Lost and Found

Part XVIII

Encounters

Draco:

With about twenty minutes left Draco reached for Hermione. Since she had fainted Hermione had been sleeping and rather peacefully. Scorpius had cried a bit, soon after he had fully tended to Hermione. But after his meal he snuggled back into Draco's arm and slept on.

He shook her shoulder softly until he saw her eyes flutter and finally open. "Hermione? Hermione, you have to get up or we'll be late."

"Five more minutes?"

"No, come on."

Hermione sighed heavily, but pulled herself up anyway. Her hair was so frizzy even though she had slept rather easily, without to much movement.

Draco stood up and moved Scorpi to one arm, reaching out with the other to help Hermione. She got to her feet and stretched.

"Is there time for me to take a shower? I feel really nasty."

"Yeah, but hurry up. We have like fifteen minutes."

Hermione nodded and went to her get her clothes. She always took quick showers, she would be fine.

Hermione:

Hermione rinsed her hair one last time before turning off the water. After her little nap she felt a lot better, and more optimistic. She was prepared to give it her all.

She still wasn't sure about the whole new baby thing, but she would try. Draco had been there for her and Scorpius, she could be there for him and the new baby.

Another yawn escaped her lips as she reached for the warm towel she had left on the counter. It felt good on her wet skin. After drying and lotioning up a bit Hermione went to dress, always saving the mop she called hair for last.

Her outfit was comfortable but formal, as good as it gets for this occasion. After this she grabbed her wand and dried her hair quickly. It was cheating, yes, but it was quicker and made her hair a lot less frizzy when it was done.

Finally she came out of the bathroom and slipped on her shoes. Draco was waiting in the common room, baby bag and baby in hand. A small smile tugged at her lips when she saw this.

"Here, let me take him," she said reaching out for the baby. "You can carry the bag."

Draco shook his head and laughed a bit, this morning's sorrow lifted almost completely. Scorpius leaned against his mother and smiled. His gray eyes sparkled brilliantly.

"Hey there little man. What are you doing?" Hermione asked him and the little boy giggled. "You going to see grandma today? And your sister too!"

Scorpius might not understand a word of what she was saying but Draco was paying close attention to her. Hermione could see it in the way he was watching her, waiting for her pain to arise.

"Well, we gotta get to Dumbledore's office now."

"Sure thing."

The three of them went down the hall, chatting back and forth. Finally McGonagall's office came into view. There was nobody in there but the door was open anyways.

Draco led the way and gave the gargoyles the password. The two statues sprung apart and the stairs were revealed. They made their way up the spiraling staircase and Draco knocked on the oak door.

Draco:

"Come in!" came Dumbledore's tired but cheery voice. "How might you be this morning?"

"We're fine, sir."

"Good, good. I'm afraid we have to be leaving now. You were a bit late this morning."

"I'm very sorry, Professor, we had business to attend to," his voice leaving no room for further exploration.

"Quite alright," was all the old man said back while he fumbled for his wand. "Accio portkey!"

An old beat up shoe came flying across the room and onto Dumbledore's desk. Hermione stepped forward, Draco followed.

"On the count of three then?"

All of them reached out to grab the old shoe and on the count of three they were shot into a spiraling vortex. It took only a minute before they landed in the ministry lobby.

Draco grabbed onto Hermione so that she wouldn't fall. He also gave her a reassuring look and took a hard swallow. It was time.

They followed Dumbledore into the massive hallway that would wind and turn until it reached the court room. There the final words would be said so that he could have his daughter.

A sudden chill ran up his spine. "Draco!"

He turned about and came face to face with his mother and father. "Hello Mother, Father."

"Oh Draco can I see him?" his mother asked.

"Who, Scorpius? I am sorry mother but you must speak to Hermione on that," he answered with a sharp nod in Hermione's direction.

"Of course! Hermione, my dear, can I see my grandson?" Draco felt a wave of relief when Narcissa was able to speak with her without sounding rude or otherwise.

Hermione smiled up at the woman and gently handed over the boy. Scorpius was still very awake and, luckily, settled into his grandmother's arms quickly. He had always been good around strangers.

"I am very sorry to have to cut this family reunion short but we are going to be late." Dumbledore had come out of nowhere to say his piece before disappearing once more.

"Hermione, let's go. Mother, do you want to keep him for a bit?" Draco said.

Narcissa smiled so wide and looked down at the carbon copy of her own son. "Yes. Let me have the diaper back, darling."

"Here you are. Ready 'Mione?"

Hermione took a deep breath and exhaled. "If you are."

"Then come on."

The group, including a very irritated Lucius, made their way in the room and went to find their seats. Draco was very nervous, and he could tell that Hermione was too. He grabbed up her hand and gave it a quick squeeze. He knew everything would go fine.