Questions of Science

Disclaimer: No ownership

A/N: Have I mentioned how much you guys rock? Seriously I love all of you and I can’t think of a gift good enough. I’m updating today in honor of Draco Malfoy’s real birthday!! June 5th. Ok so it was yesterday, but I took a really long nap and couldn’t finish writing in time. The title for this chapter comes from the song, “Child for a Day” by Cat Stevens.

The book I mention in this chapter is a real book! So anyways…on with the chapter!

Let’s see if we can make it to 20 reviews for this chapter, if that happens…big Draco numminess will head your way ;)


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Chapter 6: A Little Older With Everyday
Hermione returned to her wing of the house and sat on the couch, trying to empty her head. She picked up her notes that had dictated the conversation that Narcissa was part of. Narcissa had made great progress in only one day, being able to say Lucius’ name. The potion that Hermione had given Draco to slip in her drink also could have helped a bit, since it was a heavy anti-depressant.

What bothered Hermione the most was Narcissa’s nonchalance on the subject of Lucius’ infidelity. She had read about spousal abuse in her ‘Therapy for Couples’ texts and it spoke of how submissive women and overbearing husbands were easy to identify. Lucius had instilled a misconception in Narcissa that him cheating on her was allowed and actually vital in that marriage.

Narcissa had been only seventeen when she was forced to marry Lucius, as Draco had told Hermione, and being such a young age, Narcissa was still easy to manipulate, as Lucius had so expertly accomplished. Hermione took a few more notes, underlining the important phrases that could prove to help in future questioning.

She put away her notes and put her feet up on the coffee table thinking about the one thing Draco said that had really troubled her…he had seen the things inflicted on his mother. It was one thing to live through torture, but to have to watch your own mother being tortured, that was a different story.

She had seen the blistering pain in his eyes when he spoke of it. Just by that look, Hermione knew that he had witnessed some horrible things, and the fact that he couldn’t even say them out loud made her sure of the fact that Narcissa was not put through normal Unforgivables.

Hermione respected and understood Draco’s confidentiality, but the information that he and Narcissa held could help immensely in Hermione’s knowledge of how to help Narcissa ease out of her insanity. She would never return back to normal, but she could probably prolong her life by a few years.

Hermione had to find a way to get Draco to tell her what he saw. He said he didn’t want to say, so did that mean he would never tell her, or that he wasn’t comfortable enough with her to tell her?

Hermione sighed and got up to go to bed.

The next morning, Draco woke up from a ghastly nightmare. He had dreamt that he had been at a Death Eater’s meeting and he was watching not only his mother being tortured, but Hermione as well. He usually woke up in a sweat when he had these dreams, but this one really bothered him.

He didn’t know why he had this dream. He was used to the ones with his mother, but if Hermione was going to be making an appearance he would be sure to start taking a ‘Dreamless draught.’

He grudgingly got out of bed and went into the bathroom. He did the necessities and dressed for the day. Dark green button down shirt and khaki slacks. He didn’t bother with a robe and walked out of his room, trying to shake his head of the images he had seen while sleeping.

As usual, he went up to his mother’s room and knocked on the door to escort her down to the garden for their daily outdoor breakfast. She answered the door with a smile and greeted her son with a hug and kiss.

They went out to the garden and sat down in their usual places. Narcissa chatting about which flowers were in bloom and Draco nodding along as his mind wandered to other things. The previous night had been a turning point for him. He had enjoyed speaking with Hermione about random things, enjoyed her witty comments and playful banter. It was almost as if they were friends.

Friends. That was something strange to Draco. He had clearly stated that they should form a professional relationship. Friendship had been the last thing on his mind. But now, he was beginning to look forward to her questions and looking forward to the answers he got when he wanted to ask questions.

He smiled when he thought of the way her mind worked. It was such a contrast from what he was used to. He analyzed things, of course, like every human being, but she broke concepts and ideas down to basic thoughts and tried to figure everything out.

When he had almost fallen asleep last night and she had pulled the quilt over him, stroked his hair, and touched his cheek, he didn’t dare let her know that he hadn’t quite yet fallen asleep. She had a soft touch and a gentle nature about her. Unlike her, he wasn’t going to think of the motives behind the gesture or the reasons why she might have done it. He was just going to accept that at that moment in time, she felt it necessary to reach out and touch him.

