A/N: Thanks for the reviews! Apologies for the delay in updating. I have had a lot going on with family, studies and working full time. I have a couple of weeks break with studies so hopefully I can get another update in before that picks back up.
DISCLAIMER: Only the plot!
Chapter Nine
"You are bloody brilliant, Hermione," said Harry with a pleased smile as Hermione handed him copies of her family tree, "Maria, Ashton – we can arrest them. I want you both to go to their homes and bring them straight back here."
Maria and Ashton nodded and left with two quiet pops. Hermione followed Harry over to a table set up with a map of the swamp lands.
"So we have groups of five out searching. There are apparently properties here, here and here," said Harry pointing to the three areas all a fair distance away from where they were based.
"Even if he manages to escape," said Hermione, "No doubt Lucius will have made it impossible for him to find the strength to apperate."
"I know," sighed Harry, "We can only hope he manages it."
Hermione turned and looked at the cold swamp lands and crossed her arms over her chest, rocking back and forth slight to keep her legs warm.
"Hey."
Hermione and Harry both whirled around to see Ron standing on the opposite side of the table. Harry looked at Ron questioningly, while Hermione remained expressionless – a trick she had learnt from her husband over the past few years.
"I heard what happened from Mum and Dad," said Ron calmly, "I wasn't needed at the Ministry so my boss sent me here to help."
"Help?" blurted out Hermione in disbelief before she could stop herself, "You? Help look for Draco?"
"I'm sorry! For everything," said Ron desperately, "I was a complete and utter prat-"
"Prat doesn't begin to cover what you were," cut in Hermione, "Perhaps asshole, jerk, cheating bastard and-"
"Okay, okay I get it. I was that and a lot more towards you but I am genuinely sorry, Hermione. Please… please can we try and start over… as... as acquaintances?"
Hermione remained silent for a few moments as she took in Ron's apology and request. Slowly she nodded and looked over to Harry who had remained silent throughout the exchange.
"Right," said Harry, running a hand through his messy hair, "So, Ron. You can go help group two. They are just over there by the willow tree. Tell them I sent you."
Ron gave a nod and hurried over as Harry turned to Hermione. Hermione gave Harry a small smile and welcomed the hug Harry gave her.
"I'm only upset because of the pregnancy," muttered Hermione as she wiped away a stray tear.
Harry gave a chuckle and nodded, "Of course you are."
"Want a drink?" asked Hermione with a gesture over to Fleur and Molly, who had set up a table of refreshments.
"Yeah. Coffee, you know how I like it."
"One sugar and a drop of milk."
"Bingo."
Hermione smiled and headed over to the table before a blinding white flash filled her vision. With a gasp, she dropped to her knees as her vision filled with a run down, grey walled room. Dusty bits of furniture were around the room and Lucius Malfoy was glaring down at her – no not her, at Draco.
"Get up Draco," said Hermione clutching her head as panic set in, "Don't let him beat you!"
"Hermione!" came Molly's worried voice, "Harry! Come quickly!"
Hermione shoved away the sound of Molly's voice, focusing on the feeling of Draco trying to push away his pain.
"Hermione. I won't let him win, I won't."
Hermione grew frustrated as Draco barely moved, "Then get up… GET UP!"
"What's going on?" came Harry's voice, "Hermione?"
Hermione shoved away Harry's hands wanting to maintain her sudden connection with Draco's mind. She didn't understand how or why it was happening but that didn't matter. All that mattered was getting Draco out of that shack alive.
"Morris," whispered Hermione seeing the Healer holding a phial of liquid.
She couldn't quite focus on what it was. Hermione groaned as two visions blurred, showing Lucius aiming a spell at Draco and stunning him.
"DUCK NOW!" screamed Hermione causing those around her to drop to the ground.
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief as Draco dropped to the hard, dirty ground below him. What was around him? Hermione needed to know to be able to help him escape. Clenching her eyes shut tightly, Hermione forced her mind to show her the surroundings.
A ancient looking, white vase was laying on the ground behind Draco. He could use it to smash over one of the heads – Morris would easily succumb to such an attack.
"Look, the vase behind you. Grab it and when Morris tries to stop you smash it over his head… its muggle but it works," said Hermione confidently.
"Is she mental?" asked Lisa, looking at Harry in confusion.
"No… no I think she really is a Seer of sorts," replied Harry, a tone of wonder in his voice.
"It is you," came Draco's relieved, yet confused voice.
Hermione felt a smile spread across her face as Draco grabbed the vase and smashed it over Morris's head hard and fast. The Healer dropped to the ground like a dead weight and Hermione felt a spark of hope swell inside her. Her vision blurred again, showing Lucius attacking Draco. The hope was quickly replaced with a shot of fear.
