Chapter Text
“Avada Kedavra” she cried in between tears, her breath catching for both, the exertion of the duel and her racking sobs.
“Sectumsempra” the man, who masked as her brother, sneered knowing very well that there wasn’t a person alive, except her, who knew the counter curse.
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April 2020
The sound of static came from the sitting room and everybody stopped breathing. The muggle radio was used only for emergencies and to alert or communicate with allies. It has been two years since it was last used, the memory of the broadcasted message telling them that aunt Luna had been detained too fresh in the memories of his family, their solemn faces looking at each other waiting for the one with most Gryphindor courage ( although that house hasn’t existed in ten years) to reach the old radio.
His little sister won the fight, always proud to carry the mantle left behind by brave women who were there before her, so alike her mother Gran said, she reminds me of… one of his uncles would start, never ending the phrase, the name of that woman and any other of her monikers was now a taboo, but they all knew who, that “aunt” he never met, the hero erased from the history books.
His sister past by them with the little radio on her hands, they needed to take it to the shed were less magic would interfere with the transmission, she was careful with the old piece of technology, he heard someone in the pub at Knockturn Alley saying that muggles had advanced means of communication now and they rarely used this kinds of methods anymore. He has never met a muggle, he hasn’t even seen one in more than a decade, they closed off the magical world long before he could visit it and trapped the muggleborns elsewhere never to be seen again.
The rest of the family followed behind them to the shed, where his sister was now moving the dial, looking for a signal as Gramps had taught them. The shed felt cramped, his mother’s family was big, even though they had lost many in the last few years, and because of the curfew they were all there.
“Minerva Mcgonagall just died in Azkaban” announced the low and grave voice of his best friend’s father, one of the few allies left.
The gasps of their aunts and uncles and the sobs of their grandparents filled the crowded space, his siblings and cousins shared knowing looks. Minerva Mcgonagall was revered by the others, but their generation didn’t get the pleasure of being taught by the illustrious professor. Unlike the others of his age and unlike his siblings he did get to meet her, and talk to her, and love her, Granny Minnie he used to call her when he was little, before they took her to Azkaban ten years ago, he still wrote to her every week, he knew she couldn’t answer. His older brother and little sister hugged him, he didn’t cry.
“She left a letter and a parcel in her testament” continued the voice “she left something for her grandson” the man on the radio paused letting the meaning of the last word really sink in, Granny was really sobbing now, they would come for him if word got out. “ He didn’t like that one bit, as you may know, also the professor infused the little magic she had left to ward the letter only to be read by the intended receiver”
“There is nothing on our side of things that we can do to stop him from coming after you. You all need to leave that place tonight, the letter and parcel are secure, my son and my father will come by in an hour to help relocate all of you, be ready” the broadcast ended.
They all jumped into action, there wasn't much to pack, they had learnt to be ready from a young age, their mother had been honest with them before leaving, she didn’t tell them much about the previous owner but she did show them the little beaded bag, taught them not only how to replicate the enchantments but reproduced the check lists within it, checklists upon checklists of how to get ready to go on the run.
Families were hugging each other, husbands and wives, parents and children, his siblings and him went to their grandparents first, mum was gone and father….
They warded the houses that littered the grand expanse of land and doubled the efforts in the main house, their legacy. They secured the younger ones, attaching portkeys to their clothing to leave them in muggle orphanages if the need presented itself, they would be safer there than if they were all trapped, soon came the hour and two cracks of apparition broke the tense silence. Twenty wands from wixen young and old trailed the newcomers.
The two wizards advanced with their wands pointing to themselves, showing they were not a menace, the younger of them, his best friend, looked solemn but the glint in his eye betrayed him, connecting his gaze to him he said loud and clear “When we were ten we hid my grandpas’ cane and blamed Teddy for it. Where did we hide it?” Said grandpa was a few steps behind his friend glaring at the back of the head of the young wizard. His siblings snickered behind him and rolling his eyes he answered the security question “it’s still stuck in the arsehole of the statue of your great grandfather in the east wing of your house” he could hear the snorts of his uncles behind him, his aunt and grandma tsk judgmentally.
“No respect for your ancestors Scorpious?” drawled the old wizard “And Albus, I expected that type of behavior from others in your company not from a posed and respectable young wizard such as yourself” Lucius Malfoy encompassed with his silver gaze over the reunion of Weasleys in front of him, looking pointedly to his uncle George, his cousins Fred and Louie and his sister Lily.
“I apologize Lord Malfoy” he said, not apologetic at all “Even the best of us can fall under the influence of less savory acolytes” the rib landed and both wizards scoffed identically, the Malfoys much like the Weasleys had very strong genetics, their grimaces and pursed lips in tandem while the recently offended Weasleys hollered behind him, even Grandma was coughing trying to hide her laugh, they found joy where they could.
“You are forgiven Mr Potter” deadpanned Malfoy but the corner of his lip rose a millimeter.
