Author's Note
I just wanted to apologize for some of the pregnancy mistakes I made in the previous chapter about women using tampons after birth and babies turning in the womb. I'm not a mother so I honestly had no clue, but thanks to a sharp and bright reader, I noted my mistake. I had to a lot of research on labour and pregnancy for the first portion of the story :) Anyways enjoy!
Previously on Hideaway
"Why the hell would you invite them over? Without telling me!" he exploded.
Hermione's temper was rising quickly to match his. "I want our child to know her grandparents! And how can you stand having this huge grudge separating you and your parents? Your parents are willing to change why aren't you?"
"You look familiar. Really familiar." Lucius said continuing to gape at Adelia.
Draco nodded feeling things click into place. "No one who didn't work there attempted to dismantle and free the dementors which would have been too suspicious…. And no worker forgot to apply charms. Which means someone intended to free them."
"Lestrange has people from the inside." Harry finished his eyes widening.
"Thalia and Valentina." they said at the same time.
"Mrs. Weasley's in a pit." "Next time, I'll bury a dead body instead of a live one."
"She's having the baby."
"Give me Ara Malfoy. Or all will die." Lestrange boomed.
Hermione, Draco and Ara landed back in their home in a terrified heap. Ara was crying in frustration with all the loud noise and yelling. Ara was just a few weeks old and she was already thrown into the world of war. The injustice of it all made Hermione want to scream the walls down.
But they didn't waste time crying. Draco was trying to soothe a crying Ara as he used the other hand to place powerful protection wards on the house. It probably wouldn't hold for long, but they weren't planning on staying long enough to find out.
Hermione was rushing about packing any necessities she could find to sustain them for who knows how long. She grabbed at random clothes for everyone, emptied nearly their entire pantry.
She fetched several toys, books and things for Ara. She grabbed some keepsakes and pictures and anything else that would be useful. As she threw every item into the knapsacks charmed to be undetectable extensions, it brought on a tremendous feeling of deja vu. It reminded her greatly of her time on the run with Harry and Ron. Except this time, she was running with her husband and daughter.
There was a loud boom outside as Lestrange seemed to have found them. Aurors and death eaters seemed to continue the intense battle outside their home as Lestrange attempted to break inside.
Hermione and Draco locked eyes and nodded in understanding. She raced over towards them and grabbed Draco's arm before she turned on the spot and apparated them away once more.
They landed in the Taiga Forest with a thud. Ara seemed to have calmed down enough to open her beautiful eyes and peer around.
Draco raised an eyebrow and smiled sadly at Hermione. "Taiga Forest?"
Hermione nodded. "I figured we know the place pretty well from when we took our House Unity exam here together and won."
Draco attempted a weak grin but it failed to spread across his fine features. He handed her Ara for a diaper change as he dug around the backpacks for the tent.
As he began setting up their tent, Hermione changed Ara and played idly with her, trying desperately not to cry in front of her daughter.
Once the tent was set up, Draco lay Ara down for a nap as Hermione set up wards of various protections around the area. When she was finished, she joined Draco in the mini living area inside the tent.
Draco had his head bowed as he stared at the blazing fire, his hands wrung in deep thought. She sat next to him and grasped one of his cold hands instantly warming them up with her own. They didn't say anything at first, both taking in the first silence of the evening.
"We have to protect her." Draco said breaking the silence, turning his glassy grey eyes to meet Hermione's. She nodded wordlessly feeling a tear trail down her face. It was like she had just received her daughter and already there was someone trying to take her away. The statement Draco had said was simple and the one thing they were both sure of even as they began their life on the run. Protect Ara no matter the costs, no matter the price. Protecting Ara was their only job from now till they died.
"We should probably move from location to location." Draco said sniffling as he tried to talk strategy, something he and Hermione were more comfortable discussing.
Hermione nodded in agreement, hastily wiping her eyes. "Ron, Harry and I did that when we were on the run. It's best to stay on the move. I suspect we can even live amongst the muggles in any city we've always wanted to visit."
"Turks and Caicos next?" Draco asked suggestively, trying to lighten the mood.
Hermione laughed dryly. "Our honeymoon location? Someone's feeling sentimental."
"Says the one who brought us to where we had our final House Unity exam." Draco scoffed.
Hermione rolled her eyes and stood to begin unpacking a few things. It took every ounce of Hermione's strength to not start sobbing uncontrollably. Ara woke up from her nap at 5, crying for some attention.
Draco proved to be the best daddy ever and immediately swooped up their daughter swinging her into the air. She giggled happily as she absorbed all of Draco's affection. Hermione smiled her first real smile of the evening as she watched the two of them play.
The day Ara was born, Draco had bought a stuffed lion cub toy for her and she had deemed it her favorite toy ever since. Draco made the lion gallop towards Ara who laughed hysterically as her small pudgy arms reached for the toy.
"Any reason for choosing a lion instead of a snake?" Hermione asked as she began making simple wraps for dinner. Neither she or Draco had much of an appetite.
Draco glanced at the small kitchen where Hermione stood cutting lettuce and smiled down at Ara, giving her a wink. "To represent you, my dear."
