¿Mixed Chemistry?

Chap

He had quickly exited the wizard hotel where the seminar for that day had broken for lunch. He headed for the same beige colored secondary school he had seen the day before. He rushed up the steps and entered the Administration building. The office was full of students ushering in and out, a couple of adults asking about their children, and what seemed like several Administrators trying to answer them.

He saw an older looking woman who appeared to be the one in charge. He cleared his throat before saying something. “Pardon me,” he said in English. “I was wondering if you could help me.”

He paused unsure if the woman understood English. Oh how he wished he had taken Spanish instead of French in their Muggle Studies Course at Hogwarts. “Um, I am looking for Hermione Granger,” he began.

The older woman looked at him again, eying the young man in his pressed blue suit. “Eh, we no have Hermione Granger, here,” she said in her best English.

It had to have been her, he thought to himself. He looked back at the older woman’s face. She reminded him of Professor McGonagall. He smiled again, “Um, I’m looking for an English woman who works in the Chemistry department.”

She smiled again, “Eh, tenemos una Hermione Weasley. But she is giving exams all today.”

“Yes, Ms. Weasley,” Draco took another deep breath. “Exams. Of course; we shan’t bother her today, then.”

He smiled at her again before leaving the office. Exams, he smiled to himself. She was giving the exams now, ones that she would have probably aced in her sleep. He walked back to the hotel, a little discouraged but at the same time happy that it had really been her that he had seen the other day.

***

The seminar ended quite late. It was nearly six thirty. He tapped his chest, feeling the outline of the skinny stick in the jacket packet. He exited the hotel and quickly apparated to Café Olla. He stepped through the exit and entered the muggle streets. The sun lay low on the western horizon and the streets seemed a lot less crowded than during the rest of the day.

He turned the corner and ran through the park. He looked a little down as he saw the beige building come into view. Stupid Draco! Why would you think she would still be there? He took a seat on one of the park benches, running his fingers through his hair.

He looked up in time to see a young woman waving bye to the same older woman he had spoken with earlier that day. Like many educators, Ms. Weasley had stayed late; probably correcting exams, he thought with a smile.

‘What are you going to do, Draco?’ he thought to himself. He sat there for a while watching her walk home into the sunset. He took a deep breath. He walked after her.

She had a two-minute head start on him and she had reached the steps to her building as Draco made the turn onto her street. He began to sprint towards her building. He entered the lobby, almost breathless, as Hermione entered the lift.

Damn, what floor was she on, he thought. He looked around before walking past the lift and hanging a left. He concentrated as he waved his wand; Hermione’s hallway, he thought hard.

He found himself on the eleventh floor; three doors away from the lift. Had she already stepped out?

He heard the ding of the lift. He froze. Breathe, Draco, he reminded himself as he watched the young witch in blue jeans carrying a backpack exit; it was a far cry from her refined attire she had on the day before. Nevertheless, he thought she looked beautiful.

She stepped out of the lift and fished for her keys in her pocket before she realized someone else was in the hallway. It was probably just some visitor to the promiscuous woman five doors down from her. She looked up and dropped her keys. Draco took a step forward. She fumbled for her keys and nearly stumbled forwards.

He had caught her before she could fall. She took in another breath; not trusting herself to speak.

“Are you all right?” he asked breaking the silence, holding her in his arms.

She looked up into his eyes before realizing where she was. She quickly took a step out of his grip, “What are you doing here, Dra . . . I mean, Malfoy?”

“Have we not known each other long enough to be on a first name basis, Hermione?” he asked politely.

She narrowed her eyes at him. She did not have her wand with her; all she had was a bag full of corrected exams and her apartment keys. She held them out between them as if that would have served as protection. The first thought that came to her mind was her children. She glanced at the door two down from hers. “Have you come to finish the job, Draco?” she asked, with a hint of fright in her voice.

Draco did not expect that line of questioning. He took a step forward. She took a step back. “I’m not going to hurt you, Hermione. The war is over, or haven’t you heard?”

She took another breath. “Why are you here then?” she asked softly.

“I just came to say, ‘hello,’ to an old friend,” he said watching her face. “We could go to dinner tonight; catch up on old times.”

“I really can’t, Draco. It was nice seeing you again, though,” she said, quickly brushing past him.

He was slightly surprised at the brush off. As he was a Malfoy, and unused to being brushed aside, he quickly followed her.

She shut her eyes. Señora Ortiz was waiting for her already. She had no time to waste with the likes of Draco Malfoy. What right did he have to barge in on her life like this now? She ignored him. She could do nothing. She knocked on her childcare provider’s door.

