The next day was not so great for Hermione since Fred was actually being serious about not forgiving her about leaving to go to Draco’s house. Last night she came back from the Malfoy manor and was very shaky as thoughts of Draco saying he was in love with her echoed throughout the caves in her mind. Hermione ate Christmas dinner and joined in with some of the chatter but soon everyone was getting ready for bed. Fred hadn’t said a word to her when she came into the room and he was already lying in bed, reading one of the files from work that he had been sent. Hermione changed her clothes and climbed into bed, feeling the weight of the day press onto her. She hugged Fred around his naked stomach as he read and kissed his chest, hoping he could cheer her up. Instead, he made an excuse about being too tired, turned over and was soon asleep.

Even now, the whole day had passed and Fred had spent it playing chess with Amelia and James and whoever else wanted to play, generally avoiding his wife, while Hermione cooked them all lunch. It was her job to cook breakfast and lunch and dinner since Mrs Weasley was away to visit relatives with Mr Weasley, Lucy and Molly. They wouldn’t be back until the next day so it was Hermione, Ginny, Fleur, Victoire, Audrey and sometimes even Isabelle who managed to make them all food.

Fred had just changed into a button up shirt and some trousers while all the adults were getting changed to go out and eat. He went down the stairs, as Hermione was slipping into her dress, and into the kitchen. Fred got to the kitchen to find it totally empty which was a rarity. He sighed and walked over to the cupboard, getting a glass and some firewhiskey before pouring some in for himself. He stopped when he heard heels on the kitchen tiles and turned to look at the door.

‘Oh, sorry, did I startle you?’

It wasn’t Hermione, as he first thought, who made him nearly drop the firewhiskey bottle. Instead it was Isabelle, Ron’s girlfriend, who was half smiling at him. Fred felt a little guilty when he realised he was actually drinking in his own house and he didn't want his wife to know about it. It was a sad thought: drinking behind his wife’s back but he shoved it out of his mind and poured a little more in for himself.

‘No, you didn’t startle me. I, uh, I thought it was my wife,’ Fred shook his head, letting out a breath of laughter as he put the firewhiskey away and held up the glass, ‘she doesn’t like me drinking, you know.’

‘You seem awfully scared of your wife. I never would’ve guessed,’ she laughed a little, coming closer to him as Fred drank his alcohol. It burned his throat a little but he managed to drink it all in one go.

‘My wife can be a scary woman sometimes,’ Fred shrugged, and moved over to the sink. He started to wash his glass.

‘Ah, getting rid of the evidence now. You seem practiced at this,’ Isabelle commented. Fred laughed for the first time that day. He turned to look at her.

Fred’s eyes widened as he actually took her looks in. He hadn’t really bothered to look up at her as they talked but now he did and saw that she was wearing a beautiful light blue and black dress that ended just above mid thigh and there were black ruffles coming out from the back of her dress. She wore black heels that were high enough so that she was almost Fred’s height and she carried a blue clutch in her hands.

‘It’s nice, isn’t it?’ she asked, smoothing out her dress from the stomach down and smiling a smile that radiated her best features, ‘I bought it for myself a couple of months back and didn’t have anywhere to wear it to.’

‘Yeah... it...um, looks amazing on you,’ Fred agreed and Isabelle thanked him, and at that moment Ron, Harry and Ginny walked into the kitchen with Hermione trailing in behind them a moment later. She smiled at Fred as she came in.

Hermione wore a dark green dress that stopped mid thigh and had a few sparkly sequins around her chest area that was a little tight but not too much. It was pretty, not too casual but not too over the top either. She wore black tights underneath them since it was quite cold outside and some black heels that she had casually dropped hints about to Fred so he got her the shoes for Christmas. Sure, she felt a little bad since she knew that Fred’s business still wasn’t so great and that he had to work extra hours but he had insisted even when she denied the shoes. Fred also reminded her that they weren’t in a bad financial position like the time when Amelia was born. Additionally, Hermione wore light make up, the way she knew Fred liked and had a green clutch which she put her wand into for safe keeping.

‘Okay, we’re leaving in five minutes!’ Harry said to everyone in the kitchen and then left to shout that same message up the stairs to where Percy, Audrey, Charlie, Bill, Fleur, Victoire and Teddy were all getting ready.

