It's OK To Not Be Ok...Right?

92. Do You Have A Brother?

For the group, security was upped and they went no where without at least two guards at all times. They were advised to stick together wherever possible and when they did have to break up there was usually teachers to offer additional security. It was frustrating but they knew it was necessary.

They had weekly meetings to keep up to date on what if any progress had been made. But weeks went on and nothing new happened.

Sloane was beginning to think maybe Euan had got fed up or realised he was not going to get to them easily and had regrouped. Whatever the answer, nothing happened and the students managed to make it to the Christmas holidays without any more drama.

Even though she said she wasn't, Sloane headed back to her aunt and uncles for the holidays as Draco went to his mothers, with Andromeda and Teddy Lupin. And on Boxing Day morning Sloane was packing her bags. She would be heading today to Malfoy Manor where she would be spending the rest of the holidays and helping prepare for the New Years Eve ball Narcissa and the ladies had organised.

She was under the couch in her little living room currently trying to find Goose's favourite Teddy bear when she heard a chuckle behind her. "Now that is a sight," Draco said standing smiling as she pulled her body out and jumped to her feet, turning and lunging into Draco's arms wrapping her legs around his waist. "And that is a welcome."

"I've missed you," she said in between kisses. "I am so excited you're here."

He chuckled as he set her back on her feet and looked around the home. "This place is really charming," he said walking around the sofa. "I'm glad you were able to fix it all again." He frowned at the memory. He almost died in this house. Then again he almost died at the Manor and at Hogwarts too. It was a bit of a pattern.

Sloane beamed as she looked around. "I love it!" She pulled him around as she showed him the guest bedrooms, bathroom, her bedroom, office, and then the open plan living and kitchen areas. "It's been my home for years. My family used it as a holiday home in America. We would shrink it and take it on every road trip. We saved a fortune on hotels."

"Very clever," Draco said as he put his arms around his girl. "So are you ready to be smothered by my mother for the next two weeks?" He gave a nervous laugh. "I'm not even kidding. She has been bloody annoying asking when you are arriving and planning dinners and Merlin knows what else."

"I can't wait," Sloane beamed feeling her own excitement and sensing Draco's as well. "I just need to say goodbye to the clan. Come and meet my cousins?"

Draco put his hand in hers. "I would love to," he kissed her as they headed out of the house and down the garden towards the Manor. She slid back the patio door and the pair stepped in. Joanna was standing over the stove setting her knife to chop apples and she had a rolling pin, rolling out pastry.

"Morning Sloane honey," she said not looking up. "I'm making a pie for you to bring to Narcissa's with you. She had it here last week and loved it so I thought I would make her some." She looked up and beamed coming around the counter to the couple. "Draco! I'm sorry I didn't see you there," she bent down and kissed his cheek, hugging him. "How was your Christmas?"

"Lovely," he nodded. "And thank you very much for the gifts. The broom servicing kit came in perfect time as I needed a new one and the book is fantastic!"

Joanna beamed as Kingsley came into the room. "I'm glad you like it. Sloane said you had a passion for poetry. Quite a few of the ones printed are muggles but there are wizards and witches in there too and even a grimlock and a ghost."

"It's good to see you Draco," Kingsley shook his hand.

"And you sir -"

"No sir, just Kingsley. You're practically family now." Kingsley said as he kissed his wife's cheek and made his way to the kettle. "Anyone want a cuppa or are you in a hurry?"