Review offering insight to the story:
"Wow, that was just, just perfect really. I don't think that any amount of my words of praise and wonder would be able to do this chapter the justice it deserves. It was beautiful, emotional and real and I think that that is exactly what makes this story so great is that you truly capture each moment in the story with perfect ease and there is such an ellagence to the story that makes it just flow, its so easy to read that I could just go on and on for ages as though it were a published book. Draco has always been my favourite character in the Harry Potter series and I think that from the indications in HBP that he isn't as cold hearted as he always appeared to be, well I think that you have captured his personality perfectly. He still has hints of the old Draco but I don't know, I can't really say and give this story and your achievement here as a wonderful writer the credit it deserves. It's wonderful, keep going!" - CrystalizedHeart of FanFiction net.
Thank you to the following reviewers of Interlude One: AnimeKrazy, Avanell, Undershadows, ChaosDragon, quiet-mg, emma, ginsensu, smarty pants 91, yune-chan, Love is Truely Great, Indulgent Writer, LadyAkina, bethygirl94, cemicool, crissybabe101, Hoshi-chan1, Laendra, mskiti (Tabi), heavengirl899, Zarroc, wasu, Caligirl-HPLVR, Marionette, IntuitiveIntelligence and especially laugh.live.learn (Rachel), SeanEmma4Evr, CrystalizedHeart and galloping-goose (Zeus).
Secret Life
Chapter Four
After Malfoy and his daughter left, Harry had allowed himself to explore the house without feeling like an unwanted intruder. His eyes swept over the walls, noticing that there were various awards, certificates, and medals for both Hermione and Malfoy. Hermione for her expansive excellence in being a Healer and her help in broadening the horizons for the Wizarding world. He found himself brimming with pride for her. Still though, to see such incredible accomplishments given to her, completely deserving, was a huge slap in the face all the same. He hadn't been there for those ceremonies, he hadn't acknowledged her or her life at all. He read some of them and felt his heart cringe at such selfishness on his part. Certificates stating honors like, "Dedicated to Hermione Granger, for her vast knowledge and her ability to save the lives of many," or "Awarded to Hermione Granger, Cleverest Witch and Most Trusted Healer. We cannot thank you enough!" He noticed photos that had her shaking hands with the Minister of Magic and holding various potions as if they were the world's most important liquid. She even had a plaque on the wall commemorating her as the most well renowned Healer in all of the Wizarding community.
His eyes roamed to Draco's awards and he found himself rather shocked to see that the former enemy had done great things for the Wizarding world, too. The certificates and medals were for various establishments, saying things like, "Given to Draco Malfoy for his overwhelming belief in the small businesses he has backed over the years..." and "Awarded to Draco Malfoy for his complete financial and public support of the Help for Orphans of War Charity..." Harry spotted medals and pictures showing Draco standing by some of the most lucrative business owners in all of the Wizarding world. He was shown shaking their hands or holding the scissors to a long ribbon that said, "One Year of Success," or "Now Open!" In one picture he was even awarded the Bronzed Wand to the Wizarding World, which Harry had nearly choked at seeing.
He left the wall, feeling bile rise in his throat for being so utterly stupid over the years. He found himself back in the office/library as he scanned the bookshelves, knowing he probably wouldn't find anything, but worried that if he left, he'd find more of their life and hate himself for being so completely daft.
He spotted a couple of books on Malfoy's desk and walked over to them. Sitting down in the leather chair behind the broad desk, he pulled over the long, thick tomes and opened them. He found inside were newspaper clippings for the past seven years and nearly closed it until he read the title, "Highly Sought Bachelor Draco Malfoy, No Longer Single." His eyes eagerly read after that, wanting to know if it was just him, or the entire world had no idea that he and Hermione were together.
"Yours truly, Parvati Patil, had the chance to speak with the charitable War Hero and hard working, small business supporter, Draco Malfoy recently. He was placed in Witch Weekly's 1999's Top Ten Hottest Bachelor edition, placing second only to Harry Potter himself and I had to get the scoop on his love life," he read, finding a frown surfacing. "The interview went as follows:"
"Draco, I'm sure by now you've found out about your place in Witch Weekly's Top Ten, how has your life changed since?" I asked.
Grinning, Draco Malfoy shook his head, sweeping his bangs out of his eyes with a handsome flourish. "While the fine writers of Witch Weekly were very generous in where they placed me, and I'm very flattered by it, I have to say... I always thought I looked better than Potter," he said, laughing lightly. "Actually, I've been getting a lot of... er..." He cleared his throat, his eyes roaming away with a look of amusement, "attention from the lovely witches I've run into lately."
"And has this boosted your love life at all?" I asked. "Certainly as the second hottest bachelor, you must be finding yourself with many a willing witch," I suggested, a smile blooming.
"Well, I can't say my girlfriend has been very happy by the attention," he replied, leaning back with a lifted brow and a smirk. "In fact, I probably shouldn't be on the Bachelor's list; which she loves to point out," he said, nodding.
"Oh!" I exclaimed, eyes widening the size of saucers, folks. "You mean... you're currently in a monogamous relationship?" I asked, feeling the excitement of being the first to know exploding inside of me.
