Pairing: Dramione
Chapter 5:
Hermione's POV:
Autumn and I arrived home by 7:15 and after a quick bottle I put her to bed. I'm happy I was able to save that little boy today. I couldn't imagine if Autumn had gotten into my wand, I'd be a mess. I'm hungry but I could also drop over from exhaustion. I fall asleep trying to decide whether or not to eat or go to bed.
I wake up at 2 in the morning to Autumn crying. I hurriedly walk into the nursery and pick her up. I change her diaper and feed her a bottle but she still won't stop crying. I try to rock her in the rocking chair and reading a story but her wails just increase. It's already three thirty and she hasn't quieted at all since.
"What's the matter, honey? Aren't you sleepy? Momma's very sleepy and wants to go back to bed." I lay her down and examine her to make sure nothing's wrong. When I look at her ears though, I see her left one is red. I immediately pack a diaper bag and get her ready to go to St. Mungo's. While I'm packing I can still hear her crying at the top of her lungs. I feel so bad I didn't notice her ear before. I mean I'm a Healer for Merlin's sake. Once I finish packing the bag I pick Autumn back up and go to St. Mungo's.
"Elizabeth, is there an examination room available?" I ask our night receptionist over the sound of Autumn's cries.
"Yes, is everything okay?"
"Autumn has an ear infection; I want to examine her ear."
"You know the rules Hermione. Another healer has to check her out." I sigh.
"Who's working tonight?" I ask hesitantly.
"Hannah Abbot is working tonight. She's really good with babies. I'll get her." She goes to find Hannah and I rock Autumn in my arms to comfort her.
"Momma's here and we're going to make you feel better. I promise," I whisper to her and kiss her forehead. Hannah comes to greet me then.
"Hi Hermione, I can take little Autumn from you. Is there anything I should know about her before I examine her?"
"No, she's not allergic to anything. Please help her," I beg. I feel so helpless not helping my daughter.
"Of course Hermione," she reassures me. She reaches out to take Autumn and I hand her over to the Healer. She cries louder and tries to reach for me but Hannah walks into the exam room before I can comfort Autumn.
When Autumn was in the exam room I go and wait in the waiting room. I'm still wearing yesterday's outfit, my hairs a mess, and I have dark circles under my eyes. I start to cry. At first just a few tears but then it turns into a full on sob.
"Can whoever's out there crying shut up?! It's four in the bloody morning!" I can hear the crabby voice of Draco Malfoy from his room. I sniffle a few more times before wiping the tears from my face and stand up. I walk over to Draco's room and knock.
"Draco, its Hermione. Can I come in?"
"Hermione, what are you doing here? You usually come at 8." I walk in and sit on a chair next to his bed.
"Um… Autumn has an ear infection. And I just feel like a terrible mother right now." I start to cry again and Draco sighs.
"Hermione, I'm still new at this being a nice guy thing, so let me know if I'm screwing this up. The couple of times I've seen you with Autumn you've been a great mother. When I watched her last night when you came in the room she smiled so wide. She loves you Hermione." I cry even harder.
"I'm a healer Draco. I should've noticed this right away. I sat there for an hour and a half until I realized she had an ear infection."
"Hermione, come here," he commanded. He scoots over on the bed. "Lie down and take a nap. You look exhausted. I'll wake you up when Autumn is done." We share a pillow and I fall asleep within a few minutes.
I wake up a few hours later to a small hand poking me in the face.
"No Autumn, let your mommy sleep." I then hear him pretend to snore which makes her giggle. I smile and sit up.
"When did Autumn come back?" I ask as I take her in my arms.
"About an hour ago, I thought I'd let you sleep and Autumn seemed content enough with me playing with her.
"What did Hannah say?"
"She has a slight ear infection but she gave her potion and she should be fine from now on."
I sigh in relief. "Good. What time is it?"
"A little after 6," he responded.
"Autumn and I should get home. See if I can get her to sleep for a couple of more hours before I take her to the Burrow."
"Hermione, you should go to your flat and take a day. You were up with Autumn for two hours and dealing with anxiety all night. Stay home and sleep and spend the day with Autumn."
"I need to be here, Draco. Besides, tomorrow is Saturday and I can take the weekend to recover."
"Fine but go home and eat something and relax before coming into work this morning."
"I will thank you Draco, for everything. I'll see you in a few hours?" He nods and I take a sleepy Autumn home.
A/N: What do you guys think of this chapter?
MalfoyTwin: Thank you! I hope you like this chapter
