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Time's Up	By : Gotbooks00 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Hermione/Blaise Views: 23286 -:- Recommendations : 4 -:- Currently Reading : 6
Disclaimer: I own many things, but not any recognizable characters, things, or places in the Harry Potter series. Somehow, I doubt that JKR would agree to joint custody…shame, that. Also, no profit is being made from the writing or posti

Chapter List
- 1-Time's Up
- 2-TWO
- 3-THREE
- 4-FOUR
- 5-FIVE
- 6-SIX
- 7-SEVEN
- 8-EIGHT
- 9-NINE
- 10-TEN
- 11-ELEVEN
- 12-TWELVE
- 13-THIRTEEN
- 14-FOURTEEN
- 15-FIFTEEN
- 16-SIXTEEN
- 17-SEVENTEEN
- 18-EIGHTEEN
- 19-NINETEEN
- 20-TWENTY
- 21-TWENTY ONE
- 22-TWENTY TWO
- 23-TWENTY THREE
- 24-TWENTY FOUR
- 25-TWENTY FIVE
- 11
- 12
- 13
Time’s Up, by Gotbooks93

Summary: After successfully hiding the existence of her son for eight years, Hermione is out of luck and out of time. When the father of her child discovers her secret, their quiet worlds are changed forever. Will things become better, or worse? Join Hermione and Xander as they find out.

CHAPTER TWELVE

“Perfectly normal.” Said Healer Stiles as he looked at Xander’s prone figure, flopped over on the examination table. “Some children are simply too overwhelmed with the return of their magic. That, coupled with the lethargy, sometimes causes them to briefly lose consciousness.”

Despite this reassurance, Hermione moved to her son’s side, gently stroking his hair out of his face. Her fingers grazed the nearly- healed cut on his forehead, and she mused that he had managed to comb his bangs in a way that mostly hid the injury. Clever boy.

“Now, as for his results.” Continued Healer Stiles, making small marks over the parchment in his hands. “I’ll need to run them through some runic translators and a few Arithmancy equations. Luckily, Alexander is my last appointment for the day. If you’re willing to wait for an hour or two, I can have the results calculated before you leave.”

Blaise asked Hermione if she had any other appointments for the day. When she responded in the negative, he confirmed that they would wait for the results.

“The Ministry’s cafeteria has some food that it technically edible, but hard to palate. If you’re looking for something better, there’s several small restaurants on the fourth floor. They’re a bit pricier, but certainly worth the cost if you ask me.” Healer Stiles continued. “I’ll be back in around two hours, if you two would like to go grab a bite to eat.” With that, the healer exited, Lang following silently after him. Just as the door was about to swing shut, Hermione saw the man turn around and take one last look at her. She shifted uneasily- the man’s gaze made her skin crawl.

Turning around, Hermione saw that Blaise had pulled a chair up to Xander’s bedside. “I’ll go get some food if you’ll stay here with him.” Hermione offered. Blaise nodded, pulling out a handful of galleons from the pocket of his robes. Pretending not to hear the quiet clink of the coins, Hermione turned toward the door with every intention to leave without the monetary offering.

“Hermione.” Blaise said from his seat, his voice holding a note of finality. The galleons weren’t an offering, then- they were an order.

“Blaise, you paid for dinner the other night. Let me get this one.” Hermione said, impatient.

“Absolutely not. I will be paying for the meal.” Said Blaise, and she thought she saw a spark of deviousness in his expression before it was gone. He jingled the coins again, lightly.

Hermione mentally debated taking the money, before surrendering. She didn’t have the energy to fight him on the matter, and Blaise wouldn’t take ‘no’ as an answer. Reaching for the offered coins, she gasped as he moved like lightening.

Still seated on his chair, Blaise’s empty hand snaked around her waist, pulling her between his parted legs. His other hand, quickly disposing of the coins in his pocket, wrapped around the back of her right thigh, holding her securely to him.

Hermione had automatically placed her hands on his shoulders, steading herself. Blaise, his head much lower than her own, looked up at her with dancing golden eyes. “I’m afraid the galleons come at a price, Ms. Granger.” He murmured cheekily.

“But I already offered to pay for dinner!” said Hermione, her voice a little breathless. “Why don’t you just let me go get it?”

“I think my way is much more fun.” Said Blaise. Leaning forward, he lightly ran the tip of his nose along the dip under her breasts. Hermione let out a quiet gasp at the contact, and Blaise closed his eyes, seeming to savor the sound.

