A/N - Hello everyone! Hope you enjoy this chapter and thanks for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 17

20 July 2003

"I was wondering where you'd gotten to."

Hermione looked up from her desk to see Malfoy leaning against the doorframe, hair still tousled from sleep and wearing only a pair of pajama pants riding low on his hips. His arms were crossed over his bare chest and he gave her a sleepy smile. Hermione felt something flip in her belly she was quite sure wasn't pregnancy related.

"How are you feeling this morning?" he asked as he walked into the room. He moved around the desk and dropped a kiss on top of her head before he sat on the edge.

"Bit queasy but better than yesterday. I had some toast when I got up and that seemed to help."

Malfoy nodded. "Shall I fetch the potion? Mother did say that it was best to take it before the nausea got too bad. Or I can make you some more of Molly's tea."

"I can try the potion I suppose. Your mother mentioned that Pr-, erm, Severus could probably alter it for me if it wasn't working."

Malfoy adopted an expression of innocence; one Hermione had seen in her own world when they were younger. "Oh? When did you talk to Mother?"

"Last night through the Floo. When she called to check on me at your request."

Malfoy's brow furrowed as if he didn't know what she was talking about. She rolled her eyes. "You can drop the act, she admitted that you'd asked her."

"Traitor," Malfoy muttered under his breath.

Hermione bit back a laugh. Merlin, he was making her laugh now? Things were entirely too surreal for her liking. "Yes, well, she also reminded me about dinner with her and your father tonight."

"Right," Malfoy said. "Did you remind her we were going to Harry's match this afternoon and we might not make dinner depending on how long it went?"

Hermione stared at him in silence. Harry's match? As in Quidditch match? Harry wasn't an Auror here?

"You forgot, didn't you?" Malfoy said with a smirk. That was an expression she was much more familiar with.

"I, erm, yes, I mean, no I didn't forget about the match, but I did forget to remind your mother."

"You forgot," Malfoy said with a laugh. "Harry will be so disappointed in you."

Hermione reacted without thinking as she had the night before, lightly smacking Malfoy's arm with the back of her hand. "I did not forget."

"Don't worry, love," he said with a fond look. "I've got it on good authority that 'pregnancy brain' is indeed a thing. You're just starting a little earlier than most, like the overachieving swot you are."

She scowled at him, but he just laughed and leaned down, kissing her. Thankfully, it was quick as Hermione had frozen as soon as his lips touched hers.

"What are you working on?" he asked as he pulled back, noticing the M.I. folders lying in front of her.

"Nothing in particular," she said. "Just going over a few things."

He nodded. "I'll get the potion for you then. I know you said you had toast but what about something a bit more substantial? I can make omelets."

Hermione stared at him again. Malfoy cooked?

"Or maybe just scrambled eggs if you're not up for that much?"

"All right," she managed.

He smiled at her again. "Back in a tick." He left her office and Hermione slumped back in her chair.

The other universes had been different, true, but this one was something else. Harry played professional Quidditch apparently. Who knew who else was going to be attending the match today that Hermione would have to interact with? And there was still the possible dinner this evening with Malfoy's parents. She had half a mind to feign illness, not that she'd really have to pretend all that much, and stay home. In fact, she might just do that.

A part of her wanted to see Harry though; see how different his life was with Sirius alive. She wondered if Sirius had never gone to Azkaban and raised Harry himself or if he'd still escaped their third year and his name had just been cleared. Whichever it was, tears pricked at her eyes at the thought that he was alive, Remus as well. She was so happy that Harry had that connection to his parents.

She glanced down at the files on her desk. She hadn't been looking around her other self's office all that long before Draco had gotten up. So far, she hadn't found anything of note, save the projects it appeared the Charms division was working on – advanced memory charms with a counter spell and improvement of the Disillusionment spell. The memory charm work was for St. Mungo's and the Disillusionment for the DMLE. Apparently, M.I. contracted with various outside agencies, along with doing their own projects. It was interesting, for certain, but Hermione still felt that her work with the Department of Mysteries was more so.

"Hermione, the food is ready," Malfoy called from the kitchen.

She supposed she ought to start calling him Draco in her head so she didn't slip up when they were around other people. She put the files back into the desk drawer where she'd found them and left the study.

Hermione still had no idea why she hadn't told Malf-, Draco, she wasn't feeling well. It was complete madness to come to Harry's Quidditch match having no idea who was going to be there or what the other Hermione's relationship with them was like. Still, when Draco had reminded her they had to leave in thirty minutes, she'd dutifully risen from the couch and gotten ready. Maybe her other self was more present than she'd thought.

Now, they were walking hand-in-hand towards the private box Harry always had rented at the Falmouth Falcons stadium. Hermione had forced herself not to flinch when Draco took her hand.

