I do not own Harry Potter.
Chance Meetings Ch. 4 Two Reasons
*Hermione*
The next morning, after downing a mug of coffee so that I can function properly, I shower and get dressed for work. I head back to the kitchen to refill my mug and make myself some toast. Standing at the counter sipping the delicious brew, my mind wanders to last night, wondering what exactly made Scorpius cry, and when I see him next I will be sure to ask him. Then I think about Malfoy, about the look in his eyes when he was leaning in to kiss me before Scorpius startled him out of it, of course the familiar tug of hurt hits when I think about how relieved he looked having an out. A post owl swoops in with the Daily Prophet jolting me out of my musings, I settle at the table with my toast, almost choking on my first bite as the headline of the front page catches my eye.
Hermione Granger the brains of the Golden Trio soon to be second wife of Draco Malfoy?
"Bloody hell!" I mutter skimming to find the author at the bottom of the article then nod to myself that she will pay for this, and I know just how to do it.
*Draco*
"Bloody hell." I mutter as I open the Daily Prophet. Scor and I are sitting at the table as he eats his breakfast before I take him to the manor on my way to work.
"That's a Galleon for the language jar." Scor scolds me and I nod absently while muttering sorry under my breath as I read the bloody article.
Below the headline is a moving picture of Hermione holding Scorpius who is snuggling against her sweetly and me standing close to them gazing down at her face, my hand lifted to her cheek. Then as the picture moves I wrap my arms around her and lower my face blocking hers, as if I was kissing her neck. I blush at the picture it looking much more intimate than it was, well at that point anyway I was just trying to get us away from this very thing. Although the hand on the cheek thing was bloody stupid, and what happened in Scorpius' room last night? I wonder to myself then focus back on the article.
Draco Malfoy was seen joining two-thirds of the Golden Trio Friday night.
In Diagon Alley at a new restaurant, The Bucket, Malfoy and son joined Hermione Granger,
Harry Potter and his wife, shortly after they had already been seated.
At one point in the conversation it was heard Mrs. Potter asking Miss Granger
"Who is the father?"
About that time Mr. Malfoy arrives apparently in answer to the question.
This leads us to believe that plans are in the making,
(boy or girl we are unsure although we did hear Mr. Potter announce that he is expecting a girl this time around, congrats!)
For a future between once hostile rivals. Should we be expecting news that Miss Granger is expecting?
I, for one, always thought that Mr. Malfoy and Miss. Granger would make an adorable couple.
I was slightly disappointed when Mr. Malfoy chose another
(the late Mrs. Astoria Malfoy, who died in childbirth, rest her soul) but maybe there is still hope for these two.
If what we saw of their very public display of affection is any indicator, wedding bells will be ringing soon.
Both Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy have declined giving us any comments and indeed apparated away without answering any of my questions for my readers who are dying to know.
I will continue to investigate and keep you posted.
~Rita Skeeter~
She lied and twisted bloody everything, except that Potter is having a girl. I wonder if Ginny did ask Hermione something about who is the father or was that just thrown in for fun? That horrible cow never once thought Hermione and I should be a couple, she even said once how much she despised Hermione in our fourth year. We weren't in a very public place, in fact there was hardly anyone around when we were on the sidewalk, and for her to bring Astoria into any of her rubbish articles makes my blood boil, I run my hands through my hair in exasperation.
"Bloody Hell!" I say again after reading through the rubbish from that Skeeter woman.
"Dad!" Scor sounds shocked. "Another Galleon." He adds and I smile at him.
"Sorry, buddy." I respond and he nods at me going back to his eggs.
This is why I don't date I think to myself as I look back at the picture. Hermione is in silhouette in the picture and even as she holds Scorpius close she is lovely. My eyes almost popped from my skull last night when I saw those endless legs stretching from underneath that short dress. The dark shade of green highlighted her creamy skin and hair. Her eyes though were by far the most spectacular part of the whole. I never noticed how her eyes are such a dark yet warm brown, like chocolate with a golden caramel swirled in.
