Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

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
- 1
- 2
- 3
A/N: This story is so close to my heart because of the adoption angle, and I hope you enjoy the fluff.
Big thanks to gidgetmalfoy for her wonderful beta-ing as always.
Chapter Two
Draco eyed the scroll in his hand nervously, his own name written in Hermione's neat hand. He hadn't expected a reply so fast from his own letter to her. It was early morning and Hermione's owl had found him in his bedroom sitting area, with a cup of tea, still reading The Hobbit.
After Hermione had left in a whirlwind, her bushy hair the last view of her, his mother had seen the look in his eyes, and understood his feelings. She had hugged him tightly, telling him to follow his heart, and that she loved him more than her own life, something she had been repeating since he was a child.
He had fretted over what to say to Hermione, but in the end he knew honesty was the best policy. Finally last night, three days after Hermione had left, he had written his letter to her.
Dear Hermione,
I know it has been a few days since we have seen each other, and I wanted to thank you for helping me with Ariana's room. The design you picked out is beyond what I could have imagined. I very much appreciate your help with not only designing, but also helping to put it all together. I would like to invite you over when Ariana gets home; so that you may see her reaction the first time she sees the room.
I also wanted to apologize for my mother showing up when she did. I can't imagine how you were feeling. Before she showed up, I wanted to talk with you, but perhaps this would be a better forum. My upbringing has been riddled with strict guidelines; guidelines that I have learned have been harmful. Throughout my re-education, I have been struggling with my feelings for you. Feelings that I have been trying to deny since our 4th year at Hogwarts. If you permit, it would be a pleasure to be able to get to know you better, if only to be friends. I do understand if my past actions have shut that door, and I can only show you how much I've changed and learned through my actions. I look forward to hearing back from you on your own terms.
Yours,
Draco
The words had poured out of him, cathartically, and he had rid himself of the secret he had held since 4th year, that he found her brilliant and wonderful and wanted something more with her. He would settle on friendship if that were all he could have, but he would fight for more of her.
Now, holding her response in his hand, he wasn't sure what would happen next, or where this would lead him.
Breaking the wax seal, he unrolled the tight scroll, and found her beautiful handwriting filling a half-foot scroll of parchment.
Draco,
First, let me start by saying that I'm sorry I left in such a rush last Thursday, I wasn't much of a Gryffindor. It was incredibly rude of me, and I will apologize to your mother when I see her again.
I don't want to intrude on your time with Ariana, especially on your first night with her, but I would love to meet her.
I'm sincerely touched by the last paragraph of your letter, I had no idea that you felt that way about me, and because of your honesty with me, I need to be honest with you. I too have had feelings for you since we were young. I would like to be friends, and see where it develops if that's ok.
Yours, Hermione
Draco let out the breath he had been holding since the beginning of her last paragraph, and his heart was pounding in his chest. He reread her letter, a smile lighting up his face when he read "I too have had feelings for you since we were young."
Standing up, he rushed to his desk and grabbed a roll of parchment and a quill.
He rolled up the scroll, and headed down towards the kitchen. Off of his kitchen was a small storage room, and the room where he housed his dark grey eagle owl, Tiberius. Petting him, he attached the scroll and opened the window.
Draco headed back upstairs to get ready for his last day of work before he took a month off, to spend it with Ariana. He had a lot of meetings, but he knew the words from her letter would be on his mind all day.
OoOoOoO
An hour away, Hermione was moving about her small cottage, tidying up, and getting ready for work.
She had spent most of the weekend holed up in her home, going over the questions Draco had answered, writing more questions down and reading some books on adoption that he had recommended.
Friday evening at Ron and Emily's had been a wonderful distraction to her cowardly act the evening before. She had arrived at their home, right after work, and after 5 minutes of talking with Emily and holding her darling niece, Harry and Ginny had shown up with James and Albus in tow, filling the house with children's laughter and a few bouts of crying from Lauren.
After dinner they had all piled into the sitting room, to watch the kids play, when Ron made the announcement that he and Emily were expecting again. Hermione had rushed to her feet and hugged Emily and Ron, while Harry shook his best mate's hand and congratulated him.
She was thankful that in all the excitement Ron had forgotten about her evening with Draco, and she wasn't forced to spill the details.
She still didn't understand why she had frozen and run like she did. Seeing Narcissa had caught her off guard, but more then that was the kindness and smiles she had received. It was a much different Narcissa then she seen at the Manor all those years ago. She knew Narcissa had been in the room when Bellatrix tortured her. Though she understood why the older witch had done nothing to stop her sister, it was still hard to be presented with her again.
