A/N: My final Author notes for this story.
Thank you, one and all for the wonderful support you've extended to this story. It had been a beautiful journey for me and I immensely enjoyed writing each and every sentence of it. I trust you've enjoyed reading it as well. If you are interested, I've started another Dramione story called 'The missing day'. Please feel free to check it out. It's been great interacting with you all wonderful people and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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A fine thread
Epilogue - 10 years later
- 10 years later
"That's how the molecule could be isolated using Affinity Chromatography. If you've any questions regarding the process, please feel free to talk to me," said Draco adjusting his glasses. That is the only regret he had after these many years. He had to resort to wearing glasses like bloody Potter.
"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy." There was a small agreement from the group, gathered in front of him in the class.
He gave all of them a nod indicating that the class was finished and he started tidying the work on the table. He cringed slightly when he saw a girl walking to the table in a not so subtle manner. He hurried his efforts before the girl could stop him.
But the girl was quick. She stood in his way and said in a voice, quite inappropriate for the current atmosphere. "Mr. Malfoy, I was just wondering if you had a few minutes. I've few doubts regarding the theory of Affinity Chromatography."
Draco knew he had to oblige. "Sure Ms. Summers. I can spare a few minutes," he turned around to his desk.
"Sorry Ms. Summers, but Professor Malfoy is needed somewhere else, very urgently," the voice of Ginny Potter boomed from the door.
Draco was alarmed. What was she doing here? Then the realization dawned on him. Ginny met his panicked glance and gave him a nod, confirming his suspicions. He turned to his student and spoke very quickly, "I'm sorry. But I've got to rush."
He rushed out of the room with Ginny behind him. "Slow down, Malfoy. I'm not in a position to run like you." She called out pointing to her protruding belly.
Draco stopped and waited impatiently until she caught up to him. "How is she? Why didn't anybody call me? But it is too early for her right."
"They tried, all of them. But some idiot had his phone on silent," Ginny glared at him.
"Oh!" Draco hurriedly pulled the phone out of his pockets and took a sharp breath. "20 bloody missed calls," Draco cursed loudly. "What the hell was I thinking? Why did you come here in this condition?"
"True. What the hell were you thinking?" Ginny echoed his question. "We didn't have any other option. My husband's helping her and your parents to get to the hospital. Come on Jack's ready with the car." Ginny stopped and looked at him and squeezed his hand. "Everything will be fine."
By the time they reached the parking lot, Jack was waving at them to catch their attention. As soon as, everyone was in the car they zoomed off towards their destination.
"I didn't know why you people insist on doing everything in the muggle way," Ginny grumbled. "It was only Hermione and Harry before, and now you've jumped on their bandwagon."
"If you didn't realize yet, that is the only option I've got. Besides you know why she chose the Muggle hospital. Jasmine's going to be there," Draco jerked suddenly at a swift movement. "Jack, slow down. This is not your broomstick," Draco admonished the boy who was merrily grinning as he maneuvered through the traffic.
"Oh! I don't mind the speed. It's the enclosed space," Ginny said looking through the window.
"Thanks, Ginny. You're the best." Jack beamed at the pregnant woman. "Once you get your kid out, you've got to teach me your expert chaser moves."
"You got it," Ginny gave her assent with a smile. "You're doing great on your own. It is because of you, Hufflepuff had finally won the Quidditch cup."
"You flatter me, Ginny. If not for you and Harry, it wouldn't have been possible," Jack said giving a wholehearted smile.
"Any time Jack," Ginny said proudly.
"We are running out of time here. You can have your detailed Quidditch plan discussions some other time," Draco glowered in their direction.
"Sorry," Jack squeaked and raised the speed a bit. "If I had known the place where you worked, I wouldn't have had to trouble Ginny. Or at least learned how to drive," He grumbled at Draco, muttering the last part under his breath.
"Right, after the fiasco you pulled with my student. No chance, Jack," Draco spoke menacingly earning an embarrassing look from the boy driving the car. "Now concentrate on the road," Draco heard Ginny's snickering from the back seat and turned towards her. "Did Potter go to the manor?"
"He got a floo call from a very distressed Narcissa, and he rushed. Apparently, Lucius was with Hermione at that time and she wouldn't let go of your father's hand. It's not an easy task to get a Muggle car closer to Malfoy Manor."
