She's having a baby
Wizengamot (Lower Courts) - Draco Malfoy vs. Wiz Pop Industries.
Sitting at the defendants table Draco noticed Hermione as she walks in mere minutes before presenting his case. "Granger, are you alright? You are looking pale and clammy and dare I say you are breathing heavy." He noted, concerned that she was not looking as healthy as she had the previous week nor as put together.
Hurriedly she replied. "Yes, yes... everything is fine. Don't worry we are all prepped for this so we're good... definitely good." She let out a puff of air after. Draco eyed her suspiciously. Something was up with Hermione and it was not nerves about this case. This case was a walk in the park for her. The brightest-witch-for-her-age could defend this baseless accusation of use of proprietary information with her eyes closed, however today her overall appearance said otherwise. Draco glanced to her hand that was holding the edge of the table in a white knuckling grip. As he reached out to grasp her wrist, the Chief Warlock entered the courtroom.
The Auror called the room to order, then the Chief Warlock instructed the council to present their sides of the events in question. Once the Plaintiff concluded their presentation the Chief Warlock turned his attention to Hermione and Draco. Hermione took a beat to stand before him to present their defense of the charges against Draco. Draco watched Hermione with great unease and as she sat down, Hermione let out a deep sigh while rubbing her swollen belly.
Suddenly in the middle of the opposing lawyer questioning the plaintiff, Hermione let out a scream. All attention turned to her as Draco reached out to comfort her. "Hermione what's wrong? Is it the baby?" He asked, alarmed by her outburst.
The Chief Warlock banged his gavel to bring the room to order. "Miss Granger is there an issue?" He asked her in a stern tone not appreciating the disturbance in the proceedings. Hermione shrugged off Draco's embrace as she attempted to stand to address the Chief Warlock. Bracing herself heavily on the table she rose to her feet. Then, much to her chagrin Hermione's water broke. "Granger, what the bloody hell! You've been in labor this whole time.' Draco took control of the situation barking orders to the Aurors and other staff. "You there let St. Mungo's know Hermione Granger is in labor and we are on the way in." Pointing to another staff member "Go message Miss Granger's husband tell him she is in labor and to meet us at the hospital." Draco was so busy delegating that he missed the puzzled look the staff member shot him as well as the slight shake of Hermione's head to her. "Your honor, may we use the floo in your chambers to get Miss Granger to the hospital?" Draco asked in a pleading tone but his eyes told another story, one of 'even if you refuse they would use it anyway'. Waving his hand at the Auror to show them the way, Draco turned to Hermione to say."Come, put your arm around my shoulder..."
"Malfoy, No... I...can... walk... there." She huffed out in an attempt to breathe through the pain.
"Like hell you can Granger, don't be stubborn, you can't even speak properly." He stated wrapping her arm over his shoulder he swung her legs up to carry her bridal style to the floo.
The Medi-witch met Hermione and Draco at the floo with a wheelchair to take her to the Delivery Ward. As the team helped her settle into the bed Draco was sitting close by Hermione's left side as the Medi-witch started to ask the standard check in questions.
"Full name Miss Granger?" She asked.
Hermione puffed out. "Hermione...Jean... Gra...Granger."
"Is this really necessary at the moment?" Draco's question cut in.
"It's fine... Malfoy." She said reaching for his hand that was resting on the rail of the bed.
"Are you the Father?" The Medi-witch asked Draco.
"No... no he is my client." Hermione puffed out.
The Medi-witch raised an eyebrow at that. Draco caught her reaction, quelling her curiosity he grumbled. "She's my lawyer." Then turned his head so only Hermione could hear, he mumbled."Half wit." Hermione just squeezed Draco's hand at the comment.
"Ah, right... Father's name then." The Medi-witch continued.
"I'm sorry is my doctor on the way? Healer Elmsworth... She ... should be...here." Hermione spoke breathing through a contraction again.
"Oh, Healer Elmsworth is on leave till the weekend. We have contacted Healer Hollygood, the on call healer." Replied the witch.
"Who is that, I don't know her." Hermione said with slight panic.
"He's one of the best, now Father's name?" The witch continued.
"I...don't... it was anonymous." Hermione huffed. "Is Harry and Ginny on their way? Please... I need to... know."
"They are trying to reach them, I left explicit instructions at the front desk." Draco chimed in. "And what do you mean you don't know the Father's name Granger, I would not think you would cheat on your husband." He concluded.
"You great... git... I... don't need a... I was artificially inseminated. Do you see a ring on my finger?" Hermione growled the last bit.
