Chapter 18
Last Minute Lies
Disclaimer: This is a fanfiction based on the Harry Potter universe by J.K. Rowling. We do not own anything, except the plot and a few characters created by us to further the plot line in the future.
Based on the way today had gone, Hermione's year wasn't off to a great start. She waited in the kitchen while Narcissa played hostess to the reporters, who were setting up their stations in the Malfoy's drawing room. Hermione peered through the kitchen doors to already see eight people excluding Narcissa.
"Are you alright?" Hermione turned around to see Draco who came from the other door.
She shook her head, "No. I've never been one for sharing my private life and now everyone in the wizarding world is going to wake up tomorrow and see it on the front page."
"I'm sorry," Draco said sincerely, "At least they are publishing what we say and not what your imposter has said."
"That's the other thing. There is someone out there pretending to be me. We have no idea who it is, and why they are doing it."
"We'll find the person soon, I'm sure of it. I hate to change the subject, but can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Just so there are no more lies or assumptions, I was wondering if I could be interviewed with you?"
"You want to be apart of the interview?"
Draco rubbed his knuckles, "Well, I just thought it would show that the baby is ours and not anyone else's."
Hermione shrugged, "If you want to, you can. I am not going to stop you."
Draco smiled, "Well, then let's go get the interview done and over with."
Narcissa peaked her head through the kitchen door, "Hermione, they said they are ready for you."
Hermione nodded as she followed her out the door with Draco walking behind her. She walked into the drawing room and counted another four people, which made twelve reporters, plus Draco, Narcissa, and herself. She was never claustrophobic until now.
"Hello, everyone." Hermione said nervously.
She walked quietly over to the chair that faced the thirteen others as she smoothed her dress over her bump. She swallowed as her mouth dried up. Her palms were clammy as a flash hit her eyes.
"Who took a picture!" Hermione hissed.
A woman with a black bob smiled, "Meredith Devonshire, Witch Weekly," She addressed herself, "We were promised a feature to go with the interview."
"I never promised that!"
"I'm afraid I did, Miss Granger," Mr. Apello admitted, "It's the only way they would agree."
"Okay then," Draco clapped his hands together. "Shall we get this interview started?"
Draco pulled up an empty chair next to Hermione and sat down.
"Wait, you're both being interviewed?" Mr. Apello asked.
"Um, yes. Is that okay?" Hermione responded.
"I suppose. It's just we all prepared questions for you only."
"Well, maybe Draco can answer some of them. He is the father after all."
That remark set the interview in motion.
"Miss Granger, Alex Huick of the Daily Prophet, is Draco Malfoy the biological father of your child?"
Hermione smiled, "Yes, he is."
"Miss Granger, Lawrence Bendigo of Witch Weekly, do you know the gender of your child?"
"Yes, I am carrying a baby boy."
"Marcus Apello of The Quibbler, how many children are you currently expecting?"
"I am only pregnant with the one."
"Mr. Malfoy, Olivia Wilde from Expectant Witches, how many children do you and Miss Granger plan on having in the future?"
Draco tensed at the answer, his question was a lot harder than Hermione's were.
"No comment." Hermione interjected.
"Miss Granger, how far along are you?"
"I'll be seven months in about three days."
"Mr. Malfoy, Witch Weekly wants to know, were you and Miss Granger trying for a baby?"
"Um, no, we weren't, but it was consensual." Hermione wanted to die right then and there. She was so embarrassed.
"Miss Granger, how long were you and Mr. Malfoy together, when you conceived your child?" Marcus Apello asked.
"We weren't. And I will no longer be answering any questions about my son's conception."
Hermione in the sea of reporters saw the frizzy hair of Rita Skeeter, who was unusually silent. She hadn't asked a single question.
A random reporter raised his hand, "Miss Granger, have you chosen a name for your son?"
Hermione shook her head, "We are still working on it."
"Miss Granger, when is your due date?"
"He is supposed to be born on March 5th."
More and more questions were thrown at them and answered. Hermione and Draco answered them as calmly as possible, but there were a few that got on their nerves. The room had gone quiet after a while before Narcissa spoke, "Shall we move onto photos?"
Rita Skeeter raised her hand, as she gave a wicked smile, "I have just one question for Mr. Malfoy."
Draco raised a brow, "Yes?"
"Rita Skeeter of the Daily Prophet, Mr. Malfoy are you and Miss Granger currently in a relationship?"
