Prolog:
The sky cracked and boomed in a majestic symphony as icy droplets hailed down around her. This was nothing she had survived so much worse. A pitiful little storm wasn't going to stop her, not tonight. She had to try at least one more time to reach him. Try one last time to get him to fight for her, no not just for her for everything their love had stood for. Hopefully this time she could make him see. In the distance she could make out the ominous towers that seemed to pierce the storm above almost as if castle itself were the center of the storm. Water trickled down her cheeks and wind whipped her already chaotic mane of auburn curls against her skin. A shiver shook her body but still she refused to relent because she would not, could not, stop.
Finally, she was able to make out the castle's front door and her ever hopeful heart beat furiously deep inside her chest. The beats were so forceful she swore her ribcage would break if she didn't hurry. At last she reached the door and pulled back the thick brass knocker. The sound echoed through the empty courtyard almost deafening in its hollowness. Her hands trembled as she went to pull it back a second time. He would see her! She would not be ignored because she knew if he had wished for her to truly never see him again, she would never have gotten to the front door. Finally, she heard the old hinges creek as they began to open.
There he was. His white golden hair sleeked back, his sharp angelic features highlighted from the lamps inside and his blue grey eyes gleaming like diamonds. She couldn't suppress her gasp of joy at the sight of him however the moment his eyes met hers all her joy seemed to wither and die. Never had he ever looked at her with such distain. Never had those amazing eyes that had once shone so brightly with love and adoration appeared so hateful and cruel.
"What are you doing here?" He demanded in the same tone one might reprimand a servant as he took in her appearance.
"I-I need to speak with you. Please just one last time Draco, you owe me that." She pleaded hoping to break through this ice between them.
"We have nothing more to say to one another. You know I am engaged to another. You shame yourself with this disgraceful appearance so late at night. Did you expect me to pull you into my arms and tell you that Astoria means nothing to me? That you, a filthy mudblood, could ever mean anything to me beyond a mild rebellion? Please tell me Hermione what were you expecting?" Draco sneered.
Hermione closed her eyes and pleaded for the strength to tell him what she knew in her heart would likely change nothing. His cruel words echoed in her mind as her hands trembled and her whole body felt numb. "You will want to hear what I have to say. I know you. I know who you truly are. From the worst things you ever did for him to the best things you feel you have ever done in your life. So please believe me when I say you will want to know what I have come to say." Her voice trembled more and more with each word that she said.
"Then just spit it out already woman. I have a ceremony in the morning and must look my best. Do you think I enjoy listening to you ramble about how you know me? If you truly know me then you know how much I hate to be kept waiting, so get on with it," He huffed in a bored tone. He raised his hand to examine his nails as if that was more interesting then gazing on her.
"I will not be kept out on your doorstep like a common whore Draco. I will tell you inside. In the library. Or I won't tell you at all." She stated with finality brushing her hair over her shoulder and glaring at him with fire in her molten brown eyes.
"Then keep your news. I do not wish to have my home disgraced by your filthy presence. Please realize what you were to me Hermione, a minor rebellion against my family and nothing more. My feelings for you were not genuine in any way and I merely played the part of the love-struck fool. Now get off my property before I have you forcibly removed." He snarled meeting her gaze with his own chilling glare.
Hermione could barely hold back her tears as she nodded. "I guess this is how it was always meant to end for us then. Me fighting so hard to keep us together and you being the spineless coward to afraid of his own shadow to pull his head out of his own ass. Goodbye Draco and when you finally wake up and realize just how badly you fucked up; I hope that the regret eats you alive." With those final words she disapperated on the spot.
Draco stared at the spot she was standing and finally unclenched his fist. Four perfect bloody crescent moons gazed up at him from his palm. He closed his eyes and fought back the tears that had formed. If only she knew how true, her words really were. However, if it meant she got to keep breathing, he would take whatever came his way. Even a life without his soul mate. Little did he know he had lost out on much more than that.
Chapter One:
11 years and 7 months later
"Aries, Gemini hurry up you don't want to be late to the train now do you?" Hermione called up the stairs for her two troublemakers. Glancing at her watch again she prayed that they had done their packing last night as she had requested.
"Mum would you just relax! The worst thing that could happen is we miss the train and Uncle Harry brings us instead. There are perks to your god father being the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher after all." Aries replied arrogantly as he sauntered into the kitchen.
