Disclaimer: DON"T OWN IT
ATTENTION: I'm changing my s/n to Priah. I can't help it... I just love that name :oD I'm still the same PassionPolice, though :o)
B4 on MPES:
"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."
~*~*~*~
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Faithfully
Jr. grinned.
"Good." There was a period of silence in which Jr. simply rested against Draco's shoulder, eyes closed as he basked in his happiness, and Hermione watched with a smile as Draco gently ran his hand over the boy's back. Then, Jr. pulled away, looking curiously at Hermione. "Mum," he said. "Are you gonna have a baby too?" She laughed.
"Why does everyone seem to think that?" Hermione asked, gaining herself a confused look from her son. With a smile, she reached a hand to gently brush the hair from his face. "No, baby. Who told you that?" Jr. shrugged.
"Nobody... I just figured, since you and Auntie do everything else that's girly together, you might be." Both his parents laughed. Jr. smiled for a moment, then looked a tad grave. "Can I tell you something I don't think I'm supposed to tell anybody?" Draco and Hermione shared a look, then she nodded and turned back to her son.
"Yes, maybe you should tell us, Junior," she said and Draco laughed. Both mother and son turned to him, confused.
"You sound just like the Patil's back in school, Mia," he said, then laughed again. "He'll be the first Slytherin in history to spread true rumors." Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"Who says he'll be a Slytherin?" Draco smiled warmly at her.
"You know as well as I do. Look at him; he's like... my reincarnation. The hat won't even bother to actually read his mind, it'll just be 'Malfoy? Slytherin, I condemn thee, devil spawn!'" Hermione frowned and turned to Jr., who was sitting on her lap, looking confused and slightly annoyed that they were talking about him like he wasn't there. She shook her head.
"I don't want him getting all... corrupted and evil like those... people," she said, scowling at nothing and holding Jr. firmly by the arms, rubbing them up and down as if it were he who needed comforting. Draco chuckled again.
"Hello? Slytherin alumni, here." She laughed and looked down.
"Sorry, Draco." He grinned and shook his head.
"Mia, Slytherin de-corrupted me. I think he'll be fine. Won't you, boy?" he said, playfully punching his son in the jaw. Jr. grinned, nodding and glad to be acknowledged, but Hermione shook her head.
"It was making friends with Gryffindor that de-corrupted you, love. What if he can't find any," she asked, studying Jr.'s face as if it would morph from that of an angel to that of a devil right before her eyes, never to return again. At this question, Draco was reminded of something, and smiled.
"Oh, I think I know one that'll do the trick." Hermione spared a confused look at him. "Later. Right now, I believe we have some gossip to hear. Junior; you were saying?" He looked baffled, but shook his shoulders and continued as if his parents had never spontaneously burst into conversation.
"It's about Eric... he thinks he'll have to go away because Auntie doesn't want two babies," Jr. said and the mood in the room quickly turned a bit darker; smiles dropping all at once. Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. She turned to Draco with something like fear on her face. "No, it's okay Mummy... he talked to Nanna... she'll know what to do." Hermione closed her mouth and sighed slightly. She turned again to Draco.
"We should tell Harry..." she said softly, and he was about to agree, but Jr. shook his head.
"Auntie Ginny and Uncle Harry knowed before I even did... Eric didn't tell them, but they knowed." Hermione looked unsure. "And asides... Nanna will know what to say; she always does. Don't worry, Mum." Hermione smiled at her son's concern and kissed his cheek.
"Time for bed, baby. Go brush your teeth and I'll come to tuck you in, alright?" she suggested, and Jr., although not overly pleased, nodded.
"Night, Daddy," he said, leaning over to give Draco a hug, and he smiled, embracing back.
"Goodnight, Junior. You did a good job today," he said and Jr. smiled, then climbed over Hermione and off the bed, scurrying toward the door. As soon as the latch clicked behind him, Hermione turned to Draco.
"Okay, it's later... what were you about to tell me?" she asked sweetly, placing a delicate hand on his chest and innocently smiling. Draco was confused for a moment, but remembered almost instantly and took a breath to speak. This inhalation went unused, however, as Draco shook his head and smirked.
"No... I want to see if you can figure it out. If you don't by Sunday morning... then I'll tell you," he told her and Hermione pouted.
"Draco... you know it'll bug me to hell if I have to wait that long," she said in a childish and begging tone. Draco chuckled and leaned forward to kiss her.
"Tough." Hermione scowled.
"Oh, you!" she said, swinging a pillow at him before leaping from the bed and out the door to tend to her son. Draco simply laughed and slid down, waiting for her.
~*~*~*~
"Draco?" Hermione asked softly as she stepped outside. Jr. was sitting cross-legged on the patio, chin on his hands, staring at the gate. He didn't even look up when she called him. "Honey, maybe she's not coming," she suggested, stepping close and crouching down. Jr. straightened and shook his head.
"She is, Mummy... Emmy said she would come, and she's going to. She wouldn't lie; she's not like that," he said, keeping his eyes on the gate. She sighed softly.
"I didn't say that love... but things come up; maybe she just couldn't make it," Hermione said, but he didn't answer. "Do you want to call her?" Jr. shook his head.
"If she's in the car, she won't hear the phone anyway." Hermione nodded.
"I suppose that's true," she said, biting her lip. "Well, if she comes and you're not out here, I doubt she'll turn around. Why don't you come in and have a snack with Jimmy? He's getting awful lonely with just Eric to play with. You know he wouldn't share that video game for anything." Jr. slouched again and put his chin back on his hands.
"If that's true, then he can come out here. She's Jimmy's friend too." Hermione nodded.
"Right, but he's your guest, Draco. You should show some courtesy."
"I will," he assured. "As soon as Emmy gets here." Hermione sighed and gave up. That boy was as stubborn as his father. She stood.
"Alright, I'll let you stay out here for fifteen more minutes; then you're coming in. It'll be getting cold soon," she said and hustled quickly back to the house. Jr. acted as if he hadn't heard her. "Well, it's no use," Hermione said as she stepped back inside. Draco was reading the paper on the couch, periodically looking to the boys, who were seated on the floor; Eric was playing his game and Jimmy tried desperately to look over his shoulder. Draco looked up when she entered.
"He'll be fine. I once waited out by the lake for you for three hours, and you DIDN'T show up. I lived." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"You know perfectly well that was because I twisted my ankle and was put to sleep by Pomfrey before I could ask Ron or Harry to inform you... and I apologized for that seven years ago; I can't believe you even remember it."
"Evidently, you do too." Hermione sighed and extravagantly plopped down on the couch next to him. Draco lifted an arm over the back of the sofa, and Hermione smiled as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Do you think he likes this girl too much?" Draco shook his head.
"Nah. She's a nice girl, Mia... I think she'll be good for him." Hermione sighed. "What did you say?"
"I gave him fifteen minutes, but I want him back in here in five. He'll catch his death," she said, and Draco laughed.
