Authors' note: Happy New Year! We are also wishing a belated birthday to Miss Emma Weasley. Her birthday as many of you remember is on New Year's Eve. But, tonight's chapter finds us in the merry month of May.
May had finally arrived and Alexa was packing up her belongings. She had finished her final exams and all that was left now was the move. The dorm room had never really felt like home to her. While Carmen was nice enough, she had not been a friend and Alexa doubted she would keep in contact with her.
In fact, Alexa wished Carmen would leave so she could finish packing the magical way. With Carmen on the other side of the room, Alexa was having to pack things the slow, Muggle way.
"I can't believe you're going back to London," Carmen was saying. "I mean, there are hot guys with hot accents but it rains everyday there, doesn't it?"
"I grew up there," Alexa said. "I'm sort of used to it."
"I would die," Carmen said shaking her head.
"It's not so bad," Alexa replied. "We have our nice days too."
Carmen just shook her head. "Do you need some help packing?"
"No thanks," Alexa replied. "I'll get it all eventually."
Carmen picked up a magazine. "I'm going down to the café to grab a latte. I'll see you before you leave!"
"Okay," Alexa said in relief.
Carmen breezed out of the room and Alexa rolled her eyes.
"Thank Merlin," she said, grabbing her wand and waving it at her things.
Her books and clothes flew into the boxes and suitcases.
"So much easier," Alexa said with satisfaction. Another wave of her wand sealed the boxes shut.
There was a gentle knock on the door and Alexa hoped Carmen hadn't forgotten her keys.
"One minute!" Alexa stopped the moving items and they dropped on the floor and the bed.
Alexa opened the door and was surprised to see...Gabe.
"Hi," Alexa stared at him. "What... what are you doing here?"
"I know it's your last day," Gabriel said. "I wanted to see if you needed any help."
"Oh," Alexa replied. "I um... I think I've got it. Once Carmen left, I was able to just use magic."
"Oh," Gabriel said. "Well, can I come in for a minute?"
"Of course," Alexa stood back.
She had not seen him in a few weeks, but had exchanged emails with him. "Are you finished with your finals?" she asked.
"Yes," Alexa nodded. "They weren't too bad."
"I have a couple more," Gabriel replied.
Alexa nodded. "The gory stuff?"
Gabriel laughed. "Maybe."
Alexa smiled. "Mine are tame compared to that."
Gabriel watched as Alexa picked up her wand and muttered a spell, causing her remaining books and clothes to fly into her suitcase. "Lexie, are you sure about this?"
"About what?" Alexa asked. "Going home?"
Gabriel nodded. "Yeah."
"Of course I'm sure," she said.
Gabriel leaned against the wall. "I just wonder if you didn't give this a real chance."
Alexa stopped and stared at him. "I beg your pardon?"
He held up a hand. "You were going home every weekend..."
"Not at first," she argued.
"And when I wasn't around as much, it seemed like you fell back on what felt safe," Gabriel said thoughtfully.
"I don't see what's so wrong with that," Alexa replied.
"Nothing," Gabriel said. "I just wonder if maybe you're not giving this a chance. Maybe another semester..."
"I don't want to," Alexa told him. "It's not just you, Gabe. I missed home."
Gabriel looked at her. "I wish you would have told me. I'd have tried harder to make time for you."
Alexa closed her eyes for a moment. "Gabe--"
He smiled wistfully. "I still love you, Lexie."
"I still love you too," she admitted. "But I still think us taking a break for now is the right thing to do."
Gabriel nodded. "Are we still going to Saffy and Andrew's wedding together?"
"Sure," Alexa agreed.
Gabriel smiled. "I'd like that."
"I think we'll have a nice time," Alexa replied.
"We always do," Gabriel said softly.
Alexa smiled at him. "I'm almost done here. Then I just have to shrink everything up and I'm all set."
"Where's Carmen?" Gabriel asked.
"Having a latte in the quad," Alexa replied.
"That's why it's so quiet," Gabriel joked.
Alexa nodded wryly. "We'd hear her from down the hall if she knew you were here."
"Well, there's the one bright side of having you leave California," Gabriel said dryly.
