Hello all, did you notice it wasn't marked as complete? This is probably my favorite of anything I've written here and I had a few ideas of what their future looked like that just didn't fit within the original story frame. Anything posted now is considered a bonus chapter with no goal other than to have a peek ahead. I hope you enjoy them.

15 April, 2008: 7:00am

A parents day. Draco had never heard of such a thing before. Whenever his father had shown up at school, it was never good, and he perfectly accepted that he was a little git for being the cause ninety percent of the time. However, Hermione insisted that this wasn't the same. That she and Rose would love to have him go if he wanted to.

He'd given her a dull look and said, "And when have I ever said no to anything you or Rose want?"

He knotted his tie in the tall mirror in their bedroom, making certain it was perfectly straight. He wasn't about to show less than his best side to these muggles. Especially not when he was in their world and they had the upper hand.

He paused when he heard it. He'd hoped it was over but it seemed that was wishful thinking. He stood in the doorway of their bathroom and peered inside.

"Hermione?"

He sighed when he found her kneeling over the toilet, chest heaving as her fingers gripped the edges, her knuckles white. She'd already dressed for the day in one of the same skirt suits she often wore to work and it was clear by her posture she was doing her best not to ruin it.

"I don't remember it being this bad last time," she moaned.

His chest tightened at the sight and he quickly snatched one of her hair ties from the vanity. He did his best to pull her hair away from her face before he wet a face cloth and brought it back to her.

"Is this wave over?"

Hermione nodded and sighed when he joined on her on the bathroom floor. "I swear on my wand if your child doesn't stop making me bring up the previous night's dinner every morning, I'm going to—"

Draco sighed and moved to her side so he could rub her back while she retched again.

"Are you sure you don't need to see the doctor again?"

Or a healer. But she insisted on seeing her muggle doctor, the same one who'd delivered Rose nine years ago. She knew Hermione and she knew her history. It would have been silly to arbitrarily find someone else. And using a muggle doctor meant less access for the press.

She spit into the toilet bowl and he cringed. He watched as she used the wet cloth to wipe her mouth, knowing she'd grumble about having to fix her makeup again.

"No, this is unfortunately a common symptom of pregnancy."

Draco held his hands out to her when it was clear the wave of morning sickness was gone. He waited patiently while she fixed her lipgloss and together they made their way downstairs. It was like that every morning. Some days it was a mad rush for one of them to leave on time, worse lately with her new symptoms.

The moment she told him she was pregnant would forever be burned in his mind. It was two weeks ago and she'd been acting rather strange. When he stopped by her office unannounced to take her to lunch, which wasn't unusual these days, the department secretary had told him she'd stepped out for an appointment. They never kept close tabs on one another's schedules, details were always volunteered. They had nothing to hide. So, it was strange that she would have an appointment he wasn't familiar with.

It had been his day to pick Rose up from school, Mrs. Granger being out of town on a short holiday with friends. Imagine his surprise to find Hermione sitting on the bench across the street, waiting.

"I'm not very good with surprises," she said, handing him a sheet of paper.

According to her, the little color his pale skin ever had completely drained and she'd nearly had herself a panic attack thinking he'd changed his mind. It was shock. They'd actually done it. They'd conceived a child. A little of him and a little of her, his family line forever changed.

The only thing that had kept him from snogging her senseless was the fact that they were sitting right across the street from Rose's school.

But they'd really done it. She was pregnant and they were going to be parents…again.

Her strange behavior certainly made more sense. It was difficult to cover up vomiting in the toilet each morning without rousing suspicion but she somehow did. Until she'd confirmed it of course. Next they needed to tell Rose.

Rose was waiting for them downstairs, dressed and ready. She took her mum's hand and Draco nodded to her. He had to make a short stop at his office to sign a document and then he would join them.

"Don't be late," Rose warned him.

"Wouldn't dream of it."

8:00am

"Who is that?"

Hermione didn't even need to turn to know who they were talking about. She nearly laughed aloud into her cup of coffee.

"Mum, why are they all staring at dad?" Rose asked, tapping her pencil against her desk.

