Saving Your Enemy [PG-13] for MiHnn (2/2)
Title: Saving Your Enemy
Author: luciannamalfoy
Rating: PG-13/light M
Recipient: Mihnn
Disclaimer: I don't own the HP universe.
Warning(s): Some angst, some fluff....
Author/Artist Note(s): I hope my recipient will like this fic! Draco and Hermione didn't want to go on with the smut in this for me...
Summary: Who would've thought that a letter could change one's life?
Part 1
Draco sat up straight in his bed three months later. He was going to try walking again today. Hermione had promised to help him.
'Are you ready?' she asked as she strode into his room. She was smiling and looking lovely. He couldn't stop thinking how lucky he was.
Hermione was wearing a sky blue robes with a knee length white dress underneath.
Draco opened his arms for the customary hug.
'I think we will have to see how you are today. So we could either get to the cafeteria here, or if you feel stronger, we could stroll to Fortescue's.'
‘Ice Cream would be nice,’ Draco said, ‘Vanilla with peanut butter chocolates mixed in and sprinkles.’
Draco swung his legs over the edge of the bed.
'I see you're already dressed as well,' she said as she noticed his emerald t-shirt and khakis.
Draco pushed himself to his feet. He grabbed the bed post to steady himself.
'I knew you'd need a bit of time to accustom yourself to walking so I got a cane for you,' she said and offered him a polished wood cane. 'It is spelled to help you balance and not trip.'
‘Thank you,’ Draco said, taking it from her.
He smiled when he saw the tiny silver owl that topped it.
'You look good today,' she added as he took his first steps towards the door.
A blush crept into his pale cheeks.
‘You look radiant,’ Draco said, eying her legs for moment.
'Shush, you're ever so charming. We'll see how you feel about walking today. And should you feel shaky, take my hand or better yet, put your hand around my waist.'
Draco felt a bit shaky so he slung his arm around her waist after a few steps.
They left the hospital and Draco squinted at the bright light outside.
Some wizards were openly leering at his witch.
She was going to be his wife, she just didn't know it yet. Draco was happy that his mother was so sweet to his intended.
He knew that there were still several months to spend in hospital, but it didn't depress him.
Hermione took his hand as they ventured outside.
She gasped as a large mourning cloak butterfly fluttered around them.
‘Butterfly!’
'It's very pretty,' Draco said and grinned, 'but you're even more beautiful.'
'Draco, you're a charmer. I see that you're coming back to how you were. Witch Weekly would always write what a ladies' man you are.'
‘I do have manners. Though I did not always use them. I deserved to be punched in our third year. I am not a womanizer. I assure you.’
'But I am sure the girls can't wait till you're back to the party circuit,' she said and poked his side gently. He was still rather skinny, but not as skeletal as before.
‘I was never really one for those things. I just want a nice witch and to settle down. Not that I would not want to take her out if she wanted. It would be my pleasure to do so...but I hope to have a son soon.’
'I am sure your wish will come true, after all, who could withstand the Malfoy charm,' she giggled.
‘Well, you punched me for it. The Malfoys do have a substantial number of Nordic ancestors.’
'That much can be guessed as you are quite pale and your blond hair is quite striking.'
‘Well, then you have accepted my advances...by punching me...haven't you? You are my affianced. Are you not? After all, I never bullied any girl as much or as viciously as I bullied you. You were special.’ Draco squeezed her hand as they sat down with ice creams.
'Draco, you're just being funny now, aren't you? she asked as she picked up her spoon. It was a pity that he would not want to see her after the treatment was over. He was quite charming, was fun to talk to and very handsome as well.
'I was not joking,' he said in a serious tone. 'I mean it.'
‘What would you want to marry me for?’ Hermione asked, licking at the whip cream.
‘So I can hold you for as long as I chose, and have the advantage to never have to give you up.’
Draco rolled a chocolate on his tongue melting it.
'As soon as you get out of hospital, your world will change. I'm just...giving you comfort.'
‘My world changed for the better with my admittance. And I hate to look backwards.’
Draco took another bite of ice cream as Hermione licked her chocolate and marshmallow ice cream.
‘It is counter-productive.’ Draco added.
'Seriously, Draco. You've just become accustomed to me. Once you're free to do as you please...'
‘I hope to continue our association. You are the nicest woman I've ever met. I hope you won't save me and dump me...’ Draco said, sliding his leg forward to touch the side of Hermione's calf for a moment.
'Nice is often not enough for a relationship. and your parents have surely planned a nice pureblood witch for you.'
'No, they haven't set a match for me. And I am free to pick whoever I like. Don't you like my mother? She even got these Muggle novels for you.'
‘Your mother is lovely. Though I am still not fond of Lucius. I don't know why he is so objectionable to me...something about him trying to cast an unforgivable on me when I was just sixteen. That and him letting your insane aunt torture me.’ Hermione sighed and willed herself to keep her eyes off the handsome blond. He had something so captivating about him.
'Father is very reserved, but deep down he is lovely. He does care for his family a lot. And he has nothing against you.'
‘If you say so...he still gives me the heebie-jeebies.’
'Well, he has that aura. But he truly means no harm to you.'
‘I would have to be assured of your protection before I ever went near your home again. You protected us the last time we were there. I have not forgotten, Draco. Thank you. It was so...’ Hermione got a sly look on her face, ‘Gryffindor of you.’
Draco blushed and blustered.
'I suppose it's a good quality,' he said and took her hand.
'You could teach me how to be more Gryffindor.'
'I could do that, and you would learn something.'
‘Maybe I could teach you the value of hiding some of your motivations from time to time. One need not have all of one’s cards on the table. And you could stand to learn to bluff...’ Draco said, kissing the palm of her hand and the pads of each finger.
'Draco, why are you...' she asked as she watched him kiss her hand.
'I want to be with you after I'm better. You are unique. You were not afraid to hug me when I looked like You-Know-Who.'
‘You never looked like him.’
'But I was so terrible looking that Pansy fainted when she came to visit me. She never returned after that.'
‘Pansy is a pug faced, obsequious, disgusting specimen of womanhood. She is repellent. How horrible to leave you when you are sick and need comfort. I would never do that. Never!’
'But you called me a worm when you arrived,' Draco reminded her softly.
'That was just a general outburst....I didn't mean it, really.'
‘Who said anything was wrong with worms?’ Hermione asked, opening her purse and removing a bag of gummiworms. ‘These are my favorite.’
'What is that?' he asked, looking at the brightly colored things.
‘Gummiworms,’ Hermione took out a red and yellow one, handing it to him.
'What am I supposed to do with them?' he asked.
'You're supposed to eat it. I snuck out yesterday to get some of my favourite candy.'
Draco put the offered candy into his mouth. It was sticky and chewy.
‘It is squishy...’ Draco said, after he swallowed, 'but they taste great.'
Hermione grinned.
'I knew you'd like them too. And now that the healers have allowed you to eat almost anything...'
Draco nodded.
‘I am really eager for a Muggle food that I have not had for a while. I used to sneak out to have it every few weeks or so.’
‘What food?’
'Pizza. I like it with pineapple and this thinly cut meat on it. It's perfect. I am trying to decide how to ask mother to bring it to me.’
'You should just ask her. I am sure she would bring it
‘My mother has never ventured into the Muggle world. Ever. She is so shy about most things. I do not know if I could ask her. I don't want her to be uncomfortable. She barely leaves the house, if she doesn't have to.’
'But she went and got the books for me somehow. I think she is braver now. I guess she may have used someone else to get them.
‘It would be more fun to make Father do it.’ Draco got a sly look on his face. ‘He would be so sore about it, and complain...but he would do it. Want to see?’
‘I have to see that.’ Hermione said.
‘I will ask him after our treatment tomorrow. The food will help you.’
Hermione took his hand.
‘I will ask him tonight to bring it tomorrow. Maybe you can read to me more tonight, from that Eyre woman's book. I am enjoying it.’
'I will read it to you. Even though you're a lazy git, as you could read it yourself.
'I love your voice,' he said and looked at her with puppy eyes.
'And I love that you'd take the time to read for me.'
Draco leaned in closer to her, so that his face was close to hers.
Hermione smiled at him.
'I would like to go and have pizza with you one day.'
