I believe this is what you're all waiting for...

20 November, 2008: 12:40am

Growing up, Draco had been prepared for many things. Running a company—absolutely. Managing the family vaults—of course. Navigating complex social circles—indeed. Being present for his wife during childbirth—absolutely not.

Sometimes he liked to allow his mind to wander off and imagine what his father might say about the turn his life had taken. He liked to think about how irate and offended it would make him. An ultimate sign that Draco had won and Lucius Malfoy had lost. He had a muggleborn wife, a halfbood daughter who he'd adopted, and another halfbood child on the way.

Draco felt rather smug about it all. He'd learned what a joy it could be to prove people so incredibly wrong.

"If you don't stop bloody grinning to yourself like some stupid nutter, Draco Malfoy, I'm going to end you!"

Well, that certainly brought him out of his head.

She'd been on the cusp for a bit now. The last check with the nurse told them it would likely be soon. He hadn't realized just how soon that would be though.

Draco didn't know up from down or left from right. Everything just happened so fast. Hermione was clutching his hands, breathing like those classes had taught them while a nurse hurried into the room. Her cursing quickly dissolved into a series of harsh breaths and bone-crunching hand squeezes.

"Oh, I think this is it!" The nurse said.

Dr. Higgs was right on the woman's heels, looking tired but still smiling. "Right on time, Hermione. I just finished with another patient."

Hermione scrunched her eyes closed and nearly crushed Draco's hands as well. "Right…on time…my arse!"

It seemed as if everything around him was happening without rhyme or reason. His wife was screaming, he was trying his best to hold it together while in the back of his mind he knew everything was about to change. Once more his family dynamics would be altered. The very fabric of the Malfoy name would never be the same.

Scenes played through his mind like a filmstrip. A child running into him on a busy London street. A first kiss in the cold. Shy smiles and gentle touches. Croissants and coffee. A ring and a wedding. Adoption papers and announcements.

Hermione squeezed his hands tighter, her face contorted in pain and concentration as she pushed. His mouth worked on autopilot.

"You've got this, love." It was the most encouraging thing he could think of with his thoughts so distracted. When her eyes flickered briefly to his, he wished he could do this for her. She'd already birthed one child and he'd asked her to have another. It didn't seem fair what women went through to have children.

"Bloody…hell!" She breathed, pushing. He tried with all his might not to look too closely at what was transpiring between her legs, afraid he might just faint if he did.

"It's…a girl!"

Draco felt like he was coming up for air after being under water. The announcement shocked his senses and his eyes found Hermione's as she breathed a sigh. The wails of a screaming baby filled the room.

Hermione swallowed, still trying to catch her breath. She'd never seen an expression like the one he was wearing now. A mix of fear and shock, but mostly wonder. The team of nurses scurried to clean the baby enough to swaddle her in a soft blanket. Draco hardly moved a muscle as he watched, blinking but not saying anything.

"Here she is," the nurse said, smiling as she placed her in Hermione's arms. "Have yourselves a moment to get acquainted before we finish up."

The crying quieted to hiccuping whimpers as she held her new daughter for the first time. Her mind flashed back to the moment over nine years ago when they handed her Rose. The love was instantaneous. There was really nothing like it. A little piece of him. A little piece of her. They'd made something beautiful together. And he was here for all of it.

"A-a girl," he finally said, stuttering.

She lifted her eyes to his. He stepped closer and reached out with a hesitant, trembling hand. His fingertips brushed gently over their baby's cheek before he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Hermione's forehead.

"She's perfect," he whispered. He found her eyes again. "Thank you, Hermione."

She lifted a hand to cup his face. "We did this together, Draco."

She smiled at his concerned expression when the nurse took the baby back to finish their cleaning and measurements.

"They'll give her back," she said, tugging on his hand until he pulled the chair closer to her bed and sat. "They just have to finish up and trust me we'll have some time with her."

