The Chemicals Between Us Chapter 42: Hey you, a harry potter fanfic

A/N: My dearest reader…the last chapter has arrived. And 'finally', I suppose you'd be thinking that. Finally. The word stands for 'parting' for me too. For months, I've churned my thoughts and time for this story. Hermione, Draco, Ron- even Theodore Nott- they've seemed like real people to me as I typed their characters away, and in a way, I feel sad that I have to part with them in this story.

It started off beautiful for me and I hope you find the ending beautiful too (despite cliches and predictability to some). It has been a heck of a few months, being diagnosed with some illness, being forced to quit med school and all that medication and therapy….but I am thankful to the higher being who still gave me the time and talent to write something as long as this. Yes, I mean…42 chapters must be long, right? I hope this story has made an impact on you guys, and I hope they are positive ones. This has been my dream project and I've realized it fully, now- mostly because of you.

Once you reach the ending, there won't be anymore Author notes or personal replies to my reviewers. This will serve as my big THANK YOU to all who had the patience to read and review this story. For any of the flaws, I sincerely apologize. As a writer, I strive for the best- and I hope you can feel and see my efforts as you read. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING THIS DREAM COME TRUE. I LOVE YOU ALL.

So please sit back and grab a cup of chocolate and let me tell you the last chapter of 'The Chemicals Between Us'. Feel it. Enjoy it.

The Chemicals Between Us

(Hey you...)

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There are obstacles and paths in love, and love doesn't come in easy all the time, often times one has to work to make the love survive. Love can come in bursts, love comes through the form of a smile that never leaves your face, love makes you cry and it dries your tears still. Love is in the twinkle in one's eye. It's in the glow of a woman's face when she passes by. Love is when a man can't stop whistling at work. Love is when you don't want the other to get upset, but you still end up doing it, but he still loves you all the same. Love is when he waits for you, patiently, when you shop through your feminine endeavors. Love is when you prepare breakfast and coffee, never feeling tired, only to see him gobble it all up-and it's all good.

It's when he surprises you with flowers when you wake up in the morning, and he still tells you, you're beautiful even when you've just awoken.

Draco Malfoy did just that.

He was looking at Hermione Granger Malfoy, asleep- the sheets pulled up only until her waist. Her creamy skin glowed despite the subdued lights early in the morning. A soft wind was blowing through the open windows of their townhouse. She looked stunning.

It had been a month ago that they had tied the knot, with their closest friends and family present, less than 80 people had attended. They had their reception at the Malfoy manor's vast gardens, with lights twinkling overhead (courtesy of the sprites that lived within the Malfoy woodlands) and white tents to cover their heads with.

She wore a lovely muggle designed gown, a strapless knee-length satin dress with a black sash on her waist as accent. Her hair was done simple, in a braid, with loose curls framing her face. Around her neck was a gift from Narcissa, a necklace and pendant in the shape of two entwined hearts, set in diamonds and white gold (an heirloom that wonderfully shone brighter when the wearer became happy- and it glowed brightly that night, as if a star hung from her graceful neck). Draco almost forgot to breathe and Ron patted his back, as Hermione had requested him to be her bride's man, with Theodore Nott as Draco's best man. She walked down the aisle, surrounded by cascading lilies of the valley and autumn colored roses, subdued pinkish and white lights- and Draco knew he would love her until he'd die, as her eyes shone on his silver ones.

Hermione's heart was pounding as she walked down the short aisle that seemed long enough to her eyes already. She saw Draco, his eyes solely concentrated on her alone, looking every bit an aristocrat- and a handsome one at that, in his black coat and silver tie, the Malfoy crest shone a bit of silver on his breast pocket as well. His hair was carefully combed up. Beside him, Ron was smiling at her as he wore a dark blue coat and tie, his unruly red hair looking neater this time. Theodore Nott had on a smile that said 'you'll love being married' for her, as he wore the same coat and tie as Ron.

Every step Hermione took was how Draco breathed.

This was it…

And then it was over. And they were dancing in the middle of the area, her head on his shoulder- dancing to muggle soft music- and his mother didn't even mind. From the corner of Draco's eye, he saw Tonks dancing with her son, Ron dancing with his new flame- his mother was dancing with Lupin.

" I remember this scene…" Hermione murmured.

" Hmm?"

" The Savoy…" she said.

