As soon as I was safely barricaded in my house, my Floo warded and anti-Apparition spells up, I kicked my heels off and ran up the stairs. In my bathroom, I opened my medicine chest and immediately felt the urge to vomit.

There were seven potions left in my annual supply. I'd missed both June and July.

How was that even possible?

How could I have been so foolish?

Why hadn't I doubly protected myself and cast a contraceptive charm?

Why hadn't he taken the time to cast a contraceptive charm after what happened with Astoria?

Why hadn't I taken my potion in June?

I thought back and tried to remember what had been happening around that time and then it hit me like a ton of bricks.

Draco had found out about the Obliviation on the eighteenth of June; I'd been too preoccupied with the whole world collapsing around me to even think of a contraceptive potion.

Clutching the sink ledge, I slowly lowered myself to the floor, dropping to my knees before sinking back to lean against the wall. Once I was securely seated, I wrapped my arms around my waist and thought of every bout of dizziness and nausea I'd had over the past two weeks. I'd chalked it all up to international travel, to stress, to anxiety...

Would pregnancy symptoms manifest that quickly?

In Muggles, they really didn't, but I didn't know much about magical pregnancies. I'd always just assumed they were roughly the same.

I wanted to immediately run to a chemist and buy a pregnancy test, but after only two weeks — or maybe even less than one — I didn't think they would work. I knew there was a pregnancy detection charm, but since I'd never been in a position to use it, I didn't know it off-hand, and I didn't think I could mentally handle casting it on myself.

But I already knew with an unbelievable certainty that it would come back positive.

Sitting on my bathroom floor, I stared at nothing for far longer than I could even begin to fathom, shock causing me to freeze up completely. Rather than overthinking everything, my mind was completely and blissfully blank. Something inside of me must have known that I couldn't handle replaying every possible outcome over and over in my mind.

Harry's Patronus, the same silver stag that it had always been, rushed through the wall and stopped directly in front of me, snapping me out of my fog. His voice came out of the stag's mouth, sounding concerned.

"Hermione, Malfoy told me you rushed out of your appointment. Please let me know that you're okay."

I was anything but.

His message got through to me, though. I certainly had a few friends who could sit with me and teach me the charm. Pansy, Harry, Ron, Luna... they'd all been through more than one pregnancy, not to mention all the other Weasleys.

Knowing that there was no way I'd be going back to Barcelona today, I sent my own Patronus — still the dragon that had shocked me when Blaise left — soaring off to the Spanish Ministry with a message that I'd been detained in England. When I'd conjured it, I'd thought of Draco, of the way it had felt when he told me he still loved me, of the way he was trying to work through his issues.

I settled a hand over my abdomen, feeling certain that the charm would come back positive, no matter who cast it or when.

If I was right, we'd be forever connected by the child growing inside of me in addition to the soul bond, and that made me smile to myself. It comforted me, especially since I'd seen Draco with Scorpius. Even though the circumstances of his conception had been less than ideal, Draco still loved him unconditionally. The knowledge of the fertility potion hadn't changed his feelings about his son at all.

But Astoria? He'd been so angry with her when he'd found out about the potion and rightfully so.

Would he look at this the same way?

He and I were in love, and that would be a better foundation to build and blend a family on, but would he still be angry with me initially because of his past?

I just didn't know.

Instead of sending a Patronus back to Harry, I sent him a text message letting him know that I was on my way to Grimmauld Place to talk to Pansy. I hadn't wanted Draco to see the dragon or hear my response, though I'd told Harry to let him know that I was fine.

It wasn't entirely untrue — I was slowly getting there.

I took a few minutes to freshen up, ensuring my eyes weren't an angry red colour, and then changed into more comfortable clothing. Donning a simple t-shirt and jeans, I grabbed my handbag and walked downstairs and over to the Floo.

With a deep breath, I tossed the powder into the grate and hoped Pansy would be able to reassure me, one way or another.

"Back so soon?" she asked, looking up at me from her cup of tea.

