Broomsticks and The Wizards Gauntlet

Broomsticks and The Wizards Gauntlet

Chapter 9

Hermione woke up with the frantic tapping on her bedroom window of not one, but two owls. She opened the window and snatched the letters that were attached to their talons. One of the owls she recognized as Harry’s owl. She looked at Draco, his back turned to her and sleeping soundly in the bed, and Hermione tore open Harry’s letter.

‘Mione,

He knows…

Harry

P.S. How do you fix broken noses? I can’t see a healer and I can’t find the right healing spell.

Hermione threw on her robes, and scrawled a quick response to Harry. She was freaking out at the thought of just what Harry’s letter meant. He knows? What does he know? Hermione was peeved that Harry couldn’t say what it was that Draco knew! Just like a guy, to be brief when the situation required explanation. Too brief. Damn! Broken nose? Had Draco and Harry come to blows? She crept around the bed and peered on at her sleeping husband. His cheek was red and he had a bruise on his chin. She could see cuts and bruises down his chest and arms too. Hermione frowned. She was in a bit of a quandary it seemed. Every instinct told her to run to her husbands side and hug and hold him and help him heal his battle wounds, but she had to know what Harry knew first. She would just pop over and meet Harry at the diner and then come back and deal with Draco. She needed to be on the same page as Harry with their stories about what happened last night. She took out her quill once again and began to write a note to Draco. She laid it carefully on the night table next to her sleeping husband and turned to leave, when she felt strong hands on the back of her robes.

“Really Hermione…Leaving me another note? Should I owl and make an appointment to see my wife?” Hermione tried to step forward, her back turned to Draco, when she felt a strong tug on her robes and then she was flying backwards into his arms. “You aren’t going anywhere Sweetpea.”

“Draco, I’ll be right back, I promise.”

“No, you won’t. You will talk to me right now and then if you have somewhere to go I’ll going with you. Now, tell me what happened to you last night?”

“I…I…” Hermione clamped her mouth shut.

“Yes? And don’t give me some bloody song and dance about dueling with Harry Potter for practice either. My fist still hurts and I’m in no mood to be lied to.”

“Why did you attack Harry? He didn’t do anything wrong Draco. He’s a hero.”

“He’s a hero? He brings my wife home all cut up, which a thank you might be nice for healing all the cuts and scratches that were allover your body, and then he fucking lies to me about how you got hurt. You had a shell stuck in your neck for godsakes! Now, stop fucking lying to me and let’s be honest with one another!”

“We were reliving our days back in the DA. You weren’t in the DA Draco, so you don’t understand how important it was to us. It was the first time that me and my friends felt powerful, like we could really make a difference.”

“Yes, I remember. I was just the fucking bastard who let Death Eaters into the castle. You’re trying to throw me off Hermione. I know what you’re doing. Now stop the fucking lies right now. Where were you last night?” Hermione began to cry. She didn’t know it would be this hard. He wiped her tears away with his thumbs and Hermione threw her arms around his neck. She needed to feel his kiss. She knew she didn’t deserve it yet she needed it just the same. She pressed her lips hard against his and kissed him as if it was her last dying breath and his lips were her lifeblood.

“I love you forever Draco. I love you more than anything. Please don’t press this issue. Just kiss me.” Hermione rolled over on her back and pulled Draco over on top of her. He winced a couple times, clearly in pain, his ribs bruised and sore. He kissed her and allowed his hands to roam down her robes. He stopped and broke off their kiss when he felt a letter tucked inside her robes. He pulled it out and ripped it open. Hermione had completely forgotten about the second owl, in her haste to get out of her house undetected.

Mum and Dad,

Son requests meeting with both parental units ASAP! Mum, bring your briefcase; we will be filing a motion today.

Love,

Luke

“I’m not done with you,” Draco said crawling off Hermione and tossing the letter to her. I’d normally ask you to join me in the shower, but since we are keeping things from each other then I guess the shower will have to wait.”

