Chapter Text
Hermione Granger was distracted as she exited Flourish and Blotts, stowing her large stack of new books into her beaded bag. She didn’t see the little person near her knees until she bumped into him, almost knocking them both to the ground.
She shot out a hand to steady the small boy, and immediately noticed his tear-stained face and watery eyes.
“I’m so sorry,” she gasped, crouching down to make eye contact. “Are you ok?”
“I lost - I lost my Daddy,” the boy gasped through tears.
“Ok, don’t worry, big guy,” she said. “Stick with me, we’ll find your dad.”
She looked at the boy a bit more closely. White blonde hair, grey eyes, pointy chin. She knew that face. Damned if she didn’t know that face.
“Is your dad’s name Draco?” She asked kindly.
He nodded, wiping his tears on his sleeve.
“What’s your name?” She asked.
“Scorpius,” the boy mumbled.
“Ok, buddy, hold on,” she said, standing and drawing her wand. She was shocked as Scorpius reached up for her free hand, but squeezed it reassuringly.
She cast Sonorous on herself, then said, “Malfoy, Scorpius is at Flourish and Blotts. We’ll wait for you here.”
It was twelve seconds before Draco Malfoy came tearing around a corner in a full panic, skidding to a stop in front of the bookshop. Pansy Parkinson was right behind him, looking terrified.
Malfoy scooped the boy up and held him tight.
“Scorp, what on earth were you thinking?” He scolded. “You nearly scared me to death.”
Hermione took a quiet step back as the family reunited. There was no mistaking Draco Malfoy, with his distinctive hair and steely eyes. But he had certainly changed in the seven or so years since she’d seen him. The hair was shaggier now, roguishly disheveled. He was taller, more muscular and broad. He was heavily tattooed, a full sleeve appearing out of the arm of his gray t-shirt. There was a constellation on the back of each of his hands. He was clinging desperately to a miniature version of himself.
He kissed the boy’s head and pulled him closer.
“You’re never to run away from us, ever. Why did you run off?”
“I saw a puppy,” Scorpius sniffled.
“Scorp, we’ll get you a puppy,” Pansy said, rubbing his back. “For your birthday, like we discussed. You can’t run off, you scared your dad and me so badly.”
“I was scared too,” Scorpius let loose a torrent of new tears. “But the nice lady helped me.”
Malfoy and Parkinson noticed the witch standing to the side for the first time.
“Granger,” Malfoy said, eyes wide.
“Thank you, Granger,” Parkinson threw her arms around the shocked witch. “I’m so glad you were here.”
“I’m glad I could help,” Hermione said, extricating herself from the unexpected embrace.
“I want ice cream,” Scorpius announced tearfully, as his father tried to clean his face with a handkerchief.
“If you promise to never scare Dad like that again,” Malfoy said firmly.
“Never ever ever,” his son nodded.
“Ok, Pans, I’m going to take him to Fortescue’s,” Malfoy said. “Meet you at home?”
“Yeah, I’m going to go start dinner. Don’t spoil his appetite,” Parkinson said, kissing both Malfoys on the cheek.
Scorpius had wiggled out of his dad’s arms, and walked a few steps to Hermione, reaching for her hand and beaming up at her.
“Daddy, can the nice lady come for ice cream too?” He said.
“Oh, um, I’m sure Granger is busy - ” Malfoy started.
“Oh, I’d love to, Scorpius, but I - ” she began.
“Please Daddy, can Granger have ice cream with us?”
The child turned big, pleading, adorable eyes on both adults.
“Hell, Granger, let me buy you a scoop,” Malfoy shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Least I can do, seeing as you kept my son from wandering Diagon Alley all by himself.”
“Alright,” she said slowly. Scorpius tugged her hand and the three of them set off to the ice cream shop.
“What’s your favorite flavor, Granger?” Scorpius asked excitedly. “Mine is chocolate strawberry marshmallow.”
“Don’t call her Granger, Scorp,” Draco groaned. “She’s an adult. Call her Miss Granger or Miss Hermione.”
“You call her Granger,” Scorpius pouted.
“Yes, well, I’m an adult too,” Malfoy said. “And don’t stick that little lip out, you know that doesn’t work on me.”
He leaned conspiratorially towards Hermione.
“It absolutely works on me,” he whispered. “But don’t tell him.”
“So what is your favorite flavor, Miss Granger?” Scorpius asked again.
“Hm…probably apple caramel crunch,” she mused.
“I’ve never had that one,” the boy said, full of interest.