Alexa shrugged. "She's okay, I guess. Just not necessarily a person I'd be friends with."
"Not like Saffy," Gabriel said.
Alexa shook her head. "Speaking of Saffy, wait until you see Ellie. She's gotten so big already."
"And you're still spoiling her?" Gabriel guessed.
"Just a little," Alexa said sheepishly.
"You are her godmother," Gabriel said. "I think it's a law that you're supposed to do that."
"RJ does the same thing," Alexa said. "But he buys her toys."
"Must seem like old times with you," Gabriel commented.
"In a way," Alexa said, shrinking down her things.
"That never gets old," Gabriel said grinning at her.
"Well that's it," Alexa looked at her half of the dorm room. "Seems like I never lived here."
Gabriel reached for her hand. "I only want you to be happy."
"I want the same for you," Alexa told him.
Gabriel gave her a hug. "You'd better write me."
"I might even come visit you," Alexa said.
Gabriel grinned. "I promise to stick my head out of a book if you do."
"Deal," Alexa laughed.
"So, how are you traveling?" Gabriel asked.
"Apparating," Alexa said. "In a little while."
"I guess you'll be really busy the next few weeks with the wedding plans and everything," Gabriel said.
"Oh yes," Alexa nodded. "Saf's hen night is next weekend."
"Uh-oh," Gabriel said. "Should we be worried?"
"Nah," Alexa replied. "It's probably going to be pretty tame."
"That's what you say now," Gabriel teased. "But you'll be calling me to bail you girls out of jail and I'll remind you of that."
"Sure," Alexa said wryly.
Gabriel looked at her. "Lexie, I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too," Alexa said truthfully. "The times I enjoyed most over here are the times I was with you."
Gabriel smiled. "I'm glad."
Alexa bumped his shoulder with hers. "What's Nico been up to?"
Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Driving me crazy."
"On the contrary," Alexa said. "I think he keeps you sane."
"Him keeping me sane?" Gabriel asked, chuckling.
"He gives you that little dose of reality that you need to keep your nose out of those books," Alexa said.
Gabriel nodded. "That's what he always says."
"I can't believe I'm about to say this but he's right."
Gabriel shook his head. "I'd never admit it, but he is. He's like a brother to me."
"You're stuck with him the rest of your life," Alexa deadpanned.
Gabriel pretended to steady himself. "Scary thought."
Alexa laughed. "Well it works both ways. You keep him on the ground."
"Someone has to," Gabriel said with a grin. Alexa looked at her watch. "I should go and say goodbye to Carmen."
"You sure you want to risk it?" Gabriel teased.
Alexa nodded. "I should be asking you that question. She's much more interested in you than she ever was in me."
"She's not my type," Gabriel replied.
"Partial to redheads?" Alexa asked taking his hand.
"You know I am," Gabriel said.
Alexa smiled at him. She wished things would have been different, but she knew this was for the best. The two of them managed to find Carmen in the quad and Carmen seemed more interested in gushing over Gabriel than saying goodbye to Alexa. They promised they'd keep in touch, but Alexa did not see them keeping that promise. It wasn't long before it was time for Alexa to leave.
"I guess this is it," she said softly.
Gabriel nodded. "Yeah."
"I'll see you soon," Alexa hugged him tightly.
"Take care, Lexie," Gabriel said softly.
Alexa gave him a kiss on the cheek. "You too. Stay out of the books, just once in awhile. I want to see you become the best doctor this country has ever seen."
"I will," Gabriel promised. "And you're going to be a great writer, Lexie."
"I hope so," Alexa replied.
Gabriel let go of her hand. "Goodbye."
"See you later," Alexa said.
Alexa watched as he turned to go. In some ways, she felt like a failure, but a part of her was excited to get back home and start over. She would do well at the new university and she would be around her friends and family. She would miss Gabriel, but this was the best thing for both of them.
*** *** ***
Nick put off telling his half sister about their father as long as he could. Every time he would visit Draco, his father would ask about Chiaki and Nick always had an excuse ready. But Draco's health was worsening quite dramatically and Nick knew it was now or never.
She was just finishing up her dance class for the day and Nick stood in the back watching her.
