AN: So what can I say? I went through a rough patch in my personal life, and this story got neglected but not forgotten. I'd always meant to come back to it, but never found the time or motivation, but it always felt like it loomed over me. Lots of things have changed in my life for the better since last writing – I got engaged, graduated, finished a postgrad, got my first job, got my first house, and most recently just got married.

I found some more determination to get it finished. I can't promise that these updates will be regular, but it will happen and I have planned the story until its end. If any original followers stuck around – I apologise profusely, and I hope that I can make it up to you by getting this story done. I'm trying to keep my writing style as similar as I can, but obviously with such a big break in writing, it might be a little different. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 24

It was odd how quickly we found ourselves falling in to a routine for the next few weeks. Draco would go to work and I would spend my days reading, practising my magic to get it back up to standard, and often I would look after Scorpius too. I know Narcissa appreciated the break – she wasn't getting any younger, and I enjoyed spending time with the sweet little boy. Narcissa became a massive support for me. She treated me like a daughter and made me feel like part of the family, which was just what I needed. I often thought of Molly Weasley. She had always treated me like one of hers, but I didn't feel able to go to her know. From what I understand from Ginny and Harry, she was still refusing to speak to Ron, and desperately wanted to see me. I just couldn't face it. I knew if she wrapped me in her warm embrace and I would break down, and I needed to hold myself together. I also didn't know what I could say to her; after all her son had done to me, although it wasn't her fault at all, and I didn't blame her in the slightest, I didn't know what we could talk about.

~oOo~

One morning whilst sat eating my breakfast, a familiar owl started tapping at the window. I jumped up excited, knowing what news this owl must bring. I flung the window open, and I gave the owl a treat before opening the letter it had brought with him. 'Thank you,' I said absentmindedly stroking his feathers whilst I opened the letter with the other hand. The smart looking bird cocked his head to one side before making his leave.

Hermione (or should I say 3rd time Godmother?),

I am pleased to tell you that Ginny gave birth to a healthy (and beautiful, if I do say so myself) baby girl this morning – Lily Luna Potter, weighing 9lbs 11oz.

Both Ginny & Luna are doing really well and are both back at home. It would be lovely if you came to visit – open house this afternoon.

Love

Harry

Xxx

I beamed, what a beautiful name. I was so pleased for both Harry & Ginny, and so excited to meet the little Lily. Ginny had always wanted a little girl, and it felt as though their family was now complete.

I had a leisurely morning getting myself ready. I went and found the present for little Lily, and put the finishing touches to the care package I'd made for Harry and Ginny. I had a light lunch as I couldn't manage much. I felt quite unsettled, but couldn't put my finger on why. I made my way across the Potter's house later afternoon.

Before I even reached for the doorbell, Harry had opened the door. He wrapped me in a big bear hug. 'Congratulations, Daddy Potter!' I whispered.

'It's crazy isn't it? I have a daughter!' he exclaimed. He finally let go, just as I thought I was going to pop. 'You're looking really good Hermione,' Harry commented, 'are you getting on okay'.'

'I'm good Harry, better than I have been in a long time. Draco's been looking after me.'

'and so he should.' Harry chipped in.

'Enough about me though, I want to meet my Goddaughter!' I squealed in excitement.

'Right this way,' Harry gestured me in to the house, 'they're in the living room.'

I made my way in, and caught sight of Ginny, with a pink bundle in her arms. Ginny looked so well; tired, but still radiant with motherhood. 'Oh Ginny, you have your little girl.'

'I know!' she beamed grinning inanely at me. 'Do you want to hold her?'

I nodded my head, and sat down as Harry passed the precious little bundle to me. My eyes brimmed with tears as Lily was placed in my arms. I felt differently than I had meeting James and Albus. I felt a distinct pang of jealousy when I had met them, but that was something I didn't feel now. I knew one day, I could possibly have a little Lily of my own to love and hold. I touched her soft hair and felt her tiny fingers close around my pinky which I had offered to her. I breathed in her sweet newborn scent, and fell in love with her. I don't know how much time passed, but I held her and felt peaceful. I realised that if I had children, they wouldn't be her cousins, and the thought made the tears I had been holding back began to cascade down my cheeks.

'Hermione?' Harry called my name gently. I couldn't look at him. I didn't want to go, I wanted to celebrate with Harry and Ginny, and to cuddle this precious girl, but I couldn't. I knew I was going to breakdown and I didn't want to do it here. Not today. It wouldn't be fair on them.

'I need to go,' I whispered without making eye contact, and silently handed Lily back to Ginny, 'sorry.'

