Disclaimer: Anything you recognize I do not own.
Friday February 9, 2007
Their discussion with their children had been a rather easy affair. Although by the time it was over, neither Hermione nor Draco were really sure if the two of them had grasped what they had been trying to explain to them. Both children seemed to understand that they would be living together in a few weeks, which was the point of excitement for them. Hermione was sure Rose understood that Hermione and Draco were marrying, but neither child grasped the fact that Hermione was going to have a baby. Rose had been around pregnant women before and Hermione was sure that once there was tangible proof, Rose would have an idea of what was to come. They still had a while before she started to show noticeably though.
Tonight, they had decided, would be the night they confronted both sets of parents about the situation. They had invited Narcissa over to Draco's flat for dinner where they would tell her and then they would head to Hermione's parent's house for dessert to deliver the news. As for Draco's Father; Draco had penned him a letter that had been sent off by owl shortly before his mother arrived for dinner.
"So this is Scorpius' Rose!" Narcissa smiled as she looked down upon the red headed girl standing next to her Grandson. Narcissa immediately recognized the girl as part Weasley, but she was pleased to see that the girl possessed traits of her Mother. And if what Draco said was true, the girl contained the best part of her mother: her intelligence.
When Narcissa had found out about Scorpius' friendship she had at first been skeptical. Not because the girl was part Weasley or a halfblood, but because she knew how her Grandson could behave. Thankfully though, the girl had rubbed off on him and as his Grandmother she was thankful for the friendship.
"Hi." Rose smiled up at Narcissa.
"Hello Mother." Draco greeted as he planted a kiss on his mother's cheek. "I see you've met Rose."
"Yes, she's a darling girl."
"And Mother, this is Rose's mother, Hermione."
Narcissa turned and smiled warmly at Hermione, who looked uncomfortable and hesitant of meeting the woman who had watched on as her sister tortured her all those years ago.
Those were difficult times for all and Hermione was trying to push those thoughts away. Draco had proved he was worthy of a second chance, so Hermione had to give his mother the chance; especially since she was going to be the Grandmother to her unborn child.
"Hermione, your daughter is darling."
"Thank you."
"I quite like the shade of red her hair is. It's unlike most of the Weasleys that I've noticed."
Hermione nodded, "Her Aunt Ginny has a similar shade, but it's certainly not like her Father's was."
"And Draco tells me how well she reads already!" Narcissa praised. "I hope that rubs off on Scorpius."
Hermione chuckled, "With all the stories Rose reads to him I'm sure he'll catch on eventually."
Draco was pleased to see that as the conversation between Hermione and his Mother, Hermione had relaxed. He knew she had plenty of reasons to be nervous, hell he was too! However, Hermione had a lot more to be nervous about in meeting his Mother.
As for himself, he honestly had no idea how his mother would react to the news. He knew his Father would be absolutely furious with him, but since he was in Azkaban Draco didn't have to worry about him and his reaction at all.
"Hungry!" Scorpius cried, drawing Draco back into the present.
"Dinner time." Draco confirmed. "Hermione was nice enough to cook for us here with what has become a favorite of Scorpius' in his adventures at Rose's house. I hope you'll enjoy it, Mother, it's a little different than you're used to."
"I'm sure whatever it is, it'll be quite alright." Narcissa assured him with a smile in Hermione direction.
A few minutes later the five of them sat down to their meatloaf, potatoes, and green beans. Draco had never had meatloaf before, and just like his mother he cautiously lifted a bite to his mouth. Scorpius was digging in with gusto, as was Rose, and to a lesser degree Hermione. Draco caught his Mother's eye and together they took their first bite of meat loaf.
"That's quite tasty actually." Narcissa announced. "What makes up a meatloaf, Hermione?"
Hermione smiled, "Normally people use ground beef, but I prefer to use ground turkey and ground sausage to give it a little spice."
"It's delicious." Draco added before scooping up another bite. "I can see why Scorpius was raving about it."
"He just likes to dump ketchup on it like Rose does." Hermione rolled her eyes and pointed to the gobs of ketchup that the kids had put on their meatloaf. Hermione also used ketchup, but not in the huge piles like the kids.