She bit her lip as she considered her words. He'd not spotted them yet, caught at the door by Rose's teacher. Parents days were oddly one of the reasons she'd originally chosen this school for Rose. It was a bit out of the norm from other schools in the UK but she liked being aware of what her daughter was being taught and preparing herself for the long summers between Hogwarts terms to teach Rose the things a magical education neglected. It was the same thing she'd done for herself and she was thankful for it. She couldn't imagine the struggle of not being able to navigate the muggle world the way some witches and wizards couldn't.

Hermione shrugged. "He's attractive."

Rose's mouth twisted in a grimace. "But he's married to you!"

She snorted. "Yes, love, but for some people that doesn't mean they won't still look."

The mother in front of them turned, wide-eyed. "Hermione, that's your husband? We all heard when you got married late last year but you've been hiding him?"

Oh, if only they knew all the things she was hiding.

"I can't say I've really been hiding him. He picks Rose up from school some days when my mum can't and he's involved in her football club."

The muggle woman blinked before her eyes trailed back in his direction. "Wow. He's—wow. Good for you!"

Rose groaned at her side and Hermione finally lost the fight against her laughter. A few quiet chuckles escaped just as he finally broke free and joined them, taking a seat on Rose's other side.

"Bloody hell," he muttered, glancing at the two of them. "I didn't realize I'd be a side show when I agreed to this."

Rose sighed as she began scribbling on her paper. "Mum says it's because your attractive."

He rolled his eyes pointedly and Hermione allowed herself another quiet chuckle. It was always amusing watching muggles react to him. The Malfoy features were rather striking after all and he just had an air about him that was entirely different from anyone else, a dangerous cocktail of confidence and power.

Neither of those things were on display however, as he joined them for the day. He sent her a number of confused or alarmed looks during Rose's classes, not completely understanding the biology lesson and being utterly lost during her history class.

"Why were we not taught about these wars?" He asked discreetly during lunch.

Hermione scoffed quietly. "You weren't but I was. I have a number of issues with the curriculum at Hogwarts. I think it leads to gaps honestly. Not all of us will grow up to work in the magical world. Some work with muggles. I only managed to get into university after I had Rose because my parents insisted on muggle education during my summer breaks."

"Merlin," he whispered in awe.

And when she wasn't discreetly explaining something about the muggle education system to him, he was busy glaring at the single fathers who were equally glaring at him.

"What's that bloke's problem?"

Rose glanced across the classroom and shrugged. "That's Ben Cattermole's dad. He fancied mum almost as much as Elizabeth's dad did."

Hermione ignored their chatter. She'd never particularly enjoyed their male attention and didn't relish the reminder.

"I'm nearly ready to knock his block off if he doesn't find something else to do but glare at me."

Rose squinted at him. "You sound like Uncle Harry."

Draco's eyes flashed. "Well, that's unflattering."

4:00pm

The day had been long but thankfully, Hermione could say the visit to Rose's school was a resounding success for Draco. He masked his moments of confusion well and he was a hit with the teachers. She had more than her fare share of congratulations after they all met him.

"You'd think we hadn't been married for six months already," he muttered as they made their way inside their home, Rose ahead of them.

She shrugged. "She's been at that school since she started so everyone knows how long I'd been single. This is most of the teachers and her friends' parents first time meeting you properly."

Hermione took Rose's school blazer from her and nudged her to move her shoes onto the shoe rack.

"Can I read before dinner? I don't have any homework."

Draco met her eyes and she gave a subtle nod. It was their way of working to divide the parenting more evenly as he became more comfortable.

"Of course," he said.

Hermione waited until she was up the stairs and out of sight before she said, "We should tell her tonight. Before we have dinner with Harry and Ginny this week and Ginny inevitably notices when I don't have wine with dinner."

He scoffed. "Sometimes that witch is a bit too observant."

She really couldn't argue that.

Just before dinner they found Rose in the family room reading. Hermione had to take a moment before going in as emotion clogged in her chest.

"What is it?" He whispered.

