Time Passes By

Chapter One

As he made his way home from downtown London, the sun warmed his face and a soft wind teased his blonde locks. Spring was finally making itself known after a very cold and long winter. People with errands to run, longer lunches to partake or to simply enjoy the nice weather bustled about the streets.

Draco wasn't thinking about his fellow pedestrians or how wonderfully the weather had turned. His thoughts percolated and hummed with much more important matters; his family and even more importantly, Abby's coming visit. His oldest child was coming home and that was simply cause for celebration.

A woman backed out of shop, cheerfully waving and calling a goodbye to the clerk. Draco deftly sidestepped, avoiding a collusion and continued on his way.

As usual, when he thought of Abby, he thought of the distant past. If he had not decided to lose himself in America's wilderness he might have never met his daughter. Might not, he mused, have ever reconnected with Hermione. He thanked the fates everyday that this was not the case. His family meant everything to him and he couldn't imagine a life without a single member.

These last thirteen years seemingly flew by, almost as if the days had been racing him. It was hard to believe that his oldest daughter had turned twenty-three this past November. Even harder to believe that she was a successful career woman who traveled the world. She no longer needed him or Hermione as she had once upon a time.

That fact of life didn't, of course, ease any of his concerns, fears and worries when it came to Abby. Having learned all those years ago that Abby was destined for something greater than herself had always bothered him. Knowing her beloved pet, Wicker, was more than met the eyes was a constant reminder too.

Shaking the thoughts off with a small effort, Draco forced himself to think of happier things. Not an easy task since happier thoughts would have Abby a little girl again and not a strong and independent woman.

At times it was hard to believe that she was grown up. It felt as if he had only just discovered Abby was his daughter. Hadn't he just waved her off to her first year at Hogwarts? Sadly that had been years ago and even know, the twins were in their second year at the wizards school. Next year Kimber would be going as well.

Where had the days, weeks, years gone, he thought ruefully.

Honestly though, he had not a single regret. Abby had grown into a beautiful, independent, strong willed and generous young lady. It saddened him to think she'd chosen a career that kept her away for long stretches of time but it was what she wanted. It was what made her happy and that counted far more than his needs.

A small smile lifted the corners of his lips. Though he loved all his children, Abby held a special place in his heart. Partly because he hadn't even been aware of her existence for the first nine years of her life. Partly because of the supposed destiny she was fated to take part in…whatever that may be. The combination caused him to worry a little more about his oldest.

Remembering his first meeting with Abby, his smile grew a little wider. He had to add stubborn to the list. She had literally barreled into his life, refusing to take no for an answer. He'd been so irritated and mean, yet she had stuck to him like honey to bees. Much more stubborn then he could ever hope to be.

Stubborn and with a quick, fast burning temper. As much as he loved her, he knew her flaws well and admitted - only to himself - that she had them.

Her biggest was the only flaw that worried Draco the most. Despite all the care and love, all the family support, Abby didn't trust easily. Correction, she hardly trusted at all unless it was family or close friends.

Draco often wondered if it was a ingrained genetic flaw since he'd had plenty of trust issues himself. Or had something happened to put a chink in Abby's spirit. He wished he knew, wished he was better at getting his daughter to open up but…

He let the ought go with a sigh. Abby, he knew, would come to him if she needed him. Of that fact, he never had to worry. Coming to a corner, Draco checked for traffic before continuing on.

Abby's choice of career amused him. Investigating history…no, that was wrong. His daughter didn't investigate history, she researched myths, legends and lore. It was a position that allowed her to travel all over the known world. In just this past year she'd been to Japan, America, Africa and Australia. Interesting stuff, he had to admit but what amused him was the idea that she researched Muggle myths and legends.

No matter. She was happy and therefore he was happy. That was exactly as it should be.

Of course he missed her when she was gone but she wrote or called often enough. He might have worried even more if not for the letters and calls. Even then he might have worried a little more than usual except he knew she was well protected. That infernal pet of hers was never far away and protected Abby as if she was a pup and not Draco's daughter.

