5 years later
Hermione was doing some paper work when a familiar face showed up through the office door.
" Hey beautiful!"
"Hey hey, I was thinking about you!" Smiled Hermione. "Come on in."
Tahmina Rain hugged her and sat.
"I've missed you and wanted to see you!" Said the black-haired witch. "Since you got back to work, we see each other so rarely. Isabella is asking for Carrie every day."
"I can tell you the same. We should figure something for play date although I wanted to spend some girls' time with you. You have so much to tell me... about... " Hermione lower her voice " About Blaise and you..."
Tahmina's face lightened when Blaise's name was mentioned and she answered with a smile.
"Yes, we need to talk, I have so much to tell you, let's go out this weekend?"
"Perfect! Carrie will go with Ginny and her kids at Diagon Alley for school shopping this Saturday, so I will be free all day " said Hermione " I really missed the time spent together when the girls were babies. Remember how much fun we had in muggle London?"
"Of course!" Tahmina stood up and hugged her friend. "I have to go now, I left Isabella with my sister and I am afraid she will spoil her too much. Owl me later."
After Tahmina left, Hermione stopped reading the papers for moment, remembering their time together , how much closer they got after Tahmina left the office and being single mothers, they helped each other. Hermione was sure she could count on her with her life.
When she got back to work, they were seeing each other very rarely. After the news about Blaise and Pansy's divorce, Hermione had that strange feeling that maybe he would contact Tahmina and she was right! All the details were told Saturday as they planned - in a park in muggle London, drinking hot chocolate , Tahmina told Hermione everything.
"I knew from the papers they were divorcing." The young witch told her in an excited voice. "I never thought in million years that he would contact me- after all he told me he wanted nothing to do with a muggleborn. But a few weeks ago, I received a letter. At first I was thinking it was from a client who wanted to order something from my shop , but I was wrong , it was him. He wanted to see me and to talk to me and very politely asked if I would allow him to see the baby, apparently he knew I had a daugther. I was thinking all night long: I knew maybe he didn't deserve to see her, but she's been asking me for some time now about her father. Believe me, with time it's harder to me to make up excuses and to change the subject."
Hermione's heart broke. She knew that feeling: Carina had asked a few times about her father and every time she declined the subject, her daughter's grey eyes become sad. One Christmas eve she asked if Santa could bring her a father even for one day.
" I decided to meet him in the park, Isabella was playing with other kids and we talked, the moment he saw her... I've never seen him like that before. He asked me for forgiveness and wanted to be part of our daughter's life even if we are not a couple. Of course he asked me if I am married or I am dating someone... All those years I hated him and I swore revenge but the moment I saw him... I can't explain... I am just... still in love with him. Hermione maybe I am crazy but when I introduced him to Isabella and they bonded so well, my heart melted. I'm giving him a second chance." Said Tahmina, looking for Hermione's approval. "But we will take it slow... what do you think?"
Only when I look at your in-love look, I can tell you seem happy and excited, it's good that he wanted to see Isabella and he asked for forgiveness. Give him the chance to prove his loyalty but be careful. Let him know you are not a fool." Hermione told her and sipped from the hot chocolate. "What was Isabella's reaction?"
"She loves him. I didn't explain everything, I told her that he came back to us and wants to spend time with her. She was very happy and curious , and that was relief , you know... I really hated when she was asking me all those questions... I never asked you, did Carrie already asked you?"
"Yes." Hermione nodded slowly. "She asked me few times, but I will wait for a bit longer. She's too young to understand."
"If he ever calls you, will you introduce him to her?" Asked Tahmina curiously.
" He doesn't know she exists, and I prefer it that way... it's complicated. Besides he is far away, there is no chance of bumping into him or something." Smiled Hermione.
"You never told me if he is muggle or a wizard ?'' said Tahmina.
"I really don't want to talk about him, he was just a donor, nothing more!"
Tahmina nodded and changed the subject knowing that her friend doesn't like to be pushed .
Later that day, Hermione went to Grimmauld Place to take Carrie home.
"Aunt Hermione!" The kids were screaming and rushed to hugged her.
"Hey boys... and girls."
"Mommy look, we've made some cookies!" Her precious little girl showed her some plasmon cookies all in different colours.
