Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does. If I did I sure wouldn't be posting stories on here!

A/N: I am SO sorry it has taken me this long. Please forgive me! Hopefully my readers haven't deserted me. HUGS everyone! Happy Reading!

Chapter 14:

The Biological Father


Several weeks had passed, Ronald was still pouting about what Malfoy had done to Hermoine on Halloween. Most of the other students where getting along fetchingly. And Hermione and Draco, well lets just say they are doing even better. November passed uneventful, save for the spat between Hermione and Ron when she very clearly told him to butt out or she would hex him into oblivian. With the Christmas holiday approaching everyone was bustling with conversation and excitement. Who's going where, what they were planning on getting whom. Very exciting.

Ron, Harry and Ginny were all of course going to spend Christmas at the Burrow. Their mates had all planned to stop by on the eve of Christmas, to exchange gifts and have dinner. Hermione agreed she would come then but she planned on spending the most part of the holiday at Hogwarts. Well except for the little trip she was taking with Draco two days before then to meet his father. But they and the headmaster where the only ones who knew of this.

Draco had been getting more quiet around his friends, and the only one he spoke to was Hermione most often. They had taken to being partners in most every class, and doing homework together. Except the ones she shared with Harry. Ron still being a git, she ignored most often.

Sitting in the Great Hall enjoying lunch on a Saturday, Hermione was talking to Harry about Luna. "Harry, I think it's great that you and her are getting on so well. You have always seemed to have an understanding about her and her oddities more so than the rest of us. How are things progressing though?"

"Very well, thanks. Seems her father is very happy about the union as well. Mrs. Weasley always thought Ginny and I would end up together, so she's a bit disappointed. But you and I both know that was never anything more than idolizism." (A/N: sorry if its spelled wrong)

"Yes, well just never say that in front of Ginny, she's liable to use a Bat Boogey Hex." Hermoine said laughing.

Harry grinning, nodded in agreement.

"So where is Ronald?" Hermione asked.

Harry shrugged then replied, "Not sure. He was here eating like a hog, as usual. Then Pansy came in grabbed his hand and he left off with her. Mental those two I'm telling ya."

Hermione looked pensive for a moment but said nothing, shrugged and went back to her apple strudel.

"Honestly Hermoine, I think their relationship has gotten a bit more serious then they let on." Harry kept on when she said nothing.

Hermione laughed, "Well you know Pansy has always had a soft spot for our red-headed git. And of course Ron, having the emotion of a teaspoon, well he's kind of thick when it comes to others. Maybe Pansy is the right one for him. She'll make him think of someone other then himself."

Harry nodded in agreement. "Yeah, your probably right."

Across the Great Hall, the Slytherins were having a like-wise conversation.

"Millicent, have you seen Pansy?" Theo asked. They were supposed to be working a Charms assignment together and he hadn't been able to find her all day.

Millicent snorted, then replied, "Not since she lured the red-head from his lunch. Probably on another shagging session. I tell ya, those two had better get on with the Marriage ceremony before she comes up pregnant. Her father will be out for blood then."

"Bloody hell. I'll never get a good score on this Charms lesson. It takes two people to complete it, and if she's constantly shaggin' how are we supposed to get it finished?" Theo retorted in disgust. "It's due before the holiday. I only need her a few hours. Let her know when you see her will ya?"

"Sure thing, if I can get her away from Weasley long enough to have a chat." Millicent was getting tired of not having her friend to talk with.


The following Thursday had arrived, Pansy had taken a few hours out of her 'Ron' time. But Theo was still afraid they would recieve a low score because she just wasn't with it. She spent more time talking about her mate then helping.

All the students were preparing for the Holiday. Having spent most of their time out of classes gathering and wrapping parcels for one-another. When they weren't studying for mid-terms. The following Friday was an easy day, going to be spent mostly gathering their Holiday studies from teachers, mid-terms finished and all.

