Chapter 4

(Draco POV)

He sat in his father's office and listened to the radio; the place had quickly become his sanctuary in the past twelve hours. The Wizarding Wireless Network (WWN) had just moved to its regular program, The Witching Hour and Celestina Warbeck was belting out another one of her soulful tunes. He groaned in disgust; he didn't care for the woman's music but didn't bother turning the radio off. There was nothing better to do at the moment anyway. He fiddled with the paperweight on the desk as he awaited the arrival of the Daily Prophet. To say he was nervous was an understatement. He had been in hiding for three years, nearing on four and the wizarding world presumed him dead. To suddenly find that he had been on an undercover mission all that time was bound to stir up some juicy gossip. Especially a mission to help bring down those that he once had associated with.

He was actually quite surprised by the lack of reporters that had tried to get an interview off him, but perhaps that was because of the manor's high security perimeter. They wouldn't get within a kilometre of the house, he had to remind himself. He hadn't yet dared to leave the manor, knowing that if he did, he would be hounded by them.

A tap on the window suddenly made him look up. Ulysses had returned, the prophet and a letter in tow. He untied the paper and the letter, fed the bird a treat and retreated back to the desk. He turned to the letter first, hoping it would be a reply from Hermione. When he saw the Hogwarts seal though, he was mildly disappointed. Sighing in frustration, he thought he'd may as well get it over and done with, so he broke the seal and opened the letter.

Dear Mr. Malfoy,
I was surprised to receive your letter and I waited until I read the prophet to reply. I won't elaborate but excellent work Draco. Now about the teaching position. I regret to inform you there are no current openings available at this time. However, I do encourage you to complete your NEWTS and reapply at the end of the year. I do believe Professor Slughorn will be retiring at the end of the year and would happily allow you to take over his role.

In the meantime, Professor Longbottom has just informed me that a potions company that he has been supplying mandrakes to is currently looking for a potion researcher. I have attached a copy of the job description in this letter if you do wish to apply. However, the job does require your NEWTS. Please let me know asap if you do wish to apply. I will contact the head of office to make arrangements for you to take your NEWTS as early as possible, so you will be able to be considered fairly.

Sincerely,
Headmistress Minerva McGonagall

He took the second piece of paper with all the job description details written on it and grazed over it.

Botanika Blends Pty Ltd
45-73 Nostrum Boulevarde
Kingston Upon Thames, United Kingdom

Potions Researcher

An opportunity for a proficient potions maker to be involved in some ground-breaking research into potions to help humanity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
- Travelling to various countries to assist in identifying problems that exist amongst wizarding communities
-Finding potion solutions to these problems
-Distributing these potions on a commercial scale
-Flexible hours with excellent pay + company broomstick + holiday bonus

Candidate must have achieved:
NEWT level Potions (Outstanding)
NEWT level Herbology (Outstanding)
NEWT level Charms (Exceeds Expectations)
NEWT level Defence Against the Dark Arts (Exceeds Expectations)

Candidate must possess:
Willingness to travel
Strong communicative skills
Strong ability to work independently and within a team
Strong work ethic and determination
A full health record and a passed physical examination

Contact office to organise an interview

Draco was intrigued by this job. Of course, he didn't need to work as he had all the money he required, but he needed something to keep his mind alive. If the job he wanted at Hogwarts wasn't available, perhaps he could do this one. Although, would it take him away from his son?

Who was he kidding? His son probably wanted nothing to do with him anyway if Granger had anything to do with it. Seriously, if the woman hadn't had so much bravery, she could've made a great Slytherin. So much ambition and resourcefulness. Although being a muggleborn was another thing that sent her to the house of brave. Shaking her out of his mind, he picked up a quill and some more parchment and penned his interest in the job back to McGonagall. He sealed it with the Malfoy crest before sending a very annoyed Ulysses back out the window.

He turned his attention back to the paper and anxiety rushed over him again. He swallowed and unwrapped it, groaning when he did. He had made front page news. Again.

MALFOY HEIR RETURNS FROM DEAD: TESTIFIES AGAINST YAXLEY
E. Limus
More on page 7

Underneath was a photo of him in the courtroom giving his testament to Granger. He wasn't even aware there had been cameras in that courtroom. Shrugging, he turned to page seven and began to read.

