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CHAPTER 26

Hermione emerged from the Floo, glad of the fact her long-arse day from hell was over. She kicked off her shoes and dropped her bag on the hallway table, closing her eyes and breathing deeply; she didn't want to bring her shitty day home to Draco.

Several expected books hadn't arrived, which meant annoyed customers. And that in turn had meant she'd had several very angry Floo calls with sellers — her Alpha dominance finally shining through. She had refused to back down to their feeble excuses and demanded they come through with the promised books or she would never deal with them again.

Hannah had stood by, watching proudly as she took none of their bullshit.

"Look at you, Ms Alpha," Hannah had said with a grin. "Taking on the world one book vendor at a time."

"I'm working backwards," Hermione had replied. "Take down Dark Lords in my teens, book vendors in my twenties."

Promises of deliveries in the coming days were made and Hermione — doing something she'd never done before — had insisted on Unbreakable Vows to ensure their word was true. But despite the satisfactory resolutions, the day had drained her.

Opening her eyes, she glanced in the large mirror above the hallway table. She looked tired, but that wasn't anything new. The last few months had taken their toll, and even with her new-found confidence, she was still playing catch up.

And now she simply wanted to forget her day and was looking forward to a quiet night in on the couch with a glass of red and her favourite Alpha.

They'd been in their own perfect bubble in the weeks since her meltdown. Agreeing that they were moving rather quickly, they'd decided to delay the official ceremony and just be together; their Alpha bond was strong enough and they'd become so attuned to each other the ceremony was almost unnecessary. They would go through with it of course, knowing that it was important to complete the family circle, but for the time being, their bubble of bliss was all they needed.

She moved down the hallway of Draco's flat towards the living area. They had been spending time at both her home and his; an unspoken agreement between them to decide where they would actually live together. His flat was massive, the epitome of luxury with everything one could ever need.

Well, almost.

When they were at her house, she'd noticed him staring out into her garden on more than one occasion, a far away expression and a small smile on his face. When she'd asked him what he was thinking, he'd shaken his head and told her 'nothing'.

But she knew.

Children needed space and the garden — albeit small — was perfect.

They'd not really talked about anything past the ceremony, other than the fact they'd be bound together for the rest of their lives, but children hadn't yet been brought up. And it wouldn't be something she'd bring up tonight. She was too exhausted for anything more than wine and Draco.

But when she entered the living area, she instantly knew something was wrong.

Draco was slumped in the armchair, the top buttons on his shirt open and his tie hanging loosely around his neck. He was holding a whiskey tumbler and his dark eyes were staring into space.

Adrenaline shot through her and her skin broke out in goosebumps. His magic felt as dark as his eyes and anger was rolling off him in waves.

"Draco?"

His head snapped up at the sound of her voice and she crossed the room immediately, squatting beside the chair and touching her fingers to the gland at his throat. He reached up and covered her hand with his and she felt the pull on her own magic.

"What's happened?"

He turned to look at her, his eyes lightening to a dark grey, and she felt the same pull again. She allowed him more, stretching her magic to him and soothing whatever was troubling him.

"Theo," he finally said quietly.

"Theo?" Hermione continued to stroke his skin, feeling his anger rise again at his former friend's name.

He nodded at a scroll of parchment on the coffee table and Hermione frowned.

"Draco—"

"Read it."

She hesitated, not wanting to take her hand away from him, but he gave her a quick smile and she nodded, reaching for the scroll. Unrolling it, she read it quickly, and felt his fingers touching the inside of her wrist as her brows pulled together. He was calming her, stroking her scent gland the same way she'd done it for him, and she understood why.

"Is he serious?"

"Apparently so."

Draco downed his drink and placed the empty glass on the side table. He reached for her again, pulling her onto his lap. She went easily, her own anger was flaring — nowhere near his level, but growing — and their mutual comfort was needed. She leaned her head on his shoulder, her fingers returning to his throat. Draco tilted his head, burying his face in her hair, and she heard him inhale her scent.

