Chapter 10
The warm glow of the pub welcomed Draco as he entered, the familiar sounds of laughter and clinking glasses surrounding him. It was a welcome reprieve from the tension of the past few days. He spotted Pansy, Blaise, and Theo at a corner table, their expressions ranging from curiosity to mild concern as they waved him over.
“Look who decided to show up,” Pansy teased, her playful smirk softening the weight of the topic they were bound to discuss.
Draco slid into the seat across from them, grateful for the camaraderie. “I need a drink, and I’m guessing you all do too,” he replied, motioning for a round of drinks.
As the drinks were poured and the laughter flowed, the conversation turned more serious. “So, how are you holding up with everything?” Blaise asked, his tone sincere. “We know it can’t be easy, especially with the divorce.”
Draco leaned back in his chair, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “It’s… complicated. Astoria and I have been through a lot together, but I think we both understand that this is for the best. The truth is, she’s been surprisingly supportive about my relationship with Hermione.”
Pansy raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. “Supportive? That’s not something you hear every day. Most people wouldn’t take that kind of news well.”
“True,” Draco acknowledged, swirling his drink. “But Astoria knows that things changed between us long before I started seeing Hermione. She’s been understanding about it, maybe even a little relieved. It’s like we both realized we were just going through the motions.”
Theo nodded, leaning forward. “So, what’s next for you then? Are you really going to pursue this relationship with Hermione? The press is already buzzing, and you know how the wizarding world loves a scandal.”
Draco took a deep breath, considering his response carefully. “I want to be with Hermione. She makes me feel alive again. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way about anyone. She’s not just a fling; she’s someone I can envision a future with.”
Blaise smirked, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Look at you, getting all sappy. Just remember to keep it discreet; you don’t want to give your mother any more ammunition against you.”
“Trust me, I’m well aware,” Draco replied, a slight smile breaking through his otherwise serious demeanor. “But I’m not going to hide how I feel. Hermione deserves better than that, and I won’t let fear dictate my life anymore.”
Pansy’s expression softened, her teasing demeanor fading. “I’m glad to hear you say that, Draco. You’ve been through so much, and it’s about time you put yourself first. Just be careful, though. This isn’t just about you and Hermione; there’s also Scorpius to consider.”
Draco nodded, the reminder weighing heavily on him. “I know. I want to make sure he’s okay through all this. He’s my priority, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him.”
As the night wore on and the drinks flowed, the atmosphere lightened again, the friends sharing laughter and stories, reminiscing about their school days at Hogwarts. Yet, beneath the joviality, Draco felt the undertow of his reality. He was standing on the precipice of change, and while it was frightening, he also felt a surge of excitement for the future.
When they finally left the pub, Draco walked with his friends, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. He knew that the path ahead would be challenging, but with Hermione by his side, he was ready to face whatever came their way.
The grand entrance of Malfoy Manor felt particularly cold and imposing as Narcissa and Lucius returned from their extended stay in France. The air was thick with anticipation, and Draco felt a knot tightening in his stomach. This was it. The moment he and Astoria had been preparing for had finally arrived.
In the expansive sitting room, decorated with opulent furniture and family heirlooms, Draco and Astoria awaited their parents' arrival. The silence hung heavy between them, both feeling the weight of the conversation that was about to unfold.
Narcissa entered first, her elegant presence commanding the room. “Draco, Astoria,” she greeted, her tone warm yet laced with concern as she took in their expressions. Lucius followed closely behind, his sharp gaze assessing the atmosphere.
“Mother, Father,” Draco said, standing to face them. “Thank you for coming back so promptly. We need to talk.”
Lucius narrowed his eyes slightly, crossing his arms. “About what, exactly? I hope it’s nothing that can’t wait until after dinner.”
Astoria stepped forward, her voice steady. “Lucius, Narcissa, there’s something important we need to discuss. Draco and I have come to a mutual decision about our marriage.”
