Draco now found himself staring at Hermione. A part of him wanted to go to her and hold her, kiss her, to show how glad he was that she was all right and had made it safely back. However, he held himself back. There were too many others with them, too many who wouldn't understand. His eyes wandered to Ron who's own blue eyes were glaring at Draco as he moved closer to Hermione.
Hermione didn't notice Ron's subtle shift closer to her side. She could only stare at Draco; thrilled at his return but horrified at his state. He looked as if he were about to pass out.
"Severus, Draco," Lupin greeted them both.
"Remus," Snape replied. "As you can see, the boy's made himself ill, living on the streets. Have you any Fever Reducing potion?"
"No, but I can brew some," Hermione volunteered. Snape nodded.
"Perhaps you can take Draco to a room?" Lupin suggested.
"I'll help," Ron offered.
"No," Hermione snapped. "Harry?"
Ron was flabbergasted. Harry remained silent but stepped forward to help. Draco was weak and wobbled a bit unsteadily. Harry wrinkled his nose at Draco's body odour and could feel the heat from his fever coming off his body.
"Blimey, he's burning up."
"He looks terrible," Hermione fretted.
"Oi, I can still hear," Draco mumbled.
"Where have you been?" Hermione asked as they headed to the third story.
"Mostly the library."
Harry gave Hermione a perplexed look, unsure if he heard correctly. She shrugged in response, assuming Draco was delirious from his fever. They reached a small room that contained two bare beds and sparse furnishings. Hermione flicked her wand and one of the beds was magically made with fresh sheets from the linen cupboard. Harry lead Draco to the bed where he fell heavily on top of it.
"Alright then?" Harry asked Hermione.
She nodded and he left the room. She went to Draco and began pulling off his shoes.
"Don'," he mumbled, "I need a bath."
"Later." She removed his shoes and tugged the blanket underneath him free to cover him. He was asleep by the time she was done. She pulled off the filthy knit cap and caressed his cheek, blinking away tears before she left to collect her potion ingredients.
She carried the supplies to the kitchen where Lupin, Ron, Harry and Snape were sitting tensely around the wooden table. She placed her cauldron on the stove and then filled a kettle with water for tea.
Honestly! she thought, annoyed no one thought to make tea and proceeded with the potion making.
Snape approached after a moment and peered into her cauldron. She was ready to snap at him if he dared critique her potion. He merely nodded and returned to the table. High praise, indeed!
The kettle whistled and Lupin prepared tea, giving Hermione the first cup before offering any to the rest. While the Fever Reducing potion brewed, she joined the table and the conversation that was in progress. Although tense, everyone managed to remain polite. Snape explained how he was finally able to track Draco.
"I have no idea how long he's been living on the street," he said. "He managed to find his way back to England and was wandering around Muggle London mumbling about Death Eaters."
"It's a lucky thing you found him before the others did," Lupin said.
"Actually, he was spotted by one of Voldemort's look outs but I volunteered to bring him in." He paused for a moment, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I hate to think of what would have happened to him if someone else had retrieved him."
Hermione was caught off guard by the subtle emotion Snape showed. He cared for Draco. She blinked back tears.
"What will you do when you return without him?" Lupin asked, clearly worried.
"I'll tell them it was a false lead that it was simply a Muggle who resembled Draco."
"Will you be staying tonight?"
"No, I need to return to Malfoy Manor and report to Voldemort before I return to Hogwarts. It seems that your friends are carrying on your tradition of rulebreaking.
Miss Weasley and Mr Longbottom have started up the DA again."
"Really?" Harry was honestly surprised and a bit proud. "How many?"
"From what we can gather, there are nearly forty members." Harry glowed with pride.
"That many?" Ron asked.
"Yes. Miss Weasley is a very good recruit. She's even convinced a few from Slytherin to join."
"Slytherin?!" Harry and Ron shouted at the same time.
"Who?" Hermione asked.
"Blaise Zabini and Milicent Bulstrode to name two."
"They're not spies are they?" Harry asked fearfully.
