Hey Guys! Here is the next update!
The final practice before the Charity Match was on Friday. Gwenog Jones had split the day so that The Mighty Manticores would practice in the morning and The Fearsome Firebirds in the afternoon.
It was 7 that morning when Hermione woke up to an empty bed. She furrowed her brow and got up. After slipping on one of Draco's tees and some shorts, she made her way down to the kitchen, where Draco was making breakfast.
She smiled, leaning against the cabinets as she watched him for a moment, simply enjoying the sight. Hermione pushed off the cabinets and made her way over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind.
He grinned, "Good morning, Love. I was going to bring you breakfast in bed." He said as he magically flipped the sausage in the skillet with his wand.
She smiled, pressing her lips to his back before saying, "Good morning and thank you, but I'll eat down here."
He nodded and turned to face her, "So, you're going to be at the stadium all day, right?" He asked.
She nodded, "Yes. So that I don't appear to show favor for either team…outwardly." She smirked.
He chuckled, "So then, who are you cheering for…inwardly?" He asked.
She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck and smiled, "You…always you, Draco."
He leaned down while flicking his wand to turn off the stove before kissing her lips.
They enjoyed breakfast before going back upstairs. Draco laid on the bed and watched as Hermione got ready for the day.
"I'll be there around noon." He said, "Would you like me to bring you some lunch?"
"I'd love that, but it's probably not the best idea." She said as she pulled her hair up into a ponytail, "So I'll eat whatever Gwenog is ordering for the workers today. Since she offered to do so." She shrugged.
He nodded, "That works. I'll eat something here and be there to warm up before practice begins at 1."
She looked in the mirror and nodded at her light pink blouse, grey capris, and subtle makeup.
"You look beautiful, Darling." Draco said, getting up and walking over to her.
She smiled, a small blush appearing on her cheeks, "Thank you, Love."
He wrapped his arms around her, placing his hand on her lower stomach, "Be careful today, yeah?" He said, meeting her eyes in the reflection of the mirror.
She reached up, cupping the side of his face as she nodded, "I will, Love. Don't worry." She said, placing her other hand over his.
He nodded and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, "I love you."
"I love you too, Draco."
A while later, she was she standing on the Pitch with Gwenog Jones when Astoria arrived, smiling, with a red rose in hand. She had clearly dressed up a bit and made her way over to Hermione.
"Hey Astoria!" Hermione smiled, figuring that the rose was for Cho.
"Hi Hermione!" The younger Greengrass sister said as the team landed on the Pitch for a break. "Is it alright if I talk with you in a moment?"
Hermione nodded and watched as she walked over to Cho, who furrowed her brow in response.
Hermione couldn't hear what was being said but by the way Cho was acting and Astoria was reacting, she could easily see that Draco had been correct about Cho.
When Cho laughed, Astoria walked back over to Hermione, rose still in hand, and cleared her throat, "I erm…I actually forgot that I have some things to do…" She said, her voice full of emotions as tears pricked at her eyes. "I'll speak with you later, Hermione, yeah?"
Hermione nodded but Astoria simply left before getting a response.
The brunette looked over at Cho who was smirking, talking to Alicia Spinnet. Hermione wanted nothing more than to use some nasty charms on the Quidditch Player to rid her of that smirk, but she knew better.
Half an hour before noon, The Mighty Manticores left the stadium, leaving time for the Hermione, Gwenog, and the other workers to eat lunch before The Fearsome Firebirds began to arrive at noon.
When Draco arrived, it had just turned noon and he went to find Hermione. He spotted her on the Pitch, making notes on her notepad. He noticed that she appeared to be rather upset so, when she looked up from the notepad, he discreetly nodded for her to meet him in the same Private Box they had met in before.
When he entered the box, he paced a bit, feeling concerned until she arrived.
"What's wrong? Are you okay?" He asked after she shut the door.
She exhaled, "I'm furious with Cho."
With a furrowed brow, he asked, "Why?"
"Something happened with Astoria." She said before going into detail about the scene at the morning practice.
"Merlin! Chang is such an utter bitch!" Draco growled, fury surging through him.
