Chapter 3

'Leo, please calm down. We can't go and see your dad now. He is a very busy person.' She assumed he was but not exactly knowing the man she couldn't really say if he actually was busy. 'I promise I will try and talk to him and we can see him soon ok?' She said soothingly to no avail.

'No. I want daddy! Right now!' He screamed. She was getting a headache. This was the second time today that he had thrown a tizzy. The most he had done in the past week. She had been hoping that he was starting over a new leaf but this morning and right now, he was definitely proving her wrong. As he continued to scream the roof down, she quickly placed a silencing charm on the house. No need to disturb the neighbours anymore than they just had. She needed a solution and quick. He was driving her crazy. She hadn't expected this to happen. Not at all. She bit her lip. She didn't want to contact Draco right now. She had already seen too much of the man today. Besides she had no idea where to reach him. Was he still at the manor? Did he have an apartment somewhere? She had neglected to get an owl all these years, not really seeing a point when she could send everything she needed to via post at work. So, contacting him that way was out of the question.

What could she do?

She could floo to the manor but she had no idea if the network would be open to her. Besides, she doubted if Narcissa Malfoy would appreciate a three-year-old screaming at the top of his lungs in her household. What if she had guests over? No there was no way she could do that to the poor woman. She might die from a heart attack.

She could always floo to Harry and Ginny's. But what day was it again? Thursday. Oh crap. It was their date night. She definitely couldn't disturb that. It was the only night the two got a chance to be alone. They would hire a babysitter for the night and go out on the town and stay in a hotel overnight. The babysitter of choice recently had been Seamus Finnegan, surprisingly. She didn't want to put the man down, but he definitely wouldn't be able to handle a child who was like Leo. James was an easy child in comparison. Besides, Harry had been working so hard lately too that he deserved the break. Putting the extra stress on Seamus might make him quit and she definitely didn't want that for them.

Hmm…well that just left Pansy. She remembered the conversation that they had just had only an hour or so ago and figured it was her only choice. She had ways of calming the boy that she could only dream of knowing. Grabbing the landline, she quickly called the number of her apartment. Pansy lived in a fancy little muggle apartment complex in Harrow. Having inherited the Parkinson fortune when her parents were sent to Azkaban, she could afford it. She had sold the Parkinson mansion and invested the money in stable foreign trade companies which had exponentially increased her wealth. She had also learned a lot about muggles from her charity work and had since incorporated some of their ways of living into her lifestyle. One of them being a landline.

'Hello, Pansy Parkinson speaking.' The girl picked up the phone on the second ring.

'Pansy, it's Hermione. We have a little situation here. Would you mind coming over?' She asked.

'Sure. I'll be over in a minute. Keep the floo clear.' She replied.

'Will do. See you soon.' Hermione hung up the phone in exhaustion. Leaning against the bench, she turned to the boy who was still wailing and screaming. He was nearing a beetroot colour. It was in that moment she felt like a horrible mother. She couldn't even control her own son. But before a single tear could escape her eyes, the floo went off in the lounge room alerting her to Pansy's arrival.

'Whoa! Leo Granger what is this screaming all about.' She entered the kitchen and immediately addressed the situation like a pro. 'Leo. It's Miss Parkinson. Remember what we spoke about earlier today? We…' The boy immediately shut up and looked up at his teacher with tears in his eyes. A pang of jealously hit Hermione in a wave. What the hell? Her own son respected his teacher's authority but not his own mother's. There was only one explanation for it; this definitely was Draco's son. 'What is it we do, Leo?' Pansy pressed as the little boy's lips quivered.

'We respect our elders and listen to what they have to say.' He mumbled.

'That's right. Now, that includes your mum. Could you please tell me what you were screaming about?' She asked.

'She…won't…take…me…to…see…daddy.' He sniffled.

'Your daddy? But Leo…your daddy isn't here anymore.' Pansy replied. Hermione mentally slapped herself. Of course, she would have to tell Pansy what was going on. There was no use in hiding it any longer. The woman had to know. It wouldn't take long for her to figure it out now that Draco was back.

'Uh, Pansy. There's something I need to tell you.' Hermione said sheepishly. The woman looked around at her and stood up, leaving the child to quietly whimper on his chair.

'What is it Hermione? What is this about Leo's dad? I thought you said he was a one-night stand and that he was now dead?' She asked.

'Well. He might as well have been for all we knew, until today…I need to sit down.' She collapsed in the nearest chair.

'Oh my god.' Realisation dawned on Pansy's face as she remembered the conversation from before. 'Draco is Leo's father. Isn't he?'

