A/N: So the end of this chapter has been long in the works, but I also know that some people have been saying it's moving quite fast. I just want to emphasize, that my original plan for this story was 4 chapters. It's now 8 and I plan on it ending by 14. This is a short story, so things are moving quickly, and will continue like this for awhile.

A lot of beta love to the amazing gidgetmalfoy, she is incredible especially since the school year just started and she still manages to beta for me!

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Love all your reviews, even if it's just a smiley face or "yay", it encourages and lets me know you love what I'm writing.

Chapter 8

Hermione was moving around the kitchen pretty quickly. They were having Narcissa, Harry, Ginny, Ron, Emily, Aunt Andromeda and all the kids over for New Year's Eve, so she was busy making her typical New Year's Eve fare.

Narcissa, Andromeda and Teddy had arrived early in the day to spend time together. Hermione had found out that immediately following the war and Lucius' imprisonment, Narcissa had reached out to her sister, and they had become close again. Since Teddy had no family outside of Andromeda, when his Gran needed a break, Narcissa acted every bit the great aunt and would spoil him rotten. Hermione couldn't help but smile at the little ways, as well as the big ways, Narcissa and Draco had changed.

"Ariana, please go ask your papa to come help me set everything out," Hermione asked as she pulled casserole dishes from the oven. Ariana grabbed Teddy's hand and pulled him from the kitchen, his turquoise hair so bright it almost left a trail of light.

In the years since Ron had begun dating Emily, the American witch had shared a lot of amazing "American" cuisine. For the past few years Hermione had made what she liked to call Taco Bake for New Year's Eve as well as queso dip. It was always fun, but this year there were three other people she was cooking for, which made her smile.

"Ariana said you needed me," Draco acknowledged walking into the kitchen.

"Yes can you carry these out to the table," Hermione said, ladling the queso dip into a large bowl.

Hermione removed the apron and walked into the family room with the bowl of queso and set it down on the table. She smiled at the set up.

They had moved the kitchen table into the family room, as well as magically lengthened it, so that they all could enjoy New Year's Eve dinner together. Draco had been pleased when Hermione had mentioned how she normally spent the day, and while he made comments about spending it with "Potter" and "Weasel", Hermione knew he wasn't actually upset.

Draco came up behind her and whispered, "It smells delicious. You really out did yourself."

She turned in his arms to kiss him, "I hope everyone loves it."

"I'll hex them if they don't," Draco chuckled.

"It looks great, Hermione. Don't worry," Narcissa said from her place on the couch.

"I've never had tacos, so I'm excited," Andromeda chimed in as she walked into the room. "Ariana has a beautiful room, Draco. I think Teddy wants to move in."

Draco chuckled, "Well he can come over whenever he wants."

Draco kissed Hermione a few more times before they heard voices from the library.

"Gin! Move your arse," Ron's voice called loudly from the room.

"Move your big feet," Ginny called back, "I'm pregnant here!"

Hermione smiled and walked to the library, where it seemed they had all arrived by floo at the same time, which was surprising, at least for Ron.

James and Albus were standing by their parents looking at the large library with wide eyes, James a mischievous glint in his eyes, while Albus looked thoughtful.

"Hello!" Hermione exclaimed, smiling at the group.

"Oh 'Mione, where should I put this?" Ginny asked holding a casserole dish of her own.

"The table is through here. Draco's going to give you a tour after you drop your things," Hermione added, leading the group down the hall from the library and into the family room, where Draco stood.

"Great house, Malfoy," Ron said, looking around at the large room.

"Thank you, a bit on the small side, but before Ariana and Hermione moved in, it was perfect," Draco smirked.

The group turned to look at Hermione, shocked looks on their faces.

"I moved my stuff in yesterday, there really was no sense in waiting," Hermione commented, walking over to Ginny and taking the casserole dish from the redhead, who seemed to catch herself first.

"Nope, no sense in waiting, you're practically married," Ginny laughed.

They had told the Weasleys about their engagement on Christmas, and about Hermione's plans to move in, but hadn't really settled on a date for the move. As the days after Christmas stretched by, Hermione realized just how much she didn't want to go home or to take her Christmas gifts home; it made more sense for her to move in.

Narcissa stood up, and walked over to the group, "Hello, I'm pleased to see you both again, though under much better circumstances," Narcissa extended a hand to Harry and Ron, before turning to Ginny and Emily, "And it's a pleasure to meet you both, Hermione has spoken about you both at length."

"It better have been all good things," Ginny teased.

"Only good to tell," Hermione smirked.

"So what about your place?" Harry asked.

