A/n: Long time to update; review for more.

I stared at the stars, watching how the clouds shifted over them. There was one star in the sky, and though it was struggling with the clouds, it still struggled free.

"What are you doing?" I didn't turn, instead kept myself perched on the bench. I slowly brought the cigarette to my mouth, taking a drag. Draco sat next to me, pulling the exposed pack from my pocket. He lit it, his eyes following mine and staring at the star.

"If I could be anything in the world, I would be that star," I whispered, entranced by the sky.

"Why?"

"To be so far away, so free from here. It must be perfect,"

"Wouldn't you be lonely, up there all alone?" He watched me, his eyes searching my face for some sort of emotion. I looked at him, cocking my head.

"Isn't it lonely here too?" He didn't answer me, which I was grateful for as I put out my cigarette and stood up. Blaise was on the couch, transfixed in "The Real World". I kissed his cheek lightly. "Blankets for Draco are in the closet. See you in the morning," He pulled me down onto his lap.

"Are you alright, Gin-gin?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"You have the wounded puppy dog look," He stated, playing with one of her curls. He always did this when she was upset; knowing simple things like that calmed her.

"Just, Gracie. I feel bad she never knew her real dad…never got to meet him,"

"You never told me who he was,"

"I can't, Blaise. You know that."

"Why not, Ginny!" He demanded, sitting up and pushing me to the side of him. He stood, staring at me. "Do you not trust me, after four years, do you still not trust me?"

"Never say that again, you hear me," I shouted, jumping to my feet. Pain and fear and anger coursed through me. "You are the one person who has stuck by me, and I would never dream of letting anything jeopardize that. You're my best friend, Blaise, and I love you," I gently touched his cheek, and sighed in relief as he embraced me. We jumped apart like teenagers as Draco cleared his throat. I wondered how long he had been there, but dismissed it. It wasn't worth worrying about; no one knew he was the father of Gracie. I kissed Blaise's cheek again, nodding to Draco, and walking to my bedroom.

The next morning, I found myself up at eight. And the source of the awake-age was the small bundle of joy reeking havoc on my already chaos filled hair.

"Gracie," I groaned, rolling over. I immediately snapped back as pain shot through my scalp. "No pulling Momma's hair, you little devil," I pulled her on top of me, tickling her.

"What in God's name are you two doing?" Draco asked, leaning against the doorway. I instantly knew he was joking because he had that small smile on his face, the smile my daughter often made.

"Tickle-fight,"

"Alright," Draco laughed, hauling Gracie from me and twirling her in the air. "Ducky, you really must learn the proper ways of tickle-age. Have my friends taught you nothing!" Gracie was giggling, giggling as her father played with her in a way I thought he never would. I lay back on the bed, my hair curled around my face, which was bright with laughter. And for a moment, one single fleeting moment, I felt like I had a family.