Marriage, Muggle Life, and Babies
Chapter 38: Baby Mine
By jessebelle
A/N: Okay, I didn't mean to leave you guys hanging that long, but, a whole bunch of stuff happened, like, at the moment I'm on vacation visiting my grandma in VA and at the end of this week I'll be in NY visiting my grandpa. So, I'm a little busy. I'm with my dad so I'm a bit more relaxed to write, but I don't always have the time. I'm pretty sure this is the chapter that you've been waiting for since the beginning of the story. I'll get on with it but if some stuff is changed or you remember something being different, don't worry, I didn't screw up, I plan/have gone through the story and fixed a few things. The main thing is that Ginny isn't nine months pregnant, she's like 7 ½ or 8 months. So, give her some time for the babe to be born. I have a few things planned for the Potter family. :0) Also, this chapter isn't going to include the house point totals, but rest assured, I'll figure them in for the next chapter. This one has to end like it is, sorry.
Now, the moment you've all been waiting for…… Baby Malfoy is to be born! Yay!
Toodles, jessebelle
By the way, this chapter is dedicated to my mother Lisa Hamre, whom I'd surely die without. She's a wonderful woman and she's the best mom I could ever ask for. The song that you'll read is my special song and this chapter's extremely close to my heart. Mom, I love you, and I miss you so much. (I'm miles away from her) So, happy reading and I hope you enjoy it.
Draco stood frozen. "What?" His voice cracked.
Hermione took a deep breath and pointed down. He looked and saw a puddle on the floor. When he looked back up at her, she repeated what she'd said. "I said, I'm pretty sure my water broke. And I've been having some pains, like a stomach ache. Draco, I think it's time." All around them, couples and friends were celebrating the New Year. Hermione and Draco were the only ones not cheering and talking loudly about resolutions. She looked up at Draco and saw his look of fear. He looked terrified. Meanwhile, she felt another twinge and winced.
Draco snapped out of his stupor. "Merlin, we need to get you home and we need to get you in bed. Are you sure it's not false?" He sounded worried and hopeful.
Hermone opened her mouth to tell him 'no' but he didn't even let her answer. He started to pace. "Okay, it's time. The baby's coming. The baby's coming!" His eyes widened. "The Baby's Coming!!!" He paused for a moment. "What do I do, what to do? Gotta get Cordelia, she can get us home. Oh Merlin, the baby's coming." He continued to pace while muttering to himself. His eyes were wide and every other sentence she could hear 'baby' and 'coming!'. Figuring it could take a while, Hermione gently eased herself into a chair. The 'contractions' weren't too close together so she knew she had time. And she feared her boyfriend was going insane. She watched as he seemed to slip out of his madness and how he left her to go get, she assumed, Cordelia. When he slipped away, she sighed, held on to her stomach, and laid back. Hopefully she'd be done with the 'labor' soon.
Cordelia broke from her kiss with Ron to turn to the blond who'd interrupted. "Yes Draco, you need something?" She noticed he looked, like he'd been to hell and back. She noticed his wide eyes and his haggard look.
He nodded. "Yes. Need you. Drive home. Now."
Cordelia shared a look with her boyfriend and they both nodded. Even Ron was worried when Draco spoke in his broken sentences. "Draco, mate, I need you to tell us what's going on so we can help you." Ron removed himself from Cordelia and walked next to the blonde.
"Time."
Ron's brow furrowed. "Time for what?" Cordy's eyes widened a bit.
"Baby. Coming."
Ron's face showed shock. "Hermione's in labor? We need to get home. Cordelia, can you drive us back?"
The redhead nodded. "Yeah, go find Harry and Ginny and let them know what's going on. We can't bring them with, but they should be able to get a ride with someone."
Ron nodded and took off. Cordelia turned to Draco. "Okay, let's go."
Draco grabbed her hand and pulled her along. They met up with the worried faces of Ron, Harry, and Ginny.
"Will she be okay?" Harry was worried for his best friend.
Cordy nodded. "Yeah, we just need to get home." She pulled out her car keys. Ginny took over leading Draco
On the couch, Hermione watched in amusement as her friends all met up at the door and talked, before walking out the front door. Since she was by the picture window, she peeked through the curtains and watched as they all climbed into Cordelia's beetle and took off. She mentally started to count to see how long it would take them to remember that they'd left her.
