A/N - So I lied. This is not the last chapter. I started writing the epilogue and it just kept getting longer and longer so I had to split it. So you get this last chapter and then the epilogue. I am not going to wait until next Thursday to post the epilogue, I will put it up as soon as it is done. That might be as early as tomorrow, just depends on how the writing goes. Enjoy this bonus chapter and thanks for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 50

Letters

May 1999

Dear Lucius,

You'll be happy to know I am fully moved into the Manor. Draco offered me whatever rooms I liked but I've taken my old room. I know there are much bigger suites but I'm comfortable here. Plus, I don't feel like I'm intruding on Draco's space.

I've started attending his tutoring sessions and Ginny is here as well, of course. I'm so glad that Kingsley allowed her to do this. It's good for both of them to be able to see one another. Draco and I always have dinner together once she's gone. I think he appreciates the company but I can't be sure as he's usually not in the best mood once she leaves. Don't worry, he isn't rude to me or anything, just…sullen I suppose.

The morning sickness has started. Although, why they call it that when it lasts all day, I'll never know. Mrs. Weasley gave me a tea that she said always helped her and Severus is going to brew me the anti-nausea potion. I hope they help because I sometimes feel quite miserable.

I went to the Burrow a few days ago. We had a memorial service for Mr. Weasley, Fred, and Percy. Ron and Charlie were able to retrieve Percy's body but it pains everyone that Fred and Mr. Weasley's graves are empty. A few people have suggested excavating the mass grave at Hogwarts but the Ministry immediately put a stop to that. They plan to erect a memorial on the site instead with a list of all the names of those that perished in the battle at Hogwarts. It seems fitting.

Bill and Fleur were there and they both look much better. They're both still a bit skittish, Fleur more so than Bill but that's to be expected I suppose. George isn't doing that well. According to Ginny, he still spends most of his days sitting in his old room or out by the pond. He doesn't talk to anymore much, except Mrs. Weasley. As soon as the memorial service was over, he went back to the house and no one saw him for the rest of the evening.

Ron and I did speak a bit while I was there. He's still angry but I think that might have more to do with his situation right now than with you and I and the baby. At least he was civil to me, which is an improvement. Still, I miss my friend. Charlie has taken a job with the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures instead of going back to the dragon preserve. I don't know how much he really likes it, but he doesn't want to leave his family either.

We're going to have a service for Harry. We've purchased a headstone and are putting it next to his parents' in Godric's Hollow. I feel like I've finally had time to properly grieve for him and for everyone else that we lost that day. I did a bit when I was at the Manor before but these last couple of weeks it seems as if all I've done is cry. I'm sure it's partly the hormones. Poor Draco has walked in on me crying in the library more than once. You'll be happy to know that he's very good at comforting people, although I'm certain he doesn't really enjoy it. Well, unless it's Ginny, I suppose.

The last of the imprisoned students were released from St. Mungo's two days ago. Everyone is all right physically, but I'm sure it will take a while for them to be all right emotionally. St. Mungo's has already put the call out for more Mind Healers. I think there are a couple coming in from France and one from the States to help.

Unfortunately, Professor Trelawney has been moved to the Janus Thickey ward. Once Mrs. Weasley left to return to the Burrow, the professor seemed to regress a bit. Mrs. Weasley has too much going on with Bill and Fleur and George to be able to continue to care for Professor Trelawney, so everyone thought it best she be checked into St. Mungo's. Apparently, Voldemort's continued aggressive use of Legilimency acted similarly to long-term exposure to the Cruciatus. They doubt she'll ever recover.

Luna's father moved in with her and Theo at Nott Manor. The Lovegood's house was destroyed by Death Eaters after Mr. Lovegood was sent to Azkaban during the war and her father is a bit too frail still to think about rebuilding. Luna seems happy to have him there.

I had better close, I can barely keep my eyes open any longer. That's another thing, I feel like I'm sleeping all the time. The other day I missed our Charms session because I'd taken a nap after lunch and slept right through. Poppy says that's normal, as does Mrs. Weasley, so I'm taking their word for it. I've decided to keep seeing Poppy instead of going to a Healer at St. Mungo's. Poppy is more than capable and I'd rather not risk being judged by any of the staff at St. Mungo's.

I love you and I miss you terribly.

Yours,

Hermione

Lucius frowned at the last paragraph about St. Mungo's. Not that he didn't trust Poppy Pomfrey's skill but he wanted to know where Hermione had gotten the idea that she would be judged at St. Mungo's. Something must have happened. He would have to ask Edward about the next time he saw him.

Lucius folded up the letter with a sigh. He wished he could write to her more often but he supposed he should just be grateful that he was allowed mail at all.

The prison had been completely revamped by the time Lucius was brought here. While still dark and forbidding, the cracks in the walls had been repaired, the floors and walls scrubbed and the exposure to the elements shielded for the most part. Lucius even had a tiny window in his cell. It was not much bigger than a postcard but at least he could look outside and see the sky and the sea.

His cot was more comfortable than the one he'd had the first time he'd been here and he had actually been given a blanket that kept him warm instead of a thin one with holes. The food was passable as well. It was simple and without much flavor but at least it kept his stomach filled. He was also allowed books. He continually reread Hermione and Draco's letters as well. He nearly had them memorized by now.

