Hermione adjusted the clip in her hair, turning her head in the mirror to examine her work. It wasn’t the best, but it would have to do. She had considered bringing out her curling iron to even things out but the thought of standing for ten more minutes quickly diminished that idea.
Turning off the light, she made her way to the bed, shuffling around the hamper of clothes she had yet to put away. Sighing, she carefully lowered herself to the bed, preparing herself for the task at hand. Hermione was well used to the time this now took considering her present circumstances.
Picking up the shoe, she adjusted her ankle on her right knee, slipping on her shoe and repeating the process for the other foot. Satisfied she did not break out into as much of a sweat as she did before, she slowly eased herself up. It was nearly time to go and Harry would be here any second to pick her up.
Grabbing her purse from the bed, Hermione slowly made her way to the kitchen. She could feel the ache in her lower back beginning to creep up but she ignored it. She grabbed her water bottle, filling it up at the sink before slipping it into her bag. The Floo whooshed just as it clinked at the bottom.
Harry’s voice rang out in the apartment. “Hermione?”
“Coming!” she called back, going towards the voice. Harry looked up as she entered, grinning slightly.
“Need any help?” He took a step forward, eyes on her midriff, but stopped at the sight of her raised hand signaling she was fine. Hermione turned off the rest of the lights, put some more food into Crookshanks bowl before joining him at the fireplace. Without another word, Harry threw down more powder and they stepped through together.
Immediately, Hermione was met with the cheery voice of Mrs. Weasley who wrapped her in a bone-shattering embrace. Hermione groaned slightly but let the matriarch go on asking how she was, if she needed any help, etc etc. This had been the routine for the past eight months.
Ginny saved her by pulling her aside and into the living room where she could sit down. Hermione sank into the armchair, immediately feeling relief.
“Thanks, Gin.”
“Have you given more thought to baby names?” Her friend immediately asked, eyes twinkling with excitement.
Hermione rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile that was forming. She had given a lot of thought to it, much to her own dismay. She had more time on her hands since her maternity leave at the Ministry had started and with Draco…she shoved the pinch of hurt in her chest down as she brought herself back to the conversation.
“I might have a few in mind,” she teased slightly, taking out her water and taking a long sip. The water cooled her warm body and she let her shoulders slightly relax.
“And? I know you were thinking Scorpius…” Ginny wiggled her eyebrows excitedly. Hermione smiled. That was one of the names at the top of her list. Her and Draco had discussed it months ago. It was a favorite of his and she had grown quite fond of it herself.
“But if it’s a girl, definitely Rose,” Hermione added, rubbing her belly in comfort. Before Ginny could say more, Mrs. Weasley appeared in the doorway, announcing dinner was ready.
Hermione slowly got up and followed them into the kitchen. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Molly waved her hand dismissively, waving a hand towards the dishes which began arranging themselves on the table.
“Please? I can set up the silverware,” Hermione protested. Molly was having none of it. Huffing, Hermione took her seat, adjusting her dress. Ginny gave her an apologetic look but she knew her mother had a point. Hermione (much to her dismay) was in no condition to be lifting really anything super heavy or laborious. With her due date slowly creeping up, she should be doing less walking and more resting. That being said, she hated not being helpful in some capacity.
Once everything was set up on the table, the Weasley siblings all took their seats, plus Harry. Smiling at her from across the table, Ron eyed the cheesy potatoes greedily. Hermione smiled, grateful he remembered her pregnancy cravings.
“Would someone like to say grace?” Arthur announced, folding his hands together. Gazes traveled around the table before Percy stepped up.
“We thank everyone for this meal, thinking and remembering those who are no longer with us. May they be safe and healthy.”
Hermione folded her hands on top of her stomach, closing her eyes.
To Draco, may he be safe and healthy wherever he is.
--
Hermione stepped through the Floo, taking her bag off her shoulder and moving towards the lamp. Her entire body hurt, especially her feet. She sat for the majority of the Weasley dinner but even walking to the bathroom for the millionth time she had to pee and the walk back to the fireplace had her moaning and groaning.
Turning on the light and standing up, Hermione was met with something she had not seen in over six months.
