Chapter 18: Lunch With Everyone
Hermione woke up the next morning, nestled in the crook of Draco's elbow. He seemed so peaceful sleeping, and she didn't want to wake him, but she had to use the restroom so badly. She had realized a few days ago how much bigger the babies must be getting. It seemed like she always had to pee.
She slowly slid out of their bed and walked as quietly as she could to the bathroom. Once she was up, she was up, though. She stood in front of the mirror, looking at her stomach. She couldn't believe that she had three small babies inside of her. She was amazed at the process and started reading muggle books on the matter. There were so many things that could go wrong with having 1 child, but three. She was worried all the time; something would go wrong. After the longest time in front of the mirror, she drew herself a bath and tried to relax some.
Yesterday had felt like it was never-ending, and she tried to remember every little part of it, but she couldn't. Everything was such a blur. The only thing she could remember clearly at the moment was when the bond heated up when she said 'I do' after Draco. It was a strange but happy feeling knowing she would be bonded to someone forever.
She stayed in the bath for a long time, her toes and fingers were starting to get wrinkly, and just when she was about to get out, she heard a knock at the door.
"Hermione, may I come in?" Draco's voice sounded sleepy still, and it made her smile, knowing that he was going to be on the other side of the door whenever she needed him.
"Hold on just a minute," Hermione got out of the tub and wrapped a towel around herself, "Alright," She called, letting the water run down the drain.
Draco pushed open the door and walked into the steaming bathroom.
"How hot was your bath?" He smiled at her and kissed her on the head.
"It felt so nice. I hope I didn't wake you," She nestled into his chest and just stood there. Why did this feel so easy when everything about the situation should make her feel uncomfortable, scared, and angry.
"No, the owl tapping at the window did," Draco held a letter addressed to Hermione out for her to read.
"It's Harry," Hermione smiled at the letter, "He wants to know if we want to join him and Ginny for lunch today around 2," Hermione looked up at her husband and practically begged him with only her eyes.
"Of course, but tonight we should open all of our gifts and maybe have supper with mother,"
"Sounds good," Hermione kissed Draco lightly on the lips and then walked into the closet on the other side of the room to find something to wear. She didn't realize that it was almost noon.
Draco knew that she would try several things before she felt comfortable enough to go out in public, enough outfits that would give him time to shower quickly.
"Draco, nothing looks good," Hermione was upset constantly about how things fit or didn't fit anymore. Draco was an expert on what to do already, and Hermione was grateful. She knew that it was unreasonable, but she didn't want to show off her belly yet. The thought of people staring and asking questions was just still too much.
"I am sure that is not true," Draco claimed as he stepped out of the shower, just in time, "What have you tried?"
"Three different dresses, pants that I love that do not fit anymore, 2 different skirts. I just don't like how anything looks,"
"Let me see some of the dresses," Draco walked over and sat on the bed, waiting for her to give in.
She tried on the first dress, and Draco understood why it had his wife so upset. It accented her stomach in a way that made it look like she was going to give birth any day, "Not that one dear," He smiled and walked up the closet to look for something.
"How about this?" Draco held out an oversized sweater dress.
"Oh, why didn't I think of that," Hermione put in on and sighed. She felt much better now. She slipped on some pantyhose and black books with the white dress and grabbed a bag and through what seemed to Draco was way more than she needed for lunch into her bag.
"Are we going on a trip I don't know about?" Draco joked.
"I can't help it. I like to be prepared. You know, in case something happens,"
"Oh, right," Draco walked over and hugged her. He never wanted to let go. He just wanted her to know that she was going to be safe with him. That he would do everything in his power to make sure that their family was always alright. He never wanted his family to experience the things that they had.
"Nothing is going to happen, I know. It just makes me feel better,"
"All I want you to be is safe, and feel safe," Draco kissed the top of Hermione's head and took her hand. It was already 1:30, and he knew that she would want to be there early.
"Want to go?"
"Yes," Hermione smiled and followed Draco to the fireplace. Madam Pomfrey had advised not to apparate while Hermione was pregnant.
Hermione closed her eyes, and when they landed in the next fireplace, she let out a breath. They walked to the restaurant, and Draco smiled slightly when he saw Blaise there too.
"Blaise!" He called out for his friend.
"You got an invite too, that's great," Blaise shook Draco's hand, and Hermione and Luna hugged.
"How are you feeling 'Mione?"
"I feel as I might pee myself all of the time, but other than that, I am feeling alright."
"That's great."
"Hello, everyone." Ginny hugged both Luna and Hermione, and then Harry did the same.
"Hello Gin, thanks for inviting us to lunch. It was a nice surprise," Hermione smiled at her friend and was happy everyone was getting along.
"Sorry we are late," Neville was holding onto Hannah's hand tightly, and he seemed off in a way.
"Neville, so nice to see you," Luna said in a dreamy voice.
"Is this everyone?" Hermione said, looking around. Ginny hadn't put in her letter that everyone was getting together.
"Well actually, we've invited Ron and Romilda," Ginny looked at her feet the entire time that she was talking; she didn't know if anyone would have come if they knew Ron was coming. Ron certainly wouldn't have if he knew everyone she had invited.
"Well, shall we wait a little longer or find somewhere to sit?" Hermione brushed the fact that Ginny seemed ashamed of her actions. When was she going to understand that Hermione wanted to be friends with Ron and rebuild their relationship?
"I think that we should find a seat, and if I see Ron coming, I'll fetch him," Harry motioned for everyone to go inside, and Hermione dropped into pace with Hannah.
"Hannah, are you alright?" Hermione had never seen Hannah without a smile and thought it was strange.
"I..." She couldn't form the words, she was far too upset, and Hermione could tell that.
"I didn't mean to pry; I just wanted to make sure you were alright. I can tell you aren't, and I just want you to know if you need to talk, I'm here for you."
"Thank you, Hermione," Hannah tried to smile, but it was too painful. She didn't know if she could tell anyone. If she did, though, she was glad Hermione had offered. It made her feel welcome and like she mattered.
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