CHAPTER 7
It's not a picture perfect life
Not what I had in mind
Let me write with my own line
Rhaella was a little uncertain at what to do, one half of her brain telling her to send him away and the other begging to find out just what had brought him back to the Manor. Her temptation won out.
"How did you… I mean the wards?" Rhaella questioned looking a little confused. She had walked a little further into the room, yet remembering to put some distance between them. The fire burnt low and cast a soft glow over everything in the room.
"I ...uhm asked your mother if I could talk with you," Albus told her.
"She agreed?" Rhaella asked disbelievingly.
"Yeah," Albus said chuckling a little. "She seems to be a very understanding woman."
Rhaella nodded and once again looked over at him as she chewed her lip tentatively. She felt his eyes linger on her and she thanked Merlin she had the good sense to change her clothes.
"What did you want to talk about?" she asked pulling him from his thoughts.
He took a few steps towards her, slowly so not to scare her though.
"I had to see you again," Albus said coming to stop mere inches from her.
"Why?" Rhaella dared to ask.
"To make sure you were okay." He said softly. "But also, to tell you how sorry I am."
"Why are you apologising?" Rhaella asked a little alarmed. "You didn't do anything that warrants an apology. You saved my sister's life. I should be thanking you!"
"Consider it an apology on behalf of my father," Albus said looking a little remorseful.
"You don't have to…" Rhaella started.
"But I want too." Albus insisted. "I need too."
"Why?" Rhaella asked again.
Albus sighed, "Because I need you to know that all Potter's hate your family… that I don't hate you."
"Why is it so important that I know this?" Rhaella asked eying him cautiously.
Albus shifted nervously on his feet. "Will you accept for now that is just is?" Albus asked trying his luck.
Rhaella thought about it, wondering how his answer would make her feel. "Okay," she said eventually. Albus Potter had caught her attention and she was curious to see where it would lead them. "Thank you," she added quietly. "For saving Thea."
Albus smiled. "How is Little Malfoy doing?" he asked.
"She's sleeping, but I think she'll be okay," Rhaella answered.
"Good," Albus said. "And you?" he asked looking at Rhaella with concerned eyes.
Rhaella sighed deeply. "I'm fine."
"But…?" Albus prompted.
Rhaella looked up at him wondering how much she would be willing to share. How much could she really trust him? Looking into his concerned green eyes, she was surprised to find her answer.
"I'm scared," she admitted. "They're still out there. They could try again."
Albus frowned knowing she was right. They would more than likely try again. "From what I gathered earlier, no one in this family would ever let anyone hurt so much as a hair on Little Malfoy's head." He said instead.
Surprisingly, this earned a laugh from Rhaella. "You're right. None of us would allow any harm to come to Thea." She said stressing her sister's name.
"See Little Malfoy is more than well-taken care off," Albus said smiling and ignoring her hint.
Rhaella smiled and looked up. Immediately she was lost to the green of his eyes. They seemed to be searching her face, as he stood inches from her, drinking in everything about her. He reached out and gently pushed away a few blonde strands from her face. Rhaella felt her heart hammering inside her chest as his thumb grazed across her cheek. Her breath hitched and she felt her cheeks grow warm at his touch.
"Is…is that all you've come to tell me?" Rhaella managed to ask.
"Well, that and I think you looked absolutely gorgeous today," Albus whispered. "You still do."
Rhaella smiled at his words and ducked her head a little. He didn't seem to like that very much as he brought a finger to her chin, lifting it gently so he could see her silver eyes again.
"You really are quite the charmer, Albus Potter." She remarked.
He chuckled. "Only for you princess."
They lapsed into silence for a moment before Rhaella found herself asking, "Did you get into trouble for helping us?" Albus looked at her frowning ever so slightly. "Your dad didn't seem too pleased with your actions."
Albus sighed. "He wasn't," he told her truthfully. "But he will eventually get over it. I have a strong dislike for rules, so it's not the first time I've disobeyed the rules."
"So saving a Malfoy is against the rules?" Rhaella asked teasing him a little.
Albus chuckled. "Well according to him, I think it might be," Albus answered. Rhaella nodded mutely. "But as I said, I have a strong dislike for rules." He told her smiling a little. Albus looked at her, with an intensity that had Rhaella cemented to the spot.
"You're not at all how I'd imagined a Malfoy to be," he said softly.
"And what did you imagine us to be like?" Rhaella asked curiously, but before he could answer she continued. "Let me guess, your father told you we were…cold and uncaring? Completely evil with just a hint of unbridled arrogance?" she asked.
"Yeah, something like that," Albus admitted. It took everything he had not to turn his head away in shame. Rhaella had accurately guessed what he had been told all life about her family.
"Sorry to disappoint," Rhaella said with a small smile.
