Chapter 9
The next couple of weeks flew by rather quickly for Hermione. Her office had been restored the following day but it took a while to catch up with the missed two days of work. However, she still didn't know who had vandalized her office. Harry had sent one of his Aurors to inform her that Astoria's flat had been abandoned and there wasn't any trace of her. Despite her disappearance they weren't actively searching for her because without concrete proof she was only considered a person of interest. The investigation into who vandalized her office quickly ran its course and Hermione was sure it would soon be forgotten as one of many unsolved cases.
Draco was doing well too. He had confessed to Hermione that his meetings with Neville were about him investing in Neville's Herbology Center in exchange for a guaranteed amount of supplies for Malfoy Apothecary. While it would still take months before Draco would be able to reopen the family business Hermione was glad that he finally stopped wasting his potential. It also made her view Draco in a very different light.
But there was still something else bugging Hermione. Neither she nor Draco had ever discussed the fact that they had almost kissed. The entire situation was awkward considering how much time they were spending together. Yet there were lingering touches and shy gazes that made it clear that their relationship was changing and Hermione found herself longing to be more than just friends with the blond Slytherin. It was turning into a slow burning need for intimacy and Hermione found herself working out quite a lot to compensate for all that pent up desire.
Pansy and Theo had qualified for the grant and their expansion had been done within a week and a half of receiving the gold. Even though they didn't need Hermione's services anymore they decided to keep her to do their bookkeeping to lighten their workload once the baby was born. Theo was especially excited when the Ministry decided to house the Quidditch Players from Atlético Barcelona at the Inn. Apparently they were one of the teams thought to have the best chances of winning the European Quidditch Cup. Their village had been abuzz for weeks with excitement over their arrival as well.
Finally the opening day of the European Quidditch Cup was here. The first match was between Puddlemere United and QC Hamburg. While the German team was favored to win the match Draco had been getting Sophie excited about a thrilling match between two equally strong teams. He had taught her the fight song all Puddlemere fans needed to know and even gotten her a child sized shirt supporting the team's Seeker. Sophie hadn't taken the shirt off in days and Hermione had to wash it when her daughter was fast asleep at night.
"Merlin," Hermione gasped as Draco apparated them to the Puddlemere United home stadium. Theo, Pansy and Blaise were already inside waiting on them. "This is a lot of people."
"Yeah," Draco agreed as he tightened his grip around Hermione's waist briefly relishing the closeness between them. "The Ministry worked hard on the preparations. They have something to prove to the entire world after what happened during the World Cup Final in '94."
"What happened," Sophie piped up nosily and Hermione quickly moved away from Draco.
"There was a lot of chaos back then my nosy girly," Hermione stretched the truth a bit. She wasn't going to tell her daughter what exactly had happened and that both adults had been right there in the middle of it all. "Now, you need to hold on to Mummy and Draco's hand no matter what. There is no letting go or walking off without us. We will be sticking together until we get to our seats and you will stay in your seat unless you're leaving with me. Do you understand?"
"Yes Mummy," Sophie nodded enthusiastically.
Sophie shot a guilty look at Draco and quickly took his hand back so that she was safe right between the two adults. As they walked toward the stadium Hermione's eyes widened at the masses in front of them. There must have been thousands of excited Quidditch fans from all over Europe.
"It always amazes me to see how many of us there really are," Draco leaned over to whisper into Hermione's ear giving her goose bumps as his breath hit her skin. "Sophie seems fascinated by all this."
Hermione ignored her quickened heartbeat and swallowed hard. She was struggling to keep a clear head - something that seemed to become increasingly difficult as she spent more time with Draco. She shot a quick glance at Draco who was looking at her with an intensity that was hard to ignore. That sly bastard knew exactly what kind of impact he had on her.
Mentally shaking herself she looked down at her daughter. Sophie was watching the crowds with wide eyes. Since there weren't any muggles for miles many of the witches and wizards in attendance couldn't help but show off for each other. The area was buzzing with excitement. Live fairies illuminated the entire area while patronuses weaved in and out of the crowds. Birds were conjured out of nowhere and color changing stars and sparklers were shot into the air constantly. A reporter had enchanted his camera to fly over the many waiting people and take pictures every few seconds. A group of half-giants towered over everyone while house-elves were holding spots in line for their masters. Hermione spotted goblins taking bets, merchants apparating back and forth to sell fan apparel and programs to waiting ticketholders and scalpers trying to sell tickets at greatly inflated prices. It was magical and it seemed Sophie was more than just enchanted with what was happening in front of her.
