Good on Jake's part, to offer that, which improved his like of the boy before they'd even met. "That means you've spoken in more detail about your parents to him, then?" Just how much had Draco told this Muggle? "As far as a job, we can work through that. You were speaking about going to college in America, but there may be other avenues. You're not unskilled, and Melinda might be able to help as well, but it won't be an easy start, that much I know. But you won't be alone."
"He understood that they weren't well liked and had a hard time accepting change." Draco replied. "I had made that clear before he knew about the magic. He is also aware that I hadn't been a nice person either."
He frowned at the mention of going to America. He still wanted to go that route...but he knew if he didn't have his family support he might be able to go there. "I still would like to go...or at least check to see if that's what I want...
I also believe that if I don't have my parents support it won't be something I could do. I was just trying to get other options. At least knowing that you are helping eases some of that fear."
"Like I said... we'll look into things. Don't discount the possibility of America quite so quickly. However.. if you're determined that your parents will find out, and I don't disagree with that, let's do something else, first." He tapped his fingers calmly, thinking. "Jake doesn't have to be introduced as a Muggle, you know." The beginning of a possible method of 'better' introduction was coming to mind.
"What are you implying?" Draco questioned a little uncertain by this idea. "My parents would want to do a background check like you wish to do now. It's going to have to be a really crafty story with enough supporting information."
"They're going to do a background check on-- bloody hell." Remus rubbed his brow. "Even if they do that-- oh damn. Damn." Remus whispered a curse. "The destruction of the Muggle-born records. Even if there is something to be found, we might have already been lost, but at the same time, your parents will run into the same problem. All those years of records are gone thanks to the Dark Lord."
"And this was why Pansy was safe." Draco replied in a wary tone. "If it was someone they weren't familiar with they would want a background check. They would have to see if that person was suitable. Really it's quite ridiculous at this point."
He did frown a bit at the mention of the records being destroyed. "I suppose that will benefit us a little here. But it would be nice to know if he did have kind of connection with us"
"Yes, it is ridiculous, but your parents won't see that." Sigh. Why did the Malfoys have to be so damn difficult? This was their son, who they should love unconditionally, yet he constantly heard conditions on that love. He gave a small nod, silently agreeing. "Unfortunately, i doubt we'll have much luck no matter what. If he was adopted to Muggles... there's very little liklihood there's any connection. That doesn't just happen."
"We simply... don't mention that he's a Muggle for as long as possible," Remus said bluntly, actually laughing a little at his own words. How Sirius would have grinned at him now for suggesting something like this. "Try to let Jake win over your parents on his own before they find out the truth. It... isn't the best of plans, but it very well may work."
Draco bulked at the idea. So they were basically at square one. He wasn't too sure if he was comfortable with the idea...but it might be better going this route instead of trying to fabricate a story.
"Maybe... If they even give him a chance." Draco gave a wary sigh not very comforted by the idea.
"I'm sorry, Draco. I know it's not a very good plan, but we're more than a bit limited on choices, here. We're going to have to come up with a plan and work off of that." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I wonder... if Andromeda approves with Tonks... maybe we could get an ally to help." It was a long shot, though, a little too long, but it might be possible.
"I don't know...the way Tonks had explained that I don't think she was very keen of me," Draco replied in a sullen voice. "We'll just let this go and see where it leads us."
He wasn't happy with the idea, but it was the only thing they could do. This day was not off to a promising start and his nerves were already shot.
"I'm honestly not sure what she'll make of all this, but there isn't much more we can do." He looked to Draco, trying to meet the young lad's eyes. "No matter what, I'll make sure you're safe, taken care of. Got it? I know what it's like to be rejected and alone, and I'm not about to let that happen. Now come on, let's try to get this place cleaned up so Tonks doesn't have a fit about this Muggle of yours coming over, mm?"
His grey eyes met, Remus's. There was still some uncertainty in them, but he gave a nod accepting what was said. He then gave Remus a hug, grateful for his help even if it wasn't much. But knowing he had his support meant more then anything.
While he wasn't too thrilled of cleaning, he took his out his wand and started to help clean up the place. It had taken his parents a long time to get Draco to help with the chores after they had lost their House Elf. In the end, he only began to begrudgingly help. This wasn't his home, so he knew he couldn't shirk it.