Hermione stopped cutting and eyed Draco skeptically. He stared back innocently his eyes twinkling. Ara seemed to wonder what her parents were bantering about and turned her equally innocent face towards Hermione.
Hermione laughed and pointed her knife towards the pair of them. "If she's not in Slytherin I'll submit the Sorting Hat to St. Mungos."
Draco grinned proudly and pecked Ara's cheek causing her to erupt in more giggles. As the family of 3 sat around the tiny dining table for dinner, Hermione couldn't help but notice great resemblances between Ara and Draco as well as Ara and herself.
She had the Malfoy silky blond hair but Hermione's curls minus the frizz thanks to the Malfoy genes. She had a nose and smile identical to Draco but her eyes were Hermione's eyes.
"I wonder if anyone got hurt in the fight." Hermione said thinking hard as she picked at her wrap.
"I expect Harry requested backup. But there was at least a quarter of the auror department at the party." Draco assured her.
Hermione was still restless as she recalled the horrifying message where Mrs. Weasley nearly died. The letters, the attacks, the reappearance of Lestrange...it all stirred up something brutal and frightening.
After dinner, Hermione sat outside their tent reading a story to Ara as she cooed at the pictures. Draco was scouting the area much to Hermione's anxiety. She had insisted he stay where she could see him.
Once Ara fell asleep in her arms and Draco returned to sit next her, placing his arm around her shoulders, Hermione finally found some peace. Night had fallen, the stars twinkling in the sky, crickets chirping in the distance.
"Ara," Draco said pointing at the sky. Hermione looked up to see the bright constellation glistening in the sky. She stared at her daughter with a love only a mother could have. Draco leaned down so his head was right next to Ara's.
"Look Ara, that's you! We named you after that constellation." Draco whispered, pausing for a brief moment. "Daddy and mommy promise to never let anyone hurt you. Promise."
Hermione felt tears prick at her eyes as she listened to Draco. She nodded in agreement although Ara wouldn't know. Draco turned to meet Hermione's eyes.
"I love you." Draco murmured pressing their foreheads together. "We're going to make it."
She felt the warm tear trail down her face and gave a curt nod. "I love you too."
"Let's get this one to bed. She's had a long day. Getting chased by a bloody murderer can do that to you." Draco said quietly. They stood up and headed over the the small crib tucked into the side of the room.
"Goodnight Ara," Hermione whispered kissing her forehead. Draco kissed Ara too before they crept into their room. As they got dressed for bed, or undressed in Draco's case. He had always slept shirtless only clad in boxers.
Hermione climbed into bed and began flipping through the scrapbook she was making for Ara. There was a picture of her as a newborn in the hospital, then being cradled by Hermione followed by Draco. Next she was home being held by their family and friends.
Draco slid in next to her and wrapped his arm around her waist, pressing his head against her stomach. He closed his eyes breathing deeply as she absentmindedly played with his hair.
There was a sudden whoosh causing the pair of them to snap their heads up, their eyes darting around. They ran to the living room and peeked into the crib where Ara was still sleeping soundly. They crept outside, wands held up scanning the area.
A white stag patronus could suddenly be seen galloping towards them. Hermione recognized it as Harry's but they didn't lower their wands. It stopped a few feet in front of them and Harry's voice began filling the area.
"Hermione, Draco. Let me know that you are safe via patronus. There were only minor injuries no one was killed. Tell me in code where you are and I'll come and meet you. -Harry."
Hermione summoned her otter patronus and began speaking to it with her message. "Harry, if this is really you, tell me which forest did we stay at on the run for horcruxes?"
As they waited for his response, Draco turned to face Hermione eyebrow raised smirking slightly. "You know...your otter looks suspiciously like a ferret."
Hermione blushed and turned to face him. "Need I remind you of the ferret incident?"
"We do not speak of the ferret incident!" Draco exclaimed as Hermione laughed swatting his chest. Draco smoothly pulled Hermione towards him, pressing her against him.
"I love how I can still make you blush even though we're married…" Draco murmured nipping at her neck gently, his hands cupping her butt. "And I've seen, explored, and touched every single inch of you."
Hermione shivered, her hands inching up his chest causing him to growl. She reached her hand up and pulled him down to meet her lips in a searingly hot kiss that still managed to set her body aflame. One of his hands tangled in her hair as she parted her lips allowing his tongue to touch hers.
There was an impatient neigh and they broke apart breathing heavily to see Harry's patronus back.
"The forest of Dean."
Hermione nodded at Draco who summoned his snake patronus. "Ask my godson's mother where we went for the Hogwarts exam for HU."
A few minutes later, it didn't return but Harry appeared a few metres away from where the tent stood. "Ferret and beaver! It's Lightning."
Draco scowled and Hermione huffed waving her wand to give Harry access. His green eyes showed relief when he spotted them. He strode to meet them hugging Hermione tight. He hugged Draco too who was slightly startled but patted Harry's back awkwardly.
"Beaver? Seriously?" Hermione glared at Harry but truly grateful to see him again.
Harry smiled crookedly and shrugged. "Code names 'Mione are essential. Is Ara alright?"
"She's fine." Draco responded coming out of the tent in a sweater and pants.
They sat outside around the fire. Harry stared at the tent his eyes thinking back in time. A look all war participants had. He shook his head and turned to face them.
