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Chapter Fourteen

"Malfoy what couldn't possibly wait until after 9 AM?"

Draco heard Harry's question as soon as he stepped out of the floo. As soon as Eltanin had returned from his roundtrip from Britain to France with Harry's letter informing Draco he was free, Draco wasted no time in flooing over to Grimmauld Place. He had been stunned when Harry suggested to have the floos temporarily connected after he showed up days before asking about Hermione. Draco refused immediately – mostly for his privacy but automatically shocked that Harry Potter trusted him this much. Harry had finally convinced him after stating apparating would leave the blond exhausted and it wouldn't be too much of a hassle as it was just temporary – Draco relented. His main foyer's floo had temporary access to Harry's main guest area floo for the time being and Draco conceded that Boy Wonder was as generous and polite as ever – despite having a bumpy past with him. Leaving his owl to recover and giving specific instructions to his personal house elf, Dally, on recuperation treats for his owl, Draco left St. Anne's Malfoy Manor. Draco didn't have time to dust his signature black suit off and straighten himself out before Harry was already heading out of sight. The dark headed wizard was already walking away, heading to what Draco assumed was the sitting room he had previously hosted in. Draco refrained himself for voicing Harry's deplorable hosting skills, reminded himself that it wasn't his fault Draco was in a mood. He also reminded himself that even though James Potter was a Pureblood, Harry was raised by atrocious muggles according to Theo. Draco didn't hesitate to follow him through the rooms, once again thanking his long less for allowing him to catch up quickly.

"Did you know Granger's planning to leave the country?"

Draco stated as soon as he stepped inside the kitchen, barely assessing the slightly busy room around him. The moderately sized kitchen had a wooden table in the middle, matching the wooden countertops standing beside the walls. Draco remembered his mother declaring the kitchen was an absolute mess and needed more work than she assumed, but Harry hadn't seemed to mind keeping it the same. Harry hadn't changed much in the kitchen, besides tidying up the place and replacing the ugly wallpaper to bright green tiles for a more moderate look. The only commotion Draco saw was the elderly house elf that harassed him every time he saw him kneading dough. Draco saw Harry freeze in his tracks towards the kettle on the stove and quickly turn to him with an astounded look on his face; Draco could only guess he did not as the green-eyed wizard's eyes grew at his statement.

"What?"

He asked him at the same time Kreacher let out a noise that Draco assumed was one of annoyance.

"Granger's applying to a muggle university in North America – Yale."

Draco supplied before turning to the house elf who had appeared in front of him, bowing too low for his own physical health.

"Tea, Master Black?"

Kreacher croaked out as soon as he straightened up and Draco glanced to look back at Harry before excusing the elf. Harry's look morphed into one of bewilderment. Draco turned back to look at the eager elf before shaking his head,

"No, thank you."

Kreacher nodded his head at Draco's words. Draco turned back up to Harry.

"Yale?"

He repeated and Draco only nodded. As soon as Draco saw the letter head and the application asking for Granger's personal information, he put two and two together – Granger was planning on applying to a muggle university. While it took a more research in his library about where exactly Yale was at, Draco had come to realization that Granger was planning on applying and most likely attending the North American university. It didn't make sense to the pale wizard why the brightest witch of their age decided she wanted to attend a muggle school, but it also didn't surprise him; he knew Granger liked and loved actively learning and if he had to guess, she didn't finish her muggle education and she wanted to. Potter's bewilderment grew by the second as he messed with the back of his head with his right hand. He then turned back around and Draco assumed he was going to get himself a cup before he started pacing back and forth. Harry's trainers didn't make sound as he walked on the stone floor beneath him. He wore a simple gray tee, form fitting to the drab clothing he used to wear as a child with the Dursleys, and muggle jeans.

"Does young Master require anything?"

Kreacher asked, forcing Draco to concentrate on him once more. Draco shook his head, forcing himself to smile at the persistent elf. He probably looked to be in pain, but Kreacher didn't comment on the validity of his smile.

"No, thank you."

He replied the same.

"How do you know?"

Harry asked him. Draco looked back up at Harry, he had stopped besides the end of the table with an anxious expression over his face. Draco had expected the questioning and coolly said,

"I saw the university's application at her place yesterday."