I cleared my throat and met her eyes. "I need your help with something and you need to swear — you can't tell anyone." Even though I felt confident that she'd keep this secret — if there was a secret to keep — my voice shook. "Not even Harry. Not 'til I'm ready."

Pansy arched an eyebrow at me, obviously intrigued. "You want to share something with me instead of Harry?"

"You'll understand when I tell you." Glancing around the room, I asked, "Where are the kids?"

"Lily and Sev are napping, and James is having a playdate with his Uncle Ron at Wheezes."

"Did Harry tell you I was coming?"

She shrugged. "Of course he did, but Ron had already offered to take James today. For whatever reason, he loves having children running around and terrorizing his paying customers."

Chuckling, I sat down across from her and started picking at my cuticles. I took a few deep breaths and tried to steady myself.

"What's going on, Granger?" Pansy prompted. "You seemed fine when you left this morning, aside from being royally pissed about Draco punching Blaise."

Slowly, I met her gaze.

"While I was in the appointment with Draco, I realised that I hadn't taken my contraceptive potion for July. I was due for it last week."

She waved a hand in the air. "I've done it before. You're usually covered for a bit longer than you think."

"Right, I know that," I began, nervously twisting my hands together. "But when I looked in my cabinet, I had seven months' worth. I missed it in June, as well."

Pansy's eyes widened a bit. "When—"

"I'm supposed to take it on the nineteenth."

"Do you think you're pregnant?" she asked matter-of-factly.

Nodding, I said, "I think so. When do symptoms begin in magical pregnancies?"

"It's different for everyone, but I felt things changing almost immediately. Within days, when I look back."

My stomach twisted.

When I didn't say anything, she reached across the table and grabbed my hand. "Stop picking at your fingernails. You're driving me mad." A second later, she said, "Have you cast a charm?"

"I don't know it," I admitted. "I've never had need of it before now."

Pansy nodded. "Do you want to know for sure?"

"I feel like I already do. I can't explain it." I could sense that there was something else she wanted to ask. "Whatever it is you want to know, just spit it out. I can tell you're dying to ask me something."

Biting her lip, she nodded. "Since I've never really known another couple with a soul bond, I'm curious. I can't help it."

"Ask me."

"Close your eyes."

I did, even though I wasn't sure where this was going.

"Think about Draco," she said, guiding me along whatever path she wanted to know about. "Is it the same as it was before? Or does he feel closer?"

It was hard to say right away, but when I really stopped and thought about it, I knew she was right.

"Closer," I admitted, my voice breathy. But was that the power of suggestion? The lessened distance since we were both in London? "How do I know if this is real or not?"

Pansy laughed. "It's probably real. I always thought I was crazy, but whenever I was pregnant, I always felt like I had a piece of Harry with me."

"I guess, in a way, you did." I opened my eyes and looked at her. "How do you think he'll react? If I am?"

"I'm sure he'll be thrilled for you—"

"Not Harry," I interrupted, rolling my eyes. "How do you think Draco will react?"

"I don't know, Granger," she admitted. "It's still early for the two of you, so he might be a little bit freaked out."

Inhaling deeply, I said, "I'm worried he's going to be furious with me. I'm basically trapping him, just like Astoria did."

"No," she stated firmly. "You're not trapping him. And I don't think he'd ever really look at it like that, anyway."

I braced my elbows on the tabletop and covered my face with my hands, the same way I had earlier this morning. Once again, I felt like the world was spinning too quickly, taking away yet another day from me.

Pansy stood up and moved around to my side of the table, placing her hands on my shoulders.

"Turn around, Granger. Let's find out if there is a reason to be worried or not."

More than anything, I wanted to shake my head, to tell her that I wasn't ready.

But, deep down, I knew I would never be ready for this, and there was no sense in simply delaying the inevitable.

Lifting my head from my hands, I counted to ten before opening my eyes again. Pansy's hand stayed on my shoulder the whole time, steadying me, and I finally turned around.

When I looked up at her, I could see the fierce look in her eyes.

