By the time the minister had uttered the words "You may now kiss the
bride", Aiden was asleep on Draco's shoulder and I was still leaning on
him, quite content in my position. And then, with a roar of clapping and
cheers, Harry and Ginny kissed; the final seal of their vows. Aiden awoke
with a start and was slightly cranky until he started clapping. We exited
the church as a family, pausing to have our picture taken several times
with various different people. After all, we were the Malfoy family now:
prestigious, pretentious, and publicly unreachable. If the wedding had been
open to other photographers, they would have had a field day.
"Harry!" I cried, fighting my way through the crowd of former Gryffindors to his side, Draco and Aiden following closely, giving both he and Ginny huge hugs. "Congratulations! You know I'm terribly happy, but I'm going to say it again. I'm so happy for you!" Ginny smiled broadly and bent down to talk to Aiden.
"Hermione," said Draco from behind me, holding tight to my hand.
"Yes love?" I answered, facing him and planting a kiss on his lips.
"I'm going over to see Blaise," he said quietly, as though he didn't want anyone else to hear. My eyes clouded for a moment and I held a false smile to my face, but it quickly turned genuine.
"Go ahead. I'll be over in a minute," I replied, grasping Aiden's hand as he tugged once again at my dress. Draco's face showed open surprise at the latter comment, but I quickly set him straight. "Just because we once on bad terms doesn't mean we still are. I haven't talked to him for over a year, and I would like one of your friends to be this baby's godfather," I continued, placing a hand on my abdomen.
"You, you mean-" stuttered Draco unsurely. It was strange to surprise him this much.
"Yes. I do mean. Now, I'll be over as soon as I say hello to everyone. We'll discuss it with him then."
"Her, Hermione, are you serious about this? I know you're not too keen on Blaise, but he showed his loyalties. He saved your life."
"You don't think I'm perfectly well aware of that? I know just what he did for me. It's time I actually spoke to him. I thanked him after the war, after Voldemort, and left it. We have a history, Draco, and I'm not prepared to let that stop a friendly future."
Without speaking, Draco gave a weak smile and turned on his heel to talk to his old friend and my former fiancée. I watched him disappear through the scattered crowds of people, heading straight for Blaise and ignoring the social protocol of necessary pleasantries. Blaise's face lit up as Draco approached, and after a brother-like hug they fell complacently into conversation.
"Hello Hermione! My, two already? And to think it's only been five years!"
I turned, half-smiling because I knew it was Parvati. "Yes, it'll be two in August. This is our son, Aiden," I said pleasantly, gesturing to Aiden, who was currently staring in amazement at her false eyelashes, charmed to curl back towards her ears in outrageous spirals. "Draco's just left; I can find him if you like."
"Oh, no! I want to talk to you! So, what is going on with you at the moment? I've met the greatest bloke..."
20 minutes later, (after prying myself away from a terribly fascinating conversation with Parvati), I collected Aiden off of Ron's shoulders and moved over to Dean, Seamus and Neville, conversing on what I surmised to be England's chances at the Quidditch World Cup, occurring just after our second child's due date.
"Hello Neville," I said, smiling, hugging him and then repeating the salut to the other two.
"Of course England's going to win, Seamus," I continued, hoisting Aiden onto my left hip. "they've got Harry. That speaks for itself. And Dean, Manchester U's going all the way. I can't believe you cheer for West Ham!" At the latter comment, Neville and Seamus looked quite blank, but Dean's laughter woke them up.
"Manchester hasn't got a chance," scoffed Dean, running one foot across the grass.
"Nice to see you too," I answered, changing stance to hold Aiden properly. Dean smiled and hugged me, followed by Seamus. You'd be amazed how close you get when you're made to share a flat for three years.
During our stay at Burnaby's University Harry, Ron, Dean, Seamus, Neville and I had all shared a living quarters. After having spent seven years together at Hogwarts, they were quite used to each other. However, it was a definitive learning curve for me. We shared the rent and rotated cleaning and cooking chores, but that was only the beginning. Everyday Harry had Quidditch practice, Dean ran across the bridge to the Muggle side of Manchester for football, Seamus entertained us with various attempts at culinary refinement, Neville tried not to become overly frightened of his new Potions teacher, and Ron cleaned brooms for the Chudley Cannons, who were then on a winning streak and could afford to hire extra help.
