A/N: Thankyou all so, so, so, so much for the reviews! They are all so lovely. I'm sorry I killed off Anne but hey, it brought her back to England and she saw Draco… only he hasn't seen her. Someone said why is Hermione just a wedding planner when she could be a healer. Well she isn't just a wedding planner she is also head of the business meaning she control's the money, her employees, and all the issues that happen. Running a business at times does require brains-, which clearly Hermione has. So there you go. Anyway, onto the chapter.
DISCLAIMER: You all know.
Chapter Six: The Escape
"Lucius!" screamed Narcissa running into her husband's office, "Look at this… look at this!"
Lucius looked at his frantic wife in surprise and caught the paper as she threw it at him and began pacing nervously. Lucius straightened the paper out and read the front page about Hermione returning to England due to her Mother's death.
"I see," nodded Lucius looking up at his wife as he folded the paper, "She didn't come back for Draco Narcissa."
"I know Lucius! Did you read the part down the bottom!" she cried hysterically.
"About the child? Yes I did."
"The child does look like Draco! If he sees that he will… Merlin only knows!"
Lucius sighed, "Did you ever think that perhaps this may straighten our son out?"
"Oh Lucius this is Draco we are speaking of. He hates something that has been hidden from him... he will be furious with Miss Granger."
Lucius shrugged his shoulders and turned back to his desk, "Only time will tell. Until then… we cannot step forward and see our Grandchild."
O
Hermione opened the car door and slid out, holding Dakota's hand who slid out and stood beside her mother. Hermione's Aunt Cassie placed a hand on her shoulder, urging Hermione to walked forward and up the Church steps. Inside soft music was playing with candles lit everywhere. People were already seated in the pews and the Priest was walking towards his place for the service. Behind Hermione she could hear Merle take a deep breath. Dakota was silent as she looked around her. Hermione couldn't comprehend what her three-year-old mind was going through. As Cassie moved to the side Hermione could see the open coffin with her mother's pale face visible. Once at the front Cassie directed Hermione, Merle and Dakota into the very front pew where Hermione's grandparents, Aunt Kirra, Uncle Matthew, Jerrell and his wife sat. Jerrell clasped Hermione's hand into his as she sat beside him and gave her a small smile. Hermione didn't smile back; instead, she pulled her hand from Jerrell's and moved Dakota onto her lap.
Soon after the service began with her priest explaining why all were here today and how Anne was a child of God having been called home to him. Within a half hour Hermione was called up to give a speech about her mother. She handed Dakota to Merle and slid past everyone before walking to the front and taking the priest's position behind the microphone.
"Hello," started Hermione dully, "My name is Hermione Granger. I am the only child of Anne and Edward Granger. Five years ago I lost my father and now I have lost my mother. Both were gone far too soon."
Hermione paused as her voice had trembled at the end of the sentence. She scanned the front pew connecting with her daughter's gray eyes. Dakota smiled a little and Hermione felt strength flow through her veins. It may a sounded crazy to others but Hermione felt as though Draco was sending her his strength during her time of need and when he needed it more then her.
"My mother was a wonderful woman with a lot of dreams she wanted to fulfill. She lived to care for others, always putting their needs before her own. She was wise also. She gave everyone the right advice when they needed and never judged people on their actions, but on their true personality. Everyone deserves a second chance, was what she always said. Because of those words I now have a beautiful daughter who I know would have made my mother proud."
Hermione sighed and looked down at her mother's still, pale face. She looked as if she were asleep.
"We all have to let go of someone amazing today," said Hermione her voice trembling again, "For two days I have been in a state of disbelief… but I know I have to accept the fact that I lost my only mother far too soon because I have to be a mother to my own daughter. My mother wouldn't want me to be moping over her… she would want me, all of us in fact to be living our lives and fulfilling our dreams. I love you Mum and I know you are watching over us all… it is selfish of me I know, but I will miss you no matter what and I will always believe God took you from us far too soon."