Hermione froze as her head whipped to face Draco.
Draco paused, "Yes, Hermione and I are currently dating." Hermione went pale at his words.
"Excuse me." Hermione stood up and swiftly left the room.
"Pardon me," Draco left his chair as he ran after her.
Hermione was back in the kitchen as she pressed her palms against the counter. She heard the door open to see Draco raising his hands in defense.
"Don't be angry…" He began.
Hermione's eyes were full of anger, "How could you!"
"Hermione-"
"No! I did this entire thing so people would know the truth. I had to open up about everything that I've kept private and you go ahead and lie to them."
"I did it for a reason-"
"Why? So people would think you were the father?"
"I am the father, but please hear me out."
"Why should I?"
"Alright, well it would be easier, if everyone thought we were together. Eventually, they'll be articles after articles about me, about you, about our baby, and not the good kind. I'm talking about the ones that will bash our reputation.
"We didn't discuss this. You didn't even run your idea past me."
"Honestly, it was an impulsive answer, I wasn't ready for the question."
"I just wish you would've talked with me about it, because now everyone thinks we are in a romantic relationship."
"Even if I told you, I know you would turn it down right away. If we didn't answer the question now they would be on our door step next month wanting the answer. At least now they know. They know we are having a baby and they know that we are dating. It'll be a good excuse for us to be out in public together."
"Who says I want to go out in public with the likes of you?"
Draco gasped, "I'm wounded, Hermione."
"Oh, stuff it." Hermione shook her head, "Let's just go back out there and get this thing over with." The two walked back out into the drawing room to find Narcissa reorganizing a mess of empty chairs.
"What happened to the reporters?" Hermione asked.
"I sent them away," Narcissa explained, "I told them that they had enough to fill a column and asked them to leave without photos."
Hermione smiled, "Thank you Narcissa, I honestly wasn't sure I was going to be able to survive that."
Narcissa nodded as she clapped her hand together, "Well, look at the time." Narcissa said overlooking the grandfather clock. "Its half past six. Hermione dear, would you like to stay for dinner?"
"I don't want to intrude, I should probably be on my way home. You had the generosity to invite me into your home, I don't want to overstay my welcome."
"Don't be preposterous, you are always welcome."
"Hermione, you're apart of the family now, whether you want to or not." Draco joked.
Hermione smiled smally. "Well, I guess I'll stay then."
Draco returned to his room as he took a hot shower, but not before he admired his muscles in his mirror for a couple of minutes. He wasn't looking quite up to his standards, he used to play Quidditch almost everyday, but the last couple of months had been more hectic than he was expecting. He'd do his best to make more time for it.
Draco walked out of his bathroom to see a series of dress robes sprawled on his bed.
"Put it on." Narcissa said.
"Mother!" Draco cried as he tightened the towel around his waist, "Get out of here!"
"Draco we've been over this-"
"Get out now!"
"Oh honestly, there's nothing there I haven't seen-"
"Leave!" Narcissa rolled her eyes as she walked out of the room. Draco huffed as he looked at the clothes. He dropped the towel and began getting dressed when he heard a knock from his door.
"Are you decent, yet?" Narcissa questioned.
"No mother!" Draco yelled through the door.
After he buttoned the shirt, he opened the door to find his mother waiting there.
"It's about time. And they say women take forever."
"Whatever, mother, can you just tell me why you had me get all fancy?"
"You're taking Miss Granger on a date. I booked dinner reservations and you can do whatever after that."
"Mother!" Draco whined, "There is no way she'll go on a date with me. We just had a fight this afternoon because I told the press we were dating."
"Exactly, your excuse will be that it's for the press, but really it's your job to show her what a romantic you can be."
"Honestly mother, you've got to stop setting me up like this."
Narcissa shook her head, "This is all on you. You're the one that got her pregnant. You're the one that didn't wait until marriage. Your grandfather Abraxas is probably rolling over in his grave."
"I don't care if he digs a deeper hole, he was annoying."
"Draco! He's in the mausoleum outside! Ghosts have ears too!"
Draco shrugged as he grabbed a towel and patted down his hair, "So I am suppose to woo Granger?"
"I thought you agreed to call each other by your first names?"
"It's a force of habit."
"Well, hopefully you will develop a nicer one. Who knows, you might call her Lady Malfoy one day."
