CHAPTER 17

Thank you so much for everyone who posted a review and for everyone following! It means so much! :)

LOVE ALWAYS PREVAILS IN THE END!

NEVER GIVE UP HOPE IN ANYTHING YOU DO! :)

Please read and review. I love reading reviews because it helps to motivate my writing, while other reviews help me to become a better writer.

Enjoy Chapter Seventeen!

Let me know your thoughts so far! Trust me, and it helps loads! :) Stay safe, beautiful people!

HAPPY READING! :)

Draco hardly got any sleep. He could not let go of the feeling. He just couldn't.

The child looked too much like him. He had to find her. He made up his mind to ask Potter first thing tomorrow.

***

Hermione put her precious son to sleep and kissed his sweet forehead.

Switching off the light, she picked up the glass of wine she left in the kitchen and sipped the red liquid.

Her thoughts went back to the man she saw today. The way he stared at Ryan, a shiver ran down her spine.

He was still strikingly handsome, even more so now. His suit hung on him like a second skin.

She felt the heat rise within her as she remembered how his kisses and touch had been burnt into her skin and memory.

***

"Hermione," Harry tried to get her attention as they sat across each other at a deserted Muggle coffee shop in the early hours of the morning.

It was their escape from the wizarding world. It helped that they had the best Chocolate cake in London. Frosting so thick it made you lick the fork more than once.

Harry pressed, "Malfoy is no fool. He knows something is out of place. Ryan looks too much like him to go unnoticed."

Hermione sighed and stared at the wall behind Harry's head.

Harry took a big bite from his chocolate cake and continued, "He has no idea where you are, but he might start looking, and I dare say if he starts, he will find you."

He grinned, "Malfoy Isn't the arrogant twat he was at school."

She poked her pudding and frowned into the fluffy mix of chocolate.

She knew more about Draco than he did about her.

Harry's tone softened, "Why don't you speak to him or find someone else; I hate to see you wasting your life away."

For three years, she dedicated her life to Ryan while holding onto memories of Malfoy.

She snapped back to attention at once and waved her hand gracefully, "Expecto Patronum," a beautiful white wolf took form. It did a small circle around the cafe and vanished.

Harry stared in amazement, "After all this time, your Patronus is still the same as his?"

She stared into her coffee miserably, choked back a sob and muttered in anguish, "Always, Harry."

Harry nodded, reached over and squeezed his friend hand.

***

Draco tried in vain to get Potter's attention, but he seemed elusive.

Making up excuses to speak with him proved futile, and then Weasley and Potter were sent away on an assignment.

Fuck!

It would be a week before he returned. He was getting increasingly frustrated; it was eating away at him. The uncertainty was killing him.

***

It was a normal day, but it looked like rain. Hermione put the raincoat around Ryan and buttoned him up.

He whizzed around her while she packed his lunch. Taking the bag in one hand and Ryan's small hand in one, she went out the door to her car.

Tossing the case files in the backseat and settling Ryan in his car seat, Hermione got behind the wheel with a sigh.

She had a long day of court proceedings and client visits. Being an assistant to a prominent lawyer was exhausting at times, but it was what she wanted to be.

Hermione pulled out of her driveway and drove along the partially empty road listening to the radio, humming to herself and fingers tapping the steering wheel lightly.

The light turned green, and she slowly pulled in front. There was hardly time to react as the pickup truck hit the side of her car like a battering ram.

Her body hit the steering wheel, and she slumped over the gearbox. Dazed and bleeding, through a haze, she saw people gather around the car.

Vision blurry...what happened...

She let out a blood-curdling scream, "OH MY GOD, RYAN!"

Almost leaping out of the car, she clutched onto her side and yanked open the back door. Her son was still buckled into his car seat, and he was not responsive.

It was then Hermione noticed the patch of blood on his head get bigger dampening his platinum blonde hair.

A kind bystander phoned Emergency services, and the paramedics appeared on the scene within a few minutes.

They carried Ryan gently to the ambulance, taking his vitals throughout.

