Chapter 21 (Updated)

To use the saying, "It looks like you've seen a ghost," is an understatement. Indeed, standing before them was Hermione Granger alive and well. As if it was a normal day, Hermione Granger took the seat between Anna Vain and the headmistress.

As the meeting progressed half of the attention was on Hermione's mere presence. Those who have known and met her before continued on engaging with the plans. Hermione also actively participated but she couldn't pass on the chance to look at the people who were shocked by the revelation. A smirk was playing on her lips as she enjoyed their reactions. The tension was felt but everyone's professionalism surfaced to overpower it.

Harry was trying hard to shut his emotions until the meeting was adjourned. He was torn between feeling relieved that she was alive and feeling betrayed. This woman in front of him was far from the Hermione Granger he knew. No. This wasn't Hermione Granger at all, this woman is Jean McLaggen. She died and left her child. She was alive but didn't bother to return to her child.

If Harry felt betrayed and relieved, Draco felt rage. He wanted to scream and ask her why she hadn't come for her child. All the tears Alicia shed were for naught. She had caused the young girl so much grief and pain. They were all trying so hard to erase her tears knowing that Hermione Granger would want happiness for her little girl but now it felt like everything was an illusion that would soon break and only more pain and suffering would eventually come.

"Now that everything is set, we only need to have the press releases out and the ball to celebrate." Anna's assistant gave her the papers and stored them inside a case. "Your invitations shall be sent within the week. Meeting adjourned." She announced.

Hermione stood up to shake everyone's hand but as the others left the room, Draco lingered waiting for everyone to exit. Anna had noticed it and decided to take her leave.

She gave Hermione a peck on the cheek. "Be safe, Jean. I'll see you soon." Anna whispered before leaving the room with her secretary.

Once Anna was out of the room, the door was shut and locked. Hermione was fishing out her sunglasses from her bag when she heard the click. She didn't need to lift her head to see who locked the door.

"I assume you have questions." Her voice was cold. The warm, comforting and familiar voice he was used to was no longer present. It felt like he was speaking to a stranger.

Draco couldn't speak. He didn't know what to ask her first. Without an answer scuffed and walked past him but he immediately grabbed her arm

"Do speak up, Draco. I have an important commitment I cannot miss." There it is again. No warmth at all. The chilly winters paled to this. His grip tightened but she didn't even flinch.

"How are you even alive?" He managed to ask.

"That's for me to know and you to find out." She slowly pulled her arm from her grip and continued to walk away.

He watched her walk away. He stood frozen unsure what to feel. She's alive and well not to mention married or rather widowed. A widow with an entire empire behind her.

Alicia's voice echoed in his head.

Alicia. That girl grew up knowing her mother was dead and her body buried. That sweet girl didn't deserve such anguish in her heart.

He ran after her. When he finally caught up the driver was already holding the passenger door open for her. The driver had spotted him and informed his boss. Hermione didn't even turn to look. She ignored his presence and slowly slid inside the car.

"What about Alicia?" Draco shouted. Hermione sighed and turned to face him.

"Don't worry about it." She spoke as a smirk appeared on her ruby lips. "I intend to get her back soon. See you soon, Draco." With that, the driver closed the door and quickly entered the driver's side of the car. The white car drove away leaving Draco to ponder on her words.

--

After the revelation, Draco had retreated to his office pacing back and forth. Astoria had found him like that but had assumed it was related to work. She came to inform him that the photoshoot was cut short due to Alicia suddenly feeling feverish. The cold must have gotten to the young girl. Alicia had wanted to push through but Astoria was worried. She went to check on Alicia and returned to see Draco still pacing.

"Draco, is everything alright?" Draco stopped and looked at his worrying wife.

The events that transpired had him troubled but he wasn't sure if he should share it with her. Hermione Granger is alive. It felt like a loop in his head. It felt like he was reliving it over and over again.

"I'm not sure." He replied and leaned on the table.

"Did something happen? You never pace for this long." She informed him. It was true that his pacing would last for less than fifteen minutes, not twice the time.

She knows him well. This was much more than a problem. It was something much deeper.

"Hogwarts is now under a conglomerate." He announced disregarding the most shocking news.

"That's not surprising at all. Hogwarts needs more funding. You've said it yourself." Astoria pointed out but she had sensed that it wasn't funding that was the problem.

"Draco, we've been married for more than ten years. I can clearly see that something is really troubling you." It was written all over her husband's face and he wasn't one to keep secrets from her because the last time he told a lie to her, the guilt almost drove him into insanity.

Draco was debating whether he would tell her about Hermione. An ex coming back to life isn't something you could easily discuss with your wife. Astoria had grown to love Alicia and it might complicate things. She had a habit of worrying too much even though it wasn't her problem. It goes to show how soft-hearted she was despite everything she had seen and been through.

He thought.

Draco sighed and approached his wife who was looking at him with pure concern.

"I can't tell you now but I promise I will soon." He said sweetly and softly before placing a tender kiss on Astoria's forehead. "I promise."

"Alright, but promise me you won't shut your emotions out again."

"I promise, love."

Astoria smiled and placed her hand on his cheek. "I need to head back. Your mother wants me for a meeting."

He always liked her eyes. They were so pure and warm but every time he looked at her eyes guilt washed over him. How can something warm bring about so much guilt?

"I love you," Draco said softly before kissing her on the lips.

"I love you, Draco."

Astoria gathered her things from his desk and took out a pearl from her pocket. She waved goodbye and activated the port key.

--

Draco fell on his chair whilst massaging the bridge of his nose. He opened his eyes and saw the pile of papers he had to grade, photos of Scorpius and Astoria, and photos of his old friends back in his seventh year. They were all smiling and enjoying each other's company. He remembered it like it was yesterday when the photo was taken. It was after Quidditch practice and Blaise, Pansy and Goyle were waiting for him on the bleachers. A student who was documenting the practice had taken notice of them and snapped a photo. They didn't notice their photo was taken until the student handed them an envelope with copies days later.