"Well, I'm not," Albus said firmly. "I'm really glad you proved him wrong."
Rhaella was rather shocked by his admission. "Did you tell him that?" she asked.
"No," Albus answered. "I thought I'd save that argument for another day. He's still battling over what I did today." He told her suddenly looking a little uncertain.
"If it had been anybody else you saved today, do you think your father would have been as angry as he was?" Rhaella asked sensing his difficulty to voice his troubles.
"I don't know. Probably not." Albus said truthfully. "But he's never been like that before. Regardless of who they were my dad always believed if someone was in trouble, you should do everything in your power to help them." Albus answered.
Rhaella chuckled humourlessly, "I think when it comes to my family, everything works a little differently."
"But it shouldn't!" Albus cried in frustration. "Your family hasn't done anything to deserve this!" he said surprising Rhaella. "I get that your father and grandfather have a past with my father but things have changed now. Surely he can't be that stubborn!" Albus said though he seemed to be talking more to himself than Rhaella at this point. "And to hold a grudge for nearly twenty years! He won't even talk to me about it and I -" But his rant was cut short as he felt Rhaella pull him closer before leaning up and placing her hand over his mouth thus effectively ending his rant. He froze, looking at her with wide green eyes.
"You were right, you know," she said tentatively.
"About what?" he asked confused.
"Trusting this particular Potter," she said with a small smile.
"Thank you," she said softly. And he knew it was more than just the events of today that she was thanking him for. He watched as she leaned up and placed a soft his to his cheek. His cheek burned and her lips tingled and she quickly pulled away.
"Anytime Princess," He whispered not daring to move away.
"Will I see you around?" she asked subconsciously biting her lip.
She looked up at him and there was nothing more that he wanted to do than to close the gap between them and have his lips worry hers. But he didn't. Instead, he shifted a little, trying to create some space between them.
"I hope you will." He told her. "There is the matter of the Reunion coming up," Albus said remembering all the fuss his mother and sister had kicked up about finding dresses and shoes and what-not. "Will you be there?" he asked trying not to sound too hopeful.
"I don't know," Rhaella answered. "With everything that has happened today, I'm not sure my parents will want to go."
Albus nodded hiding his disappointment as best he could. Though he did understand her concerns. He looked up noting the time on the antique clock.
"I should go," he said quietly.
Rhaella nodded though she was reluctant to see him leave. "Goodnight Albus," she said softly causing him to smile.
"Goodnight Rhaella," he said slowly moving towards the door. He gave her one last fleeting looking before he disappeared into the darkness of the Manor.
The sun streamed in through the gap in the curtain but none of the Malfoy children were quite ready to face the day. Scorpius had taken up the couch not too far from the bed while Rhaella and Althea occupied the bed.
Hermione cautiously made her way into the room. She watched her children sleeping as worry filled her heart. Yesterday had been a close call. They had almost lost her. She couldn't begin to imagine what that would have felt like.
She pushed those dark thoughts away and made her way to her children, stopping to readjust the blanket on Scorpius before joining the girls on the bed.
She got under the covers and as if instinctively knowing her mother was close, Althea turned in her sleep and pushed her little body closer. Hermione smiled, running her fingers through her baby's hair. She sighed as pieces of yesterday play over in her mind. She had never seen Draco that angry or frightened before.
It really was all thanks to her necklace that Hermione had known something was wrong. It was how they were able to act so quickly. The little dragon around her neck had been more than just a gift from Draco, Narcissa had taught her a charm years ago when Scorpius and Rhaella had still been very small. A charm that would let her know at any time if any of her children were in danger.
Hermione had gasped almost painfully when she had felt the little dragon burn against her skin. It almost tore at her heart when she had looked down to see Althea's name burning bright. It had been then that Hermione had reached for Draco telling him something was very wrong and without wasting any more time they had gone to search for their daughter. To find that her daughter had been saved by a Potter had been a rather startling discovery.
The thought of that Potter made her smile a little. She cast her eyes down to the sleeping form of her other daughter. It had been a surprise to see Albus Potter back at her door, this time requesting to see Rhaella. Hermione could only smile and with a little coaxing Draco was persuaded to let him in.
She had caught the way Albus seemed to be completely enamoured by Rhaella and Hermione had no true reason to stop the boy from seeing Rhaella. Being the Potter's son was not a good enough reason, she had told her husband. Draco had huffed and had been rather reluctant but Hermione had reminded him what the young Potter had done and he had conceded. Hermione had argued that no harm could come from them having a little chat and that she was rather impressed Albus Potter had thought to come back and check on her girls. Draco had begrudgingly admitted his wife was right. If there was someone out there willing to show her family some kindness she was not going to spurn them. Hermione had sent Tippy to inform Rhaella about Albus' surprise visit, instructing the elf to relay that they were both sleeping. It had been some time after that, that Hermione had seen Albus leaving the Manor, as she went to check on her children. The slightly goofy smile that he wore as he left had Hermione smiling, knowing that she had made the right choice.