She swallowed the rush of tears, feeling foolish. "It's silly. I just—she's not going to be an only child anymore. I thought for the longest time she'd be my only one and I just—it's a lot. What if I'm terrible at being a mother to two? What if I'll be the one she thinks doesn't love her as much after the baby is born? Babies are so demanding and I don't want to—"

Draco cut her off with a kiss. He held her face in his hands as he spoke. "Hermione, please stop questioning yourself. I love my mother but she wasn't a great mother. Your mother is wonderful, obviously, but love, no one can hold a candle to you in my eyes. I have never seen anyone love their child as much as you love Rose. And if there's anyone who can manage to love two just as equally, it's you. I know you fear failure but you will never fail at this."

She released a heavy breath. "Draco, now isn't a great time to make me cry, you prat!" She smacked his shoulder for good measure but she knew he saw the smile she was trying to hold back. His opinion mattered so much to her.

He rolled his eyes. "You're just going to be a ball of joy for the next seven months, aren't you?"

She narrowed her eyes at him but held her tongue. She remembered what she was like pregnant with Rose.

Rose looked up from her book when she heard them finally enter the room. She glanced between them carefully as she lowered it. There was something in her expression that Hermione could see shift, as if she already knew this conversation was important.

"Is someone sick?" Her eyes widened. "Dying?"

Hermione released a breathy laugh and shook her head. Draco had been letting her watch too much telly it seemed.

"No, no. Nothing of the sort." She flicked her eyes in Draco's direction briefly before focusing on Rose. "Rose, your dad and I have something to tell you. Do you remember how you asked me back in February about a brother or sister? Well…I'm pregnant."

There was a pause. One where Rose's eyes flickered between them cautiously. Hermione didn't know how to make heads or tails of it strangely. However, her blank expression began to morph and a small smile tugged at her lips.

"So, I finally get a brother or sister?"

"That's the way of things," Draco said, nodding. "We won't know which for a while though."

Rose launched herself at Hermione first and wrapped her arms tight around her neck. "Are you happy, mum?" She whispered at her ear.

She nearly choked on the tears rising up. Bloody hormones. "Very, sweetheart. Are you?"

"Very."

It took a moment before she released her only to hug Draco next. Hermione didn't hear what she whispered to him but was sure she'd find out later.

Rose sat back on the sofa and she and Draco finally relaxed with relief. That had gone well. She was sure it would but there was always doubt.

"Do you have any questions?" Hermione asked. She was nine and old enough to bridge more of the gap in information regarding sex and how babies were made. That didn't mean she was looking forward to the conversation. She did however, believe in honesty and educating children.

Rose shook her head and reached for her book. "No, I know where babies come from."

"Right." She nodded to herself. She could feel Draco's eyes on her. He agreed it should be her to broach this topic. He'd leave the room if they felt it was necessary but he shouldn't lead for sure. "I know we talked about that a bit when Aunt Ginny had James. Do you have any new questions?"

She shook her head again. "No, Teddy told me last month when we were visiting Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny."

Hermione felt Draco's hand shoot out to grab her right wrist, just as she was reaching for her wand. His fingers tightened just enough to convey a message without being tight enough to hurt. He's only a child, he seemed to be saying.

She cleared her throat. "He told you…what exactly?"

Rose shrugged and lifted her eyes from the book. "That mums and dads have sex to make a baby." Her mouth pulled into a grimace. "He said it's something they do alone. He said there's lots of snogging and stuff."

Hermione's brows rose up her forehead and she nearly choked. "Stuff?"

She looked between them. "I don't know. He just said stuff. I didn't ask. I got the idea that he probably shouldn't be telling me so I pushed him into a puddle in the garden." Her eyes flickered between them again. "Should I know what stuff is yet?"

Draco lifted a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, silent laughter shaking his shoulders. "No, love, I think stuff is about as much as you need to know right now. Maybe before you go off to Hogwarts you and your mum can talk again." He met Hermione's eyes and placed a hand between her shoulders and began rubbing gentle lines down her spine. "For now, just keep pushing Teddy into puddles when he gets out of line. I'll have a talk with my Aunt Andromeda about him talking about those sorts of things."

