This is War, Baby
"You are an incredible coward, Malfoy." Bill informed his friend with disgust.
"I'm not a coward!" Draco shouted back. "Do you really believe I'm avoiding this because I don't want to marry her? Or have a baby with her? Of course not, you bloody moron."
"No, I think you do want to marry her, and you want her to have all your little blonde headed babies. But you are afraid she won't want to marry you, or have your children. And that is why you are running like a little girl." Bill said, crossing his arms over his chest as he made his point.
Bill had seen Hermione's dejected face for the past few days and when he finally confronted Draco about it, he was met with the most overwhelmingly unreal story he could have imagined. In fact, he never could have imagined that the answer to the prophesy was for two seventeen year old kids to marry and make a baby to bring down the Dark Lord. It would have been comical if it weren't completely true.
Of course Draco had no response to Bill's statement. Part of it was true, as much as he didn't want to admit it allowed. "Sod off, Weasley," Draco snapped. "You have no idea what this is like for me. I'm not going to be yet another reason for her to prove her moronic Gryffindor courage."
"Say what you will about Gryffindor's, mate, but I've never known them to hide from the person they love out of insecurity," Bill said, cocking his eyebrow.
"It's not about my bloody insecurities, damnit!" Draco shouted. "This is about making a lifelong commitment to someone, and creating a child just to stop a mass murdering asshole! Don't you get that!"
"Yes, but..." But Bill was cut off when Hermione stomped into the sitting room and stared at them both.
"Bill, can I borrow Draco for a moment?" she asked. Her voice was sweet, but her eyes said she was pissed. Draco swallowed hard before moving off the couch to follow her upstairs. He attempted to grab her hand on the way up the stairs but she moved out of his reach. He guessed now was the time they were going to have it out about his behavior. He still had no idea what he was going to tell her.
Once inside her room she locked and silenced the door before rounding on Draco. "Would you like to tell me why you have been ignoring me for the past three days?" she asked, a incendiary tone in her voice. She looked hot when she was pissed, but he'd much prefer that she was not pissed at him.
"I don't know what you mean," Draco lied.
"Oh, we are going to play that game, are we?" Hermione snapped, pulling the paper Snape had given her out of her back pocket.
"So, you haven't been avoiding me because of this? You haven't been ducking out of rooms when I come around because you can't just tell me that I'm the last person on earth you want to spend the rest of your life with?" She was shouting now, but she had succeeded in keeping angry tears from leaving her eyes.
Draco stared at her, mouth open, for a long moment before he could speak at all. "Hermione, you cannot possibly think this has anything to do with a lack of commitment to you," he finally scoffed. Wrong move.
"Oh can't I?" Hermione asked, pacing the floor of the room. "Then why the hell have you been ignoring me? Or is it not my place to even ask?"
Draco was starting to get irritated at her tone. To think that she could ever believe she wasn't his whole world angered him. "Yes, because professing my love to you and spending every bloody minute thinking about you shows how much I can't stand you, right?"
"Then tell me why you didn't tell me!" Hermione demanded, turning to face him again, the angry tears were dangerously close to seeping from her eyelids.
"Because I don't want our marriage to be one more thing you 'do for the cause'!" Draco shouted back. "I don't want our children to be a means to reach an end!"
Hermione stopped pacing and dropped down to sit on the bed. "Our marriage? Our children?" she asked, a quizzical look on her face. "So, this has nothing to do with not wanting to marry me?"
Draco sighed before walking over to her and settling in the seat of her desk. "How on earth could you possibly doubt my feelings for you?" he asked.
"What was I supposed to think, Draco? When Snape showed me that journal entry, I had to assume the product of it had offended you in some way. Why else would you have avoided telling me about it?" Hermione queried.
"Hermione, the thought of marrying you makes me almost giddy with excitement," Draco assured her. "But the thought that you'd always resent being tied to me because we married under pressure terrifies me."
"But don't you think you could have talked to me about it?" Hermione asked. "I mean, this is obviously what the prophecy is all about. If the problem isn't that you don't want to fulfill it, then perhaps it would have been nice if you asked my opinion before deciding for me," she said. Her voice was still harsh, but he could hear it softening.