‘What about the day we leave the hospital? I can show you the best pizza place in London.’
'That could be a good day...but I was thinking about something fancier for that day.'
‘Whatever you think is best.’
Hermione said, taking another lick of her ice cream.
Draco suppressed a growl. She was so sexy.
Hermione slid her foot forward and brushed his calf with it.
He sighed. 'You don't know what you're doing.'
‘What?’ Hermione asked, looking him over. ‘We have fallen asleep in each others arms. I hardly think this is more intimate.’
Draco's spoon, full of ice cream, hit his nose as Hermione rubbed behind his knee.
Hermione giggled, leaning forward.
She had the desire to lick the sweetness from his face.
Draco flushed.
She was not sure she dared actually do so.
Draco grabbed a napkin and cleaned the ice cream from his face.
He stared at his bowl for a while, saying nothing.
‘I did not upset you, did I?’ Hermione asked, taking his hand.
‘No, I was just thinking that maybe I am embarrassing you.'
‘Why would you say that? I thought it was cute that I distracted you so thoroughly
'I know that many do not approve of my family after the war. I wouldn't want to taint your reputation.'
‘My reputation is good enough for two.’ Hermione said. ‘Besides Harry spoke on behalf of your family. That helped greatly in your favor.’
'That he did. I thanked him for it, but he didn't seem to accept.'
‘He did. But I doubt you and Harry will ever be friends. There is a lot of bad blood there. If you will pardon the expression.’
Draco averted his eyes.
‘You were children, but you did the right thing when it came down to it. You may not have liked Harry, but you did not ever want him dead.’
'But I think he would kill me if he knew that I want to...'
‘Want to what?’ Hermione asked. ‘Besides, I would not let him kill you...wound you, maybe...you deserve it for that awful Densaugeo hex of yours...’
Hermione squeezed his hand.
'You'd kill me too, if you knew,' Draco said and stared at his empty ice cream bowl again.'
‘If I wanted you dead, don't you think you would already be so...’ Hermione said. ‘I have only rejoiced in the death of one creature, besides Voldemort. Those awful blast ended skrewts. They were terrible.’
'I'm not a skrewt,' Draco said,' but I still fret what you'd say.'
‘Do you want to know something, Draco?’
Draco looked up.
‘If you tell me something that you worry about, I will tell you something I never wanted you to know.’
'Deal, if you tell me first...'
'But can I trust a Slytherin to keep his word? I think you should share first.’
Draco smiled at her shyly. 'Promise you won't hex me?'
‘If you promise not to hex me for mine.’
'Deal,' he said and took her hand.
He took a few deep breaths and looked into her eyes.
'I know that you may find this mad and deluded, but I think you're the one for me. You're the only one who could heal me. And I have never felt better near anyone else.'
He took a small sip from his iced tea.
'And I want to be with you, after the hospital time as well. I want to be yours.'
Hermione held his hand.
'So...what do you say to that?'
‘A deal is a deal. I was going to tell you that I had a crush on you, during our first year.’
She was quiet.
‘I never thought that you would want anything to do with me...’
'I was mad at myself. but you looked so cute. And even though you were a pest, I was still drawn to you.'
‘So you want to see me?’
Hermione flushed and looked at her empty candy packet, trying to work up the courage.
'I would.'
Draco kissed her hand.
‘Wonderful.’
Hermione took his arm and allowed him to lead her back to the hospital.
Draco hummed a happy tune as he rested in his bed. His witch was interested in him!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Hermione curled up next to him during the procedure the next day. She yawned, petting his stomach.
'What is it, sweetheart,' he asked as he saw her yawn. 'Is the potion getting to you again?'
‘You are so cozy, Draco.’
He let her snuggle closer, reveling in the feel of her body next to his.
She closed her eyes until she smelled melted cheese and pineapple and ham and yeasty bread.
‘PIZZA!’
Lucius Malfoy stood nervously at the door.
'Come in, Father. Thank you for bringing the food I requested.'
‘I never want to go there again. You are very spoiled, Draco. I don't know how I let you talk me into that.’
'Because you love me, father. And I am sure it was not half as terrible as you describe. But I appreciate what you did for me greatly.'
‘That man was greasy and disgusting. I took one to the Elves at the manor. They will be able to prepare the dish when you want it in the future. And we will not have to go to that...hell hole.’
'Father, you know that you don't have to complain so much. We know it was a hardship for you, and we understand that it is not easy for you to accept Muggles. But you still did it.'
‘I have no problem with clean Muggles. That one was filthy...’
Hermione giggled.
‘Oh Luci!’ she giggled, batting his hair.
'Thank you for the pizza, Mr. Malfoy.'
Lucius sighed. He had been told that the potion to make the transfusion seamless would have hallucinogenic effects on the witch. But having his hair messed was a small price to pay for his son's health.
‘May I braid your hair?’
‘No...’
‘Please...’
'Hermione, leave father alone. We still have an hour to rest till the transfusion is done for today.'
Hermione scowled.
‘I will braid it one day.’
Hermione straddled Draco and ate a slice of pizza.
'Careful not to misplace the tubing,' warned the older Malfoy.
'I know that it is quite safe,' Hermione said and giggled.
Draco closed his eyes.
‘You're just a kindly grouch,' Hermione said as she eyed the older man. 'But at least Draco got some good looks from you.'
Draco's eyes shot open. His witch was surely not attracted to his father.
'You are quite the hunk,' Hermione cooed and took another bite of her pizza.
Draco tugged at her, ‘Me?’
‘Yes, you. Luci is OLD.’
'And I was worried for a moment that you'd run away with my father.'
‘No. But I saw a picture of him from his younger days...and you look like him.’
'I guess I do,' Draco said and grinned. 'Could you hand me a slice of that pizza? You wouldn't hog it all, would you?'
Hermione handed him a slice. Lucius sighed audibly.
Hermione sighed, and took another slice. When Lucius opened his mouth to say something, she shoved the slice in.
He chewed and swallowed unwillingly.
'Miss Granger, this sort of behaviour is just...' he sputtered but stopped as he felt a gentle touch on his shoulder.
'Lucius, my darling, don't be upset. The poor girl is under the potion's influence.’
‘He would not allow me to braid his hair...’ Hermione announced loudly.
‘He doesn't allow me that either,' the blond witch said.
‘It's just so silky.’ Hermione petted Draco's hair. ‘Luxurious.’
‘Be good to me, Hermione,’ Draco said. helping her to settle between his legs.
He rubbed her shoulders.
'I am good, but only to nice people,' she said and leaned down to snuggle him.
‘I am nice. You are my girlfriend.’
Hermione nodded.
‘Yes. I am...’
Narcissa hid her grin. Maybe she would soon have a bouncing grandchild or two soon.
Lucius looked a little surprised.
'Father, I would like to talk to you tomorrow if you please?'
‘Of course. Whatever you want, Draco.’ Lucius said, walking over and hugging Draco's shoulders.
'Thank you, father.' Draco said and smiled at the older man.
'Lucius, we should let them rest. I am sure this procedure is quite strenuous.'
'I shall see you tomorrow then, Draco. If there's anything you need before that, notify the Healer.'
Hermione pressed her lips to Draco's temple, stroking her hair.
She felt so good when she was near him.
Draco pulled the covers over them, not wanting the witch to feel cold. He would tell his father everything tomorrow.
___
Draco sat up straighter as he heard his father's footsteps coming down the hall.
Hermione had been taken back to her room last night.
He would explain to his father how important Hermione was and how eager he was to have her for his witch.
She needed to recover from the transfusion and he already felt so alone.
She was such a sweet companion. He was well enough now that they could share a room. He would suggest that as well.
The bed was big enough for two after all. And he liked having her near. it had reduced the amounts of pain to almost nonexistent.
And she had seemed amenable to it when he asked her about it the other day. And he could keep watch over her while she recovered from the potion she had to take.
He was interrupted from his thoughts as his father entered the room.
‘Father, I'm glad you are here.’
‘I brought you some of those candies you wanted.’
Draco took the gummiworms and grinned.
'Thank you, Father. I guess you are slowly getting used to the Muggle shops?'
'This one was a rather nice one. The Muggles looked clean and well dressed.'