Terrified and alone, Hermione held onto her precious son's hand tightly as they rushed him to the nearest hospital.

She was a fucking witch!

How could she have, on this crucial day, leave her wand at home? Hermione cursed herself. What the hell was she thinking.

The Muggle life was obviously getting to her.

Hours later, Harry, Ginny, Ron, and her parents sat with Hermione in the waiting room of the Muggle hospital until the surgery was over.

She had stopped crying. There were no tears left to shed. Instead, she stared deadpan at the doors to the operation theatre.

Her little boy needed surgery because of internal injuries and bleeding. She had refused any help for herself until her son was out of harm's way.

Ginny told her frankly, "Ryan needs you whole, Hermione."

The fiery redhead frog marched her to an empty room and used magic to heal her injuries, but the faint outline of scars remained.

Harry sat with Hermione. He held her as they waited for the surgery to finish.

After what felt like a lifetime later, the doctor came out. Hermione got to her feet quickly and approached the doctor with her friends in tow.

The doctor looked exhausted, his face solemn, "We have stopped the internal bleeding, but he has lost a lot of blood."

He took a deep breath and delivered the news, "Ryan needs a transfusion at once, and his blood type is rare. I'm afraid we don't have it in our blood bank."

Hermione staggered, and Ron held onto her from behind. Fresh sobs tore through her at the helplessness of the situation.

Once they moved Ryan to a room, Hermione stood over him. Her beautiful baby boy had tubes coming out of his nose and mouth.

Why was this happening?

She heard Ron and Harry enter. They came to stand by her and soothingly rubbed her back.

Ron said in concern, "We should take him to St Mungo's."

She glanced at him and replied, "I thought of it, but he can't side along apparate with me in his condition."

Her voice cracked, and fresh tears fell down her exhausted face, "He could die before we even get there."

Her son was beyond the help of magic.

Harry came close and put his arm around her shoulder, "He needs blood, Hermione, we all tested, and none of us is a match. You need to tell Malfoy!"

He added gravely, "This is bigger than both of you. Your son needs you and his father."

Desperate and scared, Hermione wept against Harry's shoulder and made the decision.

It was time Draco found out about their child.

"Will you come with me, Harry?" She asked softly between sobs.

"I will be right by your side, Hermione," Harry replied reassuringly.

It was late, and none of them knew where Malfoy would be, probably holed up in his flat with a glass of firewhiskey and book.

Deciding to wait till morning to spring the news on the unsuspecting ex-boyfriend Harry, Ginny, and Ron left.

Hermione settled on the chair, and before she knew it, she drifted off into an uncomfortable slumber.

***

Arriving early at the Hospital, Harry gently woke Hermione, it was only half-past eight, but he knew Malfoy would be in. The man was extremely punctual.

Hermione looked and felt like hell, the side of her face was puffy, and she had dark circles under her eyes.

Going into the small bathroom, the hospital offered, she fixed herself up the best she could.

She changed her outfit to a casual summer dress and ran wet fingers through her wild yet short hair to make it appear sleeker and tamed.

After making sure Ryan was okay with her mother, Hermione reluctantly nodded at Harry, and they apparated right outside the Ministry of Magic.

Harry squeezed her hand and reassured, "You can do this, Hermione."

Staring at the imposing building, she pressed her lips together, nodded and went in.

Harry walked into the department first. Draco looked up in surprise but pleased and deciding not to beat around the bush. He opened his mouth to ask about Hermione.

"Good morning, Potter...have you..." He stopped mid-sentence when he spotted her standing behind Potter.

Draco looked her over and took in her frightened and miserable face. She looked completely distraught.

He took in the faint lines of fresh gashes and visibly paled.

Something was wrong.

Harry exchanged a look of sadness with Draco, gave Hermione a small smile.

Without another word, he exited the room, closed the door behind him and cast a silencing charm over the small office.

Draco stared at the woman in front of him. He took in the small details and stood frozen to the spot.

There was so much he wanted to tell her, he gathered his courage and opened his mouth to speak, but she flung herself at him.

