I do not own Harry Potter.
Ch.12 Late night soirée
Harry slowly stands up and walks toward the door, "This isn't how it looks." He says, which unfortunately makes it sound like it is exactly how it looks, bad.
"What it looks like is that Hermione is pregnant. You being her best friend talking to the baby as an uncle and NOBODY thought to tell me?" She screeches looking partly angry and partly surprised. "Why would you think of telling your bloody best girl friend?" She yells at the room in general waving her arms around.
Harry pulls her in to the room and then with a flick of his wand he closes and locks the door, he follows that with a silencing charm then looks at me with a lost and hopeful look on his face.
I stand and take a couple steps forward. "Ginny, I was going to tell you tonight when you were helping me get ready, and honestly it isn't something I can just owl you about. Plus there is so much that goes with it, I mean yes obviously I'm pregnant but it is more complicated than that." I explain to her, and her gaze is riveted on my belly, which unconsciously I have my hands on. "Harry just now introduced himself to Baby as Uncle Harry, literally for the first time." I add hoping it will help.
Finally she looks up at my face and smiles. "Oh Hermione." Is all she says then she looks at Harry and says, "I'm sorry I yelled, I was very surprised."
"That's okay, Gin." Harry says then holds his arms out for a hug. "You surprised us too, you came early!" He adds happily.
Ginny rushes into Harry's arms and I watch happily as they embrace each other. The tears start up again I feel so happy then something strange happens.
"Oh! Oh my, wow." I breathe and look down at my belly.
"'Mione, what is it?" Harry asks sounding worried.
"Hermione?" Ginny questions moving to stand in front of me.
I look up my tears momentarily stopped. "Baby is moving, I can feel Baby moving." I say quietly in awe of the sensation.
"Oh? 'Mione, can I?" Ginny asks with her hand out.
"Of course!" I exclaim and grab her hand and position it over when the most activity is. "You are going to be Baby's Godmother, you are allowed anytime!" I tell her feeling even happier and the tears come again.
"Wow." Ginny says "I felt something that time, it is kind of subtle." She says "Harry, come here, feel." She grabs his hand and replaces hers with his. Then leans forward and talks to Baby. "Hi, Baby, I am so happy to meet you and I can't wait to see you, I am Ginny and I am going to spoil you." She says grinning up at me.
"Oh my gosh, Hermione I felt that." Harry says looking amazed "What does it feel like to you?" He asks.
"Kind of like butterflies, only a bit stronger. I think as I progress in my pregnancy it is going to get even stronger, you will actually see my stomach move when Baby does." I explain still in awe.
Then my stomach growls and all three of us start laughing. "I guess I am hungry too, lets all of us go eat and catch up." Ginny suggests so we remove the charms and leave my office.
I introduce Ginny to Jake and Cassie, and then lock up and we all walk to The Leaky Cauldron. We sit and place our orders, then Harry looks at me and says, "I think you should tell Gin everything, even what you told me this morning. I think maybe it is time that more people know so that you can have more support." Harry finishes and I nod in agreement.
I take a deep voice and let it out, "Here goes." I mutter. "First off, please let me get it all out and try not to completely blow up at me."
"'Mione I won't blow up, I don't know all the specifics but I am thrilled I get to be your Baby's Godmother." Ginny says enthusiastically.
"Okay, well I hope you still say that when I'm done." I say and then begin at the beginning not leaving out anything. I then finish with how I wanted her to go shopping with me and that my next healer appointment I'll learn the sex of Baby.
Ginny sits there for a few moments nibbling on her food that had come sometime in the middle of my tale. Her brows are furrowed, but she doesn't look exceptionally mad.
"Hermione, you didn't tell me that Draco threatened you." Harry says after we sat there in silence for a bit.
"Oh, yeah he told me that at first he just said that to get a rise out of me, but then after he took me St. Mungos and everything, he has already found the other company another location." I explain.
"Hermione, how are you? I mean this is a lot, how are you doing?" Ginny finally asks looking at me with concern.
"Well, most days I'm fine, today has been kind of tough, but really I'm okay." I answer truthfully.
"Okay, well then before we head back to get the store ready, lets go find you something to wear tonight. Harry, we will see you tonight right?" Ginny says as she hugs Harry and kisses him good-bye.
"Yes, I wouldn't miss it." He assures both her and I then hugs and kisses me before disapparating.
Ginny and I find the perfect dress that is flattering though showing my baby bump a little. We get back to the store and start getting things ready, setting up tables and moving things for easier flow of traffic. Glori and Cassie show up early, and Ginny takes to Glori after learning she and Charlie are dating. Charlie then shows up with wine, Harry must have owled him to get it, since I was unable to go this morning. I'm glad he remembered. Harry and Jake finish with the food and Ginny and I leave everyone else to get ready in my office.
