In a flash, it seemed as though the entire teaching staff, including dear old Hagrid, had been plonked directly into Dumbledore's office. Professor Snape, ever the discontented teacher, was eyeing coldly with disdain written all over his face at the children, while Professor Sprout was peering at the two kids as though they were an interesting new species she might want to learn more about. Professor Flitwick was twittering excitedly around, bumping around robes and legs as he shuffled his way through to get a clear view, as though Hermione and the children were a mesmerizing performance to watch.
Hermione couldn't help but give a little shriek as she found herself surrounded by the professors. By her side she heard Xander whimper softly, before cuddling close to her, while Katia wrapped her arms tightly around her middle, tucking her little head under her chin. Instinctively, she stroked her hair, while she gave Xander a little squeeze. She felt slightly surprised though; she never knew she had these maternal instincts! But perhaps all women had them, another universal truth of some other, she supposed.
For a few uncomfortable, awkward moments, during which the professors and she exchanged discomforting glances, a stiffening silence reigned, if not dotted with the usual throat clearing and murmurs. Then just when Hermione was beginning to think that anything was better than sitting here, desperately wishing for something to happen, as if on cue, Malfoy appeared at the entrance way.
His face was like black stone, and he marched stormily to the front, apparently making his way towards an armchair. But an obstacle in the form of a tiny little toddler prevented him from reaching it. Somehow Xander had managed to wriggle out of Hermione's grasp and climb down the couch neatly, and now Hermione watched with part horror and curiosity at what Malfoy would do.
Furthermore, it seemed as though the rest of the people in the room had developed the same curiosity at Malfoy's parenting instincts, and all eyes slid to the blonde haired figure as Malfoy stared down at the little boy who now had his arms outstretched, clearly wanting to be carried by his father.
For a moment no one moved, while Malfoy continued staring down at Xander like a dumbfounded idiot. Hermione felt like wringing his neck, her hands itched to pummel him to the ground and knock some sense into him. All the feelings within her seemed to settle and solidify into that dire need to get her hands on him. She fidgeted in her seat while her hands continued to move through her daughter's hair on its own accord.
It was like the calm before a storm, and she hoped Malfoy wouldn't be stupid enough to let things escalate into another temper tantrum. Especially in front of the teaching staff, and especially in Dumbledore's office. It seemed as though even all the portrait figures had stopped their conversation and chess games to look.
Then he moved aside sharply, clearly trying to take another path to walk ahead. Xander, who was only two and couldn't be asked to understand his father's unreasonable behavior, followed him, reaching up on his tip-toes for Malfoy to pick him up.
Though Hermione couldn't see his face, she saw his body tense and stiffen as he tried to move away once more.
"I suggest you pick….your son… up Mister Malfoy…" Professor Snape sneered disgustedly in his drawling monotone.
It was the first time in her life Hermione felt grateful to hear the Potions Master speak, and also, she thought tersely, despite the situation, the only thing he had said that was useful and constructive.
At his words, Malfoy jerked his blonde head up, meeting the gaze of the professor. From where she was sitting, which did not really provide a good view of Malfoy's face, she saw him glare furiously at the older man as Professor Snape returned it with his eyebrows raised sharply in a threatening stare, before bending down stiffly to pick Xander up, now clapping his chubby hands happily before sticking a thumb in his mouth as he was finally clutched in his father's arms.
Finally reaching the armchair, he sat down rigidly while attempting to shift Xander into a position that was comfortable for him. In the end he settled for Xander's back against him, with one hand around him to keep him there.
Now that the tension was slowly ebbing away from the room and there was nothing more to 'see', Hermione breathed an inward sigh of relief, though the burning intolerance for him remained lodged in her throat. The round of 'ahems' and self-murmuring returned and the people in the portraits started up their chess games again.
Now that the drama was over, she avoided looking at him at all costs, but she felt a strongly uncomfortable niggling sensation and looked up to see Malfoy's icy grey eyes boring into hers like glowing white coals. Infuriated, she glared back, challenging him with unspoken words. Again she felt as though her pride was injured, made to feel as though she weren't the victim.
