A/N: Just a little something to start your week off right. You're welcome ;o)
P.S. The debate that is had in this chapter was a real one between me and a friend. Feel free to pitch in your two cents.
It had been nearly twenty-four hours since Narcissa had last seen her husband and son, and she was absolutely sick with worry. Where were they now? What were they doing? Did they completely despise her? She could only imagine that they did.
But what Lucius and Draco didn't understand was that everything she had ever done - since the day she married her husband, since the day her son was born - was for them. It was all for them. Even this.
To try and clear her mind, Narcissa grabbed a spare cloak from the closet near the front door and headed outside towards the greenhouse. She walked inside of it and was immediately greeted with the sweet aroma of all of her favorite flowers.
Several large Umbrella Flowers grew in their own area. Narcissa moved so she was standing underneath one of them. During her years at Hogwarts, she knew of a secret spot just inside of the Forbidden Forest where a patch of them grew. She used to go there between classes and read. When she wasn't with Ethan, that is. She had never brought Lucius there. Even though it was her favorite place.
Narcissa then made her way over to the Cobra Lilies. One tried to take a snap at her. She laughed and held her hand just out of its reach. Right next to these were the Fanged Geraniums. She sensed a theme here.
Narcissa turned and looked all around the greenhouse, scanning each and every plant. Then she saw it. The Night Lotus. Ethan's favorite.
She approached it slowly, sticking her hand out and investigating each petal, trying to make out the constellations they mimicked. Her knowledge of the stars had become rusty, but there was one she would never forget. Draco.
Narcissa began to stroke the petal, but another hand crept up behind her and plucked it from its pot. She turned to see Ethan standing there, holding a bunch of flowers. He put the Night Lotus in the center of them.
"Sorry," he said without looking at her. "I'm making Hermione a bouquet and I thought she might like that one."
"Yes, I suppose she would," said Narcissa, staring intensely at the vampire.
She hated being this close to him but, when she was, she couldn't turn away. Everything about him was the same, right down to the faint freckles on his nose and cheeks. Once upon a time, she had really loved those freckles.
"How does it look?" he asked, holding up the bouquet.
Narcissa looked at it and pursed her lips. She reached out and rearranged a few things before catching his eye and smiling. "Much better. Perhaps you could tie it with a nice ribbon."
"I'm not sure where I would get one." Ethan started to think. "Maybe Ms. Daphne still has some in her old room." The vampire moved to leave, but was quick to turn back towards Narcissa and ask, "Do you like plants?"
"I do," she answered. "I was in the Herbology Club back in school."
Narcissa watched him closely for the slightest glimmer of recognition. There was none.
"Which is your favorite?"
Looking around, Narcissa smiled and pointed at a bunch of daffodils. "I know it's simple but, when I was younger, I always loved how the proper name is similar to mine."
"Narcissus. I've always had a soft spot for them, as well." Ethan looked at her and smirked, his dimples making her melt in the same way they always did when she was a teenager. "Have a good evening, Daffodil."
Ethan sped out of the greenhouse without looking back, which was probably good,considering, if he had, he would have seen Narcissa fall to her knees, her heart breaking all over again as she remembered the hours they used to waste underneath the Umbrella Flowers together. Back when he used to smile with actual joy in his eyes and call her his daffodil. Back when he was human.
XXX
"This is a fucking disaster!" shouted Rita as everyone sat in the parlor that evening. "They weren't supposed to find out where she was. But you!" She pointed at Arron. "You just had to have your daughter back!"
"It's not like you ever objected," Arron spat back at her.
"Speaking of which, why didn't you object, Rita?" asked Daphne, obviously digging to see if there was any truth behind Hermione's words.
Rita looked sharply at her.
"You're not angry with my sister for zapping you, are you? Because, if you are, you know that would be absolutely ridiculous, right? There was no way she could have known that you were the beetle."
"Of course not!" shouted Rita. "I am angry at the right people for that incident!"
She glanced sideways at Narcissa, still irritated that Mila Parkinson had even suggested that they bring her into this. It would be really hard to kill her son with her watching. Rita would most likely have to dispose of her, as well.
