Disclaimer: I wouldn't dream of trying to claim these amazing characters.
Little James Potter was four weeks old. He was healthy and thriving. He had his father's charm and his mother's intelligence. At least Hermione thought so. Maybe it was too soon to be looking for intelligence in her precious son but he had already learned how to get what he wanted, and Hermione had learned to give in to his whims. They had settled into a routine and Hermione was learning to live on limited sleep. She'd rather be awake and holding her baby anyway. If Harry had been here, he would have been so proud of his son. His look-alike son. Hermione thought of Harry every day but she didn't feel the sharp pain of hurt anymore. Now it was a dull ache, almost an acceptance. She couldn't help but move on, she had so much to live for now.
Her mum and Molly were constantly helping out. They had been there daily for the first two weeks. Eventually she had to tell them she wanted a little more time alone. If she was going to be a single parent, she needed to be able to handle the little things. That was the big question though. Was she going to be a single parent? She couldn't get Draco's words out of her mind. He wanted to be a father. He wanted to be this baby's father. She had moments where she wanted to let him. She had moments where she wanted to run into his arms and go with her emotions. Then she would remember that Harry hadn't even been gone a year and she wasn't showing respect to her dead husband. To say she was conflicted was an understatement.
She missed Draco's friendship if nothing else. He hadn't tried to come and see the baby either. She knew that she hurt him more than she had realized. He must be very angry at her to have shut her out so completely. She deserved it though, after telling him to leave. At first she didn't regret her decision but now she did. She could admit to herself that she was attracted to him now but she couldn't say she loved him. That was too strong an emotion right now. Plus, he had probably moved on.
Draco was currently stalking the halls of the ministry looking for his new assistant. He should have known better than to hire Goyle's little brother. His former friend had tried to pull in some favors and Draco went against better judgment. Seymour Goyle wasn't any smarter than his brother and was probably lost. Of course if someone opened a box of cookies in his presence, he was probably hovering around there. Walking back into the lobby of the Auror department, he noticed a group of his co-workers standing around Weasley.
"Hey, Draco! Want to see a picture of Potter's kid? Looks just like him without the scar. Or the glasses." One of the aurors called out. Draco froze in his tracks, he chanced a look up at the group. Catching Ron's eye, he waved everyone off and went back to his office. After a few moments, he heard a knock on his door.
"Come in." He replied, glancing up from the file he was studying. It was Weasley. Automatically his hand found his wand. It was a natural reaction for both of them.
"What do you want Weasley. I'm studying the Hadley file."
"I thought you might like to see the picture of James. I have an extra one if you'd like it." Draco didn't dare glance at the photos in Ron's hand.
"No thanks. You've seen one baby, you've seen them all."
"She misses you. She won't admit it but she does. If you really love her you'll give her time. You should go see the baby though. She'd let you."
"Why are you telling me this? You hate me. You didn't want me anywhere near her."
"Gut reaction to hate you. My sister and my wife helped me to see things differently. I've seen the hurt in her eyes every time your name is mentioned. I've seen it in yours as well. Do what you want, it's your life. I guess I just wanted to let you know that I won't stand in your way." Ron turned to leave when Draco stopped him.
"I'm not going after her. I can't do it again. I do love her. I will wait for her, but she has to come to me. It's too hard." Ron pretended not to hear Draco's voice crack, gave him a nod and left the office. He still had both pictures. Obviously Draco didn't want to see the baby. Not yet anyway.
A week later, Ron received an owl from Hermione.
Ron,
Can you find some time off this week to go with me to Hogwarts? I want to introduce the baby to Hagrid and Professor McGonagall. I also want to visit Harry's tomb. I don't think I can do it alone, would you come? My schedule is open.
Hermione
Ron immediately checked his calendar and sent a reply back to Hermione. He looked forward to visiting Hogwarts again and seeing Hagrid.
Wednesday afternoon, Ron, Hermione and a very bundled up James, apparated to Hogsmeade. They quickly walked toward the Hogwarts gates. They had let the Headmistress know they were coming and they would be allowed entry.
"I want to visit Harry first. Come with me? Then I'd like some time alone."
"Sure, whatever you want. The mood had grown somber as they walked toward the tombs that lay near the forest edge. Reminders to everyone of two great men. Hermione bit back tears as she and Ron walked closer. Brushing a hand over Harry's name, she took a deep steadying breath.
"Harry, I'd like you to meet your son. James Sirius Remus Potter. I named him after all the marauders. He's sure to cause trouble with that name. Hopefully he'll be a bit like me though, following the rules. Most of the time anyway. He's going to have a cousin pretty soon. Ron's here. He's going to be a dad in a few months. They think it's a girl."
