The Baby Shower

Chapter Six


Tap Tap Tap.

Hermione stirred, repositioning herself on the bed where she was hoping to catch some sleep. She was absolutely knackered, having stayed up far too late the past few nights.

She knew she was pushing herself, but she'd never been one to sit around - except for reading - and she was restless. The lack of sleep appeared to be biting her in the arse these last few never ending weeks of pregnancy.

Tap Tap Tap.

"Oh, come on!" she moaned, pulling a pillow over her head, muffling the incessant noise.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

"Sweet Merlin!" Hermione groaned as she threw the pillow to the floor, rolling herself off the comfort of her bed and waddling slowly to the window. She pushed it out, letting the small owl hovering just outside perch on the sill.

"Oh, hello there, Perdita. I'd like to curse your mum, did you know that?" Hermione cooed.

The owl let out a soft hoot, and Hermione grinned, stroking her red and brown feathers before untying the note from her leg.

She read the parchment quickly, twisting her features in confusion at the vague note. So much for my nap, she sighed.

Hermione made her way down the long hallway and stairway, moving with determination towards Draco's office. She pushed the heavy door open with some effort, not bothering to knock, and found him at his desk, fiddling with what appeared to be a muggle keyboard. She quirked a brow, ready to ask what exactly he was up to, but reminded herself why she'd waddled the whole way across their large manor in the first place.

"What did you do?" She tossed the slip of paper onto the desk before him, narrowing her eyes and placing her hands on her hips.

"Good afternoon, love," he smiled, picking the note up before scowling and handing it back. "Nothing! I can't believe Pansy owled you over this."

"You clearly did something. Tell me, Draco Malfoy, or I'll curse you to oblivion."

He smirked then, content to watch her simmer with annoyance. "You are radiant, did you know?" Draco stood, maneuvering around the desk to clasp her hand in his own.

"Don't change the subject, mister," she growled, though her lips twitched to lift upwards. "Draco?"

He sighed, dropping their hands. "I just inquired Potter's intentions, is all. It's nothing, really. Did you think he'd start dating my practically sister without words with me first?"

"They're not dating, technically…" she mumbled, then, "You threatened him, didn't you?" Her glare was back in place.

"Oh, sod it, Hermione! Of course I did. That's our Pansy!"

"That's my Harry!" she cried. "You said you would play nice, Draco. You promised me!"

He moved forward, placing both his palms across her swollen abdomen, rubbing them in slow circles. "And I am keeping my word, love. I had to do this, trust me. Pansy will get over it - she's just being dramatic - and I'll have the peace of mind that Harry Potter isn't using my best friend."

Hermione melted at the words, as she always did when he said something uncharacteristically… kind. "Draco Malfoy, you are such a teddy bear." She sighed, closing the gap and wrapping her arms around his waist.

He kissed the top of her head, grinning into her curls. "Take it back." He dropped his hands to her arms, slipping his fingers underneath to tickle her relentlessly.

She howled, giggles erupting from her lips as she panted her defeat. "Stop! Stop. Have mercy!" she gasped, backing away from his offending hands.

Her laughter paused, a content smile gracing her face as she grabbed her stomach lightly, lost in concentration.

"Draco," she breathed, "Come feel!"

He moved forward once more, placing his hands beside hers and grinned in awe as their child, his heir, kicked and stretched beneath their touch.

Draco bent down to place a gentle kiss on her belly, whispering softly against the fabric covering her skin. "I'll see you soon, my boy."