‘Aren’t you going to wear a coat over that, love? Also, your hair...’ Hermione asked, walking over to where Isabelle and Fred were standing by the sink. Hermione stretched up and began fixing his hair as Fred rolled his eyes since she did this every time they were going out.

‘Oh, Fred,’ Isabelle said, glancing at the washed glass he had drank firewhiskey in. She held it up and he frowned at her a little but she only grinned, ‘it’s alright, I’ll put the glass away for you.’

Hermione turned to look at her and Fred could almost hear her brain judging Isabelle as she took in her clothes and heavy make up and whatnot. She watched as Isabelle put the glass back into the cupboard and then turned around. She smiled at Fred and Hermione before saying bye and moving away to find Ron. Hermione watched her go and then turned back to Fred who was also watching her leave.

‘What was that about?’ Hermione asked him, her voice dropping a little as Fred moved his gaze from Isabelle back to his wife. Fred just shrugged and tried to walk away to the living room but Hermione caught his arm and turned him back around, ‘Fred, why are you... not acknowledging me? Haven’t I said I’m sorry a million times? I had to go to Malfoy for Amelia, okay? Can you just forgive me?’

‘I told you not to leave and as my wife, I expect you to actually care about what I want rather than acting independent,’ Fred muttered, keeping his voice down since he didn't want the others in the kitchen hearing them. He leaned down a little, ‘it’s not just that you didn't listen to me, that’s not the whole reason. Why I’m so pissed off is because I... I don’t want Malfoy any where near you or my family and you know exactly why!’

‘That stupid affair is over, Fred. Why can’t you just trust me? I’d never leave him for you and I don’t want you turning away from me and looking at other women just because you’re angry,’ Hermione held up a hand as Fred tried to object. Being married to him for a very long time now, she knew exactly what he’d say. He’d defend himself and say that he hasn’t looked at any other women. Hermione stopped him from saying that and continued, ‘don’t give me that defensive speech. I know why your eyes are straying to Isabelle since you do this every time we have a fight. You either drink a lot or you start to think about other girls... oh, sometimes I wish I didn’t know you as well as I do.’

‘Hermione... just...’ Fred shook his head. He grabbed her hand and discreetly lead her out of the back door and into the back garden where the snow was still falling gently to cover the already snowy ground. Fred and Hermione stood under the porch roof and he sighed, ‘this has absolutely nothing to do with Isabelle so-’

‘Oh Fred! Let me put that glass away for you!’ Hermione mimicked Isabelle, making Fred laugh a little before her glare cut him off, ‘you’re not allowed anywhere near that girl. Her dress was way too short, I don’t know what Ron sees in her.’

‘Really? I thought the length was fine...’ Fred trailed off as Hermione hit his arm with the palm of her hand. He sighed, holding up his hands, ‘listen, you don’t want me near Isabelle and I don’t want you near that Malfoy scum. You didn’t listen to me so why should I listen to you?’

‘I only went to Malfoy’s house for Amelia, not because I wanted to!’ Hermione tried to explain. Fred rolled his eyes, getting a little annoyed at her despite his laughing a few seconds before. Hermione took his hand, ‘in spite of that... I’m really worried for Draco, alright? He’s really lonely and Scorpius is so rude to his father. You should have seen him, Fred.’

‘You’re worried for Draco Malfoy?’ Fred repeated incredulously and Hermione turned to face the snow, holding out her hand so that some of it floated downwards into her hand. Fred stared at her.

‘He told me... that he... Draco’s in love with me,’ Hermione said it quickly, so quick that for a second she hoped Fred hadn’t heard her but, of course he had. Hermione closed her eyes, blocking out the snow temporarily, as she said, ‘and... I’m pretty sure that Scorpius knows Draco’s in love with me.’

‘Oh, that’s just great!’ Fred said sarcastically, grabbing Hermione’s arm and turning her around. Hermione opened her eyes in shock and was met with Fred staring right at her. She wasn’t surprised to see anger in his eyes but she was shocked when his grip on her arm got tighter, ‘we would have had a fight if I knew Malfoy kissed you or touched you in any way but this is way worse! You’re not just hurting me, you’re hurting Amelia and if she finds out you and Malfoy had an affair she will hate you for keeping her away from Scorpius!’

‘Fred...’ Hermione groaned, her hand was secured around his wrist, trying to get him to let go of her. Fred, realising he was hurting her, suddenly let go as if he had been electrocuted. He took a few steps back and turned his back to her, trying to control his temper, as Hermione rubbed her arm.