Draco laughed, "I didn't know you served such strong alcohol at the party last night. It appears its effects on you haven't worn off."
Narcissa glared at him, "Just get ready. When you're done, I have a gift for you to give Hermione."
"Oh yeah, because we both know she'll accept a gift from me."
"She will this one."
Draco looked at Narcissa like she was crazy. She was too confident in her matchmaking schemes.
Hermione went back to the room she slept in last night to find it organized and clean; completely opposite of how she left it. Basking in the few moments to herself, she relaxed on the bed trying to rest up when she heard a knock at her door. Getting up from her comfortable position, she walked to open it.
"Draco, what are you doing here?" Hermione asked.
Draco handed her bags, "Here, put this on and meet me at the bottom of the staircase." He walked off without another word.
Hermione took the bags and placed them on the bed; examining the contents of each contained a black formal body-forming sleeveless dress, a pastel blazer, sensible black pointed toe heels, and black floral clutch. This had Narcissa written all over it.
Hermione took a quick shower. After she finished, she started on a natural beauty make-up, and curled her hair to perfection. When her attire was complete, she walked to the staircase, to see Draco with his hair slicked back. He was well groomed: a white dress shirt and black dress robes over the top.
"You haven't worn your hair like that since 2nd year."
Draco felt self-conscious, "Does it look bad?"
Hermione shook her head, "No it doesn't, but I prefer it to be combed off to the side."
"I could go change it, just say the word." He said seriously.
"No it's fine." Hermione smiled. "But where are we going?"
"We're going out to dinner, just the two of us."
Hermione raised her brow, "You mean a date?"
Hermione liked the idea of a date. It wasn't too advanced, just a simple do-over for their relationship. She had to admit, getting all dolled up and seeing Draco so finely dressed was really fun. She hadn't had this kind of excitement in a while. Maybe giving Draco another chance wouldn't be so bad.
Draco nodded, "Yes, a date, but not a real date, a fake date."
"Oh." Hermione said, "For the press?" Her excitement faded into nothing.
"Uh, yeah. I thought it might solidify our relationship in their eyes." Draco said as he scratched the back of his neck.
Hermione looked down at her feet, "Oh, I almost forgot. Thank you for the outfit, I absolutely love it." Hermione gave a light twirl to let the dress flow outward.
"Mother picked it out, I'll make sure to tell her you liked it. I'm no good with women's clothing."
There was an awkward silence.
"So where are we going on our so-called date?" Hermione asked.
"We have dinner reservations." Draco said. "It's a new restaurant, just opened up a few months ago. I have yet to go, so it's new for the both of us."
"Does this restaurant have a name?"
"I believe it's called The Lotus. From what I have heard, its the best restaurant yet."
"I don't want to be a killjoy but, how are we gonna get there. I can tell you're not 100% sure of the name, apparition is out of the question, and I'm not walking in heels."
"Well, I have thought this through. We're driving."
"Driving!?" Hermione was shocked, "You know how to drive?"
Draco chuckled, "When I was younger, my father worked at the Ministry of Magic, I spent some time there and picked a few things up."
"Well, let's not just sit here. I'm curious to see what kind of car a pureblood elitist, like yourself, drives."
"I'm having trouble finding it, but I'm pretty sure there was an insult in your words." Hermione lightly smacked his chest as he held the front door open for her.
Draco lead Hermione outside to a beautiful black vehicle parked on the gravel. It was an older car, but finely kept if not completely restored.
"It's a 1957 BMW 502 Super," Draco explained.
Hermione was in awe. "This is your car?"
"Yeah, it's kind of been kept secret for a while."
"Draco, its beautiful. Why did you buy it?"
"When I was younger, muggle vehicles intrigued me, but as I got older they fascinated me more and more until I finally bought one my twentieth birthday. I kept it secret from my father because I knew he'd disapprove. A heavy cloaking charm pulled the wool over his eyes."
Hermione smiled, "It's nice to know you don't hate everything muggle."
"Well, shall we get going then? Don't want to miss our reservation now do we?" Draco said while extending his hand towards Hermione.
Hermione accepted his hand as he led her to the vehicle's passenger side. He opened the door and waited until she was seated before closing it and hurrying over to the the drivers side.
Draco situated himself inside the car and paused. He glanced at the wheel and the controls in front of him.
"What's the matter?" Hermione asked.
He finally found the ignition as the car roared to life.