"This is brilliant," Hermione smiled at Draco as he led them past the long lines. "Where are we going?"
"We have special V.I.P. benefits," he shot her a smug smile as they reached an entrance labeled V.I.P.'s and Season Ticket holders. "We don't have to wait in line."
"Oh," Hermione exclaimed as she watched Draco hand over the tickets.
"You know I better carry Sophie," Draco decided as soon as they entered the busy stadium.
Hermione just nodded. The many people crammed into the small entrance area were quite overwhelming. She felt Draco grip her hand - a warm tingling feeling accompanied the connection of their hands - and turned to look at him. He had Sophie tightly secured in his arm and Hermione couldn't help but smile at the picture the two of them made. Draco was a great guy and Sophie adored him very much. The two of them had already bonded over so many things and he had sacrificed a lot of his free time to be with them even though Hermione had been very guarded when it came to her own feelings.
As soon as they got to their seats Sophie started chattering happily with the other Slytherins. Hermione took the opportunity to look around the owner's lounge. She was surprised at its size. It could easily hold up to fifty people and there were a buffet and a bar serving them.
"That's the majority owner," Draco leaned closer as he pointed to an elderly wizard who was surrounded by a huge group of people. He was so close that she could smell his minty breath. "He owns 95 percent of the team. And Oliver Wood over there is rumored to become the next coach for the team. His popularity as team captain generated a lot of income for the club and he's the main reason the team got to this point. Unfortunately he got injured and was forced to retire at the end of last month but his number will be retired when the new season starts later this year."
But Hermione wasn't paying any attention anymore. Instead she was studying Draco. He was handsome with his messy hair, his one-day stubble and wicked smirk. Spending time with him was fun; he always considered Sophie and never pressured Hermione into anything.
"I have to go potty, Mummy" Sophie interrupted her thoughts as she snuggled up to Hermione.
"I'll come with you," Pansy announced chuckling lightly. "The baby is making me pee a lot lately. And then we can look around a little bit before the match starts. I am a sucker for all the Quidditch baby gear they sell here."
Hermione laughed but quickly agreed and the three girls left the lounge toward the bathrooms.
"Still just friends, huh," Theo asked with a grin on his face as soon as they left. "Considering how much time you spend with them I'd say you're losing your touch. Or maybe you never had it in the first place?"
"I don't know, Theo," Blaise chuckled next to him. "I think there is something he isn't telling us. It's that or he's entered the eternal black hole of the friend zone. I personally prefer the latter. Maybe she's just using him to get to me."
"Oh, do shut up," Draco threw him a mock frown as the Italian wriggled his eyebrows. "You stay away from her."
Both men chuckled at Draco's predicament. Neither had ever been in the blond Slytherin's situation. Women practically threw themselves at Blaise while Theo had been with Pansy for years. Draco was about the respond when his friends cursed as they looked over his shoulder in surprise.
"Bloody hell," Blaise exclaimed. "What the hell are they doing here?"
"Language," Draco drawled but turned around to see what had made Blaise curse. As soon as he spotted the Potters, Weasley and his fiancée he cursed as well. "Great. This is the last place I want to be confronted by that ginger git and the Boy-who-makes-me-gag. "
Draco watched as Potter and his wife greeted Oliver Wood with warm hugs and cheerful greetings. Bleeding Gryffindors were so sentimental. Draco winced as he thought of Hermione. He hoped there wouldn't be a confrontation between the former friends. A public place like this wasn't where he wanted a fight to break out. Potter had already shown he didn't care about Hermione anymore. He just hoped the idiot would have more sense than to argue in front of Sophie.
"Just turn back around," Theo suggested. "They may not notice us after all and Weasley is not worth a fight."
Draco snorted at that but turned back to face the front anyway. He knew his blond hair was a dead giveaway to his identity. And if his hair didn't tip them off, Hermione's big and curly mane would do the trick as soon as she returned to her seat.
"Well, well," he closed his eyes as soon as he heard the Weasel's voice behind him. "Who do we have here, looks like Malfoy and his Death Eater friends are out to play. Malfoy, I heard you have a new girlfriend. Left her at home, huh? I wouldn't trust the whore to stay home alone. But then I guess you have nothing to worry about since Zabini is right here with you."
Draco closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He really wanted to punch the guy but Theo was right. He shouldn't stoop down to the redhead's level even though the things he called Hermione made it difficult not to react.
