As soon as Draco closed the door to his room, he pulled out the letter from Ollivander. He was hoping that Ollivander would be able to use both woods and cores, but he was preparing himself for other news. He took a deep breath and opened the envelope.

"Mr. Malfoy,

I have managed to work out a way to use both the cedar and oak as well as the phoenix feather and the kneazle whiskers. The main wood will be the English Oak, but I will use the cedar as accents. I'm still working on weaving the whiskers into the tail feather. There is a process I need to get started on but I am confident that I will be able to finish in time for Christmas. I will send another letter closer to completion so we can figure out delivery. Please let me know if there are any changes sooner rather than later.

Ollivander"

He breathed a sigh of relief. He quickly wrote a brief response to Ollivander before figuring out exactly how to respond to his mother's letter.

"Mum,

I hope this finds you and Dad well. I do have some news in response to your recent letter. First, Scorpius and I will be spending Christmas at Hogwarts. Scorpius will probably be spending the New Year with the Potters. If he doesn't, he will be spending it with me in Godric's Hollow. That brings me to another bit of news: I will, possibly, be purchasing house in Godric's Hollow that will become our permanent residence. I will retain ownership of the Manor, but will no longer spend much time there. I will be taking on the position of the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor here at Hogwarts. I start after the holidays.

Now, concerning Pansy. You can stop. As of Halloween, Pansy is in custody at the Ministry for planning an attack against myself and another professor here at the school. Pansy, along with Goyle and Kyle Roberts, planned and executed an attack against Professor Amethyst Abbott. She is the new Care of Magical Creatures professor… and my girlfriend. Yes, she is of those Abbotts.

Now that you have heard from me, please stop pestering Scorpius. He needs to focus on his studies.

Your son,

Draco"

He read over the letter a few times before deciding that it was good enough. He sealed both envelopes and then headed to the school's owlery - Erebus was still too weak to fly that distance. He had been letting the owl have the opportunity to fly at night to hunt, but he usually never went beyond the window. Draco bumped into Scorpius and Albus on the way.

"Where are you heading?" Scorpius asked and then noticed the letters. "Sending your response to Gran?"

"And Ollivander." Draco responded. "It looks as though that is all going to work." He knew the boys would know what he meant by that.

"Really?" Scorpius looked between his dad and Albus.

"Oak will be the main wood with cedar accents. The cores will be woven together. Hopefully, it will be finished in time for Christmas. I'm heading to the owlery to send out the responses. I will be interested to hear her response. Especially about Pansy and Godric's Hollow."

"Should I wait a few days before sending her a letter?" Scorpius asked thinking his Gran may send him a response instead. Either that, or a letter to him would be different than a response she would send to Draco.

"Might be a good idea actually. She may send you a response instead to see if I'm telling the truth." Draco kind of had the same thought his son did.

"What's going on?" Albus was thoroughly confused. The only part he thought he followed was the bit about wood and cores. He assumed they were talking about a possible wand for Amethyst.

"I'll tell you later." Scorpius answered. "We should get to lunch and then back to studying. We still have a lot to go over for Care of Magical Creatures, and we aren't allowed to ask Professor Abbott anything about it today."

"She's been ordered to rest today." Draco smirked. He guessed Professor McGonagall had said something to the students.

"Have you seen my parents?" Albus asked before he and Scorpius headed to the Great Hall.

"Something came up at the Ministry." Draco wasn't sure how much he should say about what happened that morning. "I'm sure they'll send word when they can."

"Right." Albus and Scorpius both knew something was up; that Draco knew more than he was saying. They left it at that and then waved goodbye as they headed to the Great Hall for lunch.

—

Amethyst found Hagrid outside his room as he was heading to the Great Hall. He still has a look of concern on his face when he saw her. "Are you okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine. Now." Amethyst explained everything that happened that morning; only leaving out about the murders.

"You had me really worried earlier, but it was going to happen at some point with everything you've been through recently." Hagrid sighed with relief. "I'm heading to lunch if you want to join."

