A/N: Thanks for the likes, follows and reviews! Ron will be a complete dick during this chapter and Hermione will start seeing the gossip in the papers of his infidelity as well. Astoria has a heart to heart with Draco and Rose gets a crush (no, it's not Scorpius). This will be a shorter chapter. One more left before the events of The Birthday Blues Turn Red Hot happen. Muah! Xoxo

September 1, 2018

Draco and Scorpius waited on the platform eager to see Hermione and Rose. She had Owl'd him the night before that Ron would not be joining her so he was excited to see her for the first time since July. Astoria had a great time in France. The sea air did her so well that she stayed a little longer with Narcissa. She was still weak, definitely not improving but spirits were high and she spent most of it out on the patio reading. They would be returning at the end of the week.

"There they are dad!" Scorpius waved to where he saw Rose, Hermione, Harry, Ginny, Lily, Albus and James. "Where's Hugo?" Scorpius asked looking for the red head.

"He's still visiting his Uncle Charlie in Romania. He comes back tomorrow. He says he'll write to tell you all about it when he gets home." Hermione explained. "Draco!" She gave him a tight hug and he lifted her off her feet. "How was France? How's Astoria?" They chatted some and noticed a dark haired boy staring at the group.

"Oh, Rose! Look who's over there!" Albus nudged her and subtly pointed to the boy. "I told you he liked you." Hermione looked over and saw the boy quickly turn.

"He does not, Al. Stop." Rose began to blush and turned to talk to James instead.

"Who's the boy?" Hermione asked Scorpius as he was standing closest.

"Oh, that's Craig Bowker Jr. He's in Slytherin with me and Albus. He's super smart, top boy in our year. He's always asking Al about Rose." He chuckled then walked over to talk to Al. She watched as Lily stared at Scorpius in awe. She would be starting Hogwarts next year with Hugo. Hermione could tell her niece was infatuated with the young Malfoy heir.

"How are things at home? I read the Prophet last week. You okay?" Draco talked low so nobody could hear him. He remembered the article well because it made him want to kill the red haired asshole.

Minister's Husband Seen At House of Ill Repute!

Someone caught a photo of Weasley entering Madam Bovary's, a gentleman's club in Knockturn Alley.

"Yes. He claims he was meeting a prospective buyer for a drink and wasn't aware of what type of place it was." She snorted.

"Please tell me you didn't buy that codswallop." She laughed and shook her head.

"Of course not. I've officially moved him into my office. Honestly, I don't know how much longer I can take. Rose hasn't spoken to him all week. He says I'm turning the kids against him. I told him that he's doing that all by himself. Told me that I'm a 'frigid bitch that is going to end up miserable and alone.' Isn't he a delight? I think it's time to file for separation." Draco sighed in relief.

"About time, Granger." He smirked then nudged her. The train whistle went off and they said their goodbyes. Draco and Hermione sat in their bench to chat for a bit longer. "Damn, I missed you. Do you know how hard it was not to Owl you? I was constantly worried, looking in the paper for news of you. Merlin's Beard, I even read that blasted Witch Weekly." They laughed.

"I know. It wasn't all bad. We went on a short holiday to Brighton. It was quite lovely. It felt like old times at first. The last night though, Ronald got drunk at dinner and disappeared until the next morning." She sighed and Draco saw the sadness seep through her happy façade.

"Wanna come back to my place? Get some lunch?" Draco asked. "Mother and Astoria are still in France so it will just be us." 'That sounded like a proposition, good job you tosser!' He thought to himself, internally face palming himself.

"Oh! Um, well, that does sound lovely, but I did promise Harry and Ginny I would meet them at the Burrow for lunch. Can I get a rain check?" She smiled then kissed my cheek, lingering for a bit before giving me a quick hug and leaving with her bodyguard. I stood there, feeling the warmth of where she'd kissed my face and smiled like an idiot.

