CHAPTER 16

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3 years later

"RON, COME ON!" Harry yelled urgently over the sound of thunder.

The sky darkened, a slight drizzle fell upon them, and a dazzling bright light blurred their vision.

They hurriedly ran up the empty cobbled streets. Harry ducked another curse aimed straight for him.

The second Ron reached his side, he fired a curse at the hooded men and leaned flat against the wall that was closest to the alley.

They were hopelessly outnumbered.

Harry heard the sound of heavy footsteps. His breathing hastened. He didn't know whether it was friend or foe.

Clutching their wands tightly, Harry nodded at Ron and moved his head a fraction around the corner to get a better look.

There was a bellowing of black robes as Aurors apparated around them.

Draco rushed up the alley with his wand pointed threateningly. Harry visibly relaxed after seeing the pale-faced man.

Without hesitation, the ex - Slytherin pointed it at the retreating men and yelled, "Reducto!"

The adjoining wall crumbled and fell on the dark wizards, trapping them underneath.

An eerie silence followed, pierced by the deafening sound of thunder.

***

Harry and Ron joined straight out of Hogwarts and were well on their way to becoming highly skilled Aurors.

Draco joined The Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and he worked his way up in a short time to head the smaller divisions.

The wizards around him had their reservations about working with a former Death Eater, but he gained their trust and respect over time.

He still had the passion and skill to be a full-time Auror and accompanied Harry and Ron on low-level missions.

Even they had been impressed by Draco's mastery with the wand and Occulmency. It was an important skill to possess during interrogation.

Draco threw himself into work and furthering his education. It kept him focused and occupied.

Besides work, he also had his vast Malfoy Estate and family business to manage, but his achievements at the Ministry were his own and not credited to his infamous ancestry.

Since his father's cancer diagnosis and steadily deteriorating health, Draco was forced to take up the reins and assist his mother in any way necessary.

Except for the occasional outburst between Weasley and himself, the three ex enemies maintained a cordial and professional relationship.

They didn't speak of Hogwarts, they kept out of each other's way, and most importantly, none of them ever mentioned Hermione.

Draco itched to ask every time he saw her best friends how she was? Or even where the hell she was? The woman had disappeared completely.

He was convinced she was well and safe. That was enough to appease his troubled mind.

There was not a day that went by that he did not think about her. She occupied his thoughts daily.

The talented Miss Hermione Granger had simply disappeared from the magical world. It was a waste for a witch of her calibre to not reach for the stars.

***

Glancing at the richly embossed card, Draco smiled. The card smelt of money and finery.

Blaise and Astoria.

After their forced engagement, Astoria had done everything possible to get him to love her, but it seemed an impossible task.

They had played the couple their parents and she had forced upon him.

They had attended the events, the luncheons and dinner parties with their picture appearing in every known wizarding magazine with suggestive headlines.

She was with the Malfoy heir. After all, it was expected, and Lucius Malfoy was feared, respected and despised.

Nothing would make Draco glance her way, and he merely regarded her as an annoyance.

She tried provocative clothes, giving herself to him openly, but they were futile attempts to entice a man who had given his heart to another.

Draco was simply not interested, and worse, he wouldn't touch her, let alone share the same bed.

Her heart had broken at his blatant and cruel refusal that she broke off their engagement a year after Hogwarts.

A life of misery was not what she had in mind or hoped for.

It was the first time Astoria had seen him smile at her genuinely.

They had spoken, truly spoken about everything that happened and connected as friends, and that's exactly what they were now. Good friends who relied on each other in need.

Draco always knew Blaise had a soft spot for the Slytherin girl, and at his insistence, they had gone out on one date, and they were smitten.

In all ways, they complimented each other, much like how Hermione was to him.

Inseparable soon after, Blaise proposed seven months into the relationship.

Theo dated Luna. They lived together in eternal and quirky bliss. His friends were doing well, and they were forever trying to get him to date.

He gave various excuses and got out of each blind date. Once you found that perfect fit for your soul, it was difficult to replace it with another.

Lucius had, of course, been livid about the broken engagement. He raged and accused. The man cared about no one but himself.

No longer a teenager who would bend to his father's will, Draco stood his ground firmly and left the Manor for good.

Lucius knew better than to try and belittle his son anymore. Having the capability to turn his father into liquid goo with a flick of his wand was a good advantage.

After weeks of searching around, he found a lavishly furnished flat in Downtown London.

The Muggle surroundings calmed and intrigued him. He wandered around on his own and took in the bookshops and coffee shops.

In next to no time, Draco adapted to his new surroundings with finesse.

Money was never an issue. Being a Malfoy had certain perks, and his job paid well.

His phone buzzed. He reached over, clicked on the message and groaned.

