Chapter 5
I'm sorry i've been so terrible at updating this Fic, please let me know what you think, i'd love to know if you want more chapters posted!
Mrs Weasley bustles forward before anyone can say anything, forcing me to bend down so she can place a smacking kiss on my cheek 'Draco darling it's so lovely of you to come.'
'Thank you for inviting me Mrs Weasley.' Granger smirks at me from where she stands next to a grinning George, both of them wearing matching expressions of mocking.
'Come on come on we were just in the middle of a game of exploding snap, I bet you can give George a run for his money.' she all but drags me into the front room squeezing my arm in hers and leaving a grinning Granger to follow behind.
'I can't stay long Mrs Weasley. I apologise I have to meet my Mother for dinner.' I let her herd me into a vacant chair, nodding at Mr Weasley in greeting as I take my seat.
'Molly dear, it's Molly, now you wait right there and I'll bring you a nice hot cup of apple cider.' and then she bustles off again murmuring excitedly under her breath.
Potter falls into a loveseat next to an already grinning Ginny, kissing her in welcome before the two start whispering to each other with contented smiles. Granger, the pretty witch, takes a seat next to me and the grinning ginger following her around plops himself down on the floor in front of us so he can better stare.
'So what brings you here today Malfoy, surely it's not just for the hot apple cider.' he grins tossing some kind of ball up into the air as his mother comes back into the room, a delightful smelling cup in hand.
Deciding to let Granger handle his question I'm just bringing it to my mouth for a sip when she suddenly goes grey next to me, with a muttered oath she's off and sprinting out of the room as fast as her legs can carry her.
The room goes silent as they stare after her in shock and I take it as my opportunity 'If you'll excuse me for a moment.' I put the cup back down with a rather forlorn look, it smelt delicious.
She's put a slightly more complex spell on the door this time but it's no matter, a wave of my wand and I'm next to her offering what little comfort I can. She curses me under her breath but she doesn't force me to leave, leaning against my legs and letting me wipe her face, almost as if despite all her posturing she's glad I'm here.
'I'm sorry this is so gross Malfoy.' she sighs exhausted, retesting her cheek against my calf with a little half groan.
'What's a little vomit between friends, nothing about you is gross Granger.' I use her hands to lift her, taking note of the circles under her eyes that seem to have gotten darker just in the last few minutes alone.
'Don't worry, according to Andromeda I'm nearly at the end of my morning sickness now.' a hopeful look as she performs a breath freshening charm and attempts to straighten her hair down where my hands have caused frizz.
She heads back into the longue without a backwards glance, everything about her screaming that she's completely and utterly ready to be done with the day.
'Make sure you get an early night tonight Granger, it's not good for either of you to be so tired.' i catch up with her with a pointed glance downwards.
She nods her agreement rather sheepishly before we emerge back into the eerily silent room.
'Tell me Malfoy didn't knock you up.' George is glaring daggers at me as she gingerly retakes her seat.
Granger winces.
'We're happy about the baby, we wanted to share that with you.' I offer the words before he can start ranting, watching Granger's eyes widen in surprise at the truth even I can hear in my tone.
The Weaslette looks like she wants to wet herself she's so excited; while Potter just rolls his eyes, his decidedly joyful eyes.
'Oh congratulations!' Molly squeals, dissolving the tension before rushing over to crush us both to her chest, soon after Arthur shakes my hand and kisses Granger's forehead so softly it brings a tear to her eyes.
Last but not least George, he pulls her into a tight embrace that she returns, both of them whispering things I can't quite work out as they all but cling to each other.
'Treat her right Malfoy.' he holds out a hand when they finally separate, both of them looking a little misty.
I shake it with a nod, I'll do everything in my power to keep the promise.
Hours later and Granger has shown them all the pictures and told them all about her appointments, George had laughed and asked if the black squiggles were supposed to be a baby before Ginny had smacked him on the back of his head.
'I'll come over tomorrow Granger? Or you can come and inspect my flat if you like?' I smirk pulling her to one side after a glance at the clock had told me i'd had to leave now or risk my mother's wrath.
'That sounds wonderful, maybe we can go and take a look at my parents house, see if you like the look of it?' a hesitant glance, as if fearing i'll refuse.
