CHAPTER 4

Summer evening breezes blew

Drawing voices deep from you

Led by your beating heart

"Draco," Hermione called before coming to a halt at the door. The sight before her melted her heart and she stood against the frame listening to her husband as he spoke softly to their daughters. Rhaella and Draco were seated in one of the very comfortable chairs in the sun room of the manor, while Althea was busy playing with Zeus.

"Dad," she said, "Scorp was telling us yours and mum's story yesterday. Won't you finish it for us please?" she asked sweetly. Hermione already knew that Draco wouldn't deny her that, but it was always fun to see how long it took him to realise that.

Her husband laughed, "Ly I'm sure you've heard that story a thousand times already. Aren't you tired of it?"

"Never," she said smiling. "Please dad. We've never heard it from you before."

"I think your mother would tell it much better than I could." Draco said.

"Maybe…" Rhaella said thinking about it, "But we want to hear it from you."

"Yes, please daddy," Althea joined in as she seated herself in her father's lap and looked up at him with imploring silver eyes. Story telling had been something the Malfoy children couldn't live without. It had been something they started when Scorpius was born. Draco had been so nervous, about what to say to his first child that he hadn't said anything at all, until Hermione suggested he just tell him a story. They found that all their children quite liked the sound of Draco's voice and his stories. Even Hermione didn't mind just so long as she got to hear his voice too.

"Alright," Draco sighed but smiling nonetheless at his girls, "Well what do you want to hear?"

"At the bumblebee," Althea said sweetly.

"The bumblebee?" Draco asked confused.

"No squirt it's Dumbledore," Rhaella corrected her sister gently, "The part where mum and you thought the Wizard might be Dumbledore." She informed her father. "But I want to hear about you and mum." Rhaella insisted to which Althea nodded furiously, her blonde curls bouncing about.

"Okay…" Draco said in thought, he wrapped an arm around Rhaella and the other held Althea as he began his story…

Silence had soon filled the cave as Hermione sat trying to work through the riddle. Draco seemed to be pacing again, whether it was because of the riddle or having to relieve those memories, she wasn't sure. Feeling a headache building, she tossed the map aside with a groan.

"None of this makes any sense!" she cried. "It just can't be Dumbledore! Just what sort of game is he playing?!"

Draco sighed, "Look granger it's been a long day. Why don't we call it a night?" he suggested. Hermione was surprised at this thoughtfulness, something he was quick to pick up on. "I'm not always... how did you put it – oh yes a foul, loathsome, evil little cockroach."

She flushed at the memory of their third year. "You know you never apologised for punching me," he said smirking slightly.

"I didn't need to!" Hermione said scowling, "You were a foul, loathsome, evil little cockroach; and you deserved that punch after all you put Hagrid and Buckbeak through."

"That bloody over grown chicken was a menace!" he argued back.

Hermione didn't respond choosing only to roll her eyes in annoyance. "Perhaps it would be better if we continued this in the morning," she said motioning to the discarded map.

It didn't take long for both to sort out their sleeping arrangements as they pulled out sleeping bags and laid it beside the fire; keeping a safe distance from each other. A thoughtful silence filled the cave as the fire crackled and burned beside them. Draco was plagued with unwanted images of the night on the astronomy tower. No matter how hard he tried to push them back; they seeped forward and turned his dreams into nightmares. The familiarity of sleeping on the ground with a fire next to her took Hermione back to her year on the run. The horrors of the past bled into her dreams as she tossed and turned.

Hermione woke not long after, panting and breathing heavily, grasping at the sleeping bag looking for her wand. Panicked and scared she didn't realise someone calling her name.

"Granger!" Draco called trying to get her attention as he rose from his spot. He watched as she frantically searched around her for something. Clearly she was afraid, whatever she had been dreaming about had left her scarred. "Granger!" he called more forcefully before grasping her arms in an effort to stop her panicked movement. She struggled against his hold but didn't look at him, in fact Draco was sure she didn't know he was that close.

"Granger, stop. It's okay. You're fine." He said; having no idea why he was comforting Hermione Granger. His voice seemed to register something within her and she surprisingly stopped.

