Disclaimer: These are not really my peeps, for I am just passion the creep.
They belong to JK, who to this very day, (makes) ideas into my head seep.
B4 on MPES:
"Are you coming to take us to school? I'll give you my turn to sit up front," he suggested and Draco laughed, mussing his hair slightly as he stood. Draco turned his eyes to Hermione, as if asking, and she smiled brightly.
"Are you?" she asked and he looked between them, both wearing an identical look of hopefulness.
"If you want me to," he said, looking to Jr., then turning to Hermione. She looked ecstatic. He stepped to her, holding out his hands, and she took them, standing and placing a kiss on his lips. Draco smiled.
"Goodbye, Nanna," Jr. said and hugged her as she handed him some quarters.
"Bye, baby. I'm looking forward to that picture you were telling me about," Narcissa said, smiling, and Jr. gasped slightly. He turned around.
"I forgotted to ask you, Daddy. Do you like macaroni pictures?" Hermione stifled a laugh and Draco smiled widely.
"I love macaroni pictures, Junior."
~*~*~*~
CHAPTER NINE: The Everyday
Jr. beamed and Hermione paused a moment, then clapped her hands.
"Okay, okay, let's go, let's go!" she said and Jr. immediately grabbed his lunchbox and ran out of the kitchen, toward the door. Hermione, who was still holding Draco's hands, pulled him with her as she followed. "We'll be back in a few, Narcissa," she said and Mrs. Malfoy smiled.
"Take your time, dear, and be careful," she instructed and Hermione smiled.
She shook her head as they made it to the door and picked up two black messenger bags, also initialed and baring the school crest, from the floor next to the door.
"They'd forget they could walk if I didn't remind them to tie their shoes," she mumbled and Draco laughed, letting her walk outside before him and closing the door softly. Jr. was just running back up the path from the driveway. "What, baby?" Hermione asked softly and Jr. smiled.
"I forgotted my bag." She smiled.
"I noticed. Come on, Junior, we have to go," Hermione said, handing him his bag and Jr. smiled brightly, turning around and going back to the car. She started to follow, but a hand on her arm stopped her. With a large smile, Hermione turned to Draco, and he kissed her. She smiled when they broke away. "What was that for?" He smirked.
"Since when do I need a reason?" Hermione laughed and shrugged a shoulder, then kissed him again. "You're amazing, Mia."
"Thank you," she said, smiling and Draco smirked. Then, Hermione broke out of her trance and looked at her watch, biting her lip. "Come, come, come..." she said, pulling him.
Jr.'s door was still open and she handed Eric his bag over the car seat.
"Oh, thanks Aunt Mina," he said, looking up from his hand held video game. Hermione laughed.
"That's what I'm here for, right? Are you ready, Junior?"
"Almost," he said, trying his hardest to buckle the seatbelt on his seat. She laughed.
"Let me, baby," Hermione said and Jr. stopped, letting her do it.
"Thank you Mummy," he said, shifting and Hermione smiled.
"Eric, put your seat belt on, hun," she said and he did, not taking his eyes from the screen. Hermione shook her head and backed out, closing Jr.'s door. Draco was standing next to her, smiling. "What?" she asked, sharing his smile. Draco shook his head.
"I'll tell you later," he said and she raised an eyebrow, but shrugged.
"Okay." Hermione kissed him quickly, then hurried around to the other side of the car, getting in and starting it up. Draco got in moments later, still smiling at her and she waited for him to buckle himself before adjusting the windshield mirror. "Ready, boys?"
"Yes Aunt Mina," Eric said and Jr. nodded, smiling.
"Alright," Hermione mumbled and shifted gears, making her way down the driveway and through the gates, then onto the road and toward the school.
~
"Eric! Eric, whacha playin'?" Jr. asked minutes later, bored with watching his parents smile and send each other loving looks.
"Mortal Sacrifice," he said dispassionately, thumbs moving and eyes darting about the tiny screen. Hermione shook her head.
"I don't know why your father lets you play such violent games, Eric," she said and he shook his shoulders.
"He thinks it'll make me more like him." Draco laughed and Hermione smiled, but continued to shake her head. A pained scream came from the game and Eric smirked triumphantly.
"I think I'm going to talk to your mother about that, dearie."
"Thanks Aunt Mina, but I know and you know that she'll do anything dad wants her to," he said, sacrificing a glare at Jr., who was trying his best to see the screen. He backed off at his cousin's look. Hermione sighed.
"Why can't you play that nice Quidditch game, hm? The one with your father IN it... won't THAT make you more like him?" Eric shrugged a shoulder.
"That game is really boring, Aunt Mina. I can win it in like five minutes," he said and Draco faked a gasp.
"Does the long line of seekers end with Harry? A Potter that doesn't like Quidditch? Never thought I'd see the day," he said and Hermione laughed. Jr. looked confused and remained quiet, but Eric sighed.
"It's not that I don't like Quidditch, Uncle Draco, I just don't like that game. I can't wait until I can really play..." Hermione cringed.
"Don't say that, Eric," she said seriously and Jr. looked up.
"Why not Mummy? What's wrong with Eric playing Quidditch?" he asked curiously.
"Well..." Hermione started. All three boys were looking at her; Eric had even stopped his game. "Mummy doesn't like Quidditch." They all gasped in unison, although Draco knew she'd say something like that, he went along with it.
"Wh.... why?" Eric asked in complete and total awe and Hermione laughed softly.
"I guess after seven years of watching games and hoping no one died, I lost my taste, Eric. Your daddy and Uncle Ron and everyone else... it's just so brutal. I was worried sick about everyone," she explained, but the boys in the back just gaped at her.
"Even me, love?" Draco asked, smirking and Hermione smiled.
"Especially you, Draco. Even before, when you hated me... you were by far the most aggressive player in the school. I always had a soft spot for you, dear. I told Harry and Ron numerously that my vote went to you for 'most likely to sustain permanent brain damage before graduation'." Draco laughed.
"See where that vote got you? Nowhere. And I won quite a few games that way."
"At the expense of many a night with Madam Pomfrey," she reminded him and Draco shrugged.
"It was worth it," he said and she shook her head.
"Uncle Draco, were you a better seeker than my dad?" Eric asked, leaning forward a bit. Draco laughed heartily.