"No one was hurt Hermione stop freaking out. As soon as you left, all of them seemed to hear what Lestrange was thinking and they disappeared. He seemed to know you would return home first. I called for backup and spread the aurors in locations I guessed where you might apparate to. We held them off but once Lestrange broke inside and discovered you were gone, he broke anything within his firing range before disappearing, followed by his goons." Harry explained.
Hermione leaned forward her forehead falling into her hands. "You have to give us updates Harry. You need to tell us what's going on with the missing persons case and everything." she said intently.
Harry stared at the pair of them before nodding. "I'd suggest we perform the fidelius charm but that didn't go so well the first time." Harry said warily. "So I will be the only one that knows your location. We communicate in code via patronus. No letters."
They nodded tiredly glancing at each other an unspoken understanding between them. This was their life now, survive survive survive. Protect Ara. Draco squeezed Hermione's hand comfortingly and she squeezed back. They were in this together.
"I'm sorry I had to come so late, but it's best to be discrete." Harry said standing to leave. "Be careful, both of you. And keep Ara safe. I'll see you soon."
Hermione motioned for Draco to head to bed. "I'll take the first shift." she said kissing him softly.
He looked like he was about to protest but Hermione shook her head no and pushed him towards the tent. "I have to breastfeed Ara anyways."
The thing with sitting alone in your darkest hour, was that it left time. Time for you to think about everything. And that was not always necessarily the best thing. Hermione felt deeply obliged to keep the promise she and Draco made to Ara. Not just the promise to protect her but the promise that was etched into Hermione's heart for forever.
Ara was carried within her for 9 months, and she maybe had 3 years to carry her in her arms. But she would hold her in her heart until she died.
Draco had a restless sleep and woke up at 3am shuffling Hermione off to bed, sneaking in a good snog outside before he took his turn.
A few hours later, Hermione brought Ara out and breastfed her while Draco brought out coffee and toast.
As Hermione had the pleasure of drinking coffee again, she downed a whole mug before turning and facing Draco. He cocked his head to the side as he bounced Ara on his lap.
"I've been thinking." Hermione began stirring her mug as she watched Ara squeal with glee as Draco tickled her slightly under the chin.
"Of course you have." Draco grinned rubbing his nose gently against Ara's.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I want to give Ara the most normal childhood we can. I mean, we don't know how long we'll be...living like this and I don't want to raise Ara constantly afraid. I want her to live. Not survive but live. Do you get what I mean?"
Draco handed Ara the stuffed lion before turning to face her thoughtfully. "I do. I mean I didn't have the best childhood, introduced to the dark side at an early age. And Ara has already been introduced so I went to make her life, her childhood better than mine was."
Hermione smiled and move to sit next to them. She kissed Draco fiercely before bending down so she was eye level with Ara. "Do you wanna go for a walk baby?"
Ara looked up at her father then her mother and a slow smile spread across her face. Hermione took that as a yes and swooped her up, summoning the stroller she shoved into Draco's bag.
Draco laughed and hugged Hermione and Ara. The two most important ladies in his life. He kissed both of them before helping tuck Ara into the stroller. He pushed the stroller around the forest as Hermione, tucked her arm into the crook of Draco's elbow.
"There's a barrier around the area we're in that'll glow so we know to avoid passing it." Hermione said as they strolled leisurely around the beautiful forest.
Ara cooed when they passed something she liked and began shrieking when they crossed paths with a small weasel that sprinted across their path.
"It's a sign. She doesn't like weasels." Draco snorted. Hermione ignored him and moved to peek at Ara.
"It's just a weasel darling. Nothing to be afraid of." Hermione soothed. The nature walk was stunning even though it was in their temporary little prison.
"When we were here the first time for our exam, it didn't seem as stunning did it?" Draco asked as a hawk soared above them.
"I think that was because we were too focused on winning and beating Blaise." Hermione grinned at the memory. "And we did."
"Damn right, we kicked his ass as well as Longbottom's." Draco chuckled. "We make a good team love,"
Hermione smirked. "That was also the first time you saw me naked."
Draco barked out a laugh. "And it wasn't even because we were having sex. If I recall correctly, while you were checking me out in the river as we bathed, a snake bit you."
"I was not checking you out!" Hermione exclaimed. "And it's not like you weren't eye fucking me either!" she said defensively.
Draco stopped pushing the stroller and turned to gape at her. "You did not just say that." he burst into laugher poking her stomach as he continued to laugh.
"You were! I could practically feel your eyes boring into me." Hermione harrumphed.
Draco winked at her and moved to snake his hands around her waist. He nibbled on her earlobe before whispering. "Maybe I'll fulfill my river shag fantasy from back in the day."
Hermione's knees became weak much to his pleasure as he pressed his lips on the underside of her jaw. His hard body was pressed against her as she arched her head back, exposing her neck to him. He proceeded to bite and lick at a tender spot on her neck. She gripped his shoulders tightly, her nails digging into his skin. It was then that Ara decided to give a loud wail.
"Gosh darn it." Draco cried sucking on his nice mark once more before releasing Hermione. She moved to pick up Ara who had made the executive decision to decide it was dinner.
