni and cheese is delicious too. I'll get an order to go.
"I wonder what section the shit is listed in," Draco said from behind his menu.
"Oh good, you got my message," Liam didn't bother to look at Draco.
"Boys I want tonight to be civil," Ginny scolded.
"It will be civil," Draco closed his menu, "but don't you ever pass such messages through Alan again."
"I'm sure he's heard worse."
"You know better than to speak to an employee or anyone like that."
He had a lot of nerve, he was no saint. He could see his father having a profanity-laced argument with someone. Complete with punches, hexes, curses, and a jinx or two for good measure.
"What is this about," Ginny looked from Draco to Liam. Liam was still looking at the menu. He was studying it too hard to be believable; they'd been here several times.
"Something that can stay between the two of us if Liam promises to never do it again."
Liam looked up, "I promise that I will give you all profanity-laced messages."
"Look here–"
"Good evening, are we ready to order?" The waitress had impeccable timing. They dropped the mounting fight and ordered.
(***)
Halfway through their silent dinner, Liam was on his second unsatisfying coke. Draco put down his fork. "So we have a big moment coming up."
They'd been working on this deal for a few months, papers have been signed, gold changed hands, and they were getting ready for the announcement.
"Your mother and I would like you to start getting involved."
"You two are nowhere near retirement age." Liam wasn't ready for this, he had no idea what he was supposed to do or even if he wanted to.
"This isn't about us retiring or taking a step back," explained Ginny. "We want you in place for the day that happens or if any other emergency comes up. We would like to avert chaos publicly, internally, and for you."
"Can't we keep it like before? I go to nothing except when Aunt Sophie won't shut up until I go to whatever she's hosting."
"No"
Liam slouched back in his chair. This was infuriating. He's a kid, not a businessman.
"This is important for your position. Those are her commitments, not ours," explained Draco.
"Liam, everything we have now is because of this business. We want you and future generations to be able to have something to build from. We have certain ways of doing things and we want the public to know that's not going to change when we're gone." Ginny's so proud of what they've built. Their company is known for being green, and philanthropic and for their generous salary and benefits packages. They were the home of long-term employees. Ginny couldn't believe she was in this position, she was the girl that grew up in a house that's bottom floor is a pig pen.
"I understand and I'm grateful but what if I don't want to be in media? Draco you don't work in journalism—"
"It's dad or Mr. Malfoy," Draco corrected.
"Not when I'm frustrated."
"Always," hissed Draco.
"Stop it," this was getting on Ginny's last nerve, "we are in public."
Liam picked up his coke and began to chug it, the icy beverage wasn't enough to calm him. The sugar wasn't comforting… as soon as his to-go order of lobster macaroni and cheese arrived he was leaving. The idea of getting out of there with cheesy goodness was a better lift.
"Now that you have both calmed down," Ginny looked from Draco to Liam. Neither one of them was making eye contact with the other. "The newspapers were purchased on a whim and they were kept because they're profitable."
"I'm concerned about this with school," he played with the remaining bits of his asparagus.
"School is your main priority," Draco didn't bother to look at Liam. Instead, he watched the scotch whirling around in his glass. "We want you to complete your education and have the career you want. But you also need to set foot in the holdings."
"I don't want to be like you with 50 million things to do."
"Well you won't… yet. The 50 million things I do ensure our lives and our futures. I'm lucky because I'm doing what I want to and not what I have to."
"Can it at least wait until I finish college?"
Draco thought for a moment, "yes."
"Seriously"
"Yes but I want you up to speed."
"I am up to speed, I get CC-ed on everything, and believe it or not I read it. I also don't think I should be present at the announcement."
Draco looked at him now, "Why?"
"I'm getting ready to start school with kids from all walks of life. They're going to be side-eyeing me for who I am and it's only going to make matters worse if I'm seen at… at the big thing." He called it at a loss for a euphemism.
"We don't want to make school hard for you."
"Oh grow a pair," hissed Draco, "you're a Malfoy own it!"
"I own it quite well thank you very much. If you want me to go over to The Magical Times and loiter by the water cooler, fine. Taking meetings and cutting ribbons, no. "
"We don't cut ribbons. We support worthy causes and you will too. You don't have to come to the announcement," Draco was getting ready to retort but Ginny put her hand up to silence him. "You will attend our quarterly meetings. You will pick two things on our calendar and attend them."
"For how long?"
"Forever, how do you think this works?"
"Hire a CFO and go skiing."