"I've already owled an estate agent, and we'll start the process of selling my house next week," Hermione continued, "Plus I've convinced Draco to allow me to add bookshelves in the hallway, so that mine can be moved here." Hermione smiled wickedly.

"Andy!" Harry exclaimed, walking over to Andromeda and hugging her. "Where's Teddy?"

"Probably up with Ariana, those two built a blanket fort in her room, it's hard to bring them down," Andromeda smiled, standing up, "I'll go up and get them."

Outside of Narcissa, Andromeda only had one other family member, and she was forever grateful for Remus making Harry, Teddy's godfather. He was every bit the godfather Harry thought Sirius would have been to him. Harry took Teddy at least once a month for sleepovers, and bought him the latest kid's brooms.

"Well, can we all eat, I'm starving," Ron whined, taking a seat in the middle of the table.

"He's always hungry, but I didn't let him sample the cake, so he's a bit put off," Emily commented, sitting down next to him, and quickly transfiguring the chair next to her into a highchair and placing Lauren in it.

"Not even a taste!" Ron cried as he pouted.

"Well there is plenty of food tonight," Hermione smiled, taking a seat next to Draco who sat at the head of the table, with Ariana to her right. Narcissa sat on Draco's left with Andromeda next to her, Teddy next to her, and Harry, Ginny, James and Albus filled in the rest of the seats.

"I would like to make a toast," Hermione chimed as everyone raised their glasses, the men and Hermione with champagne, Ginny, Emily and the kids with sparkling grape juice, "To friends and family and new beginnings, may we all have an incredible year."

"Cheers!" The adults all called out.

"Dig in," Draco smirked, beginning to serve himself.

oOoOoOoOo

An hour and a half later, the dishes had been cleaned, the table moved back into the kitchen and the couches put back in their original spot. Teddy and James were playing with their dragons on the floor, while Albus and Ariana set before a child's potion set and mixed together various ingredients. The littlest of the children, Lauren, slept in Ron's arms.

Narcissa and Andromeda were in discussion about various charities they were working on, in the corner of the room, while sitting in two comfy armchairs. The younger adults sat watching the children and talking.

"January fifteenth, that's when I start at the Prophet," Ginny continued, "The editor just set the date, so this is my last week with the Harpies."

"How are you feeling?" Emily asked.

"Ok, a little bit nostalgic, but it's for the best. The girls are happy for me, well happy that I won't just disappear and they'll see me from time to time at matches," Ginny smiled.

"And are you starting at Hogwarts next term?" Draco asked, his arm wrapped around Hermione who leaned into him.

"Yup, I've spoken with Minerva, and we'll be looking for a house in Hogsmeade this Spring." Harry took a sip of his butterbeer, "We could stay at Grimmauld Place, but I'll need to be close to the grounds some nights, and Gin and I want to find our own place. We love it, well now that it's been renovated, and I'm not selling it. It'll go to one of the kids, but we'd like to find a home, with a garden," Harry stated, Ginny smiling at him in agreement.

"So Malfoy, what is it you do," Ron asked, "Hermione's been a bit vague."

"Have not! I told you exactly what you asked!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Well after my father was put in Azkaban, all the businesses, investments, lands and titles were transferred to me, since he was sentenced to life," Draco stated, "In total I had 15 businesses, many investments, and four properties, including the Manor, plus various titles here and in France. I sold off six of the businesses. They were things I really wanted nothing to do with, or that weren't making any true profit. The investments, while too numerous were just that investments, most of which are still doing well. The Manor we'll keep, but it is currently being converted into a group home. When mother and I purchased this house and hers, we added two more properties, but with the exception of the house in France, none are like the Manor, in size. So what I have now is incredibly manageable. Malfoy apothecary and potions is my prize jewel, we're doing extensive work in experimental potions as well as trying-," Draco stopped, starting at the window.

Lightly pecking at the window was a brown owl, but it caught his attention because it was tapping at the large windows that didn't open. Everyone's eyes turned to it.

"I'll get it," Draco said, standing up and walking towards the kitchen.

"Hmmmm, I wonder what that's about, normally they go to the kitchen window," Hermione commented, sitting up and looking towards the doorway Draco had walked through.

"Must be confused," Narcissa explained, stopping her conversation with Andromeda to look towards the door as well.

"That's a lot of properties and businesses, surprising he could just take off for a month with Ariana," Harry stated, "Or maybe not surprising, with that much money, he could just sit and do nothing."

Hermione laughed, "Yeah, he doesn't pay much mind to money, even when it's not concerning Ariana. You know you could do that too, Harry, you have enough in your vaults."

"I'd be bored out of my bloody skull, sitting at home," Harry chuckled.

"No you'd be busy with the boys," Ginny smirked.

