Hermione heeded Severus's advice and invited Ginny and Luna for a coffee in Hogsmeades.
"Severus I'm going" she shouted from the hallway.
"Hermione come in here please" Severus called from the kitchen.
Hermione begrudgingly hung her coat back up on the hook before slugging into the kitchen.

Severus sat at the table -set for two- with his paper out in front of him.
"Please don't make me" Severus raised an eyebrow at her nonsense.
"Sit down" He drawled and carefully kicked the chair back.
"But I'm not … "
"Just like you haven't been for the last 3 days Hermione, now you will not leave this house until you have eaten that sandwich" Hermione pouted but didn't resist as soon as the bacony goodness hit her senses.

"You know me far too well for your own good"
Severus almost smiled at seeing her enjoy eating something he had cooked.
"Not enough one would say, if I didn't force you to eat, you wouldn't eat until dinner and in my books that is not good enough. If you wanted a pity party and to be fed until you could burst you would have gone to Molly's at the very beginning"

Hermione smiled, a smile that said a thousand thank you's and more. Of course Severus just acknowledged it by pulling his paper up –to cover his face- anyone who didn't know him would think he was dismissing the notion. Not Hermione, she knew it was so she couldn't see his true feelings and truthfully she was fine with how their relationship worked.

"Wash your plate up, orange juice is in the fridge" Hermione let a groan escape her lips –much to Severus's amusement- as she washed her plate up.
"You can be insufferable at times" She whispered under her breathe.
"What was that dear child" Severus quietly asked from behind her, Jumping out of her skin she placed a handover her heart.
"Merlin Severus you could of killed me"
"Well if that all it takes I wish I would of done it long before now"

Hermione narrowed her eyes at the smirking git, before retrieving her coat from her peg.
"I'm going now" fastening her coat up to the top she picked her set of keys up from the key hook.
"Don't be late home" He muffled behind the prophet.
"I'll be home when I feel like it" came her cheeky reply, she apparated away to soon to hear his own snarky remark.


"There you are" Ginny wrapped her arms around her friends neck.
"Calm down Gin, Severus made me eat breakfast before I left the house is all" Luna stood and pulled Hermione in for a loose cuddle before returning to her notes. Hermione with just one look knew something was on Luna's mind, she bit the top of her pen and her perfectly blonde eyebrows furrowed in frustration.

"Ok, out with it" She stared pointedly at the witch.
"You don't fancy giving the Quibbler a quote do you? It's just next issue is due tomorrow and I have nothing to give to the readers." Hermione inwardly sighed at the grimace crossing her friends face. Everyone who knew Luna knew she didn't like to ask such things from her friends.

"First official interview with my friend, why not? At least you won't print lies" Luna didn't involve magic in her writing, plain paper and an ordinary pen. Muggle style if you will.
"Ok just give me an official statement I won't ask questions, I don't want the readers to pry … too much" Luna added as a quiet after thought.

"What do I say?" She sighed sloping into the metal chair and toying with her cup of coffee Ginny had pre-ordered. She had never given a statement when a relationship had gone down the crapper, and Severus had dealt with her end of the bargain with her and Ron's no so very private split.

"Say how you want to slice his …. Off" Ginny smirked and sipped her cuppa.
"But I don't" Luna raised an eyebrow.
"You love him" It wasn't a question and she knew it.
"I wish I didn't, I wish i had told him to bugger off when he came into the bookstore, I wish I had never gone to coffee with him, I wish how I don't like his perfectly chiselled features, I wish I hadn't fallen so hard for someone I barely know, look's what has happened?" Hermione caught hold of her emotions before they got a hold of her.

"Ok, Just print something along the lines of, I have come from our week together stronger, I wish Draco and Astoria all the best for their future and any future Malfoy heirs that are to grace the wizarding world" Luna smiled appreciatively.
"I trust you will expand" Luna nodded already on the job.


"How are the children?" Hermione turned to Ginny.
"Fine, Teddy is with his Grandma for the day, James and Albus are with Ron and Harry –its take the children to work day- and my Lily flower is baking cookies with mum."
"So is Ron taking Albus around the ministry again?"
"No, no he learnt his lesson from last year and is taking James instead"

Last year Ron had taken his nephew Albus, much to dismay he learnt Albus had spent way too many hours with his Uncle George and had a love for practical jokes.
"So, will you be going to Scorpious birthday?" Ginny reluctantly.
"Yes, Severus will be coming in the afternoon"
"I didn't ask if Severus was coming, I asked about you Hermione" Concern seeped through every word.

