A.N. Okay, so I'm sorry this chapter took a long time to come. And I still can't believe I have over a hundred reviews, WOW! Thank you so much guys. I'm thrilled! Now, this chapter didn't come sooner because I was reading Twilight, New Moon, and I'm still finishing Eclipse, so it took a bit of my time this week. If you haven't read the series by Stephenie Meyer, I would suggest it to anyone who likes fantastic. Yay!! There will be a movie for the first book in December 08…Okay, so I realise most of you guys don't care, so I'll leave you alone, now. On with the story!!
Disclaimer: I wish I did, but I don't own Harry Potter and all affiliated characters. But Delaney belongs to me!!
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The Aftermath
Chapter 21He woke up and felt Hermione's form against his. Her arm was across his chest and her head lay on his shoulder, he could feel her breath against his face, soft and regular. He detangled his body from hers and hoped off the bed. He yawned and stretched before turning back to look at her. She was peaceful; she looked happy. He smiled and walked out of the room and into the bathroom for his morning routine. After taking a bath and getting dressed, he went to wake his daughter up. He walked into her room and opened the curtains of her windows, allowing the sweet morning light into the room. He turned to take a look at his daughter and realised that she wasn't in her bed. He looked around the room rapidly, everything seemed normal so he made his way back to Hermione's bedroom, or their bedroom and opened the door quietly. The vision he had was even more charming then the one he had before leaving; his daughter had climbed into the bed and was now sleeping against her mother's form, comfortably cuddled. He decided to let them sleep for a while and walked downstairs to the common room. What a lovely Sunday morning it was.
Having nothing better to do then to wait for the ladies to get up he fastened his robes over his clothing and decided to go outside and patrol. After all, he knew for sure that some of his own students would be doing forbidden things already, being the Head of Slytherin. He walked in the 7th floor hallways for a moment; he crossed the path of a few Gryffindor students and took off points from one of them because he had hexed another of his fellows. He then went down the sis flight of stairs needed to access the Entrance Hall, pushing the door open, he found himself outside, by this sunny, and cold morning. Surely the sun would warm the weather up in the afternoon. He took a walk, took time to think, took time to breath, and came back inside about an hour later.
He figured Hermione and Delaney were probably up by now, so he made his way to their common room. He smiled at the Lady in White and whispered their password to her. "Rainbow Popsicle," he shook his head, he shouldn't allow his daughter to pick up their password. The painting nodded and opened. Draco walk in the common room and realised it was empty, so he walked up the stairs and into Hermione's bedroom.
Hermione and Delaney were awake, but they were still in bed together, Hermione was playing in Delaney's hair and the little girl was levitating her stuffed dragon Pinkie. Draco walked in and smiled, he closed the space between Hermione and himself and kissed her forehead when she looked at him. "Morning Sleepyheads."
Hermione smiled when he leaned down to kiss her lips, "Hey morning man."
He caught hold on his daughter, and held her in his arms kissing her nose, "Morning Princess."
Pinkie the dragon flew in her hands and she smiled at her father, "Morning Daddy."
"Did you have a nice girl time together with Mommy?"
The girl nodded, "yes Daddy! Put down Daddy." He obeyed his daughter and set her on her feet.
Hermione, whom had gotten up while Draco was chatting with their daughter, wrapped her arms around his middle and laid her head on his back. He covered her hands with his, "I love you," she said to him softly.
"Just because I let you sleep?"
She nodded against him, "yes, but also for other reasons."
"Which are?"
"Oh, Draco," she groaned.
He laughed as he turned around to face her, while keeping her in his arms. "Why don't you go get dressed, and all prettied up, and I'll take care of our little one." He proposed, kissing her lips gently.
She hugged him tighter, "How I love you," she kissed his lips sweetly one more time. "Delaney, Daddy's going to take care of you this morning." She told her daughter gladly.
"Okay." The toddler said as she went by her father and grabbed his now free hand. She pulled him along as she left the room; he turned around to see Hermione blowing him a kiss before she closed the door.