Just as she made up her mind to let out the string of expletives that was sitting on her tongue waiting to be lashed out, the door from which the children had come from opened and Dumbledore stepped out, pleasantly decked in regal robes of cobalt blue and gold. He paid no attention to the glum and worried expressions on the faces of the teachers, nor the fact that Hermione was at the end of her tether and about to pounce on Malfoy.
Instead he strode to his armchair and sat down, and waved his hand, where a handful of snug armchairs popped out on the floor like daisies. Hermione broke her gaze with Malfoy as Katia wriggled and squirmed about, pointing delightedly at the chairs.
"Ooooh mummy, daddy! Look, look! How fun!" she shrieked with laughter, as Hermione gave her a weary smile and tried to quiet her down.
When everyone had gotten their places, staring expectantly at Dumbledore, he finally began to speak.
"Well, I assume everyone knows why you're here? Professors, Miss Granger and Mister Malfoy?"
They nodded curtly and he continued, taking no notice of either parties lack of enthusiasm or interest. "Now, Mister Malfoy, I believe you know about the picture?" he paused, looking over his glasses at Malfoy, whose idea of confirmation was to press his lips in a thin line. "This morning, Miss Granger took it to me and we uncovered a message behind, one that I believe you'd like to see."
With another wave of his hand, the picture shot out from underneath a pile of parchment and landed softly on Malfoy's lap. For the first time since he had arrived, he displayed some facial expression. It was interesting to see his reaction and Hermione kept a close watch from the corner of her eye.
His brow furrowed slightly, and his lips pressed together so hard it had nearly disappeared altogether in a pale thin line. When he was done reading, he sat up oddly; his eyes glazed over and passed the picture to Professor Snape at Dumbeldore's permission. He said nothing, but Hermione saw the controlled, heavy way he was breathing and a slightly uncomfortable sensation crept through her.
But she didn't lay her eyes on him for long, as she immediately whipped her head around at the sound of Professor Snape's voice.
"The little bugg-" he shut his lips tightly as Dumbledore raised his eyebrows at him, "the boy on our side? I wonder…" he said after rethinking his choice of words as he murmured, dropping his gaze to stare at Hermione, making her heart thump with an odd cold uncertainty.
One by one the professors read the lettering cut out at the back of the photograph, each having a similar sort of reaction, though displayed in their own way. First was the surprise and marvel as they saw the photograph for the first time, then a mixture of reactions Hermione couldn't really categorize.
"Oh my word! Good Merlin! Have we really won the war! Oh this calls indeed for a celebration!" The little Charms professor squeaked excitedly, clapping his hand over his mouth, hardly able to stand still.
"Good Heavens! How wonderfully delightful! A bright future ahead of us!" Professor Trelawny trilled with a great upheaval of her chest and a dramatic sigh. Her huge insect-like eyes widened to the size of saucers as she peered dreamily into the ceiling. She had on the expression of one who had lost themselves in idyll fantasy and was quite clearly picturing a majestic and splendid victory parade or some sort.
Personally Hermione felt very much inclined on the behalf of the future and past legion of aurors to bring her out of her picturesque illusion, and remind her that that victory came from sheer hard work, bravery and bloodshed. She also had the greatest urge to question why she hadn't foreseen such a significant event through her precious tea leaves and such, but then she felt it would be really toeing the line.
So she restrained herself; a considerable deal of effort on her part and forced the rude comments down her throat.
But the last and final straw came when the picture was passed into the large hands of Hagrid. Of all the teaching staff, she had expected the understanding and sympathy that she, of all people, needed through this tough time, so she observed his expression particularly, quite waiting for some comforting consolations. But when Hagrid opened his mouth and instead of placating words, rumbled loud and hearty laughter, she threw her head back on the sofa and let out a strangled cry that pierced through the exclamations.
She closed her tired eyes with an audible groan as she felt a massive migraine hit her full-force. Then feeling as though her insides had collapsed through, she sunk into the plush chair just as Hagrid let out another booming chuckle.
It was going to be a painful experience. Absolutely, horrifically, dreadfully painful.
……………………………………………………………
Their footsteps echoed softly in the empty corridors as Malfoy and Hermione made their way to the Head Dorm. The only sounds other than their footfalls were occasional shouts and clinking of cutlery that floated up from the Great Hall where the students were presently having their dinner.
