walking in a winter wonderland. // open.

[Astoria Malfoy]

The past week all the children had been hoping it would snow. That in the morning the castle grounds would be covered in untouched silk snow, and it would continue to snow all day. Of course she would understand that the younger children would want it to snow, the joy of being able to have snowball fights with your friends, laying down in the cold wet snow and making snow angels. Childhood memories were what Astoria enjoyed thinking about, what frustrated her was thinking about the game plan in her life and what she could do in her lessons. Any adult loved the childhood memories and anything that reminded them of their childhood and to Astoria snow really reminded her of her years in hogwarts, especially her third year when the snow was what she looked forward to in the December holidays. Who didn't enjoy the snow? Yes it was cold and after a hundred kids had run around in it it turned to slush and ice. Nobody enjoyed the ice, especially not the teachers.

It was roughly around nine thirty-eight, and the children's dreams had come true. The grounds were covered in pure white snow. Which meant that Astoria would have to wrap up warm. Looking out her office window, she saw the children screaming and running around in the snow below and a small warm smile fell on her features. Reaching into her chest she pulled out a pair of tight pale blue jeans, a long sleeved black t-shirt. Pulling out a white and pink checkered coat silhouette with a pink scarf wrapped around her neck twice. Slipping on some shoes she put her ten inched oak wand into her deep pocket along with her purse and decided to have a nice stroll into hogsmeade, then she could admire the winter beauty and see the white snow left by mother nature.

Astoria Malfoy left the comfort and warmth of the castle walls and was greeted by a cold breeze. It left a smile on her face but caused her to pull her pink scarf tighter around her neck. Walking through the snow, she walked slowly hearing the squishing noise as she stepped into the deep white snow. It would take her about fifteen whole minutes to get into hogsmeade which was fine by her. She trundled slowly through the snow, taking in her surrondings, looking at the many trees that had been sprinkled in what seem liked white dust. It was truly beautiful. This was probably her very season, apart from summer as well.

It took a few minutes for her to noticed she had entered the village. Looking around she saw many people wondering the village and no she pondered what to so. She walked into the three broomsticks and looked around to see many witches and wizards sat in the pub. Astoria walked up to the bartender and ordered a fire whiskey. Once she had got it, she walked up to a free table in the corner of the room. Placing her drink down she took of her scarf and coat and placed both on the back of her wooden chair. Taking a small sip of her drink, there was a warm feeling in her chest as the drink went down her throat. What a wonderful feeling!

[Draco Malfoy]

Draco was running late as usual. Work was always taking over his life. With werewolves running amuck the Ministry was busier than ever. And that meant that his Department was busier than ever. Draco enjoyed his job. He enjoyed the hunt and the capture. He especially enjoyed his department’s success. The Werewolf Capture Unit had captured and tagged over fifty unregistered werewolves. But still, so many were out there. But he felt no need to worry; they would get all of those filthy animals.

Draco rushed through the door of The Three Broomsticks. The snow began to melt from his hair and he brushed the snow from his shoulders. He pulled the dark leather gloves from his pale white fingers and stuffed them in to his pockets. He looked around the room for his wife, hoping that she had not left yet. He had promised her a drink during his lunch break because he had been working long hours over the past few weeks.

Finally he spotted her long dark hair. He walked up behind her and kissed the top of her head. ”I’m sorry I’m late darling. There was something going on down at St. Mungo’s. One of my employees lost a target.” He explained, hoping that she would understand.

[Astoria Malfoy]

It was quite boring being sat alone in the three broomsticks, but it was a place to get out of cold and the snow. Astoria looked out of the patterned pub window, her dark brown eyes scanning over the many people walking through the village. All of them wore hats and gloves to keep them warm, also to shield them from the current snow that fell gently from the white sky. A small sigh left her lips as she let her finger circle the ring of her small glass, and she starred aimlessly at the orange liquid in her glass and picked it up finishing it off. The warm feeling made her smile and she leaned her elbows on the table and went into thought for a moment or two.

There were many reasons she was here. One because she could stand being trapped in the wall of hogwarts any longer with those teenagers and two, she was seeing her beloved husband: Draco. Herself and their son Scorpius hadn't seen him for a long time, and maybe their son could cope with that but she needed an adult conversation and she missed the family dinners they use to have when they were all together. She wasn't even sure if he would turn up? Seeing as he had been very busy with work, especially seeing as there were a lot of werewolves roaming around the community.

Of course she was taken of guard when someone kissed the top of her head, but was reveled to hear the familiar voice. Draco had finally arrived so she wouldn't be left alone, until he left. "I understand Draco." She stated and smiled toward her husband. She was quite worried with all the werewolves around. What happened if one got hold of their son? Or any of them!? It wasn't safe anymore, and everyone knew it. "Draco dear?" She said, looking at him with a obvious worried expression. "Will Scorpius be safe with all these dogs running around?" There was a slight cold tone to her voice when she thought of the werewolves.

[Draco Malfoy]

Draco took the empty seat across from his wife and waved over Madam Rosemerta. He ordered a Butterbeer that was then brought to him within the next few moments. He took a long sip of the frothy goodness. He put the glass down and returned his attention to his wife. "Yes, Astoria?" He could see worry lines etched in to her face. He frowned, wondering what could be troubling her. When she asked if Draco would be safe from those terrible werewolves he almost laughed. "Why of course. Scorpius will be just fine. You and our son are my first priority. What kind of father would I be if I had not given him the best protection I could before we sent him off to school? Scorpius will be just fine." I promised her, hoping that I would not be proven wrong by some extraordinarily feisty werewolf.

Draco lifted his drink and took another sip. His glass made a soft noise as he set it back on the table. Draco reached across the table and took his wife's hands. "How is work going? Is our son getting himself in to trouble again?" He asked, almost hoping that Scorpius was giving that school a bit of hell.

[Astoria Malfoy]

The smell of alcohol filled the room, and Astoria could just feel stressed. Everything was stressing her out. Running her hand through her long brunette hair, she let out a stressful sigh and looked at her husband with tired eyes. It was obvious that she wasn't to happy at the moment. Draco sat down in front of her, and Astoria leaned back into her chair. A small smile formed on her delicate features, and she looked at the wooden table. "What sort of protection?" She asked, merely curious on how her only son was safe from all the chaos the wizard world was showing.

Tilting her head to the side she looked at him. "Well, work is work." She commented and shrugged her shoulders carefully. Of course she loved her job but it was very hard work. "He has done nothing to serious, only broken curfew a few times. Nothing major." At least she hoped he hadn't done anything major.

[Draco Malfoy]

I smiled at my wife, she seemed almost worried about what I had done to Draco. I squeezed her hand and shook my head. "I only taught him a few...defensive spells." My smile turned in to a devious grin. Defensive was a weak word, they were more offensive spells that he was to use when approached by a werewolf. They would force the werewolf back in to human form because of the amount of pain they would be in. I assumed that would suffice to keep my only child safe.

When Astoria told me how little trouble Scorpius had gotten in to I almost laughed. It was impossible for that child to not get in to trouble. I just assume that he was hiding his wrong doing quite carefully. It made me quite proud. A little trouble-making was good for the soul in my opinion.

[Astoria Malfoy]

It was natural for a mother to worry about their children, and Astoria didn't want Scorpius to get hurt. It would break her heart if a werewolf got near him and she knew it would upset Draco too. She felt the warmth of his hands on hers and he squeezed it gently. Giving him a warm smile she put her other hand on top of his and looked at the wooden floor below her feet. Cocking a eyebrow she looked at him, "Well, I don't want him using them to attack, and if you've taught him any dark magic, god help you Draco!" She exclaimed.