Hermione and Draco were in the Library, discussing the holiday.

"Draco, I think we should talk about the 'trip' we will be taking. Are you sure you still want to do this?" She asked quietly, so as no one else would over hear. The place was about empty, but you could never be to careful.

"We have went over this a million times. Yes! Gosh, Granger." Hermione knew she had upset him. The past few weeks he only called her by her last name if he was upset about something. "If you don't want to go, just say so. I can do it on my own."

Hermione sighed. "No. It's not that I don't want to accompany you. I was just making sure, you were sure."

"Yes, now can we leave it alone. I'm nervous enough, as hard as it is to admit it." Draco looked away.

"Alright then. Well, I have another question. Would you care to accompany me to the Burrow on the eve of Christmas? I know its not really your crowd, but Pansy will be there, as well as Blaise. You can say no if you want." She said it all so fast and only when she was finished did she risk a glance at him.

He sat with his mouth gaping open. Very un-Draco-like. Then he realized how he looked and went back to looking indifferent. "I dunno. I'll have to think about it. Blaise will be there you said?"

She nodded and answered, "Mmmhmm." Trying her best not to seem anxious for him to answer. Truth was, the more time she spent with him the harder it was to stay away. She didn't know he was feeling the same.

"Like I said, I'll consider it. But now I must be off to bed. Tired for some reason." She nodded and started to gather her things, as he gathered his.

"Me too, must be all the excitement of mid-terms thats done me in." She said absently.

He stopped what he was doing, and laughed. "Trust you to think mid-terms exciting." She knew he was just teasing and swatted his arm.

He playfully tugged a lock of her hair in return. "Want to walk down with me? I could walk you to your room."

She nodded. This was not the first time he had walked her back after a session in the library, on his way back to his own.

They walked in a comfortable silence. Not that lingering nothing to say and awkward silence, but companionable.

When they reach the portrait of Hermoine's dorm, she turned to him. "Listen, I know you don't want me to say anything about it. But I'm sure everything will be fine. I'll be there and so will your mother. If at any point in time you aren't comfortable with the situation we can leave."

He grabbed her into a hug and whispered in her ear, "Thank you. Who'd have thought you would be so understanding of my situation after everything I've said and done to you."

She pulled back slightly and looked into the depths of his limestone colored eyes. "No problem, it's called forgiveness." Then her gaze turned to his lips. And he didn't miss it.

Longing flashed in his eyes, and then he closed them and lowered his lips to hers. She moaned and parted her lips and allowed him entrance. He took it. She clung to him as the kiss deepened. The world around them seemed to slink away. Nothing but the two of them. Her tongue swirled around his. He was exploring her mouth quite thoroughly. And she was doing the same in return.

His hands came up into her hair, holding her head so he could deepen the kiss even further. He moaned and she pressed her body to his, pulling him closer to her. She could feel the effects of their kiss through his robes. She quite liked the thought she had this effect on him.

"Excuse me!"

"What!" Draco bellowed as he broke his lips from hers. Turning to see who had the audacity to interrupt them this time. He was getting quite fed up.

"Sorry, I just wanted to let you know, the two of you had drawn quite a crowd." The interrupter was a second year, whoms name neither, Hermione or Draco could recall.

"Umm, thanks. I think." Said Draco. And looking about the hall he noticed the child was right. There were several first, and second years gaping at them. Hermoine had just buried her head in Draco's chest at the thought of being caught.

"I'd better go in." She gave him a quick peck on the lips, removed herself from the embrace and turned toward her portrait entrance.

"Run along. Nothing to see here. Show's over. You'd think if all you little pests were so interested in snogging you'd find someone your age to help you out." He sneered. And Hermoine smiled. That was the Draco they all knew and loved.

Wait! Loved?!


