Sunday, June 20th 2004, 6:00 PM
Today was the day. I was finally getting married—and to the man of my dreams no less. The fact that the man is Draco Malfoy never ceases to amaze me. Even after all this time. It was truly baffling at times how out of all the people in this world—he was the one made specially for me and I for him. I wouldn't have it any other way though. In less than an hour I would be Mrs Draco Malfoy. Just the mere thought of it mad me smile and my heart flutter.
Draco and I had opted for a long engagement—two and a half years to be exact. We were secure in our love and commitment to each other so that it was no problem waiting. Both of us were young and there was no reason to rush things. Draco had just turned twenty four and I would be twenty five in a few months so even though we were still young, we weren't too young in my opinion to be married now.
A lot of thing had changed during the two and a half years since we had gotten engaged. All for the better too. Both of us had made great strides in our respective carers. Draco was one of the top Aurors in the country along with Harry and I had left the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures—having done all that I could during my time there to make a better life for house-elves, goblins, werewolves and other magical creatures. I was now working in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for the past year and it was quite fulfilling. The two of us were still living together in our apartment but we had recently bought a lovely house which was all set for us to move into—we would officially take up residence when we came back from our honeymoon. It would be like a fresh start since we had already lived together for three years—newly married and living in our first house where we would one day raise our kids.
The two of us and our relationship had been fully embraced by those close to us (with the exception of Lucius who while still not openly hostile, had not quite come to terms with us yet. He was trying though so there was still hope) and we were both loved by people who we would have never thought it possible of. Narcissa counted me as her own and my parents and friends did the same with Draco( even Ron to an extent!). Astoria had also become one of our best friends and she was now a regular part of our group of friends. Yes—the days of fighting, doubt and animosity were long over. The sound of my father's voice snapped me out of my reverie.
"Hermione, are you ready? The ceremony will be starting soon." My father called from outside the door.
"Just a few minutes, dad!" I hollered.
I was ready but I needed a couple of minutes to collect myself before going out there where my father was waiting to walk me down the aisle. I was thrilled to be marrying Draco—there was no doubt about it. There was just a small part of me that was nervous about the new life I was embarking on. Things would be different now—no more living life as just Hermione Granger. Now I would be someone's wife and not just any wife but a Malfoy wife. There were certain responsibilities and standards that came along with the last name Malfoy—none of which I was exposed to because I was muggle born and did not grow up with that kind of lifestyle. I didn't know how to be the perfect pureblood wife nor did I want to. I would try my best to integrate withing their society while also retaining as much of my true self as possible. I would behave and do things to the best of my abilities but no way would I change myself completely to suit anyone's ideas as to how I should act or be. Draco knew this and supported me one hundred percent. It was a great comfort to know he was on my side and would step in if his parents ( Lucius) ever went too far concerning their expectations of me—there was no question that he would always stand by me and my decisions. He had done so already. I wanted to also keep my last name in addition to having his and Lucius wasn't pleased but Draco made him understand.
I was already feeling better about things. I didn't even know why I was nervous to begin with. Draco would never let anyone hurt me. With that thought, I gave myself one final look in the mirror to make sure everything was in place, picked up my bouquet and then went out to met my father.
"You look beautiful darling." My father told me proudly.
"Thank you, daddy." I said shyly.
"Ready to go now?" He asked.
I took a deep breath and nodded. I was ready—more than ready actually.
He took my arm in his and we made our way down the stairs. The wedding was taking place in France at the Chateau Vaux -le-Vicomte since the Manor was already used for Draco's wedding to Astoria and I didn't want to do it there anyway. The location was beyond stunning and surpassed even my wildest expectations. Then again, nothing but the best would do for the Malfoys. I had let Narcissa plan the whole thing, only giving my input where felt it was necessary. I decided on my dress without her help though. Knowing her, she would have( with good intentions) picked something ridiculous and over the top. I went for simple yet elegant. It was white and fitted with a long flowing cape attached at the shoulders. My hair was styled in a bun atop my head with some loose curls framing my face.
We made it downstairs slowly, partially due to the high heels I was wearing. We found Ginny, who was my maid of honor and Luna as well as Astoria who were my bridesmaids waiting for us outside the closed doors of the room where the ceremony would be taking place.