"I might have to try some of that." Narcissa said and then directed her attention to the kids, "Is it good with ketchup?"
"Mmmhmm; it yummy!" Scorpius responded eagerly.
Once their plates were cleared and sent to the kitchen to clean themselves with some magic, the kids went off to play in Scorpius' room leaving the three adults alone. It was time for the discussion.
"So, there's something the two of you invited me here for." Narcissa began for the two of them. "I can sense it, so we best get to it."
"Yes, well," Draco began, "Hermione is pregnant with my child and we've decided it is best for the children that we marry soon."
Narcissa's eyebrows shot towards the ceiling at the news, but her face remained impassive, showing no emotion. She let Draco and Hermione squirm for a minute before her face was transformed by a little grin.
"Another Grandchild for me then? Excellent." Narcissa stated. "And I'm proud of you, Draco, for doing the right thing by Hermione."
"So, you're not mad?" Draco asked hesitantly.
"Why would I be mad? You two are responsible adults and are doing the responsible thing. I cannot tell either of you how to live your lives anyway and if you do decide to change your minds all I ask is for rights to see my Grandchild."
"Of course!" Hermione rushed to assure her. "No matter what happens, you'll always have access to this child. However, we decided it is in Rose and Scorpius' future interests that we marry and become one family."
"Less confusion and talk when they get to Hogwarts."
"Of course; children can be vicious gossips." Narcissa agreed. "When will you two marry?"
"Next week in the ministry." Draco replied. "And then we'll be moving into my house in Wiltshire."
"I'll have it prepared for you; I'm sure a lot of dust has accumulated since your last visit."
"Thank you Mother, for everything."
"Keep me up to date on the baby please."
"Of course."
Xxx
With Narcissa out of the way in such a pleasant manner, Hermione and Draco wrangled the kids together and headed to Hermione's parent's house feeling a little less anxious about the whole thing. Hermione's parents had always been the understanding sort and were not prone to dramatics, so she was not too concerned with their reactions.
The kids were excited to see that Jean had made sugar cookies especially for them, shaped like stars, and had vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup to go with them. Hermione eagerly partook in all the dessert items, remembering how heavenly the combination tasted from her childhood. Her parents had never let her have regular candy, but ice cream and cookies were things that were always allowed in the Granger house: in moderation of course.
"Mrs. Granger, these cookies are brilliant." Draco said after devouring one whole star cookie in less than ten seconds.
His son obviously took after him because he had finished his cookie just as fast. By the time everyone else had finished their desserts Draco and Scorpius had eaten six cookies between them and with a stern look Jean went to put the cookies away.
"Good luck getting Scorpius to bed tonight." Hermione chuckled as she watched Scorpius lick the last of the cookie crumbs off of his fingers.
"I have magic on my side." Draco said confidently.
"Magic or not, Draco, that was way too many cookies for a three year old at this time of the night." Hermione stated as her mother nodded on in agreement.
"Okay, so what brings you kids here tonight?" Albert asked from where he had sat mostly in silence since they arrived.
"Yes, I could tell from your tone on the phone that you have something to say to your Father and I tonight."
Hermione nodded and turned to Rose, "Rose, honey, why don't you show Scorpius your play room upstairs?"
"Okay!"
With that said, the two kids were off like a shot, the sound of their feet pounding up the staircase echoing throughout the house. Once the pounding stopped the four adults were left alone in silence, staring at each other curiously.
"Well, Mom, Dad, I'm pregnant." Hermione began, deciding that bluntness was the best way to go about this. "And Draco is the Father."
Jean gasped, "Honey, that's wonderful! I didn't realize you and Draco had something like that going on!"
Hermione shook her head, "We don't-didn't."
Her mother's brow wrinkled in confusion and a quick glance at her Dad showed that he was glaring at Draco openly. If Draco noticed the stare he didn't show it, instead he stood next to Hermione offering her support without saying anything.
"Draco and I had a business trip together and things happened. The details aren't important. But now I am pregnant and Draco and I have decided that it is for the best that we marry."
