Thanks so much for the reviews on the last one! I'm so glad everyone enjoyed it. This is a bit of a filler chapter but I need it. You'll see.
7 December, 2007: 5:00pm
"Rose," Hermione sighed, "slow down, sweetheart. Your mum's tired."
Rose slowed her skipping pace and took her hand when she held it out. She looked up at her mother as they walked down the pavement. "Sorry, mum."
"No need to apologize. It's just been a long day."
Many things had changed since her mum got married. Some days gran picked her up from school, some days her dad. She got to say that now—dad. She had a dad. Just like her other friends. Though her friend Michael had two mums but she figured that was sort of like her new Uncle Blaise and Uncle Theo.
But it didn't matter. She had two parents. Not that her mum wasn't still the best, because she absolutely was but it was nice. And her mum seemed so happy about it, too. She smiled more. She didn't look as tired either.
"Is daddy really going to cook dinner?"
Her mother pressed her lips together like she did whenever she was trying not to laugh at something and glanced down at her. There was that funny smile again. It was new and her mum only smiled that way whenever she called Draco dad or daddy. She slipped a few times and called him Draco again but he didn't seem to mind. Her mum said it was okay. They were all still adjusting. Maybe that meant that one day when she thought of him in her head she would just say dad and her first thought wouldn't be Draco.
"That's what he said. Though I'm not entirely convinced that Pipsy won't be helping."
"I sure hope so," she mumbled.
Hermione tugged on her hand gently. "Hey, be encouraging. You promise me that if he does, you have to at least taste each thing on your plate once. You don't have to like it all but he's learning and we have to be patient, yeah?"
She wrinkled her nose. "I just hope it's better than his eggs."
Her mum dropped her hand in favor of wrapping her arm around her shoulders. "Merlin, you're such a handful sometimes."
Rose tugged on her coat and they stopped. "Not too much though, right?"
She squinted at her. "Of course not, Rose. Whatever would make you ask that?"
She shrugged. "I still want a brother or sister," she said, her voice quiet. "If I'm too much then—"
Hermione pressed a finger to her lips and bent to catch her eyes. "You're perfect. You'll never be too much. And don't let anyone tell you that you are either."
Rose blinked. She was fairly certain her mum was talking about something else. Sometimes she did that. She said things that maybe also meant something else. Adults were confusing.
Their new home was still another block away. It was further from her school now but she liked it. She missed their old home sometimes but she had a new room that was so much bigger than her old one. And there was a library. And a big garden. And her dad and Pipsy.
"Do you think Pipsy will make dessert?" She asked.
Hermione laughed. "Merlin, despite my best efforts you still have a sweet tooth, don't you? Yes, I imagine she will."
Rose shrugged and entered the gate when her mum opened it. It was safe now to skip up the steps of the townhouse. She had to wait before when they visited for her mum to knock but now—now they just went straight in.
"Draco, we're home," Hermione called out. She took Rose's backpack while she shrugged out of her school blazer and kicked off her oxfords. She would have left them there in the foyer if she didn't press them into her hands to put away. "Take your things and get started on your homework. Best to get it out of the way on a Friday so you don't have to deal with it Sunday night."
Coming home now felt different. In the past, it was just the two of them. She went from Ministry employee to mother in the blink of an eye. Now she juggled differently. It was strange. Slipping into the identity of mother was as natural as her love of reading. Putting on the label of wife just felt different, if not a little foreign still.
Draco rounded the corner before either of them could get very far. He'd lost his tie and the top two buttons of his shirt were undone along with his shirtsleeves that were rolled to his elbows. The smudge of his mark was on full display after she convinced him it wouldn't bother Rose to see it. He needed to relax. They all did. This was home now.
She didn't know how long it would take to get used to this feeling in her chest. This burning sensation each time she called out and he was there. It was like a pilot light had been lit before. He kept it stoked and alive. Now it the flames had been allowed to flourish and grow.
He greeted her with a kiss, lingering long enough that she could feel his breath fan across her mouth, and then looked down.
"Homework time?" He asked Rose, a smile in his voice.
Rose shrugged. "New house, same rules," she muttered before she trudged off for the sitting room which was now her new homework spot. Theo had even added a table and new beanbag chairs just for her, the latter Draco had been unfamiliar with. Watching him sit in one and then try to get up kept her and Rose laughing for nearly an hour.
He shook his head, clearly amused. "At least she's adapting well."
Hermione sighed as he took her bag and helped her out of her coat before he hung it on their coat rack along with Rose's blazer. For the first week after they moved in, she kept turning the wrong way for the coat rack and reaching to the wrong height. She was only just now getting her muscle memory to kick in, which meant her daughter wasn't giggling as much when she thought she was hanging something only for it to fall on the floor.
And assuming he beat her home, he was there to greet her. There to let her know he missed her. As if they hadn't spent ten months dating and not living together. She wasn't complaining at all.
"How's dinner coming along?"
There was a pause when she asked the question. He narrowed his eyes at her. "You don't think I can do it, do you?"
She lifted her hands quickly. "I never said that."
