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Hermione felt a hand cup her breast as she slept. Cracking an eye open, she saw the offensive glare of the time on the clock. 4:00am. Draco's hand slowly kneaded the breast in his hand and she felt her nipples harden. "Seriously?" she groaned into her pillow. Carefully, she rolled over, seeing Draco still asleep, acting out what he clearly thought was a dream. He kissed her shoulder, her neck, before moving himself on top of her. Hermione found herself incredibly turned on as he murmured her name between each kiss. He could have anyone he wanted in his dreams, and he still chose her.
On the few occasions Draco dreamed about Hermione, she would be woken up by him showering kisses on her arm or the exposed parts of her chest that her nightdress didn't cover before he retreated back to his side of the bed, pulling her back to his chest as he slept. Never did he crawl on top of her, though it wasn't as if Hermione was complaining. Awake, she saw his erection exposed through the opening of his boxers as he pushed her nightdress up. Helping out, she discarded the garment all together as he placed hot kisses near her naval. Hermione raked her nails through his hair, moaning softly as his mouth trailed farther south.
"Draco," she softly begged, his tongue sucking against her center, teased with each flick of his tongue. Her toes curled at the sensation rolling through her body like waves. "Mmhmm," she moaned, feeling his mouth trail back up her torso a few moments later. As he crawled back up her body, Hermione bent her knees, dipping her big toes between his skin and the waistband of his boxers to pull them off. Grabbing his erection, she slowly pumped it as Draco's mouth found hers. Tasting herself on his lips, she deepened the kiss and tightened the grasp of her hand as she tantalizingly increased her speed.
Suddenly, she felt Draco pull away. Opening her eyes, she saw him gaping at her, his eyes wide open. "See something you like?" she asked playfully, stifling a yawn.
Draco did his best to collect his focus. He thought he was in the midst of an incredibly vivid dream until he felt her hand wrap around his dick. A hand that was still there, massaging his erection as she moved her hand back and forth. "I…I…I'm sorry," he sputtered.
"For what, turning me on?" Hermione asked, using his words with a self-satisfying smirk.
The time caught the corner of his eye. "Blimey, Granger. I don't even know what came over me." He pulled her hand away and rolled over onto his back, his forearm resting on his forehead.
Not retreating, considering he woke her up and put her in this condition, she crawled on top of him, grinding her wetness against him slowly. "Don't be sorry," she whispered, rotating her hips forward until the tip found her entrance. Sliding him into her completely, she gasped, melting with pleasure at how he felt inside of her. She leaned forward, her breath hot on his ear. "I think it's kind of hot…you can have me whenever you want, but in your dreams you choose me too."
His hips bucked as she rotated hers. "It's always you," he moaned, catching one of her pert nipples in his mouth. His hands found her hips, and the two moved in perfect sync, thrusting into each other and pulling away. Draco grabbed a hold of her hips as she sat up, lifting up his lower back, heels digging into the bed as he pulled himself into her. The changed angle had Hermione teetering on the edge – he could hear it in how she panted for more. Harder, he sped up his hips and watched as she reached down to touch herself.
"Cum with me," Hermione whimpered. "Please…please!"
He was almost there. She leaned towards his face and pressed her hands into his cheeks, her tongue devouring his mouth. "It's always you," he whispered again as she broke the kiss.
She let out a deafening cry of pleasure as she touched herself. Draco felt her release and with a few more strokes, he rode out the longest orgasm he'd ever experienced, moaning her name over and over again as he slowed her down. His sexual history wasn't any secret during his time at Hogwarts, and he readily admitted shagging a few girls while at University. But none of them – and he meant none of them – ever made him feel the way Hermione did. With her, his senses and emotions were heightened, everything about him raw and unadulterated. She collapsed on top of him, her lips kissing his collarbone. Draco wrapped his strong arms around her, basking in the warmth he felt from her skin pressed against his skin.
"I love you," he said, rubbing his hands softly against her back.
She kissed him. "I love you."
"Even though I just woke you up an ungodly hour to shag?"
"If that's the worst flaw you have…" her words trailed off, overcome by a yawn.
He carefully rolled the two of them over so that she was on her back. Carefully, he pulled out of her, stealing a kiss as she sighed. Reaching for his wand, he muttered a quick scourgify between them, as it was too early for either one of them to crawl towards the shower. Hermione grabbed ahold of the sheets and comforter and pull them up over her as she snuggled her head into his chest. "Let's just stay like this forever," she mumbled, hugging him tight.