"Hey Harry." Ron said as he placed a hand on the tomb. "You've got a pretty good looking kid. He looks like you but not as funny looking. He has a bit of his mum too. But he has your bright green eyes. I've been practicing on him, changing nappies and stuff. I think I'll be ready when my baby comes. We were thinking of naming her Lily. After your mum. I hope that's ok. Hermione thought it would be." The two stood in silence for a while, both reflecting on the fact that the Golden Trio was together in some way again.
"Ron, could you give me a moment? With James and Harry. You could go on to Hagrid's hut and I'll see you there."
"Sure. Take your time." Laying a hand on the tomb once again his voice broke as he said "Bye mate. I'll be back soon." Hermione watched Ron walk away. This was hard on him. She conjured a bench and sat down.
"Harry, you have no idea how hard this is. I miss you so much. I'm not angry anymore, I've gotten past that. I just miss you. I want you here with me and your son. I want you to teach him how to play Quidditch. I want help raising this boy Harry. I don't know how to do it alone." She gave a shaky laugh and continued. "Someone wants the job you know. Someone offered to be James' father. He says he loves me too. He wants to be with me and raise your son. I want to be fair to you though. I turned him down of course. Well, I more than turned him down. I crushed him. I'll be faithful to you. I promise."
"You need to be faithful to yourself." Hermione was startled to hear a voice behind her. She smiled as Professor McGonagall sat down beside her. "Let me see that baby." Hermione handed James over to her favorite professor and watched the stern woman coo over the baby.
"I remember when I held his father like this. It seems like yesterday. I don't mean to intrude on your time here but I saw you out here and couldn't help but overhear. I assume you are referring to Mr. Malfoy." Hermione looked at her old professor in shock.
"How did you know?"
"I know a lot more that goes on than most. I keep a good tab on most of my former students, and I hear rumors. I know that you spent a great deal of time with Mr. Malfoy during your pregnancy. It only made sense that he would be the one. He's a changed man. He'd be a good father you know."
"I know. I know that little James needs a father, and honestly Draco is the only one I can imagine doing the job . . . it's just what comes with it."
"What do you mean?"
"He wants to be the baby's father, but he also wants to be with me and I have to be faithful to my husband. That's why I turned him down. That's why he's so hurt right now."
"Hermione, don't take this as being harsh but you can't be faithful to someone who is dead. Harry is gone. He's not coming back. He wouldn't want you to pine away for him forever. You shouldn't be alone if you don't want to be. Do you think you could love him as he loves you?"
"I could. If I'm really being honest, I don't want to be alone forever. I don't want to raise this baby alone. I want to be in love again." Hermione looked at Professor McGonagall again. "Professor, Draco is the only one I can imagine spending my life with. I just haven't wanted to admit that."
She got up and started pacing. She was clearly confused. The professor watched from the bench, still holding little James. Hermione needed to work this out by herself.
"How can I even think of being with someone when Harry hasn't been gone a year? Isn't there a timeline for this. A year of mourning? Two years of mourning? What's proper? What are the rules?" She cried.
"Hermione, calm down. There are no rules in this situation. You have to go with your heart. You are clearly conflicted about this. If you are ready to start a relationship with Mr. Malfoy, then I suggest you let yourself. If you want more time, tell him that. At least let him know that it will happen. Maybe introduce him to the baby?"
"So, you wouldn't be ashamed of me if I were to move on this soon?"
Professor McGonagall stood up and walked over to Hermione. "I will never be ashamed of you. You are doing nothing wrong. The people that love you will continue to love you and the people who want to think bad things about you will do that regardless of your decision. This is your life. You do not need to worry about others' reactions. Your only concern should be you and your baby. Right now, I don't think he cares." They both looked down at the happy baby. "Why don't I take this little boy over to see Hagrid and get him out of the cold. You spend a few more moments here and meet us there."
"Thank you Professor." Hermione watched her walk away, gently cradling the baby. She walked over to Harry's tomb once more and placed both hands on the cold marble. "Harry, I love you and always will. I do need to follow my heart though. You're never going to believe this but I'm going to let Draco Malfoy help raise your son. If you plan to come back and haunt me, now would be the time." She started laughing then, an odd mix of hearty laughs and wracking sobs. Knowing Harry was really truly not going to come back to her in any way, she walked over toward the lake. She remembered the day several months ago. Draco had saved her life. He had saved James' life as well. She had made a decision. She only hoped it was the right one.
She quickly walked over to Hagrid's hut where she was able to warm herself by the fire while laughing as Hagrid held the baby in just one of his large hands. He was trying to be so careful. Ron was smiling and laughing as well. It brought back many memories of the hours they'd spent in here with Harry. Eventually they needed to get going. Professor McGonagall and Hagrid were needed in the great hall for dinner and Ron needed to get back to Luna.
As they walked back to Hogsmeade where they could apparate home, Hermione decided she couldn't wait any longer. "Ron, can you please help me apparate to Draco's? I need to talk to him." Ron looked down at his friend and knew that she had made a decision. He was fine with it. It surprised him. She wasn't confident to apparate alone with the baby so he grabbed hold of both of them and they found themselves in the front of the imposing Malfoy Manor. Both of them let out a little shudder. Hermione knew one thing, she was never going to live here. Draco could come live in her house like he had suggested.
