Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Lax in Memory ❯ Begotten ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Chapter Two

Hermione's eyes widened in disbelief. Pregnant? She was pregnant? How could she be pregnant? She put a hand to her flat stomach. She didn't feel pregnant. The room started to spin and she had to hold onto the wall to keep from falling.

"She's barely a month along." Malfoy continued. "I plan on telling her when everything's calmed down. She's already under a lot of stress and to add anymore might not be in the baby's best interest. The survival rate at this point is only fifteen percent. I don't want to chance it."

"Wow, 'Mione's pregnant." Ron said in an awed voice. "I really didn't see that coming yet."

Malfoy sighed once again. "We had been trying for the last couple of months, so it's sort of ironic that it would happen now."

Hermione was still in quite a bit of shock and she couldn't wrap her mind around the fact that she was carrying Draco Malfoy's child. It was all surreal. The whole day had been surreal, but this took it to a whole new level. She was about to round the corner and confront them, but Ginny started talking first.

"Are you sure that you want her staying here then?" she asked. "I mean, wouldn't you rather her be with you? Given her condition and everything?"

"I would love for her to be at home," Malfoy replied. "but right now all that matters is that she's comfortable. I want her to be as less stressed as possible and if that means that she stays here, then so be it."

Hermione was listening as best she could, but the sincerity in Malfoy's voice was what really grabbed her attention. He really did care about her. Everything he'd done all day had proven that, but the idea was just so hard to swallow.

She placed her hand on her stomach again. She had a decision to make. Although, she reasoned, she had had a decision to make since the moment she had found out that she was Mrs. Draco Malfoy. There were just more factors now.

The decision was whether or not to leave her 'husband.'

Hermione knew that with every decision there were pros and cons and she always liked to list them before making her decision. This time would be no different.

The first choice was to leave Malfoy and there were two pros to this choice: it would be comfortable and she could reset her life. On the other hand, there were several cons to leaving Malfoy: she was pregnant, it would be the cowardly thing to do (and Gryffindors were not cowards), it would probably be a messy divorce, and she didn't know exactly how much emotions played into this relationship (with either Malfoy or her friends).

The second choice was to stay with Malfoy and there were a few pros for this: again she was pregnant, it could help trigger her memories, she would hopefully be where she wanted to be when her memories returned (assuming that they did return), and solving the mystery as to why she married Malfoy in the first place. The cons list as to staying with Malfoy was shorter: it would be awkward and he was her enemy (or at least in her mind at the moment).

Over-viewing these lists, it was clear to Hermione which choice was the right one. She didn't like it one bit, but she couldn't go against smart logic. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she walked around the corner effectively cutting off all conversation.

Hermione stared over at them and they all stared right back at her. She didn't know if they suspected her of having heard them talking, but Hermione assumed that it didn't matter either way.

Ginny was the first to break the silence. She smiled as said, "Well, Hermione, if you're staying here tonight, then why don't I show you to your room?"

Hermione hesitated. "Er, actually," she started as she quickly glanced over to Malfoy. "I was thinking that the best solution and tactic for me to get my memories back would be to jump right back into the ways of my old-or well-current life as the healer suggested."

"What do you want to do then, Hermione?" Harry asked.

Mentally squaring her shoulders, Hermione looked Malfoy in the eyes. "I think I'll go home with you." she said, shocking everyone in the room.

Malfoy stared at her throughout the silence. "Are you sure?" he asked after a moment. "I don't want you to do anything that you're not ready for."

Hermione shook her head. "Thank you for your concern, but it's not necessary." she replied formally. "If we want to see progress, then listening to the healer's advice is the best way to do it."

Malfoy studied her for a moment before giving in. With a shrug of his shoulder, Malfoy replied, "If that's what you want, then fine. As it is, I think we've overstayed our welcome and we should be heading home." Hermione hesitantly nodded.

Ginny gave her on quick hug and then said to Malfoy, "I'll send a letter to my mum telling about what's happened."

Malfoy nodded. "Thanks." he replied, "I'm going to be writing a few myself tonight."

Hermione was so shocked to see Ginny reach out and give Malfoy's arm an affectionate squeeze that she almost missed the hug Harry was giving her. "You take it easy, all right Hermione." he said with a smile, but Hermione could tell by his eyes that he was being serious. "Let your memories come back on their own. Don't try to force them."

"Harry's right, 'Mione." Ron added as he gave her a one-armed hug. "We all know that it's going to frustrate you to no end not knowing everything." He gave her his teasing smile.

"Oh Ron, stop teasing her." Ginny said before smiling at Hermione. "You ready?" When Hermione nodded, Ginny grabbed a pot of Floo Powder and offered it to her.

Hermione timidly grabbed a handful and then looked at them questionably. "What do I-"

"Just say Malfoy Cottage." Malfoy cut her off.

Hermione forced her glare back and then shouted, "Malfoy Cottage!"

In a flash of emerald she was transported to an elegant sitting room with expensive furnishings. The coloring of the room was cream and beige and it was immaculately clean. So clean that she hoped that her shoes didn't track anything in. She wondered if the whole house was this clean. Or how big the house was in general. Before she knew it Malfoy was beside her. "How is it so clean?" she couldn't help asking.

