A/N: Love the reviews guys. I'm not the type to demand them but they definitely make me want to write more. Here's the next installment. It's all flashbacks, but I didn't bother to put them in italics since it says at the beginning of the section about how long ago they were. I'm hoping I did the math right (hard to keep all my dates straight - whoops).

Five Years Ago

"Scorpius, come on we have to go to my mum's house!" Ginny called up the stairs. She had just pulled on her emerald green cloak and was holding a silver one for the younger boy. He appeared at the top of the stairs, dressed in dark jeans and a black sweater.

"Is this 'ppropriate?" Scorpius demanded. Ginny smiled at the five year old softly. They had had some disagreements earlier in the day over what was appropriate to wear to her parent's for Sunday dinner. His grandmother, Narcissa Malfoy, seemed to expect the young boy to go out, if not in designer dress robes, then in stiffly pressed black pants and some sort of button down shirt. Why the young boy enjoyed wearing such clothes was beyond her, but she wouldn't have him in his best clothes at the Burrow. She hoped that after today he would be willing to wear his play clothes to Sunday dinners – that he would move past this particular phase.

"You look wonderful darling, come on now we'll be late and we wouldn't want that." At this Scorpius smiled brightly, he liked being complimented – Grandmother always paid him such wonderful compliments. He skipped down the stairs and took his cloak from Ginny, slipping it on and buttoning the top.

When they got to the fireplace he looked up at Ginny with hopeful eyes.

"Can I floo myself this time?"

Ginny frowned but held the floo dish to him. "Make sure you speak loudly and clearly."

Scorpius rolled his eyes. He took a handful of powder and with a clear voice stated The Burrow, stepping into the green flames. Ginny followed quickly. She hid her nervousness when she stepped out and Scorpius was enveloped in her mother's arms. He looked quite displeased, struggling to get loose.

"Mum, I think he's had enough hugging," Ginny said with a chuckle, casting a quick scourgify on herself and Scorpius before stepping into her mother's hug. When she stepped back she removed her cloak. Scorpius shrugged out of his and handed it to his mother, Then he stood looking around and balanced almost on the balls of his feet.

"Go ahead and play Scorpius," At this the young boy ran out the kitchen door to find her nieces and nephews. Ginny smiled.

"Now Ginny, we invited Harry –"

"It's fine Mum, we talked. I know he's coming. He's pretty much family, I would have stayed home if it was going to be a problem," Ginny replied. She hung the cloaks on the hooks by the door. "Just don't go trying to play matchmaker and we'll be fine."

"Ginny, I think he really is sorry. It's been two years, don't you think maybe –"

Ginny shook her head. She was looking out into the backyard. The kids were playing some form or wizards and dragons, her niece Victoire locked up in what was supposed to serve as a turret. Scorpius joined in, guarding the makeshift 'castle.'

"Mum, I can't. Not now. I was just able to strike a sort of peace with Narcissa. I have to think of Scorpius."

"Well!" Molly exclaimed. She was bustling over the stove now. "I don't think your father meant for you to put your life on hold while you raised a Malfoy. Why doesn't Narcissa just do it herself then. She's been cleared of any involvement afterall."

Ginny huffed at this. She opened her mouth ot reply, turning towards her mother but found that her tongue would not work.

"Please let's not fight today. I'm here, aren't I?" Ginny asked finally. Molly looked up at her tone, saw the distressed look on her face and, in a rare moment for her, let the matter drop.

"Will you help me dear? I'd ask Fleur or Hermione…But you know how hopeless they are," she said instead. Ginny smiled at this and nodded eagerly. She joined her mother in chopping vegetables and the two fell into a discussion on Ginny's recent studies.

In an effort to do something while Scorpius was occupied with his tutor, Ginny had taken up research. She had returned to potion making, a favorite subject of her's in school – despite, or perhaps because of, the Professor – and was working on brewing a cure for Dragon Pox and something more potent than wolfbane – something that could perhaps stem the change for even happening. They were unheard of feats. While she played with these projects she was also freelancing for several apothecaries and making a bundle brewing some more complicated potions – like wolfsbane, but others as well.

