The Whole Nine Yards

Chapter Twenty-Three - Complicated

~ Defence Against the Dark Arts Classroom ~

Hermione stood in the doorway and simply watched Harry for a while. He was sitting at his desk, which was covered with student homework, but he was staring into space.

"Harry?"

Harry jumped in his seat and turned to stare at her, his hand on his heart. "God, Hermione! You scared me to death."

"I would hope not," Hermione said, smiling slightly as she entered the room. She sat down in the front row. "Draco needs you."

Hermione was shocked to see Harry's face shut down at the mere mention of his husband's name. "What's going on with you, Harry?"

"I don't want to talk about it," Harry said coldly as he pulled an essay towards him and pretended to read it.

Hermione wasn't fooled by this and stared at him, hoping the silence would unnerve him and force him to fill it.

Ten minutes and three essays later, Hermione was beginning to run out of patience. She stood up and stepped up to Harry's desk. She pulled a picture out of her pocket and placed it directly in front of him on his desk.

"This is for you," she said softly. "It's a girl."

Hermione returned to her seat and sat and stared at Harry, watching closely for the slightest reaction. She had grown very close to Draco over the years and she hated to see him so upset. Sometimes it seemed to her that he was going through what was known as a sympathetic pregnancy. Usually it was the pregnant woman's partner who shared the symptoms. But Hermione believed that because Draco couldn't be near the woman carrying his child, that he was experiencing it vicariously through her. She didn't mind. She was glad to be able to share it with him. Especially since Ron, although excited, was unable to understand what she was going through.

She had been so proud of the way Draco had embraced parenthood. He may have been apprehensive but once he had committed to it, he had thrown himself into the experience. They often chatted about names and decorating ideas and the like.

Harry was staring down at the picture. Hermione saw a flicker of emotion before his mask was firmly back in place. The flicker was too quick for her to determine what it was, but at least he had felt something other than the cool façade he was projecting out onto the world.

"He loves you so much, Harry," Hermione said gently. "Don't push him away."

Harry looked up at her sharply. "I'm not pushing him away," he denied strongly.

"It certainly seems that way," she countered.

Harry shook his head and spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness. "You know how much I love him, Mione. That hasn't changed."

"Then what has changed?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know. Me?" Harry offered.

"Harry, I know this is a difficult experience for the two of you, but you know that Ron and I will always be here for you, don't you"

"I know. Thank you," Harry smiled at her gratefully.

Hermione raised her eyebrows expectantly.

Harry sighed. "I really don't know what you want me to tell you."

"The truth, Harry. Just tell me what you are feeling."

"When I find out, I'll let you know," Harry said.

Hermione grimaced.

"I'm sorry," Harry said defensively. "I know I've been acting a bit strangely lately but I honestly don't know why."

"You are going to be the death of me, Harry James Potter," Hermione said with a grin as she stood up. She kissed him on the forehead. "I'd better go find Ron. He hasn't seen that picture yet. Remember, come and find me anytime day or night if you want to talk."

"I will," Harry promised.

~ Harry and Draco's Room ~

Draco was curled up in bed, almost asleep when he felt strong arms encircle him. He snuggled back into Harry's embrace and sighed happily.

"I do love you, Drac," Harry whispered in his ear.

Draco bit back the tears as he turned in Harry's arms. He wound his arms around Harry's neck and buried his fingers in Harry's hair. "I've missed you."

"What are you talking about?" Harry asked bemused. "I've been here every night."

"In body perhaps," Draco allowed. "But not in spirit."

"I'm sorry, my dragon."

Draco smiled at the pet name. "I love you too, you know."

Harry smiled back at him and leaned down to kiss him.

Draco couldn't help himself. As his lips latched onto Harry's, he pressed his naked body up against Harry's almost desperately. They hadn't made love in at least a month and that had to be some sort of record for them.

Ten minutes later, Harry rolled off him and lay on his back beside his husband. He linked his hands together behind his head and stared up at the ceiling.

Draco rolled onto his side and curled around Harry, sighing contentedly. He wrapped his arm around Harry's chest. Draco pressed his lips against Harry's side.

"Goodnight, sweetheart," Draco said, closing his eyes. He snuggled closer to Harry and drifted off to sleep.