When Stars Align

Chapter 12

Hermione had been people watching for the past hour. She had wanted to visit this quaint little coffee place, Cafe Mojo, everytime she passed by this beautiful neighborhood. So here she was, at 11am on a Sunday morning, enjoying their delectable house latte in the warmth of a spring breeze as she looked out from the patio.

This neighborhood was extremely kid friendly it seemed, as she saw many couples with their children walk by. As she enjoyed the last sip of her drink, her eyes locked with a smiling baby coming her way in a stroller. She seemed vaguely familiar for some reason but what truly caught her attention was the way the baby seemed to be reaching for her, with the most brilliant grey eyes and beautiful curly silver blonde hair. The expression on the baby's angelic face was one of pure joy, and Hermione could not help but be taken aback by how her smile completely enthralled her in that single moment. She imagined this would be akin to what she had seen in movies countless times: falling in love at first sight.

"Hi, sweetheart." Hermione said, reciprocating with a gentle smile.

As she looked up to see who was blessed with such an angel, she saw a familiar pair of grey eyes and silver blonde hair.

"Malfoy?" Hermione asked, shocked.

"Hello, Granger." Draco replied with a hesitant smile.

"It seems my daughter has taken a liking to you."

Now, Hermione was flabbergasted. He had a daughter. She didn't even know he was married.

"Malfoy, I haven't seen you in years. I almost didn't recognize you...I didn't know that you were married or with a child." Hermione responded, still looking shocked.

Draco's hair, always slicked back while at school, was now free of hair products, left natural and shorter. As opposed to a formal robe that she was used to seeing him in, he was wearing a pair of navy cotton trousers and a simple white linen button down shirt.

"Yes...well, there have been some changes in my life. And no, I'm not married." Draco added politely.

"Have you been living outside of the wizarding world all these years?" Hermione asked tentatively.

It would certainly explain how no one knew the whereabouts of Draco Malfoy over the past couple of years.

"Yes. I live around here."

Hermione had a million questions. Draco Malfoy living in the muggle world, wearing muggle clothes, and using muggle products? Not married but with a daughter?

Just as she was about to ask, Malfoy's daughter made her presence known once more by squealing and reaching out for Hermione.

"Hi, angel." Hermione cooed with an indulgent smile.

At her smile, Calliope became more insistent with her want for Hermione to hold her.

Draco, sensing her agitation, picked her up instead and told her with a smile, "Penny, say hello to Miss Granger."

Penny, not appeased, became more clear in how she wanted to be held by Hermione.

Hermione, sensing that Malfoy's baby, Penny, wanted to be held by her, asked Draco,

"You have a beautiful daughter, Malfoy. Her name is Penny?"

Draco, obviously proud of hearing that, responded:
"Thank you. Yes, her name is Calliope, but I call her Penny for short."

Hermione nodded and asked hesitantly, "May I?", holding her arms out.

Before Draco could respond, Calliope launched herself at Hermione, making them both giggle with laughter.

As Draco saw his daughter embraced by Hermione Granger, he felt a jolt of uneasiness at the resemblance that he seemed to be witnessing in their smiles.