He smiled. " God, you were beautiful, but nothing beats today. "

" Well, you're not ugly yourself mister. "

He kissed her forehead. " Are you sure you want to quit your muggle job? " he asked her.

She nodded. " I want to be a full-pledged Auror, that way, you won't get yourself into bloody situations again. "

He laughed...

He slowly leaned on her and kissed her cheek.

" You're awake early, " she murmured, still closing her eyes. " what time's it? "

" I'm just going to get the newspaper, k? " he told her in a soft voice. " Go back to sleep beautiful, it's not yet 6.30. "

" K, " she mumbled sleepily.

He started for the door when he stopped upon hearing her voice. " Hmm? What is it? "

" I love you, " she said before burying herself in the sheets once more.

He smiled and walked out of the door, determined to get her something to make her day brighter. He walked out of the house, walking for a kilometer to get to the lane that sold the best flowers in the suburb.

At exactly 6.00 he crept back upstairs, placing the flowers on the floor. Hermione woke up, hearing a noise. She blinked and yawned, hugging her knees because of the cool air. She blinked again, seeing something colorful on the floor. She bent down from her bed to pick it up. A single white lily?

She slowly sat down on the bed. And she saw another one. She walked for it and picked it up. And then she suddenly realized that the lily stems made a line that led out of their bedroom. She walked out of the room, picking up the lilies and she stopped at the balcony. There was an empty vase filled halfway with water and a smiling Draco holding up a plate full of toast. A table for two had been set up, with fresh orange juice and pancakes and bacon.

She walked up to him. " What's this for? "

" Look behind you, " he told her.

And she did. And she gasped and laughed and hugged Draco and kissed his neck. " Oh my god! Draco! You didn't have to! "

It yapped at her. " He's a darling! " she said happily picking up the energetic bundle of white dog fur.

" Like him? "

" I'm in love! " she declared, kissing the puppy's head.

" Bollocks, that puppy's replacing me! " he muttered jokingly.

She kissed him.

" Happy first month to us, " he said as he kissed her back. " I figured you'd love him. I saw him at a pet shop yesterday. His eyes were begging for me to buy him for you. He's a west highland terrier, perfect for you. "

Hermione kissed him on the lips again. " And you, just you wait! " she grinned wickedly.

" You have something for me? "

" Haha. I'm not telling you. "

" My wife is keeping secrets from me, and I just gave her a westie. "

" Oh shush! " she kissed him again. " I'm famished. "

" Ha, so am I, " he told her.

They had breakfast on the balcony, toasting with orange juice and laughing. Then Hermione looked up to him.

" Something wrong? " he asked her.

" Nothing, " she replied. " You're- you're amazing. "

He laughed and scratched his chin. " Am I, now? Of course I am, and so are you. People still talk about us, the magic folk, a first union between Slytherins and Gryffindors in years. "

Hermione laughed. " A snake and a lion? You've always been such a charmer. "

" You've always been my 'mane' love, " he quipped.

Hermione laughed aloud. " Did you just make a joke? " The puppy behind her yelped. Hermione frowned a bit. " What do we name the codger? "

Draco shrugged and smiled. " Beats me, " he said.

" What's the perfect name for you? " Hermione asked the puppy, placing him on her lap. " Sweetie, what do we name you? "

It barked- a tiny high pitched bark that made her laugh. " Hmm…how's about…Hero? "

Draco frowned. " That's is so common. Try…Westie? "

" Now that's too common! "

" Anubis! "

" Does this look like a dog of Death to you? "

" I can train him to be one, " Draco laughed.

" Eros, " she said.

Draco snorted. " Puh-lease. A romantic name like that for a dog? Hermione be real. "

She threw a flower stem at him.

" Hey, I was kidding! Sorry, " he said with a smile.

She laughed. The puppy played with the folds of her robe. The puppy found the robe ties and bit onto it happily. " He's chewing on my robes! " she was grinning. Draco cringed, remembering he brought those robes two days ago at quite a high price. Hermione looked up to him. " I have a name. "

" What? "

" Chew. "

" As in ah-choo? "

" No, c-h-e-w, Chew. "

Draco laughed. " Hear that boy'o? You've got a name! " He leaned in to pet Chew's head.