"Arron, Gorden, Wiley, Blaise, Quinn!" Rita pointed at each of them. "I'm going to need you to follow me, please. It is time we come up with a proper plan."
They all got up from where they were sitting and followed her out of the room. Only Narcissa, Daphne and Theo were left behind.
"Does anyone else sense favoritism here?" asked Theo.
Daphne sneered at him before storming off to find Goyle. As soon as she was gone, Theo and Narcissa exchanged a look. Without a word, he stood up and walked straight through the wall.
XXX
"What are we fucking supposed to do with the prisoner if a war really does happen?" asked Wiley once they were all confined in a room.
"We can't leave her here," said Gorden. "They will absolutely send someone looking for her and we can't waste manpower guarding her."
"Yes, I've thought of that," said Rita, pacing around the room. "How far along would you say she is in her pregnancy?"
"Well, they got married in June, I think," said Blaise. "How many months ago was that?"
They all began counting.
"Seven and a half," Arron answered first. "But it's probably more like eight. When my wife was pregnant for the first time, she said something to me about pregnancy actually starting about two weeks before conception."
"That makes no sense," said Quinn. "You can't be pregnant before you're pregnant."
"Forget that!" Rita demanded.
Everyone went silent.
"Either way, she still has about six weeks left of pregnancy, right?"
There were nods all around, though none of the men were really that sure.
"So what are the risks of her giving birth early?"
No one had an answer.
"What are you suggesting?" asked Arron.
"What I'm suggesting is that we cut the damn thing out of her. We'll take down the shield and I'll escape with the baby while you all distract the other side with this battle they want so badly."
"But we can't kill her! My Unbreakable Vow -"
"Has already been broken," Rita finished. "You'll be fine. Nothing is going to happen."
"That's a risk," said Arron, taking a deep breath.
"And it's one you need to be willing to take. This is all for the greater good, Arron. Never forget that."
"Yes, but -"
"Quinn, I need you to go and research the risks of an early birth, as well as ways to make sure it is successful. The rest of us will remain here and fine-tune this plan. I would like to get this over with as quickly as possible. By tomorrow, if we can."
Quinn nodded and exited the room, leaving the others to come up with a proper plan to dispose of Hermione earlier than expected.
XXX
Narcissa stood in her room, pacing around nervously. The only thing able to calm her was sniffing the small bouquet of daffodils that had been left on her nightstand.
Distracted by the flowers, Narcissa jumped when someone walked through her wall. She let out a breath of relief when she realized it was only Theo.
"Well?" she asked impatiently.
Theo glanced around to make sure they were alone. When it was confirmed, he looked back at her and said, "Rita wants to cut the baby out early. She plans to escape with it while using the battle as a distraction."
"Shit."
Theo's jaw dropped a little at the sound of her swearing. He had never heard such language come from Draco's mother before. But he quickly shook it off.
"What should we do?" he asked. "We're kind of sitting ducks here."
"Yes, I realize that," said Narcissa. "But we cannot let my daughter-in-law stay here any longer. Not when that woman is craving blood."
"So then what do you suggest?"
Narcissa took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "It looks like we'll be escaping to the forest." She opened her eyes and stared at him. "You will be staying here, of course."
Theo smiled. "Of course."
"Go gather any supplies for us that you can. I am going to fetch her wand."
Theo nodded and ran back through the wall.
Narcissa put down her flowers, opened the door and headed down the hall towards the stairs.
Before Narcissa had even joined the purebloods, she had discovered that there was a spy among them during her snooping through Lucius' phone, which she had been doing ever since he got it. It did not take her long to figure out it was Theo. He was the only one clever and disconnected enough to do it. He didn't even try to hide his lack of interest in all of this, which was good. Anything else would have been out of character for him and, undoubtedly, suspicious.
Narcissa reached the stairs and walked briskly up them, heading down the hall on the second floor towards Arron's study. Once there, she went over and took a portrait of his foul-mouthed mother off of the wall, revealing a safe behind it. After a quick incantation, it popped open.