Her arms went around his waist, pulling him close to her warm body while she sobbed into his shirt.

Draco stood still, letting her do whatever she wished with him, but it was too much to bear. He pulled her closer to his body and stroked her hair.

He let his long fingers stroke her hair and taking in her smell. He finally found his voice, "Hermione, what's the matter?"

Her voice was barely audible, it was a mere whisper, but he heard it loud and clear, "Our son needs you, Draco."

A dark pit opened a never-ending abyss and swallowed him whole.

He was falling. His treads of sanity snapped.

He had a son!

It all made sense; Draco knew deep down the child he saw in Diagon Alley was his.

He slowly broke away from her and stared into her face. She looked defeated, her head hung low.

"What happened to him?" Draco asked, terrified of her answer. He struggled to keep the fear out of his voice.

Was he to lose his son before he even met him?

Hermione clumsily wiped the tears off her face and replied, "We were in a car accident. He's lost a lot of blood. He needs a transfusion."

We? That would explain the scars and dried blood on her neck.

His son needed his blood. That's why she was here.

Draco ran his fingers through his hair in deep thought. There was nothing to think about.

They needed him, and he was not about to fail her again.

Without a single moment of hesitation, Draco grabbed hold of Hermione's hand, "Let's go, NOW!"

Shocked to her core, she stared at him. His rapid tug pulled her back to reality, and they urgently ran from his office.

Harry jumped to his feet in alarm as they ran past.

Hermione tried to study Draco's face. He hadn't said another word. He didn't berate her for keeping their son a secret. His face was full of concern and pain.

They appeared right outside the hospital, and she didn't let go of his hand, and neither did he try to pull his hand away.

They reached the room their son was in, and as Hermione was about to rush in when Draco stopped.

He stood frozen by the door, just staring at what he could of his son.

Monitors, tubes surrounded the small boy.

Draco clutched his chest and tried to control his breathing. This was not how he planned on meeting his child.

Hermione took in his stoic state, gently cupped his face and turned it towards her.

Her soft hands guided him. He went without question, still in a daze.

They moved to stand by the side of their son's bed, firmly holding hands. He looked down at the beautiful little boy lying on the bed fighting for his life.

Draco slowly reached over and touched his son's fragile head with trembling fingers and then moved his hand down to the sheet that covered him.

It was overwhelming; he broke down in tears over his sons sleeping form.

It was desperate and helpless and came from deep within him as loud sobs swept through his entire body and soul.

Hermione stepped back, her back hitting the wall. Leaning against the hard-cold hospital wall, she watched in regret as Draco cradled their unconscious son.

Her decision to keep Ryan a secret from his father had been wrong.

How could she have done this to him? The more she watched, the more she was convinced of what a horrible decision it had been.

The doctor walked in unannounced and took in the emotional scene unravelling before him.

He cleared his throat, and Hermione walked up to Draco and placed a trembling hand on his shoulder. He glanced her way, wiped his tears and got to his feet.

"This is the father; I presume, Miss Granger?" the doctor inquired softly with compassion. Hermione nodded weakly and looked at Draco through tear-stained eyelids.

Ever the Malfoy, Draco took charge and stepped forward.

"Take what you need from me and do whatever is necessary to save our son," he stated boldly and firmly.

The doctor nodded and asked, "Of course, please come with me."

He gave Hermione a weak but reassuring smile and followed the doctor out.

Hermione pulled up the chair, sat by Ryan's bed and adjusted the sheet to cover his small legs.

Out of exhaustion, she rested her head on the bed and tried to grasp the reality of the situation.

After a few minutes, she felt a soft hand on her shoulder.

Rubbing her eyes, Hermione looked up to see her mother and father smiling down at her.

She quickly rose to hug her mother, holding her tightly while she cried again. Her father patted her back calmly.

"Draco agreed to come then?" Her mother asked softly.

"He did not hesitate, mum," Hermione replied through sobs.

"He's a good man," Her dad added, looking over his bruised grandson.

Hermione weakly nodded in agreement.

***

Draco sat in an uncomfortable chair surrounded by Muggle medical equipment.