"Are you okay?" He held her hand and his eyes trailed over her body. "That was—that was a lot."

"It was but I'm fine."

Draco shook his head, a look of utter bewilderment in his eyes. "I had no idea it was like that—" He lowered his voice. "Men in my family would normally never be present for this."

Hermione threaded her fingers through his. "I'm glad you were here."

He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. "Were you alone last time?"

She shook her head. "I had my parents. But this is different."

He let go of her hand as the nurse returned and gently eased their baby back into her arms. The nurse smiled at them both. "All healthy as can be. Six pounds and eight ounces."

Hermione breathed another exhausted sigh. She wasn't sure if it was tears or sweat in her eyes but she could hardly tear her eyes from the baby swaddled in her arms. She almost couldn't believe it. Another girl with a surprising headful of hair just like Rose's had been. This time it was honey blonde hair much darker than Draco's, looser curls just like Rose's, and Hermione's eyes—overall, a fair mix of the two of them.

Draco sat in the chair at her side, tired but alert. His eyes didn't stray from the two of them.

"It's your turn to hold her." She smiled when he lifted his hands unsurely and pulled back, eyes darting to hers as his brows pinched together. "It'll be fine, Draco. I'll have plenty of bonding time, trust me. You're her father."

He swallowed and held his hands out again. She carefully shifted their baby into his arms. He curled her close to his chest protectively and Hermione almost choked on a sob at the way he gazed down at the bundle in his arms. She looked so tiny held against his chest.

"She's so beautiful," he whispered.

There was a hitch in her voice when she said, "She is."

She loved him so much. He'd given her and Rose what she didn't think they'd ever have and now this. The feeling rising like a wave in her was nearly overwhelming. This was the life she'd secretly wished for but never held hope she could have.

Draco flashed her a smile. "She's got your curls." He huffed. "Mostly your everything really. Not that I'm complaining. We have to give her a name."

She nodded as she reached out and brushed a fingertip over their baby's cheek. "Where's Rose?"

He nodded as he if was reading her thoughts and carefully shifted the baby back into her arms as he stood. "I'll get her."

He leaned over to press a kiss to her lips before stepping out of the room.

It was a strange feeling really. Draco was half dead on his feet but somehow also wide awake. The muggle nurses all smiled at him as he passed through the maternity ward. He'd been glued to Hermione's side all day and he'd heard more than one comment about how adorable they were all betting their baby would be. They weren't wrong.

When he glanced at his watch, he found it was already well past one in the morning. Once past the swinging doors and in the waiting room, he smirked at the sight of their friends and family, mostly passed out or sluggishly nursing half-forgotten cups of coffee and tea. It would have once been a strange combination of people but were now a regular part of his and Hermione's lives. Things had really changed.

Hermione's mother spotted him first followed by his own. The sight of her here amongst muggles and people they never would have socialized with in the past was an odd balm. The rest of them all sat straight, smacking the ones that were asleep, when they saw him.

"It's a girl. Official time twelve-forty. They only just got her back to Hermione."

"Oh, another granddaughter," Mrs. Granger cooed, sharing a smile with the others.

Draco observed his mother closely but she didn't say a word. He caught the way her eyes widened, surprise and her own wonder coming to the surface. And then she bit her lip and reached up with a delicate hand to swipe under the rims of her eyes, a tiny smile breaking free.

Harry flashed a smug grin at his wife. "I was right."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "I should have known Malfoy would end up with all girls."

"Poetic justice," Pansy purred from a chair in the corner. Draco was a little surprised to find her still here but then he remembered that she intended to ingratiate herself early with their baby in hopes it would like her better than Rose did.

He sighed. "Story of my life, trust me."

"Well, when do we get to see the baby?" Theo asked loudly.

Draco held his hand out to his daughter. "Rose, you first."

Mrs. Granger gave her a gentle push out of the hospital chair.

"I have a sister?" She asked.

Draco nodded as he took her hand, glancing over her head at their group. "You do. We want you to meet her first."