"You are right, but I know how you are. I couldn't begin to talk to you about this, when I knew you'd be so keen to save the day, no matter what the consequences," Draco said, reaching out to touch her hand. She allowed him to lace his fingers in hers.
"Draco, I want to end this war. And I can see the end in sight with this...ritual. But if you think that I'd marry someone, or bare the children of someone that I didn't love with ever fiber of my being, you are completely mental," Hermione said, squeezing his hand.
"What are you saying?" Draco asked. He couldn't afford to misinterpret her meaning here.
Hermione's features softened and she smiled slightly. "I'm saying, that I think this prophecy is less about what will save the world, and more about what we already know will happen."
"Are you saying that you want to marry me? That you really want to do this?" Draco asked, his voice was choked with emotion.
Hermione leaned over and kissed him gently on the lips. "I'm saying, that I am scared to death of being a mother, but there is no one else I'd rather be a mother with."
Draco's heart thumped in his ears and he pulled her to him, kissing her soundly on the lips. "I can't believe we are even considering this," he breathed, "but I promise I'll make this the best decision you've ever made."
Hermione giggled a little feeling light headed. "I can't believe this is happening," she said, the consequences of her decision washing over her. For some reason, in Draco's arms it didn't seem daunting at all.
Hermione and Draco cornered Harry and Ron in the sitting room two days later. After much discussion, debate, and a little research, Hermione and Draco had made the decision to continue with the ritual.
Hermione assured Draco, that while she'd hoped to wait several years to start a family with him, she would love their baby more than anything in the world. She actually was surprised how not scary the prospect of motherhood was when she had Draco by her side.
They'd also decided to tell Ron and Harry before revealing it to the other Order members. They'd handled their relationship the wrong way where Hermione's friends were concerned and she wasn't going to make the same mistake again. Draco didn't care either way, but he understood Hermione's reasons, so he agreed to support her.
"Can we talk," Hermione asked from the doorway.
"Yeah, what is up?" Harry asked. He'd cheered up a bit since the last Horcrux was revealed, if only because he was doing his level best to think about other things.
"Harry, Ron," Hermione started, sitting on the couch with Draco at her side. "Draco and I have figured out the prophecy," she said, her voice as calm as possible.
"That's great, 'Mione," Ron said, his voice excited. "Why aren't you guys happier about it?"
"We are," Hermione assured quickly, squeezing Draco's hand. "But, because of the nature of it, we wanted to discuss it with you first."
"Is it dangerous?" Harry asked, his voice growing dark. The thought of Hermione in the kind of danger he was in was too much to bare.
"No," Hermione said. "It's not dangerous. But the best way to explain this is if you read it first," She said handing Harry a copy of the journal entry. When he read it through, his eyes doubled.
"What is it Harry?" Ron asked, taking the paper and reading it himself. "What...what does this have to do with the prophecy?" Ron asked, scratching his head as he tried to work it out.
"They are going to marry each other, Ron," Harry said, a coolness to his voice. Hermione was both grateful Harry figured it out on his own, and hurt by his reaction. Not that she'd expected him to throw her a hen party.
"B...But...But..." Ron sputtered reading the passage again.
Hermione began talking before an argument could erupt. "This is what the prophecy is all about. We've checked it thought both Snape and Dumbledore and they agree."
"Hermione, you can't marry someone to drop a few wards. You can't get pregnant just so we can wage war at Malfoy Manor. It's ridiculous," Harry said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"You are right. And if that were the only reason we were doing it, we wouldn't be," Hermione said. Draco squeezed her hand in comfort as he smiled at her.
"Look," he started. "I have the same reservations you do. I don't want to tie Hermione to me out of obligation. But I swear that I love her, and I want her to be my wife, prophecy or not."
Ron and Harry were stunned by the honesty coming from Draco. He'd barely spoken to them after the air had been cleared between the four of them, and they didn't expect he'd ever be cordial. He wasn't now, but he was raw and honest, and it was respectable.
"I assume there is no talking either of you out of this, so you know I'll be on your side. But please be sure this is what you want," Harry implored. "This is a lifelong commitment. From what I know about pureblood bonds, they cannot be broken...ever."
