A/N: I'm finally done with this. Dang it's been too long, sorry guys! With Sims, Christmas, and today((Dec. 30)) being my b-day I've had a lot on my plate. Lol. Well, anyway. I hope you like it! Review?! PlxKThx? )

Chapter 3

Draco pulled away from her and looked into her eyes. He was gauging her reaction to his sudden kiss- was it too much? She looked utterly bewildered, yet very enthused. He decided to try his luck again instead of messing with words that he would surly mess up.

His lips glided over hers once again. This was the third time he had kissed her and every time was just as good as the first. The first two had a surprise aspect on them and this one was filled with the satisfaction of a new friendship- of sorts. Just imagine, these small kisses are amazing, how would sex be? Draco couldn't help but let his mind wonder. I haven't even gotten a taste of her yet. And with that thought, Draco slid his tongue over the full lips that he had dreamed about for quite some time. Very quickly and eagerly, Hermione granted him entrance. It's better than I could have ever thought. She tastes as sweet as the honey that colors her hair.

Through their passionate kiss, Draco's arms grew tired of propping him up on the arms of her chair. He, very smoothly, put his arms around her, picking her up slightly and slipping under her so that she was sitting on his lap. She did not seem to mind in the least, she had even wrapped her arms around his neck.

This kissing session went on for several minutes, but Hermione didn't want it to progress any further than just kissing. She pulled away and looked at him. They both did need the air. His eyes were pleading so she gave in to them and initiated the next kiss. Her audacity just excited him more. Her fingers were twisting in his hair and his were lightly roaming over the small of her back, each loving the touches that they hadn't felt for so very long.

Hermione was about to throw caution to the wind when she felt his excitement against her leg. It brought on the realization. She couldn't bring someone into her mess. She was pregnant! He surly wouldn't want to raise a baby that wasn't his own, especially Harry's! She groaned internally as she pulled away.

She looked into his eyes, hoping that hers wasn't betraying her. She wanted them to tell him that she wasn't ready for something more. That was true, but she also knew that this friendship wouldn't advance past anything more than what it was now. She wouldn't do that to him, her, or the baby.

He seemed to understand that she didn't want to go further. He leaned back a little and rested against the oversize chair cushions. He smiled at her, smiled not smirked! She returned the expression.

"You're a fair kisser Granger." He said coolly.

"Fair?" she asked, pretending to be hurt. She stood up and playfully glared at him.

"Oh, don't get your knickers in a bunch." The smirk returned. "You know bloody well how good of a kisser you are."

She giggled. "Yeah, I suppose so. Got your knickers in a bunch didn't it Dracie?" she exaggeratedly looked at his lap to show what she meant. He simply shrugged and she laughed harder. "Nice to know I've still got it."

"Still?" he asked curious. "Who all have you snogged?"

"Eh, just Seamus, Ron, Harry, Dean, oh and there was that once that I got real drunk and shagged Neville." By the second name Draco's mouth was floor-level.

"What?! I didn't think Gryffindor had their own personal wench." He asked utterly shocked. She burst out laughing.

"I'm kidding!" she chuckled. He looked very relieved.

"Good! I didn't want to think that I just took in some of Longbottom's germs." He joined in her laughter. When they settled, he asked, "But really, who have you snogged?"

She blushed. "Only two guys, Viktor and another boy." She didn't particularly want to talk about the last encounter that she had with Harry.

"Krum, eh? Bet that was like kissing a bludger. That's about the IQ of that buffoon." He sneered.

"Hmm…" she giggled. "Am I sensing jealously?" she quirked an eyebrow.

"What? Pfft!" he turned his head. "Why would I be jealous? I just about snogged you senseless just a moment ago." She laughed again. "You can't tell me he was a better kisser than I." She looked away from him, pretending that she didn't want to look him in the face. "What?!" he asked rising to his feet in offense.

"I'm only teasing!" she ran to him and put her arms around his middle. She smiled up at him and he sighed, looking down at her. She was very short next to him, her nose only came up to his chin. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. This kiss was soft and caring, not intense and longing like the ones before.

