Chapter 1,My Voice Mirrors My Torment.

I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters, places, or anything else that occur therein. It all belongs to J. K. Rowling. This is simply fan fiction.

Harry groaned at the increasingly large piles of paper work on his desk as he walked into his office that morning. It was Monday morning for Merlin's sake; somebody should cut him some slack. Yeah, Harry snorted to himself, like that's ever going to happen. As he plopped down in his desk chair, he flipped through some of the pages. Most were things that needed his signature and his revision, and with him being Head Auror and all, almost everything had to go through him before they reached the Minister. He let the papers flop back down and leaned far back into his chair and let his eyes close for a moment. He was always left exhausted after spending all weekend with his children, no matter the fact that he regularly worked out. Harry heard the door creak and cracked an eye open to see Ron stagger in, looking like he literally rolled out of bed.

"Morning mate," Ron said groggily. He raised his arms and asked, "Tea?" He held two cups of freshly made tea in his hands and Harry perked up at that.

"Gladly," He said as he sat up again to properly take the cup from Ron's hand. He savored the first sip, eternally grateful to Ron and his prophetic powers to the needs of worn-out fathers.

"You look like crap, Harry. You're letting Al and James run rings around you, eh?" Ron teased with a smirk. Harry smirked back.

"Yeah, well, at least I look more put together that you. You look like absolute shit!" Harry said with a laugh as he watched his best friend run his now free hand through his messy hair in a failed attempt to look presentable and ready for a day of desk work.

Their laughter was cut short by Harry's office door banging open and a livid Rory Asher storming in, waving what was most likely the new Daily Prophet in his hands.

"Will you look at this shit? That little fuck Malfoy, thinks he runs the place. Where the in the hell does he get his information from, anyway?" Asher slammed the newspaper in front of Harry to read.

"Rory, let's get one thing straight. Do not ever barge into my office like that again. I don't care what the circumstances may be, don't do it again." Harry glared at his new Auror partner until Asher crossed his arms and nodded.

"Right, my apologies Harry." He shifted uncomfortably on his feet as Harry stared at him for a moment longer before turning his attention to the Prophet in front of him. He smirked as he skimmed through it, even he didn't know the information that Malfoy was able to get for this article. He looked up to Ron, who now looked more awake after Rory decided to barge in.

"Looks like there's a new lead. Though it doesn't tell us the who, it certainly answers some of the what and why," Ron nodded for Harry to continue. "There seems to have been a large amount of medical grade sedative potions being sold off the record at a small apothecary in Knockturn Alley."

"What?" Ron said in surprise, "I thought we checked every nook and cranny of Knockturn Alley ages ago."

Rory grunted, "Yeah well, obviously we haven't. That place is full of shit holes. That Malfoy's either a lie and a cheat or he's working for them, and feeding the public ridiculous stories just to stir up his own ego and create more trouble than he's worth. Bloody Death Eaters, once you take the mark there's no going back."

Harry frowned, "I for one know he's not involved in this case. I saw to it myself that he was acquitted after the war. He may be a little crazy, but he's certainly no fool." Ron grunted in agreement.

"Yeah, he's definitely an ungrateful git who doesn't deserve the ground he walks on, but you can't put that against him." Harry glared at Ron. He was not helping.

Rory just looked at them, "Whatever, I can honestly care less what you think. I know I'm right. Oh, and you can keep the paper." With that, Rory Asher stormed out as fast as he'd come in, letting the door slam shut in his wake.

Ron rounded on Harry with both eyebrows raised, "Why the hell are you stuck with that guy, Harry? He's completely nuts!"

Harry sighed for what seemed like the millionth time that morning, "I've got no choice. He's new and Kingsley believes that I am the best mentor for newly admitted Aurors. I don't know what his problem is though, to tell you the truth. He's been a little hostile since the he's come here." Harry finished his cooling tea as Ron stood to leave.

"Well, good luck with that, mate. You've got you work cut out for you for sure."

"Yeah," Harry said dryly, "Thanks." Ron shut the door, quietly, thank god, and left Harry to it. He spelled his signature stamp and the papers so they would stamp without him getting carpel tunnel in his elbow, and focused his attention to the latest victim on the Muggle-born kidnappings. He was determined to crack this case before Malfoy. Harry was the newly appointed Head Auror after all.

