Chapter 10

Hermione didn't think it would be so hard to fall into this life. She had simply assumed that most things would have occurred the same way they did before. Never did she see herself making friends with ex-Slytherins and Death Eaters. Having Azkaban run by dementors had become very problematic since the war ended. Their allegiance to the Dark Lord during the war led many to believe that they were unsuitable to manage the prison. No one knew exactly what to do with the prisoners. Torturing them was unsanctionable since the Ministry did not want to repeat the horrors they had only recently lived through.

The success of the UP program prompted Minister Kingsley to ask Draco and Hermione to come up with a palatable solution. Shacklebolt went so far as to create a new sub-department under the Department of Magical Law called the Adjustment Bureau. This new entity would not only include rehabilitation services for ex-convicts but services for those who had trouble coping with the war among other things.

Those whose crimes were petty or were willing to cooperate were required to undergo therapy sessions and community service. The few that were repeatedly uncooperative were sentenced to have their wands confiscated and to lead supervised lives as muggles. They too had to undergo therapy sessions but unlike the others whose sessions were only monthly, these sessions were bi-weekly.

The responsibility for overseeing these programs made it almost impossible for Draco and Hermione to find time for themselves. Yet, Draco was adamant that there would be time on Saturdays to spend time with the children and to have a date.

Scorpius had become wary of her since she was not used to his routine and didn't know all his favourite things.

"Scorpius, I told you to put your toys away. It's time for bed." Hermione said tiredly.

"No! I don't want to. You're not my mummy!" the boy yelled. Although what he said was partially true, it did not mean that his words hurt any less. She may not be the Hermione who had given birth to him but she was his mother. They had only known each other for two months but she loved him as if he had always been with her.

"That's not true at all. I am your mummy." Hermione said determinedly. She kneeled down to the ground to hug him but was pushed away.

"How come you don't know my favourite foods or toys or that…that you always tickle me before weading a stowy?"

"Mummy is just having a hard time, Scorpius." She decided to go along with the lie Draco had invented. "Since I hit my head, I've forgotten some things."

"You didn't forget to love me, did you?" he looked to be on the verge of tears.

"No, of course not! I could never forget that I love you. You are very important to me. I love all of you." Scorpius overlooked his prior concerns about her and hugged her tightly.

"Do you mean that?"

Hermione hugged him back. "Absolutely and without a doubt."


Their dates had gone rather well. She was always surprised at how thoughtful and kind the once arrogant spoilt sod had become. He took her to Ray's Jazz Café for their first outing. It wasn't fancy, though it was meant to bring comfort to Hermione. The café was filled with books and a café Draco knew she would enjoy. After that, the pair went to Bath to watch Twelfth Night, which was Hermione's favourite play by Shakespeare.

Hermione was unconsciously clutching Draco throughout the whole play. Draco did not mind one iota. It didn't matter that this was probably the hundredth time she had seen it. He missed the level of their closeness. When the play ended, she did not let go of his hand. Nor did she let go when they apparated home. They were by the entrance when Hermione caught him off guard. She grabbed him and kissed him as if she were going to die.

"What was that for?" he said in a daze.

"For always being there for me. For being understanding. And for being you."

Draco was in awe of this woman in front of him. No matter what time or place she came from, she would always be his.

He embraced Hermione and did what no other person had seen him do - cry.

She let go of him in concern. "Is something wrong?"

"No. Not at all. I couldn't wish for anything better." In that moment, the pair knew that everything would be all right.