Three and half years Ago

"I won't tutor that…monster anymore!" the old man explained. He was rubbing the bridge of his nose and closing his eyes as he sat across from Ginny and Narcissa Malfoy. Narcissa raised an eyebrow at this, while Ginny frowned.

"What's he done now," Ginny asked finally when the man was not forthcoming with any details. Mr. Fields, one of the most sought after private tutors in wizarding London and had been very good for the past year with Scorpius. But Draco's son had proven most difficult to teach and even Mr. Fields seemed to have trouble controlling the boy's behavior at times.

"He lit my desk on fire!"

"Well that's wonderful!" Narcissa exclaimed at the same time Ginny groaned.

"Wonderful! WONDERFUL! He singed one of my best sets of robes! That's it I resign. I can't work in these conditions any longer." The older man exclaimed. And with that he stood and apparated with a pop, Ginny let her head fall into her hands with another groan.

"My little boy is doing magic!" Narcissa exclaimed. She snapped her fingers to summon an elf and ordered the small creature to bring them some tea.

"But now we have to find a new tutor," Ginny exclaimed, not lifting her head from her hands. Narcissa patted her shoulder gently.

"Draco used to do things like this all the time. Not to worry, Mr. Fields will come around."

"He seemed pretty set on doing the exact opposite," Ginny replied. Narcissa handed her a teacup when she looked up. Ginny took a sip and instantly relaxed a little.

"It will be fine my dear. Just you wait, I'll take care of it. But you look a little stressed. Perhaps a holiday for you and Scorpius is in order."

"Oh I couldn't take the time –"

"Nonsense. I'll pay for everything. You can go stay in our villa in Italy. You'll love it really. It's very quaint. Plus Draco and Astoria –" Narcissa trailed off here.. She contemplated her tea for some time.

Ginny didn't try to bring the older woman out of her thoughts. She had learned it was best to wait these spells out. She pondered the situation, already knowing that she would accept the offer. Perhaps she could invite Luna along with her sons. Scorpius, Lorcan and Lysander got along just fine and then perhaps she could brew the batch of wolfsbane she'd promised to her apothecaries as well.

With this decided Ginny took a moment to study the woman next to her. Narcissa looked tired all of a sudden – something not necessarily unusual. She sighed, knowing she would have to brew another bout of potions for the woman soon. She ran through a list of things she would need when Narcissa looked up.

"I'll go," Ginny said. Narcissa smiled happily at this. "You wouldn't mind if I invited Luna Scamander and her boys along would you? Her husband is out of town again and I'm sure Scorpius would have more fun."

"Of course not. That sounds splendid, and they're good company for Scorpius to keep."

Ginny knew that in the back of Narcissa's mind she was happy she hadn't asked to bring Hermione with her. Some habits died hard – but she had learned a long time ago to keep from mentioning the muggleborn witch. She didn't enjoy being at odds with Narcissa, it seemed to make life unnecessarily complicated. So instead she had taken to keeping somewhat different company.

"Perhaps you should join us," Ginny said finally. Ending her train of though. Narcissa smiled even more at this and nodded.

"Perhaps I will. And now maybe we should track down that troublesome child so that you can get home and I can send some owls off to convince Mr. Fields he really just needs a short holiday himself."

Six and a half Years Ago

"Gin!" a very familiar voice called from the other side of the door to the flat Ginny was renting. It had been six months since she had taken over care of Scorpius Malfoy and the transition had been anything but simple. The boy refused to leave his room most days and kept demanding to see his mother and father. Ginny sighed, she was seated on the other side of his bedroom door – a spot she had spent the better part of six months in, trying to coax him out. She waved her hand at the door to release the wards as she stood and brushed herself off.

"You can come in," she said as she made her way down the short hallway to put the teakettle on.

Harry Potter entered her apartment then, his hands full of broken down cardboard boxes. The teakettle started to whistle as he put them on the floor and walked to the kitchen.

"Hullo Gin," he said softly. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She shrugged out of the embrace to pour the tea and frowned at him.

"Don't Harry."

"It doesn't have to be like this you know," he demanded his green eyes lighting up with an emotion she was so used to seeing now. Anger. She sighed, brushing a lock of hair out of her face.

"For now, I think it does."

"It's been six months Gin, don't you think it's time I come home?"

