CHAPTER 8
Cause even the stars they burn
Some even fall to the earth
We've got a lot to learn
Lucius Malfoy sat in the parlour of the manor, his granddaughter in his lap and his wife beside him. Althea had swept into the room, begging that her grandpa tell her a story, if only till her father finishes with his very important floo call. Lucius had been more than happy to fill in and even Narcissa sat beside him with a wide smile as he retold the history of the House of Malfoy.
"It was told that Armand Malfoy arrived in Britain with the Norman Conquest on the back of the fiercest dragon. A beast so terrible that even to this day we do not know his name." Lucius told his granddaughter. Althea looked completely enthralled with her grandfather's tale and eagerly begged him to go on. "They say he fought in one of the greatest battles of his time."
"Did he win?" Althea asked.
"He did," Lucius said with a little laugh. "And do you know what he got in return?" Althea shook her head.
"Malfoy Manor," Rhaella answered from the door.
Lucius and Narcissa looked up to see their other granddaughter leaning against the door watching them with tired eyes. "Correct," he said. "You know your history."
"Well it is my family too," Rhaella said rolling her eyes. Narcissa let out a barely audible gasp as Lucius looked at his granddaughter in surprise. He had never known her to be harsh in any manner. "Even if I don't get a say in anything." She muttered more to herself.
Narcissa shifted slightly on the couch and wondered if she should probe further. Thankfully she didn't have to ask. Althea moved between the two and said in a rather loud whisper, "Ly and Scorp were fighting about going to H-Hogywarts."
"Hogwarts, squirt." Rhaella corrected though she didn't look at them. Instead, she walked over to the large desk and began inspecting some of the novelties on Lucius' desk.
"You disagree with the decision your parents have made?" He asked and for a moment Lucius almost wished he hadn't. Rhaella glared down at him with just the right amount of annoyance as his dear wife would have at asking such a foolish question. He looked beside him and saw his wife glaring at him. Doing his best to hold back his laughter, he turned his attention back to Rhaella only to see her more frustrated than before.
"No grandpa, I love the idea of being locked away from all society just because some manic decided we're all the spawn of the devil," Rhaella answered sarcastically.
"Oh Lyra darling, you know that's not even the slightest bit true!" Narcissa said quickly.
"Does it matter?" she questioned rhetorically. "Someone really believes it and because of their stupidity I've been made a pris-…" she stopped and looked at her grandfather carefully. "Just forget it." She mumbled looking away again.
Narcissa grabbed her husband's hand, her nails digging into his sleeves. He winced but said nothing, knowing he would have to tread carefully. Lucius sighed and then looked down to his littlest grandchild. "I think your father is finished with his floo call. Why don't you go find him for that promised story and ice cream?" he suggested.
"kay," Althea said not wanting to be caught in another fight and then skipped out of the room, humming a song softly as she went. Narcissa rose from the couch and made her way slowly towards Rhaella.
Once Althea was gone, Lucius turned his attention to Rhaella. "It's not safe, Rhaella." He told her. "I cannot disagree with your father here."
She scoffed. "You sound like Scorpius," she mumbled moving slightly from her grandmother's reach and missing the hurt look Narcissa wore.
"Because he understands the dangers behind what you're asking," Lucius said evenly.
"It feels like a punishment," Rhaella told them.
"It's not a punishment sweetheart," Narcissa told her firmly. "It's just safer this way. You didn't do anything wrong."
She turned and looked at her grandparents with all the defiance she had shown her brother not too long ago. "If that is true why are we hiding away?" she asked. "You've always told me that Malfoy's were strong and fearless. Is that not true anymore?" Rhaella asked looking at Lucius.
"Of course it is darling," he answered.
"Then why would you all have me hide away like a coward?" She asked hotly. Narcissa tried to calm her down again but Rhaella would have none of that. She turned and looked at her grandmother with tearful eyes, "Am I not a Malfoy too?" she asked softly and Narcissa nodded but quickly her face marred into a frown as she took in her granddaughter. "Or do the rules of brilliant, strong fearless Malfoy's only apply to Scorpius!"
"Rhaella Lyra Malfoy!" Lucius scolded. "How could you say such a thing?" he asked shocked.
Rhaella stopped talking but refused to look at her grandfather. This time she didn't turn away when her grandmother reached for her. Narcissa held her close, all the while Rhaella refused to look anywhere but at her feet. She felt rather ashamed of her behaviour. She hadn't meant to start such a fight with her grandfather. Rhaella had thought that a walk around the manor would cool her head and ease her frustrations but apparently, she had been wrong.
It wasn't simply about visiting Hogwarts anymore. It was the principle behind being left behind. She refused to hide away because someone had a problem with her family. Her parents had raised her without fear and it was not in her nature to hide away. It felt like they were ashamed of being Malfoy's or worse that they didn't trust she could live up to the name. It was a heart-breaking thought that had left her in tatters. She had never felt ashamed of belonging to the House of Malfoy. She was extremely proud of her family and their difficult history. After all, they had survived, it seemed – to her that is – rather unfathomable to hide away now. They had survived worse. Surely this lunatic would be no different. She felt the heavy stare of her grandfather and the iron grip of her grandmother and suddenly all she felt was guilt.
"I'm sorry," she whispered before extracting herself from Narcissa's hold and quickly walking out of the room, ignoring her grandmother's pleas.
"I swear war is easier than granddaughters," Lucius said. "Any idea what all that was about Cissa?" he asked his wife quietly.
"Oh Lucius," Narcissa said reaching for her husband. She saw the guilt in his eyes at having raised his voice at Rhaella. He had tried for so long to be a better man and hated the moments when he slipped back. "She's usually so understanding of such matters. I really don't understand."
"I think I can help there," Scorpius told them walking into the room. "I think it might be my fault." Narcissa and Lucius looked at him, waiting for him to explain further. "We fought over mum and dad's decision about the reunion…and she probably thinks I think she's being foolish." Scorpius explained slowly.