Draco ripped the package open and offered his father a candy.
‘No, thank you.’
'So what did you want to talk about, Son?'
Draco nodded, digging through and eating the red and yellow ones.
‘Hermione and I have decided that we want to continue our association after my recovery is complete.’
Lucius didn't say a word.
'I also had the healers check our compatibility. As you know, Father, my chance of fathering a healthy Pureblood child are next to nothing due to my inborn blood cancer.'
‘I know,’ Lucius said, sitting on the bed.
‘And you know how I wish for children. At least two. A boy and a girl...and perhaps another.’
'Will she be interested in you outside the hospital? I have heard this blood thinning potion does have odd side effects, and it may happen that she hates you after.'
‘Yesterday, she mentioned that she would enjoy continuing. And she flirted with me. Played footsie.’
Draco took a folder from the bedside table. 'I also had the healers do fertility tests for me and her. And they show that within a year, we will be fine and the possible offspring would be very powerful half-blood.'
‘If that is what you both want, I will not stand in your way. She is tempestuous and prideful, but that is nothing if you love her. That is all that matters. Hold onto that love, Draco. It is not easy to find.’
'I thought you would object to this, Father.'
'A few years ago, I would have so, strongly even. But now, seeing how both Half-bloods and Muggle-borns can be as powerful, I have no argument against. If you manage to marry her, you would also never have to fear a relapse without treatment.'
‘She would help even if it does not work out.’
'Witches are volatile. And I know that she has a temper, Son.'
‘She is sweetness itself. She is impulsive, and that needs work. Her impulse control...but she is Gryffindor. And it is kind of cute when she gets over excited about a subject.’
'I have heard that she may have other admirers waiting in the wings. that Krum has been writing to her for years.'
Draco pouted and continued to chew his candy.'
‘She wants to be with me. I always get what I want. She will be no different. She likes the way we fight.’
'Fights can tire out people. Just don't get your hopes up.'
‘She and I will be fine. You wait and see. You will have a grandson within two years. I will win her. I chose her.’
'I hope that everything works out as you plan, Son. And I would be happy if you could produce an heir.'
Draco sucked a worm into his mouth.
‘You will see.’
Lucius stood up. 'If you would excuse me, there is a little bit of business I need to attend to.'
‘Yes.’
'If you need anything, let the healers know and I will come to you immediately.'
‘I love you, Father.’
'I love you too, Son. And I wish that you get everything you want.'
‘I will.’ Draco said. ‘And one more thing.’
'Yes?'
‘I want Hermione to move in here with me.’
Draco set the candies aside.
'If the Healer allows, and if she agrees it is fine with me.'
Draco grinned.
‘Thank you, Father. Will Mother be coming by today?’
‘Yes. She wanted to get something that she remembers Miss Granger mentioning a desire for.’
'That's wonderful. I think Mother likes Hermione, too.'
‘She does. She would be fond of anyone who loves you. You are her world, as you are mine.’
Draco held up his arms for a hug.
The older man leaned down and hugged him.
------------------------
Narcissa wandered down the hall, carrying a red bag with a gold dragon on it.
The sweet witch healing her baby had expressed a wish for Chinese food. It had smelled so good that she had decided to get enough for Draco, Lucius and herself.
And the Muggles selling the food had been very helpful, and not all scary like described in the tales she had read as a child.
she poked her head into the room, and smiled seeing the witch snuggled next to her boy.
‘Draco,’ she called softly.
‘Mother.’
'I brought some food Hermione asked me to get. I hope I got the right things. The people at the shop assured me it was what I had on the list.'
‘What is it?’
Draco reached for the bag.
Hermione whimpered, opening her eyes.
'Chinese food, or so Hermione said.'
‘Thank you,’ Hermione said, picking up the bag.
'It was not as hard as I thought it would be. And the people selling the food were even nicer than the bookstore sales people.'
Hermione opened a container and sighed in delight.
'We could sit at the table,' Draco suggested, pointing at the small table near the window.
Hermione shuffled over to the table, taking out all the containers. 'I'm ravenous and I just love this food.'
‘What is it?’
'Chinese food!' Hermione said and sat down at the table. 'Come and try it. You too, Cissy.'
Narcissa sat down at the table.
‘What are these sticks?’
'These are chopsticks, people in China eat with them, but we can eat with spoons and forks too.'
Narcissa poked a pork egg roll and lifted it to her lips.
'Don't worry, it's delicious.'
Draco took a few careful bites of the egg fried rice.
'You two are so cute when you're worried about trying new things,' Hermione giggled.
Narcissa took a tentative bite.
She smiled and took a larger bite.
'The food is rather good,' she said with a small smile.
‘I have good taste.’ Hermione said.
'But you promised me, Hermione that you would go flying with me if we try all the things you want us to.'
‘I lied.’ Hermione said. ‘I hate heights.’
'Draco is one of the best fliers I have ever seen. And he won't fly very high if you're scared.'
‘I have seen his skills. But I am not comforted. I hate flying. Not safe.’
'We'll fly just a few feet above ground.'
'The healers have yet a say in that. As you've got at least three more weeks in hospital.'
‘But then, you will be all mine. And I shan't release you.’
‘You are not an Auror. I can be arrested by your charm.’
Cissy giggled a little. The young ones were so cute.
‘It is lucky then that my charm is freely available. And besides, I will use super hold charm on you, to keep your bum on the broom. No worries.’
'Even those charms won't be able to hold me there. I might just faint when I get on the broom.'
‘My arms will be there to catch you and hold you close. And I have my lips to wake you from your faint.’
'Draco, you're using up too much of your charm. And your food is getting cold.'
‘Your spice will keep it warm.’ Draco said, tucking into his rice and pork.
Narcissa just sat there grinning.
'Mother, what are you thinking?'
‘That you two make a lovely couple. And I hope that I will see much more of Miss Granger in the future.’
Hermione blushed and concentrated on her food.
Narcissa grinned and ate a pork egg roll.
Her baby had a good girlfriend. So it wouldn't be long till they would have babies.
___
‘You can go home, today,’ Healer Morris said, smiling brightly.
'That's wonderful!' Draco cheered and got out of the bed to gather his trunk.
Hermione slipped out of the bed and went into her old room. Surely he would not want anything to do with her now that he was not befuddled by a load of potions.
‘Hermione, wait!’
She turned.
'I am going to pack my things...'
‘We are going out to lunch, today. I have not forgotten your promise. It will our first real date.’
‘Hermione, I thought you might like to go to the Emerald Walk for lunch.’
‘How did you get a reservation there?’
'That shouldn't be something you worry about. All you need to think about is what you'd like to do...'
‘I would like to go for a walk around Hyde Park this afternoon. I have missed being outside.’
'We can do that as well. Really, anything you'd like. You'd just have to tell me what to wear so I fit in with the Muggles.'
‘A nice pair of trousers and a nice sweater...as you are a nice boy. And you should look posh.’
'If you say so,' he said and took off his pajama. She looked appraisingly at his torso. Once he'd get a little bit of muscle tone he'd be plain delicious.
All the witches would be after him...the prettier ones would surely steal him.
'Do I look okay? I know I've gained some weight, but I still don't like how I look.'
‘You look so much better than when I first came. You will be your normal handsome self soon. Back to how you want to look.’
'I want to look good for you. Because I know other men would steal you away from a weak, pathetic me.'
‘You have nothing to fear. Men ignore me for the most part. I made Viktor realize that he is gay. So I turn males gay.’
'I'm not gay,' Draco said seriously.
‘But I might turn you so...’ Hermione said.
He walked over to her.
'I know it may sound unreasonable for your logic, but I can't absolutely imagine myself without you now. I know we didn't really connect in school and after that. But these six months have made me happier than ever.'
His hand gently cupped her face.
‘I have been happy too.’ Hermione said. ‘I don't want to lose our friendship.’
'I don't want to lose you. But I don't want just your friendship.
Hermione blushed.
'I know it sounds hasty, but this illness has taught me that life is too short.'
‘I just don't want to rush into a binding,’ Hermione said.
‘Binding?’ Draco asked, looking at her. ‘You want a binding?’
‘Yes. Don't you?’ Hermione asked. ‘I don't believe in divorce, or leaving a spouse unless it is death that comes.’