"Still feeling all right?" he asked just as they reached the door to the box.

"So far," she said, giving herself an out if she decided she was in over her head. Who was she kidding? She was definitely in over her head. She never should have agreed to this.

Draco smiled at her and opened the door to the box, ushering her through before he followed.

Hermione's eyes immediately scanned the group of people already there. Sirius and Remus stood at the rail, watching the warm-up. Ron was at the food table, loading up a plate. Hermione's lips twitched. Some things were the same in every universe. As quickly as she thought it, she remembered how Ron had treated her in the previous universe. She wondered what their relationship was like here, given who her other self was married to.

Curiously, Pansy Parkinson was standing talking to Theo Nott. Both waved as they caught sight of Draco and Hermione. While both Slytherins had been in Draco and the other Hermione's wedding, Hermione hadn't thought they were friendly with Harry as well. She couldn't help but think about Theo of the other universe. She hoped this one was as lovely as the other had been.

"Draco! Mynee!" a little voice called and as she looked down a blue-haired blur collided with her legs. Draco grabbed her arm to steady her.

"Hello, Teddy," Hermione said with a smile for the five-year-old who called this Hermione the same thing he did in her own universe.

"Hey, Ted," Draco said ruffling his hair. Teddy was wearing a Falcons jersey with Potter emblazoned across the back. It was adorable.

"Uncle Harry told me he would give me the Snitch after he caught it today," Teddy said excitedly.

"Only if you behave," a voice said.

Hermione saw Remus walk up behind Teddy and put a hand on his shoulder. Her breath caught in her throat and tears gathered unbidden. To see Remus actually get to raise his son was, she couldn't even express how that felt.

"Dad, I am," Teddy insisted.

"I don't think practically knocking Hermione over qualifies as behaving," Remus said. His face was serious, but Hermione could see the amusement in his eyes. "You have to be careful now, remember?"

"But Mynee isn't like Mum. Mum is huge!" Teddy spread his hands out in front of him to emphasize his point.

Draco attempted to turn a laugh into a cough while Hermione could see Remus biting his own lip to keep from laughing. Tonks was pregnant?

"Don't ever say that to your mother," Remus finally managed. "But even so, Hermione is still growing a baby so you must be careful."

"Sorry, Mynee," Teddy mumbled.

She squatted down in front of him. "It's all right. It's hard to remember sometimes, isn't it?"

He nodded.

"How about a hug?"

Teddy grinned and wrapped his little arms around her. Hermione gathered him to her, thankful that some things were the same. Teddy's hugs always made her feel better.

When Teddy had scampered off to rejoin Sirius at the rail, Remus smiled at Hermione. "I'm sorry for his exuberance. He's been so excited about today, it's the first time I've allowed him to stay for the entire match."

Hermione smiled. "I'm fine, Remus, honestly."

"I'm glad to hear it. Draco." Remus nodded in greeting, then followed Teddy.

Before Hermione could get hold of her emotions over the encounter, Pansy sidled up to them. "You're looking better."

"Oh, erm, thanks," Hermione replied.

"Of course, the last time I saw you, you had your head in the toilet, so anything is an improvement."

Hermione stared at the other woman in shock for several seconds.

"Don't tell me the baby has stolen your sense of humor," Pansy finally said, rolling her eyes.

When Hermione still didn't respond, Pansy's expression turned to concern. A look had never seen on Parkinson's face. At least not directed at her.

"Hermione? Are you all right?" Pansy reached out and took Hermione's hand. "I really was just teasing. I didn't mean anything by it."

Hermione felt Draco's hand at the small of her back. She didn't know what to say. This is why she shouldn't have come. Was the other her close enough to Pansy that she would have laughed off Pansy's comment. Or maybe come back with her own retort? Did they joke like this?

"Sorry, I'm fine."

Pansy looked up at Draco, concern still on her face.

"Don't take it personally, Pans," Draco said. "Mood swings, you know."

Hermione smacked Draco in the stomach with the back of her hand. Not that she'd meant to. It just seemed to keep happening. Draco laughed and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her to his side. He kissed her temple and Hermione leaned into him. Not that she'd meant to do that either.

Pansy looked back at her and Hermione forced herself to smile. "It's fine, Pansy. I have been a little out of sorts lately." Understatement of the century.

Pansy squeezed the hand she still held and smiled. Hermione had to forced herself not to gape again. Maybe she should have jumped yesterday. Slytherins smiling at her was not something she expected to experience. Ever. At least not these particular Slytherins.

"Hey, 'Mione," Ron said as he walked up. "Malfoy. Parkinson."

"Weasley," Draco replied. While the two men were polite, it was obvious that they probably weren't overly close.

