A/N: Finished this chapter earlier than expected so I figured I'd just post it. The first half is a little different since it's just Scorpius and Rose. I think we can all agree that they need more screen time. Hopefully, I can fit some more in before this story is finished.

I also don't really like how many of you just assume Rose is a brat when we haven't spent any time inside of her head. As a child of divorce I can tell you that no matter how old you are you always hold onto that flicker of hope that your mom and dad will get back together, at least in the beginning. It's not that you don't know they're unhappy, it's that you want all of their problems to suddenly vanish and for them to be in love again. It's normal for her to want that. Eight, eighteen, or fifty-eight, it's all the same. And that first relationship your parents have after each other is always the hardest.

Alright, I've said my piece. Enjoy the chapter. The next one's going to be a big one! ;oD

Rose sat on the floor of their flat, putting copies of her resume and some writing samples in manila envelopes, which wouldn't have been such a difficult task if Perdita hadn't insisted on helping. Her growing kitty was lying in the center of everything, rolling around and meowing at Rose, demanding a belly rub. She got what she wanted, as she always did.

As soon as Rose starting giving Perdita attention, Eirwen hooted from his perch, flying over and landing on Rose's shoulder. She reached up and rubbed his feathered belly too.

The door opened and Rose turned her head, watching as Scorpius walked in. He looked at the sight in front of him and laughed. "Getting a lot of work done, baby?"

"I suppose this is good practice for when we have kids one day," she said with a frown.

Scorpius laughed again. He held out his arm. "Come here, Eirwen."

The owl cooed and flew over to him, looking very happy as Scorpius scratched the top of his head.

"How goes the job search?" he asked, walking further into the room and putting his stuff down. Then he went over and picked up Perdita, kicking off his shoes and sitting cross-legged on the bed with her in his lap.

"I found a few adverts looking for freelance writers in the Daily Prophet today," she said, picking up the paper and handing it to him so he could see what she had circled. She began stuffing another envelope.

" Witch Weekly ?" he said in disbelief, lifting his eyes to look at her over the top of the paper.

"They're hiring and I'm desperate. The perfect arrangement."

"What're you gonna do for them? Write articles about our parents' budding romance?"

"Funny," she said with a fake laugh.

"Seriously, Rose, don't apply there."

Rose stopped what she was doing. She stared blankly down at the envelope she was holding and sighed. "We need the money, Scorpius. Even though Edie's not charging me for labor, the dress is still going to be really expensive. Everything's going to be expensive and I can't expect my parents to pay for it all."

"Then mine can."

Rose looked at him sharply.

"I think we're just going to have to suck it up with this one, baby," he said.

"Does that mean your meeting with the owner of the venue didn't go well?"

Scorpius clenched his teeth. "Well … not exactly. We can have the venue."

Rose crossed her arms. "But …"

He frowned. "It'll cost five times as much."

Rose nearly choked on a jolt her heart sent up through her throat. "What? Why?"

"They said since it's so last minute, and being the week of a holiday and all …"

"But we'd get marry that weekend! Not Christmas exactly . Or on a bloody Monday even! Whatever's cheapest!"

"I asked," he said. "It's all the same. The problem is they know who my father is and they know he'll pay if I ask him."

Rose let out a heavy breath and shook her head. "It's not fair," she said. She looked up at him. "But if this is what you want then I won't stop you. As prejudiced as it is, I -"

"I already told them no."

Rose blinked. "You did?"

He nodded. "Yeah, I did. For as long as I can remember, people have tried to take advantage of my family because they know of our wealth, but my father never let that happen, always putting those sorts of people in their place. I don't want to get married somewhere that makes me feel so bloody disrespected, or be the reason my father finally has to put up with that shit."

Rose smiled. She put the envelope down and stood up, taking Perdita off of Scorpius' lap and stealing her spot. Then she shooed Eirwen away.

"I think that's really noble of you, baby," she said, kissing his cheek.

"Yeah, but now we're down a venue."

"We'll find something. Even if we have to get married in your father's backyard, this wedding is going to happen next month. I bought a bunch of wedding magazine's to bring to your grandmother's so she can help us make some decisions."

Scorpius gave a small smile and said, "Thanks."

"There's no need to thank me, I want her involved. I know how important she is to you."

Scorpius nodded. "So let's think about the venue," he said, quickly changing the subject. "Do we still want an outdoor wedding?"

"Yes," she said. "And there is something I was thinking of." She smiled mischievously and glanced over at the painting hanging over their sofa. The one Scorpius' father had purchased for him at the Ministry auction just a couple of weeks earlier.

"What? Dragons?" he asked.