"So is Malfoy coming tonight?" Ginny asks as we dress.
"I think so, he said he would try." I respond adjusting my dress over my shoulder.
"Hmmm, I don't know what to think about him." Ginny says honestly, "Though I will try to be friendly."
"Thanks Gin." I say happily.
The dress Ginny found for me is beautiful. It is a deep plum colour, with a one shoulder strap that has five flowers on it. It gathers in the front under my left breast and pleats diagonally down and ends above my knees. The back is ruched and it's made of chiffon over a stretchy jersey material. I paired it with silver ballet flats so that my feet aren't killing me before the night it over. Ginny fixes my hair all up and talks me into a bit of makeup. Ginny is wearing a simple little black dress and black heels she looks great. Once we finish we tidy my office then leave
Just out side my office I run into Draco. "Hey." I say then wrap my arms around his waist unbelievably happy that he is here.
A throat clears and I pull back to look over his shoulder. "Blaise Zabini?" I say completely shocked.
"Ah, yeah, I brought Blaise with me is that okay?" Draco asks looking a bit unsure of my answer.
"Yes, I'm just shocked, I haven't see him in forever." I reply, and then Draco turns us to sort of introduce us.
"Blaise you remember Hermione Granger, and Ginny Weasley." Draco says smiling.
"Of course. It is good to see you again." He says both to Ginny and I while taking our hands in turn and kissing the backs. "You both look stunning, will there be music tonight?" He asks and the question surprises me a bit.
"Oh, yes there will be music and we have even cleared a small area for dancing, if people so desire." I explain.
"Good, will you both save me a dance?" He asks looking completely serious.
I glance at Ginny who looks perplexed and answer for us both. "We will both save you a dance." He smiles at me and then at Ginny.
"I wanted to come and tell you I was here, but Potter caught me as I walked in and he needs my help, he also said that Glori is looking for Ginny." Draco says to us.
"I'll stay with Hermione, we can catch up." Blaise says and smiles at me.
"Okay, see you later." I say to Draco a little perplexed myself, I don't remember Blaise being this friendly in school, but then again I didn't kiss Draco at Hogwarts either.
"Blaise, could you make sure 'Mione eats something before the soirée starts?" Blaise nods then holds his arm out for me as Draco walks away. Ginny throws a glance at me with raised brows and then heads off to find Glori.
"Well, Miss Granger, lets find some food, Draco told me there would be food so I haven't eaten either." Blaise says smiling down at me.
I must have had a weird look on my face because then he says looking completely serious. "I know when we were in school I was a complete arse, but I promise I have mended my ways, and I sincerely apologize for how I behaved." He says and my jaw drops a little.
"Oh." I say stupidly and he so kindly pushes my jaw closed and then grins, "Lets make up for lost time, and be friends, yeah?" He asks.
"Sure." I say and tuck my arm in his, he leads me to a table to eat.
"So I heard how you and Draco met again, kind of funny huh?" Blaise says, "Never would have seen that one coming." He adds.
"Neither would I have seen it coming." I agree. "Although Draco has surprised me completely, you know we call the baby 'Baby' instead of it or he or she, because of Draco. He said once, that we shouldn't make Baby out to be something they may not be. He also said that calling a baby an it is a horrible way for a child to start their life." I ramble feeling nervous and kind of like the whole sitting there talking to Blaise Zabini to be quite surreal.
"Draco has changed much since the war, I think some of us Slytherin's are much more laid backed, you know it wasn't easy for us to be raised the way we were. Draco and I may have taken it to the extreme, not much fazes us, but we have a better understanding for people." Blaise explains and I nod.
"That makes sense." I acknowledge. "So you and Draco have obviously stayed in touch yes?"
"Yes, I actually work for him." Blaise says, "I get to keep him in line, its fun." He says and laughs a little.
"So, do you keep in contact with many others form Hogwarts?" I ask conversationally.
"Not really, ever since the disaster with Astoria and Draco…" He stops looks at me then clearing his throat, "I shouldn't have said that. It isn't my place, and Draco would kill me." Blaise says looking uncomfortable.
"It okay, I'll just ask Draco, or wait for him to tell me. Don't worry, I won't let him kill you, you're my friend now, and nobody messes with my friends." I say light heartedly and Blaise smiles at me. "Just ask Harry, and well just ask Harry." I say forgetting about Ron and almost added his name.