Draco Malfoy sat at the counter of the Leaky Cauldron assessing the reaction to the newest Daily Prophet. He couldn't help the smug grin that crept across his face if he tried. Though he had to pay dearly for that latest information, the payoff was worth it. He was willing to go as far as it would take for him to expose the truth. And being a freelance writer was the perfect means to do so. He did things how he wanted and answered to no one.

There was gossip floating around this evening about what the smuggled potions could be used for and Draco had a good idea himself. But he was careful not to make any assumptions too early, there was still more investigations that needed to be done before he could say anything for sure. For now, he was going to lay back and enjoy as he could literally see the Galleons roll in.

He did notice that there were a few patrons who kept eying him malevolently, but Draco wasn't worried. He was too satisfied with his success to actually care.

"I see you're just as cocky as ever, Draco," a deep, smooth voice sounded behind him. Draco turned to his right as his best friend, Blaise Zabini, sat on the stool next to him.

"Is it that obvious?" Draco asked airily.

"Ha, I can practically feel your conceit from across the room. Though I think you hit the nail on the head with this new information, better watch your back if I were you." Blaise said seriously.

Draco waved him off, "The worst they can do is attack me on the street, at night, when no one's looking. Half of these cowards wouldn't dare approach me in broad daylight, and even fewer would willingly cross paths with me in the dark, me being an ex-Death Eater and all."

Blaise snorted, "Right, because you're so positively evil," he said sarcastically.

"Oh, they don't know the half of it." Draco joked, "Anyway, you want to come with me to the Manor to get Scorpius? I'm sure Mother would love to see you."

"Course," Blaise grinned, "It did seem like Narcissa liked me the most out of all your friends. And I dare say she favored me more than you-" Draco nudged him with his elbow and Blaise raised his hands in mock innocence. "No seriously, I'd love to see my godson. He's getting so big, and is getting a bigger mouth than his father."

"Oh, sod off! He's only five." Draco gracefully slid off the stool, and placed a handful of Galleons on the counter for his drinks. Blaise, with equal grace, followed Draco outside and they both Apparated to the Manor. The wards around the Manor only allowed a select few to be able to Apparate within the grounds, and there were even more on the edge of the property to warn of intruders. Though there haven't been any for some years now, Draco could never be too careful. As soon as Draco and Blaise stepped through the door, Scorpius ran up to them screaming in joy.

"Daddy and Blaise are here! Daddy and Blaise are here!" But to Draco's surprise, Scorpius ran to Blaise first. Blaise knelt down to hug his godson and laughed as he looked up at Draco's slightly hurt but happy face. Blaise pushed the child's blond hair back and kissed his forehead.

"Hey, Scoprius, how's my little man? Are you terrorizing poor Narcissa?" Blaise lightly tickled his tummy and Scorpius shrieked and giggled.

"No! We were making cookies!" He squirmed in Blaise's grip and Blaise relented.

"Well, I think you should say hello to your father, he seems a bit put out." Blaise grinned at Draco as he rose to his feet. Scorpius' sheepishly raised his flushed face to Draco.

"Hi Daddy," he stepped up to Draco and hugged his legs. Draco put a hand on his son's head.

"Well, let's not be too excited to see your father," Draco said in mock sarcasm.

Blaise laughed, "See what I mean, everyone likes me better that you."

Scorpius looked up at his dad, "That's not true, Daddy. I love you more than anyone!" Draco smiled and picked up his son and kissed him all over his face, much to Scorpius's horror.

"You better! Because I could just forget about that trip to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes for your Christmas present…"

Scorpius made a face as he was still wiping Draco's kisses off his face, "Dad!" he whined. Draco smirked and kissed him again before putting him down.

"Oh, don't worry my little Scorpius," Narcissa Malfoy's voice floated to them in the front hall. "If Draco doesn't go, Blaise will go anyway," she said with a smile. Draco and Blaise walked up to her and each gave her a hug and a polite kiss on the cheek.

"Scorpius, go get your things, it's time to go back home." Draco told him and watched as he disappeared into the depths of the Manor to his room.

