AN Chapter dedicated to my everlasting love for reviewer G*Ness. You rock!
Also to Moon-Walker, because we won a tennis er…badminton then, match today
even though we suck, and we had a total laugh while doing it! And also to
Julia who is evil and doesn't finish stories (Die.) and to Melissa who
punched Moon-Walker in the stomach. You guys are the best.
Last Time:
"Daddy?" Hermione called in a frightened voice. There was no answer. Hermione got out of the bed, creeping closer to the door, watching Stephen out of the corner of her eye, her wand held at the ready. Another creak, just outside the door. Hermione reached out to open the door, her white hand glowing in the moonlight, slender fingers just barely grazing the bronze doorknob… when suddenly…
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The door flew open, hitting Hermione hard and knocking her over. She got off the floor quickly, wand intact and in position, to look into the concerned blue eyes of her father.
"Hermione? Did that door hit you? I'm so sorry, I didn't mean for it to… did you guys hear some creaking?" He said, looking at both of them.
"That's ok about the door Dad, but the creaking… yeah, I did hear it…"
"I was just worried for a second that it might be… the person that… I was just worried." He said, swallowing visibly, his eyes shining.
"Well, my mind was running in the same vein… I guess we're all a little bit jumpy…"
"Hello?" Called a third voice from the corridor. Hermione jumped, and got into a protective stance in front of Stephen, but her father just smiled. "Hello-o? There is a ruckus out here, isn't there? What's going on…?" Said the voice, sounding very familiar.
"In here, Ronan." Her father called. Hermione heard footsteps getting closer, and then Mr. Milligan's head poked around the corner of the door.
"Oh, you've brought her home then, splendid!" He said, smiling. He was wearing a long white-and-blue nightgown and sleeping cap that old men always wore in the movies. The gown was a bit short for him and only went down to just below his knees, and the cap was half over one eye, giving him a comical appearance.
Hermione was still digesting the fact that Mr. Milligan was there at all. Her father smiled nervously.
"Hermione… this is Ronan Milligan, he was a distant relative of your mother's. Ah, Ronan, this is my daughter, Hermione Granger." Mr. Milligan shook Hermione's hand, grinning from ear to ear, his slightly crooked teeth glinting in the moonlight.
"Pleasure, Hermione." He said.
"Pleasure." Hermione returned.
"Well…" Said her father.
"Bed." Said Hermione.
"G' Night." Said Mr. Milligan, before he waved and bumbled off down the hall. Hermione poked her head around the door and watched him go, before turning back to her father, eyebrows raised. He grinned sheepishly.
"He's a nice old fella… honest!" He said, grinning. It felt like old times. Hermione swatted his shoulder.
"Get to bed. We need our beauty sleep." She said, before shutting the door in his face and climbing back into bed with Stephen, who smiled in the darkness and wrapped his chubby baby arms around her.
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Hermione awoke to find merciless sunlight pouring through the large windows and lighting up the whole baby blue and teddy bear-decorated room. She opened her eyes, groaning, and looked down at Stephen, still asleep soundly with his mouth open slightly. She pushed it closed and marveled again at how heavily he slept. You could do practically anything and he wouldn't wake… be it yelling downstairs for breakfast, be it snoring, be it shaking him… but it was funny, that even though not many things could wake him, he seemed to have an internal radar. He would wake up by himself at the uncanny times, when someone needed him… like she had last night. She shoved him off her arm, finding it was numb from his weight, and got out of bed, sighing as she felt how heavy her limbs (and eyelids) seemed. *I should just go back to bed and never wake up* Hermione realized what she had thought, and corrected herself. *Never wake up until Draco finds me and kisses me* She giggled at the sappy thought. Feeling suddenly cheered; she jumped up off the bed and ran into her room across the hall, slamming the door behind her. Her room was a bright and cheery yellow, with huge windows and window seats on 3 sides, all with beautiful views of Richardson Park and the surrounding countryside. The furniture was all mahogany, from the large canopy bed to the desk and filled-to-the-brim bookcase. The bed had a lavender sheet set and quilt, to match the canopy and silky, sheer curtains. The room was tidy and neat, and a lot of people would have thought it unlike Hermione, since it was a bit girly, but it was how Titania had decorated it before Hermione had been old enough to decide, and Hermione wouldn't change it for the world. She actually, sorta, kinda liked it. It reminded her of her mother, and her mother had generally been a very girly, dramatic sort… although she was sensible and had a quick mind. Titania had had a love for the fine arts since an early age. She had done a lot of acting and singing with a local theatre company, and she painted beautifully. On the wall next to Hermione's closet, and in other places throughout the house, was one of Titania's many paintings. It was a girl, sitting on a bench in the moonlight with her lover, gazing at the stars while he gazed at her. The boy had silvery blonde hair and gray-blue eyes… quite like Draco! Hermione thought with a start. In fact, now she looked closer at the picture, it looked exactly like Draco! The same aquiline, sculpted features, which signified noble lineage, the same softened yet protective look he always wore when he looked at her… Hermione shook her head and let her gaze fall on the girl. Cinnamon brown hair, brown eyes, slightly pointed features and upturned nose, slight, nymph-like figure just like hers and her mothers… ME! Hermione turned away from the painting and sat on her bed, breathing deeply. *Count to ten, Hermione* How could she have never noticed? She glanced back at the painting; there she was, looking at the stars with Draco as trees swayed softly in the background…could her mother have known? *Nonsense! * Thought Hermione, but how else could the painting have been so accurate, Titania had never even seen Draco… Hermione walked over to the painting again; unconsciously running a finger over the boy's face… it was such a beautiful painting. What was it called again? She took the painting off the wall and looked at the back. Written there was,
"Stargazing With Her Lover," it said simply, then underneath "Titania Granger". But there was something else… Hermione squinted and saw plainly a faint little arrow pointing to the side of the painting. She put her hand to the side of the frame and felt around it, when she rubbed the inside edge just so, she felt something rough… she turned the painting so that is was facing her, and felt along the frame again. There it was… her fingers latched onto something and pulled, and out came a plain white envelope. Hermione gasped, she hadn't expected that. She sat on the floor with her back to the wall and opened the envelope, sliding out a crisply folded sheet of paper and unfolding it. She looked down at her mothers familiar, flowing script in astonishment, then began to read.
