A/N: Ah, my lovelies- the penultimate chapter. Enjoy!
Trance x
Chapter 18
Month 4
Hermione sighed, rubbing her temples as she leant her elbows on the smooth surface of her desk, trying to soothe her pounding head. She wanted so desperately to ignore the many files stacked in front of her, but forced herself to look up and, with another sigh, took one and began to read it.
It would surely take her all night.
The scratching of her quill and the echoes of the small ticks of the clock on her desk were the only sounds that filled her empty office as Hermione continued to write a report for the Wizengamont. The report was about whether or not a suspected murderer on trial had serious enough mental health issues to allow him to escape a sentence. An interesting case, had it been any other day: but not today.
Glancing up, a broad smile escaped her when she saw the time, knowing that Malfoy would sneak in to her office to see her. Everyone was, of course, informed of her pregnancy, and many were shocked and curious to know more. Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger being in a relationship was a shock enough, but to have a child together? It was a thought that was deemed impossible.
Not anymore... Hermione thought to herself wryly as she continued to write, mentally hitting herself for allowing her thoughts to drift off from the task at hand.
She jumped when she heard a knocking at the door, but smiled instantly, standing up before calling: "Come in!"
Her face fell when she saw who walked in. She had expected it to be Malfoy- but it wasn't.
It was Ronald Weasley.
"What are you doing here?" Hermione forced herself to ask after long moments of painful silence between the pair, trying not to be too disappointed that Malfoy hadn't turned up yet. Ron shifted his weight from one foot to the other: a clear sign that he was nervous.
"Just wanted to see you." He told her quietly. Hermione visibly relaxed a little, but moved back to sit behind her desk and start writing again.
"Well, I'm busy. So if you could… come back some other day…"
"You're always busy, 'Mione."
"True," She stopped writing to glance up at him, sighing a little. "Sit down then. What did you want to talk about?"
Ron obliged her, taking the seat opposite her on the other side of her desk. "Just wanted to see how you were doing. I've heard the news."
Her heart sunk a little at this, but she acknowledged his casual, calm tone and tried to mirror it into her own voice, although a little wearily. "I've been doing fine."
"Congratulations." Ron added with a small smile.
She returned it, hiding her surprise. "Thank you."
More silence followed. Hermione twirled her quill in her hands, too wrapped up in the moment to try and pretend that she was concentrating on her report. Ron here, now, was a sign of his acceptance of her new life. And she had missed him. The last year had been crazy, and as much as he had irritated her, she knew she was partly to blame for it: and she needed his constant friendship. After all, they had been friends for a substantial part of her life.
She cleared her throat a little to break the silence, and Ron immediately looked up, their eyes finally connecting mutually. Hermione gave him another trace of a smile, before a thought struck her.
"Would you like to meet for coffee? Perhaps we could talk... better then?" She asked, biting her lip a little in worry that it would be too much to ask for at this stage. She had nothing to worry about, however, for Ron's dimples rose and he bowed his head a little shyly.
"I'd like that." He admitted.
"Good."
Both stood. Hermione raised out her hand to shake his in farewell- a gesture she had never used with him before, as it was an implication that they were strangers, which they most certainly weren't. But she was cautious that they still had a fair way to go before they could truly be comfortable with each other again. As if sensing this, Ron only took her hand and squeezed it, before moving around her desk and enveloping her in a sudden, but well received hug.
"I've missed you, 'Mione." He mumbled into her untamed, soft hair, stroking her back gently. This sweet gesture caused Hermione to squeeze her eyes tightly and suddenly, she felt tiny teardrops peeking out from her eyelashes and rolling down her smooth cheeks. She hadn't realised how the stress in the past year had really affected her and she moved her arms around Ron, knowing that she had missed his familiar warmth and smell.
They held each other for another moment, before Ron spoke again. "I know I've been an idiot, 'Mione. But I talked to Harry and well… if you're happy with Malfoy, then that's fine. I'm not going to lie and say I'm happy about it too, but...I can try to get used to it."
She hugged him tighter at these words. "Thank you, Ronald."
Suddenly, her office door opened, revealing Malfoy, who stopped in his tracks and simply stared at them, a slim eyebrow raised, abruptly causing Hermione and Ron to break apart. Ron nodded at Malfoy before squeezing Hermione's hand again, mumbling a farewell before leaving the room. Malfoy shut the door behind him, turning once more to face Hermione.
"You're crying." Malfoy stated shortly, an unreadable expression on his face.
"Yes." Was all Hermione could reply with as she dabbed at her wet cheeks with her fingers, tucking her hair behind her ears before seating herself behind her desk once more.
A few moments passed as Hermione kept her head down, waiting for Malfoy to say something. Finally, she heard his familiar heavy footsteps echo as he moved across to her, stopping directly at her desk. She lifted her head and they stared at each other again, Hermione knowing exactly where this conversation would go.
"Why were you crying?" Malfoy asked, trying to remain calm. She had to give it to him, Hermione thought to herself in admiration- Malfoy really did have a knack for looking perfectly poised and calm even when he felt angry. "I would've asked if Weasley said something to upset you, but the little embrace I found you in proved otherwise."
"He apologised," Hermione replied gently, sensing Malfoy's jealousy. It was a trait she both loved and hated: loved for it was a guilty attraction for her to be turned on by his protective nature, hated for moments like this when it was entirely un-necessary. He was too proud, she had already assessed that over the course of their relationship: a characteristic that was undoubtedly inherited and learnt from a young age. "He apologised, and I was crying because I had missed him. He's been a friend of mine for nearly all of my life, Draco. He's willing to let the past go."
Something- perhaps classified as realisation- dawned over his face when she finished, and he exhaled a long sigh, rubbing his forehead gently with his long finger- a move Hermione had adopted herself only fifteen minutes ago. Recognising it immediately as stress, she waited for him to speak, only continuing to look up at him sympathetically.
