"Have you thought of a name?"

Narcissa watched Hermione as she hummed at the question but not really paying attention. Pregnancy was kind but vicious to the young witch. Her skin glowed with youth, but the dark circles under her eyes really showed how truly exhausted she was. She lost a considerable amount of weight, some days taking a nutrient potion by sheer willpower. The feeling of it sloshing around in her belly made her nauseous, but the thought of regurgitating what little she had in her stomach usually made Hermione bite down on her tongue. Hermione was on her knees, her bum resting on the soles of her feet as she folded tiny clothes. A mass of different hues of blue, green, and red surrounding her.

Narcissa folded the hoarde of baby blankets in her spot on the nursery chair. She thought of her late daughter-in-law and how excited she had been. At six months she remembered Astoria already being bigger, she was a flurry of nervousness. Every nerve flared up to the point Draco would have to guide her to sit and calm down so she wouldn't get feverish. Hermione, she was calm. Every time she came to visit her, making sure she wasn't banging her head on the wall with boredom, Narcissa noted she looked as adjusted as she can be with the circumstances. Grabbing the stack of blankets, Narcissa meticulously put them away in their spot in the bottom drawer of the dresser.

"I've thought of some, but not sure really."

Reaching for her gloves, she realized Hermione was already at the end of her tending the guest meter. Narcissa knew how difficult pregnancy could be to one's body. Carrying a Malfoy heir absolutely wreaked havoc on your magical aura. She had nearly died from pre-eclampsia and her frame had weakened from severe morning sickness. Lucius had roared never again to trying for another, effectively getting sterilized right after Draco was born. Standing up, Narcissa leaned to give Hermione a kiss on the top of her head, "Lucius said he'll be dropping by sometime next week."

A slight nod and Hermione held her breath until she heard the roar of the floo activating. Sighing, Hermione felt guilty for feeling tense around the Malfoy matriarch. She knows Narcissa has only been coming once maybe twice a week to make up for Draco not being over. Now, Lucius would be coming over to check on her and most likely demand she accept a family elf. He clipped at her saying she was constantly tired and in pain and to accept the bloody help already. The eldest Malfoy really did like her. He may not show it like Narcissa, but he gave Hermione books he thought she would like and would owl rare treats from France she craved.

Draco..

She hasn't seen him since that fateful appointment and hasn't heard from him since Agartha arrived with his letter. She had sent the bird back with a simple response, hoping he didn't notice the tear stains on the parchment.

She didn't want him to feel forced, she gave him an opening to not be a part of this, but Malfoy men... they had an air of possessiveness on things they cared for. Even before Astoria, they had flirted here and there during their visits at the pub. Closing her eyes, Hermione thought of the one night where tequila coursed through their veins, her arms around Draco's neck. His hands were at the low of her back and for the first time,in a very long time, she didn't feel as if she was going to be attacked. Harry and Ron were long gone, they had an early raid and had to be up at 5 am. The ambiance in the pub was calm, many patrons had left and the few that stayed, were glued to a seat with a drink in their hand. Dimmed lights and the muggle song was slow, it's bass pulsating through her. Draco had wrapped a long, calloused hand around her jaw, leaning down-but not a lot since Hermione wore some black heels today- his lips barely a breath away from hers.

They never kissed.

She pulled away, his hand gently gripping hers, a blush gracing her cheeks and smiled softly at the tall wizard,"I have to go."

She was gone before he could say her name.

Ron and her had broken up amicably by the time Draco started to join them on their outings. She started to develop a crush for the Slytherin. He was...handsome. His sarcastic comments rivaled Ron's. She had spoken to Hannah about how she had a feeling for a friend one day during lunch break after a grueling day of their professor going over anatomy and physiology, but she didn't want a relationship. It was the whole reason why they broke up, to heal. Hannah had suggested for her to shag the guy. Get it out of your system.

She never did. She was a nervous wreck by the time Friday rolled around and school was out for the weekend, she went home and sent a patronus to Harry stating she had to study. When she did finally join them again, she and Draco never spoke of what happened. They went on with their shenanigans of drinking and dancing at the pub. Only difference was that Hermione made sure she wasn't left alone with Draco unless there was no other way to avoid it.

Aside from their inner circle, no one knew who really was the father of the Hermione Granger's child. Shacklebolt made sure to crack down on the Daily Prophet, threatening to charge everybody with false press and defamation if they even wrote an article about the heroine. Despite the warnings, he couldn't stop the whispers.

She honestly didn't care anyways.

People will always talk.

Draco entered her apartment in a flurry of green powder. He hadn't stepped a foot in Hermione's flat for months, but the sense of comfort washed over him like always. The smell of peach and leather was in the air, looking around nervously, he eyed her flat. She had the same black couch, muted blue and white accents decorated her living room. Against the hallway entrance wall was a magical baby rocker and crib, both still in their respective boxes. Shuffling his feet, he looked around for Hermione, noticing her standing by the kitchen arch.

Merlin.

She looked at him like a deer in headlights. Her eyes the color of mud stared at him, her bottom lip between her teeth. She was skinnier than he's seen her in a long time, her favorite dark red pajama pants were baggy on her, her belly stretched her tank top. A wool cardigan he had gifted her for her birthday was equally as baggy on her. Draco noted Hermione pulling at the sleeves to cover her hands.

"I...I didn't think you were coming this early."

"It's three in the afternoon." He drawled, he raised an eyebrow at her, eyeing how she ran her hands through her hair trying to smooth the flyaways.

"Oh. Already?" Hermione gave him a sheepish smile, heading towards the couch, she sat down, "I'm guessing we should talk."

Hello everyone!

I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far :)

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