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Magical Orphans	By : mrsaturtle Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 3092 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, and I make NO money off my stories.

Chapter List
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A/N: My take on Magical Orphans, with my favorite pairing!
Winner of Best Fluff, Wordsmiths & Betas Dramione One-Shot Competition
Beta: GidgetMalfoy
Hermione looked out of the big windows in her living room to the early dawn grey sky. The clock beside her chimed 6 o'clock, and Crookshanks was curled into the nook behind her legs, soft purrs issuing from him. His soft fur tickled her calf, while his body pushed heat onto her feet, keeping her warm on this cold fall morning.
The parchment that lay before her had grown in length in the hour since she had woken up. She was sure to overwhelm Susan Bones during their meeting today, but she was trying to be as prepared as possible. Leaning forward, she shuffled all the papers together, including her application and the letters of recommendation from Harry, Ron, Hagrid and Professor McGonagall. She knew that her choice of personal recommendations were a bit of favoritism, because who could deny Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley. Hagrid, was the one who had told her about Phoenix Adoption Agency, after he had adopted his beautiful little girl Amélie, with his now wife Madame Maxime, though she insisted on being called Olympe.
"Crooks," she whispered quietly, rubbing her half-kneazle between the ears. "Let's get up for some breakfast." Wrapping her arms around him, she buried her face into his soft fur, pulling him tight to her.
Clad in thick wool socks, she padded over to the little kitchen across the room from her couch. Setting Crookshanks down, she pushed the button on her muggle coffee maker, before grabbing the kibble for Crooks and feeding him. Hermione rarely ate breakfast, but with the nerves already rolling through her, she had to eat something. Opening the fridge, she sighed when nothing looked in the least bit appetizing. Closing the door, she opened the cupboards and again found herself disappointed. Opening the fridge again, she chuckled remembering what her mother used to say, "No matter how many times you open that door, food will not magically appear." She had been in her second year, when she thought that one day she would learn a spell to make food appear. She had been thoroughly disappointed to learn that would break a law of magic, and was impossible.
"Well, Crooks, I'll just have to grab a muffin on my way in," Hermione sighed, leaving the kitchen to get dressed.
OoOoOoO
Three hours later, Hermione found herself outside of Phoenix Adoption Agency. Double-checking the address listed above the letterbox, she walked into the unassuming building on a busy muggle London street. She was surprised at the room she walked into; it was a comfortable sitting room with cream-colored sofas and white walls, which were decorated with large pictures of happy families. At the opposite end of the room, there was a receptionist, an older lady in her fifties or sixties, who looked up as Hermione walked in, with a big smile on her face.
"Welcome to Phoenix Adoption Agency, you must be Miss Granger." Her voice was warm and comforting, as she stood up, extending her hand to Hermione who hurried over.
"Hello! Sorry I'm so early."
"Mrs. Macmillian said you would be early, she's just finishing up some paperwork, but she'll be out in a jiffy."
"Mrs. Macmillian, I thought I was meeting with Susan Bones?" Hermione asked fretfully.
"Oh! I'm sorry, Susan was married last month to Ernie Macmillian. He was at school with her, so you must know him."
Hermione smiled, happy for the pair, "Yes, of course. That's wonderful!"
The older woman nodded, "Can I get you anything to drink?"
"Oh, sure. Could I have some tea with honey, please." Hermione watched the women open the door behind her and walk off. Looking on the desk, she saw a name sign that read, "Elizabeth Burns”.
Before Mrs. Burns came back with the tea, the door to the right opened, and out walked Hermione's old classmate Susan Bones.
"Hermione! How wonderful to see you. What's it been, nine years?" Susan walked over, and gave Hermione a quick hug.
"Yes, I think the last time I saw you might have been the Battle. Wow, has it been that long?" They both were lost in thought for a few seconds when Mrs. Burns came back in the tea.
"Thank you." Hermione smiled as she took the tea.
"Well Hermione, let's go answer all of your questions," Susan replied with a wink, before directing Hermione to her office.
OoOoOoO
1 hour later, Hermione had run over her appointment time with Susan, but she still had a foot of parchment of questions.
