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The birth of their son, tackling parenthood and the growing concern of their "so-called" relationship.

FLUFFY CHAPTER

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Enjoy Chapter Twelve!

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GIRLFRIEND…..

Draco said the word like it did not matter.

It slipped out because it felt right for the situation at hand.

A burly Healer snapped to attention and led him to a surgically clean room.

He called out urgently, "Right this way."

Draco did not need telling twice.

With Hermione firmly in his arms, he sprinted after the Healer.

He laid her down on the clean bed and looked around the space while Healers surrounded her and checked her vitals.

Fucking hell, it was really happening.

She was going to give birth to his child.

The woman he taunted in school was the blooming mother of his child.

Why did it seem so bloody real at that very second?

He looked around the room and frowned.

The room left him wanting.

Even though it was spotlessly clean, it still looked dreary and drab.

He wanted sunshine and meadows when his child entered the world.

Would you like woodland creatures to gather around the bed and burst into song?

You witless sod.

For fuck sake, this was not some fairytale, the woman screaming bloody murder on the bed was proof of that.

Still, his innate Malfoyness kicked in and he requested firmly from the youngest Healer, "Can we possibly get another room?"

Cassie smiled warmly, "I'm sorry, Draco, but this is all we have at the moment."

Hermione tossed and turned in discomfort and pain.

Her voice strained, "Draco."

He was at her side in an instant, "Yes, darling."

She grabbed him by the collar and pulled him down, "You need to get a vasectomy! Do it now!"

Draco stared into her face confused, "Excuse me?"

Hermione hissed, "I am never sleeping with you again."

The Healers around them swapped looks and tried hard to keep from laughing.

Embarrassed and red in the face, Draco escaped her grasp and muttered, "Sweetheart, we can discuss that later."

She whimpered, "Oh Merlin, I'm never having another child, I'm fucking done."

Nearly an hour later, Hermione grew accustomed to the contractions sweeping through her body.

Her mood improved a tab bit and she complained loudly, "I'm hungry."

Draco timed her contractions according to Grace's instructions.

Hermione was breathing rapidly, and the contractions were barely minutes apart.

Fuck..

Grace breezed in wearing pearly white Healer robes and a happy smile on her face, "It's time Hermione, you need to brace yourself and follow my directions."

Double fuck…

Draco came to stand by Hermione's side.

She brought her head up and locked petrified eyes with him.

Here we go…

He gave a small nod of reassurance and she took his hand in an ironclad grip.

Blaise paced around the waiting area, "What the hell is taking so long?"

Theo rolled his eyes, "She's giving birth you moron, what did you think was going to happen? The Healer would tap her on the bottom and the baby will pop out?"

Blaise grinned, "That is exactly what I thought would happen."

Theo frowned, "I'm getting away from you before my IQ drops."

He shook his head and took the seat next to Luna.

An infinite number of pushes later, the baby still stayed lodged within the warmness of her womb.

Grace brought her greying head from between her legs, "Oh Hermione, almost there, you are doing so well."

Sweat dripped off her body in buckets, "Oh Merlin, it hurts."

Unable to hold it in any longer, Draco growled, "She's in pain, fucking give her something or so help me."

Grace fixed him with a stern but motherly look, "Draco, calm down, this is normal."

Normal? Fuck normal!

He grabbed his head and cried agonizingly, "I cannot take her cries of pain anymore."

Her voice weak, Hermione reached out to him, "Please Draco, hold my hand."

He would beg to the Gods to lessen her suffering.

Draco took her hand and pressed it to his cheek, "I'm here, darling."

Hermione forced a smile, "I'm fine."

He returned the smile, "No you're not, I just..."

She grimaced, "Ssh...please don't leave my side."

Her eyes roved over him pleadingly, "I need you."

That was a first, the woman always went out of her way to shove her bloody independence in his face.

Draco kissed her hand, "I will not leave you for a second."

She leaned into him and placed her sweat-soaked head on his chest.

He whispered into her hair, "It will be over soon."

