All of Harry Potter and anything related to it are the sole property of J.K. Rowling.

(Each title is derived from a song that, I believe, complements the overall narrative, if not the individual chapter.)

The Forest of Dean, 23 December 1997

Draco's Point of view

"Did the new group require anything more than the food and blankets?" I inquired of Falry. We were sitting on comfortable chairs, far too large for the House Elves seated upon them, on the far side of my potion's lab, in front of the door that led into the home of the Malfoy House Elves. A fire, crackling with inviting warmth, fiercely danced in the fireplace, warding off the chill on the other side of the room. An early December morning meant the single small window still appeared black with night, but the ever-glowing lanterns provided a comforting illumination.

The room was steeped in the familiar aroma of herbs and potions, a scent I found soothing. On the wall in front of me, the stairs leading up to the main cabin creaked occasionally, announcing the presence of 'Ian the ghost' sitting there once again. He was brooding, frustrated by his powerlessness against the intrusion on his land and home. Each new arrival appeared to exacerbate his ill temper, prompting futile attempts to act out. However, his efforts were in vain, and everyone, except his nephew, had no trouble ignoring him.

"No, My Lord," Falry answered simply. I had put him in charge of the House Elves provisioning team.

"Does anyone have anything to add?" I inquired of the seven House Elves before me. Jomny had brought three Elves forward a few months ago who wanted to pledge allegiance to the House of Malfoy, and their addition had been greatly appreciated.

"The female Werewolf is still not eating enough, My Lord," Haddy, the new female House Elf told me. She was in charge of the vitality and wellness team. It still amazed me how many of the people and creatures who found their way here had trouble with the concept of self-care.

I sighed at this information because she had been spoken to by myself and even Will Collins about the need to keep up her strength, but the Muggle-turned-Werewolf was having trouble accepting her new reality.

"Could you please inform Healer Tonks," I instructed the House Elf. "I believe it is time he speak with her directly, given her hesitance to approach him."

"Yes, My Lord," Haddy addressed me, her little green face lit up with a cheerful smile, pleased to be part of a home and family again.

It was rather odd for me, having the Tonks family here. Technically, I was related to them, and they appeared nice enough, but I hadn't made their acquaintance until October. Prior to that, the little I had heard about them was neither complimentary nor flattering. The Grangers both liked them however, and they all now worked out of the same building.

"The Dwarf is grumbling again, My Lord, and refusing to allow Monpy's team to commence on a dwelling for him and his daughter," Monpy told me. Owing to his age and seniority, he held the responsibility for not only the shelter team but also the entire assembly of House Elves. We currently had twenty-nine House Elves in Haven, and of that number, only Jomny and one of the Goyle siblings House Elves weren't on any of the teams. Like Jomny, Relwin catered to his family and attended to their necessities.

"What is his complaint this time?" I questioned Monpy.

"He is persisting in his claim that he necessitates more space than the designated 100 square metres that have been allocated to everyone else," he told me.

"This is getting ridiculous," I mumbled. The Dwarf had done nothing but complain since the moment he set foot in Haven a week ago, yet he proposed opening a Tavern. I was utterly clueless as to how the annoying creature was going to accomplish that if he couldn't even commence on a building. "Alright. I will go and speak with him this afternoon. His name was Nuvrac Blackstone, wasn't it?"

"Yes, My Lord. His daughter's name is Elowen," Monpy added in his old, tired voice. Beyond his tone, I was aware that he was more content now than when I had initially compelled him to remain here. The old House Elf really didn't do well if he didn't have things to occupy his time.

"Thank you," I acknowledged with a nod. "You are all doing wonderful jobs," I informed them, considering that Christmas was fast approaching and we wouldn't have another meeting like this until after that. I also thought they deserved to be aware of my appreciation. Three of them beamed at me, while the others merely gave pleased nods before they all popped away to get on with their daily chores. Accustomed to our routine, Jomny chose that moment to pop in.

"How did your mission go?" I inquired of Jomny, even as I made my way across the room, intending to check on Aiden, who always woke around 7am.

"As you suspected, Master, things are not well at Hogwarts," Jomny informed me as we walked through my potion's lab and into my bedroom. I smiled to find Aiden awake. He was gazing at his ceiling while playing with his feet, which were up in the air.

"Good morning, little dragon," I said to him as I went to pick him up, and he gurgled at me happily, making me chuckle. I hugged him to me and kissed his little head even as I turned towards the change table, cognizant that he was happy to wait for his breakfast for a few more minutes.

"Tell me everything," I instructed Jomny, noticing that he already had Aiden's bottle in his long-fingered grasp.

"Miss Luna was not in her dorm as Jomny expected, but Jomny found a number of students on the seventh floor near the Room of Requirement. Fortunately, one of them was able to go and get her for Jomny," he explained.

"Was she able to get you that hat box of wands?" I inquired.

"Yes, Master," he replied with a nod, but he didn't produce it yet. I was aware that he was merely waiting until Aiden was not close by. Some of those wands might be cursed or backfire due to damage, rendering them exceedingly dangerous until they were inspected meticulously.

I turned with Aiden cradled in my arms and made my way over to the small hardwood dining table and chairs that had also once graced the RoFT. Jomny climbed up into the elegant, dark green, button-tufted chair with silver metal studs and hardwood legs next to mine, as had become habit over the previous few months of our routine.

We always used Aiden's morning feed to talk, and it made no sense to be uncomfortable doing it. I wouldn't be having breakfast with the Grangers until 8am but Jomny ensured we were both supplied with tea and biscuits until then. Jomny had always loved chocolate biscuits with cream in the middle, while I preferred an assortment.

