A Life Worth Choosing

Chapter 1: Home Coming

December 3, 2013

Drae,

Your father has passed away in his cell of Azkaban. I know it probably won't change your mind about leaving your new life, but it wouldn't hurt to at least visit your old one. I've kept your secret for as long as I can, but I'm afraid I can't any longer. It's been fifteen years and far too long. Your family longs for you and all I have to comfort them is the fact that you are alive and well. Your mother has even tried to bribe me with the reward money she had issued for information of your whereabouts. Don't worry, I refused, but I will admit she is wearing me down. Please come back to England, if only for a day.

Your friend,

Harry

“Another one of them letters?” a voice rang in his ear as two arms snaked around his neck in a hug.

“Yes, from Harry. My father passed away and he wants me to come visit.”

“In England?”

“Yes, in England.”

Draco sat on his sofa staring at the letter. It had been fifteen years since the last time he had set foot in England, or in the wizarding world for that matter. The only contact he had with his past life was Harry Potter.

Harry and himself had been in contact over the last fifteen years through owl post. The letters consisted mostly of information about the war and they left their personal lives out of it as much as possible.

Draco had created a life for himself, though he struggled to learn the Muggle way, but he could actually admit that he was happy. He knew that those back in England had done the same: At least those who had survived the war. In truth, Draco didn't even know who truly remained in the wizarding world. He pleaded to Harry to not send news of any deaths, except for his father's, of course, for he feared he would see a name that would make him regret his decision to leave all those years ago.

Draco looked over to his wife who snuggled up next to him. He ran his fingers through her long red hair inattentively as she watched him, quietly reading his facial expressions as he glanced over the letter repeatedly.

“Ya going, sugar?” she asked through her thick southern accent.

“I really should. I haven't seen my mother in fifteen years.”

“What's stopping ya?”

“Nothing anymore. I guess I'm just afraid of what I'll find.”

“Ya mean after them wars ya told me all about? The ones with them,” she paused and looked around the room as if she was checking to see if anyone else was accompanying them, “wizarding folk?” she finished, looking up at Draco.

Draco chuckled slightly, “Yes, Ady. Them wizarding folk,” he mocked her teasingly. “So much has changed over there and so has everyone. Everyone who survived, that is.”

“You've changed too, Draco,” his wife said snuggling in as close to him as possible. The couple sat in silence for a second. Draco stared absentmindedly at the letter, while his wife stared into the fire that sent scarlet, gold, and orange flames dancing up through the chimney. She took a deep breath before interrupting the silence. “Draco?”

“Addison?”

“Who was she?”

“Whom?”

“That there girl ya dream about. I hear ya mumbling her name when ya have trouble sleeping. I know you've been engaged twice before, but I know they ain't the girl ya dream about. Who is she?” Addison sat up to look straight into her husband's grey eyes.

Draco took a deep breath as he gazed back into her eyes, and ventured deep inside her mind. He had told her about his wizarding world and what he was capable of, magic-wise, but what he failed to tell her was about his skills in Legilimency. She wouldn't have understood the concept anyway.

As he peered into her mind there was no need to search far to find what he was looking for. It was right on the surface of her mind: her feelings about the question she had been longing for the answer to. He sighed with relief as curiosity and nothing more was found.

“Her name was Ginevra- Ginny.”

“Is she one of ya'll?”

“Yes, she's a witch,” Draco couldn't help but crack a smile at his wife's southern drawl. “She was my first love, but that was a long time ago.”

“Before that war?”

“No. No, we actually hated each other before the war. I suppose it was the war that brought us together and it was the war that tore us apart.”

“What happened to her?”

Draco took another deep breath and pondered for a moment. “Moved on, I suppose.”

“She survived then?”

The question hit Draco rapidly, forcing the flow of air to seize inside his chest. It was the question he asked himself every day. It was the dream that forced this topic into conversation. It was the single thing that lingered in his mind all day and that he couldn't erase.

“I don't know,” he finally answered as soon as oxygen was able to flow through his lungs again. “I guess I'll just have to find out when I get there.”

“So we going?”

“I think it would be the perfect gift for my mother, seeing as how I missed the past fifteen Christmases.”

“Goody! I'll go make the plane reservations.”

“The what?”

“The airplane.”

“You mean one of those big metal birds that your kind uses to fly?”

“You've never been on a plane before? How did ya git here? Boat?”

“No, Apparation. It was illegal at the time, since I didn't have my license yet, but I actually took a Portkey over here, then-”

“Appa-what?”

“Apparation. It's how I am able to get from one place to another.”

“And ya'll need a license for this?”

“Well the Ministry wants to make sure you don't splinch yourself.”

“Well, I guess it makes more sense than flying on a broom like them witches in the movies.” Draco chuckled at her last comment. “Wait, ya'll do fly on brooms, don't ya?”

