Disclaimer: I don't anything in Harry Potter. J.K owns all the characters and places.

Author's Note: This will be an AU story and the characters are OC. Some of the dates in the story have also been changed to fit in with the story itself.

Summary: Hermione takes a break from the wizarding world, five years later she returns with her four-year-old daughter. Lucius Malfoy bumps into Hermione and her daughter whilst in Diagon Alley… A few weeks later and they're going on their first date. Post-Hogwarts & Second War. Will be AU & OC. Some dates have been changed to fit the story.


Chapter 2

April 2003,

It had been nearly four years since Luciana had been born and in that amount of time, Hermione had passed her hospitality course and had already purchased a hotel of her own along with Roberto who had gone in with her on the purchasing, he had said that he would run the restaurant side of things on her behalf. Roberto and herself were now in the process of signing their second and third purchases together, the second being in Denmark as well, and the third in Russia. "Stella, the inspector requires your signature." Hermione looked up from her desk and over to where Roberto and the inspector stood, "Oh yes of course, thank you Robby." She stood up and walked around the side of her desk, motioning for the inspector to come in. He along with Roberto walked across the open space, Hermione watching as the inspector placed the papers atop her desk. "All is in order Miss Granger, you're all set. I will send you confirmation when everything has been processed and when I've heard back from my colleagues in Russia. As soon as you've received these notes, you may open your two restaurants. Mr Bianchi has also agreed to do the opening in Russia, which I have notated within the official documents."

Hermione handed him the signed forms and looked over to Roberto, her eyes filled with joy as he turned to allow the inspector to move past him. "Thank you for all your help with this Mr Jansen, it is greatly appreciated." Hermione waved as he disappeared from her office along with Roberto, who returned once he'd let Mr Jansen out. "Congratulations stella." Holding out a champagne flute before filling it with some bubbly, he gave her a proud smile. "We must recuperate from this purchase before looking into the next." He laughed at her loud exhale, "I know Robby, this one cut into our budget but I'm really happy." He took a large sip from his flute and nodded. "We will make it work, look how well you're doing with the Piccola Stella that hotel has been outdoing almost every other three and four star hotel in the area. I wouldn't be surprised if it gets its fifth star soon." Hermione ducked her head in embarrassment, "It hasn't all been me, you have also been an immense help with everything too." He shrugged in response, eyes twinkling with his own happiness at their success.

Hermione looked over to the door when her daughter ran in, "Mama! Uncle Robby!" Smiling down at her child, she moved over to the couch. "Hello piccola." Returning the hug he received, Roberto made to leave the room but was stopped by Hermione's voice. "Robby, don't leave yet, I wanted to speak with you." He turned back to face her and walked over to the armchair across from her. "What about stella?" Picking Luciana up and placing her onto his lap, he gently bounced his knee, "I've made the decision to return back to England in September, I feel the time is right and perhaps it's time I find my feet back home." Roberto nodded and smiled, "I understand Hermione, you have often mentioned that you wanted to return but it was never the right time." He stood up and shifted Luciana in his arms until she sat comfortably, he walked over to the couch and sat down next to her. "If the time is now, then do it. I won't go anywhere and I can promise you that we will make our businesses work regardless of where you live." Hermione leaned over to embrace him, kissing his cheek and burying her face into his neck, "Thank you Robby, you are the best!"

Mid-September 2003,

Hermione walked into her old childhood home, her own child now following her. Her eyes moved over the uninhabited space and she smiled, "Welcome to your new home Luciana." Blue green eyes looked up at her as a smile formed on pink lips. "Looks pretty Mama." Hermione stood in the centre of the room, holding Luciana's hand, "Watch Luciana as Mama puts everything into place." With a wave of her wand, Hermione unpacked everything they owned all the while keeping her eyes on her child's face. Watching as her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open into an 'O'. "Wow! It's magic!" Luciana started bouncing on the balls of her feet in excitement, "Do more! Do more!" Understanding that her little girl would be overly excited as she'd not performed any type of magic since before, she left England all those years ago.