"What else was said?" Narcissa asked knowing all too well about the Malfoy temper.
Scorpius sighed, he knew his little sister very well and could probably guess what was running through her mind. Still, it wasn't any easier conveying this to his grandparents. "She thinks we don't think of her as a real heir to the family," He told them. Narcissa gasped loudly and Scorpius grimaced. "I told her she was wrong!" he said quickly, "But she wouldn't listen!"
"Yes, well she is your mother's daughter," Lucius noted. "Do you know how you're going to fix this?" Lucius asked his grandson. Scorpius nodded. "Good." Was all he said.
Scorpius sighed once more and left the room going in search of his parents. It wasn't until the manor had sunk into a tense sort of silence as night descended upon them, that he had been able to steal a moment of their time. With Althea long since put to bed, Draco and Hermione gathered once more in the parlour room, only to watch as their son paced back and forth. They watched, a little bemusedly as Scorpius paced before them. But once he had started talking, explaining his argument with his sister, all humour left the room. He explained with a heavy heart all about the argument he had with Rhaella.
"I think she…she thinks we don't think of her as a Malfoy," Scorpius said heartbroken, thinking back to her comment on being a Malfoy heir. He saw that his grief and shock were equally reflected in their eyes.
"How can she think such a thing?" Hermione asked standing up.
"I… I don't know! It's not true! She's probably more Malfoy than me! She bloody well knows more about this family than I do!" Scorpius insisted.
"Language Scorpius!" Hermione chided.
Draco sighed and ran his fingers through his hair and Scorpius faulted slightly in voicing the next part. But he thought of his sister and her fierceness and all hesitation fell away.
"She's right though," he said softly immediately gaining the attention of his parents. Draco frowned and looked set to argue but Scorpius quickly amended his statement. "About hiding." He clarified. "Don't tell me you don't see it! You've raised us to be smart and fearless and at the first sign that things might be difficult, you simply hide us away."
"Because it's dangerous!" Draco stressed.
"The world is dangerous for any Malfoy!" Scorpius argued back, shocking his parents. Scorpius sighed and collapsed into the seat. "You didn't see her mum. She looked so frustrated…I think. Or it could have been anger, I'm not really sure anymore." Hermione felt her heart go out to her son. "And I really think I made it worse by trying to placate her. Ly isn't the sort of person you can just tell to hide because that would be the easier option. She's too much like you, for that to work." Scorpius said looking at his mother.
Hermione gave her son a small smile, knowing there was much truth behind his words. As much as she was a Malfoy, she was also the daughter of Hermione Malfoy, and with that came certain qualities. Intelligence, bravery and enough stubbornness to drive any man crazy. She sighed and reached for her husband.
"I do suppose you're right about that Scor," she said and she felt Draco's hand tighten around hers. "She is too much like me. But she is my daughter and I don't want to see her upset, and I especially don't want her to feel like she doesn't have a place in this family."
"I suppose you have a solution son?" Draco asked looking at him.
Scorpius stood from his seat and took a deep breath before he spoke again. "I think you should let her go with you to the reunion." Immediately Draco frowned and Hermione bit her lip nervously not completely surprised by his request.
Scorpius stood a little taller as he continued to address his parents. "I promised myself I would make this right, and I really do think this is the solution. She asked me to ask you and I dismissed her request as nothing more than a childish notion. That was wrong." He said looking down at his feet. "If you say no I would understand…but I agree with her." When his father looked ready to again, Scorpius spoke quickly, "Yes, it's dangerous but Ly is stronger and smarter than you believe. She is your daughter after all."
"Then she should be smart enough to know why we said no in the first place." Draco reasoned.
"You can't keep her locked up forever dad, just because the world believes all Malfoy's are evil." Scorpius retorted. He sighed running a hand through his hair. "She's not Thea. She can and most definitely would fight back." He told them quietly. "I promise to watch over her as I have always done. She's been looking forward to this since before we left home. Its why we're here!"
"Sweetheart, that's all well but it doesn't take away from the fact that it's still dangerous," Hermione told him gently.
"Fine," Scorpius conceded knowing his parents were adamant in their decision. "I knew you'd never agree."
"Then why did you ask?" Draco asked curiously.
"I promised Thea I'd try and make Ly happy again." He answered sadly.
Draco looked at his son curiously. Taking him in as if seeing him for the first time; with his long hair dishevelled from the numerous times his fingers ran through them, his hands shoved deep in the sweatpants he wore and his old Quidditch shirt, Scorpius looked unlike any Malfoy before despite the strong resemblance to his father. And immediately Draco knew what it was he was seeing in his son. He looked to Hermione and when she smiled knowingly, he knew she saw the same thing he had.
"What?" Scorpius asked shuffling a little under his parent's gaze.
"So that what it looks like," Draco murmured.
"Looks pretty amazing, doesn't it?" Hermione asked her husband but she was smiling broadly at her son. Draco nodded, squeezing her hand a little tighter.
"What does what look like?" Scorpius asked confused.
"A noble Malfoy," Draco answered simply. "It took a couple of generations, but we finally have it."
Scorpius flushed a little at his father's comment and Hermione looked at her son in admiration.
"Thank you," Scorpius said not entirely sure what else to say. He turned and walked towards the door, completely missing the quiet conversation his parents were having. It was his father's voice that stopped him from leaving.
"She is not to leave the castle any circumstances and she will wear the Malfoy trace before stepping foot out of the manor," Draco said firmly.
Scorpius looked at his father in shock but quickly recovered and simply quirked a brow at his father. "She's going to the most protected building aside from the Manor, in wizarding Britain. I doubt she'd go far."
"She is still my daughter, despite what she thinks on the matter," Draco said though both Hermione and Scorpius noticed the hurt in his voice. "Those are the terms." Scorpius nodded. "I trust that you will protect her as you have always done," Draco said looking at his son in full confidence.