"Fine by me," Draco whispered, drifting back to sleep. He leaned his cheek against the top of her bed head. "Happy Birthday, Granger."
He felt her smile against his chest. "Happy Birthday indeed."
Hermione woke up around eleven that morning. An arm stretched outward, searching for Draco. Cracking an eye open, she realized she was in bed alone. A note was resting on the pillow next to her.
Off to find the perfect present for my perfect girl. See you tonight. Love, Draco
She hadn't meant to sleep in this late, but then again, her exhaustion wasn't her fault. Molly was throwing her a party tonight, and Hermione promised she'd come by so the two could catch up properly before the party. Molly promised it to be a small one - just family - but Weasley small and reality small were often times not in the same realm. Prying herself out of bed, she stretched her arms as she walked to the bathroom. As much as she wanted to spend an hour under the hot shower, she kept her lingering to a minimum as she lathered her body and hair. She could hardly believe how much had changed in two months after living in a rut for four years. Maybe this birthday won't be as bad as I thought, she told herself as the water streamed down her pink tinged skin. Twenty-three could live up to merely half the magic the past two months had been and she would be perfectly fine with the outcome.
Once showered, she wrapped herself up in Draco's robe, inhaling the scent of the lingering cologne as she fixed her hair and dusted her face with some make up. She used her wand to charm her hair, spiking and fluffing it in the perfect places. It was starting to grow out, and Hermione was undecided on returning to her former look or keeping it short. Her mind changed daily. Glossing her lips, she made her way to the closet, searching for the perfect birthday outfit. Mrs. Weasley promised a small family affair, so she went with a pair of skinny jeans, a sequined pair of black flats, and a thin, grey scoop necked sweater. She may as well be comfortable while looking cute. She was sure Molly would put her to work once she reached the Burrow.
Her stomach was growling as she walked into the kitchen. Snagging a glass from the cabinet, she walked to the fridge to grab some orange juice. A note on the door caught her eye. In case you forget - I love you. Smiling, she snagged the note, folding it nicely into a small square before sliding it in her back pocket. He saw he left the paper for her on the kitchen island, folded right to the crossword section - or as Draco called them - silly muggle mind games. One blueberry bagel with peanut butter smeared on each half later, she sat at the island, munching on breakfast while she looked for an eight-letter word synonymous with the word rude.
She looked up when she heard the floo pop. Grinning, wondering what Draco was bringing her that required him to get up so early in the morning, she sat and acted as casually as she could, listening to the approaching footsteps. However, as she looked up, ready to speak, she jumped - her hand knocking her glass of orange juice across the counter.
Hermione grabbed her wand from her pocket and wordlessly cleaned up the mess, trying not to look as rattled as she felt. "I'm sorry," she said quickly, her wand staying firmly in her hand. "I wasn't aware Draco was expecting you."
"Yes, well, considering he has neglected to speak to me for quite some time, I figured I'd pop in to surprise him."
She looked at Draco's mother, who was glaring harshly back at her. "I'm sorry," Hermione said. She tried to unnerve her voice at the very least, but Narcissa Malfoy was an intimidating woman. "Draco is out right now."
"Doing what, may I ask?"
"He's…he's out right now. Shopping…I believe."
"You believe?"
"I uh…I was still asleep when he left." She figured it be best to not disclose where she was sleeping when he left, or how long she'd been sleeping there.
Narcissa gave a curt nod. Her hands were clasped together, resting against the front of her navy blue dress robes. "Ms. Granger, it is not my intention to get started on the wrong foot with you. Draco has already made it clear that he…values your friendship."
"Not to be rude, but your tone says otherwise," Hermione stated.
"Of course," Narcissa said. Her tone never wavered. It was as detached as Hermione had ever heard a voice to be. "My son spoke rather fondly of you when I last saw him. Never did I ever think I'd see the day."
Hermione crossed her arms against her chest, still clenching her wand. "I happen to be incredibly fond of your son. He has been completely wonderful to me since I've moved back to London."
"Yes…well, I can't necessarily say that I approve," Narcissa mused aloud. "Like I said to Draco - it's hard to change a half century's way of thinking overnight."
"Mrs. Malfoy?"
"Ms. Granger."