My dear sweet Hermione,
I knew that someday you would find this, I hope you come to me immediately after you finish reading. I wonder how old you are, how old I am, what is going on with both of our lives now? I always meant to tell you this, but it's hard to put in words, and don't you think it's ever so mysterious and romantic to find a hidden letter in a painting years after it was written? Like Nancy Drew and Shakespeare mixed… I digress.
I am a Seer, Hermione. I was born with the talent to See the future of others if I so chose. My mother was a gypsy, I'm sure I've told you that, don't you think it's so exotic? But she was a gypsy, and the talent was in her blood. I don't know if you've got it, the blood has thinned now it has mixed with the Richardson's and the Granger's, but it doesn't show until you are an adult anyway, I couldn't harness my Sight until I was 20.
I have Seen into your future many times. I don't pry; I can choose what I See, so I usually just pick out the basics, the things I'm interested in. Like your husband! Draco Malfoy, the one you hate so much. How classic, the teasing love-hate relationship… an essential in all good novels! He's very handsome, I See. I'm sure you've already guessed, but this painting is of you and he. I don't want to spoil anything in case you're still young, but you've got such a wonderful life ahead of you Hermione! I've Seen your career, your children… my grandchildren. They're so beautiful, I can't wait to meet them, if I haven't already!
Stephen's life is wonderful too… can you believe I keep all these glorious secrets to myself? Usually I tell you everything, but Seers aren't supposed to tell people of their futures, and I knew you'd beg if you knew. I couldn't resist this idea though. I'm happy to See that my children will be safe and happy, that's all I ever have worried about; I love you two so much. I have to go, your father's coming and I want to light all the red candles and make the room look like a Shakespeare scene… I won't bore you, sweet.
Love Always, Your Mum,
Titania Granger
P.S. Isn't life so romantic and tragic… just like a fairy tale?
Tears were making hot paths down Hermione's face and she wore a wide smile. It had been like her mother had been there, it was just the way she talked, always so enthusiastic and excited about life and the romance of it… like Anne of Green Gables, Hermione had always thought secretly. She knew she would cherish this letter forever, there were so many wonderful things in here…
*I'm going to MARRY Draco! * Hermione blushed through her tears, even though she was still smiling. She hadn't really thought that far ahead… they were only 18. She wished for a moment that her mother had given her more detail… but she knew that Titania was right, that would've ruined it. She was going to have children. Hopefully not soon. She had always wanted kids, but she didn't feel like she was going to be ready to sacrifice her life to take care of a baby for a long time yet. She grinned as she got off the floor and hid the letter in the secret drawer of her desk. Almost everything in Richardson Manor had secret drawers and fake bottoms, and there were hidden passages and rooms everywhere. Lean on something while visiting the Grangers and bookshelves started spinning! It hadn't been like that originally, but Grandmother Isana and Titania had shared their love for dramatism, romance and mystery. Hermione was sure that wasn't the only hidden letter around the house, not to mention hidden clues, hidden wills, hidden treasures, hidden fake skeletons… she'd found some of each as a child, and knew with out a doubt that her Nancy Drew loving mother had many more things left around for her to 'discover'. It was fun really, the attics and dungeons and laboratories like a game or an imaginary world where everyone could play happily. Hermione sat down at the desk, getting out some of her white stationary with the bleeding rose and Hermione Marian Granger written in red across the top. Perfect for a love letter, she thought, grinning mischievously as she spritzed a bit of her musk perfume on it. She picked up her black feather quill (courtesy of her Mum) and began writing in the most flowing, loopy, romantic script she could manage. Draco's never seen the Richardson side of Hermione Granger, but he's going to meet her with the next owl he gets…
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A half an hour later, the letter had been sealed with red wax and an impression of the Richardson seal (the Granger family didn't have one) and dispatched with Hermione's owl Diviana. She got up, changed into a pair of jean Capri pants and a white cardigan, and ran downstairs loudly, through the bright and airy kitchen where her Father and Mr. Milligan were drinking tea with a hasty 'morning!' and into the cozy library. She picked out a stack of books by Jane Austen, mythology and poetry and carried them into the Sun Room, throwing them onto the large yellow couch before continuing into the kitchen again. She grabbed a toasted cream cheese and lox bagel that her father had just finished making, a glass of fresh orange juice and smiled sweetly at the two men before running back into the solarium, plopping onto the couch and picking up a book to read while she ate her breakfast. Her father walked into the solarium, his hands on his hips though his lips quirked at the edges.
