AN: Hey everyone, hope you had a good valentine's day if you celebrated.
Enjoy this chapter! and as always please let me know what you think!
Early Wednesday morning Titus had arrived at Hermione's office with a single purple hyacinth, the flower symbolizing apologies with a note canceling their lunch plans. The ladies in her office went crazy seeing the flower.
Her first day in the DMLE Hermione had walked in to find Titus perched on her desk. As she opened the parchment a simple yet gorgeous bouquet appeared on the corner of her desk with a card that simply read good luck
The magic used was very impressive. Hermione found out later that Draco had paid a janitor to place a charmed piece of parchment on the under side of her desk that worked as a type of portkey (developed by Theo, of course). Every Monday since then Hermione has been greeted by the magnificent eagle owl. Harry noticed the ever changing bouquet and had to comment as Stacy, her assistant and the most nosey person in the office walked by one day, "so, what do sunflowers mean?" Her best friend asked one Tuesday as he stopped by to enquire about a case he was working.
"Wait, Auror Potter, are you saying these flowers are meant to be taken symbolically?" The simpering blonde asked turning back around from where she was heading.
"Of course. The posh ponce would never just send flowers. They always have a meaning." Harry answered her before turning back to Hermione, "so? Sunflowers?" Before she could answer Stacy jumped in again. "You know who the mystery man is?" The witch looked like she was about to grab his arm to pull him towards her but quickly thought better of it.
"Mystery man eh? Not telling anyone yet?" He raised his eyebrows in that rather infuriating 'we will discuss this later' kind of look then turned back to the assistant, "yes, however I value my life so I won't be sharing that knowledge." Harry meant the look he gave her to be dismissive however Stacy was too nosey for her own good and refused to budge.
"Sunflowers?"
"This particular type of sunflower signifies adoration."
The very next day Stacy brought in a book on flowers and there meanings and every Monday is absolutely useless as an assistant until she looks up each flower in that weeks bouquet and it meaning. And the week a red rose was added to the bouquet the entire office lost it. It took Hermione threatening disciplinary action for Stacy to stop gossiping and go back to work.
Ding
The elevator opened to the top floor of the London skyscraper, later that afternoon. Draco had owned again later to further cancel their plans to take the children ice skating. Knowing the children would be highly disappointed she told him that she still planned to take Bryony and asked if Scorpious would be able to join them. And so it was as she was ordering take away for a picnic lunch that she had the brilliant idea to order extra and bring it to Draco. Now she was committed but she still had lingering doubts as to the brilliance of this plan.
"This way!" Scorpious called as he jumped out and turned to the left.
A woman who appeared in her mid 50's looked up at the sound of the private elevator opening and looked like she was about to tell whomever dared use the private elevator off. Instead froze once she saw Scorpious and her jaw literally dropped as she saw Hermione follow him. After a moment she seemed to come back to her senses "Scorpious, Ms Granger. This is a pleasant surprise. Shall I let Mr Malfoy know you are here?" She asked trying to mask her confusion. Hermione wasn't able to mask her confusion at all. She had no idea why this muggle would know her name. Thankfully she didn't have to flounder long as the elevator doors on the opposite wall opened up and out stepped Dean. Upon seeing Dean Bryony went running across the small hall and flew into his arm while chanting "Uncle Dean, Uncle Dean"
Dean spun her around once then began walking towards the desk while Bryony clung to his leg.
"Good afternoon Hermione, fancy seeing you here. I assume your lunch plans were canceled as well?" Dean asked as he came forward and placed a kiss on her cheek. He then turned to the secretary, "Good afternoon Ms Parkinson. How are you today?"
At the name Hermione looked back at the woman standing before them. Her dark hair and rather striking features did seem vaguely familiar.
"Doing good Dean. They have been locked in there all day so I've been busy fielding all their calls and canceling meetings." She looked back at Hermione and saw the confusion so she introduced herself, "Ms Granger, Patricia Parkinson." She held her hand out to the younger witch, "I believe you were the same year as my niece?"
Hermione was startled but quickly smiled as she took the other woman's hand. She was warm and friendly in a way Hermione couldn't imagine anyone who was related to Pansy being. "I'm sorry, I was just startled. I didn't expect anyone here to recognize me. Pleasure to met you."
Patricia gave a warm, gentle chuckle, "while I'm a squib I do still keep up with wizarding affairs." She leaned down and pushed the intercom button, summoning the gentleman to come out of the office for they had visitors.