"Hermione," Draco called as he walked out of the kitchen. "It's for you, love."

"Hmmmm, wonder who would be owling," Hermione wondered curiously, "Especially today."

Draco sat down next to her and handed her the tightly rolled scroll. Hermione broke the seal, which gave away nothing, and began to read, her eyes growing wider the further she read.

"Darling?" Draco asked after her eyes began to reread the letter, all the adults watching curiously.

"It's….it's uhhhh….it's from Susan," Hermione sputtered, staring at the middle of the scroll, "They've found me a match. They have a little boy for me."

The silence stretched on for almost thirty seconds before Draco leaned around her and read it for himself, before she handed it to him. Ginny rushed to her feet, and pulled Hermione into a hug, Emily throwing her arms around them both. While Harry and Ron both stood with huge smiles, looking at the girls. Narcissa and Andromeda were hugging, when Narcissa pulled Hermione in a warm hug. Hermione began to cry, breaking away from the hug to look at Draco, who was currently rereading the letter himself.

Silence settled again as everyone watched between Draco and Hermione. Hermione waited, watching him carefully as his eyebrows knit together, and she couldn't place his feelings.

Draco rolled up the scroll before looking up, surprised that every eye was on him, when his gaze landed on his witch, he smiled. Standing up, he pulled her close to him.

"Are you ok?" Hermione asked tentatively, "I know this wasn't the plan, and so much is-"

Draco cut her off with a deep kiss; he entwined his fingers through her hair, pulling her close. They both became breathless before he ended the kiss with another soft kiss, "I am so happy for you...for us."

"You're happy?" Hermione asked, still breathless.

"Of course! I'm ecstatic," Draco stated, his voice growing slightly serious, "But, Susan did mention that it was serious circumstances that this little boy needed placement immediately, that's a little worrisome, even Ariana was kept at a group home for a time."

"What do you think that means?" Andromeda asked.

Draco turned to look at his aunt, having momentarily forgotten that they were there.

"I'm honestly not sure," Draco said simply, pulling Hermione to him.

"I'd like to make another toast," Ron said, moving forward with Lauren in his arms, handing Emily's glass to her before he grabbed his own.

They called the kids over, and it took a few minutes to find the boys' cups, and then James needed a refill, before they were all seated again, with Ron sitting forward. Draco held Ariana on his lap.

"To Hermione, Draco and Ariana, and to this new little boy who will certainly become an incredible wizard with these two as his parents. To this little wizard!" Ron exclaimed to everyone chiming in with a cheers.

They all took a sip before Ariana turned and looked at Draco, "What does he mean a new little boy?"

Draco looked at Hermione, who smiled, "Remember that papa told you he met me because I wanted to adopt a child?" Ariana nodded, and Hermione continued, "Well that owl that just arrived, said that they've found a little boy for me. I'm going to be his mum."

Ariana looked thoughtfully for a moment, "Does this mean I have to share my room?"

Everyone laughed, but Ariana continued to look serious, as Draco ran his hand through her curls he added, "No, darling. Not unless you want to."

"He needs his own kitty, Aster is mine," Ariana stated.

"Of course, but you might have to share some other things, can you do that?" Draco asked.

"Will you be his papa?" Ariana asked, as the adults all looked over at Draco, who took one look at Hermione who smiled at him warmly, nodding.

"Yes, I'll be his papa as well as yours. Is that ok," Draco stated simply.

"Yes. Does this mean that I can call Hermione mum now?" Ariana's voice had dropped, but it was just loud enough for everyone to hear, all the adults, smiled. Narcissa, Ginny, Emily and Hermione all with tears welling in their eyes.

Hermione looked at Ariana, putting a finger under the little girl's chin, "Ariana can you look at me?" Hermione then scooted closer, "You can call me whatever you're comfortable with, but I love you and I'll always be your mum."

Ariana smiled, before jumping into Hermione's arms, Hermione falling back with the force of it, "I love you, mummy."

oOoOoOoOo

Three hours later, Draco had just finished tucking Ariana into bed, and Hermione was cleaning up after the party. As Draco walked into the kitchen Hermione commented, "Some days I see the value in a paid house-elf, like Toby."

"Say the word and we'll find one for you," Draco smirked, "But I could always call Toby over, mother wouldn't mind."

Hermione laughed, before throwing a dishrag onto the counter, "I give up, I'm done. I have too much on my mind to be washing dishes right now."

"Ok let me call Toby, and why don't you go take a long bath, I'll join you in a few minutes," Draco said kissing her softly.

Hermione nodded walking out of the room, her mind running a million miles an hour.

