Draco and Hermione walked hand in hand down Diagon Alley. Draco wanted to sink into the cobblestones in order to avoid the venomous looks being shot at him, but when people realised it was Hermione Granger gripping onto him the looks turned to confusion.
They secured a room at one of the best establishments available and Hermione stared at the worker behind the desk to intimidate him to hurry up and keep his mouth shut.
They hurried to the room and Hermione threw herself onto the bed, dropping her bag beside her with a loud crash as she watched Draco set his own down carefully on a side table.
"I'm sorry you were subjected to… well, all of that. Ava, the crowds in the Alley, the workers downstairs." He sighed and ran a long fingered hand down his face.
"Honestly, Draco," Hermione chided, sitting up. "I'm not bothered, I just hate that people treat you so poorly."
He shrugged and turned his back to her, reaching into his bag and fiddling around to cover the embarrassment he felt.
"What do you say I run out and grab some pub food to bring back and we just relax for the night? I have books! Oh, I brought the shopping catalogues too! Maybe we can still go through them?"
"That sounds amazing," Draco admitted, exhausted after their evening turned to complete shit.
—
They went through the catalogues for the baby until they had the bulk of the necessary furniture picked out, and then Hermione got into her pyjamas and pulled a huge book about potions out of her bag. Draco took the hint and also got ready for bed, laying beside her with his own book until he was too tired to stay awake any longer.
Hermione ran out to a coffee shop the next morning for pastries and coffees to take back to their room, allowing Draco to sleep in. She still couldn't believe that he was just allowing Ava to treat him so abysmally, but she also understood he was terrified of her doing something to the baby.
It wasn't until early evening that Hermione finally broke the news to Draco.
"I might have sent a Patronus to Harry and Ginny," she admitted as she perched on the side of the bed, watching him tense up. "They really want to go out for dinner with you."
"Granger," he sighed, setting his book down on the bedspread and giving her his full attention. "I think I've suffered enough embarrassment for the week."
"Do you honestly think that any establishment is going to turn away Harry Potter, regardless of his companions? Plus Ron and Lavender are going to come too, so there's no way they'd turn us away."
Draco thought about the fact that he was actually able to secure a hotel room in Diagon Alley because Hermione was present, and he shrugged. "I'm not sure."
"They won't. Everything is going to be fine, Draco."
"Thank you for sticking up for me like that yesterday," he said after a moment, approaching her and pulling her into his arms, his muscles bunching under her hands.
"I will always stick up for you," Hermione assured, craning up to press a quick kiss to his lips.
He smiled down at her for a moment, the stress from the previous day finally seeming to wear away.
Hermione pulled out her bag and shuffled around inside of it for a dress to wear to dinner.
"Is everything you own inside that bag?" Draco asked curiously as he unbuttoned his shirt. It was something he'd been wanting to ask for a while, but this was the first time it felt organic enough to bring it up without just blurting it out.
Hermione reddened before she nodded tersely. She still hadn't explained to him why she had nothing personal in her flat.
Something had happened to Granger.
"Every single thing," she agreed, running her hands over the dress she chose to change into. "I carried it with me during the war," she admitted quietly, not looking at him.
His hand cupped her jaw and she met his eyes, feeling vulnerable. "I still haven't been able to part with it. I feel like I need to be ready to run on a moment's notice, I've had to change flats a few times over the last few years and it's just easier not to get attached to a dwelling, I suppose, and the thought of everything being lost or destroyed sends me into a panic. It's just better for me to have everything I need on me at all times."
Draco listened to her in silence as he connected the dots. She had to change houses a few times over the years, probably because fans had found out where she lived and compromised her location. Draco knew there were still dangerous people out there, Death Eaters who hadn't been caught, thieves, sickos, plenty of people who would be absolutely thrilled to find the Golden Girl on her own.
He gave her a small smile and kissed her lips, hoping she'd feel safe enough soon to share more on her troubles after the war. There was obviously more to the story that she had yet to tell him, but he wasn't going to push her and force a confrontation. She trusted him. He'd be patient and let it all happen naturally.