"Missy, I just made that bagel for myself!" He said sternly.
"Oh really? Ever so sorry, I thought it was for me! You can't take it now, unfortunately, I've already taken a bite out of both sides!" Hermione said, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. Her father rolled his eyes.
"Insufferable thing, you! You're mother would be proud." He mumbled good- naturedly before going back to the kitchen. He and Mr. Milligan laughed about something.
"HERMIONE!" Hermione heard Stephen's voice from upstairs. She quickly put her juice and food down, just in case.
"YEAH?"
"WHATCHA DOING?"
"EATING BREAKFAST, DUH!"
"WANNA COME WATCH ME? I CAN DO A BACKFLIP!"
"NO! I'M READING STEPHEN! I'LL WATCH YOU LATER! YOU BETTER GET YOUR BUTT DOWN HERE KIDDO, YOU'VE GOT TO EAT YOUR BREAKFAST."
"HERMIONE-EEE!"
"STEPHE-EN!" Hermione heard loud thumping on the staircase and hastily put down the juice she had just picked up. Just in time, as Stephen ran through the door like a streaking comet, rounded the corner and leapt on top of Hermione, giving her a hug. He leaned back and smiled that toothy grin that little kids always smile when they know they're being annoying.
"I don't wanna eat brekkie, I wanna go outside. We should go for a swim in the lake!"
"Later on, Stephen. DAD? Can you make him some cereal?" Her father came through with a large bowl of Cheerios. Stephen sat on the floor by her feet and gobbled down his cereal like a hungry bear, while she smiled down at him, eating her bagel calmly. It was good to see him back to his usual self. It felt like old times, yelling and laughing and teasing and good food. She wished her mother was there, but she didn't dwell on it. What was the point in getting yourself upset about something that couldn't be changed? She picked up her book again, despite Stephen's persistent entreaties (whines) to go outside. "Not until you get dresses!" She repeated calmly a few (thousand) times before Stephen groaned something like "party pooper" and grumbled his way upstairs to get dressed. Hermione took this opportunity to dig out her wand and try a new spell. By the time Stephen got down she was in a tasteful red one-piece bathing suit. He looked her up and down.
"Thought you weren't going swimming Mione?" He said.
"I changed my mind, Stephen." Hermione said, an amused smile playing at her lips. "Besides, it's so lovely out, and I want to see Charmian. She hasn't been around since I got back last night." Charmian was their odd, cuddly Birman cat. She was the customary fluffy white with "points", although they were an unusual caramel color as opposed to chocolate. She was only a year old, named after one of Cleopatra's attendants in Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. Her name meant delightful, and she was. Crookshanks and her got along famously, although Charmian had some strange habits that irked Crookshanks to no end. Charmian loved to swim, and to ride in the basket of Hermione's bicycle, or to play with dogs. Everybody always said she was more dog-like than cat-like. Hermione and Stephen walked out the French doors onto the elegant balcony, slid down a pole put there expressly for that purpose and landed on the patio. Charmian and Crookshanks were there immediately, rubbing up against them and meowing. Hermione patted them on the head. The whole family frequently talked to them, and they seemed very intelligent.
"We're going swimming guys, wanna come?" She asked them. Crookshanks walked along side them as they made their way toward the lake, but Charmian flew through the gardens and over the sloping lawns onto the dock. She looked back at them and waved her tail in a brief salute before she leapt into the water. Hermione and Stephen laughed
and tore down the lawn after her, running down the dock and jumping into the lake without hesitation. Charmian jumped on top of Hermione's head, Stephen got pulled underneath the water briefly by Hermione, Crookshanks got splashed (much to her dismay) and they played Marco Polo for the rest of the afternoon.
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Mr. Milligan and Robert Granger watched the children (and cats) play outside in the water.
"Cute, aren't they?" asked Mr. Milligan.
"Mmm." Replied Robert.
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Hermione lay on her stomach on the dock, tanning. Stephen was climbing trees somewhere near with Crookshanks, and she and Charmian lay half-asleep in the sun.
"This is the life, eh Charmian?" Asked Hermione lazily.
"Mrow." Said Charmian in an equally lazy tone. The light, summery breeze caressed Hermione's bare skin and left her feeling delicious. The world was so peaceful, so quiet, so… OUCH! Hermione rolled over and sat up, rubbing the back of her head and looking around. Charmian had also sprung up and now had a letter in her mouth. Hermione took it and opened it. There were two solitary words on the sheet. They were:
LOOK UP.