He grabbed a plate and began filling it with the eggs and bacon Hermione had made for breakfast. His hair was more golden brown and luckily for him was only slightly frizzy that matched well with his overall pale complexion. Overall his appearance was more average at least until you took in his eyes. Aries was blessed with beautiful hazel eyes that ranged from steel grey when he was calm to vibrant brown gold when he was angry. He still had some baby fat around his face, but Hermione was beginning to see the start to some sharper features emerging.
"Ris is right Mom. You just worry to much." Gemini chimed in as she gracefully glided into the room. Hermione never understood how Gemini could move with such grace when she herself was such a klutz. Gemini was already a true beauty. She had soft curls that cascaded down her back in a white gold waterfall and she too had been blessed with the pale complexion. Her eyes however came straight from Hermione. "Do you remember how freaked out you were about getting our school shopping done? A MONTH early, mind you." Both her children chuckled at their mother's expense.
"Yes, yes you two are hilarious, however you can't just count on Uncle Harry to bail you out all the time. Don't you want to meet new friends and get sweets from the trolley? Because I can promise you if we are late that I will call Headmaster McGonagall and make sure that every piece of sweets you try to put in your mouth turns to brussels sprouts." Hermione threatened coolly.
Both of her children glanced at each other and hurried to finish eating. There was one thing you never did in the Granger house and that was call Mom's bluff. After finishing their food, they both ran upstairs and brought down their trunks.
"Are you sure everything you need is backed? I don't want to be like your Aunt Ginny when James went to school, mailing something you forgot every week for the whole first semester. Oh, how I miss Hogwarts. I know you guys are going to have such a blast. Just, please, try not to get into too much trouble." Hermione could feel her eyes beginning to brim with tears. Her babies were going to school, and not the primary school she had sent them to where she got to see them every night but Hogwarts where she would only see them on holidays and summer break.
"Mom I'm sure you're mainly talking to Gem because we both know I'm the good one. I can't wait to see the Gryffindor common rooms and catch up with James again. It's all me and Albus have been talking about all summer!" Aries gave a whoop and thrust his fist in the air with a massive smile brightened his features.
"Oh yea, I'm the troublemaker." Gemini chimed in sarcastically rolling her eyes. "Who was it that tried, emphasis on tried, to prank Uncle Fred and Uncle George and got caught, literally with their pants around their ankles? Oh yea, that would be you and Albus. Dumb-dumbs." And with that lovely sentiment from her daughter Hermione and her dynamic duo headed off to the train station.
"Now I want you two to listen to me very closely, under absolutely no circumstances do I want to be receiving any disciplinary owls for the first semester. You will both be model students in whatever house you get and I damn well better not have to come down to the school and spank you in front of any of your classmates for disrespectful behavior. Are we clear?" Hermione arched one of her perfect eyebrows at her children, who were trying very hard not to tremble in fear.
"Of course, mom. I promise to be on my best behavior or at the very least not get caught with my trousers around my ankles like some people." Gemini stated with an evil smirk that was all her father's and still caused a slight jab of pain in Hermione's heart.
"Oi would you quit talking about that. God you are such a brat. You're just mad because we didn't include you. We all know what house you're gunna be in anyway. You're already a filthy snake!" Aries exclaimed glaring daggers at his twin.
"Aries William Granger I will not tolerate you speaking to your sister or any student at Hogwarts that way! Apologize to Gem now or you will spend everything after your housing ceremony in my classroom re-organizing my defense scroll." Harry called out as he marched over to Hermione's side to glare at his godson.
Aries eyes immediately dropped to the ground and he bowed his head in shame. "I'm sorry Gemi I didn't mean it. You just made me really mad that's all." He muttered just loud enough for the small group of people to hear.
Gemini was fighting back tears from her brother's harsh words and refused to even acknowledge his apology. She instead looked over at her godfather. "Uncle Harry would it really be so bad if I was sorted into Slytherin? I mean I read all about the houses in Mom's copy of Hogwarts, A history and I feel that house best suits me. Will I really be called a filthy snake just because that's where I belong?" At the end of her questions she couldn't hold back the tears and they were now streaking down her cheeks. She tried furiously to wipe them away not wanting to appear weak in front of her family.
"Oh Gemi, of course not your brother was just lashing out in anger. Did you know that Albus is named after a Slytherin? Severus Snape was one of the greatest wizards in the world and honestly without him the war undoubtedly would have failed, and you and your brother would never be here. You are who you are. Don't ever feel like being true to yourself isn't good enough. You are not, nor would you be, a filthy snake you would be a proud basilisk protecting what was hers and striking down anyone who attempts to take that away." Hermione stated wrapping her daughter in her arms as tight as she could and stroking her hair.