Draco didn't dislike Wicker but he didn't exactly have any warm fuzzy feelings for the creature masquerading as a dog. It wasn't just the animal's origins or that he was Abby's assigned protector. No, there was also his massive size. It wasn't natural that a dog should be so massive. The "dog" was the size of a small pony and was as tall as Draco's waist, which put the dog well over six feet standing on his hind legs.

Massive and not a dog at all…yeah, Draco had reason to have mixed feelings about Abby's pet.

This wasn't something he wanted to think about though so he tucked the thoughts away. Abby was coming home this evening and he was going to make sure her homecoming was perfect. Especially since she only planned on being home for four short weeks before heading to Ireland, chasing another story. He wasn't going to think about the end of the month though, it would only sour his mood.

Hermione was planning a small party this evening. He had tried to talk her out of it, not because he didn't think it was a good idea, but because it was possible Abby wouldn't feel like celebrating. Traveling was a tiresome business and Abby was more likely going to feel like resting. After thirteen years of marriage thought, Draco should have known talking Hermione out of anything was a fruitless endeavor. He never won.

Glancing at his watch he noticed that it was almost dinner time. He'd promised Hermione to home in time. If he was so much as a second late Hermione was going to toss his ass on the sofa for a night or two…or more. His back protested just thinking about the possibility. He hurried across the street and headed into the Downtown Transport Station.

Around five years ago a rash of magic sightings by Muggle's had caused the Ministry of Magic to make a few changes. After all, appearing and disappearing witches and wizards was not something the Ministry wanted plastered all over the Muggle news. To prevent further sightings, Apparation and Disapparation stations had been erected in strategic places. Draco could have used his London office but since he'd been out meeting a client using the station would save him time.

Inside he joined the shortest line he could find and set about waiting for his chance to travel home.

The Downtown Station had once been an old storage warehouse. The Ministry of Magic had bought the building and after a little renovation, you couldn't even tell that the place had once been used for storage. Booths lined one wall, all painted a rich, deep blue. Above these was a sign that read, Long Distance Apparations. A second wall had a long line of cream colored booths and above these the sign read, Local Apparations.

A third wall contained fireplaces. Some were enlarged to accommodate families or traveling groups. Smaller hearths allowed for single travel or those in groups of two or three. The Floo Network had been added when someone in the Ministry remembered that not every witch and wizard held an apparation license. There were times when Draco questioned the intelligence of those in office but as he tried not to play in politics, mostly he kept his opinions to himself.

Someone tapped him on the shoulder. Turning he smiled at the small blonde demanding his attention. "Hey, little sister."

"Back at you," she replied. Pushing up on tiptoes she brushed her lips across his cheek. "Hermione popped in earlier for a visit with Mum. Mentioned Abby was due in this evening."

"Yes," Draco confirmed but raised a brow. "That's something I would think you'd know since my daughter calls you more than she does home."

"Don't pout Draco, it's just wrong looking on your mug," she said cheekily. "And Abby did mention it but I'd forgotten."

"Right," Draco drawled in disbelief. His baby sister rarely forgot a thing.

Changing the subject she asked, "Why are you using the station?"

"This was closer," he explained. "Saves me a little time."

"Closer?"

"Meeting nearby with a client," he clarified. "I promised Hermione I'd be home in time for dinner this evening. She's planning a small party for Abby."

"Right," Aria muttered. "She mentioned that when she was over. I won't be there. I've got to pull a double at Mungo's. Being an intern is hell."

Draco tweaked her nose. "You love every second."

Aria grinned. "I do. Oh, hey, Abby and I have plans to get together in a day or two. I'll try to arrive early so we can have a little family bonding time."

"I'll look forward to it," Draco answered sincerely. Drawing Aria into his arms for a hug, he noticed a dark haired young man staring avidly at him and Aria. More pointedly at Aria. "I do believe you have an admirer."

Aria shot a look over her shoulder. "Oh, you mean Michael. He thinks hanging by my side every second of his spare time will get me to change my answer."