Narcissa’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean by ‘mutual decision’?”
Draco took a deep breath, steeling himself for the confrontation. “Astoria and I have decided to divorce. It’s been a long time coming, and we believe it’s the best choice for both of us.”
Lucius’s expression darkened, anger flickering in his eyes. “Divorce? You’re a Malfoy, Draco! This isn’t something we take lightly. And what about Scorpius?”
“Scorpius will always come first,” Astoria interjected quickly. “We both love him dearly, and we’ve discussed how to make this transition as smooth as possible for him.”
Narcissa, looking more hurt than angry, shook her head. “I thought your marriage was stronger than this. You’ve been through so much together.”
“We were strong, Mother,” Draco said, his voice firm yet filled with emotion. “But strength doesn’t mean holding onto something that no longer works. We’ve grown apart.”
“And there’s something else,” Astoria continued, gathering her courage. “Draco is in love with someone else—Hermione Granger.”
Lucius’s face turned a deep shade of red, fury radiating off him. “Granger? Have you lost your mind, Draco? Do you understand the ramifications of this? Your mother and I have spent years building our reputation, and now you want to throw it all away for a Gryffindor?”
“Lucius,” Narcissa warned, her voice a mix of shock and disappointment. “This isn’t just about reputation. Our son deserves happiness, even if it’s not what we expected.”
Astoria stepped forward, her voice unwavering. “Draco deserves to be with someone who makes him happy, regardless of their blood status. I might be his wife, but I won’t stand in the way of his happiness. I understand the weight of our family’s expectations, but love shouldn’t be dictated by blood.”
Draco felt a surge of gratitude toward Astoria. She was being incredibly brave, standing up not only for their decision but also for his feelings.
“Draco,” Lucius said, his voice dangerously low. “You need to think this through. You’re not just jeopardizing your future; you’re endangering Scorpius’s future too.”
“Father,” Draco replied, his tone resolute. “I’ve thought about this long and hard. I won’t let fear or tradition dictate my choices anymore. I want to be happy, and I want Scorpius to see that it’s okay to pursue happiness, regardless of the circumstances.”
Silence fell over the room, tension crackling in the air. Lucius was visibly fuming, while Narcissa looked torn between her love for her son and the expectations of their family legacy. Astoria held Draco’s hand, offering him silent support.
“I can’t change the past, but I can choose my future,” Draco continued, determination in his voice. “And that future includes Hermione. I won’t hide that.”
“Very well, then,” Lucius spat, his voice cold. “But know this: if you choose this path, you’ll do it without my support.”
“Perhaps that’s a risk I’m willing to take,” Draco replied, feeling a sense of liberation wash over him. “I’d rather be happy and true to myself than live a lie for the sake of appearances.”
As Lucius turned on his heel, storming out of the room, Narcissa remained, her expression softer as she glanced between Draco and Astoria. “I hope you both know what you’re doing,” she said quietly before following her husband.
Draco and Astoria exchanged a look of solidarity, both knowing that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult journey. They were committed to navigating the complexities ahead, no matter the obstacles.
The afternoon sun filtered softly through the large windows of the Malfoy Manor’s drawing room, casting gentle shadows on the plush carpet. Draco sat on the couch, his heart heavy as he prepared to speak to his son. Scorpius, with his bright blonde hair and curious grey eyes, was coloring at a small table nearby, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing in his parents' lives.
Astoria joined Draco on the couch, her expression a mix of concern and determination. “Are you ready?” she asked, her voice low.
Draco nodded, though his stomach twisted in knots. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Astoria took a deep breath and walked over to Scorpius, kneeling beside him. “Hey, sweetheart, can we talk for a moment?”
Scorpius looked up, his small brow furrowing in confusion. “About what, Mummy?”
Astoria exchanged a glance with Draco before she replied, “It’s about some changes happening in our family.”
