Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and Co.
ORDER OF THE PHEONIX EXPLANATION:
I am not changing anything due to the issuing of OotP. Yes, I did read the book, but considering the person who dies has absolutely nothing to my story, I have nothing to change on that account. On the note that the prophecy says Harry has to be the one to kill Voldy; he was there, we can say he gave the final curse. The only thing that will have anything to do with OotP is that, when they go to visit Hogwarts over Christmas (which close readers should have known about already) Grawp will be there... because I love Grawp. That's about it. And I suppose the centure guy can still be the divination teacher. But other than that; nothing. Nope.
Oh, but I think we should give three cheers for Neville, the lucky little bastard! If he were chosen, he'd have died in first year! Lol. Sorry Nevvy... I do love you. I do. Maybe I'll write a story where you marry Ginny. You'd like that, wouldn't you? Harry's got Cho to fall back on. :oD
B4 on MPES:
"Harry, Ginny has something she wants to talk to you about... isn't that right, Gin?" Ginny gulped, avoiding eye contact, and Harry looked at her skeptically. Hermione gave Ginny a nudge when she didn't speak and she let out the breath she'd been holding. Without a word, Ginny took Harry's hand and pulled him toward the stairway on a course for their room. Giggling, Hermione waited until they were at the top of the stairs before she started up, in search of Draco.
~*~*~*~
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Miss Conception
Hermione pushed open the door to her room, deciding it should be the first place to look. Sure enough, Draco was sitting cross-legged on the bed, the photo album open on his lap and a show of Jr.'s first spaghetti dinner playing in front of his eyes. The little blonde of about a year was covered from head to toe in spaghetti sauce, with noodles in the oddest places. The adults around laughed and cooed, while Eric proudly displayed the proper way to eat it. Jr. learned quickly to slurp just like his cousin.
With a wide smile, Hermione approached her fiancé, remaining quiet. He didn't notice her until she sat down on the bed. Immediately, Draco shut the album and pushed it to the side, giving her his full attention.
"H-Hey," he said quietly and Hermione smiled, moving close and kissing him deeply. She didn't say a word after she pulled away, but the smile still remained on her lips. Draco swallowed. "You said you had something important to tell me?" Hermione shrugged a shoulder.
"Yeah, but it can wait. Tell me; how did it go?" Draco nodded.
"Fine... it was... fine. I met Emmy; she's wonderful," he said, deciding to simply comply and let her tell him in her own time. Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"What's wrong?" she asked, and Draco straightened.
"Nothing..." Hermione sighed and kissed him again.
"Tell me," she demanded gently and he fashioned himself a lopsided smile.
"Dr. McGregor called for you. I already know," he said and Hermione looked confused.
"He called for me? Why? What do you know?" she asked, but Draco's answer was interrupted by a scream from down the hall.
"You're WHAT?" Hermione spun her head toward the door.
"Looks like she told him..." she mused and quickly scrambled to get out of bed. Draco looked after her, confused.
"Hermione?" he asked, following her all the way to Harry and Ginny's bedroom door. Hermione bit her lip and signaled for him to be quiet. There were hushed voices from inside, but after a few minutes, Harry appeared in the doorway, looking blank. He turned to Draco.
"I think it's a double oven," he stated softly, then turned and walked down the hall. Hermione shot Draco a confused glance before she entered the bedroom to tend to Ginny. Draco thought his place was better left outside the door.
"Gin? Are you okay?" Ginny was seated on a couch near the fireplace and she looked up when Hermione addressed her.
"I'm great," she said, smiling, and Hermione grinned, sitting down next to her.
"Well, spill. Where did Harry go?" Ginny shook her head.
"I have no idea..." she said, then tilted her head at Hermione. "Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant, Hermione?" Hermione looked taken aback. She gently patted Ginny's back.
"Ginny, you're pregnant... not me," she said softly, as if Ginny had suddenly gone insane, and her friend looked confused.
"Well... you might want to tell Draco that, then... because he seems to think otherwise," she said and Hermione turned quickly to the doorway. Draco was no longer standing there... chances were, he'd gone after Harry. She took a moment to think, then laughed as everything fell into place. Dr. McGregor must have called for Ginny, and Draco had gotten it wrong somehow... and Harry had said something about ovens...
"Were you expecting a call from Dr. McGregor, Gin?" she asked, and Ginny blushed a little, nodding.
"I've already had the test done twice... I just didn't want you to think me stupid." Then, she looked up. "Why?" Hermione shook her head.
"Well this is going to be odd," Hermione mused. "I think I might just want to straighten Draco out after all, Gin. You sure you're alright?" Ginny nodded her confusion replaced by a smile as she was again reminded of Harry.
"Harry reacted exactly how I assumed he would have... he was shocked at first, and maybe still is, but he's most definitely happy about it." Hermione nodded and stood up.
"That's good, Gin." She moved toward the door, but stopped and turned back for a moment. "Oh, and Mr. Ollivander sends his Congratulations." Ginny smiled and watched Hermione leave, then practically flew across the room to the bed, and quickly picked up the phone on the side table. She dabbed a few numbers with her index finger and waited for the other line to pick up.
"Witch's Health Clinic," said a woman's voice on the other end.
"This is Ginny Potter; may I please speak with Dr. McGregor?"
"Hold, please." Ginny bit her lip and waited for her call to be forwarded. Surprisingly, it didn't take as long as one might think.
"Mrs. Potter?"
"Hello, Dr.. I was wondering if you'd gotten the results back from my second testing yet?" she asked a bit sheepishly and the Dr. sounded confused.
"Yes I did, Mrs. Potter. As a matter of fact, I spoke with a man in your home just this afternoon about them." Ginny took a moment to ponder this. Harry certainly didn't have any idea, and he would have known had he answered... the boys weren't allowed, so that left only Draco. Easily, things began to fall into place and she smiled. No wonder Draco was confused.
"I assume it was positive, then?" The doctor laughed softly.
"Indeed. Would you like to schedule a third visit before your first regular?"
"No sir, I think I believe you now. Thank you, Doctor."
