I know it's been like … years. But I've been busy, and this hasn't been my number one priority. I'm now going to school for massage therapy and working many many hours. But I have been getting back into fanfiction and as I get into stories and then they end abruptly, I get very upset. And then I realized that that was what I did to you guys! So I'm going to continue. I can't promise it'll be regular, but I'll do my best. Also, I updated my email address, so I'll actually GET reviews from you guys. So if I start to slack again, just yell at me and I'll get right back on the ball. Now, FINALLY, after an obscenely long time, here you are: the aftermath.

Hermione's mother walked slowly back to her bedroom, deep in thought. Well, Hermione was of age. And the chemistry between the two was undeniable. She clearly liked him, and as for Draco's feelings for her? Oh, you could tell just by observing how he gazed at her. His feelings for her were truly strong. She took a deep breath before entering the room, knowing that if she walked in looking troubled, she'd be bombarded with questions, and that was not something she was prepared for. So she shook herself out and walked in, looking as casual as possible.

"What's wrong?" Joel asked his wife as soon as he saw her pathetic attempt at nonchalance.
Shit. "Um, nothing. I'm just trying to understand how that woman could possibly squeeze those into that dress!" Please please pleeease be believeable.

Victory. Her husband laughed hard, "Oh tell me about it. I mean, I'm not going to argue with her on her wardrobe choices, but honestly. Why even try? Especially when she knew there'd be dancing." He smiled lovingly at his wife and opened his arms to her. She smiled back and sat on the bed, leaning into him.

"Honey, you like Draco right?" Jane asked him.

"Yeah, he seems decent enough. And Hermione seems to really like him. And she's such a smart girl. I know, I know what you're going to say. 'But he was so terrible to her in school!' This may be true, love, but we've seen change before. I wasn't always as charming to you as I am now, you know." He said with a nudge, and a wink for the extra effect.

She scoffed at him, "Hah, right right. Charming. Well, I suppose you're right. Maybe just finally seeing our baby in what appears to be a serious relationship is somewhat scary to me. I'll just have to get used to the idea." Although the idea of a relationship isn't what bothers me. "I'm going to sleep. I love you dear."

"Right back at you, darling." Together, they slid down into bed and fell asleep. Well, at least he did. The sound of her husband's snores and the complex thoughts in her head kept her awake far longer than she would've preferred.

The following morning, Hermione woke up very unhappy. Although last night had been a beautiful experience and she wouldn't have had it any other way, now she was forced to deal with the pain. In addition to the cruel stabbing pains in her lower abdomen, she also had the mental conflict of whether or not to tell her mother. Hermione wasn't stupid. She knew that her mother had to have known. She was too smart, that was where Hermione got it. She knew that her daughter always ended up with a pillow over her face, tangled in blankets, not lying pin straight with the blankets to her chin like she had been. She took a deep breath, and let it all out in a huff. She opted for a shower to clear her head. She stood in the steam for a long time, letting the hot water run over her sore body.

After standing in the water until it was nearly cold, it finally came to her. All her life, her mother had told her that having sex was a really big deal, that she shouldn't ever do it unless she was more than 110% sure, and her first time should be with someone who she loved and could see herself marrying. Then she froze. Could she see herself marrying Draco? Could she really imagine herself walking down the aisle in a magnificent white dress, her eyes fixed on the beautiful blonde man at the end? She thought…

Yes, yes she really could. She laughed to herself. Hermione Malfoy. Imagine that. Her entire Hogwarts career, she had always imagined herself one day being Hermione Weasley. She would join the big clan at the burrow and spend her life surrounded by friends. But now? Now, her life was headed in a totally different direction. Now she was headed down a path leading to what? Malfoy Manor? Oh God. She thought of all her 'good' times there and shuddered a bit. But whatever. At that point in time, Draco hadn't been able to protect her. But now she knew that he would. She wouldn't mind living there after she learned her way around. And, of course, after she did that, maybe children? TIME TO STOP THINKING HERMIONE. Little blonde children were a bit much for her to process for now. Plus her water was cold and her fingers were getting pruney. Yick.