September 27th, 2018

"No! I refuse to sign!" Ron Weasley was many things, and being a stubborn asshole was the worst part of him. Hermione had filed for separation and the paperwork had finally arrived.

"Ron! We are not happy? Can't you see that? You're cheating on me, having affairs. Why stay with me?" His face became red and he started pacing the living room.

"I'm not! I swear! I have never cheated on you! Why would you believe the press over me?, your husband of almost 20 years?" Hermione started to cry.

"Because! I've smelled the perfume lingering on your clothes! I've seen the lipstick stains on your collar! I'm not a bloody idiot!" She sat on the chair and buried her face on her hands.

"I love you, Mione! I love our children, our life we've built. I'm not willing to just give up and throw it away! Please just give me six months to prove to you that I'm still in this for the long haul." She knew she shouldn't. She felt like an idiot. But she looked into his eyes and he looked so desperate and so sincere.

"Okay, but after that? No more chances." And he did well, for a while at least. Six months came and went and he was still working hard. He even helped with daily chores and after six months was up, she gave him six more months. If after that, which would have been a year, she really thought their lives would be back to normal. At least, she hoped.

April 21, 2019

Easter break was going less than stellar at the Malfoy's. Astoria had taken a turn for the worst. The healer's did not see her lasting more than six months. They were preparing for the worst. After Easter dinner, Scorpius had gone to the Potter's to spend a few days with his best friend Albus. It was then, Astoria had called Draco into her room.

"Sit please." Draco sat down and took her frail hand in his. It was always cold to the touch. So damn cold. "I need to tell you something." He nodded and waited for her to continue. "I know our marriage was not a love match, although I do know we love each other dearly."

She had a bit of a coughing fit so Draco conjured up a glass of water. After thanking him, she continued, "When I die, please go after her." He looked at her confused. "Honey, I know she's the one that truly holds your heart. Hermione Granger." He sat up straighter and began to deny it. "Sweetheart, I can see it. It doesn't upset me, Draco, quite the opposite really. She's become your best friend, your confidant. Yes?"

He buried his head in his hands. "I do. I'm so sorry! I don't even know when it happened." Astoria hushed him and combed her hand through his hair.

"Just know that you have my blessing. Once I am gone, if the opportunity presents itself, don't hesitate! For Merlin's sake, take a chance." They spoke all night about their son, Hermione, her troubles with Ron (although he did seem to be trying harder much to Draco's annoyance), and the future. It was the longest conversation they'd had in months.

June 5, 2019

"Happy birthday!" Draco smiled as he sat in the Muggle cafe he and Hermione had started going to on Wednesdays and Fridays for early morning tea. He had come up with the idea after his talk with his wife at Easter. No press, no witches or wizards to gossip, just two close friends meeting for tea. "I ordered for us already, I hope you don't mind. I have a meeting with the DMLE heads in an hour, so I can't stay long."

Although he was a bit disappointed, he never let it show. "I understand, Granger. Life of a politician and all that." He winked at her. "How is everyone?" She groaned and shook her head. "What happened?"

"He's doing it again. Shutting down. Started drinking again. Staying out late. I found a pair of panties in his robes pocket that were definitely not mine. I haven't confronted him about it. I mean, what do I even say. I'm going to see if the kids can stay at Harry's for a few weeks once school's out. I'll stay at the office later. Just stay away from him. Someone left me a note in my mailbox." Draco took her hand and squeezed.

"What kind of note? Not threatening I hope?" He watched as she shook her head.

"No. It simply said, 'He meets with the raven haired witch most nights in Knockturn. Don't trust him! He's not being true to you.' So, apparently he's fucking some other witch. God! I'm so stupid!" She buried her head in her hands. When did I become so dumb." She mumbled through her hands.

"Stop that. You're not. You love your husband and thought he would respect you enough to be honest and faithful. It's a long time to be married and comfortable with someone that it makes it hard just to give up on it. I know." She looked up at him in shock. "No, don't misunderstand. I have never, ever been unfaithful to Astoria, but I do have urges. It's been over a decade since her blood curse emerged. I mean, after that we never, well, you know?" He watched the realisation come over her.