"Well, Hermione, it seems we'll need to make another appointment, I'm sorry we couldn't get to all of them now." Susan smiled while standing up. Hermione gathered up her parchment and tucked it into her bag, before following Susan out the door.
"Oh, Mr. Malfoy, I didn't know you were coming today." Hermione heard Susan's surprised voice ahead of her.
"Just to drop off the paperwork my mother has on the manor for you." Draco Malfoy's clear voice rang out, echoing off the walls of the small sitting room. Hermione finally came into the room, standing just off to the side of Susan.
"Oh yes, of course," Mrs. Macmillian replied, accepting the paperwork Draco had in his hands. "Mr. Malfoy, I'm sure you remember Miss Granger from school."
Hermione made to offer a nod in his direction, but was surprised when he stepped forward offering his hand. He met her eyes, his gaze warm and questioning, grabbing his hand, she was shocked to find it warm and calloused. Glancing down she saw his hands covered in small scars, some even snaking up beyond the sleeve of his dark grey button-up shirt. Looking away from the scars, she looked back up into his light grey eyes.
"Miss Granger." He smiled, nodding slightly, before letting go of her hand.
"Mr. Malfoy." Hermione offered a tight smile.
"Mr. Malfoy maybe you could do me a favor if you're not too busy," Susan began.
Draco, who didn't take his eyes off of Hermione's brown ones, answered, "Anything to help, Mrs. Macmillian."
"Well, Miss Granger here has just turned in her paperwork, but Hermione still has a number of questions to ask, and as you're near the end of the process, I wondered if you could maybe answer some of her questions," Susan offered. Draco and Hermione were oblivious to the glint of mischief in her blue eyes.
"I'm sure Mr. Malfoy is too busy-" Hermione began before she was cut off by Draco's authoritative voice.
"It's no problem at all. Miss Granger would you like to grab lunch?" He was smiling, his eyes crinkling and dancing with mirth.
"Oh, well, if you don't mind," Hermione's confusion evident in her voice.
"I know a wonderful Italian place just around the corner," Draco added before smiling at Susan. "Mrs. Macmillian, Mrs. Burns, it's been a pleasure as always. Please owl if you have any questions about that paperwork. I'll see you next week, Tuesday, correct?" He nodded to each woman before quirking an eyebrow at Susan.
"Yes, I'll see on Tuesday, and if anything changes I'll send you an owl." Susan smiled before walking back to her office.
OoOoOoO
Twenty minutes later, Hermione found herself seated in the corner of a small Italian restaurant across from Draco Malfoy. Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought this would happen, but here she was. It had been years since she had laid eyes on her old schoolmate, and he had much improved in those years. His once awkward, pointed face had shifted into chiseled jaw, deep grey eyes and less upturned nose. His skin was more tanned, and his hair cut shorter, no longer slicked back.
She would never admit that she read every article in Witch Weekly that featured him, and he made the cover almost as often as the Golden Trio did these days. Harry and Ginny had of course married, but the tabloid liked to throw in affairs and cheating scandals when they were low on stories on Hermione's own dating history. There had been a few nasty features that had said that Harry was demanding Ginny quit playing Quidditch, but those had been forgotten when Ginny had announced she was pregnant with James Sirius, and a year later with Albus Severus. Ron hadn't made the cover as much since he had married an American Witch named Emily Roberts. The last big feature had been the coverage of their beautiful little girl, Lauren.
Hermione was the last member of the Golden Trio without a “family" as Witch Weekly loved to write. She hadn't gone on a real date in years, the last one being a disastrous date, set up by Fleur. Since then, she had spent most of her free time enjoying her friends and "nephews and niece" as her friendship with Harry and Ron was better than ever. She was, however; a little worried about what they would make of the lunch meeting she was having right now.
Draco sat quietly watching as Hermione bit the corner of her lip, something he was longing to do himself, and fantasized about since fourth year. "So Miss Granger, Mrs. Macmillian says you're beginning the process of adoption and you have some questions, I'm happy to help." He smirked, hoping she would open up and talk to him.
"Yes, I do have quite a few more, if you don't mind," she said, letting go of her lip, and reaching into her bag. She produced a scroll of some length, which caused Draco's eyes to widen.
