Author's Note: Hello! Welcome back to the tumultuous series of Teardrops & Teacups! I don't know about you, but this series is something that hits really close to me heart. To say this part of the story is a long time coming is putting it lightly. I'd planned to write this third (and final) part since back in 2017, but finally finished it up recently. I've been holding onto it as a special release for my official 400th piece of content here on Ao3. As of today, March 21st, there are now 400 pieces of content to my penname here, and I still can't believe that is even possible. I couldn't do this without my amazing writer friends, and you, the readers who keep coming back for more!

Floo Calls & Earnest Regrets is something I get asked about a lot because of course we all want to know both sides to every story. This story is going to give us a chance to do just that. This story is going to follow the lives of Draco and everyone else EXCEPT Hermione because, of course, we already know her side of the tale. So far I have just this first chapter finished, but the next one should be coming within the next month or two. As always, please bear with me as my real life is rather busy and it takes a lot of emotional preparation to dive into this story as the original, Teardrops & Teacups, was written during a very chaotic time in my life. I really do hope you enjoy this new insight into the story, though!

I have to take a second to thank to ever magical starrnobella because without her, this story wouldn't exist. She is an amazing alpha and beta who from the start of this series has been leaving me comments asking what other characters were doing or thinking about Hermione's shenanigans. I also have to thank Squarepeg72 for being a great alpha and cheerleader along the way! I love you both!

Now, enough of me chatting your ear off! I know how much you want to read! Enjoy, and much love, xxDustNight!

Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling, Bloomsbury, and Warner Bros. No copyright infringement is intended.

Full Summary: A companion piece to Teardrops & Teacups, this story follows the ups and downs of her family and friends' sometimes chaotic lives during the four years of Hermione's journey to find herself. The floo calls, scenes, and letters give a glimpse into how these people were affected and what sometimes went on behind closed doors because, as we all know, there are always two sides to a story... And in this case, three.

Trigger Warnings: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD Depression Threesome - F/M/M Threesome - F/F/M Adultery Infidelity Emotional Infidelity Minor Character Death Dark Suicidal Thoughts Drinking Heavy Angst Angst and Hurt/Comfort Adult Content Miscarriage Pregnancy Implied Relationships Other Additional Tags to Be Added

Companion Piece to Teardrops Teacups
Mini-Fic/Prequel to Wolves without Teeth
Song Recommendations: "Love Hurts" by Incubus, "Hate Me" by Blue October, "Back to Black" by Amy Winehouse, "What's Left of Me" by Nick Lachey, "Breathe Into Me" by Red, "Far Away" by Nickelback, "Disenchanted" by My Chemical Romance, "Just Be" by Styx, "Invincible" by Muse, and "Move Along" by The All-American Rejects
Playlist for Floo Calls & Earnest Regrets: htt*ps:/open*.*spotify*.*com/playlist*/3zNtZT3vpLBPHXxy11ICQC?si=752abfa96add4a15 (remove the *)


"We crucify ourselves between two thieves:
regret for yesterday and fear of tomorrow."
-Fulton Oursler


23 December 2005: 11:14pm

The green light of the floo illuminated Draco's study as he sat at his desk, face in hands. Glancing up, he was unsurprised to find Ron Weasley standing in the middle of the room. The red-headed man walked forward and unceremoniously plopped himself into the chair across from where he was sitting. Draco ran his hands through his hair and exhaled as he leaned back in his chair.

"There has to be something you can do. She's a mess. An absolute mess, so there has to be something you've missed." Ron was speaking quietly, his words strained with emotion.

"Don't you think that I've tried everything, Weasley? I have searched through every bloody file in the Ministry trying to find some sort of loophole." Draco slammed his fist down on the table, making his empty glass of scotch rattle where it sat. "I don't know what else I can do. She's done the same, so we really are out of time."

"Out of time? What are you even talking about? I thought the betrothal contract was good until your 21st birthday?" Ron was staring at him curiously, almost as if he sort of already knew what he might be getting into.

"The betrothal contract, yes, has the clause stating that I must be married before I turn 21, but…."

"But what, Malfoy? Please tell me her family did not do what I think they might have."

"Are you really going to make me say it? Because every time that I even think about it, I just want to be sick." Draco pushed to his feet, grabbed his tumbler, and headed toward the alcohol tray at the side of the room. He refilled his glass and emptied it in one long chug before setting it down and refilling it once more. He was kind enough to get an additional drink for Ron, filling it with the expensive scotch and carrying it to the red-headed man before returning to his seat.

"So it's true then?" Ron asked before taking a long drag from his own drink. "That practice is still done in our society…." He trailed off, staring into the fireplace.

"Unfortunately, it is."

"When is Astoria's birthday?"

"December 26th, so you see the urgency. I thought we had more time! I thought we had until June, but then her father came forward and admitted to what he'd done when she was born."

"That's sick," Ron stated, his face scrunched up with disgust. "Why don't you just tell Hermione what's going on?"

"Because I know what it will do to her."

"Malfoy, you fool, she's already a broken mess. Harry and I don't know how to help her. When I look at her, I see my best friend, but I also still see what could have been." Ron drained his glass and set it aside before slumping in the chair, his head leaning back on the headrest. "I hate to admit that because it makes me sound like such a git, but I can't help her the way that you can."

"I can't do anything. Do you know the sort of infidelity clauses that are magically binding me to Astoria? I can't go to her. My hands are literally tied." Draco looked paler than usual, the firelight illuminating his face.

Slowly, Ron stood and made his way back towards the fireplace. "I figured as much, but I had to try. I had to try for her. She loves you, Malfoy. She loves you more than she ever loved me."

"For you to come here and admit that to my face, I know how much you truly care about her." Draco walked forward and placed a hand on Ron's shoulder, squeezing gently. "Weasley, I don't know what else we can do, but I need you to promise me something."

"What?"

"I need you to promise that no matter what happens, you will be the one to watch out for her." Draco let go of Ron's shoulder and slipped both hands into the pockets of his trousers. "There's a darkness in her, a darkness that she's not really ever shown to the real world. People won't understand… I worry that this might send her over the edge. I need you to protect her since I cannot."

"What do you mean a darkness she's not shown to the world?" Ron sounded frightened, and he swallowed back his fear in anticipation of Draco's response.

"The war affected us all differently, and while she may put on a perfect facade out in public that everything is right with the world, Hermione suffers from a lot of inner demons." He hated sharing Hermione's secrets, but what else could he do?

Ron let out a long breath, his blue eyes filling with tears because he knew precisely what Draco was referring to. He'd seen it himself over the seven years of their relationship. They both ignored it until the loss of their child broke through her carefully constructed walls. Finally, after a few minutes of silence, Ron looked up and met Draco's eyes.

"I'll watch after her. And you, you find a way out of this. She doesn't deserve this, and actually, it pains me to admit this, but neither do you." Before Draco could say anything further, Ron stepped towards the fireplace and grabbed a bit of floo powder. Throwing it into the fire, he shouted out 'The Burrow' and disappeared in a roar of green flames.

Draco returned to his desk in the silence that followed, draining the rest of his glass as he thought on just how fucked up his and Hermione's lives were about to get. He only hoped that Ron would be able to keep her sane. But who would keep him sane?


1 January 2006: 7:07 am

Ron pinched the bridge of his nose and read the letter Hermione had sent him for the umpteenth time. Now was not the time for her to be travelling alone. Sure, she would be spending the holiday with her parents, but he knew her better than most. She was probably planning on going off on her own just to get away from everything going on at home.

Next to him, Pansy slept peacefully. She was blissfully unaware of the turmoil raging inside her boyfriend. Ron brushed his knuckles over her soft cheek with a smile. He loved this witch more than anything, but Hermione still took up so much of his time it was hard to commit to her. They spent the New Year in Madrid, but who knew what would happen once they went home, and he had to try and get Hermione back on the straight path.

Sighing heavily, Ron grabbed a bit of spare parchment off the nightstand and prepared to write a letter to Harry. He needed to know that something was going on with their best friend. Ron suspected that things would get worse before they got better, and he would need all the help he could get.


5 January 2006: 1:11 pm

"Is she still staying with her parents?" Harry inquired and then took a bite of his sandwich. He and Ron were having lunch and catching up after being apart for the holiday.

"As far as I know," Ron answered, picking at his soup. His hunger seemed to have left him when Hermione sent him that letter. "I haven't heard from her in days."

"Should we worry? I mean, as far as I know, Kingsley hasn't approved her for any time off." Harry frowned, wondering what might be going on with Hermione.

Pushing aside his half-eaten lunch, Ron shook his head. "I've been worried since this entire thing began. There's nothing we can do about it now, though," he admitted, not quite meeting Harry's eyes. He hadn't told his friend exactly what he and Draco discussed when he went to see him before the wedding.

"I'll cover for her, but I know that won't fly for long," Harry said and moved to stand. He collected their trash and took it to the disposal. "Draco's away on his honeymoon with Astoria and won't be back until next week. So Kingsley probably won't notice anything amiss until then."