Hermione pulled in a careful breath and nodded. She liked the little boy but Harry had better keep a better eye on him during his weekend visits or she might find herself in his office for threatening a child before he could even get on the bloody train to Hogwarts this September.

"I do have one question," Rose said.

Hermione braced herself even as Draco's hand paused it's soothing path. "Okay. What is it?"

"You and dad snog and do stuff a lot, don't you? That's why it didn't take very long for you to get pregnant, isn't it?"

It was Draco who nearly choked this time and she found some measure of relief in the camaraderie. A laugh somehow escaped her and she nodded. There was no reason to deny it. She didn't want to ever plant the idea that sex was a bad thing or something to be feared.

"We do." She ignored his wide-eyed look. She imagined this was far more progressive than any talk he received growing up. He was just going to have to adapt though. Neither she nor her daughter were purebloods and she wasn't going to parent like one. "When you love someone as much as we love each other, you often want to."

Rose shrugged and lifted her book. "Okay. Can I finish my chapter before dinner then?"

"Of course."

Hermione reached for Draco's hand and pulled him out of the sitting room. She nearly collapsed down the hall in relief.

"That could have gone so much worse."

He shook his head. "Do all non-pureblood children receive such…frank discussions on sex? Because I sure as hell didn't. I'd say around thirteen I received a very cold and clinical explanation of the mechanics and that was about it."

She sighed as she pulled him further down the hall towards the kitchen. The lasagne was in the oven and Pipsy was in the back garden gathering herbs to dry for later. They sat on the barstools at the island.

"I can't speak for all families. I'd say it varies. I think it's important. I don't want her to be in the dark about how her body works. I think that causes more harm than good. Studies have even shown that children who receive less information find themselves in predicaments with unwanted pregnancy, lack of understanding of safe sex, and even not enjoying sex as much." She tilted her head. "Which is curious. If you never received much explanation..." She lifted her shoulders helplessly.

Draco nodded even as his cheeks pinked. "Are you sure you want to know?" He sighed when she nodded. "The first time I had sex was with Astoria and you know that. I, however, was not her first. I recall her just sort of lying there like a wooden plank and I thought it was me and something I did wrong. After finally breaking down and speaking with Pansy of all people, she explained that she was probably taught to be that way by her mother—some nonsense about lying back and thinking of England—I don't know."

Hermione laughed over him. "I can't believe that outdated rubbish crossed beyond muggle culture but alright."

He shrugged. "Anyway, she also suggested I research sexual pleasure for women. It helped a bit but the sex was never that good and for the longest time I thought that was just the way of things, you know? Pureblood culture and all that rubbish. Then I began to think it might be something I was doing wrong still. Nothing like with you."

Hermione shook her head in awe. "Merlin, was that woman missing out."

He gave a bored shrug. "Now I obviously know it was me. She clearly had no issue with fucking Pucey." He reached for a biscuit from the tray on the counter and broke off half to share with her. He smirked. "I'm not upset that you're the only one to enjoy my efforts."

She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "Nor am I but it wasn't you, Draco. It was her. She was the problem."

She reached out with one hand and brushed her fingertips over his chest, tracking the lines she had come to know by heart beneath the fabric, etched into his skin. She made a point of touching them, sometimes with her lips or her tongue, trying to reinforce that they didn't detract from her attraction to him in the slightest.

"Can I ask you something with the understanding that you don't have to answer?"

His brows furrowed but he nodded. "Of course."

"When we first met again, you didn't make your relationship with her before she cheated sound so awful. The closer we became, you opened up about it. I'm just curious—since she was so terrible to you, why did you stay with her for so long before she cheated? Why not end things sooner?"

Draco swallowed and he tore his gaze from hers. The floor seemed to be safer for him to stare at than meet her eyes. "The couple of years leading up to the war my parents were always at each other's throats. My mother was no saint but she had no taste for power. She would have much rather slid past detection than get involved, no matter what she believed at the time. With Astoria, I don't think I realized that relationships weren't meant to be so difficult. I was doing what was expected of me and still hadn't completely shed the cloak of bigotry. And there were some good days that would make me rethink things entirely. Her cheating was an odd sort of blessing. She shattered the glass I'd caged myself in. Anything became possible then."

