Previously on The Taint Of Her Name Chapter 35: We Have News
Hermione was so intent on the water running over her feet she failed to notice Draco approaching.
"Hello love. I was worried. Luckily your bright green dress alerted me to your whereabouts."
Hermione reached out for Draco's hand. "There wasn't anything to be worried about. I decided to walk the beach. We have lived in California so long and I've never walked the beach. Now I can."
Draco smiled at his wife as he wrapped his arm around her. "Now we can," he replied removing his shoes and socks with the wave of his wand.
Hermione giggled as she watched the head of MPWB walk through the ocean water in his bare feet. She loved this wizard so very much.
Hermione and Draco walked the beach hand in hand for another thirty minutes before heading to the secluded Apparition point.
They came in through the back way so they could remove all the sand. It had been a nice afternoon.
They were sitting on the couch when Lyra came through.
"Hi mum. Hi dad," Lyra greeted as she kissed Hermione and Draco on the cheek. "You're home early daddy. Everything alright at the bank?"
Draco winked at his daughter telling her he had an important appointment which had necessitated him taking the day off.
Hermione grabbed her husband's hand as she turned to her daughter. "Your father accompanied me to my healer appointment. We have news."
/
Chapter 36: Progress All Around
Lyra grinned as she listened to her mother explain everything that had transpired during her visit with Phoebe.
"That's wonderful news mum. But why are they growing so fast and are they healthy?"
Draco tightened his arm around Hermione as he frowned at Lyra. "What part of Phoebe telling us the babies are fine didn't you understand? Please think before you speak Lyra. Your mother and I are able to generate enough anxiety between us. We really don't need any help in that area."
A red faced Lyra went over and slid in between Draco and Hermione kissing first one then the other on their cheek. "You always assume I mean the worst dad. I was simply inquiring about my brothers and sister. Mum is part of something which will be reported all over the Wizarding World. I just want to know how it all came to this."
Draco put his arm around both his girls. He kissed first one then the other before smugly replying that it was all about his Malfoy sperm.
Lyra jumped up. "Oh my gods dad. Please don't talk like that in front of me. I know how babies are made. I just don't want to discuss certain aspects of it with my father."
Hermione let out a giggle as she watched the interaction between Lyra and Draco. Her husband could be such a git sometime.
Hermione stood up to kiss her daughter on the forehead. "You already know about the study Lyra. The bottom line is that the potions have worked much better than expected. Your father and I expected one child and we got three. We are happy with the way things have turned out. Isn't it wonderful? We will now be able to discuss babies as well as a wedding."
Lyra hugged her mum. "This is so exciting. I'm going to be a big sister as well as a wife. It doesn't get any better than that. I am looking forward to November. Has Rawley been brought up to date? A better question might be. Does he know that other people will be allowed to touch the babies?"
Draco laughed out loud at his daughter's snarky remark. "I'm not sure even if we tell him other people will be allowed to touch the babies he will acquiesce. Rawley might be prepared to give me the stink eye when I touch the babies. We will deal with that when we come to it. Besides. Mother Hermione will get him told off in short order."
Lyra smiled at her parents. "I love the love you two have for each other. I hope Brett and I are blessed with this kind of love. I'm going to excuse myself to take a shower. I'm meeting Brett and his parents for dinner. Would you care to join us?"
Hermione turned to Draco. "Let's join them love. We haven't seen Alana and Carlton for a while. It will be a nice evening out."
"Sounds good to me sweetheart. You'll be able to invite Alana to join you with the wedding planning and I can bore Carlton with golf talk. You take forever. Why don't you shower first. I'll speak to Rawley while you ladies are showering. Not that he'll believe me," chuckled Draco. "We'll be ready when you are Lyra. Let Brett know we'll be joining you. The last thing I want is to have dinner with in-laws who aren't expecting us."
Lyra shook her head as she headed down the hall to her area of the house. "I'm not even going to dignify that remark with an answer dad. I'll be ready in forty five minutes. Love you."
/*/
The night went extremely well. Hermione had the chance to tell Alana about what was going on with the babies and the wedding plans as well.
Alana was a bit put off that Brett and Lyra hadn't bothered to inform her they had set a date. But she soon came around after Hermione assured her of a top place in all the planning.