They disappeared, and Hermione was left alone in her room, with time for herself. She decided to take a long bath and took time to choose an outfit in her closet before that. As she sat in the hot vanilla-strawberry scented water, she reminisced on the events of her life. She thought she should probably thank Ron, because without him, she wouldn't be that blissfully happy.
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They had arrived at the little restaurant he had made de reservation in about an hour ago, so far, Hermione thought everything was going smoothly. She thought he would have picked an unnecessarily chic restaurant, but he hadn't. The restaurant was wonderful; it was simple, sweet and quiet. They had a table on the terrace with a view on La Seine and all of the Bateau-Mouches that were sailing there. She sipped her wine and smile at him.
"It's really a lovely restaurant Draco, thank you for bringing me here." She told him before taking a bite in a piece of fresh bread.
He swallowed his own bite, "you're very welcome," he replied. "It really was a shame that you didn't know this place."
"Sorry to disappoint you." She said sarcastically.
He sneered, "don't be stupid, you never were, why start now?"
She snorted.
He raised an eyebrow, "how very un-lady like of you to snort."
She glared at him; that date wasn't as much fun now. "Shut up Malfoy, or you will have to explain to many muggles how your companion just mysteriously disappeared into thin air."
He rolled his eyes at her, "actually, it's Draco. And you Granger, are way too susceptible for your own good."
She stuck her tongue at him, "Bouncing ferret."
"Gryffindor's Princess."
"I was not!"
"Well, neither am I a bouncing ferret."
She laughed quietly, "oh but you were."
He glared at her; "you're way too susceptible for your own good Malfoy."
"Draco."
She shook her head, amazed. "Tell me," she tried to change the conversation, "what have you been doing since the war ended?"
He shrugged, "nothing much, if you must know. The final battle changed my life..."
"For the best?" she interrupted.
He nodded, "for the best."
She urged him to continue so he obliged. "My parents were sent to Azkaban for their allegiance to the dark side during the war..." He looked at her intently, "our manor being the general headquarters of the Dark Lord and everything..."
She nodded, remembering only too well that last time she was in his manor.
"I was spared prison because I had proved my allegiance to the light before they actually won the war. You know, by saving you guys in the room of requirements and at home..." He trailed off, lost in one of his own memories.
"Potter testified for me, not that I understand why he would, but it spared me. I know he testified for my mother too, because apparently she had lied to the Dark Lord to save his life, but somehow it didn't repair all the wrong that she had done, in the eyes of the Wizenmagot at least."
Her Heart went to him; he looked so sad. She knew his mother had died last year, apparently her frail condition wasn't meant for Azkaban. Her health had declined rapidly and she had died. Only Lucius was still serving time in Azkaban. "I'm very sorry for your mother Draco. I wish they wouldn't have sent her to Azkaban; then maybe... she'd still be there."
He shook his head sadly, "I don't think it would have changed anything. She wasn't strong, she was frail and weak and the war had been hard for her. She is simply another victim of this war."
Hermione nodded her understanding. She extended her arm and placed her hand on his, in a comforting way.
His eyes went to hers and he gave her a small smile. "After everything was settled, I traveled for the Order, following leads on escaped death eaters. I caught some of them, and when they told me that they did not need my anymore, I flew," he seemed to think for a moment. "I flew, to forget."
"I knew you were reconstructing Hogwarts with your friends, but I couldn't stand England anymore, so I left for France, called Delphine and entered Beaux-Batons to passé my seventh year exams and my NEWTs."
"You graduated?"
He nodded, "Yes, in Beaux-Batons while Hogwarts was being reconstructed."
"Not fair," she frowned. "You graduated a whole year before me."
"Yes, and I've been living here ever since, occupying myself with some random things."
"Like?"
"Nothing much. What about you?" He asked with interest.
She was about to answer when the waiter came by their table holding a plate in each hand, "Monsieur Malfoy, le repas est servi."
"Merci, Jean-Pierre."
Hermione glanced at their identical plates, "the duck looks delicious."
Draco nodded and smiled as he took a piece of the tender meat, and ate it hungrily. "Mm, absolutely divine." He told her after he swallowed.
She swallowed her own mouthful, "you're right, this is the best duck I've ever had."
"I'm glad you like it."