Watching as she grabbed a Quick-Quotes Quill from her bag, his eyebrow shot up, "Funny you should have one of those. I remember hearing some rumors about a certain muggle-born witch that was quite threatening to Rita Skeeter." Draco watched amused as she blushed deeply before looking up at him.
"Yes, well it frees up my hands and allows me to take notes quicker. Her wretched quill caused a lot of problems, mine just takes notes," She replied stubbornly.
"I meant no offense, Miss Granger," he teased.
"Why do you keep calling me that," Hermione inquired.
"Calling you what?"
"Miss Granger, you only ever called me Granger," she stated.
Sighing, Draco wiped his hands on his pants just as the waiter showed up with their drinks. After he walked away Draco met her eyes, "I think I should clear the air. In no way can it make up for the past, but I am sorry for what I said and did to you in school, and for what my family did." Sighing, he continued, "After the War, as part of my conditions, I was sent to reeducation, as well as a healer, who used the techniques of what Muggles call a therapist. I've worked through a lot of issues, and I've tried to make amends with as many people as possible. I call you Miss Granger, because that is your name. If you would prefer I can call you Granger or Hermione," he responded, his voice low, but calm.
Hermione stared openly at her old classmate, her head falling to the side a bit as she studied him. He looked like the same person, much more grown up, but he acted completely different. Therapy, she thought to herself. That would certainly explain it. She took a sip of her water before she smiled, "You can call me Hermione. Miss Granger makes me sound old."
Draco smiled again, his eyes crinkling. "Hermione," he murmured testing out her name. "You had some questions."
OoOoOoO
40 minutes later, Draco and Hermione had gone through her long scroll of questions and their food had just arrived. Draco had ordered Chicken Scampi and Hermione had ordered her favorite, fettuccine alfredo. Hermione eyed the wizard before her; he had been incredibly polite and extremely helpful throughout her questions. "So, Draco, how is it you know so much about the adoption process?"
Draco took a sip of the white wine that had replaced his water, mid-way through the meal. "I'm at the end of an adoption process of my own, I bring home my daughter next week." Hermione watched as the once calm expression had changed to joy, he was beaming at the mention of his daughter.
Surprised, Hermione whispered, "I had no idea." Draco continued smiling at her, while her brain moved fast, "Wait, are you married?" The question burst from her lips before she could stop it. Pausing, she watched his face fall a bit, "Oh, I'm sorry, that was rather rude of me. You don't have to answer."
Draco took another sip from his wine, before looking her in the eyes. He knew he didn't need to tell her the truth, but he didn't really have anyone in his life to talk to, except his mother, "If truth be told, I haven't dated anyone since Hogwarts. I've worked a lot, and concentrated on repairing my family's name. I didn't have any prospects, so nine months ago, I decided that I wasn't going to wait anymore."
Hermione was even more shocked than ever. She didn't know if she believed that Draco Malfoy, self-proclaimed playboy of Hogwarts hadn't dated, and wasn't dating. What he had described, however; sounded much like her own situation. She sighed, "I understand. With Harry and Ron busy having kids, and with a line-up of horrible dates, I thought 'What am I waiting for?'"
Draco laughed, "I think at some point you just wake up and decide the only thing you're waiting on is yourself. Waiting on you to decide you're ready."
Hermione nodded. "So tell me about your daughter." She smiled, watching as his eyes lit up again and he beamed.
"Ariana, is five. I've met her a handful of times. She loves princess stories, well stories of any kind, which I found out her mother, a muggle born, used to tell her all about. She's much in love with someone called Cindyella and some mermaid, though how a mereperson could ever be a princess is beyond me." Hermione laughed, while Draco continued, "Mother says I should get her involved in horses or some such thing, but I think for a while I just want it to be me and her, getting to know one another." Draco's eyes had drifted away from her's as he looked far off, imagining his little girl. "Here I have a picture of her, she's beautiful."
Draco fished out his wallet, and produced a moving picture of a young girl, with curly brown hair, bright blue eyes, wearing a beautiful pink dress, and swinging on a swing set. Draco could be seen behind her pushing her and laughing at the little girl’s screeching. His eyes twinkled before he handed it over to Hermione. She smiled and chuckled watching the girl leap out of the swing, but fall gracefully to the ground. Hermione couldn't tear her gaze away as the picture-Draco moved from around the swing and picked her up, swinging her around in his arms before hugging her tightly. "You're a natural," Hermione murmured.
