CHAPTER 2

'Wow, I never would have guessed that not in a million years, not even with the way you jumped him in the great hall! Merlin the fact that Malfoy can be sweet makes me feel like the world has turned upside down!' her face squeezes in distaste but her expression is openly laughing at me.

I blush remembering the way i'd searched for him.

Relieved now that it's finally over but still panicked that we haven't even begun to count our dead, fear a looming spectre as I take in the carnage surrounding me. I start searching, eyes darting around frantically for that white blond head of hair. The same distinctive locks that had finally finished off Dolohov, whose spells had saved more than one order member tonight.

There's dust and rubble everywhere, bodies interspersed with sections of the castle and spare debris, I'm almost hyperventilating when I finally see him, standing next to a boy I don't recognise, both of them surveying the room with tired eyes and dust streaked cheeks.

Before my brain has processed what my feet have planned I'm running at him, briefly seeing his eyes flash at me in disbelief before I've flung myself into his arms, experience the joy of feeling them come up and grip me tightly as if he can't quite believe I'm real either.

His hands hold my thighs, fingers digging in just slightly as I cling to him, more than relieved that he's okay, that we both survived! Each of us clinging to each other as if we can't believe it.

A cough makes me aware of the informality of the moment, of the fact that even amongst the carnage we've no doubt drawn the eyes of the room.

'We're all happy the ferret survived Mione but there's no need to force yourself to touch him.' Ron ruins the moment looking a little ill at the way I've clasped the blond wizard and with obvious reluctance Malfoy's hands drop my legs and I manage to slide down him, back to my feet forcing myself not to blush at the look in his eyes. Pure metal heat.

'Always a pleasure Weasley.' his words are meant for my ginger haired best friend but his eyes refuse to leave me, as if neither of us can bear to glance away.

The boy on his left coughs and belatedly I realise he had been the one to notify us of the other two parts of our trio approaching, I give him a hesitant smile as we finally break our stare and he tilts his head to examine me, not unfriendly but curious.

'I'll be there at the inquest Malfoy, make sure they know everything you did for us.' Harry sticks his hand out in a gesture of friendship, of rivalries forgotten.

'I appreciate it Potter.' he shakes with well practiced ease, those eyes catch mine again.

'Granger.' he gives a polite, slightly deferential nod that his odd friend raises an eyebrow at before he excuses the two of them.

'His trial was only a couple of days ago. I haven't even seen him since the final battle.' I look down at my cup nervously, trying not to let myself freak out just thinking about telling him, thinking about the reaction of his parents.

'No wonder you testified for him you took each other's virginity, I suppose after that it would almost be rude not too!' she screeches like a banshee, gleeful, Ginny has always loved gossip.

'You both have to promise not to tell anyone!' i make the words an order pointedly looking at Ginny, Harry is far too good at secrets to let it slip.

'I won't, I won't, but my gosh!' She sits back speechless eyes wide as she studies me, which for Ginny is a bloody miracle.

'You realise you have to tell him, he has a right to know.' Harry takes a swig of his tea completely unsurprised by my story. I'd omitted the more scandalous details of course but as a rule I don't keep secrets from Harry.

'I know i just need to figure out how to, what if he thinks i'm trying to trap him, or that he has to be involved when he's finally got his freedom back after the war, or oh gosh! -' i bury my head in my hands '-what if he thinks i want his money.' I'm almost wailing at how abhorrent the thought is, hearing it come out as more of a concerned mumble through the barrier of the table.

Harry's snort breaks my pity party, 'This is Malfoy, yes he's a sarcastic prat but he's not a bad bloke he helped us a lot during the war, he's grown up a lot, I'm sure he'll be reasonable.' Harry gives me a look when I raise my head that tells me there's no way I'm getting out of telling him, and telling him soon if the raised eyebrow on his face is any indication.

''ll owl him.' I give a despondent sigh of defeat as he nods his approval, rising to get me some parchment and a quill between one breath and the next.

'You can't owl him that you're pregnant, have you gone completely mad-' Ginny's glare flits between the both of us as if we have no idea about romance and propriety '-this is a conversation that's meant to be had in person.'

Harry winces and without realising it I copy him, both of us paleing under his girlfriends fearsome glare as he swiftly pushes the quill and parchment away from him with a guilty glance.

'I'll ask him for coffee?' it's more of a question than a statement, one i become sure of when she gives a satisfied nod, casting a warming charm on my toast and tea as she leaves me to write my missive.

Three attempts later and with Ginny's grumbling help I've finally got a note that I feel is acceptable, Harry lends me his owl Remy to send it off and then it's done, the words unable to be taken back.

Dear Malfoy,

I'm glad to see that your inquest went as well as it did, I'm sure you're excited for your order of merlin ceremony ( although I have to say ours turned out to be rather a lot of boring speeches and standing around).

I was wondering if you'd be free to meet for a coffee? There's a lovely shop just outside Diagon Alley called Witch's Brew. I don't know if you've heard of it but they do a wonderful honey tea.