"Is that why you brought boxes then, because you thought I'd let you come home? No."

"I was hoping," he replied gently. He scooped up one of the cups of tea and took a long sip, eyeing her over the top. She was still frowning as she stirred a cube of sugar in.

"How's my mum then? I haven't had a chance to see her lately." Ginny asked softly. Her mother had demanded her presence at each of the monthly family dinners the last six months but she had refused to go. Still trying to coax the young Malfoy out of his room. Somedays she was successful, like yesterday, and they would take a walk in to the park and get ice cream. Other days, like today, he would obstinately demand that she return him to his parents who she had obviously stolen him from.

Ginny was weary of the routine and part of her wanted to just pack him up and ship him off to whoever would take him. But the one time she had broached the topic with her father he had stated the only place for the boy was in a group home. Ginny refused to subject the boy, or the caretakers, to such a fate. She was convinced she could bring him round. But Harry, gods she missed him sometimes.

"She misses you. She wants you to come to dinner this Sunday," Harry said finally. He sat at the table and watched as Ginny played with the ring that still remained on her finger. He had insisted she keep it, for now.

"Have you found a flat yet?"

"Yeah. Down the street a ways. That building we looked at when we first started –"

"The one that I hated," Ginny replied with a chuckle. The building had been far to classy for her tastes. Marble floors throughout the lobby and elevators similar to the ministry. She preferred the low-key flat they'd chosen instead, especially after they'd fixed it up. And she had insisted on paying her share (which she wouldn't have been able to do in the first apartment).

"Yes," Harry said, with a chuckle of his own.

"Would you like any of the furniture," Ginny asked finally, gesturing around the flat. Harry shook his head firmly, and truthfully she was glad he did because she didn't think she could bear to part with any of it.

"No, I had them furnish it for me. Plus, you picked out everything here. It's yours. Maybe one day –"

"Ginerva," a small voice called from the hall. "Ginerva, I'd like some dinner."

Scorpius Malfoy appeared in the doorway then, looking somewhat penchant for his earlier behavior. He had decided, finally, that he would make peace for now, until he could find a way to contact his Grandmother Malfoy and escape the horrible little flat. He stopped when he reached the kitchen and saw Harry.

"What's he doing here," Scorpius demanded. His small arms folded in front of him. Once again Ginny wondered how a three year old could sound so entitled, so very much like his father.

"Harry came to visit Scorpius. Come sit at the table and I'll make you a sandwich and heat up some of the soup from last night."

Scorpius rounded the table, still glaring at Harry and threw himself into one of the chairs. After he inhaled the food in front of him, looking very much like Ronald Weasley, he jumped from the chair and stomped down the hall, slamming his door behind him.

Ginny sighed heavily and sat at the table with a fresh cup of tea putting her head in her hands. Harry reached into his robes and pulled out his flask.

"Seems like you could use some of this." He offered the flask to her and Ginny took a giant gulp. Harry took a swig himself and then put it down in front of them. It was practically empty at that point, mainly because he'd had several sips before knocking on the door. Ginny tipped the rest of it back into her mouth and stood. She rummaged through the cabinets for sometime before throwing her hands up in disgust.

"I know there's some Ogden's here somewhere," she spat.

Harry laughed at this. He stood and came up behind her. Reaching over her to the top shelf he moved several boxes of rice and pulled an aged bottle down.

"I think we were saving this for something special," he said as he blew the dust off the bottle. Ginny took it from him and uncorked it easily, taking a swig from the bottle.

"Now's as good a time as any. You know, I thought I was getting somewhere with him. But every time I do he just relapses and reminds me of his father all over again."

Harry just nodded. She had turned to offer the bottle to him and was looking intently at his face. He took another swig and put the bottle on the counter. Reaching past her again he pulled a couple tumblers from the cabinet and poured out even glasses. Ginny took a sip this time, already feeling the effects of the expensive firewhiskey. She leaned back against the counter with a sigh.

"I didn't think parenting would be this hard that's for sure. Mum always made it look so easy."

"Gin, you're doing fine. He'll come around," Harry said. He was slightly more forgiving now that the alcohol was taking effect. He took a drink from his glass and placed it on the counter next to hers, taking a step closer at the same time.