Rose snorted. " No , Scorpius. You and your one-track mind. I'm talking about a rose garden. And the snow."

Scorpius looked closely at the painting. While green and red poked out of the hedges, the white dragon stood slightly silver with the snow-white background. "You want to get married in snow?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "It's always been a secret dream of mine. It just seems so romantic, doesn't it? A snow-covered path trailed with red rose petals. And my handsome groom at the end of it, contrasting perfectly with his black tux."

"So we're going with Muggle attire?"

She nodded again.

Scorpius smirked. "Sounds perfect." He kissed her then, pulling her down with him as he laid back on the bed. She straddled him, kissing him hard and grazing her fingers along his chest as he ran his through her hair. She had just pulled off her top and his hand was on the bra clasp when something knocked on the window. They both looked over, Scorpius grunting when he saw Lily's owl hovering around outside. Not even bloody around anymore and she still always managed to kill the mood.

Rose jumped off of the bed and hurried to the window, yanking it open and taking the letter from the owl before letting it fly manically through the room, as the little thing often did.

"What's she whining about now?" he asked.

Rose gave him a sharp look before opening the letter and reading.

"Let me guess. Parker ."

"Yes," said Rose. "And she's not whining . Her heart is broken."

"If she just bloody told him -"

"You've given her your advice and she doesn't want to take it."

"But he likes her. It's obvious. But neither of them want to be the one to make the first bloody move."

"If he likes her then why does he have a girlfriend?" she asked.

"Because it's easy," Scorpius answered honestly. "Issy is the one who pursued him. That's how he thinks you know girls like you. I love the bloke but he's a bloody idiot. Personally, I think Lily can do better."

"Probably," said Rose, "but he's who she wants and she's too shy to say anything to him about it."

Scorpius cocked an eyebrow. "Lily, shy ?"

"Yes, Scorpius. She's shy. About things like this, at least. She was a tomboy until her fifth year. You know that. She's worried Parker is always just going to see her as one of the guys."

"So Lily's never going to tell him and Parker's an idiot."

"Pretty much, yeah."

Scorpius entwined his fingers and bent them outward to crack his knuckles. "All right. Guess it's up to me then." He grabbed a blank piece of parchment and a quill out of the nightstand and began writing.

"What are you doing?" asked Rose, walking over. She only got a quick glance before Scorpius started folding the parchment.

You're a dumb shit. Lily likes you. Be a man and bloody do something about it.

"Scorpius, no !" she snapped, trying to grab it from him.

Scorpius somersaulted away from her, landing on the floor and running for Lily's owl.

"Don't you dare !" Rose screamed, running hard to intercept him.

Scorpius easily picked her up and flipped her onto the bed. She landed on her back, looking up just in time to see Scorpius attached the letter to the owl's leg.

"No!"

He charged for the window. So did she. He got there first but she was right behind him, grabbing his arms and wrestling him as best she could. But he just picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder, holding her there as he opened the window and sent the owl on its way.

"Scorpius, no !"

He let Rose down and she clutched the windowsill, staring dazedly at the owl getting smaller and smaller in the distance.

"And now it's done," said Scorpius with a laugh. "They'll be together by the wedding."

Rose turned towards him, her pretty face in a hideous scowl as she stared daggers at him. She snarled, then charged, tackling him to the floor and clawing at him.

But Scorpius just continued to laugh, rolling her so he was on top and tickling her sides until she was laughing just as hard as he was, which looked really nice considering she was still in just a bra and her breasts were bouncing. He reached back and unhooked it.

Rose squeaked and covered herself. "No!" she said, smacking his arm. "I'm mad at you!"

"And I'm horny for you, baby."

Scorpius began kissing her neck in a ridiculous and playful manner. Rose laughed, since this was only tickling her more. She gave in and wrapped her arms around him, yanking off his shirt. Once it was tossed to the side, he leaned down and kissed her, on the lips this time and with nothing but sincerity behind it.

When he pulled back, Rose smiled at him. "I'm still mad at you," she said.

"You normally are. But, I promise, I'll make it up to you."

"Yes, and in less than six weeks you'll have an entire lifetime to piss me off then make it up to me."

"Starting right now," he said, kissing her again. "And until forever."

"Exactly," she said, reaching down to undo his trousers. "You're mine forever, Scorpius Malfoy. Till death do us part."

He smiled, reached out and stroked her cheek. "And beyond," he said.

Rose lifted her hand and stroked his in return, gazing lovingly into his eyes for a moment before kissing him again, their tongues becoming hungry as they joined forces to pull down his trousers.

But then they heard a meow. Both looked over slowly to see both Perdita and Eirwen watching them, the owl letting out a hoot before cocking its head and staring at them strangely. Then Perdita walked over and rubbed her head against Scorpius' bare arse.

