Dramione: Skills for life

17. Merlin hermione i love you

That night, Hermione holed herself up in her bedroom. She did her hair and makeup, spending nearly an hour on each. She had to get it right. The last time the young witch had given that much effort into her hair and makeup was for the ball right after the war. It was a celebratory ball, in honor of those who died. In all honesty, it wasn't very cheerful. In fact, it was down right depressing. Not than anyone had expected it to be cheerful.

"Hermione, darling, please. We have to go." Draco pleaded from the other side of the door. Hermione rolled her eyes, thinking to herself Boys. She finished her lipstick before replying.

"I'll be right out." She clucked her tongue in discontent. Hermione fiddled with the rhinestone clip that held her hair in an elegant french twist. Her reflection in the mirror was pretty. She knew that, but she wondered if Draco would think so. Finally the mature, self confident yet miniscule corner of her brain ordered her up and out of the room.

"I'm ready." Hermione announced. She took a cautious step down the hallway. Olivia was the first to notice her.

"Mommy!" She squeaked. Her blonde hair was tied in a high ponytail with a big silver bow. Surprisingly, it was Draco who had done it. He really fit into the father role well. Draco was busy at the moment fiddling with Olivia's toy broom.

"Daddy-look!" Olivia ordered, tugging on his arm. Draco turned around and he swore his eyes bulged. Hermione looked absolutely gorgeous standing before him in a simple dress. It was in the very moment, with a little girl gripping his hand that he realized two things.

One: This was exactly what he wanted.

Two: He was completely and totally in love with Hermione Granger.

One Week Later

Term started back up full swing. The NEWTs were up and coming quickly. Hermione had been a nagging reck on Harry, Ron, and even Draco. Olivia was greatly annoyed by Hermione's constant studying. The three year old was also being taught how to read by Draco in his free time. Hermione was much pleased by that.

"Mione? Come away from the books and eat dinner." Draco whispered in her ear. Hermione lifted her head up, cracking her neck.

"Sorry Draco. It's just...our NEWTS-"

"Are in five months. We don't have to worry until the Easter holidays." Draco reminded. It went unheard though. Hermione would not spoil her mind with such stupidity.

"Mhm." She muttered, setting the quill down.

"Come on Hermione, let's go eat dinner." He repeated. "We made a chicken."

"We?" Hermione raised an eyebrow and smiled.

Draco blushed. "Olivia helped. She put the carrots in."

Hermione stood up and moved to the kitchen. Olivia sat on the booster seat on her chair grinning. She tapped her fork on the empty plate getting her parents attention.

"Mommy. I'm so hungry!" She pouted. Draco pulled Hermione's seat out for her. She graciously sat down, pleased at his manners. He waved his wand and the platter of chicken and noodles flew to the table. He served everyone before sitting down himself.

"So, how was your day, dear?" Draco asked politely. Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"Wonderful. We learned about the origin of muggle surgery today." She said, taking a bite. Her eyes widened. "Draco, this is wonderful!"

"Thanks. It's the family recipe." He said proudly.

"I didn't know your mother cooked." Hermione said skeptically.

"She doesn't. It's our family house elves recipe." He muttered. That earned a laugh from Hermione and a curious look from Olivia.

"Matty Finnigan pulled my pigtails today." Olivia pouted, trying to get her parents attention. Hermione moved her gaze to the three year old, who's brown was furrowed.

"He did?" Hermione gasped over enthusiastically. Olivia leaned her elbows on the table, ready to launch into a story. There was a knock on the door that interrupted her, however. The knocking was incessant. Hermione turned to Draco, her brows furrowed.

"Who is that?" She asked aloud. He shrugged and moved toward the door. Draco opened it to find Harry standing on the doorstep. The bespectacled boy's green eyes were widened with nerves.

"What is it, Harry?" Hermione asked worriedly.

Harry's green eyes met her own. "It's your parents."

Her heart sunk into her chest. She managed a stutter. "W-What happened?"

Harry pursed his lips and bent his head down, as if trying to think of a way to tell the young witch. Draco watched the exchange an saw the growing anxiety on Hermione's face. He felt himself growing worried with each passing nano second.

"For Merlin's sake Potter, what happened!?" Draco ordered after a near minute.

Harry looked up and took a deep breath. "They were in a car accident."

Hermione felt time stop. If someone asked her a day later, a month later, probably even a year later what that moment was like she couldn't answer. Time did stop for the young witch. Her breathing halted, her movements froze. Nervously, Draco moved over to his girlfriend.

"Hermione?"

She didn't respond. Harry's eyes shifted between the two. Suddenly, her eyes snapped shut and she fell backwards. Both Draco and Harry reacted instantly. She fell into Draco's arms. Olivia peered in from the kitchen.

"Mommy?" She called out helplessly. The young girl darted towards the only mother figure in her life. Hermione remained unconscious. Draco became panicked.

"Come on Hermione. Get up. Dammit Granger." He grunted, slapping her cheeks gently. She was unresponsive. "Hermione!"

"We have to get her to Madam Pomfrey!" Harry snapped, moving towards her. Draco wouldn't have it though.

"Mione. Come on love. Dammit Hermione-" He was in such a panic, he didn't notice the young brunette's eyes flutter open. "I love you! Merlin Hermione, I love you!"
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Sorry I've been inactive. I've had a lot of school work and I'm currently ill.