Finally, he sighed. "I've had a bad day," He admitted to her shortly, before moving to sit on the desk next to her whilst she remained in her chair, appreciating it when she moved her hand to rub gently at his thigh in comfort. "I've had to interview more people for Sacks's job. You came up today."
"How so?" Hermione asked confusedly, her eyes widening a little in worry. Why would she be mentioned in an interview?
"An interviewee just got a little too personal. Tried to win me over by saying how lucky I was to have you. As if I didn't already know," Malfoy scoffed, allowing Hermione's heart to swell for only a moment at his unintended compliment towards her before he continued. "Then the stupid prat told me how very surprised he was that we were together, when I'm a Malfoy and hated you when we were at Hogwarts."
"And what did you say?"
"Nothing. I forced on a smile and shook his hand, and he left. And then I crossed his name off of my 'Possible Candidates for the Job' list."
Typical, she thought, but rubbed at his thigh gently again. "Well, Draco, why did that make you so angry? It is sort of true, you know. You did hate me back at school."
"You hated me too," Malfoy shot back before sighing and raking a hand through his floppy blonde hair. "I just… realised that it isn't sort of true, it is true. All of it. But I don't want it to be. Look at Potter. He loved the Weasel girl for years, they grew up together, bla bla bla… whereas I fought against you, watched you almost die before me, did nothing to help you… I hurt you. And now our baby will probably know all about it, thanks to everyone else judging me still."
"Well I don't judge you," Hermione stood up to move between his legs, winding her arms around his tiny neck as she locked her eyes with his firmly. "And that's all that matters. I know you've changed. People make mistakes Draco. Yes, you've had a dark past, but you turned good in the end. Your parents loved you and didn't want you to partake in it, but they were scared. You were scared. But you're doing the bravest thing anyone could ever do now."
"What's that?" Malfoy asked curiously- his arms, which had instinctively moved around her waist- tightened a little as he anxiously waited for her answer.
She kissed his forehead gently, moving to cup his face with her hand and rub his cheek with her thumb.
"You're acknowledging it." She replied simply. "And you're facing it, and you're changing. We all have a dark past, Draco. Let it go."
Month 5
"Mia, have you seen my cufflinks? I swear I put them down here, but they've gone." Malfoy called as he walked from the adjoining bathroom into the master bedroom, an irritated expression on his face which quickly vanished when he spotted Hermione standing in the room, her back to him as she stood before a mirror, wearing a beautiful green gown. "Wow. You look beautiful." He told her as he walked over to her, bending his head to kiss the top of her head before leaning his chin on her shoulder and meeting her eyes in the mirror. Hermione sighed.
"I look and feel as fat as a Hippogriff." She stated bluntly, tugging at her dress before Malfoy snatched her wrists and pulled them away from causing any more damage.
"You look, and are, exquisite." He informed her firmly, planting a swift kiss on her red lips. "And I adore the colour on you. It suits you."
"I thought you might appreciate it, yes." Hermione couldn't help but smirk momentarily, before an uneasy look replaced the expression on her face. "Draco, I can't go."
"Yes you can, and you will." He adopted the same firm tone yet again with her, winding his arms around her waist as he pulled her close. "Mia, I don't lie to a woman of her looks. If I say you look beautiful, it's because you do. Any other woman means nothing in comparison with you. I don't know why you feel ugly as the months of your pregnancy go on, because you don't. You're glowing. It's taking all of my self-control not to ravish you right now. You're the most intelligent, the most beautiful, the most adored," This caused Hermione to smile in amusement. "And you have me. Indeed, I believe those are very valuable things to have."
He received a small punch on his arm, but her eyes were filled with tears: she was so touched by his speech. Immediately, he summoned a tissue with his wand, handing it to her to dab her eyes with.
"Sorry," She mumbled as she continued to wipe her tears. "I don't know why I'm crying so much this week."
"Well you should, you're the Healer," Malfoy teased. "But I'll humour you. It's simply your pregnancy, you're just a little more emotional than usual."
"Draco," Hermione groaned at the mention of her pregnant state, pointing to her stomach. "This dress is not for a pregnant body."
"You look perfectly delicious to me."
It was true. Hermione truly did suit pregnancy. Malfoy certainly appreciated her growing breasts and stomach, and how the rest of her slim hourglass figure was still there. She was thrilling to hold for him; so warm and sweet smelling, especially as she had taken to having long bubble baths in perfumed water. He revelled in it, but declarations that he made, such as the one he had made to her only a minute ago, were rare. He preferred to show her how appreciated she was, sending her little gifts and cards to cheer her up whenever she felt insecure. He was finally growing comfortable with talking to her belly, and enjoyed their leisurely walks in the gardens- and when she would be tired and want to rest, he would place his head on her stomach and murmur conversations to his unborn child.
Both, at the fifth month of her pregnancy, could find out the sex of the child, but had refused, wanting it to be a surprise. They knew it would be loved whatever it was.
Hermione moved to kiss him deeply in gratitude, smiling into his mouth when he groaned into hers, feeling his hands gently push her away, resting loosely on her waist.
"Mia, as tempting as you are, if you continue doing that, my father will be most displeased that we arrived late for dinner."
"Let him be," She decided to tease him a little, running a finger up and down the top half of his bare chest, his shirt only half-buttoned.
A deep growl left his throat but Malfoy forced himself to remain firm by taking her hand and brushing his lips over her knuckles, before reluctantly pulling away to go and search for his cufflinks. Hermione smiled secretly to herself, happy at the power she still held over him.
Fifteen minutes later, both were ready and dressed accordingly. Hermione exhaled a nervous breath before taking Malfoy's hand and nodding at him with permission, before he brought her into his arms and twirled them both into the air.
