16. I Bet My Life- Imagine Dragons
June 6, 2000
Hermione had risen with the dawn. She had washed up the dishes that she had been too exhausted to finish after Kaida's party. She had cleaned the house top to bottom. And then she had started slugging through the mountain of work she had brought home with her. Her vision had started to blur, the ink on the parchment all running together so that the words looked like illegible blobs. She sighed, rubbed her tired eyes and started to read from the top for the 7th time.
A knock at the door ended her misery temporarily. She padded into the foyer and peered through the peep hole. She swung the door wide. "I didn't know you were coming so early! I would have made breakfast."
"Don't be ridiculous, sweet." Jean said, kissing her cheek as she passed.
Her father planted a kiss on her head. "You don't have to do anything special on our account. Is Kaida still sleeping?" He asked as he shut the door behind him.
"She is. The party wore her out. What's wrong?" Hermione demanded, sensing a charge in the air.
"Nothing is wrong, Hermione, but we would like to talk with you." Robert said.
"I'll... I'll put on a pot of tea." Hermione said, her stomach clenching with anxiety as they all made their way into the kitchen. She hated the 'we need to talk' line. Just spit it out, nice and straight forward.
She started the kettle and sat down at the breakfast bar with her parents.
No one said anything for several loaded seconds and Hermione immediately thought the worst. "Are one of you sick?" She burst out. "Or are you getting a divorce? Oh Godric, you can't get a dicorce. If you divorce then there's no hope for anyone. Especially me-"
"-Easy! Hermione, stop. We're not sick and we're not getting a divorce." Her father chuckled.
"It's good news." Her mother said. "Or, at least we think so."
Hermione looked from one to the other, waiting patiently for them to explain.
"We're moving back!" Her mom squealed.
Hermione's mouth fell open in shock and then there were happy tears spilling down her cheeks. She flung herself into her mother's arms.
"Oh, don't cry love."
"I'm- just so- happy-" She sniffled. "I miss you both so much. But what about your practice?"
"We're retiring. We have enough money put back for us to live comfortably. We just can't stand to be so far away from you and Kaida. We want to be here to help you. We want to be able to watch her grow up. We've missed so much in just a year and we can't bear to miss another moment."
Hermione took deep breaths until her sobs subsided shakily into sniffles. A thought suddenly occurred to her. "The house. You'll need the house back. I'll need to start looking for an apartment right away. I wonder if there are any available in Harry and Ginny's building-"
"Of course not, Hermione. This is your house. We gifted it to you. No refunds." Jean said vehemently.
"And we definitely don't want to push you farther away from the real world-"
"Robert!" Jean hissed.
"Well, Jean, it's true. Being a witch is one thing, but letting it totally consume one's life is another. Think of Kaida. What if she's not... What if she doesn't have your abilities, Hermione?"
"She will," Hermione protested, suprised at the sudden turn in the conversation. Her parents had been nothing but supportive ever since her letter had arrived. She couldn't imagine what would have caused her father to step up on this metaphorical soapbox.
"Suppose she doesn't?" Robert asked. Seeing the stubborn set of Hermione's jaw he continued, "Humor me."
Hermione sighed. "Suppose she doesn't then, Dad. What of it?"
"Don't you think it would be a good idea for her to be exposed to a more normal life. How will she feel knowing that she's different?"
"What your father is trying and failing to communicate, Hermione, is- What would it hurt to expose Kaida to a... muggle, is that right? A muggle lifestyle as well as a magical one."
"We live in a muggle neighborhood. We shop for groceries and other supplies in muggle London. I read her muggle bedtime stories. I feel like I'm doing a fair job of subjecting her to both cultures." Hermione said defensively. She was doing the best she could. No one had given her a manual, though she had read every wizarding and muggle baby book alike. It wasn't an exact science, parenting.
"And that's all well and good. But has Kaida ever ridden in a car? Been to the zoo? Are you planning on enrolling her in nursery? Or will you shelter her away until she shows a spark of magic then send her off to boarding school?"
"Where is this coming from?" Hermione demanded, her temper rising.
"I'm only saying, you're not even sure who her father is. There's nothing to say he was a wizard. He could be normal."
Hermione scoffed. "If he had been 'normal' then my memory wouldn't have been wiped. But you're right, Dad. I'll think about nursery. As for cars, I'm far more content with my own weirdo modes of transportation."
"Hermione-" Robert started, an appeasing tone to his voice.
"-I'm done talking about it just now, Dad. We can pick it up another time." The tea kettle began to whistle and Hermione heard a shriek followed by a giggle from the upper floor.
"Would one of you mind fetching her? I don't think she quite has the hang of apparition yet." Hermione said over her shoulder as she moved the pot off of the stove eye. Her parents exchanged a quick glance and her father left the room to retrieve Kaida.