Hermione gasped when she realized that she had said her thoughts out loud.
‘Of course, I agree.’ Draco said. And he took Hermione's hand.
'I would never rush you.'
He kissed her cheek gently.
Hermione took his arm, resting her cheek on it as they walked from the hospital.
'What about packing?' she asked, still dazed from the revelation that he wanted her as much as she did.
‘The Elves will take care of it. It makes them happy. You would not step on their happiness, would you?’ Draco asked, when he saw the protestation and impulse to return light in her eyes.
'I would not. I just... I just need to think about this...us...'
‘Will I see you soon?’ he asked, hoping that his heart would stop beating so fast.
'We're going to lunch, aren't we? I promised you this before.' she said as she steered him towards the restaurant.
‘Yes.’
'I didn't want to make you feel like I'm a lunatic,' Draco said as he opened the door for her.
‘Not at all,’ Hermione said. ‘I understand. I just was not expecting it. It was a surprise.’
'I know that it may sound so,' he whispered as the waiter lead them to the private room.
'But I think it is fate. Because our magic sought out each other. Did you know that in the ancient times, marriages were arranged with partners who had the best magical compatibility?
‘No.’ Hermione said.
'I was curious about the roots of magical communities. And I think it is right. Magic which is compatible makes better relationships. But due to the witch hunts the views changed...'
Hermione was quiet, listening to Draco.
'But now people see that what matters is the magic the person has, not their blood status. As you know, many powerful wizards have been Half-Blood.'
‘And Muggle-born...’ Hermione added, with a broad grin.
'Yes, so that is why I am deeply sorry for my behaviour when I was younger.'
Hermione turned her glass about listening to the ice clink.
'And I know i am not good enough now.'
‘I forgave you for all that a long time ago.’
Hermione looked up at him.
'I know that what I have felt for you in these six months is real.'
‘Yes...’
Draco smiled at her, trying to make his heart stop beating so fast.
Hermione was quiet as the starters were delivered.
'Is anything wrong?'
‘No, just thinking about things...’ Hermione said, looking up as music began to be piped through the restaurant.
'Please, tell me.'
‘How I am going to be sleeping alone tonight, if you want the truth. I have been with you so long...’
'You don't have to sleep alone.... I would be happy to...'
‘Where do you want this to end? Do you just want to sleep with me? Do you want to be bound? I need to know. I don't want to be heartbroken again. Ron did it twice. And shame on me for letting it happen that many times.’
'I want us to marry eventually, when you're ready and maybe when I am happier with how I look, I'm now awfully thin still. And yes, I will admit that I want to make love to you, but only when you want.'
He flushed. Maybe he had said too much and he would lose her now.
Hermione took his hand. ’You know that you’re the sweetest man I’ve ever met? And I find your shyness quite charming. I like you.’
--
'Draco Malfoy, I am so going to kill you!' she screamed as the mediwitch tried to put her back to bed. 'You are a horrible man and you won't get to touch me with a ten foot pole held by a Basilisk!'
Draco tried to come close to the bed where the kicking and screaming witch was situated.
'Tell me again, why did I get involved with you?' she screamed as another contraction took over her.
‘Because I am so incredible irresistible,’ he said with a grin.
‘Give me my wand and I’ll show you what you really are, you little worm,’ she gasped, but stopped kicking a little.
Draco extracted something from the bag she had packed for the hospital stay months ago already. He handed the little green dragon to her.
‘You brought Cuddles?’ she asked in wonder as she grabbed the plushie.
‘I thought it might give you something to cuddle, something you wouldn’t want to kill.’
‘I know why you were so sweet to me after the wedding. You had the intention to knock me up, and not with just one, but two of your brats!’
She squeezed the plushie so that the tubby dragon got a waspish waist.
‘I did hope for a child, but I didn’t expect twins, my love,’ he tried to sooth her, but stepped back as her crackling magic pushed him back.
‘Yes, I know, I know, all that old spiel about how rare twins are in the Malfoy line, that it has only happened once in five hundred years. But why did it have to be me to be settled with two huge bludgers inside me?’
‘Darling, I wish I could make you feel better somehow…’ he pleaded, wishing that the mad witch would let him comfort her.
‘I will feel better when I am not in terrible pain. Once I get out of her, I am going to perma-shrink your family jewels so that you can’t do this to me again!’
Cissy rushed into the room. ‘I’ve just heard the news and I had to come. I knew Draco would be useless in a situation like this!’
‘Mother…’ Draco growled as the older witch rushed to his wife and righted the pillows.
‘Draco, get out of here before I steal someone’s wand,’ Hermione ordered and gasped at the power of the contraction that hit her.
‘Mrs. Malfoy, You have to push now. The babies are ready to come.’
‘Isn’t this supposed to take hours? I don’t want to have magically enhanced birth. I can do it, if you can just let me kill my husband!’
‘We haven’t used any spells on you, Mrs. Malfoy. Sometimes births for young witches happen with ease.
’
‘You think this hellish pain is ease?’Hermione snarled at the mediwitch.
‘Breathe, dear, breathe,’ Cissy murmured as Hermione tried to push.
‘Draco where are you, you platinum ferret? You ran away and I can experience torture here alone?’
Draco rushed into the room and took her hand. She didn’t shout any more at him, and everything was a blur to him until he heard the cry of the first baby. He didn’t have time to focus on how the mediwitch took the baby to clean up and measure as a second cry echoed the room just a minute later.
He cooed over his exhausted wife, telling her how much he loved her and how wonderful she was.
‘Draco, our babies are beautiful’, she murmured as the mediwitch brought the babies back to the new parents.
One of the infants had a mop of messy dark blond hair and the other had the white blond of his father’s.
‘Come in, Lucius,’ Hermione said as she saw her father in law tentatively look inside the room.
He stepped closer to the bed and even his schooled features could not hide the awe of looking at his grandsons. Just two years ago he had thought that his line would die out, but now two healthy boys were proof that miracles happened even in the magical world.
‘I want to name them,’ he said, ready to argue. It was his duty to find suitable names for the new heirs.
‘As long as they’re not ridiculous, I will allow you,’ Hermione said and smiled at her family. Her head was woozy, but she ignored it. It would not be proper to show weakness now that she was a mother.
The Healer who had been in the room rushed toward the bed.
‘Mrs. Malfoy, I need to tell you something important. I had put monitoring spells on you and the current results are alarming.’
‘Pfft, you can expect to be tired and worn out after this,’ Hermione said and tried to get up.
‘You have all the symptoms of a condition known as ‘Witches’ Exhaustion’. You have some inner bleeding and suffered a magical surge as the infants’ magic is quite remarkable already. You would need absolute bed rest for a week. And partial bed rest for a month after that.’
‘Nonsense! She just wants to take away my babies!’ Hermione cried as tears sprang from her eyes.
‘This condition can be fatal if rest is not observed. You may die within a month or less.’ Hermione huffed and glared at the healer.
Lucius stepped closer to the bed and his serious stare made her calm down. ‘Hermione, I will not allow you to act so foolishly and not see to the healer’s orders to a tee. I will not allow my son to lose his wife and my grandsons to lose their mother due to this little thing. I and Cissy are capable to look after the babies with the help of half a dozen nanny elves. I am sure you would not want to make your husband a widower.’
‘No, Lucius, but…’ She tried to protest but the older ma’s serious expression left no room for complaints.
‘You shall not complain about this. I have heard of this condition and it is of utmost importance to all of us that you follow the prescribed regime. Draco will look after you and you will see your children as often as you please.’
Hermione’s eyes never left the sight of her sons being held by their grandparents. She felt so weak and restricted as the mediwitches rushed around her to apply cleansing charms to her and change the bedding.
‘I want to be with my babies,’ she whined as Draco guided her to lay back in the bed.
‘And you are with them, my love. You want them to have a happy and healthy mother, don’t you?’ he said softly.
‘I want them to be happy, you little worm,’ she said in exasperation.
‘I do remember when you said that,’ he laid down besides her on top of the covers. ‘Because once there was a beautiful lioness that was to save a Slytherin prince and…’
Hermione closed her eyes as tiredness lulled her into sleep. All would be good now. She had Draco and a family. And to think that it all had began with a letter…
- the end
ferretbush_post is the account the mods use to post the gifts. It has not created any of the gifts.