Hermione looked up. And very nearly got the shock of her life when she saw Draco Malfoy flying in idle spirals in the blue sky, his blonde hair glinting in the sun and his smirk evident from the ground.
"DRACO!" Yelled Hermione, smiling delightedly. Draco flew down to her level and pulled her onto the broom. For a second Hermione was overcome with fright, but calmed when she realized that Draco was hovering in one place, smiling at her. He wrapped his arms around her and she smiled back at him. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a black T-shirt in the middle of summer, for God's sake! They kissed.
"I'm so happy to see you!" exclaimed Hermione.
"I'm even happier to see that you look fine!" Hermione pouted and held out her arms but Draco pushed them away. "That's okay Mione." He said, then looked around the grounds and the mansion. "Nice place you got here." He said, grinning lazily. Hermione smiled back genuinely, she was too happy to even pretend to be anything else.
"I missed you so much!" She said and leaned in for another kiss but pulled back when she heard a loud yell.
"What was that?" Draco asked, instinctively bringing the broom up higher and looking around warily.
"That was a monkey. Also known as my brother, Stephen." Hermione said, watching a little white figure bolt toward them over the grounds. Draco had shaded his eyes and was watching the progress of the little boy.
"Damn fast kid. Too bad, I would've liked to kiss you befo…" He was cut off by a mouthful of fur. Hermione started to laugh at the sight of Draco trying to wrestle an over- excited Charmian off of him but was cut off abruptly when she realized the broom was tipping. Draco managed to say,
"Jesus Christ what is this thing?!" Through Charmian's body before all three of them toppled off the broom. Hermione was screaming, Draco was laughing and Charmian had her fur flying around her oddly as they fell through the air and landed with a splash in the lake. Charmian swam to shore and shook herself, then lay down to watch the events. Hermione and Draco came up gasping for air, and making it worse by laughing themselves silly. They shared a brief kiss before they were gasping for breath again.
"My…my side! S-stitch!" laughed Hermione.
"Mine too! We… g-gotta get to shore!" Said Draco, laughing too. They swam haphazardly toward the shore, arms and legs flailing in all directions and still laughing, then pulled themselves onto the dock. Draco reached up grabbed his broom, which was trained to wait in the same place if you jumped (or fell) off of it. They lay back, laughing hysterically. Stephen reached them and stood above their heads, looking down at them. His eyes narrowed suspiciously at Draco. Even though he was only six, he had always been wary of strangers. Hermione managed to compose herself and sat up, as did Draco, although he was still laughing. She smiled at Draco sweetly, though she was talking to Stephen.
"Stephen, this is a big bad evil Death Eater named Draco Malfoy…so RUN!" She yelled, jumping up and running off towards the house with Stephen by her side, catching Draco by surprise.
"You are gonna pay for that Hermione Granger!" Draco yelled, chasing them. Even though they had gotten a little head start, it wasn't long before he caught up to them. He took a flying leap and grabbed Hermione around the waist, making her squeal, and they landed on the soft (luckily for them) grass. "That was low, Granger!" Draco said, before starting a tickle fight. By the time they were both laughing, dirty and red in the face from exertion, Robert and Mr. Milligan had made their way out to see who was attacking the children.
"DRACO STOP!" Yelled Hermione between giggles.
"Yes, Draco. I do believe you should stop." Echoed someone from behind them and Hermione and Draco froze and looked up slowly into the sympathetic/amused face of Ronan Milligan and the very stern face of Robert Granger. Hermione bit her lip nervously. *Oh, this is gonna be hell* TBC
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AN *sigh* All that suspense culminates in this…I happen to love cliffhangers myself, sorry to those of you who don't. Besides, it's not like I use 'em that often! Finally a long chapter… phew! 9 pages people, rejoice. When I grow up I want a cat just like Charmian, she's perfect. Wouldn't it be funny to play Marco Polo with a Birman cat named Charmian? It sounds like the beginning of a joke or something. Did you like that chapter? Very kawaii. It's a filler until I figure out the plot in more detail. Man, does that family have a thing for Shakespearean names!
kYoOt*aNgeL- I reviewed but I didn't sign in cause I'm lazy with a capital L.
porkypop- Oops, was that meant to make you scared… although I guess the parts with Stephen were sad…?
Christina- *doing Nelson impression* HA HA! *real Nelson walks in* "You don't do it right… HA HA!"
G*Ness- Ireland IS fun. And, *glances around* just on the side, you know, the guys there are nicer. That's where I found my boy! Don't worry, Grandpa's sole line WAS humor, but I didn't expect anyone to get it… never underestimate the reviewers!
xAngelicDevilx- Quick get out of here! You've caught 'I'm too lazy too sign in' disease off of me! Jk, jk… I always do that.
BuffySummers168- mean=evil=me. Yep, the usual equation.
Athena's Quill- Heheh, sorry you had to wait then…
Shadow Angel- know what that feels like hon.
Icy Stormz- Mr. Milligan has made his appearance…but is it for the better of the worse? Dun Dun Dun…
ChimaeraGurl- I get aggravated with that type of author too…
Kiyoko- mean, cruel, heartless… there are so many adjectives to describe it…
Cassondra- Definitely. You convinced me that I definitely needed to write more more more.