Draco leaned forward, his heart racing. “You know how sometimes things can be different but still okay? Well, your mother and I have decided that we’re going to live apart from each other.”
Scorpius tilted his head, not fully grasping the weight of his parents’ words. “Why?” he asked innocently, the crayon still clutched in his tiny fist.
Astoria smiled gently, trying to ease the blow. “Because sometimes grown-ups realize that they’re happier when they’re not together. It doesn’t change how much we both love you. You’re still our number one priority, Scorpius.”
“But where will you go?” Scorpius asked, his eyes wide with concern.
Draco’s heart ached at the innocence of his son. “We’ll both be nearby, and you can see us whenever you want. You’ll have a home with me and a home with your mother. We’ll still do fun things together, I promise.”
“Will I still go to the park?” Scorpius inquired, his little brows furrowing deeper.
“Of course!” Astoria reassured him, ruffling his hair affectionately. “And we can still have family outings, just in different places.”
Scorpius pondered this for a moment, his expression shifting as he processed the news. “So… you’re not going to be a family anymore?” he asked quietly, a hint of sadness creeping into his voice.
Draco knelt beside Scorpius, meeting his gaze. “We’ll always be a family, buddy. Families come in different shapes and sizes. You’ll always be our little boy, and we’ll always love you, no matter what.”
Astoria nodded, her heart breaking a little more for her son. “Yes, Scorpius. You’re the most important part of our family, and nothing will ever change that.”
Scorpius looked between his parents, still trying to understand. “But I don’t want you to be sad,” he said, a frown forming on his lips.
Draco took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his son’s words. “It’s okay to feel sad sometimes. Grown-ups have to deal with complicated things, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be happy again. You’ll help us remember the fun times, won’t you?”
Scorpius nodded slowly, though his expression still revealed his confusion. “Okay. Can we have ice cream now?”
Draco chuckled softly, grateful for his son’s innocent perspective. “Absolutely. Ice cream sounds like a great idea.”
Astoria stood, extending her hand to Scorpius. “Let’s go get some, my love. We can make it a special treat today.”
As they made their way to the kitchen, Draco felt a mix of relief and sadness. He knew their son didn’t fully understand what was happening, but he hoped that they could navigate this transition together. The three of them could still create new memories, even amidst the changes.
In that moment, Draco realized that while the road ahead would be challenging, the love they shared as a family would remain a guiding light through the darkness. As long as Scorpius was okay, he felt he could face anything.
The soft light streaming through the tall windows of Draco’s office created a warm ambiance as Hermione entered, her heart racing at the sight of him. She had grown accustomed to their secret meetings, but each encounter still sent a thrill through her.
“Hey,” Draco said, a smile spreading across his face as he stood from behind his desk. He motioned for her to take a seat. “How have you been?”
“I’ve been... managing,” Hermione replied, her eyes lingering on his before she settled into the plush chair opposite him. “I’ve been thinking about you and Astoria. How did it go with your parents and Scorpius?”
Draco leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as he sighed. “It was… difficult, to say the least. My parents didn’t take it well at first. They’re old-fashioned, you know? They expect certain things from me, especially regarding family.”
Hermione nodded, understanding the weight of family expectations. “And Scorpius? How did he react?”
Draco’s expression softened. “He didn’t fully grasp what we were telling him, but I think he understands that things are changing. Astoria and I made sure to reassure him that he would still have both of us in his life, no matter what. It broke my heart to see the confusion in his eyes.”
“I can only imagine,” Hermione said softly, feeling a surge of empathy for both Draco and Scorpius. “Kids have such a pure understanding of love. It must be tough for him.”
“Yeah,” Draco replied, his voice tinged with sadness. “Astoria and I have decided to co-parent effectively, no matter what happens between us. We want to ensure Scorpius feels loved and secure. It’s not his fault that we’re in this situation.”
“That’s the right approach,” Hermione encouraged. “It’s admirable that you both are putting him first. He’ll appreciate it as he grows older.”
