*J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter!

*Title of the chapter comes from 'Broadripple is Burning' By Margot and the Nuclear So and So's.

** So, today is a very special day to me. It marks the one-year anniversary since I uploaded the first chapter of 'To Be a Malfoy'. It may seem crazy, but writing that story really has changed my life. I feel as if that story greatly improved my writing, and it opened me to a new world of amazing, supportive readers that I couldn't have possibly written any of this without. You all reading my stories is just as important as me writing them. Through writing, I've also discovered more about myself, and I've finally decided that I want to do with my life: write books. So, thank you all for any type of feedback and support you have ever given me, and I dearly hope that it continues in the future! I love and appreciate you all :)

*Thanks again for reading! Leave a review!

Simon and I glance at each other for a couple quiet seconds. Since yesterday, he's officially become my fiancé. Simon did propose to me rather well, and my balcony is covered balustrade-to-balustrade with flowers to prove it.

"My mother still won't talk to me," I inform him quietly. "She doesn't want us to get married; she doesn't trust how you'll treat me."

Simon appears to be troubled by this, but he won't say so. "And your father?"

"He likes the idea of it. It's one of the few points we've ever agreed on."

Simon seems rather distracted. "I'm glad to hear it."

I tap my finger on his desk, making him turn to look at me. "I don't think I should be your intern anymore," I venture carefully, making idle motions with my quill. "It's rather… odd now." I barely do any work for Simon anymore as it is. Mainly, I only hand him things or keep him company. It just doesn't seem right anymore to consider him my superior.

Simon puts his hand under his chin. "I suppose you have a point, but then I'd have to go looking for a new intern," he informs me.

I don't like the idea of that. "Not another woman," I mutter under my breath.

Simon clears his throat. "Hmm?"

"I said that I don't want you working all day closed up in an office with some other woman," I repeat, waiting for Simon to challenge me on the matter.

"Then what am I supposed to do?" Simon questions. "File my own papers? Prepare myself?"

I decide not to mention that it's a possibility. "I'm not saying you can't have an intern. I just don't want it to be some stupid tart that's falling all over you," I reason.

Slowly, Simon looks out the window then at me, a deep frown on his face. "You don't trust me, do you?"

"I didn't say that."

"You implied it."

I take a deep breath, not in the mood to initiate an argument. I try a different route instead. "It's not that I don't trust you- things happen. I mean, you never expected to fall in love with me, did you?"

Simon considers this for a moment. "Would it make you more comfortable if I allowed you to choose my intern for me?" He questions mockingly.

I smile and nod, not showing any sign of picking up on his sarcasm. "The most comfortable."

Simon shakes his head gently. "Whatever makes you happy."

"I'm very happy now," I assure Simon. I give him a teasing smirk and run my fingers up and down his arm. "I think I'll choose some old ugly woman just to torture you all day, and then you'll be even more relieved when you get to come home to me."

Simon takes my hand in his much larger one, my engagement ring pressing into his palm. "Nothing could ever make me any happier to see you," he tells me, kissing my lips gently.

"I'm going to hold you to that remark," I warn him.

"Please do."

Someone knocks at the door and Simon lets my hand go. "Come in," He calls.

"Is Belle here?" An overly-excited voice asks. I'd know it anywhere. Simon wrinkles his eyebrows.

I turn around, a confused look on my face. Dominique almost never comes to visit me at the Ministry.

"Do you know her?" Simon whispers.

"She's a friend of mine," I nod, turning back to Dom. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I'm on my break, and I had to tell you something!" She gushes excitedly. I notice the way Dominique is looking at Simon, and it rather upsets me. I try to remind myself that she doesn't know that we're together.

"Er, what is it?" I ask hesitantly.

Dominique opens her mouth to tell me, and then she reconsiders. "Do you want me to tell you now or in private?"

"Is it inappropriate?" With Dominique, you never know what you're going to get.

She shakes her head. "No, course not."

"Fine, tell me." Simon and I have a brief conversation by means of disapproving facial expressions.

"So, I was talking to Teddy the other day, you know, congratulating him on finally breaking up with Victoire and everything, then I asked him why he did it. He said he was in love with someone else, but he wouldn't tell me who."