"I will," Scorpius promised and then turned to leave before he stopped and addressed his father again. "Perhaps you should tell her," he suggested. "And while you're breaking the news you can explain to your very stubborn daughter that she is very much part of this family."
Draco smiled and thanked his son before reclining into the couch. He felt Hermione beside him and wrapped his arm, pulling her closer. "We did the right thing?" he asked worriedly.
"Yes," Hermione answered.
"Where did all this nonsense about not being a Malfoy come from?" He asked frowning.
"I have an idea, but I think it's something we should speak to her about it first," Hermione told him. Draco sighed, agreeing that she was right. Pressing a kiss to her forehead, they rose from the couch and went in search of their daughter.
Rhaella sat on the floor at the foot of her bed, absent-mindedly stroking one of her grandfather's peacocks that had flown in. She hadn't heard her father knock, nor him enter but she felt him, as he sat beside her on the floor. Her mother sat on the other side but she focused only on the peacock in front of her. Minutes stretched by in silence before her father finally spoke.
"I just spoke with Scorpius," Draco said softly. "He told me about the argument you two had."
"It was nothing," Rhaella mumbled not looking at her father.
"I don't think it was nothing," Draco probed. When she said nothing, he felt his heart sink a little. He reached out and ran a hand over her blonde curls. Hermione noticed the slight hitch in her daughter's breathing. She reached forward, taking Rhaella's hand away from the peacock to hold in her own.
"You've never lied to me before, Ly. Please don't start now." Draco pleaded softly. But still, she said nothing.
"Sweetheart please," Hermione begged. "Scor says you think we don't think of you as a Malfoy, is that true?"
There was another moment of silence and Hermione was about to ask again when Rhaella finally spoke. "It's not that you don't think of me as a Malfoy but more that you don't think I can live up to the name," she explained her voice no louder than a whisper.
Draco and Hermione looked at their daughter in shock. "Sweetheart, I…" Hermione started, "That's not true!" she insisted.
Rhaella raised her head and finally looked at her parents. "You raised us to be strong and fearless and all those wonderful things that you are, but then you want me to hide when someone is threatening our family?" she questioned her parents.
"Because its dangerous Lyra!" Draco reminded her.
"So we stop living? Because the world is a dangerous place, we hide away like cowards?" She questioned her father. She sighed, taking a calming breath as she did so, "I know it's dangerous but hiding away like some bloody damsel in distress is really not my style."
"Language Rhaella!" her mother scolded. "Are you picking that up from your brother?"
"I think he picked it up from me actually." She answered wryly that earned a small smile from her mother.
"No one is saying you're a damsel in distress love," Draco said bringing them back to focus.
"But you are dad." She said looking back at her father. "You forgot that I'm not Little Thea. I can defend myself. You taught me how to!" she cried. "But then you decided we weren't going with you and it felt like you didn't believe in me to uphold the Malfoy name! It was like I wasn't even worth the chance to prove that I was and that locking me up here was the best option!" she cried, treacherous tears falling down her flushed cheeks.
"Your life is not worth some lunatics antics!" Draco told her vehemently. "You cannot imagine what it felt to have Thea taken from us only to find out that the very reason she was gone was because of the name she carried! That is on me! I will have to live with that guilt and I don't think I could live with myself knowing I put another one of my children in harm's way." Draco told her. He pushed her hair back and wiped at the tears that fell. "You are worth so much more than the Malfoy name and there is not a person in this family, who doubts that." He told her solemnly.
"We love you very much, Ly," Hermione said wrapping her arms around her daughter. "We didn't do this because we thought you weren't worthy of the Malfoy name. We were…are simply scared."
"I know mum," Rhaella said softly. "But that doesn't mean we should hide. After everything this family has survived, I think it's really bloody – sorry – unfair that people still think we should be ashamed of who we are! I am and always have been proud to be a Malfoy! And I don't want some idiot, running around out there thinking they've won because they haven't!" She said stubbornly. "Right?" she asked uncertainly looking at her parents.
Draco looked at his daughter in awe while Hermione chuckled a little. "You're absolutely right baby." But Rhaella didn't seem to hear her and rambled on much to the amusement of her parents.
"I mean if grandpa can overcome his blood prejudice to welcome you into the family not to mention love his three half-blooded grandchildren, then who are they to judge us? And let's not forget that you and dad were practically childhood enemies and now you're married and most of the time, are grossly in love all over each other…wait did you say I was right?" Rhaella stopped her ramblings to look at her parents with wide eyes.
"Yes," Hermione said laughing.
"Grossly in love you say?" Draco teased his daughter.
"Yes! You're all over each other," Rhaella said hiding her face in her hands. She heard her parents laughing and felt a weight being lifted from in her. She sighed and looked back up at her parents, "I'm sorry." She said as sincerely as she could. "I didn't mean to upset anyone, especially Scor!"
"We know," Draco said soothingly. "Your brother loves you very much and I must say he's rather upset thinking that you don't think yourself a Malfoy."
"But you are!" Hermione said firmly. "And you don't need to do anything to prove it. You are and always have been a child to the House of Malfoy." She said looking at her daughter.
Rhaella nodded, "I promise I'll make it right with Scor."
"Well, I should hope you do so! It would be rather awkward to go to the reunion with you two still fighting." Hermione told her.
Rhaella looked up quickly, her gaze flickering between her father and mother, "Y-you're taking us?" she asked slowly.
"Well your brother made a very good case and we found it hard to argue with him," Draco told her.
Rhaella bit her lip, a nervous habit she got from her mother, "He really did that?" she asked her father.
Draco nodded. "He thought it would make you happy."
"He… he really asked you." She said slowly. She felt her parents gaze on her, "I didn't think he would, especially after I was so horrible to him! Do you think he'd forgive me?"
Hermione laughed. "I'm pretty sure he already has sweetheart." Rhaella frowned at this. "I know my son. He has two weaknesses; double fudge ice cream and his little sisters." She said smiling.
