Hello everyone! Wow great feedback on this story! Thank you all for the follows, faves and the brave ones who gave me awesome reviews! I'm glad you all liked it~ Hehe anyways I couldn't just wait for next week to type a new chapter and since its Memorial Day might as well continue! Hope you all had a great Memorial Day! Now on with Chapter 2! Oh this is an AU so yes Snape is alive as well as Dumbledore and everyone else no one died except Cedric Diggory. Just wanted to clear any of confusion~
The field was quiet only Hermione staring wide eyes at the tiny Slytherin before her. The flowers however where giving out bubbly laughter at the humiliation of Draco. She looked back at the silver flowers and covered her mouth. The laughing from the flowers also caused a desire to giggle and chuckle along with them, but the primary shock she was given kept her from doing so. A smile did play on the Gyffindor's lips as she bent down to the small blonde.
"I—Malfoy. Just—Hold /on/ a second." She said while trying to help the little blonde stay upright as she tucked his robes around him the best she could.
Draco watched Hermione pull his robes and tie them around his thin waist without saying a word. "Sorry." He finally whispered looking down at the forest floor fiddling with the hem of his overgrown robes. Draco knew that he was a 17 year old boy, but his body was now telling him he was only six years old. Great, now I'm going to be bawling like a baby or falling asleep during conversations like all six year old. Damnit why does this always happen to me?! He thought damning the flowers to hell in back.
Although Hermione always held an animosity towards the blonde git, she couldn't get herself to feel the same with the child in front of her. He looked…innocent if that could ever happen. His blonde hair was white in the moonlight and his big grey eyes were filled to brim with some emotion that Hermione couldn't put her finger on it. But it was still Draco of course, but he looked and sounds different, for obvious reasons and she bit her lower lip as she decided to try and be more patient with him, if it was even possible. He was a child after all and it seemed that his mentality was reverting back to it as well. After all, the grown Draco would never have apologized so sincerely. Hermione let out a breath as she finished getting his robes properly as she could.
"It's alright," She said as nicely as she could. "I'm going to pick you up now, ok? We'll get out of here much faster that way." She said as she reached for him.
Meanwhile Draco was having internal turmoil. His mind was screaming to bite at her saying he didn't need help, but the child mind was in charge so he reluctantly had Hermione pick him up. "Okay." He heard himself say, "I don't wanna be around those plants." He rested his head on her chest listening to her rhythmic beats of her heart. It was like the older Draco was now being locked up deep inside his mind while the child went out to play. The child wanted them to merge into one, but Draco being stubborn refused. "Granger, why is out blood the same color?" He finally asked looking up at her confusion written all over his tiny face.
She held him firmly against her, not wanting to drop the child. He was light so it wasn't too much of a problem, but her nerves were making her knees buckle while holding the small Draco. After making sure she had everything tucked away in her satchel, she casted a 'Lumos' with her wand and made her way out. This was all very strange to her and Draco's question threw her off guard. She stuttered over her words in surprise. "Wh-What? Our blood?" She briefly looked around at Draco and saw that the question was genuine. Directing her eyes forward again she gathered her thoughts to give a good reply. He was young and impressionable; she wanted to tell him something intelligent. A well thought out agreement that described and explained how everyone was equal regardless of blood. That blood didn't matter and how unrighteous it was to think of otherwise.
Her mind drew blank though. "I—Well. Because," She said slowly, "We're both the same –Inside I mean. You and I. We're made of the same thing, regardless of magic…Everyone is. We all breathe the same air and we all bleed the same blood."
"So Father…was lying?" He asked with a tilt of his head, both of Draco was confused at this. Was what she was saying true? After all this time he had called her mudblood…they were equal? It was confusing, ever since he could remember he had lectures on the disgusting mudblood at least two times a day. Now that he had actual proof that Hermione's blood was not muddy as they said, his whole life had been lied to. If he knew, what would he had done Would he had been the same?
Hermione's lips pressed together to form a thin line as she listen to the question. "Unfortunately yes." She said. She shook her head. "I can't tell why exactly why your father lied to you." She continued, "Some people just—strongly believe very much in ideas that aren't right. Ideas that aren't…/Fair/. And—I supposed they need to make others believe it as well…Others such as you." She said giving Draco as sad look.
She knew how big of an influence Lucius Malfoy was to Draco considering half of his insults were 'Wait until my father hears of this.' But since the war was over and Lucius Malfoy was stuck in Azkaban with a life sentence she knew that Draco's father could no longer control Draco like a puppet master. She was slowly starting to see the real Draco Malfoy, and it was frightening. Would he be nice, kind? Or just remorseful and crude like always. She looked down at the small child who had his spider thin fingers fumbling with her Gryffindor cloak.
Finally Draco spoke up, it was soft and hushed like he was going to tell her a secret. "I-I..I'm sorry. I said all those things…and it hurt you. I didn't…know. I was supposed to…" He didn't finish as big fat tears fell from his big watery grey eyes. Hermione held him tighter as he sobbed quietly. Her heart clenched at every sob he gave out, he didn't know. It wasn't his fault.
