Disclaimer: Everything unrecognizable is mine, everything recognizable is JK. Rowling's. Honest!
Chapter Twelve: Never Trust a Book By its Cover.
Hermione collapsed on the couch as soon as she arrived home, in a state of exhaustion. The twins looked at her in confusion, wondering why she wasn't as excited as they were. They couldn't wait to see Uncle Ron play qudditch. Hermione groaned and lifted her head to look at her children. They only had two hours to get ready and have dinner. Hermione stood up, grabbed her wand and transfigured her clothes into a comfortable pair of black track trousers, a matching jacket and a white tank top. "Right!" she told the twins, "Bath time!" Leo groaned in annoyance as he followed his mother upstairs.
Nearly an hour later, the twins were all bathed and dressed and were sat at the kitchen table playing an invigorating game of wizard's chess. Libby was clad in a slightly oversized pale yellow jumper, matched with boot cut faded jeans and camel coloured suede slouch boots. Her hair was down and curly, falling just over her shoulder and shining in the almost surgical light of the kitchen. Leo, who was sat opposite her, was wearing dark blue cargo pants, matched with the same colour hoodie, sporting the "Animal" motif in a cool surfer design. On his feet were red adidas superstar trainers. His hair was styled in tousled spikes, the tips of which glinting in the light very much like his sisters. "Queen to E4!" directed Leo, his face scrunched up in concentration. "Checkmate!" cried Libby triumphantly stealing the aforementioned piece which was loudly screaming in protest. Leo frowned, as Libby grinned annoyingly at him. He sighed in defeat. Libby always won him at chess, but at least he could win her on the PS2.
Hermione waltzed in the kitchen, smiling at the sight of the twins engaged in battle of chess. She had always preferred them to play chess or a board game, instead of watching TV. She walked over to the oven, intending to stir the Bolognese sauce she had prepared earlier. Intending to speed things up as time was against her, she grabbed her wand which she had left on the marble counter. A few flicks later, the pasta was simmering in a saucepan and the mozzarella cheese was grating itself in a corner. Removing a jar of mixed herbs from a cupboard, she sprinkled a small amount into the sauce, humming "Bedshaped" under her breath by one of her favourite bands: Keane. She then replaced the herbs and extracted three white china plates, placing them on the counter. A simple flick of her trustworthy wand later and dinner was gently steaming on the white china plates. A simple mutter of the word "Scourigfy" and the kitchen was instantly sparkling.
"Not fair!" she heard Leo declare loudly. "You ALWAYS win!!" he complained. "Alright Leo!" Hermione scolded, "Calm down!" she said calmly. She flicked her wand again and the chess board vanished. "Dinner's ready" she told the twins, as she grabbed two plates and placed them on the table. Manoeuvring around the kitchen she dove into the cutlery drawer, withdrawing three forks and spoons.
Ten minutes later and dinner was over. The twins grinned at her, Leo's mouth looking suspiciously orange. Sighing, Hermione grabbed her wand again, muttering "scourigfy" at the table and the twins. Not even a second later everything was squeaky clean, including the twins. Standing up, Hermione brushed the non-existent dirt off her used chocolate colour cord skirt, which fell just below her knee. She straightened her used chocolate colour cord jacket, which hugged her curves, and slightly displayed her flat stomach. Underneath the jacket she wore a well fitted white cotton and elastane tank top which fitted her like a second skin. Her outfit was completed with suede camel coloured slouch boots, similar to Libby's and a chain made from white gold, from which a tear shaped diamond fell, landing on her protruding collarbones, and matching nicely with Hermione's skin tone and outfit colour. Her hair was down and falling wonderfully in soft waves ending by her shoulder blades, the rich chocolate colour looking good next to the used chocolate colour of her jacket and skirt. All in all she looked beautifully casual, with a hint of sophistication. After checking over the twins appearances, Hermione apparently satisfied with what they wore, directed them towards the fireplace, not noticing Leo pocketing his purple Game Boy Colour into the front pocket of his hoodie. On the way to the fireplace, Hermione grabbed the twins cloaks, which lay discarded on the recliner.