"You ok by yourself?" Ron asked.
"Could you just stand off to the side for a moment with James. I want to see Draco for a moment alone."
"Sure." He carefully took James and went over to the side of the house.
Hermione walked up to the door and rang the bell. She was expecting a house elf to answer but instead Draco was there.
"Hi Draco. Can we talk?" Draco nodded and opened the door wider, letting her in.
"You look good Hermione, I trust you are well?" He was being as formal as possible to keep himself from grabbing her and holding her in his arms. He could barely contain the hope that was bubbling in him.
"I'm fine. I've just been at Hogwarts. Professor McGonagall says to say hello."
"Oh? I'll have to stop by and see her sometime."
"I went to talk to Harry. Well, his tomb anyway. I wanted to introduce him to his son. Funny thing about talking to a tomb, they don't talk back. Which is probably a good thing when you think about it." She laughed nervously. Draco only watched and listened. He didn't want to interfere with her reason for coming, whatever that may be.
"I told him about you too. How you want to help raise the baby. How you claim you are in love with me. I told him that if he had a problem with it, it would be a good time to speak up. He didn't though. He didn't speak at all. He's really, truly gone." Tears started to fall then. "It wasn't as if I was in denial but still, realization hits every now and then. It can be overwhelming." She was pacing in front of him and he was worried now. It didn't seem to be going in his favor.
"I thought there had to be a proper amount of time that goes bye. At least a year of mourning, maybe two before I could even think about getting involved with someone else. I figured enough time had to pass so that people wouldn't be mad at me for moving on too soon. Do you know what? According to Professor McGonagall, there are no rules for mourning! I'm supposed to go with my heart, with what feels right. Stupid heart."
"Hermione, please, calm down. Can you please tell me where this is leading because I'm having a hard time here?" Draco finally had to interrupt.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. The last thing I want is to hurt you again. I want to give it a try." At Draco's confused and slightly stunned expression, she continued. "I want to see what happens. Between us. I want you to move into my house and help me with James. I want you to teach him how to play Quidditch. I want you to love me and be patient with me, knowing that in time I'll love you back."
"Are you saying you love me?" Draco couldn't quite comprehend what she was saying.
"Sort of. In a way, yes, I love you. I'm just not quite at the point to shout it out. I'm not one to easily give my heart away. But I do know, without a doubt in my mind that when I'm ready, you will be the one I give it to. I will love you with everything that is in me. If you can wait just a little longer, maybe we can try actually dating."
"That's all I've ever wanted. I was stupid to push too far and too fast. I just want you to be a part of my life. You and James. Hermione Jane Granger Potter, will you be my girlfriend." Hermione started laughing and rushed over to his waiting arms. They held each other as tight as they could, neither wanting to let go. "Can I kiss you?" He whispered in her ear.
"Yes," she whispered back. Their lips met for a second time, gentle and sweet. Draco's hand went to cup her cheek and Hermione's went up into his hair. As their lips pressed together, Draco nibbled her bottom lip. She groaned as she allowed his tongue entrance. It had been a long time since she'd had a good snogging session. She finally came to her senses and broke away needing air. As they stood in each other's arms, they smiled, knowing this was how it was meant to be.
"Come outside. You need to meet someone." She took his hand and they walked out the front door and around to the side. Ron was sitting on a bench rocking little James. As he saw them approach, he stood.
Draco stopped as he realized that Weasley was holding the baby. Was he ready for this? Was Ron going to hex him? Ron stepped closer.
"Draco, I want you to meet your son. Meet James Sirius Remus Potter." Hermione said as Ron walked up to a still frozen Draco and handed him the baby. Draco reluctantly held out his arms. He'd never held a baby before. At his look of horror, Ron chuckled. "Oi mate, he won't break. Watch his head and hold him close." Draco did just that. As he looked into the face of the baby that would be his son, the emotion hit him and caused his heart to skip a beat. It was overwhelming, the love he felt for a child that he'd only just met.
Hermione's heart also skipped a beat as she saw the emotion cross his face. Yes, her son was a charmer, he could win over the hardest of hearts. Only Draco wasn't hard anymore. He was as soft as they came all because of her. She walked over to the man she would spend the rest of her life with and looked down at her son. He was content to be with his family. That's what they were. A family.
Ron watched the scene in front of him. He knew that they'd be fine. Draco wasn't going to hurt either one of them and they'd be happy. He had grown up too and his anger at he past was gone. He gave a wave to the new family and apparated home to Luna.
"Let's go home Draco." Hermione whispered. He nodded, gathered them close and apparated them to Hermione's home. There they would set up a new life for all three of them.
Author's Note: See the end of the Epilogue