‘If you had just listened to me and not left for Malfoy’s house then none of this would be happening. Now, a Malfoy is in love with my wife and another Malfoy wants my daughter!’ Fred yelled, turning around to face her. He opened his mouth to say something else, maybe to yell some more, but stopped as he glanced into the window that looked straight into the kitchen. All of the adults were ready to go and they were waiting for Fred and Hermione but he didn't think they had heard them. Fred turned back to his wife, ‘let’s just get this night over with.’

‘Fred, I-’ Hermione held out a hand to take his but he jerked away from her and opened the door. He gestured for her to go inside and, sighing, she walked into the kitchen.

‘Ah, there you are. We’re leaving now,’ Harry said, as Fred came into the kitchen right behind her. They closed the door, Hermione shivering a little at the cold outside.

‘Wait, I’m just going to say bye to Amelia,’ Fred said, walking across the kitchen door which led into the living room. He ignored his brothers as they groaned jokingly and made comments about his daughter coming before everything else.

‘Such a family man,’ Isabelle commented and laughed as Harry mimicked checking the time on his watch even though he wasn’t wearing one. Hermione glared at Isabelle who looked quite confused as to why she was getting such a cold glare.

‘I’ll check on her too,’ Hermione said, following Fred but she stopped when he turned around to look at her. Hermione gave him pleading eyes, hoping he wouldn’t shout or make a scene. Fred glanced around and then looked back to Hermione.

‘Don’t. I’ll handle it,’ Fred said simply, narrowing his eyes at Hermione a little. She read between the lines and knew it would take a while before he cooled down about the Malfoy situation.

Fred left the room and Hermione watched him go, her eyes staying on his back and his tensed shoulders. She sighed and turned to face the others in the room, her heart sinking when she caught a few looks that were being shared. Isabelle glanced at Ron awkwardly as everything became quiet. Harry was the only one not avoiding her gaze. They definitely knew Hermione and Fred were fighting.

---

*Amelia’s POV*

In the living room, Amelia was curled up near the window with a book propped open in her lap. She was gazing out the window rather than reading the book. The snow was still falling, getting heavier by the minute, and she loved to watch the snow or the rain or whatever kind of weather it was. James, Albus, Dominique, Lily and Louis were sitting on the floor in the living room and James had a deck of cards in his hands which he was dealing out to the others as Fred walked in.

‘Hi, beautiful,’ Fred smiled and Amelia looked up, a smile lighting her face instantly as her father called her. Fred glanced at the necklace she was wearing, the gold G shaped necklace, and then he sighed, ‘we’re leaving now. You know what to do in case of emergencies, disapparate, use magic if need be. No disapparating to any... friends houses, you know what I mean by that, and no fighting with your cousins.’

‘Don’t worry, Dad. Have fun tonight,’ Amelia said and hugged him around the waist.

‘I love you more than anything,’ Fred muttered as he hugged her back.

‘Oh yeah? Even more than Mum?’ Amelia grinned, jokingly.

‘I love your Mum as much as I love you. I love both my girls the same amount,’ Fred smiled and hugged her one last time, ‘I should leave before Harry drags me out of here. Take care.’

‘Go, Dad, I’ll be fine,’ Amelia smiled.

Fred nodded and left for the kitchen again. Amelia watched him from where she was sitting as he put on his jacket and grabbed Hermione’s hand. She glanced up at him but he wasn’t looking at her. Amelia thought nothing of this and smiled as she heard the crack after crack that indicated they were all leaving.

Once the final crack was heard, she glanced over at James. He was wearing that large hoody she had got him for Christmas last year. Amelia could remember waiting impatiently for him to open the present and when he did he said he loved it, at first, but then he tried it one and it was two sizes too big. She did it for a laugh but James had worn that hoody whenever the weather started to get colder.

Amelia admired the dark blue hoody he was wearing with pyjama bottom trousers that he insisted on wearing instead of jeans. His hair was all messed up, just how he liked it, and Amelia smiled at the look of utmost concentration as he played cards with the others. She really missed talking to him... but she also missed Scorpius. She glanced at the time and bit her lip, looking out the window again.

She had just told her father that she wouldn’t disapparate to any of her... friends house but she wasn’t stupid, she knew he meant Scorpius. But, right now was the perfect opportunity to see what was wrong with Scorpius since he hadn’t sent her an owl or anything and he had stood her up. She could pop out for a few minutes... no one had to know.