Last night she had received Draco's letter, and had to read through it four times before she believed the words etched into the parchment. He had liked her since 4th year, she had let out a growl when she read that, it seemed her 4th year was when everyone had finally noticed that she was a girl.
Hermione had sat up for hours during the night, trying to figure out her feelings towards her old classmate, while she had harbored a secret attraction to him for years, she had never expected it to be returned.
Unable to sleep, she had finally written him back. His honesty had shocked her, and remembering all the moments and the bubbles of excitement over the last few days, she knew she needed to be honest with him. What did she have to lose? She was already single and alone.
Hermione headed for the shower, taking extra time under the hot water. Grabbing a towel, she wrapped it tight around her body, and rushed from the bathroom, the cool tile acting like an electrical shock to her system. She threw herself onto her bed, and rested for a few moments, trying to acclimate to the cooler temperatures of her room.
Lost in daydreams of running her fingers through pale blonde hair, and holding hands, she jumped when she heard a light tapping on her window. The same dark grey owl from last night was hovering just outside her bedroom window. Pulling her towel tight around her body, she opened the window and watched as the ever-graceful owl landed on her nightstand. She grabbed an owl treat from her purse, and made a fair trade with the beautiful owl. It finished it's treat and left as quickly as it had appeared.
She couldn't help but smile as she opened the small scroll.
Dearest Hermione,
Thank you for your quick reply; I'm not sure how much work I would have achieved today, without it.
Your courage has been shown to the world time and time again, and while it may not have been your bravest moment, you have nothing to apologize for. My mother was not offended, and was very upset at having caused you discomfort.
It would please me greatly to have you join us for lunch at noon tomorrow. I pick up Ariana from the agency at 10 o'clock, with my mother. If you would rather her not be here, please let me know at once.
You have given me hope for the future, but I assure you we will move slowly and I would be forever grateful for your friendship.
Yours,
Draco
Hermione's heart was pounding in her chest, as she read the last sentence of the letter over again. He would respect her wishes and be friends, but she knew they both wanted more. She smiled, before heading down the hall to send a quick reply.
Hermione finished getting dressed and headed off to work, a skip in her step, and a smile plastered on her face.
OoOoOoO
Draco had spent much of his morning and afternoon meeting with the heads of his departments and setting everything up for his month long vacation with Ariana. After his re-education, Draco had jumped into one of the family businesses that had always fascinated him. Malfoy Apothecary & Herbs had been a small business, with very few customers, but as Potions and in some ways Herbology were his passions he set his sights on expanding. With his mother's approval, he sold off the other businesses, all for a large sum, and worked to grow. He expanded the supply department, using some of the Manor's lands to set up huge greenhouses. He created a research and development department, where he was trying to develop new potions and antidotes. The best thing to come out of R&D had been a more cost-effective Wolfsbane potion, and he was currently in talks with the Ministry to offer it as a service to low-income werewolves. He prided himself on being the boss who got his hands dirty in the mud and dirt during Mandrake harvesting, cut the leaves of a devil's snare, or drained the boils of a Mimbulus Mimbletonia.
He had many fond memories of the gardens at the Manor and watching the house-elves harvest potion ingredients and fruit and vegetables. His mother even had a small section of flowering peonies, hydrangeas and rose bushes, so he supposed the green thumb ran in the family.
Taking a month off would be hard, but he had set up his vice-president, Callum Mitchell, with everything he needed, and they would exchange owls as needed and have a floo meeting once a week.
Gathering up his briefcase, he said goodbye to his secretary, and headed for the lobby, the only point of apparition in the building. Turning on the spot, he found himself in a busy Diagon Alley. He walked down the way a bit, spotting his destination, a small flower shop. He checked his watch to make sure it wasn't too late, and found it was half past two. He had plenty of time. After the florist created a beautiful bouquet, he walked back to the alley and again turned on the spot.
The hallways of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures were unlike other Ministry hallways, posters of Magical Creatures plastered the walls, though most showed age and some had been ripped with scratch marks down them. If Draco peered into the offices off the hallway he would see any number of creatures he had learned about at Hogwarts. He turned right at the first hallway, as the guard in the atrium had told him. Walking down three doors he knocked lightly on the closed door.
He heard a light "come in" and opening the door, was greeted with a Hermione Granger, once again in Muggle Clothing that caused a stir in his abdomen. She hadn't looked up from her work yet, so he waited. He noticed his scrolls lying flat, from repeated reading, on her desk, off to the side. He smiled, beaming at the thought that she had been thinking of him.
After about 10 seconds, she glanced up, and then her eyes grew wide.