"I will be going and I have just received his present today" Hermione smiled, she couldn't wait to see his face when he opened the surprise.
"Are you ok with going, I mean She is going to be there and she will make sure to be draped all over Draco's arm" Hermione sighed and closed her eyes, she had already thought all this through.
"I know, but what can I do? Be the desperate girl who can't let him go? No I refuse, I will charge through Friday and be there for Scorpious."

"It's ok not to be ok" Luna called over her papers.
"I know Luna, but that's what I have Severus for"
"I will never understand how your relationship started with our snarky potions teacher" Hermione tried to stifle a giggle.
"If I told you the whole truth you wouldn't believe me" Hermione told her friends what was necessary.
"Have you … you know?" Ginny wriggled her eyebrows suggestively at her friend.
"With Severus? … No … It would be extremely wrong"


When Luna had finished the statement and handed it to Hermione for a proof read they were able to properly be together for a while, eating cake and all. They discussed how Luna's paper was fairing, how Ginny was at her wits end with Lily's tantrum stage and Hermione's best seller book. All three stayed truly away from the 'Malfoy' subject as to not cause any bad ambiance between the great day.

"Right I must be going to get this printed, I will send you a copy Mione'" Luna kissed her friends and left for home.
"I must be going too, Harry will be home soon and I am hoping I can make some cake before he comes home, would you like to stay?" Hermione shook her head.
"Severus is making rhubarb crumble, don't tell on me Gin but I swear it beats your mum's hands down. I will send you some tonight for you to taste" The two cuddled in goodbye and departured in their different directions.


"Hermione" knock knock.
"Wake up" knock knock.
"It's 12.00" Knock knock. Hermione flung the door open, nearly splintering the wood in the process.
"Why didn't you wake me already"
"Oh, I'm sorry I have been at work all morning. Remind me next time to take the day off of work just to wake you up early" Sarcasm laced from his mouth as he turned for the stairs.

"Thank you" She whispered feebly but Severus was already slamming the living room door shut.
Pulling on some blue chinos, a black top and her black biker jacket she bounded the stairs pulling her hair in a messy bun in the process.
"Are you ready now?" Hermione frowned slightly.
"Were not leaving until were on a good note Severus"

"Sorry, I don't want to go today and allow you to get hurt, if it gets too much let me know and we will come straight back home. Promise me Hermione"
If it was anybody else he would of hexed them into oblivion for attempting such a thing, but with Hermione he couldn't ignore her requests, anything she asked for she got without questioning.


With a gentle smile she held onto his preferred arm as they flooed outside the Manor's door, an house elf automatically opened the door.
"I did wonder when you would whore your back in here" Hermione clutched tightly to Severus's arm, trying hard to ignore the witch coming from the stairs.
"Couldn't have my husband so you choose his godfather …. How sick" Hermione rolled her eyes at her immaturity.

"Ms Greengrass" Severus rudely pushed past her and into the Manor half dragging Hermione with him.
"I don't think your quite welcome here, a blood traitor and a mudblood" Hermione rolled her wand between her fingers in her coat pocket.
"I do believe we are, Lucius thank you for personally inviting us" Severus never took his eyes off the Slytherin witch for a moment as Lucius came out from the shadows..

"Severus my old friend, come in come in. Ms Greengrass you should know protocol. Stand by the door and greet the guests"
"Lord Malfoy" Hermione smiled slightly shy, she hadn't seen the Malfoy's or the Manor since the night she left.
"Please, I am sure we are well acquainted for you to call me Lucius" Reaching down he gently held her hand and pressedd it to his lips briskly.

"Come through to the garden, Scorpious will be delighted to see you both"
"And what about me Lucius?" The girl asked from the stairs.
"Know your place girl, Lord Malfoy is my correct title" He bellowed at her quivering form.
"What are you doing to the poor girl" Severus smirked as he allowed the trio to enter the gardens.
"Nothing she doesn't bloody deserved … Scorpious" Lucius called to the circle of kids.


Scorpious took one look up at his Grandfather and sprinted across the lawn.
Draco whom was watching his son intently followed his gaze to the most beautiful witch he had ever seen stood with his Father and Severus, of course he knew who she was. Who could miss those beautiful eyes.
"Patience" Angelina Weasley whispered into his ear, they had just come from his study discussing the findings on his Wife.

"Hermione" The little boy screeched as he lifted his arms up. Hermione scooped him up and ran in a circle with him.
"I missed you darling" She stopped spinning and returned next to Severus.
"I missed you two, Father has been terribly lonesome without you"
Hermione plastered her best smile on, knowing she was probably being watched by everyone and Draco himself.
"I'm sure he is doing fine sweetie, would you like to open my present?"