Together, the two friends walked back to the Atrium where Ron would floo back to the Joke Shop, and Harry would take the lift back to his office. Ron cleared his throat and looked at Harry. "If she's not back in two weeks, I think we might have to go and get her."

"If she's not back in two weeks, Kingsley will probably fire her," Harry said solemnly. "I have a mountain of paperwork to get through before I can leave tonight. I'll see you later."

Ron watched as Harry left him standing there. Then, grabbing some floo powder, he moved toward one of the empty grates. "I hope you're wrong," Ron muttered before stepping into the green flames.


10 January 2006: 9:45 pm

"Do you want to go for a walk?" Astoria asked from the doorway.

Draco was sitting on the balcony of their honeymoon suite. The Eiffel Tower was lit in the distance, but he couldn't feel any less romantic. Clearing his throat, Draco glanced back at his new wife. "I have a headache."

Astoria's shoulders slumped. "Do you want me to order you a potion? Are you sure that the alcohol isn't making it worse?"

Coming out of his fog, Draco realized he was still holding the glass of whiskey he'd filled up earlier. Taking a sip, he relished the burning sensation as it slid down his throat. "No," he began, not quite meeting her eyes. "I think it's actually helping."

"Well, okay then," she said and then signed. "I'm going to take a bath. Maybe you can join me later?" Draco merely grunted, so she simply shut the door and left him alone.

Alone. That's all he wanted to be right now. Only, he wasn't alone. He was trapped in this marriage.

Without thinking, Draco finished his drink and then tapped the glass with his wand to refill. He never did join Astoria in the bath that night. And he didn't join her in bed either.


11 January 2006: 6:21 am

Slowly, sleep faded from Astoria until she was conscious enough to realize that she was alone in the bed. Reaching out, sure enough, the other side of the bed was cold to the touch. Sitting up, she wiped her eyes and looked around the room for signs that Draco had been here at all. She closed her eyes and took a few breaths as her heart clenched in sadness.

Throwing back the covers, Astoria decided to try and find out where Draco had fallen asleep. A quick visit to the loo, and then she was slipping out into the main room of the Parisian hotel. The balcony doors were open, and it was absolutely freezing. Pulling her wand from the pocket of her robe, she solved that problem quickly enough.

With the doors closed, she could now hear the quiet breathing of her sleeping husband. She found him asleep on the chaise lounge, one arm thrown over his eyes to block out any light. An empty bottle of Ogden's Finest sat on the floor beside him. He must have come inside when he'd grown too cold to sit on the balcony any longer and passed out without bothering to come to bed.

Crossing her arms, Astoria stood over Draco's sleeping form and felt torn between crying and throwing a fit in anger. This was meant to be their honeymoon… It was supposed to be romantic and magical, a time for them to connect as a couple before having to go back to reality and responsibility.

Tears pricked at the corners of Astoria's eyes, and she ran a hand through her sleep-mussed hair as she continued to stare down at Draco. This was not at all the marriage she'd envisioned all her life. There were times when she wondered if she should have fought harder to get her father to try and annul the betrothal contract, but she cared about Draco. Honestly, she did.

Now it was too late.

Turning, Astoria returned to the bedroom alone. She crawled into bed and wrapped up in the lush, white blanket as the tears began to fall in earnest. She was stuck in this marriage with a wizard who didn't love her back because his heart still belonged to another witch. If this was what every night for the rest of her life was going to be life, Astoria wasn't sure what she was going to do.


15 January 2006: 12:04 am

In all honesty, Draco was dreading returning to work in the morning. He and Astoria were finally back from France, but his mind was still thousands of miles away. His heart was in even worse shape.

Astoria had gone to bed without him nearly four hours ago. Oh, she'd tried enticing him to join her, but he would rather not. In fact, he was planning on passing out in his old room after he finished his tenth glass of scotch.

He hadn't heard from Hermione since before Christmas, and he wasn't surprised. Their breakup was public and heart-wrenching. He wasn't even sure if she was coping. He certainly wasn't.

There wasn't enough alcohol in the manor to drown his own sorrow. Tomorrow was going to be hell, and Draco knew it.


16 January 2006: 9:00 am

It was only nine in the morning, and already Harry was having a horribly rotten day. He'd received Hermione's owl yesterday and already confirmed her Leave of Absence with Kingsley. So now, he was strapped to run his department and hers. Throw Ginny's pregnancy into the mix, and he was ready to take time off himself.

The New Year was already proving to be more stressful than the previous. Grabbing for some parchment, Harry started to make a list of the things he needed to get done before lunch. The top of the list was meeting with Draco to see if he wouldn't mind standing in as Head of the MLE while Hermione was in Sydney.

Setting aside his quill, Harry stood and headed out of his office to find the wizard in question. He might as well tackle this while he was thinking about it. Only, when he arrived at Draco's office, the blond was nowhere to be found.

"He didn't come in this morning," Vera, his secretary, told him with a frown. "He hasn't sent in an owl either."

Assuming the worst, Harry thanked her and headed for the floo. He needed to get Draco here before Kingsley got wind of the situation. This betrothal bullshit was going to bring ruin to this place…


16 January 2006: 9:18 am

Harry stumbled out of the fireplace and into Malfoy Manor with a mission. He stomped his way toward where he knew Draco's study to be, hoping that he wouldn't run into anyone else in the process. He was not so lucky.

"Harry?"

He stopped and turned, seeing Astoria calmly walking out of what he knew to be the kitchens. "Sorry for just barging in, Astoria, but I'm looking for Draco. Is he here?"

Astoria frowned. "He might be in his study. I thought he'd left for work."

"He never showed, and Vera said he didn't send an owl either," Harry said after shaking his head. "I need his help today, or I wouldn't be here. Is it okay if I go and see if he's there?"

Astoria nodded and sighed. "Yeah, that is fine. It's just upstairs and to the left in the hall."

"Thank you," Harry said, turning from the witch and hurrying on his way.

He knew that Astoria wasn't unaware of the great love shared between Darco and Hermione, and he wondered how she was dealing with the fallout. She was forced into this marriage just as much as Draco, but she cared for him. The entire ordeal was a catastrophe waiting to happen, and Harry hated that so many people were thrown in the middle of it.

Barging into the room he now knew to be Draco's office, Harry was thankful to find the wizard in question standing by the window. Draco turned around at the sound of the door crashing open, a retort already in his mouth. He appeared to falter when he saw exactly who disturbed his early morning reflections.

"Potter," he drawled, stepping away from the window. "What are you doing here?"

"You didn't show up for work, and your help is needed," Harry said as he stopped on the other side of the desk. "You can't just skip out on work."

"I could mention that there appears to be some people who just drop everything and go on holiday," Draco said slowly, making it abundantly clear who he was referring to. "Why can't I take a day off?"

"I get it!" snapped Harry, "Hermione's not here, but you know who still is?" Harry asked, narrowing his eyes at the Slytherin.

Draco rolled his. "Me." It was the obvious answer.

"That's right." Harry huffed and began to back toward the doorway. "You are here, and you have a job to do. I get that you're hurting, but Hermione has lost everything. She needs this time to recuperate. Now, get a bloody shower and get your arse into work. We have cases to deal with."

Draco turned away from Harry and ran both hands through his hair. Then, after a moment of deep breathing, he muttered, "Fine."

Satisfied, Harry stormed out the way he came. He hated getting angry at Draco, but if he didn't, then the entire Magical Law Enforcement Department would fall to pieces. They could only handle one missing employee at a time, and Hermione was in far worse condition than Draco. Or, so it appeared.


24 January 2006: 2:16 pm

"How are you not pregnant yet?" Daphne asked her sister while they sat sipping tea. She had arrived by floo promptly at a quarter to two and insisted they catch up like old times. "I got pregnant right away when Greg and I married."

"I don't know…." Astoria trailed off, her stomach clenching, knowing that she had yet to conceive. "I guess it's just going to take a little longer for me."

Daphne scrutinized her sister over the rim of her teacup. "You're not on a potion, are you?"

"What? No, of course not," Astoria said, blushing. "I want to provide an heir as quickly as possible."

"How often are you having sex?" Daphne asked, causing her sister to nearly choke. "Really, Astoria? It's not that big of a deal. Don't be such a prude."

Dabbing at her lips with a napkin, Astoria tried to calm herself. "I'm not... I wasn't expecting you to say it like that, is all."

"Well?" Daphne was persistent. When Astoria still didn't answer, she sighed heavily. "I understand that you were all but forced into this marriage, but to have a child, you do know you actually have to have sex with Draco, right?"

"We have sex," Astoria defended herself, cheeks still slightly pink.

"When was the last time you actually had sex," Daphne prodded, her eyes boring into her sister's.

"It was a few nights ago," Astoria admitted, glancing away. "He's been a bit distracted since we got back from Paris."

"It probably has to do with Granger." Daphne sniffed with disdain and then took a sip of her tea. "Look, Astoria, you have to make it worth his while. He probably really thought he was in love with Granger. Do whatever he likes in bed. Whatever it takes, get pregnant with his heir and then you don't have to have sex with him ever again if you don't want to."