"No chance, Eric. Did he tell you that? That's quite unlike him to be so modest."
"No, he said he was better... but he also thinks he's a good singer, and we all know that's not true," Eric said and everyone laughed, even Jr.
"I was a good seeker, Eric, but not as good as your dad. I think it's fair to say that, of the three others, I was closest to him in ability, though. I never lost once against Hufflepuff," Draco said and Hermione nodded.
"Definitely," she said quietly as she turned into Jr.'s school parking lot. Hermione pulled up right in front of the door and stopped the car, then turned around, unbuckling Jr. "Can you get in by yourself, baby?" Jr. nodded, but then paused.
"Mummy, do I have to go to school today?" Hermione laughed.
"Why did you wait until we got here to ask me that, Junior?" He shook his shoulders. "Yes, Draco, you do. You promised Mr. Burns, remember?" Jr. sighed.
"Oh yeah," he said sadly and Hermione smiled.
"Don't worry, baby. Daddy will still be here when you get back," she said, placing a hand on Draco's arm, who smiled warmly. Hermione looked up to his face for a moment before turning back to her son. "Maybe we'll do something tonight, just the three of us?" Jr.'s face lit up.
"Really?" Hermione smiled and nodded.
"IF... you go to school. Besides, what about your macaroni picture?" Jr.'s smile grew.
"I keep forgetting about that..." he said, then took of the straps to his car seat hurriedly. Hermione smiled.
"Gimme kiss, baby," she said and Jr. leaned forward, kissing her cheek.
"Bye Daddy," he said and kissed his father as well. Draco just smiled at him as Jr. opened the door and climbed out, dragging his bag and lunch pail on the ground. Hermione laughed and shook her head.
"Eric, could you...?"
"Yes, Aunt Mina," he said and paused his game, unbuckling his seatbelt and leaning across to close the door. Jr. waved from the sidewalk and watched the black car drive off.
"Draco!" called a familiar voice and Jr. turned to see Jimmy running toward him. "Draco, who was that guy in the car with your Mum?" he asked as he got close and Draco smiled brightly.
"That's my dad," he said proudly, lifting the strap of his bag over his head. Jimmy looked amazed.
"How come I never see-d him at your house afore?" he asked curiously and Jr. kept his smile.
"'Cause he just came home yesterday, Jimmy. And he's staying for good. I'll ask my Mum... maybe you can come over this weekend and you can meet him," he suggested and Jimmy smiled.
"That'd be real neat, Draco. Come on, Mr. Burns is calling everybody in," he said, pointing toward their teacher, who was, in fact, beckoning the students in with his hand. The two boys hurried toward him, lugging their bags.
~
Draco looked curiously at Hermione and she furrowed her eyebrows.
"What?" she mouthed and he nodded back to Eric. She smiled. "Different school." He nodded extravagantly in understanding. The car was silent the entire way to Eric's school, with the exception of his video game. As they stopped in front of the building, Eric stopped his game and took off his seatbelt, opening the door.
"Bye, Aunt Mina, Uncle Draco," he said and closed the door before they could say anything.
"Hey, hey, hey," Hermione said, pushing the button to lower the window. Eric turned back to her and she held out her hand. He sighed.
"Do I have to?" he asked in a wine and she looked warningly at him.
"Do we have to go through this every morning, Eric? You know the rules," she said sternly and he sighed, handing over his gaming unit. "Thank you. Have a good day, sweetie."
"Thanks Aunt Mina," he said and turned away, meeting a few friends and walking into the school. Hermione handed the videogame to Draco and rolled her window back up before she started off again.
"Why did you take this away?" Draco asked, holding up the game, and she smiled.
"One, because they're not allowed in school, and two, because all he has are wizard games, and it's a muggle school... that could be hard to explain." Draco nodded.
"Why do they go to different schools?"
"It's the same district, but all the preschool and kindergarten classes are in one building, the Elementary is another, and Junior and High school is combined in a third. Next year, they'll go to the same building, which will make things easier for me. They would be together until Eric goes to seventh grade, but their first years at Hogwarts will replace their fifth grades, so once Jr. gets to Elementary school, less commute for good. I don't know what I'm going to do when they're both gone..."
"I'll still be here, Mia," Draco said and Hermione smiled warmly.
"I'll admit it will be much better with you there with me, Draco," she said and he smiled, leaning over to kiss her before going back to inspecting Eric's video game.
"What's with the ties?" he asked, just as he clicked it on. Hermione smiled at this action and began her answer.
"Every grade has their own color. Some genius decided to give the kindergarteners the white ones. I think Draco is the only one whose tie is still white, though... his friend Jimmy's has a beautiful grape juice stain on it. Ah, the wonders of modern magic... shout-it-out, my arse." Draco laughed, eyes on the game, and Hermione smiled. "First grade is yellow, second is red... and I don't really know the other ones. I think third grade is green, but I could be wrong."
"Eric is in second grade, then?" She nodded. "And they have different jackets for different days?" She nodded again.
"There's black on Monday and Wednesday, and navy on Tuesday and Thursday. Friday is casual dress. Nice system, really. There's never a casual Friday at Hogwarts..." Draco laughed.
"I don't think most of us even had casual clothes," he said and she shook her shoulders.
"I didn't," she admitted and he smirked.
"Of course you didn't." Hermione punched him. "Okay, I'm sorry. I have some questions; I've been stock piling since yesterday."
"Shoot," she granted and Draco smiled.
"Not that I have a problem with it, but why do the Potters live with us?" Hermione sighed.
"Because I wanted Eric and Draco to grow up together. You died for him, remember? I thought your son should know him... and I enjoyed Harry's support the first year or so, too," she explained and Draco nodded, looking up and clicking off the game, which he concluded was impossible to play.
"I totally agree. I would have probably done the same thing." Hermione took a deep breath.
"Draco, I want you to know, that I understand why you did what you did... and I don't want you to regret doing it. I love Eric almost as much as I love Draco... I'm not angry at all, I'm proud of you. I always have been," she said, smiling sadly and Draco stared at her, grinning widely.
