Author's Notes:
Here's Chapter 140 for you!
This is one of the hardest Author's Notes I've ever had to write to excuse my long absence.
As those of you who follow me on Instagram will know, on July 7th, I lost my Grandma. She was my favourite person in the entire world, and it broke me. For a long time, I struggled to even think about writing, but I remembered how much she encouraged and supported my work, even though she didn't have a clue what I wrote or understood what fanfics were. Whenever I walked anywhere, I would call her for a chat, which meant I called her about five times a week. I'm not at a loss for what to do with myself while walking home from work or into town. So I've started using the voice recorder app on my phone to just talk, mostly about The Marriage Decree, which is certainly helping me work through so trickier plots and writer's block.
Then, just as I was getting back into writing and was almost finished with this chapter, my Aunt died. She used to babysit me a lot when I was a child, but I hadn't seen or spoken to her since before Covid, but she was always the first person to heart react to my Facebook posts.
Anyway, I also had a birthday. That was a good day spent with my family.
You might be glad to know this is the last chapter of their holiday. The next chapter is going to be a little different, from a different POV, one I don't think I've written in it's entirety before. But then we'll be back to our regularly scheduled drama-filled Dramione chapters.
Love, DW
P.S. Enjoy x
Llevant Beach - with the warm Balearic Sea lapping its golden sands - is only a short walk from their hotel resort. It's the picture-perfect beach that the British can only dream about. They arrive after breakfast and set up their beach supplies: windbreakers seal them off from other holidaymakers, beach chairs make the adults more comfortable than sitting on towels or the sand, and a pop-up tent protects the children from the hot sun.
Lauren and Craig spend over an hour (while the adults set up) building a whole castle fort with their buckets and spades. Betty keeps the twins occupied, desperate to knock down every sandcastle within reach. Sophie takes the first beach chair, opens her book and forgets about everyone else.
Once everyone is set up, Chris and David - acting like big children themselves - take the children little ways down the beach to dig a big hole, "Just for fun!" They respond when Sarah asks her husband and brother what they're doing. She leaves them alone since they're also keeping the children busy.
Draco, still feeling hungover from the night before, places his cap over his face and settles back in his chair for a nap. Hermione takes their son towards the hole to snap a few pictures.
"How are you going to get out?" Hermione asks after a quick photo shoot.
"We dug some steps in the side." David gestures to the side of the hole wall beneath where Hermione is standing.
"I'm impressed," she laughs,
"Let's fill it with water now," Lauren suggests, collecting her bucket and climbing out of the hole.
Unknown to Draco, Lauren manages to rope everyone (but Sophie) into collecting buckets of water (in an attempt to create a private pool). So everyone leaves him to protect their belongings as they disappear to the sea. It doesn't take Lauren long to get distracted by the waves. Who needs a private pool when there's a whole sea right there?
As the sun reaches its highest point, Betty and Tom announce they're going to find lunch and will return soon. In the meantime, Draco awakes from his nap, feeling much better and decides it's time to join his family in the sea and races down to the tide. Their wait for lunch is spent swimming and splashing around. Vivian digs her hands into the sand, discovering a seashell from which she refuses to part. Evelyn then becomes upset that she also doesn't have a seashell, so Sarah spends far too long trying to find an equally pretty one for her other daughter. Scorpius holds his parents' hands above his head as he jumps and stomps his feet to splash the water. His giggles are infectious, and soon Hermione lifts him into her arm because she's laughing too much at the pure joy her son is exhibiting.
An hour after they left, Betty and Tom returned with four plastic bags bulging with food. They send Sophie to beckon everyone back to their beach base.
"We found exactly what we were looking for?" Tom announces, placing the bags down in a spare beach chair.
Betty pulls out a box with a fish on the front and then opens it to reveal steaming fish and chips.
"Classic." Chris nods approvingly, helping to pass the boxes around.
The children and the twins eat in the pop-up tent, protected from the sun, while Draco sits Scorpius on his lap (beneath a sun umbrella) and feeds him small nibbles of fish, chips, mushy peas and bread.
"I still want to visit the museum in the old town," David announces to his family as their plan for their remaining days is being discussed.
"Of course you do," Sarah teases. "History is your whole personality."
"Okay, Dr Dentists, you check all your food for the amount of sugar. Live a little, eat some ice cream."
"Dad, you just don't want to go to the theme park because you're scared of heights," Sophie calls from the tent.
"I'm not scared of heights; I'm scared of metal contractions that send you travelling faster than a car with only a metal bar to hold you in. I don't have a death wish," David argues.
"I can relate," Draco mutters, familiar with the types of rides at theme parks after their trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach and doesn't have much interest in riding any of the fast ones.
"You can go on the teacup ride then, David," Sarah laughs at her big brother.
"I'll go with the kids and enjoy myself, thank you very much." David doesn't let it get to him.
"I'm not too fussed about going on any of the fast ones either," Hermione announces, knowing her pregnancy will stop her from riding them. "I'll stick to the tea cups and caterpillar rides."
Their lunch leaves them needing a walk, so they leave a tired Betty and Tom and set off along the beach. They see a crowd surrounding something on the plaza and curiously make their way up to investigate. Pushing their way to the front, the children discover an ample fountain spurting water in a timed rhythm. They're mesmerised. As soon as they return to the beach, Lauren and Craig eagerly race to their grandparents, telling them in great detail about the fountain and begging them to return for the seven o'clock viewing. The adults readily agree and decide to skip the hotel entertainment tonight.
David and Chris are quick back in the sea with the children, except for Sophie, who is back reading her book. Draco takes the opportunity to invite Sophie on a walk so he can speak to her about what's been going on with her recently.
"Why?" She asks, uninterested.
"Because I want to ask you something," Draco explains.
"Fine!" Sophie groans, placing her book on her beach chair as she reluctantly joins him for a stroll toward the sea.
"So, what's been going on with you since you're birthday?" Draco questions.
"Nothing." She shrugs.
"Doesn't seem like nothing; you seem quite upset about something. Are you worried about Hogwarts?"
Sophie shakes her head, "No."
"It's fine if you are; I know I was a little nervous about the sorting ceremony. My father would have disowned me if I had been anything but a Slytherin." Draco scoffs.
"I'm not surprised," Sophie mutters.
"You know about my father?"
"Hermione told me about what some purebloods are like, just in case. I already knew you were one."
"I used to be quite the arsehole," Draco admits, earning a small smile from Sophie for swearing. "But I've grown and changed, and so have many of the younger pureblood generations. You have nothing to worry about, Sophie. You're a half-blood anyway, with a famous mother. You're going to be fine."
Sophie scoffs, offended, "Like I'd want anyone to know my mother is Gwen Jones. I already told Elizabeth, but she's promised not to tell anyone."
"Elizabeth Montgomery!" Draco remembers the name from the first-year list he and Hermione received from Minerva. "Does you're dad know about her? He's concerned that you're worried about making friends, but he has nothing to worry about if you've already made one."
Sophie rolls her eyes, "I wish he would stop putting himself in my shoes," she complains.
"What's going on?"