"But we're married…."

"You can take a lover," Daphne said slowly and as if this was completely obvious. "Many Purebloods do the same. You have Draco's heir, go back on the contraceptive potion, and take a lover. Honestly, how do you think I survive my own marriage?"

"I thought Greg loved you?" Astoria was surprised by this news.

"Oh, he probably does, but I only married him because mummy and daddy wanted me to." Daphne sighed and finished her tea. "The things we do for our family."

"Yes," Astoria said as her heart thumped nervously in her chest. "The things we do for family…."

She had a lot to learn when it came to being a true Pureblood wife, it would seem.


29 January 2006: 3:45 am

Draco lay awake in his marital bed. Next to him, Astoria slept silently, obviously worn out from the copious amounts of sex they'd had that evening. He knew they were trying to have an heir, but his heart wasn't in it at all. In all actuality, he felt rather bad for Astoria. He could tell she had at least minor affections for him, but his heart was still all wrapped up in Hermione and what could have been.

Sure, Hermione couldn't conceive, but a life with her would have been far more fulfilling than meaningless sex every night. She made his heart feel whole and life worth living. Damn his father and Astoria's for forcing them into this situation. If Lucius was still alive, Draco would strangle the meddling fool in his sleep.

When he wasn't forced to have sex with Astoria, he threw himself into his work. With Hermione on a Leave of Absence, Draco had to juggle both his and her duties. The endless paperwork and caseloads kept his mind from straying to his ex for the most part. However, it was times like this when he was unable to fall asleep that his mind truly began to wander.

Draco wondered what Hermione was up to in Australia and if her parents were okay. He hoped that she would return soon and that maybe they could at least continue the friendship they'd built before falling in love. As Astoria rolled over in her sleep and snuggled into his side, Draco's heart clenched, and he squeezed his eyes shut. He had to remember this was his life now.


29 January 2006: 7:05 am

Unsent letter to HG:

Hermione,

I want nothing more than to return to the life we were building with one another. This new life… It's… She's not you and that makes it all wrong.


3 February 2006: 10:55 pm

Jean smiled warmly at her husband as she crawled into bed. David Granger was reading in the dim light from the nightstand. When his wife joined him, he marked his page and put the book on the nightstand before rolling to face her.

"How is she?" he asked, referring to their daughter.

Jean sighed and placed her head on his chest. "She mourns for the loss of their life together. I don't know how to make it better for her."

"Hermione is strong. Somehow, she will make it through this," David reassured his wife, kissing the top of her head.

"She wants to go and see a fertility specialist," Jean whispered, her throat tight.

David frowned. His daughter had been down this road before. "What did you tell her?"

"I told her that we would be here for her no matter what," Jean replied easily. "She knows we love her no matter what."

"I wish she wouldn't keep torturing herself." David untangled himself from his wife's arms to turn out the light.

"Do you think this new project of hers will help at all?" Once David had resettled, she curled into his warmth once more.

"I'm not sure…." David frowned in the darkness. "When I suggested it, I thought it would give her purpose and lead her back home… Now though…"

"Now, she seems as if she's running away," Jean supplied.

"It does, doesn't it."


9 February 2006: 12:18 pm

"I saw Astoria at St. Mungo's this morning," Ginny told Harry as they sat in his office. "Do you think the rumours are true?"

"You would know better than I would in that department," Harry told his wife before taking a bite of his sandwich. Lately, it seemed they only had time for lunch.

"I think she is…." Ginny thoughtfully sipped her pumpkin juice before adding, "Pregnant, I mean."

"It wouldn't surprise me," Harry said. "Draco seems overly exhausted lately."

Ginny's nose scrunched in disgust. "I really don't want to think about Draco and Astoria shagging, thank you very much."

Harry laughed. "Me either, but you brought it up."

"Touche."

After a quiet moment where they both finished eating, Harry asked, "How are you feeling? Is everything okay with the baby?"

"The baby is fine, and I'm feeling okay also. I'm thankful my morning sickness is finally abating," Ginny said as she vanished their wrappings. Then, placing a hand on the small bump that was their second child, she continued, "Are you okay watching James tonight while I go to that meeting with my coach? If you can't get off, I can ask my mum again."

"No," Harry said, standing to come around the desk. "I've already cleared my schedule for the evening, so I'll be home by three."

"Thank you," Ginny said as she too stood. She wrapped her arms around Harry's waist and placed her head on his chest. "I miss Quidditch."

Laughing, Harry kissed the top of her head and held her close. "I know you do. I know it feels like it, but it won't be long before you're out there playing again."

"I hope so," Ginny said with a sigh.


13 February 2006: 2:36 pm

"Are you planning anything for Valentine's Day?" Theo asked Draco. He'd stopped by to check on his friend and drop off a few files.

"I wasn't planning on it," Draco drawled as he put the files into his desk. "Am I supposed to?"

"You should, at the very least, make sure to buy her a gift. A necklace. A bracelet… Anything really." Theo sat down and smirked when Draco frowned.

"I'll pick something up on the way home this evening," Draco told Theo. "Don't you have somewhere to be?"

"I have a few minutes," Theo said and crossed his arms. "When's Granger coming back?"

"No clue," Draco said and then cleared his throat. "Look, I have work to do so I can get out of here at a somewhat reasonable time.

"I guess I'll go back downstairs. Those mysteries aren't going to solve themselves." He laughed at his own joke and then waved goodbye to his friend. He loved getting Draco all riled up. The poor lad needed someone to talk to after the betrothal ordeal. "Stop by this weekend for a drink, if you can."

"Sure thing, Theo," Draco said, his eyes sad. "Talk to you later."

"Later."

While he waited for the lift, Theo wondered how long he had to wait until it was appropriate to ask Hermione on a date. But, of course, that was if she ever returned from Australia.


14 February 2006: 8:03 pm

"Draco?"

Turning away from the fireplace, Draco watched as his wife hovered in the doorway. "Everything okay?" She looked a little bit pale and a tad shaky on her feet. Then, walking forward, he beckoned her into the room.

Nervously, Astoria made her way into the room. She played with the pendant on the necklace Draco had given her at dinner. "I need to tell you something."

Draco's heart sank. Something was wrong. "What is it?" He waited patiently as she lifted her gaze to his.

"I- I'm pregnant," she stammered. "Or, at least, I think I am. It's still early days."

That certainly wasn't what he'd been expecting. "Are you okay with that?" he asked, unsure as to whether she would be happy to be carrying his child or if it felt more like a burden.

Astoria smiled up at Draco with tears in her eyes. Finally, she nodded and managed to say, "Yes."

Something inside Draco filled with joy. It was the first time he could remember feeling happy in quite a while. Without even thinking, he wrapped Astoria in an embrace, tucking her head underneath his chin.

"Me too," he said, "Me too."


24 February 2006: 8:07 am

"Potter," Draco greeted as he stepped into the Auror's office.

"Malfoy," his one-time nemesis replied. "What can I do for you this morning?"

"I need to know when Hermione is coming back," he stated simply. "It's been well over a month, and I'm starting to drown under all the paperwork."

Harry sighed. "Close the door."

This wasn't good. Draco did as asked and then sat down across from Harry. "She's not coming back, is she?"

"It's my understanding that she's working on a special project and has been granted time to do research abroad," Harry said slowly as if reciting the words right from Kingsley himself. "I haven't spoken directly with Hermione, but I imagine she'll be gone for a while."

Without another word, Draco stood up and exited the office. He hated that Hermione was being forced away from a job she truly loved. He had some decisions to make this weekend, that was certain.


11 March 2006: 11:55 pm

"When were you going to tell me you were pregnant?" Pansy all but demanded as she came out of the floo.

Astoria practically dropped the pitcher of lemonade she'd been carrying at her friend's abrupt arrival. "Who told you?" Astoria whispered as if trying to keep the secret still.

"Ginny," Pansy said as if that were obvious. She took the lemonade and placed it on the table to have lunch. "She mentioned she saw you in the St. Mungo's pregnancy ward, and then I searched up your file."

"Pansy!" Astoria exclaimed, her hand coming up over her breast. "You're not supposed to do that."

"I work at the hospital, Tori," Pansy replied with a roll of her eyes. "I can look up files if I want."

Slowly, Astoria sat down and put her face in her hands. "You're not going to tell anyone, are you?" She glanced up to check.

"Hell no!" Pansy exclaimed. "Do you think I want to lose my job?"

"No… I'm not very far along," Astoria said as Pansy poured them lemonade. "We're not going public with the news until at least May."

"I think that's fair." Pansy took a drink and levelled her friend with a stare. "I heard a rumour Hermione might be coming back soon."

"Really?"

"Well, to be fair, I overheard Ron and Harry talking about it the other night," Pansy said with a grin. "They had no idea I was in the next room."

"Should I be worried?" Astoria seemed to go pale.

"I wouldn't. I don't see Draco as someone who would break his marriage contract," Pansy began but then stopped and thought for a moment. "Although…"

"What?"

"If you're pregnant, and it's a boy…."