"So, it appears." Hermione nodded, worried about Astoria. "I didn't get to talk with Astoria afterwards. She left in such a hurry, and I'm really concerned, Draco." She said, looking at him.
He nodded and glanced at his wristwatch, sighing, "I've got 40 minutes until practice begins. I'm going to pop over to Astoria's house and speak with her. I just hope she's there." He said, muttering the last part of his statement.
She nodded, "Okay, but I'm going with you."
He looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding, "Okay."
Draco pulled her close and Apparated them to the Astoria's house, which was also in Montrose, Scotland.
They found the green-eyed witch sobbing on her bed when they arrived.
"Tori." Draco said, pressing a kiss to Hermoine's forehead before rushing over to Astoria. "What happened?" He asked, sitting on the bed.
Tori sniffed, "You were right, Draco." She said in a broken voice. "She…she is such a…" She shook her head emotionally.
He nodded, "What's did Chang do, Tori? What did she say to you?"
"We slept together the other night." She said, sniffing, "I thought…she acted like it was special but…" She shook her head, "and then today, when I took her a flower, she laughed in my face and told me I was pathetic. She said that it had been a one-time thing and that she had regretted it immediately." She sighed, "If she wanted it to be a one-time thing, then fine, but why did she have to laugh in my face and call me pathetic, Draco?"
Draco shook his head, "Tori, you are not pathetic. Chang is the one that's pathetic. She thinks that the best thing to do is shag whomever she can and then move on. She doesn't believe in love, and you do. She's pathetic, but is too scared to admit the truth, even to herself. She's a bitch, Tori. You have a good heart, and you just need to find someone who will see that." He said, looking into her sad green eyes.
She sobbed, leaning against his shoulder. "I feel like a complete fool." She whispered.
Hermione felt awful for the other witch as Draco spoke up, "You're no fool. You just always try to find the good in people…even when there's none to be found."
Sniffing, Astoria said, "I just really need to get my mind off of her."
Draco sighed and looked over at Hermione, unsure of what to do since he had to be at practice momentarily.
"Astoria." Hermione said, stepping closer. "Why don't you stay with me today? Cho won't be at the stadium. That team practiced in the morning, so they're gone for the day. You can help me with some of the stuff I need to get done."
"Really?" Astoria asked, "Are you sure? I'd hate to be in your way."
"You won't be. I could actually use the assistance. I need to pick up the player's jerseys today and run a few other errands." The brunette said.
Astoria smiled and nodded, "Okay. Thank you, Hermione."
The older witch nodded, "Of course. You'll be a big help."
While Astoria changed into clothes that were a bit more casual and washed her face, Draco and Hermione went into the lounge to wait for her.
"You are remarkable, you know." Draco muttered, kissing his girlfriend. "And I love you more than anything."
She smiled and looked into his eyes, "We love you too." She said quietly, placing her hand on her stomach.
He grinned and nudged her nose with his own, "You both are my entire world."
She smiled and kissed him, moving her hand up to cup his jaw.
When Astoria walked out to the lounge, she smiled, "You two are adorable."
Draco smiled and kissed Hermione's forehead, "Are you ladies ready to go?" He asked the women.
They both nodded and he Apparated them to the Magpies Stadium. They appeared in the small Private Box and Draco looked at Hermione.
"I ought to get down to the Pitch. Just let me know if either of you need anything." He said, giving Hermione a pointed look that she knew also referred to the baby.
Hermione nodded and kissed his jaw.
Draco smiled, "Dinner tonight, right?" He asked her.
She smiled, nodding, "Dinner tonight."
He grinned, winked, and left.
Hermione looked at Astoria, "Okay, so, we've got two big errands to complete today. We need to go by St. Mungo's to drop off the tickets for the orphans that are coming to the Match. After that, we need to go to the clothing shop in Diagon Alley and pick up the player's jerseys." She said.
Astoria nodded, "So, where are the orphans going to be sitting?" she asked as the two of them made their way out of the small Private Box and along the corridor.
"Private box number 5." Hermione said. "It's one of the largest ones and I truly hope they'll need that much space. I'm not sure how many will…"
"Oy, Hermione!" They both heard.
Hermione turned to see Ginny jogging over to her.
