Disclaimer: I'm not JKR. Need I say more?
Chapter 9: Confessions, part 2
A/N: Extra long chappie! :) Thanks to all my wonderful reviewers! :D
Not much to say, except there's some strong language (not that there hasn't been any before… just more than usual, I guess)…Oh, and please read the AN at the end of the chapter: very important! Read and Review! (PS, mermaidlover101, I hope your still alive to read this! ;D)
Hermione woke up on Friday, knowing her luck just wouldn't hold out. She went to the Ministry, intent on confronting Draco once and for all, but of course, he wasn't there. Again. She growled, and marched to Blaise's office to confront him about his insolent friend. After venting to Blaise for a good half-hour, she walked into her office and greeted Sophie, who rose out of her chair and wished her a happy birthday, and then gave her a gift. Hermione thanked her, and while Sophie was about to sit down, she said offhandedly, "Oh, by the way, Mr. Malfoy stopped by here yesterday evening… Something about a case." She turned to face Hermione. "I didn't know you were doing a case for Mr. Malfoy."
Hermione froze. It seemed they were just playing a game of cat and mouse, barely missing each other. "Oh, it's not Ministry related. Just a private matter."
"Alright." Sophie turned back to her work, as Hermione walked into her private office. It mustn't have been that important if Draco hadn't even left a note. She vowed to confront Draco again. She passed the time until her lunch break busying herself with that irritating Lestrange case. Or at least, the evidence the data collected seemed to point to them, and if it wasn't, well, it certainly was worth investigating.
Finally lunch break arrived, and she went to visit Draco again. She knocked on the door and peeked her head in.
"Excuse me, is Mr. Malfoy in?"
"No, I'm afraid he took a leave of absence today. May I ask why?"
"He merely came to my office yesterday inquiring about my whereabouts. I see it's nothing important," Hermione said with a forced smile. As she walked into the Ministry cafeteria, she was bombarded with many well wishes, and sat down with Harry and Ron at the table they normally occupied. Of course, they both gave her gifts.
"Happy birthday, 'Mione!" said Harry, giving her a peck on the cheek and handing her a nicely wrapped gift. Ron followed suit.
"I didn't forget," said Ron with a cheeky wink. He pulled Hermione into a one-armed hug and handed her a gift bag.
"Aw, thanks guys. I love you guys so much."
"No problem, what are best friends for, right?" said Harry.
"Oh, I dunno….maybe saving your backsides a few times while facing against the Darkest Wizard of all time?" joked Hermione.
"Yea, true. S'pose I might not be here if it weren't for you…" said Harry with a mock pensive look on his face. Hermione laughed.
The trio dug into their lunches with vigor; Ron's eating habits had luckily improved, though he still occasionally did talk with his mouth full. Hermione chewed on her turkey and provolone on foccacia while thinking about Scorpius. She hoped her would be ok once she told Draco—that was, if she could ever find him!
"Hermione? You alright? Kinda spaced out there for a while…" inquired Ron.
"Oh yes, I'm fine. Just thinking about a case."
Harry laughed.
"Of course, only you, Hermione, would think of a case on your birthday."
"What is that supposed to mean?" said Hermione, faking indignation.
"Oh nothing…" said Ron with a sidelong glance to Harry. "You just need to relax. So…" A voice cut in.
"I'm here to let you off work to relax for a day," said Ginny, smiling.
"What! But I have work to do!" spluttered Hermione.
"We know, but we've cleared it with Mr. Cromwell, and boy was that difficult! He is so…bipolar…"
"Yes, I know, but I honestly have to work on the Lestrange case, and plus, I've got to talk to Draco."
"Why do you have to talk to Malfoy?" asked Ron suspiciously.
"I'm doing a private case for him, not that it's any of your business," said Hermione.
"Alright, alright," interrupted Harry, wanting to avoid a fight. "Go, Hermione. Merlin knows you deserve it." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Well, maybe not Merlin, but if Mr. Cromwell does… that' s good enough for me," she said with a smile.
"Good. Now, we have places to go and people to see!" said Ginny enthusiastically, pulling Hermione by the arm away from Harry, Ron, and the workplace. Ron and Harry cheerfully waved Hermione goodbye.