"Just to warn you, I haven't driven this car since the day I bought it."
"You're joking right?" Hermione hoped Draco was only kidding.
He looked her straight in the eyes with the up-most serious face, before bursting out laughing. "Obviously I am only joking, why would I want to risk the life of my legacy." He gently placed his hand on Hermione's baby bump. Her eyes lit up with tension.
"I'm only gonna let this," Hermione pointed at his hand, "slide just this once. Next time, you have to ask."
Draco removed his hand, pulled the car into gear, and pulled out of the driveway. She tried to ignore the sharp kicks to her stomach, but it left a concentrated look on her face. Draco glanced at her to find her stroking her belly.
"Is everything okay?" Draco said nervously. She nodded as she removed her hand. She wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of knowing the baby recognized him.
They drove in comfortable silence as they made their way to the restaurant. It was not a long drive, so they arrived not long after. After parking, Draco walked quickly around to open Hermione's door. He offered Hermione his hand, and Hermione gladly accepted. There were flashes, coming from the background. Draco pulled Hermione closed and spun around. He embraced Hermione and whispered, "I called them, so smile, and act like we are a couple."
Draco released her from his hug, and held his hand out to Hermione and she placed her hand in his and intertwined them together.
They walked into the restaurant hand in hand.
"Do you have a reservation?" The host said.
"Yeah, reservation for Malfoy."
The host looked in the books, "Alright, Mr. Malfoy right this way." They were led to a candlelit table. The two were seated and handed menus. "The waiter will be with you momentarily." The host said before going back to their position.
Hermione began looking through the menu, debating on what to order. Draco paid no mind to the menu in front of him. He wanted to make sure that everything went perfect.
The table was separated from the rest of dining room. It was sheathed in a light gossamer curtain that secluded the area. Despite the other occupants just feet away, it was completely quiet. A silencing charm, no doubt.
"I thought you wanted our fake date to be public?" Hermione said noting the curtains.
"It can still be public without cameras completely in our faces. I wanted an opportunity to actually enjoy ourselves. The newspapers will say we had a date, but they won't know what we talked about. Plus, I know you value your privacy."
"That I do." Hermione nodded. The curtains magically opened for a young witness with zany hair. She had two glasses of water that she set before them before introducing herself.
"Good evening and welcome to The Lotus. My name is Bonnie and I'll be your waitress this evening. Can I get you two started with some of our finest red or perhaps a glass of champagne?"
Hermione shook her head, "No, thank you. I'm expecting, so water is just fine."
Draco looked intrigued at the idea of alcohol, but stayed sober, "Water is all I need."
Bonnie nodded, "Okay, I'll give you a couple moments to browse our menu."
Hermione thanked Bonnie, and looked at Draco. "What are you in the mood for? I have been craving seafood lately, maybe they have options here." Hermione said flipping through the menu looking for the correct section.
"I read that seafood is bad for the baby, so I would advise against it. What about pancetta and brussels sprouts linguini? It sounds appetizing."
"I'm impressed Draco."
"You weren't quizzing me, were you?" Draco chuckled.
Hermione laughed, "I actually wasn't. I just really want seafood."
"How about this, after the baby is born I'll buy you all the seafood you want."
"Can I choose the place?"
"You'll be able to order what you want, when you want, where you want." Draco smiled.
Hermione smiled back, only 2 more months to go. She skimmed through the menu once more before closing menu and laying it down in front of herself.
"What are you going to get?" She asked Draco. "I'm going to try the linguini, it seems too good to pass."
"I'm thinking about trying the griddled sea bass with stuffed courgettes." Draco said with a smirk.
"Ugh," Hermione rolled her eyes, "You're just doing that to spite me aren't you?"
"I'll just test it out for you, so in two months time, I can let you know if it's any good."
"I hope it's alive when they serve it to you." Hermione bit back.
"If that's the case, we aren't coming back here for our second date."
"You think you're going to get a second date?"
"Well, I sure hope so, considering that everyone thinks we are together." Draco said semi-sarcastically. "You know Hermione this" he pointed at his face, "is the face of romance."
Hermione laughed at Draco's ridiculous comment. "Are you trying to be smooth, because I believe you just failed."
"You wound me Hermione, but you can't blame me for trying."
"I can and will." Hermione replied, "You're as smooth as sandpaper."
"Well, watch me segway into this: I want to discuss our child's trust fund."
