Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Lax in Memory ❯ Chasten ( Chapter 3 )

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

Chapter Three

Tugging on her jacket, Hermione was led out the front door by Malfoy. She had asked why they weren't going to be arriving by Floo, but he had said something about being bombarded by people as soon as you walked out of the fireplace.

They were now walking down a little path to what looked like a narrow driveway. Hermione had been so wrapped up in her curiosity about having a driveway that she almost missed all of the colorful flowers surrounding the cottage. The beauty stunned her so much that she had to stop in her tracks. There was every color imaginable. Flowers of yellow, violet, blue, pink, red, white and every other color was everywhere. It took her breath away.

Malfoy must have noticed her staring because he commented, "You wanted this place even before we stepped inside just because of the flowers."

Hermione unwillingly looked away from the beauty and over at him. "I can see why." she said as she gestured to the plants around her. "I love it."

"You actually wanted to name this place Flower Cottage." he informed her.

Hermione cocked her head to the side. "Why didn't we? I think it suits it perfectly."

An abashed look formed on his face as he replied, "Well, I might have went behind your back and told the Floo Regulation Panel that the connection would be to Malfoy Cottage. Ever since then it's been named that."

"Why on Earth would you do that?" Hermione said with an incredulous expression. "…Did I feel as cheated when I found out as I do now?"

Malfoy smirked. "Oh, you weren't very happy. I had to sleep in a spare bedroom for three days." he replied. "But in my defense, I didn't think it very manly to live in a house named Flower Cottage."

Hermione rolled her eyes, but nonetheless smiled at his reasoning. She knew by having two male best friends that a man's attempt to appear manly was important. She took one last look at the cottage before walking in the direction they would have been going if not for the distraction. Malfoy happily walked with her. "So, how exactly are we getting there? Apparation?"

"I believe so." Malfoy answered. "Sometimes you drive us there, but seeing as you probably don't know how to get there from here we'll Apparate today."

Hermione was too interested in the first thing he had mentioned to really care how they were getting there. "We own a car?"

Malfoy nodded. "You like to drive and I didn't see a reason not to own one. Especially since we live among Muggles. It just seemed appropriate."

"And where exactly is here?"

"Tinworth." Malfoy said and then added, "We're almost at the property line. Once we're past that we can Apparate."

Choosing not to comment on the last part she asked, "So, Shell Cottage is somewhere nearby?" She had a smile on her face as she absently checked her surroundings.

"Yes." Malfoy nodded. "It's just on the edge of town. We sometimes dine with Bill and Fleur when they ask us." Malfoy then stopped and turned to her. "Well, this is the Apparation point. I guess I'll see you there."

Hermione nodded as she pulled her wand out of her back pocket. She soon felt the familiar feeling of being squeezed through a tube and then before she knew it she was standing in the tall grass outside the Weasley's house. Malfoy was soon beside her as well.

"It doesn't look as if we're late, but I don't want to hear any of the women's rants about us showing up whenever we feel like it again, so let's get a move on." he explained as he pulled her toward the back door that Hermione knew would lead to the kitchen.

Once inside, Hermione smiled at the familiar kitchen. The food was cooking itself and plates where stacked just waiting to be used. It was then that Molly Weasley entered the room. "Oh Hermione, dear." she said as she pulled Hermione into an embrace. "It's so good to see you well. Ginny informed me about you memory problem and I just have to say that the whole family will be by your side no matter what."

"Thank you, Molly." Hermione replied as she pulled out of the woman's arms.

"Unc Dra! Unc Dra!" a child's voice yelled as blur of red flashed through the kitchen.

Hermione saw Malfoy kneel down to gather the small child with strawberry blond hair, who happened to be dressed in red clothing, into his arms. "Well hello, Victoire." he said with the kindest smile Hermione had every seen him wear. "And how is my favorite girl today?"

"Unc Dra!" she exclaimed again as she wrapped her arms around his neck tightly, clearly happy to see him. She then erupted into a fit of giggles. She pushed her upper body away from Malfoy and smiled. "Play."

"Play, huh?" Malfoy said with teasing glint in his eyes. "And what would you have us play? You couldn't possibly want to fly around the room, could you?" He then lifted the small girl up into the air over his head and ran around the small kitchen.

Hermione didn't know what to think. Draco Malfoy was good with children? Since when? She looked over at Molly, who was laughing at the two, and asked, "Er, so, whose child is that?"

Molly looked over at her and blinked before remembering her predicament. "Oh yes, sorry, dear." she quickly apologized. "That's Bill and Fleur's daughter, Victoire. She was born on the second anniversary of the Final Battle, you know."

"No kidding? Well, she's adorable." she said and then cautiously continued, "…Malfoy's really good with her."

Molly nodded fondly. "Yes. Victoire adores him." she answered. "He's good with all the children, in fact."