I was completely shocked that she could walk while carrying Scor in those heals, which made her legs look amazing and made me respect her a bit more. I could hardly keep my eyes from that bow on her dress throughout dinner, and then when she bent down to put Scor in bed I thought I would pass out from the way her dress molded around her. I moved before I could stop myself to get close to her, then when she stumbled and I pulled her against me, I was gone. Her body was soft, warm and fit perfectly along mine. She had just put my son to bed, which was pretty great, and then I wanted her to put me to bed. I shake myself and think about how when she looks at Scor you can just see the love in her eyes suddenly I feel sad that he never got to meet his mother, and she never got to see more than a glance of him. I frown to myself then clear my throat trying to voice my thoughts in a gentle question for Scor.
"Ah, hey Scor," I pause for a breath and maybe for a spurt of courage as he looks up at me, "Can you tell me why you were sad last night?" I ask gently hoping beyond hope that he will talk to me. I have been trying ever since he was born to show him how to care for people and that no matter what, he is perfect. I still discipline him if he does something he knows he isn't supposed to but for the most part after the war and after I had Scor, I sat my parents down and we all agreed to change the way we acted, for Scor's sake.
He lowers his eyes looking embarrassed and frowns deeply.
"Hey." I say softly as I move from my chair to kneel next to his chair. "It's okay, you can tell me anything, okay?" I look up at him and he nods, then lifts his eyes to meet mine. I breathe a little easier knowing that he feels safe enough around me to share his feelings, something I wouldn't have done as a child. Maybe I'm doing something right I think to myself then shake the thoughts away as Scor focuses on me intently.
"I was sort of sad but also happy." His voice is soft, I frown slightly, but wait a bit before asking him to clarify to see if he will expand on his own. "When I hugged my 'Mione last night, I whispered that I loved her and she whispered she loved me back." He looks happy and I force myself to keep my face blank waiting for him to tell me why he was sad, even though that statement shocked the bloody hell out of me. "But I was sad because she's not my mummy." The words come out in barely more than a whisper as tears gather in his eyes and spill over quickly.
"Oh, love come here." My voice brakes as I pull him onto my lap wrapping my arms around him, "I'm sorry Scor." I whisper as tears clog my throat. "How long have you been feeling sad about mum?" I ask quietly once his sniffling quiets down.
"A while." He admits unhappily, "Then I met 'Mione and she is so pretty, and she kept my secret, and she is so nice to me." He hugs his dragon to his chest. "Do you think 'Mione really loves me?" He looks up at me unsure and fearful.
I clear my throat and look at him seriously, I set him back a bit so I can look at him straight and see his face fully then answer him, "'Mione carried you all the way home last night and tucked you into bed. So yes, I know she loves you." I watch in awe as his face splits into a huge grin lighting up his eyes still sparkling with the remains of tears. I smile back, then say, "Okay go wash up and grab your bag so we can go see Nana and Pop Pop." I watch him take off down the hall, shaking my head and make a mental note to ask mother for some advice.
I take a moment to think about what I'm feeling right now. I think about what Scor has said about Hermione, and I realize that she truly is a good person. Obviously blood status is a moot point now that crazy old Voldy is dead, and all those thoughts were stupid anyway. I realize that maybe I can think about whether or not she would give me a second chance after everything I have done, and ask her out on a date. I mull these thoughts over in my head as I clean up the kitchen and floo us to the Manor before quickly telling mother about the breakfast conversation then saying good-bye to Scor and leaving for work. I'll think about this later, maybe I can talk Scor into going to the bookstore again. Who am I kidding I won't have to talk him into anything that has to do with Hermione, I smile to myself.
*Hermione*
On Saturday's, I close the bookstore at two and today I spend in between customers plotting how exactly to go about 'Operation Rita Skeeter's downfall'. At fifteen until two the store is empty and then Harry walks in followed closely by James and Albus.
"Hey boys!" I exclaim and rush around the counter to them.
"Hey Auntie 'Mione!" James says happily hugging my legs then wanders off to the children's section to check out the area of building blocks I have for kids to play with.
"Hermy Hermy!" Albus squeals and reaches his arms up saying "Up! Up!" I laugh and lift him up to hug him.
"Hey little Alby, how is my little godson?" I coo to him as he giggles and buries his fists in my hair happily.