He was allowed to receive mail as often as it was sent and he usually got three to four letters a week from Hermione, Draco, and Severus. Molly Weasley had even written to him once thanking him for the way she and her daughter had been treated while they were in his home. But Lucius could only send letters when his solicitor came for a visit. Lucius was not allowed quill or parchment so he had to write out hasty missives it the short time he was allotted to speak to Edward once a month. Thankfully, Edward was more than competent enough to handle whatever issues came up with the estate or Lucius' investments so the majority of the meetings were spent with Lucius writing letters.

He was glad Hermione had decided to move into the Manor. It had taken her a few weeks to decide; Lucius was positive it was more about worrying that she was bothering Draco than anything. However, Lucius knew it was better for Draco to have her there, as much as his son liked to pretend to be put-out with her presence. Draco would not have done well wandering around the Manor on his own. Miss Weasley was only allowed to attend the tutoring sessions and could not visit at any other time. Hermione was only allowed to live there because she was pregnant with his child and everyone was concerned for her safety. The Manor was one of the safest places for her and meant that she did not have to have a guard living with her all the time, only when she went out. And now he wouldn't have to convince her to move in once he was released.

He added her letter to the pile on the small shelf that he had in his cell and picked up one of the books that sat there. At least he was allowed reading material. He would likely go mad otherwise.

July 1999

Dear Lucius,

It seems that the morning sickness has finally passed, thank Merlin. The tea Mrs. Weasley suggested helped some, as did the potions that Severus brews for me. I am glad to have it behind me, though. At least, I hope it's behind me.

Our tutoring sessions are still going well, but Severus has taken over our Potions instruction. The tutor was 'completely inept' according to Severus. Honestly, he was fine but I think Severus enjoys teaching the three of us again. Although, he won't let me brew anything. In fact, he makes me leave the room when Ginny and Draco brew. I've suggested a Bubble-head charm but Severus won't be swayed. He's told me that I cannot to take the Potions practical when I take the rest of my N.E.W.T.S. Given we don't know what we'll be asked to brew, he doesn't want to take any chances that I'll be assigned something that might harm the baby. Of course, he is his usual acerbic self about it but I think it's sweet that he cares so much. Don't tell him I said that.

Professor McGonagall has officially been made Headmistress at Hogwarts. She's moved back to the school and is busy getting it ready for students next fall. Most of the current professors have been fired, although there were one or two that will remain. Professor Sprout has finally been released from St. Mungo's and is back in her quarters at the school. It's uncertain if she will be able to teach come fall, however. But I spoke to Neville and he's volunteered to help. I think that he'll likely be the next Herbology professor after a few years of training.

George seems to be a bit better. He actually wanted to go to his shop the other day which is the first time he's asked about it since he was released from St. Mungo's. And he's not spending as much time in his room as he used to.

Ron and I seem to have come to a tentative truce. I don't talk about my pregnancy and he doesn't insult you. I'm not sure what will happen once I actually start showing but for now, it's been better. We talk about Harry a lot, reminiscing about school. I still miss Harry so much. Some days I forget he's gone. I've been to the cemetery in Godric's Hollow a few times. Don't worry, there is always an Auror with me and they always make me wear a glamour. It's a bit annoying, actually, but I suppose if that's the only way I'm allowed to visit, I'll have to do it.

I have stayed in my original room here at the Manor. I know that you suggested I move into yours, but it doesn't feel right to me without you there. Being here, in my room, makes me feel closer to you somehow. Perhaps it's because this is where everything started.

I miss you. I can usually keep myself busy enough during the day; it's when I'm lying in bed at night that it's the worst. I am counting down the days until I see you again.

I love you,

Hermione

Lucius echoed Hermione's sentiments. Although he thought about her all the time, the nights were the worst. He dreamt of her most nights, often waking having to take care of a problem that the dreams had created. But mostly he just missed talking to her.

He really did not like that fact that she was going to Godric's Hollow. Lucius knew he could not keep her locked up in the Manor no matter how much he wanted to but he still worried. At least she was still allowing the Auror guard and had her Portkey along with the glamour.

Lucius stowed the latest letter on the shelf with the others. It had been nearly three months so he was halfway done with his sentence. While some days it did not seem like he could endure another three months, he would. For her and for Draco, he would.

Hermione stepped into the conservatory, book in hand. She had taken to coming here the afternoons that Draco and Ginny were brewing. She had left after the Potions lecture today and gone back to her room for her book and then stopped by the kitchens for a snack. Liddy was running the household now that Draco was back in the Manor and was always happy to fix something whenever Hermione was hungry. Which, now that the morning sickness seemed to have abated, was nearly all the time.

Deciding that she would sit near the doors to the gardens today, Hermione began to make her way through the room. As she came round one of the flower beds, she stopped short and gasped. Draco was sitting on a bench, Ginny straddling his lap as they snogged. His hands made their way underneath her shirt and Ginny ground into him, her hands tangled in his hair. Hermione was so surprised that her levitation spell faltered and her plate of fruit fell the floor with a crash.

Ginny's head whirled around even as Draco pulled her towards him and drew his wand with his other hand.

"Sorry," Hermione said, quickly turning around. "I didn't know you were in here." She heard Draco make a noise of frustration and Hermione bit her lip to keep from laughing. She vanished the mess from her plate and began to walk away. She heard Ginny say something to Draco and then her friend was calling out to her.

