Caelum was born on September 2nd at 1:23am.
That night (or morning rather) Draco had been met with a horde of his and Hermione's family and friends waiting for news. He couldn't help but laugh to himself because his wife really and truly had sent quite a couple Patronuses out. Naturally they were all excited and none of them wanted to go home. So, with Malfoy charm Draco had managed to get them all the ability to stay so that they could see Hermione and Caelum once visiting hours were on again. In the meantime, Draco stayed in her room and slept uncomfortably in the hospital room's chair. No matter how much magic one put on it, those things could never get right.
Despite it all, Draco had quickly fallen into a deep sleep until his son's cries woke him. He blinked sleepily before he set his eyes on Caelum and smiled. Hermione was completely knocked out after having fed him not long ago, and Draco used his wand to block out the noise so that she could sleep some more.
"It's been a while since I've heard screams like that." Draco grinned as he carefully lifted Caelum out of his temporary crib. "It's okay, though. I'm not new to this, I promise."
Draco walked back over to his seat and sighed happily as he sat down. "I've done this three times already. Three. You've got two sisters and a brother waiting to meet you. Cassie's the oldest, but she's at school where you'll be one day. I'm sure with a bit of permission she'll be able to come home and see you long before December. She's the smart one in the family aside from your mother –but don't tell your brother or other sister I said that, alright?"
Caelum blinked as a response and Draco took that as the okay to continue.
"Lyra, she's the second oldest. She…can be a handful." Draco chuckled. "But she's sweet. And if anyone messes with you she'll be right there to take care of it. Probably in a way worthy of Slytherin, if I don't say so myself. Your mother's not quite happy about that.
'With Scorpius you'll have tons of fun with him. He's a mix of your mum and me I think. He's a really energetic kid. Curious too. You'll learn a lot being around him. He's also got this friend who he's really crazy about. But he'll never forget about you.
'And aside from them you've got grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins all ready to love you. So, what do you think?" Draco asked. "Ready to join this crazy web of people?"
Caelum gave what could be construed as a yawn. Another yes in Draco's book as far as he was concerned, and he gave his millionth contented sigh for the night as he watched his son fall back to sleep.
"Mum and Caelum are home!" Lyra yelled once she saw the front door open. Scorpius was running right after her, but soon both children were slowing to a halt, but not of their own accord. Narcissa, who had graciously continued to watch the children for the next two days, had her wand out and brilliantly used a spell to slow their movements.
"Didn't I say no running or loud noises when your parents came home?" Narcissa reprimanded.
Hermione smiled. "Your grandmother's right. I know you both love screaming at the top of your lungs, but you'll have to curb that habit."
Lyra pouted. "I only yell when he bothers me."
"Hey! What do I do?"
"What did your mother just say?" Draco scolded. Both children frowned immediately.
"Sorry,"
"If you're both good you can come with me to put Caelum in his crib." Hermione told them. Lyra and Scorpius nodded and quietly, albeit with all smiles, as they followed their mother and brother in his carrier up the stairs. Draco's eyes trailed after them as they went and he didn't even look away after they were gone.
"You're completely smitten."
"What?" Draco asked as he finally turned to his mother.
"Smitten," Narcissa repeated. "Let's see… The last time I saw you with such joy on your face was the day of your wedding. You were so flustered, red in the face, smiling broader than I had ever seen you."
Draco could feel himself blush. "Mother…"
"Yes, just like that."
The young blond shook his head and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "You sure do know how to prod at a man, don't you?"
"I'm quite proficient at it, yes." She beamed. "Even more so when the man is my son."
Of course she is.
"Fine, yes, I'm 'smitten' as you've so said. But I'm also nervous, even if I don't seem like it."
"Nervous?" Narcissa echoed with concern. "What are you nervous about?"
"You do realize this is where it all started, don't you?"
Narcissa furrowed her brow as she took a step closer to him. "What did?"
"The fighting." Draco frowned. "When you...have a seven- and a -four-year-old and a newborn –not to mention a childish man and a stubborn woman thrown into the mix –tensions can...run a little high. Hermione and I didn't handle it very well. And now everything's practically the same except ages are different."
"Perhaps," Narcissa said tentatively. "But something else is different too. You and Hermione know better. You know what went wrong and you know what your weaknesses are. You have a map in front of you, Draco. Use it so as not to veer off the road, yes?"
"I'll try. And unfortunately it means doing something that I really don't want to do."