Hermione smiled at him. " Know what? "

" What? "

" We were arguing over a dog's name. What if this time, it'll be for a real baby? " And she smiled again, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Draco's eyes widened a bit. Then he smiled at her. He had handled Lord Voldemort, he had handled a rough time with Hermione- surely he could handle naming a baby…Merlin's ass! Was he thinking about being a daddy? Hermione was going to be a mommy?! He cleared his throat and looked at her. He- he just wasn't ready-! " Hermione-? "

" Hmm?"

" Did you mention something about a baby? "

She shook her head and laughed. " No. Not at all. "

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It was raining that day, many months later, when they walked hand in hand, with an umbrella, across the wet grass- the wet gravestones- and they stopped, and Hermione bent down and placed a bundle of roses on top of Harry's grave.

Draco's arm was wrapped around her waist as he held the umbrella. There were a few minutes of silence, each to their thoughts.

And Draco was thinking: Harry, thank you so much. First you gave me a heart, and now, I'm taking care of your other heart. Who would've known, that I would love her when you loved her too? I suppose this was the way things had to be. It was hard Harry, it was hard to keep up with it all, but it was easy to fall for Hermione, and you were lucky to have held her too. I'm now married to her; you can trust me you know. Hermione's love is well returned. We have bickering and all, but I don't mind, it's all part of her and I love every part of her. How was it possible that I would get your heart and her? I feel like the luckiest bastard in the whole world- I am grateful, I will be till the day I die. Harry, you're more than a legacy to me- my respect has known no bounds now for you.

Hermione was thinking: Harry, I'm married to him now, Harry. Someone we used to dislike- used to call ferret-boy, Harry. I'm now Mrs. Malfoy, it doesn't sound so bad, does it? Harry, I miss you so much- the wedding was wonderful, we even had a seat reserved for you- we had your picture on a table too, your best picture, of course. Was this how things should really turn out Harry? I married someone we used to call enemy….I love him Harry, I do. I'm no longer hurting when I think of you; I just think that this is how you wanted things to turn out, for me to find a love I never knew could exist for me….

" Shall we? " Draco said, looking at Hermione's face. She nodded. But then she stopped and reached out to touch Harry's tombstone.

" Harry, " she began. " We're having a baby. We're going to name him Alexander Harry Malfoy. " And she smiled and bit back her tears. A cool breeze fluttered near them and Hermione looked up to see a flower falling from a tree at her feet. She smiled again, content at that simple sign.

Harry approved…

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Draco was skimming through reports that day; it was nearly lunch time when Alice walked in, with a smile.

" Sir, " Alice began.

" Hmm?" he said, not looking up. " What is it? If it's about that meeting in Paris, send Jonathan instead. "

" Sir, you've been- "

" That's it. Final, " he looked up with a smile. Then he resumed looking at the reports. He had to finish them soon; he was going to have lunch at home with little Alex and Hermione. He couldn't wait…

" Paris isn't such a bad idea, " another voice said.

Draco looked up and laughed. " What are you doing here? " he asked Hermione, standing up and walking towards her. He kissed her forehead and took Alex in his arms. He kissed Alex's black hair.

" Figured we'd take daddy out for lunch, " she said with a laugh. " And maybe go to Paris…"

Draco laughed. " That isn't such a bad idea. Hermione- you need rest, you know- at least two months? " he suggested, remembering the night Hermione began to have labor pains- and it took hours of pacing back and forth a small room at a muggle hospital with Ron and Hermione's parents and Narcissa, of course. The moment the female doctor came in, his face lit up, knowing it was finally over and that he was now a daddy.

" Two months? What do you think I am? Invalid? " she pouted as she took Alex from his arms. " Dray- it'll be Alex's first trip there, what do you say? And we won't disturb you with your work, right sweetie? " she told Alex, rubbing her nose against his. Alex burbled happily.

Draco threw his hands up in the air and laughed. " You win. I can never win against you, " he said.

Hermione kissed him. " I know that. We're cheaters, Alex and I. So how's about lunch? Say…Italian's good today. Oh, I invited Ron and Daphne and Nott. Hope that's well with you. "

" Italian it is, I haven't tasted Italian in a long time, " Draco said. " Company isn't so bad, too. "

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" I swear, I thought I was up to my neck with her, bloody wizarding real estate, " Nott told them, as they all laughed.

Hermione was holding Daphne's little girl- with her fine brown hair and eyes that matched Theodore's light ones , already a year old, as her own Alex slept in a stroller beside her.

" Did I tell you that we were considering to put Daphne's manor up for the market? " Nott said, as he sipped some red wine.