"For a long while now," he replied, nodding. "We've agreed that we don't want our relationship brought out into the public though, so I'm not naming names," he told me firmly. "She has agreed to let it come out that I'm currently dating though. She won't admit she's jealous, but I have a feeling when she waves the spatula's at me and tells me I better not be grinning about the love letter I just received, that she obviously has a problem with it," he said, laughing good-naturedly.
"Oh, but you can't leave all of us now jealous witches in the dark. We have to know! Who is it that caught the infamous Draco Malfoy's heart out from under us?" I asked, excitedly.
Chuckling, he shook his head at me, a smirk adorning his handsome face. "I know better than to reveal my and my girlfriend's private life," he responded,nodding. "I will say that while I'm flattered by the attention I've been receiving, I'm completely faithful to my girlfriend and won't be stepping out of the relationship anytime soon. We've been seeing each other exclusively for nearly two years and are very happy together." He smiled in a rather goofy manner, and I must admit, he was definitely a man in love. "And for the sake of my sanity, I would appreciate it if people would stop sending me their knickers in the post," he added, scratching the back of his neck uncomfortably.
You heard it here first folks, Draco Malfoy is officially off the market! "Well, whoever she is, she's very lucky," I told him, though inside I was shouting 'Bollocks, I lost my chance!' "Now recently you've been working with the 'Young Wizards and Witches of Britain Schooling Fund,' on making sure that the less monetarily endowed students will have money to fall back on so they too can attend Hogwarts for all seven years..."
Harry stopped reading when the topic changed from his once-bushy haired friend and he turned the page to find another newspaper clipping. He read the title, "Draco Malfoy Announces Marriage" and found the date to be nearing the summer of 2000. He wondered where he had been during that time but drew a blank. His eyes moved down, reading the article pasted to the book.
"Recently, yours truly, Parvati Patil, had a chance to catch up with the always handsome Draco Malfoy, perhaps in hopes that he and his unknown girlfriend had broken up, and the rest of us had a chance. Sadly, I was greeted with the complete opposite. Read below for the conversation I was granted with the aristocratic entrepreneur:" Harry found himself rolling his eyes at how Parvati and apparently the majority of witches had a crush on the so-called handsome Malfoy.
'I glanced across from me at the drop dead gorgeous face of Draco Malfoy. He was dressed comfortably in the latest Armani suit, which had me nearly drooling in how it fit him. I won't lie ladies, he's even better looking in person. He grinned at me with his silver eyes shimmering. I felt all words exit me, but he waited patiently. Managing to get my wits about me, I remembered by job and the loyalties I had to my fans, which is far more important than creating a pool of drool while I stared at the man before me.
"Recently, you were asked to play Seeker during the first game of the season for the Montrose Magpies; the most successful Quidditch team in history, winning the British and Irish League thirty-two times," I stated, smiling at his broad grin. "How excited are you by that?"
"Very," he replied, nodding enthusiastically. "They're going up against the Falmouth Falcons, which are a rough team to play. But I think it'll be fun. I haven't had a chance to play in a while, business had been going well, but I don't think a real Quidditch player ever loses his touch," he told me with a wink, smirking easily.
Flustered, I fumbled for a reply, but shook my head of the silliness I was exhibiting. "You were asked to join Puddlemere United after leaving Hogwarts, were you not?" I asked, fanning myself with my question parchment.
"Yes, I was, but I turned it down, instead agreeing to be a campaign supporter and complete work on backing some of the lesser known companies in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade," he informed me, nodding.
"I've also heard that you have placed a lot of support in the Holyhead Harpies, an all-female Quidditch team," I pointed out, smiling.
Smiling, Draco nodded, shrugging. "Yes, my then-girlfriend was a large supporter of it being all-female. She doesn't care much for Quidditch, but she was ecstatic to find that there were no men on the team, ever," he said with a laugh.
"Then-girlfriend?" I asked, and I can't lie; there was a lot of hope in my voice, folks. I was grasping at straws, or really miscalculating his words. Here I was, nearly on the edge of my seat, thanking Merlin that perhaps his secret girlfriend and him just hadn't worked out. Not only would I get an exclusive on his break up and be the first to know, but perhaps I could even convince him for lunch afterwards. That's when my world came crashing down. Merlin hates me, folks.
"Yes," he said, nodding, a grin surfacing. "Recently, she became my wife," he said evenly.
He said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The sky is blue. The grass is green. His girlfriend is now his wife. I nearly had a heart attack. While yes, I didn't have a chance with the most delectable wizard I'd met in ages, I did happen to have the story before anyone else. And so, I let the gossip queen in me latch on to this information and questions tumbled out of me like there was no tomorrow.
"W-wife?" I asked, shocked. Once again, I began to glow with the knowledge that once more I had the information before any other reporter or magazine. "Really? And when did you and she get married? Who is this new Mrs. Malfoy? How do your friends feel? Were your parents there? Is she pureblooded? Who all attended?" I asked in a rush.
He stared at me for a moment, collecting the many questions and slowly taking the time to remember all of the time. "My wife is the same girl I was dating the last time we spoke. We've both agreed that we'd prefer it not to be a public event. In fact, it took a lot of convincing before I was allowed to tell you this much," he said, snickering as he leaned back in his chair.
