An: Thank you for the reviews. Ignore the italics, it's uploading that way and I don't know why.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
Chapter 4
Hermione spent the day playing `Find that Book' in the library. She had some how convinced Sam and Nicholas that if they could find books related to seers she would give them a treat. It had been quite fun as they went running through the library reading titles of books. She figured she was well on her way to converting them to bookworms. They found a few books but there was nothing useful in them.
It was soon evening and Hermione was in the kitchen cooking dinner; Lasagne, Bake Chicken, Scallop Potatoes, Greek Salad and sautéed vegetables were on the menu for dinner that night. She didn't know who to expect but she cooked enough for everyone. She ate with the children and decided they could sleep in her bedroom until she got word about another place for the children to stay. She transfigured a chair in her room into a crib of Alex and tucked in Nicholas and Sam in her bed.
Once they were asleep she headed back down to the kitchen and started reading a book about prophecies with a nice glass of port to keep her company. Shortly afterwards, both Ron and Draco arrived home. Ron immediately headed for the stove and heaped piles of food onto his plate.
"What did Kingsley say?" Hermione asked immediately.
"We're keeping the children." A disgruntled Draco muttered as he waited for Ron to finish.
"But Kingsley certainly can't expect us to take care of them." Hermione replied in shock.
"That's exactly what I said." Draco said as he was finally able to serve himself some dinner.
"Kingsley said we'll have to make do." Ron said in a whiney voice as he sat down next to Hermione and wasted no time starting on his dinner.
"But," Hermione said flabbergasted. They were talking about the lives of three children. Who knows how corrupted they could turn out with parents like them.
"No buts Granger." Draco said as he sat down opposite her.
"Is Harry coming?" Hermione inquired hopefully. She had missed him.
"No, he and Ginny are in Asia." Ron said in between mouthfuls.
"Asia," Hermione said as she wrinkled her eyebrows in confusion. She couldn't remember any mission briefs about any criminal activity in Asia.
"Some top secret thing." Ron informed her as he finished up the last of his food.
"Oh and Luna?" Hermione asked as she watched the last of Ron's food disappear.
"Undercover with Tonks in Africa." Draco said before he bit into a drumstick.
"So it's just us." Hermione stated a bit disappointed.
"I'm leaving to go to Ireland. Some wizards have been using a few muggles as test subjects that and I just thought I would come home and let you know." Ron said before levitating his plate to the sink.
"It's just you and me, Hermione." Draco said with a twisted smile.
"No dark activity." Hermione asked as Ron exited the kitchen to head up to his room for a quick shower and change before heading out.
"It's strange, not one trace as if everything suddenly went silent." Draco said before pointing at Hermione's bottle of port. It was Draco's way of asking if he could get a glass. Hermione silently levitated a glass from the kitchen cupboard and filled his glass for him.
"What about Harry's mission? Isn't that related to dark magic?" Hermione asked as she took a sip of her glass of port.
"It's about some kidnapping, that's all I could over hear." Draco said.
Hermione frowned at the revelation. They usually didn't get involved in oversees kidnapping cases unless it involved a member of the British Magical community.
"Kingsley also asked me to give you this." Draco said handing Hermione a note.
Hermione took the parchment and slowly opened it.
Dear Ms. Granger,
I'm afraid that I have no option but to leave the children in your care until the current situation is resolved. Any leave required will be granted.
Sincerely,
K. Shacklebolt.
Hermione crumbled the paper and threw it against the wall.
"Why do I feel like I'm being shoved aside?" Hermione exclaimed.
Draco released a soft chuckle.
"Where are those little critters?" Draco asked as he looked around to see if they were hiding behind a cupboard or something.
"They're upstairs asleep." Hermione informed him.
"Asleep it's only nine o'clock." Draco replied
"Children need to get to sleep early. Bed time is seven o'clock." Hermione said firmly.
Draco cleaned up his dishes and left Hermione with her book. She finished up the chapter she was on before she summoned a blanket from the linen closet and settled down on the couch.