Hermione was just about to ask about the other children, when another unfamiliar voice asked in a curious way, "What are you doing?" She turned to look and saw a boy no older than three. His hair was in the process of changing from purple to green. "I want to fly too! But not that way. On a broom!"

Malfoy lowered the squealing Victoire and cast a smile in the boy's direction. "Well, we'll have to see what your grandmother has to say about that, Teddy." he said as placed Victoire on the floor. Hermione studied the boy and felt amazement. This was the infant that was orphaned after the war? The more she looked at him the more she could definitely see traces of her dear friends, Tonks and Lupin.

The little girl wasn't very happy about her playtime being ended. "Again." she said as she reached toward Malfoy, silently asking to be picked up.

The little boy also took this opportunity to advance on Malfoy. "I want to fly now." he insisted as he tugged on Malfoy's pant leg.

"Teddy, I told you that you had to ask your grandmother." Malfoy said firmly, but this only made Teddy's hair turn red and it was clear to even Hermione that he was about to throw a tantrum. "Don't even start, Ted. You know you have to ask."

This logic didn't seem to make sense to the three year old. He stopped his foot. "I don't want to!"

It was then that Victoire started crying due to the fact that she was being ignored by Malfoy. He sighed as he bent over and situated the girl on his hip and then outstretched his hand to Teddy. "Come on, let's go ask her." The boy happily took his hand and then Malfoy led the children out of the room.

As soon as Malfoy was gone, Fleur entered and Hermione noticed that she had a baby on her hip. Did her and Bill have two children? "'Ermione!" she said as she greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. "I 'ope zat you are doing well since returning 'ome from ze 'ospital?"

"I'm physically feeling much better compared to when I regained consciousness," Hermione answered truthfully. "but mentally I'm still confused. I'm just going to have to take it one day at a time." Fleur gave her a sympathetic look and then readjusted the baby that she was holding. This stimulated her curiosity again. "Is she yours as well?"

The blonde let out a elegant laugh. "Oh no." she said with a smile. "Ziz eez Percy and Audrey's daughter, Molly, but we all call 'er Little Molly so as not to confuse 'er with 'er grandmozer."

Although she didn't know who Audrey was, the more Hermione looked at the little girl the more she noticed big differences between her and Victoire. For example, Victoire had strawberry blonde hair and this child's hair was a dark auburn color.

The other fact that surprised her was that Percy was a father now. She wondered for how long this had been true. "How old is she?" she asked.

"Little Molly eez 9 months old ziz month." Fleur replied. The toddler smiled and then tugged on Fleur's hair.

"All right, well, why don't the two of you head into the living room." Mrs. Weasley suggested. "I'm sure now that Draco's made his arrival known everyone's going to want to see you, Hermione."

"Molly's right, 'Ermione." Fleur agreed. "Eeveryone 'as been worried about you. We've all been looking forward to seeing you well again."

Hermione smiled at the two women and then let Fleur led her into the living room. As soon as they walked in, Ginny walked over to greet them. Hermione didn't know why this particular room or greeter set it off, but she soon found herself thrown into another memory.

In this one, her transparent self was sitting on the Weasley's couch, chatting as they observed a transparent Malfoy playing on the floor with a much younger looking, transparent Teddy. The transparent Ginny wasn't pregnant, so Hermione assumed that this memory took place many months ago.

"I can't believe how good he is with Teddy." transparent Ginny whispered to her. "Who would have thought that Draco Malfoy had a soft spot for kids?"

Her transparent self smiled fondly over at the memory Malfoy. "You know he confided in me that once we're married he wants a big family."

Memory Ginny gave her a giddy smile. "So, you two are already discussing how many children you want?" she asked teasingly. "You know a lot of my brothers have doubts that the two of you are actually going to make it to the alter. I, on the other hand, think that if any two people can make a marriage work, it's the two of you."

Transparent Hermione laughed. "Well that's good to hear." she said with a smile. "And you know what? I believe it too. And it's not because I love him, but because even though we're very different, our differences balance us out perfectly."

Hermione felt someone shake her shoulder. "Hermione, is everything all right?" Ginny asked her with a concerned expression.

Of all the memories that Hermione had experienced, this one unnerved her the most. Her memory self had admitted to loving Malfoy. She had been in love with Draco Malfoy! The room started to spin and she grabbed onto Ginny's arm for support.

"Hermione!" Ginny said urgently. "You're face has gone pale. What's wrong? "

Malfoy must have been watching because he was suddenly by her side as well. "Come sit on the couch, Darling." he said as he reached out and placed his hand on the small of her back.

Her mind was spinning a mile a minute. She wretched herself out of both Malfoy and Ginny's reach and that was when her nausea hit her again. "I'm going be sick." she said as she ran to the toilet.