"I'm glad, love. I was a little afraid you might be... that is, of course, until I met Eric. Do you want to know why I did it, really?" Hermione paused a moment, then nodded slowly. "It's because, the whole time we were holed up... waiting for something to happen... waiting for Voldemort to make the first move, you and the baby were all I could think about. You kept me going... I really think that if I didn't have you to come home to, I would have just given up and let myself die in a hole somewhere. And the day we fought the final battle... I saw Eric, and it was like, I knew... I just knew I had to protect him. I wanted Draco to be a boy, remember? And Eric... it was like the baby was there, with me, and I couldn't let him get hurt... I had to get him home to you." Hermione sniffled slightly and raised a shaky hand to wipe a lone tear from her eye.
"That's what Harry told me, when he came back. He said he thought you thought that way..." Draco smiled.
"Don't cry, Mia... Junior will be worried." She laughed.
"That's not funny," Hermione scolded and Draco smiled slightly sadly at her.
"I love you, Hermione," he said as she stopped the car to wait for the light, and Hermione smiled, turning to him.
"I love you too, Draco," she assured and he smiled, leaning in to kiss her quickly. Hermione sighed and turned back to the road.
"Next question: where do Harry and Ginny go all day?" he asked and Hermione laughed.
"The go to work, Draco, where did you think they went?"
"That's what I was thinking... but why? They don't have to, it's not like we need the money," he said and Hermione smiled, shaking her head sadly.
"Never thought I'd hear you say that," she said. "Harry, as we all know, is very, very stubborn, and Ginny isn't much better. They refused to take anything from me. I had a hard time convincing them not to pay rent," she said, laughing. "They insist on paying half the bills, too. It's funny really." Draco nodded.
"I can see that... clearly. Do you work, love?" Hermione shook her head.
"I wanted to as soon as Draco started going away to pre-school. I was alone all day, then... but your mother won't let me. She says it's silly for me to work when we don't need the money, and this way I'm home if they boys are sick. I'm a stay-at-home soccer mom. Who'd have guessed that ten years ago?" Draco smiled widely at her.
"Not me. I saw you as Headmistress or something extravagant like that," he said and Hermione laughed.
"Oh, yeah, that's me, right there..." He shrugged.
"It was you ten years ago." Hermione nodded.
"I guess. I do occasionally volunteer, though. It gets boring at home all the time... I've helped at the nursing home, chaperoned hundreds of school functions for both boys, charity car washes, read to not only Draco's class, but others... I've been a telephone operator, librarian... a gas station attendant for about three days, but I gave that one up quick. I drove the meals-on-wheels van a few times... and last summer, I baked thirty dozen cupcakes for the county bake sale." Draco was surprised.
"Wow, Mia... you don't sound like you're ever home," he said and she shrugged.
"I am. The last thing I did was the Summer's End carnival the school puts on for the kids before the beginning of the school year... that was the beginning of August. But that wasn't just me; everyone does that. Narcissa, Harry, Ginny... even the boys help. It's a lot of fun, really. They have games and food and rides... everyone generally has a good time. I'm supposed to take a shift at the library next weekend, though. And I really do want to go; I hardly ever get in... they have a LOT of volunteers." Draco laughed.
"And to think, I've been spending my time in a grease kitchen flipping burgers," he said, shaking his head, and Hermione smiled.
"Don't worry, love. You'll never have to flip another burger again... unless, of course, it's in the back yard. Harry had a little... accident the summer before last... he won't touch the grill. Narcissa doesn't enjoy touching any meat at all, and I... can't cook worth a shit. So, you're left, because I'm afraid Ginny will attack the thing if she tries... and Junior loves barbeques. We end up going to other peoples'. It's sad." Draco laughed.
"Alright then. So, how are your parents?" She smiled
"They're alright. My dad had a minor stroke last year, but he's better now. Mum doesn't work anymore, so she stays home and takes care of him... makes sure he's not too stressed and everything. I take the boys to see them every other weekend, and Dad tells them stories about his childhood... although I know they're all made up, I don't spoil his fun. Speaking of spoil, my mum is like the queen. She gives them presents almost every time they come over," Hermione said, shaking her head. "It's cute though. She's always wanted grandchildren... since I was like ten she would ask me constantly if I had my eye on anyone. You saw her reaction when we told her I was pregnant... she practically had a heart attack herself." Draco smiled.
"What about the Weasleys?"
"Well, Ron's married, you know... no kids yet, but I don't think he's too upset about that," she said with a smile. "He tells me frequently that his favorite part about being an uncle is that he gets to leave when they fall asleep." Draco laughed.
"Sounds like Ron." Hermione nodded.
"The twins aren't so... spunky any more. Neither of them are married, but I think George said something about this 'really hott chick' he had his eye on. They have an apartment in Hackney together, and as far as I know, are happy that way. Percy's still with the Ministry, but I have no idea what field. He likes to keep mysterious. Still married to Penelope, but I haven't seen them in years. Charlie's still single, and still in Romania with his precious dragons, and Bill is permanently attached to Gringotts. I doubt he ever even goes home.
"Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are fine; all alone in that house... must be odd for them, now that I think about it. No tempered little children running around. Oh, but about four years ago, Molly had a pregnancy scare. Ron about died when she told us. She wasn't of course, and it was probably better that way. She's pretty old, to be procreating. Dangerous and what- not. Arthur wasn't too happy. He was all excited about having another one... probably because it'd be, for one, spoilt rotten, and it'd have its own clothes... no hand-me-downs. I suggested they adopt, but they didn't want to. Said they'd just have to settle for Eric and whatever other grandchildren they get. I doubt there'll be many, unless they're from Ginny, considering Ron's scared out of his mind, Penelope's complained to me hundreds of times through owls about Percy's lack of sex drive, and none of the other boys care much for marriage."
"Do you think Harry and Ginny are apt for more kids?" Draco asked, looking as if he was seriously curious. Hermione shook her shoulders.
"Harry wants them, but Ginny says they only need one. I think she's scared, myself. Eric was her ticket out of going through what I went through, and now Harry's asking her to do it anyway. I think they will, though. I'm supposed to be trying to talk her into it, but... I'm not really doing a very good job. I mean, she's seen the video, what am I supposed to say? No, it doesn't hurt at all... just a little tingle..." Draco laughed.
"Yeah, that'll work," he said, then paused. "In reality, if they're not trying, there's a better chance they'll conceive. I mean... we definitely weren't trying." Hermione nodded.