"Gwen called a few weeks ago; I heard Dad tell her she could come to King's Cross to see me off," she explains. "I want to make my friends without Quidditch fans pretending to be my friend to get to Gwen."
"That's a valid worry," Draco agrees, knowing how wild Quidditch fans can be. "Is that all you're concerned about?"
Sophie sighs, "If we're talking, then I guess I am a little worried about not making any other friends or Elizabeth realising I'm too weird and ignoring me."
"Who told you that you're weird?" Draco laughs.
"This girl from school," Sophie quietly mentions.
"Go on," Draco urges her.
"So I've been telling everyone I'm going to my dad's school in September because it's far enough away that no one from primary is going, so they won't know it's a lie. Then Ashley, this popular bully, said my dad would be my only friend, and I'd end up eating lunch in his office. What if she's right? What if I make no friends and eat in your room daily?" Sophie finally spills the negative thoughts holding her back these past few weeks.
"That's not going to happen. This Ashley thinks you're weird because you've been exhibiting your magical ability for years without knowing. Still, in the wizarding world, you're going to be painfully ordinary," Draco jokes.
"Thanks, Draco," Sophie smiles.
"But if all else fails, you're more than welcome to eat lunch in our rooms," Draco adds.
"No, I don't want people knowing that I'm related to you and Hermione for the same reason as Gwen. You two are probably more famous than her, and I don't want that kind of attention," Sophie quickly explains, trying not to offend him.
"I understand that, but Hermione might be a bit upset. Perhaps you can join us for dinner sometimes; I'll give you detention as an excuse for you to spend time with us," Draco suggests.
Sophie laughs, "That might work."
Upon reaching the sea, Sophie runs over to her dad, throwing her arms around him in a much-needed hug that he returns tightly. David catches Draco's eye, and mouths 'thank you'. Draco smile, wandering back up the beach towards Hermione.
"How's Sophie?"
"Perfectly fine now," Draco informs her of what he and Sophie had discussed.
"I am a little worried," Hermione admits. "I didn't make any friends until Halloween. Those first two months were miserable."
Draco pulls her into his lap, kissing her cheek, "That's because Harry and Ron found your intelligence intimidating."
Hermione chuckles, "Sophie is intelligent too."
"Yes, but her friends won't be idiots. Do you remember she's already friends with Elizabeth Montgomery?"
"Oh yes, she was a sweet girl," Hermione recalls.
"We have nothing to worry about," Draco assures her, wrapping his arms around her in a hug, resting a palm upon her stomach, where his child was growing.
"Draco!" Hermione whispers, removing his hand. "No one knows."
"Tonight! Can we tell them tonight?" His soft eyes beg with her. "If you're ready," he adds.
How could she say no? Hermione presses a soft kiss to his lips, "I'm ready."
As the tide begins coming in around four o'clock, they head back to the resort to shower the sand and sea away, nap for an hour and then change into something more restaurant appropriate. Walking towards the fountain's plaza, they notice the crowd is much large than the one at the midday show. That doesn't stop the children from pushing their way to the front. The adults find a gap with a good enough view of both the fountain and their children. Draco lifts Scorpius onto his shoulders, holding his tiny fists tightly.
At seven o'clock, the rhythmic water dancing begins, but this time, the streams of water shooting up are lit up by coloured lights hidden within the fountain. The sound of a hundred awe-inspired gasps ripples through the crowd. The shows last fifteen minutes, spraying a soft mist over the onlooking crowd, but it feels refreshing rather than a nuisance.
Once it's over, the crowd applauds the fountain and then slowly departs. Lauren and Craig rush back to their parents, leaving Sophie to drag Evelyn and Vivian back alone. She quickly passes their hands to Sarah and Chris and then bolts to her Dad. She's not particularly fond of young children, but David's proud that she's putting that aside to help out.
They find a quiet restaurant along the esplanade that can fit all thirteen after moving multiple tables together to create one long banquet table. They even have three high chairs for the twins and Scorpius, which is more than expected.
"Hola, my name is Ruben," their waiter introduces himself as he hands out the menus. "We are open to midnight, so take your time."
After ordering their drinks and two courses, conversations start about their plans for the next few days. Tomorrow they're going to the theme park, then they only have two days left, so they need to decide on an itinerary, or they'll waste their holiday. Hermione and Draco want to go with David to the old town, as they want Scorpius to experience the train ride there.
The conversation dips as they enjoy their food, but Hermione feels too nervous about revealing their news to finish her pasta dish. Draco's hand finds hers beneath the table and squeezes it reassuringly.
"We don't have to do it," he whispers to her.
Hermione shakes her head, a sudden sickness overwhelming her, and she excuses herself to the bathroom in time to throw up. She doesn't know if her sickness is from her nerves or pregnancy. She was about this far along when it started with Scorpius.
A light knock at the door sends Hermione quickly flushing the toilet and dabbing her mouth with toilet paper. Opening the door, she finds Sophie standing staring at her.
"Are you okay?" Sophie asks.
"Yes, I'm fine; why do you ask?" Hermione smiles, washing her hands in the sink.
"I heard you being sick," her cousin states.
Hermione freezes, her hands still beneath the running water, "It must have been something I ate."
"You're lying," Sophie smiles. "You're having another baby." It wasn't a question.
Hermione sighs, drying her hands, "When did you figure it out?"
"After the first night," Sophie admits. "Draco kept swapping your drinks."
"You've had your nose in a book since we arrived," Hermione wonders aloud.
"People tend to talk around me when they think I'm not paying attention," Sophie smirks.
"I'll remember that." Hermione winks.
"So, I already told Draco this, and I don't know if I'll get to see you before King's Cross, but I don't want people to know we're related," Sophie quietly mumbles, avoiding eye contact with her cousin.
"I know, Draco told me, and it's fine. Draco and I will be there for you if you need us, and we'd love to have you come to our room for dinner at some point, but if you want to call us Professor Granger and Malfoy in the corridors, we'll understand."
Sophie wraps her arms around Hermione, giving her a quick hug, "Thanks, you're the best."
They return to their table together. Everyone had finished their main course, and all their plates had been taken away.
"We've ordered dessert while you were gone," Betty explains.
"Great."
Hermione and Draco bide their time when their dessert arrives until they've all finished. Afterwards, they are brought small cups of coffee to an end their night.
Hermione taps Draco's leg, letting him know that she's ready.
"While we're all together," Draco begins, sitting up straight, suddenly nervous. "We have something to announce." He glances down at his wife.
Hermione focuses on her mother, where (for a split second) realisation dawns on her, and she looks exhausted before forcing a hopeful smile.
The nerves return to Hermione's stomach. It's better to get it over with then.
"What's happening?" Betty questions; her eyes watch Hermione and Draco curiously before scanning the table for other reactions.
"We're expecting again," Hermione softly announces.
Tom's hand falls heavy on the table, causing them all to jump. "Are you serious?"
"Well, we're not joking." Draco attempts to make light of the situation.
Tom does not appreciate the attempt, "I thought you wanted to get your career on track?"
"You're still so young, only twenty-one, Hermione," Betty dabs at her eye with her napkin. "This is just like Louise."