Author: luciannamalfoy
Rating: PG-13/light M
Recipient: Mihnn
Disclaimer: I don't own the HP universe.
Warning(s): Some angst, some fluff....
Author/Artist Note(s): I hope my recipient will like this fic! Draco and Hermione didn't want to go on with the smut in this for me...
Summary: Who would've thought that a letter could change one's life?
Part 1
Draco sat up straight in his bed three months later. He was going to try walking again today. Hermione had promised to help him.
'Are you ready?' she asked as she strode into his room. She was smiling and looking lovely. He couldn't stop thinking how lucky he was.
Hermione was wearing a sky blue robes with a knee length white dress underneath.
Draco opened his arms for the customary hug.
'I think we will have to see how you are today. So we could either get to the cafeteria here, or if you feel stronger, we could stroll to Fortescue's.'
‘Ice Cream would be nice,’ Draco said, ‘Vanilla with peanut butter chocolates mixed in and sprinkles.’
Draco swung his legs over the edge of the bed.
'I see you're already dressed as well,' she said as she noticed his emerald t-shirt and khakis.
Draco pushed himself to his feet. He grabbed the bed post to steady himself.
'I knew you'd need a bit of time to accustom yourself to walking so I got a cane for you,' she said and offered him a polished wood cane. 'It is spelled to help you balance and not trip.'
‘Thank you,’ Draco said, taking it from her.
He smiled when he saw the tiny silver owl that topped it.
'You look good today,' she added as he took his first steps towards the door.
A blush crept into his pale cheeks.
‘You look radiant,’ Draco said, eying her legs for moment.
'Shush, you're ever so charming. We'll see how you feel about walking today. And should you feel shaky, take my hand or better yet, put your hand around my waist.'
Draco felt a bit shaky so he slung his arm around her waist after a few steps.
They left the hospital and Draco squinted at the bright light outside.
Some wizards were openly leering at his witch.
She was going to be his wife, she just didn't know it yet. Draco was happy that his mother was so sweet to his intended.
He knew that there were still several months to spend in hospital, but it didn't depress him.
Hermione took his hand as they ventured outside.
She gasped as a large mourning cloak butterfly fluttered around them.
‘Butterfly!’
'It's very pretty,' Draco said and grinned, 'but you're even more beautiful.'
'Draco, you're a charmer. I see that you're coming back to how you were. Witch Weekly would always write what a ladies' man you are.'
‘I do have manners. Though I did not always use them. I deserved to be punched in our third year. I am not a womanizer. I assure you.’
'But I am sure the girls can't wait till you're back to the party circuit,' she said and poked his side gently. He was still rather skinny, but not as skeletal as before.
‘I was never really one for those things. I just want a nice witch and to settle down. Not that I would not want to take her out if she wanted. It would be my pleasure to do so...but I hope to have a son soon.’
'I am sure your wish will come true, after all, who could withstand the Malfoy charm,' she giggled.
‘Well, you punched me for it. The Malfoys do have a substantial number of Nordic ancestors.’
'That much can be guessed as you are quite pale and your blond hair is quite striking.'
‘Well, then you have accepted my advances...by punching me...haven't you? You are my affianced. Are you not? After all, I never bullied any girl as much or as viciously as I bullied you. You were special.’ Draco squeezed her hand as they sat down with ice creams.
'Draco, you're just being funny now, aren't you? she asked as she picked up her spoon. It was a pity that he would not want to see her after the treatment was over. He was quite charming, was fun to talk to and very handsome as well.
'I was not joking,' he said in a serious tone. 'I mean it.'
‘What would you want to marry me for?’ Hermione asked, licking at the whip cream.
‘So I can hold you for as long as I chose, and have the advantage to never have to give you up.’
Draco rolled a chocolate on his tongue melting it.
'As soon as you get out of hospital, your world will change. I'm just...giving you comfort.'
‘My world changed for the better with my admittance. And I hate to look backwards.’
Draco took another bite of ice cream as Hermione licked her chocolate and marshmallow ice cream.
‘It is counter-productive.’ Draco added.
'Seriously, Draco. You've just become accustomed to me. Once you're free to do as you please...'
‘I hope to continue our association. You are the nicest woman I've ever met. I hope you won't save me and dump me...’ Draco said, sliding his leg forward to touch the side of Hermione's calf for a moment.
'Nice is often not enough for a relationship. and your parents have surely planned a nice pureblood witch for you.'
'No, they haven't set a match for me. And I am free to pick whoever I like. Don't you like my mother? She even got these Muggle novels for you.'
‘Your mother is lovely. Though I am still not fond of Lucius. I don't know why he is so objectionable to me...something about him trying to cast an unforgivable on me when I was just sixteen. That and him letting your insane aunt torture me.’ Hermione sighed and willed herself to keep her eyes off the handsome blond. He had something so captivating about him.
'Father is very reserved, but deep down he is lovely. He does care for his family a lot. And he has nothing against you.'
‘If you say so...he still gives me the heebie-jeebies.’
'Well, he has that aura. But he truly means no harm to you.'
‘I would have to be assured of your protection before I ever went near your home again. You protected us the last time we were there. I have not forgotten, Draco. Thank you. It was so...’ Hermione got a sly look on her face, ‘Gryffindor of you.’
Draco blushed and blustered.
'I suppose it's a good quality,' he said and took her hand.
'You could teach me how to be more Gryffindor.'
'I could do that, and you would learn something.'
‘Maybe I could teach you the value of hiding some of your motivations from time to time. One need not have all of one’s cards on the table. And you could stand to learn to bluff...’ Draco said, kissing the palm of her hand and the pads of each finger.
'Draco, why are you...' she asked as she watched him kiss her hand.
'I want to be with you after I'm better. You are unique. You were not afraid to hug me when I looked like You-Know-Who.'
‘You never looked like him.’
'But I was so terrible looking that Pansy fainted when she came to visit me. She never returned after that.'
‘Pansy is a pug faced, obsequious, disgusting specimen of womanhood. She is repellent. How horrible to leave you when you are sick and need comfort. I would never do that. Never!’
'But you called me a worm when you arrived,' Draco reminded her softly.
'That was just a general outburst....I didn't mean it, really.'
‘Who said anything was wrong with worms?’ Hermione asked, opening her purse and removing a bag of gummiworms. ‘These are my favorite.’
'What is that?' he asked, looking at the brightly colored things.
‘Gummiworms,’ Hermione took out a red and yellow one, handing it to him.
'What am I supposed to do with them?' he asked.
'You're supposed to eat it. I snuck out yesterday to get some of my favourite candy.'
Draco put the offered candy into his mouth. It was sticky and chewy.
‘It is squishy...’ Draco said, after he swallowed, 'but they taste great.'
Hermione grinned.
'I knew you'd like them too. And now that the healers have allowed you to eat almost anything...'
Draco nodded.
‘I am really eager for a Muggle food that I have not had for a while. I used to sneak out to have it every few weeks or so.’
‘What food?’
'Pizza. I like it with pineapple and this thinly cut meat on it. It's perfect. I am trying to decide how to ask mother to bring it to me.’
'You should just ask her. I am sure she would bring it
‘My mother has never ventured into the Muggle world. Ever. She is so shy about most things. I do not know if I could ask her. I don't want her to be uncomfortable. She barely leaves the house, if she doesn't have to.’
'But she went and got the books for me somehow. I think she is braver now. I guess she may have used someone else to get them.
‘It would be more fun to make Father do it.’ Draco got a sly look on his face. ‘He would be so sore about it, and complain...but he would do it. Want to see?’
‘I have to see that.’ Hermione said.
‘I will ask him after our treatment tomorrow. The food will help you.’
Hermione took his hand.
‘I will ask him tonight to bring it tomorrow. Maybe you can read to me more tonight, from that Eyre woman's book. I am enjoying it.’
'I will read it to you. Even though you're a lazy git, as you could read it yourself.
'I love your voice,' he said and looked at her with puppy eyes.
'And I love that you'd take the time to read for me.'
Draco leaned in closer to her, so that his face was close to hers.
Hermione smiled at him.
'I would like to go and have pizza with you one day.'