Theo was threatening Draco with legal action over, claiming Unreasonable Dismissal when Draco fired him. Draco had been 'overly aggressive and unprovoked' and Theo was making a hugely excessive compensation claim. He was well aware of the Malfoy fortune and — as Draco had explained after their run-in at dinner — with his own family fortune sinking faster than a leaky boat, this was his opportunity to return the Nott family to its former glory.

"We know it's a lie, Draco," Hermione said. "You fired him with good reason."

"A broken friendship isn't a good reason."

"No, but directly insulting you is." She lifted her head. "He was out of line. You know he was and you did the right thing."

"It wasn't just me he insulted. It was you as well. That's what made me the angriest. Technically that's why I fired him. Because of you."

"Draco…" She touched his cheek. "We weren't even anything then. Why?"

"Because we were something." He lifted her hand and kissed her palm. "In my mind, we were already… not bonded, but I knew we were more, and what he said… I hated him even speaking your name."

"Thank you." She kissed him gently. "You didn't have to do that."

"I did." He ran his hand along her thigh. "I was an arsehole to you when we were growing up, Granger, but I've tried to change my ways. He hasn't and still thinks of you as a mud… as that."

"A Mudblood?" Hermione asked. "That's the best he could come up with?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry."

"Don't apologise for him, you did more than you had to. You didn't even know me, not really, and you still defended me." She kissed him again. "When are you meeting with him?"

"The end of the week."

"I'm coming with you."

"You don't have to. Father already has his team of solicitors on it. I'll be fine."

She touched his cheek and spoke firmly. "Draco, I'm coming with you. I'm the reason you fired him and I want to know if he'll say those same things to my face."

"I'm not sure you'll even be allowed in the meeting. I'm not sure our bond would be enough to let you in."

"Trust me, darling." Hermione smiled at him. "There's a way around that."

Draco paced back and forth from the kitchen to the living room window, fidgeting with his tie and pausing to stare out into the garden. He'd been awake before the sun was up and hadn't been able to return to sleep. He'd slipped out of the bed, not wanting to wake Hermione, and had been alternating between drinking tea and coffee for almost three hours.

Hermione had emerged an hour ago, but didn't question his agitated state. She'd simply kissed him good morning and gently caressed his neck, calming him almost immediately. But, his agitation grew once more when she left him to get ready.

He had nothing to be nervous about, he told himself repeatedly. Theo had no idea what he was about to face. In all honesty, he wasn't aware of just how brilliant she truly was.

He tugged on his tie again, pacing back into the kitchen, picking up his now empty coffee mug and scowling. He didn't need any more caffeine; he was hyper enough. He strode back to the window, stuffing his hands in his pockets and staring out. The garden was small, nothing like he was used to from his childhood at the Manor, but he only ever saw his future out there — a future he needed to discuss with Hermione.

He'd never pictured himself as a father; having a child hadn't ever been of any interest for him. But now, with her, it was all he could picture. He was terrified, of course, that two Alphas would produce the next Alpha — be it male or female — and that terror was what had stopped him from asking her what she wanted. To have a child who had to deal with what they both had... he hated the thought.

"If you keep pulling that tie, there'll be nothing left, Draco."

He turned to face her and she was smiling as she approached him. She twisted the knot and straightened the silk.

"You've no reason to be nervous. You know we're ready for him."

"I know." He cupped her face in both hands. "And you are incredible, have I told you that?"

"Under different circumstances you have." She grinned at him. "But this time, I'm just an Alpha helping her mate, that's all."

Draco kissed her, holding his lips against hers for several long seconds. "You've done much more than that, Hermione. Theo will not be expecting any of this. I wasn't expecting any of this."

"And that will be his downfall." Hermione touched her palm to his chest. "He doesn't believe a Mudblood is capable of anything."

"Ms Granger, Mr Malfoy."

They were greeted at the offices of Dyer, Duncan, and Drake, by Draco's solicitors. Thomas Fletcher and Isaac James had been the Malfoy family's legal representatives for years, and from what Hermione knew of them, they were two of the best.