Brett had Hermione up for three dances. He had tried to keep her on the floor for the next one only rescinding his offer when Draco growled at him. "Go dance with your fiancee and leave my wife to rest."
Brett smiled at his prospective father-in-law as he grabbed Lyra by the hand. "No harm intended Draco. Your wife was out dancing me. You probably should be telling Hermione to give me a break."
Carlton smiled into his napkin as did Alana.
Draco simply shook his head when Hermione reached over to pinch him on the thigh whispering he should mind his manners.
/*/
The witches finally separated themselves from the men to talk about babies and weddings.
Draco and Carlton grabbed Brett and headed to the outside lounge for some man talk.
Alana who was very excited about both events assured Hermione she would be available to lend her assistance.
Hermione thanked Alana profusely as Lyra looked on beaming at her mother and future mother-in-law.
/*/
Alana was pleased with the dates Lyra and Brett had selected. She mentioned being acquainted with a popular Wedding Planner who would be glad to speak with Lyra.
Lyra thanked Alana but told her she wanted to give everything more thought before speaking to a Wedding Planner.
"Let me know when you're ready then," suggested Alana.
The three witches spent more time discussing the babies. In the middle of their conversation Alana leaned over to Hermione. "I think you are truly brave or truly mad to have a child at this stage in your life."
Hermione had prenatal appointments which put her squarely in the sights of the twenty somethings who were having their first child. She was used to the whispered remarks and outright stares. She just hadn't expected such a stupid remark from someone who should have known better.
Hermione tried to be kind even though she had caught a hot flash over Alana's remark.
Lyra recognized the look on her mother's face. She was upset pretending not to be. Lyra headed off her mother's response by respectfully replying to Alana first.
"My mother has been brave since she was eleven years old. I don't think her having babies now is a matter of bravery or madness. It is what she and my dad want."
Hermione felt Lyra's answer was good enough and didn't feel the need to elaborate. But she was still slightly wounded that Alana would make a remark of that nature. Witches had a fairly extensive lifespan. Forty for a witch was commensurate with a Muggle in her twenties.
Hermione knew she might be exaggerating a bit about the age differences between a witch and a Muggle, but Alana's comment had annoyed her. She was ready to go home.
"Sweetie," Hermione said reaching out to Lyra. "It's been a nice evening, but I'm ready to go home. Would you get your father? I'll just excuse myself to the Ladies Room. I'll be back before your father gets to the table. Excuse me Alana."
/*/
Alana followed Hermione to the Ladies Room. She knew she had spoken out of turn as soon as the words had left her mouth. Her comment had come out all wrong. What Hermione was doing was commendable.
Hermione turned in surprise as Alana stepped into the Ladies Room right behind her.
"I want to apologize for my earlier remark," Alana said apologetically. "It may have come out in a way other than I intended."
Hermione had gone into a stall. When she came out she faced Alana. "I understand how and why some people do not understand my choice to have a child at this stage of my life. However, I didn't expect to hear it coming from someone who will soon be part of my family. There are parts of my life you could never understand. And that's fine. The comment you made I would expect from some self centered twenty year old who feels I am somehow taking something from her by being pregnant. I'm sure you didn't mean it that way, but that's the way it came across. Let's get back to the table. I'm sure Draco is waiting for me."
One look at Draco's flashing gray eyes and Hermione knew he knew. Lyra must have mentioned Alana's comment.
Hermione gave her husband a smile. "I've had a lovely time discussing babies and weddings. However, the time has come for me to call it a night. I'm tired. We'll have to do this again soon."
Draco refrained from commenting on what had been said to Hermione. Instead, he took Hermione's hand and wished the others goodnight.
/*/
Hermione and Draco reached home within five minutes of leaving the restaurant. Once inside the house, Draco asked Hermione how she was feeling. "Are you alright love? I can't imagine what Alana was thinking."
"I am fine Mr. Malfoy. Really." Hermione replied with a smile. "I'm looking forward to having a bit of raspberry ice cream. I'll change into something a little more comfortable then I'll see to my dessert. Will you have some with me?"
"Of course I will," said Draco as he stripped down. "Shall I come to the kitchen in the buff?"
Hermione giggled. "On second thought. Why don't you remain here in the bedroom? I'll bring the ice cream to you."
Draco shrugged. "Have it your way. I thought you'd like to see my baby maker flapping about in the breeze."
