Hermione and Draco stood facing the little brick two bedroom house she had grown up in.

"Sooo…. Are we gonna knock?"

"Yeah. Just give me a sec."

"Sure. Sure."

"Why did I think this was a good idea. I didn't even tell them I was married in person, I did that by letter. We could still turn around and do that. Or- or a phone call. We could call them…"

"Hey, we talked about this. Come on." Hand in hand they made their way up the walk to the front door. Hermione's father answered the door at the first knock and wrapped his little girl in a warm embrace. After a moment he turned to great Draco. After a short, awkward introduction, Hermione and Draco stepped over the threshold. They settled onto the couch in the living room and were joined shortly by Hermione's parents.

"So this is the man who got you drunk huh?"

"Daddy, don't. WE got drunk. This wasn't first choice for either of us but we can't change it. Besides we've got good news!"

Mrs. Granger sat forward in her chair, eyes on her daughter.

"Uh, Draco, you want to tell them?"

"No, I really think it would be better coming from you."

"You're right. Of course, you're right." Hermione took a deep breath. "We're having a baby!"

Mrs. Granger smiled and congratulated her daughter. Mr. Granger couldn't seem to get any words out but he pasted a forced smile on his face for his daughter's benefit.

"Daddy, I was really hoping you'd be happy for me…"

"Of course I am 'Mione! As long as this is something you want."

"It is! Of course it is! Why would you think it isn't?"

"Well you didn't want to get married, so you probably don't actually want a kid."

"Believe it or not, we're happy now. I'm excited for this baby! I really am."

Mr. Granger raised a skeptical eyebrow but smiled as he said, "My first grandchild, how could I not be excited?"

"Thank you."

"So," Mrs. Granger started, "let's talk details! When's the baby due?"

"May 22nd."

"Oh a spring baby! How wonderful!"

The two men sat by and watched the women chatter on about the baby and the future for almost an hour. Then Hermione's father motioned Draco should follow him into the next room. Draco was hesitant to follow but it seemed he didn't have a whole lot of choice.

Mr. Granger poured two generous glasses of brandy and handed one to Draco.

"You hurt my little girl and I will kill you."

Draco took a moment to sip his brandy before responding.

"I don't doubt you, sir."

"Good. I don't want there to be any confusion with that."

"Of course not."

"What? You don't think I could?"

"I have no doubt you could. I have no intention of hurting your daughter."

They took a few moments to enjoy their brandy. Mr. Granger knocked back one glass. And then two, and then three.

"I know you don't like me sir. I understand why, but I'm going to do my best to change your mind."

"You want to know how to change my mind?"

"Yes I do. Your daughter is a very important part of my life now and it matters to her that we get along."

Mr. Granger took another long sip of brandy.

"Well that's a start."

A short while later, Hermione hugged her parents at the door and headed back out into the cold. They had made plans with the Potter's to have dinner at the Burrow but it was still early and they had some time to kill. Hermione turned to Draco with a suggestion.

"Want to go for a walk? I could show you my favorite places."

Draco agree quickly and for the next hour they wandered the streets of Hermione's hometown while she pointed out her favorite shops and told stories of growing up in a muggle community. As the early dusk fell, the couple apparated to the Burrow where they were greeted enthusiastically by their friends, or at least Hermione was. Draco still felt incredibly out of place amongst this group of friends but Daphne's presence went a long way towards making him more comfortable. The burrow was stuffed to overflowing with people even though most of the Weasleys hadn't come. Molly, Arthur, Hermione, Draco, Ron, Daphne, Harry, Ginny, George and Angelina all gathered around the table that night. Angelina held a squirming baby boy in her lap and Ginny's swelling belly pressed against the table. She was almost eight and a half months pregnant and glowing, obviously excited about the child she was carrying.

Hermione hadn't had much opportunity to spend time with Ginny, Harry, or Ron since the rush of marriages the year before. Everyone was busy, but they did their best to keep in touch. Still, it felt good to be in a room full of all the people she loved. It was so full of love and life and laughter that Hermione found herself wishing it would never end.

After Molly's delicious desert had disappeared and the plates had been cleared from the table, the group settled into the cozy living room. Several people sat on the floor and on various footstools but they all managed to crowd in. Before settling into a straight back chair that had been brought in from another room, Hermione miraculously managed to get everyone's attention.

"While we're all together, Draco and I wanted you all to be the first ones to know that we're expecting a baby!"

Ginny squealed and hurried to hug Hermione as fast as her belly would allow while the others shouted congratulations. Ron clapped Draco on the back. Molly clasped her hands together and hurried to the kitchen to get drinks. She returned with mugs of steaming hot cocoa covered by a delicious froth of whipped cream and peppermint bits. Once everyone held a mug in their hand, Arthur raised his mug for a toast.

"To new beginnings and to families."

The rest echoed his toast and the room dissolved into chatter.

That was the first of visit of the holiday season, but it was far from the last.

Author's Note: As always, I love to hear from you! Keep an eye out for the next installment.