Hermione stepped down from the microphone and walked ten steps over to her mother's coffin. She leant down and kissed her mother softly on the cheek before whispering her final goodbye.
O
Draco looked out the window in embarrassment as the Nurse cleaned out his bedpan. He knew he was slowly getting past the craving, but also knew that he wouldn't be completely over them for a few more weeks. He'd heard Pompfrey and Doctor Quarralia saying he would be unbuckled from the bed that day sometime.
"All done Mr Malfoy?" asked the Nurse nicely.
"Yes, thankyou," muttered Draco irritably.
"Doctor Knox will be by soon to check your surgery wound and unbuckle you from the bed. Has anyone brought you the Daily Prophet?"
"No why?"
"Oh the front page. Such a shock! Poor Hermione Granger. Do you know her Mr Malfoy?"
Draco looked from the window to the pretty blonde Nurse, "I…I went to Hogwarts with her."
"Poor lass. Her mother died! She's come back from Australia for the funeral and the word is the child she is always seen with is her child! I had a good look at the picture and I dare say that is true. The little child looks a lot like her mother… but I cannot figure who the father is," mused the Nurse before changing her mood quickly, "Well best be off. Good day Mr Malfoy."
Draco didn't reply. Instead he laid stunned on his bed mouth open slightly as the Nurse left. Hermione was back and she had a daughter. What did that mean? Was it his? Was it another mans? The Nurse didn't say how old the child was, did she?
He needed answers and needed them sooner, rather then later. The only he could do that was by getting out of rehab.
Draco starred hard at the buckle holding his hand down to the bed, praying he could manage a small amount of wandless magic.
"Come on!" urged Draco starring intently at the buckle.
Slowly it began to move upward and unlocking from around his wrist. Instantly, once free, he undid the other one holding his left arm in place before attacking the ones keeping his feet down.
He stood up from the bed and pulled open the wardrobe across from his bed. Inside it was a set of his robes. He changed from the rehab ones and pulled at the door handle praying it would open and too his luck it did.
Draco ran down the corridor and into the elevator before anyone caught him and hit the number for ground floor. The witch and wizard inside looked at him curiously, glancing at his bandage.
"Oh I banged me head," lied Draco, "Just needed a patch up."
The witch and wizard nodded and Draco excitedly ran from the elevator at his floor. He was free from Rehab and now he would find out once and for all if Hermione still loved him and if that was his child.
O
"Mummy I'm tired," mumbled Dakota as another friend of Hermione's mother gave her condolences and mentioned how adorable Dakota was, "These people keep on pinching my cheeks."
Hermione gave a small smile, "How about I take you to the Burrow to stay with Granny Molly?"
Dakota nodded and Hermione motioned Merle over.
"I'm taking Dakota to Molly and Arthur's place. She needs a nap," explained Hermione.
Merle nodded, "I'll tell Cassie where you are. Will you come straight back?"
Hermione sighed, "I think… I think I might go to my mothers place."
With a nod from Merle, Hermione took Dakota into the laundry and held her tight as they apperated to the Burrow.
"Hello Molly," said Hermione appearing behind Molly in the kitchen.
Molly spun around in surprise and ran to Hermione to give her a hug, "Oh Dear, how are you both? You look exhausted Hermione!"
Hermione nodded, "I am. But Dakota needs a nap and with the Wake on at my Aunts she won't be able to get any sleep."
"Well she can stay in Ginny's old room here."
"Thanks Molly."
O
"Ron, Blaise!" called Harry from the doorway in his office, "I need you both now!"
Blaise and Ron ran from their offices and into Harry's. Blaise shut the door and turned to Harry who was clutching a paper in his hand with the St Mungo's emblem evident on the back.
"What's going on?" asked Ron curiously, "Did Draco Malfoy die?"
