The Marriage Decree

Chapter 115: It Could Happen To Anyone

Author's Notes: I will be conducting the vote that I mentioned in the last chapter, tomorrow on my Instagram (delilah.wise). If you do not have Instagram, please comment on this Author's Note and I will ask the question in the comment section after I have asked it on Instagram. I want to gain as many people's thoughts as possible. Thank you. :D

Hermione has Scorpius cradled in her arms as she steps into their fireplace, clearly stating "Leaky Cauldron" as she throws the Floo powder down. She waited at the bar for Draco to follow behind with their son's pram. They had a little agreement with Tom behind the bar that they could use his fireplace as many times as they wanted as long as they ate lunch in the pub once a month.

"I can't believe they've already got Christmas decorations up," Draco disapproves, scanning the tinsel covered pub.

"It is the first of December," Hermione points out, waving at Tom further down the bar, who raises a finger to signal, he'll be with them in a minute.

"Some people seem to confuse the whole month with the one day," he says, sitting on a barstool.

"I thought I cured your hatred of Christmas last year," Hermione teases. "This is our first Christmas as a family," she kisses the top of Scorpius' hat. "I want it to be the best Christmas we've ever had."

"It's not going to be hard; all you need to do is improve on last year." Draco pouts.

"We have Scorpius this year; it's already an improvement." She reminds him.

"Welcome, and Merry Christmas," Tom greets them, leaning over the bar to get a glimpse of Scorpius.

Draco sighs with an eye roll, picking the collapsed pram up and heading over to their usual table, which was thankfully empty.

"He doesn't like Christmas," Hermione explains to Tom.

"Doesn't like Christmas," the barman frowns. "If he weren't your husband, I'd kick him out for that alone." He jokes.

Hermione smiles, "I've had to drag him out of the house today for the light switch on tonight. We're also shopping for some decorations, we didn't bother last year, but feel it's necessary now we have Scorpius. We can't take pictures of a barren house." She explains.

"You do right," Tom nods, softly stroking little Scorpius' cheek. "Are you getting some lunch before your full day?" He asks.

"Yes, I promised Draco food before our shopping trip. I'm sure this is the only reason he actually came." She compliments the bar owner.

"The usual drinks?" He asks, smiling.

"Yes, please," Hermione nods, amused that they'd apparently become regulars at the Leaky Cauldron. "We're at the usual table. We'll be back with our food order." She tells him as he begins making her drinks.

"I'll send these over," Tom nods.

Hermione joins Draco at their table, sitting opposite her husband after placing her quiet son in his pram. Scorpius seemed more than content to lie there, sucking on his fingers.

"I don't know what we did to deserve such a relaxed child," Draco says, staring at him.

"He's only twelve weeks old; just you wait," she teases. "What do you fancy for lunch?" She asks, handing him the menu, already knowing she was going to order the new teriyaki chicken sandwich.

A new bartender brings them their drinks on a levitating tray and asks if they're ready to order any food. They each order, then enjoy a conversation about their afternoon shopping plans while they wait. Draco awkwardly makes eye contact with Audrey as she enters the Leaky Cauldron from the Muggle entrance. She offers him a small wave, and he returns her greeting with a small smile. She's easily forgotten, though, when their lunch arrives a few minutes later. As usual, they both cut their sandwiches in half and exchange one half. Draco had ordered a prawn marie rose sandwich, which Hermione enjoyed having ordered it herself last time.