Hermione sighed with relief. "I know, Harry, and I promise this is what we want. There is no use living in a world where Voldemort has power. And we love each other."
Ron was still staring at them, mouth open. "I...I..." he started but he couldn't seem to get his words out. He'd known Hermione was in love with Draco. He'd accepted this eventually, but it was all so fast. Too fast.
"I know," Hermione said reading his mind, "but remember when you told me you wanted me to be happy." Ron nodded, "This will make me happy," she said with a smile. He saw the honesty in her eyes. She wasn't putting on a brave face for them. He could tell she was scared, but she wanted this too, and he could never deny her something she honestly wanted.
"Then, congratulations," Ron said with a weak smile.
"You guys are the best friends I could ever ask for," Hermione cried, pulling them both into her arms, knocking Draco out of the way. He chuckled slightly and shook his head. Perhaps Potter and Weasley weren't quite as bad as he thought. Not that he liked them or anything.
Draco left Hermione with Harry and Ron before jogging up the stairs and knocking on Bill's door. No matter how many times Hermione and he agreed that they were okay with the prophecy and would fulfill it in a matter of time anyway, he wanted to make sure he did this right.
"What's up, mate?" Bill asked when he opened the door and invited Draco inside.
"I need to ask you a very big favor." Draco said. "Hermione and I have agreed to do the marital bonding ritual."
"Baby and all?" Bill asked, cocking an eyebrow skyward. He'd had no problem believing that Hermione would marry Draco in a heartbeat, but getting pregnant was a big thing to ask a seventeen-year-old girl.
"Yes, Bill, it's part of the ritual." Draco sighed impatiently.
"So, what do you need my help for?" Bill asked. "I'm fairly certain you know the mechanics," he said with a smirk.
"Could you stop being cute for two minutes, this is important," Draco huffed. When Bill nodded, he continued. "Hermione and I have agreed that this is what we both want to do. However, I don't want this to be rushed, unromantic, and just a means to reach an end. In our hearts, it is not, but if I'm to marry a girl, I'm bloody well going to ask her to marry me properly." Draco said with such conviction that Bill remained silent until he finished.
"Which is why I need you to go to my private vault at Gringotts, take out some money, and buy me the most beautiful ring you can find," Draco finally said.
Bill stared at him for a moment bewildered. "I can't go myself, and besides, you work for Gringotts. They won't have a problem with you going into my vault with my permission." Draco explained.
"Of course I'll do it, but don't you think you want a say in what the ring looks like?" Bill asked.
"I just want Hermione. You know her like a sister. You know what she likes. I trust you can buy her something that she will love. Will you please do this for me?" Draco asked. He rarely asked anything from anyone, including Hermione so Bill did not even consider refusing him.
"Sure, mate. When do you need it?" he asked.
"I was hoping for tonight, after the meeting," Draco said. "She will likely be upset enough after we are flogged for a prophecy that is outside our control, so I think tonight would be best. Unless you're too busy. In which case, I understand," Draco amended.
"No, I can go today." Bill said with a smile. Before Draco could leave, he stopped him and said, "You know, I'm on your side. Both of you. No matter what happens."
Draco nodded and gave the older man a rare smile before slipping out of the room and up the stairs to his own. He rarely slept in his room since his relationship with Hermione got out in the open, but he had some thinking to do and needed to be alone.
"Yes, Harry, I'm sure," Hermione said as they began to head to the Order meeting. "I would have liked to wait until my NEWTs were finished," she laughed, "but marrying him was inevitable. And this will win us this war. I know it. Voldemort is unfocused, unprepared, and will have very little protection but what he can conjure himself," Hermione said.
She'd spent the day with her friends, and while they'd had tried to avoid the topic, it finally came up again before it was time to face the music. Ron wrapped his arm around Hermione and stopped her before they reached the stairs.
"Hermione," he said, seriously. "You know I'd rather eat a bucket of slugs than admit anything nice about Malfoy, but I do know he loves you." Hermione smiled and hugged him tighter. "I'll always be on your side," He said, finally.
"And I will too," Harry promised. "I just can't help but feel a bit guilty that you wouldn't have to do any of this if it weren't for me."