"It's sixty-five degrees and he's wearing a jacket; you worry much too much." Hermione sighed. There was a brief pause before she shook her head.
"I don't care, I'm going to get him," she said, starting to get up, but Eric stopped her.
"I'll do it Aunt Mina; I'll carry him in if I have to... anything to get breath-of-death here away from my shoulder."
"Eric, be nice," she scolded and he muttered a quick apology before standing and pocketing his game. Jimmy frowned and started to build a small Lego cottage.
~
"Draco..."
"Don't even, Eric. I know Mum sent you out here, and I don't care. I'm not coming inside," Jr. said before Eric could even ask and he sighed.
"Yes you are; I can't take another minute with your... friend, in there. I literally think I'll die. How do you put up with that kid?"
"No harder than putting up with you," Jr. shot back and Eric looked a little taken aback.
"Draco... what's wrong, man?" he asked. It wasn't like Jr. to be so snappy and cold. He sighed.
"She's not coming, is she?" he asked, turning around to look at his cousin. Eric shook his head.
"I highly doubt it; she's nearly two hours late... Nanna's gonna be serving dinner soon." Jr. turned back around without a word. "So, are you coming?"
"No, I don't care if she doesn't come... I'm waiting for her."
"Come on, Draco, just come inside."
"NO." Eric shook his head.
"I was hoping it wouldn't have to come to this..." he said, bending and picking Jr. up; American football style. He yelled.
"No Eric! Put me down! I don't wanna go back in yet!" he called, but Eric didn't yield. He started toward the house, carrying his thin and scrawny cousin with little difficulty, ignoring his pleas. It wasn't until the deep hum of an engine sounded that he turned back. "Emmy! I TOLD you, Eric!" Eric's jaw dropped. Emmy Watson was riding on the back of a brand new, orange, mo-ped... which was being driven by possibly the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. He dropped Jr. without thinking and started toward the two girls. Mumbling innocent obscenities, Jr. got up and brushed himself off before chasing after his cousin.
"Hey Draco," Emmy said as she took off her helmet and tucked it under her arm. "Sorry I'm late... Daddy forgot about me coming over and took the car, so my sis had to take me... and it's a bit slower on Leroy." Jr. grinned, but raised an eyebrow.
"Leroy?" Emmy laughed.
"Her mo-ped... she's so weird." As the younger friends chatted, Eric too was making conversation. The angel on wheels took off her helmet as well, shaking her head to loosen her long ebony hair, then held out her hand to him.
"Hi, I'm Cade; Emmy's sister." Eric, still a bit in shock, took her hand and shook it lightly.
"Eric... Draco's cousin." Cade grinned.
"If my name were Ariel, we could get a fish and name if Flounder," she said, causing Eric to lift an eyebrow. She giggled. "Don't ask; I don't even understand myself half the time." Eric shook a shoulder.
"Mutual," he said, smiling as smoothly as he could manage. Eric and Cade made eye contact for less than half a minute before she averted her eyes to her watch. "Oh, I've gotta go. Emmy, gimme kiss," she said, looking toward her sister, who excused herself from her conversation with Jr. and made her way toward them. Eric looked between the two girls, an expression of concern on his face. He didn't want Cade to go just yet...
"Nonsense; it'll be dark by the time you get back. Won't you stay for dinner? I'm sure my dad could drive you home," he suggested and Cade bit her lip, making him get that doey-eyed look.
"I don't know..." she said a bit nervously, but Jr. stepped in.
"Sure, Cade! Eric's right... Uncle Harry can drive you home later... let me go tell Nanna. Come on, Emmy," he said, taking the younger girl's hand and pulling her down the path to the house. Emmy laughed and followed him, dropping her helmet carelessly on the ground. Cade sighed and hung her headgear over the handlebar of her scooter. She moved to pick up Emmy's from the ground, but Eric quickly stepped up to get it for her. Cade smiled warmly.
"Thanks." Eric shrugged.
"Will you stay?"
"Well, I guess I don't have much of a choice now, do I?" Eric tried to hide his happiness with sympathy.
"Sorry. Draco's a tad high strung at times... and I think he's a fanatic of your sister," he said and Cade giggled.
"I think it goes both ways," she said. "Although she complains about his insensitivity constantly, she still has that frog he gave her in her room..." she shrugged. "I think they're cute. Oh..." Cade jumped slightly as she evidently remembered something and reached into the pocket of her coat, but stopped before extracting whatever it was she was reaching for. She frowned and looked up at Eric. "Eric... do you know what a muggle is?" Eric laughed.
"Yes of course; do you?" She nodded.
"Tell me." Again, he laughed. He regarded her with playful suspicion.
"How do I know you aren't just trying to get me to tell you because you don't know?" Cade smiled slightly at his wit.
"I'm only asking to see if you know," she insisted, but Eric smirked smugly.
"So you say, but how am I to know that?" Cade bit her lip again, not sure how she could convince him of her innocent actions. Eric waited only a few moments before he shook his head. "Cade, if you want to know if I'm a wizard, I'll tell you I am. My father is Harry Potter... how could I not be? Or at least know about magic," he said, gesturing with his hand. Cade looked up, her eyes wide.
"Harry... THE Harry Potter?" she asked. "As in the same Harry Potter who thrice helped defeat the dark lord, is alumni of Hogwarts, was for three years a Gryffindor prefect, and has had my Mum's knickers in a twist practically since she was born?" Eric laughed.
"For the first three, yes, but the forth I'll have to assume," he said and Cade blinked.
"She was part of his fanclub..." Then, a grin spread across her face. "Wait until I tell her I met him. Do you think he'll mind if I ask for an autograph?" she asked and Eric shook his head, a grin still planted on his face. This girl was too cute. He placed a hand lightly on her back, turning to escort her back to the house.
"I doubt it. He'll be thrilled... no one's asked in over a week," he said without the slightest bit of sarcasm, or bitterness. Eric in no way envied his father's fame; he didn't want to be famous... acknowledged yes, but not famous. Nonetheless, Cade frowned.
"Does it bother you? I apologize, I didn't mean to be..." As she struggled for the correct word, Eric shook his head.
"Nah, I'm used to it. Come, before my aunt tries to bring us soup and a flu draft," he suggested, removing his hand and starting a little quicker toward the house, but Cade held out a hand to stop him.
"Wait, I have to..." she said, again reaching a hand into her pocket. This time, however, she removed the object from her jacket and held it in her palm. Eric smiled at the tiny little bag of luggage. Cade whispered something he didn't understand in Latin and he watched with slightly widened eyes as the bag grew. When it was again the size of a normal duffle, Eric turned his eyes back up to Cade.
"But... you're under age," he said, and she nodded.
"Daddy says it's nonsense that we can't use simple wandless spells, so he got us a book. Emmy even knows some." Eric looked utterly amazed.
