A/N: Apologies for the late update! I moved house last week so everything was a bit upside down. On the plus side, I'm nearly finished with the last two chapters and if I get them done quickly, I'll update every week!
Alpha love as always to TriDogMom!
The rest of the week and the one that followed passed by in a blur of offices and courtrooms, the one shining spot throughout it all was the appointment they had today with Healer Bradstone. In Draco's opinion it was a perfect start to what was sure to be a nerve wracking weekend with Hermione's parents.
Walking through the Ministry on his way to collect Hermione, Draco couldn't stop the spring in his step nor the smile which was plastered onto his face. All being well, once Healer Bradstone had checked the babies development— again— they would be finding out the sex. He and Hermione had both agreed that they wanted to know and Draco was excited to see the shimmering silhouettes of his children. Even though Hermione had been carefully monitored during their time in France having two additional scans just to check the bond breaking wasn't affecting the babies, seeing them always filled him with excitement.
Rapping his knuckles against the door frame of Hermione's office, Draco waited to be called in before walking in and greeting Hermione. "Hey," he said with a smile as Hermione smiled back and tidied away her paperwork, "how's your day been?"
"Good," Hermione replied, picking up her bag and stepping over to give Draco a quick peck on the cheek, "I made some good progress with my notes so I'm ready for Monday with Healer Norton. How's your day?"
"That sounds promising," Draco agreed, wrapping his arm around Hermione's waist as they passed through her office corridor and up the short steps to the Atrium. "Fairly mediocre honestly, I've been looking forward to the scan so much nothing has held my attention."
Expecting some kind of reaction from Hermione and getting none, Draco looked down to find her staring straight ahead, her face devoid of any emotion. It was then he took in her now rigid posture and the strong clasp of her hand against his coat, looking around them Draco watched as various people looked at them, before turning to the person beside them to whisper.
They had been dealing with stares and whispers ever since their return but now Ron's trial was concluded people didn't even try to hide their judgemental stares. Everything was out in the open and Draco was grateful to Theo for the damage control he did during their time in France, he had a feeling the stares would have been worse without Theo's hard work. But, that didn't make it any easier to deal with. Whilst Draco thought Hermione looked gorgeous, the fabric of her top accentuating her breasts and clinging to the very obvious curve of her stomach, Draco could tell Hermione felt self conscious in light of the stares they were receiving. Pulling her closer, Draco whispered "just ignore them," into her ear.
"I'm trying," Hermione replied, lips barely moving as her pace increased, "let's just get out of here. Please?"
Agreeing with a simple squeeze to her waist, Draco sped up, leading them out of the Ministry and down the road to Healer Bradstone's office. Pushing the door open and stepping into the inviting waiting room Draco pulled Hermione to him, one hand moving to caress her bump as the other went to rest against her cheek. "You're beautiful, you know that right? Don't let the nosey Ministry assholes ruin today."
"I know you think I'm beautiful," Hermione said quietly, leaning into Draco's touch and taking solace in it, "I'm just—"
"Ms Granger?" a voice interrupted, "Mr Malfoy? Healer Bradstone is ready for you."
Pressing a kiss to Hermione's forehead, Draco entwined their hands and led them to the familiar office of Healer Bradstone. Knocking once before cracking open the door and walking in.
"Hermione," Healer Bradstone greeted warmly, "Draco, it's good to see you again. Are we excited for today?"
"Absolutely," Draco readily agreed, following Healer Bradstone and Hermione as they moved back to the examination table. Taking his customary position next to Hermione as she settled herself and shimmed the elasticated waistband of her trousers down before pulling her top up to expose her gloriously rounded stomach.
"After all our surprises, I'm looking forward to knowing what we're having," Hermione agreed, settling herself back and automatically reaching for one of Draco's hands.
Moving forward, Healer Bradstone stood next to Hermione and whipped her wand out to dim the lights in her office before running her standard diagnostic tests. "I know I've been checking the overall development of the babies every week but before we get to the exciting part I need to do an in-depth check. Specifically; their bone structures, heart and brain development, their kidneys and abdomen along with the development of their spinal cords and facial structures."
Letting Healer Bradstone do her work, Draco shifted forward, "do you know what you want?" he asked Hermione. Draco's mind had been racing at the possibilities since he'd been confirmed as the father, did he want two rambunctious boys? Two darling little girls? Or one of each? And what would they look like? Would they have his blonde locks combined with Hermione's riotous curls or vice versa? Hermione's soft features, complete with button nose and rosy cheeks or his high cheekbones and sharp eyes?
"I don't think I mind," Hermione answered quietly, her own mind considering the options. "Girls could be easier as I am one, but then, I spent so much time with Ajax, boys don't seem as daunting."
"Well," Healer Bradstone interrupted, "I can confirm they are both very healthy. They are progressing perfectly." Stepping to the side, she waved her wand and the sound of two heartbeats filled the room. Waving it again, she focused on one of the golden apparitions, rotating it so Hermione and Draco could have a complete three hundred and sixty degree view.
