LILLIANS POV

     "Yes, I want to get to know you. I want to know my real Father. I need you to know something first."

     I look at him with a serious look on my face, showing him that I'm not joking.

    "If you hurt me in any way, I will leave. I don't want a repeat of what happened with Veronica and Nicholas. If you can promise me that that won't happen, and the offer is still on the table, I would like to train with you. Both magical and physical training."

     He looks a little sad, most likely from me having to tell him to not hurt me. Overall, he looks ecstatic. He nods fervently, and responds.

     "The offer is still on the table, and I would be more than happy to train you. First things first, we have to go to Ollivander's to get you a real wand. Do you have a place where you want to stay?"

     He looks nervous for my answer. I know he's hoping that I'll stay with him, but I don't know if I can bring myself to.

     "I'll stay here with Draco. I don't know you well enough to stay with you. Tomorrow, when we're training, I'll get more of an idea if I'm willing to stay at your...Manor?"

     "It's not a Manor exactly, but it's not a town house either. It's in the middle somewhere. What time do you want to go get your wand tomorrow? I want to have you start training as soon as possible if more occurrences like this happen more often."

     "Around noon works for me. Then we can train for almost the rest of the day. Also, do you want me to start going by Grindelwald now?"

     "How about 10? That way we can stop at any other stores needed for you to go to Hogwarts. Unless if you want to go to Baeuxbatons, we could make that work. If you want to go by Grindelwald, you can. I would love it if you did, but you don't have to."

     I think about it for a little, but honestly, I don't want any connections to the Smiths now that I know that they aren't my parents.

     "I'm going to go by Grindelwald, but also Smith. I don't want people to treat me differently because of my last name. And I'm definitely going to Hogwarts. All of my best friends are there."

     He nods, and we finish planning for tomorrow. When we finally finish up, I go and find Draco. Even though he'd say yes no matter what, I need to ask if I can stay with him, and if he wants me at Hogwarts. It sounds silly, especially because his answer is going to be a yes, but it makes me feel like I'm not a total burden.

     I find him with Cissy and walk over to them. There in the middle of talking, so I stand off to the side just a little bit, but still close enough for them to notice me. When they finish, Cissy leaves to help clean up. I look over at Draco and ask him my question.

     "Draco? Can I stay here for a while? Just until I... get used to Father."

     "Of course you can! I don't understand why you always ask when you know my answer is going to be yes. I even think Mother loves you more than she does me."

     "Which is probably true." I say with a cheeky grin.

     "Draco, I have one more question, and I want you to answer honestly."

     "I'm all ears."

     "Do you want me to come to Hogwarts this upcoming year? I know it won't be totally worth it, given that there are only two years left for us counting this one. So if you don't wa-"

     I don't get a chance to finish my sentence. Draco interrupts me by giving me a bone crushing hug. It takes a moment for me to hug him back.

     "I'm going to take that as a yes." I mumble into his chest. It's so annoying that all my best friends tower over me.

     "Obviously it's a yes! Lil, I've been hoping that you'd be able to come every year. Now that you have a new parent figure, that means you get me rules. Plus, Grindelwald doesn't strike me as the type to not let you do magic."

     "That's very true. Tomorrow he's taking me to Hogsmead to get a wand and stuff like that. This day has thoroughly exhausted me. I'm going to go to bed."

     "Okay Lillian. Sleep well. See you bright and early tomorrow."

     I don't respond, I just walked away. I get to one of the Malfoys many guest rooms, but it's basically mine given how many times I've stayed over. I quickly take a shower. I don't want any remnants of this day to libnger on my skin.

     I get out of the shower, dry off and put on comfy pajamas and quickly brush my teeth and get into bed. Almost immediately, I fell asleep.

I'm so sorry for not posting the last two days. Later today I'm going to post another chapter. How are you guys? It's almost time that she going to go to Hogwarts (finally). Thank you for giving this book a try. Love you all💚🤍