A/N: Thanks to everyone for the huge response after my last update.
Disclaimer: The copyright to Harry Potter characters belong to J. K. Rowling. Any other characters are purely work of fiction and any resemblance is co-incidental.
Chapter 11: The Net
The Delacours received three letters from Hermione on her first day in Brussels: one from her, one from Gabrielle and another from Adrian. While the first two contained description of their journey (in Gabrielle's case a list of Muggle things that she had seen in train) Adrian's one contained just a picture of the Palace Hotel they were staying – with it's many turrets and different coloured flags. Apolline, after showing the picture to all her neighbourhood proudly, had asked her husband to bind it to a frame it to be hanged on their kitchen wall.
Meanwhile Monsieur Delacour had paid a visit to St. Joan's Institute and registered Adrian's name in the list of candidates for upcoming term. They had discussed amongst themselves the issue concerning Draco Malfoy's sudden visit to France and Hermione's reaction on it. After recovering from her shock in bathroom that day, Hermione had told them all about Malfoy and the vault she was asked to curse break against her good conscience and the Delacours had decided to find out as much information as possible about Draco and the purpose of his visit in France. Through Alexis they had inquired in the ministry and found that Draco had indeed declared himself and his mother to the 'Office for Foreign Population' and currently their hosts were the Chombrun-Malfoys of Château de la Grange-Bléneau. Delacours have informed Hermione of this and she had decided to obtain more information about the family after she returns from Belgium.
•••••
Draco had not felt this proud since his school days at Hogwarts. He was standing at the portal of entry to the magical part of Brussels and feeling extremely smug and contended about his well devised plan.
The magical part of Brussels called "Laan Grote Markt" in Dutch or "Old Market Alley" in English is an architectural marvel of Brabantine Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Most buildings around the Muggle square were destroyed in 1695 by French troops led by De Villeroy as retaliation for the lost battle of Namur. The Wizarding population of Brussels slowly acquired the destroyed and abandoned area and created their own marketplace and neighbourhood. Today the place was almost like British Diagon Alley and French Ruelle Les Halles, housing Wizarding bank of Gringotts, numerous shops and hotels of different standards. The Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville in French) was constructed between 1402 and 1455 and was the only building to escape French bombardment of 1695. The 96m high gothic tower was designed by architect Jan Van Ruysbroeck. It is adorned with a golden statue of St. Michael, the patron of Brussels, at the top and acted as the portal of entry to the Wizarding Brussels called "Laan Grote Markt".
Draco had brought his aunt with him in order to help him execute his plan flawlessly. If everything worked according to his plans, he would have the boy by Saturday next.
He had arranged for their stay in the only hotel suitable for aristocrat pureblood families – Le Trône Royal, the palace hotel. It was from here he would start executing the first move of his carefully constructed plan.
Draco paid a visit to the largest apothecary in the "Laan Grote Markt" and bought ample amount of Polyjuice Potion before returning to his Grand Suite in Palace Hotel. His aunt was staying at the one right across his one.
They had left behind a very insistent Narcissa and reluctant Julian, all of whom making enquiry as to how he planned to find out the boy in such a big population but Draco did not disclose it. He planned to inform them after his success.
He had however shared it with his aunt.
"Unless you tell me what your grand scheme is Draco, I am afraid I can be of no use." Audré warned Draco when he entered his aunt's suite after his visit from "Laan Grote Markt".
Draco smirked, a facial feature he had not displayed for quite long and settled on the armchair in front of fireplace while motioning his aunt to do the same.
"I plan to use our weakness, Aunt." he commented.
"Which is?" Audré asked amused.
"Drawing." Draco declared.
"Please explain." Audré asked him.
"Well the plan is simple but effective. I wish to host a Drawing Competition here in Brussels and request the presence of all magical children from age five to ten who know drawing. I will announce a very captivating prize, something that no one can deny or ignore. On that day I will wait under disguise and observe the children as they come. I am most certain Adrian will be among them." He elaborated.
"But Adrian is a visitor in the city, Draco, he is not an inhabitant of Brussels." his aunt remarked, "Chances are that he might miss the invitation."
