The Days To Come

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, Rose. We heard the whole conversation.”

“Dad’s really working with Malfoy?”

“Yes James.”

All five of the Potter/Weasley kids sat at a table in the Hogwarts library. They were speaking in hushed tones about the events which happened during the holiday break. Albus had called the meeting himself, he had no intention of abandoning Scorpius whose father had just become the most wanted man in the wizarding world.

“So Malfoy did not kill that Tauber lady? Or that family of muggels in London?” Hugo Weasley asked.

“No, he’s just saying he did so that he can get back in with the left over deatheaters.” Albus answered.

“You really think there is some kind of attack being planned?” Lilly asked.

“Dad seems to think so.”

“It’s good enough for me.” James said seriously. They all nodded in agreement.

“What are you going to do about Scorpius?” Rose asked.

“He’s going to leave him alone, Rose.” James answered quickly. “He’s a Potter! He can’t go around with Malfoy’s son. Not now that everyone thinks he’s an evil git again.”

“I am staying with Scorpius.” Albus said angrily as he stood from his chair and put his fist down on the table. “Nothing you can say will change my mind James. I don’t care what people are going to think about it either.”

“Fine, have it your way!” James retorted, also standing from the table. “But don’t think you are going to come crying to me when half the school hates you for bedding that little slime ball.”

“He’s not a slime ball, James!” Rose said sounding offended.

“Same goes for you Rose.” James said looking down at his cousin. “Bad things are going to happen if you keep hanging around with him. Besides, how do you think you are going to explain it? Everyone thinks that dad is hunting Malfoy! We can’t go around being mates with him.”

The table feel silent. For once, James had a very good point. “He’s right Rose. You will have to stay away from Scorpius.” Albus admitted.

“What about you Albus?” Lilly asked, her eyes going wide.

“We managed to keep things hidden from you guys for months.” Albus said thoughtfully. “I think we can manage for a few more months.”

“It’s agreed then.” Said Rose firmly. “We can’t talk about this with anyone else. Understood?”

The Weasleys and Potters all nodded in unison. James was the first to leave the table, doing so quite angrily. Eventually only Rose and Albus were left behind.

“He did not mean to be so-“ Rose began to say.

“It’s okay Rose. It’s James. I know it would be hard to accept Scorpius.” Albus interrupted.

“What are they going to do with Astoria?” Rose asked. “She’s pregnant right?”

“She is being kept at the Manor. Aurors are with her constantly.” He answered. Albus thought of the woman, feeling guilty that she was alone without her husband or son.

“Do the Aurors know that Draco is innocent?”

“Only a few, the few my dad knows he can trust.”

“I guess then that my dad will be spending a lot of time at Malfoy Manor.” Rose said with a smile. Albus left out a small chuckle. Thinking about his Uncle Ron sitting at Draco Malfoy’s table unleashed a deep seated amusement.