"Do you think..." he asked softly. "Do you think you could... teach me?" Cade grinned. Oh, the thought; she'd be teaching the son of the famous Harry Potter some simple magic words.
"I don't see why not. It's not like it's dangerous." Eric grinned, and Cade had no choice but to do the same.
"Great. Come, inside with you," he said, offering his hand, and she took it, smiling. Eric waited a moment, simply watching Cade's face and holding her hand. Then, he pulled her gently into their home. He jumped back a bit when he saw his mother, only about a foot from the door, smirking with crossed arms. "Mum!" he said, surprised. "You scared me..." Her smirk turned into a smile.
"Sorry, love. Who's your friend? I was wondering when you two would come inside," she said in a way that made Eric blush slightly. He turned to Cade.
"Mum, this is Cade... she's Emmy's sister," he said. "Cade... my mum." Cade gave a gentle nod, forced to let go of Eric's hand to hold her own out in greeting.
"Nice to meet you Mrs. Potter," she said and Ginny smiled warmly, taking her hand.
"Call me Ginny, dear. Eric, I believe Narcissa is waiting for you in the kitchen," she said and Eric sighed.
"Yes, Mum. Excuse me, Cade," he said, and did as his mother asked, sulkily walking to the kitchen.
~
"Oh, he's coming; quick, hide!" Jr. whispered, pulling Emmy further under the breakfast bar. "Yuck..." he said, shaking his head, and Emmy agreed, scrunching up her nose. Then, Jr. turned to her with a slightly concerned tone. "Do I look at you like that?" Emmy smirked slightly. She wanted to assure him that he DID in fact look at her the way Eric looked at Cade... frequently as a matter of fact... but she had a feeling he wouldn't appreciate it.
"No, of course not," she said, and Jr. looked relieved.
"Good," he said with a sigh, leaning back against the wall. Narcissa laughed softly. She'd heard the whole exchange... it sometimes amazed her how children never realized when adults were eavesdropping.
Eric appeared in the kitchen with a slightly annoyed look about him.
"You wanted to see me, Nanna?" She grinned and shook her shoulders.
"Oh, it's nothing dear... I just thought that you might have something to ask me?" she said in a hinting tone and Eric looked confused for a few moments.
"Oh!" he said as realization dawned on him. "Can Cade stay for dinner?" Narcissa smiled.
"Of course she can, dear. Draco, why don't you and your friends get what you want now, before I bring everything into the dining room?" she suggested. Due to the addition of what would have been two, but was now three people, the dining room table simply wasn't big enough. Being the youngest, it was decided that Jr. and his friends could eat at the breakfast bar. Now that Cade was here, she could occupy Jr.'s vacated seat... across from Eric. Jr. shook his head at her question.
"We gotta wait for Jimmy, Nanna," he said, and Emmy nodded her agreement.
"He's in the bathroom." Narcissa smiled.
"Well, when he comes back, then." Eric noticed the two squatters for the first time and raised a curious eyebrow at them.
"What are you doing?" The grins of the two children dropped, and they shared a slightly frightened look before donning unconvincing and nervous smiles.
"Nothing," they said in unison and Eric's eyebrow heightened further.
"Right... oh, Emmy... Cade has your bag," he said, causing her to again drop her smile.
"Oh..." she said, then whispered something in Jr.'s ear. He nodded and she smiled. "Did she make it bigger yet?" Eric sighed. Was it that unlikely that the son of Harry Potter was not of wizarding blood?
"Yes." Emmy scowled.
"Drat. She knew I wanted to," she said bitterly and Jr. rolled his eyes.
"Emmy, you do that stuff all the time... it's not like it was your only chance. Come on, let's go bang on the bathroom door... I'm hungry," he said, standing up and brushing off his bum. Emmy sighed and nodded, taking Jr.'s offered hand to aid her in rising. Mimicking him, she brushed off her skirt and pulled on the hem of her baby blue, thin-strapped top before starting off with him to warn their friend of dinner. Eric laughed and turned to Narcissa.
"If I'd missed the first half of that conversation... that last sentence may have sounded quite awkward." She laughed and agreed.
"So... who's this new girlfriend of yours?" Eric smiled slightly.
"She's Emmy's sister, Nanna, not my girlfriend," he corrected, then paused. "For that I can only hope." Narcissa laughed and shooed him out the door, back to the dining room where Draco and Hermione were holding in their laughter as they watched Harry, all of whom had finally made an appearance, be bombarded with fast paced questions from Cade. She'd already gotten her autograph.
"My Mum absolutely loves you, sir. She'll be so jealous... it really makes my father angry sometimes..." she said and giggled. "If he can't fix something, she'll say 'If only Harry Potter were here to help me,' just so he'll put in more effort. Will you, yourself, be troubled to drive me home tonight, sir? Mum would die if she met you." Harry just mutely nodded... children these days talked so quickly. Cade beamed and took a breath to start again, but saw Eric from the corner of her eye and looked to him quickly before turning back to his father. "Thank you sir. Please excuse me," she said, rushing toward the kitchen doorway, where Eric waited with a smirk on his face. Hermione laughed and stepped up to Harry, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Been a while since you've had a fanatic, isn't it?" she said and Harry smiled sarcastically.
"Funny, Mione," he said, looking after the young girl who was now animatedly talking to his son. Hermione shook her head and patted his shoulder.
"You'll live, Harry," she said before starting down the hall, where it was audible that Jr. meant business when he said 'bang on the bathroom door.' As she passed Draco, Hermione kissed him quickly and pulled him by the tie behind her.
"Harry?" asked a second female voice and Harry tore his eyes away from the girl, placing them on the owner of the voice; his wife. As Ginny approached, he tied an arm around her. "What's wrong?"
"Look at them, love... is that normal?" he asked, watching Eric and Cade shamelessly flirt as if they had no idea they were doing as such. Then, the thought that they might not dawned upon him. Any further contemplation was interrupted by Ginny's laughter.
"It's the epitome of normal, Harry. We used to be like that," she said, leaning her head on his chest. Harry sighed.
"Yeah... but not when we were seven," he said. Ginny giggled.
"Had I known you then, I bet we would have," she said, grinning as Harry looked down at her.
"I love you, Gin," he said before placing a kiss on her lips.
"I love you too, Harry," Ginny agreed. Then she smiled. "I think Mary Sue is hungry," she said, taking a step back, and Harry raised an eyebrow. "I am, so she must be."
"Mary Sue?" Ginny smiled and pointed to her abdomen.
"We don't have a name picked out yet... and I can't very well call her Jane Doe like the people in the morgue," she said, making a face, and Harry smirked.
"How do you know it'll be a girl?" Ginny smiled and gave a light shrug.
"I don't... I can only hope." Harry shook a shoulder.
"Well, what if I want my first child to be a boy?" he asked and Ginny's happy demeanor was crushed. She hit his chest, not hard enough to hurt, but certainly not in a playful manor.