“Blaise, Xander-”

“-is completely asleep, I am sure of it. Now, as for your payment for the galleons.” He continued, continuing to nuzzle the outline of Hermione’s chest as he spoke, “Will be one kiss, which will end at my say- so.”

Hermione, caught between excitement at his actions, and amusement at his antics, agreed to his terms with a nod. Lowering her head, she lightly brushed her lips across his own, gently nipping his full lower lip. Blaise immediately eased her lips open with his tongue, slipping into her mouth.

Their tongues slid against each other, firm but not dominating. The sweet taste of Blaise lingered in Hermione’s mouth as their lips pulled and pushed against each other, a dance as old as time.

When he had turned Hermione into a breathless, sensitive mass of nerves, Blaise pulled away, gently pressing his lips against hers once, twice, three times, as if saying farewell.

“Well done Ms. Granger,” Blaise said, his voice a little rough. “If I were awarding grades, you’d get an ‘O’. As it is, I’ll just have to hand over the money for our dinner.”

“Thank you, Mr. Zabini,” Her dry tone was spoiled a little by her lack of breath. “shall I go fetch your dinner, sir? Perhaps a copy of the Prophet for you to read, while I’m at it?”

“No, I’ve already read today’s issue of that rag.” Blaise replied airily. “Just dinner, I think.” He slipped several galleons into her open hand, kissing the back of it as he folded her fingers into a fist.

Trying and failing to repress a smile, Hermione turned on her heel and started to march towards the door. Before she got far, Blaise patted her lightly on the bum, giving a cheeky, “Don’t take long. I’m rather ravenous.”

As Hermione hurried to the fourth floor, she thought of the deep, smooth laugh that had accompanied her exit. ‘That man could charm the knickers off a nun, I swear.’ She thought. Despite this, she couldn’t help the scarlet blush that spread across her face- nor her small, happy smile.

~(o)~

Holding a takeout bag containing their dinner (Green curry dishes for she and Blaise, and fish and chips for Xander) Hermione walked down the hall toward the door to their room. Just as she was about to open the door, Hermione paused, her hand still on the door handle. Inside, she could hear the voice of Xander, quickly followed by the deeper rumble of Blaise’s.

While Hermione had seen the two interact often enough, she was vaguely curious about what they talked about when she wasn’t around. Gently pressing her ear to the door, she waited to hear the conversation start back up.

“-just have to show them something impressive from the get- go. If they see you know your way around a wand, they’ll know to lay off, and things will be easier for the rest of your time at Hogwarts.” Blaise was saying.

“Something impressive?” Xander’s voice, quieter, asked.

“Something clever, that isn’t in the standard first- year books. Confundo would do well, although not at full power- just enough to mix someone up a bit. The flame in a bottle charm- your mother is quite good at that one. Or jelly- legs hex, if things get nasty.”

“Do you think things will get nasty, Father? I mean, if I am in Slytherin, which everyone says I will be. It rather sounds like none of the Slytherins are really, truly friends.”

“Most of them will only be looking out for themselves, without a doubt. But there will be a few of them that you can trust. Those are the ones you want to ally yourself quickly, so they can have your back.”

“Like you and Uncle Draco?”

“Yes, like me and Uncle Draco, although we weren’t really friends until around our fourth year. I learned rather early on that it was useful to spread out your allies, your friends, into other houses. It makes life easier, having a larger network.”

“Like you and Mother?”

A long pause accompanied this question, and Hermione wished she could see Blaise’s face.

“Not exactly.” Blaise responded quietly. “Your mother and I never spoke a word to each other until we were sixteen, and only because we were paired for an Arithmancy project. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like, if I had been friends with her before that. By the end of our sixth year, she was my closest friend, besides Draco.”

“What was Mother like, back in school?” Xander asked, and Hermione leaned away from the door, trying to stifle her giggles. Her son would surely be disappointed by Blaise’s response. She was much the same in Hogwarts as she was now.

“-of the prettiest girls in our year, although half the boys were frightened of her.” Blaise was saying. Hermione frowned. She was hardly a beauty, especially back then.

“Did she have a boyfriend, besides you?” asked Xander. Hermione heard the quiet rustle of tin foil. If Blaise was giving Xander sweets before dinner, she was going to hex him.

“She dated a Bulgarian boy named Viktor Krum for a bit, and then a Gryffindor named Cormac McLaggen, who was a year ahead of us. Bit of a ponce, if you ask me, but I suppose we can blame Slughorn for that relationship.”

