A/N: I know, I know... it's been a long time since I've updated! I won't be surprised if you're too angry to review. My sincerest apologies! Now on to the story…

Chapter 12 – Breaking the News

Draco woke up early the next morning, cradling Adora in his arms. He never felt happier in his life as he did at that moment, staring into the hazel eyes of his beautiful new baby girl. Not long later, Hermione got up as well, and stared at them both with a look of peace and admiration. He did not notice her get up until she spoke, "Good Morning."

He turned around and looked at her, with a serene smile on his face, "Morning Love. How are you feeling?"

Hermione chuckled, "A bit sore, but too overwhelmed really to think about anything else."

"I know what you mean," he said, and sat next to Hermione on the bed, putting Adora in her arms. They both looked at her so lovingly, and sat there not noticing the time in a comfortable silence. Hermione's thoughts were on the baby. Draco, however, had his thoughts on how much he loved being with Hermione, and how the baby was going to bring them closer to each other. I can see myself by her side for the rest of our lives. Sitting like this, as a family.

Harry and Ginny, around 11am the same day, came into the hospital wing, bringing with them good cheer, food, and gifts for the new parents and Adora. Harry looked at them, sitting close together, and had to wipe a tear away from his eye, though no one noticed him doing so. His eyes were fixed on the beautiful little girl, whom he vowed to spoil to the ends of the earth. Without a word, Draco took her and put her into Harry arms. Ginny observed her over Harry's shoulders. They were both just so happy for Hermione and Draco.

Then Harry remembered, "Oh yeah. Ron was, uh, wondering where you were this morning."

Ginny cleared her throat, "Yeah well we said he should just ask you once he finds you."

Hermione looked up at her beloved, "Draco, I have to tell him now. We can't put it off any longer."

He nodded, "I will go get him right now," he looked at Harry and Ginny, "Where is he?"

Ginny replied, "He's in mum's office, helping her get her things set up."

As Draco was walking out the door he said, "I suppose I shall get Professor Weasley as well."

As soon as Draco left, Harry smiled at Hermione, "He's really come a long way, hasn't he?"

Draco stopped in front of Professor Weasley's office and took a deep breath. A few seconds later, he brought his hand up and lightly knocked on the door.

Professor Weasley replied, "Coming!" and sure enough, she opened the door a minute later.

She was surprised to see Draco at her office but permitted him to enter nonetheless. Upon entering he saw Ron in the back, stacking bookshelves and completely oblivious to their visitor. She had a rather tiny office, with a small desk and not more than three chairs in the entire room, but the atmosphere was most inviting and made one feel as if at home. It smelled of something sweet, most likely pies Draco assumed.

She brought him to sit in a chair but he politely declined and said, after clearing his throat, "Umm Professor. Hermione has sent me for both you and Weas… err… Ron. She has been in the hospital wing since last night and requests to see you as soon as possible."

Ron was surprised to hear Malfoy using Hermione's first name, but decided not to say anything as Professor Weasley replied, "Oh dear I hope it's nothing serious. Come on Ronald, we haven't a moment to lose."

They quickly followed Draco in the direction of the hospital wing. Upon arriving they saw Hermione in one of the beds, with a very young baby in her arms. Ron would have fainted had not Ginny and Harry ushered him into a chair. Mrs. Weasley sat down as well. She remained staring and silent, waiting for an explanation. Ron, unable to control his temper, demanded an outright explanation, "What in Merlin's name is going on Hermione?"

His blood boiled even more as he saw Malfoy comforting her and whispering something in her ear, "It's now or never love".

Hermione then finally found the courage to speak, "Ronald, Mrs. Weasley, Draco and I have been seeing each other for a while now. Somewhere along the way, we fell in love. We ARE in love. And," her face turned scarlet as she continued, "the proof of our undying love is in our daughter, Adora Granger-Malfoy. I went in labor last night and here she is now. Our bundle of joy."

Ron, without a word and an unreadable expression on his face, stormed out of the hospital wing. Mrs. Weasley, not even noticing that Hermione didn't call her Professor, waited until Hermione was done explaining to show a reaction.

After being convinced, by the way they were around each other that Hermione and Draco were truly in love, she exclaimed, "Congratulations to you both! She is so beautiful!"

Hermione sighed with relief, but was still uneasy about Ron's reaction to their news.

Sensing this, Mrs. Weasley quickly said, "Oh and do not worry about Ronald. He is a bit rash, but he will soon come around. After all, you are one of his very best friends."

Hermione smiled and thought to herself, I certainly hope so.

Mrs. Weasley than in turn hugged and kissed both her and Draco, and went on, as no one could resist, to just admire the radiance emitted from little Adora.

Everyone left the hospital wing, save the new family of course. Madame Pomfrey came in and said, "I will have to borrow Adora for a little while. Just to run some more tests and things to make sure everything's fine and alright. It will take some hours so I suggest you use the time to rest. It's not easy taking care of a baby and getting rest, as I am sure you will soon come to know."

Draco handed her the baby and she left without another word. He looked at Hermione, so serene, and said, "I suppose you should take a nap and get some more rest. I would join you but I am too full of energy to lie down."

"I can't rest much more now either," she replied, "And Draco, thank you so much."

He looked truly confused, "For what, my love?"

Hermione smiled the biggest smile she ever did, "For being here with me. For loving me, for giving me someone to love. Just for being you," then she chuckled, "and for being the most sexy beast alive I'm surprised I didn't get pregnant sooner."

Draco looked at her, and she got up, and gave him the most passionate kiss he ever received in his entire life. He charmed the curtains around the bed so that no one could enter, or hear what was going on inside, and undid her dressing gown. It's so much easier, he thought, to get her out of clothes when she isn't wearing any. They did not make love however, but only kissed each other tenderly until they could not any more. Then Draco picked up Hermione and put her face down on the bed, massaging all her stress and fears away. Then both fell asleep in each other's embrace, each happy and completely in love with the other.