AN- No I don't own the characters

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Chapter 10

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"He's being an absolute prat, Blaise," Astoria complained, kicking a nearby rock as they continued walking down the path. "can you believe him? He said he doesn't want anything to do with Aidan! And I'm supposed to bloody marry him!"

Blaise sighed, tightening his hold on her hand. "So don't marry him."

She groaned impatiently. ''Blaise, you know it's not that simple. I can't just break it off with him."

Suddenly angry, he dropped her hand and whirled around to face her. "How is that not simple, Astoria? Explain it to me! How?"

Astoria gasped, shocked at his outburst. Why was he yelling at her? Merlin, why is he even mad? "Blaise, what's the matter with you?"

"I fucking loved you for years, Astoria!" Blaise exclaimed. "Years!"

When she came to visit him at home an hour ago, he was happy. Ecstatic, even. He thought he would get a chance to spend some quality time with her; hoping the visit had nothing to do with Draco. But no, she only came because she needed to vent about her future husband.

So, finally, after all those years of rejection, anger, hurt, confusion, and hopelessness, Blaise Zabini lost his cool demeanor. Here he was, getting tired of hearing her complain and whine about how awful her future husband was.

Was she really that blind sighted or was she just forgetful?

''Blaise –"

"Astoria," he interrupted, gently taking her hand and placing a chaste kiss on her fingers before sighing, "when I... Don't you remember anything at all, from back at Hogwarts?"

She frowned. "Of course I do. Where are you going with this?"

"Really?" Blaise asked in mock incredulity. "Because it seems as if you don't even remember how we were before you became the future wife of Draco."

Astoria's eyes softened. She took a step closer to him so their faces were only inches away from each other. She leant forward to kiss the tip of his nose and giggled. "You're a crazy fool. How can I ever forget about us? Those days... Merlin, those years, were amazing, Blaise."

He smiled sadly with her as he caressed her cheek. "Then why did you reject me? You told me you didn't love me enough when I proposed to you after my seventh year."

"Blaise," she whispered, her eyes beginning to water, "I lied to you."

That hurt. Even though she was the one that told him, it still hurt her now because she was the one that had caused the pain. She was the one who had lied.

Merlin, she was no different than Draco.

"But, why?" he asked, loosening his hold on her hands. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

"I was already in an arranged marriage with Draco, even when I was a young girl, Blaise," Astoria explained sadly. "I thought it was going to be beneficial for my family, and I was scared to break the agreements between us and the Malfoys, as they're so powerful. It was practically a Wizarding contract! I had no choice –"

"So, you lied to me, making me think as if you never felt anything –"

"Please, it wasn't like that!" she cried out, grabbing his face so she could maintain eye-contact. "I'm so sorry, I wish I had a time-turner so I could go back and tell them I didn't want to marry him. To tell them that I had found someone else."

"I know," Blaise sighed, lifting one of his hands to wipe a tear away from her cheeks, "I know. It's okay, it's in the past. Now at least we know the truth, yeah?"

Astoria nodded, standing on her toes to kiss his cheek.

"By the way, how come you didn't recognize me back at the shop?" Blaise asked, frowning. "If you really loved me, wouldn't you have recognized me those short months ago?"

She rolled her eyes. "I did recognize you. Maybe not entirely, but I do remember thinking to myself that you looked familiar. Besides, I hadn't seen you in years and you had matured quite a lot. You had even a little moustache!"

"Well, I charmed it off the next day for you," Blaise teased, kissing her forehead. Merlin, no matter how insane this girl made him feel, he still loved her very much. "Astoria, I love you."

"I love you too," she whimpered, burying her face in the crook of his neck and sighing, her thoughts drifting back to Draco. "I'm sorry. I don't want to marry him, Blaise, but what can I do? I'm scared. My family is counting on this marriage but I can't, Blaise. And poor Hermione and Aidan! Draco kicked them out and I can't marry him –"

"Don't," he said, gently interrupting her. "You will get out of this marriage, Astoria. I don't know how, but you will. As for Hermione and Aidan, we'll find a way to help them out. If we get Draco to realize how wrong he is, maybe we can work this out. Draco just needs to open his eyes."

Astoria let out a harsh laugh, despite the tears that had started to fall. "Draco? Care for Hermione and Aidan? You're joking, Blaise. That's impossible and you know it. Plus, I don't think she would even want him anywhere near Aidan."