Hermione knelt to see them up close
"Wow they look delicious! Can I have one?"
" No mommy, those are for our tea party." Carrie shook her head, looking very serious.
She had long straight hair- the colour was few shards lighter than her mothers hair and in the sun looked almost blond. The more she grew up the blonder her hair became. The moment she had opened her eyes for the first time, Hermione recognised the bright gray with a unique spark. Carina was very sweet, curious and intelligent for her age. She loved to draw and to listen muggle and Wizarding fairy tales. One of her favourite was about the Big dragon and the little princess- which Hermione thought was a bit ironic, given her parentage.
" Kids, let aunt Hermione come in first before crowding her." Ginny said and welcomed her friend in the living room
" Hey Ginny, how was the shopping , I hope Carrie behaved? " She sat on the couch.
" She's a sweetheart as always... but something happened when we entered in Flourish and Blotts. "
"What? Did she wanted Evelin Lockwood books set ? I promised that for Christmas..." wondered Hermione.
" No... it's not that. " Ginny shook her head. " We ran to someone there... Narcissa Malfoy."
Hermione heart skipped a beat.
" What?"
" When she saw it was me and the kids , she ignored us but then... Carrie showed up from behind me, asking about something , Narcissa looked straight into her eyes , she froze for a minute and got pale... I mean more pale than usual."
" Did she said something?" asked Hermione worriedly.
"She didn't have to." Ginny rolled her eyes. "She nodded and left the store."
After a short silence Hermione waved her hand.
" Narcissa Malfoy, she's a strange and unpleasant woman."
Ginny made sure that the kids were still playing in James room and then said: "Hermione, it's time for you to tell me... we have been friends forever , you are practically family- you know everything about me... Tell me... is Draco Malfoy Carina's father?"
" Carrie has no father , she is..."
"Don't give me that 'the father is the one who raised you, not the one who made you' crap... Give me the truth! Is he the biological father? "
Hermione looked away, avoiding her best friend's look.
" Even if you lie to me, I know it's him- you got pregnant right after that huge party when you two disappeared, you named her Carina and that's a constellation. I may be have been the greatest student in astrology but I do know that at least and her eyes - gray, the shade is just like his, her hair is becoming more and more blonde... how long were you planning to keep this a secret? Especially from me? I don't want to judge you... quite the opposite, I want to support you!"
"About what? We are happy the way we are, I am a good mother to her..." began Hermione
" A great mother." Ginny corrected her firmly.
" Well thank you... I wanted a baby, the healer told me that it may be hard to conceive if I wait longer , I had some problems with the reproduction... it just happened ... he was a donor, nothing more..." Explained Hermione.
" I understand, don't worry I won't tell a soul!" promised Ginny and hugged her tight. "You are a great mother, don't forget that!"
" I am doing my best!" Hermione smiled.
" When Draco comes back from France, will you tell him... I mean if you meet him?" Asked Ginny.
" I don't think he will ever come back to work in the Ministry, his job there is very good and the French Ministry wrote us that they proposed him and Seamus Finigan to extend their contracts and ask for a permission to hire our employees there for good. The payment is higher and the job is fantastic, I don't think that he will come back, and even if he does, I don't plan to tell him about Carrie."
" Why?" wondered Ginny.
" I told you that he was just a donor, I was lucky to get pregnant." explained Hermione. "Besides I don't want him to think I used the baby to get to him or to blackmail him... from what I heard he got engaged with some French rich heiress there so, he won't be interested."
" You heard wrong - He broke of the Engagement , I don't know if he is planning to return the country but... " Ginny winked " He was so into you Mione, I still remember how hard he was trying to get your attention and his jealous face... precious!"
They laughed.
" Honestly , I don't want to think about that now, I have so much work and Carrie needs me..."
" She needs her father too" Ginny added quietly. "I hate to tell you but today when Lily was talking something about Harry, I heard Carrie ask 'can I borrow uncle Harry to be daddy Harry for one day?'"
" What?"
" Even if it's not Draco Malfoy, you can't push men away... so many wizards wants to be with and you denied all of them! You need to go back to the game, I know you've lost faith in men after you last relationship but you are still so young and very attractive!"
