Disclaimer: I own none of these characters. I just use them for own amusement and often make them do things JK Rowling would hate me for. Alas I thank her for letting me have my fun. I make no money off these stories. It's purely entertainment and no copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: Post war. Hermione is 23, young and carefree. At least in her spare time. She leads a double life, hiding her true self from her friends and colleagues at work. Deep inside, she's still struggling over the aftermath of the war, the loss of her parents, and a failed romance with Ron. She meets up with someone she didn't expect to meet, who is also fighting their own post war demons. None other than Draco Malfoy. What will happen between them? Can two enemies come together or will they still bear grudges over the past?
Authors note: This story is somewhat similar to another story I started but sadly lost the muse and did not finish. I wanted to tell a somewhat darker tale about loss and self destruction and finding oneself when the world as you once knew it no longer exists. I wanted a story about two people who are in pain and self loathing, coming together in mutual self destruction. I know it might sound terribly depressing, but I do like a happy ending. But I think these two characters need to work for it. So this story is what I really wanted to write. It won't leave my head, so I hope I can stop letting the romantic in me take over and do the story the proper justice. Rated M for a reason. No actual smut, but plenty of sexual situations. Mentions of rough sex and non consensual sex, but no actual non-con takes place. Bad language, drinking, smoking. It's a dark world, but I still believe in redemption. And that's what this story is ultimately about. Lyrics by Alanis Morissette, Three Days Grace, Poe, The Perfect Day, Lifehouse, Simple Plan, Kelly Clarkson, Richard Marx, Brad Paisley and the song Draco sings is by Ben Folds. Additional lyrics by Lower Than Atlantis and Muse.
It was now Christmas and the time had come for Draco and Hermione to tell his parents their good news. Only they first wanted to stop by Harry and Ginny's to exchange gifts and they'd be having Christmas supper with Draco's family. They both only hoped that they'd take the news well. Draco was quite certain his mum might need a healer or some smelling salts when she inevitably passed out over the news. And his father, well, he may pass out too, only not from excitement. He was always a wild card. But he always came around too. He just was stubborn sometimes. Or rather all the time. But Draco doubted this news would be some sort of deal breaker when it came to him. Lucius had overlooked and allowed all sorts of things he'd never do before, so Draco hoped this would be one of those things. After all, they wanted grandchildren right? It was just happening a little sooner than they planned. But Harry and Ginny were an easy visit because they already knew everything and were thrilled for their friends. They'd both been pleased to learn Draco didn't run away or freak out too much. It turned out that Ginny was right about him all along, and no one else gave him enough credit. When Draco and Hermione arrived at Harry's they were let in by Ginny who had on a Santa hat and gave them both big hugs.
"I'm so excited you're here! I can't wait for you two to open your gifts!" Ginny exclaimed.
"I hope you didn't go too crazy. We don't need much," Hermione said with a smile.
"Bollocks. We need all kinds of shit. I hope they spoiled us," Draco laughed.
Just then Harry came to the door just as they were walking in and he also had a Santa hat on.
"How festive," Draco mocked him playfully.
"Shut up. The hats were Ginny's idea. And these ugly Christmas jumpers," Harry noted as he pointed to a jumper with a reindeer on it with a nose that lit up.
For her part, Ginny had on a snowman jumper with a carrot sticking out of the top and it was really obnoxious looking.
"Ginny has interesting taste, is all I can say. That jumper of hers has a dildo on it," Draco chuckled.
"It is not a dildo! It's a carrot for a nose," Ginny informed him.
"Well why is it sticking out like a dick on your chest?" Draco asked curiously.
"Festive! It's festive! Just like you said. I thought it'd be funny to wear hideous jumpers. Didn't you two get my owl saying that you were to wear hideous jumpers too?" she pouted noting they were in relatively normal clothing.
"I did get the owl but I didn't know what to wear. And it was too late to buy anything. This was the ugliest jumper I had," Hermione told her, pointing to her red and green jumper with sequins on the collar.
"You at least tried, I guess. But Draco, you're wearing a black shirt. It's not even a jumper!" Ginny noted.
"Sorry love, I don't do jumpers. Especially ugly Christmas ones."
"Party pooper," Ginny mumbled as she led them into the living room which was decorated all nicely and they had a huge tree with lots of presents still under it.
"We already exchanged our gifts and the rest are for you guys and the rest of the family," Harry noted.
"Yes, look what Harry got me!" Ginny showed off a set of diamond earrings.
"They're lovely," Hermione smiled and Draco nodded.
"What did you get?" Ginny asked excitedly.
"I got this bracelet," Hermione showed off a silver charm bracelet that had hers and Draco's birthstones dangling from it, along with a heart. "You can add to it," Hermione told her.
"I love it! And you can put the baby's birthstone on it once it's born."
"Exactly."
"What did you get, Potter?" Draco asked Harry.
"Some clothes and stuff. And our very own computer because we always used Ginny's dad's computer before. It's a laptop version. I haven't had time to really play with it though," Harry told him. "What did you get?"