The next morning, Hermione woke up after having a very uncomfortable night on the couch. She tossed and turned most of the night and woke up at the slightest noise hoping that Harry had arrived home safely. Alex had also woken up once at night which also woke up Sam and Nicholas; Hermione realised she should have put the baby in a separate room. She wanted an early start today because she had no idea how long it would take to get everyone ready. She had also determined, during one of her periods when she was trying to get back to sleep, that they would have to drive to the Burrow as she didn't want to apparate, portkey or floo with the children.
Hermione had a quick shower then started attending to the children, who had woken up because Alex was crying. She woke a non-compliant Draco up and forced him to see about Nicholas while she took care of the two girls. She got Alex her bottle and decided to pick out a nice yellow skirt and top with lace trimmed on the sleeves and at the bottom of the skirt. Once Sam had brushed her teeth satisfactorily, Hermione helped her dress and the three headed to Draco's room. Hermione popped her head in and found a most endearing sight; Nicholas was curled up next to Draco and the older man had his hand wrapped securely around the boy as they slept. It was a beautiful sight and Hermione didn't have the heart to disturb them.
Sam wanted cereal for breakfast and it was easy to appease her as there were five different brands of cereal in the kitchen. When Sam finished her cereal she sent her upstairs to wake up Nicholas and Draco. Half an hour later, Nicholas walked into the kitchen looking like a miniature replica of Draco. His blonde hair was slicked back and he wore the same type of robes Draco wore. He even managed to plaster on that same smug look Draco had on his face.
Hermione groaned, "Draco I asked you to get him ready not turn him in to mini-you."
"I can't help it if he has great potential to be the next great me!" Draco retorted proudly.
Hermione rolled her eyes and poured some cereal into a bowl for Nicholas.
"What about me?" Draco asked.
"You can serve yourself!" Hermione said before she left the kitchen and headed to her room to get dressed as she was the only who wasn't ready yet.
Hermione tossed on the closest outfit she could find which happened to be a baggy pants and extra large jersey. She had not time for make up as she didn't want Draco turning Sam into a female redheaded version of himself. As soon as she opened the door, she ran into Draco, who was about to knock on the door and ended up missing hitting Hermione on the bridge of her nose. He informed her that he had to retrieve his date and he left Hermione to get herself and the children to the Burrow.
A disgruntled Hermione herded the children into the car and it was at that point she realised that she didn't have a car seat for Alex and she ran back into the house. With a smug smile, she transfigured Draco's favourite chair into an appropriate seat for the baby and they were soon on their way to the Burrow.
-*-
Mrs. Weasley was bustling around the kitchen trying to prepare lunch for her rather large family. Fleur and Penelope were helping her in the kitchen while Katie and Alicia were supervising the children in the drawing room.
She was soon interrupted by Draco and his date Tara; Mrs. Weasley gave him a bone crushing hug and he found it difficult to tell her that if she liked him alive he needed to be able to breathe but he didn't have to worry long as she soon released him and eyed the young lady that had arrived with him.
"Mrs Weasley meet Tara Spencer, Tara meet Mrs. Weasley." Draco said pleasantly.
Mrs. Weasley smiled at the young girl in front of her and offered her a cup of tea. Tara declined and Mrs. Weasley indicated that everyone was in the drawing room and she should feel free to help herself to what ever she needed. Draco took the opportunity informed her that he wasn't sure who would be making it for lunch as well as the three extra editions to their entourage. She frowned at his news but hoped that her children would be able to make it back in time.
Ten minutes later, Mrs Weasley got her wish as Ginny, Harry and Ron arrived, both boys with dates accompanying them.
"Mrs. Weasley this is Sarah Flint, Sarah meet Mrs. Weasley." Harry said charmingly.
"Nice to meet you, dear." She said pleasantly as she surveyed the girl in front of her.
She then turned to Ron.
"Mum, this is Caryl Hartford, she works in Daigon Alley at Gringotts." Ron said as he introduced her to his mother.
Mrs Weasley greeted her nicely and she informed them that everyone was in the drawing room.
