NEVER GIVE UP HOPE IN ANYTHING YOU DO! :)
THE END! :)
This chapter wasn't in my original plan, this is dedicated to a dear fan of the story! :)
I had a fun time writing this story and I truly hope everyone had a good time reading it. :)
A BIG THANK YOU! To everyone who followed and left encouraging feedback. It meant the world!
Enjoy Chapter Twenty Two!
Let me know your thoughts so far! Trust me, it helps loads! :) Stay safe beautiful people!
HAPPY READING! :)
2 years after marriage
Draco hurriedly walked past their wedding portrait. Hermione smiled brightly and Draco had his arm around her protectively, grinning as their friends threw flower petals at them.
They had a blissful marriage. The deep void he had felt all his life was gone, it was replaced by warmth and love. Despite the odds, they had survived.
He could clearly hear retching. This was the second day in a row. Stubborn Gryffindor refusing to go to St Mungo's. Draco had reached the end of his patience, he would carry her there if he had to.
Pushing the door open, he spoke softly, "Hermione, are you, ok love?" Crouching down, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and held her hair up as she violently became sick again.
Getting to her feet, Hermione rinsed her mouth and used a spell to clean it further, "Hmm..." she replied miserably.
Holding onto her head, she complained, "My head feels so heavy, and my mouth feels like something died in it."
Crawling into bed, she pulled the covers all the way to the top. Draco sat down next to his wife and rubbed her leg over the duvet.
"No work! I'll tell Kingsley myself if you force me. I will take the day off myself. We need to go to St Mungo's love. I'm officially worried," he said, concern dripping off each word, his face scrunched up in worry.
Smiling weakly, Hermione reached for Draco's hand.
"I want to do a pregnancy test," she told him seriously. It had been on her mind to do it but somehow never got around to it.
He was pleasantly surprised, "Oh...you think?"
"It's a possibility. I'm late anyway." She replied excitedly, despite her exhausted state.
Draco moved closer and placed his hand on her stomach, "You could be carrying my child right now?" He was beside himself with happiness.
Pushing him aside, she was already at the bathroom vomiting.
She had been sick for days and her mood swings were nasty and unpredictable. All consistent signs of pregnancy.
The night before, she had yelled at him for not throwing away an empty milk container while he stood frozen to the spot. Throwing away the container, she had hugged him, cried hysterically and apologized for yelling.
Following Hermione to the bathroom, Draco took out his wand eagerly, "Shall we do it now and find out?"
Too tired to argue, besides they had to find out, "Sure," she muttered feebly.
Draco helped Hermione up and placed her on the counter by the sink gently. Waving his wand over her, he muttered the incantation.
Dull grey mist surrounded her, turning bright red as it swirled around her and disappeared.
She was pregnant.
The biggest smiles split their faces. It was the best news, they were beyond thrilled.
Pulling her to him, Draco held onto Hermione tightly, kissing her face and holding her again.
"Thank you, my love!" He told her repeatedly against her hair.
Hermione looked at him curiously with a smile and said, "Thank you? You had a part in making this baby."
Breaking away, she headed for the shower with the parting words, "I think we need to go to a Healer now."
He was already pulling on a pair of jeans and a black shirt.
At St Mungo's
"Ah the Malfoys," said the tall slightly handsome Healer. His long hair was pulled back into a ponytail.
"Morning Healer Corner," Hermione said cheerfully.
"Good morning Hermione," he said smiling warmly, ignoring Draco completely.
"Michael, how are you?" Hermione inquired politely.
"Very well thanks, you look wonderful," Michael replied, taking her hand delicately to check her pulse.
Draco frowned, was he fucking invisible?
Clearing his throat, he said firmly, "My WIFE is pregnant, we came for the scan and possible delivery date."
"Could we possibly get another Healer who isn't a complete git?" Draco muttered, not exactly quiet.
"Draco!" Hermione yelled, completely scandalized.
Michael laughed, "Malfoys never change, arrogance is instilled in them."
Draco sneered, "Save it Corner."
Coming closer and prepping her, Michael sat by Hermione's side, "Are you ready?"
Smiling weakly, she nodded holding onto her husband's hand tightly. Her nails digging in, she felt him flinch, she loosened her grip slightly.
Michael squeezed her shoulder confidently, "Let's see how it is."
Draco kissed Hermione's knuckles, his eyes glued to the screen.