"He will not. I plan to hold the competition at the Grand Ball Room of this Hotel and inform all the other Hotel authorities about the event. If needed, I will even pay them to ensure they convince every single child who can draw to attend the competition." Draco said confidently.
Audré let out a sigh and smirked, "How very Malfoy of you, Draco." she chided him, "I have not felt this way since Morpheus worked as a Judge in the French Wizengamot. He also had a knack of devising this kind of strategic plans to make criminals confess their crimes. Let's see who is more intelligent: the uncle or the nephew?" she challenged Draco.
"Thank you for the challenge, Aunt." Draco raised an eyebrow, amused and stood up, "Come on. Let's spread the net." Draco said and motioned his aunt to the door.
•••••
While everyone around Hermione were admiring, laughing and taking photos of "Manneken Pis" - the "Little Man Pee", a landmark small bronze sculpture in Brussels depicting a naked little boy urinating into a fountain's basin – the little man she carried, that is Adrian, was asking rapid fire questions at his mother.
"What's it called, Mama?"
"Why is he naked?"
"Why is he peeing?"
"Why is he peeing in public?"
"Does he not have a toilet?"
Hermione sighed, exasperated. It was the second day of their tour in Brussels and she had decided to visit the famous Belgian landmark "Manneken Pis" with Adrian, Gabrielle, Eva and Edmound. Moments after they arrived at the landmark, Adrian had watched the statue of the small boy peeing in a fountain's basin in awe and then started asking questions feverishly.
She told him what she had learned from the tour guide book that morning: The one about Duke Godfrey III of Leuven. In 1142, the troops of this two-year-old Lord were battling against the troops of the Berthouts, the Lords of Grimbergen, in a place named Ransbeke. The troops put the infant Lord in a basket and hung the basket in a tree to encourage them. From there, the boy urinated on the troops of the Berthouts, who eventually lost the battle.
Adrian was extremely amused by the story and laughed so much that Hermione feared he might suffocate. She bought him an ice cream in order to refrain him from further laughing.
She had brought with her a Muggle camera, as she was not good with the Magic ones and took several photos of her little man with famous the Peeing Little Man. Adrian was so overjoyed he hardly wanted to leave the place and asked her to tell the legend several times.
Finally after recounting the story of the peeing young Lord for six times, Hermione tore Adrian away from the place and returned to Palace Hotel for lunch.
"You should have seen him that day. In the Tuileries." Eva commented on Adrian's enthusiasm once they settled down for lunch.
"Why?" Hermione asked her.
"Why not?" Eva asked instead, "He told half of the place that he is going to Brussels." Eva informed her and Adrian laughed.
"Really, Adrian?" Hermione asked her son, amused, "You told everyone that you are going to Brussels?"
"I did." he squealed.
"And he's so adorable." Eva doted on him, "Everyone wants to touch him. Even strangers."
"Do they?" Hermione asked sharply.
"Yes, Mama." Adrian replied happily, "That day in Tuileries, I bumped with a man and he bend down to look at me. He asked my name but I did not tell him. You forbid me." he reminded his mother.
"That's my good boy." Hermione smiled and stroked Adrian's silvery-blonde curls, "Let's eat, everyone. I am starving." she announced.
•••••
The Manager of Palace Hotel, Leopold Duquesnoy welcomed Draco and Audré with a wide smile on his face. He was a small round man with a small moustache but big temper, the reason his employees feared him like a raging bull. But he was always polite to his guests.
"Bonjour Monsieur and Madame Malfoy." he addressed as he escorted them to their seats in front of his desk and gestured them to sit, "How very fortunate I am to see you Sir." he said in highly accented English to Draco and, "Je suis honoré, Madame." (I am honoured, Madame.) in French to Audré.
"Same here, Monsieur." Audré responded smiling, "But only English will suffice." she instructed.
"Very well, Madame Malfoy. Tell me are you enjoying being our guest? Are all the services upto your standard?" he asked her.
"Yes they are, Monsieur." Audré replied.