"Mum why can't we eat now?" Ron complained as his stomach growled loudly. He hadn't eaten since he had corned beef for breakfast at the pub in Ireland earlier that morning.
"Ronald manners! I thought I taught you better than that!" Mrs Weasley said "We're waiting on Hermione and hopefully Luna will be able to come as well."
"Hermione wouldn't mind if we started without her." Ron pleaded.
"Luna won't be able to make it. When we checked in at the office earlier, her team was still out and Kingsley said they would be back Wednesday night." Harry told Mrs. Weasley.
Mrs. Weasley frowned and then ushered them out of the kitchen so that she could continue with the preparations for lunch.
-*-
Hermione pulled up at the Burrow and parked under a tree. It had been a rather long drive and they were late. She had forgotten how far away the Burrow was when you drove as she had grown too accustomed to apparating where she pleased. She hated being late because tardiness annoyed her. She quickly unbuckled the children and retrieved Alex from her car seat. In the few hours she had been taking care of the children she was utterly exhausted and she honestly had no clue how single, working mothers survived. Her exhaustion more than likely was caused by her lack of sleep but she couldn't help but think that it was the sudden appearance of these kids that was making her so tired.
There was no need to knock at the front door as she knew it would be open and she headed straight in to the drawing room where she knew the Weasley children would be. She figured it would be nice for Nicholas and Sam to be with other kids their age.
She was caught completely off guard when Ron announced that it was about time that she finally arrived. She stood there with her mouth hanging open looking at Ron, Harry and Ginny. She briefly registered Draco closing her jaw for her as he told her that they had arrived half an hour ago. She was angry that they didn't let her know they would be coming because they could have helped her. She heard comments about the `Mini-Draco' and Harry commented that Nicholas must be severely traumatised by now considering how many people have called him `Mini-Draco'.
Mrs. Weasley announced lunch would be served outside in the garden and everyone headed to the table which had been charmed to accommodate the growing family. After putting a sleeping Alex in the nursery with Cole and Connor, Charlie's twins, Hermione sat in between Sam and Nicholas on the end of the table with the children. Ginny decided to sit opposite Hermione and help her only niece, Lisa, with her lunch. Lisa was Bill's two year old daughter and Ginny volunteered to sit with her to give Fleur a break.
"How was the mission?" Hermione asked her voice laced with anger.
"It didn't go to well." Ginny replied as she put some potatoes on a spoon and fed it to Lisa.
"How so?" Hermione asked as she cast a quick eye on the two perfectly behaved children next to her.
"It was Petigrew. He had been spotted in China with Lee Kuen Chee, the seer who predicted the Great…."
"I know the prediction." Hermione said in a biting tone.
Ginny narrowed her eyes at her. She knew that Hermione was probably still upset with her because of the row they had in the kitchen so she chose to ignore Hermione's tone. "The seer has now disappeared. There was no evidence to follow so we left it in the hands of the Chinese authorities and decided to come back in time for lunch."
"This is too much of a coincidence." Hermione stated as she thought of Serena being taken by Petigrew.
"Harry thought the same thing." Ginny told her.
As Ginny mentioned Harry's name, Hermione let her gaze drift down the table to Harry. He looked really handsome in his deep green robes and Hermione couldn't help but feel envious of Sarah as all of his attention was focused on her. Ron and Draco were both flattering their dates as well.
"Do you think if I hex their balls off anyone would notice?" Ginny asked Hermione as she followed her line of sight down the table.
"Be my guest, I suspect it might be an improvement!" Hermione responded.
Both girls burst into fits of laughter attracting Fred and George's attention.
"What's so funny?" the twins chorused together.
"Nothing" Ginny responded innocently.
"So what's so special about this lunch anyway?" Hermione asked with arched eyebrows.
"No clue." both of them answered.
"I guess we'll find out soon." Ginny said.
They didn't have to wait long as Charlie stood up and tried to get everyone's attention. "After getting a severe scolding from everyone the last time for not calling a special lunch to announce our pregnancy, I've decided to call a special lunch to, well, announce our pregnancy. Me and Alice are pregnant!" Charlie said proudly.
