Married by Law

Chapter Eleven: Time and Terror

Hermione sat in her apartment one evening in late January. Things with Draco had been well, better than well even! They weren't officially in a 'relationship'. Since their technical marriage they had engaged in romantic encounters five times, two of which ended in sexual encounters. One was the wedding and the other was a sensual dance club. Since then they usually retired to each others company right after dinner. Sometimes Hermione cooked, she was rather good.

Tonight, however, was their one month since their marriage anniversary, or at least that's what Draco had dubbed it. So he was taking Hermione out. She hoped to the french restaurant, which is what she had a taste for. He had asked her to dress semi-formally again, and left a dress. Hermione picked up the garment bag and her toiletries bag. She grabbed a towel and walked into the bathroom. The tub was filled with steamy, bubbly water. She hung the bag up and shed her clothes. Hermione wretched open her toiletries bag and began to take everything out, looking for a new package of razors. Of course, they were at the very bottom. Along with something else!

"Tampons." murmured Hermione, absently pushing them aside and pulling out the razors. She waved her wand and everything was put back. Hermione settled herself into the bath and sunk her head underneath the water. Suddenly she shot up. "TAMPONS!"

Hermione realized her period was late, by at least two weeks! She hadn't realized it, being as her tampons were buried. Usually they reminded her of her period, because usually she kept them under the sink with all of the other girls feminine products. But here she preferred to keep them away from Draco, as it was still a bit embarrassing. But now her mind was directed towards a different subject, the one about her late period. It was then other things came to her mind. She had been incredibly fatigued lately, and was urinating damn near frequently. Yesterday morning she had thrown up. Come to think of it, she had this morning too! Hermione passed it off though, saying it was a bug. She felt better after wards though.

"Is it possible?" whispered Hermione aloud. She got out of the tub and toweled herself off. Hermione quickly pulled on a robe and strode into their bedroom. On the wall was a large bookshelf. She pulled out a book that Ginny had given her for Christmas. Spells and Potions Every Witch Needs to Know.

She flipped through it and came to a chapters entitled Pregnancy. With a deep breath she came upon a test potion. It was a simple one, one she could procure easily. Hermione pulled out her travel cauldron and gathered up the ingredients. The potion was so simple, it could be created within the hour.

Hermione sat, dressed and dolled, in front of the boiling cauldron. Hermione turned off the flame and it settled. She read the final passage carefully. According to it, she needed to set a lock of her hair into the potion. She plucked one out and set it in it. Using the spoon she stirred it in. It would turn pink for yes and blue for no. However, it took a full five minutes to figure it out, similar to a muggle pregnancy test.

Hermione used the time to tidy things up. She was nervous, that much was obvious. The clock chimed seven, signaling the potions completion and Draco's waiting. She darted into the room and peered into the potion.

"Rose." whispered Hermione, referring to the color. She hastily waved her wand, clearing the potion. Hermione practically sprinted from the house, because she was about fifteen minutes late now. Draco was waiting patiently.

"You know, it's a good thing McGonagall gives us a window for the apparition thing." laughed Draco. Hermione gave a small smile. He held her hand as they disappeared. The appeared in front of:

"Le Soleil Magique!" shrieked Hermione. She turned to Draco and hugged him tightly. Draco smiled.

"I know it's your favorite." The blonde haired man blushed. Hermione took his hand in hers as they entered. They were seated in the back corner table. A waiter came by and asked for their drink orders.