"I… the snatchers… were…." She mumbled incoherently. Draco felt his stomach twist into an awful knot; knowing what had followed Hermione being caught by the snatchers.

Nevertheless he pushed down his surprise, "They're not here. You're safe. I promise."

"I…they were chasing us…."

"Sshh Granger," he pacified as best he could crouching beside her. "Don't think about that now. Go to sleep." He urged. She shook her head frantically still lost in her nightmare. Draco sighed and tentatively reached out to push the hair away from her face. "They're not here Hermione," he said; her name just tumbling from his mouth. It didn't sound as strange as he thought it might.

She finally looked up into his eyes; and Draco saw the fear and terror etched upon her face. He felt his own guilt rise as he watched her trying to fight those demons away. He grasped her tiny hand in his gently and was surprised when she squeezed it tightly. He guided her back down into her sleeping bag and made to move his hand away. Only Hermione refused to let go. She avoided eye contact but her hold on his hand was strong.

In that moment Draco realised he could do one of two things; be the heartless bastard everyone expected him to be and toss aside the frightened woman before him or he could prove his worth in trying to be better than that old stereotype and help her. Draco fought his conscious and his heart for a moment; before he knelt further into the dirt and allowed Hermione to grasp his hand tighter.

"Go back to sleep Granger," he said softly. Hermione was surprised at his gentle tone before she complied with what he had said. Draco drew his sleeping bag close and slipped inside to lay down facing her. Though once inside Hermione reached out and grabbed his hand again.

"Thank you," she whispered finally looking at him before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep again.

Draco nodded numbly; shocked at himself for reacting the way he had. Comforting others was not his strong suit and he especially didn't think he would be chasing Hermione Granger's nightmares away. But it didn't feel nearly as odd as it should have. Strange though it was too him; it felt almost like second nature in a way. That scared him beyond a doubt. When did he become so concerned with Hermione Granger's emotions? He wanted to scowl and rip his hand away from hers; but as she sighed and was pulled deeper into her sleep; gripping his hand tightly. He didn't have the heart to do so; instead he closed his eyes and allowed himself to be lulled to sleep crackling of the fire beside them and the warmth of Hermione's hand in his.

"Thank you daddy," Althea said quietly turning around in his arms and cutting his story short.

Hermione felt hot tears threatening to run loose as she heard Draco beautifully illustrate their story to their daughters. She chocked back a silent sob as she saw what her daughter did next.

"What for?" Draco asked.

"For keeping mummy safe." Their little nymph answered. She stood up in his lap, with his help of course, putting her hands on his shoulders to balance herself and looked at him with all the seriousness a five year old could muster. "Mummy was having a bad dream and you kept her safe… just like when I have bad dreams." Althea said and then leaned forward and kissed her father on the cheek.

Draco's smile grew at his daughter's actions but he didn't say anything. Instead he just kissed her forehead and when she leaned in for a hug, he saw his wife over her shoulders.

"You were wrong," Hermione said as she entered the room at took a seat beside her husband. "You tell it much better than me." Draco laughed but Hermione continued. "I never did thank you for that did i?" she asked.

"You never had too." He replied instantly.

She ignored his comment and instead, leaned forward and kissed the cheek Althea had earlier, "Thank you Draco; for keeping me safe all these years."

"Always love." He said.

Hermione looked over and saw Rhaella looking at her parents with adoration. "With all the chaos of yesterday, Ly and I never got a chance to get our dresses for the reunion. I was thinking we could go today." She said looking at her husband.

"Off course, shall we ask Scorp to come as well?" Draco inquired.

"No he's going to the Zabini manor. They'll be playing Quidditch all day." Rhaella informed them.

"Okay and what about you sweetheart?" Hermione asked Althea.

"Hhmm…" she said as she made a face to show she was seriously contemplating it, "No mummy. Grandma Cissa and I are having a tea party." She said gleefully.

"Oh that sounds wonderful bug," Hermione said smiling. "I'm sorry I'm going to miss that."

Althea looked sad for a moment, realising that her mother would indeed be missing out on her wonderful tea party, before an idea came to mind. "That's alright mummy. We can have another one tomorrow." She said with a cheeky smile.

