I do not own Harry Potter.

Thanks go in order to my beta, blueskyshymoon-olgameisterfunk. Thank you for being patient with my writing. I cannot ask for anyone better since you are totally awesome. (And in the words of Barney Stinson, aka Neil Patrick Harris, you are "de- wait for it- lightful. Delightful"… Yeah, I'm obsessed with How I Met Your Mother.)

(Edited December 22, 2009)

(Draco's POV)

I hated these kinds of events. The incessant need for socialization and analyzing new information had me wanting to walk out of the party. My mother didn't help any, always managing to drag me to her annual hosted parties that consisted of me trying to tune out the voices of narcissistic and arrogant human beings.

"I hear that Malfoy Inc. has increased its profits by a thirty percent gross. Tell me, how do you does your father do it?"

The pudgy man clapped a hand to my shoulder, causing me to cringe inwardly. The party had been alive for a few hours, but it was slowly winding down, and the guests were starting to leave. I grimaced slightly, wanting to take Adrian to our flat.

My eyes perused the room, trying to find Adrian but found nothing. I left him with Daphne, but she had left an hour ago, I suddenly recalled. I felt the color drain from my face, my mouth pursing at my stupidity.

"I'm sorry, but I see that another guest is calling me. It was a pleasure."

I had barely walked a few steps before I saw the unmistakable platinum blond hair of Adrian. He was sitting in a chair, his small body turned towards a female that was next to him. From where I was standing, I couldn't tell who the brunette was, but I could tell that Adrian was enjoying being next to her. His face held a smile, one that wasn't present day to day. I felt slightly jealous.

How could a mere stranger capture the attention of my son, while I tried my best everyday to get him to open up to me? I knew that the change in my work hours had affected our bond, and I only had weekends to try and seize the time that was lost, but I knew that that wasn't enough. I could tell that Adrian was slipping away, and I couldn't stand it.

"Adrian! There you are."

I hurried my steps as Adrian turned to look at me. For the first occasion in a long time, my son's gaze of happiness was directed towards me too. It made me think there was still hope left to regain the trust of my son.

"Daddy!"

The small body ran towards me and collided with my legs, stopping me in my hurried tracks. It was strange; Adrian hadn't hugged me for the longest time. Suddenly my legs were becoming numb from the embrace. I felt my face relax, an unconscious act. I looked towards the table, wanting to know who had managed to capture my son's attention. My eyes met with the chocolate brown eyes of Hermione Granger, a blush covering her face. I felt my hand being pulled.

"Come on, Dad. I want you to meet my new friend!"

Hermione Granger had managed to befriend my son, how odd. But strangely enough, I didn't oppose to the idea. The hand pulling me let me go in order to run to the brunette sitting next to Potter and my best friend. Blaise had a loose smile on his face, as always, but there was a slight glint in his eye.

"How are you doing, Draco?" The deep voice of Potter reached my ears, me turning to look at him. I looked for the familiar red-head but failed to find her. Interesting.

"Doing fine, Potter. How is Ginny?"

"She's doing great, actually. We are going to be parents." The warm smile and soft eyes met with mine, making me turn away.

I remembered when I first got the news that I was going to be a father. I was too busy running the empire that my father had left me when he was sent to Azkaban to care that my girlfriend was going to have my heir. I hadn't felt the happiness that Potter portrayed just moments ago.

It wasn't until after Adrian was born that I actually felt happy for not being careful with Astoria. She had become too clingy in my opinion, and had I ended things. Within a month of our break-up, she had showed up at my door-step, tears in her blue eyes, and hugging her stomach

I was skeptical at first, not wanting to believe I was going to be a father at nineteen. I was too young to worry about taking care of someone other than myself, let alone a baby. Babies needed attention and love. I didn't think I could give those things to somebody else, I didn't even think I could manage to say "I love you" to someone.

As soon as Astoria left that night, I made a call to my mother, wanting some support. My mother, in an uncharacteristic manner, Apparated into my office and hugged me.

"I'm going to be a grandma. Oh, this is so exciting! You don't know how happy you've made me, Draco!"

I frowned. "I'm not sure if it's mine though. With Astoria, I wouldn't be too keen on trusting her."

"What are you talking about, Draco?" My mother's forehead scrunched up. "Astoria is a lovely girl. And she is going to have my grandbaby."

"I don't actually know that it's mine though."

"Yes it is, now hush! I can't wait to go baby shopping."

She kissed my cheek before Apparating away.

I felt lost, not knowing what to do. I was going to be a father. This was not what I had planned for. I was owled one night months later, a message telling me Astoria was about to deliver. I had paced my office before flooing to St. Mungos.

"Oh, you're finally here, Draco!" My mother had grabbed my hand and pulled me into a room, which was host to an Astoria yelling at the top of her lungs. I turned a bit pale, wanting to get out of the tiny room.

"Just one more push, honey. Just one more!" The medic urged Astoria on, making her scream even louder. "There, a healthy baby boy."

The crying infant was clothed and cleaned up from the blood that was covering his body. He quieted down when he was transferred to Astoria's arms. His trembling lips and red face made him look so vulnerable. I only stood to the side, not believing what I had just experienced.