"Welcome to the three D's," Isaac said quietly. "Or, as we like to call them, the three Dunces."

Hermione grinned. "They're that bad?"

Thomas nodded. "Three young hotshots, or so they like to think. They've not won a case yet."

"That's a good sign," Draco commented. "Let's not make this their first."

Isaac clapped him on the shoulder. "I don't think that'll be an issue. Not with our secret weapon."

Draco squeezed Hermione's hand. "No, I don't think they'll stand a chance."

Theo's solicitor stood as they entered the meeting room, scowling at Hermione. "Ms Granger's presence is not necessary."

"Actually, as you can see from the documents presented, Ms Granger is a part of Mr Malfoy's legal team." Thomas slid two scrolls across the table.

"She runs a book shop," Theo snorted derogatorily. "What does she know about law?"

"As the documents state, Mr Nott, Ms Granger is still a licensed practitioner of wizarding law. She worked in the Ministry for several years and is still — under wizarding law — permitted to practice if she so wishes." Issac smiled at Hermione, politely pulling out a chair for her. "She has kept herself updated of all new laws put in place since she left the Ministry and is more than competent to assist in this matter."

Draco sat beside her, the two other men flanking them.

"Do you have any further objections?" Thomas asked smugly.

"Ah… I guess not." Dalton Dyer leaned over to whisper in Theo's ear. Both men were attempting to remain straight-faced but were failing.

Hermione touched Draco's arm. "Have you got…?"

Draco reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and handed Hermione a small vial. She thanked him and set it on the table in front of her. The vial held a silvery puff of smoke and there was no question as to what it was; Draco's memory of the event in question.

Theo's face paled. His version was vastly different from Draco's and Theo had good cause to be concerned.

"If we could get started?" Isaac began. "Mr Nott, the sum you are asking for… half a million Galleons? That's excessive, don't you think? In the four years you worked for Mr Malfoy, you earned a little over eight thousand Galleons per year, which is equivalent to what an Auror earns and quite generous in your field."

"My client doesn't think it's excessive at all," Dalton answered. "He's currently unemployed and is struggling to find work."

"But half a million Galleons — at the yearly rate of pay — equates to approximately sixty-two years of work. I'm sure Mr Nott will find work before he's in his eighties."

"Mr Nott's reputation has been severely damaged by Mr Malfoy. No one will hire him based on that."

"No one?" Thomas asked. "I find that extremely hard to believe." He opened The Daily Prophet to the jobs page. "There's at least… forty job vacancies here, ten of which are for potion makers."

"And to our best knowledge," Isaac added, "Mr Nott's girlfriend is the new classified assistant at The Prophet. I'm sure that gives him an advantage. Ms Farley hasn't had an issue divulging secrets in the newspaper on prior occasions. I'm sure she has no problem letting Mr Nott know of upcoming employment opportunities."

Dalton opened his mouth to speak, but the only sound that came out was a squeak.

"We've worked out a sum that we believe is more appropriate and offer it for your consideration." Isaac slid another scroll across the table.

"Now the matter of the 'unprovoked' attack'." Thomas sifted through the papers in front of him, finding the exact document he was after. "'Mr Malfoy came to my flat and physically attacked me without being provoked.' That's what you reported, Mr Nott?"

Theo swallowed thickly, knowing full well what was coming.

"I'll take your silence as a yes," Thomas answered for him then nodded at Hermione. "Ms Granger?"

"Thank you, Mr Fletcher." Hermione said. "Mr Nott, did you at any time during the confrontation with Mr Malfoy refer to me as a 'filthy Mudblood'?"

Dalton squeaked again and glanced at Theo.

"Mr Nott?" Hermione tapped the table impatiently. "Did you or did you not use the derogatory term in reference to my blood status?"

"I… ah… don't recall," Theo replied weakly.

Hermione twisted the small vial between her fingers. "We could show you exactly what you said, Mr Nott. Unless you'd like to repeat it now for the record."

"I… I might have," he answered, not meeting her eye.