"I just hope she's alright," Draco mumbled. "Did someone alert Jasmine?"
"Yes, I did. She said she's getting everything ready. Chill Draco! It's Daddy time," Jack whooped lifting his hands into the air leaving the steering.
"Hands on the wheel," Draco snapped.
"You just sound like Hermione," Ginny laughed at his outburst.
"Where is James?" Draco asked suddenly.
"He's at Andromeda's. Teddy's back from school for the break and my son doesn't want his parents anymore." Ginny stopped for a second and spoke her thoughts. "I remember Teddy acting in the same way, towards Jack and Jasmine."
They stopped after a while, as the gleaming letters of the Hospital hoarding came into view. Draco got down and helped Ginny.
"You guys go ahead. I'll go and park the car," Jack said as Draco and Ginny moved towards the entrance.
As soon as they entered the foyer, they heard an impatient voice, "They're not here."
"Jas," Draco greeted the girl with a hug. "Not here? He turned to Ginny and asked, "How's your husband's driving? Is he competing with a snail?"
"If he's slow, it would be because of your bossy wife," Ginny said collapsing to a nearby chair. "Wiltshire is far, ferret."
"Ginny, you want something? It is important to keep yourself hydrated." Jasmine crouched down beside her and asked.
"No honey! I'm good," Ginny said affectionately and pointed to Draco. "The hormonal man over there might need something."
"I'm not hormonal. My wife's going to have a baby. That too at an early stage," Draco snapped.
"Draco, it's alright. Trust me. It is not uncommon. They both are going to be fine. I'll take care of them." Jasmine said taking Draco's hand into hers. "I promise."
"She had been through a lot, Jas. I wasn't sure if her body could take any more of these pressures. But she insisted for my sake. If anything happened to her now, I'll not be able to forgive myself."
"Draco, It's not going to be like that. You needn't worry about Hermione. Her body is more than capable of this. From what she told me, the baby is adding his own share of power to her."
"We don't know who we're having."
"Hermione's instincts. Most of the time they're right," Ginny chimed from the couch. Draco stilled for a moment. She was right. Nobody could guess Hermione Granger's thoughts better than Ginny Weasley. Where Hermione was the composed depths of an ocean, Ginny was its agile dancing waves. But the passion, love, and warmth inside both of them were the same. The unspoken bond between the two women was very impressive. But it hadn't been like that in the beginning. The relationship between Hermione and Ginny was strained in the early days of Hermione's recovery. But later on, the redhead had warmed up to Hermione, thanks to Potter's intervention. What exactly had happened was a mystery to Draco. When asked, he simply got the answer that Weasleys showed their love in a different manner.
"I don't care if it's a boy or a girl. I just want them to be safe," Draco started pacing rubbing his palms together.
"You know Draco. Many of the great people born in this world, were born preemies," Jasmine said checking her phone.
"Really," Draco said with an amused tone.
"Yes, Draco," Jasmine winking at smirking Ginny.
"When are you planning to leave to Hayard?" Ginny asked Jasmine trying to distract her from Draco's pacing.
"Harvard. I'm not sure," Jasmine said chewing her lip.
"Harry says it's a great achievement. Receiving an invitation from Harvard school itself is a wonderful thing. And that too at this age. You should definitely think about it," Ginny said remembering Harry and Hermione's words.
"Leaving all of you is not something I look forward to," Jasmine said nonchalantly. "Besides I haven't spoken to Narcissa yet."
Jasmine had achieved a special place in Narcissa's heart after her few days' stay at the Manor. Her troubled and abused past put the girl in a different light in his mother's eyes. She even went to the extent of offering Jasmine the gift of magic. The magic of her birth father that was taken from him in his last moments was still in the Emerald needle that was kept safe in Tinky's protection. Every time those two met, Narcissa brought it up and Jasmine declined it. When asked, she simply replied, "It's not worth it. I don't want to be associated with anything of his." It was a good enough excuse for everyone, except for Narcissa.
"They're coming," Jack came in abruptly alerting all those gathered in the foyer.
Draco darted to the steps just in time to see Potter and his mother climbing the steps. "Where is Hermione?"
Potter started to say but Jasmine replied instead. "Come with me, Draco. She'll be brought in through another entrance."