"What answer would that be?"

"A date," she replied, wrinkling her nose. "He doesn't tickle my passion bone."

Draco almost choked. "Your passion… You know what. Never mind. That is not something I want to think about. At all."

Her grin was pure mischief. "Oh."

"Yes," Draco agreed firmly. "I do not want to think about my little sister and…, and…"

"The word you're searching for is sex," Aria teased.

Draco groaned dramatically. "Really, Aria. No more. Please."

"Oh, alright," she pouted. "Just go ahead and forget that you heard the word sex in conjunction with your little sister."

"I will, thanks," he informed her happily.

She pecked him on the cheek once again. "Your stuffy and boring, Draco. You're turning into mum."

"I am not," he protested in mock horror.

"You are," she insisted. As she started to turn away she said, "Mum doesn't like hearing about my passion b -"

Draco slapped his hands over his ears and made a face of horror, making Aria laugh delightedly as she skipped away. Shaking his head, half amused and half appalled, he pivoted to face forward and shuffle along with the slow moving line.

Even his baby sister was all grown up and if she was having…oh no, his mind shied away from that particular topic. There was no way he was going to think of Abby having sex. He didn't even want to think of her kissing a boy. Thank you but no thanks, he'd maintain the illusion of her innocence until he could no longer deny.

Hopefully, that day would never come.

When Draco pushed open the front door of home, he came face to face with Missy, their live in cook. Her hands were fisted and planted on her hips. Her features were screwed up in a scowl of annoyance. He didn't even have to ask, all he said was, "Kitchen?"

"Where else?" she grouched.

Hiding a grin he headed straight back to the kitchen.

Hermione was there, half bent over a large black pot. Her face was partially hidden behind a curtain of hair but what he could see told him the entire story without having to hear a word. Silently amused, he slipped a little further into the room. Every couple of months his loving wife tried her hand at cooking. Every couple of months she failed.

Quietly he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Pulling her back against his length he bent close and asked, "What have you burned this time?"

Tilting her head against his shoulder she looked up at him. Her lips were pulled down in a slight frown. "Stew," she muttered. "Plain old stew. Simple, basic and I messed it up."

"Don't you think it's time to admit defeat," he asked as he always did when Hermione tried her hand at cooking. "Admit that the one thing you cannot do and will never be able to do is cook. It's easy, I promise."

"I may be smart but I can't seem to admit anything." She turned in his arms and encircled hers around his waist. "Doesn't matter. I'll Vanish it and try again another day. How was your day?"

"Not nearly as entertaining," he admitted. He bent lower and inhaled her scent. "You smell delectable."

"You're nuts," she joked, lightly slapping his shoulder and chuckling. "I smell like burned rubbish. You, however, do smell good enough to eat."

He winced. "Don't even think about it. I don't relish the idea of getting Vanished after you've burnt me to a crisp."

She punched him in the shoulder. "So not funny." A moment later she took the sting out of her jab by pulling his head down and kissing him. A very long, very satisfying kiss that put him in the mind for other things. To bad she didn't have the same thought, which showed when she said, "Could you help Missy in the Parlor while I go up and -"

His lips covering hers prevented her from saying anything more. Melding his lips against hers, he tasted and teased until she melted in his arms. Pulling back and grinning like a fool, he said, his voice husky, "Come upstairs with me. There's time before Abby and our guests arrive."

He could tell by the desire swirling in her eyes that she was tempted but duty won out. "No. There's still too much to do. Kimber wants me to do her hair and I have to get dressed but before I can do that, I have to shower. There's no way I'm going the rest of the evening smelling like burnt stew."

"Stop. Stop, please," Draco pleaded. "You're making my head spin. Tell me what you need to me to do?"

"Missy can tell you," Hermione replied. "She's on decorating detail. I'll head up and start with Kimber."

As he saluted and turned, Hermione watched until he was out of sight. After he was gone she turned back to the failed stew, vanished it and left the kitchen too.

So much to do and so little time.