"I love your son," Hermione stated, carefully placing her wand on the countertop. She took in a deep breath, steadying her nerves. "But don't think for one minute that you'll be the person I spend the rest of my life proving it to."
Had Hermione not witnessed it herself, she wouldn't have believed it when she saw a small smirk grace the pursed lips of Narcissa Malfoy. "Please let Draco know I stopped by to see him."
Hermione watched Narcissa turn around and walk back towards the flu. She wrestled with her conscious momentarily before giving into the person her parents raised her to be. "Mrs. Malfoy - wait."
Narcissa stopped and turned back around. "Yes, Ms. Granger?"
"It's Hermione." She walked from behind the counter and took a few steps closer to the older woman. "My birthday is this evening. We are having a small gathering at the Burrow. Draco will of course, be there, and if you would…like to come, we'd be happy to have you join."
There was no mistaking the grin on Narcissa's face this time, and Hermione almost felt it genuine. She never could tell with his mother. Any time she ever ran into her during her childhood, her voice would get stuck in her throat as she scurried away. "What time shall I arrive?"
"Eh…six-ish. Molly will have everything ready by then."
Narcissa gave a softer nod. "I shall see you this evening, Hermione."
Hermione returned the gesture. As she heard the floo pop loudly, she sent a silent prayer up to whoever would listen, hoping with everything she had she wouldn't be made to regret giving her an invitation.
Draco met Harry and James in front of Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour around ten that morning. James sat on Harry's lap on a bench out front, happily eating his ice cream while Harry gave Draco a tired smile.
"Ice cream before lunch?" Draco asked, ruffling James' hair. "How did you get so lucky?"
"I'm a super good helper," James said between bites, "with baby Albus." Mummy even said so. But he doesn't catch good yet. He needs to practice."
"Don't ask," Harry said, catching the curious expression on Draco's face.
"Right then," Draco replied. He sat down next to Harry on the bench. "I have no idea what to get Hermione for her birthday."
"I know what I'm getting Aunt Hermione," James teased, handing the empty cup to his father, who took it away and threw it in the trashcan next to them. "I've been saving my galleons."
"Saving, or earning?" Draco teased. Everyone knew James earned galleons with the swear jar Ginny had in the kitchen. One night he was over visiting. Harry had a particularly bad day at the office, unbeknownst to his wife, and when she asked him how his day went, Harry exploded. James stood there, wide eyed, listening to the language flying from his father's mouth. Seeking refuge in Draco's lap, Draco took one of James' color crayons from the table and began drawing hash marks for each swear that slipped from Harry's mouth.
Two minutes later, Draco had twenty-eight hash marks.
"Both," James said with a grin. "I do chores now. Because I'm a big boy."
"That you are," Harry agreed. He picked up James and put him on the ground, zipping up his son's jacket as it was a bit cool outside before the three of them made their way down Diagon Alley. "James, ask Uncle Draco if you can get Hermione her present," he instructed while they walked.
Draco looked at James. "Why do you have to ask me?"
"Cause I want to get Aunt Hermione a baby kneazle!" James exclaimed, clearly impressed with his choice of present. "But Daddy says that because she lives with you that you have to say it's ok first. So is it ok? Is it?"
Draco wasn't necessarily opposed to having a magical cat in the house, though if he remembered the first kneazle Hermione had correctly, Crookshanks, he knew Hermione was rather fond of him. He was almost jealous of the idea James had, considering it was brilliant, something Hermione would love. He asked Harry to come help him find a gift for her because he had no idea what to get someone he was madly in love with, yet had only been around for two months.
"You can say no," Harry said, reassuringly.
Draco shrugged his shoulders as they approached the Magical Menagerie. "Nah…she'll love it."
Harry and Draco watched as James meandered through the shop, inspecting each baby kneazle to see which would be best for his favorite aunt. Harry told him to look for one that wasn't orange, as she already had one of those before. Harry already had practical things, like food and litter with a few toys waiting at the register while his son continued to examine each kneazle with the help of a shop worker.
"What makes kneazles so special?" James asked the older man who had patiently allowed James to hold each baby.
"Well," the older man said. "They're finicky little buggers, but they are incredibly loyal. They also have a sense about people. Very protective, these animals are."
James nodded, taking the worker's words seriously. He peered into another cage and saw a little grey kneazle tucked away in the corner of a cage. "Why does this one look so sad?"
"James…" Harry warned with a smile. "You don't need to bombard the man with a million questions."