"What were you doing at Hermione's place yesterday?"

Harry continued to question.

"I was dropping off her coat she left at Theo's."

Draco half-lied. Harry Potter didn't need to know his embarrassing actions early morning and he had technically been at Granger's for that – originally. He still hadn't apologized to neither Theo or Granger when it came to his atrocious behavior earlier today, but Draco had to put that aside for now. They had more pressing matters, Draco reasoned with himself. Harry let his gaze fall and finally sat down at the table besides him. Draco chose to sit as well instead of awkwardly standing with Kreacher still at his feet. Kreacher wasted no time in following them to stand next to Draco, but Harry raised his hand at him, softly saying,

"Kreacher, please make sure breakfast is ready."

Giving the house elf something to focus on, Draco sighed in relief internally.

"Did you ask her about it?"

Harry asked. He sat adjacent from Draco and placed one clenched hand on top of the table and the other stayed messing with the back of his head. Draco shook his head, trying to not fidget as well. If Harry Potter didn't know his best friend was leaving the country, then that meant Granger hadn't told anyone, and Draco didn't think that was good sign. The Gryffindors were notorious for being open books, especially to those closes to them. If Granger hadn't told anyone, was she planning on leaving in secret or without warning? Draco thought watching her best friend stress about the fact.

"Of course not, Potter. Even if I had, she could have lied and played it off."

Draco answered. Harry nodded in agreement but Draco could see how his gaze unfocused. After several moments and Draco's patience thinning with every "clank" of kitchen utensil he heard, Draco opened his mouth to speak. Before Draco could ask what he was thinking, Harry's eyes finally snapped back to his. Green clashed with gray.

"Why do you care so much?"

Harry asked – sounding like an accusation coming from the wizard. The moment the question left his lips, Draco froze in his seat; he hadn't expected the savior of the wizarding world to ask why he was butting into Granger's life. Draco assumed that Harry was going act first, ask questions later as was the usual Gryffindor style. He had assumed that he would put his conflicting emotions of his best friend/sister leaving the country first than to ponder about Draco's own. He knew why he cared, he was besotted with the bloody witch, but he didn't want to admit it to Harry just yet. He rarely spoke about her even to his own friends. Draco knew that if Granger did leave the country, his plans for making amend and wooing the witch were out of reach. While Draco could certainly follow her to North America, he didn't want to seem like a complete madman. If Hermione Granger felt she needed to leave the country, have a fresh start in the muggle world and North America's magical community, Draco was in no position to stop to. Nor did he want to – he empathized with her decision on wanting to leave Europe. However, just because she did leave the continent didn't mean Draco would stop fighting. Draco wasn't planning to stepping down, he just needed to re-group and re-plan. Draco cleared his throat, suddenly feeling parched. Draco opened his lips to speak, barely getting out an,

"I – "

When he was interrupted by a,

"Harry dear, we're here!"

Draco didn't know if he wanted to thank Salazar himself for allowing Harry to have visitors with great timing or the visitors themselves. Draco snapped his mouth close and watch the black-haired wizard's attention shift from him to the wooden, swinging door behind Draco. Relief flooded throughout him instantly, thanking Salazar Slytherin himself. Draco was planning on half-lying to him once more, admitting that if Granger left his plan for reconciliation were shaky at best, and keeping his infernal crush to himself for the time being. He had hoped that was enough for Harry Potter.

"In here, 'Dromeda!"

Harry bellowed, standing up as Draco followed suit. Draco turned towards the door, awaiting Harry's new visitors before rearranging his thoughts. Dromeda? Dromeda… Andromeda? Draco thought to himself before his guess was correct. A woman baring great resemblance to his mother and mad, deceased aunt walked in, toddler in hand. The tall, older witch wore faded muggle jeans, black flats, and a large bright yellow jumper over her frame. Her dark brown hair was cut short, shorter than Draco had seen on either his dead aunt and mother, but the Black traits were there. The dark gray eyes that Bellatrix had, the high cheekbones that both Black sisters shared, and the upturned nose that his mother had. Draco forced himself to not do a double take at the piercing dark eyes staring straight at him and on reflex, Draco cleared his mind. He forced himself to not flinch at the way Andromeda nee Black could resemble Bellatrix too much like for his liking. Draco opened his mouth to introduce himself, despite knowing he didn't have to, but once more was interrupted.