“Buenas noches, Señora Ortiz,” she kissed the old woman on the cheeks, “Lo lamento mucho porque estoy tan tarde.”

“No importa, chica,” the older woman said as she returned the younger woman’s kisses. She raised her eyebrows at Draco. “Y, ¿Quién es este guapo?”

Hermione turned slightly pink. She hoped nobody noticed. “Nadie, Señora,” she turned towards him. “Nobody.”

He just smiled. She hoped she would not have to introduce the blonde wizard. The older woman raised her eyebrow at her.

Hermione sighed, “Señora Ortiz. Me gustaría presentarle al Señor Draco Malfoy, un amigo mío desde Inglaterra.”

“Ah, mucho gusto,” the older muggle reached out her hand, “Eh, nice to meet you Señor Malfoy.”

Draco took her hand, “Please, call me Draco. Nice to meet you, too, Señora Ortiz.”

Hermione hated that he was making friends with her neighbors. “Él va a salir. Solamente quiere decirme, ‘hola,’” she said to the older woman. “He has to leave now.”

“I can stay,” Draco mused.

Although Señora Ortiz did not really understand English, she had gotten the gist of what was happening before her. She smiled to herself when the kids inside the apartment started calling for their mother. “Oh, los niños están listos,” the old woman smiled allowing Hermione into her apartment. Draco stood outside surprised at seeing the two little faces in the stroller.

Hermione quickly grabbed the children’s diaper bag and then looked up at her older neighbor, “Lo lamento mucho, otra vez.”

“Hermione, está bien. No importa,” Señora Ortiz cupped her neighbor’s chin in her hand telling her like a grandmother that it was all right.

Hermione took her leave as the kids waving their hands, told their babysitter, “¡Ciao!”

The foursome stood in the hallway for what seemed like a silent eternity. Draco was amazed at seeing the two little faces, sort of understanding what was going on.

He needed to confirm it though. “So, I guess it’s your turn to watch the neighbor’s kids?” he asked not even a hint of humor in his question. She shot him an icy look before rolling past him towards her apartment. She unlocked the door and knew she had no choice but to allow him in.

He shut the door behind him. He looked around at the very small apartment. He probably could have fit the one bedroom apartment in half of his bedroom at the manor. He saw the toys neatly piled in one corner, the little kitchen off to one side, the lone bathroom and the bedroom. He watched her quickly pull the two kids out of the stroller and quickly held onto their little hands as she led them into the small bedroom. There were two small beds separated by a comforter spread on the floor in between the both of them. He gulped.

She placed both of the children on one of the beds. She pulled out two sets of fresh clothes. He watched everything that was going on with wonderment.

“¿Quién es, Mami?” the young girl asked.

She eyed Draco. “Nadie, mija,” the young mother said.

Draco felt a little hurt. He remembered her translation in Mrs. Ortiz’s apartment.

The female toddler coughed and then wretched. She was not feeling all too well the last two days. The young boy had just gotten over something. She hoped he would not be catching something else.

Draco finally snapped out of it. “Do you want me to help,” he asked sincerely.

“I have to change them both out,” she said, a little vexed.

“I’m good at removing stuff, like clothing.” It came out wrong. She gave him a look that could have killed as she remembered that night. “Or I could make the stain disappear.”

“No, I can do it myself,” she said, quickly beginning to unbutton her daughter’s jumper.

“Hermione,” he touched her shoulder. A wave of goose bumps rolled over her skin. “I can help.”

He started to help the young boy out of his clothes. To both of the adults’ surprise, the young toddler allowed the blonde wizard to help him change his shirt.

Hermione quickly changed the young girl’s top and began to change her diaper. Draco wondered if Hermione expected him to do the same for the boy. However, she answered his silent question quickly. She pulled a bottom onto her daughter and started on her son.

Both children hugged the young mother after they were changed. “Hungy,” the boy said as the girl chimed in, “Hambre.”

“Okay, let’s go eat then,” she said to the both of them putting them on their feet.

“Manny, Dra . . .” Hermione paused, “Reyna. This is Mr. Malfoy. He and I used to go to school where Grandma Molly and Grandpa Arthur live.”

Both children nodded and smiled up at the young wizard. Draden Reyna stuck out her small right hand towards the blonde wizard, “Encantada.”

Draco took a deep breath and knelt down taking the young toddler’s hand, “Mucho gusto,” he said practicing what little Spanish he had picked up on that night.