Draco turned his thoughts back to his mother as she asked him a question.

“Can you take me somewhere today, Draco?” Narcissa asked as she stirred her tea.

“I’m sorry mum, but you know I cannot leave the manor.” Draco said, watching the hypnotic rhythm of the spoon spin around the tea cup.

“Hmm.” Narcissa sighed. “I really do feel like going out. Maybe do a bit of shopping. It feels like I haven’t been out in years.”

“Three to be exact.” Draco said sadly. “I really am sorry. I know you must get tired of being here all of the time. How about we ask Healer Granger if she could take you out somewhere?”

“Oh that would be marvelous!” Narcissa said as a smile brightened her face. “She is such a lovely girl and I would be so happy to go shopping with her.”

“Well, when she wakes up, we can ask her.” he said as he plucked some petals from a daisy.

“But am I allowed to go out? What if someone sees me and recognizes me? I don’t want you to get into trouble, dear.” She said worriedly.

“No one is going to harass you or interrogate you as long as you stay with Healer Granger. The ministry doesn’t know you have any communication with me. The Order has been feeding them stories that I’ve run off to Antigua.”

“Oh Antigua. That’s such a beautiful island. I went there when I was a little girl and it was very nice.” Narcissa said reminiscently. “If the ministry ever decides to stop acting like a bunch of mongrels, then maybe we could visit there.”

“If the ministry does pardon me, then we can do whatever you wish.” Draco said.

After they had finished breakfast and were sitting, enjoying the nice cool morning air, Hermione walked out into the garden in a light pink blouse and black knee-length skirt. She had let her hair down and had a sweet smile on her face. She sat down next to Narcissa and greeted them with a ‘good morning.’

“Hermione, would it be alright if we went shopping today?” Narcissa asked, looking hopeful.

Hermione was a bit taken aback by the request. For some reason, she had thought that she would be stuck at the manor until her days off and have to treat Narcissa at home. Going out could be beneficial to Narcissa’s condition and even let her open up even more.

“I would love to, Narcissa. When would you like to leave?”

“Now?” Narcissa said with an excited smile.

“Ok, are we to take the floo or apparate?” Hermione asked Draco.

“I haven’t opened the floo network, so you’ll have to walk out off the property to apparate.” He said.

“Alright then, would you like us to get you anything?” she asked as she stood up.

Draco hid his surprise at the question. “Uh, no thank you. Just have fun.” He said and kissed his mother on the cheek. Hermione found that very endearing and for a split second secretly wished it was her cheek.

‘Damn, I thought a night’s sleep would clear those thoughts. Him and his stupid lips.’ She thought to herself as she walked with Narcissa out of the garden.

They reached an apparation point and Narcissa stopped Hermione before she could apparate.

“I have a place in mind. Would you mind if we went there instead of Diagon Alley?” Narcissa asked.

“I wouldn’t mind at all. You’d have to apparate us both though.” Hermione said as she held on to Narcissa’s arm.

Narcissa smiled and soon Hermione felt the effects of apparation. They were standing at the end of a long street filled with shops and boutiques. These weren’t ordinary shops; these were the types of shops that a Malfoy would shop at. Guards at the doors, no price tags on the clothes, snotty salespeople. Just the type of shops that Hermione would never be found in.

“Where are we?” Hermione asked as Narcissa took her arm and led her towards one of the boutiques.

“Charmant Avenue. It is the Wizarding world’s finest retailing center. I used to come here when I was younger and after I got married.” Narcissa said.

Hermione followed Narcissa through several shops. Narcissa had insisted that she buy Hermione a new set of robes and jewelry. No matter how much Hermione declined, they ended up leaving the stores with heavy bags.

“You really shouldn’t have Narcissa, really this is too much.” Hermione said.

“Nonsense, dear. You have to have something nice to wear for tonight.” Narcissa said as she tried on a silver necklace.

“Why? What’s tonight?” she asked.

“Draco’s birthday dinner.” Narcissa said. “I wanted to go shopping today to get him a present.”

“It’s his birthday?” Hermione asked with a hint of shock. “I had no idea.”

“Yes. This will be his fourth birthday in hiding. But this is the first time that I could leave the house to get him a gift.” Narcissa said despondently. “You will join us for his dinner, won’t you?”