MALFOY HEIR RETURNS FROM DEAD: TESTIFIES AGAINST YAXLEY

In a strange turn of events, Draco Malfoy, son of the highly prolific Narcissa Malfoy and the late Lucius Malfoy, who was presumed dead, returned from his apparent demise to testify in court yesterday morning. It was revealed that the Malfoy heir had indeed been undercover for nearly three years within the highly coveted Yaxley Co-Operative, led by the elusive Corban Yaxley. He had been gathering extensive evidence to convict the felon and his associates. Mr. Malfoy, under the influence of Veritaserum, had relayed all the information he gathered on the co-operative's whereabouts, members and crimes to head auror, Harry Potter, the night previous. Dragging the co-operative into custody, Yaxley was put to trial the following morning by Deputy Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Hermione Granger. Miss Granger, after a brief moment of hesitation in the middle of her verdict and the help from Mr. Malfoy, was able to condemn the man to the Dementor's Kiss.

The article continued straight into another one underneath.

GRANGER MALFOY SECRET LOVE CHILD

However, in even more shocking news, it was revealed that the father of Miss Granger's son, Leo, is none other than Mr. Draco Malfoy. Miss Granger has always remained silent about the true parentage of her one and only son, admitting that the man had died in an act of humanity. Had Miss Granger been aware of Mr. Malfoy's whereabouts all these years? It appeared not as he confronted her on the issue of their son straight after the trial. Mr. Malfoy appeared to have her overwhelmed to the point where she was hyperventilating. Miss Granger at first denied the fact but when pressured further, revealed under bated breath, that the boy's name was indeed Leo Alexander Granger-Malfoy. An event which promptly caused her to faint into Mr. Malfoy's arms. He and Mr. Potter apparated her out of the courtroom immediately and thus we were unable to find out more.

It has previously been reported that Miss Granger's and Mr. Malfoy's past is full of hostility, so the news of a secret love child between the pair is truly shocking. Perhaps there is a fine line between love and hate after all?

Neither Miss Granger nor Mr. Malfoy have been available to comment more on the matter at this point of time, but I assure you fellow lovers of love, this will be a story to follow in the coming weeks.

He threw the paper straight in the bin. Bloody reporters couldn't stay out of everyone's business. Although, he didn't exactly make the announcement discrete. He wondered how Granger would take the story though. He knew she hated reporters with a passion. The gossip they wrote about her and Potter during their fourth year had set that rocket off. Hopefully she was used to the media attention by now. Being friends with Saint Potter, you had to be.

But perhaps he should visit her at work. Make sure everyone was handling the news alright. Making up his mind to see Granger, he disapparated to his favourite coffee shop to pick up two coffees on his way to the ministry. Scratch that, he would get three; one for Grace as well.

He walked into the shop completely unsure of what Granger would like. Perhaps, he should just play it safe with a straight black coffee. That way she could alter it anyway that she liked when he gave it to her. Hmm, he would have to get Granger's usual coffee order off Grace later. The line was unusually long today and he sighed in frustration. Perhaps it was the wet weather that made everyone want a coffee. He tapped his foot as he waited. He had wanted to get to the ministry before it got too busy, but there was slim to no chance of that now.

About fifteen minutes later, he reached the front of the line.

'Ah Jacob. Sorry for the wait. We've been unusually busy today. Just the usual?' Clarice Reynolds, the barista said as she was already punching in his order. Jacob. His undercover name felt so unfamiliar. He had only picked it out so any wizards around wouldn't have picked him out of the crowd. Luckily, the place nearly never had the tell-tale signs of a wizard's presence, so he probably needn't have worried.

Clarice Reynolds was a forty-something year old woman who owned the coffee shop with her partner, Patrick. The two had emigrated from Ireland in the early nineties and established their business in the heart of London. It was a successful store, popular amongst customers looking for a comfy ambient atmosphere to enjoy their morning or afternoon caffeine dose.

'Actually, I'd like to add two coffees on top of that this morning. A cinnamon latte and a straight black please.' He replied.

'Ah, important business meeting this morning?' Clarice asked as she went over to the machine to start brewing the coffees.

'You could say that.' He rubbed his face and sighed.

'What is it that you do exactly? You never said.' The woman asked. Honestly, he had no idea what kind of job 'Jacob' did, so he said the first thing that came to mind. He hadn't needed a complete story for his fake identity before.

'Um. I'm an investment banker.' He chuckled. Absolutely not.

'I see. What company?' She continued to try and pry the information out of him. He suddenly got annoyed. He didn't like people who pried too much.