"You can't think like that, love," Blaise tutted gently. He sighed, tightening his arms around her and resting his chin on the top of her head, "we just need to come up with a plan."

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"Aidan," Hermione laughed, gently taking his hand away from one of her curls, "you're pulling my hair, silly boy. It hurts."

The infant continued to grab tiny fistfuls of his mother's hair and tug at it with all his might, causing Hermione to wince slightly. She tutted him and made a disapproving face, hoping her son knew what it meant.

However, the baby's mouth widened into what appeared to be a mini mischievous grin; his eyes continuously transfixed on her hair.

"It seems to me that I'm not the only one who thinks that you need to do something about that wild hair of yours, Granger," Theodore Nott snickered, placing a cup of butterbeer in front of her. "Honestly, it's been years, and yet it seems as if haven't changed at all."

Hermione rolled her eyes. Seriously? Nothing had changed?

"What brings you back to London, Nott?" Hermione asked, trying to remain civil.

Nott smirked. "What are you trying to say? Can't a bloke come back to London and not be questioned about it?"

Hermione blinked and scowled. "Well, forgive me for asking out of curiosity."

"You're forgiven." Nott let out a long sigh after a sip of butterbeer. "To answer your question, I came back to visit a friend of mine. In a few weeks, his life is going to change. I want to be there to help the poor sod! Not that it should interest you. Although, you had only asked that simply to fill in the awkwardness, correct?"

Hermione continued to stare and him before groaning out of annoyance. "Merlin Nott, can you please –"

"I'm just joking, Granger," Nott laughed, gently patting her on the shoulder, "you don't need to take things so seriously, you know."

She made a face and drank the last bit of her refreshment. She gently removed Aidan's clutch from her hair and wrapped him securely with a blanket.

"Well," she said, getting up, "thank you so much for your kindness, Nott. But I really must go."

Nott's smile dropped into a frown. "Wait, come on now, Granger, you still haven't told me what happened earlier –"

"And it's really none of your business," Hermione cut him off in anger. "Honestly –"

"Well, seeing as how I helped you, bought a drink for you, and made sure you and your child were safe –" he got up and followed Hermione out, ignoring the people staring at them "– the least you can do is explain to me why you were in that alleyway in the first place."

Hermione threw him a withering look before groaning. Damn it, what was up with the world? Why couldn't he just leave her alone? Couldn't he see that she wanted to be left alone? Was she not being obvious?

"Stop being a – just stop and talk to me, Granger, stop!"

Finally, she gave up. She whirled around and scowled at him. "What do you want?"

Nott let out a heavy sigh before shoving his hand inside his pockets. "Are you... Er… I mean, is everything all right?"

Does anything about me look all right? Hermione thought viciously."I'm fine."

Nott's eyes narrowed. "Don't lie, Granger. You weren't much of a liar, even at Hogwarts."

Hermione stayed quiet, silently fuming as she tightened her embrace around Aidan. The baby turned his head and stared at the tall man following them, and let out a small yelp. Hermione kissed his cheek, murmuring softly so Nott couldn't hear.

"Who's the father, Granger?" Nott asked daringly. He didn't fail to notice her stiffening, which only heightened his interest. He stepped closer and glanced down at Aidan's grey eyes.

Wait a minute...

"Really, Nott," Hermione scoffed, "how is that any of your business?"

Nott raised an eyebrow, noticing the infant's pale blonde hair. "It's just a simple question, Granger. If you answer me then I'll won't ask anymore questions, yeah?"

Hermione bit her bottom lip. How close was Nott to Draco? What if he ran into Draco and started to question him? But, come to think of it, she didn't remember ever seeing them together. Then again, Nott –

"You know what, Granger, never mind," he said suddenly, interrupting her thoughts.

Hermione blinked. "What?"

Nott sighed before smiling with a shrug. "It's obvious that you don't want to let me know. But it's all right. I'll be there for you in case you need anyone."

She frowned. "What? Nott –"

"No, Granger," Nott grinned, "don't worry about it."

She sighed sadly. "It's not that I don't trust you –"

"You don't, though," Nott said bluntly, letting out a chuckle as he stared at the ground, "and that's quite understandable! After all that's –"

"That's not it at all, Nott."

"Then, what?"

Hermione opened her mouth to respond but quickly closed it. "Theo –"

"Do I know the father?" Nott interrupted, raising an eyebrow.