Bryony stepped forward and was introducing herself to Ms Parkinson as the door opened and a rather stressed looking Draco stepped out followed by a ruffled looking Zabini. Nethier looked like their usual calm, put together selves. However both smiled when they saw who was waiting for them. Scorpious ran forward to hug his father then Zabini as Hermione stood back and watched. As soon as she saw the harried look on Draco's face she questioned if they should have come but seeing the look melt away in an instant told her she did the right thing. Bryony stepped forward and said hello to Draco before turning to Zabini who still held Scorpious and began grilling him.
While she was learning that Zabini was Scorpious Godfather and that he was dating Dean "and how long have you been together, what are your intentions towards MY Uncle?" Draco stepped towards Hermione, "hello you wonderful witch!" He kissed her chastely but his hands gripping her hips promised of more.
"Is it ok we stopped by?" She asked playing with the hem of her jumper, refusing to look at him lest he see her blush.
"Of course! Honestly 5 more minutes in that office with Blaise and hexs would have started flying."
"Oh dear, have you had lunch yet?" She asked holding up the bags in her hands. "If you have time we will join you for a bit, if not I told the children we would have a picnic in the park."
"We will make time" he chuckled taking the bags from her. "Come along, Granger has brought us lunch."
Dean looked up from where Bryony was holding his hand while still grilling Zabini with a startled look.
Hermione saw his look and quickly interjected, "no worries Dean, I'm used to feeding Weasleys, I brought plenty of food."
"Thats not my concern. Did you cook or is it take away?" He asked eyeing the bags.
"And what exactly are you implying Dean Thomas? Because I know you wouldn't dare imply that I am anything less than a perfectly acceptable cook." She narrowed her eyes at her old friend.
"A perfectly acceptable cook?" He laughed at her before continuing. "If you mean burnt, raw or otherwise inedible, of course. Please remember I'm also friends with Ron. I've heard the horror stories." When he saw her murderous look he quickly continued on. "You are an extremely talented witch. Those talents however do not reach to the kitchen. You can't be perfect at everything. So long as you realize it and brought take away so you don't accidentally poison us, its fine." He shrugged as her temper cooled.
"Yes it take away, you arse." She started towards the office door, muttering "accidentally poison someone once and they never let you live it down."
Dean looked up at the other men, "bloody brilliant witch, brewed polyjuice potion in second year. Just don't trust her chicken keiv. " he told them as he followed her into the office.
30 minutes later Draco and Zabini looked much more relaxed and ready to get back to the boring, stressful world of contract negotiations and Dean was agreeing to accompany Hermione and the children ice skating. As the others stepped out if the office to say goodbye Draco held Hermione back for a moment.
"Thank you. You made my awful day 100 times better." He said kissing her like he wouldn't in front of the others. Deep, passionate, desperate. He held her close to him with a hand on her neck guiding her to exactly where he wanted her so he could further explore her mouth. She moaned into him and would have easily been lost in him until she heard Bryonys laugh on the other side of the door. They both reluctantly pulled apart but still clung to each other.
"Remember, tomorrow dinner at mine." He said with his head pressed to hers looking into her eyes.
"With your mother, how could I forget." She sighed.
"It will be fine."
"I'm not so sure. This is the woman who lied to Voldemort to protect you. I can't imagine what she will do to me if she deems me a threat." Hermione sighed. As much as she knew this was necessary she wished she could put this meeting off indefinitely.
"She won't. Once she sees how happy you make me, how much I love you she will accept you."
"I'm not scared 28. I'm the farthest I can be without being a muggle."
"Yes she was raised with the pureblood ideals but she was never a fanatic, that was all Lucius." He replied kissing her forehead.
"I'm a divorcee."
That he sighed at, this time tucking an errant curl behind her ear before he answered, "that..." sigh "she will have a problem with. However I still maintain that once she sees us together she will accept us as a couple. Like you said, all she wants is me safe and happy. You make me happy. She will accept that." He kissed her again then reached for the door behind her. They walked out just as Dean was promising the children ice cream.
"Dean Thomas, be careful what you promise because I promise you this. You get them all hyped up on sugar and they will go home with you tonight." Hermione said walking back up to the children.
"What?" Dean shrugged, "I'm just trying to solidify my place as coolest uncle."
At that statement Bryony laughed, "really Uncle Dean? I love you but," she sighed dramatically she held up her hand and began listing on each finger, "dragon tamer, curse breaker, joke shop owner/crazy inventor. The man who literally stopped the darkest wizard of our time. Those are just the biological Uncles. Then you have the herbologist who let's me explore amazing greenhouses and the world famous quidditch player who always gets us box seats to the World Cup. Coolest uncle would be a hard reach. Especially since you haven't drawn me anything in forever." She added dramatically.