Draco placed his head in his hands, it was moments like this that reminded him how much of a child Liam still was. "If you were to do that it would be the fastest way to lose everything. When you own the business you can't leave it to others. You want to be arts, you're going to be self-employed, you are the business, and there won't be any days off. You're lucky you have parents in a place to teach you that."
He didn't know if he was ready for all this grown-up stuff.
"Next order of business," Ginny shifted in her seat. "The Petersons are coming to England to drop Elianna off at school. I thought it would be nice to have them over for dinner." Draco was staring at her, "what do you think?"
"What does this have to do with me?"
"What would you like me to tell them about your absence? You're a bigot or a prick?"
"I'm sure you'll think of something." She knew better than to ask him to show up to something like that, he's held his tongue for months. He's suffered enough; he will do the right thing and stay away.
"What would you like me to tell anybody?" This whole thing was getting on her last nerve, he was either going to be her husband or not. "If you're going to request that I make stuff up then it's time we make this situation permanent and get divorced!"
"Can I go now?" Liam didn't want to be here for this.
"No," snapped Draco. Ginny gave him a look and he sighed, "Yes you can go."
"Have a good night darling," Ginny said as Liam kissed her on the cheek. He placed his napkin on the table and vacated his seat.
They stayed quiet as they watched him intercept the waitress. He took his lobster macaroni and left the restaurant. "I don't want us to do this again."
"Have dinner as a family?"
Ginny rolled her eyes, "lose it, in front of our son."
"Agreed"
"Now as for the Peterson visit, what would you like me to tell them? Over Christmas, they invited us to lunch but I didn't think you were in the right state of mind to accept that invitation... So Liam and I went without you. I told them the invitation came too late and you had to return to New York for work."
"See you're good at coming up with things."
"In the spirit of full disclosure," Ginny continued, fed up with this nonsense. "In May Liam left school for a weekend to escort Elianna to her end-of-term dance."
Draco narrowed his eyes, "Gin—"
"You would have said no for no reason other than magic—"
"That didn't give you the right to make that decision without me."
"You left!"
"That doesn't mean you shouldn't have told me!"
"If you wanted to be consulted you shouldn't have removed yourself from your family!" Ginny knew perfectly well she and Draco were together when Liam asked if he could go. If he hadn't been acting so vile she would have consulted him without a second thought.
"I have not removed myself from my son and don't you ever think that I have!"
"I don't think that, he does!"
(***)
With his parents busy arguing at the restaurant that meant the house was empty. Liam let himself in the back door and wove through the house to the stairs. He missed this place; it was weird not returning when school let out.
He went to his room and pulled his duffle bag from the closet. He opened it on his bed and extended it. He began hurrying about the room dropping stuff into the bag. He wondered if he would be able to fit his Walden Smith paintings. He took the one from over his dresser but the opening at the top of the bag wasn't big enough. He left his room and went down the hall to the linen closet. He grabbed a couple of blankets and returned to his room. He wrapped the painting in one of the blankets and then extended the mouth of the bag and slid it in. He went and got the painting from the bathroom and did the same thing.
He gathered his art supplies, some clothing, and a few mementos, and closed up his bag. He went downstairs and went into the wine closet. He took a bottle of scotch and was deciding which wine he wanted when he heard the back door. His parents had finished arguing and Draco was home. He grabbed the wine bottle nearest his hand and slipped it into his bag as he crept out into the foyer. He unlatched the door, trying not to make a sound.
As he hurried around the house he got sight of Draco in the study. The brief had returned, he had his head resting in both his hands as he read the papers on his desk.
Liam sprinted across the backyard towards the barn; he saddled up Zora and took her out into the paddock. He missed her so much, he climbed on her, and with a pull on the reigns, she ran a few paces and then soared into the air. He arranged a place for her at a stable near the city. He wouldn't have to see his father and he could take her out whenever he wanted. He was going to miss the fresh Hudson Valley air but if his father didn't want him, he wouldn't be there.
The Weasley-Malfoys are Taking Over the World!
In a stunning announcement this morning, The Wizarding Broadcast Enterprise, has been acquired by Weasley-Malfoy Holdings! The WBE comprises both entertainment and news, has networks in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Cameras were allowed in to witness the signing over of the WBE to Draco Malfoy and Ginevra Weasley-Malfoy at the headquarters in New York City.
The Weasley-Maloy's became involved in the media back in 2006 when they purchased The Magical Times and The Skeeter Report. The purchase was made in an attempt to find out who leaked Mrs. Weasley-Malfoy was expecting their only child.