"I've had the same worries," Astoria whispered, filling in the silence. "What if he goes back to her?"

"Was that your own worry or one your sister planted in your head?" Pansy quirked an eyebrow. Daphne was known for playing people against one another. When Astoria didn't reply, Pansy shook her head. "That's what I thought. Don't listen to Daphne, Tori. Draco cares for you in his own way. You just have to trust him, I guess."


13 March 2006: 7:48 pm

Malfoy,

Don't forget about the party on Friday. Can't wait to see you there!

Theo


15 March 2006: 4:00 pm

Harry's fireplace roared to life in a swirl of green flames. Glancing that way, he was glad to see Ron's face and not the Minister's. He'd come home early to watch James while Ginny had a meeting. Setting aside the work he'd been halfheartedly reading over, he waved at his friend's floating head.

"Hey, mate."

"Hey," Ron replied with his lopsided grin. "How's James?"

"Napping," Harry nodded toward where his son slept on the couch. "What's going on?"

"I heard from Hermione. She says she's coming back."

"For the party?"

"Apparently so," Ron said solemnly. "I'm still not sure it's a good idea. You know Malfoy is supposed to be there?"

"I know," Harry said. "It might be good for her to be with us, though. With friends."

"I don't know… Anyway, I wanted to let you know. I have to get back up front and help with the customers."

"Okay," Harry said with a sad smile. "I'll see you Friday."

"See you then," Ron said and then disappeared with the green flames.


15 March 2006: 6:10 pm

"Why would I want to go to a St. Patrick's Day party, Draco?" Astoria asked as her face formed a frown. "I'm pregnant and can't drink. It doesn't make a lot of sense." She set aside her cutlery and picked at the napkin in her lap.

"No one knows you're pregnant yet, and I always go," Draco explained as he cut through his lamb. "It would be strange if I didn't attend."

"I don't have to go," Astoria said quietly, glancing away and trying not to feel bad about possibly being left out. "I wouldn't be upset if you went without me."

Draco sighed heavily and also set aside his own knife and fork. "That would make it even more strange. We're newlyweds, Astoria. If I go, you should too." It took a second but Draco did notice how uncomfortable Astoria seemed to be. "Nevermind, we can skip it this year."

Swallowing thickly, Astoria whispered, "No, it's okay. I'll go. I don't want you to miss out on time with your friends just because of me."

"Are you sure?" Draco asked as he resumed eating.

Astoria tried to do the same, but the food tasted like cardboard in her mouth. "Yes," she said quietly. "I'm sure."


17 March 2006: 11:59 pm

In retrospect, Draco was acutely aware that he should never have come to this party. From the moment he walked in with Astoria and met Hermione's heartbroken eyes, he knew it was a mistake. Only, it was too late to leave now. Hermione was busy drinking herself into a stupor while Astoria basically clung to his side. For the moment, he was free. His wife had excused herself to use the loo.

Quietly, Draco stepped up to where Ron was talking with Pansy. "She's going to make herself sick if she doesn't stop," he mumbled so only the redhead would hear.

Ron turned and gave him an angry look. "She's doing that because of you."

"Boys," Pansy hissed with a warning. Astoria was returning already and heading right for the three of them.

Draco held both hands up in surrender. Obviously, he was overstepping some unspoken boundary. As Astoria rejoined him, he allowed her to slip her hand into his before saying, "I'll catch up with you two later. Come on, Astoria."

He quickly dragged his wife to the other side of the room, where he could converse with Theo while discreetly keeping an eye on Hermione. He hoped that Astoria didn't notice the way he kept glancing towards his ex or how distracted he was. But, if she did, she never let on.


18 March 2006: 12:45 am

Astoria found herself alone for the first time all evening. Draco had wandered off somewhere, but she honestly didn't care. Even though he was right by her side, he'd spent more time staring at Granger. She grabbed a cup of punch but didn't bother adding any alcohol to it. Luckily, no one even second-guessed that she wasn't actually drinking alcohol.

As she was about to venture back out into the fray of the party, Hermione stumbled into the kitchen to make herself another drink. She completely ignored Astoria, or rather, didn't notice her through her drunken stupor. Of course, part of Astoria knew that Draco and Hermione had been very much in love before she'd been forced into the picture. But that didn't make things any easier to deal with now.

When Hermione glanced away to find some ice, Astoria pulled her wand from her pocket and used it to magically add more alcohol to her cup. It wasn't much, but it made her feel better knowing that Hermione's night was probably about to take a drastically nauseating turn.


18 March 2006: 1:56 am

"Why the bloody hell would you allow her to get so wasted?" Draco hissed at Ron. He didn't want to wake Hermione as she was passed out on the bathroom floor. "Alcohol poisoning affects wizards just as much as it does Muggles, in case you forgot."

"How is this my fault, Malfoy?" Ron whisper-shouted back, "Here you are parading around with your wife right in front of her. Is it any surprise that she drank as much as she did? Astoria doesn't make things any easier, hanging all over you like a bloody-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence, Weasley, or so help me. I won't stop myself from punching you in the fucking face." Draco was nearly seeing red right now. Unfortunately, he didn't have much time before Astoria looked for him.

Ron tried to calm himself. "Fine. I'll refrain, but the problem at hand is that I need to get her home somehow, no thanks to you."

There was a short tapping at the door, and both men turned their attention away from Hermione.

"Ron? Ron, is everything alright in there? We heard shouting," Pansy said through the door.

"It's fine, Pans. I'll be right out." Ron waited until he heard Pansy walk away before turning back toward Draco and Hermione.

"Look, Weasley, I know Pansy is insecure about the whole Hermione issue, so I'll apparate her home while you rejoin the party. Astoria won't even know I'm gone. So just cover for me, alright?" It was the best he could do. Pansy was one of his best friends, and she deserved Ron to have her full attention.

Ron sighed heavily, torn between wanting to trust Draco and doing the job himself. Finally, he nodded once before slipping out the bathroom door without another word.

Draco waited until all was quiet before crouching down next to Hermione. "I've got to pick you up, Hermione. Please, don't puke on me," he whispered, smirking despite himself. Then, very carefully, he took her in his arms and apparated her home.


18 March 2006: 2:26 am

It was a mistake to kiss her forehead, but it was a mistake Draco couldn't resist making. So now, he stood on the other side of her bedroom door with his heart breaking all over again. Saying goodbye is never easy, and having to leave Hermione and return to his wife and unborn child was harder than he imagined. Sighing and then running a hand through his hair, Draco stepped away from the closed door and apparated back to the party.


31 March 2006: 4:33 pm

Ron plopped himself down at Ginny and Harry's kitchen table and put his face in both hands. "I've convinced Hermione to come to George's party tomorrow."

"But?" Harry prompted, getting two short glasses from the cupboard and placing them on the table. He opened the bottle of Firewhisky he'd bought that afternoon and poured some into both glasses.

"She still seems pretty shook up after Seamus and Dean's party," Ron replied, lifting his head. He took a sip of the drink Harry supplied, not even cringing as the alcohol burned his throat. "I really regret getting her to come back now."

"Yeah," Harry said as he sat down. "Me too. I also feel like Draco's not doing so well after the entire ordeal, either. He's taken four sick days since then."

"I wish they'd both just move on," Ron said and then grimaced.

Harry reached out and placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "No, don't worry. I feel the same. I think everyone does."


1 April 2006: 8:51 pm

"I can't find her anywhere," Ron told Ginny and Harry after having spent the better part of the last half an hour looking for Hermione.

"She probably heard us talking," Ginny said, looking guilty. "Mum said she claimed to not be feeling well and then left."

"I'll run to the flat and see if I can find her," Harry offered. "You two should stay here and celebrate with George."

"I can go," Ron said, but Harry shook his head.

"No, mate. I don't mind. You spend time with your family. I'll take care of Hermione." He then kissed Ginny on the cheek and headed for the fireplace.

After he had gone, Ron turned to Ginny and said, "I just hope he can get to her before she flees again."

"Me too," Ginny said in agreement. She sighed and gestured for Ron to follow her back to the party. But, unfortunately, both their minds remained on their heartbroken friend.


14 April 2006: 9:10 pm

"Ron?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Ron looked at Pansy, sitting at the other edge of the sofa. He reached out and patted her knee. "I'm sorry, did you ask me something?"

"I wanted to know if you were okay? And if maybe you wanted to get some ice cream," Pansy said with a sad smile.

"I'm okay…."

"You're worried about Hermione," Pansy supplied. When Ron nodded, she crawled closer to him on the sofa. "It's okay for you to worry about her. She's your best friend too."

"I'm sorry. You should be the only witch on my mind." Sometimes Ron really felt like an arse, constantly worrying after his ex.

"Look," Pansy began sternly as she curled herself around her boyfriend. "I know you and Hermione had a difficult past. Not only is she your best friend, but she was also your first true love. You lost a baby together. You have history. I'm not upset, I promise. I just want you to be okay too."

"I really don't deserve you," Ron said with a grin before kissing Pansy on the lips. He sighed as she deepened the kiss.