"Hello girls." I said with a small smile.
They all beamed back at me.
We all stood around for a few minutes waiting for the ceremony to begin. When it was time, Luna went out, followed by Astoria and then Ginny. Finally it was my turn. I gripped my father's arm tightly and walked through the doors where I was met with the sight of Draco standing tall and proud in his stylish wizard's robes all they way up front at the altar. Knowing that he was there waiting for me this time made my heart swell with joy and there was a spring in my step as I walked down the aisle towards closer we got, the faster I walked. Then we were there and my father kissed my cheek before handing me over to Draco who took my hands in his after I gave Ginny my bouquet to hold.
"You look exquisite." He whispered admiringly.
It was the first time he had seen me all decked out and in my dress.
"Thank you." I whispered back.
He smiled brilliantly at me and I smiled back. After we had our moment,the officiator began the ceremony.
"Ladies and Gentleman, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Hermione Jean Granger and Draco Lucius Malfoy..." He intoned.
After saying a few more words, it was time for the vows. Draco and I had written our own so as to make it more personal and special. I was supposed to go first so I cleared my throat, smiled at Draco once more and began.
"My dear, Draco. Ours has never been a conventional relationship, the truth is—that on the surface— you couldn't have found two people less likely to end up together but that we did. We overcame every obstacle on our way here because despite of it all, our love never wavered. We didn't start out as friends, in fact we loathed each other but that was before the war forced us to change and see things—see each other— in a new light. All of our old and preconceived notions of the other were thrown out the window. Then we were brought together out of necessity because our mutual desire for comfort—two lonely and grief stricken souls seeking help. From that moment on, there was no turning back. We learned everything there was to know about one another and in doing so, we found love, because for me—to know you was to love you. You brought me out of the darkness that was suffocating me and into the light. You saved me just as much as I saved you. When I 'm with you, I feel like the most important and special person in the universe. You treat me how I've always wanted to be treated. Your very presence makes my heart sing and my whole being lights up at just the thought of you. Your love is quite simply the greatest thing in my life and every day I thank my lucky stars that you chose to bestow it upon me. I love you more than my own life and it is my greatest honor to become your wife." I said lovingly.
Draco's face radiated pure joy as he took in my words. I knew they must have meant a great deal to him. He touched my cheek gently before beginning his own vows.
"Hermione Granger. For a very long time, that name represented all that was wrong in the world to me. I was a fool who didn't know any better. If I had, I would have loved you sooner. I know I've told you this before but it's worth repeating. I am so very sorry for all the hurt I caused you and your friends when we were in school and I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you. Now, all these years later, the name Hermione Granger represents all that is right with the world. You are the very embodiment of perfection. Your smile, your laugh,your kindness and loyalty are all the most precious things in the world to me and I will be forever grateful that I experience them everyday. Before I met you—really met you I mean, I never knew tat I could be this happy. I never knew I could love anyone this much. In fact, I never knew it was possible to feel love for anyone or anything so deeply. You brought joy into my once bleak life. I was a hollow creature when you found me and you filled me with so much love until all the hurt and anger that I was feeling vanished into nothingness. I don't know what I did to deserve someone as fantastic as you but I'm not complaining. I will always be thankful that it was you who found me under that tree and that you made it so easy for me to let you in. I would have been a miserable mess of a person today had you not found me. I know it. You brought me back to life and gave me a reason to keep on living. I love you with everything that I have and I always will. I promise to be the best husband that I can and to always keep you happy and smiling." Draco said clearly and sincerely.
I was crying by the time he had finished. He smiled at me and wiped away my tears. We were in our own little world so it was a bit of a shock when the officiator cleared his throat and asked for the rings. Harry, who was Draco's best man, handed them over.
"Do you Hermione Granger take this man to be you lawfully wedded husband?" He asked me.
"I do." I said softly.
"Do you Draco Malfoy take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?" He asked Draco.
"I do." Draco said loudly.
We then exchanged rings at the officiator's prompting.
"I now pronounce you man and wife." He announced to the sound of much applause.
"You may kiss you bride." He added.
Draco brought me in closer and kissed me passionately. It made me blush and had the guests in an uproar.