A smirk formed on his face. "Well, we don't really use this room all that often and when we do Popsy does a fine job cleaning it. Along with the rest of the house."

Hermione dreaded asking, but she had to know. "And Popsy is?"

"Our House-elf." he replied evenly. An incredulous expression appeared on her face, but Malfoy raised his hand before she could say anything. "And before you start, she's paid weekly for her services."

Hermione was both surprised and relieved by this response. She was surprised because this was Malfoy and Dobby was a prime example of how he used to treat his House-elves. She felt relieved not only because the elf was being paid but also because she was glad she hadn't lost any of her values over the years. "Good."

"Speaking of whom, you'll have to get reacquainted with her. Popsy!" he said before summoning her.

There was a pop that announced the elf's arrival. Hermione noted that she was wearing oversized, bright pink high heels and a long green shirt that almost reached her feet. "Master and Mistress is home!" the elf exclaimed with a little jump of excitement. "Popsy is so happy!" The elf scurried over to Hermione and took her hand. "Popsy had cried her eyes out when she heard about Mistress's accident!"

Hermione reflexively tensed up when she felt Malfoy lean over and whisper, "As you can tell, she's very fond of you." Hermione couldn't help agreeing with him as she gazed into the very big, expecting eyes of Popsy. Malfoy straightened. "Popsy, there's been a development." he announced and Popsy turned to him with her full attention. "Hermione hit her head in her accident and now can't remember the last three and a half years."

Big tears leaked out of her eyes instantly. "No! Oh Popsy's poor Mistress!" the elf wailed as she threw herself against Hermione's leg and clung to it. "So horrible, this is!"

After a few more moments of Popsy's continuous crying, Malfoy interjected, "Popsy! Straighten up!" Instantly the House-elf stood at attention, wiping the last of her tears away. "Thank you. Now, Hermione can't remember a lot of things, which includes you." Hermione noticed Popsy's lower lip tremble. "You're going to have to reintroduce yourself."

"Yes, Sir." she answered before turning back to Hermione. "Popsy is your humble House-elf, Ma'am." she said as amiably as she could with tears still in her eyes. "If Mistress should ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask Popsy."

Hermione nodded. "It's a pleasure to, er, meet you. Again."

"Popsy, why don't you whip up Hermione's favorite snack and bring it to her room, please." Malfoy inquired.

With an eager nod, Popsy replied, "Of course, Sir. It would be Popsy's pleasure!" With that said, she was gone with a pop.

"She really didn't have to do that." Hermione stated.

"Nonsense," Malfoy said. "You haven't eaten anything since you woke up." Hermione was about to object again, but he cut her off. "Would you like a tour of our home?"

The change of topic only stumped her mind briefly before her curiosity overtook it. "Okay." she replied, feeling a little excited to see where she lived.

"All right." he started as he gestured to left. "Those two doors there lead to the guest toilet and the dinning room, but we only ever eat in there if we have company over."

He then led her into a hallway and turned into the room on their left. She recognized this as the kitchen. She noticed Popsy happily cooking, quite oblivious to their entrance. "As you can see this is the kitchen and through that archway is a little breakfast area where we usually eat all our meals."

Hermione quickly peeked her head in and noticed that it had a small little table with a vase full of daisies in the center. The scene made her smile.

Soon they were back into the hallway they were before and he led her to the end where it branched off. One jutted off to the left and the other led up a couple of steps into an archway. "To left is the front door and the stairs. We'll be heading that way in a moment." he stated before gesturing straight ahead. "Through here is the family room. We spend a lot of our free time in here since you love to watch that Muggle contraption."

Of all the rooms she's seen so far, this was her favorite. In the middle of the room was a huge, circular couch. It took up most of the room. Hermione noticed that it was facing toward a plasma screen television that hung on the wall. The floor was hard wooded and it was decorated modestly. "It's very quaint." she said fondly.

Malfoy nodded. "Yes, you do favor this room. Almost as much as our own bedroom." he said. He then pointed left. "Down that hall is the study. I'm usually in there when I'm swamped from work." Then he pointed to the door that was in the right-hand corner of the room. "Through there is the laundry room and an extra bedroom."

Before she could inquire about them, Malfoy was walking out the way they had came. With one final glance around the room, she followed him. He gestured to the front door as they walked by it before turning right. It led to the stairway. "The upper level isn't as big as the lower one. It's just bedrooms up here."

At the top of the stairs was a long hallway. "That way leads to two more extra bedrooms." he said and then turned right that led down a couple of stairs. He then opened the lone door in this landing. "This is our bedroom."

Upon seeing the room, something strange happened. Something she couldn't have explained even if she had wanted to. It was almost like a vision maybe. She saw a transparent version of herself and Malfoy resting on the bed. He was stroking her arm and she heard the transparent Malfoy murmur, "Granger, are you happy with the house? Even though you'll be living in it with me?" His smirk was gentle and teasing.

Real Hermione finished the vision by answering what she somehow knew the transparent Hermione was going to say. "Of course."

Malfoy looked over at her with quizzical eyes. "What?" he asked.