"Are you ready to learn the sex?" Healer Bradstone asked, smiling as both Hermione and Draco nodded eagerly in return. "Well then, right here— we have your son. And this right here," she continued, changing the focus from one baby to the other and doing the same rotation, "is your daughter. Congratulations."
Draco felt his heart stop as Hermione gasped and squeezed his hand tightly. He was going to have a son, and a daughter. Words completely failed him. Long ago he had given up on thoughts of a family but as he looked down at Hermione who had tears in her eyes, it was all he could see. These last few months had been testing, but it would all be worth it when he got to meet his children.
Distantly, Draco was aware of Healer Bradstone rearranging the picture so both babies could be seen and stepping away to give them some privacy but his gaze was focused solely on Hermione. A tear had escaped and was now rolling gently down her cheek
"I love you," Draco said, pulling Hermione's hand to his chest as he pressed a kiss to her lips. Hearing Healer Bradstone's footsteps move away, Draco ran his nose against Hermione's before kissing her again sweetly.
Turning himself, Draco stared in awe at the apparitions before him. His son and his daughter. Pressing gentle kisses to Hermione's hand as he held it, Draco took a deep unsteady breath. He could hear Hermione breathing shakily beside him and he just knew she was as affected as he was. The relief of finally having all their questions answered was astounding and without the doubt which shrouded them, they could finally enjoy their first family moment.
A few minutes later, Healer Bradstone joined them once again and charmed the apparitions to appear on photographic paper, complete with a little note on each to point out which baby they were looking at. "I've updated your notes," she said gently, moving to cancel the apparition and heartbeat monitor, "do you have any questions or concerns?"
"I'm just so glad they are healthy," Draco replied, picking up the scan images Healer Bradstone had made for them and glancing at them before tucking them safely away in his jacket pocket.
"Will I still need to come in every week?" Hermione asked as she readjusted her clothing and sat herself up on the bench.
"Yes please," Healer Bradstone responded, summoning her diary over to her, "I know everything we've seen so far is positive but twins do require more monitoring and with your unique situation, I think it's best."
"Can we keep our Friday appointments?" Hermione queried, resting her hands over the bump as Draco walked round to join her.
"Absolutely," Healer Bradstone agreed, charming a thirty minute slot into every Friday for the next few months. "Is there anything else I can do for you today?"
Draco turned to Hermione, knowing the question wasn't really aimed at him as she answered, "I don't think so."
"Perfect," Healer Bradstone replied as Hermione and Draco made their way to the door, "I'll see you both next week then."
"Thank you," Draco said, wrapping his arm back around Hermione and holding the door open for her. Noticing as he did so, that she didn't automatically lean into his embrace.
"We'll see you next week," Hermione confirmed with a nod to Healer Bradstone as Draco steered her out into the reception area.
"Are you ok?" Draco asked as soon as the door closed behind them. Noticing that there was something off with Hermione's demeanor.
"Yeah," Hermione answered, rearranging her bag on her shoulder and avoiding Draco's gaze, "I'm fine."
As Draco went to open his mouth and push Hermione into telling him what was wrong, he thought better of it. They were in a public space. Not the perfect environment for a personal conversation, instead, Draco replayed the last half hour over in his head.
Could she still be thinking of those stares they received in the Ministry? Was she feeling anxious seeing her parents this weekend? Or had he said something to upset her? Keeping his arm around her as they walked back through Muggle London, Draco considered what he could have said to make her clam up.
Waiting for a traffic light to turn red, realisation struck him.
He'd said he loved her.
Draco froze as he remembered the words tumbling from his lips. So innocent and carefree. As Hermione moved to cross the road with the other pedestrians he forced himself back to the present. It can't have been something as simple as I love you.
Yet, the more Draco thought about it, the more it seemed a distinct possibility. He could only recall saying it once before and that had been whilst she was unconscious following the accident. But why would she react so oddly to it? Surely she knew he was in love with her?
They lived together, they were having children together and she wore his Malfoy ring. Hadn't she said back in France that he was everything she wanted? That he was her home and nothing would come between them?
Panic gripped Draco's heart as he wondered if she had perhaps, had a change of heart? Would the fates be so cruel as to give him everything he wanted only to snatch it away when things were finally starting to settle down? Or maybe, she didn't think she needed him as much anymore? Without the stress of her marriage and the need for a confidant was he suddenly surplus to requirements?
As Malfoy Enterprises loomed into view, Draco realised Hermione was about to go home, he couldn't spend the rest of the afternoon dwelling on the ifs, buts and maybes, he needed her reassurance. Leading them through the double doors at the front of the building and straight to his personal lift, Draco frantically tried to think of what to say. He absolutely couldn't ask her if she loved him, that just seemed too desperate, but there had to be something in that realm, surely?
Pushing open the door to his office and then hastily sealing and warding it for privacy, Draco steeled himself to say something, anything, to Hermione. Reaching out to take her hand before she could grab the Floo powder, Draco pulled her close.