Draco turned to his mother and asked. "Is she alright?"
She nodded tightly and took Draco's hand while Harry Potter rushed to his wife.
"Hermione's a strong woman. But I guess she was a bit worried. But I'm sure your presence was all she needed." Narcissa said following Jasmine.
"Oh! I forgot to inform her parents," Draco said taking out his phone.
"You go on Draco. I'll take care of that," Harry said helping Ginny out of the chair as she leaned on to him.
"Thanks," Draco mumbled as Jasmine guided them through the busy hospital.
As they reached the room Jasmine had got pre arranged for Hermione, she wasn't there yet. Jasmine pointed to the lifts by the corner and Draco scooted closer to them. Luckily for him, first lift opened and he came face to face with a panting Hermione who was in a wheelchair.
Draco dropped down to his knees and took her face into his palms giving a kiss to her forehead, "You're okay."
Hermione nodded and Draco saw the telltale signs of worry in those eyes.
"It'll be okay," he said as he saw her hand that was squeezing the life out of his father's hand. But Lucius Malfoy stood there stoically even though his hand was now in the color of a beetroot. "You can let go of my father's hand, sweetie. I'm right here," Draco said coaxing her hand out of the grip.
"Okay," she said loosening her grip. Draco heard an unmistakable sigh from his father as he moved a little, letting Draco take his place.
"Thank you, Father," Draco told Lucius.
"It's nothing, son," he said and turned to Hermione. "You did a great job. Don't worry about anything else. We'll talk later." He then walked to his waiting wife and took a seat beside her.
Hermione nodded and gave out another sharp gasp. Draco wanted to yell in pain as she almost broke the bones of his hand with her tight squeeze.
"Come on, Draco," Jasmine came to their side and assured them. "It's going to be great, Trust me."
Draco didn't remember any of the events that happened in the next 5 hours. A vague memory of Hermione and he in the room, lots of medical equipment and not to forget the enormous amount of blood invaded his vision. But when he heard the musical sound of a baby cry, Draco forgot everything else. When his eyes fell on the tiniest of babies he'd ever seen, his heart swelled with pride. When he turned to Hermione, he was astonished to see that she was looking at him instead of the tiny babe in her hands.
"Congratulations," she whispered.
Draco's mind ran out of words at the picture in front of him. He hugged her sidewards, taking extreme caution about the tiny life that now totally depended on them. "You did great. That was the most amazing thing I ever saw in my life." Draco said kissing her. He didn't realize the wetness was from her tears or his. He lifted his fingers and ran his fingertips gently on the baby's skin. A sharp tingle passed through Draco as soon as his fingers came in contact with his son.
His heart was overwhelmed with all kinds of emotions. Uncontained love at the tiny heart that was beating so swiftly beneath Draco's fingers, uncontrollable fear that whatever he did it's never going to be enough and the fearsome protection that he had to shield their little boy from all the dangers in the world.
"We have a little boy," Draco said his voice choking up. "You already knew."
"Just an intuition," Hermione replied gazing at the little boy's closed eyelids.
He gently stroked the baby's back and shivered at the tenderness he felt there. Draco's thoughts drifted to the day, they found out she was pregnant.
"I'm terrified, Draco," Hermione sobbed into Draco's shoulder. "I didn't even realize my body could do that." The topic of children had been forbidden to both of them. Hermione believed that bringing an innocent life into this world in their conditions was not exactly a good idea and Draco couldn't agree more.
"Ssh," Draco tried to comfort her. But he didn't find words. He was in the same condition. He needed her too. He gently moved his hand to her stomach and brushed lightly with his fingers. "Here?"
Hermione shook her head and moved his hand a bit lower until he felt a hardened spot on her lower belly, "There."
She stopped crying and looked into Draco's eyes, "I don't think I can do this, Draco."
"Honestly speaking, I'm scared too. But think about what we've been through our whole lives and where we are standing now." He hugged her closer and whispered. "You are not alone love. I'll try to be with you in each and every step." She still wasn't convinced and Draco lifted her chin up and spoke directly. "It's your decision, Hermione. Whatever you decide I'll be standing right next to you holding your hand."
