Dragon and Angel

CHAPTER FIFTY THREE

HOGSMEADE

Draco couldn't have been happier. He was lying in bed with the woman he loved sleeping on his chest and his children were in their rooms just down the corridor, sleeping soundly. He was almost afraid to examine this existence too closely for fear he may find it all a dream.

In the two days since Ginny had moved into the manor, everything had been perfect. Ginny and the children were finally living under his roof where they belonged. He woke up every morning next to the woman he loved and the sound of children running in with happy greetings to start the day. Each evening, when he returned home from the office, his children would greet him with cuddles and tales of their day the moment he Apparated into the manor, and then he would find himself in the soft embrace of his Ginny. Of course, he was able to ignore the mundane parental duties that would now be his sole responsibility, for now; there was no need to think of issuing punishments or demanding acceptable behavior when he was feeling so good about his life.

He chuckled lightly as he remembered the expressions on his parents' faces when they'd returned home from their charity event on the Sunday evening to find several burly redheaded men moving things in their home. After getting over the initial shock of the intruders, they were ecstatic over the idea of seeing their grandchildren every day. Though never voiced, it was something they had been looking forward to and had quietly feared would never happen.

Before they became too settled at the manor, Draco decided to whisk the family off to Hogsmeade for a few days. They had to consult Professor Dumbledore about the ceremony and a visit to Uncle Severus was long overdue. Veiled comments passed through his parents and Ginny's brother Charlie alerted Draco to the fact that his godfather was not pleased with him. He was sure it had nothing to do with his impending fatherhood or subsequent upcoming nuptials, but he was certain Uncle Severus would have appreciated been told personally of the developments in his personal life instead of learning them from his parents or worse, other sources as had happened.

Narcissa had tried to argue that she had planned to host a garden tea party to introduce Ginny to those who mattered most in society, but Draco had been steadfast in his decision to escape for a few days. He told his mother firmly that she could plan her tea party for another time, because this week was his and his alone with his small family. Besides, he felt that Ginny didn't need to be put under any further pressure from his mother's friends. They could be vicious to those they didn't feel were their contemporaries and she would need all her strength to deal with them. It had been a huge weekend for her and she was still exhausted, plus she needed some time to adapt to living at the manor fulltime. He was sure she missed having her mother around all the time, even though she'd not said anything; he had caught her looking somewhat melancholy at times.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The Portkey Draco had arranged landed them in front of the Hogwarts gates. He had considered taking the Hogwarts Express, but the thought of being on a train with small children for the better part of the day wasn't appealing. It was almost lunchtime as they set off for the castle. Drake and Angel ran ahead of their parents, but kept within calling distance. They were very excited to be visiting the Hogwarts castle for the first time.

As they drew closer to the castle doors Draco called the children back and made them walk in as a family. With his arm possessively around Ginny's waist, Draco led his family through the enormous oak doors and into the entrance hall. They stood looking around as if they had expected something to change in the years since they had graduated, but everything was as it was back then, as it would always be.

"Ginny!" Charlie was coming down the marble staircase on the opposite side of the room with a warm smile on his face. He embraced his sister and then turned to shake hands with Draco. "How have things been with you two?"

"Good," Draco responded firmly.

"Wonderful." Ginny smiled as Draco's hand sought out hers and grasped it firmly.

"That's great. Are you two hungry?" Charlie asked the twins. "I was just on my way to lunch."

"Yeah," Drake answered enthusiastically.

Angel stared wide-eyed at her uncle. "Will we see the Great Hall?"

"Yep, that's where we eat. Come on, we'll see if we can't get you a seat at the Gryffindor table," Charlie laughed heartily.

Draco's eyes widened, but a squeeze of his hand from Ginny kept him from commenting loudly as Charlie walked just ahead of them to the Great Hall. Ginny knew the Slytherin-Gryffindor debate would plague their lives, but she wasn't ready for it to start just yet.

"If he thinks I'm sitting at the bloody Gryffindor table, he's got another thing coming," Draco hissed in her ear.

"Draco, it's only a table to rest your food on so it doesn't spill into your lap. The table is exactly the same as the Slytherin one, there's no difference."

"Yes there is! It's full of foolish little Gryffindors."

She arched an eyebrow at him quizzically. "Foolish?"

"I didn't mean you, love. Besides, I'm convinced you should have been a Slytherin."

"Well I--" Ginny forgot to finish what she was going to say next as her children ran up the center of the Great Hall, much to the amusement of the students eating their midday meal.

"Uncle Sev! Uncle Sev! We're here!"

The Potions Master rose from his chair at the head table and began to make his way around to the center of the hall. He did not look pleased by the display the children were putting on for all to see and he was more than aware that the students were laughing at him. At the last possible moment Severus realized that Angel was not going to come to a halt in front of him and he bent to scoop her up before she did herself an injury.

"Did you miss us, Uncle Sev? We missed you!" The little girl gushed before placing a wet, sloppy kiss on his cheek and wrapping her arms around his neck for a hug. Loud sniggers erupted from the student tables and didn't silence when he glared at the pupils closest to him.

"You should see what I can do with Daddy's wand, Uncle Sev. I can le--levi--levv-- float all sorts of things!" Drake was almost bouncing in front of him. "And Grandfather has been teaching me new potions and I can do them really good, he said so and he said you would be very proud of me!"

"Is that so?" Severus regarded the excited little boy sternly.

"Hello, Uncle Sev," Draco greeted his godfather with an amused smirk.

"Draco, Ginevra."

"Professor Snape, how are you?"

"I was enjoying my lunch," Professor Snape ground out irritably.

"We've come for lunch too! Uncle Charlie said we can sit at the Gryffindor table," Angel explained animatedly.

The old professor looked over to where the Care of Magical Creatures Professor was busy moving students' up the Gryffindor table to make room for Draco and his family. "Professor Weasley, I hardly think it is necessary to disturb so many students when there is ample room at the Slytherin table."

As Charlie looked up, Severus sent a hard meaningful look in the direction of his house. Within seconds the students had moved up the table, creating enough room for ten people.

"I was thinking of my sister's comfort. She might not feel at ease sitting at your house table," Charlie explained as he walked over.

Draco smirked. "Why? It's only a table, stops the food spilling into your lap while you eat -- isn't that right, Gin?"

"Err-- Yeah, it's fine Charlie. I'll be all right." Ginny tried to smile, but only managed a forced grimace. Draco had turned her own words on her and she couldn't exactly refuse to sit at the Slytherin table now. She could feel Draco's hand in the small of her back steering her toward the table of his old house. Without looking at him she knew, she could feel him smirking in satisfaction. He'd gotten his way without even trying.

"Slide up kids," Draco commanded happily. "This is the table you'll be sitting at when you come to Hogwarts for school."

Angel looked at her father, confused. "But this isn't the Gryffindor table, Daddy. All Weasleys are in Gryffindor!"

"Weasleys might be in Gryffindor, but you're Malfoys and we've been in Slytherin for centuries."

"What if we're not in Slytherin?" Angel asked in a nervous whisper.

"You don't need to worry about that yet. We'll be proud of no matter what house you're sorted into. Right, Draco?" Ginny looked at her fiancée menacingly. She was not going to traumatize the children about what house they might be sorted into some six years into the future.

"Sure--of course, but you needn't worry, you'll be a proud Slytherin." Draco winked at his daughter. He was confident none of his children would ever let the family name down.

"I'm going to be a Slytherin, like Daddy," Drake announced proudly.

"There's something to look forward to," Severus replied dryly. The thought of his godson's little boy under his charge was enough to have him considering retirement. "I must return to the staff table and finish my meal before the end of lunch. Draco, I will speak with you afterwards."

"All right, Uncle Sev." Draco smirked as his godfather strode away.

Ginny filled four plates with food from the large platters in the middle of the table. The twins were looking down the table to the students who were returning their gaze with curious stares.

"Come on you two, eat up quickly-- lunch is almost over." Draco picked up his own cutlery and began to eat the chicken pie Ginny put in front of him. "We're meeting with Professor Dumbledore straight after lunch, so you're going to be hungry all afternoon if you don't fill up now."

"Is that Professor Dumbledore, Daddy?" Angel pointed to the head table and the wizard with the long silvery beard.

"Yes, sweetheart, that's Dumbledore."

"Wow, he's the greatest wizard ever," Angel breathed in reverence.

"I don't know about ever, princess."

"He is! Uncle Harry says so."

"Uncle Harry said that he's the only one Voldemort was afraid of," Drake added seriously.

Draco's eyes grew wide and he drew a sharp breath. "Yeah, well, I think we should just eat our lunch and stop all this talk of the Dark Lord -- it does nothing for my appetite."

Drake frowned. "Who's the Dark Lord?"

"Come on you lot, you can't eat and talk at the same time," Ginny interrupted. She didn't think this was the time or place to enter into such a discussion and would prefer if the topic never came up again, but she knew that was wishful thinking.

A silent sigh of relief escaped Draco. Here was not the place he wanted to go into family history with his son. There would be a time when he would have to explain, but he wanted to delay that moment for as long as he could.

Drake huffed loudly as he resumed eating his lunch. He knew his mother didn't want him to know the answer to the question he'd asked, she always changed the subject whenever he wanted to know something she didn't want to talk about. He resolved to press his father later for the truth and perhaps ask why Mummy didn't want to talk about the Dark Lord, whoever he is or was.

The Great Hall gradually emptied of students as their lunch break drew to a close. Ginny watched the staff begin to disperse. Charlie rose and headed in her direction.

The grin on Charlie's face indicated he was up to something. He focused his attention solely on his niece and nephew when he reached the table. "How about you two come out with me while you're parents talk to Professor Dumbledore?"

"Haven't you got a class, Charlie?" Draco enquired concernedly.

"Yeah, I've got fourth years, but the kids won't be any problem."

Ginny looked at her older brother apprehensively. "What exactly are you studying?"

"Chimaeras." Charlie held his stoic expression for as long as he could, but as his sister's face flicked from mild worry to outright horror he found himself bursting out loud with laughter. "Ginny, I'm only kidding. We're looking at unicorns."

"Unicorns? You're sure? There are no dangerous creatures lurking about?" Ginny relaxed a little, but not totally. While she trusted Charlie, he had been known to play some not so terribly amusing jokes on family members with the creatures he loved best.

"Absolutely! Angel will love it and they really won't be a problem. And for the record, I don't keep dangerous creatures about. I'm not Hagrid."

"Please, Mummy? I want to see a unicorn. Please?" Angel pleaded loudly.

"Well--"

Drake cut his mother off quickly. "Mummy, can't I go with Uncle Sev? I want to make potions, not look at silly unicorns."

"Umm--honey, I don't think Uncle Sev can have you in the classroom while he's teaching."

"Drake is most welcome to join the first years I have this afternoon. From what his grandfather tells me, he has a better understanding of the subject than most of the fools in the class." Severus had been standing back listening to the conversation and was delighted Drake had voiced his preference for potions -- not that he'd show it outwardly, of course.

"I wouldn't want him to get in the way," Ginny said quickly.

"He won't." Severus looked down his long nose at the little blond boy. His comment was more along the lines of an order and it was crystal clear to Drake what was expected of him, if he attended the potions class. "I don't doubt he could teach them a thing or two."

"What potion are you brewing today?"

"A simple Sleeping Draught."

"Isn't that something you'd cover in first semester?" Draco asked respectfully.

"We are repeating it in preparation for exams, most of them are imbeciles."

"What houses?"

"Gryffindor."

Draco snorted with amusement.

Ginny narrowed her eyes at her fiancée. She knew there were always two houses in the classes and, if things hadn't changed over the years, Slytherin has always attended potions with Gryffindor. "Just Gryffindor?"

"My own students are in the class, but they can at least brew a simple Sleeping Draft."

Drake jumped up from the bench. "I've already done that!"

"Then perhaps you can show the first years how to do it?"

"It's easy." Drake began to regale everyone with what he remembered of brewing sleeping potions.

It was decided that while Draco and Ginny were discussing the arrangements for their ceremony with Professor Dumbledore, Drake would accompany Professor Snape and Angel would attend her first Care of Magical Creatures class.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The door slammed shut behind Drake as he followed Professor Snape into his dungeon classroom. The students fell silent, but as they spied the little blond boy following their Potions Professor little bursts of conversation started up.

"Silence," Professor Snape growled in a low voice. "Mr. Malfoy, take the vacant seat at the front."

Drake walked to the front bench and climbed up onto the stool. There were two other occupants at the table. Both wizards, dressed in Slytherin colors. Drake looked at them coolly as they stared at him with curious expressions.

When Drake had settled at the desk, Severus began his planned lesson without explanation of the guest in the classroom. "Who can tell me what ingredients I might find in a sleeping potion?"

"Asphodel!"

"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. We raise our hand in this classroom when we wish to speak."

"Sorry, Uncle Sev."

"When you are in my classroom you will address me as Professor Snape or sir."

Drake looked up at the Potions Master and nodded grimly. He was beginning to think he should have gone with Uncle Charlie to look at the silly unicorns.

"Now sleeping potion ingredients, anyone?"

Drake's hand shot up in the air. "Asphodel!"

Severus closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He reminded himself, forcefully, that Drake had not been in a classroom before and therefore had no idea of the correct protocol for such situations. "Mr. Malfoy, we wait until we are called upon to share our thoughts. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Uncle--Professor Snape."

"Good," Professor Snape drawled. "Now, aside from asphodel, what might I find in a sleeping draught?"

With every question the Potions Master posed, Drake's hand shot up in the air ready to supply the answer. Lucius had schooled him well in most of the basic potions expected to be second nature before the end of his first year at Hogwarts. Severus didn't always call upon his godson's child to answer his queries, but did delight in making fools of the Gryffindors who supplied incorrect answers by referring to the little boy for the correct response, then making a point of stating a five year old had more understanding of the subject.

"The instructions are on the board." Professor Snape flicked his wand at the board in front of the room. "You have one hour and I expect everyone to successfully brew this potion or there will be consequences. Mr. Malfoy, you may retrieve your supplies from my personal store."

Drake strolled into Professor Snape's personal storeroom as if he'd been doing it all his life. The dimly lit storeroom was full of jars with odd-looking things stored in them. Drake paused and to take a closer look at one on the jars just at his eye level. The jar held something that looked like a miniature goblin from the back, suspended in luminescent fluid. Without consciously realizing what he was doing, Drake reached out and tapped the glass. As the occupant turned around with a snarl Drake let out a small yelp and took a large step backwards, almost backing into the opposite shelf. He looked towards the door to see if Uncle Sev had heard him and when he found it vacant he hastily selected the ingredients he would need.

