~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Seraphina POV~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I woke up with Blaise's arms around me. I felt so safe and warm. I was so worried about what I have to tell him. I rolled over so I was facing him. I snuggled in close listening to his heart beat. "I love you, beautiful." He mumbled in his sexy morning voice.
"I love you too." I replied
There was comfortable silence between us. I could have stayed like this forever. Blaise broke the silence. "Baby, I have a very important question." He still had his eyes closed making me think he was still sleeping.
"What love?"
He smiled, sat up, pulled his hand from behind his back and opened a little black box. "I know we both aren't ready to be engaged but I can't go another day without knowing that I have made this promise to you. I want to promise you that I will be faithful to you and only you and that I will someday, hopefully soon, be Mrs Seraphina Zambini. But for now, will you Miss Harlow accept my promise?"
I couldn't believe it. My heart was pounding. I couldn't believe it this is what I wanted and I will always want. But I knew I had to tell him before I accepted his promise. I sat up to but I couldn't look him in the eyes. "I have to tell you something first." Blaise's face dropped. I could tell he was afraid of what I might have to tell him. "What I am about to tell you will change everything and I hope you will understand."
"Baby, what is going on?" I still couldn't look him in the eyes. He obviously couldn't stand it anymore and tilted my chin up. "No matter what you are going to tell me. I will always love you."
"I'm going to hold you to that." I quietly chuckled and got up walking to the mirror in our room. "I know you said you didn't want this but we...I'm pre- pregnant." I put my head down and a tear fell from my eye. I new that with in the next minute the family curse would kick in. I was going to look 6 month pregnant. What else could go wrong.
Blaise was quiet. He took a deep breath in then came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me. "I told you Nina. I will never leave you. I love you and our..." He was paused by the evident bump that was growing under his hands. He pulled away with a worried look. "Nina, how long have you been hiding from me?" He asked with concern.
I smiled. "My family is cursed to be this big from the moment our lover knows. It is suppose to remind us that our life is no longer ours. We are to dedicate all of ourselves to the child. And to answer your question I'm only a few weeks a long." He had put his hands back on my belly and his chin in the crook of my neck. It felt so right. He was quiet again. All of a sudden he walked in front of me and knelt down on one knee.
"Will you please accept my promise?" He almost whispered. Looking at me. I mean at all of me. He lingered a moment longer on our baby and smiled.
I smiled at this. "Of course. I do love you."
"and I love you." Blaise slipped the promise ring onto my finger and kissed my hand. "How are we going to tell your family without you or me getting killed?"
I chuckled knowing he was right this was going to be really scary. "How about we hold off on that and just spend most of the day in here together?"
"That sounds amazing." He softly kissed me on the lips.
"You know just because I am pregnant it doesn't mean that I am all of a sudden fragile." I said smiling up at him pulling his shirt down so our lips met again. This time with more passion and I couldn't help but smile into our kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck. I couldn't help but feel a little sad about not being able to be as close to him as before but he pulled me as close as he could. I think he was thinking the same thing.
Blaise led me back to our bed. Before we fell back asleep he asked two more questions. "Baby, I have two questions."
I turned to face him. "Of course."
His hands went back down to our baby. He was defiantly still in shock. "When are you due and boy or girl?"
I couldn't help but smile again and place my hand on his. "I'm due on June 3 and I don't know. We have to wait and come up with a name." I smiled thinking that this was just to good to be true. I was with the one I love and we are having a baby.
"Roll back over baby. You and our little one need rest. When we wake up again I'll call for some food." Blaise kissed me before I obeyed. "I love you."
"I love you too. Just please know that I can still take care of myself I don't need to be locked up in a room not to be seen."
"But you need to stay safe."
"B, I can take care of myself. How about we compromise. I will be careful and not go anywhere without one of our group with me and I will keep my wand with me as well."
"Nina, as long as once you hit 6 months you don't leave my side. I'm going to assume that the this curse means you will...well...grow again."
"Yes, you are right. I do need a bit of wiggle room we don't have the same classes."
"We can work on this when it becomes time." I nodded and snuggled closer to Blaise. I was almost asleep when he whispered in my ear. I'm sure he was hoping I was asleep because what he said was certainly was not what I though would go through his mind. "What about Valeri?" I didn't respond letting him drift off to sleep with his arm draped over me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Back to Hermione's POV~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thankfully nothing happened last night. I picked up my wrist and looked at the bracelet. I was a charm bracelet. I noticed that it has a "D" on it and Slytherin green bead next to it. I couldn't help but laugh. I walked out to the kitchen to make breakfast. In the fridge there was bacon and sausage. Turning on the fire I began to cook. I was glad that the game was letting me be so far away from Draco. Maybe it knew I was hungry.
A door opened across the room. "That smells delicious 'mione. What can I help with?" Bella asked.
"Could you start with some eggs."
"Sure scrambled?" Bella asked as she began to crack the eggs into a bowl.