When they finally took the decision to keep the baby, they knew it wasn't going to be easy. The beginning months were very tough. The idea itself took a lot of time to get ingrained into their minds. The real change began when Narcissa started sharing Draco's childhood memories. She also suggested Hermione talk to her mother to consider gathering her own childhood memories. The support of Hermione's family had been quite surprising. The elder couple without a qualm accepted her decisions and supported her. They have chosen to remain in Australia despite their amends but were very encouraging in their attempts to help Hermione. It was Hermione who had trouble forgiving herself for the actions she had committed. But as her pregnancy progressed, she'd surpassed her guilt and took steps towards reconciliation.
"Draco. I need to put him in the incubator for the next few days," Jasmine said approaching the new parents.
"Why? Is there something wrong?" Draco asked shooting up from the bed.
"Calm down, Draco. You're disturbing Scorpius," Hermione admonished at Draco's swift actions.
"Scorpius, really?" Jasmine was unable to control her scoff. She turned to Draco and asked. "Is this your idea?"
"No, it's all Hermione. It was some stupid idea she and my mother had cooked up. Keeping up the Black traditions." When Hermione gave a glare he continued. "Come on, Lyra was fine for a girl, but Scorpius? Come on give the kid a break. Besides you haven't heard what Potter intends to name his kid."
"Fine whatever. First, we have to get him to the nursery." Jasmine approached Hermione gently lifting the baby into her arms. "He seems stronger than the usual babies born at this time. We should try breastfeeding in the next couple of days." When Hermione reluctantly gave the baby, Draco began to wonder he was actually going to miss the little tyke. It hadn't been an hour he was born and he was totally in love with the tiny reality.
"The family can come directly to the nursery, Draco. I'll be right there. You stay with Hermione." Jasmine said loudly. When Draco nodded she mouthed, "She needs you."
Draco joined Hermione on the cot as she leaned back into him. They sat here watching as Jasmine carried their bundle of joy into the other room.
"I miss him already," Draco said squeezing her hand.
He noticed the trickle of tears down her cheeks. "Hey, it's over Hermione. There is no need for this." Draco said wiping her cheeks.
She shook her head and looked at him with a sadness filled eyes. "You know what that means right. I can't go in there anymore."
He didn't understand why she suddenly turned so somber. Then suddenly he realized what exactly she meant. "It doesn't matter," he said drawing her closer. "I've never been this happier."
He hugged her closer and gave a kiss to her forehead. "Get some rest, Hermione. You've been through a lot."
She nodded and burrowed into his chest, "I'm scared."
"Me too," Draco said squeezing her shoulders. "But together we make a pretty awesome team. Don't think too much. We'll face everything together."
He sensed a change in her breathing and slowly moved her onto the pillow. He drew up the blanket to her shoulders and stole a few kisses from her tired lips. He knew he loved her to the core, but after what they have experienced today their relationship had transcended into something ethereal.
As his steps moved to the nursery, the fateful day invaded his thoughts.
It happened when Hermione was in the second stage of her pregnancy. Hermione had joined Narcissa for lunch when the older lady invited her to share some of Draco's childhood memories. Draco had been properly embarrassed last time so he avoided these visits at any cost. Hermione went alone. After few hours into the afternoon, Tinky arrived in a pop.
"Young master. You must immediately come. It's mistress Hermione." The elf didn't give Draco a chance as his tiny hand engulfed Draco's. They landed in their Library in the next minute.
His mother and father were sitting on the couches in the Library and Hermione was nowhere to be seen.
"What's wrong? Where's Hermione?" Draco asked as their parents looked at each other.
"Draco, it's really wonderful," Narcissa said rushing to Draco. "She found it."
"Found what?" Draco asked in confusion.
"The hidden veil to the Malfoy knowledge," Lucius replied from a side with an almost smile.
He was shocked. He had almost forgotten about the veil that existed in his own childhood home. Draco lost the ability to see the door with his own magic gone. He thought maybe Hermione would be able to see because of Draco's magic but it never happened. "She is in there now?"
"Yes, Draco. It has been a while and we don't know what to do." Narcissa said wringing her hands.
"I think it recognizes the baby as the Malfoy heir and it allowed her entry," Lucius said while Narcissa dragged Draco to the nearby chairs.