"Unsle!"

The little, green headed toddler dressed in a light gray coat and matching pants yelled before running towards Harry's outstretched arms. His small, soft brown boots made tapping noise as he ran. Draco watched the wizard he once called his rival hold the child close once he had scooped him into his arms. Draco quickly adverted his eyes, feeling strangely invasive in a private moment between toddler and godfather. Draco had heard from Blaise that his cousin and her husband had left behind a child that Harry Potter was godfather of. His mother hadn't spoken to her sister since her banishment, so he didn't bother to ask her if Blaise was right. Apparently, he was and Draco was dumbfounded why the war hero would take on such a responsibility of raising a child that wasn't his own.

"Draco Malfoy."

His name snatched his attention back to his estranged aunt.

"A… Aunt Andromeda."

Draco replied, opting to call her so instead of just her first name or surname. Draco hesitated at first but walked towards his maternal aunt, height at his advantage, as he stopped in front of her. The older witch stared up at him but before she could say anything, Draco leaned down to peck both her cheeks softly. While Draco could see the eldest Black sister peeking through the middle one standing in front of him, he also saw the contrasts; Andromeda had small wrinkles forming on her eyes and lips as if she laughed and smile at ease instead of the fake, polite smiles and cackling, maddening ones Draco was used to. Forcing himself to not blush as he felt again out of place, he stepped a few feet back. Andromeda stared at him for longer than he liked before she smirked at him.

"Pleasure to finally meet you, nephew."

[-]

"And then he left rather in a mood with Theo trailing behind him."

Hermione finished the recent events of her life to Ginny. The pair sat near a glass wall in one of Hermione's favorite brunch restaurant after dropping off the donation items that Hermione packed. The pair of witches chose to walk in conversation from the donation shop and to the restaurant instead of apparating or calling a cab. Both Hermione and Ginny liked changing their usual pace to walk in each other's company despite the shop and eating establishment being more than five blocks away from each other. Finally seating down and finishing their meal – Hermione ordered a scramble while Ginny chose scrambled eggs and pancakes – the girls continue to converse about their lives. They always caught each other up when Ginny was indisposed because of games and when Hermione was swamped with legalities from her department. Hermione had changed into thick, black leggings, her converse, and thick, gray jumper to shield her from the cool morning but also allow her some breeze from the errand and slight workout. Ginny sipped on her iced water, attentively listening throughout Hermione's recap. Hermione had started with how she and Ron were coming along per Ginny's request despite Hermione's protests. Hermione was going to tell Ginny about her brother's request, but she wanted to tell her later in the day. While Ginny usually didn't side with Ron, Hermione had an inkling she would in this occasion. And Hermione didn't blame her, but she was being honest when she told Ron she needed time and she didn't want to dishearten Ginny. Then Hermione talked about work but didn't go into details how rotten she had felt after the proposition wasn't pushed through. She didn't want to burden Ginny with her negative emotions that even Hermione couldn't control; it wasn't her fault that the ministry was still prejudiced. Finally, and to Ginny's shock and excitement, Hermione told her about her new Slytherin friends. Apparently, Harry had told Ginny he was friendly acquaintances with the snakes before their breakup and updated her about their friendship when the two spoke; however, she hadn't expected Hermione to become friendly with them and so soon. Ginny knew that Hermione had a bad habit of enclosing herself in, barely allowing those already closes to her to see through the walls she created. Ginny knew with her schedule she didn't have enough time for her best friend and neither did Luna. The fair-haired witch was travelling the world with her new boyfriend, Rolf, and Hermione was certainly not going to reach out if she felt as if she was burdening them. New friends for Hermione was pleasant news for Ginny and one she fully supported.

"He didn't say why?"

Ginny asked. Hermione shook her head, sipping on her peppermint hot chocolate. She chose the sweet drink opposed to her usual tea or coffee as a treat to herself; she was always overly conscious of consuming sweets thanks to her parents, but she adored peppermint hot chocolate. After the week and morning she had, Hermione deserved it. Ginny leaned back into the seat, a grin spreading over her soft pink lips.

