LIFETIME MATE

Chapter Twenty-Three


The next day, after lunch, Hermione went down to get the picture albums in the dungeons so Narcissa could look at them. She knocked on Draco’s door to have him answer almost immediately. “Oh....hi... I came to get the photo albums to show your mother.”

“You’re lucky you caught me. I was just on my way up to the faculty lounge to grade some papers, it’s a lot brighter up there.” He smirked, then motioned to the table. “They’re over there.”

“Thanks. Did you look all through them already?” She asked as she picked them up in her arms.

“Yes. Katrina and I went through all of them together.” He looked at her. “You look good Hermione.” He said taking in her snug jeans, t-shirt and vest. Her hair was in a loose braid that hung down the center of her back.

Hermione looked at him in return, and licked her lips. “Thanks, so do you.” Wanting to touch him. She liked when he wore jeans, it showed his ‘assets’ real nice. She smirked at that thought. “Well, I better get going. See you around Malfoy.” She was still smirking when she got to her own quarters.

Hermione had Kat wait in her room until she prepared Narcissa for the news. Narcissa had arrived through the fireplace by floo powder. She walked up to Hermione and hugged her tight.
“Hermione. At last we can talk. I was so glad to hear from you.” Narcissa smiled looking up and down at Hermione. “You look well Hermione.”

“Thanks Narcissa. el gel good. You look good too. Come sit down.” She let her to the sofa. “There’s someone I’d like for you to meet, I’ll be right back.” Hermione left leaving Narcissa looking thoroughly puzzled.

Hermione went into Kat’s rooms to get her, squeezed her hand and led her out. Narcissa had stood up when they neared. “Narcissa, I would like you to meet Katrina Dracilla Granger, your granddaughter.”

Narcissa saw the resemblance to Draco as soon as she entered the room. Her hand went to her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. “My granddaughter? Does Draco know?”

Katrina held out her hand which Narcissa took in her own. She sat down tugging her grandmother’s hand gently to sit her down. “Yes, he just found out this week. It’s all been quite a shock for him, and to me also.” Katrina smiled.

Narcissa brought her hand up to touch Kat’s cheek. “I was not expecting this, but I am thrilled. I’m a grandmother.” she chuckled.

Hermione had poured them tea. “So, I’m glad you are alright. Albus had told me a bit of what happened.”

“Everything is fine. I must say, when I heard you rid the world of Miss Riddle, I was very proud and happy. We were finally able to come out of hiding.”

“Where were you hiding?” Kat asked.

“We. Draco and I, changed our names and appearances and lived in muggle Scotland.”

“Did you live as muggles?” Hermione asked.

Narcissa smiled. “Yes. And I must tell you, it was an adjustment for both of us. Draco had to learn how to drive a car, and I learned to cook and clean without the help of a house elf. The only magic was of us traveling by floo powder. Draco had went to become a professor of Potions. It was a struggle, but I do not regret living like that.” She sipped her tea. “The only regret I would have to say is that we couldn’t keep in contact with anyone from the wizarding world, except Albus.”


They continued to talk, going over their lives of the past ten years. Hermione brought out the picture albums for Narcissa to look through.

“You know, when Draco had come back from his visits with you, he never mentioned seeing any pictures of Katrina.” Narcissa said oblivious to Hermione’s stunned expression.

“When he was ‘Chase’, he never came into the house. We met somewhere else.”

“No, well before that dear. He used t dur during your cycles.” Narcissa said looking up to Hermione, seeing her face pale. “Oh dear. I probably shouldn’t have said anything.” She said worriedly.

Hermione stood up, wiping her damp hands on her jeans. “I’ll be back in a bit. Let you two get acquainted.” She said with a tight smile.

They both smiled nervously at her. “Okay, we’ll be fine. Take your time mum.” Katrina said.

Hermione stalked towards the faculty lounge, her temper rising with every step. She stepped through the door, her eyes blazing. Harry, Albus, Minerva and Severus watched her approach Draco.

He stood up as she approached. “Hermione, what’s......” He was cut off when Hermione drew her hand back and let her fist fly towards his face. He fell to the ground, not expecting it and held the side of his face.

“HOW FUCKING DARE YOU. I THOUGH I WAS LOSING MY MIND!” She screamed.

“What are you talking about Granger?” His own temper starting to flare as he sat sitting on the floor.

“You’re nightly visits to me the first seven years after you were gone. I thought I was going crazy, knowing you were dead, but having my dreams seem so real.” She cried.

He got up and reached for her. “Hermione, what.....”

She glared at him. “FUCK YOU MALFOY!” She yelled and stormed out.

Draco went to follow her, but Severus stopped him. “Leave her be for now Malfoy, she needs some time alone.”

Draco glared at him. “What do you know? And why should she care. She didn’t give a shit the last couple of years, falling into bed with Weasley and then you.” He spat.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about Malfoy.” Severus replied as he crossed his arms. “Tell me, Malfoy, do you know why Hermione went after Riddle?” Draco shook his head. “She volunteered, said that she took someone away who was important to her....that would be you. That was just last year. So tell me Malfoy. Would a woman who took another life and took a bullet, and by the way, the sight of her covered in blood is something I will never be able to forget, would she have done that if she didn’t care. For such a smart man, you are an idiot!” Severus concluded as he left the room in a swish of his black robes.