Draco shifted so he could look at his daughter a little better. "I hope we won't be having this sort of conversation again Lyra. You are a Malfoy and I never want you to doubt your place in this family," he told her firmly.
"I won't." She promised. "I really am sorry."
"It's not your fault love," he told her gently. "I know first – hand that carrying the Malfoy name can sometimes feel like a burden. But I don't want you to ever feel like that." He took hold of her face in his hands, "And you have no idea how proud it makes me see you fighting so strongly for this family. We are very lucky and extremely proud to have you as part of our family." He told her, placing a kiss on her forehead. Rhaella let out a watery sob before she threw her arms around her father.
Draco held his daughter tightly to him as she cried against his chest. Running his hands over her blond curls, he soothed her worries with practised ease. Hermione looked at them, tears running down her own face and she didn't even think about it when Draco open his arms to her too. Hermione wound her arms around her daughter and husband, holding on more tightly than she had ever done before.
It was well past a decent hour when Rhaella sneaked down into the kitchens. She was a little disappointed to see all the treacle tart gone but it didn't take her long to find the pint of decadent ice cream. Grabbing two spoons and the ice cream, she quickly made her way back up the manor. Only this time she didn't stop at her room. She took in a heavy breath before gently pulling open the doors to her brother's room. His room was cast into a soft light as he sat at the window seat absently playing with a snitch.
"Scor?" she called softly walking into the room, pulling the door shut behind her.
"Ly?" he asked looking up at her. The snitch fell from his fingers landing with a soft thump on the cushioning.
She gave her brother a small smile as she walked towards him. "You're not sleeping," she noticed.
"Neither are you," He replied.
"I can't sleep after knowing how awful I was too you." She said looking down at her sock-clad feet.
Scorpius didn't say anything for a moment, and it took everything she had not to fidget before him. So she focused instead on the pint of ice cream freezing her fingers.
"Want to trade?' he asked a moment later.
Rhaella frowned and looked at her brother. He pointed to the bowl filled with treacle tart that sat beside him on the cushions. Rhaella nodded and they traded their bowls as she sat beside him. A silence filled the room as Rhaella toyed with the dessert in the bowl. His sister's silence was making him uneasy, but before he could say anything, Rhaella finally spoke.
"I'm sorry," she whispered tearfully. "I'm really sorry Scor."
Scorpius sighed and looked at his sister, "You have nothing to be sorry about Ly."
"Yes I do," Rhaella insisted. "I was terrible to you over something that wasn't even your fault!" Scorpius looked at her and was about to speak when Rhaella cut him off. "And I'm sorry about what I said about not being a Malfoy."
Scorpius frowned at her words and finally spoke, "Of all the things we've argued about Lyra, that hurt the most." He said quietly and guilt stabbed at her heart. "You're my sister. You always have been and nothing would change that." He said firmly. "I'm sorry if I made you feel like you weren't part of this family." He continued unable to meet her eyes then, "But you are just as much of an heir to this family as Thea and I… I hope you know that."
Rhaella sighed, "I do." She told him firmly. "I know that and it was silly of me to even question something like that, to begin with." She shifted closer to her brother, looping her arm through his and placing her head on his shoulder. "You've never made me feel like I wasn't part of this family," she said truthfully.
"You know how important you are to this family," Scorpius said looking at her. "The first girl born into the House of Malfoy in over a century, how could you ever think that is not something special?" He teased her and he was rewarded with a small chuckle. They lapsed into a comfortable silence as they ate their desserts.
"Thank you for asking them," Rhaella said quietly a moment later.
Scorpius smiled, "I honestly didn't think they would agree," he admitted.
"But they did," she said with a big smile of her own.
"And now you get to see Potter again," Scorpius said grimacing at the thought.
Rhaella sat up looking at her brother in shock, as he could only smile rather bemusedly at her.
"It is rather obvious that the saviour's son has it bad for you. Even Thea saw it!" Scorpius told her laughing.
Rhaella scowled and this only amused her brother more. "I really don't think it's anything like that." She mumbled.
"Trust me, Ly, it's exactly like that," Scorpius said. "Of all the boys in England you had to pick him!" he mocked.
"I didn't pick him!' Rhaella argued. "And it's not like that!" she scolded swatting his arm.
"You know you can't lie to me Ly," Scorpius told her and Rhaella could only roll her eyes at him, knowing it was true.
Scorpius smirked at his sister's denial. Rhaella bit her lip then and Scorpius looked at her with a sudden seriousness that she had not seen since their fight. "You'll be careful, won't you?" he asked worriedly.
"You have nothing to worry about Scor. It's really not as bad as you think." She told him reassuringly.
"Rhaella," he said almost pleading her to see through the denial.
"I promise Scor, I will be careful." She told him, knowing he would be relentless until she gave in. "But I have you and I know nothing bad will happen with you around." She said smiling. "Am I forgiven?" she asked almost nervously.
Scorpius appeared almost thoughtful for a moment and Rhaella looked at him with worry, until she saw his smirk.
"If I say no?" he asked teasing.
"That why I brought the ice – cream," she said motioning to the half-eaten pint of ice – cream.
"A bribe?" he asked with mock disbelief.
"I wouldn't necessarily call it that," Rhaella argued. "So am I?"
"You never had to apologise for anything, but if it makes you feel better, then yes I forgive you," Scorpius said.
"Thank you," Rhaella whispered looking at her brother with a soft smile which he returned just as easily.
She placed her head on his shoulder once more and the Malfoy siblings resumed a comfortable silence as they ate their dessert, each eagerly awaiting what the reunion would bring.
"You look absolutely beautiful darling," Hermione said looking at her daughter in wonder. They had been in Hermione's room, having spent much of the following afternoon getting ready.