“This sounds serious. I hope he’s okay…and visible,” Hermione said as an after thought. They showered and dressed in silence. Draco was clearly stewing over the events of last night and Hermione’s inability to tell the truth, but their son needed them, so they put their differences aside and left for Hogwarts.

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“Morning, Scorpius. Feeling better today?” Persephone said drawing open the curtains in her husband’s room.

“Much, now that you’re here. I’m getting out of here today.”

“Yeah and the potion? Willing to quit taking it too?”

“Sapphire, babe. I know what I’m doing. It takes the edge off. I’m not a bloody addict like you think.”

“Yes, you are, Scorpius! I won’t sit around and watch you kill yourself. Please, for me? No more potion.”

“You’re being a nag.”

“Fine, call me a nag! Just stop taking it Scorpius.”

“Don’t tell me what to do. I’m not your child. I’m your husband, so start treating me like it, or maybe I’ll replace you,” Scorpius said and Persephone stepped backwards. Her eyes were filled with tears. She bolted from the room.

“I was just kidding!” Scorpius yelled out as she left. Oh well, she will calm down later, he thought to himself.

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“This is a good thing, not a bad thing,” Draco said to Hermione after their meeting with Luke. They stood in line at the Ministry, waiting to file the motion rescinding all of Luke’s legal rights to the baby.

“I’m just in shock. I thought I had a grandson,” Hermione said shaking her head. “I mean, obviously, this is great for Luke. He can have his childhood back, but the story he told is quite disturbing. Draco, this is all likely to come out in the papers. Once I ask for a blood test and a veritserum test the Prophet will catch wind of it. Skeeter and her associates stalk this office, looking for dirt.” Hermione looked at the wizard behind them and glared at the man. He was staring and leaning in as if to listen. He was a bald wizard that wore elephant skin boots. Hermione sneered at him, upon seeing the boots made out of such an exotic and beautiful animal. Draco noticed her scowl and he turned around and raised an eyebrow at the man. The wizard backed off, at the unfriendly look Draco cast him.

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“What’s the meaning of this? Is this some sort of trick?” Molly shouted in the office of Mini Witches and Wizards.

“Yeah Luke, what’s the meaning of this?” Luke didn’t respond to Drew though. Molly and Arthur acting on Ron’s behalf, Draco and Hermione, Luke and Drew, all sat in the waiting room, waiting for their case to be heard. An old woman in robes finally entered the waiting room and escorted them all into the courtroom.

“Just let me do the talking okay? Only answer what is asked of you. Don’t give any more information then you need to,” Hermione whispered to her son.

“You’re dropping the custody case?” The old woman presiding over the proceedings asked Hermione.

“Yes, M’am. We no longer seek custody of the boy, barring a blood test and veritserum evidence.

“On what grounds do you ask for these tests to be performed on the minors?”

“On the grounds that my son is…” Hermione looked at Luke and then whispered under her breath to the woman. “My son is a virgin, so the child could not possibly be his.”

“I’m an old woman Ms. Malfoy. Could you please speak up, so that we all may hear.” Hermione mouthed the words that she was sorry, to Luke.

“My son is a virgin. We would like a paternity test and also veritserum test performed on Drew Weasley for reasons that I have stated on the petition.” The judge looked down at the petition and her eyes grew wide.

“I see. This is highly irregular, but I’m willing to grant the paternity test. The veritserum will be at the discretion of Arthur and Molly Weasley, as they are Drucilla Weasley’s guardians at the moment. If they sign the consent form, then I will administer the tests right here and now.”

“I’ll not sign anything. This woman has been trying to take the baby away for months! Now, she suddenly wants to deny that Luke is my grandson’s rightful father? No!”

“We’ll sign it. I’m sick of all this fighting. Hermione has been like family to us for years Molly. If there is a chance that what she says here on this petition is true, then it’s in everyones best interest that the truth come out.”