Hermione raised a brow, "First date topics really aren't your strong suite are they?"
"I'm serious. If something were to happen to me, I'd want our son to get everything."
Hermione paused, "How much is everything?"
"My entire inheritance, the manor, over seventy-five percent of my shares in Malfoy incorporated, and the money I am currently making now."
Hermione tried to pick her jaw up from the floor, "You want your unborn son to be a zillionaire is what your saying?"
"Yes, but I can see you are uneased, which is why I want you to be the trustee. If something happens, you'll have full control over everything until our son is of age."
Hermione eyes were wide, "Draco, that's a huge responsibility. Shouldn't your mother be in control of that? I get setting up for our son's future, but that's a little extensive. I mean, what if you get married? Your wife should at least be in control of the manor and your assets."
Draco wasn't going to scare her off, not now, but he hoped that one day Hermione and his wife would be the same person.
"We can sort out the final details later, I just wanted to let you know that our son will be secure."
"I understand, let's just change the subject for now."
"As you wish."
Hermione was stunned. Their waitress Bonnie arrived before Hermione could utter a word. "I'm so sorry for the delay, but are you ready to order?"
"Yes, I will have the griddled sea bass, and she will have the pancetta and brussel sprouts linguini."
"Okay your orders will be here momentarily." Bonnie smiled.
Draco nodded as he handed her back the menus, "Thank you."
"Still going with the sea bass?" Hermione asked.
"I am genuinely hungry for fish as well. It's not my fault you can't eat fish." Draco realized as the words left his mouth, "Okay, maybe it is, but your sentence will be over in about two months."
"You know, I don't really remember what happened that night, but I am actually glad it did."
"I'm just that amazing in bed, aren't I?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Ugh, no. I just realized how much I love our son. I mean he's not even born yet and I'd take a curse for him."
"Well, I haven't been around him much, but I honestly feel the same way." Draco responded, "It is for that very reason that I was wondering if you'd want to move into the manor?"
Hermione gave him a look, "What? You want me to move in with you? You seriously stink at first date conversations."
"I'm serious, Hermione. Also, people usually don't already have a baby on their first date. We have to be more mature about this. Our son changes everything between us."
Hermione hated to admit it, but he was right. She tried to reply calmly, "Draco, I'm flattered by your offer, but I can't."
"Apparently you weren't flattered enough to say yes. Maybe I should turn on the Malfoy Charm."
"You mean you didn't have it on already?" Hermione said jokingly.
Draco ignored her and went back to the subject at hand, "I understand that my son can't leave his mother and I would never want to separate you, but I need to be with with him too. I don't want to miss anything with him."
Hermione nodded, "Draco, I-"
"Let me finish. I already feel like I missed so much. When he first started kicking, I didn't get to go feel. As sappy as it sounds, I really wanted to be there for my baby's mother. I imagined being older and married, but I wanted to be surprised with an announcement. I wanted to set up a nursery by hand, go to all the doctor appointments, hold her hand while she gave birth to the greatest human in the world."
Hermione gave him a solemn look, "And you can't do all that because I am the mother."
Draco shook his head, "Of course not! I still want to do all of that stuff. Some of its passed, but if you let me, I want to be there with you for the rest of your pregnancy and after that when he is born."
Hermione, "Draco, that was really sweet. I'm glad you feel that way about him, but I would need my personal space."
"You do realize how massive the manor is?"
"Do you realize how many times you've just randomly found me at your parties?"
Draco smirked, "That's because I sought you out."
"Draco, it might be too soon for us to live together."
"Hermione our son is going to be here in two months, it is only right that we are together as a family."
"How about a compromise?" Hermione suggested.
Draco raised an eyebrow, "What is it going to be?"
"A test drive so-"
"A test drive, you want to drive my car." Draco said interrupting Hermione.
"No, I did not mean it literally, what I was going to say before you rudely interrupted me. What I meant was I will move into the manor temporarily until he is born."
"And afterwards?"
"I'll make a decision on whether to officially move in."
"So you're going to start staying at the manor then?"
"Yes, but I need to return home to retrieve a few things."
"We could go after we finish dinner or tomorrow morning. Whichever is fine with me."
"Let's go tomorrow. Believe or not, I'm actually enjoying this."
Hermione was cut off when Bonnie came back with two steaming plates and set them on the table.
"Can I get you any sauces or spices to go with your meal?"
Hermione smiled, "It looks great, thank you."