‘I’m going to read upstairs,’ Amelia muttered, getting up off her seat.

She felt James eyes meet hers suddenly and her face turned bright red. He would know when she was lying! He always knew! James was still staring at her until Albus hit him on his arm to tell him it was his turn to place a card. James glanced down at his cards and then threw them at Lily who was running dangerously low on her cards.

‘Here, you play for me, Lils,’ James said, standing up. Lily glanced at her older brother and smiled as she took the cards while Albus complained. James walked over to Amelia, ignoring Lily and Albus fighting. Amelia raised her eyebrows at him as he spoke, ‘don’t do anything stupid, Amelia.’

‘Oh, you’re actually talking to me now?’ Amelia asked, crossing her arms over her chest. James sighed and took her hand, leading her out of the living room and away from the noise. Amelia stopped him, ‘all I want to do is go out for a while, alright? Just take a walk... by myself. You know I love the snow.’

‘It’s dark outside,’ James said simply. He could be so protective at times that it wasn’t flattering but downright annoying.

‘You know what, James? You’ve not spoken to me in days and do you really think I’m going to stand here and listen to you telling me what I can and can’t do? I’m going to Scorpius’ house to see if he’s alright. I’ll be back in a few,’ Amelia said, bravely. She waved her wand and her coat came from the closet. Amelia grabbed it and started to put it on as James glared at her.

‘In a few what? Minutes?’ James asked and narrowed his eyes when Amelia rolled hers, ‘I’ll have to tell your parents if you leave this house.’

‘James, remember that time when you and... uh... what’s-her-name, Hannah? Yeah, that’s it. You and Hannah were getting, um, frisky in the cupboard at Hogwarts when you should have been in your dorm and I was the one who had to come looking for you since you didn't tell me where the hell you were. And then McGonagall caught me out late and I lied to her about why I was out and I also had detention. It was all your fault! I think you owe me, James,’ Amelia said, as she buttoned up her coat.

‘Yeah, maybe I owe you big time but I can’t let you leave the house to go to a Malfoy. That’s not happening,’ James said, stubborn as always. Amelia stared at him, pleading and making puppy dog eyes. James sighed, ‘don’t go?’

‘I’ll be back soon,’ Amelia assured him and leaned in to kiss his cheek.

Then Amelia took a few steps back and disapparated after a final smile to James.

---

*Scorpius’ POV*

Scorpius was lying on his stomach in his bedroom with the music blaring so loud that at first he didn't notice that Amelia had apparated straight into his room. He heard her cough a little louder this time and he turned, surprise filled his face when he saw her. Amelia beamed and ran towards him, jumping on his bed as he sat up.

Scorpius reached across his bed to put the music down a little so they could talk but the music was still loud enough that Draco wouldn’t be able to hear him. Amelia smiled as he turned back around and she wasted no time before leaning forwards and kissing him. Scorpius was still a little shocked but he kissed her back, his hands resting on her waist as Amelia tangled her hands in his hair.

‘Oh, I missed you so much,’ Amelia whispered against his lips as she kept kissing him.

After a few minutes of intense kissing, which seemed to be the way they said hello now a days, Scorpius pulled back to look at her. Amelia smiled, her hands resting on the side of his neck as she waited for him to say something. She moved closer, into his lap, and wrapped her legs around his waist as Scorpius still hadn’t said a word. Suddenly, he shook his head and moved away from her, standing up and starting to pace the room.

‘What are you doing here, Amelia?’ Scorpius asked, turning to face her. Amelia got on her knees, still on his bed, and just looked at him, lost for words. Scorpius shook his head, ‘you can’t be here.’

‘Scorpius, what... what’s wrong?’ Amelia asked, holding out her hand for him but he ignored her and started to pace once again, still silent, ‘why can’t I be here? Aren’t you happy to see me?’

‘You can’t be here! My father...’ Scorpius trailed off again.

‘Your father doesn’t know I’m here. Just lock the door,’ Amelia said, waving her wand which locked Scorpius’ door, ‘calm down, love, and come here. I missed you, didn’t you miss me?’

‘And your mother... she and...’ Scorpius seemed to be talking to himself and was ignoring whatever Amelia was saying. She mouth the words my mother? and opened her mouth to stop Scorpius from pacing but he stood still, turned to look at her, and said, ‘Amelia, I haven’t sent you any messages. I didn’t come to see you in Diagon Alley... can’t you take a hint?’

