A/N: I'm back. Okay thanks for the reviews! You are all wonderful. Anyway this may be my final update as I will be on holidays for a week or so. I'm heading back to where I grew up most of my childhood and teenage years. Anyway I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

DISCLAIMER: You all know.

Chapter Nine: Not To Blame

Narcissa cried out with joy as she engulfed her smiling son tightly. Lucius walked over and shook his sons hand firmly with a nod. Draco nodded back and hung his robe up on the hook beside the door and sighed.

"It is so wonderful to have you back home!" cried Narcissa hugging her son again, "Look at you! No bags under your eyes… face shaved cleanly… no stench of alcohol or smoke… clothes ironed. Oh! Such a transformation! How are you feeling? Tired? Hungry?"

"Mum, mum! I'm fine really. I just want to go and get rid of all the bottles of alcohol from my room. The thought of drinking any makes me want to puke," shuddered Draco, "Than we can talk – seriously… about the past four years. I need to tell you guys everything. It's only right after all the crap I put you both through."

"Let Draco go do what he has too Narcissa. We can have the elves prepare a late lunch. We have news to tell you as well," nodded Lucius.

Draco smiled and picked up his trunk and began walking upstairs. Narcissa sighed and turned to Lucius smiling happily.

"I have my son back Lucius! I really do!" she cried hugging Lucius with joy.

Lucius laughed warmly, "Yes we do. Now, let's go arrange the lunch."

O

Harry walked into the kitchen as Hermione began wiping the benches and table in the kitchen down. She glanced up at him and gave him a tight-lipped smile before walking back to the sink to shake the crumbs out of the cloth.

"What a surprise visit that was?" laughed Hermione, only her laugh had no emotion behind it, "Sure was surprising."

"It was. Are you okay?" replied Harry pulling a chair out from the table to sit down.

"Fine… just bloody brilliant as Ron says."

"What did they want? Was it about Draco?"

Hermione spun around, "Does it really matter Harry?"

Harry looked at Hermione shocked, which caused Hermione to sigh and sit down across from him.

"I'm sorry. I just wasn't expecting them to come visit… ever."

"They are Dakota's Grandparents."

"Like I didn't know that, Harry. I really thought I'd get a visit from Draco first and them… later on about other things."

"Like what?"

"Custody… I mean they were nice. That shocked me but they are the Malfoy family, Harry! Surely they would go at me for custody of my daughter! Wouldn't they believe it isn't right for her to live with me? A muggleborn, single, working mother?"

Harry reached across the table and took hold of Hermione's hand and squeezed it gently, "Calm down. People change. Maybe they believe being nice to you is the only way to make their son truly happy."

"Well there is no need to be. Draco and I are never going to get back together again. It is over between us forever."

Harry frowned, "What? Why?"

Hermione raised her eyebrows, "I thought you would be happy to hear I wasn't interested in Draco."

"Oh come off it Hermione! Why would I hate you being with Draco?"

"You hated him at Hogwarts an-"

"Hogwarts was eight years ago. EIGHT YEARS AGO! Years have passed and people change."

Hermione sighed, "I'm not interested Harry. My life is great the way it is now."

"Then why did you move so close to where he lives?"

"So Dakota can be closer to her father and grandparents."

"You rehearsed that line so people will believe you. You still love him Hermione and I bet you and Draco will be back together by the time Dakota is four."

Hermione eyed Harry with an annoyed look, "Think what you want Harry. We are never getting back together, end of story, the end, goodbye."

Harry sighed and stood up, "Ginny! You can discuss the magazine with Hermione! I'll just go and move more empty boxes."

Hermione watched as Harry stormed out of the kitchen, slamming the front door behind him. Ginny entered the kitchen and sat down smiling. Hermione smiled back and took a deep breath.

"So we need a name for the magazine," said Hermione standing up. She walked over to the bench and grabbed a stack of paper she had placed underneath her address book and telephone. She grabbed a quill and inkbottle and sat down across from Ginny again smiling.

"Any names?" asked Ginny, "I'm terrible with them and your business is one everyone knows."

"Well… I think something simple… something that isn't like other magazines, like Bride and stuff. One that could be for guys and girls."

Ginny nodded, "True. I mean naming a magazine The Wedding Planner would be a tad… well boring. Something that symbolizes the meaning of people getting married… you get what I mean?"

"I do," nodded Hermione.

"That's it!" cried Ginny smiling, "Hermione that is perfect!"