The family hiked back to the camp where Hermione began to feed Ara. Draco whipped up a quick salad for the pair of them to eat.
"I think we should pick a location to head to next. That way if we need to go suddenly, we don't need to waste time thinking about it." Draco said as he watched Ara stare fascinated at a butterfly.
"I think you're right. We should live like muggles if we rent a flat or something. We'll blend in better. So if we leave according to any plans we make, I think we should take a muggle airplane." Hermione agreed.
"A airplan?" Draco asked wrinkling his nose. "What the bloody hell is that?"
"A flying contraption muggles created." Hermione laughed.
Draco shook his head smiling wryly. He would never understand the inner workings of muggle made things or anything muggle. From tampons to who freaking 'Miley Cyrus' was.
Ever since Lestrange's demand that they hand over Ara, Draco had a difficult time keeping his eyes off of her. It was like he feared that at any moment, his hand would come reaching out and snatch Ara out of their grasp.
As Ara lay down for her afternoon nap, he and Hermione discussed where they should head to next.
"I really think we should go to Turks and Caicos." Draco said for what was the 5th time.
"No Draco, anywhere sentimental to us and Lestrange will have scouts there." Hermione said repeating her rebuttal for what was also the 5th time.
Draco could see the irritation on all of her features. The way her eyes narrowed in annoyance, her lips pursed in warning and her nose flare with anger. Was it wrong that it turned him on?
"And Taiga Forest isn't sentimental?" Draco smirked watching as her stare shot daggers at him, her nose nearly blowing out steam.
"It's a freaking school exam location! How the hell is that sentimental?" she countered.
"Well you're Hermione Malfoy. Anything to do with school holds sentimental value for you." Draco said biting back a laugh. Hermione suddenly came barreling towards him, knocking him off his chair and onto the grass.
"Are you implying I'm in love with school?" Hermione snarled her knees pinning his wrists down and her hands teasing everywhere.
Draco had to bite back a groan before managing to respond. "Almost as much as you love me dear." Hermione continued to tease with her hands, her lips, her tongue…
"Are you all bark no bite?" Draco stuttered his wrists still trapped beneath her knees. When Hermione paused to turn towards the tent, thinking she heard Ara cry, Draco took the opening to release his hands and roughly flip her over.
She yelped as her back hit the ground hard. He was grinding against her as he took his turn to torture her. Draco held her wrists with one hand above her head as his lips made another mark on her collarbone. His other hand slowly began pulling her jeans down, inching towards her clit. She moaned softly as her wrists struggled against his strong hand. He began rubbing his fingers around her clit before he sharply slid two fingers inside.
He could feel her faint breathing beneath his body, his length pressing against her hip, reminding her of just how much he wanted her. He slid a third finger in there and began pumping in and out, growling when she arched her back and begged for more.
His fingers hit spots he knew she loved and when she began climaxing he trailed his lips towards her ear, slowly and tantalizingly.
"Scream for me." he whispered huskily.
"Draco!" she screamed obliging his request as she cummed all over his fingers. He buried his face in her neck, before removing his fingers and licking them slowly in front of her.
"That's what teases get." Draco smirked before kissing her passionately on the mouth. He released her wrists and she moved them to cup his face. Hermione's hands began moving towards his pants to return the favour but Ara decided to give a loud wail right then, to notify her horny parents that she was indeed awake.
"The princess before the prince." Hermione smiled getting up and pulling her pants back up.
"Please darling, I'm a king. And you...are my queen." he said joining her, pulling her hips against him. Ara gave an impatient yell, that convinced both her parents to resume later on.
While Hermione changed Ara's diaper and played with her, Draco made ravioli for dinner. After a quick dinner, they decided to find the nearest body of water and bathe themselves as well as Ara.
"We're putting an anti-animal charm this time." Draco said firmly, cradling Ara as they followed Hermione's wand. She had cast a water location spell which would lead them to the nearest body.
10 minutes later, they reached a decent sized pond that had trees in the surrounding area and was still within their boundaries. Draco placed the charm himself as Hermione rolled up her clothes and undressed Ara.
Draco unpacked the shampoos Hermione had grabbed as well as the body wash. He rolled up his sleeves and pants and slid into the lukewarm water. Hermione handed him a flailing Ara who was beginning to get anxious. Draco accepted Ara with strong arms enveloping her in a hug. He cradled her against his bare chest which seemed to calm her down significantly.
Together Hermione and Draco bathed a much more pleasant Ara who splashed a very surprised Draco right in the face. Hermione laughed and cheered Ara on who was confused with her strange parents. Draco wiped his face warily and smiled at Ara.
"A Slytherin in the making aren't you? Next time splash your mummy." Draco suggested pecking her nose. Draco rinsed off his beautiful daughter before sneaking up behind Hermione. He held Ara's tiny hands in his own and splashed water all over her back. She screeched and whipped around glaring at the pair of them.
It was Draco's turn to laugh, and high five Ara. He hopped out and began to dry and dress Ara. Hermione joined them with much irritation, however there was a small smile at the corner of her mouth. When Ara was all dressed, she lay in between them, her head on Draco's lap and her legs on Hermione's lap.