Hermione laughed, "Alright sweetheart, why don't you two head down for breakfast. I'm sure your brother and grandparents are waiting for you." She said sending her girls off before turning to her husband.

Her daughters nodded. "Thank you for the story dad." Rhaella said and then left the room as Althea followed suit.

Draco and Hermione soon joined their family for breakfast. The day that followed their trip to Diagon Alley saw the Malfoys in slightly raised spirits. The encounter with the Potter's had been put behind them for now much to the relief of Hermione. All seated around the table, they were currently enjoying a peaceful family breakfast, when the post arrived.

Draco opened a letter addressed to him while Hermione reached for the Daily Prophet. "Blaise has tickets for the Quidditch match tomorrow if you kids are interested," he said looking across the table where his children sat.

"Definitely," Scorpius said while Rhaella nodded enthusiastically.

Looking to his youngest Draco frowned slightly but couldn't help the smile that crept onto his face, "Thea," he called and she froze in her attempts to feed Zeus her rashers of bacon. She looked up at him pushing her blonde locks back, giving her father a too innocent smile. "It's not polite to feed Zeus under the table sweetheart," he chastised gently.

"Should we get him a chair daddy?" she asked.

"No," he said trying very hard to hide his gleeful smile at the look of horror on Lucius' face. "I don't think your grandfather would like that."

"Oh," she said dejectedly.

"What do you think about going to the Quidditch tomorrow?" Draco asked hoping to distract his daughter. She gasped in excitement and then turned to her grandfather to tell him all about how good she was in flying.

"Anything interesting love?" Draco asked leaning over Hermione's shoulder to glimpse at the newspaper.

"No. Surprisingly there's been no mention of us." she answered breathing a little easier. "A bit strange is it not, that the prophet would miss a chance to create a scandal about our return?" She said and then looked across the table to Lucius. "You don't think…?"

Draco shrugged, "It wouldn't be the first time he's bought off the papers; best not to mention it though." He said nonchalantly.

"That sounds a lot like something he would do." Hermione commented but she was grateful for it nevertheless. No doubt it would only stall the inevitable gossip that would ensue once everyone knew about her. But if Lucius' actions granted her one more day to enjoy Diagon Alley with her daughter then she wasn't going to complain.

Unsurprisingly, Draco just laughed at this. "Yes, father has a few contacts within the Daily Prophet and threatened to revoke his funding if they allowed that blasted woman to publish one word against the Malfoy name."

Hermione smiled at her father- in- law's protective antics. No one could say that Lucius Malfoy didn't go to extreme lengths to keep them safe. "Go and get ready sweetheart. We'll leave in a bit." Hermione said speaking to Rhaella.

They both left the dining room shortly after, collecting Rhaella on their way to the floo. Throwing in the powder they all stepped through, hoping that it would be less eventful than yesterday.

Albus Potter sat at the table with a slightly sullen look as his family went about having breakfast. The strange encounter they had with the Malfoy's seemed to be long forgotten to his parents. It bothered him that his parents had such a strong hatred for them; considering he knew them to harbour no ill on anyone. Numerous times over supper last night he had thought about bringing it up, but when he noticed that his father still wore a look of anger; he decided against it.

But Albus couldn't shake the feeling there was more to this story. He didn't dare ask his mother knowing she would probably tell him it was none of his business. Seeing them sitting so merrily around the table; Albus knew that he would get no answers from them. But he had to know.

Her face was burned into his memory. It was difficult to forget someone that breathtaking. She possessed a sincere sort of beauty that immediately drew you in. If only he knew the name of the young lady Malfoy. He had heard the little girl call her 'Ly' but obviously that was short for something.

Thinking back to the encounter in the middle of Diagon Alley, Albus was out for sorts when he heard the little girl's comment. He obviously had no idea what this look was but clearly something serious judging by the number of glares he received thereafter.