There was a faint scent of something wafting down the hall and at least it didn't smell as if anything was burning. Small mercies. He could make an excellent cup of tea and his toast was within in range as well. She'd come to realize that anything else was only edible by his standards. But he was trying not to lean too much on Pipsy the days when she didn't make it home before him which was more often than not.
He bit the inside of his cheek before he turned on heel. "Hmm, right."
She followed him back to the kitchen and had to bite her tongue. Pipsy was managing a number of pots and pans, spoons stirring and liquids bubbling. She did it all with relative ease. She smiled in greeting when she spotted her and Hermione flashed her one in return. She still wasn't entirely comfortable with a house elf sharing their family's housework but she also understood the complicated dynamic. Plus, and she would never admit this to anyone, not even Draco, but it was sort of nice to have the extra help with Rose. For the first time in over eight years, she was waking up more rested.
"It's smells good," she said, offering him an encouraging smile.
Draco pointed at the oven. "I prepared the chicken." He frowned then. "Pipsy is handling the side dishes."
She lifted her shoulders. "The chicken is a large part of the meal."
He rolled his eyes, muttering a quiet thanks to Pipsy who merely beamed at him, before he took her hand and led her towards the stairs.
"How was your day?" He asked. She could feel his wedding band pressing against her finger. It was warm and a reminder that everywhere he went, people knew he was taken by her.
Hermione sighed. "Long. I have a bit of an issue and you're not going to like it."
He stopped to look at her at the top of the stairs. It took all of her willpower not to be distracted by the view of his…their home from this height. The crystal chandelier that hung over the bottom of the stairs twinkled in the dying afternoon light through the front windows. It was the kind of home that had never been on her radar before but things were different now. Theo had done away with some of the antiquated decorations of wealth in place of something more modern with a touch of coziness. It was to be a family home after all, she'd told him. Not a museum.
His brow furrowed as he lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. The affection didn't end in Paris. Not that she expected it to really. He'd been like this before they were married and he was nothing if not consistent. It still sent a pleasant shot of heat through her body each time though.
"What's wrong?"
"We've received word of an unregistered animagus and he's heading towards London creating all sorts of trouble. It's rather rare but I have to work tomorrow. We have to catch him before he can do anymore damage. He's already used the skill to sneak into people's homes in Manchester and rob them."
Draco's mouth quirked into a frown as they continued the path to their bedroom. "What form does he take?"
She swallowed. Her mouth pulled into a strained smile. "A snake. That's how he gets into their homes and then he just swallows whatever it is he's taking. I swear, the regurgitation must be uncomfortable afterwards. Doesn't seem worth it to me."
He huffed. "Go figure. Well, I suppose that leaves me and Rose to our own devices. I'll take her with me to Diagon Alley. You said we need to restock the potions ingredients."
Hermione pointed a strict finger at him. "Do not let her fill up on sweets. The wedding is behind us and Christmas is coming up. She'll have plenty of opportunity for sugar then. I want to dial it back a bit."
He rolled his eyes and stepped behind her. He rested his hands on her shoulders and steered her towards the master suite. Theo had done a lovely job of redecorating there, too. The chaise by the windows was her new favorite place to read. It felt as large or bigger really than their hotel suite in Pairs had been. Past the small living area was the bedroom with a bed so soft it felt criminal. Falling asleep next to him was possibly one of the best parts of her day.
Draco guided her towards the chaise where he made her sit. She bit her lip as he knelt in front of her and he reached down to remove her heels.
"I know the rules. No more spoiling until Christmas. And then her birthday." He lifted his eyes and smirked. He caught the little whimper she made when he massaged the arches of both feet briefly. "That rules doesn't apply to you though. Come on. It sounds like you could use a soak before dinner."
She groaned as he pulled her to her feet. She pressed her forehead against his chest for a moment. Just long enough to count to ten and smell the cologne on his collar. To soak up the feeling of his arms like steel bands around her back, cradling and protecting. It took her to a place that calmed her nerves and made all of the racing thoughts disperse even if only for that moment. She knew the honeymoon phase would wear off eventually but she hoped this feeling wasn't included.
"I love you," she whispered, turning her head so that her ear pressed against his chest. The steady thump, thump of his heart was perfect to lull her into a calm state. The same way most nights since Paris, she fell asleep to it as well, scarred skin against her cheek and fingertips.
His arms tightened the slightest bit around her before a hand lifted and cupped her head. "I love you, too. Are you alright? Should we cancel dinner?"
She shook her head as she stepped back. "No. I'd like to have something enjoyable this weekend since the Ministry is commandeering my Saturday."
Draco kissed her forehead and she smiled even as he next pressed a kiss to her mouth. She took his face in her hands when he pulled back and kissed him again, this one a bit deeper. He groaned as she pulled back and fell to her heels.
He shook himself and turned on heel. "Bloody siren…"
9:00pm
Draco tugged on a t-shirt to go with his pajamas bottoms. Dinner had long been over. Most of the victory belonged to Pipsy but his chicken was edible and even Rose ate it. Small victories each day. That's what Hermione said anyway.
He smirked to himself as he brushed his damp hair. His father would keel over it if he saw how his life was turning out. Married to the witch his father once referred to as an abomination, his business was doing better than ever and it was honest work, and his mother approved of it all. And…now he had the family he'd wanted.