Hermione almost staggered but Malfoy caught her, prepared for it.
"Are you alright?" He asked, concerned, but she nodded.
"Fine, fine. It's better than the floo."
"I don't want you to be sick," He said cautiously, refusing to let the subject go. "I knew we should have taken a Ministry taxi, I could of easily asked for one. I don't feel it's right to be apparating with you in your condition."
"Draco, it's fine, honestly. Let's just go in. Your father doesn't like to be kept waiting."
After one final concerned look, Malfoy sighed before both turned to face the door. Taking a deep breath, he raised his fist to knock with three, sharp taps: the Malfoy signal.
It took only a moment before the door swung open, revealing a house elf looking up at the pair curiously.
"Inky." Malfoy greeted the house elf politely after clearing his throat. "We're here for dinner with father."
Inky bowed before replying in a squeaky voice. "If Master and Mistress could follow me."
Both followed Inky down the dimly lit hallway, Hermione feeling more nervous the further they walked. Sensing this, Malfoy kept his arm firmly around her waist, pulling her to his side more securely when they reached the door to the dining room, secretly relieved that they had not been received in the drawing room: a place which would certainly bring too many bad memories.
"Ah," Lucius stood as they entered the magnificent dining room, Hermione allowing a little gasp to escape her. It was beautifully lit, with a jaw-dropping chandelier hanging from the ceiling directly in the middle of the table. Lucius almost glided towards them with smooth, fluid movements, holding his hand out for Malfoy to shake.
"Son," Lucius greeted coolly.
"Father."
"Miss Granger," Lucius turned to Hermione, who offered her hand, almost jumping in shock when he raised it to his lips to brush them lightly across her knuckles before dropping her hand as if he couldn't tolerate to touch her for any longer. Still, he gave her a tight almost-there smile before turning swiftly to stand in front of his chair at the head of the table. "Come." He called over his shoulder, waiting for them patiently as they followed his footsteps, Malfoy moving to help Hermione into her chair on Lucius's right side before moving to his seat on Lucius's left, both men swiftly sitting together.
"Thank you for inviting us to dinner, Mr Malfoy." Hermione could not bear the tension any longer, forcing herself to be civil and speak. After all, he would be the baby's grandfather, despite Malfoy's claims that Lucius would not be involved if he continued to insult them. And now Lucius seemed to be adjusting to his son's new life, and trying to pay a little more attention to the couple.
"You're welcome," Lucius replied in an expressionless voice as he sipped his wine. "I expect you were both surprised."
"You could say so," Malfoy intervened sharply before he turned to Inky, who had now appeared at his side. "Inky, could you please fetch some water for Hermione? She won't be drinking any alcohol."
"I'll get some water," Hermione made to move, but Inky had already left. She leant back in her chair, catching Malfoy's eye to smile at him before a distinct pop was heard and Inky arrived with a glass of water. "Thank you Inky."
"You is welcome Miss." Inky bowed before leaving once again. Lucius had analysed the small scene, apparently, as he looked up with interest at Hermione.
"You advocate elf's rights?"
"Of course," Hermione replied firmly, determined not to be frightened. "I don't like how they are treated as mere slaves."
Lucius only gave her an amused look for a moment, before it vanished and was replaced with his usual composed neutral look.
"Inky is paid," He informed her before taking another sip of wine and reaching for a slice of bread. "You have nothing to worry for."
"I was not worried, but that is good to hear." Hermione was taken aback at this piece of information, but smiled a little to herself.
"Ah, the starters," Lucius suddenly drawled as their bowls slowly filled with soup. "Do begin."
An awkward silence fell over them again, with nothing but the scrapes of spoons to be heard as they all ate. Unable to bear it any longer, Hermione tried yet again to start a conversation.
"How are you?" She asked- almost hopelessly. It was enough, however, for Lucius looked up. If he was surprised, which she was sure he was, he hid it extremely well.
Like father, like son.
He chose to answer her carefully and concisely. "Well… thank you."
"Good."
Another moment of silence.
Lucius spoke this time. "And you?"
"…Well. T-thank you."
"Good."
Malfoy put down his spoon, having finished with his soup. He dabbed his mouth with his napkin slowly before deciding that he, too, should address his father. "The soup was delicious, father."
"Inky shall be glad to hear it, I'm sure."
"I'll pass on my compliments. How is your business doing, father?"
"Perfectly fine. And yours?"
"Well."
Silence.
"I heard it's been thriving, Draco."
"Indeed," Hermione chipped in with a broad smile towards Malfoy. "Draco works extremely hard."
"So I've heard," Lucius replied smoothly, draining his glass of wine and pushing his bowl of soup away a little. "An inherited trait, I believe." He added arrogantly, a small smirk rising on his lips.
Malfoy rolled his eyes, but only nodded and replied with a small: "Indeed, father."
Hermione did not quite know what to reply with, but chose to find another compliment to say to Lucius, noting that he received them well. Looking around, she claimed: "This room is beautiful, Mr Malfoy. The chandelier is lovely."
Malfoy opened his mouth but closed it again, whilst Lucius's lips suddenly set in a tight line. Moments passed and it dawned upon her that she had said entirely the wrong thing. Lucius cleared his throat, before deciding to reply carefully.
"Thank you. But my wife chose the chandelier, not I."
Hermione bit her lip, bowing her head without a reply. Lucius let it go, moving to pour himself another glass of wine and take a sip: but Malfoy was suddenly inclined to carry on with that part of the conversation.
"How is mother? But you probably wouldn't know, of course."