Hermione shook her head. "Nothing. Sorry. I spaced off." she replied. What had that been? It had been hazy, but if Hermione had to guess she would have said that that had been a memory. This fact elated her, but she wasn't for sure so she kept quiet.

Blinking back her thoughts, she finally observed the room and she knew at once that it trumped the family room. It was modernly decorated, but it still held the warm, homey touch. The color scheme of green and a yellowy-gold made her like it even more (even if it did include a Slytherin color). The king-sized bed had a mountain of yellowy-gold, throw pillows on it and Hermione thought that it gave it just the right touch. In the corner was a lone white chair sitting next to a fern. "It's lovely."

Malfoy smirked. "We compromised on the colors." he said as he walked over to the far left corner and opened the door there. "This is the master bath. Try to relax tonight. Tomorrow you can see the grounds. They were a big determining factor on why we bought the place."

At that moment, Popsy popped into the room carrying a tray filled with sausage rolls. Hermione's mouth watered and she realized how hungry she truly was. Popsy arranged the tray on the end table next to the bed before bowing and popping away again. Hermione made her way over to the food as Malfoy backed toward the door.

"I'll let you go to bed in peace. If you need me, I'll be in the guest bedroom down the hall. It's the first door on the right." he said and as he turned to leave Hermione stopped him.

"Malfoy," she said as he lingered in the door way. She had debated on telling him that she knew about the baby, but had decided in the end that she might as well let the cat out of the bag. "I know."

Malfoy narrowed his brow in confusion. "Kno-"

"About the baby." she said interrupting him. His eyes widened and he blinked in astonishment. "I heard you tell the others."

There was a short pause before Malfoy walked over to her and then gestured for her to take a seat on the bed. She obliged and then he said, "First off, I was going tell you. Please don't think I wasn't. I just didn't want to overwhelm you."

Hermione nodded immediately. "I know that too. I heard you explain everything to them." she replied as she absently played with the fringe on the bed. "But I won't lie and say I'm not overwhelmed by it. I mean, finding out you're pregnant is a big deal. Especially when you can't remember how it happened. Not to mention the father-" she cut herself off when she realized what she was going to say.

"That the father is someone you allegedly hate." Malfoy finished for her with a blank expression.

Hermione stared at him with a calm expression. She didn't know why she should deny the truth. "Yes. Not to mention that."

He nodded once before turning once again to leave the room. Hermione had a feeling that he had wanted to say more before her little slip, but apparently he didn't want to talk about it anymore. However, he did pause by the doorway, not even bothering to face her as he said, "By the way, it's a girl."

Hermione felt her eyes widen. "How could you possibly know that?"

Still with his back to her, he replied, "St. Mungo's magic knows no bounds." He then proceeded to walk out of the room. "Good night, Hermione." He was off down the hallway before she could reply.

With an exhausted sigh, she fell back onto the bed and after lying in silence for a moment, her eyes made their way over to the tray of sausage rolls that were still on the night stand. She felt her hunger sneak up on her again so she rolled over and reached for the tray.

She grabbed a roll and took a bite. It was flaky yet firm, just the way she liked it. After finishing half of them, Hermione's mind began to wander onto the last conversation.

She was having a girl. She was going to have a daughter. Despite the fact that Malfoy was the father, a small smile appeared on her face. After all, the baby was hers too. Her hand went to her stomach and lightly caressed it. A baby. She was going to have a baby. How strange to think that since last she remembered she was a virgin. That clearly wasn't the case anymore though.

She sighed a content hum as she then let her eyes wander the room. She did quite like it. It seemed to mesh her personality with Malfoy's (not that she knew him very well of course, but it was evident that she wasn't the only one that lived in this room). It was then that her curiosity was yet again uprooted. She wanted to know more about her life, about her 'husband.'

She bit her lip as she contemplated what she was about to do, but in the end her thirst for knowledge got the better of her. "Popsy!" she called and in a matter of moments the House-elf appeared.

"Yes, Mistress?" she asked with a smile.

Hermione hesitated for a moment. She hoped Popsy was in a sharing mood. "Er, I thought we might have a little chat." she said as she gestured toward a place on the bed next to her. "If you don't mind that is."

A blush rose onto Popsy's cheeks. "Of course Popsy does not mind. It would be Popsy's honor to sit with her mistress." she answered, but instead of sitting on the bed with Hermione she sat on the floor in front of her.

There was a small silence before Hermione said, "You know, Popsy, you don't have call me Mistress. You may call Hermione, if you want."

Popsy nodded. "Popsy knows." she replied. "Mistress has asked Popsy to do this before, but Popsy loves to show her mistress respect."

"Oh, well, all right then."

"Did Mistress enjoy the food Popsy made her?" she asked with bright eyes.

Hermione smiled warmly. "Oh yes, they were quite delicious. Thank you."

Popsy bowed her head. "It was Popsy's pleasure, Ma'am."

Another short silence occurred and Hermione was sure that it was time to get to the main point of the elf's visit. "Popsy, do you mind if I ask you some questions about life around here? In our home?"

Popsy jumped up from her seat utterly excited by the question. She then began hopping from one foot to the other. "What would Popsy's mistress like to know, Ma'am? Popsy can tell her anything she'd want to know!"