"Shoot a spell! Shoot a spell!" cried Hermione in alarm.
Glad that Draco had thought to grab Morris's wand, he shot a stinging jinx, from what Hermione could gather. Her body cringed as she heard the follow up sound of Draco's fist connecting with Lucius' nose and breaking it. Once the Senior Malfoy was stunned she let out a sigh of relief.
"It won't open," came Draco's voice as he tried to open the door.
Hermione focused her minds vision on the door, a billion thoughts running through her mind as to how to help Draco unlock the door.
"Melt the handle. Most lock charms only focus on the handle," said Hermione as the thought occurred to her, "If it's melted, it's not a handle anymore. Hurry. Your father and Morris won't be subdued for long. I need you home."
"I'm coming home I swear."
Hermione smiled warmly at the thought as the door to his prison swung open. Hermione took in his surroundings outside the shack. She couldn't see any landmarks that would help her determine is location.
Her head was beginning to pound now and her body was feeling weak. She had to maintain the connection, she needed to help Draco get home.
"Fog… this works in your favour," said Hermione, falling from her knees to laying on the damp, dirty ground.
"Hermione!" came Harry's panicked voice, "Hermione, answer me! Are you okay? Hermione!"
"Which way do I go?" came Draco's distant, wavering voice.
"Point me," muttered Hermione before everything vanished into black.
"P-point me," gasped Draco as he hunched over to catch his breath.
His ribs hurt; his head was throbbing and sticky with drying blood. He wanted nothing more than to fall down to the ground and pass out.
His wand bent slightly to the right and Draco forced himself to stand upright and staggered forward in the direction his wand at pointed him in. A few footsteps along he paused. He listened intently as he leaned against the trunk of a dead tree.
Footsteps, crunching of leaves and then…
"MALFOY! DRACO MALFOY! ARE YOU HERE? CAN YOU HEAR US?" came the yell of a males voice, "IF YOU CAN, SEND UP A RED BEAM OF LIGHT! WE WILL COME TO YOU!"
Draco leaned his head back and let out an exhausted laugh. He slowly raised his wand and fired the red shots into the air repeatedly before slumping down to the ground.
"I'm coming home, Hermione," muttered Draco as the ground seemed to vibrate at the nearing of numerous, hurried footsteps.
His vision swayed and blurred as numerous figures dressed in navy blue robes came into his sight.
"It's him!" came a worried voice, "Shit, look at him."
"Conjure a stretcher now! And water!"
Draco grabbed at the bottle of water that appeared before him and skulled half the bottle down before it was taken away.
"Whoa, slow down. You drink all of that and it will all come back up."
Draco gave an uncaring shrug before he slumped his head back.
"Alright, let's move him to the stretcher. Weasley and I will apperate him back to the main clearing."
Draco allowed the aurors to move him onto the stretcher where he willingly sank into the blissful darkness.
"She's coming around."
"Someone needs to tell her."
"Can we just let her wake up first?"
"Well it's not as if we can tell her whilst she is sleeping."
"Oh shut up, the three of you!"
Hermione squeezed her eyes shut before slowly opening them to be welcomed with a bright light above her.
"Hey," came Jena's worried voice, "How are you feeling?"
Hermione looked around the room to see Taylor, Sebastian, Trey, Harry, Ginny and even Ron looking at her from around her bed.
"F-fine," said Hermione with a frown, "What happened?"
Ginny stepped forward as the others looked at her expectantly, "Hermione… from what I was told… and then discussed with fellow Healers… well, we think you had a physic link with Draco. Being pregnant caused your energy to drain fast and caused you to black out."
"I remember," said Hermione pushing herself up into a sitting position as she looked at Harry, "Did he make it out?"
"He did," nodded Harry.
Hermione let out a cry of joy, her hands flying up to cover her mouth as she took in the news. Jena gently pat Hermione on the back, smiling along with her friends.
"C-can I see him? Please?" begged Hermione.
Harry glanced at Ginny who nodded.
Without a second of delay, Hermione shoved the sheets back and slid out of the bed. Ginny took hold of Hermione's arm and led her from the ward and along the corridor. Her friends followed her closely from behind as Hermione gripped onto Ginny's arm tightly.
"Is he okay?" asked Hermione.
"He is a bit dehydrated and banged up," said Ginny, "He's been waking up and drifting off and each time he wakes, he asks for you."
Hermione felt tears trickle down her face as Ginny led her into a ward.