Ginny smiled, a genuine smile then and reached up to hug him. When he drew back he moved to leave but she grabbed his robes, pulling him closer and kissing him none too gently. All the frustration she'd felt in the last six months melded into that kiss and he pushed into her, against the counter, returning it easily. Gods he'd missed her.

The next morning he woke up and Ginny was gone. There was a note, taped neatly to the boxes she'd packed for him.

We can't do this. I love you but I have to put him first. Enjoy the new apartment and let me know if there's anything I can do for you.

-Gin.

Six Years Ago

Ginny looked up as an owl fell tapped her window. She finished signing the paperwork to send back to Gringotts with another sigh and went to open the window. The regal looking owl looked up at her and hooted impatiently, holding of its leg. Ginny took the scroll and the owl flew out without even waiting for a treat. Ginny huffed and turned the scroll over in her hand, it had the Black seal pressed into it. Only one person could have sent this.

Ginny tossed the scroll on the table with a frown, next to several others with the same seal. Scorpius appeared in the doorway, his hair brushed, in a pair of jeans and a green turtleneck.

"Can we go to the park?" he asked politely, rolling back and forth on the balls of his feet. Ginny looked up with a smile and nodded.

"As long as you don't mind stopping by Gringott's with me. I need to drop off all this paper work."

Scorpius nodded eagerly, anything to get out of the small flat.

"Can we get ice cream too?" He asked, somewhat hesitantly. When Ginny nodded again his face lit up. He didn't so much mind staying with her now. They'd formed a sort of camaraderie in the year he had been in her flat. And since Harry had stopped coming around he didn't mind as much. In fact, they didn't get many visits anymore.

Sometimes Ginny's father would stop by, but Scorpius didn't mind him. He would tell all sorts of funny stories and show Scorpius muggle items called lecktronics. Ginny had even said that maybe they could get a television if he was good. He didn't really know what it was but it sure sounded exciting. Other days her brother George would stop by with his son Fred. Even though Fred had ugly orangey hair, not anything like Ginny's pretty red hair, he was fun to play with and pretty interesting to talk too. He always snuck in some of Uncle George's jokes – Scorpius frowned inwardly at the last time they'd used one. He'd managed to get Ginny to eat a canary cream and even when she was squaking he could tell he was in for a beating when she changed back.

She didn't though, spank him, she'd sent him to his room without being able to finish his dessert – his favorite too, her chocolate mousse cake – and hadn't let him go to the park for a week. But it was pretty funny to see her squawking like a bird. He'd heard her laughing in the floo about it after that with someone, he thought maybe Harry. But he tried not to think about the green-eye monster.

The business with Gringott's didn't take long – just like Ginny promised. Scorpius had found that the witch always kept her promises. If she couldn't keep one she wouldn't make it. He thought he liked this about her. They got to get ice cream on their way to the park. Days like these Scorpius could almost forget that his parents had abandoned him. Left him with this witch who associated with people they really like didn't like, like Harry Potter for one, and just enjoy himself.

While they were sitting outside the parlor eating their ice cream, Scorpius saw a familiar blonde head walking down the street. It paused in front of a dress shop to speak with someone walking with it. He sprang from his seat, ignoring Ginny's admonishment and sprinted down the street. Throwing his arms around the legs of the woman with the long blonde and slightly black hair he held on like his life depended on it.

"GRANDMOTHER!"

"Oh…Oh dear," Narcissa managed to pry the young boys arms from around her legs and knelt down to embrace him. Tears fell easily down Scorpius' face as he sniffled loudly. "Now, now. That's enough of that. Where is Miss Weasley?"

"WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME? WHY DIDN'T YOU COME GET ME," Scorpius was bawling loudly. Not even registering what Narcissa was saying. She looked around and noticed Ginny making her way quickly towards them, trying not to draw anymore attention to the scene. Narcissa found that she appreciated this. Ginerva certainly could have caused a much bigger scene. Especially since Narcissa didn't exactly have her permission to visit with Scorpius – and the Minister had been clear, she could only see him on Ginerva's terms.