" I don't know, I will think about that " said Hermione and when the ginger rose her eyebrow she added " I promise"
Every evening before sleep, it was a tradition for Hermione to read a story and Carrie to ask more and more questions or to show her mother her drowning , one time she drew Sinderela and her evil sisters , other time she drew the wolf and the redhood
" Mommy read me about the Big dragon and the little princess, please" asked Carrie while Hermione was putting her under the blue blanket
" Again?" laught she " It will be 3th time this week, sweety"
" I like to know how the dragon saved the little princess from the evil witch... I'd like to see a real dragon one day! " said Carrie and her eyes went bigger " Uncle Charlie sent some photos to James Albus and Lily , they are so big and powerful... and their wings... wow! I wonder what is like to fly with wings like that... imagine if you could ride a big dragon, mommy?"
Hermione giggled, she knew the feeling but of course she was waiting for her to grow up before telling the Gringots story.
" Fine, I will read and tomorrow you can draw me a picture, ok?"
" Ok mommy "
After 15 minutes , Carrie's eyes were almost closed but she was mumbling something
" And the dragon saved the little princess... Dragon loved the princess very much and kept her save forever"
" Yes baby... forever " Hermione kissed her softly and turned off the lights.
*MALFOY MANOR*
The blond wizard entered into the room very quietly and looked at the kind sized bed
" Draco..." the woman lying there smiled softly
" Hello mother" he got close to her
Narcissa looked very pale, there were dark blue circles under her eyes , her lips were cracked, her hair was messy and rare
" You came" she whispered
He took her hand in his. His heart broke seeing his own mother so ill.
" I am here mother"
" Draco... I... I am sorry I couldn't welcome you properly , with dinner and party like before..."
" No.. for me it's enoght to see you, mother "
She squeezed strongly his hand as if she's wasn't sick
" Promise me... " tried to say Narcissa " Promise me to come back"
" I am here " Draco said determined " I am not going anywhere
" Promise me to never leave " she insisted and closed her eyes
" I promise" said he
After a few minutes he left the room and went to the living room where the healer was waiting , the house elf was serving him a tea
" Mister Malfoy " he rose from the chair
" Good evening " Draco shook his hand firmly
" Is the Master want something ?" asked the elf but he dismissed him
" How is my mother condition?"
" It's complicated" told him the healer " You mother has a very rare illness , we are trying to do everything possible..."
" Try harder!" insisted Draco " That's wrong with her, why she look like she's 100 years old, what happened.. three months ago when she came to visit me , she looked perfect?"
" The illness is wicked, I gave her a medicine and if she's not get better in a week, we have to take her in the hospital" explained the healer " She's got Senectus Veni, it's very rare and the symptoms are- tiredness , speed aging and memory loss... don't worry if she forgets something "
"I want you to cure her fast, I will pay whatever it costs , just make her feel better" instructed Draco
" Mister Malfoy, I am healer and I swore to cure every patient , money are not important " said the healer seriously " I gave her the medicine and I will come every day to check on her, if she is not getting better after a week, we will take her to Saint Mungo's "
" I can't wait a week, what if she gets worse?!" Draco got mad " I am taking her to Paris hospital this instance, there are the best healers in hole..."
" She can't travel " cut how off the healer " Mister Malfoy, if you want your mother to get better you must do what I recommend"
Draco clenched his jaw. No one permitted to speak to him that way lately , but he really wanted to keep his mother alive and safe so his just noded. His father last wish was to take care for his mother , he will never forget that last conversation they had.
The next few days Draco was staying only in Manor, no one knew he was back and he hadn't no desire to see anybody. He was reading and spending time with his mother , trying to cheer her . Narcissa really had some memory problems - one morning he asked his son to call Bellatrix
" I want to see my sister before the wedding" said she
" Mother.. what wedding?" asked Draco carefully
" She will marry Lestrage soon, I want to tell her something before the wedding" insisted Narcissa
" What you want to tell her?" Draco was trying to speak patiently
"Frank came to me yesterday " whispered his mother " he confessed everything , he told me he wants her back and if she call off the wedding they can escape together..."