"Of course, Mrs. Potter." Ginny gently put down the phone and shook her head, grinning. Poor Draco.
~*~*~*~
Hermione searched the entire house, and found no sign of Harry or Draco anywhere... her last stop was the kitchen, where she found Narcissa, preparing meatloaf.
"Narcissa?" she asked as she entered the kitchen. "Have you seen Draco?" Narcissa looked up and smiled warmly.
"He left with Harry about ten minutes ago," she said, but her voice sounded strained, as if she were holding back laughter. She only remained silent for a few moments. "Oh, Hermione, why didn't you tell me?" Narcissa shuffled to her future daughter-in-law and hugged her, holding her meat juice-covered hands away from their bodies. Hermione looked confused.
"Why didn't I tell you what?" she asked, smiling slightly. Narcissa grinned, pulling away.
"Well, you're pregnant, aren't you?" Hermione laughed.
"That is popular belief today isn't it? No, Narcissa, I'm not." Narcissa's smile dropped.
"You're not?" She shook her head. "Oh god... what's wrong then?" Hermione raised an eyebrow. "The tests, love, what were the tests for?"
"What are you talking about, Narcissa?" The older woman was completely flustered, looking out of her wits.
"For Dr. McGregor, Hermione... Draco said he called and..." Hermione shook her head.
"That call was for Ginny. I'm fine and free of child... Ginny, on the other hand..." Narcissa didn't look a bit relieved.
"Ginny? What is it, Hermione?" Hermione laughed once again.
"It's nothing bad, Narcissa; she's pregnant."
"Pregnant?" Hermione nodded. "Oh..." It took a moment, but Narcissa regained herself and her smile. "That's wonderful!"
"I know! She just told Harry... which I'm assuming is why he left. I don't know where they went, though... and I'm not quite sure why Draco went with him... I haven't actually corrected his accusation yet. He still thinks it's me." Narcissa let out a breath.
"I'm just glad no one's contracted anything serious... not that a baby isn't serious... but I meant bad serious," she said, going back to her meat loaf, and Hermione nodded.
"This was quite the misunderstanding, I do believe..." Narcissa nodded, working slowly. Then, she seemed to remember something.
"Hermione, I talked to my friend today. About Junior." Hermione's full attention was given to her fiancé's mother.
"And?"
"Well... she said that there's this special sense that some children are born with. It's very rare and usually doesn't show up until the late teens... but she thinks Junior has it." Hermione took a step toward her, still focused completely.
"And?" she asked again and Narcissa smiled.
"It's nothing bad, love... just odd. The fact that it's already showing up makes it even more miraculous."
"What is it, exactly?"
"It's just a sense... like a feeling... usually centered around the parents, which we practically already knew. One thing I did learn, however, is that the sense is dependant on the presence of the parents. If one or both are not in close vicinity, part or all of the sense becomes dormant... however, if one or both parents die, it stays intact. What this means, Hermione, is as much as Junior seemed a clairvoyant before... with Draco here, he may either gain stronger powers, or new ones." Hermione looked stunned.
"It fits perfectly..." she whispered, then looked up. "The DAY Draco came here, I saw a change in him, Narcissa. He heard you come home, from all the way upstairs... I told you?" She nodded. "I think Draco may be making his other senses stronger, if not the new one... is there a name for this... syndrome?" Narcissa smiled.
"You make it sound like a disease. It's a gift, Hermione. Junior is a Nell'aria."
~*~*~*~
Hermione sat curled on the sofa in the living room. She'd told Jr. almost everything Narcissa had said and he seemed unbothered by it all. Draco and Harry still weren't back yet, and she was starting to get worried. It was almost dark, and Narcissa was waiting patiently to serve dinner. Hermione sighed to herself, attempting to ignore the terrifying images dashing through her mind. Where could they have gone, in the first place?
It was nearly six thirty when the door finally opened and Draco entered, Harry behind, both laughing heartily. They both noticed Hermione at roughly the same time, and she smiled at them. Harry grinned and left without a word, going upstairs to find Ginny while Draco approached Hermione.
"Hey," he said softly, sitting down beside her, and Hermione practically lunged at him, catching him in a tight hug. She said nothing for a moment, and Draco held her close, a look of concern on his face. It wasn't until she pulled back that he was really sure what was happening.
"Where the hell did you go?" she asked, eyes slightly narrowed. Draco sighed.
"After Harry." Hermione shook her head.
"You didn't tell me where, or even that you were... you didn't call... you've been gone for almost two hours, Draco... what am I supposed to think?" she ranted and Draco frowned.
"I'm sorry, Mia... I wasn't thinking... I just went after him... I didn't even know where he was going." Hermione waited only a moment before embracing him again.
"Don't you ever do anything like that to me ever again, Draco. Please..." she whispered and Draco squeezed her close.
"I'm so sorry... I..." He sighed, not knowing what else he could say. Hermione paused a moment, then pulled back slightly.
"Oh and... I'm not pregnant," she said, catching him by surprise; Draco looked stunned.
"You're not?" She shook her head.
"But Ginny is." Draco nodded. "That call was for her."
"So what was the thing you had to tell me...?" Hermione smiled.
"That Ginny is pregnant, but I have something new and possibly more important now."
"And?" Draco asked, raising an eyebrow. Hermione shook her head.
"After dinner," she said, and fell back into his arms.
"Right..." he said, kissing the top of her head.
"Are you disappointed that it's not me?" Draco smiled.
"Only slightly."
~*~*~*~
"Boys? Could you come out here for a minute?" Simultaneously, two doors opened to reveal two blondes, as if Ginny's voice was magic. She smiled and Harry, grinning madly, placed a hand on her back. Eric and Jr. shared a look, stepping out of their rooms and in front of the two adults.
"Mum?" Eric asked when nobody spoke, and Jr. simply looked between the three Potters.
"Eric," Ginny started, sharing a look with Harry. "We have some news." Eric wanted to ask if it was good news or bad news, but he decided it better to just wait. Ginny took a breath. "We're going to have a baby." Eric practically fell over. Jr. looked amazed and smiled.