"Your first child IS a boy, Harry," she said, sounding a bit harsh, and Harry gave a nod.
"I know... but I meant my first biological child." Ginny took a step back, regarding him with disbelieving eyes. Harry frowned. "Gin... don't look at me like that; you know I love Eric... but this is different." Ginny shook her head.
"It is not different... they will both be our CHILDREN. We are their PARENTS, both of them, and I will not tolerate you choosing one over the other... I can't even believe you'd say such," she said, her lips a tight line, and Harry's face grew worried.
"Ginny..." he started, but she held up a hand to stop him.
"Harry, I don't want to have this fight," she said and brought the hand down, placing it on her stomach. "I never want to have this fight... and I never want to hear you say anything like that ever again. If Eric overheard you..." she sighed. "He's already upset enough about the baby, Harry..."
"I'm sorry, Ginny... I didn't mean it like that, I..." Again, she stopped him.
"Like I said, I don't want to fight... and that includes your apologies," she said, walking past him and down the hall to the dining room, smiling at Hermione the hen and her congregation of five-year-old chicks as she passed by. Hermione creased her forehead, mouthing 'what's wrong?' but Ginny shook her head and kept her smile, continuing to her destination. When Hermione saw Harry, she stopped, allowing the trio of chattering children to continue to the kitchen on their own.
"Harry," she said softly, approaching him. Harry, who had been leaning against the wall, fingers pushed against closed eyelids and knocking his glasses askew, looked up, fixing his lenses. "What happened?" Harry sighed.
"Ginny thinks I don't love Eric," he said in almost a dead whisper, and Hermione's mouth dropped.
"What?" she asked, then looked over her shoulder to make sure no one was listening. "Why would she think that?" Harry should his head.
"Long story... she thinks I'll choose the baby over him, simply because she said she wanted it to be a girl, and I said I would rather my first child be a boy... and she got the wrong idea," he said, but Hermione's look of shock doubled.
"Harry, I can't believe you would say such a thing," she said disbelievingly, and Harry cringed... her tone reminded him of Ginny's.
"I didn't mean it the way it sounded... I just... ugh, I screwed up big time," he said, groaning and slamming his head back against the wall. Hermione closed her mouth and shook her head, trying to remain gentle.
"I'm sure she'll get over it Harry... I don't think Ginny believes you'd feel that way... she's just overly emotional right now, what with the baby and everything." Harry swallowed.
"I hope you're right, Mione," he said and she grinned.
"Have I ever been wrong?" Harry smiled slightly and Hermione pushed up to give him a light and friendly kiss on the cheek. "Come help Narcissa and me bring things into the dining room, will you, you worthless little... man?" Harry laughed and nodded, following her to the kitchen.
A/N: Oh, dear... more problems. But I promised! Eric gets a g/f! And she's related to Emmy, isn't that perfect? Hehe. As some of you know, I always write two chapters ahead... and you'll love chapter eighteen... it's adorable! You'll die, I swear! Oh, and we still don't know what's up with Emmy helping... hm... whatever could it be? ;o)
PRF: I really gotta start doing these as they come in instead of all at once when I finish a chapter :o/
DarkmarkGurl: Hi! I agree, OotP was VERY sad! Don't worry about Eric... he was depressed... but I have a feeling that a certain someone **cough cough** will make him feel a little better. Wait til you see what happens when they take her home ;o) And Nell'aria is something in Italian... but I can't remember exactly what... I think it was 'in tune'... more literally, 'in the air' but that's what you get for crappy translation websites :oD
BelleThePhilosopher'sCookie: I agree. :oD
Jessika Lynne: Is that really how you spell your name? It's cool. Thanx, I appreciate it.
Lady Malfoy: I thought about that, but I also decided it was a bit tacky. Plus, Jr. doesn't know how to turn off his powers yet... do you think it's fair for the five year old to have to feel the pain of childbirth? Nu uh!
Krissy: Thank you. :oD Lovely is a lovely word...
Ezmerelda: I thought it was, lol, although I never felt neglected when my sister was born... but then again, I was two. Barely. Lol. And about A.I. ... I've never seen it, so I wouldn't know.
Two insane chixs: Lol, I signed 'bringing them to hogwarts' off to someone else... lol. Her penname is Chia; bug her ;o)
LadyLoca231: Thanx... and I try every chapter! Lol.
Chrissy: Nu uh! I swear it just popped out of my head! Okay... so it popped out of my head coupled with a small blue alien... but still!
Crystalline Lily: So Eric's reaction was semi-predictable? Oh well; I think it would be disappointing if he was just "really? Cool!" and meant it... I was thinking about it... but I've decided not in this story. Or at least, not right now... maybe after they get married ::hint hint::
CrackHead: No, sadly, this train shall stop short of Kings Cross station... however, Chia will (hopefully) be there to pick it up along the way... ask her. (chia is her penname). And you can still look forward to updates! Lol.
Simpson-Girl: I'm sorry about OotP... but think about it... if you don't want it spoiled for you, don't read comments about it. It said in plain CAPITAL letters right at the top ORDER OF THE PHONIX... duh, if you didn't want spoilers, don't read... anyway... Hermione probably won't get pregnant again... and if she does, it'll be AFTER they get married ::hint hint::
Mesmer: Thanx.
TriGemini: I thought the whole Hermione misconception thing was pretty good, myself :oD And I've said a few times throughout reviews that I'm not too into making them have another kid until after they're married... you know? And I know Eric seems depressed, but we're hoping Cade will bring out the best in him and make him think something along the lines of, even if they're with the baby... I can still be with Cade... you know? And I think we all expected him to be something special... I mean, honestly, he's a friggin genius. Lol. And I think they're a cute family too... :oD Aw-za!
Couch-potato01: Ew! Lol. That would scar the poor child for life! Or make him really curious... :oD
Sassy2tE: Ooo! I love to get new reviewers! Lol. I'm glad you like my fics... that's what they're there for, after all :oD
Lily: Thanx... but it wasn't supposed to be sad (well, except for chap. 1)! Lol... it's supposed to make you sniffle and say awwww! Lol. Not cry. That's what stories like Barefoot is Beautiful are for ;o)
ObsessedwithBritishPeople: Lol, nice pn... I am too! Lol. I love new reviewers! You're the second of the night! Yippie! Thanks for sticking through all of this with me... I'm glad you like it. Tell a friend ;o)
I AmArE I: Thanx, oh new reviewer of mine! Lol. Let's hope your first isn't your last! Is Amare your real name?
Wildchartermage: Thanx... I thought it was kinda pretty too. Italian is a pretty language.
Erilyn Rose: Do you mind if I maybe use your name in a story sometime? If I ever need a new name... lol, besides Priah, which I have fallen in love with and decided will be the name for all future little girls from the Draco/Hermione side of the family.... but Ginny would love a baby girl... and she needs a name :oD I think Nell'aria is pretty too... :oD so pretty... always pretty... everything is so pretty...