The older man laughed. "It's ok, Mr. Potter." He turned to the little boy. "How old are you?" he asked.
"Almost four," James said. "How do you know my dad? Cause I don't know you."
Laughing, he pulled the little gray kitten out of its cage and handed it carefully to James. "Well my name is Mr. McTaggert. Your dad, on the other hand, is pretty well known amongst all wizards and witches."
James looked at his father incredulously. "What did you do?"
"Lots of things," Harry said, vaguely. "I'll tell you when you're older."
"Four?"
"Ten."
"Five?"
"Nine."
"Seven?"
"Seven," Harry acquiesced. "Now, do we have a kneazle picked out? Uncle Draco still needs to find a present, you know."
James gave his father a look reminiscent of his wife when he rushed her into making a decision. Looking back at Mr. McTaggert, he lightly pet the kneazle in his hand. "You asked me why this one looks so sad," the man said. "All of her brothers and sisters have been taken, you see, and she's all alone."
James' lip trembled. "So she's all alone?"
Mr. McTaggert nodded. "She is. But see – she looks happier now that you're holding her."
James looked at his father and Draco. "I want to get this one."
"You're sure?"
"Yes."
Draco put a shrinking charm on everything they purchased but the kneazle itself and Harry placed it all in his jacket pocket. James insisted on carrying the kneazle in its cage, but Harry eventually talked him out of it, saying that it would be easier for a grown up to carry. Draco looked at the little creature staring at back at him as they walked down the street. It was pretty cute, or, as cute as a creature could be with such a squinched face. They walked into various stores, each time leaving Draco feeling discouraged. He didn't want to get her a book – she had thousands of books. He didn't want to buy her clothes – because she clearly had enough as evidenced by her new hobby, which was conquering empty closets in his home.
"Is jewelry too much?" Draco asked at one point. "I mean, women like jewelry."
"I made Aunt Hermione a bracelet once with macaroni and she loved it," James said. "I can show you how to do it if you want."
"I think Uncle Draco was thinking of something a bit more fancy," Harry said, squeezing his son's hand. "But you're right. She liked your bracelet a lot." He turned his attention back to Draco, who was beginning to appear frantic. It was early in the afternoon – it wasn't like they were in a time crunch yet. "We can pop over to the jeweler up the way a bit if you'd like."
"But do you think it's too much?"
"Depends on what you're looking to purchase, I guess."
Draco shrugged. "We may as well take a look, considering I'm not finding much else."
Hermione found herself at the Burrow, visiting with Ginny while Molly wandered around, getting things ready for tonight. Surprisingly, Molly kept her word and was keeping it small. Charlie couldn't make it due to a new batch of dragons he was keeping an eye on, but Bill and Fleur were coming with their children. Percy and Audrey of course sent their regrets along with a small gift through their Owl. Ron refused to attend when his mother forbid him to bring the girl he was seeing because she irritated everyone with her incessant giggling. George even promised to close up shop early in order for him to arrive on time. She offered numerous times to help Molly as she fussed around the house, but Molly insisted she not lift a finger because it was her birthday.
Instead, she sat in the kitchen, holding Albus as he stared at anything he could see while Molly cooked. Hermione slipped a finger into Albus' small hand, smiling as he took a hold of it with a gurgle. "He's so precious," she cooed.
"He most certainly is," Molly remarked. Setting spells to do various bits of stirring and washing, she sat down at the table with Hermione, taking a small break. "I'm so glad you've come home. Arthur and I missed you terribly. We were so upset with Ron when you left."
Hermione kept her focus on the baby. "It wasn't entirely Ron's fault. I was a mess."
"You were alone," Molly corrected. "And he was supposed to be there. Arthur and I…we don't even know what's gotten into him since the war was over. But he isn't the man his father and I raised him to be. We have always considered you a part of the family, regardless of your relationship with our son."
Hermione looked at Molly, smiling softly. "I've always considered you all family. Even while I was gone."
"No one faults you for leaving. We missed you, but we all…we all had to deal with our grief our own way." Molly reached a hand across the table, and Hermione reached for it, her other arm cradling the baby. "Draco has turned himself into a remarkable young man. You've chosen well."
"I'm not sure I chose him," Hermione said with a laugh. She pulled her hand away and brushed a finger against Albus' nose. "It just…happened, albeit with some nudging from your daughter and son-in-law."
