Disclaimer - Don't own HP, not making any dough.
A/N: You guys are so freaking cool, you know that? Thanks to all who favorited and followed. And, of course, the folks who reviewed: peytonkmc (what a lovely compliment! That made me a little misty, so I guess we're even. ;)); viola1701e (good points. I wonder how they would do a C-section in the Wizarding world. Diffindo, maybe?); Anthro79 (I actually considered that, right down to the part about Luna. Good job!); Trelawney (I'm intrigued - what were you expecting? And thanks!); BuTtErFlYgUrL21 (I don't know what you're going through, but I sympathize. I wasn't going to write another chapter yet, but saw your comment. So this chapter's dedicated to you. I hope things improve); SerpentofDarkness (Yep, you get it, right down to the vintage 'Vettes.); Liz (I still haven't seen GoT; gotta check that out. Re: car, and only 311 ever made: if I'm gonna dream, might as well dream big, right? LOL Hopefully this chapter answers your questions); SlytherinGurrl (She's twisted too, so it's all good. Hope this meets your standards).
Jean managed to calm herself enough to phone Richard. He was relieved that he could bring the boy back, as they had finished their ice cream, and Mr. Granger had been at a loss for what to do to occupy his grandson next. Narcissa healed the bite marks on Jean's hand and cast glamour charms on Jean, Lucius and herself to hide any red, puffy eyes or blotchy skin. As Cissa assisted Hermione's mum in clearing the table and packaging leftovers, Lucius stalked around the kitchen like a caged beast, throwing looks toward the stairway every few seconds.
"Darling, please take a seat; pacing will only upset you more, and it won't bring them downstairs any sooner."
He glanced at her wearily, and deigned to perch on a stool. She didn't miss the fact that he stubbornly insisted on continuing his vigil.
Richard and Scorpius returned in short order, and Narcissa immediately occupied herself in removing the myriad spots of chocolate ice cream from his face as she mock-glared at him playfully.
"Scorpius, were you unclear on the purpose of your outing? You were supposed to eat your ice cream, not wear it. How did you manage to get it in your eyebrows, anyway?"
The child gave his grandmother a self-conscious grin and glanced about for his parents. "Grandmother, where are Mummy and Daddy?"
"Mummy isn't feeling very well, sweetheart, so Grandfather and I are going to stop by your house for a moment to pick up some of your things, and you're going to spend the night with us at the Manor. Won't that be fun?"
Scorpius was an intuitive boy. He knew something was off as he searched each adult's face. "Are you sure Mummy's going to be okay?"
"Of course," Lucius cut in smoothly. "It's nothing to worry about, son. We'll go home, let you sleep, and in the morning we can work on your flying skills first thing after breakfast. If you like, we can test out syrup at the Manor, and see if it sticks differently than it does in your dining room. How does that sound?"
Scorp's face lit up. "Cool! What time can we have breakfast?" The adults shared a chuckle at his enthusiasm and his short attention span.
"We'll talk about that at home. Now: why don't you and Grandmother go to your house first, and I'll meet you there in a little while." He ruffled his grandson's curls and turned him to face the Grangers. "Say goodnight to Nana and Grandpa Granger."
Everyone said their goodbyes, and Narcissa thanked their hosts, giving each of them a tight hug. Jean clung to her so tightly that Cissa was fairly certain she would have bruises the next day. Lucius pecked his wife on the cheek. "I'll be along shortly, love."
He turned to Richard as soon as it was safe to speak openly. "They haven't returned downstairs yet. As I told Jean, whatever assistance can be offered by magical or Muggle means will be made available to Hermione."
The Grangers were grateful, though Hermione's father was worried that Lucius might not understand just how expensive hospital bills could be. He also wanted to ensure that the Malfoys knew that the Grangers were not indigent, and would be helping with any costs. When he expressed this concern, Malfoy looked at him solemnly. "I do not wish to boast, Richard, so please don't take this the wrong way." Richard nodded for him to continue.