"Oh...," Michael said in surprise, he squinted at the screen at an angle.
Draco was losing his patience fast with this fucking moron.
"What?" He asked sternly, not bothering to conceal his annoyance.
Hermione's, concerned voice cut through the tension, "Michael what is it?"
Michael smiled at the couple and pointed at the screen, "Well...there's the baby...and...there's the other one."
In complete shock, Draco leaned forward, "What?"
Standing up Michael took out his wand, waving it the equipment moved aside and he smiled warmly at the expectant couple, "Congratulations, you're two months pregnant with twins."
Hermione's eyes widened in shock, her breathing hastened. TWINS!
"Twins?" Draco almost stammered having found his voice first.
"Yes, it's still the initial stages, so It's difficult to determine the sex of the children but there are two."
"THIS IS FUCKING AWESOME!" Draco bellowed.
Hermione finally found her voice, "Draco, keep your voice down."
"Sorry, oh this is great!" He said kissing his wife deeply and Michael averted his eyes.
Fed up with waiting, he coughed
They broke apart and smiled sheepishly at the Healer.
"You need to come in each month to monitor the progress and Malfoy since its twins her diet, supplements will be double the normal amount," Michael informed like he was instructing a child.
Draco was indignant, fucking Ravenclaw nitwit, "I can take care of her."
Rolling his eyes, Michael retorted, "Of course you can."
"Michael is there a potion for morning sickness?" Hermione asked timidly.
Rubbing her hand again, he replied, "Yes of course. It's a simple potion, one I'm sure Malfoy can manage." Michael looked at Draco amused.
The former Slytherin was fuming.
He was close to hammering this prick into the ground, "Give me the fucking ingredients Corner," he spat out viciously.
With a laugh, Michael left them.
Taking her hand, Draco told Hermione sternly, "We need a new healer."
Hermione laughed, "Michael is fine. He makes me feel comfortable."
Frowning Draco shook his head, "I don't want a man who fancies my wife down in her business."
Making a disgusted face, Hermione said, "That's revolting and Michael does not fancy me."
Back in their apartment, Draco poured a glass of orange juice for Hermione.
"Who do we tell first?" he asked. It was an important question and a scary one. They had to make sure no one would get hurt or offended.
"Oh Merlin, how about we have a small party and reveal it?" Hermione suggested. That way everyone found out together.
Draco straightened up happily, "A very good plan!"
Ginny was biting into her sandwich; Harry absentmindedly popped a chip into his mouth and Ron stuffed his face with pasta. Hermione was on her third chocolate milkshake.
Her cravings were kicking in and right now it was normal and doable. Chocolate, strawberries, and anything sour. Draco had been the best, tending to each and everything she needed without fuss.
"Are you guys free on Saturday?" Hermione asked her best friends.
A collective murmur of "Ya, no plans," came the reply to her question.
"Dinner at my place then," she informed them, sucking the last bit of chocolate from the bottom of her glass.
Ron raised an eyebrow, "What's the occasion?"
"Just shut up and show up at six pm," Hermione shot back sternly.
They exchanged looks of confusion at her angry response.
Draco was at the club. Hermione settled on the sofa. Dragging the remote towards her with her foot, she flicked the TV on and called her parents.
"Hi Mom," she said, the minute her mother answered.
"Will you bring dad and come over to our place on Saturday?" Hermione asked, trying hard not to spill the beans.
"Of course darling, is everything ok?" came her mother's reply.
"Yes mom, everything is perfect." She replied happily, lightly caressing her abdomen. Hermione loved touching her stomach, she marvelled at the life growing inside her.
Draco would do the same every night before they went to bed, whispering to their unborn children about how much he loved them already.
Theo and Blaise sat across Draco in the office above the club. They were enjoying a drink and catching up on the latest in Business and Quidditch.
Draco interrupted the conversation, "Are you fuckers free on Saturday?"
Theo replied first, "Ya, what's up mate?"
Blaise joined in, "No plans so far."
"Good, dinner at my place at six pm," Draco informed his best friends.
They exchanged a puzzled look, "Why?"
He raised an eyebrow at the pair, "Do I need a reason?"
"Drake, you always have a bloody reason but we will be there," Blaise replied with a laugh.
Draco got up, "I need to get home early tonight, you guys got this covered ya?"