When he returned to the desk, Drake set to work diligently. He remembered everything his grandfather had taught him about brewing potions and taking care with the ingredients. He'd brewed this particular potion several times under the watchful gaze of Lucius, but this time he was on his own -- he knew, in this circumstance, he would not get the same attention from his Uncle Severus as he might had they been at the manor.

Professor Snape wandered between the students, often pausing to scowl into a cauldron or directly at a student. He said nothing to any of them as they worked over steaming cauldrons. If anyone was going to gain a pass with this potion, they were going to do it without assistance from him. As he strolled past Drake, he was most impressed with the little boy's work ethic. Lucius had indeed given the boy excellent instruction in the subtle art of potion making.

As the lesson drew to a close there was much fussing over unfinished potions and a few stricken looks on certain students faces. Drake sat up at the desk, his completed potion sitting in a sample bottle in front of him, with his name clearly marked upon the label. He glanced around the room from time to time, smirking at those panicking over their still bubbling cauldrons.

"Time is up! Bottle your efforts and place them on my desk, before you leave," Severus instructed clearly. He was more than a little disappointed with the overall effort of the class. From what he had seen, many had been unsuccessful in their endeavors to brew the simple potion yet again. Still he took heart in the knowledge that he wouldn't have to tolerate more than one or two of these bumbling fools when it came to NEWT potions in several years.

With the hurried bustling of the students, all trying to clean up and escape the dungeon classroom before they personally garnered the attention of their ill-tempered Potions Master, Drake decided it would be safer to remain seated or he'd run the risk of being trampled. When the last of the students made their way to through door, Drake stood with his potion in hand and approached Professor Snape.

"Professor Snape, here's my sleeping potion."

"Is your name on the bottle?"

"Yes," Drake retorted indignantly. He was very proud that he could write his own name.

"Yes, sir," Severus growled in a low voice between his teeth.

Drake barely suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. He didn't understand what all the fuss about calling him Professor or sir--it was really unnecessary in his opinion. The thought that Uncle Sev could be even worse about manners than Grandfather crossed the little boys mind as he deliberately responded, "Yes, sir."

"Good, place it on my desk with the rest."

"Are you going to check it?" Drake ventured a little tremulously.

"Of course, you'll be marked as a first year."

A gasp escaped the little wizard. Sure he'd made the potion before, but always under the watchful eye of his grandfather. What if he got the ingredients in the wrong order or he didn't stir it enough times in the right direction? He didn't want to let down Uncle Sev and, in turn, Grandfather.

"I will advise you of your grade this evening when we meet for dinner."

"Do you think I'll pass?"

"I won't know until I test your potion," Severus snapped impatiently. The boy did ask a lot of questions--he was as bad as Draco had been at his age. "However, I shall be disappointed if you earn anything less than an 'O'."

Drake understood exactly what an 'O' meant and began to worry even more about what would happen if he didn't achieve to Uncle Sev's expectations. Perhaps he wouldn't be able to come to Hogwarts, or maybe he wouldn't be able to take Potions if he did. The little boy suddenly felt the need to be with his mother.

"Do you think Mummy and Daddy are finished with Professor Dumbledore yet?"

Severus regarded the little boy sternly. Something in his demeanor had changed. His voice was becoming more unconfident every time he spoke and he looked most uncomfortable standing in front of the desk. "Is there something wrong, Mr. Malfoy?"

"No," Drake answered quickly, too quickly.

Professor Snape arched a cynical eyebrow at him. "Really? If I didn't know better, I'd say you appeared to be quite anxious at the moment."

"I'm fine," Drake squeaked.

"If you insist."

"I just wondered that's all."

Severus decided to take a different approach. There was definitely something bothering the boy and if he were anything like his father he wouldn't give the truth up easily. "Did you enjoy the class?"

"Yes, sir."

"Did any of the students say anything to you?"

"No, sir, but they stared lots."

"Yes, they did seem somewhat distracted by your obvious talent."

The little boy blinked at the man across the desk. Did he say talent? Did he have talent?

"I expect a lot of you, Drake. Your grandfather has already begun your education in certain areas and from what I've seen he's done an admirable job."

"But Grandfather is always with me when I make potions. I'm not allowed to make them on my own," Drake whispered.

Severus smirked. He was finally getting to the root of the problem. "Your grandfather enjoys watching you work. He doesn't offer advice unless he can see you about to make an obviously dangerous mistake, does he?"

"No."

"And how long has it been since you've required instruction to brew a sleeping potion?"

"Long time," Drake muttered.

"Perhaps you're concerned that your potion didn't turn out as well as it might have?"

Drake's gaze dropped to the floor and he watched his toe scuff the floor as he muttered reluctantly. "Maybe."

"Pass me your potion, Drake," Severus instructed firmly.

Drake passed the small bottle over and watched in apprehensively as Uncle Sev held it up to the light. He rotated the bottle a few times before turning his dark eyes back on the little wizard.

"It appears to be the correct color and have the right consistency. I'm sure you have nothing to worry about." Severus returned the bottle to the group waiting for marking. "I'll let you know tonight."

Drake swallowed hard and managed to nod. He had thought Uncle Sev might test his potion now and let him know. It wasn't fair that he had to wait until dinner to find out if he passed, not that he'd actually complain because he knew that wouldn't get him anywhere with this particular wizard.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Gather 'round everyone," Charlie called as he walked through the students milling at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. "This is my niece Angelique, she'll be joining us while we have a closer look at unicorns."

As Charlie picked Angel up and sat her on his hip, a chorus of delighted squeals erupted from the witches in the class. Exclamations of how pretty Angel was rung out through the group while a delighted Angel surveyed the students with an air of superiority from her high perch.

"All right girls, calm down," Charlie chuckled heartily. His niece didn't need any further encouragement to swell her already overconfident head. "Let's get on with today's lesson, shall we? Everyone follow me!"

With Charlie and Angel leading the way, the group trudged into the forest on their way to a small clearing where they examined the larger creatures in the curriculum. The chatter kept up as the class wound their way through the trees. Excitement over seeing unicorns and further exploration of how sweet Angel looked, much to her satisfaction, was keeping the noise level at an animated roar.

"Just put your bags over by the trees and gather around. Try to contain yourselves or you'll scare them off," Charlie bellowed as he strode into the clearing.

Angel looked around the clearing and, much to her disappointment, didn't see one unicorn. "Uncle Charlie, where are they?"

"Look over there, just beyond the trees -- see that flash of white? That's a unicorn."

"Oh, are they going to come closer? I want to pat one!"

"When I call them, they'll come in and you'll get to pat one."

"Call them now!"

"They won't come while everyone is making so much noise."

"Well, get them to shut it!" Angel shot a deadly look in the direction of the students milling around. She was losing patience rapidly. She'd come out here to see the unicorns and the silly, noisy students were delaying her meeting with them.

"The unicorns don't like naughty little witches either," Charlie reminded her tactfully. He didn't need Angel to start showing her true colors here, where she might actually get encouragement from any number of fourteen-year-old prima donnas. "You need to be nice if you want them to come out and say hello."

"I am being nice!"

Charlie chortled heartily. She had a point, she'd not told the class to shut it in no uncertain terms yet nor had she screamed for what she wanted right now, so she was holding her infamous temper well at the moment. "Yes you are, but you have to keep being nice."

Angel narrowed her eyes at her uncle. "For how long?"

"For the entire lesson. Do you think you can do it?"

The little girl chewed on her bottom lip for a moment, obviously considering his question very carefully. "I guess."

"Good, because I'd hate to have to send you back to the castle."

Angel looked scandalized. Uncle Charlie wouldn't send her back, surely. He had always been one of her favorite uncles, usually giving her whatever she wanted with little fuss or effort on her part. Maybe things were different now she lived with Daddy?

"All right, everyone settle down or we'll never get through the lesson," Charlie bellowed over the students. "Come in a little closer so I don't have to yell and we'll begin. Girls come to the front, sorry boys you're all relegated to the back -- unicorns much prefer women for some reason."

Some grumbled comments echoed across the clearing, accompanied the general shuffling of the children arranging themselves as their Care of Magical Creatures professor had requested. While the students were rearranging themselves, Charlie placed Angel on her feet beside him and grasped her hand firmly. He didn't want her to wander off because the Dark Forest was only meters away and his sister wouldn't hesitate in killing him if he lost her in there.

"When everyone is ready," Charlie boomed in a deep warning tone. "Right, who can tell me something about unicorns?"

"They're pretty!" Angel called out loudly.

"Yes, Angel, they're pretty."

"Unicorn foals are golden, Professor Weasley," a blonde witch responded.

"Good. When do they turn silver?"

"When they're adults," another student called.

"No, they change before they reach maturity, usually around the age of two years," Charlie corrected gently. "When do they turn white?"

"When they're fully grown."

"Right! Around the age of seven they turn so white they make the snow look gray."

"They have one horn," a boy at the back exclaimed.

"Their horn has magical properties," another boy added.

"What color is their horn?" Charlie inquired.

"Umm... silver?"

Charlie smiled encouragingly at the stringy haired girl who obviously guessed the correct answer. "Yes, it's silver. Does anyone know when their horn grows?"

"Aren't they born with it?"

"No."

"When they're adults?"

"No, does anyone actually know the answer?" While Charlie was pleased at the level of participation from the class, he didn't think allowing incorrect information to go flying about was a good idea.

The class silently looked at each other.

"Their horns grow in when they're about four years old. Anything else?"

"Unicorn hair is magical; sometimes it's used as wand cores."

"And in potions."

"Their horns are used in potions as well."

"The blood is valuable."

"Only Dark Magic uses unicorn blood."

"Professor, is it true unicorn blood will keep you alive?"

"Yes it's true, but it's also said that if the blood of a unicorn touches your lips you'll lead a cursed life from that moment. What color is unicorn blood?"

"Silver?" The hesitant response came from a tall, gangly boy at the back.

"Yes, and what special property does it have?" Blank looks were all Charlie received to his query. "It's luminous."

"What does that mean, Uncle Charlie?"

"It means it glows in the dark. Does anyone know what color their hooves are?"

"Black?"

"White!"

"Wrong on both counts. They're golden."

Angel tugged on Charlie's sleeve. "Uncle Charlie, look."

A beautiful white unicorn had wandered just beyond the trees and into the clearing. It was regarding the group of people cautiously as is pawed the earth beneath it's golden hooves.

The girls standing in the front row all sighed appreciatively at the creature. Charlie was pleased to see even some of the boys in the class regarding the majestic animal with admiration. There was something very special about unicorns that brought a peaceful feeling to those who were lucky enough to come into contact with one.

"Can I pat it, Uncle Charlie?" Angel whispered, still staring at the unicorn in awe.

"Let's wait and see if it'll come any closer on it's own," Charlie said quietly. "Everyone just stand still and be quiet for a little bit-- let's see what she'll do."

The unicorn slowly made it's way closer, stopping just behind Charlie. He was one of the few males they trusted and having handled the unicorns of the Forbidden Forest many times he had built a relationship with them based on mutual respect.

"She's so pretty," Angel sighed softly.

"She is, isn't she? Would you like to stroke her?"

"Yes, please."

"Okay, you lot keep quiet just a little longer and we'll see if she's in the mood to hang around today. Angel, come up here, sweetheart, and we'll see if she'll let you touch her." Charlie held his arms out and Angel scrambled up onto his hip. "Very slowly reach out, so you don't startle her and rub her nose."

Angel reached out tentatively and held her hand close to the unicorn's nose. After eying the little girl for a moment, the majestic creature lifted her nose into Angel's hand to make contact. Full of confidence now that the animal had initiated contact, Angel stroked her nose excitedly.

Charlie was most impressed with his little niece. While Angel professed to love animals she often ran away screaming when faced with a living, breathing creature. "Good girl!"

"Look, Uncle Charlie, there's more!"

"They're all coming in for a pat now because you're doing such a sterling job. All right, girls first. Move forward slowly with your hand outstretched. See if the unicorn will make the first contact."

The class moved forward as instructed and before long all the witches were patting unicorns. Before the lesson was over even a few of the boys had managed a quick stroke of a velvety white coat while others distracted the unicorn in question. Angel stayed on Charlie's hip while the unicorns were around, he didn't want her to get trodden on if one of the creatures was startled and as such she got to pat every one of the unicorns.

When the students had moved on to their next lesson, Angel pleaded with Charlie to allow her to stay just a while longer to pat the creatures. After much batting of her eyelids, Charlie agreed to allow her another five minutes, but then they would have to make their way back to the castle so he could prepare for his next class.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Draco, Ginny, come in." Professor Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk in the round office that had been his since before either could remember.

"Professor Dumbledore." Draco offered his hand in greeting as he neared the desk.

Dumbledore shook Draco's hand cordially. "Draco, I believe congratulations are in order, on two counts."

"Thank you, Headmaster."

"Ginny, you're looking well."

Ginny smiled warmly at her old Headmaster. She'd always been very fond of the old man and was delighted he'd agreed to reside over their wedding. "Thank you, Professor. You're looking well, too."

"Thank you. Take a seat and we'll get through the wedding ceremony so you can spend some time with your family. Oh, and Professor McGonagall wants you to join her for afternoon tea in her office."

"Wonderful, I'd love to catch up with her," Ginny responded enthusiastically.

Draco smiled tolerantly. The last thing he wanted to do was spend an afternoon drinking tea with the head of Gryffindor house, but it seemed he might not have a choice.

The three began discussing the plans for the wedding nuptials. Professor Dumbledore made certain to note exactly what Draco and Ginny wanted on their special day, though he wasn't surprised when the majority of their requests leaned toward a more traditional ceremony, nor was he shocked at the size of the wedding. When Draco informed him that he'd been teaching Drake the ring ceremony, the old wizard beamed across the desk. He was of the opinion that the children should be involved and this role was perfect for the little boy; he even suggested Professor Flitwick check Drake's technique.

As the afternoon wore on, the details of the ceremony were finalized. Professor Dumbledore insisted they could still change anything they wanted in the ceremony right up to the morning of the wedding, all they had to do was contact him and he would take care of the alterations.

Draco rose gracefully from his chair and shook hands with Dumbledore. "Thank you for meeting with us, Professor."

"It's always a pleasure to see former students making a happy life for themselves."

"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore," Ginny said.

"Feel free to show the children around the castle before you leave. I'd like to meet them before the wedding."

"I'm sure they'd enjoy looking around," Draco answered.

"I won't keep you any longer; Minerva is probably pouring your tea as we speak."

Draco and Ginny thanked Professor Dumbledore again and left his office. Once they were back in the corridor, Ginny began to walk in the direction of her former head of house's office. Draco had been trying to think of ways to get out of sitting with the two women for the afternoon while they nattered on about all things Gryffindor and he thought he'd come up with a most excellent plan.