Draco entered Caelum's bedroom to find Lyra and Scorpius (quietly) sharing their excitement with their mother over their new brother.
"He looks like you." Scorpius said to his mother, but Lyra was quickly shaking her head.
"No, he looks like you actually." Lyra grinned. "You with brown hair."
Scorpius thought about it for a minute and then he beamed. "Yeah, okay. I guess you're right."
"Mum, is Cassie coming home to see him?"
Hermione nodded. "She got permission from Headmistress McGonagall to come on Friday. She can only stay the weekend though."
His children pouted and he listened to her as she told them that they could visit her when Hogwarts' Hogsmeade trips came around. Draco had almost forgotten that Cassie was a Third Year now and she was allowed to go. Where had all the time gone?
"...-Do we have to?"
"Yes, Scorpius. Don't think I didn't notice that you and your sister were in the middle of doing homework when we walked in. Off you go to finish it."
"Dad, does Hogwarts give you a lot of homework too?" Scorpius asked once he'd spotted him. Draco smiled.
"More,"
Scorpius groaned and led the way out of the room with Lyra following closely behind him. Hermione chuckled as she watched them leave.
"I don't understand what all the fuss is about. Having assignments isn't that bad."
"For you, probably." Draco smirked. "But normal kids hate it."
Hermione tutted and turned to lean over Caelum's crib and adjusted what he could only assume to be a blanket. Draco figured that it would be best to blurt it out now seeing as her back was turned.
"I want to do 'Just Say Yes.'"
Hermione whipped around faster than he could've imagined. Her eyes were wide and her mouth slightly agape.
"Why? Is...is there something wrong?"
"No, no!" Draco said as loudly (and as quietly) as possible. "Nothing. Everything is...perfect actually. I just want it to stay that way."
Hermione slowly nodded. "Just Say Yes" was something that Harry had told her about when she and Draco were sniping at each other like mad. He and Ginny had had their fair share of problems too, but they did the mature thing and had gone to see a marriage counselor. A Dr….Milligan, if she remembered correctly. Harry had ranted about how great he was and how he had the best tea he had ever had. Why the latter part would matter, Hermione still didn't know, but regardless he came highly recommended.
"Just Say Yes" was a technique to help ease tensions and burdens. A lot of times (and what Hermione and Draco could attest to) problems came about from a lack of compromise. Hence the technique. The couple was supposed to choose their number one problem with each other and then the spouse was supposed to drop that habit or issue –essentially conceding to the other person (so long as the habit or issue wasn't dangerous or ludicrous like randomly selling the house).
Draco hadn't been interested in doing before, but seeing how determined he looked now, Hermione smiled and agreed.
"Okay. Shall we sort it out now, then?"
"Might as well."
Hermione grabbed the rocking chair that was near Caelum's crib and pulled it away from there while Draco used his wand to bring over a plush chair from the corner of the room. Once they were seated and in front of each other the room was eerily quiet.
"I want you to let go more." Draco said hesitantly. "You are a rational, step-by-step woman and I love that about you, but you don't have to do that for everything. Go with your-"
"Heart more than my head." She finished. "Alright, I can work on that. You know," Hermione said with a small laugh. "This is a bit one-sided here. You've been doing better with my main problem with you."
Draco tilted his head to one side and pursed his lips. "What's that?"
"Being patient with me. Not being a big baby about certain things."
Draco felt an insurmountable amount of pride at that. "Well in that case I'll work my arse off to keep it up then. Deal?"
Hermione's heart practically melted as he opened his arms and waited for her. She immediately left her rocking chair and sat on his lap. She curled into him when he wrapped his arms around her and rested her head on his chest. He smelled of fresh, rich soap and (she chuckled to herself) babies. He'd be smelling like that last one for a while, and she loved it.
"Deal."
Cassie came home that weekend just like Hermione had said and she was ecstatic about her new brother. And of course, she had the same assessment as she did with her two other siblings: babies were loud. Everyone couldn't help but agree. The first two weeks of baby Caelum's life consisted of figuring out the best ways to deal with him, not to mention juggling a ten- and six-year-old who liked to fight with each other.
Hermione and Draco took turns waking up in the middle of the night to feed and change him. Several times they had decided to just move his crib into their room because the moment they left him he would start crying again. His pacifier never stayed in his mouth. He hated almost every stuffed animal that had been gifted to him except one that looked a lot like Buckbeak the hippogriff (Draco wasn't entirely happy about that, although Hermione laughed). Getting him into any outfit was a hassle, however if they accomplished it without him spitting up or needing a diaper change right in the middle, then the tired parents celebrated with hands thrown in the air and cheesy high-fives. On top of that he was one picky infant. He screamed like a banshee when Hermione tried to hold him over her shoulder, while he was perfectly okay when Draco did it. It was the opposite way when it came to cradling him.