"Are you still going to call me that once I'm married?" Pansy asked, stealing a chip from Ron's plate. Hermione finally noticed the engagement ring on Pansy's finger.

"Oi! Get your own. There's plenty over there." Ron scowled.

Pansy grinned, popping the chip into her mouth. Hermione bit her lip to keep from laughing.

"Pretend all you like, but you know you love me, Weasley."

Ron rolled his eyes. "I tolerate you, Parkinson, for Harry's sake."

"So, you say," Pansy said, smirking at him as she nicked another chip.

"For Merlin's sake, woman. Make your own plate!"

Pansy laughed, then patted Ron's cheek before she walked towards the food. Ron frowned after her, then shook his head, muttering something under his breath that Hermione didn't catch. She couldn't help but laugh.

"Nothing out of you," he said pointing at her. "You started it by marrying this one."

"And what a magnificent choice she made too," Draco said, wrapping an arm around Hermione's shoulders and giving her a squeeze. "Don't you agree?"

Ron snorted. "I see your ego hasn't taken any hits lately, Malfoy."

"Never, Weasley, never."

Ron shook his head, but he was smiling. Hermione was just trying to keep her mouth from falling open. Draco Malfoy and Ron Weasley were bantering. And, it would seem, Harry might be engaged to Pansy Parkinson. What kind of world had she fallen into?

There was suddenly a cheer from Teddy, and they all turned to see Harry hovering in front of the box. Pansy was standing by the rail and Harry leaned over and grabbed her by the back of the neck, snogging her rather soundly. Well, that answered that question.

"Eww, Uncle Harry!" Teddy said, covering his eyes.

Harry grinned down at Teddy. "It's my good luck kiss, mate."

Teddy made a face causing all the adults to chuckle. Harry glanced up and caught sight of Hermione. His grin widened. "Hey, you made it. Feeling better then?"

"A bit," Hermione said, smiling at her best friend.

"I'm glad."

"Potter!" a voice yelled from below and Harry glanced down and waved.

"Gotta go. See you lot after!"

He gave Pansy one last quick kiss, high-fived Teddy, and then flew down to join the rest of his team. Hermione smiled softly at the look on Pansy's face as she watched Harry fly off. It was clear that they loved one another.

Hermione was glad for the distraction of the Quidditch match. As the afternoon wore on, she was getting increasingly concerned that she was going to say the wrong thing to someone. She'd almost asked Theo about his job with the DMLE but that was from the second universe. She had no idea where the man worked here.

Not to mention the emotion that came over her whenever she watched Teddy interact with Remus or Sirius interact with anyone. She'd been using the pregnancy and sickness as an excuse for everything but she had a feeling some of them were starting to get suspicious. She'd caught Sirius looking at her more than once and Draco had asked her three times now if she was all right.

She'd finally decided that she should probably just beg off and go back to the penthouse. Hopefully, the match would run long and they wouldn't have to go to the Manor for dinner either. Or she could always say she didn't feel well enough. That was definitely the smartest thing to do, but whenever she tried to say just that, something else came out of her mouth. It was like her other self didn't want Hermione to leave.

Telling Draco she needed the loo, Hermione stood and left the box. Once outside, she leaned back against the wall and blew out a breath. This was ridiculous. If she had the Universe Hopper with her, she would have jumped right now. The other universes had been different, yes, but they'd been similar enough that she was able to function without too much worry. It didn't help that she still didn't know how things had come to be the way they were here.

"Everything all right?" a voice said, and Hermione jumped. Sirius was standing in front of her, arms crossed over his chest, look of concern on his face.

"Yes, I was just, erm, heading to the loo."

"You've been off this afternoon."

"What?" Hermione asked in confusion.

"You're not acting like yourself."

"I don't know what you mean," she said, hoping that her face didn't give anything away. She'd found out that Sirius was an Auror here. She didn't know if he knew Legilimency but strengthened her shields all the same. Not that she hadn't had them up since she landed here.

"I've seen the looks you've been giving me and Remus all afternoon. You've been on the verge of tears, like you can't believe we're here. Which makes no sense since we're always at Harry's matches."

"Pregnancy hormones," she mumbled.

Sirius raised an eyebrow as if he wasn't sure he believed her.

"It's just, seeing Remus interact with Teddy, you know. You as well," she finished, somewhat lamely if she were honest. Although, Sirius had been goofing around with Teddy a lot of the afternoon, so it wasn't entirely untrue.

"You haven't been talking to anyone much either. You've just stayed glued to Draco's side the entire afternoon."

"I'm just tired, Sirius," she said, praying that Draco came to look for her. And wasn't that the biggest of ironies? That she was hoping Draco would rescue her from Sirius. "I'm always tired, I feel like. I probably should have stayed home today but I didn't want to miss Harry's match."

