Hermione reached the gargoyle and started saying random candy names, since that's what all the other passwords have been through the years. When she got to blood lollies, the stone statue moved out of the way. She then started to hastily climb the stairs, being mindful not to jostle Draco while doing so.

When she reached to knock, Dumbledore said, "Come in, Ms. Granger." Both came in with their eyes wide.

"I'll never understand how you do that Headmaster." Hermione stated as she approached Dumbledore.

"Well, it appears there was a little mishap in potions class, am I correct?" Dumbledore asked.

Of course you idiot! Do you not see that I'm a baby! What else could have caused it! Draco thought. He tried to say it, but all that came out were a few vowels.

"Yes Headmaster. It is indeed that. Professor Snape is analyzing the potion as we speak. My guess is that it will take quite a while to get Draco back to normal. What should we do until then?" Hermione was hoping with all her might that she wouldn't see Dumbledore's famous twinkling eye, that always said that he was amused and that whomever was there was about to regret asking anything. Alas, her hopes were smashed.

With the twinkling eye, Dumbledore said, "In this condition, young Draco will have to be in someone's care, preferably someone with experience in caring for young children and a knowledge of what to expect, someone who happens to be in this very room with me right now." Both were wide-eyed again.

"Sir, you can't possibly think that I would be a good choice for this situation! I don't have the experience of little brothers or sisters, plus it's obvious that Malfoy doesn't like this either. What about someone from his own house?" Hermione tried persuading.

"Ms. Granger, I know that you've babysat other children before, therefore you have experience. As for the Slytherins, I'm not sure if that would be a good idea. None of them have any siblings or experience at all in this. You seem to be the best option to this task." Dumbledore said.

Hermione sighed, "Very well, but Sir, what will we do about our classes? Malfoy can't go in this condition, and I'm not sure if I can take him to them. The others would eat him alive." Hermione tried to clarify.

Draco's jaw dropped. He had to stay with GRANGER, and GRANGER HAD EXCEPTED!?!?!?! OK, now I'm thoroughly confused. Draco thought.

"Don't worry about that Hermione. I'll explain everything to the staff and students at dinner tonight and then you can take him with you to class, (casts patronus), I just sent word to Madam Pomfrey, she'll set up an apartment for you two with everything you'll need to take care of your little Slytherin here." Dumbledore said with a smile.

Wait! Don't I get a say in this? I DON'T WANT TO STAY WITH GRANGER! Draco thought and tried to talk again, but this time all that came out was "on't Aner!"

Hermione sighed. "I guess we'll have to adjust. *notices Draco's annoyance* None of that Malfoy. I know that you don't like this, and frankly, neither do I, but there is no way around this. We'll talk about this later, Ok?" Hermione said. Draco looked up at her, not liking being scolded, but nodded in agreement.

"Well, now that that's settled, let me show you two to your new home. Madam Pomfrey is very fast at these type of things." Dumbledore said. The twinkle in his eye was getting bigger, in size and annoyance.

The irritating Headmaster led the two to a portrait of an intelligent looking woman sitting near a window reading a green book. Dumbledore cleared his throat, making his presence known to the strange woman.

Glancing up at them, she let out a sigh, put her book down, and asked in an all knowingly silky voice, "Password please?"

"Ah, I do believe that it is Renaissance, though Ms. Granger may want to change that later on." He grinned at two mildly annoyed women and a confused little tot.

Hermione rolled her eyes, earning an eyebrow rising from a still puzzled Draco. She noticed this, then leaned in toward his ear and whispered, "I'll explain later." Unsatisfied, Draco continued to look at her as if she had grown a second head, but quickly gave in and nodded with a sigh. If he had been his normal self, he would have understood the lame joke of the password, but he was tired, hungry, and cranky at the moment in his new toddler form.

The portrait opened slowly outward, allowing them to step inside. Hermione gawked. The apartment complex was perfect. Walking in, what you could see was a standard open walled living room, kitchen, and dining room.

The living room was a fully furnished and prepared. The walls were a dusty shade of rose, with a thin strip of cherry wood borderline and the carpet was a deep crème color. There was a comfy set of recliners and a couch the same color as the carpet, with a matching cherry wood coffee table in the center. Lining the walls were two fully filled matching bookcases and what looked like a muggle entertainment center, complete with large screen television, surround sound stereo, and an assortment of DVDs. Over in the far corner was what appeared to be a rocking chair.

The kitchen walls were a rich forest green with a gold trim at the top. The floors were what appeared to be a white and grey tile, but when you stepped on it, it felt just like carpet. The kitchen had all of the main appliances (refrigerator, oven, stove, microwave, coffee maker, counters with cutting board, etc.), but there were also magical ones as well. Every time you turned, you would see something unrecognizable, but it didn't look out of place.

The dining room was connected off the kitchen, with a light tan wall color and wooden flooring. The table and chairs were the same type of wood as the floor, with the exception of the Slytherin green and silver highchair. In the center of the table was a pale indigo vase with deep roses inside it that tied the room together.

Hermione was breathless at the sight. The place was beautiful. Catching herself lost in thought, she took a large breath and turned to Dumbledore. "This is amazing! Could you thank Madam Pomfrey, *looks at Draco* for both of us? She did an outstanding job on this. I hope it wasn't too much trouble." Draco nodded in agreement again.

"I would be happy to Hermione. I'm sure she didn't mind, otherwise she wouldn't have outdone it. I know she enjoyed picking out Mr. Malfoy's clothes." Dumbledore said with a smile, and still annoying twinkling eye.

Oh MERLIN NO! I completely forgot about that part. I'm going to be stuck in Gryffindor colors for a while. Draco thought. He started to squirm just thinking about it. Hermione noticed this, thinking that the Headmaster being here was starting to get to him.

Trying to make this as painless as possible for the both of them, Hermione suggested, "Dumbledore, do you think that it would be possible for us to have a few days away from classes to get used to this. I mean, I don't think it would be a good idea to take Malfoy anywhere near our Houses at the moment."

Dumbledore thought about this, then turned to her with the same twinkle, and said "Excellent idea Hermione! How does two weeks sound to you?"

Both students looked at each other, waiting for a response. Draco finally broke into a sly half grin, giving Hermione the OK she needed. "That will do just fine Professor, though do you think that either Harry or Ron could bring me my homework? I don't want to get behind in anything." Hermione asked.

Draco just rolled his eyes. Since when was the last time that she didn't think about homework and just relaxed?

"I think that would be great. I'll alert your Head of Houses and let them know where you are. In the meantime, why don't you two get acquainted with the place? I have a feeling that you'll be spending quite a lot of time here, and with each other." The old Headmaster chuckled at Draco's ever widening eyes and groans, and then apparated to whom knows where.

Hermione's head popped up. "Is he going to acting his visible age?!"

REFER TO CH.1

NEUC