Kristatwen- sorreee… I just couldn't resist…
Ally-Sama- I'm not fair at all, dear. *snicker*
Last Time:
"Daddy?" Hermione called in a frightened voice. There was no answer. Hermione got out of the bed, creeping closer to the door, watching Stephen out of the corner of her eye, her wand held at the ready. Another creak, just outside the door. Hermione reached out to open the door, her white hand glowing in the moonlight, slender fingers just barely grazing the bronze doorknob… when suddenly…
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The door flew open, hitting Hermione hard and knocking her over. She got off the floor quickly, wand intact and in position, to look into the concerned blue eyes of her father.
"Hermione? Did that door hit you? I'm so sorry, I didn't mean for it to… did you guys hear some creaking?" He said, looking at both of them.
"That's ok about the door Dad, but the creaking… yeah, I did hear it…"
"I was just worried for a second that it might be… the person that… I was just worried." He said, swallowing visibly, his eyes shining.
"Well, my mind was running in the same vein… I guess we're all a little bit jumpy…"
"Hello?" Called a third voice from the corridor. Hermione jumped, and got into a protective stance in front of Stephen, but her father just smiled. "Hello-o? There is a ruckus out here, isn't there? What's going on…?" Said the voice, sounding very familiar.
"In here, Ronan." Her father called. Hermione heard footsteps getting closer, and then Mr. Milligan's head poked around the corner of the door.
"Oh, you've brought her home then, splendid!" He said, smiling. He was wearing a long white-and-blue nightgown and sleeping cap that old men always wore in the movies. The gown was a bit short for him and only went down to just below his knees, and the cap was half over one eye, giving him a comical appearance.
Hermione was still digesting the fact that Mr. Milligan was there at all. Her father smiled nervously.
"Hermione… this is Ronan Milligan, he was a distant relative of your mother's. Ah, Ronan, this is my daughter, Hermione Granger." Mr. Milligan shook Hermione's hand, grinning from ear to ear, his slightly crooked teeth glinting in the moonlight.
"Pleasure, Hermione." He said.
"Pleasure." Hermione returned.
"Well…" Said her father.
"Bed." Said Hermione.
"G' Night." Said Mr. Milligan, before he waved and bumbled off down the hall. Hermione poked her head around the door and watched him go, before turning back to her father, eyebrows raised. He grinned sheepishly.
"He's a nice old fella… honest!" He said, grinning. It felt like old times. Hermione swatted his shoulder.
"Get to bed. We need our beauty sleep." She said, before shutting the door in his face and climbing back into bed with Stephen, who smiled in the darkness and wrapped his chubby baby arms around her.
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Hermione awoke to find merciless sunlight pouring through the large windows and lighting up the whole baby blue and teddy bear-decorated room. She opened her eyes, groaning, and looked down at Stephen, still asleep soundly with his mouth open slightly. She pushed it closed and marveled again at how heavily he slept. You could do practically anything and he wouldn't wake… be it yelling downstairs for breakfast, be it snoring, be it shaking him… but it was funny, that even though not many things could wake him, he seemed to have an internal radar. He would wake up by himself at the uncanny times, when someone needed him… like she had last night. She shoved him off her arm, finding it was numb from his weight, and got out of bed, sighing as she felt how heavy her limbs (and eyelids) seemed. *I should just go back to bed and never wake up* Hermione realized what she had thought, and corrected herself. *Never wake up until Draco finds me and kisses me* She giggled at the sappy thought. Feeling suddenly cheered; she jumped up off the bed and ran into her room across the hall, slamming the door behind her. Her room was a bright and cheery yellow, with huge windows and window seats on 3 sides, all with beautiful views of Richardson Park and the surrounding countryside. The furniture was all mahogany, from the large canopy bed to the desk and filled-to-the-brim bookcase. The bed had a lavender sheet set and quilt, to match the canopy and silky, sheer curtains. The room was tidy and neat, and a lot of people would have thought it unlike Hermione, since it was a bit girly, but it was how Titania had decorated it before Hermione had been old enough to decide, and Hermione wouldn't change it for the world. She actually, sorta, kinda liked it. It reminded her of her mother, and her mother had generally been a very girly, dramatic sort… although she was sensible and had a quick mind. Titania had had a love for the fine arts since an early age. She had done a lot of acting and singing with a local theatre company, and she painted beautifully. On the wall next to Hermione's closet, and in other places throughout the house, was one of Titania's many paintings. It was a girl, sitting on a bench in the moonlight with her lover, gazing at the stars while he gazed at her. The boy had silvery blonde hair and gray-blue eyes… quite like Draco! Hermione thought with a start. In fact, now she looked closer at the picture, it looked exactly like Draco! The same aquiline, sculpted features, which signified noble lineage, the same softened yet protective look he always wore when he looked at her… Hermione shook her head and let her gaze fall on the girl. Cinnamon brown hair, brown eyes, slightly pointed features and upturned nose, slight, nymph-like figure just like hers and her mothers… ME! Hermione turned away from the painting and sat on her bed, breathing deeply. *Count to ten, Hermione* How could she have never noticed? She glanced back at the painting; there she was, looking at the stars with Draco as trees swayed softly in the background…could her mother have known? *Nonsense! * Thought Hermione, but how else could the painting have been so accurate, Titania had never even seen Draco… Hermione walked over to the painting again; unconsciously running a finger over the boy's face… it was such a beautiful painting. What was it called again? She took the painting off the wall and looked at the back. Written there was,
"Stargazing With Her Lover," it said simply, then underneath "Titania Granger". But there was something else… Hermione squinted and saw plainly a faint little arrow pointing to the side of the painting. She put her hand to the side of the frame and felt around it, when she rubbed the inside edge just so, she felt something rough… she turned the painting so that is was facing her, and felt along the frame again. There it was… her fingers latched onto something and pulled, and out came a plain white envelope. Hermione gasped, she hadn't expected that. She sat on the floor with her back to the wall and opened the envelope, sliding out a crisply folded sheet of paper and unfolding it. She looked down at her mothers familiar, flowing script in astonishment, then began to read.