'Why all the sudden questions?' He threw back at the woman. Not once had she been remotely interested in what he did the other times he had come in.

'I make it a thing to know my regulars, Jacob.' She said, contemplatively. 'But if conversation deters you, I won't intrude anymore.' She placed all three coffees in front of him. 'That will be seven pounds thanks.'

He paid the woman. He supposed he should keep the charade going. 'It's not a problem, just seemed a little strange. Oh, by the way, I work for the Royal Bank of Scotland.' He said, picked up the coffees and left the store. Turning right, he walked down the street towards the visitor's entrance of the ministry. He hadn't ever used it before but thought that it might be a good opportunity or his only opportunity.

The old red telephone box situated in front of a heavily graffitied wall was nearby in a nearly deserted street. Grace had once told him, that all they had to do is pick up the receiver, dial 6-2-4-4-2, state his name and his business and it would take him down into the ministry. Apparently, he would have to sign in at the security desk and wear a badge with his name on it, but he honestly didn't care right now. All he wanted was to see Granger. He swallowed hard at the bile that formed in his throat. Never in his wildest dreams would he be saying that.

He stepped into the box, picked up the receiver and dialled the number. An older woman's voice answered the phone.

'Hello, Ministry Service Desk, how may I help you?' She asked.

'Hi, Draco Malfoy, here to see Grace Pearson.' He said, clearly into the phone.

'I'm sorry. Did you say, Draco Malfoy?' She stumbled on her words. 'That's impossible.'

'Read the papers, now are you going to let me in or not?' He was getting frustrated by the cramped box and the fussing on the other end of the line. There was silence for a moment before she was back.

'Oh yes, of course, Mr. Malfoy. Right away.' He hung up the phone and the box started moving down into the ministry. He could already see people scattered around the atrium and he instantly felt anxious. Did he make the right decision to come here today when his name was plastered over the news? He gulped.

Well it was too late for that now Draco.

The box reached the bottom and a silver name tag popped out of the coin return. Taking it, he stashed it in his pocket before plastering a brave face. He needed to face this sometime. He stepped out of the box and turned straight towards the security desk.

'Mr. Malfoy?' He looked up as he heard his name, seeing a reporter near the atrium fountain. Oh great. Just what he needed. He picked up his pace. 'Mr. Malfoy! Look everyone, it's Draco Malfoy.'

'Draco, would you please do an interview for Witch Weekly?' Another reporter said as they rushed towards him. He picked up his pace again, almost running and slightly spilling the coffee just as he reached the security desk door. He hurried inside and the door locked behind him.

'Ah. Sorry about that Malfoy.' He turned towards the very familiar Irish accent, to see that Gryffindor. What's his name again? Flannigan or something.

'Seamus Finnegan. We went to school together.' He replied, obviously seeing the confusion on his face. 'Didn't expect you'd remember me though.' The man, Seamus, didn't say anymore and just observed him with a calculated expression. It unnerved him a bit. Attention at this moment was unwanted.

'What's the matter with you?' He frowned. 'I know I came back from the dead, but it's not like you haven't seen me before. I probably look exactly the same.'

'Oh, tis nothing. Just wondering what Hermione sees in you, is all.' The man replied and picked up the sign in sheet for him to sign. Draco felt a little offended. Who was he to judge him? Who was he to judge Herm...Granger's choices? Granted they weren't sober ones, but still. He wasn't the worst looking guy. He knew that. They didn't call him the Slytherin sex god for nothing.

'Can I just sign this? I'd rather not get hounded all day.' Draco said, gruffly.

'Go right ahead and seeing as I'm in a generous mood today, I'll let you use the security stairs to avoid the paparazzi.' The other man replied, pointing to the door behind him. 'Hermione is on level two, right down the end. Can't miss it.'

'Thanks.' Draco passed the man, not sure what to make of him and went down the stairs to level two. It took him a while but he eventually got there. Pushing open the door, he began to walk down the hall towards the end of level two. He got various stares and whispers from the people working around him but he tried to ignore them. He finally spotted Grace at a desk outside the Deputy office and sighed relief. He snuck up behind her.

'One cinnamon latte for one secretary.' He placed the coffee on the table and chuckled as she jumped towards his voice.