Rhaella blushed and ran her hands over the dress. Indeed it was a beautiful creation. The fabric was soft and styled in the most delicate emerald green, that hugged her tightly at the waist before flaring out slightly with the skirt falling just before her knees. The off the shoulder sleeves that reached just past her elbows was modest enough that it showed off right the right amount of her creamy soft skin. The back was a deep cut and the dress was embellished with intricate black and silver prints along the edging and slowly made its way up the skirt. Her mother had helped her pair it with delicate silver jewellery and a pair of simple black heels. Rhaella had never felt more elegant or lady-like in her life, and she loved it. Hermione reached forward and gently tucked a piece of her daughter's blonde hair back, securing it with a hairpin, leaving the rest to fall in beautiful big curls around her bare shoulders.
"I think your father is going to have a heart attack when he sees you," Hermione joked.
Rhaella laughed, "Actually mum, I think it's you that's going to make his heart stop." She said looking pointedly at her mother's dress.
Hermione's dress was no less beautiful; with it being a black and silver creation that reached all the way to the floor. The dress hugged her tightly, emphasizing the delicious curves she had gained over the years. The dress showed a modest amount of cleavage but bit dangerously low at the back. The top of her dress had her wrapped in the most delicate lace that came to stop at her waist with a silver piece wrapped around her midsection. The skirt was made of the softest of silks and had a daringly high slit up the one side. She had paired it with beautiful silver heels, no doubt hoping not to be dwarfed by her husband's height. Hermione had gathered most of her curls into an elaborate braid with just a few curls running errand.
"You think?" Hermione asked her daughter looking herself over in the mirror.
"Yes!" Rhaella cried happily. "In fact, you're just missing one thing." She said making her way over to the dressing bureau where her mother's perfumes and jewellery lay.
"And what might that be?" Hermione asked.
"This!" Rhaella said picking something up from the dresser and then turning to her mother. She clasped the necklace around her mother's neck and stepped back with a wide smile.
Hermione looked down to see that she had clasped the dragon necklace Draco had given her. The one she was never without. It seemed to complete the look entirely and Hermione smiled at her daughter and then unable to resist, pulled Rhaella in for a hug.
"Thank you mum," Rhaella mumbled into the hug. "And I'm sorry." She said softly. Hermione pulled back and looked at her daughter curiously.
"What for?" Hermione asked.
"Forever having doubted my place in this family. It was rather silly, I know." Rhaella whispered.
"Well I'm glad you don't doubt it any longer," Hermione simply said before pulling her daughter in for another hug.
"Are my girls ready?" Draco asked walking into the room. He paused as he saw mother and daughter wrapped up in each other's arms. "Is everything alright?" he asked uncertainly.
Hermione chuckled before she let Rhaella go. "Everything is just perfect," she said smiling at her husband.
Draco smiled back before he finally took notice of her dress. His eyes grew in shock and it gave Hermione quite the thrill as she felt his eyes travel the length of her body, taking in all her glorious beauty. She saw the desire reflected in his eyes but it was laced with just the right amount of possessiveness too.
She smirked before walking towards him. Instinctively he reached out and pulled her to him. "Not too much?" she asked.
"Oh no love, it's perfect." He said kissing her cheek. She smiled and ran her hand over the impeccably tailored tux he wore before her eyes flickered over to their daughter. Rhaella stood, her hands fidgeting a little at the dress and her eyes cast down nervously.
Draco was sent into another state of shock. Was that really his little girl? She looked absolutely beautiful and his heart stopped a little at the idea of letting her out of the Manor, knowing she would most certainly be the centre of attention now. Draco couldn't quite believe that he had helped create and raise such a magnificent child. It simply floored him and he didn't quite understand what he had done right to have such an amazing family, but he thanked Merlin for it every day. He felt Hermione clutch as his tux a little harder and he was certain she was thinking the same as him. He cleared his throat a little and looked at his daughter in awe.
"Rhaella, you look beautiful." He said softly, smiling at her affectionately.
"Really?" Rhaella asked nervously.
"Absolutely," he answered and he was rewarded with a brilliant smile. "Come on, it's time to go." He said ushering them out of the room.
"Where's Scor?" Rhaella asked.
"Waiting for us at the floo," Draco answered leading them to the fireplace. Sure enough, there was her brother, waiting patiently and looking exceptionally debonair in his tux. He was currently occupied with a very excitable Althea and did not notice their arrival. It was only when the littlest Malfoy gave a very audible gasp and looked to the door that Scorpius raised his head to them. He looked just as shocked as his father upon seeing his sister, but he was able to overcome his shock much quicker. He had always known his sister was beautiful, he had been her protector all her life and had chased away a fair number of no good wizards before they even had a chance to lay a finger on her hair back home.
"Don't look so shocked Scor," Rhaella joked. "I can't wear my quidditch jersey everywhere, you know."
"You can't if you're going to support such a ridiculous team," He teased back.
She stuck her tongue out at him but then quickly remembered that her grandmother had said such behaviour was rather unbecoming of young ladies. She rolled her eyes when she saw that her brother was smirking clearly believing he had won this round. Not a moment later their grandparents were making their way into the room getting ready to see them off. Her grandmother had done a fair bit of gushing over the dress and just how beautiful she looked, causing Rhaella to blush furiously before she was allowed to say goodbye to her grandfather and little sister.
They stepped through the floo, calling out to Hogwarts. A special fireplace had been set up in the castle to receive all guests. Once they were through and soot – free, Hermione reached for Draco's hand and squeezed nervously. Thankfully, the room was empty for the time being.
Before they could leave, Draco turned to his children and said very seriously, "You are not to leave the grounds under any circumstances." They nodded and when he was satisfied, they followed him out the room. They hadn't gotten very far, in fact, they had barely made it ten feet from the door when the hellos began.
"Professor McGonagall!" Hermione greeted excitedly, reaching forward to give the other witch an affectionate hug.