"That's true. And if you think about it, the more you do it, the less productive each time is going to be, right? Lower sperm count, or something..." she said and Draco nodded.
"Right, enough about Potter's sex life." Hermione laughed and he smiled. "What are we doing?"
"Well, first we're going back home, and I'm going to take a shower, then, we should probably go shopping... and after that, whatever you want," she said, smiling at him and Draco smirked.
"Sounds like a plan. What about Mother?"
"What ABOUT Mother?" He smiled.
"What does she do all day? As far as I know, she's never had a job in her life," Draco said and Hermione laughed.
"I can NOT see Narcissa holding ANY sort of job... at ALL. She spends her time pampering herself. She goes to the city almost every day, and finds something new to do. She'll go shopping, or just walk, or to one of the many libraries she passes by. She likes mud baths, ferry riding, and combing through toy stores. She's brought home the strangest things for the boys, and she'll spend hours setting them up for them. Your mum just enjoys life. And I'm happy for her. She deserves it," Hermione said and Draco smiled.
"I can't argue there."
"What you saw this morning is our everyday. Harry and Ginny leave around four, I get up at five thirty and shower before I wake the boys, then I get them ready. Narcissa gets up about six thirty and makes their lunches, then I take them to school, and go home or to wherever I'm needed. Your Mum usually leaves the house around nine or ten to do her thing. At two-thirty on Wednesdays, I pick up the boys unless I have something to do, then Narcissa will. But only if it's absolutely necessary. She does a lot for them, and I think she should be able to stay out late if she wants to. She already picks them up twice a week. Harry and Ginny, although I told them I could do it so they didn't have to, insist on picking them up a day each, so they get off early. Harry on Monday, Ginny on Friday.
"Eric usually goes straight to his room to do his homework, which doesn't take long. He's smart, for one, and for two it's just second grade. They don't give much. Draco will have a project once in a while, or a school play or something, and I'll help him with whatever he has to do. Narcissa comes home at different times, usually not long after the boys, and makes dinner, because both Ginny and I are incompetent cooks, and Narcissa swears it's women's work, so she won't let Harry do it. Not that I want to see what would happen if she did. If he can't make a sleeping draft, how's he going to make meatloaf, honestly?" she said and Draco laughed. "Harry and Ginny get in at different times, depending on what's going on where they work, but they're always home for dinner. We eat together, then, like last night, I go spend time with Junior, and Harry and Ginny either do something with Eric, or by themselves, and your mother does what she wants. Draco's bedtime is eight thirty, and Eric's is nine. Then it starts all over again. Weekends are pretty much a free for all. Everyone sleeps in, then we either hang out at home, or go do something all together. It's drab, in some ways, but I quite enjoy it."
"It sounds wonderful, Mia. I look forward to being a part of that," Draco said, smiling, and Hermione spared him a loving look as she stopped in the driveway.
"Me too, Draco," she said, then unbuckled herself and opened the door. "Oh; Narcissa's already left. Hm, that's actually rather odd. Probably wants to tell her friends at the spa about you..." Hermione said as she got out of the car, noticing Narcissa's was missing. Draco laughed.
"Sounds like Mother," he agreed, shaking his head and meeting Hermione at the path, walking to the door with her. Once inside, she turned back to him.
"You can have the downstairs bathroom; I'll use the boys'. It's a mess up there," she said and Draco smiled, leaning down to kiss her softly. Hermione smiled and took a deep breath. "Is it just me, or is it like you've always been here? I mean... I'd always imagined I'd feel really awkward if you ever came back, and that there'd be tons of powerful emotion... but there isn't, really. I feel like this is normal... like the rest was all a dream... am I making any sense?" Draco nodded.
"Loads. You're right. There was much more freshness yesterday... it's beginning to lose it's newness... but I'm still happy to be home, don't get me wrong."
"No, of course not. I'm still phenomenally happy that you're here... and I still love you so much it hurts," she said, hugging him, and Draco smiled, nodding and embracing her back.
"I know; I feel exactly the same way."
A/N: Sorry if this is a little bad... didn't feel like proofreading.
PRF:
Arime Setta: I turned myself off that sappy crap long ago...
Daisy: Lol. Thanx. And yes, in FOE, and actually, all others, they've only slept together once. The night after she left the hospital wing.
Couch-potato1: Lol, thanx.
Princess: Lol, write an amazing story and make tons of money? That would be sooooo nice.
Naurhen: Well, even if it's not your name, it's still really cool! Lol. Thanx.
Erilyn Rose: Mailing list! Woo hoo! Overexcited! Lol. You LOVE me? I'm touched... ::tear::... Lol. Thanx... sounds like you like everything! Lol.
FreeZze Mint: Lol. Thanx... exactly what I was trying for ;o)
Some1: Lol. Yes, Draco's going to propose again... or maybe Hermione will... I'm not quite sure yet, and I don't want to give it away! Lol. Sorry for being meanful... ;o) ~Some2
Crystalline Lily: When I feel like getting them married, that's when! Lol. I still have some stuff to resolve, but I've got plans. Do your homework! Then maybe at least one of us wont fail.... I will! Global History and Geography Remedial, here I come!
Silver Dragon Goddess: Lol. I like those lines too. I'm sorry for making you an insomniac... the next convention is Wednesday. I'm supposed to bring punch, so you can bring cookies... or forks. We always seem to run out of forks ;o)
Dragonfly: Lol. I'm sure they'll get married eventually; don't worry ;o)
Kittykat589: Thanx! AWESOME is always good! ;o)
K-lee: I love my blondies boys... Lol.
Tracey: I know someone named Tracey... well, I know her sister, or something like that... whatever, forget I said anything. Lol. Thanx!
Angelgirl1: Thanx!
Victoria: I'm glad you think so :oP
Chrissy: It was happy until Draco up and left... lol. And I'm not so sure about... eating the macaroni... ick... lol.
Angelgirl06: Lol. Your review showed up 3 times, lol. Don't ask me why. Thanx for it, though, I'm glad you like it.
Flutegirl: I won't stop until it's done; that's a promise ;o) And she couldn't use her wand, because... um... it was upstairs? I dunno, I just wanted Draco to do it... hehe
Slim-Shady's-Modeling-baby: Lol. Thanx. 3 times? I read it at least that many too! Good, we're on the same page! Lol.