Cleaning didn't take long with the two of them, plus the house generally was kept clean - though it always felt more homey than the cool black starkness of the Malfoy manor. Things were put back into place, tidied up, and it was quick enough. During that time, Remus did push on some questions about Jake, curious more about this Muggle Draco had fallen for. It was curious, very much so, and it left him ever more interested in meeting the young man. He kept a smile down, amused about it, though at the same time, it left him afraid that if something drastic needed to be done, it would only hurt Draco more.
By the time five o'clock rolled around, Remus had obviously gone through a bit of effort to clean up himself though nothing could hide the scarring across his face, but he did manage to look presentable when he tried. Mostly. Even more so, he looked so proud whenever he was around Tonks; they drew strength from each other.
He looked up when the front bell rang - which told him it was most likely a Muggle whenever that happened, and gestured with his chin. "Go ahead, Draco."
To say that he was nervous was an understatement. He was a turmoil wreck inside. He struggled to keep an impassive face and to not sure how worried he was about this meeting. It didn't do any good to get Jake more worked up then he probably was.
Draco would have felt a little better if Tonks hadn't been there...but ultimately it would take the both to decide about Jake's fate. At least Remus was there to help keep things balanced out.
Tonks had taken the time to clean up as well making sure she was presentable. She wore her signature bright colors, not caring what Jake may think about it. She did make an effort to place a hat on Teddy to try and hide his ever changing hair color. The eyes she could do nothing about and hoped he wouldn't notice or say anything. She was aware that he knew what they were, but she proceeded to still keep a normal appearance.
She still had mixed feelings on the whole matter, but she had agreed to meet him and be there for Remus. At least, by meeting him they could really decide what to do about the situation.
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Draco went an answered the door. It didn't take much for a smile to spread on his face.
Jake, thankfully, had equally taken the time to clean up. He flashed Draco a brilliant smile when the blond opened the door, looking as calm as he ever did. He wore a polo shirt and a pair of neat jeans, different from his usual sort of hipster look, and from the look of it, his hair was even still just a touch damp from a fast shower. He had mentioned the timing of this would be a bit fast given his usual night shift, but if he was tired, he didn't show it.
"Hey." Warm, just for Draco alone. "Was actually a little worried I wouldn't remember the address." A silent bit of laughter lit up his eyes.
Draco had noted the change of clothing on Jake. He appreciated the effort, but honestly he preferred seeing him in his usual clothing. Draco was wearing his usual formal clothing...and it's darker tones
"Sorry for the last minute planning," Draco apologized. Leading him inside, Draco then in turned introduced Jake to Remus, Tonks, and then Teddy. He tried to keep things smooth. He did his best to try and keep things going, but hosting anything was not a strong trait of his. It had always been his mother's. He was thankful for Jake's calm demeanor and found that it helped his own nervousness.
He just wanted to look like a decent guy for Draco's relatives, that was all. Still, the shirt was a blue that matched his eyes and given Jake's tendencies to actually bother with what he was wearing, that was most likely completely on purpose.
"It's no problem," Jake soothed, then looked to the others in the room. Tonks and Remus... quite interesting names. Given Draco's name, was that just a thing among wizards, then? Teddy was pretty normal, though. He flashed that warm smile and offered his hand to them, which Remus took and gave a firm shake. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you. I've been looking forward to this."
Aaaand dreading it massively. He had no idea that there was something subtle he was working over on the Lupins at the same time.
"Pleasure to meet you, too, Jake," Remus said with a small smile of his own. "We've been hearing a lot about you from Draco."
"Likewise. Wicked hair, Mrs. Lupin." He loved it - if they could get behind dying their hair crazy colors, they seemed like even better people in his mind.
"At least someone can appreciate the bright colors," Tonks replied. She appeared to be relaxed, and kept any of her own opinions to herself. She was trying to keep an open mind to the visit.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Jake." She reached out to offer her hand to shake as well.
Then she offered for Jake to sit down and have some tea and pastries. She could sense that Draco was struggling with playing host. This much she was willing to help. And some part of her could understand what it was like to introduce someone you care about to family.
Draco moved to sit next to Jake. At least so far things appeared to be starting off okay. Maybe, Remus was correct and that this would go well.
It seemed more... normal than he was expecting, minus the fact that he was shocked to see the scarring across Mr. Lupin's face. He shook Mrs. Lupin's hand as well and thanked her for the offer of tea. Maybe they could get through this, he hoped more than anything.
Remus sat down and busied himself with making himself a cup of tea, taking the time to look over this young Muggle. Handsome, but not someone he might have put Draco down for. Then again, he wouldn't have put Draco down for another male so that might not have been the best guide anyway. "So, tell us a little about yourself, Jake."