"You wound me child." He replied in an equally dramatic tone. Then he sighed, "ok, whats your favorite animal?"
"Niffler."
"Scorpious?"
"Kelpie"
"Great let's get this skating trip over so I can go home and come up with a comic about a niffler and a kelpie." As she began hugging him again and cheering he turned to Hermione, "why do I get the feeling thats what she wanted all along?" He asked.
"Because just last week she said she missed you and wondered if she could get you to draw her a niffler" Hermione smirked trying not to laugh.
Zabini laughed, honestly it was the first time she saw the man not totally put together as he laughed wrapping an arm around Dean, "man, she played you. I love it." He turned to Bryony and tipped his head towards her, "a Slytherin in the making."
"Bite your tongue." Hermione glared at him.
"No way," Bryony shook her head. " if the sorting hat tries I will just demand I be put in Gryffindor, showing it my bravery and it will have no choice but to put me in Gryffindor."
"Nope, definitely a Gryffindor. And she will be their leader, just like her mother before her." Dean said laughing heading towards the elevator.
Draco bagan pacing by his fireplace at quarter of 6 waiting for Hermione. He had thought it would be better if she was already there when his mother arrived promptly at 6. And despite the reassurances he had given Hermione the day before he was extremely nervous. He loved this witch and he wanted his mothers approval, as childish as it sounded. Scorpious was quietly playing in his room. The plan was that Bryony would join him in his room and they would play until called for dinner at quarter after 6. Thus giving Draco 15 minutes to reintroduce the two most important women in his life to each other. And pray they got along.
However this entire plan hinged on Hermione arriving first and she was officially late as it was now, he pulled out his pocket watch yet again, 5:56.
Taking a gamble he called Scorpious to join him in front of the floo. He hoped his son would distract his Mother long enough for Granger to arrive. Scorpious came to stand by his side and Tippy took one look at her stressed master and popped back into the kitchen. At precisely 6 o'clock the floo roared to life and out stepped his Mother.
"Lovely as always Mother," he said kissing the witches cheek, careful not to mess her formal sky blue robes. He had decided not to wear robes as it was meant to be a quiet dinner at home but the look on her face when she saw his dress trousers and simple white button down told him she didn't agree with his choice.
Scorpious stepped forward and wrapped his grandmother in a gentle but loving hug. He spent most days with his grandmother so the two had a rather close relationship however Draco couldn't help but compare the way Bryony looked at her grandmother as she said goodbye on Sunday. The girl had squeezed and kissed and laughed with her grandmother as she said goodbye. They held such a simple joy in seeing each other that Scorpious didn't have with his own grandmother. Draco held out hope that one day that would happen. His mother was already much more demonstrative with Scorpious than she had ever been with him at the same age.
Before he could get lost in his comparison he pulled his thoughts together, still trying to figure out a way to gloss over the fact that a portion of their dinner party was now officially late. Thankfully, or not depending on how he looked at it, the floo roared to life once again. Out came a giggling Bryony. Upon seeing the others in the room she smiled in her greeting, "heads up Mummy's mad. She came through the floo at grandmum's threatening Uncle Harry's life."
The floo roared to life one last time and out stepped a rather flustered looking Hermione still in her Ministry work robes. She stepped through, dust the floo powder and soot from her robes and took a deep breath before she looked up to see the entire room staring at her.
"Good evening," she said to the room at large before stepping towards Draco where he leaned down to place a chaste kiss on her cheek, "sorry I'm late. Potter came running into my office 5 minutes before I was due to leave with absurd demands that I grant him a highly illegal search warrant."
"I have never heard you call him Potter."
"she only calls him that when she's mad at him." Bryony supplied trying to be helpful. Hermione blushed slightly at her daughters words. While Draco wanted to know exactly what caused Hermione to be so flustered he knew dinner was just moments from being called and he had introductions to make.
He cleared his throat, "Mother I'd like to formally introduce you to Ms Hermione Granger and her daughter Ms Bryony Weasley. Hermione, Bryony, my Mother Mrs Narcissa Malfoy."
They all shook hands with Hermione insisting that they be called by their first names and his Mother not returning the courtesy. Honestly it was nothing less than he expected. He tried not to sigh as he led them all to the dinning room. After they were all seated Tippy began to serve them.
"Good evening Tippy. Thank you, everything looks amazing." The little elf beamed under the praise. Then moved to place a plate next to Bryony and the young girl greeted the elf as well. Draco watched his mother out of the corner of his eye as her mouth formed a thin line at the familiarity they greeted his elf with. Once Tippy had finished setting everything and left the room Draco turned to Hermione. He really did want to hear what Potter did to upset her so and hopefully proving she had a valid reason for being late would redeem her some in his mothers eyes.