"Bloody right you better make an honest woman out of my Hermione." Albert groused from where he sat.
"Of course, sir. We plan on going to the Ministry next week to get married, then we'll be moving into my house in Wiltshire."
"So you're marrying simply because of the baby?" Jean frowned.
"Yes."
"Is that a good idea?"
"It is. Not just for the baby, but for Rose and Scorpius. How would we explain to them that they share a sibling without being actual siblings themselves? They're practically brother and sister as it is, so we might as well make it official."
"But what about your happiness and Draco's for that matter? Is marriage really the best solution?" Jean asked worriedly.
Hermione hadn't been expecting this out of her Mother. Her Father's reaction was exactly what she was expecting and she owed that all to the generation he came from. Yet, her Mother was from the same generation and here she was questioning the entire situation.
"Mom, it's alright. Draco and I get along and we'll make the best of this situation."
Draco nodded, "I'll take care of Hermione and honestly, Mrs. Granger I am beyond thrilled to be having another child. I never thought I would have another child."
"Neither did Hermione." Jean stated. "Well, I'll trust your judgment; you two are both adults. Just know that your Father and I are always here for you and the children; all three of them."
Draco smiled at that, knowing that her parents had already accepted Scorpius made him feel so much better about the entire situation. It was clear to him that his unborn child would have wonderful Grandparents in the Grangers and he was sure that that courtesy would be extended to Scorpius.
Xxx
Wednesday February 14, 2007
"Bloody hell I just realized it is Valentine's Day." Draco sighed as he knotted his tie in front of his full length mirror.
Blaise laughed from his position lounging on Draco's bed. "The people at the Ministry will believe you two are madly in love getting married on Valentine's Day."
"It was the only day that worked for the both of us, her parents, and my Mother." Draco stated, "I wanted it to just be Hermione and I, but both Jean and my Mother insisted on being there and watching the children for us over night."
"What do they think you two will be up to tonight?" Blaise chuckled.
"Probably think we'll have a normal wedding night."
"What are you two going to do?"
"It's a Wednesday night."
"You two got the rest of the week off once the partners found out, so why should what day of the week it is stop you from doing something? Take her to France or something. Granger deserves that after you knocked her up. You probably won't get sex out of it, but you can at least have a relaxing vacation."
"True." Draco agreed. "I wonder what the rest of my life is going to be like. I can't help but wonder if Hermione will ever let me touch her like that again."
"If you two share a bed she'll find out about your dreams sooner or later, and when she does I want all the details."
"Sod off, Zabini."
"In all seriousness, Draco, if you play your cards right you can woo Granger. You two are going to be together until the kids are all grown at least, so it would be only natural that you two developed feelings for each other. But one of you has to kick start the process, and given the fact that you have been lusting after her for a while now, you should obviously be the one to do so."
"You're right." Draco smiled. "However, I can't take her away for the rest of the week. She doesn't have class tonight because her professor has to take his wife out, but she does the rest of the week."
"Well, then take her over night! That's better than nothing and it shows that you are trying."
"When the hell did you get so knowledgeable about this stuff?"
Blaise shrugged, "It's Jackie; she brings out the romantic in me."
"Serious huh?"
"I think so. But enough about me, we have to get to the Ministry and to your future wife!"
Xxx
The Ministry official was obviously surprised when he saw the two people he was about to unite in marriage. However, he was a professional and was able to quickly conceal his surprise in marrying two famous enemies from years ago. He had learned long ago not to question people when they came to get married at the Ministry. It was usually drama filled and some people did not know the meaning of being discreet in sharing personal information.
As the official began the process of marrying the two, their parents stood behind them, holding on to their children. Rose held Jean's hand as she stared at her Mother, who she thought looked beautiful in her peach colored dress. Scorpius, while hanging on to Narcissa's hand, was staring off into space, completely unaware of what was going around of him and not caring either.
"I now pronounce you man and wife by the power of the Ministry of Magic, you may kiss your witch."
Facing each other, Draco offered Hermione a small smile before bending down and brushing his lips with hers lightly. Then together, they turned to face their family as an official married couple.