He held onto her hand tightly, her nails dug into his palm and a loud cry of pain escaped her lips.

It was a valiant effort, but he cracked, and tears bubbled to surface at her suffering to birth their child.

Draco vaguely recalled his mother's words, "Pureblood women, prefer to give birth alone."

Thank the stars above that Granger was not a Pureblood witch and even if she was, he highly doubted he would leave her side.

Love?

Did he love her?

Bollocks!

Grace's voice cut through his thoughts, "The baby is crowning."

Hermione sobbed, "Grace, I don't know if I can."

It was Draco that answered, he cupped her face and gazed upon her lovingly, "Yes you can, you are the strongest, most beautiful woman I know and I can't live without you anymore."

Grace yelled, "Push Hermione, I can see the head...one more big push."

Hermione propped herself on her elbows, threw her head back and pushed hard, "Arghhhhhh."

Draco wiped away the sweat and kissed her forehead, "I love you, Granger."

She heard it, but barely, it seemed like a faraway dream.

Wishful thinking even.

Grace smiled, "Last one, sweetheart."

Hermione gathered all her strength, pushed hard and cried, "DRACO! I HOPE YOU ARE READY TO BE A FATHER!"

They were surrounded by the strong cries of a child.

Exhausted she fell back onto the pillow and closed her eyes for a second.

Draco cried, "Oh, he's here. It's a boy!"

Hermione's eyes flew open and she struggled to sit up, he came to her side and helped her to lean against the back.

Happy tears fell down her cheeks, "Oh Merlin, he's beautiful."

He was the child she dreamt about.

Silky fine strands of ice blonde hair adorned his little head, his skin a shade darker than his fathers and penetrating grey eyes made him a strikingly beautiful child to behold.

Grace bundled the newborn in a star-studded white cloth and gently kept him in his mother's arms.

Hermione moved the sheet away to gaze upon their son, "He looks just like you, Draco...he's perfect..oh Merlin, look at him."

She hid a laugh, "Trust me to go through hours of pain and he comes out looking like your pratty arse."

Draco stared at his son, unable to find the words to do the situation justice.

His child.

Their son.

Grace smiled at them warmly and asked, "So, do we have a name?"

Hermione wiped the tears away and replied happily, "Yes, Noah Ryan Malfoy."

Draco stared at her thunderstruck.

In all their arguments about a name, she had shot down all the ancient magical names and insisted on more practical Muggle names.

Her voice rang in his head, "You think you are so cool because you're named after a bloody dragon."

To appease her, he grudgingly agreed but when she further insisted on their son taking her last name, he put his foot down and a glorious argument took place, followed by a night of nonstop shagging.

Makeup sex at its fucking best.

By the end, they agreed that multiple orgasms were amazing and the names Noah or Ryan for a boy and Emily or Emma for a girl were strong enough for their son or daughter.

They also came to the agreement of putting a hyphen between the surname so their child would be known as Malfoy - Granger.

Hermione smiled, her tired face content, "He should have your family name."

He came to her side and heatedly kissed her completely oblivious to the audience in the delivery room.

She mumbled, "Draco."

He muffled his sobs into her hair, "Thank you, Hermione...thank you."

Hermione rubbed his head and comforted him, "Sshh…we both made him."

Draco wiped away the tears and searched her fatigued face, "Are you okay? I was so worried."

He stroked her cheek and implored, "Please tell me you're okay."

She kissed him and reassured, "I'm fine, this is the happiest day of my life."

He muttered between kisses, "Mine too."

Breaking free of the embrace, he grinned like a maniac, "The gang is here."

Hermione giggled, "Of course they are."

She looked down at Noah, "Do you want to carry him?"

Draco started to sweat profusely, "Um...I've never carried a child before."

Grace laughed, "Its easy, come on, ill show you."

After a few minutes, Draco was cradling his son in his large hands like a pro.

Hermione couldn't help but smile at the picture perfect moment between father and son.

She was moved to a lavish room, he pulled strings to secure the best room at St Mungo's.

Dressed in a white gown, Hermione tiredly pulled her hair into a ponytail and Draco stroked her cheek and kissed her.