'Yes.' Hermione pressed her palms into her face. She didn't know what to do. By tomorrow, the whole wizarding world would now know the truth about Leo Granger's true parentage but she didn't have a clue how to go about it.

'Hey. Shh…It's going to be ok.' The woman replied when she heard the first sob come out of her mouth. Pansy rubbed soothing circles on her back. 'I've got your back. You'll get through this.'

'But that's the thing Pansy. I don't know if I will. Look at the kind of man he turned into, Pansy. He is nothing like I pretended him to be. He's selfish and arrogant…how can I let a man like that into my son's life? He needs stability, someone he can rely on. Not someone who risks his life out of fear. What kind of example would that be making towards him?' She said, hysterically.

'Shh…I understand. But you need to pull yourself together. Crying isn't going to solve the issue.' Pansy was still rubbing her back. Hermione was exhausted and at her wit's end. She needed to just let it all out. But that wasn't going to happen with Leo here.

'Mummy. I'm sorry, I made you cry.' Leo jumped off the chair and wrapped his tiny arms around her legs.

'It's not your fault sweetheart.' She replied, wrapping her arms around him.

'Hermione is there someone Leo can stay with tonight?' Pansy asked. To be honest, she didn't really know. She couldn't intrude on Harry and Ginny's night. Ron was at Hogwarts, so that was out. Perhaps, Molly could look after him for the night.

'Molly will be able to.' She sniffed. Molly had always said that she would love for Leo to stay over anytime. She didn't even mind if they just popped in without warning. The woman rarely left The Burrow these days and it would be nice for her to have a visitor. Especially a child she could spoil. She was the closest to a grandmother that Leo could get. Pansy nodded and then went to crouch down next to the boy.

'Hey Leo. I think your mum and I need to have a long boring adult chat. How would you like to go and visit Mrs. Weasley?' She said sweetly. Hermione had never been so grateful that this woman was in her life until that moment.

'Oh. Mrs. Weasley? We like her. Don't we mummy? Can I go, mummy?' He perked up.

'Yes. I am sure, Molly would love to see you. Let's just get a bag packed for you.' Hermione replied, going to stand up.

'No. Leave it to me. I'll sort it out. I've been here enough times to know how you categorise everything. You go and run a bath and relax. I'll be back soon.' She said. Hermione was not in the mood to argue and the idea of a bath right now was super enticing.

'Ok. You have a nice time. I love you, my little lion man.' She gave him a final squeeze before releasing him again.

'I love you too, mummy.' He replied and practically bounced out of the room, Pansy in tow.

'What a completely awful day.' She said out loud to no one in particular.

Pansy returned about an hour later loaded with a basket of goodies. Everything from face masks to wine and nibbles. Hermione stepped out of her bedroom in clean flannel pyjamas and found her sitting on the couch, kitted out in her pyjamas and the basket on the coffee table.

'What's all this?' She quirked her eyebrow. Pansy smirked.

'Given the circumstances I thought you'd might need a girl's night. Got everything from face masks, to chocolate, wine, cheese and crackers, nail polish, soppy romance movies although I don't think we'll get to do the last one. I rather find out more about you and Draco.' She raised her eyebrows suggestively.

Hermione sighed and folded her arms across her chest. 'It's a sensitive topic Pansy.' She replied. 'How's Leo?'

'He's settled in ok. Molly was going to treat him and Troy to some hot chocolate and bedtime stories. George was there, he sends his best wishes. Now, can you at least tell me how it all started whilst I give you a facial? I'm sorry but your skin is not at it's best right now.' She asked and gestured for Hermione to join her. Sighing, she plopped herself down next to her new friend. 'Now. How did it start?'

'Well, it all began just after the war. I think it was about the time when Draco and his family had been pardoned by the Wizengamot. Everyone was paying attention to Harry and Ron and I kind of got lost amongst all the interviews and drama. I had lost my parents in the war too so it hit hard when I couldn't talk to anyone. It got too much to handle and I went to this muggle pub to drown my sorrows. I wasn't expecting Draco to come in but I felt I didn't want to be alone so I asked him to join me. I think I was a bit tipsy by then or something. We said nothing for a while, then after a while we got to talking and we kept getting drunker. One thing led to another and I ended up sleeping with him in a hotel or his apartment or something. I don't remember. We obviously forgot to use contraception and I became pregnant. I left before he woke up. I knew it was Draco's baby because Ron had transferred all his time onto other girls and we hadn't been together apart from the first time. But I was afraid to tell people because of our past. So, I just said it was a one-night stand to get it over and done with.' She explained as Pansy finished rubbing the cleanser over her face.

