I'm Permanent -- Spring 2005 (DONE)

My son had not been the same sense Keegan's death.  I coul only imagine what he felt like.  At the prospect of losing my own twin, I knew what that felt like... let alone having lost her for real.  I went up to Ian's room and sa that he was not there.  Instead, I found him in his sister's room, sitting on her bed.  I sat down next to him and put an arm around him.  "Hey buddy... you doing okay?" I asked him.  He had been quiet but I had no idea hat he was thinking of now.

I looked over at my dad.  I shrugged.  Should I listen to my grandfather and not mention the man I saw take Keegan?  Then when seh came back it was bad.  I thought nothing of it at firt... but now it was different.  "Dad... I've had nightmares," I answered him.

I nodded at him.  "That's understandable," I told Dorian.  "You were there and she was your sister.  It's no wonder you're having trouble sleeping."  I rubbed his shoulders gently, wishing I could do more.

He was right... I was there.  "Dad, can I tell you a secret?" I asked.  I trusted both grandfather and dad... so I could tell Dad about that man, right?

I looked at my little boy and nodded.  "Of course you can tell me a secret.  You can always talk to me," I assured him.  I hoped that he would open up to me.  He did not need to worry about everything.

I hesitated.  I did not want to break my promise, but I did not know why grandfather wanted me to stay quiet anyways.  "When we were playing, a man came and took Keegan," I told Dad quietly.  "He came back and that was when there was something wrong with her."

I felt my stomach tighten.  I knew there had to be some sort of fowl play.  I hid how much it bothered me from my son, though.  "why didn't you say anything before, bud?" I asked him gently.  I hoped that he would tell me more information.

Was he mad at me?  I could not tell.  His voice was still kind, so I wanted to tell him everything.  "Because Grandfather told me to keep the secret about the man," I said simply.

Of course Father had something to do with this.  I knew that there had been something fishy about all of this.  And here it was.  I continued rubbing Ian's shoulders.  "Do you remember what this man looked like?" I asked him.  I would hunt him down.

"He was scruffy and blonde," I answered.  "That's all I remember."  I hoped I did okay.  I did not want any of this to get me into trouble.

I gave Dorian a kiss on his forehead.  "That's okay, Ian," I told him.  "I'm glad you told me."  I was going to go to Father and speak to him about all of this, that was for sure.  I would get to the bottom of Keegan's death.

I looked up at Dad and was a little scared of his facial expression.  "Dad... is this going to get me or grandfather into trouble?" I asked.  I did not want anyone to get yelled at.

I shook my head slightly.  "No, bud, you're fine.  All I'll do is ask you rgrandfather a few questions," I lied.  I did not need my son to fret about anything.  "No one will get yelled at or in trouble."

I was relieved.  I stood up.  "Can I go play now?" I asked.  I was feeling better now.  "And tonight, can you sleep with me?" I knew dad could keep my nightmares away.

I smiled at him.  "Of course," I assured him.  "And go ahead and play, buddy."  I watched him leave Keegan's room and I stood up.  I walked out and saw Pansy.  She looked concerned.  I went over to her and put my arms around her.  Despite how things started between the two of us, I did find that I loved her as much as a Malfoy could love somebody.