Where to start? What would they care about? Start simple, he guessed. "I'm currently working full time down at a local warehouse, trying to decide on what I'd like to do with my life before I go out into the world. I've been living on my own for a while now, just myself and my dog, Lucky, who I have to thank for running into Draco quite literally." He gave an easy smile, the kind that put almost anyone at ease. He had no concept of what gifts his parents might have left him. "I'm close with my sister, but she lives in the States working on her degree."
Draco grinned at the mention of their first run in. It really was all due to Lucky. "It's rather hard to ignore a big four legged creature bounding up at you." He gently teased.
Tonks could appreciate that the young man was pretty independent. That was a good trait to have. It still seemed like he didn't have a clear goal of what he wanted in life...but that would probably come in time. She knew for many young people it would often take a while before they finally found what they wanted to do.
"Are you planning on going to school as well?" she questioned. "I know Draco was talking about going to the States too."
"Lucky is Lucky - not the brightest but a good dog." He took the teasing for his pup in stride, knowing that Lucky always meant well with his large goofy self. However, Tonks' question made him start to not only worry the Lupins would be displeased he hadn't made up his mind yet, but all over again thinking that Draco would be leaving soon enough, most likely... what would that mean? Still, he couldn't let it affect this too much and leaned back slightly, keeping himself relaxed.
"I didn't want to go to school for the sake of going to school," he explained. "I wanted to go because there was something I wanted to learn. Jenn, my sister, went all the way across the pond because it was the best place she could go for her line of study... I want to go where I need to go instead of just picking something. Draco actually had a good idea about journalism recently that I think would be interesting to get into. I really like meeting new people, traveling, adventure... could be a great line to go into."
"Journalism is a good path to go through. You still have time to decide and who knows you could still end up changing once you start taking the classes," Tonks replied. There had been a few career paths she had wanted to take, but her natural talent was greatly desired for an Aurora and this was where she felt she could help the most.
"It's still in debate about going to the States. My folks still want to see the place. Visiting the school will give me an idea if I'm ready to go to school far from home," Draco interjected.
"I still think it would be a good move, if you chose that school," Remus said to Draco, teacup paused halfway to a sip. "It would give you a chance to see a side of the world you've never seen, experience a new culture, meet new people. It's the kind of thing people grow with."
Jake gave an agreeing nod. "Jenn really loved it. It's not for everyone, but if I had the chance, I'm not sure I'd give it up for anything."
Remus gave the Muggle an appraising look for that statement. Was that a subtle hint to push Draco away, or making sure that Draco wouldn't stay because of him? "But if you chose to stay closer to home, there's no fault in that, either."
Which made Jake look to Mr. Lupin, wondering if he'd said the wrong thing. "Of course not. I just think Draco would be great wherever he chooses to go."
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He frowned at the mention of going to America. He still wanted to go that route...but he knew if he didn't have his family support he might be able to go there. "I still would like to go...or at least check to see if that's what I want...
I also believe that if I don't have my parents support it won't be something I could do. I was just trying to get other options. At least knowing that you are helping eases some of that fear."
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He did frown a bit at the mention of the records being destroyed. "I suppose that will benefit us a little here. But it would be nice to know if he did have kind of connection with us"
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"Maybe, we can make this work." At this point, Draco was willing to give everything a chance.
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May. He'd had worse odds, in his years.
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"Maybe... If they even give him a chance." Draco gave a wary sigh not very comforted by the idea.
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He wasn't happy with the idea, but it was the only thing they could do. This day was not off to a promising start and his nerves were already shot.
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While he wasn't too thrilled of cleaning, he took his out his wand and started to help clean up the place. It had taken his parents a long time to get Draco to help with the chores after they had lost their House Elf. In the end, he only began to begrudgingly help. This wasn't his home, so he knew he couldn't shirk it.
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By the time five o'clock rolled around, Remus had obviously gone through a bit of effort to clean up himself though nothing could hide the scarring across his face, but he did manage to look presentable when he tried. Mostly. Even more so, he looked so proud whenever he was around Tonks; they drew strength from each other.
He looked up when the front bell rang - which told him it was most likely a Muggle whenever that happened, and gestured with his chin. "Go ahead, Draco."
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Draco would have felt a little better if Tonks hadn't been there...but ultimately it would take the both to decide about Jake's fate. At least Remus was there to help keep things balanced out.