Sighing into his coffee he regarded his parents carefully. There was definitely a story behind Hermione Malfoy and the Potters; and he was more than determined to find out what it was. That and he was going to track down the young lady Malfoy. He hoped their families exchange wouldn't hamper his chances but he couldn't ignore the affronted look she gave him before he left. Albus gathered his resolve and that famous Gryffindor courage and decided that he would stick his nose where it didn't belong and find the truth beneath all the anger and hatred. With that in mind he bid his parents a quick goodbye before ducking into the fireplace throwing floo powder down and disappearing into the green flames to the Leaky Cauldron.

"He's rather eager this morning" Ginny commented watching her son disappear through the floo, "Where do you think he's going?"

"Knowing Albus, he's probably gone to see about a girl." Harry chuckled turning back to the newspaper.

Albus stood outside the store in Diagon Alley taking a calming breath; before pushing the doors open and walking into his uncle's store. Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes was chaotic and noisy, very noisy. But that was nothing new. Waving at his cousin's, Albus ducked through the crowd and moved to the back of the store in search of his uncle.

"Uncle George?" he called putting is guard up as he moved further into the office. Albus had learned a long time ago that it was best to always be vigilant when it came to George Weasley his inventions. Constant Vigilance his father called it.

"Hey kiddo," George answered walking into the light. "Where's the rest of you Potters then?" he asked noticing Albus was all alone.

"At home," he answered taking a seat on one of the stools. "I've actually come to speak to you about something." He said seriously; and George noticing the sombre expression, freed his hands of everything and took a seat opposite his nephew.

"What about? Are you in some kind of trouble?" George asked worried.

"No…uuh I'm fine. It's actually about someone else," Albus said growing slightly anxious.

"Oh wow?" George asked intrigued.

Albus drew a steady breath, "Hermione Malfoy," he said evenly.

George could only blink in surprise. He hadn't heard that name in ages. "Uncle George," Albus said gaining his attention once more, "I know that you know something about her history with mum and dad."

"What makes you say that?" George asked.

"Because of all her brothers you're the one mum is closest with; and she would have told you about what happened between them." Albus justified.

"Albus I don't think you mother and father would appreciate me saying on this particular topic." He said slowly. "If you really want to know then you should ask them.

Albus gave his uncle a disbelieving look, "You and I both know mum and dad are too stubborn to talk about this."

George sighed in defeat knowing that was very true. "Why are you suddenly interested in Hermione Malfoy?" he asked sceptically.

"Well we ran into the Malfoys and Zabinis yesterday. It's not the first time dad's seen Lucius Malfoy obviously. But he seemed exceptionally upset over Hermione Malfoy's appearance in Diagon Alley. Has it really been twenty years? Why did she leave… no wait who is she?" Albus rattled off; though George barely heard him.

"She's back," he whispered. "She's really back… Albus are you absolutely sure it was Hermione?"

"Yes! That's what dad called her." he said firmly. "Uncle George, who is she?" Albus asked tentatively, "I asked dad and… well he said she was no one."

George scowled at this. "Hermione is an old friend Albus," he said softly. "And despite what your father says she's certainly not no one. Of course when I knew her she was Hermione Granger – Brightest Witch of her Age. No doubt she still is." George chuckled lightly at the last part. "We've kept in contact over the years, just brief letters here and there truthfully, but Merlin… I can't believe she's actually here."

Albus forced the next question despite slightly anxious of the answer he might receive, "Why do they hate her so much?"

George sighed heavily; it was a simple enough question really. If only the answer were the same. "That's not my story to tell kiddo," he said sadly.

Albus groaned but didn't push it further. He respected his uncle a lot because despite his prankster attributes, George Weasley had an extremely strong sense of morality. He wasn't one to pass gossip around. Albus knew that if his uncle felt it wasn't his place to say something then he would very well keep it to himself.

Finally Albus asked the question he was most intrigued by. "What about her family?"

"Who?" George asked distractedly as he pulled himself from his thoughts.

"Hermione Malfoy. What about her family?" Albus pressed.

George regarded his nephew closely, "I ask again Albus; why the sudden interest in Hermione Malfoy and her family. And don't say it's because of your father."