"What else occurred?" I questioned, even as Aiden drank his bottle and I sipped at my tea with my free hand.

"Miss Luna as well as the female Weasley and the Longbottom heir have all moved into the Room of Requirement and are acting as protectors to a group of Muggle-borns and a couple of half-bloods who have been subjected to abuse at the hands of the Death Eaters," he explained, and I frowned in worry, my thoughts going to Sev. I liked to believe I understood my godfather. He may not be the most affable of wizards, but he would never allow students to be physically abused if it was within his power to prevent it. Verbally he had never had an issue with.

"Anything else?" I queried.

"Miss Luna believes she is in danger because of the articles her father is writing. She told Jomny that she has not been physically harmed yet but that the Carrows especially have made it obvious it is only a matter of time," he told me.

"Did you endeavour to convince her to leave?" I queried him, and he nodded.

"She will not leave the students she and the others are protecting."

"I see," I replied as I cast a glance down at Aiden, even as I thought. It only took me a few seconds to come to a decision. "We will have to devise a way of extricating them, then," I informed him, and he beamed at me.

"Jomny thought that would be your decision, and so Jomny proposed the idea to Miss Luna already," he told me with a happy grin. I smiled back at my friend.

"Enlighten me," I commanded him, pleased that, as ever, we appeared to be of the same mind.

"The group has somehow made contact with the owner of the Hogshead Tavern, and he has been supplying them with food and drink since House Elves can't get into the room without an invitation. The entry into the kitchens are also locked thanks to Headmaster Snape, which the House Elves are happy for. They still clean the dorms, but only at times when no Death Eaters are around. All the professors now need to clean their own classrooms, and Mr. Filch's duties have increased. Jomny is told he is not happy about that," Jomny relayed to me.

"I can imagine," I agreed as I thought of the cranky Squib caretaker.

"The Longbottom heir says he can lead the children out of the castle through a tunnel created by the room tonight. Once at the Hogshead, Jomny will take other House Elves with him and bring them back here. Do you think you could have the Centaur leader meet the children outside the border and invite them in?"

"I shall," I assured him with a grin. "You have done well," I added, and he appeared pleased and proud.

"Jomny is happy to help," he replied happily.

"Will Luna be with them?" I inquired of him.

"She thinks it is best that she leaves on the train with the rest of the departing students, so as not to draw attention to the missing children too soon," he told me. I thought again for a moment but didn't necessarily agree with her.

"I want you to return tomorrow morning, Jomny, but you must remain unseen at all times. I won't tolerate you putting yourself in jeopardy under any circumstances," I declared resolutely. He nodded even as he gazed at me expectantly, awaiting his orders. "The moment Luna crosses the threshold of the gates of Hogwarts, I want you to bring her here. If she is in the danger she suspects, they may attempt to take her. I imagine she would make a useful prisoner to the Dark Lord if he wishes to coerce Mr. Lovegood into discontinuing his articles. He might also presume he can extract information about Haven from her."

"Jomny will do as you say, Master," he told me.

"Monpy," I summoned, and in the next moment, the ancient House Elf popped in front of me once more. I noticed his slight frown of disapproval in Jomny's direction as Jomny enjoyed his tea and biscuits but didn't comment. I was aware that he had reprimanded Jomny repeatedly over the years for his lack of propriety in his duties to me.

"Yes, My Lord?" he responded in his polite, gravelly voice.

"I require you and your team to have accommodations ready for approximately thirty children by tonight. They are being evacuated from Hogwarts," I told him.

"Monpy will ensure it is done, My Lord, but what of the Dwarf?" he inquired.

"I will be speaking to him today. You don't need to worry about that," I assured him.

"Do you have a preference for where the young ones should be situated?" he inquired of me.

"Close to the medi-structure would be the most advantageous location, assuming there's still room. I've noticed a number of individuals expressing a preference for that vicinity," I stated.

"We's have just commenced on a new section just behind it. Will My Lord be requiring a classroom of sorts as well?" Monpy inquired, his tone gruff and respectful.

"Yes, I am of the opinion that it would be best. They will not be able to return to Hogwarts but will require somewhere to practice magic safely." I frowned as I realised that more factors would need to be taken into account for a small school of any sort. "I believe I will be speaking with a number of people today," I said with another sigh. The day was set to be exceedingly long, and tomorrow was going to be even more so with the approaching Offering. Despite this, I found myself eagerly anticipating it. I had never been a leader of an Offering, and it felt fitting that I would do so here.

"Do you require anything else, My Lord?" he queried.

"Yes. I understand the teams are stretched thin with so few of you, but could you assign two House Elves to attend to the students' needs on a full-time basis," I instructed.

"Very well," he told me with a bow of his head and popped away once more. Aiden finished his bottle, and I burped him, which made him giggle. Aiden loved to laugh. He was such a happy baby.

"Play time, my little fire dragon?" I inquired of him as I sat him on my knee, and he gurgled away in baby talk. Jomny made faces at him, which made him giggle again. I wished for the hundredth time that Hermione was here to witness this.


Aiden was securely fastened to my chest in his snug sling, positioned upright so he could survey his surroundings. A little hat was tugged down low over his tiny ears, serving as a shield against the biting cold. His curious eyes took in everything, even as I spoke to the Dwarf who claimed he and his daughter wanted to build a tavern in Haven.

I couldn't help but feel a swell of gratitude for the clear skies. The absence of wind and rain was a small mercy, for the thought of leaving Aiden behind twisted my heart in ways I couldn't articulate. I was determined that he would never be left for long periods without me or his grandparents, despite being fully cognisant of Jomny's fondness for spending time with him too. However, each instance of leaving him behind stirred a sense of guilt and worry within me, and I felt like I was breaking my promise to Hermione. The mere thought was unbearable, a sentiment that gnawed at me, serving as a stark reminder of the responsibilities I had willingly embraced.