After finishing a couple of minutes later, Hermione washed her mouth out as best she could and then patted her face with warm water. She soon felt a little bit better, but the memory was still on her mind.

So, she knew for a fact that she had loved Malfoy, but that didn't mean she loved him now. No, of course not. Everything was different now. She herself was different …or converted back into her old self.

A knock on the door stopped her train of thought. "Hermione," she recognized Malfoy's voice. "how are you feeling?"

She let out a sigh. She supposed she'd have to let him in on her little development. Not that she wanted to, but she assumed that she would just keep getting them and eventually she'd have to tell someone. "Could you come in here?"

There was silence for a moment and then the door slowly opened. Hermione was leaning up against the sink and she could feel that her hair was disheveled, but at that moment she didn't care. "Did you want me to get you something?" he asked when she didn't say anything.

"No, just close the door. I need to tell you something." she said.

He did as he was told and then gave her contemplating look. "Hermione, what's going on?"

Hermione hesitated. She didn't quite know how to tell him. Would he be angry that she hadn't told him when she first had a memory return? If she was going off of his old characteristics, then anger would probably be how he would have reacted, but now… she wasn't sure. And she didn't know if that was worse or not. "I… I think… I might have remembered some things…"

She had expected him to show some kind of emotion. Maybe be eager at first but then slowly become angry because of her withholding this information. However, the blank expression and silence was not something she expected. "…Well, say something." she said as she began to feel uncomfortable.

He stayed silent for a moment longer, then said nonchalantly, "That's good."

Blinking in astonishment, Hermione felt her own anger rise. "What?" she asked. That was it? No concern whatsoever? She had just admitted to remembering something and he wasn't even interested in what it was? How had she ended up married to him again? He was the most insensitive prat she had ever met! "That's all you have to say? That's good? What does that even mean?"

Malfoy sighed and then pinched the bridge of his nose. "Look, Hermione, it's obvious that whatever you remembered bothers you and that you don't want to talk about it."

Hermione with an incredulous expression exclaimed, "I called you in here to tell you about a couple of memories! I think that constitutes as me wanting to talk about them." She was really getting riled up and the fact that he wasn't showing any sign of anger was making her even angrier.

"No, you called me in here because you felt guilty about remembering things." he informed her. She was about to protest against the truth, but he cut her off. "You were more than nervous when I came in here and the fact that you weren't gushing about what you remembered as soon as I walked in more than proves that you really don't want to talk about it."

How dare he be right! Huffing, Hermione stated with a bit of an edge to her voice, "Well excuse me if this whole situation is a little bit uncomfortable for me."

This response did have an affect on Malfoy. His eyes flashed and his mouth formed a tight line. "This isn't the ideal situation for me either." he said with hardened eyes and Hermione rolled hers. "You're my wife and you hate me. How do you think I feel about that? Or the fact that you're pregnant? This isn't something that just happened. We had been trying to make a baby. So, to know that you're carrying my child and not be able to just touch your stomach kills me!"

Hermione felt so taken aback that most of her anger left her. He wanted to feel the baby? "Y-you wouldn't be about to feel anything yet. I mean, I can't even feel anything yet." she said quietly.

Some of the fire left Malfoy at her statement. He sighed before saying, "I know, but just knowing that our daughter is inside of you is enough to make me want to touch you. Hell, I even want to put my ear up against you even though I won't be able to hear her either." He sighed once again. "I've been trying to be patient and understanding with your predicament, but you've got to be just the same with me. You're not the only one having to adjust to changes."

With that Malfoy left, leaving Hermione staring after him. She felt confused and a little bit guilty. She'd never taken the time to think of his point of view of this ordeal. Of course in her defense she had difficulty seeing things from her own point of view.

Shaking her head and regaining her composer, she walked out of the loo. She was immediately greeted by Ginny. "Hermione, you still look pale. Do you want a glass of water?"

She shook her head. "No, I just want to sit down." she replied. Ginny nodded and led her back into the living room. Hermione noticed that it was overly crowded now. Most of the Weasleys were there, but Hermione noted thankfully that Malfoy wasn't anywhere in sight.

"Come on then." Ginny said as she maneuvered through the throng of people. She then wedged them onto the couch in between a woman Hermione didn't recognize and a woman with coffee-colored skin.

Upon studying the latter woman, Hermione soon recognized her as one of her fellow housemates, Angelina Johnson. Surprise and curiosity filled Hermione's mind. What was Angelina doing at a Weasley gathering?

This question was quickly answered when George came over and planted a kiss onto her lips. "Hey, Doll face, Mum says dinner's about ready."

Angelina playfully smacked his arm. "What have I told you about calling me that?" she said as she got up off the couch and took hold of his hand.