After a few minutes, Pansy pulled back. "Yes, you do. Now, either kiss me some more or take me to get ice cream."

Ron smirked. They were staying in and having a dessert of another kind tonight. He could worry about Hermione again tomorrow.


24 April 2006: 3:18 pm

Harry hated Mondays more than anything. Setting aside his quill, he was surprised to find Ron standing in the doorway to his office. "How long have you been there?"

"Long enough to wonder about your sanity," Ron replied, laughing. "I didn't realize you still talked to yourself. I thought you stopped that after Hogwarts?"

Harry frowned and threw his quill at Ron. "Shut up. Are you here for a reason?"

"I just floo-ed over from the shop real quick," Ron said and shrugged one shoulder. "Hermione hasn't replied to any of my letters. So I thought maybe you could give it a shot. I'm pretty sure she's pissed at me."

"Sure," Harry said. "I can give it a go."


27 April 2006: 7:12 am

Ron,

I finally heard back from Hermione. I get the feeling she's not coming back for a while. She claims she's been doing research. I have to be at work early for a meeting, but stop by my office for lunch. We can try and decide our next move for luring Hermione home, and also go over plans for the Remembrance Dinner at Hogwarts next week. Got to run!

Harry


2 May 2006: 6:58 pm

Draco made yet another round of the Great Hall, but it made little difference. Hermione obviously hadn't bothered to come back from Australia for the event. Astoria was off somewhere catching up with her old friends that she didn't get to see quite so often, so there was no need to worry about her for the time being.

As he was nearing the front of the Great Hall, Draco noticed that Harry was standing talking to some of the newer Hogwarts professors and decided to head that way. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Astoria watching but ignored her presence entirely. He needed to talk to Harry right now, and that's all that mattered.

As he approached the small group, Harry shook their hands and excused himself to talk a few steps toward Malfoy. Draco stopped, slightly in the centre of the Great Hall where anyone could walk by and overheard the conversation they were about to have. As Harry stepped up to him, he nodded and attempted a smile.

"I know why you've sought me out, Malfoy," Harry said, sighing and taking a long sip of his drink. "I can tell you right now that I don't know when Hermione is coming home from Australia."

"She has to come back sometime, Potter," he said, narrowing his eyes as anger sliced through his chest.

"I know that… We all know that." Heaving another sigh, Harry placed his now empty cup on one of the tables and watched as it disappeared. When a quiet moment had passed, he returned his gaze to Draco. "Listen, Draco… Hermione will come back when she feels ready, and not a moment before. She obviously has her reasons for staying away so long."

"She's avoiding me," Draco muttered, crossing his arms. "She's running away from the life she has here."

Leaning forward, Harry gave Draco a pointed stare. "Exactly. The life that she thought she knew was torn out from underneath her in the blink of an eye. Now she has to start from scratch."

Draco stumbled back as if Harry's words had literally pained him. The Gryffindor was right, though; it was his fault that Hermione's life had turned upside down. If Draco had taken the time like his mother asked to go through his father's old trunks and files after his death, then he might have found the betrothal contract before any of this had happened. But, instead, he'd drank himself into a stupor night after night until the pain had been numbed enough for him to forget.

Swallowing, Draco nodded and cleared his throat. "No, you're right, Potter. Just… If you hear from her, please, let her know-" Here he paused, his eyes lifting and catching Astoria watching him closely. Shaking his head now, he took back what he'd said. "You know what? Nevermind. I'll catch you later."

Whirling around, Draco headed for the doors to the hallway instead of his wife's waiting arms. The regret that swirled within him was far too strong to face the pregnant witch right now. She'd know in an instant that something was wrong, and he was barely holding it together at home as it was. Hermione wasn't the only one feeling lost right now…


20 May 2006: 1:15 pm

Astoria turned around as the floo came to life. Smiling as her sister entered the room, she used the rope bell by the doorway to let the house elves know that tea was needed in the sitting room. "Good afternoon, Daphne," she said, watching as the blonde used her wand to clean the soot from her robes. "I wasn't expecting you today."

"Can't a sister pop in for a visit whenever she wishes?" the older witch replied with a wink.

"I suppose she can," Astoria replied and then gestured for Daphne to join her on the small sofa. "One of the elves will bring us some tea shortly. Is everything okay, or were you just hoping for someone to hang out with today?"

"To be honest, I just needed out of the house," Daphne said with a sigh. "The girls were driving me out of my mind, and Greg was being more than clingy today."

"Isn't it your anniversary?" Astoria asked, smiling at the little elf that brought in their tea on a silver tray. "Or close to it?"

"It is tomorrow," Daphne confirmed, rolling her eyes. She helped Astoria serve tea and took a sip before saying anything further. "He wants to go out to the Towers for dinner, but I'd really rather just take a trip to a spa."

"The Towers is supposed to be really nice," Astoria said, frowning as she slowly settled her cup back in its saucer. "Draco and I were supposed to go, but he stopped trying to get a reservation."

"Typical." Daphne nibbled on a biscuit and then broke into a smile. "By the way, when are you going to make the official baby announcement?"

A genuine smile broke across Astoria's face, and she placed a hand on her barely-there bump. "I have an interview scheduled for tomorrow with Katie Bell at the Prophet. I think the article is supposed to go live a couple days after that."

"Finally," breathed Daphne, finishing off her biscuit. "I was starting to wonder if you were ever going to tell the public. If you were going to be one of those witches who hide away their entire pregnancy, I think I'd have gone more insane than I am now."

The sisters shared a laugh, and then Astoria got serious. "I'm really excited about the baby, but I'm terrified too," she admitted to her sister, staring at her hands as they clasped the cooling teacup. "Initially, Draco was thrilled, but his excitement has certainly subsided lately. At least, it feels that way."

"Forget about him," Daphne said and waved the thought of Draco away from them. "This is your first child, and with any luck, it will be a boy. Then, you'll have the Malfoy heir and be the talk of the Wizarding community. You're so lucky, Tori."

With pursed lips, Astoria tried to see it her sister's way. Maybe she was lucky to have this baby, but a part of her wanted more. She wanted the father to be excited right along with her…

For the rest of the afternoon, Astoria put on a happy face. But, inside, she was trying to think of a way to pull Draco back into the excitement of being a father. Or rather, not so much a father, but a father alongside her as the mother of their baby.


23 May 2006: 9:15am

Headline from the cover of the Witch Weekly:

"It's official! Baby Malfoy is on the way!
Exclusive interview with Lady Astoria Malfoy on pg. 7."


25 May 2006: 8:08 am

"Brother dearest, it's far too early for a floo call today," Ginny groaned as she entered the living room. She'd heard the floo go off and crawled reluctantly from the bed to see who it was. Now that she knew, she wished she'd ignored the damned thing.

"I was hoping to catch Harry before he left for the Ministry," Ron said, looking rather sheepish with his head floating in the green flames.

"He left half an hour ago," Ginny said, fighting off another yawn. "He dropped James off at mum's, so I could catch a bit more sleep."

"Bad night?" Ron asked, watching as Ginny made herself comfortable on the chair in front of the fire.

"You could say that," Ginny replied. "What did you need Harry for anyway? It's barely after eight."

"I was wondering if he'd heard from Hermione the past couple of days," Ron said and grimaced. "You know since the announcement went out in the paper."

"Oh."

"Oh is right," Ron said and shook his floating head. "I'm really worried about her right now. I've not heard from her in a few weeks and now this… She needs to come home, you know?"

"Luna is supposed to be sending out my baby shower invitations soon," Ginny supplied, trying to smile. "Maybe she'll come home for that."

"Do you really think something baby-related is going to help, Gin?"

Leaning forward in the chair, Ginny placed her face in both hands. "Merlin, no… How bad do you think it's going to get, Ron? Should I travel to Australia to see her? Should you?"

"I'm not sure, Ginny, but if she doesn't come home soon, I'm not sure she ever will."


1 June 2006: 6:10 pm

After Harry kissed her cheek, Ginny handed him the letter from Hermione. "She's not coming home for the party."

Harry met his wife's concerned eyes and took the parchment from her hand. He scanned it quickly, his heart falling with each and every word on the page. Hermione was hurting something fierce, and instead of coming home to be with them, she was running further away.

Instead of saying anything, Harry simply carried the letter upstairs and disappeared into the bedroom for a while.


5 June 2006: 12:01 pm

"Happy birthday, mate," Theo said as he entered Draco's office and helped himself to a seat. "Got anything fun planned for tonight?"

Eyeing up the dark-haired Slytherin across the desk, Draco huffed. "No, not tonight. Astoria and I might go to Paris for the weekend, though."

"Well, well, well," Theo sang playfully, "isn't that romantic."

"It's just a small getaway, Theo. Nothing to write home about."

"I suppose you're right," Theo said, and then a sly smirk crossed his face. "I hear Sydney is rather nice this time of the year."

Draco pointed his quill at his supposed friend. "Don't go there, Nott."

"Hmmm, back to surnames then," Theo said, pushing himself to stand. "Well, if you decide you can take a joke, maybe you'll join Blaise and me at The Leaky Cauldron tonight to celebrate your birthday with a pint or two."