"Gin, I'm not going to sit there all afternoon sipping tea with McGonagall."

"I want to see her." Ginny had stopped walking and turned to face her fiancé.

"I didn't say you couldn't go. It's just not my idea of a fun time."

"Well, what are you going to do while I'm having afternoon tea then?"

"I'll go and catch up with Uncle Sev. I'm sure he's going to want some privacy to express his displeasure with me."

She arched an eyebrow at him skeptically. "And you call that a fun time?"

"Not exactly, but he's not going to tell me how upset he was at having to learn about our engagement and the baby through others in front of you. I may as well go and get it over with so we can enjoy the rest of our stay."

"All right. You go see your godfather and I'll go have afternoon tea with Professor McGonagall. Where will I meet you afterwards?"

"I'll come and collect you. That way I can say hello and not seem impolite. Just tell her I've gone to collect Drake, which won't be a lie because I'll collect him while I'm getting told off."

"What about Angel?"

"I may as well pick her up before I come for you. I'm sure old McGonagall will want to see the twins, she is a woman after all."

"Okay, I'll see you later."

"You most certainly will." Draco's head dipped and his lips brushed over hers.

"'Ere what are you two doing out of class and kissing in the hallways? That's forbidden!"

Draco lifted his head slightly. He'd recognized the wheezing voice immediately and was not surprised to see the old unkempt man limping towards them in a great hurry.

"Well, well, Mr. Filch. I wish I could say I was delighted to see you again, but I see you haven't changed in the slightest and that somewhat mars the experience," Draco intoned in his best superior voice.

"You two aren't students."

"And they say you're not that bright. Shame on them," Draco mocked.

"What are you doing in the halls of Hogwarts?"

"As it happens we've just gotten through with a very important meeting with the Headmaster."

"I'll be checking that out, you know!"

"Be my guest," Draco drawled contemptuously. "Darling, enjoy your afternoon tea with Professor McGonagall and I'll collect you in an hour or so from her office."

"All right. Don't let your Uncle Sev give you a hard time, okay?"

"I'll try not to, but we've got to let the old boy get some happiness from life occasionally," Draco smirked and winked at her nefariously before placing a last kiss on the tip of her nose. "Go on now and I'll take care of Filch."

"See you later."

Draco watched, along with Filch, as Ginny disappeared around the corner. He turned back to the caretaker with his lip curled in disgust. If there was one thing that had constantly disgusted him, it was this man. He was sure he was diseased or at the very least had fleas.

"You can check out our story with the Headmaster if you want, but I'm warning you now, if you go within a mile of my fiancée, I'll kill you," Draco snarled before stalking off in the direction of the stairs. It was bad enough that they'd had to deal with the foul man when they were students, but the idea that his children may have to deal with him when they began their formal magical education just made his stomach lurch uncomfortably. He'd have to see if he couldn't convince the Board of Governors to dismiss the elderly caretaker or seek a position on the Board himself and push from the inside to rid Hogwarts of the wretched squib.

By the time Draco had reached the dungeons, he'd calmed down somewhat. The realization that Filch was just a filthy squib and in no way a danger to the students had dawned upon him; although it still didn't make him any more desirable to have around the school. With calculated movements, Draco pushed open the door to his godfather's classroom and glanced around.

"Daddy!"

"Hi, Drake. Have fun, mate?"

"Yep!"

"Good. Uncle Sev," Draco greeted his godfather respectfully.

"Well, you do come to visit after all," Severus replied sardonically. "I was beginning to think I had become a mere babysitting service."

Draco rolled his eyes towards the ceiling. He'd been expecting this. "Need I remind you that you offered to have Drake in the classroom. I rather thought you'd wanted to show him off to the first year students."

"I was thinking of Drake when I offered to have him for the lesson. He most certainly would have further promoted his education being in my classroom than petting unicorns."

"I agree and I thank you for thinking of him," Draco conceded. He knew they could go around in circles for hours with little niggles at each other and not even come close to what was really bothering his godfather unless he pushed the issue into the open. "Uncle Sev, why don't you just tell me exactly what the problem is?"

"What makes you think there is a problem?"

Draco took a deep affected breath and looked directly into the other man's eyes. Years of respect and admiration made him reluctant to raise his voice. "Mother told me I had displeased you. Now can we talk about this in a mature adult manner or are we going to resort to taking cheap shots at each other?"

"I do not resort to taking cheap shots at anyone," Severus sneered.

"My mistake." Draco inclined his head in respect, smirking all the time. "Now are you going to talk to me or am I going to be forced to inform Mother that you're being stubborn?"

"You needn't inform your mother of anything."

"Ah, but you know she'll be asking the moment I arrive home."

Severus slammed a potions tomb on the desk and muttered something about witches who needed to mind their own business. He was becoming irritated with Draco's attitude and he didn't want to talk about what had been bothering him since the Care of Magical Creatures Professor has waltzed into the staff room announcing his sister's engagement.

Drake had been watching proceedings carefully. He jumped when the potions book landed heavily on the desk and looked fearfully to his father. Though a little confused by Draco's expression of amusement, Drake did feel comforted by the fact his daddy wasn't angry as well.

"You know you're dying to just let it all out, Uncle Sev," Draco goaded gently. "Come on, just tell me what's bothering and you'll feel so much better."

"I seriously doubt that given your current attitude," Severus snapped.

"Attitude? And what, pray tell, is wrong with my caring attitude?"

"Perhaps that is anything but caring. You seem to be overly amused by my disappointment."

"Disappointment over what?"

Severus gave him a glowering look. "Don't think you can fool me into talking about it when I've clearly stated I do not want to talk about it."

"Fine, subject closed," Draco stated in an exaggerated huff. "I'll just tell Mother you were being difficult and you can explain yourself to her then."

"You wouldn't." The mere thought of Narcissa Malfoy in his ear was enough to drive him to distraction. The woman was well known for getting her way, he blamed Lucius for indulging her all these years, and she would not let the matter rest until she deemed he'd vented enough to suit her.

"I'm afraid you've left me no choice. I need my ears, Ginny rather likes to nibble on them, and if Mother keeps nagging me they'll fall off, I'm sure." Years of social grooming almost fell apart at the one look of scathing disgust his godfather shot at him when he mentioned Ginny's liking for his ears. Draco schooled his features again before continuing. "Now, shall I take a guess at what is irking you?"

"I don't doubt your mother has given you some idea of what she thinks might be the problem."

"Nosy bint, isn't she?" Draco laughed loudly. Although Severus didn't reply he could see by his expression that the old wizard agreed heartily with the statement. "You're upset because you learned of my engagement and impending fatherhood from Charlie Weasley."

Severus drew a deep breath, flaring his nostrils out and setting his dark expression. "You didn't need to ask then."

"No, but we do need to talk about it."

"I fail to see how discussing something that is over and done with can possibly help."

"Perhaps it won't, but you will hear me out," Draco said seriously. "That way I can tell Mother I made the effort."

Severus sighed impatiently and leant back against his desk, folding his arms across his chest. "Go ahead if you must."

"I must." Draco smirked cheekily before sobering and setting himself for the serious discussion ahead. "I never meant for you to find out via anyone else. The fact is it didn't occur to me to ask Charlie not to say anything. The whole announcement didn't go as planned and it threw me totally."

"What do you mean it didn't go as planned?"

"I'm probably lucky to be alive. Drake spilled the beans about the baby before we got a chance to announce our engagement, right in front of all his uncles."

"They weren't pleased?"

"An understatement. They were murderous-- thought I'd asked her to marry me just to save my skin. Of course, that's not true and I proved my innocence."

"It isn't?"

"Uncle Sev, you know me better than that."

"Yes, I could tell the night I had dinner with the family you already had aspirations of a future with Miss Weasley."

"Was I obvious?"

"Only to those who know you best. Your father and I had a lengthy discussion about your relationship and where it might lead."

"Discovering she was pregnant did bring forward my planned proposal, but even before then I had already commissioned her ring."

"And that is how you proved your intentions were honorable to her brothers?"

"Yes, that and I'd mentioned my intentions to Ron Weasley well before we found out we were to be parents again."

"I suppose I should be thankful we didn't have to arrange your funeral then."

"You're not pleased for me?" A little disappointment had slipped into Draco's tone, much to his chagrin.

"If you are truly happy with your choices, then I am happy for you."

"I am, Uncle Sev. I couldn't imagine life without Ginny, not anymore."

A rare smile crept across the old Potion Master's face and he stepped forward placing his hands on his godson's shoulders. "That's what I needed to hear. I am happy for you and I wish you both every success in your life together."

"A life you will share with us as you've always shared mine."

"Your fiancée may not agree."

"Why wouldn't she?"

"I'm sure I make her uncomfortable."

"You are not optional in my life, she'll get used to you and once she really gets to know you, she'll grow to love you. I promise."

"You don't need to put my feelings ahead--"

"I'm not. I'm putting my feelings first." Draco smirked as he cut Severus off. "You are family and you're going to have to do a whole lot better if you think you're going to slink out of my life just like that."

Severus regarded his godson for several moments. Here was the boy who used to follow him about the potions laboratory asking incessant questions; at the time he used to think it was terribly irritating, but now looking into the eyes of the man Draco had become Severus knew he would give anything to revisit that time. An innocent time before Draco had discovered the fairer sex, when he thought the best thing in the world was being permitted to stir the big cauldron as it came to the boil and when he thought his godfather's words were truly pearls of wisdom. The little boy was about to be married, become a father again and embark on a whole new life where he didn't need a godfather to guide him.

"You don't need me anymore."

"Who says?"

"You're a grown man, Draco. I was here to guide you through childhood."

"That doesn't mean I don't need you. Uncle Sev, I value your advice and your friendship. You do realize I have no idea what I'm doing most of the time."

"A fool could see that."

"Well, you agree then, I need your guidance."

"Very well," Severus drawled. Though he sounded as if he were agreeing to torture, he was decidedly pleased he wasn't being tossed aside in favor of a woman.

"Good. Well, I promised Gin I'd fetch the twins and pick her up from Professor McGonagall's office."

"You shouldn't keep her waiting then."

"She was having afternoon tea with McGonagall so they're probably still nattering about women's business, but I am going to have to interrupt them if we're going to show the children around Hogwarts."

"Enjoy the rest of your afternoon."

"We will and we'll see you at dinner this evening." The question of whether his godfather would actually turn up for dinner had been plaguing Draco. He had tried to book a cottage for them to stay in, but had been almost bullied into staying with Charlie and Anya. Ginny had told him she felt terrible refusing her offer of lodging and after some pushing from Anya she just couldn't say no. Of course, Draco had suggested he take everyone to dinner at The Three Broomsticks, but Anya had insisted she cook for everyone and assured him that Severus was more than welcome.

"Of course."

"You don't mind coming to Charlie's for dinner?"

"Should I?"

"Well you don't socialize with him normally."

"He is a respected member of staff."

"Yeah, of course. Drake, are you right to go?"

"Yes, Daddy."

"What do you say?"

"See you later, Uncle Sev."

"I'll let you know how your potion fared this evening, Drake."

"Thank you," Drake muttered. He was still a little worried about his potion and what he'd do if he didn't get an 'Outstanding'.

Draco shook his godfather's hand. "See you tonight, Uncle Sev and thanks for letting Drake join you today."

"You should be proud, he did extremely well."

"I am." Draco turned to Drake with a beaming smile, "Come on you, let's go find your sister, then we can get Mummy and show you around this place."

Draco and Drake walked slowly back to the Entrance Hall. On the way, Draco asked about the potions lesson and received monosyllabic answers for most of his queries. He was a little concerned the lesson hadn't gone as well as Drake wanted him to believe. Just as they came level with the marble staircase, Drake gave another miserable mumbled reply of "I don't know" to how he thought his potion had worked.

"Sit down, Drake."

"There are no chairs, Daddy."

"On the staircase, mate. Let's have a little chat before we find Angel."

Drake plopped himself down and Draco sank onto the step right next to him. The cold from the marble began seeping through his clothes straight away and Draco knew if he sat here for too long his backside would go numb.

"Do you want to tell me what's bothering you?"

"Nothing."

"Yeah, that kind of nothing can be really bothersome."

"I didn't have any help with my potion."

"That's a good thing, isn't it?"

"But Uncle Sev is going to mark it with the other potions and he said I should get an O."

"You're good at potions, mate. I'm sure your grandfather has been boasting about your talent."

"What if I don't get an O?"

"If you don't get an O, you just try harder next time."

"But what if I can't do potions?"

"What do you mean?"

"If I don't get an O, I can't do potions."

"Nonsense! Who told you that?"

"No one."

"Where did you get such an idea from?"

"Just popped into my head."

"Listen, Drake, even if your potion is a complete failure--which it won't be--you'll still be able to do potions."

"Will I be able to come to Hogwarts?"

"Of course."

"And Uncle Sev will let me do potions?"

"Yep. In fact, I'll bet you'll be in Uncle Sev's Newt class and only those who are really brilliant at potions get invited into that class."

"You think?"

"I'd put Galleons on it!"

"Wow!"

"Ready to go find your sister now?"

"Yep."

The Malfoy wizards stood and began to make their way across the EI'd put g[NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][NULL][Author ID1: at Thu Sep 22 21:50:00 2005 ]ntrance Hall, both rubbing their cold backsides uncomfortably as they went.

"Draco!"

"Charlie, we were just coming to find you."

"Angel and I have just had a pumpkin juice while we were waiting for someone to collect her."

"Was there a problem?"

"No not at all, but there would have been a problem if Ginny ever found out what I have planned for my next class and Angel was still with me."

"I don't think I want to know."

"In that case, we'll just say the third years aren't studying unicorns."

"Thanks for looking after her."

"Anytime! We had fun, didn't we, princess?"

"Lots of fun! We patted unicorns and they were so pretty."

"Sounds brilliant, Angel. How about you say goodbye to Uncle Charlie so he can get to his next class?"

"Bye, Uncle Charlie."

"See you later, Angel. Bye, Drake. Malfoy, I'll see you all at home."

"Looking forward to it." Draco watched Charlie until he was out of sight. "Let's go get Mummy and see if we can remember our way around this old castle."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ginny knocked softly on Professor McGonagall's door and waited for the perfunctory response she used to know so well.

"Enter."

With an excited giggle, Ginny opened the door and took in the sight of the older witch she'd revered for so long as a student. Professor McGonagall was sitting behind her desk, half moon glasses perched on the tip of her nose and quill in hand passing over what seemed to be students' papers. "Professor?"