Flicking her wand, she then arranged their larger items that had been packed away and shipped. Luciana by now was squealing with excitement as everything moved through the air to become organised within its new home. Hermione, of course, soaked up her daughter's happy squeals and giggles along with the clapping of her hands, having not seen her this excited since the day Roberto had bought her a dollhouse. What she was not expecting was for Luciana to suddenly point her finger at one of the floating cushions and blow it apart, crying out in fright at what had happened not moments later, "No! Mama, what happened? Why didn't it work? I'm sorry!" Hermione knelt down and pulled her into her arms, "It's alright my child, it's called accidental magic. All young witches and wizards experience this, I did as well when I was around your age, only I accidentally set my bedroom curtains on fire." And thus, Hermione explained all about the world of magic, including some of her time at Hogwarts with Harry and Ron.

"Will I get to meet your friends?" Hermione nodded, "Yes, in time. Right now, I want only to sort out our lives here in England first before I tell them that we are home." At this point, Hermione was standing in front of the stove with Luciana sitting on a bar stool by the kitchen island. "When will I get my letter?" Hermione stirred the pasta sauce before turning the knob to a lower temperature, allowing for it simmer. "When you turn eleven, but due to you being born after September first, you will only attend Hogwarts the following year when you turn twelve. Just like Mama did when she attended." Luciana nodded, swinging her small feet back and forth as she hummed. "Okay. What House were you in?" Hermione took out two bowls and began serving their dinner. "I was in Gryffindor." She turned around once she'd served Luciana's portion and smiled at her daughter.

"Will I be in Gryffindor?" Hermione had turned back to finish dishing up her own portion of food, not responding until she too was seated at the kitchen island. "Well that depends." Luciana frowned, "On what?" Hermione chuckled, "On you." Pouting, Luciana looked into her bowl, bringing some of the pasta to her mouth and chewing on it happily. "Why?" Hermione finished chewing her own mouthful before she replied. "Well, each child that goes through the sorting ceremony is selected based on their qualities, although a child's decision can also be taken into account." Luciana swallowed her pasta and twirled her fork around the bowl, "What do I need to do to get into Gryffindor?" Hermione chuckled, "Well, each child is usually chosen based on selected values for each House. Gryffindor values courage, bravery, nerve and chivalry. Hufflepuff values hard work, patience, justice and loyalty. Ravenclaw values intelligence, learning, wisdom and wit and lastly there is Slytherin which values ambition, cunning, leadership and resourcefulness." Luciana looked at Hermione, having finished her pasta, "That's a lot."

Hermione nodded, "Indeed and it won't do you any good to choose right now, you are still young and you're still growing into a young lady. When the time is right, you will be sorted into the House that will help you learn and grow into a powerful woman. Promise me that you will think nothing further about the Houses until the time of your sorting." Luciana smiled and nodded, "Yes Mama, I promise." Hermione stood up and took her plate along with her daughters, planting a big kiss atop her head as she walked behind her. "That's my girl." Washing up and putting their now clean bowls in the drying rack. Hermione walked back to her child, picking her up and moving through the house. Taking the stairs, she headed for the bathroom, "Right little lady, time for your bath." Entering the bathroom, she flicked her wand to get the water running, making sure that it was warm enough before placing Luciana into the water, she then set about bathing her child.

A week later...

Hermione sat down at her writing desk, pulling out a piece of parchment and her quill and began writing her letter to the Goblins at Gringotts,

To the Head Goblin of Gringotts,

With your acceptance, I would like to arrange a meeting with you or one of your trusted colleagues to discuss my account.

I would like to have my vault reopened and link an account I have in Denmark to my Vault. I would also appreciate it if you would be able to open a trust account to my main Vault for my four year old daughter, Luciana Alexia Granger.

Are you then able to assist with assigning an account manager to keep my affairs in order? I have three businesses that will need to be maintained.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Hermione J. Granger

Reading it over before calling for her owl, she attached the note to its leg and sent it off. Turning back to face her still sleeping daughter, getting up she made her way to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee for herself.