ATTENTION: I'm changing my s/n to Priah. I can't help it... I just love that name :oD I'm still the same PassionPolice, though :o)
B4 on MPES:
"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."
~*~*~*~
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Faithfully
Jr. grinned.
"Good." There was a period of silence in which Jr. simply rested against Draco's shoulder, eyes closed as he basked in his happiness, and Hermione watched with a smile as Draco gently ran his hand over the boy's back. Then, Jr. pulled away, looking curiously at Hermione. "Mum," he said. "Are you gonna have a baby too?" She laughed.
"Why does everyone seem to think that?" Hermione asked, gaining herself a confused look from her son. With a smile, she reached a hand to gently brush the hair from his face. "No, baby. Who told you that?" Jr. shrugged.
"Nobody... I just figured, since you and Auntie do everything else that's girly together, you might be." Both his parents laughed. Jr. smiled for a moment, then looked a tad grave. "Can I tell you something I don't think I'm supposed to tell anybody?" Draco and Hermione shared a look, then she nodded and turned back to her son.
"Yes, maybe you should tell us, Junior," she said and Draco laughed. Both mother and son turned to him, confused.
"You sound just like the Patil's back in school, Mia," he said, then laughed again. "He'll be the first Slytherin in history to spread true rumors." Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"Who says he'll be a Slytherin?" Draco smiled warmly at her.
"You know as well as I do. Look at him; he's like... my reincarnation. The hat won't even bother to actually read his mind, it'll just be 'Malfoy? Slytherin, I condemn thee, devil spawn!'" Hermione frowned and turned to Jr., who was sitting on her lap, looking confused and slightly annoyed that they were talking about him like he wasn't there. She shook her head.
"I don't want him getting all... corrupted and evil like those... people," she said, scowling at nothing and holding Jr. firmly by the arms, rubbing them up and down as if it were he who needed comforting. Draco chuckled again.
"Hello? Slytherin alumni, here." She laughed and looked down.
"Sorry, Draco." He grinned and shook his head.
"Mia, Slytherin de-corrupted me. I think he'll be fine. Won't you, boy?" he said, playfully punching his son in the jaw. Jr. grinned, nodding and glad to be acknowledged, but Hermione shook her head.
"It was making friends with Gryffindor that de-corrupted you, love. What if he can't find any," she asked, studying Jr.'s face as if it would morph from that of an angel to that of a devil right before her eyes, never to return again. At this question, Draco was reminded of something, and smiled.
"Oh, I think I know one that'll do the trick." Hermione spared a confused look at him. "Later. Right now, I believe we have some gossip to hear. Junior; you were saying?" He looked baffled, but shook his shoulders and continued as if his parents had never spontaneously burst into conversation.
"It's about Eric... he thinks he'll have to go away because Auntie doesn't want two babies," Jr. said and the mood in the room quickly turned a bit darker; smiles dropping all at once. Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. She turned to Draco with something like fear on her face. "No, it's okay Mummy... he talked to Nanna... she'll know what to do." Hermione closed her mouth and sighed slightly. She turned again to Draco.
"We should tell Harry..." she said softly, and he was about to agree, but Jr. shook his head.
"Auntie Ginny and Uncle Harry knowed before I even did... Eric didn't tell them, but they knowed." Hermione looked unsure. "And asides... Nanna will know what to say; she always does. Don't worry, Mum." Hermione smiled at her son's concern and kissed his cheek.
"Time for bed, baby. Go brush your teeth and I'll come to tuck you in, alright?" she suggested, and Jr., although not overly pleased, nodded.
"Night, Daddy," he said, leaning over to give Draco a hug, and he smiled, embracing back.
"Goodnight, Junior. You did a good job today," he said and Jr. smiled, then climbed over Hermione and off the bed, scurrying toward the door. As soon as the latch clicked behind him, Hermione turned to Draco.
"Okay, it's later... what were you about to tell me?" she asked sweetly, placing a delicate hand on his chest and innocently smiling. Draco was confused for a moment, but remembered almost instantly and took a breath to speak. This inhalation went unused, however, as Draco shook his head and smirked.
"No... I want to see if you can figure it out. If you don't by Sunday morning... then I'll tell you," he told her and Hermione pouted.
"Draco... you know it'll bug me to hell if I have to wait that long," she said in a childish and begging tone. Draco chuckled and leaned forward to kiss her.
"Tough." Hermione scowled.
"Oh, you!" she said, swinging a pillow at him before leaping from the bed and out the door to tend to her son. Draco simply laughed and slid down, waiting for her.
~*~*~*~
"Draco?" Hermione asked softly as she stepped outside. Jr. was sitting cross-legged on the patio, chin on his hands, staring at the gate. He didn't even look up when she called him. "Honey, maybe she's not coming," she suggested, stepping close and crouching down. Jr. straightened and shook his head.
"She is, Mummy... Emmy said she would come, and she's going to. She wouldn't lie; she's not like that," he said, keeping his eyes on the gate. She sighed softly.
"I didn't say that love... but things come up; maybe she just couldn't make it," Hermione said, but he didn't answer. "Do you want to call her?" Jr. shook his head.
"If she's in the car, she won't hear the phone anyway." Hermione nodded.
"I suppose that's true," she said, biting her lip. "Well, if she comes and you're not out here, I doubt she'll turn around. Why don't you come in and have a snack with Jimmy? He's getting awful lonely with just Eric to play with. You know he wouldn't share that video game for anything." Jr. slouched again and put his chin back on his hands.
"If that's true, then he can come out here. She's Jimmy's friend too." Hermione nodded.
"Right, but he's your guest, Draco. You should show some courtesy."
"I will," he assured. "As soon as Emmy gets here." Hermione sighed and gave up. That boy was as stubborn as his father. She stood.
"Alright, I'll let you stay out here for fifteen more minutes; then you're coming in. It'll be getting cold soon," she said and hustled quickly back to the house. Jr. acted as if he hadn't heard her. "Well, it's no use," Hermione said as she stepped back inside. Draco was reading the paper on the couch, periodically looking to the boys, who were seated on the floor; Eric was playing his game and Jimmy tried desperately to look over his shoulder. Draco looked up when she entered.
"He'll be fine. I once waited out by the lake for you for three hours, and you DIDN'T show up. I lived." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"You know perfectly well that was because I twisted my ankle and was put to sleep by Pomfrey before I could ask Ron or Harry to inform you... and I apologized for that seven years ago; I can't believe you even remember it."
"Evidently, you do too." Hermione sighed and extravagantly plopped down on the couch next to him. Draco lifted an arm over the back of the sofa, and Hermione smiled as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Do you think he likes this girl too much?" Draco shook his head.
"Nah. She's a nice girl, Mia... I think she'll be good for him." Hermione sighed. "What did you say?"
"I gave him fifteen minutes, but I want him back in here in five. He'll catch his death," she said, and Draco laughed.