We make the subsequent plans and I promise to owl her my address before I'm forced to leave. Surprisingly unwilling to be parted from her, I kiss her temple and wave goodbye to the others before I force myself to walk out the door, the tug of apparition spitting me out at my mother's house between one blink of the eye and the next.
….
I don't run but I definitely walk quickly to the dining room that I know houses my mother, striding through the hallways and making it inside just as the clock rings out, my mother detests lateness.
'Draco darling, for a moment i thought you were going to be late.' she rises so that she can kiss my cheek before we both settle into our respective seats.
'I'll explain my haste I promise, for now tell me about what i've missed.' she gives a happy smile as an elf pours us both wine, launching into the latest gossip that she's heard, who's engaged to who and what scandals are happening.
By the time she's gotten it all out of her system we're nearly finished dinner, a perfectly brewed cup of coffee sitting in front of me and a delightfully bitter tea in front of her.
'Now you must explain your rush my dragon.' her spoon makes perfectly round circles as she stirs in just a touch of cream.
'I have news Mother, exciting news.' i put down my cup to brace myself, in all honesty i have no idea how she'll take this.
'Don't leave me in suspense darling' an admonishingly tender look, as if she could never really be angry with me.
'I'm to be a Father Mother.' the words feel like they ring out as her elegant mask slips and her spoon clatters to her plate.
'A father to whose baby Draco.' her lips press together as if she has to force herself not to lose her temper.
'Hermione Granger.' i'm not ashamed of the Mother of my child, in fact the idea that everybody knows that she's mine fills me with nothing but joy.
'The muggleborn that your aunt tortured?' the words make me flinch but she ignores it and i can see her anger slipping the leash, the people who thought i got my temper from my Father had clearly never seen my mother angry
'You got a muggleborn pregnant out of wedlock, could you do more to spit on the way me and your Father raised you?!' she shrieks at me, throwing her napkin on the table as she gets to her feet.
'You raised me to be a spoilt bigot, you're both lucky i learnt to think for myself otherwise i doubt we'd be here today!' i feel my own temper rising at the utter ridiculousness of it all.
'Oh of course Draco, because having a bastard is learning to think for yourself. You're acting like a child!' her eyes are wide in horror as her lips curls in disgust.
Just like that i'm finished with this conversation 'You will watch your tone when you talk about my child and Hermione Mother, or you will not speak about them, do not refer to my baby as such again -' i take great satisfaction in the way her mouth drops open, i never raise my voice at my mother, never, '-i realise this is a shock, i realise that it's a lot to take in, when you are ready to speak to me about your grandchild in a calm manner you know where to find me.' with that i leave before i say something else i'll regret.
I feel my anger throb behind my eyes at the thought of the word bastard, as if because we weren't married it matters for anything that's actually important.
Storming through the floo i force myself to put the idea out of my head, Granger won't want to marry me anyway.
…..
The next day I feel nervous as I pace around my living room, I'd told my elf Sunni that we'd be having an important visitor and she hadn't disappointed. The surfaces gleam and the pillows are perfectly plush, all that we need now is for Granger to arrive. She'd owled to let me know she'd come over just after breakfast but when exactly is that?
My eyes dart around as I force myself to sit down, she'll be here soon enough and she won't want to watch me wearing a hole in my new hardwood floors. Summoning a book i try to avoid looking at the fireplace, i fail of course but i tell myself that it's the trying that matters.
Just when i'm about to start pacing again Granger steps through, hesitantly stepping onto the carpet as she waves her wand to get rid of the soot.
'Hi Malfoy' she looks unsure of herself but I can't possibly think of why.
'Granger, please come in?' for some reason i've decided that being unfailingly polite is the way to approach the situation, she gives me an odd look but doesn't comment as she takes off her robe and gently drapes it over an armchair.
'This is nice Malfoy, very modern.' she takes a few cautious steps around the room, noting the furnishing and the matching throw pillows.
'Would you like a tour?' i beckon to the door and she gives a surprised nod following after me as i exit.
I show her the kitchen and the guest rooms and she laughs, making a teasing joke about the sheer amount of room it is for one person; she all but fawns over the bathroom, leaving with one last longing look at the bathtub but it's the library where her eyes really light up.
She gasps in wonder and I feel compelled to lean against the doorway and just watch her take it in, she flits from shelf to shelf as if she's in her own version of heaven, delighted eyes taking everything in.