There were four wands currently inside of it. Staring at them, Narcissa realized that she had absolutely no clue which one was Hermione's, so she grabbed them all, shut the safe, replaced the portrait and exited the room.
Heading back downstairs, Narcissa turned a few corners until she was outside of Hermione's room. She unlocked the door and opened it. Currently, the house-elf was in there watching her.
"Stupefy!"
The elf keeled over.
Hermione, who had been arranging the flowers Ethan had given her in a vase, turned quickly and stared wide-eyed at her mother-in-law. She took several steps back.
Narcissa walked towards her. She reached into her pocket. Hermione was just about to try her wandless magic on her when Narcissa suddenly pulled out four wands.
"Which one is yours?" she asked.
Hermione kept her eyes on Narcissa as she skeptically reached forward and took her wand. Narcissa stuck the others back in her pocket.
"Time to go."
Narcissa headed back towards the door.
"Uhh … where are we going?" asked Hermione, still looking skeptical, but following her, all the same.
"Into the forest," answered Narcissa. "Rita has decided that she wants to cut your baby out early."
Hermione went white.
When they were both in the hallway, Narcissa shut the door and re-locked it. Theo ran through the wall and handed them both cloaks. He was just helping Narcissa put on a knapsack when they heard a 'click'. They both looked over to see Hermione walking into Astoria's room.
"That's not part of the plan!" Narcissa spat, running into the room after her.
"Looks like I'm getting another cloak," said Theo before disappearing.
"Astoria, let's go," said Hermione, going up to the bed and shaking the sleeping girl awake.
Astoria's eyes opened and she blinked several times to focus them. "H-Hermione. Where are we going?"
"Anywhere but here," she said, grabbing Astoria's arm and pulling her to her feet.
Astoria climbed off of the bed, her eyes widening when she noticed Narcissa standing in the doorway. "We're going with her?" she asked. "Are you mad?"
Hermione looked back at Narcissa and frowned. "Just … tell me I was wrong about you. I need to hear it."
Narcissa stared at Hermione, took a deep breath and said, "You were wrong about me. My son's happiness is the most important thing. You should never have questioned that."
Hermione nodded. She took Astoria's hand and guided her towards the door. Narcissa reached into her pocket and pulled out the three remaining wands.
"Is one of these yours?"
Astoria nodded slightly before reaching out and taking one of them. Narcissa returned the other two to her pocket.
Heading into the hallway first, Narcissa took a good look around before motioning for Hermione and Astoria to follow. She guided them through the halls with ease, turning every corner first and making sure it was clear before hurrying the girls along, her feet not slowing until they approached the door leading to the basement. She reached out to open it.
"What are you doing?" asked Hermione nervously. She had no interest in going back down there.
"Getting the last member of our party," answered Narcissa.
Hermione and Astoria cocked their heads and furrowed their brows.
"Before I came here, I made a deal with Mila Parkinson. She promised to get me in as long as I promised to get her daughter out. While doing this now isn't exactly ideal, I don't think we will be given another chance."
Hermione stared at Narcissa for a long, silent moment before leaping forward and hugging her extra tight, her eyes already beginning to mist.
"What in Merlin's name do you think you are doing?" demanded Narcissa as she struggled beneath her grip.
"Until this moment, I was so sure the only reason you were helping me was because you felt pity when you saw I was pregnant, but I was wrong," Hermione cried. "You actually came here for me. I am so sorry I ever doubted you, Narcissa!"
"You are lucky I know pregnancy makes women irrational because this is really not all right."
Hermione cried harder.
Narcissa let out a sigh before giving in and hugging her back, though, a bit halfheartedly. "There, there. No need to be getting all emotional. At least save it until we're in the clear."
"You're right," said Hermione, pulling away and wiping her eyes. "Lead the way."
She grabbed back onto Astoria's hand and the two of them followed Narcissa down the basement stairs. Narcissa stepped off of them, turned towards Pansy's cell and froze. Hermione and Astoria stumbled into her, both of them turning to see what she was looking at.