"Before I cast the charm, let me say one more thing." Waiting for me to acknowledge her, she squeezed my upper arm. As soon as I nodded, she continued, "Draco loves you. He always has, and he always will. I think that he'll probably be afraid at first but he will eventually be ecstatic, Granger."

Feeling tears welling up in my eyes, I nodded, hoping that she was right.

"And, if by some cruel twist of fate, Draco is a total cunt about all of this, I will hex him clear to Siberia and then you and baby Granger-Malfoy can move in here. Harry and I will help you. I promise. You won't be alone."

I laughed and stood up, hugging her. This wasn't something we did often, and it felt somewhat uncomfortable. Pansy was stiff in my arms and she didn't really reciprocate, save for patting me on the back a few times.

"Thank you," I said. "For everything before, and for now. I didn't — I never thought that you and I—"

"Yes, yes, it's all very touching," Pansy interrupted, still uncomfortable with our tentative friendship. "Are you ready to find out if you've gotten yourself knocked up?"

I nodded and lifted the hem of my t-shirt.

With a few simple movements and murmurs, a little ball of pure white light formed at the tip of her wand. She pressed it to my abdomen and it quickly settled over my skin, slowly pulsing.

"Well," she said, looking at the way the little ball of light clung to me, "it's official. You're going to be miserable for the next nine months. Probably longer, if your baby is anything like Lily."

I didn't have time to laugh at her joke.

Instead, the world spun and my mind went blank as I fainted and fell to the floor.

My eyes popped open and I sucked in a deep breath, filling my lungs completely. There was only one thing in the world that caused this sensation, this sudden wakefulness, and I hated it just as much as I had the first time I'd experienced it.

"I'm sorry," Pansy said, looking down at me from where she knelt on the floor. "I had to Rennervate you."

"I fainted?" I asked, my eyes focusing on her face.

She nodded. "Should I call Harry? Do you want to get checked out at the hospital?"

"No!" My response was quick and concise, but I knew I had to give her more. "No, I feel fine. I'm sorry to have frightened you. I just—it surprised me more than it should have."

"You told me you were already sure."

I started to sit up. "I felt like I was, but the actual visual confirmation must have overwhelmed me."

Before I could even try to get to my feet, Pansy settled a hand on my shoulder. "In stages is best. Give your brain a minute to sort itself out."

"I'm fine—"

"You're not fine," she interrupted, squeezing my shoulder. "You're a pregnant witch. It's not easy the first time around."

"Then why'd you do it two more times?" I grumbled, rubbing my face with my palms.

"Do you really want me to answer that?"

"On second thought, no. I don't need to hear any details about your sex life with Harry."

Shrugging, she said, "He always wanted a family of his own and, after the conversations we had while I was pregnant with Sev, I knew I would try once more for a girl. For him. He wanted to name both boys Lily if they'd been girls."

My heart wrenched the tiniest bit.

While Draco and I had talked about children in the abstract, he'd never told me what he wanted to name them, and I hadn't gone there, either. It didn't seem like the right thing to do when he was married to someone else, and I'd never been one to daydream about weddings and baby names in detail.

"You're going to have all the time in the world," Pansy said, reading my expression. "You two are going to work through everything. I know you will because you love each other, and you'll be able to focus on the future now."

What she said made sense — a baby did give us a reason to concentrate on the future — but, just as I hadn't wanted the soul bond to be the thing that held us together, I didn't want the burden placed on the baby, either.

I glanced at Pansy, taking in the concern radiating from her, and I nodded. Remembering what she'd said, that I wouldn't be alone no matter what Draco's reaction was, calmed me a little bit.

An accidental pregnancy wasn't what I would've chosen as a new start with Draco, but there was nothing to be done about it now.

I was having a baby.

"Do you want to know the sex?" she asked. "I've never personally done the charm, but it works immediately. Harry's just a spoilsport."

"No," I answered, knowing that Draco shared Harry's opinion. "At least not until I talk it over with Draco."