Mrs. Granger waved him on. "Go on then. We'll wait our turns. I'm sure Hermione's exhausted anyway."

He nodded and turned. Rose walked with him back through the doors. A pair of nurses stopped to coo over the sight of them. Rose never noticed, too busy rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

He paused just outside of Hermione's room when he felt her tug him back. "What's wrong, Rose?"

Rose blinked and caught her lip between her teeth. "I'm nervous."

Draco crouched in front of her and nearly winced at the ache in his muscles. It had been a terribly long day. "Why's that?"

She lifted her shoulders. "I don't know how to be an older sister."

He released a tired laugh. "I wish your mum and I could help you with that but neither of us have siblings. I've no doubt you'll do fine though." When she didn't respond, he dipped his chin to catch her eyes better. "Is there something else?"

Her cheeks went curiously pink. "I'll miss having mum all to myself."

His brows furrowed and he reached out to brush her hair back, just like Hermione always did. He found himself often mirroring her parenting, hoping he was doing his dad bit right. "Your mum will still have plenty of time for you. We both will."

She nodded and took his hand again when he stood. Hermione looked up when they entered the room, Rose cautious at his side. She frowned when she caught sight of the look still on Rose's face.

"Come here, sweetheart. I have something special I'd like for you to do for us."

Rose hurried over when she held out her free hand. She leaned on the edge of the bed and got her first glimpse of her sister.

"She looks like you, mum."

Draco allowed himself a tired, happy sigh as he collapsed in his chair again. "Granger genes must be strong."

"She has both your hair though," Rose said.

"She does," Hermione agreed, smiling at her. "And now we have to name her. What do you think? Is she Violet or Iris?"

It was difficult for him not to laugh as Rose's expression morphed into one of surprise.

"I get to name her?"

Hermione nodded and shot him a quick look. "Yes, we couldn't decide so you get to choose."

Rose pulled her lip between her teeth again as she mulled the choices. Like mother, like daughter—Draco could practically see the wheels turning.

"What will her middle name be?"

He sat forward. "Well, we thought we'd match yours and give her a constellation name as well. It's sort of a tradition in my family anyway."

"We like Cassiopeia."

They shared a look between them as Rose mouthed the names to herself. She lifted on her toes to look at her sister again before she said, "Violet."

Hermione smiled. "Violet Cassiopeia it is then."

Rose's eyes flickered between them. "Granger-Malfoy?"

Draco nodded. "Just like you."

She grinned.

Hermione smiled as he left again to go get their family, a few at a time or else they'd draw her nurse's ire. She looked down at Rose and reached out with a hand to cup her cheek.

"Are you tired, darling?"

Rose nodded even as she yawned. "It's past my bedtime."

She laughed. "It is. Mine, too, I think." She held Violet close as she scooted along the mattress a little and held her arm out. She was tired, sore, and in need of a proper bath eventually but nothing would stop her from comforting Rose. "Come on. I've got two girls and two arms."

"But gran said—"

She arched a brow. "Your gran is trying to look out for me and it's appreciated but I'd like to hold both of my girls, both of which seem very tired."

Rose gave her tired smile and climbed into the bed. She kicked at her shoes until they landed somewhere on the floor and Hermione gathered her close. She pressed a kiss to Rose's forehead once she was settled against her and finally allowed herself a moment to shut her eyes. She didn't plan on falling asleep until after everyone had seen the baby.

"We should probably have everyone come back tomorrow and let them rest," Mrs. Granger said as Draco led her and his mother back to the room.

"Yes," Narcissa nodded. "I know everyone would surely understand and she must be terribly exhausted."

He shook his head, a small smile in place. He'd never seen his mother quite so excited—at least her version of it—as he had today. The witch was practically buzzing and it was a wonder she'd not set off any accidental magic in her emotional state.