Isaac slid another scroll towards them. "That's our countercase to Mr Malfoy's supposed unprovoked attack. I'm extremely surprised your counsel wasn't aware that the language you used is considered, under the nineteen ninety-nine Granger's Law, to be of an undesirable nature and is considered a provocation. Mr Malfoy was quite within his rights to defend Ms Granger's name."

Thomas pushed yet another document towards them. "This is our second case against Mr Nott. The breaking of the conversations oath that revealed Ms Granger's Alpha status."

"I wasn't under that oath." Theo sneered at Draco. "You know I wasn't."

Draco turned and smiled at Hermione, "I think my solicitor has a different opinion on that."

"Mr Nott," Hermione began calmly. "Were you at the table when Mr Malfoy and Mr Zabini were discussing me?"

"No, I was at the bar. The oath didn't include me." Theo sat up straight, his cockiness returning.

"When you returned from the bar, did you hear any part of the conversation Mr Malfoy and Mr Zabini we're having?"

"Yeah, I heard most of it." He grinned at her. "I thought it was total rubbish, but Draco was adamant about you."

"So you heard Mr Malfoy mention my name? You heard him tell Mr Zabini about my Alpha status?"

Theo's cockiness was short-lived and his grin faltered. "I… um… don't recall."

"It seems you don't recall much at all, Mr Nott, but we can assist with that. Mr Fletcher—" Hermione smiled at Thomas "—do you have Mr Zabini's memory of that night?"

"Of course, Ms Granger." He handed her a second vial, which she placed on the table beside Draco's.

"We have two accounts of that night, one from each of your drinking companions. The oath that Mr Malfoy made that night was for the table, not just for the conversation between Mr Malfoy and Mr Zabini. So anything you heard when they were sitting at that table was included in that oath, regardless of whether you were present when it was made or not. The oath covered any mention of my name and any mention of my status at that table. Anyone walking past or approaching that table were also included in that oath."

"That's a stretch," Dalton managed to say, but his expression was one of defeat.

"No, Mr Dyer, that's the law. Laws which your client has knowingly broken simply to further his station in the eyes of Ms Farley. Mr Nott is fortunate that Mr Malfoy didn't add a painful consequence to that oath as had been done on prior occasions when Mr Nott's trust was questionable." Hermione touched the two vials. "Mr Malfoy is willing to drop his cases if Mr Nott is willing to do the same. Otherwise we are quite prepared to take this to the Wizengamot and present our evidence in open court."

Dalton Dyer glanced at Theo, a pleading look in his eyes. He was clearly out of his depth and hadn't questioned his client properly, and would look like a complete fool in court if Theo decided not to drop his ridiculous claim.

"Mr Dalton, do you have any questions for Mr Malfoy?" Hermione asked and her question was met with a blank stare. "No? That's it then. We'll give you twenty-fours hours to make your decision." Hermione stood, as did the three men beside her. "We suggest you also consider Mr Malfoy's compensation offer. We believe it's quite generous."

"Mr Dyer, you have our contact details," Isaac added. "Please advise of your decision by ten tomorrow morning. If we don't hear from you, we'll file with the Wizengamot first thing Monday morning."

"I don't think that will be necessary," Dalton croaked. "Mr Nott will accept your offer and drop the case."

"Excellent," Thomas said. "We'll have the paperwork to you within the hour. Ms Granger, if you'll lead the way."

"Gladly." Hermione nodded and headed for the door, refusing to glance back.

When they were in the hallway, Draco took Hermione's hand, squeezing it tightly. "I was wrong. You are beyond incredible."

"I'd have to agree," Isaac said. "You made it look easy. Are you sure you won't take our job offer?"

"This was fun, but I'm positive," she replied with a laugh. "I'm quite happy with my little shop."

"Well, our offer still stands." Thomas squeezed Draco's arm. "Don't you ever let her go, Draco."

Draco lifted her fingers to his lips. "I don't ever plan to."

The sickly sweet scent hit her, making her flinch, the instant the door opened. Floral and fruity, it was unlike anything she ever smelled at Harry's before. She didn't think Pansy would use anything so overpowering, and she was also certain Harry would be put off by, rather than be attracted to, the aroma.