"Hermione," he began, forcing himself to take a steadying breath before he continued, "when we're with your parents this weekend and they ask us about our relationship… what is our answer?"
Hearing her sharp intake of breath Draco knew that she knew he was referring to his earlier statement at the scan and panicking about her lack of response. "We live together, we're going to raise children— together and you've been wearing my ring for weeks now but I," Draco paused, releasing one of Hermione's hands so he could reach back and grip the back of his neck, giving himself a moment to consider his next words. "I don't even know what to call you. Are you my girlfriend? My partner? The woman I got pregnant accidentally and now live with?"
Silence filled the room and as Draco looked into Hermione's eyes, he could read that she was silently begging him to not make her answer but he held her gaze, letting her know he wasn't going to back down this time. It wasn't that he was looking for her to profess her undying love for him, he wanted to hear that when she was good and ready. But he needed some kind of affirmation that she was still as committed to this as he was.
It was hard being the more affectionate one in the relationship, each interaction seemed to be instigated by him. Whilst he was now perfectly content to pull her closer and kiss her deeper, therefore satisfying his need to be close to her, it would be nice to feel wanted, needed, desired.
Letting another minute pass, Draco watched as Hermione opened and then closed her mouth again. Usually it was funny to see her speechless but right now, he needed to hear her speak.
"Draco," Hermione began, nibbling on her lower lip as she looked into his eyes, "aren't you happy?"
"Happy?" Draco queried, titling his head to the side to study her, "I'm ecstatic! But you've totally shut down because I said—"
"I know what you said," Hermione replied softly, squeezing his hands tightly trying to blink back the tears. "I'm just…"
"I don't want you to say it back," Draco assured her, pulling her to his chest and kissing the top of her head, "not until you're ready but, what are we?"
"Do we really need to be focusing on labelling it?" Hermione asked, her voice muffled by her proximity to Draco's chest, "we've got so much going on, if we're both happy can't we just… go with it?"
Sighing, Draco realised that this was another thing they would need to discuss later. Since their return from France, Hermione hadn't mentioned their living arrangements and Draco was somewhat reluctant to bring it up out of fear that she'd insist on returning to the cave. But, they couldn't keep going on like this. Their lives were going to change, drastically, in a few short months and if they couldn't even agree on what their relationship was and where they would live, how would they decide how to raise their children?
"I'll try," Draco acquiesced, stepping back from Hermione and pressing a chaste kiss against her lips, "just, maybe try and give it some thought at home this afternoon?"
"I promise," Hermione agreed with a small smile, pecking her lips to his cheek, Draco watched as she turned and took a pinch of Floo powder before throwing it down into the fire. "I'll see you at home."
"Yeah, I'll see you there," Draco agreed, watching her vanish as the green flames roared. Making his way to his desk, Draco sat heavily in his chair and tried his best to get through the next few hours so he could enjoy his weekend with Hermione and her parents.
Stepping out of the Floo and into Draco's living room, Hermione dropped her bag on the floor in a daze and turned to head upstairs for a shower. She needed to think and a steady stream of hot water always helped clear her head.
Draco had said I love you. The words had fallen from his lips so easily Hermione knew he hadn't realised until they'd left Healer Bradstone.
The words themselves didn't surprise her. It was her reaction to them.
Pushing her face forward into the hot spray, Hermione replayed his words again. I love you. The simple memory of his voice making her heartbeat stutter and thrum in her chest. She had almost, almost, said the words back to him. But, as her lips had parted she had been overcome with a fear so strong her voice had died.
Those three little words didn't scare her, it was letting herself fall in love with Draco. She had fallen so hard and so fast with Ron and she had only ended up hurt. Putting herself out there again terrified her. Allowing someone else to have the power to crush her.
Shaking her head Hermione reminded herself that Draco was not Ron. She could trust Draco, she did trust Draco. But that still didn't mean she was ready for such a commitment yet. Mentally, Hermione scoffed at herself before looking down at her protruding bump, not ready for such a commitment? I'm living in his house, having his children and wearing his ring— why can't I explain my feelings and call Draco my boyfriend?
But, even as she thought it, Hermione cringed away from the label. Boyfriend seemed so juvenile given their situation, yet partner suggested a longer term relationship, one that was established and solid.
With a sigh, Hermione reached for the body wash and proceeded to lather up, this was part of the reason she was reluctant to put a label on their relationship, nothing seemed to fit. Hopefully, meeting her parents and brother would keep Draco occupied this weekend so she had more time to think about the concept of them.
Rinsing herself off and grabbing her towel, Hermione padded back into the bedroom, realising once again just how much of their lives they now shared together. Her clothes were hung in Draco's wardrobe, she had drawers in Draco's chest for underwear and the top of the chest was littered with her personal items. Hairbrushes. Deodorants. Make up. Perfumes… when had they gotten so comfortable with each other?