Since then they have gone on to expand The Magical Times to include a quarterly journal with a global reach. It has given many journalists a chance to expand on their talents with its long-form documentary style. It even put the ever-interesting and inspiriting Ginevra Weasley-Malfoy on the map.
They have turned The Skeeter Report into fun stories about Bigfoot sightings and done away with gossip altogether in their publications. They have also started apprentice programs for journalistic writing. Mrs. Weasley-Malfoy had this to say about moving into the wireless, "this is a big step for us. It feels natural given our history in print. As I am an advocate for education I am not afraid to say we are learning and want to encourage that in others as well. In that spirit, we are going to expand our apprentice program so students can also learn how to produce and write for live radio."
"Wizard World"
Libations for Lycanthropy
Last night, under the new moon, the annual Libations for Lycanthropy event was held in Epping Forest. The gathering happens every year as a fundraiser and information event for the Lycanthropy research program at St. Mungos. The entire Weasley-Malfoy family was in attendance. The family endowed the program ten years ago. The research program works to find a cure and new ways to make life comfortable for those afflicted. They also provide free wolfbanes potion to all who want it. They also work tirelessly to answer questions and remove the stigma surrounding the affliction.
"The Daily Prophet"
The Wizarding Broadcasting Enterprise UK
Mornings With Chad Campbell
"Are you even allowed to talk about this?"
"I know, I know, I know," Chad sort of chuckled, "we got the news at the same time as the rest of the world. This is a news show but it is a bit of a grey area. I want to make it clear to our listeners that you are not part of the Weasley-Malfoy holdings family so you could write your piece The Redeeming Son without worry."
"I'm not yet," Larry Meyer novelist and freelance columnist laughed, "who knows what the next acquisition will be."
"True, this piece is interesting because it's not only about Draco Malfoy but Liam Weasley-Malfoy as well."
"Yes, those of us who are old enough to remember, know the Malfoy family for their involvement with you know who."
"My daughter said who are the Malfoy's? When I showed her a photo she said the gorgeous woman they feature all the time in the style section and her hot son."
Larry laughed, "Yes most people don't equate them with death eaters because most people equate them with Ginevra who is a Weasley. But Draco is more interesting. He has a dark past which he managed to completely run from. That generally doesn't happen when one is charged with acts of terrorism. He went on to pursue a post-graduate education and did a very un-trust fund kid thing and got a job. His job is fighting for environmental and human rights. Given his past, you would assume he has no interest in either of those things. Although his company now owns this network, he still has that job. He's always so straight-faced but he seems to believe in everything he does, his words are meant with action."
"How does Liam factor in?"
"Even stranger he avoids the spotlight like the plague, his father isn't hunting for it, but we know nothing about Liam. The only reporting of him is his newly confirmed relationship with a squib. Which says so much in itself."
"Like there truly was that change of heart mentioned in the court transcripts."
(***)
The doorbell chimed, "Li hurry up, they're here," Ginny shouted as she went to answer the door. "Hello."
"Good evening Mrs. Weasley-Malfoy the Petersons are here."
"Great, send them up," she closed the golden door and went to wait at the lift. The place looked great, dinner was almost ready, and Draco made sure he had plans that conflicted with tonight. Unfortunately, Liam only arrived home fifteen minutes ago but everything was almost perfect.
The lift chimed, "hello, welcome."
Herman hurried into the foyer. He wove around Yvonne, pushing through Robert's legs to get to Elianna.
"I'm so sorry about that," Ginny apologized. "He's crazy about your girl."
"It's quite all right," Yvonne smoothed out her dress, "it's nice to see you again."
"You as well," she shook both of their hands. "Come in and make yourselves comfortable," she led them to the living room,. "Li's portkey was late he should be out any minute."
"You have a lovely home," Robert said politely taking a seat on the couch next to his wife.
"Thank you"
Elianna sat on the opposite couch; Herman hopped up next to her and rested his head on her lap.
"Hello all," Liam hurried into the room flustered. "I'm so sorry, hi love" he leaned down and kissed Elianna on the cheek. He then shook Mr. and Mrs. Peterson's hands. "Bro," he hoped Herman would get the picture and move. He stared at Liam and didn't move a muscle, "fine," he sat on the other end of the couch with Herman stretched between them.
Elianna laughed and scratched Herman behind the ear, "He got here first."
