Author's Note
Sorry once again for the late updates. I've been quite busy recently but since it's summer where I live I'll do my best to update more frequently. I was on vacation in Spain for the past week so I've been kinda occupied :) Thanks for the reviews, follows and favorites :) Some surprises this chapter…...
Previously on Hideaway
Hermione fell into his embrace, sobbing as he held her close. With two flicks of his wand, her bonds were removed and her wrists and stomach unbound.
"My name is Adelia George and I have taken over your case as well as your maternity care. I will be your healer when the baby comes as well."
The black mass seemed to be speeding very quickly past the stores. None even glanced at the previously merry people, which was unusual behaviour for a dementor.
The Azkaban Control Centre maintained the chamber, applying hundreds of patronus charms every hour around the wards to keep the dementors in.
"Really Draco? Really? You risked all of your lives by trading in fake ashes to Lestrange? What the hell is wrong with you? If he had sorted out that it was fake while you were all there, he would have slaughtered all of you!"
From afar, it seemed like she was perfectly fine, but inside, she was still frightened beyond her wits. What Lestrange had done to her was a torture she would never forget.
Hermione hastily rubbed her stomach as the hours passed. She and the entire Weasley-Potter family sat congregated in the hospital waiting room. As Ginny's screams could be heard from the waiting room, they all shared smiles. Little Potter Number 2 was coming.
Hermione had been getting more contractions as her pregnancy drew to a close. Their little Ara was due in less than 4 weeks and Hermione was growing anxious. She had regained some of the strength she had lost and her wrists were slowly recovering from their restraints.
Ginny Potter's baby was due a little after Christmas time but she had only gone into labour today on December 31st.
It was nearing 12 and Ginny could still be heard cursing the Boy who Lived. Draco had covered some of Harry's work as he had rushed to the hospital. It was then that Draco seemed to have finished both of their work and came striding into the waiting room. He looked exhausted as he ran a hand through his silky blond hair. He was holding a cup of coffee when he saw her and walked over to sit next to her.
"The new Potter here yet?" he asked sipping his cup. Hermione shook her head as she stroked James' head softly. He was laying in her lap fast asleep as his mother screamed even louder a few doors down. "Reckon Potter got a girl?"
"They decided to wait and see….and I think they've seen." Hermione grinned as Ginny gave her loudest scream yet and a baby could be heard crying.
Molly Weasley weeped happily as she hugged Arthur tightly. Fleur and Bill were each holding a sleeping girl in their arms as they shared joyful smiles. Percy and Audrey were whispering quietly as Audrey rocked Molly slowly. George and Angelina were discussing their bets as Fred and Roxanne dozed silently next to them. It was Draco and Hermione's turn next for a new addition.
Ron was drooling slightly as he fought sleep off, which was something Ronald had always been challenged with.
Most likely because Harry was the Chosen One he came racing out of Ginny's room cradling their newborn in swaddling cloths. Everyone stood in welcome of the newest member all crying and squealing in excitement. Molly gushed as she ran over and pecked Harry, crying even harder when she spotted her new grandchild. "Oh Harry, a beautiful baby boy!"
Everyone proceeded to greet the newest arrival, James waking too to meet his new younger brother. "Daddy why does he have my face?"
They all chuckled, Draco ruffling James' hair. "This is Albus Severus Potter." Harry introduced.
The room was silent as they digested the name. "You're barking mad." George croaked.
Harry's wild hair stuck out madly and he grinned, his smile reaching from ear to ear. "I think I've been told that once or twice in my life."
They then all took turns visiting Ginny who was exhausted but overjoyed as she cradled her little boy. Albus' birthday was officially January 1st.
As Draco and Hermione exited the hospital at 2 in the morning, they bumped into their healer Adelia George.
"It'll be your turn next." she smiled waving them goodnight. Draco and Hermione apparated home tired and thoughtful. The estimated due date for Ara was January 22nd. Hermione couldn't decide which thought was scarier. The fact that 9 months ago she had tested positive pregnant or that in less than 4 weeks she'd be a mother.
Draco had never ever seen Potter as happy as he was when he held his new son. Standing there by his wife and two boys. It made Draco yearn for his turn to come faster. That morning he turned over early having to wake up and handle more work. Hermione had not had a good night's sleep since she returned. And now, her pregnancy was reaching the end and she was growing restless. Contractions were common and Ara seemed to enjoy kicking her mother very much.
"Did you sleep at all?" Draco asked eyeing Hermione who was on her back gazing thoughtfully at the ceiling.
"A little." she admitted turning over to face him. "After seeing Albus come, it's made me realize how much sooner we're due. 9 months went by fast."
Draco reached out a hand to tuck hair behind her ear. "You're ready, the baby's ready, we're all ready." his hand trailed down to her stomach.
Hermione suddenly sat up which was a surprising feat as a result of her large stomach. "I should pack a hospital bag."
Draco flopped back onto his back and rubbed his forehead. Even 9 months pregnant, Hermione was constantly on the move organizing or planning. And nothing, no one could stop Hermione Granger from organizing as she pleased. Especially a hormonal one. He did raise his head to watch her race as fast as she could across the room to fetch things. Where would he be if he was attending her funeral instead of watching her prepare for their newborn? He would be dead too he realized. Life was not worth living if Hermione was not in it with him. Her death would be a reminder of everything he failed to do to protect her and their child. He'd failed one too many times in life at trying to protect and please everyone he loved. Losing Hermione…it would be a nightmare come to life.