"That it turns you on extremely and that you wished I'd call you that more often?" George inquired with a huge grin.

Angelina tugged roughly on his hand. "Not even close." she replied. "I hate it when you call me Doll face."

George grabbed her face and kissed her once again. "I know," he said with a mischievous look in his eyes. "but I just love seeing you worked up. It turns me on extremely." Angelina rolled her eyes and then they made their way to the kitchen.

Hermione had watched with mixed feelings. On one hand she was very happy to see George happy. The last time she remembered seeing him he had been devastated by the death of his twin brother. He had obviously grieved. The whole family had grieved. However, to her if felt like Fred at just died. A deep sadness filled her and she had to turn her gaze somewhere else.

She then felt Ginny's hand on her shoulder. "Are you sure you don't want the glass of water?" she asked again. "Or maybe you'd like to prop your feet up?"

Hermione looked over to give her a scrutinizing look. Why was she trying to pamper her? Just because she'd lost her memories didn't mean that she need someone to hover around her and- It was then that the reason for all of her concern hit her. Ginny knew that she was pregnant and she thought that Hermione herself didn't know.

She smiled at her friend. "I'm fine, Ginny, really." she replied. "And you can stop worrying about me so much. I'm quite aware that I'm pregnant and need to relax and whatnot."

Ginny looked flabbergasted. "You know? Draco told you?"

"Hermione, you're pregnant?" the unfamiliar woman to her left exclaimed. "Congratulations."

Hermione smiled uneasily at the unknown woman and then went on to answer Ginny. "No, he didn't tell me." she said with a shake of her head. "I heard him tell you and the guys last night."

Comprehension dawned on her face. "Oh," she replied with a guilty expression. "I suppose we weren't that careful about you overhearing."

Hermione shrugged her shoulders. "I'm glad I know, but whether I knew or not I'm still confused and overwhelmed. But I guess, with knowing at least it's something I can work with." she tried to explain.

Ginny nodded in understanding and looked over at the woman who had been listening in on their conversation. "Audrey, I'm assuming Percy told you about Hermione's memory problem."

The brunette, who Hermione assumed was named Audrey, nodded. "Yes, he mentioned it this morning." she replied. "Although, he didn't give much detail. Only that she couldn't remember the last 3 and a half years. He didn't mention that you were pregnant though, Hermione."

Ginny answered instead. "That's cause no one knows."

"And I would really appreciate it if no one else found out until I'm ready to tell." Hermione added. "I know that I don't remember you, but it would mean a lot to me if you'd not mention it to anyone."

Audrey smiled. "I wouldn't dream of spoiling the fun for you." she replied and then smacked her hands on her lap. "And I'm being completely rude. I haven't reintroduced myself." She reached out a hand in offering. "I'm Audrey Weasley née Royce. Percy's wife. I believe you met my daughter, Little Molly. She's being held around here somewhere."

Well, that was one mystery solved. "Oh, so you're Percy's wife." Hermione stated as she accepted the handshake and then studied her face. She deduced that since she still didn't recognize her or the name Audrey Royce that they hadn't met prior to the end of the war. Which seeing as the Weasley family didn't have much contact with Percy during it, it was very probably that she wouldn't know this Audrey person.

Ginny nodded. "Yes. They got married in December of 1998. We were all pretty shocked to find out that Percy had a serious girlfriend. No one really saw it coming."

Audrey giggled. "It took him ages to introduce me to all of you after the war." she told her with a smile. "I think he was just nervous about how much distance he put between himself and his family and he really wanted you all to like me."

Before Ginny could reply, Molly came into the room and announced dinner was ready. The three women were soon moving with the herd of people that were making their way outside. "Why are we heading outside?" Hermione asked Ginny.

She laughed in reply. "Hermione, there's about eighteen people here." she answered. "Do you expect us all to fit in the kitchen?"

Hermione laughed at her own mistake. "No, I suppose not." With that said, they were finally in the Weasley family's back yard. She spotted a very long picnic table just a few yards away and she knew just by looking at it that it had had a enlarging charm placed upon it.

Ginny suddenly left Hermione's side to sit on the bench next to Harry, who waved over to her in a quick hello. Since she didn't know where to sit, Hermione just watched the table fill up. Arthur sat at the far left next to Molly, who was sitting next to Ginny and Harry. George and Angelina sat across from them.

"Hermione, there you are. I'm been trying to catch you alone since you got here." she recognized Ron's voice from behind her. She turned with a smile, but that smile instantly dimmed when she saw that he wasn't alone. Luna Lovegood was standing next to him with her hand firmly in his. When he was close enough, Ron put his arm around Hermione's shoulders in a quick hug. "How was your first night back?"