The aging witch looked up from her work and a warm smile crept across her wizened face. "Ginny, I'm so glad you could make it to tea. Is Draco with you?"

"Thank you for inviting me, Professor. Draco's gone to collect the children, but he might get held up. He thinks Professor Snape might want a private word with him, so he thought he might get it over with."

"Take a seat." Professor McGonagall motioned toward the comfortable chairs surrounding a small table at the opposite end of her office as she rose from the desk. "Severus was a little upset when Charlie told him the two of you were engaged and expecting again."

"It all happened so fast. We didn't think to tell Charlie not to say anything."

"Perfectly understandable. It's an exciting time in a young couple's life; you can't be expected to remember everything or everyone."

"I just hope he realizes we didn't mean to not include him."

"I'm sure he'll be fine once he's spoken to Draco," she assured the younger witch. "Now, how have you been keeping?"

"Well, thank you."

"Your pregnancy is going well? Charlie did mention something about you fainting a while back."

"Everything is fine. I got a little upset and I fainted. It wasn't anything terribly dramatic."

"He said you were on strict bed rest for a week. That is something to be concerned about."

"Actually, I think that was the Healer keeping Narcissa happy. I didn't really need to rest for that long."

"Charlie was quite concerned because you weren't allowed to go home to the Burrow."

"Draco and I had some things to sort out, so it was better I stayed at the manor for that week."

"Everything is fine now?"

"Yes, everything is perfect. I'm not supposed to get upset, but the Healer is accustomed to dealing with Narcissa and it just seems like something he'd say to her to keep her happy."

"Don't let her fool you. Narcissa Black Malfoy is not a weak woman by any description."

"No, but she likes to play the delicate little flower and Lucius indulges her."

"He still indulges her?"

Ginny's eyes widened questioningly. "Still?"

"I remember when he was courting her when they were still at Hogwarts. Anything Narcissa wanted, Narcissa got, no matter what the cost. Lucius would have bought her the world if it would have pleased her."

"Nothing's changed then. Lucius seems to enjoy indulging her and he started doing the same with Angel, but we've put a stop to that."

"And Lucius is complying with your wishes?" Professor McGonagall looked incredulous.

"So far, but only time will tell if we've really made ourselves clear."

"I must admit, I was a little concerned when I heard you and Draco were together. After all that happened in your second year -- how are you getting along with Lucius?"

"We sat down and talked things over. He's actually surprised me. There's no doubt he loves the twins and he's really good with them."

"Even when he's disciplining Drake?"

Ginny fidgeted a little. She wasn't expecting to have this brought up again. "You heard about that?"

"Charlie was most upset when he heard what had happened and then you fainting."

"When I got upset about it, I fainted. I was rather ranting at Lucius at the time. Just to put your mind at ease, Lucius is no longer allowed to discipline either of the children. He can tell them off, but anything else has to be referred to us."

"Good, I was a little worried the Malfoys might try to overrule you after what Charlie told us."

"The rule isn't only for Lucius, it's for everyone -- much to Harry's relief, he always hated telling the kids off," Ginny laughed lightly. "We decided it would be better if just the two of us were responsible for the twins' discipline."

"It's the right thing to do. I know your family have always helped out, but now Draco's around he should be their disciplinarian."

"Well, I'm sure he'd gladly give that job up at times."

"Little ones are a handful. You've got the wedding plans all sorted?"

"Yes, everything is either done or getting done by others. Draco has forbidden me from doing anything more for the wedding than fussing with my dress."

"Really? I would have thought you would want to make the decisions for your big day."

"I was making all the decisions, but whether I just got too tired or too emotional, I don't know. Anyway, I shed one tear too many and Draco basically ordered me not to do anymore. He's handed control to both our mothers. Gods, I'm so hormonal at the moment, it was probably just a low or something."

"You do need to rest before the wedding and being pregnant with all there is to be done for such an event can't be easy. Though, I would like to be a fly on the wall when Molly and Narcissa get together to go over the arrangements. It should get very interesting."

"Thankfully most of the arrangements have been made, so there's only a few little things to tidy up. I just hope they can get through them without killing each other."

"They're both mature women, I'm sure you've nothing to worry about." Professor McGonagall smiled encouragingly. "How is the rest of your family?"

Ginny filled Professor McGonagall in on the latest family news. Not that Charlie had been remiss in keeping the staff informed of the most important announcements in the family, quite the opposite in fact. Everything Ginny mentioned, Professor McGonagall already knew. She was most pleased for Harry's and Hermione's impending parenthood, expressing her belief that Harry would make an excellent father. The women chatted for almost two hours before a knock at the door interrupted them.

"Enter."

The door opened slowly to reveal Draco and the twins. "Professor McGonagall, pleasure to see you again."

"Draco, come in. My goodness the twins have grown so big."

"Drake, Angel, this is Professor McGonagall," Ginny reminded her children.

"Hello, Professor Mc--McG." Angel looked at her mother for help. She couldn't remember how to pronounce the name properly.

"That's fine, Angel. You can just call me Professor." Minerva had come across first year students who still stumbled over her name for one reason or another and was accustomed to stepping in to alleviate the embarrassment.

Angel smiled brightly. "Hello, Professor!"

"Hello, Angel. Have you had fun this afternoon?"

"Uncle Charlie let me pat unicorns. They were really pretty!"

"You're very lucky, not many people get to pat unicorns." Professor McGonagall turned her attention to Drake, who was yet to say a word. "This young man must be Drake."

"Hello," Drake mumbled.

"Hello, Drake. Did you enjoy your afternoon?"

"I did first year potions," Drake responded in an almost bored tone.

"Well, my goodness you are advanced for your age."

"Grandfather's been teaching me the important things."

"Really? Well I shall look forward to having you in my house when you're old enough."

Drake's chin tilted up with curiosity. "What house?"

"Gryffindor," Professor McGonagall replied with pride.

"I'm going to be in Slytherin!"

It had always intrigued the aging Transfiguration Professor where magical children got their beliefs about the houses of Hogwarts. "And what makes you think that?"

"All Malfoys are in Slytherin!"

"I see. You do realize you're Weasley blood will count for something," she reminded him gently.

"I will be a Slytherin like Daddy and Grandfather!" Drake declared with finality.

"I'm sure the sorting hat will place you in the best house to suit you," Professor McGonagall responded.

"Slytherin," Drake muttered defiantly, clearly incensed at the woman's argument over the matter.

"Well, we've a long time yet before we have to worry about which house you get sorted into," Ginny chimed in as lightly as she could. Not six months ago Drake would have been the first to profess his loyalty to her old house, but now under the influence of his father and grandfather he'd tossed Gryffindor aside for Slytherin. It disappointed her, but she refused to make a big deal of the issue.

The head of Gryffindor house smiled patiently at Drake. She'd not really expected anything different from the little wizard, after hearing Charlie's recount of what the boy got up to at times. He would most likely follow in his father's footsteps and be sorted into Slytherin. The shame of it was his already obvious talent for flying -- boasting in the staff room, Charlie had informed anyone who would listen just how good his nephew was on a broom. If Drake ever made the house team, Professor McGonagall feared she would have to hand over the House Cup to Severus, then listen to him gloat year after year. Still there were other Weasleys coming through around the same time, perhaps one of them would display equitable talent.

"Well, I think we've taken up enough of the Professor's time," Draco said in the hope Ginny would take the hint and they could leave before he was made to feel obliged to sit drinking tea with them.

"Nonsense! Please, have a cup of tea, Draco," Professor McGonagall offered pleasantly.

"Thank you for the offer, but I had tea with Uncle Sev and we need to be getting along if we're going to show the twins around the castle before the end of classes. Plus we have to catch up with Professor Flitwick so he can check Drake's charm." Draco didn't really think it was necessary for the Charms Professor to check Drake's technique, but it wouldn't hurt to show him off a bit. He was really quite proud of what his son had accomplished at such an early age.

"Come on, Mummy, we want to explore!" Angel bounced excitedly at the mention of looking around the impressive castle.

"Thank you so much for afternoon tea, Professor," Ginny said pleasantly as she rose from her chair. "I really enjoyed chatting with you again."

"Thank you for coming and if I don't see you beforehand, good luck with the wedding."

Draco frowned at the older witch. "You did get your invitation, didn't you?"

"Yes, of course I did. I just meant, I may not get a chance to wish either of the best before your big day."

"Oh, thank you."

"Thank you, Professor. I hope we'll catch up again before we leave."

"That would be wonderful."

Draco herded the children out of the office as quickly as he could while the two women exchanged last minute pleasantries. He was eager to get on with the tour of the old castle then get his family to Charlie's house so they could freshen up before dinner.

Ginny walked into the corridor and to her waiting family. "Well, where are we going to start?"

"Feel like trooping up to the Astronomy Tower?" Draco asked with a cheeky grin. The tower held some particularly pleasant memories for him and though he would be unable to relive those memories with the children in tow he felt compelled to visit.

"Sure! The kids will love the view and it'll save us trekking all over the grounds if we show them all we can from up there."

"Are you tired? Do you just want to go to Charlie's?"

"No, I'm fine. We'll show the kids around then go to Charlie's and I'll have a rest before dinner."

"If you're sure."

"Draco, stop fussing. I'm fine and we promised the children."

Draco was about to respond when he noticed Professor McGonagall standing in the doorway of her office with a curious smile on her face.

"Nice to see you're taking care of her, Mr. Malfoy," Professor McGonagall said before closing her door and walking down the corridor to her classroom.

Uncertain as to what an appropriate reply might be to such a statement, Draco kept his silence. Unlike Ginny who buried her head in his chest, giggling furiously.

"Can't win wherever we are, can I? There's always someone watching me and the way I treat you."

"Professor McGonagall means well and she does like you."

"Could have fooled me. I remember all those hard glares in Transfiguration."

"She looked at everyone like that and probably still does."

"That woman has a glare that's capable of turning men to stone."

"Maybe, but she's an excellent teacher. Did you ever mess up in her class?"

"Are you mad? No way I was doing detention for her if I could help it, not after first year."

"First year? What happened?"

"You mean Potter never told you about the Forbidden Forest?"

"Nope."

Draco draped an arm around her shoulders and talked as they made their way to the Astronomy Tower. "Well, I shouldn't have even had detention you know. I was doing the right thing by reporting students out of bed. Professor McGonagall didn't see it that way though and put me on detention with Potter, Granger and your brother. We were sent into the forest with Hagrid one night."

"Oh my, that couldn't have been good."

"Believe me, it wasn't. Someone had been killing unicorns for their blood and we were supposed to look for any signs of injured or dead unicorns."

"Yuck!"

"Indeed. Well we split up -- Potter and I took Hagrid's dog and went in search of unicorns. How lucky were we when we found something feeding off of one of them?"

"I remember something about this, but Harry never mentioned that you were with him at the time."

"He didn't?"

"No, but he did say that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was feeding off of unicorns to stay alive at one stage."

"I don't think it was him we saw. The thing didn't even have a body."

"Harry said it was him-- before he got a body back."

Draco shuddered involuntarily. "Enough of this talk."

"I couldn't agree more. We're not here to reminisce about the bad times."

They continued their ascent up the castle until they reached the Astronomy Tower. The children were awed with the view and couldn't stay still, running to take in the panorama from every point available to them.

"What do you do up here?"

"Astronomy," Ginny answered. "Sometimes you have classes at night so you can study the night sky."

"Wow," Drake breathed out.

"That's not all you study up here," Draco whispered nefariously into Ginny's ear as he pulled her back against his chest.

The color in her cheeks rose instantly and Ginny slapped his shoulder, trying her best not to giggle. She whispered over her shoulder, "I think your son is quite capable of working out what else is studied up here when he's old enough."

"So you don't want to give him a practical example?" Draco's voice was muffled as he nipped at her neck.

Drake stood watching his parents with barely concealed disgust. He knew he shouldn't protest, especially after all his dad's talks, but he really didn't want to bear witness to such things. "Are you going to snog Mummy, because if you are, can I go downstairs?"

Ginny stepped out of Draco's embrace and cleared her throat, obviously at a loss as to what to do with herself. "Maybe we can go and see Professor Flitwick now?"

"Good idea," Draco agreed.

They made their way slowly downstairs, stopping every so often to point out various aspects of the school to the twins and answer their never ending questions. Just as they were passing the staff room, the door opened and in a rush of black robes, Professor Snape was almost standing upon them.

"Uncle Sev, is there a problem?"

"I thought there were students out of class."

"No, just us."

"You're leaving soon?"

"Yeah, we're just going to see Professor Flitwick then visit the Quidditch pitch."

"You're not giving the children the complete tour?"

"Too much information will just overload them, Professor. We've shown them the Astronomy Tower and a few of the other classrooms," Ginny informed him.

"We had to leave the Astronomy Tower, because Daddy was going to snog Mummy," Drake added casually.

Severus pinned Draco with a dangerous look. It was one that every student of Hogwarts knew well--your explanation had better be good.

Draco shrugged and grinned at his godfather. "Just reliving old times, Uncle."

"I expected better of you." Severus glared at both Draco and Ginny.

"Come on, Uncle Sev, you know everyone goes up there for one thing and it's not to watch the heavens."

"That does not mean it is appropriate behavior," Severus growled.

"No, but it is normal," Draco challenged.

The Potion Master's eyes widened and his nostrils flared at the open challenge from his godson. He couldn't quite believe Draco was being so insolent at his age, especially when he'd never been so as a student. With no recourse to punish him, Severus felt he had no option other than to remove himself from the uncomfortable position. "I will see you at dinner this evening."

Draco and Ginny stood watching Severus stride down the corridor, his robes billowing behind him.

"I think you upset him," Ginny said quietly.

"He'll get over it."

"Maybe you should go after him?"

"No, Uncle Sev likes his solitude. He'll rattle around in his classroom for a few hours cursing me then he'll be fine."

"Draco, you can't just leave him like that."

"Yes, I can. Ginny, I know the man better than most. He wouldn't want me chasing after him. Now shall we go and find Professor Flitwick?"

"All right, but you apologize tonight."

"Yes, love."

Again the family set off down the corridor. Many corridors and staircases later they came across the charms classroom both had spent countless hours in learning the art. Though the door was closed there seemed to be quite a lot of noise floating through into the corridor.

Draco put his ear against the door. "He still has a class. Drake, we'll have to catch up with him another time."

"Ohhhh, but, Dad."

Ginny put her arm around her small son and looked pleadingly at her fiancée. "Draco, I'm sure Professor Flitwick would mind if we interrupted for just a moment."

"Gin, I'm not disturbing a class."

"Fine. I will!" Ginny knocked on the door softly and opened it without waiting for a response. "Professor Flitwick, sorry for the interruption, but Professor Dumbledore said you might check out Drake's levitation charm and we're leaving the castle soon."