Not long after she and Luciana had lunch, an owl carrying an envelope arrived at her window, pecking at it impatiently. Retrieving the envelope from the owl, she tore it open and pulled the parchment from inside. Unfolding it and reading it,

To Miss H.J. Granger,

We accept your request for a meeting and have arranged an eleven am meeting with Hookfang, tomorrow the first day of October.

We will arrange with the account managers within Denmark to have your account linked to your Vault which has been reopened as requested.

A trust account will be opened tomorrow whereby you will fill in the documentation and provide a sample of your daughter's blood so as to link her to both Vaults.

Hookfang will take over all your affairs and will make sure that your businesses run smoothly and without issue.

We trust that you are happy with this arrangement.

Sincerely,

Head Goblin of Gringotts Bank, England.

Checking the second parchment, she noted that they had written down the time and date of the meeting with a single word written on the bottom right-hand corner, Portkey. Keeping the parchment where she could access it easily, she walked back out of her bedroom and headed for Luciana's room, finding her daughter resting on her bed with a children's advanced reading book open in front of her. "Luciana, how about we go out for dinner tonight?" Her platinum blonde head shot up quickly, a large smile on her face, "Yes please Mama!" Chuckling softly to herself, she motioned for Luciana to follow her.


End October 2003,

It had been a few weeks since Hermione had organised her accounts, opened Luciana's trust account and sorted her affairs with Hookfang, she had arranged to meet with Minerva. This is where she and Luciana were headed, a quiet luncheon with her old Head of House at Launceston Place, a restaurant situated in Kensington. Luciana was walking ahead of her and was swinging her little teddy bear back and forth as she wove between the muggles. When they arrived outside the lavish restaurant, Hermione herded her daughter through the doors and smiled at the maître d', "Welcome to Launceston Place, have you got a reservation?" Hermione nodded, taking hold of Luciana's hand before responding verbally. "I do, it's under Granger. Is my guest already here?" The maître d' nodded and marked her name off the list, "Right this way Madam and yes, your guest is already waiting." Hermione followed behind the man as he led her and Luciana to the table.

Hermione spotted Minerva sitting with a glass of red wine in front of her, her eyes focused on whatever was outside the window. "Good afternoon Minerva." Minerva turned her eyes to where Hermione stood and smiled, getting to her feet and hugging Hermione tightly. "Oh Hermione! It is so good to see you." Pulling away from her slightly to look her over, Minerva's eyes found Luciana's and she gasped. "Oh my, and who is this lovely young lady?" Hermione turned to her daughter and smiled brightly, "Minerva, I'd like to introduce you to my daughter, Luciana." Minerva smiled at the beautiful young girl and took note of her platinum hair that reminded her so much of Lucius and Draco Malfoy. "Luciana, this is Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, my old Transfiguration Professor and Head of House." Luciana lifted her hand to wave and smiled up at Minerva, "Nice to meet you." Minerva smiled at the young child and motioned for Hermione to take a seat, "It's a pleasure to meet you too."

Hermione and Minerva sat down, Hermione helping Luciana onto her chair. "Hermione, I must admit, I am most intrigued by this revelation." Hermione looked over to Minerva and gave her a half smile, "Yeah, I was too." Minerva frowned, her eyes shining in curiosity. "If you don't mind my saying so, but she looks an awful lot like one of the Malfoy's, especially with her hair." Hermione nodded, "Yeah I thought the same but she's not. I believe my memory was wiped the night she was conceived, I have absolutely no recollection of it at all." Minerva's eyes widened at Hermione's confession, slowly reaching across the table to squeeze at Hermione's arm, "I am so sorry Hermione." Hermione smiled, placing her own hand atop Minerva's, "I've come to terms with it a long time ago, but believe me when I say she doesn't have any Malfoy blood running through her veins, I've had her blood purity test done just to be sure." And so, their afternoon went much the same, discussing the last five years of Hermione's absence as well as what Hermione had been up to.

