Disclaimer: Dont own HP no matter how much I wish it would be true

By the time that she arrived home later that night she was too exhausted to think about anything other than getting Gabe to bed, the next morning was a different matter altogether.

Once she opened her eyes and saw the dreary weather and the groggy feeling that had surrounded her began to subside, it only took a moment for the memories of last night to come back to her. Once they did she couldn't help but feel disgusted with herself and groaned. She should have never let herself get into a situation like last night's but in some small way she knew that if it wasn't last night, it would just be today so she was happy that the first meeting was over and done with. Hopefully he would be more subdued at their next meeting. Draco was not a patient man by any means and he would find some way to push his way back into her life. Rolling her eyes she started bunching up the covers around her neck in an attempt to shut out her life only to be hindered by an arm reaching across and pulling her towards them. She could feel him brushing the back of her neck with kisses and whispering sweet nothings. She loved mornings like this and couldn't keep the smile from forming on her face. Turning she looked into his eyes and snuggled in even closer. She never stopped being amazed at how safe she felt with Alex. When she was with Draco she had always felt taken care of but with Alex, there was something else there that he managed to do for her. Maybe it was their similar upbringings. When she was with Draco she had felt that she had to pick her battles since they came from different backgrounds. She sensed that he felt guilty for a lot of their past so instead of discussing any of it, he would just snap at her. It was one of the things that she had wanted to work on but no matter how many times she told him that who he had been was unimportant he would somehow turn it around on her.

'Hmm… I don't want to get up today' He stopped placing kisses on her ear and rolled onto his back. She stifled a smile and reached out her hand to caress his chin.

'Tell me about it, but what would people think about the newest American Diplomat being late… or worse… not turning up at all to work' she managed an impish grin then shoved him playfully towards the side of the bed.

'Alright, alright woman, I'm going' he huffed; he stretched out fully bringing his hands up to the headboard and working out all the kinks in his back by twisting his torso. He made to move off the bed but just as he sat up, he stilled as though in thought. Turning towards her with a slight frown marring his forehead and taking his bottom lip lightly into his mouth it seemed as though something had struck him.

'Last night, you seemed awfully friendly with that Krum fellow'

Internally rolling her eyes she thought the best way to answer was by brushing it aside.

'Yea, he and I used to be friends'

He raised a skeptical eyebrow. Hmm… Alex was not one to be vague to.

'Ok, so maybe we were a little bit more than friends at one point' pulling his hand towards her she ventured on.

'It's well and truly over now, nothing like thatis there, I should probably warn you, he and I are still close friends, it's not something that ane people have understood but… he knew me when no one else did'

He seemed to be mulling it over but then gave her a small smile and leant forward to kiss her cheek and moved back on his side of the bed to stand up.

'You know I can handle anything Hermione, I know that before you met me you had a life here with a whole lot of people who loved and cared for you, all you have to do is tell me the truth about them and I'll accept them and whatever relationship you have formed with them. You gave up the life we had back home for me and I know how difficult it might get here for you, but I want you to know that I'm willing to do anything to make it easier on you, you just have to tell me what'

While rifling through his wardrobe he finally found his clothes for the day then turned to appraise her once more. Smirking to himself he really couldn't believe how lucky he had been to find her.

'Get some sleep, it was a long day yesterday' with that parting line he started to walk out of their room and she heard him make his way down the hallway, Gabe's door scraped over the carpet signaling that he was checking in on him, after hearing no sound she then heard the snip on the bathroom door and was once more filled with a feeling that she couldn't even describe. She just knew it was too good for her. Her life was in a word… perfect. There were some minor glitches but she was confident that she would overcome them. It also reminded her that she would have to talk to someone, mulling over the best time to meet in her head she figured that maybe she would invite her to lunch. Since she was meeting with Luna later that day with Gabe she decided to try to get some more rest and then she would send an owl or floo, she was sure that Gabe would wake her when he woke which would be another thirty minutes of bliss. Pulling the bed covers over her enough to cover her mouth she snuggled down into the linen deeper willing herself to go back to sleep.