With that, he dragged himself out of bed and approached his stressed wife.
"Sit down. Tell me what you need me to pack, I'll go and fetch it." he said pulling on an old Slytherin shirt. Hermione glared at him and stuck her chin out stubbornly.
"I'm 9 months pregnant but I can very well pack my own hospital bag." she said yanking a drawer open and grabbing tampons and pads.
Draco looked away shivering slightly at the foolish muggle contraptions they used on their menstrual period.
"Who sticks plastic up their vagina? The only thing supposed to go in there is my-" Draco said in a disgusted tone.
"Don't finish that sentence." Hermione interrupted her voice clipped with amusement. "It's very useful actually."
Draco snorted and took the bag out of her hand and held it out for her. She grinned and dropped them inside, slowly letting the tampons roll off her fingers and land in the bag. He playfully glared at her and proceeded to follow her as she ran about the house filling the bag with the most unnecessary things.
"For the love of Merlin, you don't need Hogwarts a History with you." Draco exclaimed watching in annoyance as the hospital bag quickly became heavy.
"Yes I do!" Hermione protested. "When labour and contractions become painful, I need something familiar to distract me, keep my mind off the pain."
Draco rolled his eyes as she lead him down to the kitchen. As she began grabbing all her favorite foods and snacks, he set the bag down on the counter and went to prepare breakfast.
"What're you craving this morning?" he called as he opened the fridge.
"Oatmeal! With blueberries!" she replied, her head stuck in the pantry as she dug around for snacks.
Draco couldn't help but smile as he pulled out a pot. An hour later, Hermione had devoured 2 bowls of oatmeal and decided they needed two hospital bags.
"Proper preparation prevents poor performance." she kept saying defensively every time she caught him staring as she lead him about, still packing.
But Draco wasn't staring judgmentally. He was staring in gratitude. He didn't know who to thank or where the blessing came from but she was alive. Their child was alive. He dropped the two bags and blinked, tears away.
Hermione turned to face him confusedly. "Are they that heavy?"
He shook his head no and turned away quickly. "I….I have some ministry work for Harry and I that I forgot about. I'll stop by quickly and be right back."
"Don't be long." she called as she proceeded to pack.
Draco apparated away and found himself outside a small church. It was the first muggle church Hermione had shown him when they went to London together. It was the church Hermione had gone to as a child and they had visited it briefly during their stay. Draco wasn't religious. He had no belief in Merlin or any muggle god. But when he entered the church with Hermione, it was like reflection hour had dawned upon him.
He reviewed all the things that he should have done, could have done. All the things he was grateful for including the lady standing next to him. The peace and reflective aura that the church held along with the tremendous feeling of protection and isolation away from all trouble in the world, was what made Draco come back.
It was with that, that he found himself entering the small, quiet church. The large wooden door creaked open and he crept inside. Candles were the only source of light in the entire room. The aisles were empty and he found himself kneeling on the first step before the altar.
He didn't pray or say anything. He simply sat there as tears dropped silently down his face. He couldn't count the number of times Hermione had nearly died. The intruders in Hogwarts, the war, going to work, the dementor attack, the acromantula attack at Hogwarts, the dragon attack at Hogwarts….it was like death was chasing them with it's arms out calling their names. She was strong, he could not lie. She survived two torture experiences from the cruelest people he knew and still went on with life.
Draco supposed that near death experiences could put things into sharper perspective. And now he knew what his priorities were. At any cost, Hermione and their child was first. So God, Merlin whoever slap him hard if he ever forgot that.
Two weeks past and Hermione was growing on edge about the upcoming arrival. Seeing Ginny and Harry with Albus warmed her heart but also made her worried for the new big task of motherhood. With this new fear, she made a trip to the bookstore and purchased 5 new books on parenting infants, toddlers, children, pre-teens and teens.
She mentally went over the baby arrival prep checklist in her ahead for the 5th time as she stirred the soup vigorously. Hermione felt the nerves for dinner creep along her skin so she redirected her mind to organizing.
The crib was done, the nursery was done, all the new toys books and knick knacks were all on a shelf, they had a baby carseat ready, baby monitors were strategically spread about the house.
With everything checked off, her mind thought anxiously about tonight's dinner. Hermione may or may not have secretly invited Narcissa and Lucius over for dinner without letting Draco know. She knew how upset he would be when he did find out but she wanted her knew child to know her grandparents. As terrible as they were, just like Draco, she saw change in Narcissa and regret in Lucius. If they could grow to be better people and wanted to be in their child's life, accepting Hermione and Draco's marriage then she wanted to do everything she could to help fix this.
The table was set for four, already loaded with food. A beef casserole, salad, quiche dish and now mushroom soup sat neatly on the dining table. Hermione grabbed the risotto from the stove and the chocolate raspberry mousse cake just as the floo activated. Hermione set them down and hurried into the living room.
"What smells so good?" Draco asked tiredly as he threw his robes down on the couch moving towards her. He enveloped her in a hug and kissed her forehead.
"Draco-"
"You wouldn't believe the loads of owls being sent in questioning the ministry's logic and sense after that last paper." Draco said shaking his head. "It was a bloody owl coop in there."
