CHAPTER 11
Draco stared up at his friend in disbelief. While they had been searching tirelessly for a solution to help Scorpius, they had hit somewhat of a dead end. Or so they thought, until Blaise walked into Draco's office moments earlier stating that he had an idea of what could help them… or rather who could help them.
"So Looney Lovegood gave you the idea to go visit your ex-stepfather in Russia?" Draco asked unsure if he understood what Blaise had been trying to tell him.
Blaise scowled at the nickname but quickly answered the question, "Yes, Luna and I were talking and she mentioned something about moon frogs and the stuff that happens to you when you get too close and-" Blaise stopped short seeing the look on Draco's face, "anyway, she said something about how it had the ability to make one extremely paranoid, some much so that you begin to doubt your own self. So that got me thinking about my lovely ex-stepfather number three…" Blaise finished quickly.
"Right, So how is going to Russia to see your ex-stepfather going to help us?" Draco asked leaning forward in his chair.
"Okay, so I don't know how much you remember about him, but the man practically lived his life believing everyone was plotting to do him in… of course he wasn't wrong in my mother's case, but that's a different story." Blaise said waving that bit of information to the side. "Anyway, because he was so paranoid, he studied almost everything there is to know about curses, spells, and ancient illness… all of that stuff. He always wanted to be prepared. So he's become somewhat of the go-to guy for anything dark and dodge."
Draco nodded as a fleeting memory of Blaise's stepfather came to mind. Draco himself had only met the man on a handful of occasions, but even then he had this mysteriously formidable air about him. While he showed no signs of being anything but an aristocratic gentleman, Draco knew better than to believe that was all there was to the man.
Draco ran his fingers through his hair and was about to say something when Blaise beat him to the punch, making his point stand on firmer ground.
"Look, there's no harm in trying this. We've got nothing to lose. At least we'll have a sense of direction from him. I don't like going to see the man anymore than I liked it when my dear mother decided to marry him, but I do believe he can help us."
Sighing Draco spoke, "that's all good and fine, but what am I suppose to do about Scorpius? I can't just leave him behind. And I know Hermione's going to want to come with." He stopped for a moment and regarded his friend with a look of sincere worry, "you sure this can help us?"
"We'll only know if we try this." Blaise answered honestly, "Besides if we learn nothing it won't be such a big waste… Scorpius gets to see Russia, you get to take Hermione out on a lovely date in a beautiful foreign country… everybody wins" he finished laughing at the scowl that came over Draco's face.
"I highly doubt dating my son's healer is the most ethical thing to do right now." he said a little too quickly.
"Oh yes but pinning her against your fridge and snogging the daylights out of her is ethical?" he asked laughing at the shocked expression on Draco's face.
"That's…it's not what you think." Draco stuttered, sounding very unlike himself.
"Admit it mate, you've got a thing for your son's healer." Blaise smirked as Draco squirmed in his seat, "relax mate, it's totally understandable…you two have been spending a lot of time together and she's smart and intelligent and not to mention incredibly good looking…"
"Blaise" Draco almost growled at him in irritation, "Why don't you go make yourself useful and owl your ex-stepfather and ask him when would be a convenient time for us to visit him. I'll owl Hermione to see if she's able to come to Russia with us."
Blaise laughed but left the study to owl his ex-stepfather. He'd have to word the letter carefully and perhaps for now leave out that the "friend" that needed help was a Malfoy. He only hoped his ex-stepfather would be accepting in their plea for his help, despite his intolerable paranoia.
Everything was set. It had taken Blaise all of two days to contact his father and sort out the portkey for them. They would all leave for Russia in the morning. Blaise's ex-stepfather had expressed in his letter that he was more than happy to help Blaise and his friends out. Hermione had managed to sort out leave from St. Mungo's, ensuring them that all her work as head healer was up to date. She promised Draco that she would meet them in the morning so they could leave together.
Hermione was busy putting stuff together for the trip to Russia that Draco had owled her about earlier. She was contemplating a warmer sweater, when she heard footsteps from her floo and then the distinct voice of Ginny Potter calling out for her.