"She's incredible. It was like she was born to be my daughter."
"What happened to her parents?"
Draco's eyes turned dark, and the look on his face became one of disgust and anger. He swallowed, "Her father, was a violent drunk, and attacked her mother one night, thinking she was cheating on him. He killed her mother, while Ariana was asleep in the next room." He paused, collecting himself, "He's serving a life sentence in Azkaban." Draco's hands were in fists on the table, clenching them steadily.
Hermione wasn't sure what to say, she knew about Domestic Violence issues in the Muggle world, but didn't realize that they occurred in the Magical world as well. She reached forward, and laying her hand gently over his fist, squeezed. "I'm sorry for Ariana, and I'm sorry that you'll have to answer those questions one day." She offered a soft smile, when Draco looked from their hands to her eyes.
Draco stared into Hermione's brown eyes, noticing for the first time the flecks of gold that caused them to brighten when she looked at him. Her kind gesture of squeezing his hand was not something he was used to. He had become convinced years ago, that he put off an aura of "Do Not Touch Me", which was in complete contradiction to how he felt most of the time. He was fortunate that Ariana did not seem to mind hugging him, and his mother had grown much more affectionate since his father had passed.
Hermione pulled her hand back, and folding up her napkin placed it over her plate. "Well I should be off, I have the whole day to myself and some cleaning to do."
Draco took the last sip of his wine and smiled, "Actually could I ask you a favor?" Draco wasn't sure why he was asking her, he could do it on his own, but for some odd reason he wanted her to come along and help.
"Oh, well of course, you've been so incredibly helpful." She smiled cheerfully.
"I was heading out to do some shopping for Ariana's room, getting it ready for her to come home, and I would love your advice on some of the things I've picked out," Draco explained, while pulling out some Muggle money, and paying the bill.
"Oh!" Hermione was surprised, it seemed like something that friends would do, or that his mother would help him with. "I would be happy to help, though I'm not sure how much good I would be, I really only cared about having a lot of books as a child."
"I'll make a deal with you, help me pick out things for her bedroom, then you can drag me to a bookshop and I'll buy anything you think a nine year old would like." He marveled at how her eyes lit up at the idea.
"You're serious? Any book?" Her voice was giddy with excitement. This sounded like early Christmas.
"Yes, let's head off and you can have any book." Draco stood, and before she could slide out of the booth, he offered her his arm. She stared at it a moment, before wrapping her arm around his, and they walked out.
OoOoOoO
4 hours later, Hermione was still walking arm and arm with Draco, and finding it oddly comforting. They had picked out all of Ariana's furniture, beautiful pieces painted white, and a bedspread of buttercup yellow. Hermione had helped Draco pick out silly little additions that he didn't seem to think were necessary. She found a hedgehog piggy bank, to which Draco rolled his eyes, but didn't say a word, and decorative pillows each shaped with a different animal. She convinced him to buy her a large bookshelf that matched her furniture and a beautiful armchair, which was being reupholstered in a soft cream color.
Now they were braving the fall wind, arm in arm, walking towards a small muggle bookshop. Hermione had been surprised to find that all of the places they had visited had been Muggle and they had stayed away from Wizarding London, entirely. They had bantered on about old classmates, Draco not once making a rude comment about Harry or Ron, or even her stories of Neville. Draco had less to say then she did, and mostly just listened, offering an occasional question or comment. She had been surprised to learn on their first stop that Draco was not living at Malfoy Manor any longer, and neither was his mother; she had moved to a small home in North West England. Draco however owned a home outside of Newcastle, not far from Hermione's own home in Northumberland.
Hermione had also learned that Draco hadn't been dropping off papers for his adoption this morning at the agency, but paperwork on Malfoy Manor, as it was being turned into a group home for Phoenix Adoption Agency.
Turning the corner, they saw the bookshop a few storefronts ahead of them, but the wind picked up, and Hermione leaned in closer to Draco, trying to keep warm. Heads bent, they continued and Draco held open the door for Hermione when they arrived.
