From Venice with Love

The days became warmer and Hermione spent most of her time studying for her N.E.W.T.S. Soon it was Easter break. Hermione stayed at school as Professor Dumbledore felt she should not return home. He did allow the Grangers to come visit their daughter, however.

Hermione was almost seven months pregnant and was finding it harder to get around. She was tired, and her feet hurt from climbing the castle stairs. There was no hiding her pregnancy now even if she wanted to. Her robes being too small, Draco had sent for new ones that were larger and she was more comfortable now.

“These are ghastly,” she said unhappily, looking in the mirror.

“They’re not that bad,” Ginny said, trying hard not to smile. It was the Saturday after Easter break and Hermione was awaiting Draco’s return. He had gone home over Easter- his father had insisted and Dumbledore thought it was better not to get Lucius any more suspicious. She had missed him desperately, but talked to him daily through their necklaces and through the owls he sent her. Today she had received a large package of maternity clothes that she was trying on; each looked more hideous than the next.

“Did he bother to look before he bought these?” Hermione said, turning sideways. “I look like a big overgrown gnome.”

“He may have just sent an elf,” Ginny said, laughing out loud. Ginny had stayed at school to keep Hermione company. Harry had gone to the Burrow with Ron, but he had come to visit once with Mrs. Weasley. Hermione was still not talking to Ron, which hurt, but had resigned herself to the idea that they might not be close friends again.

“I can’t wear these!” Hermione pulled the dress over her head and threw it on her bed. “If only I could go to London myself.”

“Not likely,” Ginny said. “It’s only a few more months. I’m sure Draco will buy you new ones once he sees these.”

“I need baby things too,” Hermione sighed, putting on another new dress. “Maybe Professor McGonagall will take me.”

“Malfoy can get them,” Ginny said.

“I want to do it,” Hermione complained. She looked in the mirror again. “This is awful as well.”

“I’m sure you do, but what if someone sees you? You can barely walk as it is.”

“I know.” Hermione looked up suddenly. “Of course, I’ll have my mum buy me some things. She has good taste. I should have thought of it sooner.” She went over to her desk and began writing. She wrote quickly and rolled her parchment. “Ready?” she asked Ginny. They walked up to the owlery where Hermione tied her parchment to a school owl and they watched it fly away.

“Now what?” Ginny asked.

“We could walk down to the lake,” Hermione suggested. “It’s so beautiful out.”

“Sounds good,” Ginny agreed and they walked through the castle and down to the lake, talking happily. Few students had stayed for break, so they were alone. Hermione fell awkwardly down on the ground as Ginny sat gracefully, trying not to laugh.

“This will be you, one day,” Hermione said. “I fully intend to tease you mercilessly when it is.”

“One day in the far off future,” Ginny said.

“Just because Dean isn’t the one doesn’t mean you won’t find someone,” Hermione said. “It will probably be when you least expect it.”

Her necklace warmed and she looked at it. “I’m back,” it said. “Where are you?.”

“I’m at the lake with Ginny,” she sent back. “Draco’s back,” she told Ginny.

“Really? That’s early. I thought they weren’t due back for a few hours.”

Hermione shrugged and watched the hill until she saw Draco walking down. She tried to get up, but found she couldn’t gain enough momentum. “Ginny, help,” Ginny laughed, but helped Hermione up. She brushed off her dress just as Draco reached them. “Hello,” she said as Draco hugged her awkwardly around her large stomach. “I missed you,”

“I missed you too.” He backed up and looked at her. “Did you get even bigger this week?”

“Wrong thing to say,” Ginny hissed, as Hermione turned red with anger.

“If you hadn’t done this to me, I’d be my normal size.” She huffed, turning to Ginny. “I think it would be only fair if men got fat too, don’t you, Gin?”

“Umm, yeah.” Ginny said and Draco tried to get out an apology before Hermione went on.

“You think I don’t know how big I am?” she continued. “That I need you reminding me?”

“I didn’t mean it like that,” Draco said meekly.

“Really. What part of ‘did you get bigger’ did I misinterpret then?” Hermione asked, hands on her hips.

“Look, there’s Harry!” Ginny said wildly, glad to change the subject. “Harry! Over here!”

Harry looked around the lake before coming over. “You shouldn’t be out here like this,” Harry hissed at Draco. “Someone could see.”

“No one’s here, Potter. It’s fine.”

“Everyone’s back-they’re just unpacking.” Harry said, looking at Draco disapprovingly.

“Then they won’t be down here, will they?” Draco said. “Give me a break, Potter; I haven’t seen my wife in a week.”

“Five minutes,” Harry sighed, giving in. He turned to Ginny. “Hi, Ginny. How was your week?”

Draco pulled Hermione a few feet away from Harry and Ginny. “I’m sorry, love,” he said. “I shouldn’t have said that, about your size.”

“It’s okay,” Hermione said. “I’m just bored being cooped up here. I can’t even buy things for the baby.”

“I’ll do that,” Draco said.

“You can’t be seen buying baby things. I’ve written my mother to get some things, just in case the baby comes early. How did you get my clothes by the way?”

“I sent an elf,” Draco said. “Is that one of the things it got you? It’s horrid! I mean-”

“It’s okay,” Hermione smiled. “I know it’s horrid. My mum will be sending me clothes too.”

“I’ll send her some money to cover it,” Draco said.

“I think she can spare it,” Hermione told him.

“Still, it’s my responsibility,” Draco put his hand on her protruding stomach. “How’s the baby?”

“Active,” Hermione said, as Draco rubbed her belly. He smiled as he looked from her belly to her face.

“Malfoy!” Harry’s voice was panicked and Hermione jumped at the sound. Turning, she saw Harry and Ginny trying to shield them from sight. Behind them, with her mouth hanging open, was Pansy Parkinson.