"No, it seems not. Minerva and I have been keeping close tabs on the group."
"Thank you," Harry said.
"You're welcome," Snape answered.
The following morning, Hermione prepared a tray for Draco. Thankfully, Ron was still asleep, otherwise she imagined he would insist of taking the tray up to Draco himself. She knocked quietly on the door and waited for an answer before entering. She found Draco still curled up underneath the covers, shivering from his fever.
"I've brought you something to eat," she announced and placed the tray on the small side table by the bed. "And some potion for your fever as well."
She poured the potion into a cup as Draco pushed himself into a sitting position. His hair stuck up at odd angles and a giggle slipped from Hermione. "Sorry, you're hair, well, it's a bit of a mess."
"Yeah and I smell too. Cheers," he held up the cup in mock salut before swallowing the potion. "Can you find some clothes for me?"
"Of course. I'm sure Harry or Ron have"
"Not Weasley."
"Unfortunately, Ron's more your size but I'll see what I can scrounge up. The loo's on the second level. There are clean towels there."
"Ta, I'll jus' sleep a bit more..." He lay back on the matress and closed his eyes.
Hermione was nearly at the door when he called her name. "Yes?"
"I's alrigh' you know," he slurred sleepily, "you an' weasel. I understan'."
"How's the ferret boy?" Ron inquired.
Hermione steamed. "His name is Draco and he is still sick, thanks for asking."
"There's a meeting planned for tonight," Harry interrupted before his two friends began arguing.
"Lupin just Flooed. All Order members."
"This is it then?" Hermione asked timidly.
"It won't be long," Harry answered. "The Horcruxes are destroyed and we know where to find Voldemort. We just need to strike."
Hermione took Harry's hand and squeezed.
"It'll be over soon," Harry assured her. She blinked back tears, not wanting to think about Harry facing Voldemort. Ron didn't want to think of it either so he quickly changed the subject.
"What do you think will happen to Malfoy once this is all over?"
"I dunno," Harry shrugged.
"He may get chucked in Azkaban."
"Ronald!" Hermione admonished.
"Come on, Hermione, you need to face the facts! Malfoy helped you, I'll give him that, but he did a hell of a lot before that."
"He's changed."
"You keep saying that but how do you know for sure? I mean, maybe he's just helping so he won't get in trouble?" Hermione shook her head, too tired to argue with him. He surprised her when he took her hand. She looked up and into his blue eyes and saw sincerity there. "I just want you to be prepared, Hermione. I don't want you getting hurt."
Ron's words weighed heavily on Hermione's mind. Later she lay in bed staring into the night through the small window of her temporary room wondering if there could be any truth to what Ron said. She could only suppose there was a chance. The only way to know for certain was with time. She placed a hand on her belly which felt rounder to her. When would she start to show? When would she tell everyone? What would happen?
She decided it would have to wait until after Voldemort's defeat. She wanted nothing to distract Harry or Ron or any of the Order members. She would tell Draco first knowing that she could not expect him to be there. Their night together had been spontaneous and she would not expect him to help if she decided to have or keep the baby. She squeezed her eyes closed tightly, tears leaking down her cheeks, how she longed to talk to someone!
Healer Bombay smiled warmly. "Everything seems to be fine, Miss Granger. I'd like you to put a bit more weight on, though."
Hermione nodded, knowing the mediwitch would bring that up.
"How are you doing, Miss Granger?"
"Well, I'm doing all right I suppose."
"And the father?"
"He's been ill, actually."
The healer nodded. "It would be nice for him to join you for your next appointment."
"Yes, hopefully he'll be a" a sob appeared from no where. "Ssorry! I don't know where that came from!"
"I suspect hormones may have something to do with it." The woman smiled warmly as she handed Hermione a tissue. "Tell me, Miss Granger, is your mother near by?"
Hermione shook her head, sobbing openly now.
"Have you friends to talk with? Maybe someone who has gone through pregnancy before?"
