As it ended up working out, Harry and Theo offered to investigate the Rose with Julian and Sydney which meant that Hermione returned home much to Draco's delight and her chagrin. When they'd entered Malfoy Manor, Narcissa was waiting with a hug for Hermione, to her surprise. When Lucius informed his wife that Hermione was pregnant with the next Malfoy heir the Malfoy Matriarch was beside herself with emotion. Draco immediately called for the family Healer, who confirmed that Hermione was indeed five weeks pregnant and that he would return in early July to check on her again. Prenatal potions were left along with anti-nausea potions should morning sickness arrive before he returned. Apparition was not recommended unless it was an emergency, but port-key travel was fine until the third trimester. Floo travel was best.
The first day home, Draco insisted that Hermione stay with him at the Manor until Theo returned and new wards were placed around Nott Manor. Draco was very attentive and by the third day back, he was starting to get on Hermione's nerves a bit, but she understood it was because he'd been fearful of losing her and now with their baby, he was even more afraid of something happening to the both of them.
Narcissa had inquired about wedding dates almost immediately after the pregnancy had been announced and Hermione, who had just gotten used to being engaged, was now having to think about wedding plans because Merlin forbid the future heir of the Ancient and Noble House of Malfoy be born out of proper wedlock. Technically, they were already bonded. The Handfasting done on Beltane was a legal formality and in ancient times was utilized as a part of marriage rites. If you were handfasted for a year, your bonds were automatically sealed and registered within the Ministry of Magic but apparently, Narcissa Malfoy would not be denied having a proper wedding for her only son and heir, and Lucius would never deny his wife something she wanted. So Hermione had to put on a complacent smile, and let her future mother-in-law plan her wedding much to Draco's amusement.
"You're enjoying this aren't you...you evil little cockroach." Hermione snarled after Narcissa had come into breakfast that morning with fabric swatches and catering recommendations for the big day. The date was set for September 21st, Mabon or the autumnal equinox. Hermione would most likely not be showing that early on into her pregnancy, as she would be a little into her second trimester.
Draco laughed at his intended's discomfort. "Serves you right my love. You manipulated me into giving up naming rights for our son, so I think you deserve a little payback. My parents were both impressed and furious that you had manipulated me in such a way. I believe Father actually was far, far more impressed than he let on."
Hermione smirked. "What did you expect? I was imprisoned for three days without my wand. You forgot about the tracking charm? I didn't mean to forget about our dinner with your parents...which looking back now on this entire mess, was far less of a reason to be angry in my opinion."
"I know my love, and I'll say it again...I'm sorry for being such a prat. Potter pointed out to me how difficult this all must have been for you with my parents being who they are. I guess I was feeling insecure and I took it out on you."
Hermione nodded a bit reluctantly. She knew a thing or two about feeling insecure. The thoughts that had swirled through her mind while she'd been locked alone in that room in Italy hadn't been good ones. "I can understand that Draco. I've been feeling a bit of that myself lately."
Draco looked surprised by Hermione's admission. "I don't ever want you to feel that way, my love. I know we are going to fight, we've talked about it. But please don't ever doubt my love for you. When I'd found out you'd gone missing...I was devastated Hermione. I don't ever want to feel like that again."
Reaching for her fiancé, Hermione moved to sit on Draco's lap and kissed him reassuringly. "I was scared Draco, but I think I was more afraid that you wouldn't come for me."
Draco kissed Hermione again deeply before he looked her directly into her eyes and stated firmly, "You are never getting rid of me, Granger. I will always come for you and stand by your side. I know I'm not the easiest wizard to deal with, but please remember how much I love you."
"I know you love me Draco, and I love you too." Hermione sighed. "I admit, I'm a bit terrified at the thought of being a mother. I didn't think we'd be starting a family for at least a few years. But I'm excited too. I know our little witch or wizard will be the best of both of us."
Draco nodded thoughtfully as he had no doubt that their children would be formidable. "Why do you think Rambaldi had Dolohov kidnap you?"
Shrugging, Hermione admitted quietly, "I'm not sure. Rambaldi never showed himself, so I only had Dolohov's reaction to go by. I never asked, but I'd thought Dolohov and McNair had been sentenced to Azkaban before I left the Wizarding World eighth year. How did they escape?