"Gem I am so so sorry. I love you sis. I was just being a real dunderhead. I promise I won't ever call you or anyone else any derogatory school names. But come on we all knew you were gunna be a Slytherin from the moment you figured out that if you cried Uncle Harry would let you ride on his broom first." Aries claimed placing his arms around his sister and mother and apologizing again into her hair. He loved his sister. She was his other half and he knew without her he would be completely lost, and not just on his schoolwork.
Pulling herself together Gemini pulled out of her family's warm embrace. "Well what are we waiting for? Let's go find a compartment!" and with that joyous decree she took off like a bullet. Unfortunately, she hadn't looked around before taking off and ran head long into a group of people knocking another child's books onto the ground.
"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry! Here let me help pick those up." Gemini quickly dropped down to pick up all the fallen books.
"Well you should be. Honestly didn't your parents teach you any manners." Snarled the boy whose supplies had fallen. He continued to sneer at her as she picked up her books not even bending to pick up a single one.
Gemini was mainly cool and calculating but she definitely had her mother's temper when provoked. "Excuse me I already apologized for my bad manners and I would say that you don't have any better manners if you would rather scowl like a disrespectful five year old while your books are on the ground rather then take a few seconds out of your apparently very precious time to pick them up!" She raged and then added under her breath, "Merlin you are an egotistical idiot."
Finally finished picking up the boy's books she jabbed them into his chest and turned to storm off when a hand on her shoulder stopped her.
"I do apologize but you look familiar. What is your last name," A grown gentleman with ink black hair and golden brown complection, who was accompanying the boy, asked politely.
"Granger sir and again I apologize for my over zealousness which led to me spilling his," She fought so hard to control her eye roll, "Books. I hope you have a wonderful day." With a cheery smile she headed off to the train again, but this time more cautiously.
"Father why did you want to know her last name?" The boy demanded
"Because Alec I believe your uncle will be very intrigued to hear about Granger's blonde-haired daughter." Blaise Zabini stated with a slight smirk on his lips.
Draco's head was pounding. Merlin if he had to listen to his harpy of a wife berate their son about being in Slytherin or else he was going to transfigure her into a vase and throw that vase out a three-story window.
"Enough Astoria! We've wasted enough time. Scorp please grab your bag and onto my arm so I can aperate us to the train station, so you don't miss it entirely." Draco rubbed his temples as his son dutifully did as he was told. The second he was out of the room Astoria rounded on him like a hungry vulture.
"And just what do you think you are doing yelling at me in front of our son Draco?! He must respect me! Did you hear him he was talking about Gryffindor like that was an option for him and I know you were the one who put that despicable idea in his head. He will be in Slytherin or he will be disowned. End of discussion." She screeched venomously.
"Astoria let me make one thing perfectly clear for you. You, my pathetic little bird, are not able to make any decisions like that for this family. I am head of this house and I will be damned if I disown my only son because he decides that Slytherin isn't what he wants. We are not children any more so please for all that is magical, grow up and stop being such a bitch." And with those final words Draco marched off to meet his son and bring him to the train station.
"Father did Mother really mean she would disown me if I wasn't a Slytherin? I just- *sigh* I don't feel like that's where I belong. Does that make sense?" Scorpius knew he was close to begging, but he needed to hear his father say that it didn't matter. That no matter what it was the two of them as it had always been. His mother, well honestly Scorpius didn't care for her that much. Sure, she was his mother, but she was never even remotely maternal towards him. His father on the other hand was always there and did everything with him. When he was younger his dad would spend hours play stupid made up games with him. His father was his best friend, well after Alec that is, and he never wanted to lose that. Which is why his mother's words had shaken him to his core.
"Scorp of course not. You just listen to the sorting hat alright. It will never lead you wrong. Just leave the wicked witch to me alright." Draco stated winking at his son. Draco's heart warmed to see his son's face brake out into a massive smile at his reassurance. He was trying to be everything his father hadn't been. For years he had built up an impressive relationship with his son one that hopefully could withstand the backlash of Hogwarts.
"There you guys are we thought you were going to miss the train. What took you so long?" Draco's best friend Blaise asked walking over with his son, Alec.
"Oh, you know the usual balderdash from Astoria about how she runs everything, and heavens forbid anyone does one thing she doesn't like. But hey we made it in one piece didn't we Scorp?" Draco nudged his son in the arm as Scorpius ducked his head to hide his smile.