'Bloody hell, Draco. You know how to scare a woman to death.' The vivacious, blonde said as she picked up her coffee and sipped it. A moan of appreciation came from her mouth. 'Now that's a coffee. Thank you. What are you doing here? Oh, wait a second. Two more coffees. You're here for Hermione, aren't you?'

'Perceptive as ever, Grace. Yes. Is she here?' He asked, glancing at her door. Grace followed his eyes and smirked. She patted down her pastel blue robes before replying.

'No, you just missed her. Ron just came through here and abused her. So, she went home.' The dragon inside him raged, but he tried to remain calm on the surface. Weasley and his temper. He couldn't keep his mouth shut about anything. He'd kill him if he had laid one finger on her. Because she was the mother of his child, of course. There was absolutely no other reason.

'Oh right. Well, do you know where I can reach her? I need to speak to her.' He asked, turning back to the attractive woman.

'Is that some kind of joke, Draco? Of course, I do. I'm her secretary, remember?' She said, sarcastically and scribbled her address down on some parchment before handing it to him. 'So, you're really a father then. Oh, and with Hermione? I just knew it.' She took a smug sip of her coffee.

'You knew what exactly, Grace?' He asked.

'I knew that you liked her back in school.' She teased. He spat out the coffee, staining the carpet.

'Oh my god, Draco. Did your mother not teach you anything?' She faked the poshest accent she could muster, 'Rule number forty-three in the Book of Socialite Etiquette, when drinking…'

'When drinking a hot beverage, do not spit it out if it is too hot or you hear shocking news, I know, I know. Lord, how many times did we have to be put through that book before we got it right?' He cut her off and pulled out his wand to repair the carpet.

'It must have been at least two dozen times. But what do you expect of a pair of rogue children that only wanted to go on adventures and play quidditch?' She replied. 'But stop changing the subject. I know you liked Hermione during school.'

'I did not.' He sulked.

'Oh really? So, you're telling me that it wasn't a crush that made you come to me and complain saying Granger this, Granger that, all the time whenever she did something or rather…'

'Well I did do that but it wasn't…'

'That you didn't pick out her every flaw and tease the hell out of her because you liked her…'

'No, I…'

'That whenever you saw her and Weasley together you wanted to vomit…'

'Well, come on Grace, you have to admit that was just wrong.'

'That you went on about it for months after she punched you in the face in third year…'

'I wouldn't say months…'

'And you're telling me that it wasn't some deep, unspoken feelings that made you sleep with her the night you knocked her up?'

'No, I was drunk and…'

'You're not convincing me here Draco.' She smirked. He blushed. How in the world did Grace manage to rub him that way? Every, single, god-damn, time. He groaned in frustration and she giggled. 'God, I missed doing that whilst you were away.'

'Well, I haven't.' He mumbled.

'Naw…Drakie Wakie is sulking because Gracie decided to rile him up.' She teased.

'Alright enough. Please don't call me that again. It reminds me of Astoria.' He shuddered and recalled all the times Astoria Greengrass had called him that.

The girl was two years younger than him, but that hadn't stopped the obsessive crush she had on him during school. So much so, that it had been borderline stalkerish. She had always seemed to catch him in a dark corridor or an abandoned classroom or even broom cupboards, strangely. Once she had somehow managed to get him under the mistletoe at Christmas time; a story which he demanded to never be told. If any of the Gryffindors had known, he would not have heard the end of it.

Grace chuckled. 'I know. I know. She's married to Cormac McLaggen now by the way.' He quirked an eyebrow. McLaggen? He supposed he could see it. It didn't matter anyway, she was out of his life and for all it was worth, good riddance.

'Good for her.' He said, bluntly.

'Are you going to take that coffee to Hermione or not?' She asked, picking the coffee out of his hand to take a look at what he had brought her. 'Ugh. Yuck. Straight black. No way.' She took the cup and threw it in the bin.

'Hey. I spent good money on that.' He protested.

'And if you really want Hermione to let you in her son's life, you will get her this.' She scribbled another piece of parchment and handed it to him.

Caramel latte or on bad days: double shot espresso

He took a double take. It was his exact order. Grace smirked again.

'I know. She's more like you than you would seem to think.' She replied. 'Now if you don't mind, Hermione needs me to process these papers and I want to be out of here by lunchtime. So, skedaddle please. Thanks for the coffee. It was a godsend.' Grace sat down to process her papers and all but dismissed him from her desk.