Draco look horrified. "You were what..." Hermione cut in.
"Please get Ginny and Harry... I have a plan... They know what it is." She said.
Just then Healer Hollygood walked in. "And who do we have here today?" He asked the Medi-witch as she handed him the incomplete check in form. "Ah, Miss Granger, I am Healer Hollygood. I see in your file that you are thirty-eight weeks along. All has been quite normal during the pregnancy. Vitals are good. Father...unknown...mm hmm."
Draco pipped up at the Healer's attempted slight. "What is that supposed to mean? Granger here is the brightest witch of her age and if she wanted to be artificially knocked up, I trust she has a good reason."He said.
The healer just eyed Draco over his gold tone wire rimmed glasses. "Smooth, Malfoy... as if this was not awkward enough... ugh." She squeezed his hand harder.
"Please... I have a plan... the music... and the pil-pillow and... and pain potion." Hermione pleaded. "Gin-Ginny has the plan and please a pain potion."
Just then another Medi-witch who had examined Hermione whispered into the healer's ear. "Ah, yes well. Miss Granger I'm sorry to say you cannot have the pain potion."
At that statement Draco shot up from his seat. "Surely you have to do something, you can't just leave her in this state." He place a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Of course Mr. Malfoy, we're going to help her deliver the baby. She is fully dilated now and able to push." The healer said as the Medi-witches helped him into some sterile robes. He walked to the end of the bed, as the Medi-witches draped sheets and prepped towels for the delivery.
Seeing the action Hermione grabbed on to Draco's arm with both of her hands. "Please, this is not right. I had a plan and I can't have this baby now. I...I can't... I can't do this alone." She wailed at the end tears streaming down her face.
Draco cupped her cheeks to make her focus on him. "Look at me Hermione, you are not alone. I know this is not according to plan but you can do this and I will help you get through it ok. You take my hands and we will get through this together and at the end you will have a beautiful baby to love, yes.' He said nodding to her waiting for her to agree. As she did he continued. 'Come on then, let's meet this trouble maker of yours." He smiled brilliantly at her. She sniffed then nodded, taking Draco's hands, the healer said. "Ok Miss Granger, on your next contraction I need you to push yes. Alright then...push...1...2...3... Good, good take a minute..."
"You are doing great Granger, I'm right here with you. You are not alone in this." Draco said.
"Th-thank you D-Draco." Hermione panted as another contraction came on and she started to push.
About five pushes later, and Draco's very bruised hands, the healer announced it was a girl. Estelle Rose. Once Estelle was cleaned and checked out, the Medi-witch placed her blanket clad body in Hermione's arms. Draco leaned over to get a good look at her little pink cherub face. He smiled as Estelle opened her eyes. "Hi my star." Hermione gently cooed to her daughter.
Draco could not help it, he leaned over and kissed Hermione's forehead. "You did well Granger, she is perfect." Hermione looked up at Draco with unshed tears welling up in her eyes. Just then the doors opened as Harry and Ginny quietly walked in.
Hermione looked over at them with a bright smile. "We're so sorry we missed her birth. I was training in France." Ginny said.
"I was on a mission for the Auror Department, strict no outside contact till the mission was over. I'm so sorry 'Mione, I know we planned on being here for you." Harry said apologetically.
"It's alright, Draco stayed with me the whole time. He's been a great help." Draco had backed away from Hermione when Harry and Ginny walked in. Once Hermione mentioned his name Harry realize he was there. Harry nodded and said "Thanks mate for taking care of our girls." Draco tipped his head then replied. "Glad to be of service."
Ginny smiled at Draco then brought her attention to the baby. "What did you name her 'Mione." She asked.
"Estelle Rose, this is your Aunt Ginny and Uncle Harry." Hermione replied handing the baby to Ginny. "She is gorgeous!" Ginny beamed at Hermione.
"I should head out, you need to rest." Draco said in a low tone to Hermione.
"Oh, please, don't leave just yet. Can you stay a while longer." She asked.
Draco's features softened and his usual cool eyes seemed warm. "Alright I'll stay, I can have them bring up some dinner." He smiled at her.
Sometime later after Harry and Ginny left, Hermione fell asleep leaving Draco holding baby Estelle. He was rocking her in the chair when he said. "Hullo little Rosebud, prettiest flower of them all. I am your Uncle Draco. You gave your Mother some trouble today. But not to worry, she is strong and she is a fighter and you Rosie Posy have the best Mum around."
The End