"It's sixty-five degrees and he's wearing a jacket; you worry much too much." Hermione sighed. There was a brief pause before she shook her head.
"I don't care, I'm going to get him," she said, starting to get up, but Eric stopped her.
"I'll do it Aunt Mina; I'll carry him in if I have to... anything to get breath-of-death here away from my shoulder."
"Eric, be nice," she scolded and he muttered a quick apology before standing and pocketing his game. Jimmy frowned and started to build a small Lego cottage.
~
"Draco..."
"Don't even, Eric. I know Mum sent you out here, and I don't care. I'm not coming inside," Jr. said before Eric could even ask and he sighed.
"Yes you are; I can't take another minute with your... friend, in there. I literally think I'll die. How do you put up with that kid?"
"No harder than putting up with you," Jr. shot back and Eric looked a little taken aback.
"Draco... what's wrong, man?" he asked. It wasn't like Jr. to be so snappy and cold. He sighed.
"She's not coming, is she?" he asked, turning around to look at his cousin. Eric shook his head.
"I highly doubt it; she's nearly two hours late... Nanna's gonna be serving dinner soon." Jr. turned back around without a word. "So, are you coming?"
"No, I don't care if she doesn't come... I'm waiting for her."
"Come on, Draco, just come inside."
"NO." Eric shook his head.
"I was hoping it wouldn't have to come to this..." he said, bending and picking Jr. up; American football style. He yelled.
"No Eric! Put me down! I don't wanna go back in yet!" he called, but Eric didn't yield. He started toward the house, carrying his thin and scrawny cousin with little difficulty, ignoring his pleas. It wasn't until the deep hum of an engine sounded that he turned back. "Emmy! I TOLD you, Eric!" Eric's jaw dropped. Emmy Watson was riding on the back of a brand new, orange, mo-ped... which was being driven by possibly the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. He dropped Jr. without thinking and started toward the two girls. Mumbling innocent obscenities, Jr. got up and brushed himself off before chasing after his cousin.
"Hey Draco," Emmy said as she took off her helmet and tucked it under her arm. "Sorry I'm late... Daddy forgot about me coming over and took the car, so my sis had to take me... and it's a bit slower on Leroy." Jr. grinned, but raised an eyebrow.
"Leroy?" Emmy laughed.
"Her mo-ped... she's so weird." As the younger friends chatted, Eric too was making conversation. The angel on wheels took off her helmet as well, shaking her head to loosen her long ebony hair, then held out her hand to him.
"Hi, I'm Cade; Emmy's sister." Eric, still a bit in shock, took her hand and shook it lightly.
"Eric... Draco's cousin." Cade grinned.
"If my name were Ariel, we could get a fish and name if Flounder," she said, causing Eric to lift an eyebrow. She giggled. "Don't ask; I don't even understand myself half the time." Eric shook a shoulder.
"Mutual," he said, smiling as smoothly as he could manage. Eric and Cade made eye contact for less than half a minute before she averted her eyes to her watch. "Oh, I've gotta go. Emmy, gimme kiss," she said, looking toward her sister, who excused herself from her conversation with Jr. and made her way toward them. Eric looked between the two girls, an expression of concern on his face. He didn't want Cade to go just yet...
"Nonsense; it'll be dark by the time you get back. Won't you stay for dinner? I'm sure my dad could drive you home," he suggested and Cade bit her lip, making him get that doey-eyed look.
"I don't know..." she said a bit nervously, but Jr. stepped in.
"Sure, Cade! Eric's right... Uncle Harry can drive you home later... let me go tell Nanna. Come on, Emmy," he said, taking the younger girl's hand and pulling her down the path to the house. Emmy laughed and followed him, dropping her helmet carelessly on the ground. Cade sighed and hung her headgear over the handlebar of her scooter. She moved to pick up Emmy's from the ground, but Eric quickly stepped up to get it for her. Cade smiled warmly.
"Thanks." Eric shrugged.
"Will you stay?"
"Well, I guess I don't have much of a choice now, do I?" Eric tried to hide his happiness with sympathy.
"Sorry. Draco's a tad high strung at times... and I think he's a fanatic of your sister," he said and Cade giggled.
"I think it goes both ways," she said. "Although she complains about his insensitivity constantly, she still has that frog he gave her in her room..." she shrugged. "I think they're cute. Oh..." Cade jumped slightly as she evidently remembered something and reached into the pocket of her coat, but stopped before extracting whatever it was she was reaching for. She frowned and looked up at Eric. "Eric... do you know what a muggle is?" Eric laughed.
"Yes of course; do you?" She nodded.
"Tell me." Again, he laughed. He regarded her with playful suspicion.
"How do I know you aren't just trying to get me to tell you because you don't know?" Cade smiled slightly at his wit.
"I'm only asking to see if you know," she insisted, but Eric smirked smugly.
"So you say, but how am I to know that?" Cade bit her lip again, not sure how she could convince him of her innocent actions. Eric waited only a few moments before he shook his head. "Cade, if you want to know if I'm a wizard, I'll tell you I am. My father is Harry Potter... how could I not be? Or at least know about magic," he said, gesturing with his hand. Cade looked up, her eyes wide.
"Harry... THE Harry Potter?" she asked. "As in the same Harry Potter who thrice helped defeat the dark lord, is alumni of Hogwarts, was for three years a Gryffindor prefect, and has had my Mum's knickers in a twist practically since she was born?" Eric laughed.
"For the first three, yes, but the forth I'll have to assume," he said and Cade blinked.
"She was part of his fanclub..." Then, a grin spread across her face. "Wait until I tell her I met him. Do you think he'll mind if I ask for an autograph?" she asked and Eric shook his head, a grin still planted on his face. This girl was too cute. He placed a hand lightly on her back, turning to escort her back to the house.
"I doubt it. He'll be thrilled... no one's asked in over a week," he said without the slightest bit of sarcasm, or bitterness. Eric in no way envied his father's fame; he didn't want to be famous... acknowledged yes, but not famous. Nonetheless, Cade frowned.
"Does it bother you? I apologize, I didn't mean to be..." As she struggled for the correct word, Eric shook his head.
"Nah, I'm used to it. Come, before my aunt tries to bring us soup and a flu draft," he suggested, removing his hand and starting a little quicker toward the house, but Cade held out a hand to stop him.
"Wait, I have to..." she said, again reaching a hand into her pocket. This time, however, she removed the object from her jacket and held it in her palm. Eric smiled at the tiny little bag of luggage. Cade whispered something he didn't understand in Latin and he watched with slightly widened eyes as the bag grew. When it was again the size of a normal duffle, Eric turned his eyes back up to Cade.
"But... you're under age," he said, and she nodded.
"Daddy says it's nonsense that we can't use simple wandless spells, so he got us a book. Emmy even knows some." Eric looked utterly amazed.
