Chapter 11
The following days were a whirlwind of activity for Hermione as she dove back into her charity work. With the support of the Wizengamot, her law regarding house-elf rights had finally passed, a monumental victory that she had tirelessly fought for. It felt like a dream come true, and she couldn’t wait to celebrate.
She decided to host a dinner with Draco, Ginny, and Harry to mark the occasion. The night of the dinner, Hermione felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. She had invited them to Malfoy Manor, and despite the tension that had existed between Draco and Harry in their school days, she hoped that they would all find common ground.
As the evening progressed, Hermione prepared a beautiful spread of food, and the atmosphere in the grand dining room was warm and inviting. The walls were adorned with family portraits and elegant decorations, reflecting the history of the Malfoy family, but tonight it felt like home.
Once everyone had settled around the table, Hermione raised her glass. “I’d like to make a toast,” she said, her voice steady. “To friendship, new beginnings, and the rights of house-elves. Thank you all for being here to celebrate this victory with me.”
They clinked their glasses together, the sound echoing with shared joy and camaraderie. After some light conversation about the recent events at the Ministry, Hermione decided it was time to share her news.
“So, I have something else to tell you all,” she began, glancing at Draco, who smiled encouragingly at her. “I’ve decided to move into Malfoy Manor with Draco.”
Harry raised an eyebrow, and Ginny’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wow, that’s… a big step!” Ginny exclaimed, her excitement evident. “Are you sure you’re ready for that?”
Hermione nodded, her heart swelling with a mix of nerves and happiness. “I really believe it’s the right decision for us. We’re trying to figure things out together, and it feels like the next step.”
Harry leaned back in his chair, a smirk creeping onto his face. “Well, look at you, Draco, associating yourself with a school rival and a Gryffindor. I never thought I’d see the day!”
Draco chuckled, leaning into the playful banter. “Believe me, Harry, I’m just as surprised as you are. But Hermione’s not like anyone I’ve met before. She challenges me and makes me want to be a better person.”
Ginny grinned, clearly happy for her friend. “Honestly, Hermione, I think it’s wonderful. You deserve to be happy, and if this is what you want, I fully support you.”
Harry nodded in agreement. “Yeah, as long as you’re both sure about this. Just remember, it’s not too late to run back to Gryffindor if you change your mind, Hermione.”
They all laughed, and the warmth of the room felt like a safe haven, a stark contrast to the complexities of their lives outside.
As the dinner continued, they shared stories, laughter, and a few good-natured jabs at one another. Hermione felt a sense of belonging that she had longed for. Surrounded by friends, she realized that the path ahead, though filled with uncertainties, was one she was ready to walk.
Later that evening, after Ginny and Harry left, Hermione and Draco lingered in the kitchen, cleaning up together. As they washed the dishes, Draco turned to her, his expression serious yet soft. “I’m proud of you, Hermione. You’ve fought so hard for this, and you deserve every bit of success that comes your way.”
She smiled at him, her heart full. “Thank you, Draco. I couldn’t have done it without your support. It means everything to me.”
They finished tidying up, and Hermione felt a sense of comfort in the quiet moments they shared. As they moved closer together, the weight of their relationship felt lighter, filled with promise and hope.
With every passing day, she was reminded that this journey—though complicated and fraught with challenges—was also filled with love and the potential for something truly beautiful. And for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.
Months had passed since Hermione made the decision to move into Malfoy Manor, and she had quickly settled into a routine that felt both new and familiar. The grandeur of the manor surrounded her like a comforting embrace, and the warmth of Draco’s presence made it feel like home. Together, they had forged a partnership filled with laughter, understanding, and a deepening love that both excited and terrified her.
But one morning, as Hermione sat at the breakfast table, a sudden wave of realization washed over her. She felt different—more than just the changes that had come with moving into the manor and being in a relationship with Draco. After taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she knew she had to confirm her suspicion.
Later that day, she took a trip to the apothecary, her heart racing as she purchased a pregnancy test. The anticipation felt unbearable, but after waiting for what felt like an eternity, she finally had the answer she was looking for. She was pregnant.
