Thank you to everyone who reviewed chapter 6. Hope you continue to do so. Here is chapter 7 and once again please remember to review good or bad.
Chapter – 7 Finally
Harry took one look at Ginny and chuckled. Her hair was a covered in a gooey substance and specks of what seemed to be paint covered her face and arms.
How could he not laugh, she was a mess and judging by the smile on her face she didn't seem to mind it at all.
"Wow" he said, his laughter dying down. "You two must have had fun?" stepping into the flat, he noticed paint jars and paintings of what he thought resembled people laying on the table.
"She's fun to have around" she said walking into the kitchen. Harry followed her, Ginny was standing at the stove when he spotted the cookies piled on the plate "Chocolate chip, my favorite" snatching one he sat down next to the bar.
"Ashlynn's favorite too" she said. "Tea?" she asked holding the pot. "Sure, why not"
"So, how's Lavender?" "Great, she was a champ I tell you. Poor Seamus though, he was beside himself. I was sure he would pass out before the baby came."
Harry paused grabbing another cookie "He stayed strong for her and helped her all the way. He loves her so deeply, you would have been proud of him Gin"
Harry stopped as Ginny gave a small smile, "Oh shit, Gin I'm such a prat" he began.
Sighing softly Ginny handed him his tea "It's okay Harry, It was along time ago. I'm over him really" Ginny stirred her tea slowly before giving Harry a reassuring smile.
"Really Harry, I'm happy for them both. It just wasn't meant to be with Seamus and I. He knows that, as well as I do. Lavender is his soul mate, and I'm his friend. You love and you move on"
"Like you did with me?" it was a question more than a statement. He didn't know why he asked it. Him and Ginny were good friends. It wasn't that he didn't care for her. He just didn't love her.
Laughing Ginny picked her cup up. "Gee what is this talk about Ginny's failed relationships night? I must have missed the memo"
Harry wrinkled his brow "I didn't mean to bring it up, sorry" He felt like an ass. "Don't be, look I know you had your reasons and I accept that. We're better off as friends" Placing her cup in the sink she sighed.
" Besides I knew deep down inside you loved Hermione anyways. Anyone would be a fool to not see it."
Harry didn't say anything for a moment as he ponder on her words. He wasn't in love with Hermione, at least not then. Something told him to rethink that statement.
He wondered if it was possible to love somebody and never realize it. "See what I mean," Ginny laughed.
"What?" Harry asked startled. "Your thinking about her right now" she smiled "admit it" she began teasing.
"I umm… yes" he whispered "I suppose I was" shaking his head he grabbed up his cup. He didn't say a word as he walked to the sink. Sighing he placed his cup in the sink. He felt bad for Ginny, she was a great girl, and any man would be lucky to have her.
"Gin, look" he turned around to find her gone. Grabbing another cookie he went into the living room. There she was standing by the fireplace. Ginny stared at the flames, she heard Harry come in but she made no move to acknowledge his arrival.
"Ginny, look I'm sorry about that. I know I hurt your feelings back then, It's just that I didn't have anything to give you," he said. She turned away and laughed lightly.
"You brought me peace and warmth and friendship Harry. Those are special gifts if you ask me"
"I guess your right. You'll find someone and get that home and children Gin. And when it does it will be our turn to be happy for you".
"I'll hold you to it" she grinned.
The clock struck eight o clock. Harry glanced "Wow, what a day it's been, eight o clock already. Hermione should be home soon. I better get going".
"Of course, Ashlynn is asleep in my room" she told him heading toward the hallway.
Harry followed her to the room. Ginny opened the door softly letting the light fall over the sleeping little girl.
"She looks so peaceful, I hate to wake her" he whispered, "You can leave her here Harry I don't mind" Ginny offered.
"Thanks Gin, but I'm sure Mione would like to see her when she got in" She nodded turning on the bedroom light.
Walking quietly to the bed he smiled down at his daughter. That little girl meant the world to him; his love life was going crazy. Work was getting stressful but he could always count on his daughter to make everything okay.
"Hey gorgeous," he whispered, shaking her softly on her shoulder. Slowly opening her eyes, Ashlynn looked up. "Daddy" she said groggily.
"Yes baby, daddy's here. Ready to go home now?" Nodding her head she lifted her arms for him to pick her up.
Once he picked her up, she laid her head on his shoulder "Daddy where's mummy?" "She's still with Lavender, sweetie. You can see her when she comes home" "Shush, go back to sleep" he whispered.
Closing her eyes she snuggled into his neck. "Thanks Gin, we appreciate you watching her. I know it wasn't easy," he laughed softly.