There, sitting beside the cell, was Goyle. He had one hand holding onto Pansy's through the bars and the other on his knees. He was currently cradling his head in his lap, but looked up slowly when he heard them. His eyes moved from witch to witch, gazing extra-long at Astoria before finally settling on Hermione.
"Are you getting her out of here?"
Hermione wasn't sure if he was talking about Astoria or Pansy but, either way, she said, "Yes."
Goyle let go of Pansy's hand. He stood up and moved to the side. Narcissa ran forward and unlocked the cell.
"Dear Merlin!"
Hermione ran over to see what had her mother-in-law so aghast. She brought her hands to her mouth and gasped when she saw, for the first time, what the purebloods had done to Pansy Parkinson. The poor girl was nothing but skin and bones, her face bloody, her body bruised and her clothes torn, the smell of vomit reeking in her hair.
"Pansy!" said Hermione, falling to her knees and lifting the other girl's head. "Pansy, wake up!"
"She hasn't responded in days," said Goyle. "But she's still breathing. I used to try Healing Spells on her, but then they took my wand from me."
Narcissa reached into her pocket and took out the remaining two wands. Goyle reached out and took his. She returned the last - which must have been Pansy's - to her pocket.
"I suggest you hide that. Who knows what they will do if they find out you have it."
Astoria walked over and grabbed onto Goyle's arm. "But can't he come with -?"
"Our party is large enough. The entire area is currently shielded by a giant snow globe. The less people we have to hide in the forest, the better."
"Then I'll stay behind," said Astoria. "Gregory should be the one to -"
"No!" shouted Goyle, pulling his arm away from her. "You need to get out of here, Astoria. While you still can."
"But -"
The door opened upstairs. They all raised their wands as someone descended the staircase.
"Pansy! Are you conscious enough for some fun?" called the voice of Quinn.
Goyle tried to lunge forward but Astoria held him back.
Quinn stepped off of the stairs and turned.
"What the -"
Every last one of them was mid hex and jinx when something swift grabbed Quinn from behind and slammed his head into the bars. He fell back unconscious. Ethan looked at all of the raised wands and smiled.
"Sorry to steal your glory," he said. "I've just always wanted to do that to him. Pretty much every time I see him, actually."
"Thank you, Ethan," said Narcissa, turning back to Pansy.
She was just about to cast a Levitating Spell on her when Ethan dashed over and picked her up.
"I've got this," he said.
"If he's coming then, surely, Gregory -"
"He cannot come, Astoria! Neither of them can."
"I won't stay," said Ethan. "The others are all occupied upstairs and he won't be awake for a while." He motioned towards Quinn. "I'll be back before they even know I'm gone."
Narcissa was skeptical but - after the pleading of her former lover - eventually agreed.
Theo suddenly appeared from the stairway, carrying a few more cloaks. Goyle helped Astoria into hers while Theo assisted the unconscious Pansy in Ethan's arms.
"I didn't realize she was this bad," he said once the cloak was in place. "I put a few Healing Potions in the knapsack I gave you but maybe I should grab more."
"No. We have dawdled enough," said Narcissa. "It is time for us to go."
Ethan ran to the top of the stairs - carrying Pansy carefully - and listened. "The others are still in a room on the other side of the house and Daphne is upstairs. Time to move."
Before they left the basement, Hermione went up to Quinn and did a quick Memory Charm to remove Goyle from his recollections down there.
Once that was done, Narcissa, Hermione, Astoria, Theo and Goyle followed Ethan upstairs.
"Good luck," said Theo before pulling Goyle somewhere far away from the basement.
Ethan darted into the parlor and looked around. All was clear. He motioned for them to follow before running for the foyer.
The vampire held the door open and the three witches ran outside. He went ahead of them towards the shed and hid behind it, checking the area before motioning for them to follow.
Narcissa grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her into a crouch before running across the open area towards the shed. Hermione reached out for Astoria and pulled her with them.
