Hermione felt like she was engrossed in two parallel conversations; the one surrounding Luna, who had just strolled through the backyard gate and the one in her head. She watched amusedly as Ron flew past the group, his cheeks flushed from the wind, love, or perhaps a bit of both. Ginny and Luna sat beside her, chatting as James cozied up with Duke whose eyes slowly closed for an afternoon nap. She smiled when she heard Ginny corner Luna for the gossip surrounding Ron as a set of grey eyes met hers from above.
He had always looked regal, strutting through the halls of Hogwarts with those two goons hot on his heels. His air of arrogance finally seemed to mature into an air of confidence, even now as he searched for the snitch while stealing glances. Maybe it was all the wine they had consumed, to make him talk as he did in the gardens and to make her think of him now. Sure, they'd come to a mutual understanding in her office on Friday. A weekend couldn't make that much of a difference. More importantly, when did she suddenly feel so attracted to him?
"We've lost Hermione," Luna said knowingly. "It appears something else has caught her attention."
Ginny snorted rather unladylike, causing James to look up at this mother startled. "It appears to be her newest employee." Hermione rolled her eyes at the redhead, shifting slightly on their blanket. Luna's face lit up as she realized who was stealing the focus of one Hermione Granger.
"Oh that's lovely Hermione! Draco is very intelligent, I'm sure he'll be of great help," she said kindly.
"I'm sure he's willing to help her in any way possible," Ginny teased.
"Hey!" Hermione shouted lamely. "I don't know what youre talking about." Of course she did. She must have been extremely obvious. She wondered if Draco was facing the same interrogation in the air.
"Fine, let's talk about dearest Viktor." Hermione flushed, causing her best friends to giggle at her discomfort. Flashes of their Friday fuckfest raced through her mind, causing an even greater blush to race towards her cheeks.
"I have needs," she all but grumbled. "It's purely physical, honest."
"Not that we blame you," Ginny smirked. "He's always been a whole lot of man."
"Ronald is a whole lot of man," Luna sighed airily. Hermione groaned, planting her face firmly into her palms.
"Easy Lovegood," Ginny laughed. "Best not to spread rumors."
"What she means," Hermione interjected, "is that we are happy for you. It's about time."
"Don't you deflect!" Ginny shouted. Luna smiled again, her blue eyes reminding Hermione of their old Headmaster. She sighed and searched the sky.
"I've just been so stressed these past few weeks, and I have felt very lonely," she admitted. "Romantically that is." The girls hummed in agreement.
"Well for as much as we all like Viktor, it was never going to work out long term," Ginny added, more kindly.
"I know, but it just feels like I've somewhat dropped the ball on my love life," Hermione sighed. "It was nice to feel wanted, even if by an old lover."
"Though he is still supportive of you, both professionally and sexually, he no longer supports your heart Hermione," the Ravenclaw replied wisely. "You need the whole package."
"She's right Mia," Ginny agreed, rubbing her belly in contemplation. "You'll never move on fully. I can't believe I'm saying this, but Malfoy might not be a bad option. He has always been easy on the eyes." The girls laughed and Hermione lifted her head to the flying figures above, the blonde in question nowhere in sight.
"But I'm his boss," she groaned. "God, I can't believe I'm even contemplating this!"
"You're practically everyone's boss," Luna teased. "Everyone knows you would never jeopardize either of your careers. Maybe just see what happens? If anything, you both can address it if happens."
"When it happens," Ginny corrected smugly. Hermione rolled her eyes again and watched Ginny's belly bounce with her mirth. She tilted her head sideways, noticing how low the baby sat in her friend's womb.
"The only thing that is happening soon is you giving birth, Ginny. When was the last time you saw a Healer?" Hermione asked, surveying her best friend.
"Last week," Ginny sighed. "I'm just so bloody uncomfortable. This one is stubborn. Harry and I are undoubtedly going to have our hands full."
