A Life Worth Choosing

Author's Note: Beta wanted! I have applied to over ten betas and everyone is either to busy or no longer beta-ing. If anyone is interested, please send me an email: Lunajay7@hotmail.com . Also I have a Harry Potter website(which includes a RP site) that I am no longer capable of running and I am taking application from anyone who would like to take over and run it for themselves. Here is the url, if you are interested, please see the application page... http://groups.msn.com/HogwartsSkewl .

I have also updated the character list as well as the character dolls. You can see the dolls here... http://groups.msn.com/Hogwartsschool2/charatersofalwc.msnw

Chapter 18: Witches and Wizards

Kaeda groaned as she tiredly stood in the doorway of the castle, broom in hand. She paused for a moment to take in the view. The grounds were dark and still for no one, but the Slytherin Quidditch team, was up this early. A heavy fog danced across the lake, spilling over into the Quidditch pitch. A cold light breeze overcame Kaeda, causing her to shiver slightly.

“You alright, Malfoy,” a voice called from behind her.

She turned around to see the bright wide eyes of Orion.

“Hello Black. Just a bit tired is all.”

“I know. How bloody bogus is this: having practice this early the first day of term. Just wait until I get a hold of Potter.”

Kaeda let out a soft giggle.

“You two just going to stand here and chat?” said McAdrian as she pushed her way passed them.

“Sounds like a good plan to me,” Orion smiled. “Shall we, cuz?”

Kaeda smiled back and nodded her head.

Figuring it would save her time to just fly over to he pitch rather than walk, Kaeda held out her broom in front of her ready to mount, but Orion stopped.

“Is that a Nebula?” Orion asked in awe.

“My father gave it to me for Christmas,” Kaeda said proudly.

“Lucky you. My father bought me an Asteroid 980. He said the Nebula's wouldn't be available until after Christmas.”

“Father bought one for Junior, Mother, himself, and Avery as well,” she gloated.

“Potter has one too?” Orion asked shocked.

Kaeda nodded her head still smiling, “He wanted to buy them for the whole team, but Mother wouldn't let him.”

“If Potter has one, then why did he have his Lightning Bolt this morning?”

“Lightning bolt?” Kaeda shouted. “Grrr...!”

“What's with the chit chat, Malfoy? Black?” Avery asked as he pushed passed them, a Lightning Bolt in his hand.

Kaeda glared at him, before turning to Orion.

“What's his problem?” Orion asked.

“I don't want to talk about it.”

“Want me to hit a bludger at him?” Orion smirked.

Kaeda laughed, “We better go or he'll make us fly laps.”

________________________________________________________________________

The first day of the new term was full of gloom and fatigue in the Great Hall. The Holidays were a time for leisure and relaxation, now the students had to get back to their routines and worst of all, school work.

Junior, tired from a late night, dragged himself into the Great Hall for an early breakfast to find, to his surprise, his twin sitting alone at the Gryffindor table. Still dressed in her cold, damp quidditch robes with a tired look on her face.

“You're here early?” he yawn sitting himself opposite her.

“It was a short practice,” she growled.

“How was it?”

“Cold- harsh- bleak- and that was just Avery,” she yawned.

“I take it he found out about you and Zyler?”

“Yup!”

“So where is prince charming?”

Before she could answer, the entire Slytherin team trudged into the Great Hall with tired looks on their faces and approached Kaeda, Avery in the lead.

“Leave a practice early again, Malfoy, and you'll be off the team,” he growled before leading the team over to the Slytherin table.

Kaeda glared as she watched Avery and Zyler take their seats amongst a group of witches and began chatting merrily as they dived into the food.

“That was interesting,” Junior said raising an eyebrow.

Kaeda shot him a glare before focusing back on the two Slytherin wizards.

“Apparently they're best friends again,” she scowled.

“Something went wrong?” Junior said tiredly.

“They had a row at practice.”

“Over you?”

Kaeda nodded.

“What happened?”