"Stop it right now, Harry Potter," Hermione said, turning on him, her eyes blazing. "None of this is your fault. This is Voldemort's fault. You could have turned your back on your destiny. I could have run the other way the day we met. But we didn't. These are the choices we make. And I, for one, am happy to bring a child into the world that has people in it like you," she said, her voice strong with conviction. "We aren't children anymore, not matter what our age."
"You are right about that," Lupin said, as he met them at the stairs. He'd only heard the last part, but he couldn't agree more. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and even Draco had shown a level of maturity over the last months that not even he and the Marauders could have shown in time of war.
Hermione smiled at Lupin and continued her descent down the stairs. "Here we go," she said, taking a deep breath.
"Remember what I said," Ron whispered in her ear. "I'll always have your back." She nodded and made her way into the kitchen, sitting in the seat left open next to Draco.
Everyone else had already gathered when she, Harry, Ron, and Lupin entered the room; and when Dumbledore saw them, he immediately began the meeting. It had been decided that Draco and Hermione would start the meeting, so when he introduced them, they both stood up before the Inner Circle of the Order.
"As you know," Draco started, "Hermione and I have been working to uncover the meaning of the prophecy about us." When everyone nodded, he continued, "we discovered its meaning about four days ago," he said, looking down at his hands. The room was silent in anticipation of what the prophecy they'd been working on for over six months could possibly mean.
"Draco was researching the Malfoy ancestors' journals and discovered a protective enchantment on the family," Hermione continued, "it states that if any Malfoy man marries a Muggle-born and conceives a child with her through the rite, the Malfoy family will cease to exist, and all protective spells placed on the family and their homes will be destroyed," Hermione summed up. She congratulated herself on her emotionless and confident delivery.
It was silent for several more moments and she looked at Harry and Ron for a bit of support. Both smiled weakly at her and she returned the gesture. Draco slipped his hand in hers and continued speaking when no one else did. "So, Hermione and I have decided to perform the Malfoy marriage rite, to be done in such a time that the Order can plan an attack on Malfoy Manor."
It was Lupin who first spoke. His eyes were soft, but his voice was concerned. "I would hate to think that two young people would have to enter into a permanent binding for the sake of a war," he said, stating what everyone was thinking.
"I assure you..." Draco started, but he was cut off by Mrs. Weasley's shrill voice.
"Albus, did you know about this?" she accused.
"I became aware of the prophecy almost immediately, and was informed of their intention to fulfill it at once," Dumbledore admitted.
"This is sick!" Mrs. Weasley cried. "You can't use these children to win a war, Albus! They are barely even of age! You are asking them to sacrifice their childhood. You are asking Hermione to become a mother when she's barely more than a child herself! I won't hear of it!" Mrs. Weasley was shouting now, and Hermione winced at her words. As true as they were, it did not change how she felt.
"I assure you, Molly," Dumbledore said, trying to keep his voice light, "That I would never force two people to marry or create a life for the sake of a war. This decision is entirely theirs."
Mrs. Weasley turned back to Hermione and Draco. "Dears, I know that when you are young, you think you know everything you will ever need to know, but you can't possibly know that this is what you will want for the rest of your lives," she reasoned with them.
"I love her," Draco said. "Sure, I'd like to wait a while, but I know I'll never want anyone like I want Hermione." His voice held such conviction that the rest of the room stared at him. He was a man of very few words at the Order meetings, and hearing him express his emotions so easily was convincing.
"In the end, it is our decision," Hermione said. "We have decided."
"But what of the baby," Mrs. Weasley said, changing course. "You can't take care of a baby. Neither of you have jobs. You haven't even taken your NEWTs. A baby is a life long responsibility. You can't tell me this is what you want, right now. I won't believe it!" She was beginning to tear up with emotion, and as much as Hermione wanted to slap her silly, she was comforted by the fact that Mrs. Weasley was only reacting this way because she cared very much for her. She didn't want to see her 'children' thrust into adulthood before their time.
"Mum," Bill cut in, "you know they will have help, and Hermione is the brightest witch of her age...and probably any other. If anyone can do this, it's her."
Draco cleared his throat, and Bill added, "Oh, and Draco's not totally hopeless either." Harry and Ron snickered at either side of Hermione, and she couldn't stop a small grin from gracing her lips.
