Thanks so much for all of your kind words. :) This isn't the last chapter actually. There will be one more to wrap things up. The story ended up spreading a tad further than I originally expected. Please read and review.

Second Chances

They walked along in silence for a while. He paused respectfully when she stopped to inspect an interesting plant long enough to identify it before she ultimately blushed for her distraction and joined him again.

Draco watched her closely from the corner of his eye. Thing had changed between them over the last few months. She had lost some of her hesitancy and was much more open. However, there was still a part of her that she kept locked away, the part he wanted most.

He'd never thought Hermione Granger would be easy to flirt with, what with her pride and strong nature, but he could tell by the look in her eyes that she knew and was ignoring his interest. Too afraid to get hurt or just not tempted enough, he wasn't certain. His guilt wasn't completely assuaged for the way he'd acted towards her before and he wasn't certain it ever would be.

But one thing was for certain: he wanted her—all of her. He wanted the Hermione that had raised his daughter alone, the Hermione that he caught smiling as he read to their daughter after dinner, and the Hermione who herself alone sparked his desire the way it had the one night over three years ago.

He cursed his pride for not trying harder in the past but it had actually been his mother who pointed out the inadequacy of his proposal. Of course she'd never have accepted it then. She wasn't the kind of witch to be bought or to take the easy way out of her burdens. No, she stood strong and faced them head on like the stubborn woman she'd always been.

She wouldn't marry without love.

He'd not been able to give her that before. He'd still been too riddled with his anger and self-loathing to give anyone anything of import. Now? Things were different now. He was different now.

He was just arrogant enough to think there was a chance that he could convince her to want him. Perhaps some of the old Draco was still there after all.

When they stopped again for her to inspect some tentactula lilies, he took his chance.

"Did you mean what you told her that day in Diagon Alley? About us…never being together?"

Hermione stood up from her crouched position and couldn't hide her surprise. "Merlin, Draco, that was months ago. You…want to be?"

"I…" He paused, not quite certain how to say what needed to be said between them. How much could he admit before she ran the other way?

"Be honest, Draco."

It was a firm order and he could see the anxiety building behind her eyes.

Hermione had dreamt about him again the night before and woke up in a sweaty tangle of sheets. She told Ginny she didn't really feel that he had a lasting interest in her but she wasn't prepared for her own growing attraction to him. Seeing him with their daughter had a surprising effect on her. Something evolutionary and biological ignited her blood and she did her best to ignore it.

So she had smiled and ignored his efforts at flirting with her, not ready to believe he'd ever be earnest in being attracted to her.

His words still haunted her years later.

Draco turned toward her and met her brown eyes. How had he ever ignored her in Hogwarts? She was beyond lovely. Those dark brown eyes drew him in and framed by the dark honey hue of her curls that were pulled away from her face today, he just wanted to snog her senseless until she gave into her feelings.

"I don't think it was an accident that we ended up in bed together that night. I touch you and it's like I'm on fire."

"Me, too," she whispered, eyes focused on the ground for a moment. She lifted them to him hesitantly and shrugged. "But it's not enough, Draco."

He stepped closer, grey eyes intent on her, nearly boring into her soul. "I know that now. I'd like to court you—properly. I've honestly been trying to since we reconnected but you haven't seemed to pick up on it."

She scoffed in disbelief, "You and I were never even friends before we slept together. And you never would have touched me if we hadn't both been drunk that night. We share a child, Draco. We don't have to share ourselves with each other. You asked to meet your daughter. How was I to know that you wanted more if you didn't explicitly tell me?"

Draco swallowed and nodded. It was all true. He'd have never had the courage to approach her without the liquor in his system. It didn't change what was happening now though. Perhaps he should have taken the more direct route and just come out with it but clearly bravery was not his strong suit if his past was any indication.

But she'd not stopped him from kissing her cheek goodbye every evening and she blushed but accepted his small gifts. How could the witch not realize what he wanted? How was it that she was able to ignore it when he could see her veiled interest every time?

"Perhaps I should have been more direct. It's likely stupid of me to even ask for a chance with you but I've always been a bit impetuous. I love being around our daughter, Hermione, but I very much want that to include you. I was far too arrogant and angry to admit it before but you're bloody gorgeous." He enjoyed the way her brown eyes widened at his confession. "You're the most intelligent witch I've ever met, ridiculously stubborn, far too kind for your own good—and it's why I want you."

Hermione felt about ready to hyperventilate. Harry's teasing and Ginny's knowing smirks flashed through her mind. She'd ignored his gifts and gentle bantering, not ready to believe that he might actually want her. He'd fathered her child but that didn't mean they were required to be together.

Did she even want him?

"I can't have Rose having false hope."