"Tinky," Narcissa called to the elf and gestured something. An elaborate tea service appeared almost instantly. "Sit son. Have some tea. She'll be coming out soon." But Draco didn't relent as his eyes were fixed on the spot where the supposed veil should be. It was not for another half an hour he heard a light scuffle at that place and a very irate Hermione appeared.
"Are all the Malfoys as stubborn as him?" She grumbled as she sat down on the nearby armchair.
"Pretty much," Lucius replied taking a sip of his tea.
Narcissa glared at her husband. "Have some tea. You look exhausted," She said concernedly to Hermione. "What happened?"
"I don't care what happened. We're going home right now. You don't need this kind of stress now," Draco said standing up from his position.
"Draco, do you even know what this means? We can get your magic back. There is an abundance of knowledge just behind that veil." Hermione said his eyes glowing with a new hope.
"Hermione, I know how much it means to you. But I don't care. I've got used to not having magic. I'm not letting you harm yourself or the baby," Draco said firmly.
"If I may," Lucius started.
"What," Draco and Hermione snapped at the same time at the older Malfoy.
"If Hermione wishes, you both could stay over here so that she wouldn't be in constant stress of moving back and forth between places and we all are here to assist in any way," Lucius said calmly.
Hermione smiled and seemed to be contemplating her father-in-law's words but Draco said in a menacing whisper, "I know you set this up."
"It was a just a theory, Draco. There is no harm in trying," Lucius said announcing his dismissal.
"But the old man wouldn't let me near those books," Hermione said in an annoying voice.
"You just have to try harder, Malfoys never give up," Lucius said exiting the room.
Hermione suddenly got up and rushed to one of the aisles clearly looking for something she thought. Draco tried to follow her but Narcissa stopped him. "I know you're worried about her. But try to stand in her shoes. Don't you remember how she was in the beginning? The guilt literally ate her up. This is her closure. Even if it doesn't work out she'll have the satisfaction of her effort. Don't try to take that from her."
His mother's words effectively shut him up. He knew the truth behind them.
So he just sat there day by day watching her disappearing into the Library and work on it. When one day she came out with the same frustration his mother gave her an interesting idea.
"Why don't you try blackmail?" Narcissa offered casually. When Hermione stared at her wide eyed, she explained. "It works almost all the time. Threaten him that you'll burn down his portrait. I even have some frozen Ashwinder eggs. You can make a show of thawing one and show it to that old coot. He'll come around."
Apparently, their plan worked and Hermione was finally able to get a hold on them.
Today she had been in the same process of uncovering another ancient tome when their little guy planned to make an early appearance. To say the truth, Draco was a bit relieved. He had no hope as he had already gone through some of those books and he had got used to this lifestyle. It had been painful to watch her daily to go through that disappointment.
He saw a flurry of activity happening there as he came near the nursery.
Potter drew himself out of the group and approached Draco, "How is she?"
"Resting," Draco said. Before he realized what was happening, he received a warm hug from him. "Congratulations, Draco. I'm really glad you found each other."
"Yes," Draco said awkwardly trying to return the hug. But immediately felt much relieved when Potter's wife took her husband's place.
"He's so beautiful," Ginny said with tears in her eyes.
Draco smiled at her and nodded. "He is my son. What else could you expect?"
"I truly hope he doesn't inherit your vanity," she scoffed and strode to her husband.
"Congratulations, Draco," Jack enveloped him in a bone crushing hug. "You are a Dad. I'm so going to spoil that kid."
"I expect the godfather to behave in a proper manner. First, fix your driving and settle down in a proper job. Until then the godfather won't get to see his godson."
"Damn right, he won't," Jasmine chimed in. "But Godmother is going to get all the privileges."
"That you will," Draco said flicking Jasmine's nose. The decision, of choosing Jack and Jasmine as godparents, was entirely Draco's. They were already family, but Draco and Hermione wanted another thread to bind them closer.
"I'll inform Ron and her parents. Call us if you need anything at all," Potter said and looked in the direction of the rooms, Hermione was in. "I'll come by tomorrow. She would've rested by then."
"I've got to talk to Ron. It's been a while he'd sent any tickets. I have got to have some serious talk with him," Jack said following Harry and Ginny.
"Thanks for everything, Potter," Draco said, meaning the words wholeheartedly.