Hermione walked over to hug her naked husband. Gazing into his eyes she shivered as he pushed himself against her. "Your eyes are like pools of liquid diamonds. Are you aware you are making me very moist. We may have to forego ice cream if you keep looking at me like that."
Draco hugged Hermione tightly to him. "I am not one to pass up a salacious offer from my wife. However, I want you to have your ice cream. After ice cream we can talk about my sexy, Malfoy eyes and your moistness. I'll even put on some clothes for the time being."
Hermione waited as Draco stepped into boxers and pulled on a tee. Then they headed to the kitchen with his arm around her almost nonexistent waist.
/*/
Rawley's homemade raspberry ice cream was delicious as usual. Hermione and Draco were savoring the dessert when Rawley popped up in the kitchen asking for a word.
"Is everything okay?" Hermione asked quietly.
Rawley made a slight bow remarking that everything was fine. He was there to double check with Hermione if he was authorized to start the nursery preparations.
Draco smiled into his ice cream dish. He had explained to Rawley the possibility of the babies being born by the end of November. There was no way Rawley would leave anything to chance. It was a given that Mother Hermione would have a constant shadow from now until the babies were born.
With a quick glance in Draco's direction, Hermione assured Rawley he had permission to prepare the nurseries. Knowing that Rawley would do a spectacular job, Hermione had only one request. She insisted Rawley place her daughter's crib between her brother's cribs.
"I will need to do a bit of renovation in order for the nursery to accommodate three sets of everything Mother," Rawley explained. "As long as I have authorization, I will begin as soon as you order the necessities."
"Excellent. Tomorrow I will order what Draco and I want to see in the nursery. As soon as everything arrives, you may take it from there. Thank you Rawley. Thank you as well for this delicious dessert."
Rawley gave a joyous nod before disappearing with a pop.
Draco gave Hermione a very Malfoy smirk as he used his wand to clear up the table. After clearing up, Draco wrapped his arms around Hermione bringing his lips to her ear as he slid his hands under her thigh length night dress. "Come on witch. It's time for you to gaze into my Malfoy gray eyes and for me to explore your moistness."
Hermione headed to their bedroom with Draco's arms still wrapped around what used to be her waist.
/*/
Draco slid Hermione's night dress over her head while commenting how beautiful he thought she was.
Hermione held Draco's head as he kissed her round stomach. She giggled when one of the babies moved an arm across her stomach and Draco tried to kiss it. The baby had been quick as lightning. Draco found himself kissing Hermione's protruding belly button.
Not to waste a good kiss. Draco moved his lips down across Hermione's stomach so he could use his tongue to explore her pussy lips. With his now smoky eyes locked on Hermione's, Draco began to suck lightly on her clit while running his hands up and down her ass.
Then his tongue was inside her and she broke eye contact as she grabbed hold to the headboard to move with the rhythm of Draco's tongue. As her pleasure intensified Hermione cried out for Draco to make her cum. "Now baby please," she whimpered grabbing her pussy to open herself wider to his tongue. As her pleasure intensified even more and her orgasm kept sliding away she growled at Draco. "Make me cum now or I will kill you."
Using his fingers and tongue, Draco finally brought Hermione into oral orgasm. Even as Hermione's pussy continued to throb in pleasurable waves, Draco turned her onto her side and plunged in as far as his dick would go.
Moving back and forth against Hermione's ass Draco hoarsely muttered. "Kill me will you? I think not." Throwing one leg over Hermione's hip, Draco pushed faster and faster as he felt himself reaching climax. "I'm coming Hermione. Are you ready? I'm coming baby. I'm coming."
So was Hermione. Grabbing Draco by the hand she reached orgasm seconds behind him.
Draco began kissing Hermione across her back as they laid there recuperating. "When we make love, I feel as though I'm the luckiest wizard in California. Thank Merlin you chose me."
"Merlin had nothing to do with it," whispered a drowsy Hermione. "We chose each other. For that. I'll always be grateful."
Draco remained lying with his head against Hermione's back. Pulling her closer he kissed her shoulder remarking softly how much he loved her.
Their lovemaking had put Hermione to sleep. She didn't hear Draco tell her what she already knew.
After several minutes, Draco gently removed his arm from beneath Hermione, turned on his stomach and was soon fast asleep as well.