Draco took that as her inner walls crumbling at last and stepped forward, framing her face in his hands. "If I get my way, she won't have to. I have a gut feeling about this, Hermione. Merlin knows I don't deserve you after what I did and how I've treated you over the years but I swear I'll make it up to you. I'll be good to you. To you both."

He didn't give her any chance to think about it and did the one thing he knew would quiet her mind.

Hermione shivered when he pressed his mouth to hers. As much as she tried, she'd remembered most of their night together nearly four years ago. He kissed like sin and now was no different.

She felt his hands brush through her hair before sliding down her arms as they settled at her waist. He nipped at her lower lip a few times before she finally sighed and gave up. Her hands came up to his chest and rested hesitantly as she kissed him back.

Draco groaned quietly and wrapped his arms around her back, pulling her flush against him. The feel of her hesitant lips on his ignited something primal deep inside him. Her small body tucked into his taller frame sent a thrill down his spine. Her mouth was soft and her kiss was perfect.

He brushed the tip of his tongue along the seam of her lips and was rewarded when she parted them slightly. He took his chance and slipped inside to taste her.

Hermione moaned at the sensation, her body quickly heating against his. Merlin, help her—she hadn't been kissed in years. The part of her brain that was still functioning was thankful he didn't seem to notice her clumsy moves or care when she accidentally bit his lip.

Everything about her was perfect. He'd known it the morning he woke and saw her standing there looking so frightened and nervous. He knew it the first time he laid eyes on their daughter. He knew it even more now as he snogged her out in the open, hidden only by the garden walls.

She was more than just the mother of his child. There was a reason he'd never been able to move on. Not just haunted by his guilt of how he treated her in the past but…

…he loved her. Probably had felt something for her even in school though he'd have never acknowledged it then. Even just three years ago he'd been too immature and angry.

But he loved her. Loved the way she stood on her own two feet, loved how she raised their daughter even without his help, loved her smiles and her protective nature, loved every blasted thing and he was no longer scared to admit it.

She pulled away from him a few moments later, breathless as she rested her forehead against his chest. The way he ran his warm hand along her back and kissed her temple made her nearly want to sob with all the emotions bubbling under the surface.

Hermione swallowed as she licked her bruised lips. Memories flashed through her mind of their past interactions and painful tears threatened to leak from the corners of her eyes.

"I just don't know what you want from me," she whispered.

Draco pulled back and lifted her chin so he could see her eyes. Dark and glistening as she stared at him.

"You, Hermione Granger, I want you."

"Not just because of Rose," she asked.

"No," he tucked some stray curls behind her ear and a slight smirk lifted one corner of his mouth, "but she is a rather lovely added bonus. We clearly make beautiful offspring together."

Hermione huffed and shook her head at him. "You're incorrigible."

"You'll get used to it." Draco shrugged and pulled her head to rest against his chest again, arms curling around her tightly. "I'm yours if you'll have me," he whispered at her ear.

With a heavy sigh, the burning pressure of tears subsided and she allowed him to hold her. Something inside her relaxed with every pass of his hand along her back. It should have felt strange and foreign to be in Draco Malfoy's arms but hers nerves calmed and the insistent worrying voice in her mind quieted finally.

She felt her emotional exhaustion that had been building into a crescendo since the day she'd stormed into his office begin to dissipate. Something inside her released and she felt that maybe this was right.

But if he hurt her, she'd hex the man's balls off and ensure he never fathered another child!

"Rose can't know yet," she warned him later as they walked back down the path and towards the Manor.

"I know," he nodded and allowed her to pull her hand from his when they were within sight of his parents. He knew his father still wasn't thrilled about the situation with their only granddaughter and didn't wish to subject Hermione to the man's scrutiny. He'd deal with him soon enough. "We'll take it as slow as you need."

Hermione turned her head to look at him in surprise. "What about you?"

Draco gave her a confident smirk and lifted a lone brow. "I know what I want. It's you who needs convincing."

Her eyes widened in surprise as the implications of his comment took root. "Merlin, Draco," she whispered, "You can't know that already. You can't exactly go from hating me to-to…"

"Loving you," he supplied. He shrugged, "I haven't hated you, if I ever truly did, in years. And you don't get to question what I do or don't feel about you."

Feeling thoroughly chastised, Hermione shut her mouth and merely followed quietly as they approached his family. She'd dissect everything later.

As soon as they were in sight, Rose ran towards them and straight into Hermione's arms.

"Oof," she huffed from her crouched position as the girl nearly toppled her.

"I missed you, mummy," she whispered.

Hermione pulled back enough to see her and brushed blonde curls back from her face. "Are you ok," she whispered back.

Rose nodded vigorously and leaned towards her ear. "They're okay but I prefer gran and gramps."