Draco leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “Thank you, Hermione. It means a lot to hear you say that. I’m still figuring out how to navigate this, especially with everything happening between us.”
Hermione’s heart skipped a beat at his words. “What do you mean?”
“I mean… I’m still trying to figure out how to balance my feelings for you with my responsibilities as a father and what’s happening with Astoria. I don’t want to make things harder for anyone, least of all Scorpius.”
“I understand,” she said, her voice steady. “It’s a complicated situation, and I don’t want to add to your burdens. But I also don’t want to lose what we have. You mean a lot to me, Draco.”
His gaze intensified, and she could see the conflict in his eyes. “You mean a lot to me too, Hermione. I can’t deny that.”
There was a moment of silence between them, the air thick with unspoken feelings. Hermione wanted to reach out to him, to bridge the gap created by their circumstances, but she also felt the weight of their situation pressing down on her.
“Maybe we should take things slow?” she suggested, her heart aching at the thought of distancing herself from him. “We need to figure everything out with our lives before we dive deeper into whatever this is.”
Draco nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. “I agree. Let’s make sure we’re both in a good place, especially for Scorpius. He deserves to have both of us fully present in his life.”
“Absolutely,” Hermione said, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. “I’ll always support you and be here for you. We’ll figure this out together.”
Draco’s smile returned, a hint of warmth in his eyes. “Thank you, Hermione. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
As they continued their conversation, discussing the future and the challenges ahead, Hermione couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of hope. While their paths were complicated and uncertain, she was determined to be there for Draco, Scorpius, and even Astoria as they navigated this new chapter together.
The sun was setting over Malfoy Manor, casting a warm glow across the grand estate. Draco sat in the drawing room, absently toying with a glass of whiskey, his mind occupied with thoughts of the past few weeks. The divorce from Astoria had been finalized, and the bittersweet feeling of closure hung in the air as Astoria prepared to move back to Greengrass Manor.
Today, she had requested to speak with him privately, and he felt a mix of apprehension and concern. He had been there for her through the tumultuous changes, and while they had both acknowledged the need to part ways, there was still a bond forged by years of companionship.
Astoria entered the room, looking poised yet fragile. She had always exuded grace, but today there was an unmistakable heaviness in her demeanor. “Draco,” she began, her voice steady but laced with emotion. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”
“Of course,” Draco replied, motioning for her to sit down. “What’s on your mind?”
Astoria took a deep breath, her hands fidgeting in her lap. “I wanted to talk to you about something important… something I should have told you earlier.”
Draco’s heart raced, sensing the gravity of her words. “What is it?”
“I… I’ve been keeping something from you, and it’s time I finally share it.” She paused, gathering her thoughts. “I’ve recently found out that I’m sick. It’s an ancient blood curse inherited from my Greengrass ancestors.”
The revelation hit Draco like a cold wave, and he felt the blood drain from his face. “Astoria, what do you mean? How serious is it?”
Astoria looked down, tears glistening in her eyes. “The healer at St. Mungo’s told me that it’s a serious condition. It’s rare and often misunderstood, but it can be deadly if not managed properly. I’ve been living with it for a while now, but I didn’t want to burden you with it while we were navigating our divorce.”
Draco felt a surge of anger mixed with concern. “You should have told me! We could have faced this together. You’re not a burden, Astoria.”
“I know that now,” she replied, her voice trembling. “But I didn’t want to complicate things more than they already were. I wanted to focus on the divorce and our son, Scorpius. I thought it would be easier to handle it alone.”
Draco reached across the table, taking her hands in his. “Astoria, you’re not alone. I’m still here for you, and I want to help. We can figure this out together.”
She looked into his eyes, searching for sincerity. “You mean it? Even after everything?”
“Of course,” he replied firmly. “We’ve been through so much together. Just because our marriage is ending doesn’t mean I’m going to abandon you. You’re the mother of my child, and you deserve support during this time.”