"Clothes and stuff too. And a very rocking gaming system with new games that I can pretend kill people with. There's this one that Hermione thought I'd like where you steal cars and pick up hookers and such. What a fucking crazy game! I love this Muggle shit," Draco beamed.
"So no baby stuff then?" Harry wondered curiously.
"No, we didn't really have much time to think of buying baby stuff for each other since we just found out a few days ago," Hermione chimed in.
"Well you won't be disappointed because Gin went a little crazy after she found out," Harry chuckled.
"I did not! Well maybe slightly. But I had to get you something for the little one," Ginny informed them.
"We call it peanut," Draco smiled.
"Oh bless you, that's so cute," Ginny grinned at him. "See Harry, I told you Draco would be thrilled with this news!"
"You were right," Harry conceded.
"I know you all thought I was going to run off, but I don't know why. Nothing would make me leave Hermione unless she cheated on me or something. Then I think I'd jump off a bridge. But I'm not really worried about that. Especially now that my peanut is in her belly," he smiled.
"We just didn't know how you'd react. You told me you wanted to wait a long time. And you told Hermione you weren't mature enough yet and would be a terrible father," Harry reminded him.
"I know, I know. And I'm scared shitless. Honestly. I mean, every day I wake up and think, 'holy shit!'. But it's also a miracle and amazing and it's mine. How can I not be excited?" Draco told them.
"Well I for one am glad at his reaction," Hermione beamed at him.
"I bet. She was so scared. But it all worked out," Ginny said with a smile.
"Shall we open our gifts now?" Harry asked the group.
"Let me first put on Christmas music and get the eggnog. Don't worry, I have non-spiked version for you Hermione," Ginny told her.
"Lucky me. I get to miss out on the booze," she pouted.
"Love, it's only for a little while," Draco assured her.
"I know. I'm fine. It's not like I need it. It's just I wouldn't say no to a bit of brandy in my nog when I have to tell your parents I'm pregnant," she sighed.
"You really think they'll be mad?" Harry asked while Ginny disappeared into the kitchen after flipping on the stereo to the Christmas channel.
"His folks are impossible to predict. We're pretty sure his mum will be excited, but his father? Well he could cry tears of joy or kick us out of his house. Either one wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility," Hermione told him.
"He's really prone to crying tears of joy? I rather thought the man never cried at all," Harry chuckled slightly.
"He doesn't cry. Ever. Not in front of people. But I wager he cried a little when he went to Azkaban. He certainly was never quite the same for a long while afterwards. I can only imagine what it was like there," Draco piped up.
"But he had it coming, Draco," Harry reminded him.
"I never said he didn't. It's just, that's my father. I didn't want to see him so broken. Who wants their father in prison?"
"I guess no one. But like I said, he had it coming," Harry stood his ground.
"I blamed you for that, you know?" Draco remembered.
"I know. You stomped on my face to let me know you blamed me. I'll never forget. I almost didn't make it to school because of you," Harry lamented.
"Yeah, but you were the one who was hiding under that cloak and eavesdropping on me and my friends," Draco told him.
"I needed to know what was going on!"
"Nothing was going on! Well nothing I was going to talk about anyway," Draco corrected himself.
"Guys, stop! It's Christmas! Why are we talking about water under the bridge?" Hermione interjected, wanting to keep the peace.
"Sorry. I just got caught up," Draco said chastised.
"Me too. Sorry. It's just sometimes I remember these things and I get a little testy over them. But it's all good," Harry sighed and ran his hands through his messy hair.
"For what it's worth, I'm sorry I stomped on your face," Draco said with a shrug.
"I'm sorry your dad was a criminal," Harry shrugged.
"I have eggnog!" Ginny exclaimed as she rushed into the room and interrupted the walk down memory lane that was better left in the past anyway.
Soon they forgot all about it, and everyone enjoyed their drinks. Hermione didn't even miss the alcohol really. And they all began to open their gifts. There were a lot of items of clothing and pajamas and magical knick knacks given. But Harry and Ginny also bought a big bag of green and yellow colored baby outfits and a blanket with a teddy bear on it. They couldn't resist giving them baby items even if it wasn't a baby shower.
"I love all this! Thank you so much!" Hermione hugged Ginny and Harry.
"Yes, thank you," Draco said not getting up to hug them, but Ginny hugged him anyway. And Harry reluctantly joined in.
"I hope you two like what we got you as well," Draco said pulling out of the duel hug.
"We love everything. I especially love the game console you got me Draco. I used to love this type of thing when I was a kid. My cousin had something similar. But I was never allowed to play with it unless they were gone," Harry said.
"I got you this thinking how I wish I was getting it for me, and then Hermione surprised me! But any time you wanna play together just let me know. It's a lot of fun," Draco smiled.
"I especially love the tea set you bought me, Hermione. It's lovely. You knew I broke my old teapot, so this is wonderful."
"I thought to give it as a wedding gift, but I have something else for that. You two are going to be spoiled rotten soon enough," Hermione chuckled.
"I personally love the pajamas with the fuzzy slippers you two got me," Draco said. "I'd never in a million years buy this, but my feet will be warm."
"I'd say it was a pretty successful Christmas, don't you think?" Harry smiled at everyone. "Oh wait. There's stockings too. Ginny insisted."