“Oh, well yes, I’d be happy to.” Hermione said distractedly.

‘Should I get him a gift? I mean I’ve only been civil with him for about three days. What is the rule with giving gifts? Damn, I hate society and all the rules. Maybe I should get him something since he hasn’t received a gift for his past three birthdays. That’s right; I really should get him something then. But why would I spend my hard-earned money on Draco Malfoy? Well most of that hard-earned money is coming from him…but he has changed so much since school. He has not said one malicious thing towards me, in fact, he has been more than civil, friendly even. Ok, I guess I will get him something, I mean, it is his birthday after all.’

Hermione was drawn out of her thoughts by Narcissa waving a hand in front of her face.

“Hermione, I’m sorry to cut off your daydreams, but I was asking if you would like to have lunch with me.” Narcissa said with a soft smile.

Hermione smiled back. “Of course.”

Narcissa led her out of the shop and to Café de Monde, located at the end of Charmant Avenue. They enjoyed a gourmet Parisian lunch, talking about many things, with Hermione’s mini-quill dictating the conversation.

“I do know who you are, Hermione.” Narcissa said as she sipped at her lemon drink.

Hermione looked confused. “And who am I?”

“You are the girl who drove Draco absolutely crazy back when you attended school. I thought I recognized your name, but it didn’t dawn on me until recently. He despised you, you know. And the other two, Potter and Weasley. I would listen to him nag and moan about how awful you all were. He was a bit of a spoiled boy, but I could tell he was unhappy.” Narcissa said.

“How was he unhappy?” Hermione asked.

“He didn’t have the camaraderie that I suppose you had with your two friends. All of his friendships were those of necessity brought upon by his father and house-convenience. Being in Slytherin, people aren’t very friendly and warm, as I suppose other houses were. So, Draco never really got the chance to make a true friend.”

“Oh.” Was all Hermione could say, her sympathy vibe strengthening.

“And now he’s stuck at the manor. He couldn’t even take me to the hospital when I developed a fever and he healed me himself. He’s so young and I just wish he had a chance to explore the world, meet new people, and just be happy.” Narcissa said. “I know he’s made some mistakes in life and now he’s paying his debt to society, but I would have wished a different life for him.”

“He has already paid his debt to society. By leading the light side to the Dark Lord’s hide-out and by risking his life to betray his father and master. By helping rid the world of evil, it vanquishes all of his previous wrong-doings. He never killed, so he has no reason to be punished.”

“Oh but he did kill.” Narcissa said sadly.

“Draco didn’t kill Dumbledore, Narcissa. I don’t think he could have even if he wanted to. I suppose he didn’t have it in him.”

Narcissa didn’t respond. She just smiled at Hermione and asked the waiter to bring the bill.

As they walked back out onto the avenue, Narcissa linked arms with Hermione and said something Hermione didn’t expect.

“I know I’m crazy.” Narcissa said seriously.

“Oh, Narcissa, you’re not crazy.”

“Yes I am. I know I don’t act normal at times and that I lose my grip on reality from moment to moment, but Draco has put up with me every step of the way, and for that I am grateful. I am also grateful for you Hermione. You put your past hatred and differences with my son behind you so that you could help me tighten that grip that I so often lose. I wish it were different. I wish I fought harder against the ones who did this to me. I wish I had the courage to defy L-Lucius when we were married and not put up with his indiscretions…” she said with a sigh.

“You are a strong person, Narcissa, and a courageous one. Someone weaker would have died or killed themselves halfway through what you have had to endure. You have lost a bit of your old self, but that’s why I am here. Draco asked for someone to help you gain what you lost and I’m sure with your strength and perseverance, you can have a little of what you had.”

“I’m never going to go back to normal, am I?” Narcissa said, already knowing the answer.

Hermione put her arm around the woman’s shoulder. “I’m sorry Narcissa. You don’t deserve what has happened, you really don’t, but I will try, to the best of my abilities to make your condition much more comfortable.”

“Thank you Hermione. I really don’t know how to thank you.” Narcissa said.

“There’s no need. I really do want to help you. But I have a question.” Hermione said.

“What is it dear?”

“What do you buy a person for their birthday when they have everything?” Hermione asked with a smile.

Narcissa smiled at this. “Knowledge.”

“Books?” Hermione asked.