"I see how it is," he joked, "but anyway, how was the move?"
Elianna sighed, "Stressful I'm a bit surprised we made it here in one piece."
"There's no need to be so dramatic," Yvonne rolled her eyes.
"Well, you're the one who put the undetectable extension charm on your carry-on," pointed out Robert. "You had the security guards scratching their heads. It took too much confunding and charms to cover that mess up."
"I needed everything to fit. The muggles have to make such a fuss about the smallest things," she waved a dismissive hand.
"She acts as if she's never flown before," muttered Elianna, "but I'm in my flat and all is good. My flatmate arrives the day after tomorrow, we'll get the communal furniture sorted."
"So what about you Liam, how's school going," asked Mr. Peterson.
"I finally feel as if I've got a handle on things. The scheduling is weird because classes are around a production schedule. There are a lot of late nights and early mornings. The first play goes into tech next week." He was so tired he felt as if he never slept and was having trouble keeping up, it's only been a month. "I'm on the run crew which I've never done before so I'm a little nervous but also excited."
"So you decided on the theatre," it wasn't a question. Yvonne's statement was judgmental.
"I'm hoping to be able to design for the stage, exhibition or experience design, and installation art. I thought a theatre program would be good because it teaches you how to build wondrous things that can be used."
"Their drafting courses are first rate. I've had several alumni as interns over the years," said Robert.
(***)
After dinner, the ladies were doing something in the flat while Liam and Robert retired to the roof. Robert offered up a cigar and Liam provided the scotch from the family bar. He was a little surprised his father hadn't taken it all the last time he was in London. He's the biggest scotch drinker of them all.
"Your father is avoiding us," Robert looked out over the city.
"My parents are on the board for MOMA, the big annual fundraiser is tonight. He had to be the family representative," it wasn't a complete lie. The annual fundraiser is tonight and Draco is going. He could have gotten out of it but needs must. "… So yeah he's avoiding you."
Robert looked at Liam, he couldn't believe this kid. He seemed unfazed as he sipped his scotch. "Your parents are on the board of a muggle museum?"
Liam nodded, "they're ethical additions after some controversial outings. It was bound to happen when you socialize with muggles, you end up getting asked to do things. I'm not surprised my mom was willing to take part but my dad has extended his love of art."
"Do they know about the magic?"
Liam shook his head, "the only muggles that know about the magic are our across-the-street neighbors in New York. Well not directly across the street because it's nothing but protected woodlands, but five miles down the road."
"Interesting, do you prefer London or New York?"
"If you mean New York City or London. I prefer London, if you mean New York State or London, I prefer New York State. I love it up in the Hudson River Valley where I live… where I lived," he amended.
"You're not still there?"
"I got an apartment in Brooklyn"
"Yeah, but your family home is upstate."
"That's true but… I'm not exactly welcome there."
"Fathers can be hard," David took a long drag from his cigar. "My ubaba is a very proud man. Pride is quite dangerous by itself but imagine being prideful during apartheid. He lost his ability to work; he was denied a pass to go into the city. That's how he ended up working for meager wages on a lake. My umama however didn't lose her ability to work. Can you imagine a man of pride having to watch his wife take care of the family?"
He imagined it was hard; his parents leaned towards a more traditional lifestyle. His mother has always worked but his father takes care of everything. He's always taken pride in taking care of the family, this in turn made Liam want to take care of those he loves. He didn't know what he'd do if that wasn't possible. It has to be ten times worse when you add racism, oppression, colonization, and a whole lot of other injustices.
Robert gulped his scotch in that way you know something is wrong. He's a grown man with a family of his own and no longer lives in the same country as his parents. Yet this seemed to be something that still weighed on him. He sighed, "My academic prowess was not appreciated either."
"I thought all parents wanted their child to get an education and do well in school."
"Not when they see it as a threat."
Liam leaned on the wall and looked down at all the unsuspecting muggles. "It isn't the squib thing, well not directly anyway. It's about me and my unwillingness to let go just because my father said so."
"We do like to control our kids. Unfortunately, it still comes as a shock to most parents that kids aren't going to listen."
(***)
Yvonne stood at the mantle in the Malfoy living room looking at the photos. Elianna had gone to the powder room and Ginny was preparing tea. She would greatly prefer a double vodka martini but she was trying to behave herself.
From this angle, the Malfoy family looked like any other. School photos, baby pictures, the family of three with their arms around each other on a holiday. Even her daughter made the mantle, smiling big and bright as she cozied up to Liam. It was the only still photograph, they were at her school formal. Ginny proudly framed the photo and placed it among her family.