Hermione reached over and pushed aside a few strands of blonde hair that had come loose from Rhaella's ponytail. It was Althea's whimpering that had Hermione holding her tighter, wishing away the nightmares.
"I'll get father to brew another batch of dreamless sleeping potion," Draco said from where he stood leaning against the door. Hermione nodded as Draco entered the room and joined his girls on the bed. Hermione shuffled a little further in and Draco took up the space behind her. Hermione leaned into him and sighed, finally finding a little peace.
"I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life Draco," Hermione said softly. "What if they try again?" she asked, her voice filled will fright.
"We will keep her safe. I promise. Nothing will happen to her. To any of them." Draco vowed looking at his sleeping children.
"I can't believe…someone actually paid to have her kidnapped!" Hermione cried aghast. Draco was quick to calm her down, worried they'd wake the children. "How did they even know about her? No one knows about any of them so how could they possibly know to take her?" Hermione asked.
Draco sighed. It had been one of the many questions they'd asked last night. But sadly, none of them was able to come up with an answer. The birth of the Malfoy children had not been published in any newspaper or tabloid. Their records had been sealed on their request by the Minister of Magic himself. So naturally, there were very few people who knew about them…and yet there was someone who did. And not only did they know that the children existed as well as the physical appearance of them, but they had also paid someone to kidnap one of them.
"It's okay love," Draco said trying to calm his wife. "We have to be extra cautious now."
"Does this mean you won't be going to the reunion?" Rhaella asked sleepily.
Her parents looked down at her surprised to see she'd been awake and had clearly overheard quite a bit.
"I guess we'll have to think about it," Hermione told her daughter with a small smile. She felt Althea wriggling beside her and she looked down.
"Mummy," Althea said barely opening her eyes.
"Yes baby," Hermione said softly.
"I …dreamed about the bad man," she said through a yawn. "He's not coming back, is he?" she asked her voice small.
"No baby, he's gone," Hermione answered holding her close. She looked over to see that her son was now awake. She gave him a smile before looking back to the little nymph in her arms. "Scor chased him away, don't you remember?" she asked gently.
Althea thought about it and suddenly gasped. Scorpius looked at his little sister with apprehension. "Yes! Scorpy found me and chased him away!" she cried with a little smile.
Hermione chuckled a little. "Yes, he did!" Hermione said before leaning in and whispering something into her little daughter's ear. Althea nodded enthusiastically before grinning.
Althea began wriggling a little more trying to move away from Hermione. "Where are you going, Thea?" Draco asked.
Althea looked up surprised to see her father there, she gasped excitedly before answering, "I'm going to wakes up Scorp!" she said trying to move away, completely unaware that her brother was not that far from her.
"Sweetheart," Hermione said softly before pointing to the couch where her brother sat looking at them.
Another little excitable gasp had them all laughing a little. "We had a sleepover!" Althea cried. She made her way to the edge of the bed before trying to get down, once her sock-clad feet touched the floor, she scampered over to her brother. Getting up onto the couch proved a little more challenging.
"Want help, Thea?" Scorpius asked reaching out to her.
"No, I gots this," she said confidently. A few more huffs and she managed to pull herself onto the couch beside her brother. She gave him a toothy smile. "See!" Althea cried happy to prove her point.
The three on the bed watched the pair on the couch intently. Althea shifted on the couch so she was standing beside her brother. Scorpius made sure to put his arm around her, ensuring her balance. She gave him a small smile and placed one hand on his shoulder.
"Scorpy you saved me!" she told him, her smile growing. But Scorpius only felt his guilt build at her words.
"I also let him take you. I'm so sorry little Thea," he told her, his voice barely above a whisper. She frowned thinking over his words. Scorpius braced himself for her anger. He felt her move her little hand away, and his heart sank. He didn't have the courage to look at her face so he cast his eyes down.
He was jerked to his senses when he felt a soft hand patting the top of his head. Scorpius looked up to see his little sister smiling sweetly at him. Her hand gently patting his blonde hair whether to comfort him or to get his attention, he did not know.
"But you saved me, yes?" she asked looking at him. Scorpius nodded and was about to say something else but she cut him off. "I knew you'd finds me Scorp. You chased the bad mans away," Althea told him before she threw herself at him.
Scorpius just managed to catch her as her little hands circled around his neck to hug me fiercely. "I'm so sorry little Thea," he whispered.
"It's okay," she told him pulling back.
Scorpius sighed with relief, grateful for his sister's big heart and the abundance of love she had to give. He looked over to see his parents and Rhaella watching them, his mother's eyes looking rather misty.
"Mummy," Althea called and Hermione had to quickly wipe her tears away.