She placed Scorpious on the floor as he nodded eagerly and lowered herself so she was sat on the floor across from him. Pulling a brown paper wrapped object from her bag she handed it to the little boy, monitoring his reaction. Scorpious ripped open the paper and sat cemented into the ground.
"But you said …" Hermione smiled
"I know but you wanted it, this is the first one out yet. Open it up" He did as instructed and smiled.
"That will be on each and every book that is printed" On the first page read; To a little Scorpion who knows plenty about dinosaurs. He placed the book carefully on the floor and jumped into her arms.
"I love it, I love it" The little boy squealed"


"What is it that Miss Grange has bought you son" Hermione looked up to the beautiful grey eyes.
"Look Daddy, Hermione bought me 'Dragons and Other Tales'" Draco raised an eyebrow obviously impressed.
"How did you manage that one Granger?"
"Back to first name basis are we know Malfoy, Surely you're adult enough to call me by my given name" Hermione smirked slightly.

"Fine … Hermione how did you manage to get Scorpious a copy of your new book?" Hermione loved the way her name rolled elegantly off his tongue.
"Simply that … It's my book, I requested one to be printed early especially for Scorpious" Hermione shrugged nonchalantly.
"Thank you for giving Scorpious such a gift, Scorpious thank Miss Granger accordingly" Hermione frowned slightly at his awkwardness.
"Thank you Hermione, We were just about to play quidditch with the adults … would you like to play?" Hermione smiled and shook her head.
"I will sit on the side line, is that okay sweetie?" With a nod Scorpious ran back down to the pitch were his friends were surrounding Hary and Ron, supposedly the referees.


Hermione made her way over to her girlies as soon as she saw the two sat under an apple tree, ignoring the constant staring at the back of her head she held her head high.
"Why do I feel like everyone is watching my every move" She whispered carefully in Ginny's ear.
"Because silly, they are. Every journalist is here from the important papers watching how you interact with Draco" Hermione looked around the garden as if somewhat bored, noting in fact that Ginny was correct, Even Luna was taking a few pictures for The Quibbler.

"Don't look, but Astoria is trying ever so hard to flirt with Draco, and he cannot keep his eyes off of you" Ang poked her elbow in her side suggestively.
"Please, she can have him" Hermione returned her eyes on the kids on their brooms. Angelina frowned, she thought Draco had told her.

The game had been going well, Scorpious's team was winning not that having James and Teddy on their team wasn't a big help. Being the birthday boy he was the captain and the seeker for his team, flying higher than she was comfortable with Hermione watched in horror as Scorpious fell from his broom.

Ginny immediately gripped her arm back keeping her securely in place. Of course Astoria ran across the field, pretending to be the doting Mother. She tended to him and made sure he was ok before giving him a cuddle. Disgusted Scorpious pushed her way from him, standing by himself he ran freely to his Hermione crying all the way. Ginny –with a smile securely fit into place- finally let go of her friend to allow her to embrace the boy.

"Are you ok darling?" She pushed his hair from his fringe as he nodded.
"Your mummy could have made you feel better you know" Scorpious stepped away slightly with frown securely in place.
"She is not my mother never mind a mummy" He half screeched not caring who heard him.
"Ok darling, ok come here" Hermione pulled Scorpious closer to her.


"Are you ok Scorp?" Draco out of breathe stopped in front of the trio of girls.
"I am now, Hermione making me feel better … see, can she make you feel better Daddy?" Ginny and Anglina covered their mouths to stop them from laughing.
"I am sure your Daddy is just tired from work darling, a good night sleep and a hot cuppa will sort him out" Hermione answered Scorpious, expertly ignoring Draco's intense gaze.

"Go play with your friends sweetie" Hermione gave him a final kiss on his forehead and stood up.
"Stay away from my son Granger" Hermione bit her tongue at the irritating voice quickly coming into view.
"Miss Granger was consoling our son, something you couldn't do. You are embarrassing yourself Tori. Go inside and calm down" Draco demanded of his wife, and of course the dutiful wife agreed.

The rest of the day went off without a hitch, Hermione stayed by her girlies side throughout the whole function, she kept her wandering eyes on Draco's interactions with his wife, they didn't seem like the loved up couple the Prophet had portrayed them over the week. Severus stayed with Lucius on the outskirts on the gardens whilst Narcissa -always the perfect hostess- wondered around each guest tending to their needs.