"Hey," Chiaki smiled at him once her students had left. "How's it going, stranger?"
"Okay," Nick replied, stepping forward. "How are you?"
"Good," Chiaki answered. "What's up?"
"I needed to have a word with you," Nick said. "If you have a moment..."
"Sure," Chiaki wiped off her forehead.
Nick sat down and Chiaki joined him. He honestly did not know where to begin. "Um, well I'm sure Jules has told you about Katie and the Malfoy ring..."
"She mentioned it," Chiaki nodded.
"Well, I was quite upset when I found out about it," Nick continued. "And I thought that my father had an ulterior motive for giving it to Katie."
"You mean he didn't?" Chiaki raised an eyebrow. It had been a long time since she'd spoken to or laid eyes on her birth father and she didn't care if she ever saw him again.
"Well, he did," Nick replied. "But, it wasn't anything I ever expected."
"Look--" Chiaki began.
"He's dying," Nick interjected.
Chiaki stared at him for a moment. "what?"
"He's dying," Nick repeated. "Lung cancer."
Chiaki still didn't say anything.
"I've met with his healer," Nick said. "This is real. He's not lying."
Chiaki shook her head. "I don't understand. Why did he come back?"
"He wants to put his affairs in order," Nick replied. "He wanted me to help him. At first, I didn't want to, but I've never seen him like this."
"What else does he want?" Chiaki asked. "There has to be some kind of catch."
"There's not," Nick replied. "This is different. He doesn't have much time. He--he asked to see you."
"No," Chiaki said immediately.
Nick could certainly see where she was coming from and why she would not want to see him. "Chiaki..."
"I don't want to see him," Chiaki said, her tone final.
"He's not your father," Nick said. "Neville is in every way that matters. I know that and you know that."
"So seeing him means nothing to me," Chiaki said. "And he made it clear all those years ago that I mean nothing to him. He can't change that now."
"I don't think that's what he wants," Nick said honestly.
"Whatever," Chiaki said. "I'm not going."
Nick handed her a slip of paper. "This is the room he's staying in."
Chiaki took it reluctantly.
"In case you change your mind," Nick said.
Chiaki sighed. "If I go, and that is a big if... I don't want to go alone."
"I can go with you," Nick said. "He might not be your father, but I'd like to think of you as my sister. I always have, you know."
"I know," Chiaki managed a half smile. "You've been a good brother."
Nick scoffed. "I've been a FANTASTIC brother."
"Don't flatter yourself," Chiaki rolled her eyes.
Nick nudged her. "You can admit it..."
"I'm older and wiser," Chiaki said. "I don't think so."
"What are you now?" Nick teased. "Sixty?"
"Jerk," Chiaki punched his shoulder.
Nick turned serious. "You know, I'd go with you. We could...we could even go now."
"What?" Chiaki asked. "Nick--"
"If you're ready," Nick said. "But you don't have much time to think about this. He's dying, Chi."
"Well... how long does he have?" Chiaki asked.
"His healer said it's a matter of weeks," Nick said quietly.
Chiaki felt herself pale. "Weeks?"
Nick nodded.
Chiaki sighed again and sat down on a folding chair. "I don't know what to think."
"I felt the same way," Nick said. "I mean, I've spent all these years without him and then he shows up out of the blue."
"Are you sure this isn't some sort of trick?" she asked again. "I mean- he could have hired someone to at as a healer..."
"I thought about that too," Nick said. "But, this Fitzgerald is legitimate. Liam Thornhart was in university with him. Says he's as good a healer as there is."
"I see..." Chiaki said quietly.
"I'm sorry to spring this on you," Nick said softly.
"It's just not what I was expecting," Chiaki said honestly.
Nick nodded. "Me, either."
She glanced at him sideways. "This is real?"
Nick nodded again. "I'm afraid so."
She was silent again for a few moments. "Let me change clothes. I don't know how long I'll stay... but I'll go."
"You sure?" Nick asked her.
"No," Chiaki said. "So we better go before I change my mind."
Nick nodded. "Okay. I'll just wait here."
Chiaki hurried to change her clothing while Nick leaned against the wall.
He prayed that his father would not say or do anything to make Chiaki feel horrible. If he did, Nick wasn't sure what he would do.