Neither heard the soft beep signifying a text message had come through.
/**/
Tuesday morning Draco saw the text from Lucius and sent him a quick message.
Father,
Let's plan on speaking this weekend. Call you Sunday 10 am our time. Our best to Helen and Orion.
Draco
/***/
Hermione, Draco and Lyra spoke to Lucius, Helen and Orion that Sunday, October 4th. At the end of the call they had everything sorted. Lucius and Draco would each pay half of all expenditures. Lyra had been given carte blanche for her wedding.
Even before the call was over Lyra had waved at her mother and father before hurrying away. More than likely to tell Brett the news.
Orion spoke to both his mother and father at length.
Hermione couldn't be sure, but she thought Orion was trying to talk his father into returning to Britain. Just in case, Hermione had pinched Draco on the arm. He had turned from the phone with a grin and a wink.
Hermione had also spent time discussing the babies with Helen before they ended the call.
/*/
After the call Hermione sat staring at Draco.
"What love?" asked Draco as he crossed the room to sit beside her. "What's on your mind?"
"What were you and Orion going on about?"
A grinning Draco nuzzled Hermione's neck while simultaneously rubbing her stomach. "Nosy. Your son and I were having a wizard's talk. We discussed things not meant for a mother's ears."
Hermione gave Draco another pinch. A hard one.
Draco quickly moved to the other end of the couch. "That hurt witch. Keep your hands to yourself. I think you are trying to get me to say Orion wants us to move back to Britain. That did not come up in the conversation. Now. Is it safe for me to move back over there? I would like to speak with my children."
Hermione smiled as she opened her arms to her husband.
/***/
Hermione's first appointment on 10/5 with both Barbara and Phoebe went well. Barbara had come equipped with her Ultrasound Imaging Machine to give Hermione her first peek at the babies. An excited Hermione couldn't wait to get home to show the images to Draco and Lyra.
The appointments on 10/12 and 10/19 also went well. It excited Hermione to see her boys wrapped around their sister. But what excited Hermione was becoming a concern for Barbara and Phoebe.
On her 10/26 appointment, Hermione had arrived feeling irritable, bloated and uncomfortable. She hadn't felt any better after the healers shared their concern.
Phoebe explained she and Barbara felt the growing boys were becoming too tightly wrapped around their sister which might cause the baby some distress. They wanted to discuss taking the babies in the near future.
This information panicked Hermione so much that the healers had to give her a mild calming draught.
After the calming draught had relaxed Hermione a bit. Phoebe and Barbara explained how they wanted to err on the side of caution, but also wanted the babies to remain in the womb for as long as possible. To meet both requirements they had chosen a delivery date of 11/30. On that date, Hermione would be into her sixth month and the babies were already a size where they were considered completely viable.
Phoebe took Hermione's hand to further explain there wasn't any need for her to worry. She and Barbara would be watching her and the babies very closely.
By the end of the appointment, Hermione knew the exact date of her delivery and felt Barbara and Phoebe had everything well under control.
/*/
Although she was still fairly nervous about everything. Hermione left Phoebe's office in a peaceful state of mind.
Orion and Lyra had both been single birth, full term babies. And even though she and Draco were living under the perceived threat of Death Eater interference at the time. There hadn't been this level of stress.
Hermione couldn't wait to discuss everything with Draco. She would have her babies in her arms on 11/30. It was somewhat comforting to know the exact date of their births.
/*/
Draco and Lyra were thrilled when Hermione explained how Barbara and Phoebe had given her a delivery date of 11/30.
With gray eyes shining, a grinning Draco sat rubbing Hermione's massive stomach which had grown so much over the past month. "We will have our children before the holidays. I can't think of a better gift."
Lyra chimed in that she didn't think mum could get any bigger and still remain ambulatory.
Draco had hold of Hermione's hand as he nodded at Lyra in agreement. "You're right sweetheart. Your mother is so tiny it's mind boggling that her stomach could ever reach this proportion."
Hermione reached over to give Draco's hair a swift tug as she rubbed her own stomach. "We did this together Mr. Malfoy. So comments about my girth shall remain unspoken."
Lyra laughed as she hastily made her way out of the room calling back over her shoulder. "I have got to text Brett. We have a delivery date. I'm going to shower. I'll probably leave directly from my rooms. Love you both. Congratulations."