Amelia stared at him, the words hitting her like a Crucio curse over and over again. She forgot all about the ‘your mother’ comment and now she kept playing ‘can’t you take a hint?’ on a constant repeat. It also did not help when Scorpius was glaring at her like she had just said something to offend him and his family. Amelia slowly stood up and walked over to him. Her hands travelled up his stomach, up his chest, and to the collar of his shirt as she looked into his eyes.

‘I thought you were... I thought... you didn't come because... something had happened,’  Amelia muttered, kissing his lips again in hopes of getting that angry expression off his face. Scorpius gently but firmly pushed her away from him and turned his back on her. Amelia felt her heart dip again slightly, ‘what’s wrong? Why are you acting like this?’

‘I can’t see you anymore, Amelia,’ Scorpius said, his face was void of anger. Now he just looked serious when he turned around to look at her. Amelia was staring at him in complete shock, her heart not only dipped but face palmed the floor. She turned around, feeling tears prick at her eyes. Scorpius grit his teeth, ‘you should leave.’

‘Scorpius... I-I-I love you,’ Amelia stuttered, turning back around with desperation written on her face as though with ink. She walked forwards and embraced him but Scorpius’ hands stayed by his side. Amelia groaned in frustration, ‘tell me you love me too!’

‘I can’t,’ muttered Scorpius, closing his eyes as he felt wetness on his shoulder. Amelia was crying now but that didn't stop her from clenching his shirt tighter.

‘Kiss me, Scorpius?’ she pleaded, ‘do anything... just hug me, kiss me, tell me you love me... even hold me in your arms!’

‘I can’t do that. Not anymore. You need to leave,’ Scorpius said but his last word was cut out as Amelia began sobbing in his arms. Scorpius grit his teeth, his heart clenching in his chest. He loved her but... he couldn’t lead her on like this. Scorpius pulled away from her and wiped her tears away as Amelia looked into his eyes, a look of devastation completed her. Scorpius took a few steps back, ‘goodbye, Amelia.’

‘What happened to never giving up on us no matter what? I love you and you are who I want! I know you love me too, Scorpius! You can’t leave me,’ Amelia whispered, watching his face for any flicker of expression but there was none. She shook her head, tears falling down her face again, and got her wand out, ‘I love you and when you’ve gotten over all of this... come back to me. Goodbye, Scorpius.’

Amelia waved her wand and the last image of her was one of red eyes and tears streaking down her face. Scorpius stood in his room after she left, feeling cold and empty and it wasn’t just because of the huge Malfoy manor. He loved Amelia. He wanted her but... Scorpius shut off the music with a wave of his wand and with another wave, the door unlocked and opened, revealing Draco Malfoy standing there.

‘I broke up with her. Just like you wanted,’ Scorpius said, hatred etched in every word.

Draco stepped into his room and wrinkled his nose in disgust at the clothes on the floor. He flicked his wand the clothes floated down the stairs to the washing machine. Draco then came into the room and sat on his sons bed, ‘you’ll see how this will work out for you in the end.’

‘This will never work out for me! She hates me now!’ Scorpius yelled, kicking the side of his bed, ‘and it’s all your fault!’

‘You may hate me and think I’m the worlds worst father... and it may just be true, but you’ll see. She’ll be back to you in... about a week,’ Draco said confidently.

As Scorpius yelled and argued with his father about what he called his ‘genius plan’, Amelia had apparated home. Her sobs flowed out of her uncontrollably and she sank onto the stairs steps, not noticing when James, Dominique, Louis, Lily, and Albus came out to stare at her. She buried her face in her hands as James told them all to go back into the living room and let him handle it.

‘Wait till we get back to Hogwarts so I can hang Malfoy up by his ankles for the whole school to see,’ James muttered as he sat next to Amelia.

Amelia sobbed harder, turning to hug James and cry on his shoulder, getting his blue hoody that she had gifted him wet. James stroked her hair and closed his eyes as he let her cry herself out.

He thought he wouldn’t tell Fred and Hermione where she had gone. They would figure it out themselves anyway.

---

A/N - Oh god, guys. You know how before I couldn't write for like weeks and weeks? Now, I literally cannot stop writing. This would have been eight pages long but... I thought that was a bit too much so I cut it down haha. 

Dedicated to ruby_reid1999 for being such an awesome fan<3