Her fingers tightened in his hair and she whispered, "You keep kissing me."

Draco withdrew at once.

Fuck, maybe he was pushing it with all the affection.

Trying to keep his emotions in check, he asked slowly, "Do you want me to stop?"

Hermione touched her swollen lips and replied at once, "No."

Don't you fucking dare, she thought.

An ecstatic smile split his face in half, "I'm happy, Granger."

She touched his face tenderly, "So am I."

Now or never….

He swallowed the lump that formed in his bloody throat, "Umm...listen...I..."

The door burst open and cheerful, high pitch voices came through.

"Where's the little scamp?"

"Mi, how are you, darling?"

"Where's the baby?"

Draco frowned, "You buggers have great timing."

Theo raised a quizzical eyebrow.

Luna covered her mouth, "Oh dear, we have interrupted a private moment."

Hermione hid a tired laugh, "Don't be silly Luna, Draco and I don't have private moments."

Theo whispered in his mystical girlfriend's ear, "I think he wants to change that."

Draco cradled his beautiful son, "We would like to introduce, Noah Ryan Malfoy."

They crowded around him and peered into the face of the sleeping infant.

"He's precious."

"Mate, he is the copy of you."

"Beautiful."

A tall gangly man cleared his throat, "Hi darling."

Hermione's eyes widened and she sat up straight, "Ron, hi!"

Draco narrowed his eyes, what the heck was he doing here?

Ron rubbed the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly, "I was with Ginny when she got the call, I hope you don't mind me tagging along."

Everyone took a step back, except Draco who seemed rooted to the spot.

Hermione took Ron's hand in hers, "Of course, I don't mind. I'm glad you came."

She glanced at Draco and took in his stoic stance.

Unconsciously Ron ran a finger down Hermione's cheek, felt her flinch and withdrew his hand at once.

Draco's internal monologue raged, I will break your fingers if you touch what's mine again.

Clearly uncomfortable with his surroundings, Ron muttered miserably, "He's er..um..cute, I have to go."

His eyes pooled with tears, "I'm sorry, Hermione."

He turned to his sister and croaked, "Ginny, I'll see you at home."

She looked right through him and muttered, "Yeah sure."

Hermione watched Ron leave and whispered to Ginny, "That was bloody weird."

Ginny huffed, "Well, I told him not to come but the idiot insisted."

Draco rolled his eyes and fluffed up Hermione's pillow.

She stared into his face and felt her heartbeat hasten.

Even in exhaustion, he was perfect.

Blonde strands fell onto his forehead untidily, her fingers itched to move it away from his pale features.

But their son demanded her attention.

She tried to get off the bed to fetch Noah, but a firm hand pushed her back, "What the hell are you doing? You need to rest."

Weakly she pointed to their bawling son, "Noah, he's hungry..."

He grinned, "I know...we can all hear him. I'll bring him, that's what I'm here for."

Oh, and so much more, Hermione thought fondly.

While Noah drank his milk, she scanned the room and asked Ginny, "Where's Harry?"

Ginny squeezed her hand, "He popped by your parents' place to bring them."

Hermione beamed.

Blaise stared at Noah, "I don't believe one of us has one of these."

Theo questioned, "What do you mean, mate?"

He pointed at the baby suckling away, "It's such a grownup thing to have a kid and I'm still collecting chocolate frog cards."

Everyone laughed but Luna asked seriously, "Do you have an extra Kingsley Shacklebolt card?"

Blaise tapped his chin and declared seriously, "I might need to revisit my priorities."

Ginny snorted, "Merlin, you haven't changed."

Blaise winked, "It's part of my charm."

He nudged her and puckered his lips, "You used to love it red."

Ginny shoved him and mused, "Please don't remind me of my shoddy standards at Hogwarts."

Blaise ignored the obvious jab at the time they briefly dated and exclaimed loudly, "Whoa look at the kid go to town on that tit, he definitely takes after you Draco!"

Draco sneered, "What the fuck is wrong with you? Don't look at her breasts."