"I love you, Mrs Malfoy." He whispered in my ear.
"I love you, Mr Malfoy." I whispered back.
I couldn't quite believe it as yet—we were married. I was now Hermione Granger Malfoy!
All of our family and friends came up to congratulate us. Our mothers and Mrs Weasley as well as the girls were all crying and then I stared crying again too. There were hugs,handshakes and slaps on the back all around. We all then made our way into the splendid and huge ballroom for the reception.
Everyone took their seats at their assigned tables and when everything had settled down, the reception began. My father made an emotional speech and the it was the best man's turn.
"If anyone had told not only me but everyone else in this room a few years ago that we would all be here celebrating the marriage of Hermione and Draco, we would have all said no way in hell. Yet here we are. Theirs is an unusual love story, it started out with mutual disdain but through open mindedness and kindness, they were able to find out all the wonderful things about the other and in the process, they managed to fall in love. While they were an unexpected couple, that in no way diminishes their love and commitment to each other. You just have to see them together to see how bright their love for on another burns. Hermione, you have been my dearest friend for many years. I've seen you at your worst and at your best so I think I'm qualified to say that I've never seen you happier than when you are with Draco. He brings out the very best in you and even though I don't know Draco as well, I know enough to say that the same is true for him. You two are perfect for each other and I wish you a lifetime of happiness. Congratulations!" Harry said warmly.
We both smiled at him, his words were lovely and heartfelt. After the speeches, it was time for the reception dinner. Everyone at heartily but I was too excited so I just nibbled at my food. After everybody had eaten their fill, it was time to cut the cake.
"I hope it tastes as good as it looks." Draco said in anticipation. He had such a sweet tooth.
"It does." I assured him. I had helped pick it out so I knew.
We both held the knife and cut a small slice from the bottom tier of the cake. We put it onto a plate and then cut it in two pieces before feeding them to each other. When i put Draco's pieced into his mouth, he bit my finger. In response, I lifted my dress up so my heels were exposed and I stomped on his foot. He winced dramatically and then put just the tip of my piece into my mouth. It tasted just as good as I remembered. I didn't have time to wonder why Draco had given me such a small piece because in the next instant, he took the remainder and smeared it across my mouth and chin.
"Draco!" I screamed in outrage.
"Serves you right for stomping on my foot." He said through laughter.
"I only did that because you bit me." I huffed.
"Alright. I'm sorry." He said contritely.
"It's okay." I mumbled.
I could never stay mad at him.
"Let me make it better." He said with a glint in his eyes.
He then kissed and licked my lips until all the cake and frosting were gone.
"Delicious." He said and licked his lips. I had a feeling he wasn't talking about the cake.
I blushed slightly at his behavior in front of so many people. The crowd were laughing and cheering at our antics throughout and they whistled loudly at our kiss. I was too happy to really be embarrassed so I just laughed right a long with them. Draco got a napkin and cleaned my chin and then we stepped away from the cake so that the caterers could begin cutting and serving it to the guests.
"Those are going to be some funny pictures" I told Draco.
"True. Can't wait to see them, especially those where I was licking the cake off you." He said wickedly.
I laughed and hugged him. A few minutes later it was time for our first dance as husband and wife.
We made our way to the area cleared off for dancing and held each other close as the music struck up. We waltzed slowly, with my head resting on his chest.
"Oh Draco, I'm so unbelievably happy. After everything, we're finally here in this moment. Dancing at our wedding. Married. You're my husband and I'm your wife." I sad in wonder.
"I know. I think it was inevitable though. From the moment you approached me back in 7th year—we've been building towards this moment. " He said.
"Yes." I agreed.
We didn't speak again for the remainder of the dance—we just held each other tightly and reveled in the fact that we were now married. The song came to an end and Draco let m go so I could dance with my dad. After I danced with my father, the floor was open to everyone. People flocked to the dance floor and I ended up dancing with Harry and Draco with Ginny. After every song ended, I ended up with a different partner. Ron followed after Harry, then Mr Weasley,then George,Bill, Percy and Charlie Weasley, then Neville,Hagrid, (who was awkward to dance with because of his size but he was like family and I loved him so I didn't mid) Viktor Krum (Draco was shooting murderous glares his way and I had to bite my lip to stop from laughing) and a few more boys from my year at Hogwarts that I got on with and Invited to the wedding. Draco was had also danced with many partners—his mother,mine,Luna,Astoria and more. Just as I was finishing up with Professor Slughorn, I felt a hand o my shoulder.