Just last week, the ministry had written an article in the Daily Prophet explaining how some disappearances and reappearances had been occurring for the last few months and to be careful and cautious. Of course there was a huge uproar. People were furious at the ministry for putting their lives on the line by waiting months to warn them. Other were seriously speculating the need for new leadership at the ministry. This caused a huge debate amongst loyal ministry members who claimed the ministry must have had its reasons for waiting.
"Draco-" Hermione said growing impatient as he continued his rant.
"Kingsley got a bloody howler! It exploded outside the conference room, raving about how Fudge was a better minister." Draco scoffed pouring himself some wine.
"DRACO!" Hermione exclaimed glaring at him pointedly. He stopped pouring wine and glanced at the table.
"Oh are the Potters joining us? If so, you miscalculated the number of seats at the table love," Draco said flicking his wand and emptying his glass.
Screw gentle approach. "No actually, your parents are."
Silence. Draco's face changed rapidly. It went from exhaustion to surprise to anger. "Why the hell would you invite them over? Without telling me!" he exploded.
Hermione's temper was rising quickly to match his. "I want our child to know her grandparents! And how can you stand having this huge grudge separating you and your parents? Your parents are willing to change why aren't you?"
"I'm sorry, did you forget the things my bastard of a father called you the last time we met?" Draco retorted his eyes vibrant with anger.
"Narcissa and I write to each other and she's told me he feels regret for that last meeting." Hermione said trying to cool herself.
"You two are writing to each other now? What else have you done behind my back? Slept with my father?" Draco roared.
Hermione felt as if he had slapped her hard. "Take that back Malfoy." she snarled. "Don't get me started on doing things behind backs. Need I remind you of the fake ashes?"
"I WAS PROTECTING YOU!" Draco yelled in exasperation.
"Well I was protecting our child! She's already going to have a complicated life what with you and I as her parents. She shouldn't have to have even more people who hate her before she was even born." Hermione snapped coldly.
"I'm also protecting our daughter by keeping her from meeting former fucking death eaters!" Draco hissed.
"Her father was a former death eater." Hermione said quietly. Draco blinked at her stupidly. There was a soft knock on the door to the dining room. They turned to see Narcissa and Lucius standing there awkwardly.
Narcissa was holding a large gift bag and a tray of brownies. Lucius was holding what seemed like 10 other bags.
"We're not early are we?" Narcissa said smiling lightly. Hermione blinked tears away and put on her brightest smile.
"No...no come in." Hermione said moving to help her with the things. She hugged Draco's mother tightly and exchanged words softly much to Draco's shock. Deep within him, he liked seeing his two favorite women talk so easily.
Then his eyes snapped to his pale father staring right back at him. Draco felt a deep extreme urge to march over to his pointed face and strike it hard.
The women must have sensed the tension for they quickly parted to control the fuming men. Hermione didn't meet his eye as she lead his parents to the dining table. They all took a seat at the table and began helping themselves to Hermione's delicious food.
"We brought gifts," his mother said awkwardly trying to ease the uncomfortable tension in the room.
"You didn't have to." Hermione said kindly eyeing the bags. There was another uncomfortable silence as they continued to eat.
"When's the due date?" Narcissa asked smiling so her grey eyes twinkled familiarly.
"January 22nd." Hermione beamed the first real smile of the night. "Another two weeks or so and little Ara Malfoy will be with us at last."
Draco's face darkened as he watched Lucius grimace at the Malfoy part of his little girl's last name. Draco was gripping his fork tightly as his eyes bored holes into Lucius fine features.
"Are you ready?" Narcissa asked excitement bubbling to the surface. "I remember when Draco was due, good Lord he kicked tremendously right before labour."
"I'm ready." Hermione smiled. "We're going to need all the help we can get. Mr and Mrs Weasley have offered to babysit, so has the Zabini's and my parents. I'm sure Ara would love to have a weekend with the Malfoy grandparents as well."
Draco scoffed loudly. Pah! Likely that he was going to entrust the life of his daughter into the hands of his father.
Hermione aimed a sharp kick to his shin causing him to wince slightly. He shot a glare at her but she was sipping her water and facing the other way.
"Is there something wrong boy?" Lucius barked questioningly. How. Dare. He. Who did he think he was questioning Draco in his own home?
"Yes father. Something is terribly wrong." Draco said sarcastically.
"Pray tell." Lucius responded challengingly.
"Well...there's a mad man sitting in my home uninvited by me. A sick ass who's been making my life a living hell since I was born, a cruel dick who made my life a warzone by siding with the Dark Lord, a selfish cowardly beast who's insulted my child and my wife repeatedly. So yes father there is something wrong." Draco spat.
"I was invited actually by...by Ms. Granger over here, and I believe your manners need adjusting boy." Lucius said daringly his eyes only breaking contact to glance at Hermione.
Draco was boiling with rage now. "Her name is not Granger you swine! It's Malfoy. M-A-L-F-O-Y. And I'm not your fucking boy."
Lucius stood up knocking his chair back. He gripped his cutlery knife and glared daggers at Draco. "You may not like me and we may not get along but you watch your tone with me!"
Draco stood to face his father his face turning red. "I will speak to you however I please, you're no man. You're just a cold-hearted bastard who never cared for your wife, your son, your damn family."