He came to stand in front of Hermione, shielding her one partially exposed bosom from sight.

He pointed to the door, "Let my son drink his milk in peace and fuck off."

Blaise hid a laugh and put his hands up in surrender, "Okay, I'm going."

He called over his shoulder, "Theo?"

Theo moved closer to Luna, "I'm a more acceptable adult mate, catch you later."

Blaise mused, "Traitor."

He dropped a kiss to Hermione's forehead, "Mione, you look gorgeous. I'll be back in a bit."

She licked her lips and asked greedily, "Oh, can you bring Mars chocolate bars?"

He winked, "You got it, babe."

The heard a loud jovial voice, "Where is my grandson?"

Hermione sat up and squealed, "Daddy!"

Richard Granger put his arms around his daughter and hugged her tightly, "My princess!"

Her mother hugged her next, "Darling!"

Richard patted Draco on the back, "Congratulations son."

Draco smiled warmly, "Thank you, sir."

Julia picked up her grandson and cradled him to her chest, "Oh how precious, such a beautiful child."

Happy tears of jubilation ran down her face and Richard squeezed her shoulders lovingly.

Narcissa breezed in looking every bit the noblewoman she was.

Lucius trailed behind her, "Where is the next Malfoy heir?"

Draco rolled his eyes.

Hermione smiled, pointed to the older witch and wizard in the room, covered head to toe in fine robes and jewels and introduced, "Mum dad these are Draco's parents."

Everyone looked strained and uncomfortable.

Ginny leaned over and muttered to Harry, "I hope this goes well."

Harry grinned and took his wife's hand in his.

Lucius straightened to his full height and closed the distance between him and Richard.

The headstrong Muggle stood his ground not faltering his stance once.

Lucius extended his hand and smiled warmly at the Grangers.

Hermione sighed with relief and caught Draco doing the same.

They looked at each other and smiled.

Lucius asked proudly, "Happy day?"

Julia smiled, "Oh yes."

Richard grinned, "Definitely."

Narcissa picked up Noah and gushed, "Salazar, he looks just like you son."

Draco came to stand behind his mother, "That is a compliment, I'm rather irresistible."

She cupped her son's face, "Be a good father."

Hermione yawned openly.

Merlin, she quickly covered her mouth and apologized, "How rude of me, I'm so sorry."

Her mother squeezed her hand, "You need to rest."

Narcissa nodded in agreement, "We will let you rest, darling."

She turned to the gathered young witches and wizards and instructed sternly, "Move along now, Hermione needs to get some sleep."

They fell over themselves trying to leave the room.

After everyone left, Draco carried Noah to the makeshift cot covered in blue.

He kissed his son's tiny forehead tenderly and carefully placed him inside the cot.

Hermione yawned again and asked tiredly, "Can you stay till I fall asleep?"

Draco smiled lovingly, "Of course, I'll be right back."

He closed the door behind him and spoke to their friends, "Thank you for coming guys, It means the world to us."

Ginny hugged him tight, "Did you ask her out?"

He rubbed the back of his neck, "I did try but um…it's been an emotional day."

Harry smacked him hard on the back, "Mate, I hope you stocked up on sleep."

Ginny hid a laugh and told him strictly, "Ask her, Malfoy."

Draco grinned, "I will, Ginny."

She grabbed hold of her heart and laughed, "You called me Ginny, Merlin, you have fucking changed."

Theo hugged him, "Congratulations, this is the beginning of something great."

Luna dug a spoon into a pudding cup, "St Mungo's has the yummiest chocolate souffle."

They stared at the quirky blonde for a second.

Draco clamped him on the shoulder, "Thanks mate, see you tomorrow."

Theo nodded enthusiastically, "You got it."

Lucius came up from behind and cleared his throat, "Son, a word please."

Draco answered cautiously, "Father..."

Lucius looked upon his only son, "You are smitten with Miss Granger, are you not?"

Draco frowned, "We had this conversation, I told you I wouldn't force her."