"I don't nudge," Ginny stated, announcing her presence with a yawn. She'd been enjoying a much needed nap in her old room. She walked over and sat down next to Hermione, leaning over to kiss her son on the forehead. "Are you being good?" she cooed.
"Of course he is," Molly said, as if her grandchild could be any other way. "Enjoy your nap?"
Ginny nodded. "Very much. Are the boys still out?"
"Are they with Draco?"
Laughing, Ginny stole Albus from Hermione's arms and nestled him to her chest. "Of course they are, aren't they Albus? Because Uncle Draco is incredibly helpless, and Mummy wanted an uninterrupted nap. Yes she did!"
Hermione laughed at Ginny's baby talk. "I don't know why he thinks he has to get me something. He's already done more than enough."
"The man wants to buy you a present – let him," Ginny instructed. "What kind of crazy woman turns down presents?"
The three women laughed together before Molly excused herself back to work. "Lots to do," she said, shooing Ginny and Hermione out of the kitchen.
The two of them propped themselves on the couch in the living room at opposite ends while Albus rocked slowly in his charmed bassinet. They giggled like they used to as children, huddled under the covers in Ginny's room as they gossiped about boys and school. Hermione told Ginny about Draco's dream he began to inadvertently act out during the night, their voices hushing every time Molly passed.
"Merlin," Ginny hushed. "I mean, that's kind of hot, 'Mione."
"You have no idea," Hermione replied. "I mean…obviously I was irritated because I was pleasantly sleeping…but I eventually got over it."
"I figured Draco would be a good shag."
"Ginerva Weasley!"
"Potter – and come off it – like you didn't hear the rumors at school."
Hermione blushed. "Yes…well…let's just say I didn't think I'd ever find, um, sex so enjoyable."
"I've always had amazing sex with Harry."
"Ew! Ginny! Gross!"
Ginny laughed. "It's true! Harry's amazing. Every once in a while, he does this thing where - "
"I'm honestly trying to resist the urge to vomit."
"Ok, ok," Ginny laughed.
She looked over at Albus, slowly drifting to sleep. Ginny was such a young mother – Harry married her the moment she was done at Hogwarts, and in a blink she was pregnant with James. Their relationship of course was practically a wizarding fairytale, displayed in the wizarding tabloids with the announcement of their engagement, wedding, and then the birth of James. The clamoring for an interview up on the birth of Albus last week was a little more low key, but the requests poured in all the same. Hermione was pursued a bit more than she had been in the past with requests for interviews and appearances, but she did her best to keep everything low key – she never felt like anything she did during the war or the years leading up to it was anything to be described as extraordinary. She did what she felt she had to do. Plain and simple.
"Would you do it all again?" Hermione asked Ginny. "Marry so young, having babies…"
Ginny nodded. "I mean, I certainly think about it. I would have loved to play for the Hollyhead Harpies or travel after school…but when the war was over, and Harry was alive…I was confused about everything except him. I hated that I was left behind while the three of you – well, two, really – took off and when it was over…"
"He missed you," Hermione said. "Every day. He worried about so many things, but I could always tell he missed you."
"You say it all the time, Hermione," Ginny stated. "We had to grow up. We're in our twenties and but we act like we're in our thirties. No one comes out of what we experienced with any sort of innocence. But Harry and I did find happiness, love, and no matter what we have a row about – we know we're stuck with each other. We choose to be stuck, mind you – "
Hermione laughed. "I know what you meant."
"So tell me then," Ginny asked, "outside of your apparently fantastic sex life – how are you and Draco doing?"
Not knowing where to start, Hermione took a deep breath and told her everything. Told her how she no longer felt the urge to fight with him constantly as she did when she first moved in, and how he never made her feel ignorant for showing her emotions, regardless of how crazy they could get at times. She confessed how she still couldn't bring herself to talk to him about some things – most notably her parents and their death – but she hoped it would get easier the more their relationship evolved, which Ginny agreed with.
"It's only been two months," she said to Hermione. "You can't expect to do everything in a short amount of time."
"Sometimes it feels like we've been together longer," Hermione replied.
"Love's funny that way," Ginny giggled. "I just want you to know that I, for one, am over the moon at how things are going with you and Draco. I would have never suggested the idea if I didn't have such a high opinion of him."
Hermione nodded. "You two seem to get along well."
