Authors' note: You get your Harry/Hermione fix this week and this is going to begin their storyline. It looks at first like filler but it's setting up for their big storyline. And, you also get a flashback courtesy of Nick. Please read and review!
Harry came home from work to the sounds of laughter coming from the sitting room. He stood in the doorway and watched as Gwyn and Ellie tried to style Hermione's hair. The two four-year olds had given Hermione four ponytails and were working diligently on a fifth.
Hermione winced, but still wore a smile as Ellie reached for a band.
"You're going to be absolutely gorgeous!" Ellie told her grandmother.
"Uh huh," Gwyn agreed. "So pretty!"
Gwyn and Ellie were having a sleepover at their grandparents' house which wasn't surprising since Ellie and Gwyn were thick as thieves.
"Grandpa!" Ellie exclaimed.
"Princess Elinore," Harry said, bowing. "And Princess Gwyn...how old are you two now? Twenty?"
Gwyn giggled. "No!"
"Like my new 'do?" Hermione asked grinning at him.
"You're stunning," Harry grinned back at her.
Ellie nudged Gwyn. "We should do Grandpa's hair next. It's a big mess!"
"Yeah!" Gwyn agreed. "Make you look nice, Grandpa!"
"I don't already look nice?" Harry asked.
"More handsomer?" Ellie tried.
"Much better," Harry said, taking off his cloak. "So how much have I missed?"
"I made the girls dinner," Hermione said. "There's some waiting for you as well."
"It's really good," Gwyn told him.
"What did she make you?" Harry asked.
"Chicken," Ellie replied sitting back down and grabbing Hermione's hair again.
Hermione winced and Harry fought back a grin. "I'll go get my dinner and be right back."
"Grandma?" Gwyn asked.
"Yes, love?" Hermione asked.
"Can we stay up all night?" Gwyn asked.
Hermione laughed. "You think you can make it all night?"
"Kiki said I couldn't," Gwyn said with a grin. "But I can."
Hermione smiled. "We'll stay up as late as we can," she promised.
Ellie looked at Gwyn. "After this, you can fix my hair. My big date with Rafe."
"Okay," Gwyn nodded. "He's very handsome."
Hermione smiled. "Is this your first date, Ellie?"
"Yes," Ellie nodded as she twisted another rubber band around Hermione's ponytail.
"Saffy didn't mention this," Hermione said.
"It's a secret," Ellie told her.
Hermione held out her pinky finger. "I promise I will not tell."
Ellie grinned at her and hooked her little pinky. "It's okay if you do. I think Mummy likes Rafe."
"She does," Hermione agreed.
"After our date we can get married," Ellie said.
"Wow," Gwyn said.
"Who's getting married?" Harry asked as he came back in.
"Ellie and Rafe," Gwyn replied.
"You can't get married yet," Harry said dramatically.
Ellie giggled. "Why not?"
"You're my little girls," Harry said. "Your grandpa isn't ready to see you married off yet."
Gwyn tapped Harry on the shoulder. "Grandpa. It's only pretend!"
"Only pretend?" Harry asked. "Well... I can handle pretend."
Gwyn grinned. "Do you and Grandma go on dates?"
"We sure do," Harry nodded.
Gwyn looked at him in surprise. "You're old!"
Hermione laughed at the expression on her husband's face. "You do have a few more grey hairs than you used to."
"Mummy says it's salt and pepper," Ellie replied.
"I do not have salt and pepper hair," Harry said. "Not yet. There's still more black in here."
Hermione stifled a laugh.
"I think it's nice," Ellie said, getting up and going over to him. "I think you are handsome."
Harry lifted her onto his lap. "Thank you, El."
Ellie gave him a hug. "I love you."
"I love you too," Harry said hugging her tightly.
"It's your turn," Gwyn told Ellie. "Time to make you beeeyooootiful!"