"May I cut in professor?" A smooth voice asked.
"Of course, of course! You must dance with your lovely daughter-in-law!" Professor Slughorn said cheerfully.
Lucius held stiffly at first but we both relaxed after a minute. This was the closet we had ever been and it was new territory so we weren't quite sure how to act.
"Welcome to the family Miss Granger." He said quietly.
"Thank you sir." I squeaked.
"It's no secret that you and I have never gotten along and you know that I never fully approved of my son's choice to enter into a relationship with you." He said coolly.
I nodded. Where was he going with this?
" I won't pretend that I wasn't exactly thrilled when you two told us you were getting married. I had rather hoped Draco would come to his senses and end things." He said with a small chuckle.
I laughed nervously and wondered why he was telling me all this. I already knew it to be honest.
" Like many other instances in my life, I was wrong. Wrong to feel that way, wrong to dislike you and wrong to begrudge my son his happiness. For that is what you are to him—his happiness. I have watched Draco struggle all his life to feel loved and accepted and most of that was my fault. I have never seen him smile more then when he is with you. Before he used to be cold and distant but you make him seem like a whole new person. He's so happy all the time and it's all because of you. I love my son more than anything in this world miss Granger, even if sometimes it does not seem so. I suppose what I'm trying to say is thank you. Thank you for making him feel loved and for keeping him happy. I hope you will always continue to do so." Lucius said as nicely as he was capable of.
"I appreciate your words Mr Malfoy and I know Draco will too. Thank you." I said earnestly and gave him a bright smile.
It was a step in the right direction and I couldn't be more thrilled. Everything was falling into place piece by piece.
"You're very welcome." He replied.
The song ended and it was finally Draco's turn to dance with me again.
"Finally. I though I would never get you back my dear wife." Draco said as he came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my middle.
"Dear wife. I like the sound of that." I said as I leaned back into Draco's body.
"So do I." He chuckled.
We stayed in the same position for a few moments, just moving slowly to the music. Draco was giving small kisses on the side of my face and neck. It was heavenly.
"What were you and my father talking about just now." He asked softly.
"He was giving me his blessing I think. He said that he was grateful to me for loving you and making you happy." I muttered distractedly.
Draco was making it hard to concentrate on anything but the feel of his lips of my face.
"That's good. I knew h would come around." Draco said, sounding pleased.
"Mhm." I moaned.
"Looks like someone is impatient for the honeymoon to start." Draco whispered seductively in my ear.
"It's all your fault."I accused weakly.
"That it is." He agreed.
He released his grip on me and I turned around, facing him. We danced more conservatively this time and I felt my hear rate lower. I was feeling normal again and I heaved a sigh of relief.
" Have I told you how beautiful you look today?" Draco asked.
"I believe you might have mentioned it." I said smilingly.
"Ah well. It's worth repeating. I don't think you've ever looked better to be honest. Being a Malfoy suits you." He teased.
"Yes. That must be it." I laughed.
He only smiled in response and kissed my forehead.
We danced for a few more minutes before making our way to a table where our friends were. Harry went to get us some drinks and we all sat around the table and engaged in lively conversation.
"So how dos it feel to be a married woman, Hermione?" Ginny asked.
"I still feel the same actually—only happier. Ask me in a few weeks when I've had time to adjust to the fact." I laughed.
"What about you Draco?" Harry asked.
"I agree with my wife on this one. It's too soon to say." Draco replied.
"Listen to that guys, he calls her his his wife now." Harry mocked.
"Well seeing as how she is I have every right to call her that. Anyway, you've been married to Ginny longer than I have to Hermione so why don't you tell us how it feels to be a married man?" Draco retorted.
"It feels bloody brilliant." Harry said with a wink in Ginny's direction.
"Good for you." Draco laughed.
"So since you're married now, when can we expect a baby for my son to play with?" Ginny hinted.
I colored and didn't answer. If only she knew...
"I don't know about that but I promise there will be lots of trying." He said with a smirk.
