Prologue
Draco
“Severus, are you listening to me? You said you would come to the manor with me tomorrow. I really need you to be there. I need you there. You know I can’t go through with this contract. I know my parents won’t listen to you, but I need you there for support.” Draco wrung his hands and took a deep breath. Severus was bottling up a potion, but he nodded his head.
“Draco, I will be there. There is nothing to worry about. I think you are just overreacting. Your parents love you.” Draco rolled his eyes. His mother loved him, yes, but his father tolerated him. The standards were always high, and even though Draco exceeded in everything, it was never good enough for Lucius Malfoy.
“Whatever, just don’t forget, please.”
“I won’t brat. Now leave me alone. I have potions I have to finish before tonight.” Severus shooed him away. Draco sighed and walked out of the older potion master's lab. Severus was going on a date tonight with Neville Longbottom. Draco watched him fawn over the younger man for a while now. He wished Severus would allow himself to love.
Draco paced in front of the floo Severus was supposed to be here. He promised, Severus never broke a promise. Since he was a child Severus had been there for him. The blond grabbed a handful of floo powder and disappeared into the green flames.
When he walked out of the fireplace, he was greeted by his parents. Lucius Malfoy’s hair was pulled back by a leather ribbon. The older blond wore his infamous glare. This is the last place Draco wanted to be today, especially alone.
“Draco, you are late. We need to go over the contract before our meeting at the Greengrass Manor. This contract will help our family. You know that!” Lucius snarled out. Draco hated his father who could still make him feel like a child. He didn’t care what would help the family. What has this family done for him? Yes, he had whatever he could ever want but a loving family.
His mother walked over and kissed his cheek. Narcissa cupped his cheek and smiled at him.
“Lucius, dear, he was probably busy working. They will wait for us. I don’t understand why we need them. We have more money than them.”
“Not everything is about money, Cissa! They are purebloods. one of the few pure-blood families left. I want Draco’s future heir to be a pureblood! Our grandchildren! Now come look at the contract so we can get going!” Lucius walked over to his wooden desk and Draco took his mother’s hand and walked over with her.
His mother squeezed his hand and gave him a knowing smile. Of course, his mother would know.
“F..Father, I will not be signing that contract. I will not marry Astoria Greengrass. I refuse to marry someone I don’t love.” Draco took a deep breath. He got the first part out. Maybe he wouldn’t have to tell his father everything today.
Lucius looked up at him. “I didn’t love your mother when I married her. It took time for me to learn to love her. Marriage isn’t about love Draco, it is a partnership. One that you can make your own rules. If you are worried about being with the same woman for the rest of your life, there isn’t anything in this contract that says you have to be loyal.” Lucius rolled his eyes. Draco looked down at his mother, who was stoned face but he saw the hurt in her eyes. His mother was stuck. He always wondered why his mother put up with his father.
Draco felt anger for the hurt in his mother's eyes. “I am not marrying that woman, Father. I am not marrying any woman! I’m gay, I will marry a man. If I want a child, I will carry them myself! I’m not signing that contract. You can keep the money, you can keep the title. When I marry, it will be for love and love only! I will not end up like Mother! Or worse, you!”
Draco felt his magic crackle around the room as it mixed with the older Malfoy.
Lucius’s eyes were wild with rage. “No, son of mine will marry a man! You may take one to bed but not marry. I know how good an ass feels.”
“I won’t Father! I refuse! Now I’m leaving. If you want to disown me, that’s fine.”
Narcissa walked over to Lucius. “Dear, please, let's talk about this another time. Draco, we will owl you.”
Lucius refused and pushed his mother away. Draco’s wand fell into his hand. He wasn’t a little boy anymore. He wouldn’t stand and watch his mother be abused in front of him.
“You dare pull your wand on me?” Lucius smirked. “Draco, we both know that you are too much of a coward to use that on me. Well, come on if you think you can.” The older blond walked out from behind his desk. He unsheathed his wand from his cane.