"No, this is too much!" Mrs. Weasley wailed. "You are just children!"
"No we aren't, Mum," Ron broke in. "Whatever we are, we are no longer children. Our lives are at risk everyday that thing lives. We are adults now, and it's time you faced that. Hermione, Harry, and I have been fighting...Voldemort...for almost seven years. We know the stakes, we know what we are doing, and you have to let us do it." Ron's voice was clear and confident as he spoke reason to his mother. "You know that I, of all people, would not let Hermione do this if I weren't sure it was what she wanted. As much as I hate to say it, Malfoy is good for her and he's good to her."
Hermione smiled brightly at her friend and Draco's opinion of the Weasel went up exponentially. "Besides, mum," Ron said, finally, "You know that, that baby will never lack for anything, most of all love."
It seemed that Ron's outburst was the only thing anyone needed to hear. Mrs. Weasley ceased her protest and her facial features softened. "I worry about you," she finally said. "Both of you."
"I appreciate that," Hermione said, choking up. "And I know I will need as much help as I can get." Mrs. Weasley just smiled and debate seemed to end on the matter. Hermione and Draco both knew it wouldn't be the last time they heard the Order member's opinions on their decision, but they also knew, in the end, they'd all respect their wishes.
"So, perhaps congratulations are in order," Harry said, lifting his goblet of pumpkin juice as Hermione and Draco took their seats again. She smiled gratefully at her best friend and they all raised a glass to Hermione and Draco, even Mrs. Weasley.
The rest of the meeting was fairly short and Draco was grateful for that. He'd been holding the ring Bill had gone out to buy for three hours, and was anxious to give it to Hermione.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked, turning to Hermione as everyone made their way out of the kitchen.
"Of course," Hermione smiled as she said her goodbyes to the Order members. When she was done, she followed Draco into the sitting room where she sat down on the couch. When Draco didn't join her, she looked up at him confused.
"Are you okay?" she asked, when she saw him looking nervous.
"Yes," he said with a genuine smile. He finally decided to sit next to her on the couch. "Hermione, there is something I want to give you. Because even though I know that we agreed this marriage ritual and the baby are not just to win a war, and you have convinced me that it's what you want, I want to do this whole thing right," he said in one breath.
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, taking his hand in hers. When he moved from the couch down to one knee, keeping his hand wrapped in hers, she felt her heart skip a beat and couldn't keep the grin off her face. "Draco..." she breathed, tears stinging her eyes.
Draco used his free hand to pull a velvet box from his trouser pocket and placed it on Hermione's bare knee. "You know I love you very much," he said, kissing the tips of her fingers as he brought them to his lips, "and no matter what, I'll be there for you, and our children. Regardless of the circumstances, there is nothing I want more than to make you my wife," Draco said before flipping the box open and revealing the most beautiful ring she'd ever laid eyes on. It was understated but lovely and it was perfect for her.
"Draco, how did you..." she asked, as she rubbed her fingers over the top of the ring.
"Bill helped," he admitted with a smile. "So, do you like it?"
"I love it," Hermione said with a brilliant smile, "put it on." She extracted her fingers from his and held out her left hand. He quickly removed the ring from the box and slipped it on her finger, thankful that Bill seemed to know her size.
Once the ring was secured on her finger, she flung both arms around his neck and pulled him close to her. "Thank you so much," she said, sniffing slightly. "This makes everything so much more real."
"I love you," Draco said, "and I'm just happy that I don't have to give you up."
"Never again," Hermione said. "Or as my mother would say, 'not without a good lawyer'," she laughed.
Draco chuckled too, but pulled back to look at her as he said, "You know, there is no divorce after a blood rite marriage."
"I know, Draco. If you recall, I'm the one who researched the rite," she laughed. Draco smiled at her again before standing up and holding his hand out for her to take.
"Let's go to bed," he said, and she nodded once before following him up to her room.
"No, we have to do something for Harry's birthday," Hermione said as she, Tonks, Bill, Lupin, Ron, and Draco sat in the potions lab in the basement. Hermione had called them together, while Harry was having a lie in, to discuss plans for Harry's seventeenth birthday.