Hermione frowned, "What is?"

"What you just said! I Do! That is perfect! It's unique, and doesn't just aim at women! I Do… what do you think?"

Hermione smiled, "It's your magazine."

Ginny smiled, "Then I Do it is."

O

Draco handed the box to the house elf and instructed him where to take it. With a sigh he looked around his musty smelling room. The windows were dirty and in need of a scrub, the bed sheets needed changing and the floor cleaned. It wouldn't take too long… just a flick of the wand. Draco pulled his wand out and pointed it at the window's murmuring a spell. A bucket of soapy water and a yellow scourer and white dry cloth appeared from nowhere and began cleaning the dirty windows. He then turned his wand to the bed and the sheets ripped off and flew out the door with clean dark green ones speeding past him seconds later.

"Gosh, that was a bit rough," muttered Draco after nearly getting knocked over. With a chuckle Draco then waved his wand over the floor making all bits of dust, dirt, paper and dirty clothes disappear to where they were to go. He looked at the windows and saw they were done. With a smile he walked over to them and opened each one. His gaze wandered over the grounds to the distant property perched on the hilltop where the Malfoy property ended. He frowned and grabbed the binoculars from his desk draw. They were the ones his father brought him at the Quidditch World Cup years ago. He brought them to his eyes and adjusted them to zoom in on the house.

"Merlin… Potter has moved in there?" said Draco noticing Harry carting empty boxes to a pile beside a muggle vehicle, "Why would Potter have a car?"

Draco zoomed the binoculars in closer to see in the window on the bottom floor at the back of the house. Quickly he pulled them away from his eyes and shook his head believing he was seeing things. With a deep breath he looked into them again. Sure enough, there she was standing in the kitchen sipping coffee and laughing with Potter's wife, mother in law and other people he didn't know. Her hair was in a messy ponytail and eyes were shining bright with happiness.

"Draco?" came his mother's voice, "Are you done?"

Draco dropped the binoculars and turned around to face his mother, "When did she move in?"

"Who darling?"

"Hermione! I saw movement at the old Westing's house and took a look. I saw Potter and I thought him and his family had moved in… but I looked closer and saw Hermione in one of the rooms! She lives there doesn't she?"

Narcissa nodded, "Come down to the dining room. Your father and I need to speak with you about that. Come on. You looked famished. How is your head?"

"It's fine. Quarralia did a good job. I won't even scar."

Narcissa nodded and took hold of Draco's arm as they walked down the stairs, "There is actually two things your father and I need to speak to you about. Both are quite serious matters."

Draco pushed the dining room door open for his mother and let her in first. The table was half filled with all different types of food. Ranging from cold ham too lamb chops cooked in a mixture of herbs.

"Welcome home son," smiled Lucius looking happier then he had been in a long time, "Your mother and I have found this place empty for some time."

Draco half smiled and piled his plate high with food, "The hospital food isn't exactly A-Class like this is. Could you pass the mashed potatoes Mum?"

Narcissa lifted a silver bowl with the mashed potatoes, "Just how you like them. Mixed with chopped bacon, parsley and some cheese."

"Thanks. So what is it you need to talk to me about?"

"Well as you just found out, Hermione has moved into the old Westing's place. She renamed it in fact. The sign on the door says so. It's now called Latoka Grand. She only moved in today because her friends and probably family were there helping her unpack. But she asked your father and I to go back over tomorrow… and bring you if you want to come," said Narcissa looking at Draco apprehensively.

"She wants Dakota to meet us for who we are to her," added Lucius seriously, "It would be best if you came as well Draco. Perhaps you and Hermione could work things out."

"One visit won't make everything better Father. And I plan on going to St Mungo's tomorrow to get my job back," replied Draco taking interest in pouring his drink of mango and passion fruit juice, "Do we have any Pumpkin juice?"

"We are all out," replied Narcissa, "And do not change the subject Draco. You can go to St Mungo's after we see Hermione can't you?"

"I'm the last person Hermione wants to see."

"But what about Dakota?"

"She's survived four years without me hasn't she?"

"DRACO! She is your daughter for Merlin's sake! You have to see her! I am guessing Hermione took that property so Dakota can be closer to her father. There are plenty of other homes just as nice as that one on the opposite side of London!"

"Look, I'll see Dakota when I feel like it!"

Narcissa narrowed her eyes, "Don't you dare become one of those fathers! Only seeing their kids when it is convenient to them. If you want your daughter to hate you, then you are going the right way about it!"