Rose's lamp was on when he made it down the hall. Hermione was curled into the chair beside her bed reading a story. He leaned against the doorjamb and listened.
"But mum…why can't most people see thestrals?"
Hermione paused and it was clear from the furrow between her brows that she was considering her words carefully. "A lot of people haven't witnessed death."
"Will I be able to see them? You took me to grandad Granger's funeral."
She smiled sadly and leaned over to brushed Rose's hair back. "No, darling. It's not quite the same. You have to actually see someone die, not see them after."
Rose's eyes widened. "I think I'd rather not be able to see thestrals then."
"Best not."
Draco knocked on the doorframe. "Am I interrupting?"
Hermione shook her head and set the book aside. She motioned for Rose to come sit on the floor at her feet so she could plait her hair.
"Not at all."
He stepped further into the room and took a seat on the end of the bed. Much of Hermione's old furniture didn't make it in the move. She'd donated it with some reluctance. Convincing her that she wasn't being wasteful by allowing Theo to furnish Rose's room with new things had been a small feat but ultimately the result seemed to be a success. It was the only room in the entire townhouse with pale purple walls. Theo had somehow managed to combine an air of sophistication with the simplicity of childhood. And Rose seemed happy with it so that was proof enough.
Draco fought a smile when Rose winced as her mother pulled a little too hard at her hair. He gestured with a hand, "Is there not a spell for that?"
Hermione flashed him a brief smile as she tied off the end of her hair. "There is but I don't recommend it. It doesn't work well with either of our hair. It's best to do this the muggle way."
Rose rolled her eyes playfully. "Not everything needs magic, daddy."
He snorted and met Hermione's eyes. "Consider me properly chastised."
She bit down on her lip and squeezed Rose's shoulders. "Go easy on him. He's learning."
Rose climbed into her bed and per the usual routine, Hermione pulled the covers up over her shoulders. The lumps under the bedding were no doubt her stuffed animals. Draco took his turn hugging her goodnight, trying not to melt a little when she kissed his cheek the same way she did to her mother. Hermione was always last in the routine. He didn't know if it was because she was a mother or just because she'd been Rose's sole parent for so long but she was always last to tuck her in.
Draco stood just beyond the doorway when she flicked off the lights with her wand and shut the door. He trailed behind her to their bedroom. They'd prepared for bed separately so he didn't get to watch her normal routine. She didn't understand his fascination with watching the more mundane parts of her day until he explained that his parents had separate rooms when he was growing up.
They placed their wands on their respective nightstands before climbing into bed. It was large enough that they didn't have to even touch if they didn't want to but inevitably, she curled herself next to him, the same way she did every night since they were married.
Draco sighed into the darkness. "She seems to be adjusting alright."
She brushed her fingertips over his scars through the material of his t-shirt. Another of her nightly rituals. He still didn't know if she honestly did it more for herself or for him but he wasn't going to complain. Her touch soothed him.
"Hmm, she's fine." He could hear the exhaustion in her voice.
Silence fell over them and he was almost asleep before he heard her.
"You'll be fine with her tomorrow, right?"
Draco turned his head enough to kiss her forehead. "Of course. Are you worried?"
She somehow cuddled closer. "Not at all."
Her breathing evened out a few moments later and he knew she was asleep. His own eyes began to droop as he stared at the dark ceiling.
8 December, 2007: 9:00am
No one told him children woke with the sun on Saturday mornings and demanded breakfast first thing. It was his fault really. He didn't show her where Hermione put her cereal. So while he normally took the weekend off from his workouts, he found himself downstairs lifting weights and running on the new treadmill her mother had gifted them after the wedding when she learned he hated running in the rain.
Would he have rather have been in bed snoozing until at least eight? Absolutely. However, Rose wanted breakfast while she watched cartoons in the downstairs living room he'd had Theo arrange with the new telly. So that meant he was awake, his wife had long been gone to try and catch some moron who clearly had a death wish, and he slogged through a workout because what else did one do in such a situation?
He was drenched in sweat when he entered the kitchen and found Rose standing on her stool at the sink.
"What are you doing?"
She looked over her shoulder, still in her pajamas, and grinned. Her new tooth was beginning to come in finally.
"Washing my cereal bowl. Did your mum not make you wash your dishes when you were growing up?"
Draco poured a glass of water after he accio'd the pitcher from the refrigerator. "No actually. I'm guessing your mum wouldn't approve of that though."
Rose giggled as she jumped down and wiped her hands on one of the towels Hermione had hung from the oven handle specifically low enough for her to reach.
"No, mum would say that's lazy." She shrugged. "She mostly still washes my dishes but before the wedding she taught me so I could help. She said she doesn't want me to rely on Pipsy for everything."
He nodded. "That sounds like her." He glanced at his watch. "Well, since we're without your mum all day, I can take you to Diagon Alley. She left me with a list of things to get from the potions shop to refill our stock."
Rose bounced on her heels. "Can I look at the cats?"
His heart twitched a little when she bit her lip. The last time she'd tried that it hadn't gone so well and Hermione told him she'd not asked to go back since.
"I think we can manage that. We can't get one today though. Not without your mum there."