"That makes sense. She was very abusive to you, Draco. Do you understand that?" She moved to catch his eyes.

His eyes turned darker but it was clear he wasn't angry. "I understand it now but it's uncomfortable to think about."

"That's okay. I don't want you to dwell on it. I just—sort of wanted to understand better."

He swallowed and reached for another biscuit. A distraction.

"I don't talk about these things with anyone else. Not even Theo or Blaise."

"I know. That's why I value it so much that you're this open with me."

He shook his head and surprised her when he swooped in suddenly for a kiss. "And this is why I have no doubt you'll be a good mother to two. You care too much to be anything less."

And then she cried. And blamed it on pregnancy hormones.

16 February, 2008: 10:00am

Draco was a nervous mess. Of all the things in muggle culture he'd exposed himself to, their healthcare really wasn't one. He didn't know what to make of the cramped waiting room full of pregnant women and babies. At least a few of the women were casting him interested looks which was unnerving.

Hermione's hand slapped over his knee, halting its anxious bouncing. She looked up from the book in her other hand. "Why are you so nervous?"

He reached to pull at his tie, suddenly feeling like he was suffocating. "It's…a lot."

A door opened near the reception area, a woman dressed in a pair of dark blue trousers and top held a clipboard in front of her before she called out, "Granger, Hermione."

"What in Merlin's name is she wearing?" He muttered, jumping to his feet as she did.

"They're called scrubs. It's the muggle equivalent of healers' robes," she muttered.

Draco followed Hermione behind the nurse—a new term for him—and took a seat in the chair the woman pointed to.

"New dad then, yeah?" The muggle smiled as she directed Hermione to sit on an odd looking bed.

He froze. How exactly was he supposed to answer that truthfully? Rose was his. The adoption was legal. However, he'd not been present the last time Hermione was pregnant. He didn't know the first thing about having a pregnant wife.

He didn't have to answer though. Hermione laughed at what was likely a most confused expression on his face.

"Biologically, yes," she said.

The nurse nodded and didn't even bat an eye as she made notes on the clipboard she was holding. "How's little Rose then? I remember when you had her. It's been ages. What is she now? About eight…nine?"

"She turned nine in February. She's perfect."

"Wonderful!" She looked up and smiled at them both. "Dr. Higgs will be in soon, Hermione."

When the door clicked shut, Hermione laughed. "You looked as if someone had just given you a quiz on the original uses of ancient runes."

He shrugged and shifted his chair a touch closer. "Well, how was I supposed to answer? I didn't know if she knew…" He waved a hand at her. "…your history and all."

She nodded. "That's Lorraine. She practically delivered Rose herself. My doctor was stuck delivering another baby and nearly missed it."

"Missed it?" Draco straightened his back. "What on earth is—"

Someone knocked on the door, cutting him off mid rant, and it opened again to reveal an older woman with graying hair.

Dr. Higgs smiled at them both as she entered the room. "Ah, Hermione, I see you brought your new husband this time. Welcome, dad."

He swallowed and wilted a little under Hermione's warning look. "Err…thanks."

The doctor smiled as she pulled up a stool and powered on a machine that Draco hadn't taken note of before. "Another halfblood then?"

Draco's eyes grew large and he nearly gave himself whiplash with how quickly he turned to Hermione. She bit her lip, clearly fighting a cheeky little smile. What in Merlin's name…?

The doctor winked at him. "My husband is a wizard. I knew Hermione's name the moment it appeared on my schedule ten years ago."

"Forgot to mention that, didn't you?" He muttered, shooting his wife a weak glare. However, something else dawned on him. If she knew Hermione's name and automatically assumed the baby was a halfblood then that probably meant…

Dr. Higgs flashed him a small smile. "Not to worry, Mr. Malfoy. I'm not here to judge your past. My husband is a regular reader of the Daily Prophet—nasty rag it is. I highly doubt Hermione would have married you if you weren't wonderful to her and Rose."

