#empty nesters

Narcissa walked down the hallway of the manor as she watched Lucius straighten Draco’s collar at the end of the stairs, making sure he was presentable for the train ride to Hogwarts. This was going to be the first year both Malfoy children would be attending Hogwarts and Narcissa was a mess. “Celeste,” she called out to her daughter, who was coming out of her bedroom at that time, with her suitcase in her hand. “I’m right here, Mother!” She beamed at her as she rushed past her, “Let’s go!”

“Did you check everything off that you needed? Once you left, you won’t be able to come back to collect your things!” That wasn’t necessarily true and besides, Narcissa would do everything in her power to make sure her children had everything they wanted.

I needed a short break from my ongoing WIP (so I could delve back into a bit of retirementlock) and this fic is the result. The boys are on the young side (60ish) and it’s more fluffy than angsty. In short - it’s a story about love and family.

Strong in the Broken Places on AO3

Summary: A stranger at their door brings unexpected news and makes John realise who holds their patchwork family together.

Credit to my friend badgerlady and to Ernest Hemingway for the adapted title and the idea of a patchwork family.

Large arts and crafts backyard stamped concrete patio photo with a fire pit and a roof extension