She shrugged and ran for the stairs. "I'll go change!"
He chugged his water. She was speedy when she was excited and he still needed a shower.
Diagon Alley was busy when they arrived. He kept one hand on her shoulder, scared to death to lose her in the crush of witches and wizards. He didn't know if Hermione had spoken with her about staying close when they were in public, lest they get separated, but he was thankful nonetheless that she didn't skip ahead of him, especially when she saw the advertisement for a special holiday flavor of ice cream at Florean's. Because even in the cold, children still wanted ice cream.
"I'll get you a scoop on the way out," he promised her.
It mollified her long enough to make it to the potions shop and to hand over his list to one of the shop attendants. The witch gave him a quick once over and walked off after an approving nod. Was he being judged on his new parenting skills now?
"What does this do?" Rose asked, pointing to a vial of something green and rather slimy looking.
Draco crouched to get a better look. "Ah, that will keep slugs from eating up your garden. Not regular slugs though. These ones are big. About as big as a large rat actually."
Her eyes were huge when she looked up at him. "We don't have slugs, do we? I don't want to step on one when I go outside."
He chuckled and passed the shop attendant the appropriate sum of coins when she handed him their purchase all packaged up neatly in a paper bag.
"No, Pipsy is quite particular about that. They like to eat her kitchen herbs and she won't stand for it."
Rose gave a mock shiver. "Gross!"
Draco laughed as he guided her out of the shop. "I agree."
They only garnered a few stares as they joined the foot traffic again. Perhaps most people were getting used to seeing him with Hermione's daughter. Maybe even one day the papers would call her his, too.
"Alright, quick stop to look at cats and then ice cream before we head home then, yeah?"
He smiled to himself. He could practically feel the girl vibrating with excitement. She chattered at this side, always the talkative one. Whether it was about school or a book or even a movie, she had something to say. It reminded him so much of Hermione. Chatterboxes, the two of them.
She stopped her story about one of her classes and pointed suddenly. "Dad, there's Aunt Ginny."
Draco nodded, trying not to show that it affected it him so deeply to hear her call him that. It was like stepping into a new pair of shoes as a child. They felt like they fit but they were foreign, unworn.
It seemed Ginny Potter spotted him at the same time as well. She waved to Rose before she crossed the street to meet them.
"Using the time without your spouse to run errands as well?" Ginny asked, hugging Rose with one arm, the other holding James. The boy opened and closed one hand in a childish wave before hugging his mother's neck.
Draco returned James's wave, ignoring Ginny's pleased grin. Everyone knew he was soft around children by now. No need to dwell on it.
"More like I was assigned the job. You haven't heard from Potter, have you? Hermione's not called or texted."
She shook her head and adjusted the boy in her arms. He looked like he was about to take himself a mid-morning nap.
"No, they both turn their phones off during these sorts of events. They're rare for Hermione but I'm used to it with Harry. I wouldn't worry too much."
Rose fidgeted at his side and he caught her staring at the Magical Menagerie two shops over.
He nodded. "Go on. I'll watch until you're inside. I'll be right here."
She bit her lip and for a brief moment he thought she might chicken out. He was prepared for her to insist he escort her but at the last second she nudged her chin forward and nodded. Unlike last time, she slipped right inside the shop without a single person bothering her.
He sighed. "Hermione said she didn't want to go back after—last time. She asked this morning. I couldn't very well say no."
Ginny nodded. "No, I imagine not. Rose is so much like Hermione it's scary sometimes. Very stubborn but she's sensitive, too. She takes a bit to crack but once she trusts you—and obviously she does trust you—she'll be more open."
"They really are alike. They make the same face whenever I try to cook breakfast, too. Thankfully, she only wanted cereal this morning."
He didn't quite know what to make of the way she looked at him. Her mouth turned up in a half smile and she shook her head. It was the look in her eyes though.
"What time did Hermione leave this morning?"
"I'm not sure actually. She was gone when I got up." He narrowed his eyes. "Why?"
"You did her hair, didn't you?"
He glanced at the shop, as if he could see through it. "What's wrong with it? I did one of those…" He twisted his free hand in a circle. "…things I've seen Hermione do. The pony-thing. I didn't even try to use my wand. She warned me not to or her hair would knot."
Ginny burst into laughter, "Nothing, I swear! I just—you're becoming quite domesticated, Malfoy. It's interesting is all."
He rolled his eyes. "Yes, because not a single soul imagined I'd ever be capable of being decent."
Her hand shot out to grab his sleeve as he began to turn. "Malfoy, you know Harry and I don't think that. Look, no one is denying the past but you've come a long way. Maybe celebrate it instead of looking for the negativity." She shook her head as she dropped her hand. "I don't think you have any idea just how proud Hermione is of you."
He lifted his shoulders and looked anywhere but at her eyes. Not the same blue ones his step-daughter shared. Thank Merlin Rose would never truly know him as he was in the past.
"Marriage gave me more confidence but it doesn't totally shut down the old emotions, Red."
She adjusted her son in her arms and nodded. "I get that. Your self-deprecating side is so jarring though. Smirk a little, would you?"
She smiled at him and he shook a teasing finger at her.
"Be careful what you ask for."
