When Stars Align

Chapter 11

15 months later...

It was official. Draco Malfoy was the proud father of Calliope Malfoy, who had changed his entire world since the moment she was born. Like her father, she had grey eyes, silver blond hair, and a love for the arts. Unlike her father, she had curly hair, a cute button nose, and love for magical creatures and animals.

On paternity leave since the moment Calliope was born, Draco took pride in the fact that he was perpetually sleep deprived but the happiest he had ever been. He and his "Penny", as he called her for short, had their daily routine set up. She woke him up everyday at around 7am and went to bed only when he read to her and played a short piano composition at night. Penny was not a picky eater, but she had a penchant for organic baby food of Draco's creation. Draco was exceptionally proud that his Penny was a communicative and interactive baby, due to his frequent babytalk and scaffolding that he had learned were important, from his online childhood development course.

Penny was a happy baby, always quick to smile and laugh. Perhaps it was a reflection of how Draco expressed his love to Penny with no qualms and no reservation. Draco realized quickly after he had her that he had achieved what he had so desperately yearned for and more. Penny was affectionate and expressive. She, like him, showered him with unconditional love. Together, they were an inseparable duo, and Draco could not be more grateful for his biggest blessing.

This morning, Penny was in a particularly good mood. Draco had taken her on a stroll in a park and now, they were off to the supermarket. Penny loved people watching and seeing the endless array of colorful items displayed on shelves.

"Look, Penny. I see strawberries! They're your favorite, aren't they." Draco asked Penny with a smile.

Penny held out her hand, as if telling Draco, "Gimme!"

With a chuckle, Draco brought it close to Penny for her to see up close and put a box of strawberries in their cart.

"Well, I think we have covered everything we need. Milk? Check. Fresh produce? Check. Fruit? Check. Crackers? Check. Some salmon fillet? Check. Let's start heading home, Penny."

Penny let out a squeal in response, her delight at hearing her father talk to her obvious.

As they made their way back to their home, a ten minute walk from the market, he saw that Penny held her hands out toward the left, mimicking a grabbing motion that she used when she wanted Draco to pick her up. She was mesmerized by someone seated on the patio of Cafe Mojo, a place that he frequented for his morning coffees. As he looked to his left, curious as to who had intrigued his Penny so much so, he heard a voice,

"Hi, sweetheart."

It was Hermione Granger.