"Hermione..." Jean started, moving to lay a hand on Hermione's arm.
"I'd rather we didn't just now, Mom. Please."
"He doesn't mean any-"
"Mom. Please. Can we just talk about something else? Anything else." Hermione pleaded, pouring tea into their cups.
Her mother sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Of course. Of course, you're right." They sat in silence for a few short moments. "Do you remember our old friends, the Michaelson's?"
Hermione nodded. "I used to play with their son when you all had dinner parties. Oh, what was his name?"
"Patrick," Jean supplied.
"Yes, that's it. Patrick. Why do you ask?"
Her mother cleared her throat. "Well, I've kept in touch with Cynthia and I let her know we were back. She's invited us to dinner this coming Friday at six."
"Us as in...?"
"As in your yourself, your father and I. Do you think you could make that work? I know you stay so busy with your job, but it would be nice for you to get out of the house for a bit, hm?"
Hermione mulled it over, chewing her lip as she stirred her tea. "I'll have to see if anyone is available to keep Kaida..."
"Lovely."
Draco frowned into the potion he was brewing. It was supposed to be a vibrant green, but instead he was left with a toxic smelling liquid that was a light turquoise. "Argh," he groaned, vanishing the contents and running a hand through his already disheveled locks. A knock sounded at the door.
"Yes, what?" He snapped, starting once more to gather the ingredients that he needed.
"Hey," Theo said, poking his head around the door. "You busy?"
Draco shrugged, not looking up from where his nimble fingers were carefully slicing a mandrake leaf.
"How was the rest of the party?" Theo asked, moving around to the table beside Draco and heaving himself up onto its surface.
"Fine." Draco said quickly, adding a few lacewing flies to his brew.
"Look mate, I'm sorry for what I said. I'd had too much to drink and I wasn't thinking clearly. I'm just worried. For you and for the kid."
" 'S fine, Theo. You know what they say: drunk words, sober thoughts and what not. In any case, you were right. Even if you communicated your opinion like a fucking prick."
Theo grinned a bit. "Well, I learned from the best didn't I?"
"I don't know what you're implying. I'm a gentleman."
Theo snorted. "Yes, and I'm Minister for Magic." He paused, and Draco could tell he was trying to tread lightly in lieu of the previous night's row.
"Spit it out, Theo, whatever it is."
"I just wondered what you had decided."
"I'm going to tell her."
Theo nodded, seemingly appeased. "What about Astoria?"
"I don't know." Draco admitted. He had no idea what would happen when he came clean about the whole situation.
"So, when?" Theo asked as he fiddled with the edge of his robes.
Draco frowned. "I- See that's the hard part. Granger doesn't trust me. Or if she does, then not well enough. I'm just Draco Malfoy, the boy who tormented her throughout school. The man who might have changed enough for her to trust, but she hasn't had the time to get to know me enough to do so."
"Draco, I see where you're going with this and I just have to say that for the record, I think it's a bad idea. Terrible really."
"I just need time, Theo. She would never forgive the Draco that I am now to her. I would never see my daughter again. But if she knew me better... If I proved to her that I can be good," the word tasted funny as it passed his lips, "Well, she might forgive that version of me. She might allow me to be a part of Kaida's life."
Theo sighed. "It's crazy, but hey. I reckon you've pulled off crazier."
They sat in silence for a while, Draco working on the draught and Theo fiddling around with any thing he could to keep his hands busy.
"Hey," Theo said, "So who does she think is the father any way?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I mean obviously she isn't Weasley's and they aren't together anymore, so I just wonder who Granger thinks is Kaida's dad."
Draco frowned. It had occurred to him, of course, that Hermione probably believed Kaida was someone else's child. He had even tried to ask about it, but she had changed the subject. They must not be in contact, Draco thought, or he would have been at the birthday party.
"Maybe I'll find out."
"You probably should." Theo agreed.
June 9, 2000
Hermione was seriously regretting her decision to attend this dinner. She had rushed home from work, hastily changed out of her robes and into something muggle worthy and combed her hair into a passable bun.
Kaida sat in the floor playing contentedly with a brush and some hair pins. Hermione had realised quickly that most of the toys she bought went untouched in favor of whatever interesting thing Kaida could find laying about the house. "Aunt Ginny will be here soon." Hermione told her. Kaida squealed and clapped her hands. "Nee Nee," She singsonged as she got to her feet and toddled out of the room.
Hermione gave her reflection a quick look and sighed before following Kaida. It was as good as she could pull together in such a short time frame. Kaida was standing on the landing, blocked by the baby gate Hermione had had installed at the top of the stairs as soon as Kaida was able to crawl to prevent tumbles. Hermione shuddered. It gave her chills to think about.