"So what did Potter do now?"
"It was nothing really," she started, "he received a lead and needed a warrant signed off. However he didn't have enough to go on and I couldn't grant it as it was written. He tends to forget that he works for the Ministry now and can't just go running after a bad guy half-cocked." She paused at the confused look Draco gave her. "Its a muggle term, pureblood."
"Muggleborn" he countered before remembering his mothers presence. Hermione shook her head at the term then continued, "he acts like we are still at school and he can just go chasing after the bad guy and explain later. That might have worked with Dumbledore but Robards and Kingsley aren't as understanding."
"Oh I remember those days. I still don't understand how he got away with the things he did." Draco had obviously grown past his childish hatred of Potter but he was still sore thinking of all the things he got away with at school. And from the way Hermione talks a lot more happened than most knew about. "Its probably a good thing you took the position in the DMLE so you can keep an eye on him."
"It sounds as if you and Potter are still close after everything." It was the first thing his Mother had added to the conversation since the introductions and he felt it was a trap. Hermione looked up at him and he saw she felt the same as he did. However before either could answer Bryony replied, "of course they still are. Mum says there are some things that happen that create life long friendships that nothing can change. For mum, dad and Uncle Harry it all started with a swish and flick." She smiled at her mum. This caught Draco's attention because he didn't really know how the three became the Golden Trio. "fighting a fully grown mountain troll as first years, using the levitation charm to take him down. That was it for them. They have been inseparable ever since."
"Wait you mean to tell me three first years took on a fully grown mountain troll and lived to tell the tale?"
Hermione started laughing at his words to his utter confusion. "That is almost word for word what McGonagall said when she found us. And truth be told, I had nothing to do with fighting it, it was all Ron and Harry. I just took the blame. McGonagall took five points from me and gave Harry and Ron 5 points each for as she put it, 'pure dumb luck'."
Diner progressed relatively smoothly from there. Draco tried to draw his mother into conversation but she seemed to be content to be more of an observer rather than an active participant. Every once in a while he would see her lips purse just a little bit tighter at something said but she kept her thoughts to herself. Finally all courses had been served and Bryony and Scorpious were obviously reaching their limit on sitting still. As soon as the last bite had been taken Bryony turned to Hermione, "Mummy, Mr Draco may Scorpious and I be please excused?"
At Hermione's nod Draco granted permission. Bryony stood up and went around to Scorpious' chair whispering to him as he stood up. Both began grinning broadly. Bryony quickly ducked her head in an attempt to escape the room before the adults saw the looks but wasn't quick enough.
"Bryony Jean, what are you planning?" Hermione asked, suspicion clear on her face.
"What do you mean mum?" The picture of innocence.
"You look just like your father when he's up to something. What do you think your planning?"
"Mum, I would never do anything to disrupt dinner. Especially as a guest in someone else's home. You taught me better than that."
Hermione obviously wasn't buying the innocence at all. "You wouldn't disrupt dinner eh? Your right, your to smart for that. However dinner is over, you have been dismissed from the table. So I ask again, whats your plan?"
Bryony sighed dramatically as she looked from Scorpious back to her mother. Finally she pulled that infernal whoopee cushion from the back of her skirt waistband. "I asked Scorpious to show me the sitting room so I could plant it in your seat."
"Really? You've known about this dinner for a week now and that's the best you could come up with?" Hermione couldn't keep the smile from her face. She had told Draco that so long as no one got hurt, physically or mentally, she always encouraged Bryonys pranking ways. The world could always use a laugh. "I'm rather disappointed. You will have to plan better next time. Always have a plan B."
"Yes ma'am."
"I will keep this. Now you to go ahead and go play."
"Yes ma'am. Show me your room Scorpious." Bryony went to reach for Scorpious hand but he was still looking at Hermione and the whoopee cushion.
"Ms Hermione, what is that exactly?" He asked pointing to the whoopee cushion.
"This is a muggle joke, it..." she paused while trying to describe it. "Well, it makes a bodily noise. Its meant to embarrass whomever sits on it."
"What noise does it make?" He pushed, even more curious now.
Hermione sighed looking between the two children and very pointedly not looking at Draco or Narcissa. She then stood slightly and placed it on her chair before sitting gently down. Knowing what was coming Draco watched his mother and her reaction did not disappoint. The normally stoic women's eyes bludged for just a moment as she grimaced at the obnoxious sound.
Draco couldn't help but join the children's laughter as he looked back and saw the bright red blush creeping up Hermione's face.