My dear sweet Hermione,
I knew that someday you would find this, I hope you come to me immediately after you finish reading. I wonder how old you are, how old I am, what is going on with both of our lives now? I always meant to tell you this, but it's hard to put in words, and don't you think it's ever so mysterious and romantic to find a hidden letter in a painting years after it was written? Like Nancy Drew and Shakespeare mixed… I digress.
I am a Seer, Hermione. I was born with the talent to See the future of others if I so chose. My mother was a gypsy, I'm sure I've told you that, don't you think it's so exotic? But she was a gypsy, and the talent was in her blood. I don't know if you've got it, the blood has thinned now it has mixed with the Richardson's and the Granger's, but it doesn't show until you are an adult anyway, I couldn't harness my Sight until I was 20.
I have Seen into your future many times. I don't pry; I can choose what I See, so I usually just pick out the basics, the things I'm interested in. Like your husband! Draco Malfoy, the one you hate so much. How classic, the teasing love-hate relationship… an essential in all good novels! He's very handsome, I See. I'm sure you've already guessed, but this painting is of you and he. I don't want to spoil anything in case you're still young, but you've got such a wonderful life ahead of you Hermione! I've Seen your career, your children… my grandchildren. They're so beautiful, I can't wait to meet them, if I haven't already!
Stephen's life is wonderful too… can you believe I keep all these glorious secrets to myself? Usually I tell you everything, but Seers aren't supposed to tell people of their futures, and I knew you'd beg if you knew. I couldn't resist this idea though. I'm happy to See that my children will be safe and happy, that's all I ever have worried about; I love you two so much. I have to go, your father's coming and I want to light all the red candles and make the room look like a Shakespeare scene… I won't bore you, sweet.
Love Always, Your Mum,
Titania Granger
P.S. Isn't life so romantic and tragic… just like a fairy tale?
Tears were making hot paths down Hermione's face and she wore a wide smile. It had been like her mother had been there, it was just the way she talked, always so enthusiastic and excited about life and the romance of it… like Anne of Green Gables, Hermione had always thought secretly. She knew she would cherish this letter forever, there were so many wonderful things in here…
*I'm going to MARRY Draco! * Hermione blushed through her tears, even though she was still smiling. She hadn't really thought that far ahead… they were only 18. She wished for a moment that her mother had given her more detail… but she knew that Titania was right, that would've ruined it. She was going to have children. Hopefully not soon. She had always wanted kids, but she didn't feel like she was going to be ready to sacrifice her life to take care of a baby for a long time yet. She grinned as she got off the floor and hid the letter in the secret drawer of her desk. Almost everything in Richardson Manor had secret drawers and fake bottoms, and there were hidden passages and rooms everywhere. Lean on something while visiting the Grangers and bookshelves started spinning! It hadn't been like that originally, but Grandmother Isana and Titania had shared their love for dramatism, romance and mystery. Hermione was sure that wasn't the only hidden letter around the house, not to mention hidden clues, hidden wills, hidden treasures, hidden fake skeletons… she'd found some of each as a child, and knew with out a doubt that her Nancy Drew loving mother had many more things left around for her to 'discover'. It was fun really, the attics and dungeons and laboratories like a game or an imaginary world where everyone could play happily. Hermione sat down at the desk, getting out some of her white stationary with the bleeding rose and Hermione Marian Granger written in red across the top. Perfect for a love letter, she thought, grinning mischievously as she spritzed a bit of her musk perfume on it. She picked up her black feather quill (courtesy of her Mum) and began writing in the most flowing, loopy, romantic script she could manage. Draco's never seen the Richardson side of Hermione Granger, but he's going to meet her with the next owl he gets…
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A half an hour later, the letter had been sealed with red wax and an impression of the Richardson seal (the Granger family didn't have one) and dispatched with Hermione's owl Diviana. She got up, changed into a pair of jean Capri pants and a white cardigan, and ran downstairs loudly, through the bright and airy kitchen where her Father and Mr. Milligan were drinking tea with a hasty 'morning!' and into the cozy library. She picked out a stack of books by Jane Austen, mythology and poetry and carried them into the Sun Room, throwing them onto the large yellow couch before continuing into the kitchen again. She grabbed a toasted cream cheese and lox bagel that her father had just finished making, a glass of fresh orange juice and smiled sweetly at the two men before running back into the solarium, plopping onto the couch and picking up a book to read while she ate her breakfast. Her father walked into the solarium, his hands on his hips though his lips quirked at the edges.