"I can't wait to have children," Luna smiled. "Hopefully it will be a quieter and more boring time to be a child." Hermione nodded, watching James rub Duke's head a few meters away. She heard James talking to the puppy softly, discussing some kind of mischief. Gods she loved him, and he wasn't even hers! She hoped her heart could accommodate all of these little post-war babies. She would do whatever it took to keep their world safe.
"I can't even think about that right now, seeing as how I can't even get the whole boyfriend part right."
"Well," Ginny said standing, "you were a bit busy these last few years. Keep an open mind and an open heart. Now, I think it's time for dessert." James immediately perked up at his mother's words. "James, go with Auntie Luna. Hermione, help me get up?"
Malfoy sat quietly with the other men, sipping the rest of his coffee as people began filing out. Weasley was finishing up the last of his goodbyes, while Luna admired the large grandfather clock in the drawing room. She turned to him and smiled, a curious smile, before linking her arms with her boyfriend and disappearing into the green flames of the fireplace.
Teddy was reluctantly saying goodbye to Victoire, and when he thought no one was looking, placed a soft kiss on her cheek. Draco laughed inwardly, remembering a time where he too chased the girls his parents had over for "play dates". He noticed Hermione on the opposite side of the room, watching the two lovebirds depart to their respective homes. She wished them a quiet goodnight as she made her way over to sit beside him.
"To be young and in love," she sighed wistfully. He chuckled, finishing the end of his coffee.
"They are way too mature for their age," he commented idly.
"I know, but it's sweet," she murmured. Heavy footsteps made their wave over to the pair, and Duke appeared.
"What happened Duke? James run you tired today?" Draco asked playfully, rubbing the puppy's head. The dog fought to keep his eyes open as Draco petted him.
"Poor puppy," Hermione cooed as the dog cozied up against her feet.
They sat in amicable silence, the fire gently rolling across the sitting room. Malfoy couldn't tell if it was the flames sending heat through to his bones or Granger's close proximity on the sofa. He snuck a glance, noticing the way her glazed eyes stared into the burning flames. She sighed heavily, playing with the hem of her shirt.
"Long week ahead?" He asked kindly. She nodded and sighed again, sinking further into the sofa.
"You have no idea," she groaned. "I have a week full of meetings. I imagine I will only see the Unspeakable team on Friday the earliest."
"I'm sure we can all occupy ourselves," he commented. "Besides, you've got a lot of ground to cover before the Memorial Ball and TONKS." She chuckled and rubbed her eyes wearily. Had she always had such long lashes?
"I swear half the Wizengamot is trying to oust me with their dull party planning. This is the last year I intend on coordinating the event. Next year someone else can deal with them." He chuckled at the thought of her shouting out decorations orders to century old wizards. "On top of that, I've got court every morning until noon. I'm exhausted thinking about it."
"Well," he drawled, "I will be deep in the books for the next three weeks. I imagine we will need to meet at some point though."
"Yes, yes. I need to work on assembling the team for TONKS. There aren't enough days in the week!" They laughed as Ginny and Harry entered the sitting room with a sleeping James.
"Is that everyone?" Draco asked.
"Yes, except for you two," Ginny replied, sending an odd look at the pair. Hermione shrugged and rose to her feet, wandlessly summoning her bags. Draco leashed Duke and the trio headed over to the floo.
"Thank you for having us," Draco politely said. "All of the meals we wound up eating were delicious."
"It's truly unbelievable how much food we go through on Sundays," Harry said laughing. "Thanks for bringing Duke, I think he tuckered James out."
"I don't know, Duke can barely keep his eyes open," Hermione added before hugging her very pregnant friend tightly. "Ginny, please keep us updated on how you feel. Harry, make sure you either find me at work or ring me when she goes into labor. I already warned everyone in advance that I may need to step out on short notice."
"Of course, of course," Harry smiled. He reached out to Draco and shook hands. "See you both tomorrow."
"Goodnight Draco," Ginny said sweetly, hugging him as best as one could with a huge belly. She and Harry ascended the stairs, giving the pair a final look.
"Well," Hermione said, "I'd say that was another successful Sunday lunch, dinner, and dessert." Draco nodded dumbly, suddenly feeling a bit put out. Back to reality come Monday.