"It's okay…Draco." She whispered his name foreign to her tongue. She liked how it rolled off like water. "I forgive you." She rubbed circles on the back of the skinny, sobbing child. After a while the sobs turned into sniffles and hiccups. He leaned softly on her chest his chin draped over her shoulder his tiny fingers clutching her shirt. His eyes were getting droopy and he couldn't keep them open. After the crying episode Draco relunctantly watched, he decided to let the child take over, what was the point of fighting? Plus he had things to think about know. Feeling his mind now drift into the deepest part of himself, the child lay fast asleep on Hermione's shoulder.
It was a long and quite difficult walk through the dark forest, since Draco was now sleeping Hermione did her best to stay quiet and let the child sleep. Hearing the soft breathing of Draco she smiled, children could fall asleep so easily, they were innocent able to go throughout the day without a guilty conscience. She eyed the small dark mark on his arm and sighed, no matter what happened it seemed he would be stuck with the ghastly brand. But the war was over and Hermione was able to forgive him, he did not give them away at the manor. She saw him flinch and move away when she was tortured so he was human. Draco Malfoy was human and he needed help, though his prickly exterior said otherwise.
Seeing the crack of morning light Hermione couldn't help but smile, they were finally out. Now the question was what was she going to do with Deaged Draco Malfoy? Draco stirred nuzzling his soft blonde hair on the crook of her neck tickling it in the process, she giggled. Shifting Draco a bit so her arms weren't going numb she headed up the hill to the castle.
The castle was barely lit with the crack of morning light so she rushed to the Headmaster's office hoping Dumbledore was up. Seeing the stone griffin she racked her brain for a password but just as she was about to try and guess the password, the griffin jumped aside allowing passage. Hermione sucked in a breath and continued forward.
Dumbledore's office was amazing in Hermione's opinion. Gadgets and doodads were everywhere making the office look fun instead of serious. Dumbledore would rather have a friendly approach on things then a more menacing one. Opening the big wooden door Hermione saw Dumbledore in his desk petting his phoenix Fawkes. Fawkes looked up and gave a croon giving Hermione a smile. "Ah Miss Granger, so nice to see you up and early. I see that your detention went well?" Dumbledore asked gently, he had a way to make anyone feel more comfortable even if you were in loads of trouble.
Hermione walked closer to Dumbledore the sleeping Draco more in view. When Dumbledore twinkling eyes caught the small blonde they went wide. Getting up from his seat he walked over to Hermione Fawkes following pursuit. "Miss Granger, please explain. This is Mr. Malfoy I presume."
Hermione nodded biting her bottom lip, she told the story on how Draco got bit, and how he changed into a child with the blink of the eye. Dumbledore was quiet listening to every word. "Ah well Miss Granger, it seems that Draco got the 'short end of the stick' as muggles say. I will have to get Professor Snape to come and inspect Mister Malfoy as well as Madame Pomhfrey to check and see if the boy is healthy."
"Sir, the dark mark. On Malfoy...it's still there." Hermione told him shifting weight so Draco was on her hip still sound asleep.
Dumbledore looked at her with sad blue eyes, "Yes, the dark mark will stay with Mister Malfoy until death. It was Tom's wish to have his followers to follow until death. Now I am going to call Professor Snape and Madame Pomphrey. You may sit until then, would you like a lemon drop?" He asked pulling a yellow wrapped candy out of his robe pocket.
"Err, no I am fine." Hermione declined sitting on the overstuffed chair with Draco who shifted once she sat. Feeling a sort of maternal feeling Hermione stroked the soft blonde hair hearing soft murmurs from the boy. She watched Dumbledore disappear into a portrait. After waiting for what seemed to be like five minutes Dumbledore came back with Snape and Madame Pomphrey. Hermione got up and walked over still having Draco sleeping on her chest and shoulder.
"Apparently the by cant follow simple directions." Snape drawled shaking his head disapproving, but his black beetle eyes said otherwise. The relationship between Draco and Snape was not the hardest to find out. He favored Draco out of all the students, but it seemed more than just favoritism to Hermione by the look Snape had given to the child.
"Sir, it wasn't his fault. He was careful with the flowers; they just were attracted to his blood." She defended looking at the three who gave looks of surprise.
"Yes dearie, I'm sure it was just an accident, but we need Mister Malfoy awake so if you please?" Madame Pomphrey said conjuring up a medical table.
Hermione placed the sleeping boy on the table, his robes dangling off the table. With a gentle tap Hermione coaxed the boy awake. "Draco. Draco sweetie you need to get up." With a groan Draco opened his big grey eyes stretching his thin frame. With a yawn he looked up with wide eyes.