'Hermione, wait,' Ginny started, but I shook my head. I had to get out of here, sobs starting to rock me already. I looked apologetically at Harry before turning and leaving.

I apparated straight back to the manor.

As I turned the door handle, I heard Draco's voice 'Listen, I think Hermione is back' he said.

Crap, I thought to myself, Scorpius is here. I couldn't let him see me like this, but I just couldn't control the sobs wracking me. I couldn't bring myself together. I just needed to cry. I threw the door open and made a dash for the stairs, praying Scorpius wouldn't see me.

'Hermione?' Draco called after me, but I didn't stop. 'Wait here,' he commanded Scorpiuse.

'But why Daddy?'

'Just do as you're asked. I'll be back in a few minutes, just go and play for a little.'

'Is 'Mione upset?' Scorpious asked innocently.

'I think so, but I'm going to go see if I can make it better. So can you wait here?' Draco asked a little more softly. I didn't hear the response, but I assume the answer was yes, as moments later I heard Draco hot on my heels. I kept going, not turning round to see Draco, but determined to get to my room before completely falling apart.

I flung myself face first on the bed burying my head in the pillows, and let all my feelings out. It was just too much. Everything was just too much and I wanted to forget it all. I felt Draco's weight on the bed not long after, and I felt him rubbing soothing circles on my back. I couldn't say anything to him, I just couldn't put how I was feeling in to words. He waited there patiently for what felt like hours, although I knew it wasn't that long. Eventually my crying died down, but Draco continued to rub my back. 'You need to get back to Scorpius,' I whispered eventually.

'I'll send him back to mum's tonight. You need me more.'

'No, I'll be fine,' I said as convincingly as I could. 'I just need to sleep.'

'I'm not sure,'

'I'll be fine, I promise,' although I wasn't too sure of that myself. 'Go.'

Draco paused for a moment, before nodding and kissing me softly on the forehead. ' I love you,' he whispered.

'I love you too.' With that he left.

Sleep took me quickly, and I dreamed many a dream of a beautiful green eyed baby wrapped in a pink blanket, and happy families. Thankfully, my husband did not feature in my dream.

~oOo~

The next morning, I awoke to the sound of giggling. I listened contently with my eyes shut Scorpius and Malfoy having what sounded like tickle chase.

'I'm going to get you,' exclaimed Draco.

'No you're not,' squealed Scorpius gleefully.

'Just you wait!' He exclaimed.

I heard them running around the corridors, and decided to get out of bed to see what was going on. I opened my bedroom door to see Scorpius run along outside my room, and Draco skid round the corner, and then slip over, landing flat on his backside. I giggled quietly. Scorpius stopped to turn round and see what was going on, before bursting in to fits of laughter, which I joined him in. Draco looked up and made eye contact with me, a concerned look on his face. I smiled at him letting him know I was okay, for the moment at least.

Scorpius looked round and realised I was there. Before I knew it he was hugging me tightly round the legs. ' 'Mione you're awake!' he exclaimed excitedly, and I scooped him up in to my arms. He put his head on my shoulder. 'Are you feeling better now?' he asked.

I nodded my head gently 'Yes.'

'Why were you upset?'

'Scorpius, no,' started Draco, but I interrupted.

'It's okay Draco, I'll talk to him about it. Let's go sit down first,' I said gesturing in to my bedroom. I placed Scorpius on the bed next to be, and Draco sat next to me, surveying me with cautious eyes.

'I was upset yesterday because some of my friends have had a baby…' I started before Scorpius interrupted me.

'So you don't like children then, is that why you're upset. Does that mean you don't like me?' he asked, clearly worried.

'No, not all, quite the opposite. I love children, so much and I always wanted to be a mummy, but I'm not. I was upset because I want what they have.' I said, trying to stay calm and level for Scorpius' sake. He sat there deep in thought for a moment.

'But you can be my mummy. You look after me, and give me kisses and cuddles and look after me. You're good at it. And I want I mummy, and you want to be one,' he said very simply. My eyes filled with tears at what this sweet little boy was saying to me.

'Are you crying? Did I upset you?' he asked.

'No, not at all. I am crying, but it's because you've made me really happy.' I explained. 'I don't want to replace you're real mummy though Scor.'

'Maybe we could give Hermione a special name, like mummy but different?' Draco suggested. Scorpius nodded. 'What about Mama?' Draco asked, 'Do you like that Scor?'

'Yes,' he beamed at us both.

'Hermione?' Draco asked.

'I love it.'

And so we spent the rest of the morning on my bed cuddling. Me and my boys. Telling stories and talking about anything and everything and I felt really truly happy.