"Well, this just got awkward," he said.

Rose laughed. "Did you want to stop?"

"Hell no!"

Scorpius scooped Rose into his arms and tossed her onto the bed, kicking his trousers off of his ankles and tearing off her jeans and knickers before climbing on after. Perdita jumped up. He tossed her back down.

"Under the covers, baby. It's the only place we're safe!"

Rose giggled and pulled the comforter back, tossing it over both of them before yanking him back on top of her. "Now, where were we?" she said with a mischievous grin.

"Right here," said Scorpius, his lips back on hers as he melted into her milky skin. With her underneath him, it would always be easy to ignore the constant bumping on his arse.

Draco sat nervously in his conference room, Alexandra right beside him and tapping her fingernails impatiently against the table. They had a meeting with the Sharrows and while Draco did not need their business he still did not want to lose it.

"Relax, Draco. Your anxiety is not going to win this man over," said Alexandra in an annoyed voice.

"What's your problem?" he asked.

" My problem is that you took Jasmine Sharrow out, rejected her and put us in this position."

"You're the one who told me to date but not do anything to get Hermione's attention. And it worked."

" Great ," she said while rolling her eyes. "Maybe next time you can choose a woman to use who isn't a multi-million Galleon client."

Draco grunted. "All right, I admit it, my choice was not the best."

"That's putting it mildly."

The door opened and they both stood, watching is Victoire waddled in, holding the door open for the Sharrows. She was due any day now and Draco tried to talk her into staying home, but she refused. She was definitely part of that bloody stubborn family.

"We will make this meeting quick," said Maynard Sharrow, leading his two children into the room and taking a seat on the opposite end of the table.

Draco and Alexandra took their seats again.

"I admit, I have not been following your company's progress very closely and, frankly, Mr. Malfoy, I am not very happy with what I've heard. Jasmine has admitted to me that when she came here last week for a status report you had little to give her." He held up the folder Draco had given Jasmine in this very same room a week earlier, but it was much thinner now. "Since this business arrangement was her idea, she did not want to come to me empty handed, so she arranged to meet with you a few days later to -"

Alexandra laughed and held up a hand. "Mr. Sharrow, please, let me stop you right there." She reached down and pulled several something's out of her briefcase. Then she stood up and walked towards him. "I keep copies of every report Mr. Malfoy has ever written since you never know when you might need to refer back to them." She tossed a much thicker folder in front of him. " That is the report my boss gave to your daughter last week. And I'm sure you've seen this."

She then tossed the copy of Witch Weekly with Draco leaning in towards Jasmine on the cover, very small in comparison to Hermione's photo but just as impactful to a father.

"But photos often lie, Mr. Sharrow, so I contacted a friend of mine down at the magazine and had them send these over."

Now she tossed down the last thing she held. Several photos of Jasmine leaning in and kissing Draco's neck, his lips, and all with her blindly unaware to the look of disdain on Draco's face. Jasmine grabbed the top photo and went dead-white. Her brother Owen laughed.

Jasmine gave him a sharp look. Then she looked at her father and gulped. "Daddy, I -"

He held up a hand to silence her.

Alexandra smiled. "No offense, Mr. Sharrow, but I suggest you do your research before you come barging in here making accusations towards my boss," she said, leaning one hand on the conference table while the other rested on her hip. "We have worked hard for you, as we do for every client. This is a multi-million Galleon business we're running, close to being multi-billion, and we don't have time to be dealing with spoiled little girls who don't know how to handle rejection. So, if you don't mind, I think it will be beneficial for all of us if you take your business elsewhere."

Alexandra turned on her heel and strutted back over to Draco, picking up her briefcase and motioning with her eyes for him to follow her. Draco did, standing and taking the lead towards the door.

"Wait," called Maynard just as they were headed out. Draco and Alexandra turned. "Mr. Malfoy, I would like to speak with you privately."

He looked to both his children, giving Jasmine an extra sharp look and silently ordering them to leave. They both stood and walked towards the door, Jasmine staring coldly at Draco as she passed him. He just smiled and happily shut the door behind him.

Draco did not return to his seat. He put his hands in his pockets and remained standing by the door.

"Would you mind telling me which of these photos is true, Mr. Malfoy?"

Draco lifted his eyebrows and slowly began to swagger over. "Your daughter was quite aggressive and had little interest in talking business. Ever," he said. "But I'm not exactly innocent."