A small, grateful smile broke through her tears. “Thank you, Draco. That means more to me than you know. I’m scared, and I don’t know what the future holds. But knowing you’ll be there gives me hope.”
Draco nodded, squeezing her hands gently. “You don’t have to face this alone. I’ll do whatever it takes to help you, for you and for Scorpius. We’ll make sure he has both of us in his life, no matter what happens.”
Astoria’s eyes softened with appreciation, and for a moment, they shared a quiet understanding. Their lives were changing, but the bond they had built over the years remained, one of mutual respect and love for their son.
“Let’s talk to the healer together,” Draco suggested. “I want to understand what this means and how we can manage it.”
Astoria nodded, grateful for his willingness to be involved. “I’d like that. It’ll be easier with you by my side.”
As they continued to discuss her condition and what steps to take next, Draco felt a renewed sense of purpose. He may have lost the romantic aspect of their relationship, but the commitment to family and support for each other would always remain.
In that moment, amidst the impending changes, Draco knew he would do everything in his power to stand by Astoria and protect their son from the uncertainties ahead. Together, they would navigate the challenges of the future, ensuring that love and compassion remained at the forefront of their new lives.
Days passed after Astoria moved back to Greengrass Manor, and with Lucius and Narcissa settling in France, the Malfoy estate felt emptier. Draco missed the vibrant life that had filled the halls, but he also felt a sense of relief. The tension that had surrounded the divorce was lifting, and he was determined to focus on what mattered most—his son, Scorpius, and his growing relationship with Hermione.
One evening, Draco stood in the grand entrance of Malfoy Manor, a mixture of excitement and anxiety swirling in his chest. He had invited Hermione over for dinner, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that this meeting would deepen their bond further. After everything they had navigated, he hoped they could find solace in each other.
As Hermione arrived, wearing a simple yet elegant dress that highlighted her natural beauty, Draco felt his heart race. She greeted him with a warm smile, instantly brightening the dimly lit entrance. “Thank you for inviting me, Draco. This place is just as stunning as I remember.”
Draco chuckled softly, leading her inside. “It has its charm, but I think it’s missing a certain spark without the usual chaos. Come on, I’ve prepared a little something for dinner.”
They settled in the dining room, where candles flickered gently, casting dancing shadows against the walls. As they shared a meal, the conversation flowed easily, laughter mingling with their discussions about the past few weeks. But eventually, the weight of the serious topics crept back in.
“Draco,” Hermione said, her expression turning serious, “how are you handling everything with Astoria? I know it’s been a tough transition.”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s been… complicated. We talked after the divorce was finalized. She’s trying to settle into Greengrass Manor with Scorpius. But there’s something I need to tell you.”
Hermione looked at him, her eyes filled with concern. “What is it?”
Draco took a deep breath. “Astoria… she’s sick. It’s an ancient blood curse, and it’s serious. She’s been struggling with it, and I’m worried about her and Scorpius.”
Hermione’s expression shifted, a mix of sympathy and understanding washing over her. “I know, Draco. Astoria told me about her condition. I was the first person she confided in when she found out. She made me promise not to tell anyone.”
Draco’s heart sank at the weight of her words. “You knew, and you didn’t say anything?”
“I didn’t want to betray her trust,” Hermione explained gently. “Astoria is a strong person, and she wanted to handle it her way. I promised her I wouldn’t say a word, especially not to you, until she was ready to talk about it.”
Draco nodded, his admiration for Hermione growing. “I understand. It’s just… I wish she hadn’t had to go through this alone. I want to be there for her, but I also want to focus on our future.”
Hermione reached across the table, placing her hand over his. “You can do both, Draco. You can support her and still be there for Scorpius. And you can be with me.”