"But with everything going on and preparations for battle, do you really think a party is a good idea?" Lupin asked. He hated to see Harry's birthday go ignored, but things at Order Headquarters had become and would continue to be very hectic until the ritual and battle.
"That is exactly why we must do something," Hermione said.
"I agree with Hermione," Ron replied. "With everything he's got to face, shouldn't he be able to celebrate coming into adulthood. Especially, if this might be his last birthday."
"Ronald!" Hermione shrieked as she shot a menacing glare at the redhead.
"Well, it's true Hermione," Ron defended. "I don't like it anymore than you, but the weight of the world has literally been placed on his shoulders, and it is mental for us to pretend nothing could happen. This could be the last birthday for all of us, at that."
Lupin sighed. "When you are right, you are right." He looked at the four young people in front of him and felt immense sadness. Even Bill was only in his twenties. None of them had yet lived, and they were all in grave danger. "Discuss it with your mother," he said to Ron. "She'll have a party ready to go in no time. And," Lupin continued, "it might be time to inform Ginny of the mission. Harry will want to be able to talk to her about it." Hermione wanted to protest, but then she remembered how much better she felt now that she could talk about the Horcruxes with Draco. She decided that Harry's happiness was more important than sticking it to Ginny for her previous immature behavior, so she kept her mouth shut.
Bill had been told about the Horcruxes just after Draco had been informed, mostly because Dumbledore felt safe enough letting more people know now that most of the Horcruxes were destroyed, and also because it was becoming too hard to hide from Bill now that he was at Grimmauld Place full time.
Draco was silent during the meeting, unsure why he was even requested to join them. He really had no opinion on the matter, though he supposed that turning seventeen and not knowing if you'd turn eighteen was reason enough to celebrate. "Okay," Hermione said with a bright smile, glad that everyone agreed with her.
"We better get going though," Tonks said. "Harry's birthday is only a week away, and if we plan to be ready for Voldemort a week after that, there is no time to waste." Everyone nodded and moved to leave the potions lab but Tonks stopped Hermione on the way out.
"I wanted to tell you something," Tonks said when they were alone.
"Is everything okay?" Hermione asked.
"More than okay," Tonks smiled. "I just wanted to tell you that you won't be alone here when the others are fighting."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked. The thought of not fighting had never even crossed her mind. She and Draco hadn't discussed it yet, but come to think of it, she couldn't imagine putting her child in that kind of danger. As much as she wanted to be there when they were fighting, she would have to think about another person, growing inside her, in two weeks time.
Tonks grinned brightly at Hermione and wrapped her arm around the other girls shoulder, "We haven't told anyone yet, and it wasn't planned, but Remus and I are...having a baby," Tonks whispered excitedly.
"Oh Merlin, really?" Hermione shrieked excitedly, before lowering her voice. "Congratulations! I can't believe we will be pregnant together."
"I know," Tonks smiled. "And just so you know, I might be older than you, but I'm just as clueless about being a mother as you are."
"We will learn together," Hermione promised, hugging her friend close to her before following her up the basement stairs.
"Alright, when we circle the manor, we will have everyone with us with the exception of Miss Granger, Mister Malfoy, and Tonks, for obvious reasons. Our numbers are on the rise and, given that Voldemort will be caught unawares, I do not believe we shall have any trouble getting to him. Then it is Harry's job to take him down as we take on any resistance around him," Dumbledore explained nearly a week later.
It was the day before Harry's birthday, and as with all things, time was ticking by far too quickly now that they wanted it to slow down. "I'll be apparating to join you after the ritual," Draco said, shooting Hermione a stern look when she almost protested. He'd made his decision from the beginning. He would help Potter in any way possible. But he also wanted to avenge Hermione. He wanted his father dead by his own hand, and he wouldn't risk losing the opportunity.
Hermione remained quiet but silently pouted. She and Draco had been having the same argument for three days. She couldn't believe that he was going to leave her on what was to be their wedding night and possibly never come back. However, the public forum was not the place to have it out, so she just sat there, glaring at the table.