"I'm the son of the saviour, curiosity is kind of my thing." Albus replied as nonchalantly as possible. George rolled his eyes and then reached over and whacked Albus upside the head. "Ow!" he cried rubbing his now sore head. "What was that for?"

"I just told you that the 'I'm-the-son-of-the-saviour' bullshit doesn't work with me. So the truth this time." George said giving his nephew a serious look. "Why are you so interested in the Malfoys?"

Albus sighed. "Because she's a Malfoy! She had to be a bloody Malfoy! And dad's absolutely hell bent on hating her mother so chances are she hates me too!" Albus ranted unwillingly giving away too much information.

"Who are you talking about Albus?" George asked confused. Seeing the slightly distressed look on his nephew's face, George couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor lad. "Come on kiddo; what's all this really about?"

"Don't worry about it," Albus said trying to brush it off. "It's nothing. Thanks for the chat." He said quickly getting up and walking out of the office. "See you later Uncle George." He called over his shoulder and left before his uncle could think of stopping him.

He navigated through the busy store once more and found himself outside the store in no time. Albus couldn't help the sinking feeling after the chat he just had with his uncle. He was right in thinking something had happened between his parents and the Malfoy's.

Walking back to the Leaky Cauldron, Albus wandered if there was a way to inquire about the Malfoys without incurring the wrath of his parents. Their reaction the previous day was something that truly disturbed Albus. Never had he seen his father so angry, not even when he chased down the most horrid of criminals. He was all but ten feet away from stepping through to the Leaky Cauldron with the intention of flooing home, when he saw her. Or rather he saw her brilliant blonde hair first. Blowing in the light breeze, she had a gentle smile on her face as she walked beside her mother chatting happily. Albus felt the breath knocked out of him as she laughed a tinkling sweet sound and then disappeared into a store.

It took Albus only a second to debate it before he followed her into the shop. The bell above the door rang as he entered and Albus cringed praying no one would turn to see who entered. The shop itself was large and opulent in its design. There were rails on all ends of the shop filled with fancy robes and dresses for all occasions. Albus ducked behind a mannequin wearing a particularly large ball gown as Rhaella and her mother moved further into the store to inspect the shelves. The annoying bell above the door rang again as someone else entered the store. Turning to see who it was, Albus felt his stomach drop as he took in the figure striding through the store. Draco Malfoy walked past the mannequin Albus hid behind and greeted his wife with a gentle kiss to the cheek before planting himself down in one of the lush armchairs.

Shit! Albus thought.

The smell of expensive perfume and fine silk assaulted Albus as he stepped over the threshold and into the shop. The tinkling of a bell rang above the door though no one paid much attention thankfully as most of the occupants were preoccupied by the arrival of Hermione Malfoy and her daughter. If she was caught off guard by the attention, his young Lady Malfoy did not show it. The bell above rang again and instinct told Albus to hide. So he did, behind a mannequin wearing a particularly large dress.

Albus watched mesmerised from behind the mannequin as Rhaella danced between the dresses. He saw Mr. Malfoy sitting in one of the plush armchairs watching with amusement as his wife passed over the selection of dresses.

With great intrigue Albus watched his Lady Malfoy grab a couple dresses off the rack and head towards the changing room. Looking over to ensure that Draco Malfoy was preoccupied with his wife, Albus took that as his moment to dash from behind the large dress. He should have turned and left the store, but his feet took him towards the dressing room. Stepping through the thick heavy red curtains that separated the front of the store from the changing rooms and to ensure the privacy of their customers, each fitting room was designed as more of a mini private lounge with two armchairs facing the thick drawn curtains and a panel of mirrors that ran along either side of the room. Each fitting room was separate from the others and Albus was contemplating which one she had disappeared behind. He feared he might have made a mistake following her into the store. Why had he done that again? He asked himself.

Albus had only wondered for a moment if he should retreat before he was found out when a sweet voice stole him from his doubts.

"Mum do you think this length would work?" Or should I go for something a little longer?" her voice called from behind one of the curtains.

He followed it and gently pushed the heavy curtain aside. She looked up as her hands tugged at the bottom of the skirt, and gasped in surprise.

"You!" Rhaella cried recognising Albus Potter immediately. "What are you doing here?"