B4 on MPES:
"Are you coming to take us to school? I'll give you my turn to sit up front," he suggested and Draco laughed, mussing his hair slightly as he stood. Draco turned his eyes to Hermione, as if asking, and she smiled brightly.
"Are you?" she asked and he looked between them, both wearing an identical look of hopefulness.
"If you want me to," he said, looking to Jr., then turning to Hermione. She looked ecstatic. He stepped to her, holding out his hands, and she took them, standing and placing a kiss on his lips. Draco smiled.
"Goodbye, Nanna," Jr. said and hugged her as she handed him some quarters.
"Bye, baby. I'm looking forward to that picture you were telling me about," Narcissa said, smiling, and Jr. gasped slightly. He turned around.
"I forgotted to ask you, Daddy. Do you like macaroni pictures?" Hermione stifled a laugh and Draco smiled widely.
"I love macaroni pictures, Junior."
~*~*~*~
CHAPTER NINE: The Everyday
Jr. beamed and Hermione paused a moment, then clapped her hands.
"Okay, okay, let's go, let's go!" she said and Jr. immediately grabbed his lunchbox and ran out of the kitchen, toward the door. Hermione, who was still holding Draco's hands, pulled him with her as she followed. "We'll be back in a few, Narcissa," she said and Mrs. Malfoy smiled.
"Take your time, dear, and be careful," she instructed and Hermione smiled.
She shook her head as they made it to the door and picked up two black messenger bags, also initialed and baring the school crest, from the floor next to the door.
"They'd forget they could walk if I didn't remind them to tie their shoes," she mumbled and Draco laughed, letting her walk outside before him and closing the door softly. Jr. was just running back up the path from the driveway. "What, baby?" Hermione asked softly and Jr. smiled.
"I forgotted my bag." She smiled.
"I noticed. Come on, Junior, we have to go," Hermione said, handing him his bag and Jr. smiled brightly, turning around and going back to the car. She started to follow, but a hand on her arm stopped her. With a large smile, Hermione turned to Draco, and he kissed her. She smiled when they broke away. "What was that for?" He smirked.
"Since when do I need a reason?" Hermione laughed and shrugged a shoulder, then kissed him again. "You're amazing, Mia."
"Thank you," she said, smiling and Draco smirked. Then, Hermione broke out of her trance and looked at her watch, biting her lip. "Come, come, come..." she said, pulling him.
Jr.'s door was still open and she handed Eric his bag over the car seat.
"Oh, thanks Aunt Mina," he said, looking up from his hand held video game. Hermione laughed.
"That's what I'm here for, right? Are you ready, Junior?"
"Almost," he said, trying his hardest to buckle the seatbelt on his seat. She laughed.
"Let me, baby," Hermione said and Jr. stopped, letting her do it.
"Thank you Mummy," he said, shifting and Hermione smiled.
"Eric, put your seat belt on, hun," she said and he did, not taking his eyes from the screen. Hermione shook her head and backed out, closing Jr.'s door. Draco was standing next to her, smiling. "What?" she asked, sharing his smile. Draco shook his head.
"I'll tell you later," he said and she raised an eyebrow, but shrugged.
"Okay." Hermione kissed him quickly, then hurried around to the other side of the car, getting in and starting it up. Draco got in moments later, still smiling at her and she waited for him to buckle himself before adjusting the windshield mirror. "Ready, boys?"
"Yes Aunt Mina," Eric said and Jr. nodded, smiling.
"Alright," Hermione mumbled and shifted gears, making her way down the driveway and through the gates, then onto the road and toward the school.
~
"Eric! Eric, whacha playin'?" Jr. asked minutes later, bored with watching his parents smile and send each other loving looks.
"Mortal Sacrifice," he said dispassionately, thumbs moving and eyes darting about the tiny screen. Hermione shook her head.
"I don't know why your father lets you play such violent games, Eric," she said and he shook his shoulders.
"He thinks it'll make me more like him." Draco laughed and Hermione smiled, but continued to shake her head. A pained scream came from the game and Eric smirked triumphantly.
"I think I'm going to talk to your mother about that, dearie."
"Thanks Aunt Mina, but I know and you know that she'll do anything dad wants her to," he said, sacrificing a glare at Jr., who was trying his best to see the screen. He backed off at his cousin's look. Hermione sighed.
"Why can't you play that nice Quidditch game, hm? The one with your father IN it... won't THAT make you more like him?" Eric shrugged a shoulder.
"That game is really boring, Aunt Mina. I can win it in like five minutes," he said and Draco faked a gasp.
"Does the long line of seekers end with Harry? A Potter that doesn't like Quidditch? Never thought I'd see the day," he said and Hermione laughed. Jr. looked confused and remained quiet, but Eric sighed.
"It's not that I don't like Quidditch, Uncle Draco, I just don't like that game. I can't wait until I can really play..." Hermione cringed.
"Don't say that, Eric," she said seriously and Jr. looked up.
"Why not Mummy? What's wrong with Eric playing Quidditch?" he asked curiously.
"Well..." Hermione started. All three boys were looking at her; Eric had even stopped his game. "Mummy doesn't like Quidditch." They all gasped in unison, although Draco knew she'd say something like that, he went along with it.
"Wh.... why?" Eric asked in complete and total awe and Hermione laughed softly.
"I guess after seven years of watching games and hoping no one died, I lost my taste, Eric. Your daddy and Uncle Ron and everyone else... it's just so brutal. I was worried sick about everyone," she explained, but the boys in the back just gaped at her.
"Even me, love?" Draco asked, smirking and Hermione smiled.
"Especially you, Draco. Even before, when you hated me... you were by far the most aggressive player in the school. I always had a soft spot for you, dear. I told Harry and Ron numerously that my vote went to you for 'most likely to sustain permanent brain damage before graduation'." Draco laughed.
"See where that vote got you? Nowhere. And I won quite a few games that way."
"At the expense of many a night with Madam Pomfrey," she reminded him and Draco shrugged.
"It was worth it," he said and she shook her head.
"Uncle Draco, were you a better seeker than my dad?" Eric asked, leaning forward a bit. Draco laughed heartily.
"No chance, Eric. Did he tell you that? That's quite unlike him to be so modest."
