A/N: Okay so this will definately be the last chapter before I leave for Tamworth. I hope you all enjoy it and thanks for the reviews!

DISCLAIMER: Not mine!

Chapter Ten: Daddy's Princess

Hermione angrily slammed her office door shut, not even acknowledging Luna, Michael or Hannah who grinned excitedly at her as she walked into the building. Muttering crude words she threw her brief case onto her desk and walked over to the window breathing heavily.

"How dare he… utter bastard… if I saw him I would murder him!" she carried on softly as her office door opened.

"Hermione?"

Hermione spun around annoyed but calmed down as Luna, Michael and Hannah entered her office unsure if they should or not.

"Oh guys… I'm so sorry for walking in without a hello," apologized Hermione running around her desk to engulf them all tightly in turn, "You all look wonderful and haven't aged a day!"

"I can say the same for you Herms," chuckled Michael playfully eyeing her, "Did you have a child or not?"

Hermione laughed as she hit him on the arm, "Ha, ha, yes I did and she is adorable."

"Oh Hermione! I am so glad you are back! This place hasn't been the same since you left," cried Hannah hugging her again, "How is the business in Australia?"

"Wonderful. I couldn't of picked a better country, state or city to open it. Merle is going to be in charge of it. She is moving back there in a few weeks or days. I'm not a hundred percent sure. So anyway, I am sure we can catch up later, but I need to call a business meeting. Luna can you send a note to everyone informing them of a meeting at 10am? And I have Narcissa Malfoy coming in at 12."

Luna nodded, "No offence or anything, but I am so glad to have my normal receptionist job back."

Hermione smiled, "Well if you will excuse me I have paper work to do. So don't sign me up any clients for at least another week or so."

"No problem. Michael can have any new ones."

"Why me?" whined Michael following Luna out the door.

"Because you are slacking off…" Luna's voice trailed away as she walked too her desk with Michael following.

Hannah rolled her eyes smiling at Hermione, "Those too really need to just get it on instead of flirting all the time."

Hermione laughed, "Luna and Michael… never saw that one coming."

"I didn't until a few months back. Chat with you later Herms. Welcome back."

Hermione thanked Hannah as she left her office. Hermione sighed and looked around her original office. It looked exactly how she left it. Neat and tidy… except the flowers needed changing.

Hermione shrugged her shoulders and looked down that the business plan her and Ginny were working on the day before. A few more adjustments and an expansion of this building and everything could get moving.

O

Narcissa looked around the busy corridor. Nurses and doctors were running back and forth with visitors and patients thrown in amongst the hustle and bustle. Narcissa nearly fell as someone tall bumped her as they ran past.

"Well I never!" cried Narcissa standing up right, "Rude, arrogant what not!"

"Mrs Malfoy?"

Narcissa spun around to see Quarralia looking at her worriedly, "Quarralia! How are you?"

Quarralia smiled and lead Narcissa to the safeness of the sides of the corridor, "Tired. If it weren't for Draco this place would be worse. It's a crazy one this morning."

"Draco?"

"Yes, didn't you know? He got his job back. He is actually on trial, minimal pay and if he passes he will get good pay again and regular hours… well not exactly regular."

"He didn't tell me, but that is not why I am here. I need to have a word with that son of mine."

"Well my office is back past the elevators and around the corner. If you wait in there I will send him to meet you."

Narcissa nodded and walked off towards Quarralia's office. Quarralia watched Narcissa for a bit before going off in search of her friend. She scoured the wards and emergency rooms before finding him in the supply closet getting a potion for a patient.

"Draco, I found you… finally," sighed Quarralia, "Look your mother is here. She seems… angry and needs a word with you."

"Where is she?" replied Draco absently as he read the label of the potion bottle in his hand.

"My office."

"Right… well can you give this to Mr Jenkins? He needs two doses and if his rash isn't cleared up give him a prescription."

"Sure."

Draco smiled, handed Quarralia the bottle and left the storeroom after patting her on the shoulder.

"Sure Draco," muttered Quarralia holding the bottle, "I'll do your work… even though my 15 hour shift is over and I want to go to bed."

O

Draco entered Quarralia's office smiling broadly, "Can you believe it? One day out of rehab and I have a job!"