"That's great, Auntie," he said excitedly, and his cousin nodded.
"Yeah..." he said. "Great, Mum." Ginny looked up at Harry, her eyes pleading him to do something. He stepped forward and crouched in front of his son.
"Eric..." he said. "Are you alright?" Eric smiled the most convincing he could manage and nodded.
"I'm fine, Daddy. This is great, really... I like babies," he assured and Harry smiled, ruffling his hair. "Do Aunt Mina, Uncle Draco, and Nanna know yet?" Harry's smile grew slightly.
"Nanna doesn't yet... would you like to tell her?" Eric kept his smile.
"Sure Daddy. C'mon Draco," he said and took Jr.'s wrist, pulling him down the hall in what he hoped looked like an eager manner. Harry stood up, watching them go, then turned to Ginny.
"Harry..." she said softly and Harry nodded.
"I know... I noticed it too."
~*~*~*~
"Nanna?" Eric asked as they entered the living room and Jr. remained silent. For some reason, he knew Eric wasn't feeling as happy as he was putting on, and it seemed better for him to just remain quiet and let his cousin do all the talking. Narcissa was sitting in a chair, reading a romance novel of some sort, and she looked up as the boys entered the room.
"Eric? What is it, baby?"
"Mummy and Daddy wanted me to tell you something," he said softly, approaching her chair, and Narcissa closed her book, setting it neatly beside her. She folded her hands in her lap and waited for Eric to tell her what she already knew. He shared a look with Jr., who simply looked back, remaining silent. "They're having a baby," he told his unorthodox grandmother, and she smiled.
"Isn't that wonderful, Eric?" she asked and he nodded.
"I guess..."
"How do you feel about becoming a big brother?"
"Actually, Nanna... I kind of wanted to talk to you about that," he said, and a small frown flashed on her face before her lips curled back up. Jr. took that as his cue to leave, backing up and out of the room, returning to the staircase. He sat down at the bottom and pushed hard, attempting to see if he could hear their conversation, like he had his mother's and Narcissa's in the pantry.
~
"Eric, sweetie, what's wrong?" she asked, opening her arms to him and Eric stepped toward her, joining her in the large chair.
"Nanna," Eric started. "Now that Mum is having another baby... am I going to have to go away?" he asked and Narcissa pulled him into a tight hug.
"No, of course not, Eric... wherever did you get that idea?" Eric sighed. He'd imagined she'd say something like that... even if he didn't think it was true.
"I heard Mum say a whole bunch of times that she never wanted more than one child... and since the baby will really be hers and Daddy's... I figured they'd choose it over me," he explained, and Narcissa shook her head, clutching him tight as if she were afraid he'd disappear right before her eyes.
"Don't think that for a minute, Eric. Your Mum and Dad love you very, very much... they would never choose anything over you," she assured, and Eric frowned.
"That's not any better..." he said. "I don't want them to choose me over the baby, that's not fair." Narcissa smiled slightly.
"Eric, I know your Mum, and I know your Dad... and I know that they're going to love you and the baby exactly the same amount, and it will be no less than they love you now."
"But Nanna... how do we choose who leaves?" Narcissa laughed.
"Nobody leaves, Eric. Both of you will stay here with me, just like you always have. Just because your Mum wasn't planning on a second baby, that doesn't mean she won't have more than one. Do you understand?"
"Are you sure nobody leaves?" Narcissa nodded.
"I'm one hundred percent sure, love. And let me tell you something... even if your Mum decided not to keep you, which she would never in a million years do, I would keep you."
"Really?" Eric asked timidly and Narcissa smiled, hugging him tight again.
"Eric, I love you. Don't you ever for a second doubt that," she said, placing a kiss in his hair. Eric sighed.
"What about Junior?"
"I love Junior too, baby. And Mum, and Dad, and Aunt Mina, and Uncle Draco. We're a family, Eric, and in a family, no one gets left behind."
"Nanna?" Eric asked softly.
"Hm?" she answered, rocking the chair gently with the foot planted on the ground, and keeping Eric draped over her lap.
"I love you too," he said and she grinned, kissing his head a second time.
~*~*~*~
Jr., still seated on the stairs, opened his eyes. His breathing was quick and labored; whenever he listened like that, he was forced to hold his breath... but it was worth it. He now knew what had Eric so bothered, and decided it best not to tell Auntie Ginny and Uncle Harry. Instead, he stood and climbed the stairs, making his way to his parents' room.
~*~
"Draco," Hermione said as she lay beside him in their bed. It was getting on eight o'clock, and they would need to put Jr. to bed soon.
"Hm?"
"Narcissa talked to her friend today... about Junior," she said softly, and Draco stiffened slightly.
"You told her to do that?" Hermione shook her head.
"No... I simply told her what Junior told me... about his feelings... and she offered to help," she said, and Draco turned to her.
"You should have told her not to bother. There is nothing wrong with my son," he said, and Hermione sighed.
"Draco, he's my baby too... I was worried, I didn't know what else to do..."
"You didn't have to do anything, Hermione. He's a normal little boy... he's not different, he's not special, and he's not strange," Draco insisted, and Hermione nodded.
"I know that, Draco. He's gifted," she stated. "He's powerful... he's unique and exquisite." Draco sighed.
"What are you talking about?"
"Draco, Narcissa's friend specializes in this sort of thing... Junior's a Nell'aria."
"A what?" Draco asked, a tad bit of venom in his voice. Hermione pushed herself up.
"If I told you he was a seer, would you be offended?"
"No, of course not, I'd be..."
"Proud?" Hermione provided and Draco gave a nod.
"Yes, proud."
"Then why are you angry now? Junior is the equivalent of a seer who can work on command... Draco, you should be more than proud," she said, staring him directly in the eye. Draco sighed.
"So he's a..."
"Nell'aria." He nodded.
"And what is that exactly?"