Scorpius was barely sobbing at the point that Ginny finally reached them. He merely had his head buried in Narcissa's neck. Soaking the top of her robes as she hugged him tightly.

"No darling you have to stop making such a scene. It's unseemly for a Malfoy," she said softly. She felt Scorpius nod and looked up to meet the frustrated eyes of one Ginerva Weasley.

"Mrs. Malfoy," Ginny stated when she finally reached them. To her credit she did not try to yank Scorpius away from the elder woman but merely stood, blocking the view of the two from passerby. She looked beyond Narcissa to the man who was with her, who she offered a nod and a "Counselor," by way of greeting.

Narcissa opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted.

"Ginerva. You haven't responded to my owls," the Counselor said easily cutting the woman off. He, for one, did not want the child dissolving into sobs again. Not when Arthur was adamant that the situation was just beginning to turn around.

"I haven't had a chance to open them," Ginny said, eyeing him somewhat suspiciously before she looked down to speak to Narcissa. "I've been dealing with the goblins at Gringott's – you know how that goes – and trying to find us a home. I'm afraid that my flat just isn't what we need right now. I was going to take a look at them today now that my investments are all settled," Ginny said finally, conceding that perhaps she had been a bit hasty in dismissing the Malfoy-Black patriarch.

"Perhaps we could have some lunch?" Narcissa offered. Ginny was surprised that it was not a demand, so surprised that she found herself nodding.

"That would be nice. Scorpius, would you like that?"

The young boy looked up, probably as startled as Ginny and nodded eagerly. Lunch was a mostly quiet affair for Ginny who sat back and watched Narcissa interact with her grandson. She was pleasantly surprised with how warm the woman was toward him – it was unexpected. She had always viewed the matriarch as a cold shallow woman, but she was beginning to sense that perhaps first impressions were not what they seemed.

However, Ginny found herself holding her breath when Scorpius demanded, somewhere near the end of their relatively calm meal, why Narcissa had allowed him to be placed with a Weasley.

"Darling…" Narcissa paused looking at Ginny. Then sighed and plowed on. "I didn't have a choice. And you know grandmother hasn't been feeling very well. I wouldn't be able to look after you like Ginerva can."

Scorpius looked quite crestfallen at this and Ginny's heart went out to him.

"Perhaps we could arrange more lunches. And maybe some overnight stays," Ginny offered finally, looking up to meet Narcissa's eyes. The older woman smiled, a genuine smile not the usual Malfoy smirk.

"I would very much like that," she replied and looked at Scorpius expectantly.

"That would be okay?" He asked, his lower lip trembling slightly. He didn't really believe that Ginny was being honest.

"Yes, that would be okay with me, if that's what you'd like. But you'll have to make me a promise in return," Ginny replied.

"Okay," Scorpius said with a small frown. "What's the promise though?"

"No more locking yourself in your room. If you start that again then we'll have to revisit this idea. And I want you to agree to come and visit my family. They'd all very much like to meet you," Ginny replied. She knew she was asking a lot of the young child. But she missed her family, and she wanted to be able to see them, and to bring Scorpius along.

"That's two promises." Scorpius pointed out even as he nodded. "But I can do that if I can see Grandmother."

"Would you like to have him for the day Sunday Narcissa? It's my mother's family lunch."

"Wouldn't you like Scorpius to go with you?" Narcissa asked surprised. Sunday was only a couple days away. She didn't think the young woman would trust her to take Scorpius on her own so soon.

"I think introducing him to them slowly would be best," Ginny replied with a smile at the boy. "There are quite a few of us now, with all my nieces and nephews."

Four and half Years Ago

"Scorpius are you ready to go to your Grandmother's?"

"Coming mum!" Scorpius yelled running down the stairs. He paused to straighten his pressed pants and looked up at Ginny's surprised face. It was the first time he had called him mum. Usually he had address her as ma'am or Ginny – she had finally broken him of the Ginerva habit.

"Did I do something wrong?" he asked, looking down at his clothes. Ginny shook her head and bent down to scoop the boy into a hug.

"No darling. Nothing wrong." Ginny didn't mention that he'd called her mum, and he didn't seem to think it was anything of importance. "Come on we don't want to be late. You know how your grandmother frowns on that."