"Is there any way I can help you, Sir? Madame?" Leopold asked.
Draco opened his mouth to respond but Audré squeezed his hand gently and he stopped abruptly. "Yes, you can Monsieur." Audré affirmed, "I hope you know about our family, The Malfoys, Monsieur. We are engaged with many charitable trusts and patronize quite a few orphanages too." she informed Leopold who nodded in agreement.
"That I know, Madame." he said.
"We wish to organize a drawing competition for magical kids and the money raised from there will be donated to Belgian Wizarding Orphanage." Audré stated, "We ask for your full co-operation for the preparation." She requested.
"Of course, Madam." Leopold exclaimed, " La Trone Royal has always been a supporter of good causes and what can be better than helping you for such a noble cause. We are here ready to provide you with every support you will need." he affirmed.
"Thank you very much, Monsieur." Audré inclined her head at him, "My nephew Draco will enlighten you about the details." she indicated Leopold to Draco, "But" she added, "We don't wish our name to be disclosed. We believe in silent charity." Audré informed him.
Leopold looked impressed, "As you wish, Monsieur and Madame Malfoy. I assure you that your name will not be disclosed." he told them.
"Well, that being settled, Draco, please enlighten us with your idea." Audré offered.
Draco smirked at his Aunt. 'What an amazing Lady she is.' he thought and looked up seriously at Leopold, ready to execute his plan.
•••••
Hermione was lying and breathing deeply in the smell of freshly mown grass while Adrian sat and drew. It was Wednesday and after spending two days in the dungeons of Gringotts Brussels working on Cursed Diamonds, she had decided to take a break and spend some time with Adrian. They had come to Brussels Park situated right across the Royal Palace of Brussels - the official palace of the King and Queen of the Belgians in the centre of the nation's capital. She had lied down on grass allowing Adrian to do as he wished, who immediately took out his colouring pencils to draw a picture of Royal Palace for Grandpa Gustave.
Eva and Edmound had taken Gabrielle with them for shopping. Hermione suspected the twins liked Gabrielle and she had noticed Edmound casting furtive looks at Gabrielle's direction when he thought no one was looking. She smiled ironically at the thought.
Love, Romance, Passion, Marriage – these words held no meaning in her life. Not that she had ever fallen in love. She had – with Ron. But that's a past she chose to close six years ago when she found that she was pregnant with Draco Malfoy's child. She had missed two consecutive monthly cycles and was extremely nauseous when Fleur had advised her to take a pregnancy test. She had spent the day crying when the test appeared positive. She had wanted to terminate it but when she touched her stomach and imagined the presence of an innocent life growing inside, she decided against it. In her battle between love and innocence, she had chosen innocence. She had chosen her Adrian over her Ron.
Hermione sighed and touched her stomach. It was the same stomach Draco had kicked mercilessly before violating her. Ironically it was the same stomach that had bore him a child he does not know. It was the same stomach had swollen over nine monthes to accommodate her child. Hermione had always heard from her mother and aunts that pregnancy was a blessing and believed so. But her pregnancy was no less than a Cruciatus Curse. There were nights when she could not sleep peacefully because Adrian kicked inside her. There were days she could not eat anything except dry toast and plain water because smell of foods made her want to throw up. There were times when she had not been able to walk without stopping and clutching her aching back. She endured everything for the sake of a child born out of vengeance. And while new mothers had their husbands and parents to support them go through all these – she had no one. No parents. No husband. Even no best friends like Harry and Ron.
"Mama." Adrian called and Hermione startled. "Yes, dear?" she asked.
"Look what I have drawn for Grandpa." he held out a piece of paper.
Hermione lifted herself from the ground and took it. The Royal Palace that Adrian has drawn looked better than it's real counterpart. "It is the most beautiful picture I have ever seen." she commented.
"When will you send it to Grandpa?" he asked eagerly.
Hermione reached and took her son in her arms. She kissed him in his small forehead. "As soon as we return to hotel." she replied.
"Let's go then, Mama." Adrian stood up immediately, "I can't wait." he said excitedly.