Knowing when he wasn't wanted, Draco made his way back down to the security entrance, barely taking any notice of the murmurs that were erupting amongst the workers. When he reached the door, however, he was stopped by an approaching voice.

'Malfoy. We need to talk. Would you mind stepping into my office?'

He sighed in frustration. Saint Potter. Oh well. He had better comply unless he wanted to be in a world of pain. Granger would have to wait.

'Sure. Why the hell not?' He mumbled and followed Potter into the office where he merely was a day or two ago.

'Take a seat.' Potter said as he sat on the other side of the desk.

'I'm all ears Potter. What is this about?' He asked.

'Hermione is not here.'

'I know that, Potter, that's why I was leaving.' He replied, coldly.

'Ron really upset her.' He tried again.

'So?' He wasn't entirely sure why he was telling him this.

'God damn it, Malfoy. I'm trying to tell you to stay the hell away from her at the moment. She needs time.' The Golden Boy raised his voice.

Draco raised his voice right back. 'Time? If you haven't noticed Potter, I haven't been here for the past three years. I've lost so much time with my son. I'm not going to give up any more precious time just because Granger can't accept our past and move on.'

Potter peered at him through his glasses, his hands resting in a knot on the desk and his unruly mop of hair loping to the sides. His expression was completely unreadable. Draco was a bit concerned that he wasn't able to read the man in front of him. It was a bit unnerving if he were being honest. A moment more and the man cleared his throat and continued.

'So, you're willing to put your past behind you then.' It was more a statement than a question.

'Ah…yes. I would do anything to be in my son's life. I know the way he came into this world wasn't conventional, for lack of a better word per se, but he is a part of me and I at least deserve some right to know him. Granger and I's past is rocky to say the least, but I'm willing to put that behind me for a chance at a new start.'

Potter resigned. 'Alright, Malfoy. I give up. Go and see her. But don't say I didn't warn you. Also, if you hurt either her or Leo, I will not hesitate to maim you and I have the authority to do so now. Hermione is like a sister to me.'

'Duly noted. Now can I please go or was here something else you wanted?' He asked.

The man sat and stared at him for a moment. Draco was sure he was going to say something else so he stayed.

'Why?' He said finally.

'Why what, Potter?'

'Why her?' Potter gestured in a manner to indicate what he meant, obviously not comfortable being in this position. Draco smirked and stared into his eyes. Why not take the opportunity to make Potter as uncomfortable as possible?

'Why? As in, why did I do her Potter? Hmm. Let me think about that. Because I am a perverted stalker who is in love with her and wanted to get her pregnant with my heir so I can have my sick way with him.' Draco watched the look of shock cross Potter's face and his ego cackled with amusement. When the novelty wore off, he continued. 'Don't be daft, I'm just joking. Seriously Potter, I was insecure and incredibly drunk. I was someone that had caused her so much hurt but she still forgave me and allowed me to sit and drink with her. I don't know…I don't know why I'm even telling you this, I don't even like you for Merlin's sake.'

'The feeling is mutual, Malfoy.'

'Answer me this Potter, if you were given a second chance to do something, would you take it?' He asked. Potter gave him an evaluated expression and a small smile.

'That's all I needed to hear Malfoy. Now, I'm late for a meeting. You may go.'

'Ah. Ok.' Draco frowned and got out of his chair. As he walked out of the office after being dismissed for a second time that day, he wondered why Potter had suddenly told him to leave. He shook his head and made his way back to the security entrance. No sense trying to figure out Potter. That was a can of worms he just didn't want to even contemplate opening.

He stopped at the security desk to observe Seamus again. It suddenly all came back to him. The man was responsible for causing various explosions during their time at Hogwarts. The man was even worse at magic than Longbottom had been. No wonder he was now just a security guard.

'Back so soon, Malfoy. I wouldn't be a wee bit surprised if Hermione threw you out.'

'What the hell is that supposed to mean Finnegan? I'd watch your words if I were you.' He warned. He was starting to dislike the man even more now than their first encounter.

'Don't take offence mate. I just meant Hermione has a thing for throwing people out of her office when she's busy.' Seamus stood back as if he were afraid of what he'd might do to him.

'Right. Well the jokes on you. She wasn't there.' Draco sulked. He just wanted to get out of here now.

'Really? I thought I saw her as she walked into the ministry. Perhaps I was mistaken. I tell you, the ole noggin doesn't get a workout much these days.'