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Draco was reeling the next morning, after waking and finding Maria still in his room, he woke her up and told her to leave. She had wanted to stay but he faked an early morning meeting. Now he was reclining on his balcony taking in a leisurely breakfast. He had a lot of things to do today, one of which was to find out exactly what Hermione had been doing in the States. He knew the important bits such as Gabriel and her fiancé but she had been gone for five years. Bringing up a child and gaining a fiancé were quite unlikely to be what Hermione had spent the whole five years doing. First he supposed he would have to talk to Krum and see if he could get any information from him. Thinking back on the night before he supposed that maybe he had over reacted somewhat. It was just so easy to fall back on those patterns of desperation. The feelings that he had for Hermione were beyond anything he had even heard of as a child. When he was younger he never knew that it was even possible to feel this way, to simply stare at a person and for it be enough, to hold her hand or to take in her scent. He thought that his love far surpassed any cliché fairytales. Hermione had once likened it to a muggle movie, saying they were Rhett and Scarlett. He never got the term when he was first told but after reading the book he could clearly see himself in Rhett. Apart from Rhett actually being loyal and of good standing. Hearing the door to his room open he immediately became alert fearing that his father may have crossed paths with last night's guest, surely she had found her way out by now. His father had never condoned that sort of behavior, thinking it improper and immoral. Hardly befitting of a pureblood. Draco was sure that a man like Lucius wouldn't hold true to those values. He was also worried about any 'mishaps' that could be walking around. He visibly relaxed when he saw his mother sweeping through his room towards him. He reclined back in his chair while closing his eyes; he was made aware of her presence by a hand softly stroking his hair. It was such a comforting gesture, one that he had experienced many times yet each time he cherished it. His mother by nature was never an affectionate woman, her upbringing was so reserved and complex that one couldn't even begin to imagine how hard it was for her to show her love. He knew that she loved him; her reaction to his intent on making Hermione his wife all those years ago taught him that. She was still reserved with him though. It was quite the conundrum really. These brief moments were all he had. Hermione probably showered their child with love.

She removed her hand and sat on the chair opposite him then proceeded to pour a cup of tea for herself. As his mother rarely ever joined him for breakfast he was quite perplexed by her sudden appearance.

'Darling, you absolutely must tell me about the ball last night, I heard there was quite the scandal'

Ahh… there it was… she was interested in the gossip, deciding to humour her he gave in and relayed the story of last night to her, starting from the attendees, the subpar hor d'oeuvres and weak alcohol. As he droned on and on about inconsequential things such as Viktor's poor choice for a companion, Flint's dental surgery, Mrs. Mavis and her ghastly feathered scarf that had everyone wretching from the smell he noticed how agitated she was becoming and couldn't help but snigger inside. Only once she placed her tea cup down with more force than necessary did he decide to skip the prologue and move onto Hermione's appearance and the fallout. If she dared to crack one of her tea cups he knew that he would be blamed and then be sent on some horrid mission to find a replacement. His mother rarely disciplined him growing up but when she did she always made him correct his mistakes the muggle way to teach him that being a wizard was a privilege. He had no doubt that even at twenty five she would still send him out on a wild goose chase. Once he had fully relayed his story about Hermione, fiancé and child included he wasn't exactly expecting the reaction that he received. He was expecting outrage, disbelief at least. She actually seemed more shocked than anything else.

'She bought the child with her, you say?'

He swore he could see a faint smile touching her lips but didn't know what to make of it.

'Yes, his name is Gabriel'

Now there was no mistaking it, her smile had broadened and he was alarmed to say the least, his mother never smiled especially over children that she had never seen or heard of before. What was creeping him out the most was how she almost seemed pleased, yet he never mentioned anything more than his name, she never even knew that he was her grandson.

'Did I ever tell you I had a brother?' She whispered faintly.

'No I suppose I didn't darling, it was all a very long time ago, my father had always wanted a son and finally, after three girls my mother fell pregnant. He was such a sweet boy, I have few memories of him being a child myself. I just remembered his shock of blond hair and watching him sleep, we were all so fascinated by him'

She seemed lost in her own world while she was recounting this story to him.

'What happened to him?'

'He died, when he was two, an awful accident, it ruined my father, we all felt a loss. When you're a child you never fully understand, one minute you're playing with a beautiful brother and the next… he's gone'

Somehow knowing where this was going he thought it best to ask what relevance this all had just to be sure, his mother started talking again and not wanting to interrupt this lapse in his mother's usually fortified exterior he kept silent and tried to comprehend her next words.

'It's been so many years since that happened but I never forgot him'

Brushing her hand against her son's cheek she smiled adoringly at him as he leaned his head into her palm.

'When you were born, all blond hair and silver eyes, well I always wanted to name you after him, but your father said that he didn't want you to be hindered by someone that you neither knew or would care for and I understood, which is why we called you Draco'

Removing her hand she went to stand and smoothed out the invisible wrinkles.

'I have only mentioned that story to one other person outside of our family Draco and so I dearly hope that you will do whatever you must to bring not only your son, but his mother home'

''That might be harder than you think mother'

'She is not married yet and if you're worried about your father don't be, all he is concerned with is an heir'

'I'm not talking about Alex being the problem'

'Ahh… your meaning your indiscretions' Not knowing what else to do he simply nodded his head in response.

'She never knew about them… I guess I've realized it's just time to settle down'

Her not knowing was probably the only thing going for the boy, it would be difficult for him to break up the little family she has created for herself if she did know all of his secrets.