He paused when he stepped foot in the room, the two of them just behind him. In that small hospital bed, all asleep and blissfully unaware of anything around them, were his girls and the most important woman in his life. The bundle that was Violet was nearly hidden in her blanket. It was difficult to tell if it was Rose that had tucked herself so tightly to Hermione or the other way around. None of them so much as twitched.

"Good thing I brought a proper camera," Mrs. Granger whispered.

Draco nodded and allowed her around him to take a picture of them. One that he would have framed for his desk. Possibly a copy for his wallet.

He watched as their mothers snuck into the room to catch a glimpse of the baby. Despite their best efforts, Hermione stirred. She managed a tired smile for them but didn't dare move. Rose was clearly dead asleep.

"I can take Rose home with me," Mrs. Granger whispered.

Hermione glanced down at her oldest and then at Draco before she addressed her mother. "No, she's comfortable. I don't want to wake her."

"She's beautiful," Narcissa whispered. Draco noted the shakiness of her voice. He'd truly never seen his mother this emotional. At least, not in a good way. "What's her name?"

"Violet Cassiopeia," he answered quietly.

Their mothers shared a look between them and he imagined it was some sort of silent mother communication that surpassed the boundaries of magic. He didn't bother to question it. As many things that had changed in his life over the last year and a half, there was just no point. It was better to let things happen. To settle into the new normal and enjoy the fruits of change.

"We'll come back later in the morning," Mrs. Granger said. "We'll tell the others, too. You all need rest."

She kissed Hermione's forehead tenderly before leading the way out of the room. His mother turned back at the door and sent him a small smile. She cupped his cheek tenderly.

"I never should have doubted you when you told me she was the one. I'm truly thrilled for you, Draco." She shook her head. "Two beautiful daughters—you're quite fortunate."

Her words shouldn't have stunned him but it was always surprising when his mother chose to offer such blatant praise.

When they closed the door behind them, he rejoined Hermione at the side of her bed. He leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. "Get some rest, love. I'll be right here."

21 November, 2008: 8:00am

Hermione woke when the baby stirred against her and she knew it was likely time for a feeding. She rolled her head against the pillows. At some point, not long after Draco changed his first ever nappy, Rose had climbed into the chair with him and fell asleep tucked into his side. And poor Draco—he hadn't left her side, as promised. Refused to actually. That chair couldn't be that comfortable but there he sat, head thrown back at an awkward angle, mouth open, and softly snoring with their nine year old in his lap. Rose was little better and Hermione was fairly certain she spied a patch of drool on his chest where her head was wedged against his shoulder.

Violet started fussing a bit and she adjusted to feed her. There was a soft knock at the door and it cracked open the tiniest bit. One eye behind a pair of glasses peered at her.

Hermione smiled. "Come in, Harry," she whispered.

He flashed her a full grin and slipped inside, followed by Ginny who had a small gift bag in her hands.

"Harry wanted to beat the Slytherin crew in meeting her," Ginny spoke softly, her eyes drifting in Draco and Rose's direction. She lifted a hand to her chest and pressed it against her heart. "Merlin, how long have they been like that?"

"A while," she said, yawning.

Ginny nudged Harry and he fished a small digital camera out of his trouser pocket and he handed it to her. He rolled his eyes when she began snapping pictures of them.

"She's almost done," Hermione said, eyes flickering down to Violet. "You can have the pleasure of burping her."

He grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that. James was antsy to meet his new cousin but we told him he'd have to wait until you were home. We didn't imagine a toddler bouncing around here would help. He's with Molly."

Hermione nodded and gestured for him to close his eyes as she adjusted her hospital gown and pulled Violet away from her breast.

"I'm done. Here she is," she said.

She melted into the bed a little as Harry took the baby from her, smiling down at the small bundle before he shifted her to his shoulder.

"She's gorgeous, Hermione. Even if she is half Malfoy."

"I resent that, Potter."

Hermione rolled her head against her pillows to find Draco scowling sleepily, flashing the expression from Harry to Ginny who'd been caught mid picture taking.