Hermione was trying to look anywhere, but at where Ron's other hand was. It was a lot harder to see him with Luna than she thought it would be. "It-it was all right." she stuttered and then scolded herself for doing so. "All I did was go to bed." She would have gone on to tell him about Pansy Parkinson's visit, but she really didn't trust herself in his presence for much longer.

Luckily (or unluckily, depending of which view she wanted to look at it from), Malfoy came up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Weasley, Lovegood, I'm sorry to break up your little chat, but your choice of seat is diminishing."

"Oh, right. Come on, Luna." Ron said as he tugged on Luna's hand.

"Hold on, Ron." Luna stopped him and then started digging in one of her many shirt pockets. When she found what she was looking for, she pulled out a big, bulky bracelet. "Here. It's charmed to keep the Horn Beasts away. They're the ones that's keeping your memories from you. I have no doubt that they'll return soon now."

Hermione hesitantly took the bracelet from her. "Thank you, Luna." she replied. "I'll be sure to wear it." Luna smiled that calm smile of hers and then she and Ron went over and took the seats next to Angelina.

Looking down at the bracelet, Hermione quickly examined it. It was chrome colored and had many scratched and scuffs. As she slid it onto her wrist, she couldn't help thinking that Luna's quirkiness definitely hadn't faded since the war.

"Come on." Malfoy said and then led them to the other end of the table. It was evident by his voice that he was still put off with her from their discussion in the loo.

Before they sat down, Hermione noted where everyone else sat. Percy sat next to Harry and beside him was his daughter and then his wife. Beside Audrey was an empty seat and then Bill. Little Victoire was sitting in a high chair at the end of the table. Hermione then took note of the other side. She watched a woman she recognized as Andormeda Tonks sit next to Luna. Andormenda then helped her grandson into the seat next to her.

Malfoy took the seat next to Teddy and Hermione sighed before sitting next to him. She barely noticed that Fleur sat down next to her because she was too busy staring longingly at the other end of the table. She watched Harry, Ginny, and Ron laugh at something George said and couldn't help but wonder why she sat in a seat that isolated her from her friends. Did she always sit away from them?

As if reading her thoughts (or maybe just reading her expression), Malfoy said in a tight voice, "We all sit in different seats each week. Don't stress so much about where everyone's sitting." She looked away and blushed for being so easy to read.

Her self-scolding didn't last long however, because at that moment the food appeared on the table.

Arthur then stood up and greeted, "Everyone, another week has gone by and what a long week it has been. Hermione's accident put us all through some short lived stress." Everyone then turned to look at Hermione, who once again blushed, with smiles. "I know I speak for all of us when I say that we are all relieved and thankful that you're home safely once again, Hermione. I know your recovery isn't over yet, but we're your family. Anything you or Draco should ever need, please don't hesitate to ask.

"Now with that said, dig in everyone." With a laugh, they all did as they were told.

As Hermione reached for the roasted potatoes, she heard Andormeda ask, "Draco, tell me, how is my sister doing?"

"She's doing very well, Aunt Dormeda." Malfoy replied and Hermione was very surprised that the two Black sisters were now on speaking terms. "In fact, Hermione and I will be visiting her and Father tomorrow for brunch."

Hermione almost chocked on the food she had just spooned into her mouth. "We're what?" she spurted as soon as she regained her voice.

Malfoy didn't bother to look over at her as he replied, "They're anxious to see you too."

Hermione felt slightly panicked at the thought. "But I thought you said you worked Monday through Friday?" she asked, feeling desperate for an excuse not to go.

Malfoy looked slightly annoyed by her question. "Well, my wife just got released from the hospital and can't remember most of her short term memories." he stated. "As such, Shacklebolt had no problem giving me an extended leave." He then went back to spearing food onto his fork. Hermione felt disappointed about what was to come tomorrow and having no way out of it.

"Well, give my regards to them." Andormeda said as she filled her grandson's plate. "Teddy and I will have to visit them sometime too, I think."

"So hungry, Grandma!" Teddy exclaimed, but it went unanswered seeing as Andormeda had just placed the plate in front of him. His hair changed to yellow from happiness as a result.

"They'd love that." Malfoy went ahead and answered. Hermione had to block the conversation out after that. She didn't want to think about having to visit Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy. She didn't think she could handle her nausea if she did, especially with so many different scents of food wafting around.

"'Ermione, you and Draco will 'ave to come to Shell Cottage for dinner sometime soon." Fleur said from beside her.

Hermione looked over at her with a confused expression. "Right, Malfoy said we come over and dine with you sometimes."

Fleur nodded. "Yes, Bill and Draco 'ave become quite close and of course your 'usband dotes on ma petite, Victoire." she said fondly as she reached out and caressed Victoire's strawberry blonde curls. "'E spoils 'er rotten eevery time you come and visit. Victoire on 'er part as grown quite fond of 'im as well."