"Mione, you here?" the red head asked walking over to the couch with her husband in tow.
"Yep," came her short reply before joining them in the living room. "And what brings the Potter's to my humble abode today… wait Harry why aren't you at work?"
"Why aren't you?" he asked her curiously, "it's my day off and Gin and I thought we should come and see you, considering we haven't heard from you in a while." He continued.
She smiled feeling slightly guilty. To be honest she wasn't totally surprised by their visit. She hadn't seen them in a while, let alone had the time to send an owl telling them she was okay since she and Ron broke up. But she couldn't possibly tell them she was spending almost all of her free time helping the Malfoys. Despite the fact that Harry had somewhat accepted her decision to help them. He wouldn't be so happy to learn that she was about to travel to another country altogether with a four year old and two Slytherins. She wasn't in the mood for that conversation right now and hoped they would believe the story she had come up with, should anyone ask about her sudden travels.
"I'm very sorry that we haven't spoken in a while. I really have been so busy. I guess I just got caught up in everything." She said with a little smile.
Harry laughed before he said, "we understand Mione, we just worry about you…especially after you and Ron…you know…" he trailed off uncomfortably. Hermione had to suppress her laughter as she saw Ginny roll her eyes and elbow her husband in the ribs, for being not so subtle.
"It's okay Harry, I'm okay." And as she said it, she didn't doubt it for a second. She didn't know where this sudden certainty came from, but for the past few days she had felt it. And now she was going to fully embrace it.
"Why don't you come over for supper this weekend?" Ginny asked politely, "that way we'll be able to spend some much needed time together. And maybe you can tell us what's been keeping you so busy." This time Hermione really did laugh. Ginny gave her a look, as if Hermione were holding back on a really good secret.
"That sounds lovely Gin, but I'm afraid it's going to have to wait. I have to work this weekend and-"
"Oh come on Hermione! It's just one night; i'm sure St. Mungo's can manage a few hours without you." Ginny practically pleaded.
"Gin, it sounds lovely, it really does. However I have to leave for Scandinavia in a few hours and will probably be gone for most of the weekend too." Hermione said, looking at Harry to see if he believed her.
"Scandinavia?" Ginny gasped, "But… but why?"
"Oh well I've been asked to help out a bit with a research project they having going on there." She said trying to sound casual.
"So how long will you be gone for?" Ginny asked.
"Just for a few days," and seeing that her best friend was not so quick to believe her little lie she added, "It will be nice to get away for a while. This is really just a new challenge and I think I could do with the distraction for a little while."
"And they couldn't have sent anyone else?" Ginny asked sadly.
"No, they asked for me I'm afraid. Besides like I said, I really want to go."
"Why are you so eager to go Mione? I thought you said you were fine…" Harry asked finally.
"I really am fine Harry," she said sincerely, "I just need to get away for a while. Embrace a new challenge, you know that sort of thing."
Harry nodded but didn't say anything, Hermione turned back to Ginny, "so I've heard from Padma that you've enrolled Albus into Luna's preschool?"
"Yes, Luna's got quite a lovely preschool. And the kids just simply adore her. It really is nice to have just a few noise free, racket-less hours in the day." Ginny said laughing. "But how did Padma know?"
"Well seeing as Padma's my assistant and her sister is best friends with Lavender Brown, who dated Seamus until recently, and Seamus knew …well honestly I have no idea how this works. But Padma knows so naturally everybody else does." Hermione said, laughing at how some things just won't change.
Both Harry and Ginny laughed with her and they spent a little time chatting about things that Hermione had missed. It wasn't long after that the Potter's were saying goodbye to Hermione with the promise that she'd let them know the minute she was back in London.
Sighing she walked over to the couch and sat down. She didn't like lying to her friends, but really what choice did she have? As much as she loved them, they wouldn't fully understand why she had agreed to go cross continent to visit a wizarding Russian mob boss in the hopes that he'd be able to save Draco Malfoy's child of all people. She very nearly laughed herself into a state of delirium as this all come together in her head. But not wanting to waste anymore time, she pushed herself off the couch and walked back to continue her packing.