Hermione smiled laughingly at the eager-to-please House-elf. She swallowed the giggle that wanted to break through and cleared her throat. "All right, well, am I happy here? I mean, I'm not sad or miserable?"

Popsy's brow furrowed in confusion. "Of course not, Mistress. Popsy's mistress and master are very happy here." she said wide smile. "They are always talking and laughing and touching."

A blush spread across Hermione's cheeks at that revelation. She couldn't picture herself and Malfoy doing any of those things. How could former mortal enemies get along? "What about Malfoy? Is he… kind? To me? To you? To… anyone, I suppose."

Popsy's eyes widened. "Oh yes! Master is kind to everyone, Ma'am! Especially to Popsy's Mistress. He is always doing things for her and buying her things. He loves Mistress very much!" she explained and Hermione felt very uneasy about the last declaration.

Deciding to not dwell on the statement, Hermione leaned forward to continue with her questions. "But is he kind to you?" Hermione just couldn't believe the way Popsy talked about Malfoy. It was absurd to think that Malfoy could be compassionate towards anyone let alone a House-elf.

Popsy hesitated with this question. "Popsy's master is much different from her mistress, Ma'am." Popsy said slowly. "Where Mistress is lenient and understanding, Master is firm and tolerant. But Master has never punished Popsy, even when Popsy deserved to be. Popsy likes and respects Master very much, Ma'am.

Hermione was shocked to hear this. Malfoy had never punished Popsy? "You like him?" she asked and Pospy nodded right away. "…Do I like him?"

Popsy looked affronted. "Mistress loves Master!" she exclaimed and Hermione couldn't hold in the wince. "Mistress is always affectionate and happy with Master, Ma'am. She dotes on Popsy's Master a lot."

This was all too strange for Hermione's liking and her headache suddenly came back. She closed her eyes briefly, wishing for sleep. She looked at Popsy and forced a smile. "Thank you, Popsy. You've been most helpful."

"Of course, Mistress." she replied as she gave a low curtsy.

Hermione continued to smile as she said, "Well, I think I'm going to retire for the night."

Popsy nodded. "Good night, Mistress."

"Good night, Popsy." Hermione replied and with that Popsy was gone with a pop. Hermione then let out a sigh as she rubbed her temples. She didn't want to think about anything right now. All she wanted to do was get some sleep so that maybe when she woke up this would all hopefully be a bad dream. Hopefully, but she somehow knew that it probably wasn't a dream. Her luck just didn't work that way.

She then looked down at her clothes and then hopelessly around the room. Maybe she should have asked Popsy where her clothes were… No matter. She wasn't named the brightest witch of her age for nothing, right? She could find her own clothes.

Hoping off the bed, Hermione made her way over to the bureau and opened the top drawer. As soon as she got a glimpse inside, she quickly shut it. A heavy blush adorned her face because that had definitely been men's undergarments and after quickly scanning the rest of the drawers it was clear to her that this was Malfoy's bureau. Stepping away from the chest of drawers, she scanned the room for something that might contain hers. It was then that her eyes landed on a chifforobe up against the wall to the left. She felt silly for not seeing in the first place.

She pulled the doors open to fin an assortment of clothes hanging inside. She bypassed them and reached out to open the drawers at the bottom. The first drawer held her undergarments and socks. Those not being what she was looking for, she moved onto the next one. Its contents looked promising, but the more she fumbled through it the more she became aware that all of the things inside were lingerie and sexy nighties.

Did she not own anything comfortable to sleep in? With a frustrated sigh, Hermione grabbed one that had looked somewhat appropriate for sleeping in. It was a white nightie with a low neckline and appeared to only reach to the end of her rear.

Deciding it would have to do, Hermione shed her clothes and pulled on her sleepwear. The material was silky against her skin and it fit her form perfectly. However, she felt a little self-conscious in it and tugged the hem down as far as it would go (which wasn't much).

She then made her way over to the bad and tucked herself in. Turning off the light and pushing all thoughts to the back of he mind, she quickly fell asleep.

The next morning, Hermione awake to the morning light streaming in on her through the window. She blinked away her haziness and then studied the room she was in. Being disoriented, Hermione was vaguely aware that she did not recognize where she was.

She quickly sat up in a panic and was about to jump out of the strange bed when yesterday's memories slowly made their way back to her.

That's right. She had lost three and half years of her memory. Her shoulders drooped as she remembered. She was married to Draco Malfoy and was now sitting in their bed.

Running a hand over her wild bed head, Hermione got out of bed. It was as soon as she stood up right that it hit her. A sudden wave of nausea had her literally running for the toilet.

She leaned over the toilet and heaved up whatever had been in her stomach. After finishing and a couple dry heaves later, she instantly felt a hundred times better. What had that been? She was about to question her health, but it was then that she remembered something she had conveniently forgotten. She was pregnant.

Nothing better than morning sickness to kick you back into reality.

She wiped her mouth on the back of her and then went over to the sink. Upon finding her toothbrush (or what she assumed was her toothbrush seeing as it was the more girly of two), she brushed her teeth.

