Chapter 9

I spent a very enjoyable afternoon with Malfoy and Scorpious. We played some wizarding board games. I still hadn't gotten over the commodity of children's toys in the wizarding world. The kind of fun I'd have had growing up if I'd had them at my disposal. Scorpious seemed content with winning (even though Malfoy and I had let him win), and Malfoy seemed content just spending time with his son. It was a joy to see, and I was very happy for him.

I… well, I wasn't sure how I was. I was growing more anxious with every passing moment if I was honest. I was scared for Ron's reaction. Stressed that others might be worrying needlessly about me. I felt guilty that aside from all this stress, I was having a great time. This is what it could've been like for Ron and I, I though as I saw Malfoy and Scorpious pulling silly faces at each other. So carefree, and enjoying each other's company.

That being said, I had to remember the difficulty they were facing. I wondered what was going on in Draco's mind. It was clear to see that how much he missed his wife. If I lost Ron - I don't know what I would do. The thought made me feel rather queasy. I wanted to do whatever I could to help Malfoy, and goodness knows he needed it. As did I, but then I was used to putting others before me.

Scorpious let out a stifled yawn.

"I think someone ought to be going to bed," I said, looking down at the sleepy form of the small child.

"I have to agree," said Malfoy, "Perhaps if you go and get ready for bed, Hermione might read you a story."

Scorpious nodded, got up and headed in the direction of his bedroom.

"Hermione," Malfoy whispered urgently. "Will you help him? I …" he looked embarrassed. "I've never put him to bed before. His mother always…"

"Yes of course," I replied quickly, and hurried after Scorpious. I found him trying to squirt some toothpaste onto a toothbrush rather unsuccessfully.

"Would you like some help?" I asked gently, and he nodded before handing me the toothbrush. He entirely missed the top row whilst brushing.

"Hey you, aren't you forgetting these one's," I said pointing to my top teeth.

"I find it difficult," he replied shyly.

"Let me help you," I said smiling.

Once he'd finished his teeth, I washed his face with a hot flannel.

"Can you go and find your pyjamas," I asked him, and he scurried of into his bedroom and pulled some train covered ones out. I helped him get changed, and I have to say he looked rather adorable.

"You get your book for me, and then into bed," I said.

He did as I asked, and I tucked the duvet around him, before sitting next to him on the bed with my legs stretched out.

"Is there one you'd like me to read?" I asked showing him the contents of the book.

"That one," he said pointing to Beauty and the Beast.

"You know, that's my favourite one," I said to him. I flicked to the beginning.

"Do you mind if listen in?" asked Malfoy his head popping round the corner of the door.

"What do you think?" I asked Scorpious, "Do you think he'll behave?"

Scorpious nodded his head and giggled.

"I supposed we'd better let you then," I teased. Malfoy sat down next to me.

"Okay," I cleared my throat. "Once upon a time, in a small village far, far away lived an inventor and his very lovely daughter named Belle – that means beauty…"

"Right that's enough for tonight," I said, as I watched Scorpious' eyelids droop wearily.

"But what happens to Belle?" asked Scorpious, "Does the Beast save her?"

"I'll finish the story the next time I see you," I promised him.

Scorpious let out a long yawn. "Come on, time for bed"

"Yes it is," agreed Malfoy. He got up and walked round to his Son's side and bent down to give him a kiss on the forehead. "Good night Scorp," he whispered.

"Night Daddy," he whispered in response.

Malfoy headed to the door. I made sure Scorpious was tucked in nice and tightly, and bent down to give him a kiss. It made me yearn for a child of my own.

"Good night sweetie," I said.

"Night night 'Mione"

I switched off his light, and murmured a 'sweet dreams' before I closed his bedroom door.

Malfoy was waiting for me.

"Thank you," he said, "I owe you."

"It was nothing," I smiled pleasantly.

"You're so good with him. Where'd you learn to do all that stuff?" he asked.

"I'd like to think I make a good Aunt and God Mother."

"I'm sure you do. You'd make a good mother too."

I sighed.

"So what does happen to Belle?" Malfoy asked.

I laughed, "Just as impatient as your son I see! Well you'll have to wait too."

Malfoy pouted, and I couldn't help but laugh some more. I yawned.

"You look tired. I think it's bed time for you too." I barely contained my squeal when he picked up into his arms.

"Put me down at once!" I demanded, swatting him round the head.

"Not likely," he said laughing, and refused to release his grip on me until he'd laid me down on my bed.