'Why exactly did she leave'

' I'm still unsure, I figure she found out she was pregnant and wasn't aware of how serious I took us to be'

Not knowing what to say to that since he surely couldn't be so much of an imbecile to actually believe that 'serious' means unfaithfulness she stored it away to mull over at another time.

'Tell me Draco, did you ever love her'

'I cant even remember a time that I didnt'

'Then you must do whatever is necessary, starting with your drinking, she is a responsible young woman who I daresay will not condone alcohol of any sort around her son'

He scoffed following that, she cant be that strict on the boy if she allowed him to attend the Ministry Ball.

'As for your indiscretions, they must cease as of today'

Feeling the slight prickle going down his spine his face contorted into a mask of disbelief, disbelief that his own mother who had endured his own father's indiscretions would dare to lecture him.

'Do not presume to know the nature of your fathers and my relationship. There were times when something could have happened but it never did, I was always aware of his whereabouts and frankly I thought that Hermione put far too much faith in you the first time round. If I were you I would go after her with every intention of getting her back, if you wish to have a repeat of your last relationship then I'll give you one bit of advice, don't waste her time and move on, I'm sure she will still allow me to see Gabriel, I don't want you to think that you being together again will hinder my relationship with him in any way.'

Leaving him with that reprimand she turned and left the way she came, now even his mother was against him. Going inside and into his office he flooed through to the Ministry.

First order of business, speaking to Krum about Hermione's whereabouts.

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Seated out on the balcony area of Le Chat Rouge, Hermione and Luna were busy catching up while Gabriel was busy looking at the live fish, wherever there was a tank he would be there, Hermione dreaded the day she would have to tell him where the fish actually end up. The day was warm but definitely starting to change to a chillier climate. It was one of the things that Hermione missed most about England, America was nice but the weather was never as discernible as here. She supposed it was because she had lived here whilst growing up. Many people always associated certain smells and experiences of childhood with later life. She remembered taking Gabriel to a park and picking up a certain woodsy sweet scent that had her mind having flashes of elementary school. They had spent most of their time talking about Alex, Luna had met him quite a few times during visits but she still wasn't sure of him. He was just so perfect. It was one of the reasons why she had liked Hermione and Draco together. Both were passionate about their lives and each other. Because she was such an avid supporter of Draco it did manage to break her heart just a bit when she found out the extent of Draco's cheating and she too had swept it aside at first, Hermione and he had something so special she thought that they could work it out but once Hermione made her decision she knew that she would stand by it.

That's not to say that her and Draco hadn't remained friends. They were both not included in the 'Golden Trio' and definitely excluded from the 'Awesome Foursome' that Ginny had once tried to brand about, neither had many close friends so it was natural for them to lean on each other, today was not meant to be that day. Just as the three of them finished dessert Luna's casual scan of the restaurant picked up a sight that had her jaw dropping. Draco Malfoy… talking to the maître d' as though they were old friends and surreptitiously scanning the restaurant, one look at Hermione and she could tell that by her own expression she knew exactly who had walked in. The worst of it was how his arm was snugly fit around some tramp that she would bet a million galleons of Malfoys fortune that he didn't know her name. It wasn't even the one that she had seen him with last night, honestly… it was just past one in the afternoon and not only did he pick one up last night, he had another one today. All in the span of twelve hours. As he spotted them she could see him point them out to the maître d' who quickly followed after them with Menu's.

'Fancy seeing you two here, Merlin, it feels like it's been years' dramatically perusing them with keen eyes he then locked his gaze onto Hermione and smiled indulgently her way, she kept her gaze on Luna. After getting nothing but Luna's greeting and skeptical look he decided it was best to drag in Candy.

'I'd like you to meet Candy, I was walking out of the Ministry and the poor dear lost her way so I invited her to lunch'

The woman both exchanged a look.

'How fortunate for her Draco' Luna quipped.

'Quite' he added.

The girl, who after looking around herself for a minute finally realized that she was being addressed said 'Oh, my names not Candy, it's Brandy'

Hermione's tight smile brightened. In a rather condescending way Draco thought.

'Of course it is, do you attend Hogwarts Brandy?'

Draco smirked, this was going as planned, Hermione was riled and he had a hot date to show off, pftt Hogwarts? What kind of question was that. Brandy must be at least a few years out. Her perky voice piped up.

'Not really, I mean, my final year was last year but I still have to go back for a couple of terms'

Nearly spitting out his cranberry juice at that answer his face started growing redder by the second. Great, not only an eighteen year old but a dumb one to boot. He hazarded a glance in Hermione's direction to see her shuddering as though she was trying to hold something in. He started getting mad at being the laughing stock when an excited 'mama' rang through the restaurant. Hermione was then covered by a blue sweater and jean clad child who was talking a mile a minute. She kept her smile plastered on her face but he knew that she was uncomfortable.