As the moon shone in the sky, Draco stroked Ara's small blond waves admiring her tiny adorable face. Hermione leaned her head against his shoulder staring at the lake. Their feet were nice and warm as they were dipped inside the water.
Once Ara was asleep, Draco tucked her into the stroller and the small family headed back home.
There was no visit from Harry today as he was likely overwhelmed at the ministry with the attack on Albus Potter's party. He could just see the headlines, The Boy Who Lived's Boy's party was Interrupted by a Horrific Disturbance.
Draco insisted he take first shift today and kissed both Hermione and Ara to sleep before he sat outside in front of the burning fire.
Draco's life till he met Hermione hardly counted as a life. He was just a boy fighting to survive. But then, he had nothing worth fighting for. Tomorrow was just another day to fight and survive. Everyday for him was a battle waiting to be fought. Then Hermione entered his life and life suddenly seemed worth living in. Hermione gave him a reason to believe that tomorrow was not about surviving but living. All life's battles suddenly seemed worth fighting for, with her. They had really gone through everything most normal couples didn't go through, and that gave them a bond no one else had. Ara's tiny hands held half of his heart and Hermione's held the other half. He had a family now, a responsibility. His to love, his to protect. It gave him a determination he never had before. Becoming a father was truly the moment that all of life's battles finally seemed conquerable.
Hermione had taken over watch at 3, reading Hogwarts a History, briefly glancing up to scan the area. 4am was when the letter came.
Ding dong, here I come to find you, hurry up and run, let's play a little game and have fun.
Hermione nearly screamed when the black crow arrived on her shoulder dropping the letter into her lap. She opened it with shaking hands and felt her heart beat a mile a minute. She was suddenly transported back to the wooden room, her wrists bound tight and her stomach pulled tight too. She was screaming and rocking back and forth, the ear splintering music filtering in the room. She was surely going crazy, this was mad. Make it stop, she kept thinking as her head began to pound with pain.
Hermione gasped and dropped the letter, breathing deeply as she scanned the area. Once she was thinking clearly again, she finally felt the pain on her shoulder where the crow was sinking it's talon like feet into her flesh.
She cried out and batted the crow away. It nipped her cheek before flying away. There was blood dripping from her wound now, dripping onto Lestrange's letter. Draco came racing out his hair mussed and dark circles underneath his eyes. His eyes darted around before landing on her.
"I heard you scream, what the hell happened?" Draco said his eyes widening at the letter then the wound. She wordlessly handed him the letter which his eyes skimmed over before tearing into shreds, letting the wind carry the pieces away. He kneeled down next to her and examined her wound. "Bloody hell." he murmured.
"It's not that deep, the damn bird just sunk it's talons in." Hermione protested at his ministrations and fussing.
"No Hermione, damnit. 'I will find you' is what the bird traced with it's talons." Draco snarled using his wound to heal up the cut.
"Draco we need to go. Now." Hermione said getting up suddenly. Draco stood to meet her giving her a wary look. "I just...I don't feel safe now that the bird knows where we are. We have to get out of here. What if Lestrange finds away to use the bird and track us back here?"
Draco nodded tiredly and the pair rushed inside to pack and change. There was no urgent rush because the bird still had to fly back, but they weren't taking any chances with their daughter's life.
Hermione carefully cradled a sleeping Ara while Draco packed up the tent. She removed all traces of them being there before hopping on the back of Draco's broom. She tightly wrapped one arm around his waist and the other around Ara. She was sandwiched safely between them as Draco took off into the night sky.
They flew high enough so no muggles could see, following Hermione's instructions to the nearest airport. She had a heavily protected muggle phone which she used to book 2 tickets.
Once they landed they stood behind some trees, Draco stuffing his broom into his bag. Hermione placed muggle charms on their bags to make them muggle proof. She then dug through her bag and pulled out three passports and handed them to Draco.
He raised a perfectly blond eyebrow at his photo. "When did you have time to get passports?"
"I made them a while after Ara was born. In case we wanted to travel the muggle way." Hermione shrugged switching Ara to her other arm. "Follow my lead."
They entered the muggle airport, Draco looking around like a foreigner. Hermione lead them through each stop of security, simply stating they were going for a family trip to Malaga Spain.
Draco fed Ara from a bottle once she woke up at 6 in the morning. Their flight was to leave at 7, Draco eyeing the muggle aircraft outside with suspicion.
"I rented a small appartment room in Fuengirola, Spain." Hermione said reading over her pages of research. "A family vacation is normal for a newborn child right? Tell me we're doing something right."
"Of course we are. Given the circumstances I think we're doing a rather splendid job." Draco said smiling assuringly at Hermione. Ara had fallen back asleep in Draco's arms when they boarded the plane.
Draco took the window seat while Hermione sat in the middle. A young man their age with chestnut brown hair sat next Hermione, eyeing her with great interest.
As they began to take off, Hermione held Draco's hand and smiled warmly. He smiled back looking out his window in awe as they lifted into the air.
This was completely normal, taking their daughter out for a family trip, Hermione tried to convince herself. Hermione would see to it, that Ara had a happy life. At 9 in the morning, Ara woke up her bright honey brown eyes staring around with wonder. Draco helped Hermione throw a blanket over shoulder, glaring at the man next to them.