"No," replied Harry, "He escaped from the Rehab center about twenty minutes ago. Apparently the Nurse tending too him told him about Hermione being back and that everyone now knows the child is hers… but the father is unknown."
"Far out," snapped Blaise, "Don't they tell bloody Nurses what not to say to patients these days?"
"Guess not, Blaise. Us three are going to find him. With him craving for alcohol he may be extremely angry. I dare say he is going to find Hermione and find out who is the father of Dakota."
"If he is extremely angry because of his craving's… doesn't that mean he may harm Hermione?" said Ron worriedly.
Harry nodded, "That's why us three are going to get to him before he gets to Hermione."
O
Draco looked up at the two story white house. He didn't know if she would be here, but it was the only logical place he could think to look. Glancing around him he closed his eyes and apperated inside to find himself in the kitchen. It was the only place he could clearly remember in his head. Looking around the kitchen he saw dirty dishes on the sink with some floating in cold, murky water in the sink. From what Draco could tell, Anne had probably died doing the dishes.
"What a way to go," mumbled Draco before he heard the distinct sound of someone apperating in the hallway.
Draco glanced around him and saw a pantry in the corner. He ran too it and opened the door to let him in. He got it half closed when footsteps entered the kitchen. Silently he stepped back into the shadows and peered through the gap.
A slender figure came into view with shoulder length wavy brown hair dressed in black pants, top with a black poncho over top. Her hand ran along the bench as she sighed.
"Look at this," muttered Hermione looking at the sink. She pulled her poncho over her head and placed on the clean bench before rolling the ¾ sleeves up higher.
Draco's heart was racing with anticipation, begging for Hermione to walk over to the pantry. Instead she pulled the half washed dish from the sink and emptied out the old dirty water.
"You know Mum," said Hermione quietly, "Dakota would have loved this place. She always wanted to meet you."
'So it is true,' thought Draco, 'The child is hers. But is it mine?'
Sudden anger swelled through Draco as he slammed the pantry door open, causing Hermione to scream as she spun around in surprise. Her eyes widened even more at the sight of a fuming, unkempt looking Draco.
"Oh my Merlin," whispered Hermione dropping the plate in her hand, "I… I saw you… what… Draco?"
"No Hermione, it's bloody Potter!" snapped Draco angrily, "You have a friggin daughter!"
"I do… and… and-"
"Who's is she? How old is she?"
"Why are you screaming at me for?" asked Hermione backing up against the bench as Draco stepped closer to her, fist's clenched.
"HOW OLD IS SHE?"
Hermione didn't who Draco was. He certainly wasn't the man she fell in love with, that she knew. This man… he was terrifying her! Her eyes trailed from his face, which needed shaving to his fists, which were shaking like mad, and not from anger.
"Why should I answer a alcoholic?" replied Hermione calmly, "Obviously you aren't the man I fell in love with and still love."
Draco glared at her but stepped back, his fist's unclenching as he looked away. Hermione stooped to the ground to pick up the mess, not wanting him to see the sudden tears in her eyes. She hissed in pain as one piece cut into her skin. Draco didn't move from where he stood as he remembered the words his mother had told him just the other day.
"Is this how you want Hermione to find you if she ever comes back to England? If it is then I pity you because she will take one look at you and not see the man she fell in love with four years ago. She will see a drunken loser!"
Draco turned around and smacked his fist into the door leading to the veranda in anger, causing Hermione to drop the broken plate in her hand again.
"All you fucking see in me is a loser isn't it Hermione?" yelled Draco, not angry at her but at himself, "A drunken loser!"
Hermione didn't answer him, instead she stood up and put the broken plate in the sink and grabbed her poncho from the bench. Draco spun around and grabbed her by the arm. Hermione spun around and looked at him in fear.
Draco let her go at the sight of fear in her eyes, "You're scared of me."
"Why shouldn't I be?" cried Hermione backing away, "You were hiding in my mother's pantry… you come out screaming bloody murder at me… backed me against the bench… damn it Draco! Who are you?"