Draco woke up a bit later then Hermione did. He, however, thought last night had gone pretty well. Although, he had taken her virginity, not a part of the bet, and he had also fallen in love with her. DEFINITELY not part of the bet. He shrugged off his worries. She never needs to know. Draco had given the plan a lot of thought. He was going to return to school with Hermione on his arm, and let things be normal. He would be with her, she with him. There would be no tension, no arguing, no nothing. Everything would be perfect. He could have Blaise help him talk to Pansy, who still had it in her head that he was tricking the poor Gryffindor, and all would be well! It shouldn't be too hard, right? Right! He got out of bed, heard her in the shower and decided to be brave. He waltzed down the stairs with all the confidence in the world and walked into the kitchen to find it filled with a positively beautiful scent. Breakfast? Back at the manor, his parents had the house elves be very careful to make sure no scents lingered. They wanted a crisp, cool scent to their house at all times. But here, the scent of the eggs, bacon, and sausages and coffee was allowed to waft through the house. It was lovely.

Joel Granger was sitting at the table, munching on bacon and sipping coffee. Today's newspaper was laid out in front of him and he was flipping through it. Draco raised an eyebrow at him, he must've been reading awfully fast. He was flipping the page about every five seconds, staring down, probably not seeing. Poor guy must be awfully tired. Draco slid into the seat across from him with a cheery, "Good morning!"

Mr. Granger jumped and looked up, "ah, good morning Draco. You're up pretty early. I thought our Hermione was the only one who got up with the sun."

Draco laughed, "No, no sir. I also have a tendency to wake up bright and early. I enjoy have the entire day lain out before me."

Joel nodded his approval, "Good, good. Coffee?" Draco scrunched his nose.

"I enjoy the smell in the morning, but I'm not really a coffee drinker. That's all Hermione." Mr. Granger laughed.

"That is true, that girl neeeeeds her coffee."

"You wouldn't believe how snippy she is before she gets her cup! She'll hardly say a word to me until she's gotten it and if I try to start a conversation, I get the death glare."

Mr. Granger smiled, "Ah, yes. The death glare. I've received it many-a-mornings." It was then that Mrs. Granger walked in with a tray filled with pancakes and eggs. She paused a bit when she saw Draco, an unreadable emotion passing over her features before she quickly regained her composure and set the tray on the table.

"Good morning, Draco," she said in a pleasant voice. "Did you sleep well?"

Draco, sensing nothing, smiled and said, "Yes, very well, thank you."

Mrs. Granger, who couldn't get the thought of this boy and her baby out of her head, tightened up a bit and let out a small breath, "Well! That's good." With that she turned and left the room. Once in the kitchen, she leaned against a counter and put her face in her hands, breathing deeply. She would not be the mom who cried over this, she refused. But she could hardly help the lump forming in her throat. HER BABY! HAVING SEX! She let out a shaky breath. Breathe, Jane, honestly. It was bound to happen. At least it was with a nice honest boy. At least it wasn't some drunken fling with a boy she won't remember. Oh dear lord, I hope she feels okay about it. I was so sore the next morning…. OH! She quickly turned around and scurried to the cupboard containing the tea kettle. Maybe she'll want tea! Yes, tea. That's a nice remedy for sore muscles….ugh. I hate this. Then Hermione walked in, and her mother dropped the kettle into the sink where she had been previously filling it with a loud clang.

Hermione walked up behind her quickly, "are you alright, mom?"

"Yes. Fine. Are you? I mean, do you feel okay?" She watched her daughter's face twist with a flurry of different emotions.

"Um, yeah, mom, I'm okay." She totally knows. "Are you okay? I mean, you're feeling alright? Your night went well? You and father had fun?" Too many questions, Hermione, stop. Her mom looked just as uncomfortable as she did.