She was surprised to see it only took them to get to the end of the few blocks before she saw the break lights come on as they came to a quick stop. They burned rubber as they did a close u-turn and turn around. She laughed out loud as the car came to a halt in front of the house and Harry and Ron jumped out, followed by Ginny. She saw Cordelia in the car trying to calm her 'husband' down. She watched as her two best friends raced up the sidewalk to the house and she turned to the door of the house to see it be flung open. Then, Ron and Harry both came in panting and looking around widely for her. It was Ron who spotted her, and he came running over to the couch.
"Hermione, we're so sorry, it was just the shock and-"
"Hermione, are you okay?" Harry asked as he leaned over, panting in front of her.
She nodded and smiled. "I'm fine, it was actually pretty funny watching you guys stop, turn around and come get me. Now, are you going to escort this pregnant woman in labor?"
Both Ron and Harry each helped her stand and each took guard on either side of her. Party guests watched on in wonder as she was escorted from the party. Fred and George had left earlier, and the other guests guessed what had happened. With her best friends' arms around her and her head resting on Ron's shoulder, she felt as if she could do anything. All she needed now was her Draco, and her wish was granted as he met her at the door, perfectly normal, yet still worried.
"Mione, I'm so sorry for freaking out."
She smiled. "Don't worry, right now I'm so freaked out that I've bypassed the panic stage. Let's just get me home, alright?"
Draco sighed a sigh of relief and took up Harry's position on her right. He gave her a kiss. She closed her eyes and rested forehead to forehead with him and smiled. "Let's go have this baby."
They noticed immediately that there was something wrong with the picture when they, finally, got upstairs to Gryffindor floor. All of the adults/chaperones where there and waiting for them. The skirt was already out and there was no sign anywhere that they'd been celebrating the new year. As a matter of fact, they looked worried and like they'd expected this to happen. While Hermione looked back on it, she realized they did. But at the moment, she really didn't care.
"It's time." Those simple words spurred everyone into action. In a matter of moment, she found herself changing into the nasty skirt and being rushed to her uncles apartment. From gathering bits and pieces of information from everyone she concluded that it'd already been set up to act as a 'hospital room'. Draco was by her side the entire time, along with Ron and Harry. She'd also gathered that Fred and George weren't present because they'd gone to pick up Ginny from the party. All of the adults hovered around worrying and making sure everything ran smoothly. It seemed that Molly and Remus were in charge of her delivery.
Her uncles room wasn't like she'd expected it to be. While she had visited him a lot of time at Hogwarts, she noticed that the décor here wasn't the same as his apartment at the school. Here, there was color, and not just green. The bed was a queen sized bed, which made her give her uncle a look. The sheets had been set up so they were white instead of the black ones she saw neatly folded in the corner. The room itself was painted a nice shade of green, but there were other colors accenting in. She didn't have time to take in the rest of the room as she found herself suddenly in the bed with her 'guys' hovering around her. Her uncle stood watch in a chair next to the bed and Narcissa was next to him. They held hands and she could tell they were drawing comfort from each other.
When the chaos finally stopped, she took a deep breath and rested her head on the pillow. She closed her eyes and tried to relax, and within moments she was asleep.
"Alright, as you probably already know, Hermione's in labor. Sev has decided he wants to use his room for the delivery. It's bigger then most, but we can't have everyone in there. You'll all get to see her, but right now I'd like to get the main people who'll be in there.
Draco is obvious and I'm sure wild horses couldn't drag him away from her. Myself and Remus need to be there to help her with the delivery. Severus, like Draco won't leave her side for reasons that I completely understand. Cissa being the grandmother would also like to be there. Now, nothing against any one of you, but I'm sure that Hermione would also like Ron and Harry to be there. I know you're all friends and close to Hermione, but I think you'll all agree that they should be by her side. And if you don't agree, well, you try telling them that they have to leave."
As Molly said this, everyone laughed. Everyone there understood the truth behind her words. She smiled. "Now everyone else can wait in our makeshift waiting room, the living room." She gestured to the guys' living room that had mysteriously been cleaned. She was talking to the people that weren't in with Hermione as she slept. Ginny, the twins, Sirius, Remus, Cissa, Cordelia, and Serena. Percy had elected to stay back in Ron and Cordy's apartment with Anyanka.
"Now that that's been said, we wait." And she plopped down next to her fiancé and friends.