'I see. So, does Draco know that he's Leo's father?' Pansy asked continuing to work on Hermione's skin.

'Yes. He figured it out when Grace mentioned something about me and Leo when she talked to him. She was his secret keeper for all these years.' She replied.

'And does he want to be part of Leo's life?'

'Yes. Well I think so. I think he wants the chance to at least meet him. But I don't know if I can let him. How can I ever trust him after all he's put me through? What should I do Pansy?' Hermione asked her friend.

'Well. In my opinion, it's not really up to you to decide. If Leo wants a chance to meet his dad, you need to respect that no matter how painful it is for you. You don't want him to resent you for the rest of your life, do you?' Pansy advised. Well the girl did have a point.

'I suppose you're right. I just don't want him to mess up Leo's life like his father did to him.'

'I know Hermione. But he isn't Lucius. He was a much better person under the surface than he let on. The turning point I think, ironically, was when you punched him in the face during our third year.' They chuckled as they reminisced.

'Man, that did feel good.' Hermione sighed.

'Just give him a chance ok. I know he didn't show it to you but he really isn't as horrible as he made it seem.' Pansy replied. 'Now are you up for some wine?' She picked up the bottle of red and swung the two glasses in front of her in order to entice her.

'Absolutely.' She agreed. Perhaps it could help her escape her predicament for a while.

(Draco POV)

He paced back and forth in front of his mother's quarters. He had found out from Grace that his father had fallen ill a year after he was pardoned. Sadly, he had died on Christmas Day. Draco had left well before then and had been assumed dead, so he hadn't been able to return for the funeral. What a blow that must have been for his mother. Losing her entire family in a span of a year. But with any luck, he would have a new family to share with her soon enough. He swallowed hard at the thought but it was what gave him to courage to knock on the door.

'Mipsy, I told you to leave me alone.' The woman yelled. He knocked again and heard a frustrated sigh and the clicking of her heels as she crossed the room to the door. 'What is it that you…want?' She stopped mid-sentence as she opened the door. 'Draco, is that you? I'm not hallucinating, am I? How is this possible?'

'Yes mother. It's me. I came home.' He replied and observed the small shadow of the woman he once knew in front of him. Oh yes, she still looked as regal and as dignified as ever, but he could sense that she was much less herself than he had ever seen her. He couldn't blame her. She would be completely lost without her family. He wondered if she had ever made up with Andromeda like she had planned for years. But that could wait for another day. She paled an ugly shade of white but remained calm.

'But how? Come in.' She gestured for him to walk into her sitting room and for him to sit down. Once they both settled, she called for Mipsy. 'Bring us two cups of tea will you please. Camomile preferably.' She asked.

'Yes Madam. Right away.' The elf popped out.

'So, are you just going to sit there or are you going to tell me why you are not dead like you had everyone believe?' She demanded, a little bit of the colour returning to her face.

'Well. You know Corban Yaxley?' He asked.

'Oh dear. Please tell me you haven't…'

'Please let me explain mother.' He interrupted her. She gestured for him to go on. 'I made everyone believe I was dead so I could go undercover. Yaxley had set up this co-operative to continue distributing acts of the dark arts. He tried to recruit me. I saw it as an opportunity to bring them down. I have been working on bringing them down ever since. But I returned last night to give Potter and the other aurors all the information they needed. Names, crimes committed, location, etcetera. Potter and his crew were able to bring them in by this morning and they were put to trial this morning. Yaxley was given the dementors kiss.' He finished and continued to stare at her. A minute had passed and Mipsy had brought the cups of tea. She took a sip before saying anything.

'But why make me believe you were dead? Your father is gone. I had no one.' She replied.

'I had to mother. I couldn't have had anyone know. I had to stay hidden, no one could know my whereabouts. Well, apart from my secret keeper…'

'Let me guess. Grace Pearson.' She guessed.

'How did you know?' He quirked an eyebrow.

'Darling. I raised you well enough to know the single person you trust more than anyone in the world. You used to tell Grace all your secrets. It makes sense. Shame that the Pearson's were so involved with you know who, otherwise we could have betrothed you to her. You would've made a striking couple…'

'Mother. Please. No. Besides you couldn't have betrothed me to her anyway.' He blurted out, realising his mistake the second it was out.

'What do you mean, Draco?' She asked. This was not the way he wanted to tell her, but he had no choice but to tell her now.

'There's something you should know. You see. I had a one-night stand and I got the girl pregnant. I now have a son.' He said calmly. Strangely, he wasn't even ashamed of saying it.