Rose came running out of the shop and wrapped herself around his leg. "Daddy! The black cat is still there!"
Draco's brows furrowed and he shot Ginny a quick look. She shrugged. Neither knew anything about a black cat and Hermione definitely hadn't said anything .
"Black cat?"
Rose nodded so hard her low ponytail threatened to slip. Perhaps he needed to work on tightening the band a little.
"The one I saw in the window…that day…"
"Ah," he nodded. "So you've got your eyes on one then?"
She nodded again and reached for his hand, pulling him in the direction of the Magical Menagerie. "It's half kneazle—like the one mum used to have in school."
Draco couldn't help it when he sneered. "Oh, that orange rag? That thing bit me once while roaming the corridors late at night."
She giggled and that was just fine. He'd rather she laugh at those silly stories. He tried his best not to slip in front of her. Less sneering and scowling. More laughter and smiles. That was who wanted to be. The person that had felt trapped inside of him most of his life. Maybe he wasn't all rainbows and butterflies but he wasn't what his father tried to make him. And he would rather cut off his right arm than be the same kind of father.
"Well, Potterette, it appears I must go have a look at a cat. See you for dinner next week, if not before."
She smiled. "See you then, Malfoy. Harry's going to attempt a lasagne. Prepare yourself."
"Thanks for the warning!"
5:00pm
Hermione grumbled as she readjusted herself in her position. Spending her Saturday staking out a home they'd used to bait the bloody criminal was not exactly high on her list of things to do. She would have much rather had the chance to have a bit of a lie in with her new husband. Perhaps take their time with morning sex while Rose was preoccupied with her cartoons. Hell, she'd have even taken getting up early to cater to her daughter's breakfast requests if toast or cereal wouldn't suffice. But this—not this.
"I'm starving," she said, irritability leaking into her voice. She'd eaten nothing since the banana and a poorly put together sandwich she'd packed before leaving home. No one had expected it would take this long for the stupid snake to show himself.
Harry flashed her a sympathetic smile as he reached into his auror's uniform. It was different than the robes he wore on a casual work day. This was more practical. She knew beneath the tactical vest he wore—something the Ministry had adopted and subsequently adapted from the muggles—there were an array of potions and other magical odds and ends. He once produced a folded up telescope from the pockets upon request.
He squinted one eye as he dug through the many pockets before finally withdrawing his hand. "Aha! I knew I had something. Will a stash of Bertie Bott's do?"
She gave an amused huff as she took the offering. "I suppose it's better than nothing. How in Merlin's name to do you handle this as often as you have to do it?" She tugged at her own field uniform, the thing she'd had to dig from the back of her closet because she had so little need for it.
He shrugged and glanced out the window they were hiding under. Two aurors dressed in plain clothes were seated on a bench across the street reading a newspaper or a book, ready to join them should the criminal show himself.
"I've gotten used to it. The key is to eat a big breakfast."
She frowned, both from the earwax flavored sweet, if one could call it that, and from irritably. "I'm not much for big breakfasts. And I should have had coffee before I left." The lack of the latter was making her extra miserable. Because on the weekends, morning coffee had become Draco's task and he was rather good at it. And she'd missed it.
He grinned. "Well, good thing for you that you only have to do this once every few years. How did Malfoy take the news by the way? Can't imagine he was pleased."
"No, he didn't particularly like the idea of me being in," she lifted her fingers to curl in quotes, "harm's way."
Harry shrugged again. "Eh, he's an idiot in love."
She rolled her eyes and threw what she suspected to be a vomit flavored bean at him. He caught it and popped it into his mouth much to her annoyance. Until his mouth twisted in disgust.
"He's not an idiot. He's just—doting."
Harry scoffed but he followed it with a crooked grin. "If that's what you want to call it. Where's Rose today, by the way?"
She sent him a funny look. "With Draco, of course. Where else would she be?"
His face flushed pink. "Sorry. Still getting used to this new reality, I guess."
There was a lull between them while she chewed a bean that tasted somewhere between an orange and butter beer—incredibly odd. By the way he fidgeted it, it was clear he had more to say.
"What, Harry? I can tell you have more to say."
"It's nothing really," he said, shrugging. He tapped his wand against the inside of his knee absently. "I don't want to upset you."
"Harry Potter, if you don't stop beating around the bush—"
He lifted his hands, his wand nearly slipping from between his fingers before he returned them to his lap. "It's…Ron."
She sighed, annoyance growing thick in her bones. "Alright. What about him?"
"He's engaged now. She finally agreed to marry him."
She huffed, "Despite the I wouldn't allow him to use my daughter to make his amends." She shook her head. The anger with him was old and felt brittle. Almost like a thin layer of dust on a book that she merely needed to wipe away. "Well, good for him I suppose."
"Yeah, and we met her at the Burrow last weekend." He shook his head suddenly. "I really shouldn't have said anything. I just—need to vent."
Hermione released a breath before she sent him a small smile. "Harry, we're still best friends. You can vent to me. About anything. Even him."
He swallowed and for a moment she thought he wasn't going to say anything more. She could see the frustration on his face but he finally spoke.