"You know Harry would understand," Sirius said, finally looking as if he might believe her.

"I know, I just," she shook her head. "I mean I'm going to be pregnant for a while. It's not like I can just lay in bed all day, right?" She managed to smile.

Sirius chuckled. "Oh, I don't know. I think old Lucy would allow just about anything when it comes to his future grandchild. I've seen the playroom he's designing you know."

Lucius Malfoy was building a playroom for his half-blood grandchild? And he was happy about it? And then there was the fact that Sirius had seen it. Even though he'd called Lucius Lucy, it seemed in a more teasing way than derogatory. Gods, Hermione needed to sit down.

Something must have shown on her face because Sirius' expression changed to concern once again. He put a hand on her arm. "You sure you're all right?"

"I don't, I, no I don't think I am." If she could play the sickness card to get out of this bizarre conversation she was going to do it.

Sirius immediately drew his wand and conjured a chair, helping her to settle into it. He conjured a glass and filled it with water, squatting down and handing it to her.

"Thanks," she said before she took a long drink. At least she'd managed to get his attention away from her 'off' behavior.

The door to the box opened and Draco walked into the corridor. He took one look at her, eyes widening. "Hermione!"

She almost slumped in relief at the sight of Draco taking Sirius' place in front of her. "What is it, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, I just felt a bit sick for a minute."

Draco glanced at Sirius, his gaze a bit accusatory. Sirius held up his hands in surrender. "We were just talking, and she went a bit white, then said she needed to sit down."

Sirius' words seemed to satisfy Draco, although they had the opposite effect on Sirius. He was looking at her speculatively again.

Draco put a hand to her cheek. "Do we need to leave?"

"I'll just have another dose of the potion and see how I feel after." She opened the small handbag she had slung across her body and pulled out the vial, drinking it down. She took a ginger chew and popped it in her mouth for good measure. She didn't feel as horrible as she had the day before, but the nausea was definitely starting to make itself known again.

She took another sip of water from the glass Sirius had conjured.

"I think I saw some ginger ale on the drinks table," Draco said. "Let's go back in and I'll get you some. Maybe something to eat?"

Hermione nodded and Draco helped her stand.

"Thanks, Sirius," she said as he vanished the chair and the glass in her hand.

"Of course," Sirius said, although that look of faint suspicion was back on his face.

Hermione had no idea if she'd done something else unusual or he was just thinking back to what he'd said earlier. She really didn't have the energy to worry about it though. She allowed herself to lean against Draco as he led her back into the box. Looking over her shoulder just before she stepped inside, she saw that Sirius was still staring at her.

It took another hour, but Teddy suddenly began to shriek. "The Snitch, the Snitch!" They all stood and hurried to the railing. Harry was diving down towards the small golden ball, the Wasps' Seeker hot following quickly behind. Hermione squeezed Draco's hand tightly when it looked as if Harry was going to plow into the earth. She glanced to the side and saw Pansy hiding her face in Theo's chest, Theo laughing as he patted her back.

At the last possible second, Harry pulled up, holding the Snitch triumphantly in his fist. The stadium went wild. Teddy was jumping up and down, yelling Harry's name, while Remus kept hold of the back of Teddy's jersey, so he didn't fall over the rail. Hermione clapped and cheered along with everyone else, catching Sirius' eye at one point. He stared at her for a moment before turning back to cheer for Harry. Gods, she hoped he wasn't going to be a problem.

Then Draco turned and Hermione smiled up at him as he lowered his head and captured her lips with his. Taken by surprise, she froze for a second. Mother of Merlin, Malfoy was kissing her, really kissing her. She was kissing Draco Malfoy. She forced herself to relax into it, not wanting to cause suspicion.

When Draco broke the kiss, he was grinning. He rested his forehead against hers. "I love you."

She swallowed. She had to say it. She could. "I love you too."

Then he turned and began to cheer as Harry flew up the box, reaching out and handing Teddy the Snitch. Harry kissed Pansy again and pumped his fist into the air before flying down to join the rest of his team.

"Are you up for supper?" Draco asked once they were back at the penthouse. "I'm sure Mother will understand if we have to cancel."

They'd left shortly after Harry had caught the Snitch, Hermione begging off due to feeling ill. In truth, she was feeling better after taking the potion, but she wasn't ready to see Harry. She wanted to, she really did, but things were so different here she couldn't be sure that their friendship was the same as it had been in the other universes. Everyone had seemed to understand, and Hermione had asked Pansy to tell Harry congratulations from them.

"You're still coming to ours on Tuesday, right?" Pansy had asked.

"Course," Draco said. "As long as Hermione feels up to it."

Pansy had hugged them both and then turned to talk to Theo and Ron while they waited for Harry to arrive. Hermione just hoped she could get some information from Padma before Tuesday.