"Missy, I just made that bagel for myself!" He said sternly.
"Oh really? Ever so sorry, I thought it was for me! You can't take it now, unfortunately, I've already taken a bite out of both sides!" Hermione said, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. Her father rolled his eyes.
"Insufferable thing, you! You're mother would be proud." He mumbled good- naturedly before going back to the kitchen. He and Mr. Milligan laughed about something.
"HERMIONE!" Hermione heard Stephen's voice from upstairs. She quickly put her juice and food down, just in case.
"YEAH?"
"WHATCHA DOING?"
"EATING BREAKFAST, DUH!"
"WANNA COME WATCH ME? I CAN DO A BACKFLIP!"
"NO! I'M READING STEPHEN! I'LL WATCH YOU LATER! YOU BETTER GET YOUR BUTT DOWN HERE KIDDO, YOU'VE GOT TO EAT YOUR BREAKFAST."
"HERMIONE-EEE!"
"STEPHE-EN!" Hermione heard loud thumping on the staircase and hastily put down the juice she had just picked up. Just in time, as Stephen ran through the door like a streaking comet, rounded the corner and leapt on top of Hermione, giving her a hug. He leaned back and smiled that toothy grin that little kids always smile when they know they're being annoying.
"I don't wanna eat brekkie, I wanna go outside. We should go for a swim in the lake!"
"Later on, Stephen. DAD? Can you make him some cereal?" Her father came through with a large bowl of Cheerios. Stephen sat on the floor by her feet and gobbled down his cereal like a hungry bear, while she smiled down at him, eating her bagel calmly. It was good to see him back to his usual self. It felt like old times, yelling and laughing and teasing and good food. She wished her mother was there, but she didn't dwell on it. What was the point in getting yourself upset about something that couldn't be changed? She picked up her book again, despite Stephen's persistent entreaties (whines) to go outside. "Not until you get dresses!" She repeated calmly a few (thousand) times before Stephen groaned something like "party pooper" and grumbled his way upstairs to get dressed. Hermione took this opportunity to dig out her wand and try a new spell. By the time Stephen got down she was in a tasteful red one-piece bathing suit. He looked her up and down.
"Thought you weren't going swimming Mione?" He said.
"I changed my mind, Stephen." Hermione said, an amused smile playing at her lips. "Besides, it's so lovely out, and I want to see Charmian. She hasn't been around since I got back last night." Charmian was their odd, cuddly Birman cat. She was the customary fluffy white with "points", although they were an unusual caramel color as opposed to chocolate. She was only a year old, named after one of Cleopatra's attendants in Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. Her name meant delightful, and she was. Crookshanks and her got along famously, although Charmian had some strange habits that irked Crookshanks to no end. Charmian loved to swim, and to ride in the basket of Hermione's bicycle, or to play with dogs. Everybody always said she was more dog-like than cat-like. Hermione and Stephen walked out the French doors onto the elegant balcony, slid down a pole put there expressly for that purpose and landed on the patio. Charmian and Crookshanks were there immediately, rubbing up against them and meowing. Hermione patted them on the head. The whole family frequently talked to them, and they seemed very intelligent.
"We're going swimming guys, wanna come?" She asked them. Crookshanks walked along side them as they made their way toward the lake, but Charmian flew through the gardens and over the sloping lawns onto the dock. She looked back at them and waved her tail in a brief salute before she leapt into the water. Hermione and Stephen laughed
and tore down the lawn after her, running down the dock and jumping into the lake without hesitation. Charmian jumped on top of Hermione's head, Stephen got pulled underneath the water briefly by Hermione, Crookshanks got splashed (much to her dismay) and they played Marco Polo for the rest of the afternoon.
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Mr. Milligan and Robert Granger watched the children (and cats) play outside in the water.
"Cute, aren't they?" asked Mr. Milligan.
"Mmm." Replied Robert.
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Hermione lay on her stomach on the dock, tanning. Stephen was climbing trees somewhere near with Crookshanks, and she and Charmian lay half-asleep in the sun.
"This is the life, eh Charmian?" Asked Hermione lazily.
"Mrow." Said Charmian in an equally lazy tone. The light, summery breeze caressed Hermione's bare skin and left her feeling delicious. The world was so peaceful, so quiet, so… OUCH! Hermione rolled over and sat up, rubbing the back of her head and looking around. Charmian had also sprung up and now had a letter in her mouth. Hermione took it and opened it. There were two solitary words on the sheet. They were:
LOOK UP.
Hermione looked up. And very nearly got the shock of her life when she saw Draco Malfoy flying in idle spirals in the blue sky, his blonde hair glinting in the sun and his smirk evident from the ground.