"Draco!" She squeaked, rushing to her feet, her cheeks flooding with pink. "Hi, ummm what are you doing here?"
"I thought I would drop these off with you," he said producing the bouquet of lilacs, hydrangeas, and peonies from behind his back. He watched as her eyes lit up and her hand reached for the beautiful creation of soft pinks and purples.
"Oh my!" Hermione exclaimed. "They're beautiful." She smiled, and he felt himself melt, and resolved to make her smile like that more.
"Yes they are, but they pale in comparison." Draco smirked. "I wanted to drop by and make sure you're comfortable with my mother being there tomorrow." He sat down in the chair in front of her desk, putting his briefcase on the floor.
Hermione walked around to the front of her desk, towards a bookcase against the wall, and grabbed a vase. With her wand in her right hand, the vase suddenly filled with crystal clear water, and the flowers arranged themselves in a beautiful display. She sat the vase carefully down on her desk, and sat in the chair next to his.
"Yes, I would like to apologize but mostly I wouldn't dream of taking the first day away from you and your mother, I'm just honored to be invited," she added, taking her feet under her, causing Draco to notice that she had kicked off her shoes and her feet were bare, something that caused curious thoughts to dance around in his mind.
"If you're sure," he murmured carefully.
"I am." She smiled, "Thank you for being so considerate of me." She paused, looking away from him. "Again I'm sorry, I rushed away like that. It had been such a wonderful evening."
"Hermione." He spoke softly, but demanding. "Please look at me Hermione." He waited for her soft brown eyes to meet his grey. "You have nothing to be sorry for, my mother showed up unexpectedly, which she does quite often, though I don't ever have anyone over. I'm sorry that she made you even momentarily uncomfortable, she feels bad." He leaned forward and grasped her hand, "Hermione, I want you to feel comfortable, and you need to tell me when you're not. Can you do that?"
Hermione stared into his eyes, her breath catching when he grasped her hand and she felt the now familiar jolt of magical energy. She looked down at their clasped hands, their skin tones so close, she almost couldn't tell which fingers were his and her own. Looking back into his stormy grey eyes, "I feel comfortable with you, I don't know why, but I do."
Draco squeezed her hand, "Please tell me if you're ever uncomfortable."
"I will," came her quick reply.
"Well, I won't stay long, I'm sure you have work to get back to." Draco stood up, "And I have some last minute things to do before tomorrow."
"Are you excited?" Hermione smiled, standing as well.
"Excited?" He chuckled, "Nervous, excited, anxious, a cluster of emotions. My day seems to fly by and then inch to a crawl."
Hermione smiled, their hands still laced together, when she felt her arm tugged and found herself pressed up against his body in a tight hug. She drank in his scent, a heady mixture of wood, plants and books; it was disarming how alluring the combination was. Before she had a chance to hug him back, he had stepped back.
"I'll see you tomorrow Hermione." He smiled before walking out of her office.
Hermione shakily shut the door, before standing and staring at the beautiful flowers. It had been years since she had felt desired, and thought about, and truth be told she hadn't realized how lonely she was. Her world had become this office and the brief escapes of work that she spent with Harry and Ron and their families.
Her fingers grazed the soft petals of a beautiful peony, and the tears slid down her cheeks, the loneliness overwhelming. She wrapped one arm around her chest, attempting to hold herself together, when she heard her office door open again. She turned, tear streaked to see the concerned face of Draco Malfoy once again.
Draco took two seconds to see the tear tracks marking her beautiful face, before he pulled her tightly into his arms again. "What's wrong?" he asked, pulling her into his arms as he sat down in the chair. He pushed his magic towards the door, shutting and locking it.
He felt her body melt against his, and her body begin to shake with silent sobs. He wrapped his arm tighter around her and pulled her closer, remembering in his youth when just his presence was all his mother needed when she was upset. He would find his mother out in the gardens, watering her flowers with her tears, at his father's cruel treatment or her longing for her sisters. Each time, he would hug her, even as a little boy and just wait, for the tears to dry.
His hand rubbed small circles into her back, as incoherent words broke the sobs.
"Shhhhh, it's ok. I'm here," he whispered softly. "Everything is ok."
"S'not," she cried. "It's….not….ok." She sobbed loudly. Draco added a muffalito to the door, hoping her cries wouldn't be heard by her coworkers. She clearly didn't need the embarrassment.
"What's not ok?" Draco asked, still rubbing her back.
Hermione continued crying for a full minute before she began sniffing, trying to pull herself together, but not moving from the safe confines of Draco's arms.
"I'm so bloody...lonely." She sniffed. "It's was so thoughtful of you to bring them, and I….it just made me realize….I just don't want to be alone anymore." She cried, fresh tears falling as she spoke the words aloud.