Do let me know, all the best,

Hermione.

I had hoped that he'd feel compelled to reply, but in the meantime I let Ginny distract me with questions about the baby. Do I want a boy or a girl? Can she turn the room next to mine into a nursery? Can we go shopping for baby clothes?

The answers proceed as follows, I really don't care. No you can not, and yes maybe eventually.

Then I'd had a minor panic about the fact I most certainly would have to move out, Harry and Ginny had rushed to assure me that wasn't the case. Especially as Ginny would be going back to Hogwarts soon, but it would be unfair for me to bring another person into their house, when they'd only just gotten to be together properly after the war. Especially one that isn't even related to them.

'That's rubbish!' vehemenance from Harry that's completely out of the blue '- you're my sister Hermione and i'll hear no more of you thinking you have to leave, I have more than enough room for you and twenty children,and you'll need support when the baby is born, you'll need family around.' a steely eyed glare from the surprisingly serious boy.

Ginny nods her agreement and I find myself agreeing to wait and see how I feel, there's always my parents old house after all and I hate the thought of being an imposition to the two most important people in my life. It's dusty and in desperate need of a clean but it's mine and it has plenty of room to set up a nursery and for me not to be a bother to anyone.

Ginny seems to be more excited than I am as we move to the living room, babbling and cooing over a child that isn't even here yet, even Harry seems alarmed at quite how much energy she's exhibiting. I suppose i would be too if my significant other was getting this excited about someone else having a baby - i try to feel the same lightness, the same excitement but all i feel is panic.

Me and Harry share a look when she dives into questions again, the panic leeching off the raven haired boy making me grin, answering as many queries as she does ask them, the two of us sharing conspiratorial looks over our tea. Thankfully a stunning eagle owl interrupts before she can get too carried away, sharp beak tapping on the window holding a rather grand looking letter. Panic in my blood I jump up so fast I feel momentarily sick, scrabbling over the back of the sofa to undo the latch and take the piece of parchment.

Harry and Ginny watch wide eyed in anticipation as I settle down to open it, barely remembering to feed the gorgeous bird a treat or two with my free hand as I break the wax seal inlaid with a single M to read the note underneath, come on Malfoy please be nice.

Granger,

I'm looking forward to the ceremony about as much as I'd look forward to hearing Slughorn talk about himself for an hour, nonetheless Mother insists I attend and so attend I shall.

I can be at Witch's Brew in an hour, if this is acceptable send Perseus back without a reply and I'll meet you there.

Yours,

Draco.

I take a deep steadying breath before handing the note to Harry, relieved that he's going to be cordial and feeding the gorgeous bird a few more treats before sending him off. He gives a happy hoot and after a sip of water from one of the carefully designed owl bowls outside he's gone, back to his enigmatic owner.

'Reading this I'd have never imagined the two of you getting hot and heavy.' Ginny giggles having read over Harry's shoulder, both of them smiling in relief.

'Do you want me to come with you?' an understanding look from the boy who's my brother in all but blood, a protective edge to his eyes.

'As much as i'd love to have you there for this conversation i don't think it'd be fair to him to find out like that, it's best if i go by myself.' he gives me a hug and the next minute Ginny is there joining in, both of them wrapping me in so much love that for one moment i almost forget about the confrontation to come, just soak in the rich scent of family.

Ginny all but pulls me out of the room once the moment is over, dragging me back upstairs and then proceeding to lay out an outfit. I'd put on a little weight lately but i thought it had been the result of a lack of stress and actually getting enough food, bizarrely now the little paunch on my stomach takes on a new meaning.

She picks out a softer white jumper that's one of my favourites and then lays some socks next to it, a colourful scarf Padma had sent me when she'd been visiting family completes the outfit that she notes will go perfectly with the leggings I already have on and my leather ankle boots.

Soon enough it's time to go and with last minute hugs from my two best friends i'm ready, apparating to Diagon Alley before i can overthink the decision. It's a good ten minute walk from where I am but I see no reason to rush, I still have plenty of time. Instead I stroll through an alley that's once again brimming with life, I get a few friendly waves or stares but I've gotten rather good at waving back or ignoring them as I make my way to the cosy little tea shop.

I'm early enough that I figure I'll get myself a nice scone while I wait for Malfoy, nothing big, just something to help soothe my nerves. Maybe even a piece of the delightful looking ginger cake I can see through the window.

Sadly all those plans go down the plughole when I open the door, the little bell tinkling above me to announce my entrance. Malfoy is already sitting off to one corner, a copy of the wizarding financial times in his hand, goblins plastered over the front as they shake hands and announce the 'refurbishment' of Gringotts.

His head pops up at the bell and the moment our eyes connect that same feeling from all that time ago starts to unfurl in my stomach. With a vicious command to myself I get it under control, there's no time for that right now, especially not with what I have to tell him. He might go and ruin that warmth for himself if he acts like a pureblood would be expected to after all.