She supposed that by now everything she heard shouldn't surprise her, but some tidbits of information were just shocking. She looked across the table toward Bill. "You and Malfoy are friends? Since when?"

Bill smiled lazily. "Well, once you both moved to Tinworth it was really easy to form some type of bond." he replied. "You only live about five minutes down the road, Hermione. You were always insisting that we come over to your house for dinner and Fleur would do the same. Draco and I learned we had a lot in common."

"He was actually my best man at our wedding." Malfoy added to the conversation.

Hermione turned to him in shock. "Really? A Weasley was Draco Malfoy's best man?"

Malfoy forced a tight smile in her direction. "Shocking, isn't it?" he said through clinched teeth and then went back to fiddling with his food.

Sighing, Hermione turned her attention to her own food. This whole argument with Malfoy was really beginning to get to her. If it was this tense with all of the Weasleys around, then what was it going to be like when they were at home alone?

Dinner after that went uneventful and soon the table was clearing itself off. Malfoy turned to Teddy and lifted him up off his seat. "Come on, Teddy, I think I promised you something."

"What are you doing?" Teddy asked as he played with the collar of Malfoy's shirt. Hermione couldn't help but notice that this phrase was a favorite of Teddy's.

Malfoy adjusted him on his hip. "We're going flying."

This news greatly excited Teddy. "Yay! Flying! On a broom!" he yelled as he jumped around in Malfoy's hold.

"Not too high now, Draco." Andormeda called and it was then that Hermione noticed that most of the table's occupants had left. Malfoy waved a hand in acknowledgment.

"Fly too! Fly too!" Victoire cried from her high chair.

Bill stood and lifted her out of the chair. "Not today, little girl." he said as he rested her against his chest. "It's time for your nap."

Victoire angrily banged on Bill's shoulder. "No! No, nap!" Fleur watched them walk off with a smile.

Ginny soon joined her and Fleur at this end of the table, closely followed by Luna. They thoughtfully watched Malfoy take out a broom from the shed and then adjust himself and Teddy onto it. Malfoy carefully kicked off the ground, but didn't dare fly higher than five feet.

This seemed to be high enough to please Teddy though, because his squeezes could be heard throughout the yard. "'E eez so good with children. Eet still amazes me." Fleur murmured.

"I know. Same here." Ginny added and then nudged Hermione gently. "Can't wait to see what he's like with his own children."

Calmly, Luna stated, "His kids will be spoiled rotten."

Hermione was beginning to feel uncomfortable with this topic and sent a quick glare in Ginny's direction. "'Ermione, one day your children will be very lucky. You and Draco are very competent people." Fleur commented upon seeing the look. "I know zat right now you feel uncomfortable with ze idea of 'aving zem. What with your memory problems, but I zink when you are ready eet will be a decision zat you'll never regret."

"Oh but, Fleur, can't you tell?" Luna inquired. "Hermione's already pregnant."

All three women turned to look at Luna with wide eyes. "How did you know?" Ginny asked with wide eyes.

"Eet's true? Par bleu!" Fleur exclaimed looking at Hermione for further conformation.

Hermione just stared at Luna in utter bewilderment. Had she really just said that? "I could just sense that she was. She's got an air about her that gives it away." Luna replied. "I'm sorry, Hermione, I didn't mean to spoil your fun. I really thought Fleur could tell."

"'Ow could I 'ave known?" Fleur asked in a shocked voice. "I did not know zat zey were trying to get pregnant. Plus, 'Ermione 'as been confused all day. If I were to 'ave noticed somezing off, I would 'ave zought eet just nerves."

Luna nodded. "This is a good point." she agreed. "But it seems I was right anyhow. Hermione's pregnant."

Fleur's face then erupted into a smile. "Oh, 'Ermione! C'est magnifique! I am so 'appy for you! And for Draco!" she exclaimed, but then stopped as the whole situation set in. "Wait, but you don't remember your new life."

"Exactly." Ginny said as she reached across the table and patted one of Hermione's hands. "Don't overwhelm her, Fleur. She's still adjusting. Her being pregnant just adds to all of the things she's going to have to categorize."

Hermione blinked away her confusion. "Look, all of you," she started as she stared at them seriously. "I know you mean well, but I would really like to not talk about it."

"Oh, but 'Ermione, zat won't make you any less pregnant." Fleur said, stating the obvious. "I zink talking about eet eez eexactly what you need."

Hermione shook her head. "No, really, I don't."

Ginny watched thoughtfully before saying, "Actually, I agree with Fleur. I think you do need to talk about everything that's been going on. I mean, you've got to be experiencing so many emotions and you shouldn't keep those bottled up."

"Gin, really I-"

Luna interrupted her. "Come on, Hermione. We're your friends. Who else are you going to talk to?"