"Hello, Welcome to Audrey Book Company, I'm Hugh, how can I help you today," called an older gentleman from behind the counter.
"We're just here for some books," Hermione answered, rubbing her hands up and down her arms.
"Let me know if I can assist you." The shopkeeper smiled, before turning back to his paper.
Hermione looked around and spotting the children's section, lead Draco back, grabbing a basket along the way. Draco watched as she went up and down the aisles, throwing in books. She made sure to grab her favorites: Charlotte's Web, Chronicles of Narnia, My Side of the Mountain, The Little Princess, The Wind in the Willows, Anne of Green Gables, Guess How Much I Love You, Mrs. Nelson is Missing, and The Secret Garden, among other titles that caught her eye. Heading over to the adult section she found the classics, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Little Women, and Lord of the Rings before handing the basket over to Draco, who stood there incredulously, while she beamed.
"That should be enough to get her going, now I could send you a list of some children's books from Flourish and Blotts," Hermione whispered, careful to mention just the bookstore and not what type of bookstore it was.
"Are you sure all of these will fit on her shelf," Draco inquired.
"I'm sure, that's why I made you get the big bookshelf," She teased, wrinkling her nose.
Draco couldn't help but smile back at her. He couldn't remember having such a good day.
"Thank you for all your help. Can I owl you?" He wasn't sure how to ask if they could continue talking and maybe spending time together.
Hermione couldn't help how pleased she was that he had asked. It had been a wonderful day, and she hated the idea of it just ending here. "Yes. That would be nice." She blushed, before moving forward towards the door.
Draco saw her move towards him, and instinctively reached out, wrapping his arms around her. He pulled her close, delighting in the faint floral scent of her hair. Pulling back from her, she looked confused. Suddenly, he realized that she had been moving towards the door, not towards him. He looked down, away from her eyes that studied him. "I'm sorry, really, I am sorry," Draco mumbled before moving back a step.
Hermione tried to figure out what had just happened, when she noticed the embarrassment wash over him, "Draco, it's fine." Moving forward she hugged him back, and felt his body relax a little, before she pulled away.
"I look forward to your owl," she chimed before walking out of the shop.
OoOoOoO
Three days later, Hermione found herself unrolling a tight scroll from a beautiful grey owl.
Hermione,
All of the items we purchased have arrived. Many of the items, while still unnecessary will add to the room, but I've no idea how to arrange it. Would be pleased to have your assistance again. Feel free to floo to the address below anytime.
Yours, Draco
Hermione pondered over the sentiment at the bottom of the note. Yes they had spent the last few days exchanging owls, and Draco had shared more information about adoption then she had even thought to ask. Hermione had kept up a running list of more books he needed to purchase. It had only been a few days but she found herself excited at the prospect of seeing him again.
She quickly wrote him back, explaining that she had to work until five, but could stop by after that and that she could bring some food for dinner. Smiling, she attached it to the owl, and set off for work.
OoOoOoO
Hermione had just left her office at the Ministry. Walking towards the fires, she fished the rolled up scroll from her satchel. Reading the address back, she was about to walk forward to line up at the queue when she heard her name being called.
"'Mione!" Hermione instantly knew who was calling her, as Ron was the only one who ignored her annoyance with nicknames. Turning she watched her ginger-haired best friend walking towards her. A stack of folders bound in a leather belt under one arm, his dark purple Auror robes billowing out behind him.
"Ron!" She walked forward, quickly hugging him.
"Hey, I wanted to catch you before you left, Emily wanted to invite you for dinner tomorrow night. Harry and Gin are already coming, but I wanted it to be just us, none of the rest of my family." He gave her a knowing smile, one she understand and appreciated. Being the last single one was overwhelming in such a large group. The Weasley's still treated her like a member of the family, but Mrs. Weasley was constantly trying to push her to date. She and Ron had given it six months after the Battle before they both realized it was a lost cause. Everything at Hogwarts over the years and Harry, then the war had brought them close, but once all the dust settled they really didn't have much in common on a personal level. She hated Quidditch and loved books. Ron was the opposite, and neither of them should have to change to be happy. She loved their friendship. He was like her brother.