Regardless as I make my way over I can't help but notice how good he looks, the permanent bags from under his eyes have gone, another layer of muscle added to his already lithe frame, with his hair gently falling onto his head looking soft and silky he looks downright beautiful. A tiny scar on his lip is the only imperfection, something that makes my insides twist viciously in pleasure.

He's wearing dress robes of course, in a shade of grey so dark it might as well be black,his cloak hung over the back of his chair and his suit neatly pressed and perfectly immaculate.

He rises to greet me simultaneously putting down his paper 'Granger' he nods again, that same baffling deferential move as I take the seat opposite him and he reclaims his own.

'Thanks for coming Malfoy' I drape my scarf over the back of my chair just for something to do, desperately hoping that he can't tell how nervous I am as I edge my seat into the worn wooden table glancing around the half filled shop to make sure there's no one recognisable around before i cast a muffliato.

His forehead creases slightly no doubt unfamiliar with the spell but intelligent enough to work out why i'd cast it in the first place, privacy.

'I was... quite surprised to get an invitation to tea.' a waitress scurries over before he can elaborate, bringing a large tea pot and cups as well as sugar, milk and lemon for seasoning.

'Anything else lovelies?' She has a warm happy smile as she waves her wand to collect the now empty tray from the table, absently taking note of it carrying itself off to the kitchen.

'I'd love a piece of the ginger cake if it isn't too much trouble.' I smile back oddly comforted by her as I tilt my head to Malfoy in question, he shakes his head in the negative and with another happy grin she bustles away.

'We're friends aren't we Malfoy?' i decide to try and keep the conversation platonic to start off with. I can feel the way the sweat has started to dribble down my spine and how my heart is beating a little faster at the pressure of trying to do this right.

He takes a minute to think about it, a minute that has a glare forming on my face at the sheer absurdity of him having to dissect our acquaintance when we know each other far more intimately than most friends, thankfully the anger helps clear my mind. Merlin this wizard could drive me to an early grave in irritation alone!

'I suppose you could say that, although we aren't friends who usually take tea together.' his lips twist just the slightest amount in amusement as he pours us each a cupful, the warm aroma of honey greeting me with the steam.

'I didn't think you'd be a fan of honey tea.' I add a sugar cube and a slice of lemon, stirring before I take a sip, sighing at just how delightful it is. The fact that it's naturally caffeine free is just a bonus.

'I won't lie and say I don't prefer coffee but it's drinkable.' he studies me as he doctors his tea the same way before taking his own mouthful, I see his eyes relax slightly as he swallows.

Drinkable seems harsh when I can almost feel his pleasure at the act, even if his face doesn't give anything away, typical bloody Slytherin as if something as simple as admitting he likes tea is giving too much away. The waitress daintily floats my cake back over giving me a wink for her trouble before something else captures her attention and she's off to speak to another customer.

I take a bite to distract myself and prolong the conversation, almost immediately groaning at how good it is before I realise Malfoy is staring at me, or more importantly staring at my mouth as i lick my spoon.

'Would you like some?' I hold out the item of cutlery out of politeness more than anything, unable to imagine the prim Malfoy heir actually deigning to use the same spoon as me to share cake - becoming absolutely fascinated when he takes the piece of cutlery to scoop his own bite licking the icing off before handing it back.

Stunned it takes me a minute to remember that I'm supposed to take it back, i can feel my cheeks warm at the intimacy of the action.

'So why are we here Granger?' he loses his subtleness as he obviously comes to the conclusion that i'm no closer to telling him now than i was when i first walked in, the slight raising of his eyebrow an indication i hadn't been as successful concealing my nerves as i'd first thought.

I take another bite ignoring the question before offering him back the spoon, he frowns slightly but takes it, delving in for another bite, and on and on we go until the whole entire giant slice is completely gone and suddenly I have nothing left to do with my hands.

'I have to tell you something and i would appreciate it if you'd hear me out before you get annoyed' I finally manage to get the words out, letting out a harsh exhale and picking up the teapot to pour myself another cup, filling his own when he pushes it closer with one long pale finger. I'm not sure what his reaction will be but I know the rules in pureblood society well enough, a child with me is not something that his family are likely to celebrate.

He doctors his tea without worry, taking another calm sip and looking completely unbothered before replying, 'It's highly unlikely i'd be angry with anything you'd have to tell me.' his words are almost kind but his eyes have gone completely blank, some serious occulemancy is holding back what he truly thinks.

'It's not anything bad per say, more surprising really' I try to control my breathing as my body breaks out in a cold sweat, my cup clatters when I try to place it on the saucer and then his hand is there steadying me. Merlin all this pressure to tell him and to tell him right now, I'm almost wishing I'd brought Harry.

'Tell me Granger.' His thumb brushes my pulse and I chance looking at those eyes one last time even occluding they're comforting, the words don't want to come out and I'm almost sure he can hear my heart at this point thundering away as it is.

'I'm pregnant.'