Meanwhile, Draco was in Sicily, attempting to locate Astoria so she could sign the papers, officially annulling their marriage. He finally found the Greengrass home around noon, only to learn that Astoria was out shopping. He rolled his eyes and prepared to wait, as it would be nearly impossible to arrange another Portkey and be back when she returned. Finally, an hour later, Astoria arrive home, laden with shopping bags from muggle designer stores like Prada, Gucci, and Dolce and Gabbana. The whole process took another 2 hours, as her lawyer had to look over it and what not. Draco activated the portkey and returned to his penthouse suite, to be surprised by a visit from Blaise.
"Hey mate," said Blaise, grinning.
"Hey Blaise," said Draco, somewhat warily.
"Missed you at work," said Blaise, still grinning widely.
"Yea..well, I'm a free man now!" said Draco, beaming.
"Congrats, man. Hate to pop your bubble, but 'Mione's pissed at you now."
Draco paused. "Wait, what?"
"Hermione is pissed at you right now," said Blaise slowly.
"Why?" asked Draco, puzzled.
"Dunno, came raving to me about you avoiding her."
"What?" Draco had no idea how she got that impression. "I've just been busy, and out of the office."
"Yea, I don't care, just thought I'd give you a heads up. S'pose you can sort out your problems tonight."
"What?"
"Get your ears checked, mate!"
"I can hear perfect fine, thank you very much," said Draco with a glare. "I meant, what did you mean by tonight?"
"Have you gone daft? Her surprise birthday party…?"
"…I haven't heard of such…"
Blaise's eyes widened. "Oops. It was you I forgot to tell!" He laughed nervously.
"It's her birthday?"
"Damn, you've really been out of the loop."
"No thanks to you," Draco muttered drily.
"Well, it's at her place. Did you purposely get an apartment in Ridgeview to be near her?"
"I'd say 'what?' but it's becoming quite redundant."
"No shit. Her address is… hang on, I've got it somewhere…" Blaise dug through his wallet and pulled out a folded, creased piece of paper. "27 Ridgeway Place, apartment 7A. We should be there around 5:30…She should be back around 6. Hurry up and get her a gift! G'luck mate!" Blaise patted Draco on the back and stepped out of the apartment.
Draco looked down at his watch. It was already 3:30! He paced back and forth, clueless as to what Hermione would like. She wasn't like most girls; though he knew she would undoubtedly appreciate jewelry, he wanted the gift to be meaningful. Perhaps the Manor would have something she'd like?"
He apparated to the Manor, and a slightly startled house elf appeared in front of him.
"Dava, please lead me to Mother."
"Of course, Master Draco. Dava did not know Mistress was expecting yous." Dava scurried off in the direction of the parlor, where Narcissa sat, writing a letter while drinking a cup of tea. She looked up at the noise.
"Oh Draco darling! What a pleasant surprise! How are you?"
"Fine."
"I can tell your not here just to see your dear old mother," Narcissa said wryly.
"No, actually…I've a…friend I need a gift for. Her birthday's today, and, well, Blaise forgot to tell me about her surprise party."
"I see…Would this lady happen to be Miss Granger?"
"Yes…how did you know?"
"I'm a Malfoy and former Slytherin; I have my ways," Narcissa joked. She opened today's Daily Prophet and pointed to the 'Culture' section. Draco picked it up and zoomed in on an article.
"Late with Love, Hermione Granger.
Britain's war heroine turns 34 today, a day not forgotten by some. The question is, who will she be spending this special day with? Undoubtedly, she'll be with Harry and Ginevra Potter, and Ron Weasley, a former flame of hers. But, it seems, even Mr. Weasley has settled down with Miss Amanda MacAllister. Victor Krum, an old beau, though not bound down, has claimed no intimate relationship with Miss Granger. Even renown playboy Draco Malfoy has settled down with Astoria Greengrass. Her most recent hookup was with Mr. Anthony Goldstein, a former classmate, though that relationship fizzled out quickly, lasting only from February to June. All her fellow classmates are tying the knot, including Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood (who would've thought?). With Miss Granger being one of few friends not married, she must feel like a third wheel! Now, who will be 'the one' for Miss Granger? We hope she'll find him (or her) soon! Wands crossed for good luck!" Draco finished the article, disgusted. Of course, Rita Skeeter was the author.
"Well, on the bright side, at least there isn't any news of your divorce yet…" said Narcissa, with a raised brow.
"I'm sure it'll make the headline news," muttered Draco drily. "Anyways, I want to get Hermione something… but I dunno what she'd like."
"You want something memorable and special, so you're not going to get her jewelry… and that leaves you with much less choices." Narcissa tilted her head in pondering. "I think we might have a nice sapphire pendant that I can charm…"
"To do what?" asked Draco, curious.