Blaise nodded, "Sure mate, it's all good."
Apparating directly into their apartment, Draco found Hermione fast asleep on the couch, the TV on full volume.
The sight made his heart flutter, reaching over he switched off the Tv and bent to scoop up his witch. She snuggled against his chest and mumbled, "I missed you."
The next morning, Draco leaned back against the plush chair in his office and called his mother.
"Mother, we are having dinner at our place on Saturday. Will you and Bernard be present?" He asked politely.
"Of course son, but what is this about? Her mother was always cautious and concerned
Draco sighed and replied, "It's just dinner mother."
The day finally over, Draco was in the car and on the way to pick up Hermione.
"Bernard, did my mother mention dinner at our place on Saturday?" He inquired casually, looking at his phone.
"She did, is everything ok Draco?" Bernard asked, keeping his eyes firmly on the road.
What the fuck was wrong with everyone?
Keeping his temper in check, he replied for the third time, "Of course it is. We just wanted to host a party."
The big announcement
The doorbell rang, and Luna, Theo and Blaise walked into the apartment, handing over bottles of wine to Draco.
He went to the kitchen where Hermione was arranging the food and drinks.
"Everyone's here, do you want to tell them or should I? He asked, hugging her from behind and placing an airy kiss to her neck."
"It's best to get it out of the way. This lot think we are either getting divorced or dying," Draco added with a laugh.
Hermione looked like she was going to vomit, "I'm so nervous and I don't know why."
Putting his arm around her waist, Draco winked, "I got this." Hermione raised an eyebrow. Merlin, what the heck was he going to do?
Grabbing a knife, he clicked it against his glass. Everyone turned to face him. He had their undivided attention.
Flashing his smile at everyone, he started, "So no doubt everyone's wondering what tonight is about."
Everyone was nodding and exchanging concerned and surprised looks with one another.
"Hurry up Draco," Theo cried out.
Rolling his eyes, he took a deep breath and said, "We have wonderful news to share with the closest people in our life."
Draco tightened his hold around Hermione's waist, he boldly placed a hand protectively over his wife's abdomen.
The women gasped in shock. The men took a little time except for Bernard who smiled happily at Draco, his eyes clouding over with tears.
"We are officially pregnant!" Draco declared proudly, bending down to kiss Hermione. She cupped his face and returned the kiss enthusiastically.
There was a cry of congratulations and sighs of relief, as everyone made their way to wish the couple
Draco raised his glass once more, "Also, its twins!"
"Blimey, you got some swimmers Drake," Theo joked, shaking Draco's hand and bending down to hug Hermione.
Blaise rolled his eyes and elbowed Theo, "Congratulations mate."
Narcissa was beside herself with happiness, "Twins are rare in the Malfoy and Black bloodlines, but it is most wonderful."
"Oh, Darling!" Hermione's mother gushed around them and her father hugged Draco.
Ginny and Harry were ecstatic at the news, Luna and Ginny kept hugging Hermione repeatedly.
Ron hung back watching the happy couple. This could have been his life, he thought miserably for a second and his eyes locked with Hermione's. She seemed to be trying to read his reaction, smiling he walked over and put his arms around her.
"I am really happy for you," Ron whispered. He meant every word.
The two men shook hands firmly, "Thanks for coming Weasley, I know it means a lot to Hermione." Ron nodded with a smile, watching Hermione bubbling with happiness. It was all he ever wished for her.
Later that night, they lay in each other's arms. Hermione was reading a book on twin pregnancies. Draco looked over her shoulder at the book in mid interest.
Breaking the silence, he said, "At least we can have one child in each house."
Closing the book with a loud thud, she turned to face him, "They aren't even born yet and you're already thinking about houses?"
He frowned, "Of course, I would literally piss myself if both end up in Gryffindor."
Shrugging, Hermione added, "They could end up in Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff."
Draco was visibly disgusted, "Arghh...no thank you."
Hermione laughed softly. It was hilarious that it mattered so much to him.
Snuggling up to her husband, "Are you happy?"
Kissing her forehead, Draco replied, "I don't think it's possible to be any happier Hermione."
"I love you Draco," she said and kissed him deeply, holding onto his face.
"Always Granger," he muttered between kisses.
He rolled her over and pinned her down gently, "I wonder what the sex policy is while pregnant."