Smiling, he lifted the cup of steaming tea in his hand and sipped a moderate portion. "We were married recently; it was a secluded ceremony where only our closest friends and family attended. It was actually in the back property of a friend of mine's house. All of my friends were very supportive and happy for us. The consensus was an exasperated, 'Finally'," he told me, laughing.
His smile fell away though as he relayed the next answer. "My parents were not there, no. And if all goes well, my father won't read Witch Weekly," he muttered. "She's not pureblooded," he informed me and I have to admit I gasped. "She's actually a Muggleborn witch," he said, to which I gasped again, though he looked completely fine with the information.
I was obviously quite shocked by the revelation. Because, while Draco has reformed his previously quite snide attitude to anything that wasn't pureblooded, I never expected him to marry, what he would've called, "down." But he looked happier than I'd seen him in years. And trust me ladies, I've known Draco Malfoy since he was a short, rude little eleven year old boy with hopes of using the school as his own kingdom. He's grown up into a completely wonderful person though, as I'm sure you all know. With his business expertise and hard working attitude, it's no wonder he's had such great success. Then, add to that his charm, overwhelming intelligence, sharp wit, and all around heart melting good looks, and you have the perfect man. Whoever he married, she is the luckiest woman alive. I envy her right now.
"And everything is going well?" I asked, my voice still awed.
"Fantastic," he replied jovially. "We're moving into our new house this summer and selling our flat in central London. She's taken off time from work and I've put a lot of my business connections on hold so we can spend some time together. We only recently got back from our honeymoon," he told me, a roguish smile on his face.
"Honeymoon," I repeated, a grin surfacing. "Any details you can share with us?" I wondered, excitedly.
"Nothing you'd be able to print," he told me, smirking.
Chuckling, I returned to the topic of his recent accolades in his business ventures--"
Harry turned the page, not wanting to read anything else on Draco's incredible triumphs in the Wizarding world, only wanting the information on Hermione and him. The next page had more of what he wanted, with a title that certainly said Harry needed a subscription to Witch Weekly if he ever wanted to know anything about the goings on of the witches and wizards around him. "Baby Malfoy"
"Yours truly, Parvati Patil, was recently given a third interview with Draco Malfoy, in which he once again gave me some very enlightening information. I don't know if he simply enjoys throwing me off guard by telling me the happenings of his life, or of he's just so happy himself that he can't keep it in, but this journalist isn't complaining one bit. Read further to see my interview with the never boring Draco Malfoy:"
Harry grumbled, remembering how utterly stupid he must've been not to see that Hermione was pregnant. He couldn't remember her looking as if she had a child in her stomach. Perhaps he had been on assignment... but for nine months straight? That's absurd. Well, maybe she just hadn't grown a large stomach like most pregnant women do. It happens, doesn't it? He'd have to find pictures of her pregnancy after he finished. Then he'd know if he really was as oblivious as he felt.
"So Draco, you were recently given the Bronzed Wand of the Wizarding World, how did that make you feel?" I asked, leaning forward and staring at the incredible man before me. He was beyond success. At 21 years old, he had accomplished more than most other wizards had in a lifetime.
"Brilliant," he replied, grinning widely. "I swear to Merlin, this has to be the best week of my life," he exclaimed. I have to say, he looked like he was on a wide spread of pepper up potions he was so happy.
"How has the accolade changed your life?" I wondered. Certainly, if he was this jovial, there had to be a reason behind it.
"I can't say enough about how shocked and honestly flattered I was to receive such an honor," he told me, smiling. "Minister of Magic Amelia Bones was truly a wonderful person to award me such a great gift. I hadn't set out to win anything in that respect. I had only been doing my job and focusing on what I believed needed to be done for the Wizarding world." Shaking his head, he tipped it to one side, pressing his finger against his temple. "My wife said being a workaholic has finally paid off," he told me grinning.
"How is your wife?" I asked, hopefully. It seemed whenever she was brought up, I was given an exclusive on his life, so how couldn't I jump at the prospect?
"She's wonderful," he said, a wistful expression dawning his face. "I must say, being a mother suits her."
"A m-mother?" I asked, my jaw falling and my eyes widening. "Are you saying what I think your saying?" I wondered excitedly. "Are you a daddy?"
I was nearly shocked beyond words. Here he was telling me that he had a child! Oh, I was ecstatic! I mean, yes, of course, this certainly meant that any last dreams the rest of the world harbored that perhaps Draco would be single soon were most likely shot even more to Hades. But in truth, I was beyond happy for him. I mean, I truly had never seen a man more jubilant to be a father. Perhaps I'm biased, because really Draco has to be one of my favorite interviewees, but if ever there was a happier father I hadn't seen one. His smile was so large, it was virtually blinding, and his eyes were dancing with joy. I couldn't help but join in the excitement. I was nearly bouncing in my seat. On top of that, I couldn't wait to tell my editor what I'd learned, this was sure to get me a raise!
Nodding, his grin widened. "Yes, my wife recently gave birth to my little girl," he told me, happily, a laugh escaping him at my expression.
"Oh my!" I exclaimed. "Congratulations to you both! I-- This is fantastic! What can you tell me about her? Name? Birthday? Favorite colour? First word? What expectations do you have for her? Has she shown any signs of magic?" I asked, frantic and excited by the new information.