"Enough on this topic," said Lucius softly, "We have another serious matter to discuss. Money."

"What about it?" asked Draco buttering his bun.

"We are no longer… filthy rich. Your mother's inheritance is paying for your medical bills. My money is just paying for the food and everything else. If your mother and I both get a job we can raise our funds quicker… if only one of us do then… it will take a while."

"Well if I get a job I can pay for myself and medical bills. How much are they?"

"550,300 galleons."

"Well when I was working before I was making a fair amount. I could have that paid of by late August next year."

"Well… we still need work Narcissa. Ask Miss Granger for some work. You heard her and Potter's wife going on about a magazine. Perhaps you can work with that," suggested Lucius, "I've been asked back for a second interview in the Legal department tomorrow afternoon – after meeting Dakota."

Narcissa sighed, "I won't do anything too exhausting. Perhaps I can write an article… or help arrange every edition."

"I'm going for a walk. I need to exercise my legs," said Draco pushing his half eaten plate away, "Won't be too long."

"Wear your winter coat. It's cold out," advised Narcissa seriously, "Perhaps the navy one to match your muggle pants."

"Yes Mother."

O

"Hermione," said Harry entering the kitchen "Does the muggle garbage man come this way?"

"Yes. The real-estate guy said he comes by every… Wednesday. Muggles do live around here in some places," replied Hermione, "Oh Harry you look frozen to death. Go sit by the fire. I'll take care of the rubbish bins."

"You sure?"

Hermione nodded and walked over to the front door. She pulled on her pink wool jacket with the whole padding thing on the inside. After adding the gloves and scarf Hermione walked outside to the bins, which were beside her shed. She grabbed one and began walking up the driveway towards the white painted metal gate. Hermione began humming a song she'd heard on the muggle station earlier that day.

"But it feels good… Cause he knows me by heart… And it feels right to want it to stop… He knows what I'm like… And he knows what I'm not," she hummed nearing the gate.

She placed the bin down to the side and unhooked the gate to pull open. With a heave she lifted the bin and walked out to the mailbox. Carefully she placed it beside the road and walked back to the gate not seeing the darkly dressed man walking down the road. She shut the gate and headed back up the driveway to get the second bin. She smiled at Dakota and James who waved to her from the office window and nearly screamed when Merle and Ron appeared in front of her.

"Oh you two!" cried Hermione calming down, "Give me a heart attack next time!"

Merle laughed, "Sorry. We both couldn't remember a specific room in your house."

Hermione nodded, "Right well, you two lovers head on inside. Molly has made some hot chocolate to drink. I'm just taking the bins out."

"You want me too?" asked Ron.

"It's fine Ron. I need some fresh air. Oh and Ginny will have exciting news for you both as well."

Hermione smiled as they gave her a curious look and continued to get the trashcan. She walked back up the driveway to the gate and re opened it only to nearly drop it at the site of the person standing beside the other trashcan.

"Hello Hermione."

"Hi… w-what are you doing here?" replied Hermione carefully placing the bin beside the man.

"I came to welcome you too the neighbourhood. Is that so wrong?"

"Why are you being so cold towards me? I mean the last time I spoke to you, you were so interested in having a second chance."

Draco sighed, "You know what?"

"What?"

"One minute you are hot the next cold. I don't get you anymore!"

"I told you last time – four years make a lot of difference."

Draco sighed, "If you aren't interested in me, why is it such a problem that I am acting cold towards you?"

Hermione blinked twice before finding a response, "I thought we would at least be friends… for Dakota's sake."

"But we could never be friends remember? You said that yourself… four years ago."

Hermione crossed her arms in anger, "What did you do? Record every single thing I said to you back then?"

"What else did I have to remember you by?" shouted Draco folding his arms as well, "You know what? I am sick of arguing with you. When will you admit you want to be with me?"

"Never! Because I don't want to be with you again, Draco! We have to be friends! For Dakota!"

"I don't want to be just friends Hermione. Until you admit you want me back I'm not having anything to do with you or Dakota!"

Draco pushed past Hermione knocking her into the mailbox. She cursed out loud as the metal pole supporting the mailbox dug into her back. But that didn't slow her down as she ran after Draco and grabbed him roughly by the arm and forced him to face her. Angrily she slapped him across the face.

