Pairing: Dramione
Chapter 8:
Hermione's POV:
Draco went back to work after lunch and I finished my shift at St. Mungo's before picking up Autumn. The plan was for me to take her home and feed her dinner and then I would meet Draco at Malfoy Manor. I was nervous for meeting Narcissa but I really wanted to go on my date with Draco. When Autumn and I got home I quickly fed her a bottle and made sure her diaper bag was packed before we left. I heard a knocking while I was changing Autumn and I was surprised to see Draco at the door.
"What are you doing here?" I ask him.
"You told me that you didn't like to apparate or floo with Autumn yet so I thought I would pick you and her up. Are you ready?" I nodded, I was anxious. "She really has changed Hermione. I'm sure she'll love you and Autumn."
"Okay. I, um, just need to grab her diaper bag and put on a coat and then we'll be ready." I put her in her car seat and Draco helped me put my coat on. "Thank you." I'm pretty sure I was blushing.
"I can carry her Hermione if you want to grab her diaper bag." I shook my head.
"I can carry her Draco but thank you." He nodded and we made our way to Malfoy Manor.
It looked daunting. It was huge and dark and immediately I was uncomfortable. I tried to give a reassuring nod to Draco but I'm sure I failed miserably.
"It's cold outside, come on." He led me up to the house and we went inside. If it looked big on the outside it was nothing compared to how big it was on the inside. I still have nightmares about this place but I don't want to pass my fear on to Autumn if she's going to be here so I make myself walk further into the house. Narcissa greets Draco warmly and then looks at me.
"Hello Hermione and this must be Autumn." I nod, nervous to speak. She smiles at Autumn before turning her attention back to me. "Hermione, I just want to apologize for all the things my family did to you. You were always a brave, smart girl. I hope in time you can forgive me." Her soliloquy was so sincere I forgive her on the spot.
"I forgive you Mrs. Malfoy."
"Please, call me Narcissa." She smiles. I nod. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes; do you need to give Autumn a bottle?"
"Oh no I fed her before I came." We all sit on the couch and I take Autumn out of her car seat. She smiles at me.
"May I hold her Hermione?" asks Narcissa.
"Of course," I hand over Autumn and Narcissa's face lights up.
"She's beautiful." Draco and I both agree.
Dinner
Dinner was nice. Draco and Narcissa are very close and it warmed my heart. I had Autumn in my lap as we ate and she was laughing at everything. After a while my arm fell asleep and I had to keep shifting my arm so Autumn wouldn't fall and get hurt.
"Do you want me to take her Hermione?" asked Draco. I shook my head. I didn't want Draco to think that just because he's taking me out on a date that he needs to help me out with Autumn. He sighs and gets up from his spot.
"I know she's heavy Hermione and you and mother have been hogging her all night. It's my turn." Autumn reaches her arms out to Draco and I relunctently hand her over. I don't want to get used to being helped. I do have to admit with her out of my arms they are starting to regain feeling. Draco sits back down with Autumn and he begins tickling her which makes her laugh. She is the best baby in the world. Narcissa smiles at Draco and Autumn. After our main course we have dessert. Its pumpkin pie and I smile. Pumpkin pie is my favorite dessert. The three of us dig in and afterwards we go into the living room to talk. Autumn starts yawning around seven-thirty.
"Thank you so much for inviting Autumn and I into your home Narcissa. I would love it if you could baby-sit for me tomorrow night."
Narcissa beams, "I would love too."
"We should get going Autumn's getting tired. What time should I bring her here tomorrow?"
"Around six because I'm picking you up at seven," Draco says. I nod and put Autumn in her car seat. I start casting a spell to find my way back to my flat from Malfoy Manor so I don't have to bother Draco for a ride. (A/N: Like a GPS system, not floo or apparate)
"What are you doing Hermione?" Draco asks curiously.
"I'm casting a spell to find my way back to my flat." I tell him.
"Come on, I'll give you and Autumn a ride."
"Draco you don't have-"
"Can you just say thank you?" I pout but say thank you.
Back at my flat Draco comes in for a few minutes but before I offer him anything I change Autumn's diaper and put her to bed. I come out of the nursery a few minutes later with Draco by the door.
"Thank you for everything today." I tell him. He smiles and I lean into him. His arms wrap around me and I feel protected.
"You're welcome."
"I'm excited for tomorrow. Where are we going?"
"Nope, surprise."
"Not even a hint? Fine, can you at least tell me what I should wear?"
"A cocktail dress," I nod. I'm sure I have one in the back of my closet. The only problem is if it fits. Three months after Autumn I still haven't gotten my pre-pregnancy weight back. I've lost some weight but I'm still not back yet.
"What are you thinking about?" he asks.
"Nothing, just about tomorrow," I tell him.
"I should get going; I have some things to do at home. I'll pick you up at seven." He kisses my forehead and gives me a hug before leaving. I sigh; tomorrow's going to be stressful and wonderful at the same time.
A/N: Thank you for reading I had a negative review to this story and I know it's the internet and people are entitled to say what they want but if you have a problem with the story or anything be kind about it or don't comment anything. If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. Thanks for the cooperation.