The next several moments passed in a blur. The quiche dish suddenly went flying and hit Draco square in the chest. Draco's rage was simmering as he picked up the brownies and launched it back at his father hitting his face with a satisfying splat. Then there was a loud cry of fear as his mother rushed to Draco's side of the table. Draco turned to see his mother cradling Hermione's unconscious form. His father forgotten, Draco kneeled in the mess to frantically feel for a pulse. His mother angrily swatted his hand away and with a surprising strength, lifted herself and Hermione off the floor, holding her with one arm around her waist and Hermione's arm around her neck.
"You both should be ashamed of yourselves." Narcissa whispered furiously, a tear trailing down her soft features. She shook her head and apparated away.
I'm sorry…..I'm so sorry...I'm an idiot. I'm sorry…..I'm so sorry...I'm an idiot. I'm sorry…..I'm so sorry...I'm an idiot, someone kept repeating in her ear.
Hermione's head felt heavy and she really didn't want to wake up but there were bad guys to fight, battles to face and an ass of a husband who needed to be dealt with. She pried her eyes open and looked to see Draco murmuring in her ear, his head closed tight and his hands clasped. Narcissa was talking to some healers who noticed she was awake.
"Ah Mrs. Malfoy! I think you visit the hospital way too frequently." Adelia George her healer joked as she came to the opposite side of her bed.
Draco's head snapped upwards and he stared at her so apologetically she almost forgot what he had to be forgiven for. He grasped her hand and she decided she wouldn't let it go.
"You really need to stop stressing so much Hermione. Vasovagal syncope is a chemical imbalance that can cause fainting as in your case. This one was brought on by stress and anxiety. I highly suggest you stop worrying to this degree. You've already suffered a great deal throughout this pregnancy, I'd say if your daughter weren't so strong she would be dead." Adelia said grimly.
Hermione rubbed her stomach gently closing her eyes briefly before opening them again. "Thank you healer George."
Adelia turned to leave when the door opened. Lucius appeared holding three coffees when he stopped short at the sight. "Who the hell are you?"
"Lucius!" Narcissa exclaimed angrily. Lucius ignored her and continued to stare suspiciously at Adelia.
"You look familiar. Really familiar." Lucius said continuing to gape at Adelia.
"Shut up father." Draco said without looking at him. "Stop being so rude to our healer and just leave. If you're just going to cause trouble for us then don't bother even trying. Just leave."
Lucius stuck his chin up and gave Adelia one more searching suspicious look before leaving. Narcissa hurried to apologize for her husband's rudeness and left alongside Adelia.
There was a moment of silence as the two were finally left alone. Hermione didn't want to bicker, she just wanted to rest until their baby was due.
"I'm an ass aren't I?" Draco asked smiling sadly at Hermione. She nodded agreeing with him for the first time that evening. He moved a hand to rest atop of hers on her stomach. "I'm sorry Mya, I really am. I know I should have given my father a chance but after everything he has said to you and about our child...it was too soon."
"I'm sorry too Draco." Hermione sighed leaning her head back. "I should have talked to you first. I just knew your reaction and thought it would be better this way. Now I know better."
"I should not have said a lot of the things I did to you." Draco said bowing his head. "I was out of line and what I said was not okay."
Hermione sighed again and squeezed his hand. "Just stop giving me an opportunity to forgive you. And you're cleaning the mess at home." Draco chuckled and nodded kissing her stomach.
As her due date crept closer, Hermione felt her eagerness more than ever. But January 22nd came and went. Then it was a week later, January 29th and the baby was still stubbornly sitting within her.
Hermione was sitting uncomfortably on her couch on January 31st, rubbing slow circles on her tummy, as if that would coerce the little child to come out. Ginny, James and Albus were visiting since Harry had returned to work.
"Don't worry 'Mione she'll come out when she's ready. You already went to the healer three times and she said you and the baby were fine." Ginny chided tickling Albus under his chin.
"It's been a week and then some since her due date, I have every reason to worry." Hermione replied massaging her feet tiredly. "Narcissa came by yesterday with a huge basket of goodies. She feels so guilty for bringing upon my fainting not that it's even her fault. On top of that Draco can barely look at me. He's panicking that the fainting episode is the reason the baby is late."
"Well he and his father did have a food fight in your kitchen." Ginny grinned watching as James played with his quidditch figurines.
Hermione sighed glancing down at her belly. "Lucius hasn't been the easiest person to forgive and welcome back with open arms. At my last healer check, he was there uninvited keeping his beady eye on our healer. The hospital security had to escort him out for stalking a staff member."
"What, was she a prisoner of the Dark Lord's he captured? But he captured so many he doesn't remember her?" Ginny huffed reaching for a feeding bottle.
Hermione didn't reply as a painful kicking session from Ara had just begun. Narcissa was right, or maybe it was some Malfoy gene for their offspring to kick close to labour.
There was a sudden burst of flame at the fireplace and Percy's head appeared in the fire.
"Uncle Perce!" James cried rushing towards him. Ginny quickly used her wand to place a freezing spell on her son.
"What did I tell you about running towards the floo while it's activated?" Ginny scolded holding a sleeping Albus. "What's up Percy?"
"It's mum! She fell into a pit!" he said hurriedly his glasses askew on his face. Crying children could be heard in the background as Audrey struggled to wrangle them.