"Oh, that would be wonderful! What time?" Hermione inquired, excited to see everyone.
"Anytime after you're off work, Em said dinner would be ready about fifteen past seven," Ron added, his lips in a tight smile. "Well I best be off, Lauren has been teething lately and I try to give Em a break when I get home."
"Oh, ok!"
"You heading home?"
"No actually." The tiles on the floor suddenly fascinated her, as she felt the blush creeping up her face.
"Oh where are you off to?" In the years since becoming an Auror, Ron had become somewhat better at reading people's behavior, and he knew what Hermione looked like when she was trying to keep something to herself. "'Mione?"
Her voice barely a whisper, "Dinner at Draco's." She chanced a glance up at Ron, only to find his eyebrows shoot up and his eyes narrow.
"Did you say 'dinner at Draco's'? As in Draco Malfoy? The largest prat to ever leave Hogwarts," Ron asked incredulously.
Hermione felt her face grow even hotter, "Yes."
"Are you dating him?" Ron demanded.
Hermione suddenly came to her senses, there was no reason she should be ashamed of going to Draco's house. "Actually, Ronald, I'm not. He happens to be adopting a child, and we met at my meeting the other day. He asked for my advice in purchasing things for his daughter's room. They've just been delivered, so I'm going to help him sort it all out." Her voice grew louder the longer she talked.
Ron seemed to deflate before her very eyes. His freckles were suddenly lost in the blush on his own cheeks. "Oh." He paused, shuffling his feet. "So you're not dating him then?"
"No, we're having dinner while we set up Ariana's room," she explained.
"I guess I just don't understand why the wanker would even talk to you," Ron remarked.
"I was just as surprised when he offered to answer all my questions about adoption over lunch. He's not the same as he was in school. Quite different. He had to go through a lot as part of his sentence. He smiles a lot now." Hermione smiled, recalling his joy in talking about Ariana.
Ron's eyes widened, "I had no clue he could smile." He paused, and rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. "Well, Hermione, if anyone is a good judge of character it's you. Let us know how it goes tomorrow evening if you can make it." He chuckled, "Feel free to Hex him if he steps out of line."
Hermione giggled, "Don't worry, I wouldn't hesitate."
"See you tomorrow." Ron leaned in giving her a tight hug, before walking towards the apparition point and disappearing. Hermione read the address from the scroll again and walked into the fireplace, the queue now gone.
The emerald flames swirled around her, as she began spinning, when the fire finally coughed her out, into a moderate sized room. Not an inch of wall could be seen because of the floor to ceiling bookshelves that dominated most of the walls, save for the fireplace and a large window opposite her. In the center of the room were two large armchairs on a plush rug, with a small lamp in between. Sitting in the chair facing her was Draco.
Smiling at the witch, he shut his book, and placed it on the table beside him. He stood up walking towards her. He was enjoying watching her marvel at the library; her eyes lit up like a kid at Christmas. Hands in his jean pockets, he waited, letting her take in the room. It wasn't a big room, and it didn't even compare to the library at the Manor, but it worked for him.
Hermione finally stopped studying the room and took notice of Draco standing a foot away. Walking forward she gave him a quick but tight hug, which she was surprised he returned. His hand against the small of her back left her with butterflies in her stomach, and his delectable scent was doing things to her, she couldn't even explain. Pulling away she looked into his grey eyes that flashed with something she couldn't read.
Moving them onto the topic at hand, "So I thought it would be fun to have some Chinese while we work on her room. Does that sound like a plan," Hermione asked.
"Sounds great, but where are you going to get Chinese from?" Draco quirked an eyebrow up.
"Well, if you allow me to apparate, I can be back in 10 minutes with some delicious General Tsu's chicken and fried rice!" She beamed at him.
"I thought you were the brightest Witch of our age?" He smirked at her. "I'm secret-keeper and gave you the address, feel free to come and go as you please." He winked at her, adoring the redness that filled her cheeks.
"Oh." Hermione was lost for words, she hadn't thought that much about Draco providing his address, but as he was still an ex-Death Eater, he probably had a few enemies. "Ok, well I'll be back." She turned on the spot and disappeared.