"According to Narcissa, he has a sixth sense, if you will... Nell'arias are born with their powers and are very rare. The most amazing thing, is that Jr. already can use and control his... in all other reported cases, the subject was in at least the early teens before any sign of abnormality became apparent. He depends on us to supply him... his parents. He gets the ability to feel what I feel from me... and an enhancement in other senses from you... now that you're here, he's become even more powerful... he can control both gifts." Draco was speechless... he felt amazingly bad about denying his son of this gift and being so cold to Hermione. "It's not dangerous... and as he gets older, he should be able to turn it off when he wants to... like, if I ever have another baby... he won't have to feel all that pain." She smiled. "And he won't fall off his broom when I break a nail," she said, and Draco smiled back.
"Do we know why it's started so early?" Hermione grinned as she noticed the happy and curious tone that had replaced his anger.
"We think it was triggered by... my depression," she said, ending softly, and Draco frowned. "Or at least, that's what Narcissa's friend thinks. Personally, I think he's just lucky... I think he's had it since he was born... and I wasn't depressed then." This didn't seem to cheer Draco in the slightest, so Hermione smiled and leaned in, kissing him softly. "I love you, Draco." He responded immediately, pulling her close and devouring her lips. However, it wasn't five minutes before a tiny knock at the door interrupted them.
"Mum? Dad?" called a thin voice, and Hermione smiled, giving Draco one last quick kiss before she sat up.
"You can come in, baby," she called back, and Jr. seemed to hesitate a moment before he opened the door. He walked in, taking account of his smiling parents, and stopped almost exactly between the door and the bed.
"Daddy," Jr. started, and Draco smiled warmly. "Are you mad at me?" All at once, both adults frowned, sharing a look.
"No, Junior, of course not. Why would I be mad at you?" Jr. shook his head.
"You don't have to pretend, Daddy. I heard you talking about me," he said, looking to the floor, and Hermione's mouth opened.
"Oh, Junior... come here, baby," she said, opening her arms to him, and Jr. walked to her, knowing she wouldn't take no for an answer. Hermione lifted him onto the bed and squeezed him close. Not knowing exactly what to say, she changed the subject slightly. "You shouldn't listen through doors, Draco," she said softly, but Jr. shook his head.
"I didn't, Mummy... I used my..." he said, but trailed off, looking toward Draco. "I'm sorry Daddy... I didn't know they were bad... as soon as I figure out how to turn them off, I will, and I won't never turn them back on," Jr. promised, but Draco shook his head, sitting up straight.
"No, Junior... they're not bad. I'm sorry, Draco... I made a mistake. You can do whatever you want with your powers, as long as you promise me something."
"What Daddy?"
"Don't listen to people talking in bedrooms, okay?" Hermione let out a short laugh, but Jr. seemed confused.
"O...kay, Daddy." Draco opened his arms and Jr. switched parents, giving his father a tight hug.
"Are you sure you're not mad at me?" Draco laughed.
"I could never be mad at you, Junior."
A/N: AW! SAPPY LITTLE PARENT/KID MOMENT! Lol. Well, what have we here? Ginny is pregnant, but Hermione isn't... Eric thinks his parents will disown him... and Jr. is officially some sort of spiritualist... that's a lot of info for one chappy. And we still don't know what Emmy was supposed to help with :o/ :oD
PRF: First time in forever!
DarkMarkGrl: Thanx, and yep, Eric gets a g/f. We'll see about Emmy later... much later as a matter of fact... well, at least three chapters.
Abercrombie-princess: Thanx. Oh, married? Not for another few chapters ;o)
Erilyn Rose: I was just wondering, is Erilyn your real name? It's pretty. Anyway... Lol, can't wait to see how it played out? Not too interestingly, lol. This story is very monotone... not a lot of heart jolting anything... :oD
Danielle: Thanx, lol... wow, that was enthusiastic of you! Hehe.
AngelGurl06: Cool. My English teacher says I can publish... but I'm not sure how accurate that statement really is... I did get the English award though! GO REGENTS ENRICHED MULDOWNEY SECOND MOD! WHOO HOO! Lol.
CassieXanthe: Lol, it's not over... lol. There's more. I'm glad you changed your mind so quickly :oD
Dragonfly: Lol, yes... that kind of punishment. I can't believe you remembered that enough to put it into the review; lol. It wasn't a main point, just something to get Harry to stop being a dork and worrying. Not much happened, obviously, lol.
Beau Porteur De Diamant: May I ask, what does your sn mean? I could guess, but I don't wanna sound silly :oP. I hope you weren't too disappointed with this chapter, lol, it sounds like everyone was expecting something really bit... but nothing really happened, lol. Sorry guys. Hermione didn't get any tests. I've cleared up that confusion (which is not subject only to you, and I apologize to everyone... I didn't know that it'd even be there) I wonder if you were expecting that sort of reaction from Eric? Hm... :oD and we'll find out about Emmy soon. And about Thanksgiving... yes. I apologize. I am American, and, holding with me the amount of arrogance which seconds our country only to France, I didn't even think that England might not want to celebrate something they weren't even a part of. Well, they were... sort of... as it was English settlers... but that's not the point. Lol.
Smashing Sugar: Actually, Ginny is the only one pregnant... but you've been correct in interperating my clues ;oD Lol. Calm yourself. You were supposed to think all those things, however untrue they are. Lol. Reverse psychology ;oD
Two Insane Chix: Yep, yep. That was the idea (Emmy/Emma). And I know... aren't they all so adorable!
TriGemini: Yes! Ginny is pregnant! And Hermione's not! Lol. I'm sorry you were confused, but I think it made it more interesting. Yes, I do hope it becomes a bit clearer here...that was my aim. :oD
Princess: Thanx
CrackHead: Yep, I noticed ;o) That's okay, as long as you like them! I personally like starting stories late... then the cliffys aren't so bad.