"These bonds ye be placin' upon me will not stand! I aim to raise a hall of merriment and ale, open to all kin and kind, and 'tis yer meddling and miresome decrees that be thwartin' me efforts. Mark me words, me tavern shall be a wonder, a jewel of stone and timber, not some rickety hovel!" the surly, short, and stocky creature, almost as wide as he was tall, before me yelled. The Dwarf's beard was like tangled roots and as fiery as the determination in his sharp purple eyes.

"Father, perchance…" his half-blooded daughter attempted to interject, but at his glare, she lowered her gaze and fell silent. I had been taken aback when I first laid eyes on the petite female, who was unmistakably a half-witch, despite her lack of a wand, when the two had arrived the week prior. I was aware of the existence of mixed breeds in the magical world, an awareness that had always disgusted me, but this particular mix was new to me.

"We craft the grandest Dwarven wine 'neath the very stones of magical Britain, and yet ye dare to deny folk the pleasure of its taste on mere grounds of bias!" he declared, which had me raise an eyebrow incredulously.

"I struggle to comprehend how denying you additional land marks me as biassed in this situation," I informed him.

"But I see ye not refutin' the charge," the creature grumbled with a scowl.

"Our agreement was clear. Each resident gets an equal plot. If you have no real basis for your requests, then I will be on my way and consider the topic closed," I told him, turning to leave. I may not like the creature, but I was enjoying the banter, despite how it appeared to him.

"Would ye be swayed by a bribe?" he barked, stopping me in my tracks. I turned to regard him with increased interest, simply wondering where he was going with this. "Me daughter's a gem, fair as the mornin' sun on the mountain's peak, and yer lad's in need of a mother's hand," he proposed in a sly tone and a grin. My good mood dissipated as quickly as the sneer of disgust appeared on my face. His daughter might have been unexpectedly lovely to observe, but she couldn't hold a candle to my Hermione.

"My son has a mother, and if you ever suggest such a thing again, nothing and no one will stop me from banishing you from these lands and doing more than erasing your memory," I told him as calmly as I could while seething inside. It wasn't Occlumency this time but a desire not to upset Aiden, who really didn't like raised voices.

"Touchy wizard. I was merely extendin' a hand o' aid to ye," he grunted.

"You are endeavouring to assist your own cause, and none other. If that will be all, I'll be on my way," I told him, about to turn away once more.

"Lord Malfoy…" Elowen Blackstone said, her voice holding surprising strength and drawing my attention to her. She bore the semblance of a miniature witch with her long blonde hair, delicate facial features, and her father's purple eyes. Barely reaching five feet, her diminished height and eye colour were the only indications of her Dwarf lineage. Her likeness was familiar to me, yet I couldn't, for the life of me say who she reminded me of. Regardless, it was of little consequence, given that she had been unacknowledged by her mother's family.

"Cherubs hold their tongues!" Her father barked sharply, cutting her off, and she cast her gaze downward in apparent shame once more.

"Perhaps she would do better at it than you," I told Mr. Blackstone icily. I understood that each group of people had their own customs, but I was still offended by his suggestion moments ago.

"She'll speak only with her betrothed or a suitor of merit," he declared, with a leering grin.

"You are on your last chance and my last nerve. Either explain in realistic terms why you are making the demands you are or one of us is leaving, and I'm increasingly convinced it won't be me," I informed the detestable creature, whom I was beginning to wish I could hex rather than help. Arching a superior eyebrow, I queried, "Why should you receive special treatment?"

"For me tavern shall be the very heart o' Haven! A stout place for kin and stranger alike to convene and quaff. Walls of solid stone, hearths ablaze, and brews that'll warm the marrow. Nothin' of that flimsy timber folly," he said, pointing at a few of the quaint shops that had been established here and wrapped around the trees so as not to disturb the natural flora of the forest. "'Twill be a boon for yer town, a boon for trade." Blackstone grinned, revealing teeth like chiselled granite. "As for the coin—gold and silver flowin' like river through our grasp, Malfoy. I'll give ye a good portion of the gains."

Pretending to consider this, I tapped my chin. Part of me wished I could take the offer the greedy creature was offering me. Thanks to this war, I had finances to make up, but I wasn't going to be able to gain much from the people here. Blackstone's eyes, I noticed, were gleaming as if he thought he had me pegged, until I grinned at him, making them dim again. I was enjoying making this creature uncertain, even as he annoyed me with his ridiculous demands and insulting suggestions.

"Stone walls? No," I said to get us back on point, and he frowned, etching lines into his brow while crossing his arms in his determination.

"I've made it known to the House Elves; I have me heart's set on erectin' a tavern for all comers. I'm after the ways of the Muggle world, with a grand open space for drinkin', feastin', and merrymakin'. And mark me words, it'll be vast enough to welcome the Centaurs, too," he declared with a resolute nod.

I surveyed the area he had chosen to make camp in, and it was very nice. It boasted a view of both the river and the forest while still being within easy reach of most of the residents. And due to its location in a stretch of clearing, the sky was unobstructed by the overlapping canopy of trees that dominated most areas.

"You do not require more land for that or stone walls," I informed him patently. "The House Elves have conveyed to you that the majority of your dwelling will be subterranean, so only a bar and tables need to be up here, where I suggest you make your walls translucent. It scarcely needed to be the ordeal you have transformed this into," I expressed, hiding my irritation well if I said so myself.