"I'll get you a referral to my antenatal Healer. You'll want to get checked out as soon as you're home for good."

"Thanks. Will you let me stand up now?"

Pansy rose first and offered me her hands, pulling me to my feet and steadying me when I wobbled. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "I think you should head back to wherever it is you've been working and pack your things. So much international Flooing probably isn't the best thing for you and the little one."

"I'm going back for the rest of the week, but everything should be wrapped up by Friday," I told her. "I'll come back at some point over the weekend as long as you promise not to tell anyone."

"We're all planning on getting together on Sunday. Ron and Luna, Neville and Hannah, all the usual crowd. You're more than welcome to come." She wiggled her eyebrows and added, "And you could bring Draco. Surprise both everyone and no one at the same time."

"I don't know if he'll have Scorpius, and I'm not sure I'll be ready—"

"I'll invite him," she said, waving me off. "I'm sure Scorpius will get on famously with Stella. And Luna's next book will probably feature a scorpion who ends up falling in love with the stars."

Even though my mood was still uncertain, I laughed. "Ron would be absolutely thrilled about that."

"Can you imagine how red his ears will get?"

"You're still a little bit like the Pansy I knew back in school, aren't you?"

"Of course I am," she replied with mock offence. "Did you think that marrying the Chosen One would give me a personality transplant?"

The banter made me feel a bit lighter, even as my mind still whirred with the knowledge that so much would change over the next nine months of my life.

I'd be a mother.

Even if I'd always wanted this — a family of my own, with Draco — it was still terrifying.

And I didn't know how to tell him or how we would navigate the minefield that was still active between us, despite all the love and memories and sex and conversations.

"What about Lucius and Narcissa?" I asked, looking to Pansy for help.

"What about them?"

"Penelope asked me if I'd want them in my life. Or in my children's lives."

Pansy's expression gave nothing away, but I could tell she was going to proceed with caution. "And do you?"

"No," I answered immediately. "I don't know them, not really. And what I do know of Lucius isn't..."

"He threatened your parents. You have every right to hate him and want to protect your children, Hermione."

"But?" I asked, sensing that she hadn't said everything she'd wanted to.

"But if it's important to Draco, you could keep things very formal. See them on holidays and birthdays and always make them come to you." She shrugged her shoulders. "I always extend an invitation to my mother, even though I know she likely won't accept because she doesn't want to be around Harry and all the Weasleys."

I didn't respond and the silence between us started to grow uncomfortable.

"This also isn't something you have to decide right now," she said, breaking it. "It's early days for both the pregnancy and your relationship with Draco."

"I know, but I just don't—I can't see myself forgiving Lucius. Ever."

"And you have every reason not to."

"And one big reason that I probably should," I countered. "I don't want to be the person who makes an ultimatum."

"He'd understand. Do you really think Draco's happy with Lucius after everything that's happened?"

I knew he wasn't, just like I knew that he wasn't currently speaking to either of his parents. He'd been keeping his distance after watching my memories.

He'd already said that he'd never force me to interact with his parents, and I believed him. But would he — or the baby — resent me if I never gave them a chance?

That was one thing I didn't know.

"Can we go sit upstairs?" I asked, wanting nothing more than to sink into the sofa in the sitting room.

"Of course," she said. "Stop thinking about all the bad things and try to focus on the good ones for a little bit."

As we walked up the stairs, I tried to do just that, but the spectre of the past hovered over me, suppressing the joy I wanted to feel. While my initial response had been to hide this news from Harry and the others, I now felt like I had to tell him. I needed his reassurance and support, his somehow perpetual optimism. Love, from both Pansy and his children, had brought light into his life, chasing away the shadows Voldemort had left in his wake.

And I wanted the same things for myself. I deserved the same things, no matter what mistakes I'd made in the past.

Love and light and happiness. A new beginning.

All of these things were possible if I had faith — faith in the future and faith in Draco, that he really meant what he'd said and was committed to doing everything he could to make it work this time around.