A nurse had taken his blood.

Leaning back against the hard chair in the surgical clean room, Draco thought back to any signs he had missed that showed Hermione was pregnant.

How could he have been so blind?

An hour later, the doctor strode back into the room with a smile on his face.

"You are a perfect match, Mr Malfoy," the stout man declared happily.

Draco let out a sigh of relief, got to his feet and shook the doctor's hand.

"The nurse will be in shortly," the doctor told him confidently and went to stand by the vials of blood and reports.

He would have gladly given his life to save his son.

Draco walked back into the room where his son lay unconscious. Tugging at his sleeve, he pulled it down to hide the puncture wound and gruesome Dark Mark.

Hermione had fallen asleep again, her hand firmly grasping Ryan's. he smiled fondly at the witch he had loved for a good part of his life.

Bending over, he tucked a rogue piece of hair behind her ear and moved his fingertips across the now barely visible scar on her neck.

Hermione stirred and gave him a warm smile of relief.

Looking over Ryan, his eyes travelled to the tube now administrating his blood.

The thick red liquid steadily travelled along the tube inserted into the small, fragile hand of the child and disappeared within.

Muggle inventions never ceased to amaze him.

Making sure they were alone, Draco pulled out his wand and muttered incantations to heal the scars on Ryan's body.

Satisfied by the disappearing gashes, he placed a soft kiss on his son's forehead.

He went to stand by the window, staring out into the dark, deep in thought.

Draco averted his gaze. How could he look her in the face? He was not worthy.

Taking a deep breath, he inquired sadly, "When did you find out you were pregnant?"

Hermione sighed and moved to stand at his side. He deserved some answers.

She toyed with her fingers and replied, "Do you remember how I was throwing up when Lucius asked you to come home? You asked Ginny to take me to Pomfrey."

She added sadly, "I found out hours before you came back to school."

Oh, he remembered that well. It was the weekend his life ended.

Draco spun around and pleaded, "Why didn't you tell me?"

She grew angry at the question; Merlin knows she fucking tried.

"I tried Draco. You dismissed me because you were engaged to Astoria," she spat the words out angrily and turned away from him.

She hissed, "You didn't want anything to do with a Mudblood, and that would include our child."

Her temper was reached a boiling point, years of pent up anger and frustration spilt over.

She spat viciously, "You didn't give me a chance to tell you."

Hermione pointed to the sleeping child, "You didn't give him a chance."

Draco grabbed Hermione by her wrists and held her close, "There is so much you don't know. I did what was best for us, for you."

Hermione held onto his shirt with both hands momentarily and then pushed him back roughly, "You should go home, Draco, your wife will be wondering where you are."

He laughed softly. "I have no wife, and I am not going anywhere until our son is safe."

She knew he wasn't married, but she just wanted to hear it from him.

Quietly she watched him continue to stare at Ryan like he could not get enough. Having them both side by side, she could see just how much Ryan looked like his father.

She broke the awkward silence, "I am sorry about your father."

Draco let out a low snarl, "Don't speak of him! Do not be sorry that a man like him died. He deserved it. He was a raging lunatic."

His eyes filled with tears, "He took everything from me, my childhood, my beliefs, my son," and ...he looked directly at her before..."my love."

Her parents interrupted them, he smiled at them weakly, not knowing what to expect, but they returned the smile warmly and hugged him.

They always liked him, and it was obvious he enjoyed their warmth and kindness. He had missed so much growing up under the strict command of his father.

Draco needed a spare set of clothes, and by the looks of it, so did Hermione.

He casually approached her, "I need to get some clothes. Do you mind if I come back in an hour?"

She raised her head to meet his smouldering gaze. Damn those clear grey eyes.

She looked over to their sleeping son and back at him and asked timidly, "I need some things too. Shall I come with you?"

Smiling brightly, he agreed quickly, "Of course."

Happy with his response, she said, "Let me just tell my parents that we will be back soon."

Draco watched in interest as Hermione walked up to her mother and spoke in hushed tones. Julia Granger nodded and gave her a reassuring smile.