'Draco Lucius Malfoy. How could you?' Narcissa placed her teacup down on the table quite abruptly. 'I demand to know who this girl is. Is she pureblood? Halfblood? Muggleborn? Tell me Draco. I simply must know.' She was raising her voice in quite an undignified manner. It was a strange sight. He had never seen her so impossibly angry before. The blood status part of her questioning got him riled up. There was nothing wrong with muggleborn blood. There was absolutely nothing wrong with purebloods too. They were all blessed with magic so what did it matter? He decided to come out right and tell her what he thought of that.

'Why the hell does blood status matter anymore mother? Some of the best witches and wizards I know aren't purebloods. We had a healthy little wizard. That's all that matters.' He yelled.

'Draco…' She warned. 'She's not a pureblood witch, is she?' She then retracted.

'No mum. She's not. But she's the strongest witch I know and if you have a problem with that then I'd might as well go and disappear again.' He huffed. They sat there glaring at each other for a minute before her gaze softened.

'I'm a grandmother.' She chuckled. 'Well this is wonderful news Draco. To hell with blood purity. As long as the child is healthy that is all that matters. But I'd still like to know who the boy's mother is.' He raised his eyebrow in confusion. Well that was a bit of a turnaround. 'What do you expect Draco? Not everyone is the same after the war. I've long since retired the notion that purebloods are superior. Sure, I would have preferred her to be a pureblood. It would run smoother in our society as you well know dear. However, a half-blood child will be just fine and if the witch is as powerful as you say, she'll fit in quite nicely.' She picked up the rolled-up prophet which she had evidently was yet to read and unrolled it.

'Ah that Miss Granger. She's doing absolute wonders in the Magical Law Enforcement Department.' Draco spat out his tea. 'Really Draco? Have I taught you nothing about manners?'

'No. It's not that. It's just well…Granger is the mother of my child.' He admitted. Narcissa sat and gaped at him in the most unregaled manner. When neither of them let down their gaze, she continued.

'Well, that's wonderful. I do believe I ran into them the other day in Flourish and Blotts. He is the politest child. Always saying thank you. Although there seems to be a slight speech impediment. Nothing that the Wyvern Wisps can't get out of him. I heard he is quite intelligent too and very magically gifted. This is most wonderful news.' She replied. Did his mother just say Wyvern Wisps? Had Granger seriously enrolled their child in the most established wizarding early childhood learning centre? That seemed a bit out of character for her. He had expected that she would enrol him in some muggle school or at least one of the less known wizarding schools. But the Wyvern Wisps? He was very impressed. He was irritated that Grace had neglected to tell him such detail but then again, his contact had begun to falter near the end of his mission. But how did his mother know more about the child than he did? It wasn't like she and Granger had high tea together.

'How in Merlin's name did you know Leo was enrolled in the Wyvern Wisps?' He blurted out.

'Pansy of course dear. She is one of the educators there now. I suppose Grace didn't tell you.' She replied. 'He has quite a temper though. Now I know where he gets it from.' Draco had heard enough.

'Alright mother. Enough. I doubt Granger will let me anywhere near our son after the way I've always treated her.' He replied, solemnly. 'She promised to tell him but it will be up to Leo if he wants to know his dad or not.' He rubbed his hands over his eyes. There was no saying whether the guy had any interest in meeting him. He had Granger as a mother. Of course, he'd always have what he needed. Strong male role models were surrounding the pair. Potter was the head auror at twenty-two. Weasley had secured a job as quidditch master at Hogwarts. Although, he wasn't sure that Weasley would count as a role model. But definitely Potter.

'Nonsense dear. She let's Pansy, Blaise, Theo and Daphne around him, so why not you too?' Narcissa replied and continued to read the paper.

He frowned. What did Theo, Daphne and Blaise have to do with it? He was annoyed at Grace for not keeping him more informed.

'What did you just say?' he asked her. She peered over the top of the newspaper, clearly amused by his lack of knowledge of the past few years.

'Theo and Daphne Nott have a son named Andrew who is friend's with your son and goes to the same school dear. Pansy is his teacher and Blaise is Pansy's boyfriend.' She said succinctly.

'Theo and Daphne got married? And their son is friend's with my son?' He questioned.

'Yes, do try and keep up Draco.' She replied. 'I actually went to their wedding. Quite a lovely affair actually. Merely six months out of the war and then little Andrew came along not too long after.'

He would murder (figuratively speaking) Grace later for leaving out these major details.

'Come to think of it, the annual Malfoy Estate dinner is coming up. If Miss Granger is indeed the mother of your child, I must insist that I meet her properly and apologise for the horrible way she was treated whilst she was here last.' She continued. 'I'll get Ulysses to send an invitation right away.' She went to call for her owl, but Draco stopped her.