She bit her lip, glancing up at Draco who was watching closely and shrugged.

Hermione lifted her into her arms and followed Draco back towards his parents. Lucius looked slightly less uptight but still rather put out by her presence if his cold gaze said anything. Narcissa appeared a bit nervous still, particularly in Hermione's presence but was offering her a small but kind smile.

"I'm just going to escort them home," Draco told them, fully intending to return later and get their side of the meeting.

As soon as they were back through the floo, Rose rushed out of Hermione's arms and straight for the kitchen for a snack. Apparently, Narcissa's biscuits weren't quite that appetizing after all.

Draco laughed outright at that and shook his head. "Well, what'd she say to you?"

She bit her lip hesitantly but answered. "She said they're okay but she prefers her other grandparents."

He snorted and nodded. "I imagine I'd probably agree had I ever met them." When her eyes widened, he elaborated, "My father and I had a falling out of sorts after you…well, we just disagreed about a few things. It's only been recently just before you came to my office a few months ago that we started speaking again."

"But your company, I thought it was a family business."

"Thanks to Potter's testimony you know I had probation but my father got house arrest the first three years. Technically, I inherited everything after the war. So it's mine, all of it. Even the Manor."

Hermione turned back to him curiously after she hung her coat in the foyer and folded their arms. "But you don't even live there."

Draco shrugged, stepping a bit closer and crowding her space as he backed her up against the nearest wall. His playful leering had her biting her lip in a way that made him want to take over the task for her.

"No, I left when we stopped speaking…"

"Because of Rose?"

When she backed fully against the wall, he pressed both hands on either side of her head as he peered down at her, trapping her. "Because of you. I proposed, you declined, and my father was furious." He shook his head at the memory of that encounter and sighed. "I won't recount the things he said but essentially it came down to you insulting the Malfoy name by rejecting me and that you should have been over the moon by my offer to take responsibility."

Hermione scoffed at that and rolled her eyes, not yet really realizing that he'd closed in on her in such a predatory stance. She was preoccupied with the warmth in his grey eyes being directed solely at her.

"Your father has more pride than all of England combined," she snarked. "Even you have to understand why I told you no."

Draco nodded and leaned down to press a kiss to her lips, hovering a few inches away afterwards, just enough to see her eyes. "I do, and I admit it was wrong of me. Reflecting on it now, I really don't know how I intended for us to even coexist with a child given how nasty I'd been to you about everything."

"Good of you to admit it," she whispered, mesmerized still by his eyes.

A familiar smirk curled his lips and he leaned in again to kiss her only to be interrupted by tiny footsteps.

"Mummy, what are we having for dinner?"

Hermione ducked under Draco's arms so fast he nearly got whiplash from the witch's move. She shot him an apologetic smile and he understood. Not in front of the child. Not yet anyway.

Rose climbed onto the sofa and stood leaning against the back of it as she observed her parents. Something was off between them but her three year old mind couldn't quite peg what.

Oh well. Later. She'd dissect that later.

"How about we go out for dinner," Draco suggested once he recovered and stepped over to them.

"Oh! Can we," she squealed and began jumping up and down.

Hermione rolled her eyes and shot him scathing look. "You always unnecessarily excite her," she hissed, in a not so scathing tone.

Truly, it warmed her heart to see the relationship that Draco and Rose had formed. Finally her daughter had a father and he was the exact opposite of what she'd have ever expected. A pleasant surprise really.

Draco shrugged unapologetically.

With a groan, Hermione nodded. "Fine, but only after you've had your nap. So upstairs, young lady. It's only three in the afternoon."

Rose pouted at that but did as she was told. She wasn't one to break the rules or rebel often and knew that if she took her nap, she'd get what she wanted anyway.

"Smart witch," Draco purred after the toddler was out of site.

Hermione put a hand to his chest when he tried to corner her against the back of the sofa and shook her head. "I have work to do. And I do believe you intended to follow up with your parents post-meeting. Why don't you come back for six and then you can proceed to spoil your daughter just as I always feared you would."

His eyes narrowed at her teasing but all too polite smile. "I change my mind. Evil witch. Fine. But I choose the restaurant."

"She doesn't like French food," she warned as he neared the floo.

"Merlin, Hermione, I'm not a complete pompous git. I think I can find something child-friendly."

She watched with her arms crossed over her chest and an amused smile as he returned to kiss her before stepping into the floo. He waggled his fingers teasingly in a wave and was gone.

Merlin, what had she gotten herself into?

Draco dusted himself off once he'd returned to the manor and stepped out to find his parents waiting in the adjacent sitting room.

"Well," he asked. He took up a seat on the nearby lounge chair and waited. He'd hex his father if he had anything negative to say.