"Ginny Weasley! Of course, come in, come in."

Ginny entered the classroom ahead of Draco and the children. "Thank you so much for doing this. We really appreciate your time."

"No problem, I'm rather keen to see your son in action for myself." Flitwick continued quickly when Ginny and Draco looked at him quizzically. "Professor's Snape and Weasley have been rather boastful of the boy's talent."

"Oh, I see."

"He does have a lot of natural ability," Draco conceded proudly.

"He's from good stock, of course he'd have natural ability," Professor Flitwick pointed out casually. "Now this young man must be Drake. How do you do, Drake?"

"Good thank you, Professor," Drake answered in a small voice.

"Are you ready to show me what you can do with a wand?"

"Yes, sir."

"Wonderful! Everyone, wands down and paying attention." Flitwick gave his students a few moments to obey before continuing. "This young man is five years old and he's going to show us how to do a levitation charm."

Draco extracted his old school wand from his cloak. He'd been carrying around two wands for the entire day and was pleased to rid himself of one for the time being. "Drake, your wand."

"What have you been levitating, young man?"

"Lots of things--rocks, leaves, sticks."

"Wonderful! Why don't we try a feather?" Professor Flitwick summoned a feather from his desk and placed it on the desk closest to Drake. "When you're ready."

Drake concentrated very hard. He managed to levitate the feather quite high, and then land it again gracefully. When the feather came to rest on the desk again he beamed at Professor Flitwick.

"Wonderful! You've got a perfect technique and such control! I haven't seen such precision since Miss Granger was in her first year."

"Who's she?" Drake asked curiously.

"Aunt Hermione, darling," Ginny offered.

Professor Flitwick was bouncing on the balls of his feet so hard that his hair was bouncing. "Tell me, did she teach you to do that charm?"

Drake frowned. "No, Daddy did."

"You've done an admirable job of it, Draco."

"Thank you," Draco responded tightly. The idea that he'd allowed someone else to teach Drake the charm was quite insulting. He was as good, if not better, at Charms than Hermione Granger or Potter or whatever she called herself now.

"Thank you so much for taking the time to watch Drake, Professor. We really do appreciate it."

"It was a pleasure. I'm looking forward to seeing you in my class when you begin Hogwarts, young man."

"Thank you, Professor. Gin, we should make a move, we've taken up enough of the Professor's time."

As soon as the classroom door had closed behind them Ginny turned to Draco. "Is there something wrong? You were a bit short with Professor Flitwick."

"I can't believe he'd think I, of all people, would let another instruct my son. It's not like the Mudblood is better than I, more like the other way round."

"Draco!" Ginny was standing with her hands on her hips directly in front of him. She was not pleased with his choice of words, especially in front of the children.

"What? I don't have a right to be upset?"

"No. Professor Flitwick interrupted his class for us and he simply asked Drake a question. Then after hearing Drake's answer, he complimented you on your teaching ability. For god's sake how could there be a problem?"

"He immediately assumed I allowed--"

Ginny cut him off sharply. "Don't say it--don't you dare say it!"

"I--" Draco took a deep breath to calm himself. He knew he'd committed a cardinal sin according to Ginny's principles and he'd have to make good quickly if it wasn't going to haunt him for the rest of the day. "Sorry, I didn't mean to go off like that and I shouldn't have called her... well I shouldn't have, it was uncalled for."

"It was. She's never done anything to you and she's been nothing but supportive of me--us since we got back together."

"I know, I'm really sorry. I just... I don't know... lost it for a moment." Draco ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "I let my anger at someone else get the better of me and that's not me, you know that."

Ginny glanced at the twins, who were standing a little away from their parent's, watching proceedings with rapt expressions. "Let's just show the kids the Quidditch pitch and get to Charlie's."

"Gin, I'm sorry," Draco whispered.

"All right, you're sorry."

"I don't want this to ruin our--"

"It won't," she replied impatiently. "Are we going?"

"Yeah, let's do this and get you to Charlie's so you can rest." Draco moved to drape an arm around her, but Ginny moved out of his reach. "Kids, come on, we'll go by the Quidditch pitch on the way to Hogsmeade."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Mummy! They're here! They're here!" Matthew yelled as he ran through the gate towards the family walking down the road.

Ginny had insisted they walk from Hogwarts to Charlie's house on the outskirts of Hogsmeade village. She honestly didn't think she had the energy for side-along Apparation even with a small child, so it was safer if they walked. Draco had offered to Apparate each of them, including her, but she simply didn't want to arrive at her sister-in-law's like that.

"Matthew!" Drake took off, running to meet his cousin. The boys usually only saw each other once a month at the Burrow so this was a special occasion for them, not to mention an extra opportunity to play.

By the time they reached the gate, Anya was waiting on the doorstep for them and as they came into the yard, she moved forward to greet them.

"Ginny, I'm so glad you came to visit. You're looking tired. Have you been getting enough rest?"

"Anya, good to see you. It's been a big day and we've been doing a fair amount of walking."

"Well, you'll have a rest before dinner then."

"Don't you need a hand? With us you're cooking for far more than you're used to."

"Nonsense! Do you think your brothers don't feel the need to get together every so often for far more fire whiskies than is necessary?"

"I suppose."

"It's settled then. You'll rest before dinner, and if I need any help with dinner, I'll put your handsome fiancé to work," Anya smiled brightly at Draco. "Draco, lovely to see you again."

"Anya, a pleasure as always," Draco replied with a polite inclination of his head. "Before we go any further, I feel it's only fair to warn you, I'm hopeless in the kitchen."

"Don't worry, I wouldn't give you anything too difficult -- perhaps scrubbing the pots. You could manage that, couldn't you?" Anya laughed loudly at the expression on Draco's face. "Come inside and I'll make some tea."

"Gin, where did our children disappear to?"

"Drake is most likely off with Matthew and Angel would've invited herself into the house to find Jelena -- she loves fussing over her," Ginny answered nonchalantly.

"Okay," Draco answered slowly. He'd make a mental note to talk to his children about their manners; they should have greeted their aunt properly before running off to play or inviting themselves inside.

When they'd drunk at least two cups of tea each and the women had deemed they'd caught up on enough gossip for the time being, Anya showed them to the room they would be sleeping in this evening. It was a nice room with a lovely view of the woods bordering their property. Fresh flowers had been placed on the dresser and they were giving off a subtle fragrance, not quite strong enough to mask the scent of crisp, clean linens.

"Charlie tried to convince me to put you in separate rooms, but I knew you wouldn't want that."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "So much for all their little speeches Sunday night."

"Ginny, they're your brothers. They love you and the thought of a man touching you is enough to drive them nutters," Anya said earnestly. "Ask any other woman related to you. We've to listen to their ranting when you're with Draco and can't hear them."

"They're not that bad, are they?"

"You should have seen them Sunday night after they left you there for the final time. You'd swear they'd just handed you over to be raped and murdered. All wandering around the kitchen at the Burrow, questioning whether or not they'd done the right thing by encouraging you to make the move. The occasional wondering about what you were doing at that moment--I nearly died when Katie suggested that you were probably shagging Draco's brains out." Anya laughed at the memory. "I think it was Bill who suggested a permanent silencing charm for Katie as punishment for voicing what they were all thinking anyway."

"Not a bad idea," Draco muttered under his breath. The idea that just one of the Weasley women might be rendered mute was most appealing to him, as it would to any man who'd sat in the same room with all of them talking at the same time.

"Draco!"

Not wanting to make the situation worse, Draco looked sheepishly at the two witches. There was no point in trying to defend himself, they'd just turn it around and he'd probably end up saying something else to further sink himself into disgrace.

"Don't worry, Draco, Bill had plenty of support for his horrid suggestion," Anya assured him.

"I'll just bet he did," Ginny said with a disgusted roll of her eyes.

"Well, I'll leave you two to freshen up and don't worry about the kids. Mine have been waiting all day to play with them so it's unlikely we'll see them before dinner time." Anya closed the door behind her as she left.

"I want you to have a rest before dinner," Draco said seriously. Ginny looked tired enough to drop where she was standing.

"Yeah, I think I need to put my feet up for a bit."

"I know you do! Come on, get your shoes off and into bed until dinner."

Ginny sank onto the edge of the bed, glad to take the weight off of her feet again. She hated feeling this tired most of the time and while she knew it would pass, it didn't help her deal with it now. Once she had slipped her shoes off, Draco lifted her legs the rest of the way onto the bed and covered her with the blanket.

"You rest while I go keep an eye on the kids."

"You don't have to, you know. Anya said they'd be fine."

"I know, but it's unfair to leave them all to her while she's preparing dinner." Draco didn't really care about Anya's workload, but he did want to keep an eye on his own children. They were a long way from St. Mungo's if one of them should have an accident. "The least I can do is watch the kids while she's busy."

"All right," Ginny sighed tiredly.

"I'll wake you before dinner," Draco whispered as her eyes closed.

He placed a kiss on her forehead and walked to the door. Before he let himself out, he turned to glance at her -- she looked as if she'd already fallen into a deep sleep. As quietly as he could, Draco opened the door and went downstairs.

"Anya?"

"In the kitchen, Draco."

Draco wandered through to where Anya's voice had come from. "Starting dinner already?"

"Yes, if I don't start now we won't be eating until tomorrow morning," Anya replied jovially. "Is Ginny resting?"

"Yeah, she's exhausted."

"It'll pass soon."

"Pass?"

"Yes, pregnant women always get tired to begin with. God, I was always a mess for the first few months, always nodding off no matter where I was."

Draco slid into a seat at the kitchen table without being invited. "So it's normal for her to be wanting to sleep all the time?"

"Of course. Did you think Molly would let her go if she thought there might be something wrong?"

"No, I guess not," Draco responded absently.

"Don't worry, everything will be back to normal soon. We worked it out and around the time you're getting married, things should start to get a bit better. Maybe even before, she is a Weasley and they're known for their breeding power." Anya sunk into the chair opposite Draco. "You know, I can't picture Molly ever having to take a nap because she was carrying a child, but I suppose with the wedding and everything else, Ginny's been stretched to her limit."

"Oh."

"Anyway, she'll have plenty of energy for the honeymoon," Anya said cheekily.

"I--umm--well, I--"

"Draco, I'm a married woman, I do know what goes on when one is enjoying their honeymoon."

Draco stared at the witch in front of him, he was caught between feeling reassured that Ginny would begin to act in a more normal fashion given time and scandalized at what Anya was suggesting. She was soon to be his sister-in-law and he was certain he did not want to know what she got up to on her honeymoon.

"Look, I'm not saying Ginny is anything like Charlie, but if she is then best you hold onto your britches. You know, I didn't just conjure four children out of thin air."

No response was coming to mind, well no decent response was coming to Draco's mind. He was mentally screaming that this wasn't a suitable topic to be discussing with his fiancée's older brother's wife, but there was nothing he could think of that would shut her up.

"Well, I know the other boys are-- shall we say virile in the bedroom. All except for Percy -- not to say that he's not -- Penelope is just quite tight lipped about him, but if you ask me, I think he's an animal in the bedroom--he's far too quiet not to be."

Draco blinked at her. "You talk about--about-- with other women?"

"Women talk about everything." Anya laughed at lightly at the expression of sheer horror creeping over his features.

'Women talk about everything', the statement kept echoing through his mind. What had Ginny said about him? He'd satisfied her each time, hadn't he? What if her brothers found out what they'd been up to? She was no little innocent when the doors closed behind them, far from it in fact--she was a little vixen. All of a sudden there didn't seem to be enough air in the bright kitchen. Draco was drowning in his own thoughts and desperately needed to escape -- he'd heard enough, more than he'd ever wanted to hear in fact.

"It's in their breeding, you know. I'm certain it has to do with the red hair--their virility, I mean."

"I--err--where are the children?" Draco uttered weakly.

"Oh, don't worry about them. The boys are outside playing happily and the girls are upstairs. I think Angel trying to teach Jelana how to behave at a tea party."

"Maybe I should go and check on them."

"No need, I checked on all of them just before you came down. They're fine. You have to give them space to play or they won't learn how to interact properly."

"Oh."

"I'm sure that's why Charlie wanted to put you two in separate rooms. He's afraid of discovering just what his baby sister is like."

"I--we--wouldn't," Draco stuttered.

Anya laughed aloud. "Draco, don't feel you have to abstain because you're here. Charlie isn't stupid, he knows what Ginny gets up to -- he just likes to pretend he doesn't, they all do-- it's easier that way. You don't have any brothers or sisters, do you?"

"No, only child."

"I understand how hard it can be to wrap your head around their way of thinking, but just imagine yourself in their shoes. She's their baby sister and while they like their wives to behave a certain way in the bedroom, they just can't make the connection, without going nutters, that Ginny is a woman too with the same needs as their partners."

"I guess."

"I think they still see her as being five years old or something ridiculous."

"Probably," Draco responded vaguely. He wished he had some idea of where this conversation was leading or if it was leading anywhere at all.

"While you're sitting there, you can help me shell the peas." Anya placed a large bowl in front of him and took a handful of peas for herself.

Draco peered into the bowl cautiously and cringed. "Is there not a charm that will shell the peas for you?"

"Of course there is, but I find it so therapeutic to do them by hand."

"Really?"

"Really! They won't bite you know." Anya couldn't help but giggle at his expression. "Peas don't have teeth."

"I know that."

"Well, what are you waiting for?"

Draco exhaled loudly. This type of chore was for servants and he didn't appreciate being forced to demean himself in this manner. His hand entered the bowl and pulled out a cold pea pod. He watched Anya remove the tiny green peas from the pod and drop them into a smaller bowl, then he followed suit with pod his was still holding.

"Not that hard, is it?"

"No," Draco agreed resentfully as he reached for another pod.

Before long they had shelled all the peas. Anya had continued to natter his ear off the entire time, mostly about the family and who was up to what. Draco listened absently, nodding from time to time in what he hoped were the appropriate places. He tried not to listen too closely, in case she started on about subjects that were inappropriate again.

"Anya?"

Lost in his own musings, Draco jumped when the disembodied voice boomed through the kitchen.

"Charlie, don't you dare tell me you're going to be late," Anya warned seriously as she approached the hearth.

"No, love. I'm finished for the day. Is Draco nearby?"

"Yes, he's right here."

Draco walked over to the hearth. "Charlie."

"Hey, I was talking to Severus and we thought we might go for a drink before dinner."

"Ginny's resting," Draco replied flatly.

"I wasn't inviting Ginny, I was inviting you."

"When Gin's resting, I come with a set of twins," Draco reminded him.

"Nonsense, you go and I'll watch the twins," Anya interrupted.