She didn't respond a thing; she had taken another bite of the flavoured dish. They ate their meal mostly in silence, talking between mouthfuls of the delicious food. After diner, they had walked for a moment, and even went to Notre-Dame and spent a few moments there looking at the magnificent architecture. They had talked, about many things, many important and some totally random. The reality of the situation was that A, she had a date with Draco Malfoy, B, it was really a nice date, C, she thought she might actually like him.
She couldn't believe it herself at that moment, but she realised hours later that she liked the man her childhood tormentor had become. After walking for what seemed to be forever, hand-in-hand they apparated back in the alley near her flat. They took the muggle elevator to her floor and he walked her up there, like the gentleman he claimed to be.
Hermione turned when they reached the door of her flat and smiled at him warmly, "Thank you Draco, for the evening, I really enjoyed it."
"I should thank you, for you accepted my invitation in the first place." He told her sincerely.
"You're right, you should thank me." She laughed, teasing him.
"Well, thank you," he said beginning to turn back, "goodnight Hermione."
She stood for a moment, astonished that he was leaving so bluntly. He turned to look at her, the lack of response feeling wrong. "Are you alright?"
She stared at him and shook her head. "No."
He closed the distance between them and gently grabbed her arms with his hands, "what's wrong?"
"Nothing, goodnight." She moved in an attempt to leave.
He groaned, "Hermione." He gripped her just a little bit harder so she wouldn't leave.
She raised her eyes to meet his. "What?"
"The truth."
She rolled her eyes, her cheeks becoming flushed. "Well…" She trailed uncomfortably; it was one thing to do it, but another one to say it. "I thought the evening went better than that…"
He looked puzzled, "than what?"
She shrugged, "than you turning around and leaving like that."
He laughed a bit, making her even more uncomfortable. "What did you expect?" he asked with a suggestive smile.
She rolled her eyes, "get your mind out of the gutter Draco."
He laughed.
"Seriously," she mumbled.
"Well," he urged. "What did you expect?"
Her cheeks burned and she knew for sure she was becoming redder by the second. "I thought you would…"she trailed off. "Kiss me," she said, just above a whisper.
"Oh."
"Forget it, goodnight Draco." She said rapidly before trying to escape him and go back to her flat to hide.
Instead of letting her go, he pulled her to him, and before she knew it, his lips came crashing down on hers. His kiss was possessive and passionate, but it was also sweet and tender. In fact, this kiss was so moving that it was hard to describe, she never knew such passion existed. She pressed her body to his, and wrapped her arms around his shoulder, deepening their kiss. She felt him smile against her mouth. He pulled away slightly, resting his cheek against hers, she could feel his breathing on her face and on her neck; it sent shivers down her spine. "I wanted to kiss you all night Hermione."
She looked surprise, something he couldn't see. "Then why didn't…"
He pulled away from her and kissed her lips once more, briefly, sweetly. "I didn't want to pressure you, I wanted to make sure you were comfortable around me…so that I could ask you out again."
She laughed softly, "that's sweet, but I liked the kiss better than your previous goodbye."
He tilted his head once more, and kissed her even more passionately. He broke away and breathed heavily, "I should really go now"
She gave him a sad look.
"Woman, you have no idea of the effect you have on me." She smiled, and he returned her smile evenly, "I'll go now, goodnight Hermione."
She nodded, "Goodnight Draco."
He turned to leave, but changed his mind and turned back to her for one last sweet kiss. He then turned and walked away, leaving her on her porch, watching him. "I'll call you," he added without looking at her. And with that, he disappeared around the corner.
Hermione smiled to herself and turned to unlock her door. That evening had been amazing! She walked in her flat and flung herself on her sofa, falling asleep only moments later; a soft smile on her face.
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When she came down the stairs she was relaxed, and dressed. She could hear the crackle of burning wood that was coming for their fireplace and the low voice of the man she loved, as he was apparently reading their daughter a story.
"Hey Lovebirds," she called, "what are you reading?"
"Hogwarts, A History." Delaney said happily, apparently delighted.
Draco rolled his eyes and groaned, "yeah, apparently, like mother, like daughter applies here."