Theo had sent him another picture of a scantily clothed woman with big tits and the caption, "If you don't shag soon, your pecker will fall off!"

Draco let out a laugh, pulled a report towards him and began to flip through it unenthusiastically.

He read through the fine print and massaged the bridge of his nose, and they needed to tie up the loose strings on the black market potions ring that seemed to be popping up all over the place.

A whiff of sliver mist distracted him from his work, and he narrowed his eyes.

A silver Patronus appeared before him. It was his mother's Persian cat.

Son, you are wanted at St Mungo's urgently. It's your father.

Draco frowned at where the cat disappeared. He had better things to do, but he collected his coat and apparated to St. Mungos.

His mother needed him. For her, he would always be there.

The black robes he wore billowed behind him as he made his way to the reception.

A burly Healer spoke to him, "Patients name?" But before he could reply, Narcissa appeared and hugged him tightly.

She had been crying. Her eyes were blotchy, and fresh tears fell down her face. Draco held his mother to his chest until the sobs subsided.

He felt no emotion.

He felt nothing.

A gaping void existed in his life. He would take it to his grave.

Draco entered the room to find his father lying in a very comfortable bed. The best money could buy.

The man before him was a mere shadow of the once imposing Lucius Malfoy.

His leathery skin was stretched over bones that stuck out abnormally, and his face was far too pale.

The once luscious platinum blonde locks were but a distant memory. He was bald with visible red blotches that adorned his scalp.

Lucius stared at his son through haunted eyes.

Reaching out, he touched the sleeve of the Healer closest to him and muttered incoherently. The man gave a curt nod and left the room.

Even in his fathers weakened state, Draco hated to be alone with him. He had no fond memories of the man except violence, unhappiness and deep despair.

Lucius struggled to speak, "Draco, this cancer has eaten away at my body. I'm very near to death. I know you feel no love or compassion for me, but you are my son."

Draco looked at the man before him, unable to speak.

Only on one's death bed do you feel remorse for the horrendous deeds done and Lucius Malfoy drowned in them.

What the fuck did he want from him?

His face void of any emotion, he said coldly, "I will look after mother better than you ever did."

Lucius's eyes rolled back in his head, a coughing fit took over, and blood spewed out of his mouth.

A few drops landed on Draco's white shirt sleeve. He eyed it in mild interest.

Blood purity had been so important to his father, but they all bled crimson.

Lucius held onto his son's arm pleasingly and moved his lips almost inaudible, "Forgive me, son."

His hand fell, and Lucius Malfoy was no more.

Draco stared at his dead father.

A man who had brought death, destruction and unhappiness to so many people.

It seemed fitting that he died the way he did, suffering and unloved.

With a solemn face, Draco left the room and informed the Healer outside that his father passed.

They moved into the room and covered the body with a conjured white sheet

His mother seemed inconsolable. She held onto her son and cried.

Draco never understood the blinding love she felt for a man who abused her and belittled her daily.

Once he attended to the tedious paperwork at St. Mungos, Draco side along apparated with Narcissa back to the Manor.

He gave strict instructions to the house-elves that his mother was to be monitored and looked after until his return.

Satisfied that his mother was tended to, he returned to the Ministry to resume his work.

Harry looked up in interest as Draco came to a halt in front of him.

The ice blonde adjusted his tie and spoke, "My father is dead. I need a few days to put his affairs in order."

He took a deep breath and added without emotion, "If you need me, send an owl to the Manor."

Harry exchanged a grave look with Ron, and they rose to offer their condolences.

Draco raised a hand, stopped them and hissed, "He deserved to die. He took too long to die."

They looked at him in understanding, Lucius Malfoy was the devil incarnate, a vile and disgusting man who used power and money to get his way.

He would not be missed.

Draco went into his office, locked the door and stared at the ceiling in deep thought.

After a few minutes, he opened the desk drawer and took out the picture.

It was a picture he took everywhere with him.

He touched the moving figures. Hermione smiled adoringly at him while he held her close and kissed her nose.

She was the only one to love him for who he was despite his past mistakes, and he had lost her for good.

He hung his head. She deserved better than him. He had made his peace with that.

***

The three days that followed were surreal. Draco stood loyally by Narcissa's side, holding her hand and unmoving.

If he was being honest, he wished for his father's death three years ago, and it came too late.

A slew of shady looking wizards and witches paid their respects.

Prominent members of the wizarding world, including the Minister of Magic, offered their condolences.

Draco was now the Head of Malfoy Manor.

It was a title he never asked for but had forced upon him, along with its many privileges and heavy burden.

The senior Malfoy's arrangements and funeral done, mother and son sat drinking tea in their lavish living room.

He looked around the vast room in disgust. The place reeked of his late father.

Darkness and misery lurked in every corner, and he made up his mind to redecorate as soon as possible and made a mental note to mention it to his mother shortly.