"Starting tonight during your honeymoon I assume." Astoria teased.
"You guys. Enough talk about my sex life." I groaned as everyone laughed.
Draco and I spent a few more hours enjoying our reception with our family and friends before it was time to leave the party and go off on our Honeymoon. There was much hugging and kissing us goodbye before we were able to leave. Draco and I had already changed out of our wedding attire and now had on more comfortable clothes. We both held on to the portkey and it took us away.
Sunday, June 20th 2004 11:15pm
"It's so beautiful." I said admiringly.
We were honeymooning for six days at a five star hotel in Jamaica. We were both currently standing at the open window of our room looking out at the night sky and the white sandy beach.
"It is but not as beautiful as you." He said sweetly.
"Aww." I cooed.
He chuckled and nuzzled my neck.
We had arrived at our hotel about an hour ago and had already settled in—meaning we already had mind blowing honeymoon sex. The first round of many I was sure. It was certainly a different feeling, knowing that I was having sleeping with my husband and not just my fiance or boyfriend. It felt even more special than usual and I had the rest of my life to experience it. What a fun future we would have! I smiled broadly in reaction to my inner musings.
"What's got you smiling like that"? Draco asked curiously.
"Oh, I was just thinking how special making love with my husband is and how much fun we were going to have doing it in the future." I replied honestly.
" I have to agree with that assessment." He laughed.
"Of course you do." I said while laughing too.
Gods this felt good. It was about to feel even better too once I shared some newly discovered news with Draco. At least I hoped so.
"Um, Draco?" I said a little nervously.
"Yes love?"
"I... I need to tell you something important." I said quietly.
"Okay." He said, sounding a little worried.
"Let's go sit down first." I said.
I took his hand and we went to sit on the bed.
"Well, I don't really know how to say this so I'm just going to tell it to you straight. I'm pregnant." I whispered and lowered my gaze.
I was nervous of how he would react, even though we both wanted children, this wasn't planned.
"Say that again." He whispered back.
"I'm pregnant." I muttered.
He lifted my face and looked into my eyes before breaking out into a face splitting grin. He was definitely happy.
"We're going to be parents?" He said weakly.
I nodded and my eyes began to water.
"Are you upset about the baby?" He asked tentatively, misinterpreting my tears.
"No! Never! These are happy tears." I assured him.
"Oh." He said, relieved.
"You are happy too right? I was nervous that you might not be ready for fatherhood yet..." I trailed off.
"Of course I'm happy. Thrilled really. Just a little shocked, I wasn't expecting it that's all." He said kindly.
"Oh Draco. We're having a baby!" I said happily now that I was reassured of his feelings.
"Come here." He said and pulled me in for a tight hug.
"How did it happen though? You were always careful." He asked, sounding puzzled.
"I know but I must have slipped up sometime because here we are, It's not easy to remember to cast the charm when you have me in the throes of passion." I said and laughed shakily.
"Ah. Well I'm glad you slipped up because I've honestly never felt happier in my life." He said.
"Neither have I. We're going to have our very own family in a few months." I said in awe.
"When did you find out?" He asked.
"I had suspected it all week but I was too nervous to do anything about it but so I put off doing the test till this morning—I wanted to start this new chapter of our lives right so I had to know for sure. I did both the muggle and magical tests and both came back positive. Even though I was expecting it I was was still surprised. You could have knocked me over with a feather. I was scared but also ecstatic and I wanted to tell you right away but I couldn't find the right time and then we started having sex the minute we got here so...I hope you're not upset that I waited this long to tell you." I said.
"Not at all. I understand." He assured me.
I smiled at him and we kissed for minute.
"So when can we expect this little one to be born?" Draco asked excitedly.
"I'm not sure. I will have to go get checked out as soon as we go back home but I assume I'm only a few weeks along so that would mean sometime early next year." I replied.
"I can't wait." He said.
"I know the feeling." I agreed.
Draco then lay me gently down on my back and opened the front of my robe. He looked at my exposed stomach before rubbing and kissing it gently.
"Our baby is in there." He said with wonder in his eyes.
" I know." I said thickly.
It was such touching moment that I was crying softly again.