" Frank?" rose his platinum eyebrow Draco
" Longbottom " nodded his mother " She was secretly in love with him, but father arranged her marriage with Lestrage... "
"Longbottom?" repeated Draco unsure
"Neville's father?"
Narcissa went silent and then suddenly said something about the the weather and her rose garden they had in the Manor
" The roses are fine, mother " a sure her Draco " I will bring you there if you want"
" I am so tired , I want to sleep" she closed her eyes
His son was watching her tortured face, she wasn't herself and he wanted to do everything possible to make her healthy again. He wrote a letter to his boss at the French Ministry, saying that he can't go back soon. He didn't care about the job there anymore, he had enough gold to live luxury not only him but his grandchildren as well. After his engagement broke he completely had no reason to stay. He wondered how was everybody in Great Britain, he wasn't heared much from his friends and co workers. He even wondered how his former boss were doing , was she married , did she had a bunch of kids or she was living with her cat, alone and workaholic. As much Draco wanted to forget her , it was hard not to remember that night at "Grand Hotel Moriarty" But now the most important thing is to take care of his mother
" Chappy, bring my mother a bouquet of red roses"
" Yes Master! Chappy will bring the most beautiful red roses for Mistress Malfoy" said the elf " What do you want for lunch Master?"
" Nothing, I'm going out " said Draco and left
Tahmina, Ginny and Hermione were in the park along with their girls, drinking coffee and gossiping while Carrie Lily and Isabella were swinging and laughing about something funny
" Its so nice to take a break from work and just to stay and chill" said Tahmina " Lately I am so busy with the store and to teach Isabella math and history, on the other hand I'm helping my sister with her wedding plans... it was crazy month"
" Well, you have some help now" winked Ginny
The other witch blushed
" We don't live together, he comes to visit Bella every day but we are taking it slow"
" So no funny business "? teased her Ginny but Hermione glare at her and said
" So your sister and Derek Finch Flechery will go to Egypt for their honeymoon ?"
" Yes , she is so excited " nodded Tahmina " she was dreaming about the pyramids since she was a little girl, Derek knew that so he wanted to surprise her! He is very generous"
" She's so lucky" smiled Ginny
" Yes, he is very romantic and his family totally love my sister, his mother insisted to help me with the preparations and all..." was explaining Tahmina when her eyes changed, she looked behind Hermione and Ginny
" What's wrong?" asked the girls
They turned their heads and saw - it was Blaise... and he wasn't alone
" Is that Draco Malfoy?!" Ginny instinctive looked at Hermione
She froze for a moment - her heart beat rose , her fingers were shaking and her mind explode of questions - how was that possible, no one informed her that is back? What was he doing in the park? How to behave in front of him, should she ask how is he or just to say Hi... And Carrie? She was a few feet away, swinging and enjoying the day with her best friends. What if he see her? What if she see him? There is no time, he and Blaise were so close
" Pull yourself together!" whispered Ginny
Tahmina rose and smiled
" Hey, what a surprise " she hugged Blaise
It was obvious that he enjoyed that
" I wanted to see Isabella and to introduce her to Draco, so your assistant told me you are in here..."
All eyes were on Draco Malfoy. Hermione looked at him- he wasn't much changed , he was dressed very well, he looked handsome as always. Their eyes met, she smiled
" I see you are not happy to see former Slytherins, Granger " joked the blond
The girls laught and she finaly said
" Hey Draco, I didn't know you are back, welcome " Hermione had to hug him or to shake his hand, they were working together for almost 8 years it wasn't polite , she decided to shake his hand " How is the job, I had some excellent review from your headquarters, I'm surprise to see you now, didn't they offer to extend your contract?"
" Old same Granger " smirked Draco " She didn't see me in 5 years and the first thing she asks is about work!"
It couldn't get more awkward ... Well until Ginny said
" Ok then, what happened with that French chick?"
" Well, I can see Weaslette did her homework " smirked Draco
But before the finger could respond , Lily called her
" Mommy can I have ice cream?"
" After lunch sweetly " she smiled and pet her head
The little red hair girl made a sad face and returned to swing
" Tahmina where is Isabella I want to introduce her to Draco?" asked Blaise and looked around
" She's swinging" pointed she at them " You can go to introduce her , of course "
Blaise nodded and left
" Ladies " nodded Draco and Hermione could swear he winked at her.