"As we all know the plan, I see no need to extend this meeting any longer," Dumbledore said. "I shall see you all in a week's time." He stood and signaled the meeting's end so no one stuck around to socialize. The mood in the room had been somber from the moment they'd begun and a thick air of anticipation remained around all of them.
"Give it to me," Draco sighed as they left the kitchen.
"I don't know what you mean," Hermione answered stubbornly.
"Come on, you know you want to have this fight for that hundredth time this week," Draco said, trying not to smirk at his fiancée.
"I just don't understand why you want to share such a beautiful moment with me, and then run off in the other direction. What happens if you get killed? How am I supposed to carry your baby without you?" she asked, proud of herself for keeping the tears from her eyes as she considered the thought.
"And how could I answer to our child if I hid in a safe house through the battle?" Draco countered.
"I understand how you feel," Hermione said. "I wish I could be there, too. But I don't want to lose you. If you go out there on some vigilante mission, you will get yourself killed."
"No faith in me at all, eh?" Draco asked. "What if I promise not to die?"
"You can't make a promise like that," Hermione sulked.
"Well, I am. I promise not to die, if you promise to stop fighting me on this," Draco said.
"Fine," Hermione answered, still unconvinced. However, she knew if she were in Draco's position, wild horses couldn't keep her from battle. Unfortunately, it was a character trait they shared.
"Now, if you are done trying to piss me off for the night, we still have a lot of work to do for Harry's party. It's going to be the best damn party in the whole world or I'll kill everyone in this building trying," she said, pulling him by the sleeve up the stairs.
Draco just chuckled and followed her. She was like a woman possessed with this party, but he knew what this was really about. She was making sure they all had one last night of normalcy before plans for the battle shifted into high gear. He could respect that, even if it meant planning a party for Harry Potter.
Harry was honestly grinning from ear to ear as his arm rested loosely around Ginny's waist. Hermione still wasn't convinced that Ginny understood the magnitude of what was going on around them, but she'd been accepting of Draco and their decision to follow through with the prophecy and she spent fall less time whining. So for that, Hermione was grateful.
More than that, she was glad to see her friend enjoying himself. His mood had been dark since the discovery of the last Horcrux, and she worried that, with that perspective, he'd go into battle just to get himself killed. The smile on his face warmed her heart.
"He looks happy, doesn't he?" Hermione whispered into Draco's ear.
"Yeah, I guess," Draco shrugged.
Hermione rolled his eyes. "Draco, you do realize the fate of our world rests in Harry's hands. It wouldn't kill you to act like it."
Draco just chuckled. "The day I spend my time worrying about Potter's happiness is the day I know I've gotten far too whipped. Please allow me some normalcy, will you?"
Hermione smiled back at him and kissed him on the cheek leaving a red kiss print on his pale skin. "How's that for whipped?"
Draco pulled her closer to him and pressed his lips to hers. "That kind of whipped, I don't mind."
"Good to know," Hermione breathed, allowing his lips to trail up to her ear and down her neck. "But unless you want this whole party to get a much more intimate view of your fiancée, I'd stop that if I were you," she giggled.
Draco groaned, but moved his hands away from her ass and kissed her once more on the lips before he pulled away and settled for wrapping a protective arm around her waist. "Okay, let's go give the-boy-who-lived our regards," he said with a sigh. Deep down, Hermione knew that Draco cared about Harry. She allowed his male pride to pretend he didn't, though. It was kind of funny watching Draco try to come up with new reasons not to like her friends-each one more feeble than the next.
"Be good, Draco," she said with a smile as they approached Ron, Ginny, and Harry. The rest of the night was just as she imagined it. No one discussed the impending battle, the prophecy, the mission, Horcruxes or anything of the kind. Everyone went out of their way to make the night special and memorable not only for Harry, but for all of them.
When Hermione slipped into bed next to Draco, she smiled to herself and snuggled into Draco's warm body. "Thank you for helping me with the party."
"Don't tell anyone. It will ruin my rep," Draco said with a lazy chuckle.
"I'm serious, Draco," Hermione said. "Tonight was lovely."
"I'm happy you are happy." Draco said, tightening his grip around her. "I had fun tonight too," he finally admitted, and she smiled against his skin as she allowed sleep to overtake her. They could worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.