"Maybe one day you'll feel like you've finally found your home," he said as he continued changing his clothes.
Hermione smiled at him, not brave enough to tell him that she was starting to feel like she had.
—-
They met Harry and Ginny outside of her apothecary before dawdling down the sidewalk toward Ron and Lavender's flat. They would pick up the other couple and all walk a little further to get to the restaurant that Harry had made a reservation at.
"Malfoy," Harry said with a polite nod as they approached. He reached out to shake hands.
"If you don't mind," Draco said as he reached with his own hand, "perhaps we could skip to the first name basis? I could do without being reminded I'm related to the biggest arseholes in the wizarding world."
"No problem, er, Draco," Harry grinned. "I'm glad we are able to do this. It worked out perfectly that Molly was able to watch James and Ron's son Hugo tonight."
Draco nodded slightly as Ginny grinned at Hermione.
"You look lovely as always, Miss Granger," her friend complimented.
"Why thank you, Mrs. Potter! I'm so excited that we're all finally going out for dinner. And I'm starving. We've barely eaten since lunch yesterday; the meal Draco was making last night looked like it was going to be delicious but…I had to leave before I did something regretful. And probably illegal. Ava really is quite a bitch."
Harry darted a glance at Draco, who shrugged. He already knew and had given his okay for Hermione to share with the Potters about his baby and the irritating baggage currently housing it.
Ginny hummed in sympathy. "Harry hasn't shut his gob about the treacle tart you made," she said.
He nodded again, wiping his sweaty hands on his trousers. "I try."
"Oh please, Draco. I try, you're amazing in the kitchen."
"I've never known you to be modest," Harry snorted in amusement.
"Fine, yes, I was trying not to be a prat, but sure. I can cook amazingly well and have been learning how for years."
"His crusty rolls are the best I've ever had. Don't tell your mother, Gin." Hermione chimed in as she reached for his hand, his cheeks reddening slightly.
"I can cook, but baking is not my strength," Ginny shared with a grin as they made their way down the cobblestone sidewalk.
"I'd say it isn't, I think the last time you made muffins I almost chipped a tooth," Harry said, sending a boyish grin in his wife's direction.
"Well if you ever need any tips, don't be afraid to ask."
Hermione tipped her head up and smiled at him, her fingers playing with his as they tried to ignore the crowds around them.
People were gawking, shocked at seeing Draco Malfoy accompanying the group of war heroes, but glares from the Boy Who Lived kept everyone's mouths shut and Hermione was grateful.
They stopped in front of a bank of apartments and Harry sent his patronus out to inform Ron they were out front. The trio didn't spend as much time together now that Ron was dating Lavender, unfortunately, but they were still best friends.
This would be the first time the three had been seen together in public for years, and while Harry had a job as an Auror, he didn't generally go out for meals, for any reason. The fame, though deserved, was almost too much sometimes. Despite the passage of years, people were still in awe of them if they came across them.
Hermione gripped Draco's hand tighter as Ron and Lavender made their appearance, but she relaxed when Ron smiled at her and clapped her on the shoulder.
"'Mione! It's been months!"
"I know, Ron, I've been so busy with work and, well, other things. How are you? Hi, Lavender!"
Lavender smiled tightly at Hermione, but Ron moved on to Harry and Ginny quickly and the other witch seemed to relax a bit.
"Malfoy," Ron said with a slight nod. "Fancy seeing you here."
"Draco, please," Draco responded quietly, and Ron nodded. "Yeah, 'bout time, I guess." The group turned and continued down the sidewalk toward the restaurant.
Despite Draco's fears and assurances that he would not be allowed access to any restaurant, there was not one issue or delay in their party's getting admitted and led to a table. He pulled out Hermione's chair for her and got her settled in before he took the seat beside her, reaching for her hand automatically.
"So how long has this been going on?" Lavender asked curiously as the waiter, who was obviously star struck, started bringing water to their table.
"About three months now, I think?" Hermione said, looking at Draco in question. He nodded, a small smile on his lips as he played with her fingers on the tabletop.