Shortly after Blaise had left his office that day, Draco had received an owl from his mother asking them to join her for breakfast as it had been too long since she last saw her darling little grandson. Knowing he couldn't very well say no to his mother he owled back saying they would be glad to join her the following morning. Besides he knew he was going to have to tell her about Russia sooner or later and not to mention she would definitely have questions about Hermione's involvement with Scorpius. Better deal with it now rather than let her come to her own assumptions. That would be both stupid and dangerous of Draco to do.
Breakfast at the Malfoy Manor had always been a quiet and formal affair - though this really was no surprise when it came to the way the Malfoy's had done things. Off course that had been changed the instant Scorpius Malfoy had stepped through the double oak doors. Draco had been hesitant at first to bring Scorpius to Malfoy Manor, but after seeing the remodelling his mother had done in the house, he had to admit he didn't mind it so much. Gone where the dark and foreboding colours that loomed over the house. Instead Narcissa Malfoy spent a large portion of her time and a considerable amount of her good-for-nothing-husband's wealth in the rebuilding of Malfoy Manor. While she still found grace in being a Malfoy, there was little compassion in her for what Lucius had done to this family. Endangering her life, she could have forgiven, but almost sacrificing Draco's life was not something she was so forgiving of. As a mother, it took everything in her power not to kill Lucius herself the moment he announced that his beloved "Dark Lord" was going to be making Malfoy Manor his own.
Nonetheless, all of that was in the past now, she rebuilt Malfoy Manor to be more open and welcoming, with soft and warm colours being the constant theme throughout the impressive mansion. There was also an air of serenity and calmness, which had never been there before. However Narcissa attributed that to her much adored grandson. Although Draco had lived in Paris for the past five years, this did not deter Narcissa, and so she had often made the trip to Paris herself to see her son and grandson. But now that they were back, it felt more than wonderful to have her empty home filled with the glorious laughter of littlest Malfoy. He reminded her a lot of Draco at that age. His quick wit and curious nature, not to mention those trademark Malfoy features.
She stood waiting in the foyer for them, and her smile only broadened as she watched Scorpius wriggle his way down and out of his father's hold before bounding towards her.
"Grandma Cissa!" he squealed in delight, as he flew into her arms.
"Scorpius! Don't you look dashing this morning." She commented as she picked up her grandson into a warm but tight hug.
Scorpius blushed slightly as his grandmother fussed over his clothes and only stopped when his father stepped forward to greet her.
"Draco, dear you look well," she commented as he kissed her on either cheek.
"As do you mother." He replied.
"Come along," Narcissa said as she ushered them in. Tully, Narcissa's freed house elf bowed to them and then started fussing over Scorpius as well. He really was too adorable for his own good.
Shaking his head he fell into a slow pace as his mother walked beside him.
"He really does look much better Draco," she said quietly. Watching Scorpius chase Tully down the hallway.
"He's doing much better mother," Draco replied.
"But…"she prompted.
"But, we still have no idea what's wrong. Hermione's been working very hard to help us and Blaise seems to think he's found someone worth talking too." He supplied quickly. He didn't want his mother to think he was purposely not telling her anything, but he'd get to the important details a little later.
"I've heard from Blaise" his mother started in a tone that caused Draco to resist the urge to groan, "that you and Ms. Granger have been quiet…friendly with each other as of recently." his mother said; looking at him with a very unnerving smile.
"Really mother you shouldn't listen to anything-" he started but she cut across him.
"And more importantly, she's made quiet an impression on Scorpius." She finished, Draco quietened and looked at his mother, trying to decipher the look she was giving him.
He didn't respond immediately, having to choose his words carefully.
"Yes, she has", he said, "no doubt Blaise has filled you in on those details." He replied scowling at the thought of his mother and best friend gossiping about the relationship between his son and healer. No doubt he had, at some point or the other been added to that conversation, but right now he was in no mood to discuss it. Instead he directed his mother towards the garden terrace, where Tully had set breakfast up for them.