Draco placed his hand over Narcissa's and gently spoke, "Mother."

At the sound of his voice, she snapped out of the daze and turned to face him.

He bared his teeth and spat, "You are finally free. He can't hurt you anymore."

Narcissa smiled weakly, she wept for her husband, but he was a conniving bastard.

She was immensely proud that Draco was nothing like him and of the man her son was becoming.

Narcissa tenderly touched his face, "He hurt you far worse than he ever hurt me."

She looked deep into his eyes and pressed, "You need to find your happiness."

When his face fell, she added, "You still love Miss Granger. I can see it in your eyes."

Draco kissed his mother's hand, "She has disappeared, mother and deserves far better than the likes of me."

Narcissa shook her head with tears in her eyes, "Don't give up. True love always finds a way."

They shared a smile and drank the rest of the tea in silence.

***

It had been three years since he last saw his beautiful, talented witch.

He often wondered if she missed him as he missed her or whether she longed for him as he did her.

Random thoughts plagued his mind. Perhaps she was married with a family of her own.

That last thought never sat well with him. It added to the dread and despair.

Hermione occupied his thoughts often and more so after his father's demise.

Weeks followed, and Draco forgot about his father.

They redecorated the Manor adding some much-needed colour and liveliness.

With Lucius's death, the darkness that plagued them was washing away.

Narcissa resumed her social status. She entertained fundraisers and set up trust funds for underprivileged children.

She slowly forgot about her husband too.

***

Draco heard the banging of books, dusting of cloaks and hurried footsteps. His ears peeked, trying to listen to what the commotion was.

What he heard made his heart still.

Was it fate giving him another chance or Potter's carelessness because, in three years, The Chosen One had not mentioned her name once?

Harry spoke fast and urgently, "Okay, Hermione, I'm leaving now!"

Draco could hardly contain his excitement and beating heart.

Acting on impulse, he picked up his coat and followed Potter at a distance, making sure to stay hidden.

Diagon Alley was crowded, which made following him fairly easy. He hurried his steps to keep up with the ex-Gryffindor.

Draco ducked behind a column and watched from afar as Harry approached Ginny and...

His witch, his love, his everything.

Her hair was shorter, less wild. It blew lightly in the wind. She laughed as Ginny smacked Harry on the head and scolded him for running late.

Her infectious laugh travelled with the wind and surrounded him. He closed his eyes and leaned towards it.

She was wearing a simple white blouse, pencil skirt and a red scarf to match.

His ex-girlfriend looked wonderful.

He couldn't take his eyes off her. Draco stared unashamedly and openly.

He narrowed his eyes as her attention shifted, and she turned around with the brightest smile he had ever seen.

What was the source of her happiness? He wordlessly pleaded to Merlin, please don't be a fucking man.

Draco moved closer. Her presence was like a magnet pulling him to her. He hid behind another column but with a better view.

A beautiful little boy with the most unique blonde hair ran towards her, and that piqued his interest further.

The child cried out excitedly, "Mama, mama," soft curls of platinum blonde hair fell around his face.

Draco stared unblinkingly at the child and felt an unfamiliar tug at his heart, not out of love for Hermione but something else, something new.

Ron followed the laughing child holding onto a balloon that resembled a pink elephant with six legs.

Hermione picked up the beautiful child, hugged him close to her chest, and smothered him in kisses.

She twirled him around, and the child squealed in delight.

Ron grinned and tied the balloon strong around the active toddler's wrist.

Draco watched their exchange in fascination, mesmerized by the little boy in her arms.

Momentarily his heart sank, she was married and probably to a Muggle, but an uncertainty began to fester in the depths of his mind.

Boldly, he moved forward still. He wanted to breathe in the same air as her, just a whiff of her sweet-smelling scent.

Draco was close enough to see them clearly. The child turned to face him, and he stared in shock. Frozen in time, staring into a replica of his own piercing grey eyes.

Only a Malfoy had those eyes.

She felt his presence, her hold on the child tightened, and she slowly turned to face him.

Hermione's face drained of any laughter and happiness, her whole body tensed.

She stared at the impeccably dressed man from across the street. He was staring at her son, a look of shock and confusion on his face.

Panic surged forward and grabbed her whole.

Draco briefly made eye contact with Hermione, his narrowed eyes questioned her, but before he could react, she disappeared with the child.

Never had she ever cast a concealment charm so quickly. She felt her son's small hands on her face. He was curious as to why she was running for dear life.

"Mama?" He questioned in his innocence.

Draco looked around wildly and crossed the street hurriedly. He bared his teeth and groaned in frustration.

Fuck, she had disappeared into thin air, probably cast a charm and fled.

The cafe they frequented was deserted. Hermione preferred it that way since she kept a low profile away from curious eyes and unwanted glances.