"So, you have two restaurants, one in Russia and one in Denmark, as well as a hotel?" Hermione nodded, "Yes and I have Luciana's godfather to thank for that." Minerva smiled, "That would be your friend Roberto, was it?" Hermione nodded with a broad smile, "Yes, my sweet little Italian friend." Minerva chuckled, "I do hope to meet him one day and give him my thanks for looking after you two." Hermione grabbed Luciana's hand and gave her a sharp stare, "Luciana, no. You do not practice in front of muggle's; we have discussed this." Minerva looked at the young girl and gave her a reassuring smile, "But Mama." Hermione tapped her fingers against the table, "But nothing young lady. Do not question my authority." Luciana pouted and crossed her arms, "Luciana behave yourself whilst in public, do not behave as a spoilt brat." Slowly the pout disappeared and she moved to face her mother and Minerva. "Apologise to Minerva for your behaviour." Luciana looked at Minerva, "I'm sorry Professor." Minerva for her part gave Luciana a gentle smile, "It's quite alright little one, but please remember you must always listen to your mother when you're in the muggle world. It can be very dangerous if the muggles found out about us." Luciana looked around and then to Minerva before glancing at Hermione, "I'm sorry Mama."

"It's alright." Hermione smiled. Minerva looked across the table toward Hermione, "Now that you're back, what are you planning on doing?" Hermione moved the bowl of soup to Luciana, pulling her own bowl closer. "Well I was actually thinking of purchasing a restaurant that I saw was up for auction and revamping it before having it reopened." Minerva smiled, "Well my dear, that is an incredible plan. I do hope you invite me to the grand-reopening." Hermione nodded; her mouth full. Luciana was swinging her legs back and forth, "Mama, can I have ice cream?" Hermione nodded and flagged the waiter, "Please can we have an ice cream for my daughter." Looking at Minerva, "Anything for you?" Minerva turned to the waiter, "Just a coffee for me please." Hermione nodded, "The same, thank you." Minerva steepled her fingers together, "I must ask, would you ever take me up on my offer?" Hermione chuckled, "Maybe one day but not right now."


End June 2004,

"Congratulations Miss Granger on the grand opening of the Tesoro Roberto." Confetti and balloons fell from the ceiling as she cut the large red ribbon. She stood grinning, Luciana next to her and Minerva smiling proudly in the front with all the other onlookers. Hermione pushed the doors open and waved all those gathered inside, "Welcome all! Come in and dine with us!" Minerva walked up the stairs and stopped just next to Hermione with a proud smile. "Congratulations Hermione, I am so proud of you and your accomplishments." She wrapped her up in a tight hug, heart full of pride. "Thank you for being here with me Minerva." She turned them around and led them to the inside of the restaurant, where they once again sat down together to enjoy a lovely evening.

"Hermione, I must ask, have you contacted either Mr Potter or Mr Weasley since you've returned to England?" Minerva asked after taking a hearty sip of her tea. Luciana was making a wonderful mess of her face as she devoured a piece of chocolate cake. Hermione turned to look at her former Professor, her expression turned sheepish, "I must confess that no, I have not." Minerva frowned, "Is there any particular reason?" Hermione kept quiet for a moment; she wasn't exactly sure herself as to why she'd not reached out to her two best friends. Perhaps it was fear that kept her from doing so, she had after all not contacted them in the five years she'd been gone. "I'm not sure, if I'm being honest, I think I'm afraid of their reactions to hearing of my return. I didn't exactly contact them whilst I was away." Minerva kept her eyes on Hermione, "I doubt they'd be any less happy to see you, perhaps Mr Weasley will be displeased but he would soon get over himself."

Hermione gave a half-hearted shrug, "I'm used to his temper tantrums, it's Harry's disappointment that would affect me more." Minerva raised her brow, "Now Hermione, do not be ridiculous, Mr Potter's feelings should not affect you in the slightest. You are your own person and if you chose not to contact anyone again then so be it, our feelings should never affect your decisions that you make." Hermione was grateful that Minerva had said what she had, "Thank you Minerva, you're right of course, I don't have to justify my decisions to anyone." Minerva nodded, "Correct." Luciana at this point was giggling, pointing to where the muggles had started dancing. Hermione and Minerva watched her for a few moments before turning back to their conversation, "I'll think about it a bit more before I contact them again, for now however, I'm happy to just remain within the muggle world with my daughter." Hermione took a sip from her coffee and looked to a smiling Minerva.