'Why don't you pick something out and we can take tea whilst you read?' i've made the offer before i've considered that she won't be able to talk to me if she's too busy reading, i'm all but cursing my own stupidity when she suddenly starts sniffling.
'We don't have to - it was just an idea Granger!' i practically shout i'm rushing to reassure her, watching her wipe away her tears with a wet little laugh as i hesitantly edge closer.
'Ignore me Malfoy i'm just hormonal, the other day i threw a jam tart at Harry for...well the why isn't important but i can't seem to control it -' she does that adorable little half-sniffle half-laugh again '-i'd love to read and drink tea with you, i feel as though in another lifetime perhaps we'd have done so long ago.'
My chest twinges slightly at the way she phrases the words, with you, but I force myself to get a grip. I spied on the dark lord, i survived torture and a bloody war! Hermione Granger's tears are not going to bring me down.
Hesitantly she inches closer to me until I get the feeling she might be seeking comfort…from me. Odd. Using whatever bravery I have in me, I inch my arms open the barest amount, although from the way Granger reacts you'd think I had spread them wide and ran at her declaring my devotion to hugs. Suddenly wrapping her arms around my waist and burrowing her face in my chest, shuffling her tiny feet in between my large ones.
'Is this okay?' her voice comes out slightly muffled and i can feel her breath on my skin through my jumper, sweet torture thy name is Granger.
'Of course, who knew you were so cuddly' i give her a little squeeze feeling strangely protective of the little witch wrapped around me, she's such a huge personality that sometimes I forget the fact that she's actually rather short.
'It's the hormones, or that's what i'm going to blame it on, I nearly ended up seated in Ginny's lap the other day' a happy sigh accompanies another warm breath on my chest as she snuggles closer.
I give it another few minutes before I reluctantly pull away 'Come on Granger let's get some tea, you need to rest and I promise you my lap is far more comfortable than Ginny Weasleys.' i wink and she blushes all the way down to the roots of her hair.
How on earth am i supposed to stay platonic when she does adorable things like this.
Mumbling something she goes to pick a book before following after me, pointedly ignoring my lap and sitting next to me.
Ten minutes later and we both have a cup of tea, Granger has what I'm assured is a caffeine free herbal tea and I have my normal earl grey. The more into her book Granger gets the less attention she pays to her surroundings, until she's almost droopily leaning against the back of the chair, her shoes neatly placed next to the floo and her feet curled underneath her.
I try to be patient but it's not a quality i'm in huge possession of.
Granger catches me staring and gently puts her book down.
'How did things go with your Mother?' she picks up her cup and shuffles back to look at me.
'Rather poorly overall but i'm sure she'll contact me when things calm down-' i ignore eyes that see far too much '-Theo and Blaise took it rather well though.'
Her eyes widen 'Really?'
'Blaise is still trying to work out how i convinced you to sleep with me in the first place, i think he actually questioned how you could have let your standards fall so low' i can feel myself smirk remembering his complete and utter bafflement.
'So you actually slept with and impregnated Hermione Granger?' he sits forward, eyes wide in confusion.
'Yes'
'The Hermione Granger, the brightest witch of our age and one-third vanquisher of The Dark Lord'
'She prefers Hermione I'm sure.'
'Me let my standards fall?' a confused frown from the witch in front of me brings me back to the present 'but i'm…'
'Gorgeous?' I try to fill in the blank, pleasure sufficing me when a gorgeous flush travels over her cheeks.
She refuses to be complimented '...a muggleborn?'
I lean forwards so that there's no misunderstanding 'A gorgeous, talented and remarkably intelligent witch, i could think of no one i'd rather have carry my child Granger the fact that you're muggleborn means nothing to me - well it does make your duelling skills slightly more impressive.'
Her eyes widen and her mouth gapes slightly before she shuts it with an audible snap. Sitting back she studies me. Refusing to feel self-conscious i will myself to relax under her gaze, to keep my body loose.
Her eyes suddenly flash with something 'Malfoy…'
My wards blaze a warning a second before Theo and then Blaise step through the floo, both of them laughing at each other, their faces falling in shock as they notice Granger on the sofa, shoes kicked off and a cup of tea in her hand.
'Please forgive the intrusion.' of course it's Theo who offers the apology, as if they don't have the absolute worst timing in the world.