"Just stay, Hermione," Ginny said. "I have to get home anyway." Hermione stopped and turned back. Both of them were now presentable, although Draco's hair was still a bit disheveled. Ginny leaned down to kiss Draco and Hermione averted her eyes once more.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Ginny said as she left.

"Sorry," Hermione said again. When she looked back at Draco, he was glaring at her.

"Thanks a lot, Granger." Hermione tried not to smirk. She was remembering when he had walked in on her and Lucius.

"To be fair, you're supposed to be brewing. How was I supposed to know you'd be in here doing, well, that?"

"Fuck, I hate this," Draco snarled. Hermione felt for him. He and Ginny got little to no time alone together. The rules of her being allowed to come to the Manor were that she wouldn't arrive more than five minutes before their tutoring sessions started and she would leave directly after they were over. This was usually supervised by their tutor and then Severus on the two afternoons a week that they had Potions. Besides a few stolen kisses during the short lunch break they were given, they were never alone. Then again, Hermione wasn't able to be with Lucius at all, so maybe she didn't feel that badly for Draco and Ginny.

"Why are you here anyway?" Hermione asked.

"Severus gave us the afternoon off," Draco said. "He's working on some experiment and had to go home to tend to it. He said he'd be back in thirty minutes to escort Ginny to the Floo."

"That was rather nice of him," Hermione said. Sometimes she thought that Severus might be a bit of a closet romantic. He would probably eviscerate her if she ever told him that.

"Yeah," Draco said. "Fat lot of good it did."

"Draco, I'm sorry," Hermione replied. "But I'm sure I've mentioned that I usually spend time here in the afternoons."

"We thought you were going to the library today. Ginny said you were going to study Transfiguration." Hermione had mentioned that earlier but once she'd gotten to her room, she spied the novel she'd been reading and decided she'd rather read for a bit and enjoy the sun.

"I did tell her that, I'm sorry I changed my mind."

"It doesn't matter," Draco said. Hermione moved to the bench at sat down next to him. They sat in silence for a few moments.

"You're more than half done," Hermione finally said.

"I know," Draco replied.

"What's the first thing you're going to do when you've finished your house arrest?" Hermione asked.

"Fly," Draco said. While he was allowed outside in the back garden, he wasn't allowed far from the house. Flying was out of the question in the small area available to him.

"Not continue what I walked in on?" she teased.

"Who says I can't do both at the same time?" Draco said with a smug smile.

"That was a mental image I did not need," Hermione replied making a face.

"You brought it up," Draco said with a shrug. He was still smiling though, which had been Hermione's goal, so she wasn't too upset about it.

She and Draco had been getting closer since she'd moved in. They were definitely not the best of friends, but they talked often and even laughed with one another on occasion. Of course, she was the only one he had to talk to much of the time, but still. She hoped that it continued even when his father returned home. The dynamic would change but Hermione wanted their friendship to continue. They were going to be in each other's lives for a long time after all. At least she hoped so. It wouldn't do if they didn't at least get along.

She bumped her shoulder against his and he looked over at her.

"It's going to be okay, you know," she said.

"I know," he replied. After a few minutes of silence, Draco sighed and stood.

"I'd better go wait for Severus," he said.

"I'll see you for dinner," Hermione replied. Draco nodded and left the conservatory.

Hermione picked up her book and walked towards the doors to the back garden. She didn't feel much like reading anymore. Maybe she would take a walk around the gardens instead.

September 1999

Dear Lucius,

I felt the baby move yesterday. I wasn't sure what it was at first and I have to confess that I got a bit worried. I was at the Burrow, though, and Molly (she has now insisted that I call her Molly) knew what was happening, of course. It's the oddest feeling, like the slightest flutter of butterfly wings. No one can feel it yet except for me. Is it selfish to say that I'm glad for that? I want to share it with you before I share it with anyone else.

Lucius stopped reading for a moment, his fist clenching on this thigh. He remembered when Narcissa first felt Draco move and she had described it in nearly the same way. Lucius hadn't been able to feel it right away either. It had taken another couple of weeks before he could. Unfortunately, he would be here for more than a few more weeks. He still had a month and a half left on his sentence. He would not be the first one outside of Hermione to feel his child move.

Gathering himself, Lucius turned back to her letter.

I visited Hagrid yesterday. He has settled back into his hut on the grounds and Grawp is living just inside the forest. I know that Hagrid still regrets that they weren't able to get to Theo's on time to help with the battle. I've told him that everyone understands. He wouldn't have been able to get there with Grawp and he couldn't leave him on his own. Grawp would have insisted on following and they would have been found. It still bothers Hagrid though.

It was strange to be back at Hogwarts after everything that happened there. Everything has been repaired, of course, you wouldn't know what had happened just looking at it. But the memories haven't gone anywhere. Having the students back, laughing and seemingly happy definitely helped. Professor McGonagall agreed with me when I told her. I'm just glad she was able to find enough staff to reopen on time,

Luna's due date is next week. She and Theo seem to be getting closer. I think she'd marry him right now if he asked. Theo still seems to be holding onto his guilt about what happened to her though, no matter how many times we've all told him it wasn't his fault, Luna included. I hope once the baby comes, he'll feel differently.