"This is nothing like Louise." Hermione frowns.
"We didn't plan for this, but accidents happen, and we are happy," Draco defends his small family.
"An accident," Tom scoffs. "You should have been more careful."
"I don't need my grandad giving me the sex talk," Hermione snaps.
"Someone should have," Tom returns.
"Dad, enough!" Sarah hisses since they're causing a scene in the restaurant.
David starts chuckling, "Our family is accident prone."
"Are you talking about me?" Sophie questions, a small smile on her face after having her worries about Hogwarts resolved.
"Not specifically." David shakes his head.
All eyes fall on the children spread around the table as it dawns on everyone that none of them was planned. Scorpius was probably the closest, even if he was still a surprise.
"Oh, you mean all of us. Wasn't Louise an accident too?" Sophie questions, defending Hermione by reminding their grandparents of their accidental pregnancy.
"Sophie!" David snaps.
Since the birth of the twins, the name 'Louise' was rarely mentioned. Usually, only Betty dared to speak about her youngest daughter, who she still cared for and missed, but Tom refused even to admit she existed.
Silence falls around the table.
Betty breaks first, "How can you all so quickly forget her? She made a mistake, and you all ostracised her from the family."
"A mistake," Chris snaps. "She went to prison. She put the children in danger."
"Don't you have any sympathy, or are you too busy raising her children because you waited too long to have more of your own?" Betty raises her voice, finally having a chance to voice her opinion.
"Mum!" Sarah gasps, hurt by her mother's words.
"We didn't want any more children. We planned to retire in three years and spend our savings on travel. Now we'll be lucky to retire in fifteen years, but you know what, Betty, we might be struggling, but we're happy. We love our children, and we are choosing to raise them as ours because the alternative was splitting them up," Chris snaps, abruptly standing up, collecting both the twins from their highchairs. "Sarah, we're leaving."
Sarah quickly grabs Lauren and Craig's hands, leading them towards the restaurant's exit, as Betty sobs into her napkin. Tom comforts his wife while glaring daggers at Chris as they walk out on their family.
Across the table, David finishes his chocolate cake, not wanting to waste the food because everyone else got into an argument. Sophie, not knowing what else to do, pulls out her book and hides behind it under the pretence of reading.
Draco tugs Hermione's arm, "We should go," he whispers.
Hermione nods, shakily standing to her feet, feeling responsible for the outburst between her dad and grandma. She just wanted to share their news with their family.
"Come here." David stands, beckoning his niece into a hug. "For what it's worth, I'm happy for you both. It's probably good to have another child now so that Scorpius can grow up with a sibling." He walks her down towards the door while Draco pays for their meal. "Your mum and I have been close since we grew up together, but when Louise came along, we were adults and living our own lives. She grew up as an only child, and I regret not trying harder with her. Maybe it's our fault for the way she turned out." He shrugs contemplatively.
"Don't blame yourself," she hugs him once more.
"Are you ready?" Draco asks, having paid for their dinner. Scorpius is asleep in his arms.
"Yes, more than; it's been a long night." Hermione rubs her face tiredly. "See you in the morning if we're still going to the amusement park."
"We're going; whether mum and dad come is a whole other question." David shakes his head.
Once in their hotel room, Draco lies their sleeping son on his bed and pulls his wife in for a big hug.
"I'm so sorry," he kisses her cheek, but she shakes her head. "I know. It's not our fault, but I'm still sorry about their reaction. They'll come around soon and love this child as much as they love Scorpius."
Hermione kisses him back softly, "Thank you."
The following day, when neither Tom nor Betty joins them for breakfast, David volunteers to speak with them, but he returns with the news that they've decided not to join them at the adventure park. Hermione's dad still has an angry expression, and her mum looks resigned. They meet with Bryan and Lydia's family in the foyer to catch a mini-bus taxi to PortAventura Theme Park. David has seemingly moved on quickly from the previous night as he and Sophie joke and laugh together. They look happier than they have all week. Hermione is glad they've sorted themselves out.
Arriving at the theme park, the children are beyond excited, so all adults are on duty to ensure none run away. Once tickets have been sorted, Glenda and Johnny (Bryan's parents) slip away to explore the park. Chris quickly suggests they head to the nearest ride to satisfy the children. It just so happens the first ride they come across is the caterpillar ride, the one that Draco and David joked they would go on in favour of the fast ones. Keeping to their promise, David and Draco take all the children between two carts of the caterpillar, and Bryan takes both his children on too. Hermione snaps a few pictures of them as they go around the track a few times.
"Did you enjoy yourself?" Hermione asks as Draco returns with Scorpius.
"I did, actually," Draco confirms.
Shaking her head, Hermione takes her son in her arms, "I was talking to Scorpius."
"We both did," he corrects.
Continuing in the same direction, they walk through a wooded path where they find a giant carousel. Draco is in awe at the beauty of the horses and the ornately painted carriages.
"We have to go on," Lauren begs, staring wide-eyed at a pure white unicorn with a silver shimmering horn galloping as the carousel goes around. "Please!" she turns to her parents.
"Please," Craig adds.
"Of course, you can go on anything you're tall enough to ride," Sarah chuckles, leading her children over to the queue.
"Do you want to take Scorpius on?" Hermione questions.
"Don't you want a go?" Draco asks, not wanting her to miss all Scorpius' first experiences.
"We can both go on." Hermione smiles.
After a ten-minute wait, the family of three takes one of the stationary carriages, and Sophie climbs upon a horse beside them. Lauren races to get her unicorn. Chris and Sarah stand beside two identical horses with their twins, hands holding them up, so they don't slip. David stands with Craig, who feels a bit nervous from the sheer size of the fake horses.
The carousel ride lasts ten minutes as they slowly circle round and round. At first, Scorpius sits on his mother's lap, staring out at the crowd of people queuing up. Then, when Sophie calls his name, he spins his head around and leans towards his father to watch the rising and falling of the horses.
As they're walking through the arch into the Asia section of the theme park, they arrive at their first big roller coaster, and Draco's stomach drops at the size and speed of the blue train of carriages zooming past.
"Let's go!" Bryan cheers, jumping in excitement as he picks up the pace towards the blue roller coaster.
Lydia pulls her hair into a ponytail, ready for the thrill of the ride. "Are any of you not coming on?" She asks.
"We weren't planning on going on any big ones," Hermione admits.
"Draco, are you a chicken?" Bryan asks, starting to cluck teasingly.
"I don't know what that means," he admits.
Bryan laughs, "Are you scared?"
"Yes, absolutely terrified," Draco confirms.
The other man shakes his head, "I'm not having this; you have to do at least one. Come on; Dragon Khan is the best!"
Draco, feeling himself blushing in embarrassment, sighs, "Fine, I'll do one roller coaster."
"You don't have to, Draco." Hermione grabs his arm to reassure him.
"I might as well." Draco gives in.
"Hermione, can you watch our kids?" Lydia asks, eager to ride the roller coaster.
"Sure." Hermione smiles.