"Step inside" she instructed the twins, indicating the fireplace as she threw a handful of emerald green floo powder into the grate. Leo pushed his sister in first laughing when she emitted a disgruntled "ooff!". "Leo!!" Hermione said in a sort of scandalized tone. Leo looked up at her, an expression of innocence gracing his beautiful features. Hermione thought he looked like a fallen angel. Her eyes softened slightly, and Leo catching on said "I'm sorry mommy" in a dejected voice, his lips forming in an adorable pout his eyes taking on the infamous puppy dog gaze. Hermione sighed. "Okay Leo, just don't push your sister again, she could have hurt herself!" she said softly to Leo. Libby snorted from inside the fireplace. Leo smirked at her as he entered the fireplace which was promptly rewarded by a Chinese burn from Libby. Leo had no time to retaliate as his mother clearly shouted "Malfoy Manor!" In a whoosh they were spinning in a green vortex glimpsing other people's grates vaguely, in a sort of dreamlike state.
The family of three came to an abrupt halt, and Libby toppled out of the fireplace. She was caught in the nick of time by a scowling Leo who obviously disliked the fact that he had saved his sister from a humiliating and most likely painful fall. Leo released her and rubbed his forearm gently, his sister's burn still stinging him. Hermione smiled affectionately at the pair, glad to see a bit of affection from the pair after their prior dispute. She then stepped out of the fireplace, her feet landing on white marble. She glimpsed a magnificent mahogany staircase with a dark red runner descending the stairs, before her vision was obscured by someone wrapping her in a hug. She smelt the familiar wood pine and cinnamon essence, and knew it was Draco. When he released her she smiled up at him. "Hiya" she greeted. "Hey!" he replied, glancing at her attire briefly. "You look lovely!" he told her. Hermione blushed slightly. She averted her eyes to the twins, who were looking at them with annoyance. Draco smiled at them. "Hello you two" he greeted them. "You look very nice" he told them. He received no answer back. "Do you ever wear wizard's robes?" he asked curiously. "No" Libby told him. "I prefer them to wear muggle clothes," Hermione told him. "We like them better too. They look loads better and their much more comfortable!" Leo informed him knowledgably. Draco nodded slightly, casting a vain eye down his outfit which consisted of plain black wizards robes. Hermione, who caught this action, asked him "Do you want me to transfigure your clothes again?" Draco nodded.
Hermione removed her wand from a concealed pocket in her skirt and waved it at Draco. A second later, he stood before them clad in relaxed dirty denim '508' Levi jeans that were loose fitted and held up with a black belt. A white long sleeved T-shirt lay underneath a fitted black breasted jacket (blazer), and a silver bracelet adorned his wrist. On his feet he bore a simple of pair of adidas black superstar zoom trainers like Leo that completed his outfit splendidly. Hermione had achieved the smart-casual look she had been imagining, and apparently Draco approved as he ran a critical eye over his outfit. He rather liked these muggle clothes. Hermione grinned at him. "I guess I'm going to have to take you shopping!" she commented, Leo and Libby giggling behind her.
Draco straightened and glanced at his children, running a hand through his tousled un-gelled hair. "There's someone I'd like you all to meet..." he told them all uncertainly, glancing at Hermione nervously. "Who?" was Leo curious reply. "My mother" Draco told them, awaiting Hermione's reaction. Hermione paled slightly but Draco received no vocal response. She nodded slightly, walking over to the twins and grasping one of their hands each. They looked at her curiously, as Hermione contemplated running for freedom and dragging her children with her. She did not want to meet Narcissa Malfoy, wife of the evil late Lucius. She would most likely be just like him, regardless of what Draco said about her, and order her to leave the Manor, taking her half blood children with her. Hermione gulped slightly as Draco led the way, her feet somehow disobeying her brains command to run away.