Hermione shook her head in exasperation before sighing heavily. Merlin, does he really want to know? "Yes. I can say that you know him very well."

Nott's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh? Well then, you must tell me."

She was seconds from hexing him to ease her annoyance, but she decided against it when she noticed him laughing. "What is so funny?" she snapped, rolling her eyes.

"You," Nott grinned. "You're quite funny, Granger. You need to loosen up a bit, you know?"

Hermione scowled. She turned back around to walk away but stopped when she noticed Astoria and Blaise walking together.

Wait...

Were they holding hands?

"BLAISE! ASTORIA!"

Hermione whirled around, glaring at Nott. She grumbled, embarrassed at the looks being thrown in their direction by people around them. "What are you doing?" she hissed.

Nott grinned. "I'm getting my friends attention, of course. Aren't you supposed to be smart?"

She glared at him before turning around again to face the two. She gave them both a smile, "Hey, you two."

Astoria gasped and quickly rushed to give her a hug, accidentally nudging into the baby. "Sorry! But Merlin, Hermione! You're okay! I'm so sorry about what Draco did to you and Aidan!"

Aidan, who had fallen asleep, woke up from the sudden interruption. The baby blinked, let out a soft cry, before his eyes landed on Astoria. He glared and cried again, causing her to back away with uncertainty.

Blaise shook his head in amusement, throwing an arm around her shoulder. She merely glanced at him before throwing Aidan what she hoped to be a happy smile.

Nott laughed. ''I can tell you'll be rotten when it comes to kids, Astoria."

Hermione chuckled, adjusting her hold on Aidan as she rocked him back and forth. She rubbed Aidan's back, and kissed his cheek when he looked up at her face. After what felt like hours, but what really were a few long minutes, Aidan stopped crying, although his face remained in a disgruntled expression; the spitting image of Draco.

"It's okay, darling," Hermione laughed, kissing the frowning baby, "you can go back to sleep."

"I'm sorry about that," Astoria said nervously, "I'm just really glad you're okay."

Hermione shrugged and smiled. "Where's Draco?"

She looked around them and frowned. Where was he? And why was Blaise holding onto Astoria like that? It seemed as if they were almost too comfortable with each other.

"Sleeping," Astoria replied. She turned to look at Blaise, noticing the look on his face. "Are you okay?"

He nodded, kissing her forehead without thinking. He turned back to Hermione and grinned, "So, I see you met Theo?"

"We met before," Hermione said slowly, still shocked at Blaise's tender gesture. "During Hogwarts, I mean. Years ago."

Were Blaise and Astoria really that close?! Astoria was engaged, for Merlin's sake! What would Draco do if he saw them like that?

"Yeah, but we never really spoke to each other until now," Nott grinned, crossing his arms. "We're kind of getting to know each other."

"Oh?" Blaise raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Good. Because Hermione is a beautiful – and talented – witch."

Astoria didn't miss the glint in his eye. What was he playing at?

Nott was too busy agreeing to notice anything, "Yes, you're right. She is the smartest witch of our age, Blaise. Don't forget that."

Hermione blushed. "Honestly, you two. Stop –"

"If only I know who Aidan's father is," Nott interrupted dramatically, winking at Hermione. "Obviously he doesn't know the good things in his life."

"You don't know who the father is?" Astoria asked, confused. Hermione threw her a warning look that clearly stated for her to shut the hell up. Thankfully, she understood. "Neither do we."

"Well, then, you should find out before she gets away," Blaise smirked, hoping his friend got the hint.

Of course he did.

"Well, I don't know," Nott said, quickly shoving his hands into his pockets again before turning back to Hermione, "I'll wait until I know she's ready."

Hermione stared back at him. What were they both doing? Was this really his way of asking her out? It was just sad. Though extremely amusing.

"Thank you," she said softly, knowing only Theo could hear her, "for making my day better."

He looked taken aback but gave her a genuine smile. "Honestly though, Granger. If you need any help, or you just want to talk, you can always owl me."

Hermione nodded. "That means a lot. Thank you."

Theo noticed that Aidan was falling asleep again and nodded towards him. "I guess you're leaving now?"

He didn't want her leave. He's actually enjoying spending time with her. But, if he was going to try and get to know her better, he needed to first show some thoughtfulness, right?

She grinned. "Yeah. Owl you soon?"

Astoria and Blaise, who were both very quiet, threw each other a triumphant look before listening again.