"A pit?" Hermione said standing up in alarm. "How did she fall into a pit?"
"Just floo over to the Burrow. Bill and Ron are already there. Dad's hyperventilating." Percy said in a hurry disappearing without even bidding goodbye.
Ginny quickly grabbed her bag and unfroze James taking his hand. Hermione place a hand on her shoulder and Ginny turned, apparating them back to the Burrow.
Draco stood from his crouching position at the Azkaban Control Center as he inspected it for breaches. After the dementor escape, there was great panic along with the reveal of recent kidnaps amongst the people. Harry had assigned him to check out the Control Center again. He had checked the wards of patronus charms around the chamber several times and there was no sign of a breach. He had also sent Terry Boot from Hermione's investigation team to review the security footage.
"There's nothing out of the ordinary Draco." Terry confirmed returning. "No one suspicious or odd came in, and patronuses were applied to the wards as per schedule."
"And there was no breach which means no one who didn't work there attempted to dismantle and free the dementors." Draco said frustrated. "And if security showed that no worker forgot to apply a charm then how the hell did they escape?"
"Excuse me but I'm going to have to ask you to leave." a woman with red corkscrew girls cut short smiled. "I'm Lory Waters and I work here at the Azkaban Control Center. It's reaching noon and we need to apply the charm now. We can't have anyone who doesn't work here in the way."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "Very well. Let's go Boot." He and Terry apparated back to the ministry. Draco headed straight for Harry's office to give his report.
"-great, great thanks." Harry said finishing a call before turning to face Draco. "Remember when we questioned Thalia Gordon in the hospital? And she started thrashing around? Well the doctor, your healer actually Adelia, has cleared her and discharged her from the hospital. She's returning back to work tomorrow. I want you to do one more interrogation, she and Valentina Simmons are rubbing me the wrong way."
Draco nodded before telling Harry about the trouble at Azkaban Control Center. Harry began pacing his hands clasped behind his back.
"This likely has something to do with Lestrange don't you think?" Harry said thinking hard as he continued anxiously pacing. "Remember Voldemort acquired the aid of dementors? What if Lestrange has the same line of thinking?"
Draco nodded feeling things click into place. "No one who didn't work there attempted to dismantle and free the dementors which would have been too suspicious…. And no worker forgot to apply charms. Which means someone intended to free them."
"Lestrange has people from the inside." Harry finished his eyes widening.
"Thalia and Valentina." they said at the same time.
"And now someone who works at the Azkaban Control Center. Well we can't have that...we can't have moles in the ministry. And people doing his dirty work for him." Harry said continuing his dizzying pacing.
"We'll do a thorough investigation on them. We'll do the interrogation and then open a case." Draco said standing up.
Harry shook his head. "We can't. We don't have enough information and evidence to prove that this requires a ministry handled case. We can do the interrogation but we can't open the case yet. Law doesn't allow it. Otherwise if some psycho head of office wanted to accuse his enemy of something it would be all too easy."
"But your the freaking boy who lived!" Draco exclaimed. "You and I both know that this fits!"
"We know that but in a court of law it won't work. We need evidence first to prove our case is worth starting an investigation." Harry said tiredly.
"Isn't two women 'kidnapped' and returned with no recollection of being kidnapped and a completely legit backstory enough evidence? And we have an eyewitness who saw Lestrange taking Thalia!" Draco said desperately.
"The eyewitness proves Lestrange guilty but if they have legit backstories...we have no hard evidence to blame them." Harry countered. He leaned forward on his desk. "We catch them in the act that you and I know they are guilty of and find some sort of evidence to prove them guilty. Then we can really get something accomplished. You check up on Professor Simmons at Hogwarts-"
There was a loud ramming on the door and Draco moved to answer it. It opened on it's own and in stepped Blaise looking flustered and harried.
"Your wife has just frighteningly informed me to inform you that her mother is hurt and in danger. They need ministry personnel to assist them in rescuing her." Blaise said out of breath to Harry.
Harry's eyes widened in fear and nodded moving quickly to the door. "Mrs. Weasley's in a pit."
"Could the day get any more complicated?" Harry muttered as the men filed out.
"Oh my God." Hermione gasped as they moved to the backyard of the Burrow. The kids were told that there was a big person issue and that they were free to play inside.
Hermione downright refused to be left behind and waddled over to where there appeared to be a 50 ft dark hole in the ground in the backyard of the Burrow. Bill was trying to calm his mother down as she cried in hysterics. George appeared to be kneeling beside his father muttering words of encouragement soothingly.
Mr. Weasley was breathing heavily as he wiped his shining forehead shakily. Sweat was dripping down his neck as he stared blankly at the hole.
"Mother help is coming...don't worry...you're fine, you're okay." Bill assured his brows furrowed as he stuck his head over the hole. Ginny hurried to where the hole was and gasped loudly.
Hermione joined her and felt a wave of nausea overcome her as the depth of the hole appeared much closer. There were roots sticking out at random, there were bugs crawling about and Mrs. Weasley appeared to be showered in dirt and worms. Tears were streaking down her face as the narrowness of the hole closed like a vise around her.
"Get me out! Get me out!" she pleased pounding her fists against the dirt. "Help me."