Draco knocked on the heavy wooden door moments later, a nervous looking Hermione stood behind him, clutching their children's hand as if her life depended on it. The twins in question were looking rather excited, albeit a tad nervous to be meeting their long lost nanny. "Come in!" called a muffled voice from inside the room. Draco pushed the door open stepping into the room, the twins rushing in after him pulling a silent Hermione with them. The room was panelled in rich dark wood, with an equally dark wood floor, shining slightly in the candle light. Hermione's eyes sparkled slightly despite the situation. The room was beautiful. Handsome bookshelves lined two sides of the room, filled with interesting looking leather bound books. In the middle of the room stood a handsome yet feminine oak desk, with a velvet green top, of which was cluttered with parchment, a few quills and various colour ink pots. Silver framed wizard photographs also lay on the huge desk, many of which were of a small boy who was obviously Draco. The chair in front of the desk was cream upholstered, with dark wood sides and lion paw feet. It was obviously an antique, probably Chintz. A fire was crackling merrily at the northern end of the room, in a beautiful marble fireplace, adorned with cherubs at either end. Above this fireplace was a huge portrait of Narcissa Malfoy holding a young Draco. She was gazing lovingly at the baby Draco in the picture, and the person in question was emitting soft baby noises as his mother cooed to him. Two chintz couches matching to the aforementioned chair were placed in a right angle formation in front of the fire, a table placed in between them currently holding a sliver candlestick.
"Draco my dear!" greeted an obviously happy Narcissa. "Hello mum" Draco replied grinning slightly. Narcissa peered around her son, her aqua lighting up in expression of joy as she spotted the twins who were now clutching their mothers hand as if their life depended on it. "Their beautiful!" she whispered to Draco awestruck for a second, her regal brow's arching slightly. "Hello my dears" she greeted the twins smiling kindly at them, pieces of blonde hair escaping its tight bun. They smiled back at her nervously. "I'm Nanny Cissa!" she told them smiling softly. "And you must be my beautiful grandchildren, Leo and Libby?" she prompted. "Yes" said a timid Leo. "Well come and give your nanny a hug!" she told them laughing slightly. They released their mother's hands and moved forward slowly. When they eventually reached Narcissa, she gripped them both in a heartfelt hug gently smoothing down Libby's hair, tears forming in her blue eyes. "I love you both very much!" she told them softly "even though we just met. You'll always be my babies." When Narcissa eventually released the twins, she greeted Hermione. "You must be Hermione, dear?" she asked. Hermione nodded. "Thank you for letting me see my grandchildren and for letting Draco be a father, despite everything he put you through..." she said honesty shining in her sincere blue orbs. Hermione felt the on comings of guilt creep in on her. Why hadn't she told Draco earlier? "It's no problem Narcissa. I only wish it had been sooner..." she said, tears forming in her chocolate brown eyes. "Now, now dear. No need for tears! This is a happy occasion!" Narcissa said cheerfully her smile contagious.
Half an hour later, they were being shown to their seats in the Top Box at Chudley Cannon's own stadium situated in Chudleigh, which is a few miles south of Exeter, Devon. Hermione still couldn't quite believe what had happened earlier. Narcissa was so different from what she had been told she was like, from what she had perceived her to be. But then again, wasn't Draco too? Which Hermione thought, goes to show that you should never judge a book by its cover.
A:N: This is my longest chapter so far, without any reviews etc. A full six pages on Word! Don't you feel proud? Lol. Sorry for the horribly long wait for this chapter. I'm sorry! Please don't hurt me! I have a good reason, I promise. Ok, here goes, my dad decided he would but himself a new computer, so he did. This is fine with me, seeing as now this computer I write on is now officially mine, it's in my bedroom and everything, so yey! Problem is however, that my dad's new computer is where this one used to be, connected to the internet. This PC was not connected to the internet for like a week, coz I have no phoneline in my room, nor the room next to mine, etc But now the internet is connected I'm updating for you wonderful people! Love you guys! Lol! I get more privacy now to write longer chapters hopefully! And again I'm sorry for the long wait, I hope nobody's abandoned me, I felt so guilty!