Though Albus didn't answer immediately as he drank the sight of her in. the dress was a dark blue that hugged her figure perfectly. The tip was modest enough to tell that she was a lady of high honour yet revealed enough to tempt Albus. The skirt flared out slightly and stopped mid – thigh.

"Potter!" she all but growled at him, gaining his attention again. He could only smirk at her. She looked rather adorable when angry he thought.

"Well I for one have no complaints about it," he said as casually as possible.

"Get out Potter," she snapped.

"You know it's really not fair that you know my name and I don't know yours." He teased.

"Yes well life is often unfair," Rhaella snapped narrowing her eyes at him. "Like for instance, I don't think it's fair that your family should hate us so much when we've done nothing wrong!"

Instantly the smile died on Albus' face. His green eyes held deep regret as he spoke, "You're right. I wish I knew why it was this way… And I am sorry for the way in which my parents treated your mother yesterday. I understand it was not kind of th –"

"It was not kind?!" she repeated aghast. "Is that what you call it? They were downright awful to us." Rhaella started then looked at Albus suspiciously. "What do you want from me? … You're not stalking me are you?" she asked a moment later.

"Is the pleasure of your company too much to ask for?" Albus asked hopefully.

"From you… yes." She replied firmly.

Albus sighed realising the extent of the damage that had been done yesterday. Nonetheless he was a Gryffindor and tried to summon up some of that famous courage.

"Don't hold my families actions against me please," he said sincerely. "Honestly I don't know what bad blood is between our parents but I want no part of it," he said hoping to sway her hatred of him somehow.

"We had no part in it either but that didn't stop your parents from regarding my siblings and I with such unjust contempt." Rhaella said crossing her arms.

"Well it's just like you said princess, life is often unfair." Albus replied. "Besides you're acting as if I egged them on! Might I remind you that I had no part in yesterday's confrontation?"

Rhaella released a steady breath. He was right; she knew that much and she couldn't hate him for it. If she did then she would be no better than his parents who seemed to hate her for no reason other than she existed.

Instead she scowled as best she could, though he didn't quite but it, "Don't call me princess." She said finally.

"Well would you prefer m'lady or Lady Malfoy or my lo –" Albus started.

"None of those!" she cried aghast holding her hand up to stop him. Albus merely laughed.

"I wouldn't have to resort to fickle name calling if you just told me your name," Albus pouted sadly.

"No," she said trying her best to hold back her smile.

"No?" Albus questioned uncertainly.

"You must not hear that very often," she taunted. It was Rhaella's turn to laugh. "No, I won't be telling you my name."

"B-But why?" he pleaded.

Rhaella shrugged nonchalantly, "I guess a part of me likes seeing the saviour's son squirm." She said with a devious smirk and then disappeared behind the curtain.

Speechless though he, was Albus chuckled and shifted towards the comfy looking armchairs.

Rhaella bit her lip nervously as she knew he was outside. It secretly thrilled her that he was there, though her trepidation lay in the events from the previous day. She shimmed out of the blue dress and tried another one on. Pulling back the curtain, she was a little surprised to see he had made himself comfortable in one of the chairs.

"Gryffindor red… and on a Malfoy. Why I never…" he said softly.

Rhaella sighed. "You don't give up do you?"

"No. Don't worry princess I think we'll be seeing a lot of each other in the near future." He said getting up and walking towards her.

"That's highly improbable. London is fairly large." She replied looking up into his green eyes and he towered over her.

Albus smiled, "I like to believe in six impossible things before breakfast everyday." He said and Rhaella froze recognising the words instantly. But Alice in Wonderland was a muggle story… and it had seemed rather unlikely that the Albus Potter would read that, much less any muggle story.

"Today," he continued softly, as he leaned in closer, "You were all six."

Despite her best efforts, she blushed and Albus found that he quite loved the sight of that. He chuckled softly as he tucked a stray curl behind her ears. "See you around princess." And with that he walked out of the room, the heavy curtains swishing slightly behind him.