"I have a few letters I need to write." She shook her head slightly. He nodded and they walked towards the Great Hall together in silence before going their separate ways. As Amethyst entered her tent, Orion jumped off the bed and stretched. She bent down to pet him and then headed over to the desk. She pulled out some parchment and then tried to think how to start the letter to her aunt.

"Aunt Violet,

A lot has happened in just a short time. You probably already noticed something between Draco and I when we were at the house. Nothing was 'official' at that point though. Now it is. Draco is my boyfriend. His son is aware and is okay with it. Draco and I are planning to spend Christmas at Hogwarts, but spend the New Year in Godric's Hollow. We want just a few days away from the school before the Spring term starts. Draco will be starting as the professor for Defence Against the Dark Arts after the holidays.

There is some news about Kyle Roberts that happened just last night. He and some of his friends had planned an attack against me and Draco that they tried to pull off last night at the school's Halloween ball. They were, then, arrested by the Aurors. I'm not sure when the trials will be but I'm sure there will be news on them soon. I hope to see you and Uncle Tim in a few months. We would love it if you could join us for New Year's.

Love,

Amethyst"

She read over the letter to make sure she didn't leave anything important out. Satisfied, she folded the letter and placed it in an envelope addressed to her aunt. She sealed the envelope and then made her way to the owlery. Nyx was just rebuilding her strength but she would soon be strong enough to fly long distances. She would then need to be trained to carry letters. Amethyst decided to head to the Great Hall to grab a quick lunch. On her way, she bumped into Professor McGonagall.

"I trust you are taking today to rest?" McGonagall looked at Amethyst over the rim of her glasses.

"I was just sending a letter to my aunt. I'm on my way to grab something for lunch, then I plan on heading back to my tent for a nap before dinner." Amethyst answered. She was sure McGonagall knew about what happened that morning.

"Good." McGonagall smiled, nodded, and then headed to her office. Amethyst made her way to the Great Hall. Lunch was not typical. There were very few students in the Hall. Some hurried in to grab food to go while others leisurely ate at their respective house tables. Amethyst made her way to her usual place at the head table. She fixed a plate of cold meats and cheese. She grabbed an apple on her way out after finished her lunch. As she was heading to her tent an owl dropped off a letter.

"Amethyst,

Due to the events this morning, Harry and I will not be able to attend tomorrow's meeting. Do not worry, I will be on hand to help when needed. Harry will be as well so long as his schedule allows. I expect that he will be sending trial details to you and Draco as soon as he has all of the information. If the kids ask, just tell them that something came up. We will tell them when things settle and are able to get back to the school. Someone will be at the meeting in Harry's place. If you need anything, please don't hesitate.

Ginny P."

Amethyst wasn't expecting a letter from Ginny, but it was a welcome relief that they had arrived back in London so quickly. She has assumed that Harry would not be able to make the meeting given the circumstances. She wondered who Harry would be sending, but decided it wasn't worth dwelling on at the moment. She placed the letter on her desk and then laid on the bed. Orion jumped up next to her. After kneading the blanket, he curled up and started purring softly. The sound soothed Amethyst's tensions and she drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.

—

"Hagrid, have you seen Amethyst?" Draco asked as the half-giant sat in his usual place at the head table.

"Not since this afternoon." Hagrid replied before deciding on what to eat.

"Last I saw, she headed into her tent. That was after she'd grabbed a quick bite for lunch." Neville added. "Good chance she fell asleep."

"She's probably still asleep." Draco said. "She could certainly use it." He fixed a plate to take to her tent when he went to check on her. He looked up and noticed many of the students in hushed, serious conversations. He began to worry when he noticed some students hopping from one group to another. "Something's up." He nodded at the students when Neville gave him a questioningly look. They both stood up and walked toward the house tables.

"Professor Longbottom?" James approached Neville and Draco with a concerned look on his face.

"What's going on?" Neville answered with a question.

"Is it true? Aurors have been killed on school grounds?" James' voice was hushed and strained. He was obviously worried about his dad. Neville looked at Draco for the information.

"Unfortunately, it is true. That's why your parents left abruptly." Draco started.