“Slughorn?” asked Xander. “What’s that?”

“Professor Slughorn taught potions in our sixth and seventh year.” Said Blaise. “He had this club, called the Slug Club. It was sort of his collection of students who had good connections, or real potential. I was in it, and so was your mother. Harry Potter, Cormac McLaggen, Melinda Bobbin…Draco never did get in, funnily enough. Always drove him mad, that. Anyway, Slughorn used to throw these little parties we would all have to attend, and McLaggen asked your mother to be his date before I could. Scared her off easily enough, if I remember correctly. Isn’t that right, Hermione?”

Hermione’s mouth twisted, and she leaned back from the door. Perhaps he was bluffing.

“I know you’re there, cara. I can see your shadow next to the door. Alexander, always pay attention to the shadows. They might tell you more truth than light will.” Blaise imparted the wisdom to his son as Hermione eased open the door, still holding the take- out bag.

“Didn’t your mother ever teach you not to eavesdrop, sweetheart?” Blaise asked as he unpacked the containers of dinner.

“Didn’t yours teach you not to eat sweets before supper?” retorted Hermione, nodding toward the small stack of tin wrappers on Xander’s bed.

“Ah, son, we’ve been caught. Make sure to eat all your food, or your mother will have my head.” Said Blaise, winking at Xander.

The trio quickly started eating, Xander easily eating his whole meal and part of Hermione’s leftovers, obviously famished from the magic measuring process. A few minutes after they had thrown away their food containers, Healer Stiles re- entered, carrying his ever- present clip board. Mr. Lang did not accompany him.

“Well, I have the results of Alexander’s tests.” Said Stiles, pulling up a chair. “Overall, Alexander scored a nine- point- two. Now, most magical children his age would score right around a four, maybe a five. However, highest recorded score for an eight year old is a twelve, so according to Ministry he needs to be registered as someone who has ECES.”

“What about his health? Isn’t too much magic in the human body dangerous?” asked Hermione.

“It certainly is, especially for children. However, we aren’t too worried in your son’s case. We usually start getting concerned if they score over a ten during their first test. However, Alexander’s magic isn’t done growing, so he’ll need to see a specialist to help stabilize his power as he gets older.

“An old friend of mine, Johan Woodwork, is a specialist in dealing with children like Alexander. However, he isn’t as young as he used to be, and has trained several apprentices over the years, and I know one of them currently has an opening in his schedule. His name is Evan Clearwater, and he works in a small magical clinic in London, called St. Kendall’s. I need you to both sign off on Alexander’s registration paperwork.” he handed the parchment to Hermione, who waited for Blaise to look over the legal jargon before signing.

“I’ve also written up a referral to Master Clearwater’s practice.” Healer Stiles handed an envelope to Blaise, who slipped it into an inside pocket of his robes. Standing, the two men shook hands. Xander jumped off the examination table as Healer stiles gently shook Hermione’s hand, then Xander’s. “Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, and I wish you all the best of luck.”

~(o)~

“Can you believe the nerve of that man?” Hermione hissed from her seat. “Sending me away from my own child- me, his mother! We’ve been dismissed!”

“Exiled.” Agreed Blaise, who sat in the seat beside her.

“Banished!” Unfortunately, Hermione found she was too furious to note the tone of humor in his voice. And so, the tirade continued.

“Expelled from his presence.” Blaise continued to feed Hermione’s diatribe.

“Exactly!” exclaimed Hermione, huffing. “I mean, who does he think he is, the bloody Queen?”

“Mmhmm.” Hummed Blaise. “I mean, it’s not like he’s an expert in his field, or anything.”

Hermione opened her mouth to agree, and then stopped short. “You think I’m being silly?”

“I would never call you ‘silly’ my dear,” he said, a slight smile dancing about his lips. “However, I think you should let the man do his job.”

Hermione grumbled lightly. She and Blaise were sitting in the waiting room at St. Kendall’s Magical Medical Clinic. They had arrived an hour prior, and met Even Clearwater. The man had explained where he had gained his mastery in the medical arts, and he confirmed that he was indeed Penelope Clearwater’s cousin. After a few preliminary questions, Master Clearwater had revealed he had a copy of Healer Stiles’ notes. Hermione’s recounting of Xander’s various accidental magic incidents was included. After he confirmed a few minor details with Hermione, he had politely made a request of Hermione and Blaise: “Mr. Zabini, Ms. Granger, go sit in the waiting room for the rest of the hour. Alexander and I have a few things we need to discuss.”