It was an experience to remember, that's for sure. They were like six older brothers. Six, protective, older brothers. The first night I brought Draco over, they nearly had simultaneous heart attacks. That was before the war, yet after Blaise. We were so young, so very naïve, so very....unready. Thank God the wedding was called off.
"So, what's new with you, Hermione?" asked Dean politely, changing the subject from sports to basics.
I shrugged, and answered with a half-smile. "Nothing, really. Aiden will be four in October, and our new baby is due in August. Just trying to set up the house for the new arrival, basically."
"Ah," scoffed Seamus, "as though you need to organize! You can hire people to do that!"
That's what they think! I'm not going to allow someone else to order my life! "No, Draco and I wanted to do part of it ourselves," I answered quickly, worry dulling my eyes. "The only nannies I'm allowing are family and friends. And there's only going to be someone to look after the-"
"Hermione, he was just joking. I know you don't like throwing money around. And don't fret about Seamus, he's generally outspoken as it is," covered Neville, trying to ease my panic. I smiled warmly at him, and said my farewells until later that evening, and started toward Draco and Blaise.
"You're looking quite the domestic," commented Blaise upon my appearance next to Draco. Draco threaded his fingers through mine with one hand, the other casually set in his pocket. At Blaise's comment, a slight pressure was applied; I ignored it.
"I'll take that as a compliment," I answered with a practiced grace.
"I do what I can," replied Blaise, smiling with a half-bow, as though he was greeting the queen.
Aiden hung back, shying away from Blaise by hiding behind my skirt, poking his head out every now and again. He'd never been comfortable with Draco's best friend. I couldn't even imagine not having Aiden anymore. Being married to Blaise and talking to Draco with a strange countenance at Harry's wedding instead. I shook the thoughts out of my head and resumed the conversation.
"Draco and I would like to have you to dinner next weekend," I said with greatest diplomacy, extending an olive branch. "Will you be able to come?"
"What day?"
"Next Thursday. At 6:00, if you don't mind, we'd like you to spend some more time with Aiden."
"Why the polite bull shit, Hermione? We both know you're uncomfortable as hell around me," answered Blaise, pulling at his collar, unfazed by his comments.
I stared at him, my mouth half-open, and pushed Aiden over to Draco. "Take him to the car, Draco," I finally managed. "I'm going to confirm our plans with Blaise." Draco didn't even raise concern, he simply swung Aiden up on his shoulder and stalked off, tickling his son, who giggled with glee.
Turning back to Blaise, I glared at him with ferocity. "My son was there! Did you really feel the need to expose him to shit like that? It was a pointless power exertion, and you know it," I ended, eyes flaming, yet to anyone looking upon our conversation, it would have appeared we were getting along quite amicably. "I know we're not exactly best of friends, but you could have made an effort to be nice to the child!"
With one eyebrow raised in suspicion, Blaise gazed at me, both of his hands in his pockets, showing no intention of replying.
I sighed, letting my arms fall to the side. "Look, all I'm trying to do is to declare a peace. Let's stop fighting and try to move away from the past. I wanted you to be this baby's Godfather," I finished, placing a hand on my stomach. "Draco would be devastated if you didn't."
Shock, followed by an intense swirl of emotions flashed across Blaise's face. "That- that's what you wanted me to come over for?"
Looking at the ground, I nodded rather than speak again.
"So, you weren't trying to parade your life in front of me, to make me jealous?" asked Blaise, hope hewn into his voice.
I flipped my head up and stared at him for a minute. "You know I would never do a thing like that again," I answered softly, still making eye contact."
"I, I guess."
"No, Blaise," I replied hurriedly. "You have to understand that this was only with the best of intentions. I want you to be part of our extended family. Draco does too, he's just never said anything of that sort straight to my face. Please be this baby's Godfather," I pleaded, taking a step forward.
He didn't move for a moment. He just stared at the ground, lost in thought. When he did look up, it was at my stomach, and then over towards the parking lot, where Aiden and Draco were safely stowed away in our car.