I was curious as to when it had been decided that an entire bloody town could be erected here, but over the months, that is exactly what had transpired. We now had over two hundred residents of assorted kinds, including Werewolves, Goblins and even a female Vampire.

"Might be I should have a parley with that Squib," he mused, a spark of cunning dancing in his eyes. My laughter appeared to disconcert him, and he eyed me with an expression of wariness and puzzlement.

"You may speak to my father-in-law if you wish, but it will change nothing. This land belongs to him and his family, and he has agreed to allow each new dwelling to take up 100m2 and no more. And believe me when I say you will not be able to intimidate him," I asserted.

He studied me for a moment as if to gauge my truthfulness before saying, "I'll not suffer wood walls that let light through, for the wood's grain cannot be cloaked. 'Tis the spirit of the stone that let light through as clear as crystal, else it spoils the whole semblance."

I wanted to smirk with satisfaction that he had ceased claiming to need more land. We both were aware all it required was an Extension Charm. It may be a charm that is subject to strict Ministry of Magic control; however, we were far beyond requesting their permission at this point, making it a moot issue. Not willing to employ my Occlumency to hide my satisfaction, I instead increased the speed of my hand rubbing up and down Aiden's back. The action was not missed by the Dwarf, but he didn't comment on it.

"Ye're after more than just a cut o' the riches, ain't ye?" the surly Dwarf grumbled yet again, his eyes narrowing as if he should have known.

"You could say that," I agreed simply to entertain myself, and he frowned at me further. Rage was entering his eyes, which I liked. He deserved to feel precisely as I did during this pointless negotiation. He was lucky he was getting any consideration at all, but the fact was that I was not solely in charge of what happened within Haven. If I didn't like my role so much, I would have already walked away from Blackstone and let either Dan or Vasanos deal with him.

"Speak plainly," he demanded. "I ken well enough how ye highborns fancy 'sponsorin' ventures, but hear this: I've no need nor want for yer name marring me tavern. A Blackstone stands firm on his own or sinks deep back into the stone from whence his kin sprung."

"Admirable," I articulated, scarcely restraining the urge to roll my eyes at the creature's theatrics. "You will be taxed as every other person here has who has opened a business. All money will be used to make Haven stronger and keep the residents safe."

"Why should I trust ye? I ken the cut of yer jib, ye purebloods. Yer greed for gold's near enough to match a Goblin's," he said with a growl.

I shrugged, not disputing that, but it was what Dan and Vasanos had wanted, and they had overruled me when I wanted to go with the traditional methods I was accustomed to. Dan was already overseeing the town's treasury, understanding precisely how he intended to utilise it, along with the taxing system he and Vasanos had agreed upon. Vasanos and his people, on the other hand, relied on barter when dealing with other Centaur groups or even different species.

"There are several other stipulations. You will barter with any creatures who carry neither gold nor silver, and you will do so equitably. You will also never engage in wagering within your establishment." He opened his mouth to protest, but I held my hand up to stop him. "The few Goblins here have already staked a claim on that, and you will be courting their wrath if you dare to usurp business from them."

"Goblins," he uttered with a sneer, casting a wary glance around. I was unsure why, but Goblins and Dwarves had long reviled each other.

"And you will let them patronise your establishment with no more trouble than any other. And that goes for the few Muggles as well," I told him with a steely grin. There were only two so far, including my mother-in-law, but I would be damned before I allowed a creature such as this to treat her poorly.

"There are Muggles here?" his daughter said in a gasp, and when her father frowned at her again, she blushed and cast her gaze back down to the ground.

"There are, and you will treat them as fairly as you do anyone else," I told them both.

"Ye've crossed the line, wizard!" Blackstone roared with spittle coating his lips and decorating his beard; his anger great now.

"If you find these stipulations unacceptable, you are at liberty to depart. Naturally, without any recollections of this location, as per the agreement upon your arrival at our Haven," I informed him, a note of satisfaction in my voice.

Blackstone nodded reluctantly but obviously still seething. "Aye, Malfoy. Ye've struck yer bargain. Ye have me word of honour; I'll agree to yer terms. Just see to it that me stone hall is built, and it better be sturdy and true."

"I will speak with Dan and Vasanos on your behalf today and determine if they are amenable to the idea of a stone structure built on your site," I conveyed to him, relishing the end of the conversation, cognisant of the fact that I really had not ceded anything I hadn't already intended to. It didn't stop the grin that began to form on the creature's face at his perceived victory. "I am making no promises. This is not supposed to be a permanent township."

"Understood," he replied swiftly, his expression revealing far too much glee for my liking. I understood why. Vasanos had not turned down any of the residents' requests thus far, which was largely why our Haven was rapidly evolving into a township in its own right and why I had come into this negotiation aware that the stone was the one thing I was willing to concede on.

Building a new magical settlement was something I was certain was going to cause me trouble in the future, yet I refused to dwell on what the Ministry's potential reaction would be. After all, they were part of the reason our world was in such turmoil.

"Regrettably, due to your incessant stalling, the commencement of the subterranean dwelling will have to wait, unless you're inclined to undertake the labour personally," I smirked as he began to frown once more.

"Why's that, then?" He pressed, his voice a rumble of suspicion.

"Tonight, we're expecting a sizable group that needs immediate shelter. Given that you and your daughter have been rather content in your tent for the past week, I'm certain you won't mind a few more nights," I said, my smirk yet to fade as I noted the displeasure etched on his face.

"I s'pose I can start," he conceded with a grumble, yet that spark of cunning was back in his eyes. I could almost admire him for that.