"She's claustrophobic." Mr. Weasley mumbled standing up suddenly. He began walking drunkenly towards the hole. "My wife! She's claustrophobic!"
George struggled to pull his resisting father further away from the hole. Ginny lay down on her stomach to poke her head over.
"Just hold on mum, help is coming, I talked to Blaise to tell Harry to get help. They're coming just hold on mum." she said trying to ease her panicking mother.
"GET ME OUT!" she wailed thrashing about madly. Her pounding and sudden jerky, forceful movements caused part of the dirt on the edges to pour in.
"Mum!" Ginny cried watching in despair as dirt rained down on Mrs. Weasley.
"Mrs. Weasley I know you're scared but you have to stop moving. Take deep breaths Mrs. Weasley...you're making yourself stressed. Calm down." Hermione said loudly over Mrs. Weasley's wails and pleads.
Hermione wanted so badly to be able to help her from her misery. Such a strong women who had witnessed 2 wars and lost her child was so broken, Hermione really didn't know what to do. Percy and Ron hurried over leading a rescue team who sped towards the hole.
"Get him to the hospital!" the man in charge of the team barked motioning towards Mr. Weasley. When George attempted to move him away, he began screaming loudly and shaking his head wildly.
"She's claustrophobic! My wife! She's claustrophobic!" he repeated yelling his throat raw.
"You need to stop moving lady!" the man in charge yelled rather rudely to the poor frantic Mrs. Weasley. "You're causing an avalanche of dirt upon yourself!"
"Watch your tone!" Ginny snapped angrily glaring at the man.
"I'm trying to save your stupid mother who fell through a freaking hole. She needs to stop thrashing or she's going to kill herself!" the man snarled.
"I don't care who you are, you don't talk to my mother like that!" Ginny growled. Ron had to wrestle Ginny to the side and ended up getting a punch to the nose.
"She didn't just fall in the hole." Hermione said suddenly after studying the scene. There were leaves sprinkled around the hole area but nowhere else in the entire field. The hole was cut in a neat circle and was so deep, this wasn't an accident. "Someone tried to kill Mrs. Weasley." Hermione whispered.
There was quiet. Even Mrs. Weasley was not crying so loudly anymore, or thrashing. Hermione peered over and let out a strangled cry. Mrs. Weasley was buried in dirt all the way up to her eyes, her nose just peaking out slightly.
"Get her out!" Ginny screamed shoving the man in charge forward.
"There's no way to get to her without causing the dirt to cover get entirely!" the man exclaimed.
"Then find a damn way." Ginny spat venomously. "Use your magic."
"If we lift the dirt or try vanishing the dirt, the sudden movement can cause more dirt to cave in on her. One wrong move and she can slip under." he pointed out as they all watched Mrs. Weasley fight for air.
"Mud." Hermione muttered her eyes brightening. "Mud is a mixture of liquid with a form of soil or dirt. We need to add water to the dirt, to make it easier for Mrs. Weasley to move her arms."
"She will drown in the mud if you pour water into the dirt." the man snapped.
"She's going to have to kick to keep herself from sinking. But then she can move her arms to grab the rescue rope and we haul her up before she sinks." Hermione said turning to face them. "It's the only way. Anything else and a cave in will happen."
When no one protested, she kneeled down and took a deep breath. "Can you hear me? Mrs. Weasley you need to kick when your limbs are free to move. Kick hard and then reach up and grab the rope. Do you understand?"
Mrs. Weasley had no more tears coming out but she blinked three times to show her understanding. Hermione nodded to the man in charge who ordered the men to lower the sturdiest rope they had. Once the rope was right next to Mrs. Weasley's face, Hermione, Bill and Percy began filling the hole with water at a slow flow.
Soon enough Mrs. Weasley was kicking fiercely and managed to reach up to grasp the rope. As soon as Mrs. Weasley got a good grip, the men levitated the rope upwards and Mrs. Weasley was in their arms again.
Ginny wept softly as she hugged her mother. Mrs. Weasley was coughing up mud violently as Hermione wiped mud from her face. She moved to inspect the hole leaving the family to reunite in relief. She flicked her wand and vanished the mud and nearly fell into the hole herself.
"Next time, I'll bury a dead body instead of a live one."
Her hand flew to her stomach as she felt her water break. Her eyes were glued to the message at the bottom of the hole written in a glowing red light. Ginny and Ron rushed over to her and she pointed terrified at the hole. Ron yelped and stared horrified at the message.
"We need to get Hermione and mum to the hospital now! She's having the baby!"
"Can you tell me what Professor Simmons teaches you?" Draco asked not unkindly to a second year Slytherin boy who was sitting awkwardly at a desk as Draco asked him questions.
"You know...stuff." he replied swinging his legs nervously.
"Could you explain in more detail?" Draco asked feeling frustrated. Simmons was not here as it was a weekend and she was off.
"About bad curses." he said shyly.
"Can you name one?"
"The worst is Avada Kedavra." he said hugging himself uncomfortably. Draco realized he wasn't going to get much out of him and let him go. He interviewed 5 other students of hers and they all responded similarly to the first boy. Even the head girl. One thing they all had in common, was a shaken look on their face at the mention of what Professor Simmons taught.
An owl suddenly pecked on the window and he let in in removing the hastily scribbled note from it's feet. "She's having the baby." was scrawled messily.