Hermione was dating their relationship back to March, when they went boomslang skin hunting, and Draco couldn't find a fault in her logic.
"We were reacquainted five months ago, so three sounds about right."
"And he's treating you okay, 'Mione?" Ron asked, his gaze solidly on her.
"More than okay, Ronald," she assured, nodding. "I'm quite happy."
"Good," he breathed. "That's really good to hear. All the shite you dealt with after the war…I'm glad to see that you're finally happy."
The table stiffened, and Hermione's fingers tightened on Draco's for a moment. The entire vibe had changed with just those few words.
Draco looked around the table in slight confusion, but he was beginning to feel a tightness in his chest when he saw the effect Ron's words had garnered with everyone else.
His eyes strayed to Harry, who looked pained, and the tight feeling in his chest doubled when he turned to Hermione and saw fear flash across her features.
"What happened?" he asked worriedly, meeting Ron's gaze.
"Nothing," Hermione said quickly, causing Ron to snap his mouth closed.
Draco nodded at Hermione, kissing her fingertips to tell her that he understood. That it was okay if she didn't want to talk about it at the moment. He was going to drop it entirely when Potter spoke again, looking at him straight on.
"Someone drugged her."
A chill stole down Draco's spine and he sat back in shock as he turned to Hermione, absolutely staggered.
"Harry," Ginny warned in a low voice.
"With Amortentia."
"Harry!" Ginny snapped, looking livid.
Draco reacted almost viscerally. His hands tightened and he flinched away from Potter, his corded neck tightening in anger. His stomach dropped to his feet and nausea gripped him, twisting his insides.
"What?" he growled, turning to his favourite witch. "Who did that to you, Hermione?!"
But as soon as he asked the question he could see that it might have been a mistake. Everyone at the table leaned in toward her and she had tears in her eyes, clearly beginning to panic.
"I don't want to talk about this," she said with a choked voice, and Draco's rage melted into self-disgust. Her friends had just basically betrayed her trust to tell him something that she hadn't been ready to share with him.
"Okay," he whispered, calming his voice to soothe her distress. He edged an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into him. "That's okay," he assured.
"I'm sorry, 'Mione," Ron said quietly. "I just assumed he knew, I shouldn't have brought it up."
She leaned into him and tried to discreetly wipe her eyes and catch her breath before Ginny suggested they make a quick trip to the loo. Hermione agreed and he squeezed her hand before she stood.
"She won't tell us," Ron said quietly as his friend and sister retreated. "It fucked her up though."
"Obviously, Ronald," Lavender said snidely from beside him.
"I've been given Amortentia too, it didn't fuck me up!"
"It's not the same thing," Lavender snapped. "You were given it by accident, for Merlin's sake! And got the antidote within a half-hour, you utter prat."
Ron was about to snap back at his girlfriend when Harry cut them both off. This seemed to Draco like a discussion they'd rehashed over and over.
"Anyway," he said loudly and turned his attention to Draco. "She was missing for almost a week," Harry informed him. "We really don't know much about it, she's never said much about what happened, but I think it's important for you to know. Just so you don't inadvertently scare her, or something."
"Thank you," Draco said, "but I wish you'd let her wait until she was ready to tell me herself." He hoped that he hadn't actually scared her in some way; he had a pretty dominant personality.
But she was Hermione Granger and he was fairly certain she would have told him if she didn't want something, and she liked him, so maybe it was all okay.
He was disgusted and dismayed over the fact that someone had drugged Hermione into thinking she was in love with them. He couldn't even begin to imagine the psychological trauma that would have on a person. The table was quiet for a moment before Ron turned to him, changing the subject.
"I didn't know you were living here."
Draco nodded. "I've always lived here, only left for about two months after my trial. I had to come back to manage the family businesses though."
Ron nodded. "You care for her?" He said, meeting Draco's eyes.
"Yes."
"Good," Ronald sighed. "It's about time she found someone who can spoil her like she deserves. I can only imagine that you're treating her right, because I don't think she would stick around if you weren't. We don't see each other all that often anymore, but she's still one of my best friends."