“You can try some of mine,” she smiled at him.
“I like sharing,” Scorpius said. “My Nana says if I don’t learn how to share, I’ll end up spoiled like Daddy.”
Hermione snorted and glanced sideways at Malfoy, who shrugged.
“But I never share Daddy’s ice cream, he gets mint chocolate chip. It’s so gross!”
Scorpius wrinkled his little nose.
“That’s my trick, little buddy,” Draco said. “Get the flavor you hate, then I don’t have to share.”
“I think your Nana is right, Scorpius,” Hermione said. “Your dad is bad at sharing.”
Malfoy purchased their cones and they arranged themselves at a table on the patio.
“So are you back in Britain for a holiday?” Hermione asked Malfoy as Scorpius dug into his ice cream.
“No, we just moved back last week,” he said.
“Lovely,” she remarked. “How long have you and Parkinson been together?”
Malfoy spluttered.
“Oh, no, god no, nothing like that,” he laughed.
“Scorp and I are staying at her house temporarily until I find a place. We’re just friends, she’s helping me with Scorp.”
“Oh,” Hermione said, thinking of a delicate way to ask her next question.
“My wife, Victoria, died,” he said quietly, making sure his son wasn’t paying attention. “About two hours after Scorpius was born. It’s just us boys now.”
He ruffled his son's hair.
“I’m so sorry, Malfoy, I had no idea,” she breathed.
He folded a napkin carefully, not looking at her.
“I had a few nannies over the years, but it’s hard for me to trust anyone with him,” Malfoy said. “When I got a job offer in London, Pansy said we could move in, and she’ll help with Scorp.”
“I love Aunt Pansy,” Scorpius interjected.
“She loves you, squirt,” Malfoy said.
“And you, Granger?” He said. “Married with kids?”
“Recently single, no kids,” she said.
“You and the Weasel broke up?” He asked.
“I mean, yeah, about five years ago. We’re just friends. I was living with Oliver Wood for several years, but he moved out a few months ago.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Malfoy said.
“It’s fine,” she waved it off.
“Anyway, Ron married Daphne Greengrass last year,” she continued. “I’m surprised you didn’t hear.”
“The only people in Britain I kept in contact with are Pansy and my mother. I didn’t take the Prophet or anything in France, and I let Mum and Pansy know I wanted a full separation from my old life. So they don’t tell me anything. I did hear Potter and the Weaslette are married.”
“Oh, you’re behind then,” she said. “They got married right after the war, popped out two little boys, then a few months ago, Ginny scurried off to America to play Quidditch with her new boyfriend. They’re divorced and Harry has the boys full time.”
“That sucks,” Malfoy said. “What kind of mother leaves her own kids?”
“A shitty one,” Hermione said, covering Scorpius’ ears.
“Who’s the new boyfriend?” He asked.
“Oliver Wood,” Hermione shrugged.
“She cheated on Potter with your boyfriend?” He asked in a shocked whisper.
“Yes, it was quite the scandal. And now the Prophet speculates daily on if Harry and I will get together.”
“Will you?” He asked.
“Absolutely not,” she said, laughing. “I’m just helping him out with the boys when I can. He’s my best friend and I hate seeing him struggle like this.”
“Daddy, I’m done, but I forgot to share with Granger,” Scorpius announced, his face covered in pink ice cream.
“Miss Granger,” his dad corrected. “Let me wipe your face.”
Scorpius squirmed under the napkin.
“Can’t you just do it with your wand?” He protested.
“No, if I do everything for you with magic, you’ll never learn to do anything for yourself. You know that.”
“But I’ll have my own wand in five years and eight months,” the boy objected.
“And I fear that day with my entire being, you devious little thing,” Malfoy smiled.
“Do you want a bite of my ice cream, Scorpius?”
Hermione asked.
He nodded vigorously, so she summoned a spoon and offered him a bite.
“Daddy, this is so much better than yours,” he said. “You should try it.”
“No more ice cream for Dad,” Malfoy sighed. “If I’m not hungry enough for Aunt Pansy’s dinner, she’ll be sad.”
“I don’t want her to be sad,” Scorpius said. “We should go help her set the table.”
“You’re right, as usual,” Malfoy said, standing and reaching for Scorpius’ hand. “Well, it was nice seeing you, Granger. Thanks again for helping Scorpius.”
“I want Granger to come to dinner,” Scorpius said, pouting at his dad.
“Miss Granger,” Malfoy corrected.