As she pulled away he said, "You're going to be the death of me." He faked sighed. She grinned into his chest. She breathed in deep, taking in all the smells that were him.

"Maybe." She joked. He chuckled and rested his chin on the top of her head, wrapping his arms around her waist. This is how they stood for quite some time.

"Draco?" she suddenly said after minutes of silence. "What are we doing?"

He looked down at her. "Well, Hermione, this is called a hug." He smirked.

She hit his arm playfully. "No, silly. I mean, what are we becoming? Friends or what?" she knew that she was potentially setting herself up to be hurt but truly wanted to know what he thought. She didn't want to allow him to begin to develop more feelings than what he might already have if she wasn't ready for this. She had to know what he thought before she knew she could fully let him in.

"Mmm…" he thought for a moment. "I'm not sure Hermione." He paused and she told herself that she knew that had been coming. Then he continued, "All I know right now is that I'm lonely; you're lonely. Together we're rather happy. Holding you in my arms feels pretty right to me. Your kisses affect me more than I've ever been affected by one person. I also know that after that first one, it was hard to think of anything but that. And when I saw that… scumbag touching you." He gritted his teeth. Then he seemed to count to three and then continued, "I was livid. I could've killed that damn muggle. Anyway," he said trying to get back on track. "All of that is how I feel. What are you thinking?"

She hugged him tighter. She didn't know what was worse, him truly having feelings for her or just having fun with her. What am I going to say? I mean I do think about him a lot as well… and his kisses are better than anything I've ever tasted. It's just, if I confess feelings, and then tell him about the baby… he'll be angry, very angry. Though I can't exactly hide it from him. She was pulling her hair out from within. Then, before mentally saying, 'The Hell with it!', she pulled him into another passionate kiss. Hoping that this would be answer enough for him.

It was.

Three weeks later

Since Draco had left that night, he and Hermione had kept up a steady stream of owls flying in and out. He was away, tying up some loose ends of his family's fortunes, apparently Lucius had invested quite a large amount in foreign countries. They had only seen each other once since he left that night. The brunette was still a bit confused on where their boundaries were, but she knew they lay some where between good friend and boyfriend. She was actually fine with that, though she knew that what she was doing was wrong. She had to tell him, but she wanted to do it in person. She hoped that she would have the courage to do it soon.

She was already about five months into the pregnancy. She had purchased many shirts that were loose around the abdomen, which thankfully was a muggle fashion that was 'in'. However, she wasn't showing too much because of her lean build. The little bit that she was in her lower abdomen and looked, if she had been any other girl, like she had had a large lunch. She laughed at the thought, what lunch do I eat now that isn't large? She had begun to have cravings now. Just recently, she wanted a Jone's Soda extremely bad. She also found herself wanting Ham and Swiss toasties nearly everyday.

This was the part of the nine months that was becoming the hardest. Hiding it from Draco, and managing her cravings on her own when usually a man would go out and get the things you desired so much. She sighed. She truly wished that Harry were here. So much so, that it began to bring tears to her eyes. She really cared for Draco now, but it was nothing like what she had with Harry there at the end. She wondered if this relationship would come to that. Then she thought of the secret she kept from him. She knew that when she told him that he would not come back.

She did what she always did in times like this, turned to reading. She grabbed the nearest book and shoved her nose in it. It worked, as always. She became interested in reading about Headmaster McCreary. He was Hogwarts sixth headmaster, and he…

A knock on her door caused her to jump, dropping the book with a loud thud. She wondered who it was. It was times like these that she wished she had a peephole incredibly bad. She padded over to her door and opened it a little ways.

There was a strange looking man standing there. He wore a purple cloak and when he spoke, it sounded of strong English slur. "'Ello Missy. I've a delivry 'or ya." He extended his arm and she took a light package.

"Oh, thank you sir, but who is it from." She asked shyly.

"From te' ministry, that is." He said and apparated away.