Chuckling, he shook his head at my enthusiasm. "She was born a few days ago actually. Just shortly after I was given the Bronzed Wand," he told me, a thoroughly proud grin on his face. "Her name is Rowena Vega Malfoy. And it's a little early for favorite colours or first words," he said, chortling lightly at my question. "As for expectations, I just want her to be happy. It's all that matters. My wife has an affinity for reading, which she did for our daughter while Rowena was still waiting to be born, so she hopes that she'll have a love for books too." Shaking his head, he tapped his chin, "No, she hasn't shown any signs of magic yet. But she is only a couple days old, so I haven't been expecting anything like that. She has shown a likeness for breast feeding, but I guess I can see the fondness for that," he said, laughing. "She completely hogs them that one," he announced, smirking.
Laughing, I shook my head at his antics. "And how is your wife doing? How is she liking motherhood?" Sitting forward in my seat, eager to hear his reply.
"She loves it," he replied, nodding enthusiastically. "While she was pregnant, she read virtually every book there was on it. Both Muggle and magical. When Rowena was finally born, she was beyond ready. She hasn't let her out of her sight since and she's fallen into being a mother without fault," he told me, grinning. "She's taken a break from work to spend time at home, but she'll be going back soon. I'm going to be changing into a stay-at-home dad and working out of my office," he explained, easily.
He didn't look affected by it at all. Here was a man who had spent all of his years in school working to be the best, boasting that he could outdo anyone. He never let anybody take his place for anything. Then, as he entered the Wizarding world to create his own life, he became the master of his business. He runs virtually everything. There isn't anything that Draco Malfoy doesn't have his hand in. On top of that, he's not like the regular business men you see that are cruel and care only for money. He honestly works so that those entrepreneurs who come to him have a fighting chance. He never gives up, he makes sure everything goes the whole nine yards. But here he was, easily admitting that he was going to be giving all that up to work at home while raising his daughter.
"Stay-at-home dad," I repeated rather surprised. "And you have no problem with that? After all, your career has become one to be reckoned with. Already students in Hogwarts are striving to reach your potential," I told him, awe in my voice per usual.
Nodding, he shrugged. "I've created a wonderful life for myself. I encourage anybody to do what I've done. I love my work and all that it's done for the community. I'm certainly not turning my back on it. I'll always be there to support the smaller businesses and lend a helping hand to all services that need it." Sighing, he smiled. "But right now, I think it's best for me to be there for my daughter. My wife's career is something she cares about deeply and can't do from home. I'll be able to keep up just fine from my house office and I'll be able to be a large part of Rowena's life. I don't want to be the kind of father who's never around. I want to witness everything," he said, a serious and adoring look on his face.
For all of those witches who hadn't yet fallen for the handsome and smart Draco Malfoy, I believe I just heard you sigh with awe. I hear you, ladies. It's only too bad that any of us can't find a wizard like this. He is truly and firmly, the best out there. Now if only I could get Harry Potter in for an interview to see if he could prove me wrong...
"And how does your wife feel about your winning the Bronzed Wand?" I asked. He--
Harry flipped the page once again, not caring to hear any more about that. He found the newspaper articles ended there, and photos took up from that point on. He was almost immediately caught up in little rectangles that captured Draco and Hermione in their lives; a life he hadn't been included in at all. He wanted to feel anger, but he found himself too enthralled by seeing it play out to feel much of anything. Tipping the book up, he observed the many photos.
There was a wide arange of photos, from intimate moments where Malfoy and Hermione were simply sitting against a tree, her back up against his chest while they read a book to each other. Every once in awhile he would lean in and kiss her forehead, which would in turn cause her to smile warmly. To times were they'd be sitting at get-together's with friends, laughing and grinning widely at the photographer or a friend nearby. Harry was even surprised to see a picture of just Draco and Ginny, the fiery red head laughing amiably as he gesticulated with his arms and looked to be cachinnating through an explanation of something. They appeared to be close, good friends even, which still shocked him.
No matter how often he reminded himself that Hermione and Draco were married, seeing the pictures of them so close sent shocked alarms up in his head. He watched as page after page showed them hugging, kissing, walking together hand in hand, laughing, and even one where they had been sleeping. It would've been a sweet scene if he hadn't known them. With Hermione laying comfortably over Malfoy's chest, her head curled up beneath his chin. His hand rested against the small of her back, fingers splayed out, while hers rested over his heart, with his other hand over top it. They looked peacefully in love, and he wanted in that moment to forgive her for it, but couldn't.
Half the book was filled with their relationship. From them looking as if they were fresh out of Hogwarts, in a flat he didn't recognize but could tell was their own. He had to wonder if the place he had been invited to was even hers. Perhaps they kept it on the side, so him and Ron wouldn't question things like the male touch that lived inside; the pictures of them on mantels and end tables. He remembered the last time he had been to what he thought was her apartment. It was dull and rather empty, but he had paid that no mind. In fact, when he really reflected, there weren't any books on the shelves, he should've known something was wrong then. He had been stupid, completely and utterly daft to not realize that something was different.
