A/N: Disclaimer, see Chapter 1. Thanks to everyone who's reviewed, favorited, and followed! I appreciate all the love and support.

Chapter 7

After that faithful day in the bedroom, the dynamic between Hermione and Andromeda had changed.

Their relationship now felt more in depth, with small touches here and there and a few heated snogs every so often.

Hermione felt like she was on cloud nine. She had finally found someone who understood her… and accepted her.

One night, Hermione had simply broken down crying, telling Andromeda exactly what had happened at Malfoy Manor. She had been afraid that Andy would look at her now and be repulsed. She was a rape victim… she was dirty and cheap.

But Andromeda simply shook her head. "Nothing could possibly change how I look at you… or how I feel about you," she had said, planting a reassuring kiss on Hermione's lips.

Andromeda understood. She understood that the ordeal had affected Hermione more than she care to let on. And she understood the struggles that Hermione had with her pregnancy. She was having a child that would forever remind her of the cruelty she had experienced during the War. And Andy always knew how to comfort Hermione when she was struggling.

Reaching down, Hermione caressed her bump. She was now almost six months, meaning she was huge. Instead of walking anywhere, she waddled. Much like an oversized hippo.

She was in the nursery, trying to get things more organized. Harry had built her a crib for his sweet little goddaughter while Ron had given her a changing table and some toys.

Hermione would often spend her time sitting in the rocking chair in this room. For some reason, she always felt so happy here… so at peace. She was sure it had to do with the lemon color on the walls.

There was a knock on the door. Sitting up, Hermione grinned when she saw Andy.

"Hi Andromeda," she said, beaming.

"Hermione, you look lovely today," Andy said, coming over to help pregnant witch up. Hermione would often have a hard time getting up from sitting positions. "How's the baby today?"

"Very active," she replied, resting her hand on her stomach. "She's been kicking me left and right, especially when I'm trying to get some sleep."

Andromeda laughed. "Isn't that the way it goes?"

"So what's the plan with today?" Hermione asked, tucking a loose curl behind her ear.

The older witch turned a bit red in the face. "I was actually wondering if you'd want to go out tonight… maybe for dinner in Muggle London?"

Hermione grinned. "Are you asking me out on a date, Andromeda?"

Andy flushed. "Yes, well, I suppose I am. So will you?"

She nodded, smiling. "That actually sounds really nice. It's been so long since I've gone out." In fact, Hermione hadn't really gone out much since she found out she was pregnant. People would ask questions… ones that she wasn't ready for everyone to know.

"Wonderful, well, I'll let you get ready and then we can leave? I'll be downstairs." Leaning forward, Andromeda brushed her lips against Hermione's cheek.

Once Andromeda left, Hermione scrambled towards her bedroom. She pulled her hair back into a bun, allowing a few curly tendrils to frame her face. After running to the bathroom to pee and finish freshening up, Hermione made her way downstairs.

"You look lovely," Andromeda said, taking her hand.

"Well, you two go out, have fun. We've got Teddy," Ginny said, bouncing the little boy on her hip. Harry put his arm around her and nodded.

"Thanks Harry," Andy said, smiling at him. "Now come on, I know the perfect place."

Walking outside, the two of them got into Hermione's car. She had purchased it almost directly after the War, seeing as she couldn't Floo or Apparate much once she got further along in the pregnancy.

Andromeda, having previously been married to a Muggleborn, knew how to drive the car. So the two of them sped along the highway, making their way towards inner London.

It seemed that as soon as Hermione began to feel queasy from the ride, Andromeda pulled over, announcing they were there. Andy got out of the car, helping Hermione out moments later.

The Muggle world was a lot more accepting of same sex couples, so the two of them were able to hold hands without worrying about any nasty comments. It was in the Muggle world that they could be themselves.

Holding hands, Andromeda led Hermione towards a small Italian café. "The food here is delicious. Ted used to talk about this place all the time… it was where his parents met."

Hermione smiled sadly. Hearing Andy talk about Ted always made her heart clench in sadness. His death was sad, and she knew that Andy was still trying to get over her grief. "It looks lovely," she said, squeezing Andy's hand.

The two of them went inside, taking a table in the corner. There were candles everywhere, with soft Italian music playing in the background. The atmosphere was absolutely lovely.

The waitress came over moments later, taking their order. Hermione ordered a simple ravioli dish with peppers and onions, while Andromeda ordered some chicken alfredo.

Looking up at Andy, Hermione couldn't help but smile.

"What?" Andy asked, smiling back.

"I'm just so happy… I had never thought that I could find this sort of happiness."

Andromeda looked as if she was going to cry. "Hermione, you would have found happiness somewhere, regardless of me."

"I don't know…"

"Well, I do know. Hermione, you're a lovely witch, and I'm sure someone would have pursued you sooner or later." Andromeda patted her hand. "I'm glad I managed to get you, though."

Hermione blushed. Andy knew just how to make her feel better about herself. Their relationship was nice like that… and it was serious. Hermione had no qualms about spending the rest of her life with Andromeda, and she was sure that Andy felt the same way.

"Foods here," Andromeda announced, smiling.

"Oh yum," Hermione said, her stomach growling. The peppers smelled absolutely delicious and she was glad baby was ready for some food. Reaching down, she rubbed her stomach.

The two of them ate their dinner, simply enjoying the presence of themselves. It had been so long since Hermione had actually enjoyed herself and she was grateful that Andy had taken her out.

After finishing, the two of them walked towards the car. "Thank you," Hermione murmured, wrapping her arms around Andromeda's waist. She buried her face in Andromeda's neck, inhaling the sweet smell of spices.

"You're welcome. I could tell you just really needed to get out," Andromeda replied, pressing a kiss to the top of Hermione's head.

"I love you," Hermione whispered, her big brown eyes peering up at Andy.

Andromeda smiled, gently cupping her cheek. "I love you too, little one." Leaning down, she brushed her lips against Hermione's.

Every time they kissed, the two of them felt that spark… the draw. They hoped that feeling would never go away.