"Might he have been jealous?"

Ginny asked, teasing her friend and caused Hermione to choke on her drink. Ginny couldn't help but to giggle at her reaction, earning her a glare from Hermione. Hermione dabbed her mouth with the paper napkin placed in front of her on the wooden table before looking incredulously at her friend. Her dark brown eyes stared into amused brown ones.

"Jealous of what, Ginny?"

She demanded. Hermione clenched the napkin in her right hand as Ginny shrugged, the grin never faltering.

"Of Nott interrupting his cozy morning with you?"

She responded. Hermione rolled her eyes, unfurling her hand to let the napkin fall back on the table.

"Honestly Ginny, the things you come up with."

Hermione said before taking a proper sip of her hot drink. Hermione knew that Ginny was just teasing but the thought of Malfoy being jealous at his friend for coming to help was as true as if she saw the Nargles that Luna constantly spoke about. It just isn't true, Hermione thought to herself. Ginny rolled her eyes at her this time and leaned into the table.

"I might be wrong, but I'm usually not."

She winked at her. Hermione rolled her eyes in response and decided it was time to change the absurd topic.

"How's work?"

At this, Ginny lit up and enthusiastically began talking about her team, techniques, and new coach for the Harpies. It was Hermione's turn to attentively listen to her fervent friend. Hermione tried her best to not let her smile fall at the similarities between Ginny and Ron; they both had a way of speaking so animatedly, using their hands and body to display what they felt, and that comparison ached Hermione – but the ache didn't hurt as profoundly as it had before. Every day is getting better, every day is a little less harder than before, she thought to herself.

"Coach Brykes said Lumine has potential so that's why he added her as second bench seeker."

Ginny finished and Hermione nodded in response.

"I'm glad the Harpies are doing great and you're doing good with them."

Hermione said. Ginny smiled in response before reaching out to take a hold of Hermione's hand. She squeezed it before letting go. Hermione smiled in response as well, her heartwarming at the small, but intimate act between the two.

"How's your dating life?"

Hermione asked, this time it was her turn to smirk at the redheaded witch. Ginny smirked back and shrugged once again nonchalantly.

"The usual hit or miss dates, but enough about me. How's your dating life?"

Ginny asked, turning the conversation from her to Hermione. Hermione blushed at the question and chose to advert her eyes to the window besides her. She watched as early risers walked around muggle London. Her dating life was nonexistent, and Ginny knew this, but Ginny never missed a chance to ask, even freshly broken up with her brother. Now six months later, Hermione still had the same response.

"I don't have time for dates, Ginny."

She said. Ginny scoffed at her reply before grabbing her hand once more, rougher and with a stronger grip than before.

"Hermione Granger, you are beautiful, smart, and a kick-ass war heroine – make time."

Hermione blushed once more at Ginny's word and finally looked back to her. Ginny was serious, there was no playfulness on her pretty, freckled face. Hermione nibbled on the inside of her cheek before looking down at their conjoined hands. Ginny's hands were bigger, tan, and calloused from her years of quidditch; they were also perfectly manicured, and she was sporting a soft pink on her short nails. Her skin contrasted Hermione's brown skin.

"You're too generous with your compliments, Ginny."
Hermione softly said. Hermione missed the way Ginny narrowed her eyes at her friend's self-deprecating remark. However, the Weasley witch decided that was another conversation in the privacy of one's home. Ginny cleared her throat, forcing Hermione to look back at her. She squeezed her hand once more, a grin once more on her friend's face.

"I already told you, I'm usually right. Now since you've donated half your wardrobe, let's do a little retail therapy shall we?"

Ginny downed the rest of her water before standing up. Hermione eyed her half-drunk drink before deciding she no longer wanted it. She stood up as well, knowing there was no reasoning with Ginny when she sought to help her with a shopping spree.

"Fine, but don't go overboard – not everyone has quidditch star salaries."

Hermione teased, linking her arm with Ginny. Ginny laughed loudly before holding Hermione's arm close as they walked out of the restaurant – Hermione left a two 10-pound notes on the table to cover their bill. Arm in arm with Ginny, Hermione felt happier than she yesterday and she smiled at the lightness she felt.