“Yes. He loves to read and there are so many different books that can express how you feel. When he was younger, I would buy him books where the hero always prevails. I hope those helped him on his way to assist the light side conquer evil. I don’t know what kind of book I’ll buy him now. Maybe a book on dragons or travel.” Narcissa said as they walked towards the quaint bookshop.

Hermione and Narcissa walked up and down the different aisles, looking over the book titles, nothing really drawing their attention. Narcissa paused at the section on magical animals and told Hermione to go on and meet her at the check-out counter.

Hermione passed by another aisle before something caught her eye. She pulled the book off of the shelf and stared at the cover with a wide grin.

It was a muggle book that Hermione had seen once at the psychological research center she studied at once. Since this was a fancy little bookstore, she suspected they would carry both muggle and magic books.

The book was too perfect to pass up. She brought it with her to the check-out counter where Narcissa was already waiting. They both made their purchases and left the store.

“Did you find the right book, dear?” Narcissa asked as she finished showing Hermione the book on griffins, manticores, and sphinxes.

“I think so. I just hope he likes it.” Hermione said with a hint of pink on her cheeks.

“I’m sure he will.” Narcissa said kindly.

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Hermione and Narcissa arrived at the manor a little before six in the evening. Draco was busy in his office, so he wasn’t there to see the aggregation of shopping bags the two ladies had accumulated.

They split ways at the third floor to get ready for the dinner party before Hermione had an idea. She walked quickly over to Narcissa’s room and knocked on the door.

Narcissa answered and looked at Hermione with a smile.

“Narcissa, I was wondering if I could invite some people for this birthday dinner. I know some people who know about Draco’s situation and it would make the dinner seem a little less small.” Hermione said with a half smile.

Narcissa grinned. “Of course dear, the dinner starts at eight, so you can invite whomever you please.”

Hermione rushed back to her room and grabbed her wand before practically sprinting back out to the apparation point. She focused and soon found herself in front of Isabelle’s flat. She knocked and Isabelle answered, dropping the glass of juice she was holding.

“HERMS!” Isabelle shrieked before squeezing Hermione in a bone-crushing hug. “What on earth are you doing here?”

Hermione pulled away before losing oxygen. “Hey Belle. I know this is out of the blue, but how would you like to come to Malfoy’s birthday dinner?”

Isabelle stared at Hermione for a second before breaking out a big grin. “You mean I can come to the Malfoy Manor? How freakin’ awesome.” Isabelle said before running into her room to change. She yelled from her room. “You’re lucky I’m not on-call tonight. Should we bring Harry?”

“Um, I don’t think Harry or Ron should come. It wouldn’t be the happiest birthday dinner.” Hermione said as she cleaned up the broken glass on the floor with her wand.

“That’s fine. Who else is going to be there?” Isabelle said as she came out of her room in light green robes and her blond locks pulled into a chignon. Hermione couldn’t help but feel a slight bit of envy.

“Well, Malfoy, his mother, and some others that we have to swing by and invite. What are you looking for?” Hermione asked as she watched Isabelle rummaging through a cupboard.

“It’s a birthday thing, so I have to bring a gift. I have a whole bunch of back-up gifts that I keep. Do you think he’ll like candle-holders?” she asked as she pulled out two ugly metal sticks.

“Not those.” Hermione said and ducked the flying candle-holder. “Hurry it up; we still have two places to visit.”

“Ok fine, I’ll give him a s’more maker.” Isabelle said and pulled out a box which she wrapped using her wand.

“Alright then, let’s go. Hold on to me so we can apparate.” Hermione said as they left the flat.

They arrived in front of a flat that Isabelle didn’t recognize. “Where are we?”

“Malfoys’s cousin’s place. I think you met her once at my Christmas party.”

“Oh Tonks? She’s so wicked.” Isabelle said with a smile. “I didn’t know she’s Malfoy’s cousin.”

Hermione knocked on the door and Remus Lupin answered. “Hello, Hermione; we haven’t seen you in the longest time.” He said, opening the door to let them in.

“Hello Remus, you remember Isabelle Paine?” She said as Isabelle and Remus shook hands.

“Yes, we met at your party. Nice to see you again Miss Paine.” He said.

“Oh yeah, I remember you were too polite for me. Just call me Belle.” She said kindly.

“Is Tonks around?” Hermione asked.

