All magical characters, world, and language belong to J.K. Rowling.

Plot comes from camnz.

Chapter Three- Memories

When Draco awoke the next morning, his wife was nestled close to him. He rolled to his side and pulled her even closer, dragging his hand along her body from her breast down to her swelling stomach. He rested his hand protectively over the new baby. Maybe he would feel the baby kick. He marveled at how he loved touching this body now that it was Hermione. When Astoria lived in it, he couldn't stand touching her. He thought about why. Astoria preened in front of the mirror. She used her body to attract attention, to manipulate people. She always presented her best side, which, to tell the truth, were her breasts. She worshiped fashion and had dressed so seductively that the Malfoys had been embarrassed.

Hermione could care less what she looked like or what she was wearing. She was uncomfortable with people who responded to her looks. Her very deep and sincere personality shone through Astoria's skin because she didn't hide herself behind glamour as Astoria had done. Hermione gave herself away and she received love in return. Hermione made this body truly beautiful in Draco's eyes.

Draco never forgot the day he realized that Hermione Granger was alive.

Ten years ago, fed up with Astoria's affairs, Draco had sent her away. His emotions had been raw with anger, despair, and humiliation. But Astoria had promptly gone missing. That wasn't like Astoria; she liked being noticed. She was vindictive and would most likely have remained nearby to cause Draco more pain. Not only was Draco worried; everyone was worried. Foul play was hinted at and Draco, of course, was the prime suspect.

In court, Harry Potter revealed that Astoria had contacted him, that she was safe, and that he had her address. Draco had been stunned. Astoria had claimed that she was really Hermione Granger, but Draco frankly had thought she was crazy. Could it all be true? Astoria had never before had anything to do with Harry Potter. Did she even know him? And why would she go to Harry Potter of all people if she were in trouble? Was Harry Potter her latest conquest?

When Draco and Narcissa arrived at Astoria's flat in Muggle London, Draco knew. This was not Astoria. This was Hermione Granger. It screamed at him from every wall even though no one was home. The flat was simple, cheap, plain. Astoria was not simple, cheap or plain. She would never live in a place like this. Draco looked at the couch, the bed, the microwave, the TV. Astoria wouldn't have slept here. She wouldn't have read those Muggle books. She wouldn't have known what a microwave or TV was for. The bathroom had no make-up or beauty products. All Draco saw was a hairbrush, a Muggle toothbrush and toothpaste. He went to the closet and peeked inside. He was afraid that he would see men's clothing. There weren't very many clothes, but all were women's clothing-Muggle clothing- jeans, skirts, scarves, and t-shirts, very casual and very cheap. These clothes screamed Hermione Granger, not Astoria Malfoy.

Draco had been toying with an electronic gadget when Astoria had unlocked the door and stood in shock at the sight of Narcissa Malfoy sitting on her chair.

"We have properties that you could have lived in." Narcissa had said.

"Yes, I know, thank you, but I wanted a bit more hustle and bustle," Astoria had replied gently.

And Draco knew. This was not Astoria. This was Hermione Granger. Hermione was living on her own in Muggle London without Malfoy money to support her. She was telling them that Astoria didn't need the Malfoys like they needed her.

At first, Draco accused Hermione of murdering Astoria, but under Veritaserum, she revealed that it had been Draco's own wish for Hermione that brought her soul from her own dead body to Astoria's revived body. How that worked, he didn't know. All he knew was that the witch he had indeed wished for was present in his wife's body. It was a miracle, and he'd better not mess this up. A witch he truly admired was part of his life and seemed willing to provide him with an heir.

He thought it would take time to win Hermione over, but she was willing to try marriage with him again. She wanted babies more than anything because she and Ron had never been able to have children, ultimately causing her breakup with Ron. Her life as an infertile Hermione Granger was now over, so now she wanted to make a success of her life as Astoria Malfoy. The primary function of a Malfoy wife was to produce an heir, but Hermione wanted more than one. She wanted a family, a happy family, a family like the Weasleys in the Burrow, and she truly believed she could have it all.

It worked. It really did. Draco loved his wife and family more than anything. She was his miracle from the gods, a second chance at life and happiness. Hermione taught Draco to trust her. Ten years of trust and love had made a happy home. She poured herself into her children and her husband. She taught the children to read and write, to sing and laugh. They went on family vacations to France and Greece and Cornwall. They took trips in Muggle London to the zoo, the cinema, the theater, the symphony, and museums. But the Malfoy family didn't really interact with other families, so Hermione was able to be herself while keeping her true identity a secret.

Draco worried that this would soon change. He did not believe the Wizard world was ready for Hermione Malfoy.

Hermione stirred in her sleep, turning toward her husband, wrapping him in her arms.