"To scan and hold pages of reading material, as she likes to read, correct?"
"Avidly. I know of a charm that can make it act like a floo, but without a fireplace…I can't recall it , though!"
"Cantio Loqui, I believe, is the charm. Cantio Sententia ipsum is the other one…Come on, let's go choose a pendant for Miss Granger." Draco followed Narcissa into the family vault, and after perusing many pendants, he found the perfect one. He smiled as he attached it to a chain and tapped it thrice while mumbling the incantations, and boxed and wrapped it in silver paper, and tied it with a turquoise bow.
"Thank you, Mother. I'll be on my way now," said Draco, kissing Narcissa on the cheek. Draco apparated away, as Narcissa smiled. She knew he had feelings for the girl, even if he didn't realize it yet. And who was she to stop him if it made him happy?
Draco apparated to his apartment and changed into khaki slacks and a light blue button-down. He walked at a brisk pace to Hermione's apartment, and knocked on the door when he arrived.
"Draco! Good, you're here. Hermione'll be back soon!" whispered Maria. "Thanks," she said when Draco passed her the bottle of wine. He pocketed his gift after seeing the giant stack of gifts on her bed—he didn't want it to get lost in the mess. Of course, her apartment, while simply furnished, was neat and clean. He opened another door, looking for a bathroom. Oddly enough, a small twin bed was inside, with a desk and dresser. He was puzzled, but thought nothing of it. The next door proved to be the bathroom, and he stepped out quickly.
Ginny's voice rang loud and clear. "Come on, 'Mione, let's just have a girl's night. I know you're not up to partying, but you'll be find at home. Let's drink a bit, and have some fun."
"Alright… why I'm letting you do this, I have no idea… but…oh hell, alright."
The door knob turned, and the door glowed blue as the wards opened. "Surprise!" everyone shouted. The look on Hermione face was one of complete shock.
She turned to Ginny accusatorily, "You knew about this, didn't you? That's why you were so long in the loo!"
"Yea, well, don't be mad…"
Hermione laughed. "Well, I suppose I really don't have a right to be upset, seeing as how you guys were all so nice to do this…"She smiled happily.
"Cheers, 'Mione!" said Ron, pouring her a glass of wine.
"Mmm… this is nice…."she said. Ron poured himself a glass.
"Yea, it is…Wonder who brought it?" A little boy came barreling through, hugging Hermione's legs fiercely.
"Happy birthday, Miss 'Mione!" yelled Angelo, cute as ever. "I made this for you in school!" He handed her a bracelet with an assortment of glass and metal beads—it shined and glittered in the light. He smiled sweetly and handed her a drawing he had drawn also. "That's you, me, Miss. Lisa, Emmett, and Anthony," he said while pointing.
"Aww… thank you!" She pinned the picture to her fridge with a magnet, before a voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Happy birthday, Hermione," said Draco.
"Draco! How are you?"
"Fine, and you?"
"Great!" she said, her voice coming out higher than usual.
"Uh… well I got you a gift," he said with a slightly awkward smile, handing her the small package.
"Thank you!" She moved to put it on the countertop, but he placed his hand to stop her.
"Wait—open it now."
"Alright…" She unwrapped the gift and gasped. "Oh Draco, it's gorgeous, you didn't have to!"
He smiled. "I thought you might like it. If say Sententia ipsum, you'll be able to scan books or pages and read them whenever. And if you say Loqui, you'll be able to communicate almost via Floo, but without the fireplace."
"Thank you so much! That's so thoughtful!" Hermione beamed and hugged him tightly.
"No problem." Draco returned the hug fiercely.
Unnoticed by the adults, Angelo had seen Draco, and ran away to his bedroom after grabbing Emmett and Anthony, who were bored beyond belief after wishing Hermione happy birthday. All the adults were so boring!
An hour passed, the adults becoming more and more inebriated as time went on. Of course, Hermione, being the sensible woman she is, didn't drink enough to become drunk, per se, but she was definitely more relaxed. Albus and James walked up to Hermione.
"Aunt 'Mione, have you seen Angelo? We can't find him, and I'm bored," whined James.
"Oh! You can't find him? Have you checked his room?"
"No…"
"Let's go, and if he's not there, you can watch TV in my room, alright?"