When Hermione woke, the room was dark except for a little light on her bedside. She heard snoring coming from her sides. Draco was on her right side, Ron was curled up on her left, his arm around her belly, and Harry was at the foot of the bed. They were all asleep. The clock next to the bed read 4 am. The only other person in the room was her uncle, and he was awake.
"Hey."
She watched him smile as he opened his eyes. "Hello to yourself. I take it you're tired?"
Hermione smiled at him. "Yes, being pregnant like this, let alone in labor doesn't make for staying up too late. What's happened since I've been asleep?"
Severus sat forward and rolled his eyes at Ron's sleeping form. "Well, you've been checked on multiple times. People have been going in and out since three. From what Molly and Remus told me, the twins headed back to Miss Evan's apartment, Ginny won't leave but is fast asleep in Remus' bed, and all of the adults are in the next room trying to keep each other awake by reminiscing about old times."
Hermione nodded. "Yes, and what about all of you?"
He took a deep breath. "We've been here as long as you have."
"You mean you haven't left, why?"
Severus sat back and steepled his fingers. "Draco and your other haves haven't left for obvious reasons, they're deeply worried about you and they don't want to miss anything."
"And you?"
Severus closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He opened them and stared at his niece taking in her features. Exhaling, he began. "Seventeen years ago I was in this same position. I sat next to my sister's bedside and watched as she went through labor to bring you into the world."
Hermione's face took on a look of realization but Severus continued his tale. "You were born at the manor we lived at. Our friends were in and out keeping Sarah company. Obviously she was in a lot more pain then you are now, but with the help of our friends, our family, it kept her mind off of what was truly happening. Serena wasn't present, as she was in America finishing her medi-witch schooling. Lily was a medi-witch, having completed her schooling at Hogwarts under Madame Pompfrey. Molly was assisting." Severus' eyes closed as he recounted the past and the worst day of his life.
"I was anxious, I couldn't wait for you to be born, I had this dream of helping raise you and taking care of my beautiful niece. Back then I wasn't as, dreary as I am now. I was young and, if I dare say, innocent. The horrors of my past were all nightmares, not reality like they are now. I was, as Lily put it, bouncing off the walls. Sarah thought I was acting hilarious, but Cissa, Molly, and Lily didn't think I was acting proper or," he paused to search for the right word, "appropriate enough to be in the delivery room. She had Pot- James take me out and he and the rest of the marauders take me outside while we waited. We watched the boys as we waited. Besides the infants we had all of the Weasleys to take care of as well. I remember even then those twins were trouble makers.
I was holding Harry when it happened. Cissa came outside and we could all tell by her face something was wrong. She-" His voice broke and Hermione could hear the distress as he retold the tale.
"Uncle Severus do you-"
He took a deep breath. "No, I have to keep going. I haven't talked about it since it happened." The moonlight of the full moon streamed through the window and she could she the shine of his tears on his face. "Cissa came out to get us. She didn't want to cause panic, but it was exactly what she did. I knew, I knew that it was bad. James took Harry and Remus and Sirius rounded up the kids. Cissa took me by the arm and pulled me inside. When we got outside the room, she stopped me. She said 'Sev, something's happened. Lily and Molly are doing all they can to fix it, but' she had started to cry, 'the chances aren't good.'
And then panic overtook me. 'was it the baby?' I was so scared something had happened to you, I didn't even imagine it was about Sarah. Cissa had just shook her head. She warned me it wasn't a pretty sight in there, and then we went in."
Severus' voice was choked up. Hermione had already started to cry a while ago. But her uncle continued his tale. "There was so much blood. Potion bottles were everywhere. She was trying everything to make everything better. Molly was trying not to panic as she assisted Lils, but it was hard, so hard. Cissa had run out of the room to Sirius, and I just stood there, stock still. It was Sarah that got my attention. Her face was relaxed and she called out to me, calm as could be. 'There's my favorite brother. Come over here so I can talk to you Sevvie.' I went over to her, but it was like my feet were made of lead. I sat next to her and grasped her hand. And she did the unthinkable, she smiled at me. She was dieing and she smiled!" He paused and took a ragged breath.
