Life has been hectic since I had updated this story or my profile. I'm glad to say I'm finally at a place in life where I feel comfortable posting stories again. Thank you all for the lovely encouragement.

Astoria giggled as she watched in awe the baby move on the monitor. A boy. He was her's and Draco's.Their little bundle of joy, their legacy. Reaching for his slender hand, she gripped his fingers in happiness, her eyes meeting his silver ones. She gleamed with pride as she watched his eyes become glassy with tears. She was ecstatic, finally she can choose a theme for the nursery and Merlin! She couldn't wait to tell Hermione the news.

-

She waited for Hermione patiently in the living room of the Manor, she couldn't wait to see Hermione's reaction! As much as she tried to wait for her sitting down, she couldn't. She was sure if she kept pacing, the rug would be worn thin and Allester would be angry for having to replace such an expensive rug. Turning she grinned at Draco who sat on the couch with work files around him as he smiled at his wife's energy. It was a contagious thing to be around. Draco, Harry, and Ronald were junior Aurors finally after a vigorous year of training. Hermione's visits had slowly started to dwindle to once a week ifthat was even possible. Saint Cathedral Hospital in France has been occupying Hermione's time during her training to become a psychiatrist.

A loud roar and green powder erupted before her. Hermione softly coughed and waved the air in front of her. Astoria squealed in happiness, wrapping her arms around the older witch. Holding her at arms length, Astoria took in her best friend. Hermione wore a dusty pink satin puff shoulder midi dress, cream ankle chunky heels, and a dainty bead necklace. Her hair smoothed ending in thick ringlets, her face covered in minimal makeup.

"You look amazing! I've missed you so much." Astoria beamed, bringing the young heroine back into a hug, Astoria felt calm for the first time since hearing the news. She really did miss her best friend. Hardly seeing her has been hard on her. Letting go of each other, Astoria turned to Draco, seeing him smile at Hermione in greeting before turning back to his work.

Harry always joked saying Astoria replaced Draco, but Astoria knew the friendship they had was different than most. They had a year of close friendship before Draco had introduced Astoria to the group as his girlfriend.

Draco stared at the parchment, wondering how he had so much and so little to say. Harry had suggested for him to write what he felt and send it to Hermione instead of sitting across from her and feel impending doom creep alongside his body like a chill. It shouldn't be this difficult...but it was. He watched the quill in his hand, his grip getting tighter subconsciously, lost in thought.

She was his friend.

His best friend if he was being truthful. She had extended a silent truce a year after the Battle of Hogwarts, albeit Harry had brought him along to a dingy little muggle bar to hang out after a vigorous Auror training. Hang out with the Golden Trio nonetheless- he had officially lost it. He was expecting a sneer from Weasel-be, but instead was greeted with a handshake and a small smile from Granger. Shots and beer flowed between the four, laughter and calmness hummed through them. Potter and Weasley had gone up on the impromptu stage and drunkenly sung karaoke, leaving him and Granger behind in the booth. The pale red leather cushions were almost in scraps, the foam inside spilling from the tears, some parts sticky in questionable substances.

Granger wore a cream turtleneck, ears donning pearl studs, and her unruly hair in two French braids. He knew she just started her medi-witch schooling- of what exactly Draco didn't know. They had a comfortable silence between them and when he offered her a dance to a catchy muggle pop song, Granger had rolled her eyes but accepted. They were drunk and no one knew who they were here. He remembers gripping her closely, the top of her head barely reaching his chin. He felt at eased. They danced before Weasley and Potter came back and they group danced till last call was declared. The drunken duo parted their own way to Potter's flat, leaving behind Granger and himself. Her soft smiles and worrying about him apparating intoxicated. The moonlight was kind to her eyes, a clear amber. He finally felt their age.

Draco joined them every Friday night.

Blaise had joined him one evening to see what absolute fuckery can these Gryffindors possibly get into. Potter and Blaise had snogged each other's brains out before they even finished the second round of drinks, causing Weasley to fake gag at them. Blaise would flip him off in response. Granger and him spoke here and there, poking each other's minds, testing the limits on what knowledge each possessed.

"The manor has an extensive medical section of the library if you feel comfortable visiting."

It took two weeks before she did.

Their own little version of a friendship blossomed there.

Sighing, Draco started to write, the Hippogriff quill scratching at the parchment.

Laying on her couch, Hermione was rubbing her belly. Feeling the little guy do what felt like somersaults. She was in the last week of her second trimester, her belly the size of a tiny cantaloupe. Small red little lines decorated her skin just below her bellybutton. She liked to think of it as the little guy's first drawing.

Little guy.

Her heart hurt. She wished he was a she. Maybe it would've been easier once she found out...once they found out. Hermione didn't think it was possible to see Draco get anymore paler. He was out of the room before the medic could finish her sentence.

Hearing a peck on her window, the beautiful large black owl caught her by surprise. Making her way to the kitchen window, she let the blanket fall down to the ground with a soft thud. Maneuvering around the still boxed up baby items, she let Agartha in. Handing her treats, she unfurled the letter tied to her leg.

Hermione,

I don't have enough words to express everything I'm feeling. I'm at a loss.

You mean everything to me. And feeling that I feel like Astoria and Scorpius do not matter, when they do. They always will. They were.. still my world. I don't know what to do. I know I owe you an apology. The way he was conceived... my actions were disdainful. You have been nothing but kind and patient with me since their deaths. I know how much they meant to you too. Please know you mean a lot to me as well. You are everything right now to me. I have a special love for you that is terrifying. You and Potter and Weasley were the very first to really welcome me after the war. For that I am forever grateful.

I have tried my best throughout this pregnancy. Last appointment we found out it was a boy.. a boy.. I do not think I was prepared for that specific news. I was not prepared for any of this. I know I should be there for you. I know how difficult morning sickness has been for you. Have you eaten? I'm sure I can ask our family medic about pregnancy safe anti-nausea potions.

Hermione... I am terrified. All I can say is I know it may not be much, but I am trying to take it step by step throughout this whole process.

If his room in your flat has not been set up yet, allow me to help? Even if it is just to unpack clothes.

Sincerely your friend,

Draco Malfoy