A mix of emotions swirled within her—joy, fear, excitement, and uncertainty. The idea of bringing a new life into the world, especially with Draco, was overwhelming. She knew she had to tell him.
That evening, as they settled into the cozy living room, Hermione took a deep breath, steeling herself. “Draco, can we talk?”
He looked up from the book he was reading, his brow furrowing with concern. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”
She shifted in her seat, her heart racing. “I have some news. I found out today that I’m pregnant.”
Silence filled the room for a brief moment, and Hermione’s heart pounded in her chest as she watched Draco process the information. Then, a wide smile broke across his face, and he rose from his seat to come closer to her.
“Really?” he asked, his voice filled with genuine happiness. “We're going to have a baby?”
“Yes,” she replied, her smile mirroring his excitement. “I wanted to tell you in person because I know this changes everything.”
Draco took her hands in his, his eyes shining with joy. “Hermione, this is amazing! I’m so glad you’re having this baby. Scorpius is going to be thrilled to have a sibling.”
Hermione felt a wave of relief wash over her as she saw the joy in Draco’s expression. “I want you to know that I’m scared, too. I mean, we’re still figuring everything out, and now we’re going to be parents.”
Draco nodded, his expression serious yet warm. “I promise you, I’ll be there every step of the way. We’ll figure this out together, just like we’ve done with everything else. You won’t have to go through this alone.”
Tears of gratitude welled in Hermione’s eyes as she squeezed his hands. “Thank you, Draco. That means the world to me.”
He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into a tight embrace. “I’m so proud of you, and I can’t wait for this new chapter in our lives. You’re going to be an incredible mother.”
They stayed like that for a moment, enveloped in each other’s warmth. In that embrace, Hermione felt a sense of security and love that eased her worries. Yes, their journey ahead would be filled with challenges, but she knew they would face them together.
As they pulled away, Draco brushed a stray hair behind her ear and smiled down at her. “We need to tell Scorpius. He deserves to know he’s going to be a big brother.”
Hermione nodded, her heart swelling with affection for both Draco and the child they were bringing into the world. “Let’s do it together.”
With newfound excitement, they made plans to share the news with Scorpius, eager to embrace this new beginning as a family. In that moment, Hermione felt hopeful for the future, knowing that whatever lay ahead, they would face it as partners, united in love and purpose.
The sun poured through the grand windows of Malfoy Manor, casting a warm glow throughout the dining room as Hermione set the table for a special lunch. She felt a flutter of nerves mixed with excitement; today, she would be sharing the news of her pregnancy with Astoria and Scorpius. It felt important to include them, especially since Scorpius would soon be a big brother.
Draco had been supportive, encouraging her to make this a warm and welcoming gathering. As he joined her in the dining room, he placed his hands on her shoulders, leaning down to whisper, “Are you ready for this?”
Hermione took a deep breath, nodding with determination. “Yes, I am. I want them to be a part of our lives, especially Scorpius. This is a big change for all of us.”
“Then let’s do it,” he replied, giving her a reassuring smile.
A short while later, there was a knock on the door, and Draco opened it to reveal Astoria and Scorpius. The little boy beamed up at them, his excitement palpable. “Daddy! Aunt Hermione!” he shouted, rushing in and throwing his arms around Draco’s waist.
“Hey, Scorpius!” Draco chuckled, bending down to ruffle his hair. “Are you ready for some lunch?”
“Yes!” Scorpius exclaimed, looking up with wide eyes.
Astoria entered gracefully, her demeanor warm and inviting. “Thank you for having us. Scorpius has been talking about lunch here all week.”
“It’s our pleasure,” Hermione replied, her heart swelling at the sight of them. “I made your favorite—roasted chicken and mashed potatoes.”
As they settled around the table, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter. Hermione watched as Scorpius animatedly described his latest adventures at the park, and she felt a deep sense of joy at the sight of the family gathered around her.
Once they had finished their meal, Hermione exchanged a glance with Draco, who nodded subtly. This was the moment.
“Hermione, is everything alright?” Astoria asked, noticing the shared look between them.
Hermione took a deep breath. “Actually, there’s something important we want to share with you.”