Draco had Xander hoisted up his side, clutching the little boy tightly but with the discreet manner of one about to do a sinister deed, while Hermione held on to Katia small hand beside her, inwardly wondering what had taken place in Malfoy after he had read the message. Had he accepted it now? Or would his moods still change like the unpredictable winds? She had no way to know.
No conversations traversed between them and for once, Katia was surprisingly quiet and still. She grasped Hermione's hand with both her hands, resting her head against her arm.
Though she had her suspicions about Malfoy's antics and worried for her son in his arms, she pushed that aside for the moment as she stopped in her tracks and stooped down to her daughter's height.
Katia's face was woeful and etched with sorrow, her long-lashed eyes downcast and dim. As Hermione gently took hold of both her little hands to draw them to her, there was a heavy pained feeling in her heart. She wanted to find out what was wrong, to see the bright smile on her lovely face and the spring in her steps.
Lightly she tugged at her small wrists till Katia looked up to face her, her lips down-turned and trembling, eyes now watery with tears. Behind her she heard Malfoy slow down and stop beside her, his hushed murmuring to still the toddler in his arms.
"Oh sweetheart, what's the matter? Are you feeling ill?" she questioned concernedly, running her hand through her curly locks as Katia gave her one grievous glance before letting out a soft tremulous sob and tears began to stream down her rosy cheeks, down her chin creating a wet patch on her jumper. With another woe bemoaned cry she threw her arms around Hermione's neck, burrowing her face in her warm robe, muffling her sobs.
Without much thought, she turned around instinctively to throw Malfoy a helpless, bewildered look that clearly implied she needed assistance. If t had been any other situation, never in her life would she have allowed him to see her helpless and uncertain, but this involved a tiny precious child whom she would do anything for to see her smile and happy. Her pride and Malfoy's arrogance would just have to be pushed down the drain for all she cared.
For a few moments Hermione squeezed Katia in her arms tight, stroking her hair, murmuring words of comfort, while whipping her head back frantically, eyes imploring at Malfoy, all the while growing more and more frustrated and irritated with his inability to move and remember that the little girl was his daughter as well. He could feed himself with lies and denial, but in the midst of all this she had, unbeknownst to her, come to the abrupt realization that she had already accepted her future. They would marry, have two gorgeous perfect children. Malfoy was their father, and the truth would always stand by itself. For the life of her she could not figure out why she would inevitably love him, but for now she accepted it, for the children.
Just when Hermione was ready to open her mouth and audibly shout at Malfoy to help, he knelt down sharply, cradling Xander snugly in a safe crook of his arm. As he lowered his tall frame slightly to Katia's height, their eyes met. His eyes were opaque grey, cold and unbending; while in hers she could feel fire, flame, juxtaposed with an obliging relief.
Almost tenderly, he shook Katia's shoulder with his free hand as Hermione looked on. It was almost strange, bizarre even. His movements were soft, careful and loving, yet his face was sculpted from the hardest stone, his jaw set in a firm line.
At first Katia only shook her head in Hermione's shoulder, clinging on to her more furiously. But with a patience and tolerance that left Hermione rendered quite dumfounded, he continued nudging her softly, running his hand up and down her back. Slowly the muffled sounds lessened and her breathing mellowed, and bit by bit Hermione gently released her arms.
"Come here Katia…come and sit here and tell daddy what's wrong…" Malfoy murmured, one hand outreached to the little girl who had entrenched her arms around her mother's neck and sniffling softly, one fist rubbing the tears from her eyes. With slow small steps she walked over to Malfoy, whose stone-cast face seemed to have taken on a new form of expression. The smile; though only it was the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, was nevertheless a smile, while his grey eyes suddenly resembled a frozen lake that had cracked in the center to reveal faint light and a dim glow.
She finally reached his outstretched hand, where in a swift and no-fuss switch that added on to Hermione's growing disbelief at Malfoy's transformation, he lifted her onto his lap just as he passed Xander over to his mother.
Katia let out a long sorrowful sigh as she cuddled against his chest while Xander whimpered and made a sound of protest. Though only two, he seemed to sense his sister's unhappiness and the awkwardness that surrounded them.
"So tell daddy what's wrong? Why aren't you smiling?" he implored, toying with her loose blonde curls.