Hermione, shocked at the blunt dismissal, allowed Blaise to maneuver her out of her chair and toward the door. As they came upon the doorway, Hermione heard Master Clearwater begin to question her son. “So, Alexander, how about you tell me about yourself?”

Seeing Hermione coming out of her haze, Blaise hurriedly closed the door behind them and seated her in one of the waiting room chairs.

Hermione sighed, trying to reign in her temper. The thought of abandoning Xander when he was obviously uncomfortable went against the grain, and her Momma Bear claws had come out. But Blaise was right- the man was an expert, and maybe some one- on- one time would we more effective if she weren’t hovering. In an effort to distract herself, Hermione picked up an old copy of a wizarding medical journal, idly flipping through it. Upon reaching the back cover, she tossed it back onto the coffee table and spoke.

“Now that we have a minute, I wanted to ask you something.” Hermione said, turning in her seat so that she faced him. “It’s about the Harpies case.”

Looking surprised, Blaise raised a brow. “Oh?” he asked, not giving anything away.

“As you know, Ginny Weasley is on the team, and she’s worried about being cut- you told me the other night that the owners are thinking about just building a new team since their contracts will be up soon.”

“I did.” Blaise agreed.

“Anyway, apparently word has gotten back to the team that their contracts probably won’t be renewed in September.” Blaise remained silent, and Hermione pressed on. “I haven’t said anything to her, in case it doesn’t work out, but could you possibly talk to the owners into keeping her on next season? I know you know them already, and Gin really wants to keep playing pro.”

Blaise looked at her unblinkingly, all traces of his previous good humor gone from his face. Silence stretched on between them, and Hermione shifted in her seat, trying not to look away from his face.

“Blaise, please understand- I know there’s a chance you won’t be able to do anything, and that’s okay. But could you just try? Apparently Pansy and Ginny’s adoption eligibility is on the line if Gin can’t find a steady job, and they’ve already waited so long to start.” Hermione couldn’t help the pleading tone that crept into her voice.

Blaise opened his mouth, looking thoughtful, when Hermione was distracted. Seeing the door to Clearwater’s office swing open out of the corner of her eye, she turned to see the man in the doorway, smiling pleasantly.

“Would you two please re- join us?” asked Clearwater.

They simultaneously stood, Blaise allowing Hermione to pass into the room first. Inside, Xander sat on the same chair as before, but a tissue box was on the table next to him. Trying to be inconspicuous, Hermione glanced at his face, checking for tears. Finding no traces of them, she allowed herself to relax.

“Firstly, I’d like to say that I’m quite optimistic for Alexander’s future progress,” began Clearwater when they were all seated. “Unless you object, I don’t feel the need to refer him to one of my colleges, and hope to treat Alexander in the future.”

“Xander, darling, is that okay with you?” Hermione leaned in and whispered in his ear, and he gave her a firm nod in response. Nodding to Blaise, she spoke to Clearwater. “Master Clearwater, we’d be happy to continue working with you if you can fit us in.”

“Please, call me Seth.” He said. “Now, my methods usually run similarly to those used by muggle psychologists. It is my belief that by creating mental stability within the child, the probability for outbursts of power, or accidental magic, are greatly reduced. I usually pair this method with several other, more physical ones, depending on the child.”

“What kind of physical means are we talking about, here?” asked Hermione warily.

“Some of my past patients find it useful to apply for an early wand.” Said Seth, “It allows the child to cast a few standard spells, and channels their magic into a concentrated source. Highly Ministry regulated, you’ll understand. But honestly, I don’t think that would be beneficial for Alexander in the long- term. Instead, I’d like to start him off with some basic meditation and physical exertions, such as martial arts training.”

“Okay, what can we do at home?” asked Hermione.

“I’ll give Alexander a short book on the art of meditation and how it influences magical abilities. The fact that he already has a familiar- Selena, was it?- should help him reach a state of mental stability. Instead of starting with martial arts right away, though, I’d like you to start taking him on jogs, perhaps have him participate in some pick- up Quidditch matches. Studies show the routine and physical exertions caused by running are beneficial to magical childhood steadiness.”

Seth went on to explain his hopes for Xander’s progress, and suggested a schedule. For an hour two times a week, Xander would visit the clinic and talk to Seth about things going on in his day to day life.

“I think we’ll be able to manage that,” agreed Hermione “however, Xander and I will be leaving on a week- long vacation next week to Hawaii. Perhaps we could begin his counseling when we return?”