Mrs Weasley was the first to come to Hermione's mind but she nearly laughed out loud at the thought of speaking to her ex boyfriend's mother about her current situation! She shrugged her shoulders in response.
"You must have support, Miss Granger," Healer Bombay impressed. "This is not something to experience alone and so young! You must take care of your mind as well as your body."
Hermione nodded her head, too teary to say anything.
"Promise me that you will speak to someone close to you when you return home."
Hermione nodded her head, though she was not sure who or when she would get around to fulfilling that promise. She managed to thank the healer and returned to Grimmuald Place.
"Where've you been?!" Ron demanded as soon as she Flooed in. He then noticed her read, swollen eyes. He went to her and placed his hands on her arms. "Hermione? What's wrong? Has something happened?"
She was so touched by his concern and so overwhelmed that she simply burst into tears and threw her arms around his shoulders. Frightened, Ron wrapped his arms around her and held her close.
"I-I'm s-so scared!" she sobbed. "I don't want anything to happen to Harry! I don't want to loose you! I don't want anyone to hate m-me!"
"What are you going on about? No one could hate you! You are one of the most decent people I've ever known"
Hermione cried harder at this, guilt plunging into her heart. "And nothing will happen to Harry. He's the Chosen One, he'll kick Voldie's arse and be home in time for tea." At this she managed a laugh. "As for me, I'll always be here for you."
Hermione hugged him closer. "Promise me, Ron. Promise me that no matter what happens, you won't leave me."
"I promise," he whispered.
Draco stood just outside the doorway, having nearly walked in at what was clearly a private moment. Even though he knew she would go back to Ron, it was a shock to see them together. Maybe I just wasn't expecting it to hurt so much, Draco thought. Of course, what could their one night compare to the time that Hermione and Ron had together? He was being selfish. He knew he should be happy for her. He wanted her to be happy, after all. Quietly, he turned and crept back up the stairs so as not to disturb Hermione and Ron.
Draco stood just outside the doorway, having nearly walked in at what was clearly a private moment.
Even though he knew she would go back to Ron, it was a shock to see them together. He wasn't expecting it too be quite so painful. Of course, what could their one night compare to the time that Hermione and Ron had together? He was being selfish. He knew he should be happy for her. He wanted her to be happy, after all. Quietly, he turned and crept back up the stairs so as not to disturb Hermione and Ron.
The Order of the Phoenix began making plans for the final confrontation of Voldemort. The first part of the plan was to remove as many Death Eaters as possible. Draco, having recovered from his illness and was looking more like himself (despite the borrowed clothes) joined in the sessions and was accepted with little animosity. He was glad to have something to occupy his mind and was able to give detailed information of the layout of Malfoy Manor.
Hermione found it nearly impossible to have a private conversation at Grimmuald Place. Ron had attached himself to her side and although she appreciated his concern for her, she wondered if he was the best person to break down to. She worried that her actions led him to believe she still had romantic feelings for him though he hadn't pressed the issue with her.
Draco appeared reserved around her as well, though she really had little experience to compare to. He seldom made eye contact with her or spoke to her and that caused a pain in her heart. Had he gotten over any feelings he had developed for her? Did he assume that she was with Ron? She knew they had to speak. It was when they were seated at dinner that Hermione took the opportunity. As usual, Ron had seated himself next to her. It seemed that her pregnancy was starting to affect her appetite.
Though she tried to eat as much as possible, often the sight and smell of food made her stomach roll.
It did not help sitting next to Ron whose appetite was legendary.
"You need to eat, Hermione," Ron commented when he noticed that she was only picking at her plate.
She knew he was concerned about her, especially since her little crying episode. She smiled weakly at him and took a small bite.
"You want me to make you something else?" he offered.
"I'm fine," Hermione answered.
He nodded and squeezed her hand which was resting on the table. Draco watched the exchange and suddenly lost his appetite. He excused himself and left the table. Hermione watched him leave and decided it was a good opportunity to catch him alone. She ate a few more bites and then announced she was done.