There was a large part of her that wanted to tell Draco that no, she was definitely not up for supper with his parents, but she wouldn't deny that a part of her wanted to go. From their Floo call the night before, it was obvious that Draco's mother was friendly and had no problem with the other Hermione. But how would his father interact with her? It was morbid curiosity she knew, but she couldn't help it. She was concerned about being in the Manor again though. What if she had a panic attack?

"I'm feeling better," Hermione found herself saying, although she hadn't intended to speak just yet. "We should go."

"You're sure?"

She nodded, annoyed that her other self was obviously trying to take some control of the situation. She felt a wave of irritation run through her that she knew was not hers. Well, that was new. While she'd felt things that she was sure were from her other self in the past two universes, nothing as strong as this. If she could hear what her other self was saying she was probably telling Hermione to get over herself. Before she could contemplate it fully, Draco spoke again.

"We should probably get changed then. You know Mother hates it when we're not at least fifteen minutes early." He rolled his eyes but Hermione saw the genuine affection in them. Draco began walking towards the bedroom. "Oh, and I made sure to tell her no tomatoes and no fish. Don't need you bolting from the table from the smell."

"Thanks, I think."

"Only the best for you, love," he said with a grin over his shoulder. "I'm going to take a quick shower. Unless you want to join me?" He waggled his eyebrows.

Hermione nearly choked on her tongue. "Ah, no, that would probably be…counterproductive."

"Your loss," he said with a smirk, then laughed as he walked into the bedroom.

Hermione followed and waited until he'd gone into the bathroom to make her way to the wardrobe to find something to wear. She was absolutely not thinking about Malfoy in the shower. Nope, she was not.

She began to look through the sets of robes on her side of the wardrobe. She was sure that the Malfoys would expect wizarding attire for dinner at their home but Hermione had no idea how formal it was. There was a variety, from casual to what were clearly dress robes for balls or weddings and the like, with everything in between. She had no idea how to choose. She stared at her other self's side of the wardrobe until Draco finished his shower and walked in wearing only a towel around his waist.

Hermione glanced at him, then quickly looked away. Merlin, she did not need this right now. A part of her wondered how he kept himself so fit working at a desk all day. No, no, she wasn't going to think about that. She heard a drawer open and close, then the small plop of what she assumed was the towel hitting the floor. She didn't turn around but felt her face heat.

"Something wrong?" Draco asked from behind her.

She turned her head slightly to see him standing much closer than she realized. Clad in just his pants. Tight boxer briefs to be exact. She looked back at the clothes in front of her.

"Just trying to decide what to wear." She was astounded that not only had she been able to get out the full sentence, but that it had been coherent as well. This was ridiculous. It was Malfoy. Yes, all right, he was attractive, but it was still Malfoy.

"How about the blue? I love those on you." He turned back to his own side of the wardrobe and began pushing hangers aside.

There were two sets of blue robes hanging in front of Hermione. One, however, was decidedly much more formal than the other. No matter how proper the Malfoys were, she doubted they expected formal dress robes for a Sunday family dinner. She pulled the other set off the hanger and turned back to Draco. He'd pulled on a white shirt, thank Merlin, and was in the process of buttoning it.

"I'm going to go freshen up a bit."

"All right, love. We've got about twenty minutes."

She nodded and quickly left the room, glad that he hadn't asked why she was bringing the robes with her. The last thing she was going to do was undress in front of him if she could at all help it. She felt exasperation from what had to be her other self and could just picture the other Hermione rolling her eyes. Honestly, she should be glad that Hermione wasn't trying to sleep with her husband! A wave of amusement and then her other self was quiet. It was all very odd.

Twenty minutes later, she stood in front of the fireplace with Draco. He held out the pot of Floo powder to her. "Ready?"

Not in the slightest, Hermione thought to herself. Instead, she smiled, took a pinch of powder, and threw it into the grate, calling out for Malfoy Manor once she'd stepped in.

When she exited the Floo, she was in a small sitting room. She stepped aside, siphoning the ash from her robes while she waited for Draco. He stepped out a few seconds later.

"Hello, darlings."

Hermione looked up to see Narcissa Malfoy walking into the room. She looked just as beautiful and regal as ever, however, the haughty demeanor was completely absent. She smiled genuinely at both of them as Draco kissed her cheek.

"How are you feeling, Hermione?" Narcissa asked.

"Better than yesterday."

"But still a bit queasy, yes?"

Hermione nodded.

"Has the potion helped?"

"Some," Hermione admitted. "But not completely."

"Draco, you must speak to Severus," Narcissa said. "He can attempt to individualize the potion for Hermione."

"Oh, that's all right. I'm sure he's busy with other projects," Hermione said.