"I appreciate the honesty," said Maynard, "but, please, spare me the details." He stood, gathering up the folder but leaving the magazine and photos. "My daughter is off the account. Owen will be your contact from now on. From what I understand, you won't have this same problem with him. He prefers brunettes." He looked up and smiled at Draco. "Until next time, Mr. Malfoy."

Maynard nodded and headed towards the door. Draco beat him to it and opened it for him, watching as the man headed out, his children swarming to him like ducklings to their mother.

As soon as they were gone, Alexandra ran back into the room. "Well?" she asked.

"Jasmine's off the account. We'll be working with Owen from now on."

Alexandra squealed, starting to give Draco a hug before she remembered how unprofessional that was.

"Why didn't you tell me what you had planned?" he asked.

"I thought you would talk me out of it," she answered. "I was taking a fifty-fifty shot with that approach. It could have easily gone the other way. Thank Merlin it worked. We've worked too hard for them to drop us now."

Draco smiled. "You're right. Which is why I think you should handle the Sharrow account from now on."

Alexandra's jaw dropped. "What?"

"The entire account. It's yours."

"You're going to let me work on a project this large on my own?"

"Of course. This has always been your baby, Alex. You're the one who got them to meet with us in the first place. You've earned it."

Alexandra squealed again, this time giving him a real hug. "Gods, having a girlfriend has made you so much nicer," she said. "I promise, I won't let you down."

Once Alexandra had finished jumping for joy, she gathered her photos off of the conference table, planning to file them away for future use, if necessary. Once that was done, she and Draco headed for the lift, taking it to their respective floors.

When Draco arrived on his, he found Hermione and Victoire leaning over the latter's desk, Hermione petting Paul as he rested on his perch while Victoire tried to feed him something. They both looked over at him.

"I don't think Paul's doing well," said Victoire. "He hasn't eaten in a couple of days now."

"We're probably just working him too hard," said Draco, walking over and giving Paul's belly a rub.

"How did it go?" Hermione asked, looking at him eagerly.

He smiled. "Account's still ours."

Hermione and Victoire both squealed with delight. That seemed to be the common noise women made when excited today.

Hermione reached out and hugged him. "I'm so happy it all worked out."

"Thanks, but I still gave the account to Alex. Mrs. Lupin, when you get the chance please send her down all of my materials for it."

"You got it," said Victoire, writing a note for herself. "Do you need me to order the two of you lunch?"

"Yes. What do you want?" Draco asked Hermione.

"Just a sandwich would be fine."

"The usual, I expect." Victoire smiled as she began digging through her desk for the menu.

"Don't you dare go and pick the food up for us," Draco ordered. "Send Kelly."

Victoire rolled her eyes and said, "Yeah, yeah."

"Isn't Teddy coming to have lunch with you today?" Hermione asked. "I thought he told me he was."

"Yeah, but I told him not to bother. It's more of a trip for him since he doesn't have the luxury of Flooing into the boss's office like you do."

"I can make an exception," said Draco.

"No, it's fine," said Victoire without hesitation. "Everyone says I should enjoy this alone time while I can."

Hermione bit her cheek to stop from pointing out that people probably meant she and Teddy should be spending this alone time together before their little bundle was born.

Draco took Hermione's hand and led her into his office. The moment the door was closed, a Locking and Silencing Charm were put in place and she was in his arms, their lips entangled.

Outside of Draco's office, Victoire was frowning as Paul still would not eat the food she held out to him. She knew the poor thing was getting up there in the years but she had hoped he still had a few. It wasn't looking good.

With a sigh, and a bit of a struggle, she stood from her chair and headed for the small kitchen to get him some water.

The moment she was out of the room, the elevator buzzed open and Teddy stepped out. He noticed Victoire's empty desk, then drew his eyes to the closed doors behind it. He walked up to them and checked for spells. A Locking and Silencing Charm were in place. He removed the Silencing Charm first, putting his ear up to the door and listening. He couldn't make much out but there was definitely some giggling. Female giggling.

Teddy's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw hurting as he gritted his teeth. Removing the Locking Charm, he threw the door open and shouted, "Ahah!"

Draco and Hermione were only a few feet from the door, still wrapped in each other's arms as their heads whipped towards him.

"Bloody hell!" Draco shouted. "Hermione, I swear I fucking locked the door!"

Teddy blinked. "Hermione?"

"Teddy!" said Hermione, moving out of Draco's grasp. "What are you -?"

"Teddy?"

Teddy could feel his life force drain from his body as he heard that voice behind him. He turned slowly, Victoire standing there and looking at him with sad eyes.

"What did you mean 'ahah'?" she asked, her voice cracking.

"I … I don't … Victoire, I didn't …"

"What did you mean 'AHAH' !" she repeated, shouting this time. "What did you think you were going to see in there, Teddy?"