Draco usually spent his time in his room, unless there was a meeting. He was still not comfortable being around the people he used to mock. Hermione knocked at his door and waited for his response.
She found him laying on his bed, a book in his hand.
"Hello," she greeted him.
He sat up and placed his book aside. It was the first time he was alone with Hermione since she left France.
"How are you?" she asked in way of breaking the awkwardness.
"I'm fine," he answered. "You?"
"Alright," she answered mechanically. Neither of them knew what to say next but Hermione knew she must plug on. "I missed you."
Draco was taken aback. "Me too."
"I was so confused," she continued, "I thought I'd lost Ron and I was so happy when I found out that he was alive but after everything I'd been through with you and then"
she broke down, nervous about telling him.
"It's OK, Hermione, I understand."
"No, I don't think you do," she said. "I don't feel the same way about Ron as I did. I doesn't feel right."
"Oh," Draco was not sure how to respond.
"He doesn't know about us, I haven't told anyone yet. Draco," she became more distressed, "I'm pregnant." She said it so softly that he barely heard the words.
"What?" he asked, stunned.
"Please don't make me say it again," she cried, imploring him with her watery eyes. His heart jumped in his throat and he stood from the bed and embraced her.
"Pregnant?" he whispered. She nodded against his chest. "I'm sorry," he answered feebly, unsure if that was the right thing to say. He had no idea what to think or how to feel at that moment. The news was too unexpected. He could only imagine what she must be feeling. He gathered her in his arms and held her close while she continued to sob.
"Do you regret what happened?" she asked, wanting to know.
"No!" He pulled away and looked into her eyes. "Not at all."
"I don't know what to do..."
"Shh... it will be alright, Hermione. We'll figure this out."
He held her again. She had so many more questions and concerns but for the time, she was content to cry in his arms. It was the best she felt in a long time, telling someone and being comforted. Even though she had many worries, now she felt like she could handle them. He kissed the top of her head.
"I don't want the others to know until after the attack."
"Alright. We'll get through this, Hermione, I promise." He kissed her soundly on the lips and she longed for more but there were too many people in the house that may look for her.
"I'd better leave."
Hermione woke, the room still dark, the house quiet. She closed her eyes when she heard a knock upon the door. She slipped from her bed and went to see who was there. In the pale light filtering from the street outside, she could see Draco's nearly white hair.
"What is it?" she whispered, concerned.
"May I come in?" he asked in a hushed voice. She stepped aside and closed the door behind him.
"Wha?"
Her question was interrupted by his searing kiss, his hands on her face. She fell into his kiss as easily as she did earlier in the evening, as easily as their first kiss. They finally broke apart to breathe, his hands stayed on her face and his forehead resting on hers.
"Let me stay with you tonight," he whispered.
"I don't know..." She longed to be with him but worried they would be discovered and what the consequences could be.
"I'll leave early in the morning, before anyone wakes. We can put a locking charm on the door, a silencing charm," he grinned at the last bit and kissed her again.
"What if someone checks your room?"
"In the middle of the night? No one is awake!"
She knew it was risky but her heart wanted him. "OK."
He kissed her again and smiled at his victory. He took her hand and lead her back to her bed. She cast a quick locking charm insuring that no one would barge in unannounced on the small chance they would.
"Silencing too," Draco advised and kissed her neck. She gasped and cast a soundproofing spell on the
room. Then he slipped underneath her covers and held them open for her. Once she crawled in beside him her wrapped his arms around her and held her close. She wondered if they would just drift asleep like that. She wouldn't have minded but she would have been a bit disappointed. Luckily, he began to nuzzle her ear.
"I missed you," he whispered in her ear.
"It was so hard to leave you."
"Don't do it again," he pleaded.
She kissed him longingly. His hand caressed her waist and slid beneath the T shirt she wore. His hand stopped on her belly and he broke their kiss to look at her. His hand spread across her belly, feeling its roundness. Hermione felt embarrassment and closeness at the same time. It was too soon for babies, they were too young and yet, what a powerful bond. She smiled shyly at him.
