Enjoy the new story! I do not own Harry Potter.
Draco Malfoy stands in the doorway to a ward off of the Maternity Ward at St. Mungo's. He runs a hand through his hair as he watches Hermione Granger move around several bassinets with babies in them. He watches as she picks up a particularly small child and watches as she walks towards a room off of the one they are currently standing. He follows.
Watching as she carefully lays the baby out for a change, he is transfixed as she pulls off her sweater and picks the baby up. He can't move as she turns with the baby securely in her arms, cuddled to her chest.
She smiles slightly at him and sits in rocker. "I half expected you to show up three months ago," Hermione says softly as the baby girl settles deeper against her skin.
Draco stares at her face confused. "Where is here, exactly?" He asks, voice is rough with emotion.
Hermione smiles. Another woman walks around Draco and wraps a large blue cloth around Hermione with the baby still at her chest. When she is done, the baby is swaddled to Hermione's chest. "It's the newborn ward that the Malfoy family funded." When Draco stares at her blankly, she sighs sadly. "I wrote to the Board of St. Mungo's and begged them to do something about the rise in abandoned newborns. They had me fill out every piece of paper under the sun.. I know your family sits on the Board here."
Draco shakes his head, confusion still etched in his tired features. Hermione takes a breath and stands, still tending to the child in her arms. "I started my training here about a month after the Final Battle. When I started seeing women coming in to give birth and sneaking out without their child, I wrote to the Board. We needed funding for this ward. They wrote to you. I have the correspondence they sent you with all of the applications needed to start this ward along with the numbers…"
Draco shrugs as he continues to watch her. He stays silent.
Hermione eyes him sadly. "Muggle doctors are finding that children that have skin to skin contact are most likely to survive when born prematurely or have other health issues. The studies have been ongoing for years. It helps the child bond with caretakers, too. These children needed someone in their corner to fight for them," She says. "When the funding came through, I nearly cried. I had already been taking care of them, mostly on my own dime trying to set up something more permanent."
"Who are they?" He asks quietly.
Hermione sighs. "No one really knows, but we have ideas," Hermione says. "Children born of rape, children in broken homes, or even children of the moment."
Draco nods. "I can't say I remember signing the applications for the ward, but these last three months have been… Busy."
"I saw the headlines. You married Astoria Greengrass," Hermione replies with a wistful smile. "I haven't seen much since."
"I didn't know you would keep tabs on me," Draco says with a soft smirk.
"It was hard to ignore," Hermione says with a knowing smile. "It was a big to do in the wizarding world. It's not everyday that the scion of House Malfoy is wed."
Draco's bitter laugh follows. "Mother's doing."
"Is Astoria in for testing?" Hermione asks suddenly.
Draco eyes her warily. "Yes," He says simply.
Hermione nods. "You could help out while you wait for her. We are always looking for some extra hands."
Draco eyes the child in her arms as she bounces on her feet. "I wouldn't know what to do…"
Hermione nods to someone behind him. A nurse walks in behind him again. "Just take off your shirt. Jenna will wrap you. Just mind his head." Hermione says. Slowly, he does as he is told and minds the newborn boy that is placed against his bare chest. Hermione nods again to Jenna and soon, he is wrapped up with the baby boy.
"Sometimes," Hermione begins, a knowing look in her eyes. "Children just know how to make things better. Even in the greyness that is engulfing our lives."
Draco just shrugs and takes up the seat in the rocker Hermione abandoned. "A month after I married Astoria she started showing signs of a blood curse that has been in her family for generations."
Hermione places a hand on his shoulder but doesn't say a word. "And three months ago, we found out she is pregnant."
Hermione nods as she comes to a realization. "Three months ago, we asked for the contribution of the ward. Is-"
"She's going through the testing to find out if she will be strong enough to get him through the pregnancy. The pregnancy is making her sickness worse," Draco mumbles. "I don't know what to do."
Hermione smiles as tears gather in her eyes. "Of course you do," She replies. When he looks up to her, she tilts her head at him. "You make the best of the time she has left. You journey through her pregnancy and go through the firsts. You make her life extraordinary. Give her the life you planned to. Take her on a vacation. You love her unconditionally. I hear France is lovely this time of year. Especially for pregnant women."
Draco merely nods, unable to say anything. The baby boy wrapped to his chest makes a small noise and he startles. Hermione smiles softly as she places a hand on his back. "He likes you. He doesn't get comfortable with anyone. I was afraid for him. Maybe you both needed each other today."
They sit together for an hour in silence. A man comes looking for Draco. "Drey, Astoria's all set. She's resting in her room."
Draco nods and stands carefully. Hermione stands as well. Hermione knocks on a window to catch Jenna's attention. Jenna helps Draco with the baby boy. Draco pulls on his shirt and buttons it up. The man in the doorway raises a brow to Hermione.
"Theodore Nott," Draco says. "Hermione Granger." He introduces them simply. Hermione nods to Theodore who nods in return.