The congratulations started pouring in and Mrs. Weasley was squealing in delight at having another grandchild to look after. Once lunch was finished Harry and Ron quickly volunteered Ginny and Hermione to clear the table and do the dishes much to both girls displeasure. Both girls levitated the plates to the kitchen and followed them in. Ginny was standing in the kitchen charming the sponge to clean the plates while Hermione charmed the cloth to dry the dishes.
"I can't believe we got stuck with this!" Ginny grumbled.
"There's still some bowls to come inside. I'll go get them." Hermione said leaving the kitchen to retrieve the missing bowls.
Ginny was soon joined by Draco as he strolled into the kitchen. He stopped and stared at her.
"What?" She asked annoyed, she didn't like being stared at.
"You have some soap suds on your face" Draco said softly.
"Oh!" Ginny said embarrassed as her hand flew up to her face to wipe away the offending substance.
Draco let out a small laugh as Ginny had only managed to spread the suds around her face.
"Let me," Draco offered as he pulled out his wizard's handkerchief and lifted his hand to her face. He gently brushed the soap suds away and he let his hand linger on her face. He soon found himself being drawn closer to her and somehow his handkerchief had fallen to the floor and he was now cupping her face with both hands. Her skin was so smooth under his hands and he enjoyed the feel of it. Somewhere in his mind he registered that he had a girlfriend in the other room and what he was going was wrong but he had the sudden impulse to touch Ginny and the scary thing was that he wanted to feel more and more.
Ginny realised the distance between her and Draco was closing but she felt helpless to do anything about it. She flicked her eyes to his lips and an exhilarating feeling ran through her at the though of finally kissing Draco. Ginny, however, didn't get her wish as a rather upset Hermione came back into the kitchen mumbling about garden Gnomes and bowls. All sense seemed to return to the two and Ginny quickly returned to the dishes and Draco exited the kitchen. Once he returned to Tara she inquired about the glass of water she had sent him for and he gruffly told her the glasses weren't clean yet and she would have to wait.
"So what was that about with Draco?" Hermione asked with a mischievous smile.
Ginny groaned. "I don't know."
"Well it looked like you were about to kiss." Hermione told her.
"But we did't since you interrupted the moment." Ginny said angily to Hermione.
"And it's a good thing to, he does have a girlfriend, good things come to those who wait!" Hermione said wisely.
Ginny fell silent as she knew arguing with her would be a waste of time and Hermione chose to let her be. Once they were finished, Ron informed them that they wanted to play some Quidditch and they needed them to make full teams. They headed outside in time to hear that Harry and Charlie were named captains of the two teams. Harry and Ron had bought a complete Quidditch set as well as goal posts that were charmed to set themselves up when needed.
"Since Luna isn't here and Fleur doesn't play Quidditch, there is an odd number of us so Alice is going to be the referee, that leaves us with fourteen people who will give us the standard seven per team, 3 chasers, 2 beaters, 1 seeker and a keeper." Harry explained to the group in front of him.
"We already know what Quidditch teams consist of Harry." Charlie pointed out.
Harry glared at Charlie for interrupting his speech before continuing, "Since we want a fair game," Harry said making eye contact with everyone present, "Each captain will pick his a person one at a time to be on his team."
"Harry, you go first." Charlie volunteered
"Ron" Harry called simply. There was no decision to be made. Ron always came first on his Quidditch teams.
"Hey?" Sarah said in a hurt tone.
"Sorry darling, Quidditch is taken very seriously here!" Harry replied to her
"I will have you know Mr. Potter, that Caryl, Tara and I were the top chasers in our school!" Heather informed him.
"I'll keep that in mind!" Harry relied with a sly grin.
Hermione rolled her eyes. It was Charlie's turn to pick and naturally he went with Bill. Harry's turn was next and he decided to go with Sarah before she got any angrier at him. Once she joined him, Ron wanted Caryl, Draco and Tara soon followed shortly afterwards. Charlie chose Ginny and on her insistence, Hermione, Katie and Angelina leaving Harry to chose between Fred and George.