He swallowed against the desert now taking up residence in his throat. His past was always going to be a shadow, following him no matter what he did to try to rid himself of it. It was like that muggle children's film he watched with Rose—Peter Pan. Only Peter Pan lost his shadow. Draco couldn't even pay his to go away.

When he came back to his senses, Hermione was untucking her blouse and hiking it over her stomach. A spike of nerves shot up his spine, as he watched the doctor apply some sort of goo to her stomach as she switched on the machine.

"Have you seen an ultrasound before, Mr. Malfoy?" Dr. Higgs asked.

He reached to adjust his tie again. "Please call me Draco. And I can't say that I have." He waved a hand at the object in her hand. "Is that going to hurt her?"

Dr. Higgs shook her head. "Not a bit."

Hermione reached for his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. He could feel her eyes on him as the doctor pressed the object to her still flat stomach. His gaze tracked curiously to the monitor and he squinted at the image.

"There we are then. That little dot there—doesn't seem like much does it? That's your baby."

He had a hard time believing that black and white little dot, the size of a pea pod it seemed, was their baby. They'd done what some once would have thought impossible. A bit of him, a bit of her, all in one cosmically beautiful combination.

He started to daydream. More than when he'd seen the print out from the very first ultrasound that she'd given him to break the news two weeks ago. He pictured a bright-eyed baby with curls like Hermione's. It would look more like her, just like Rose did. And probably inherit her love of reading and learning. Perhaps he could pass on his love of sports. It didn't matter what combination of traits and features this baby would have. He was so bloody in love with it already. It must have been that instantaneous love Hermione spoke of the moment she decided she'd be keeping Rose, and then when they put her in her arms for the first time. He'd get to experience that, too.

At this point in his life, all he wanted was a happy and healthy family. A wife and two children. They would be his world. His entire reason for being.

A shuddered breath moved through his lungs and he brought Hermione's hand to his mouth, pressing his lips to her knuckles as if kissing promises for everything he would try to be into her skin, right to her heart. Just when he thought things couldn't get better, they did again. All because of this witch, the girl he'd once tried to loathe.

"Thank you," he whispered against the back of her hand.

He missed the tears that pooled in her eyes as she watched him. She squeezed his hand though, their silent communication, better than legilimency.

It was going to be a very good day.

7:00pm

Hermione stood at the end of the staircase tapping her foot. "Rose! They'll be here any minute."

As if on cue, a voice behind her said, "Am I too early?"

She whirled around so fast she nearly twisted her ankle. "Merlin," she breathed, a hand pressed to her chest, "you scared me, Narcissa."

Narcissa tilted her head curiously. "My apologies. I didn't mean to startle you. I found the invitation rather intriguing and didn't want to be late. I helped myself from the floo."

Rose finally came down the stairs, wearing the simple dress Hermione had chosen for her. She hoped it wasn't too much. She certainly didn't wish to rouse suspicion too soon.

"Hello, grandma," she said formally.

Hermione's eyes tracked back to her mother-in-law, watching as her brows shifted slightly north and her mouth quirked a tiny bit in the same direction. If she didn't know better, she'd almost think it was a true smile. She was still getting used to this new name obviously. But so was Hermione. Never in her life would she have imagined Narcissa Malfoy accepting Rose so easily. It was nice to be surprised sometimes.

"Hello, Rose. I trust you've been well."

Rose nodded. "All top marks in school. And my football team won last week."

Narcissa's gaze flickered in Hermione's direction.

"Oh, it's a muggle sport. Draco's been learning it actually. I had to rip him away from the telly last week in fact, he's become so intrigued."

She watched as Narcissa mouthed the word 'telly' to herself. Rose must have noticed because she piped in.

"It's the box muggles watch with moving pictures." She made the shape of a box with her hands, clearly having heard her explain it more than once. "Dad bought one when we moved in," she said.