He looked into her eyes, feeling the warmth of her touch seep into him. “I want to be with you, Hermione. You’ve become my anchor through all this chaos. But I also don’t want to put any more pressure on Astoria while she’s dealing with her illness.”
“Draco, it’s important to have balance,” she replied softly. “You can care for Astoria and still pursue your relationship with me. I’m here for you, and I’m willing to support you through this.”
Her words filled him with a sense of hope. “Thank you, Hermione. It means a lot to have you by my side. I’ve realized how important it is to have someone I can talk to and rely on.”
As they finished dinner, the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, but the underlying connection between them was undeniable. They both knew that the road ahead would be complex, but together they were willing to face whatever challenges awaited them.
Later that evening, as they strolled through the gardens under a blanket of stars, Draco felt a renewed sense of purpose. He could navigate the intricacies of family, friendship, and love, and with Hermione by his side, he was ready to embrace the future, no matter how uncertain it might be.
As they walked through the gardens, the cool night air surrounded them, carrying the scent of blooming flowers. Hermione felt a mix of determination and hope bubbling inside her. She turned to Draco, her heart racing at the thought of how their lives were intertwining.
“Draco, I was thinking,” she began, “I can talk to Minister Kingsley about finding the best healer for Astoria. She deserves the best care, and I’m sure there are options out there that could really help her.”
Draco paused, his brow furrowing in thought. “That would mean a lot to her. She’s been feeling so alone in this, and I think having a top healer might give her some hope. Thank you, Hermione.”
As they continued walking, the conversation shifted to their own future. Draco looked over at her, his expression serious yet hopeful. “Hermione, I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I wanted to ask you something. Would you consider moving in with me at the Manor?”
Hermione felt her heart skip a beat at the suggestion. It was a big step, one that came with its own set of complications. “Draco… that’s a significant decision. I have mixed feelings about it.”
“I understand. I just think it could be good for us,” he continued, taking her hand in his. “We could have more time together, and it would make things easier, especially with everything going on with Astoria and Scorpius.”
She looked down at their intertwined fingers, feeling the weight of the moment. “I do want to be with you, Draco, but we also need to figure out where our relationship is headed. Moving in together is a big commitment.”
Draco squeezed her hand gently. “I’m not rushing you into anything. I just thought it could help us grow closer and give us a chance to build a life together, especially if we’re navigating all this together.”
After a moment of contemplation, Hermione nodded. “Okay, I’ll consider it. Let’s take it one step at a time. We need to see where our relationship goes and how we can support each other through everything.”
Draco smiled, relief washing over his features. “That’s all I ask. We can take our time and figure it out as we go.”
As they continued their stroll, Hermione felt a sense of excitement and apprehension. The prospect of living together was thrilling, but it also brought up concerns about their complex situation with Astoria. She knew that their journey wouldn’t be easy, but she was willing to explore it with Draco.
The next few days were filled with a flurry of activity. Hermione spoke with Minister Kingsley and arranged for a highly regarded healer to meet with Astoria. Meanwhile, she and Draco began discussing the logistics of her potentially moving into Malfoy Manor.
One evening, as they sat together in the cozy warmth of the library at the Manor, Hermione’s heart swelled with affection for Draco. He had been patient and supportive throughout the turmoil, and she could see a future with him, one that was filled with both challenges and joys.
“Draco,” she said, breaking the comfortable silence, “I appreciate how understanding you’ve been. I know this isn’t easy for either of us.”
He looked up from the book he had been reading, his gaze steady and sincere. “I care about you, Hermione. You’ve shown me a different side of life, one that I didn’t think I could have after everything that happened. I want us to navigate this together.”
Feeling a surge of emotion, Hermione smiled softly. “I want that too. We’ll figure out how to balance everything. Just know that I’m here for you, and I’ll support you in any way I can.”
As they shared their thoughts and dreams late into the night, Hermione felt a growing sense of hope for the future. She knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, hand in hand. And for the first time in a long while, she felt truly excited about what was to come.