Chapter 11:

Hermione stared at Draco Malfoy, trying not to display anger or tension in her face. She wasn't going to cause an uproar at work, nor was she going to prove her was getting to her yet again. She looked down at her desk and started rearranging papers, clearing her voice. "Now, Mr. Malfoy if you could pass along the needed information to my secretary at some point this week— ".

"Are you really just going to change subjects like that Granger?" spat Draco, growing in anger. His fists were clenched and his knuckles were appearing whiter than they already were.

Hermione ignored him and stood up, opening the door to her office. "Mr. Malfoy, if you would please excuse yourself. I am on my lunch break and would appreciate if I could have the full hour."

He shook his head and exasperated. "You're the most cowardly Gryffindor I have ever met. What happened to that feisty Granger that smacked me across the face third year? Or the one that wasn't afraid of throwing her life away during the war?"

Hermione looked down at the ground and bit her lip, not wanting to hear any of this.

"Or what happened to the Hermione that valued loyalty and honesty? Apparently that is all downhill now considering you haven't even told Weasley—"

"Weasley what?" interrupted Ron Weasley, standing in the doorway. He looked at Draco and then at Hermione who just had sadness etched across her face. " 'Mione, what is wrong?"

"She's fine," snapped Draco. "Just evaluating if she was even worthy of Gryffindor to begin with." He abruptly stood up from his seat and fastened his suit then pushed his way past Ron leaving the office.

Ron stared at the blond head walking away then put both hands on Hermione's shoulders trying to make eye contact with her. "Don't listen to a word he says, 'Mione. You're the most courageous, loyal person I have ever met. It is one of the many reasons why I love you."

He pulled her into a hug, but Hermione didn't melt into his arms like she usually did. The words Draco spoke to her truly stung. Was this deep secret she was keeping really worth hiding? Or was it finally time for it to come out? As the years past it was harder and harder to keep and she couldn't think of what would happened if it came out the wrong way.

She hated how Draco knew her deepest secret. What if he was anger and told everyone? What if she never had a chance to explain? All of her friends and family would turn on her, Ron would never speak to her again, and her children . . . what would happen with them? She knew Draco wouldn't do anything too drastic that would hurt people and ruin his reputation, but the constant threats of blackmail she had been receiving for five years was a little too much to bear.

She pushed away any tears that were forming and pulled out away from the hug. "Malfoy was just upset about having to work with me and got bent out of shape when I voiced my opinion about the matter."

"That bloke will never grow up, will he?"

"I suppose not," said Hermione, taking a deep breath and pushing her curls behind her ears. "Let me just grab my coat and we can go and get lunch?"

"Hey 'Mione?"

"Yes?" said Hermione, as she was buttoning up her coat.

"What was Malfoy talking about when I arrived? Something about me needing to know?"

Hermione shrugged and grabbed her purse. "Oh, you know Malfoy. Saying more nonsense."

"You would tell me if there was something going on, right?"

"Of course," said Hermione, as they walked out of the office. She couldn't help, but not the drop in her stomach. She quickly pushed those thoughts aside and cleared her mind as Ron held her hand.

Rose sat in the common room trying to not let her thoughts drift to the journal and the search for her real father. Her life had been so consumed with that on top of school work, she longed for the old times when nothing troubled her. It was hard to believe a year ago she was pulling pranks and doing whatever the hell she wanted, now everything felt like it was changing.

Her diligent schoolwork had only improved since her mother nearly castigated her when her grades came home. When Rose actually tried she nearly got a perfect score, but when she wanted to try was a rarity. It wasn't like she was badly influenced by Scorpius, considering he always did extremely well.

Then again Scorpius had been raised with an austere and banal mother, whose focus was to make sure Scorpius got superior grades and can be successful one day. It was as if she was trying to make the Malfoy family's wealth aggrandize even more. Yet Rose wasn't always certain that is what Scorpius wanted to do with his life. They were only fifteen and from what Rose could tell, he just wanted to use Candace for snogging.

She suddenly felt a pang of guilt, when she thought of Andrew. She had been snogging him for how long and she hadn't told Scorpius? She knew it was wrong to keep this secret from her best friend, but she just always held back in telling him. What is the big deal? She thought. It is not like I am dating Andrew or have feelings for him.

"Sitting all alone?" said a voice. Rose immediately knew it belonged to Andrew. He always had impeccable timing, especially when she was thinking about him. She knew he would be here for a snog or to ask her to be something more. Neither sounded good at the moment, she just needed to be alone in her thoughts.

She made eye contact with him, but didn't reply. She hoped that he would go away, but a part of her wanted him to stay. Not for snogging or even for a relationship, but to be there for her as a friend. As stubborn as she was, she would never ask for him to stay.

It was almost as if Andrew read her mind, as he sat down on the couch and remained silent. The clocked ticked as the minutes passed, neither one knowing if there was anything else to say. Rose was deep in her thoughts about finding her real father, while Andrew was wondering what was going on with Rose. She hadn't seemed completely herself this entire school year, which made him grow worrisome.