Sarah and Chris leave their children with David and the five walk towards Dragon Khan. Hermione watches her husband intently as he becomes paler and shifty. As soon as the coaster in question comes into view, his face falls, and panic is evident on his face.
"No, I'm not going on that." Draco tries to step back, but he's at the front, and Bryan is right behind him, pushing him towards the queue.
"Bryan, I don't want to go on it," Draco tells him, trying to escape.
"It's fine, Draco," Chris pats him on the shoulder.
Chris and Bryan are taller than him and are using their bodies to block him from escaping, so Draco takes a deep breath and turns back towards the ride. As the ride shoots back to the start, the riders climb off, excitedly screaming about how they must go on again. Then, the queue is allowed onto the ride.
Draco takes a deep breath; the other riders had enjoyed themselves, so maybe he'll be fine. He climbs into the car, clipping the seat belt across his waist. Surprisingly, Bryan joins him instead of his girlfriend; the man pulls the barrier down over their heads until it clicks into place.
"If I die, I'm going to haunt you," Draco mutters, gripping onto the barrier, his knuckles turning white.
"You're not going to die," Bryan laughs, rolling his eyes.
Behind them, Lydia laughed too and sat beside another solo rider.
"Why am I doing this? I have nothing to prove," Draco mutters. "I've got a son and another child on the way. Why am I trying to kill myself?"
"Congrats, man, but you're not going to die; relax a little," Bryan chuckles awkwardly, beginning to realise just how terrified Draco is of the roller coaster.
The ride technician speaks through a microphone, "Please keep your arms and legs inside the car at all times."
Draco's eyes widen as visions of losing his limbs cross his mind. That is until he hears a piston sound, and his mind goes blank as the coaster shoots out of the gate, like a bullet leaving a gun. As they climb up the first hill, Draco tries not to look anywhere but straight ahead, which doesn't help when all he can see is the bright blue sky and birds flying a little too close for his liking. When they pause at the precipice, Draco turns to Bryan, eyes wide with horror that they've broken down. Before he can get his words out, they're falling, and Draco's head snaps back to staring straight ahead, which is when he sees the first loop approaching, and his eyes fall back into his head. That's all he remembers until they return to the gate and he hears the pistons again. Bryan unbuckles Draco from the seat as Chris holds his hands and tries to pull him up to stand.
"Come on, son, help me," Christ mutters to his son-in-law, helping him to walk down the ramp towards Hermione.
Draco's legs are shaking so much that he doesn't understand how he's managing to walk. As soon as his eyes catch sight of his wife, he drops his arms from around his father-in-law's shoulders and stumbles into his arms of Hermione. She silently hugs him, caressing the back of his head as Draco just stares off behind her.
"I think you broke him," Lydia whispers to Bryan.
"I didn't think he was that serious," Bryan admits guiltily.
Hermione sits her husband down on a nearby bench, promising to catch up with the rest of their family for lunch in an hour or so. Draco very much needs a break. As soon as they're alone, Draco tightly grips Hermione's hand.
"Are you alright?"
"No," he mutters.
Pulling him into another hug, she whispers, "It's over; you're safe now."
"I never want to do that again," he says, staring unblinkingly at the queue of people waiting to go on Dragon Khan. "They're idiots."
Hermione laughs, "Are you ready to stand? I think you need something to eat. You look very pale."
"I think I died for a second," Draco admits, wobbling as he stands to his feet.
Hermione allows him to push Scorpius in his pushchair so he has something to hold onto as they search for their family.
After meeting back up, they head to the Chinese buffet within the theme park to eat together. Draco, feeling in higher spirits after eating, quickly talks to David about his horrendous experience with Dragon Khan. David earnestly listens, looking just as terrified.
Needing a break, they decide to catch one of the entertainment shows before heading back to the rides. The nearest one is 'Templo del Fuego' and involves a man dressed as a 1930's archaeologist who raids temples for lost treasures as ancient curses cause explosions of pyrotechnics around him. It reminds Hermione of the Indiana Jones films she watched with her dad as a child. Draco enjoys the thirty-minute entertainment, but the fear soon fills the pit in his stomach as they set off back through the park towards more rides.
They soon come across a sizeable blue-dyed lake in the Europe section of the park. Docked along a pier, are numerous white swan peddle boats. Draco suggests everyone relax on the lake before returning to the roller coasters. Hermione knows he's just trying to stall, but it's a good suggestion, and everyone agrees.
Each swan seats four people, so Draco, Hermione and Scorpius take one, while David takes Sophie, Lauren and Craig in his swan and Sarah and Chris take the twins. All children are given a life jacket (in case they fall into the lake) before setting off.
Once out on the open lake, Hermione and Draco peddle in time together. Scorpius sits on his mother's lap, peering carefully over the boat's edge into the vividly blue water. Hermione keeps a tight hold of his life jacket so her son doesn't end up in the disturbing water. At one point, Hermione's parents peddle pass, calling Scorpius' name. Once the boy realises his grandparents are nearby, he starts laughing and waving his arms towards them.
"Do you want to swap?" Hermione's Dad calls across the lake. "Evelyn and Vivian for Scorpius?"
"We want some grandparent time," Sarah clarifies as they peddle closer.
"Okay, but be careful," Hermione agrees.
After reenacting the fox, chicken and grain riddle, they successfully swap their children around. For the last ten minutes of the swan ride, Draco holds onto Vivian, and Hermione has Evelyn. Once back on dry land, her parents keep Scorpius, placing him in his pushchair and quickly walking ahead towards a mine cart ride for children. Since the twins are confidently walking now, Chris and Sarah hadn't brought a pushchair for them, so Hermione and Draco are resigned to holding their hands and chasing after them when they ultimately escape from their grasp.
"I am not looking forward to this," Draco mutters as he scoops Evelyn up in his arms, sitting her on his hip.
"We're going to have two toddlers in about two years." Hermione realises.
"What have we done?" He says with a soft smile across his face.
"We'll get through it," Hermione agrees.
By five that afternoon, everyone is thoroughly exhausted and ready to head back to their hotel resort. They arrive in time to catch the last half-hour of dinner service. Betty and Tom sit at a table for two, so they're left to it while the rest eat a few nibbles from the buffet.
"Can I go show Grandma my pictures?" Lauren asks, gripping the photo of her, Craig and Sophie on the mine cart ride.
"Not right now; they've had some time to themselves; save it for tomorrow," Sarah suggests.
"Okay," Lauren sighs, shoving a chicken nugget in her mouth and leaning back against her chair with a huff.
Near the stage, the younger children all run off for the Kids Disco as the first beats of 'Little Yellow Fish' begin. Sophie pulls out her book, uninterested in the music and dancing.
Despite leaving two seats accessible for the two elders of their family, Betty and Tom decide to occupy a table closer to the bar, out of the way from them.
"Sophie, can you go check on the twins, please?" Sarah asks her niece.
Sophie stares between her aunt and dad, then sighs dramatically before doing as she's been asked.
"Can you believe mum and dad?" Sarah leans across to whisper to her brother.
"They just need some time." David shrugs.
"They were probably embarrassed by their behaviour last night," Chris suggests.