"We met someone very interesting a little while ago. I'll tell you about it in a bit after all we need to say goodbye to the boys first." Blaise stated holding out his hand to Scorpius who took it and was instantly absorbed into a manly hug by his godfather.
"Whatever your mom said means nothing. Okay? Absolutely nothing. You are my wonderful amazing godson and you are going to kick ass in whatever house you end up in okay bud?" Blaise whispered in his ear causing tears to accumulate in the corners of his eyes as he nodded too choked up to say anything.
"Come on already Scorp we'll lose all the good seats if we don't hurry!" Alec exclaimed tugging on his best friends arm hurriedly. Finally, Scorpius pulled away from Blaise now that he knew he wasn't going to cry and ran off with Alec to the train. He turned one final time and waved to his father.
Draco fought back tears as he watched his son climb on to the train. However, Blaise's words still tugged at his attention. Once the boys were full aboard the train Draco turned to his best friend and gestured for him to begin.
"Are you too choked up by seeing your little boy go to school to even ask me to tell you? You're just going to gesture at me like I'm a servant? Try again Draco." Blaise stated with a smirk that only a true Slytherin could master.
"Alright it must be good if you're acting all smug. What did you want to tell me Blaise?" Draco asked with a roll of his eyes.
"Well a lovely young girl crashed into Alec earlier. Very pretty, long blond curls and golden-brown eyes. Definitely looks like her mother if I may say." Blaise said while examining his nails.
"Are you really looking for a match for Alec? We both despised those betrothals and promised to never do that to our sons." Draco bit out in anger.
"But Draco you didn't even ask who the mother was." Blaise smirked evilly at him.
"Fine who is the mother of this girl whose life you want to ruin by forcing into a betrothal?" Draco states bored with the back and forth.
"Why the lovely Hermione Granger of course." Blaise's eyes gleamed when Draco's face when ghost white as the realization kicked in.
Chapter 2
The Hogwarts express was in one word awe-inspiring. Gemini was so taken aback by all of the students that it took her a minute to start looking for a compartment, luckily James was there with the save or so she thought.
"Hey Jami, can I sit with you? Well I suppose Aries and Albus will be joining too. So, I should ask can we all sit with you?" Gemini asked politely with a bright smile.
"No sorry Gem but this is a boy compartment so I can't have you sit with us. You have to go find the girl compartment in the back of the train." James focused really hard on looking contrite but honestly, he just didn't want Gemini to sit with him. Albus and Aries were alright, but a girl come on, he had a rep to protect.
"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't know. I guess I'll go find somewhere in the back then. But I'll be sure to send Albus and Aries your way." Gemini replied sadly.
She trudged towards the back of the train until she noticed an empty compartment. Empty was good because she wasn't in the mood for socializing with a bunch of strangers any way. She knew James had lied to her but at the same time she understood that was what the boys always did. She was a girl so of course she must suck at pranks and just want to play dumb girly games. But, fine let the boys have their fun for now because she was definitely going to get them back when they least expected it.
Aries and Albus were busy trying to find space as well when they ran straight into two other boys and knocked them down.
"Uh sorry man, didn't see you then. Can I help you up?" Aries said sheepish offering his hand.
"Please I have no idea where that's been. Merlin, I swear last year people had manners Scor. That's twice that some wanna-be first year has crashed into. At least the first one was a girl who picked up my books like a good little servant." Alec growled.
Aries, who had seen the whole altercation at the station, saw red and lunged at Alec ready to pummel him into oblivion.
"That was my sister you prick! Don't you ever talk about her like that!" Aries bellowed as he plowed his fist into Alec's unprotected abdomen.
"Get off him you freak." Scorpius yelled grabbing Aries and trying to yank him off.
"Hell no, get off my best friend you guys are the jerks saying shit like that about his sister," Albus started to try and yank Scorpius off of Aries.
"Break it up! NOW!" A boy in a Hufflepuff robe with a golden badge bellowed. The fight immediately stops, and the boys separate into their two groups. "Good now all four of you follow me. We can see to your injuries Zabini after we figure out what started this."
The boys all follow the prefect grumbling and Alec is rubbing his stomach and he had to admit the guy who attacked him definitely had a good arm. Albus and Aries are muttering back and forth as the group wanders down the hall.