After going through with a shower and finding a towel to dry off with, Hermione made her way over the chifforobe to pick out some clothes. She once again found it hard to find something comfortable to wear, so she opted for the closest thing to it (which turned out to be black, dress pants and a fancy, maroon shirt). Once everything hygiene-wise was settled, Hermione managed to find her way to the kitchen.

There she found Popsy happily cracking an egg over a skillet. The smell was almost enough to make her nausea come back. "Morning, Popsy." she said as she tried to breathe through her mouth.
Popsy turned away from her cooking and greeted her. "Good morning, Mistress. Would you care for breakfast, Ma'am?"

Hermione tried to hold back a grimace and replied, "No thank you. I'm not really hungry."

The elf look slightly disappointed. "Well, if Mistress is sure…" she trailed off. There was a pause before Popsy added, "If Mistress is looking for Master, then he is right through there, Ma'am." She was pointing to the archway to Hermione's left.

Hermione took a deep breath and told herself that she might as well get the morning greeting over with. "Thank you, Popsy." she said and then walked through the archway.

"I was wondering when you'd wander down here." Malfoy said from behind the Daily Prophet. When silence was the only replied he received, he looked up at her with a raised eyebrow.

Hermione slightly squirmed under his gaze and felt that she ought to give some explanation. "I had some trouble finding everything."

Malfoy folded the paper and set it on the table. For a moment he looked abashed, then he said formally, "You have my apologies. I should have shown you where the your clothes and linens were. However, you'll have to forgive me as I'm still getting used to you not remembering everything."

Hermione shook her head. "It's all right." she replied just as politely. "I found everything eventually and even though this isn't the most comfortable outfit, it's the comfiest I could find. The clothes I wore yesterday must be the only set of lounging clothes I own."

When Hermione was finished explaining, she noticed that Malfoy had a bemused expression on his face. "You must not have found everything then." he said and gestured to her outfit. "Those are clothes you wear to work or when we go out. Your everyday clothes are in the drawers under the bed."

Astonishment filled her core. She hadn't even thought to check under the bed. Some brightest witch of her age she was. She felt so foolish. Here she was wearing dressy clothes when she could be wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. This train of thought had another question come to mind. Did that mean she had comfortable sleepwear as well? The question left her lips before she could stop it.

Malfoy blinked in his own astonishment. "Yes, you do. They're under the bed as well." he replied, but then a glimmer appeared in his eyes and he continued, "Just out of curiosity, what did you happen to wear to bed last night?"

Blush quickly colored her cheeks. "I-I didn't really have a choice in my selection. I needed something to sleep in and all I could find was-"

Malfoy cut off her babbling. "You naughty girl. You slept in one of your lingerie, didn't you?" he accused with a smirk. Hermione's face gained more color as her embarrassment grew. "Which one did you end wearing?"

That question was the key in turning her embarrassment into anger. "You perverted git!" she yelled. "I can't believe you'd even ask me that!"

Malfoy's face instantly sobered. "I'm sorry. You're right. That was completely out of line." he said. "Please forgive me. But as I said, this predicament is going to take some getting used to. You see we used to tease each other all the time and what I said was a form of habit. I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable."

Hermione gave one more indignant huff before she slid down into a chair across from him. "I guess I'll forgive you. This time."

There was a pause before Malfoy asked, "Aren't you going to have breakfast?"

She shook her head stiffly and she didn't look at him as she replied, "No, my morning sickness started today and it seems that breakfast foods happen to be some of the things that set it off."

"Really? How was-" he started, but Hermione cut him off.

"Malfoy, could we please not talk about my vomit?" she asked and Malfoy rolled his eyes, but nonetheless nodded. There was a short silence before Hermione said, "So, what's my normal schedule?"

Malfoy cleared his throat and then said, "Well, on a normal week you work at the hospital Monday through Friday from eight in the morning to five in the evening. When you come home, you usually take a bath and then we have dinner. After that the two of us spend time together in the living room before bed."

The explanation had Hermione feeling puzzled. She couldn't very well follow that schedule since she couldn't go back to work. "So, if I'm going to be following the healer's advice, then how am I going to be able to follow that schedule? I can't go back to work. I have no idea how to do my job."

"And that's precisely why you won't be going back to your job. Your supervisor has you on an extended leave until further notice." Malfoy replied. "As far as your schedule goes, we'll just have to replace your work with something else. Something that will help your development."

Hermione didn't know if she should feel relieved or upset that she couldn't fulfill her working duties, but decided that she really had no control over it either way. "What about you? Do you work?"

Malfoy's eyes hardened a bit. "Yes, I do. Monday through Friday. Just like you." he said and Hermione could tell that she'd offended him by asking.

She bit the inside of her cheek before she asked, "Really? What do you do?"

His demeanor seemed to soften at this question. "I work at the Ministry." he said and Hermione's eyes widened in curiosity. "I'm the head of the Improper Use of Magic Office."

"Really?" Hermione said again, but this time she couldn't help but be impressed. "How did you manage to get that? You can't have been working at the Ministry long enough."