Astoria’s eyes widened slightly, curiosity evident on her face. “What is it?”
“I’m… I’m pregnant,” Hermione said, her voice steady but filled with emotion.
The room fell silent for a moment, and Hermione held her breath, anxiously awaiting Astoria’s reaction. Then, a genuine smile broke across Astoria’s face. “Oh, Hermione! That’s wonderful news!”
Scorpius, who had been oblivious to the gravity of the conversation, turned to his mother. “What does that mean?”
“It means you’re going to be a big brother!” Astoria explained, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Scorpius’s face lit up with excitement. “Really? That’s so cool!”
Draco chuckled, his heart swelling with pride as he watched the interaction. “Yes, buddy. You’ll have a sibling to play with.”
Astoria turned to Hermione, her expression sincere. “Thank you for including us in this moment. It means a lot to me, and I’m so happy for both of you. Scorpius is going to be an amazing big brother.”
Hermione felt a wave of relief wash over her. “I wanted you to know because you’re part of our family now. And I’m grateful for how supportive you’ve been.”
Astoria’s gaze softened. “And thank you for sending me to that healer. She’s been a great help with my condition. I’m starting to feel much better, and I appreciate your kindness more than you know.”
Hermione smiled, feeling the weight of their shared experiences binding them closer together. “I’m glad to hear that. You deserve all the support you need.”
As the lunch continued, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and stories, a sense of unity blossoming in the air. Hermione felt grateful for Astoria’s understanding and for the new connections they were building as they moved forward together.
Later, as they finished dessert, Scorpius leaned over the table, looking at Hermione with wide, innocent eyes. “Can I help pick out a name for the baby?”
Hermione’s heart melted. “Of course! I’d love your help. What do you think?”
With laughter and joy, the rest of the afternoon passed with the family discussing names, dreams, and future adventures. In that moment, Hermione felt a sense of hope and belonging, knowing they were all embarking on this new journey together, united as a family.
Weeks later, the sun shone brightly over the wizarding world, but the warmth of the day was eclipsed by the shocking headlines splashed across the front page of the Daily Prophet. Hermione’s heart sank as she read the words in bold letters: “Hermione Granger Pregnant by Malfoy: A Love Story Amidst Scandal!”
The article detailed the timeline of her relationship with Draco, from the whispers of their affair to the recent announcement of her pregnancy. It mentioned Draco’s divorce from Astoria, painting a picture of scandal and intrigue that had the entire wizarding community buzzing with gossip. Hermione felt a wave of nausea wash over her as she processed the implications of the article.
“Can you believe this?” she exclaimed, turning to Draco, who was seated beside her on the couch in Malfoy Manor. His jaw was set, and a frown creased his forehead.
“It’s outrageous,” Draco replied, his voice low and filled with anger. “We didn’t ask for this kind of attention.”
Hermione sighed, running her fingers through her hair in frustration. “I knew it would be hard, but this… it’s invasive and humiliating.”
Draco reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “We’ll get through this together. You know that, right? We’re stronger than their gossip.”
“I know,” Hermione said, looking into his eyes. “But it feels like they’re taking away our privacy, our choices.”
He nodded, his expression softening. “And I’m sorry for dragging you into all of this. I never wanted to expose you to the scrutiny that comes with being a Malfoy.”
Just then, the door swung open, and Ginny rushed in, her face flushed with concern. “Have you seen the Daily Prophet?” she asked, her eyes wide.
“Yeah, we’ve seen it,” Hermione replied, her voice weary.
“It’s everywhere, Hermione! People are talking about it at the Ministry. You need to be careful,” Ginny warned, her brow furrowing.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Hermione murmured, feeling overwhelmed. “All I wanted was to focus on my work and the baby.”
Draco stood up, his posture commanding. “Let them talk. We’ll deal with it. You need to prioritize yourself and the baby right now.”
Ginny stepped closer, placing a hand on Hermione’s shoulder. “We’re here for you. You don’t have to face this alone.”
“Thank you,” Hermione said, appreciating the support from her friends. “But I’m worried about Scorpius too. How will he handle all of this?”
