Chapter 14

Taking a deep breath, Hermione entered the Burrow for the first time since she had left for Australia. She prepared herself for Molly Weasley's anger, both over her long absence and her choice in partners. Draco had purposely stayed home, allowing her to handle the potentially tense evening without adding to it.

She had only just begun to show, but under the family's stares, she felt like a beached whale. Harry was soon by her side, arm around her shoulders and a smile on his face. "Someone let the pregnant woman sit down," he joked, leading her to the sofa as George moved to make room for her. The friendly, though mischievous twin had always been kind to her, and offered her a smile in greeting.

"Well, thanks, Harry, for that," she replied, placing a pillow over her stomach. "I, um, that was exactly what I came to tell you all. I've just started my second trimester, and we're having a girl."

Molly Weasley stood between the kitchen and family room, arms crossed and a spoon in hand. "Who is we?" she inquired. When Hermione announced that she was with Draco, the matronly witch left the room. Sighing, Hermione rose from her seat, grateful to those who congratulated her. Entering the kitchen, she opened her mouth, ready to apologize when Molly spoke. "I wasn't expecting this," she said, her back to the young woman as she stirred a pot of beef stew.

"Believe me - we weren't either," Hermione admitted.

"Do you love him?" Molly asked.

The young witch smiled. "You know, I hadn't thought about it before, but yes, I do," she replied. "He's so good to me, Mrs. Weasley. I know a lot of people hoped Ron and I would get back together-"

"There's still time for that," she interjected. "Just because Draco Malfoy is the father doesn't mean you need to be with him. If you love Ron, you should be with him."

Groaning softly, Hermione sat down at the table. "Ron and I - it isn't like that. We don't love each other the way we should," she explained. "And I won't allow another man to raise my child. Draco's committed to not only our daughter, but to me as well. I won't push him away."

Turning off the stove, Molly joined her at the table. "I would hate to think you love this boy because you feel that you have to," she said softly. "That's not enough, dear. Being a part of the baby's life doesn't mean he has to be a part of yours."

Anger settled in Hermione's stomach as she stood. "Being involved with our child absolutely means that Draco will be a part of my life," she stated. "I refuse to cut him out of it. If he walks away, he walks away, but I won't push him away. Thank you for the offer of dinner, but I don't think I'll be staying."

Passing through the living room, she grabbed her belongings and made her way to the front door. "Wait, Mione," Ron said, reaching for her. With a huff, she turned to face him and the rest of the family. "Just...no one expects you to be with me now that you and Malfoy are having a baby. At least, I don't. I just want you to be happy."

Smiling, she kissed his cheek. "Thank you," she whispered. "Tell everyone I'm sorry, will you?"

Ron nodded, and once she was gone, he turned back to talk to his mother. "I'm not happy that she chose him over me," he stated with steely determination in his words. "It's never going to be Hermione and me because we don't belong together. We will, however, be friends, and I'm okay with that. You want her to be a part of this family? Accept the fact that she's with Malfoy."

Stunned, Molly said nothing as her youngest son walked away.

Hermione returned home, and found herself alone. She was tired of being alone, and desperately wanted company. Without removing her coat, she Apparated to her mother's house, startling the older woman with her arrival. Without a word, she walked to her mother, and hugged her. "Sorry," she whispered, resting her head on her shoulder.

Helen held her close. "Don't be," she replied, leading her to the sofa. "What's wrong? Why are you upset?"

Begrudgingly, Hermione told her mother about her brief evening with the Weasley family. "And then I just walked out," she concluded. "Am I going to have to defend my relationship with Draco for the rest of my life?"

"I don't know," Helen admitted. "I remember the stories you used to tell about him, and I thought he sounded awful. And then I met him. Before the two of you were anything, I could see how much he cared for you. You've never been the type to care what others thought of you. So, don't let what people think of your relationship bother you. Be with Draco because you love him, or leave him because this isn't what you want. Just don't let anyone else influence that decision."

Hermione nodded, knowing she was right. Her feelings were more important. They had to be. "I love him," she confessed happily. "I love when he's around or holds my hand or just smiles at me from across the room. I don't know if it's puppy love or something more, but I'm excited to find out."

Glad as she was that her daughter had found love, there were other concerns on Helen's mind. Ever the astute child, Hermione noticed and asked about it. Sighing, Helen wondered whether or not to burden the young woman. Deciding Hermione had the right to know, she told her. "Narcissa and I are going to Australia next week to see your father," she said. "He's so much more stubborn than I am, but that woman has a way of getting through to people. I hope he'll listen to reason, but I'm also afraid that he won't. I want my family to be whole again, sweetheart. I want him to come home."

Hermione knew what she needed to do in order to convince him to come home. She needed to stay away. Helen objected immediately, but Hermione reassured her with a smile. "It's only temporary," she promised. "I can stay away until Dad's okay with me being around. Everything will be fine, Mum."