'Mama, it's 1.30… see… my watch is beeping which means we have half an hour to get to dad's work… come on we have to go… come on come on'

Hermione started speaking sternly to the boy and lecturing him on proper behavior which reminded him eerily of Narcissa. Now sulking on the chair and embarrassed about being told off, Hermione merely told him to start behaving and proceeded to make her excuses to Luna. The feeling he was experiencing was strange, he had only found out his son's existence last night yet only now did he start to actually wonder about him. Up close he was more real to him and he started to take in his appearance, he was small still, hair slicked back much as his own was as a child Grey eyes that matched his own and that he knew would lure many a girl in, starting with Narcissa. Soft cheeks and slight chin as most small children. He was a replica of himself in most ways, only the face shape was Hermione's, the thoughtful expression. He was enchanting really. Feeling lost while looking at him he quickly looked away but not before catching Hermione's eyes which were curious. Five years he had gone without Hermione and why… a stupid argument that meant nothing. Now his son was calling another man 'dad' Merlin, he was probably given that stupid watch by him. This boy sitting opposite him was his child, his child with Hermione, no words could describe what he was feeling. By instinct he leant forward in his seat and made to reach across the table to touch him but Hermione's hand stilled him. Her face was murderous but she was clearly trying to reign in her anger.

'NO..not today' she said firmly

'He is my… '

'Not here' retracting his hand his eyes met hers and promised retribution for a rebuke of this kind.

Gabriel's face was impassive for the most part but did hold a hint of fear and curiosity.

Standing from her seat she crouched next to Gabriel and proceeded to put his jacket on.

'At least introduce us Granger, It's been a long time'

Feeling slightly harassed but knowing he had some rights she decided to do as he said, but not because he said it, only because it would be rude not to.

'Gabriel, I would like you to meet a friend of mine, Draco Malfoy, we went to Hogwarts together'

He sneered 'Just a friend Granger'

'Barely that' she muttered.

Walking to the other side of the table he crouched in front of the child, he could see Hermione becoming more agitated but he needed this. Putting his hand out in front of him he waited for Gabriel to grasp it, after a hesitant few seconds he shook his hand. Inquisitive looks were exchanged and then Draco stood.

'It was a pleasure to meet you Gabriel'

'My mama and papa call me Gabe, if you would like, you can too' he shrugged.

'Maybe someday' he looked wistful as Hermione said her goodbyes to Luna and then inched her way around him. She was just as intoxicating as last night. Looking around and finding Brandy chatting up one of the waiters he slumped down into one of the empty chairs and noticed Luna looking at him with such pity it actually made him feel worse.

'What exactly were you trying to do here'

He snickered at his ill conceived plan.

'Thought I would show her what she's missing, make her jealous' nonchalant shrug as though his plan didn't take him all morning to execute only to be annihilated in ten minutes.

'Oh Draco, why would you think that that would make her jealous, she's beyond petty jealousies, she's now indifferent to who your with' She didn't want to be harsh but she was quite curious about this.

'Please, the girl tried to scratch Pansy Parkinson in the prefects bathroom because she had been relaying an old story of one of our encounters, she can't have changed that much' He had been wondering that very same thing but during his two brief visits with Hermione she seemed to be the same.

'Well, the woman is now sick of your womanizing ways' Luna said lightly.

Feeling like he was being caught but knowing that that was impossible he decided to keep the lie going.

'What do you mean? I never cheated on her'

Lunas brow furrowed and it actually became worrying to him. Leaning forward so as not to attract any other patrons she asked him something that she now feels she should have asked years ago.

'Draco, why do you think Hermione left'

Suddenly unsure of himself he told her about their brief argument and her irrational behavior. Leaning back in her seat she couldn't keep the incredulous look off her face. All this time and he thought that she wouldn't know. When Hermione had told her of last night's encounter she thought it strange behavior since she had always wondered about his inability to find her, now it was perfectly clear. He hadn't known that he was in the wrong which made him resentful and lazy. Well she will just have to set the record straight.

'Draco… Hermione knows'

'Knows what exactly'

He took a cold fry and popped it in his mouth. Luna was back to the pity look and really, the love of his life had run away, had his child, kept him from him and now he was calling some yankee 'dad' and she thought that she could really top that?

'About Ginny Weasley' hearing that name he stopped cold.

'She told Hermione about it before she left, that's why she left Draco'

Closing his eyes he couldn't help the feeling of dread… how could he possibly get her back now.

So... another chapter... sorry about grammar issues... just so tired... bare with me and once I finish I swear I'll print it out and correct it all.