Narcissa blinked. "Ah, yes, I do believe I've heard of this…telly. I can't say that I've seen one however."

"I'll show you!"

Hermione bit her lip to stop the laughter bubbling up her throat when Rose took her hand and unceremoniously dragged the refined witch off to their family room. It wasn't a sight one got to see every day.

"Did Rose just manhandle my mother?"

She turned as Draco emerged from the hall, wiping his hands on a dish towel. His tie was thrown haphazardly over his shoulder and his cheeks were a bit pink from the heat. She only hoped that whatever he insisted on concocting in there—with Pipsy's aid—was edible. He really was trying and she couldn't fault him for it. She just wished he'd allowed Pipsy to take the lead tonight. She would have done it herself if she weren't so exhausted.

"She's showing her the telly," she said, as if that was explanation enough.

He snorted. "Well, that ought to be amusing. If you think I'm sometimes confused, imagine her. I've at least immersed myself in more muggle culture within the last decade. My mother—not so much."

"Mum! Gran's here. I see her car parked outside," Rose yelled.

Draco tilted his head. "Is that everyone?"

Hermione bit her lip and glanced at him. "For now. I wanted to tell our mothers alone. Harry and Ginny aren't due for another few minutes still. When we tell the rest of our friends, I'll include Molly and Arthur then. It's strange…this one isn't their grandchild but…I'd really rather they didn't hear from the papers or secondhand."

He shrugged and vanished the towel in his hands. "I told you that I don't have any issues with Molly and Arthur. I trust your judgement."

She lifted her hands to straighten his tie, all to aware of the way he watched her fingers work. "I'm nervous."

He chuckled and took her hands in his. He used them to pull her into him for a short kiss. "Why? This is good news and Rose is excited so what's there to be nervous about?"

She swallowed as guilt roiled in her gut. She shouldn't be thinking what she was thinking. It would either hurt or offend him, maybe even both.

"Hermione?"

"How do you think your mother will feel?"

As expected, his eyes darkened a fraction and she felt the full force of her guilt take her. How could she even consider it? Narcissa had accepted her as his wife. And she'd obviously taken to Rose.

"I'm sorry, I—"

He pressed a finger to her lips. "I understand the fear. It's different when we've actually taken that step. My line, at least as it's been known for being, is done. This will be new but I firmly believe she'll be thrilled."

"You must think I'm awful for how many times I've still doubted things."

He outright laughed and the sound surprised her. "Not even a little bit. Your fears are rooted in experience and I get that, Hermione."

She took his hand when he offered it, relishing that he just got it. It was so nice not having to explain, even as she tripped over herself. Growth was a constant progression and not linear after all.

They greeted her mother as she made it inside. She watched with mild intrigue as their mothers traded customary cheek kisses in greeting. They couldn't have asked for a better result of their families mixing.

"Mum," Rose said, tugging on her dress, "is dinner ready? I'm starving!"

Hermione snorted. "I'm sure you are, sweetheart. We'll eat soon."

"Let's move to the dining room," Draco said, urging their mothers further inside the home. "We have something to share with you before the Potters arrive."

Rose lifted on her toes as the two women followed him and Hermione met her halfway. "Are you telling them?" She whispered.

"We are," she whispered back. She smiled as Rose made a zipping motion across her lips and took her hand.

If their baby was even half like Rose, they'd be lucky indeed. She really couldn't have asked for a kinder and more well-behaved child, let alone brilliant. Her hand strayed absently to her stomach as they made their way to the dining room.

Draco instructed each of their mothers where to sit, having already planned this in advance. They agreed not to be too silly or showy about it but it was a rather large announcement after all.

Above each of their place settings, Hermione had placed a print of the ultrasound. Narcissa eyed the black and white photograph next to her plate before she sat. Hermione could almost hear the confusion out loud.

"What's this?"

Hermione's mother was biting her lip against a watery smile, as she knew exactly what it was. She didn't say a word though, obviously not wanting to ruin their moment.

Draco sucked in a breath, still standing. "Mother, this is a photograph of our baby."