"DRACO!" Yelled Hermione, smiling delightedly. Draco flew down to her level and pulled her onto the broom. For a second Hermione was overcome with fright, but calmed when she realized that Draco was hovering in one place, smiling at her. He wrapped his arms around her and she smiled back at him. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a black T-shirt in the middle of summer, for God's sake! They kissed.
"I'm so happy to see you!" exclaimed Hermione.
"I'm even happier to see that you look fine!" Hermione pouted and held out her arms but Draco pushed them away. "That's okay Mione." He said, then looked around the grounds and the mansion. "Nice place you got here." He said, grinning lazily. Hermione smiled back genuinely, she was too happy to even pretend to be anything else.
"I missed you so much!" She said and leaned in for another kiss but pulled back when she heard a loud yell.
"What was that?" Draco asked, instinctively bringing the broom up higher and looking around warily.
"That was a monkey. Also known as my brother, Stephen." Hermione said, watching a little white figure bolt toward them over the grounds. Draco had shaded his eyes and was watching the progress of the little boy.
"Damn fast kid. Too bad, I would've liked to kiss you befo…" He was cut off by a mouthful of fur. Hermione started to laugh at the sight of Draco trying to wrestle an over- excited Charmian off of him but was cut off abruptly when she realized the broom was tipping. Draco managed to say,
"Jesus Christ what is this thing?!" Through Charmian's body before all three of them toppled off the broom. Hermione was screaming, Draco was laughing and Charmian had her fur flying around her oddly as they fell through the air and landed with a splash in the lake. Charmian swam to shore and shook herself, then lay down to watch the events. Hermione and Draco came up gasping for air, and making it worse by laughing themselves silly. They shared a brief kiss before they were gasping for breath again.
"My…my side! S-stitch!" laughed Hermione.
"Mine too! We… g-gotta get to shore!" Said Draco, laughing too. They swam haphazardly toward the shore, arms and legs flailing in all directions and still laughing, then pulled themselves onto the dock. Draco reached up grabbed his broom, which was trained to wait in the same place if you jumped (or fell) off of it. They lay back, laughing hysterically. Stephen reached them and stood above their heads, looking down at them. His eyes narrowed suspiciously at Draco. Even though he was only six, he had always been wary of strangers. Hermione managed to compose herself and sat up, as did Draco, although he was still laughing. She smiled at Draco sweetly, though she was talking to Stephen.
"Stephen, this is a big bad evil Death Eater named Draco Malfoy…so RUN!" She yelled, jumping up and running off towards the house with Stephen by her side, catching Draco by surprise.
"You are gonna pay for that Hermione Granger!" Draco yelled, chasing them. Even though they had gotten a little head start, it wasn't long before he caught up to them. He took a flying leap and grabbed Hermione around the waist, making her squeal, and they landed on the soft (luckily for them) grass. "That was low, Granger!" Draco said, before starting a tickle fight. By the time they were both laughing, dirty and red in the face from exertion, Robert and Mr. Milligan had made their way out to see who was attacking the children.
"DRACO STOP!" Yelled Hermione between giggles.
"Yes, Draco. I do believe you should stop." Echoed someone from behind them and Hermione and Draco froze and looked up slowly into the sympathetic/amused face of Ronan Milligan and the very stern face of Robert Granger. Hermione bit her lip nervously. *Oh, this is gonna be hell* TBC
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AN *sigh* All that suspense culminates in this…I happen to love cliffhangers myself, sorry to those of you who don't. Besides, it's not like I use 'em that often! Finally a long chapter… phew! 9 pages people, rejoice. When I grow up I want a cat just like Charmian, she's perfect. Wouldn't it be funny to play Marco Polo with a Birman cat named Charmian? It sounds like the beginning of a joke or something. Did you like that chapter? Very kawaii. It's a filler until I figure out the plot in more detail. Man, does that family have a thing for Shakespearean names!
kYoOt*aNgeL- I reviewed but I didn't sign in cause I'm lazy with a capital L.
porkypop- Oops, was that meant to make you scared… although I guess the parts with Stephen were sad…?
Christina- *doing Nelson impression* HA HA! *real Nelson walks in* "You don't do it right… HA HA!"
G*Ness- Ireland IS fun. And, *glances around* just on the side, you know, the guys there are nicer. That's where I found my boy! Don't worry, Grandpa's sole line WAS humor, but I didn't expect anyone to get it… never underestimate the reviewers!
xAngelicDevilx- Quick get out of here! You've caught 'I'm too lazy too sign in' disease off of me! Jk, jk… I always do that.
BuffySummers168- mean=evil=me. Yep, the usual equation.
Athena's Quill- Heheh, sorry you had to wait then…
Shadow Angel- know what that feels like hon.
Icy Stormz- Mr. Milligan has made his appearance…but is it for the better of the worse? Dun Dun Dun…
ChimaeraGurl- I get aggravated with that type of author too…
Kiyoko- mean, cruel, heartless… there are so many adjectives to describe it…
Cassondra- Definitely. You convinced me that I definitely needed to write more more more.
Kristatwen- sorreee… I just couldn't resist…
Ally-Sama- I'm not fair at all, dear. *snicker*