"Yes, sweetheart?" Her mother answered.
"Can we have breakfast now? I'm hungry!" Althea announced.
They all chuckled, "Yes I think that sounds like a wonderful idea sweetheart!" Hermione agreed.
Draco removed himself from the bed and walked over to the couch, "Come on!" he called and Althea needed no other instructions. She jumped off the couch into her father's waiting arms, chatting his ear off as they left the room.
Hermione smiled as they left before she turned back to her other children. "You two okay?" she asked them. They both nodded.
"I can't believe so much has happened and all in just a few hours!" Rhaella commented.
"No one said being a Malfoy was a dull affair Ly," Scor told her laughing a little.
"I'm so proud of how you two handled everything yesterday," Hermione praised them. Scorpius and Rhaella beamed at this.
"Mum," Rhaella started hesitantly, "Do you really think you won't be going for the reunion at Hogwarts?"
"I don't know sweetheart," Hermione answered. "I'll have to talk it over with your father." She said. Rhaella seemed a little disappointed with her answer.
"Why are you so concerned with the reunion Ly?" Scorpius asked eyeing his sister curiously.
"No reason," she said nonchalantly, but Scorpius didn't quite accept that.
"What sort of reunion lets children attend anyway?" He asked his mother.
"Honestly Scor, didn't you read the invitation?" Rhaella asked exasperatedly.
"No Ly, I did not. It was addressed to mum and dad, not me." He informed her.
"It's not just a reunion. It's a build-up to the twentieth anniversary of the war." Rhaella said rolling her eyes at her brother's technicalities.
"And seeing at the final battle took place at Hogwarts, the Ministry thought it would be a brilliant idea to kick off the anniversary celebrations there. I guess they got lucky that it just so happened to be around the time of the reunion." Hermione explained further.
"And that's why we get to come?" Scorpius asked his mother.
Hermione nodded. "Of course there will be an official anniversary gala at the ministry."
"Sounds fun," Scorpius muttered.
Hermione chuckled. "Alright you two, I think its time we headed down to breakfast. Best not to keep your father waiting." She told them rising from the bed. Scorpius and Rhaella nodded before leaving the room and heading to their respective rooms. They were quick to wash up and get dressed before heading down to join the rest of their family for breakfast.
The Malfoys settled into breakfast in a slightly subdued manner. While there was chattering of sorts, the adults seemed rather concerned with the littlest Malfoy and as a result, most of breakfast had been spent throwing concern glances towards Althea.
"Unfortunately, it seems our search has hit a bit of a dead end," Lucius told them. Hermione threw a worried glance at Draco at hearing this. "It does not mean we won't find him. It just means we will have to look at other options." He assured them.
They all nodded feeling rather bleak at the news. "She is alright though?" Narcissa asked looking between Draco and Hermione.
"Yes, she's going to be alright Narcissa," Hermione said smiling as she looked down the table to where her children sat.
"But we're going to need another dreamless sleeping potion," Draco requested looking at his father.
"Of course," Lucius said. "Will you be attending the reunion at Hogwarts tomorrow?" he asked slowly.
Draco looked at Hermione, waiting for her response. She bit her lip as she considered her answer. "We don't have to go," Draco told her. "In fact, given everything, I think it might be better if we didn't go. In any case, I highly doubt we would miss much."
Rhaella felt her heart sink a little at the thought that of not attending. She had been looking forward to it, despite the drama of the previous day.
"Yes, I supposed you might be right." Hermione sighed. "We don't even know who …." She trailed off, her eyes flickering over to her youngest worriedly
Draco nodded and placed a kiss to his wife's forehead, hoping to erase some of her disappointment. "What if just the two of us went?" Draco offered a moment later. "Just for a short while." Hermione smiled liking his idea.
"Oh yes! That sounds like a wonderful idea Draco," Narcissa applauded. "We'll stay with the kids here." She said.
"You wouldn't mind?" Hermione asked tentatively.
"Of course not! I don't spend nearly as much time with my grandchildren as I should." Narcissa answered with a smile.
"Okay!" Hermione agreed. "We won't stay too long." She promised, but Narcissa waved it off telling her to go on and have a good time.
Rhaella frowned as she looked between her parents and grandparents. "So we're not going?" she asked devastated.
"I'm sorry sweetheart, it's too dangerous," Hermione said hating the crestfallen look on her daughter's face.
"But mum! You said it yourself, we don't even know who's behind what happened yesterday." Rhaella argued.
"And that's what makes this all the more dangerous," Draco told her. "We can't take such a risk."
"But you're going!" She objected. "And you said Hogwarts is the safest place in England…well apart from the Manor." Rhaella argued.