"Did you take the Malfoy name, Hermione?" Narcissa asked curiously.
"It's Granger- Malfoy." Hermione replied.
Hermione had been willing to lose her maiden name when she married Ron, but this marriage was entirely different. She wanted the comfort her last name provided and Draco had not minded one bit. He still planned on calling her Granger now and then anyway.
"So Narcissa said she wanted a chance to bond with Rose, so she's going to take the kids tonight." Jean stated.
"Okay." Hermione nodded.
"Yes, you two go on and enjoy your night. Jean gave me Rose's bag and the kids and I are going to have a blast tonight." Narcissa assured her. "Also, I arranged for everything to be moved into the house at Wiltshire while we were here, so everything should be set for you two to go there tonight if you want."
Xxx
At Hermione's request, after separating from their children and parents, he took Hermione to what was now their house. She hadn't seen it before, but had been assured by Draco and Narcissa that it was quite nice. In the last few days Narcissa had sent in a cleaning and maintenance crew to make sure everything was in working order.
When they first stepped inside boxes were strewn about that would have to eventually be emptied one by one tomorrow. They wanted to have things situated before the kids arrived, but they were definitely going to have their work cut out for them.
"What do you think?" Draco asked nervously.
"I like it." Hermione replied honestly. "Can I have a tour though?"
Draco nodded and began the task of showing her the entire house. Starting from where they were standing in the entrance hall he led her to archway on the right that led into the living room. It was a large room and already Hermione's couch and his own couch were placed inside waiting to be arranged. Bookshelves were built into the walls much to Hermione's pleasure, and the fireplace was made of white marble with a large mantle Hermione could put pictures on.
Leaving the living room Draco led her down the hall and pointed to the next door on the right which was a full bathroom. Then the floor plan opened up revealing a large kitchen with a little eating nook to the left and the formal dining area to the right. In between the two spaces was a door that Hermione assumed led to the back yard. Retracing their steps they headed back down the hall and to the staircase to the left of the front door.
At the top of the stairs and immediately to the left was a room that already contained Scorpius' bedroom set. It was the perfect size for the little boy and right next door was a full bathroom that was going to be shared by he and Rose. Next to the bathroom was what was going to be Rose's room. Next to that was another room that was going to be the nursery. And then at the end of the hall to the right was the Master bedroom. It was rather large and contained a bed that Hermione did not recognize. They had both decided it was best to not bring either of their beds into the situation; especially since Hermione's had been the bed she shared in her marriage to Ron.
"Where did the bed come from?"
"That's my bed from the manor. If you don't like it we can get a new one."
"No, I like it." She assured him.
And she did; it was a large four poster bed that matched the dressers and nightstands brilliantly, working well with the purple color that was painted on the walls. To the right of the room was a large walk in closet divided up into two and that led into a large bathroom with his and hers sinks. Hermione was in love with it.
"I forgot to show you something downstairs." Draco said, pulling her out of her amazement at this bathroom.
Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, Draco led her around to the staircase base and opened the door built in. Hermione stepped through and was delighted to see that she was surrounded by bookshelves filled with books, with a little reading nook tucked into one corner.
"I had it added the other day." Draco said nonchalantly.
"I love it." Hermione smiled. "However, there is one vital thing we are missing."
"What?"
"A play room for the kids."
"There's another thing you haven't seen." Draco said. "Follow me."
He led her back to the kitchen and next to the breakfast nook there was a door that she hadn't noticed before. Draco led her down the stairs and into the basement. It was a large basement that had already been designed with children in mind. And in one corner was a laundry area with brand new muggle appliances.
"Thank goodness! I didn't even think of laundry!"
"I think the kids will like it down here." Draco stated. "Their own private space."
"Yes, they will."
The two stood in silence for another moment until Draco decided to go through with Blaise's plan.
"What do you say we go to Italy for the night? Get some dinner and a hotel room to spend the night."
Hermione looked nervous at the mention of a hotel room, but her nervousness was beaten back by her growling stomach. Italian food sounded absolutely divine and she knew she would be stupid to pass up a night in Italy.
"Okay."