Kaeda took a deep breath, “Well I was so tired from staying up so late that I missed the snitch like three times and Avery was yelling at me so Zyler yelled at him saying it wasn't my fault then Avery started at Zyler saying that if it wasn't for him that I would have never been this tired so Zyler shot back at him that if he hadn't had this stupid practice we all would have been able to sleep, then he took off to the stands saying he needed a break so Avery started yelling at me so Orion stepped in and told him to back off and started shoving Avery, so Avery shoved back knocking Orion into Anikan, who shoved Orion into Aaron, so Aaron went after Anikan almost knocking McAdrien off her broom then before I knew it everyone was fighting and it was all just so awful, I couldn't take it any more, so I just left.”

Junior stared blankly at his sister for a moment trying to take in everything. He opened his mouth, trying to think of a response, but all he could think of was, “What?”

Kaeda continued starring across the room to the Slytherin table where Zyler was now getting to his feet. He held out his hand to a seventh year witch, that Kaeda only knew from passing in the hallways. He kissed the witches hand and led her out of the Great Hall.

Kaeda blinked as she watched them leave, as streams of tears starting running down her face. Quickly she tried her best to whip them away before anyone else noticed.

“Can this get any worse?” she asked. “How can he do this to me? That selfish pigheaded skrewt! What's with you wizards anyway? Can't they ever just make up their minds? Just give me a straight answer already!”

Junior sat back for a moment studying his sister.

“Wait, I'm confused,” he said. “Are we talking about Zyler or Avery?”

Kaeda just glared at him, “Let's just say all wizards.”

“Morning Malfoys,” Talon called out as he took a seat beside Junior, followed by the rest of his roommates.

“Great, more of them,” Kaeda yawned.

“Miss Kaeda, you're looking lovely this morning,” Braden said taking a seat next to her.

Kaeda shot him a glare before answering, “I'm cold, wet, and muddy. Lovely is not the word for it.”

“You're always beautiful in my eyes,” Braden shot back.

“So, what happened to the biggest party of the year. I received a letter stating it was canceled.” Kaden asked as he stacked his school books on the bench and began to climb on top of them.

“Mum was in Saint Mungo's,” Junior answered. “She's stressed out, so Grandmother Cissy had to cancel it.”

“Bummer!” Talon sighed.

“Is it completely canceled or just postponed?” Kesler asked. “Cause I made a sketch of the most fabulous set of dress robes. You would love them Kade, they are to die for.”

“You have to show me,” Kaeda said excitingly, forgetting about her anger.

“I just so happen to have them right here,” Kelser announced pulling a sketch pad out from his tote bag. “Drew them up just before break in Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Such a boring class.”

“Kes makes a good point,” Kaden pointed out ignoring the squeals coming from Kaeda and Kesler as they looked through the sketch pad.

“What? That green is so the new black?” Junior joked.

“No, that you should postpone the party,” said Braden. “That way I'll still get my dance with Kaeda,” he said placing an arm around Kaeda's shoulder.

Kaeda shot him a dangerous look causing him to remove his arm immediately.

“I am so for it!” Kaeda said enthusiastically. “But when?”

“How about after the Quidditch match,” Talon suggested. “Everyone's going to be here anyway.”

“That's perfect,” Kaeda said getting to her feet. “I'll owl grandmother Cissy right away and tell her the news.”

Kaeda bid goodbye and rushed off to the owlery.

“Hey JR,” Teddy called out from the Ravenclaw table. “We're going to be late for Ancient Runes,” he said pointing at his watch.

“See you in Potions,” he said to his roommates as he gathered up his things, following Teddy out the door.

______________________________________________________________________

“So what's next on our agenda today, Ron?” Harry asked as he, Draco, and Ron strolled through the streets of Hogsmead.

“Remus wants us to check on Snickles and Boran who are working on that case in Chelsea about the wondering troll. The troll is in custody, but the sleeping drought hasn't worn off yet. They modified most of the Muggles' memories, but are having trouble with this one old bat that swears aliens are taking over the world.”

“Think you can handle a troll?” Harry asked Draco.

“As long as there's no pixies involved,” Draco shrugged.

“Bad break this morning, mate. At least the rash is gone,” Ron laughed.

“Ok, so just a quick visit to talk with McGonagall, we'll stop off at the Hog's Head for lunch, then off to Chelsea to check up on that case,” Harry said as he and Ron strolled into the gates of Hogwarts.

Ron glanced down at his watch, “Why don't we just grab a bite, now, in the Great Hall?” he asked. “Plenty to eat, eh?”

Harry shook his head, “Is food all you think about?”