Jamie: You hate me? Lol. Why? :o( (lol I know you're kidding)
Ezmerelda: Well, now we know, don't we? Lol. I'm sorry to keep you waiting on this pitiful reaction scheme I have going. :oD You are very very close on your theory about Emmy... however, no, she won't be the flower girl. Well, maybe... but that's not what they were talking about. :oD
ORDER OF THE PHEONIX EXPLANATION:
I am not changing anything due to the issuing of OotP. Yes, I did read the book, but considering the person who dies has absolutely nothing to my story, I have nothing to change on that account. On the note that the prophecy says Harry has to be the one to kill Voldy; he was there, we can say he gave the final curse. The only thing that will have anything to do with OotP is that, when they go to visit Hogwarts over Christmas (which close readers should have known about already) Grawp will be there... because I love Grawp. That's about it. And I suppose the centure guy can still be the divination teacher. But other than that; nothing. Nope.
Oh, but I think we should give three cheers for Neville, the lucky little bastard! If he were chosen, he'd have died in first year! Lol. Sorry Nevvy... I do love you. I do. Maybe I'll write a story where you marry Ginny. You'd like that, wouldn't you? Harry's got Cho to fall back on. :oD
B4 on MPES:
"Harry, Ginny has something she wants to talk to you about... isn't that right, Gin?" Ginny gulped, avoiding eye contact, and Harry looked at her skeptically. Hermione gave Ginny a nudge when she didn't speak and she let out the breath she'd been holding. Without a word, Ginny took Harry's hand and pulled him toward the stairway on a course for their room. Giggling, Hermione waited until they were at the top of the stairs before she started up, in search of Draco.
~*~*~*~
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Miss Conception
Hermione pushed open the door to her room, deciding it should be the first place to look. Sure enough, Draco was sitting cross-legged on the bed, the photo album open on his lap and a show of Jr.'s first spaghetti dinner playing in front of his eyes. The little blonde of about a year was covered from head to toe in spaghetti sauce, with noodles in the oddest places. The adults around laughed and cooed, while Eric proudly displayed the proper way to eat it. Jr. learned quickly to slurp just like his cousin.
With a wide smile, Hermione approached her fiancé, remaining quiet. He didn't notice her until she sat down on the bed. Immediately, Draco shut the album and pushed it to the side, giving her his full attention.
"H-Hey," he said quietly and Hermione smiled, moving close and kissing him deeply. She didn't say a word after she pulled away, but the smile still remained on her lips. Draco swallowed. "You said you had something important to tell me?" Hermione shrugged a shoulder.
"Yeah, but it can wait. Tell me; how did it go?" Draco nodded.
"Fine... it was... fine. I met Emmy; she's wonderful," he said, deciding to simply comply and let her tell him in her own time. Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"What's wrong?" she asked, and Draco straightened.
"Nothing..." Hermione sighed and kissed him again.
"Tell me," she demanded gently and he fashioned himself a lopsided smile.
"Dr. McGregor called for you. I already know," he said and Hermione looked confused.
"He called for me? Why? What do you know?" she asked, but Draco's answer was interrupted by a scream from down the hall.
"You're WHAT?" Hermione spun her head toward the door.
"Looks like she told him..." she mused and quickly scrambled to get out of bed. Draco looked after her, confused.
"Hermione?" he asked, following her all the way to Harry and Ginny's bedroom door. Hermione bit her lip and signaled for him to be quiet. There were hushed voices from inside, but after a few minutes, Harry appeared in the doorway, looking blank. He turned to Draco.
"I think it's a double oven," he stated softly, then turned and walked down the hall. Hermione shot Draco a confused glance before she entered the bedroom to tend to Ginny. Draco thought his place was better left outside the door.
"Gin? Are you okay?" Ginny was seated on a couch near the fireplace and she looked up when Hermione addressed her.
"I'm great," she said, smiling, and Hermione grinned, sitting down next to her.
"Well, spill. Where did Harry go?" Ginny shook her head.
"I have no idea..." she said, then tilted her head at Hermione. "Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant, Hermione?" Hermione looked taken aback. She gently patted Ginny's back.
"Ginny, you're pregnant... not me," she said softly, as if Ginny had suddenly gone insane, and her friend looked confused.
"Well... you might want to tell Draco that, then... because he seems to think otherwise," she said and Hermione turned quickly to the doorway. Draco was no longer standing there... chances were, he'd gone after Harry. She took a moment to think, then laughed as everything fell into place. Dr. McGregor must have called for Ginny, and Draco had gotten it wrong somehow... and Harry had said something about ovens...
"Were you expecting a call from Dr. McGregor, Gin?" she asked, and Ginny blushed a little, nodding.
"I've already had the test done twice... I just didn't want you to think me stupid." Then, she looked up. "Why?" Hermione shook her head.
"Well this is going to be odd," Hermione mused. "I think I might just want to straighten Draco out after all, Gin. You sure you're alright?" Ginny nodded her confusion replaced by a smile as she was again reminded of Harry.
"Harry reacted exactly how I assumed he would have... he was shocked at first, and maybe still is, but he's most definitely happy about it." Hermione nodded and stood up.
"That's good, Gin." She moved toward the door, but stopped and turned back for a moment. "Oh, and Mr. Ollivander sends his Congratulations." Ginny smiled and watched Hermione leave, then practically flew across the room to the bed, and quickly picked up the phone on the side table. She dabbed a few numbers with her index finger and waited for the other line to pick up.
"Witch's Health Clinic," said a woman's voice on the other end.
"This is Ginny Potter; may I please speak with Dr. McGregor?"
"Hold, please." Ginny bit her lip and waited for her call to be forwarded. Surprisingly, it didn't take as long as one might think.
"Mrs. Potter?"
"Hello, Dr.. I was wondering if you'd gotten the results back from my second testing yet?" she asked a bit sheepishly and the Dr. sounded confused.
"Yes I did, Mrs. Potter. As a matter of fact, I spoke with a man in your home just this afternoon about them." Ginny took a moment to ponder this. Harry certainly didn't have any idea, and he would have known had he answered... the boys weren't allowed, so that left only Draco. Easily, things began to fall into place and she smiled. No wonder Draco was confused.
"I assume it was positive, then?" The doctor laughed softly.
"Indeed. Would you like to schedule a third visit before your first regular?"
"No sir, I think I believe you now. Thank you, Doctor."