“I really do miss my Nimbus 2001. Then again it's definitely outdated by now. We'll have to stop in Diagon Ally to pick up a new one.”

“Why don't ya just use the one in the kitchen?”

“You mean the one you use to clean the floor?” Draco asked, amused. Addison, however, was completely serious as she nodded her head. “It's takes more than just a plain old broom to fly.”

Addison looked at him bewildered. They had only been married for three months now, and together only about a year before that. She always knew there was something different about him from the moment she met him. It was his uniqueness that drew her to him. It took her almost a year of chasing him before he finally asked her out on a date and they were married the following year. It wasn't until a week after their small ceremony of her family and a few of their friends that he accidentally let it slip that he was a wizard.

Addison immediately became fascinated with this other world that she only thought existed in fairy tales. Of course fairy tales never contained the war or this wizard that Draco always referred to as the `Dark Lord'. Their government, education, pets, sports, entertainment, food, drinks, lifestyle- it was all exotic to her. It was like another country, yet it was England: A place she had traveled while on vacation.

Witches and wizards, they weren't just in England, Draco had explained while telling her about a sport championship he had went to when he was younger. He told her about the foreign wizards that came from all over the world, including the country they now called their home. He told her of the wizarding schools, and the secret market places. About the wizarding towns and how non-magical people were oblivious to it all.

Every day, they taught each other new things about each other's different lifestyles. It amazed Addison how Draco had lasted so long outside the wizarding world with such little knowledge of technology. He had been living the past fifteen years on the outside, yet he didn't even know how to use a toaster or how to drive a car. In fact, he was still apprehensive whenever it came time to drive some place. What surprised her most of all was their communication. Yes, they both spoke English, but their worlds were so different that it seemed as though they were speaking foreign languages to each other, leaving the other clueless about exactly how to respond.

“Well, today's the fifteenth, so I suppose we should arrive the day before Christmas Eve. Would that give you enough time before we leave? I'll set up a Portkey. It will be the easiest way to travel.”

“Alright. I'll phone my sister to tell her that we won't be coming to Christmas dinner. Oh, boy, won't Nathan be excited to hear we are gonna see wizards for Christmas, I better phone him too.”

Nathan was Draco's sandy brown haired, green-eyed eight-year-old stepson. He was the result of Addison's first marriage and now lived with his father in the next town over. Being overwhelmed by the contents of the letter, Draco had completely forgotten that the boy was to spend Christmas with them while his father and stepmother went away to visit her family somewhere out west.

He admitted that it was going to be difficult enough explaining to his mother what he had been up to the past fifteen years, but he feared it would be even harder explaining to her how he had married a Muggle, and through the marriage, inherited a son.

The whole parenting thing was a whole new world to Draco. Though Nathan only stayed with them three times a week, he was still nervous about the fact. After all, his father wasn't the World's Greatest Father, so he never got a chance to see how a father/son relationship was supposed to be.

Further more, Nathan was an extremely curious boy. Even more so than Draco was when he was a child. Draco could only imagine the trouble he could get himself into while at their stay in Malfoy Manor.

“Well, this is it,” Draco said as he stood in front of the gates of Malfoy Manor with his new wife and stepson in tow.

“Wow, it's so big,” Nathan said, staring up at the large manor.

“Draco, I thought you said we were staying at your mother's, not a hotel.”

“This is my mother's.”

With his wand aloft, he whispered an incantation which forced the golden iron gates open, allowing the three to walk up the long pathway that encircled a large fountain with a serpent spouting water from his mouth, and ended at the large double French doors.

“Shouldn't you knock first?” Addison asked as Draco slowly pushed the door open.

“Nonsense, I'm a Malfoy. I don't need to knock at my own house,” Draco smiled as he led the way into a large foyer.

The guests looked around the foyer. It contained cathedral ceilings, in which a beautiful crystal chandelier was hung, filling the room with sparkles as the sun shone through the prism from the large window placed perfectly over the doors. The floor was made of marble and a grand staircase wrapped around the entire foyer.

“Stay close, you don't want to get lost in this place. Believe me, I've done it before,” Draco said seriously.

Addison and Nathan followed Draco through a pair of curtains that hung from the banisters of the staircase, which concealed a long hallway littered with portraits of past Malfoys. Draco took a left down the hallway then a right down another. The house was like a maze to the new comers.

“Mother's probably in the family parlor. We'll check there first.”

After a few more minutes of turning down this hall and that, Draco finally stopped at a set of large double oak doors that were opened wide to reveal a sun lit parlor. The floors were made of solid oak and an oriental rug laid upon the middle. Across from the doorway was massive fireplace, littered with photos on top of the mantel. To one side of the room was a grand piano placed in front of a bookshelf littered with odd, unfamiliar books. Victorian furniture was place spaciously through out the room, all painted in the same dark green color that shaded the room. The far side of the room was a large window, which allowed the brilliant light to shine through, outlined with green curtains that flowed in the breeze. In front of the window was a chess board and two occupied arm chairs. Draco recognized one occupant, but the other was a stranger.