Hermione almost gasped with the impertinence of the statement, almost closing her eyes with the need not to be there at that moment in time. Malfoy, on the other hand, was staring determinedly at his father, both looking at each other with unreadable expressions on their faces. She could only watch them both, and see how they were so very, very similar. Both were fiercely stubborn, refusing to back down even if others in their position would flinch, but able to swiftly be the most charming men in the room, beating all other men shamelessly in comparison. Physically, of course, they were almost identical: Draco had clearly inherited Lucius's strong set jaw, high cheekbones and shocking white-blonde, soft hair and stunning grey eyes, all complimented with that beautiful flawless alabaster skin.
Lucius seemed to inhale deeply through his nose before he coolly decided to address his son. "I think I would know, seeing as I have visited her in her cell in Azkaban three times a week."
Hermione and Malfoy were both hit with a massive shock, staring at Lucius in confusion. After all, Lucius had been openly cold towards his wife when her prison sentence was announced: now suddenly he had turned into a loving, committed husband.
"What?" Malfoy said sharply into the silence. "What do you mean you've visited her? You don't give a-
"-Draco!" Hermione interrupted with a hiss.
"-You don't care for her," Malfoy finished, obliging Hermione by not swearing.
"On the contrary, son, I care for your mother far more than you have ever understood." Lucius spoke politely, but sharply, as if to tell Malfoy to drop the subject. Malfoy did so, leaning back in his chair, wondering at his father's words. Lucius, astonishingly, only changed the conversation topic. "Miss Granger, do take some chicken."
"Oh…" Hermione stammered a little, shocked that he was addressing her. "T-thank you, but I'm afraid the pregnancy has caused me to be put off by meat."
"Ah, yes, of course. A common occurrence. Never mind, perhaps take some more of the pie. I insist."
Hermione did so, but couldn't help glancing at Lucius with curiosity, completely baffled by the swift ever-changing attentions he placed on them both. Lucius only carried on eating calmly, chewing his food slowly whilst Malfoy looked at him in complete bewilderment.
The evening wore on, but the heated conversations no longer took place. They made small talk of the weather, work and even Hermione's pregnancy, which Malfoy noticed that Lucius took a particular interest in, although he did his best to hide it. When it came to bidding them farewell, Lucius took Hermione's hand yet again, but this time, kissed her hand properly.
"Good night Miss Granger."
"Good night Mr Malfoy."
He turned to her partner, an eyebrow raised. "Son."
"Father," Malfoy replied, reaching out a hand that Lucius shook. "Thank you for dinner."
"Anytime," Lucius replied quietly. "You do not need to thank me. This is your home too."
Malfoy was taken aback, but nodded at his father's statement, weaving an arm around Hermione's waist to pull her close and apparate on the spot.
"That went better than I thought."
"Hmm." Malfoy agreed as he slid out of his suit trousers and placed them on the chair in the corner of the room, clad only in his silky black boxers. He moved towards Hermione, who was lying in the huge bed, a book in her hands. Climbing onto the soft covers, he crawled towards her, reaching for the book to take it away and when her mouth fell open to protest, he leaned in and kissed her deeply, swallowing her little moan of contentment.
Kicking the book further down the bed with his foot, Malfoy loomed over her, careful not to crush her with his body as he placed his knees on either side of her hips, never removing his mouth from hers as he eased her down into the soft pillows. He moved away to kiss down her throat before nipping sharply at her collarbone, eliciting another groan from her.
"Draco…" She was almost panting, trying to sit up but was prevented by his gentle but firm hand that only pushed her back down. "Draco, you mustn't… I have to finish that book to help me write my…" She broke off with a gasp when he languidly licked down between her now heaving, bare breasts, only just realising that he had managed to push the thin top that she wore to bed up and over them. Her hand shakily clawed through his hair and held on tightly as he progressed further south, leaning her head back in pleasure.
"Forget the paper," He breathed into her stomach before kissing it, leaning back onto the heels of his feet to push her legs apart gently with his hands. "I've wanted you all night…All night."
Hermione writhed a little at his words and the feel of his warm hands gliding up her legs and clasping her thighs, pulling her forward. He leaned his head down towards where she needed him to be, and she closed her eyes, waiting.
She didn't need to wait for much longer.
Month 6
"Sweetheart, I don't mean to be rude, but I don't think you're quite tall enough."
Hermione turned to glare at the blonde man behind her, only turning back to try desperately to reach for that plain bit of the wall, swinging her paint brush in an attempt to reach it to colour it in with a beautiful, pale green. Malfoy approached her, his chest pressed firmly against her back and shoulders as his hand reached up to stroke hers before he took the paintbrush and coloured in the blank space for her, before throwing it back into the paint pot and bending his head to plant a kiss on her cheek. But Hermione could not be swayed. She simply glared up at him still.
"It is your fault really," He continued, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're refusing to use magic."
"It's more fun to do it manually," Hermione insisted stubbornly. "I want to paint the baby's room together, without magic, and all you can do is tease me."
"I can't help it," Malfoy lifted her chin with a finger, giving her a sweet kiss. "You walk right into opportunities for me to tease you."
Her eyes narrowed. "What is wrong with you today?"
"Wrong?" He encircled his arms around her waist and pulled her close, kissing her nose. "Nothing."
"You're being peculiarly nice and romantic. It's creepy."
He gave her a look of mock hurt. "Are you saying I am neither of those things?"
"No, of course not. But you're being nicer and more romantic than usual."
"Reminds me of our first date, where you informed me that I had changed by becoming nicer."
Hermione blushed, bowing her head a little. "Well, you have."
"Are you complaining?" His lips brushed against her jaw line and she tilted her head back a little to accommodate him, sighing with pleasure when he started to kiss his way upwards.
"No. But you did call me sweetheart."
"You're not fond of loving names couples usually bestow towards each other?"
"Well, you've never called me your sweetheart before."
"Would you like me to?"
"No."
"Then what other typical, cheesy pet names would you prefer?" He murmured into her ear, before taking her lobe into his mouth and sucking on it gently.
"I think you know."