"Stockings? We didn't bring stockings, I'm afraid," Hermione fretted.
"Don't worry, it's nothing that special. Mostly joke gifts from George and Ron's shop," Ginny waved her hand in the air.
They opened up the stockings and laughed over all the silly items she'd stocked them up with. Most of them were more suited to twelve year olds and not twenty somethings. But they were fun nonetheless. Draco liked the popping fireworks you could throw at people and let a fountain of sparks rain down on them. He kept throwing them at Harry until Harry got upset and threw a handful back at Draco which ended up setting some wrapping paper on fire.
"Oh shit! Augamenti!" Harry shouted as he pointed his wand at the fire he'd started and it got Draco all wet too. He was laughing though. It was the funniest thing that had happened all day.
"You're a moron, Potter. Don't throw all of them at once!" Draco laughed heartily.
"You're the moron who kept throwing them at me!"
"I didn't set you on fire!"
"Boys stop fighting!" Ginny exclaimed
"We're not fighting, we're playing. There's a difference," Draco informed Ginny.
"He's right, Gin. We're playing."
"Well take your stupid fireworks outside before you burn the entire house down!" she scolded them.
They did as she said and went out back and threw the fireworks around until there were none left. Then Draco pulled out the cigars again and handed one to Harry.
"This time we're celebrating a baby, right? We can smoke these," Draco told Harry.
"Eh, I don't smoke though," Harry shrugged.
"Well start now. At least share this with me. It's tradition," Draco pleaded with him.
"Alright."
They lit up the cigars and Draco told Harry not to inhale it. Just puff on it. That way he wouldn't choke to death.
"So are you like a pro at this? Do you and your father smoke these and sip cognac together in a special smoking room like on the Titanic?"
"No, you ninny. My father would never smoke a cigar probably. But he does have a lounge where he sits all day and all night. It's sort of like the smoking room, without the smoke," Draco informed him.
"A lounge? What does he do in there all day? Read? Cast dark spells for the fun of it?" Harry wondered as he took a puff on his cigar.
"My father doesn't do dark spells anymore. At least that I know of. I don't know what he does honestly. But his life must be so boring now," Draco sighed.
"You're gonna be a better father than he ever was, you realize?" Harry said kindly.
"You think so?" Draco asked hopefully.
"I know so. You're nothing like him anymore. You used to be, but now you're different. You're actually a good guy. I mean that sincerely. And believe me, I never thought I'd say it."
Draco laughed.
"I never thought you'd say it either. Or that I'd echo the sentiment to you. You're not so annoying, Potter. God you used to get under my skin because it seemed like everything just always worked out for you."
"Are you mad? Nothing ever worked out for me! Everything bad that could happen to a person, always happened to me. I'm surprised I never got struck by lightning seeing as how it's the only thing that didn't try to kill me at some point."
"Yeah, but you were always the hero type. You always won whatever battle you faced. I envied you so much I couldn't even see straight," Draco recalled honestly.
"Envied me? Envied being hated by people at various intervals, being called a liar, having someone actively trying to kill you and your friends, and having this stupid scar which meant part of Voldemort lived inside me? Or perhaps you envied my lovely home life where my aunt and uncle hated me and locked me in my room with bars on the windows and never fed me, while my cousin dunked my head in toilets and beat me up? Oh yeah, I led a charmed life!" Harry said sarcastically giving Draco a good shove to show what an idiot he was for being jealous.
"Well when you put it that way it sounds really stupid. I just saw you getting special treatment all the time. I hated that. And you did always win, even if someone was after you."
"I didn't always win. I let Cedric die. I'll never forgive myself for that," Harry recalled taking another puff off the cigar.
"Don't blame yourself for that. You couldn't have saved him. He was a goner. Poor bugger. I liked him alright. He was a nice bloke. Not that we were friends, because he was a bloody Hufflepuff. But still. He never did me wrong."
"I don't want to think about Cedric. Or any of this really. I'd rather just look forward. And this cigar tastes terrible, you realize," Harry laughed slightly.
"I know. It kind of does. But at least we're being manly men. Talking about death and destruction while smoking cigars."
"We're supposed to be celebrating your baby with these," Harry reminded him.
"Oh right. Yeah. The baby. God, what am I gonna do with a baby?" Draco laughed.
"You're gonna give it a good life. And it's never going to want for anything, that's for sure. But don't spoil them rotten like you were. I grew up with nothing, which sucked. And you grew up with everything, which made you suck. So just give the child a happy middle ground and you're all set," Harry told him.
"How do you not spoil a child senseless when you can though? It's hard! I already keep thinking of what I want to get him and I don't even know if it's a 'him' or not. That's why I call it peanut. It's gender neutral."
"I like it. It's not at all cutesy or lame," Harry teased him.
Draco shoved him slightly.
"Shut up. Someday you'll get all gooey over your own baby. Trust me."
"I know. I'm sure I will. But for now, I get to make fun of you and peanut," Harry laughed.