"I …"

"Me," she said, her face red-hot and her eyes filling with tears. "You thought I would be in there shagging my boss when I'm pregnant with your child!" she screamed, putting her hands on her oversized stomach.

"No, I didn't! I …" Teddy turned and looked at Draco and Hermione again. " Hermione ? You're involved with …" His eyes drifted over. " This is the secret you've been keeping from me?" he asked, turning back towards Victoire.

She nodded, her eyes still angry.

"Why didn't you just tell me?"

"Because my boss asked me not to, Teddy! Besides, it's none of your business! But you should've known that I would never, EVER -"

Victoire stopped mid-sentence, her breath sucking in as she grabbed onto her stomach again. Her eyes trailed downwards. She could not see it over her large baby bump, but she could definitely feel the liquid dripping down her legs and onto the floor.

"What the fuck is that?" shouted Draco, his eyes wide and unblinking.

Everyone stood there frozen.

"Your water just broke," said Hermione, looking stunned for a moment before squealing with excitement. "Om my gods, your baby is coming, Victoire! Draco, you arranged for a wizarding car service to come when this happened, right?"

His eyes glossed over, Draco silently nodded.

"Well, then bloody call them, you idiot! We have to get her to St. Mungo's."

Hermione yipped, hurried out of the office and took one of Victoire's hands.

Teddy still stood frozen. "But … this is … terrible timing -"

"One of the first things you'll learn about parenting, Teddy, is that nothing ever happens on your time anymore," said Hermione. "Now, help me get her to the lift."

"I can walk," said Victoire, turning so Teddy couldn't take her free hand. "Teddy, just … grab my bag I packed for the hospital. It's under my desk."

He hurried to fetch it, then they all headed towards the lift, Draco in the back and talking on his phone.

"Oh! I need to call your mother!" said Hermione, placing Victoire's hand in Teddy's before dialing Fleur on her phone.

Teddy and Victoire stood there awkwardly, neither of them sure how to feel in that moment. Victoire sniffled, listening to Hermione talk excitedly on the phone to her mother and wishing she had half of that energy right now. She squeezed Teddy's hand. He squeezed back.

The lift opened and everyone rushed out, Teddy keeping a firm grip on Victoire's hand.

"What's happening?" asked Alexandra, who, in that moment, was stepping out of the lift right beside theirs.

"Her water broke!" Hermione exclaimed, a little skip in her step as she hurried to the door while dialing another number on her phone. "Andromeda, it's Hermione! Guess what time it is …?"

"Oh my gods!" shouted Alexandra, hurrying so she was beside Victoire and giving her a sideways hug. Then she looked at Teddy. "And your husband's here right now. How perfect!"

Teddy and Victoire looked at each other. He gave her a little smile and pulled her closer.

Draco reached the door first and held it open. The car was already there and waiting for them. The wizarding car service was something new Hermione and Cormac had created during their time working together. It was a lot like the Knight Bus, where it took you wherever you needed to go at a very quick pace - invisible to the Muggle eye - but it was quite a bit more expensive and you couldn't just stick out your wand to hail one. That was in the works but, for now, you had to call or owl ahead of time.

Hermione opened the door to the car, just finishing her call to Andromeda and hanging up. Teddy helped Victoire into the car before running around to get in on the other side.

"Good luck, sweetie," said Hermione, taking Victoire's hand.

When she tried to move away, Victoire held on tight. "Wait. You're not coming with me?"

"Oh." Hermione looked over the top of the car at Teddy. He shrugged. "Yes, of course I will. I'll just have to call Cormac and let him know I might not be back today." She got right back on the phone while hurrying around to the other side of the car.

Draco grabbed Victoire's door and was just about to shut it when she grabbed his hand too. "Mr. Malfoy."

He crouched down so he was more-or-less at her level. "Yes?"

She leaned in and whispered, "I'm kind of freaking out right now. Could you please come?"

Draco looked at her, noticing the tears in her eyes as she really did look frightened. He stared over her head and saw Teddy scooting in. They locked eyes and Draco could instantly feel the tension. "I don't think that's a good -Ah!"

Victoire's hand suddenly squeezed very hard, her entire body tensing as she looked to be in a bit of pain for a moment. And then she was normal again.

"Was that a contraction?" asked Hermione. "Teddy, make sure to time them."

Teddy lifted his wrist and looked at his watch.

"Draco, get in the car," ordered Hermione. "The girl in labor said she wants you to come so that's what you'll do."

Draco sighed and looked at Victoire. He nodded, standing back up and shutting her door. Alexandra was still standing behind him. "It looks like I'm going to be out for the rest of the day."