"Pity," I mutter, not too enthusiastic to hear anything about Teddy. He still hasn't replied to my owl. Simon covertly rolls his eyes. I'm glad to know he isn't interested in Dominique.

Dominique waves her hand. "I'm not done! So I kept asking him, right, and he still wouldn't tell me. And then one thing led to another, and we got into this big argument because he just wouldn't tell me, and then he finally blurted it out. Guess who it is?"

I'm fully prepared for Dominique to inform me that she's now dating Teddy. I suppose he likes to keep it in the family.

"Who?" I deadpan.

"You!" Dom squeals. "I mean, I knew Victoire didn't like you for a reason, but God, I didn't expect-"

Simon faces Dominique. I haven't even thought of how he must feel. "Leave my office," he commands, his face expressionless.

Dominique frowns at Simon's temperament. "What the hell?" She asks, looking at me for clarification.

I don't know how to explain this to her. "Dom, I –"

"Leave!" Simon repeats impatiently.

Not one to be told what to do, Dominique sticks her hands on her hips. "What are you so worked up about, Simon? I was just telling Belle-"

Simon leans forward at his desk, narrowing his eyes at Dom. "You were just telling my fiancé that another man loves her!" He raises his voice.

"Calm down," I tell Simon quietly. It isn't as If I have feelings for Teddy anymore. I don't know what to think of the fact that he's just let it slip to Dominique that we're to be married.

Dominique's eyes widen. "You're… you two are engaged?" She gasps.

Simon nods, gesturing to my left hand.

"God, look at the size of that thing! It's huge!" I have to admit that I have my reservations about the size of the ring as well. It isn't anything like the simple one that I asked for, and it's already gotten tangled in my hair three times since yesterday. I should have expected it, considering Simon finds it impossible to be understated about anything.

"Dom, please don't tell anyone," I ask. I love Dominique dearly, but she has a rather large mouth.

She seems more confused than anything. "I thought you and Holden-"

"We broke up," I say shortly, avoiding Simon's gaze. "I mean it, don't say anything."

"My lips are sealed," Dominique promises me. She drums her fingers uncomfortably on the door. "I guess I'll just… leave you two, then." Dom wrinkles her nose as she shuts the door behind her.

I sigh, waiting for Simon to bombard me with questions.

He looks as if he can't decide what to say first. "What did she mean, Lupin loves you?" Simon questions, his nostrils flared.

"I suppose she means that he loves me," I reply flatly.

Simon clenches his jaw. "That wasn't what I meant. Why would Lupin have any reason to love you?" He rephrases.

I can't possibly go into full detail. "Teddy and I have been very close for a while. I suppose it just… happened. I don't have any feelings for him, though, I can promise you that. In fact, we aren't on very good terms with each other at the moment."

"I genuinely hope not," Simon mutters bitterly.

I cross my arms. "It doesn't feel so great, does it?" I question, tilting my head.

"What doesn't?" Simon looks as if he's only trying to humor me.

"Feeling that you have to be jealous- which, I haven't given you any reason to be," I inform him.

Simon rolls his eyes at me. "I haven't given you a reason to be jealous of me, either."

"But you've-"

Simon holds up his hand to cut me off and, I don't know why, but I stop talking. I'm rather frustrated with myself for obeying him so easily. "I'm growing immensely tired of hearing you say the same thing over and over. I know I've slept with a lot of women, and I don't need you to remind me. But in the time that we've been together, have I ever cheated on you?" Simon questions, his eyes boring into mine.

"I wouldn't know that, would I?" I retort.

Simon remains completely still for a moment. Then, he knocks all the papers off his desk in one swift motion. His inkwell clatters to the floor, making me jump. "I wouldn't know that you haven't cheated on me!"

"I haven't!"

"Do I know that for a fact?" Simon pushes his chair back with force and comes to stand in front of me. He doesn't know how to stay seated when he's upset.

"I'm telling you now! I'm not lying!" I snap, tilting my chin up to look Simon in the face.

His face is inches from mine. "All I have is your word?"

"Yes!"

"And all you have is mine," Simon drawls with finality.

I frown at him. "What? That's it?" I demand.

Simon nods brusquely. "Nothing more needs to be said." He turns around and glances at the flurry of papers on the ground in front of his desk as if it's more important. "Call someone to fix this. I don't like messes."