Scorpius was already seated and once Draco and Narcissa were seated, she turned and asked her grandson how he was enjoying his school. Naturally this lead to a full on explanation of everything he had done. Scorpius carried on through breakfast about what Aunt Luna had been teaching them and even shocked Narcissa and Draco by stating that he'd made friends with the Potter boys of all children.
Draco had on a horrified expression; while Narcissa looked beyond amused.
"And Aunt Luna was telling us about the da..dab…Dabberbumps and …and maybe we'll be able to catch some next week." He said as he stuffed more pancakes in his mouth. Narcissa laughed while Draco looked pained at the sort of things his son was learning.
After they had finished breakfast, Scorpius ran off to play in the vast garden while Draco and Narcissa sat and watched. Tully had cleared the table away and brought each a cup of coffee, before heading out to keep a closer eye on the little Malfoy.
"Tell me Draco, you think Ms Granger can help us?" she asked sincerely looking at her son.
"Yes," he sighed, "I do. She's the smartest witch of our age. If any one can help us, it's her."
"And she's not… angry about what's happened, in the past I mean." Narcissa wondered.
Draco considered her question for a while before he answered, "No, I don't think she is. I mean if she was, she wouldn't have agreed to help us. She's moved on mother, as have most of us."
Narcissa was quiet for a while before she spoke again, "I see you finally found the courage to tell Blaise what was going on." With no judgement in her eyes, she simply looked over at her son with worry. For too long he had to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.
"Yes, Hermione was right. Blaise deserved to know the truth." He said without thinking.
"Hermione…she managed to convince you …" she trailed off smiling.
"Mother, it's not what you think…" Draco began.
"Oh, and what am I thinking Draco?" his mother countered.
"She's Scorpius' healer and an exceptionally intelligent woman. Besides it's not like she was wrong" He said off handily, hoping to not have to answer the question.
Narcissa chuckled at her son's attempt at dissuading her. He should know better than that. She diverted the conversation for a moment to a matter a little more serious.
"You said earlier that Blaise had found someone worth talking too. Who might this someone be?"
"Blaise thought his ex-stepfather might be of some help to us." Draco answered nodding.
"Which one dear? Merlin knows Alessandra has accumulated quiet the collection of exes." Narcissa said with a little distaste. While Mrs Zabini might have been a nice enough women, her frivolous lifestyle of husband jumping did not agree with Narcissa Malfoy.
"Number three I believe he said it was."
She raised her eyebrows in shock at this, "Adrian Vakhrov. Never thought I'd see the day when he'd agree to help a Malfoy."
Draco looked worried at this, "Why? What did father do this time?" he asked with a nasty bite.
"It's quiet the story, though I don't have all details. Just be careful Draco. He's not foolishly paranoid for nothing." She warned him with a sad knowing look.
He didn't believe her, naturally she would have know what went down between his father and Adrian Vakhrov. There was very little to nothing that happened within Malfoy Manor that Narcissa didn't know about. Though it was clear she was not willing to talk about it now.
"Is he still in Russia?" she asked to which he simply nodded. "I assumed he'd go back after everything that had happened with your father…and Alessandra of course.
"Anything else I should be aware of mother?" he asked. Best be prepared for the worst. Now considering the man had a personal vendetta against his family.
"He is as good as he is bad Draco. I only got to know him in the time that he was married to Alessandra, but he was charming enough." She said taking a delicate sip of her coffee, "Don't let that fool you, Adrian managed to build quiet the reputation while in England. I dare say it's continued in Russia. He's exceptionally powerful; especially with the shady workings of the Russian wizarding underworld. He did however manage to run quiet a reputable company for some time. I imagine that his good name is what he stands on today. He really is a nice man…when he wants to be off course. It's really a shame."
"What is?" Draco asked.
"His marriage with Alessandra, despite all his bad …business, he really was too nice for her…though I suppose we should count him lucky. He's probably the only one of the seven she's married that hasn't been carried off in a box."