Draco stood where he was, inhaling her sweet floral scent, it mingled with the smell of the books perfectly, making him think of springtime, outside at the Manor's gardens with a book. Most people didn't realize he loved books; it was how he escaped his reality a lot. He wasn't second in his class for nothing. Hermione had just always overshadowed him, and rightly so, she was bloody brilliant.
He couldn't begin to explain the feelings that were beginning to churn inside of him. The last few days had him smiling more then he could ever remember. Her letters, full of quick wit, a hint of sarcasm, but an incredible amount of joy were like drugs, feeding his system full of happiness, and he needed more. He knew he should be solely focused on bringing Ariana home, and he was, but he also couldn't keep Hermione out of his mind.
Sitting back down in the chair, he picked up the book he was reading. The Hobbit by some Muggle named Tolkien. It had been one of the books Hermione had picked out for Ariana, and he had read very few Muggle books in his life, but this one caught his attention and he couldn't put it down. He had grown to love the Muggles’ fascination with magic and wizards. It was entertaining.
Draco was so absorbed in the book that he barely heard the crack that ripped through the air in the library. Hermione stood in the center of the room, two large grocery bags in her hands, Chinese writing on the front. "Hungry?" She inquired, finally drawing the attention of the blonde wizard.
"Starving." Draco placed his book back and lead Hermione through the library, and into the hallway, lined with paintings of landscapes around England and Scotland. He turned to his left and walked into a large, bright kitchen. It was large by British standards, and featured a full-sized Muggle refrigerator and stove. He walked over the icebox, "What can I get you to drink?"
Hermione sat the bags down onto the counter, "A butterbeer if you have it." Unloading the bag, she sniffed the air, greedy, her stomach growling. "Have you ever had Chinese?"
"A few times, but I prefer Italian." He smirked, handing her a butterbeer. Draco grabbed plates from the cabinet and joined her at the breakfast bar.
"This is the best Chinese around. I'm going to rock your world."
"Oh Miss Granger, I have no doubt." He winked before digging in.
OoOoOoO
An hour later, Hermione and Draco were both in a state of non-movement from how much they had eaten. Draco groaned, "Damn woman, don't you know a spell for this?"
Hermione giggled, but instantly regretted it, and her giggle turned to a groan. "That was so good, but I think I need a few minutes before we do any heavy lifting."
"Heavy lifting?" Draco stared at her, "You do remember that little thing called magic, right? Why in the bloody hell would you move anything yourself?"
She sighed, but looked him in the eyes, "Because some things are better done without magic, and putting together your daughter's room is one of them." She smiled at him, and watched as her words sunk in.
"You're absolutely right." Pausing he downed his butterbeer, "Why don't I give you a tour of the house before we go to her room?"
Hermione couldn't help but smile, she had only seen two rooms unless you counted the hallway, which she didn't. "Lead the way."
Draco took her out of the kitchen and into the great room, which had more bookshelves but was dominated by two story windows, hung with light green curtains. The couches looked incredibly comfortable, and modern. He then showed her a guest bedroom, which had dark woods and grey bedding, but also had a modern look. There was a bathroom off the hallway near the bedrooms and as they walked by a staircase on the right, he whispered, "That leads to Ariana's room." He continued down the hall and at the very end opened the door to the left.
Hermione walked into the largest bedroom she had ever seen, except she couldn't consider it a bedroom, more like a wing of the home. Ahead of her was a large canopy bed, with grey bedding, and lighter grey hangings. At the end of the bed was a beautiful chest, which was upholstered on top with a rich grey satin. As she turned to her right, she saw a small sitting area and a small desk, which faced towards the large windows that had a beautiful view of the gardens outside. The setting sun highlighted all. It defied her expectations; where she had expected dark and lots of green, she was met with light, airy and bright. The décor was a complete contradiction to the young man she knew in school, but an appropriate description of the man she was coming to know.
"It's beautiful," Hermione replied breathless. For the last hour, she and Draco had acted like friends, but there had been more there, a light flirting and a feeling of hope for something more.