"I think that will be best."
"Morning, Granger. I will be back Bella then we can be stuck together all day." Rowland said.
Bella crossed her arms. "Where are you going brother dear?"
"I am going up to the house and getting the mail. Mum had a meeting this morning so Tobias will be alone. He should be here too." Rowland said.
"Okay don't be long. Breakfast is almost ready."
"Did I hear food?" came Theo who had just rolled out of bed coming out in his boxers, being a typical man not caring what he was wearing.
"Yes could you please set the table after you put on cloths?" I asked.
"Couldn't we get the house elves to do it? And Granger do you have a problem with me being in my boxers?" Theo whined.
Astoria tapped him on the shoulder and when he turned around she put plates and silverware in his hands. Then tapped her wand on his head causing pajama bottoms to appear. "That isn't an option. Hermione and Bella cooked the least we can do is set the table." Astoria turned back to the girls. "Sorry about him he is lazy."
They all burst out laughing. "What is so funny?" Draco had walked out of his room still without a shirt. I turned back to the bacon pretending that my cheeks weren't turning red.
"Nothing just making fun of how lazy boys are." Bella joked
Draco rolled his eyes and grabbed the glasses from Astoria and took them to the table. Soon footsteps were heard running down the hallway. "GOOD MORNING!" the little 11 year-old yelled.
"Shhhh. Tobias, Nina and Blaise are still sleeping."
"Sorry." He apologized sheepishly. "Hermione, I have two letters for you. A bloody bird ran into our unopened window."
I laughed knowing the letter was from the Burrow. "Thank you Tobias." I held out my hand to take them.
"Cool charm bracelet. Wait all the girls have one. You played truth or challenge again didn't you?" Tobias asked
We looked at each other. "How do you know what that game is young man?" Bella crossed her arms.
"Ooo, look at the food. I'll help take it to the table." And with that the little boy bobbed our of the room avoiding his sisters question.
Bella was frustrated "That little bugger. He's not getting off that easily."
"How about after breakfast. I would like to eat without all of us arguing." Astoria suggested.
Rowland appeared in front of the girls. "We have a problem. Wake Nina and Blaise." Rowland instructed his sister.
"What is wrong? I would prefer not to wake the sleeping if I can avoid it." Bella retorted still being upset from Tobias wasn't helping.
Rowland decided he would do it himself and strode over the Blaise's door. But before he could open it Bella was in front of him. "Tell me what is going on now!" She demanded.
Rowland growled "Fine you want to know. Everyone has been told they have to go back to Hogwarts if they are 17 to 21. That is what this letter says. But this one from mom explains why. They are pairing us off. Making us marry and have kids within the next two years we have to have started...A FAMILY! The worst is this was already passed without any of our knowledge and the contraception spells were rendered useless 4 weeks ago. I'm 99% sure Nina will be pregnant. If so she better hope Blaise is her true love or else they will be ripped apart by this. The bracelets that you are wearing aren't apart of the game. The ministry is marking the girls. The charms tell about the girl about her mate." I looked down at my wrist thinking about who the boy was. "Now can I wake her up?" He growled and Bella nodded.
Rowland burst open the door to find Nina fast asleep with a dramatic bump. Blaise's eyes shot open he signaled for them to be quiet and got up walking out of the room closing the door behind him.
Blaise sighed. "This wasn't the way we wanted to let you know." He couldn't look anyone in the eye.
"Blaise it's not your fault. Four weeks ago the contraception spells stopped working. Well they were countered." I tried to explain.
"What?" Blaise was thoroughly confused.
"Let me wake my sister and we can all talk over breakfast." Rowland said.
We all headed to the table. I filled my plate knowing this was going to be a long discussion. "Good morning Nina." I said as she walked in. She was glowing but was worried and with good reason.
"Good morning, 'mione. Sleep well?"
"I slept fine, thank you." I smiled as she took the seat between myself and Blaise. He took her hand instinctively knowing that what was to come was going to upset her.
Rowland explained everything again and the room erupted. "Shut it. You lot meaning the boy have hardly anything to worry about. We are holding clues to our mates and to be honest that scares me more." Bella admitted
"Why is that because you have never held an actually boyfriend little miss book worm? You have nothing to lose." Malfoy spat.
"Malfoy be nice. Just because you wont be able to sleep around any more you shouldn't get your wand in a twist." I spat at him defending my cousin.
"I may not have much but looking at my charms the guy is in Gryffindor and his name begins with an "R" this could be his first or last name. Hermione, you and I will have to talk and maybe you could help me?" Bella asked me for help. I nodded in agreement.
"ha ha ha maybe you'll be stuck with Weaselbee." Malfoy laughed. Bella and I glared at him.
The room went silent with people just staring at each other. "Well lets think about it this way. I wont be the youngest in the family any more. And this is something that you don't have a choice so why don't we just enjoy the last 4 days having fun." Tobias joked. Surprisingly everyone in the family laughed.