They just stood outside in the cold afternoon air and puffed their cigars. Neither one of them was really enjoying it exactly, but it was something to do. And it got them out of the cleanup of the mess inside the house where the women were putting the wrapping paper into a bag and trying to dry the floor with magic.
"Ginny this floor is a mess. It smells in here now like burnt paper," Hermione said as she waved her wand over the water spot and dried it up. But the burnt papers were still in the bin bag.
"Stupid Harry setting things on fire," she grumbled. "Like two little kids. And Draco thinks he's ready for a child?"
"Well in their defense you bought childish prank gifts…"
"Oh stop it. I didn't think they'd use them inside!"
"Men are stupid creatures sometimes," Hermione chuckled.
"I know. But you gotta love them anyway," Ginny smiled as the last of the mess went into the bin bag. "Let's air out the place a little."
With a flick of her wand, all the front windows opened up letting a chill inside, but it got rid of the smoke smell.
"Brr, it's chilly! Do you think it might snow today? A white Christmas?" Hermione wondered.
"Nah, it won't. It just looks like it's going to. But the weather channel said no snow."
"Damn. I was kind of hoping for it."
"I'm not. Well I guess it could snow today and it's okay. I just hope it doesn't snow on New Year's Eve. It will sort of wreck our outdoor wedding."
"Yeah, but you're having a tent set up right? It'll be fine if it snows," Hermione reminded her.
"I suppose. It could be magical if it snowed huh?" Ginny said thoughtfully.
"Draco and I are going to get married on Valentine's day," Hermione tossed out, even if they hadn't set the date in stone yet.
"What? You never said anything! Congratulations! I hope Harry and I are invited," Ginny said hopefully.
"Of course! In fact, you're the only ones invited. It's not going to be a big affair. Just you and Harry and Draco's parents. It's going to be at the Manor. Or at least we hope so. We haven't told them our plans yet," Hermione said with a sigh.
"Well they'll say yes, I'm sure."
"I'm hoping so. It's just the baby variable that we're unsure of right now. I don't even know how far along I am. The healers couldn't see me until after the holiday," Hermione told her.
"If I had to wager a guess I'd say three months," Ginny said giving Hermione's little belly a pat.
"That's what I think too. Somewhere around there. Which means I was already pregnant on Halloween. And I drank a lot. You don't think the baby will be damaged in some way? I had no idea!"
"Nah, it'll be fine. Lots of women have a glass of wine when they're pregnant. The healers say it calms the nerves and is good for you," Ginny said helpfully.
"Yeah, but I didn't have a glass of wine. I had copious amounts of hard liquor. Not to mention the wine I've drank since then. And the offhand drink with dinner. God, I'm an alcoholic!" Hermione said worriedly.
"No you're not. You're just young and enjoying yourself. But now you know. I'm sure the baby is fine," Ginny said reassuringly.
"I hope so. I mean, surely I can't be the only moron who doesn't realize their pregnant right away."
"You're not a moron. But the healers can do magical tests to tell you how the baby is faring," Ginny told her.
"Yeah, I know. But I'd like to see a Muggle doctor too so I can see the baby on a monitor. They don't do that at St. Mungo's. I want to see for myself that the baby doesn't have three heads or something like that," Hermione said.
"What's this about Muggle doctors?" Draco asked as he walked into the room just to hear the tail end of the conversation.
"I said I wanted to see the baby on a monitor and not just go by what healers say. I'm worried about the drinking I did," Hermione reiterated to him.
"Muggle doctors don't know what they're doing. Healers can tell you everything you need to know," Draco scoffed, as Harry walked in behind him.
"Yeah, but don't you want to actually see the baby on a television screen?" Harry chimed in, supporting Hermione's choice.
"You can actually see the baby? While it's inside?" Draco asked with some confusion.
"Yes. You can see it. And hear the heartbeat. It's really exciting. I hope you don't mind if I do both things. I know your parents will insist on the healers, but if my folks were here, they'd insist on a baby doctor," Hermione told him.
"Well I don't mind. They can't hurt the baby, right? And I'm all for seeing him or her on a screen," Draco smiled as he gave Hermione a kiss.
"Eww, yuck! Have you been smoking something?" Hermione asked making a face.
"Oh sorry. Cigars. It's a Muggle tradition to smoke them in celebration of a baby," Draco said sheepishly.
"Well it's yucky. Harry did you do it too?" Hermione asked.
"Yes. But I'll go brush my teeth," he said, heading up the stairs before Ginny was turned off him too.
"I can't believe we both used to smoke cigarettes. Thank God I stopped doing that before I got pregnant!" Hermione exclaimed.
"I sometimes have a smoke when you're at work. Sue me. I've got a pack I keep hidden from you. But I swear I'll stop!" Draco told her.
"What? You've not quit like we both promised we had?" she was upset.
"I'm sorry! I only have a few puffs here and there. It's hard to stop!"
"I'm so glad Harry never picked up smoking. It's horrid. It stinks and it's bad for you, Draco," Ginny chimed in.
"I know! It's just sometimes I get stressed out and it helps me. It calms me. And frankly my life needs calming right now. But I promise I'll try and quit. And I'd never do it around the peanut," Draco insisted.