"The Malfoys are one of the wealthiest families in the Wizarding world; the fortune, if converted, would be close to a billion pounds." The Grangers gaped at him. "And I will spend every last sickle should it be necessary."
Tears reformed in Jean's eyes and she blinked them away rapidly. "Lucius, we don't know what to say."
"No response is required. As I stated on Halloween, you have raised a very special woman. Cissa and I are proud to claim her as part of our family. Hermione is a Malfoy now and we always take care of each other. There is nothing I would do for Draco that I would not do for her."
"Thank you, Lucius. Regardless of you considering our daughter your family, we're in your debt." Richard was holding himself together, but only just. "If there is a way we can ever repay it, just say the word."
Malfoy paused then a smirk crossed his features. The Grangers found this strangely reassuring. "As a matter of fact, there is. I've decided that I wish to own an automobile. I was going to ask your daughter to teach me to operate one, but given her condition that I suspect that option is no longer feasible. If you would be willing to work with me, I would appreciate it."
Richard's eyes lit up at the thought. "I'm sure I can accommodate you. And I can't wait to show you all the different types of cars there are. We'll have to get something relatively simple and inexpensive for you to use while you're learning. If you'd like, you can store it here."
"That would be lovely," Lucius' eyes strayed upward again. "If you'll excuse me, I would like to say goodnight to the children before I leave."
"Of course. Hermione's old room is the last door on the right." Richard drew Jean to him as Lucius walked away.
Mr. Malfoy ascended the stairs quietly, ears straining to catch any clues to the situation. Hearing nothing, he stopped and gave the door a light rap.
Voices spoke in hushed whispers, and Draco called out, "Come in."
Lucius entered and took in the sight of his son and daughter-in-law wrapped tightly around each other. Both had chalky complexions, red eyes, wildly mussed hair and shell-shocked expressions. The younger Malfoys were obviously surprised when they realized the identity of their visitor, and all three of them stared awkwardly for a few seconds. On an impulse, Lucius cleared his throat, raised his hands and tentatively held his arms out. "Fiend..."
She flew from the bed into his embrace with a speed that stunned him. Her arms came around him in a viselike grip, and she buried her face in his chest, her tears starting anew. The elder Malfoy brought up a hand to stroke her hair like a child as he sent his son a sympathetic look. Draco leaned back against the headboard and watched silently.
The elder blond swayed gently with the girl in his arms. "Hermione, sweetheart, I am so very, very sorry. I never should have cast that charm-" Grey eyes begged woefully for forgiveness as their gazes locked.
She shrugged and raised a hand, dragging the back across her eyes and sniffling. "It's okay, Lucy. It's not like the charm caused the pregnancy. And it's better to know sooner than later."
"Do you have any idea how far along you might be?"
Hermione blushed, and Draco took the opportunity to answer. "We think she conceived on Halloween."
"How," he took a deep breath and started again with the dreaded question, "Just how severe of a risk is involved?" Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Draco hide his face in his hands.
"I won't lie to you, Lucius; the doctor told me that after Scorpius, another pregnancy could potentially kill me." She trembled in his arms as she answered, but he saw Gryffindor bravery (or obstinacy) shining up at him. He prayed it wouldn't be the death of her. Damned Gryffindors.
"And have you decided what you wish to do?"
"We were discussing that before you arrived, Father. She feels compelled to proceed with the pregnancy, and I'm worried that if something goes wrong, there won't be enough time-" he stopped, unable to finish the thought. Lucius nodded gravely in comprehension.
Hermione's face pleaded with him. "I can't end it. I understand Draco's point, but I just can't. I told him I'd see a Healer first thing tomorrow."
"Yes, young lady. You certainly will. Please allow me to contact a few people so I can obtain the name of someone competent."
"Thank you. That would be very helpful," she replied with uncharacteristic meekness. "I'm so tired."