"I enjoy having Ashlynn here. Anytime you need a sitter call me" "I will," he said walking to the door. "DADDY WAIT" Ashlynn screamed before he stepped out the door.
Startled Harry jumped "What?" he cried. "My moneys, I left them under the pillow" she whimpered, trying to wiggle out of his arms.
"Money" Harry said setting her down. "What money Ashlynn?" he asked when she took off running to the bed. Throwing the pillow to the floor, she snatched up the bills.
"Mister Malfoy gave me money, He broke my ball," she said
Harry glared at Ginny "How in the hell did Malfoy give my daughter money?" he spat rather impatiently.
"I… I don't know Harry" Ginny stammered. Anger was not a side of Harry Ginny witnessed very often and frankly it scared her.
"My daughter gets money from Malfoy and you don't know how?" he scoffed not believing her. Ginny gasped, so he thought she was with Draco.
"Whoa, wait a minute here. Luna dropped her off to me and I've been here ever since. Do you think for one minute I would take up sorts with Draco?"
"Daddy, He told me his name" Ashlynn said "He not a stranger anymore" frowning she looked at the money and back at Harry. "I don't want to give it back Daddy, please!" she begged, "Mummy said I had to but I want a new ball."
"Your mother knows about this" he stared at the girl in disbelief. He just left her and she didn't say a word. He didn't understand how she didn't think it important to tell him Malfoy made contact with his daughter.
"Mummy went outside to talk to your friend, when Aunt Lavender got hurt" she told him.
"My friend?" "Mister Malfoy told me he knows you Daddy,"
"Oh he knows me alright" he growled "But he isn't my friend Ashlynn" Harry kneeled down, "Look honey, Malfoy is not a nice person. I don't want you talking to him" eyeing her sternly he asked again "understood?"
"Yes, mummy said so too, but I have the moneys" Harry sighed with relief. So Hermione didn't tell him about Draco, but at least he warned Ashlynn about him.
"I'm afraid not missy, that money is going to the trash." Her lip began to quiver, her eyes pleaded with him to understand.
"Ashlynn, don't you dare cry" he warned "If you need a new ball DADDY will buy you one" he emphasized the word daddy as he pointed to himself.
Ginny frowned "Harry don't you think your being a little hard on her" Gawking at his friend he turned on her "No I don't and frankly this is between my wife and I, so stay out" Ginny's eyes widen, how dare he yell at her, in her own home to boot.
"Hey" she growled "Don't you tell me to stay out of it. I don't care much for Malfoy either, but you act threaten or something. He didn't take your daughter Harry"
Stepping back sighing Ginny folded her arms "He gave her money, which was only right after he broke her toy"
"Tell me, why does Malfoy bother you so much. What are you afraid of losing?"
Picking Ashlynn up Harry narrowed his eyes "I'm not prepared to lose anything to Draco Malfoy" he bit out. Walking out the bedroom Harry held his daughter tight. He was going home, Hermione would be there soon enough and then they were going to fix this Draco problem once and for all.
Ginny tore out of the room hot on Harry's heels. She never saw him so pissed and so eerie. "Harry wait" she yelled. Harry stopped with a sigh. He didn't even bother to turn around and face her. Closing his eyes he spoke.
"Ginny I'm sorry for everything tonight. But like I said this is between me and Hermione" then he vanished leaving Ginny alone in her living room. She had no clue what Harry's problem was with Draco and he sure as hell wasn't going to tell her.
She was just going to have to ask Draco then. Harry left her no choice. So it was then when Ginny decided to visit Malfoy Manor first thing tomorrow morning. Harry wouldn't talk so Draco would have to do.
Blaise stood against the doorway eyeing Draco with suspicion "Swear you wont leave the manor" he asked, Draco moaned "I said I wouldn't damn it, now will you just go home already"
"I need to know you won't leave, I don't want to get a call saying Potter blew you up" Draco sneered "Like that would ever happen" Slamming the door shut, he walked up the stairs. He needed a nice hot shower. He felt edgy, he wanted nothing more than to tear across town and yank his family from Harry.
But Blaise had a valid point. He didn't want to upset the kid. And showing up uninvited might spook her. Throwing open the wooden doors to the master bedroom he looked to the bed.
He gave a small smile "Soon my love, you will share my bed in everyway" he said out loud.
Kicking his shoes of, he slowly unbuttoned his shirt as images of the future played on his mind. He could hear his daughter playing down the hall.
He could see Hermione sleeping in his bed, waiting for him to come home to her. Making love to her over and over again. At this point, he opened his eyes and shredded his pants making his way to the shower.
