Chapter 9: Friendship

Draco apparated right into Hermione's living room.

"Hey," said Draco as he spotted Hermione.

Hermione was just staring at him like he had 3 heads.

"Umm, did I do something wrong? I swear you told me to come right in," said Draco suddenly feeling self-conscious which was very unlike him.

Hermione smiled at that comment.

"No, you're absolutely right I've just never seen you look so… so… I don't even know I'm so confused," said Hermione still staring.

Draco looked down at himself. He was wearing muggle clothes, obviously not his usual when he was around people. He had jeans and a very comfortable t-shirt on.

"Oh. Well yeah. I secretly always dress like this when I'm not in public. We are friends right? Or should I change and keep up appearances?" asked Draco with a smirk.

"You look… good actually. I'm just not used to it," said Hermione, "But anyways sit down and make yourself comfortable."

Draco sat down across from her.

"So anyways, what happened tonight? I don't think I've ever seen you so upset before," said Draco.

Hermione's face fell at the memory.

"So you know I've been seeing that guy Jake for a bit now. Not that long I guess, but enough to make me think it was serious. We had a date tonight and we were supposed to meet up at the club. I went right on time and I find him absolutely wrapped up in another woman, like literally wrapped up in her lips," said Hermione.

"Wow. Hermione I'm really sorry. I didn't know. If I had known… well I probably would have still acted like an idiot, but I'm sorry," said Draco.

"It's ok. I just don't understand why. I mean what's wrong with me? This isn't the first time this has happened," said Hermione.

"Need me to hex anyone for you?" asked Draco with a smile.

"No," said Hermione with a sigh, "I just think I'm done dating for a really long time unless some prince charming comes along and proves to me you're not all the same."

Draco's face fell a little at the 'no dating' idea. He guessed it would just take time… and a lot of trust for everything he had done to her. Plus he was exactly like those other guys. One night stands and short relationships were his thing and she knew that. He would just have to wait to prove himself to her. But then again, this was good because he wouldn't have to compete with anyone else.

"So did you ever eat then?" asked Draco.

Hermione shook her head.

"Did you want to go out then? I mean just as friends as you just gave this huge speech about not dating," said Draco.

"Yeah and I'm definitely not your type anyways," said Hermione.

"My type?" asked Draco.

"Yeah. Blonde… long legs… short skirts… no brain," said Hermione teasing him.

"Ha ha very funny," said Draco, "But really, let's go out."

Draco stood up and Hermione reluctantly followed. She was kind of hungry though. It was just bit awkward hanging out with Draco Malfoy on purpose and in public.

There was a roar of the fire and Hermione and Draco looked over wondering who it was. Hermione was disappointed. Things where just getting interesting. Then Harry stepped out, soon Ginny and their children followed.

"Umm we have a really big favor to ask you," said Ginny.

"Looks like it," said Draco.

"We just need to take care of a few things and we were wondering if you could watch the twins for a few hours," said Harry.

"I know you are both going through a hard time but we would really appreciate it," said Ginny.

"Yeah. Should be fine. We'll watch your mini-terrors," said Draco as both Lily and James climbed up on his lap. Draco was their favorite. Hermione was a close second, but Draco was just cooler.

"Thanks so much!" said Ginny right before they left by the floo.

Hermione had been quiet ever since then. She was secretly terrified of babysitting. She heard she babysat a lot, but ever since she lost her memory and figured out she was pregnant she was terrified of children.

"Hermione, are you ok?" asked Draco.

"Yeah. Fine," said Hermione quietly.

"So, what should we do today?" asked Draco.

"Watch a princess movie," said Lily quietly.

"Play with the toy broomsticks," said James as he jumped up and ran to get them.

"Here, Lily, you stay with Hermione and she can start a movie. I have to make sure James doesn't get into things he shouldn't," said Draco as he ran out of the room.

Lily shyly went up to Hermione. Hermione smiled at her. She was absolutely adorable and she was slowly feeling better about this.

"Can we watch the princess mermaid movie?" asked Lily.

"The Little Mermaid? Of course! Let me just ask Draco where it even is," said Hermione as she got up to find Draco.

She found Draco and James in one of the extra bedrooms. She smiled when she looked in. They had dumped out what looked like every toy they even owned, not that she remembered owning any. Draco was on the floor with James and they were playing with the flying brooms. She felt her stomach flutter with the image – something she wasn't used to, especially with Draco.

"Umm, sorry to interrupt, I don't even know where the movies are," said Hermione.

Draco looked up and smiled when he saw her smile.

"Sure. James I'll be right back. Just play with the brooms," said Draco.

"You look like you're having fun," said Hermione.

"I am. Who doesn't love toy brooms? It's better than your princess movies. She wouldn't even know what that was if it weren't for you," said Draco.

"What?" asked Hermione.

"Your muggle princess movies? The Disney ones or something like that? You introduced Lily to them. Most wizard children don't watch movies," said Draco.

"Well naturally I introduced her to the finer things in life, unlike your flying broomsticks," said Hermione with a smirk.

"Hey, no insulting my broomsticks. I'm teaching our son or daughter about them right from the start. They're going to be excellent at Quidditch," said Draco.

"Our child will be a perfectly balanced half-blooded child," said Hermione.

Draco handed her the movies. They were hidden in an endless box. There were tons of movies in there.

"Thanks, now go back to your toys while I relive my own childhood," said Hermione.

"Have fun," said Draco smiling as he left.

"Ok, Lily, come here. Let's watch," said Hermione.

Lily climbed up next to Hermione and they settled in to watch the movie. Hermione thought about Draco and smiled to herself. Yes, she was even calling him Draco now and she could definitely get used to him being around.