As It Was *Complete*

67. Nulla Spes Superstes.

Christmas Eve was a day of traditions with everyone bringing their own and Astra was determined to make sure that everyone had a Christmas they wanted and deserved.

For starters there was a breakfast feast just like the one Sirius had when he was growing up. Christmas Day wasn't much in his house with his parents entertaining guests all the time but Christmas Eve was a day for family in their house. So everyone sat down to have a big breakfast in the morning. Draco insisted on filling Astra's plate but she was feeling queasy and didn't want to push her luck.

After breakfast they went for a walk around the local wizarding village giving those who needed it a last chance to pick up presents and for some (i.e. Harry) it was a chance to actually do most of his shopping.

Then they visited the graves of Ted Tonks and his daughter so Andromeda and Remus could pay their respects to their loved ones. Astra and Harry sat by the grave telling Teddy about his mother and how special she was as Narcissa comforted her sister and Sirius comforted his best friend. Draco and Snape watched on with her heads hung in shame that they had any part in both deaths. They may not have been the ones to actually cast the killing curse but they were fighting for the same team. Whether they wanted to or not.

Astra conjured two wreaths for both graves and stood up next to Draco taking his hand and giving it a bit of a squeeze. She could tell from the look on his face that he was emotional and needed a bit of support. She leaned into him. "I love you," she whispered as he held her close. She then smirked seeing Esme cling to Snape arm, offering him support.

The next tradition was one that caused for them to break apart. Remus, Teddy, Sirius, Harry, and Andromeda were going to visit the Weasley's and Maddi, Esme and Snape were going to visit Esme's mother in a home for senior witches and wizards.

As for Draco, Narcissa and Astra - they were going to visit Lucius Malfoy, In Azkaban.

A thought that completely terrified Astra. She was going to meet her baby's grandfather. It's not that she was afraid for herself. But she was afraid for Draco. Would his father accept her and if not, how would Draco react? Would he be happy to see his son or angry at him? So many thoughts ran through her mind as the group of three apparated to the small island on the coast, and headed into the small office building. Astra had never been here before so she was simply following Narcissa keeping close to Draco who could sense the fear off her and was keeping a close hold on her.

They approached a young witch and wizard who were seated behind a large desk. In a reception room. "Name?" The girl said without looking up.

"Malfoy. Narcissa and Draco Malfoy. And Astra McKenna. Here to see Lucius Malfoy." Narcissa said looking down at the girl who gave a squeak and jumped.

"Oh Mrs Malfoy. Of course! And Draco," she said dreamily looking between the woman and Draco standing behind the desk. She never even noticed Astra.

"We are here to see my father," Draco repeated rolling his eyes.

"How nice. Visiting your father with your mother," she batted her eyelashes. "Handsome and a family guy...do you have any flaws?" She flirted.

"I could name them but we would be here a while," Astra smirked as Draco looked sideways at her and nudged her.

"Smart ass!"

"We have some gifts for my husband. Do you need to scan them or check them?" Narcissa asked bulging her hand into her bag and withdrawing a few boxes and setting them on the desk.

"I will do it," the boy said not looking up but levitating the boxes to a back room behind the desk.

The other four stood there for several minutes before he came back out, his nose still stuck in the magazine he was reading and set the boxes on the desk. "All clear," he grumbled. "A lemon tart, new blanket, a few pairs of socks, letter and some sweets."