"We'll see," Draco said, eyeing up his longtime friend. "Now, get out of here so I can pretend to get some work done."

"We're starting to drink at seven. So don't be late," Theo called over his shoulder before disappearing out the door.


6 June 2006: 2:49 am

Standing in front of Lucius's grave, Draco found he felt nothing.

He held a nearly empty bottle of Ogden's finest in his left hand and the betrothal contract in his other. Lifting the bottle to his lips, he took a long drink, draining the bottle dry. In the next instant, he was throwing the damned thing at the elegant stone, shattering the glass into a million shards.

His mother would be furious, but she was just as much at fault as his late father was. There was no way she hadn't known about the bloody contract he held in his hands. All four parents were at fault, and now all of their lives were wrecked because of their selfishness. Thanks to the contract, everything Draco had ever dreamed of had been torn from him.

Turning his back on the grave, Draco dropped the contract into the small pond on the way back to the manor. He had a wife and a son on the way too, but what he didn't have was love.

And that was the one thing he'd always wanted most of all.


6 June 2006: 3:11 am

"You missed the birthday dinner I planned for you," Astoria said into the darkness.

Draco rolled on his side, facing away from his pregnant wife.

He didn't reply, instead pretending to be asleep.


27 June 2006: 3:36 pm

Hermione,

I truly hope that you are doing well. We haven't heard from you much and missed you at the babyshower. Actually, about the baby… We were hoping that you would come home for the birth of the baby. Ginny and I have decided on a name, Albus! We have a really beautiful middle name picked out as well, but that will be a surprise after he's born. The healers are predicting that he should arrive mid-July, so can you try to come home before then?

Maybe while you're home, you can spend some more time with James too. He's been asking about you too. Anyway, we just thought that we'd ask, seeing as it's been a while since we saw you and we know how excited you are for the birth of the baby. Send our love to your mom and dad!

Much love,

Harry & Ginny


12 July 2006: 10:57 pm

Harry sat quietly on the edge of the bed as Ginny prepared for bed in their ensuite bathroom. A conversation he'd had earlier with Hermione wouldn't sit right in his head, and his heart ached with worry. When Ginny finally turned out the bathroom light and came to the bed, he sighed and looked at her over his shoulder.

"I'm really worried about Hermione," he admitted, watching as Ginny slid into the bed carefully.

Smoothing a hand over her large belly, Ginny sighed. "We're always worried about Hermione."

"Yeah, I know, but things seem worse now than ever before," Harry said in a near whisper. He ran a hand through his hair. "She told Ron and me that she's gone to another fertility doctor and that she is going to Moscow before the summer is over."

"She mentioned that to me too," Ginny said as she tried to get comfortable in her very pregnant state. "What can we do, though? She's a grown woman and going to do whatever the hell she wants whenever the hell she wants."

"I just worry she's teetering on a very dangerous slope," Harry said and then stood back up and grabbed his robe.

"I thought you were coming to bed?" Ginny asked, watching as Harry headed for the door.

"I'm going to take care of a few files before I go to sleep," Harry replied, not looking back. "My mind is too full to sleep right now."

As Harry left the room, Ginny closed her eyes and exhaled roughly. She loved Hermione dearly, but sometimes the witch was more of a burden than anything else.


20 July 2006: 1:01 am

Sitting in the hospital chair next to her bed, Ginny held Albus in her arms. She watched the little baby sleep soundly, loving every single moment of being a mother. Harry had dozed off in the other chair a little over an hour ago, watching her feed their newborn. Everyone else had left even longer before that to grab a late dinner and some sleep.

"Your aunt Hermione means well," she whispered quietly to her newborn son, "but she just gets a little lost sometimes."

Albus squirmed in his sleep, knowing not what his mother talked of.

Kissing his wrinkly little forehead, Ginny realized that maybe she'd been a bit harsh on Hermione lately. Her friend was hurting over the loss of love and the life that was meant to be. But, instead of that, she was forced to watch someone else take her place. In essence, Ginny regretted holding her friend at arm's length and vowed to be a better friend moving forward.


31 July 2006: 7:38 pm

"Harry birthday, Potter," Draco said, clapping his friend on the back after finding him at the dining room table. "Sorry, we're late." He gestured to his wife, who was already conversing with Pansy on the other side of the room.

"No worries," Harry replied, rising from the table. "There's plenty to eat and drink, and we just finished cutting the cake."

"Sounds like we got here at the right time," Draco replied with a laugh as he followed Harry into the kitchen. When Harry stopped short at the counter, he asked, "What's wrong?"

"This is Hermione's cake, I think," Harry muttered, glancing around for the witch. "I wonder where she's gone off to?"

"You don't think she left when we got here, do you?" Draco asked, his face falling.

Staring at the backdoor, Harry ran a hand through his hair. "Unfortunately, I think that might be the case." Picking up the half-eaten cake left behind by his best friend, Harry tossed it in the nearby trashcan and then took a seat at the table.

"I'm sorry, mate," Draco apologized. "Maybe we shouldn't have come today. It's been hard enough as it is as work between the two of us, let alone a family get together."

"No, you and Astoria are friends and more than welcome here," Harry said, trying to smile. "At some point, it has to get easier between the two of you, right?"

Draco glanced at the backdoor, wishing that Hermione would walk back through it with that smile he loved so much on her lips. "I don't know, Potter. I really don't know. Some days I think the animosity between us will disappear, and we can talk and get along, and then days like this prove me wrong."

"That's what I was afraid you would say."


31 July 2006: 11:03 pm

Unsent Letter to HG

Hermione,

I really wish you wouldn't avoid me. I'm so sorry. Can't you see how much this is eating me up inside too? I just want to be with you and only you, but I have a family now… Or I will anyway, and we have to find a way to make this work somehow. I miss you…

DM


11 August 2006: 5:54 pm

"Are you even excited to be a father?"

The question startled Draco from his thoughts, and he turned around so abruptly that his neck cracked. Rubbing at the soreness that had resulted, he saw Astoria standing in the doorway to the study. Setting aside the books he was reshelving, Draco stepped toward his wife and crossed his arms instead.

"What?"

"I asked if you were excited to be a father," Astoria said with only the slightest hesitation. Then, when Draco didn't appear to grow angry, she hastened to add, "It's just that you never ask me about the baby or talk about it at all."

Draco blinked, thinking back to the night Astoria had initially told him about the pregnancy. He'd been excited that night, but the feeling had certainly subsided since. With everything at work and his fluctuating feelings for Hermione, Draco realized he was a really shite husband and soon to be father. That had to change.

Sighing heavily, Draco walked outward Astoria and gently placed both hands on the slight swell of her stomach. "I'm over the moon about this baby, Astoria," he said, smiling at her. "I'm sorry I've been so distracted. I promise to try and be better."

"Really?" Astoria asked, tears forming in her eyes.

"Look," Draco hurried to say. "Don't cry. Everything is going to be okay. Do you maybe want to get dinner tonight instead of staying in?"

Beaming, Astoria nodded. "I think that I'd love that." She closed the space between them to place a kiss on his pale cheek. "I'll go and get ready and then meet you in the foyer."

Draco watched her go, a sinking feeling in his heart. He loved the baby that he'd helped to create with Astoria, but his heart certainly didn't feel the same about her. It didn't matter how much he tried; his heart would always beat for someone else, it seemed. Draco, however, would do his best to be a dutiful father and husband until his last breath. Even if it killed him.


31 August 2006: 11:23 pm

Harry sat in the chair by the fire, eyes closed and head leaned back. He could hear Ginny pattering about in the kitchen, tidying up for the night. He should be helping her, but he felt rather sad this evening. Tomorrow was the Ministry's annual celebration of the first of September, and Hermione wasn't planning to attend.

Granted, she'd promised to come home for her birthday, but there were times when Harry suspected even that was a lie. Since they were first years, Harry felt that he and Hermione had this connection, but more often lately, he felt like she was slipping away not just from him, but from everything.

The noise ended in the kitchen, and Harry smiled as Ginny's soft footsteps could be heard heading towards him. Lights were clicked off one by one, and then when he felt they were in the dark, Ginny's presence stood over him. When she kissed his temple, he hummed with contentment.

"Are you ready to head up to bed?" Ginny asked softly, her fingers trailing through his unruly hair.

Slowly, Harry opened his eyes and sighed. "Yeah, let's head upstairs."

There was no point brooding over Hermione and whatever hell she was going through tonight. She would ask for help eventually, and he would be there waiting.


1 September 2006: 8:56 pm

"I miss her."

"Yeah," sighed Ron, sipping his champagne. He threw a sad smile toward his best friend. "Me too."

Across the Atrium, Astoria laughed at something Draco said and then looped her arm through his. He lovingly placed a hand on her rounded stomach before dropping a kiss to the top of her head. It was easy to see how simple it was for the two of them to be together as one of the most powerful couples in the wizarding world.

"That should be her."

"Yup."

Ron drained the rest of his glass and went in search of another.