"DON'T YOU DARE PUNISH OUR DAUGHTER, OUR DAUGHTER FOR MY ACTIONS! SHE HAS DONE NOTHING WRONG EXCEPT BE SOMETHIG YOU AND I CREATED OUT OF LOVE!" screamed Hermione; "You have gone back to the old obnoxious you! I hate that and if you ignore your daughter I will hate you for all eternity!"

Hermione glared at Draco once more before storming back up the road, opened her gate walked in, closed it and back to the house. Draco placed a hand on his red cheek and let out a deep breath.

"That's twice she's hit me," he muttered before walking up the road slowly.

O

"Night darling," smiled Hermione before kissing Dakota on the forehead, "You sleep well. You go to Granny Molly's tomorrow."

"Night Mummy," said Dakota before yawning and rolling over onto her side.

Hermione walked out and shut her door till a crack of light would only enter the room. She walked down the stairs and into the lounge room where Merle sat beside Ron watching a movie.

"I might go to bed myself," said Hermione, "I have a big day tomorrow and today was a long one itself."

"Night Herms," smiled Merle, "Sleep well."

"Yeah, night Hermione," added Ron with a grin.

"Night."

Hermione left the lounge room and walked back up the stairs to her room. Thankfully she had showered earlier and was in her pyjamas. Hermione pulled her maroon quilt and white sheets back and slid under the covers. With a slight wave of her wand the lights turned off and she placed her wand on her bedside table before falling asleep.

O

Draco starred out his window at the distant house on the hill. One of the top bedroom lights had just turned out and now only the downstairs lights were on. With a sigh Draco yanked the curtains closed and fell backwards onto his soft mattress. At this moment in his past condition he would be guzzling down all the alcohol his body could handle. But the single thought of doing such a thing made Draco's stomach churn.

A knock at Draco's bedroom door broke his train of thought rudely.

"What?" yelled Draco in clear annoyance.

"Everything all right, son?" asked Lucius opening the door and walking in. He softly closed it behind him as if he were trying to hide from Narcissa, "Your mother has tired to bed early so I thought I would speak with you alone."

Draco nodded, "I made myself to be such an arsehole today, Father. When I went for a walk I went to her place. I wasn't intending to speak with her but I saw her putting out those muggle bin things… so I waited at her gate. She brought another one up and I startled her… and then words were passed. I told her I didn't want to be part of Dakota's life until she admitted she wanted me back… in retaliation she slapped me."

"I don't blame her for slapping you son. She had every right too. Now I am not saying violence is the answer to every fight between you too. But I believe Miss Granger is proud. She doesn't want to be the one begging you to come back to her because she needs you. I do believe she loves you, she has just survived four years without you and doesn't want those around her to see her as someone weak to be with you at every chance she has. Do you understand what I am trying to say?"

Draco nodded, "But me being the old obnoxious me, as she put it, isn't helping matters."

"If you come tomorrow you may just prove to Hermione you have grown up. You are 25, nearly 26, Draco. You can't run away when you hit a brick wall every time."

Lucius stood and walked out of Draco's room leaving him to mull over his thoughts. Would he go tomorrow or would he do exactly what Hermione did to him four years ago?

O

Merle kissed Ron lightly on the lips but suddenly lost all sense of passion as she sat upright and looked at the television in full concentration. Ron frowned and took hold of the remote on the television and hit the red button. Thankfully it switched it off and didn't blow it up. Sure when he lived with Hermione they had a television but Hermione would control it fearing Ron would brake it.

"What's the matter Merle?" asked Ron looking at the one he was falling for fast.

Merle sighed and looked at Ron with tears in the corner of her eyes, "Why am I doing this? I'm falling for you Ron when I know I am returning to Australia next week!"

"No one made this happen Merle. It just did," replied Ron logically, "And you don't have to go back to Australia. No one is making you."

"I want to go back. Australia is my home. I love it there, everything about it… I miss it now. Being with you Ron… is wonderful. You know how to make me laugh; you already know how I have my coffees. Everything. It's like you're my soul mate."

"Maybe I am. Merle… look, I don't want to have to let you go. I know it is sudden, but what if I move to Australia with you? There is a transfer to Australia coming up from what Harry said. I could apply for it and if I am successful… I'll move with you."

"Yeah but Ron. I live on the Gold Coast. What if the transfer is for some place like Tamworth… or Sydney?"

"I'll ask Harry about it tomorrow. If not, we'll work something out. I really like you Merle and I don't want to loose you."

Merle smiled and hugged Ron, "Let's go to bed. I'm tired."

O

"Will you hurry up Lucius?" cried Narcissa brushing down her dark purple robes, "I would like to get there before your interview!"