Lucius waved his hand impatiently, "Yes, I recall, however, if you need, your mother and I would love for you to present Miss Granger with the Malfoy engagement ring."

Draco reeled back in shock, "Thank you father, that means a lot but I must be getting back."

Narcissa came forth, "Think about it son, I think Hermione cares very deeply for you."

Draco smiled at his mother, "You have my word, mother."

He leaned against the door and watched her adjust the sheets and pillow.

She finally looked at peace with a smile on her face and petite hand on her stomach.

His heart leapt with the undying need to make her his.

The way she handled herself was astounding, despite the crushing pain she endured, she somehow managed to keep her composure and refrain from using profanities or worse.

He had half expected her to pull at his hair and slap him around.

Hermione saw him studying her and smiled adoringly, "Did everyone leave?"

Draco willed his feet to fucking move, "Yes."

He sat at her side with his arm around her protectively.

The sat in silence until he plucked up the courage, "You know Hermione, I wanted to ask whether you wanted to give this whole relationship thing a try."

When she did not answer, he pressed, "There is no one I rather be with than you."

A loud snore told him she heard nothing of his honest declaration.

He rolled his eyes in frustration.

So much for putting himself out there.

He placed a gentle kiss to her brow, "Sleep, my love."

Draco peered into her face, checked on their sleeping son and plonked himself on the plush sofa in the corner.

Exhaustion washed over him and before long sleep consumed his tired body and mind.

It was short-lived but blissful.

They shot up straight to the loud cries of their son.

Draco massaged his temples, "The fuck is that?"

Hermione groaned sleepily, "Merlin, that's loud."

Draco rubbed his eyes, "Maybe he's hungry?"

He got to his feet and hurried over to the crib.

Red in the face, eyes firmly shut, Noah hollered unwaveringly.

He spoke to his son soothingly, "I got you, my prince."

Once in Hermione's arms, instinctively his little mouth clamped around a swollen nipple and happily suckled on the milk filled bosom.

Fascinated Draco brushed the hair out of her face and sat down next to her cradling her body to his.

Draco smirked, "He's hungry."

Hermione winced, "Oh, he is."

He pointed to his son drinking his nourishment, "Does that hurt?"

She nodded at once, "Yes it does, but it's manageable."

Using her free hand, Hermione stroked her son's face and cooed, "You look just like your daddy, don't you?"

She smiled down at him, "Mummy loves you so much."

Draco laced his fingers through hers, "Thank you for coming into my life."

Hermione thought he meant their son, but it was her he meant.

They hardly got any sleep, every 2 hours on the clock, Noah woke up to feed.

The rays of sunshine flooded the room, but they were up and groggy with lack of sleep and exhaustion.

He kept rubbing his reddened eyes, "I'll be right back."

She nodded, her eyes firmly on their son.

After settling the documents for discharge, he passed by a colourful gift shop, stocked with various enchanted soft toys and beautiful bouquets of flowers.

He settled on a large bunch of red roses.

Draco pushed the door open and grinned, "You came back?"

Blaise pointed to Hermione, "Yeah, mummy here wanted Mars chocolate bars."

Draco shook his head with disappointment, "That was yesterday arsehole."

Blaise cried indignantly, "Hey! It's the thought that counts, plus I hooked up with a Healer and lost track of time."

Draco whacked his best friends head with all his might.

Blaise eyed the flowers, "Thanks mate but I'm more of a booze kind of guy."

Draco glared, "I swear to Salazar, I will fucking impale you."

Hermione stifled a laugh and stuffed her face with the caramel-filled chocolate treat.

Draco handed her the flowers, she took it and inhaled deeply.

She grinned, "Flowers? Why Mr Malfoy, you already got into my pants."

He laughed, "A token of my appreciation for not going bat crazy on me yesterday."

Blaise glanced at the clock, "Are you leaving soon?"

Draco nodded, "In a couple of hours."

Blaise patted him on the shoulder and waved at Hermione, "See you guys later then."

Draco pulled out the bag and began to pack their things.

Hermione cleared her throat, "Draco."

He continued with his task, "Hmm..."