Ara began feeding happily sucking away while Draco and Hermione discussed their arrival.
"We're going to have to let Harry know somehow where we are." Hermione said furrowing her brows in concentration. "But we can't show him that letter now can we? Because someone decided to tear it up."
Draco huffed rolling his eyes. "I think we can explain it to Potter perfectly fine without any actual fine print."
Ara began to get restless by 11, kicking her feet and hitting the man next to them several times. Draco smirked and kissed his daughters cheek, Hermione glaring at his immaturity.
"I'm so sorry, she seems to be getting restless." Hermione apologized to the man next to them.
"S'alright. She's a cutie isn't she?" he said patting her head. Draco glared with disapproval and took Ara away from his reach. But Ara wouldn't sit still until Hermione pulled her stuffed lion out from their bag in the overhead, shimmying past the chestnut man who took a good look at her butt, unbeknownst to Hermione.
Draco scowled even deeper as Hermione stared confusedly at him, shrugging and handing Ara her toy. She took it happily and continued to play on her father's lap.
"What's wrong with you?" Hermione said buckling her seat belt again.
"The pervert beside you is what's wrong." Draco retorted his hand on Hermione's inner thigh possesively. "Touching my daughter then staring at my wife's ass."
Hermione laughed shaking her head. "You're perverted too Draco. Don't be so immature."
Draco sneered, keeping his hand where it was, his eyes becoming softer as he watched Ara whack her toy around. Through bouts of turbulance Ara began to cry from the ear pressure, Draco and Hermione both trying to calm her down.
"Can you shut that baby up?" the man next to them demanded rudely. Hermione glared daggers at the poor man, resisting to pull out her wand.
"Can you shut that whiny unpleasent voice?" Hermione spat becoming defensive. She was a newborn already going through 10 times more than any other baby. She was perfectly entitled to cry a little from the turbulance.
Draco ignored the stupid man rocking Ara back and forth distracting her by pointing to the clouds outside. Hermione also took Draco's lead ignoring the man's snide comments and instead focusing on her daughter.
Before they landed Ara started crying loudly again from the pressure changes. Hermione stroked her head whispering softly to her.
"Does your fucking baby have an off button? Because we'd all like to slap it right now." the man jeered his hands covering his ears.
Draco jerked over Hermione, his stormy grey eyes glowering at the man. "Keep your trap shut about my daughter, or I'll see to it that you regret ever being born."
Hermione and Draco carried their daughter out of the airport and took the cab to the appartment/hotel. Draco still grumbling about that 'stupid muggle' 'foolish bastard' 'big mouth muggle' cursing inside the cab.
Hermione was relieved to reach their accomodation, just a short walk away from the beach. They checked in and entered their new location for the time being.
The week passed smoothly with no more letters from Lestrange and no visit from Harry. Draco, Hermione and Ara visited the many restaurants, beaches, shops and pools taking in the beauty of Spain. Hermione brought along her muggle camera intending to capture every wonderful moment to scrapbook later on.
When she was alone, she had time to reflect and think. And that was always the darkest hour. She had time to think about how unfair it was that Ara was forced to grow up with people out to kill and harm her. That she had to grow up with a very life-threatening childhood. What kind of mother was she to bring her child willingly into a world, where she knew she would be never regretted having her, she just wished she could give her a better life.
Into their second week on the run, Harry visited early Wednesday morning at 4:30 am. He knocked softly on their bedroom balcony door so as not to cause a ruckus.
Draco began to stir raising his head to glance at the sound. His blood went cold when he heard the knocking continue, waking Hermione up quietly.
They both shared a glance, picking up their wands and pointing it towards the door ready to pull away the curtains. As soon as they yanked it open, Draco yelled a binding spell and Hermione disarmed him. They cautiously opened the door, not releasing him when they noticed it was Harry.
"Where did we stay the last time Harry Potter came to visit us?" Draco asked his wand pointed at Harry's face.
"Taiga Forest." was his reply. Draco nodded curtly before untying him and Hermione handed him his wand back.
"You really should let us know before you come knocking at the crack of dawn." Draco muttered as they quickly ushered him inside.
"And if Lestrange caught wind of our arrangement? No, it has to be random and carefully planned otherwise you could be letting in Lestrange with my face on." Harry said gruffly plopping on their bed. He scanned Draco's boxer clad form and a yawning Hermione before leaping off the bed. "I sincerely hope I did not just sit on sacred ground." he said disgusted.
Draco grinned cockily, Hermione rolling her eyes at the men. "Please Harry, if you're that uncomfortable just stand." Hermione said growing irritated.
Harry stood feeling awkward as he wiped his arse thoroughly. He cleared his throat before turning serious. "Your family members and close friends figured out the obvious since Lestrange's attack and have stayed off the radar so as not to give Lestrange a reason to seek them out at torture them for your whereabouts."
Hermione's face turned mortified as she rubbed her forehead. Draco looked worried too, wrapping a comforting arm around Hermione.
"I really didn't want anyone to get hurt. Tell me your family is okay." Hermione said feeling the stress overwhelming her.
"They're fine. Ginny's freaking out about how you guys had to suddenly leave. I feel bad that I can't tell her anything." Harry said rubbing his growing beard. "Thalia is back to work at the ministry at the department of transportation. I've asked Percy to keep an eye for any odd behaviour and to give me updates."