"You know, you are very nice, I wish things would have been different when we were at Hogwarts." He says a little sadly, then his gaze flickers behind me briefly. "Did Draco tell you that he invited his parents to come tonight?" Blaise asks suddenly looking a bit stricken.
My eyes widen and I can't actually formulate an answer so I vaguely shake my head.
"Apparently not, well he invited them and they must have decided to come, because here they come now." Blaise says standing up.
I slowly turn around and look up into the faces of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. I stand up slowly and Lucius steps forward.
"Miss Granger, you have a lovely bookstore." He says seemingly sincere. "I know you and I have had an unfortunate past, and I am deeply sorry." He says looking directly into my face with not a smirk or a sneer to be seen.
I am so surprised I feel my mouth open then Narcissa steps forward. "Miss Granger, I echo my husbands thoughts and hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive us. You look very lovely tonight, and might I say pregnancy agrees with you." She finishes and smiles warmly.
I am even more shocked then I feel tears prick at my eyes and before I can do so much as breathe, a couple slip out.
"Oh, ah." Lucius looks very uncomfortable and nervous seeing tears.
"I'm sorry, it is just that well I think it is mostly hormones. However, I am moved that you two are here, and that well what you just said, it means a lot to me." I quickly say then sniffle a little, Blaise hands me a napkin and I dab at my eyes.
"Yes dear, I understand the hormones, tears just make men nervous." Narcissa says looking at her husband in amusement.
Getting myself under control, I finally speak normally. "Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, let me introduce you to my employees and I'll give you a quick tour, Blaise you should come too." I say and they all nod in agreement.
So we make our way over to Jake and he makes them each his favourite drink, a pumpkin spice latte. They seem happy with it, and we move on to Cassie, and even though she is a squib they surprisingly don't treat her any different. I am amazed.
After the tour, more people start pouring into the store and soon it becomes semi-organized chaos. There is laughter and music and clatter of drinks and books being open and closed. The Malfoy's went off to mingle, and Blaise and I decide to dance. He is an excellent dancer, and after he goes to find Ginny, Cassie comes up to me to ask about Blaise.
"How do you know him, he is hott!" She exclaims in a loud whisper.
I chuckle and answer her, in a loud whisper. "We went to school together." Then I take a good look at Blaise. He is wearing dark blue jeans that you couldn't really tell they were jeans; they are so close to being black. He has on a gray button shirt with a blue tie. His hair is black and messily styled. He has light green eyes that seem so clear you could look into his soul. He really is very attractive.
"You should dance with him." I encourage her.
"Oh, no I couldn't, he is too gorgeous and I'm well, look at me." She says blushing.
I do look at her; she is wearing a flowing white skirt that ends just below her knees and a fitted read corset style top with thin straps. She had on red heals that look painful, so of course they are perfect. She has long blonde hair that is styled in big waves that are left down and free, and she has beautiful warm brown eyes.
"You are beautiful!" I say giving her a 'don't argue, you are' look.
Just then, Blaise walks up to us, "Cassie, may I have this dance?" Cassie blushes then accepts and I smile at them both as he leads her to dance.
"Hermione, could you check in the back and see if you have another copy of this book." Glori asks me coming to stand next to me.
"Sure, I'll be right back." I say and make my way through people to get to my office. I had charmed the back to where there was a sort of hallway to get to the office, so that people didn't keep trying to go into the office or have any reason to be back here, plus it is far enough away from where the activity is it helps me or the others get to back stock.
"I knew eventually you would come back here." I hear a male voice say just inside the hallway.
"Ron, what are you doing here?" I say surprised and a little unnerved, he seems to be waiting for me.
"You left so soon earlier, I wasn't done with you." He answers slurring his words a little, I can smell fire whiskey. "I think that's my kid." He says pointing at my stomach.
"Ron." I say and back up a step.
"Why didn't you tell me? I knew my confundus would work, I just didn't think you would catch me with Lavender." He says not really making sense. "I needed to be sure you would stay with me."
"What are you talking about?" I ask feeling dread crawl up my back and settle in my gut.
"I knew you would get pregnant, and look you are." He says seemingly oblivious to my questions. He takes a step toward me, then another.
"Ron, I think you should leave." I say sternly but softly so that he doesn't startle or something.
"No, you are mine, and this is mine too." He says as he grabs my arm then roughly rubs his hand on my stomach. Shocked I yelp, and his hand that was on my stomach covers my mouth. "I told you, your mine."
I struggle and he removes his hand from my mouth and instead wraps it round my waist bringing me up against him. "Ron, stop. We are not together anymore." I say trying to get my arm out of his grip, but he is holding so tightly I can't.