‘What about the day we leave the hospital? I can show you the best pizza place in London.’
'That could be a good day...but I was thinking about something fancier for that day.'
‘Whatever you think is best.’
Hermione said, taking another lick of her ice cream.
Draco suppressed a growl. She was so sexy.
Hermione slid her foot forward and brushed his calf with it.
He sighed. 'You don't know what you're doing.'
‘What?’ Hermione asked, looking him over. ‘We have fallen asleep in each others arms. I hardly think this is more intimate.’
Draco's spoon, full of ice cream, hit his nose as Hermione rubbed behind his knee.
Hermione giggled, leaning forward.
She had the desire to lick the sweetness from his face.
Draco flushed.
She was not sure she dared actually do so.
Draco grabbed a napkin and cleaned the ice cream from his face.
He stared at his bowl for a while, saying nothing.
‘I did not upset you, did I?’ Hermione asked, taking his hand.
‘No, I was just thinking that maybe I am embarrassing you.'
‘Why would you say that? I thought it was cute that I distracted you so thoroughly
'I know that many do not approve of my family after the war. I wouldn't want to taint your reputation.'
‘My reputation is good enough for two.’ Hermione said. ‘Besides Harry spoke on behalf of your family. That helped greatly in your favor.’
'That he did. I thanked him for it, but he didn't seem to accept.'
‘He did. But I doubt you and Harry will ever be friends. There is a lot of bad blood there. If you will pardon the expression.’
Draco averted his eyes.
‘You were children, but you did the right thing when it came down to it. You may not have liked Harry, but you did not ever want him dead.’
'But I think he would kill me if he knew that I want to...'
‘Want to what?’ Hermione asked. ‘Besides, I would not let him kill you...wound you, maybe...you deserve it for that awful Densaugeo hex of yours...’
Hermione squeezed his hand.
'You'd kill me too, if you knew,' Draco said and stared at his empty ice cream bowl again.'
‘If I wanted you dead, don't you think you would already be so...’ Hermione said. ‘I have only rejoiced in the death of one creature, besides Voldemort. Those awful blast ended skrewts. They were terrible.’
'I'm not a skrewt,' Draco said,' but I still fret what you'd say.'
‘Do you want to know something, Draco?’
Draco looked up.
‘If you tell me something that you worry about, I will tell you something I never wanted you to know.’
'Deal, if you tell me first...'
'But can I trust a Slytherin to keep his word? I think you should share first.’
Draco smiled at her shyly. 'Promise you won't hex me?'
‘If you promise not to hex me for mine.’
'Deal,' he said and took her hand.
He took a few deep breaths and looked into her eyes.
'I know that you may find this mad and deluded, but I think you're the one for me. You're the only one who could heal me. And I have never felt better near anyone else.'
He took a small sip from his iced tea.
'And I want to be with you, after the hospital time as well. I want to be yours.'
Hermione held his hand.
'So...what do you say to that?'
‘A deal is a deal. I was going to tell you that I had a crush on you, during our first year.’
She was quiet.
‘I never thought that you would want anything to do with me...’
'I was mad at myself. but you looked so cute. And even though you were a pest, I was still drawn to you.'
‘So you want to see me?’
Hermione flushed and looked at her empty candy packet, trying to work up the courage.
'I would.'
Draco kissed her hand.
‘Wonderful.’
Hermione took his arm and allowed him to lead her back to the hospital.
Draco hummed a happy tune as he rested in his bed. His witch was interested in him!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Hermione curled up next to him during the procedure the next day. She yawned, petting his stomach.
'What is it, sweetheart,' he asked as he saw her yawn. 'Is the potion getting to you again?'
‘You are so cozy, Draco.’
He let her snuggle closer, reveling in the feel of her body next to his.
She closed her eyes until she smelled melted cheese and pineapple and ham and yeasty bread.
‘PIZZA!’
Lucius Malfoy stood nervously at the door.
'Come in, Father. Thank you for bringing the food I requested.'
‘I never want to go there again. You are very spoiled, Draco. I don't know how I let you talk me into that.’
'Because you love me, father. And I am sure it was not half as terrible as you describe. But I appreciate what you did for me greatly.'
‘That man was greasy and disgusting. I took one to the Elves at the manor. They will be able to prepare the dish when you want it in the future. And we will not have to go to that...hell hole.’
'Father, you know that you don't have to complain so much. We know it was a hardship for you, and we understand that it is not easy for you to accept Muggles. But you still did it.'
‘I have no problem with clean Muggles. That one was filthy...’
Hermione giggled.
‘Oh Luci!’ she giggled, batting his hair.
'Thank you for the pizza, Mr. Malfoy.'
Lucius sighed. He had been told that the potion to make the transfusion seamless would have hallucinogenic effects on the witch. But having his hair messed was a small price to pay for his son's health.
‘May I braid your hair?’
‘No...’
‘Please...’
'Hermione, leave father alone. We still have an hour to rest till the transfusion is done for today.'
Hermione scowled.
‘I will braid it one day.’
Hermione straddled Draco and ate a slice of pizza.
'Careful not to misplace the tubing,' warned the older Malfoy.
'I know that it is quite safe,' Hermione said and giggled.
Draco closed his eyes.
‘You're just a kindly grouch,' Hermione said as she eyed the older man. 'But at least Draco got some good looks from you.'
Draco's eyes shot open. His witch was surely not attracted to his father.
'You are quite the hunk,' Hermione cooed and took another bite of her pizza.
Draco tugged at her, ‘Me?’
‘Yes, you. Luci is OLD.’
'And I was worried for a moment that you'd run away with my father.'
‘No. But I saw a picture of him from his younger days...and you look like him.’
'I guess I do,' Draco said and grinned. 'Could you hand me a slice of that pizza? You wouldn't hog it all, would you?'
Hermione handed him a slice. Lucius sighed audibly.
Hermione sighed, and took another slice. When Lucius opened his mouth to say something, she shoved the slice in.
He chewed and swallowed unwillingly.
'Miss Granger, this sort of behaviour is just...' he sputtered but stopped as he felt a gentle touch on his shoulder.
'Lucius, my darling, don't be upset. The poor girl is under the potion's influence.’
‘He would not allow me to braid his hair...’ Hermione announced loudly.
‘He doesn't allow me that either,' the blond witch said.
‘It's just so silky.’ Hermione petted Draco's hair. ‘Luxurious.’
‘Be good to me, Hermione,’ Draco said. helping her to settle between his legs.
He rubbed her shoulders.
'I am good, but only to nice people,' she said and leaned down to snuggle him.
‘I am nice. You are my girlfriend.’
Hermione nodded.
‘Yes. I am...’
Narcissa hid her grin. Maybe she would soon have a bouncing grandchild or two soon.
Lucius looked a little surprised.
'Father, I would like to talk to you tomorrow if you please?'
‘Of course. Whatever you want, Draco.’ Lucius said, walking over and hugging Draco's shoulders.
'Thank you, father.' Draco said and smiled at the older man.
'Lucius, we should let them rest. I am sure this procedure is quite strenuous.'
'I shall see you tomorrow then, Draco. If there's anything you need before that, notify the Healer.'
Hermione pressed her lips to Draco's temple, stroking her hair.
She felt so good when she was near him.
Draco pulled the covers over them, not wanting the witch to feel cold. He would tell his father everything tomorrow.
___
Draco sat up straighter as he heard his father's footsteps coming down the hall.
Hermione had been taken back to her room last night.
He would explain to his father how important Hermione was and how eager he was to have her for his witch.
She needed to recover from the transfusion and he already felt so alone.
She was such a sweet companion. He was well enough now that they could share a room. He would suggest that as well.
The bed was big enough for two after all. And he liked having her near. it had reduced the amounts of pain to almost nonexistent.
And she had seemed amenable to it when he asked her about it the other day. And he could keep watch over her while she recovered from the potion she had to take.
He was interrupted from his thoughts as his father entered the room.
‘Father, I'm glad you are here.’
‘I brought you some of those candies you wanted.’
Draco took the gummiworms and grinned.
'Thank you, Father. I guess you are slowly getting used to the Muggle shops?'
'This one was a rather nice one. The Muggles looked clean and well dressed.'
Draco ripped the package open and offered his father a candy.