Poppy asked me if I wanted to know the gender of our baby at my last appointment. I told her no, not because I don't want to know but I don't want to know without you. Actually, I don't mind waiting to find out until the baby is born either if you'd rather. No matter what we decide, I don't want to find out until you're home.

My studies are going well. I'm anxious just to get the tests over with to be perfectly honest. I'm set to take them two weeks before you're released so once you're home, I'll be all yours.

Did you hear that they finally captured Greyback? The students that had been given to his pack had all been turned, of course, and one of the girls died a few months ago. The others are still at St. Mungo's. There were seven children with them as well, one as young as three. Their families are being contacted and I hope that they're all accepted back. I can't imagine suffering through all of that and then having your family reject you once they found out.

The Ministry is starting a N.E.W.T.S. program for all those students that were kept prisoner either in Azkaban or with Death Eaters. Anyone that wants to return to Hogwarts can do so, but they're going to offer classes at the Ministry for those that choose not to. I honestly don't think that I could go back, even if I weren't nearly twenty and pregnant. It would be too hard. I think a lot of the students that were in my year are going to opt for the Ministry classes. Some of those in Ginny and Luna's year might go back I suppose as they'd only be a year older. Severus is actually going to teach Potions at the Ministry if you can believe it. I suppose he thinks that only those that genuinely want their N.E.W.T. in the subject will take his class and perhaps they won't be complete dunderheads.

I had better close before I need another sheet of parchment. I love you, Lucius, and I'm counting the days until you are home.

All my love,

Hermione

Six weeks. Only six more weeks and he would be back to her. Edward had had a photograph the last time he visited. The swell of Hermione's belly was just visible beneath her robes and Lucius had stared at the photograph for so long he had almost run out of time to write his letters. How he would have loved to be able to keep it with him but had it been found it would have been considered contraband and only added to his sentence. And nothing was going to keep him here a moment longer than he had to be.

Lucius was glad to hear that Greyback had been captured. The werewolf had inflicted horrific pain for far too long on far too many people. Lucius had been disgusted when the Dark Lord had allowed Greyback into the ranks. He had never been Marked, only used for the most distasteful of tasks, which Greyback had seemed to enjoy. Still, his presence had not sat well with Lucius, nor many of the others for that matter. Knowing that he would soon be locked up in the maximum security ward, likely for the rest of his life, was a relief and more than the monster deserved.

Lucius, through the small window in his cell had seen the arrival of a few of his brethren over the few weeks after Lucius' own incarceration. None of them ended up in his wing; he was on the first level of cells above the offices and the kitchens which was for those that were serving lesser sentences or for lesser crimes. The rest of the Death Eaters were on the topmost floors where they kept the long-term prisoners, Lucius was sure.

Lucius folded Hermione's letter and added it to the others. Six weeks.

October 1999

Hermione walked into Madame Malkin's, Simon Proudfoot following behind. Hermione had finally accepted the fact that she needed maternity robes. She had been making do with expansion charms on her regular robes but the charms could only go so far. Mr. Greengrass had paid a visit to the Manor last week with a note from Lucius and a bank draft for her new wardrobe. Lucius had instructed her to go to Twilfitt and Tatting's but Hermione didn't see the need to spend such a ridiculous amount of money on clothing she would only be wearing for a few months. Madame Malkin's would be just fine. After, she was meeting Ginny for lunch at a new café that had just opened a few weeks ago to celebrate the taking of their N.E.W.T.S. They had finished their last test just yesterday. Simon had tried to convince her to wear a glamour but Hermione had refused. She was tired of going out as someone else. She was going to have to face people sometime.

After placing her order with Madame Malkin, they stepped back into the Alley and made their way toward the café. As they passed by the toy store, Hermione spied the most adorable stuffed rabbit sitting in the window. She was still a bit early to meet Ginny so she ducked inside. Luna's Patronus was a hare and Hermione intended on spoiling her godson a little bit more.

Tristan Theodore Nott had been born September fifteenth. He was now a month old and Hermione was completely besotted with him. Luna was doing well and Theo had completely taken to fatherhood. While Tristan was technically Theo's half-brother, Hermione knew that he would never see Theo as anything but his father. The three of them were so sweet, it made Hermione tear up every time she saw them together. Of course, that likely had to do with the hormones, but still.

Xeno Lovegood was entranced by his grandson. The last time Hermione had visited, she had found the two of them in the garden and Mr. Lovegood was pointing out some mythical creature or other to Tristan. Of course, there had been nothing there when Hermione looked but she hadn't said anything. Tristan was staring up at his grandfather with what appeared to be rapt attention. It was adorable.

Searching through the store, Hermione spied the rabbit and took it up to the counter. The clerk smiled down at the toy and then looked up at Hermione, smile faltering when she obviously recognized her. Hermione said nothing just waited politely as she pulled a few galleons from her bag.

The clerk stuffed the rabbit into a bag and thrust it at Hermione before taking the galleons. Instead of handing Hermione her change, she plunked it down on the counter, forcing Hermione to pick it up.

"Thank you," Hermione said, ignoring the woman's attitude, as she took the bag and turned to leave the store.

"Whore," the clerk muttered under her breath but Hermione heard her. She turned back, meeting the woman's eye.