“Arthur!”

“I insist Molly. I’ve listened to you for years. Ron would approve of this if he were here and as his Father, I am stepping in and making the decision. We will sign it,” Arthur said to the judge.

“Very well then. Luke Malfoy please approach the bench.” Luke slowly walked to the front of the room. His heart was beating in his chest. This was a big step for him to take. He looked at the toddler on Molly’s lap and he smiled at the baby boy. He really did love kids and he knew he wanted a family of his own someday. The toddler cooed a nearly incomprehensible, “dada” and Luke stopped in his tracks. He turned and walked over to Molly and held his arms out. Molly reluctantly allowed him to take the baby. Luke hugged the boy in his arms and kissed him on the cheek. He thought he saw a tear fall down Drew’s cheek as she watched Luke with her son.

“You deserve the truth,” he whispered in the boy’s ear, before handing him to Drew. “I’m sorry Drew. I should have told you a long time ago. Please don’t hate me.” He approached the bench and the judge flicked her wand on the baby across the room. She then flicked her wand on Luke and muttered a spell under her breath. The judge looked down at her blank parchment in front of her and asked.

“Is Lucius Draco Malfoy the father of Arthur Lucius Weasley?” Words appeared on the parchment and the judge held the paper up for all in the courtroom to see. Two letters were all that appeared on the page. The letters N and O. “Who is the Father?” The judge looked at it and then passed the parchment to Drew. She looked at the parchment in confusion and then she looked up at Luke. She looked back down at the parchment as if searching for a memory that she was unable to retrieve. Luke observed her body language and her facial expressions. Her body was rigid, her shoulders tight. Finally, though he saw dawning form in her eyes. She nodded, ever so slightly to herself.

“Because of the unusual circumstances and the fact that this poor boy’s life has been turned upside down, I will ask that Drucilla Nymphadora Weasley, submit to veritserum. I suspect the true father of the baby will want to see the evidence of this anyways, so I will just add it to the case file. I will not enforce this test; however, it is vital to proving the identity of the father of this baby. Because Mr. Malfoy’s name is on the birth records and was named the father of the boy, Mr. Stratton does not have to agree to the test I just performed on Mr. Malfoy. He could simply deny your claim Miss Weasley. If the veritserum potion does indeed corroborate what is written on the parchment I handed you, then I could enforce the paternity test on Mr. Stratton. The results of the paternity are legally binding and in that case, he would be forced to acknowledge his son and will pay back child support and you will receive a monthly allowance.

“She will take the test,” Arthur Weasley said.

“Tell me the truth Drew? Did he rape you that night? I don’t want to know by some test, I want you to tell me!” Luke asked.

“Your honor…” Drew stood and spoke.” Can I have a minute with Luke,uhhh, Mr. Malfoy, alone?” The judge nodded and sent them into a small enclosed room, just off the courtroom. Hermione and Draco looked at him like two concerned parents and Hermione whispered that she was there for him should he need her.

Once alone Drew took Luke by the hands.

“I didn’t remember Luke. I swear I didn’t. You have to believe me.”

“I do. I could see on your face that you didn’t remember. Drew…did he rape you?”

“Things were…different between Damien and I. His father…didn’t approve of our relationship. We had to hide it from him. You remember the New Year’s Eve dance?” Luke nodded.

“Well…Earlier in the evening, when you were getting us drinks; Damien came up to me and told me I looked beautiful. He told me that his father was dead now and that he and I could resume our relationship if I wanted to. I was terribly rude to him. I was hurt. I always felt he was ashamed of me and he constantly kidded with me about my freckles. I told him to piss off. I told him I had a guy who loved me and that you were smarter and richer and better in every way.” Luke cringed. He had heard similar words from Drew not so long ago and he remembered how much they stung and wounded him.

“You really shouldn’t say that to guys. Comparing like that…it isn’t fair Drew. You did it to me too and you can’t know how deeply it hurt me.”