"She had me lean over so she could talk to me. Meanwhile, Lily had resorted to muggle medicine. Then she started to talk. She brought up old stories of the good times when we were younger and our tales of Hogwarts. She joked and laughed and tried her hardest to get me to smile. But I couldn't, not then. Then she took this sobering breath and the mask she had drifted away a bit. She was still calm, mind you, but her face had a sadness I'd never seen before on her and I could see she was scared, terrified even, but not of death, she was worried about you.
Then she began to talk. 'Sevvie, I know I'm not going to make it, it's my time.' I tried to argue but she wouldn't have any of it. I said that Lily would fix everything, but she explained that in her heart, Lily already knew it was hopeless, she was just trying to work out her fears and frustrations as she tried to make it all better, but she couldn't. You see, they'd already put a safety bubble around you, which they do in every wizarding birth, but something had happened. The medical examiner had said that Sarah's body just wasn't ready for childbirth. Her muscles and organs tore, causing her to bleed internally and for her birth canal to be blocked with blood. Only a miracle could have saved her. But, she still remained calm in the face of death. 'Big brother, I want you to be happy, I don't want you to become a grumpy old man that doesn't smile or have fun, do you really want to turn into Grandfather Sebastian? I need you to do something for me though.' I didn't hesitate to reply that I'd do anything for her, she joked 'even kiss James?'
I didn't rise to the joke. Then her face became serious. 'Sev, right now I'm dieing, nothing can save me, but, for every death is a new life. Right now there's a baby girl inside of me that is going to live. She's going to be beautiful, intelligent, and everything I dream of. But unfortunately, she's going to have to grow up without me. Sev, I know everyone here will help take care of her, but I need you to promise that you'll watch over her, raise her, and protect her from all of the bad things of the world. I know you plan to get married to Serena someday and have your own kids, but I'm asking you to take care of her.'
I didn't even have to think about it. I agreed immediately, there was no way that anyone could stop me from taking care of you, or so I thought at the time. Sarah, she smiled at me. 'thanks big brother. If you don't mind though, I'd like to give her something, something she'll have with her always, her name.' I it was a request that no one could deny, nor did we want to. Then Lily said it was time. I held her hand as she pushed. It was a horrific sight, all of the blood, Merlin, I even saw one of her organs pass out. Then, came you in this bubble, safe and content, sucking your thumb. I made a choice then, one I'm sad to say I regret. I chose to go help Molly care for you. I was the first to hold you, I cut your cord, and I helped clean you up. Then, I brought you over to your mother. Sarah looked horrible, clamy and pale, but she had a smile on her face. She took you from my arms and held you while you fussed. Then she sang you a lullaby. As she sang, her voice became quieter and harder to hear. Her breath was raggad, but she sang, to you, to all of us. The older Weasleys knew what was happening and took care of the kids while the adults came in the room to say their good byes. And your mother sang like the angel she was about to become. Finally the song ended. She smiled gave everyone of us a kiss and a goodbye. And when she came to me she said, 'Sevvie, I love you, I'll always love you, and I'd like for you to be happy. I'm going on to the next adventure, and I'll be waiting for you with open arms. I'll watch over you and everyone else, and I expect to see you happy mister, that's an order. I also will watch as you take care of the angel in my arms. Remember, I'll always be with you, in your heart, as long as you remember me and the good times.' Then she kissed me.
Taking her last, deep breath, she smiled, kissed you and said, 'goodnight baby girl, good night my Hermione.' and then she passed on."
Hermione cried along with her uncle as he shook with sobs. They cried for her mother, Sarah Snape, they cried for Lily and James, and they cried for all of the horror in the world. Severus reached over and grabbed her in a tight hug. Neither of them noticed Ron had rolled to the foot of the bed and was lying with Harry, nor did they notice that Draco had also moved down there with him.
After all of the tears had been cried, he held her and rocked her. He kissed her head and took a deep breath before ending the story. "So you see, I wasn't able to grant your mother's dieing wish, and it haunts me every day. But now, now I get a chance to make up for that. I love you Hermione, remember that, always, and your mother loved you too. I suspect she's watching over us right now, telling anyone who'll listen up there what a big softie I am."
Hermione snorted and smiled before grabbing her stomach. "Ow!"
Severus let her go and checked her over. "What's wrong?"
She smiled. "Just a contraction. It feels like I have a really bad stomach ache."
Sev gave her a small smile. "Well, it only gets worse from here."