"No, he said he was better... but he also thinks he's a good singer, and we all know that's not true," Eric said and everyone laughed, even Jr.
"I was a good seeker, Eric, but not as good as your dad. I think it's fair to say that, of the three others, I was closest to him in ability, though. I never lost once against Hufflepuff," Draco said and Hermione nodded.
"Definitely," she said quietly as she turned into Jr.'s school parking lot. Hermione pulled up right in front of the door and stopped the car, then turned around, unbuckling Jr. "Can you get in by yourself, baby?" Jr. nodded, but then paused.
"Mummy, do I have to go to school today?" Hermione laughed.
"Why did you wait until we got here to ask me that, Junior?" He shook his shoulders. "Yes, Draco, you do. You promised Mr. Burns, remember?" Jr. sighed.
"Oh yeah," he said sadly and Hermione smiled.
"Don't worry, baby. Daddy will still be here when you get back," she said, placing a hand on Draco's arm, who smiled warmly. Hermione looked up to his face for a moment before turning back to her son. "Maybe we'll do something tonight, just the three of us?" Jr.'s face lit up.
"Really?" Hermione smiled and nodded.
"IF... you go to school. Besides, what about your macaroni picture?" Jr.'s smile grew.
"I keep forgetting about that..." he said, then took of the straps to his car seat hurriedly. Hermione smiled.
"Gimme kiss, baby," she said and Jr. leaned forward, kissing her cheek.
"Bye Daddy," he said and kissed his father as well. Draco just smiled at him as Jr. opened the door and climbed out, dragging his bag and lunch pail on the ground. Hermione laughed and shook her head.
"Eric, could you...?"
"Yes, Aunt Mina," he said and paused his game, unbuckling his seatbelt and leaning across to close the door. Jr. waved from the sidewalk and watched the black car drive off.
"Draco!" called a familiar voice and Jr. turned to see Jimmy running toward him. "Draco, who was that guy in the car with your Mum?" he asked as he got close and Draco smiled brightly.
"That's my dad," he said proudly, lifting the strap of his bag over his head. Jimmy looked amazed.
"How come I never see-d him at your house afore?" he asked curiously and Jr. kept his smile.
"'Cause he just came home yesterday, Jimmy. And he's staying for good. I'll ask my Mum... maybe you can come over this weekend and you can meet him," he suggested and Jimmy smiled.
"That'd be real neat, Draco. Come on, Mr. Burns is calling everybody in," he said, pointing toward their teacher, who was, in fact, beckoning the students in with his hand. The two boys hurried toward him, lugging their bags.
~
Draco looked curiously at Hermione and she furrowed her eyebrows.
"What?" she mouthed and he nodded back to Eric. She smiled. "Different school." He nodded extravagantly in understanding. The car was silent the entire way to Eric's school, with the exception of his video game. As they stopped in front of the building, Eric stopped his game and took off his seatbelt, opening the door.
"Bye, Aunt Mina, Uncle Draco," he said and closed the door before they could say anything.
"Hey, hey, hey," Hermione said, pushing the button to lower the window. Eric turned back to her and she held out her hand. He sighed.
"Do I have to?" he asked in a wine and she looked warningly at him.
"Do we have to go through this every morning, Eric? You know the rules," she said sternly and he sighed, handing over his gaming unit. "Thank you. Have a good day, sweetie."
"Thanks Aunt Mina," he said and turned away, meeting a few friends and walking into the school. Hermione handed the videogame to Draco and rolled her window back up before she started off again.
"Why did you take this away?" Draco asked, holding up the game, and she smiled.
"One, because they're not allowed in school, and two, because all he has are wizard games, and it's a muggle school... that could be hard to explain." Draco nodded.
"Why do they go to different schools?"
"It's the same district, but all the preschool and kindergarten classes are in one building, the Elementary is another, and Junior and High school is combined in a third. Next year, they'll go to the same building, which will make things easier for me. They would be together until Eric goes to seventh grade, but their first years at Hogwarts will replace their fifth grades, so once Jr. gets to Elementary school, less commute for good. I don't know what I'm going to do when they're both gone..."
"I'll still be here, Mia," Draco said and Hermione smiled warmly.
"I'll admit it will be much better with you there with me, Draco," she said and he smiled, leaning over to kiss her before going back to inspecting Eric's video game.
"What's with the ties?" he asked, just as he clicked it on. Hermione smiled at this action and began her answer.
"Every grade has their own color. Some genius decided to give the kindergarteners the white ones. I think Draco is the only one whose tie is still white, though... his friend Jimmy's has a beautiful grape juice stain on it. Ah, the wonders of modern magic... shout-it-out, my arse." Draco laughed, eyes on the game, and Hermione smiled. "First grade is yellow, second is red... and I don't really know the other ones. I think third grade is green, but I could be wrong."
"Eric is in second grade, then?" She nodded. "And they have different jackets for different days?" She nodded again.
"There's black on Monday and Wednesday, and navy on Tuesday and Thursday. Friday is casual dress. Nice system, really. There's never a casual Friday at Hogwarts..." Draco laughed.
"I don't think most of us even had casual clothes," he said and she shook her shoulders.
"I didn't," she admitted and he smirked.
"Of course you didn't." Hermione punched him. "Okay, I'm sorry. I have some questions; I've been stock piling since yesterday."
"Shoot," she granted and Draco smiled.
"Not that I have a problem with it, but why do the Potters live with us?" Hermione sighed.
"Because I wanted Eric and Draco to grow up together. You died for him, remember? I thought your son should know him... and I enjoyed Harry's support the first year or so, too," she explained and Draco nodded, looking up and clicking off the game, which he concluded was impossible to play.
"I totally agree. I would have probably done the same thing." Hermione took a deep breath.
"Draco, I want you to know, that I understand why you did what you did... and I don't want you to regret doing it. I love Eric almost as much as I love Draco... I'm not angry at all, I'm proud of you. I always have been," she said, smiling sadly and Draco stared at her, grinning widely.