The other thing he was worried about was how he would tell his youngest daughter about this.
Katie had grown quite close to her paternal grandfather these last few months and Nick wasn't sure how Katie would take the news. She had dealt with loss before---when Elinore and Robert had died, but she had been younger then.
"Okay," Chiaki interrupted his thoughts. "Let's go."
Nick smiled reassuringly at her. "Okay."
They headed towards St Mungos when Nick brought up Katie. He told Chiaki what had been going on as far as the ring and how Katie had grown a bit closer to her grandfather. "How do I even tell her about this?"
"Be honest with her," Chiaki said thoughtfully. "She doesn't like to be treated like a child. Be honest with her and tell her that you and Jules will help her through this."
"I need to tell her soon," Nick said. "She'll be upset if... he goes before she sees him."
Chiaki nodded. "He---he hasn't reached out to Ashley then?"
"He's leaving her the art collection," Nick said. "Which surprised me a lot. I didn't think he would bother with her."
Chiaki did not honestly think Ashley would be too upset with the news. The girl had tried numerous times over the years to reach out to her other set of grandparents, but they had never answered her letters.
"And he left Katie quite a fortune," Nick said, revealing the amount to his sister.
Chiaki gaped at him. "Whoa--"
"I know," Nick replied. "She's not getting it until she's at least 18."
Chiaki nodded and felt a nervous pang in her stomach as she and Nick took the lift up to Draco Malfoy's room.
"Let me go tell him you're here," Nick said.
Chiaki nodded. 'Okay."
Nick headed in, hoping his father would be awake.
Draco was sitting up in his bed, reading a magazine. He still looked quite pale. "Father?"
"Nicholas," Draco put the magazine aside. "I didn't think I'd see you again so soon."
"How are you feeling?" Nick asked.
"Fair," Draco replied.
"Someone's here to see you," Nick said quietly. "Chiaki. I told her about what's going on and that you wanted to see her."
"You convinced her," Draco nodded approvingly.
Nick nodded. "But, if you do anything to hurt her..."
Draco's eyes narrowed. "Don't order me around, Nicholas. I have no intentions to do so. I may be sick but I will not be spoken to in that manner."
Nick didn't answer him. Instead, he turned around and stuck his head out of the door. "Chi?" he called out.
Chiaki appeared around the corner, nervously twisting a strand of hair around her finger.
"Ready?" Nick asked her.
"Sure," she said.
Chiaki stepped into the room and resisted the urge to gape at her biological father. She had seen much of him, but he looked quite frail and helpless sitting in that bed. Words failed her as she looked at him. His eyes so much like her own, she thought.
"Hello," Draco nodded to her. "Thank you for coming."
Chiaki nodded wordlessly.
"I'm sure Nicholas has filled you in on the details," Draco said. "I don't have much time left."
Again, Chiaki nodded.
Nick motioned for her to sit down. "So..." he said, trying to break the ice.
"You look just like your mother," Draco commented.
"Thank you," Chiaki said quietly.
"And I understand you have two children of your own," Draco said hoarsely.
"Twins," Chiaki answered. "My daughter's name is Sukie, and my son's name is Mas- short for Masanobu."
"I see," Draco said. "I'm going to leave some money to you and your children."
"You don't have to--" Chiaki began.
"I never do anything because I have to," Draco interjected. "I'm doing this because I want to."
Chiaki was taken aback. "Okay." she said. "Thank you."
Draco started coughing. Nick poured his father a glass of water.
"Drink it slow," Nick told him. "Like the healer said..."
Draco nodded and did as his son requested. Chiaki fidgeted in her seat, wondering what she was doing here. She did not know this man.
"Better," Nick said, sitting back down.
Draco stared at Chiaki. She really did remind him so much of her mother.
Chiaki shifted uncomfortably. "Is... is there anything else?" she asked. "I mean, did you want to ask me any questions or something?"
"Longbottom---he's been a good father to you?" Draco asked.
"Yes," Chiaki nodded. "He's an amazing father."
"Something I never was," Draco said hoarsely. "Right, Nicholas?"
"We don't have to talk about that now," Nick replied.