“Miss Granger, will you please please please please come to dinner? Aunt Pansy makes really good dinner,” he pleaded.
“Come on then, Granger,” Malfoy said. “Would you like to join us?”
“Sure, I suppose,” she said. “Parkinson won’t mind?”
“No,” he said. “She always makes enough for twenty people.”
Malfoy led them to the Apparation point, and the three disappeared.
***
Pansy owned a cottage outside of London. It was a lovely little place, with a great deal of land and a charming garden. Scorpius took off running for the front door.
Draco watched his feet as he and Granger walked towards the porch. Without Scorpius, this was more than a little awkward.
“What work are you doing here in Britain?” She asked.
“Head Potioneer for Excel Elixirs,” he said. “I start on Monday.”
“How exciting,” she said sincerely. “Were you working in Potions in France?”
“Yes, but this position is quite a step up,” he said. “And what do you do?”
“I was working at the Ministry, Magical Creatures. It was awful. Luckily McGonagall offered me the Charms post starting next term. So I quit the Ministry and am taking several months off. I’ll move to Hogwarts in late August.”
“Wow, you must be the youngest professor in about a century,” he said.
“I would be, except Harry just signed on to teach Defense. He and the boys are moving into the castle, and I’ll be there to help with them. I think McGonagall knew we both needed a fresh start.”
“She’s perceptive like that,” Draco nodded as they reached the front door.
The cottage smelled divine. Pansy met them in the foyer, with Scorpius on her hip.
“Scorp told me you were coming, Granger,” she said. “I hope you like roast. It’s nothing fancy.”
“That sounds lovely,” Granger replied. “Thank you for having me.”
“Nonsense, it’s not every day that Scorp brings a girl home,” she kissed the boy on the cheek before he wiggled away.
“Wine?” Draco asked both witches.
“Please,” they said together.
Draco poured them wine and motioned for them to sit at the dining table.
“Scorp,” he called. “Please come set the silverware.”
He pulled out dishes and began setting places at the table, Scorpius dutifully setting the silverware just right.
“No house elf?” Granger asked curiously.
“No,” Pansy said firmly. “I freed mine when I got divorced. After marrying that brute, I know exactly how it feels to not have any will of my own. I couldn’t do that to another living being. So I freed my sweet Mippy, and she works at Hogwarts for pay now. We stay in touch.”
Draco noticed Granger beaming at her. Nothing impressed Granger more than kindness to house elves.
“I heard about you and that Wood bloke,” Pansy said. “Sounds like a real piece of trash.”
“I can’t say I’m very happy with him at the moment, but we were never meant to be. I’m well past it. I just wish Harry hadn’t gotten hurt in the process.”
“How is Potter doing?” Pansy asked. “He has two little ones, right?”
“James and Sirius, they’re twins,” Granger smiled. “Harry’s doing ok, considering. He was just blindsided by Ginny’s betrayal. All he ever wanted was a family, and she took that from him, just like Voldemort did - ”
“Granger, you can’t say that word,” Scorpius scolded. “It’s You-Know-Who.”
“Sorry, buddy, You-Know-Who,” she amended.
“It’s Miss Granger,” Draco said. “And don’t be bossy.”
Scorpius pouted.
“Can I have wine?”
“No, but you can have pumpkin juice,” Pansy said firmly, summoning a flagon and a plastic cup.
“Can I have a wine glass?” He asked hopefully.
“Sure,” Draco said, summoning a wine glass and placing an unbreakable charm on it. Scorpius’ face lit up.
“Is Potter struggling raising two kids by himself?” Draco asked. “I just have the one and it’s overwhelming.”
“Ron and I have been stepping in when we can. Hagrid babysits often. Neville and Luna keep them overnight occasionally. Even McGonagall has kept them for a few afternoons. But, yeah, he’s struggling.”
The adults chatted until the roast was served, Scorpius occasionally offering his opinions and thoughts. Once he was done eating, he raced his dishes to the sink, and crawled into his dad’s lap.
“I’m tired,” he said, snuggling into Draco’s neck.
“Bedtime, then,” Draco announced. “Go brush your teeth and floo call Nana so she can say goodnight. I’ll be up to read your story in ten minutes.”
“K,” the boy said as he shuffled up the stairs. “Except I want Granger to tell my story. Do you know any stories about dragons, Granger?”
“Miss Granger,” Pansy corrected.
“I actually rode a dragon once,” Granger said, winking at the boy. “Would you like to hear that story?”
“Yes!” He exploded.