Harry bounced a little at the knees as he rubbed Violet's back. "Eh, come off it, Malfoy. If she's anything like Rose, she'll take after Hermione mostly anyway."

"It's too early for your childish rivalry," Hermione said. The ache of fatigue was still deep in her bones, her muscles and body sore and tender from labor.

"Potter started it," Draco muttered.

"Too loud, daddy," Rose mumbled sleepily, burrowing her face against his shoulder.

Draco glanced down at her in his arms, frowning when he found the spot of drool on his jumper.

"Might as well get used to that," Ginny smirked at him as she approached Harry, arms already held out for her turn to hold the baby. "It only gets worse. Drool is the least of your concerns."

Draco sighed and pressed a kiss to Rose's hair. "I'll manage."

Harry passed the small gift bag that Ginny had been holding out to Hermione. He sent her a sheepish grin. "It's from Molly."

Hermione's brows furrowed as she stuck her hand inside. She pulled out a small knitted baby hat made with the softest purple yarn. Her mouth fell open and she looked at Ginny.

Ginny smiled as she continued swaying her hips with the baby in her arms. "Mum said she had a feeling it was a girl. She was just as surprised as you about the name thing though. Happy accident, I suppose."

Hermione smiled. "It's lovely. Can you do me a favor and tell her to come to the townhouse for their visit this weekend? She can meet her then."

She nodded. "Of course. She actually imagined you'd want to postpone but she'll be thrilled. I know things are different this time," her eyes flickered to Draco, "but I can't see them treating this one any different than Rose."

Hermione opened her mouth to say something but Draco beat her to it.

"I don't suppose children can have too many grandparents." He arched a brow at their surprised expressions. "It's only fair. Rose calls my mother grandma."

Ginny gave him an approving nod as Rose began to stir. She sat up in Draco's lap, blinking in the dim light.

"I'm hungry," she mumbled.

"Alright," Draco nodded. He lifted her in his arms before transferring her to his shoulders. "Watch your head," he said at the door. He glanced back. "Want anything, love?"

Hermione shook her head as she watched them. "No, not right now."

Rose ducked as ordered even as he crouched and Hermione could hear them in the hallway, chattering about when she and the baby could go home, off to find something likely very much lacking proper nutrition but she was too tired to care.

Harry gazed down at her, a funny smiled playing at this lips. "As much as I hate admitting it, you chose well."

She returned his smile. "I did, didn't I?"

21 November, 2008: 10:00am

Hermione grumbled to herself as her mother pushed the wheelchair out of the hospital's lift. Her gaze flickered briefly behind them and caught Draco as he pressed his lips into a thin line, clearly trying his best not to laugh.

"I could have walked."

Mrs. Granger scoffed. "Honey, you just gave birth less than forty-eight hours ago. Give your independence a rest, will you?" She glanced at her son-in-law next. "She is not to do any Ministry work from home. Harry said that that Kingsley fellow gave strict orders. She's to take her full maternity leave."

Draco gave her a stiff nod. "Orders received."

The cold November air hit them as they exited the hospital. Hermione turned sharply as her mother marched off to prepare the car.

Draco pressed a finger to her lips with his free hand, his gaze drifting to the carseat in his other hand. "She's fine. You put the Weasley hat on her and she's tucked with a blanket."

"How are you suddenly more calm than me?"

He lifted his shoulders. "Sleep deprivation, I suspect."

When her mother pulled the car up, she eased herself into the backseat and watched, mildly amused, as Draco fussed with buckling in the carseat.

"Bloody…stupid…thing," he muttered through gritted teeth. Hermione almost intervened before he finally got the buckle. "Aha!"

"Very good," she said, a small smirk playing on her lips.

He narrowed his gaze at her but didn't respond in favor of rounding the vehicle and settling himself in the front seat before her mother put the car in drive.