"Sounds like a plan to me," Blaise answered, tilting his head up and smiling at me. I returned the smile and moved to hug him but stopped myself. Instead, I lay a hand upon his shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze.
"Thank you. It means a lot."
And then we parted. I left to find my husband and my son, and Blaise left to find a ride to the reception.
"Harry!" I cried, fighting my way through the crowd of former Gryffindors to his side, Draco and Aiden following closely, giving both he and Ginny huge hugs. "Congratulations! You know I'm terribly happy, but I'm going to say it again. I'm so happy for you!" Ginny smiled broadly and bent down to talk to Aiden.
"Hermione," said Draco from behind me, holding tight to my hand.
"Yes love?" I answered, facing him and planting a kiss on his lips.
"I'm going over to see Blaise," he said quietly, as though he didn't want anyone else to hear. My eyes clouded for a moment and I held a false smile to my face, but it quickly turned genuine.
"Go ahead. I'll be over in a minute," I replied, grasping Aiden's hand as he tugged once again at my dress. Draco's face showed open surprise at the latter comment, but I quickly set him straight. "Just because we once on bad terms doesn't mean we still are. I haven't talked to him for over a year, and I would like one of your friends to be this baby's godfather," I continued, placing a hand on my abdomen.
"You, you mean-" stuttered Draco unsurely. It was strange to surprise him this much.
"Yes. I do mean. Now, I'll be over as soon as I say hello to everyone. We'll discuss it with him then."
"Her, Hermione, are you serious about this? I know you're not too keen on Blaise, but he showed his loyalties. He saved your life."
"You don't think I'm perfectly well aware of that? I know just what he did for me. It's time I actually spoke to him. I thanked him after the war, after Voldemort, and left it. We have a history, Draco, and I'm not prepared to let that stop a friendly future."
Without speaking, Draco gave a weak smile and turned on his heel to talk to his old friend and my former fiancée. I watched him disappear through the scattered crowds of people, heading straight for Blaise and ignoring the social protocol of necessary pleasantries. Blaise's face lit up as Draco approached, and after a brother-like hug they fell complacently into conversation.
"Hello Hermione! My, two already? And to think it's only been five years!"
I turned, half-smiling because I knew it was Parvati. "Yes, it'll be two in August. This is our son, Aiden," I said pleasantly, gesturing to Aiden, who was currently staring in amazement at her false eyelashes, charmed to curl back towards her ears in outrageous spirals. "Draco's just left; I can find him if you like."
"Oh, no! I want to talk to you! So, what is going on with you at the moment? I've met the greatest bloke..."
20 minutes later, (after prying myself away from a terribly fascinating conversation with Parvati), I collected Aiden off of Ron's shoulders and moved over to Dean, Seamus and Neville, conversing on what I surmised to be England's chances at the Quidditch World Cup, occurring just after our second child's due date.
"Hello Neville," I said, smiling, hugging him and then repeating the salut to the other two.
"Of course England's going to win, Seamus," I continued, hoisting Aiden onto my left hip. "they've got Harry. That speaks for itself. And Dean, Manchester U's going all the way. I can't believe you cheer for West Ham!" At the latter comment, Neville and Seamus looked quite blank, but Dean's laughter woke them up.
"Manchester hasn't got a chance," scoffed Dean, running one foot across the grass.
"Nice to see you too," I answered, changing stance to hold Aiden properly. Dean smiled and hugged me, followed by Seamus. You'd be amazed how close you get when you're made to share a flat for three years.
During our stay at Burnaby's University Harry, Ron, Dean, Seamus, Neville and I had all shared a living quarters. After having spent seven years together at Hogwarts, they were quite used to each other. However, it was a definitive learning curve for me. We shared the rent and rotated cleaning and cooking chores, but that was only the beginning. Everyday Harry had Quidditch practice, Dean ran across the bridge to the Muggle side of Manchester for football, Seamus entertained us with various attempts at culinary refinement, Neville tried not to become overly frightened of his new Potions teacher, and Ron cleaned brooms for the Chudley Cannons, who were then on a winning streak and could afford to hire extra help.