"What was that in aid of?" I said pouting at him in annoyance.

"That look on your face - it's priceless."

"Hmph," I said crossing my arms. I couldn't help but be amused.

"After my mother's been to pick up Scorpious in the morning, I'm going to have to head into work. Will you be okay here on you own?" he asked.

I nodded. "Of course."

"It's so good having you here Hermione. It's made the place feel alive again. Scorpious clearly adores you."

I smiled blushing a little.

"I should let you sleep." I nodded. He bent down and kissed me lightly on the forehead. The kiss made me feel odd. I enjoyed it and I knew that I shouldn't. I shouldn't have any feelings for this man, but this simple innocent kiss made me wonder whether I did.

"Night 'Mione."

"Goodnight Draco," I whispered.

Malfoy turned and left me to my thoughts.

I had to go home tomorrow. I'd had a nice day today, a little get away from everything, but I knew I had to face up to reality. I wouldn't tell Malfoy I was going. I knew he would try and stop me if I did. I would leave as soon as he headed to work. I knew he would be cross, but I had to get back to my husband.

Would things have been different if I'd have married someone like him? It seemed odd to even consider it. It had always been a given that Ron and I would be together forever. It was not a surprise to anyone when we had gotten engaged. I flashed back to the proposal; Ron kneeling in the grass of the lawns of Hogwarts. We'd spent the day helping the efforts in restoring the Castle after the battle had decimated it only the week before. Most of Ron's family, and our friends were there to witness it. It was a surprise, but I didn't hesitate to say yes. Even considering all the things we'd just been through, those were simpler times. We were two teenagers in love just doing what we thought was right. I felt a tear trickle down my face. I wished we could go back to those times.

The following morning, I helped to get Scorpious ready to go back with his Grandma's, whilst Malfoy bustled about preparing for his day at work.

"Can I stay again soon Daddy?" he asked.

"Definitely," Malfoy replied.

"Will 'Mione be here next time?" he asked glancing at me.

"Hopefully,"

The doorbell went.

"Say goodbye to Hermione," instructed Malfoy.

Scorpious came over to me, and I bent down to give him a hug and a kiss.

"I hope I get to see you again, because you're lovely and you make my Daddy smile," he whispered into my hair. It brought a tear to my eye.

"I hope I get to see you again too," I whispered back, before releasing him to his father.

Malfoy led him to meet his Grandmother who was waiting at the front door.

"Nana!"

"How's my favourite Grandson?" I heard Narcissa asked.

"I'm great. Daddy had a nice lady stay."

I got up to peek my head round the door to see the reaction. Narcissa raised her eyebrows.

"Not like that Mother," replied Malfoy smoothly.

"Oh?"

"A friend, who needed help."

Narcissa glanced up, and saw me spying on their conversation. I flushed in embarrassment.

"Hermione Granger!"

I didn't know what to say.

"Mother, I ca…" began Malfoy.

"Draco, it's all over the news that she's gone missing. What on earth is she doing here?!" she asked shocked.

I bit my lip. Ron had noticed, and Ron had told everyone of my absence. Oh god.

Malfoy ran his fingers through his hair in worry.

"Mother it's not what it looks like. I promise. I've not hurt her. She needed protection. She's safer here. Please don't say anything," he begged. I didn't like that they were talking about me as though I was not there. I felt sick with worry.

Narcissa paused weighing up her options, confusion and worry furrowing her brow. "I trust you Draco. I won't say anything." She paused. "Look Scorpious and I are going to have to get going."

"Bye bye Son," said Malfoy bending down and giving his son a hug.

"Bye Daddy, miss you."

When the door was closed, Malfoy whispered to himself 'miss you too'.

He turned back to look at my, the worry clearly visible.

"Hermione, are you okay?" he asked gently.

I nodded, sure that my voice would give me away.

"If you want, I could take the day off work?"

I shook my head. "No, I'm fine, honestly," I lied. "Go to work."

He didn't look convinced. He held my arms and looked straight into my eyes "Don't do anything silly." He begged.

I nodded.

"We'll talk when I get back okay?" he asked. I nodded again.

"I'll see you later," he said giving me a tight hug.

"See you Draco," I agreed.

I knew I wouldn't. I left the minute he went for work, a sick sinking feeling in my stomach. How would explain my disappearance to everyone. What would Ron's reaction be? I could not hide away any longer, I had to go and face the music.

I took a deep breath before opening the door to the flat.