Why hadn't she told him? Did she not trust him enough to tell him something that obviously meant a lot to her? Though he hated to admit it, the photo album clearly painted a picture of love. He was privy to moments where they were a young couple in the throes of a beautiful relationship. He witnessed a sleepy Draco Malfoy lay his head down in her lap and rub comfortingly at Hermione's outer thigh as she ran her fingers through his hair and read a book against the arm of the couch. He watched as a photo of them at Christmas showed Draco sitting on the floor in between her legs while she massaged his shoulders and he drank a mug of what Harry assumed to be Butterbeer. They were talking amiably with Blaise and Ginny who sat on the edge of the picture, the young ginger haired girl kissing her boyfriend on the cheek adoringly while he spoke to Hermione and Malfoy.
He had no idea how much time passed, he was too enthralled watching the years flash by, ones he had never had the chance to be a part of. Was he really so busy that he hadn't known something was off kilter? Perhaps he never really knew Hermione. Because the girl he saw reflected in the photo album was nothing like the boorish bookworm he was used to. While she had a book in her hands in a number of them, she looked much more sedate. As if she didn't need to read, all she needed was Malfoy to be happy. Even in photos they managed to show him an emotion he had always wished to have for himself.
There were many pictures that only a lover would take, somebody who was there to witness little moments. Photos where Malfoy had fallen asleep at his desk which was littered with papers, his shirt off and his head cocked to one side. Of Hermione wearing a short black nightie, sitting on one of her legs curled beneath her as she pinned her hair up and furrowed her brow in concentration, reading a book. Or of either of them eating a quick breakfast, pushing toast crumbs over their laps and hurriedly reading the newpaper and rubbing at their tired faces. Even a couple of them fresh out of the shower, wrapped in towels and brushing their hair or laying out clothes. Simple little moments all caught on film, as if every little thing were precious.
Some of the more telling pictures were those of when Hermione hadn't even realized Draco was looking at her, or vice versa. Harry witnessed moments where Hermione would be chewing on a quill, reading a book with all of her attention, while Draco laid out beside her, staring up at her with a half smile and drumming his fingers over his stomach. Then there was the one where Draco was fast asleep in their bed, the sheet only covering up to his mid back, his arms were curled beneath his head as he slept. It showed Hermione leaning against the headboard of the bed, staring adoringly down at him, a beautiful smile of her mouth as she reached out to lightly run her hands through his hair.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and Harry was looking at hundreds of them. Part of his mind still screamed that he should hate their relationship, but it was hard when faced with such adoration for each other. He had never seen such feelings on Hermione before, but she seemed to melt into someone incredible when she was with Malfoy, and part of him was jealous of that. Not because he himself wanted Hermione, but because he had yet to find the person that would cause such looks of devotion and love to him or from him.
As he got into the second half, he soon found them filled with family photos. He watched as Rowena grew from a tiny, pink little baby to a toddler of five. There were pictures just after she was born, where a crying Hermione held her new born baby and proud Draco Malfoy, who hastily swiped tears from his eyes, knelt beside the bed, grinning widely at his wife and daughter. As he looked through the many pages, he found that they were a very tight and loving family. He had expected it from Hermione, but it still surprised him when related to Malfoy.
There were a number of pictures with just Draco and Rowena, given that he was a stay-at-home dad it made sense. He looked genuinely proud of her, no matter what she was doing. Harry found pictures of her with food all over her face and still Malfoy managed to wear a happy grin as he wiped her face and she squirmed, waving her dirty hands in the air and swiping his clean shirt. There were tons of her for every experience she'd ever been through. Wearing little sun-dresses and bonnets, or pants and bright shirts, and of course little frilly bathing suits when she was taken to the beach. There was even a few of her wearing a tiny child sized Quidditch outfit which Harry couldn't help but chuckle at.
He watched great moments between father and daughter as he toted her around in his arms or held her hand as she ran across grass or beaches. Even a few where he had taken her up on his broom, holding her tightly and barely masking his fear as she squirmed a little. He had never seen Malfoy smile so much, it was almost unbelievable to watch. Harry was so used to the smirking, frowning, sneering boy of Hogwarts, that he forgot Malfoy could show real emotion.
But he found Draco had many an emotion Harry had never seen. He had seen a father with a daughter that was beyond proud of her dad. Whether she was on his shoulders, dancing on his feet, held tightly in his arms, or simply holding his hand, Rowena Malfoy was very much her father's daughter. She was almost always smiling up at him and held on to him as if he were Merlin himself. It was incredibly heartening and Harry felt his anger at the former Slytherin melt away some.
The photos of Hermione and Rowena are what really pushed him over on to acceptance though. She was a beautiful mother. She radiated the calm, adoring, wise woman who cared for a beautiful child. Whether she was reading her her bedtime story, scooping the spilled soup off her chin, playing with her and the many toys surround them, or giving her a bath, Hermione fit motherhood like the wand fits the owner. Without question.
Upon seeing photos of Hermione when she was pregnant, he found he really was a dunce. She had been proudly pregnant. Her stomach protruded not to a huge state but an obvious one. She had a good sized bump and she did nothing to hide it. She wore beautiful sun-dresses and comfortable fitting sweaters throughout her pregnancy. Not once did he see her in anything that would cover her large stomach from anybody's sight. So how did he miss it? How could he not see that she was visibly pregnant? Was he really that dense around her?