The words made Draco stand in shock for a few moments before it kickstarted him into action. He began sprinting down the halls of Hogwarts and it made him smile warily. He recalled running like this on more than one occasion during his years.
He shouted where he was off to, to Terry as he ran out of Hogwarts grounds to apparate home.
He quickly grabbed their two hospital bags and apparated again to St. Mungos. He ran into the reception room and glanced around eagerly. He spotted Ginny nodding and thanking their healer Adelia.
"She's in room 25C." Ginny smiled warmly after seeing him. "I'll be in after I check up on my mother."
Draco rushed to room 25C and found Hermione in a hospital gown breathing deeply as she gripped the railing of the hospital bed. He moved towards her and stroked her face watching as she recovered from the last contraction.
"How are you love?" he asked lightly pressing his lips to hers.
4:30 pm: "Adelia said that I was 4cm along." she repeated. "It's going to be a long night."
"We've had those before." Draco grinned taking her hand. "But we've always done it, together."
"You better not leave." she breathed closing her eyes.
"You say that not, but in a while, you'll be cursing my name." Draco said the side of his lips quirking upwards.
"Won't be the first time." Hermione cracked a dry smile. Draco smiled back and felt excitement and nerves creep into his system. In hours, he would be a father and they would have their little baby girl. It was absolutely surreal.
5:30 pm: The second hour was slow as Hermione only progressed 1 cm. She felt the urge to move and walk, so she slipped into a sweater and her slippers as Draco took her arm. They took a walk around the hospital passing the incubating room. Draco held on tight to Hermione and even tighter when another contraction hit. Of course because she was Hermione Granger/Malfoy she refused to take pain potion.
"I'm doing this naturally Draco. I want to work for my child." she said when he shot her a disbelieving look. They had paused to chat with Adelia about pain potions.
"Hermione, you've been working for this child for 9 nearly 10 months. Your child was overdue more than a week, so I'd say you've been working quite hard." Adelia said gently. Once again, Hermione rejected the potion.
They returned to her room and Draco watched as Hermione moaned from the painful contraction. She leaned heavily on his arm as she closed her eyes for the duration of her contraction.
6:30 pm: Hermione had not dilated another centimetre much to her annoyance. Adelia checked the baby via ultrasound and discovered that the baby had not turned upside down.
Contractions were growing more frequent and much more painful and Hermione was now determined to get the baby to turn upside down.
"I'm not having a c-section." Hermione grit her teeth as she kneeled with her arms over a chair breathing deeply. "The baby was head down last time we checked."
Hermione spent the next hour draining herself as she changed positions various times in vain, to get the baby to turn again.
Hermione had her knees bent splayed outwards as she rested on her pillow moaning loudly. Her head was in her arms as she continued her breathing techniques. Draco felt a surge of proudness at the strength of his Hermione. She had not screamed or yelled yet even as the contractions grew more painful. He rubbed her back soothingly pressing his lips to her shoulder.
He breathed in her scent, loving every inch of this brave woman. He could feel her shoulders rise with each deep breath as she kept her head buried in her arms. His hand traced slow circles on her back lovingly watching as another contraction hit.
Hermione's parents arrived to visit their daughter briefly. Mrs. Granger was crying already murmuring about how beautiful and proud she was. Mr. Granger had glassy eyes as he kissed his daughter, no words needed and shook Draco's hand.
"Good luck when she gets to the pushing part." Mr. Granger smiled lightly.
Hermione moved to the toilet and sat down straddling it leaning on the cistern. She groaned low as she bowed her head resting her forehead on her forearms. Draco followed her sitting behind her, his legs touching hers and pressing his chest against her back. He rested his hands on her stomach and kissed her neck softly.
"I love you so much. Your doing amazing." he whispered. She leaned her head back against his shoulder and breathed heavily whimpering as a contraction hit.
"We're halfway through the active stage. We're almost there." he murmured.
7:30 pm: Hermione had dilated 6 cm and after checking, the baby had turned head down. Hermione smiled in relief before wincing as another contraction came. She was growing really tired as the night drew on. She couldn't imagine how much more and how much longer she had to continue.
Ginny came in, letting Draco use the loo and fetch some food. She smiled knowingly at her and squeezed her hand.
"You can do this. You're the toughest girl I know. You're sure you don't want pain potion? There's no shame Hermione. You need rest and you have a long night ahead." Ginny said softly.
Hermione sighed and moved back to her prefered position with knees bent and splayed, head resting on arms, chest against pillow. "I might take some sleeping potion but I'll pass the pain potion."
Ginny shook her head grinning. "There's already reporters outside. Harry's telling them off. They managed to get several articles on Potter baby number 2 and Harry was furious."
Hermione smiled warily. "How's your mum and dad?"
"Mum is recovering from ingesting mud and the trauma from the whole thing. Dad needed a shrink to help calm him down. But they'll live." she said her smile fading. The message was still a frightening reminder of the dangers out there.
Draco returned with what Hermione had requested. The traditional wizarding food they had had on one of their dates at Hogwarts.
"Good luck 'Mione." Ginny smiled leaving them alone.
She ate quite a bit, Draco helping her eat as he downed 2 cups of coffee.
