Draco greeted Remus at the door and let him inside. He was glad to see that the other looked more well rested. "Everything's good. I don't think there should be major issues." He stated so Remus had an idea of what he was walking into.
Today things were more calmer. Narcissa appeared to be quite and didn't say much to Remus. She was still mad that Lucius gave permission that Draco could go with him. It took her a long time before she agreed and that was only because she was out numbered. Lucius gave a nod in greeting, but kept his expression neutral.
Ah. This should go well. Remus let out a breath and nodded to both of them, somehow even despite Tonks' attempt to help him in his dressing he still felt shabby among the Malfoys. "Would you rather deal with this first," glancing to the older Malfoys, "or finish with the dementors? Both need to be handled before I leave tonight, and Tonks offered to stay up with Teddy in the mean time."
"Let's deal with my parents...while things are still good. They still really don't like the idea of me helping you with the dementors, but are allowing it." Draco replied.
He was a bit nervous himself dealing with the dementors, but he knew the had to be captured. Otherwise, he would constantly worry about his parents and wouldn't be able to leave till they were caught.
"As long as you want to help." Remus was serious on that; he wasn't about to force someone to help with creatures that frightening. "Also, we were lucky - no damage done to the camera so we still have our weapon against them."
A quick flash of a smile before he focused on the two pArents that still didn't look very pleased with him. Why was he doing his again?
"I... assume everything was discussed while I was gone?" Anorher reason he returned home earlier that morning, allowing the Malfoys time to talk.
"I still do," Draco replied. He was relieved to know that he didn't break the camera. That wouldn't have been good on his behalf. "Not to mention that's not a task that shouldn't be done alone."
Lucius placed his paper down that he was reading when the conversation was focused on them. "Yes, everything has been settled." He then glanced at Narcissa who simply nodded and refused to look at Remus.
That seemed almost more natural. Remus fought back a sigh at Narcissa's actions, knowing Tonks would want to know about it though, and kept his voice lighter as he spoke to Draco. "Then I want to make sure you understand your end of things.
We have a guest room that will be yours while you're with us. We're on the floo Network though we connect and reconnect as we need it. While you're with us, we'd need you to follow the house rules. It isn't much, but with Teddy in the house, keeping up silencing charms at night has become a requiement. You'll have to deal with the baby at times as well."
He gave a nod in agreement. A little reluctant about dealing with a baby. He's never dealt with one before.He knew that he wasn't going to be the center of things either. But if this would give him the direction he needed to prove himself...then he would deal with it.
"I understand...but I'll still be able to contact my parents?"
"Course you will. Whatever method you all choose is fine enough though we try not to owl that much in the city." He chuckled quietly, as if it was a bit of an old joke. "Fire if it's easiest for you all."
And, he imagined, it would let Narcissa see her child was well.
At this Draco looked relieved. He also noted that Narcissa appeared to be more relaxed. Narcissa used this opportunity to speak as well.
"The other day you had mentioned possible help...I think we're ready to accept that help," Narcissa softly commented. At the mention of this Lucius's expression was one of defeat and he looked away. So this was how she was going to get back at him.
Draco silently watched the battle going on between his parents a little amused by it. His father could never win against his mother. She always got her way.
It never felt good to be in the middle of things. Remus bit back any urge to give a displeased look it anything of the sort and instead let this work out to everyone's advantage - Lucius clearly needed the help.
"I'm glad to hear it." Look at the werewolf being diplomatic. "Melinda Solvens. She's an American, but she's excellent at her job. Unless this place happens to be on the floo network, it's going to take her a few days to arrive as it is. To start, she just wants to meet you both and make sure she can help."
"Malfoy manor was connected...but not our summer home. Please, let her know we will be willing to meet her. From there we can find if this is suitable." Narcissa replied.
They could have had it connected, but the purpose was to get away from everything. It wasn't until recent did she wonder about that decision.
"I'll let her know tonight. Should only take her about two days to arrive. I'll warn you - she can be... brisk. More so than most Americans." Joking, somewhat. "She's very to the point about things, so don't get too offended."
Figured the warning might be well needed.
Then he looked to Draco and with a false-ironic cheerfulness, asked, "ready to try round two against them? Then we'll need to get your trunks and head out."
"Understood. We prefer that people are to the point instead of dragging it out." Narcissa responded. "We'll still be awake to see you off."
Draco gave a weak smile and giving a nod in his parents direction he then followed his former professor out the door. Once outside he quickly summoned his Patronus. He knew that now that they were going they were going to continue their argument.
"You already show an incredible potential, you know. It's rare for people to be summon so easily." He gave a quick nod towards the silvery fox.
He offered over the camera to Draco again. "We're going to try something else. When the dementors come close, our Patronus will attempt to tackle them down instead of pushing them off. Then we can try their picture and capture them."
"When I'm put under pressure I seem to do better." He gave a shrug. "You're one of the few to tell me such things. My father always had such high expectations and never seemed pleased with anything I did. Not...until now after he almost lost us. That was the first compliment he's ever given me...especially in public."