Narcissa smiled warmly, "She's lovely, Draco. Very polite, sweet, and clearly intelligent." She laughed at the last part. "I've never met a child as enthusiastic about reading as that one."

Draco smirked easily and crossed an ankle over one knee. "You clearly never met Hermione Granger when we were children."

"Miss Granger has done a lovely job raising her, Draco."

When his father remained silent he narrowed his eyes at him carefully. "Nothing to say then, father?"

Lucius shrugged and sipped his tea. "She's a lovely child just as your mother said."

"She's your granddaughter," he reminded the elder Malfoy.

"She's your biological child, Draco. While I admit to being curious about her, she's not a Malfoy. She has no knowledge or breeding in accordance with the name."

"Lucius," his mother hissed. "I hardly think any of that matters. The child is clearly Draco's. No one could question it with those eyes and her hair color."

The older man sniffed, "I didn't deny that she is clearly Draco's but I don't see why we need concern ourselves now. Her mother saw fit to keep her from him, and by extension us, for three years. I don't feel inclined to begin hosting family get-togethers with the child and her muggle family."

"Hermione is a witch," Draco growled.

"Yes, with muggle parents. Your past mistakes are just that—past. I am willing to ignore your illegitimate child, Draco, in favor of your next. You need not grovel at that woman's feet when she wouldn't accept your needlessly generous gesture originally."

"Lucius," Narcissa warned again, blue eyes narrowed dangerously. She'd heard about enough.

Draco stood slowly and nodded as he straightened his coat. "I intend for my next child to be hers as well."

"Has she changed her mind," his mother asked hopefully.

Truly, she'd much prefer that he marry the mother of his child, even if only to avoid her husband attempting to match him with that horrendous Greengrass girl. However, seeing the product of their unplanned union gave her confidence. The girl was lovely and it was clear as day to her at least that her son had now set eyes on the muggle-born woman in a more serious sense. She was successful, hardworking, and intelligent, not to mention quite beautiful—blood and breeding no longer mattered to Narcissa.

"I only approached her today about trying for a relationship. I intend to marry her if she agrees one day."

"This is preposterous," Lucius shouted. "Honestly, Draco, she embarrassed you before so what exactly makes you think she won't again?"

"I was an arrogant prick before! She had every right and the good sense to reject me. However, I've changed and I believe she's beginning to see that." He shook his head and moved for the door. "Live in your fantasy of the perfect bloodline, father. I really don't give a damn but I'm going to go for the woman I want and could not care less if you approve."

He was pleased with the angry flush coloring his father's pale face and chanced a discreet look at his mother. She gave him a small nod of encouragement which he returned before exiting.

When he returned to Hermione's home, he found her seated comfortably in her chair nearest the fireplace, feet propped up on the ottoman and her work spread across a lap desk. She smiled at him when he emerged but it fell slowly when she saw his expression.

Hermione pushed her paperwork together and set it aside carefully when he slumped on the ottoman next to her feet.

"I take it things didn't go as well as you'd hoped."

He shrugged and reached out to drag her feet across his lap. He needed a distraction and massaging her fluffy sock-covered feet would work just fine.

"Nothing I didn't expect," he finally answered. "My mother loved her to pieces and my father is still an arrogant bastard."

Hermione frowned at that. "Did Rose say something?"

Draco looked up accusingly. "It's nothing Rose did, Hermione. She's perfect."

She laughed at that and shifted her foot suggestively to move his fingers where she wanted them. This was quite the lovely surprise. She hadn't realized how touchy-feely he'd be but now that she'd lowered her guard a bit for him, she wasn't going to deny herself the pampering.

"Draco, I love my daughter dearly but she's not perfect. She's rather impetuous sometimes, which I daresay, she gets from you. Occasionally, she says things she shouldn't. Like the time she decided to tell Ron I was in the bathroom vomiting after I had food poisoning from the chicken he'd made the night before."

Draco snorted and rolled his eyes. "She was clearly just informing the idiot of his lackluster cooking skills."

She rolled her eyes and tipped her head as she watched him. Gentle but strong fingers kept rubbing the arch of her feet and it was rather soothing if she were honest. She'd never pictured Draco Malfoy for the generous type in terms of affection but clearly all past perceptions had to be thrown out now.

Changed man, indeed.

"What was his problem then?"

"Same as always. Still doesn't think I should have anything to do with either of you because you rejected me the first time. My mother and I don't care though. Fuck him. I don't need him."

She sighed and pulled her feet away to sit up more. "Draco, I can't tell you what to do about your father. I'm thankful your mother liked her. But I honestly can't feel much pity for that man. It's his loss."

"Exactly. But it won't be mine. Not anymore," he promised.