"Hey Harry." I say and hug him squishing a giggling Albus between us, "Oh look an Alby sandwich." I say and tickle his tummy as he squeal-giggles.
Harry laughs and shakes his head. "Oh 'Mione the things you think up." Amusement sparkling in his eyes. "We are thinking about going to the park, you want to come along?" I nod enthusiastically.
"Give me a second to grab my wand and bag, and we can go." I say keeping Albus in my arms as I turn to get my stuff.
Harry laughs again, "Sure, steal my son, whatever."
I roll my eyes laughing, "Okay, no problem." I continue on to grab my things.
I make it back to the front of the store and Harry is not there, I here a squeal and a laugh coming from the kids area so I wander over and laugh at what I see.
Harry is levitating blocks to make a huge tower, and James is clapping excitedly, the tower is wobbling dangerously and Harry doesn't seem to care that one more could make it fall it being much taller than him.
"Go dad, Go!" James starts chanting and Albus joins in, "Dad Dad Dad Dad!" Trying to clumsily clap while keeping a hold of my hair.
I smile as I watch and feel a slight pang that I don't have any kids. Last night when Draco asked me about being married, and consequently having kids, I was taken completely by surprise, and even while holding Scorpius I felt incomplete. I love kids, and I do want them but I just haven't found the right man yet.
Before I can think too much more on it, Harry's luck finally runs out and the huge wobbly tower starts to fall, and Harry yells, "Take cover!" I watch as James' eyes go wide and then he dives to the side rolling under a couple cushions while Harry dives behind a short bookshelf, Albus screams in enjoyment. I laugh at the silliness and obvious fun being had.
Once the blocks settle and the 'dust clears', I say, "Ready for the park?" I flick my wand and the blocks put themselves back.
"Thanks 'Mione, you're still better at that than me." Harry grabs James and hoists him up onto his shoulders while James laughs the whole time.
"You're welcome, Wow James, look how tall you are!" James grins at me.
"I'm a giant!" He declares throwing his arms up in the air and Albus yells, "Gian."
Harry and I chuckle as we leave the store and I lock it behind us, we set off down the sidewalk and I turn to Harry, "Hey what's Gin up to today?"
"Her and Molly are visiting Fleur, so I thought I'd come see my 'Mione." His grin sly.
My mouth drops as I realize he is here about last night, or maybe rather about the paper this morning. "Harry Potter." I say trying to sound firm but my smile gives me away.
"Uh oh, Dad's in trouble." James sing songs and laughs happily as Harry and I chuckle.
The park isn't too far from the store, and today is beautiful it is bright and sunny. We come to the swings and I settle Albus in one putting up safety wards and making the swing go back and forth while Albus squeals happily clapping his hands together.
Harry sets James down and he instantly takes off to the jungle gym and starts crawling and climbing all over it. Harry pulls an object from his pocket and flicks his wand to enlarge it. It is a broom.
"Harry, what is that for?" Sounding unhappy even to my own ears.
"Its okay 'Mione, I have been teaching James, and he is really good he has great balance. It is a broom for kids, and has instructions for different wards to keep them safe." He explains to me. "Yesterday Gin and I were outside with James riding around on it, and we decided we could take off the last of the wards, he is a natural." Harry looks pleased and my expression must have been doubtful because he adds, "Really it is safe it doesn't go that high, not like an adult broom, and really Gin and I are great flyers we made sure before taking off the last ward that James was okay."
I finally nod and Harry smiles at me then leans down to kiss Albus' head then makes his way toward James with the broom.
I settle myself on the ground by the swing and watch as James takes flight and I admit to myself he does seem like a natural. Time passes and I feel myself relaxing completely when Harry approaches again and plops down next to me.
"So the Prophet." I look over at him and laugh.
"You've been waiting all day to say something haven't you?" I watch as he blushes then shrugs. I explain what happened after we left and then tell Harry that I'm going to get back at that bloody cow, Skeeter.
"I believe you, she doesn't stand a bloody chance!" Harry says laughing then sobers. "Do you like Malfoy?"
I give the question serious thought and if I'm honest I do like him a bit, he does seem different and really he hasn't said one derogatory remark to me, and even apologized last night. "Maybe a bit." Harry nods.