"I'll look forward to it," Nott smiled back.

Once they had all bade Hermione goodbye, Nott turned to his friends and cursed.

"What is it?" Blaise asked, concerned.

"I said 'I'll look forward to it.,'" he groaned. "Damn it, Blaise! I sounded like a bloody fruit cake!"

Astoria scoffed. "You did not! Clearly, she enjoyed your company. Keep it up; I know she really needs this."

"Why?" Nott asked, frowning. "What happened?"

Astoria and Blaise looked at each other, silently asking the same question. Should they tell him?

"She's just going through a rough time right now," Astoria said eventually, shrugging. "She needs a little goofiness in her life, don't you think?"

"And you're perfect for the job," Blaise smirked.

Nott rolled his eyes but grinned back. "I like her. The man who left them is a sodding fool."

Astoria and Blaise shared a look.

Oh, he really had no idea...

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Hermione gently placed the sleeping baby on her bed. Since this was the first time she had come home with Aidan, she hadn't really prepared anything for him. She really had nothing else to do except to place a few protection charms around him.

TAP TAP TAP

She turned around at the sound and gasped at the sight of an owl sitting on her window ledge, a small package tied to its legs. Quietly, she rushed towards the window and let the owl inside.

"Hello there," she whispered, grabbing the owl treat sack on the table.

She gave him the treat and gently untied the rope from his leg. Once the owl was free, it gave a sharp hoot and quickly flew out the window and disappeared into the sky.

Frowning, she looked back at the package. A note was attached on top of it that said, Turn back to normal size.

"Okay then," she muttered, casting the counter-spell to transform the package back to its regular size. The box grew by a few inches, but was still strangely lightweight.

After casting a protective spell for precaution, she gently lifted the cover. Another small note was laid on top of the wrapping papers.

You forgot about this. Please keep it.

The sender didn't leave a name, but her instincts told her who it was from.

But, with that knowledge, she wasn't sure if she should even open it. What could he possibly want to send her? He had made his message loud and clear. Well… she cast a revealing spell, uncovering nothing. Clearly, it was perfectly safe. But, still...

Her curiosity got the better of her.

Placing the note down, she moved the wrapping papers away and gasped as a mixture of emotions came to her all at once. What? Why would he send this to her?

A small cry disrupted her of silent worry.

She looked at the bed to see Aidan fully awake with his arms stretched out towards her. His gaze was fixed on her face before it lowered down to the teddy bear in her hands. He cried out again, his eyes now glued to the soft object.

Hermione was torn between sending back the teddy bear, and actually handing it over to her son. The latter won.

Sighing, she walked towards him and spoke softly. "Guess what someone gave you, Aidan."

To her shock, he grabbed the teddy's ear and clutched it tightly. For some reason, she felt uncomfortable with the movement.

Accepting it would look as if she had forgiven Draco, wouldn't it? But with returning it, Aidan would lose his bear. Looking at him now, nearly falling asleep again as he kept his hold on the teddy bear's ear, it was obvious he loved it.

Hermione inwardly groaned as she lay down. She wrapped an arm around Aidan and placed a kiss on his cheek. Aidan opened his eyes to stare at his mother and gurgled.

"What was that, darling?" Hermione chuckled, caressing his fine blond hair.

Aidan looked between her and the teddy, before abruptly letting out a tiny, short laugh, the first time he'd ever laughed.

Hermione couldn't help but laugh as well. "What are you giggling about, you silly boy?"

Merlin, the amount of joy she felt in that moment, just seeing him like that. It was as if all the horrible things she had ever gone through had been worth it. All of the hurt, pain and suffering… All had been worth it. She loved her son very, very much and would make sure no harm would ever come to her baby.

Aidan yawned as he placed one of his tiny hands on top of her arm. He kept the other hand on the teddy, almost as if he wanted to create a connection between his mother and father. His eyes drooped slightly, before finally closing them and falling asleep.

She didn't forget about the teddy bear. Why did Draco even bother sending it back? She didn't understand.

She tried to gently take the bear away, but Aidan's hold only tightened as he whimpered softly in his sleep. Hermione sighed in annoyance and gave up. Clearly, Aidan loved it.

Damn you, Draco Malfoy.

Now there was no way she could return it.

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THANK YOU TO MAGICIS-MIGHT FROM TUMBLR FOR BETA-ING THIS CHAPTER! YOU'RE AWESOME!

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