"Do you want to hold him, Draco?" The soft voice of Astoria shocked me out of my trance.

I nodded my head, walking to the side of the bead. Astoria carefully laid the baby in my arms; the tiny body squirmed against me. Was I holding him right? The baby opened his eyes, revealing the silver gaze that followed the Malfoys, a blonde tuft of hair gracing his head. I was smitten, believing for once that I had made something that was perfect. I wouldn't let this baby down, not like I had everybody else.

"I was thinking we could name him Adrian," Astoria's voice rung in my ears.

Adrian. Yes, that was a perfect name. I pecked the forehead of son, rocking him back and forth as he closed his eyes and snuggled deeper into my arm.

I snapped out of my reverie. "Congratulations for the baby."

Potter nodded his head, putting his hand on Granger's shoulder. I felt my hand being pulled once more by Adrian.

"Dad, this is my new friend Hermione." Her face got red as I looked at her. How odd. "Hermione, this is my dad."

Granger extended her hand and I shook it. I could see she was humoring Adrian and noticed that she wanted me to do the same. As I held her hand in mine, I noticed the softness of it. She pulled her hand away first; I noticed it was slightly trembling.

"Nice to see you again, Granger."

(Hermione's POV)

When my parents died, I vowed I wouldn't get into a situation where I could end up being hurt.

Alone.

Forgotten.

I was one to think things through. I was known for my honesty and my straightforward way of thinking. I wasn't one to let someone trample over me and get away with it. Or so, I thought.

I left the party last night thinking that little Adrian had trampled all over my heart. He had made a tiny hole and climbed in, snuggling. I left, but not before Adrian had invited me over to Malfoy Manor, all the while the older Malfoy was rolling his eyes. It seemed that at least he had changed for the better.

Malfoy was quiet throughout the entire time that Adrian had managed to drag him to the table. He didn't make any nasty or condescending comments; he hadn't insulted me after every breath that he had taken. It was a change, to be able to sit in the same table with Malfoy and not feel like I had to be on my toes.

I drank the last drops of tea before I put on my coat and flooed to the Ministry. The bustling of people as I stepped out of the fireplace was a normal atmosphere, it somewhat calming me. I made my way towards my office, but not before straying off the path to pay a visit to Harry.

The twisting corridors blended in together before I finally reached Harry's office. I opened the door without knocking, not finding any reason to knock since I was, after all, his best friend.

"Hey, Harry. Just dropped in to say… Hi."

Draco Malfoy was in the office, browsing through the small collection of books in the left corner, with no Harry present. His body seemed to tower over the small bookcase and I wondered how he got his hair into such perfect disarray.

I blanched at my thoughts, berating myself for thinking such foul things.

"Hey there, Granger. Potter went out to get some papers that the Minister wanted." His voice rumbled in my chest. I thought I was going to hyperventilate.

"Oh, right. Well, tell him I dropped by to, um, say, err… Hi."

I felt foolish for stumbling over my words, conscious of the fact that Malfoy was smirking at me. He turned his body in my direction and I did my best not to make a sound as I sucked in my breath.

"Well... I'm going now." I awkwardly shifted my weight from one foot to the other. "Bye."

I made my way to the sanctuary that was my office, running like a madwoman loose from the crazy house. I locked the door behind me, not wanting to be disturbed by petty employees and the like. I huffed as I sat behind my desk, putting my head on the mahogany desk.

Why was I acting like this? I was not some teenage girl who swooned over a good looking bloke anymore! Or was I?

I was Hermione Granger. I didn't need to hide from anyone, least of all Malfoy. I stood up and unlocked the door. I was not going to be intimidated by some blond guy, albeit a very handsome blond guy. I needed to focus.

Bullocks. I was acting just like Ginny.

I made my way towards the only fireplace that was not being used and was about to step in before I found myself on the ground. I sighed, willing my eyes shut as I felt the pain.

"I'm terribly sorry, didn't see you there."

I froze momentarily, recognizing the voice of the one I had promised earlier I was not going to think about. I looked up and almost swooned at the sight of an apologetic Malfoy. I needed to get out more.

"Let me help you there, Granger."

He chuckled before extending a hand in my direction. I took it, noticing how large and strong it felt against mine. I felt the never-ending blush that seemed to come every time he was near, rise.

I cleared my throat, and dusted off the nonexistent dust of my skirt before looking at Malfoy again. He had collected my purse and the folders that had been scattered over the floor moments ago. I took the objects from him, looking at him for a spit second before averting my gaze to the side.

"Thank you, Malfoy. Really appreciate it." He nodded his head, and then signaled towards the fireplace.

"Ladies first." I stepped in and smiled at him before leaving in a puff of green dust.

I flung my coat against the sofa and headed straight to the kitchen. I needed to calm down. I placed the necessary items to make tea on the counter, knowing that tea was the only thing that could assuage my nerves.

When the water started to boil, I served myself a cup and added sugar. Stirring frantically, I made my way back to the living room and sat down.