‘No, thank you.’
'So what did you want to talk about, Son?'
Draco nodded, digging through and eating the red and yellow ones.
‘Hermione and I have decided that we want to continue our association after my recovery is complete.’
Lucius didn't say a word.
'I also had the healers check our compatibility. As you know, Father, my chance of fathering a healthy Pureblood child are next to nothing due to my inborn blood cancer.'
‘I know,’ Lucius said, sitting on the bed.
‘And you know how I wish for children. At least two. A boy and a girl...and perhaps another.’
'Will she be interested in you outside the hospital? I have heard this blood thinning potion does have odd side effects, and it may happen that she hates you after.'
‘Yesterday, she mentioned that she would enjoy continuing. And she flirted with me. Played footsie.’
Draco took a folder from the bedside table. 'I also had the healers do fertility tests for me and her. And they show that within a year, we will be fine and the possible offspring would be very powerful half-blood.'
‘If that is what you both want, I will not stand in your way. She is tempestuous and prideful, but that is nothing if you love her. That is all that matters. Hold onto that love, Draco. It is not easy to find.’
'I thought you would object to this, Father.'
'A few years ago, I would have so, strongly even. But now, seeing how both Half-bloods and Muggle-borns can be as powerful, I have no argument against. If you manage to marry her, you would also never have to fear a relapse without treatment.'
‘She would help even if it does not work out.’
'Witches are volatile. And I know that she has a temper, Son.'
‘She is sweetness itself. She is impulsive, and that needs work. Her impulse control...but she is Gryffindor. And it is kind of cute when she gets over excited about a subject.’
'I have heard that she may have other admirers waiting in the wings. that Krum has been writing to her for years.'
Draco pouted and continued to chew his candy.'
‘She wants to be with me. I always get what I want. She will be no different. She likes the way we fight.’
'Fights can tire out people. Just don't get your hopes up.'
‘She and I will be fine. You wait and see. You will have a grandson within two years. I will win her. I chose her.’
'I hope that everything works out as you plan, Son. And I would be happy if you could produce an heir.'
Draco sucked a worm into his mouth.
‘You will see.’
Lucius stood up. 'If you would excuse me, there is a little bit of business I need to attend to.'
‘Yes.’
'If you need anything, let the healers know and I will come to you immediately.'
‘I love you, Father.’
'I love you too, Son. And I wish that you get everything you want.'
‘I will.’ Draco said. ‘And one more thing.’
'Yes?'
‘I want Hermione to move in here with me.’
Draco set the candies aside.
'If the Healer allows, and if she agrees it is fine with me.'
Draco grinned.
‘Thank you, Father. Will Mother be coming by today?’
‘Yes. She wanted to get something that she remembers Miss Granger mentioning a desire for.’
'That's wonderful. I think Mother likes Hermione, too.'
‘She does. She would be fond of anyone who loves you. You are her world, as you are mine.’
Draco held up his arms for a hug.
The older man leaned down and hugged him.
------------------------
Narcissa wandered down the hall, carrying a red bag with a gold dragon on it.
The sweet witch healing her baby had expressed a wish for Chinese food. It had smelled so good that she had decided to get enough for Draco, Lucius and herself.
And the Muggles selling the food had been very helpful, and not all scary like described in the tales she had read as a child.
she poked her head into the room, and smiled seeing the witch snuggled next to her boy.
‘Draco,’ she called softly.
‘Mother.’
'I brought some food Hermione asked me to get. I hope I got the right things. The people at the shop assured me it was what I had on the list.'
‘What is it?’
Draco reached for the bag.
Hermione whimpered, opening her eyes.
'Chinese food, or so Hermione said.'
‘Thank you,’ Hermione said, picking up the bag.
'It was not as hard as I thought it would be. And the people selling the food were even nicer than the bookstore sales people.'
Hermione opened a container and sighed in delight.
'We could sit at the table,' Draco suggested, pointing at the small table near the window.
Hermione shuffled over to the table, taking out all the containers. 'I'm ravenous and I just love this food.'
‘What is it?’
'Chinese food!' Hermione said and sat down at the table. 'Come and try it. You too, Cissy.'
Narcissa sat down at the table.
‘What are these sticks?’
'These are chopsticks, people in China eat with them, but we can eat with spoons and forks too.'
Narcissa poked a pork egg roll and lifted it to her lips.
'Don't worry, it's delicious.'
Draco took a few careful bites of the egg fried rice.
'You two are so cute when you're worried about trying new things,' Hermione giggled.
Narcissa took a tentative bite.
She smiled and took a larger bite.
'The food is rather good,' she said with a small smile.
‘I have good taste.’ Hermione said.
'But you promised me, Hermione that you would go flying with me if we try all the things you want us to.'
‘I lied.’ Hermione said. ‘I hate heights.’
'Draco is one of the best fliers I have ever seen. And he won't fly very high if you're scared.'
‘I have seen his skills. But I am not comforted. I hate flying. Not safe.’
'We'll fly just a few feet above ground.'
'The healers have yet a say in that. As you've got at least three more weeks in hospital.'
‘But then, you will be all mine. And I shan't release you.’
‘You are not an Auror. I can be arrested by your charm.’
Cissy giggled a little. The young ones were so cute.
‘It is lucky then that my charm is freely available. And besides, I will use super hold charm on you, to keep your bum on the broom. No worries.’
'Even those charms won't be able to hold me there. I might just faint when I get on the broom.'
‘My arms will be there to catch you and hold you close. And I have my lips to wake you from your faint.’
'Draco, you're using up too much of your charm. And your food is getting cold.'
‘Your spice will keep it warm.’ Draco said, tucking into his rice and pork.
Narcissa just sat there grinning.
'Mother, what are you thinking?'
‘That you two make a lovely couple. And I hope that I will see much more of Miss Granger in the future.’
Hermione blushed and concentrated on her food.
Narcissa grinned and ate a pork egg roll.
Her baby had a good girlfriend. So it wouldn't be long till they would have babies.
___
‘You can go home, today,’ Healer Morris said, smiling brightly.
'That's wonderful!' Draco cheered and got out of the bed to gather his trunk.
Hermione slipped out of the bed and went into her old room. Surely he would not want anything to do with her now that he was not befuddled by a load of potions.
‘Hermione, wait!’
She turned.
'I am going to pack my things...'
‘We are going out to lunch, today. I have not forgotten your promise. It will our first real date.’
‘Hermione, I thought you might like to go to the Emerald Walk for lunch.’
‘How did you get a reservation there?’
'That shouldn't be something you worry about. All you need to think about is what you'd like to do...'
‘I would like to go for a walk around Hyde Park this afternoon. I have missed being outside.’
'We can do that as well. Really, anything you'd like. You'd just have to tell me what to wear so I fit in with the Muggles.'
‘A nice pair of trousers and a nice sweater...as you are a nice boy. And you should look posh.’
'If you say so,' he said and took off his pajama. She looked appraisingly at his torso. Once he'd get a little bit of muscle tone he'd be plain delicious.
All the witches would be after him...the prettier ones would surely steal him.
'Do I look okay? I know I've gained some weight, but I still don't like how I look.'
‘You look so much better than when I first came. You will be your normal handsome self soon. Back to how you want to look.’
'I want to look good for you. Because I know other men would steal you away from a weak, pathetic me.'
‘You have nothing to fear. Men ignore me for the most part. I made Viktor realize that he is gay. So I turn males gay.’
'I'm not gay,' Draco said seriously.
‘But I might turn you so...’ Hermione said.
He walked over to her.
'I know it may sound unreasonable for your logic, but I can't absolutely imagine myself without you now. I know we didn't really connect in school and after that. But these six months have made me happier than ever.'
His hand gently cupped her face.
‘I have been happy too.’ Hermione said. ‘I don't want to lose our friendship.’
'I don't want to lose you. But I don't want just your friendship.
Hermione blushed.
'I know it sounds hasty, but this illness has taught me that life is too short.'
‘I just don't want to rush into a binding,’ Hermione said.
‘Binding?’ Draco asked, looking at her. ‘You want a binding?’
‘Yes. Don't you?’ Hermione asked. ‘I don't believe in divorce, or leaving a spouse unless it is death that comes.’