"The weekend goes by so quickly," he sighed, shuffling his feet. "It was nice spending the day in such good company though," he added smiling. She smiled back and looked as though she was struggling with what else to say.
"Yes it was. If you run into any trouble during the week, you know where to find me. You can also shoot me a text if you have a mobile?" He stared down at her, feeling another wave of heat run across his body.
"Are you asking for my number Granger?" He teased. She blushed and laughed softly, pulling out a small cell phone from her jean pocket.
"Maybe."
"Hmmm," he teased. "Alright, alright I'll enter it." He punched his digits in and handed it back, noticing how self-conscious she seemed suddenly.
"Goodnight Draco," she said, reaching up and planting a soft kiss onto his cheek. He felt his face flush under her touch. She smiled at him and stepped away, the cold air hitting him like her slap had in third year. He too felt self-conscious, like the wind had gotten knocked from his lungs from what could very be a platonic gesture. She grabbed some floo powder and disappeared into the green flames.
"Bloody hell," he huffed. He was in so much fucking trouble. Duke sighed loudly beside him, mirroring his aggravation and exhaustion. "I know mate, she's great. We've got a ton of work to do."
His first week working at the Ministry seemed to go all too smoothly. Each night he slept soundly from the combination of pure cognitive and physical exhaustion. At his office, his head remained deep in the books brushing up on Care of Magical Creatures and Anatomy. In the evening, he would either continue to read books Hermione recommended to him or run laps around the manor all while digesting the information he took in during the day. He had yet to bump into her, which was probably for the best, as he truly had little mental power to deal with this newfound attraction they potentially shared.
Around noon, he felt his pocket vibrate indicating he had received a message.
Ginny is in labor, St. Mungo's 8th floor. HG
On my way. DM
He pocketed his phone and with a flick of his wand sent all of his work into a black leather briefcase. He stormed out of the office and jogged towards the atrium to catch the floo. There, he saw Arthur and Bill Weasley hurrying over.
"Draco," the patriarch greeted excitedly. He nodded to the redheads and they collectively stepped into the floo. "St Mungos," Arthur shouted. Draco watched the ministry disappear and with a lurch, was tossed out of the fireplace into the infirmary. Arthur led the trio to the left, nodding to the Auror at the security desk.
"Back again Arthur?" he joked. Bill smirked as his father chuckled kindly.
"Another Potter will be joining us!" Arthur shouted gleefully over his shoulder, hurrying down the hall. Draco quickened his pace, his Unspeakable robes billowing behind him. Snape would have been proud, he thought dryly.
"Eighth floor?" Bill asked as they stepped into the elevator. Draco nodded and the elevator gently closed. With each passing floor a soft bell rang until they practically floated to the eighth floor. How nice it had been to ascend without being violently flung around.
The doors opened softly and the brightness of the floor nearly blinded him. A sign that read MATERNITY WARD greeted the group. The golden walls reminded Draco of the sunflower he had placed in Granger's hair. He smiled internally and walked behind the Weasley patriarch to the front desk.
"Hello Arthur!" An older woman greeted enthusiastically. "Molly just arrived. Everyone is waiting in Area B. Ginny is room 103."
"Thanks a million Thea," he replied kindly. The three men took a right and headed down the hall, the soft cries of babies passing as they rushed to the waiting area. As they neared, he could hear the excited chatter of the Weasley family. It seemed everyone had assembled rather quickly. Draco shook a lot of hands as he greeted the entire family. James hobbled back and forth between his aunts and uncles, finally resting with his Grandmum.
He saw Granger standing off to the side, biting her lip intensely as her eyes raced across a file. A tall dark Auror paced a few feet away, patrolling from the Minister to room 103 and back.
"Who's your friend?" he asked sarcastically. She looked up sharply, smiling as she realized who spoke out to her.
"Fernandez," she said quietly. "My personal security detail. Harry insists," she said sighing.