"What," Weasley continued his taunt. "Not going to defend her? Well even Malfoy knows how much of a slut Hermione really is!"
"Don't call her that. Just shut up for once you low life user," the blond turned just in time to see the rest of Weasley's group join him. "We're here to watch a match and have fun. I don't want to argue with someone like you. As a matter of fact, I don't want to ever see your ugly face again. How did you get in here anyway? Pawn off everything you own to get a ticket or did your rich fiancée pay for it?"
Ron's face turned red and his entire body started shaking. Draco rolled his eyes in annoyance. It was so typical for the Weasel to have no control over his emotions.
"At least I don't have to worry about leaving her alone," Ron hissed back.
"Ronnie," his fiancée spoke quietly but it seemed to do little to soothe his anger. "Let's not do this here. We've come to enjoy a great match today. I don't want to argue with your old rivals."
"She's right Ron," Wonderboy interjected. "I can't keep sweeping your outbursts under the rug anymore."
Draco watched with satisfaction as Weasley's face turned even redder with embarrassment and anger. But his embarrassment quickly turned into even more anger. All three Slytherins knew what was about to happen. Even back at Hogwarts Weasley had been rather infamous for his explosive temper.
"I am going to warn the girl's," Theo muttered behind him. "Don't think the short one needs to see any of this bullshit."
Draco nodded as he carefully watched Weasley's hand twitch toward where he presumed his wand was hidden. The blond was ready to reach for his own wand if he needed to. But as soon as Theo squeezed past the git to find the girls he was grabbed by the lapels of his shirt. Draco and Blaise charged forward while Potter tried to pull his friend away.
"Ron," his sister interjected angrily. "Get it together. You're making a scene in public. I am representing the Prophet and don't need you to act like a fool."
"Let me at 'hem," he was kicking and screaming while Harry continued to hold him back.
Finally, he shook Harry off and charged toward the group of Slytherins. Quickly - and before Draco could even react - Ron lifted his clenched fist and aimed at in the general direction of the three men. Theo and Blaise sidestepped him quickly. However, Draco had been distracted by someone calling his name.
"Draco," Sophie came running past a group of spectators just as Ron's fist connected with his jaw.
The little girl's eyes widened as Draco tumbled backwards into one of the seats behind him. The blond wasn't sure what she had seen but despite the pain and dizziness he straightened up quickly. Draco shot a warning look at the Weasel. However, it seemed like his entire group had been frozen in shock since the miniature version of their former friend had appeared.
"What is it Sophie," he asked and Sophie jumped into his arms. His jaw was hurting like hell but he wasn't going to let his guard drop in front of her.
"Sophie Ann Granger," Hermione's voice came out of the crowd. She seemed oblivious to the group of Gryffindors as she moved next to Draco. "What did I tell you about staying with me while we get some food from the buffet table?"
"But Mummy," Sophie protested. "I told you I was going to run to Draco to show him my omniars..."
Hermione studied Draco's face in concern. She gently touched his jaw but removed her hand when he winced in pain. Draco watched Hermione's shoulders sack. He quickly realized that she must have seen her former friends but had tried to keep Sophie away from them until the confrontation was over. Sophie however must have been unable to contain her excitement and had run toward him to show off her purchases anyway.
"Did she see," Hermione asked quietly but he only shrugged not sure what Sophie had seen.
He studied her. Hermione looked shaken by the appearance of Harry, Ginny, Ron and his fiancée Maggie. Obviously she hadn't counted on them being here either. But thinking about it he reckoned it made sense. He suddenly wanted to slap himself for not thinking of it sooner. Ginny Potter had her own Quidditch column in the Prophet while Potter - the Savior of their world - must be getting invited to things like this all the time.
Draco carefully watched as Hermione glanced at the group and frowned. Even now he couldn't stop his urge to protect her and Sophie from this situation. He quickly shook off his thoughts and looked at the group standing in front of them. It was an odd picture. Hermione's former friends were all staring at Sophie like she was the reincarnation of Dumbledore. Both Hermione and Draco looked back at the little girl who was luckily busy with her omnioculars and not paying any attention to the people around her.
"She... you," Ginny managed to be the first to speak after what seemed like the most tense and excruciating thirty seconds in the history of mankind.
Her head was swinging back and forth between Ron, Hermione and Sophie while her eyes were ready to pop out of her head and her mouth opened and closed without uttering a single word.