Draco couldn't help but laugh at this, to which Narcissa joined him.
Scorpius came running to them at that point which a flower in his hand to which he gave to his grandmother.
"Here, Grandma Cissa, this one is for you." He said sweetly as he handed her one.
"Thank you dear," she said taking the rose, "and what about the other one? Going to give it to someone at school?" she teased him, noticing one other flower in his hand.
"No this one is for Hermione," he said simply.
At this Narcissa grinned and turned to look at Draco who simply avoided her gaze. Instead he looked at his son and then the flower in his hand.
"Scorp, where did you get those?" he asked already knowing the answer.
"Over there." He said and pointed vaguely to the small patch that once was his mother's rose garden.
Narcissa picked her grandson up and placed him in her lap while Draco spoke to him.
"Scorp, you know messing around with grandma Cissa's garden was wrong. You should apologise."
"Oh enough Draco," She scolded before turning to the little boy in her lap, "that won't be necessary dear. I do hope that Ms. Gran-… that Hermione likes the rose then."
Scorpius and his grandmother chatted animatedly for a few more minutes and then Draco stood to leave.
"Thank you for breakfast mother," he said as they walked back through the house.
"It was wonderful seeing you two again," she gushed slightly, "I hope next time you might consider bringing Hermione with you." She said smiling down at Scorpius in her arms.
"Mother," Draco groaned, "I really would like to not have the conversation about the non existent relationship between my son's healer and myself, while you are holding said son."
"Now Draco, it's only your fault really that it's non existent." She smirked a little before handing Scorpius over to his father, "And just remember, denying something wont make it go away."
Something about the manner in which she had said that to him told him it was not just about Hermione she was referring to.
"You haven't said whether or not you're taking Scorpius with you to Russia" she asked him softly.
"I can't leave him behind, not knowing if he's truly okay" he answered in a quiet voice.
"But is it safe for him to travel all the way to Russia?"
"Hermione's coming with us. We'll be okay if, Merlin forbid, anything should happen to him." Seeing the concern in his mother's eyes he moved forward, touched her arm fleetingly and said, "We'll be fine mother. I promise." She merely nodded at this.
"Be safe and remember what I've said about Adrian" she said as they walked to the fireplace.
As soon as they stepped out of their fireplace back home, Blaise approached Draco with some minor dealings with Malfoy industries and Scorpius ran off to find Ippy and save his rose for Hermione.
Blaise shot Draco a look but he chose to ignore it, instead thought back to what his mother had said earlier about Adrian.
"Blaise, you sure your ex-stepfather is okay with helping us?" he asked noticing how the Italian looked a little flushed at the question.
"Yeah," he said off handily, "He said that he'd be happy to help a friend of mine…you saw his letter…"
"You didn't happen to mention that it was a Malfoy that needed his help did you?" Draco inquired curiously.
"I… I might have not mentioned any names," he admitted and then seeing the look in Draco's eyes pushed forward, "but he's going to help us. He won't say no."
"Really, because my mother doesn't seem to think Adrian's going to be very welcoming to a Malfoy. I'd really like to know before I drag my son all the way to Russia for nothing."
"Yes, well he and your father may have had their problems in the past. But you are not your father, and you'll have to remind him of this. Besides this is our best shot right now." Blaise stated, standing his ground.
Draco agreed to this point and thanked Blaise before walking up to his office.
It was in the quiet and early hours of the morning, they were scheduled to leave. Draco silently cursed Blaise for having arranged the portkey at such an unforgivable time. Having managed to pull his grey sweater over his head, he headed down the hall to wake up Scorpius. At luck would have it, at that moment his wards alerted him to the arrival of someone else on his property. Hermione. Deciding to give his son a few more minutes of sleep, he walked down to the fireplace to see Hermione stepping out.
How was it, that she looked so beautiful at this ungodly hour? She looked up and smiled at him before reaching forward and patting down his hair.
He didn't say anything but smirked before pulling her forward in a brief but all the same passionate kiss.
"Morning," he whispered as he pulled away.