Draco stood in their shared living room, looking as pristine and put together as when she last saw him, a beautiful bouquet in hand. “Hello, darling.”
Hermione’s mouth opened, her entire body frozen. He was here…he was here ! She didn’t know what to say, her brain stuck on the sight of him.
He was wearing casual clothes and by the look of it, the sweater Hermione had gifted him for Christmas. Draco was still the same height, his hair still looked the same. She didn’t know why she was surprised, she didn’t expect that much to change in his absence. He was staring at her, his eyes scanning her every feature. Hermione had dreamt about him nearly every night that he was gone, missing his presence. His touch. Him.
He had gotten called away late one night.
Hermione had been deep in sleep, curled under the blankets, when she heard his badge go off. Groggily, she had sat up, looking around through half lidded eyes as her husband hurried around the room. Draco had pulled on his robes in record time, strapping his wand to his chest. He had given her a quick kiss, whispered ‘I love you’, and was gone.
As this was the protocol for his job, Hermione had waited a few moments before going to bed. When she woke up due to morning sickness he was still gone. He was still gone even until the late evening. Hermione had tried not to worry, she knew he couldn’t always get away from the office. Even missions took a while. She was in the middle of a chapter when the Floo whooshed and he stepped through, his eyes immediately finding hers.
“I won’t be able to stay long, I’m sorry,” he sat on the couch, running a hand through his pale locks. Hermione set down her book, taking his hand and nodding. He looked exhausted, the bags under his eyes already starting to form.
“I have to be back on site in about ten minutes. We’ve set up camp and wards around the perimeter. We thought we got him but with two injured wizards–” his voice led off as he sank into the couch. Hermione rubbed his hand comfortingly.
“Will you be back tonight?”
He turned his head towards her. “It’s unlikely. This is the first time we’ve had a lead in the past six months.”
“You’re going to catch him,” Hermione assured him. Draco smiled, kissing the palm of her hand.
“How are you feeling?” His eyes dropped to her small bump before back at her face.
“Some morning sickness. Nothing new,” she rolled her eyes, bookmarking the page on her lap before setting it aside.
He had opened his mouth to say something before his badge went off, a loud voice announcing “AUROR DRACO LUCIUS MALFOY, PRESENCE REQUESTED AT-”
Draco silenced it quickly, standing up and giving her a long kiss on the lips. A flutter erupted in Hermione’s stomach as she watched him head towards the fireplace.
He paused, looking back at her.
“I love you,” He whispered before stepping back in the flames.
After that, it was touch and go. Harry’s face had appeared early the next morning informing Hermione the case had been reopened and all wizards previously on the case would be back in full swing. Her heart sank to her feet when she heard that due to the danger of the case, all Aurors would be limited to outside contact. Hermione understood the gravity of the situation but her hand had still touched her growing stomach as she imagined the worst happening.
Draco had appeared in the early afternoon, only his face visible. Wasting no time, he told her as much as he could, including that he would not be contacting her as often. He said he missed her already and wished he was there with her. A voice spoke behind him and without another word, he was gone.
That was six months ago and the last time she had spoken to him. She knew he was alive but that was it.
“Hermione?” Draco stepped forward, breaking the distance between them. Hermione blinked, her entire body flying back through the present and out of the past.
“You’re here,” she whispered, still in disbelief.
“I’m here,” he whispered back, tossing the flowers to the couch before grabbing her face and kissing her passionately.
It was as if a hundred-pound weight was lifted from Hermione’s entire body and she sank into him, her hands finding anything to hold on to. To prove that he was here, that he was back. He felt like home. He was home.
****
“Need any help?” Draco teased behind her as her hand stretched towards the top shelf.
“M’fine,” Hermione grumbled. She was so close if she could get one inch higher. Huffing, she raised higher on her toes. She had been able to do this a few days ago!
A hand reached above her to grab the bowl. Settling down flat on her feet, she took it and set it down on the counter, slightly harder than intended.
“Thank you,” She mumbled. She ignored his curious gaze and set to work on the next task. She just had the thought of what it was. Oh, right!