"I'm glad, love. I was a little afraid you might be... that is, of course, until I met Eric. Do you want to know why I did it, really?" Hermione paused a moment, then nodded slowly. "It's because, the whole time we were holed up... waiting for something to happen... waiting for Voldemort to make the first move, you and the baby were all I could think about. You kept me going... I really think that if I didn't have you to come home to, I would have just given up and let myself die in a hole somewhere. And the day we fought the final battle... I saw Eric, and it was like, I knew... I just knew I had to protect him. I wanted Draco to be a boy, remember? And Eric... it was like the baby was there, with me, and I couldn't let him get hurt... I had to get him home to you." Hermione sniffled slightly and raised a shaky hand to wipe a lone tear from her eye.
"That's what Harry told me, when he came back. He said he thought you thought that way..." Draco smiled.
"Don't cry, Mia... Junior will be worried." She laughed.
"That's not funny," Hermione scolded and Draco smiled slightly sadly at her.
"I love you, Hermione," he said as she stopped the car to wait for the light, and Hermione smiled, turning to him.
"I love you too, Draco," she assured and he smiled, leaning in to kiss her quickly. Hermione sighed and turned back to the road.
"Next question: where do Harry and Ginny go all day?" he asked and Hermione laughed.
"The go to work, Draco, where did you think they went?"
"That's what I was thinking... but why? They don't have to, it's not like we need the money," he said and Hermione smiled, shaking her head sadly.
"Never thought I'd hear you say that," she said. "Harry, as we all know, is very, very stubborn, and Ginny isn't much better. They refused to take anything from me. I had a hard time convincing them not to pay rent," she said, laughing. "They insist on paying half the bills, too. It's funny really." Draco nodded.
"I can see that... clearly. Do you work, love?" Hermione shook her head.
"I wanted to as soon as Draco started going away to pre-school. I was alone all day, then... but your mother won't let me. She says it's silly for me to work when we don't need the money, and this way I'm home if they boys are sick. I'm a stay-at-home soccer mom. Who'd have guessed that ten years ago?" Draco smiled widely at her.
"Not me. I saw you as Headmistress or something extravagant like that," he said and Hermione laughed.
"Oh, yeah, that's me, right there..." He shrugged.
"It was you ten years ago." Hermione nodded.
"I guess. I do occasionally volunteer, though. It gets boring at home all the time... I've helped at the nursing home, chaperoned hundreds of school functions for both boys, charity car washes, read to not only Draco's class, but others... I've been a telephone operator, librarian... a gas station attendant for about three days, but I gave that one up quick. I drove the meals-on-wheels van a few times... and last summer, I baked thirty dozen cupcakes for the county bake sale." Draco was surprised.
"Wow, Mia... you don't sound like you're ever home," he said and she shrugged.
"I am. The last thing I did was the Summer's End carnival the school puts on for the kids before the beginning of the school year... that was the beginning of August. But that wasn't just me; everyone does that. Narcissa, Harry, Ginny... even the boys help. It's a lot of fun, really. They have games and food and rides... everyone generally has a good time. I'm supposed to take a shift at the library next weekend, though. And I really do want to go; I hardly ever get in... they have a LOT of volunteers." Draco laughed.
"And to think, I've been spending my time in a grease kitchen flipping burgers," he said, shaking his head, and Hermione smiled.
"Don't worry, love. You'll never have to flip another burger again... unless, of course, it's in the back yard. Harry had a little... accident the summer before last... he won't touch the grill. Narcissa doesn't enjoy touching any meat at all, and I... can't cook worth a shit. So, you're left, because I'm afraid Ginny will attack the thing if she tries... and Junior loves barbeques. We end up going to other peoples'. It's sad." Draco laughed.
"Alright then. So, how are your parents?" She smiled
"They're alright. My dad had a minor stroke last year, but he's better now. Mum doesn't work anymore, so she stays home and takes care of him... makes sure he's not too stressed and everything. I take the boys to see them every other weekend, and Dad tells them stories about his childhood... although I know they're all made up, I don't spoil his fun. Speaking of spoil, my mum is like the queen. She gives them presents almost every time they come over," Hermione said, shaking her head. "It's cute though. She's always wanted grandchildren... since I was like ten she would ask me constantly if I had my eye on anyone. You saw her reaction when we told her I was pregnant... she practically had a heart attack herself." Draco smiled.
"What about the Weasleys?"
"Well, Ron's married, you know... no kids yet, but I don't think he's too upset about that," she said with a smile. "He tells me frequently that his favorite part about being an uncle is that he gets to leave when they fall asleep." Draco laughed.
"Sounds like Ron." Hermione nodded.
"The twins aren't so... spunky any more. Neither of them are married, but I think George said something about this 'really hott chick' he had his eye on. They have an apartment in Hackney together, and as far as I know, are happy that way. Percy's still with the Ministry, but I have no idea what field. He likes to keep mysterious. Still married to Penelope, but I haven't seen them in years. Charlie's still single, and still in Romania with his precious dragons, and Bill is permanently attached to Gringotts. I doubt he ever even goes home.
"Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are fine; all alone in that house... must be odd for them, now that I think about it. No tempered little children running around. Oh, but about four years ago, Molly had a pregnancy scare. Ron about died when she told us. She wasn't of course, and it was probably better that way. She's pretty old, to be procreating. Dangerous and what- not. Arthur wasn't too happy. He was all excited about having another one... probably because it'd be, for one, spoilt rotten, and it'd have its own clothes... no hand-me-downs. I suggested they adopt, but they didn't want to. Said they'd just have to settle for Eric and whatever other grandchildren they get. I doubt there'll be many, unless they're from Ginny, considering Ron's scared out of his mind, Penelope's complained to me hundreds of times through owls about Percy's lack of sex drive, and none of the other boys care much for marriage."
"Do you think Harry and Ginny are apt for more kids?" Draco asked, looking as if he was seriously curious. Hermione shook her shoulders.
"Harry wants them, but Ginny says they only need one. I think she's scared, myself. Eric was her ticket out of going through what I went through, and now Harry's asking her to do it anyway. I think they will, though. I'm supposed to be trying to talk her into it, but... I'm not really doing a very good job. I mean, she's seen the video, what am I supposed to say? No, it doesn't hurt at all... just a little tingle..." Draco laughed.
"Yeah, that'll work," he said, then paused. "In reality, if they're not trying, there's a better chance they'll conceive. I mean... we definitely weren't trying." Hermione nodded.