“Is that ok, Malfoy?” Granger bit her lip.
“Sure,” he said easily. “As long as someone gets his teeth clean and calls his grandmother.”
Scorpius, suddenly not tired, raced up the stairs.
“Are you sure that’s ok, Malfoy?” Granger asked.
“Absolutely,” Draco said. “Usually we just read The Naughty Dragon over and over until he passes out. I could use a break from that fucking dragon. I’ll pour you another glass of wine and we can have an after dinner drink in the sitting room.”
They made their way to the sitting room, and Draco summoned another bottle of wine. Hermione wandered over to the bookshelf.
“I haven’t unpacked my books yet,” Draco said. “Those are all Pansy’s.”
“Oh, these magical romance novels aren’t yours?” She teased, motioning to a shelf of bodice-rippers.
“Well, of course those are mine,” he teased back. “First things I unpacked.”
“As suspected,” she smirked at him.
“All clean!” Scorpius bounced into the room, showing his teeth to the adults. “And Nana says to be good for Granger and not to get too excited about my new story or I won’t sleep good.”
“Ok, goodnight, big guy, I love you,” Draco held the boy close and kissed his hair.
“Love you too, love you Aunt Pansy,” he said, dashing to the kitchen to hug the witch. Then he returned, grabbed Granger’s hand, and tugged.
“C’mon Granger, I want to hear a story,” he said as he pulled her out of the room.
Almost as soon as they departed, Narcissa’s face appeared in the sitting room fire.
“I just had an interesting conversation with your son,” Narcissa smirked at Draco. “Is this ‘Granger’ he’s so excited about Hermione Granger?”
Draco filled her in on Scorpius’ daring escape in Diagon Alley and Granger's heroic rescue, then Scorpius’ insistence that they all dine together.
“Well, I'm glad she was there,” Narcissa said. “He was so excited for his story, he ran away before I could tell him I love him. So do pass along the message.”
“I will Mum, goodnight,” he said, as Pansy strolled back into the sitting room with her glass of wine. Granger followed a few minutes later and took the wine he proffered.
“What an intelligent little boy,” she said, perching in an armchair. “I didn’t even get halfway through my story, he asked so many questions. Then I looked down and he was asleep.”
“He’s an angel when he’s sleeping,” Pansy said. “He’s a lot more like Draco when he’s awake.”
“Shut up, Pans,” he said, refilling her wine.
“Careful, Daddy Draco,” she teased. “Remember when you called me a daft bint at Christmas last year and Scorpius repeated it constantly? Wouldn’t want him telling Narcissa to shut up, would you?”
Draco shivered.
“The look on her face when he said ‘Pass the mash, please, you daft bint’. She hasn’t yelled at me that much since I was a teenager.”
Pansy and Granger laughed.
“So, Parkinson, or, I guess, is it still Parkinson? You said you were previously married," Hermione started.
“It’s Parkinson,” Pansy said. “It was Rowle for a year, but I’m back to my maiden name now, thank Merlin.”
“Bad breakup?” Granger asked sympathetically.
“Abusive monster,” Draco snapped.
“We didn’t get along, it was an arranged marriage. He didn’t like when I expressed thoughts or opinions, and became…aggressive…when I didn’t cooperate,” Pansy said delicately.
“You give him too much credit, Pans,” Draco said angrily. “He hit you.”
“Only once,” she said.
“He would have again, that’s why I got you the fuck out of there.”
“When he hit me, I was frightened and didn’t know what to do, so I flooed to Draco in France…”
“And I took care of it,” Draco growled. “He’s lucky I didn’t kill the son of a bitch.”
“Well, you did put him in St. Mungo’s for several days,” Pansy said. “Which gave me enough time to get a divorce and a magical restraining order.”
“If that fucker ever comes within 100 feet of Pansy, Aurors will be notified and Apparate immediately to arrest him,” Draco explained.
“Oh, Harry and Ron told me about those restraining magics,” Granger said. “I believe they were Harry’s invention.”
“I had no idea,” Pansy said. “It works really well. Even Rowle’s owl can’t come near me.”
“I’ll tell Harry that you’re pleased,” Granger said as she finished her wine. “I should be going. Thank you both for a lovely evening.”
“I will gladly feed anyone who saves Scorpius,” Pansy smiled.
“Goodnight Granger,” Draco said as she exited through the Floo.
She was barely gone for ten seconds when Pansy rounded on him.
“You like her,” Pansy said.
“Oh shut up, you daft bint.”