Once the curtains had swept him away, Albus managed to steal away from the store very discreetly, thankfully avoiding Mr and Mrs Malfoy. He was almost tempted to stay behind, if only to tease his lady a little more. Albus truly enjoyed that she was rather feisty in her comebacks. She was no dim-witted pretty faced darling. No, she was clearly intelligent and bold in her own way. She had no problem turning him down, and that never happened.

Everyone wanted to associate themselves with the saviour, and it often meant that people saw Albus and his siblings as a means of doing so. As first it had been endearing, fun even but now it was downright frustrating.

What did upset Albus though, was her reaction to the mention of his parents. He didn't expect it to be any different really. But it did hurt and disappointed him somewhat. Yet his interest and excitement far outweighed that. Her complete disregard of the fact that he was Albus Potter intrigued him, her eyes mesmerised him and their unknown yet complicated history making her forbidden, excited him.

They arrived back at the manor, late into the afternoon. Draco and Hermione headed out to the gardens while Rhaella ran up to her room, eager to deposit her bags. It had been a fun afternoon with her parents no doubt, but the London heat had made her far more exhausted than she cared to admit. Grabbing he favourite book, she moved at a leisurely pace to the balcony, where her grandfather had a swing chair set up for her. Looking out over the brilliant Malfoy gardens she saw her parent and grandparents sitting under the white canopy in the middle of the gardens.

Rhaella smiled as she took a seat on the swing, it moving gently at her command. As the swing moved, it calmed her mind. Soon enough she found that even her book was not a good enough distraction. Placing it down beside her she sighed as she thought to the person who plagued her mind now. All she could think about now was Albus Potter, his green eyes and witty words.

There was a distinct POP! Beside her and she saw Tilly standing there with a gentle smile and something small in her hand.

"Miss Rhaella," Tilly called from beside the swing, "You's have a letter." She said handing her a sealed letter.

"Me?" Rhaella asked slightly shocked, she didn't think anyone would be writing to her while she was in London. She took the letter from the elf's hands thanking her as she did so.

Opening the letter, she skimmed straight to the bottom looking to see who the recipient was. Her eyes grew in shock and disbelief as she saw the name signed at the bottom. Trying to focus her attention to the actual letter she moved to the top and read its contents.

Hello Princess,

I told you I would have no peace if I didn't know your name. It seems you're all I can think about and I hope that London is small enough that we should cross paths soon again.

For now I only ask for the privilege of knowing my lady's name? Surely you can give me that much.

Consider this my request of a possible friendship between us? I understand your hesitation towards my family but I can assure you that you won't regret trusting this Potter.

Sincerely yours,

Albus Potter

Rhaella was left with a lot of confusion after reading the letter. She wanted to trust Albus Potter, for reasons even she couldn't understand but a part of her felt she was betraying her family if she accepted the hand of friendship he had just extended.

She didn't want Albus Potter to think that by accepting his friendship she was condoning his family's behaviour. But it was like he had said earlier, he had no part in the Potter's hatred towards them and she couldn't hold it against him. Not if she wanted people to treat the Malfoys any better than the Potters had. The predicament Rhaella found herself in now was whether or not to tell Scorpius about this possible friendship. He would no doubt be hesitant, going into protective big brother mode instantly if she even mentioned the letter. Though she supposed he'd be angrier over the fact that she had met Albus Potter not once but twice and lied to him about it. She didn't even know why she hadn't told her brother, and that's what made her so nervous.

Somewhere deep down, Rhaella knew it was more than friendship Albus Potter was offering and she was intrigued by it. He was different from most boys that found themselves in her life. There was a mysterious factor to him that she found so alluring. She knew there was more to him than he let people see and Rhaella was curious to see what it was. But curiosity can be a dangerous thing and Scorpius would lecture her about being careful especially in a city, where so many people considered her family with much scorn… Well most but not Albus so it seemed. She was intrigued by that fact. Albus knew she was a Malfoy and that didn't seem to deter him in the slightest. He didn't care much for her surname and that really did thrill her.

It was then that Rhaella decided it was best to keep the letter to herself, until she knew exactly what to say to Albus… or her brother.