The days passed by quickly. Most everyone was gone. Christmas was only two days away. Draco and Hermione had found more quiet places to be alone so as not to get caught again. And this morning she sat with him at the Slytherin table for breakfast. Seeing as how most of his classmates were gone and she knew today he would need more comfort that usual. He was after all going to meet his biological father. The sperm-donor, is what Draco had come to call him.

His mother had owled him a few days ago and let him know everything was set. Hermoine and himself were to floo to Malfoy Manor from the Headmistress's office. They would then meet said sperm-donor and have lunch the four of them, and then he and Hermione would floo back to Hogwarts.

Hermione noticed he hadn't yet touched his oatmeal. Draco's favorite breakfast unbeknown to most. "Draco, are you alright?"

"Quite, thanks." He responce was short and curt. She knew not to take offense to this. He had grown extremely nervous and withdrawn with each day that drew closer to today.

"Ok, well we should be heading to McGonagall's office in about an hour. Anything you need to do before we leave?" She asked.

"Um, yeah. I have to stop by my room and get Mother's gift, before we're off. Meet you in Gonagally's office in about forty-five minutes?" He asked.

Hermione gave him a dont- call-her-that look before responding. "Yes, I got her something as well. I hope she will like it. Seeing as how I'm sure she has everything, I wasn't sure what to get her."

"That was thoughtful of you. I'll meet you there then." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and left off to go to his room.

Hermoine was sure he just needed what time was left before the 'meeting' to gather his thoughts. But she was worried. If today went badly, what would life with Draco be like afterwards?


Hermione was waiting outside the portrait to McGonagall's office waiting on Draco. It was ten til and he still wasn't there. She hoped he hadn't lost his nerve. She had spent the last half hour making sure she looked presentable. She had bought new casual robes that were somewhat expensive, but she wanted to be dressed appropriately. Going to Malfoy Manor and meeting Draco's - well she wanted to be sure she looked like she belonged.

She was getting ready to go in search of him, when she saw him approaching.

"Sorry, lost track of time." He said absently. Then looked up to her. "Wow. You look great."

"Thank you." She said shyly. When neither made a move to go she said. "Right, well. Shall we?" Hermione pointed to the portrait.

"Yes, after you." He looked horrible. Like he'd spent the past half hour or so crying. He was dressed impeccably, but his face was not Draco.

Hermione turned and said the password. "Animagus." She portrait slid to the side, and the statue behind moved so that they could access the stairs. Draco stepped on, only after Hermoine tugged his sleeve. And they were taken to McGonagall's office.

Knocking, they heard her say, "Come in."

"Well I'm glad to see that you decided to accompany Mr. Malfoy today Ms. Granger. Your mother will be waiting." She said to Draco, and then pointed to the fireplace.

When Draco made no move toward the fireplace, Hermoine whispered to him. "Go on. I'll be right behind you."

He nodded, then walked slowly to the fireplace. McGonagall held out a vase with floo-powder in it. He grabbed a handful. Threw it down, "Malfoy Manor."

Hermione did likewise, when she came out of the fireplace, she bumped into Draco. "Oh, sorry."

"No problem, guess I should have moved. I knew you were right behind me." He said.

His mother was just entering the room, in billowing pale blue robes. She looked as always, elegant and beautiful. Hermione felt self-conscious immediately. How would she ever fit here?

"Draco, sweet-heart do give me a hug. I've missed you so." She hadn't seen Hermione yet. She did when she embraced her son and saw her standing on the other side.

"OH! Miss Granger. How wonderful of you to come as well. I'd hoped you would. Don't you just look wonderful." And she moved to embrace Hermoine. Draco stood by looking shocked. Narcissa had never embraced a friend of his like that. Any friend.

"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy. You look beautiful as always." Hermoine responded as she patted the lady on the back in an effort to get her to release her.

"Yes well thank you dear. Shall we retire to the drawing room?" She started walking and Draco followed with Hermoine right behind him. She was astonished at how much the Manor had changed from her last 'visit'.