Hesitantly he took the camera, finding himself uncertain. He didn't want to mess up again. The tactic Remus suggested seemed like it would work better then the other night's. "That sounds a little safer."
It hadn't been such an exaggeration when he said to Lucius this would be a bit of a trial run for his own son. Remus licked his lips before he said quietly, "sometimes, it takes something major for someone's eyes to be opened. To understand what's possible for them to lose. Your father... it's incredible that he's changing at all. So many wouldn't. Too old, too stubborn. Your father loves you enough to do it."
He reached over and squeezed Draco's shoulder lightly. "The fact you're out here? Shows you're very much what any father would be called proud. You still have a lot to learn, but we can work on that."
Draco was at a loss of words. He understood it was hard for Remus to put aside the differences and to give this an open view. Not many people could do that.
His former teacher was doing a lot for him and it meant a lot to him. Not thinking about it, Draco turned around to hug him. Very few people got to see this side of him and he was allowing Remus to see his more vulnerable side that he tried hard to hide while at school.
What? Remus blinked, absolutely shocked for several long moments. This was Draco Malfoy? Hell... Maybe the boy just needed more than he was getting at home.
He quick wrapped an arm around Draco, giving him a hug in return. There weren't words he needed here, so he let it linger for several moments before he pulled back, a smile on his face despite what they were about to do. This? Made him even more convinced this was the right course of action.
"Come on then. Let's go wrangle up some evil monsters then get home. Time to introduce you to the world of Chinese takeout."
Awkwardly, Draco nodded somewhat embarrassed by his actions. The mention of Chinese takeout caused Draco to blink and stare back in a confused expression. He figured he would find out later.
He followed Remus into the forest with his Patronus bounding ahead of them. Hopefully this would go by quicker and they wouldn't be out here all night.
Thankfully, this time, it did go quicker - once they found the dementors. It was finding the damn things that took the longest. With a silvery fox and wolf running through the underbrush ahead of them, only their wands and a half moon for light, they ended up looking for well over an hour before they spotted them.
This time, the plan worked out better. With the two patronus, they could move behind and do as hoped, pin a dementor down so a photo could be taken, leaving behind nothing. The only trouble came was when they had to tackle both at once, which left them struggling.
All in all, about two and a half hours later, they came back successful. Few people had such luck against them.
Draco couldn't help but grin at how successful this attempt went. This is what it was like to be on the winning side of things. He was still feeling the adrenaline rush from the ordeal.
Only his smile disappeared when he stepped inside to hear his parents still arguing. He gave a wary sigh. "I'll go get my stuff..."
On his way to his room he spoke in a loud voice to let his parents know the had returned.
He was going to bloody well stay outside, thank you. Remus rubbed his face, fingering an old scar that threatened to itch. Sometimes he didn't understand why Tonks had any interest in him. He looked old enough to be her father - Metamorphing out of the way - and the scarring only made it worse. Damn was he grateful for her, though.
He looked up at the half moon, frowning. Sometime closer, he would explain the rules around the moon. That was another issue all together but one they had well in hand. Thanks to the Wolfsbane, his family didn't have to worry.
Thankfully they had quieted down, when Draco returned with his trunk. He could tell that his parents were still fuming but were civil enough when they went to see their son off.
Draco noted that his father had given him an extra pouch of money to hand to Remus later. His mother had also left him a box of sweets to take as well. He listened to the few words of advice and warnings as well. He then hugged the both of them before meeting Remus outside.
Once outside, Draco handed the pouch to Remus not wanting to forget about it later. "My father wanted to make sure you received this. It was for giving me a place to stay."
Remus paused at the pouch - the weight wasn't insignificant - and almost immediately felt awkward. He never wanted to be a charity case, and even though he expected the Malfoys to take care of their son's expenses, he hadn't expected extra. His pride raged with his common sense. The former said to hand it back, that they weren't hard off and didn't need it, while the latter snapped that yes they did, that this could go to making certain that Teddy had everything he would need in the future.
In the end, the latter won out purely because he was a survivor. The idea of throwing away galleons sounded too stupid to be believed despite his pride, so he nodded slightly and tucked the pouch away. He could still feel the weight of it, though. Equally, his mind pointed out that Draco had in fact given it to him, not kept it for himself. All little proofs of how the young man had changed.
"Thank you," quietly spoken before he offered over his arm. He actually wasn't certain if Draco knew how to Apparate, but more importantly, Draco had no idea where his home was. "Make sure you've got a tight grip on your trunk."
Had he been a few years younger, Draco would have kept the money pure and simple. Not because he didn't need it but out of spite. But he respected Remus and he also knew that his father was trying to help. If his father had given it to him, Draco felt for sure that Remus would have turned it down on the spot...but since he had Draco do it..it probably helped ease things.
He simply nodded and did as told, clutching onto the trunk and holding Remus's arm. He knew how to Apparate, but he didn't know where Remus lived either.
