Unplanned

September 19, 2003

"Malfoy," Hermione's voice growled through the silvery otter that danced around Draco's darkened bedroom. "Get your arse over here, now. "

While they had been slowly moving towards tolerating each other, Hermione had yet to ask for help with anything related to their child. As his mind raced with the possibilities of what could have gone so wrong she needed his help, he summoned last night's clothes and threw them on, before he apparated away with a loud crack to Hermione's flat.

"Granger?" He called out, unsure of where to find her.

"Down here," he heard her weakly yell and turned towards the only illuminated room in her flat.

"Granger are you alright?" He asked, confused and concerned as to why she was laying on the bathroom tile, cheek resting against the cool porcelain of the toilet seat.

She opened her mouth to answer him, but instead of speaking, she turned back to the toilet and continued to puke up last night's dinner.

Draco stood there stunned for a minute when she wiped her mouth and rested her head back down. "You," she said as she lifted a shaky finger towards him. "This is your fault."

"Mine?" Draco asked, defense coloring his tone. "How is this my fault?"

"You got me pregnant. So therefore this," she explained motioning towards the toilet, "is your fault."

Draco lowered himself to the floor behind her. "Takes two to tango, love," he added before she turned back to the toilet to dry heave. "But I am sorry."

"Worst birthday ever," she groaned as she tilted her head back to the cool porcelain. They continued to side by side for a while as she gaged.

"Is it like this every day?" Draco asked, while he brushed a sweaty curl out of her face and started to slowly stroke her hair. While pregnant women may have been new, he was no stranger to comforting them while puking. Pansy had turned to alcohol to put herself back together after the war.

"I think it's over for now," Hermione said, as she leaned back to rest her back against Draco's chest. "It's every day but not this bad. The anti-nausea potions aren't the safest for the baby so I'd rather suffer than worry about causing harm." Her hand went to her stomach as she rubbed it absentmindedly. "I'm sorry I called you over, I've never vomited that much or for that long and it scared me."

"I told you, whatever you two need I want to be included in."

Hermione yawned. "Right now, I need a nap." Draco pulled her upright before bending down and carrying her bridal style.

"Which one's your bedroom?" Hermione stifled a laugh as she realized Draco had never been over before.

"The one on the right," she said as she snuggled closer into his chest. He opened the door to her bedroom and laid her down in the unmade bed.

"Can I get you anything? Water? Food?"

Hermione grimaced before she answered. "Would you mind staying? Just until I fall asleep. Theo knows I don't sleep well alone and I really just want to sleep right now."

He considered denying her request before he got a good look at her. Pale skin, dark purple bags under her eyes, she looked exhausted. Draco nodded and slipped off his shoes before he crawled in next to her. He pulled her into his chest and wrapped an arm around her abdomen, resting his fingers across the slight swell like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Draco waited until her breathing evened out and then some as he soaked up the moment of being this close to his child. Finally, with regret, he crawled out of bed carefully to not disturb Hermione. He knew she wouldn't want him there when she woke up.

Hours later, Hermione woke up, the other side of the bed cold from where Draco had left. She brushed off the pang of sadness that hit when she realized she was alone.

She walked out into the kitchen, determined to make tea and a small meal, something to put into her stomach. However, she stopped when she noticed a small green and silver wrapped present sitting on her countertop.

Hermione opened the package, unsure of what she'd find inside. She pulled open the lid of the velvet box, too big to hold a ring, much to her relief. She revealed an understated silver disk bracelet. Inside the disk was the constellation Draco.

"Self-absorbed bastard," Hermione muttered as she reached for the card which read,

When you need me, squeeze the stars. - D

She smiled as she slipped the bracelet onto her wrist, knowing that while he was possessive of their son, at least he had good intentions.