"You know he will probably always be a git, but he doesn't seem too bad." I goggle at Harry, in disbelief. "What?" He chuckles.
"It's weird!" I smile and shake my head.
All of a sudden a white ball of light shoots from the sky and lands in front of Harry and I, "James, come here." I call just in case he needs to be close and I hear Harry mutter 'Thanks' before the Patronus is active and gives us it's message.
It shifts into an Eagle and I recognize it as the Minister's, "Harry please report to the Auror's office quickly, we have an emergency." The message winks out of existence.
"Hey, do you think you can watch the boys for an hour?" Harry looks at his watch, "Gin won't be back until five." He seems upset and a little flustered. James comes to his side still holding the broom and puts his arm on Harry's shoulder. Harry automatically wraps his arm around James' waist still looking at me.
"Of course." I nod, "You don't even have to ask!" I grin, "We'll be fine, won't we James the giant?"
James laughs and come over to me and sits in my lap, "Auntie 'Mione I'm not still a giant." He says giggling.
"Thanks 'Mione, truly." Harry leans to kiss and hug James then Albus then spins on the spot and disapparates.
"I'm going to go climb some more, hold my broom 'kay." James says then bounces up and runs to the jungle gym again. I smile at him then being overcautious I flick my wand and make the ground extra soft.
"'Mione!" I hear a boy yell, and I turn to look behind me.
"Scorpius!" I say and he races up to me and throws himself at me, there is enough momentum that I fall backwards with a small 'oomph'. "Hey little love-bug." I say as I hug him.
He leans back slightly, "What does love-bug mean?"
"It means I love you and you're cute as a bug." I answer tapping his nose with my finger lightly; he smiles grandly hugging me again.
"I love you." He says earnestly and I smile sitting up with him.
"Auntie 'Mione, who's that?" I hear James say, Scorpius turns to look at James still holding on to me.
"Oh hey come here meet my friend." James comes closer sitting in front of me and I glance up to see Albus is sleeping in the swing.
"James Potter, this is Scorpius Malfoy." I say once both boys are eyeing the other uncertainly.
Scorpius speaks up first, "Your dad is Harry Potter." His tone is reverent he lets go of me to walk over to James, who looks up at him curiously.
"Yeah, who is your dad?" James asks and I look at Scorpius.
"My dad is Draco, he is the best." Scorpius says proudly, "but your dad is Harry Potter." I smile at the statement.
James shrugs, "Yeah he is pretty cool. My mum is Ginny Potter." James adds as if this was the most obvious follow up, and I cringe waiting for what Scorpius says.
"My mum is gone." His voice is soft, "She died." He looks so sad, my heart hurts.
James looks upset and sits up on his knees to get closer to Scorpius, "I'm sorry Scor, my granddad and grandmum both died too, before I was born." He says softly, "It's okay to be sad and miss them, but my dad says I should still be happy too even if they can't because they would want that." This is all said so honestly and simply that I have to sniffle to hold back tears while Scorpius looks up hopefully.
"Really? You don't think my mum would be sad if I am happy?" The question is so serious, a few tears leak from my eyes.
"My dad says that if I am happy then they are happy, so I guess it would work the same way with you." I wipe more tears away with James' answer.
Scorpius smiles, nods once, "Okay, thanks." He then looks uncertain, "Can we be friends?"
"Yup, lets go climb." James answers and they take off together. I watch them and conjure a hanky to dry my eyes and when I slip it into my pocket I hear a male voice that makes my blood run cold.
"That's was quite insightful for a six year old." I turn slowly to look up at Lucius Malfoy my body freezes as I grip my wand hard enough to fear it breaking. "You must be the infamous Miss Granger my grandson has been going on about." He lowers himself gracefully to the ground next to me.
I feel my heart beating quickly and have to fight myself to stay sitting, I am terrified. Part of me knows this reaction is silly he hasn't threatened me at all, and he even looks nicer than he used to. He has aged since I saw him last but there is no doubt he is a handsome man. He seems less stiff and haughty. He is watching Scorpius and James smiling faintly. I narrow my eyes at this and tilt my head a bit, he is actually smiling, and not in a mean don't turn your back or I'll hex you sort of way, but a true smile.