"Hi baby. This is your dad speaking. Your mommy and I love you already and we can't wait to meet you." Draco said lovingly with his lips pressed against my still flat stomach.
He then straightened up and laid down opposite me, propped up on one elbow.
"Thank you." He said softly.
"For what?" I asked.
"For marrying me. For giving me the gift of being a father. You've made me the happiest man in the world."
"You're very welcome. Thank you as well, you've made me just as happy as I've made you." I said sleepily.
The long day was catching up with me.
He pulled me close and the last thing I was conscious of before falling asleep was Draco's muffled I love you against my hair.
Draco and I spent the rest of our week in utter bliss. What would have already been an amazing experience was heightened by the fact that I was pregnant. We were both overwhelmed by joy that we were now married and would be parents. We swam,took long walks on the beach, visited the city and had lots of sex of course. It was a prefect week but our time was up and we were leaving. I had already packed and magically shrunk our luggage and put it in my handbag so the only thing to do now was wait for the portkey to activate, it did a minute later and both Draco and I touched. Within a matter of minutes we were back in England, standing in front of our new house.
"Ready to go in?" Draco asked?"
"Definitely."
He opened the door wide, scooped me up in his arms ad carried me across the threshold bridal style. What a sweet man I had married I though happily. He took me all the way into our bedroom before he put it me down. Draco and I then laid down and sprawled across the bed, it was still pretty early in the morning and we were both tired.
"This is our life now, living in this house, sleeping on this bed and waking up next to each other for the rest of our lives." I pondered out loud.
"Not a bad life I'd say." Draco said lightly.
"Not bad at all. And to think, in just a few months we will be joined by our baby." I smiled.
"What more could we ask for." Draco said contentedly.
"Indeed." I agreed.
February 10th, 2005.
I groaned irritably and opened my eyes. Being nine months pregnant was not comfortable.
What was comfortable though was the feel of my husband's arm draped protectively over my swollen belly. I instinctively pressed my body closer to his and I felt his grip tighten.
"Good morning." he breathed as he rubbed circles on my stomach.
"Good morning." I yawned.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Alright I suppose. Just tired." I replied.
"Okay. Well you stay in bed and rest, I'll get you some breakfast." He said considerately.
"Thank you love." I said sleepily.
"You're welcome." he said softly and kissed my forehead before he left our room.
I adjusted my body so that I was in a sitting position and waited for Draco to return. While I was waiting, I absentmindedly ran my hand up and down my stomach. I smiled when I felt the baby kick a little. It never failed to amaze me, even though it had been happening for months now. Even though I had adored my pregnancy—feeling my child grow within me everyday was a truly remarkable—I couldn't wait for the little one to get here. Being the size of a whale wasn't exactly fun and of course I was beyond excited to meet my baby. I was due in two days and it could not come soon enough.
"Here you go, beautiful." Draco announced as he cam back with a tray laden with food.
"Yum." I said and licked my lips.
Draco chuckled and sat down beside me. We ate our breakfast and talked about the baby—our favorite thing to do lately. Suddenly I winced and clutched at my stomach.
"What's wrong?" Asked a very concerned Draco.
"I... I'm fine. Just a little pain, it's gone now." I breathed.
"Are you sure? Do you want to go the hospital?" he asked worriedly.
"No. I'm okay, really. The healer said this was to be expected so close to my due date." I said, trying to calm him down.
He didn't look convinced but he let it drop.
"Can you help me up? I need to go to the bathroom." I asked Draco.
"Sure." he replied.
He moved the breakfast tray away and lifted me up gently and carried me into the bathroom. After I was finished,I washed my hands and he carried me back to our room. He observed for a few minutes to make sure I was fine before leaving the room to take his shower. I was standing in front of the mirror, frowning at my appearance when Draco came back.
"Stop that Hermione. You look fine." he chided when he noticed what I was doing.
"No I don't. I'm fat and hideous." I pouted.
" You've never been more beautiful and that's a fact." he reassured me.
"You're only saying that to make me feel better and you are biased anyway." I continued to complain.
"Not at all. I really mean it." he replied.
"If you say so." I sighed.
"I do say so." he said firmly.
I didn't want to argue so I let it go. It wasn't the first time we had this discussion anyway. Damn these pregnancy hormones for making me crazy. I sat on the bed and watched him get ready for work.