“Lucius”
“Arthur”
“We should get this show on the road, as the muggles say”
“Indeed” drawled Malfoy “Scorpious, James and Lily will apparate as many as they can side along to a safe house they have visited in the reckon missions we did last year, I have a portkey for the pregnant lady and her family, the rest of us…”
“We fly of course” answered his cousin Pandora, summoning her father’s broom alongside her brother Hugo who had his own. Lord Malfoy acknowledged her with a bow of his head.
Guille, Victoire's husband, took his young daughter and placed her in the arms of Fleur “Here baby girl, go with Flor and I’ll stay with maman” Guillermo was Argentinian and Fleur biggest shock was learning she was going to be a grandma, when the words Granny, Grandmere and mamie started around her she put her foot down, Fleur Weasley with her beauty and barely pushing fifty being called mamie ? Perish the thought, so they call her Flor.
Victoire was expecting her second child, Grandma Molly was very proud, so she will take the portkey with her husband “ Portus ” . Nothing happened.
A Pause, the tension grew, that only meant…
Portkeys and anti apparition wards had been set, they had been betrayed. The cries of accio filled the air, brooms finding the hands of their wix, they weren’t under attack yet, they could build wards around them but hadn’t broken into the Weasley wards “Thank Sam for small miracles”.
“You know the formation, the youngest and most vulnerable in the middle, strong casters with good aim in the front and superior flyers bringing up the rear, we break formation when we’re after the Lovegood’s house ruins, we reconvey in our safehouses and there we can be apparated to the Malfoy’s houses” Bill Weasley was a commander in arms when it came to the safety of his family, they all followed his and Uncle’s George’s and Aunt Fleur’s lead, being the ones who have seen battle.
“Up!” Cried Grandpa and the other three corners repeated. Lucius and Scorpious disillusioned themselves; they couldn’t be seen here, and on Bill’s signal they were airborne and off.
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“Weasley’s being buried in Malfoy grounds. I’d say over my dead body but…” Narcissa Malfoy had apparently had enough of Lord Septimus Malfoy, Albus never thought he'd see the day the painting would burn, he had said worse things after all. The portraits next to it got the message and left the room finding refuge from the Lady of the House.
The twins Eva and Ava died trying to protect Victoire’s little family, the only children of late uncle Percy and late aunt Audrey now reunited with their parents. Uncle Bill died too, his family, Lily, James and Albus were in the Manor, paying respects, the others were now safe and protected in other houses. The pain and horror of loss visiting their family once again was strong but the fear of losing anyone else was stronger so they would say their goodbyes and light their wands from under the blanket of wards and Fidelius charms. Albus hoped he would see them again.
Grandpa and Grandma left the next morning with Fleur, Louie and his wife Isa. Victoire, Guillermo and little Laura were staying along with Lily James and him. Lady Malfoy prepared rooms for all of them and in one of the wings of the manor, Albus had a room already, being close to Scorpious, so they all washed up and tried to sleep through Victoire’s wails.
The next day they all sat at the kitchen table, they had expanded it for these kinds of meetings. The Ministry and our Overlord, kept thinking very little of The Malfoys, kept seeing them as posh, bigoted, opportunistic and slaves of comfort so they never think of planting spies in the kitchens or the house elves' quarters. Sitting at the long pine table they all waited for Draco Malfoy to join them which he did two minutes later, levitating his incarcerated and silecioed wife.
“Dad!” Scorpius launched, reaching for his mother “What the fuck?”
“Language” called Lady Malfoy.
Astoria Malfoy sneered at her son, mouthing and spitting in every direction.
“Scorpius, please sit down, your mother is in perfect health, but she is the reason the Aurors came after the Weasleys yesterday”
His siblings stiffened, Mme Astoria had never been kind to any of them, the only Malfoy to adhere to the pureblood agenda and only approaching them when the need to show off the children of the chosen one came around, there was no love lost in between the people assembled in this room and Astoria. Mr Malfoy, her husband, had swiftly ended any private relationship with her after Scorpius was born, Narcissa hated the woman and Lucius thought of her as vapid. Scorpius on the other hand... Albus sighted, the relation of Scorpius and his mother was toxic at best, he got tired of advising his friend against her, seeing how time and time again he got played, used as a tool to advocate for her and get the woman more money, more benefits, more attention for her to drop him and insult him.
Scorpius sat down, at his twenty years of age, at last, opening his eyes and listening. He occluded, Albus admired the Malfoy talent, but it was too obvious in Scorp, he was always smiling, with his lips, with his eyes, he had a loving, caring and playful nature, when he occluded he went from one hundred to zero in seconds, Albus hid a shiver, it was an eerie sight.
“What did she do?” The Malfoy heir drawled in a perfect imitation of his father and his father before him.
“She, I quote, saw an opportunity and took it. She learned earlier this week that Scorpius had given Albus his old broom, the one that not only has protection charms but location spells from when you were a teen. Yesterday she heard about Mcgonagall's testament and she flooed to the Ministry, they were at the burrow less than two hours later”
“You fucking bitch!” snarled Lily. A muttered “She’s not my grandchild” came from Albus’ right, Lady Malfoy knew better than to correct Lily.