"Don't tell your brother and sister… unless you have to. Your parents were planning on telling you as soon as they could." Amethyst came up behind them. "I received a letter from Ginny earlier. They won't be able to make it to the meeting tomorrow but Harry is sending someone from his department."

"What happened?" James asked. He knew he wouldn't be able to keep the news from Albus and Lily for long since the rumors were spreading through the school like wildfire.

"I'm not sure we should say specifics…" Amethyst replied. She looked at Draco. Just then, all students were filing into the Great Hall. They sat at their respective house tables and whispered amongst themselves.

"James!" Lily and Albus came running up to him. Lily was clearly distraught.

"Mum and Dad are fine." James said and then looked over to Amethyst for support.

"They left for London earlier today. Urgent business, but they are fine." Amethyst squeezed Lily's shoulder.

"Everyone, please take your seats." McGonagall stood at the front of the room. The three students made their way to their tables, though Albus was reluctant to leave his siblings. It was the first time in a long time that he wished he'd been sorted into Gryffindor rather than Slytherin. "Rumors are spreading and before they spread further and the truth fades from what is said, I want to make a few things very clear." She cleared her throat and locked eyes with Amethyst. Amethyst nodded. Her, Draco, and Neville were still standing near the Gryffindor table. Draco placed a hand on her waist when he understood the exchange. McGonagall went on to explain about the attack against Amethyst during the ball and then the events of that morning. She didn't go into extensive detail, not that she could. She didn't know the details of the attack nor the details surrounding the death of the Aurors. Harry had told her before he left but could not go into detail until after the investigation was complete. As soon as McGonagall finished, murmurs spread through the Great Hall.

"Are you okay?" Draco whispered in Amethyst's ear. She nodded slightly and rested her arm across her stomach, placing her hand gently on his waist. He pulled her tighter into his side.

"Dad?" Scorpius came up to Draco as students started to leave the Great Hall. He looked between his dad and Amethyst. Albus, Lily, and James were right behind him.

"Everything's okay." Draco reassured them. "Those responsible have been arrested and taken to London to await trial."

"Seriously, everything is fine. You lot should focus on your studies and prepare for the holidays. If there is anything your parents want you to know, they will let you know." Amethyst said. She was talking more to the siblings than she was to Scorpius of course. "Harry and Ginny will be back at the school when they can."

"The giant spiders?" Lily asked nervously. The students had been told about the acromantulas so they understood and were aware of what was going on and why there were extra precautions.

"Yes, it's going to take a lot of wizards to get that whole situation under control, so they will be helping when their schedules allow." Amethyst answered.

"Let's get back to it." James said trying to calm the situation. "Albus, can you walk Lily back to the Gryffindor tower?" There was an understanding between the brothers. Lily clung to her oldest brother. "I need to speak with the professors about something. Go with Albus, and then I'll be there shortly." Albus held out his hand to his sister and she took it. He knew something was going on - something that could put James in danger - but he wasn't going to question it not.

"James?" Neville looked at the young man. James had been offered a temporary position as additional school security while he was training to join the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

"I just wanted to give you all a heads up: I will be at the meeting tomorrow. I believe three more former students will be there as well. I'm not sure who though. One for each house - extra precaution with everything that's been happening." James looked around at the three professors.

"You will be aiding in the eradication plan, but your main focus will be keeping the students safe." Amethyst stated based on observations. "Secondary Head of House, but without most of the authority of the actual Head of House. Like Prefect, but with more authority."

"That's what it sounds like to me, too." James agreed. "I have a good idea of who will be arriving for Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw."

"We'll find out tomorrow." Neville said. "You should go to your sister. It's been quite a bit of information today." James nodded, waved good-bye, and headed to the Gryffindor tower. "I know he's of age, but…"

"He's still so young…" Amethyst was thinking the same thing. "If he's anything like his parents, he'll be just fine though." Neville nodded. That was at least some comfort.

"We'll know more tomorrow." Draco said. They headed out to the courtyard. Draco was holding Amethyst's hand, unaware that someone was watching them from one of the windows.