I laugh mirthlessly. Why does Simon always get to end the conversation on his own terms? "You can't be serious! I think that you're forgetting-"

At once, Simon wheels around to face me, angrier than I've seen him in a long time. "I think that you're forgetting that I'm not the only one who's been unfaithful in a relationship!" He shouts.

I don't forget that one bit. I'd like to, but I can't. "Simon-"

"How can you expect your mother to accept me when you can't? Trust works both ways!"

"I do trust you!" I protest.

"No, you don't!"

I throw my hands up in frustration. "Yes, I do! And you don't' get to use my mother as an example when both your parents are just as horrible!"

"My parents don't apply to this situation! How about you listen to what I'm saying instead of behaving like a child?" Simon suggests.

"So I'm a child now?" I repeat in disbelief.

Simon leans against his desk. "If the shoe fits. I'm sure more adults know to judge on present behavior rather than past. Then again, I may be wrong."

With those words, I realize how juvenile I'm being about the whole thing. Simon's right. My expression softens. "Look, I'm sorry," I apologize resignedly. "It's just hard thinking that you honestly want me. I still can't believe it."

Simon wraps his arms around me in a forgiving embrace. "I understand. But don't doubt me when I haven't yet given you any reason to. That's one thing I can't stand, especially from you."

I suppose it frustrates Simon that he's constantly around people who doubt him, and I now feel obligated to not be the same way.

Sitting in the backyard with my family should feel more comfortable than it really is. Nina's sitting on my lap, talking to me and Rose idly as we watch Hugo and Scorpius throw the quaffle in the open space away from the manor. Mum and Dad are sitting beside each other in tall-backed chairs, watching them closely. All the convincing in the world won't ever persuade Mum that quidditch isn't as dangerous as she thinks.

Dad leans over to Mum. "I think Hugo would make a fair chaser," he says. "And Scorpius would be a rather talented seeker."

"Their studies are more important than quidditch," Mum reminds Dad.

Dad nods understandingly. "I realize that, but it's good to have a bit of fun."

Mum glances at me, and I know she's doing it on purpose. "I'm sure it is."

Rose nudges my arm, as if Mum's being more subtle than she really is. "Can't we talk about this?" I ask Mum finally.

"Hermione," Dad urges, telling Mum not to ignore me.

"There isn't anything to discuss. If Isobelle wants to marry Simon, then she can. She doesn't need my approval," she replies nonchalantly, smiling as Hugo waves to her.

"I am going to marry Simon. I just wish you would give him a chance." After the argument Simon and I got into, I do realize that he's right. My behavior was almost like an extension of Mum's.

"Hermione, you do owe that to Isobelle, at least," Dad agrees.

Mum doesn't respond, and I decide not to waste my breath pressing matters.

"Mummy's mad at you," Nina whispers, playing with my hair.

"I know." It seems she always is.

Scorpius flies overhead, causing Mum to have a near fit. "Boys, not near the house!"

"He's going to seriously get hurt one day," Rose huffs, eyeing Scorpius' flying form with distaste.

"Let's hope that's later than sooner," Dad replies. He gives me an apologetic look. I want to tell him that for once, things aren't his fault. Doesn't Mum realize that giving me a hard time isn't helping anything?

I sit in silence, not in the mood to say anything. If I knew it wouldn't make things worse, I would go inside.

Mum and Dad are immersed in conversation, Rose is reading her book, and Nina is busying herself watching Hugo and Scorpius. Would it really be that big a deal if I didn't live at home anymore? Mum and Dad have each other to talk to, and my younger siblings have each other as well. I don't have anyone my age to interact with at home, and that does make things rather dull. If I married Simon, we'd have each other.

The back door opens. "Mister Malfoy, a guest," one of our house-elves says.

"I'll see who it is," I volunteer, a bit too eagerly. I nudge Nina off my lap and stand up. "I'll be back in a moment."

Neither Mum nor Dad says anything as I walk inside. I wonder who it is. For some reason, I have the slightest feeling that Simon's come to visit me. I don't know why he would, though; we've already resolved our argument from earlier.