"I really shouldn't leave them."

"They'll be fine and you look like you need a drink or two," Charlie insisted.

"He'll meet you at The Three Broomsticks shortly," Anya said.

Charlie winked at his wife. "Thanks, love. We won't be late."

"You'd better not be late. We have six children to feed and bathe tonight."

"Promise." Charlie smiled as he broke the Floo connection.

"Well, off you go," Anya ordered.

"Are you sure the twins will be all right? I promised Gin I'd keep an eye on them."

"Draco, go and have a drink with the men. The kids will be fine. As long as you're not late for dinner, we women will be fine, too," Anya said as she guided him out of the kitchen.

"All right, I'm going." Draco wondered briefly if there was a woman in the Weasley clan who wasn't pushy or bossy as he was bundled out of the room.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Madam Rosmerta was cleaning glasses behind the bar when Draco wandered into her establishment. Not seeing any sign of Charlie or his godfather, Draco took a stool at the bar and ordered a Firewhisky. His mind began wandering over events of the last few months as he sipped the fiery liquid. A lot had happened and for the most part his head was still attempting to catch up. In fact, if someone had told him six months ago he'd be sitting in The Three Broomsticks waiting for Charlie Weasley to have a drink together before going back to the redhead's place for dinner; he'd have had them checked into the locked ward at St. Mungo's. Now, not only was he waiting quite contentedly, Draco was looking forward to having a quiet drink with his future brother-in-law.

"There you are," Charlie exclaimed as his heavy hand landed on Draco's shoulder. "Started without us?"

Draco winced involuntarily at the contact and wondered if the man realized just how heavy handed he was at times. "Couldn't resist! Uncle Sev, how was your afternoon?"

"As expected," Severus drawled.

"Madam Rosmerta, a pleasure to see you this afternoon, dear lady." Charlie bowed exaggeratedly, effectively hiding his cheeky grin.

"I'll be having no cheek from you today, Charlie Weasley." Rosmerta wagged her finger at the redheaded wizard. "Severus, lovely to see you again."

"Madam Rosmerta." Severus inclined his head ever so slightly in recognition.

"I'll have a mead." Charlie picked Draco's tumbler up and gave the contents a good sniff. "Draco, are you drinking Firewhisky?"

"Actually, I'll join you in a mead."

Charlie looked to his austere colleague. "Severus, what tempts your palette this afternoon?"

"An elf-made wine."

"Okay, that's two meads and an elf-made wine, Rosmerta. Why don't we grab a table? I'm sure Rosmerta won't mind bringing our drinks over." Charlie winked cheekily at the proprietor.

The three men settled at a table in the far corner and exchanged small talk for a short while. Draco made polite enquiries about the school and it's operation in recent years, explaining that he'd been thinking of applying for a position on the Board of Governors, as his father had when he was a small boy. He felt it was important to have a voice in the school his children were to attend. Soon enough the conversation turned away from Hogwarts.

Charlie frowned into his mead. "How's Ginny?"

"She's good."

Charlie looked at Draco pointedly. "How is she really?"

"Well, I think she misses your Mum, but apart from being a bit tired, she is great."

"Tired is normal given her condition."

"Yeah, Anya said something like that."

Charlie chuckled. "She would know, she could barely stay awake when she was pregnant with the twins. Fell asleep where ever she was most of the time."

"Here you are, boys," Rosmerta said as she leaned across the table distributing their drinks. "Your elf-made wine, Severus. I hope you enjoy."

Draco's eyes just about left his head as the witch appeared to purr her last statement to his godfather. He knew he wasn't hearing things when Charlie elbowed him discreetly and appeared to be trying earnestly not to snigger at the Potions Master, who was coloring to the same shade as the goblet of wine placed in front of him. In an effort not to join Charlie in distasteful sniggering, or at least hide his amusement, Draco raised his tankard to his mouth.

Charlie leaned over as Rosmerta made her way back to the bar and whispered in Draco's ear, "Rosmerta's got a thing for Severus. He always gets special service from her."

The mouthful of mead Draco had rained down over the table as he coughed and spluttered. The thought of his Uncle Sev with Rosmerta just about sent him into convulsions. It wasn't that he didn't think Severus deserved someone nice to spend the rest of his life with. He'd just not given it much thought--Uncle Sev had always been alone.

When Draco had himself under control again he glanced across the table to find a look of disapproval being bored into his very soul from his godfather's black eyes. "Sorry," he half choked out. "Must have gone down the wrong hole."

"As will happen when you're attempting to laugh and drink at the same time," Severus growled. He was immensely embarrassed. It was one thing for his colleagues to be aware of the older witch's advances, but for Draco to now know--he knew he would never hear the end of the uncomfortable situation, especially if his old friend Lucius got wind of the incident.

Draco cleared his throat and wondered if he should tempt the gods, then thought why not? "So... Are you seeing Rosmerta, Uncle Sev?"

"Most certainly not!"

"Come on, Severus, she's not a bad sort," Charlie said with thinly masked amusement.

"I did not say she was."

"So you like her?" Draco asked curiously.

"I--she--she's an acquaintance, nothing more. She's run this establishment for as long as I can remember. I've known her for some years."

"Just an acquaintance?" Draco pressed.

"Yes! Why would I consider her anything more?"

A nefarious grin spread over Draco's features and his eyes danced with mischief. "I just thought the way she leant over you-- you must have been getting quite a view. No witch would do that without a reason."

"I assure you, her attentions are not reciprocated. I have not now, nor have I ever been interested in extending our... association further."

"Me thinks, the man doth protest too much," Charlie said facetiously.

"I think you two ought to shut up and mind your business," Severus growled irritably.

Draco smirked knowingly and raised his tankard, as if in a toast. "If you insist, Uncle."

He was unconvinced that his godfather didn't want to further his relationship with the buxom blonde. Draco knew Severus better than anyone, aside from Lucius, and Severus' uncomfortable reaction was testament to quite the opposite, in fact.

Conversation turned to Quidditch and more pointedly the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup. Charlie was adamant Gryffindor would be successful this year and Severus would have to hand the cup back to, as he said, allow it to take it's rightful place in the office of Professor McGonagall. A low mutter along the lines of over my dead body was heard from the head of Slytherin house.

After each had purchased a round of drinks, and the boys had needled Severus each time a delivery was made to the table, Charlie announced it was time to move their party to his home before they were late for dinner. He assured the other two men that Anya would spare no one if they were late and both agreed it would be a fatal move to find themselves on the wrong side of that witch, most especially when she had backup in the form of Ginny.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Anya, love we're home," Charlie bellowed as they entered the house. "Where is everyone?"

"Upstairs." A voice drifted down followed by a shriek, "Come back here!"

Two naked little boys came tearing down the stairs. "Daddy! Daddy!"

Charlie gathered his boys in his arms, holding the wriggling little bundles tight. "I suppose you two are supposed to be in the bath?"

Colin shook his head. "Nope!"

"Getting dressed." Declan giggled.

"I see and you ran away from Mummy?"

The boys didn't need to answer. Their guilt was gleaming in their twinkling brown eyes.

Anya appeared at the top of the staircase with one-year-old Jelena swathed in a towel on her hip. She looked a little more than harassed with her hair dripping and a large wet patch running the length of her robes. "Right, you two, upstairs now! Charlie, it'd really help if you didn't indulge their behavior. Professor Snape, lovely to see you again."

"Mrs. Weasley," Severus intoned politely.

"Draco, can you take Severus through to the sitting room? I'd better go up and get these two sorted out, if I let Anya near them, I might find myself missing two sons."

"Umm... I should check on my kids," Draco answered uncertainly. He hoped Drake had nothing to do with Anya's rather damp appearance.

"Don't worry, I'll check on them and give you a yell if they need help," Charlie assured him as he mounted the stairs with a three-year-old tucked under each arm.

"Through here, Uncle Sev," Draco muttered as he led the way into the sitting room.

"Is it always like this?" Severus hissed into Draco's ear.

"Like what?"

"For want of a better term, chaotic?"

"Oh, I don't know."

"Those children have no discipline."

"Don't worry, I'm sure they'll be Professor McGonagall's problem, not yours." Draco grinned at the relieved expression that crossed his godfather's face. "Take a seat."

The men had only just made themselves comfortable when Drake appeared in the doorway of the sitting room. He was clad in his pajamas and looked somewhat apprehensive.

"Drake, come in mate," Draco beckoned. "Had your bath already?"

"Hi, Daddy. Where did you go before?"

"I went for a drink with Charlie and Uncle Sev." Draco had noticed that his son had not yet even glanced at Severus. "Are you going to say hello to Uncle Sev?"

"Hello, Uncle Sev," Drake mumbled.

Severus regarded the little boy seriously. His demeanor had returned to the same as it had been at the end of the potions lesson he'd taken part in. "Drake."

"Where's Angel?" Draco enquired.

"Getting dressed, I think."

"Is Mummy helping her?"

"Yeah."

"Before anyone else joins us, I have your results from the lesson this afternoon," Severus intoned deeply.

Drake's eyes went wide and his entire being seemed to stiffen.

"You do want your results, don't you, young man?" Severus pressed.

Drake nodded without glancing at the Potions Master.

Severus frowned and looked to Draco for some form of explanation. Draco shook his head slightly and encouraged him to continue silently. "You should be very proud of yourself, Drake. You received an Outstanding for your potion."

Drake's head snapped up and his eyes brightened. "Really?"

"It was the best one in the class. Though I have to say it is somewhat disappointing to have a five year old out score a room full of potions students."

"Why?"

"I have been teaching those students all year and, if today's results are anything to go by, they've learnt nothing."

"Oh."

"But you will not have that problem. If you keep learning at the rate you are you'll be a Potions Master before we know it."

Matthew entered the room just in time to hear Professor Snape's suggested vocation for his cousin. "I thought we were going to be Aurors, Drake! Me and you fighting dark wizards!"

"Auror? Well that too is a commendable career, dangerous, but nevertheless admirable." Severus turned his head and added in a whisper to Draco, "Merlin only knows what Lucius will think."

Draco suppressed the urge to laugh. Not surprisingly, his father had an aversion to Aurors and he could only imagine what he'd think of having a grandson in the profession. He was also well aware that Lucius had already earmarked Drake to succeed himself as head of the family company, and even though Draco had not negated the suggestion, he did think that Drake would make his own mind up when the time came.

"Uncle Sev, have you met Matthew? Charlie's oldest boy."

"I haven't had the pleasure," Severus drawled.

Draco smirked. His godfather didn't take to small children very well, so his tone was not a surprise. "Matthew, this is my godfather... Professor Snape."

"Hello, do you work with my dad?" Matthew asked inquisitively.

"We're both professor's at Hogwarts."

Matthew frowned, continuing to gaze at the Potions Master with intrigue. "What do you teach?"

"Potions."

"Oh, you're the grumpy one." Matthew smiled as the words left his mouth. He'd heard all about the Potions Professor from his dad and his many uncles--none of it complimentary.

Professor Snape's eyebrows shot up in astonishment at the little boy's candor. The thought that he should demonstrate just how grumpy he could be to the small wizard came to the forefront of his mind.

"No he's not! Uncle Sev is nice!" Drake's little hands had come up to sit purposely on his hips as he confronted his cousin.

"He is! Everyone says so!" Matthew countered loudly.

"Is not!"

"Is too!"

"Boys!" Draco growled over them. "Enough."

Charlie entered the room in a hurry. He'd heard the boys shouting at each other from upstairs and had all but ran down the stairs to reach them before the dispute became physical. "What's going on in here?"

"Just a difference of opinion," Draco said diplomatically.

"About?"

"Nothing of importance," Draco insisted. The last thing he wanted was for Matthew to repeat his statement in front of Severus. "I've got it under control."

"Right, why don't you two go and play quietly until you're called for dinner?" Charlie suggested.

The boys began to wander out of the room, but they only reached the doorway before they started again.

"Is too," Matthew whispered.

"Is not!"

Matthew shoved Drake into the hallway. "Is too!"

As soon as Drake steadied his feet, he launched himself at Matthew, hitting him in the chest and driving him to the floor. "IS NOT!"

By the time Draco and Charlie reached the hallway the boys were rolling around, trying to land poorly aimed punches at the other.

"BOYS!" Charlie roared, but to no avail. The two youngsters didn't even pause in their attack of one another. "You want to grab yours and I'll grab mine?"

Draco didn't bother to answer; he just waded into the flailing limbs and made a grab for Drake's arm just as the little boy raised it ready to pummel Matthew's face. With difficulty, Draco threaded his arm around his boy and lifted him off of his cousin, earning himself a smack in the head for his trouble from Drake's free arm.

Just as soon as Draco got clear with Drake, Charlie pounced on the pursuing Matthew and had him restrained in no time flat.

As Drake's foot made contact just below his father's groin, Draco growled directly into his ear, "Enough!"

Drake went limp in his father's arms. As he relaxed, the world came back into focus. He became aware that his dad was holding onto him awfully tight and somewhere behind them he could hear Matthew crying. He heard Uncle Charlie tell Matthew to settle down. Someone else was howling loudly above him--Angel. He could hear his mother and Aunt Anya coming down the stairs demanding to know what had happened.

Draco placed his son on his feet, against the wall. "Don't move."

"Draco, what happened?" Ginny was standing right behind her fiancée. She was trying to peer around him to see her son, but he was blocking her view entirely. "Draco!"

"I think I should know exactly what went on between the boys, if you don't mind, Draco," Charlie said seriously. "We need to sort this now before these two kill each other."

"Yeah, maybe we could have a private word somewhere," Draco agreed tentatively.

Charlie frowned at the blond wizard, who looked distinctly uncomfortable. "Why would we need to do that? Let's just get it sorted out."

"Fine," Draco said in a clipped tone. "Matthew told my godfather he was the grumpy professor and Drake defended Uncle Sev. I told the boys to cut it out before you turned up. The rest you know."

"I see." Charlie took a large breath to calm himself before turning to face his now terrified son. "Matthew, you make your apologies immediately to Professor Snape."

Severus had been standing in the doorway watching proceedings. While shocked by the boys' behavior, especially Drake's, he was privately elated that he had defended a grumpy old Potions Master. The little redheaded boy trembled as he stood before him and it took all of Severus' self control not to sneer at the rude child.

"I'm sorry, Professor Snape."

"I'm sure you are," Severus snarled. He wanted nothing more than to really tell the boy off, but given the boy's father was only meters away, Severus had no choice. He would have to hold his tongue. Still he could bide his time, one day the boy would be in his classroom, under his rule and then he would experience just how grumpy old Potions Masters could get.