"Do you think..." he asked softly. "Do you think you could... teach me?" Cade grinned. Oh, the thought; she'd be teaching the son of the famous Harry Potter some simple magic words.
"I don't see why not. It's not like it's dangerous." Eric grinned, and Cade had no choice but to do the same.
"Great. Come, inside with you," he said, offering his hand, and she took it, smiling. Eric waited a moment, simply watching Cade's face and holding her hand. Then, he pulled her gently into their home. He jumped back a bit when he saw his mother, only about a foot from the door, smirking with crossed arms. "Mum!" he said, surprised. "You scared me..." Her smirk turned into a smile.
"Sorry, love. Who's your friend? I was wondering when you two would come inside," she said in a way that made Eric blush slightly. He turned to Cade.
"Mum, this is Cade... she's Emmy's sister," he said. "Cade... my mum." Cade gave a gentle nod, forced to let go of Eric's hand to hold her own out in greeting.
"Nice to meet you Mrs. Potter," she said and Ginny smiled warmly, taking her hand.
"Call me Ginny, dear. Eric, I believe Narcissa is waiting for you in the kitchen," she said and Eric sighed.
"Yes, Mum. Excuse me, Cade," he said, and did as his mother asked, sulkily walking to the kitchen.
~
"Oh, he's coming; quick, hide!" Jr. whispered, pulling Emmy further under the breakfast bar. "Yuck..." he said, shaking his head, and Emmy agreed, scrunching up her nose. Then, Jr. turned to her with a slightly concerned tone. "Do I look at you like that?" Emmy smirked slightly. She wanted to assure him that he DID in fact look at her the way Eric looked at Cade... frequently as a matter of fact... but she had a feeling he wouldn't appreciate it.
"No, of course not," she said, and Jr. looked relieved.
"Good," he said with a sigh, leaning back against the wall. Narcissa laughed softly. She'd heard the whole exchange... it sometimes amazed her how children never realized when adults were eavesdropping.
Eric appeared in the kitchen with a slightly annoyed look about him.
"You wanted to see me, Nanna?" She grinned and shook her shoulders.
"Oh, it's nothing dear... I just thought that you might have something to ask me?" she said in a hinting tone and Eric looked confused for a few moments.
"Oh!" he said as realization dawned on him. "Can Cade stay for dinner?" Narcissa smiled.
"Of course she can, dear. Draco, why don't you and your friends get what you want now, before I bring everything into the dining room?" she suggested. Due to the addition of what would have been two, but was now three people, the dining room table simply wasn't big enough. Being the youngest, it was decided that Jr. and his friends could eat at the breakfast bar. Now that Cade was here, she could occupy Jr.'s vacated seat... across from Eric. Jr. shook his head at her question.
"We gotta wait for Jimmy, Nanna," he said, and Emmy nodded her agreement.
"He's in the bathroom." Narcissa smiled.
"Well, when he comes back, then." Eric noticed the two squatters for the first time and raised a curious eyebrow at them.
"What are you doing?" The grins of the two children dropped, and they shared a slightly frightened look before donning unconvincing and nervous smiles.
"Nothing," they said in unison and Eric's eyebrow heightened further.
"Right... oh, Emmy... Cade has your bag," he said, causing her to again drop her smile.
"Oh..." she said, then whispered something in Jr.'s ear. He nodded and she smiled. "Did she make it bigger yet?" Eric sighed. Was it that unlikely that the son of Harry Potter was not of wizarding blood?
"Yes." Emmy scowled.
"Drat. She knew I wanted to," she said bitterly and Jr. rolled his eyes.
"Emmy, you do that stuff all the time... it's not like it was your only chance. Come on, let's go bang on the bathroom door... I'm hungry," he said, standing up and brushing off his bum. Emmy sighed and nodded, taking Jr.'s offered hand to aid her in rising. Mimicking him, she brushed off her skirt and pulled on the hem of her baby blue, thin-strapped top before starting off with him to warn their friend of dinner. Eric laughed and turned to Narcissa.
"If I'd missed the first half of that conversation... that last sentence may have sounded quite awkward." She laughed and agreed.
"So... who's this new girlfriend of yours?" Eric smiled slightly.
"She's Emmy's sister, Nanna, not my girlfriend," he corrected, then paused. "For that I can only hope." Narcissa laughed and shooed him out the door, back to the dining room where Draco and Hermione were holding in their laughter as they watched Harry, all of whom had finally made an appearance, be bombarded with fast paced questions from Cade. She'd already gotten her autograph.
"My Mum absolutely loves you, sir. She'll be so jealous... it really makes my father angry sometimes..." she said and giggled. "If he can't fix something, she'll say 'If only Harry Potter were here to help me,' just so he'll put in more effort. Will you, yourself, be troubled to drive me home tonight, sir? Mum would die if she met you." Harry just mutely nodded... children these days talked so quickly. Cade beamed and took a breath to start again, but saw Eric from the corner of her eye and looked to him quickly before turning back to his father. "Thank you sir. Please excuse me," she said, rushing toward the kitchen doorway, where Eric waited with a smirk on his face. Hermione laughed and stepped up to Harry, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Been a while since you've had a fanatic, isn't it?" she said and Harry smiled sarcastically.
"Funny, Mione," he said, looking after the young girl who was now animatedly talking to his son. Hermione shook her head and patted his shoulder.
"You'll live, Harry," she said before starting down the hall, where it was audible that Jr. meant business when he said 'bang on the bathroom door.' As she passed Draco, Hermione kissed him quickly and pulled him by the tie behind her.
"Harry?" asked a second female voice and Harry tore his eyes away from the girl, placing them on the owner of the voice; his wife. As Ginny approached, he tied an arm around her. "What's wrong?"
"Look at them, love... is that normal?" he asked, watching Eric and Cade shamelessly flirt as if they had no idea they were doing as such. Then, the thought that they might not dawned upon him. Any further contemplation was interrupted by Ginny's laughter.
"It's the epitome of normal, Harry. We used to be like that," she said, leaning her head on his chest. Harry sighed.
"Yeah... but not when we were seven," he said. Ginny giggled.
"Had I known you then, I bet we would have," she said, grinning as Harry looked down at her.
"I love you, Gin," he said before placing a kiss on her lips.
"I love you too, Harry," Ginny agreed. Then she smiled. "I think Mary Sue is hungry," she said, taking a step back, and Harry raised an eyebrow. "I am, so she must be."
"Mary Sue?" Ginny smiled and pointed to her abdomen.
"We don't have a name picked out yet... and I can't very well call her Jane Doe like the people in the morgue," she said, making a face, and Harry smirked.
"How do you know it'll be a girl?" Ginny smiled and gave a light shrug.
"I don't... I can only hope." Harry shook a shoulder.
"Well, what if I want my first child to be a boy?" he asked and Ginny's happy demeanor was crushed. She hit his chest, not hard enough to hurt, but certainly not in a playful manor.