"Nonsense," Narcissa said. "There is no reason for you to feel poorly like this. Besides, it's something M.I. has been working on marketing, as you know. Severus will be happy to have another test subject."

"We'll speak to him tomorrow, Mother," Draco said. "Where's Father?"

"Right here, Draco."

Hermione looked up as Lucius Malfoy walked into the room. Her heart began to beat faster in her chest as she waited for the sneering look of condescension. It never came, however. Lucius smiled widely at her before he moved towards her, placing his hands on her shoulders. He looked at her with…affection if Hermione was not mistaken.

"How are you feeling, my dear?" he asked.

"I'm, erm, all right, thank you."

"Everything is all right with the little one? Draco said you had an appointment the other day."

Lucius Malfoy had not just said 'little one' in that concerned tone. Nor did he keep track of her other self's prenatal appointments. She didn't care what universe she was in, that wasn't possible. She'd gone mad. There was no other explanation.

"The Healer said everything is perfect," Draco said with no little amount of pride.

"Good, good," Lucius said, giving her shoulder an affectionate squeeze. "Remember what I said last week. If you need to work from home or work fewer hours, that is not a problem. I would rather you rest when you need to."

Hermione nodded, unable to speak. Just then, a House Elf popped into the room.

"Dinner is being served, Master, Mistress," she said with a bow.

"Thank you, Tippy," Lucius said. He held out an arm to Hermione. She stared at it for a moment before slipping her arm through his. He patted her hand and smiled again before leading her from the room. She glanced back to see Draco doing the same with his mother. Gods, she wasn't sure she was going to make it through this dinner.

"Hermione?"

"Sorry," Hermione said as she looked up to see all three Malfoys looking at her in concern.

"Are you all right, dear?" Narcissa asked. "You've been rather quiet this evening."

"Yes, just, erm, lost in my thoughts." She attempted to smile but wasn't sure if she was successful.

The entire dinner had been surreal. Lucius had thanked the House Elves every time they brought out a new course. He'd been laughing with his wife and son over something, what Hermione couldn't remember as she'd been so taken aback from the beginning, she wasn't sure she'd been paying attention to the conversation at all.

It had all seemed so…normal. Like any other family dinner she'd attended. She thought it would be all silence in some huge dining room that echoed with a table that seated at least twenty. Instead, they'd gone into a smaller, more cozy dining room, the table only big enough for six with Lucius at the head, Narcissa on his left, and Hermione and Draco across from her. It was all very intimate and warm and inviting, and it was obvious that Draco was close to both of his parents. Nothing like she'd expected.

"Are you feeling unwell?" Lucius asked. "I hope the food wasn't too rich for you."

That was the other thing, the solicitousness of both Malfoy parents. While she could have taken Lucius' comment as a dig against her palate, and likely would have under any other circumstance, it was clear he was genuinely concerned about her well-being.

"Tippy can make you anything you'd like if you need something else to settle your stomach," he continued.

"No, no, I'm fine, honestly. The food was wonderful."

"If you're sure," Narcissa said.

"I am," Hermione replied.

"Maybe we should get you home," Draco said, taking her hand beneath the table and running his thumb over her knuckles.

"That's not necessary," Hermione said. Although, it would probably be a good idea. She wasn't sure how much longer she could manage without either screaming or bursting into hysterical laughter.

"Nonsense," Lucius said. "It's clear that you need your rest, especially after spending your afternoon at a Quidditch match. Narcissa and I insist."

Hermione glanced at Narcissa, who smiled and nodded.

"Come on, love," Draco said. He stood from his chair and pulled hers back for her, taking her hand and helping her to her feet.

"I'm sorry to cut the night short," Hermione said, feeling a bit guilty about it now.

"There is no need to apologize," Narcissa said.

The Malfoy parents followed them back to the sitting room and the Floo.

"Thank you for dinner," Hermione said.

"Of course, dear," Narcissa said, giving her a hug as Draco's father clapped in on the back with a smile. "Draco."

Draco smiled and kissed his mother's cheek, accepting a hug as well. Hermione thought she might faint dead away when Lucius reached over and hugged her briefly. "If you need to stay home to rest tomorrow, do not worry about work. Miss Patil is up to speed on your research, yes?"

"Y-yes," Hermione finally managed, having no actual idea if Padma was up to speed or not.

Lucius looked at her a bit strangely for a moment, likely because of her reaction to the hug, before he smiled and lightly squeezed her upper arm. "Rest well."

"I'll Floo you later this week to set up our lunch," Narcissa said.

Hermione simply nodded and let Draco lead her to the Floo. When she made no move to take the powder, he grabbed some and threw it into the grate for her, helping her in before he called out her destination.