Seth nodded, filling out a patient form. He handed Hermione the form. “I’ll schedule his first session next two weeks from now, then.” He said, “That paper should detail the cost of my services, any recommended reading for the two of you as parents, and my personal floo address. Please contact me if Alexander has any incidents. Now, let me walk you through some basic meditation techniques…”

A few minutes later, the trio departed St. Kendall’s and apparated to a park Hermione and Xander frequented. Xander trotted off, heading towards the swings, leaving Hermione and Blaise alone on the park bench.

“When were you going to tell me about your little trip?” Blaise suddenly spoke, his voice cold.

“I suppose I just forgot to tell you,” Hermione explained, making an effort not to fall into the argument he was obviously itching for. “Everyone knows I take Xander on a trip before the school year starts back up, and I guess I just assumed you knew. I’m sorry I forgot to tell you, but I’m going to take him anyway.”

“Have you ordered an international portkey yet? A hotel room?” He asked after a pause.

“Not yet,” Hermione admitted, shifting her weight. “I’ll do it when I get home. They usually have several portkeys scheduled during the summer months, so I’m not terribly worried.”

“Why Hawaii?” He asked.

“The weather is fabulous, and neither of us have ever been there. I’d like a couple of days on the beach. Xander and I both enjoy the time we have together, without any interruptions.”

There was a long pause, and Hermione fought the urge to look at Blaise’s face. Then:

“Perhaps I can make a better offer.” Blaise’s voice had turned warm and smooth, like melted butter. Her guard was immediately up; she knew from experience that he used that voice when he wanted something. “I’ll be making a trip to Italy soon, and I was hoping to take you both with me.”

“Italy?” she asked.

“Yes, Italy. It would be nice to have Xander see where his ancestors come from, and I’d love for you to see the original Zabini Manor.”

“I don’t know, Blaise…” Hermione was hesitant.

“Think about it, darling. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are in Italy, and the weather is fantastic. Not a bleary heat, like here in England. My family has a pretty little beach house, just meters from the ocean. I’ll have to work for a day or two, but that will give you some time to spend with Alexander, one-on-one.” He coaxed. “And we have to keep the press in mind. What looks better in newsprint- a mother and her son, sans his father, or a lovely family getaway, postcard perfect?”

Hermione’s mouth twisted at the mention of the potential articles; she and Blaise had long- since learned to ignore the press, but she knew Xander still read the Prophet a little too closely.

The selfish part of her brain was annoyed. This was the one time of year that she got Xander all to herself, without the interruption of homework, grading, or other people to interfere, and she truly believed this was what made her so close with her child.

When her silence persisted, Blaise pulled out the big guns.

“If that won’t change maybe this will: If you and Alexander come with me to Italy next week, free of charge, of course, then I’ll put in a good word for Weasley.”

If he didn’t have her attention before, he did now. Seeing her turn to face him, Blaise continued. “I can’t guarantee anything as far as the Harpies are concerned, but an old friend of mine has some sway on the Puddlemore United team. He owes me a favor- some very unsavory photos of his sister almost leaked to the public, and their family’s name would be in the trash if it weren’t for me. I can’t guarantee a starting position, but she could at least be in reserve. Not the same salary, but it’s hardly chump change. Certainly enough to appease the adoption agency, as far as she and Pansy are considered. ”

Hermione knew he was using blatantly sneaky tactics to cohere her into agreeing. He was basically bribing her, the sly, sly Slytherin. But he was offering something that she did want, and perhaps Italy would be nice?

“All right.” Hermione conceded. “If Xander agrees, we can go.”

Clearly sensing victory, Blaise pressed his lips to her cheek, murmuring “Grazi, bella.”

“Alexander,” Blaise called toward the swing set, where Xander was on his belly, legs and head hanging over the edge of one of the swings.

At his father’s call, he peered at his parents through the upside- down V of his legs. “Yes?” he called back.

“Come here, I want to ask you something.” Blaise called back.

Hermione couldn’t help but wonder what she had gotten herself into.

Hi guys!

So, Italy is up next. Major drama, so brace yourselves. What do you think is going to happen?

The reviews last chapter were awesome- I replied to all of the signed ones, which I am very proud of. It’s great to hear from my readers, and it makes writing new chapters much, much, much easier. Let’s see if you guys can match the review count this chapter!

Not much else to say. Hope you’re all doing well.

Hakuna Matata,

Gotbooks93
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Time's Up