“Father, I am not that boy anymore that craves your approval!” Draco raised his wand and tried to keep it steady. His hand shook, and Lucius chuckled.
“You would never get my approval. Do you think anyone would want you, Draco? That anyone would love a man like you? You have been given everything you could ever want! Though you could never do what was needed of you! Your mother made you weak! If she allowed me to raise you how I wanted, you wouldn’t have ended up like this! She is weak, you are weak! ” Lucius flicked his wand at Narcissa and she screamed.
Draco yelled. “Depulso!” Lucius blocked the spell with a laugh.
“Stupid boy! It’s a shame that I have to teach you a lesson at this age. You should have already learned.” Draco looked over at his mother. She was alive and breathing.
“Stupefy!” Draco yelled again, and it was blocked again. Lucius growled two back-to-back spells.
“Diffindo! Confringo!” Draco tried to block and move but they were too quick. The spells hit him. His body was seared with white-hot pain. Draco couldn’t breathe, the smell of blood flooded his nose.
“DRACO!” His mother's voice sounded too far away.
Draco felt his mother's hands on his face. “Draco… Dragon, stay with Mummy.”
He tried to talk, but all that came out was a gargle. “No… No, please don’t leave me, my sweet boy. Stop talking.” Draco's eyes fluttered and darkness consumed him.
—————
Draco’s body felt heavy and sore. He tried to swallow, and it felt like his throat was being stabbed. Where was he, and why did he feel this way? Then everything flooded back.
Draco silently screamed for his mother. Pain seared through him as he jolted up.
“Draco, it’s okay you’re okay. Don’t speak. You're still healing.” Severus' onyx eyes looked at him with pity.
Draco needed to know his mother was safe. It was like Severus knew what he wanted; he handed him a fountain pen and parchment. Draco’s hands shook as he wrote. M U M.
“I…I’m sorry Draco.” Draco shook his head. She couldn’t be gone. She was one of the few good things in his life. “From what the auror’s said, she called for help for you and attacked your father. Your father didn’t handle that and…” Severus didn't finish his sentence. Tears poured down his cheeks. He did it. The bastard killed his mother.
“Draco…” Severus took his hand. Draco pulled his hand away. He felt dizzy, and the darkness crept in again.
——-
*Severus, are you sure? It is a big decision. If you want…* Severus cut Draco off.
*It’s not a big decision. The States are a good place to start over, plus with our business, we can go anywhere. It will help with your healing.* Draco huffed. The older man felt guilty. He knew that. The blond forgave the older potion master. This would have happened even if Severus was there. He could have lost two people that night instead of one. A shiver rocked through his body, thinking about it.
*Okay, the States it is. I don’t want to live in a city. I want a house in the country, with all the seasons. I know some places that do not have winter, spring, summer, and autumn.* Draco signed slowly. They have been working on sign language for a bit. They started right before he left St. Mungo. The healer said that Draco should go to a mind healer but he wouldn’t. Why would he talk to a mind healer? What happened? A mind healer wouldn’t bring his mum back, take away the scars, or let him speak again.
*Show me what you have been researching. I know you and I know that you have a couple of houses in mind.* Severus sat down on the couch and Draco flicked his wand and the listing with pictures floated over to them.
———
*Draco, I need to talk to you.* Severus signed and spoke. Draco didn’t feel like talking today. It was Sunday, his day off. He rolled his eyes and sat down beside the only family he had left.
*What Severus? If this is about brewing, I will do it tomorrow. It’s Sunday* His hands moved swiftly. Severus shook his head. The older man looked different.
*I will not be home as much. I want to know that you will be okay. I’ve been worried about you.* Draco hated Severus and felt he had to stay with him. He knew the potion master felt guilty for what happened to him, but it would have happened even if Severus was there that day. It was just a freak accident.
*You don’t need to be worried about me, Severus. You are hardly home at night now anyway.* Severus leaned over and set his hand on his knee. Draco didn’t want to feel anything. It’s better to be numb.