“Well I'd thought we could check up on the-” he paused and looked back. “Malfoy?”

Draco stood before the gates looking around.

“Alright, Draco?” Harry asked turning back towards him.

Draco silently continued to look around as his breathing hastened. Flashbacks of his last night at Hogwarts rushed back to him and beads of sweat trickled down his face.

“Drae?” Harry asked.

“You alright, Mate?” Ron added placing a friendly hand on his shoulder.

Draco snapped out of his trance and shook his head.

“Been a while?” Harry asked. “Take your time, Mate. There's no rush.”

“If you'd like, we can stop over at Charlie's for a drink first.”

“I'm fine. I just need a moment.”

“Looks like Charlie's next class is about to begin anyway. Want to check it out?” Harry asked as he noticed a group of students heading down the snowy path to the edge of the forest.

Draco watched the groups of students and he smiled as he saw the last group of Slytherin witches led by none other than Kaeda herself.

“Maybe we could stand in the back, or something,” Draco smirked.

Draco, Ron, and Harry followed the students down the edge of the forbidden forest where Charlie was preparing for the class. Trevor and Travis sat behind him on a large tree stump petting a creature they kept hidden between the two of them.

“Hey little bro, what brings you three here?” Charlie asked noticing Ron, Harry, and Draco standing behind the students.

The students whirled around to see the guest as the entire class broke out in whispers. Draco frantically looked around for two familiar faces when he heard the angelic voice of his daughter pushing her way through the crowed.

“Move it! Out of my way! Grrr...” she growled at a group of Ravenclaw witches who stood between her and her destination. The girls jumped out of her way quickly and she ran to Draco, “Daddy!”

Draco welcomed her with open arms.

“Wow, you're really Draco Malfoy?” a small Hufflepuff wizard asked.

“Yes, and he's my Daddy. All mine!” Kaeda smiled enjoying all of the attention.

“All yours? Aren't you forgetting someone?” Harry whispered.

“Who?” Kaeda asked seriously.

“Gee, I don't know. Say- your little brother,” Ron said.

“Don't tell me he's late again,” Charlie said looking around. “Speaking of late, I should get this class started. Feel free to stay, just try not to disrupt my class like last time, Ronald.”

Ron shrugged rolling his eyes as Charlie turned to his class.

“Today I have a very special treat for all of you. As you all know, before I came to work at Hogwarts, I was a Dragon Keeper in Romania. Due to the holidays, an old friend of mine is in town and he happened to have brought a little something back with him.”

Charlie stepped back and allowed for the boys to reveal what hid between the two of them.

“It's a Swedish Short Snout!” the boys revealed as a tiny silvery-blue baby dragon peeked her head over Trevor's lap.

The class rang out with a chorus of awes as the twins stepped back allowing the dragon to flex it's wings.

“Keep your voices down and stay back, you don't want to scare her. As the twins revealed, she is a Swedish Short Snout native to the uninhabited mountain regions of Sweden. Azura here is only two weeks old. She was the youngest of a set of four. As you should already know, Dragons usually only lay three egg at a time. Out of those three, usually only two hatch. In Azura's nest, all four eggs hatch making it difficult for her mother to take care of all four. Therefore, the Dragon Keepers are taking care of Azura until she can take care of herself.”

“Wicked! Is that a Dragon?” a voice called quietly from behind Draco.

“Late again dear Brother,” Kaeda smirked.

Draco turned his head to see his son standing beside him, his hair a mess, shirt untucked, and shoes untied.

“I ah- was taking a nap between classes and over slept,” Junior said quickly when he noticed Draco, Harry, and Ron staring at his appearance. “Why are you here?”

“You're Grandmother sent your Dad here to speak with McGonagall about your party,” Ron answered.

“Ronald!” Charlie scolded.

“Sorry!” Ron answered allowing Charlie to continue.

“Now, who can tell me what color flame a Swedish Short Snout produces?” Charlie asked as he searched the class for raised hands. “Ah, yes. PJ?”

“A brilliant blue, Professor,” PJ answered

“Exactly,” Charlie said picking up the dragon and tickling it under it's chin. The dragon let out small snort before producing a short burst of flames.

“Professor Weasley?” a curly blonde haired Ravenclaw wizard's hand shot into the air.

“Yes, Dartanian?” Charlie asked.