'Mother. Granger might not take too kindly to being invited back here. Perhaps I should send her the invitation?' He suggested.

'Oh, if you insist, dear. Here.' She summoned an invitation with her wand and handed it to him. 'Please do let her know that she is welcome here. My sister and husband may have had a vile nature towards her status but I do not.' She then went back to reading the paper and dismissed him from her chambers.

He left her chamber and went straight to his father's old study. He sighed. No matter how much of a bastard his father had been in his life, he still missed him. He was the one who had taught him how to ride a broom. He had been three years old and out in one of many fields that their estate owned. They had spent hours going over every single thing, getting his technique right. It helped that he had been such a quick learner. From there, he had taken him to countless quidditch matches and had sat and outlined every single play to him. Draco had been so enthralled by the fast pace of the game that it had him hooked for life. His father had been so stringent in the principle for following your passions that when he was old enough, he had insisted they try Draco out for being seeker despite the entirety of the school believing he bought his way into the Slytherin team using the Nimbus 2001's. However, those brooms had just been a bonus.

His father had also got him into potion making and bought him a chemistry set when he was just four years old. Noticing his obvious liking of the subject, he enlisted the help of his god-father, Severus Snape, to foster his brewing talent. He remembered the last words his father ever said to him.

'If we ever get out of this mess son, I want you to follow your dream of becoming a potions master. It's what Severus would've wanted.'

Little did he know at the time, his father was also ailing from sickness and would pass away not even a year later. Sure, Lucius had gotten them into the absolute worst mess they could've gotten to, he still knew that wasn't all that bad and he had actually given some good advice in his time. Perhaps he should follow his final words of wisdom now that he was back in the real world. He was done taking down criminals. That was a job worthy of Potter and his crew. Not really his style. Besides, he would much rather be around to see his son grow up. If he were granted permission to do so. He decided to pen a letter to McGonagall. He had heard along the way that she was the headmistress at Hogwarts now. Perhaps, the potions master position would be available. Slughorn would surely be looking to retire any day now. If not, he was sure there would be another position for him. He was proficient in pretty much any subject. Sitting at the old Victorian oak desk, he picked up a quill, some ink and a piece of parchment.

Dear Headmistress McGonagall,
I'm writing to express my interest in a teaching position at Hogwarts. The news of my return will be plastered all over the papers tomorrow so I will not bore you with the details at this moment. However, I do ask that once you find out the circumstances of my disappearance that you may consider me for the potions master or any other position you may have available. If you take a look at my OWLS results you will see that I gained the second highest ranking in my year. Unfortunately, I did not complete my NEWTS but circumstances did prevent me from doing so. If I do require such levels, I'll be happy to sit those exams for you. I understand that you may have your reservations about me, but I assure you I am not the man you saw during the war. I was frightened and deluded to fulfill my father's wishes and do not wish to be associated with them in anyway anymore. I hope this letter finds you well and you are able to consider me.
Kind regards,
Draco Malfoy

There. That will do it. He sealed the letter with the Malfoy crest and placed it to one side. Picking up the invitation, he sighed. He wasn't sure what to do about Granger. Their past was horrible to say the least. Sure, he had long since released any idea that she was inferior to him. The punch straight to his face was enough evidence to account for that. However, he had been forced into a situation where he had to make it seem like the opposite. But then he had to go and get drunk and sleep with the woman, getting her pregnant. He hadn't really accounted for that when he left for Yaxley's co-operative the next day. Granger had left long before he could have realised that they hadn't used contraception and they had been too inebriated during and just after to enforce it. He wasn't even sure what the implications of his departure had made on Granger. Had she struggled without a father figure for Leo?

Of course not, he reminded himself.

Stop asking stupid questions.

This is Granger we are talking about.

The woman was as headstrong as steel.

He just hoped that within time, they could reconcile their differences enough to raise their boy together. He hadn't really considered how they would go about this just yet. Perhaps he should just wait until Leo made the decision himself and then talk to Granger in a logical manner. Nodding to himself, he took the quill and another piece of parchment, penned a letter to go along with the invitation and sealed them in an envelope. Then, taking the letters to the window, he whistled for Ulysses. He came swooping in the window a minute later. Once he gave the owl directions, Draco watched him as he flew off. As Ulysses disappeared over the horizon, he felt a sentimental feeling rush over him. Settling down into the window seat, he wondered what life was yet to bring for him.

Here is chapter 3. Next chapter, we finally meet Grace. Hehehe. This is going to be fun. Hope y'all are staying safe.

Until next time, Zozo :)