When I walk into the foyer, my mouth drops open. It's Daphne. Like Astoria, she hasn't aged much since I last saw her, which must have been some eight years ago. The two of them are alike in nearly every way, except Daphne's eyes are green instead of blue. Also, as personalities go, she's much worse than Astoria, something that shouldn't even be humanely possible. Her black and silver robes make her pale skin look even icier.

"Isobelle," Daphne scowls rudely, as if she isn't standing in my home right now.

"Daphne," I reply, happy that I no longer have to address her as my aunt. Having to do that nearly drove both Astoria and Daphne mad.

Words can't describe the look of distaste Daphne gives me. I'm sure she's heard countless stories of how terrible I am from her sister. To Daphne, I'm the reason her sister's life has been ruined. She always treated me as if that were the truth.

Daphne looks around, her jaw clenched tightly. Her expression seems rather upset and urgent. "Where are your father and brother?"

"I don't know if I should tell you that," I say hesitantly.

Daphne seizes the front of my robes, and I'm taken completely by surprise. "You bring them to me now, or I swear you'll regret it!" She hisses.

I'm confused as to why she's here, but something tells me that I should do what Daphne says. She can threaten me all she wants, but I know she won't do anything in front of Scorpius.

"Wait here," I say calmly. Daphne lets go of my robes and gives me such a threatening look that I know I have no choice other than to do what she says.

"Be quick about it!"

I hurry off, wondering what I'm getting myself into. I peer out of the glass door leading to the backyard. My family seems so happy, and I know that I'm about to ruin that.

Rose turns to look at me as I open the door. Scorpius and Hugo are now sitting beside her, drinking cold pumpkin juice. "Who was it?"

I don't answer. "Dad, Scorpius, can I see the two of you inside?" I question, trying not to show how nervous I am.

Scorpius wrinkles his eyebrows. "Why?"

"Just… please."

Dad stands up, a curious expression on his face. I give him a look to tell him not to cause any panic. He puts his hand on Scorpius' shoulder, urging him to come inside. Dad glances over his shoulder at Mum. "We'll be back in a second."

Dad shuts the door behind him. "Who's here, Isobelle?" He questions apprehensively. Still, I don't answer. "Tell me."

"Daphne," I whisper.

Scorpius looks up at me with confusion. "You mean Aunt Daphne?" he asks. I nod solemnly. "Why's Aunt Daphne here? Is my mum here, too?"

When Scorpius says that, Dad and I share a fearful glance. Now, I think I may have realized why Daphne's here.

When Scorpius sees Daphne standing in the foyer, he gives her a reserved smile. "Hi, Aunt Daphne."

Daphne doesn't say hello back. Instead, she sets Dad with a pure look of hatred. "Your mudblood wife has something to do with this, doesn't she?"

Scorpius looks uncomfortable at hearing the word. Surprisingly, Dad remains calm. "Something to do with what, Daphne?"

"You know damned well what I'm talking about, Draco! You're so worried about pleasing your mutt of a daughter that you're letting Scorpius suffer for it! Astoria should have done away with her when she had the chance!" Daphne screams.

I'm not excited to hear what other derogatory comments might come out Daphne's mouth. She's unpleasant enough when she isn't angry.

"You're just as insane as Astoria," Dad replies.

Daphne raises her eyebrows as if she begs to differ. "I didn't marry you, did I? And I sure as hell wouldn't let some child I didn't even want to have run my life!"

Subtly, Dad clenches his fists.

"What's wrong?" Scorpius asks urgently.

Daphne averts her attention to Scorpius as if she's just noticed him in the room. For the first time in my life, I see a human expression on her face. She puts both her hands on Scorpius' shoulders and looks into his eyes. It's uncanny how alike Daphne and Astoria are. They both become totally different people to Scorpius than they are with me or Dad.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know how to tell you this, Scorpius," Daphne says uneasily.

"Tell me what?" Scorpius looks between the three of us, fear apparent on his face. "Aunt Daphne…"

Daphne purses her lips. "Scorpius, your mother died this morning." She speaks flatly, as if each word is causing her a great deal of trouble to speak. I suppose it would. Even though Daphne's a terrible person, she's still just lost her sister.

"Huh?" Scorpius repeats, as if he didn't register a word Daphne said.

"She's been very sick for a while, and she tried her hardest to get better, but it got the best of her."