Malfoy played with the edge of the newspaper in front of him as he said, "I had been working there for two years when the job offer opened up last March. I qualified for it and of course it didn't hurt being friends with Arthur Weasley."

Understanding dawned on her as she said, "Oh, so you got the job because of who you knew."

Something flashed in Malfoy's eyes, something akin to anger. "No, I got the job because I'm good at what I do. Arthur only put in a good word for me." he said and Hermione thought it almost resembled the sneer he had back in Hogwarts. "Don't presume to think that I have to bribe my way into having everything I own. Especially when I worked damned hard to get it in the first place."

"Well excuse me if that's how I remember you always getting what you wanted!" she retorted. This was what she was used to between herself and Malfoy.

A glare was now on Malfoy's face and it was clear that he was about to say something that would take the argument to its peak, but luckily it was then that the telephone rang.

Telephone? The ringing seemed to shake both Malfoy and Hermione out of their anger and Malfoy walked around the table to where it hung on the wall. "Hello?" he asked. There was a pause and then his face broke into a tired smile. "Oh, Millie, so good to hear from you. I'm assuming you got my message from last night?"

Hermione perked up in her seat at the sound of her mother's name. Malfoy was talking with her mother? "Malfoy, is-"

"You can actually ask her yourself. She's right next to me." he said. He then passed her the phone.

She gratefully took it and hurriedly put it to her ear. "Mum?" Hermione asked in slightly panicked voice.

"Oh Darling, you have no idea how good it is to hear your voice." her mother gushed. "Your father and I have been so worried about you ever since Draco told us about your accident and then even more concerned when he told us about the repercussions. Now, as your mother I have to hear from your lips that you are indeed all right."

A warm smile spread across her face. How she missed her mother. It seemed like forever since she last saw her. "I'm all right." she replied as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Just confused and unnerved about everything, is all."

"I can't believe this has happened." was her mother's reply. "Your father and I are trying to get off work, so that we and visit you. We'll try to get an extended holiday."

"That sounds wonderful. I miss you both so much."

There was a silence before her mother said, "Draco also told us the other news. About you being pregnant."

"Oh yes, er, that." she said as she fiddled with the phone cord. "Just something else to add to the confusion. …How do you and Dad feel about it?"

"Darling, your father and I are absolutely ecstatic about it." she answered and Hermione felt her shoulders slump. "We were wondering when the two of you would start having children and we had hoped that it would be sooner rather than later. However, in light of what's happened, I know you probably feel now isn't the best time."

"You have no idea, Mum." Hermione said. "I'm just so confused."

"Don't worry yourself too much, Hermione." her mother consoled. "Hopefully your dad and I will be able to come see you soon. Everything's going to turn out right. You'll see."

Hermione felt tears whelm behind her eyes. "I do hope you're right, Mum."

"Your mother knows best. You just take it easy from now on, okay?" she replied. There was another pause before her mother stated, "Well, Dear, it's getting rather late over here and I'm going to have to get off. I'll give you another call when I have more details about our visit."

"All right, Mum." Hermione said, feeling a little reluctant about hanging up the phone. "I love you."

"Love you too, Hermione." And with that Hermione got up and hung up the phone.

Hermione slowly turned to face Malfoy and the two stared at each in a tense silence. What now? They never really finished their argument. Were they supposed to pick up where they left off? And if not, then how much longer before the next one? She couldn't imagine living with him in these conditions forever. Something was bound to give.

It was then that Malfoy spoke. "Hermione, about before, I'm sorry that I snapped at you." he said and Hermione was shocked to hear an apology from Draco Malfoy's lips. "I know that your old preserved notions of me are once again in place and I shouldn't have overreacted."

Guilt wrapped itself around Hermione. She couldn't help feeling that she had jumped the gun in that argument and she too owed him an apology. Sighing she said, "I'm sorry too, Malfoy. I never should have assumed. It's obvious that you've changed, grown up, but right now I still see you as the boy who tormented me throughout school and old habits die hard, I guess."

He nodded, his eyes guarded. "Then until your memories come back, I guess all I can wish for is for you to tolerate me."

Hermione was about to tell him that she already did tolerate him because if she didn't, then she wouldn't have stayed the night let alone be sitting at the table with him. However, it was then that a roar was heard from the next room over.

"Hermione!" a panicked, female voice yelled. "Hermione!"

Giving Malfoy a confused and worried look, she watched as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "I knew there was a letter I forgot to write." she hear him mumble to himself.

Suddenly a woman with long, black hair burst into the little eating area. Her frantic eyes settled on Hermione and she then ran over to her and wrapped her arms around her. "Oh Hermione, Darling, I'm sorry it took me so long to come and see you, but my holiday delayed me!" the woman exclaimed and Hermione still had no idea who this said woman was for she was having her face pressed up against the woman's neck. "I would have come as soon as Draco informed me about your accident, but I couldn't get a Portkey until today!"

"Pansy, let her go before you suffocate her." Malfoy said with annoyance in his voice. "Besides there's something you should know."

Did he said Pansy? As in Pansy Parkinson? Was Pansy Parkinson really hugging her? What world did she wake up in?