She gave him a look. "Gee, thanks." Then she pulled him into another hug. Resting her head on his shoulder, she whispered into his ear. "I love you Uncle Severus, and you haven't failed me. My mother was right, you need to move on now. Think of this baby as a new start, a new start as Grampa Sev."
He only hugged her closer and she could tell how the words touched him. Yawning, Hermione pulled away.
"You should try to get some sleep while you can. If I remember right, the last couple of hours are the worst."
Giving him a wry smile, she yawned and closed her eyes. As she fell into the land of dreamland, she heard very clearly, a woman's voice that filled her with contentedness. "Goodnight baby girl, sleep well my Hermione."
The next time Hermione woke up it was to a constant pain in her stomach and lower regions. She could tell there were other people in the room and she could here them whispering.
"Look at them, they're all so cute." (Narcissa)
"I know, it's like only yesterday they were all asleep like that in their crib. Did you get the pictures Remus?" (Molly)
"Yes dear." (Remus)
"Isn't it sweet Sev, they're all curled up like that?" (N)
"Yeah Sevvie boy, isn't it sweet?" (Sirius)
"Shut it mutt, and yes Cissa, it is sort of, cute, except for the fact that my niece is in bed with three males." (Sev)
"Oh get over it Sev." (Serena) Hermione heard a thwacking sound and her Uncles 'oof' and a few male chuckles. Like with what they were saying, she could distinctly feel three male bodies curled up at her sides. Debating on whether to open her eyes or not, her body gave the deciding vote as her stomach received another jolt of pain.
Her eyes popped open and her hands made their way to her stomach. Immediately the whispering stopped. "Hermione, are you okay?"
Taking a deep breath she nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine, just hurts is all." Immediately they relaxed and she realized that it wasn't just her uncle who was receiving bad memories due to her situation. Hermione looked away from the group of adults and had to smile as she saw what position she and her 'boys' were in. Draco was once again curled up to her right side holding her as tight as he could, Ron was on her left side spooning her and his hand and Draco's were joined as they sandwiched her. Harry was on the other side of Ron, spooning the redhead, his arm laying on her stomach. She could imagine what their reactions would be when they woke up.
Taking another deep breath, she turned to the adults. "So, what's going on?"
Molly smiled. "Well dear, right now it's a quarter after six. Your 'labor' is progressing nicely and we should have a new baby around here pretty soon. When I came in to check on you I found you all like this and I had to call everyone in."
"Not a problem. So, there's nothing wrong?"
Molly's face reflected sadness, but she smiled. "No dear, no complications, not that there could be in a simulation like this. So no worries. Everyone, I think maybe we should move out of here so Hermione can wake the guys."
"I'm not-"
"I know Sev, but you can pretend you're sleeping so the boys aren't too embarrassed. Remember how you felt all those times you fell asleep in bed with us girls?"
Hermione's eyes widened in amusement and shock as she took in the blush forming on her uncle's cheeks. "Yes, well, I'll just take a short nap." He walked over to the chair he'd been sitting in and sat down while closing his eyes. Hermione received a few goodbyes before the door closed and she was left with her boyfriend and her two best friends. She knew for a fact that all three were hard to wake, so, she resorted to nasty measures.
"Oh Merlin, the baby's coming." immediately Draco's eyes popped open and he sat up quickly, though his hand was still tangled with Ron's. Ron himself had also done the same and he was looking around wildly before his gaze, and Draco's met their joined hands. Both looked up and stared at each other, their hands, then they pulled their hands apart faster then you could say quidditch.
"Hermione, what about the baby?"
"Are you okay sweetie?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine and I'm hitting the last stage of the labor, and I must say it's really painful. I just wanted to wake you up before anyone came in and saw you all curled up like that."
"You mean no one's seen?" Ron's eyes matched Draco's with so much hope that Hermione had to lie.
"No, no one's been in here and Uncle Severus is asleep." the aforementioned uncle gave a snort that made them all jump.
"So you just wanted us awake?"
Hermione smiled tightly at Draco. "Yeah, thought you might provide some kind of support instead of sleeping your way through our child's birth."
Draco's face showed shock. Ron tried not to laugh. Hermione, realizing what she said covered her mouth with her hand. "Oh, Draco, I'm so sorry. It's the pain and hormones talking."
Draco nodded carefully and cautiously sat up. Ron just grinned and looked down at the still sleeping Harry. "So, any ideas how to wake dead boy up?"