"Very good," I said with a condescending tone, causing him to growl softly, yet the satisfaction remained evident in his eyes.

"Monpy," I summoned, aware that he was here, invisible and listening. He popped in front of me with an expectant expression. "Please ensure Mr. Blackstone is informed of all the restrictions on the underground dwellings as well as the location of his land boundaries. We don't need any additional problems," I instructed him. I then turned on my heel and walked away, resisting the urge to hex the surly Dwarf upstart bastard purely for my own amusement.

I was quite satisfied with how things had turned out, despite my irritation at his suggestion that Aiden needed a mother and the revolting proposal regarding his daughter. The very thought of touching someone like her made my skin crawl. It was just a pity Blackstone was not more upset. He may not have gotten exactly what he wanted but he obviously liked that he was going to get something no one else had at this time.


When I stepped outside onto the porch of the cabin to go for my run the next morning, I was greeted by the sight of not only Will Collins waiting for me but also that small female abomination. I gritted my teeth at that thought, aware I was supposed to be working past my biases, yet some things I simply found so distasteful that it was like pushing a boulder up an impossible incline.

Will and Elowen Blackstone were laughing about something together while limbering up in front of the gazebo. However, I couldn't help but shake my head at the ludicrous notion of that female entertaining the idea that she could keep pace with us. I approached them, fully aware of my uninviting demeanour. Yet, the female did a double take when I appeared to step out from nowhere.

"From whence did ye emerge?" she inquired, casting her gaze about the area.

"He won't tell you, but if you really need to get a hold of him in a hurry, just go knock on the ugly brown Volkswagen over there, and he'll appear soon enough," the pain in the arse Werewolf told her with a big grin as he pointed to the van parked a short distance away. I sneered at him. He really did confound me. Everyone in Haven liked the easy-going Werewolf, and yet he chose to spend time with me even when I had attempted to discourage it.

"What do you require?" I queried the female, being as polite as possible when being disturbed on my personal time.

"Every soul I've crossed paths with claims ye run at this hour each morn. So I reckoned, why not join ye on yer daily stride, if ye be willin'," she said.

"No," I said at once, turning my back on her to commence my own stretches. I hadn't done them at first, but Will encouraged me to do so, and I had to admit it did make running a lot easier and the cool down a lot shorter.

"Don't listen to him. He said the same thing to me," Will told her.

"I was given the impression by your father that you are not supposed to be speaking with anyone. Especially males," I told her with condescension in my voice.

"Father's wish was I'd bear the meekness of all Cherub, but alas, it goes against me very nature. Our departure from the clan was sealed by me own unyielding spirit—I've got too much fire in me belly to be bowin' and scrapin' all the time," she replied with an unconcerned shrug, and I frowned at her again.

"Didn't appear that way yesterday," I told her.

"I had no wish to shame me father 'fore ye, yet I nearly bungled it up anyway. I'm prone to forgettin' meself, more often than not," she said with a big grin, which made Will laugh for some asinine reason.

Uninterested in prolonging the conversation and aware that I only had an hour, I began my run. Frankly, I couldn't care less if those two ran or not. To my irritation, the sound of footfalls echoed behind me. Casting a glance over my shoulder, I was met with the sight of the little female effortlessly matching Will's pace and subsequently keeping up with me. I hadn't been surprised when the five-foot-five Werewolf could keep up with my long strides. However, to witness a tiny female who didn't even break five feet running easily beside him was astonishing.

Her legs moved with a grace that belied her stature, and there was a fierce determination in her eyes that spoke of an inner strength not immediately apparent. As the snow dusted path wound through the dense forest, the light broke through the clouds, and the air grew cooler as a morning fog began rising.

I pushed forward, increasing the pace, yet she remained unfazed, her breaths even and her strides unwavering. In fact, before long, I was the only one who was breathing heavily as the two behind me carried on a conversation as if they were merely taking a stroll through the woods.

"If you two have the breath to chat, clearly you're not pushing yourselves hard enough," I managed to huff out. My throat felt parched, and I forced myself to swallow before adding, "Please don't let me hold you back." With an imperial wave, I motioned for them to move ahead. Will's laughter rang out once more, as if I had delivered the wittiest of remarks. I narrowed my eyes at him but then faced forward again and kept running.

I doubted I would ever understand the cheerful Werewolf—who, to the casual observer, appeared utterly unacquainted with physical exertion. He wasn't overweight, although his short but sturdy frame and his lumbering gait gave people the impression that this laid-back young wizard was as indolent as he appeared. To my own astonishment, I found his company not only tolerable but even somewhat enjoyable. Not that I told him that.

"Aww, are you needing a little pick me up this morning, Mr. Lord. I have energy drinks if you need one," Will quipped sarcastically, using that ridiculous name people here insisted on using for me behind my back, courtesy of my father-in-law.

I rolled my eyes, otherwise ignoring his jibe. The bastard probably did have energy drinks in that bag of his. He carried what he termed a 'satchel of holding' everywhere with him, his fancy name for a bag with an 'Undetectable Extension Charm' on it and several others. I believed every possession of his was in the bag at all times, always prepared for the moment he felt he had to leave. Yesterday, despite the bitter cold, he pulled out a container of ice cream and a spoon and ate it as we ran, his pace unfaltering.

"Me father tis also of the belief he's in want of something he's lacking a bit o'," Elowen said in a tone that sent a chill up my spine, and I wasn't certain why.

"Oh, what's that?" Will queried; his interest obviously piqued.

"He claims the lad requires a hard fuck, a good shag, and a new shirt," she told him. Will's laughter erupted through the forest, even as I tripped over an uneven patch on the forest floor, narrowly avoiding tumbling to the earth.

