Staying at The Burrow

"Arthur Weasley, come back and challenge me when you understand what a father ought to provide for his children. Draco, we're leaving!"

Lucius and Arthur were both bruised. Their fight had ended in a draw.

Draco, who was hopeless in a fight, had fared far worse. Purple bruises covered his wrists, cheeks, and neck. Blood stained the corner of his mouth, and his eyes were red, though whether from the fight or from wanting to cry was anyone's guess.

Ron, by contrast, had come off lightly. His hands were fine, though he had three red marks on his face, his hair had been pulled into a bird's nest, and two streams of snot hung from his nose. Overall, he was less hurt than Draco.

"Dad, I..."

"Draco, enough. Just beat him next time!"

"Okay, Dad!"

After Lucius and Draco left, Hagrid released Arthur. "Arthur, you shouldn't have risen to Lucius. Everyone knows the Malfoy family has a nasty tongue. The more you react to his jabs, the happier he gets. It's too crowded and chaotic in here. Let's talk outside."

Hagrid had singled out Lucius without mentioning Draco. It seemed the business with Norbert had changed his opinion of Draco somewhat.

The shop assistant wanted to stop them and discuss compensation, but the assistant's head barely reached Hagrid's waist. His imposing, rough-hewn appearance made approaching him even less appealing.

"Whew, that was close! Hagrid, if you hadn't been here, Arthur and I would have been made to stay!"

Molly patted her chest, still shaken.

"If there's compensation to pay, I can help!"

A tall, handsome man standing behind Hermione spoke with a smile.

"Oh! Mr. Granger, there's no need. I'm sorry you and your wife had to see all that today!"

"It's all right. Watching Arthur and Lucius grapple was