Chapter 57
Chapter 57
Ginny and Draco wait at a table alone. Arthur enters and shakes Draco's hand.
‘Thank you for being with her. I can't even imagine how you are feeling Gin. Your brothers and yes, they will all continue to consider themselves your brothers- send their love but didn't come because they didn't want to get in the way.’
‘Thank them for me please. What can I expect, do you think?’
‘I think we will see what they are expecting then we can all discuss it. You are nearly an adult yourself and deserve a say in what happens. Everyone wishes to offer you support whenever you need it but I'm sure you already knew that.’
‘Thank you, daddy. I don't know how I would manage if you weren't here.’
‘You will never be alone, we are all here, even your young man is here for you.’
Draco smiles in agreement.
‘And how are you doing sir? Were you able to speak with my father?’
‘He has been most helpful. Although at the moment he happens to be more helpful for the house of Prewitt then Weasley.’
‘I don't understand sir.’
‘He has offered his home to a pair of healing wizards that we as a family were certain had perished, imagine our surprise to find them alive.’
‘Daddy?’
‘The Prewitt twins have been rescued as well as Regulus Black.’ Arthur whispers this last sentence. ‘No one else knows nor will they until the wizards in question are healed.’
‘Of course, we understand.’ Ginny nods at Draco's words. Before anything else can be said a stern-faced couple approach the table with Professor McGonagall.
‘Ginevra, Arthur, this is Lord Augustus and Lady Joan Rookwood. Would you like me to perform the spell?’
‘That will not be necessary; we are quite capable.’ Lord Rookwood says in dismissal of the Headmistress.
Ginny looks at Arthur a little afraid at the attitude of her parents. Lady Rookwood stands next to Ginny while her husband begins the charm. Once confirmed the couple nod their heads at each other and sit down at the table.
‘Why is young Malfoy here? Surely, he has no paternity issue?’
‘I am here to be supportive. I have come to learn that supporting a friend can be more important than many other things.’
‘You are just as nosy as your father. We do not wish for you to interrupt.’
‘I am being a supportive friend. I can promise you there is nothing else going on. In fact, you could pretend I'm not here. Only one person at this table may ask me to leave and as she has not, I will not go anywhere.’
‘Well said, son.’ Arthur praises. ‘We are here for one reason, for you to meet your child, thus far you haven't even said one word to her.’
‘I have nothing to say to the man that kidnapped my child.’
‘That's good because he is not here. However, the man who raised your child as his own is. I had no idea that she was adopted let alone kidnapped. I was simply doing the best I could to provide for the family that I thought I had created.’
‘Excuse me, we don't understand.’
‘That is understandable. If you would like we can meet at another time to discuss all the sordid details. At this time however we are here to meet with those confined to this castle until the end of term.’
Both Rookwood's look like they have warmed to the idea of interacting with Mr. Weasley.
‘We received your letter, thank you for sending it.’
‘I was worried that I wouldn't get a chance to tell you about myself, so I did so in my letter.’
‘It was very kind of you. Your father quite enjoys quidditch as well. We often travel for games if they are close enough.’
‘Oh, that's wonderful. What team do you follow?’
‘The Arrows are doing well this season.’
‘Yes, the team seems to work well in a way that's hard to find some seasons.’
‘Are you considering a career in Quidditch?’
‘I have been thinking about it, but I want to make the house team before I start getting my hopes up.’
‘That is perfectly reasonable. You asked a few questions in your letter. Would you like the answers?’
‘Please.’
‘We originally named you Scarlet, but we understand if you prefer the one you were raised with. We only had one child, and we would love to get to know you in any way you are open to. Would you like us to visit on the weekends?’
With a nod, Ginny smiles at her parents with the hope that thing are moving positively.
*.*
‘Siri, how can I make this up to Daphne. I know I wasn't intentionally trying to hurt her, but it still happened.’
‘Well, you can talk about what happened. Then you can ask for forgiveness. Another thing you can do is get her something to show you care.’
‘Like what?’
‘That depends on how you feel about her. You can give something simple like candy but that won't necessarily show affection. Alternatively, this is all still new so maybe not jewelry either.'
‘What else is there?’
‘What are her interests?’