"Excuse me?" The clerk looked a bit intimidated for a moment before seeming to gather her courage.

"What do you think Harry Potter would say if he knew you'd willingly spread your legs for a Death Eater?" Hermione was so shocked, she couldn't respond. Simon, who had been standing by the door and heard the entire exchange, stepped forward glaring at the woman.

"I wonder if your boss is aware of the way you treat customers," he said. "I suppose I'll have to mention it to Emily the next time I'm round for dinner." The woman paled. Simon grasped Hermione's elbow and led her back into the Alley.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

"Fine," Hermione replied tightly.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"For what?" she asked. "You didn't say it."

"She shouldn't have either." Hermione shrugged.

"It's not as if I didn't expect it from some people."

"Still," Proudfoot said.

"Do you really know the shop owner?" she asked. He nodded.

"She was in my year at Hogwarts. Her husband is my best friend." Hermione laughed, not really feeling at all sorry for the clerk in the store.

They made their way to the café and Ginny waved at Hermione from the table she'd procured outside. Proudfoot looked around, frown on his face.

"I think it might be better if you ate inside," he said. The Alley was crowded today, likely due to the unseasonably warm weather. Hermione was sure that Proudfoot was concerned about being able to protect her out in the open. Honestly, she knew he was just doing his job, but this was a bit ridiculous. If anyone were going to do anything, Hermione was sure it would just be more insults like she had suffered in the toy shop.

"But it's so gorgeous out today," Ginny said. "And we've been cooped up inside for so long studying and then taking our exams."

"We won't be long," Hermione added, looking at the Auror hopefully. He sighed.

"All right," he said. "But keep your guard up and your wands handy." Both women nodded and Hermione sat down with Ginny.

"Look at what I bought for Tristan," Hermione said, showing Ginny the stuffed rabbit.

"That's adorable," Ginny replied. "That boy is going to be completely spoiled."

"Oh, like you don't do the same thing," Hermione said. "I saw that tiny Quidditch t-shirt you bought for him." Ginny laughed.

"Fine, you're right," she said, picking up her menu. Once they had ordered, Hermione smiled at Ginny.

"I can't believe it's only two more weeks."

"Speak for yourself," Ginny said with a grin. "Draco only has twelve days." Hermione stuck her tongue out at her friend and Ginny laughed again before she sobered. "The worst part is now that N.E.W.T.S. are over, I won't see him for those twelve days."

"I know," Hermione said, putting a hand over Ginny's.

"What, no remark on how you've been suffering for six months, surely I can last twelve days?" Ginny said.

"No," Hermione replied. "It's not been easy for any of us." Her smile faltered, thinking again of what the clerk in the toy shop had said to her.

"What's wrong?" Ginny asked, looking at Hermione in concern.

"Nothing," Hermione said.

"Bollocks," Ginny replied. "What happened?" Hermione sighed and reluctantly explained her encounter in the toy shop.

"That bitch!" Ginny exclaimed.

"Ginny," Hermione admonished, glancing around as people started to look their way.

"It's not as if the two of you didn't save her sorry arse from Voldemort!"

"Keep your voice down," Hermione hissed as Ginny made to stand. "Where are you going?"

"To tell her what she can do with her judgement," Ginny snapped.

"Sit down," Hermione said, grabbing her friend's wrist. "You're just drawing more attention to us." Ginny glanced around and then sighed, sitting down reluctantly.

"It's ridiculous, Hermione," she said.

"I know, but apparently, Simon is good friends with the owner and plans to have a little chat with her."

"Good," Ginny said. "I hope she gets sacked." Hermione went quiet, knowing that the woman in the toy shop wasn't the only person that felt this way. Normally, she didn't let it bother her, but what the woman said had gotten to Hermione.

"You know he wouldn't think that," Ginny said a few moments later. Hermione looked up at her in question.

"Harry," Ginny qualified. "He wouldn't think that."

"How do you know?" Hermione asked in a small voice. It was something that always niggled at her mind. What would Harry have thought of the choices she'd made?

"Because he loved you," Ginny said simply. "You were as good as his sister, Hermione. He wouldn't have judged you like that."

"Ron did," Hermione said. Ginny snorted.

"We both know Ron has very little tact," she said and Hermione couldn't help but smile. "Besides, he's come round, hasn't he?" It was true. Hermione had been at the Burrow for dinner last week, her pregnancy visibly obvious and Ron hadn't even flinched when he hugged her. Things were still a bit awkward between them but Hermione knew that had more to do with the fact that Ron wasn't sure how to apologize than anything.

"I suppose he has," Hermione said. Ginny had gone quiet now and Hermione cocked her head in question.

"Does it still bother you?" she asked. "To talk about Harry?"

"Sometimes," Ginny admitted. "I love Draco but sometimes I wonder what might have happened if Harry had lived." Hermione reached for Ginny's hand again.

"He loved you," she said. Ginny looked up at her, tears in her eyes. "He used to sit in the tent at night and find you on the Marauder's map and just watch your dot for hours."

"You never told me that," Ginny said quietly. Hermione squeezed her hand.

"I should have," she replied. "But I'm never sure if you want to talk about him."

"He's the reason I made it while I was with Lestrange," Ginny said. Hermione looked at her questioningly. "I would hear his voice in my head when things were…bad. Telling me to hang on, to not give up. Telling me he loved me." A tear slipped down her cheek and she absently wiped it away. "I'm not sure if I could have kept fighting otherwise."

