Prologue

After a long day at the ministry, Hermione was relieved to be on her way home. She decided to walk home from the grocery store, instead of apparating, to enjoy the beautiful fall day. Their home was only about a mile away from Hogsmeade, and the temperature was truly perfect, crisp leaves crunching under her feet. This was her favorite time of the year, and she would enjoy every second of it. Hermione closed her eyes as she tilted her face up towards the cool breeze and the autumn sun.

Today was their 1st anniversary, and Hermione had a romantic dinner planned. She'd bought all the ingredients for lasagna, his favorite, along with an expensive red wine. She smiled as she thought of her husband, probably waiting at home for her. Tonight was going to be special. Though she'd bought wine, she wouldn't be having any. After all, Hermione would be telling her husband that she was pregnant.

…..

Hermione bumped the door of the cottage open with her hip, stepping into their home. As she set the groceries down on the table, she looked around. Hmm. It looks like he's not home yet.

"Draco?" she called, sticking her head in the other rooms. He should be home by now. Must be running late.

Hermione decided to go ahead and start their dinner, hoping Draco Malfoy would be home by the time it was done. When she put the lasagna in the oven, she began to get the table ready. She put the nice tablecloth down, with the floating candles above where they'd be sitting.

She decided to jump in the shower while she was waiting for the lasagna. Hermione set out her nice, simple black dress, favorite diamond necklace, and started the water for her shower. As she got undressed, she paused to rest a hand on her abdomen. Draco was going to be so excited. They were going to be parents!

…..

When she got out of the shower, she padded into the kitchen. The lasagna smelled perfect. She smiled as she pulled it out of the oven. Where in Merlin's name is Draco? She checked the clock. He's two hours late. He's never late. She frowned, putting her hands on her hips. Hermione looked around the room, wondering if he'd been home at all. Maybe he came home and then left again? She wandered around the room, looking for some hint that her husband had been home. That was when she saw it. The note, sitting on the table.

Hermione,

I had to leave. Can't explain.

I'm sorry,

Draco.

Hermione felt faint as the note dropped from her hand. Then, her world went black.