"Hellooo?" Ginny called from the living room. "Where's my favorite niece?"
Hermione scooped Kaida up and apparated into the living room to save time. "Ginny, you can't say things like that now that you have more than one niece." Hermione scolded. Ginny shrugged and grinned as she took Kaida in her arms, enveloping her in a big hug.
"Are you sure you don't mind watching her?" Hermione asked, wringing her hands together. "I can cancel."
Ginny snorted. "You're just trying to get out of it."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Ginevra, I'm offended. I would never. How do I look?"
Ginny grimaced. "Like you're having dinner with your parents."
"Well, I am." Hermione said defensively.
"Well you don't have to dress like it. Didn't you say the family has a son who's our age?"
Hermione laughed. "He's a couple of years older and I don't think for a moment he'd be interested in what I'm wearing."
"Why? Is he gay?"
Hermione frowned, "No. He's just never been interested."
"How do you know? Did you fancy him?"
"No!" Hermione scoffed, "... Okay, maybe I did once. But he never returned the sentiment."
"That was years ago," Ginny protested.
"Yes, and now I'm a witch. I can't be myself around him, so there would be no point-"
The doorbell rang, interrupting her ramblings. "That'll be my parents."
"Go ahead. Kaida and I will be fine."
"Love you, baby," Hermione said leaning over to kiss the top of Kaida's head before hurrying to open the door.
She hadn't paused to check the peep hole and she stopped short as the door swung inward.
"Draco? What are you doing here?"
He stood, framed by the glow of the sinking sun on her front stoop. The scene reminiscent of a painting of a Greek god. A Greek god wearing designer wizarding robes, but still.
"Dropping off a late birthday gift for Kaida. I should have owled. Why do you look like a librarian? And not a Wicked Witch sexy librarian, like a Madam Pince old bag lady librarian."
Hermione's face flooded with heat and she smoothed down her skirt, clearing her throat. "I'm having dinner with my parents and some family friends." She refused to meet his eyes, choosing instead to hover over his general face area. It suprised her how much his criticism bothered her. It wasn't like it was out of character for him to be rude to her. He had berated her their entire childhood. But lately the tide had changed. She liked the new Draco that she was coming to know. So the dig stung more than it would have before.
She finally brought her gaze to his and he arched an eyebrow. "Well? Are you going to invite me in or should I put on a show for the muggles?" His wand slid from his sleeve into his waiting hand.
"Don't threaten me from my own porch," Hermione scolded. "Come in, then. My parents are late anyway."
He stepped around her into the foyer and she pushed the door shut. "Kaida," Hermione called into the sitting room. "There's someone here to see you love."
Hermione gestured toward the sitting room and Draco traipsed ahead of her as if he owned the place. Ginny's eyes widened in suprise and then narrowed slightly as she took in the sight of him.
"What are you doing here?" Kaida perched beside her on the couch and she grinned up at Draco with a small wave.
"I'm studying weasels in their natural habitat, and I heard there was one in the area."
"Piss off," She scoffed.
"I have a present for you, Kaida." Draco said, grinning like a cat who had stolen cream.
"Pwesent!" Kaida squealed, smacking her chubby palms together.
"Close your eyes." Draco instructed, moving around the couch and wedging himself between the toddler and a very disgruntled Ginny.
Kaida complied but Hermione had to press a hand to her mouth to keep from giggling at the way the girl was peeking between her fingers.
"No peeking," Draco scolded.
Kaida pressed her fingers firmly back together. Draco waved a hand in front of her shielded eyes and when he was confident that she was cooperating, he reached inside his robes.
"Draco," Hermione hissed as he pulled out a small ball of black fur. But it was too late. Kaida's curiosity had gotten the best of her and she squealed with delight as she reached out and snatched the kitten from his obliging hands.
"Kittyyy," She squealed happily, clutching it to her chest so tightly that Hermione thought for sure it would suffocate. Draco looked entirely too pleased with himself.
"Why couldn't you get her a doll?" Hermione groaned. "Why?"
"I didn't see your terror of a cat around when I was here the last time. I figured the ancient git had finally croaked. So, I thought a nice, normal, non-hideous kitten would be a good thing."
"Crookshanks was a fabulous cat. I was crushed when he passed." Hermione snapped, folding her arms stubbornly across her chest.
"He was a nightmare. Do you realise how many times I was almost gutted by the beast at school? I was more worried about walking down a shadow lined corridor than I was to go into the forest. He would lurk and stalk until he found his perfect opportunity and then he would pounce, dragging those steel talons down any orafice he could find purchase on."
"You're lying," Hermione said, torn between wanting to cry and wanting to laugh.
"I swear to Salazar. I have the scars to prove it."
"Let's see them then."
"They're emotional scars, Granger. He cut me deep."