Hermione smirked. "One, let's see if it works. Harry! Ginny's in labor and she says if you aren't there right away she's leaving you."
Harry just snorted and turned on her side. Hermione's mouth dropped. "Why that little pig! Merlin, men are such insensitive idiots."
Both Draco and Ron both opened their mouths to defend their species, before wizening up and comically closing them. Draco shook his head before his eyes lit up. "I have an idea. Hey Potter, Snape's given you a lifetime ban from quidditch and your firebolt is chained in his office being guarded by trolls"
This time Harry reacted, but not much. His sleeping features now showed worry and distress. This time both all of their mouths dropped.
Then Ron grinned. "I got it. Harry, you're playing quidditch with Malfoy and he's wearing a bikini with little white ferrets on them. And he just caught the snitch!"
Harry's eyes popped open and he sat straight up. "NOOOOOOOOO!"
Hermione and Ron fell into laughter and in his chair, Snape's mouth twitched. Draco however looked offended. "Hey! That wasn't nice. I'm sure I'd look great in a bikini and the ferret thing was too much. And I will beat you someday, I'm just luring you into a false sense of security."
Ron snorted. "Yeah, right."
Harry's heart was racing as he looked from side to side. Finally, gasping for breath, he collapsed against Ron. "I just had the worst dream. What's happening."
Ron shared a grin with everyone. "Well, mate, Hermione's in labor and she woke us up to keep her company and junk. Also, she'd getting a little testy."
"Ronald Weasley!" Ron ducked his head and muttered, "see," through the corner of his mouth to Harry.
"Do you realize the amount of pain I'm going through? No? Well, let me explain it." All three men froze in horror, but they were reprieved as Hermione gasped in pain. Instantly they were on her with worry.
"Are you okay?" "What's wrong?" "Do I need to get someone?"
Hermione shook her head and winced. "No, the pain is getting to be a bit much though. Let's talk about something, I need to get my mind off of it."
They all nodded. "So, have you thought of any names?" Harry was curious.
Hermione and Draco's eyes widened. "Names?"
Ron smirked. "Yeah, you know, what you're going to call the kid. I think Ronald is a good strong name for a boy, doncha think?"
Harry scoffed. "No, Harry or Harold's much better. And you can call her Harriet if it's a girl."
Draco shook in horror. "No kid of mine is going to be named after you two, at least not directly. No, I think my boy is going to be named Draco jr."
Hermione rose her eyebrow. "What makes you so sure it's going to be a boy?"
Draco looked horrified that she suggested anything else of the sort. "All first born children of the Malfoy's have been boys. And my son is going to be a brilliant Slytherin, he'll be the best quidditch player, he'll be so intelligent with us for parents, and he'll-"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down there, what do you mean every first born Malfoy is a son?"
Draco froze as he realized what he'd said. "Well, honey, darling, love of my life, what I mean is, is that an heir is to be born and it's pretty much always a son. So, it's a boy!"
Hermione's eyes narrowed. "Oh really, then why did we get all those things for the nursery in neutral colors? Hmm, if you were so sure it was a boy then why didn't it all come in blue? And what makes you so sure this baby is going to be in Slytherin?"
"Well, I mean-"
Sensing an argument that could lead to something like another world war, Severus yawned loudly and 'woke up' to intervene. "Hermione, how are you feeling?"
Hermione turned to her uncle and smiled. "I'm in pain, but other then that I'm okay. Did you sleep well?"
Severus nodded with a smirk. "Oh, brilliant, like a log."
Just then the door opened and Narcissa and Molly came in. "Oh, you're all up. Hermione dear, I'm just going to check and see how far along the baby is. It'll give us an estimate of when the baby should arrive."
Narcissa walked over to Draco and fussed him while Molly went to the foot of the bed. With her wand out, she placed in on the fabric on the inside of the skirt. Muttering an incantation, she nodded satisfied. "Good, good. Not to long to go, I'd wager another hour or so. Hermione, the pain you'll feel should be somewhere at a standstill until it's time for the actual delivery. Right now I'm guessing that the 'contractions' are very close together?"
Hermione nodded with a wince. Molly looked sympathetic. "I know dear. Now, since you're finally awake I can ask some questions. Have you felt any pressure at all?"
Hermione nodded. "Yeah, it's really uncomfortable."