"Oh, I don't."
"Yes you do."
"Very well, but humour me."
Hermione chuckled and leaned away from him to kiss him. "I like…" She was cut off halfway through talking when he kissed her swiftly. "Darling…" Another kiss. "Beautiful…" Another. "And now...sweetheart does actually sound appealing the more I think of it."
"And am I expected to call you these names all of the time?" He murmured against her soft lips, before kissing her again.
"No," She leant back to look up at him in amusement. "I find them all extremely cheesy. But if you ever feel the need to, I'll give you permission to use those three."
"How kind of you."
"Oh I know," Hermione smirked, before kissing his cheek. "Now come on, grab a paintbrush."
"But I was so close to getting you in my bed." Malfoy whined, earning him a hard punch to his arm. He winked at her before flicking his hair out of his eyes, reaching down to grab a roller and soak it in the paint. "I can't believe you're trusting me with this. I've never done anything like this before."
"Well, now is a brilliant time to start."
"We could get this done in five minutes, Granger."
"Manual is what I want, Malfoy."
"You always turn me on when you say my surname." He turned his head to grin wolfishly at her, never failing to cause her stomach to flutter as he did so. But she pushed the feeling away, shaking her head.
"Draco! Not here."
"Why?"
"It'll be our baby's bedroom."
"So?"
"So don't try to...entice me. I want this room done today."
"Very well," He sighed, starting to paint again, jumping when speckles of it splattered on his face, across his nose and cheeks. Hermione couldn't help but giggle loudly, but suddenly stopped, her hands clamping onto her belly.
Malfoy immediately threw down his roller and walked over to her, placing his hands on top of hers. "Mia? What is it?" He asked urgently. "What's-
He cut off, not able to quite believe it. Beneath his hands, a strong fluttering could be felt. His mouth fell open a little in wonder and he instinctively moved closer to her, trying desperately to feel for more. His head shot up and their eyes connected, both unable to say anything but keeping completely still.
"It's moving," Hermione finally whispered in unsuppressed delight, her hands moving to follow the baby's small movements. "Draco…"
They met each other's eyes again, their gazes deep and full of emotion. Malfoy stared at Hermione as she moved to look down at her slightly large belly, an indecipherable expression on his face.
"Marry me."
Her head snapped up and she could only stare at him in shock, her mouth now wide open. "W-What?"
"Marry me." He repeated, his voice stronger, more determined and clearer, his eyes never leaving hers as he moved to bend down onto one knee. Hermione gasped as he did so, his hands never leaving hers, clasped onto her belly. She could only continue to look down at him in astonishment.
"Draco, what are you doing?" She asked in a panicked tone, even though she knew perfectly well what he was doing.
"Marry me, Granger." Malfoy repeated yet again as he stared determinedly up at her.
A smile broke out onto her features and she could only throw her head back and laugh in delight, feeling her eyes fill with tears and swiftly roll down her warm cheeks. She squeezed his fingers and felt herself nod continually at him, a breathy "Yes" leaving her lips before she had a chance to register it. A broad grin etched across his face- a smile she had never seen before and could only stare at in wonder as he raised himself up and, with his hands still on her pregnant stomach, bent his head to kiss her with everything he had, all of his emotions put into that one kiss, unable to say anything else to her. He felt a warm tear on his cheek and moved to wipe it away, before he felt another tear descend onto his finger. He blinked with shock.
It was his own tear.
Month 7
"Draco, pick the bloody thing."
"I don't know Blaise. Look, it's bent."
"It's supposed to be. It's a bloody diamond ring."
"Diamonds don't bend like that. Let's find her an emerald."
"Why are you insisting on an emerald now?"
"...I like the colour."
"Is this supposed to be your ring, or Hermione's?"
"… Why can't I like it?"
"Mate, let it go."
"Fine," Malfoy heaved a sigh, wandering down and glancing into the huge jewellery displays. "You know, Blaise, you are here to help me."
"She's not my fiancée!"
"Yes, but I've never done this before!"
"You've never done anything bloody well before! But what about Pansy?"
"What about her?"
"Well, didn't you pick her ring?"
"Of course not, you know that. She picked her own, I simply gave her access to my account to pay for it."
"Romantic." Came Blaise's reply with a snort.
"It was an arranged marriage. Anyhow, Pansy has nothing to do with this. Hermione is completely different. I want it to be…"
"Yes?" Blaise asked with amusement, his eyes twinkling as if he already knew.
"…Sentimental."
"Oh how sweet," Blaise couldn't help but tease him, throwing an arm over Malfoy's neck and ruffling his hair. "Little Draco is in love."
The comment made Malfoy stop for a moment and he could only grin to himself, feeling stupid for doing so but finding that he didn't care.
"Yes, I suppose I am."
"Come on then, man." Blaise pulled him along, to another section of sparkling rings. "Find her one."
"Wait," Malfoy stopped him, a smile stretching onto his face again. "I have an idea."
Hermione supported her back with her hand, shuffling along the library as her other hand traced along the spines of the books lightly, contemplating which one to read next. Ever since she had taken maternity leave, she had felt extremely bored at home without Draco's company. Even with her favourite hobby of reading, she always felt her eyes droop with exhaustion. The baby was certainly tampering with her sleep cycle, something that she couldn't quite get used to. But now Draco would be coming home, and she longed for his return, knowing he would floo directly into the library fireplace.
Sure enough, he did so just as her thoughts finished at that happy conclusion, and she smiled at him, feeling her spine tingle when he returned her smile, his handsome face gazing at hers. Without bothering to shake off the powder from his robes, Malfoy swiftly moved over to her, taking her face into his hands to kiss her deeply, allowing her own hands to undo the clasp of his robes so they fell to a pile at his feet, before moving her arms around his waist, scratching her nails against his shirt appreciatively.