"Oh, Draco. Wow. You really have got to be the strongest willed man I have ever known." Suddenly she blushed. She couldn't help it! She already knew she'd fallen in love with her best friend. Hermione couldn't help the dirty thoughts that entered her mind. Her jumping over the table, tearing his Oxford shirt open, straddling him.

"Granger! You okay?" She shook herself out of her daydream.

"Sorry, yes. I'm just, um, thinking." Their tea arrived and the crepes she had ordered them. "Tuck in. And happy birthday, Malfoy." Her smile melted his heart. He was glad that he now had Astoria to talk to about Hermione. He thought it was awkward at first, but his wife would remind him each time, 'I'm dying you know? You wouldn't deny a dying witch, would you?' Always so macabre. He smiled softly at the memory.

They finished up and Draco groaned in annoyance when Hermione paid. "Oh shut it. It's your birthday." She stuck her tongue out at him then gave him a quick peck on the cheek and a hug, "Remember, apparate at least five minutes after me. The last time you did it so fast that I hadn't even moved a meter and you were there." She giggled sweetly. Oh how he wished they didn't have to hide their friendship.

July 17, 2019

"It's Just A Temporary Separation!"

Trouble has been brewing for years in the marriage of our great Minister of Magic and her husband, war hero Ronald Weasley. In a quick interview yesterday evening over Floo, Mr. Weasley said that though they are temporarily separating, it is just for the summer, and they are still very much in love and committed to being parents to their children, Rose Amelia (13) and Hugo Arturo (11). Rose has just finished her second year at Hogwarts at the top of her class, per her father, and Hugo will be entering Hogwarts this coming September. Let's hope their parents figure out their problems before then. It'll make for an awkward first day if his parents are still at war, emotionally speaking.

Hermione Granger-Weasley was having a horrible morning! Thanks to that damn article in the Daily Prophet this morning, she had hundreds of Owls flooding her office. Some telling her how heartless she was for breaking a war hero's heart, some congratulated her on finally leaving the cheater, and a few were wizards (and one witch) asking her on dates. "Ugh!" She covered her face with her hands and groaned. A knock on her door was heard and then she heard the door open.

"I thought you'd be hiding in here." She looked up and saw Draco standing there with a bag and two teas. "When you didn't show up at the cafe, I got worried so I got it to go and came here straight away."

Hermione felt her heart sink, "Oh shit! I'm so sorry! It's been so crazy since yesterday that I hadn't realised the day. Please forgive me." Draco waved her off. "Oh pish posh, Granger. It's totally understandable." He sat down across from her. "Where are you staying?"

"I'm at the house. He's staying in the apartment above the shop. His mother took the kids for a few days. Their cousins are all up there visiting for the summer. Arthur and Molly are in heaven surrounded by all twelve grandchildren." She opened the bag and smiled when she saw the chocolate stuffed croissant in it, her favourite. "Oh I love you, you know that?" She took a big bite and moaned in pleasure.

Draco felt himself getting excited so decided to distract himself by drinking his tea and eating the blueberry muffin he had bought for himself. "Yeah, yeah. Sure. Hugo getting excited for his first year? Scorpius says that Lily starts this year too. So all the kids are in Hogwarts now. Sounds crazy." Hermione giggled.

"Oh yes, Lily is very excited to start. She has the biggest crush on your son. Harry gets so annoyed when she starts talking about Scorpius. 'Scorpius is the seeker on his team. Scorpius is the second smartest boy in his year. Scorpius smiled at me on the platform. When is Scorpius coming back over?' Oh sweet Circe, it's so cute!" Draco knew all about it because his son never shut up about how green Lily's eyes are. How her hair looks like fire. Oh yeah, he knew that he was going to end up with Potter as an in law because once Scorpius decided something was going to happen, it was set in stone. 'I think she's my soulmate dad.' He'd told him the other night.