Hermione smiled teasingly at him, "she's a daddy's girl too, you'll see when she gets angry."
He huffed.
"Do you like the book Sweetie?" She asked her daughter as she closed the space between them.
Delaney nodded and jumped from her father's lap, "yes mommy. Can we eat now?"
Hermione picked her up, "of course little Love, let's go eat."
Draco rose to his feet and he walked to Hermione, kissing her head affectionately. "Let's go Love."
They walked together out of the common room and made their way to the Great Hall. They were used to the deserted hallways and the commotion came as a surprise for them. Delaney watched the students with mild interest, holding onto her mother's neck securely. "Mommy? Which student is yours?"
Hermione smiled, kissed the top of her head affectionately, "all of them Dee."
"Really?" asked the blond toddler, her eyes round.
"They come to classes separated in groups and depending on their year." She explained patiently.
The little girl nodded. "Mommy and Daddy are going to start working on Monday honey, so you are going to spend time with your Aunt Ginny." Hermione told her daughter.
Delaney frowned, "I know mommy. You told me full of times."
Hermione and Draco laughed at her comment. They reached the Great Hall and walked in the middle hallway to the Head table. Neville was sitting at the table eating and having a conversation with Professor Flitwick. Hermione took the place next to Professor McGonagall, whom was talking with the new Arithmancy teacher, whose name Hermione couldn't remember. She placed her daughter next to her and Draco sat between Delaney and Neville, nodding his hello to the catastrophe magnet politely.
Hermione grabbed a toast and rapidly spread it with orange marmalade before giving it to her daughter, "here honey, do you want anything else?"
Delaney shook her head, a mouthful of toast already in her mouth. Hermione filled a cup of milk for her daughter and pushed it in front of her. "I want you to drink it all, understood?"
The toddler frowned unhappily, "I don't like milk," she moaned.
"I don't care, you have to drink it. It's good for your health and it helps your bones to grow." She explained patiently, pushing the cup in front of her daughter.
Draco watched the exchange, without taking part. He knew that Hermione wanted him to back her up, but he also knew that Delaney would start to plea him for help, so he kept quiet. He grabbed a toast and began to eat with appetite.
Delaney was pouting now, and with the frown she already had painted on her pale face, Hermione knew, that she was in for a tantrum. "Delaney, calm down. You will drink your milk or you'll spend the rest of the day in your room young lady."
"No," she said stubbornly.
"Delaney," Hermione warned, her voice tensed. She was afraid they were in for a display of magic, but she couldn't let her child win because of that. She couldn't because, as young as Delaney was, she was brilliant, and she knew that if she allowed her to disobey, she would loose the authority she had on her daughter.
Draco had sensed the untamed magic floating around his daughter too, "Hermione, maybe you…"
"No." She cut him off. She turned her eyes back to her daughter, "Delaney Hayden Malfoy, I swear if you use your magic in front of everyone in this room, I'll lock you in a dungeon for the whole day. By yourself!"
Delaney's breathing became heavier; she clearly was furious, "I don't want to!" she yelled aloud. Using her powers, she flung her glass of milk across the Great Hall.
Hermione's eyes narrowed, "You are in for some trouble Delaney Malfoy!" She told her child between gritted teeth.
Surprisingly, the event was not of interest to anyone, or at least to any of the students. The occupants of the Head table were the only ones starring at the young child, for they all knew of her special condition. "Delaney," Draco said unhappily, "you know you are not allowed to used magic in front of he students, we told you that a thousand times already."
She turned to look at her father, her eyes still darkened by her anger. He tried to touch her, but he was repulsed by a golden glow surrounding his daughter. This time however was different from the last, he was unable to pick her up, but he wasn't thrown against the wall. The golden light surrounding their daughter grew brighter by the minute, until they couldn't look in her direction anymore.
Hermione looked at the crowd of students, now that had gotten their attention all right. "Delaney stop."
But she wouldn't stop and the light grew brighter and brighter until it disappeared, leaving an empty spot between the incredulous parents.
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A.N. Hope you liked it, let me know, I love, love, love to know what you think. And I hope their first date (part two) was believable too…. Until next time, L.