"Okay!" As Hermione, Albus, and James wove their way through the crowd, Draco spotted them. He wanted to confront Hermione about why she was annoyed at him before, and hence, followed them. What he saw knocked him of his feet. Hermione on the floor in her little blue dress, smiling and laughing and playing with the children in the room he has stumbled upon before. Albus and James Potter, the children of that Lisa woman, and Harrison Weasel, playing on the floor. Suddenly, out of his periphery, he spotted something that made his heart stop cold. A platinum blond boy, coming out of the bathroom, laughing happily with his…friends? It was Scorpius! Scorpius hadn't spotted Draco yet, much to his relief.
"Hermione? Can I talk to you for a second?" Draco's voice permeated the room, but he hadn't showed his face.
"Coming!" she replied, turning back to the children. "I have to go now, but don't hesitate to come ask me for anything, ok?"
"OK!" the children chorused. Hermione walked out and looked surprised to see Draco, as she was expecting either Harry or Ron.
"Yes…?" She asked slightly apprehensively. It would be too much to hope that Draco hadn't seen Scorpius; she just hoped he wouldn't explode at her party. That also, seemed much to ask, as Draco seemed to almost be shaking…?
"Is that my son in there?" Draco asked, his voice shaking with the strength it took not to explode.
"I- you have to understand! I looked for you, I really did!" She began pleading.
"Answer the damn question! IS THAT MY SON IN THERE?" Draco was furious, how dare she keep Scorpius from him! He even confided in her that his son was missing! And she didn't even fucking tell him?
"Yes." Her voice was resigned, and she sounded close to tears.
"How could you not tell me?" He tried not to explode, but it was hard. Scorpius was all he had left.
"I told you, I tried, I really did! You weren't there Thursday or today! I honestly, genuinely looked and you- you were avoiding me!" she said, now in tears, her finger pointed accusatorily at Draco.
"What? I was out on business! I was taking a leave of absence!" He was shocked that she would accuse him of avoiding her—well, at least he knew what Blaise was talking about…
She looked at him sadly, and said, "Look, I really don't have time for this…" Her voice was quiet and tired. "Just…talk to me after, alright? Can we at least pretend to enjoy this?"
Draco sighed loudly. "Alright. I'm still upset with you, though, and I demand a full explanation once everyone has gone." Hermione nodded and walked to the bathroom, as Draco left to get a refill of champagne.
In the bathroom, Hermione lifted bent her head and closed her eyes. To think that this evening had started off so nicely! Ginny had taken her shopping and bought some new clothes (and lingerie, not that anyone'd ever see it, but still). After that, they had gone to the salon and gotten mani/pedis and massages. It felt heavenly! Ginny wanted to take her to go clubbing, but as predicted, Hermione declined, and instead, they went back to Hermione's apartment. Of course, it had to be ruined by Draco finding out about Scorpius that way…
Looking in her reflection, Hermione looked terrible! Her eyes were puffy, red and bloodshot (though the alcohol may have contributed to that) and her makeup was running. Her hair had started frizzing too, and with a wave of her wand and the addition of some glamour charms and hair spray, she looked (almost) as good as new. Though inside, she didn't feel like it.
She left the bathroom and faked smiles and graciously accepted gifts and well wishes, but all she could think about was Scorpius. And Draco, of course. How would Scorpius react? And would Draco ever listen to reason? Finally, around 9, people started filing out with their kids, and around 9:30, the room was cleared.
She felt his presence before he spoke.
"Where is Scorpius?"
"Sleeping," she replied. "I figured that we should talk it out before upsetting him." Draco was surprised at Hermione consideration for his son's wellbeing.
"Look, I'm sorry for exploding at you, but you've got to understand—Scorpius is all I have left, besides for my job. And I—I talked to you about it and you didn't tell me then." Draco seemed to struggle to say everything calmly.
"I know you don't get why I wouldn't tell you, but you have to understand that Scorpius is such a darling, and I've grown so attached to him in just a short period of time, that telling him goodbye without preparing myself hurts too? I realize you're his father, and you've known him for much longer than I have, but I love him too. I wanted to mentally ready myself to talk to you about it, and I was ready to the next day, as much as I didn't want to, and I searched for you both yesterday and today. It's not my fault you weren't there."
Draco closed his eyes and sighed. He then pinched the bridge of his nose. "I forgive you."
"You do?" she interrupted.
"Yes, no one can hate you bloody Gryffindors." He joked. "Anyways, what I'm worried about is Scorpius. How do we tell him?"
