Chapter 14:
Hermione and Draco woke to the sound of tears coming from upstairs. They had fallen asleep on the sofa and were now tangled together. Hermione's head was resting on Draco's chest. His arms were wrapped around her and their legs were entwined. When she heard the children Hermione instinctively went to get up but Draco held her tightly, "I want a kiss good morning first," Draco pouted.
Hermione laughed and pecked him on the lips but Draco didn't release her. Instead he deepened the kiss. Hermione allowed herself to fall into him but all too soon he was letting her go and helping her up so they could go and see to the children. They dressed the children quickly before returning to the common room. They all sat on the floor around the Christmas tree. "Did Santa leave presents mummy?" Aurora asked.
"Yes he did princess," Hermione replied, "let's see what we've got."
Draco put an arm around Hermione and kissed her neck. Hermione tried to keep focused, "who wants to pick the first present?"
Aurora was the first to respond and quickly found the biggest gift she could carry. "Who's it for mummy?"
"This one is for Curtis from daddy," Hermione replied. She helped Curtis open the new ball that his daddy had bought him so that they would be able to play football. "Curtis what do you say?"
"Thank you daddy," Curtis said as he ran up to his daddy and gave him a big hug.
"You are welcome you little tyke," Draco replied, "why don't you choose the next one."
They carried on like that for over twenty minutes. The children had received several colouring in books, a new paint set and some new crayons. Mr and Mrs Granger had sent them a gift each. Aurora had received a baby doll whilst Curtis received a train set. The Malfoys had even sent them gifts. They had given them some chocolate frogs each as well as a miniature riding broom each. The very same one Hermione had talked Draco out of buying. Hermione raised an eyebrow at the broom. Draco laughed awkwardly, "maybe we'll be extra careful with those."
"Can we take them to breakfast?" the pair asked.
Hermione laughed, "sure."
Hermione had received some lovely gifts from her friends but her favourite gift was a beautiful necklace from Draco. It had a stunning emerald at the centre of the pendant. Hermione had made Draco an amazing scrapbook full of photos of them and their little family. Draco was amazed by the gift.
At breakfast Aurora and Curtis were showing off their new broomsticks to all their friends. Enzo and Castore were grumpy as a result. Enzo was telling Parvati and Theo that it was unfair that Santa didn't bring him a broomstick. Castore was far worse, he was literally having a temper tantrum, "I WANT A BROOMSTICK! I WANT A BROOM! SO I CAN FLY LIKE DADDY!"
Harry was completely shocked, "That is enough Castore."
Castore continued pounding his fists on the floor.
"If you do not stop Castore, you will have to sit out," Harry told him firmly.
"No daddy," Castore jumped to his feet and went to hug his daddy, "Castore doesn't want to sit out."
"Well then Castore must behave himself if he doesn't want to sit out," Harry told the toddler, secretly thanking Merlin for the muggle tv show super nanny.
Daphne leant across Harry and whispered in Castore's ear, "if you are a very good boy, mummy and daddy might get you a broom for your birthday."
Castore's face lit up at the idea of having his own broom. Ron laughed at the entire situation, "trust Malfoy's kids to show off their toys until all the other children are jealous."
Hermione went to hit Ron over the head but Pansy got their first, "don't be so rude." The five families went their separate ways. Hermione and Draco were dragged outside to watch their children play with their new brooms. Hermione hid her eyes in Draco's chest so that she wouldn't have to watch them. She was terrified. Draco wrapped his arms around her protectively. He gave her a running commentary of what the children were doing so that she wouldn't worry too much. Soon Hermione was shivering even with Draco's arms around her and so Draco decided that it was time to go inside, "come on kids; back up to the castle please."
"But daddy…" they quickly began.
"Do as you are told," Draco insisted. "We need to make thank you cards for everyone who bought you a present."
Soon the family were sat at the table in the common room making lovely cards for the children's grandparents. They also made one for their aunties and uncles at Hogwarts.
The rest of the day flew by and before they knew it the children were falling asleep as they listened to their bedtime story. Hermione and Draco took them up the stairs and placed them in their cots. When they were back downstairs they quickly tidied up the mess that the children had made. Hermione yarned, "thank you for today."
Draco grinned, "No, thank you."
Draco kissed her gently on the lips before pulling away gently. He took her hand and led her up the stairs. "I'll see you in the morning, love."
Hermione smiled, "yeah in the morning."
Draco kissed her on the forehead before going to his own door. Hermione sighed as her head hit the pillow, I think I might be in love with Malfoy.