/*/
Once they were alone, Draco slid one hand beneath Hermione's maternity dress to rub her naked stomach while running his free hand through her hair. "We're getting close love. In a bit more than a month I'll have to learn how to outfox Rawley. He'll probably only allow me to visit the babies once a day."
Hermione giggled as she laid her head on Draco's shoulder. "I think Rawley will allow you at least two daily visits. If you're good."
"Ha. Ha." Draco remarked somewhat sarcastically. "Rawley and I will have to come to terms. We'll have three new children. I may just want to sit and look at them all day long. Are you hungry? Isn't it about time you fed our children?"
Hermione sat up and held out her hands to Draco. "I am famished. Help me up love."
Draco helped her up and watched her waddle towards the kitchen. With a big grin on his face he let out a taunt which was sure to land him in trouble. "You waddle so well sweetheart. Your ass looks so tempting jiggling like that."
Hermione sighed. "Keep up the wise cracks Malfoy and the closest you'll come to this jiggle is in a photo."
Draco kissed Hermione on the back of the neck as he helped her into a chair. "I love you woman. That's all you need to know. And since you mentioned photos. I would like for us to look at the images of our children. I'll get the ultrasound images while you serve up the Italian dinner I had delivered."
Hermione had the food all served up when Draco got back with the framed ultrasound images. To protect the images, Draco had them framed first thing. Hermione had then given the images a place of honor over their bed.
Draco used a floating charm so he and Hermione could view the two images as they ate. The images fascinated Draco. He couldn't believe he was looking at the product of his and Hermione's love for each other. He was absolutely looking forward to their births.
/***/
The last four days of October proceeded along nicely. With the delivery date set, Hermione's visits to Phoebe and Barbara had become more informational than anything else. The two healers sometimes spent thirty minutes of the visit assuring and reassuring Hermione that barring any unforeseen event. Things were under control.
Hermione appreciated the time Phoebe and Barbara spent with her and Draco when he accompanied her to the visits. For the most part, Hermione found herself in a comfortable place. All that was left to do was wait for the thirtieth of November.
/*/
Rawley had been busy since being granted authorization to set up the nursery. He set everything up exactly as Hermione and Draco had requested using a bit of Elf Magic. To anyone walking into the nursery, the color appeared as a uniform white. However as the person approached a particular crib everything in the vicinity including the crib changed to either blue for the boys or pink for their girl. Both Hermione and Draco loved what Rawley had accomplished. The fully stocked nursery had been perfectly set up.
One night as Hermione, Draco, Brett and Lyra were discussing how fantastic the nursery looked. Lyra inquired what her mum and dad had chosen for names.
Draco took hold of Hermione's hand and looked into her eyes as he answered Lyra's question. "Your mother and I haven't discussed names. But we should," Draco remarked turning to Hermione. "Do you have specific names in mind love?"
As soon as Draco asked the question, Hermione and Brett began to grin.
"Why the grins? What am I missing?" asked Draco suspiciously glancing from Hermione to Brett.
Lyra who had been leaning against Brett instantly sat up in anticipation of the answer.
Hermione gestured at Brett to explain.
"Well. Hermione threatened to name one of the babies Brett in my honor because of how helpful I was in selling her store. I was quick to point out that a little Brett running around might not sit well with you Draco."
Draco actually guffawed at Brett's explanation before turning deadly serious. "I'm very glad my future son-in-law is so astute. The only child named Brett I want running around this house will be Brett Davies, the second."
The other three found Draco's answer hysterical. They howled. However, the atmosphere became a little less humorous when Lyra commented she wanted their first son to be named Brett Draco Lucius Davies.
Brett smiled, but the look on his face made it clear he and Lyra would be having a big discussion when the time came.
Lyra smiled at her fiance as she wrapped her arms around his neck whispering quietly in his ear.
Brett smiled at whatever Lyra was whispering in his ear turning a light shade of pink as he listened.
Hermione clapped her hands to draw the attention away from Lyra as she noticed a small frown cross Draco's face. "I do have several preferences. However, I have questions. Shall we choose names that begin with the same letter? Or shall we give them separate personalities right from the start?"
Do you mean something like Tommy, Tara and Timmy?" joked Lyra.
"Something along those lines." Hermione joked back at her daughter. "Only not so many T's."