“Aren't the mountains in Sweden covered in snow? How does the Dragon stay warm?” the boy asked.

“Great question, does anyone want to answer this?” Charlie asked. “Anyone other than PJ?- Talon!”

“Well, the scales of the Swedish Short snout, though brilliant in color, serve as a sort of solar panels, drawing heat from the sun and other heat sources allowing the dragon to control it's body temperature. The skin of a dragon is also tough and thick, allowing for all the heat that is absorbed to be stored until needed. It is also thought, though never proven, that the flame of the dragon lives inside said dragon and is used not only for protection, but as a heat source from within the dragon as well.”

“Thank you for that very thorough explanation, Mr. Ryan,” Charlie nodded. “Now, if you can all pair up into groups of four. I will assign each group a specific dragon breed. You are to come up with a day to day routine on how you would take care of a dragon hatchling if you were a Dragon Keeper. Make sure to include a brief description of your dragon, it's habitat where you will be keeping this dragon, as well as it's diet and health plans. The report will be due at the end of class. Extra points for creativity. I will be walking around checking your work as well as bringing Azura around for all of you to meet. You may begin!”

“Wow, a dragon for class. You two are lucky,” Draco said after Charlie finished.

“I don't know, I found the Demiguise much more intriguing,” Kaeda shrugged. “Are you staying for lunch?”

“I'm afraid we have quite a busy schedule,” Harry answered before Draco had the chance.

“How about we meet for dinner, though. I'm sure McGonagall won't mind,” Draco suggested running through a list of places in Hogsmead where he could take the children.

“Can we go to the Three Broomsticks?” Kaeda asked excitingly.

“Of course, and we'll even stop into Honeydukes for desert and maybe even Zonko's if we have time. How's that sound, Junior?” Draco asked noticing the worried look on his son's face.

“That's sounds great, Dad, but I already promised Uncle Charlie that I would watch the kids for him tonight.”

“That's alright,” Draco said thinking for a moment. “We'll just have to bring them along, then. That is if it's alright with Charlie.”

“It shouldn't be a problem,” Ron shrugged.

“Great, then I'll meet you two in the Entrance Hall at six. That should give you two enough time to finish your homework.”

Kaeda and Junior both nodded in agreement. Harry, Draco, and Ron said their goodbyes and left for the castle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excited, Draco arrived early and sat himself on a bench in the Entrance Hall, his feet tapping in angst. Before long, he spotted Kaeda walking up the staircase with an older wizard Draco did not recognize.

“Daddy!” Kaeda called out excitingly as her and the wizard approach.

“Evening Kaeda and who is this charming young wizard?” Draco asked.

“Orion,” the boy answered holding out his hand. “Orion Black.”

“Black?” Draco smirked.

“Yes, my great grandfather, Alphard, was your grandfather's brother.”

“Alphard? I don't recall the name,” Draco said thinking back.

“He was removed from the Black Family tree in the late 1970's,” said Kaeda.

“Oh, well it's always nice to meet a fellow Black,” Draco said extending his hand.

“It's an honor to meet you, sir. I've heard many great things about you from Cissy, and of course Kaeda and JR,” said Orion.

“Please, call me Draco,” Draco flushed at the compliments. “Orion, how would you like to join us for dinner?”

“I wouldn't want to intrude,” Orion shrugged.

“Nonsense, you should totally come,” Kaeda insisted.

“I'm late, I know, but I'm here,” Junior panted as he came running down the stairs. “Sorry, I was studying and lost track of time, what did I miss?”

“It's alright, I was just talking to Orion here, and he decided to come with us,” Draco announced.

“That's great, so where's the twins?” Junior asked looking around.

“Right here,” Charlie said sneaking up from behind them.

After a brief conversation with Charlie, Draco, Junior, Kaeda, Orion and the twins were off to Hogsmead.

As Draco made to open the door to the Three Broomsticks, he paused for a moment with a smirk.

“I hope you two don't mind, but I arranged for some company,” he said.

He opened the door and ushered the children inside. The place was nearly empty except for a few witches who sat at the bar and for a red head and a sandy haired little boy who sat alone in a booth, booth facing the opposite wall.

As the door slammed shut behind them, the boy spun around in his seat and began to wave ecstatically.