I halted abruptly, turning to confront her with an expression of horror. It wasn't what she had said that bothered me, but the seductive tone her voice had taken and the subtle hint of magic that accompanied it.

How a creature, who spoke with no eloquence, could sound seductive was beyond me, but it was definitely there, like a siren song dancing in the air; her voice was tangible. Suddenly, the identity of her maternal lineage became clear to me, and to say I was taken aback would be an understatement.

"Oh Merlin, that's priceless. You should see the look on your face!" Will continued to laugh while Elowen simply studied my face. She wouldn't be gleaning much as I had quickly employed my Occlumency.

"And which of those were you planning to proffer?" I queried her in a bland tone, all the while seething internally.

"Not one," she said, her tone still holding that magical, seductive edge. "First off, it's clear as crystal—many a lass takes a fancy to watchin' ye sprint in yer snug shirts," she told me. I didn't need to cast my eyes down to be aware that a combination of running and woodchopping had indeed added muscle to my frame.

Regrettably, all my attire was enchanted only to accommodate height, as no Malfoy ever filled out as I had now. I pondered whether they would have done so if they were aware of the outcome, even as I scowled, not recalling anyone taking note of my running. Not that I sought any such attention.

It brought to mind a time when I considered the admiration in every witch's eyes as something that was rightfully mine. This admiration, often discreet from well-mannered witches and occasionally less so from those who, I now realised, were simply uninformed, was something I accepted as a given. Even those I had delighted in tormenting couldn't help but cast longing glances my way, all except for the one witch I had wanted to see desire from. Now, the very prospect of being the object of anyone's gaze, save for hers, did nothing more than annoy me.

"And secondly?" I queried, maintaining my guard around her. I was well aware that even some of the most magically powerful individuals feared her mother's family, given their ability to seduce the most loyal of husband or wife into acts of betrayal. I would kill her before she even dared to attempt such a thing with me. She tilted her head, appearing to contemplate me for a moment. Will watched the two of us with a curious gaze, having discerned that something peculiar was unfolding.

After a moment, she told me, "From the first meetin', 'twas clear as the gleam of a gem to me that ye fancy the virtuous sort."

"Ironic," Will coughed into his hand, but we both ignored him as she continued to speak.

"And I'll have ye know, I'm a proud Cherub of the Blackstone clan, through and through. Never would I tarnish me honour, nor me fathers, by pressin' meself where I ain't welcome."

"Even after your father offered you to me yesterday?!" I questioned her doubtfully, not trusting her claim of innocence in the slightest. Will's slightly tilted head in her direction showed his interest and curiosity at this revelation.

"Me father was havin' a jest with ye, mostly. But 'tis true, he'd not mind seein' me wed to a wizard," she said.

"Why would your father want that?" Will inquired, his hazel eyes searching her purple ones with curiosity. I remained sceptical of her denial; I was aware her father was quite serious in his offer, yet I had no clue as to what his real purpose had been, and I didn't care to find out.

She gave a shrug that appeared too forced to be casual and replied, "Not a single Dwarf'll lay a finger on me. They fear I'd bring forth sons cursed to be scrawny and weak."

"Why not simply use your talents on them? I'm certain you could seduce the one you would want," I told her. She shook her head while Will scowled at me. His face was uncanny with growing irritation, laughter was more his natural demeanour.

"You are a Selwyn," I told her, barely holding back the anger that wanted to break through the Occlumency and getting us back on topic.

"No, I am not," she denied at once.

"Yes, you are," I disagreed with equal speed, and shook my head, annoyed at my own oversight. Her bloodline was literally staring me in the face, but I'd been too blinded by her height and the unfortunate fact that her father was a Dwarf. The Selwyn's, of course, abhorred mixed races as fervently as any other pureblood.

"I may bear the visage o' the witch who birthed me, an' inherited a shard o' her magic in me veins. But make no mistake, I'm all Cherub through and through, unrecognised by kin nor kind. Tell me, can a witch sprint with the vigour that I just displayed?" She inquired; her voice remained nonchalant, but the tension betrayed itself in the tightness around her eyes. Not that I cared. I wanted her away from me, and if I could eject somebody from this settlement merely on bloodline, it would be this creature before me.

"Why would either reject you?" Will questioned gently, his Australian accent clear to hear. "You're beautiful," he told her. I took a deep breath for patience. Sometimes I could not understand the Werewolf at all. He came from a pureblood family, and yet he could say something like that to a creature that should not exist.

"Ye are sweet," she said to him, patting his cheek, making him blush.

"I bet your mother wanted to drown you at birth," I commented. Will gave a vicious snarl at my words, but I ignored him. "I see you are not above using your mothers' gifts," I commented pointedly, convinced she was using her magic on my clueless companion. She cast me a gaze that could only be described as hurt, yet I was convinced it was merely part of the act.

Everyone within the acquaintance of my family, including us, held the Selwyn's in a curious mix of admiration, suspicion, and fear. They were ruthless and went to any lengths to achieve their desires. Every single one of them. Their actions commanded respect, even as they sowed seeds of distrust even between the strongest of allies, friends, and lovers. Their diabolical nature was such that even the Dark Lord maintained a cautious distance, merely exploiting their skills to secure crucial alliances when he was unable to personally intervene or when seduction was deemed the only viable strategy.

"I've no need to justify meself to a child, lord or no'," she said, finally sounding angry.

"Childish at the very least," Will said with a growl still in his voice.