"It's nothing," the boy-who-lived replied with a smile and headed towards the exit with his wife. He could hear Jack's boisterous arguments with Harry and Ginny all along the way.
Potter took the responsibility of letting Ron Weasley know about the new developments. Weasley's abrupt decision to leave the ministry, in order to serve as a keeper for his favorite Quidditch team, shocked almost everybody. But he earned the support of all his loved ones as they turned up to cheer him on his first match. Hermione had given Draco no choice as she dragged him there with all their family. But he had to admit, Ron got pretty good and the team had definitely grabbed some good wins because of him. He had been in various tours all around the world, started enjoying his star status sporting a new witch on his arm, every time they met. He might've fooled everyone but Draco never missed the longing glances he gave in Hermione's direction, but the witch in question had been blissfully unaware of it.
Draco shook all of his thoughts, as he crouched down in front of the glass of the nursery, the incubator was in, to look at his son's face. He hadn't opened his eyes yet. Jasmine said it's going to take time, but he could see the hint of gray between his pale eyelashes. He wanted to touch him, hold him dear to his heart and kiss those tiny fingertips and fragile toes. He sighed and thought, all in good time.
Draco saw his father was standing away from the nursery, while his mother dabbed her eyes standing near the glass window peering into it. Jasmine was standing by her side holding the elder lady's hand.
"You looked the same," a low voice spoke from beside him.
"Did I?" Draco asked his mother.
"Yes, just like that, so beautiful, mesmerizing and angelic. I'd spend the whole day just looking at your peaceful face." Narcissa said pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Congratulations, son. It is one of the greatest joys in the world."
"I don't know what to do. We both are scared," Draco said looking at his mother.
"You are going to be an amazing Dad, Draco," Jasmine answered hugging him. "He is absolutely precious. I haven't seen anything more beautiful."
"She's right. You and Hermione are going to be best parents," Narcissa assured Draco.
"Come on, let's get some something to eat. The cafeteria's food is not so bad," Jasmine said dragging Narcissa with her.
Draco nodded and turned his gaze on his son. He felt a hand on his shoulder, "I thought you left, Father," Draco said without looking.
"Many argued that you looked like me, but I always saw your mother in you," Lucius said.
Draco smiled and said. "I can see Hermione in him."
Lucius smiled and turned to his son, "I trust she's doing well."
"Yes, she's resting. Once Jasmine gets back here, I'll go and check on her."
"Good." Lucius paused for a minute. "Today, she discovered some interesting facts."
"Father, I'm really not interested. I don't need magic. We have settled into our way of life. We both have wonderful jobs and most importantly we enjoy it. I'm having a pretty great life here. With him, it's just going to be wonderful." Draco dismissed his Father before he put in his opinion.
"I know that you are happy. But you just can't deny that it is a lie. You don't belong there. You belong in our world." Before Draco started Lucius stopped him by his shoulder. "Please just listen to me once. Bonds formed with a child are very powerful. See what happened to Hermione. Your little boy is the next Malfoy heir. We can expect great things from him."
"I'm sorry, father. Not now, I'm exhausted" Draco said in finality ending the discussion.
Draco heard Lucius' sigh and a squeeze on his shoulder. He understood his father's pain. But after denying the fact that magic could be brought back to him for so many years, it really wasn't easy for him to listen to some kind of hope. He turned to his son who was sleeping blissfully unaware of the responsibilities he was supposed to shoulder. Draco lifted his left hand and unbuttoned the sleeve. As he slowly rolled it upwards his digressions came into view. The mark hadn't changed at all since the past 10 years. The word 'fool' had slowly disintegrated into the pattern of light gray lines that were weaved into his body. But the dark mark stayed there innocently. His initial hesitancies slowly diminished and he started welcoming various aspects of Happiness his new life introduced him to. Draco had finally learned to smile in his victory over his demons that Voldemort inducted into him. He was never a death eater and he deserved to be happy. He then and there swore to himself that he was going to make sure that the ghosts and shadows of their past would never affect his son's childhood.
He saw a nurse entering the nursery and decided to visit how Hermione was doing. He then distastefully looked at the white bedding Scorpius was lying in. He immediately wished how wonderful it would be if it was in green. He waved away and walked towards the love of his life.
But if he had waited for one more second, he would have seen the white bedding slowly changing into a green.
The End