"We are too together, we are going to be a family." He looks at me weird then says harshly. "Why can't I apparate?" His face is red and he reeks of whiskey.
Thank god I made the wards to where you can't apparate in or out, he could splinch us both if he tries right now being so intoxicated.
"The wards." I answer and he pushes me back and I feel the wall at my back.
"Change them." He demands.
"I don't have my wand." I respond truthfully, "Even if I did, I wouldn't you are drunk, you might splinch us." I add feeling annoyed.
I feel a sharp pain across my face and realize he just backhanded me. I am surprised that he would.
"Use my wand and change them, you are coming with me." He says and fumbles in his pocket for his wand.
"No." I say softly then try to get away from him again.
I feel a second flash of pain, only worse and my vision dims a bit, this time I cry out and he slaps his hand over my mouth again. I taste blood in my mouth and my cheek is throbbing, my left eye feels heavy and also throbs in time to my heart.
"You need to do as I say, you don't always know everything. You. Are. Mine." He says and with every word his grip on both my mouth and arm tighten. I whimper in pain and then real fear starts in my mind. I haven't felt this helpless since the war, when Bellatrix had me. I am more afraid now for my baby. Ron starts to drag me down the hall farther and I try to struggle as much as I can, so he stops and pushes me against the wall again.
"Stop fighting me." He takes his hand off my mouth and puts it on my stomach squeezing a little. "You'll hurt the kid." He sneers, and I am truly afraid, I have never seen Ron like this.
"Ron stop, please." I whimper and am crying so hard I can hardly breathe with him pressed against me.
He hits me a third time, and I cry out louder feeling this one even more because of the first two, my vision dims even more and my head is ringing. I slump against him having a hard time breathing and thinking around the pain, and he must take it for me submitting. He wraps his arm around my waist again and half carries me farther down the hall. There is a back entrance to the store, I never use. The door is next to my office door, so at the end of this hall. Once he gets me outside, he is going to take me somewhere, and probably end up hurting one or both of us seriously.
All of a sudden there is a flash of light and then we both fall, hitting the ground hard. My head makes contact with the floor and everything goes black.
I open my eyes blinking up into a face that actually scares me at first. I scream, though not very loud because I feel so horrible and I still have no breath. Then I feel safe, he looks so much like Draco.
"It is okay, Miss Granger. I won't hurt you, I'm here to help you." Lucius Malfoy says. "Narcissa, go find Draco, I am apparating us to St. Mungos. Also tell Potter about this trash." He gestures next to me with a growl. He gathers me into his arms as I whimper against the pain then I feel the pull of apparition.
Once at St. Mungos he commands attention and quickly we are rushed into a room. He gently lays me on the bed.
"She is Pregnant." Lucius says to the Healer.
Suddenly I am terrified, terrified that Bellatrix is going to torture me and my baby or that a snarling face of Ron is going to hurt my baby. Then I start to cry thinking he is going to take my precious child away from me and I feel the hot tears sliding down my throbbing cheek. Before Lucius can even think about stepping away I reach out and grab his hand.
"Don't leave me alone." I choke out feeling true panic start to stab at me.
"Please, sir stand on the other side of the bed, and let her know you will not leave her, she is panicking and we need her to calm down." A voice I assume is a Healer says. I watch Lucius nod then pull a chair up next to the bed then sit and clasp my hand in between both of his.
"I can't, I won't let anyone hurt my baby." I gasp between sobs, feeling a bit better but still not good I keep glancing around afraid that Ron, Bellatrix or even Voldemort is going to attack.
"We can't do too many potions because of the baby, so we need her to calm down." The healer says again.
"Hermione, look at me, and only me." Lucius says. "Hermione, can you tell me what names you have picked out for Baby?" He asks me softly though catching and holding my attention.
I start to take deep breaths to try and calm down; my mind has other ideas though. "I am afraid they are going to find me, and then she will torture my baby, and give me to him." I whisper loudly to Lucius, he looks thoroughly confused.
"She hasn't had an attack like this since the end of the war." Harry's voice filters through my panic, but Lucius grey eyes have me transfixed. "After Bellatrix tortured her, she used to have panic attacks, Ron must have triggered this one."
At the mention of Bellatrix, I whimper and notice a flash of something in the grey I'm staring into. "Harry?" I whimper and I feel another hand clasp mine. I shift my eyes slightly, and meet the green eyes of my best friend. Finally I take a deep breath. "Stay with me." I breathe then feel myself let go.
Please Review! I also would like to apologize for the past mistakes in grammar and random mis spellings. I was re-reading my story and noticed some errors...I am fixing them and carefully screening my new chapters. Hopefully I catch them all! So again, please please please review! Thanks!
