Chapter 2
"Draco, I'm pregnant."
He sat there stunned. He knew she had been leading up to something, but this? The old Malfoy mask came back on subconsciously, out of a lifetime of habit, giving him the chance to process what she had just said.
She, however, misread his expression and took it for anger, quickly putting herself on the defensive. "It's not like I meant for this to happen, Draco. And I don't care what you say, I'm keeping this baby and I will not allow it to be used as some sort of pawn against me. If need be, I'll get a magical restraining order against you and-"
Draco snapped out of it and dropped the mask in a hurry. "No."
"No what?"
"Don't get the restraining order. I was just… surprised. That's all. I'm still trying to process it."
She nodded, the fight going out of her remaining arguments. Suddenly she was very tired again and leaned back into the pillows.
"And you're sure it's mine?" Draco asked softly.
She glared at him, hurt showing all over her face. "Yes, I'm sure! You're the only one I've ever-"
He touched a finger to her lips and silenced her. "I just wanted to be certain, Hermione. And before you ask, I am committed to this baby and to you. You won't be alone in this."
Her face crumpled up and sobs wracked her body as tears rolled down her cheeks. He only hesitated a second before pulling her into his arms. The sobs continued and he rubbed his hand gently up and down her back. "Shhh. Hermione, it's okay."
"I'm so s-scared. So scared," she sobbed.
"I know. It's okay."
Her sobs had alerted the school nurse but she returned to her office again when she saw Draco had things well in hand. A few minutes later the crying stopped and they sat there silently, with Draco rocking Hermione back and forth and rubbing her back.
Someone clearing their throat made them both jump.
Taking in the tears on Hermione's face and the protectiveness on Draco's, Harry's mind reached the only logical solution it could. He hoped to God he was wrong though. "It's been nearly twenty minutes and we were starting to get worried so I thought I'd come in and check on you."
"Thank you, Harry." Hermione looked at Draco, who nodded in encouragement. "Harry, there's something I need to tell you and Ron. Can you go get him please?"
Harry nodded silently and returned a minute later with Ron in tow. They sat on the bed next to Hermione's and waited for her to begin.
She searched both their gazes nervously then took a shaky breath. "I-I don't know how to t-tell you this. Please don't be angry." Draco took her hand and she calmed down slightly, further confirming Harry's suspicions. "About a month ago, Draco and I—and now we—I-I'm pregnant."
Harry closed his eyes and forced himself to stay calm. Draco was here now and he wasn't being a royal prick about it. He even seemed to be supporting her in this. That decided, he opened his eyes calmly and looked directly into Hermione's pleading gaze.
"Please don't hate me, Harry," she whispered.
That alone was enough to pacify his lingering doubts. He shook his head. "I don't, Hermione."
Her expression changed to one of hope for the first time that day and her eyes sought those of her other best friend. "Ron?"
Ron shook himself from his shock and looked at her. Traces of anger danced across his face before he gained control of them. "Are you sure it's his?" he asked, flicking his gaze to Draco.
"Yes, I'm sure, Ron Weasley! How dare you ask me a thing like that!" Hermione cried indignantly. Then she turned into Draco's shoulder and started crying again. Draco shot Ron a glare then took to calming Hermione down again.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. I shouldn't have said that," Ron apologized, looking contrite. "I'm really, really sorry."
Hermione sniffed then nodded.
Now it was Harry's turn to ask a question. "Hermione, are you keeping it?"
Again she nodded.
"Then we'll help you out with whatever you need, okay?" Ron nodded enthusiastically beside him, hoping she wouldn't cry again.
"Thank you both." Hermione whispered, dropping her head back onto Draco's shoulder. Now that it was all over with she was beyond exhausted. He eyes fell closed of their own accord and she drifted off to sleep, still pillowed on Draco's shoulder.
When she fell asleep, Madam Pomfrey came back out and ushered the boys out of the hospital wing. "She's had a hard day and she needs her rest. I'll call you when she wakes up."
They all nodded, but didn't head back to their classes. Instead they all headed to separate corners of the castle and just sat there, letting everything that had happened sink in.
a/n: well? there's chapter two! I did promise to post it if I got 10 reviews so here it is. no idea when the next update will be though. hopefully soon. we'll see. take care!
MenenTesa