Opening the large drawer, Hermione took out the large wooden spoon. She could feel her ankles starting to ache. Great. Now the pain would spread to her knees and then her lower back. Hermione took a deep breath and focused on the task at hand.
Draco was standing at the sink, rinsing the shrimp. Hermione watched him for a second, her chest panging. She didn’t know why she felt this pressure on her chest. He was here, he was home. He had been gone for so long and she had-
Closing her eyes, Hermione turned towards the stovetop. She turned on the oven, placing the pan on the stovetop and the oil next to her. Alternating between both feet, Hermione winced. She needed to sit down soon. The armchair by the window had become a comfortable spot lately.
Oiling the pan, Hermione waits a few seconds before adding the chopped vegetables. Adding salt, pepper, and onion powder, Hermione shifts them around with the spoon.
Then the smell hits her and she nearly gags. She had been careful since he got home about the sickness because she knew what to avoid but this-
Swallowing down the bile, she continues to shuffle the veggies around. They had agreed to eat this dish earlier in the afternoon. Draco said he had missed this on his trip and without another word, she suggested they make it. He was home and wanted this dish and she was going to make it.
That didn’t stop the fumes sending her stomach into a churn. Hermione needed to distract herself before she threw up or passed out. The pain in her feet certainly wasn’t helping.
“Where are the breadcrumbs?” Draco spoke from behind her.
Hermione pressed a hand to her forehead. It was hot. “The left cabinet above the bread.” Hermione felt the bile rising again. She was going to be sick. She was going to be sick and embarrass herself in front of her husband. She had been able to eat this meal months ago!
Turning the oven down, Hermione stepped away from the stove and grabbed the glass of water off to the side. The coolness soothed her throat and she sighed in relief. Maybe she could have Tippy finish the dish and sit down for a few seconds?
“Want me to take over?” He stepped beside her, nudging her with his shoulder. It was an innocent touch and yet she couldn't help but flinch. It had been so long since he had been so close. She had gotten so used to him being so far and now that he was here–it all felt wrong. For some reason it all felt wrong and she couldn’t help but want to cry. Sod these pregnancy hormones!
Hermione stepped away and conjured a smile.
“Not at all!” She exclaimed. “I’ve got it!”
She shuffled around him and back to the stove. The veggies were starting to brown. The smell was still present. Not to mention the pain had traveled to her lower back now. She was definitely going to have to sit down now.
“Are you sure? You’re looking a little green-”
Hermione willed herself to stay calm. He wasn’t doing anything wrong, he was just concerned. He was concerned despite the fact he had been gone for half the year, leaving her here. He had left her. The thought made her stomach churn again and she clutched the spatula. She didn’t mean to think that.
“Yep,” She snapped. She moved the food around, noticing that they were turning a darker brown. This will be done soon. Then she could sit down and maybe take some medicine. She just had to finish. The pressure was starting to build further on her chest, making it hard to breathe.
“Darling, maybe you should sit down. You’re looking a bit flushed and-”
And before she knew it, it had all bubbled over. The spoon clutched in her hand was slammed against the counter and Hermione was yelling. “I SAID I’M FINE!”
There was a shatter as her magic burst from her, spreading in all directions. The tension was too much and then it was gone. Her entire chest felt empty and her bones were tired and she just wanted to sit down.
She opened her eyes, her eyes finding the large window in front of her which was now shattered. Her heart sank. Her magic hadn’t gotten so out of control for years.
“Hermione?” A soft voice spoke beside her. It was like velvet, slowly enveloping her. She heard that voice in her dream every night for the past six months. She had missed that voice so much and even her name had her eyes closing.
Slowly, she turned towards him. The sight of him made her want to cry.
He was staring at her like he was seeing her for the first time. His eyes were scanning her every feature, his brow furrowed in concern. His lips were in a fine line.
“What?” she whispered. She could barely speak, she could barely keep it together. She just wanted to-
He reached out to her. “Why don’t we sit down?”
“What about the food?”
With a wave of his hand, it vanished. The pot was gone, the shrimp in the bowl was all gone. Even the surfaces were wiped down.