Draco let out a weak laugh that turned into another coughing fit.
"Dad," Nick said. "Here... just drink this, slowly. And breathe."
Draco took the glass from his son. He struggled to catch his breath/
Chiaki felt her eyes well up with tears as she watched her father try to calm himself down. For the first time in her life, she felt something for him.
"I saw you once," Draco said when he managed to calm down. "I was here on---on a consult. You had to have been three years old then. I think Longbottom and Cho had brought you here for a check up."
"You did?" Chiaki asked curiously.
Draco nodded. "You were in Longbottom's lap or something. You were scared about seeing a healer and he was trying to calm you down."
Chiaki managed a tiny smile. "I never did like seeing a healer."
"Pains me to admit this, but Longbottom knew just what to do," Draco said. "I would have just handed you off to your mother and walked away."
"I guess you could say letting my dad adopt me was the best gift you could have ever given me," Chiaki said honestly.
Draco nodded. "You were certainly better off. Nicholas can attest to how poor a father I was."
Nick shook his head. "There's no use bringing it up now."
"Nick's right," Chiaki said looking at her half brother. "There's nothing that can be changed now."
"Yes well... I can make a few things right," Draco lay his head back on the pillow.
"Maybe we should go," Nick suggested. "You need your rest..."
"Bring Katherine with you next time," Draco said.
"I will," Nick promised.
Chiaki stood up. "Goodbye..."
"Take care of yourself, Chiaki," Draco said weakly.
"I will," Chiaki said before hurrying from the room.
Nick promised his father he would be back later that evening before he hurried after his half-sister.
Chiaki nearly ran down the corridor before collapsing on a chair in the waiting room. She felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her.
Nick put his hand on her shoulder. "Chiaki?"
"I'm okay," she said. "I just need a minute."
"I can't imagine that was very easy for you," Nick said sitting down beside her.
"It was weird," she agreed. "To feel sorry for him like that. For him to tell me he'd seen me- and for him to admit that my father was better than him."
Nick put his arm around her and hugged her. "I know."
"I guess I'm glad I came," Chiaki said. "I feel like I have a bit of closure that I didn't know I needed."
Nick nodded. "He keeps surprising me.'
Chiaki nodded. "I should head home. I'm spending some time with my grandparents tonight."
"Okay," Nick said giving her another hug.
"Good luck with Katie," Chiaki said.
"Thanks," Nick said. "Give Frank and Alice my best."
"I will," Chiaki promised before leaving.
Nick took a few minutes to collect himself. He wondered what would happen when his mother finally found out about this. Nick was happy that she was not here trying to make this about her.
She was going to have to find out soon, though. And Nick had a sinking feeling that it would be up to him to tell her.
But, for the moment, he had to tell Katie and Ashley.
Chiaki walked to her parents' house, needing a little time by herself to process everything.
She wiped at her eyes and then gently knocked on the door.
Her mother answered it. "Sweetheart- what are you doing out here? Why didn't you just come in by the Floo?"
Chiaki didn't answer and just hugged her mother.
"What is it?" Cho asked, concerned. "Are Tosh and the kids okay?"
Neville appeared behind his wife. "Chiaki?"
"Something happened," Cho said. "But I can't get a word out of her..."
Cho gently led Chiaki into the sitting room, where Frank and Alice were sitting.
Alice took one look at her granddaughter and rose to her feet.
"I'm sorry to just barge in here like this," Chiaki managed.
"We were expecting you soon," Cho told her gently. "But tell us what's wrong..."
Chiaki sat down. "I just came from visiting---Draco Malfoy."
"What?" Cho asked in surprise. "Why-- how?"
Chiaki told them about Nick's surprise visit. "He has cancer and he wanted to see me."
"What did he say that upset you?" Neville asked, growing angry. "I don't care if he's sick--"
Chiaki shook her head. "Dad, he didn't do anything. He's dying."
"He's dying?" Cho gasped.
Chiaki nodded. "He told Nick that he's trying to get things in order before he goes. And I know what you're thinking---he has to be plotting something. But this was real, Mum."
"Draco Malfoy..." Frank said. "That would be Lucius's son?"
Chiaki nodded. "Yes, Grandpa."
