"Mine!"
Scorpius held his chubby arms up to Hermione, who smiled and scooped him up. She nuzzled him close, breathing in his sweet baby scent as he gurgled and tugged on one of her curls happily. She glanced up at met Draco's eyes, which were a soft charcoal color as he watched his son snuggle into her arms.
Draco and her had been dating for nearly three months now, and Hermione honestly thought that she had never been happier. She cherished the evenings they spent together, reading in front of the fire. And she adored Scorpius and spent as much time with him as possible.
"I think I have competition," Draco said dryly, watching Hermione plant a soft kiss on Scorpius's downy blonde head.
"He is better looking," Hermione said seriously.
"Mine!" the baby chortled, stuffing a hank of Hermione's hair into his mouth.
"He needs a mother, not a girlfriend."
Hermione blushed, looking away. Though she was very fond of Scorpius and Draco, that was a whole other level of commitment she wasn't entirely sure she was ready to make.
"So," she said, changing the subject. Draco arched a brow, but said nothing. "You're going out with Harry tonight?"
Draco suddenly looked stressed.
"Yeah, he invited me out for a pint," he said quietly, avoiding her eyes.
Hermione frowned at his tone.
"I know you don't like him. It means a lot to me that you're willing to spend time getting to know him for me, but you don't have to go."
Draco sighed, taking his son from her arms.
"It's okay. I'll survive."
He made a face at Scorpius, who laughed delightedly.
"If you're sure," Hermione murmured doubtfully.
Draco nodded.
"You're sure you don't mind watching him?"
Hermione smiled.
"Of course I don't. He'll be fine."
Draco nodded, handing the child back to her and kissing her. His lips were warm and firm, and she moaned slightly as he deepened the kiss. He pulled back, smirking. She blushed.
"Be back in a bit," he said, apparating away.
Hermione sighed, and then smiled at the toddler, who gave a drooling grin in return.
The pub, The Witch's Lion, was noisy and crowded, exactly what Draco was counting on. He took a swig of his Firewhiskey, wincing as it burned down his throat. Harry watched him quietly, sipping his own drink.
"I'm surprised you wanted to come out tonight," he said, pushing up his glasses.
Draco took another drink.
"Yeah."
"Something wrong?"
"I'm fine, Potter," Draco snapped.
Harry rolled his eyes, turning back to his drink.
"How are things with Hermione?"
"Great."
Draco tapped the bar for another Firewhiskey.
"You seem weird tonight. More weird than usual, that is," Harry said, frowning. Something felt off about the way Malfoy was acting.
Draco just shrugged. His face was tense, his eyes dark.
"Why did you invite me out tonight?" Harry tried to keep the suspicion out of his voice as he eyed his former enemy warily.
Draco looked at him, his silver eyes inscrutable.
"I have something to confess."
Harry frowned, taken aback.
"What?"
Draco began to reply, but was interrupted by a boisterous cry.
"Draco, mate!"
Blaise Zabini pushed his way through the crowd to the bar, smiling warmly.
Draco sighed.
"And...Potter?" Blaise said in surprise, eyeing Harry.
"Zabini," Harry acknowledged.
"What are you lads up to? No Hermione?"
"She's at home," Draco said stiffly, not meeting his friend's eyes. Blaise frowned.
"Oh...I see..."
There was an awkward silence.
"Well, have fun, then," Blaise said, edging away. He frowned as he glanced back at the pair by the bar. Something was up with Draco. He would never willingly hang out with Potter, Hermione or no Hermione. What was he up to?
He watched as Draco said something to Potter, who looked bemused but nodded. They got up and, after Draco tossed a few Galleons on the bar, began to push their way through the crowd. Silently, he followed.
Harry followed Draco as he wove through the throng of witches and wizards in the pub. They exited through a back door and found themselves in an alleyway.
"What is it, Malfoy?" Harry asked lowly, holding his wand loosely in his hand. His muscles were tense as he watched the Malfoy heir pace back and forth.
Draco sighed, running a hand through his silky pale hair.
"Look, Potter, I'm sorry for this."
Harry's emerald eyes narrowed. He clutched his wand tighter, the hairs on the back of his neck standing up.
"Sorry for what?" he asked, trying to keep his voice calm.
"For-"
Draco was cut off by a lilting voice from the shadows.
"Well, well, darling. You actually came through for me."
Harry frowned, trying to make out the woman's face in the darkness.
"What's going on?"
Draco looked pained.
"Potter, I had no choice. Hermione..."
The woman laughed.
"Yes, yes. You did good bringing him to me, Draco. Very good. Here."
She tossed a pouch full of Galleons at him, which he caught in confusion.
Harry raised his wand, enraged.
"You tricked me, Malfoy?"
Draco stared at the coins.
"What...?"
The woman laughed softly.
"He sold you to me, Harry Potter. His relationship with Granger, it was all just a way to get to you."
Draco shook his head slowly.
"No, Potter, that's not..."
"SILENCE!" Harry roared, pointing his wand at Draco.
The woman tsked.
"Now, now, Harry. Do calm yourself."
Harry turned his wand toward the shadows.
"Show yourself!" he growled, his eyes flashing.
There was a low, seductive laugh as the woman stepped out of the darkness. Harry's eyes widened in recognition.
"You!" he breathed, just before someone shouted out a curse from behind him and everything went black.