"It is. But the wards will be dropped and all sorts of people will be coming through." Draco answered. "I'm sorry Rhaella but its just not wise to take you three," Draco said firmly. Rhaella looked like she wanted to argue her point further, but her father's tone had implied his decision had been made and there was no changing it.
Rhaella sighed, dejected at the thought of not attending. She pushed her plate away, suddenly not hungry anymore. She had been looking forward to seeing Hogwarts in person. To meet all the people who had boarded with her parents. But that was no longer a possibility. If she was honest with herself, there was another reason she had been looking forward to going. Albus.
He had been running amok in her mind all morning. His visit last night had done nothing to quell the already confusing feeling she had towards him. The reunion had been the one place she was guaranteed to see him again, and now she wasn't allowed to attend. While the rational side of her knew her parents were right, the teenage – emotionally-driven side of her felt it was completely unfair!
She kept her eyes cast down, knowing Scorpius was watching her curiously. Thankfully she was saved from her brother's questioning gaze as their parents excused themselves, having finished breakfast. Rhaella quickly pushed back her chair and left the room, gaining a few curious glances from her family as she left.
Truthfully, she felt a little ashamed of her behaviour. A walk through the impressive Manor gardens had Rhaella reflecting on what had occurred in the past few hours. She cursed the fates but mostly she cursed Albus Potter, for reducing her to such a state. It felt a little silly and rather impossible that after a few short meetings he had her questioning her own hearts credibility. His gaze always seemed to heat up her skin and when his green orbs met her silver, she felt like he was searching for her soul. He was gentle and sweet albeit a little arrogant, but she found it rather enjoyable. And it most certainly didn't hurt that he was very easy on the eyes.
Rhaella groaned taking a seat on the bench under one of the trees at the far edges of the gardens. Of all the people in that stadium yesterday, it had to be him to save Althea. That only seemed to add to her confusion. In the two encounters, she had with Harry Potter, there was no doubt in her mind that he hated her. She saw it in his eyes whenever he looked at her and felt it in the way he treated her family. But Albus, he seemed determined for her to know that he was not like his father. That he didn't hold the same views as his father, and he had said as much last night.
The memory of the previous night, their quiet moment had her blushing and nervously chewing on her lip. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she failed to notice her mother coming up to sit beside her. Hermione looked at her daughter with some amusement before taking pity on her, wrapping an arm around Rhaella, drawing her close.
Hermione smiled, "I am sorry that we cannot take you to the reunion tomorrow." Hermione said apologetically. "It's just safer this way."
Rhaella sighed. "I know. I was just really looking forward to it." She told her.
"Any particular reason you're so eager for it?" Hermione asked. "Or are you wishing to see a particularly handsome raven-haired boy again?" she teased lightly.
"Why did you let him in last night?" Rhaella asked not wasting time with any preamble.
"It was the least I could, after all, he had done for us," Hermione answered truthfully.
Rhaella sighed looking back out to the expansive gardens. She had been hoping her mother's answer would give her some insight and sought out the madness she was currently experiencing.
Hermione knew her daughter was looking for more so she continued. "He seemed very concerned for both you and Althea."
"And you believed him?" Rhaella asked.
"I did," Hermione said softly.
"Why?" Rhaella whispered. "After all the terrible things his father said…how could you…?"
Hermione smiled. "Albus is not his father sweetheart. And if I thought he was going to hurt you, I would never have allowed him back to the Manor." Hermione ran a hand over her daughter's hair. "Is that what's really bothering you? Harry Potter?"
Rhaella bit her lip thinking over her answer. "No, not for the most part." Hermione prompted her daughter to continue with an encouraging smile. "Mum, Albus is…He's so different and he makes me feel so…unlike me."
"Do you not like the way he makes you feel?" Hermione inquired.
"No, I… I quite like it! And that's what's so confusing." Rhaella said burying her face in her hands. "Why, of all the people, it had to be him," Rhaella muttered.
Hermione chuckled. "Oh, sweetheart." She soothed.
"Mum!" Rhaella cried. "What if he changes his mind about me?" she questioned worriedly. "What if he changes his mind about me because I am a Malfoy?"
Hermione pulled her daughter into a hug. "Albus has gone through a lot of effort to ensure that you know he doesn't hate you. I don't think he would take such a big risk in coming here last night if he was going to change his mind so easily." Hermione pressed a kiss to her daughter's hair. "If Albus can see you as Rhaella and not just another Malfoy then maybe you can see him for who he really is and not just Harry Potter's son."
Rhaella nodded, hearing the sense in her mother's words. "But mum, what about dad?" Rhaella asked the colour slowing draining from her face.
"Don't worry about your father sweetheart," Hermione assured her.
"But mum he hates the Potter's just as much as they hate us!" Rhaella cried.