When Hermione got back to the penthouse, she felt another wave of irritation which she knew was coming from her other self. Hermione was sure it had something to do with the way she'd been acting tonight.

"I'm sorry, all right. This is all just too strange."

"What was that?" Draco asked as he stepped out of the fireplace.

"Nothing, just mumbling to myself." She gave him a half-smile.

He chuckled and stepped towards her, taking her in his arms. "You think I'd be used to that by now."

She smacked his chest and he laughed again, then leaned down and kissed her. Hermione reacted more quickly this time and kissed him back. It wasn't until his lips moved to her neck and his hand began to travel up her side that she began to panic a bit. Yes, she had slept with Neville and Kingsley in the other universes but this was different. This was Malfoy. There was no way she could sleep with him, regardless of the exasperation she was feeling from her other self right now.

"Draco, I," she paused as he reached a rather sensitive spot on her neck. Merlin. "Draco."

"Hmm?" He continued his ministrations of her neck.

"I really am rather tired."

He paused, then pulled back and looked at her.

"I'm sorry," she said, biting her lip.

He smiled. "You don't have to apologize." He kissed her forehead and moved back from her, taking her hand instead, leading her to the bedroom. "I'll run you a bath while you change, yeah?"

"All right," she agreed. "Thank you."

"Anything for you, love." He smiled and walked into the loo.

Hermione blew out a breath and leaned back against the wall. She really hoped she could convince Padma of who she was tomorrow.

21 July 2003

Hermione sat at her desk at Malfoy Enterprises, waiting for Padma to arrive. Thank Merlin it had become apparent that Draco and the other Hermione normally went into work together and that he usually walked his wife to her office. Otherwise, there was no way Hermione would have been able to find her way around.

The building was massive, much larger than she'd been expecting, although it was clear that it was magically expanded on the inside. The outside footprint was much smaller. She had decided not to even attempt to find her way to Padma's office and had instead asked her secretary to ask Padma to meet her here.

Hermione had tucked the Universe Hopper in her pocket before she and Draco left the penthouse this morning. She really didn't like having it on her person, especially in a building where there were likely detection and security charms everywhere, but it couldn't be helped. She highly doubted that Padma would believe her without some kind of proof.

She hadn't wanted to discuss everything at M.I. either but she didn't know how often this Hermione interacted with Draco at work. Did they eat lunch together? Did he just pop by her office regularly? She couldn't risk leaving the office and having him wondering where she'd gone and why. Instead, she'd run various detection charms of her own over her office to make sure there were no eavesdropping spells or the like. Every scan had come up clean. It seemed she had privacy in her office, although that wouldn't stop her from putting up wards anyway.

There was a quiet rap on her door.

"Come in."

The door opened to reveal Padma. "Morning, Hermione. You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, come in." Hermione had risen from her desk and gestured to one of the chairs in front of it. As Padma sat, Hermione raised her wand and cast a set of silencing and privacy wards on the door of her office.

"What's going on?" Padma asked with a frown when Hermione sat once again.

"I need to talk to you about something. It's going to sound completely mad, I know, but please promise me that you'll hear me out."

"All right," Padma said warily.

Hermione took a deep breath and looked her friend in the eye. "I'm not who you think I am."

Padma stared at her for a moment before she laughed. "Oh really? And who do I think you are?"

"No that's not," Hermione huffed out a breath and reached into her pocket. She might as well just get it over with all at once. "Here, look at this." She opened the box and set it on the desk.

Padma leaned forward to get a better look at it. "What is that?"

"Before I tell you, what do you think it looks like?"

"Like a Time-turner, I guess. But I've only seen photographs so I can't be sure."

Hermione nodded. "It's not a Time-turner but it is related."

"Related how?" Padma asked still examining the device. "And where did you get it?"

"It's not a Time-turner, it's a Universe Hopper. And I was wearing it when I arrived here two days ago."

Padma stared at her for a full minute, then laughed nervously. "Hermione, I think the pregnancy hormones are affecting your brain. I've heard that's really a thing."

"It's not pregnancy hormones." Hermione looked at Padma solemnly. "I've been jumping universes for a month now. This is my fifth."

"Maybe I should get Draco," Padma said looking at Hermione like she was completely insane.

"No, please, Padma. I know how this sounds-"

"No, I don't think you do. You're telling me you're from a different universe, Hermione. That's not, that's not normal."

"I know, I know but please just listen. I'll explain everything, I swear."

Padma seemed to war with herself but finally acquiesced, sitting rigidly on the edge of her chair while Hermione told her story, leaving out the body sharing for the moment. When she was finished, she had no idea what Padma was thinking. They sat in silence for a few minutes before Padma looked up at Hermione.