Everything looked bright and cheerful. Draco noticed she had fallen behind a little and shortened his stride to walk beside her. "Mother has been diligently redecorating the entire house. Said it was too dreary. I of course agree."

Hermione's nod was her only responce.

As they entered the drawing room, they were taken aback. There on the settee sat a man neither of them had seen before. He was dressed in muggle clothing. Tan dress pants, navy blue dress shirt and tan blazer. He looked to be in his forties, and had thinning blonde hair with a sprinkle of silver around the sides. His blue eyes were stunning. He stood upon their entrance and Hermione noticed he was tall and slender, built almost exactly like Draco, except his shoulders were slightly wider and he was approximately three inches taller.

Draco came to a dead stop. "Draco dear, this is Woodrow Harrel. He is the man I explained about." Narcissa explained. But Draco had already guessed who the stranger was.

Hermione nudged Draco's side. This brought him out of his shocked state. "Sorry please forgive me. It's a pleasure to meet your aquaintence." Draco held out his hand.

The man, Woodrow, moved to accept and was quite surprised the Draco's handshake has as firm a grip as his own.

"No. I assure you the pleasure is mine. Your mother and father have told me so much about you. I can't believe I'm actually getting to meet you." His eyes then turned to Hermione. Draco didn't like what he saw in the man's eyes as he looked her up and down.

"And who might I ask is this beautiful young lady?" He smiled at her. But Hermoine felt uncomfortable under his gaze.

Narcissa spoke up. "This Woody is Miss Hermione Granger. Draco's bethrothed." She said with a smile.

"Ah, I see. So you aren't a ladies man? Would have thought you would be. I'm considered quite the catch back in the States. I'd never allow myself to become shackled to just one woman." He said jokingly but no one found it funny.

Draco sneered. "Yes well. Some of us prefer the monogamy. I would find it rather tedious having to keep more than one woman happy."

Woody laughed. "Well I'm afraid I have to disagree with you there son. I would get rather bored with just one."

"I. Am. Not. Your. Son. My father's name was Lucious Malfoy. You just happened to be the man who donated sperm so that my mother and father could have the child that Merlin denied them." Draco said it with such ferocity that Woody looked taken aback.

"Forgive me. I didn't mean to cause offense." He looked to Narcissa for help.

"No problem. Um Draco. I see you've brought parcels. They wouldn't happen to be for your Mum would they?" She asked changing the subject.

He stopped sneering at the man and turned to his mother. Affection shown in his eyes at her, but the look of disgust remained. "Yes, mother. I brought you two, and I also brought one for Woodrow."

"Let's all sit and exchange gifts then if you don't mind." She moved to sit in a chair and motioned for Draco and Hermoine to follow on the couch just to her left.

They sat. "Um, Mrs. Malfoy, I've also brought a gift for you." She handed her a small box, wrapped in blue and silver.

"Thank you dear, you have some as well. I'll get them and be right back." She gave Draco a look as she went to retrieve the gifts that said PLAY NICE.

"So what is it you do Mr. Harrel?" Hermione asked trying to break the silence. She knew there was nothing she could do about the tension. Which just happened to be so thick you could cut it with a knife.

"Well you see I'm in the movie business. Quite a well known actor. Maybe you've seen some of them I've starred in?" And he started to rattle off names of movies Hermione had never heard of.

Seeming put out because she had no clue whom he was, "Well, maybe you don't get good movies over here." He said with a huff.

"We get wonderful movies thank you. I just enjoy a different kind." She replied.

Narcissa thankfully re-entered then with a few gifts in her hands, she had a house-elf trailing behind her. She sat down after hand on to Draco and Hermione.

"Thank you, Kippy. That will be all. We will be ready for lunch in about twenty minutes." She said after the elf had laid three more gifts at Draco's feet.

"Yes, Mistress." was the reply, and she walked from the room. Hermoine wondered why she didn't apparate from the room, then remember the muggle that sat across from her and Draco.

