Epilogue

The contractions began just before dawn. Hermione took her time to ease herself out of bed and freshen up in the bathroom. She put her overnight bags by the fireplace. The contractions quickly became ten-minute intervals. My impatient son. You're going to be just like your father. She sat by the edge of the bed and tried to arouse her sleeping husband.

"Draco. Draco. Get up, please. Draco!" He stirred and moaned something incoherent but went still and quiet again. She continued to shake him. No success. A sudden contraction hit her, and she gripped his arms tightly as she waited for the pain to pass.

"Mmmmrrrrhhh, that hurts! What the - " Realization hit, and Draco scrambled to get her to St. Mungo's.

Their son was born two hours later.

When they had settled cozily in the hospital bed, their son nestled securely between them, Draco murmured, "I have a confession. I sabotaged your other dates so that I would be your only suitor."

"I know."