She never wanted her daughter to have a hard life, what parent would? Witches and wizards were already so cruel because she can't do magic. The muggles have been cruel, they liked to other her for being one of three black children at SCHEGGs. It's taken a lot, she constantly tells her beautiful, talented, clever daughter that she is enough. Up until she revealed her relationship with a Malfoy, she thought Elianna was coping well. Who purposely connects themselves to a family that doesn't want them?
"I thought I'd spice things up a bit."
Yvonne turned around as Ginny enter the room with a tray.
"It's a chai cocktail," she picked up one of the clear glass mugs and handed it to Yvonne. "The chai is very spicy, I picked it up when I was in India, I add a hint of vanilla liquor and some spiced rum."
Yvonne immediately took a sip at the mention of alcohol, she needed it. The moment the amber liquid hit her throat she regretted it. She put her hand over her mouth as she coughed and gagged.
"The spice is something you have to get used to," Ginny rushed over to the bar and poured Yvonne a glass of water.
She chugged the whole glass, "it's sinus-clearing." It was the only thing she could think to say. She resumed her seat on the couch and Ginny sat across from her. "So how are you managing Liam leaving the nest?"
"It's not too hard since he went to boarding school. That was hard, I couldn't believe I put my baby on a train and sent him away. But now that he's in university it's a different feeling, one of disbelief that he's grown up."
It's been hard trying to wrap her head around him being an adult. He went flat hunting and bought a used beat-up leather couch, and a rolling clothing rack to be his closet. She sighed but it was his home and she was going to let him do whatever he wants.
"Elianna coming here for university must be hard."
"It's not ideal but it's what's best for her," shrugged Yvonne. To be honest she was having a hard time. She is Australian by birth yet raised Congolese. The Congolese part of her has always been strict about Elianna's education. Cambridge was the frosting on a very perfect cake. But the Australian part of her was worried beyond measure. Elianna is a young girl getting ready to live in a strange country all alone. To make matters worse she would have easier access to that boyfriend of hers. "How's Draco taking all of this?"
"He's overwhelmed," he has a lot going on and it's compounded by his problems with Liam.
"I bet… how's he taking everything else," she wondered if Ginny thinks them fools. As if they couldn't tell Draco was avoiding them. Elianna was tight-lipped about her time in London. She wouldn't say more than she spent time with the family and enjoyed getting to be with Liam.
Ginny stared Yvonne right in the eye and said, "He's sorry." She hoped this conveyed what she wanted because he truly is, he's ruined his life. She hopes Yvonne picks up on the sincerity and the fact she knew exactly what she was asking.
"Chai cocktails, lovely," Elianna joined them. Her mother was staring at Ginny and she wondered what she missed. "What did I miss?"
Yvonne watched her daughter sip the spiced beverage as if it were nothing. "We were discussing the absence of family… with our children going off to school and all."
"That's what happens when we grow up," Elianna shrugged not convinced that's what they were talking about. "Also I hope that you and Dad will reconsider having my car shipped over."
Yvonne shook her head, "we already told you that's not going to happen. But if you're so grown up surely you can get it here on your own."
"Perhaps if you and Dad would let me work during school I'd have the funds to do it myself… or at least pretend I could do it myself. You know grownups work and go to school."
Yvonne sighed, "Yes and they are overworked, lose focus, and often don't finish. How lucky you are to have parents that don't want you to go through that."
"Yes, lucky me."
(***)
The Malfoy Doting on the Squib
Liam Weasley-Malfoy and Elianna Peterson were spotted in Diagon Alley over the weekend. The two were seen perusing the record shop and getting ice cream with friends.
"The Tattler"
Building a Home?
We were very excited to receive photos of Liam Weasley-Malfoy and Elianna Peterson our favorite new it couple. The pair have been keeping a low profile but they were spotted again over the weekend. One of our readers submitted photos of the couple furniture shopping in muggle London. Things seem to be getting serious. Could the two possibly be moving in together?
"The Daily Prophet"
Art School Rich Kid
Liam was back in New York this week, we spotted him outside of the theater at the University of the Magical Arts. We contacted the registrar's office and confirmed that he is a first-year student. He is in the theater arts program with a concentration in Stage Design. The students are preparing for the first production of the season The Night of the Exploding Tuba.
"The Magical Inquiry"
"Being the Malfoys"