When I'd settled into my place on the sofa, Pansy went upstairs to wake Sev from his nap and check on Lily. Staring into space, I tried to think of the best way to tell Draco about the pregnancy.

Would it be best to do it when we were on our own? Or with Penelope?

In my mind, I saw the cute things Muggles did, like a copy of an ultrasound photo or gifting a silly t-shirt or bodysuit or showing a positive pregnancy test. I didn't think any of these things would have the same effect on Draco since they'd require an explanation.

Before I could work myself into another state of anxiety, Pansy came back into the room and passed Lily off to me. "Get some practice, Granger. She's still fairly new to the world."

"Where's Sev?" I asked.

"He was still pretty out of it and fell asleep right after I'd woken him. Not worth the tantrums. I'm just going to let him sleep until he wakes up on his own."

Looking down at Lily, I smoothed my hand over her dark hair. Her eyes were shifting to match the brilliant green of her namesake more and more each day, and her little features made me smile.

"You've already had so much practise that motherhood will be a breeze," Pansy said, watching me closely. "You were with us when Sev was a newborn and you can have Lily most of this year if you really want."

I laughed. "You don't want to spend time with her?"

Pansy shrugged. "She doesn't really care who's holding her unless she's hungry."

Holding my finger against her little hand, I watched as she grabbed on and squeezed. "Do you think I should tell Harry?"

"Granger, it's totally up to you. This is your news."

"But?"

"But I think he'll be hurt if I'm the one to tell him and not you," she admitted. "Deep down, I think he's still worried that you're going to shut everyone out again, and he still hasn't really forgiven himself for the distance he put between you for so long."

I nodded. "I was thinking that I could use the reassurance. As much as I value your support—"

"You'd rather hear it from him. I get it. You've been friends for ages at this point."

"Just like you've been friends with Draco," I pointed out. "How did we end up tangled like this?"

"I blame Harry. He's the one who started it, telling me that a kiss between us would be the end of the world as we knew it."

"He did not say that!"

Laughing, I saw her light up from within. "He did. Right in front of Daphne and everything."

"I've got no one to blame but myself. I got drunk and ended up in Draco's room instead of my own."

"Yes. Quite the welcome surprise on the night of his stag do," Pansy said, smirking and shaking her head. "I would've given all the Galleons in my vault to see his expression."

I hummed, my eyes fixated on the baby in my arms. She was going to be the spitting image of her mother with her father's eyes — just like Harry had been James' double with Lily's eyes.

"It was funny to watch," I admitted. "I didn't remember the finer details of that night very clearly."

Pansy laughed lightly and changed the subject. "Should I assume that you're going to stay until Harry's home?"

"I think so," I answered, stroking Lily's cheek with my finger. "I want to get it over with. Maybe he can tell me how I should break the news to Draco."

"Well, Ron will be here, too. He's going to have to bring James back at some point."

Shrugging my shoulders, I said, "I'll tell him, as well. I'm sure he'll be furious, but he'll get over it. He always does."

"Until then, could you help me with Sev and Lily? I'd like to get a bit of work done if you don't mind. Harry brought me home this old table in need of freshening up, and I have the perfect client for it."

I waved my hand towards the door. "Go. We're fine here."

Pansy pulled out her wand and summoned a small Moses basket. "She probably won't stay awake very long. When she falls asleep again, you should try to rest, too."

Nodding, I refocused my eyes on Lily's face and started to rock her gently, thinking about what my baby might look like. I started to dream of the future, of the sleepless nights Harry and Pansy hated and the weekends spent here at Grimmauld Place, a house once so dark and empty and now so full of love.

Even though it scared me, I started to hope that I'd have a family — one that included both the baby and Draco — very soon.

Where would we make our home?

Would we have more than just this one baby?

I just didn't know, and I knew I wouldn't be able to figure anything out until I talked to him again.

