Hateful Love

Epilogue

NOTE: I do not own any of the ideas or characters expressed in this story (except Cassie Jackson). All of these belong to J.K. Rowling.

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~Nineteen Years Later~

Cassie P.O.V.

          The steam from the train wafts up above the crowds, families waving to all their children as they board the train for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

          "Have you got your bag, Brianna?" I ask worriedly, keeping one hand on her shoulder to steer her in the right direction. "Please don't lose it, honey, it's got some of your books in it."

          She looks up at me as we push our way over to the train, pointing to the strap on her shoulder and saying exasperatedly, "It's right here, mum—"

          I glance over my shoulder to see Draco coming through the barrier with Scorpius and Mara, the three of them ducking through the crowds of parents and students to make their way over to us.

          "Did you park the car alright?" I ask Draco as they finally reach us, trying hard to contain a smile. It took him so long to get a Muggle license, and I know how much trouble he has with parking the stupid thing.

          Draco's opening his mouth to reply when Mara cuts him off, smirking, "You should've seen it, mum, he totally took up two spaces."

          "Traitor," Draco says, raising one eyebrow at his daughter but being unable to keep the small smile off his face. "I told you not to tell your mother."

          I reach over and attempt to straighten Scorpius's jacket, giving him a stern look when he tries to duck out of my reach. Draco goes to help Mara load her trunk onto the train, while Brianna nervously looks around at the students boarding.

          "You'll be nice to Mara this year, right?" I tell Scorpius seriously, looking straight into his eyes as I fix his jacket, seeing eyes that are the exact same shade as Draco's. "You're both fourteen now, I don't want to get another letter saying that you two have been fighting in class."

          "It's not my fault she's so sarcastic!"

          "I know, but you're twins, you're supposed to get along..."

          Scorpius finally manages to bat my hands away when I go for his hair, putting the bleach blonde strands back in place himself. "Alright, alright—don't smother me..."

          Draco finishes putting the trunks on the train and makes his way back over, Mara staying behind to catch up with Cho's daughter, who's a fourth year as well. Draco rests his hand on Scorpius's shoulder and bends down slightly to be eye level with him. Speaking in a quiet voice so no one around us will hear, Draco says, "Listen. Don't let any of your friends pressure you to do something that you don't think is right, okay?"

          "Dad—"

          "I'm serious," Draco interrupts, giving his shoulder a light squeeze. "Just because you're in Slytherin doesn't mean you have to act like the rest of them."

          Scorpius rolls his eyes, but reluctantly replies, "Fine. Can I go now?"

          "Yes. Give your mother a kiss."

          Draco straightens up, and I lean close to Scorpius so he can give my cheek a quick kiss. I pull away and press my lips to his forehead, whispering, "Be good" before finally letting go and watching him board the train. When I turn back around, Draco is giving an awkward, stiff nod to someone off to the right.