"Alright so classes haven't started, and you don't have houses yet, so I am going to let you three," He motions to Aries, Scorpius and Albus, "with a warning this time. However, you are all going to apologize to each other and if anything like this happens again, I will make sure you have detention for the rest of your school lives. Also, I will be writing to each of your parents. Names now." The prefect demanded.
"Albus Potter and I apologize for trying to stop you for pulling my friend off while he was beating the crap out of your friend for fully legitimate reasoning. I am so sorry," Albus stated in a very sarcastic tone.
"Scorpius Malfoy and I apologize for attempting to stop your crazed friend from injuring my friend for completely out of portion reasons because he's a maniac," Scorpius replied in another equally sarcastic voice.
"Aries Granger and I apologize for not beating you harder for what you said about my sister. Ever mention her again or hell even look at her and I will end you," Aries stated in a scary tone that made Alec fight not to shiver.
"So anyway, Lovegood what about me?" Alec asked with a grin, even though he knew it was going to be bad.
"As you were the injured party, despite the point that I know it was most likely your fault and the fact that I have no eye-witnesses despite the parties involved, I have to let you off with a warning as well. But I am taking 20 points from Slytherin. Have fun explaining to your housemates how you started term negative." Elmer Lovegood stated with a self-satisfied grin.
"You're a dick Lovegood but okay thanks," Alec rolled his eyes, grabbed Scorpius and started looking for compartments again.
"By the way Albus your brother is in the compartment about three in front of us on the left. He was looking for you." Elmer stated before walking off.
"Well let's go hang out with James I'm sure Gem is already there settled in with a book. Of course, we shouldn't tell her about you going apeshit on someone to defend her honor. She would probably castrate us." Albus chuckled at his own joke as the two of them headed towards James's compartment.
Gemini was greatly engrossed in her Charms textbook that she didn't even hear the compartment open.
"Well hello hello hello, what a surprise to find you here. Where's your bodyguards? Did they get sick of you already?" Alec joked.
"Go away this is my compartment. Go find your own assface," Gemma responded without even glancing up from her textbook.
"Sorry sweet cheeks this is the last available compartment so guess you're stuck with us. I'm actually surprised no one else came in here. Huh, maybe it's your attitude, it just drives people away. Hell, your brother was just trying to take me on to defend your honor not even 20 minutes ago and you already scared him off. That takes skill." Alec stated trying to rile her up.
"I'm sorry, my brother did what?! That obnoxious TOE RAG! Ugh how dare he! Are you alright? He didn't do anything to bad, did he? Oh, just you wait my mother will hear about this!" Gemini stood up and her textbook clattered to the floor, she didn't even register it had fallen because she was too busy pacing as she ranted.
"Whoa slow down there princess. In your brother's defense- "Alec started to say.
"DEFENSE! There is no defense when he's being an arrogant idiot and flinging his fists about trying to defend MY honor! Like I need an idiotic maniac like him to defend me! What were you shooting of some verbal barbs about our first meeting? I bet that was it and then of course my brother and his infamous temper go flying off the handlebars and I'm sure Albus was there in the thick of it just cheering him on like a complete imbecile. Goddess I just can't believe how stupid they are! Like I couldn't possibly stand up to you just because I lack the same genitalia!" With those final words she slumped back into her seat with a deep sigh.
Both boys were now gaping at her and how quickly she was able to piece everything together. Also watching her get so angry was a little terrifying. Honestly, they were both thankful that they weren't her brother or Albus at that very minute.
"Hi…. My names Scorpius but my friends call me Scor or Scorp and can I just say I would much much rather have you as a friend then an enemy because... Blimey you are terrifying," Scorpius stated after he got over his shock.
"By the way I'm Alec and honestly I agree with Scor. You are one terrifying chick when you get going. So, what's your name sweet cheeks?" Alec threw in a signature smirk just for good measure. Never hurt to suck up and girls always seemed to love it when he did.
"I'm Gemini but you can call me Gem or Gemi that's what everyone else does. I am sorry about my brother, but it seems like you really piss him off so wanna help me get back at him?" She asked with her own sly smirk.
"Anything you want Mini just ask and ye shall receive." Alec responded with a wicked gleam in his eye. And at that exact moment the unlikely trio all shared the same thought: 'This is going to be fun.'
Meanwhile back in the 'boy only' compartment Albus and Aries were regaling the group with a slightly embellished tale of events.