Ellie grinned and slid off the sofa to join her cousin on the floor. Hermione took the seat beside her husband. "I think I'll wear this look at my next press conference," she whispered to him.
"It would be quite the hit," Harry said dryly. "This is delicious by the way."
Hermione smiled. "I'm glad you like it. How was work?"
"You're not going to believe this," Harry said. "But Lupin's thinking of retiring."
Hermione gaped at him. "Really?"
"I know," Harry said. "Never thought I'd see the day."
"He's been in charge for a long time," Hermione commented.
"I'm surprised you didn't know," Harry said as Gwyn and Ellie giggled about something.
"Me too," Hermione said. "But, then again, I've been busy with the budget."
"Well," Harry said. "I think he wants me or Neville to take over as head of the department."
Hermione smiled. "Would you want to do that?"
"Sure," Harry replied. "Who wouldn't want that? Field work only when I want it, I don't have to take all the out of town trips anymore..."
"I like that," Hermione said resting her head on his shoulder.
"Look Grandma," Gwyn said.
Hermione looked over at her granddaughters. "Did you do that, baby?" she asked Gwyn.
Gwyn nodded. "I practise on Mummy sometimes."
"That's 'cause your Mummy has hair like a doll's," Ellie said.
"Maddie does have beautiful hair," Hermione agreed. "And I'm sure she loves to let you play with it."
Gwyn nodded. "I'm just happy she plays with me now."
"I'm happy to see her smile again," Harry said. "She loves all of you very much."
Gwyn smiled. "And Blue!"
"The Blue Devil," Harry intoned.
"I miss Puddles," Ellie said frowning.
"I know you do," Hermione soothed.
Ellie had to leave their dog behind when Edward had thrown a temper tantrum at the prospect of the dog leaving with Ellie for the night.
"I'll share Blue," Gwyn said.
"That's very sweet of you, Gwyn," Hermione said.
Harry picked her up and gave her a hug. "How would you like some ice cream?"
"Ooooh!" Gwyn said brightly. "Chocolate chip ice cream?"
"Chocolate chip," Harry said standing up with her. "Well, let's go and see what we have, shall we?"
"Me too?" Ellie asked.
Hermione picked her up. "Of course. I bought loads of stuff for my girls."
"Yummy," Ellie said happily. "Let's go!"
Hermione smiled. She remembered all the times she and Lavender had shared ice cream like this when they were younger. It was a tradition they still continued to this day. She was glad that Ellie and Gwyn were as close as they were.
"You two princess sit in your thrones," Harry said. With a wave of his hand he transfigured two of the kitchen chairs into plush purple and red thrones.
Ellie and Gwyn giggled happily.
"What do you girls want on your ice cream?" Hermione asked.
"Hot fudge," Ellie replied.
"Cherries!" Gwyn said as she climbed onto her throne.
"Alright," Hermione said getting two dishes from the cabinet.
"Lots of cherries," Gwyn said. "They're my favourites!"
"I know," Harry said. He nudged his wife. "We can do things like this more often, too, you
know?"
"We could," Hermione nodded. "I love this."
"Me too," Harry said. "Spending time with our grandchildren. Remember when we used to
dream about growing old together and doing that?"
Hermione nodded. "It's exactly as I'd always hoped."
Harry looked over his shoulder and saw Ellie and Gwyn happily chattering away. He wished his parents would have been able to experience the same thing with Saffy, Ethan, and Julie.
It reminded him of another time Frank Longbottom had showed him a few memories. This one had been of the four of them with Remus and Sirius had even popped in.
"Sirius Black!" Lily exclaimed. "Don't you dare try and give Harry some of your butterbeer! He's just a baby!"
"One sip isn't going to hurt him, Lil," Sirius said.
"You keep this up and I'll rethink your role as godfather," Lily said lifting Harry out of his crib. "My little boy is not going to be corrupted by you lot."
Sirius made a goofy face at Harry and the little boy laughed.
"How about your little one, Frank?" Sirius asked.