When it came to Lyra and Scorpius, it was no surprise that they got reprimanded a lot more than usual. And, of course, frustrated parents led to short tempers with the children and each other. That's when "Just Say Yes" came into play. It had worked wonders when Hermione had walked into the kitchen with Caelum to find that Draco had allowed Poppy (who had unfortunately offered her cooking services for the next few months) to make Lyra and Scorpius a horribly unhealthy breakfast. She had opened her mouth to fuss at him, but one look on his face and she relented. Draco, although he had been doing remarkably well before, had a near slip when he was on the verge of complaining about having to go to their kids' school and help out with an event for Scorpius class. Hermione was the one who usually went for such things, but being terribly run down, she had wanted him to do it. Instead of fighting it like he had desperately wanted to, Draco had sucked it up and went to do the "horrid thing."
"Despite the bags under my eyes and my hair a mess more than usual, everything's been going well." Hermione gave her grand assessment. "We've developed this really great rhythm of doing things and Merlin is 'Just Say Yes' working."
"See?" Harry grinned. "I told you Dr. Milligan was a genius."
"Yes, yes, you were right. No need to rub it in my face."
"Oh, please do it Harry." Ron begged. "It's not so often that she's wrong about something. Hey!"
Hermione laughed. She had just flicked a Bertie's Botts bean at him and it hit him on the nose.
"Do you know what Draco's doing for your birthday yet? Especially since he's banned any of us from kidnapping you?"
"No idea," she answered Ron. "All I know is that my parents are taking the kids –except for Caelum –and that I'm supposed to be back home by...well, in the next few minutes, actually."
"Well, let's just hope that Draco doesn't do too good of a job with this birthday thing. Next thing you know you guys will be working on kid number five. -Ow! Stop wasting the beans!"
Hermione smirked and popped one into her mouth only to spit it out immediately after. Old wet sock flavor…
"Well, I hope you have a good time doing whatever it is." Harry told her.
"Thank you." Hermione said as she stood. "I'll see you both later."
Hermione headed over to the fireplace and Flooed from Ron's home to her own. When she got there, her mouth had dropped open. All of the lights in the house were dimmed and Draco sat on the sofa right in front of the fireplace dressed in one of her favorite suits.
"Punctual as always." Draco smiled as he stood. "However, not dressed for the occasion."
Draco walked over to her and transfigured her clothes. Hermione's grin was too wide for her face at this point as she now wore a short, red dress and shoes to match.
"Short enough for you?" Hermione asked. Draco shrugged as he tucked his wand away.
"It could be shorter, but then it wouldn't be a dress anymore. Now, off we go."
"How's-?"
"He's upstairs, asleep, and thoroughly enjoying the crib's lullaby feature."
Hermione was impressed, although doubting his fathering capabilities on her part would be a huge mistake. Draco took her hand and led her through the house into the kitchen. Her eyes were alight when she saw the kitchen table –charmed so that it just held two chairs, lights dimmed just like the living room, and the counter filled to the brim with food including a birthday cake.
"Let me guess, Poppy?"
"Of course." Draco said with no hesitation. "I thought we could redo dinner from last month considering we didn't actually have it."
Hermione laughed. No, they didn't have it. He and Ginny had ended up flinging food and ingredients across the kitchen while she and Ron sat back and watched. Dinner instead had turned into take out from a local restaurant with Ron and Ginny as extra guests.
"Draco, this is lovely, thank you." Hermione said happily as she sat down. "You know this makes it incredibly hard to top for your own birthday, don't you?"
Draco sat down as well and grinned. "Oh, it doesn't have to be for my birthday. You've still got Christmas, Valentine's Day-"
"Our anniversary?" She suggested. She fidgeted with her hands under the table as she added, "Things had been a bit…chaotic with us earlier this year. We didn't even acknowledge it."
Draco stopped and thought. He thought hard and realized that she was right. They had gotten married on January 4th, 2003. Needless to say, this year's January had been a terrible one. Apparently terrible enough for them not to even bring to remembrance the day they had become man and wife.
"I'm sorry." Both Hermione and Draco apologized together. They chuckled –anxiously even –as though they were school children finally confronting their crush.