A lump grew in Hermione's throat and she squeezed Ginny's hand harder. Ginny had been seeing a Mind Healer for months now but this was the most she'd ever talked to Hermione about her ordeal. Hermione was glad the bastard was dead but wished that she'd been able to kill him herself.

They were interrupted but the arrival of their lunches and Ginny quickly waved her wand at her face to rid it of the evidence of her crying.

"Sorry about that, we're supposed to be celebrating," she said once their server had left. Hermione smiled and picked up her glass of pumpkin juice.

"To the end of N.E.W.T.S.," she said and Ginny clinked her butterbeer against Hermione's glass.

"Have you decided yet what you're going to do?" Ginny asked as they began to eat.

"Not really," Hermione said. "It seems silly to try and get a job now when I'll just have to be taking time off in a few months."

"You could start talking to people though," Ginny said. "Get an idea of what's available after the baby comes."

"I could," Hermione agreed. "Kingsley told me I always have a job in his office."

"I thought you wanted to free House Elves," Ginny said with a smirk.

"No," Hermione replied. "I've learned my lesson there." Liddy had given her more than one lecture on why the majority of House Elves did not want to be free. "I do think there needs to be some kind of oversight though, so they're not mistreated."

"DRCMC, then?" Ginny asked. "I'm sure Charlie can give you a recommendation."

"I don't know," Hermione said. "There are so many things I want to change. All those horrid werewolf laws, for one. And the more I've read in the library at the Manor, the more I've that there are just tons of ridiculous laws that favor Purebloods." Ginny nodded as she ate.

"You know, you might want to talk to someone in Magical Law Enforcement."

"I don't want to be an Auror or a Hit Wizard," Hermione said shaking her head.

"There's more to it than that," Ginny said. "There's a whole department that works on laws and presentations to the Wizengamot to change or amend things."

"Really?" Hermione had done research into the Ministry departments but never found that particular information. Ginny nodded.

"Do you have to be a solicitor?" Hermione asked. She had thought about that career path as well and might still pursue it, although she knew that it would take few more years of study.

"Not sure," Ginny said with a shrug. "I'm sure there's a research department though. Talk to Kingsley about it."

"Maybe I will," Hermione said. "What about you?" she asked.

"Well, I've actually been thinking about trying out for a Quidditch team," Ginny said. "Oliver told me the Harpies are looking."

"Gin, that's great!" Ginny blushed slightly.

"I haven't playing in a long time," she said. "Who knows if I still have what it takes."

"You do," Hermione said confidently. "Draco has that pitch, the two of you can practice as soon as he's off house arrest."

"Maybe," Ginny said but Hermione knew that she was already planning.

The two women finished their lunch, chatting about all manner of things. They both, almost unconsciously, kept an eye on their surroundings, their wands on the table next to their plates. It was almost their norm after the war and what they'd been through. Proudfoot stood at the entrance to the café's outdoor seating area, constantly scanning the Alley. But everyone seemed to just be going about their business of shopping. No one seemed to be paying Hermione and Ginny any mind.

"Do you want to go stop in at the shop?" Ginny asked once they'd paid the bill and stood to leave. "George and Ron are brewing today."

"All right," Hermione agreed. Ron, after considering joining the Aurors, had instead decided to help George reopen Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. The two men had been going in to clean and restock products for the last few weeks and the shop was getting ready to open for business.

"Have they set a date yet?" Hermione asked as they rejoined Simon and began walking up the Alley towards the shop.

"Next Saturday," Ginny said. "I'm going to help them get ready this week."

"Is Verity coming back?" Hermione asked. Ginny nodded.

"Angelina and Alicia have been coming by too. And I think Parvati's been helping a bit."

"How are things going with Parvati and Ron?" Hermione asked. Things had seemed a bit strained the last time she'd asked Ron about it. Ginny sighed.

"I don't know," she said. "Parvati seems to change her mind every other day. First, she wants to be with him, then she thinks they're moving too quickly, then she doesn't know if it's a good idea after all."

"Is she still seeing the Mind Healer?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah," Ginny said. "And I understand what she's going through, believe me, I do. I'm just afraid that she kind of latched onto Ron when Slughorn first found her because she knew him and he was safe. Now that she's starting to work through things, maybe she's changed her mind about wanting to be with him."

"It's understandable, if she did," Hermione said.

"I know, I just, I don't want Ron to get hurt, you know? He really cares about her. If she's changed her mind, that's fine. She just needs to tell him." Hermione nodded.

"Maybe she doesn't know yet, herself."

"Maybe not," Ginny agreed.

"Excuse me, are you Hermione Granger?" a voice said and Hermione turned to see a young girl, probably eleven or twelve looking up at her. Simon moved to stand partially in front of Hermione and she rolled her eyes. Honestly, the girl was a second year at most. What could she possibly do?

"Yes," Hermione said. The girl blushed upon being spoken to and Hermione noticed there were three other girls a few feet away, whispering and giggling with each other.

"Could I get your autograph?" the girl asked. Hermione stared at her, completely taken aback. An autograph? Whatever for? Hermione heard Ginny snort behind her.