“Yes, she’s in the kitchen. How is the home program working for you?”

“It’s really wonderful.” She said as they walked towards the kitchen.

“Hey Hermione!” Tonks said as she finished drying a dish. “Hey Isabelle.”

“Hello Tonks. I know this is very sudden and a bit hasty, but how would you and Remus like to come to Malfoy’s birthday dinner tonight?”

“My cousin?” Tonks asked with her head tilted to the side.

“Yeah.”

“What do you think Reems? Want to go visit my auntie and cousin?” Tonks asked.

“I guess we can spare an evening. I don’t know how Mr. Malfoy will react to having a werewolf in his home though.”

“Oh, he’s changed so much since school. He has matured and even holds civil conversations with me, a muggleborn. I just thought that maybe there could be some family and friends at his birthday dinner. Plus, I think it would help Narcissa to be around more people.”

“Ok then. That sounds fine. Should we get ready now?” Remus said.

“Yes please, because I need Tonks to tell me where her mother lives.”

“My mum?” Tonks asked as she walked towards the bedroom.

“Yeah. I thought Narcissa would be happy to see her sister.” Hermione yelled from the living room.

Tonks came out of the room in bright pink robes to match her pixie-style hair. “Let me just grab a gift and we can go.”

Remus was already dressed in regular black robes which weren’t shabby as usual. He had finally managed to find work as a Ministry ambassador to werewolf colonies around the globe. They paid him very well seeing as how there weren’t many people who would take the job.

Tonks came back with a box in hand and they all left to the Tonks residence on the other side of town. Nymphadora knocked on the door and was greeted by her mother. Andromeda, who had the same beauty as Narcissa, but with darker hair and darker features, greeted everyone warmly.

“Well what’s with the big gathering?” Andromeda asked as she invited everyone in.

“Hermione here works over at Auntie Cissa’s. She’s treating her for schizophrenia or something of that nature. Anyways, she wants us all to come to some birthday dinner for Draco and wanted to know if you’d like to come.” Tonks answered.

“Poor Cissa. I haven’t heard from her in ages.” Andromeda said with a sad look in her eye. “I’d love to come. Let me just go change.”

Hermione couldn’t believe her luck. Everyone she had in mind was available and willing to come on such short notice. She knew that having people there who knew the Malfoys would make the dinner seem a little bit brighter. Plus, she had missed Isabelle way too much.

Andromeda came out in black robes and a gift in hand. “I hope you don’t mind, but Ted is visiting his sister in Canada, so it will just be me.”

“That’s fine.” Hermione said. “Now the dinner starts at eight, which is in one hour, so we can go to the manor now and that can give you time to mingle and catch up.”

“Do Cissa or Draco know that you’re inviting us all?” Andromeda asked.

“Well, actually no. Narcissa knows that I’m inviting some people, but she doesn’t know whom, and well I haven’t seen Malfoy since this morning.” Hermione said as they stepped outside.

“Ok then. Nymph and I can apparate there, so Remus, you can hold on to Nymph and, I’m sorry I haven’t met your friend.” Andromeda said looking at Isabelle.

“Oh, I’m sorry, this is Isabelle Paine. We worked together at St. Mungo’s.” Hermione said.

“Nice to meet you dear. As I was saying, Isabelle can hold on to Hermione. See you all there.” Andromeda said and with a pop she was gone.

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They all arrived at the apparation point a few meters from the manor. Isabelle almost tripped at the sight of the massive architecture. It was a Renaissance style manor with a faded exterior and gothic hints every few spaces.

They walked up to the front door that Hermione opened using her wand with a complicated unlocking spell. She led them inside and took them to her wing of the house. She didn’t see Narcissa or Draco on the way up there and was glad that she could surprise them with this.

“Your wing is bigger than my bloody flat.” Isabelle said as she sat on the couch. “Cor, you’re so lucky to be staying here. I can’t wait to meet the Malfoys.”

“Make yourselves comfortable. Belle, care to help me to pick out what to wear?” Hermione asked.

Isabelle jumped up from the couch and almost ran to Hermione’s bedroom, flinging open the wardrobe. Hermione had magically put away all the clothes Narcissa had bought her that day and Isabelle was going through them with wide eyes.