Tonks had taken the time to clean up as well making sure she was presentable. She wore her signature bright colors, not caring what Jake may think about it. She did make an effort to place a hat on Teddy to try and hide his ever changing hair color. The eyes she could do nothing about and hoped he wouldn't notice or say anything. She was aware that he knew what they were, but she proceeded to still keep a normal appearance.
She still had mixed feelings on the whole matter, but she had agreed to meet him and be there for Remus. At least, by meeting him they could really decide what to do about the situation.
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Draco went an answered the door. It didn't take much for a smile to spread on his face.
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"Hey." Warm, just for Draco alone. "Was actually a little worried I wouldn't remember the address." A silent bit of laughter lit up his eyes.
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"Sorry for the last minute planning," Draco apologized. Leading him inside, Draco then in turned introduced Jake to Remus, Tonks, and then Teddy. He tried to keep things smooth. He did his best to try and keep things going, but hosting anything was not a strong trait of his. It had always been his mother's. He was thankful for Jake's calm demeanor and found that it helped his own nervousness.
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"It's no problem," Jake soothed, then looked to the others in the room. Tonks and Remus... quite interesting names. Given Draco's name, was that just a thing among wizards, then? Teddy was pretty normal, though. He flashed that warm smile and offered his hand to them, which Remus took and gave a firm shake. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you. I've been looking forward to this."
Aaaand dreading it massively. He had no idea that there was something subtle he was working over on the Lupins at the same time.
"Pleasure to meet you, too, Jake," Remus said with a small smile of his own. "We've been hearing a lot about you from Draco."
"Likewise. Wicked hair, Mrs. Lupin." He loved it - if they could get behind dying their hair crazy colors, they seemed like even better people in his mind.
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"It's a pleasure to meet you, Jake." She reached out to offer her hand to shake as well.
Then she offered for Jake to sit down and have some tea and pastries. She could sense that Draco was struggling with playing host. This much she was willing to help. And some part of her could understand what it was like to introduce someone you care about to family.
Draco moved to sit next to Jake. At least so far things appeared to be starting off okay. Maybe, Remus was correct and that this would go well.
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It seemed more... normal than he was expecting, minus the fact that he was shocked to see the scarring across Mr. Lupin's face. He shook Mrs. Lupin's hand as well and thanked her for the offer of tea. Maybe they could get through this, he hoped more than anything.
Remus sat down and busied himself with making himself a cup of tea, taking the time to look over this young Muggle. Handsome, but not someone he might have put Draco down for. Then again, he wouldn't have put Draco down for another male so that might not have been the best guide anyway. "So, tell us a little about yourself, Jake."
Where to start? What would they care about? Start simple, he guessed. "I'm currently working full time down at a local warehouse, trying to decide on what I'd like to do with my life before I go out into the world. I've been living on my own for a while now, just myself and my dog, Lucky, who I have to thank for running into Draco quite literally." He gave an easy smile, the kind that put almost anyone at ease. He had no concept of what gifts his parents might have left him. "I'm close with my sister, but she lives in the States working on her degree."
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Tonks could appreciate that the young man was pretty independent. That was a good trait to have. It still seemed like he didn't have a clear goal of what he wanted in life...but that would probably come in time. She knew for many young people it would often take a while before they finally found what they wanted to do.
"Are you planning on going to school as well?" she questioned. "I know Draco was talking about going to the States too."
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"I didn't want to go to school for the sake of going to school," he explained. "I wanted to go because there was something I wanted to learn. Jenn, my sister, went all the way across the pond because it was the best place she could go for her line of study... I want to go where I need to go instead of just picking something. Draco actually had a good idea about journalism recently that I think would be interesting to get into. I really like meeting new people, traveling, adventure... could be a great line to go into."
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"It's still in debate about going to the States. My folks still want to see the place. Visiting the school will give me an idea if I'm ready to go to school far from home," Draco interjected.
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Jake gave an agreeing nod. "Jenn really loved it. It's not for everyone, but if I had the chance, I'm not sure I'd give it up for anything."
Remus gave the Muggle an appraising look for that statement. Was that a subtle hint to push Draco away, or making sure that Draco wouldn't stay because of him? "But if you chose to stay closer to home, there's no fault in that, either."
Which made Jake look to Mr. Lupin, wondering if he'd said the wrong thing. "Of course not. I just think Draco would be great wherever he chooses to go."
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