"Merlin, she's one of us. I didn't know you... Harry look at her! It's Hermione but I can see Ron in her as well. Oh Merlin, Ron has a daughter... How... Mum is going to have a fit. How did we not know this," she rounded on Hermione. "Why would you keep her from us you selfish b..."
"Shut it right now," Hermione hissed quietly after spinning around to face the redhead. "I didn't keep anything from you. Just ask your brother. He denied she was his. Claimed I had an affair with Blaise and I was trying to pass his child off as Ron's."
Draco's eyes went wide. He hadn't heard that part before and his suspicions of his friend went into overdrive again. Ginny, on the other hand, turned to look at her brother in confused surprise. But he was ignoring her and staring at Sophie instead. Hermione felt vindicated when she recognized the look of comprehension on her ex's face. Even he couldn't deny the slight resemblance between Sophie and himself.
"As a matter of fact," Hermione wasn't done yet and continued in a low voice, "none of you cared when I sent letter after letter begging for you to let me explain my side of the story and tell you about her. I got nothing but unopened letters returned to me again and again! I bet you were happy the second I was gone. And now you want to traumatize her? She's innocent in all this and has been fine without any of you. Leave us to watch the match in peace. My daughter has been looking forward to this for weeks and I am not having any of you ruin this for her. Do I make myself clear?"
Ginny stared at Hermione and then at Sophie again. The brunette feared an outburst from her former friend following her little speech. However whatever she had expected it wasn't happening at all. Instead the younger witch remained silent. She had a guilty look on her face mixed with regret and shame as she studied Sophie closely. Looking back at Hermione she opened her mouth to say something but just nodded instead. Composing herself she turned to pull Harry away and moved toward their seats while encouraging Maggie to do the same with Ron.
"Are you ok," Draco placed his hand on her back and pulled her toward him. He wanted to make her feel better while shielding Sophie from their gazes.
"Yes," she embraced him after giving Sophie a peck on the cheek. "Are they still watching?"
"Yup, but it looks like security is about to remove the Weasel," Draco muttered into her hair before moving away from her. "I just wish Sophie wasn't in the middle of it all."
Hermione nodded. Carrying Sophie Draco guided them back to their seats. With one last look in the direction of the dorky Gryffindor group he settled down next to Hermione and placed Sophie on his own lap. This was the little girl's first Quidditch match and they would enjoy it no matter what. As he slung his arm across the back of Hermione's seat he could hear security having a heated debate with Potter and Weasley. Hermione turned to throw him a tight smile. He knew that look meant she would be damned to let them ruin their day.
Marguerite Loudin angrily followed her fiancé out of owner's box. Only Ron had been asked to leave for punching Draco Malfoy but all of them decided to leave with him. She was embarrassed by his behavior. However, she had suspected for some time now that he was still in love with the muggleborn witch despite everything that had happened between them. She bit back tears. They were supposed to get married in a few weeks. Yet, he subconsciously lusted after another witch. Worst of all, he now must be realizing how big of mistake he had made.
Looking back at the witch in question she couldn't understand what the fuss was all about. She herself was much better looking and came from a long line of purebloods from both France and the UK. She was also smart and successful in her own career as a fashion designer.
She turned to look at Ginny Potter. A few months ago Ginny had confessed to her that it had been her own meddling that had let to the break-up between Ron and Hermione. She had slowly undermined Hermione's relationship with every members of the Weasley family as well as her friendship with Harry by spreading lies about her. Ron had been the hardest to convince. Only when she had faked evidence of Hermione kissing a boy named Blaise Zabini had Ron believed her schemes and consoled his broken heart with another witch. But until today Ginny hadn't known about the little girl.
The young witch suddenly worried about what would happen if Ginny confessed her involvement in the couple's break-up. Would Ron leave her to get back with his former girlfriend? And would Hermione Granger want him back? After all, he was the father of her daughter. But the witch in question was with someone else now, wasn't she? Surely she was in a relationship with Malfoy. She wouldn't just end things to get back with Ron - someone that had hurt her so badly. Regardless, Maggie couldn't help but worry about her own relationship and the impact this recent discovery had on it. She wasn't going to give up without a fight.
I am back! This would have come out sooner but I was struggling with a few minor plot points. And I got sick - I always get a nasty cold after international flights so that wasn't too surprising. Just like I should have known there would be screaming babies on the plane crying nine hours non-stop.
Anyway, tell me what you think. I have been writing and rewriting bits and pieces so feedback is appreciated.
