Chapter Text
Chapter 1
“Professor Snape-Malfoy, it is a pleasure for you to join us.” McGonagall said as Ariana walked into the Great Hall.
It looked like she already missed the sorting hat ceremony. There’s 4 new Slytherins. She will be sure they feel extra welcome then.
“Sorry Headmistress, I just lost track of the time.” Ariana said smugly.
McGonagall narrowed her eyes. Since her daughter married the Malfoy boy and became head of Slytherin house, she’s been less like the Gryffindor girl that she was and more like a Slytherin.
“Is that a beer?” McGonagall asked.
Ariana looked at the drink in her hand. “No mum, it's a Muggle drink called a Red Bull. Would you like a sip?”
“Just go sit down Ariana. We’ll talk later.”
“Yes ma’am.”
Ariana sat down next to Neville. A hand went immediately to her forehead. Her head was pounding.
As McGonagall continued on with her speech. Neville placed a hand on Ariana’s arm. Ariana took her hand off her forehead to look at Neville. A couple years ago Professor Sprout decided to retire so Neville took over the Herbology Department. After becoming teachers, Ariana and Neville became good friends.
“ Are you okay?” Neville whispered.
“ We’re fighting again .”
Neville patted Ariana’s arm. He knew exactly who the “we’re” she was referring to. Ariana took a sip of her drink. After the feast was presented. McGonagall gave Ariana one look. The look she used to give her when she was younger. The look that meant she better head to the corridor.
And that was what Ariana did. Although McGonagall and Ariana butt heads almost all the time now. McGonagall pulled her daughter into a hug. And immediately Ariana broke down.
“Shhh….mummy is here.” McGonagall said.
“I hate this!” Ariana groaned as she moved away. Tears were smearing her makeup.
“What happened?” McGonagall asked.
“He doesn’t want him traveling.” Ariana said.
When their son graduated from Hogwarts, he didn’t want to come back and teach like his mother did. He wanted to travel the world on the hunt for new plants that they could use to create Potions. Ariana was so proud that he still had a love for Potions and Herbology. His father was against the whole thing.
“What does Draco think of Severus traveling?” McGonagall asked.
“Draco’s been so supportive. He let him go. He even gave him some money to get started. I think he still sends money when needed.” Arinna said.
“But…”
“Mum, you know how Severus is. He wants the approval of his father. His father has never supported him in his ambitions.” Ariana said.
“I know. He can be a real pain at times. I remember your father wanting to strangle him at times.” McGonagall said.
Ariana chuckled. “I wanted to strangle him at times.”
“I think we all did.” McGonagall said.
Ariana sighed as she looked out the window.
“Have you talked to Draco recently?” McGonagall asked.
As a teacher, Ariana had to come to Hogwarts a little earlier than the students. Usually Ariana comes earlier than that because of the ghost that hangs out in the dungeons with the Bloody Baron.
Ariana shook her head. “Not since I got here.”
McGonagall placed a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Go ahead and talk to him for a bit.”
Ariana smiled. When McGonagall walked back into the Great Hall, Ariana reached into her robes to get the cell phone out. She put in her password and searched through the apps for her video chat. It took a few rings before Draco appeared on the screen.
His normally styled blonde hair was messy. Bags were under his gray eyes. And Ariana could see the mess that was formerly known of the playroom in the background.
“Hey honey. Is Minerva giving you hell?” Ariana asked.
“You know it.”
Draco turned his head off camera to yell at their toddler, Minerva Erinna Malfoy. He turned back to talk to his wife.
“Are you alright? You look like you’ve been crying.” Draco said.
Ariana used wandless magic to fix up her makeup. “Nothing's wrong Draco. I am alright.”
Draco lifted a blonde eyebrow. Ariana sighed. She sat down on the ground.
“He’s being an ass again.” Ariana admitted.
“Do I need to come out there and straighten him out?” Draco asked.
Ariana saw her husband sit down on the nugget couch they bought for their toddler. He had the tv remote in his free hand. Ariana could hear her toddler ask Draco for “pups” which meant she wanted to watch her favorite show. “Paw Patrol.”
“I don’t know what good it would do.” Ariana sighed.
“Ari, you’re a Malfoy. He still needs to understand that upsetting you is unacceptable.” Draco said.
Ariana smiled. “I love you. You know that.”
“I love you too, babygirl.” Draco said.
“Me too?” Their toddler asked.
Draco smiled as the toddler snuggled up to him. “Yes baby. I love you.”
“Mummy loves you too.” Ariana smiled.
“Yay!”
Ariana saw the toddler jump up and down. Her black hair was bouncing up and down as she jumped. Ariana couldn’t help but to laugh.
“Watch your show Minerva so daddy can talk to mummy.” Draco said.
Minerva went to sit off camera.
“I miss you both so much. I am sure Scorpius does as well.” Ariana said.
Speaking of their eldest, their thirteen year old came out of the teacher’s entrance.
“Mum?”
“I am alright, Scorpious.” She then patted the spot next to her. “Come and sit next to me. I am talking to your father.”
“Hey son. Are you taking care of your mother?” Draco asked, narrowing his gray eyes.
“Yes father.” Scorpius said, nodding his head.
“Good.” Draco said.
Ariana rolled her eyes.
“Don’t roll your eyes babygirl. I have to make sure you are protected one way or another.” Draco said.
“Draco, he’s thirteen! That’s too much pressure to put on him.” Ariana said.
“I don’t care, Ariana! I am not there to protect you.” Draco said.
“My mother keeps this place more protected than you think she does, babe.”
It was Draco’s turn to roll his eyes. Draco's hatred for Dumbledore and his wife was still strong. He was only okay with Ariana because it was clear to see that she was different from her parents. She may have been a Gryffindor, but it was clear to see that she has a Slytherin heart.
“Daddy, tired.” Minerva said.
“Are you tired, baby?” Draco asked.
Minerva nodded her head. Draco nodded his head back.
“Go on and put her to bed, my love. I need to try and eat something before dinner is over.” Ariana said.
“Alright. Don’t be afraid to call me. Alright?” Draco said.
“Yes honey.” Ariana said, smiling.
“Bye father. Bye Minerva.” Scorpius said.
“Bye son! Bye babygirl.” Draco said.
The screen went black and Ariana put away her phone.
“Are you sure you're alright, mum?” Scorpius asked.
Ariana wrapped an arm around her son’s shoulders. “Do not worry about me, son. I am alright.” She then stood and helped Scorpius up. “Come on, let's go finish supper.”