Hermione's eyes looked surprised. " But that's- that's an heirloom, " she looked at Daphne.

Daphne shrugged. " What else do we have to do with a manor that's too big for us? Theed's house will do fine, " she said, using her husband's nickname. " Too many bad memories there too, " she added with a sigh.

Hermione reached out an empathetic hand and Daphne smiled.

" Theed's home is cozy for us, anyway. "

" I'll say, " he said. " Did I tell you little Allison's showing signs of baby magic now? " he grinned, a proud daddy. " Daphne was changing her diapers, and Daphne's wand was beside her little hand, and she picked it up and there were red sparks for a few seconds! "

" Takes after Mrs. Nott, " Ron said, chewing on his calzone.

She smiled. " How about you, Weasley? " she asked. " Wedding bells in the air? "

He almost choked. " Hello, no! I'm not ready to settle down yet! I'm at the prime of my life. Uncle Ron is fine for now, not Daddy. But you chaps seem to be adjusting well, " he said, eyeing Nott and Draco.

Draco laughed. " You have no idea. The diaper changing, the crying, the sleepless nights- it's half of heaven and total toil. But- somehow, there's a charm to it that I can't resist. "

Theodore nodded. " You're right. Besides, I'm doing it as a favor for Daph- " he looked at her as Daphne pouted at him. " Did I tell you my wife's beautiful? "

" Really, Theed- " Daphne rolled her eyes.

They laughed.

" I haven't had this much company since your wedding, " Ron said, looking at Hermione. She was glowing with happiness and warmth. He eyed their little Alexander Harry Malfoy. The boy was going to grow up a charmer, he assumed, with his dark bluish-black hair and his silver eyes…he sighed.

" Too concentrated with work? " Nott asked him.

" Quite, " he replied. " Did I tell you that Pansy donated a fourth of her husband's estate to Durmstrang? "

Daphne's brows picked up a bit. " Really? I bet she didn't know what to do with the money, like what we don't know what to do with our house. Does the Ministry-? "

" Nothing to panic about- Durmstrang is Durmstrang. It's to benefit younger boys too; they'll open a formation school for boys the ages of 4 to 9. "

" Maybe that's what Marko would have wanted, " Nott said softly, recalling the night he couldn't save Pansy's husband. Daphne held his hand.

" You did your best, how many times do I have to say that? " she told him. The others nodded slowly.

" It's just that- Pansy was- well…she loved him and it makes me a bit guilty that I have you and Allison while she only has…"

" She has a son, " Hermione reminded him. " A son that looks like a replica of Marko- the last time I saw her at a Ministry Ball. "

Nott finally nodded. " I suppose. We've all been pricks to each other at Hogwarts, haven't we? "

Ron laughed. " Well, I didn't notice you that much, I just knew you as Theodore Nott, a thin Slytherin who hated everyone else. "

Nott smiled. " Ha. Good observation. Well, I was just cautious on who to trust, I tried to talk to Daphne once, she brushed me off…"

" I did not! " she said.

Draco laughed. " Well, I respected you guys, you know that. And I was just bloody insecure of everyone else, that's why I was such a prick. Everyone had a life, except me- and I was arrogant that I could handle things like my father and all- "

" Pompous arse, " Ron commented as the others laughed. " But I was a hot tempered flare head too…"

" I was a goody-two-shoes…" Hermione mused and then she laughed. " I think I studied a bit too much. "

" You studied well enough for every Hogwarts student- " Nott told her.

" I think I was a bit too….snobbish…" Daphne pondered.

Draco laughed. " A bit? Merlin, you wouldn't even look at Blaise when he spoke to you. "

" I found him a tad too annoying for my taste, " she quipped and smiled.

" Allison's birthday is coming up, she'll be two years old, " Nott announced. " As usual, you're all invited. "

Hermione grinned. " Time flies fast. "

" I feel old, " Ron suddenly said. Then he laughed.

" This Saturday, " Nott said. " Don't forget. Dinner party, alright? "

Hermione nodded as she looked at Draco. " You'll be able to go, right? "

Draco nodded. " Paris isn't until next week, " Draco told her.

" Paris? " Daphne smiled. " Busy muggle daddy, eh? Theed, when are we going to Paris? " she asked him.

" Soon enough, " Nott told her.