“What are we to do with her?” Lucius stood up and prawled closer to his daughter in law.
“What do you mean what are you going to do with her? Es joda esto? She's Scorpius’ mother!” Albus loved when Guillermo got heated, there would be yelling in spanish and french in no time.
“Yes love but she’s also une grosse connasse ” Victoire practically growled, her family had been in danger last night because of this woman; her father had died.
“She heard ?” asked Scorp from his perch looking at his feet, a somber look in his eyes “she heard” he repeated, tasting the last letters of the word “The only way she heard that was when Grand-Père and I were getting ready to go there. Mother, did you send the Aurors to capture and kill Albus and his family, knowing that I would be there as well?”
Narcissa hissed, the Lady always proper and always stoic was breathing fire, Draco Malfoy’s knuckles were white, his constricting spell getting tighter around the petite witch’s body.
“Que la parió!” Guille was now covering his whole face with his hands, Victoire hugged little Laura closer to her body, love of a mother, a feeling that Astoria Malfoy apparently didn’t share.
“Do you deny this Madame?” Lucius Malfoy asked, now tête à tête with the woman “Did you knowingly send your son and myself to possible death” The woman was crying now. The room, unmoving to her tears.
“Lovely Astoria, thank you” Draco Malfoy answered “Tulip!”
“Mast.. Mister Draco, how can I help you?” The elf started, but noticing they were among allies addressed Draco as his equal not as his former Master.
“Tulip, thank you for coming and apologies to bother you, Mme Astoria has finally shown her true colours and we need to plan accordingly, do you have any suggestions?”
“Yes Mister Draco, Madame Astoria has been complaining very loudly amongst her group of friends about the manor and how bored she is in England, we could perhaps prepare a vacation for the Lady”
“Would the Ministry allow someone to leave?” asked Lily
“It would have to be in Britain young Lily, yes” answered Tulip
“That’s not far enough, she can come back easily then and we need to obliviate her too” The temperature around Scorpius was dropping by the minute.
“The obliviation of these meetings is a given young Scorpius” deadpanned the little elf, who despite the big innocent eyes and cute ears, was getting scarier. “That would be for you wand carriers, Mr Draco could we call Sage to advise us on this?”
“Sage!” called Draco, promptly.
Sage apparated with a clack, and much like Tulip, his act stopped when he understood the nature of the reunion, his sobbing and trembling stopped and was replaced by a straightening of the posture and an aristocratic look, it was obvious that the elf had been in the presence of Scorpius etiquette lessons.
“You called?” Sage asked, and Tulip was nodding even before he finished talking.
“Yes Sage, oh great Sir” she answered, batting her hand at him “We need your help, Astoria here has betrayed her family and Malfoys don’t do well with betrayal. You’d need to be mad to try it, let’s not forget Bellatrix” Astoria bared her teeth at the elves at her feet for the insult “Point in case” continued Tulip “Because of the new restrictions, no one can leave Magical Britain, where do you think we can exile the Lady ?”
“If the idea of said exile is to never see her again and no one suspecting, may I suggest the new Magical Hospital in Scotland for mental maladies and obscure afflictions? It’s already receiving guests and we have allies in place. The Greengrass family has a generational blood curse as you know, the public doesn’t need to know it skipped this generation, once there her debilitated state can prevent her from leaving and her mind, being idle, could lose grasp of the reality” Sage speech was both cultured and cutthroat, the elves in the manor didn’t appreciate the woman, with good reason, The Malfoys had to secretly pay, educate and reward their elves because Astoria didn’t believe in free elves, didn’t join the rest of the family in the secret resistance, so in front of her and guests they had to play the part.
“The new hospital” James intervened “The Ronald Weasley hospital, are they taking him there too?” James looked sad, they all did when they remembered their uncle, Sage nodded.
“I thought your uncle was dead” a confused Guillermo said
“In a way he is, love”
“That is a clever idea Sage, would our allies there take care of her, we don’t want her hurt” Lady Malfoy having recovered her composure asked “She is after all Scorpius mother”
“I’ll make sure she is comfortable”
“ Thank you Sage, stupefy , could you please take my wife to her chambers? Lord Malfoy and I will perform the obliviation after the reunion” Once Draco entrusted his unconscious wife to the elf they disapparated swiftly. There was a collective sigh of relief once Astoria Malfoy’s silent growling and spewing left the room.
“She should be seen,” Albus added. Albus wasn’t like his siblings, his temperament not at all Weasley, his mom used to say that his silent and serious demeanor reminded her of his father’s fifth and sixth year, she said it was eerie. “Yesterday she gave them the new coordinates of the burrow, and they killed three Weasleys, she should be seen bragging and celebrating with the other wives”
“I agree with young Albus” smiled Tulip “We could stage her malaise in different public functions this week, at the end of next week no one would think in other possibility than her blood curse”
“Perfect” the Malfoy men said in tandem.