"Morning Draco," she smiled back at him. "You know you're going to have to stop that sooner or later." She said with amusement.
"Oh and why is that?" he asked wrapping his arms tighter around her.
"Because I'm your son's healer…and this just wont be …ethical" she said, though her eyes conveyed something totally different.
Draco laughed at this, "I think Blaise might agree with you there …as would I …but…"
"But …" she said prompting him to continue.
"But I've wasted too much time doing what others have told me they think is right. For once I want to do something that feels right. And this feels right" he said leaning down to kiss her again. "So don't take it away from me just yet." He whispered to her.
"Alright you two… enough of that," came Blaise's loud voice from across the room, though you could definitely hear the humour in it, "we've got a paranoid playboy ex-stepfather to meet."
Draco and Hermione pulled apart, with Hermione blushing furiously as she readjusted her coat.
Looking around Blaise asked, "Where's Scorp? I thought you said we were taking him with us."
"We are. He's still asleep. I'll go wake him up," Draco answered before Hermione put her hand out to stop him.
"I'll get Scorp, why don't you and Blaise make sure everything is set for us to leave?" she offered kindly.
Nodding, both Slytherins walked back up the stairs, presumably to Draco's office, while Hermione detoured towards the little Malfoy's room.
She walked in and noticed how peaceful he looked, curled up under his Slytherin green blanket that carried the Malfoy crest on it. She sat on the edge of the bed and gently pushed back his blonde hair from his face. She had worked with children a while before taking the position of Head Healer.
While she did so, it made her wish that she'd be able to have her own family one day. It just somehow never felt right with Ron. It could have been Mrs. Weasley's constant talk about them getting married right away, or the fact that Ron had on occasion suggested she stop working once they start having 'little gingers" as he called them. That had started a little more than a few rows and after a while he learned not to bring it up again. That didn't deter her though. She realised that perhaps Ron wasn't the man she was destined to start her family with.
Gently she shook Scorpius from his sleep, and smiled at the delightful look he gave her as she reached for him from under the blankets.
'Hermione," he yawned as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Are we going now?"
She nodded and pulled him further out of the blankets before moving to the clothes that Ippy had set out the night before for him. It had been explained to Scorpius that his dad and uncle Blaise were going to meet a friend in Russia and that he and Hermione were going to accompany them.
He jumped off the bed and padded his way to the bathroom while Hermione rummaged around for a warmer hat for him. She waited patiently on the bed while she watched him brush his teeth, barely able to reach the taps on the sink. Hermione walked over to the bathroom and leaning against the door frame, she pulled out her wand and tapped the sink, lowering it to his level. He smiled in delight and Hermione resumed her seat on the edge of his bed. Scorpius came back into the room and crawled into her lap as she dressed him in more suitable attire. Once properly dressed, they turned to leave before Scorpius called for her to stop.
"Wait!" he cried and ran over to his book shelf, where he'd kept her rose. He gently picked it up and ran back to her. "This is for you." He said and held it up to her.
Unable to hold back her smile, she kneeled down to his level before gently taking it from him, "Oh sweetheart, it's beautiful! Thank you!" and kissed his cheek.
She then pulled out her wand again, pointing it at the flower. She muttered a spell and the rose glowed for a moment before returning to its normal state.
"An everlasting spell." She explained seeing the confusion on his sleepy face, before scooping him up in her arms and walking out the room. The awe on Scorpius' face caused her to laugh in amusement as she lightly ruffled his blonde locks.
When they reached Draco's office, they saw Blaise shrinking their bags and Draco giving Ippy a few last minute instructions.
"Well finally, little man!" Blaise said as they walked towards Draco's desk. "All set Hermione?"
She nodded and looked at Draco who was looking down at the elf, "All right Ippy, we'll be back soon. If anybody asks we're in Russia to meet some friends, nothing more okay?" to which the elf nodded her understanding, "Good, alright let's go."
Blaise walked over to the desk where Draco and Hermione stood with Scorpius still in her arms. They looked down at the battered watch and waited for the glow to signal it was activated.