Perhaps you should try using it every once in a while. That was what he wanted to say, but he bit his tongue. No need to be a pessimistic arsehole. He signed out and got ready to face the crowd once more.

'Oh, wait a second Malfoy. I can help you out with that.' Finnegan said and pulled out a trench coat and hat from under the desk. 'These might help.'

'Thanks.' He mused and put the coat and hat on. 'I'll send them back with Gra…Hermione when she comes back in.'

'Don't worry. They're lost property. Been here for months. Julie washed them so don't worry about getting germs or anything. But no one is coming back for them anytime soon.' The man patted him on the back and gave him a smile. Ugh Gryffindors.

Then Draco made his way out the security office and across the atrium floor towards the floo network. He had Hermione's address in his hand. Perhaps it will take him straight to her floo. He hoped so. The atrium was quite a bit more crowded than it had been earlier and it was difficult to make his way across it. He hadn't realised where he was stepping and ran straight into none other than Mr. Limus himself.

'I'm sorry, sir.' He mumbled and ducked his head to avoid being caught out. But the action was futile. His characteristically platinum blonde hair could not be hidden beneath the hat as he hadn't had a haircut in a while.

'Mr. Malfoy?' Draco began to run as fast as he could through the crowd whilst being chased down by the reporter. Various other reporters had heard the commotion and were now following suit. This was worse than being chased by Potter. Oh, Great Merlin, he hoped this piece of paper would take him straight to Granger. He really didn't need this right now.

'Out of my way.' He said, sternly to a group of women standing in front of the floo and they obediently moved out of the way for him. With an appreciative nod to the women, he got into the fire and turned back as he was engulfed by the flames to see the reporters reach the floo a moment too late.

He landed in a quaint little townhouse with a modern interior. It was immaculate, with polished hardwood floors and furniture which looked like it had been meticulously placed in it's appropriate position. Books were staked in floor to ceiling shelves to one side of the room. He laughed internally. Well that was just a dead giveaway. There was no doubting this was Granger's house. It was a living room of the sorts. Pale blue lounges stood in the centre of the room with a wooden coffee table in front of it. A plush rug that complemented the tone of the lounge was underneath it. A television was mounted above the brick fireplace and walls were a pastel light blue colour. It was simplistic but stylish. If he was being honest, he actually was impressed by her style and it could've very well rivalled his own mothers. A massive compliment coming from him. He removed the coat and hat and placed them gently on the back of the pale blue couch as he took in his surroundings. It would be a very nice place to raise a child, he agreed.

She suddenly walked into the room with a crystal vase in her hands. Upon seeing him, she squeaked and promptly dropped the vase, causing it to smash on the floor.

'Oh man. Not again. What are you doing here, Draco? You startled me.' She asked as she pulled her wand out to repair the broken vase.

'I often have that effect on women. I know I shouldn't have dropped in; I just came to see if you were ok.' He replied.

She just laughed but there was a tinge of nervousness in her tone. 'Ok? No, I'm not ok.' She placed the vase on the empty top shelf in the bookcase. 'What's it to you?' She turned back to glare at him.

'Don't be like that Granger, please. I'm being serious. You are the mother of my child, it's important that you're ok.' He said calmly. She stood with her hands on her hips and pouted. After a moment, she sighed. After all he was right.

'I'm sorry. It's just been a rough morning. I'll be ok. Please sit. I need to talk to you anyway.' She replied. He did as he was told and sat on the couch, she sat on one of the matching seats.

'There's something you should know about Leo.' She started.

'Go on.' He prompted her, curious as to what she might say.

'He is a child that gets his way no matter what. So, when I told him about you, he wanted to meet you so badly that he threw a tantrum.' She said. He grinned. His son wanted to meet him. He looked at the woman in front of him though. She looked like she wanted to say something else.

'What else do you want to say?' He asked, feeling a little concerned about what she was going to say next. She took a deep breath before she elaborated.

'When I say tantrum. I mean a full-blown, uncontrollable tantrum. The kind that produces accidental magic. Very powerful accidental magic. Enough to harm someone if they get hit by it.' She replied.

'I see. How often does this occur?' That was very troubling information indeed. A child like that would be incredibly hard to control. Accidental magic could occur at any moment.

'Well it used to happen every day but not as often since he started preschool. Yesterday it was twice though.' She explained.

'So, what are you saying?' He was confused as to why she was telling him this now.