Once they got to the shed, Ethan sped off towards the forest. He looked all around and put his ears at full attention before waving them over. Narcissa, who had not let go of Hermione's hand, pulled her and Astoria out from behind the shed and took off running as fast as her feet would carry her, not even bothering to crouch this time.
When they got into the forest, she did not stop, wanting to put as much distance between them and the house as she could. Ethan leapt in front of them and guided them through the twists and turns of the forest with ease.
None of them slowed but, eventually, they had to release hands to get through the brush. They never stopped. Not until Ethan did, reaching out his hand to show them there was an invisible wall blocking their path.
"This is where the shield ends. Or begins. However you want to look at it." He smirked. "You shouldn't stay right near it, though, since I'm sure they will search the perimeter for you. But always stay close. In case it is lifted."
Narcissa nodded. She took a moment to catch her breath before heading back into the forest to find a good clearing. Ethan put Pansy down and followed her.
Hermione sunk down against a tree while Astoria went over and sat down next to Pansy. She began casting a few Healing Spells on her while Hermione watched.
"Astoria, how … how are you?" asked Hermione.
She had not had a chance to speak with her since the night she had made her the antidote. Astoria only had about an hour to cry in Hermione's arms before Theo came in. He had been instructed to return her to her own room by Rita.
"I'm fine," said Astoria, currently working on healing an exceptionally large bruise on Pansy's cheek. "How are you?" she asked, glancing sideways at Hermione's stomach, which was nearly invisible behind the large cloak.
"Hungry," she answered. "And all of that running didn't help my swelling feet any."
Astoria chuckled before flicking her wand in Hermione's direction. Her feet immediately felt better.
"Thank you," she said with a deep breath. "But focus on Pansy first. I'll survive."
Astoria nodded and began healing a deep gash above Pansy's eyebrow.
"You know … Ron, he … he really thought you would be safe with -"
"I don't want to talk about Ron," said Astoria sternly.
"But it … it wasn't like he chose me over -"
"Yes, he did."
"But they were threatening my life."
"You know as well as I do that they were never planning to let you live, despite the vow he made, Hermione. And I'm positive he knew it too."
"Probably, but I'm sure he thought he was at least buying me time."
Astoria sighed. "Maybe." She closed her eyes and paused. Several tears fell down her cheeks. "I know I have no right to be angry. You're his best friend. Of course he wanted to protect you. But … but I can't close my eyes without seeing …"
Astoria's eyes shot back open. Hermione crawled over and pulled her close, letting Astoria cry into her shoulder all over again.
"I know it sounds weird, but the worst was the Amortentia. I had …" She gulped … "no control over what I did. I was willing. By Merlin, I was willing! How can I live with myself?"
Hermione took a deep breath and said, "It wasn't you. It will get better, Astoria. I promise. We're going to get that bastard and we're going to make him pay for everything he's done. I'll make damn sure of that."
"Wow … this whole experience sure has given you a potty mouth." Astoria smiled.
Hermione looked down at her and smiled back. "You have no idea."
Some twigs snapped nearby. Hermione and Astoria raised their wands and pointed them in the direction of the noise. Narcissa and Ethan stepped out of the trees.
"Well, it is good to see you are both still on guard," said Narcissa. "It is time to get up. We've found a place."
Hermione and Astoria stood up and brushed themselves off while Ethan rushed over and picked up Pansy.
Narcissa was already hurrying back through the trees. Hermione and Astoria ran after her while Ethan hurried to catch up to the older witch.
When he did, Astoria pulled Hermione back a little and asked, "Does Ethan have a little crush on your mother-in-law?"
"I think he might," said Hermione, wanting to tell Astoria more, but holding back since she was sure the vampire was listening.
When they got to the clearing, Narcissa and Hermione began putting up Protective Spells while Ethan helped Astoria with Pansy by searching the knapsack for a Healing Potion.
Once their space was invisible to the naked eye, Narcissa built a fire while Hermione prepared tea. Theo had packed quite a few things in that knapsack, and all without an Undetectable Extension Charm. Unfortunately, food was scarce, but Ethan promised to bring some more for them tomorrow.