*I have a son. Neville had my son after he left Hogwarts. I am trying for a relationship with Neville and Silas.* Draco’s eyes widened. He couldn’t have heard right. Severus couldn’t have a son, could he? He knew the older wizard had a thing for Neville, but didn’t know it went anywhere.
*Hold on, I don’t think I heard you right. Neville is here, and he had your son?* Draco raised his eyebrow as he signed quickly.
*Yes, Draco. I have a son named Silas, and Neville is here. He owns a plant nursery in the Wizard shopping district. Today I’m going to have a Sunday family dinner with him and his adoptive parents. I need to know that you are okay though Draco.* He didn’t want pity from Severus or obligation.
*Severus, you have a family now. Which is fucking weird, by the way. You don’t need to worry about me. You do not have an obligation to be here. I’m an adult Severus and I don’t need babysitting. Your family is more important.* Draco signed aggressively. He wanted this conversation over with.
*You are my family too, Draco.* That was very uncharacteristic of the older potion master.
*Yes Severus we are but I’m fine. You should go get ready. You need to look and be impressive today. I need to start my new book.* Draco lied as he shooed Severus away. The older man squeezed his leg one last time before he left him alone. He wished one day that he would have someone someday. Who would want him now? He couldn’t speak and had a huge scar.
———-
Another completely useless potion. Draco couldn’t handle this anymore. The blond walked over to the rows of potion ingredients. His fingers glided over the glass bottles and jars. When he got to the bottle he was looking for, he plucked it off the shelf.
As he walked toward his room, his heart pounded with each step. It would be over soon. Nothing would ever matter again.
Draco made it to his room and took a seat on his bed. Thin potion-stained fingers tapped the bottle. His mother's kind eyes popped into his mind, and it was like he could smell her perfume. Draco hoped that there was an afterlife so he could see his mother again.
Shaky hands uncorked the bottle of Draco’s nose, wrinkled at the musty smell. The hemlock was powdered, so he sprinkled the entire bottle under his tongue. Draco gagged before he swallowed. He laid back on his bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling.
Draco felt at peace for the first time in a long time. The pain and loneliness didn’t matter anymore. Maybe there was an afterlife. If there was, hopefully, he would see his mother again.
Fate seemed to hate him. How could he ever be truly happy? Who would have wanted a man so scarred and broken? A life alone, as he watched everyone around him get their happy ending.
Draco laughed to himself. This was his happy ending. The blissful darkness consumed him.
Draco was mad when he woke up and saw Severus. Then he saw the hurt and fear in the older wizard's eyes. He needed help and Severus risked his relationship to help him.
Now he stood in the hospital’s lobby. He was about to take the first step. Draco had never been this scared before. Why was it so much easier to die than it is to stay alive?
—---
Draco sat in group therapy. In his hand was a crudely wrapped present. They had a holiday gift exchange for all the people in his group. They couldn’t shop for anything or use their magic. He was actually happy with what he made.
“Happy Holidays everyone! I’m so glad that you are all here today! I see a lot of beautifully wrapped presents. I know there is someone that today is their last group. Draco, how about you give your gift?”
Draco bit his lip and started signing. Thankfully, they had an interpreter at the facility. *I’ve got Toby Finch-Fletchley.* Draco always signed his full name, he knew that he and his brother went to Hogwarts for a little while. Then he and his brother disappeared. His Father was an Earl or something in the muggle world.
Toby had a smirk on his face. He was the first person to befriend him here. He even learned some sign language to talk to him.
Draco walked over and handed him the present. Toby signed thank you before he tore into the paper. The blond had painted one day in art therapy and after that day, that is what he spent most of his time doing now. He missed potions, but he was glad he had something that he enjoyed.
Toby looked down at the canvas. His brown eyes widened. Draco used watercolor to make a tree of life. The trunk twisted into the branches and the leaves were multicolored.