"Did Ginny get Rose to school alright?" She asked, her eyes trained on Violet's sleeping face.

He held his phone over the headrest to her. "On time and homework done last night according to this tortue device Potter keeps sending me messages on."

She laughed. "We should really upgrade yours. And I'm glad. I didn't want her to get behind."

Mrs. Granger flashed her a smile in the rearview mirror. "You know Rose wouldn't get behind. She cares too much about not stressing you right now."

Hermione sighed, ignoring the look Draco sent her as he turned in his seat. She'd have to talk to Rose once she was home from school. She wanted her to do well and of course, had always made that clear, but she was still a child. She didn't want her stressing. That was a parent's job, not a child's.

3:45pm

Hermione stirred from her nap slowly. Her body still ached with fatigue and she looked forward to not being so sore. When her eyes fluttered open, she found a pair of blue ones staring back. She nearly startled but managed not to jump.

"Gran brought me home. Daddy said I had to be quiet. You were both asleep," Rose whispered.

A quick look told Hermione that she'd shed her school blazer but was still in her uniform. No doubt she'd rushed up the stairs before Draco could get much instruction in. A new baby was likely far more exciting than maths homework.

She reached out and ran a hand over her daughter's hair. Ginny had pulled it half back, never having mastered the French plait Hermione often put it in.

"Thank you for that. How was school?"

Rose shrugged and glanced over her shoulder at the crib. They'd decided to have the baby in their room for at least the first two weeks as everything settled into some sort of pattern, whatever that looked like. Draco was taking paternity leave and had put a hold on his business for the next two months. She'd told him he didn't have to but he'd merely glared at her in response.

"Is she still asleep?" Rose asked.

Hermione pushed herself up and slid carefully from the bed. Violet was indeed awake and watching the mobile spin above her head, a rare moment of silence if the morning had been any indication. Draco's first blow out in a nappy had been a sight to see.

"No. You haven't gotten your chance to hold her yet. Did you want to?"

Rose drew the edge of her lower lip between her teeth, nerves obvious, but she nodded. If her oldest didn't get sorted into Gryffindor, Hermione was going to tell McGonagall the hat had finally lost its ability.

Hermione nodded and gestured at the loveseat near the windows. "Go have a seat. I'll bring her to you."

Rose hurried across the floor in her socked feet and Hermione couldn't help but smile. She crossed the room with the baby and took a seat next to her.

"Now hold her head…just like that."

She leaned against the back of the loveseat and smiled at the sight of them. She knew well enough that siblings didn't always get along. The Weasleys were often pulling pranks on one another even as adults. She had an inkling though that Rose wasn't going to be the kind of older sister who became annoyed with her younger sibling. She could already see the adoration on her face.

There was a place in her chest where guilt used to live. Guilt for not being able to provide her daughter's second parent. Guit for not being able to give her the family experience other kids had. It was gone now. Shriveled up.

They both blinked suddenly after a flash assaulted them. Hermione looked up to find Draco in front of them, camera slowly lowering from his face. He flashed her a sheepish little smirk.

"Sorry. Couldn't help myself."

He'd bought a new camera on his last business trip before her delivery date approached. It was still a magical camera but boasted being half the size of the old ones. She had a feeling he'd be taking lots of pictures.

"Um...mum?"

Hermione glanced back at Rose and didn't even have to ask. She smelled it.

"Oh, lovely," she sighed, shifting Violet into her arms. Draco was quick to intervene though and smoothly took the baby away from her.

"I told you I'm on nappy duty. It's only fair since I can't feed her."

Rose giggled at his wrinkled nose expression as he hurried off for the changing table, a gift from Narcissa, among other things. Rose drew her legs under her and looked up at Hermione.

"He's a good dad."

Hermione bit her lip. "He is, isn't he?"

Rose nodded. "He says we have good taste."

She snorted and leaned down to press a quick kiss to Rose's hair. "Of course, he does."

Many thanks for reading. Reviews always appreciated. :)