"Yes, but more than that your father just wants you to be happy," Hermione told her. "If he had any real problem with Albus Potter, do you think he would have allowed him back to the Manor let alone agreeing to meet with you?" Hermione questioned. "Look, sweetheart, we cannot tell you who to like and who not to. It's your heart and therefore your decision. We can only ask that you'll be careful." She said softly.
"I will," Rhaella promised holding onto her mother's advice tightly.
Hermione pressed another kiss to her daughter's hair, before getting up. As she walked away, she silently cast her eyes back to the gloomy figure of her daughter on the bench. Anguish filled her heart, and Hermione wondered if she had any power in the world to change it. It was at that thought that an idea struck at her. A meddlesome, perhaps somewhat crazy idea but if it made her daughter happy there would be no regretting it. With that in mind, she made her way back up to the Manor, wondering how to set it all in motion.
Harry nursed his coffee as Ginny placed his breakfast in front of him. His mind swirled with everything that had happened the previous day. Ginny frowned at the worried look he wore, pouring herself a cup before joining him at the table.
"What's got you so worried Harry?" Ginny asked interrupting her husband's thoughts.
"Just this case on the child snatcher," Harry told her quickly. "We haven't got any solid leads yet."
Ginny nodded and decided to change the topic, hoping to help his mood. "I can't wait for tomorrow!" she said excitedly. "Hogwarts feels like a lifetime ago."
Harry chuckled. "It was." He said with a rueful smile.
"It will be so good to see everyone again!" Ginny said. "I haven't seen Neville in ages! And I do miss Luna!" she said as they both laughed.
"I can' believe how much everything has changed," Ginny said. "How much everyone has changed."
"Yeah, I can't believe that either." Harry agreed with a scowl, remembering his once best friend seeking comfort in the arms of someone they had once considered an enemy.
"You're thinking about her aren't you?" Ginny asked with a frown. "Do you think she's here for the reunion?' Ginny inquired a moment later.
"That would be awfully brave of her," Harry said scoffing a little. "Coming to the reunion and memorial ceremony as Mrs Malfoy."
"It wouldn't be the first time she's done something without thinking about how it might affect others," Ginny said disdainfully. "After everything that family has done you would think they would realise that the best thing for them is to remain holed up in their Manor," Ginny said rolling her eyes.
"How could she!" Harry cried shocking Ginny. "Of all the people… she actually chose him! I …Why Ginny? Why would she do that?"
Ginny scowled. "I know she was your friend Harry, but you were blind to some of her faults." His wife informed him. When Harry looked at her expectantly, she continued, "She left Ron for a job, and then suddenly returned saying she was in love with Malfoy! She knew how much my brother loved her and she still left him!" Ginny explained. "She used my brother and then left him the moment a 'better' option came along!"
Harry shook his head unwilling to believe his friend had betrayed them such. "I mean she's clearly moved on with her life! She got married and even had kids!" Ginny continued. "She clearly had no trouble forgetting about us."
"She said she had to find peace," Harry murmured thinking back to their conversation almost twenty years ago. "She said… she needed to be alone. I just… I don't understand."
"Well, that didn't last very long!' Ginny argued. "She moved on with her life and clearly didn't feel that we were important enough to be a part of it. Not a word from her in twenty years and we're just supposed to forget that she turned her back on this family and accept that she chose the Malfoy over us." Ginny spat his name with venom.
Harry sighed at his wife's words. "I can't believe she would lie so easily. What was all that nonsense about sending letters? Did she really think I would be fooled so easily?"
"Face it, Harry, that's not our Hermione. She's been too influenced by Malfoy," Ginny said dismissing his question. "She's never coming back to us. She clearly made her choice."
"You're right," Harry said slowly. "We've been just fine without her all these years, her sudden reappearance changes nothing." Ginny smiled and Harry decided a change of topic was needed. "Are the kids all ready for tomorrow?" he asked.
"Yes! Lily's finally made up her mind in which dress she's going to wear and the boys are all sorted." Ginny answered.
They talked back and forth of nothing too serious, neither aware of the figure that had been lingering in the shadows. Albus frowned, rather disturbed by his parent's words. He hated that they seemed so intent on hating the Malfoy's without really knowing them. He had been hoping to speak to his father about it… about a particular Malfoy but he knew now that there was no way his parents would understand. He sighed, moving away from the door, truly frustrated at his fate. His parent's hatred for the Malfoy's was clearly going to complicate things but Albus vowed he would not let that stop him.
She stood outside her brother's room, taking deep breaths. Rhaella would have been very accepting of the fact that her parents weren't taking her to the reunion if that was what she had wanted. But she was ultimately a Malfoy and as such, she always got what she wanted. Now, what she wanted more than ever was to be at Hogwarts Castle tomorrow night. She was hoping her brother would help with that.
"Hey Scor," she said casually walking into the room. Scorpius and Althea were playing a game of Exploding Snap!