Draco never felt self-conscious about a gift before. Most of the time, he went and bought the most expensive thing. Malfoys could afford the best.
*Thank you Draco! This will look great in my room!* Toby signed thank you but spoke the rest.
Draco felt himself blush. “That is beautifully made Draco! I hope when you leave, you will not give up your painting.” Rebecca, the mind healer, said before they went to the next person.
A girl named Joanna had him. She was mute. She hasn’t spoken since she was a child. Joanna was a sweet woman. Draco shared many quiet nights painting while she made jewelry from clay. Joanna made him a black, silver, and green braided bracelet. Draco has had platinum rings and watches, but this bracelet meant more than anything to him.
Draco placed it on his wrist. When he gets his wand back, the first thing he will do is place a preservation on the bracelet so it will never break.
Once the group was done, Draco had the rest of the day off. He had dinner with Toby and then that night he laid in his bed. This is when his mind would wander. He couldn’t wait to see Severus make sure that he truly was okay. The older potion’s master sounded horrible during floo calls.
Draco was excited to meet Silas. He has heard so much about the little boy. Severus has shown him a picture and you could see Severus in the little boy, as well as Neville.
Draco had to tell himself he wasn’t the reason Severus and Neville were not speaking. It was Severus who failed to mention him to Neville. Draco needed to rest tomorrow was his last full day here. He closed his eyes for meditation, soon his breath evened and he let his mind become blank.
———
Draco paced in front of the floo. Why was he so nervous? He and Neville have been spending time together. Though Harry and his family haven't met them. Harry’s husband is a Weasley, who knows what he has told him about his family. He should tell Severus he couldn’t come. Draco huffed and shook his head. This was a big day for Severus and he needed to know about his new niece or nephew.
The blond smiled as he thought about his nephew. Silas was such a sweet and intelligent toddler. Draco’s eyes went to the mantle and saw the picture of him and Silas in front of a cauldron. The toddler's face would change as the potion changed colors. It was one of Draco’s favorite days by far.
‘Okay, Draco, take a deep breath. your f…family wouldn’t let anything happen to you.’ The younger potion master thought to himself. Draco closed his eyes and apparated.
Draco landed gracefully in front of the cabin. He raised his hand to knock when the door swung open. His favorite little boy stood, hands raised, and a bright smile on his face.
*Dwaco!!! Up!* Silas signed and giggled. Draco leaned down and picked up the wiggly boy. After he peppered kisses all over his face, Draco signed Dad.
“Daaaadddy! Dwaco here!” Neville and Severus walked into the room. Draco couldn’t have kept the smile from his lips. Severus hadn’t ever looked this happy, and Neville was glowing.
*Hi Draco* Neville signed as he spoke. It filled his chest with warmth. Draco smiled and waved back.
*You got here just in time. We are heading over now.* Severus wrapped an arm around Neville’s waist. Draco looked at the little boy in his arms and nodded. Silas giggled and bounced in Draco’s arms.
“I ‘ee if my baby is a boy t’day Dwaco!” Silas rambled nonsense after that as they walked towards the oldest-looking house. Not that it looked run down, but you could tell this is the house that has been here the longest.
He felt a hand squeeze his shoulder. When he looked over, he saw Neville smiling at him softly. Draco smiled back.
The stairs creaked as they walked up to the front door. Silas giggled as he bounced in his arms.
“Pop Pops we ‘ee Pop Pop and Grand!” The door swung open and a shorter man with blond hair, who had bright red glasses perched on his nose, greeted them.
“POP POP!” Silas leaned over and the smaller man took him from Draco. He watched as Barnaby kissed all over the toddler's face. Then the attention went to him. Barnaby sat the toddler down who ran into the house.
*Hi Draco. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Pops* Barnaby signed slowly. “I’m sorry. I don’t know more than that. We are working on it. The whole family! You are officially a part of our family now.”
Draco felt tears burn his eyes. This family who didn’t even know him had gone above and beyond.