Draco marveled at the witch before him, the setting sun causing a yellow aura to form around her, and she had never looked more beautiful. Her ministry robes had been forgotten in the kitchen and underneath she wore a tight black muggle skirt and a white top, her hair in a loose bun on top of her head, some stray curls having escaped.
Draco’s thoughts were pushed to the side when she remarked, "If this is what your room looks like, what does Ariana's look like?"
Draco chuckled, "Actually it looks a mess, but her room does have the best view." He shrugged, seemingly unapologetic for his spoiling of his daughter.
Draco held his arm out indicating for her to lead, and Hermione started for the hallway. She headed for the stairs, mindful of Draco's eyes on her bum, but all thoughts of Draco left her mind when she caught sight of his daughter's room.
It was as though every dream she had as a little girl had come true in this one room. It was a large room with cream-colored walls, and beautiful plush carpet. On one end of the room was a big open wall, but on the opposite end of the room, the entire wall was one large bay window, complete with raised seating. The room was a blank canvas, with all her furniture still wrapped tightly and boxes of her things all in one corner.
"Draco, she's going to love this room. Any little girl would. It's incredible." She paused, walking towards the windows that had an even greater view of the gardens surrounding the little cottage. "I dreamt of having one of these windows growing up. Oh she'll love it." Hermione smiled gleefully.
Her excitement was contagious, and Draco could only hope that Ariana would love it as much as Hermione did.
For the next few hours they set about building the furniture, Hermione surprised by how Draco threw himself into the manual labor. She filled the bookshelves with books and odd knick-knacks that made her smile. As each book left her hands, she poured a wish over it, each different but all hoping for a happy Ariana, who could see the love Draco already had for her.
When they were finished, the sun was set, but Hermione had thrown light throughout the room. They sat on the floor against a wall, smiling. Draco had watched Hermione give this room her all, she had had a similar look on her face as when she took tests, but he had never seen her smile falter. He hadn't known how satisfying it would be to build all of the furniture with his bare hands, but he had relished in it, knowing that each piece was made with an incredible amount of love and sweat.
They both were so lost in thought that they didn't hear the crack of apparition from downstairs, and almost didn't hear the movement up the staircase. Both wands drawn, they rushed to their feet, standing side by side. Draco's wand lowered when he caught sight of his mother, who was walking slowly up the stairs, her age showing.
"Oh!" Narcissa exclaimed, catching sight of Hermione. "Draco, I'm sorry, I didn't know you had company." Narcissa had reached the top of the stairs, curiosity called her to move further into the room.
"Mother, you've met Hermione Granger, but that was under much less pleasant circumstances. Hermione, I would like to introduce you to my mother, Narcissa." Draco's smile was tight, as he watched Narcissa walk forward, hand extended. Hermione paused, glancing first at Draco who smiled, before she shook hands with Narcissa.
"Hello Mrs. Malfoy," Hermione's voice quaked, she was suddenly so unsure of herself.
"Please, dear, call me Narcissa." The older witch smiled at the younger, trying to make her feel more comfortable. "Well Draco, I see you decorated without me, the room looks wonderful."
"Sorry Mother, you had said you would be busy planning the Orphan's Charity Ball in three weeks and I didn't want to bother you. Hermione helped me buy most of this, so it only seemed fair she get to see it." Draco beamed at the younger witch, who seemed lost for words, something that amused him greatly.
Hermione finally seemed to find her words, "I should be going," she muttered.
"You don't have to leave," Draco explained, not wanting her to leave.
"No I should go, I have some reading to do before work tomorrow." Hermione walked towards the stairs, Draco following behind her, leaving his mother in the middle of the room.
Hermione turned to look at him, her brown eyes showing confusion. Her hand rested on the handrail, where Draco laid his on top, trying to get her to stay. "Hermione." His voice soft and pleading, as her eyes widened at his touch, before she pulled away, racing down the stairs, and into the kitchen to grab her robes and bag before she Apparated away.
Draco's eyes closed, knowing his mother was watching him, as he tried to gather his thoughts. He didn't know what he felt for Hermione Granger, but he did know he wasn't ready to let her leave his life, not until he understood what he felt. It was the most inconvenient timing, but he had lived with enough regret in his life, and he had vowed to never have regrets again.
To be continued...
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Magical Orphans