"So a job is more important then meeting your daughter for the first time?" replied Narcissa icily as she stared at her son, "And to think I thought you now had your priorities in order."

Draco frowned at his mother in annoyance, "Mum my job is important!"

"And your own flesh and blood isn't?"

"I'm not saying that!"

"You don't need too. You made it clear to myself, your father, the woman you love and your own daughter!"

Draco fell silent as he looked defiantly at the floor.

"She asked where you were today."

"Who Hermione?"

"Dakota. Your father… I have never seen him more disappointed in you my entire life! But you should see how he looks at your daughter… he is so happy. Him and I believe Hermione has done a wonderful job of raising her. She remained in England for you… so you could be part of Dakota's life, so she could know you!"

"What is the point when I can't be with Hermione?"

"This isn't just about you and Hermione anymore! Don't you see that? Don't you see that, that is what Hermione has tried to tell you? Things won't be the same anymore Draco! You have a daughter now. A little girl who needs her father… Hermione will have changed a lot over the four years. She isn't the same woman you once knew. She is a mother, a mature, down to earth lady. Perhaps you need to grow up so she can see you have matured and aren't a wild hormonal 21 year old."

O

Hermione walked into the long room with people all seated along the sides. The seat at the head of the table was empty indicating it was Hermione's place. She smiled at them all and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

"Good morning everyone. It is wonderful to be back home," started Hermione in her business like manner, "As you all know I have moved back to England after a four year stay in Australia. And I do recommend you go for a visit. It is a wonderful country with lots of culture. Now, during my leave Luna Lovegood, Michael Corner and Hannah Abbott ran Muggle Magic Weddings here in England while I got the extended business of this one going in Australia. They did a wonderful job and deserve more then a round of applause. As a reward they will be paid at an hourly rate of 50 galleons instead of the normal 40."

Everyone clapped and Luna, Michael and Hannah grinned happily.

"Okay. Seeing as I am back here running this business Merle Tompkins will be in charge of the Muggle Magic Weddings in Australia. But I also have news about another thing happening with this business. Luna could you kindly bring in Ginerva Potter?"

Luna stood and walked to the door has Hermione handed out pieces of paper to the people in the room. Ginny walked in with Luna smiling nervously at everyone in the room.

"Everyone I would like you to meet Ginerva Potter, chief editor of the Muggle Magic Wedding's magazine which will be called: I Do. Ginny, as she is commonly called, used to write for the Daily Prophet until they fired her for looking after her children. She is talented and can handle running a magazine. Therefore this building will have two more floors added onto it. They will be where the magazine is written, designed and printed. Ginny and I will be hiring writers, photographers… everything. She will have full control over this magazine and I will only write an article based on my thoughts of recent weddings and trends. Ginny would you like to say anything?"

Ginny nodded, "Hi everyone… well I Do will be a magazine for both males and females and will be published monthly. That's all really… oh! If you know any good writers who are unemployed tell them about this new magazine."

"Alright… any questions?" smiled Hermione.

O

Hermione flopped down on the lounge as Dakota ran off to her room to play with her dolls. Merle walked into the room smiling and sat down beside the woman she saw as a sister.

"How was work?" asked Merle, "Did everyone miss you or not?"

"Ha, ha. I was missed, just like I missed them. It was great. I have already hired someone for the magazine. Well Ginny and I did."

"Really? Who?"

"Narcissa Malfoy. She is going to be the one who helps picks out the best styles."

"What?"

"There is going to be a section called 'What's Hot and What's Not'. Narcissa has style and she knows what she is talking about."

Merle nodded, "But why would the Malfoy's need to work?"

"Money issues. Did I tell you they love Dakota to bits? Her and Lucius I mean."

"What about Draco?"

"That arsehole… that reminds me. I need to have a word with him."

Hermione stood up and apperated to the front of the Malfoy Manor. She rang the door bell and waited patiently for the door to be opened. Sure enough seconds later an elf pulled the door open.

"Hi. Is Draco home?" asked Hermione politely.

"I go get him for you. Please come in from the cold," replied the squeaky voiced elf, who reminded Hermione of Professor Flitwick.