"I'll wait outside with the others," said Ginny softly.
Hermione nodded but her eyes were on the sleeping form of her husband. A cut was healing slowly on his head, leaving a small thin scar. Hermione knew within weeks the scar will have also vanished. A drip was hooked to his arm, slowly pumping much needed hydration to his body.
"Oh Draco," gasped Hermione stepping over to his bed.
Her hand grasped his and an instant reaction came from Draco as he woke and pulled her onto the bed with him.
"Hermione," he whispered.
Hermione let out a small sob as his grey eyes looked at her. They were full of love, longing and apology.
"I have missed you so, so much," said Hermione as she ran her hand along the side of his face.
"Hermione, I am so sorry. I tried everything to break the barrier-"
"Stop," said Hermione as she propped herself up beside him and pressed a finger to his lips, "Stop. None of this is your fault. You are innocent and they will get what they deserve. All that matters is you are home, I have you back… and… and our baby has you back."
"Our what?" frowned Draco looking at Hermione in surprise.
Hermione smiled, "I'm… I'm six weeks or so pregnant."
Draco looked at Hermione before breaking out into a massive grin. He reached forward and pulled Hermione towards him and finally captured her lips in a passionate kiss. Hermione's mind went blank of all thought as she slid herself closer to Draco and slid a hand along the front of his hospital gown.
At the feel of the scratchy material, Hermione broke away chuckling.
"What?"
Hermione tapped the hospital gown and looked at Draco grinning, "This isn't exactly the right place to be getting all… intimate."
Draco smirked, his grey eyes swimming with lust, "Well we should get home and then use the kitchen table."
Hermione laughed and shook her head, "You need to rest," Hermione pushed herself up into a sitting position, "And lying like this isn't letting you rest."
"I feel more relaxed with you right next to me."
Hermione smiled fondly but shook her head, "You need sleep. Then you can come home with me. I'm going to find a Healer and see how soon you can leave."
Draco nodded, his eyes already closed. Hermione squeezed his hand and turned away to leave the room.
"Hermione?" murmured Draco.
"Yes?"
"I love you."
"I love you too."
Within two days both Hermione and Draco were released from St Mungo's. Hermione was ordered to not try any further physic links whilst pregnant, especially seeing as she was only six weeks along. Draco mainly suffered from dehydration and blood loss, both of which were easily repaired with water, rest and a blood replenishing potion.
The memory specialist checked Draco's mind over and believed he was completely back to normal, much to the relief of Hermione and Draco.
However, Lucius and Morris had escaped and as far as Harry knew, were on the run hiding somewhere in either France or Scotland. The Auror department had contacted the Ministries of both countries and informed them of the situation. Harry had even pushed for Kingsley to even contact Germany, Bulgaria, Switzerland and Ireland to ask them to keep a look out for strange activity or sightings of the wanted pair.
"He won't be back any time soon," murmured Draco as he and Hermione stood on their balcony with hot chocolates, "You can relax, babe."
Hermione sighed and looked up from her drink to Draco, "I honestly thought I would never get you back. I was terrified for you… for our baby, for me."
"Well I'm back and that just shows me how strong your love is for me."
Hermione shook her head, "No… you came back so that shows that you love me enough to never leave me."
"How about we agree to disagree on this one? Neither one of us will back down."
Hermione smiled and leaned over and kissed Draco on the cheek, "Fine… fine. I need to duck out for a bit okay? I just have to pick up some vegetables for dinner."
"I'll come with you."
"Are you sure?"
"Babe, I am never leaving your side."
Hermione smiled and headed towards the door with Draco following closely behind.
Everything seemed normal and life fell back into routine again, with the exception of Hermione remaining firm friends with Harry and Ginny. Draco also welcomed them into their life considering both played a role in returning his memory. Each weekend resulted in barbeques at their unit, Harry and Ginny's, Taylor's, Jena's, Trey's or Sebastian's. The group grew closer together if that were even possible.
As the weeks progressed, Christmas came and went and the new year arrived. Hermione's pregnancy processed and by the seventh of January she was past the first trimester and safely into the second at fourteen weeks. With their first child due in July, both Hermione and Draco were focused on finding a new home but Draco wanted only the best whereas Hermione wanted something big enough for more children, but also allowing them to give the child a realistic and modest upbringing.
Narcissa had also been locked away in Azkaban for two years for assisting in disrupting memories and for assisting her husband and Morris with the plan. Narcissa claimed they wanted the right life for Draco and Hermione was a devious witch who had tricked Draco into marrying her. There were still no signs of Lucius and Morris but Harry refused to let them get away with it and continued to search for them with Ashton and Maria.