“It's Nate!” Trevor and Travis shouted together running towards the booth.

Kaeda immediately grabbed her father's shoulder to stop him from progressing further.

“You brought Addison?” she said disgusted as she continued to rant on. “I thought it was over for you two. How stupid can you be? Bringing her here without even telling us-”

“Ah- Kaeda!” Junior said tapping his sister's shoulder.

“Of all the stupid things you've done lately, this is by far-”

“Kaeda!” Junior said a little louder trying to get her attention.

“Why don't you just go back with-”

“KAEDA!”

“WHAT?” Kaeda turned and shouted at her brother.

“Kaeda Ginevra Malfoy! That is no way to speak to your father and brother,” the red head chastised, turning to face her.

“Mum!” Kaeda proclaimed as she noticed that the woman in fact was her mother who now stood in front of her, her hands on her hips.

“Yes, I asked your mother to join us this evening,” Draco finally spoke.

“Your father thought it would be nice for us to have dinner and discuss this party of yours,” Ginny added.

“Then why is he here?” Kaeda asked signaling to Nathan.

“Addison is in England working on your Grandmother Molly's house and she asked if I would be able to sit for Nathan tonight,” Ginny explained. “Your father had nothing to do with it.”

“Oh, sorry,” Kaeda sighed.

“Yes, it's not her fault, she's been moody ever since Avery kissed her, then dumped her,” Junior smirked.

“Don't forget almost kicking her off the Quidditch team,” Orion added.

“You almost got kicked off the team?” Ginny asked.

“He kissed you?” Draco added with shock.

“The whole Quidditch thing was also partly my fault,” Orion stated. “I was the one that started the fight.”

“No, Ry, you were just standing up for me,” Kaeda assured him. “But anyway, that's all over with now. I'm still on the team, so can we just forget about this and eat? I'm starving!”

Everyone agreed and sat down for a long dinner and indulged themselves in a long discussion about the upcoming party.

After everything was said and done, Ginny and Draco walked the children back to Hogwarts, stopping briefly at Charlie's cable to relieve themselves of not only Trevor and Travis, but Nate as well.

“Can I walk you back to Hogsmead?” Draco asked as the door of Charlie's cabin shut behind them.

“Of course you may,” Ginny smiled.

They walked in silence for a while, booth starring at their feet as they walked through the cold silent night.

“So, Charlie and Addison huh?” Ginny said breaking the silence.

“Yea, who would of thought,” Draco smiled.

“They make a cute couple.”

“Yes, they do,” Draco agreed. “Ginny,” Draco stopped.

Ginny stopped as well and turned towards him.

“Thank you for coming tonight,” he said. “I know you were on holiday for some much needed rest. I know you must be even more stressed with your wedding planning and all, and I'm sure my being here doesn't help any.”

Ginny let out a small giggle.

“What's so funny?” Draco asked looking at her questionably.

“I'm sorry, but I figured the children would have said something by now,” Ginny said trying to stifle more giggles. “I'm not marrying Xavier.”

“You're not? But the article?”

“He submitted the article, not me. Besides, there's someone else.”

“Oh,” Draco sighed.

Ginny giggled again before taking Draco's hands into her own, “You, Draco. I choose you,” she smiled before standing on her tippy toes to kiss him.

Draco smile shown through the kiss. Without breaking apart, he wrapped his arms around the witch and twirled her around.

The need for air soon overcame them and Ginny wriggled out from his arms. She skipped around for a moment, a huge smile across her face.

“What are you up to?” Draco growled.

“Oh, Malfoy, what ever do you mean?” Ginny played innocent.

“I know that look. You're up to something.”

With a smooth swoop, Ginny reached down and grabbed a hand full of snow. Before Draco could react, she hurled it at him, hitting the side of his head.

“You're going to pay for that, Weasley,” Draco called out as he bent down picking up snow himself.

Draco chased the witched down the road, both stopping occasionally to pick up some more snow to throw at one another. Finally exhausted, Ginny stopped.

“I do believe this is our apparation point,” Ginny smiled.

“Ah, but Miss Weasley, I do believe the Portkey for Ireland is farther down the road.”

“Who said I was going back to Ireland?” Ginny grinned.

With a small tug, Ginny pulled Draco onto the apparation platform and pressed her lips against his, and with a small `pop', they were gone.

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