Hermione stepped into the warm, well-lit entrance room of the Malfoy Manor. She removed her jacket and ran her hand over her pink blouse to remove any creases. She looked around the room to see it hadn't changed one bit since her small stay four years back.

Footsteps coming down the staircase alerted Hermione of someone's coming presence… and it was Draco in his St Mungo's robes. He looked at her with curiosity but didn't say anything as he walked over to where she stood.

Hermione took a deep breath and looked him in the eyes, "I'm not going to give to the whole speech you are probably expecting. I know your mother already did so. All I am going to say is when you want too you can come and see Dakota. I'm not going to be revengeful and stop you from doing so. I'd rather be mature about everything."

"That's a change, considering you slapped me yesterday and all," replied Draco coolly.

Hermione closed her eyes to stop herself from screaming angrily at him, "I'm sorry."

"Pardon? Did Proud Hermione Granger apologize?"

Hermione took a deep breath, "I give up! You are beyond childish! When you start acting like you are 25, let me know!"

Hermione turned and walked out the front door pulling on her coat. She couldn't be bothered with apperating. She was too angry to even think of her destination. Muttering curses under her breath Hermione walked down the path to the gates and yanked them open before starting down the road towards her property.

O

"Are you insane?" cried Narcissa running into the entrance room where Draco still stood, "If you love that woman like you say you do, you will go after her and try to work things out!"

"Mum… she hates me," protested Draco.

"She is angry with you. That doesn't mean she hates you."

Draco sighed and ran out the front door. He continued down the path and yanked the gates open before starting after Hermione, who was walking up the hill. Draco sprinted faster yelling out Hermione's name in desperation.

Hermione didn't stop. Her arms were folded around her body as she walked against the cold breeze. Her feet were aching in her heeled shoes, begging to be free. Her legs felt like ice cubes from the wind and her cheeks were red from the cold.

"Hermione! Please stop walking," cried Draco grabbing her by the arm.

Hermione furiously turned around glaring at him with cold brown eyes, "Why? So you can degrade me even more?"

"Degrade you?"

"I go to your place wanting to talk to you like an adult and you turn the conversation so it makes me look like I am coming to you, begging for you to come back! And yes I am a proud person! I always have been. Why shouldn't I be? I have a successful business, wonderful friends, a beautiful daughter, a lovely home. And yes I have changed. I have grown up more. I'm more mature, I don't make crazy choices, I accept how things turn out, I can take care of myself and I no longer cry at the drop of a hat. Yet why can't you see that? Why are you blind to what four years has done?"

"I'm not blind. I can see you have changed. But you exaggerate it. You haven't completely changed Hermione. You have always been strong, proud, mature and everything. The difference is you have a daughter and you are very protective of your life. I understand that but why can't I be part of that life? I only act immature when I need to be defensive. I'm not proud of how my life became, but I want to get everything back on track. I'm sorry for not coming today… I was afraid."

"What have you got to be afraid of? Did you think Dakota would eat you or something?"

"No… that she would hate me."

"Hate you? Draco she has been wanting to meet you for a long time!" cried Hermione grabbing him by the arm, "Come and meet her. Please. Don't be the father who constantly lets her down."

Draco sighed, "I don't know… I have to work."

Hermione let his arm go, "Fine go to work. See if I care."

Hermione turned and started walking up the road but stopped and turned around to look at him, "People used to say work always came first for me. I may run a huge business but I never, never let work come between me and my daughter. If she is sick, I stay home, if she is upset I always make sure I am there for her. But for you, its you who always lets work come first."

"That's not true!" yelled Draco marching over to Hermione.

"How isn't it? You just said you had to work and that was why you can't come and meet Dakota."

"Will you just stop that!"

"Stop what? I'm not doing anything."

"You are. You are being all… I don't know… making me look like the bad guy."

"No Draco, you are doing that by yourself. If you will excuse me I have a daughter to get home too."

Hermione turned away from him again but before she walked she slipped off her shoes and picked them up to carry home. Draco stood where he was and watched Hermione walk up the hill. He sighed and again ran after her.

"Wait! I'm coming with you!" he yelled before walking alongside her.

"Guilt get to you?" replied Hermione not looking at him.

"No. You did."