"I'm on it, boss," she said, giving him a salute.

Draco opened the door to the front passenger seat of the car and got in. Then they were off. It was only a matter of minutes before they were at St. Mungo's, everyone rushing out of the car and into the hospital.

"Why am I here?" Draco whispered to Hermione as they walked behind Teddy and a waddling Victoire. A wheelchair was quickly rushed to her side.

"Relax, Draco," Hermione whispered back to him. "We'll just stay until their families get here and then we'll come back tomorrow after the baby is born."

There was a loud squeal and everyone in the hospital looked to see Fleur running towards her daughter. "Eet's grandma time!" she screamed, literally jumping for joy. She looked at Hermione and Draco and grabbed both of their hands. "I'll bet you two are next," she said, swinging their arms about.

"Fuck, I hope not," Draco said under his breath.

Fleur let them go and ran to her daughter, showering her with kisses before a Mediwitch began pushing her away, Teddy still holding onto her hand.

Fleur went back to Draco and Hermione and stood between them, linking their arms with hers before dragging them after Victoire. "Waiting room time!" she sang.

Several hours later, Draco sat uncomfortably in the corner of the waiting room, which was now overrun with Weasleys. Bill, Fleur, their other two children, Arthur and Molly - who mainly ignored his presence - and Andromeda were all there. At the current moment, no baby had been born. In fact, Victoire was not even ten centimeters dilated yet. She was just waiting.

He looked over at Hermione, who was in the mix of it all talking to Fleur's other daughter, whose name escaped him, about the importance of helping Rose with her wedding as much as she could. Her niece listened and nodded very seriously. Draco had to admit, out of all of the Weasleys he liked this little family best. Even Bill sat next to him for a while, talking about what a great asset Scorpius was to his department at Gringotts and how highly Victoire spoke of him.

Suddenly, Teddy walked out and everyone started to go wild. He just shook his head and looked around until he spotted Hermione. He went to her and whispered something. She looked over her shoulder at Draco and beckoned him over.

Draco stood and slowly walked over.

"Victoire wants to see us," she said.

He nodded and the two of them followed Teddy to a different kind of waiting room. When they got there, Victoire was sitting on a bed, nervously chewing on her nails.

"Hey," said Hermione, walking up to her. "How's it going?"

"Bloody terrible," she said. "It's like one of those comedic moments on the telly, where other women keep coming in and out and get to have their babies but I'm still here. Waiting." She paused. "Only it's not funny in real life."

Suddenly, Victoire's hands clenched down on her sheets. She looked very much in pain for a moment before it passed.

"How long were they apart this time?" she asked Teddy.

"Four minutes," he said.

Victoire nodded. Then she looked at Draco. "Teddy wants to say something to you."

Everyone looked at Teddy, who blushed and stared down at the floor. He took a deep breath before meeting Draco's eyes with his own. "I'm sorry I barged into your office."

"And …"

" And invaded your privacy like that. It's just, Vickie's been acting different ever since she started working for you, and I let all of the bloody gossip out there get to me." Teddy moved his gaze to Hermione. "I really had no idea about you two. Looking back, I kinda feel like an idiot that I didn't see the signs but it just never really crossed my mind as a possibility."

Victoire smacked him in the chest.

"OW! What? What did I say?"

"I'm not acting different," she said with a pout. "I like my job and I like my boss. Is that really so terrible?"

"No," he answered, looking at his wife and sighing. "I'm happy you're happy."

"Well, you certainly don't -"

Victoire clenched again, giving out a little scream even though she was obviously trying to hold it in. When it was over, she looked at Teddy with wide eyes.

"That was quicker this time, wasn't it?" she asked.

Teddy nodded.

As if she had been standing outside waiting for her cue, their Healer walked in with a huge smile on her face. "And how are we doing?" she asked, looking at Victoire.

"Ready to just bloody pop already," said Victoire, putting her head back on the pillow. "Can't we just squeeze the baby out like a tube of toothpaste?"

Only Draco laughed.

"Not this time, but let's see how many centimeters you're dilated," said the Healer, walking to the foot of the bed.

Draco turned around, having no interest in watching this.

"Ten, ten, ten, ten," Victoire sang to herself.

"It looks like your chanting worked."

Victoire went silent, looking at the Healer with hopeful eyes. "What?"

"It's time for you to have a baby," said the woman with a smile.

Victoire blinked, then she started breathing heavily. Teddy went to grab her wheelchair. When he got back, Victoire grabbed him by the jumper and pulled him close.