Shortly before six, Ron arrived, carrying a blue-haired James through the Floo. Ron froze when he saw me at the counter preparing a plate for Sev. His eyes darted to Harry and Pansy, and James started squirming, calling out for me. After setting him down, Ron glanced back at me and said, "Hey, Hermione. I didn't think I'd be seeing you today."

James wrapped his arms around my legs and I bent down to ruffle his blue hair and kiss his forehead.

I smiled at Ron. "It's been a strange day and I've stayed with Pansy and the kids for most of the afternoon. Are you planning on having dinner with us?"

"Did you cook?" After I nodded in response, he said, "Yeah, I'll stay. Let me just check in on Luna."

While he turned and made his Floo call, I gave James my full attention. "Who coloured your hair?"

"Uncle Ron gave me a potion! I look like Teddy!"

Pansy and Harry came back into the kitchen, each carrying a child, and Harry laughed. "You sure do."

Ron pulled back and rose to his feet, brushing his palms against his trousers. "He'll be back to normal when he wakes up in the morning, I swear."

"It's blue hair, not a tattoo," Pansy replied, shrugging her shoulders. "I really don't care."

"Shall we eat?" I asked, starting to levitate plates to the table. "I have everything under Stasis, so it'll hold a bit if you're not hungry yet."

Snorting, Harry said, "When is Ron ever not hungry?"

As we all took places around the old scrubbed wood table Pansy had refinished, I felt the slightest bit anxious. I knew Harry and Ron were going to ask why I was still here, rather than away for work. While I wanted to tell them, I wasn't certain I'd have their support from the start. And, deep down, I felt slightly guilty for telling them before I told Draco, but I knew I would need a soft place to land if he didn't take the news well.

Somehow, they were able to wait until we'd gotten through the meal to start the interrogation.

"So what's going on, Hermione? Malfoy told me you ran out of therapy this morning, and now you've spent the whole day here instead of wherever it is that you've been working," Harry began, concern written across his face. "Did he say something? Or do something to upset you?"

I shook my head. "No, not really. I just—I realised something, and I couldn't stay there. I had to find out right away. Initially, I was so mad about the way he'd behaved with Blaise, but then—"

"Wait," Ron interrupted, looking to Harry for an explanation, "Zabini's back?"

"Not exactly. He came to the office to turn in his Auror credentials yesterday, and he and Malfoy had a run-in."

Ron crossed his arms over his chest. "I hope you gave him a piece of your mind, Harry. Or at least knocked him on his arse."

"Malfoy handled that part. Punched him right in the jaw."

"Good. Never thought he'd have the bollocks—"

"Enough about Draco and Blaise," I said, interrupting Ron. "Draco doesn't deserve to be commended for lashing out like that."

They both took one look at my face and knew I was serious, that I meant what I'd said.

"Right. So what happened with the two of you in therapy today?" Harry asked, moving the conversation along.

Closing my eyes, I took a moment to collect my thoughts. "We were talking about Blaise because we never really have, and Draco brought up his birthday party from last year." I looked straight at Pansy; I hadn't told her what prompted my realisation. "He mentioned that you'd told them that the boys were with me that night and I'd be a great mum someday. It sort of kicked my brain into motion."

Ron looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"The mention of me being a mum... It made me realise that I missed taking a very important potion last week," I admitted, hoping that they'd pick up the meaning. "I wanted to rush home to take it because Draco and I have reconnected. Physically."

No one said anything.

"Oh my gods," I groaned, wondering how they were this dense. "I've been tired and nauseous and I figured it was just stress."

Still nothing.

"I forgot to take my contraceptive potion in both June and July. I'm pregnant."

"You're what?!" Ron exclaimed, his mouth hanging open.

"Pregnant," I answered, feeling my cheeks burn.

His eyes darted down to my abdomen. Harry's did, too. My hand instinctively settled on my still-flat stomach.

"Pregnant," Harry repeated, his shock evident.

I rolled my eyes. "You should both be familiar with what that means, seeing as there are a handful of children between you."

"Are you sure?" Ron asked.

"Pansy performed the charm on me today."