"Ugh. Whatever. Draco, you suck sometimes," Hermione stuck her tongue out at him.
"Sorry. I'm a rebel and can't be stopped," he stuck his tongue out at her right back.
"Damn, it's getting late. Don't you two have to go see the folks now?" Harry asked, looking at the clock.
"Oh shit. It is late. They're going to be expecting us and we still have to pop home to gather their gifts," Hermione told Draco.
"Alright then. I guess we have to get going. Wish we could stay longer," Draco smiled at his friends.
"No you don't. We're going to the Burrow in about twenty minutes so I'm sure you'd like to skip that visit. Especially because Ron will be there with bells on," Ginny reminded Draco.
"You're right. I do want to skip that visit. It's bad enough I have to go there in a week for the wedding. Let's not ruin Christmas shall we?" Draco chuckled.
"I'd much rather be going to the Burrow than to the Manor," Harry said with a smirk.
"I'd rather face my father than Ron. At least my father and I are less likely to beat each other up," Draco laughed slightly.
"Okay, I love you guys and thanks for the gifts!" Hermione said giving them both hugs.
"Yeah, thank you too for the gifts. We love them. And we love you two," Ginny said giving Draco a kiss on the cheek and Hermione a big hug.
Harry and Draco shook hands and parted ways and Draco and Hermione went back to their flat to deposit their loot and pick up the presents for his parents. Hermione also wanted to change out of the silly sequined jumper because although it didn't meet the requirement for an ugly Christmas
sweater, it was still hideous to her and not her style. She was relieved to put on a dress for the sake of Draco's folks and it didn't show off her belly at all. She didn't want them thinking she was portly before they had a chance to share their big news. They then apparated out of their flat and onto the grounds of the Manor. They entered the house and were greeted by both his parents this time, which was very unlike Lucius to get off his ass and greet them. But he was trying to be friendlier at the urging of Narcissa. He stood there awkwardly and shook Draco's hand. Narcissa hugged them both and Hermione shook hands with Lucius. He still wasn't much of a hugger and probably never would be. But they were both excited to see them.
"Hermione, you look lovely today. I love that dress. It brings out the rosy glow in your cheeks," Narcissa said.
"I have a rosy glow?" Hermione was unaware of this.
"Yes, you're positively glowing. I suppose marrying my Draco has that effect on you," she smiled.
"Oh definitely." Hermione didn't want to tell her yet that the glow was a pregnancy glow. But she'd find out soon enough.
"Father. I hope you've been well," Draco said to his dad.
"I've been quite well actually. But I do need a drink. Let's take the presents to the lounge, shall we? Cissy will have one of the house elves set them by the tree in the living room."
They all walked in and sat down in the lounge. A house elf appeared and took the packages as requested but Hermione stopped the elf momentarily.
"Excuse me. What is your name?" Hermione asked the elf.
"My name, miss? It's Tippy." The elf looked scared like she'd done something wrong.
"I have something for you in the gift bag your holding. Open it up," Hermione beamed and everyone just stared at her thinking she'd gone nuts. The elf pulled out a knitted hat and held it up. "I know it doesn't free you, because you're not mine. But it gets chilly in here. I've made you a hat to wear. Please do give that bag of hats and things to all the other elves. I didn't know how many you had so I made extra."
"Tippy doesn't know what to say, Miss. Thank you. I will happily give out the hats! It does get cold sometimes. You is very kind," the elf bowed and put on the hat and ran off with the bag and the rest of the gifts.
Draco and his family looked at her like she'd grown antlers or something.
"What on earth was that about?" Lucius said giving her a strange look.
"I told you before that I was an advocate for elf rights. And while I believe you take good care of your elves now, they could use some warm clothing. I made hats for all of them," Hermione beamed happily.
"Hats? For elves? They don't need hats," Lucius insisted.
"Did you see how happy Tippy was though? She wanted the hat. I know I can't free your elves, but I can give them something to wear besides old pillowcases. There were scarves and socks in the bag too."
"Well, that's lovely. I certainly never would have thought of such a thing, but it's lovely, right Lucius?" Narcissa said, trying to smile. She wasn't upset, merely taken aback.
"Hermione dear, you really did not have to do that. I thought you were knitting for someone else all that time," Draco said trying not to be embarrassed by his fiancée and her silly quirks when it came to elves.
"I know I didn't have to do it. I wanted to. Don't worry, I didn't knit hats or scarves for any of you. I got proper gifts," she smiled at them.
"Well, shall we drink now? That was a little strange and I think I need something to calm my nerves," Lucius said, pouring glasses of brandy for everyone.
"Oh I don't want any. I had enough eggnog at Harry and Ginny's," Hermione chimed in as she saw him go to pour her a glass.
"Alright. You don't want a drink either. First the elves, and now no drinking," Lucius muttered under his breath.
"Well, did you two have fun with your friends? And did you get each other lovely presents too?" Narcissa asked, taking her brandy and sipping it.
Draco sipped his own and relayed the tale of their Christmas morning to his parents. Complete with setting wrapping paper on fire, even if it was Harry who did that. They feigned the proper amusement and were pleased by the lovely bracelet Draco got Hermione. But they didn't understand Draco's gift of a Playstation. They'd never heard of such a thing and didn't think it sounded appropriate.