"I like the idea of names which begin with the same letter," chimed Draco. "Shall we do that love?"
"Yes. I love the idea. Lucius brought us a lovely book on the history of the Malfoy family. Perhaps we should browse through it to see what we can find."
As Draco stepped away, Lyra and Brett also stood telling Hermione they would leave them to their names research. Lyra kissed Hermione on the cheek calling out goodnight to her dad.
/*/
Hermione and Draco pored through the large, old, Malfoy family book becoming slightly discouraged over the lack of names beginning with the same letter.
After a lengthy discussion they decided to keep with the Malfoy tradition of naming children after constellations and stars, but rejected sets of names beginning with the same letter.
Their final choices had come down to Caelum, Scorpius and Ara. Draco asked that the oldest male triplet be given the name Scorpius because it sounded as though it should belong to the oldest child. Hermione loved the names and didn't have any problem with the eldest being named Scorpius.
Sitting there browsing through the book, Hermione thought about Lyra. "Sweetheart. Why not text your daughter the proposed names for our children? If you don't think it's bad luck, text Orion and Lucius as well."
Leaning over, Draco rubbed his nose against Hermione's cheek. "What could it hurt? I'll send a group text. If you're through with the Malfoy book, I'll put it away. As a matter of fact. You've been up all day. Why don't you lie down and put your feet up?"
"That sounds like a good idea. I am a bit tired. Help me up then."
Draco helped Hermione up and they headed to their rooms to relax.
/*/
On Tuesday, November 17th Hermione began to feel tiny flutters along the bottom of her stomach. She also felt some pressure in her back. Neither of these things gave Hermione cause for worry. Feeling as though it was the babies moving about Hermione took a healer approved pain draught to relieve the symptoms.
Hermione mentioned the flutters and pressure to Draco in passing. And like any good husband would, Draco rubbed Hermione's stomach and massaged her back until she felt better. His ministrations relaxed her for about an hour. Then the symptoms were back. Not wanting to alarm Draco she didn't mention that the pressure in her back along with the flutters in her stomach had returned.
Hermione tossed and turned so much that Draco asked if she wanted a light sleep potion.
Hermione thanked him, but refused the sleep potion. She had already taken two doses of the pain draught and didn't want to take another potion. She had finally dozed off without taking anything.
Draco brought his work into the bedroom so he could sit beside Hermione to rub her back. When Draco finished reviewing his work, he laid the paperwork aside and snuggled himself up against Hermione's back. Lying this way allowed him to rub her stomach. Draco had been intrigued by the little balls that formed under his hand not realizing he was feeling contractions.
/**/
Hermione was still sleeping when Draco left for work Wednesday morning. When she finally woke, she felt nauseated. The annoying flutters were still coming as was the pressure across her lower back.
It had been a long time between pregnancies so Hermione like Draco didn't realize she had gone into mild labor. Because she was scheduled for a c-section. Any level of labor had to be stopped.
Hermione took a pain potion had a shower and climbed back into bed.
/*/
Rawley knocked on the bedroom door about 11:00 am because he had been feeling Hermione's distress.
"Come in Rawley. I don't feel like eating if that is the reason for your visit."
As soon as Rawley stepped into the room he caught the scent of blood. "Mother Hermione. Are you unwell?"
"Thank you for asking Rawley. I'm fine. I have a bit of back pain. I'm just going to rest until it subsides."
Hermione remained in bed.
By late afternoon Rawley was convinced Hermione should see a healer. It was his job to take care of Father Draco and Mother Hermione. So he did what he had to do.
Rawley who had watched Hermione and Draco text many times got the phone to send a text to Draco. He understood the basics of texting, but not the specifics. It was a minor miracle that Draco received the text at all.
When the garbled text appeared on his phone, it had puzzled Draco. He immediately called home to find out what was going on.
Rawley brought the ringing phone to Hermione.
When he heard Hermione's voice he explained how her text had come through garbled. He asked what the text was about.
Hermione told him she didn't know anything about a text but needed him to come home because she was in pain and couldn't move.
"You can't move?" asked Draco incredulously. "Are you alright? Never mind. I'll be right home."
He had then used five precious minutes to send out a text message to Sam and Edgar.
Hermione in distress. Leaving for day
Draco.
Then he had Apparated directly to his and Hermione's bedroom.