"I should be going now." he said as he finished getting dressed.
"Okay then. Have a good day." I replied.
He came over to the bed and helped me to stand.
"I'll miss you." he said as he hugged me.
"I'll miss you too."
Suddenly the baby kicked again and I took Draco's hand and placed it on my stomach so that he could feel. I loved seeing the look on his face every time he felt our child move inside me.
"Somebody's excited." he said as the baby continued to kick.
He bent his head and kissed my stomach before straightening up and kissing my lips.
"I love you so much. Both of you." he told me.
"We love you too." I returned.
"Take care. Owl me right away if you feel unwell, okay?" he said seriously.
"I will. Now off with you."
"Bye." he said and kissed me once more.
"Bye."
After Draco left, I tool a long soak in the tub to relax my aching muscles and then curled up with a book. I was rather bored seeing as how I was alone with only our house elf ( very well treated and paid of course) who we got when my pregnancy began to hinder me and I couldn't do much around the house anymore. I had also been on maternity leave for the past few months so I pretty much spent all my time reading baby books and decorating the nursery doing it. Everything was ready and I was as prepared as possible due to all the reading I had done on the topic of babies and giving birth. We had done up the nursery in neutral colors and decor seeing as how we didn't know the baby's gender as yet. We wanted it to be a surprise and would magically alter the room to suit either a boy or girl when the time came.
I just read, ate an napped for most of the morning. It wasn't like I had anything else to do. I was laying in bed after lunch,reflecting on how lucky I was to have the life that I did. Sometimes I couldn't quite believe that everything had worked out so well for me. I had just about everything I had ever wanted in my life—a fantastic husband who loved me more than life itself, amazing family and friends,a great career and a baby on the way. I felt like crying at the sheer perfection of it all. I turned my head and looked over at the bedside table where there was a framed photo of Draco and I on our wedding looked so happy—we were happy—then and now. We had been married for almost eight moths now and it was all I ever thought it would be and more. True— my pregnancy kind of threw a wrench in things cause it was so unexpected and we didn't really get the chance to behave like newly weds because most of our focus was on the baby but we didn't mind. When you really think about it, that was what we spent all that time during our engagement doing. Even before actually—we had already did all the things newly weds did—we just weren't married at the time. It didn't matter anyway, things were just fine,more than fine actually.
Draco and I loved each other so damned much that it was hard to comprehend at times. I often thought we were the only two people in the world who shared such a deep and unwavering love. Sure, other couples loved each other but not like us—we were different. Special. It was all just fancy on my part, most couples probably felt that way. It was nice to think it was only us though. I smiled at my musings and picked up the picture I was looking at earlier. Draco was so handsome, it always struck me how much so. I loved waking up next to him and seeing his beautiful face smiling up at me everyday. He was just about the best husband a girl could ask for too. He always took such good care of me and even more so now that I was pregnant. He'd been so thoughtful and helpful these past eight months. Catering to my every need, making sure that I was always happy and well cared for. I remembered how he would massage my swollen ankles, how he would hold my hair up when morning sickness had me throwing up, how he always carried me instead of letting me walk when I got too big and it was difficult, how he came to very appointment at St Mungos with me and held my hand through each examination and how he told me I was beautiful even when I was being petulant and insisted that I was anything but. I loved him so very much.
Just as I loved our child. Our child. Those words evoked such a strong pleasure in me. This little life withing me was something we had both created through our love. Even if we did unknowingly. That didn't matter. We still wanted the baby more than anything. Him or her wasn't even born yet but we were both so madly in love with them. So was everyone else. They were all surprised when we told them because they all knew we weren't planning on starting a family so soon but thrilled for us anyway. Lucius surprised me the most—yes we had made progress but I knew how he felt about me tainting his precious pure blood line with my muggle blood. That was why I almost died from shock when he hugged me awkwardly and said that he was very happy for us and thanked me for making him a grandfather after we had told him and Narcissa ( who couldn't stop crying) the news. It meant a great deal to Draco to see his father react in such a positive way too.