"Either you have gone completely round the twist, because you would have to be to be able to make up something like that, or you're telling the truth. I'm not sure which one is worse, honestly."

Hermione released the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. At least she hadn't run off screaming to Draco to commit Hermione to St. Mungo's.

"We were really Unspeakables?" Padma asked.

"We are Unspeakables," Hermione corrected. "In my world at least. Actually, you were one in every other universe I've been in. My other self hasn't always been."

"I seriously thought about becoming an Unspeakable," Padma said. "Before I took the job here."

"This is the kind of thing they deal with," Hermione said indicating the Universe Hopper. "Or at least all the other universes I've been in they do. Malfoy Industries hasn't existed in any of the other worlds, so I don't know if they've had an impact on what the DOM studies."

"I don't think we deal with anything like this here," Padma said. "Or if we do, no one knows about it."

"So, you believe me?" Hermione asked, hoping that she would once again have an ally in this craziness.

"I don't know," Padma said. "You've never lied to me but this is extremely difficult to wrap my mind around. Time travel is one thing but dimensional travel? The fact that other universes even exist? I just, I don't know, Hermione. It's a lot."

"I know," Hermione said. "And I don't want to stay here any longer than I have to. This universe is…not at all like any of the others I've been in. I'm having a very difficult time dealing with it."

"What's different ab-," Padma paused. "Hold on. If you really are from another universe and you're here, where is the other Hermione? Did the two of you switch places or something?"

"Not exactly," Hermione hedged.

Padma's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean 'not exactly'?"

Hermione silently summoned Padma's wand. Had she not been pregnant, she likely wouldn't have. But she didn't need Padma casting first and asking questions later and inadvertently hurting the baby. Padma opened her mouth to protest but Hermione spoke first.

"I'm sharing a body with her."

There was silence for a second before Padma exploded. "What!?" She attempted to summon her wand back, but Hermione held fast to both Padma's wand and her own. Padma began to shout for help.

"That won't work. I've silenced the room. Please, just let me explain. Once I do, I'll give you back your wand but please remember that the other Hermione is pregnant. This is her body, not mine. Whatever you do to it, you're doing to her."

Padma glared at her but stopped yelling.

"I don't know what happened between my second and third jump. It was obviously something that we did with the Universe Hopper but I don't know what. I've jumped into the other Hermione's body but she's not dead or gone or anything like that. We're sharing the body. Kind of like possession, I guess. But she's still here. I've felt her this time just like I have the other two times. In fact, sometimes I'm not really in control of my actions or what I say. The other me sort of takes over."

"I want to talk to her," Padma said.

"If I knew how to do that I would, I swear. But I don't. I can feel her sometimes, but it doesn't seem like she can actually communicate with anyone else beyond getting me to say things that I wasn't planning on. I don't know why."

Padma stood staring at Hermione, still not completely convinced. Hermione handed her wand back but kept her own gripped lightly in her hand. She wasn't about to let something happen to the other Hermione's baby because Padma reacted without thinking.

Padma snatched her wand back, eyes never leaving Hermione's.

"I know this is unbelievable but I've been living it for a month now and I just really, really want to go home. Please help me."

"Tell me what you were going to say before. About this world being so different from the others," Padma said.

"In my world, and all the others I've been in, Lucius Malfoy was a blood purist and a Death Eater and raised his son to be the same. Voldemort and his Death Eaters nearly destroyed our world. It was only with heavy losses, many of them people that are alive in this world, that we were able to stop them. So yes, it was a bit disconcerting to arrive here and find myself not only married to Draco Malfoy but welcomed with open arms by his parents. Not to mention the fact that Draco was never Marked here. I have spent two days trying to figure out just what the hell is going on."

Padma stared at her in shock. " Draco was a Death Eater? How is that even possible?"

"The same way it's possible that anyone else was a Death Eater, I guess," Hermione said a bit confused by the question. "Although, Draco was under a bit of duress when he took the Mark and I know he regretted it later."

"No, no, no," Padma said. She took a deep breath and let it out. "I mean how is it possible that Draco was a Death Eater at all? Voldemort died in 1981."

Hermione's heart started to beat faster. "1981? You're sure he died in 1981?"

Padma nodded. "He tried to kill Harry, but the curse rebounded because of the protection from Harry's mum."

It all made sense now. Padma's question about Draco being Marked, the fact that there had been no retaliation against Lucius, Sirius, Remus, and Tonks being alive, along with so many others. Voldemort hadn't come back in this universe. And if that were the case, then he could still be out there, waiting, biding his time. Oh gods, she was going to be sick.

"Hermione? Are you all right?"

"I, I," Hermione began, then felt the world begin to tilt. She grabbed the edge of the desk, trying to steady herself. Her vision swam and she wasn't sure if she was still standing or not.

"Hermione!"