"We have a bit of a different relationship than he and Harry. Harry and Draco are how he and Ron used to be. Neither push each other too far, one always has an ear for the other to complain to. They're quite cute, when you think about it. I, on the other hand, have no fear in letting him have it when he needs to hear it."
Laughing, Hermione tucked locks of her hair behind her ears. "So what you're saying is that you're me and Draco's Harry."
"I guess you could say that," Ginny said, never thinking about it in that regard. "I'm not sure what I would have done last week at the hospital if Draco hadn't been there."
"You would have eventually seen reason," Hermione reassured her.
"Maybe. Luckily, we'll never know."
"You don't think it's too much?"
Harry held James up so he could see the silver chain with its lone, emerald shaped diamond on the pendant. It was neither too large nor too small, and it was of a remarkable quality due to being goblin made. "I think she's gonna think it's super pretty," James said. "Daddy, we should get Mummy something pretty like that too."
"You think so?" Harry asked.
James nodded. "Can we get Mummy a present?"
"I'm sure we can pick something out for her," Harry said, giving him a squeeze.
"So…" Draco said, motioning towards the necklace. He needed a firm yes or no on the necklace. "She'll like this. She won't think it's too much."
Harry rolled her eyes. "Anything you get her she's going to say it's too much. Just do it – it's not like she won't wear it. She loves jewelry. Too much would be getting her the matching earrings and bracelet."
"Well, there's always Christmas," Draco teased.
"Exactly. You're just warming up."
Draco had the goblin take the necklace to gift wrap while Harry let James scour the store looking for the perfect present for Ginny. How the child had endless amounts of energy astounded Draco most days. The only time he seemed to ever be still was when he wasn't feeling well. They followed James around as he pointed out different things, Harry nodding as if he was following every word James was rattling off.
"How are things with you and Hermione, anyway?" Harry asked.
"Great," Draco said, grinning from ear to ear. "She makes me feel, I mean, I can hardly describe it some days." He muttered quietly about their little adventure much earlier in the morning and Harry laughed. "I thought for sure I would have been hexed," Draco admitted with a laugh.
"And you were still sleeping?"
"Until her hand woke me up."
"Merlin, Draco – what in the hell to do you take before you go to sleep?"
Draco laughed. "She found it humorous at least."
"I don't even think my subconscious is brave enough to attempt that with Gin. Then again, we do have two kids now. Try that again when you and Hermione have little versions of yourself running around and see how far you get." Harry and Draco saw James furiously waving for them to come towards a display. "What did you find?" Harry asked, kneeling down so he could see through the glass window.
"Look," James whispered, pointing at a ring entirely encased with small red rubies. "It's red – Mummy's favorite color."
"It is," Harry agreed. "Do you think Mummy would like it?"
His eyes were solemnly wide. "I think she would think it's super fancy," James whispered the last part. "It's like, the best thank you gift ever."
Draco chuckled. "Thank you? Because she's such a good mum?"
"No, yes, I mean, Mummy's really good at being my mum, but she also got me a brother. Even if he can't catch well, I still like him. Mummy says he'll grow, too, but I'm not really sure," James said warily. "But don't tell her I said that."
Harry motioned to the goblin to take the ring as well, knowing it would be charmed to fit whatever finger Ginny wished to wear it on. The goblin nodded, taking the bauble back to wrap in a box. Moments later, both Draco and Harry were presented with their purchases, exchanging their Gringotts cards for the packages. Cards returned, Harry grabbed James, Draco made sure he had ahold of the kneazle, sleeping in a curled up ball in the crate, and they made their way back to the port key at the other end of the alley.
As they walked, a photographer from Wizard Weekly, darted in front of them, taking three photos in a row of the three men, startling James who flinched and began to cry.
"Buggar off, would ya!" Draco barked.
"Just doing my job," the photographer obnoxiously retorted. "Would either of you care to comment on a story involving a former Death Eater romancing the War Heroine Princess?"
Harry, who had James' face buried in his neck, visibly stepped too close for the photographer's comfort. "I will appreciate it if you did not use such language around my child. He's just a boy," Harry growled, his voice hauntingly low. Sure the photographer had the point, he walked away, not giving another look back.