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Today things were more calmer. Narcissa appeared to be quite and didn't say much to Remus. She was still mad that Lucius gave permission that Draco could go with him. It took her a long time before she agreed and that was only because she was out numbered. Lucius gave a nod in greeting, but kept his expression neutral.
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He was a bit nervous himself dealing with the dementors, but he knew the had to be captured. Otherwise, he would constantly worry about his parents and wouldn't be able to leave till they were caught.
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A quick flash of a smile before he focused on the two pArents that still didn't look very pleased with him. Why was he doing his again?
"I... assume everything was discussed while I was gone?" Anorher reason he returned home earlier that morning, allowing the Malfoys time to talk.
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Lucius placed his paper down that he was reading when the conversation was focused on them. "Yes, everything has been settled." He then glanced at Narcissa who simply nodded and refused to look at Remus.
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We have a guest room that will be yours while you're with us. We're on the floo Network though we connect and reconnect as we need it. While you're with us, we'd need you to follow the house rules. It isn't much, but with Teddy in the house, keeping up silencing charms at night has become a requiement. You'll have to deal with the baby at times as well."
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"I understand...but I'll still be able to contact my parents?"
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And, he imagined, it would let Narcissa see her child was well.
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"The other day you had mentioned possible help...I think we're ready to accept that help," Narcissa softly commented. At the mention of this Lucius's expression was one of defeat and he looked away. So this was how she was going to get back at him.
Draco silently watched the battle going on between his parents a little amused by it. His father could never win against his mother. She always got her way.
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"I'm glad to hear it." Look at the werewolf being diplomatic. "Melinda Solvens. She's an American, but she's excellent at her job. Unless this place happens to be on the floo network, it's going to take her a few days to arrive as it is. To start, she just wants to meet you both and make sure she can help."
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They could have had it connected, but the purpose was to get away from everything. It wasn't until recent did she wonder about that decision.
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Figured the warning might be well needed.
Then he looked to Draco and with a false-ironic cheerfulness, asked, "ready to try round two against them? Then we'll need to get your trunks and head out."
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Draco gave a weak smile and giving a nod in his parents direction he then followed his former professor out the door. Once outside he quickly summoned his Patronus. He knew that now that they were going they were going to continue their argument.
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He offered over the camera to Draco again. "We're going to try something else. When the dementors come close, our Patronus will attempt to tackle them down instead of pushing them off. Then we can try their picture and capture them."
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Hesitantly he took the camera, finding himself uncertain. He didn't want to mess up again. The tactic Remus suggested seemed like it would work better then the other night's. "That sounds a little safer."
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He reached over and squeezed Draco's shoulder lightly. "The fact you're out here? Shows you're very much what any father would be called proud. You still have a lot to learn, but we can work on that."
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His former teacher was doing a lot for him and it meant a lot to him. Not thinking about it, Draco turned around to hug him. Very few people got to see this side of him and he was allowing Remus to see his more vulnerable side that he tried hard to hide while at school.
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He quick wrapped an arm around Draco, giving him a hug in return. There weren't words he needed here, so he let it linger for several moments before he pulled back, a smile on his face despite what they were about to do. This? Made him even more convinced this was the right course of action.
"Come on then. Let's go wrangle up some evil monsters then get home. Time to introduce you to the world of Chinese takeout."
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He followed Remus into the forest with his Patronus bounding ahead of them. Hopefully this would go by quicker and they wouldn't be out here all night.
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This time, the plan worked out better. With the two patronus, they could move behind and do as hoped, pin a dementor down so a photo could be taken, leaving behind nothing. The only trouble came was when they had to tackle both at once, which left them struggling.
All in all, about two and a half hours later, they came back successful. Few people had such luck against them.
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Only his smile disappeared when he stepped inside to hear his parents still arguing. He gave a wary sigh. "I'll go get my stuff..."
On his way to his room he spoke in a loud voice to let his parents know the had returned.
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He looked up at the half moon, frowning. Sometime closer, he would explain the rules around the moon. That was another issue all together but one they had well in hand. Thanks to the Wolfsbane, his family didn't have to worry.
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Draco noted that his father had given him an extra pouch of money to hand to Remus later. His mother had also left him a box of sweets to take as well. He listened to the few words of advice and warnings as well. He then hugged the both of them before meeting Remus outside.
Once outside, Draco handed the pouch to Remus not wanting to forget about it later. "My father wanted to make sure you received this. It was for giving me a place to stay."
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In the end, the latter won out purely because he was a survivor. The idea of throwing away galleons sounded too stupid to be believed despite his pride, so he nodded slightly and tucked the pouch away. He could still feel the weight of it, though. Equally, his mind pointed out that Draco had in fact given it to him, not kept it for himself. All little proofs of how the young man had changed.
"Thank you," quietly spoken before he offered over his arm. He actually wasn't certain if Draco knew how to Apparate, but more importantly, Draco had no idea where his home was. "Make sure you've got a tight grip on your trunk."
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He simply nodded and did as told, clutching onto the trunk and holding Remus's arm. He knew how to Apparate, but he didn't know where Remus lived either.
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