Merlin, when the Hell did his son start thinking like that? "Yeah, cute. Listen, I'll see you Friday okay?" He stood up and she walked him to the door. He hugged her tightly and buried his face in her curls. They stood like that for a minute and he heard her sigh.

"Okay, I'll see you then." Hermione smiled and watched him leave with a sad smile. She wished things were different. That they could be together, truly together. This separation, no matter what Ron thought in his deluded brain, was not temporary. No, this time she'd finally leave for good. She hoped.

August 29, 2019

"Dad!" Scorpius screamed, and Draco heard the terror in his voice. He ran down the hall and saw his mother sobbing into her handkerchief. He entered the room and saw his son holding Astoria and crying. "She's so cold dad. Please warm her up. Make her wake up dad! Make her wake up! Mum! Mummy! Please open your eyes!" Draco felt his heart fall into his stomach. He knew it was coming. The days were getting shorter. She would sleep most of the time. These last few weeks, he had been cancelling his meetings with Granger. He'd taken a sabbatical from the office, luckily Blaise and Luna were back from their travels now that their twins were getting ready to start Hogwarts, so he'd taken over in Draco's stead.

"Scorp, buddy. I know it hurts but mummy's gone. She's no longer in pain, love." His son was almost as tall as him now, but he didn't care. He pick him up from the bed and carried him from the room. After he gave him some Calming draught, he Floo'd Daphne and his in-law's. They came through to see Astoria. She had a soft smile on her face, like she was finally at peace. The coroner arrived to take her shortly after. He put a stasis charm on her room and closed it up.

Her funeral happened two days later, the day before Scorpius started his third year at Hogwarts. There were so many people there but only one person mattered the most. He held his son's hand. Gave him strength. Scorpius stood stoically throughout the ceremony and was the first to step forward to place a single white rose on his mother's coffin before it was lowered into the ground in the Malfoy plot behind their former manor. "Love you mum. Always." He'd heard him whisper and it took his strongest Occlumency shields not to break down.

After everyone left, it was just his mother, The Potter's and Hermione and her kids left. They say for a bit to have a spot of tea and some sandwiches before the Potter's got up to leave. "We'll see you guys tomorrow, yeah? Al? Lily? James, go find your sister and brother." Ginny asked her oldest son. James nodded then left the room to look for them. He returned a moment later with Albus. "Lily?" James rolled his eyes and said she was coming. Lily came around the corner giggling with Scorpius and quickly hugged him before joining her family at the Floo.

Draco looked over to his son and noticed a pink tinge to his cheeks as he watched the Potter's disappear one by one through the Floo. "Son?" Scorpius smirked then shrugged and ran off to talk to Rose and Hugo. Draco turned and walked back to the sitting room where Hermione was cleaning up from lunch the Muggle way of course.

"Granger? You do remember you're a witch, yeah?" She smiled brightly and continued her cleaning.

"I like doing it this way. Sit, sit. I'll get us a drink." He watched her pour them each a glass of wine and walk back over. She'd been acting weird all day, like she had to tell him something but was afraid.

"What is going on? I know it's my wife's funeral and all but something is bothering you. I can tell."

She sighed then took a pull from her glass. "Ron moved back in. He asked for another chance. He did it in front of the kids knowing I could not say no in front of them." Draco felt anger rise but quelled it. "He cried too. I really think he's ready to be a better man. I told him this is his absolute last chance. He was rather pissy this morning though. Didn't want me to come. I told him that I had to. He said I cared more about you than him. I don't know, maybe he's right."

Draco looks up and sees her looking at him. "Granger." She sat next to me and took his hand in hers.

"I know." Draco wrapped his arm around her waist and she cuddled into his side. "You're the only person I could ever truly count on nowadays." He let her cry. Whether she was crying for her marriage, her situation, her unknown future, Draco didn't know. By the time they left and it was just him and Scorpius, Draco didn't know it would be a while until he saw his dearest friend again.