"You should've seen me James I just took that one kid, Alec down with one swing. Of course, that wasn't enough to make up for what he said so I kicked in the gut so hard I wouldn't be surprised if he was bleeding internally. And of course, Albus here kept that Malfoy kid out of the way. Man, you would've been so proud of your little brother. We kicked their asses big time. I bet their so scared of us they wait till we're gone before they even get off the train." Aries finally finished his story, now very glad that his sister had found somewhere else to sit and waited to get congratulated by James. James of course was like the cool older brother Aries had never had and he looked up to him so much.
James of course didn't disappoint. He was so proud of both of them he bought one of everything on the trolley and they spent the rest of the train ride until they had to get dressed talking about what other pranks they could pull on those two to make sure they never went near Gemini again.
Back in London a very different conversation was going down.
"What the hell do you mean Granger has a daughter. Are you sure it's the same Granger? There is no way in hell Granger has a blonde daughter. You've got to be going crazy Blaise." Draco could feel as his heart constricted. Was she really married? Did she have a husband who loved her and treated her like the queen she is? MERLIN how could she have a daughter the same age as his son! The universe was just too cruel sometimes. Finally looking up from his hands Draco realizes Blaise had started talking.
"—Seriously you think I don't remember what your little bookworm looked like. Seriously you are not so thick as to believe that you were the only looking at her when that figure came out- "The rest of Blaise's words were cut off as Draco drove his fist into Blaise's face.
"Do Not Ever speak of her that way again. Do you understand me?" Draco demanded coolly, arching one of his eyebrows as if daring Blaise to fight him on it.
"I knew you still wanted her. Damn Drake that is quite the punch you got there. Was that all from that one comment? Or does something else have you rattled? Maybe you'd like to hear how Granger looks now? I saw her at the station you know as she was dropping off her pretty little daughter and must've been Harry or Ron's spawn. Hell, maybe she's with one of them now. You never know." Blaise could barely restrain the laughter that threatened to escape at Draco's murderous glare.
"You know as well as I do, that they were like her brothers nothing but family love between her and those two idiots." Draco seethed trying to banish the thought of his Hermione in someone faceless blonde-haired man's arms.
"She must've gotten together with the man right after you. Honestly, could've been while she was with you for all we know. She did like to disappear into that lab of hers for days on end." Blaise commented hoping to stroke the inner fury that Draco had leashed inside.
"Shut the hell up Blaise! She never cheated on me. We both know that, so don't you dare try and sully what I had with her. No other relationship has ever come close to how I feel about her or how she felt about me!" Draco snarled knowing that he was falling into Blaise's trap but unable to stop the white-hot fury his friend was unleashing.
Blaise just shrugs and takes a deep gulp of his fire whiskey and waited for Draco to do the rest of the work for him. For now, his whole job was to wait while pain and insecurity ate away at his restraint. Draco just stared at his glass watching the ripples and trying to get himself under control. He downs his shot and flags the bartender over. Maybe if he's super drunk he'll manage to pass out without doing anything stupid. Like going over to Hermione's and demanding to meet this dream guy. Yeah, maybe drunk wasn't what he needed. Blaise raises an accusatory eyebrow.
"Want to call it a night and go home to your *ahem* wife. We can hang out anytime. After me and Daph divorced I'm free all the time." Blaise couldn't resist the slight dig at Draco for staying married to Astoria. Blaise had been stuck in a relatively similar marriage to Draco. Of course, he hadn't been madly, like clinically insanely, in love with someone but he hadn't wanted the marriage at all. After Alec was born both he and Daphne were done trying to force something they knew was a giant lie. There was a lot of backlash for sure but overall it was for the best. On the other hand, Astoria didn't want to get divorced because no matter how miserable she was she enjoyed tormenting Draco even more.
"Shut up we both know that's the last place I want to be. Astoria's all on my case for another kid. Like she had so much to do with the other one. Oh, and there's the fact we abhor each other completely. Merlin women are crazy." Draco let out a deep sigh of discontent.
"Well then looks like we need to get you so drunk you couldn't even get it up if Granger walked in wearing nothing but a trench coat." Blaise ordered the bottle and gleefully filled Draco's glass knowing that after just a few more his best friend would be heading over to see said frizzy haired bookworm.
"What the hell sounds like fun" Draco replied downing his new glass in one swig.
Chapter 3
Arriving at the castle was like having one of your best dreams come to life. At least that's how it felt for Aries. He was practically jumping out of his skin the minute the castle came into view. Albus just rolled his eyes at his best friend's antics. Albus had of course been to the castle before with his dad being the defense teacher and all.
"You guys have fun on the boats." James stated before dashing off to join his friends.