She closed her door and locked it back. She carried the small box over to her coffee table. She sat on the couch, looking at it. How odd. There's no name written anywhere on it. She untied the light colored ribbon and lifted the lid on the box. A small piece of paper was inside with an object wrapped in paper. The little note read:

I knew this was in the future for you. A present.

Remember that even in our darkest times will get better

if only on remembers to turn on the light.

She put the note down and looked at the parcel for a moment. She was trying to remember where she had heard those words. She slowly pulled the paper off. In her hands, she held a small heap of fabric. She picked one end up and looked. It was an infant jumper. It was red with a small Hogwarts insignia on it. She couldn't believe it. She checked the box again to make sure she hadn't missed something. She didn't find any other clues, just the mysterious note.

She reread the noted several times before conceded and folded the small article of clothing. She placed it back in the box and put it in her closet. Explaining this to Draco would be hard enough without him seeing that first. She was thankful that she had another week to prepare herself for blowup that would be her confession.

((heart))

Hermione was walking home after a meeting with Luna. It had felt so great to talk to her and feel a sense of normalcy. They talked about how her new married life was going- great of course. How beautiful the wedding was and what a shame it was that Hermione wasn't able to attend. Hermione even talked about the budding friendship with Draco. Luna was shocked but glad. She had said that she knew, everyone knew, that Malfoy was lonely and defiantly needed someone to talk to so he didn't go mad.

Hermione still hadn't revealed to anyone that she was with child. The time just didn't seem right to her. She wanted people to respond nicely to her child, not think that it was the result of the war. She didn't want anyone to connect her baby to the most horrendous times in Wizarding history.

She sighed. She had better get her thoughts into line before the upcoming months because it would be plainly obvious to anyone and everyone that she was defiantly pregnant.

When she arrived at her apartment complex, she heard a bit of commotion coming from the upper level. She quickened her pace, hoping something wasn't wrong at her apartment. When she ascended the stairs, she saw a large Eagle Owl at her doorstep. She looked around, desperately hopeful that her muggle neighbors not seeing the owl flailing around in front of her door.

She ran over and unlocked her door as the owl quieted itself. She opened the door and the owl flew in and landed on her coffee table. She walked over and it dropped the letter it was carrying in her hand. She opened the letter and read:

Hermione,

It seems that my trip is ending earlier than I had expected. I cannot wait to see you, it shall be the first thing I do when I get back. Hope this doesn't seem rude, as I am sort of inviting myself over, but I will arrive at your flat around six this evening.

Hoping all is well,

Draco Malfoy

Hermione looked to her wall clock, it read 5:37. Oh Merlin! He'll be arriving soon! She ran to her room. She began putting away all of the clothes she had bought the previous day- she had went baby shopping. She stowed them away in her extra drawer that she magicked up. All the way, she was wondering how she was going to tell him. She had to today! She would! She hoped she could. Or should I wait? It's been a while since I've seen him… No! I must tell him now. As she tried to conclude this argument, she heard a rapping at her door. She jumped, checked herself in the mirror, and took a deep breath before going to the door.

There he was, standing there looking great, blonde flawless hair, impeccably dressed with his signature smirk that had nearly developed to a full-fledged smile around Hermione. She threw her arms around him without even thinking about it.

He smiled into her warm smelling hair and put her arms around her. He held her tightly for a moment and released, though she was reluctant to pull away. When she finally did, he thought he saw a glimpse of a tear at her eye but when he blinked, he thought he had imagined it. She stood there a second just looking at him before grabbing his hand to bring him inside.

"Miss me?" he asked sounding like his cocky self.

"I'd say about as much as you dreamt about me." she retorted as she sat down on her sofa.

"Wow, that much?" he asked in mock astonishment. She laughed as he joined her. "Have fun here without me?"

"Ehh, I suppose so." She said seriously. "You?"

"Could've been better." He glanced at her suggestively. She giggled. "Oh, I brought you something back." He reach into his pocket and pulled out a really tiny package. He waved his wand over it and it grew to a rather large box.