Beginning August 2004,

"Luciana, hurry along, I do not want to be out for too long." Hermione stood at the door and waited for her daughter to join her. Not having to wait much longer, she finally saw her daughter come around the corner. "Ready Mama." Hermione nodded and took her hand, "Right, come on then, we'll take a short walk and I'll show you a way that wizards and witches travel." Luciana jumped up and down in excitement and tugged her mother's hand. Closing the door behind her, Hermione turned and took hold of her daughter's hand, leading her down to a small side road that was more hidden, turning to Luciana as she explained what they would be doing. "We're going to apparate now, you're going to feel a strange feeling of being sucked into a tube through your navel. You will feel nauseous as well when we arrive at our destination, this is a normal occurrence for everyone that travels via apparition. It's nothing to be alarmed about though as you will be holding my hand the entire time alright?" Luciana gave Hermione a tiny apprehensive nod, her small hand tightening against Hermione's much larger one.

Holding onto her daughter, Hermione pulled the image of Diagon Alley into the forefront of her mind and with a gentle twist, she apparated them out of Hampstead. Arriving on the cobble stone street of the Alley, Hermione breathed deeply and looked around, the feeling of nostalgia racing through her veins. Having portrayed straight into Gringotts and then home again once her business had concluded, she'd not had the time to look around. Now she could and she smiled, nothing had changed, everything was much the same as before, the only difference was that the shops had all been fixed. "Mama, where are we?" Hermione looked down at Luciana and smiled, "This is Diagon Alley, this is where the wizarding community comes to do their shopping or to meet with friends or to do their banking." Luciana's eyes roamed around the Alley, alight with wonderment.

Hermione began walking, intent on getting some children's books of magical learning for her daughter so that she wouldn't be like Hermione was when she first arrived in the magical world. Luciana was trailing behind her taking in the sights as they walked up the street toward Flourish and Blotts. Arriving inside the bookstore, Hermione headed for the upper level with Luciana, "I want you to look through all of these books, they're for children, choose a few that you wish to go through and I'll get them for you." Luciana nodded and disappeared into the many different shelves. Hermione herself went through a few of the shelves and found a few books for her daughter, picking out three for magical history told in a way that children under six could understand. When Luciana found her, she took her chosen books and headed for the stairs once more so she could pay for them.

Deciding to take her daughter for a treat, she led them towards Florean Fortescue's to get some ice cream. "Come Luciana." Turning into the fenced off area outside the parlour, Hermione motioned for Luciana to enter first before she followed. Taking a seat in the far corner of the outside seating area, "Today you get to choose any ice cream flavour you want, just not too much or you won't sleep tonight." Luciana nodded her head enthusiastically and bounced in her chair, "Yes, Mama." Hermione smiled softly, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her daughter's face. "What would you like?" Luciana hummed, still bouncing happily, "Can I have chocolate and strawberry?" Hermione nodded and stood up to go order their ice creams, "I want you to sit here and do not move, I will be back in a moment." Walking into the store, she ordered and paid for their treats before taking their orders to their table. "Here we go." Placing her bowl down and handing Luciana her own, she sat down.

After they had enjoyed their treat, they had wandered around the Alley for a bit more. "Mama, are we going home now?" Hermione looked at Luciana and nodded, they had been out for quite some time and she felt it would eventually become boring for a four, nearly five, year old child. When she turned back around, she bumped into a solid form, quite literally. "Oh dear, I am so sorry." Looking up, she found herself staring into a pair of silver eyes. Eyes that belonged to one tall, broad shouldered, platinum blonde haired, Lucius Malfoy. "It is quite alright my dear, it is I who should apologise." Hermione realised that he obviously did not recall her, having not seen her in a few years. She had of course changed over the years, growing up and deciding to change her appearance somewhat. Forgoing sweaters and jeans and instead choosing to wear a pair of trousers and a button-down blouse or a dress, depending on how she felt on the day.