"What are you doing?" demanded Draco, walking into the living room to find Hermione standing on top of the coffee table and pulling Christmas decorations down, "You have a wand you know?"
Hermione glanced over her shoulder at her husband, smiling, "Yes, but doing this by hand is how I have always done it. It's how I always will do it."
"But right now, my dear, you are pregnant… and standing on a table, which you could fall from isn't exactly wise."
Hermione rolled her eyes and turned to Draco with her hands on her hips causing her slightly rounded stomach to stick out a bit more, "Draco, I know full well I'm not going to topple off the table any time soon. It's not as if it's a ledge on the side of a building."
Draco sighed in defeat and glanced at his watch, "Babe, we have to go view that house in ten minutes. We should head over now."
Hermione nodded and carefully climbed down from the table with a trail of tinsel coming with her. After placing it in the box and pulling on her black flats, both left the unit hand in hand.
"I really like it, Draco," said Hermione earnestly looking around the large kitchen with polished tan coloured bench tops. The tiles were of different shades of red, giving the kitchen an earthy feel.
The house was four bedroom with two bathrooms, a large living room, office and study room, "You would have your own office for your writing. There would be a study for me to do research in for any cases I may have… this place is perfect!"
Draco sighed, "I know but-"
"I know its not as big as Malfoy Manor but really, I don't fancy chasing our baby through something that large when its bath time."
Draco looked at Hermione to see her staring at him with pleading eyes. He broke out into a grin and gave a nod. Hermione squealed in delight and threw her arms around Draco in a tight hug.
"I love, love, love, love you!" grinned Hermione as the real estate agent walked in. Hermione turned to face him smiling, "We will buy it!"
"Argh," said Hermione rubbing her rounded stomach, "I'm six months and already the size of a house."
Draco smiled fondly at his wife. Life was perfect. They were living in their new home, as they had been for over a month, and everything was sailing smoothly with the pregnancy.
Hermione slowly sat up to get ready for work. She pulled out a white blouse and murmured a spell, making the material stretch around her stomach comfortably.
"Did Harry see you yesterday?" asked Draco.
Hermione nodded, "Still no sight of your father, Morris or my cousins. I feel that no sighting is better them lurk around."
Draco just nodded, not feeling the same sentiment about it as his wife. Climbing out of bed, he grabbed his wand and flicked it at the blankets, making the bed perfectly.
Hermione turned to her side and looked at her stomach with a sigh, "I look as if I could pop any day now."
Draco walked over to Hermione after a pulling a shirt on and wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her on the cheek, "Babe, you are pregnant with twins. The first set of twins ever in the Malfoy family tree."
Hermione smiled and sighed - the sudden news of twins had surprised them. The last appointment had shown the hidden extra family member, but Hermione and Draco had taken the news in stride and were even more excited, if possible. She turned around to face Draco and planted a kiss on his lips, "How did I get lucky to have a husband as wonderful as you?"
Draco smirked, "I am pretty amazing, aren't I?"
Hermione chuckled before she paused. A light thumping sound came from downstairs. She looked at Draco worriedly who was looking towards the bedroom door. A shattering noise echoed through the house forcing Draco into action.
"Stay here," he demanded before hurrying out the door.
Hermione hesitated for all of two seconds before waddling out of the room behind her husband, her wand gripped tightly in her hand with the other resting on her stomach.
With light steps, Hermione crept along the hallway and down the staircase. The house had two staircases, one that led down to the downstairs entry hall and one which led to the kitchen. Hermione took the front entry hall staircase, having seen Draco step down the kitchen stairs.
Hermione constantly scanned the area around her as she reached the base of the stairs. The hall seemed empty as she quietly stepped across it.
A smashing sound behind her, startled Hermione as she spun around with her wand held out in front of her.
Draco burst through the swinging, kitchen door, halting at the sight of his panicked wife, "I told you to stay upstairs!"
Hermione shot him a glare and glanced towards the living room, "No one's here."
"How do you know?"
"The living room lights up when people enter it. No one has gone in there and only you and I know the charm to turn off the lights."
Draco sighed and rubbed his forehead, "Silent apperation."
Hermione stepped over to Draco as a wave of panic swept through her. She tucked her wand into her pocket as she grasped her husbands hands, "Your father won't take you away from me or our children."
"I'm more worried about what he will do to you and the babies."
"I think we need to talk to Harry."
Silently, Draco nodded.
I won't let him hurt Draco or our unborn babies. Lucius Malfoy will soon learn that I am not a witch to mess with.
A/N: Review!