"I really have a horrid feeling about how there's people from the inside of the ministry. Valentina Simmons...if she was somehow manipulated or forced by Lestrange when she was kidnapped, to harm the children at the school, this could be even worse than we anticipated. And nothing has happened yet, but I think we need to go far back to figure out how they would go about harming the kids. All the way back to when Draco and I were in our last year. Dragons, acromantula dementors...all getting into the school. There had to be some trick to getting them inside." Hermione said pacing back and forth, thinking hard.
"The Hogwarts wards are very strong and there must have been some loophole he discovered to get things in and out." Harry looked at his shoes turning to face Draco. "I'm not accusing you, but can you explain again how you brought the death eaters in during our 7th year?"
Draco subconsciously rubbed his dark mark scar and also looked looked down before responding. "I fixed the damn cabinet, spending weeks trying to repair it and accomplish the task the Dark Lord had assigned me. Then once it worked, I put the rest of the plan in motion and brought the death eaters in from Borgin and Burkes."
Hermione felt her heart break over and over again when she heard horrifying stories from the war or Draco's sad childhood. She squeezed his arm bringing him back from his trance. All war victims and fighters tended to go into trances after discussing it or talking about. It seemed to trigger memories that they were all forced to relive and watch in their minds. Trapped in the battle forever.
Draco shook his head and looked at Hermione who smiled at him warmly. He squeezed her hand back turning to face Harry.
"But when Crabbe set the fiendfyre loose, along with plenty of things, I expect it was destroyed in the fire." Draco said sighing.
Harry nodded thinking hard. "There must be something or someway that Lestrange is doing all this. The dragons that nearly killed everyone, the acromantula that injured many...it's not realistic."
"We're witches and wizards Harry, living in a world of magic. Nothing is realistic." Hermione consoled. When Ara began crying for her morning feeding, Harry promised to return later that week to give updates.
"Harry...how did you find us?" Hermione said eyeing him nervously. "We didn't give you our location." In a second, Draco and Hermione had their wands pointed at him.
Harry raised one hand, using his other to pull out a book before handing it to Hermione. "You dropped your book on world travel, opened to the page on Spain. When I returned to Taiga, I figured you had left it behind and went to the nearest airport finding the most recent flight to Spain. From there, bribing got me here. So," Harry said his eyes sternly staring them down. "Be very careful when you leave, leave no trace behind! What did Moody used to say? Constant Vigilance!" Harry scolded before waving goodbye and apparating away.
Hermione sighed going to feed Ara, Draco following close behind her. She picked up her crying daughter who stopped as soon as she saw her mother. Hermione rocked her slowly on the chair feeding her.
Draco leaned against the doorframe watching as the pair of them. "We were careless. I can't believe we forgot something so stupid as a book."
"We'll do better. We have to do better." Hermione said never moving her eyes from her now sleeping daughter. Draco moved towards them, kneeling next to the chair. He took one of Ara's hands in his own, and wrapped his arm around Hermione.
Draco murmured leaning his head against her. "I know. I know."
Draco and Hermione left Spain the next day, making sure to double check the room twice before heading to the airport. They decided to fly to San Francisco next, wanting to change things up a bit.
Hermione rented them a flat in San Jose for their stay. Draco continued to be completely amazed at the workings of muggle things. He gaped at the automatic doors, stared at the escalators, eyed the tv screen with an impressed face and stopped to ogle at the ringing telephone.
"We are definitely raising Ara to be aware and educated with muggle things." Hermione laughed as Draco jumped when the elevator started moving upwards in their flat.
Draco frowned and began pressing several buttons on the wall, causing several muggles to stare at him strangely. Hermione elbowed him hard in the ribs.
"Are you from out of town?" a nosy muggle with bright blond hair and ugly pink highlights asked snapping her gum loudly.
Hermione and Draco stared a look before bursting out laughing, giving the muggles even more reason to stare.
Once they reached their floor, Hermione led them to their room just as Ara began waking up. As soon as her tiny mouth opened she began screaming surprisingly loud for a child with such little lungs.
Draco pulled out a bottle feeding it to Ara who gulped it up eagerly. Hermione smiled kissing her cheek. Draco pulled her in for a deep kiss with him, Ara drinking without a care in the world in between them.
Draco's free hand rested on her bottom pulling her towards him. She wrapped her arms around his neck kissing him hungrily, loving the feeling of his tongue massaging hers. When Ara began to whine from being crushed, they parted much to Draco's dismay.
The next day, Hermione insisted they see the Golden Gate Bridge. She purchased a rental car showing her muggle license after digging for it in their backpacks.
"You really brought everything." Draco said watching as Hermione slid into the driver's seat after yanking out a baby car seat from Draco's bag and strapping Ara in. "You know how to work this thing right?" Draco asked nervously checking on Ara while Hermione rolled her eyes, reached over and buckled Draco in.
"Flying a damn broom may be your thing and I have trusted you to fly it on several occasions but trust me Draco, I can drive a muggle car." Hermione grinned starting the engine.
