To say that he was surprised to see her of all people, would be an understatement. He never thought that she would write children's books, although now that he knows it is her, her pseudonym makes a lot of sense. "Jean Ranger, really?" he wants to ask her, "how creative of you." But there is no doubt of her creativeness, is there? He has read the books to Scorpius on numerous occasions and even though he would not admit it to anyone, he liked reading them. For some reason her books felt so magical-pun really not intended-and real. Now he wonders whether there is any truth in what she has written. Could she really have ridden a dragon out of what he presumes to be Gringotts? If so, he would really like to listen to the real adventure from the source, but his treatment of her when he was a little prejudiced arse-at least he can acknowledge that-already destroyed any future friendship. He may have seen the error of his ways, albeit obligingly, but she didn't know that. He hasn't seen her since his trial, even then their encounter was awkward and tense. He never got to apologise to her for all the things he did nor thank her for tall the wonderful things she, Potter and Weasley all did despite everything, but all he could manage was a strained and mumbled thank you. He couldn't even look them in the eyes. That was seven years ago and he likes to believe himself to be a changed man, at least a better version of his old self. If he could learn to live in the muggle world, restore his standing in the wizarding community and raise his son on his own, he thinks he can face Hermione Granger.

The fact that she hasn't yelled at him nor stormed out of the shop is a good sign-okay maybe he is being over dramatic. The Granger he remembers from Hogwarts and the Granger he's kept track of after the war is not someone who would cause a scene in front of innocent children. He looks at his son and the shy expression on his face, lifts his head and smiles at Granger. To his surprise and delight, after a second she smiles back and her focus shifts to his son who is currently hugging his legs. Although he is hiding behind him, his eyes are sparkling with excitement. He nudges him and Scorpius ends up taking a step clutching Ringo and smiling shyly at Granger. Her smile, in return, is bigger and encouraging and she asks pointing at his toy dragon "Did you ride your dragon all the way here?" Scorpius shakes his head but does not say anything. "Why not," Granger continues, "you look like a brave little man." He knows she has won Scorpius over by the look on his son's face. His son takes another few steps forward and answers.

"Cause ironbellies are slow and very dangerous." His answer shocks Draco and he checks if anyone has heard them. The last thing he wants is to get into trouble with the ministry. However Granger does not seem fazed and she continues.

"Oh? And how do you know know that?" Scorpius' shyness disappears altogether. He likes reading and likes sharing his knowledge with other people. He puffs his chest out before continuing. "It is in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.' My daddy reads it to me." Draco can see that Granger is genuinely interested in and impressed by Scorpius' answer this time. For some reason this fact makes him proud.

"So you must be Newt Scamander then?" Granger asks, still smiling. Scorpius looks puzzled before he extends his free hand to Granger and introduces himself. "No, he is book writer. I am Scorpius Malfoy. And this is my daddy Draco." Draco chuckles. He likes how Scorpius tries to involve him in their conversation. What surprises him yet again, is Granger's answer.

"Nice to meet you Scorpius Malfoy. But I already know your daddy. I am Hermione Granger, we went to school together." The look on Scorpius' face is a combination of confusion and pure admiration. His pale cheeks are tinged with pink and his mouth is hanging open. When he asks "You know Jean Ranger daddy?" his awe is so apparent that Draco wants to go back in time to talk some sense into his younger self, so that he can tell his son that he was good friends with "Ranger" and not enemies and that makes him ashamed somehow.

After their reunion with Granger, she explains him what a pseudonym is and tells him her real name. "You can call me Hermione if you like." she also adds although Draco is not sure whether Scorpius can pronounce it. Scorpius' smile brights up his face and he has worked up the courage to ask for an autograph by himself. Draco is surprised at how relaxed he looks and acts around Granger, although he cannot blame him, she has this aura of security and friendliness about herself. He watches them as they chat and giggle together whilst she writes something on his book. He knows that they have spent too much time with her and people behind them are getting restless. When he informs Scorpius that they are to leave, his face falls but he hugs Granger and grabs his signed book. Draco hates not being able to give Scorpius whatever he wants, so when he blurts out "Would you like to grab a bite with us Granger?" he is not really surprised. She looks shocked, but after seeing Scorpius' enthusiasm she agrees. They agree on meeting next weekend and all through their ride to the Leaky Cauldron, Scorpius prattles about how great Granger is and how cool it is for his daddy to know her. They have some shopping to do, so they do not linger anywhere long but they do stop long enough for Scorpius to get some chocolate frogs as he had promised after a he ate all his brussell sprouts on Wednesday. The weather is still nice, but his encounter and upcoming plans with Granger, as well as the traffic, have him feeling odd and he wants to go home as soon as possible. Scorpius does not mind. He is already munching on a chocolate frog when they make it back to the car. He looks ridiculous with chocolate all over his face and little hands, but also looks happy, he doesn't have the heart to warn him. His own parents never allowed such acts of filthiness when he was a child, so he tries not to make the same mistakes. He gives Scorpius some freedom and lets him act like a child should.

Half way through their ride home, Scorpius squeaks suddenly and he shows a chocolate frog card to him. "Daddy, isn't this Hermione on the card?" he asks excitedly. Before their encounter with her, Scorpius never really acknowledged the so called "Golden Trio." Granted, he never really talked about them and tried not to talk too much about the war just yet, for the fear of Scorpius hating and being afraid of him. Hence he doesn't know how to handle the situation. He nods, but does not take his eyes off the road.

"Hermione's on a chocolate frog card, wicked!" he exclaims before asking the question Draco dreaded "What did she do to be on it?"