"He doesn't like butterbeer," Frank said sheepishly.
Neville tugged at Frank's leg and held up his arms.
Sirius laughed. "Already tried it?"
Alice rolled her eyes. "Frank left his glass on the coffee table and Neville snuck a sip."
"His face was funny," Frank confessed, lifting his son up.
Lily sat down on the sofa with her son. "You and Neville are going to be good boys, aren't you?"
Harry only grinned at her.
"You see that face?" Remus asked. "That's Sirius hanging around too much."
"I think you're right Moony," James said.
"Thanks so much, Prongs," Sirius rolled his eyes. "I'm under appreciated, as always."
"Oh, poor Padfoot," Lupin said sitting down beside Lily.
Lily hugged her son to her. "You always play the wounded one, Sirius."
"I am the lad's godfather," Sirius pointed out. "I'm going to set a good example for him even
though you lot think that's impossible."
James laughed at his best friend.
"Which is why you wanted me to go out with you to the pub," James said. "Those days are behind me, mate. I want to spend all the time I can with my wife and son."
Sirius shook his head. "What about you, Moony?"
"I have training tomorrow," Lupin replied. He was in his final year of Auror training and was at the top of his class.
Sirius rolled is eyes. "I would ask Peter but I haven't seen his snivelly arse anywhere around here lately."
"He'd repel the ladies," James told him.
"True," Sirius said. "I guess I should go alone. Maybe then I'll get some company."
Harry reached for James.
"Hey little man," James took him from Lily.
"James is turned into a grandfather at such a young age," Sirius said dryly.
"It's called being a parent," James said to his best friend.
"And he's going to be a great grandfather some day," Lily said proudly. "We'll sit on the front steps and watch them play in the yard."
James grinned at his wife. "That sounds good to me."
"How many of those grandchildren are you planning to have, Lil?" Sirius asked.
"Six or seven?" Lily asked with a laugh. "Once Harry gets a brother or sister of course..."
Harry laughed and reached for James' fringe.
"No, Harry." James said. "Leave Daddy's hair be."
Sirius grinned. "No, Harry. Give it a good tug."
"Let's let him grab your hair," James replied. "See how you like seeing half of it in his hand."
"He has quite a grip," Lupin commented.
"Is that why you've got a bald spot?" Sirius peered at Remus's head.
"Very funny," Lupin said, glaring at him.
Sirius grinned and downed the rest of his butterbeer. "I'll see you lot later."
"Wave bye to your godfather," James said, holding up his son's hand.
Harry laughed again, as did Neville.
Lily looked over at Alice. "That's the sweetest sound in the world, isn't it?"
"I love it," Alice said.
James tickled Harry's stomach and he laughed. "Little man..."
"I do love the idea of someday sitting around here like this with grandchildren," Alice said softly.
"Teaching them to fly," James said.
"Harry's going to love flying," Lily said. "I just know it."
"He'll be a natural," James said confidently.
"I hope Neville enjoys it too," Frank looked lovingly down at his son. "I want so much for him."
"They're going to do great things," Alice said.
"Of course they are," Lily said, taking Harry back again. "Are you hungry, love?"
Harry just grinned at her in response.
"We gave Neville ice cream for the first time t he other day," Alice told Lily. "He absolutely loved it."
"Harry loves it too," Lily said.
"I've got some in the kitchen," Alice said.
"Brilliant," James said. "I'm starving."
"Me too," Frank said as Remus also got up and followed them into the kitchen.
Alice and Lily put their sons in their high chairs. Peaceful nights like these were rare and the two mothers treasured every moment like this.
"So ice cream for ALL the children?" Lily asked teasingly.
"Sirius is gone," James said sneaking a kiss from her. "No children here."
Lily laughed. "That means more ice cream for everyone."
Harry clapped his little hands together.
"Me!" Neville chimed in.
Alice knelt down and pecked her son on the cheek. "My sweet boy!"