"Maybe someone should go talk to them," Draco says.
"No, leave them to their suffering. It's them who have a problem, not us." Chris shakes his head.
After the Kids Disco, Sophie brings all four younger children back to the table as Jonas finally steps onto the stage.
"Welcome to another night in paradise!" Jonas loudly announces
The crowd clapped and cheered politely, awaiting the announcement of tonight's entertainment.
"Tonight, I am excited to announce the return of Bruce, the Sensational Sorcerer," Jonas holds his arms wide as a tanned man - dressed in a white shirt and tuxedo tailcoat on the top half and a pair of blue beach shorts and flip flops on the bottom - walks out holding a hat with dangling bits of string and cork beneath his arm.
"G'day everyone," Bruce calls to the crowd in a thick Australian accent. "Are you ready for some sorcery?" He places his cork hat on his head and rubs his white-gloved hands together.
Draco is intrigued by the promise of sorcery by this apparent Australian, so he pays close attention.
"Crikey, what a fancy crowd we've got ourselves tonight?" Bruce scans the audience, a white-gloved hand cupping his eyes. "I'm glad I wore my fancy thongs."
The crowd laughs as he does a few toe taps with his flip-flops, and then Bruce shoves his hands down his beach shorts and pulls out a seemingly never-ending line of ladies' underwear.
Draco leans across to Hermione, "I don't understand how this is sorcery."
"They're illusions; just watch," Hermione quickly explains the concept of muggle magicians.
"Now, who likes card tricks?" Bruce questions, twisting his wrist in the air as a deck of playing cards just appear in his hand.
"Oh," Draco frowns, narrowing his eyes as he tries to catch the trick.
Bruce fans the cards for a child at the front to choose from. The little girl selects a card, shows her parents, and then places it on the top of the pile, as instructed by the sorcerer. As Bruce begins to shuffle the deck, Draco wonders how he could find the same card again. However, when the sorcerer accidentally spews all the cards off the stage into the audience, the exact card the child had chosen appears in her glass of coca cola.
Draco claps his hands with the crowd, amazed at how this wizard used his magic to trick muggles. Did this break the secrecy statute?
For the rest of Bruce, the Sensational Sorcerer's set, Draco sits back, amused by the gullible muggle audience. He supposes when they are unaware of the existence of magic, their brains just accept these tricks as tricks.
"And for my final act, I need a volunteer, preferably a Sheila," he winks into the audience at a table of women.
One of them, wearing a white dress with a short veil clipped to the back of her head, jumps up with her hand in the air, effectively volunteering herself for Bruce's act.
"And what's your name, pretty lady," Bruce asks once she's on stage.
"Sandy," she screams down the microphone, clearly already drunk.
"And are you here for business or pleasure," the sorcerer questions.
"Pleasure," Sandy cheers. "I'm getting married!"
Her friends, probably bridesmaids, all cheer and whoop in celebration.
"How would your Danny like to have two of you walking down that aisle?" Bruce asks.
Sandy laughs, "How did you know his name's Danny?"
Bruce's eyes widen comically, "I didn't, I was making a Grease joke, but this is amazing. Did you choose him for his name?"
"No!" Sandy frowns, a little too offended.
"Okay, take a step into my magic box," Bruce takes Sandy's hand, whispering into her ear as he guides her towards his seven-foot-tall black box.
They watch as Sandy steps inside, and Bruce closes the door. He knocks on the side of the box, and Sandy knocks back. Bruce spins the box around a few times.
"What little miss Sandy doesn't know is that when I said two, I meant two halves," Bruce collects five swords from of stage, all gleaming from the stage lights.
Much of the audience coos in interest as Bruce makes a few cool moves with one of the swords before positioning it at a small slit in the centre of the door and forcing it through to the hilt. The thud of the sword hitting the wood on the other side of the box sends a shudder through Draco.
Hermione's hand reaches out for his knee. "Sandy's be fine," she assures him.
Draco nods, watching as Bruce lines up sword after sword until the shape of a cross is stabbed into the box door. Draco isn't sure about the magic Bruce uses to ensure Sandy remains blade free. As the sorcerer turns back to the crowd between each sword, Draco doesn't see any words pass through his lips, and the man doesn't seem to be the type to do both wandless and non-verbal magic. With the last sword firmly in line with Sandy's heart, Bruce takes a bow and the audience cheers. Bruce spins the box again to finish the trick, removing one sword per rotation. As he draws the final sword (the one at Sandy's heart), the length of the metal is covered in red, horrifyingly reflected in the stage light.
"It's just staged blood," Hermione whispers when Draco's hand reaches for hers.
As Hermione promised, Bruce opens the door to reveal Sandy once the bloody sword has been thrown to the side. The bride-to-be steps out of the box without a stain of red anywhere on her white outfit. Bruce takes her hand, spinning her around so the audience can see she is perfectly fine.
Once Sandy is off the stage, Bruce takes his bow, thanks the audience for being amazing then leaves.
"How on Earth did he do that?" David questions.
"Magic?" Sophie smirks.
"It's not magic; it's just illusions," Chris shrugs. "Sandy was probably just crouched at the bottom of the box."
"What about when Bruce stabbed the bottom of the box," Lauren asks, curious.
"I don't know," Chris shrugs, already uninterested in the sorcerer's magic show.
Draco spots Bruce, dressed in a tank top with his beach shorts and flip-flip, walking towards the bar with a gaggle of children following him.
"I'm going to get some more drinks in," Draco announces, hurrying to the bar to meet Bruce.
"Alright, kids, give me a minute, yeah." Bruce beckons the children away and then turns to order a drink.
Draco politely waits for the sorcerer to order before speaking.
"Hi, I enjoyed your show," Draco begins.
"Thanks, mate," Bruce nods, his Australian accent still thick.
Draco admits, "I can't stop thinking about those swords; how did you do it?"
"Ah, a sorcerer never reveals his secrets," Bruce winks.
Draco grins widely, "I knew you were real; my wife kept saying it's all fake."
Bruce says, "Okay," before turning to accept his drink from the bartender.
"Don't worry, my wife and I are magical too." Draco smiles. "Although, I didn't realise this was a thing our people did, going around tricking muggles."
"Muggles?" Bruce frowns.
"Non-magical people, what do they call them in Australia?" Draco wonders aloud.
"We don't have a word for them." Bruce shrugs, his accent faltering slightly.
"That's rather modern," Draco says, feeling uncertain now. "I don't know much about Australian culture. What's your school called?"
Bruce sighs, annoyance radiating off him as he says, "I don't know, the Australian School of Magicality."
Draco shakes his head, feeling like an idiot.
"Are we done here? No offence, mate, but you're weird, and I need a drink." Bruce frowns, dropping his accent to reveal he's actually from the English Midlands.
"You're not Australian. Is anything about you real?"
"Of course not; it's all part of the act," Bruce laughs, pushing past him with his drink.
After watching Bruce the Sensational Sorcerer walk away from her husband, Hermione asks him at the bar, "What was that about?"
"Nothing about him is real," Draco scoffs, turning to face the bartender.
"I did tell you that," Hermione reminds him, her hand rubbing a circle on his back.