"Of course, Mrs. Potter." Ginny gently put down the phone and shook her head, grinning. Poor Draco.
~*~*~*~
Hermione searched the entire house, and found no sign of Harry or Draco anywhere... her last stop was the kitchen, where she found Narcissa, preparing meatloaf.
"Narcissa?" she asked as she entered the kitchen. "Have you seen Draco?" Narcissa looked up and smiled warmly.
"He left with Harry about ten minutes ago," she said, but her voice sounded strained, as if she were holding back laughter. She only remained silent for a few moments. "Oh, Hermione, why didn't you tell me?" Narcissa shuffled to her future daughter-in-law and hugged her, holding her meat juice-covered hands away from their bodies. Hermione looked confused.
"Why didn't I tell you what?" she asked, smiling slightly. Narcissa grinned, pulling away.
"Well, you're pregnant, aren't you?" Hermione laughed.
"That is popular belief today isn't it? No, Narcissa, I'm not." Narcissa's smile dropped.
"You're not?" She shook her head. "Oh god... what's wrong then?" Hermione raised an eyebrow. "The tests, love, what were the tests for?"
"What are you talking about, Narcissa?" The older woman was completely flustered, looking out of her wits.
"For Dr. McGregor, Hermione... Draco said he called and..." Hermione shook her head.
"That call was for Ginny. I'm fine and free of child... Ginny, on the other hand..." Narcissa didn't look a bit relieved.
"Ginny? What is it, Hermione?" Hermione laughed once again.
"It's nothing bad, Narcissa; she's pregnant."
"Pregnant?" Hermione nodded. "Oh..." It took a moment, but Narcissa regained herself and her smile. "That's wonderful!"
"I know! She just told Harry... which I'm assuming is why he left. I don't know where they went, though... and I'm not quite sure why Draco went with him... I haven't actually corrected his accusation yet. He still thinks it's me." Narcissa let out a breath.
"I'm just glad no one's contracted anything serious... not that a baby isn't serious... but I meant bad serious," she said, going back to her meat loaf, and Hermione nodded.
"This was quite the misunderstanding, I do believe..." Narcissa nodded, working slowly. Then, she seemed to remember something.
"Hermione, I talked to my friend today. About Junior." Hermione's full attention was given to her fiancé's mother.
"And?"
"Well... she said that there's this special sense that some children are born with. It's very rare and usually doesn't show up until the late teens... but she thinks Junior has it." Hermione took a step toward her, still focused completely.
"And?" she asked again and Narcissa smiled.
"It's nothing bad, love... just odd. The fact that it's already showing up makes it even more miraculous."
"What is it, exactly?"
"It's just a sense... like a feeling... usually centered around the parents, which we practically already knew. One thing I did learn, however, is that the sense is dependant on the presence of the parents. If one or both are not in close vicinity, part or all of the sense becomes dormant... however, if one or both parents die, it stays intact. What this means, Hermione, is as much as Junior seemed a clairvoyant before... with Draco here, he may either gain stronger powers, or new ones." Hermione looked stunned.
"It fits perfectly..." she whispered, then looked up. "The DAY Draco came here, I saw a change in him, Narcissa. He heard you come home, from all the way upstairs... I told you?" She nodded. "I think Draco may be making his other senses stronger, if not the new one... is there a name for this... syndrome?" Narcissa smiled.
"You make it sound like a disease. It's a gift, Hermione. Junior is a Nell'aria."
~*~*~*~
Hermione sat curled on the sofa in the living room. She'd told Jr. almost everything Narcissa had said and he seemed unbothered by it all. Draco and Harry still weren't back yet, and she was starting to get worried. It was almost dark, and Narcissa was waiting patiently to serve dinner. Hermione sighed to herself, attempting to ignore the terrifying images dashing through her mind. Where could they have gone, in the first place?
It was nearly six thirty when the door finally opened and Draco entered, Harry behind, both laughing heartily. They both noticed Hermione at roughly the same time, and she smiled at them. Harry grinned and left without a word, going upstairs to find Ginny while Draco approached Hermione.
"Hey," he said softly, sitting down beside her, and Hermione practically lunged at him, catching him in a tight hug. She said nothing for a moment, and Draco held her close, a look of concern on his face. It wasn't until she pulled back that he was really sure what was happening.
"Where the hell did you go?" she asked, eyes slightly narrowed. Draco sighed.
"After Harry." Hermione shook her head.
"You didn't tell me where, or even that you were... you didn't call... you've been gone for almost two hours, Draco... what am I supposed to think?" she ranted and Draco frowned.
"I'm sorry, Mia... I wasn't thinking... I just went after him... I didn't even know where he was going." Hermione waited only a moment before embracing him again.
"Don't you ever do anything like that to me ever again, Draco. Please..." she whispered and Draco squeezed her close.
"I'm so sorry... I..." He sighed, not knowing what else he could say. Hermione paused a moment, then pulled back slightly.
"Oh and... I'm not pregnant," she said, catching him by surprise; Draco looked stunned.
"You're not?" She shook her head.
"But Ginny is." Draco nodded. "That call was for her."
"So what was the thing you had to tell me...?" Hermione smiled.
"That Ginny is pregnant, but I have something new and possibly more important now."
"And?" Draco asked, raising an eyebrow. Hermione shook her head.
"After dinner," she said, and fell back into his arms.
"Right..." he said, kissing the top of her head.
"Are you disappointed that it's not me?" Draco smiled.
"Only slightly."
~*~*~*~
"Boys? Could you come out here for a minute?" Simultaneously, two doors opened to reveal two blondes, as if Ginny's voice was magic. She smiled and Harry, grinning madly, placed a hand on her back. Eric and Jr. shared a look, stepping out of their rooms and in front of the two adults.
"Mum?" Eric asked when nobody spoke, and Jr. simply looked between the three Potters.
"Eric," Ginny started, sharing a look with Harry. "We have some news." Eric wanted to ask if it was good news or bad news, but he decided it better to just wait. Ginny took a breath. "We're going to have a baby." Eric practically fell over. Jr. looked amazed and smiled.