A feeling of defeat washed over her. With a sigh, Hermione acquiesced, "Fine, all right. Are you all happy now?" Hermione paused not knowing where or how to start. "I don't really know how to start."

"Tell us how you felt when you first found out you were pregnant." Luna suggested.

Hermione thought back to the night before. Her standing in Ginny's hallway, listening to the banter, and then Malfoy saying she was pregnant. "It felt unreal. This all feels pretty surreal to me. What with you all on friendly terms with Malfoy, not to mention me being on friendly terms with Parkinson."

Ginny perked up at this. "Oh, when did you find out about this?" she asked with a mixture of curiosity and concern on her face.

"This morning." Hermione answered. "I don't know why I was so shocked. I should just expect to be anymore. Everything I've found out since I woke up has been one big curve ball."

Ginny gave her a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry no one warned you, but in Pansy's defense she really isn't the same girl she used to be. She's a lot like Draco in the way that she fell in love with a Gryffindor. I think we Gryffindors put Slytherins on the path to righteousness." She said the last part with a giggle and Hermione gave her a uneasy look.

Fleur decided to change the topic back to Hermione's pregnancy. "So, when are you going to announce your pregnancy to ze family?"

With wide eyes, Hermione replied, "I don't know. I don't think I'm ready for it. I mean, I haven't even come to terms with it yet."

Fleur looked upset at this. "Oh, please do so today. I am a 'orrible secret keeper." she confessed. "And I know Molly will be so 'appy to know. Please consider telling zem today."

"You won't be able to hide it forever, Hermione." Luna commented. "I think if you tell them today, then you would have so many other people to rely on for help."

"Luna's right, Hermione." Ginny agreed. "Not only are we your friends, we're your family too."

How was it that they could corner her and leave her no options. Talk about peer pressure. "I-I don't know." she stuttered. "It would make this all real. Everyone would know and then everyone would talk about it. I wouldn't be able to pretend anymore…"

Ginny squeezed her hand. "You can't pretend forever." she said. "What are you going to do when your belly's as big as mine? Still pretend that it's not happening?"

"'Ermione, you know zat won't work." Fleur said as she grabbed Hermione's other hand. "We're 'ere for you."

"No matter what." Luna joined in as she reached over and laid her hand on Fleur's to have a connection with Hermione too.

Nervousness was quickly over taking her. "What about Malfoy? I can't just sprout off something of this importance without his input."

"Of course not." Ginny said and then turned and yelled, "DRACO!" Hermione sunk lower in her seat.

Malfoy looked up from where he and Teddy had been hovering around the yard. He slowly lowered them to the ground and then placed Teddy on his feet. He walked over to the table and then told Teddy to go find Grandma. The little boy ran off laughing. "What is it, Ginny?"

Ginny smiled up at him. "Hermione, wants to tell the family about her pregnancy, but she was worried that you might have a problem with it." she said sweetly. Hermione kicked her from under the table, albeit more gently than she wanted to given the fact that her friend was pregnant.

Malfoy cast a quizzical look in her direction. "You really want to tell the Weasleys about your pregnancy?"

Hermione faltered. "Umm…"

Malfoy sighed. "Ladies, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but please don't push her to do things she's not ready for." he said with a sad smile.

Hermione felt annoyance bubbled inside her. What was it about this man that made her emotions so haywire? "No, they aren't forcing me. I want to tell everyone." she snapped.

Malfoy look surprised. "You do?"

"Yes." she said stubbornly with determination in her eyes and then she got up and marched her way over to the house. Malfoy and the girls followed. Once inside, Hermione notice that everyone was already in the living room. Perfect. "Everyone, I have an announcement to make.

Arthur sat straighter in his seat. "What is it, Hermione?" He then cast a questionable look over her shoulder at (she assumed) Malfoy.

Hermione hesitated. "You don't have to do this." Malfoy whispered into her ear, which only gave Hermione the strength she needed.

"I'm pregnant." she announced and the room went silent. "And it's a girl."

Fleur squealed from behind her. "Oh, 'Ermione, you did not tell us zat!" she exclaimed before coming over and giving her a hug.

This exchange caused everyone to come out of shock. Congratulations where given to both Malfoy and herself. All of the woman were touching her stomach. Molly even had tears in her eyes. The men were patting Malfoy on the back and shaking his hand. Hermione, however, couldn't help but notice that not once had anyone mentioned or brought up the fact that maybe this wasn't the best time for her to be pregnant. She didn't know if this was a bad thing or not.

Hermione felt like the rest of the evening went in a daze. She was almost happy when Malfoy said that they should be heading home. "We'll have to get together soon." Ginny said as she walked Hermione and Malfoy to the door.

Hermione nodded slowly. "Of course." was all she had time to say before Malfoy began dragging her to the Apparation point.