Draco sighed and rubbed his face in irritation. "There was a mass breakout a year after you left. It was an inside job, two of the guards had family ties to former low level Death Eaters. They were incarcerated after the escape, but McNair, Dolohov, Rookwood and Rowle well...at least we know Dolohov and McNair are dead, but Rookwood and Rowle were not in San Cielo."
"So they might still be with Rambaldi?" Hermione inquired while Draco nodded in return.
"I do find it too much of a coincidence that Julian and Sydney were there at the same time though." Hermione offered. "Have you heard anything from Harry or Theo yet?"
Draco nodded once. "They contacted Kingsley this morning. They are due back sometime today and Kingsley wants us to meet tomorrow morning to go over everything. Luckily we were able to keep your abduction out of the press."
Hermione sighed in relief. "That's good." Hermione then paused momentarily. "Draco, I'm supposed to graduate in two weekends in Seattle. I'm planning on going...I'd like you to come with me."
Looking at his witch with a dubious expression on his face, Draco grimaced. "I really wish you would stay here Granger. I know you want to see your friends one last time, but I can't help thinking that until this Rambaldi mess is done, it isn't a good idea for you to return to Seattle."
"I was fine in the Muggle world, before I got sucked back into all the Wizarding World intrigue."
"Sure love...you keep telling yourself that." Draco smirked.
"Well, hopefully Harry and Theo will have good news because I am not missing my graduation. My friend Gemma is having a party afterwards and I fully intend on going."
"I'm not going to be able to convince you otherwise, am I...my stubborn witch."
"Nope." Hermione winked. "But I meant what I'd said. I'd love for you to come. Theo and Harry already said they would. I know you aren't a fan of the Muggle world, but it would be nice for my friends to meet my husband to be." Hermione grimaced momentarily upon thinking about Gemma and how confused she'd be at the sudden change of relationship status. "Hmmm...maybe on second thought, you should stay here."
"Why is that, Granger?" Draco asked forcefully.
"Well, the last time I saw Gemma, I was seeing Julian. She is acquainted with him from some of her Father's business dealings. She's quite fond of him actually and...she was very hopeful of Julian and I having a relationship. I'm not sure how she'd take meeting you. Snarky, ferrety, arrogant Malfoy..."
Draco scoffed loudly. He knew deep down Hermione was possibly trying to manipulate him into going, and part of him didn't want her to go back to Seattle even if Theo and Potter were going. But another part knew this was important to her, and therefore should be important to him. He looked at his witch who was watching him under her eyelashes and he smirked slyly. "I'll think about it. I may have to stay in England and work if Potter is planning on going."
Hermione tried not to look upset. The fact that Draco didn't flat out say 'no' was not lost on her. She refused to get angry or let him think he had the upper hand. "Whatever." She shrugged indifferently. "I'm sure Theo and Harry will be fine taking care of me and this little one here..." Hermione patted her stomach and grinned. "Don't you worry about it."
With that, Hermione got up from Draco's lap and walked out of the library to go and get ready for dinner. She knew on some level Draco was testing her...Slytherin's were so much work. But Hermione wasn't going to let Draco's issues cloud her desire to finish what she'd started three years ago. The need to graduate was more to honor her adoptive parents than her need to prove anything to herself. If her mum and dad were alive, they'd be there with bells on...cheering her on from the crowd. The thought brought tears to her eyes and she hastily wiped them away. Damn idiotic pregnancy hormones were already kicking in.
Draco watched his intended leave the room, and he felt a heaviness steal over his heart. He really didn't want to go to Seattle, but he didn't want Hermione to ever think that her goals and dreams weren't important to him. He didn't like being caged into a corner...making a decision before he'd had the chance to think about all the pros and cons. He instinctively knew if he didn't go, Hermione would never forgive him and it would feed into her insecurities over their relationship, and that was something he wouldn't ever forgive himself for. It seemed he had spent the better part of the last 10 years hurting her in some fashion or another. Calling her hateful names, names that turned out to be completely untrue. Wishing her dead, watching her being tortured...and yet, she still loved him, still saw the good within him and wanted to be with him. He really was an idiot sometimes...and completely undeserving of her in every way. He still hadn't gotten up the courage to ask about her scars and why she felt she couldn't share that with him. He'd seen the mudblood scar, but when Julian confronted him, he'd realized he hadn't noticed any of her other scars when they'd been together. What kind of fiancée did that make him? Fuck!