"He's a big bloke," he laughed. She nodded and closed the file she was reading before filing it away into her bag. "I didn't mean to interrupt…"
"Not at all! I was reading but not really absorbing anything," she replied. "I hope she is doing OK. The healers said this one is going to be almost nine pounds!"
"Ugh," Draco shuddered. "If anyone could handle it, it's Ginny."
"You got that right," she muttered smiling. "Better her than me." Draco laughed, and the vision of Granger pregnant with his child sent an odd flush through his body. He shook it off and smiled, tucking that thought away.
"It sure is nice to enjoy everyone else's children right now. We get to spoil them then leave them with their parents at the end of the night," he said. "Despite this, my mother has become incredibly insistent this past year. She keeps telling me Potter is beating me again." Hermione laughed audibly, causing Fernandez to peer over at his charge. She waved him off and he resumed his pacing.
"It is only going to get worse," she said dryly. "I have a feeling Fleur is pregnant again."
"Oh?" He smirked. "Ever the gossiper Granger!"
"Shush," she chided. "I just am very observant!"
A Healer rushed out of the room, silencing the rowdy waiting room. "She did amazing," he began. "Never heard so many curse words fly out of a patient though." They all chuckled knowingly. Ginny and Hermione together were a force to reckon with. "I'm happy to say we have another Potter! His name is Albus Severus Potter." Everyone cheered as Molly burst into happy tears. "She's asking for brother James, mum and dad first, then everyone else can file through. Congratulations!"
"Another boy," Hermione sighed happily. "I'm sure they are over the moon."
"Severus would be so pleased, though he would never admit it," he said softly. Days like today he wished he could see his godfather, to see him fight a smile at the insanity that was the Potter-Weasley clan. He felt Hermione grab his hand comfortingly. It was so small compared to his, fitting perfectly inside. He squeezed it, enjoying the warmth that radiated through his body.
"It'll be fun to tell his portrait at least," she joked. She laughed fully, her bright brown eyes shining. Draco had to admit, she looked beautiful. It wasn't the bright purple robes she wore, although those certainly helped. It was the light in her eyes and the warmth in her voice that seemed to pull him. He sighed deeply, releasing her hand for fear of being inappropriate. He needed to pace himself.
"Can you believe it?" Ron shouted, walking towards the pair. "Albus Severus. Wait until we tell their portraits. We've got a bet going on that Dumbledore will cry, and Snape will make some shitty remark. Two galleons on each, you in?"
Draco laughed and reached into his robes, pulling out two galleons and slipping them into Ron's hands. He was surprised to see Hermione place four galleons instead of two. "I bet Snape gets teary eyed. Double or nothing," she said confidently. Ron laughed and clapped her on the back.
"Oh Hermione, so much faith," he teased. "George and I also have a bet going that Fleur is pregnant again, but don't go mentioning that yet. We're collecting next week," he said secretively. Malfoy couldn't help but laugh and Hermione blushed lightly.
"I want in, let me know how many galleons," she quickly whispered. Ron smiled and walked away, nodding.
"You are all out of your bloody minds," Draco snorted. She chuckled and waved her wand over her hair, plaiting it neatly down her back. "What are you doing, going to battle?"
"Possibly," she sighed heavily. "It's a fucking mess and I don't feel like attacking the poor baby with this mop."
"Not everyone can have locks like mine," he smirked. She huffed and peered around him, eyeing the door to Ginny's room. "Patience, patience Granger. They'll be out any minute."
Sure enough, Molly and Arthur stepped out of the room, faces aglow. James ran over to Luna, motioning for her to pick him up. She swept him up, asking how he liked his new brother.
"Hermione and Ron are next," Molly said gleefully. Hermione practically bounded towards the room, intended to beat her best friend to the door. Before she entered, she sent him a wink before disappearing. He sighed and walked over to the other Weasleys to wait his turn.
When she entered the room, her eyes immediately went to the mop of black hair peeking out from the bundle in Ginny's arms. She rushed over to hug Harry, squeezing him so tightly he audibly groaned. She bent over Ginny and kissed her forehead before pulling back the blanket to see her newest nephew.