She smiled kindly at the older wizard, "Please Mr Malfoy, you do not need to apologise." His eyebrow lifted slightly at the familiar way in which she addressed him, "Do I know you?" She chuckled, pulling Luciana closer to her side, "Indeed you do. Although, I will admit, it's been a few years since I was last seen." Luciana looked up at the tall man and gasped, his hair was just like hers. Lucius of course, heard the small sound and looked down momentarily, "Miss Granger?" Hermione nodded, "It's been quite a while and I must say, the years have done wonders for you." Her cheeks warmed at his compliment and she smiled, "Thank you." His eyes shifted to the young girl, dropping down to his haunches so that he was eye level with the child that looked much the same as his family did. "And who might you be sweetheart?" Luciana looked from Lucius to Hermione, "Luciana Alexia Granger, sir." Hermione's eyes watched as Lucius' lips lifted into a genuine smile, a smile that made her stomach erupt in butterflies.

"A beautiful name for a beautiful girl." Luciana smiled and swayed from side to side with shyness, "How old are you?" Hermione watched her daughter as she became shy, lifting her hand to show four fingers. "But I'm five soon." Lucius looked up at Hermione in question, "She'll be five next month." Nodding, he turned his gaze back to Luciana. "Are you having fun here in the Alley?" She nodded happily, "Yes. Mama, showed me lots of places and I got to have chocolate and strawberry ice cream." Lucius smiled and chuckled softly, "I bet you loved that, your Mama doesn't let you have a lot of sweets, does she?" Luciana gave Hermione a side glance before shaking her head, "No, not all the time." Hermione rolled her eyes when Lucius gave her a mocking smile. He stood up again but looked down again at Luciana's last comment, "Your hair is like mine." Hermione's eyes found her daughter's and Lucius blinked a few times, "Yes sweetheart, it would appear so." Hermione's heart nearly froze when Luciana asked Lucius her next question. "Are you my Papa?"

Lucius cleared his throat, "No sweet child, I am not your Papa." Hermione looked at Lucius, her apology shining bright in her eyes, he shook his head gently, "Do not fret, my dear." Luciana's expression fell and she tucked herself into Hermione's side. Hermione's cheeks were aflame with her embarrassment, "I am so sorry Mr Malfoy." Lucius placed a gentle hand upon Hermione's shoulder, "It's alright Miss Granger, she is but a curious child. I take it the Father is not in the picture?" Hermione shook her head, an overwhelming feeling to tell him why coursed through her body, but she held her tongue only giving him a small titbit of information, "No and he never was." Lucius wasn't a fool, not by any stretch of the imagination and so could read between the lines. "I'm sorry my dear, it is most unfortunate that he has missed out on such a beautiful treasure." Hermione felt a stirring inside her heart and couldn't help but blush.

Here standing before her, complimenting her on her daughter, was a man that she had once fought, a man she had hated, simply because of his allegiances. Standing before her however, was a man that seemed to have shed his former self in favour of being a kinder soul. Or perhaps she was reading too far into it, hoping to see the goodness in him instead. "Thank you, Mr Malfoy." He waved his hand dismissively, "Lucius, please Miss Granger." She looked into his eyes for a moment, rolling his name over her tongue as she spoke, "Lucius." He smiled at her, his once icy eyes now twinkling warmly at her, "Then please, call me Hermione." Luciana tugged on her pants, "Mama, are we going home now?" Lucius chuckled, "It seems, Hermione, that your daughter is ready to leave." Hermione bent over and took her daughter into her arms, securing her against her side, "It would seem so. Luciana, say goodbye to Mr Malfoy." Lucius smiled at the small child when she waved at him, "Bye Mr Malfoy." His gaze shifted to her own and he bowed his head, "It was a pleasure to see you again, Hermione." She lifted her hand to shake his but he instead brought it to his lips. "It was lovely to see you as well, Lucius."