"Ly! Look I'm winning!" Althea cried gleefully.
"You're cheating" Scorpius protested.
"Am not!" Althea cried outraged.
Rhaella chuckled as she took a seat beside her siblings. "Don't be a sore loser Scor," Rhaella teased.
"Yes, Scorp! Don't be a sore loser!" Althea sang sticking her tongue out at her brother.
Rhaella sighed loudly, looking at her brother knowing it was time to play her cards.
"Bored?" Scorpius asked.
"A little yeah," Rhaella said with a dramatic eye roll. "It's so stupid that we can't leave the Manor."
"It's for your own good Ly," Scorpius told her.
"I know! But it's a little frustrating! All these exciting things are happening and we can't be a part of it." Rhaella said.
"Oh you mean the reunion at Hogwarts," Scorpius said slowly, realisation dawning on him.
"Come on Scor! Don't tell me you don't want to see the castle!" Rhaella exclaimed.
"I would, but it's not safe!" Scorpius said quickly.
Rhaella rolled her eyes rather dramatically, "Nowhere outside of this Manor is safe for a Malfoy." She mumbled. Scorpius winced knowing it was true.
"They're just doing what they think is right Ly," Scorpius said trying to soothe his sister.
"I know," she grumbled, "But I think it's rather ridiculous! It's not like I would be alone!" Rhaella said eying her brother carefully. His eyes were still on the game but she knew she had his full attention regardless. "After all you'd be there with me, and I know nothing would happen!"
"I was there yesterday and look what happened!" Scorpius said scowling.
"They got lucky! It's not like you would ever let that happen again." Rhaella said firmly.
"Rhaella, what exactly are you asking?" He questioned looking at her with curious silver eyes.
"Convince them to let us go with them tomorrow!" Rhaella begged. "Please, Scor!"
"No!" Scorpius scolded. "You heard what dad said, it's too dangerous."
"But I won't be alone!" Rhaella argued. "You'll be there! Think of it as a chance to show them that what happened yesterday was nothing more than sheer dumb luck on the kidnapper's part." Rhaella said.
Scorpius scowled. "Nice try little sister but that's not going to work. And they won't agree anyway."
"Of course they will… if you're the one asking." She said and Scorpius groaned. "Please?"
"This is about that Potter boy isn't it?" Scorpius questioned.
"No!" Rhaella said quickly. "This has nothing to do with him. I just really want to go!"
Scorpius looked unconvinced. Rhaella sighed, realising it was going to take a lot more convincing for her brother to agree.
"So you're okay with just sitting here doing nothing!" Rhaella cried trying not to let her frustration get the better of her.
"I'm not doing nothing. I'm playing Exploding Snap!" he said grinning at Althea.
"No Scor! You're losing!" Althea giggled.
Scorpius sighed, "Damn kid! How are you doing that?"
"Scorpius!" Rhaella whined.
"Rhaella!" He mocked back.
She scowled and this time Scorpius did look at her. "Why is it so important that we go?"
"Because I didn't come all this way to sit at home playing games!" Rhaella cried suddenly outraged at the idea of hiding behind the Manor walls. "And what's to say this is the only thing they take away from us?"
"Are you talking about mom and dad or the kidnappers?" Scorpius asked raising a brow at her.
"Does it matter?" Rhaella challenged.
"Of course it does Ly!" Scorpius argued. "They're not doing this to punish us."
"I know that!" Rhaella replied. "But excluding us from society is not going to do much good. And don't act as you disagree!"
Scorpius shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He hated that his sister was right. Of course, he agreed with her but he also knew their parents had a point. It was still dangerous for them to leave the Manor.
Rhaella growled in frustration. "Are you seriously okay with spending our entire holiday locked away in the Manor?" she asked, but she didn't give him the chance to answer. "Because I am not!" she cried stomping her feet on the ground for emphasis.
Scorpius looked at his sister slightly shocked. It was very unlike Rhaella to throw such tantrums. It was a little disconcerting to see this side of this sister.
"Ly…" Scorpius said slowly.
But Rhaella couldn't stop now. Her frustrations and anger over what happened to her precious little sister had reached its limit and now there was nothing left for it, so she simply continued with her rant. "Some ignorant fool has decided that we must be the spawn of the devil because of mistakes that our ancestors have made and I am not okay with that!"
"And you think I am?" Scorpius asked rising from his seat. Althea looked between her older siblings a frowning slowing marring her angelic features.
"I don't know!" Rhaella said unable to meet his steely eyes. "But I do know that I will not be punished for no reason!"
"No one is punishing you Lyra," Scorpius said reaching for his sister but she stepped back. Rhaella was unable to handle the look of hurt that flashed through his silver eyes. She felt her tears prickling hot as they fell down her flushed cheeks. She hadn't meant for this to turn into a serious argument. She didn't want to hurt her brother, but now the flood gates had been opened and there was no stopping it.
