"Clothes,"
"I heard you the first time,"
"Well what do you plan on doing about it,"
"Me?"
"Yes you, I can't possibly wear your things all the time and besides Lucas only has his pajamas."
Hermione and Draco were both in the kitchen doing the dishes about a few weeks after the meeting with the Elders. She washed and passed to Draco who would dry and place them on the rack. They were half way through when Hermione brought up the conversation on needing clothes. Draco was seeming to be acting as if clothing wasn't needed in the house since Hermione nor Lucas went anywhere, but Hermione pointed out that wearing his sweat pants and overly large t-shirts had to stop.
"It's not like we can go to your home and pack, the apartment is under investigation as we speak now," said Draco drying a plate.
"Then we won't. We'll go to a muggle bank, I have an account for this sort of thing, we'll take my money and go get clothes and since you have me on a leash you can come along."
Draco was silent thinking about her plan, it was pretty good he had to say. She suggested stay in the muggle world, safer of course. Allowing him to go along, even safer. The only thing he wasn't sure about was….
"What if they have the muggle world under surveillance as well I mean you are Muggle-Born."
"Yes but I've disappeared without a trace wouldn't it seem like magic?" Hermione pointed out.
"True, but it would still be a bit dangerous."
"Okay how about you and me just go, and we leave Lucas with Blaise. Since he was tested by the Elders he's safe to trust. And you need me to go cause I know what Lucas and I need."
They finished the dishes and Hermione was drying her hands now leaning against the counter looking at Draco trying to read his expression but in her three days of being around him she found it very hard to read his expression unless he wanted them to be read. So instead she studied his face.
To explain him in one word it would have to be: older. His hair was no longer in its slicked back manner but was loose and fell into his eyes which were light blue like crystal. Though he was only around the age of twenty-three, his face seemed older. He held light bags under his eyes, and at times when Hermione would catch him sitting alone in the kitchen his face looked tired holding one emotion: loneliness.
"Fine, we'll do it," he said looking at her.
She smiled. "Really?"
He sighed and nodded. Her smile grew even wider as she threw herself at Draco wrapping her arms around Draco's neck and hugging him. He gave a chuckle and wrapped an arm around her.
"It's not a big deal Hermione."
"Yes it is, it means you trust me that I won't run off," said Hermione letting go of Draco as her cheeks turned pink noticing what she had done.
"But we have do it fast just to be careful, because if we get ambushed who knows by how many I don't think we would stand a chance. How much money do you have?"
"Enough for a good wardrobe for the both of us."
He nodded. "I'm gonna go find Blaise and tell him what we're gonna do, so go get ready. We'll do it now."
Hermione left Draco on the main floor to go get ready, she was excited to finally get out. She had been cooped up it the elegant house for three long days, and was sure she was starting to go crazy. With no paper work to do, going to pick Lucas up at school or any of her normal day routines she was bored. At times she would lounge in the glass library flipping through books, so did Lucas who spent most of his time up there if he wasn't following one of the men around.
Climbing the stairs she smiled, Lucas wasn't use to waking up to men around all the time and she had to say it was nice. She was able to sleep in and not worry that her son would terrorize the house she knew he was fed and occupied by male entertainment at that. She noticed how he was around them as well, he would spend some time with Blaise helping him count out his morning work outs or watching as the dark skinned man fiddled around with potions and such. He was always broadening his little mind.
But what really stunned her was that Lucas spent more time with Draco then herself during the three days. He would be in the kitchen watching him make breakfast, or following him around as he cleaned up his already cleaned home. On evenings Hermione spotted them in the living room watching T.V it was always what Lucas chose and Draco didn't seem to care. The previous evening she had found Lucas fast asleep on Draco's knee while the blond stared at the screen as a hand brushed lightly through the boys brown curls. It was heart warming and even made her forget the old Draco completely.
She entered her room and went over to a pile of cloths Draco had given her, they were his old cloths from way back which meant they were smaller and almost fitted Hermione. She removed a pair of black dress pants and white button up shirt. Draco had apologized when giving her the cloths saying if not for the anti-magic barrier he would of transfigured them into proper fitted clothing for her. She had smiled reassuringly saying a sewing kit was the magic she needed. She had left most of the T-shirts as they were not having a problem with them, she had trimmed some of the pants so she wasn't always stepping on them. The dress shirt she had pulled out was on of her best, she had trimmed it down and fitted the sides so it was more of a blouse.
Slipping out of her sweat pants and 'T' she got dressed. She put her hair up in a ponytail and slipped into a pair of shoes Draco had found. They were plain black sneakers that seemed to actually go well with her outfit. Stepping out of her room satisfied she went downstairs and waited for Draco. As she waited Lucas came down the stairs a book in his hand, he stopped and stood in front of his mother a grin on his tiny face.
"You look pretty mommy," he said looking up at her.
She smiled back and ruffled his hair. "Thank you Lucas."
"Where are you going?" He asked noticing that she had shoes on.