19 September 2006: 11:03 pm

"Is it really so much to ask that you don't let her hang all over you when we're out together?"

Ron cringed as he took off his socks. Straightening, he tossed them into the growing pile next to his side of the bed and faced his girlfriend. "Sorry, Pans…" He scratched at the back of his head, cheeks reddening ever so slightly. "I didn't think she was going to drink so much tonight."

"I know the entire situation is a right piece of shite, but it makes me look bad when you let Hermione be the one by your side…." Pansy huffed and placed both hands on her hips. "I love you, but I do not love the fact that Hermione is so needy with you."

Ron's stomach turned. Rubbing his face, he knew he had to fix this. "Listen," he began, walking around the bed to gently take hold of Pansy's shoulders, "it's not always going to be like this."

"Isn't it?" Pansy countered, quirking an eyebrow. "Because from where I am standing, it sure looks like any time Hermione needs you or Harry, the two of you drop everything and run to her."

"She's my best friend."

"And I am your girl-friend."

Ron cringed again. Pansy was right, of course. "I'm sorry," he tried again, this time cupping her cheek. "You come first. We come first."

"Are you sure?"

Ron had to take a deep breath before answering.


19 September 2006: 11:23 pm

Happy birthday, Hermione.

DM


20 September 2006: 12:01 am

It was a moment of weakness.

Poorly timed and far too little too late.

Draco threw his empty glass against the wall.

Then, he went to bed with his wife.


25 September 2006: 9:18 am

"What did you do?"

Draco looked up to find Harry standing in the doorway to his office. Setting aside his quill, Draco crossed his arms and said, "Good morning to you too, Potter. What brings you here so early and without an extra cup of coffee, I see?"

"Cut the crap, Malfoy," Harry said, stepping into the office and lowering his voice. "You did something to Hermione."

Draco's stomach dropped. "I don't know what you're talking about," he lied, suddenly feeling somewhat guilty.

Harry rolled his eyes. "She's gone. Left sometime over the weekend." Leaning down over Draco's desk, he added, "And I don't know what you did, but I know that somehow it's your fault."

Draco was going to retort, but Harry never gave him a chance. He turned and stormed out of the office just as abruptly as he came. Sitting back in his chair, Draco couldn't help but wonder if Hermione's departure was yet again his fault.

If Potter found out he sent that letter on her birthday, he was a dead man walking.

"Bugger."


30 September 2006: Unsent letter to Hermione Granger

Hermione,

I've been thinking about you a lot this week. Astoria is due any day now and I can't help but wish that you were the one carrying my baby instead. I'm sorry for writing to you on your birthday. I'm sorry for everything, if I am being honest. You deserve so much better than what has happened to you this year. Please, don't keep running away. Come home… If not for me, for your friends. They miss you probably more than anything in this world…

Love,

Draco


2 October 2006: 1:10 pm

After lunch, Draco was just sitting down at his desk when Goyle ran into his office.

"I've just had an urgent letter from Daphne," he said, gasping for breath.

Draco jumped back to his feet. "What's wrong?"

"Astoria has gone into labour and is at St. Mungo's," he explained, pressing a hand into his chest. "Come on, we have to go. You're going to be a father!"

Despite his nerves, Draco couldn't help the smile formed on his face. Quickly, he grabbed for his cloak and rushed back around his desk toward the door. Goyle followed, hot on his heels as they ran for the lifts. After months of waiting, it was finally time for Draco to become a father.


3 October 2006: 6:00 am

Headline from the early edition of the Daily Prophet:

"Draco and Astoria Malfoy announce the birth of their son, Scorpius!"


3 October 2006: 6:31 am

It was early, the sun not having even risen yet. Astoria was resting in the hospital bed after being in labour most of the night before. Draco sat in a chair by the bed, his newborn son wrapped in a pale green blanket in his arms. Tears glistened in his grey eyes as he watched Scorpius sleep peacefully.

Heart full to bursting, Draco decided that if nothing else good ever happened to him in his entire life, that would be okay. This was enough.

He gently kissed the baby's forehead, unable to do anything but stare at the precious miracle that was his heir and son.


3 October 2006: 6:45 am

The floo burst to life as Ginny made coffee for Harry while he was in the shower. Sighing, she turned to see who disturbed her quiet morning. But, of course, it was her brother.

"Have you seen the paper?" he asked, his face floating in the green flames.

Sighing, Ginny left the coffee pot alone for a minute to go and sit in the chair by the fireplace. "Yeah…" She bit her lip. "Do you think Hermione has heard the news yet?"

"She subscribes to the Prophet, so I'm sure she'll know soon enough," Ron said, looking concerned. "Pansy woke me up before she left for the hospital to let me know. So I guess Astoria went into labour yesterday."

"We should reach out to Hermione and make sure that she's okay," Ginny noted and then frowned. "When was the last time you heard from her? She's still in Moscow, right?"

"Yeah," Ron answered. "I've sent her a few letters, but she rarely replies these days."

"That's not good." Ginny heard the water shut off upstairs, and so she stood and returned to the coffee pot. "I have to finish getting breakfast ready for Harry, but I'll try to stop by the shop later this afternoon."

"Sounds like a plan," Ron replied with a nod. "I've got to finish getting ready myself. Tell Harry I'll see him later."

"Sure." Ginny waved as Ron disappeared from the fireplace.

"Was that Ron?" Harry asked as he came through the kitchen doorway in nothing but a towel. "I wanted to ask if he heard from Hermione."

Glancing over her shoulder as she began making eggs, Ginny said, "It was, and he hasn't. I asked him the same thing. Scrambled okay this morning?"

Harry kissed his wife's cheek. "That's perfect. Do you need any help?"

"No, I'm good. You go and finish getting ready." Ginny sighed as Harry moved toward the doorway. "I'm going to meet up with Ron later. Maybe we can figure out a way to bring Hermione home."

Harry just gave a shrug before leaving her alone once more. Honestly, Ginny couldn't blame him for that. Hermione was growing further and further apart from them by the day. It didn't matter where in the world she was…


11 October 2006: 10:11 am

Hermione,

Can you please reply to this letter? I just want to know that you're okay. We haven't heard from you and I am worried. Are you coming home soon? Do you need me to come out there? I'm at a loss at what to do to get in touch with you aside from calling the hotel and trying to get patched through to your room.

I don't want to have to do that, though. Please. Reply.

Thinking of you,

Ron


14 October 2006: 9:21 am

Hermione,

We haven't heard from you in a while. We're all starting to get a bit worried. Give a call via floo when you receive this. I'm not sure it's a good idea for you to be alone right now.

Harry


15 October 2006: 4:15 pm

Hermione,

We haven't heard from you since your birthday and were starting to wonder if everything was okay. Are you still traveling, or are you back in London? Your father and I were hoping to see you for the holidays and wanted to make plans.

Send us a word when you can. Always know that we love and support you. Keep holding on!

Love and kisses,

Mum


17 October 2006: 4:18 pm

Hermione,

Your parents said they haven't been able to reach you either. Where are you? I called the hotel you told me you were staying at, but when they patched me through to your suite, no one answered. You're starting to scare us. Please get in touch.

Ron


17 October 2006: 10:32 pm

"You should get some rest," Draco said from the doorway of the nursery.

He had been standing watching from the doorway as Astoria quietly hummed to Scorpius. She was rocking him in the old rocking chair that Draco knew his mother used to do the same to him. As he approached, she glanced up at him, her dark eyes weary.

"I know, but I love watching him sleep," she admitted, a smile playing on her lips.

"My mum said that we're supposed to sleep when he sleeps," Draco continued, now stepping into the room and moving closer to where his family was. He brushed the soft, blond hair that barely covered his son's scalp. "I know what you mean, though. It's hard to let him be."

"Why haven't you gone to bed yet?" Astoria asked, still watching him as she rocked.

Draco shrugged and walked toward the window. He stared out into the rose gardens, though he could see nothing in the darkness. "I was trying to get some work done on a case before turning in for the night. I thought I'd check on Scorpius one last time too."

"You've been working a lot more lately," Astoria noted, slowly bringing the rocking chair to a stop. "Aren't you due some time off?"

"With Granger gone-"

"I think she's being really selfish," snapped Astoria, rising from the chair. She placed Scorpius in the bassinet before turning and facing Draco. "She has to know you've just had a son. She should be the one working all hours of the day and night instead."

Draco closed his eyes for a second before reopening them. Without looking at his wife, he said, "Granger has her reasons for staying away. She's working on a private project."

Rolling her eyes, Astoria walked toward Draco and placed a hand on his shoulder. "That's beside the matter, Draco. You're exhausted; between work and helping with Scopirus, you're wearing yourself too thin."

Roughly, Draco shrugged her hand from his shoulder and stepped around her small form. "Drop it, Astoria. It's fine. I'm fine." He stormed from the room, unsurprised to find that Astoria was now following him.

"You are not fine, Draco," Astoria hissed, taking two strides to his every one to keep up with him. "Damn it!" She stopped and stomped her foot on the marble. "Stop and talk to me for a minute!"