'What I'm saying Draco, is that I want…no, I need you to be here when I pick him up from school today.' She said, shakily. He could tell she had struggled to get that out. He couldn't blame her for not trusting him completely. He hadn't given her a reason to trust him. But he finally understood. She needed him here so she could avoid another tantrum. But had she really said today? He wasn't sure he was ready just yet.

'Today? As in you need me here today. Meet him today?' He asked.

'Yes. I can't deal with another temper tantrum this afternoon on top of everything else. Please Draco.' She exclaimed. He couldn't believe it. Was she actually begging him? Just what had happened to her not wanting him to meet him? Not that he was complaining.

'Ok. I'll be here.'

'Thank you, Draco.' She answered. 'Hang on, how did you find me?'

'Uh. Well I stopped by your office…'

'Say no more. Grace.' She sighed and got up. 'Do you want a coffee or something?'

Shit. He forgot that he was going to get her a coffee on the way over here with the hustle from the reporters.

'Uh. No thanks. I already had one. I could step out and get you one if you'd prefer?' He said. This conversation was weird. They were being way to civil and it was just irking him to be in this house right now.

'Oh really? That would be great, I'd die for a…'

'Caramel latte.' They said at the same time.

'How did you know?' She asked, a look of surprise on her face.

'Call it intuition.' He said and slipped into the floo again. He needed a little air. His son actually wanted to meet him and Granger couldn't stop it. It was so exciting. Merlin. He couldn't wait.

He returned to the coffee shop he had merely been at an hour ago. As he walked in the door, Clarice looked up. It looked like a slow time.

'Jacob. Back so soon? I thought you had important investment banking to take care of.' She asked. He smirked.

'I do. I just need another coffee for my business associate.' He supposed he could call Granger his business associate. They were going to raise a kid together.

'Alright, what will it be?' She asked.

'The usual, thanks Clarice.' He answered.

'Your business associate is also a fan of the famous caramel latte.' The woman said as she went about brewing the coffee. 'Would he or she like a blueberry muffin to go with it? Patrick cooked them fresh this morning. I know they're your favourite.'

How could he refuse a tempting offer like that? He assumed Granger hadn't thought to eat either this morning. 'Yes. I'll take two of those muffins as well.'

'Good man.' Patrick said as he came out the back with another tray of freshly baked goods.

He paid for the goodies and went back into the deserted alleyway nearby to apparate back to Hermione's house in Richmond.

He appeared in the kitchen in front of her, startling her again.

'Merlin, Draco. Are you trying to give me a heart attack?' She asked.

'Sorry. Here, I brought sustenance.' He held up the bag and coffee for her to see and she graciously took the coffee and muffin from him.

'Thank you.' She took a sip of her coffee and moaned in appreciation. 'Merlin this is good. Where on earth did you get this?'

'This bakehouse in Central London that I found whilst I was undercover. I'm kind of a regular.' He said, nonchalantly.

'I can see why, this coffee is to die for.' She opened the bag and moaned again. 'How on earth could you have known blueberry muffins are my favourite too?'

He shrugged and dug into his muffin, feeling strange to be sharing a meal with his once enemy. They ate in silence. Once they were done, the awkwardness between the pair hung heavily in the room. He cleared his throat ready to make small talk. He wasn't a complete dud when it came to etiquette.

'So, what happened with Weasley?' Oh shit, he hadn't meant to ask that. It just came out. He was curious to know the answer though. She raised her eyebrows at him and folded her arms across her chest.

'Why do you want to know?' She eyed him suspiciously.

'Just curious is all.' He shrugged.

'Well…he read the paper and came to the office. He wasn't happy. Called me a few choice words that I'd rather not repeat and told me never to speak to him again.' She explained. 'In the heat of the moment, I decided work could be put on hold for today and came home.'

'Very un-Granger-like to skip work. What will the ministry do without your perfect attendance?' He joked, trying to cheer her up.

'Fall apart I'm sure.' She poked her tongue out at him and disposed of their rubbish. 'Anyway, why are you still here? I don't need you to be here until three.' He honestly didn't know why he was still here either.

'I have an idea.' He suddenly thought of something. It was a crazy and potentially irresponsible idea but he honestly couldn't help himself. 'How about you go and get Leo from preschool right now and we'll make a day of it.'

You're going to be seeing a lot more Grace soon. Pansy and Blaise will make a return too. Hope you like it.

Stay safe y'all. Until next time Zozo :)