Throughout the pictures, he watched the bond of mother and daughter be created from the first moment Rowena was placed in Hermione's arms. They meshed together in a way only a mother and daughter can. That same look of adoration and pride Rowena showed for her father was directed at her mother through all of the pictures. It shined in her eyes, glowed in her smile, and radiated from the hands that reached out to her in most photos. Harry watched in fascination as hundreds of photos showed his best friend as she rocked her daughter, smoothed her hair, kissed her cheek, swung her around in a crazy dance motion, and simply littered her with love.
Then there were the captured moments of all three of them. With Malfoy holding his daughter and his wife leaned against him, or Hermione sat on the end of a couch while Draco cradled Rowena to his chest and talked to his wife as she read. Moments where Hermione would push the stroller with Rowena lying peacefully inside while Malfoy wrapped his arms around her waist or put his hands on her shoulder as they walked through the park. He watched birthday's, Christmas', Easter's, and many more occasions where a family of three grew together in a majestic scene.
He watched all five of Rowena's years pass by on paper, as Malfoy and Hermione grew into the adults they were now. He watched as two parents raised a daughter, two people enjoyed a life with their friends, two lovers grew together. He witnessed through pictures as they changed into different people, met new friends, experienced the world. There were photos of them in Rome, Italy, France. Of them walking on exotic beaches, having dinner in foreign cities, drinking wine in the Eiffel tower. Anniversaries of husband and wife, family vacations, and milestones of their lives passed his eyes.
He watched them enjoy it with friends he did and didn't know, all the while wishing he had been there. He saw them with Blaise and Ginny during different intervals of their lives, with Patti and Neville Longbottom and their daughter. And not in one picture was there him or Ron. There was Molly and Arthur, Tonks and Remus, Ginny and Blaise, Patti and Neville, and even in a number of them, there was Pansy Parkinson. But never was there even a flash of Harry or Ron.
Feeling a jab of hurt run through him, he closed the book and rose from the chair, deciding to look around the rest of the house. He found Ron in the kitchen, which wasn't surprising at all. "Find anything?" he wondered.
"Uh?" he asked, pulling his head out of the refrigerator, his mouth full. "Nah. But 'Mione sure does shop well! She's got everything in 'ere. I mean everything!" he exclaimed. "It's like my heaven, Harry! Checked the cupboards too, there's a lot of Muggle brand names. Didn't think Malfoy would be up to that, but I guess he doesn't mind," he said, shrugging. "There are some things here on the fridge. Looks more like little messages they write to each other."
Furrowing his brow, Harry came over to examine what he was talking about. On a long rectangular white board there were things written out in a felt pen. He recognized Hermione's writing easily, and simply assumed the other was Malfoy's, seeing as it really couldn't be anyone else's. He read their writings with hidden interest, wanting to know what kind of conversations they had with each other, though this would really only be a shortened version.
Hermione wrote first, her neat and loopy writing scrawled a small paragraph on the large board. "Have a good morning? I'll see you at lunch. Don't forget to remind Winnie to read her new book. Ginny sent over cookies. Don't let Winnie have more than two, and try not to eat them all before lunch!! We should have spaghetti tonight; I'll add mushrooms this time, I know how much you love them. Dumbledore sent you a letter, it's on the table. I have to stop by the Ministry and talk to one of the officials about my new law, so I'll be a bit late for story time. Dlatky said he'd keep it open for me so I could talk to one of the officials higher up. It was the only time either of us had to talk. I miss you already. I better go. But hey, tonight, I want to try that new bubble bath. Love you!"
"She had such a full schedule," Ron commented, sipping a glass of pumpkin juice as he leaned against a counter, his head turned at a funny angle so he could see the writings. "Surprises me she even had time to see us."
"Did you ever notice she only saw us during certain times or on weekends though?" Harry asked, turning from the white board. "Malfoy said those were her days off. We were just for leisure, I guess," he said, rather bitterly. "While Monday through Friday were for her family."
"Family," Ron repeated, sounding still flabbergasted by the idea.
Sighing, Harry turned back to the board to continue reading. Draco's writing was less neat, but still very legible. It looked nearly elegant, but with the spastic movements from writing at an odd angle. It also appeared as if his arm had been jostled a few times and Harry got the image of his daughter tugging at him as he wrote.
"Morning was great!!! I seem to remember a very excited witch in my shower... Winnie is now reading her new book. What cookies... I swear, Winnie ate them before I could... Spaghetti sounds good, I already bought the mushrooms. Winnie and I went grocery shopping this morning. Dumbledore was just telling me that the school is in great shape. He's having a few problems with the Slytherin boys and asked if I would be a guest speaker. I said sure, so I'll be going out there this Friday. Gin already said she'd take Winnie, unless I can take her with me. I bet she'd love to see the school! You'll be here in an hour. Hope it works out at the Ministry, don't let them push you around! I missed you the moment you left the shower. Bubble bath is out and ready. I'll see you soon, love."
"Feels more than a little dirty to be readin' 'bout their ideas for a bath together or their mornin' shag," Ron told him, his mouth curled with disgust. "I dunno about you, but I always had this bizarre thought that Hermione would never shag and she'd just be this... nerdy, bookish, kid forever."