Bonnie left them to eat, Hermione glaced at Draco's meal, then at her own. She picked up her fork and reached over to Draco's plate and cut off a small piece of the sea bass. She quickly ate it as it was hot, but yet delicious at the same time.
"Hermione! You can't eat seafood!"
"It was just a small bite, it's not going to harm him Draco." Hermione twirled some linguini on her fork and held it in front of Draco. "Here eat this so it's only fair."
"I hope you enjoyed it because that's the last time you'll get some until he's born!"
"Just eat it already."
Draco stretched forward and bit down on the pasta, letting Hermione take the fork out of his mouth."
"It's good, but not as good as my fish." Draco said with a smirk.
"It is so easy to hate you." Hermione said with an annoyed glare.
"And yet you slept with me."
Hermione stuffed a full fork into her mouth to drowned out her nasty comment. Draco continued to eat, "I can see why this place is known for their fish."
"Don't even." Hermione warned.
The food they ate brought them to silence. It wasn't until Bonnie came back for dessert that they spoke again.
"You want anything, Hermione?"
"I'm stuffed, no thank you."
"We're fine, but you could bring us a bottle of your finest champagne unopened? And two champagne glasses."
Bonnie nodded warily as she left behind the curtain.
"Draco, you know I can't drink."
"I do know, just be patient."
Bonnie came back and displayed a bottle with a black wrapper embossed with gold foil, "We call it the Blooming Lotus. It's our cellars best."
"Perfect! Add it to our tab."
"Um, thank you Bonnie." Hermione called out. She leaned forward and looked at Draco seriously, "You're not going to drink that are you?"
"We both will, but not yet. I'm saving it for a special occasion. Until then," Draco grabbed the glasses of water and dumped the contents into the champagne flutes, "I want to make a toast to second chances."
Hermione took the glass and lifted it up, "And to new beginnings." They lightly clinked glasses before taking a sip of water.
"You know that you don't need to take the champagne, you probably have a whole cellar full of them."
"Maybe one of them tastes the same, but I don't have this special kind. The Lotus is new and keeping this one will remind me of you."
Hermione raised her brows, "You have been impressing me in new way this whole night."
"People say that first dates are the most memorable." Draco retorted.
Bonnie returned and placed the leather bill holder in the center of the table.
"Okay, I've included your champagne on the tab and when you're ready to pay, just let me know."
The two then turned to first each other.
"Don't even think about it." Hermione warned.
"The man pays for the meal." Draco insisted. Hermione thruster her hand forward and secured the bill.
Draco glared as he whipped out his wand, "Accio bill!"
"Draco!" Hermione glared.
"Oh come on, it was cute that you thought I would let you pay."
"I'm sure I can afford it. My vault is probably covered in dust."
"You've been living in the muggle world, why not convert it?"
"I didn't want to be rich here or there. It defeated the purpose of working. I like teaching because it gave me something to do with my day. I didn't feel useless."
"Well, you'll definitely be needed when the baby comes."
"Yeah," Hermione chuckled, "I might be in over my head."
"It won't be so overwhelming if we do it together." Draco offered.
"I haven't applied for sole custody yet."
"I hope that you never do."
"I wouldn't keep him away from you."
When Draco paid the bill, he followed her out into the parking lot. Their prolonged date must have bored the photographers because only a handful were around. Draco eased Hermione into the car before getting in himself and driving off.
"Did you restore this yourself?" Hermione asked.
"You're joking, right?"
"Yeah, I just wanted to see if you'd lie."
"You're testing me, Granger?"
"Oh like I'd actually see you get under a car."
"Okay, just for that," Draco pulled a knob that was clearly not apart of the original plans. When he slammed the knob back into place, the car's wheels became detached from the road.
"Malfoy…" Hermione said as she clung to her seat, "What's happening?"
"You'd didn't think I'd just buy a regular muggle car, did you?" Draco laughed.
Hermione's eyes closed when her eyeline matched the tops of trees, "Well, I was kind of hoping."
"Didn't Weaselbee own a flying car?"
"His father, Arthur Weasley did. Ronald stole it in second year to get to Hogwarts and subsequently crashed it into the Whomping Willow."
"If you've ridden in one before, why are you scared now?"
Hermione's voice began to falter, "I didn't ride in that car. Unlike those two, my trip to Hogwarts wasn't sabotaged."