"It's just that—Ginny's still furious with him and so he's irritated with her. George is trying to hold the line, albeit reluctantly because you know he'd rather lose his other ear than upset you or Rose—he wants you to bring her by the joke shop sometime soon by the way. Charlie and Bill—well they're not too keen either but they're trying as well to keep the peace. Fleur just sticks her nose in the air. And then there's Molly and Arthur. One minute Molly is fine, the next I think she's going to hex him. Arthur. Well, he just frowns. It's bloody strange. And then I'm sitting there holding James trying to make sure no one starts dueling."
Hermione pushed a puff of air past her lips that quickly dissolved into a meager laugh. "Merlin, he's certainly made a mess for himself, hasn't he?"
He grinned. "You've no idea."
She sighed and leaned her head back against the wall. Her back was beginning to hurt and her arse was no better from sitting on these hard floors.
"I appreciate all of them but I'd rather not be the reason they're still so hostile to him. I'm fine now. I'm married. It's time for all of us to move on."
Harry's mouth twisted in a grimace. "You're a factor, certainly, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I think a fair number of them are still angry because they feel like he abandoned his family as well."
"Well, that's certainly understandable." She tilted her head curiously. "How do you feel though, Harry? He abandoned you, too."
He sucked in a deep breath before he lifted the tip of his wand to nudge his glasses up his nose. He smiled which she clucked her tongue. He was going to hurt himself doing that.
"I don't know really. Maybe I'm still a bit angry with him."
She nodded. "It's okay if you are, Harry. Your anger doesn't all have to be on my behalf."
He stretched his legs out in front of him and knocked the toes of his boots together. It felt a bit like they were at school again and trying to weather their way through the storm.
"You think so?"
"Of course. Your emotions don't exist in a vacuum, you know."
He licked his lips. "I sort of—a part of me thinks we should fix it but the other part doesn't want to."
She tossed him a Bertie Bott's and smiled when he caught it. "Take your time, Harry. You and Ginny have been my strength for the last nine years. I can be yours, too." Her mouth pulled into a smirk. "And I think, though I could be wrong, Draco would have your back as well."
He sputtered out a laugh. "Ah, that git. He's alright, isn't he?"
She nodded. "Very much so."
"How do you think he's managing with Rose today?"
4:00pm
She might murder him when she found out what he did but it was too late now. After having a look at the cats and then buying her a scoop of ice cream as promised, he took her to the park. They bought a football at a nearby sports shop and she taught him a few things.
"When can I learn to fly a broom?" She asked as she kicked the ball towards him.
Draco almost missed it. The girl had a strong kick. He stopped it with his foot as he'd learned and then gave it a gentle kick back. If he was guilty of feeding her sweets at least he could tell Hermione they'd gotten in some healthy exercise.
"I haven't spoken with your mum about it yet. Perhaps soon if she's amiable. You'll be nine in two months."
"Really? Maybe for my birthday then?"
Bloody hell. Had he just agreed to something?
"Err…let me speak with her before I answer that."
Thunder cracked somewhere in the distance and Draco caught the ball under his foot before he looked overhead. Grey storm clouds were quickly moving in.
"What do you say we pack it up then?"
Rose looked up as well and nodded. "What will we have for dinner?"
Draco shrunk the ball discreetly and pocketed it with the potions ingredients. His coat was carrying all sorts of stuff today.
He rested a hand on her shoulder as they made their way out of the park. "How about we stop at you and your mum's favorite pizza place and we order one? Pipsy won't mind and I think I'd quite like one myself."
She grinned up at him. "I can't wait to tell mum how much fun we had today. And about the cat. I hope she says yes to the cat."
He was still stuck on the fact that she wanted to tell her mum how much fun she had. He didn't know when the feeling would wear off or if it ever would but he was going to revel in it. And likely brag to Hermione later.
"You know, your mum said you haven't asked to go look at the cats since last time. What made today different?"
Rose shrugged and lifted her eyes to catch his. "I thought that…now that I have a real dad, the fake one couldn't ruin anything."
Draco swallowed. He hadn't been expecting that.
His instinct was to say something negative about Ron Weasley. He had made many mistakes in his life but the one thing he could say for himself was that he didn't run away from when he got his chance to turn things around. Weasley had never tried until it was too late.
So as much as it chafed him, he didn't comment on her biological father and merely said, "I'll always be there for you, Rose."
9 December, 2007: 1:00am
"Daddy!"
Draco's eyes flew open. His heart pounded in his ears as the name registered in his mind. That was him. She was calling for him.
He blinked quickly against the darkness in the bedroom and quickly sprung from the bed, grabbing his wand from the nightstand in his haste. He wrenched the door open to find Rose standing there, the bear with the beret clutched in her arms as she stared up at him. It vaguely registered in his mind that Hermione still wasn't home.
He bent down and met her eyes. "What is it, Rose?"
She stuck her bottom lip out and it almost reminded him of Hermione when she was sick, nearly the only time she truly pouted about anything.
"My stomach hurts."
He nodded. She had eaten quite a lot of pizza. "Alright. What would your mum usually do?"
"She makes me ginger tea and gives me the potion." She leaned forward and whispered as if they weren't actually the only two in the house, minus Pipsy. "It helps me go."