He gave her a gentle squeeze. "I talked to your parents downstairs. All of us will assist in any way we can. Any and all Malfoy resources will be at your disposal. I hope that will help to ease your minds somewhat. Also, Narcissa and I will take Scorpius to the Manor overnight to give the two of you some time. She's already gone with him to your house to get his things."
"That's good. We appreciate that, Father. Was he okay with going?"
"Of course he was. I mentioned his broom and the possibility of redecorating during breakfast, and he couldn't leave quickly enough. I didn't even have to use the peacocks as a bargaining chip."
Draco chuckled softly, "I never thought I would be grateful that the boy has the attention span of a sand flea." His wife and father nodded in agreement.
Lucius maneuvered the Fiend back to the bed, and he sat with her on one side of him while he pulled Draco into a hug on the other.
"We weren't there for Scorpius, but I swear to you we'll be here now, no matter what. No judgment, no pressure. Anything you need, you shall have."
Hermione pulled back to look at the older man. "Lucius, if it was Narcissa in my position, what would you want her to do?"
The blond thought a moment before answering. "I would want her to do what she felt was right, even if I didn't agree with the choice. My son obviously makes a good case for being cautious and ending things now, but if I am to be completely honest with the two of you, I am praying to see another Granger-Malfoy hybrid come into the world. Judging by your first attempt, the two of you do good work." He gave her a warm look, pulled her into him and kissed the top of her head. "Did your doctor tell you exactly what the risk would be?"
"He said that I could miscarry, begin hemorrhaging, and not be able to stop bleeding. Best case scenario would entail my being confined to bed rest for several months."
"I understand. I'll begin sending owls as soon as I wake up tomorrow. Are you aware of any bleeding disorders in your family?"
"No. The doctor made it sound like the previous pregnancies had simply taken too much of a toll on my system."
Lucius directed his next question to his son. "Will the two of you be returning home tonight, or staying here?"
Draco glanced at his wife for confirmation. "We'll be going back whenever Granger decides she's ready."
"Granger-Malfoy," came the soft rejoinder. Draco found himself immensely pleased at the correction.
Hermione sighed. "Let's head downstairs. My parents need to be kept in the loop. As soon as we've done that, please take me home, Draco."
"As you wish, love." The trio exited the room; Lucius said his goodnights to the Grangers and Flooed to meet Cissa and Scorpius. He wanted to get the boy out of there so that he couldn't change his mind once he saw his parents.
Much of the previously-detailed conversation was repeated when dealing with Richard and Jean, with fresh bouts of emotion. Hermione promised to update her parents daily at the least, and she was finally free to go home and have the mini-breakdown she'd been repressing. She and Draco were so knackered they didn't bother with their bedtime routine. They just stripped and climbed under the covers.
At some point during the night, Hermione dreamt of her grandmother and herself standing on a mountaintop, with her nana smiling comfortingly at her. "Don't worry, child. It's going to be fine."
"I'm so scared, Nana." It was cold and windy on the mountain, but the reassurance warmed her.
"Don't be. You have more power than you know on your side. The solution will be unorthodox, and you may take issue with it at first. You must learn to accept it as the gift it will be, and know that the giver does so willingly. Promise me you will do your best to understand."
"A gift? Nana, what will be given? Tell me no one will be hurt." The wind and cold increased in direct correlation to Hermione's anxiety. Nana made a calming gesture with her right hand.
"Mireille will be beautiful and perfect, and quite a handful. Now, promise me, Hermione; I haven't much time left."
Hermione bowed her head in defeat, realizing that Nana wasn't going to give details. "I promise."
"Excellent. Now come here and give me a hug." The women embraced and the older woman started to become translucent. Nana brushed her lips against Hermione's cheek as she faded away completely.
Granger-Malfoy woke with a start as her hand flew to the side of her face. She could still feel Nana's kiss.