"So did they put this shield up using another snow globe?" asked Hermione once they were all settled.
Pansy was still unconscious, but Astoria had done all she could for her right now. Hopefully, when she wasn't so exhausted she could do more.
"Yes," answered Narcissa.
"I cannot believe my father is using my snow globes for evil," spat Astoria. "Way to ruin them for me forever." She crossed her arms and pouted.
"Do you think smashing it would break the shield?" asked Hermione.
"Perhaps," said Narcissa. "I only worry that breaking it will make a million shards of glass fall on us." Her eyes suddenly drifted down to Hermione's stomach. "Do you know if it is a boy or a girl?"
Hermione smiled and shook her head. "I didn't want to find out without Draco. He's missed so much of this already."
Narcissa nodded, keeping her eyes fixed steadily on Hermione's baby bump. "May I … I mean, if it's all right …"
"You want to feel it?" Hermione asked for her.
Narcissa nodded again.
"Of course," said Hermione, scooting closer to her. "It is your grandchild, after all."
Narcissa gave a half-smile before cautiously reaching her hand out and touching Hermione's stomach. The baby kicked instantly. Her half-smile became whole.
"You have a lively one in there. Just like its father." Suddenly, Narcissa's smile faded. She pulled her hand away and sighed. "They killed my sister, you know?"
All color drained from Hermione's face. "Andromeda?"
"Yes."
"I … I didn't know. I am so sorry."
"Don't be. It is not like I really knew her." Narcissa's words could not hide the sadness in her eyes. "Draco has spent the last few months getting to know her pretty well. I think he even wishes that she was his mother."
"I'm sure that's not -"
"I blame myself, really. I had always planned on taking the time to mend my bond with him, and to get to know her … but I guess I was never meant to."
"Why didn't you take the time, Narcissa?"
"Because I couldn't show I cared," she said. "Not after everything happened. If I did, even once, they never would have let me in to see you. And, of course, my bloody husband had already destroyed his opportunity."
"So … so you missed your chance to get to know your sister because of me?" Hermione suddenly felt like bursting into tears.
"No," Narcissa said quickly. "No, that is not what I meant. I made my choice and I stand by it. What I am getting at is … the baby." She pointed at Hermione's stomach. "If … if it's a girl, would you mind -?"
"Not at all."
"You didn't even let me finish."
"But you're asking if I'll name it after Andromeda, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am."
"Then consider it done."
Narcissa smiled. "Of course, you realize it will most likely be a boy. There hasn't been a girl born into the Malfoy family in five generations. There is always just one boy."
"Well, that most certainly will not do. I have always wanted a big family. If this one's not a girl then I'm sure the next one will be, and she'll be Andromeda. Either way, the name will live on."
"I appreciate your enthusiasm," said Narcissa, taking a sip of her tea and eyeing Ethan, who was always eyeing her.
An hour later, Ethan decided it was time to leave. Hermione and Astoria tried to get some sleep while Narcissa kept watch.
Astoria had her head on Hermione's lap while Hermione was using the knapsack as a pillow. The baby was especially squirmy tonight, and she unconsciously put her hand on her stomach and began singing to calm it.
Are you sleeping under the willow?
Stars twinkling while your heart deep has bled.
Lay yourself down upon the soft pillow.
As true love enters the dreams in your head.
XXX
Draco laid down on the sofa in one of the tents they had put up, while Sophie and Phillip cleaned up the remains of their dinner. His father was currently sitting on the armchair across from him, drawing up maps and trying to figure out their plan of attack.
They had gone to the edge of the forest that day, trying to find some way to get into the house without being noticed. It appeared there was none.
Being locked on the inside of this shield was awful. Draco felt completely helpless. Hermione was right there and they didn't even have enough people to go in and fight for her. Today was the day they were supposed to be reunited. Why did the bloody purebloods have to suddenly go and change the game?
While lying there, Draco closed his eyes and, unknowingly, began to drift off to sleep.
When morning comes you will find him there.
