The Baby Shower
Chapter Nine
"Watch the shoes, love. You know Josey just polished these before my meeting this morning."
Draco shuffled down the long hallway, each step taken hastily as Hermione pushed behind him, her hands placed at the small of his back. She'd found it fit to blindfold him the minute he returned to the Manor, and he found her enthusiasm less endearing with each object she seemed to guide him straight into.
"Then she'll be thanking me. You know Josey loves to dote on her Master Draco," Hermione huffed, still unpleased with the use of the tiny elves, even after years of living with them.
"And besides, I can barely see around your giant frame, love," she growled without bite.
"You know, if you wanted to take control, you needn't only ask," he purred over his shoulder, shaking with laughter when she gave him a sharp shove.
"Do you want your surprise or not?"
"You know I love presents, darling." He felt the fabric loosen at the back of his head, Hermione having released the sticking charm she'd placed so he couldn't peek. Just as he pulled the tie loose, letting it fall away from his eyes, he heard a door creak open.
Hermione nudged him lightly, pushing her way past and moving quite swiftly for eight months pregnant. She turned on her heel, throwing her arms out before shouting Tada!
They now stood in what he presumed to be the nursery. Where his own nursery had been sterile, sparse and white - Mother's doing - this room held walls sporting many colors. His grin widened as he took in the decor. A beautiful mural of a vast Quidditch field took up the far side, and a brightly lit, golden snitch flitted across the four walls. Above their heads was a beautiful blue sky, with faint wisps of white clouds drifting about.
"It's been charmed," Hermione spoke. "Like Hogwarts… the ceiling will change to follow the daylight."
Draco let his eyes sweep around the room once more, noting the dark cherry stained crib, plush rocker, and small chest of toys in the corner. Finally, they fell on his wife, who stood with both hands pressed to her mouth, anxiously awaiting his response.
"Hermione…" he began, "you hate Quidditch."
"And you love it. You love this, Draco Malfoy. Don't lie to me, I can see the joy in your eyes. Is it perfect?"
"You're perfect," he spoke softly, eyes drawn to the deep emerald carpet. "This is more than I expected and everything I hoped for. Was it much trouble?"
Hermione's eyes glistened, and he was suddenly unsure if he'd said the right or wrong thing. "You've no idea, Draco Malfoy." She sighed, a contented smile on her lips as she moved into her husband's arms and drank in the room. "Pansy was the biggest help, you know," she whispered, her voice catching slightly with the words.
Draco spun her gently towards him, cupping her cheek with his palm. "She wouldn't help if she didn't truly want to. I know it's… it's hard for her. But she's Pansy… so strong, and she'll be here in anyway you need her. I think…" he gulped, swallowing his own surprise at the choice of words he would spill. "I think that Potter might be the perfect choice to do this with. This, being godparents… being… partners."
Hermione melted, her body sagging slightly against his as she gripped his torso tightly, as though the words gave her great relief. They probably did, if he was being honest. She longed for a time when Draco would be fully accepting of her lifelong friends.
"They're not technically anything, Draco… not with official terminology, at least." And suddenly her tone changed, her quiet words turning into a playful taunt. "You big softy!" She punched his arm lightly, wiggling out of his grasp to gaze up at his face.
"I didn't say I like him."
Hermione pushed to her toes, grinning against his lips as she placed peck after peck in quick succession. "Yet..."
Beta Love: A big thanks to the beautiful rooOJoy for stepping in and going over this chapter for us! Much love!