"And bring us some of those cookies!" Blaise called after him.

"Why does it seem like you get more from me that I ever do from you?" Draco asked.

"Your hospitality is my indulgence, Draco," Blaise said with a small bow. Narcissa and Draco laughed.

Narcissa addressed Blaise, "Well, you're more than welcome to anything we have, Blaise. How is Pansy doing?"

"More moody than ever before with this pregnancy, I swear she's driving me spare with her endless demands. I mean, who asks for a pastrami and jelly sandwich?" Blaise made a face along with Draco, who had never heard of such a thing. Narcissa just laughed.

"When I was pregnant with Draco, I had a peculiar craving for apple and escargot salads, topped with a decadent chocolate mousse. I dare say Lucius could hardly stand it." There was an odd expression that flitted across her face at the mention of Lucius. Draco grasped her hands in his.

"Mother, apples and snails? Ew." Narcissa smiled at Draco's playful manner. "You needn't worry anymore, Mother. I will always be here for you." He pulled her into a tight hug, "I love you, Mother. More than you will ever know."

Thundering little feet broke the silence as Scorpius ran back to the front of the house. "I got Squeaky to pack the cookies for us!" He had his small bag of toys he brought with him slung over one shoulder, and the bags of cookies in his other hand. "Daddy, when we get home, can we play exploding snap?"

Narcissa and Draco pulled gently apart and Draco frowned down to his son, "Tomorrow Scoprius. It's late and I don't feel like being beat by a five year old right now." He looked up to his mother, "I'll see you next Friday, yes?"

She nodded, "Of course, any time I spend with my grandson is time I cherish. See you then. And it was nice seeing you again Blaise. You should visit again, and bring Pansy with you."

Blaise hugged her again, "Sure thing Narcissa, love you."

They all turned to leave with Scorpius talking their ear off about the adventures him and his grandmother had that weekend. He loved spending time here at the Manor and Draco was glad. He was thankful that his son was spared the presence of Voldemort and the dark times that passed within the Manor.

They Apparated back to their respective homes and Draco settled Scorpius down for the night. With his son asleep, Draco wandered to his kitchen and poured a small glass of Fire Whiskey to sooth his body and his tumultuous thoughts. He gazed around his empty kitchen and wondered if he will ever have another partner to share his life with. It had been five years since he lost Astoria, and though he had loved her dearly, he wanted to move on. No matter how closed off he seemed to others, he had always been surrounded by people. His loneliness hit him hard sometimes, and if he didn't have Scorpius, he didn't know what would have become of him.

Draco finished his drink and went to bed. He had to focus on his son's happiness and wellbeing for now, his own could wait.

Indeed, that Monday proved to be more than simple desk work for Harry. He had to assign a number of Aurors, led by Ron, to search the said potions apothecary and also assign a few to watch the shop for the remainder of the week. Harry went there in person the next day with Rory Asher in tow, so he could get some experience in questioning and tedious investigation.

With the aid of a mild, but effective, Truth Serum, Harry was able to glean that the master of the apothecary did not know exactly who his clients were and that they forced him to make the potions under threat of severe punishment. The make of the sedative was not illegal, but it was solely intended for hospital use and not intended for the public, because the effects were quite bad if it were administered by an amateur. The recipient could go into a comatose-like state indefinitely if they did not seek help.

This troubled Harry considerably, but what disturbed him the most was that the man had not seen their faces due to their masks. There was no doubt in his mind that they were Death Eaters. But with Voldemort dead, and most of the Death Eaters involved in the war were either imprisoned or dead, Harry was troubled that evil decided to rise again after so much sacrifice.

So, by the end of the week, Harry was a dead man walking in his exhaustion, but was determined to spend a pleasant weekend with his boys. Harry didn't keep a store of Pepper Up potion for nothing. I'm only 24, Harry would complain to himself, why do I feel so old?

That Friday, Draco dropped Scorpius off at the Manor and decided to spend the evening at Blaise and Pansy's house. The three of them were a laughing mess as the evening went on. Blaise and Draco were attempting to create an eatable dinner without magic and were failing miserably. They resorted to throwing flour at each other instead whilst Pansy teased them.