"Hey Gin." Hermione smiled, "What do you need?"
Ginny furrowed her brow, confused because Hermione was walking with Astoria, someone they had never really liked before.
"Erm…yeah…two things. Tonight, Blaise and I would like to invite you over to dinner. Blaise has a friend he wants you to meet. I have nothing to do with it. Also…" She said quickly before Hermione could object, "Harry is vomiting on the Pitch. Do you happen to have anything that might help? I think he must have gotten sloshed last night after you left his place."
Hermione exhaled, feeling bad about Harry, "I don't have any potions or anything, no. But you could try the charm. It should help a bit. And I can't come over tonight. I've got plans."
"With whom?" Ginny asked.
"With me." Astoria said quickly, knowing Hermione had plans with Draco but that she couldn't say that. "I'm sort of going through something right now and Hermione here, is being so kind and agreed to have dinner with me to help keep my mind off it."
Ginny nodded, inhaling, "Well…okay then. I'll let Blaise know." She shrugged, "Maybe Malfoy will come over."
"He's having dinner with us and my sister." Astoria said, hoping she didn't overstep.
Ginny clenched her jaw and Hermione could tell that her friend with getting upset.
"Gin, you and I will get together on Monday, okay? We can bum around Diagon Alley or Muggle London all day and just spend time together."
Ginny nodded, "Fine." She said before turning on her heel walking away.
Hermione exhaled and nodded for Astoria to come along.
"I'm sorry." Astoria said. "I hope I didn't do anything wrong."
Hermione shook her head, "No. You really helped. I didn't know what to say to her."
With a nod, the younger witch asked where the tickets were.
"They're at Draco's house. We're going to Floo there."
When they arrived at Draco's house, Hermione grabbed the box of tickets for the orphans and they each floo'd to St. Mungo's.
That stop didn't take long, and when they finished, they floo'd to The Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley.
As they strolled towards the clothing shop, Hermione looked over at Astoria. "You know, Astoria, you are welcome to join us in the Player's Box during the Match. So is Daphne. You can both even bring someone each…should you decide to."
The green-eyed witch smiled, "That is so kind of you, Hermione. Thank you. I'll let Daphne know, though I doubt that I'll be bringing anyone."
Meeting her eyes, Hermione stopped walking, "Cho missed out, Astoria." She said, "I know that we are just beginning to get to know one another, but you are a generous, caring person and she really missed out." She said with a kind smile.
Astoria smiled, "Thank you, Hermione. That really means a lot to me. I'm so glad that you…" She paused and glanced around to make sure that no one was listening, "I'm just…I'm so happy that you are with him. I've never seen him happier than he is now. Really. He smiles so much more than he used to."
Hermione blushed, "That makes my day…to hear that. I love him so much."
When they arrived at the clothing chop, they entered the found Hannah speaking with another customer.
Astoria froze, "Hannah Abbott…" She whispered, "I hadn't placed the name with the face."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.
Astoria blushed, "I erm…I used to fancy her so much while back at Hogwarts, but I never knew her name."
With a smile, Hermione watched the other customer leave, "Okay." She said quietly, "Well, she's quite nice."
"Hi, Hermione!" Hannah said, "You're here to pick them up, correct?"
Hermione nodded, "Yes." She said with a smile. "Hannah, this is Astoria Greengrass."
Hannah nodded, smiling at Astoria, "Hi, I'm Hannah Abbott." She said and Hermione smiled to herself as they shook hands.
"I'll go get them." Hannah said before walking to the back.
The three witches looked over the jerseys. Both Hermione and Astoria were incredibly impressed and pleased with how they turned out.
"Hannah, you did a marvelous job." The brunette said as she paid her the discounted price.
"I'm thrilled that you like them."
Nodding Hermione asked, "May I use your lavatory?"
"Of course." Hannah replied.
When Hermione returned Hannah and Astoria were laughing together, clearly chatting one another up.
"Astoria, may I speak with you for a moment?" Hermione asked quietly with a kind smile.
The other witch nodded and stepped away with the brunette.
"You don't have to stay with me for the rest of the day. I'm done with my errands, and he'll be done with practice soon."