"No," she responded, shaking her head at him and offering a small, sorrowful smile. "Ye are but youngsters, practically infants compared to me," she murmured, her gaze drifting towards where I was aware the tavern was supposed to be built, hiding her face from us. I was indifferent to whatever notions were occupying her mind, but it was clear that Will felt differently.

"You don't look a day over twenty," he remarked to her, touching her shoulder. She glanced back at him with a melancholy smile.

"Aye, Dwarves, and Cherubs be long-lived folk. Seventy winters have I seen, yet by me kin's reckonin', I'm but a lass, for 'tis true, amongst me people, I'm still counted young," she told him.

This was no revelation to me; during the summer holidays from the end of my third year, I had been privileged to receive private tuition in Care of Magical Creatures, a subject my father insisted be taught by experts rather than Hagrid. The education was rigorous, funded by my father's belief that his son required the finest instruction, and I believed that was an area where he had succeeded.

"I wasn't aware of that," Will told her. "I'd love to speak with you more about this. Maybe we should leave this twat to his brooding. Obviously, missing out on his morning tug has put him in a worse mood than usual," Will said, directing the final remark at me. I merely arched an eyebrow at his comment, not at all concerned. I expected the female to laugh, but she simply regarded me with a hint of sadness.

"Me deepest pardon for encroaching upon yer time, Lord Malfoy," she said, and then she turned and began to walk away.

"Seems you've lost the struggle today, Malfoy. The evil pureblood little turd still lives strong in you," Will informed me. Then he turned and caught up to Elowen easily. I shook my head at the pair as I heard her begin an explanation about her stone-like bones. I simply resumed my running, glad for the peace and quiet.

After a time, I did concede one thing Will had said. I was in a foul mood today. It was Christmas Eve, and I was missing Hermione more and more every day. Yesterday, I had been anticipating the forthcoming celebrations, but today it was killing me, being unaware of her whereabouts and struggling to accept that I would be spending Aiden's first Christmas without her here with us. I couldn't regain my running rhythm, so I turned back for the cabin early with the determination of finishing the Offering gift I had been working on.


After lunch, I was sitting with Luna under our gazebo. More snow had fallen since this morning, and the ground surrounding the structure was blanketed in a fine dusting of it. A fire was burning brightly in the central pit, and she was holding Aiden on the hardwood table in front of her, letting him pull at her hair even as she made faces at him.

"Did Sev ever receive my letter?" I inquired; my temper having cooled but my mood far from improved. Thankfully, Occlumency allowed me to regain control and act in a manner befitting the Lord of Malfoy.

"Oh yes, and he was very grateful to receive it," she responded, her tone whimsical and ethereal.

"He said that?" I questioned, frowning at the out-of-character response from him.

"Oh no. It's just that things have a way of revealing themselves to me," she shared in her dreamy voice. I had this sensation as if I should be aware of something about her, a tingling in the back of my mind, but for some reason, I couldn't gain access to whatever that was and so dismissed it for now as unimportant.

"I see," I responded, the words feeling inadequate.

"It was just after Neville, Ginny, and I endeavoured to abscond the sword of Gryffindor, you see," she told me. "We were quite the trio of rebels, braving the confines of the dreaded headmaster's office, all for the sake of a blade steeped in legend and lore."

"You attempted to steal the sword of Gryffindor?" I queried. "Why?"

"Ginny mentioned that Professor Dumbledore had intended for Harry to possess the sword, and Neville deduced that it must hold some significance. While I agreed, it also occurred to me that it seemed an excellent opportunity to deliver your letter. You see, Headmaster Snape isn't accessible like Professor Dumbledore was, but rather like a reclusive Glumbumble, only making appearances during dining hours," she imparted in her distinctively serene manner.

"That can't be good," I mumbled, worried about my godfather and ignoring the insult to and perhaps accurate evaluation of the wizard.

"Yes, he does appear to be rather consumed by worry these days," she told me, and I frowned again.

"Severus wouldn't go around displaying a worried expression," I informed her.

"He doesn't," she agreed, confusing me. I closed my eyes and shook away my frustrated bewilderment with her.

When I opened them again, she had pulled out her wand. With a flick, she conjured a series of shimmering bubbles that floated lazily between her and Aiden. Aiden made a cooing sound that never failed to bring a smile to my face as he reached out his little hands, encased warmly in magically adjusting gloves, watching them with curiosity. He jumped a little in surprise when the first bubble popped, revealing tiny, animated creatures—a hopping Moonfrog, a prancing Abraxan, a twirling Fwooper—each eliciting a delighted squeal from him.

"So, you handed him the letter?" I pressed, needing absolute certainty about that. All the while, my eyes were on her as she interacted with my son, clearly charming him as easily as she had before she left for Hogwarts. Despite this, a seed of doubt began to creep in. Perhaps she had become confused and given it to someone else entirely, even as I understood that was highly unlikely.

"Oh yes. He was most surprised to find the three of us coming out of his office with the sword, but he didn't get truly angry until he spotted the Carrow twins in the hallway coming towards his office just at that moment. We all went back into his office; he took the sword; the twins both talked about wanting to torture us; detention was set with Hagrid in the forbidden forest; and I handed him the letter," she said serenely. I simply blinked, absorbing the surreal calmness of her narrative.

"That's all?" I queried weakly. Talking to Luna always left me feeling nonplus.

"No. Then Headmaster Snape got all devious. He has the least amount of Wrackspurts I have ever seen, but the ones he does have tend to be very focused," she said randomly, making me pinch the bridge of my nose. I wondered for a moment if I had condemned my son to a future of insanity by simple proximity to this witch. I wished right now there was a way to change godparent, but she had already done the ritual months ago.

"He got devious," I repeated, needing more information.