"He was suspiciously good at his illusions," Draco shrugs.
She laughs, "I'm sorry. That's just so sweet."
"It's sweet that I'm so gullible," Draco frowns.
"You're not gullible, just a little naive, from your lack of experience in all things muggle," Hermione explains. "But it's adorable."
Draco frowns, finally ordering their last drinks, and Hermione stays to help carry the trays over. He doesn't speak much, still disappointed in himself for being so naive. Once the glasses are gone, they make their way to bed, agreeing that tomorrow will be a relaxing day since the last few have been busy. Once alone, Hermione sidles up to Draco, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting cuddle. Nothing more needs to be said between them as they softly drift off to sleep together.
With the agreement that the fifth day of their holiday would be a pool day, after two fully packed days, they all arrive at different times at the Buffet hall for breakfast and therefore don't meet each other until they are claiming their sun loungers by the pool. Once again, neither Betty nor Tom shows their face at either breakfast or the pool.
"This is getting so immature," Chris scoffs once the topic of his parents-in-law is brought up.
"Someone else can go talk to them today." David shuffles down his sun lounger, ready to relax.
"Hermione, why don't you go?" Sarah suggests.
"No," she quickly declines. "I'm the reason this whole situation occurred."
"Fine, I'll go." Draco stands, tired of this whole familial argument.
Draco traipses up to their room. It's still early enough that he assumes they'll be in their room and not roaming the town. Draco knocks on their door, and Tom's voice instantly calls back, "David, we're not in the mood to talk."
"It's Draco," he says, voice steady.
"We will not be joining you for breakfast," Tom claims.
"We've already eaten; we're down by the pool," Draco clarifies.
"Well, we won't be joining you there either," Tom answers.
"What are your plans for the day then?" He politely tries to continue the conversation, despite a door between them.
Tom sighs, "We're going on a bus tour with Glenda and Johnny."
"If you're back in time for dinner, we'd like you to join us."
"I doubt that," Tom scoffs.
Draco's had enough. He knocks on the door again, harder. "Will you just open the door? This is incredibly childish."
Their door swings open, and Tom angrily stands on the other side. Across the room, Betty is sitting red-eyed on the bed.
Draco smiles, "Do you realise we only have two days left here? I'd hate for not only you but the children to miss out on making memories of this holiday. I understand you're upset; we're all rather upset about what occurred the other night. You insinuated Sarah and Chris stole Louise's children when what they did was one of the most selfless acts I've ever known. And you looked down upon Hermione and me for having another child, which upset her. I don't act so kindly to those who upset my wife, but you're family, so I'll give you another chance. I want you to apologise to Sarah and Chris and congratulate Hermione; they might allow you to join in on the rest of our family holiday."
Once he's finished, Draco leaves, heading back towards the lift, where he rejoins his family by the pool.
"How did it go?" Hermione questions.
"I said what I wanted to say, and I may have made it worse, but I hope they take it to heart," Draco admits, taking his son into his arms. "Anyone wants to join us in the pool?"
The conversation quickly moves on as Sarah and Chris join Draco in the pool with their toddlers. The three adults stand nearby, holding their children out so they can play and splash each other.
As the sun moves to its highest peak, they vacate the pool in favour of lounging beneath the shade of their sun umbrellas. David and Hermione had ordered food from the bar whilst the rest were drying off, and they soon returned with trays of burgers, hot dogs and fries. The family enjoyed their lunch in a huddle, laughing and joking together as they had hoped they would on holiday together.
The thunderstorm arrived suddenly from behind the hotel. With the first rumbles and cracks of thunder, the sky opened, and rain poured down upon all the guests chilling by the pool. Draco passed Scorpius to Hermione, telling her to head inside and he would pack everyone's belongings, with the help of David, since Chris and Sarah had rushed inside with their four children and Sophie.
They sit in the foyer, taking over three couches, and watch in awe as the heavy rain obscures the window. Sophie pulled out one of her books that she had already read but was now slightly damp and began re-reading it. Lauren and Craig run over to where a group of children are playing with a beach ball previously in the pool. The sound of rain bouncing off the windows was lulling the toddlers to sleep, so the adults decided to stay put rather than head up to their rooms.
Chris pulls a deck of cards from his bag and begins to shuffle them before dealing seven each.
"Let's play rummy!"
Draco doesn't have a clue but quickly picks up the game with Hermione looking over his shoulder at his cards and pointing at which one's to discard and which to create a set with. Eventually, he does win a game, then announces his retirement from the game as Scorpius whines in his sleep. Draco cradles his son as he goes for a walk around the hotel, trying to rock him back to sleep, when he sees Tom and Betty returning from their bus tour, absolutely drenched.
"Are you alright?" Draco asks them.
"It was an open-top bus," Betty explains, her usually curled hair plastered to her face. "How are the children?"
"Perfectly fine," he answers. "We're just sat around the corner, playing cards; if you want to join us after you've changed into some dry clothes."
Betty nods, "Thank you."
Tom guides his wife to the lifts, taking her back to the rooms to change.
With Scorpius now asleep in his arms, Draco makes his way back to the couches as they finish another rummy game.
"I've just seen Tom and Betty coming back. They were soaked," he informs them. "I invited them to join us, and I think they might."
"As long as they apologise," Sarah agrees as she deals the cards.
Half an hour later, the rain is still pouring as Tom and Betty walk towards their couches, hand in hand. Everyone looks up at them, waiting for them to speak, not wanting to give them the satisfaction of easing the awkward tension.
"Sarah," Betty begins, her eyes tearing up. "Chris," she looks between them both. "I'm sorry for what I said. I know you love your children very much, and I'm very grateful to you for taking them in."
"Thank you, Mum." Sarah smiles sadly, not ready to forgive her mother for her horrible words.
"And Hermione, we are happy for you. Maybe it's a good thing you're starting your family young, then you have longer get settled in your careers afterwards," Betty smiles at her eldest grandchild.
"Thank you, Grandma."
"I'm also sorry, Hermione. Your child will be fortunate to have you and Draco as parents," Tom apologises.
Hermione finally grins, jumping up to hug her grandparents as she accepts their apology.
The rest of the day goes smoothly now the whole family is back together. The adults continued with their card games while the toddlers napped and the children played with the other children, who were being entertained by the kid's entertainers, Sally and Kelly. After dinner, they overtake their tables before the stage, where Betty and Tom order the first round of drinks. The rain had died off during dinner service. Since all the tables were covered with large umbrellas, they were dry enough to enjoy tonight's entertainment, which was introduced as a traditional dance company performing flamenco music. It truly was beautiful, and the twins particularly enjoyed the music, bouncing and spinning in time to the guitar.
Betty and Tom offer to take the children back to the beach for their last day. Lauren and Craig beg their parents to be allowed to go with them, and Sarah agrees to let her four children go since she wants some alone time with her husband at some point this holiday. Sophie decides she wants to go with her father to the Old Town, where Hermione and Draco are planning on taking Scorpius too.
With the following day's activities planned, they all head up to their rooms, exhausted despite the relaxing day.