I look at Granger but that flash has gone, the words dying on her tongue because of my bloody friends. Merlin!
She coughs pointedly.
'Please allow me to properly introduce Hermione Granger.' i don't bother to stand and Granger follows my example, these are friends.
It's Blaise who's first to put on the charm, walking over and delicately placing a kiss on the back of her hand 'Blaise Zabini, delighted to meet you.'
She laughs. She actually laughs at such underhand tactics, 'I've heard all about you Blaise Zabinin -' a teasing grin '-i've heard from Lavender and Hannah and Romilda and Susan…'
He has the decency to cut her off without even trying to look embarrassed. 'All lies i'm sure.' Theo is doing his absolute best not to betray his amusement but one look in his eyes and i'm sure he's about to lose it.
Granger laughs and I find myself delighted by this teasing side to her as Theo takes the opportunity to introduce himself.
'Theodore Nott, but Theo please.' Blaise helps himself to an armchair leaving Theo the other sofa.
'Theo' she agrees.
'So what are you here for?' i'm growling but my two best friends know me well enough not to care.
Granger gives me a look that tells me i'm being rude but for once i ignore her as well.
'Theo found this book that he wanted to show you, he's been going on an on about it all bloody morning.' Blaise lets out a theatrical sigh and relaxes in his seat, calling out for Sunni to bring him a cup of coffee.
The little elf rushes to get everyone refreshments and Theo ignores Blaise in favour of making polite conversation.
'So have you decided whether you're going to go back to Hogwarts or not?' he directs his question to Granger who's studying him curiously.
'I received an owl from Mcgonogall this morning actually, she's happy to let me sit my exams early so that i can still go back for my newts, it'll give me plenty of time to prepare without having to stress about exams.' she rubs her stomach almost absently and all three of us follow the movement.
'Does that mean you're going back, what about exam stress surely that can't be good for the baby?' i ignore the others claiming her attention once more.
'As long as i take lots of breaks and my exams are a few days apart i don't see there being any issue, my child will benefit more from me having a proper education than taking the time to sit around just because i happen to be pregnant. If there are complications or it isn't working i can always revisit the idea, and anyway i haven't even decided yet.' a glare that warns me off any more 'fussing' as she likes to call it.
'Our child.' i correct, watching her glare fade as she gives me an apologetic look.
'Speaking of this baby i'd quite like to know how that happened, Draco has been rather recalcitrant with the details.' Blaise wiggles his eyebrows and Granger has the good grace to blush.
Theo gives her an apologetic look as i glare at him murderously.
Even with her blush she steels herself, she is Hermione Granger after all 'What would you like to know?'
My eyes shoot to her in shock 'Granger!'
'Well when the press find out they'll have enough questions, it makes sense to practise answering them with people that we consider friends.' she rationalises the embarrassment with the calculating part of her mind as i stare on gobsmacked.
She gives Blaise a nod that urges him to ask and he looks at me for permission, warily i nod.
'When did it happen?' he starts her off easy, looking almost gleeful at the opportunity he's been presented. Typical Slytherin.
'Just before the end of the war.' her answer is straight and to the point, no embellishing or offering information. Clever girl.
'June 16th' i confirm belatedly noticing Theo studying the two of us carefully.
'Where did it happen?' a cheeky smirk starts to emerge, barely there but noticeable if you're looking for it.
She turns to me to answer 'A safehouse' i have to use occlumency to keep the emotion of the memory out of my voice.
'Oh come on! I was promised answers.' the smirk is definitely becoming more pronounced.
'You'll have to ask better questions' Granger taunts with a smug little smile and his eyes light up in challenge.
'How was it?' he wiggles his eyebrows ignoring Theo's 'Blaise!'
She colours slightly and avoids looking anywhere near my direction 'Perfect.'
His eyebrows shoot upwards and Theo noticeably relaxes, those amber eyes turn to me.
I feel myself smile 'Sensational.' it's the only word that even manages to come close to how utterly brilliant it was.
After Granger there wasn't even any point in trying to sleep with another witch for fear of how utterly and completely disappointing it was bound to be.
'Would you…'
'I think that's enough questions, there's no way that the media would even ask half of those.' i warn with a glare turning to Theo 'Tell me about this book.'