P.S: If there is not an update soon, have no fear it's mainly due to the fact that I have extremely important GCSE mocks in core subjects straight after half term (Monday 1st November is when they begin!) which I unfortunately have to study, revise and prepare myself for. I hate exams. So anyways, don't fret Lol, I will update again, and I shall not ever abandon this story, unless something irrevocable happens to me, like I get hospitalized or die or something!
P.S.S: Thanks to everyone who reviewed, I'm eternally grateful!! I love you guys! Review again! Here are a few personal responses for the last chappie!
Jadie88: Lol! Yey I never had to tell you again! Shock! Ah I know you can't spell, remember I sit behind you in English? In the words of Col "You stuck me with this twerp! Lmao! Only joking J, love you really! I can't remember the idea you told me, sorry! What was it? Oh, hope you have fun in London, and remember I want a pressie!
Sassy-diva2004: I love it when people say I'm humorous, coz I like to think of myself as funny, although I'm sure my friends (namely Jadie) would disagree! Lol, anyways pwease review again!
Aurora Black: Yea I agree with you. I did rush Draco and Hermione together to fast. I think it was coz it's my first story and I was nervous... Draco and Harry fight, I agree it would be hilarious! Maybe I could work in a pregnant Hermione; we'll see how it flows! Review again! :-).
LillaBella: Thank you!! I will keep it up till the end! I already know what's going to happen at the end, I jut have to build it up, and work it in... I hope you stick with me till the end too! :-)
tRuE2U: Lol your review made me laugh :-) I'm sorry bout the long update!! Hope you review this one and I promise a quick update!
Caboodle: I like the threat of castration too! It terrifies men which is why it's so wonderful! Primadonna needs to get a life! Lol, I think she emailed me coz she checked your reviews and saw that I had pointed out her faults and she didn't like it. And because I called her a hypocrite. Which she is.
My friends are wonderful just bloody embarrassing! I'm gonna wait till one of them does something embarrassing and tell the whole school bout it! Ah, revenge is sweet. Lol, your embarrassing seriously made me laugh! I was sat on the computer laughing my head off and my sister was giving me seriously weird looks. Think she thought I'd suddenly become psychotic or something. Lol, I'm laughing now sorry! "Put your hands down my pants and turn me on!" Lmao! Wonder if the guy realised what he sounded like he was saying? Lol, review again!
Emma: Thanks for your review! And yep, I realised the title was kinda confusing too, but you're the only one who's pointed it out so far. It is meant to be Except the Unexpected, because I don't think Draco excepted to suddenly be the father of Hermione Granger's children. And I think you should always except things you don't think would ever happen. Weird meaning of life, but hey never mind lol! Thanks for your review, please review again :-)
NitenGale: Thanks for praying for my cat! She's doing loads better. I'm sorry I humiliated myself too, I always do it! I think "America the Beautiful" might have only been released in America, coz I asked my dad and some other people if they've heard it and they all said no. It's a cool song, I particularly like the
"America, America, God shed his grace on thee" line. I don't think Britain has any songs like that, none of that I can think of anyway... except for "God save the queen", who wants to save the Queen? Lol. It's not my national anthem anyway coz I'm not English but Welsh. Unfortunately this means I have to endure Welsh lessons every Mondays and Wednesdays... huge sigh. Lol, anyways review again, I love your reviews!
Sw33tdohtee: I'm fine thanks :-)! I feel sorry for Ron too, I've always thought he was like the third wheel of the trio, kinda like Ginny. Review again! :-).
Paprika90: I totally agree. The circus was amazing! Most of the performers were really young, like under 25 (and most of them gorgeous!) I was so happy none of them saw my um, stunt too! Lol. And yea, I was shocked with the amputation thing too! I didn't think it was that serious either. Thanks for understanding with the homework thing! Coz I'm in the last year of required schooling, they smother you with coursework, exam preparation and exams! I have exams on Monday too, core GCSE mocks, in things like English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, RE, Welsh, etc! Aggghh lol. Yea I wonder how Rob will act! –Winks-. He seems to think he and Hermione are an item or something! Ahh well Mione has Draco to protect her! ! Review again!!