The boy toddler smiled. “Señor Mafoy,” he said, disregarding the “L.” Draco smiled as he shook the boy’s hand too. He stood up.

“I can’t go out to dinner with you, Malfoy,” Hermione said.

“Draco. Please,” he insisted.

“As you can see, Draco, I’ve got my hands full,” she said a little icily.

Draco smiled to himself, “Maybe some other time, then.”

“Mami?” Herman Ronaldo began, “¿Señor Mafoy come aquí?”

“No mijo,” Hermione said staring at Draco, “I’m sure he would rather eat somewhere else.”

“I would love to join you, Manny,” Draco said to the little boy, ignoring the glare that came from the young mother. “I can help. I don’t mind.”

She looked at him incredulously before allowing the two kids to play in the small living room. She made her way to the kitchen with Draco in tow.

“You lift a finger?” she asked pulling a large pan from the cupboard and a bottle of olive oil from the pantry. “I would have thought you’d be summoning a house elf or something.”

“Well, seeing as you don’t have one, there’s always a first time, right,” he said smirking.

She narrowed her eyes at him again. Why was he doing this? She sighed before giving him instructions.

“Reach into the refrigerator and grab the marinated seafood and the chopped vegetables,” she said. He looked at her blankly. She pointed at the large white appliance.

He eyed the door curiously. Placed on the door were several photographs: two photos of the little children, a photo of Hermione holding the kids, and another one of her, the kids, and a young black haired man smiling. He took a breath and then opened the door.

The bright light of the light bulb seemed entrancing. But he shook it off and looked for the marinated whatever she had said it was to grab from the cold box. He found the container full of what seemed like little creatures as well as the package of assorted colored cut up vegetables. So, that is what they look like before they are cooked he thought as he handed the container to her.

He watched her deftly fry the vegetables and then the seafood. Then he watched her toss the vegetables back into mix. He was truly amazed. He had never gone into the manor’s kitchen; he didn’t even think he knew where their kitchen was.

“How can I help,” he asked her.

She couldn’t help smiling at him. “The plates are in that cupboard and the utensils are in that drawer. Could you set the table?”

Draco turned towards the cupboard and looked at the plates. He pulled a handful and turned towards the table. He placed the plates onto the table, one in front of each of the six chairs.

“Um, Draco,” she smiled placing the garlic potatoes in the microwave.

“Yes,” he said, holding his hands up not wanting to screw up again.

“There are only two of us eating,” she said.

“Right,” he said quickly collecting the other placements, “Sorry. I’ve never done this before.”

She laughed. He started to laugh as well. He placed the plates back into the cupboard. She placed the seafood stir-fry into a serving dish, placed the garlic potatoes into another dish, and set the both of them onto the table before going to get her two children.

She placed Manny into the high chair, and to her surprise, Draco helped Dray into hers. Hermione pointed to one of the chairs and smiled a little. If she had to eat with her former enemy, she would at least try to enjoy his company.

She poured two glasses of cranberry juice and gave one to Draco. She wasn’t that much of a drinker; and with Draco being in her apartment, she didn’t trust herself or him with alcohol. She served the children a small serving of the stir-fry and potatoes and served herself. He hesitated before he took a bite. He chewed and nodded his head, “Wow. This is really good, Hermione.”

“Okay, Draco, it’s just dinner.”

“I’ve never tasted food this good. I guess muggle cooking gives it a different taste, maybe,” he said sincerely.

“You really need to get out more, you know that,” she said taking another bite. She did have to admit that it was rather tasty.

“I’m starting to realize that. I’m glad I did get out more,” he smiled at her. “Or else I wouldn’t have found you.”

She looked down at her plate, “How did you find me, Draco?”

“I saw you walking out of the school yesterday. Our seminar ended early,” he said. He gave a laugh as she looked at him questioningly, “Harry said I should check out the beautiful architecture of the school; especially the chemistry buildings.”

“I’m going to kill him,” Hermione said almost ready to cry.

“Don’t be angry at him. He didn’t say anything really,” Draco was actually defending his old adversary. “I thought he was crazy. He did talk me into coming, though.

“So you didn’t want to be found, huh?”

She looked down at her food, “Would you like another helping?”

He smiled and nodded, knowing she was changing the subject. “This is a nice place you have here.”

“It’s home,” she said looking around. “Quite small. Not as grand as your manor.”

He just smiled. He wondered about his manor. It was where he lived, but he never really felt at home there. This small quaint apartment had that lived-in feel to it.

“So how long are you in town?” she asked already knowing the answer. According to Juan, the convention only ran through Friday. He would probably be off to London by the end of the day.