"Well you are you?" replied Draco, "Are you someone who runs off to bloody Australia and has a kid with a random guy? Then come back without seeing me?"
"What would be the point in seeing you, Draco? All I hear about you now is you getting drunk and being in rehab. I saw you there the other day when I saw Pompfrey about something."
"Yeah and you want to know something? I became a drunk all because of you! When you left I had nothing to live for. I was literally trying to drink myself to death!"
"Do you think it has been easy for me? Every time I look at Dakota I see you! Yes Draco, you are the random guy I fucking screwed and got knocked up by. Happy?" shouted Hermione storming out of the kitchen and into the hallway, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Draco stood still in shock. It was his child… his daughter. That made her at least three, nearly four. Draco ran out of the kitchen and into the hallway only to be grabbed by Blaise, Ron and Harry. Hermione sat on the bottom step crying into her hands.
"Hermione!" yelled Draco struggling in their grasp, "Please Hermione… I never stopped loving you!"
Hermione shook her head and looked up at Draco, "Y-you need help… I can't fix everything. I'm going back to Australia soon…"
Draco tried to shout something but apperating stopped him.
O
Draco was suddenly welcomed by the bustle of the hospital. Blaise and Ron still held him firmly but Draco continued to struggle.
"I need to see her! I can't let her leave me again!" shouted Draco looking earnestly at Harry to Pompfrey to Quarralia.
"Draco I have too move you to a new room. You can't do magic in this one," explained Quarralia calmly, "I am going to help you. I swear I will. You will see Hermione again. All you need to do is get over your addiction. If you can go one week without getting angry I will arrange for Hermione to visit you. Do you agree?"
Draco nodded as he breathed heavily due to being breathless.
"Great. Now, guys can you take him to Ward 319. I'll be there shortly," said Quarralia.
Ron and Blaise nodded and led Draco towards his new ward. Quarralia walked over to Harry and smiled.
"I don't want to be his enemy. I want to help him. I used to work with Draco. He is a good Doctor. People loved him. My name is Quarralia Knox."
"Harry Potter," replied Harry shaking her hand, "I gather you need to ask me something?"
"Was he harming Hermione?"
"Not that I know of. She was pretty shaken up though."
Quarralia nodded, "Could you possibly take me too her? I just want to know her side of things because I know this thing between them to is the core of his problem."
"No problem. Take my arm."
Quarralia took hold of Harry's arm and was soon apperated to Hermione's mother's place. She was where Harry left her minutes before, only not crying just staring blankly at her hands.
"Hermione?" said Harry softly sitting beside her, "Are you okay?"
"I can't believe what I have done," whispered Hermione, "I have caused him to throw his life away. All because I was scared we couldn't be together."
Quarralia stepped forward looking sympathetic, "You can't blame yourself."
"He said I caused him to try and drink himself too death! He said it! I caused him to become the way he is and I hate myself for it."
"Do you love him still?"
"I do. I always will. No one can make me feel the way he does. I want my daughter to know her father… but not the way he is now. I know the old Draco is in there… the one who loves to laugh and have fun… the one who cares."
"I cannot create miracles like Merlin may have been able to do but I can help Draco get his life back on track," said Quarralia truthfully, "But I need you to do something to help him."
"What?"
"Don't return to Australia straight away. I need you to stay."
"I can't… I have weddings to do a business to run! Dakota has Daycare over there… my life is in Australia."
"You don't believe that crap Hermione," spoke up Harry, "Sure you have a business in Australia but I know you love it here in England. It is your home. Ron says every time you ask him about England your eyes light up. I see you here talking about Australia and they don't have the same sparkle in them. I'm sure Australia is a great place to live, but you know its not your home."
"But I can't just not return!" cried Hermione.
"So you can just leave us without any thought of how it has affected those around you?" replied Harry coldly.