Meanwhile Aries kept his eyes open for his sister. He started to tap his foot in anticipation. Albus was obviously getting frustrated with waiting as well because he was huffing in disapproval.
"Ris seriously can we just get in a boat already. I'm sick of waiting for your slow as crap sister." Albus finally commented in an extremely frustrated tone.
"Albus stuff it in you pie hole we're waiting for her. Last time she ran off by herself she ran into that dickbag. We are not leaving her alone again." Aries responded with finality.
"I wouldn't say she is alone." Albus stated in a strained slightly afraid voice.
Aries whipped his gaze the way Albus had been look and sure enough there was his sister. Only she wasn't alone. On either side of her were Malfoy and Zabini. To make matters worse he watched as Zabini opened his arms and Gemini wrapped her arms around his waist in a strong hug. One, that in his opinion, went on way too long. Then Alec smirked over her shoulder at Aries as he tightened his arms around Gem. After they separated Alec genteelly brushed some of her hair behind her ear before he sauntered off. Meanwhile Malfoy just wrapped his arm around her shoulder and guided her over towards the boats.
"Hell no! Get your filthy hands off of my sister Malfoy before I give you a beat down like your friend Zabini who ran off with his tail between his legs," Aries growled menacingly.
"Hey one I'm not doing anything Mini here has a problem with and two and most importantly Alec left because he's a second year hence forth unable to join us in the boats. He in no way shape or form scared of you. We were definitely more than willing to finish the earlier fight however that would upset Mini here and now that we've gotten to know her… well we know she was more useful as an ally then a terrifying enemy." Scorpius finished his statement with a deadly glare.
"Aw Scor that is so sweet! Ready to grab a boat guys? Also, please realize that if you harm a single hair on Scorpius's head, I will find a way to kill you that will leave no evidence whatsoever," She stated with a slightly terrifying cheerly smile. And with that she and Scorpius headed towards the boats.
"Your sister is definitely a Slytherin," Albus stated succinctly as he went to follow her.
"You said it bud. Also. she's kind of terrifying. I hope she doesn't write mom," Aries muttered under his breath as he too joined the group.
Hermione struggled not to stare out her window waiting for an owl from her children. She was pretty sure she knew exactly which houses they would both end up in. Gemini had always been the cool calculating Slytherin and it had made for many funny stories. Meanwhile Aries was Gryffindor to the core. So loyal and brave and at the same time often too impulsive. While part of her wished that they would end up in the same house she knew both of them had their own strength and even if they were separated, they shared a very strong bond.
A loud pound on her door jolted her out of her trance. Who the hell would be at her door at this time? Ginny was out with Ron and Lavender for their weekly dinner and drinks, which Hermione was always invited to but always declined. Everyone else would be busy doing the same thing as her. The pounding just increased in its ferocity and Hermione gave one last wistful glance at her open window and went to answer the door.
A very intoxicated Draco continued to pound on the door growing ever more agitated and yet, he couldn't help but wonder if this was how Hermione had felt the last time, he had seen her. Suddenly the door was flung open and he almost punched the very same woman in the face. By the stars she was even more beautiful then he remembered which seemed unfathomable. Her auburn curls set wildly around her shoulder, her glorious golden-brown eyes, her pert little nose all the way to her full light pink lips that seemed to call to him in his inebriated state. He barely restrained himself from leaning forward and kissing those beckoning lips when he realized those lips were moving. Talking she was talking to him but all he could focus on was how her mouth formed the words with her quick tongue flicking out to wet her lips.
Suddenly something hard connected with his cheek sending his head sideways. He reached up to touch his cheek and realized that she had slapped him. That brought him out of his stupor.
"What the hell Granger! Why the fuck would you slap me." He seethed glaring into those intoxicating pools of molten amber.
"You weren't responding. Instead you were just staring at me like a slacked jawed drunkard. Looks like your back to your old self now so I'll reiterate: What the hell are you doing at my house. Also, follow up how did you know where I live!" This time it was her turn to seethe. Of course, he would show up. How had he managed to get even more handsome in their time apart. Now she could clearly see how both her children had gotten his pale complexion and how similar his and Gemini's hair was. That one thought froze her cold. He must have been at the station! Oh no he knew! Oh Merlin, why oh why hadn't she just moved to France!