"That is what you would get out of this whole craziness." Nina got up and pulled her brother into a hug. "Also he has a point there is nothing we can do. Let's just finish out the challenge first. Maybe play a bit of quidditch?" She asked hoping to distract the boys.
"I like that idea but no Nina, baby, you can't play." Blaise said kissing her forehead.
"I got it. I promise I wont play. Can I be referee from the ground?"
"If you two would get out of your own little world you would realize none of us agreed to play." Malfoy interjected rudely.
"You may not have but I am we need to practice Mr Captain." Theo made a good point. If they even want a chance to beat us they need to practice. I though about how much the Harry, Ron and Ginny had been practicing.
"Fine." He magically changed into his quidditch gear and summoned his broom. "Well what are you waiting for lets go." He ordered. I petty the girl who has to marry him he is was to I'm better than you idea. I hope whoever it is can knock him down a peg or two.
I went to my room and changed into a cut off t-shirt and jean washed shorts. I grabbed a muggle book I had been reading called The Watcher. It had just come out this year. I was hocked within the first few pages. There was a knock on my door. "'Mione, are you ready. I really don't want to be stuck on the ground all by myself." Nina whined.
"I'm coming." I opened the door and looked her up and down. Then I notice the ring on her finger. I grabbed her hand to look at it. "I'm hopping this is a promise ring. I don't think you both are ready for anything more."
"Hermione, I think we have something a lot harder on our plate." she replied looking down at her now huge belly. "I look like a balloon. Every time B whispers that I'm beautiful I feel like he is just pulling my leg. I use to be so fit and now I am fat. Oh no the hormones are kicking in please stop me."
I couldn't help it I burst out laughing. "Nina, you are glowing and don't get upset just go with the flow." I tried to calm my cousin down. "Let's go watch the others play. I'm sure they will be funny."
Sure enough when we got outside the boys were fighting over teams. "Shut it. I will pick them" Nina yelled.
"Oh no you wont because you will stack Blaise's team. Hermione you pick." Theo said.
"Umm I don't know much about quidditch but I will try. Umm ..."
"Well look who finally woke up?" Blaise joked.
"What. I had a great night with Granger." The crew laughed at Goyle
"No, you didn't you filth. You spent it in the closet." I spat.
Everything must have come flooding back to him. "You tricked me!"
I smirked. Wait I didn't just do a normal smirk I did a Malfoy one. Kill me now. "I must have some Slytherin in me then."
"I guess you do. So what are we doing?"
"What do you think idiot? Hermione please get back to making the teams."
"Sure...Umm... Rowland(Chaser), Astoria(Chaser), Theo(Keeper), Draco(Seeker) and Tobias(Seeker), Blaise(Chaser), Goyle(Keeper), Bella(Chaser)." They seemed fairly content with my choices. They began the game. I watched as they flew around the pitch. I couldn't help but watch Draco fly effortlessly around looking for the snitch. Shoot did I just call Malfoy by his first name. I'm going crazy. I shook my head.
"You know if I didn't know any better. I would think you fancied Draco." Nina commented with a smirk. "I saw you smirk at Goyle. We are rubbing off on you."
"I think you are. Oh shoot I forgot I got letters." I scrambled and pulled out the two letters.
Hermione,
I hope your summer is going well. I wish you could come over for a bit. I miss having girl talk. I'm going to apologize for my brothers idiocy. I do want to know your side of the story. Write soon. I hope you are safe.
Ginny
I laughed and wrote a quick responce. "Do you think Rowland would let me go to the Burrow for a day?"
"Not alone. I would go with you but I think Blaise would throw a fit. Maybe Bella would." Nina suggested.
I decided I would tell her I could come over tomorrow and I would ask Bella to come with me. Opening the second letter I recognized it from George.
HERMIONE!
I heard you were with Malfoy. I'm sending you some of my favorite tricks for your enjoyment. Oh and I will be returning to Hogwarts! I'm excited to play tricks again but I need a partner in crime. Since you are turning over a new leaf maybe you would like to help. Well we I'm sure will talk soon.
Always
George
I couldn't help but laugh as I took a look at what he sent me. Simple but funny tricks. I mean if Goyle doesn't back off the boil one will come in handy.
"Your friends do sure care." Nina was referring to the pranks.
"George has a good since of humor."
"I bet I would like to meet him some time. I could use a good joke."
"He is coming back to Hogwarts. I can introduce you. Though I have to warn you he will probably make a comment about the baby and you being a Slytherin." I warned her.
"I'm sure it will be one I have already heard. Remember I was friends with Parkinson."
"How could I forget." I remembered all the times they picked on me.
"I am truly sorry cousin." Nina had a look of regret.
"I accept and I'm sure we can send a payback or two her way before the end of the school year." I pulled Nina to me. "Now let's just have fun."
And that is what they did. When the day was done they group chose to stay in the hideout for another night. They all ended up sleeping in the common room.