"Didn't you know? People call me Guilt."

Draco chuckled, "Lame joke… but still amusing."

Hermione smiled a true smile at him and shrugged her shoulders, "I hired your mother. She will work on the magazine."

"Magazine? What magazine?"

"My company is expanding to making a magazine about weddings. Ginny is in total control pretty much. It should be interesting as to how the world takes it."

"Oh they'll love it because you are apart of it. Everybody knows who you are and loves you."

Hermione blushed a little and turned towards the gate leading to her place. She opened it and let her and Draco into the paddock.

"Welcome to Latoka Grand," smiled Hermione gesturing to the house, "You'll experience something you never have before. And no Draco, I don't mean anything under the bed sheets."

Draco laughed, "I wasn't thinking that Miss Granger."

Hermione rolled her eyes and gave Draco a little push, "I'm sure you weren't."

Draco and Hermione swapped smiles as they walked up the driveway.

"To think we were arguing minutes ago," sighed Hermione, "Do you think it was something we needed too get out of our system?"

"Maybe it was. You know we sounded like we were back at Hogwarts."

"Yeah it did."

They came to a halt at the steps leading up to the veranda and front door. Draco looked at the front door nervously. Laughter could be heard inside but it wasn't Dakota. It sounded to Hermione like Ron and Merle.

"You aren't going to faint, are you?" frowned Hermione worriedly.

"No… maybe… I don't know."

"Calm down. She will love you… how couldn't she?"

"Well you didn't for seven years at Hogwarts."

"That was then… come on," sighed Hermione walking up the steps.

Draco followed her quietly and stepped into the house. Here he was, about to meet his daughter for the first time.

O

Ginny sighed as she looked around Rianna's room. It was impossible. There was no way Rianna could share her room if the baby was a girl, or James if it was a boy. She walked down the hall to the lounge room where Harry was playing the muggle snap game with James. Rianna sat in his lap giggling as Harry lost to James again.

"I am not even letting you win Sport and you are beating me," sighed Harry, "And to think I was a seeker."

"Oh you're just getting old Harry," teased Ginny sitting on the lounge behind him, "But we have bigger problems then just you loosing to James. We need a bigger house."

Harry looked at Ginny frowning, "What's wrong with this one?"

"It's too small. There is no way Rianna or James can share when number three comes along."

"Right. Well… I guess we will have to start house hunting again. We have four months to get a new home."

Ginny nodded, "Well… what about Hermione's mother and father's old place? It's up for rent. Five bedrooms plus a study. Two bathrooms and toilets, large backyard. It's perfect!"

"It's in a muggle neighborhood."

"I know. But the house is great Harry! That way the children grow up in a magical and normal lifestyle. I don't want them hating muggles. And your Aunt Petunia can visit more often. You know she loves seeing the children now that Vernon died."

Harry nodded. Vernon had died from a heart attack two years ago. Since then Petunia had been more kind to Harry and loved his children.

"I'll speak to Hermione about it tomorrow," said Ginny, "Is that okay?"

Harry smiled, "Sounds great… Oh James! You beat me again!"

"Too slow Daddy!" giggled James.

O

"Draco… nice too see you," coughed Ron sitting upright.

Hermione looked at Merle disapprovingly and said tightly, "Where is Dakota?"

"In her room still," said Merle softly.

Hermione took hold of Draco's arm and pulled him along behind her. They walked down the hall and started up the stairs, which is where Hermione began her rant.

"Of all the things I have asked of her, doing anything sexual with her boyfriend when Dakota is awake is one thing I asked her NOT to do! What if Dakota walked into the lounge room just then… when Ron had his hands up Merle's shirt!"

"Calm down."

"Calm down? Our daughter is too young to witness anything like that! Seeing people share a kiss is okay. But not that! Would you have liked Dakota to have seen… I don't know… us doing that?"

"Well no…"

"Exactly. She is only 3… not 33!"

They came to a halt outside a partly closed door. Hermione took a deep breath and pushed it open. Draco stood still as Hermione walked into the pink room. Some toys were scattered on the floor with shoes and a bag. Sitting beside her pink and yellow toy box was Dakota, brushing her dolls hair.