"I suggest you disappear," Draco spat, his lip snarling as he trailed Harry. "Before I give you an entirely different story to write about." He caught up with Harry, who was moving at a brisk pace, clearly seething from the encounter. Photographers often shot their pictures from a far - ever up close in that matter - which meant that the guy was either new, or wasn't there the day Ginny sent five howlers to Wizard Weekly a few years back. James was hardly old enough to even begin to comprehend who his father was in the wizarding world, and the closer Draco got to James, the more he dreaded the conversation about him being a former Death Eater. He dreaded the conversation with his own children, however hypothetical they may be. He could hear James sniffling into Harry's neck as Harry did his best to comfort him.
"Ginny is going to be so pissed," Harry grumbled.
"Well, if anyone can take care of it, it's your wife."
They reached the port key. "That's what I'm afraid of," Harry said as the two grabbed a hold and spun away.
When Harry walked into the Burrow carrying James, Hermione and Ginny could see something was off. The moment James saw his mother, he lunged for her and had it not been for Harry's hold, he would have fallen in the process. Draco popped in the Burrow a few moments later, looking as pissed as Harry did.
Ginny took her son and let him cuddle up against him as he wiped his tears away with the back of his small hands. "What's a matter, Love?"
"A photographer jumped in front of us in Diagon Alley and scared the shit out of him, that's what," Harry groused.
James sniffled. "That's a galleon…"
Harry popped a galleon out of his pocket and tossed it to James, who caught it like he'd done it a thousand times before. "I'll take care of it, Gin - the guy was new I believe - I hadn't seen this one before, anyway, so before you go and get all, well, crazy, please bear in mind you just had a child, you're a bit more emotional - "
"Harry," Ginny said sweetly. "My son is crying, clearly scared. And if I'm as emotional as you fear me to be, is this a conversation you really want to have with me? Right now?"
Harry leaned in and kissed his wife on the lips. "Of course not," he said, kissing her again. He dug a hand in his pocket and pulled out a neatly wrapped box with a gold bow on top. "This is for you, by the way."
Ginny took the present, and James instantly perked up, sniffling his last sniffle. "I picked-ed it out."
Draco walked over to where Hermione was sitting and bent over to give her a kiss. "Come with me," he whispered, taking her hands. Leading her outside, he held her hand as they walked away from the house. She could sense he wanted to tell her something, but figured by the way he tightly held onto her hand, she figured that prying it out of him would end in a fight. "Some prat photographer from Wizard Weekly asked me if there was any truth to a former Death Eater romancing you."
"Well…that was expected sooner or later I guess," Hermione offered.
"They called me a Death Eater in front of James," he said, his voice hoarse. "And it made me realize…that one day he'll ask me the question. Albus - he'll ask me the question. If I have children, they'll ask me the question."
She squeezed his hand. "When James is old enough, Harry will help explain it to him. No one will let you do it alone."
"It's as if I'll never get past it," Draco said. "No matter what I do. How different I become. I'll never be finished explaining the awful choices I made."
Hermione moved in front of him, stopping him in his tracks. She tugged on the lapels of his light khaki jacket. "You didn't make any of those choices," she said, her voice firm. "You were forced. And when the day comes that we have to explain this to James, to Albus, to our children - "
Hermione caught herself mid-sentence. A fleeting thought or two may have passed at the idea of an actual future with Draco, mostly when she stood before him at her worst and he still looked at her like she was still the most amazing person. However, she'd never vocalized the fleeting thoughts to anyone. She didn't want to jinx anything.
"I'm sorry that was completely - " her thought was annihilated by Draco as he crushed his lips to hers, kissing her hard as he picked her up off the ground. She wrapped her legs around his waist and fiercely kissed him back, the two of them feeding off of each other's passion. They broke apart, stealing kisses from each other as he carefully put her back down.
"I love you," Draco spoke softly. "I don't even care that it hasn't been that long because I know I will never do better than you, Hermione Granger, despite the fact that you could do so much better than me."
"That's where I beg to differ," Hermione said with a smirk. "You love all of me. I don't know I'm supposed to do better than that." She straightened out his jacket. "And speaking of love…I would like for you to keep what you just said in mind when I tell you that I may or may not have invited your mother here for dinner tonight."
Draco thought Hermione was kidding when she said she invited his mother to the Burrow. He was convinced she was smoking something and wanted to know if she'd share because there was no way his uptight, elitist mother would step foot inside the Burrow. Hell would freeze over before that day ever came. But then she told him how she randomly showed up at the house this morning, and he immediately regretted that he didn't close the floo when he left. The way she described the encounter made him cringe, but he was somewhat shocked at the fact she agreed. He wasn't shocked that Hermione invited her. She did it for him, because she knew that his mother was a part of him, regardless of how rocky their relationship was. He didn't talk about his parents any more than she did, but Hermione knew enough about his mother to know that it was a touchy subject at best.