She mumbled, "Thank you."

He looked up at her curiously, "For?"

Hermione played with her hands nervously, "You know for being here...with me."

Draco closed the distance between them and placed a chaste kiss to her lips, "There is nowhere I would rather be, let's get you home."

Hermione gently carried Noah.

She took a deep breath and said, "Feels so good to be home."

Draco nodded, "So, everything's pretty much set up and ready to be used."

He dropped the bag by the door and exclaimed smugly, "The cots the best in the market, fuck so is everything else."

Hermione winked, "Of course, I would not have expected anything less."

Draco straightened and announced proudly, "He's a Malfoy."

She cocked her head to the side, "He's also a Granger."

He smirked, "That's the best part of him."

Draco followed Hermione to the nursey the house-elves had cleaned before their arrival.

After she laid the sleeping infant in the cot, he told her, "Theo and Blaise are coming over."

Hermione grinned, "Oh, that's great."

His face darkened, "Stay away from Blaise."

She raised an eyebrow, "What?"

He ignored her but she pressed, "Draco?"

He moved away, "Forget I said anything."

Hermione took his hand and said, "I just had your baby, Blaise is a friend, nothing more."

Draco hung his head in shame, "Yeah, I know."

Later in the day

Draco opened the door and Theo burst into the room, "We have come bearing gifts."

Hermione smiled and Draco rolled his eyes, "For the love of Merlin, keep your voice down."

Blaise smacked Theo on the head and bent to give Hermione a kiss on the cheek, "How are you feeling, belle?"

She shoved him playfully, "Good, a little sore but good."

Blaise looked over at Theo and encouraged, "Go on mate, give it to them."

Draco regarded them suspiciously, "What is it?"

Theo beamed, "A little gift for Noah from his uncles."

Curious, Draco took the expensive looking black velvet box and opened it.

Nestled against the plush red velvet was a solid gold thick chain with a golden snitch pendant sitting snug in the middle.

He grinned, "You fuckers didn't have too."

Blaise answered happily, "Of course we did."

Hermione wiped a tear off her cheek, "It's beautiful, thank you so much."

Hands in his pocket, Theo blushed, "It's nothing Granger, just a small gift for our future Slytherin Prince."

She crossed her arms across her chest and huffed, "Oh, really? You know he could be sorted into Gryffindor."

The men froze and stared at her in disbelief.

They collapsed with laughter.

Blaise bellowed, "No fucking way."

Theo frowned, "Argh...bleeding Gryffindors."

Blaise did an accurate imitation of becoming violently ill.

Hermione scolded, "Stop it! I'm a Gryffindor and I think Noah would make a terrific addition to the house."

Blaise grabbed Draco's arm and begged, "Please, make her stop talking."

They laughed some more and after dinner, settled around the table to play poker.

Hermione was pulled away from the game often by Noah demanding his milk.

She still managed to beat the boys and earn herself a small fortune.

Theo threw his cards down, "No more, Granger, you are banned from playing poker with us ever again."

Blaise nodded in agreement, "True words, mate, my ego can only take so much loss."

Hermione bit down on her tongue and gathered the Galleons she won.

She smirked, "You bunch of pussies."

Draco laughed and shot her a thoroughly smitten look.

Theo caught the look, nudged Blaise, and got to his feet.

He yawned purposely, "Well I'm knackered, come on Blaise let's go."

Blaise shuffled the cards, "Why? I'm not tired at all."

Theo grabbed him by the collar and pulled him to his feet, "You fucking idiot, let's go."

He pointed at Draco staring at Hermione dreamy faced.

Blaise rubbed his eyes, "Oooh...yes..so tired."

Hermione bid them goodnight and returned to the kitchen to help Draco tidy up.

The air around them was strained with all kinds of tension.

Sexual – Fuck yes!

Frustrated – On another level.

Uncertainty about their relationship – What relationship?

Now that the baby was born, it brought the rawness of their relationship to the surface.

When she was pregnant, everything seemed simpler and now that she wasn't, it put a new light and perspective on things.