"W-What? Where? Where am I?" The boy asked looking around confused. Hermione sucked in a breath, he didn't remember anything. His mind was now a six year Draco. The Seventeen one was gone. Hermione didn't know whether to be happy or sad about it.
"Draco, is that your name?" Madame Pomphrey asked giving a sweet tone. The boy nodded his eyes filled with fear, until they landed on Snape. His eyes brightened and a smile made its way on his face.
"Sev! You're here!" He said with a cheerful tone no longer feeling uneasy. Snape gave a soft smile and nodded. "Yes Draco I'm here, but we need to check on you for a little bit is that alright?" His tone was soft and gentle which Hermione thought could never happen, but here she was with a soft Snape and Draco being a child. What was next Dumbledore confessing his love for Snape? Hermione shivered involuntarily pushing those thoughts out of her mind.
"Check? Like a check up? Is that why I'm here?" Draco asked with a tilt of his head.
The teachers nodded. "That's right young Malfoy; we are just here to see if you're healthy. You're going to have to stay here for a while though. You're father is at a business trip with your mother." Dumbledore explained with twinkling eyes. "Miss Granger here is going to take care of you until the time being."
"Yes, I am—Wait what?" Hermione sputtered glancing at the Headmaster as if he was crazy. Please say this is a dream, for the love of all gods and goddess please.
"But of course, you two will have a room for yourself until we get this problem fixed." Snape said walking over with a smirk on his face. Hermione glared at him, but stayed quiet. Draco seemed unfazed by it and smiled brightly at her making her blink. He was so cute. Ugh no this is Malfoy, even if he is adorable—Damn it Hermione stop thinking.
"Alright Mister Malfoy I need you to take off your clothes." Madame Pomphrey said taking out some medical tools to give a checkup. Snape followed behind her, but Draco seemed uncomfortable.
"Um...my clothes? Take them off?" He whispered fiddling with the hem of his clothes. Hermione had noticed he did that when he was nervous. The two nodded and Draco shook his head, "No." He stated firmly. There's the Malfoy I know.
Madame Pomphrey looked at Snape and then back at Draco, she bended down looking at Draco in the eye. He looked away biting his bottom lip. "It's alright Draco, we are here to help. We need to check and see f you are alright." She said softly, Draco looked at her and then nodded softly. He pulled on the over grown Slytherin robe with the help of Snape and Pomphrey. Underneath all the overgrown layers there was a thin lanky boy with boxers that went to his knees, with a flick of Snape's wand it fit to Draco' hips and he smiled softly. But it wasn't the pale skin that surprised him, it was the scars. There were scars everywhere big long ones to thin thick ones. Hermione felt sick seeing the scars that littered on the boy.
The nurse had gasped fingering the many scars with a shaky hand. Draco flinched giving a whimper, unshed tears threatening to spill out. "I'm sorry. I'm so clumsy I fall all the time. I-I didn't mean to be bad." Draco whimpered curling into himself.
Hermione was shocked; there was no way that falling would give him that many scars, maybe bruises but not scars. Why would he keep that from anyone? Snape interrupted her thoughts with soft gentle words. "It's alright Draco, you're not in trouble. We just want to see if you're healthy and you are." He said with a soft smile as Draco nodded giving a sniff.
"Alright Draco we are going to talk for a bit, you stay here with Hermione until we get back." Dumbledore said giving Draco a small candy patting the blonde's head. Draco nodded turning his grey eyes toward Hermione. "Hi." He said dangling his lanky legs off the table.
"Hello." Hermione said with a soft tone, she decided long ago that she would treat Draco with kindness he didn't need her snapping at him. He looked fragile enough. "My name is Hermione, and you're name is Draco right?"
He nodded with a smile. "Mum said it means Dragon." He said proudly but still was fiddling with his fingers like he was nervous. Hermione smiled and nodded, "Yeah it suits you Draco."
"What does yours mean…Her-my-knee?" He asked tilting his head struggling with the name. She giggled; maybe that's why he never said her name. It was too hard for him to say. When Draco saw her giggling he pouted biting his bottom lip.
"Well my name is from a character, she was in a play by a man named Shakespeare." She said with a soft smile. Draco furrowed his brows mouthing the word 'Shakespeare'.
Draco began to open his mouth but the here teachers came in with soft smiles. "Well Draco you are going to be staying in Hogwarts for a while, until we get a special bath running for you. It will take a while until it is properly made, but Miss Granger will be here watching you until them. And Miss Granger you are excused from today. You are welcomed to have at least five to help you with Draco taking care of a child is very tough." Dumbledore said dismissing them. Hermione picked Draco up who was now clothed in his shrunken Slytherin robes. Draco crossed his arms at that muttering that he was six not a baby.
Hermione nodded giving a small smile to Draco, "Of course Professor. I'll do my best." And with that she followed Snape out going to her new dorm until the bath was to be complete. This is going to be a strange year.
Aaand Scene! Hope you liked it! R&R please! Gives me inspiration to continue :D Until next time~