Harry pressed his fingers into his temples. "Who's the father?"

"Excuse me?" I squeaked. "Why would you ask me that?"

"Well, it's been about a month since Blaise left. I figured that means there's a possibility—"

"No," I interrupted him, shaking my head. "No, it's not possible."

For the love of Godric, I prayed it wasn't possible. I mentally time-travelled, trying to remember exactly when he and I had last been together, but it was no use. I'd have to see a Healer and find out exactly how far along I was. But, given that I hadn't slept with Blaise after Draco had found out about the Obliviation, I hoped it was highly unlikely.

Ron flopped down on the sofa beside me and threw an arm around my shoulders. "How did this happen?"

Turning to face him, I raised an eyebrow. "How do you think it happened?"

"Listen, Hermione, I know that you and Malfoy shagged before," he began, visibly shuddering, "but I'm not sure my brain is willing to accept that it's happened recently."

I smacked his chest. "Obviously we have! Otherwise, this would be a very different conversation."

Ron grabbed my hand, stopping the assault. "When have you had the time? You're away most of the week."

"Really? That's what you want to know?"

He shrugged. "I didn't know what else to say honestly."

"Are we saying congratulations?" Harry chimed in.

"I'd like you to," I replied, meeting his eyes. He was standing on the opposite side of the room, his arms now crossed over his chest. "This is something I've always wanted, after all."

Ron grinned. "A baby snake-ferret hybrid inside of you?"

Slapping him again, I said, "You're a git."

"Congratulations," he conceded, squeezing me tighter. "You're going to be a great mum."

"You're surprisingly calm about all of this."

His cheeks reddened. "Well, I might've had a bit of forewarning."

I looked at him, confused. "Pansy told you?"

He shook his head. "No, Luna did in her own way. I was hoping that she'd gotten it wrong."

"When did she tell you?" Harry asked, his morbid curiosity getting the better of him.

"Three weeks ago? Maybe two?" When he saw my shocked expression, he continued, "I don't know what it is about you and Malfoy, but she just seems to See something that I can't."

It was eerie and, for the millionth time since entering the magical world, I thanked the gods that I hadn't been gifted with the Sight.

"For the record, Hermione, I still hate Malfoy and you're way too good for him. He doesn't deserve you after the way he treated you the last time," Ron stated, meeting my eyes.

"But I love him."

"I know you do. That's the other reason I'm being calm about it."

Tears flooded my eyes. I was surprised that Ron was willing to set aside his own feelings and emotions to support me — he'd grown leaps and bounds over the past few years.

"Malfoy loves you too," Harry said with a sigh. "He was a nightmare to be around today. Mel ran out of his office so fast."

"Well, I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean to make things more difficult in the DMLE."

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "He'll get over it. I'm not too worried."

"I hope he'll eventually be happy about the baby," I said quietly, twisting my hands in my lap. "I know he loves being a dad. Once the shock wears off—"

Ron's face reddened. "You already told him? And he was angry?"

I shook my head quickly, desperate to correct the misunderstanding. "I needed some time to figure it all out, and I didn't want to make a big deal about it if I wasn't certain. I think he's going to struggle with it, though."

Once again, I explained the thoughts and feelings I'd been having, telling them all about how Astoria had purposely gotten pregnant and my worries that Draco would think I'd done the same.

"That's ridiculous, Hermione," Harry said, shaking his head. "He's not going to think that you tricked him into this."

"And it's not like he cast a contraceptive charm, so he's equally at fault," Ron added. "It's not as if he didn't know there could be consequences."

"When are you going to tell him? Do you want us to be there with you?" Harry asked, trying to be the practical one.

"This weekend, I think," I replied. "And I think I should do it on my own. I'm not certain how he'll feel about it. We were just starting to find our footing, and now everything is going to change again."

Ron squeezed me, tightening his arm around my shoulders. "If he's really all in for this, he'll take it in stride. A baby is something to be excited about, especially if you're planning on having one eventually anyway."