"Oh yes. He burned the letter from you right away, making the twins angry, but neither said so. Then he said that I had to write him a letter explaining exactly the thought process behind our actions and what we hoped to gain from them, and that I had permission to approach him at dinner that night, where he expected me to give it to him. At dinner, he took it and was really pleased by what I wrote," she shared, her tone imbued with the same whimsical lightness she had used this entire time.

"And I repeat, Sev would never appear pleased," I told her, my voice laced with exasperation.

She ignored that and said, "I never knew Headmaster Snape would have such an appreciation for the existence of Wrackspurts and Nargles. If I'd known earlier, I could have told him so much more." She smiled at me then, and it was truly devious. After a short moment of shock, I laughed loudly. 'Maybe there is more to this crazy witch than I realised,' I thought.

"He truly is trying to do his best to protect the students, but there is only so much he can do," she told me, gaining a serious tone, something I had come to realise she barely ever did.

"Thank you. I genuinely appreciate you passing on my message to him. I understand you would have no reason to be understanding of his intentions; I doubt he was ever nice to you; he isn't overly nice to people he likes," I conceded. "But he…" I trailed off with a frown, not really having a clue what I wanted to convey about my godfather. He was one of the people I cared most about in this world, and he had always done his best to protect me. I owed him more than I could possibly ever thank him for, and if all I could offer him was a place to hide, then I would gladly give it.

"You're welcome," she said easily.

"Have you seen the students today?" I inquired.

"Yes," she replied, her dreamy tone back in place. "And I adore the little school. House Elves really are talented creatures, don't you agree?" As she spoke, she conjured more dancing animals for Aiden's delight—a twirling Bowtruckle and a somersaulting Niffler among them.

"I do," I said, my eyes briefly meeting Luna's before inevitably shifting to survey the forest beyond us. It had become second nature to perpetually scrutinise what lay beyond the Fidelis, watching for anyone who may be in need of our haven.

"They all recounted the tale of how you and the Centaurs met them last night and escorted them into Haven," she said.

"We wanted to get them in as quickly as possible, before any Snatchers turned up," I told her. I had stood guard on the outside of the Fidelis boundary while others, including Dan, watched the permitter from inside while Vasanos, Magorian, and Ronan brought them in in pairs. It still wasn't a quick process with forty-two of them—many more than I had anticipated.

"Some of them told me they were scared when they saw you, but that you were nice to them all. All of them were excited about the Centaurs. Besides Professor Firenze, they hadn't seen other Centaurs," she said, her eyes wide and dreamy, as if she were sharing a secret from a world only she could perceive.

"That sentiment is not uncommon," I responded, only feeling slightly annoyed by the knowledge.

"You can hardly blame them," Luna added, her tone understanding and gentle.

"No," I agreed. "But it does get old," I told her. She simply nodded and made more faces at Aiden, behind the dancing animals and bubbles, making him squeal another laugh.

"You are such a beautiful boy; do you know that? Like a moonbeam caught in a jar. Aunty Luna could eat you all up," she cooed him, and he giggled again.

"Is it really necessary to tell my son that you could eat him?" I questioned, while the corners of my mouth betrayed my amusement.

"He doesn't mind. He knows he's delicious as a bowl of chocolate pudding," she cooed at him again, tickling his warmly covered belly and eliciting another giggle from him. She then cast me a teasing glance and added, "Much like his daddy." With a practiced lift of my eyebrow, I regarded her, not allowing the faint stirrings of embarrassment to be discernible upon my face. The events of the morning had left me with an unfamiliar sense of self-awareness, a sensation that was both perplexing and disconcerting. Yet, now, I felt I would be being disloyal to Hermione if I were to appreciate such remarks.

I hated that feeling. I had never been a self-conscious person, and now I found myself wrestling with a new kind of unease. The attention I once revelled in, the admiring glances and flattering comments from the opposite sex, now felt like a leaden burden. It felt as if I was caught in a duel within my own soul, ceaselessly contending between the wizard I once was and the wizard I aspired to be—a devoted husband to Hermione.

"Are you coming tonight?" I inquired, steering clear of her teasing and my own introspection.

"Yes. I'm tremendously excited. Daddy and I have mostly observed it by ourselves the last few years. I believe Daddy's anticipation stems from the novelty of it all—this Offering is the first in hundreds of years to be observed by different races and such a diverse group too." Luna had a faraway expression on her face for a moment that could only be described as sad, but she quickly moved past it. "Daddy's already penning his thoughts for The Quibbler. He's quite engrossed in it," she said, sounding pleased by that. I was aware that Vasanos was rather pleased about it too. He claimed that this place had surpassed what he had hoped for when his herd were guided here.

"I'm glad," I commented, still feeling distracted by my own inner turmoil.

"Draco," she said, drawing my eyes to her uncanny ones. "It's quite alright to be yourself, you know." Once again, I was nonplussed at her words. Had I not already inquired back in August, I would have been convinced the witch was a Legilimens.


Author's notes: - A Glumbumble is a magical creature from the Harry Potter universe. It's a grey, furry, flying insect native to Northern Europe. Glumbumbles produce a treacle that induces melancholy in those who consume it. Interestingly, this treacle is used as an antidote for the hysteria caused by eating Alihotsy leaves. Glumbumbles tend to nest in dark, secluded places and feed on nettles. They have been known to infest beehives, which can negatively affect the honey produced. All of the creatures mentioned in this chapter are in 'Fantastic Beasts and where to find them.'

: - As always, I would like to thank all those who are taking the time to read my story. A special thank you goes to 'Rkook1210' and 'A' for leaving comments. I truly do appreciate the kind words and support.