On the morning of their last day, Hermione's grandparents wake early to take Lauren, Craig and the twins to the beach. As a treat, Chris and Sarah enjoy a lie in, before tomorrow brings them back to their everyday lives full of work and parenting. Hermione and Draco meet with David and Sophie for breakfast, then enjoy a leisurely walk to the nearest train station.
As a few trains pull into the station - going the opposite direction - Scorpius claps his hands and slaps his knees, especially as the old-fashioned steam engine pulls in. However, when its whistle sounds off, Scorpius scrambles around to bury his head in his mother's chest, crying from the sudden noise. Hermione cuddles him close, comforting her son as they board the steam train to the Old Town, just a twenty minutes ride away.
As soon as the train begins pulling out of the station, Scorpius' curious eyes peek out from his mother's dress, peering out of the window as they chug along the tracks, past the beach where Betty and Tom would be with the children.
"Pass him over," Draco holds his arms out for his son, and Scorpius holds his tiny arms high, ready for his dad. "Look!"
Scorpius sits beside the window on his dad's lap, staring out as the view flashes. Draco wishes he could know his son's thoughts as he giggles non-stop, taking everything in.
Across the aisle, David and Sophie sit talking together, finally back to normal after an awkward couple of weeks where Sophie's been upset.
When they arrive at the Old Town station, the family of five depart and begin the trek up the steep cobbled streets of the Old Town. Starting at the base of the hill are the most modern buildings, dating from the 1950s. As they climb, the houses and shops become progressively older until they reach (at the top of the hill) a seventeenth-century manor house, where the museum is housed.
"It's gorgeous," Hermione comments, taking in the stonework exterior and the cobbled courtyard as they enter through massive wooden doors. In the courtyard's centre is a simple tiered water fountain with small orange fish swimming around the bottom tier.
Scorpius leans forward, clasping his hands in an attempt to catch a fish. Draco quickly has to pull him back into his arms so his son doesn't fall into the fountain, not that Scorpius would mind.
David buys the admission tickets for the museum. "The man on the desk said the older artefacts are up on the third floor," he explains.
"I assume you want to go straight upstairs," Sophie sighs, exhausted from the walk up the steep hill.
"Obviously." David sets off up the staircase
Sophie reluctantly follows her father as Hermione and Draco scan the courtyard.
Some replicas of statues from the Roman Empire through the Spanish Empire to just before the Civil War. Spain had a long and rich history full of culture and politics. As Hermione inspects a bust of the Roman Emperor Galba, who had been a Governor of Hispania Terraconensis and served as emperor for seven months and seven days, Draco wanders off fascinated by the sheer collections of muggle history.
Hermione manages to catch up to him an hour later as her husband reads the plaque for a portrait of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, who had ruled their united kingdoms together.
"Have you been to the top floor yet?" Hermione asks him.
"No, I'm working my way up," he explains.
They stick together for the rest of their time in the museum, finally meeting up with David and Sophie on the ground floor, where they're just finishing up with the post-Civil War artefacts.
Opposite the admissions desk is a small cafe, where they enjoy coffee and cake before setting off down the steep hill. Sophie takes a sip of her dad's coffee, turns her nose up, and pours herself a glass of water. Scorpius drinks from a small glass of water, too, then enjoy small bites of cake from his mother's fork. Despite having all walked around the museum and seen everything, David is still busy telling them about his favourite artefacts. However, as a History teacher (who is forced to teach Tudor history repeatedly), he can give them further information on sixteenth-century Spain. Draco listens intently, fascinated by the idea of monarchs and kingdoms.
On the train ride back to their resort town, Scorpius falls asleep in his mother's arms to the soft, repetitive movement of the steam train, leaving his parents to speak in whispers.
"Are you still taking him with you tomorrow?" Hermione asks her husband about his plans for getting home since he refuses to step foot on another aeroplane.
"Yes, I'm going to apparate to Paris, then home," Draco clarifies.
Hermione nods, "Sounds like a plan." She rests her head on his shoulder, already preparing to miss her two boys tomorrow, while she travels back with her family on the aeroplane. It just made sense for her to help the children and twins. Plus, she wanted to spend time with Sophie and discuss her plans for the Hogwarts Express. What was her cousin going to where? Would she know it's best to grab a compartment so others can come to ask to share with her and then become friends? That's how Harry and Ron became best friends.
Hermione and Draco head to their room at the hotel resort to change into their pool outfit. They wanted to make the most of the pool since Scorpius loved the water.
"We'll have to buy a paddling pool when we get home," Hermione suggests.
"Scorpius will love one of those," Draco agrees as they push their son back and forth through the water.
"We shouldn't have been so surprised; Scorpius loves his baths," Hermione comments.
By dinner time, all family members reconvene around their usual massive table in the dining room.
"I don't want to go home," Lauren complains as she sadly dips her chicken nugget in a puddle of ketchup.
"I cannot believe how quickly this week has gone," Sarah says.
"I feel like we've been here for weeks," David disagrees. "I can't wait to get home to my bed." He adds.
"Oh yes, I miss our bed," Betty agrees.
Gathered around their usual table in front of the stage, David gets their first round of drinks before the Kids Disco begins. However, Jonas takes to the stage early, dressed in his complete entertainer get up.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce myself; I am Jonas, the head entertainer, and if you've joined us in the past few days, then ignore me because you won't have a clue about what's about to happen. Tomorrow we are losing one of our beloved families," Jonas gestures to their large table. "Some of you may remember Draco's first night here and the disastrous games night, but it certainly was entertaining."
There's a scattered chuckle through the crowd from those who remember.
"I want to welcome Draco back to the stage one last time," Jonas announces, beckoning the man.
Draco reluctantly steps back onto the stage with much encouragement from Hermione, waving with embarrassment to the audience as they clap politely.
Jonas places his hand on Draco's shoulder. "I managed to get permission from the hotel for this, so I hope you feel honoured," he cryptically announces, then waves Sally and Kelly onto the stage with a significant rectangular-shaped gift wrapped in tissue paper.
"A present?" Draco asks, confused.
"Yes, although I doubt you could fit it in your hand luggage," he jokes. "So it's to remain here, in your honour," Jonas explains.
Draco awkwardly tears off the tissue paper, revealing his drawing of a helicopter has been framed to his horror.
Sally and Kelly raise the frame for all to see, and laughter splutters, even though the majority weren't there to witness the actual game of Pictionary.
"This legendary masterpiece will be hung above your family's table in the dining hall. We just need the artist's signature." Jonas hands Draco a black marker pen.
Shaking his head, Draco decides to just go along with the embarrassment. Dramatically, he removes the lid and signs his name in the bottom right corner.
"Thank you," Jonas quietly says to just him, patting his shoulder. "Ladies and Gentleman, give it up one last time for Draco."
Draco exits the stage to applause, adding to the embarrassment of the whole situation. Re-joining his family at their table, he slumps down in his chair, accepting a beer from his father-in-law. As Sally and Kelly return to the stage, the children all flock to the dance floor for the Kids Disco. Draco is just glad they'll be heading straight to bed afterwards. They still needed to pack their suitcase, and to be honest; he was exhausted. Despite this being their last day of what should have been a relaxing holiday, so much has happened in the past six days that he needs a break.