"Miss," Proudfoot said. "Miss Granger is in a bit of a hurry." He was still scanning the crowd, which, Hermione realized, had grown a bit larger since the girl had approached her. They seemed to have drawn some attention.

"No, it's all right," Hermione said at the disappointed look on the girl's face. "Do you have a quill?" The girl nodded eagerly and presented Hermione with a scrap of parchment and a self-inking quill. Simon gave Hermione an exasperated look.

"Why would you want the autograph of a Death Eater whore?" Someone shouted. Simon immediately raised his wand, looking through the crowd that had gathered.

"Look, there's two of them!" another yelled, noticing Ginny as well. Ginny had drawn her wand and Hermione hurriedly signed her name, handing the parchment and quill back to the girl before drawing her own wand.

"You'd better go," Hermione said to the girl who nodded and hurried over to her friends. They all looked scared now at the confrontation that was happening in the middle of the Alley.

"Mind your own business why don't you?" a woman shouted to the men as the four girls hurried away.

"Why doesn't everyone just continue on with your shopping," Proudfoot said, trying to calm the crowd down. Hermione reached into the neck of her robes, pulling her Portkey free. She really hoped she didn't have to use it but she wanted it ready in case.

"Come on, Gin," Hermione said. She grabbed Ginny's arm and they began to walk towards the joke shop once again. Simon fell in step beside them, still keeping an eye on the crowd.

"Look at the cowards running away," the first man jeered. Hermione saw Ginny's eyes blaze with anger.

"Don't," Hermione said even though she was just as angry. "Let's just get to the shop."

"Fucking wankers," Ginny muttered.

"Back off!" Simon shouted as someone got a bit close to them.

"Wasn't enough just to let him bed you, you had to have his bastard too?" a woman said. Hermione wanted to reach out and punch the woman but she kept her wand by her side and clenched her jaw. She hadn't been in public all that often without a glamour and never since her pregnancy had started showing so prominently.

"I said, get back," Proudfoot snapped, shoving himself between Hermione the woman. "Portkey, Hermione."

"We're almost to the shop," Hermione said as she looked up. People were still shouting at one another, some yelling taunts and insults at Hermione and Ginny, others trying to defend them. Hermione saw the door to the joke shop open and Ron standing in the doorway.

"Ron!" Ginny yelled and Ron immediately began to try to make his way towards them. It was then that the crowd surrounded them. They were mostly arguing with each other but someone threw a hex and it became complete chaos. Hermione saw Simon fire off a Patronus requesting more Aurors. Ginny yanked Hermione down as a stunning spell came flying toward them. Hermione grabbed Ginny's arm, wrapped her other hand around the Portkey and whispered the password. They were instantly whisked away.

Lucius looked up as the guard appeared at the door of his cell.

"Come with me, Mr. Malfoy," the guard said. Lucius frowned. He had just seen Edward the week before and would not see his solicitor again until it was time for Lucius to be released in two weeks.

"Where are we going?" he asked as the shackles were placed around his wrists and the guard led him from his cell.

"Just come with me," the man said. Lucius followed, wondering what was happening. When they reached the room where Lucius usually met with Edward, he was surprised to see the Minister for Magic standing in the room, pensive look on his face.

"Minister," Lucius said as the door closed behind him. "What is going on?"

"It's Hermione," Shacklebolt said. Lucius heart leapt to his throat.

"What happened?"

"She's fine," Shacklebolt assured him. "But there was an incident at Diagon Alley today."

"What kind of incident?" His heartbeat had slowed marginally on hearing Hermione was all right but started up again when Shacklebolt mentioned an incident.

"Hermione and Ginny Weasley had lunch and decided to visit George's shop. On their way, a young girl stopped them and asked Hermione for her autograph. When a few others in the Alley realized who she was, there was a confrontation. A few of them hurled insults while others attempted to defend them. Auror Proudfoot attempted to keep the crowd back, but it grew too large. Eventually, hexes started flying. That's when Hermione used her Portkey and got both her and Ginny to the Ministry."

"You are sure she is all right?" Lucius demanded.

"She's fine," the Minister assured him.

"And the baby?"

"Also fine, they were checked out at St. Mungo's just to be sure. She is back at Malfoy Manor now." Lucius blew out a breath and sank down into a chair. Thank Merlin, she was all right. But if that were the case, why was Shacklebolt here telling him about it? Surely, he knew that it would only make Lucius worry more than if he had just found out once he was released.

"I'm here to take you home." Lucius' head whipped up to stare at the Minister. "You're only two weeks away from the end of your sentence and you've been an exemplary prisoner. I've signed an order giving you early release." Lucius immediately jumped up from the chair as Shacklebolt knocked on the door leading to the corridor.

"Release him, please," the Minister said as the guard walked in with a bag of Lucius personal belongings and his wand. The guard removed the shackles and handed Lucius his wand and the bag. Inside were the robes he had been wearing when he had been brought here. His wand hummed in his hand as he waved it at himself exchanging his prison robes for the robes in the bag. He also cast a cleansing charm and a teeth-cleaning spell.

"The guards will collect your belongings from your cell and forward them to the Ministry."

"I do not care about that," Lucius said. "Just take me home." The two men began to walk down the corridor to the stairs that would take them outside to the dock.