Draco bit back an amused grin and nodded. He knew the potion. His mother had given it to him enough growing up.
"I know where she keeps it. Let's get your tea, too."
She took his hand when he held it out and he led her downstairs to the kitchen. Pipsy was dead asleep and he was fine to let her be. A simple cup of tea was easy enough.
He sat her on a stool at the island and put the kettle on. He flicked his wand with his free hand to accio the potion. He heard it before he turned around. A giggle. A tiny, muffled one.
"What's so funny?" He asked, turning to her with the cup just as the potion sailed into his outstretched hand.
"Your hair," Rose said, pointing at his head. "It's sticking up in funny directions. It's not usually like that."
Draco lifted his eyes as if he could actually see for himself, knowing full and well he couldn't. "Yes, well, my hair isn't long enough to plait before bed, now is it?"
Rose shrugged her shoulders and took the potion he handed her. She tossed it back with a grimace and stuck out her tongue.
"It's so gross!"
"Yeah, I've never liked that one either. You'd think we could brew it to taste a bit better all things considered. Probably why your mum gives you the tea. Here." He placed a cup in front of her. "Careful, it's hot."
He ran a hand over his hair as she lifted the cup in her small hands, blowing on it just as Hermione always did. He was in need of a haircut again. About a quarter inch too long. He wasn't a fan of long hair. Too scared it would make him look like his father if it got even an inch too long. He scratched as his jaw next. She'd asked him not to shave just yet and just trim the beard instead. She was curious. The things he did for that witch…
"I thought mum would be home by now," Rose said, the steam from her tea wafting in front of her.
Draco sighed as he hunched over and leaned his elbows on the counter. "I did as well but she has a rather important job and the Ministry can't let an unregistered animagus run amuck through London."
She tipped her head curiously. "Is it hard to become an animagus?"
"From what I've always heard, very. I've only ever known a few."
"Mum said Professor McGonagall is one. She turns into a cat!"
Draco snorted. "Yes, and I imagine she's still doing that trick where she sits on her desk the first day of school for first years' transfiguration and then suddenly changes her form back into a witch."
He smiled when her mouth dropped. "She does? Mum never said that."
"I never said what?"
The two of them jumped at the sound of Hermione's voice. She rested her bag on the counter with a weary sigh and reached to kiss Rose's forehead first.
"Why are you awake?" She asked, brushing away flyaway hairs. Those curls were always rebelling.
"I had a stomachache. Daddy gave me the potion and I was drinking my tea."
Something like fire flooded his veins when she looked at him. It was similar to the fire in her eyes, tired as they were.
"I see. Well, drink up. I'll tuck you in again when you're done." She squinted at the messy plait hanging down her back. "Did Pipsy plait your hair for bed?"
Rose shook her head and Draco stood taller. "No, daddy did it."
A smirk pulled at his mouth when her wide eyes found him. "You did?"
"Don't look so shocked. I'm capable of learning a thing or two. It's not as good as yours but I managed all the same."
"Did you catch the animagus, mum?"
Hermione blinked, tearing her eyes away from him. "Yes, we did. Rather hostile nutter, too. Claimed he had no idea he must be registered with the Ministry. Rubbish. He knew. Besides, theft is still punishable, no matter the method." She sent him a skeptical look. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
He opened his mouth and then promptly closed it. He was a bit sleep-deprived so choosing his words carefully was a must. Finally he settled on, "What are you wearing?" He gestured at her attire with a flick of his hand.
She huffed as she looked down at herself. She was in all black. A pair of black tactical pants he'd seen the aurors wear were tucked into a pair of laced up boots. Her black bomber jacket had the Ministry seal over one side of her chest.
"This is my field uniform. I think I've only had to wear it—" She squinted. "—three times in the last eight years other than tonight. Don't get used to it."
He lifted his hands in surrender. "You look like you could kick my arse, sans magic."
Rose giggled but pressed her lips together when Hermione shot her what he'd determined after the last few weeks living together was the look. His mother had one of those, too, though hers was decidedly colder.
"Finish your tea, Rose."
She lifted her cup and downed the remainder of the tea in one gulp. "Done!" It seemed she wasn't up for crossing her mother either.
Hermione nodded. "Go on upstairs. I'll be there in a minute."
Rose left the kitchen in a hurry and Draco almost wished he could join her. His wife appeared more than a little agitated.
"Is something wrong?" He asked as he collected the empty cup and deposited it in the sink.
She caught her hands in his t-shirt when he turned back around and stood on her toes to press her mouth to his. It wasn't a deep kiss but it spoke volumes. She fell back on her heels and wrapped her arms around him.
"I am so bloody tired."
Draco ran a hand over her back and smiled when she melted a little more into him. "What time did you leave this morning? I didn't even hear you."
"Five. I'm closing in on twenty hours."
"Merlin," he muttered.
He didn't ask before he bent and swung her up into his arms. She didn't argue as he navigated the dark hallway and up the stairs. He put her down outside of Rose's room. The lamp on her nightstand was on and Hermione ducked inside to kiss her goodnight. He hovered in the doorway and watched the two of them.
"Did you visit the loo?" He heard her ask.
He tried not to laugh. It wasn't like he'd never experienced a stomachache himself.
