Aroura

The End

The Ministry of Magic was buzzing with its usual energy as Hermione sat in her office, surrounded by stacks of parchment and files. She was reviewing an international treaty proposal, her mind focused but her body reminding her of how far along she was in her pregnancy. At nine months, every movement felt like an effort, but Hermione, being Hermione, refused to slow down.

She adjusted her chair, feeling an odd twinge in her lower back.

"Just Braxton Hicks," she muttered to herself, brushing it off as another false alarm. After all, she still had a week until her due date.

But as the minutes ticked by, the twinge intensified. She shifted again, her hand instinctively going to her belly.

"You okay in there, little one?" she murmured.

The answer came in the form of a sharp, unmistakable pain that made her gasp.

---Hermione tried to focus on the treaty, but another contraction hit, stronger this time. She winced, gripping the edge of her desk.

"Okay, that's not Braxton Hicks," she muttered, her voice tight.

As if on cue, her assistant, Marla, peeked into the office. "Mrs. Malfoy, are you—"

"I think I'm in labor," Hermione interrupted, her voice calm but firm.

Marla's eyes widened. "Oh! Should I—do you need—"

"Get Draco," Hermione said, breathing through the pain. "And send an owl to Harry and Ginny. They're supposed to watch Lyra and Scorpius."

Marla nodded frantically and rushed out, leaving Hermione to focus on her breathing. ---\ Draco arrived at the Ministry within minutes, disheveled and clearly panicked. He burst into Hermione's office, his grey eyes wide.

"Mia! Are you okay?"

Hermione looked up at him, her face calm despite the situation. "I'm fine, but the baby's on their way."

Draco ran a hand through his hair, his usual composure nowhere to be found. "Okay, okay. Let's get you to St. Mungo's. Can you stand?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, even as another contraction hit. "Draco, I'm pregnant, not helpless." He helped her to her feet anyway, his arm securely around her waist. ---\ The Ministry staff watched with a mix of curiosity and excitement as Draco guided Hermione through the halls. Despite her protests, he insisted on summoning a magical stretcher.

"Draco, I can walk!" Hermione said, exasperated.

"Not taking chances, Mia," he replied, his tone firm but loving.

They arrived at the Apparition point, and with a quick pop, they were at St. Mungo's.

---
The healers whisked Hermione into a private room, where she was examined and settled in. Draco stayed by her side, his hand firmly clasping hers.

"You're doing amazing," he murmured, brushing a stray curl from her forehead.

Hermione managed a small smile. "You're just saying that so I won't hex you."

"Maybe," he teased, though his eyes were filled with worry and love.

Harry and Ginny arrived shortly after, having dropped Lyra and Scorpius off at the Burrow. They peeked into the room, offering support and encouragement before leaving the couple to their moment. ---
Hours later, after what felt like an eternity, the room was filled with the cries of a newborn. Hermione, exhausted but glowing, cradled the tiny bundle in her arms.