It was an experience to remember, that's for sure. They were like six older brothers. Six, protective, older brothers. The first night I brought Draco over, they nearly had simultaneous heart attacks. That was before the war, yet after Blaise. We were so young, so very naïve, so very....unready. Thank God the wedding was called off.
"So, what's new with you, Hermione?" asked Dean politely, changing the subject from sports to basics.
I shrugged, and answered with a half-smile. "Nothing, really. Aiden will be four in October, and our new baby is due in August. Just trying to set up the house for the new arrival, basically."
"Ah," scoffed Seamus, "as though you need to organize! You can hire people to do that!"
That's what they think! I'm not going to allow someone else to order my life! "No, Draco and I wanted to do part of it ourselves," I answered quickly, worry dulling my eyes. "The only nannies I'm allowing are family and friends. And there's only going to be someone to look after the-"
"Hermione, he was just joking. I know you don't like throwing money around. And don't fret about Seamus, he's generally outspoken as it is," covered Neville, trying to ease my panic. I smiled warmly at him, and said my farewells until later that evening, and started toward Draco and Blaise.
"You're looking quite the domestic," commented Blaise upon my appearance next to Draco. Draco threaded his fingers through mine with one hand, the other casually set in his pocket. At Blaise's comment, a slight pressure was applied; I ignored it.
"I'll take that as a compliment," I answered with a practiced grace.
"I do what I can," replied Blaise, smiling with a half-bow, as though he was greeting the queen.
Aiden hung back, shying away from Blaise by hiding behind my skirt, poking his head out every now and again. He'd never been comfortable with Draco's best friend. I couldn't even imagine not having Aiden anymore. Being married to Blaise and talking to Draco with a strange countenance at Harry's wedding instead. I shook the thoughts out of my head and resumed the conversation.
"Draco and I would like to have you to dinner next weekend," I said with greatest diplomacy, extending an olive branch. "Will you be able to come?"
"What day?"
"Next Thursday. At 6:00, if you don't mind, we'd like you to spend some more time with Aiden."
"Why the polite bull shit, Hermione? We both know you're uncomfortable as hell around me," answered Blaise, pulling at his collar, unfazed by his comments.
I stared at him, my mouth half-open, and pushed Aiden over to Draco. "Take him to the car, Draco," I finally managed. "I'm going to confirm our plans with Blaise." Draco didn't even raise concern, he simply swung Aiden up on his shoulder and stalked off, tickling his son, who giggled with glee.
Turning back to Blaise, I glared at him with ferocity. "My son was there! Did you really feel the need to expose him to shit like that? It was a pointless power exertion, and you know it," I ended, eyes flaming, yet to anyone looking upon our conversation, it would have appeared we were getting along quite amicably. "I know we're not exactly best of friends, but you could have made an effort to be nice to the child!"
With one eyebrow raised in suspicion, Blaise gazed at me, both of his hands in his pockets, showing no intention of replying.
I sighed, letting my arms fall to the side. "Look, all I'm trying to do is to declare a peace. Let's stop fighting and try to move away from the past. I wanted you to be this baby's Godfather," I finished, placing a hand on my stomach. "Draco would be devastated if you didn't."
Shock, followed by an intense swirl of emotions flashed across Blaise's face. "That- that's what you wanted me to come over for?"
Looking at the ground, I nodded rather than speak again.
"So, you weren't trying to parade your life in front of me, to make me jealous?" asked Blaise, hope hewn into his voice.
I flipped my head up and stared at him for a minute. "You know I would never do a thing like that again," I answered softly, still making eye contact."
"I, I guess."
"No, Blaise," I replied hurriedly. "You have to understand that this was only with the best of intentions. I want you to be part of our extended family. Draco does too, he's just never said anything of that sort straight to my face. Please be this baby's Godfather," I pleaded, taking a step forward.
He didn't move for a moment. He just stared at the ground, lost in thought. When he did look up, it was at my stomach, and then over towards the parking lot, where Aiden and Draco were safely stowed away in our car.
"Sounds like a plan to me," Blaise answered, tilting his head up and smiling at me. I returned the smile and moved to hug him but stopped myself. Instead, I lay a hand upon his shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze.
"Thank you. It means a lot."
And then we parted. I left to find my husband and my son, and Blaise left to find a ride to the reception.