As it did, Draco reached over to take Scorpius from Hermione, only to have his son shake his head at him, then wrap his little hands around her neck and place his head on her shoulder. Draco looked stunned for a moment and glanced at Blaise who was beyond amused while Hermione simply smiled and motion towards the portkey.
As she touched it, she felt the familiar tug at her naval and concentrated on landing on her feet, while keeping a firm hold on Scorpius. Her feet touched the ground and she felt a slight dizziness run through her, fortunately she felt the strong, firm hands of Draco hold her in place. Blaise stood on the other side of Draco looking uncharacteristically nervous. She looked down to make sure that Scorpius was okay before looking up to see that they had arrived in an abandoned alley. They moved out and into the impressive town of St. Petersburg. This appeared to be the muggle part of the town. She felt the slight chill as they walked along the icy sidewalks. Making sure Scorpius' beanie was still in place, Hermione followed Draco and Blaise down the slightly snowed town. She took a few moments to admire the picturesque scenery that she was a part of: the snow capped roofs, misty windows and twinkling lights of the cities various shops was a sight to behold. However, the icy chill was creeping deeper through their warm attire and thankfully they didn't have to walk far, as Blaise stopped short in front of a very old and worn building. It looked very dilapidated and gave the obvious sense that is had long since been abandoned. However looking around Hermione figured it worked just as the Leaky Cauldron does back home, as the muggles simply walked past not even noticing it was there. Blaise walked up and opened the door for them, before Draco ushered her in. Once inside Hermione was hit with a wave of warmth before the smells of pie and just brewed coffee assaulted her senses. Hermione turned to Draco as Blaise walked over to the keeper.
"Why are we here?" she asked confused.
"Considering the level of paranoia Adrian Vakhrov lives on, he doesn't allow anybody to arrive by portkey anywhere near his property. So we've had to portkey here from London and Blaise is busy getting the proper location to which we can apparate to. He changes those every second or third day." He said laughing at the shocked expression on her face.
Looking over to Blaise they saw he was having a slightly heated chat with the keeper, he then followed the keeper around the back of the pub, and was only gone a few short minutes before he returned to them, location in hand.
Rolling his eyes at his ex-stepfather's annoying level of paranoia they huddled together and apparated to Adrian Vakhrov's mansion. It was located a safe distance from the muggle city of St. Petersburg. It seemed to be the only building within close proximity to the main city, but as Hermione looked over her shoulder she saw the rooftops of what one would assume to be other mansions of the rich and crazy in the distance. The mansion itself, was large and very ostentatious and didn't give off the impression that the man perhaps somewhat crazy, but rather leaned towards the playboy side of his nature. They trudged through the snow and walked up to the front gates. An intricate design with the initials VM occupied a large portion of the impressive gate and as they step forward, it opened automatically to let them in. As she stepped over the threshold from the lonesome pathway to the well trimmed hedges of Adrian's front lawn, she instantly felt the magical wards around her. It was a little overwhelming and she hugged Scorpius closer to her.
Blaise took the lead, and walked up the neatly gravelled walkway, up the stairs to the front door. He only had to knock once before the doors opened revealing a small house elf. Dressed in an oddity of mismatched clothes, the elf eyed them suspiciously.
"What can Cersei help you with?" the elf asked a little harshly.
"Cersei," Blaise addressed the elf, "I've come to see Adrian. Please tell him his ex-stepson is here to see him"
The elf looked up to Blaise before exclaiming, "Master Blaise! Cersei is most happy to see you!" she cried bowing to him. "Master Vakhrov has been expecting you... and your friends she finished looking over at Draco and Hermione.
"Yes," Blaise said, "Could you please get Adrian for us?"
Before the elf could say anything further, an exuberant voice carried over to them, "Blaise! Good to see you again dear boy!"
Adrian Vakhrov smiled as he walked towards Blaise. For a moment Hermione dared not believe this was the same paranoid man Blaise and Draco had been telling her about. His face carried a certain charm, that she was sure had the ladies swooning. There was an unmistakable air of excitement that followed him in his movements.