*Nice to meet you, Pops.* Barnaby surprised him by pulling him into a hug.
“Come on in! It’s time for the big reveal. Tony just got here. Justin is visiting his brother today, so you don’t get to meet all of my adoptive children today. Severus has told me all about you, though. Come in and meet all the others. Draco allowed the smaller man to pull him into the house. He looked back at Severus and Neville, who gave him a bright smile. He knew his family wouldn’t let him down.
—-----
Draco was nervous. This was his first group art therapy session. Neville and Severus dropped him off and now he stood in the foyer. He could do this. It wasn’t like he was alone there were other people.
“First time?” An almost familiar voice said beside him. Draco’s head snapped over towards the voice. He thought it was Toby. There stood someone who looked like Toby, but maybe a few years older. The same curly hair and brown eyes.
Draco nodded. He didn’t bother signing. It wasn’t like most people knew sign language. Plus, they could tell by looking at him he couldn’t speak.
“Me too. I’ve never done art therapy. I’m Justin.” Justin's hand was out and Draco shook it with one hand and with the other he reached into his pocket and pulled out a card that stated he could hear but couldn’t speak. A look of recognition flashed on the other man’s face.
*Sorry! I didn’t notice!* Justin signed and Draco's eyes widened. The man knew sign language. Few people knew sign language.
Draco shook his head again. *It’s okay, most people do not know sign language. I’m Draco. Art therapy is wonderful.*
*I bet. Would you like to walk with me?* Justin smiled at him again and Draco blushed. Toby was cute, but he had nothing on Justin. Did he have dimples?
*Sure.* Draco followed the other man’s lead. Maybe it wouldn’t be too bad.
—-----
Draco watched the potion master turn completely sheet white when Harry’s patronus told him that Neville was on his way to the hospital to have their son Nash.
Draco waved his wand over his cauldron. The blond shook his head and walked over to the older wizard. He grabbed onto his arm.
“The baby is coming.” Severus’s voice cracked.
*I’ll get us there, just hold on. I don’t want you to show up at the hospital with missing parts.* Severus nodded and held onto him. Draco chuckled silently.
When he popped them into the hospital Severus rushed back into delivery.
“Draco!” Draco looked up and there stood Charlie, but he wasn’t alone. Hagrid was there and Justin?
Draco walked over, his eyes locked with Justin, who smiled at him. Those damn dimples.
“I figured you would be here. It is a family affair. I want to introduce you to someone. This is Justin. He was my mind healer, but now a family member. You know how Barnaby is.” Charlie smirked.
Mind healer?! Draco raised his eyebrow. Why did Justin go to art therapy if he was a mind healer?
*We have actually met before. It’s great to see you, Draco. I didn’t know that Barnaby adopted you as well.* Draco glared at him, though Justin just smiled.
*Why didn’t you tell me you were a mind healer?* Draco’s hands moved quickly; the other two men didn’t know what he was talking about.
*We never talked about what we did for a living. Actually, you really haven’t told me much about you either. I would like to get to know you more.* Justin signed calmly. He didn’t translate either.
*Why would you want to know more about me? Want to analyze me? See how to fix me?* Draco raised an elegant eyebrow and crossed his arms.
*No, I want to find out what you like so I know where I can take you for our first date.* Justin gave him that smile with full dimples. Was he mad? A first date?
*First date?* Draco asked. Maybe Justin needed to go to therapy because he was mad.
*Yes, normally it starts with the first date and then it moves on to the second date, the third, and so on and so forth until a more appropriate time to ask you to marry me.* Marry?!?
*You must be mad!* Draco signed with a huff. Though he couldn’t have kept his heart from beating out of his chest.
*Nope, you know what they say Hufflepuff and Slytherin make for the best couples.* Justin smirked and moved closer to him. Draco didn’t move. Their eyes were locked until the doors swung open and Barnaby walked out with a big smile on his face.
“My new grandson is here. Nash August Snape Longbottom has been born.”