"Yes, we had a great time. There were some awful outfits, and some dresses much too small for the busty women trying to wear them, but you know. All in all, it was great. How about you? How was your night?" She looked deep into her daughter's eyes, trying hard not to miss a beat. This was her chance. Hermione didn't miss her true meaning.

"It was wonderful mom. Draco is really a very sweet boy. I like him very much. You know that right?" Her mom picked up the discarded kettle and began filling it again.

"Yes, dear, I know. You trust him?"

"With everything in me, mum. He just needs someone to love him. And that's where I come in. He's never had a truly deep relationship. He's never been truly cared for. So I'm going to do that for him."

Her mother couldn't help but scoff, "Yeah, I bet you are." She winced a bit, after realizing her comment, and clumsily set the kettle on the stove.

"And what is THAT supposed to mean?" But she couldn't help but smile.

"You know what I mean, honey," Jane began, finally dropping the charade, "as long as you're sure, I'm okay with it. It took me a lot of thinking, I didn't sleep much," she gestured towards her coffee cup, "but I can tell you two really care for each other. And it's your decision to make. But I am still your mother, so if you insist on being active, there are a few things I want to do." Hermione was ecstatic that her mother was so accepting and therefore willing to do whatever she wished.

She smiled, "Of course mother! Anything!" She simply couldn't believe her mother's acceptance. This must mean she really liked Draco as well, she smiled at the thought.

"Well, I know there are all kinds of maaaagical potions and what not for birth control, but will you please let me take you to see a doctor of some kind? To get you on birth control and make sure you're healthy." Hermione laughed.

"You're right mom, there are tons of magical potions, herbs, remedies, etc. for birth control. But I'm so glad you're okay with this, I'm quite willing to do anything you ask of me." The ladies both sighed in relief together. Hermione joined her mother in the lean against the counter, poured up a cup of tea, and was lost in thought until a shout from the dining room grabbed both their attentions. It was Draco.

"Hermione! I do hope you're drinking coffee in there so I get to see your happy face when you come out."

"No, Draco, I'm actually drinking tea." She smirked, waiting for his response.

"That- uh – that'll wake you up right, won't it?" He sounded nervous.

She laughed right out loud, "I'll be nice, I promise."

Both ladies chuckled and headed towards the door. Hermione stopped abruptly and turned towards her mother.

"Mom. Please promise not to act funny around him. I can handle this, but my poor spoiled brat of a boyfriend probably doesn't know how to take anything but worship."

"Yes, dear, I know. He won't know I know until you tell him."

"And…"

"Neither will your father."

She smiled, "Thank you so much, mum. I really do love you. I'm very blessed to have a mother as kind and understanding as you are."

Jane blushed, "Oh stop, get out of here." She gave her a gentle shove towards the door and both women came out smiling.

Mr. Granger stood up, "Ah, here are our girls." He embraced his wife and gave her a light peck on the cheek. He then pulled out her chair and pushed it back in a bit when she'd sat down.

Hermione and Draco watched the entire exchange, Hermione smiling, having always loved watching her parents around each other; Draco watched also, but with a slight look of awe on his face. His parents had never been so close. They had married for the sake of money and making headlines. But these two? No, their love was written very clearly right across their faces. Draco hoped and prayed that he and his Hermione could be like that one day.

I can't believe I'm thinking about marrying this girl. Our children would be half-blood. My parents would have my head! Ugh, and Pansy. What on earth would she do? What on earth will she do when we return to school?! She still thinks this is all a game. I have to tell her. Hermione needs to hear it from me before Pansy can –

"DRACO!" Hermione smacked him in the arm.

"What? Oh, hah, I'm sorry. I just got lost in my head there for a second." He had the decency to turn a little pink and started picking sheepishly at his food. Mrs. Granger giggled.

"Yes, dear, we saw that. Is everything alright?"

Draco took a deep, calming breath, looked up at her confidently and placed his hand over Hermione's.

"Yes, Mrs. Granger, everything will be great…"