"Oh he's precious," she cooed softly at the baby. He looked like Harry, even more so than James, but his nose was all Weasley. His chubby fist wrapped around his mother's thumb as he slept peacefully. Ron joined them on the other side of the bed, kissing Ginny's cheek before looking proudly down at the newest addition.
"You guys make some good looking babies," he said laughing. "Well done as always, Gin."
"What the hell am I?" Harry asked folding his arms.
"Just the sperm donor," Hermione teased back, laughing with Ginny quietly.
"The Chosen One," Ginny sighed dramatically, causing Harry to redden. "You're amazing, sweetheart. Just think, this is only number two!"
"Oy, pace yourselves!" Ron cried out as Harry nodded enthusiastically. "Give everyone else a chance to catch up."
"Too right," Harry said sighing. "We have a good six months of no sleep ahead of us."
"Well I am ready to babysit, as always," Hermione added gently. "Not to mention all the others. Hell, you guys could go out every weekend and still not go through your entire family!"
"Great point Mia," Harry praised. "I will definitely keep that in mind."
"How are you feeling, Gin?" She asked tentatively. She smiled and handed the baby off to Ron, who started dropping Quidditch vocabulary the moment he held him.
"Exhausted, glad it is over with. He was nine and a half pounds, I feel like I was split in half," she answered honestly. Harry rubbed her shoulder affectionately.
"You were brilliant," he said kissing her lightly.
"I can't wait to get home in my own bed and pajamas. They said I could leave here in two days time. All of his bloodwork came back normal thank Merlin. Just a few more checkups and we'll be out of here."
"Sounds good to me," Ron said. "Harry, don't forget to take our pictures!"
"Oh right!" He said grabbing the magical camera. "Three, two, one," he said snapping away. Ron walked over to her, handing off the newest Potter. He fit perfectly in her arms and gave her a wide smile as she called his name. "My boys always photograph best with you Hermione. Unbelievable," he laughed, snapping away. Hermione rubbed his bum soothingly and sat beside Ginny on the bed. "Who else is out there?" Harry asked, filling up a glass of water and passing it to his wife.
"Literally everyone," Ron said shaking his head. "All of us plus significant others, Malfoy, Luna, and I think Neville is on his way."
"Oh perfect!" Ginny smiled. "Why don't you bring Luna and Malfoy in and if Neville is here, him too."
"You sure Gin?" Harry asked protectively.
"I don't look my best, but I think I get a pass card today," she snickered. "Bring them in!" Ron nodded dutifully and stepped outside to gather the others. Hermione sighed heavily, the baby hormones kicking into overdrive suddenly. Ginny touched her arm, smiling knowingly. "How's that working out for you?" She joked.
"He's just so damn cute, makes me want to make my own," Hermione laughed. Harry groaned, throwing himself in the nearby chair.
"Easy Granger, you never know who's listening," Malfoy said smirking. His smirk quickly fell as he watched her hold the newborn to her chest. She heard Ginny sigh dramatically behind her as the two locked into a heated stare. Their spell was broken as Luna deftly sidestepped around him to take the baby. Hermione immediately missed the warmth, but knew she would get to hold him again soon enough. She gave Luna space on the bed and walked over to where Malfoy was standing. He grinned down at her as they made space for the newest visitors.
"Sorry I'm late," a breathless Neville said, breaking the tension in the room. "Damn kids have no idea what they're doing!" He smiled kindly as his eyes landed on the baby being rocked in Luna's arms.
"Perfect timing mate," Harry said, clapping the man on the back. "Ginny, if you would be so kind…"
"Right! If you would do us the honor, Luna and Neville, will you be Albus's godparents?" Hermione clapped in glee as both Luna and Neville looked close to tears.
"Really?" Neville asked quietly.
"Of course really!" Ginny exclaimed. "I have a feeling he will the middle child, so he is going to need extra spoiling."
"How wonderful Ginny," Luna cried, silent tears rolling down her face. "I would be honored."
"Me too," Neville said proudly. "I'm sure we will take great care of him."