“Tomorrow’s the last day,” he began. “I’m leaving that afternoon. I’ve got a . . . a family dinner on Saturday to have to go to.”

“Oh,” she said.

“So is your husband at work?” he pried.

She gulped. “I’m not married, Draco,” she said, sounding ashamed at what he was thinking. He snuck a glance at her tan lined ring finger. He took in a breath as he looked back at his plate. Why had not she just lied?

“Oh,” he said taking a sip of his juice. “Your boyfriend then?” he asked pointing to the picture on the refrigerator.

She gulped. Juan was a boy who happened to be her friend. She was not really telling a lie, she thought, “Juan? Yeah, he’s out of town for a while. He took his students on a field trip for the week.”

“Oh,” he said. “Manny and Reyna must miss him.”

He had thought Juan was the father of her children. Hermione took in another deep breath. “Yes,” was all that she could say. He nodded.

It was a half past eight o’clock when they finished dinner. She stood up to clear the table. Draco was a little unsure of what was happening. She pulled Dray out of her high chair first, brought her to the sink and washed her face. Draco followed her with Manny to her surprise.

“Thanks,” she said smiling at him appreciatively. She carried Dray and placed her into the playpen. Manny walked behind her. Draco picked him up and placed him into the pen as well. Hermione felt a bit frightened that the children were taking to their visitor. She had placed her hand on the edge of the pen. He had brushed his hand against hers. She felt a tingle go through her whole body.

“I should finish washing the dishes,” she said excusing herself, her heart pounding in her chest.

“You know all you have to do is ask me and I’ll put a cleaning spell on those dishes,” he followed her rolling up his sleeves, ready to help her.

“I can handle this myself,” she said, starting to lather up the plates.

“I wanna help,” he insisted again. “I’ll rinse.”

She washed the plates, utensils and glasses and then passed them to him. He rinsed them off and placed them into the dish rack.

“See, I’m not useless after all,” he smiled. He wiped his forearms dry. She looked at his left one and looked away quickly. He hadn’t noticed anything as he stood very close to her. “You sure like to do things the muggle way, Hermione.”

He placed the rag on the hook above the faucet. He looked into her face. She touched his forearm with the skull and serpent mark. He took in a quick breath. “It’s the safest way for us, Draco,” she looked up into his face and then walked away towards the playpen.

Draco looked at the stupid mark. He rolled his sleeves down quickly. He followed the witch. The two children were fast asleep. She picked up Draden and walked into her bedroom. Draco was right behind her with Manny. She took in a breath.

“So where do you sleep?” he asked.

Her ears started to burn. She was obviously embarrassed at the question. “I, um,” she began. “I sleep on the floor, Draco.”

He nodded a little ashamed at his question. He looked down for a moment.

“How old are they?” he asked watching the rise and fall of their little chests.

She looked up at him. She took a deep breath. “They turned two back in March.”

He nodded as they watched the two sleep for a while before Hermione walked out of the room. “Shouldn’t you watch them,” he began.

“I’ve got baby monitors,” she said, holding up the one-way receiver.

Draco had no clue of what she was talking. But seeing as she was the mother of two for the past two years, he had no doubt she knew what she was talking about.

“It’s getting late, Draco,” she said, with a slight sadness in her tone.

“Yeah,” he said, breathing in.

She headed for the door. Draco had no choice but to follow.

“Say,” he began, “Do you want to go to dinner tomorrow?”

“I thought you were leaving tomorrow,” she said losing herself in his eyes.

“I don’t have to be home until Saturday. So, how about it?”

“I . . . I don’t think so, Draco,” she looked down.

“I’m gonna be hungry tomorrow,” he said trying to get her to look at him. He made her smile. “I owe you dinner.”

“I didn’t think you would like to be seen in public with a mu. . . a muggle, Draco,” she said as she looked up into his face.

He breathed in. “The world’s changed, Hermione. I’ve changed.”

She gulped. Why was she doing this? “I get to choose the eatery, then.”

He nodded agreeing. “Okay, then. You choose. I’ll meet you right outside of your apartment tomorrow. Does 6:30 sound okay with you?”

She nodded her head. He smiled at her.

“It’s a date, then,” he said breathing in. He looked at her one last time before leaving the apartment.

She shut her eyes as she leaned against the door. What have I gotten myself into?

Draco took the lift down and smiled all the way to Café Olla. He never once thought about his Saturday dinner with Roxanne and her family. All he could think about was Hermione and the two little children.