Waiting for you while his heart deep has bled.
Love may be true but is not always fair.
As visions of true love enter your head.
"Hermione?" he whispered.
His mind floated into the forest, sending him searching through the brush and the trees, only stopping when he saw a flicker of light. A fire. And beyond it, two figures were lying on the ground. The first turned, revealing herself to be Astoria. And the second … Draco moved closer.
"Hermione?"
Her lips parted and whispered, "Draco," softly, before singing:
The phoenix sings as it cries for you.
Healing the wounds your heart deep has bled.
Together you will leave all that you knew.
True love is no longer a dream in your head.
"HERMIONE!" Draco shouted as he shot up from the sofa.
Lucius looked up at him. "Draco, what -"
"She's here! She's bloody fucking here!"
Draco rolled off of the sofa and ran for the exit.
"Draco, where are you going?" Sophie called after him.
Lucius jumped up from his armchair and ran after his son. "Stay here!" he said to Phillip and Sophie. "And put out some form of trace so we can find our way back!"
They both nodded, looking worried as Lucius left the tent, hurrying after Draco.
Now that Draco was outside, he wasn't sure where to go. In his dream he had gone … left. Definitely left. He ran left, then immediately turned around and went right. Yes, this was it. He recognized that tree, and that shrub.
Hermione was close. So close that he could feel her. He knew he could. But he didn't dare call her name. Just in case she wasn't the only one out in the forest that night.
XXX
Narcissa's ears perked up as she heard some rustling nearby. Hermione's eyes fluttered open. She looked over just as Narcissa got to her feet.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I don't know."
Hermione started to move, but Narcissa held out her hand.
"Wait here."
Hermione carefully put Astoria's head on the ground and stood up anyway, staring nervously after her mother-in-law as she walked out of their safe zone and into the forest.
Narcissa had only gone about fifty feet in when something snapped very loudly to her right. She whipped towards the sound and held out her wand. You can imagine her surprise when her son came barreling through the trees.
"Draco?" she said cautiously. "Is … is that you?"
"Mother?"
Narcissa let out a breath of relief. She lowered her wand and took a step forward.
"Expelliarmus!"
Her wand flew out of her hands, instantly lost in the dark forest.
"Draco, what are you -?"
"What are you doing here?" he demanded, his eyes flaming. "How did you know we were out here?"
"I … I didn't …"
"Where's Hermione?"
"Draco, you need to calm -"
"WHERE IS SHE?"
"Hermione is fine. Please, lower your wand."
"No! Why should I believe anything you say?"
"Please, Draco, if you will just -"
"Cruc -"
"NO!" Hermione screamed, running through the trees. She threw herself in front of Narcissa and held out her wand towards her husband. "Don't you dare! Don't you dare use the Cruciatus Curse on your mother, Draco Malfoy!"
Draco froze, unable to tear his eyes away from the livid - yet, still beautiful - face that had just appeared.
"H-Hermi -"
"Yes, it's me! Now, lower your wand!"
He hesitated.
"I said NOW!"
Draco did as he was told but, the moment he did, Lucius ran out of the trees and raised his own wand.
"Ask her something, Draco."
"W-what?"
Draco had no clue what his father was talking about. All he could think about right now was running forward and taking his wife in his arms.
"Ask her something only Hermione would know. It is the only way we can confirm her identity."
Lucius kept his wand raised and so did Hermione. He wasn't the only one who was skeptical. She already knew that the purebloods had several of Draco's hairs leftover from the Pregnancy Potion. A Polyjuice Potion was just up their alley.
"Umm … let me think."
Draco hated being put on the spot like this. How was he supposed to think of a question with the woman he loved so close to him? Naturally, his mind immediately went to something inappropriate. No matter how hard he tried to shake it, only one question formed in his mind. So he asked it.
"What condiment did we use as an aid during our …" He glanced over at his mother, and then sideways at his father … "during our, uhh … our last night together?"
Hermione lowered her wand and shook her head. "Really, Draco? In front of your parents?"
"Answer the question," said Lucius.