Hermione came up to him with a bag of clothes. He looked at it questionably. She held it up and grinned, "Dirty laundry."

He took her hand in his, and they first apparated straight into his apartment.

She looked around impressed and found it interesting that he had quite a few Muggle appliances.

Aimlessly, she wandered around the lavish apartment while he gathered his clothes.

Coming to a halt near his mantelpiece, she studied the pictures he had placed on it with growing interest and then shock.

Her younger self laughed and smiled brightly, looking happy and carefree.

He had framed all their pictures together.

Draco came up behind her, and Hermione swallowed as she felt his breath on her neck.

Reaching over her, he took a silver frame, "This one is my favourite."

Standing on her toes to get a better look, she smiled to herself. He was carrying her piggyback style while Theo did an awkward dance in the background.

The sharp buzz of her phone distracted them, and she walked away to answer it.

She looked at the name and frowned but connected the call, "Oh, Hi Justin."

Draco's interest piqued. He busied himself but listened intently to her conversation.

He heard a laugh, and instinctively, his hands curled into fists.

Hermione lied convincingly, "I'm sorry, love, but I have an emergency. I'll call you soon, I promise."

Ginny and her bright idea of setting her up on dates. Justin was the latest on her. Hermione must shag list.

Draco narrowed his eyes. Love? Who the fuck was she calling love?

He could not help himself, "Plans?"

She blushed, "Oh, not really. Ginny has been trying to get me to date."

Draco made his displeasure obvious, "I see."

Hands in pocket, she cut through the awkward silence, "Did you get the stuff you wanted?"

He swung a bag around him and smiled, "All good."

Hermione reached over and took his hand gently in her, and they apparated right outside her small, modest house.

Reluctantly letting go, she reached for the house keys and unlocked the door.

She glanced over her shoulder, opened the door, brushed her feet and went inside, leaving the door open for him to enter.

Draco followed, marvelling at the interior of the house. He heard her ask from one of the rooms, "Do you want something to drink? I've got butterbeer and Firewhisky if you prefer something stronger."

With everything that had happened in the last few hours, he really could use a drink.

He wandered around the small house and stood in what was clearly a child's room.

He looked around in amazement at the hanging accessories and stars on the ceiling but what caught his eye was the Slytherin scarf he had given her.

Draco gravitated towards it and held it in his hands. He felt the soft material between his fingers and sighed, and that's how she found him.

Hermione leaned against the door frame, and he asked curiously, "You put this in his room. Why?"

She shrugged, "It was all I had of you. I wanted something of yours around him always".

He stared deep into her chocolate brown orbs and smiled.

Hermione broke away from the intensity of his stare, walked away and called out, "Do you want that drink?"

Draco replied, "Yes," and followed her to the kitchen.

She took out two glasses and a half-empty bottle of Firewhisky from under the sink.

He watched her intently as she poured the liquid into the two glasses and handed him one.

She had not changed; she was still the toughest woman he knew, and that was including his mother.

Hermione could feel him staring when his gaze moved down to her lips. She let out an involuntary whimper.

What the hell was wrong with her? They were no longer at Hogwarts, and she wished he would stop staring at her. It was making her uncomfortable.

Draco heard her whimper, and his lips curved upwards in a smug grin. After years, he could still get a reaction out of her.

He moved closer, and she did not move an inch, just watched him cautiously. Her brown eyes were curious but lustful.

He hadn't been with a woman in a long time because they meant nothing, they were nothing compared to the woman standing in front of him, but he was ready now.

So fucking ready.

Taking the glass out of her trembling hands, he placed it along with his on the kitchen counter.

Leaning in, Draco kissed Hermione softly at first, but when she began to respond, he pulled her fiercely to him and deepened the kiss.

She whispered his name, and he savagely ravished her mouth.

Everything they had held back in the last three years erupted and surrounded them.

She backed them into her room as they urgently shed each other of their clothes. It was a fast and urgent need.

Hermione ran her fingers along his toned body. Draco unhooked her bra and cupped her breasts.