Molly nodded. "That's normal. So, I'll check on you in another half hour and if you need me, yell. I suggest that you try and keep yourself occupied while you wait. Have fun." And she left, along with Cissa.
Hermione groaned. "Have fun she tells me, you have fun as you're in pain."
It was seven thirty and Hermione and Draco were on the bed arguing over baby names. Hermione herself was pouring over books and Draco was trying to come up with good, strong, Malfoy family names, but only for boys. In her head, Hermione was praying to Merlin that this baby would be a girl between the frequent stabs of pain. Harry and Ron were occupying themselves with cards and Severus was just sitting, watching, trying to overcome the memories of his past.
The door opened again and this time it was Narcissa, Molly, and Remus. The werewolf walked over to Severus and began to chat lightly with him, hoping to keep his mind off of the scene that was to come. Narcissa went and sat next to her son and Hermione. She started to suggest other names that Draco had forgotten. Molly took in the semi-calm scene dreading what she had to do. Walking to the foot of the bed, she shooed Ron and Harry out of the way.
"Hermione, I'm going to check you again, hopefully we'll have some progress."
Narcissa's eyes widened and she remembered what had happened when her chaperone had told her that. She quickly started to pick up the books and things, confusing her son.
Remus placed a hand on Severus' shoulder, using his enhanced strength to keep him there. He watched as his fiancé closed her eyes and took a deep breath before placing her wand in Hermione's skirt. His super hearing allowed him to hear the muttered words beneath her breath. "Iunctum Partus Puerperium" (A/N: I don't know if it's right or not, but basically means to bring upon childbirth or cause a birth. If anyone knows the correct Latin translation for something like that, put it in a review or e-mail me with it and I'll gladly fix it. Thanks)
The effects were almost instant. On the bed, Hermione's eyes widened in shock and agony, suddenly, the pain had gotten much worse. Next to her, Draco became aware of her pain and scooted closer to her. He then did the worse thing he could possibly do, at least for him, he held her hand.
"OWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!" It was hard to tell just who was screaming. Harry and Ron had thrown their cards at the first yell and were immediately by Hermione's sad. Looking from Draco's hand to her other hand, neither opted to take hold of it.
Narcissa winced as her son screamed in pain. Molly's features were one of guilt. Remus was trying his hardest to keep Severus from Hermione. Hermione's eyes filled with tears as she finally stopped screaming and fell back on her pillow. "What was that?"
Molly's heart sank at her teary question. "Well dear, that is the last contraction, basically, you're going to have your baby right away."
Draco's eyes widened and he forgot about his hand. "Really?" Molly nodded with a smile. Draco grinned and he leaned over and kissed Hermione's sweaty forehead. "Did you hear that luv? We're going to have a baby."
Hermione, even though she was still in pain, couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, Drake, I heard it." then her features took on a look of pain. "Ohhhhhh!"
Molly snapped into action. "Ronald, Harry, come over here. I want each of you to hold one of her legs up. Yeah, that's it." Ron took the left side and Harry took the right. Both didn't even complain as they did what they were told. Draco stayed up with Hermione. He'd gotten over his shock and comforted his 'wife' as she went through the pain to bring him a family.
Narcissa winced as she remembered the feeling of the mock labor, and then the real labor. She traded places with Remus, who now had to assist Molly. "Sev, don't worry, it's only fake, nothing will happen, I promise. I'm right here if you need me."
Severus tore his eyes away from his niece and looked up into the face of his childhood friend. He grabbed the hand that was on his shoulder. "I know, but I can't help being scared Ciss."
The blond woman smiled. "I know, but just think, soon you're going to be a grampa, and oh Merlin I'm too young to be a grandmother." Severus smirked and turned back to Hermione, as did Narcissa.
"Shh, love, I know it hurts-"
"YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS BLOODY FEELS LIKE!"
"I know, and right now you're the bravest woman I know. Just think, in a few moments we'll be parents."
"WHY COULDN'T THE STORK HAVE JUST COME?"
"because you're a girl Hermione-"
"I WANT A BLOODY SEX CHANGE THEN!"
"Sweetie-"
"DON'T YOU SWEETIE ME, YOU GIT! I HATE YOU. IT'S ALL YOUR BLOODY FAULT!"