Their fingers brushed and Hermione stiffened, "Well goodnight then, Draco."

His voice thick with disappointment, "Oh, you're going to bed?"

She braved, "Yes…umm...unless you want me to stay."

He shook his head like an idiot, "No, carry on, I've got office shit to attend too."

Idiot.

Fucking idiot.

Hermione chewed on her lip, "Right, well, I'll be asleep in my room if you need me."

Draco raised a curious eyebrow.

She offered quickly, "You know if Noah wakes up."

Bollocks.

Draco nodded miserably, "Yeah, of course, if Noah wakes up."

Hermione turned to leave but Draco stopped her.

Her heart leapt with joy.

Yes, Draco, declare your love, make me yours!

She closed her eyes in anticipation and leaned towards him, "Yes?"

His husky voice invaded her mind, "Tomorrow is The Daily Prophet photoshoot to announce Noah's birth."

Fuck!

Disappointment creased her features, "Argh...do we have too?"

He nodded solemnly, "Yes."

Hermione went inside her room, closed the door and banged her fists on the door.

Moron.

You stupid fucking bint.

Just tell him you want him, Granger.

Draco let his head hit the large oak desk.

He groaned aloud.

Merlin, Malfoy, you truly are a big bloody coward.

Fucketty fuck fuck!

They took shifts and by 4 am, Draco found Hermione curled up awkwardly on the white sofa in Noah's room, snoring slightly with her mouth open.

He stroked her hair, she bolted straight up and mumbled incoherently, "I'm up...I'm up."

Sleep-deprived and groggy, she pushed her t-shirt up to take out her bosom.

Draco pulled the t-shirt back down and his fingers brushed against the tender nipple.

A low moan left her lips, and he fought hard not to crush her lips with his.

Hermione jerked and her eyes flew open.

Draco placed a finger to her lips, shushed her and pointed towards the cot, "He's still asleep."

It became a routine and strong cups of coffee replaced the blood in their veins.

The next morning.

Hermione emerged dressed in a pale blue dress, high heels and elegant chignon

Draco eyed her appreciatively, "You clean up good."

Damn, she looked sexy.

She smirked, "It's amazing what a shower can do."

He had gone with his signature all-black suit.

She was baffled how he could wear the same colour repeatedly and still appear so sexilicious.

Mmmm...she wanted to crawl all over his body.

For the occasion, they dressed Noah in an embroidered white smock gifted to them by Narcissa and fitted him snuggly into a beautiful carrycot.

Draco kissed Noah's forehead, "He's beautiful, like his mama."

Hand on her hip, she looked at him knowingly, "We both know he looks nothing like me."

She grinned, "But if he's lucky, he will inherit my brains and not yours."

He yelled indignantly, "Hey! I was the smartest kid at Hogwarts besides you."

Hermione locked eyes with him, "I know."

He was always a few marks behind but always right on her bloody tail.

His breath ghosted over the skin of her exposed neck, "I'm not just a pretty face, Granger."

She shuddered at his closeness.

They arrived at The Prophet and found Narcissa and Lucius waiting to greet them.

Narcissa cradled her grandson, "Oh Merlin, he's beautiful."

Noah smacked his tiny red lips and opened his mouth in a small yawn.

There were no questions, the brief was written by them and handed to the parasites at The Prophet.

Draco took Hermione's hand, "Let's get this over with, shall we?"

The photographers took hundreds of photographs of the couple with their son and then separately.

By the second hour, Draco lost his temper, "I think you have enough pictures."

Keeping his hand to the small of her back, he led Hermione out, "Come on darling, our work here is done."

They passed a smug-looking Rita Skeeter.

Hermione came to an abrupt halt and ran her wand through her fingers, "You have the brief Skeeter, stick to it! Need I remind you what life inside a jar feels like."

Rita took a step back, swallowed hard and stuttered, "U..u..u…understood loud and clear, Miss Granger."

Draco raised a curious brow, "A jar?"

Hermione laughed, "That is a long story, darling and best told over a hefty glass of scotch."