And even at his age, Hermione had to admit he was exceptionally handsome. Dressed smartly in a dark grey suit he embraced Blaise in warm hug and then turned to look over Blaise's shoulder. She took a step behind Draco as he moved forward to greet Adrian. The minute Adrian caught sight of Draco a dreadful scowl presented itself on his attractive face.
"What's he doing here?" he asked sharply, "Blaise you didn't mention that your friend in dire need of help was a Malfoy! Had you told me this earlier I would have told you to not waste the trip!"
Blaise immediately jumped in trying to help his friend, "Please Adrian, I know you've had bad dealings with Lucius Malfoy but-"
'Bad dealings!" he yelled at them, "ha! The man all but put me in the damned box himself!"
Draco cringed at this. Trust that the one person that could possibly help them, just so happened to be wronged by Lucius Malfoy. Silently cursing his father Draco stepped forward to address Adrian but the man continued his rant.
"I'm very sorry Blaise but I can't help you… help a Malfoy." he scoffed at the very notion, "Malfoy's do not deserve my help. Now leave!" he had all but slammed the door in their faces when Draco stepped forward, this time full on addressing Adrian.
"Sir," he began, "I apologise for whatever wrongful transgressions transpired between my father and yourself. But I wouldn't be here; if I didn't trust Blaise when he said you could help us. I understand it might be difficult for you to trust me and I accept that but you have to understand that a completely innocent life depends -"
"Innocent?" Adrian cried, 'there's no such thing as an innocent Malfoy!" he almost laughed at the idea, "You're wasting your time here boy! There never was an innocent and there never wi-"
"Actually there is," Hermione said speaking up for the first time.
She moved around to stand in front of Draco. Adrian's eyes grew in surprise and he quietened when he realised that war heroine, Hermione Granger was really standing on his door step. He went into further shock, when he saw she was carrying a small boy. And even though his face was hidden in the crook of her neck, Adrian was able to make out the aristocratic features that were so distinct to a Malfoy; he also noticed the trademark blonde hair sticking out at the bottom of his beanie. Stumped Adrian looked between Blaise, Draco and Hermione.
"He's … he's …" he stuttered at a complete loss for words. Surely he would have heard if the great Malfoy Family had a new heir? But he hadn't, and yet there he was. Adrian couldn't deny for a moment that this little boy was indeed a Malfoy. He allowed himself, for a moment to wonder if the remarkable Hermione Granger was his mother. It was difficult to argue otherwise, seeing as the boy had a firm grasp around her neck with his small hands playing with her hair that fell over her shoulder. She held him close to her and Adrian didn't miss the certain look of peace that the little Malfoy had as he was safely tucked in her embrace. But could Draco Malfoy really have had a child with Hermione Granger? His self questioning was put to a stop when Draco spoke again.
"Mister Vakhrov, this is my son Scorpius," Draco said, "The first and perhaps the only innocent Malfoy there is."
A/N: Firstly don't be alarmed because the penname doesn't read Feltonsgoldengal anymore. I came up with that name when I was in high school and I feel like I've somewhat out grown it. So now it's Immortal Dragon Empress.
I do hope you guys are enjoying the story! This chapter took longer than expected simply because my plot bunny ran off for a while. Anyways he's back and I do truly hope this means i'll be spinning out chapter 12 soon! The chapters are getting a little longer, which does mean it takes a little longer to perfect.
As always I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say, so please feel free to PM me or review with any questions or comments you have :)
As a result of my writer's block from this story I've tried my hand at writing a one-shot Scorrose. So if you guys are interested go check it out and let me know how I did ! it's called Persuasions of a Malfoy, and I for one love it!
Finally, THANK YOU to everybody that had reviewed, is following or added this story to their favourites! You guys are awesome!
And off course thank you Katy for not only editing but helping me with my writers block! And helping with all the tiny but important details! Love you QoR! :p
xoxo
Formerly Feltonsgoldengal (Immortal Dragon Empress)