"The quicker we leave the easier it will be," Malfoy insisted while it was still dark outside. "Unless you have changed your mind and want to stay with her and Mother?" Malfoy asked with high hopes.
"I am still going with you, Draco. I am just scared to leave her," Hermione said pulling on her cloak. Isola was sleeping peacefully on the bed while her parents packed the few belongings they had.
"We're lucky she is a good sleeper. Mother said I was fitful more often than not," Malfoy said lacing up his boots. The thought of Draco as a difficult child did not surprise Hermione at all.
Once the two were dressed and ready to go Malfoy said, "Do we wake her? Or let her sleep?" They stood above the bed watching their little girl dream. "We'll try not to wake her… We'll be gentle," Hermione said picking up the sleeping babe.
Tenderly she pulled Isola to her chest and began to cry. "Do not start crying Granger… Please, that will make it much harder on me," Malfoy said. "Shut up, Draco," was all she could reply as the tears now fell freely.
"Oh good, you're awake," Narcissa said entering quietly. The tears were evident in Narcissa's eyes as well. "The both of you cannot cry," Malfoy said with exasperation.
Malfoy went to give his grieving mother a hug. "Take care of her and be safe. Be safe above all else. I will find Father and bring him home," Malfoy said towering over his mother.
"I love you Draco," Narcissa said clutching onto her son. "I love you as well," he said giving her a kiss on the head. That was the first time Hermione had ever heard either Malfoy said they loved each other. It made her uncomfortable.
Malfoy took Isola from Hermione's grip and kissed her gently on her little cheek. Hermione jumped slightly when she saw Narcissa walking to her with open arms. Nimble Narcissa was quick and wrapped her thin arms around her.
"Please… Pleas look out for him. Protect him. He is my only child. Look out for him like I will for Isola," Narcissa pleaded. Hermione was still too shocked to say anything when she added, "Your parents… If they are still alive they are in the Black's residence in Witney. Draco will know where it is."
Hermione replayed her mother-in-laws words in her head, if they are still alive. Hermione hoped with all her heart that they were. She would find them as soon as the world was safe again and bring them home to meet their granddaughter.
"We should go before the sun rises," Malfoy said not taking his eyes off Isola. Hermione was released by Narcissa and silently agreed. Her courage was faltering as she held her daughter one last time.
"Come, Granger. Let's go," Malfoy said with his voice stern but trembling. After Hermione handed Isola to her grandmother Malfoy clutched her hand and whisked her down the stairs. The tears were still stinging her eye as she glanced back for one more look.
"Are you ready?" He said before opening the front door to the unknown safety of Rhodes. Hermione nodded yes in reply and Malfoy threw the front door open, wand at the ready.