‘I think she enjoys Runes. She always saves that homework till last so she can enjoy it.’
‘I might have some ideas, but I need to talk to Moony first.’
‘Alright I think?’
‘Moony was more into Runes then the rest of us so I want to be sure my suggestions would be appropriate for an apology. He is a bit busy today I think.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘He is here somewhere but I don't want to interrupt anything.’
‘Someone is his child?’
‘Ya but I don't want to talk about it until they are comfortable.’
‘I understand. Can you tell me more about Runes? It's not a class I have taken but it sounds interesting.’
When Siri leaves, he promises to send a few Ancient Runes texts so that Harry can learn more about the subject.
*.*
Arriving through the floo at Malfoy Manor, Healer Jayna walks briskly toward her patient's room.
Upon arriving she asks for any elves familiar with healing. Charlie and Arthur are sitting with the sleeping Prewitt twins.
‘Lord Malfoy, summon 4 elves please.’
‘Jazzy, Onix, Charm and Dia.’
‘Master calls?’
‘What can you tell me about elf healing?’
‘Elvses can heal by sharing magics miss.’
‘Can you improve these wizards' magical cores?’
All four look to the unconscious men. After a moment they return their attention to the healer.
‘Missy Healer has Strong potion? Or maybe pepper up?’
‘We can't use those until we are certain their core will not collapse. They have been too weak to even attempt most potions because they need a healthy core to work adequately.’
‘Need how strong for potions?’
‘50% minimum. These two are at less than 10% each right now. I think the method of rescue was more damaging to their core than anything else.’
‘Twins needs heals at same rate. We can get them to 50% next week? Maybe but we wills try Missy Healer.’
‘Thank you. Please be safe about it. I will need their conditions tracked during and after your healing. Please keep a record for me.’
‘Of course Missy Healer.’ Dia the oldest elf says. ‘We always monitor when heals.’
‘Good day gentlemen, I will return tomorrow. I have much to research before I return. Please tell Mesers. Black that I have a lead.’
At their collective nod she returns to the floo.
*.*
Luna walks the halls with some younger students from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff while everyone in the Great Hall is getting reacquainted.
‘Did you know that there are a number of secrets hidden around the castle? You just need to keep an open mind and you will be surprised at what you can find.’
‘Like what?’
‘We are headed to a special place designed to entertain those too young to leave the castle.’
‘Here at this corner. Everyone, place your hand on the wall and think about how bored you are since you can't get out of the castle.’
Once they did, Luna spun around and began to hopscotch across to the other wall. As she did so, every stone she landed on began to glow. ‘Follow me!’
One by one everyone follows her lead. After a moment the tapestry on the wall shimmers and Luna disappears from sight. One by one the other students also disappear. Once they reach the other side of the barrier, they enter what looks to be a playground in a muggle park. Monkey bars and a carousel as well as swigs and a jungle gym for climbing, there are a variety of courts to play muggle sports and some sidewalks with a selection of chalk to draw with.
‘Anyone is welcome here but please remember that you need to share some magic with the castle as a thank you for this wonderful space. I'm going to sit under that tree. Enjoy yourselves.’
Not long later Neville comes in with some younger Gryffindors, gives the same instructions and walks over to sit with Luna.’
‘The castle let me know where to find you, so I brought some firsties who were looking rather bored.’
Luna smiles but before she can respond Theo enters with some Slytherin second years. He looks a little confused but smiles when he sees Luna.
‘Be right back, Nev.’ When he nods, she crosses the room and wraps her arms around a smiling Theo.
‘What is this place? I don't even know how I found it. I just knew I needed to bring some younger students here.’
‘This is where the younger years can spend some time relaxing when everything seems boring.’
‘Huh, looks peaceful. What should I tell them?’
The Slytherin second years look curious but apprehensive.
‘Tell them what feels right but also remind them about sharing their magic as a thank you. Hogwarts loves every student.’
‘Oi you lot. We are here to get along and enjoy some inter house unity. You can relax here and play around. Remember to be respectful. Everyone has the opportunity to learn something new when you keep an open mind. Before you leave, thank the castle by touching the wall or floor and pushing your magic out. The castle loves the connection, and you never know what she will show you next time.’
Theo and Luna Walk back over to join Neville.
*.*