Must be some hormones or shit Andrew thought, staring off into space. He wanted to hold her and tell her that whatever was wrong would end up being okay. He thought about what his grandmother had said many times to him before: everything happens for a reason.

"Sitting here with me isn't going to make me in the mood for a snog, 'Drew," said Rose defiantly.

Andrew shrugged. "I did come by for that, but you look like you just needed a friend."

"We aren't friends though," said Rose through her teeth. Sometimes she had to stop and remind herself that Andrew was best friends with James. James Potter, the cousin she had always despised. Somehow she wondered how James was able to keep Andrew as a friend for so long, considering Andrew was the complete opposite. Each time she would question Andrew about his friendship with James, he would question her friendship with Scorpius. He knew how to leave Rose speechless, which Rose didn't necessarily like.

"We can be friends. I would very much like that."

"In hopes of finally wooing me?"

"You know I already have done that," He said with a goofy smile.

Rose couldn't help but crack a small smile and let out a muffled laugh. Some of the things he said were absolute madness. He hadn't wooed her and she knew he would never completely woo her. It was fun playing hard to get, it was part of the chase. Except that chase would never end, considering Rose didn't want a relationship with him.

"Oh, looks like the sad and angry Rose knows how to smile!"

"Oh shut up," said Rose, smacking him lightly in the arm. "Everyone can have an off day."

"Rose, is everything okay with you? You have been acting off this entire semester, which I can't see why. I know I bombarded you with the question of taking wherever we stand a step further, but I don't think that is the only reason."

Rose shrugged, suddenly feeling vulnerable. She knew she couldn't tell him completely everything, but she needed to let this off her chest. Sometimes it felt like it wasn't enough with just Scorpius knowing about her search for her father.

She took a deep breath and looked away from Andrew, staring at the small fire that was going. "This past summer has made me realize that I don't know who I really am. There are parts of me that confuse me and make me question if this is really me? I feel like an outcast in my family, so I am trying to figure out where I stand with them."

Andrew nodded, trying to understand part of the story Rose told him. He knew there was more, but also knew it wasn't his place to push. Instead of replying, he scooted closer to her and put an arm around her. She was hesitant to get comfortable, but soon enough she melted into his arms. Whatever this was, it felt nice, warm, and inviting. It was the closest thing to normal.

Scorpius held Candace's hand as they walked around the grounds of Hogwarts on a Saturday afternoon. They were finally able to get some alone time together, with no one catching them being together . . . especially Rose.

Candace was very happy considering the only thing she felt like she was a second choice ever since school started. Rose seemed to always be around Scorpius or Scorpius would always be around Rose. It was more excessive than last year, which led her to believe there was something going on between them. Scorpius would never tell her anything, making her believe there was something going on.

A cool late October breeze picked up, causing stray leaves to brush against their shoes. She looked over at Scorpius who seemed to be lost in his own thoughts. There was silence between both of them for quite some time as they continued to walk, neither knowing what to say.

Finally, Candace was the first to speak. "Scorpius, I have a question."

"Okay, ask me anything," he said giving her a small grin.

"Is this what our relationship will always be? In secret, not telling anyone?" she asked bluntly.

They both stopped and stared at each other.

"I don't know, Candace. There is just a lot going on with Rose right now and I don't think it would be ideal to tell her."

"Of course it is about Rose. That is what is always is about when it comes to us. I thought you wanted us to work, wanted us to be together?"

Scorpius gazed off into the distance and stared at the trees that were quickly changing color on the edge of the Forbidden Forest. He knew he wanted to be with Candace, but telling Rose would just be too hard. It would break their friendship; it would break him for keeping a secret from her. But what was this talk Thomas was telling about Rose and Andrew? Was she keeping something from him?

"Scorpius, do you love her?"

He stared at Candace, flabbergasted that she would think such things. "No, why would you say that?"

"Because you always put bloody Rose first!"

"That isn't true and you know it."

She bit her lip and shook her head, with tears beginning to form in the corners of her soft eyes. "My friends," Candace choked back a sob, "all say you won't be public about this relationship because you love Rose. You are putting her feelings first before my own."

"It is complicated Candace; you have to believe me." Scorpius lifted his hand and wiped away the tears from her face, then stepped in front of her to gaze into the eyes he loved.

Candace shook his hand away from her face. "What is so important then? If you truly love me and want to be with me, I need to know."

"I can't," said Scorpius. He couldn't tell Candace about his father's journals, Rose's quest to find her real father, and her family problems. It wasn't his story to tell and certainly not Candace's to know. He hated keeping her in the dark, but he couldn't betray his friendship with Rose.