Draco stared outside the window quite enjoying his ride around the city. He had to admit he was rather fascinated and impressed with the level of efficiency muggles had with their many contraptions. Not as efficient and ergonomic as wizarding things but it still got the job done with minimal effort.
When they arrived at the bridge Draco asked Hermione why it was so popular if it was just a connector from one place to another, he regretted it immediately.
Hermione began going off on a lecture about the history of the Golden Gate Bridge, it's purpose, how it was built, when it was built, who built it, it's reasons for be a sightseeing place and the historical value of it.
"Hermione, I really don't care I just wanted to know why freaking muggles come all the way here to stare at a damn bridge." Draco said once they reached the water beside it. Hermione frowned and put her hands on her hips.
"I was telling you why Draco." Hermione huffed pulling out her camera and motioning for Draco to stand with Ara there.
Draco had the jolly jumper on with Ara in it. He stood in front of the pointless bridge and raised Ara's hands smiling widely at the camera. An older women offered to take pictures for them and Hermione politely accepted. She jogged over to where Draco and Ara stood, wrapping her arm around his waist. They smiled happily as the woman took the photo.
Afterwards, they also visited the World's Crookedest Street and finished off the day eating by a harbour.
It was late that night when Ara gave a loud cry. A different cry. Not a 'i'm hungry' cry or a 'i need a diaper change' cry or 'i want mommy/daddy' cry but a fearful cry. Hermione and Draco jumped out of bed quickly pulling on their clothes which were strewn around the floor. Draco got there first stopping Hermione from racing in. He motioned for her to stay quiet as they approached.
"It's a damn skunk. How the ruddy hell did a skunk get in here?" Draco cursed. Ara continued to wail in fright as the skunk stalked towards her, it's eyes narrowed with ferocity. Ara's crying tugged at Draco's heart similar to Hermione's crying. The skunk seemed almost feral as it approached a terrified Ara whose cries grew louder as it bared its teeth. Hermione couldn't help herself as she tore at the skunk aiming a hex that would have hit, if the skunk hadn't turned with a shocking speed before spraying both Hermione and Draco with it's stink. They coughed and gagged still aiming hexes as the animal ran away. Draco followed it making sure it left their flat. Before the skunk exited, it turned and snarled at Draco before trotting away.
Draco returned to the small bedroom where Hermione was whispering to Ara trying to comfort her as her cries subsided. Ara was strangely quiet the following day, even when Draco tried to cheer her up with her stuffed lion.
Hermione grew anxious when Ara didn't have much of an appetite. "Draco, maybe we should take her to the doctor."
Draco too was growing worried when his daughter stared blankly at the toy.
They decided to wait until tomorrow before risking bringing Ara to visit a muggle doctor. They made their way to the grocery store to pick up a few things, in case they suddenly had to leave again.
On their way home, Ara cried for the first time since last night. Her fearful cries rang in the air as they stopped to console her. Hermione growled when she spotted the wretched skunk a few steps behind them. She and Draco picked up their pace putting distance between Ara and the skunk. Ara seemed to be truly traumatized from last night which only added to their worry.
As soon as they turned the corner, Hermione went flying into the nearest wall. She used her body to protect Ara as best as she could taking most of the hit herself. Draco watched in fright as her shoulder dislocated itself and a cut on her head begin gushing blood.
He whipped around to see Yaxley an ex-death eater standing there, his wand out raised to send another hex their way. Draco used his body to body check him down, sending them both toppling onto the ground. Draco tried to disarm him but Yaxley was surprisingly strong for his age. He wrapped his arm around Draco's neck standing them both up, using his knee to hit his wrist which gave a painful crack. He cried as he dropped his wand. He couldn't see Hermione and Ara from here and he hoped Yaxley couldn't either.
Yaxley dug his wand into Draco's temple walking him forward as Draco struggled against his firm hold. Yaxley reached where Hermione and Ara had hit the wall but they were no longer there, relief spreading through Draco's veins. Yaxley began wrenching his arm tighter against Draco's throat, making his vision blurry. Yaxley was suddenly thrown away from him as he smacked hard into a lampost.
Hermione's warm hand began pulling him towards their flat at a run while he was still coughing and gasping for air. They grabbed their barely unpacked stuff and Draco apparated them to the airport. Hermione spent 20 minutes bickering with the clerk when she claimed they didn't have any more available seating in any of the places they wanted to go. Thankfully no one questioned their injuries.
Draco glared at the unhelpful women and took Hermione's hand and leading them to a secluded area, checking over his shoulder for any sign of Yaxley. He remembered the harbour they had dinner at and apparated them there. They bought tickets from a 24/7 ferry boat counter to the next city where hopefully their airport had available seats.
Draco and Hermione sat down exhausted at the bottom deck in a corner absolutely drained. No one else was in their compartment when the ferry boat began sailing. Draco healed Hermione's wounds while she healed his. She began breastfeeding Ara, closing her eyes and leaning back.
Draco rested a hand on her thigh leaning in next to her. Without opening her eyes she placed one of her hands on top of his.
"How much longer do we have to keep living like this? How much longer can we keep going?" Hermione said quietly her voice breaking from tears of frustration.
Draco stared at the ceiling flipping his hand so their fingers were interlocked. "I don't know Mya. I don't know."
Author's Note
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