Harry was nodding along in agreement. "She talks about you a lot, Draco, so I know you've changed since we were teenagers. This is the happiest I've seen her in years. Just don't fuck it up."
Harry smiled.
"Trust me, I won't, but if I do you can be the first to let me know."
They grinned at each other, new friendships blooming.
"Well good," Ron said, clapping his hands together. "I'm getting the roast duck, Lav, what about you?"
Hermione and Ginny joined them as they were deciding on what they wanted and the waiter reappeared to refill water glasses and take their food and specialty drink orders.
"I'm sorry," Draco said to her in a low voice as their waiter disappeared.
"It's okay, Draco," she reassured him with a shaky smile. "Let's just… not."
He nodded, squeezing her hand under the table.
"So your baby is due soon," Ginny said excitedly, but again, not everyone at the table had even known there was a baby.
Draco nodded and Hermione gave Ron and Lavender a brief overview.
"Still four months," Hermione corrected. "There is so much for us to do before he gets here though. I'm sure the time will speed by while we prepare."
Us.
We.
Draco felt that flutter in his stomach again, hearing her speak so casually about them to her friends. And she was really in this with him. Half the time, he couldn't believe it was even real.
"Do you know that it's a boy?" Ginny asked accusingly, certain Hermione just hadn't told her about it.
"No," Hermione said with a laugh. "I use both, though. Feels better than saying 'it' all the time."
"Are you going to find out?" Lavender asked as the waiter returned with Ron's ale, Lavender and Ginny's wine, and Harry's firewhisky.
"We probably could," Hermione said, turning to him in question.
"If she consents," Draco said with a nod. He suspected Ava wouldn't, though. It was another way to punish him.
Hermione hummed and took a sip of her water after ensuring the detection spell came back negative, obviously thinking about something.
"And you're what, Hermione? Going to help raise it? Er, him?" Ron looked concerned again, clearly thinking that Hermione was getting in over her head.
She shrugged casually, but her eyes lit up so fiercely that Draco swallowed roughly.
"That's my plan."
She turned her head to Draco for a moment, a raw look of truth in her eyes that had him nodding at her with a grin.
Dinner passed quickly after that, their food arriving not long after the tense atmosphere faded. Draco mostly listened as he ate, the long time friends discussing everything from babies to work. It was comfortable, an odd feeling for him but for the first time in years he really thought that everything was going to be okay.
The couple changed into pyjamas almost immediately once they returned to their room, Hermione slipping into an oversized shirt she'd been sleeping in for years and he into a loose pair of sweats.
Despite the rocky parts of their meal, Hermione hadn't stopped smiling since their food arrived and even though Draco desperately wanted to question her about The Bad Thing, he didn't. He could not be responsible for crushing her happy mood. He wanted her to keep feeling safe.
"I knew it would go well," she said, stepping out of the bathroom and gesturing at him with her toothbrush. "They're good people, all of them. Well, Ron took some growing up. But Lavender might be alright for him. Maybe – if you wanted to – you could go with me for Sunday dinners."
Even though it seemed like a throwaway statement, he could hear the question in her voice.
"I'd love to," he responded.
—-
He woke in the morning with a stirring in his loins, a growing awareness of Hermione's hand stroking him.
He moaned as he opened his eyes and met Hermione's gaze. As she watched his reactions with a small smile on her lips, she asked, "is this okay?"
"Yes, yes," he gasped, almost incoherent with pleasure.
She stroked a little more assertively once he was fully awake, and sat on her knees on his side. Her shirt was hanging off one of her shoulders as she worked over him, and he snuck his hand underneath to stroke her stomach.
She jumped and batted at his hand automatically with a whispered "don't," as she usually did if he touched her stomach, hating the sensation of being touched there. He felt a pang of sadness, but bypassed her stomach and reached higher until the pads of his fingers were strumming over her nipple.
She let out a sigh before she dragged the blankets lower, quickly divesting his boxers and exposing Draco to her gaze, licking her lips before she met his eyes again.