Hermione smiles sadly. "You do what you must. Enjoy what time you do have," She says lowly. Theodore's eyes dart between them as Draco walks by Theodore. "Good day, Mr. Nott." Theodore bows his head slightly and leaves the doorway.
Three Months Later….
Draco picks up a copy of Witch Weekly to read to Astoria. He eyes the cover as Hermione Granger's picture smiles back up at him. Astoria clears her throat. "What has wonder girl done now?" Astoria asks, teasingly. Her voice is soft as though she does not have the energy to raise it any louder.
Draco smiles at her in return as he flips to the page of the article and reads aloud:
Hermione Granger has done it again! Miss Granger has dumped boyfriend Ronald Weasley! A close friend of the two, who shall remain anonymous, has reported to Witch Weekly that Mr. Weasley proposed and Miss Granger has turned down the beautiful proposal.
When questioned, Miss Granger denies our request for an interview and refuses comment. When we reached out to Mr. Weasley, he has said that he is devastated and does not know where they went wrong. He told us that he was sure she would love the ring and would say yes. Having shown us the ring, it is gorgeous with a large ruby on a gold band surrounded with glittering diamonds.
Please keep an eye out for further interviews with Mr. Weasley. We may even get an interview with previous boyfriends of Miss Granger: Mr. Harry Potter and Mr. Victor Krum.
Astoria giggles lightly from her spot in an overstuffed chair. "What drivel," She says. "The woman certainly deserves better than a gaudy ring like that." Draco shrugs and settles at Astoria's feet on the floor. He lays his head in her lap and takes a breath as Astoria runs her fingers through his hair with one hand while the other rests against her baby bump.
They sit like this for a few more minutes before Draco stands and heads to the balcony doors of their room. He opens them and allows the fresh Mediterranean Sea air to flow into the room. Astoria smiles lovingly at him.
"Did I tell you it was Granger's idea to bring you here?" He says turning back to his wife. Astoria shakes her head as she rubs her belly. She tilts her head, watching him. Her dark curls drape over her shoulder at the movement.
"No you did not," Astoria replies. "When did you see her?"
Draco shrugs again. "When we were last at Mungo's for your testing. She runs the new ward there."
Astoria shares a sly smile with him. "The one for abandoned newborns?"
"How did you know that?" Draco asks.
Astoria laughs. "It was in the Prophet. Your absence at the opening was noteworthy. I nearly questioned it, but we received our news shortly before that. You were extremely preoccupied."
Draco nods. "That's where Theo found me after your testing. She had me sit with a newborn boy. Said he liked me, not sure how she knew that but he slept on me for an hour."
"Draco," Astoria begins. She eyes him for a moment before tears gather in her eyes. "I know I won't make it much longer than this pregnancy. I want you to have a happy life with our son. I don't want you sad at the loss of life with me. You will always have a piece of me in our son. Please, when a chance at love presents itself take it."
Draco moves back to Astoria and takes her hand gently in his. He places a kiss to her knuckles with a nod.
Two Months Later….
Hermione pulls open her kitchen window to grab her copy of The Daily Prophet. She settles at her kitchen table with her coffee mug and opens the Prophet. She nearly spits the mouthful of coffee she takes as a headline catches her attention:
Bloodcurse takes Astoria Malfoy's Life after Birth!
Astoria Malfoy nee Greengrass has given birth to a baby boy. Days after the birth of a healthy son, Astoria has passed away due to complications from a family bloodcurse.
Draco and Astoria had relocated to the coast of France during the last five months of her pregnancy. Sources close to the family say that Draco is beside himself with grief at the loss. Astoria is survived by her newborn son, husband Draco, a sister and her parents. Services will be held on Thursday in Wiltshire near Malfoy Manor for family and close friends.
Hermione lays the paper flat against the table. She bites her lip and grabs a piece of spare parchment and a pen. She takes a moment to clear her thoughts before setting pen to parchment:
Malfoy,
My condolences at the loss of your wife.
Granger
Hermione bites on the end of her pen at the simple note. She looks through her desk looking for anything she could send with it. She looks out her window and notices a white lily in her garden in full bloom. She walks out to her garden and picks it. Placing a stasis charm on the flower, she ties the note and the flower to her owl's leg and sends it off.
Two days go by without a return of her owl. On the second night, while getting ready for bed, a knock on her door catches her attention. Hermione pulls her hair up off of her neck and opens the door slightly and pulls a Holyhead Harpies hoody over her head. Draco Malfoy stands on her doorstep looking like a dishevelled mess.
Hermione opens the door fully and motions for him to come in. Shutting the door behind him, she pulls him along to the kitchen. She sits him down in at her table and goes to her pantry. She pulls down a bottle of firewhiskey from the top shelf and grabs two tumblers. Setting one in front of Draco, she pours some into the glass and then some into hers.
Hermione sits down across from him. Draco's hands reverently cup the glass. "I went to the ward to see if you were there. Jenna said you took a week of vacation. Gave me your address." Hermione nods and allows him to talk as he feels the need.