“You have to wear this one Herms, it’s so beautiful.” Isabelle said as she held up a navy blue robe that doubled as a dress. It hugged her waist and billowed out over her hips and legs.

“Ok, you’re the one with the fashion sense.” Hermione said as she went into the bathroom to put it on.

She came back out and Isabelle beamed. “You look drop-dead gorgeous, babe. You don’t even need makeup. I’m so jealous of you sometimes.”

“Jealous of me?” Hermione asked incredulously. “Yeah, whatever.”

They met everyone back in the living room of Hermione’s wing and she led them out to the parlor of the manor, located on the first floor. She left them in there as she went back up to Narcissa’s room to retrieve her. She knocked on the door and was met with a stunning Mrs. Malfoy in dark green robes.

“You always manage to look so beautiful, Narcissa. I don’t know how you do it” Hermione said.

“Thank you dear. Did you invite your friends?” She asked as they walked down to the first floor.

“Yes. They’re waiting in the parlor.” Hermione said, unable to hide a smile.

The arrived at the parlor doors and Hermione held the door open for the elder woman. Narcissa stopped dead in her tracks as she saw her sister for the first time in years.

“A-Andie?” Narcissa stuttered as she caught sight of her older sister.

“Oh Cissa.” Andromeda said and embraced her sister in a warm hug. “I’ve missed you, love.”

Hermione saw the tears in Narcissa’s eyes at having her sister there with her. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

“I thought you never wanted to see me again.” Andromeda said. “After I married Ted, the whole family stopped talking to me. And then that horrible instance with Lucius”

“I’m so sorry Andie. I didn’t want to stop talking to you, but father would have killed me if he knew I kept in contact. Let’s not talk about L-Lucius tonight; we can save that for later. I still can’t believe you’re here.”

“Yes, well Hermione was kind enough to invite me. So when do I get to see my nephew? I haven’t seen him since he was in nappies.”

“I believe he’s in his office. He’ll be down soon. Wait, don’t tell me this is little Dora.” Narcissa said, turning to look at the witch in bright pink robes. “Goodness, you have grown up to be such a beauty.”

Tonks blushed a bit but hugged her aunt tight. “I’ve missed you Auntie. It’s good to see you again.”

“Likewise, dear.” She then looked to Remus. “And you’re Remus Lupin. I remember you from school. You were friends with my cousin, Sirius.”

“Yes that was me. It’s nice to properly meet you.” He said, extending his hand out for her to shake.

Tonks noticed Narcissa’s confused features. “Remus is my fiancé.” She said.

“You’re getting married?” Narcissa asked with a slight waver. Hermione sensed this and calmly put her hand on Narcissa’s arm.

“Narcissa, they are both in mutual agreement to get married and they are both very, very happy together. Their marriage will be one of love and adoration. We should be happy for them.” Hermione said gently.

Narcissa nodded and smiled. “Congratulations to you both. I wish you only the best.”

Andromeda hid a heartbreaking gaze at how her sister had become. She also felt pleased that Hermione was there to help her. She seemed like a very well-trained nurturer.

“And who is this pretty girl?” Narcissa asked, looking at Isabelle.

“This is Isabelle Paine. She’s a pediatric Healer at St. Mungo’s and one of my dearest friends.” Hermione said when Narcissa and Isabelle shook hands.

“Healer Paine.” Narcissa said and then smiled at the irony. “How very nice to meet you. Any friend of Hermione’s is a friend of mine.”

“I already informed the house-elves to prepare for more people. I’m so happy that you’re all here.” Narcissa said as she sat down on the couch between her niece and sister. “Hermione, would you go tell Draco to come down?”

“Oh yes, of course.” She turned and motioned for Isabelle to come with her.

As they walked through the massive house, Isabelle couldn’t help but feel a bit excited.

“So I finally get to meet the Draco Malfoy. Is he cute?” Isabelle asked shamelessly.

Hermione laughed a bit, used to Isabelle’s questions. “He’s attractive, I guess.”

Isabelle regarded her friend and smiled. “In Hermione translation, that would mean he’s bloody gorgeous.”

“So how’s Harry doing?” Hermione asked, changing the subject.

“He’s fine. Now are you and Malfoy still rude to each other, or have you put aside your differences?”

“Well we have grown up Belle, so yes, we have a very civil, professional relationship that doesn’t go beyond my work and his mother.” Hermione said. She was technically telling the truth. Isabelle didn’t need to know about the ‘talks’ they had and the lip fixation.