Hermione put her arms around his neck and pulled Draco closer, whispering, "I think it's fine."
"Remind me to ask that insufferable excuse of Healer next time," he told her before deepening the kiss and moving to kiss her neck.
11 years later
"How did you manage to twist McGonagall's arm to get us to witness the sorting?" Hermione asked urgently, whispering in Draco's ear.
He looked scandalized, "I am a fucking Malfoy! And on the Board and I donate thousands of Galleons to maintain this school."
Hermione grabbed his hand, "Shhh...here we go..." she told him to quiet down.
Frowning Draco said, "Woman...you asked..."
Placing her hand over his mouth, "Ssshhhhhh..."
A new Professor called out the names, while McGonagall and the rest watched from their seats.
"Kiara Nymphadora Malfoy!" The young witch called out.
Hermione dug her nails into her husband's hand.
"Ow...Hermione let go of my hand," Draco hissed.
The twins were remarkably close but different in about everything else. They were both brilliant, had minds of their own and their ambitions were different as night and day.
The young witch exchanged a look with her brother and nervously went up on stage to sit on the stool.
Hermione and Draco watched as the hat was placed upon their daughters brown-haired head.
They swallowed….
Kiara closed her eyes and thought, please be like daddy. The little girl was talented, she took after Draco in every way.
The Sorting Hat spoke…
"Oh...intelligent, fiercely competitive, an aptitude for mischief, loyalty to love and friendship...hmmm..."
The hat was thinking and shouted, "SLYTHERIN!"
Draco beamed, "That's my girl!"
Kiara was relieved and excited; she made her way to the applause of the Slytherin table. She smiled warmly at her brother.
Scores of First Years took their turn under the Sorting Hat. Some nervously waited to be sorted into their houses, which would be like their family in the years to come.
They tensed again as their son's turn came.
Hermione was watching her son with desperate eyes. Draco watched, his heart beating fast.
"Matthew Noah Malfoy!" The young witch called out loudly.
Their children really did have such Muggle names.
He was more nervous than his sister. The child had been dreading this moment.
Uncle Harry had said the hat would consider his opinion. The blonde-haired miniature version of Draco walked up on stage and took his place on the stool.
Hmm...the Sorting Hat spoke...
"A bright mind, a good heart, brave but above all, undying loyalty!"
"I know exactly where to put you."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Noah sighed in relief, he had wanted to follow in his mother's footsteps and house.
Hermione almost clapped loudly. Draco smiled proudly, "And that's my boy!"
Smiling excitedly at his new housemates, Noah joined the Gryffindor table.
The twins locked eyes over the tables and exchanged happy looks. Kiara gave Noah a thumbs up.
"Well, we each got one," Draco laughed happily.
Eyeing the new teacher, he nudged his wife, "How come we didn't have hot teachers?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and frowned at him.
Laughing, Draco pulled her towards the side, "Let's go say bye to the old bat and leave."
She was in a world of her own, lightly touching the stoned wall and sighing.
"Hermione…" Draco tried to interrupt.
"I've missed this place," she said, her voice heavy with emotion.
He touched the walls himself, "Hmm...if these walls could talk."
"Draco!" Hermione scolded.
He shrugged his shoulders, "What it's true! If I recall correctly, the potions room, the library, Room of Requirement, prefect's bathroom and need I mention the Heads dorm."
Looking outside he added, "And the lake," he regretted it at once and quickly said, "Oh sorry that wasn't with you."
Sneering, Hermione threw him a disgusted look.
"You are so bad," she told him fondly, caught up in her memories of their time together at Hogwarts.
He tried to pull her close, but she pulled away, "You were right there being very bad with me," Draco reminded his wife of fourteen years.
Looking at the exiting children, he became serious, "Come on, I don't want the kids to know we were here. Let them send us owls with their exciting news."
Nodding, Hermione followed him through the side entrance.
They paid their respects to the Headmistress and hand in hand made their way along the corridors.
"Granger?" Draco asked a twinkle to his grey eyes.
"Hmm...?" Hermione replied still looking around her.
"Do you fancy a quicky in the Room of Requirement?" he asked in a seductively low voice.
Hermione pushed him away, "You are unbelievable."
Managing to pull her close, he whispered against her ear, "Is that a yes or no?"
"That's a definite maybe," she replied hotly.
They exchanged a quick kiss and walked hand in hand out of the castle.