"Let's go." Hermione agreed and stood up.
They reached Palace Hotel and Hermione went to the reception to retrieve the keys to her suite. The receptionist greeted her brightly and handed her the keys. She had not moved more than two steps holding Adrian's hand when the receptionist called her again.
"Mademoiselle Jean?" she called after Hermione and left her place behind the counter to reach her. "You have a son!" she declared indicating Adrian.
"Yes, I do. Thanks for noticing." Hermione said irritated.
"I am sorry, I did not mean to offend you." she apologized, "It's just that we are hosting a Drawing Competition in our Grand Ball Room and the money will be donated to the Belgian Wizarding Orphanage." she informed Hermione and handed her a brochure. "The presence of the child is highly requested." she offered indicating Adrian.
Hermione's features immediately softened. "It's okay." she looked at Adrian, "My son will attend any good cause happily." she said on Adrian's behalf. Adrian jumped up and down.
"Thank you, Mademoiselle." the receptionist said, "The details are on the brochure." she indicated the paper on her hand. "If you need any further assistance, you can contact us." she informed her.
"Alright." Hermione nodded and left for dining room holding an extremely excited Adrian tightly.
•••••
Audré de Chombrun-Malfoy was examining the Friday issue of Belgian Newspaper L'Echo and found what she was looking for. It read:
Concours de Dessin
Le Trone Royal Présente fièrement Concours de dessin
gagnant recevra 10 000 galions
(Drawing Competition
The Royal Throne Proudly Hosts Drawing Competition
The winner will receive 10000 galleons)
Detailed description of the event was written under the announcement.
It was one of the carefully devised plans that only Malfoys can come up with. Draco had made sure that every single Wizarding newspaper publishes the announcement everyday of the week. He had printed brochures and arranged for their proper distribution. He had spent last three days contacting the authority of the orphanage, hotels, newspapers and notable patrons of Brussels.
There was a knock at the door and Audré looked up newspaper. "Come in" she said.
Draco entered looking tired but otherwise contended. "Good Morning." he offered.
"Good morning." Audré replied. "I believe your work is complete." she enquired as Draco took a seat across her.
"It is complete. I have talked to all the authorities and I hope tomorrow's event will be a huge success. There is no way Adrian's mother will not let him come. Every single child between age five to ten know about the event now and they are waiting for it eagerly." he rubbed his hands hopefully, "I can't wait for tomorrow to come." he said.
"But ten thousand galleons is an absurd amount of money for such a small kid." Audré said.
"I know, Aunt. But surely a Malfoy is worth more than that." Draco said proudly.
"Money can't buy everything, Draco." Audré said gravely, "You cannot buy a child no matter how much you pay."
Draco looked at his aunt sharply, "I beg to differ, Aunt." he said her, "Money can buy everything if the buyer is strong enough. But I am not after buying Adrian. I am after his real identity for which I am willing to pay even ten thousand galleons." he said determinedly.
"And what will you do if you find out that Adrian is not your son?" Audré asked, "Will you take back the money? Have you considered that possibility?" Audré demanded.
Draco contemplated his aunt's question for a moment. "Adrian is my son, I am sure of it, aunt. Even you yourself said that." he reminded her. "There is no other way."
"I did not say he's your son, Draco, I said he looked a lot you." Audré contradicted.
"Is there any other way a boy will look like a man if he's not his son?" Draco asked her incredulously.
Audré shook her head, "Draco please don't get me wrong. I just don't want you to be broken again if you find out Adrian is not your son. Sometimes it's good to have reasonable amount of hope." she comforted him.
"Let's just don't hope so." Draco answered tiredly.
Audré looked at her nephew's tired form. "Draco I think you should take some rest now. Go to your suite and sleep for a while. I will call you up at lunch time and we will have lunch at Dining Hall today instead of our rooms. Afterwards we will go to visit the city land marks." she offered. "We haven't seen anything since we arrived here."
Draco looked at his aunt and nodded silently in agreement. "Very Well. I'll take your leave." he stood up and left her suite.