The elder witch despite her initial shock quickly returned the hug before pulling away to look at her favourite student. Hermione Granger had indeed grown up and become an exceptionally beautiful woman. Minerva would not have believed it was the same witch standing before if it were not for the warmth that always seemed to resonate in Hermione's eyes.
"Miss Granger! How lovely to see you, dear." She said warmly.
Hermione chuckled, "I haven't been a Granger for a very long time Professor." She said looking pointedly at her husband.
Minerva shifted her glance from Hermione to the man standing beside her. Her eyes grew almost comically as she recognised him immediately. Minerva's eyes flickered between the two before Hermione decided to put her out of her misery.
"Professor, I'm sure you remember Draco." She said smiling at her husband.
"Yes of course. Welcome Mister Malfoy," She greeted trying her best to hide her shock before turning back to Hermione.
"Hello Professor," he greeted politely. He was unsure of what the Professor's feelings towards him would be like.
"And these are our children," Hermione jumped in quickly before things got too awkward. "Scorpius and Rhaella." She introduced ushering them forward.
Minerva's eyes jumped to the two figures standing a little behind Hermione and Draco. There was no doubt in her mind they were children of the House of Malfoy. The young boy looked exactly like Draco had at that age but there was a kindness about him that would have definitely set him apart from his father. The young girl beside him looked like the perfect mix of her parents. She was a real beauty and it was at this that Minerva was able to pull herself from her shock.
"You have a daughter," she stated more than questioned.
"Two actually," Draco told her proudly. "But Althea is too young for such affairs."
"T-two daughters?" Minerva questioned. Well, she hadn't been expecting that.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor McGonagall." Scorpius greeted politely.
"Our mother has told us all about you," Rhaella said excitedly.
"I do believe the pleasure is all mine," Minerva replied smiling at the children. "Well let me not keep you. I am sure you have many more such reunions to get through before the night is over." She said. "I do hope you'll enjoy the castle tonight," she said to the children before bidding them goodbye.
"That could have gone worse," Draco said wryly. Hermione chuckled and led them all towards the Great Hall.
They entered to the sound of soft tinkling music playing in the background. The Great Hall had been dressed beautifully for the night's events. The Hall was already filled with guests chatting amicably amongst each other. Thankfully their arrival had not yet been noticed by the crowd. Draco and Hermione led their children into the Great Hall, the awe clear on their faces. They did not have to linger long as the Zabini's approached them. As Pansy pulled Rhaella in for a hug they become astutely aware of the hush that had fallen over the Great Hall.
"Do you think they know who you are?" Damien asked Scorpius quietly.
"Judging by the looks that man is giving us, I would say yes," Scorpius replied subtly motioning to an elder wizard glaring down the Malfoy family.
"Come on then, we're going to need alcohol if we're going to survive this night," Blaise said leading his friends to a table.
Rhaella had followed, choosing to ignore the stares and glares and focus rather on the magnificence of the castle. They had barely taken their seats when Selene grabbed hold of Rhaella's hand pulling her in, almost as if to share a secret.
"You've got an admirer," Selene whispered. "Someone clearly can't take their eyes off you."
"In case it has failed your noticed Selene, everyone is staring at us," Rhaella told her ignoring the whispers that seemed to be coming up.
"He's not staring," she said. "It's more than just a stare." She stressed giving her friend a pointed look before her gaze flickered over Rhaella's shoulder. It was then that Rhaella realised who it was Selene was referring to.
Tentatively, she shifted in her chair until all she had to do was look up to meet his eyes. Selene was right, she had definitely caught his eyes, but this was more than just a stare. She felt the intensity of his gaze burn through her skin and almost immediately felt a brilliant blush set it. He did look rather handsome in his black suit and red tie. She could see that he had tried to tame his messy black hair to no avail. She gave him a small smile and was rewarded with a big smile and a cheeky little wink. She rolled her eyes and then turned back to her friend.
"He really is quite insufferable," she muttered to which Selene laughed, knowing how true that was.
"This is so great! I can't wait to show you around the castle!" Selene cried excitedly.
"It's beautiful here!" Rhaella said looking around the Great Hall. "I can't believe you actually go to school here!"
"Oh please, Ly! Your fancy posh boarding school hidden in the French mountains is worlds apart from this!" Selene teased.
"Yes, but your view is so much better," she joked looking over her shoulder once more.
"Maybe you'll get to see more before the night is up," Selene offered conspiratorially.
Their conversation was paused when a wizard dressed in well-tailored robes approached their table. Draco tensed as he neared them but Hermione had been too busy conversing with Pansy to notice.
"I've heard a rumour that the famous Gryffindor Princess is back in town," a friendly voice called out. "And as a Malfoy no less!"
"Neville!" Hermione cried gleefully jumping from her seat. She threw her arms around her friend without thinking and a moment later wondered if he would push her away. She was a little shocked but entirely too happy when he returned her hug rather than push her away.
He let go, a warm smile gracing his face. "It's good to see you again Hermione. I have missed you!"
"Oh, I've missed you too Neville!" She replied honestly.
"Longbottom," Draco greeted cordially as he came to stand beside Hermione.
"Malfoy," Neville responded and then offered his hand. Draco looked a little sceptical but shook the pro-offered hand nonetheless. Hermione was beaming beside him and all he could really do was shake his head at his witch before wrapping an arm around her waist.
"Neville, I'd like you to meet Scorpius and Rhaella," Hermione said motioning to her children.
Rhaella had been quite shocked at his friendliness towards her mother and father. She was more so when he turned and gave her a friendly smile. Perhaps not everyone hated her family after all.
"Merlin Hermione she looks just like you! Well…except for the blonde hair and eyes of course!" he said laughing a little.
"Hello Mr Longbottom," She greeted and was rewarded with a huge grin.
"Hello Professor," Selene said, and Hermione did a double take at her friend.
"Professor?" she asked.
"Yes." He said looking very proud.
"Let me guess, Herbology?" she asked.