" Ah, Paris, " Ron said, " Last time I was there, it was for a boring convention. "

" We're bringing Alex, " Hermione said. " We're going to disturb daddy's work, won't we? " she asked, playing with Alex's hand. Alex gurgled.

Draco smiled. " I can handle it. "

They talked until one o'clock, until it was time for everyone to get back to work. They all went their separate ways. Draco walked back into his office building just in time. Hermione followed behind and they walked up to the office with Alex in tow.

" What important thing did you want to talk about earlier? " she asked, placing Alex in his stroller.

Draco smiled and held her hand. " Hermione, I was wondering if you wanted a new house? "

Hermione's brows shot up. " House? But our house if fine as it is…"

" I found out about a new subdivision, you've got six months to decide. They're located thirty minutes away from muggle London still…"

" Your work? "

Draco grinned. " I can handle it. "

" You always think you can, " she kissed his cheek. " Don't overwork, alright? I hate seeing you tired. "

" I'm not, " he told her. " I think it'll be a good gift for you, for Christmas and all…"

" Draco- isn't it too much-"

" No, it's not, " he said. " I was thinking about how Alex would love it there. Its two thousand square meters, with a front garden and back garden. Outside the subdivision's a private muggle school, I've been there yesterday. It's perfect for him. "

Hermione laughed. " Draco…it's your choice. "

" No, it's yours. It's up to you- and Alex of course. "

" You free for lunch tomorrow? We can see it together, " she finally said.

" Thank you for considering it, " Draco told her.

She kissed his forehead and picked up a wide awake Alex from the stroller. " Tell daddy we'll see him later for dinner. "

Draco picked up Alex and he smiled and cooed as Draco held him up. " He's a looker, isn't he? " Alex placed an open palm on his father's cheek and he fisted a bit of his father's blonde hair.

" Takes after daddy, " Hermione said, taking Alex from him.

Draco laughed. " See you later, " he kissed Alex and Hermione.

" Bye daddy, " Hermione said before she closed the door. Draco walked up to a large window; he looked below and saw Hermione placing Alex in the backseat, in his safety seat. Hermione looked up, sensing his gaze. She blew a kiss for him and waved and got into the driver's seat.

Draco smiled as the car sped away. Somehow, he loved it and it didn't matter whether he lived as a muggle or a wizard, all that mattered was he loved his family, was at peace with other people, muggles and wizards alike- his health improving greatly... he thought about Harry once more, how thankful he was of the opportunity to have had Harry's heart and not anyone else's. He wished Harry would appear to him so that he could thank him, personally. But that wouldn't happen, not in a lifetime...

He worked this time, but took breaks to glance at the many still pictures of Hermione and Alex. He found himself smiling alone as he picked up a picture of a month old dark haired Alex sleeping in his cot, another one had Alex holding his wand. He gazed at a picture of Hermione on their wedding day, of her holding flowers- her eyes sparkling with delight. He shook his head and stared at his laptop again, wishing to be home.

The hours ticked by and Draco found that it was nearly seven in the evening- he picked up his jacket and brief case and walked down the stairs. His staff said their 'good nights' as he walked out of the room. He took out the key to his car, a Volkswagen, Hermione's old car, actually. He smiled, recalling that this was the car that caused them to meet.

He drove down the familiar streets, passing by restaurants he had taken Hermione to, he passed by the flower shop that he liked buying from. He reached the idyllic street he lived in and he parked the car on the driveway.

He went inside and saw Chew and Alex (sitting in his high chair, giggling) in the kitchen with Hermione, who was frosting a cake using her wand. She didn't notice he was there already and he took the chance to gaze on his wife of nearly two years, dressed in white shorts and a sleeveless top. Funny how something that simple could make her look so outrageously sexy….Chew barked happily, noticing him.

Hermione spun around and smiled. " Hey you, " she said, her curls framing her delicate face, a smudge of white on one side of her cheek.

Draco smiled, feeling a sudden strong burst of love when he heard her voice. " Hey you. "

Sometimes, things just turn out perfectly. Sometimes, you just find that perfect someone you want to spend the rest of your life with- whether you fight and make-up, have kids or not…sometimes, love just turns out to be a wonderful pain and a wonderful healing. Love comes in many shapes, colors- people. Love pops out unexpectedly, or starts slowly- sometimes it even dies, but when it lives- it lives only for the best.

It certainly did for Draco and Hermione.

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