Hermione looked at Harry stunned, her heart pounding with hurt of how low his words were; yet they were also truthful towards her as well. She didn't really consider the feelings or actions her departure caused to those around her, did she? All she cared about was leaving as soon as she could to avoid awkward moments around Draco or being hurt if he was ever paired up with another pureblooded woman. Now she was back, where she knew her heart belonged, but did she now have the guts to stay in England? Face Draco when his mind was right? Handle whatever actions Lucius or Narcissa may throw her way concerning her daughter?
Harry stood up, "I really thought you were stronger then this Hermione. Yet you always run away when things get to tough!"
"Run away?" screamed Hermione standing up causing Quarralia to step away in surprise, "I stuck by your side when it came to Voldemort! I stuck by your side when you and Ron fought! I stuck by your side in third year when you and Ron shunned me all because I was worried for your safety!"
"Then where has that Hermione gone?" replied Harry as soon as her rant was done.
"She grew up! She now has other responsibilities, like a daughter and a business to run."
"Then isn't it your responsibility to ensure your daughter's father is alive to see her graduate from Hogwarts? Get married? Have her first child?"
Hermione looked down at the ground. Whatever choice she made it would be the final one. She looked up at Harry and sighed, "Fine. I've made my choice are you ready to hear it?"
"Yes."
"Promise not to scream at me like some maniac?"
"Yes, Hermione. Will you just tell me already?" replied Harry coolly.
O
Draco sat on his new bed. At least the walls weren't glaring at him with bright colours. Instead they were a dull moss green with white edging. The furniture was just as dull with it all made from brown oak that hadn't been polished in what looked to be a decade. But like his past room, there was a window showing the busy corridor where Pompfrey was talking with Ron and Blaise. Draco watched with interest as Ron handed something square to Pompfrey who smiled as she looked at it. Ron then nodded and him and Blaise left with a crack. It seemed to Draco only those with some sort of Ministry or Medical role at this section of the hospital could apperate. Draco looked away from the window as Pompfrey turned to him and walked over to his door and entered a few seconds later.
"How are you feeling now Mr Malfoy?" asked Pompfrey taking a seat in the cushioned brown seat.
"Does it really matter how I feel?" snapped Draco like a little child.
"To me it does. Your mood affects just how soon you will be released from Rehab."
Draco sighed. He did want to be out of this forsaken place he called Hell. He turned to Pompfrey, "Just dandy considering I just found out I'm a father and the woman I love is terrified of me."
"Do you sincerely blame her for being scared of you? Your temper is quite scary due to your constant need for alcohol… Draco to beat this addiction you have to want to do it yourself. We can't help you until you are one hundred percent committed to the course."
Draco merely nodded.
"Do you want to do it? Do you want to see Hermione again? Be with Hermione again, meet your daughter?"
"Yes."
"Are you committed?"
"Yes. One hundred percent committed to getting past my recent dark life."
Pompfrey smiled and stood up, "Congratulations Draco. You have just taken the first step. As a reward I have this for you."
Draco took the square paper she handed to him and looked down at it as she left. It wasn't just a piece of paper at all. In fact it was a picture. A picture of Hermione and a little girl. Hermione was smiling and waving at him with one hand as the other was wrapped around the little girl sitting on her lap. The girl beamed up at Draco with gray eyes, matching his. Her smile mimicked her mother's and her straight brown hair was down and resting on her shoulders.
"Dakota," whispered Draco. He turned the picture over to see Hermione's neat writing on the back.
Dakota May Granger on her 3rd Birthday at the lake on my property.
"Dakota May Granger… Dakota May Malfoy," smiled Draco feeling happier then he had in four years.
A/N: Okay I am going to be nasty and let you all wait for the next chapter. Only then you will find out Hermione's decision. But hey, wasn't it good that Hermione and Draco FINALLY met... even if he was bit out of it. Least he now knows about Dakota. Anyway. Review if you want to know her choice!
Bye for now!
Love yas!
Love Coz!