"That's what I'm concerned about. I feel like I should tell him—"
"You tell him? No, we should tell him."
"Why? Don't you think it'd be easier if I did? Otherwise, he might freak out if he sees you."
"What are you insinuating?" Draco asked with narrowed eyes.
"I mean, if he's shocked to see you, he probably won't accept it, and just be stubborn."
"Probably got it from being with you," muttered Draco.
"ME?" Hermione shrieked.
"Yes, you."
"I'm not the spoiled brat who gets everything he wants!"
"Obviously; you're not a 'he.'"
Hermione huffed and rolled her eyes. "That's not what I meant and you know it."
Draco snickered. Then, from behind them both, a sharp gasp. Draco and Hermione turn sharply, Scorpius' face coming into view. Eyes wide, he turned and ran back into his room, slamming it shut with a BANG!
The noise seemed to wake Hermione and Draco from their stupor, and they both quickly dashed across the hallway to skid to a halt in from of Scorpius' door. The door was locked, and Hermione reached on top of the doorframe to get the key. She inserted it and turned it to the right. However, the door remained shut, to both her and Draco's bewilderment. She rattled the doorknob, and then tried Alohomora, to which the door finally responded to. As Hermione made move to enter the room, Scorpius' tear-streaked face appeared in the crack.
"I don't want Daddy to come in," he said quietly but firmly. Draco opened his mouth to protest but Hermione silenced him with a glare.
"Of course," she said. Scorpius pulled open the door a bit more, allowing Hermione to squeeze through, before shutting it again. Draco reached into his pocket and found what he was looking for: a flesh colored string: the Weasleys' Extendable Ear. He fed it under the door and sank to the floor to eavesdrop.
Scorpius' lower lip trembled. He looked at the ground.
"How did you know?" he mumbled sadly.
"Know what?" asked Hermione, confused.
"That Draco's my daddy!" Scorpius looked up, his eyes filling with tears. "I don't want to go, Miss Mione! I—I ran away 'cuz Mummy and Daddy kept fighting…" His voice shook. "I wanna stay here with you…" Finally, the tears spilled over, and he buried his face in Hermione's shirt and sobbed.
"Oh, Scorpius, I didn't know, I really didn't. I suspected, but I didn't look for him. He just found me; we went to school together and he came to me for some help at work. I didn't know he'd be coming today—in fact, I had no idea of the party!" Hermione attempted to console Scorpius, while patting his back.
"…really?" Scorpius lifted his eyes hopefully and smiled weakly.
"Yes, would I lie to you, darling?"
Scorpius giggled softly, hiccupping.
"Now, why don't you go to bed, and let Draco and I talk a bit."
"…you won't…snatch me away while I'm sleeping?"
Hermione laughed at this. "No, of course not," she said, smiling softly and sweetly. By this time, Hermione's own eyes were no longer dry. She gathered Scorpius into her arms and pulled back the sky blue covers and gently and lovingly placed him on the mattress before pulling up the blanket. She bent over him and placed a kiss on his forehead before murmuring, "I love you, mio Angelo…"
Draco reeled in the Extendable Era and stood up, still shocked at Hermione's tenderness towards Scorpius. Her feelings must've run really deep. He felt as though he had been an eavesdropper on a precious and sacred moment, where he was the intruder. Draco allowed himself a small smile at the thought of how perfect of a mother Hermione would be. His train of thought was interrupted by Hermione exiting and closing the door.
"We need to talk," said Draco, having come to a decision.
A/N: Hehehe… did anyone notice how Draco tapped the pendant THRICE? But there were only two charms…What could the 3rd one be? Review with any guesses! :D (Hint: there will be a bit of drama later on….)
Cantio Loqui: invented spell, Latin for 'Charm Speak'
Cantio Sententia ipsum: invented spell, Latin for 'Charm View stuff'
A/N2: OK, people, I'm like super busy right now with school work (and homecoming), and it's getting quite difficult to write (and post) fanfiction :/ which sucks. But, I'm going to try and write like…3 or 4 in a month, and post them. So I'll have buffer chapters (in the words of galfoy, BTW, check out her stories. They're AMAZING!). :] I'm going to have to take a break from posting for about a month (or two), but then I'll be able to post fortnightly! :D Sorry about it, but it's getting really difficult to crank out chapters and keep up with all the homework my teachers are assigning -_- Sorry about fanfiction taking a backseat (for now), but I promise I'll be writing hard! Thanks.