He pulls out a miniature from his pocket, waving his wand to enlarge it, he looks almost nervous. Odd. He's normally far better at hiding his emotions.
'It's actually a book about, well it's about the baby and pregnancy and other things.' he coughs uncomfortably as if it's just a book he had laying around, handing it over and completely ignoring the fact that it looks brand new and on the front it says that it's the best book of this year.
Granger immediately perks up 'I haven't had a chance to go shopping for research books yet, is that the new Witches with Witches, Fleur said that book was a lifesaver when she was pregnant with Victoire.' she rubs her stomach suddenly and scoots towards me and the book.
'What's wrong?' i move it slightly out of reach.
'Nothing just flutters.' she waves it off not even trying to be subtle as she holds out a demanding hand.
'The book says you can experience those around this time, apparently it's just the baby moving and they'll turn into bigger movements as they grow.' Theo explains, blushing slightly when we all stare at him.
'I may have browsed through it.' he offers defensively as Blaise snickers.
'Does it say anything about tiredness or morning sickness, Andromeda said mine should come to an end soon but so far nothing.' Granger gives up trying to get the book now she's got her very own translator.
'It mentions tiredness pretty much the whole way through, apparently that doesn't go away -' he winces '-morning sickness is supposed to soon though, although apparently sensitivity to specific foods that can cause sickness can go on throughout the pregnancy.' he looks rather pleased with himself.
'You should have been in ravenclaw you utter swot.' Blaise is ruthless in his teasing as i start rifling through the book.
'There's nothing wrong with research.' he defends himself not the least bit concerned.
Granger watches the interaction but says nothing, just scoots closer into my side until i'm forced to wrap my arm around her just so we can share the book. She freezes slightly but relaxes into me, her eyes scanning the page the same way mine do as the others bicker about houses and besmirching the good name of Slytherin.
By the time they've finished Granger is barely keeping her eyes open, her legs curled underneath her and her side pressed up against mine. I lean back slightly so she can more properly rest on my chest and she doesn't hesitate in snuggling down with a yawn.
I give the others warning glares not to say anything.
'So what are you doing with the rest of the day?' Theo, thankfully, doesn't comment on the fact that the witch cuddled into me is almost asleep.
'We're going to see Granger's house later, she lives with Potter at the moment but she's thinking of moving back into her family home when the baby is born.' i figure that Granger won't mind me giving away these details, it's not like they'd give anyone else the information after all.
I'm almost certain she's asleep.
'Will you connect the floo's, if she's moving out of Potter's she'll need help. My sister had two house elves and a nanny when my nephew was born and she still looked catatonic half the time.' Blaise winces recalling a particular memory and i just manage to keep myself from stroking the hair out of Granger's face.
'I plan to give her as much help as i can, i might even ask if i can stay in a guest room when the baby is born otherwise knowing Granger Potter will be more involved with my child than me.' i'd give a bitter chuckle if not for the witch careful snoozing on my chest.
'They've always been close.' Theo reflects and Blaise raises an eyebrow at the understatement.
'I get the feeling if she's in trouble Potter would be her instinct, and while i don't blame her i plan to take full responsibility for both of them.' i pull her just the slightest bit closer, have the pleasure of feeling her burrow further into me.
'How are you feeling about going back to school?' surprisingly it's blaise who asks the question that's been threading through my mind.
'It'll be different, i don't relish the shit storm that we'll create but hopefully it'll blow over.' i can't help but sigh tiredly just thinking about it.
'At least Granger won't start showing properly for another couple of months, you could hide if it you wanted too.' Theo takes a biscuit off the tray but both him and Blaise keep shooting looks to the witch so casually sleeping on my chest, as if they can't believe that she's actually comfortable touching me.
'We aren't going to hide our child, at least i don't think we are, she even told the muggle woman to put my name on the scan, why would she do that and then want to hide it?' it's a question more for myself than for the two across from me.
'You had a muggle scan, what was that like?' both of them fail to hide their curiosity and i find myself recounting the whole experience, the jelly like potion and the funny black box that had enamoured Potter.
'Can we see the pictures?' it's Theo who asks but Blaise nods his head.
Using my wand i summon the folder from my room, shifting slightly so i can pull out the one i've kept in my pocket as well. I feeling pride swell in me as they accept the odd pieces of parchment and start trying to decipher what the odd shapes mean.