“I know. I guess I get that from my Dad. I don’t always think before I speak. I just…wanted to hurt Damien for making me feel like his mistress or his dirty whore, which he joked and called me from time to time. I know he didn’t mean it, yet you know Damien and how abrasive he can be. So that’s when I reached for the champagne. Damien was staring at me all night and he too was quite intoxicated. He must have followed us up to the room. It’s a little foggy, but I remember you left to go get the contraception potion. As soon as you left, Damien came in, and if you remember, I was naked. Well one thing led to the other and we made love. It wasn’t rape. He was tender and loving.

“I saw blood Drew. How do you explain that?” Luke interjected. He had seen traces of blood mixed with semen on her leg and stomach.

“My nails Luke. It was passionate,” she blushed, “and I guess I scratched him? Once you start having sex, you will understand how things can get carried away in the midst of love-making.”

“No. I think after all this I’ll be celibate for a good long while. I’m in no hurry,” Luke said with all honesty. He knew he wasn’t ready for the complications that came with having a sexual relationship. Eventually, yes, but not anytime soon. That didn’t mean that he didn’t feel like holding Lily and kissing her deeply. He couldn’t wait to tell her all of this.

Drew did have long nails, so it made sense now that he knew.

“It was raw and passionate and when we were done Damien told me to break up with you. I said no, and he tipped back a bottle of firewhiskey and told me that he was going to drink himself to death. I told him to leave because he was drunk. He did. I must have fallen asleep and when I woke up you were in bed next to me. I decided the stuff with Damien must have been a dream. I thought you and I made love and that I just couldn’t remember it. I didn’t want to hurt you Luke. I knew it was your first time, so I pretended to remember it.”

“I’m glad you told me Drew.”

“Do you hate me?”

“I don’t hate you. Can I ask you one thing?” Luke said squeezing her hands.

“Do you still love him?”

“I never said I loved Damien Stratton.”

“Yeah, but you do, don’t you?”

“I…He’s so…Luke…I…Yes,” Drew said looking down at her feet.

“Come here.” Luke held his arms open and hugged Drew into is chest.

“You’re in love with the father of your baby. That isn’t something to be ashamed about, or even to be sad about. Do you see how this could be the best thing that ever happened to you?” Drew lifted her head and Luke saw a sparkle in her eyes, as if the thought hadn’t ever occurred to her. Hell, she had just found out that the man she loved was the father of her son.

“I’d have to change his name. Damien would want me to name if after him. What if he doesn’t want the baby or me? Oh Luke, this is crazy! Thank you! You are the sweetest boy! I wish you and my cousin Lily well. I’m sorry I was such a bitch. I knew you had feelings for her. I’m sorry. You should ask her to the dance that’s coming up! Oh, I’m going to help you make things right. Let’s be friends okay?” Luke agreed and hugged her tight.

“You know, you were my first love and I’ll never forget you,” he said.

“I know. I kind of broke your heart too. I’m sorry Luke. You deserve so much more.”

This was the Drew he remembered, caring and loving and sweet. Lily though…Lily was something special and he couldn’t wait to tell her.

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Draco and Hermione didn’t stay around for the veritserum test. There was no need. Luke filed them in on what happened, the stripped down version of course, before he left for Hogwarts.

Draco and Hermione were strolling down the Ministry together, when they nearly ran smack into Harry and Ginny, arm in arm.

“Harry, uhhh, Ginny…fancy meeting you here,” Hermione said nervously. Why were Harry and Ginny here together? How would Draco and Harry react to each other after their apparent fight last night, were worries that ran through Hermione’s mind.

“Wow, somebody really worked you over Potter,” Draco smirked, feeling proud of the beaten and battered face Harry was sporting.

“Yeah the glamours your wearing, aren’t hiding anything, pretty boy,” Harry shot back with a smirk of his own.