"So you say you pretend to steal automobiles and pick up prostitutes? This is a children's game?" Lucius said with distaste.
"No, it's an adult game. I mean, I guess some kids play it. But it's for grownups. Like me. Trust me. It's bloody fun," he said to his father.
"I'll take your word for it," Lucius said sipping his drink.
"So we're having a prime rib roast with new potatoes and some lovely green beans for supper. I hope you're both hungry," Narcissa said, trying to change the subject.
"I'm famished actually. We had breakfast but no lunch," Hermione told them.
"I'm hungry too. It sounds wonderful, Mum," Draco smiled at her.
He really wanted to tell her the news they had because it was bursting out of him at the seams. But he knew that Hermione wanted to wait until after supper when they were opening presents. Especially since she wasn't sure how well the news would be received and didn't want to ruin supper. But Draco was dying. He couldn't wait. But his mother distracted him by asking about wedding plans. Those were safe to talk about.
"We actually did have some news on that front," Draco told his mum. "We were thinking Valentine's day in the garden out back. Just you two and Harry and Ginny. We want it to be very small and intimate."
"What? That small? That's ridiculous. I have friends who saw the announcement in the paper and are expecting the wedding of a century," Narcissa said with disappointment.
"Mum, I already said that Hermione and I were in charge of invites. If you want to hold a party or something after the fact to celebrate the marriage, you can. But the actual day is just for me and Hermione to decide upon," Draco reminded her.
"Well it might as well be small as none of my old friends wish to attend anyway. They all think it's a travesty that you're marrying a Mu-"
"Father!"
"I was going to say Muggleborn! Give me a little credit. Muggleborn. Same difference, you know. They think it's ludicrous."
"I don't give a damn, Father," Draco said, getting irritated.
"And I don't either, Draco. If you would have let me finish, I would have added that I did not give a bloody damn what they thought. And I really thought I would. I mean, their opinions used to matter so much, and now? I don't care. I'm already out of the loop on most things because those who were my true friends are in prison, and the ones who aren't, well, they think we should be in prison. So fuck all of them," Lucius said with a sigh.
"Father! What did you just say? I've never heard you use that word before in all my life!" Draco started laughing and couldn't stop.
"Well it suits in this case. I don't use vulgar street language normally, but this is my son they're insulting, which insults me. And I don't know why I'd care what those blowhards think anyway," Lucius admitted, downing his drink and getting up to pour another.
"Good on you, Pops. You'll show them. You don't need their stupid friendship anyway," Draco clapped for his dad.
"Pops? What does that even mean? Do not call me Pops," Lucius sighed as he drank even more to dispel his thoughts of losing all his so-called friends.
"It's a term of endearment. Like Dad. You don't like it?" Draco wondered.
"No. As we've established I'd like to be called Father. It's more appropriate."
Just then Tippy the house elf arrived in the room to announce the supper was ready. She had on her purple and yellow striped hat and looked positively over the moon to own such a hat. She even put on a sock. Just one sock, but it was pulled up as far as it would go on her skinny little leg. Hermione was pleased, even if everyone else thought she was insane. But they all got up and went to the dining room and sat down to eat. The food was wonderful, as always and Hermione didn't refuse the wine when it was offered because she didn't want to give things away. She just took tiny sips and didn't finish it instead. Everyone else had seconds and thirds of the wine though. Hermione was really the only sober one in the whole house, besides the elves. But Draco wasn't as far gone as his father was. It was clear he was upset by the aftermath of the engagement announcement, but he was trying to be nice about it. The truth was, he did realize those people were not friends as they didn't give a damn if Lucius's son was happy, they only cared about the brides breeding like she was a thoroughbred or some such nonsense. And even Lucius had to admit he liked Hermione, even if he found her strange at times. Like giving the elves gifts. That was completely ridiculous to him, but he sort of liked her a little more because she wasn't afraid to get on his bad side. She was spunky and he could see why Draco would love her. But it was still difficult to basically start a new life without the people he once knew and called friends.
By the time it was gift opening time, Lucius was very drunk. Narcissa was pretty tipsy and Draco was spinning a little. Hermione just hoped everyone remembered their announcement. They all sat down by the fire that resided in the living room fireplace and more drinks were poured by the house elves this time. Glasses of peppermint liqueur to top off the meal. Hermione did not drink hers again, and luckily no one asked her why. But they opened presents and Hermione got a lot of books with spells and wedding planning stuff. And they'd gotten his parents new robes and slippers as shopping for them was impossible since they purchased everything they saw and wanted. But Draco did find a rare book for his father and a lovely necklace made of moonstone for his mum. Once they were done with gifts, Draco stood up and swayed slightly.
"Sorry, I'm a little drunk. I didn't plan to be drunk, but you lot serve a lot of alcohol!" Draco laughed slightly as he stared at his parents.
"It's the only way I can get through holidays. I loathe them so," Lucius sighed.
"Oh shut it. You do not loathe holidays. You love them," Narcissa scolded her husband. "He's just being difficult."