"Mummy!" cried Dakota dropping her doll to hug her mother as Hermione knelt down beside her and welcomed her hug.

"Hey darling. I had to go out for a bit. How are you?" smiled Hermione speaking in a warm, loving voice.

"I'm fine. Look, I dressed Polly-May in her red dress!"

"Oh, she looks almost as pretty as you! I'd like you to meet someone special."

Hermione turned around to look at Draco. He was staring at his daughter in awe, taking in her shining gray eyes, straight brown hair and round face. Dakota looked at him curiously.

"Dakota… this is your Daddy," said Hermione slowly, "He wants to meet you."

Dakota sat on the ground her little mouth partly open in surprise. Hermione stood up and walked over to Draco. She took hold of his warm hand and made him walk into the bedroom.

"Say hello to her," whispered Hermione, "I'll be getting dinner ready."

Hermione exited the room and closed the door but stood outside to listen to the beginning of the conversation.

"Hi Dakota," said Draco nervously, "I er… I like your room. It's very… pretty."

"Thankyou," came Dakota's unsure reply, "Are you really my Daddy?"

Draco nodded, "I am."

Her face broke into a grin as she stood up and ran over to Draco. He caught her in the hug and smiled as she giggled happily.

"I have a Daddy," grinned Dakota, "Mummy said you loved me. Do you?"

Draco nodded, "Very much. You are my little Princess."

"Do you love Mummy?"

"Yes I do."

"Why don't you live with us?"

Draco sighed, "Maybe someday I will."

Dakota nodded and went quiet for a few seconds before changing the subject completely, "Look at my paintings!"

O

Hermione stirred the cooking pasta and went back over to the lamb chops. They were just beginning to cook so she pulled her wand out to speed the process along. With a sigh and flicked her wand again to make the mixed vegetables cook faster as well as the pasta. In five minutes everything would be completely cooked. She walked into the dining room and began setting the table for five, instead of four.

A smile broke onto her face as she remembered Dakota's face at seeing her father for the first time. It was priceless. Not in a humorous way, but a heart warming one. Just as Hermione set Dakota's seat Merle walked into the dining room.

"I'm leaving tomorrow and Ron is coming with me," she said softly, "He got the transfer to Australia early so we both are planning on leaving tomorrow afternoon."

Hermione looked up at Merle in shock, "Why… why so soon?"

"We want to get on with life. Hermione as sudden as it sounds… I love Ron. He's everything to me and he makes me happy."

"So I saw."

"I'm sorry about that… we got carried away."

"I got that impression. Look, I'm angry a little but… I'll miss you and Ron. A lot."

Merle walked around the table and hugged Hermione tightly before pulling away and helping her set the table, "How are things with you and Draco?"

"We are getting along again. Maybe we will just be friends… maybe more. It's hard to tell. But Merle, you should have seen Dakota's face when she saw her father! I will never forget."

Merle smiled, "At least you know she loves him and doesn't hate him."

Hermione nodded, "Come on. Let's dish dinner up."

O

"Night darling," whispered Hermione kissing Dakota on the cheek. She stepped back to let Draco say goodnight to his daughter and both walked out of the room smiling.

Merle and Ron had gone to the Burrow to inform Molly and Arthur of their relationship and move to Australia, and then they had to tell Harry, Ginny, Fred, George, Bill and Charlie.

"Would you like a cup of coffee?" asked Hermione as they walked towards the staircase.

"That would be nice."

They made their way to the kitchen and while Draco sat at the kitchen table, Hermione made two coffee's and arranged some biscuits on a plate before joining Draco.

"She is beautiful," said Draco smiling, "Smart like you, smiles like you, you have brought her up perfectly."

Hermione smiled, "Thanks. But I want you to take part in raising her as well."

"I want to help."

Hermione smiled again and took a sip of her drink.

"What about us?" asked Draco looking at Hermione intently.

Hermione placed her cup on the table, "I don't know."

"I love you Hermione."

"You know I feel the same but its too soon."

Draco leaned forward, "Are you sure?"

Hermione looked at him in surprise as he leaned closer, closer and closer…

A/N: Okay... yeah evil ain't I? Well MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!

Bye for now!

Love yas!

Love Coz!