"There is no need to fear me, I wish you no harm." He says simply then turns to look at me.
He and Draco have the same colour eyes, and I gasp at the look on his face. There is no coldness or meanness that was so present when I was younger, though his eyes look haunted almost sorrowful, he looks like any granddad would look when out with his grandson. Pleasant.
I watch as his eyes flick down to my wand and back at me again he looks just a bit hurt and feel myself flush in embarrassment and shame. I let go of my wand like it has burned me, "I'm so sorry, please forgive me. I didn't mean to offend you. I was just, well I." I stutter and he holds up a hand to stop me.
"No." He says firmly, I bite my lip to stop babbling. "No need to apologize, the last time you and I were in the same room it was, unpleasant." He glances down at my left arm, where Bellatrix carved the word mudblood into it, then back up at me with sorrow in his eyes again. "Please don't feel bad, there is no need to worry about offending me, and you are forgiven for the idea." He says kindly.
James runs up and grabs his broom and runs back over to where Scorpius is still climbing like monkey, and I call after him, "Please be careful!"
"'Kay Auntie 'Mione." He calls back launching off the ground to zoom around in the air Scorpius clapping for him.
"So these are Potter's kids?" Lucius gestures.
"Yes, he was called away by the Minister, so I stayed with them." I try to relax.
"I'm am pleased we ran into you." I whip my head around to look at him. "For two reasons." He says looking at me.
"Oh?" I say trying to swallow my surprise.
His lips lift in amusement and he nods, "Yes, first reason is that Scor has been rather upset lately, and I think young Potter just helped more than any of us adults could have." I frown.
"Upset how?"
"You do care for him." He looks at my in amazement.
"Yes, of course, he is a lovely little boy. He is so sweet and such a caring person. How could you not love him?" I feel myself blush.
He nods slowly, "I agree, Miss Granger." He smiles again, "He has been upset about not having a mum." I feel my heart break a bit.
"That is so unfair." I say softly looking down at my hands. "I know how he feels a bit though, my parents were killed in the war even after I tried to keep them safe." I look up in shock that I shared that. "You know, I am a little in awe that you are so easy to talk to, and honestly it is freaking me out a bit."
Lucius looks at me bewildered for a moment then throws his head back and laughs heartily. He has a great laugh and I find myself laughing with him shaking my head at the oddness of this moment. "You have a great laugh." I say out loud what I'm thinking and smile when he looks bewildered again.
"That is the second reason." I tilt my head at him.
"What is?"
"To see first hand why my grandson loves you." He answers, "I clearly see why." I gape at him.
Out of the corner of my eye I see James standing and looking up in the sky, it takes a second for me to figure out why this is odd and in that time, Scorpius has fallen from James' broom and is headed to the ground fast while screaming. I grab my wand and shout a slowing spell, but it doesn't quite make it in time to help and Scor hits the ground with a horrible thud.
The next few minutes happen so quickly, I scream and take off to Scorpius, while James starts wailing.
I reach him and there is blood from where he hit his head, I flick my wand a couple times, and realize he has some very serious injuries. I quickly conjure a brace and wrap his neck so that it doesn't move on the way to St. Mungos. Then I see he has both a broken leg and arm. My vision blurs with tears and I ruthlessly shove them away and splint both broken limbs. I hear James crying hysterically, and then I hear Lucius next to me.
"Come here, James." James' crying become muffled as Lucius pulls him into his arms.
I turn fully to look at them, noting Lucius looks very at ease with a young child in his arms, close to panic I ask, "Do you think he will be safe to apparate?"
Lucius has tears in his eyes and he is holding James tightly shushing him. He hesitates then nods quickly, "Yes, Miss Granger, go quickly, I swear I will bring James and the other little boy right away." I nod, then levitate Scor into my arms and spin on the spot apparating to St. Mungos. I hear as I disapperate James tell Lucius, "My brother's name is Albus Severus."
So...what did you think? I have the next chapter almost done, and then I think there will be only one other, an Epilogue... Let me know what you think I had an idea for one other chapter, but I can't decide if I should add to it or just tie it up... Please review, I LOVE reviews! :) Thanks for reading!