Halfway through the Kids Disco, Hermione and Draco slip to their room with Scorpius. Once their son is down for the night, they pull out their suitcase, quietly packing for their return the following day. They had to be out of their room by ten, but the flight was midday, so they would most likely leave before check out. Draco wasn't flying with them, but he'd still travel on the coach to the airport.
Draco not only rides to the airport with them, but he carries their suitcase to the check-in desk. Once it's their turn, he lifts Scorpius out of his pushchair so that it can be folded up and checked in along with their suitcase. After Hermione hands over her ticket and passport, she is told to follow the signs to gate 7, where the rest of their family has disappeared. Hermione takes Scorpius to give him a big cuddle and cheek kisses before they have to depart ways.
Unfortunately, a security guard stood at the door leading towards the gate, checking tickets. Draco walks up to the door before taking Scorpius into his arms, but their son seems to realise his mother is leaving him because he starts crying and reaching out toward her.
"It's okay, baby." Hermione wipes her son's tears, holding back her own. "You're going with Daddy, and I'll see you very soon." She blinks rapidly, glancing up at her husband. "I'll see you in six hours."
Draco nods, pulling her in for a quick kiss, "We'll be fine."
Hermione looks once more at her son, now sobbing into his father's chest, "Are you sure you don't want to come on the aeroplane?" She asks hopefully.
"No, I don't," Draco assures her.
"Excuse me, can you please enter or step aside?" A security guard asks them.
"Okay, I'm going," Hermione nods, brushing Scorpius' hair out of his face.
Draco waits, watching as she shows her ticket to the guard. She turns once more to wave before entering through the automatic door, which shuts firmly behind her.
"I'm sorry, son," Draco whispers, wishing he could be brave and just ride the aeroplane for his son. "We'll see Mummy soon."
Scorpius lifts his little fist towards the door, then cries, "Muh, muh."
Draco's eyes widen, "Did you just say 'mama'?
"Muh," Scorpius repeats.
His whole being bursts with pride as his son utters his first word. He needs to tell Hermione. Draco doesn't even register the security guard as he walks toward the automatic doors.
"Sir, ticket?" The guard raises his hand to stop him.
"I just need to see my wife. The lady who just entered," Draco points to where Hermione had just been.
"Not without a ticket, sir," the guard repeats.
"Our son just spoke his first word," Draco explains.
The guard looks uninterested, shaking his head, "Sir-"
"Can you just go get her?" Draco asks, craning his neck to get a better look through the doors.
The guard scoffs, "My job is not to get people; now move out of the way so I can do my actual job."
Draco realises he's being unreasonable, "I apologise."
Outside the airport, Scorpius settled, although reluctantly, into his father's arms. Once they've found a secluded corner in an alleyway, Draco apparates them to a part of Paris with which he is familiar. From there, they apparate once more to the gate of their home, just outside the threshold of their wards.
As he enters the house, he hears the television in the living room. Quietly, he sneaks through the kitchen, not noticing anything out of place, but upon entering the living room, he just laughs. Lounging across the couch with a packet of crisps in her hand is Mitty, watching a group of people run through a forest wearing questionable clothing.
"Master!" She yelps, jumping off the couch and hiding the crisps behind her back. "Mitty thought Master come home in the afternoon," she says, eyes wide and worried.
"I despise aeroplanes, Mitty," Draco explains. "So I apparated us home," he glances back at the television. The people were now attempting to catch a fish from a stream with a spear. "What are you watching, Mitty?"
"Nothing," Mitty dives for the remote, turning it off.
"I don't mind if you want to watch it. I'm going to take Scorpius up for a bath and nap," he explains.
"Mitty do it?" Mitty offers.
"No, finish your show and those crisps," he winks at her, leaving before she can respond.
While walking upstairs, he hears the television switch on and smiles, glad Mitty seems to have enjoyed having the run of the house while they've been going.
After bath time, Scorpius falls quickly to sleep once placed in his bed, snuggling into his blanket. With nothing to do, Draco takes himself into his office downstairs and begins going through his planning for the first term of school. It's been a long year, and he's eager to get back into the classroom. He's missed teaching, his colleagues and even most of the students. An hour later, Mitty knocked on his door; Scorpius stood beside her, now taller than her despite not even a year old.
"You better not start walking." Draco scoops his son up. "I can't handle you growing up this fast." He tickles Scorpius' belly, and he giggles, kicking his legs.
"Masters want lunch?" Mitty offers. "Mitty make lasagne for family coming home."
"That sounds great, but shouldn't we wait for Hermione?"
"Just Scorpius," Mitty answers. "Babies need food."
Draco laughs, placing his son in his high chair and sitting beside him while Mitty heats a small bowl of lasagne for Scorpius.
"Mitty, I'm stuck in a dilemma," he admits.
Mitty frowns as she serves Scorpius. The boy instantly grabs the fork to feed himself. Although he struggles, he keeps trying and eventually gets a mouthful.
"Scorpius said his first word today. It was 'mama', kind of, but Hermione wasn't there to hear it. Should I tell her or wait for Scorpius to do it again? I know she'll be upset to have missed the moment, but she'll also be upset if she finds out I didn't tell her," Draco explains.
Mitty takes a moment to think about the options before smiling, "Wait for when Hermione home, then say, 'Scorpius, who that?' and maybe Scorpius says, mama."
"This is why I keep you around," Draco smiles.
"No, Mitty won't leave," she reminds him playfully.
While Mitty washes up, Draco takes Scorpius out into the garden to play on the swings and his toy cars in the grass. An hour or so later, Draco hears the crack of apparition near the gate and picks up his son. They rush down the drive, meeting Hermione halfway.
"Did you miss me this much?" She laughs, holding her arms wide for a hug from her boys.
"Scorpius, who is it?" Draco asks, taking Mitty's advice.
"Muh muh," Scorpius speaks, stretching out for his mother.
"Mama," Hermione's voice shakes, taking her son and spinning him around. "Yes, I'm mama," she cries, hugging him close.
"He said it just after you left, but the security guard wouldn't let me enter," Draco explains.
"I can't believe I'm his first word,
"Of course, you're his first word. He loves you so much," Draco smiles proudly.
"He loves you too, Draco," Hermione dismisses his comment. "Scorpius, can you say daddy? Dada," Hermione asks.
Scorpius stares at his mother, then his father, then back at his mother.
"It's fine, Hermione. Don't force it." He picks up their suitcase and Scorpius' pushchair, carrying them towards their house.
"Hey, where's Dada?" Hermione whispers to Scorpius.
Draco shakes his head until he hears "Da?" behind him.
"Ah!" Hermione grins as Draco turns around, the suitcase and pushchair forgotten.
A burst of warm energy radiates through his chest as tears fall down his face. Before the Marriage Decree, he had long given up hope on having a family of his own, and now here he is, with his son, who he'll get to hear call him dad forever. He feels like the luckiest man in the world, pulling his wife and son into a warm embrace.
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