Harry looked over at Neville and grinned at him.
In the present, Harry grinned at his two granddaughters as he handed them each a bowl of ice cream.
"Thanks Grandpa," Ellie said. "Best ice cream ever."
Harry smiled at her. "I'm glad you like it, El."
"Chocolate chip is my favourite," Gwyn had a smear of it on her chin.
Hermione reached for her camera. She had to get a photo of this.
"How about a taste of that?" Harry asked Gwyn.
Gwyn dipped her spoon into the bowl and held it out to him.
Hermione snapped the picture as Harry ate the bit of ice cream. "You're right," Harry
agreed. "That is the best."
"Yeah," Harry nodded, sharing a look with his wife. "This is the best."
*** *** ***
Nick had been keeping busy as of late, working on his newest album as well as helping his daughter's boyfriend organise his tour. The end of the school year was approaching fast, and so was the anniversary of his father's death.
Nick wished that he had gotten to know that side of his father earlier in his life. But, then again, his father had not been sick before. That illness had put things into perspective for both of them.
It had been good for him to see a better side of Draco Malfoy in the weeks before his death.
They had actually talked to each other. His father was still arrogant and still selfish, but he had shared some thoughts with his son. Nick had even heard stories from his father's childhood.
It had helped him understand why Draco was the way he was. Lucius had never been a father to him and Narcissa had never wanted to do anything to cross her husband.
"I don't even know why they had a child," Draco had told him. "I remember feeling so happy when they'd come to something for school. But, if I failed, they would be so...angry; humiliated."
Nick had nodded thoughtfully. "Is that why you always pushed me?"
Draco looked at him with weak eyes and gave a slight nod.
"That sort of explains a lot of things," Nick said. "But I suppose it's also where I got my independent streak."
"Bloody independent you were," Draco said. "Did everything I always wanted to do."
"I did?" Nick asked in surprise.
"Not everything, mind you," Draco said. "But, the fact that you were able to stand up to your mother and me."
"Yeah well..." Nick felt a little embarrassed now.
"And you married that Potter girl," Draco said weakly.
"Julie," Nick said. "Her name is Julie."
Draco nodded. "She--she thinks this is insane, doesn't she? You being here."
"No," Nick shook his head. "She supports me. She knows that this is important."
"Very different from your mother," Draco said quietly.
"Don't think about her," Nick said. "Not anymore."
Draco nodded. "It's not going to be long now, you know?"
"I know," Nick said heavily. "And now I wish we had longer."
"Me too," Draco said. "You're a good man, Nicholas. You deserved better than your mother
and me."
"I wouldn't say that now," Nick said. "Not now."
Draco held out his hand.
Nick smiled as he shook it firmly.
"Katherine and Ashley are lucky," Draco said hoarsely. "They had something you and I never had...a good father."
"Thanks," Nick said. "That means a lot to me."
Draco closed his eyes and was silent for a few moments.
"Dad?" Nick asked in alarm.
Draco opened his eyes. "I'm just tired, Nicholas."
"Oh," Nick said. "All right. I'll let you be, then. I can come back later tonight."
Draco shook his head. "Stay..."
"Are you sure?" Nick asked.
Draco nodded. "I'm just going to sleep."
"Okay," Nick nodded. "I'm going to grab some coffee and I'll be back."
Draco closed his eyes again and Nick listened to the sound of his father's laboured breathing.
He waited a few minutes and quietly left the room to get some coffee.
"Nicholas!" he heard someone call out. Nick sighed and slowly turned around to see his mother walking toward him.
"I'm not telling him you're here," Nick said before she could get another word out.
"I want to see him!" Ginny pleaded.
"No," Nick said sharply.
"I need to clear things up with him," Ginny said, grabbing hold of his arm.
"Too late," Nick said. "He's sleeping right now and I won't have you waking him up."
Ginny pouted. Nick could see the wheels turning in her head.