"Well whatever. I have something to tell you both. It's another present actually. But you can't unwrap it just yet," Draco began. Then he turned to Hermione. "Stand up, love."
She got to her feet and stood there next to him and they both looked at his parents staring at them expectantly.
"Well? What is it? We already know you're getting married," Lucius said impatiently.
"It's not that. It's this," Draco said pointing to Hermione's belly.
"What? Her dress?" Narcissa was confused.
"No! It's what's under the dress. Or rather inside. Oh bollocks. I'm screwing this up. What I'm trying to say is that Hermione is pregnant!" Draco blurted it out and put his hand on her stomach and waited for his parents reactions.
They just stared at him with shock at first. Then Narcissa spoke up.
"What? A baby? You're pregnant? Oh my goodness!" she held her hand to her chest and started fanning herself with the other one.
"Pregnant? You're not married yet!" Lucius pointed out to them helpfully.
"We know. We got a jump on things. Didn't mean to, but we couldn't help it," Draco told them.
"Oh this is wonderful! So wonderful! No wonder you're not inebriated like the rest of us! I kept wondering why you wouldn't drink your drinks!" Narcissa jumped up and hugged Hermione and Draco both. Then she put her hand on Hermione's tiny belly. "Oh my…there's a baby in there!"
"Cissy it's too small to feel yet," Lucius pointed out, not having congratulated them yet.
"I know! But it's in there. Draco's baby. Aren't you excited?" Narcissa asked her stuffy old husband.
"I'd be more excited if they were married. Draco must you do everything against my wishes? Were you even awake when I taught you the ways of life?" Lucius sighed.
"Father, I was paying attention, I just didn't like your way of life. And I know this isn't ideal, but who cares? It's the twenty-first century now. People do get pregnant before marriage," Draco pointed out.
"Not in my world," Lucius scoffed.
"So then you're gonna bloody ruin the moment then? I should have known. Mum is beside herself with joy and you're being a pain in the ass."
"He's right. You could be a little bit happy for them, you know?" Narcissa told her husband.
Lucius just sat and stared at the happy couple and his hardened heart melted a little. His son was so happy. He couldn't deny that. Even if he thought Draco was doing everything backwards, he had to realize he wasn't doing it out of rebellion. He was simply living his life. He sighed and smiled and got up to walk over to them.
"Draco, Hermione, I'm very pleased. Congratulations," he said as he held out his hand for them to shake it. Hermione shook it lightly and Draco just pulled his father in for another impromptu hug. Lucius let it happen, as he was too drunk to stop it. And he realized he rather liked the affection from his son. It had been so many years since he'd beg for hugs as a small boy. Lucius felt they were too old now, but Draco disagreed. So he held his son tightly and tried to staunch the tears that formed in his eyes at the news he was to be a grandfather. He couldn't let Draco see. So he wiped his eyes furiously as they pulled back and claimed he got a bit of dust in his eyes.
"Dust huh? Okay. Admit it, Father, You're really pleased aren't you?" Draco said with a beaming smile.
"Fine yes. I'm tickled pink. A baby! I mean, it's too soon, but still. A baby! Another Malfoy! I'm very pleased," Lucius said with a genuine smile.
"We're both pleased!" Narcissa clapped her hands. "Oh my goodness. A wedding and a baby! We're so blessed!"
And with that, tears did stream from her face as she once thought her son was a lost cause and would never marry nor come back to the family. And now here he was with his bride to be and their baby on the way. It was the best Christmas she could have hoped for. She couldn't stop her tears and had to get a hanky from Lucius to wipe her eyes.
"We feel very blessed. And since we don't know yet if it's a boy or a girl, I've taken to calling it peanut. So you can refer to the baby as such," Draco smiled widely.
"Peanut? How interesting. Well, I hope you'll be seeing healers soon. Have the 'peanut' checked out. We need to know when this blessed event is to happen. Have you any idea how far along you are?" Lucius wondered.
"No, we're not sure. We're thinking about three months. It seems I don't fit into half my trousers any longer," Hermione laughed.
"Oh yeah, and her bridesmaid dress didn't fit the other day either. It was tragic for her," Draco chuckled and Hermione smacked his arm playfully.
"Trust me, it is tragic when a dress doesn't fit. That's when I know I need to stop eating sweets," Narcissa grinned.
"That's what I thought too! That I'd eaten too many sweets. I do love my Cadbury chocolates. But nope, this time it's a baby!" Hermione said gleefully.
"I do hope it's a girl. I didn't have time to prepare a potion for you! Now we really do leave it in fates hand," Narcissa said.
"That's how I wanted it anyway. I don't want to choose. I just want whatever child I'm supposed to have, you know? Be it a boy or a girl. I'll love both equally."
"So will we," Narcissa assured her.
"Yes, we will. Though I am hoping for a little boy in my own boy's image. Can you even imagine, Cissy? Another little Draco?" Lucius said with a hearty laugh.
"I would die. I would literally die of happiness. But I always wanted a little girl too. To dress in pretty clothes. Oh, the outfits and the shoes! Oh my, I'm still hoping for a girl!"
