Heart of Gold, Heart of Stone (Post-War)

Chapter Fifteen

Athenadora had kept the relationship a secret for almost two months. She wouldn't have, if it wasn't for the fact of who she was dating. George may have been happy with the idea of her being out in the dating pool again, and the rest of the family may have been okay with the idea of her not being forever miserable, but the idea had it's limits.

They all knew what type of person Draco had associated himself with, even if it wasn't on purpose. He may not have purposely been associated, but he never got himself out. He got the mark, and that was proof enough to make him a bad person in their eyes. She also knew that they would claim her to be a bad mother for associating with people like that, and that worried the hell out of her.

She truly liked Draco, and she knew that he wasn't a bad person. At this point in their relationship, she really didn't care what other people thought, she just didn't want a big fight to happen. She didn't feel like starting a fight with Mrs. Weasley, but she didn't want to let them be horrible to Draco.

"You stress too much with the idea that they're going to hate me." Draco commented, causing Athenadora to sigh.

"I know, but I also know that they're really judgmental people, especially Mrs. Weasley. She still really doesn't like me, and I'm the mother of her granddaughter. I'm the one that gave her a mini copy of her son, but in girl form." Athenadora replied, and Draco nodded.

"Well, maybe you should distance yourself from them. I completely blocked myself from all my old friends and family, other than Mum and Theo. I think that it might be healthier for you and for your kids." Draco said, making the woman frown.

"If I do that, I feel like I'm doing wrong by Fred. It wasn't his fault that his family, especially his mother, turned out this way. Honestly, the only three people I trust my kids with is George, Bill, and Charlie. Everyone else just isn't a good influence, but I can't help but feel like I'm hurting Fred." Athenadora explained, and Draco nodded.

"I understand where you're coming from, believe me, but I also know that it's just better for you all in the future. I'm not saying that something will happen, but if you upset them, they could potentially try to hurt you by saying things that aren't true, or even possibly by taking your children away." Draco said, making Athenadora's heart skip a beat.

She was terrified of the idea of someone taking her children away, especially Mrs. Weasley. She wouldn't let that happen though, not if she could stop it. She was the children's mother, not anyone else, and nobody would take her children away.

"What do I do to make it not so obvious though?" She questioned, making him frown.

"Nothing right now. Just wait until the right time comes for you to be able to get out." He answered, and she nodded.

"The kids want to go out for lunch, you want to come with us?" Athenadora asked, deciding to change the subject.

Draco agreed, and once the kids were ready, the four apparated to the Leaky Cauldron; the one place the kids loved to eat. Athenadora ordered for herself and her two children, and Draco ordered for himself. The four ate with happy faces and talked amongst each other, though Mona didn't do as much talking since she was too entranced by her food.

"When I go to Hogwarts, I will be the smartest." Teddy commented, causing his mother to laugh lightly.

"Yes you will." She replied, making him grin.

"Mummy, I don't wanna go by myself." He said, and she frowned.

"I know it seems scary, but it's fun to go by yourself. You get to make friends and have fun, and Mummy won't be there to ruin all the fun." Draco commented, though it also sounded like a bit of a joke.

"Draco, don't--" Athenadora began, but was cut off by a new voice.

"What's going on here?" George questioned, crossing his arms.

"Lunch, Uncle Georgie." Teddy answered, and he sighed.

"You're with Draco," He commented,"but you know that. So, what are you doing with him?"

"George, don't start this right now. I've got the kids with me." Athenadora begged, making George narrow his eyes.

"Exactly! You've got the kids around him!" He spat,"He and his friends killed my brother!"

"George, please. It wasn't him, it was just other Death Eaters." She said, but he shook his head.

"No, you're just as bad as them. You're a horrible person. I knew my brother should've never been with you." He sneered, making her lips quiver.

"I'm not going to argue with you, George. You're not--" She began, but he stopped her.

"Is he the guy you've been dating?" George asked, making her frown.

"George--"

"Answer me!" He exclaimed, causing her to jump,"Is he the guy you've been dating?!"

"Yes." She replied, and he scoffed and shook his head.

George didn't even bother saying anything else to her, he simply turned around and walked away. Athenadora called for him, but he didn't even falter. She knew it was going to be bad, but she didn't know he was going to say something that hurt so much. Mona and Teddy were crying, and Athenadora was pissed at the way George had acted to make the children cry.

"We need to get them out of here. I just--I need to think." Athenadora said, and Draco nodded almost instantly.

Draco placed money on the table, before he and Athenadora grabbed the kids. The two carried the children out, before they apparated back to Athenadora's home. Once they were home, the two worked on calming the children down. Athenadora didn't know if she'd ever forgive George for upsetting her children, and she didn't know if George would ever forgive her for being with Draco...