Narcissa blinked as she lifted her eyes. "I beg your pardon? This is—" She looked at the ultrasound print again. "I don't understand."

He stepped behind Hermione and placed both hands on her shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze. "It's from something muggles call an ultrasound. They can take a picture of the baby in the womb."

She pressed a hand against her breastbone, trembling fingers gripping the fine fabric of her robes. "So then…this is…it's done?"

Draco met Hermione's eyes when she tipped her head back and noted the way she bit her lip, the worry evident.

"Yes. The cycle is broken."

He could see that Hermione didn't quite understand that comment but she did relax under his hands when his mother smiled. It was a unique sight really, the way her lips curved just before she lifted a hand to her mouth. She went from placid and stoic to her version of exuberant.

Narcissa shook her head, the ultrasound print still in her other hand. "I've never seen anything like this. I had no idea…this is wonderful."

Hermione looked down when Rose tugged at her skirt. "Do you have one of those of me?"

Draco smiled when she reached out to brush hair away from her face. "Of course, I do. It's in your baby book. I'll show it to you later if you'd like to see it."

"I think I'd like to see that was well," Narcissa said. She lifted her brows expectantly. "This baby book. And I think Draco should have a look as well if he hasn't already."

He mirrored his mother's expression. "I haven't actually. Perhaps we should have a look at some of these old photos after dinner."

Mrs. Granger grinned. "And I've got a few of Hermione in my wallet."

"Mum!"

"Oh, calm down," she said, waving her off. "The ones of you in the bath are at home."

"If it's any consolation, dear, Draco's embarrassing baby pictures are in motion," Narcissa said, smiling.

He groaned and Rose giggled.

Hermione poked her nose. "I wouldn't laugh so much. You have both."

The giggling stopped and Rose frowned. "I don't like it so much when the tables turn."

Once the shock wore off, hugs were exchanged. When Narcissa wrapped her arms around Hermione in a tentative embrace, it was the very first time. Not even when she and Draco were married did she reach out to hug her.

"Thank you," Narcissa whispered.

Hermione let the strange warmth fill her, spreading like fiendfyre. She bit her lip when they pulled apart, not really knowing what she should say. Narcissa cupped her cheek, offering her another small smile. Perhaps words weren't needed.

"Have we missed something?"

Harry and Ginny stood in the doorway. Both were sporting looks of confusion but Ginny glanced around the room and her eyes grew large before Hermione had a chance to answer.

"Merlin! You're pregnant!"

Draco snorted. "I'm glad we didn't bet that she'd figure it out without you saying anything."

Ginny squealed before she rushed across the room, nearly tripping over a chair, and pulled Hermione into a tight hug. Harry stood blinking where she'd left him. His eyes tracked to Draco and he tipped his head.

"Really?"

Draco narrowed his eyes. "You sound shocked, Potter."

Harry lifted his shoulders and eased further into the room. "I just—I don't know. I thought maybe it would take longer."

"She was ready," he said. A simple statement. A simple fact. Had Harry not learned by now the he'd give her anything she wanted? However, in this case, this was something they both wanted.

Harry clapped him on the back without a word as he passed him and made his way to pry Hermione out of Ginny's arms for a hug.

Draco took another breath. Anxiety gripped at the edge of his mind. In some ways, it felt like Rose had sort of chosen him for Hermione, chosen him to be her dad. This baby wouldn't have that choice. Would it love him all the same? The same kind of instantaneous love he now felt for the little flicker of life growing inside Hermione right now?

Rose wove through the room and approached. She pulled on his hand. "Daddy, I'm starving!" She said it was more drama than a child had the right and he nearly laughed.

He lowered himself to one knee to be on her level. "Are you alright with all of this news?"

She blinked. "Of course. I've always wanted a sibling." She glanced over her shoulder. "And my mum's happy. I just want her to be happy."

Draco nodded and reached to brush her hair back as he stood. "And we want you to be happy, too."

She grinned up at him. "I am…but can we eat now?"

He snorted. "Of course."

Raising children was certainly going to be an adventure.

Thank you for reading. Reviews always appreciated. :)