"That's true. And if you think about it, the more you do it, the less productive each time is going to be, right? Lower sperm count, or something..." she said and Draco nodded.
"Right, enough about Potter's sex life." Hermione laughed and he smiled. "What are we doing?"
"Well, first we're going back home, and I'm going to take a shower, then, we should probably go shopping... and after that, whatever you want," she said, smiling at him and Draco smirked.
"Sounds like a plan. What about Mother?"
"What ABOUT Mother?" He smiled.
"What does she do all day? As far as I know, she's never had a job in her life," Draco said and Hermione laughed.
"I can NOT see Narcissa holding ANY sort of job... at ALL. She spends her time pampering herself. She goes to the city almost every day, and finds something new to do. She'll go shopping, or just walk, or to one of the many libraries she passes by. She likes mud baths, ferry riding, and combing through toy stores. She's brought home the strangest things for the boys, and she'll spend hours setting them up for them. Your mum just enjoys life. And I'm happy for her. She deserves it," Hermione said and Draco smiled.
"I can't argue there."
"What you saw this morning is our everyday. Harry and Ginny leave around four, I get up at five thirty and shower before I wake the boys, then I get them ready. Narcissa gets up about six thirty and makes their lunches, then I take them to school, and go home or to wherever I'm needed. Your Mum usually leaves the house around nine or ten to do her thing. At two-thirty on Wednesdays, I pick up the boys unless I have something to do, then Narcissa will. But only if it's absolutely necessary. She does a lot for them, and I think she should be able to stay out late if she wants to. She already picks them up twice a week. Harry and Ginny, although I told them I could do it so they didn't have to, insist on picking them up a day each, so they get off early. Harry on Monday, Ginny on Friday.
"Eric usually goes straight to his room to do his homework, which doesn't take long. He's smart, for one, and for two it's just second grade. They don't give much. Draco will have a project once in a while, or a school play or something, and I'll help him with whatever he has to do. Narcissa comes home at different times, usually not long after the boys, and makes dinner, because both Ginny and I are incompetent cooks, and Narcissa swears it's women's work, so she won't let Harry do it. Not that I want to see what would happen if she did. If he can't make a sleeping draft, how's he going to make meatloaf, honestly?" she said and Draco laughed. "Harry and Ginny get in at different times, depending on what's going on where they work, but they're always home for dinner. We eat together, then, like last night, I go spend time with Junior, and Harry and Ginny either do something with Eric, or by themselves, and your mother does what she wants. Draco's bedtime is eight thirty, and Eric's is nine. Then it starts all over again. Weekends are pretty much a free for all. Everyone sleeps in, then we either hang out at home, or go do something all together. It's drab, in some ways, but I quite enjoy it."
"It sounds wonderful, Mia. I look forward to being a part of that," Draco said, smiling, and Hermione spared him a loving look as she stopped in the driveway.
"Me too, Draco," she said, then unbuckled herself and opened the door. "Oh; Narcissa's already left. Hm, that's actually rather odd. Probably wants to tell her friends at the spa about you..." Hermione said as she got out of the car, noticing Narcissa's was missing. Draco laughed.
"Sounds like Mother," he agreed, shaking his head and meeting Hermione at the path, walking to the door with her. Once inside, she turned back to him.
"You can have the downstairs bathroom; I'll use the boys'. It's a mess up there," she said and Draco smiled, leaning down to kiss her softly. Hermione smiled and took a deep breath. "Is it just me, or is it like you've always been here? I mean... I'd always imagined I'd feel really awkward if you ever came back, and that there'd be tons of powerful emotion... but there isn't, really. I feel like this is normal... like the rest was all a dream... am I making any sense?" Draco nodded.
"Loads. You're right. There was much more freshness yesterday... it's beginning to lose it's newness... but I'm still happy to be home, don't get me wrong."
"No, of course not. I'm still phenomenally happy that you're here... and I still love you so much it hurts," she said, hugging him, and Draco smiled, nodding and embracing her back.
"I know; I feel exactly the same way."
A/N: Sorry if this is a little bad... didn't feel like proofreading.
PRF:
Arime Setta: I turned myself off that sappy crap long ago...
Daisy: Lol. Thanx. And yes, in FOE, and actually, all others, they've only slept together once. The night after she left the hospital wing.
Couch-potato1: Lol, thanx.
Princess: Lol, write an amazing story and make tons of money? That would be sooooo nice.
Naurhen: Well, even if it's not your name, it's still really cool! Lol. Thanx.
Erilyn Rose: Mailing list! Woo hoo! Overexcited! Lol. You LOVE me? I'm touched... ::tear::... Lol. Thanx... sounds like you like everything! Lol.
FreeZze Mint: Lol. Thanx... exactly what I was trying for ;o)
Some1: Lol. Yes, Draco's going to propose again... or maybe Hermione will... I'm not quite sure yet, and I don't want to give it away! Lol. Sorry for being meanful... ;o) ~Some2
Crystalline Lily: When I feel like getting them married, that's when! Lol. I still have some stuff to resolve, but I've got plans. Do your homework! Then maybe at least one of us wont fail.... I will! Global History and Geography Remedial, here I come!
Silver Dragon Goddess: Lol. I like those lines too. I'm sorry for making you an insomniac... the next convention is Wednesday. I'm supposed to bring punch, so you can bring cookies... or forks. We always seem to run out of forks ;o)
Dragonfly: Lol. I'm sure they'll get married eventually; don't worry ;o)
Kittykat589: Thanx! AWESOME is always good! ;o)
K-lee: I love my blondies boys... Lol.
Tracey: I know someone named Tracey... well, I know her sister, or something like that... whatever, forget I said anything. Lol. Thanx!
Angelgirl1: Thanx!
Victoria: I'm glad you think so :oP
Chrissy: It was happy until Draco up and left... lol. And I'm not so sure about... eating the macaroni... ick... lol.
Angelgirl06: Lol. Your review showed up 3 times, lol. Don't ask me why. Thanx for it, though, I'm glad you like it.
Flutegirl: I won't stop until it's done; that's a promise ;o) And she couldn't use her wand, because... um... it was upstairs? I dunno, I just wanted Draco to do it... hehe
Slim-Shady's-Modeling-baby: Lol. Thanx. 3 times? I read it at least that many too! Good, we're on the same page! Lol.