"We talked about Draco," Neville said. "That he's... Chiaki's birth father. We haven't heard from him in ages though."
"He's not doing very well," Chiaki said softly. "He---just wanted to tell me that he was leaving some money to the children and me."
"How long does he have?" Cho asked curiously.
"A few weeks at best," Chiaki said. "I---for the first time, I felt sorry for him."
"Wow..." Neville sat back.
"He apparently hasn't told his wife," Chiaki told them.
"There's a great marriage," Cho shook her head. "Honestly."
"Nick was saying that was probably for the best since she's a bit selfish," Chiaki said.
Cho bit her tongue on the topic of Ginny Malfoy. "Why don't I make you a cup of tea?" she suggested.
"I'd like that," Chiaki replied.
Cho patted her daughter's shoulder and headed into the kitchen.
Alice took Cho's seat and put her arm around her granddaughter. "It's okay, love."
"I know," Chiaki said. "At first I didn't even want to go. But when I heard he was dying... I sort of felt like I should."
"And now that you have?" Alice asked.
"I don't know," Chiaki said. "I don't know what I'm feeling right now."
"How brave you were," Alice said squeezing her hand. "And what a big heart you have."
Chiaki smiled a bit tremulously at her grandmother. "I don't really feel that way right now, but thank you."
Alice gave her a hug. "Well, I for one am glad that you came here."
"I was looking forward to visiting with you all day," Chiaki replied.
"I was too," Alice said.
"How are those two kids of yours?" Frank asked with a chuckle. "They were certainly lively last time."
Chiaki smiled. "Still as lively as ever. Sukie keeps trying to get Mas to play dress up with her."
"And he's having none of that, I'm sure." Frank laughed.
"No," Chiaki said. "She chases him around with a crown in one hand and a dress in the other."
Frank laughed heartily at that. "I hope you'll bring them by again soon."
"I will," Chiaki promised.
"How was Nick?" Neville asked. "With this whole situation?"
"I think this has brought he and his father closer," Chiaki said. "This is harder on him than it is on me."
"Well he did live with him," Neville replied.
"And no matter what, that is his father," Chiaki said. "I think he feels bad that he wasn't as good a father to Nick as Nick deserved. I mean, he'd never come out and say it, but that's the impression I got."
"You probably hit the nail on the head," Neville told his daughter.
Chiaki nodded. "I---I'm going to see if Mum needs any help."
"Sure, sweetheart," Neville watched her go, worry lines etched on his forehead.
Chiaki stepped into the kitchen. "Mum?"
"Hi love," Cho said. "I was just pouring your tea."
"He said that I looked just like you," Chiaki said softly.
"Malfoy did?" Cho asked.
Chiaki nodded and then told her mother about Malfoy seeing her when she was a toddler.
"I'm surprised he bothered to look," Cho said. "But I suppose it shows that even he has a little feeling in him."
"He meant something at one time to you," Chiaki said. "How are you doing with this?"
Cho shrugged. "I think this will affect you more than it does me. I haven't thought or felt anything about Draco Malfoy in years."
"Neither have I," Chiaki said. "I'm worried about Nick...and Katie."
"I think it would mean a lot to Nick to have you there for him," Cho said. "For him and for Katie."
"I'll be there for them," Chiaki said. "Definitely."
Cho gave her a tight hug. "You're my girl."
Chiaki rested her head on her mother's shoulder. This was exactly where she wanted to be right now.
"Come on," Cho said. "Let's take this in and sit with your grandparents."
"Okay," Chiaki smiled.
They went back out and sat down with Neville, Frank and Alice. Chiaki tried to push the thoughts of her birth father far from her head and worked on enjoying the evening.
While that was going on, Nick was pacing in Julie's office. She had gone to get the girls from the Great Hall where they were having their dinner.
He hated that he was about to disrupt the end of the year for them, but like Draco had said, he wasn't sure how much longer he had.
He heard their voices in the distance. He still had no idea how to break this news to them.
"Mummy what's going on?" Katie pouted. "I was in the middle of--"
"Dad?" Ashley asked, in surprise.
"Hi sweetheart," Nick managed a smile.
