Chapter 4- the end of the school year
Jenny was very happy with the new arrangement in her room. She could get in or out of bed without having to climb. She could draw pictures on the bits a pieces of parchment that was neatly set up on her little desk or get toys out of the toy-box she wanted all by herself. She hugged her stuffed unicorn given to her by Grandpa Albus when she was little with glee.
She could now go and get daddy Severus up in the morning though he sometimes didn't appreciate it all the time, he often told her it was still too early and to go back to bed.
Today she thought it was okay as the sun was up and shining through the magical window that Grandma Minerva made on the wall that faced her when she woke up. She slid out of bed and toddled over to the room where Severus was sleeping. She reached out and pried open one of his eye lids with her finger and asked 'daddy wake yet?'
'' Ouch l am now' Severus told her and he reached out and gave her a hug. He hoped she wouldn't wake him up that way too often. Severus took her back to her room and as routine had become – Jenny was cleaned up, diaper changed then dressed her in an outfit of her own choosing...within reason that is.
With Caffeine watching Jenny as she sat at her new desk and drew a picture on a piece of parchment Severus got himself dressed and cleaned up then after brushing her hair and putting in the clips they went off together to Great Hall.
It was end of term and the kids were getting ready to go after a week of some very tough exams.
The examiners really put the students through their paces and getting good marks meant a lot of revising and study.
Albus had given out the marks for the Houses and the end of year reports at supper last night, and now this morning said his goodbyes and last speech to the students who were packed and ready to leave. The only student who didn't go was Draco who, being Severus' ward would stay throughout the summer.
After breakfast the carriages came to take the students down to the Hogwarts express, which was at its siding waiting to transport them to their homes. Jenny said her goodbyes to the students who came over to say goodbye and gave hugs all around.
Neville handed Draco some parchment filled with ideas on the project they and Hagrid were planning. 'I wish I could stay and help more Draco. But Gran...'
'I understand Neville thanks for all your help. I am sure that with Hagrid helping and good weather it should be completed by the time you return and you can see the results. '
'Maybe taste test them?' said Ron Weasley as he and Harry came over with Hermione to wish Draco luck for the summer.
'Ron!' Hermione said sharply. 'Always speaking with your stomach.'
Ron shrugged as Draco, Neville and Harry laughed. It was well known how much Ron loved to eat.
It didn't seem too long but everybody and their belongings got loaded and then the last carriage was gone and silence came over the castle, Albus, Minerva and Severus stood quietly talking among themselves while Jenny sat on the grass and watched the clouds as they flitted by. Draco sat down beside her and Jenny reached out and put her little hand over his. She was still not a very big person for somebody going on one year of age. Draco looked down at her and he felt at peace with his world. He would probably not get over the hesitancy in his speech patterns or get the use of his left eye but he had come to accept his limitations this year.
Jenny was watching Draco and then grabbed hold of his arm and stood up carefully she balanced herself and then tried to walk. He lifted his arm and stretched it out carefully so she could balance. The adults heard him say 'look at Jenny.' They turned and Severus knelt where he was and held his arms out to her. She held Draco's arm lightly and steadied herself .she got as far as she could holding his arm and then looked over to Severus and walked a little unsteady towards him and fell into his arms.
She did it. Her little family was all there and they were so happy and proud of her. She was passed to each of them for a special hug. Albus used the occasion as an excuse to say 'Lets go in and get some ice cream and sherbet lemon to celebrate Jenny's first steps.'
Everyone else smiled, as they knew how fond of the treat sherbet lemon Albus was.
They went in and Jenny showed Madame Pomfrey and Filtch the crusty school custodian her new ability. Even Hagrid who had come back from seeing the students off was shown and invited to join in the little celebration. Jenny had been a little scared of Hagrid at first because of his immense size and rather shaggy looking features. She soon learned that he was just a big lovable fellow who genuinely liked her.
With the celebration the holidays had officially been recognised and the rest of the day was spent quietly each person doing whatever they had to get done.
Jenny had Draco go outside with her for a while so she could play and he pushed her on her swing for a while then carried her over to Hagrid's hut to see Fang. He was an immense dog who let her hug him and sit on top of his massive back. Fangs tail wagged furiously with happiness.
Hagrid and Draco sat in the sunshine watching the little girl and Fang play. Draco was an entirely different boy from when Hagrid and he first met and the giant thought it was definitely for the better.
Hagrid had no use for the Malfoy family normally. They were what he considered bad blood through and through but over this past year Draco proved to him time and time again that he was different now.
He was starting to consider Draco as a friend.
Near noon Draco and Jenny took their leave of Hagrid to go into the castle Severus met them and took Jenny to get her diaper change and wash up before the meal commenced.
Afterwards Jenny had a good nap back in her room Draco went back down to Hagrids to finalise the plans for the special project which Neville Longbottom had also helped with while school was in session. Severus sat back in his Comfortable wingchair to do some reading while wondering what adventures summer would bring.
It was a promising start to the summer.