Once inside, she lifted the charm, and her friends looked at her in alarm.

"Hermione, what happened?" Ginny got to her feet and asked quickly in concern.

Ron reached over and took the little boy from her hands, and Hermione bent over, holding her sides and gasping for air.

Breathless, she tried to speak, "Draco...Malfoy..outside."

She nervously looked at the entrance to see if Draco had followed her.

Satisfied that he hadn't, she slid into the booth next to Ron.

The child was highly taken by the funny faces Ron made and giggled uncontrollably.

Ginny and Harry exchanged an exhausted look.

Ginny cleared her throat and pointed discreetly at the toddler squealing in delight, "Don't you think it's time Malfoy found out about you know...?"

Harry nodded in agreement and leaned closer, "Ryan looks just like Malfoy. The resemblance is uncanny."

Hermione banged her small fist on the table and regarded her friend in anger.

She hissed, "No! He abandoned us, and I won't let him take Ryan from me."

Harry's voice was stern but cautious, "I hardly think Malfoy will try to take Ryan from you."

Ginny added, looking concerned, "He didn't even know you were pregnant."

Hermione let out a sarcastic laugh, "I don't believe this. He left me without reason, and I am supposed to just turn up at his doorstep and tell him about Ryan!"

She shook her head stubbornly, "No! We've been fine without him."

Ron rolled his eyes, "Yeah, because the way you live is fine. You have closed yourself off from the world."

He tickled Ryan's tummy but added seriously, "You can pretend Malfoy doesn't exist, but that doesn't make him go away."

They stopped what they were doing and openly stared at Ron. He hardly ever offered sensible input.

He put up his hands exasperatedly, "What? It's true."

Leaning forward, he whispered, "If I knocked up my girlfriend in school, I would want to know about it. Despite, what the bloody hell would happen afterwards."

"Stop staring at me. You all know I'm right!" Ron shot at the trio staring at him in disbelief.

Ginny stifled a laugh, "Never thought I would agree with him."

Harry squeezed Hermione's hand and advised, "Just think about it."

She would do no such thing, but she rolled her eyes and retorted, "Fine, ill think about it."

***

Draco made the walk back to his office in a daze.

His head was in absolute turmoil. Who was the little boy, and why did he look just like him?

Could it be? No, it was impossible! Surely Hermione would've told him.

He sat down and stared into nothingness. The loud voice of Ron Weasley cut through his thoughts.

Potter could be trusted; Draco had come to respect the man that was Harry Potter greatly. Unfortunately, he was yet to share the same sentiment about Weasley.

The fucker was still an enormous prat.

Draco got to his feet, stepped out and asked, "Potter, can I have a word?"

Harry looked at Ron uncomfortably. Shit! Here we go, but maybe it was for the best. Hermione could be so stubborn at times.

He walked into Draco's small office and sat down, but before the ice blonde could speak, Harry raised a hand and cut him off mid-sentence, "Malfoy, I know you saw Hermione today, and if that's what you want to talk about, I'm sorry but I can't."

Draco closed his mouth and asked curiously, "I just wanted to know if she was married. I...err...saw her son."

Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Oh...ummm...no..she's not married."

Draco was a highly skilled Occlumen, but he would never use it on Potter or anyone else to suit his own needs, no matter how tempting it was.

Harry leaned back from the penetrating stare of the man in front of him and regarded him curiously.

Draco sighed and muttered, "Thanks, Potter."

Harry nodded, hurriedly left the room and plonked down on his seat.

Ron raised a questioning eyebrow, but Harry rolled his eyes and returned to his paperwork.

***

Later that night, Draco met with Blaise and Theo at The Leaky Cauldron.

"Fuck! You saw Granger?" Theo almost spat out his Firewhisky.

"She wasn't alone," Draco told them, still in shock at what he had witnessed.

Blaise leaned back, "Who was she with?"

"She has a son," Draco stared into his drink and declared slowly.

Theo spat out his drink this time, "Oh shit!"

Blaise was thoughtful, "Was there a husband?"

Draco shifted uncomfortably, "Not that I saw, but..."

Blaise narrowed his eyes, and Theo listened intently.

"The boy looks like me," Draco blurted out before his confidence deserted him completely.

Theo and Blaise exchanged grave looks.

"Come on, mate, Granger would have told you," Blaise said, being the voice of reason.

"I don't know. We didn't exactly part on the best of terms," Draco told his friends miserably. He remembered the callous way he broke up with her.

Theo snorted. That was the understatement of the century.

A few hours later, they parted ways, and Draco was still deep in thought.

If anyone knew the truth, it would be Potter.

Despite Potter's warning about not discussing Hermione, Draco made up his mind to ask.

This was too important to let pass. He had to fucking know.