Hermione gasped when she realized that she had said her thoughts out loud.
‘Of course, I agree.’ Draco said. And he took Hermione's hand.
'I would never rush you.'
He kissed her cheek gently.
Hermione took his arm, resting her cheek on it as they walked from the hospital.
'What about packing?' she asked, still dazed from the revelation that he wanted her as much as she did.
‘The Elves will take care of it. It makes them happy. You would not step on their happiness, would you?’ Draco asked, when he saw the protestation and impulse to return light in her eyes.
'I would not. I just... I just need to think about this...us...'
‘Will I see you soon?’ he asked, hoping that his heart would stop beating so fast.
'We're going to lunch, aren't we? I promised you this before.' she said as she steered him towards the restaurant.
‘Yes.’
'I didn't want to make you feel like I'm a lunatic,' Draco said as he opened the door for her.
‘Not at all,’ Hermione said. ‘I understand. I just was not expecting it. It was a surprise.’
'I know that it may sound so,' he whispered as the waiter lead them to the private room.
'But I think it is fate. Because our magic sought out each other. Did you know that in the ancient times, marriages were arranged with partners who had the best magical compatibility?
‘No.’ Hermione said.
'I was curious about the roots of magical communities. And I think it is right. Magic which is compatible makes better relationships. But due to the witch hunts the views changed...'
Hermione was quiet, listening to Draco.
'But now people see that what matters is the magic the person has, not their blood status. As you know, many powerful wizards have been Half-Blood.'
‘And Muggle-born...’ Hermione added, with a broad grin.
'Yes, so that is why I am deeply sorry for my behaviour when I was younger.'
Hermione turned her glass about listening to the ice clink.
'And I know i am not good enough now.'
‘I forgave you for all that a long time ago.’
Hermione looked up at him.
'I know that what I have felt for you in these six months is real.'
‘Yes...’
Draco smiled at her, trying to make his heart stop beating so fast.
Hermione was quiet as the starters were delivered.
'Is anything wrong?'
‘No, just thinking about things...’ Hermione said, looking up as music began to be piped through the restaurant.
'Please, tell me.'
‘How I am going to be sleeping alone tonight, if you want the truth. I have been with you so long...’
'You don't have to sleep alone.... I would be happy to...'
‘Where do you want this to end? Do you just want to sleep with me? Do you want to be bound? I need to know. I don't want to be heartbroken again. Ron did it twice. And shame on me for letting it happen that many times.’
'I want us to marry eventually, when you're ready and maybe when I am happier with how I look, I'm now awfully thin still. And yes, I will admit that I want to make love to you, but only when you want.'
He flushed. Maybe he had said too much and he would lose her now.
Hermione took his hand. ’You know that you’re the sweetest man I’ve ever met? And I find your shyness quite charming. I like you.’
--
'Draco Malfoy, I am so going to kill you!' she screamed as the mediwitch tried to put her back to bed. 'You are a horrible man and you won't get to touch me with a ten foot pole held by a Basilisk!'
Draco tried to come close to the bed where the kicking and screaming witch was situated.
'Tell me again, why did I get involved with you?' she screamed as another contraction took over her.
‘Because I am so incredible irresistible,’ he said with a grin.
‘Give me my wand and I’ll show you what you really are, you little worm,’ she gasped, but stopped kicking a little.
Draco extracted something from the bag she had packed for the hospital stay months ago already. He handed the little green dragon to her.
‘You brought Cuddles?’ she asked in wonder as she grabbed the plushie.
‘I thought it might give you something to cuddle, something you wouldn’t want to kill.’
‘I know why you were so sweet to me after the wedding. You had the intention to knock me up, and not with just one, but two of your brats!’
She squeezed the plushie so that the tubby dragon got a waspish waist.
‘I did hope for a child, but I didn’t expect twins, my love,’ he tried to sooth her, but stepped back as her crackling magic pushed him back.
‘Yes, I know, I know, all that old spiel about how rare twins are in the Malfoy line, that it has only happened once in five hundred years. But why did it have to be me to be settled with two huge bludgers inside me?’
‘Darling, I wish I could make you feel better somehow…’ he pleaded, wishing that the mad witch would let him comfort her.
‘I will feel better when I am not in terrible pain. Once I get out of her, I am going to perma-shrink your family jewels so that you can’t do this to me again!’
Cissy rushed into the room. ‘I’ve just heard the news and I had to come. I knew Draco would be useless in a situation like this!’
‘Mother…’ Draco growled as the older witch rushed to his wife and righted the pillows.
‘Draco, get out of here before I steal someone’s wand,’ Hermione ordered and gasped at the power of the contraction that hit her.
‘Mrs. Malfoy, You have to push now. The babies are ready to come.’
‘Isn’t this supposed to take hours? I don’t want to have magically enhanced birth. I can do it, if you can just let me kill my husband!’
‘We haven’t used any spells on you, Mrs. Malfoy. Sometimes births for young witches happen with ease.
’
‘You think this hellish pain is ease?’Hermione snarled at the mediwitch.
‘Breathe, dear, breathe,’ Cissy murmured as Hermione tried to push.
‘Draco where are you, you platinum ferret? You ran away and I can experience torture here alone?’
Draco rushed into the room and took her hand. She didn’t shout any more at him, and everything was a blur to him until he heard the cry of the first baby. He didn’t have time to focus on how the mediwitch took the baby to clean up and measure as a second cry echoed the room just a minute later.
He cooed over his exhausted wife, telling her how much he loved her and how wonderful she was.
‘Draco, our babies are beautiful’, she murmured as the mediwitch brought the babies back to the new parents.
One of the infants had a mop of messy dark blond hair and the other had the white blond of his father’s.
‘Come in, Lucius,’ Hermione said as she saw her father in law tentatively look inside the room.
He stepped closer to the bed and even his schooled features could not hide the awe of looking at his grandsons. Just two years ago he had thought that his line would die out, but now two healthy boys were proof that miracles happened even in the magical world.
‘I want to name them,’ he said, ready to argue. It was his duty to find suitable names for the new heirs.
‘As long as they’re not ridiculous, I will allow you,’ Hermione said and smiled at her family. Her head was woozy, but she ignored it. It would not be proper to show weakness now that she was a mother.
The Healer who had been in the room rushed toward the bed.
‘Mrs. Malfoy, I need to tell you something important. I had put monitoring spells on you and the current results are alarming.’
‘Pfft, you can expect to be tired and worn out after this,’ Hermione said and tried to get up.
‘You have all the symptoms of a condition known as ‘Witches’ Exhaustion’. You have some inner bleeding and suffered a magical surge as the infants’ magic is quite remarkable already. You would need absolute bed rest for a week. And partial bed rest for a month after that.’
‘Nonsense! She just wants to take away my babies!’ Hermione cried as tears sprang from her eyes.
‘This condition can be fatal if rest is not observed. You may die within a month or less.’ Hermione huffed and glared at the healer.
Lucius stepped closer to the bed and his serious stare made her calm down. ‘Hermione, I will not allow you to act so foolishly and not see to the healer’s orders to a tee. I will not allow my son to lose his wife and my grandsons to lose their mother due to this little thing. I and Cissy are capable to look after the babies with the help of half a dozen nanny elves. I am sure you would not want to make your husband a widower.’
‘No, Lucius, but…’ She tried to protest but the older ma’s serious expression left no room for complaints.
‘You shall not complain about this. I have heard of this condition and it is of utmost importance to all of us that you follow the prescribed regime. Draco will look after you and you will see your children as often as you please.’
Hermione’s eyes never left the sight of her sons being held by their grandparents. She felt so weak and restricted as the mediwitches rushed around her to apply cleansing charms to her and change the bedding.
‘I want to be with my babies,’ she whined as Draco guided her to lay back in the bed.
‘And you are with them, my love. You want them to have a happy and healthy mother, don’t you?’ he said softly.
‘I want them to be happy, you little worm,’ she said in exasperation.
‘I do remember when you said that,’ he laid down besides her on top of the covers. ‘Because once there was a beautiful lioness that was to save a Slytherin prince and…’
Hermione closed her eyes as tiredness lulled her into sleep. All would be good now. She had Draco and a family. And to think that it all had began with a letter…
- the end
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