Madnutterfan: Heehee lol you made me laugh! Glad you accept I have to tend to my basic needs! Lol Hope you like this chapter, (I cut out washing to write it –pokes tongue out at Ursula-). I'm more of a dog person too; I love sheep dogs and Labradors! So cute!! Review again, coz I'm off to take a shower! :-).
NeoAddctee: Kinda a bit of Hermione and Draco. But you meet Narcissa, who's lovely! And I hear you loud and clear! I'm sooooooooo happy you love it!!! –Smiles widely-. Pwease review again!
Bookster632: Thanks for your review! You've sparked my curiosity! I want to hear some of your embarrassing moments! :-).
Padfoot-lover1: Thanks!! Lol, I'm gonna use the corny line now: "You're a poet and you didn't even know it!" :-). Hope you get carried away on the next review ;-)!
Avantara: Circuses are great! Except for the time I was absolutely petrified of the clowns. I still think there's something sinister about there painted on smiley faces, but hey no worries lol. Charity works cool and it gives you such a buzz, even if it is working on a concession stand listening to screaming toddlers! Lol, I've only done a bit of charity and I must admit I hated it. But I felt good about it once it was all over! I slightly favour Hermione too, but Draco's cool too, it all works out :-). Pwease review again!
Daunting Darkness: Love the name!! Thanks for the review and I know all about the studying thing! You start off all positive swearing to yourself your gonna study but your concentration drifts! Happened to me zillions of times! In fact I'm actually supposed to be studying right now for my mocks coz I'm going to a sleepover tomorrow! Never mind though lol! Pwease review again!!
LadyDragon: I like stories with Hermione and Draco having kids too! Unfortunately there does not seem to be a great abundance of them! Sighs. And yea I agree that's what all daddies do!! I was completely dumbfounded with the smarties thing too! I always thought they were global, but apparently not. Ditto with the parents thing too. It would take months of therapy to get over that. Please review again!!
Mrs.HarryPotter12: Thanks for the review! And for offering to be my beta reader, I'll definitely consider it! What does a being a beta entail though? I'm curious. Please review again!
AshleyPorter: Heehee! Lol, Simple Plan rocked! I'm in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. They supported Avril Lavigne's UK tour, coz they're not widely known here. They played in Cardiff International Arena. It was on their website a few weeks ago. You're going to see Good Charlotte and Sum 41? OMG!!! I'd love to go see them! Especially Sum 41! Lol, do you live in America? Coz I wish I did, coz bands like that play all the time don't they? I myself am eagerly awaiting the Blink 182 concert. I'm also going to see (for free!!), the Lost Prophets (who're Welsh!), Green Day and the Darkness concerts! :-). Can't Wait!! You're addicted! :-D!! Please review again; I'd love to hear from you!! We can compare concerts lol!
Finally-defeated: Rob? Lol, he's gonna make an appearance soon. :-). Everyone thinks this story is cute! I have plans though. It might not stay cute for too long! –Cackles!-. No problem with reviewing :-). Who's GOB?? Never heard of them.... Are they initials for a band, or the actual bands name? Please review again!!
CreekneedCharlie: Yea, I'm hoping to work in Draco asking Hermione why she never told him bout the twins. He is being overly accepting. But he might blow soon! Pwease review again!
Smay: :-). I love you! Lol, you made me laugh so much last reviews Lol. Please review again so you can clear the inevitable gloom of returning to school!
Thanks to absolutely everyone who reviewed, you all mean the world to me!! Here's everyone I didn't include above:
JessicaDracoMalfoy
Kirstie232
Insanemaniac
Dumdumditz23
HarryPotterFan670
Honey-gurl808
Tears-That-Fall
SouthernSweetE
Victoria
Thank you all so much for your inspiring reviews!