Julie closed the door behind them. "Have a seat, girls."
"What's wrong?" Katie asked anxiously.
"Your father has something he needs to tell you both," Julie said.
"Is Greta okay?" Ashley asked. "Sophie?"
Nick nodded. "They're both fine. It's um, it's about your grandfather. Your Grandfather Malfoy."
Ashley sat back in her chair with some relief while Katie tensed.
"I don't have to give my ring back, do I?" Katie asked. "Because it wouldn't be very nice if you took it back now..."
"Katie..." Nick said. "Your grandfather is here because he's dying."
Katie shook her head. "No..."
"He has lung cancer," Nick told her gently.
Katie vehemently shook her head. "You're lying. It's something you're telling me to keep me away from him. But, you said it was okay for him to write to me and to give me the ring..."
"Katie," Julie said. "Your father isn't lying to you. In fact, he wants to take you to see him."
Nick knelt down before her. "He's very sick and he doesn't have much time left."
Katie's eyes filled with tears. "He doesn't?"
Nick shook his head. "Your mum has cleared it with the headmaster and I'd like to take you to him tonight, if that's okay."
Katie nodded. "Okay."
"He's putting his affairs in order and he's leaving some money to members of his family," Nick said. He looked over at his oldest daughter. "He's leaving you his entire art collection."
"He is?" Ashley asked in surprise.
Nick nodded.
"Does he want to see me?" Ashley asked curiously.
"I think he'd like to see you both," Nick said. "Maybe to tell you about the art collection himself."
"Okay," Ashley said quietly.
"Are you both ready?" Nick asked them.
"I'll wait for you all here," Julie said. "And take you back to your dormitories when you get back."
Katie wiped at her eyes. "Okay."
Nick looked over at his wife. "Thanks Jules."
Julie nodded. "Of course."
Katie held onto her father as he activated a portkey that would take them to St. Mungos. She was scared to see her grandfather so sick.
Ashley took her younger sister's hand. Though she was sad to hear about her grandfather, she knew that this was hurting Katie more. "It'll be okay, Katie."
Katie shook her head. "It's not fair."
"No, it's not," Ashley agreed quietly.
"He really likes me," Katie said. "And now that I get to know him, he's going to die!"
Nick stopped walking and turned to look at his daughter. "Sweetheart, I know this is hard. Believe me, I know. But, your grandfather is really sick and you don't want to upset him. Try and keep a brave face, okay?"
Katie nodded. "Yes, Dad. I'll try."
Nick gave her a hug. "That's my girl."
Katie managed a wan smile as Nick led her and Ashley into the room.
Katie swallowed the lump in her throat as she saw her grandfather.
"Nicholas," Draco said pushing himself up. "You brought Katherine. Very good."
"And Ashley," Nick said motioning for his other daughter to come forward.
"Oh yes," Draco said, barely taking his eyes off his younger granddaughter. "Katherine, I'm so pleased you came."
"Hi, Grandfather," Katie said in a small voice.
"I'm sorry you have to see me like this," Draco said.
Katie shook her head. "You look very distinguished, Grandfather."
Draco chuckled weakly. "You do have a way with words."
Tears welled up in Katie's eyes, but she tried to remember what her father had told her.
"It's all right," Draco told her. "I've done what I wanted to do in my lifetime. Now I leave it to you to carry on the Malfoy name."
"I'll make you proud," Katie promised.
"I knew you would," Draco said. "I'm glad you have the ring."
Katie's hand instinctively went to the ring that she still wore on a chain around her neck. "Me, too."
Draco motioned her closer. "You can use it.... later on. When you need help..."
Katie raised an eyebrow. "What?" she whispered.
"When the time is right, you'll know." Draco told her.
"Okay," Katie said, though she was dying to ask him what he meant.
"Ash." Nick nudged her forward. "Your grandfather is leaving you his art collection."
Ashley looked at her grandfather. "Thank you, sir."
Draco nodded to her. "Of course, an art collection is special, but Katherine here gets the fortune."
Ashley was stung by his remark, but she was not going to show him that. "Dad, I think I'm just going to wait outside," Ashley said.
"Ash--" Nick began.
Ashley just shook her head. "I'll be outside."