"That's great, Auntie," he said excitedly, and his cousin nodded.
"Yeah..." he said. "Great, Mum." Ginny looked up at Harry, her eyes pleading him to do something. He stepped forward and crouched in front of his son.
"Eric..." he said. "Are you alright?" Eric smiled the most convincing he could manage and nodded.
"I'm fine, Daddy. This is great, really... I like babies," he assured and Harry smiled, ruffling his hair. "Do Aunt Mina, Uncle Draco, and Nanna know yet?" Harry's smile grew slightly.
"Nanna doesn't yet... would you like to tell her?" Eric kept his smile.
"Sure Daddy. C'mon Draco," he said and took Jr.'s wrist, pulling him down the hall in what he hoped looked like an eager manner. Harry stood up, watching them go, then turned to Ginny.
"Harry..." she said softly and Harry nodded.
"I know... I noticed it too."
~*~*~*~
"Nanna?" Eric asked as they entered the living room and Jr. remained silent. For some reason, he knew Eric wasn't feeling as happy as he was putting on, and it seemed better for him to just remain quiet and let his cousin do all the talking. Narcissa was sitting in a chair, reading a romance novel of some sort, and she looked up as the boys entered the room.
"Eric? What is it, baby?"
"Mummy and Daddy wanted me to tell you something," he said softly, approaching her chair, and Narcissa closed her book, setting it neatly beside her. She folded her hands in her lap and waited for Eric to tell her what she already knew. He shared a look with Jr., who simply looked back, remaining silent. "They're having a baby," he told his unorthodox grandmother, and she smiled.
"Isn't that wonderful, Eric?" she asked and he nodded.
"I guess..."
"How do you feel about becoming a big brother?"
"Actually, Nanna... I kind of wanted to talk to you about that," he said, and a small frown flashed on her face before her lips curled back up. Jr. took that as his cue to leave, backing up and out of the room, returning to the staircase. He sat down at the bottom and pushed hard, attempting to see if he could hear their conversation, like he had his mother's and Narcissa's in the pantry.
~
"Eric, sweetie, what's wrong?" she asked, opening her arms to him and Eric stepped toward her, joining her in the large chair.
"Nanna," Eric started. "Now that Mum is having another baby... am I going to have to go away?" he asked and Narcissa pulled him into a tight hug.
"No, of course not, Eric... wherever did you get that idea?" Eric sighed. He'd imagined she'd say something like that... even if he didn't think it was true.
"I heard Mum say a whole bunch of times that she never wanted more than one child... and since the baby will really be hers and Daddy's... I figured they'd choose it over me," he explained, and Narcissa shook her head, clutching him tight as if she were afraid he'd disappear right before her eyes.
"Don't think that for a minute, Eric. Your Mum and Dad love you very, very much... they would never choose anything over you," she assured, and Eric frowned.
"That's not any better..." he said. "I don't want them to choose me over the baby, that's not fair." Narcissa smiled slightly.
"Eric, I know your Mum, and I know your Dad... and I know that they're going to love you and the baby exactly the same amount, and it will be no less than they love you now."
"But Nanna... how do we choose who leaves?" Narcissa laughed.
"Nobody leaves, Eric. Both of you will stay here with me, just like you always have. Just because your Mum wasn't planning on a second baby, that doesn't mean she won't have more than one. Do you understand?"
"Are you sure nobody leaves?" Narcissa nodded.
"I'm one hundred percent sure, love. And let me tell you something... even if your Mum decided not to keep you, which she would never in a million years do, I would keep you."
"Really?" Eric asked timidly and Narcissa smiled, hugging him tight again.
"Eric, I love you. Don't you ever for a second doubt that," she said, placing a kiss in his hair. Eric sighed.
"What about Junior?"
"I love Junior too, baby. And Mum, and Dad, and Aunt Mina, and Uncle Draco. We're a family, Eric, and in a family, no one gets left behind."
"Nanna?" Eric asked softly.
"Hm?" she answered, rocking the chair gently with the foot planted on the ground, and keeping Eric draped over her lap.
"I love you too," he said and she grinned, kissing his head a second time.
~*~*~*~
Jr., still seated on the stairs, opened his eyes. His breathing was quick and labored; whenever he listened like that, he was forced to hold his breath... but it was worth it. He now knew what had Eric so bothered, and decided it best not to tell Auntie Ginny and Uncle Harry. Instead, he stood and climbed the stairs, making his way to his parents' room.
~*~
"Draco," Hermione said as she lay beside him in their bed. It was getting on eight o'clock, and they would need to put Jr. to bed soon.
"Hm?"
"Narcissa talked to her friend today... about Junior," she said softly, and Draco stiffened slightly.
"You told her to do that?" Hermione shook her head.
"No... I simply told her what Junior told me... about his feelings... and she offered to help," she said, and Draco turned to her.
"You should have told her not to bother. There is nothing wrong with my son," he said, and Hermione sighed.
"Draco, he's my baby too... I was worried, I didn't know what else to do..."
"You didn't have to do anything, Hermione. He's a normal little boy... he's not different, he's not special, and he's not strange," Draco insisted, and Hermione nodded.
"I know that, Draco. He's gifted," she stated. "He's powerful... he's unique and exquisite." Draco sighed.
"What are you talking about?"
"Draco, Narcissa's friend specializes in this sort of thing... Junior's a Nell'aria."
"A what?" Draco asked, a tad bit of venom in his voice. Hermione pushed herself up.
"If I told you he was a seer, would you be offended?"
"No, of course not, I'd be..."
"Proud?" Hermione provided and Draco gave a nod.
"Yes, proud."
"Then why are you angry now? Junior is the equivalent of a seer who can work on command... Draco, you should be more than proud," she said, staring him directly in the eye. Draco sighed.
"So he's a..."
"Nell'aria." He nodded.
"And what is that exactly?"