“Draco, I didn't know you had a brother,” Addison whispered.

“Neither did I,” Draco observed the stranger a little more to notice that it was a boy with platinum blonde hair that was just long enough to obscure his eyes on his pointed face. He was young, early mid-teens. Draco had been gone a long time, so he supposed it was possible for his parents to have another son during that time. After all, his mother stayed with his father for quite some time for fear that he would turn on her too. It wasn't until the war ended that she was freed of him, and from what Draco heard, was remarried.

The boy leaned back in his armchair and scratched his brow momentarily before leaning forward to talk to one of the chess pieces. The piece moved all on their own. “Check!” he smirked in only a way that a true Malfoy could.

The other man took a moment to stare down his opponent before directing a piece. “Check mate,” he said in a low voice. The pieces began to move as a knight jammed a sword through a queen, ending the game.

“Whoa, Mamma did ya see that?” Nathan asked rather loudly as his eyes lit up watching the little black chess pieces dance around in victory, causing the two wizards to look towards their direction.

The excitement on Nathan's face dimmed dramatically as the chess winner took to his feet. He whispered a few words to the blonde boy, who nodded before exiting the room through a hidden doorway, before crossing the room himself to address Draco.

“Mr. Malfoy, I was beginning to get the feeling that your presence would never be acquainted in this house once more.”

“I was just waiting for the right time to come home, Professor, or should I call you Daddy?” Draco teased.

“Severus is just fine, thank you,” the wizard answered with a hint of a smirk. “I see Mr. Potter kept you well informed?”

“Very little. We talked mostly about the war. Nothing personal, except how Mum was doing.”

“I see. So who might this be?” he gestured towards Draco's guests.

“Of course, Severus, this is my wife, Addison, and her son Nathan.”

“How do you do, young Nathan?” Severus shook the little boy's hand before turning to his mother where he placed a kiss atop her hand. “Mrs. Malfoy. As Draco failed to mention, I am Severus Snape, Draco's godfather, old school professor, as well as his mother's husband.”

“Please to meet ya,” Addison said with a small curtsy. “Draco and I was just talking about Draco's brother.”

Severus cringed slightly at the sound of her accent and her incorrect use of the English language. “Brother?” he asked raising an eyebrow.

“The boy you were playing chess with. He's obviously a Malfoy. I didn't think Mother and Father would be interested in having more children.”

“I don't believe I am the- right person to be discussing this with you. Perhaps you can wait until your mother arrives home from Diagon Ally.”

“Of course.”

“Draco,” Addison whispered into her husband's ear.

“Yes, dear?”

“I think this picture is staring at me.”

“Just tell him to stop. He will leave you alone.”

Addison looked at him awkwardly. How in the world was she supposed to talk to a picture?

“She was staring at me first, you know,” the portrait responded, causing Addison to jump slightly and grab Draco's arm.

“Please, Grandfather Albraxas. She's just being curious,” Draco pleaded with the picture.

“Then tell her to go stare at someone else, then.”

“That's enough!” Draco argued back.

“Draco, may I see you for a moment?” Severus asked.

“Of course. I'll be right back. You two just stay here and if he gives you any more trouble just remind him that I'm not afraid to burn him.” Draco winked before following Severus to an adjacent room.

“Is something wrong?” Draco asked after Severus closed the door behind him.

“She's Muggle, I presume?” he asked.

“Yes. Is there a problem with that?”

“Draco, do you really think it wise to bring two Muggles into this house? Your father had done everything he could to keep this house Muggle-free. It could be dangerous for them.”

“Severus, of all people I thought you would be most understanding, with your involvement with the Order and your father being a Muggle.”

“I do, and for the record, my relationship with my father was no better than you with yours. It's just that we have some very important guests coming to dinner tomorrow night, and I believe it would be best if you kept your family- occupied until afterwards.”

“Who could possibly be that important to come to dinner that two Muggles, who happen to be my family, would not be welcomed?” Draco asked, now a little frustrated.

“It's not like that at all, Mr. Malfoy.”

“Then what is it?”

“It's not my place to say.” Severus frowned.

After Draco and Severus had left the parlor, Addison was left trying to keep her son out of trouble. The wizarding world interested him so that he wanted to explore everything and anything he could get his hands on. Addison finally calmed him down as she took him over to the chess set to allow him to look, but not touch. Nathan was engaged in a full conversation with a rook, when someone appeared in the door.

It was a young woman with long blonde hair streaked with soft red highlights. Her eyes were dark like chocolate and she had the same pointed face as a Malfoy, only it was covered slightly with freckles. She reminded Addison of the photo that Draco had of his mother, but she was much too young to be.