"Draco and I are going to go to the store for things we'll need, so you'll be staying here with Blaise."
Lucas nodded. "Okay, I found another book anyway. You won't be long will you?"
"Not at all, we'll be back before dinner,"
Turning to look at the top of the stairs they watched as Draco came down the stairs wearing black slacks and a plain black polo T-shirt, he also had two leather jackets hanging over his shoulder. As Hermione studied him she noticed something new about his appearance it took until he was at the bottom of the stairs that she noticed…
"You shaved,"
Draco grinned running a hand around his chin feeling the smooth skin, he actually very fond of his little chin growth. "Yeah. I thought it was necessary."
"Necessary? For what reason?" Hermione questioned.
"I'll tell you on the way," he said looking down at Lucas. "All right you, you're in charge."
Lucas frowned looking up at the blond. "But I thought Blaise was."
"I wouldn't trust him with a pet rock, this house is yours while I take your mom out. So keep an eye on Blaise I don't want a mess when I get back," said Draco winking.
Lucas nodded with a smile he hugged them both quickly around the middle and darted off into the living room. When the boy was gone Draco nodded toward the front doors, they left locking the door behind them. As they walked down the dirt road Draco passed a leather jacket to Hermione who took it gratefully. It was the middle of January and still cold outside, there was still snow as well and today seemed to be threatening to snow once more.
"So why'd you shave?" Hermione asked zipping her jacket up and stuffing her hands in the pockets.
"It's for a disguise, I was thinking that the Ministry might not have given up on looking for me. And I know for sure they are still looking for you and Lucas with Potter as an Auror he won't give up. So I thought of a plan," he paused to dig into his pockets removing two pairs of sunglasses, he handed one to Hermione. "I know they're not much buts it's the best I can do. The plan is that we are newlyweds and I'm spoiling you with a shopping spree."
Hermione looked at him to see if he was joking but when he didn't crack a smile, she knew he was all business about this. "You're never going to let me live this down are you?"
"Nope," was all he said before placing his sunglasses on his face and smiling.
Hermione sighed and put hers on as well. "Where are we going?"
"We're going to catch a bus in the village near by, it will drops us off downtown London where we'll find where you need to go."
They walked in silence down the drive way, turning right when they reached the end. The air was crisp and nipped at their ears and noses, as snow started to fall slowly from the light grey clouds. Hermione was surprised that the leather jacket could keep out the chilled air and she found herself pretty warm considering the wind nipping at her nose.
It wasn't long until they walked into the little village, it started with farm houses off in the distances then built up to small two floor cottages. A thin layer of snow covered the lane as they walked into the village now spotting the villagers themselves. Men and women smiled on seeing their arrival and waved in welcome as they carried on. Draco smiled in return and even waved to an elderly women sweeping the snow off her pathway.
As they moved toward a brick building with a run down bus sign a pack of children ran by wearing full winter gear, laughing and looking up at the fat snow flakes that fell from the sky. An older boy walked behind them, a sleigh at his side carrying two toddles being pulled by a thrilled dog in a harness. The boy smiled at Draco and tilted his head in Hermione's direction, Draco smiled back and watched the kids run off down a street their laughter still heard.
Hermione took this time to look at his face, he wore a smile. Something she was growing accustom to these day. His head was turned toward the disappearing kids but she could see his delight. She had to think if not for the glasses she could bet that his crystal blue eyes were twinkling like the crystals they resembled.
"You like children huh?"
Draco pulled away from the kids slowly looking down at Hermione his smile slowly disappearing. "Yes."
She nodded. "Have you ever thought of having children?"
He was silent, running his answer over in his head. "Yes."
Hermione nodded, she took a moment to picture miniature fair-haired Draco's running around his house. She had to say it was a pretty picture, his ways with Lucas had proven he would make a incredible father some day.
They entered the bus station and Draco purchased two tickets, they then took their seats. It wasn't long until the bus pulled in, and Draco quickly fell into his acting roll of new husband. He wrapped a protective arm around Hermione's waist and proceeded onto the bus. Draco's hidden eyes scanned over the faces in the capsule and once satisfied he offered Hermione the window seat, then sat comfortably beside her.
The ride was peaceful, the country side rolling by in a thin white blanket of newly fallen snow. Hermione had always loved the country, her parents to this day still owned their country house. It was a place she would only see in the summer and on Christmas break a few times. She had always wondered what it would be like to live there her whole life though, to wake up to the morning sun and the hills, going for long walks, the fresh air in her lungs and through her hair. It was something she wanted for Lucas.
The country side quickly turned into small subdivision then into the tall buildings of the center of London. The bus pulled into a station and everyone hopped out, Draco wrapped his arm around Hermione again and she even leaned into him comfortably. She directed him to the bank so she could withdrew her savings. Then headed off to a muggle department store.
Draco had insisted in staying clear of any magical areas for safety measure because of even one Witch or wizard recognized them they would be in trouble. So they headed for a small mall a good distance from any witch or wizard.