“Oh how boring.” Isabelle said as she looked around at the halls. “You’re in this big house and you’re stuck here with a handsome man, and all you worry about is work, work, work. But then I suppose nothing could ever happen between you two since you have that whole ‘we used to loathe each other back when we were younger’ thing. Oh well, I can always tell Darien that you’re available.”

“Darien? As in Healer Buckland over in geriatrics?”

“Oh yeah. He’s always asking about you and when you’re going to come back. He said he regrets not asking you out sooner. Nice guy, great hair.”

Hermione laughed. “Well I don’t know how long I’ll be here and who knows what could happen between now and the time I leave.”

Isabelle snorted. “Oh please, as if you’ll find plenty of men over here at the manor. When you have a day off, you really should give Darien a chance. He’s such a sweet guy and he really does have great hair.”

“We’ll see.” Hermione said as they reached the second floor and stood in front of Draco’s double doors.

She knocked on the wooden doors and heard the heavy footsteps of her patient’s son. The door opened and Draco stood there in the clothes he had worn that morning: dark green button down shirt and khaki slacks. His eyebrow quirked at the two ladies standing in front of him and Isabelle didn’t miss the look in his eye when he saw Hermione in her fine navy robes.

“Happy Birthday!” Hermione said cheerfully.

“Uh, thank you. How’d you know?”

“Your mother told me. Why? Were you planning on keeping it a secret?” she asked.

“It’s just another day. Never been one for the birthday celebration. Who’s your friend?”

“Oh, this is Isabelle. I’ve mentioned her before. She works at the hospital with me. Isabelle, this is Draco Malfoy.”

“Duh.” Isabelle said as she shook his hand. “Nice to meet you and happy birthday.”

“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you as well.” He turned back to Hermione. “I’m guessing my mother invited you for a birthday meal of some sort.”

“Well, she invited me and I invited Belle and a few others.”

“Few others?” Draco asked.

“Don’t worry, two of them are in the Order and one of them, well I’m sure she won’t rat you out.” Hermione said. “Now come on, your mum sent me up to get you. We’re having dinner.”

Draco closed his door behind him and led the three of them back down to the parlor. He didn’t have the same reaction as his mother upon seeing his aunt and cousin but Hermione could tell that he was still a bit surprised and happy that they were there.

He shook hands with his former professor and invited everyone into the dining room. They chatted over everything and anything. Narcissa and Andromeda talked about their childhood and, of course, gossip. Isabelle and Hermione entertained Remus, Tonks and Draco with stories of their humiliating internships and all about Dr. Whore.

“So it’s our third day as interns and we’re on-call at night for the first time,” Isabelle said. “And Hermione here thinks it’s a good idea to sleep in the break room instead of the on-call room. No matter how much I tried to talk her out of it, she insisted that the break room was less noisy and even had two couches for us to sleep on. So like an idiot, I listen to her and an hour within falling asleep we’re both down to our knickers and bras.”

“It’s a tradition for the attending Healers to ‘initiate’ the interns or some crap like that. So not only are we in our underwear, but our lockers have been magically locked so we couldn’t even get any spare scrubs or clothes. We had to walk through the emergency ward covering ourselves with couch cushions.” Hermione said to which they all laughed.

“And then Dr. Whore comes out and says, ‘wow, I didn’t know couch cushions were in style.’ I swear that woman would not know how to be funny if it humped her.” Isabelle said.

“So what did you end up doing?” Tonks asked as she wiped her eyes from laughing.

“Hermione’s brain finally kicked in and we transfigured the couch cushions into clothes. They were really lumpy and still had zippers, but at least we weren’t half starkers.”

“Ok no more naked stories. I think I’ve been mortified enough for one night.” Hermione said. “It’s time for birthday cake, anyways.”

“Oh please, for the love of all the muggle theological figures, please do not sing the birthday song.” Draco said in pleading tone. Hermione couldn’t help but smile at how adorable he looked pleading.

‘Did I just think that Draco Malfoy is adorable? Holy snaps, I swear I’m losing it.’ Hermione thought to herself.

“Fine, you don’t have to beg. Why are you so against the song?” Tonks asked.