“His mother is handling things well, and I’m sure Astoria will talk to him about it when the time is right,” Draco reassured her. “He’s young, and children often adapt better than we think.”
As the three of them sat together, Hermione felt a flicker of hope. Despite the chaos around them, they were building a family, and she was determined to protect that at all costs.
Days turned into weeks, and while the Daily Prophet continued to run stories about Hermione and Draco, the public’s reaction was mixed. Some praised their love story, while others criticized them for the perceived scandal. Hermione found solace in her work and the support of her friends, but the weight of the situation pressed heavily on her.
One evening, as she sat with Draco in the library of the manor, he pulled her close and whispered, “Forget what they say. Focus on us, on our family. I want you to be happy, Hermione.”
“I just never wanted this for us,” she confessed, resting her head against his shoulder. “I wanted our love to be something special, not a spectacle for everyone to judge.”
“It is special,” Draco insisted, lifting her chin so she would meet his gaze. “And we will make it through this, together. I love you, and I will always be here for you and our child.”
Hermione smiled softly, feeling the warmth of his words wash over her. In the midst of the chaos, their bond only grew stronger. She knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them hand in hand, ready to embrace the future as a family.
The following days were filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety as Hermione and Draco prepared for their visit to St. Mungo’s. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, each of them wondering what the healer would say about their growing baby. They arrived at the hospital, hand in hand, navigating through the familiar yet chaotic hallways of the magical medical facility.
“Are you ready for this?” Draco asked, glancing at Hermione with a mixture of concern and eagerness. His thumb gently stroked the back of her hand, providing reassurance.
“I am,” she replied, her heart racing. “I just can’t wait to hear the news about our baby.”
Once they entered the consultation room, a healer greeted them with a warm smile. “Good to see you both! Ready for the update?” she asked, gesturing for them to take a seat.
As they settled in, the healer began her examination, asking Hermione a series of questions and conducting a quick scan using her wand. The room was filled with a gentle glow as she checked the baby’s health, and Hermione felt a surge of hope.
After a few moments, the healer turned to them with a beaming smile. “Everything looks fantastic! Your baby is healthy and developing beautifully.”
“Is it…?” Hermione held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest.
The healer chuckled softly. “Yes, I believe you’re having a girl!”
Hermione’s face lit up with joy, and she turned to Draco, who looked equally astonished. “A girl!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. “I can’t believe it!”
Draco smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting in delight. “A daughter,” he said, almost in disbelief. “She’s going to be a force to be reckoned with, just like her mother.”
Hermione chuckled, feeling the warmth of his words wrap around her. “What should we name her?” she mused, excitement bubbling within her.
Draco pondered for a moment. “How about something that carries on the Malfoy legacy, but also reflects your heritage? Perhaps ‘Luna’? It means moon and has a beautiful ring to it.”
Hermione nodded, feeling the weight of the name resonate within her. “I love it. Luna Malfoy. It sounds perfect.”
The healer continued, “Now, remember to keep up with your regular check-ups and let us know if you have any concerns. Enjoy this time; it’s precious.”
As they left St. Mungo’s, Hermione felt light as air, a feeling of warmth enveloping her. “We’re having a daughter, Draco. Can you believe it?”
“It’s surreal,” he replied, his eyes shining with pride. “I never thought I’d be this excited about fatherhood again, but now…I can’t wait to meet her.”
They walked through the streets of London, hand in hand, savoring the moment. Draco occasionally glanced at Hermione, watching her glow as she thought about their future.
“What if the press gets hold of this?” she suddenly asked, her brow furrowing. “They’ll twist everything we say.”
Draco shook his head. “Let them. They’re already spinning tales about us. But this? Our daughter is ours to cherish. We’ll protect her fiercely.”
Hermione smiled at his determination, feeling grateful for his presence. “You’re right. We’ll face it together.”
As they strolled through the park, the world around them faded away, leaving only the promise of a new life. Hermione felt a surge of happiness, envisioning a future filled with laughter, love, and their little girl. No matter the challenges ahead, she knew they would navigate it all together, united as a family.