"Good day?" He murmured against her lips.
"You know it wasn't."
He laughed- the sound a beautiful melody to her ears, something for her to revel in with gratification- and took her hand to guide her to the loveseat, urging her to sit before taking a seat next to her.
"I have a gift for you."
She couldn't help but smile, intensely curious. "You didn't have to buy me anything."
"I wanted to." He reached into his robes and pulled out a small, ring-sized box. Hermione immediately registered this and her eyes widened at the revelation as she looked up at him.
"Draco…"
"Open it," He insisted, pressing the box into her hands almost eagerly, his eyes firmly fixed on her face to witness her reaction.
She blushed, but obliged him, slowly taking it and opening the lid, immediately gasping when she saw the contents. Lying on top of the soft material that held it, was a stunning, simple classic band with a beautiful, tiny gemstone in the middle.
"Grandidierite." Malfoy informed her, taking it out of the case and gently clasping her left hand before placing the ring on her fourth finger, moving it upwards slowly. "One of the rarest gemstones in the world, but I thought you would like it far more than a diamond."
"Oh Draco, I do." Hermione couldn't take her eyes off her beautiful ring. The gemstone was a beautiful blue-green colour, twinkling and transmitting a gorgeous array of blue, green and white lights whenever she moved it. She had never been taken by diamonds, thinking them far too usual for an engagement ring: Malfoy had certainly made a good choice. "It's absolutely beautiful."
He bit his lip, clearly pleased, and nodded his head in approval. "I'm glad you like it."
"I love it," She confirmed, placing her hand behind his neck and pulling him in for a kiss. "I do not deserve it."
"I do not deserve you, but you certainly deserve this small gift at least, while it is nothing, I must give you something in return when you have given me everything that has made me the happiest man."
"I don't need any gifts," She kissed him again, moved by his words. "I just want you."
"Cheesy, Mia, but perfectly true for me too."
Month 8
"Draco! Draco wake up."
Malfoy opened his eyes groggily, blinking sleepily through the darkness. Suddenly, a bright light hit his vision, causing him to groan and wince.
"Mia?" He croaked, rolling onto his side so he could push himself upwards to sit up and, through narrowed eyes, peer at her muggle alarm clock on her side desk. "What is it? It's three in the morning."
"I need spag bol now." She hissed at him. "And a Jane Austen novel."
He groaned. "Mia, now?"
"Yes, now! I can't sleep! I'm hungry! Get me spag bol!"
"What the fuck is 'spag bol'?" But he had already risen from the bed to grab his trousers and push his legs through them. "And who is Jane Austen? I don't have her collection in the library-
"-I know you don't!" She interrupted impatiently. "Spaghetti bolognaise is a muggle meal of Italian pasta and mince-
"-But you said you can't stomach meat-
"-I can now!" She yelled at him.
"Alright, alright!" He swiftly grabbed his shirt and pulled it on, rubbing his eyes as he yawned. "And the book?"
"Go buy it."
"Mia, the shops will be shut-
"Not if you go to the airport."
"The… What?" He spluttered in confusion, now starting to feel irritated. "Granger, you want me to go to the muggle transportation-
"-Yes," She exhaled sharply with impatience. "Move."
He sighed, but obliged her, moving to kiss her but getting hit by a pair of rolled up socks before he could. "Alright, I'm going!"
"Inky. Inky."
Pop. "Yes Master Draco?"
"I'm sorry to disturb you Inky, but I need a favour."
"Certainly, Master."
"Can you make me-" Malfoy paused in an effort to try and remember how Hermione had pronounced it. "-Spag-hetti...Bol...Bolo... Bolognese."
"Of course, Master."
"You know it?" Malfoy sighed with relief, almost wanting to kiss the elf. She looked up at him with a small smile and nodded.
"Certainly, Master."
"And another thing, Inky… I require a book-
"-Which one?" A deep voice interrupted.
Malfoy turned, mentally cursing himself when he saw who was standing there. "Father," He scratched the back of his neck nervously. "I'm, er… sorry if I disturbed you-
"-Which book?" Lucius repeated with a wave of his hand to indicate that Malfoy did not need to be sorry for anything. Malfoy was taken aback, but decided to try anyway.
"Er… Jane Austen, I believe, is the author father."
"Certainly, I have it in the library."
"You do?" Malfoy said in complete shock. Why on earth would his father have a muggle book?
"Of course. Muggle aristocratic families handed down books over generations too, you know. Wizard aristocratic families then started to buy the books when the Muggle families started to die out, wanting to add them to their own collections. Jane Austen was well renowned, and still is- In the muggle world." Lucius added.
Malfoy could only stare. That had been by far the longest that Lucius had ever spoken: he was not one to talk for very long, or much at all.
"Follow me," Lucius continued, but paused to nod at Inky. "If you would make the spaghetti for Miss Granger, Inky, and deliver it to her, that would be most helpful."
Inky bowed and swiftly left. Lucius turned on his heel and walked down the hallway, causing Malfoy to try and catch up with his father, eventually falling into step with him and walking alongside of him, looking at him curiously.
"How did you know this is all for Hermione?"
"Don't insult my intelligence, Draco." Lucius replied bluntly, but with a trace of amusement. He opened the door to the library and pulled out his wand, walking slowly amongst the bookshelves.
"Accio 'Pride and Prejudice'."
A book immediately flew into Lucius's hand, and he turned to Draco and handed him the book almost with a slight triumph. Malfoy could not believe his luck.
"Thank you." He looked down at it, wrinkling his nose as he read the blurb. "A romance novel?"
"Women," Lucius remarked with a drawl, a smirk arising on his lips. Malfoy couldn't help but mirror him before moving out of the room backwards slowly, still looking curiously at his father.
"Thank you father."
"Of course," Came the smooth, languid reply.