"Happy? Now go!" She gently chastised as she stood back up and vanished the offending whoopee cushion.
"Yes ma'am." Bryony said as she started to turn towards the door but then she turned back. "Hey mum? Mischief Managed." Then she winked.
Hermione's jaw dropped as she realized she was just played. "George put you up to this?"
"Of course." She smirked looking strikingly like the mischievous twin in that moment.
"So what is your reward?"
"If I got anyone to sit on it unknowingly I would get to see a few items from the new spring line. Getting you to voluntarily sit on it earned Scorpious and I planning rights at the spring launch." As they were walking out arm in arm Scorpious asked, "did I do that right?"
"You did perfect Scorp." The red head beamed down at him.
Hermione looked up at Draco and couldn't help but laugh, "I believe my daughter is attempting to corrupt your son. I wish I could say I'm surprised but I know better."
"Hes happy, that all I care about right now. So long as he isn't being picked up by the aurors in a few years its all good." Draco realized how serious he was in that statement. Scorpious had always been very quiet and serious and seeing the way he relaxed and laughed around Bryony made Draco happy. "Wait whats this 'spring launch' he is now meant to help plan?"
"Every year George hosts what he calls his spring launch. Its a party where he introduces all his new products for the year. He gets people to sign a waiver and he gives select people different products to demonstrate. Its always a huge hit. You haven't lived until you've heard Molly Weasley trying to scold her children with Kingsley's voice." She laughed at the memory, "but the best to date is the year he had Teddy convince Andromeda to sign up. He had her demonstrating his 'quackers'. She walked around all day quaking like a duck anytime someone clapped." She paused then looked down, "pardon me," pulling her charmed Galleon out she said "revelare" then broke into a huge smile. "I'm an aunt again." She grinned up at Draco and his heart skipped a beat at the look of pure joy on her face, "Ginny just had the baby. James Sirius Potter. That was a blessedly quick delivery, especially for a first."
"Do you need to go? I'm certain they want to see you." Draco asked.
"No, everyone available will be making their way to Mungo's. They don't need me adding to the chaos. They should go home tomorrow afternoon and I will bring Bryony by after work. Speaking of, may I borrow Titus? I need to let Andy know. She said she would watch Bryony for us while Molly is busy with the newest baby."
Draco summoned Titus and Hermione quickly penned a note to Andy making arrangements for the next day. The three moved into the sitting room where Tippy brought them tea.
After a few minutes of even more stilted conversation his mother finally spoke first. However it was the last thing Draco wanted brought up.
"Ms Granger, it appears your still rather close to your former in laws."
"Of course, we're still a family. Literally the only things changed by the divorce was Ron's address and my last name." Hermione said looking back at Draco as if wondering where such an observation came from. Meanwhile Draco was trying to decide how to defuse this conversation before it got out of control. Looking at his mother let him know it was to late now.
"What exactly do you mean by that?" She snipped, the closest he had ever seen to her losing her calm demeanor since the war ended.
Between the look on his mothers face and the outright glare Hermione was giving him Draco realized too late his mistake in not sharing the truth of Hermione's divorce.
"Hes so cute Harry!" Hermione exclaimed as she held her new godson on Saturday morning. They were in the living room as Ginny slept and Molly was fixing lunch in the kitchen. She had brought Bryony over the night before and the house had been full. Now it was just them and she could truly examine the newest member of the family.
"I know!"
"Your a dad!"
"I know!" Her best friend ran his hand through his already messy hair. "I can't believe it! How did this even happen?"
"Really Harry?" Hermione sighed at her brothers dramatics, "of course you know how it happened. Furthermore you planned for it. You've got this. Your going to be a great dad!"
"I know, I'm just freaking out here." He paused for a moment looking around he asked, "wait where is Bryony?"
"With Malfoy. He offered to take her for a few hours so I could come help out here. She absolutely adores Scorpious and he figured it would be a good opportunity for them to get to know each other."
"Wow. Big steps there. You guys really are serious aren't you?"
Hermione smiled down at the tiny baby in her arms then looked up at her best friend, "We are. Its pretty amazing. I never thought I'd feel this way again."
The sat in silence a moment before Hermione cried out in pain. Her Galleon was burning hot. She looked up at Harry with terror in her eyes, "Bryony just activated her panic button."
Immediately in Auror mode Harry jumped up and called for Molly to take James, "where was Malfoy taking her?" He asked as he summoned his stag.
"Malfoy Manor."
AN: sooooo... don't hate me. I had to have at least one cliffhanger here. let me hear your theories!!
also I'm realizing I really enjoy writing Bryony so she's getting a bit more time than I originally planned.