She panicked - they were going straight to the swings where Carrie was next to Bella
" Relax" said quietly Ginny " He won't recognise her" he will speak with Bella and they will go... He doesn't know she's your daughter... yet"
Tahmina looked suspicious at them
" What are you whispering about?"
" Nothing..." shook her head Hermione " I think I'm gonna take Carrie and go to visit my parents before they leave to excursion "
" Really? Why so soon, the girls is having so much fun" said Tahmina disappointed " Please tell me this isn't about Malfoy !"
" Malfoy?" repeated Hermione " No... why you say this?"
" Becouse I know you wasnt fond of him before and you look so uncomfortable when he is near you?"
" Its not that.." denied Hermione but in that moment she saw Draco kneel in front of Carrie who was showing him something in her arms , she was smiling so pure
" Its too late..." whispered Ginny
Hermione heart melted when she saw this picture - a father and a daughter, sharing a simple conversation, Carrie's laughter rang all over the park , apparently Draco said something funny to her. They looked so naturally and normal, as if they knew that they had a connection. It's not fair to take this from them , was thinking Hermione , I have to find a way to tell them the truth!
"Hermione , please stay , we can go somewhere else " suggested Tahmina
"Its fine" smiled she
Carrie, Lily and Isabella ran to their mothers begging for ice cream, while Blaise and Draco waved goodbye
" I will see you tomorrow" said Blaise to Tahimna and kissed her cheek softly , she blushed a bit
" Bye daddy, I love you " waved Isabella
" I love you princess "
Hermione was looking at Carrie and Draco who was looking each other in their identical eyes
" Bye Mister Draco" waved she
Draco smiled, it's wasn't his usual smirk, it was really a smile and Hermione was thinking how sweet that was. She couldn't remember if she ever saw his smile before.
Draco came in time for dinner. He felt better going out, seeing Blaise and catching up with him. Seeing Hermione was a bonus , she wasn't changed much, only her hair was longer and bit darker , but she was beautiful and really hot in that sun dress. He was wondering who's that child was, she didn't looked like Ginny or either Hermione
He didn't want to ask Blaise too many questions about Hermione , he was sure that somehow he will find information about her one or other way. Blaise was talking about his daughter and how lucky he was becouse Tahmina was permitted him to see her. When Draco asked who the other little girl was, he said he never saw her before
" It might me Granger's " said he " I know for sure that she has a daughter but I never saw her becouse she's never bringing her at work"
The girl was so cute and intelligent, if that was Granger's she got her intellect by her mother. Who was the father? Who is the lucky bastard she married? Draco didn't asked Blaise who that was but he hated him already
" Your dinner Master Malfoy" the house elf brought the food
" Thank you Chappy, did you served my mother?"
" Not yet, the healer said the medicine must be taken in empty stomach, after that Chappy will bring her dinner "
" Is the healer here?" asked Draco
" He must come any minute " said the elf
Draco went to see his mother after the healer gave her the medicine
" Lucius... " called Narcissa with closed eyes " Please close the window it's so cold... I have some news for you!"
Draco swallowed but said nothing
" We are having a boy... the healer told me my due - June 5th! I know how much you wanted this child... my mother will be thrilled when I tell her you want to name him after an constellation... "
It was so weird , Draco wasn't sure if that conversation already happened or it was just imagination.
"Lucius ... please ... please stop!'' she asked desperate " don't blame yourself, you are a good father I swear you are! Draco loves you and admire you so much, please don't blame yourself for Dark Lords decision.. it's not your fauld!"
Something broke inside him, the memories of the war flashed in his mind , it felt so long ago and in the same time like it was 5 minutes ago. Did Lucius really felt bad and blamed himself ? Did he really suffer? He was cold and emocionaless toward Draco, he never said anything to him, even in his death bed he only mention Narcissa name...
" Mother " called her Draco and touched her shoulder " Mother please wake up, it's time for dinner..."
Narcissa opened her eyes and looked at him
" Draco..."
" How are you feeling?" asked he and sat besides her and took her hand
" I want you to do something for me " told him she strictly
" What do you need?"
" Bring the Granger girl, I must talk to her"