"All this time," Nick said. "You worried about him cheating on you when it was the other way
around."
Ginny folded her arms. "He did cheat on me! All those nights away from me... saying he was 'working'."
"Where's your proof?" Nick demanded.
Ginny looked flustered for a moment. "I-I don't need proof. A woman knows."
"Sure," Nick said sarcastically.
"I need to clear this up," Ginny said pleadingly. "I really, really do."
"You want him to let you back in the will is all," Nick accused.
"That's not true!" Ginny protested.
"Yes it is," he answered. "My father never cheated on you. He would have told you flat out if
he had."
"How would you know?" Ginny asked him angrily. "You hardly know him!"
"I think I've gotten to know him better in the last weeks than you have all your life," Nick retorted.
Ginny glared at him. "How dare you!"
"How dare I what?" Nick asked. "Tell the truth?"
Ginny shook her head.
"You never have been able to stand yourself," Nick said. "And now you have nothing."
Ginny looked like she wanted to slap him.
"Just go, Mother." Nick said. "Just go."
"I love your father," Ginny told him quietly.
"Right," Nick said.
Ginny gave him one last pleading look before finally turning on her heel and walking away.
"Good riddance," Nick muttered as he went to go get his coffee.
When he came back to the room a few minutes later, his father was resting. Nick sat down and thought about all the times when he was younger and not feeling well, how he would wish for his father to sit by his side.
He was lucky that his parents hired Greta. She had been more of a mother to him than
Ginny ever could have tried to be.
Nick sat back down and studied his father.
He had always remembered looking up to his father but now, especially now, they seemed even. Draco didn't seem larger than life anymore.
Draco's eyes blinked open.
"Hey," Nick said. "You didn't sleep long..."
Draco held out his hand and Nick took it and gave it a squeeze.
"Do you need anything?" Nick asked him.
Draco opened his mouth to say something but all that came out was a raspy breath.
"Dad?" Nick asked in alarm.
Draco's hand went limp in Nick's.
"DAD!" Nick shouted. There was no response. Nick ran for the door. "Nurse! Nurse!" he shouted.
Several healers pushed past him and into Draco's room. "You need to wait out here," a nurse pulled Nick aside.
Nick nodded, still in shock.
He watched through the window as the healers surrounded his father.
"Come on, Dad," Nick whispered.
His heart sank when he saw one of the healers shake his head.
The healer came over to him, but he did not really have to say it. Nick already knew.
"He's gone," Nick said quietly.
"We did everything we could," the healer said. "I'm sorry."
Nick nodded, feeling numb as he stared inside at his father. Or rather... his father's body.
"Would you like a moment with him?" the healer asked.
"Yes," Nick said. "Thank you."
Nick walked back into the room and sat back down. If only they had more time, he thought to himself.
He sat and stared at Draco's still form for a few moments and realised he wanted his wife there. Julie could always help him sort out his thoughts and he honestly didn't know how
long he could hold it together on his own.
He Apparated away to his home. There were tears in his eyes as he called out for Julie.
She came hurrying into the sitting room. "Nick? What's wrong?"
"He's---he's gone, Jules," Nick managed.
"What?" Julie stared at him for a moment. "Nick... your father?"
Nick nodded. "Just now..."
"Oh Nick," Julie hugged her husband. "I'm so sorry. I am so, so sorry."
Nick hugged her tightly and cried into her shoulder.
Julie held him tightly. "Were you there?"
"Yes," Nick said looking up at her.
Julie ran her hand through his hair. "What do you need me to do?"
"Go back with me," Nick replied. "Please. I can't do this by myself."
"Of course," Julie nodded. "Anything."
Nick shook his head. "I can't believe he's gone."
Julie nodded again. "Just as you two were getting close."
Nick took her hand. "We---we should go."
"Of course," Julie said and they Apparated to St. Mungos.
The healers had some paperwork for Nick to sign and he was still in shock as he absently signed his name on the papers.