"Now Hermione-"
"DON'T EVEN TRY IT MISTER! YOU GOT ME INTO THIS MESS!"
"Herm-"
"DON'T TOUCH ME!"
Severus grinned. "You tell him Hermione!"
"I NEVER WANT YOU WITHIN A 100 YARDS OF ME. YOU HEAR ME, NEV- Owwwwwww!"
Everyone in the room tried not to laugh as Hermione cursed out Draco. Molly however, remained calm, or as calm as she could be, and prepared to deliver the newest Malfoy. "All right Hermione, this is it. You can push if you want to, it'll speed it along-"
"I NEED TO PUSH!!!" and she did. Hermione closed her eyes and grabbed Draco's hand again. She bared down with all her might and her face started to change colors.
"OW! OW! OW! OW! OW! OW! OW! OW! OW!!!!" Draco and Hermione both started chanting.
Molly grimaced. "- but it'll hurt more. Remus, get ready."
Hermione stopped pushing and collapsed on the bed. Molly got a blanket ready and prepared to catch the baby. Narcissa and Severus were both holding on each other and trying not to hurt each other. Harry and Ron were trying hard not to faint as they held Hermione's legs.
Draco had his arms around her. Getting a signal from Molly, he leaned down and talked to his 'wife.' "Hermione, I know it hurts-" He paused to wait for her reaction but there was none. He continued. "but you need to push again. I'm right here with you, take my hand." He held his throbbing limb out to her and tried not to cry as she took it. "Take a deep breath, there you go, and on a count of three, push. Ready, 1.…2.….3, push!"
Hermione grunted as she bared down with all her might. Molly watched with Remus as the skirt started to materialize the baby. Slowly the head formed and she shared a grin with her fiancé. "Hermione, I can see it's head. You're doing good. That'a girl."
Hermione let out the breath she was holding and took a deep inhale. "GET IT OUT OF ME!! GET IT OUT OF ME!!!!!"
"Push Mione!" (Ron)
"You're almost there!" (Harry)
"I love you baby." (Duh!)
Giving it her all, she gave one last push, then a baby's cries filled the room. "Waaaaa!"
Hermione collapsed back with relief. Draco watched his newborn child as Molly held it up. Tears ran down his face, from pain or joy we don't know, and he held Hermione tight. "We did it, you did it. We're parents."
Hermione also cried and she lifted her hands and squeezed him. "I love you so much. I'm sorry about your hand." Draco just laughed.
Molly and everyone else in the room grinned at the couple. Ron and Harry gently let Hermione's legs down and separated. Ron went right to Hermione's other side to make sure she was okay. Harry choose to go to Remus and check on the baby.
"Wow, Mione, that was amazing."
Hermione pulled away from Draco and smiled at her best friend. "Come here, doofus."
Ron grinned and leaned down and gave her a hug. "Love you Mione."
"Love you too, Ron."
Harry took the now clean baby from Remus and walked over to his friends. He coughed to get there attention and held the newborn out to it's parents. "May I now present the newest addition to the Malfoy family. Congratulations guys, it's a girl."
Draco took his daughter from Harry. "Thanks mate." and he took in her squalling face. He turned to Hermione. "We have a girl, a beautiful girl." He handed her down to her mother. Ron and Harry backed away from the couple, as did everyone else.
Draco sat on the bed adjacent to Hermione as she held the baby. He leaned over and kissed both of his girls. Tears ran down both of their faces. Hermione kissed her 'husband' then looked down at her crying baby girl. Hermione smiled and started to sing.
"Baby mine, don't you cry.
Baby mine, dry your eyes.
Rest your head close to my heart,
Never to part, Baby of mine." She continued to sing and at the sound of her mother's voice, she started to quiet. In his chair, Severus just cried, as did all the adults in the room. He wasn't sure if she knew, but Hermione was singing the exact song her mother had sung to her. Remus walked over and opened the door. Everyone that had been waiting patiently outside filed in. Serena changed places with Narcissa, whom Sirius had taken in his arms. Ron held his arms out to Cordelia, whom had arrived earlier along with Anyanka. Harry walked over to Ginny and hugged her tight. Molly was already in Remus' arms. And the remaining Weasleys, Percy, George and Fred, all just basked in Hermione's voice. Draco gently held his girls. And Hermione sang to everyone and her precious daughter.
"But you're so, precious to me, cute as can be, baby of mine."