"Draco, you should stick to your day job. Otherwise you're a complete failure at anything else!" Pansy said with a laugh as Draco received a face full of flour. Draco sputtered and shook his hair, creating a white cloud above his head.

Blaise was wheezing with laughter, "Oh, if I could sell a picture of you like this! We would never hear the end of it."

"My already fragile reputation would quickly go up in smoke, and I would be the laughing stock of the ages." Draco pulled out his wand and quickly cleaned all the flour off of him, and began to fix the poor kitchen that looked like winter came early and decided to settle down in Blaise's home for the season. Blaise quickly did the same to himself and helped set the room right.

"Care for a game of chess?" Blaise asked Draco as they went to the sitting room.

"Always," Draco grinned.

Blaise sat heavily in a couch where Pansy already sat and rubbed her swelling belly, "You know where it is."

Draco huffed and went to the shelves on the other side of the room where Blaise kept his games and books. He was glad to be spending time with his friends, so he would let it go for now. As he pulled the out the wizard's chess, alarms began ringing in his head and he dropped the game in shock. He looked to Blaise and Pansy with wide eyes.

Blaise immediately jumped to his feet, "What the hell Draco? What's the matter?"

"The Manor," Draco said in a panicked voice, "The wards are going off!" Blaise walked up to Draco and grabbed his arm.

"Pansy whatever you do, do not leave this house!" Blaise yelled as he turned and Apparated to the Manor with Draco beside him. When they got there they heard screams and ran through the house, they followed the sounds to the library just in time to see several cloaked figures surrounding Narcissa. At that moment, dread filled Draco as he saw the familiar green curse hit his mother square in the chest. She fell over in a silent scream and landed hard on the floor.

"You can thank your meddling son for that, sticking his fucking nose where it doesn't belong!" one of the figures spat. The others chuckled in unison.

Something snapped in Draco as he yelled out in shock. The cloaked figures turned to Draco and Blaise and they could see the figures wore grotesque masks like the previous Death Eaters that used to walk the halls of the Manor.

Before Draco knew what was happening, the killing curse flew past his lips and he aimed at the Death Eaters. But they Disapparated before it could reach them, and it hit the shelves of books instead. His ears were ringing as he looked down on his now dead mother. He was faintly aware of Blaise yelling at him, but he was too fixated on his mother. How? He thought, why, after all that they had been through, why? Moments later, the sound of his son crying brought him out of his daze and Draco whipped around to see Blaise in the doorway hugging a very scared Scorpius tightly in his arms. Draco went to them and Blaise handed Scorpius over to Draco, who closed his eyes hugged him tight. Thanking Merlin that his son was spared.

"Draco, we have to get him out of here, I'll take him to Pansy and come back to help you." Draco swallowed as he nodded and passed Scorpius back to Blaise, who murmured and rubbed the now whimpering child's back in soothing circles. He Disappatated with a crack and Draco turned back to his mother's prone form.

"Squeaky!" he screamed. The house elf popped in front of him covered in blood, and he stared at the elf in disbelief.

"Squeaky fought, Master Malfoy," the shaken elf pleaded, "Lady Narcissa ordered Squeaky to hide Master Scorpius, and Squeaky did." The elf's knees were banging so hard, it was a wonder he was still standing. Draco swallowed thickly again.

"It's alright, Squeaky. You did well. Now please place my mother in her bed, and prepare her for burial. I can't stand to see her like this. I have arrangements to make." Draco stood and watched as the house elf levitated Narcissa and disappeared with a crack. He did not know when or for how long, but the next thing he knew, he was on his knees and sobbing into his hands. He faintly realized Blaise had returned and knelt beside him.

"Draco, I'm so sorry," Blaise whispered as he put a hand on Draco's shaking back. Draco took his hands from his face and looked at Blaise with red, puffy eyes.

"How, Blaise, how?!" his voice wavered. Blaise had no answer; he was just as shocked as Draco. Draco closed his eyes as more tears forced their way out and he leaned on his friend and wept.

A/N

This is my first Harry Potter story, so I would love to know what you think! The titles of each chapter will be derived from random song lines from one of my favorite bands, Killswitch Engage. So this chapter's title is from End of Heartache. Thank you all for reading and please leave a review! All are appreciated.