"I'm sorry, again, if I disturbed you."
"You did not. I had urgent business that needed my attention."
Malfoy only nodded before turning to leave, but stopped when he heard Lucius speak again. "Give my regards to your fiancée."
Malfoy turned his head slightly, not quite looking at his father, but not looking completely away.
"I will, father. Goodnight."
She kissed him long and hard, causing Malfoy to drop the book next to her as she pulled him closer, her arms winding around his neck.
"You're a darling." She claimed, kissing him again swiftly as she leant back and reached for her book. "The spaghetti was delicious."
Pleased with himself, but also still taken aback by her ever-changing mood swings, Malfoy climbed back into bed next to her- thinking it was better to take advantage of her good mood now- and started rubbing his hand on her swollen stomach. "Glad to hear it. I take it your mood is considerably improved?'
"Yes," She breathed happily, leaning back to close her eyes. "I feel completely content."
"What of me?" Malfoy yawned as he lay next to her, moving close to rain her neck with lazy kisses. "I can't get back to sleep now."
"What would you like to talk of?"
"The wedding," He decided, moving to lick at her shoulder. "Guests."
"I have around fifteen."
"Oh? I thought you would want more."
"Weasleys, Harry, Ethan, my parents, Luna, Neville, some other friends…What about you?"
"I only plan on my father and Blaise to come."
"Really? Just two?"
"We wanted a personal wedding. I will only need them." He smiled at her before bending to kiss her gently. "If I invite anymore, more will then follow, making it far too many. We can't exactly keep it a secret from the press if one hundred or so come."
"Or maybe you don't have a lot of friends and refuse to admit it," Hermione teased, kissing him too when she saw his glare. "I'm joking, Draco. Your father and Blaise sound perfect. It'll be perfect for me."
"And for me." Malfoy kissed her forehead before lying back properly and yawning again. "Now try to sleep."
"I can't sleep just like that on command."
"Try."
In the darkness, she still managed to hit him hard, causing Malfoy to yelp and Hermione to grin in satisfaction.
"Oops." She said innocently.
Month 9
"Hermione, stay in the bed."
"But I want to go for a walk," Hermione protested irritably, trying to push Malfoy's hand that was resting on her shoulder away. "Draco, help me up."
He rolled his eyes, moving swiftly to try and push her back down again, only to have her start to swat at him with both of her hands. He growled, grabbing both of her wrists and squeezing tightly, pulling them firmly back down so he had them pinned to the bed. Hermione glared at him, her eyes darkening as he only smirked triumphantly at her, satisfied with his success. Leaning inwards, he rubbed his nose against hers before placing a light kiss on the tip of it.
"You are insufferable, Mia." He told her with a roll of his eyes again, securely pushing her into the big soft pillows. "Stay there."
"A walk is a perfectly reasonable ask," She argued, trying to push herself back up yet again, but failing to do so with her heavy swollen belly. She groaned and fell back in defeat, only glaring again at Malfoy, who was smirking at her before he bent down to kiss her lips.
"Of course it is, but you cannot go. You're due."
She grabbed his hand as he made to move, tugging him back insistently. "You're not allowed to leave either then."
Sighing, he obediently moved back to climb into the bed and sit next to her, putting an arm around her so she could rest against his shoulder, closing her eyelids slowly. Squeezing her shoulder gently, Malfoy sighed and leant his head back against the headboard, breathing deeply, content to lie there with her. The cool summer breeze slowly twirled through the air, blowing its fresh breath over their faces. Hermione moaned a little, turning her head into Malfoy's warm neck. He followed her movement and bent his head to nudge her nose with his own and she instinctively raised hers: their lips met.
She broke off the kiss with a sharp, sudden hiss, her hand tightly pressed against her belly as she leant forward, her face screwed up as she started to gasp heavily with the pain before letting out a small, sudden scream. Malfoy immediately felt a leap of both excitement and nervousness wash through him, and he rested her hand on her back as she leant over still, urgently trying to get her attention. "Mia? Mia what is it? Is something wrong?"
"No, Malfoy, I'm just screaming for the hell of it!" Hermione yelled as she leant over more, holding her belly tightly. "My water's broken! Draco, the baby is coming!"
He felt something cold trickle at the side of his leg and his eyes widened. Wasting no time, he leaped out of the bed, running around it to her side to seize her hand and help her from the bed, panic the only emotion he was registering.
"Okay, it's fine…Shit, Granger-" He winced as she screamed again when another strong contraction hit her. "-Oh balls… balls-
"-Your balls are what got me here in the first place you absolute prick!" She shouted, now moving to stand as her feet finally rested on the floor, holding onto him tightly. "Apparate me to the hospital RIGHT NOW or I will curse your balls to Merlin himself!"
He didn't even need to think upon her words: he simply obeyed her.
"Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger. My fiancée is having our baby and her contractions are getting stronger," Draco held Hermione up as they approached the desk, both staring in amazement at the receptionist sitting behind it reading her magazine casually. "Excuse me? She needs-
Another of Hermione's small yells of pain cut him off. Holding her tighter, he looked to the receptionist almost pleadingly. Hermione's hands, clasped around his upper arms, were digging into his skin, and he almost felt numb from the pain. Hermione, however, was not feeling in a sympathetic mood, and she only slammed her hand down upon the counter, facing the receptionist vehemently.
"You will get me a midwife and a Healer right this second, or I will personally ensure that you are fired from your position for sitting on your ass reading rubbish all day! I am a Healer here and I promise you, if I do not get a wheelchair AND a single room for me and my fiancé in precisely thirty seconds, you will be sorry."
The receptionist flinched, but nodded her head hurriedly, throwing down the magazine to remove her wand and summon a wheelchair. Instantly, it appeared, and Malfoy ushered Hermione into it, a feeling of pride swelling within him for Hermione, only able to admire her hugely for her demanding, sharp character. He winked at her, and through her clenched teeth that she had due to the pain, she managed to carry on her breathing exercises and smirk at him for a moment.