"Granger?" Draco touched her shoulder. "What is it?"

Hermione shrugged; the scent seemed to be waning already. "Nothing. Just a hit of something… flowery."

Draco sniffed and shook his head. "Must be just you."

Harry laughed. "Is this normal for you two?"

"Pretty much." Hermione hugged him as she stepped inside. "Did you buy Pansy flowers today?"

Harry shook Draco's hand and closed the door behind them. "No, but her mother was here earlier. Maybe that's it."

"Maybe," Hermione agreed, but frowned. It wasn't a lingering scent — it had been quick and powerful. Like a punch to the stomach. And while the scent was unbearably sweet, it also seemed to kick something inside her and stir her in a way she'd not felt before.

"Whoa! Hermione!" Harry grabbed her around the waist, stopping her from stumbling backwards. "Are you okay?"

"Darling, look at me?" Draco held her face in his hands, trying to get her to focus on him.

"What's happened?" Pansy's voice was alarmed as she joined them and Hermione blinked at the sound.

"Not sure," Harry said. "She just got all woozy."

"Woozy?" Hermione looked up at Draco. His eyes had darkened, but she saw the relief wash over his face as she spoke. "When did you turn into my grandmother?"

Harry loosened his grip, but kept one arm around her. "What would you have said?"

"Lightheaded," Hermione said. "Faint."

Harry poked her rib. "Like I said, woozy."

"Come and sit down." Pansy looped her arm through Hermione's, tugging her towards the living room. "And get her some water, Harry."

Pansy ordered her to sit on the couch and Draco took the spot right beside her, frowning as she protested all the attention.

"I'm fine. I can't even smell it anymore."

"What was it?" Pansy asked, sitting on the sofa opposite them.

"No idea. It was really sweet and flowery. I can't imagine you or Harry having anything that sweet in the house."

"It was probably Mum. Her perfume makes me gag, it's so sickly."

"That's what I said." Harry returned from the kitchen and handed Hermione the glass of water. "We almost have to fumigate the house every time she comes over."

"I guess that was it then." Hermione sipped her water, but she knew it wasn't that simple. Draco squeezed her thigh and she glanced up at him. She smiled; he also knew it wasn't that simple.

"Hey!" Pansy exclaimed and waved a hand at them. "None of that secret Alpha crap, thanks. What's going on?"

"It's nothing, Pansy, not really. Draco usually scents the same things, but he didn't this time, so it's just a bit weird."

"Maybe it's an allergy," Harry suggested and poured two glasses of scotch and two of wine. "There might have been something in Jane's perfume that set you off."

"It's probably that." Draco nodded in agreement but Hermione knew he was still concerned.

"But I'm fine now, so let's move on."

"Ooh, yeah." Pansy rubbed her hands together sinisterly. "How did this morning go?"

"You won't be surprised that Mr Nott has dropped his case," Draco informed them. "I made an offer that he could hardly refuse."

"And the offer was...?" Harry asked.

"Hermione suggested, since he wasted my time, he pay my legal fees," Draco replied with a wicked grin. "He was too stupid to even look at the offer before his equally stupid solicitor agreed to it."

"He was never going to win," Harry said. "Especially with Hermione on your side."

"And believe me, I'm glad she's on my side." Draco kissed her cheek. "After seeing her this morning, Theo's balls crawled so far into his body he'll need a healer to find them."

"Eew." Pansy screwed her face up. "That's disgusting."

"Maybe, but it's true." Draco slid his hand along Hermione's thigh. "She was incredible."

Hermione rolled her eyes, but smiled. "It was easy since we were dealing with idiots."

"Are you thinking about going back into law?" Harry asked.

"Definitely not. This was just to help Draco."

"So, it wasn't your chance to get even with Theo and Gemma then?" Pansy raised an eyebrow and grinned wickedly.

"That never even entered my mind," Hermone replied. "That would be unconscionable and revenge is never a good reason to file a lawsuit."

