Chapter 2: Hi
"Do you need a minute Draco?" Minerva asked him hesitantly. Draco inhaled deeply and looked at Harry.
"Do you want us to tell her?" Harry asked.
"We don't have much choice. I'll be her teacher and it's not as if Malfoy is a terribly common name is it?" Draco held a beat before he continued, "Besides, I'll bet she's here because she already knows."
"If she's anything like either of her parents then I'll bet she is," Harry said as he offered a condoling smile.
"Right," Draco took a breath, "Show her in."
Neville entered with the girl and for a moment no one said anything. Draco was torn to pieces as he tried to look at anything but her eyes. It was McGonagall who stepped forward and broke the ice.
"Welcome to Hogwarts Miss Malfoy," she offered a hand and Evelyn shook it, "I'm Headmistress McGonagall. I suppose we should have you sorted into a house before we do anything else." Minerva turned to one of the shelves. "Accio Sorting hat!" The hat zoomed obediently into her arms. She placed the hat on Evelyn's head and began to wait patiently.
They were still waiting patiently almost two minutes later. Draco began to wonder what house she'd be sorted into. What house did he want her sorted into? His thoughts were interrupted by the hat.
"GRYFFINDOR!" it shouted at long last. Draco let go a breath he didn't know he'd been holding.
"Welcome to Gryffindor!" Harry said as he stepped forward, "I'm Professor Potter, head of Gryffindor house."
"Pleased to meet you Ha—Professor," Evelyn stopped and bit her bottom lip in a slightly embarrassed manner. To distract herself she turned and looked at Draco. He stood there awkwardly, wondering what in the world he could possibly do.
"And this is Professor Malfoy," Harry said.
"Hi," she said softly.
"Hi," Draco replied.
"I'm Evelyn."
"I'm Draco."
"I know." Evelyn stuck out her hand. Draco took it, realizing with painful clarity that this was the first time he had ever touched his daughter.
"Are you hungry Miss Malfoy?" Neville broke in. Evelyn was about to answer when her stomach gave a rather loud growl.
"I guess I am," she said with a slight smile.
"Let's get you some food then," Neville turned to Draco, "You don't mind do you?"
"No. Go ahead."
"Bye," she said as she followed Neville out the door. She glanced at everyone as she said it but her eyes were glued to Draco as she left. The door closed with a resounding clunk.
"Here," Harry said as he led Draco to one of the armchairs. Draco gave him a look of thanks and immediately collapsed into one.
"I'll see if Justin can cover your classes for today," Minerva said as she placed a reassuring hand on Draco's shoulder, "You should go talk to her."
"Right," Draco said as he got up and approached the door.
"Draco," he turned at Harry's voice, "It's gonna be fine."
"Yeah."
Harry and Minerva waited a few seconds after the door closed.
"Did you hear what she said?" Minerva almost laughed.
"Yeah, 'I know'," Harry's small smile faded as he whispered, "She's Ginny's daughter alright."