Scorpius nodded, looking serious. He took his black cloak from Ginny and fastened it, taking her hand. Ginny pulled her wand out and apparted them to the front of Narcissa's home.

She was living in a posh townhouse not far from the Wiltshire Manor. Ginny touched her wand to the gates and waited, straightening her own emerald cloak. They didn't wait long before a house elf appeared to open the gates. Ginny led Scorpius up the path, admiring, not for the first time, the neatly trimmed gardens in front of the townhouse; the house elf led them through the door and gestured to the parlor that Ginny and Narcissa usually talked in.

"Mistress asked to have a word with Miss Wealsey. And for the young Master, perhaps a bowl of ice cream?" Scorpius nodded eagerly and followed the elf to the kitchens. Ginny opened the doors, unsure of why they were shut and stepped into the darkened parlor. A fire burned in the fireplace despite the warmth outside.

"Narcissa?" she called quietly. The older woman waved from a chair in front of the fire and Ginny approached quietly. She gasped when she saw the draw look on Narcissa's face. The woman looked like she was in a good deal of pain.

"Hello Ginerva," she said. Her voice sounded dry, and came out as almost a gasp. Ginny fell into the seat next to her and took the woman's hand.

"Narcissa what's wrong?" Ginny asked, squeezing the older woman's hand softly. Narcissa offered her a weak smile.

"I'm just having a bad day today. I want to…tell you what's going on. But first you must swear a witches' oath that you won't tell another soul about it." Ginny frowned at this but nodded.

"Counselor," Narcissa called softly. Draco's lawyer stepped from the shadows, wand held out. Ginny turned her hand so Narcissa could grip it and he waved his wand over their bound hands.

"I so swear," Ginny said, watching as the magic swirled around their hands, a faint gold circlet before it faded completely.

"During the war I was cursed," Narcissa started. She paused, taking a deep breath and a sip of the water that Draco's lawyer offered. "They haven't found a counter curse for it yet. It was one of the Dark Lord's creation and…I'm afraid that he's the only one who understood how to reverse it.

The medics can usually control it with potions, at least the symptoms, but some days are worse then others. Today just happens to be one of those days. I had hoped that perhaps it would pass by the time you came but that does not appear to be so. You can understand why I don't want anyone else knowing...With Draco…I've had to take over some control of the business and weakness isn't tolerated among those snakes."

"Narcissa why didn't you tell me sooner? Does Draco know?"

"No one but Lucius knew, and he took the secret to his grave…I'm afraid my condition was part of what drove him there," Narcissa said with a small smile. "No matter what people thought of our marriage…He did love me, in his own way. And he couldn't fix this, something he blamed himself for causing. Ginerva this is why I couldn't take my grandson. And I wouldn't let him go to that woman's parents. I asked your father who he thought would be best. He chose you, I don't know why…And I don't know why you took him in, but I cannot thank you enough. For raising him to be such a well-mannered boy and for allowing me to enjoy my good days with him. I'm not sure how many will be left."

Narcissa coughed and took another sip of water. Ginny face fell even more and she gripped the older woman's hand. Caring for her had come in small doses – Ginny hadn't expected to like the older woman. But watching her interact with Scorpius had changed her mind. The woman did know how to love, and despite her chilly exterior in public, had never treated Ginny with anything but respect. Though Ginny expected that her improved wardrobe, remnants of her successful career with the Harpies, had helped her win Narcissa's respect. She no longer looked like the Weasley she had been in school. She looked like someone who belonged in society.

"Have you looked at the house I suggested," Narcissa asked finally – signaling the end of their discussion on the matter. Ginny nodded.

"I've put in an offer now I just have to wait. Scorpius loved it, and it really was exactly what I was looking for. I just hope they accept my offer – we really can't live in the flat anymore. And I've sent out owls to find him a tutor. I thought he should start after his birthday."

Narcissa nodded in approval her eyes sliding shut somewhat. Ginny squeezed her hand.

"I'm going to bring Scorpius home. I have some interviews tomorrow if you're feeling up to taking him for the day. I'd arranged for my mother, but I wouldn't mind cancelling and bringing him here instead."

"Thank you Ginerva," the older woman said. Ginny merely nodded and quietly left the room.