Surprised at her uncharacteristic outburst, Draco did stop. Crossing his arms, he gave his wife his full attention. "Fine. Go on, then."

"I know it may seem inconsequential to you, but you deserve some time off to be with your family," she said quietly, as if suddenly unsure of her words. "Everyone always takes time off when a baby is born. You haven't had any aside from that first day. Don't you want to spend time with Scorpius without worrying about work?"

Draco took a deep breath and let it out slowly so he wouldn't explode at his wife. After all, she was just worried about him… When he knew he was calm enough, he said, "If Granger's not back by next week, I'll talk to Kingsley. Okay? Then I can take some time off and be with you and the baby.'"

Still breathing heavily, Astoria appeared to contemplate his bargain. Finally, she nodded. "Fine, but if you don't, then I'm going to him myself."

Draco pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fucking hell, Tori. Fine. Whatever. I'm going to bed. Goodnight." Then, instead of heading toward their marital bedroom where he'd been sleeping since the baby was born, he turned and headed to his private chamber.

Astoria watched him go until the hallway was empty, and then she leaned against the cold wall. Placing her face in her hands, she burst into quiet tears, knowing that no matter how long they were married or how many heirs she gave him, Draco would never fully be hers. If he refused to fight for time off from work over Granger, there was no way he was going to fight for his place at Astoria's side.


31 October 2006: 7:56 am

It was Draco's turn to storm into Harry's office this morning.

He threw the door open, not even caring that it banged off of the wall. It startled Harry enough that he dropped the coffee he held. "Oi!" Harry exclaimed, jumping back, so he didn't get any on his robes. "What the bloody hell, mate!"

Draco surged forward and grabbed Harry's robes, and held him close. Then, getting in his face, he said, "You're going to go and talk to Kingsley about getting Granger back here today. Astoria won't get off my ass about taking time off, and I can't do that with Granger still off galavanting the globe."

Harry shoved Draco away from him and tried to right his robes. "Fuck, Malfoy. Calm down. I'll go and talk to him. All you had to do was ask without all the shoving."

Draco backed away, still fighting back the urge to really lose his mind. "Today, Potter. I mean it."


31 October 2006: 5:54 pm

"Kingsley hasn't heard from her."

"You're kidding?" Ginny asked, setting a cup of tea down in front of her husband. He'd just come in from work looking like he had one of the worst days ever. "I know she hasn't been keeping in contact with us, but Kingsley? That's worrisome."

"It gets worse."

"How the hell can this get worse?" Ginny asked, sitting down at the table.

"I talked to Ron, and he told me her parents reached out a few weeks back," Harry said, staring into his cup of tea.

"Please don't tell me she hasn't been talking to them either." When Harry merely shook his head, Ginny groaned. "You have to go after her, Harry."

"I can't do that," he said, voice strained with pent up emotion. "She has to come back on her own."

"Send her an owl. Right now." Ginny jumped to her feet and gathered a quill and parchment. "I swear to Merlin, Harry, if she doesn't get in touch soon, you have to go and get her. Something is wrong here, and I know you feel it too." She slapped the parchment down on the table and offered him the quill.

Harry took the quill without hesitation. "I know, and I promise I'll go and find her if she doesn't reply to this letter."

"We say that every time."

"I know," Harry said, writing the date at the top of the letter. "I know."


7 November 2006: 1:04 am

"I can't watch you like this anymore."

Ron glanced up from the newspaper he was supposed to be reading. Pansy was sitting across from him in a chair by the fireplace, and for the life of him, he had no idea how long she'd been there. Sighing, he closed the paper and rubbed his eyes.

"I'm fucking losing my mind with worry, Pansy," he admitted, sitting forward and grabbing at his hair. "All this time, she's been alone in Moscow, falling apart with no one there to talk to…."

"I did something today," Pansy said tentatively, almost afraid to give away her secret.

"What?" Ron asked, glancing up at her.

Standing, Pansy walked over and stood in front of her boyfriend. "I searched the medical databases for information on Hermione and saw the notes that were in her file… They weren't good, Ron. Aside from what she told Harry, there was a notation about what the healers thought regarding her mental state."

"What does it mean?" Ron asked, fighting the urge to cry.

Pansy sat down next to him on the sofa and placed a comforting hand on his thigh. "Severe dehydration and exhaustion aren't so bad, but the Healers there seemed to think that there may be some underlying mental issues that contributed to her seclusion and rapid decline this year. She refused further testing."

"Can you find out anything else?" Ron asked his girlfriend, wiping unshed tears from his eyes.

"I'd love to, but I risked a lot getting this information from the database as it is," Pansy said, brushing the fringe from Ron's forehead.

"No, you're right," Ron said, leaning over and kissing her cheek. "I don't want you getting in trouble at work. Thank you for this. I love you."

Pansy sighed as Ron wrapped her in a hug. "I love you too."


20 November 2006: 2:15 pm

The file hit his desk with a hard thump, and already Draco could feel disappointment flood his chest. "What's this?" he asked, pointing at said file with his quill.

"I know you were promised some time off, but we've got a problem," Harry explained, crossing his arms and nodding toward the file.

"Fuck me." he groaned and scrubbed at his face with both hands. "What are we dealing with?"

"We've got a group of Death Eater Sympathizers moving across Romania. Looks like they're trying to recruit members and stir up a revolution," Harry explained, observing Draco for a reaction.

"There goes my holiday."

"Mine too."


15 December 2006: 4:22 am

Astoria sat silently in the rocking chair in the nursery. Scorpius was fast asleep after his middle of the night feeding, but she couldn't bring herself to return to bed just yet. There were too many things filling up her mind and making it impossible to rest. Even if she hadn't been woken by the cries of her hungry son, Astoria would have found it a restless night anyway.

Draco had promised her that Granger was returning, but then she'd pushed back her return. So now, he was working on this new case and coming home later and later each night. Last night he'd made it home before four, but now it was well after that. This case was critical, but he was killing himself slowly.

Sometime before the clock struck five, Astoria heard the floo in Draco's study alight. Her husband was home, but he would probably settle himself at the desk there instead of crawling into bed with her. Knowing that nothing she did made Draco want to be with her and their son made her blood boil.


19 December 2006: 11:59 pm

"We can't solve this case without her," Draco muttered, leaning back in his chair and training his grey eyes on Harry. The other wizard merely blinked and then sighed.

"I'll talk to Kingsley. We'll get her back for the New Year."


25 December 2006: 12:01 am

Missing your first anniversary is probably not a good sign, but he'd been working overtime and completely forgotten about what date it was. In fact, he wasn't even sure the last time he showered or had a proper meal. It wasn't until Kingsley had stopped by his office and told him to go home and not return until the Ministry reopened in January that he genuinely realised where he was.

Draco knocked on Astoria's bedroom door… Then, realising that it was, in fact, their bedroom door, Draco made a face and struck again. "Tori? Are you still awake?"

"Go away, Draco."

He was about to argue but decided it wasn't worth it. It was Christmas, and he would just have to make it up to her somehow during the day. Knowing that he'd be useless unless he got some sleep, Draco made his way to his private chambers and fell into bed with his clothes still on.


25 December 2006: 8:36 am

Ginny watched as Harry helped James open his presents. She was nursing Albus and enjoying the simple joy that was her family. Later, they would go over to the Burrow and celebrate with the entire family, but one face would once again be absent this year.

Hermione.

Their friend was going through an extremely rough patch, and there was next to nothing they could do for her if she wouldn't let them in. It was hard to go through the day without thinking of what Hermione could be getting up to on her own. Especially on Christmas of all days.

"You said that Jean and David were with Hermione for the holidays?" Ginny asked after readjusting Albus at her breast.

"Yeah," Harry said, sitting back to watch James play with his new train. "They sent Ron a letter when they arrived in Moscow."

"Are you sure she's going to be okay coming back to work?" Of course, Ginny would be going back to the Harpies soon, but for some reason, that seemed much more manageable than Hermione going back to the MLE after her hospitalization.

"She said she would be," Harry replied with a shrug. "Ron offered to come back too, but she talked him out of that."

"Wouldn't that be something," Ginny mused, a smile on her lips.

"It sure would."


31 December 2006: 11:57 pm

Draco stood in his study, sipping his third or fourth glass of scotch. Honestly, he'd lost count at this point of how much he'd had to drink tonight. Christmas had come and gone, and with it, the hope of making things right with Astoria.

She'd taken to spending more and more time at her sister's and less time here at the Manor, much to his mother's disapproval. Narcissa was the least of his worries, though. Draco knew that with the reopening of the Ministry, he would be forced to see and spend time with Hermione once more.

If he thought it was hard to make amends with his wife with only the memory of Hermione hanging over them, how was it going to work when the witch was actually present? Whatever happened in the coming weeks would either make or break not only him and Hermione but him and Astoria as well.

Somewhere in the Manor, a clock struck midnight, signalling the end to one of the worst years of Draco's life. He chuckled darkly and toasted to the empty study, tossing back what was left in his glass.

"Happy fucking New Year."