"Well it could be twins. One of each?" Draco offered.
"Bite your tongue, Draco! Don't jinx us! We don't want twins. I'm freaking out enough over one baby," Hermione slapped his arm playfully.
"Twins don't run in our family, but maybe they do in yours?" Narcissa asked Hermione.
"No, they don't. My family was twin free. Except a great aunt of mine that I never knew who had triplets. But let's just hope she's far enough removed from me that I don't have three babies!"
"That would be a lot to handle. But you'll have help right? I mean, you'll let us help you? Even if it's only one?" Narcissa wanted to know.
"Of course. We're sort of counting on the help, to be honest. I don't have my mum and dad anymore," Hermione told her.
"Oh wonderful. I was so worried you'd never want us near the baby. I know my husband can be overbearing, but I swear he's good with children and babies. You should have seen him with Draco. Taking him to board meetings and trying to teach him magic when he was just a wee lad."
"I cannot picture that," Hermione admitted.
"I don't remember any of that myself," Draco said with a shrug.
"Well I did do it. I was always laughed at for bringing you to my meetings, but I was very powerful then, you see. I could do whatever I wanted. So they never laughed to my face. But I knew they did when I wasn't looking. But I didn't care. My boy came first," Lucius explained. "I was grooming him to be a tiny me from the moment he was born. Pity it didn't work."
"I was a tiny you for far too long. It never got me anywhere good. You should be pleased how well I did turn out, considering all I went through. All we all went through to get to this point," Draco reminded him.
"I do recall. I never wished for your teenage years to be so terrible and scary. I wish I could do it again. Next time, I'd hide us all. But I had no idea what I was getting into," Lucius admitted.
"It's all water under the bridge now, right? We had some hard times, but now we're a family again. A real family. And about to be grandparents!" Narcissa hugged Hermione again and she wasn't used to such affections from the Malfoy's. But she wasn't complaining. "May I touch your stomach again?"
"Sure. But like your husband pointed out, you can't feel anything yet. Just my tummy pooching a little," Hermione giggled.
"Oh but I know the peanut is in there. And I want him to know my voice," she cooed at her belly and rubbed it slightly. "I love you. Nanny loves you!"
"Nanny? Is that what you wish to be called?" Hermione asked her.
"Yes. Is that okay? Nanny and Papa. It's what I called my grandparents," Narcissa told her.
"You can call yourselves anything you want. I'm just so pleased that you're both pleased for us," Hermione said looking at Lucius too.
"Yeah, we're both relieved. It was touch and go with you, Father. But I knew you'd come through," Draco said.
"Yes, well, I would be a little embarrassed by your news if I had any friends left who weren't already done with me. But who cares now, right?" Lucius sighed.
"I sure as hell don't care," Draco laughed. "Congratulations Nanny and Papa."
"Oh I can't believe this is real! Let's have champagne! I know Hermione dear, you can't have any. But I'll have the elves bring in a sparkling soda for you," Narcissa announced.
"Mum, I think we're all drunk already," Draco informed her.
"Yes, but this warrants champagne!"
They were not going to argue with a happy grandmother. They were just so relieved the news was well taken. And that Lucius realized his cronies weren't really his friends after all. At least not anymore. And probably never really were. Those types were always fickle and only gravitated to those with the most power. And that wasn't Lucius anymore. And everyone in the room knew it now, including Lucius himself. Now he was just going to be Papa. And that suited him just fine. His time of glory had faded and he wasn't really missing it as much as he thought he would. He did for a time. He was depressed over the loss of power and influence. But eventually you move on. And now he was ready to move on to the next stage of life. Grandparenthood.
They were all incredibly pleased with themselves and spent the rest of the evening talking baby names and wedding plans. They all agreed that Valentine's day was a lovely day to marry. And the garden would be perfect as the location. They had flowers that bloomed year round, no matter how cold it got. And they had peacocks that roamed the yard. It would be a splendid setting for a wedding. As for the baby names, Draco still had his heart set on naming the baby after his pet scorpion and his father liked it. But Narcissa and Hermione remained unconvinced. Narcissa proposed the name Orion for a boy and Cassiopeia for a girl. Hermione just nodded along and figured she'd have her say once she really formed an opinion. In her mind, it was still called peanut. And would be for a while. She was partial to the name Henry for a boy and Suzanne for a girl. But her choices were quickly eliminated by all the Malfoys as it wasn't named after a constellation, which was a Black family tradition. But it was her baby too! She'd just bide her time and see what happened. Maybe she'd just call the baby peanut forever? But Draco and Hermione couldn't have been happier with the way things turned out. Everyone was over the moon. And now all they had to do was wait and see what the healers said about the baby, and wait for the wedding. It all seemed so far off, but it would happen before they knew it. And life didn't get any sweeter than this.
To Be Continued….
Thank you to those of you who have read this far and are still enjoying this story! It means a lot to me that you've stuck with it, even though it's taken me years to finish it. But I promise you'll get an ending! Please comment so I know what you think of where the story has gone. And comments feed the muse and keep me writing. Thanks again to all my followers and favoriters! This story is nearly complete! Yippee!