"Yeah, right," Pansy laughed. "Did you make him call you Mudblood?"

"No, but his counsel almost shat himself when he realised Theo had called her that," Draco told them. "They saw the Alpha that is Hermione Granger today. I doubt we'll have any further issues with them."

"You've finally got this Alpha shit under control then?" Pansy looked suitably impressed.

"I think so. Other than sickly sweet perfume making me dizzy." Hermione leaned forward to pick up her wine glass, tipping it towards Pansy. "Also, just so you're aware, I'll be pissed if you cooked and you poison me."

Draco leaned on the doorframe, watching her brush her teeth. He'd been worried since her dizzy spell in Potter's hallway and had been wondering why he wasn't able to scent the aroma that had caused it.

"Mm otay," she said around the toothbrush. "Dop wowwying"

Draco stood behind her and caressed the back of her neck. "I will always worry. Especially when you almost drop to the floor for no apparent reason."

She rinsed her mouth and picked up the towel to dry her face, her eyes trained on his in the mirror. "I think I know what it was." She turned to face him. "But you can't tell anyone."

"Sounds ominous." Draco wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her to him. "What do you think it was?"

"You have to promise me first. I won't tell you if you don't."

"You have my word; I promise not to tell a single soul."

"Pansy's pregnant."

Draco's jaw dropped open and he made a choking sound. "What?"

"She doesn't know yet, that's why you can't tell anyone. Well, I don't think she knows."

"How do you know?"

"I'm not sure. It's hard to explain the feeling. But the scent was so sweet and new, and I only smelled it for a few seconds — which was unusual — so I think it's the Alpha letting me know there's something — or someone — new about to come into my family."

"So, it comes down to the family thing again?" Draco nodded slowly. "That makes sense, but would it be so prevalent in a family you chose? I mean, Potter is the forefront of that, not Pansy."

"I think it's just the basics again, like when I first scented Narcissa on Lucius. It's the female Alpha. It's the recognition that one of my own is... I'm not sure altered is the right word, but something has shifted," Hermione explained. "And if I'm right about this, Harry is the baby's father so he's part of it and that's why the scent was so intense."

"So, you don't think they know yet?"

"They might not, but I think Pansy might suspect it." Hermione shrugged and grinned mischievously. "I noticed halfway through dinner she wasn't drinking her wine."

Draco laughed. "So, this is not the Alpha at all. Just good detective work."

"Maybe, but..." She twisted her lips nervously. "It made me dizzy and I think..."

"Hey." Draco touched her cheek as she turned away. "That doesn't make you weak, it was unexpected—"

"It's not that. It wasn't a feeling of weakness. It was… It was like my entire body reacted. It was a feeling of complete emptiness. And it was only for a few seconds, but I felt..." She looked at him with a confused expression.

"Jealous?" Draco asked carefully and she nodded.

"I shouldn't be, and I'm not. Really I'm not. If they are pregnant, I'll be so incredibly happy for them, it's just that..." She paused and closed her eyes. "Why can't I explain this properly?"

"Because we haven't discussed anything beyond this ceremony." Draco kissed her forehead. "We've not talked about where we'll live; here or at my flat or even somewhere new." He paused and took a breath. "But somewhere new would have to include a garden... If they are having a baby, I'll be more jealous than you."

"Really?"

"Really." He touched the tip of one finger to her belly. "It wasn't ever something I wanted… a family of my own. But since you came into my life, it's all I want."

"Why haven't you said anything?"

"Why haven't you said anything?" Draco countered.

"Honestly, I wasn't sure. But after tonight…" she pressed her palm to her stomach. "That feeling was so overwhelming and I knew without a doubt it's what I want."

Draco grinned. "So, I'll start moving my things over here tomorrow then."

"I don't want to make a baby tomorrow, Draco." She rolled her eyes, then squealed in surprise when he lifted her over his shoulder and walked down the hallway to the bedroom.

"No, but until we decide it's time, we can certainly practise."

A/N:

Once again, I must apologise for the delay. Thank you so much for being patient and sticking with this xx