Neville nodded, and the attention was taken off the children as the adults conversed amongst themselves.
As the children retook their seats, Rhaella looked at her best friend who wore an odd expression. Selene seemed to be itching to say something but she threw a cautious look towards their brothers, who seemed to be conspiring on their own too.
"What is it?" Rhaella asked them.
"I was just telling your brother here about the party later tonight," Damien said.
"What party?" Rhaella asked.
"The secret one in the Room of Requirement," Selene said grinning.
"I don't know…" Rhaella said tentatively looking at her brother.
"It will be totally safe! You won't be leaving the castle!" Selene said quickly looking at Scorpius. "What do you say Scor?" she asked hopeful.
"I guess if we don't leave the castle then there really isn't a problem," Scorpius said smiling at his friends. Rhaella grinned at her brother. "Besides you've got the trace on." He added.
"Excellent! Selene will bring you by the room a little later," Damien said looking at Rhaella.
"Don't go too far Ly," Scorpius whispered to her. She nodded as Damien gave the girls a dashing smile before grabbing Scorpius and dragging him away, most likely hoping to introduce him to some of his Slytherin friends.
"Come on!" Selene said not a moment later, grabbing Rhaella by the hand.
"Where are we going?" Rhaella said making sure not to trip over her own feet as she let her friend drag her away.
"It's far too stuffy in here," Selene said leading her through the crowd. Seeing the worried look on her friends face, she stopped, "We're just going outside. The grounds are very safe and like Scor said you're wearing the trace."
"Lead the way," Rhaella said excitedly after thinking it through.
Selene rewarded her with a brilliant smile before leading them once more through the crowd. It didn't take them long to manoeuvre their way out. Selene led Rhaella through the gardens which had been lit with lanterns all along to the Black Lake. There was the odd fairy dancing around the lights and Rhaella could feel the magic in the air.
"Wow," Rhaella whispered looking out into the darkness. The Black Lake reached out far beyond what she could see the moonlight strong as it reflected on the calm waters. "Its …." She trailed off trying to find the right word for it.
"Breathtakingly beautiful," a voice said from behind them causing the girls to jump.
They turned to see a figure standing a little of the well-lit path, looking at them. The darkness and the low lighting did well to hide his identity until he stepped closer to them.
"Hello Princess," he greeted with a charming smile.
Rhaella bit her lip nervously, "Hello Albus," she replied with a smile of her own. He walked toward them then, and Rhaella couldn't help but notice how dashingly handsome he looked now that he was standing much closer.
She blushed deeply as he seemed to drink her in standing before him. She was very glad for the dim lighting, as her cheeks grew hot.
"The lake or Rhaella?" Selene asked breaking them from their stares. It had all become too weird to just stand there and watch them watch each other.
"What?" Albus asked not even bothering to look away from the beauty before him.
"You said it was breathtakingly beautiful; did you mean the Lake or Rhaella?" Selene asked cheekily.
"Selene!" Rhaella scolded finally looking away from Albus to admonish her friend, but she stopped when she heard him chuckling too. He caught her eye once more, and the same intensity that always burned beneath his glances was there now.
Selene looked at the pair, very amused, before finally deciding to give them some reprieve. She began to move away but Rhaella caught her movement and quickly grabbed her hand.
"Where are you going?" her friend demanded.
Selene smiled, "I'll see you in the Room of Requirement," she simply said.
"I don't know where that is!" Rhaella objected.
"Potter does.´" Selene replied.
"So you're going to leave me alone in the dark?" Rhaella retorted looking at her best friend.
"You're not alone, Potter's here. He's already proved he's more than capable of handling a Malfoy." Selene said with a smirk. "I trust he'll get you there safely," she added giving the boy a pointed look.
Albus knew better than to laugh and simply nodded. "She'll be there," he promised.
Selene winked at her before turning and walking back up the path to the castle. As her figure retreated, Albus took that time to step closer to Rhaella. When she looked back at him, he was standing before her without her even realising how. He reached out and ran a finger across her cheeks, setting ablaze a brilliant blush that she knew he would see no doubt. He was too close not to notice.
"I was talking about you," he said barely above a whisper. He loved seeing her blush but more than that he loved that it was him that brought out such a wonderful reaction.
"Hmm?" was all Rhaella was able to voice. She couldn't think with him standing so close, caressing her so.
"You," he said softly. "You look beautiful tonight," Albus said looking into her silver eyes. Rhaella blushed violently this time and bit her lip as his fingers ran along her cheek. He looked her up and down once more before chuckling slightly.
"What is it?" she asked frowning.
"Nothing, it's just I've never been fond of green," he told her and Rhaella tried her best to hide her disappointment, "But I think it might be my new favourite colour."
She smirked then, "Really and what's changed your mind?"
"You," Albus answered simply and then shifted, closing some distance between them.
"That can't be your answer for everything tonight," Rhaella told him.
"Yes it can, especially if it's the truth," he replied stubbornly. He reached out and twirled a curl around his finger and then letting it go watching as it bounced back into place. He looked at her then, a serious look on his face that her quite nervous. "I've never met anyone quite like you."
"Is that a good thing?" Rhaella asked.
He tipped her chin up so her silver met his green, "Yes," he said huskily as his hand moved to cup her cheek gently. "You have no idea how refreshing it is."
"Are you sure?" she asked a thought occurring to her then.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Are you sure it's not just because I'm the daughter of the man your father hates the most which quite nearly makes me somewhat forbidden?" she questioned looking at him curiously.
To her surprise, he laughed, "Are you going to tell me we're star-crossed lovers next?"
Rhaella scowled, "Merlin no!" she cried rolling her eyes, "Shakespeare was clearly a lovesick fool."
"And a wizard," Albus added.
"Add a man," Rhaella said.
"What's your point?" he asked confused.
"I think it's rather obvious," she retorted. Albus chuckled but before he could say anything she spoke again. "You didn't answer my question."