"According to Narcissa, he has a sixth sense, if you will... Nell'arias are born with their powers and are very rare. The most amazing thing, is that Jr. already can use and control his... in all other reported cases, the subject was in at least the early teens before any sign of abnormality became apparent. He depends on us to supply him... his parents. He gets the ability to feel what I feel from me... and an enhancement in other senses from you... now that you're here, he's become even more powerful... he can control both gifts." Draco was speechless... he felt amazingly bad about denying his son of this gift and being so cold to Hermione. "It's not dangerous... and as he gets older, he should be able to turn it off when he wants to... like, if I ever have another baby... he won't have to feel all that pain." She smiled. "And he won't fall off his broom when I break a nail," she said, and Draco smiled back.
"Do we know why it's started so early?" Hermione grinned as she noticed the happy and curious tone that had replaced his anger.
"We think it was triggered by... my depression," she said, ending softly, and Draco frowned. "Or at least, that's what Narcissa's friend thinks. Personally, I think he's just lucky... I think he's had it since he was born... and I wasn't depressed then." This didn't seem to cheer Draco in the slightest, so Hermione smiled and leaned in, kissing him softly. "I love you, Draco." He responded immediately, pulling her close and devouring her lips. However, it wasn't five minutes before a tiny knock at the door interrupted them.
"Mum? Dad?" called a thin voice, and Hermione smiled, giving Draco one last quick kiss before she sat up.
"You can come in, baby," she called back, and Jr. seemed to hesitate a moment before he opened the door. He walked in, taking account of his smiling parents, and stopped almost exactly between the door and the bed.
"Daddy," Jr. started, and Draco smiled warmly. "Are you mad at me?" All at once, both adults frowned, sharing a look.
"No, Junior, of course not. Why would I be mad at you?" Jr. shook his head.
"You don't have to pretend, Daddy. I heard you talking about me," he said, looking to the floor, and Hermione's mouth opened.
"Oh, Junior... come here, baby," she said, opening her arms to him, and Jr. walked to her, knowing she wouldn't take no for an answer. Hermione lifted him onto the bed and squeezed him close. Not knowing exactly what to say, she changed the subject slightly. "You shouldn't listen through doors, Draco," she said softly, but Jr. shook his head.
"I didn't, Mummy... I used my..." he said, but trailed off, looking toward Draco. "I'm sorry Daddy... I didn't know they were bad... as soon as I figure out how to turn them off, I will, and I won't never turn them back on," Jr. promised, but Draco shook his head, sitting up straight.
"No, Junior... they're not bad. I'm sorry, Draco... I made a mistake. You can do whatever you want with your powers, as long as you promise me something."
"What Daddy?"
"Don't listen to people talking in bedrooms, okay?" Hermione let out a short laugh, but Jr. seemed confused.
"O...kay, Daddy." Draco opened his arms and Jr. switched parents, giving his father a tight hug.
"Are you sure you're not mad at me?" Draco laughed.
"I could never be mad at you, Junior."
A/N: AW! SAPPY LITTLE PARENT/KID MOMENT! Lol. Well, what have we here? Ginny is pregnant, but Hermione isn't... Eric thinks his parents will disown him... and Jr. is officially some sort of spiritualist... that's a lot of info for one chappy. And we still don't know what Emmy was supposed to help with :o/ :oD
PRF: First time in forever!
DarkMarkGrl: Thanx, and yep, Eric gets a g/f. We'll see about Emmy later... much later as a matter of fact... well, at least three chapters.
Abercrombie-princess: Thanx. Oh, married? Not for another few chapters ;o)
Erilyn Rose: I was just wondering, is Erilyn your real name? It's pretty. Anyway... Lol, can't wait to see how it played out? Not too interestingly, lol. This story is very monotone... not a lot of heart jolting anything... :oD
Danielle: Thanx, lol... wow, that was enthusiastic of you! Hehe.
AngelGurl06: Cool. My English teacher says I can publish... but I'm not sure how accurate that statement really is... I did get the English award though! GO REGENTS ENRICHED MULDOWNEY SECOND MOD! WHOO HOO! Lol.
CassieXanthe: Lol, it's not over... lol. There's more. I'm glad you changed your mind so quickly :oD
Dragonfly: Lol, yes... that kind of punishment. I can't believe you remembered that enough to put it into the review; lol. It wasn't a main point, just something to get Harry to stop being a dork and worrying. Not much happened, obviously, lol.
Beau Porteur De Diamant: May I ask, what does your sn mean? I could guess, but I don't wanna sound silly :oP. I hope you weren't too disappointed with this chapter, lol, it sounds like everyone was expecting something really bit... but nothing really happened, lol. Sorry guys. Hermione didn't get any tests. I've cleared up that confusion (which is not subject only to you, and I apologize to everyone... I didn't know that it'd even be there) I wonder if you were expecting that sort of reaction from Eric? Hm... :oD and we'll find out about Emmy soon. And about Thanksgiving... yes. I apologize. I am American, and, holding with me the amount of arrogance which seconds our country only to France, I didn't even think that England might not want to celebrate something they weren't even a part of. Well, they were... sort of... as it was English settlers... but that's not the point. Lol.
Smashing Sugar: Actually, Ginny is the only one pregnant... but you've been correct in interperating my clues ;oD Lol. Calm yourself. You were supposed to think all those things, however untrue they are. Lol. Reverse psychology ;oD
Two Insane Chix: Yep, yep. That was the idea (Emmy/Emma). And I know... aren't they all so adorable!
TriGemini: Yes! Ginny is pregnant! And Hermione's not! Lol. I'm sorry you were confused, but I think it made it more interesting. Yes, I do hope it becomes a bit clearer here...that was my aim. :oD
Princess: Thanx
CrackHead: Yep, I noticed ;o) That's okay, as long as you like them! I personally like starting stories late... then the cliffys aren't so bad.
Jamie: You hate me? Lol. Why? :o( (lol I know you're kidding)
Ezmerelda: Well, now we know, don't we? Lol. I'm sorry to keep you waiting on this pitiful reaction scheme I have going. :oD You are very very close on your theory about Emmy... however, no, she won't be the flower girl. Well, maybe... but that's not what they were talking about. :oD