Eventually i can't stand it anymore 'Bring it here i'll point it out' i shake my head on a growl, i can't move myself without jostling Granger.
They quickly move so there sitting next to me, a little too close for comfort if we're all being honest, but it's necessary.
'You see the large egg shape-' i point with a finger and they both nod in agreement '-that's the head, this bit -' more pointing '-is the body, and this little patchy bit that's a hand.'
Their mouths drop open in utter shock before they start grinning and leafing through the other pictures.
'In the room on the black box you could actually see him move, wiggling around.' i don't even bother to hide how cool i found the experience and they grin in awe.
'Muggles are bloody brilliant.' Blaise can't seem to take his eyes off the photos.
'You can have one if you like, not this one -' i reclaim the one i'd had in my pocket '-but you can have one of the others.'
'Really?' Theo looks down at them warily.
'You're my best friends, who else do i have to share them with?' i raise an eyebrow and they understand my meaning, each picking a favourite and almost reverently putting them away.
'Do you think she'll let us hold him, i've never held a baby before.' Blaise looks equal parts horrified and excited.
It's Granger who answers and i just about manage not to jump in shock 'Of course you can hold him.' a sleepy rumble.
'Did we wake you?' she groggily lifts her head giving an adorably little yawn.
'Even if you did you'd be well within your rights too, incredibly rude of me to fall asleep like that.' a contrite glance as she leans forward to grab her cup of tea, wincing and performing a warming charm before taking a sip.
'Nonsense you're growing another little witch or wizard, Blaise and i thought nothing other than that you looked rather comfortable.' Theo gives her a warm smile that she reciprocates, a tiny grin itching onto her face.
She looks around noticing the scan folder is open and pictures are dotted around.
'What did you think?' she nods towards it.
'Muggles are bloody brilliant, Draco said that the pictures get more detailed the bigger you get.' he gives an excited grin that i can tell Granger is taken in by.
'It'll be interesting to watch him grow.' another of those maddening rubs to her abdomen.
'Are you having any cravings yet, the book said they would start to set in around about now?' me and Blaise share an eye roll at Theo's professor tone.
Granger blushes guiltily chancing a look at me 'Ginger cake, from that little coffee shop in Diagon Alley.'
I can't help but grin, our eyes locking for a moment as my two best friends study us intently, sharing a look.
'We need lunch anyway.' I offer ignoring the others as she nods her agreement.
To my surprise she turns to the out of place Slytherins 'Would you like to join us for lunch?'
They look surprised themselves but dutifully accept the offer all of us traipsing down to the apparation point. We have a quiet lunch where my friends do their best not to embarrass me and Granger does her best to be open minded, asking them insightful questions and in return letting them ask about her and the baby.
We tuck into rather delicious sandwiches, made with thick bread that's so obviously fresh and filled with a variety of tasty fillings. Before long the waitress is setting down a rather large slice of Ginger cake, and Granger who had lacklusterly picked at her meal perks right up. Licking her spoon clean after savouring every mouthful. Merlin! She has no idea how bloody tempting she is.
'I can see now why you wanted to come here.' Theo takes in the her utter adoration with a smirk.
'It's not for me it's for the baby.' she smirks back letting out a happy groan as she takes another mouthful.
'So the baby is the one who's all but licking her plate right now?' Blaise teases as she scrapes up the crumbs.
'The baby is making me.' she looks at me as if to see if i'll be the next one to try and disprove her.
'Shall we get you another slice to take with you?' My parents didn't raise me to be stupid after all.
She grins looking rather morose as she refuses, claiming too much sugar isn't good for her.
Blaise and Theo depart shortly after that and even i can tell they've won Granger over. Instead of accepting another kiss on the hand she insists on hugging them both. Blaise teases her about not being able to keep her hands off him but dutifully gives her a gentle squeeze. Theo is altogether far more hesitant and in the end Granger just wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him to her, ignoring the look of wide-eyed shock he'd sent me over her shoulder.
Granger holds out an arm when we get outside 'Come on Malfoy, you'll have to be with me to get through the wards.'
With a sigh I grab her hand letting her magic grab me and whisk me away before I can take my next breath. We end up at the bottom of a gravel driveway, huge gates a few hundred metres in the distance.
Sooo... what do you think?!