Scorpius' face goes blank. "No," he croaks. "You're playing a joke on me… right?"

Daphne shakes her head and rubs Scorpius' shoulder comfortingly. "Believe me, she wanted nothing more than to see you one last time, but your father was against it," Daphne tells Scorpius, glaring daggers at Dad and me.

Scorpius turns around to face Dad, a look of pain and agony on his face. "Dad…"

"That's a lie, Scorpius!" Dad says harshly.

"A lie, Draco? Tell me then, why couldn't Scorpius ever come to see Astoria?" Daphne questions, waiting for an answer.

Dad grapples for an answer, but one doesn't come.

"She asked for Scorpius. Merlin knows she did, and she was told that she wasn't allowed to see him by order of the Ministry of Magic. That was your doing, Draco," Daphne explains.

I'm not positive what Daphne knows for sure, but she does know that either me or Dad is responsible for Scorpius not having been able to see Astoria. Dad knows it was me, but he won't let me take the fall for it. Not in front of Daphne. That just makes my guilt even worse.

Dad doesn't say anything to Daphne. Instead, he focuses his attention on Scorpius. "Scorpius, you have to believe-"

"I don't have to believe anything!" Scorpius shouts, his face going red. "You didn't let me see her! You didn't tell me you knew! I hate you!"

"Scorpius!" I cry, trying to get his attention. "It isn't our fault, we thought-"

Scorpius turns on Dad again. "Aunt Daphne's right! You do everything you can for Isobelle, and then you forget about me! Go to hell!"

Dad's shoulders stiffen, but he doesn't show any sign of anger. "Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy, don't you ever speak to me that way," he says quietly, his voice broken.

"I suppose now isn't a good time to tell you that Astoria wished that you'd raised him well?" Daphne questions acerbically. She scoffs."As if you could have done that."

"Did you come here just to mock me?" Dad asks in a defeated tone.

Daphne shakes her head. "Your parenting abilities are enough of a mockery. My parents have arranged for the funeral to be next week, and Scorpius will be there. He should still at least be able to say goodbye to his mother, since you've ruined that chance the first time."

"I want to go to your house," Scorpius tells Daphne, pleading with round grey eyes as if he's five years old again. He wipes a few stray tears with the back on his hand. I can't remember the last time I've seen Scorpius cry or even shed a tear. "I… I don't want to be here right now."

"Scorpius, no," Dad answers for him. Scorpius doesn't show any sign of hearing.

Daphne pulls Scorpius close to her. His facial expression lifts, if only by a small bit. "I'm sorry, love, I'm a bit busy today. I'm clearing out Astoria's things from her house," she informs Scorpius, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you soon."

Astoria gives both Dad and I a hateful look before disapparating.

Scorpius faces both Dad and I. "I'll never get to talk to her again and it's all your faults!" He turns to run upstairs, but I grab his arm.

"Scorpius, I'm truly sorry about Astoria, but just listen. If we'd known-"

"I don't care!" Scorpius cuts me off. "You two always wanted to keep me away from her! She probably didn't even do all those things you said she did! I hate you both!"

Scorpius yanks his arm free of mine and turns to run upstairs. Seconds later, his door slams loudly. I won't see Scorpius for the rest of the day.

I sigh and look at Dad. "Was this the way you wanted him to find out? You could have said something just in case."

"Isobelle, what could I have said? What could I have possibly said? Please tell me, because I have no idea," Dad responds sarcastically. He puts his head in his hands for a count of three.

"I'm sorry," I apologize. "Thank you for not telling Scorpius what I did."

"He's heard enough bad news for the day," Dad reasons. "I'm going to leave him be for a while."

I suppose that's a good idea. "Do you think he really hates us?" I question. Scorpius has told me he's hated me before, but never with so much force and meaning.

Dad nods. "I'd be worried if he didn't."

I don't blame Scorpius for being angry or saying any of the things that the did. Perhaps if I'd pressed Simon a bit more about things instead of worrying about a marriage, Scorpius would have been able to see Astoria. Maybe Dad could have done things differently, too. As much as I hate Daphne, she may have been making sense.

Right about now, I hate myself, too.

(A/N: Please leave a review! Hope this chapter was dramatic enough for you! Leave a review :) )