"Toby," Draco called out simply, thankful that the Malfoy bond to the creature meant it would show up. Thirty seconds later the little house-elf showed up, in a Hawaiian shirt, Bermuda shorts and flip flops, causing Draco to laugh loudly.

"Mister Malfoy calls," the house-elf said bowing slightly, something they couldn't seem to get him to stop doing after all these years.

"Toby where did you get clothes like these?" Draco asked still laughing.

"Toby finds them at a Muggle donation center," Toby stated nervously, afraid he had upset his master.

"Well remind me to fetch you some new clothes, though they might have to be as enjoyable, but you shouldn't have to rifle around in donated clothing," Draco stated, wiping tears from his eyes, "Would you mind cleaning up after our party this evening, Hermione wanted to do it, but she's got a lot on her mind."

"Of course Mister Malfoy. Anything for Missus Hermione," Toby smiled.

"Also if you hear of any house-elves looking for work, we might be looking to hire one," Draco stated, "Thank you Toby, have a good night."

"Thank you Mister," Toby nodded, grabbing the step stool from the pantry and setting to work.

Draco left the kitchen and walked down the hallway to their bedroom. Shutting the door, he walked into the bathroom.

Hermione was lying in the giant soaking tub, surrounded in bubbles, her eyes closed, but her face still etched with worry lines.

"Love, what are you thinking about?" Draco asked sitting on the edge of the tub.

"Well we know he's a year old, Susan said he's just about to turn one, and that means he's probably still in a crib, there is just so much we might need to get, and we don't have time, I mean we might be taking him home tomorrow," Hermione explained, talking fast.

"Why don't you make a list tomorrow after we've seen him, then mother or Ginny or Emily could run out and grab the things for you," Draco soothed.

"Yes that would work, but where are we going to set up his room, the only spare room is the guest room," Hermione continued, clearly going through a list of worries.

"Maybe we should consider buying a bigger home. I can sell this one, you've already contacted an estate agent for yours, why don't we just buy something for both of us?" Draco smiled at the thought of a home for both of them.

"Yes that would work, but when would we have time to start looking?" Hermione asked, then her eyes widened, and she gasped, "Oh Godric! What am I to do about work? I was supposed to go back on the 2nd, but if we have him, how can I go back? You have to go back to work, too? You've been away for a month? What if-"

"Hermione?" Draco interrupted her, "Love, stop. You can't worry about all of this, owl your boss, I'm sure they'll understand, extend your time off at least another week or so, then we can make a decision about all of this."

Hermione nodded, looking into his grey eyes, she longed to be in his safe and secure arms. Standing up the water ran down her body in little rivers, drawing Draco's eyes from her own to look at her delicious curves.

"Come to bed love, let me help you forget," Draco smirked, holding out a hand to help her step from the tub.

As soon as her feet hit the ground, Draco pulled out his wand and muttered a quick drying spell before pulling her into his arms. Hermione wrapped her legs around his waist as his lips closed around hers and he carried her to the bed.

oOoOoOoOo

Draco and Hermione stood just in front of the floo in the library, having just said goodbye to Ariana who was going to go run some errands with Narcissa.

Draco wrapped his arms around Hermione, tightly hugging her, hoping to ease some of the tension that had returned the moment she woke up.

"It's ok love, let's just go see him, don't worry about anything. It'll all sort itself out," Draco whispered.

Hermione nodded, at a loss for words. She couldn't describe what she was feeling right now, overwhelmed with nerves at all the things that needed to happen. She had barely remembered to owl her parents this morning to let them know what was happening.

Now her brain was full of endless lists of things that needed to be bought, and things that needed to be done, but part of her mind was entirely focused on this little boy. She couldn't stop wondering what he looked like, what had happened to his parents, would he be ok with Hermione, what was he like and a million other questions. She was also excited, and overjoyed, but the nerves were cancelling those feelings out. She couldn't believe she was about to become a mum, even though she had been Ariana's mum from the moment Draco brought her home. This was official, her name on the line of being this little boy's mum and she hadn't even seen him yet.

"Are you ready, love?" Draco asked.

Hermione nodded. Stepping to the fireplace, she threw in the floo powder and waited for the flames to become emerald before calling out Phoenix Adoption Agency and stepping in.

As soon as she stepped into the agency, she could hear crying, and immediately her heart started thudding loudly. Was that her boy? Why was he crying?

She felt Draco move behind her, and turned to see him looking in the direction the cries seemed to be coming from. Her feet were moving now, carrying her forward towards the crying.

With her hand on the doorknob she looked at Draco once, who smiled and nodded, before she opened the door wide.

Her heart clenched as she saw him, he was hers, and she knew it immediately.

To be continued...