"We'll do better." Draco promised.
"We already are."
Draco's heart must've soared a thousand feet at her words. He had opened his mouth to say something, but then a piercing cry hit the air. The both of them laughed and he shook his head.
"And to think we paid extra for the lullaby feature."
Hermione grinned broadly as she rose from her chair. "I'll go get him."
Draco watched her walk off and sat with anticipation with his hands cupped under his chin until she reentered the kitchen with Caelum in one hand and feeding him with a bottle in the other.
"Looks like we'll be having an extra guest."
"So I see." Draco said as he reached over to wipe away some milk that was dripping down Caelum's chin. "You're crashing mum and dad's date night, you know." He said to him. "You wouldn't want us to do that to you on a date of yours, would you?"
"Oh, please." Hermione giggled. "You know very well you'll be cheering for him from the sidelines."
"Ah, so it'll be you crashing his dates then?"
"I think that's fair. I ruin his and Scorpius' dates while you take care of Cassie's and Lyra's. A fair trade, yes?"
"I'd say so." Draco agreed as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Although I hope you understand that this means neither one of our girls are getting married."
"So you'll deny me the chance of planning a wedding?" Hermione asked with an exaggerated gasp. "Draco Malfoy, you're cruel."
"Come now, you'll still have two more. And…a third one?" He added in more of a question than a statement. He coughed a bit into his hand and stared at the table because he just knew that she would have that look. "It is the logical next step after all…"
If Hermione was honest with herself, she had nearly dropped Caelum's bottle. Instead she held it a bit tighter and kept her focus on the boy who was gladly being fed.
"Logical, huh?" She couldn't help but repeat. "I thought I was supposed to be the rational one?"
Draco shrugged. "Thought I might take a shot at it for once. How'd I do?"
"Not bad. And if I could take a lesson out of your book for a moment? I don't want us to get married just because it's the next step. We should do it because we want to."
"I do want to." He said quickly. "But I'm not going to subject you to our 'Just Say Yes.' Not for this. So to further ease the pressure, I'm going to let you have at it."
Hermione finally looked away from Caelum and up at Draco. "Have at it?"
"That's right. When you feel comfortable, you can be the one to ask me to marry you. Sound good enough?"
Merlin do I love this man…
"That sounds perfect."
Author's note: So, my relationship goals are these people. It's not about how you begin, it's how you finish. I like to think they're onto a lovely end yet beginning at the same time :). Also! For those of you who have read "Til Death Do Us Part," I hope you guys smiled at a certain part ;)!
And I have to thank you guys again for helping this story make it into the Winter Dramione Fanfic Awards. It didn't win, BUT, it did make it to the final rounds and that's an accomplishment in itself :D.
-WP
Replies to Guests
Guest1: "Dying at Draco's…" Hahahaha! I loved writing that bit lol. Yey for babies! :D
AB: Caelum's here! Caelum's here! Makes me want to have kids, but not yet. Poor Lucius is stuck in his ways, but alas, maybe one day he'll change? But yes, at least there's Narcissa! Haha, so Draco's panicking is karma for his hand in making a baby. I can see it! Lol, Hermione and those F-bombs. I can't even imagine it. No worries about the confusion. Let's face it. Everyone's a secondary character and all we care about is our favorite pair :D. Thanks so much and I'm happy that you're reading!
Guest2: "Awh, this chapter…!" This chapter was just full of feels and love! I'm sad, yet happy it's coming to an end. It's like I really don't know what to feel.
Alicia: YEY! Gotta love babies :)
Guest3: "Ok, I am not..." I have no idea what Big Boss is, so I guess that answers your question already lol
Vedica: Hey there! I'm so glad that this story gives you something to look forward to! I get a huge wave of anticipation/happiness when I'm about to post, so I'll be just as sad as you when it ends. *sigh*
Bellatrix: Be careful while you're out on the job! Although, I'm one to talk since I update while I'm at work on Wednesdays so...yeah lol. You're right. It certainly took a long time to get them back where they're stable enough, and now they just have to get over one last hurdle! Which, to me, is always the hardest when it's yourself you have to fight with. Glad that you liked the chapter, and yey for babies!
Vicryl90: Thank you! I really do work hard on these, so thanks once again and I'm glad that you like it and the characters!
Jamie: Thank you! Haha bottled talent. I'll try and definitely let you know :). And baby Caelum is here! Almost makes me want to have kids now, but nope, I'm waiting lol.