When his mother showed up, carrying a gift no less, he was shocked out of his skull. If the Weasleys were surprised, they hid it well, acting as if it was perfectly normal to have Narcissa Malfoy in their home. Everyone sat around the dinner table, laughing and enjoying everyone's company. James clapped with glee as George showed him some of the new products from the shop while Ginny enjoyed showing everyone her new ring that her son picked out for her, giving Harry a loving look each time she pointed out the ring. Hermione blushed as Molly levitated a large chocolate cake into the room with twenty-three candles lit on top, and her cheeks were crimson by the time everyone was done singing to her. Even Narcissa sang along, and if Draco didn't know any better, he'd swear she was enjoying herself.
He disappeared shortly after cake to retrieve James' gift for Hermione out of the shed. He transfigured a bow out of a piece of rope and tied it around the kneazle's neck. Carrying it conspicuously, he waited by the door until Molly announced it was time for presents and when she did, James instructed Hermione to close her eyes real tight, which she did. James walked over to Draco and took the kneazle from him and walked it to her.
"Open!" he shouted, thrusting the baby kneazle towards her.
Hermione gasped, taking the kneazle from James and cuddling it close. "Oh my goodness, James!" she exclaimed. "She's so sweet!" She looked over to Harry and Ginny. "And too much…"
"James has been saving his galleons for quite some time, haven't you James?" Harry asked.
James eagerly nodded. "Do you like her? I picked her out super special for you."
"Did you now," Hermione said as James crawled up into her lap. "What makes her so special?"
His little hand scratched the top of the creature's head as she purred. "Well, she's happy right now. But she was super sad this morning because her brothers and sisters were all gone. She was lonely. And you were lonely but then you came home and you have Uncle Draco and now you're happy. And the kneazle is happy because now she isn't all by herself."
Hermione couldn't stop the tears from spilling down her cheeks. "Has anyone ever told you what a sweet, sweet boy you are?" she asked, kissing him on the cheek. "And much too smart for your own good?"
James smiled. "So you like your present?"
She looked at Draco, making sure he liked the present. "I think she likes it just fine, buddy," Draco replied.
Arthur and Molly gave her a knitted scarf for the upcoming winter, George found her a rare, first edition copy of Sleeping Beauty, knowing her love of fairytales. Bill and Fleur brought her a vintage bottle of wine while Percy and Audrey's gift was a brand new stationery set with her initials monogramed on the top of each piece of parchment. When it was Draco's turn, he pulled out a long rectangle shaped box with a gold bow. She looked at him as if she were going to scold him while untying the bow, the kneazle nestled on her lap. She cracked open the box and gasped. "Draco Malfoy you didn't," she lightly admonished.
He carefully took the necklace out of the box and delicately fastened it around her neck. "I did, because I figured it was the only thing I could find that suited you. Besides…" he walked around and admired the pendant as it rested perfectly around her neck. "It suits you perfectly."
She fingered the pendant, looking down at it as it sparkled in the light. "Thank you," she said, tipping her head up to give him a kiss. "It's beautiful." She looked around at everyone. "Honestly you guys, really - this has been entirely too much."
"Well, maybe you can find it in you to open one more present," Narcissa quietly interjected. She handed Hermione a square box, wrapped in silver paper with a green bow.
Taking the gift, she looked at Draco who shrugged his shoulders. Of course he wouldn't know what it was, considering she sprung guess who's coming to dinner on him a few hours ago. "This really wasn't necessary," she said, awkwardly as she pulled the ribbon away and peeled the paper back. Opening the black velvet box, she found an intricate silver broach embellished with green emeralds. Underneath the broach was a small note. "Oh my…Mrs. Malfoy I absolutely cannot accept this."
"You can," Mrs. Malfoy replied. "It was given to me by Draco's grandmother on his father's side, and given to her by her mother-in-law."
Hermione picked the note out carefully from underneath the broach. She unfolded the parchment and held it in her lap. Smiling, she handed it to Draco as she pinned the broach to her sweater.
Draco could hardly contain the grin as his eyes scanned the familiar scrawl. Just because I said I couldn't change overnight doesn't mean I cannot try.