Slowly Pansy let go of Hermione and regained some of the air that had been pushed out of her. Hermione then took this opportunity to study this three and a half year older Pansy. She definitely looked different from the last time she had seen her. Her hair reached down to the middle of her back and she'd grown into her facial features… or maybe she just looked kinder than she had back in school.

If Hermione believed that this chaos of confusion couldn't get any worse, then she should have waited for the next person to enter the room. "Sorry about the barge in, Malfoy, but she Flooed over as soon as we arrived back at the flat." said a very familiar, Irish voice.

Hermione looked over and her eyes almost bulged out of her head. Seamus Finnigan was smiling and giving Pansy a half-hearted glare. "Well I was worried about her, Seamus." was Pansy's rebuttal. "I had to make sure that one of my best friends was all right. I just wouldn't have been able to relax until I knew for sure."

Did Pansy just refer to them as best friends? And what was up with Seamus and her associating with one another? Hermione began to feel like she was back at the hospital when nothing made sense. She looked over at Malfoy and said, "Malfoy, what is going on now?"

Malfoy let out a sigh. "You see, I sent out a letter to just about everyone telling them about your predicament." Malfoy explained. "But I must have forgot to send one to Pansy."

"What do you mean 'her predicament'?" Pansy asked with narrowed eyes. "Draco, what did you forget to tell me?"

"Hermione's suffering from amnesia." Malfoy replied with a tired expression. "She hit her head during the explosion and now she can't remember the last three and half years. She can't remember you two becoming friends or the fact that you and Finnigan are dating."

Hermione couldn't fight the gasp that broke through her lips. Seamus and Pansy were dating? She never would have imagined that match in a million years. Then again, she never would have pictured herself with Malfoy either and yet here she was.

"Wow." Seamus said in a low voice. "Three and a half years? Merlin's beard! And you don't remember a thing?"

"The recent past is a blank." was Hermione's response.

"My dear Hermione," Pansy said softly and when Hermione turned to look at her, she was shocked to find that she looked very sad. "You don't remember all the times we went shopping together? Or the times when either Draco or Seamus would make us so bloody angry that the we had to go to each other because we were the only other person who could possibly understand?"

If this had been anyone else besides Pansy Parkinson, then Hermione would have felt bad about not remembering. However, old feelings just don't evaporate just because people say they're friends now. "No, I don't." Hermione simply said.

Pansy's reaction looked as if Hermione had said something unexpected. "You'll have to excuse Hermione, Pansy." Malfoy drawled. "You see, her mind is set back to thinking that we are exactly like we were back in Hogwarts. In fact, I bet the only person in this room she actually trusts is Finnigan."

Hermione wanted to do nothing more than whack her dear 'husband' upside the head. She deduced that the reason for the sudden wave of violence had to do with the tone of his voice. The whole speech had almost sounded like a giant insult to her.

"Bollocks!" Seamus exclaimed.

Pansy had reined in her emotions. "Draco, is this permanent?"

Malfoy shrugged. "Who knows." he replied in a bored voice. "The healer said that if it were to come back, then it would have to have a trigger and as far as that goes it could be absolutely anything."

Pansy closed her eyes and held still. Seamus cautiously put his hands on her shoulders. "Pans, I know this is hard for you," he started, "but the only thing that matters is that Hermione's all right. She's alive, she physically well. What we have to do now is be supportive and try and help her get her memories back."

Throughout his pep talk, Pansy seemed to relax little by little. She opened her eyes and looked at him with the gentlest expression that Hermione had ever see on her face.

It must have been the expression that triggered it, but Hermione was suddenly having another one of those transparent memories again. This time Pansy and Seamus as well as Malfoy and herself were in it. They were sitting at the table and the transparent Pansy held the same expression as the real one.

The transparent Pansy looked over at the equally transparent Malfoy and asked, "What is it about these Gryffindors, Draco, and their ability to melt our cold hearts?"

The transparent Malfoy smirked fondly as he cast a glance at the transparent Hermione. "I don't know, but it's probably their fierce loyalty. It's strangely addictive."

Hermione blinked twice and the memory was gone. The first thing she noticed was the real Malfoy leaning over to her with a concerned expression on his face. "Hermione, are you all right?"

She looked over at him and contemplated telling him about what she just experienced, but in the end decided not to. After all, it wasn't anything substantial. It was just a little tidbit. "Yes. Fine. My mind's just swarmed with confusion." she fibbed.

Malfoy regarded her for a moment and then looked back over to Seamus and Pansy. "Anyway, I agree with Finnigan, Pansy." he eventually said. "Helping Hermione regain her memories is the only thing that we can do at this point. We just have to be patient and hope that everything works out for the best."

Pansy studied Malfoy for a moment before slowing sinking into the chair next to him while Seamus sat in the one next to her. "You're right. You both are." she admitted. "It's just hard to take all of this in."

Malfoy nodded. "I know." he obliged.

"So, what do you want us do, Malfoy?" Seamus asked with a determined expression. "How can we help?"

"Last night at Potter's, they just told them about everything that's happened in their lives since the war." Malfoy said, "Why don't you just follow their example?"

Seamus nodded. "All right, well Hermione, I work at the Ministry in the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. I'm in the Obliviator Headquarters."