"I got your note and the lily," He mumbles. He takes a sip of whiskey. His hands shake as he picks up the glass. Hermione places her hand over his. He looks up to her. His grey eyes are rimmed red and his pallor is ghostly white.
"How is your son?" Hermione asks softly.
Draco sobs. Hermione stands and moves to his side. Wrapping her arms around him, she pulls him tightly to her thin frame. His face rests into her chest as his arms wrap around his waist. Heaving sobs wrack both of their bodies as he cries. Tears gather in Hermione's eyes as his pain escapes his body. She rubs his back in soothing circles.
When his sobs slow and his breath hitches, Hermione steps away from him. She watches as he finishes his tumbler of whiskey and stands. He sets a piece of paper down on her table and leaves without another word.
Hermione watches his back as he shuts her front door. She turns back to the piece of paper he left.
Come Thursday.
Thursday rolls up on Hermione with rain and thunder. Hermione readies for the funeral services of a woman she barely remembers from Hogwarts. She pulls on a black pencil skirt over her black pantyhose. She pulls on a black mock neck sweater and black heels. She pulls her hair into a tight bun and nabs her purse and wand. She pulls on a black dress robe over her simple ensemble and disapparates to the church in Wiltshire.
Walking up the stone stairs, Hermione spots Draco walking toward a side door with a bundle in his arms. Theodore Nott catches her gaze and nods to her. He walks up to her and holds out an arm to her. Hermione takes his arm and they walk the same path Draco had taken.
"He told me he went to see you," Theodore says while they walk. "He doesn't know why."
Hermione shrugs. "Grief makes us all do things in an unpredictable manner," she replies.
Theodore nods and opens the door. "He needs you. I don't know what it is about you, but you got through to him." He shuts the door as Hermione walks in. Draco is pacing with his son in his arms. The baby cries as Draco bounces him slightly. Hermione clears her throat and Draco turns to her.
Hermione tilts her head slightly at his son and Draco meets her in the middle of the room. Hermione takes the baby from his arms carefully and settles him into the crook of her neck. She pulls the baby blanket around him to trap his body heat against him. She splays a hand across the babe's back and bounces lightly and hums a little tune to sooth him.
Draco sighs as the baby's cries begin to wane. Hermione smiles slightly and nods to the door. "Go, I can stay here." Draco nods and heads out to greet the funeral attendees.
Two hours pass. Hermione had at one point settled onto the couch and placed the baby on her chest. As they head towards the third hour, the door opens and Draco walks back in. He stops as he spots Hermione.
"Thank you," he says as he drops onto the couch softly. Hermione nods as Draco takes hold of hs son.
Hermione smiles and places a hand on his shoulder. "You are welcome."
"His name is Scorpius," Draco says as she stands.
"You and Scorpius will make it through this," Hermione says as she walks to the door. "Just remind him of who his mother was."
Draco nods and Hermione takes her leave. When she makes to exit the church, Narcissa Malfoy approaches her. Hermione nods to the elder witch. "Miss Granger."
"Mrs. Malfoy," Hermione says softly in acknowledgment.
"Thank you," Narcissa says. "I'm not sure what you said to my son or why he needed you here today, but thank you."
Hermione nods and takes her leave quietly.
Five Years Later…
Hermione sets aside a folder on her desk and takes a deep breath. Rubbing her temples with a groan, a knock on her office door pulls her from her thoughts.
"Come in!" She calls. Hermione looks up as Draco walks in behind a white-haired blur.
"Mind your manners, Scorp!" Draco calls to Scorpius.
Scorpius stops at Hermione's desk and smiles up to her. Having babysat him over the last five years since Draco Malfoy showed up on her front step after Astoria passed, Hermione can't help but smile back.
"Hello Miss Mia," Scorpius says.
"Hello Scorp," Hermione replies. Draco stands behind Scorpius and Hermione can see the anxiety in his face as she turns to look up at Draco.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of such wonderful company?" Hermione asks Scorpius.
Scorpius smiles. "Daddy has a question for you Miss Mia!" He replies. His giddy tone is contagious and Hermione laughs lightly at him.
"Oh does he now?" Hermione asks as she eyes Draco.
"Yup!" Scorpius says.
"And what question would that be?" Hermione asks Draco.
"Will you come out to dinner with me tonight?" Draco asks. His voice is low as pink creeps into his pale cheeks.
Hermione's breath catches. "As in a date?" Hermione asks.
Draco nods in confirmation. Hermione smiles finally. "I would love to." Draco smiles to her and leans over her desk to kiss her on the cheek. Scorpius whoops with excitement. "I'll pick you up at seven?"
At Hermione's sheepish nod, Draco smiles at her and the Malfoy men leave her to an unproductive afternoon to prepare for her date with Draco Malfoy.
Thank you for your time! Leave a review! Let me know what y'all thought.
Kaleigh