Draco stayed quiet, his heart breaking for her pain, for his own pain. He had been at his own breaking point of loneliness nine months ago.
"I understand love. I know what it's like to feel lonely, but you don't have to be alone anymore. Soon the agency will make a match and you'll have a beautiful child to love. You also have me, and I'm not going anywhere. As well as Potter and Weasley."
She stayed quiet, feeling silly for breaking down, and guilty for the smile that lit up her face at his words. Hermione suddenly realized that she was still nestled into his arms, her face pressed against his chest, and her mascara staining his crisp white shirt.
"Shit!" she exclaimed, leaning away from him, as his eyes widened. "Oh, sorry, I mean I stained your shirt." She wanted to cry at how pathetic he must think she is.
He chuckled, before wrapping his arms back around her, "I don't give a shit about the shirt." He smiled, feeling her nestle back against his chest.
They sat there for a few more minutes, the last of Hermione's sobs finally quieting. His fingers had begun to play with the loose curls that hung low on her back.
Hermione gathered herself together, mentally chastising herself for being so emotional. She pulled away from Draco's chest and starred into the grey eyes that were watching her closely.
Draco lifted his hand and wiped the tears that dotted her cheeks, smiling softly at her as a hiccup shook her body.
"Thank y-" Hermione began, before she was silenced as his lips pressed against hers. The kiss was soft, and she had barely tasted him before he had pulled his lips away, and kissed her cheek, than her nose, and placed one final kiss on her forehead.
"You don't have to thank me. I didn't do anything but comfort a friend." Draco's smile widened as he pushed her hair behind her ear, as her eyes searched his.
Hermione's body was frozen; the kiss had been so intimate, soft and comforting. She had never been kissed like that. Her few kisses with Ron, had been snogging, something that made her extremely uncomfortable. This was something significant and special. She blinked a few times trying to focus her thoughts.
Summoning her Gryffindor courage, she leaned forward softly pressing her lips to his. Though she had initiated the kiss, Draco took the control. His hand moved from her back to her hair, pulling her into him. He pushed harder against her lips, and his tongue darted at, and made a soft sweep across her lips.
Again the kiss was over too soon, and she wanted more of a taste.
"I'm afraid that if you keep doing that you'll never get back to work." Draco chuckled, leaning his forehead against hers. Hermione noticed his cheeks were flushed and he was panting slightly, and pride overtook her knowing she had caused that reaction in him.
"Maybe I don't want to get back to work, and I want to keep doing whatever it is that we are doing," Hermione muttered, lowering her eyes.
Draco laughed, before pulling her chin up with his finger, forcing her to look at him. "Miss Granger, we have plenty of time to figure this out, but you just finished crying and you're emotional, I don't want to do anything with you that you would regret later." Draco let go of her chin, but continued, "When we finally get together, I will make sure it is without one ounce of regret and that you leave happier than when you came. No pun intended."
Hermione's breath caught in her throat; never had someone used words that affected her so much. She suddenly felt a heat growing and a flush overtaking her body. She was at a loss for words but instead just remained quiet, searching his now dark grey eyes.
Draco licked his lips, watching as the slight pink that had covered her cheeks, now turned bright red and made it's way down to her chest. He made a mental note to himself, that words affected her greatly.
"While I would love to stay, I do have some last minute things to pick up before tomorrow."
Hermione rushed to her feet, "Oh, yes, of course."
Draco stood up and grabbing his wand, cleaned his shirt and adjusted his pants, with a quick charm to hide the evidence of his reaction to her.
"I pick her up at 10 o'clock and you said you can be there at 12?"
"Yes. I have a gift for her, a sort of welcome home gift." Hermione smiled, going behind her desk to put some distance between them.
"Well until tomorrow Hermione." He murmured adding emphasis to her name that caused a swooping in her stomach. Her name had never sounded better, than when it fell from his lips.
OoOoOoO
Draco was pacing in front of the fireplace in the library waiting for his mother to arrive. It was already a quarter til 10 and his mother should have been here already. He had everything ready, the last touches to her room, and the gifts waiting them in the family room were all ready.
He wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans, a clothing choice he had picked up during re-education and one that he quite loved. As he paced, his robes billowed behind him, reminding him of his favorite Professor.
The fire suddenly turned green and his mother stepped out, her soft pink robes trailing behind her.
"Mother!" Draco exclaimed, a slight whine to his voice.
"Draco, I'm fine. We are not late." She walked forward and dropped a small gift bag on the table before turning and hugging her son tightly.