Once there, Malfoy said, "See you at home." and then the Disapparated away.

Hermione growled. He was still in a bad mood with her it seemed. She quickly followed him to their cottage only to find him already half way to the door. She rolled her eyes and then walked there herself.

Upon entering her home, Hermione started making her way to her room. She had no clue where Malfoy disappeared to and she had really wanted to talk about their fight. It wouldn't make living here any easier on her if they were fighting all the time. "Popsy." she called as soon as she was safely in her room.

With a pop, Popsy was appeared. "Yes, Mistress?" she asked.

Hermione sighed. "Would it be too much trouble for you to find Malfoy and tell him I need to speak with him?" she asked. "It seems we've had an argument and I'd like to sort it out."

"Oh no! What is Popsy's mistress and master fighting about?" the elf exclaimed, but then suddenly remembered herself. "If Mistress doesn't mind Popsy's asking that is, Ma'am."

Smiling gently, Hermione replied, "Oh course I don't mind you asking." She then let out a sigh. "It's just while we were out, we had a disagreement about my memories and about the baby-"

"Mistress is having a baby?" Popsy exclaimed with a little jump. Hermione couldn't stop the small laugh that escaped her, but Popsy just looked so excited. "A little master or miss! Oh, Popsy is so excited, Ma'am!"

"It's going to be a little girl." Hermione informed and Popsy's eyes widened with glee.

"A little miss!" Popsy jumped again and then stopped and looked at Hermione seriously. "Popsy will go and get her master, Ma'am. Popsy's master and mistress must set things right between the two, Ma'am." And with that Popsy popped away.

Once alone again, she sunk down onto the foot of the bed. She began to think of what she was going to say to him. She really did feel sorry about not thinking about his point of view. It was just in her nature to be fair and she hadn't been with him. She owed him an apology at the very least for her unfairness.

"You called." Malfoy said, standing in the doorway effectively interrupting her thoughts.

She looked over at him and didn't say anything for a moment. Even though she knew what she had to do, it was still hard to swallow ones pride. "Malfoy, I'm-"

"And I would also like to point out that it was a low blow sending Popsy nearly in tears to come and get me." he interrupted.

Hermione waited again to make sure he was finished. When it was clear that he was, she started again. "Malfoy, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry about what happened in the loo earlier today. I realized that I wasn't being fair and I really want to rectify that."

Malfoy was silent for a moment, contemplating her apology. Finally, his demeanor softened. "Apology accepted and I owe you one as well. I know this isn't easy for you. And if this circumstance had been the other way around and I had lost my memories… Well, I don't want to think about how I would treat you. So, what I'm trying to say is that I shouldn't have snapped at you."

Hermione smiled. "Thank you." she said softly. She then hesitated. She had been contemplating this gesture since he'd mentioned his desire to feel the baby and now having decided that it would be the perfect peace offering, she suggested, "If you want, you could… feel the baby."

This shocked Malfoy. "Are you serious?" Hermione hesitantly nodded. He then made his way over to her. She laid down and looked anywhere, but at him.

She felt the bed give as he sat down, and then she reached down and lifted her shirt up far enough that it just exposed her stomach. She waited for him to make a move and soon she felt his surprising warm hands gently caress her belly. He continued to do this and the soothing gestures relaxed Hermione so much that she decided to give in to his wants. "You can put your ear up against me too, if you still want to do that." she suggested in a sleepy tone.

The caressing hands stilled for a moment and Hermione wondered if maybe she shouldn't have suggested anything else, but she soon felt a slight weight on her stomach. She opened her eyes and stared down at Malfoy, who had rested his head on her.

His eyes were closed and Hermione thought he looked very peaceful. She smiled and went back to her own peaceful state. As they laid there, she admitted to herself that this position definitely felt familiar to her.

They stayed like that for a minute or two before she felt him shift. It might have been her imagination, but she swore she felt the brush of his lips against her tummy before he righted her shirt.

She stared down at him and he stared back. His eyes were so open. More open than she ever remembered seeing them. They were filled with longing and another emotion that Hermione was afraid to name. "You've had a long day. You should get to sleep." he murmured as he stood up.

Hermione nodded and then watched him walk to the door. "Malfoy," she called right before he walked out. He looked over his shoulder, waiting for her to continue. "are we really visiting your parents tomorrow?"

An amused smirk adorned his face. "You better get a good night's sleep, Hermione. Tomorrow's going to be just as long as today." he said before he walked out and Hermione knew that that had been a yes to her question.

Deciding it wouldn't be in her mental health's best interest if she let herself dwell on the morrow, she got off her bed and opened one of the drawers underneath it. Inside she found, thankfully, oversized t-shirts. After grabbing one and shedding her clothes, she slipped into it. With a sigh, she then went to bed.