But the image of her stayed in his mind more vividly than it should have done. Hermione's straight back, Hermione's softly contoured front. Hermione's legs, long and graceful as she sat up, and the ultra feminine bounce of her breast.
Her voice resounded in his mind a mix of impatience and warmth. How could he have forgotten the impact she'd always had on him? How could it have remained so strong after so long?
He was not about to let her hurt him anymore, the way he ached month after month when she left him. He didn't want to think about it. Not when she would be coming back to him soon.
Humming he entered the bathroom. A nice shower and some sleep was all he was getting tonight, the rest could wait for now. Tomorrow he would make his move and he dared Harry to stop him.
Luna and Hermione sat next to Lavender on the bed. The baby had been sleeping for ten minutes now and Ron and Seamus were off in the corner discussing something about work. Hermione yawned a little patting Lavender on the arm.
"I think I should be going. Harry probably already has Ashlynn home by now and you need rest"
"I feel like hell I must admit" Lavender smiled. "But you look great" Luna added sweetly.
Lavender laughed "Not even all the money in the world could help my looks now" Luna and Lavender turned quickly to Hermione when she gasped.
Hermione sat there with her hand over her mouth "What is it?" both girls asked together. "The money, I forgot to tell Harry about Draco and Ashlynn. Shit I got to hurry and get home"
"Go, I'll be fine" Lav said concerned. Hermione smiled "Thanks girl, I'll come see you first thing in the morning"
She vanished with a pop. "Hey, where did Mione go?" Ron asked, wrapping his arms around Luna. "She didn't say bye"
"There was no time for that, she had to get home. Something happened today and Hermione forgot to tell Harry" Lav told him. "Whatever happened, must be pretty important, the way she tore out of here."
"What did happen?" Seamus suddenly asked "Someone gave Ashlynn some money today at Diagon alley" Luna told him.
"She ran out of here like a bat out of hell for that?" Ron raised his eyebrow. "Ronald it was Malfoy" she spat.
Closing his eyes Ron groaned, "You're kidding" "Wish we were" Lavender leaned her head on Seamus. "This isn't good. Three times" He whistled, "Draco must have a death wish"
"Three times what?" Luna sat up, her eyes piercing Ron's "Well today Harry found Hermione in Draco's arms before we met for lunch" They gasped as Ron continued "Then apparently Dumbledore has recommended Draco for a job at the ministry. In our department no less"
"Oh, he is going to fly off the handle" Luna looked oddly at her friends "What I don't get is Why Draco is interested in Hermione and Harry"
"I don't know it does seem weird though". Little Billy stirred from the cradle; Seamus picked up his son, cooing gently to sooth the boy. "I think he's hungry," he told Lavender.
"Yeah, we're going to scoot home. Let the family have some time together." Ron said shaking Seamus hand as Luna hugged Lavender.
"Seamus I'll call you tomorrow man and congratulations again, he's beautiful" They left a few seconds later. "Maybe you should check on Harry love," Lavender suggested.
"Nonsense, Lav Harry will be fine. Besides I need to be here with you." He leaned over gently kissing her forehead "I love you" "Right back at you Finnigan" she grinned as they enjoyed the new son.
The sky had already darkened but she didn't care. She needed to think before she went home. Harry wasn't going to be happy when she told him.
She wasn't going to worry about Draco. As long as he didn't find out about Ashlynn, she was sure he would grow tired of the endless chase to get her back.
She had to laugh; there was a time when she bent to his every whim. She made him her whole world at the expense of her friends. She would have died for him. And he thought so little of their love that he let her leave believing he worked for the dark lord. It killed her to walk away and he knew that.
She believed he died serving him until he showed up a few days ago, claiming all innocent and demanding she return to him. She would never forgive him for all the pain. The only good thing Draco ever did for her was make her admit her love for Harry.
"Must make you feel good, knowing what you've done to him" Hermione jumped searching around for the owner of the voice. Blaise stepped out from the shadows walking slowly towards her.
"What are you talking about?" she said as she stared into the face of the man who once considered her a friend. That was until she walked away from Draco.
"You know what I'm talking about Hermione," he said softly. Rolling her eyes she groaned, "I'm afraid I don't know"
She didn't need this right now. Walking around him Hermione went to leave only to be pulled back "Get your hands off me" she hissed.
"How can you live with yourself?" he asked grabbing her by the shoulders. "Get your hands off of me Zabini" she fought to get loose from his grip.
"Answer me then" he said, "I have nothing to say to you Blaise" she still struggled to get free. "Better you tell me first. Cause he's coming for you tomorrow" Blaise said.
"Hermione, he knows," he said with warning.
"Who is he?" she spat, grabbing at his hands. "And what does he know?"