"I do say Forge, this has never happened before?" Fred said
"I know it seems our popularity must have dropped significantly Gerd." George replied.
"We need to rectify this immediately!" They both agreed.
Harry picked Fred leaving Charlie with George.
Harry's team consisted of Draco, Ron, Fred, Heather, Caryl and Tara and it was decided to let the three girls be chasers, Ron keeper, Draco and Fred beaters and Harry would be seeker.
Charlie's team consisted of Hermione, Ginny, Bill, Katie, Angelina and George.
"Charlie we're missing a beater and a keeper?" George said to him.
"I know." Charlie replied "But on the bright side Harry's team is also lacking a beater."
"Draco can play as a beater." Ginny informed him.
"Oh." Charlie said crestfallen.
"I have an idea." Hermione said. "Angelina could be the second beater and Bill could be the Keeper."
"What about Seeker?" Ginny asked
"I'm the captain, I'll be seeker, you can play as a chaser with Hermione and Katie." Charlie stated with no room for debate.
"Ready yet?" Harry called out from Alice's side.
Alice had the Quidditch set in the middle of the two teams and she was waiting for confirmation from both captains before releasing the snitch.
"Good luck!" Charlie said to Harry.
"You should keep the luck Charlie, you're going to need it." Harry boasted
Alice released the balls and each person flew quickly into the air. Ginny, Hermione and Katie worked well together and they relished intercepting the Quaffle. It was going to be a really interesting match as Sarah and her friends were quite good flyers. For every goal one team scored it pushed the other to score.
Harry was observing the game from far above. He was supposed to be looking for the snitch but his eyes kept darting back to Hermione. Her flying had improved considerably and with her hard work, she had become a great flyer but she lacked that natural ability and intuition Harry seemed to have. Despite her achievements, Harry always felt uneasy when she was on her broom. It was his element not hers and he would always remember her falling from her broom during a practice session at Hogwarts. When she formed her Quidditch team, Draco had them practice every day. Harry always hid in the stands and watched her practice. He was worried about her and his worries proved to be true when she tried to avoid a bludger that Blaise had hit at her. Fortunately, Draco was a great flyer as well and he was able to catch Hermione. Harry would never forget the painful sensation that when through his heart when he saw her lose grip of her broom and fall.
Harry reluctantly tore his gaze away from her to scan for the snitch again. Charlie was over by his goal encouraging Bill to do a better job. He wasn't sure which one of the girls had got the Quaffle past him the last time but the score was now 50-40 with his team in the lead.
Hermione had just thrown the Quaffle to Ginny and Katie flew ahead of her to attack Ron at his goal posts. Hermione stayed back to stop any counter attack that might happen should they fail to score. She took a quick glance at the ground where Fleur and Mrs. Weasley sat with the children. Nicholas and Sam were avidly watching the game and she smiled at the happiness in their eyes. She glanced back at the game to see that Ginny had scored a goal and the scores were now level.
Hermione turned her broom to fly towards Bill when she thought she saw a lady dressed in black standing next to the children. She glanced towards them and made eye contact with sky blue eyes.
"Serena." Hermione said before she felt a sharp pain at the side of her head and everything went black.
Harry caught sight of snitch by Bill's goal posts and he slowly flying towards it. Charlie had yet to see it so Harry hoped he would be able to retrieve it without interference from him. As he flew he watched the chasers below. He saw Ginny score a goal and Charlie's fist thrown in the air as they drew level. Charlie made eye contact with Harry and Harry pretended to be looking for the snitch. He kept his sight trained over by Ron and Charlie took the bait. He glanced below him to check on Hermione, who he knew would be there. Her broom was pointed towards Bill but she was looking at the ground. Harry followed her line of sight and realised she was checking up on those kids.
Harry smiled, she was so caring. He heard Ginny scream out her name and Harry watched in horror as Hermione slumped forward on her broom and sent it into a nose dive.
"HERMIONE"
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