He lifted the shirt above her belly and scooted down so that he was level with her stomach. She closed her eyes as his lips pressed against the skin, his hand against her back. He kissed her belly several times before moving back up to her mouth. His hand moved from her back to her breast and she pressed herself into his hand, slipping her own hands underneath the Puddlemere United Tshirt she had confiscated from Harry's wardrobe.
She pulled the shirt up his torso and Draco sat up, removing the shirt. Hermione followed suit.
Draco's eyes grew wide as she arched her back to pull the clothing up over her head, exposing her beautiful breasts. He leaned down to suckle them causing Hermione to moan loudly. Draco smiled to himself, glad he had suggested the silencing charm.
Hermione managed to remove her top and pulled Draco back up to her lips, anxious to feel his skin against hers again. She wove her legs into his, pressing her pelvis into his, her arms wrapped around him, holding him close to her. She stroked his back and began to push down his pants down his hips.
He reached down to help, still kissing her as he tugged at his clothing, raising his legs to get the clothing off.
He then pulled at Hermione's plain, white kickers, and grabbed her torso so that he could pull her on top of him as he lay back on the mattress. Together they removed the last scrap of clothing and Hermione positioned herself above him, peering into his eyes. Draco tucked a few strands of hair behind her ears and wanted to tell her so much but the words would not come. She was able to read his eyes, and she answered with her own.
They adjusted their bodies until, at last, they became one. They looked into one another's eyes as their bodies moved together. They winced and moaned as their thrusts became more hurried. Hermione began to feel the beginnings of her orgasm approach and she closed her eyes and focused on the sensations. Draco whispered words of encouragement, straining to hold off his own climax. She began to moan and furrowed her brows as her body came. Draco thrust into her harder, his own release imminent. He cried out and held her close to him.
Sated and exhausted, they both relaxed into their embrace, Hermione shifting slightly to Draco's side. She kissed him languidly on his jaw and neck, his wet skin salty. Lazily, he stroked her side and back.
Once their bodies cooled he pulled the blanket over them, kissed her on her forehead and both drifted into a dazed slumber.
The Order met to review plans and check on progress. Things were moving smoothly and it was decided that the moment was right to strike. They reviewed the layout of the Malfoy Manor with Draco making suggestions. At last, Harry's team was decided upon. The Order insisted that Harry be backed with the most experienced and best and it was also suggested that Harry, Ron and Hermione be separated.
"No way," Ron objected straight off.
"You could be a liability," Lupin tried to explain.
"We're not letting Harry face Voldemort alone!"
"He'll hardly be alone!"
"No, We promised"
"If it's safer..." Harry tried to intervene. In truth, he had requested this but didn't want Ron or Hermione to know. They wouldn't understand.
"We're not leaving your side, Harry," Hermione said defiantly.
"You can't go," Draco interjected.
Hermione and several others turned to him, surprised by his response.
"Of course I'm going," Hermione argued, glaring at Draco not to say any more.
He turned to the others. "She can't go on this mission."
"Why not?" Ron asked, not because he didn't object to Hermione staying safe but because he didn't understand why Draco, of all people, was demanding she not go. What right did he have?
Hermione could only stare at Draco, begging him silent to remain quiet.
"She's Muggleborn,"
Draco explained. "She'll be a prime target."
"He has a point," Harry agreed.
"I'm going! No one can decide what I can or can't do. It's my decision!" she was getting quite upset now. She glared angrily at Draco.
"I agree with Draco, Miss Granger," Shacklebolt concurred, "there's no sense in putting you in danger."
"No, not when you have Harry to sacrifice!" she shouted.
"Hermione"
Harry tried to calm his friend.
"The last thing we want is for anything to happen to Harry," Lupin said.
"So you're worried I'll make a mistake?" She was insulted now.
"Hardly!" Lupin stated.
"You'll be vital as part of another group" Shacklebolt began.
"She can't fight!" Draco shouted and everyone grew quiet.
"Why?" Lupin asked, sensing something.