"Your first child IS a boy, Harry," she said, sounding a bit harsh, and Harry gave a nod.
"I know... but I meant my first biological child." Ginny took a step back, regarding him with disbelieving eyes. Harry frowned. "Gin... don't look at me like that; you know I love Eric... but this is different." Ginny shook her head.
"It is not different... they will both be our CHILDREN. We are their PARENTS, both of them, and I will not tolerate you choosing one over the other... I can't even believe you'd say such," she said, her lips a tight line, and Harry's face grew worried.
"Ginny..." he started, but she held up a hand to stop him.
"Harry, I don't want to have this fight," she said and brought the hand down, placing it on her stomach. "I never want to have this fight... and I never want to hear you say anything like that ever again. If Eric overheard you..." she sighed. "He's already upset enough about the baby, Harry..."
"I'm sorry, Ginny... I didn't mean it like that, I..." Again, she stopped him.
"Like I said, I don't want to fight... and that includes your apologies," she said, walking past him and down the hall to the dining room, smiling at Hermione the hen and her congregation of five-year-old chicks as she passed by. Hermione creased her forehead, mouthing 'what's wrong?' but Ginny shook her head and kept her smile, continuing to her destination. When Hermione saw Harry, she stopped, allowing the trio of chattering children to continue to the kitchen on their own.
"Harry," she said softly, approaching him. Harry, who had been leaning against the wall, fingers pushed against closed eyelids and knocking his glasses askew, looked up, fixing his lenses. "What happened?" Harry sighed.
"Ginny thinks I don't love Eric," he said in almost a dead whisper, and Hermione's mouth dropped.
"What?" she asked, then looked over her shoulder to make sure no one was listening. "Why would she think that?" Harry should his head.
"Long story... she thinks I'll choose the baby over him, simply because she said she wanted it to be a girl, and I said I would rather my first child be a boy... and she got the wrong idea," he said, but Hermione's look of shock doubled.
"Harry, I can't believe you would say such a thing," she said disbelievingly, and Harry cringed... her tone reminded him of Ginny's.
"I didn't mean it the way it sounded... I just... ugh, I screwed up big time," he said, groaning and slamming his head back against the wall. Hermione closed her mouth and shook her head, trying to remain gentle.
"I'm sure she'll get over it Harry... I don't think Ginny believes you'd feel that way... she's just overly emotional right now, what with the baby and everything." Harry swallowed.
"I hope you're right, Mione," he said and she grinned.
"Have I ever been wrong?" Harry smiled slightly and Hermione pushed up to give him a light and friendly kiss on the cheek. "Come help Narcissa and me bring things into the dining room, will you, you worthless little... man?" Harry laughed and nodded, following her to the kitchen.
A/N: Oh, dear... more problems. But I promised! Eric gets a g/f! And she's related to Emmy, isn't that perfect? Hehe. As some of you know, I always write two chapters ahead... and you'll love chapter eighteen... it's adorable! You'll die, I swear! Oh, and we still don't know what's up with Emmy helping... hm... whatever could it be? ;o)
PRF: I really gotta start doing these as they come in instead of all at once when I finish a chapter :o/
DarkmarkGurl: Hi! I agree, OotP was VERY sad! Don't worry about Eric... he was depressed... but I have a feeling that a certain someone **cough cough** will make him feel a little better. Wait til you see what happens when they take her home ;o) And Nell'aria is something in Italian... but I can't remember exactly what... I think it was 'in tune'... more literally, 'in the air' but that's what you get for crappy translation websites :oD
BelleThePhilosopher'sCookie: I agree. :oD
Jessika Lynne: Is that really how you spell your name? It's cool. Thanx, I appreciate it.
Lady Malfoy: I thought about that, but I also decided it was a bit tacky. Plus, Jr. doesn't know how to turn off his powers yet... do you think it's fair for the five year old to have to feel the pain of childbirth? Nu uh!
Krissy: Thank you. :oD Lovely is a lovely word...
Ezmerelda: I thought it was, lol, although I never felt neglected when my sister was born... but then again, I was two. Barely. Lol. And about A.I. ... I've never seen it, so I wouldn't know.
Two insane chixs: Lol, I signed 'bringing them to hogwarts' off to someone else... lol. Her penname is Chia; bug her ;o)
LadyLoca231: Thanx... and I try every chapter! Lol.
Chrissy: Nu uh! I swear it just popped out of my head! Okay... so it popped out of my head coupled with a small blue alien... but still!
Crystalline Lily: So Eric's reaction was semi-predictable? Oh well; I think it would be disappointing if he was just "really? Cool!" and meant it... I was thinking about it... but I've decided not in this story. Or at least, not right now... maybe after they get married ::hint hint::
CrackHead: No, sadly, this train shall stop short of Kings Cross station... however, Chia will (hopefully) be there to pick it up along the way... ask her. (chia is her penname). And you can still look forward to updates! Lol.
Simpson-Girl: I'm sorry about OotP... but think about it... if you don't want it spoiled for you, don't read comments about it. It said in plain CAPITAL letters right at the top ORDER OF THE PHONIX... duh, if you didn't want spoilers, don't read... anyway... Hermione probably won't get pregnant again... and if she does, it'll be AFTER they get married ::hint hint::
Mesmer: Thanx.
TriGemini: I thought the whole Hermione misconception thing was pretty good, myself :oD And I've said a few times throughout reviews that I'm not too into making them have another kid until after they're married... you know? And I know Eric seems depressed, but we're hoping Cade will bring out the best in him and make him think something along the lines of, even if they're with the baby... I can still be with Cade... you know? And I think we all expected him to be something special... I mean, honestly, he's a friggin genius. Lol. And I think they're a cute family too... :oD Aw-za!
Couch-potato01: Ew! Lol. That would scar the poor child for life! Or make him really curious... :oD
Sassy2tE: Ooo! I love to get new reviewers! Lol. I'm glad you like my fics... that's what they're there for, after all :oD
Lily: Thanx... but it wasn't supposed to be sad (well, except for chap. 1)! Lol... it's supposed to make you sniffle and say awwww! Lol. Not cry. That's what stories like Barefoot is Beautiful are for ;o)
ObsessedwithBritishPeople: Lol, nice pn... I am too! Lol. I love new reviewers! You're the second of the night! Yippie! Thanks for sticking through all of this with me... I'm glad you like it. Tell a friend ;o)
I AmArE I: Thanx, oh new reviewer of mine! Lol. Let's hope your first isn't your last! Is Amare your real name?
Wildchartermage: Thanx... I thought it was kinda pretty too. Italian is a pretty language.
Erilyn Rose: Do you mind if I maybe use your name in a story sometime? If I ever need a new name... lol, besides Priah, which I have fallen in love with and decided will be the name for all future little girls from the Draco/Hermione side of the family.... but Ginny would love a baby girl... and she needs a name :oD I think Nell'aria is pretty too... :oD so pretty... always pretty... everything is so pretty...