"Hermione you can open your eyes."
She did. "Draco!"
The trees were now little dots on the rolls of hills. Freshly green from the winter rain.
"Draco, get back on the road!" Hermione shut her eyes in fear.
"Seriously? Forget about the trees, look at the sky; it's beautiful."
He was right. A cloudless black with little stars punctured into the abyss.
Hermione slowly opened her eyes, to take in the beautiful scenery. "I never was a fan of flying, but this is amazing."
"l should roll down the windows."
"No! No, you should not!"
"Relax, it'll be just mine. I can't reached yours. It's an old car, Hermione."
Draco's window was fully down, and a cold breeze hit Hermione.
"Draco it's freezing!"
"You obviously haven't played Quidditch. This is like a refreshing wind."
"I only withstood the cold during games to support Harry, then later Ron too."
"No support could help, Weaselbee."
"Says the person who lost to Gryffindor almost every game."
"That is highly incorrect. We were about tied.
"Ha! I got sick of party food because we would celebrate after every game, which we won."
"Go ahead, Granger. Live in the past, but when our son's eleven, it'll be in the Slytherin stands that you cheer."
"He may be in Gryffindor."
"There is three things Malfoys are consistent in: Being male, Slytherin, and great in bed. All of which, I am a prime example."
"I can vouch for the first two, but the last one I can't be too sure."
"Maybe we will have to correct that. I'm always game for-"
"Don't even finish that sentence." Hermione warned.
Draco shrugged as he pulled the knob back into place, "Prepare yourself. It might be a rough landing."
The car began to slowly lose air until finally the wheel hit pavement.
"We're here." Draco explained as he pulled into the manor gates. He parked the car directly in front of the door and rushed to Hermione's side.
"Don't worry, I'm already out." She called as she braced the hood of the car.
"You should have let me open the door, it's a must on first dates."
Hermione closed the car door, Draco stepped closer to Hermione.
"Want to know another first date custom."
"Which is?" She asked.
"The goodnight kiss."
Draco leaned down, and lightly placed a kiss on Hermione's mouth.
She smiled against Draco's lips, while draping her arms around his neck. Wanting to deepen the kiss, she pressed herself closer to him.
As much as Draco wanted to continue, he pulled himself away.
"Is there something wrong? Why did you pull away?"
"Nothing wrong, I just want to take things slow and treasure every single moment. This is our first date, and I don't want to ruin things by going to fast." He explained.
"Normally when two people go on a first date one isn't pregnant with their date's child." She joked.
Draco chuckled, and he combed his hand through his hair. "You absolutely right, but I don't want you to get the wrong impression. I don't want to be Draco Malfoy, eligible bachelor, anymore. I know I joke around about us sleeping together, but I want us to have a healthy relationship."
Hermione was taken back about the sincerity and seriousness of his words. "Draco, I understand you wanting to change. And I will support you one hundred percent. And I would like to apologize for my behavior, this pregnancy has my hormones all out of whack."
"Would you mind, if I put the car away? The door should be unlocked."
"Yeah, sure go ahead. I will see you inside."
"Thanks, I just don't want the house elves crashing it."
"Completely understandable. I'll be inside."
"Wait! Hermione?"
She turned around, "Yes?"
"I had a really nice time tonight."
She looked surprised, but it was because she felt the same way, "I did too. Thank you."
Draco smiled sheepishly, "I'll see you inside."
"Okay." She blushed.
Hermione pulled the handle down to find the manor surprising quiet. Narcissa must have gone to bed, which wasn't surprising given that it was past eleven. With her blazer slung over her shoulder she hiked up the grand staircase and towards her bedroom. She shuffled into her room before finally conjuring the lights on.
She gasped at the figure who dwelled in her room,
"Hermione, I'm glad you're here. I was beginning to think you changed your mind."
It was Blaise.
Author's Note: Hello Everyone, it has been quite some time since the last update of The Lion's Secret. We would like to apologize for the long hiatus we have put our readers through. The both of us have been preoccupied with work/school. We have read your concerns of whether we've abandoned or simply given up on this story, but we can assure you that The Lion's Secret must continue on until the end. We do intend on posting future chapters but at a slower rate, so please bare with us and our schedules. We do hope this does not discourage you to stop reading and enjoying our story. But as a token of our appreciation please enjoy the next chapter of The Lion's Secret.
~AmatuerWriter98 and AnonymosMaknae