8:30 pm: 7 cm dilated and Hermione was back to the toilet leaning heavily on the cistern. Draco was a constant encouraging reminder as contractions grew closer together. His whispered words of assurance were not really heard during the pain portion but appreciated and helpful nevertheless. He was always there, she realized. Not just now but always. From month 1, he was by her side taking care of her and loving her. She didn't have strength to say it but she loved him so much. He kissed her shoulder softly as she groaned loudly. His hands massaged short temporary relief into her aching back.
9:30 pm: 8 cm dilated, Hermione returned to knees splayed, chest against pillow. Adelia reported that she was coming along nicely, and in a few hours they would be ready to push.
Narcissa came by crying buckets when she saw them on the bed. Draco rolled his eyes as his mother fussed over them. She pressed one hand to her mouth as tears trailed down her face and the other on Hermione's shoulder.
"You strong, brave girl…" she cried kissing them both before retreating to the waiting room along with the rest of their family.
Hermione whimpered words of nonsense as the pain was becoming intense and extreme. She slept for 45 minutes, regaining some energy.
10:30 pm: 9 cm dilated, Hermione was growing antsy as she neared 10 cm. She decided to sit in the bath for a while to loosen tight muscles before the transition stage. She was still exhausted as the contractions took a lot of energy out of her. Draco ran the bath and helped her slip in, massaging her shoulders. Hermione gripped the edges of the tub, crying slightly as the pain increased and intensified.
"You're almost there, you're doing wonderful...you can do this Mya." Draco said firmly, whispering into her ears as she let a strangled cry escape.
11:30 pm: 10 cm dilated, Adelia confirmed. But the baby was not in the birth canal yet and they would have to wait until she was to push. Hermione felt so drained and tired as she sat in the same position breathing deeply. The hour passed slowly, making Hermione agitated and eager to push.
12:30 pm: Adelia smiled and stated that they were finally ready to push. Hermione spread her legs wide and took Draco's outstretched hand. She took several breaths to calm herself. She was full on crying now from the intensity of the pain.
"Okay, Hermione push when the next contraction comes." Adelia instructed.
With a scream, she closed her eyes and used her remaining strength to push.
"Good! Keep going Hermione!" Adelia encouraged excitedly. It was 44 minutes later and she was still pushing. Hermione was so tired, she didn't know how much more she could take.
"Another push Hermione!" Adelia said loudly. "She's crowning."
"I can't...I can't!" Hermione cried weeping loudly. Draco kneeled beside her and squeezed her hand.
"Almost there love. You're doing so well. I know you can, I know you can. Let's meet our daughter." he murmured only for her ears to hear.
She tucked her chin against her chest and screamed loudly as she gave another push. 15 minutes later the head was out. She was panting and crying and so damn tired.
"One more, Hermione." Adelia exclaimed.
With the last of her mustered strength she screamed and gave one last push. There was a cry and more tears as the other healers helped swaddle their baby girl. Adelia handed her their new daughter against her chest. Draco was crying softly, kissing her forehead and murmuring. He reached one finger out which their daughter seized in her tiny fist.
"She's so beautiful." Draco cried kissing her forehead. Hermione couldn't stop crying although birth was over. She had a daughter, a beautiful healthy girl. She was a mother.
"She's got the Malfoy hair." Draco laughed, his face wet. He stroked her soft fuzz before kissing Hermione hard on the mouth. "Thank you...thank you." They pressed their foreheads together and held their newborn daughter.
A few days later, they were back home, their little daughter in their arms. Everyone commented on how beautiful and sweet she already was. Her godparents Harry and Ginny spoiled her silly with new gifts. One word to sum up everyone's affection for her was adoration.
February 1st 1:36 am was the official time of birth of Ara Mya Malfoy. They settled on Mya after Hermione (her nickname from Draco) as they thought it suited their little girl.
The days they spent together with their little daughter were indescribable moments they would never forget. She was everything. Life began again with Ara and the love they already had for her was an anchor rooted too deep to be pulled out.
It was a month later that they attended little Albus Potter's birthday party. Blaise was snarking that Ara and Albus would be future lovers, which really ticked off Draco. There were at least 150 guests there to celebrate the birth of the 2nd Potter. The festivities were in full swing when the sky went black. It was like Bill and Fleur's wedding all over again. And Hermione shook her head no. It was too soon. She needed more time.
Wisps of black smoke suddenly appeared in individual areas around the party. Then there were screams.
Dark cloaked, masked people began throwing hexes left and right. A figure with the most intricate mask stood on one of the trashed tables.
"Give me Ara Malfoy. Or all will die." Lestrange boomed his eyes searching before they landed on the small family. Draco was cradling Ara tightly in his arms, one wand out already deflecting hexes when his eyes locked with Lestrange. Hermione stood in front of their daughter angrily protecting her.
Lestrange suddenly leaped down and began charging towards them. Hermione felt a fear inside of her, she hadn't felt since the war. Her first instinct was to kill whoever tried to harm her little girl.
Harry could suddenly be seen shoving his way through the crowds towards them. "Hermione! Get the baby and GO! Go with Draco and RUN. Don't come back."
Hermione glanced once more at Lestrange and finally at Harry, the best friend she loved and trusted before nodding. She took Draco's arm and they apparated away.
Author's Note
Cruel? I know :) But there WAS a lot of action this chapter and a very emotional scene. I hoped you liked it. Pls let me know in a review :)