She let go of him for a moment and gathered the shirt she was wearing before she swung a leg over him, his finger now plucking at her nipple as his other hand settled on her hip.
"Are you going to ride my cock, Hermione?" he asked in a gravelly voice that betrayed his excitement. Her breath hitched and she nodded.
She bit her lip and lowered herself slowly, letting him stretch her as she took him inside of her inch by glorious inch. He was as deep as he could get inside her perfect body, and the fit was snug, her walls pressing into every plane of his cock.
She groaned once she was fully seated, breathing heavily from the overwhelming sensations, and she sat still for a moment to give herself time to adjust to his size. Draco reached to pull the shirt from her, but she clamped her arms down and held it in place.
"N- no," she stuttered, and he repositioned his hands to her hips instead of pushing. Gently he stroked her hips, her back, the undersides of her breasts overtop of her shirt, and he slowly felt her muscles relax. Her movements were smoother, and the tension left her face as her focus returned to how amazing they felt together.
She raised herself up onto her knees, and Draco watched with a moan as his cock revealed itself again, slick with her arousal before she sunk onto him again and again, catching a rhythm but keeping it slow.
"Fuck me, Hermione," he moaned, and he reached to her mouth and pushed his thumb between her lips. She swirled her tongue around the digit as she continued to raise and lower herself on his cock, her hands pressed into his chest as she worked herself over him. He popped his thumb free and lowered his hand to her clit.
She moaned his name as he started to caress her, and he could feel her muscles clench around him with pleasure the moment his thumb made contact. He let her continue to ride him for a few minutes before he sat up, their chests pressed together as he thrust up into her.
Their lips met, Draco hunching down slightly as he continued to fuck up into her, and when their tongues touched he groaned in bliss.
"Fuck, your cunt is perfect," he murmured. He was surrounded by her completely, her tongue in his mouth making him sigh with pleasure.
He moved her onto her back and stretched out above her, his cock still buried deep inside her as he moved to his knees and started fucking her with deep measured thrusts that had her calling out each time he sheathed himself inside her snug pussy.
Her breathing was laboured as he began to pick up his pace, thrusting into her harshly as her voice rose in sounds of ecstasy, her head thrown back, hands gripping his biceps.
"Fuck, fuck, Draco," she cried aloud, as he continued moving, doing his best to keep his own orgasm at bay. Even now, it felt unreal that they wer fucking, that his cock was buried deep inside her perfect pussy as she moaned and writhed below him. That she wanted him.
"D-Draco, I'm so close," she cried, her voice music to his ears.
"Yes, Hermione, come for me, come all over my cock."
And she did. Hard. Her back arched off the bed as her entire body convulsed with pleasure. He was doing his best to keep himself in check, but Merlin. This was the most beautiful thing he had witnessed in his entire life.
"Fuck, Hermione," he groaned, thrusting deeper and quicker, his hips stuttering as he tried to prolong his own orgasm.
"No, Draco, don't come in me," she gasped, her hips arching. "We can't."
"Fuck," he groaned again, and at the last millisecond he pulled free, gripping his cock and aiming his seed all over her belly as she tried to catch her breath.
"Merlin, Hermione," he sighed, his legs shaking as he got to his feet.
She was still recovering, legs bent and spread on the bed with his sticky fluid cooling on her skin. That was a sight that he needed to commit to memory, so he stood there, naked, and stared at her for a moment.
"Stay there, love," he said, finally turning away and grabbing his wand from his end table. He scourgified her clean before holding out a hand to help her to her feet.
"I'm assuming you aren't on the potion," he said once she was standing beside him.
She shook her head, her hair taking on a life of its own as she tried to pat it down.
"No, and I would prefer not to. It plays all sorts of havoc with a witch's hormones and I personally don't think it's worth it. If you're worried about it I can go to the Muggle world and get some condoms or something for you."
Draco looked horrified for a second before he shook his head. He heard some of the boys in school talking about how they had tried those for fun once, but they claimed the things basically ruined sex. "Pull out method it is," he said with a handsome grin, and Hermione couldn't help but crook her lips up in a smile.