"I also plan to release Draco from his house arrest now that his N.E.W.T.S. are over. According to Hermione, he's been pacing since he found out what happened since he's been unable to see Ginny." Lucius felt his throat tighten at the Minister's words.

"Thank you," Lucius said.

"Just don't make me regret it," Shacklebolt said seriously.

"Those days are behind us," Lucius assured him. The Minister nodded once and they boarded the boat that would take Lucius home.

"Father?" Draco said in complete shock when Lucius stepped from the fireplace in his study. "What are you doing here?"

"I have been released," Lucius said, siphoning the ash from his robes.

"But you've still got two weeks left on your sentence," Draco said in confusion.

"The Minister himself arrived at the prison today and released me." He looked at his son for a few moments before he stepped forward and embraced him. "It is good to see you, Draco." His son clung to him for a few moments before releasing him.

"Why did they let you out early?" Draco asked.

"Because of today's events," Lucius said. Draco scowled. "Where is Hermione?"

"She's sitting outside the conservatory," Draco said.

"And she is truly all right?" Lucius asked.

"She's fine, Father," Draco assured him.

"And Miss Weasley?"

"She's fine too. Angry as hell, according to Granger, but fine." He sighed. "I just really wish I could see her." Lucius smiled.

"Wait here, Draco. We are expecting a visitor." Draco's brow furrowed.

"But I'm not allowed to have visitors."

"Just wait here," Lucius said. The Floo flared as Lucius left the study and he heard the Minister's voice as Lucius closed the door behind him.

Making his way through the house, Lucius hurried through the Conservatory to the doors to the back garden. He stopped at the door, seeing Hermione reclined in a lounge chair. Her eyes were closed and her hands rested protectively on her expanding midsection. Lucius opened the door and stepped outside.

"I'm fine, Draco," she said with a sigh. "I've told you three times."

"Perhaps you would allow me to see for myself," Lucius said. Hermione's head whipped around and her mouth dropped open as she sat up in her chair.

"Lucius?" she whispered. He smiled at her and she leapt up from her seat and ran to him, jumping into his arms. He held her as tightly as her belly would allow. And then she was kissing him. He fell into the kiss, one hand tangled in her hair, the other attempting to pull her even closer to him. It wasn't until he felt a small kick near his hip that he released her.

He looked down and raised a hand to her abdomen, placing it in the spot he had felt the kick. After a few moments he was rewarded with another and Hermione smiled up at him, covering his hand with her own.

"How are you here?" she asked.

"The Minister arrived at Azkaban and told me I was being released," Lucius said, tucking a curl behind her ear with his free hand.

"Because of what happened?"

"I expect so, yes," Lucius said. He looked down at her in concern. "Are you certain you are all right?"

"I'm fine," she said. He pulled her to him again.

"Thank the gods," he whispered into her hair. "What happened?" Hermione sighed and began to tell him what had transpired beginning with her visit to the toy shop. His jaw clenched.

"I will contact the owner in the morning."

"No need," Hermione said with a smirk. "Apparently, Proudfoot is best friends with her husband. He's going to take care of it."

"And the rest of them? Were they arrested?"

"A few people were arrested for casting hexes, but I don't know if they were the ones that threw the insults."

"I am sorry," he said.

"It's not your fault, Lucius," she said.

"I am a Death Eater," he said. "If I were not, they would not have attacked you as they did."

"Former Death Eater," she said, putting a hand to his cheek. "And I've told you that I don't care what people say. It's none of their business anyway." He turned his head slightly to kiss her palm.

"I can't believe you're actually here," she breathed and he kissed her once again. Gods, how he had missed her. He broke the kiss, moving to the lounge chair she had been sitting in. He sat down and pulled her onto his lap, resuming their previous activities.

"Lucius," she gasped as he nipped at her neck. "Draco knows where I am."

"I have already spoken to Draco," he said between kisses. "He will not bother us. Besides, I am sure that he is off to see Miss Weasley."

"Wait, what?" Hermione said, pulling away from him.

"Draco is also being released from his house arrest. The Minister was here when I left my study."

"Kingsley is here?" Hermione said, attempting to rebutton the few buttons that Lucius had managed to open on her robes. Lucius drew his wand and warded the door, then cast a silencing spell and a privacy charm around them.

"No one can see or hear us now," he said moving back to the buttons on her robes. He kissed her again and she returned it with fervor, obviously no longer worried they would be discovered.

Lucius knew he would take his time again later, but for now, he needed her. He quickly divested her of her robes, groaning when he palmed her breasts. He lay back on the lounge, pulling her on top of him. It took only a few moments before Hermione had undone his flies and sank down on him.

Neither of them lasted long and when they had both fallen over, Lucius waved a hand to expand the chair, maneuvering them so they were lying on their sides facing one another as they recovered. He conjured a blanket and covered them with it.

"I missed you," she said as she snuggled into him. He kissed her temple and tightened his arm around her, still not quite believing that he was here with her. Six months had not seemed so long when his sentence was pronounced but it had proven to be much longer than he ever thought possible once he had actually arrived at Azkaban.

When he had left, she had looked the same as she always had and now, he brought a hand back to her belly caressing it lightly, she was rounded and full of life, the life they had created together.

"I love you," he said, kissing her once more. He felt movement under his hand and smiled at the apparent activeness of his unborn child.

"I love you too," she said and kissed him again.