"Teddy," she said in a panicked voice. "Baby, I'm sorry I kept secrets from you. I love you, alright? I love -"

Teddy silenced her with a kiss. When he pulled back, she was much calmer. "I love you, too," he said, grinning at her. "And I'm the one who should be sorry. I was just so scared I was losing you and -"

"Hey!" Victoire cupped his face with her hands and looked him straight in the eye. "You will never lose me, Teddy Lupin. Now …" She broke into a smile. "… let's have a baby."

"We'll go tell the others the good news," said Hermione, grabbing Draco's arm and heading for the door.

"Oh." Draco stopped and looked at Teddy. "Apology accepted for the barging in thing. But don't ever bloody do it again." His voice was stern, his eyes serious as he pointed at Teddy. Teddy went white.

"He's just teasing you," said Hermione, yanking Draco towards the door. "Good luck!"

Draco laughed as they exited.

"Did you have to ruin such a beautiful moment?" Hermione scolded as they walked down the hall.

It was another good hour in the waiting room before everyone finally got news about the new baby girl Lupin.

"Oh great. Just what this family needs. Another girl," said Louis, moping in the corner.

"Yes! A girl!" shouted Fleur, putting her arm around him. "We can never 'ave enough girls een our family."

One by one, everyone got to go in and meet her, Draco and Hermione happily agreeing to be at the end of the line. When they finally did go in, Victoire and Teddy were both glowing, their new little angel asleep in Mommy's arms.

"Oh, Vickie," said Hermione, unable to stop smiling as she looked at the little, wrinkly bundle. "She's perfect."

"I know," said Victoire with tears in her eyes. "And so much cuter on the outside, thank gods."

Everyone laughed, but quietly so as not to wake the sleeping baby.

"I just spoke to Rose," said Hermione. "She wanted to come but I told her to wait until tomorrow so you can get your rest. Is that alright?"

Victoire nodded, unable to take her eyes off of her daughter.

Hermione gave her and Teddy a kiss on the cheek before saying goodbye and heading for the door. Draco stayed back for a moment, staring at the baby with a soft smile on his face. He went over and kissed Victoire on the top of her head. He whispered, "Good work, kid." Then he shook Teddy's hand and followed Hermione out.

"I guess this means I'm out a secretary tomorrow," he said.

"Yes, I suppose it's back to the useless temps for the time being."

"Bloody fantastic." He released a deep breath. Then he looked back over his shoulder at the room they had just left. "You know, I always wanted a daughter."

Hermione smiled. "Really?"

"Yeah, but a girl hasn't been born into the Malfoy family for over a century now. I had wanted to try for more children but Astoria just wanted the one."

Her smile faded. "I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure you would have been a great father to a little girl."

"Hopefully, Scor and your little flower have one. I know he really likes the idea of a big family. He gets jealous every time she drags him to one of the Weasley gatherings. Malfoy ones aren't very exciting with just the four of us."

Hermione nodded. "Granger gatherings are even worse with just me."

Draco sighed and put his arm around her shoulders.

As the two of them passed the nursery, Hermione noticed a familiar figure standing there watching the other babies. Andromeda. She had tried to find a moment to speak with her earlier but there was never a good one. The group was too bloody large.

Hermione stopped and looked at Draco. "You go ahead. I need to do something really fast, but I'll meet you at your place."

He nodded, looking around before kissing her softly and heading towards the stairs.

Hermione watched him until he was out of sight. Then she walked over to the nursery. Without a word, she walked up beside Andromeda, staring through the glass window at all of the newborn babies.

"Not one of them even compares to your new great-granddaughter," she finally said.

Andromeda nodded. "I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you about meeting for tea. Life has been a bit crazy lately."

"Yes, it certainly has. Maybe we can try and meet early next week, or -"

"You have something to tell me," said Andromeda, glancing sideways at her. "Can't you just tell me now?"

Hermione frowned. "I'd rather not. Not today." On such a happy occasion.

Andromeda gave one shallow nod. "There are rumors about someone who supposedly spent several days in this hospital recently. Someone you seem to be getting rather close with."

With a sigh, Hermione said, "There might be some truth to -"

"Don't let her fool you, Hermione."

Hermione was taken aback. "What?"

"They're not good people. None of them. Maybe Rose's fiancé is fine, in fact, he actually seems quite sweet, but the rest of them … People don't change."

"Yes they do," Hermione snapped, her brow furrowing. "You haven't spoken to your sister in probably fifty years, I spoke to her just yesterday. She is not a bad person. Not anymore. And she wants to see you. To make amends."

Andromeda took a deep breath and said, "I don't know if I'm ready for that." She turned to leave.

"Well, you don't have much time to decide," Hermione called after her.

Andromeda froze, but she did not turn.