"I did," Rose yawned. "I feel better now."
"Good. Get some sleep, yeah? I think we'll stay in tomorrow and have a pajama day."
Rose nodded and turned over to curl around one of the many stuffed animals in her new bed.
Hermione shut off the lamp and closed the door behind her. He bent and picked her up again. This time she released a tired laugh that deteriorated into a sigh.
"You're so ridiculous."
He pressed a kiss to her forehead and he made his way towards their room. "I cannot deny the charge."
He set her down after he closed their door and she began peeling out of her layers. It was a testament as to how tired she was because she dropped everything on the floor on her way to the bathroom, leaving a trail of clothes in her wake. He laughed silently to himself as he picked up behind her. She was normally so neat and tidy.
"I just want a shower and then to sleep past seven."
Draco heard the shower cut on and approached her wardrobe. The top drawers were where she kept her underwear. Though she didn't buy into the lingerie idea, she did have a few lacy pairs of knickers that he appreciated but he bypassed them entirely for something in a comfortable cotton. He didn't want her to think he was asking for sex while she was clearly dead on her feet. He then found her favorite pajama bottoms next, the ones with the little piglets that she swore up and down were not in fact her favorite. He was no idiot though. He laid them all out on the bathroom vanity with a t-shirt.
She cut off the shower as he was turning around and he met her with a fresh towel. She looked up at him as he wrapped it around her shoulders. He kissed her gently.
"I pulled out some pajamas for you. I'll be in bed."
Hermione held the towel together between her breasts as her eyes strayed to the clothes. Somehow he knew. He always did.
He was sitting up in bed, the book she'd started the night before in his hands. He lifted it when he saw her approaching, running the towel over her damp hair. She'd deal with the frizz tomorrow.
"How in Merlin's name have you already gotten halfway through this bloody thing in one sitting?" He asked, waving her bookmark at her before replacing it in the right spot. "It's unbelievably dry."
She laughed. "That's your opinion. I quite enjoy reading about transfiguration theory."
He rolled his eyes and tossed it back on her nightstand. She climbed onto the bed that was a touch too tall and leaned over to kiss him. She hovered there for a moment as she stared into his eyes. Twin storms stared back and she couldn't help but marvel for at least a moment over the warmth there.
His mouth pulled in a half smile. "What? Are you going to make fun of my hair as well? I'll have you know that it took me an hour without you in bed to even fall asleep. You've ruined me."
She shook her head, though his words send a secret thrill through her. "I'm just a little in awe by you. You're learning to cook because I asked, not because it's necessary, you've jumped head first into the father role, and didn't even flinch when you were left alone with her today. Do you have any idea how many women at the Ministry complain because their husbands pass their kids off to the grandparents when faced with being alone with them? And she's not even technically yours. You took on an eight year old and didn't even bat an eye. I just—" She shook her head again. "You're amazing."
His mouth fell in a frown and she wasn't sure at first what it was that she said. Surely he knew she was complimenting him.
"But she is mine. Now at least."
Hermione inhaled a breath. "I'm sorry," she said, a blush crawling across her cheeks in the faint lamplight. "You're right. She is. I don't—you have no idea what it means to me, let alone her, to hear you say that. I'll get used to it."
He lifted a hand and cupped her cheek. The feel of his warm skin on her hers, the love and adoration radiating from him—who even was this man?
He pulled her in and kissed her again, slow and with obvious meaning. If she weren't exhausted from the day, she had a feeling he'd be trying to get into her knickers. Tomorrow. Definitely tomorrow.
They separated, each with a soft sigh, and he flicked the lights off with his wand.
"I was thinking today—" She started.
"Oh no—"
She whacked his chest gently before she settled in his arms. His arm stretched along her spine until his hand cradled her hip and she melted with a leg wrapped over his. She could smell his shampoo as she settled her head against his shoulder. Sinking into him at the end of the day was the balm her soul had been searching for all this time.
"Anyway, as I said, I was thinking today that we should talk to Rose soon about Christmas."
He yawned and somehow snuggled her closer. Touch was her love language after all.
"What about it?"
"You still want to celebrate the holiday in France, don't you?"
"Oh, that. Yes. We'll bring your mother, too, of course."
"She won't argue with that, I can promise you."
They fell silent for a moment and she was nearly asleep when she heard him again.
"By the way, she's picked out a cat."
Hermione lifted her head. "She went in?"
Draco squinted at her in the dark. "She did. She asked if she could. I wasn't going to say no."
"Of course not. I'm just glad she did. I don't want the idea of him looming over her."
She settled against his chest again and he gave her a small squeeze. "Anyway, I've—well—don't murder me in my sleep but—I've already made the purchase. I'll pick it up next week and ask Theo and Blaise to watch it until Christmas. They won't say no. She's already got Theo wrapped around her little finger."
She sighed as his heart thumped under her ear. She suddenly realized that he was wearing a shirt again, much to her annoyance but she was too tired to ask him to take it off or to vanish it.
"That sounds perfect," she whispered.
Now I can tell you that strangely enough, my favorite scene to write in this one was actually the Harry/Hermione scene. I hope you enjoyed it, too. Let me know in the reviews. :)