“I have never met one person who enjoys being sung to on their birthday. It’s horribly awkward and though it may be short, it makes self-mutilation seem tempting.” He said.

“Ok, no song. But you still have to open your presents.” Isabelle said.

“Presents? You didn’t have to.” He said quietly.

“Don’t be silly. It’s your birthday. So cake, no song, then presents.”

Draco smiled and rolled his eyes when the house-elf brought out the cake. Hermione counted 20 candles.

“Wait, you’re turning twenty?” Hermione asked.

“Yes. Why?”

“Oh, I just thought you were already twenty. You’re nine months younger than me, then”

He looked her in the eye, which was the first time he looked at her face all evening. He had been occupied with the nice-fitting robes instead. “You were born in September, which makes you older than the rest of the people from our class at Hogwarts. August is the cutoff month for the different years at school.”

“Oh.” Hermione said and smiled politely.

He blew out the candles without a song and magically cut a piece for everyone.

“So what did you wish for?” Tonks asked.

“I wished that you wouldn’t sing the song.” He replied.

“Ha-ha. Now what did you really wish for?”

“Well I can’t very well tell you, or it shan’t come true.” He said with a smile.

“Oh come on, you know all that stuff is rubbish. If it’s a reasonable wish, you’ll get it.” Isabelle said.

“Oh I plan on getting my wish. I’m just going to stick to tradition and not divulge it.”

“Fine then. Time for presents!” Isabelle said.

She used her wand to bring all the gifts to the center of the table and handed Draco a box. “Open mine first.”

He unwrapped the gift and stared at the box with a confused look. “What’s a s’more?”

“It’s a campfire treat. Graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate. Melt them together and you have a s’more.”

“Oh.” He said. “Uh, thank you. I’ll use it the next time I, um, fancy something sweet.”

Isabelle smiled. “Fabulous.”

He opened the rest of the presents, thanking them for the watch he received from Tonks and Remus, the dragon-hide riding gloves from his Aunt Andromeda and the magical creature book he received from his mother.

Hermione’s gift was last and Draco unwrapped it slowly. He turned the book over and looked at the title. He read the title and couldn’t help but grin.

When Opposites Attract: Right Brain/Left Brain Relationships and How to Make Them Work by Rebecca Cutter.

He looked up at Hermione and saw her eyes twinkling with anticipation over whether he liked the gift or not. She saw his grin and could barely contain hers.

“Thank you all. This really has been a wonderful birthday. You are all welcome to visit anytime.” He said and left the room.

Hermione frowned at his sudden departure but helped Narcissa escort everyone to the door. Andromeda promised to drop by every other day or so to visit with Narcissa and Isabelle made Hermione promise to come by and talk when she had her first day off.

When the guests had left, Narcissa turned to Hermione and gave her a hug. “Thank you for being so thoughtful and for bringing a little life back into this lifeless manor.” She said and left to go up to her wing.

Hermione walked slowly up to her own wing and thought about Draco’s sudden behavior at the end of the dinner. ‘Did my gift upset him? He seemed to like it. Hmm. I guess I’ll find out sooner or later.”

It turned out to be sooner. As she walked down the second floor to get to the staircase that would lead to the third floor, Draco’s double doors opened and he stood there, as if waiting for her.

He grabbed her arm and dragged her inside to his own living room. She barely had time to resist when he smiled at her and held up the book she had bought him.

“Thank you.” He said simply.

“You’re welcome. I do have a question though.” She said, leaning against the back of his couch. “Why did you leave so quickly after you opened my gift?”

“I really don’t know.” He said honestly as he leaned against the door. “I think maybe, I thought that this was a personal gift and I didn’t really feel like sharing it with everybody. But then again, I act on my emotions, so who knows why I left so suddenly?”

She smiled at him. “Well I hope you enjoy reading it.”

“I also want to thank you, for making my mum happy. Seeing her sister and her niece really seemed to cheer her up. So thank you for inviting them.”

“It was no problem.” Hermione said and stood straighter. She walked towards the doors and grabbed the doorknob. “Happy birthday, Malfoy.” She said before walking out.

“Granger.” He called before she reached the steps. She turned to look at him as he walked up to her, still holding the book in his hand.

He smiled kindly at her before leaning down and kissing her cheek softly. Before he pulled away he whispered in her ear. “I got my wish.”


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A/N: remember to review!!