Draco looked at Hermione who only stared back at him angrily.
"Tell them," he said. Her eyes grew wide. She couldn't believe he was doing this to her! "They're going to find out eventually. I won't let you fight."
"What's going on?" Ron demanded.
"Will you tell me, Hermione?" Harry asked.
Tearfully, Hermione turned to her friend. She looked at him for a moment and then nodded. Harry stood up from his seat and Hermione followed. She looked at Ron and he stood, understanding he'd been invited as well. Draco waited until he got a sign from Hermione before he moved. She turned to him.
"You might as well come," she said.
The four left the rest of the Order members and went to the library on the main level where they were able to close the door and have privacy. Timidly everyone took seats in reserved silence. Hermione took a deep, shaky breath and began to explain.
"I hadn't wanted to tell you like this. I wanted to wait until this was over and I had time to talk to you." She looked to Ron who suddenly felt his stomach fall and blinked back tears of his own. "I thought you died, I thought you had both been killed and I was alone and..." she stumbled a bit over her sobs.
"Did she tell you about what happened there?" Draco asked.
"No, Draco" Hermione started.
"You didn't tell them?" She shook her head.
"What happened? Harry asked timidly.
"That bloody deatheating psycho wanted to find out why some Muggles are magical and others aren't. So he let his twisted Death Eater experiment on her." Ron and Harry gave Hermione horrified looks as Draco continued. "Let him fucking torture her when Bellatrix wasn't playing games with her." Draco broke down at this point, knowing he had participated in that play. He sobbed into his hands. Hermione went to him and comforted him, much to Harry and Ron's confusion.
"I'm so sorry!" Draco cried.
"I know," she said quietly, "I know you didn't want to."
"HE HURT YOU?" Ron roared, standing up from his chair.
"Bellatrix made him!"
"What did he do to you, Hermione?!"
"It doesn't matter, he had to. He didn't want to."
"I couldn't leave her," Draco explained.
"I didn't want to go with him," Hermione continued in a daze, remembering her state of mind back then. "I thought it was over. I thought no one would be able to defeat Voldemort. I didn't want to... I didn't care if I lived. But Draco took me and we made it to France, I don't even remember getting there." She paused for a moment, looking at her lap. "I tried to kill myself," she whispered, so ashamed. Ron and Harry looked at each other; horrified, stunned. "Draco stopped me.'
'And then, well, one day passed and then another. Eventually I got over the depression and wanted to come back and fight even though I wasn't sure there was a chance to win. I wanted to try at least. So I decided to come back to Grimmuald Place." Hermione looked at Draco, unsure of what to say next.
"It was so hard to leave. I didn't think I had anyone left but Draco. We got so close..."
An awkward silence crept over the room. Harry and Ron had suspected the two had become close, maybe even developed feelings now it seemed their intuition had been correct. Both knew there was more to the story. They waited patiently. Hermione wasn't certain how to tell them the news, even now that the time was before her. She decided to be clear.
"I'm pregnant."
Harry was stunned. A strange noise escaped Ron. He turned and left the room, slamming the door behind him. Hermione winced.
"That's why she can't fight," Harry stated, relieved that she couldn't.
"Harry" Hermione began.
"No." He would not discuss it.
Harry and Draco returned to the kitchen and Hermione went to find Ron. He was in the room he shared with Harry sitting on the bed, his elbows resting on his knees. She sat down next to him.
"I'm so sorry, Ron," she said.
"I guess it was fate."
"I don't know."
"You know, when we started dating, sometimes I worried that it would ruin our friendship if things didn't work out between us."
"Yeah, me too. I'd hate to loose you, Ron."
"I don't want to loose you either."
"Can we be friends?"
"It'll take me some time."
"I know." They sat quietly for a moment before she spoke again. "Promise me that you won't do anything stupid when you go after Voldemort."
"Me?" he cracked a smile.
"I couldn't bear losing you again," she sobbed.
Ron gave her a hug. "I promise. Someone's gotta watch Harry's back, right?"