He bent down to take a rosy nipple in his mouth, loving the feel of his mouth on her. She leaned into him further out of pure pleasure.

How he had missed her.

Her hands moved down to his trousers and undid the button, letting it fall to his ankles, leaving him in his boxers.

Draco backed Hermione towards the bed, her legs gave out, and they fell onto the bed awkwardly.

After years of waiting, he wanted to take his time, but his growing ache was not cooperating, and neither was her body. She was already wet with anticipation.

Hurriedly he took off his boxers, and she felt his erection press against her thigh.

Bringing his head up to hers, he captured her mouth in a deep kiss, moving his tongue in unison with hers.

Fuck! He needed to make her his again. He wanted her.

Placing his throbbing erection at her entrance, he pushed in. Her walls tightened around his hardness, taking him all the way in.

Sultry moans echoed through the room, and Hermione grabbed onto Draco like she always did and mewled.

Her tightness was proof enough that it had been a while since she had sex, "Fuck, Hermione. You're so tight," he growled into her mouth.

His little witch felt incredible against his shaft as he moved in and out of her urgently.

Entwining his fingers through hers, he held them captive above her head, pinning her down, he plunged into her building up a perfect rhythm.

It had been years since Hermione let another man touch her. In fact, Draco had been the last man to touch her intimately.

The slow creep of heat took over her body.

It gathered from all corners into her swollen pulsating clit. Her toes dug into the comfort of the bedding, and her fingers dug deep into his back as she came with an explosion that rocked her body.

Draco grinned and let her ride her high. Her slickness surrounded his shaft, and he slipped, but he was so hard it hardly mattered.

She grabbed hold of his head and brought it down to hers, and kissed him fervently. Tongues pressing against each, savouring a long-lost passion.

His release was almost upon him. He had held back for as long as he could.

He sped up his thrusts, the pure sound of flesh hitting flesh echoed in their ears.

Hermione's legs went around him, encouraging him. With one final hard push, he erupted deep inside her. Years of frustration and longing fueled his release.

Draco groaned loudly. She held onto him tightly and whispered, "I've got you."

Collapsing on top of her, he stayed there till his breathing reached its normal state. She moved her fingers along his hips, back and into his hair.

With a low groan, he pulled out his softened cock, moved to the side, taking her along with him.

Leaning close to the shell of her ear, he whispered, "I love you, Hermione."

It was the words she wanted to hear but remained quiet before asking, "Why did you leave me if you loved me?"

Draco got off with a quick kiss to her forehead, and Hermione watched him leave in alarm.

Bending over, he pulled up his boxers, retrieved his wand and asked curiously, "How good is your Occlumency?

She stared at him, not knowing what to say, but it spiked her curiosity, "It's okay, I guess. I've never had to use it."

Draco smiled, "That's more than enough," he said encouragingly. Timidly pointing her wand at him, she muttered, "Legilimens."

Flashes of memories swirled around her, and Hermione watched in shock at a younger Draco writhing in pain as his father tortured him, demanding him to leave her.

She saw his blatant refusal of his father's demands and the continued assault and torture he suffered.

Tears streamed down her face as Lucius used the one thing that would make his son yield. He stood over his son and threatened her own life and his mothers.

Draco's head fell in defeat, his eyes blazing angrily as he agreed to his father's terms.

The last memory was of his heartbroken face watching her departing figure after the graduation ball.

She had seen enough. The pain and despair were endless.

Putting her arms around him at once, she hugged him to her and wept for his suffering to keep them safe.

Draco ran his fingers through her hair, "I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me the most."

Hermione silenced him with a kiss, "You have nothing to be sorry for. I have always loved you and only you."

He deepened the kiss and almost lifted her clean off the ground.

Hand in hand, they apparated to the hospital.

They walked into the room firmly holding hands to find their son sitting up and chatting animatedly to his grandparents.

Hermione rushed to Ryan's side and hugged him tightly.

Thank Merlin, he was safe.

Ryan poked his head out and turned his attention to Draco, and looked at him how a curious child would.

He pointed openly and said, "You have hair like mine."