I was jarred out of my thoughts when I felt the same sharp pain in my abdomen like I did in the morning. This time it took a few minutes to go away. A little while later, my lower back started to hurt and my eyes watered at the intensity of the pain. It passed after some time and I relaxed,there was no use getting worked up. It was normal. As the day went on, the pains became more frequent and more pronounced. I remembered my promise to Draco to owl him if I felt unwell but I didn't want to alarm him, especially if it turned out to be nothing so I just stayed calm and did my breathing exercises. By five o clock I was really feeling awful though and I finally accepted that I might indeed be going into labor. I let out a strangled cry as I felt a tightening in my stomach. Was that a contraction? There it was again. This couldn't be good. I summoned the house elf and had her fetch me some parchment and ink. I scribbled a hasty note informing Draco of my situation and the elf owled it for me.
The contractions were coming faster and stronger now and I started to panic and cry. The elf tried to calm me but I wasn't having it. It hurt so fucking much and I was so scared. Within a matter of minutes of sending the letter, Draco arrived with Harry and Ron.
"Hermione, what is it love?" he said, sounding scared as he beheld me doubled over and clutching my stomach.
He rushed over to my side and rubbed my back as cried.
" I think...I think I'm going into labor." I panted.
"Alright. Well let's get you to the hospital then." he choked out.
He got me up and I was holding on to him when I felt something wet dripping down my thighs. Fuck. I looked down and there was a puddle of liquid forming at my feet. My water just broke.
"Draco." I moaned.
"What is it?" he said nervously.
"My water just broke." Informed him in a small voice.
"Oh fuck. Let's go then. I don't want to apparate with you in this state so we'll go by floo."
"Tell everyone for us okay?" he told Harry and Ron as he led me over to the fireplace.
"Of course. We'll all be at the hospital soon." Harry replied.
We stepped into the fire place and he took us to St Mungos.
"It's going to be alright, sweetheart." he muttered as we navigated our way through the hospital.
He was talking to someone but I couldn't quite hear what they were saying. The pain was blinding and I couldn't focus on anything else. A few moments later, I found myself on a hospital bed without knowing how I got there. I was barely aware of my clothes being removed and being replaced with a thin hospital gown. I lay there for hours while all my family and friends came filing in one by one to check on me and offer support. Draco never left my side or let go of my hand. He too offered encouraging words. I just laid there and cried and groaned at the severity of the pain. They had offered me something for it but I refused—I wanted to do it naturally. I was howling now, the pain was unbearable. A nurse came over to check me out and announced that I was ready to give birth. The healer came over and positioned herself between my parted legs and instructed me to push. So I did. I pushed and screamed and cried and squeezed the life out of Draco's hand for a long time until finally with one last effort, my baby was out of me. I head it's sharp cries punctuate the room and smiled and turned my head to look at Draco. He looked to be in shock but he smiled back weakly. A moment later, the nurse was handing me a little blond bundle wrapped in blue blankets.
"Meet your son, Mr and Mrs Malfoy." she said softly.
Our son. We had a son. I looked at his little face for the first time and I thought my heart would burst from all the love I was feeling. He was perfect.
"Oh, Draco." I whispered.
"He's so beautiful, Hermione." Draco said through his tears.
"He really is. He's got your hair." I said.
"And your nose." Draco laughed shakily.
"I... I just can't believe that he's finally here, Hermione. Our son is here." Draco said fervently.
"I know. I'm so happy. This is the greatest moment of my life." I sobbed.
"Mine too." Draco agreed.
"I love you both so much." I said.
"I love you both too. More than I could ever put into words. Thank you for giving me this,thank you for making my life so right and giving me my very own family." Draco said adoringly.
"Thank you. I couldn't have done it on my own—it was a team effort after all." I chuckled.
"I think I should go tell everyone." he said and left the room.
A couple of minutes later everyone came in to meet little Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy. Draco and I had decided on the name months ago if it was a boy.
They all oohed and aahed and told me how lovely he was.
Draco sat on the bed next to me and put his arm around my shoulder as I held our baby boy in my arms. We both beamed with pride and in that moment, surrounded by all I held dear—I had never known a greater and truer happiness. It was all I could ever want in my life.
A/N: Well there it is:the end.
I had a great time writing this story and I want to thank everyone who viewed, reviewed, favorited and followed it. It meant a lot to me.
Until next time, Kitten.