"I had to see you. Blaise said you have a daughter. So, I guess I just wanted to know…" He trailed off choking on his next words. Hermione held her breath hoping against hope that somehow, he didn't know. "W-w-who the lucky guy was. Is he home or did he just leave his wife to her own devices? I have to say if he did that, he's an idiot. Any man who would have you to come home to should be rushing to spend every second of every day with you. At least that's what I would be doing," He mumbled the last part to the point it was almost too quiet for her to hear. Almost but not quite.
Hermione struggled to process this new information. He didn't know. He must not have seen her or obviously Aries. Stupid Blaise probably knew but was holding the information like any good Slytherin would do. How could she warp this into a believable story?
"It was after I left Hogwarts the night of your wedding. I was miserable and wanted some comfort. Of course, I was still aching for you, so I found a man who looked close enough like you at a muggle bar. The rest of night was a blur. He left before I even woke up and I don't even remember his name. Just that he was a blonde grey eyed man who was both close enough and far enough apart from you to satisfy me. I found out I was pregnant shortly after and the rest as you know is history," She finished the story and quickly went to shut her door again.
Draco's heart seized when he realized she meant to shut him out, so he quickly placed his foot in the way of the closing door and forced it open. Hermione glared daggers at him, but he didn't care. She wasn't married, she wasn't waiting for her husband to come home so they could await her daughter's letter. She was alone. With that one thought pulsing through his head he bullied his way in and stood right next to her. The sweet scent of old parchment, ink and something completely uniquely Hermione filled his lungs and made his chest feel lighter than it had in over 11 years. Hermione fought back the whirlwind of emotions having him so close to her caused. The scent of fire whiskey was almost overpowering enough for her to miss the hints of sandalwood, leather and his spicy cologne. She wished the fire whiskey was strong enough because those scents brought back so many bittersweet memories.
"Malfoy get out of my house and off my property before I have you forcibly removed. Ron's still an Auror so do not test me." She stated hoping her voice did quiver.
"Just for one moment, could I please hold you? Merlin, how I have missed you Hermione. Please just this one last time. Let me hold as I should've done all those years ago?" Draco pleaded hating how weak he sounded but not willing to miss this chance again. No, they could never be as they once were as her life would be in jeopardy but for one moment, one blissful moment, he could hold her.
He saw the tears in the corners of her eyes as she shook her head no. Saw his inner turmoil mirrored in her eyes and nothing in that moment could've stopped him. He reached out and crushed her lithe body against his own. Burrowing his face into her soft turbulent curls and letting the smell of her lavender shampoo easy his battered and broken soul. Then he felt the soft shaking of her body and felt the fabric of his shirt dampen. She was crying almost too softly for him to hear. He was the reason. He had hurt her again with his selfishness. He went to pull away when her arms snaked around his waist pulling him even closer.
Hermione knew this was wrong. She shouldn't be letting him hold her and she definitely shouldn't be responding in kind. However, he was there finally. He was holding her as she wished he had all those years ago when she had shown up on the eve of his wedding to tell him she was pregnant. He had sent her away and broken her heart to the point she had often wondered during her pregnancy if she could keep going. Then she had seen them, her little angels and heard their little heart beats. Gemini and Aries were the reason she went on living. They had given her a purpose when everything else had left her. Yet, honestly, even after all these years this was what she had craved and longed for. To be in Draco's arms and never let go. However, her life wasn't a fairytale or a great romance he wasn't here to sweep her off her feet and leave Astoria. This was one weak moment of drunkenness. She knew it and yet it was so very hard to pull away.
If Draco could've stayed in that one moment with Hermione in his arms forever. He easily would have. He would freeze the entire world if it meant he never had to leave her side. However, that wasn't how the world worked. A loud hoot from an owl broke them apart like teenagers caught in an illicit act. Hermione quickly brushed the tears off of her cheeks and rushed to the owl. Snatching two envelopes from the owl and almost mechanically giving it a treat before it flew off into the night. Hermione took a deep breath and turned to face him.
"Malfoy, I need you to leave now. I answered your questions despite the fact that you don't deserve to know anything about my life. You lost that right a long time ago. So please leave," Hermione jutted her chin out and looked down her nose at Draco.
"Do you really want me to leave? Hermione there is so much you don't understand. So much I can't tell you. Merlin, I wish more then anything that I could just go back and never let any of this happen," Draco was trying to restrain the tears that were threatening to spill down his cheeks. This couldn't be how they ended. There was too much still between them. And yet, where could they go from here?
Hermione just narrowed her eyes and pointed to her front door. She would have told him again if not for the lump that had formed in her throat. He was too close and there were some truths that neither one of them was willing to share. Draco lowered his head and headed out into the night.