Hermione shook with laughter and Ginny snorted.
"You are so full of yourself, Malfoy." Ginny said shaking her head and reaching out to stroke the kitten Kaida was still holding hostage.
The phone rang and Hermione hurried into the kitchen to answer it. "What the bloody hell is that?" She heard Draco exclaim and she lost it again. Ginny laughed and began to explain the concept of a telephone. She reminded Hermione of Arthur in that moment. Hermione picked up the receiver, twirling the cord around her finger.
"Hello?"
"Hermione, dear."
"Oh, hi Mum. Where are you?" Hermione frowned and cocked her head to the side, pinning the phone to her shoulder so that she could have a hand free to rummage in the cabinet.
"Well, we aren't going to be able to make it tonight after all. We've rescheduled for next week. Does that work for you?" Hermione considered as she pushed aside the items in her cupboards. She should just tell her mother that she didn't want to have dinner with the Michaelson's.
"Um, sure. Next week is fine."
"Lovely. We'll talk to you soon."
"Bye Mum." Hermione slid the phone down off of her shoulder and placed it back on the hook. She finally found a few cans of cat food it the far back of the last cupboard. She opened a can, pulled a small saucer out of the dish drainer and ladled the food out onto it before carrying it into the living room. She set the saucer on the floor.
"Here Kaida, let the kitty have some food." Hermione said gently.
Kaida pursed her little lips considering then slid off of the couch with her new friend in tow. She sat down in the floor before the saucer and looked from it to the kitten as if trying to decide if she would be able to maintain a good hold on him while he ate. After a few long moments she unceremoniously plopped the kitten into the plate of food and scooted down onto her belly to watch as he lapped away at the gruel.
"That was my mum. Dinner is cancelled, so you won't have to baby sit Gin."
"She caught wind of your outfit and immediately changed her mind," Draco smirked. Ginny smacked his arm with the back of her hand. "Totally looks like she was going to dinner with her parents, doesn't she? I tried to tell her."
"Neither of you need be here, so go talk behind my back like normal friends."
"We're not the 'normal' friends who talk about you behind your back, we're the good friends that give it to you straight." Ginny shrugged.
"Yes, well. Perhaps I'll trade you in for Lavender Brown."
Ginny gasped and clutched her chest dramatically. "You take that back."
"Say I don't look like a bag lady."
Ginny hesitated and Hermione glared at her. "Well, do you really want a liar for a best friend?"
"Yes," Hermione pouted. Ginny sighed and rolled her eyes. "Fine," she said reluctantly, "You don't look like a bag lady."
Hermione turned pointedly to Draco and waited. His eyes widened and he gestured to himself. "You want me to lie to you?"
Hermione shrugged and she felt herself pale under his gaze, her confidence in the moment waning.
Draco smirked and stage whispered, "I could tell you prettier lies than that, Granger." Her cheeks pinked and her insides squirmed. "But I haven't got the time," he said, striding over to where Kaida sat holding the poor kitten by his tail. "Goodbye little love. Take good care of the kitty, hm?"
Kaida grinned at him and he stood. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm late for a fitting. I have to be measured for my funeral- er, wedding robes." Ginny snorted.
"I'll walk you out." Hermione said.
Draco followed her into the foyer and she held the door open for him. "App-"
"Apparate in the alley. Yes, I've gotten the gist of muggle living. Supress anything fun. Wear dowdy clothes. Etcetera, etcetera."
Hermione glared at him. "I do not supress fun and there's nothing wrong with the way I dress!"
"You work all the time. When was the last time you went out?"
"I-" Hermione frowned as she thought about it. "Define 'out'?"
"Out as in: had a few drinks, had a little fun, let your hair down."
"Erm... like a year and nine months ago." Hermione said, her cheeks flushing with her embarrassment.
Draco raised a blond brow in suprise. "You haven't been out since you got pregnant with Kaida?"
"No."
"No?"
"No!" Hermione snapped growing agitated.
Draco seemed to consider this. "Come have a drink with me."
Hermione was completely caught off guard. "You've just said you're late for a fitting," she protested.
Draco scoffed, "I do believe I also mentioned my funeral in the same breath. I can postpone."
"What about Kaida?"
"Weaslette can watch her for an hour. She's already here."
"I don't know..." Hermione chewed her bottom lip and swore she saw Draco's eyes darken.
"Come on, Granger, live a little."
Hermione sighed. "One drink, IF Ginny doesn't mind."
"Oh, conditions. Excellent. I have one."
"Let's hear it."
"Change your bloody clothes. I'm not going anywhere with you looking like that."
Hermione's hackles rose. "I'll go like this or not at all. My other friends don't mind the way I dress."
"Weaslette does."
"Draco."
"Fine," he threw up his hands. "Wear the ruddy potato sack."