"No, we're not yet, but we will be soon." Draco replied nervously. He didn't understand the nerves. He had spent a lot of time with Ariana over the last few months, he wasn't worried about taking her, he was worried he would screw it all up.
Narcissa pulled away, holding her son at arms length. "If I have not told you yet, I am incredibly proud of you. You have become a great man, one with good morals, a big heart, and free from the faults of your father. You are going to make an amazing father to Ariana, she already loves you." Narcissa smiled.
Draco stopped fretting for a moment, a swell of pride filling his stomach and dissolving the nerves. "Thank you mum, I love you."
"I love you, too, more than my own life."
Draco gave his mother another hug before walking towards the fireplace. He walked into the swirling flames, calling out "Phoenix Adoption Agency." As soon as he felt himself slowing down, he walked out into the small sitting area of the Adoption Agency. He had no sooner started dusting off his robes when he heard a yell, "PAPA!" He felt tight arms around his middle and looked down into the fierce blue eyes of his daughter.
Gathering her in his arms, she hooked her legs around him and he stepped away from the fireplace so his mother could come through.
"I've been waiting forever, papa! What took you so long?" Ariana's voice was rising in annoyance.
"You can blame your nan for that one." Draco smirked as his mother walked over.
"Oh Pish Posh, Draco." Narcissa smiled, reaching for her granddaughter. "Come here my darling girl." Narcissa opened her arms wide, and Ariana moved into them, embracing her nan tightly. "What a beautiful frock you have on today." Narcissa said walking towards a chair, Ariana's voice trailing off talking of flowers.
"Mr. Malfoy, sorry, she's been inconsolable waiting on you," Mrs. MacMillian said walking forward.
"No worries, better than if she took off for the hills when she saw me." He laughed.
"I don't think she would ever do that, she loves you so." Mrs. MacMillian smiled. "We just have a few bits of paper to sign and then she's all yours."
"Let's do it."
OoOoOoO
Two hours later Draco and Narcissa sat on the couch in the family room watching as Ariana played with her new kitten.
"You should have asked me first." Draco muttered, though he couldn't keep the smile off of his face.
"You would have just said no, and look how happy she is. Her first familiar, it's an important gift to a young witch." Narcissa smiled. "Just make sure she names it something good. No Fluffy or Mittens or Princess, that familiar needs a name with meaning."
"Yes, mother." Draco nodded.
He couldn't keep his eyes off his daughter, or a smile off of his face. Her delight was infectious. She was still in the pink flowery dress that she'd worn this morning, but she had asked for her hair to be put up. The beautiful chestnut curls now tied together in a beautiful ribbon his mother had conjured to perfectly match her dress.
"You never did tell me, is Miss Granger joining us today?" Narcissa asked, watching her son closely, noticing the way his already wide smile was made bigger by the mention of her.
"Yes, she should be here anytime."
"I'll go make some sandwiches." Narcissa stood up, "Ariana would you like to help Nan make some lunch?"
Ariana looked up from her all white kitten, "Yes! Can I bring her with me?" she asked scooping up her cat.
"Of course, darling." Narcissa held an arm out beckoning Ariana to her.
"Oh pretty kitty you're going to help! But no mustard for you, it's gross!" Ariana's loud voice exclaimed. Draco chuckled to himself; everything that came out of her mouth was an exclamation of something.
Draco stood and walked into the library, determined to wait for the witch who had been featured in his dreams last night. Sitting in the chair by the fireplace, he summoned The Hobbit to him, and opened the book. He had no sooner turned the page when the flames turned green and Hermione stepped out of them.
Standing, he walked up behind her.
"Miss Granger," Draco murmured.
"Shit!" Hermione turned, jumping away from him. She looked him over before raising a hand to her chest. "Gods you scared me!"
Draco laughed, but walked forward gathering her in his arms. He held her close, waiting for her arms to wrap around him.
Hermione could feel her heart rate going down, and she leaned into the hug.
Draco leaned back, his arms still around her, and bending his head, kissed her deeply, his tongue pushing past her soft lips. His hand moved from her shoulder down her back, pulling her deeper. He grabbed her ass and pulled her up and into him more. A small moan escaped her.
When he finally pulled away she was flush again and almost fell forward. He grabbed her hand, lacing his fingers with hers, before leaning down and whispering, "There is someone I would like you to meet."
Hermione looked up, her heart racing. He seemed to have this effect on her. "Ok." Hermione smiled. "Lead the way." Her voice giddy with excitement.
Hermione wasn't sure what had her more excited, Draco's kisses and his delicious arms or the beautiful little girl who now called him papa.
To be continued...
- 1
- 2
- 3
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Magical Orphans