"Fine." Hermione huffed. "We used honey. But I feel the need to point out that honey is most definitely not a condiment. It is a sweetener."
"No. I'm pretty sure it is a condiment."
"Sweetener."
"I'm sorry, but is it next to the sugar or next to the sauces in our pantry?"
"It is next to the honey Dijon for alphabetical purposes."
"Yes. Because you alphabetized the condiments. The sugar certainly isn't next to the soy sauce."
"That is because the sugar is with the baking supplies that need their own container, like salt. I put the honey with the condiments because it is in a bottle. Not because it is one."
"Is so!"
"Is not!"
"Enough of this!" shouted Narcissa, stepping forward. "Whether honey is a condiment or a sweetener is hardly what's important right now. Draco, now, tell us. Was honey the correct answer?"
Draco looked at Hermione and smiled. "It is."
Hermione was just about to run forward when Narcissa put her arm out. "Not yet. Ask him a question first."
Hermione thought very seriously for a moment. "During the summer we worked together for Ollivander, we went into the Hog's Head one night and had a code word in case you wanted to leave. What was it?"
Draco smirked. Her question really was much better than his, and definitely parent appropriate.
"Dragon," he said without hesitation.
Hermione smiled as her eyes began to mist. She turned towards Narcissa.
"What are you looking at me for? Is he right?"
Hermione nodded.
"Then, by all means, go and kiss your husband."
Hermione and Draco ran forward and right into each other's arms. They both cried as they held one another, him stroking his hands through her bushy hair while hers squeezed tightly around his back, their lips only parting long enough to let them breathe, and even that was minimal.
"Draco, I've missed you so much," she cried, reaching her hand up to stroke his cheek. She wanted to touch each and every part of him, just to make sure he was real.
"You have no idea how much I've missed you," he said, not even caring that their tears were falling rapidly onto their entwined tongues.
When their lips finally parted, Draco held her face and the two of them gazed into each other's eyes, uncontrollable smiles permanently etched on their faces. Then Draco felt something through her cloak. She was at least a step back from him but her body was definitely touching his.
"Uhh … Hermione. Don't take this the wrong way, but what have they been feeding you in there?"
Hermione blushed. "Oh. Oh Merlin, I can't believe I forgot."
"Forgot what?"
"Umm … well, I … I have a bit of news."
"News?"
Hermione removed her arms from around him and took a step back. "Yeah, I … I sort of found something out while they had me locked up."
Taking a deep breath, Hermione pulled aside her cloak, revealing her large, pregnant stomach underneath. Draco immediately gasped.
"What … uhh … huh?"
"I'm sure you've been wondering why they've kept me alive for so long and, well, this is the reason. We're, uhh … we're going to be parents."
"And pretty damn soon by the looks of it!" said Lucius brightly. "Congratulations, Son!"
Draco suddenly felt woozy. His body swayed a little, but Hermione reached out and caught him, holding him steady in her arms.
"Draco, are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine," he said, suddenly realizing how wrong this was. He shifted the balance so he was the one holding her. "A … a baby. I'm … I'm going to be a father?"
Hermione smiled and kissed his cheek. "Yes, you are."
"I'm going to be a father!" Draco repeated far more confidently. "And … and you're going to be a mother?"
"Yes, that is normally how it works."
"Mione, we're … we're going to be parents!"
"Yes, Draco. We are!" She laughed and put her hands on his cheeks, pulling his face down for a kiss.
Draco laughed with her and swung her around. They kissed heavily and passionately, not even caring that his parents were standing right there, watching.
When they stopped spinning, Draco pulled Hermione tight against his chest and held her there. He leaned down and whispered, "I love you," into her ear.
Hermione closed her eyes and brushed her cheek against his. "I love you too," she whispered back.
Draco had never felt such great joy in all of his life. Not only did he have his wife back, but they were having a child. A combined piece of them that would forever be theirs. This was the day he had planned to get Hermione back and here she was, her and their baby both safe in his arms. And now that he had her back, he was never ever letting her go.