She walked to the desk, pulling out a parchment and a quill readying herself to write a reply. Her hand froze above the parchment for a second in doubt before it flew across the parchment, neatly printing out the words before she could stop herself.

Once her reply was done, she left her room, hoping to find an owl to deliver it. She walked towards the study and was not surprised to see her grandfather seated in his impressive armchair looking over some documents.

"Rhaella," he greeted smiling at her as he gestured for her to enter. She did so and took a seat in one of the chairs facing his desk. "Found everything you were looking for in Diagon Alley?" he asked.

"Yes," she said. "Dad liked my dress a lot too. He said it was a very Slytherin colour."

"Well you are a Malfoy after all. Now what can I do for you?" Lucius said with a smirk.

"What makes you think I want something?" she asked sweetly.

"Because you are your father's daughter without a doubt and you have that look he used to make when he wanted something from me," Lucius said with a knowing smile.

She sighed dramatically, "Well now that you ask… could I borrow your owl?" she asked slightly hesitant.

"Of course you may," he replied. "To whom are you writing too… if I may ask?" Lucius asked.

"Oh just… just a friend." Rhaella told him. He seemed to accept that and called for Pollux. Once the intimidating owl had Rhaella's letter attached to its leg it took off with little hesitance.

"I really don't see why you'd want to write to Selene you could just floo her," Lucius said having observed the address on the envelope.

"Oh," Rhaella panicked, "Well I guess I'm a little used to writing to her more than a floo call."

Lucius considered her answer for a moment but didn't say anything against it. Instead he watched as she walked around the study, looking at all the books.

"A lot of these came after your father brought your mother into our family," he told her, motioning to the particular shelf she was looking at.

"Mum helped a lot didn't she?" Rhaella asked. They had heard the stories about how her parents had fallen in love. But it was mostly from either Draco or Hermione's perspective. Rhaella was interested to know what her mother had done, for Lucius Malfoy – one of the most notorious Death Eaters – to openly welcome her into his family.

"Yes," Lucius replied not hiding the admiration he had for his daughter-in-law. He didn't get a chance to say much as his grandson wandered into the study looking slightly exhausted from his Quidditch session with Damien. Though it seemed all the tiredness was worth it as Scorpius wore a big smile as he sunk down into the great armchair.

"Did you get what you were looking for?" he asked looking over to his sister.

Rhaella considered his question for a moment, her mind briefly jumping over to Albus Potter and the letter she had just sent off.

"Yes I did," she said smiling softly. "And you're just in time."

"Oh really?" Scorpius questioned, "For what exactly?"

"Well granddad was going to tell me all about the first time he met mum." She said smiling sweetly at her beloved grandfather. Lucius looked briefly surprised but seemed to hide it well. Rather he merely gave Rhaella a very impressed smirk.

Scorpius playfully groaned, "What is with you and these stories Ly? It's like ever since we've arrived you can't seem to get enough of mum's and dad's story."

"Oh come on Scor! You know it's a bloody brilliant story! Besides you enjoy them just as much as I do." She said sticking her tongue out at him.

He didn't say anything more knowing his sister was right. Rather he readjusted himself in his chair and turned his attention to his grandfather.

"Will you tell us about it?" Rhaella asked eagerly. "Please." She added sweetly. Lucius was no fool and as such he knew the very Slytherin tactics his granddaughter was using on him. But he wasn't one to deny them anything either.

Lucius laughed, "And what is it that you want to know?"

"The first time dad introduced you to mum," Rhaella insisted.

A/N: Hello! I am so very sorry for the super delayed update!

Thanks to all who have been reviewing, following and have added this story to their favourites! It's much appreciated. I would also like to ask you guys to check out my other story Chance Encounters if you haven't already! Do give it a try and let me know what you think! Also don't forget to tell me what you think about this chapter! Your reviews make my day!

Because life has been so hectic for myself and my dear friend who helps with the writing and editing of all my stories, we've have decided its time I get myself a beta. So if there is anyone interested please let me know. I can promise with the help of a beta, updates might come a lot sooner.

The chapter title was taken from the song Laura Palmer by Bastille

xoxo

Immortal Dragon Empress