Raising her pretty little head up to face him, a look of utter woe upon her, she choked "Be-because mummy and you aren't getting along well! You-you forgot to give us your evening ki-kisses!" she gulped for air as her voice escalated. "You always, always give mummy and us our kisses before dinner and after!"
Now that the reason behind her sorrow was out, Hermione was left stricken speechless. The comprehension of her simple statement now meant that they would be forced to put on a show for them, and indulge in daily displays of affection. It made her stomach coil and turn. She didn't know what was worse; having to lie to her children that didn't deserve such pretense, or having Malfoy's lips in contact with her face and likewise.
Malfoy seemed to be thinking the same, his features frozen as Katia's words registered in his mind. But displaying much more calm and sensibility she had ever seen in the past seven years, he gradually let them melt into a slight smile again.
"Well princess," he began in an animated voice that only she could detect was false and forced, "you didn't need to cry over that! Daddy didn't forget; we were busy looking after you two!" he tickled her lightly and she let out a shrill giggle, before continuing, "Your mummy and I are getting along perfectly fine…don't worry Katia…" with a heave he got up from the floor, Katia hoisted on his hip. Likewise she got up from the ground and now they were facing each other, stuck in an unwanted situation and thick tension that lay beneath their show of pretense.
Hermione cleared her throat uncomfortably, while trying to smile at her children. She could tell Malfoy was avoiding her eye, and she was too. But now with their roles laid out before them, Katia's expectant face gazing at them, there was no escape.
But as always, it was best to get it over and done with, and out of the way till after dinner.
With an exaggerated flourish, Hermione planted a big noisy kiss on Xander chubby cheeks as he squealed and laughed. Then she poised a side of her face, where he leaned in to give her a soft kiss. She couldn't help but smile. How could anyone not?
Taking his cue from her, with a slight hesitation, Malfoy leaned in to kiss Katia's cheek that she had tilted and ready for her evening kiss, before she turned to plant a kiss on his nose, going up in fits of delighted giggles. Then stepping forward, Hermione planted another kiss on Katia as Malfoy leaned over her shoulder to kiss Xander's cheek. She couldn't resist but laugh as Katia placed a kiss on her nose as well, but when she drew back she was face to face with Malfoy, and there was no avoiding the inevitable.
What's more, just as she started to fidget and Malfoy's jaw set firmly, Katia exclaimed "Now it's yours and daddy's turn, mummy!" she trilled happily, now that she had been comforted her family was a happy and loving one.
To make things all the more worse and mortifying, Hermione felt a warm pink heat rise from her cheeks, and inwardly she cursed herself; blushing because Draco Malfoy was going to kiss her! Where was the justice in the world?!
Just when she felt her cheeks were so hot they were about to singe the hair off her face, as swift as an eagle, light as a feather, so light she only could describe it as a soft, warm brush on her cheek, Malfoy bent his head down hurriedly and in a flash the deed was done.
Quickly reaching up on her tip-toes, she pecked him on the cheek, her breath warm and moist as she breathed against it, before setting her toes back down on the ground. To her utmost horror she found that she had to calm her heavy breathing down, and made to walk away from him.
"Well," she started, her voice slightly hoarse, "We should be getting back to the Head Dorm now, before dinner is over. Dumbledore said the elves would have provided dinner for us inside…" her voice trailed away to no response as Malfoy only nodded stiffly and strode ahead to the corridor that led to their destination.
Struggling a little to keep up with his large stride and quick paces, all that seemed to occupy her mind was the illicit sensation of his kisses down in that dark corridor and of the kiss to come next.
All the advice and information and arrangements Dumbledore had sorted out with the teachers were jumbled like a mess of jigsaw pieces, as with the sensations, feelings, worries, concerns she had about the days or even weeks to come with the children. And for once, she could not wrap her mind around this puzzle and solve it.
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Hello. Thank you so much for reviewing. I'm so really sorry that I haven't updated in ages, it's really terrible and I feel really bad, but I was on hols in Europe and Thailand. I hope you like this. I churned it out as soon as I got back home. Also what happened in the meeting at Dumbledore's office, as in what arrangements and information they were told will be all revealed later. Please review and thanks so much!
Also anyone out there who has been affected by the tsunami, my prayers are with you. God Bless! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!