Matthew turned back to his father expectantly. He knew this would not be the end of the matter and he would be in for some serious punishment once everyone had left.

"Sit in the corner," Charlie said disgustedly.

Matthew's chin trembled. "My lip hurts."

Charlie bent down and examined his son's lip. It seemed that one of Drake's blows had indeed made solid contact and had pushed one of Matthew's teeth into his lip, splitting it a little.

"It'll heal. Now sit in the corner." Charlie watched his oldest boy wander slowly over to the corner of the sitting room and slide down the wall. "Turn around. We don't want to look at you."

Under the ever-watchful eye of his father, Matthew shuffled around on his bottom to face the wall. It was the most boring view in the house, especially as he'd spent a lot of time admiring it in the past.

"Severus, I'm so sorry. I have a feeling he's overheard Ron and Harry talking about you--you must have made quite an impression on them, they're still bemoaning detentions you handed down," Charlie said sincerely. The embarrassment he was feeling was clearly evident and hoped the older man would accept his apology graciously. "You can be certain Matthew will be punished... when I can come up with something other than the death penalty."

"The death penalty is somewhat frowned upon for speaking out of turn," Severus concurred. "Apology accepted. He is a child, still learning when it is appropriate to open his mouth."

"Thank you. I'd hate for this to cause any--"

"I assure there are no hard feelings," Severus said politely. He would bide his time and seek to enforce his own punishment in years to come.

"Thanks for understanding. Can I get anyone a drink? A wine perhaps, Severus?"

"Thank you."

"Draco, what are you drinking?"

"I'll just deal with Drake first, then I think I'm going to need a large mead."

"No problem. There's another corner over there that's quite effective for making them think twice before they act."

"I'll keep it in mind," Draco replied with a smile. "Drake, kitchen... Now!"

When Draco reached the kitchen he was still at a loss as to where to start. As far as he was concerned, Drake hadn't done anything wrong in standing up for Uncle Sev and Matthew got what he deserved. There was the niggling fact that of his son had entered into a Muggle duel and that was enough to make his blood boil. Such barbaric behavior needed to be stopped now before it went any further--he was a wizard and, as such, should conduct himself as one.

"Daddy?" Drake uttered. He'd braced himself as he walked into the room. Certain his father would yell at him the moment they were alone, but Draco had stood there saying nothing for some time.

"Muggle dueling, Drake? What on earth possessed you to do such a thing?"

"Matthew started it."

"I know that, but you're a wizard. That form of dueling is below you!"

"I'm sorry."

"Not as much as I am." Draco took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. "For now you can go and join your cousin admiring the wall in the sitting room. We'll discuss your punishment when we get home."

Drake nodded miserably. He could just see his broom being taken away from him again.

"Go." Draco watched his son's slumped form walk from the kitchen. He felt as miserable as Drake looked.

"Draco?"

"Gin, is Angel okay?"

"Yeah, she was just a bit upset. She got to the top of the stairs before you'd separated the boys."

"I can't believe he'd stoop to Muggle dueling."

"Draco, he's five years old. Little boys tend to lash out the only way they know how. He doesn't have a wand to hex anyone with; all he has is his fists."

"Yeah, tell me about it," Draco said rubbing his still sore cheek.

"He hit you?"

"Not intentionally."

"Good. So what have you done with our naughty little boy?"

"He's sitting in the corner, watching the wall for now and I'll decide what his punishment will be when we get home. I'm not sure what to do with him."

"Why?"

"Gin, he did the right thing by standing up for Uncle Sev, but then there's the Muggle dueling--I can't let that go unpunished, even if Matthew started it."

"Did he?"

"Yeah, he shoved Drake first and Drake retaliated."

"Well, let's not let this spoil tonight. Why don't we go and join everyone else in the sitting room?"

"Okay. I just feel embarrassed for Uncle Sev."

"He seemed fine when I was in there before. Come on, your mead is getting warm."

"Can't have that, can we?"

They walked back to the sitting room together and as Ginny had said, Severus was fine; he was talking quite animatedly, for him, to Anya when they entered.

Draco glanced over to the opposite corner to that of which Matthew had sat down in and noted that Drake had done as he was told.

"Good corners those," Charlie said as he passed Draco a mead. "Nothing to do but stare at the plaster and think."

"Yeah, but do they think?"

"I know Drake will, mate. He's always been a bit easier to reign in than the rest of the boys."

Draco looked at him incredulously. "You're kidding, right?"

"No, I'm not. So if ever you think you've got it tough, spare a thought for Bill and myself."

"But he's been so insolent of late and what he did to Ginny when we told him about the baby-- and that hiding from us last weekend."

"He's also been going through a lot of upheaval. He was just trying to see where he fitted in and make sure that no one forgot about him."

"As if we would."

"I know that, but Drake obviously didn't think so."

"We haven't had an ounce of trouble from Angel, if you don't count a temper tantrum over a dress Ginny wouldn't buy for her."

"Angel's different; she's in your face twenty-four hours a day saying 'look at me'. Drake's not like that, so he's got to be a little more inventive to get attention and if it means getting in trouble to get it, so be it."

"I do pay him attention. Just as much as Angel."

"Look, mate, don't try to over analyze how kids think, you'll drive yourself nutters."

"So what do I do?"

"Nothing, you sound like you're doing the right thing. You're not rewarding bad behavior, so he'll get the message sooner or later that getting punished isn't pleasant and he'll start to look for positive attention."

"Rather reminds me of you, Draco," Severus added. He'd wandered over to the men when Anya had excused herself to check on dinner.

Draco glared at Charlie when he dared to laugh, but it didn't quiet the man. "Pardon?"

"When you were Drake's age, you used to do anything to get anyone to pay you attention. I distinctly remember the afternoon you took to rolling heirloom vases down the staircase at home, much to your mother's horror."

"I don't recall," Draco drawled arrogantly.

"Really? I suppose you don't recall your father wrapping his cane around your backside for your crime either?"

"No."

"I should think all of Wiltshire would remember that incident... Your howls could certainly be heard for miles."

Charlie chuckled as he slapped Draco on the back. "Nothing like having someone around who remembers all those early, dark incidents we'd rather forget."

"Uncle Sev, I hardly think this is the time or place for such reminiscing," Draco ground out harshly.

"Come now, Draco. I do deserve some compensation. After all, it was I who had to console your father after he had spanked you."

Draco was saved the bother of responding by Anya announcing dinner was ready.

The children, except for the two wayward boys, were all situated around the table, awaiting the men when they wandered through to the kitchen. Anya directed Severus to a chair on the side, close to Charlie.

"I thought it'd be easier if the children all sat down one end of the table."

"Good thinking, love. At least we'll be able to enjoy our conversation," Charlie responded. "Do you want me to fetch the boys?"

"Yes, there's no sense in letting their food go cold. That is all right, Draco? If Drake comes to the table?"

"Yeah, of course."

"I got a few bottles of elf-made wine from Madam Rosmerta for tonight. She said it was your favorite, Professor Snape." Anya looked at Severus expectantly, as if awaiting some confession from the man.

"Did she really?" Severus drawled, clearly unimpressed.

Drake and Matthew wandered into the kitchen, both with their arms folded over their chests and sullen expressions plastered on their faces. Charlie had made certain to tell them both to behave or he'd have no problem sending them to bed without dinner. When they saw the two vacant chairs, side-by-side, both groaned and glared at the other. While the boys would make up in time and be best of friends again, right now their humiliation was far too fresh to be forgiving whom they each saw as the reason they got into trouble.

"Sit down, boys," Charlie said with a smirk from behind them.

The two little boys slid up onto their chairs and made a display of not looking at one another. Drake focused his attention on his father who was seated next to him and Matthew stared straight ahead into the eyes of his cousin, Angel. Without changing her expression, Angel's poked her tongue at the little boy.

"Uncle Sev, how is your supply of little witches tongues?" Draco asked casually, keeping his gaze firmly on his daughter.

"A little low at the moment actually," Severus replied with mock solemnity. "It's a shame. I do have some interesting potions that require fresh tongue."

"Really? Well, there's a loose one over there."

Angel's tongue disappeared into her mouth quickly and she carried on as if nothing at all had happened.

"I'm surprised you remembered that little routine," Severus whispered across the table.

"How could I forget it? You and Father scarred me for life with that," Draco replied in hushed tones. Draco remembered well the routine his father would begin with his godfather whenever he dared to poke his tongue at someone. In fact, as a small child he'd spent more than one sleepless night waiting for someone to come and amputate his tongue.

"Well, if you'd kept your tongue in your mouth where it belongs, you'd not have been subjected to such trauma."

"I never poked it at you," Draco defended himself.

"Not to my face," Severus replied sardonically.

Draco grinned wickedly before replying, "I'm not foolish."

"Everyone eat while the food's still hot," Anya said over the various conversations.

Both women served the children before taking their seats and offering the large serving dishes to the men. When everyone had filled their plates with roast lamb and garden fresh vegetables, conversations resumed. Although the two oldest boys were exceptionally quiet, the rest of the children made enough noise so as to cause the adults to be constantly telling them to settle down and eat their meals.

Jelena was having a wonderful time throwing most of her food onto the floor, the table, or at some unsuspecting relative from her high chair. There were so many people around to talk to her whenever her projectiles hit their intended targets. Angel became particularly vociferous when a piece of pumpkin landed in her hair much to the one-year-old's delight.

Severus tried to concentrate on his meal and the conversation Charlie was trying to have with him, without looking to the other end of the table. The children, as far as he was concerned, were acting feral, as if they'd never dined at a table before. He couldn't help but cringe when Angel squealed her disapproval at her baby cousin.

"Sorry, they're not usually like this. They're all excited because we have visitors," Charlie apologized offhandedly.

"No bother," Severus uttered without conviction.

Charlie chuckled. "You should see what they're like when all the cousins are together. Now that's a sight isn't it, Draco?"

"Yeah, it's a bit like feeding time at the farm."

"I can imagine," Severus drawled.

"Charlie," Anya interrupted. "I can't convince your little girl to behave herself. Can you have a word to her?"

"Pass her up here; she can sit on my knee."

Severus watched in barely concealed horror as Jelena was unceremoniously deposited on Charlie's knee. Anya collected the baby's food from the table, placed it back inside the bowl, and put the bowl just to the side of her father's plate. Without conscious thought, Severus allowed his gaze to wander to the interior of the bowl. The mush it contained had once resembled much the same as the food he was eating. With that in mind, Severus began mentally going through his personal storeroom, trying to remember where he had stashed his emergency bezoar, just in case.

Charlie continued eating with his free hand and chatting to the men as if it were quite normal to have an infant on his knee during dinner. Severus tried to ignore the baby girl, and would have been successful if not for her squealing every time she picked up some food to convey to her mouth.

"Severus, did you see that article this week about more potions ingredients restrictions?" Charlie enquired curiously.

"Yes, quite disturbing. Of course, it won't affect anything I do or my stores. Being an educator allows me certain freedoms, if only to teach what happens with more potent ingredients or show rare items."

"That's good to hear," Draco said heartily as he made a mental note to talk to his father about his personal stores. It wouldn't do to be caught with illicit potions ingredients now, not so close to the wedding and his becoming related to an Auror.

"Yes, it would have been somewhat irritating had I been forced to change the curriculum," Severus admitted.

Severus noticed that Draco's eyes had opened wide in what could only be described as shock as he'd spoken. Curious as to what had provoked this reaction from his normally impassive godson, Severus followed his gaze to his own plate. He was disgusted to find a small hand groping around his food attempting to pick up a gravy-laden potato. Unable to hide his initial reaction, he stared in revulsion at what was once his dinner.

Charlie pulled his youngest child's hand away as soon as he realized what she was doing. "Jelena, you naughty girl. Your plate is here. Sorry about that, Severus. She doesn't quite understand yet that she's only to eat from her own plate."

"What is this?" Severus poked his fork at a piece of food that had not previously been on his plate.

A frown crossed Charlie's brow as he inspected the nondescript lump. "I think she was trying to do you a swap - some pumpkin for a potato. Jelena's not a big fan of pumpkin."

"That doesn't mean she gets to leave it, Charlie. Make her eat it or she'll think she can push off anything she doesn't like the look of," Anya instructed.

Charlie scooped the squashed pumpkin back into his daughter's bowl and instructed, "You eat your own, missy."

Anya noticed that the older wizard was still staring at his plate in revulsion. "I'm so sorry, Professor Snape. I'll get you another plate."

"Not necessary, really," Severus muttered. His appetite had diminished as soon as he saw the little girl's hand in his food and it was unlikely to return enough for him to enjoy his meal.

"If you're sure."

"Positive, I've had quite enough to eat."

"Not too much that you won't eat dessert, I hope."

"I'm sure I could accommodate a small serving," Severus admitted, more to shut the witch up than anything else. Truth be told, he'd rather not eat another thing in this house after seeing the lax response from the parents when their child sought to steal another's food.

Conversations resumed once more as the rest of the table finished their main meal. As soon as Charlie and Draco had finished eating, Anya began clearing the table in preparation for dessert. Ginny moved to stand at the end of the table behind Charlie's twin boys and encouraged the children finish their dinner quickly so they wouldn't have to wait for dessert. With her encouragement and the promise of delightful food to come, the children finished up in no time.

Anya levitated a fully decorated gateau to the table as Ginny collected the plates and cutlery from the sideboard. Just the sight of the delicate chocolate swirls sitting on top of the freshly whipped cream was enough to make anyone's mouth water. When each had been served a piece of the delectable cake, a quiet fell over the room while everyone enjoyed the special treat. Even Severus enjoyed the large slice that had been placed in front of him--it was a certain improvement over the treacle tart he usually indulged in at the school.

When the last of the cake had been devoured, the men and children moved into the sitting room while the women cleaned up in the kitchen. Draco took his son aside as soon as they entered the cozy room and whispered harshly in his ear about getting along with his cousin. He'd noticed the two boys niggling each other throughout dinner, but had thought the better of making a scene at the table.

"Matthew, why don't you and Drake get the wizards chess out?" Charlie suggested. If they could keep the boys occupied in a non-contact activity, they might avoid any further confrontations.

"Yes, Dad," Matthew sighed heavily.

"Well, if you don't want to you can always head up to bed," Charlie advised.

Matthew moved to the cupboard containing the game without complaint. Drake wandered over to sit on the floor in front of the low burning hearth and wait for his cousin.

"I've got blacks," Matthew stated as he dropped the board and pieces in front of Drake.

"I don't care," Drake said curtly. The truth was he very much cared, but he was loathed to let the other boy know. His little nose screwed up in disgust as he watched Matthew set up the old, battered game. "I've got a much better set than this at home."

"So?"

"It's got its own table and it's in the library and I can use it whenever I want."