"A fortune?" Katie asked, not noticing her sister leave.
Draco nodded. "Your father is going to set it into a trust that you can inherit on your twenty-first birthday."
Katie turned and stared at her father.
"On your twenty-first birthday," Nick told her firmly.
Katie thought that was extremely unfair but didn't voice that thought. She turned back to her grandfather.
"Id rather have you here," Katie told him.
"It's a shame it took until now to realise your potential, Katherine." Draco told her.
"Well, you could have visited us before," Katie pointed out.
"If it were only that easy," Draco said, coughing.
Katie reached for his hand.
"I'll be all right," Draco said. "Nicholas, get me some water."
"Sure," Nick said reaching for the glass.
Katie backed away, frightened as Draco coughed horribly.
"Katie, why don't you give us a minute?" Nick suggested. "Check on Ashley?"
"Okay," Katie said in a small voice as she hurried into the corridor.
Ashley looked up from her seat just outside.
"What is it?" she asked, seeing her sister's scared face.
"He---he started coughing really bad," Katie managed.
"I guess that's what happens with lung cancer," Ashley said. "Here... sit down with me."
Katie sat down beside her sister and rested her head on Ashley's shoulder.
"I know you and our grandfather have some sort of bond..." Ashley said. "For that, I'm sorry he's dying. But otherwise, I think we should just remember how lucky we are to have Grandpa Harry and Grandma Hermione."
"I love them," Katie said softly. "You know that."
"I do," Ashley nodded.
Katie lifted her head to look at her sister properly. "Are you mad that he isn't leaving you any money?"
Ashley shrugged. "I guess, not really."
"I have to wait until I'm 21 to get it," Katie pouted.
"That's not that big a deal," Ashley said.
"It's like forever away," Katie argued.
"Katie--" Ashley began when Nick stuck his head back out the door.
"Girls, come in and say goodbye to your grandfather," Nick said.
"Is this the last time we'll get to see him?" Katie asked.
"I'm not sure," Nick said softly.
"I'm scared," Katie admitted.
Nick stepped out into the corridor and opened his arms. Katie hugged her father tightly.
"It'll be all right, Katie bear," Nick said. "I promise."
Katie wanted to believe him.
"Just trust me," Nick smoothed her hair back. "Come on."
Ashley and Katie followed their father back into the room.
Draco was lying back on the pillow, his face even paler than before. "Girls, just a minute, okay?" Nick asked. "Your grandfather needs to rest."
Draco looked at the two girls. "No need to be scared, girls. Malfoys aren't scared."
Katie shook her head. "No, sir."
Draco coughed. "Remember---remember that."
"I always will," Katie said. "I promise."
Draco smiled and then turned his attention to Ashley. "You're too much like your mother to be much of a Malfoy. But, I have no doubt that you'll do great things."
"Thanks," Ashley said quietly. "I like being similar to my mother."
"Father, come on," Nick warned.
"I'm being honest," Draco told him. "I'm nothing if not honest."
"Of course," Nick said tightly. He put his arm around Ashley.
"I hope I get to see you at least one more time," Katie said to her grandfather.
"I do too," Draco said weakly.
Katie leaned forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Goodbye," Katie whispered.
"Make me proud, Katherine." Draco managed.
"I will," Katie promised, taking Ashley's hand.
"I'll be back tomorrow," Nick told his father.
Draco nodded and closed his eyes.
"Come on," Nick whispered.
Katie gave her grandfather one last look before following her sister and father out of the room. The tears that she had held back began to fall and Ashley put a comforting arm around her sister.
"But I might not ever get to see him again," Katie sobbed. "Or talk to him, or write to him..."
"I know," Nick said hugging her tightly. "It's...it's going to be okay, Katie."
"It's not fair," Katie bawled.
"No, it's not," Nick said. To his surprise, he found that he believed that. His father was by no means a changed man, but Nick had found a little more common ground with him these last few weeks. For the first time, Nick felt like he actually knew his father.
"We should get back," Ashley said quietly. "Mum's expecting us."
Katie gave the door to her grandfather's room one last look before reluctantly leaving. She hoped that this would not be the last time she ever saw him.