“Least I don’t hit like a girl, limp wrist.”

“Boys! Please! We are in the Ministry, have some respect for the institution,” Hermione said, while Ginny snickered along with the guys.

“We have some news Hermione. Care to join us for lunch?” Ginny asked. Hermione thought about the last time they all ate out together and the glorious food fight they all got into.

“We will actually eat this time. I’m bloody hungry, since I’m eating for two now,” Ginny exclaimed and then covered her mouth the second the words had crossed her lips. Harry smiled at her.

“Merlin, Ginny! A baby?” Hermione said with excitement. She then turned to Harry, worried that Harry may be miserable because the Leprechaun Seeker knocked her up, but Harry was smiling with a proudly.

“Okay let’s get it out in the open. Harry and I never stopped having…uhhh…relations. Even after the divorce. We just click well together in the bedroom.”

“Way too much information,” Draco drawled, but he stuck his hand out and offered congratulations to Harry, which made Hermione smile.

“Are you saying that the baby is…Harry’s?” Hermione asked and Draco tossed his head as if his wife was butting in where it was none of her business.

“We just had a test to be sure. Harry is the father and we are getting back together,” Ginny kissed Harry at that and Hermione smiled.

“Congratulations! So let’s go sit down and celebrate. That is..if you boys can be good?” She looked at Draco and Harry with a scowl.

“Yes, let’s go sit down and have lunch and talk about The Gauntlet,” Draco said with a smirk. “Come on dear, or shall I say Mistress of Ceremonies?” Harry held Ginny’s hand back when Draco began to escort Hermione away. Draco turned with a wicked stare. “Well come on! Where would the Mistress of Ceremonies be, without the Master of Ceremonies at her side?” Draco said to Harry and Harry gulped. Ginny looked at her former husband in confusion.

“I’ll explain at lunch,” he said to Ginny.

“Yes, you will. You both will,” Draco said wrapping a tight arm around Hermione’s waist and digging his fingers into her side.

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“Mr. Malfoy! Shouldn’t you be in class?” McGonagall said to Scorpius outside the Great Hall. Scorpius had been catching up with old friends and skipping class. Now he stood in McGonagall’s presence.

“Yes Professor. I was on my way.”

“See that you get there.” McGonagall cast a disapproving glare, at seeing Violetta Longbottom, hanging allover him. He would shrug her off, but like a leech that she was, she just kept coming back. He hadn’t seen Persephone since the morning and honestly, with all the attention, he had forgotten all about her and the fight they had.

“Oh, Mr. Malfoy?” McGonagall stopped in her tracks and turned. “Your wife left on extended holiday, but I’m sure you knew that already. I didn’t approve of her departure, but she felt it necessary. I guess her mother has husbanditis? I’m not familiar with that disease, but I hope Miss Black’s mother recovers quickly from it. I’d hate to see Persephone get behind in her classes. Wish her and her mother well for me, will you?”

“Persephone left? As in gone?” Scorpius said, reeling. McGonagall nodded sullenly.

“Yes, she asked me to give this to you. Now all of you get to class, before I start taking points and issuing detentions!” The kids scattered, but Scorpius stood there and looked down at the letter from his wife.

Scorpius,

I won’t stand by and watch you destroy everything good you have in your life. If you want a divorce, file the papers and send them to me at the Dragon Witch. I won’t contest a divorce. All I ever wanted in this marriage was…you. I’m staying with my mother and Serena.

Sapphire

Scorpius punched his fist into the stone wall and shouted obscenities. He took the bottle of potion from his robes and drank it, before sliding down the wall, as the potion’s effects eased his pain but not his broken heart.

Review!?

Needed to tie up the Drew/Luke/Lily stuff to make room for rest of Scorpius/Persephone storyline and more importantly the fireworks that are coming up with The Gauntlet storyline hehe Hope you enjoyed. Have some really good stuff coming up in future chapters!