Without another word, she followed him to the living room. She didn’t waste any time by sitting in the armchair. Immediately the pain in her back left and she groaned. How good it felt to sit. Draco sat on the ottoman, knees bent as he took her feet in his lap.
Hermione watched quietly as he rubbed circles into her ankles. It did feel quite good.
“Do you want to tell me what’s bothering you?”
She hesitated. They were transparent with each other. She told him everything and so did he. He was her best friend. Her partner. She wished the past six months could bring that back. There was just a separation now. A gap.
“I suppose I’m just getting used to you being home,” she offered. His fingers dug into her sole and she groaned. That was a particular sore spot.
He wasn’t looking at her, just at her feet. “Love, I think the shattered window says differently.”
Hermione didn’t say anything. How could she explain all of this without hurting his feelings? It wasn’t possible. He would leave her, he would get angry with her. Surely. But they were honest with each other and here he was after six months. The father of her child. Her husband.
“You promise you won’t get mad?”
Draco’s hands paused on her feet and he looked up at her, his eyes scanning her face.
“I promise.”
Hermione took a deep breath, wringing her hands together nervously.
“I love that you’re home. With the baby coming soon, I want nothing more than for you to be here. I just-” she paused. He nodded to her, his full attention on what she was saying.
“I can’t help but feel that you abandoned me.”
Draco’s expression fell. Hermione immediately felt a pang in her chest. She shouldn’t have said anything. Now he was hurt.
“And I know that you didn’t,” Hermione continued, hoping to salvage this.
“You were at work and fighting dark wizards. That’s your job and I couldn’t be prouder of you for helping the world be safer. But, I also know that I’ve been living the past six months without you. Every morning I woke up sick, every appointment, every pain, growth, and kick has been without you. I missed you and wished you were here to experience more of it. I wish that I wasn’t doing it alone.”
There, she’s done. Draco says nothing. He’s staring at his hands on her shins. At his wedding ring which is shining from the light in the window. Hermione wishes he would say something, say anything.
“I quit,” is what she hears.
Hermione frowns and her heart lurches. “What?”
“I quit my job.” Draco looks up at her expression, his eyes determined.
Hermione sits up. Her mind is whirling with questions.
“Why?!” She exclaims. He liked, no, loved his job. The missions, the gratification, it made him happy. What changed in six months?!
Draco’s looking down again. He lets out a sign and relaxes, rubbing her shins. “I can’t do it anymore. I can’t be gone for weeks on end worrying about you and our child.”
Hermione sighs. “That’s not a reason to quit, Draco. I’m fine!”
“But you’re not!” he interrupts, head snapping up. “You’ve been going through all of this alone and I haven’t been doing anything. This is our first child and I’ve been absent!”
Hermione says nothing. She supposes she didn’t think about how he was feeling. She touches her belly instinctively.
“What about when it is here?”
Draco’s eyes fell onto her swelling stomach.
“I was thinking of getting my Mastery in potions,” he proposes. The corner of his mouth upturns and Hermione can’t help but smile. He always liked Potions and clearly he’s given this some thought. He would do great at it.
His eyes fall back on her face. “Then I could be here, with you. With the baby.”
Hermione didn’t think her heart could swell more than it already has. She feels a sudden rush of emotions and can’t help the tears that begin forming in her eyes.
At the sight of her crying, Draco immediately sits up, coming closer.
“What’s wrong?”
She waves her hand, shaking her head. The tears just won’t stop. She tries to hold them in but they just start falling.
“You’re just giving up your job for me, that’s all!” She exclaims.
Draco grins, wiping her cheeks with his fingers.
“I would give up everything for our family, love. Without hesitation.”
That only makes her cry more. Sod these hormones and her caring husband. She tries to sit up but her weight stops her. She just wants to hug him.
Draco chuckles and scoots closer on the ottoman. Hermione manages to sit up and bring her face closer to his.
“I love you,” He whispers.
It makes Hermione’s stomach erupt with butterflies. She missed those words for so long.
“I love you, too,” She kisses his lips softly.
Draco kisses her cheek again and sits up straight, his expression set. His eyes are twinkling.
“Now, what do you say we finish dinner?”
Hermione winced. He quirks a brow.
“About that…”