“Hello,” the girl said softly. “Can I help you with anything?”

“Hello, darling. You must be Draco's sister,” Addison addressed the young woman who nodded. “I'm um- friends of Draco,” she said remembering how Draco had insisted on taking care of the proper introductions himself.

“Kaeda, dear, please find your brother and tell him I wish to speak with him,” another woman said peaking her head into the parlor. She was about to walk away when she noticed Addison standing in the middle of the room. “Can I help you?” she asked.

“I was just um-” Addison stuttered.

She looked the other woman over and recognized her right away. She was definitely Draco's mother. Addison had glanced at the worn out photo of her many times and her beauty was unmistakable. Though more than a decade older, her hair was still the natural blonde that the photo portrayed and her blue eyes still seemed to sparkle.

“Mother?”

Narcissa spun around at the sound of the long awaited familiarity that called out to her in her sleep. Her eyes glistened with tears as she engulfed Draco in a loving hug.

“Draco, darling, it's been far too long,” she managed to say as she held her son, refusing to let him go.

“I'm sorry I took so long, mother, I just wanted to ensure that my return would be safe for everyone.” Draco held his mother tight. A small teardrop ran down the side of his cheek. “We would have sent word of our arrival, but I wanted it to be a surprise,” he said as she finally released him, to look him over, getting a good look at how he had grown.

“We?” she asked, as his words finally hit her.

“Yes, mother, we,” Draco said walking over to put his arm around his wife. Nathan joined them not long after. “Mother, this is Addison and Nathan, my-”

“Cissy, have you seen the children?” a new voice filled the room, interrupting his introductions.

Draco looked to the door and lost all track of his words. A pair of chocolate eyes stared back at him. His past came rushing back to him in the form of a mane of fiery red hair.

The witch wasted no time turning around and heading back out the door. Draco's feet began to move, but ceased when a hand landed on his shoulder.

“Draco, ya have two sisters?” Addison asked, amazed.

“Sister? I have a sister too?” Draco looked to his mother.

“Sister? Merlin, where did you get such an idea?” Narcissa fussed.

“That girl that was in here before. She said she was Draco's sister.”

“There was also a boy in here earlier, and there was no doubt that he was a Malfoy. I just assumed- Mother, what's wrong?” Draco asked as he noticed the change in his mother's demeanor.

“Kiaree!” Narcissa called out.

A `pop' sounded the arrival of a small creature with large green eyes.

“Mistress called?” the creature asked with a small curtsy.

“Miss Addison, this is our house-elf, Kiaree. She will assist you to your quarters where you will be staying,” Narcissa instructed.

“What's a house-elf?” Nathan asked looking up at Draco.

“Well, Nate, a house-elf is a creature who helps around the house with chores and stuff,” Draco explained as he kneeled in front of the little boy. “She's here to assist you with anything you need.”

“Come on Mamma,” Nate said grabbing his mother's hand as he dragged her out of the parlor in tail of the house-elf.

“I'll catch up with you later,” Draco called after her.

Draco now stood in front of his mother who was eyeing him, taking in every little detail of his appearance. He stood before her in a pair of slacks, a polo shirt, and sandals. He grew accustom to Muggle clothing and preferred their comfort over his usual Wizard robes.

“What on Earth are you wearing, Draco dear. You look like-”

“A Muggle?” Draco interrupted her. “I didn't have a choice, Mother. I had to blend in. It was the only way to survive, and don't give me any problems about Addison being a Muggle either. I already heard it from Snape.”

“You talked to Severus already? What did he say?” she asked nervously.

“Nothing much. He wouldn't tell me anything. Just that it wasn't a good idea bringing her here. Are you hiding something from me, Mother?”

Narcissa looked away, refusing to look him in the eyes. She knew about his skills in Legilimency, and she herself wasn't the greatest when it came to its defensive counter.

“What is Snape talking about and what is-” Draco paused to take a deep breath. “Why is Gin- a Weasley here?”

“She lives here,” Narcissa answered softly.

“You're housing a Weasley?- Mother?- Am I going to get some answers here or what?”

“I'm not the one you should be talking to. Look, we are setting up for an important dinner tomorrow night and maybe it would be best if you and your guests stay in your quarters. When she's ready, she'll talk to you,” Narcissa sighed before turning towards the door.

“Mother? Who will talk to me? Mother?” Draco called after her.

Narcissa froze for a moment before turning to her son, “Draco, the boy. Is he a - ?”

“Wizard?” Draco was waiting for this topic to be brought up. “No, Mother. He's only my stepson, but I do expect you to treat as if he were my own. I know how you couldn't wait for me to marry and have children, and I'm sorry it's not with Miss Parkinson, but life doesn't always allow you to choose your future.”

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