Albus didn't say anything for a moment and Rhaella worried she had asked too much. He let his hand run down hers, his gentle touch eliciting a slight shiver her when he touched her bare skin until he entwined their hands together. He smiled at her response, "I don't think this has anything to do with our parents," he said looking down at their hands. She blushed a little then, when she saw the evident goose bumps along her fair skin, more alarmed that he knew what sort of effect he had on her. Albus smirked and Rhaella resisted the urge to roll her eye. Well, two could play at that game, she decided. Rhaella closed what little space was between them as her delicate fingers ran along his red tie. She smirked with satisfaction when she saw his eyes widen in surprise and his breath hitch ever so slightly as her fingers travelled further up the red material. His face hovered just inches from hers, it would take only a fraction of a move to have his lips upon hers.
"So this is just us then?" she asked softly.
"Yes," he breathed as she looked at him from under her lashes. He watched transfixed as her hands brushed the lapels of his suit, running over his chest, finally stopping just over his heart. He worried for a moment that she would feel his erratic heartbeat and know how crazy she drove him. This was the first time he had been able to hold her in his arms so openly, and he hadn't thought it would feel anything like this. Albus didn't know if he would have the strength to let go when the time came. He knew more than anything he wanted to close the tiny space between them but he would give her one last chance to back away. He didn't think he could bear it if she decided to take his out, but he had to be sure, especially if she thought he only wanted her because his parents told him he shouldn't want her.
"You're playing a dangerous game Princess," he murmured wrapping a hand around her wrist.
"Is that so?" she questioned cheekily.
"Oh definitely," Albus said brushing his nose against hers. "This doesn't have to go any further," he said seriously a moment later. "We can end it right here. I'll walk away."
"You would?" she asked her surprise colouring her fear that he might do just that.
"I would…If you asked me to," Albus replied barely above a whisper. He looked at her evenly, "Are you?" he dared to ask.
"No," she told him a moment later. "But if you wanted to…I would understand," Rhaella said though the words felt like ash as they left her mouth.
His response came when he pulled her flush against him, wrapping an arm around her waist securing her in his hold. "That is not even an option for me," he told her honestly and she bit back a smile.
Albus brushed a few curls away from her face, his eyes never leaving hers as he ran his thumb along her jaw and when he saw worrying her bottom lip as she usually did when she got nervous, he ran his thumb along her lips stalling her movements immediately. Rhaella drew in a shaky breath as he leaned in, waiting for him to move but when he didn't, her patience gave out and she all but growled as she tugged him down to her by his tie. His lips descended upon hers with effortless ease, capturing her in a soul-searing kiss that her grasping at the front of his jack with both hands. Albus let her set the pace, as his one hand moved to cup her cheek while the other held her firmly against him. It was only when she moaned into the kiss, as his tongue did wicked things to her that had her stomach in knots, that he shifted and deepened it. Rhaella felt her skin ablaze with want and her heart hammering with something she hadn't ever felt before. She had to have him closer so she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down even more. He kissed her hard then, unable to stop himself, his hand running up her bare back and along her spine, causing her to shiver. He wondered if he had scared her away but when she tugged at his hair he smiled into the kiss. Rhaella had been kissed before but never had she felt anything like this. The knot in her in her stomach twisted more and rose as her toes curled as he ran his hand down the length of her back, coming to rest it on her waist once more. They pulled apart when the need to breathe became overwhelming. Breathing heavily, Albus leaned his forehead against her as he tucked a curl behind her ear, his fingers grazing her blazing cheeks. One of her hands slide down and ran over his chest and Albus was sure she could feel his racing heart, beating just as frantically as hers. Rhaella looked up worried for a moment that perhaps it was not everything to Albus as it had been to her, afraid, now that he had kissed her, he would walk away.
He leaned in and pressed a simple kiss to her lips once more, "I knew you were going to be trouble, Princess." He teased and Rhaella smirked.
"Does this mean you're walking away?" Rhaella asked despite already knowing his answer. She had to hear him say it though, so her head and heart believed it.
"I already told you Rhaella, that isn't even an option for me," he murmured into her ear. "You?" he asked pulling back to look at her. She simply shook her head and he smiled, "Good because I don't think I could walk away now even if you asked me too."
Rhaella grinned, as her one hand absently played with dark hair that brushed the collar of his shirt and her other hand rested over his heart still. Her fingers fiddled with the fabric beneath them and his hand reached up to them of their own accord. In the silence that fell upon them, he entwined their fingers and looked at her as she studied their hands. "Shall we head back up to the party?" he asked finally breaking their silence.
Rhaella considered it for a moment, "I don't know. I quite like it out here," she told him. "And there's so much I haven't seen yet," she hinted.
Albus smiled, "Well then, how about a proper tour, Princess?" he offered.
"Sounds perfect," she answered.
He stepped back, reluctantly releasing her from his hold, but kept their hands entwined as he led her away from the Black Lake.
"Want to see anything in particular?" he asked setting a slow pace to their walk.
"The Quidditch pitch," she answered surprising him, she giggled at his expression but didn't say anything further.
"Excellent choice," he teased but led them towards the pitch regardless with her hand grasped firmly in his.
As they walked along the dimly lit path, Rhaella couldn't help but think that Scorpius had been right, and now even she wouldn't be able to deny it any longer. It was exactly like that.
AN: My deepest apologies on the wait for this chapter! I've just moved to a new country and have been trying to get settled in! I do hope that this chapter makes up for the wait!
Thank you to all the wonderful readers who have been following, have favourited and reviewed this story! I greatly appreciate it! Please do leave me your thoughts on this chapter. I figured Albus and Rhaella have danced around each long enough and this was something everyone was waiting for... I hope I've hit it on the mark?
If you haven't already checked out my completed story The Hunt then please do so! It's a scorose with a wicked plot!
Lyrics were taken from the song I won't give up by Jason Mraz
xoxo
Immortal Dragon Empress