"Where's our room?" Malfoy demanded of the receptionist, snapped back into action, standing straight to swiftly move behind the wheelchair, ready to push it. "I need the number."
"57," The receptionist pointed to the right of her. "Second floor."
Heaving and panting, Hermione threw her head back into the pillows, thoroughly exhausted, her cheeks stained with tears. She felt utterly relieved, and just as her eyelids were about to close, she felt a pair of lips press gently onto her own, and a cry of a newborn baby fill her ears. Her brown eyes snapped open, meeting a pair of deep grey ones, and she shifted in the bed to look down: and, finally, see her baby.
"It's a girl," Malfoy rocked the crying baby gently in his arms, his face staring down at it, an expression of absolute wonder filling his face. Hermione felt her eyes well up again at this man so utterly emotional to see this new life that he had helped create with her. She only leaned against his shoulder heavily when he sat beside her, both their faces looking intently down at the babe in his arms.
"She's beautiful," Hermione whispered, completely captivated by the baby. It clearly had inherited her father's skin tone, and when it's eyes opened, she felt fascinated by the bright blue eyes that gazed back up at her. Malfoy handed her gently to Hermione, putting his arm around her shoulders as they all leant back against the bed, the baby slowly but surely starting to fall asleep.
"I'll leave you three alone," The Healer said gently, closing the door quietly behind her when she left as the midwife followed. Malfoy turned his head just as Hermione turned hers and, looking into each other's eyes, they leant in and kissed each other deeply.
"She has your hair," Hermione murmured when they broke apart, slowly stroking the baby's bright blonde hair with her fingers.
"She'll have your eyes."
"How do you know? They're blue, like every newborn."
"I can tell," He kissed her forehead, moving to nuzzle his nose into her soft cheek. "Father's instinct."
As confident as he sounded, Hermione could only chuckle, knowing he didn't really know.
Little did she know that he would turn out to be right.
The little baby girl was given the name of Adabelle, by the suggestion of Draco. It meant joyous and beautiful, two things that he claimed she had brought to his life, and is. Hermione had readily agreed- the unusual name was highly attractive for this unique baby.
They had never felt so happy before. Malfoy took to fatherhood so naturally, Hermione could not help but admire him. He was unsure and nervous at first, but she knew he did not need to be. He adored his daughter. Whilst he was still completely thrown by the new environment, he thrust his insecurities aside and simply went for it.
Hermione, free from having to worry about work, stayed home with her daughter, and Malfoy in turn would take days off to help out. Both played with her for hours, never tiring of paying attention to this most endearing baby. Harry and Ron had both visited frequently, also completely taken with Adabelle- she was the first baby in their subordinate family.
"She's gorgeous." Harry had told Hermione as he rocked the baby gently in his arms, moving to kiss Hermione's forehead. "She's a spitting image of you."
Others had seen her, and cooed over her; Ginny would tell amusing stories to Hermione of how Ethan was extremely fascinated with Adabelle, and constantly talked of her.
Blaise had not expected it, but was deeply touched when Hermione and Malfoy asked for him to be Adabelle's godfather. He had stared dumbstruck at the little baby, his mouth slightly open.
"Me?" He had repeated, a smile breaking onto his face. "Really?"
Hermione and Malfoy only nodded, both returning his huge smile.
Blaise had stared back down again at his goddaughter, moving his finger to her hand. She whimpered, but had clasped her tiny fist around his thumb, causing Blaise's smile to only widen.
"I think I'm falling in love." He had informed them both after a long period of silence.
Hermione and Draco both felt inclined to stay at home, perhaps wanting to be a little greedy to keep her for themselves. Lucius had come around to their bungalow several times, each time claiming he was only their for business matters, but Hermione and Draco both did not fail to notice that 'business matters' translated as Lucius quietly sneaking to the nursery, where he would simply stand for hours on end, staring down at the little baby. Hermione agreed with Malfoy's suggestion to not tease or mention it to him, and both left Lucius to bond with his granddaughter alone.
One day, after Draco and Hermione had made love and were lying in each other's arms in bed, he turned to her and stroked her now flat, bare stomach, bending to kiss down her chest.
"What do you think, sweetheart?"
"Of what?" Hermione asked sleepily, stroking his damp hair lazily with her fingers, pleasure still coursing through her from the events that had happened only moments before. Her whole body was still tingling happily, soaking in the memory of Malfoy's body, hands and lips.
"Of our wedding day."
"Hmm…" She rolled onto her side and lazily draped her leg over him, effectively pressed intimately against him once more. "I had forgotten."
"You better not have." Malfoy sniffed, but knew she was teasing, and pulled her in for a deep kiss before breaking apart to murmur: "Marry me now. This month."
"But... we haven't got everything finalised…"
"I don't care. I don't want to wait any longer."
Hermione sighed, sitting up to look down at him properly, her eyes connecting with his yet again. They simply looked at each other for long, silent moments until Hermione smiled softly and leaned in to kiss him before replying:
"Of course."
A/N: One more chapter to go folks! I hope you enjoyed this one. I really don't know what to say, apart from giving a thank you to my last reviewers- you know who you are, as I replied to you all but couldn't reply to two, because I wasn't able to email them! But shout out:
KkMayfield, Saoirse Driscoll, justshineex, rebeccadominguez, xXxtellmewhyxXx, Sarah Liz B, dazed-distraction, mysticpammy, HarryPGinnyW4eva, MAryfer7, CheshireCat23, nature love 95, hottopicgirl, lilmisscutie26, Ulquishinee and Redbird27
Watch out for the next chapter! Thank you so much for reading, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it!
Please, please review, I love reviews!