Even though I knew he was trying to encourage me, I felt my stomach churn. I couldn't stop myself from drawing parallels between Astoria's contrived pregnancy and my own accidental one; Draco could very easily think I'd purposely skipped my potion.

Harry plopped down on my other side and settled a hand on my knee. "Stop overthinking, Hermione. Do you truly have any doubts about his feelings for you? And what he wants with you?"

Closing my eyes, a memory reel of the past few weeks started playing in my mind. I saw Draco sitting with me in Penelope's office, talking through the past and trying to build a future. I saw him furious again, angry that I'd showed him the trips and big moments rather than our everyday life and love. I saw his eyes darkening with desire, the way he'd taken me in front of the mirror. But, more than anything, I heard his voice in my head.

I love you.

After everything we've been through, I'm not going to lose you now.

We can be happy again.

"No," I answered truthfully. "I know we still have a lot to work through, but I don't doubt that he loves me."

"Can you forgive him for everything that happened before?" Ron asked, squeezing my shoulders. "Really forgive him and move past it?"

"I feel like I already have."

"And you think he's forgiven you too?"

I nodded. "He says he doesn't even need to know everything that happened between us in the past. He just wants to move forward."

"Okay then," Harry said, stepping towards us. "You're having a baby, and you're ready to really be with Malfoy, baggage and all."

"Do you think I can do it?" I asked, pulling away from Ron and standing, meeting Harry halfway.

He smiled at me. "Don't be ridiculous. You can do anything. You're Hermione Granger."

Granger, are you okay?

I get that you're upset with me about Blaise, but we need to talk things through. I don't understand why you ran out today and I know there's something you're not telling me.

I'm worried about you. Can you please let me know that you're okay? We don't have to talk right now.

It's been hours. What's going on, Hermione?

I don't know how to fix this. Please tell me what to do.

I read through Draco's messages, his increasing desperation making me feel like the worst person ever.

After spending the afternoon and evening at Grimmauld Place, I'd headed back to Barcelona and curled up in my bed, one hand settling on my abdomen and stroking it absentmindedly. I hadn't opened the journal at all; I didn't know what to say to Draco yet, and not mentioning the pregnancy didn't feel quite right.

But now that I'd read his messages, I knew I had to respond to him. It wasn't fair to let him suffer. Sure, I'd been angry that he'd been childish enough to hit Blaise, but that wasn't why I'd left.

I took the journal over to the small dining table and wrote a reply.

Draco,

I'm sorry I haven't answered you until now. I was preoccupied for the majority of the afternoon and only just looked at the journal. As for my abrupt exit this morning, I came to a realisation in Penelope's office and I needed to address it straight away. I'm sorry, but I can't explain it to you quite yet.

I promise I will when I see you again. It's not a quick note situation.

I'm fine, please don't worry about me. There's nothing you need to do to fix anything. I'll be home in a few days' time and we'll talk about it on Tuesday morning.

I love you.

Hermione xx

I hoped the short note would put his mind at ease, especially since I'd signed off with an 'I love you'.

Rather than waiting to read his response, I closed the journal and tucked it into my bag for the night. I grabbed a spare bit of parchment and made a list of things I needed to do over the next few days.

Start to pack!

Book an appointment with a Healer in Barcelona to find out how far along

Book an extra appointment with Penelope if possible (Floo call?)

Buy pregnancy books from a wizarding bookstore

Try another modified Location Charm on Horcrux — can we add Point Me to locate the owner?

Finish up final report on Horcrux

Exhausted didn't even begin to describe how I felt.

I'd been through the emotional ringer today. While I knew that it would take time for me to adjust to the idea of being a mother, the excitement I already felt bolstered my courage.

Rising from the dining table, I walked down the hallway to my bedroom and peeled back the covers. As I climbed into bed, I smiled, knowing I wasn't completely alone tonight.

Author's Note: Next update TBD - I am planning on completing the last 5 chapters before I post the next one. Hopefully late March/early April. Follow me on Tumblr for updates.

Thank you all so much for reading.