•••••
"Adrian! Pay attention to your food." Hermione said sternly when he dropped his food third time in a row during their lunch at the Dining room of the Palace Hotel.
"Mama, I am thinking." he protested.
"No thinking during eating." Hermione warned her son.
"But I need to think what I will draw tomorrow." Adrian exclaimed.
"Adrian, you will have plenty of time to think after lunch. Now eat your food properly or Mama will not let you go anywhere tomorrow. Understood?" Hermione scolded her son who pouted his soft lips and went back to his food reluctantly.
It was Friday and Hermione had escorted her son and Gabrielle to lunch in Dining Hall. The place was full with other guests who appeared to have no other topic of discussion than the upcoming Drawing Competition and Ten Thousand Galleons.
Hermione found it highly irritating. It was a charity function after all but instead of highlighting that, everyone was talking about the prize money. She wanted to finish her lunch and leave as soon as possible but Adrian was not helping the matter. He kept dropping his food on floor unceremoniously.
Finally after what looked like ages, he finished his lunch and Hermione left the Dining Hall looking relieved.
•••••
The famed Dining Hall was buzzing with excitement when Audré and Draco entered for lunch. They took an empty table and seated themselves. When the waiter arrived Draco ordered for their foods.
He did not like eating with common people. Malfoys did not dine with commoners. Though the hotel was fine for their standards and the food was delicious too, he preferred to take his meals in the sanctuary of his room.
But this afternoon he could not deny his aunt's request. He was feeling extremely nervous and wanted some way of relieving it. So he had complied with his aunt's request to eat at the Dining Hall.
The food arrived and they started eating. Draco looked around casually to see what people were talking about so excitedly.
He realized they were talking about the Drawing Competition and more importantly about the prize money.
He suddenly felt proud and contended. He was about to return to his food when he suddenly noticed –
"Hey!" he was on his feet in an instant and ran as fast as possible at the direction of the door. He did not realize that people were staring at them as Audré left their table too and was following him.
He reached the door leading in and out of the Dining Hall but the boy was not there anymore.
"What happened, Draco?" he heard his aunt's voice.
"Adrian! He was here! I saw him!" he exclaimed indicating the doorway. "He was here, aunt. He was here." he repeated.
Audré looked around and found no sign of Adrian. "Are you sure you are not mistaken Draco?" she asked him.
He suddenly ran at the direction of reception counter and pulled out the sketch he had drawn a week ago. He shoved it to them. "Have you seen this boy here?" he asked.
The receptionist guy and girl looked at the photo and nodded.
"Where is he? What's his room number?" Draco demanded.
"We are very sorry, Sir, but we can't tell you that." they excused themselves; "It's against the hotel policy to disclose any information regarding their guests, sir." they explained.
Draco slammed his fist on the counter and was about to snap at them when Audré interfered.
"I apologize for the incident on my nephew's behalf." she said calmly to the receptionists, "he has recently lost his son and is very depressed." she told them, "I will highly appreciate it if you don't inform anyone about the occurrence." she requested them.
Draco looked at his aunt in utter disbelief. "Aunt" he started but she placed a soft hand in his hair and stroked it gently. Suddenly all his rage and desperation were gone.
"Come, Draco." she said, "let's go to your room." she offered.
Draco nodded. Audré turned to the receptionists and asked, "I believe I can have your confidence?"
"Yes. Madame. We understand completely." the woman affirmed and Audré took Draco's hand before leading him to his suite.
Once there Draco slumped into a chair and hid his face in his hands. "He was so close!" he said, "he was so close and I missed him!"
"It's alright, Draco. Now we know he'll be coming tomorrow for sure." Audré comforted him stroking his hair again.
"Should I go and stand at the doorway and wait for him when he arrives for dinner?" Draco asked. He felt so helpless and pathetic for losing Adrian again.
"That will be highly inappropriate for a Malfoy, Draco." Audré commented.
Draco sighed. She was right; that will be highly inappropriate for a Malfoy.
He had no other choice but to wait until tomorrow when Adrian arrives at the Drawing competition he had carefully planned for him for one week.