"Well don't dawdle Draco. Open them." She said with glee.

They all began opening their gifts.

Draco recieved a new set of robes, same every Christmas. A few self-inking quills, and silver cuff links in the shape of dragons.
Hermione recieved a beautiful matching set of scraf, gloves and hat. They were made of the softest leather and lined with chinchilla fur.

Draco had gotten Narcissa a set of silver diamond teardrop earrings. Hermione had gotten her a silver picture frame, it was roses etched into it, and inside was a picture of Draco, Narcissa and Lucious smiling at each other. She had gotten the picture from Pansy. And hoped it was the right gift.

Woodrow recieved a photo album full of pictures of Draco growing up, this from Narcissa. A pen and holder set from Draco, who'd ordered it from a muggle magazine, and a book from Hermoine, a copy of Moby Dick. It was a muggle classic. And now having met him she was sure it was the wrong choice but no longer cared.

Everyone said their thanks and such. Then there was silence. No one knew what to say. After ten minutes of horrible tension. Narcissa stood, "Time for lunch."

They followed her to a reasonably sized dining area. And sat down. They began eating. Most in silence. The only thing that filled it was Narcissa asking questions about classes and the quick responces from Draco.

They finish lunch and Draco got up. "Hermoine, I know we must be getting back. We have duties to see to."

Hermione knew in fact they didn't but she nodded and stood. "Yes, of course." They both thanked Narcissa for the lovely lunch, and gifts. Told her they would write soon, and the flooed back to Hogwarts.


"He's absolutely horrid!" Hermoine exclaimed. They were in Draco's room. He'd put up silencing charms to keep anyone from overhearing the conversation he knew he and Hermione would be having.

"Yes, I know. To think that is the man who helped give me life." Draco looked heartbroken.

"No Draco, think of it like this. He's no one to you. Just an aquiantance of your parents. And your parents are Lucious and Narcissa Malfoy. No one ever need know any different. You are you father's child and I do mean Lucious. Your arrogant like him, you carry yourself like he did. You are a MALFOY!" She was trying to make him feel better and it was working.

"Thanks, Hermione. I just can't help but think how- well- sleezy he seemed." Then he mocked how Woodrow had said he would be bored with just one female. Causing Hermione to laugh.

"That was a terrible impression." Hermione sobered instantly. "What about you Draco? Will you be happy with just one woman?"

He turned to her. She was sitting atop his bed. He had been pacing the floor. "Yes Hermione. I think I will be very happy with just one woman. The question is - well never mind. I don't want to think of anything serious at the moment."

He got closer to her as he said this. She was looking up at him, and he was gazing at her lips. Yes a good snogging by her is just what I need. He thought.

He pushed her back on the bed. "Draco?" she questioned.

"Shh. Love." He covered his mouth with hers. She allowed him to deepen the kiss. After several heated moments and pressing himself against her, he started to get roaming hands, she stopped him.

"Draco, please."

He pulled back. He had gotten away with himself. He knew Hermione wasn't that type of girl. And she probably wasn't ready for that yet. "I'm sorry. Seemed to have gotten over excited." He chuckled nervously.

She smiled at his nervousness. "It's ok. Just not yet. We will soon probably. But not yet."

He nodded and smiled at this. Soon? Could he be so lucky?

He moved to the side and pulled her to him. She snuggled into him, they laid there in silence for quite a while before Hermoine heard a light snore.

Draco Malfoy had fallen asleep.

This left her time to think again on the thought she'd had. Did she love him? As she laid there thinking, she stroked his baby fine hair, and he snuggled her closer. Yes, she did. But did he love her?


Ok, there it is. Hope it didn't disappoint to badly. And I tried to extend this chapter out because it had been so long since my last update. Please review and let me know what you think. How many of you are mad? Do you think a pair of the students should get on with the marriage thing yet? Let me know. Happy reading! :)