"Oh my Goodness Draco! You really didn't need to bring me something!" she said and wouldn't accept the gift as he tried to hand it to her.

"Please 'Mi?" he put on a pouting face. She tried to remain adamant but the cute nickname and face was too much. She sighed and then giggled, accepting the present. She opened it and inside was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. It was an emerald green, with a silver and gold lace-up front. If that wasn't enough, there was another breath-taking dress with it. This one was a deep amethyst color, with silver accents all through it.

"Draco! These are marvelous! But just how expensive were these? I couldn't possibly accept them." she tried to close the lid on the grandest of gifts that she had ever received.

"A small fortune," he joked and laughed, as her eyes grew wider. "I'm kidding. They were owed to me. Don't worry, I want you to have them." he kissed her softly. She melted at his touch and the way he spoke to her.

"Draco…" she started. She knew that now was when she had to tell him, before things went farther. "I've got to tell you something…" She could tell he was bracing for the worst. If only he knew. She paused for a moment trying to think of the right way to tell him.

"Well? Do you hate them or something?" he asked, hoping that whatever she had to say would be too bad.

"No, no! It's not the dresses Draco. They're extravagant! I love them, really." She looked down at her hands that were resting on her stomach. "It's just… I… when…" she groaned. Everything she was thinking of was sounding rather lame. "Here, feel." She grabbed his hand and rested on her stomach.

"Yes, Hermione. That's your abdomen. Are you feeling sick or something?" he asked concerned.

"No. Well not from this, but nerves."

"What's the matter? You're starting to scare me Hermione." He asked taking his hand back. She couldn't take it anymore.

"I'm pregnant Draco!" she exclaimed, standing up. He just stared up at her confused. He looked from her eyes- to see if this was a weird joke, to her stomach- as if it would show him that there was no baby inside.

"What? But we never-"

"I know! I know! I'm almost five months now." She told him. Again, he didn't speak for a moment. He was just deep in thought.

"But that was when the war ended. How… who…" he couldn't form a solid question.

"Look, after Ron and Ginny died, Harry and I were all each other had-"

"So you decided to shag each other senselessly?!" Draco rose, as did his temper.

Hermione sighed. "No, Draco, it's not like that. Harry and I became really close."

"Obviously." He stated sarcastically.

"I'm serious! I loved him!"

"Enough to have his child?" he asked skeptically.

She looked down, trying to hold in her tears. She hadn't talked about that night, and also had tried to avoid thinking about it. "Draco, calm down. You have to understand, we knew the final battle was quickly approaching. We were still uncertain what the outcome was going to be and he didn't want to die and leave me all alone."

"So he left you to take care of a child all on your own? To put you under all of that stress for you to face by yourself? Yeah sounds like a good idea to me." he scoffed and started to pace slightly.

"But we didn't really think he was going to die! It was just incase." She defended.

"And what would have become of the baby if he had lived? You two would just live happily ever after with it?!"

She ignored that question. "I thought I could handle it all on my own." She walked over to where he had stopped pacing. "But I can't Draco. I want you to be there with me…" he looked like a deer in the headlights. He hadn't even truly considered his role in this. He still had many things he wanted to do, starting a family wasn't first on that list either. "I understand if you-"

"Well, you better understand, because I'm out! I can't take this! How could you hide something like that from me and expect me to be okay with it."

"But Draco," she tried to put her hands on his shoulders.

"No Hermione! I'm out of here." He pulled out of her reach and turned out the door. She ran after him but he had disappeared with a 'pop'.

She sighed and returned to her seat, crying herself into a restless slumber.

((heart))

She hadn't spoken to Draco in over a month. She still was in shock that he had just left her there. I guess I can't blame him. It was my decision and my child, he shouldn't have to be affected by it. She sighed. She truly wished that he would come back to her but knew he wouldn't. She would have to face these tough months by herself.

Such a thing to look forward to; the feeling that you're overeating, getting larger, sore feet, and the kicking that she didn't have anyone to share the joy of with.