Harry nodded, frowning. "Malfoy did mention something about lingerie," he reminded, his nose scrunching up. "Though he could've been saying that to bother us. Bugger, I dunno. But it is hard to think of Hermione shagging, let alone having a child."
"They're very... close though..." Ron commented, motioning to the board. "I mean, the way they write to each other. They're open, light hearted about everything. I hate to say it, but they don't appear to be having problems. I know it's hard to tell from just reading a couple of things. But I get the feeling that they really have a... a..."
"Great marriage," Harry finished, sounding rather annoyed. "I know. I found a book in his office filled with pictures during their relationship and being a family. There were moments where I forgot that they used to be Granger and Malfoy, book worm and ferret, Gryffindor and Slytherin," he said, shaking his head. "They looked..."
"Happy," Ron finished, exhaling heavily. "Where the bloody hell were we, Harry?" he asked, though it didn't sound as if he thought Harry would have and answer.
They both returned their attention to Hermione and Malfoy's little conversation to each other, all spelled out before them. Hermione wrote next and he felt a smile tug at his mouth while he read her perfect writing. She had likely been in rush but still she wrote with precise strokes of the felt.
"I have to go back to St. Mungo's; paperwork. I'm really going to try to be back though, promise. If you fall asleep, I'll wake you up for that bath. Maybe we can have it after I read Winnie her bedtime story. Hopefully. I forgot to tell you, it'd be great if you brought Winnie to Hogwarts. I wish I could be there for that. I'm sure she'll love it. How'd she like the new book? I forgot to ask her. She was so happy about the pretty rocks she found in the backyard that I was distracted. I should go, I'll see you tonight. Merlin I want that bubble bath right now. Love you!"
"Again with the bubble bath," Ron mentioned, shaking his head with a roll of his eyes. "Little minx, isn't she?" he asked, attempting to make it funny but failing as he suddenly looked as if he swallowed something that didn't taste so good.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked, amused.
"I just had a gross thought of Malfoy in a bath," he said, shuddering, his face paling.
Harry's head pulled back, his face twisting with a mixture of shock and disgust. Shaking his head, he blinked his eyes rapidly. "If I get the same thought, I'll bloody well hex you," he told him, frowning. He turned his eyes back to Malfoy's reply in hopes that it would distract him enough to keep him from having a stomach turning thought.
"Hey, where were you last night? Or this morning? Winnie was looking all over for you. I guess I'll see you at lunch. Your turn to cook, what are you making? Winnie keeps mentioning tuna melts. I sent Dumbledore my reply that I was bringing Winnie, he seemed really excited by it. You do know that word could get out though, right? I guess the Wizarding world's never really seen your daughter before though. I'm a little surprised people have been so dense about it. Anyway, Winnie wants me to watch Sesame Street with her. I have doubts about Ernie and Bert's sexual orientation. I'm just putting it out there. Sometimes, they're a little... well you get the point. They vaguely remind me of Potter and Weasley... All right, all right, low blow. Hah! But a good one. Blaise and Nev are working on assignment with them right now. I think it has to do with my aunt. Oh well, 'bout time they caught her. I hope Nev and B finally get some recognition, it always seems to be going to Boy Wonder and his trusty side kick. Winnie's shouting for me again. I better go. I love and miss you. Can't wait to see you at lunch. Bubble bath still waiting!"
"Frankly, I'm a little glad they didn't have the bath... At least we don't have to read details on it," Ron said, brightening a little. "Is it just me, or does it seem weird to think of Malfoy watching a Muggle TV?" he asked, glancing at Harry.
Tipping his head, he thought the situation over and had to agree that the blonde pureblood probably had quite the problem figuring it out. After all these years he likely didn't anymore, but in the beginning it must've been quite the sight. Now that he thought about it, there were a number of Muggle appliances that Malfoy probably used. It was a drastic change for him, Harry deduced. Muggle appliances, Muggleborn wife, half-blood daughter. He wondered if it ever bothered him.
"Harry," Ron interrupted his thoughts, sounding rather nervous as he crossed his arms tightly and darted his eyes away.
"What?" he asked, turning to him, wondering what his problem was.
"I dunno who Bert and Ernie are... or really what Sesame Street is," he admitted, clearing his throat. "But I think Malfoy is suggesting that they may be... you know... together," he said, his voice in a shocked whisper.
"And?" Harry asked, lifting his brow with question and shaking his head slowly.
"Look, mate, I just want you to know... If you... er... prefer that, that's fine..." he said, tugging at his shirt collar. "But I am very much a lover of women," he told him, sounding firm but worried about his friend's reaction.
Harry stared at him for a long moment, his eyes wide and his jaw hanging open, before finally he burst into laugher. "I-- You-- We--" He managed between his cachinnation. "Ron, you're a great bloke, but I have never thought of you or any man in that way," he assured, shaking his head, his eyes nearly tearing up with amusement. "Merlin's beard, that was..." shaking his head, he chuckled a little more to himself.
"All right, all right, put a bloody sock in it," Ron muttered, glaring, though his cheeks were glowing with obvious discomfort at his miscalculation of Harry's possible sexual orientation.
Snorting a little, Harry turned back to read the next input.