Hermione smiled. She was happy for her fellow housemate and friend. A Ministry job was an impressive accomplishment.

It was then that Pansy added her bit. "I'm a Welcome Witch at St. Mungo's, but before that I tried my hand at being a reporter for Witch Weekly. I'm still not completely happy with what I do, but for now it suits my needs."

This still left a question in Hermione's mind about how the two of them got together. Their jobs didn't seem likely to be what inspired them. Seamus then went on to explain this mystery.

"Pansy and I didn't start dating until after you and Malfoy did. It was actually through you two that we got reacquainted." he explained. "You see, with Malfoy and I being Ministry employees we're required to attend parties hosted by the Minister.

"At one of these parties, Pansy was the reporter there covering for the magazine. You had gone as Malfoy's date and the two of us had gone to say hello to you both at the same time and it just went down hill from there."

"I didn't even know the two of you had anything in common." Hermione blurted out before she could stop herself.

Seamus let out a loud humorous-filled laugh. "Come on, Hermione," he said with a grin. "just look at Malfoy and tell me that opposites don't attract."

Hermione sighed. This was all so odd. She looked over at both Seamus and Pansy. "Are you married? Engaged?" she asked, just to make sure she had all the facts.

Seamus shook his head. "No," he replied. "but we did just get back from a holiday in Greece together. We would have spent two weeks there, but when we heard about your accident we had to come back. Besides, there's no relaxing with me girl if she has something bothering her."

"He set up the trip for my birthday." Pansy said as she reached out and squeezed his hand. "He shouldn't have, but I'm not going to complain when the result involved me soaking in the Greek sun."

Seamus gave Hermione a smug smile. "I knew she wouldn't be able to say no." he bragged. "After all, she had been talking nonstop about the fashion show that was going to be taking place this month there. How could I pass up such a wonderful opportunity?"

There was a silence as the happy couple smiled at each other. After a moment, Pansy looked over at Malfoy. "Did you show her any pictures, Draco?"

Malfoy, who had watched the scene with disdain, looked at her with a bored expression. "I haven't had the chance yet."

"Well, I guess now is the time to do it." she said before promptly walking out of the room. It was a good five minutes before she came walking back into in the room carrying a stack of picture frames. She sat down in her recently vacated seat and then scooted closer to Hermione.

Pansy placed a picture of Hermione and Malfoy smiling in front of Hermione. They were wearing Holyhead Harpies apparel and frantically waving flags with their logo printed on them. "This one is of you and Draco at one of Ginny Potter's Quidditch games." Pansy supplied.

"It was our second public date." Malfoy added.

Hermione looked it over carefully. She obviously looked happy in the photo, but she couldn't remember one thing about it.

Pansy placed another picture in front of her. This one was of a blushing Hermione in her wedding dress. The dress, Hermione had to say, was elegant and exquisite, but most of all it looked beautiful on her. "This is one of your wedding pictures. You have an album somewhere, but Draco likes to keep this one out."

Hermione looked up from the photo and over at Malfoy. He was gazing at it with a little bit of longing. Longing for what, Hermione didn't know.

For the next hour or so, Pansy showed Hermione more pictures that didn't trigger any of Hermione's memories. It wasn't until after the last one that Seamus spoke. "Pans, you know it's Sunday and it's already well into the afternoon."

"Oh, I suppose you're right." Pansy said as she gathered the pictures.

Hermione was confused. "What's Sunday mean?"

Malfoy answered, "On Sundays, you and I go have dinner with the Weasleys." Hermione felt her eyes widen. Malfoy would willing go to the Burrow and dine with all the Weasleys?

As Seamus and Pansy began to make their way to the archway, Malfoy stopped them. "I hate to spring this on you now, but if I don't tell you I'll never hear the end of it."

Hermione looked at him curiously. "What is it, Draco?" Pansy asked.

Malfoy hesitated. "Hermione and I… are expecting."

Hermione was shocked. She hadn't know he was going to advertise this information to everyone. It was then that Pansy let out a sound that sounded almost like a squeal.

"Oh my gosh!" she said with a huge smile. "I can't believe this!" She must have momentarily forgot about the circumstances because she ran over to Hermione and hugged her. "We are so going to have to go shopping! …I mean, I know you don't remember, but we shop all the time. …We'll bring Ginny with us if it'd make you feel more comfortable…"

Pansy looked so expectant that Hermione couldn't find it in her nature to turn her down. "All right."

Another big smile spread across her face, but this one was dimmed slightly. "Great. I'll let you know when I'm free." she said.

"Congratulations, guys." Seamus said as he shook Malfoy's hand. Malfoy nodded in return. "Well, I suppose we won't take anymore of your time. I know you have places to be."

"Thank you for visiting." Malfoy said as he walked them out of the room and Hermione guessed toward the fireplace in the sitting room.

When he came back, Hermione asked warily, "So, I'm best friends with Pansy Parkinson?"

"Well, you didn't expect me to become friendly with your friends and not vise versa." he said as he studied her carefully.

Seeing the reason in his words, Hermione replied, "I guess not."

Malfoy nodded. "Now that that's cleared up, we really must be heading to the Burrow."