"The Burrow doesn't have a library," Matthew reminded him callously.

"I don't live at the Burrow," Drake informed him arrogantly. "I live with my dad in a huge house and we have a library."

"You're telling fibs!"

"I am not!"

"You are so, you're lying."

"AM NOT!"

Charlie crouched down between the two little boys. "Hey, what's going on with you two?"

"Drake's lying."

"Am not!"

"He is! He said he lives in a huge house and he's got--"

Charlie cut his son off before he could level any more false accusations at his cousin. "Enough, Matthew. Aunt Ginny has moved in with Uncle Draco and he does have a massive house."

"He said he's got a better wizards chess set than mine and it's got its own table in the library," Matthew replied weakly.

"He probably has," Charlie said softly. He could tell his son had all but given up the argument and was now just trying to save face. "Uncle Draco is lucky enough to be able to afford the more expensive wizards chess sets."

"And that's not all, we've got a lake and horses and lots of rooms--" Drake expanded enthusiastically.

Once again, Charlie interrupted a child mid-sentence. "And it's not polite to boast about what you have, Drake."

"I was just saying," Drake said impertinently.

Charlie ignored the tone his nephew had used with him, it had been a long day for a five year old and he liked to think that Drake was just tired rather than being deliberately rude. "I know, but remember it's rude to brag."

"Yes, Uncle Charlie." Drake sighed affectedly.

"Right, are you two going to play nicely or are you both going to bed?"

"Play," Matthew grunted.

"Play," Drake agreed.

"Good, now let's see if we can get through the rest of the evening without growling at you two again."

Draco had watched proceedings carefully, well for the most part. When his godfather hissed in his ear about how much his son was like himself, he lost track for a few minutes. However, he did make a mental note to have a word to Drake about bragging--there was a time and a place for such things, or rather people you could get away with belittling and those you would find yourself in trouble for your bother.

The adults settled into the comfortable chairs and whiled away the evening with polite conversation. After the three youngest children were tucked into bed, coffee was served for the adults and hot chocolate for the three children who remained in the sitting room, with a warning that they'd be packed off to bed very soon. Angel was already yawning widely from her perch on her father's lap and probably would have gone to bed without complaint right that minute.

Anya kept a close eye on the boys' mugs and as soon as each had drained the chocolaty contents, she announced their bedtime. Their complaints fell on deaf ears as they were unceremoniously marched upstairs by their mothers. Draco followed behind carrying a very sleepy Angel; she'd almost fallen asleep on his knee and was like a dead weight as he navigated the staircase.

The women tucked the boys into bed in Matthew's room, giving them stern warnings in relation to going straight to sleep and not arguing or playing. When they returned to the sitting room, they found the men indulging in the brandy Charlie kept for special occasions. Ginny made a pot of tea and curled up in an armchair next to Anya so the two women could chat without disturbing the men.

"Have you done everything for the wedding now?"

"Yes, I think it's all done. Anything that's left, Mum and Narcissa are taking care of anyway."

"Your mum was so excited to have something to do."

"It's not like she hasn't had anything to do, she's had plenty, but I didn't let her make all the decisions."

"Well, it is your day and you are marrying money... You should have everything you've ever wanted."

"The money doesn't mean much, it's more than that. If we'd let either of our mothers go with the plans they'd have turned it into what they wanted, despite what we wanted."

"You're not wrong there. Molly was complaining about having it all at Draco's house."

"I know she wasn't overly impressed. She'd always pictured me getting married at the Burrow," Ginny said thoughtfully.

"Ginny, where would you rather get married? At the Burrow or in a beautiful mansion?"

"Oh, I'm not saying I regret making the decision to have everything at Malfoy Manor, far from it."

"Good, because I think you'd cause a panic if you changed your mind now."

Ginny laughed lightly. "Could you imagine?"

"Molly would make sure it happened though, even if she had to hex the whole family into action."

"Mum wouldn't even think twice--" A loud crash from upstairs interrupted Ginny.

"Stay here, girls. Draco, sounds like the boys are at it again," Charlie said as he rose from his seat.

"Right behind you," Draco uttered.

The men raced up the stairs. The closer they got to Matthew's room the louder the noise became, dull thuds and howls floated into the hallway.

Charlie opened the door with force and the scene that presented itself to him made his blood run cold. Matthew had Drake on the floor; he was straddled over his stomach and was pummeling his small fists into Drake's face. Drake was trying his best to ward off the blows with his hands, while his legs wriggled relentlessly in an attempt to unseat his cousin.

Without hesitation, Charlie crossed the room and hoisted his son into his arms. He adjusted his hold to gather Matthew's arms tightly against his sides in an effort to quell any further ideas he may have had of lashing out.

As soon as Drake was freed, he jumped up and made to attack his now restrained cousin. Blood flowed from his nose and dripped off of his chin, but it didn't slow him down at all.

Draco scooped Drake into his arms whispering harshly into his ear, "Quit it!"

Drake, like Matthew, was upset and angry, ready to strike out at anyone or anything and while he didn't relax, he did stop trying to fight in Draco's arms.

Now on opposite sides of the room and in their respective father's arms the two little boys glared at each other. The only sound that could be heard was the boys' labored breathing, punctuated by the occasional sniffle. A silent conversation carried on between the two men left neither in any doubt that it was time to step in and sort this mess out for the boys.

"I think we'll take these two down to the kitchen. That way we won't wake the others, if they haven't already," Charlie suggested grimly.

"No problem," Draco agreed flatly before turning on his heel and leaving the room with Drake still in his arms.

"Are you going to calm down?" Charlie said in a low voice.

"Yes," Matthew replied resentfully.

"Right, I'm going to put you on your feet and you'll walk with me to the kitchen. If you so much as look at Drake the wrong way, you won't be able to sit for a month. Understand?"

"Yes."

Charlie put Matthew on his feet and took his hand to lead him downstairs. They were at the top of the staircase when they figured that Ginny and Anya had seen the state Drake was in after the brawl.

"Oh my god! What on earth happened? Draco, what happened?" Ginny demanded in a shrill voice.

"I'll get a damp cloth," Anya said quickly. "I'm sure it looks worse than it is."

"The boys were Muggle dueling again," Draco said calmly. It was a tone that masked his true feelings well, he was furious.

"Again? What's wrong with them? They usually get on so well most of the time."

Draco frowned. "Most of the time?"

"They have their differences, but nothing like this."

"They're getting older, Ginny. They're going to get more physical with each other," Anya said dispiritedly as she returned with a dampened cloth for Drake's face. "I wish they could just get on forever without all this silly fighting nonsense."

"We're going to have a chat with them in the kitchen so we don't wake the other kids," Draco offered as Anya began to sponge the blood from Drake's face. "Sorry about this, Uncle Sev. It shouldn't take long."

"No bother," Severus answered nonchalantly. "I might head back to Hogwarts now and catch up with you tomorrow before you leave."

"You don't have to leave," Anya insisted.

"I have classes tomorrow and I would be derelict in my duty as an educator if I showed up for class yawning," Severus replied genteelly. He saw this as an opportunity to escape and wasn't going to let it pass. "Dinner was superb, Mrs. Weasley. I can honestly say I haven't had a meal like it in years."

"Thank you, Professor."

"No, thank you, Mrs. Weasley." Severus bowed his head slightly. "Draco, Ginevra, I have a free period around morning tea tomorrow, perhaps we can have a quiet cup of tea before you return to Wiltshire?"

"We'd love to, Professor Snape," Ginny answered.

"I'll see you then."

"I'll walk you out," Anya offered.

"You have your hands full at the moment, Mrs. Weasley. I'll see myself out."

"All right."

Severus paused when he reached the staircase. "Charlie, I'll see you tomorrow. Thank you for an interesting evening."

"Thanks for coming, Severus."

When the front door had closed behind the Potions Master, Charlie began his descent of the staircase with Matthew trailing not far behind. He joined the rest of the family in the hallway, though his son hovered around the base of the staircase, not wanting to come closer.

"Girls, wait for us in the sitting room," Charlie instructed.

"There's no reason we can't talk to the boys with you," Anya protested.

"Yes there is, this is wizards business and they don't need their mummies hanging over their shoulders."

"Drake needs to be cleaned up, his wounds cleaned and healed," Ginny pointed out.

"I'll take care of him, Ginny. Go into the sitting room with Anya and stay there," Draco said firmly.

"But--" Ginny stopped her protest when Draco looked at her. He was serious, very serious and his expression told her he wouldn't stand for any argument.

With no more discussion the men took their sons and left the women standing in the hallway. Charlie closed the kitchen door behind him, effectively closing the women out.

Draco sat his son on the table and tried to work out exactly what charms would stem the flow of blood from his nose, not to mention the bruises that were beginning to bloom on his pale skin.

"Do you know any healing charms?" Draco looked to Charlie apprehensively.

"Umm--no, Mum always took care of that sort of thing," Charlie admitted.

"Bloody brilliant!"

"You obviously don't know any either?"

"No, I was counting on you."

"Well, we can rinse the cloth and Drake can just hold it over his nose for now -- that should help, shouldn't it?"

"I suppose." Draco took the sodden cloth to the sink and rinsed it thoroughly.

Charlie sat Matthew on the table next to Drake. The little boy stared at the blood dripping from his cousin's nose and scooted over a bit, away from the reality of what he had caused.

"Matthew, back where you were," Charlie instructed deeply.

Matthew moved closer to Drake again, but not as close as his father had originally placed him. Charlie didn't bother to push the issue with his son; he'd made a token move so he'd leave it at that, for now.

"Right," Charlie said from directly in front of the boys. "Just what the bloody hell do you two think you were doing?"

"Nothing," Matthew mumbled almost incoherently. He knew they were both in big trouble by the way his dad had spoken to them.

"Nothing? Really? You were doing nothing and that's how Drake's nose got bloodied or your pajamas torn beyond repair?"

Matthew looked down to his pajama top and, sure enough, it was open from the top to almost the bottom, two inches to the right of the buttons. Drake must have ripped it when they were wrestling.

"Now, I want honest answers. What were you doing?"

"Pillow fight," Matthew admitted looking at his hands.

Charlie closed his eyes to regain some patience. Pillow fight my arse, he thought before turning his eyes to his nephew. "Drake?"

"Yeah, pillow fight."

"You know, I don't remember seeing any pillows flying around when we got there. How about you, Draco?"

"Not a pillow in sight."

The boys looked at each other conspiratorially, but kept their silence otherwise.

Charlie noticed the look pass between the boys, he'd seen it before and knew no matter how hard they pushed they wouldn't be getting the truth from either of them anytime soon. "Draco, can I see you in the hall for a moment?"

"They all right on their own?"

"Yeah, they'll be fine. Won't you boys?"

"Yes," the little boys answered in unison.

Once in the hallway with a closed door protecting their words from drifting into the wrong ears Charlie explained the purpose behind the private chat.

"Did you see them look at one another?"

"Yeah, probably feeling guilty."

"No, far from it. They're protecting each other now. Neither of them is going to spill the beans."

"Are you telling me they've gone from trying to beat the stuffing out of one another to keeping their silence in an effort to protect one another?"

"Exactly! Glad you catch on quick, Draco. The thing is, we're wasting our breath with them and I really think they'll sort themselves out now."

"Yeah, like they were going to sort themselves out last time," Draco answered sarcastically.

"No, it's different now. There's physical damage to remind them of their stupidity. I know Matthew was a little shocked when he realized he'd given Drake a blood nose."

"I'm sure he was, but that doesn't change the fact that he did it and we know he did it."

"Look can you just trust me on this one? If they have another go at each other we'll do things your way."

Draco thought for a moment. Charlie did know the boys better than he and he'd had more experience dealing with this sort of trouble, so it would stand to reason that he would know the best way to deal with them. "All right, but this is their last chance."

"Agreed. Come on, we'll spy a little and see what they're up to."

Through the crack of the door the men could see their sons talking quietly. Matthew's attempt at an apology for Drake's bloodied nose was accepted in a casual manner. When Drake's nose began to drip through the cloth he was holding to it, Matthew jumped down from the table intent on fetching his Aunt Ginny.

The men took the opportunity to reenter the room before they were caught eavesdropping. Another look at Drake's nose and they had to admit defeat, sending Matthew for Ginny. The crimson flow from nose appeared not to have slowed and they were both becoming concerned.

"Out of the way," Ginny commanded as soon as she entered the kitchen.

The men moved aside and let her get closer to Drake. She tutted a few times, withdrew her wand and whispered the appropriate charm, stopping the flow of blood immediately.

"Right, you two had better go wash up and change your pajamas. It's way past your bedtime," Anya said as soon as she was sure Drake was fine. "Matthew, find a fresh pair of pajamas for Drake. He can't sleep in those. We'll be up in a minute to tuck you back in so no dawdling."

"Yes, Mum," Matthew answered immediately.

Charlie waited until he could hear the boys climbing the stairs before speaking. "See, I told you they were all right now."

"Yeah, I just don't get it. One minute they're trying to kill each other and the next they're protecting the other."

"They're kids, they recover quickly. Whatever it was, it seems to have resolved itself."

"What were they doing?" Ginny enquired curiously.

"Pillow fighting apparently," Charlie answered.

"Without the pillows," Draco added.

Anya shook her head. "Boys!"

After giving the little wizards fifteen minutes to sort themselves out, Draco and Charlie went up to make sure they were in bed. Both had climbed into their respective beds and were talking quietly.

"Right, lights out and no more talking," Charlie instructed. "You've both had big days and even bigger nights."

"And no more... pillow fighting," Draco added with a grin.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Later that night as Draco and Ginny were preparing for bed, Draco found himself thinking of the cheeky comment her brother had passed when they'd said goodnight. Draco couldn't remember his exact words, but it was something along the lines of the walls having ears and eyes. No matter, Draco knew exactly what he intended by the comment -- a warning.

Clad only in his silk boxers, he glanced over to his fiancée. Ginny had just slipped her nightgown over her head and was adjusting it to sit properly on her curves, not that the garment covered much with all its lacy panels. She looked up and caught him staring. With a nefarious grin and a wild twinkle in her eye, Ginny approached him slowly, allowing him time to take in her assets. Apart from his mouth being tugged into an appreciative smirk and his heart hammering hard against his chest, he was rendered immobile. She ran her hands up his bare chest tracing her path over with small but firm kisses.

Draco lifted her hands from his body. "Gin, we can't."

"Why?" she muttered against his chest. Her warm breath sending chills down to his toes.

"I--I feel like your brother is watching us," Draco admitted quickly.

"So? Let him watch, maybe he'll learn something new," she replied wickedly as her tongue flicked over his nipple.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*