"You missed lunch. You never miss lunch. What's up? Something wrong at work? I'm starting to worry. I feel like I haven't seen you in ages. Winnie wants to go to the park, so I guess I'll see you at dinner. Hopefully. Miss you lots, love you even more," read Draco's writing again.
Harry realized that it must've been written the first day of Hermione's disappearance and felt his back stiffen with the news. There was a timeline here, he just had to read it all carefully. This could be the key to breaking open at least the time when Hermione disappeared. Turning slightly to Ron, all amusement gone and replaced with business, he said, "Are you thinking what I am?"
"That a lunch break sounds really good?" he asked, his brows perking with hope.
Sighing, Harry shook his head. "No, Ron," he muttered. "But all of this could be very important," he said quietly, turning his green gaze back to Malfoy's frantic words to his wife.
"Missed dinner, too. Now I'm really starting to get worried. If you're not here by breakfast tomorrow, I'm breaking our cover and alerting the authorities. I hope you're safe... you better be safe. Winnie wants to be tucked in, she keeps asking when you'll read her book to her. I really hope you're back soon. I love you."
"Now we know who wrote the Ministry," Ron said, pointing with a sharp nod.
"He's getting pretty scared, too," Harry pointed out, his eyes thinning as he read. "What he says also proves that they really did have a very set schedule."
"What else would you expect of 'Mione," Ron reminded with a snort.
"The way he puts it though. That she's always there for lunch and then how worried he becomes about her not being there for dinner too," he said, frowning. "I mean... It's almost as if it's too shocking to accept that she was gone for a couple meals. They must spend so much time together," he said, his voice low in thought.
"Don't know how she manages it," Ron commented, snickering.
"As much as we don't like him, it's obvious she loves him," Harry replied, returning his attention to the next reply.
Malfoy's last writings were scattered with fear and written with a rather obvious shaking in his hand. Harry felt a thought wiggle it's way into his mind, telling him that Malfoy's fear was not something that could be magicked into the words. Malfoy was truly and completely fearing what might've happened to his wife, Harry couldn't pretend it wasn't there, even if he wanted to believe that perhaps Malfoy wasn't as great as Hermione apparently thought him to be.
"Well, scared isn't exactly the word I'd use. Terrified comes to mind. So does mind numbing fear. D'you know this is the first time I've woken up without you twice in a row in nearly seven years? It's scary in that it practically never happens. Winnie is beginning to question things and I have absolutely no idea what to say. Where are you? I could hardly sleep last night. Every little noise I thought it was you only to have my hopes dashed by Crookshanks or Buck. I believe I'm going mad. I'm sending a letter to Auror Headquarters. I've already talked to Gin and Patti, both of them have written Nev and B, I think they're asking them to come back. I really miss you and I'm starting to get more than a little afraid of what might've happened. Love you endlessly."
Harry sighed, running a hand through his hair.
Ron leaned back against the counter, an apple half eaten in his hand and a morose expression. "Is it just me, or do they look like they were really in love?" he asked, sounding almost sad.
"I know what you mean," he replied, shaking his head. "I just don't understand why we weren't involved in this life? I mean sure we don't like Malfoy, but after she married him we would've had to accept him..." he glared out the window, crossing his arms and feeling a distinct grip of annoyance stiffen his back.
"Maybe Malfoy was right," Ron suggested, sighing. "Maybe we were part of her old life an' we just don't have a place in this one."
"No," Harry said, shaking his head firmly. "No, she wants us to be part of her life. We're her best friends. We've always been there for her. Whatever happened, whatever reason she has for not telling us, it's big and it's something that will clear away all the questions. I just know it," he said, but he wasn't even assuring himself.
"Let's keep looking. There's bound to be something 'round here that can tell us about her," Ron suggested, pushing off from the counter and making his way to the stairs.
Sighing, Harry nodded, following him out. He glanced outside at the rolling hills and lush forest, knowing that the area was secluded and quiet. Hermione and Malfoy had moved there to get away from everything. And from what the articles explained, the Wizarding world knew of Rowena, but had no idea who her mother was and had never even seen her really.
He wondered how it was that they kept it all so quiet, but then remembered his superior's words when explaining the lack of information on their friend. "Friends in high places." And it made sense. Both Malfoy and Hermione were close with some of the most influential people in all of the Wizarding world, due to their positions in life. A world renowned Healer who had made a huge splash in the world of her profession, and an entrepreneur who had opened up doors for numerous small businesses, making them into multi-galleonaire's.
If he really wanted to get down to the basics, he'd have to talk to the people who had her life hidden behind the red tape. On top of that, he was going to have a nice long chat with the people that mattered to her. Ginny, Blaise, Neville, Patti, and possibly even Pansy Parkinson. And of course, he was going to have to talk to Malfoy again too, since he was really the only person who knew her properly. He cursed himself for not knowing the information Malfoy had acquired.
A/N I hope you enjoyed this. Not much more to say on this front. I'm trying to update my other stories, but I'm currently going to be away from the computer for a little while. I'm having some semi-serious problems with my back and it hurts to sit up for too long. Since this chapter was already written and ready to be put up, along with one for The Werewolf Tamer, I thought I'd post it to keep everybody happy. Sorry, but sitting at a computer for long periods of time takes its toll and the pain in nearing excruciating at times. I'll update as soon as I can, thanks for understanding.
Much Love,
-Amanda