"Draco" he said "Hermione I know your daughter is Draco's and now so does he" She fell limply in his grasp "What?" Hermione's face registered horror.
"He figured it out tonight, when we were at the manor. I stopped him from coming tonight, but believe it when I say he's coming."
Hermione sunk into the bench behind her. He knew, suddenly she found she couldn't breathe. How did this happen?
"Hermione next to me nobody knows Draco like you, he will come after you. Did you always know she was his?" he asked.
Hermione was too horrified to do anything but nod. Sighing he looked up at the sky "And Harry?" Once again she nodded to numb to speak.
"That bastard" he mumbled, "That bastard helped me and our daughter" "Draco's daughter Hermione" he through out. "Harry's daughter" she challenged.
"Listen, I don't like this anymore than you do. If you remember I didn't agree with the relationship from the start. I really thought you were no good for him and this only proves it" he said.
"But spite everything I grew to care for you as much as I do Draco. So I'm going to do what I can to make sure Draco doesn't get hurt. I will buy you as much time as I can, but talk to Potter. He needs to know"
Hermione looked up gratefully "Thank you Blaise" she whispered as he turned away. "I didn't mean to hurt him you know" she called after him.
Turning to face her he frowned "And he never meant to hurt you" and he was gone.
It had been ten minutes since Blaise told her the bad news. She had to talk to him, tell him he was wrong. Harry was Ashlynn's father and no bloodline would change that. If it got out, everything would be ruined. Harry adored her little girl and Draco was not about to ruin it. Tomorrow she would find Draco and settle this. Harry was not going to find out.
She had to make sure he never knew about Draco, she knew Harry would act hastily and she would not allow him to pay for her mistake. Standing up, she walked toward the flat. Right now all she wanted was her husband and little girl.
Hermione turned her key into the door. She smiled at the gesture. Harry always laughed at her for not just apperating into the dang flat, instead of the key. She entered the flat to find Harry standing at the bay window.
"Where's Ashlynn?" she asked not seeing her.
"Asleep" he answered turning back to the window. "I presume you have something to tell me about?"
Harry's sharp words snapped Hermione back to the incident this morning.
"Yeas of course" she said walking across the room with a weary sigh. Clearly Harry was angry with her. "I'm sorry, I was so caught up"
"With what?" he asked as he moved closer to her. "Being in Draco's arms"
His nasty crack shocked Hermione. He was never like this. "You're not still going on about that, are you?"
"Why not? A man doesn't like his wife to enjoy another man's company more than his own."
She stared at him surprised "I usually don't. But if you keep acting like this, I just might in the future."
"Meaning?"
"Nothing" she muttered "I meant nothing"
When she moved away Harry grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him.
"I wont tolerate you sleeping with him Mione" he grounded out. "We might not love each other but we promised before god to be faithful"
"I would never break my vows," she denied fiercely. Why did he have to remind her he didn't love her"? "But I might ask for a divorce if you keep this up"
He didn't say anything at first, just glared down into her face, his own flushed and frustrated looking
"Then Ashlynn loses her father" he snapped, "Which is the only reason you married me, isn't it?"
"It was one of the reasons" she threw at him. "I told you I wanted a family"
"Haven't I gave you that family, Hermione?" he demanded to know. She went to move sideways, his hands shot out to grab her shoulders, holding her and forcing her to look up at him.
"Have I, Mione?" he repeated desperately.
"You know you have" she choked out before he crushed her mouth with his lips. Harry didn't know what he was doing but it felt great to kiss her again. By the time his head lifted, she was staring wide-eyed
"Lie back against the bar" he commanded, his voice rough and thick. Her eyes flew wide with shock. "But"
"Damn it, don't argue with me," he said, and then kissed her again till her defenses were gone. No protest came from her lips when he lowered her back across the bar and started pushing her skirt upwards. Up. Up to her waist.
Her heart pounded. Her skin flamed. Her head spun.
"Oh, Hermione," he groaned when he brushed the inside of her thigh. She couldn't believe he made her want to be made love to, even when she thought she didn't.
"Tell me what you want," he challenged her as he lifted her off the bar. "Tell me what you want me to do to you"
Her already heated face must have gone bright red. "You can say it," he whispered in her ear.
"There's no one hear to hear you but me. And I want you to say it, just the way you're thinking it right now. Go on say it!"
She said it.
"Don't worry, sweetheart," he muttered, his arms tightening around her as he began mounting the stairs that led to his bedroom. "It will be my pleasure to do that, and more.
Well there it is guys chapter 7. Hope you liked it and chapter 8 should be here tomorrow. Please review good or bad and I can't wait to find out what you think…