What did Draco Malfoy think of me now? I knew it was childish thinking about this, but I couldn't help it. It was like watching a horrible car crash, I knew I shouldn't look, but my eyes stayed glued to the scene anyways. I was twenty-four years old for crying out loud; I had other things that I should be worrying about. Like work…

Climbing the stairs, I hoped my anxiety wouldn't show tomorrow with the Weasleys. I had accepted the dinner invitation from Molly, hoping it would prove to be distraction.

Climbing into bed, I pulled the covers all the way to my chin, wishing to find rest.

(Draco's POV)

I grabbed Adrian's hand, not believing what I was going to do. Molly Weasley had invited me over to dinner. Although Blaise was going as well, it was perhaps the idea of the red-headed matriarch actually taking the time to owl me that boggled my mind.

"Where are we going, Dad?" I looked down at my son.

"We are going to dinner to one of my co-workers' house."

"What's a co-worker?" I looked down again to see the confused look on my son's face.

"Someone who works with me." Adrian nodded his head.

"Is Daphne going to be there?"

"No."

"Okay, let's go."

I stepped into the fireplace, with Adrian next to me and yelled, "The Burrow!"

Much to my displeasure, Adrian ran out from the fireplace and into the arms of one Hermione Granger. I watched as they hugged, almost as if they had known each other their entire lives and were reuniting for the first time in years. I looked away from the spectacle to find the rest of the Weasleys staring at me. I raised an eyebrow, daring them to say anything.

"Oh Draco dear, you made it!" The voice of Molly Weasley came from the left, with Pansy and Blaise in tow.

I hadn't seen Pansy in months, seeing as how she spent the majority of the time with Weasley. When she told me that she was going out with the weasel, I almost choked on the salad I was eating.

It was strange seeing someone you've thought as family fall into the arms of someone who you used to hate. But, I could see the weasel cared about Pansy, which was the only reason why I didn't cause the red head any injury.

"Let's go sit down. Come on everybody, to the dining room."

I was seated across from Granger, with Adrian seated next to her. The only comfort was that I was in between Blaise and Pansy. When dinner was served, I barely ate, watching everybody interact with each other.

The environment was drastically different from what I was used to. Everybody had a smile on their faces, even while chewing their food. It was loud, but not extremely so. I watched as Adrian conversed with Granger, his whole face glowing. I cleared my throat, turning away.

Clinking of a fork and glass drew my attention. Molly stood up at the head of the table. "Will everybody please settle down? Ron and Pansy have a very special announcement."

The couple stood up, holding hands. I raised an eyebrow at the action.

"Um, as you well know. Pansy and I have been dating for months now." Weasley smiled Pansy. "And last week, I woke up thinking. How can I live one more day, without waking up next to the love of my life? How would I be able to live with myself if I didn't see her beautiful blue eyes as they opened? I mean, I wake up every morning, just so I can breathe a true breath when I finally see her. Then, it just hit me. So, yesterday I proposed to Pansy."

"And I said yes," said Pansy, all the while kissing Weasley on the cheek.

The table erupted in claps and whistles and "Congratulations." I looked away from the couple, to see the brunette directly in front of me with watering eyes and a frown. She caught me looking and smiled, but I could see it was plastered on, not a real reflection of her feelings. Perhaps her feelings towards Weasley were still present. It was well-known that the two had been romantically linked, what with all the publicity the trio managed to rile up from just walking outside.

Granger stood up and walked across the table, hugging Weasley; it looked like she was clinging on to him. They were whispering to each other, but I could see the smile on his face. I wondered what she was telling him… not that it was any of my business, I was just curious. Weasley kissed Granger's forehead, before disentangling his body from hers. She turned to the right and hugged Pansy, whispering something in her ear too. When she finally stopped whispering, Pansy had tears in her eyes too. Pansy kissed Granger on the forehead too, and wiped Granger's tears.

I raised my eyebrow as Granger left the dining room and headed towards the living room. I would have not cared, except Adrian ran after her. What had Granger done to my son which had him following her like a blind puppy? I stood up and went after them, feeling the eyes of one red-head follow me.

"I have to go, Adrian."

"But I don't want you to!"

"I know, and I'm so sorry."

"Please, can't you stay for five more minutes?"

"Oh, honey, no. Look, how about you tell your dad you want to see me, and maybe he'll let you visit me at work one of these days."

I stood outside of the living room, listening to them. Adrian sounded like he really wanted Granger to stay. I felt slightly hurt; my son hadn't begged me to stay with him for some time now. I decided to intervene.

"Adrian, let's go back to the dining room." I found them hugging, Adrian looking just like Granger moments ago when she was hugging Weasley.

"But, Dad! Please tell Hermione not to go." Adrian looked at me with teary eyes, effectively stopping me from saying no.

I couldn't believe I was doing this. "Look, Granger. Couldn't you stay for a few more minutes? I'm sure everyone would appreciate it, especially Adrian."

She blushed when I met her eyes. "Um, I don't know. I mean, um, I really should go. But I suppose I, um, could stay for a bit more."

She nodded her head, as if her internal battle was over, regaining her composure by grabbing Adrian's hand. She started walking back towards the loud dining hall, but I noticed how the tears in her eyes were still present.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please tell me if you liked it.

Thanks!