"Calm down Honey!" called Lucius running down the stairs in an emerald green and black robe set, "Is Draco coming?"

"He's left. I don't know where too either."

Lucius sighed, "Well there is nothing we can do. Now Hermione leaves in an hour for work. Let's go."

With a blink of the eye the Malfoy's were gone, they reopened their eyes to be on the front porch of Hermione's two storey house. Narcissa chuckled as she heard Hermione saying something to Dakota as she rang the bell.

"Dakota, honey! Please don't put vegemite on your clothes… Ron! Don't knock the jug over. Your mother cleaned the floors yesterday for me!"

The door opened up the reveal the flustered face of Hermione. She was dressed for work as Narcissa could see with her pink blouse and black skirt and shoes.

"Oh, hello," nodded Hermione stepping aside to let them in, "No Draco?"

Lucius gave her a knowing look and Hermione nodded, "We thought we would catch you before you left for work."

"Right. Well take a seat and I'll just go get Dakota," said Hermione pointing to the forest green lounge set.

Hermione walked briskly out of the room and into the kitchen, "Ron pass me that washer will you?"

Ron handed her the wet cloth and Hermione wiped the vegemite from Dakota's face, fixed her two piggy tails and straightened out her red jumper.

"Dakota… I am about to introduce you to your grandparents. They are your father's Mum and Dad. Okay?"

"Is my daddy here too?" she asked curiously.

Hermione sighed and glanced at Ron who gave her a sympathetic smile. Merle nodded to encourage Hermione to answer her daughter.

"No… he had to work. But you'll meet him soon. I'm sure of it," smiled Hermione, "You ready?"

"Yep!"

Hermione stood upright and led Dakota into the lounge room. Lucius and Narcissa instantly stood up smiling adoringly at their cute grandchild with her grey eyes, brown locks and mother's smile.

"Dakota these people are your grandparents."

"You can called me Nana," smiled Narcissa as she knelt down to Dakota's height, "You can call him Grandad or Poppie."

Dakota smiled shyly at her grandparents before asking, "Do you know where my daddy is?"

"He is… at work," answered Lucius holding back coldness in his voice he didn't want to aim at his innocent grandchild, "Do you like your new home Dakota?"

"Yes… my room is pink and I have a big bed."

Hermione smiled at her daughter, "I'll just be in my office."

Narcissa and Lucius nodded as they listened to Dakota speak about her new room and the big bed. Narcissa and Lucius continued to ask questions which Dakota answered happily. Hermione moved around her office finding certain forms she would need at work today when she called the board meeting.

She glanced at her watch and read the time, quietly cursing. She grabbed her bag and exited her office just as Dakota finished explaining how much she loved vegemite.

"We have to go now Dakota," said Hermione, "But on Saturday we can visit your grandparents if that is alright with them."

"Can we?" asked Dakota, "You said your house was big."

"You know what?" said Lucius standing up, "Come over to this window and I will show you where Nana and I live."

Dakota allowed Lucius to pick her up and walked her to the window to show her the large house at the bottom of the hill. Narcissa stood beside Hermione and squeezed her arm gently.

"He is so happy," sighed Narcissa, "You have done a wonderful job raising her Miss Granger."

"Hermione… call me Hermione," said Hermione slightly smiling, "Why didn't Draco come? I thought he would have."

"I don't know. But Lucius is not impressed… I was wondering something else though. Lucius and I… we are having money problems – nothing serious yet. But I need a job and-"

Hermione smiled, "Come into my office today at 12 and I will find you something. You are… well family now. I'll be glad to help."

Narcissa nodded, "Well I'd best let you get to work."

O

"I will give you a two week trial and pay you minimal wage for it," said Poppy Pompfrey to Draco, "If you pass on everything I will rehire you and pay you 45 galleons an hour with your normal shift hours. How does that sound?"

Draco sighed and nodded, "Thankyou so much Poppy. You really are the best."

Pompfrey smiled warmly, "You are a great Doctor Draco. I know it. Now… are you prepared to begin now?"

"Sure," nodded Draco as guilt settled in his stomach, "Where do I start?"

A/N: Yes well… a bit of drama, angst and sweet stuff in the chapter. Thankyou all for the reviews. Now, remember… could be last chapter for a few weeks due to me going away. Anyway please review!

SONG CALLED: By Heart – Brooke Hogan.

Bye for now!

Love yas!

Love Coz!