The mall held a grocery store at one end, furniture store, shoe shop, female clothing, a small toy store and the main department store holding all essentials. They headed for the department store Draco eyeing everything, it had been a long times since he had been in a public area. Hermione grabbed a cart and headed down to the clothing section, Draco right behind her.
"So have you planned out what you're getting?" Draco asked as she scouted through the boys sections.
"My savings is enough for a wardrobe for both of us," she said picking five pairs of blue jeans for Lucas. "And I'm not picky about how Lucas looks these days so it will be fast."
"But I'm guessing you're picky about yourself?"
Hermione just smiled placing five pairs of track pants into the cart.
A few pairs of t-shirts, long sleeved shirts, sweaters, underpants, socks, a pair of shoes and a few more pairs of pants they had finally moved onto women's, to Draco's excitement. Just like he thought she was picky about herself, Draco could only smile as they went through pants. After a half an hour of following her around he became bored and started to think of something he could do, he found one but wasn't sure she would like it.
"Hermione?"
"Hmm?" She said holding up a turtle neck sweater.
"Would it be possible if I borrowed some money, I'll pay you back of course,"
Hermione was silent for a moment then placing the sweater in the cart she reached into her pocket and handed Draco the money without questions.
"Thanks I'll be right back, don't go anywhere," he said.
"You're welcome, and I won't move I promise."
Draco pocketed the money and headed out of the store, turning to glance at Hermione one last time putting her into his memory.
Hermione continued her shopping smiling, it felt good to be doing something outside of that house. She was tired of reading, and Draco and Blaise always insisted in cooking, leaving her nothing to do. Lucas seemed distracted everyday, with then men around always finding something to do with either one. So there was nothing to do without work and Lucas busy.
A few minutes passed and Hermione moved onto to pants, looking over some black jeans she noticed a women a feet away from her and a man down at the gentlemen's area. Neither one had a cart but both were looking through the cloths, though neither one seemed the bit interested in what they were looking at. Hermione was eyeing the women closely when she looked up and met her eyes. The women looked shocked that Hermione was looking at her so she turned quickly fiddling with a blouse.
Spooked a bit by the two people Hermione picked her jeans and pushed them into the cart then rolling her cart toward the cashiers. As she neared the first one Draco walked back into the store two bags in his hands. His eyes fell on Hermione quickly and he walked towards her, his small grin washed away as soon as he saw her pale face.
"What's wrong?" He asked once he was close enough.
Hermione glanced over her shoulder, then leaned up into Draco's ear. "There's two people following me, the women in red and the man in black."
Draco looked over her shoulder at the two people noticing how they were slowly making their way toward the cashier, the one they were at. He looked down at Hermione then at the line up, there were two people in line.
"Alright, stay calm," he whispered slipping a arm around her waist. "We can't show them that we know they're following us."
Hermione nodded tightening her grip on the cart, the line moved fast and Hermione was swiftly pilling her things on the counter. The cashier a seventeen year old girl chewing gum picked up the price gun and began pricing everything in. Draco shifted around Hermione to grab the bags. Down to the last articles of clothing the two stalkers had finally reached the line up, Hermione was starting to shake and Draco noticed.
Hermione fumbled with the money so bad that Draco smiled at her and took the money handing over the money to the girl and telling her to keep the change. Grabbing the bags Draco ushered Hermione out of the store.
"What's your plan?" Hermione whispered.
"I don't know," said Draco walking behind Hermione to the exit.
They were only a few feet away from the door when the sound of heavy steps were heard behind them.
"Miss. Granger stop where you are."
Hermione froze. They knew it was her, this was bad, really, really bad. Draco stopped as well but he wasn't as scared as Hermione was. He squared his shoulders then turned to face the two, obvious now, ministry aurors.
"Don't move you," said the man.
"Miss. Granger drop your bags and step forward," the women had taken a step forward now looking around Draco to try to catch Hermione's eye.
Draco dared not to speak, they would recognize him if he did, but he looked the man dead in the eye from behind his glasses and concentrated on a spell. As soon as he blinked his spell let itself loose on the man. Stumbling back the male auror fell to his knees his eyes unfocused then fell forward unmoving.
"Move," he said deeply to Hermione turning around and pushing into her so she would get the point.
They rushed out of the mall into the crowed street and started to move with the crowd. Ignoring the yells of protest Draco search the street for a cab or bus but to no avail. But he did see one opportunity.
He pushed into Hermione's side ushering her toward a silver sleek sports car, the driver was just getting out when Draco stepped in front of him. "Give me your keys."
"What!? Are you bloody mad?"
Dropping his bags Draco reached into his coat and pulled out a knife. "I will be if you don't give me your keys."
The mans eyes grew to saucers, he fumbled in his pocket then dropped the keys into Draco's hand. He opened the back seat door and threw the bags inside then pushed Hermione into the car where she crawled into the passenger seat. Draco looked into the crowd looking for the female auror, spotting her shoving through the crowd toward them. He smiled at her before jumping into the car, shoving the key and putting her into drive.