"We should go spend a few minutes with him," Julie suggested softly.
Nick nodded. "I'd like that."
Julie squeezed his hand. "Where's his room?"
"Just this way," Nick said.
Julie followed her husband down the corridor and saw her father in law's body still on the bed. "Nick--"
He turned and looked at her.
"He looks so... small..." Julie whispered.
Nick nodded. His wife hadn't seen Draco since that day he'd shown up at the house unexpectedly.
"I had no idea," Julie said softly.
"He was really weak," Nick said quietly. "Sleeping a lot, not eating..."
"It was his time," Julie said, trying to be reassuring.
"I wasn't ready to say goodbye," Nick said quietly.
Julie rubbed his back comfortingly. "I wish you had more time, Nick. I really do. I saw how happy getting to know your father made you."
"It did," Nick said. He wiped at his eyes with his hand. "I have to tell Chiaki..."
"I can tell her if you want me to," Julie said.
Nick shook his head. "I can do it."
"What about the girls?" Julie asked softly.
"We can tell them together," Nick replied.
"Katie's going to be upset," Julie said. "Ash will handle it okay."
Nick nodded. "I know you don't understand, Jules. But, for the first time, I felt like I had a father."
Julie hugged her husband to her. "You know how I've felt all my life then."
"I can't believe he's gone," Nick whispered.
"Sir?" a mediwitch poked her head in the room. "I'm very sorry, but we need to move Mr. Malfoy downstairs..."
Nick nodded. He walked over to his father's bed. "I love you, Dad."
Julie's heart broke and she bit her lower lip to keep her own tears at bay. She had never liked Draco Malfoy, but his behaviour in the past few months had been therapeutic for Nick and she knew her husband had finally laid some demons to rest because of this.
Nick gave his father's hand another squeeze before nodding at the mediwitch.
Julie took her husband's hand in hers as she led him out of the room. "How are you doing?"
"Okay," Nick replied. "Because you're here with me."
"I wouldn't be anywhere else," Julie said, resting her forehead on his.
The feelings from that day were still with Nick even now---three years later.
"Hey," Julie came into the kitchen with Sophie trailing behind her on the lead.
Nick turned. "Hey."
"What's up?" she asked.
Nick shrugged. "Nothing."
"Nicholas," Julie gave him a look. "I know you're upset about something..."
Nick let out a laugh. "You think you know me that well, eh?"
"Of course I do," Julie said. "And I know what time of year it is."
Nick nodded. "I was just sitting here thinking about that last day with him."
"It was just a few weeks from now, wasn't it?" Julie asked. "Just before the girls got out of school."
"Yeah," Nick replied.
"Are you all right?" Julie asked. "Do you want me to do anything for you?"
"I'm fine," Nick told her.
"No you aren't," she said perceptively.
"I miss him," Nick admitted.
"I miss him too, for your sake," Julie told him as Sophie ran to her water bowl.
Nick squeezed her hand. "Thanks, Jules."
"Have you heard from your mother?" Julie asked him.
Nick shook his head. In the days following his father's death, his mother had done everything she could to weasel her way back into his good graces. She had played the grieving wife to the press, but Nick did not buy her act at all.
"Good," Julie said. "She just makes you upset."
Nick nodded. "I just want to concentrate on the people that matter to me."
"Good idea," Julie replied.
Nick gave her a kiss. "I love you, Julie."
"Love you too," Julie smiled at him.
Nick smiled. "I already feel a little better."
"That's my job," Julie gave him another kiss.
"My rock," Nick said hugging her tightly.
Julie smiled. "Long as I don't weigh as much as a rock..."
Nick laughed. "No, of course not."
"Good answer," Julie said as he lifted her up. Nick was so grateful for his wife. She really had been a rock to him, standing by him during his darkest times. If his father had taught him anything, it was to never take those you loved for granted. You never knew how much time you had. For that, Nick was extremely grateful.