"It doesn't feel like anything else." Rhaella whispered quickly wiping at her face. "You don't get it Scor."
"Don't get what?" he asked confused.
"You're the eldest," she explained. "it's your job to protect and honour this family and I understand that I really do. But … "
"But what?" Scorpius asked cautiously.
"But what about what I want?" she asked. "Why does everyone else but me get a say?" she questioned. "I get that you're heir to this family and that means that you've got more say than me. But dammit! I'm part of this family too and I should get a say!"
Scorpius scowled at his sister. "You're just as much an heir to this family as I am!" he exclaimed. "And you are important!" he pressed.
"Exactly!" Rhaella yelled. "So why can't I protect us too?" she questioned him.
"Being foolish is not going to protect anyone!" Scorpius argued.
"Neither is hiding!" Rhaella shot back. "We're Malfoy's!" she said firmly. "We're supposed to stand tall and proud, not hide like cowards!"
"There is a difference in being proud and being foolish!" Scorpius said retorted sharply.
Rhaella scoffed. "Well, seeing as you have it all figured out, where would you draw the line on being a coward?" she snapped bitterly.
Scorpius was about to reply when a hiccup interrupted this response. Both Scorpius and Rhaella turned to look at Althea in the big armchair, silver eyes full of tears.
"Don't fight," Althea whispered.
Scorpius looked utterly pained at the sight of his little sister once again so upset. He sighed in defeat as he turned back to his other sister.
"Rhaella," Scorpius said sounding rather hurt and Rhaella had to hold back her wince as she saw the looks on both her siblings. She hadn't intended for the conversation to go this way. She didn't want to argue with him anymore.
She drew a steady breath before speaking. "You know what, it was silly of me to even ask. I should have known better." She said sadly. "Just forget I said anything, Scor. I'm sorry for upsetting you, squirt." Rhaella said to Althea before leaving the room.
Scorpius groaned and flopped back into the armchair, running his fingers through his hair. Althea crawled from her chair and into his lap in an instant.
"Why is Ly so mad at you?" she asked in a small voice.
Scorpius sighed. "I guess I haven't been a very good brother lately." He told her.
Althea frowned in confusion. "But Scorp you're the bestest brother ever!" she exclaimed and Scorpius couldn't hold back his smile at that.
"Thank you, Thea," he said. "But Lyra's right. We can't hide. We're supposed to be proud Malfoy's." Scorpius said looking down at his little sister.
"So what kind of Malfoy's are we?" she asked completely confused.
"Foolish one," Scorpius muttered.
Althea shook her head, blonde curls bouncing about. "I don't want to be a f-foolish Malfoy!... What does that mean?" she asked a moment later.
"It means I let you get hurt and now I've hurt Ly," Scorpius explained.
"Oh," Althea said. "Can't I be a happy Malfoy?" she asked her brother seriously.
Scorpius laughed. "What an excellent idea little Thea!" Althea grinned at the praise. "But what do we do about Lyra?" he asked.
"Chocolate and Treacle Tart," Althea told him. Scorpius looked at her confused and much to his amusement Althea sighed rather dramatically. "Mum always gives us chocolate and treacle tart when we're upset."
Scorpius laughed grateful for the wonderful thing that was his littlest sister. "You seem to have all the answers," he told her chuckling.
"I'm clever, just like mummy," Althea said matter-of-factly. She turned and hugged her brother before crawling from his lap.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"Daddy promised me ice – cream and a story before bed," she answered and then scampered from the room.
Scorpius sighed once more, thinking back to the argument he had with his sister. He hadn't thought she would get so upset over the decision to stay behind. But then again, his sister never took well to staying in confinement. He knew Rhaella was right. It was not in their nature to hide away and he hated that his parents and grandparents had suggested it. But even more so, he hated that he had agreed with them.
He knew he had to make this right, and he knew exactly what he had to do… it just a matter of summoning up the courage to actually do it. But Rhaella's tear stained face came to mind and that was all he needed, as he rose from his chair and firmly set his path through the Manor.
AN: My deepest apologies on this very very delayed update! Life got a little hectic but as I always say I have no intention of giving up on this story!
Thank you to all the wonderful readers who have favourited, reviewed and are following this story! I deeply appreciate it and I especially love reading your reviews as they truly encourage and inspire me! So please please don't forget to leave me your thoughts!
Lyrics for this chapter were taken from the song Hopeless Opus by Imagine Dragons.
I have recently published a completed (yes! a completed) NextGen Scorose fic called The Hunt. It's like nothing you've ever read on this site I can promise! Give it a try and leave me a review. I am currently working on finishing this story as well as starting on the sequel for The Hunt.
Hope you've enjoyed this chapter!
xoxo
Immortal Dragon Empress