Rose was his only true friend and the first real friend he had ever had. His parents tried forcing him to be friends with all of their friends' children, but they never fully clicked. Meeting Rose on the train during their first year, was the first time he ever felt a connection with someone. They became the best of friends and were devastated when they were sorted into opposite houses, especially houses that despised each other. It was even more devastating when they realized their family's past with each other. But they never let any of that get to them and continued their friendship.

"Then I'm done," said Candace. "I can't do this anymore, especially when I feel like I have to fight for your attention. Fighting for attention over a Gryffindor, wannabe Slytherin who is only liked by her professors because of her bloody parents!"

Scorpius stared at her, not knowing what to say. He was hurt by the words she said about his best friend, but couldn't find the words to defend Rose. In fact, he was beginning to fall in love with Candace. Her laugh was contagious, she was so caring to her friends and family, and extremely loyal too, as if she was a Slytherin that was supposed to be Gryffindor. She was everything he looked for in a girl, but right now it wasn't going to work.

"I'm sorry," said Scorpius, not knowing what else to say.

Candace stared at him and then briskly walked away, wiping her tears. Truth be told, she was madly in love with him. It wasn't just the money and power behind his name, it was everything else about him. He cared so deeply for people he loved, especially Rose, but he must have not truly loved her . . .he would have fought for her; he didn't.

Things must get hard before they get easy She thought to herself, as she began her journey back to the castle.

Hermione Granger rocked a young baby Hugo back and forth, trying to get him to sleep for the night, while Rose played with her dolls. It was approaching both children's bedtime and Hermione was determined to have a bit of relaxation before she would go to bed.

Ron was out of town, which was upsetting but nice at the same time. Hermione could have some much needed alone time away from the kids and her husband. It was so hard to find the time enjoy a nice cup of tea by the fire with a good book raising two young children and having a full time job. Rose was now three years old and was a ball full of energy and Hugo was constantly craving attention.

"Mum, can you play with me?" asked a young Rose, putting new clothes on her favorite doll. "I don't want to play alone."

"In a moment dear, I need to go put Hugo down," Hermione said, looking at Hugo who was finally drifting off to sleep. Hermione climbed the stairs and placed Hugo in the crib, covering up with a blanket. She couldn't help but admire the beauty of her sleeping baby. If only they could stay young forever.

As she was heading back down the stairs to play with Rose, there was a soft knock at the door. She looked at the time and wondered who on Earth that could be. She opened up the door to a young man that looked eager to come in.

"I heard Ron was out of town, so I thought I could stop by."

Hermione looked over her shoulder at Rose, who was still happily playing her dolls. She smiled at her beautiful daughter, then turned to look at the man. "I don't think it will be a good decision. We agreed to not have you involved."

He sadly looked through the door and as he saw his daughter playing with her toys. She was beautiful with the dirty blonde curls, the button nose and the piercing blue eyes. He wanted to see her, wanted to get to know her and to be a part of her life, but at the same time he knew it was a secret that couldn't get out. He already risked a lot escaping from his wife and their son to come here, but he couldn't help it. He wanted to know her, his daughter.

"Can't you just say I'm an old friend?" He begged. "I just want to see her, 'Mione, it will be a one-time thing."

"Fine," said Hermione, letting the door open all the way. "Rose, honey, you want to come and meet one of Mommy's friends?"

Rose looked up from her toys and smiled at the man. "Hello. Do you want to play dolls with me? Or will you be like Daddy and not want to play with them?"

He stared at her and the innocent expression that was across her face. He couldn't help but smile as she quickly ran up to him and offered him one of her dolls, which he kindly accepted. Hermione stood in the background with a sad smile, knowing this situation was harder than she ever imagined. The way he played with his daughter, the thought of him missing out on her first words, first steps, pained her.

If only life had been different.

Hermione abruptly woke up from the dream she was having and stared at the clock on her nightstand. She ran her hands through her hair and wiped tears that were forming underneath her eyes. She hadn't had a dream like this for years.

Leaving the snoring Ron behind, she climbed out of bed and through on her dressing gown and slippers knowing she wouldn't be able to get back to sleep the rest of her night. She walked downstairs trying to forget about the dream. Could she ever tell Rose? Would Rose ever figure out?

Hermione shook her head and put on a kettle of tea, staring out the window. She thought about the owl from him, she thought about their conversation, and couldn't help but start crying about the situation all over again. That night, the pregnancy, it was all too much to bear. What possessed her to be disloyal to Ron?

The water soon boiled in the kettle and Hermione prepared herself a cup of tea. She walked over to the kitchen table and stared off into the distance, thinking about the one time he spent with Rose when he appeared to be a stranger.

"What should I do now?" Hermione muttered, thinking back to the days where life was so simple.

Author's Note: Thank you everyone for your support! I have wanted to finish this story for years, but lost time and passion to do so. I now have the time and motivation to do so and I'm hoping this story will be finished by the end of summer! I'm planning on uploading weekly, every Sunday, so please check back, read, and review. P.s. If you could have one character in more scenes, who would it be?