"She's dying. Your sister has only months to live, if she's lucky. The wedding was moved up so she could attend, something she didn't even ask for. But what she did ask? For me to speak with the sister she wronged so many years ago. She's a changed woman, Andromeda. I have my own past experiences with the Malfoys that should have me hating them, but I don't. You have always trusted my judgment and I am asking you to trust it now. Give her a chance."

Andromeda lifted a hand. Though Hermione could not see her, she was fairly certain she was wiping a tear.

"I need to think about it," said Andromeda.

"Of course," said Hermione. Then she sighed. "I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to spring this on you, today of all days."

"It's fine. I already had my suspicions." She turned to face Hermione and smiled softly. "I'll see you soon."

And then she walked off, leaving Hermione alone, turning and staring at the new children who had just entered the world while thinking about how there just never seemed to be enough time before you had to leave it. Life and Death. Truly the world's greatest mystery.

When Hermione arrived at Malfoy Manor, she decided to walk to Draco's bedroom instead of Apparating there. She liked to do this from time to time, always stopping to admire that grandfather clock she found on her first night here.

As she approached his closed door, she could hear him talking to someone. She opened it a crack and saw him sitting out on his balcony with his phone to his ear.

"Yes, Alex, the baby is very cute. Now tell me how that meeting went with - What? I don't know, I guess she looked more like Victoire. Fuzzy blonde hair already." A pause. "Yes, you can take time to visit her tomorrow, if you just tell me how everything went."

Hermione laughed and walked in. Draco looked over his shoulder at her, motioning for her to come over and pouring some firewhiskey into the empty glass beside his full one.

Hermione kicked off her shoes and headed over, climbing into his lap and taking the glass he handed her. She put her head on his shoulder and stared out at the stars while he continued to talk business.

"All right, thanks, Alex … Yes, we'll go see her tomorrow at lunch. I'll see you in the morning." He hung up on her and put his phone down. "Sorry about that," he said, giving Hermione a kiss. "Did you get whatever it was you needed to do done?"

"Sort of," she said, staring vacantly out in front of her. "This next month is going to be chaos."

"Yeah." Draco picked up his drink and took a sip. Then he suddenly remembered something. "We need a break."

"Tell me about it," said Hermione, rolling her eyes.

"No, I mean for real," he said. "The trip we planned is supposed to be this weekend."

"Yeah, I remember," she said, turning her head so she could look at him.

"Well, I never cancelled it." He looked back at her and raised his eyebrows. "Do you want to go?"

"YES!" she said excitedly. Then she thought. "But I can't leave Rose to plan this by -"

"Until they find a new venue all planning is on hold," said Draco, putting his glass down. "Come on, Hermione." He leaned in and kissed her neck. "You and me." Then again a little lower. "Alone for an entire weekend." Lower still. "No children to worry about, no work to cloud our minds." His hand crept up and unbuttoned the top of her blouse, reaching in and pulling her breast out of her bra. He gave it a gentle suck. "Just us." His other hand was already high up Hermione's skirt, her knickers pulled aside as he played with her clit.

Hermione moaned into the open night. "Sounds nice," she said.

"Then take Friday off and let's do it."

Hermione smiled as he exposed her other breast and moved his mouth over. "I haven't taken a day off in …" She bit her lip and thought. "Actually, I've never taken a day off."

Draco looked up at her, nipple still in mouth, and cocked an eyebrow.

"I know, I'm terrible."

"Then you're long overdue," he said, finally releasing her breast and going back in for her lips. "It will be three days of sex, more sex, and maybe a little scenery." He cupped her cheek and looked at her. "Say yes."

Hermione gazed back at him, his eyes twinkling and shining silver in the moonlight. She smiled and cupped his cheek in return, wanting nothing more than to run away with him in that moment. "Yes," she finally said.

Draco smiled back, going in to kiss her again as the hand in her knickers started moving around more forcefully. She moaned and began unbuttoning his shirt, more than ready for a preview of what their weekend away together would entail.

But Draco had something else in mind. Sure, there was going to be lots of sex, that was a given, but it had always been his plan to finally tell Hermione how he felt about her on this trip. That had not changed.

And as he shagged her on his balcony, her milky skin bathed in moonlight and hot to the touch even in the frosted air, it took everything he had not to say it. Even as her half-lidded eyes gazed at him, her mouth open and her breathing heavy, he still kept it in, because when he finally did say it he wanted everything to be perfect.

"What's on your mind?" she asked, her hips still moving sensually against his.

Draco gazed back at her, his hands trailing up her back, sending shivers through her body as he held her firm and close. He smiled and leaned in so his mouth was hovering just above hers. Then he whispered, "You."