Draco smiled lovingly at his beautiful boy, "I do, but did you know we have the same eyes."

Ryan stared into a replica of his greyish eyes and let out a small "ooh!"

He had never experienced a state of bliss as the one he felt watching his son and witch.

They were his everything.

***

Weeks passed by, and they fell into the comfortable pattern and love they experienced years ago.

After days of continuous shagging and many visits to their friends' houses, and plenty of celebrations, Ryan was safe and on his way to a full recovery.

Draco and Hermione talked, really talked without holding anything back.

He took her and their son to the Manor to see his mother.

Hermione was sure they had been at the wrong Manor because Malfoy Manor had changed so much.

Gone was the darkness that plagued the house.

Narcissa stood at the entrance, looking regal and happily awaiting their arrival. She hugged them and then gushed affectionately over her grandson repeatedly.

***

They decided a vacation was overdue, and he took them to Italy because Hermione had always wanted to visit.

Draco peered through the crack in the door. His son was fast asleep peacefully in the suite, surrounded by many pillows and Sponge Bob on the TV.

He closed the door and gone to join Hermione on the terrace that overlooked Florence.

He waved his wand, and her surroundings changed. Glowing lights and sparkly candles fluttered around them in a romantically wonderful way.

Awestruck, Hermione turned to find Draco on one knee holding up the gorgeous ring she had ever seen.

He looked down but held up the ring for her to see.

She placed trembling fingers on his chin and lifted his face.

"Will you please marry me?" He asked with all the love he could muster. She smiled and nodded shyly.

He got to his feet, picked her up in a tight hug and placed the ring on her finger.

A few Months Later...

Draco stood at the altar with Blaise and Theo at his side.

Everyone stood up as the bride entered, holding onto her father's arm proudly.

Hermione smiled at Harry, Ron, and Ginny as she passed them and reached out to squeeze Harry's hand.

Ginny dabbed the corner of her eyes, and Ron gave her a small squeeze.

Hermione looked up through her veil and saw her soon to be husband standing in all his glory.

He was handsome in his black suit, and clutching his father's hand tightly was her equally handsome son.

She wanted canter unceremoniously down the aisle, but keeping her posture, she approached them slowly and took Draco's hand after giving her father a quick peck on the cheek.

He sighed, "You are so beautiful," she shushed him as the Minister started to speak.

She was finally his!

8 years later

"He will be okay, right?" Hermione asked after Ryan disappeared into the gleaming red Hogwarts Express.

Draco reached over and squeezed her hand while tightening his hold on his daughter with the other, "Babe, he's going to be just fine."

The four-year-old squirmed, wanting to be let down, and he graciously obliged but held onto her hand tightly.

Ryan was the spitting image of Draco, but Kiara took after Hermione. Except for the hair, both children had their fathers unique blonde hair.

They could make out Harry and a pregnant Ginny coming towards them through the crowd.

People and students stopped to stare at Harry. He was so used to it, he barely noticed it anymore.

"Did I miss my Godson? Harry asked, looking around for Ryan.

Draco answered, "He's on the train already."

"Yeah, made a few friends too," Hermione added.

As happy as she was that Ryan got accepted to Hogwarts, being away from him gutted her.

Harry came to stand by Draco, and Hermione confided, "He's worried about the sorting."

Weren't they all!

"I told him it did not matter," Draco replied nervously. He hoped against hope that his son didn't end up in Hufflepuff.

Harry raised an eyebrow and exchanged a look with Draco.

"Hundred Galleons say he's in Gryffindor," Harry betted confidently.

Draco let out a laugh, not a fucking chance in hell, "I'll take that bet Potter, a hundred Galleons he's in Slytherin."

He winked at Hermione, "I know my son."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "You should be ashamed betting on our son."

Ginny laughed, "There's a betting pool on whether I give birth to a boy or girl."

Kiara jumped jump and down, trying to get her mother's attention.

Ryan waved at them madly from the window.

Hermione leaned against Draco's shoulder and wiped a tear.

They watched as the train disappeared.