"We are so blessed to have you all," Ginny added emotionally. "Yes, even you Malfoy." They all laughed as Malfoy blushed.
A healer walked in and started ushering everyone out of the room. When he saw Hermione, he began shaking her hand nervously. "I'm so sorry Minister, I didn't realize you were here. You can stay of course." She heard Ron and Malfoy snicker while exiting the room.
"No, no Healer Jones. Ginny needs to rest and see the other visitors. Thank you for taking such good care of my best friend," she said kindly.
"Of course! Let us know if there is anything else we can do Mrs. Potter," Jones squeaked.
"We'll call you when we get home," Harry said grinning. "I'm sure we'll have everyone over helping out and celebrating."
"Of course. Love you both!" Hermione said before closing the door softly.
Outside the room, the Weasley family remained actively talking as they waited to visit. She noticed Malfoy and Neville talking quietly near the exit, while Ron and Luna cozied up on the loveseat in the waiting area.
"Congratulations Luna," she said embracing the blond. "I imagine I will see you both Monday or Tuesday?"
"Definitely," Ron said happily. "Mum is already planning what meals she's making next week, so might as well enjoy the week long feast."
"Always food Ronald," Luna sighed contently. "Have a good weekend Hermione!"
She finished her goodbyes before approaching Fernandez, who looked torn between the Potter's room and her. "Fernandez," she greeted. "I'm heading home now, no need to follow. I'm sure you're free to do the same as this place is swarming with Weasleys and Auror Potter. Enjoy the rest of your evening!"
"Very well Minister," he said politely. "Have a good weekend." He looked around one more time before accompanying her down the hallway towards the exit. He nodded to her as he boarded the elevator, leaving her with Neville and Malfoy.
"So good to see you Hermione," Neville said kindly. He waved his wand, casting a Muffliato charm. "Sorry I haven't rescheduled our meeting yet, the apprentices have been an absolute nightmare." Hermione laughed waving him off.
"No worries, we have another two months before TONKS opens," she replied, feeling the beginning of a stress headache forming. "Maybe you and Draco can meet to acquaint yourselves with the infrastructure?"
"We were just discussing that actually," Neville said. "How's the Memorial Ball planning?" She groaned, causing both wizards to laugh at her distress. "I don't know how you do it."
"Don't remind me," she said. "As I was telling Draco, nothing but a nightmare. I'll probably be working all weekend."
"Well that's no fun Granger," he said shaking his head.
"The man has a point, Hermione. God, I never thought I'd say that," Neville joked. Malfoy rolled his eyes. "I got to get back, taking Hannah out tonight. Wish me luck!" He gave Hermione a quick kiss on the cheek, shook Malfoy's hand, and ran towards the elevator doors. She sighed and looked up to Malfoy, laughing at his expression of disbelief.
"Bloody hell, he's in trouble," he mumbled. Hermione nodded and began walking towards the exit, feeling him fall in step beside her. "Any good plans for the weekend besides working?" he asked holding the elevator door open.
"Nope," she huffed, stepping in. "Friday nights are usually happy hour with Harry and Ron, but as you can see, they are a bit preoccupied."
"That's right. Weasley told me the three of you go to the Leaky Cauldron and get pissed after work?"
"Something like that," she laughed. They descended the hospital quietly, finally reaching the main level. They walked amicably towards the apparition point, ignoring the stares that came from both employees and patients alike.
"The night is young Granger. How about I fill in for the other two thirds of the Golden Trio? I know just the place," he turned to her, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. She laughed, wringing her hands together as she thought about possibly drinking alone with him. She could behave herself, couldn't she?
As if on cue, he added, "I promise to behave myself." She snorted and placed her hand in his extended one.
"Alright Malfoy. Lead the way." He smiled victoriously, and with a pop they disappeared.
I am so sorry for the delay! I am a neuroscientist, and have had a crazy two months of grant and manuscript submissions eating up my creative reserve. I hope you enjoyed this chapter; I had a lot of fun writing it this Thanksgiving. Looking forward to your reviews. Have a great weekend!
Xx,
MistAccio613