The green-eyed witch smiled and nodded, "Thank you for everything, Hermione. Hanah asked me if I'd like to get a cuppa with her so…" She blushed.
Hermione smiled, "Have fun."
Astoria nodded and hugged the brunette, startling her but Hermione hugged her back.
Hermione waved at Hannah before using her fireplace to floo back to Draco's townhouse.
She set the box of jerseys on the floor and sat down on the sofa, exhaling. She knew that she needed to get to work on sending out the last of the tickets, but she was feeling a bit nauseous. She laid down on the sofa and swiftly, unintentionally fell asleep.
When Draco arrived home, he found her sound asleep on the sofa and smiled to himself. He walked over and grabbed the blanket that was across the back of the sofa before covering her up with it.
He wanted to kiss her cheek but didn't want to wake her up, so he simply smiled at her beauty and headed upstairs to shower. Once he was freshly showered, and dressed in lounge clothes, Draco went back downstairs and got to work on sending out the rest of the tickets.
He was about halfway through when he heard her hum as she began to wake up. He stood up and walked over, crouching down in front of her.
She smiled as she barely opened her eyes, "Hey you." She said sleepily.
"Hey Darling."
Inhaling deeply, Hermione sat up, "Oh Draco, why didn't you wake me up?" She asked, seeing that he had been sending out tickets.
"You seemed like you needed to sleep, Love, and I want you to get plenty of rest." He said, making her smile.
"Draco, I'm only about a week or two along."
He shrugged, "Darling, that doesn't matter. You need to rest. It's important for both you and the baby." He said before licking his lips, "I was wondering…"
She nodded, waiting for him to continue.
"At the Nott Anniversary Bash, we'll tell them that we're together, but…when would you like to tell people about the baby?" He asked as he took a seat beside her on the sofa.
She placed her hand on his thigh, "Let's wait just a little while. I…I want to make sure everything is fine. Plus, I need to make an appointment with a Magical Obstetrician at St. Mungo's." She replied.
He nodded, "May I go with you?"
She smiled, "Of course, Draco." She said, leaning over and kissing his lips. "This is our baby."
He smiled, and nodded, "Yeah. I am just…" He shook his head. "utterly ecstatic that I'm having a family with you, Hermione. I can't wait to see you as a mother."
She felt emotional upon hearing his words, "Draco…I…" She swallowed, "I am just as excited about it. You are going to be a wonderful father. I have no doubt about that."
"Thank you. I promise to make you proud."
"Oh Love, you already do." She said before kissing him softly.
As they separated, Hermione wiped her eyes, "Okay..." She cleared her throat. "I want to show you the jerseys." She said, standing up.
She walked over and reached into the box, pulling out one of The Mighty Manticores' jerseys and a pair of the matching shorts. The right side of the jersey was brown, and the left side was golden. The shorts were brown with a golden claw on the side of each leg. The player's number and last name were in white on the back while the team's name was across the front.
"That looks great!" Draco grinned, "Despite it being the opposing team's, I like it a lot."
She laughed, "Well I think that you'll really like this one." She said, pulling his own jersey and shorts out of the box.
The jersey and shorts were both bright red with orange, and yellow flames down the sides that had blue tips. His last name and the number 05 were in white on the back while the words Fearsome Firebirds were across the chest. There was also a small purple badge on the chest with a black 'C' in it for captain.
"That is bloody awesome!" He said, standing up and walking over to her, "How do you think I'll look in red?"
Hermione smiled, looking up at him, "Utterly dashing, because I have yet to see anything that the Draco Malfoy doesn't look dashing in." she smirked. "And of course, you'll all be wearing the lime green armbands."
He chuckled, "I think we'll all look rather good."
She nodded, "I agree."
Tilting his head, Draco said, "What would you like for dinner?"
She smirked, "Breakfast."
"Breakfast?" He chuckled, "Okay, so, eggs and sausage, etcetera?"
She nodded, "Yes."
"I'll get started on it. You should go change into something more comfortable."
Their evening was spent eating dinner, sending out tickets and making love before falling asleep in one another's arms. They both knew that they needed to rest as the Match was the next day, and it would be a packed day, full of excitement.