Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

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
- 20
- 21
- 22
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.

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.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Lorena de Polo was having a positively horrid day.

Firstly, someone had set off a bundle of dung bombs in Gryffindor tower, causing both the dorm rooms and common room to smell like putrid sewage- Lorena suspected the culprit belonged to Slytherin, and resolved to glare at all of them more fiercely than usual that day. The smell was enough to make Lorena to gag as she hurriedly cast scent- repelling charms on all her belongings. Nasty old Mr. Filtch had threatened them all with month- long detentions for the accident, and she had been terribly worried until a fourth year girl had assured her that it was an empty threat.

Then, at breakfast, where someone had apparently spiked the baked beans with U- N0- Poo from Wealsey’s Wizard Weezes. This discovery had prompted Headmistress McGonagall to send several students to Madam Pomphrey to get the antidote.

This detour had caused her to be late for Potions. Professor Benley, who was usually very nice and ever so handsome, had docked ten points from Gryffindor for her tardiness, causing her fellow second years to glare at her. Lorena had slunk down in her seat in embarrassment, and remained silent for the rest of class.

After trudging through the pouring rain to Herbology, Lorena had been sure her day couldn’t get any worse. However, the world had decided to prove her wrong. A newborn mandrake had viciously bitten her on the ear during its re- potting, and she had smeared dirt across her forehead while attempting to pry its jaws from her ear. Of course, before she could set her appearance to rights, Rupert Costa, a boy she fancied, had looked over and seen her disheveled appearance before hurriedly looking away. Her best friend Katie had assured her the disheveled look was ‘all the rage in Paris’ but Lorena remained unconvinced.

After making her way through lunch without incident, Lorena’s hopes for the rest of the day were cautiously raised. After all, she had double Charms for the rest of the day, which was her favorite class. She always learned loads of useful spells, and Professor Granger was always very patient- even when something got blown up.

Lately, though, Charms class hadn’t been quite as enjoyable.

Lorena was having some trouble with the Aresto Momentum charm they were learning in class, and Professor Granger was getting less and less patient with each attempt. With each of the instructor’s impatient corrections, Lorena only became more and more nervous, causing her to botch-up the charm even more. Last class, she had left the room in tears.

According to The Daily Prophet, the Charms mistress had been broken up with by her boyfriend a few weeks ago, causing a whirlwind of tabloid coverage. Even if the press hadn’t put the story on the front page, the inhabitants of Hogwarts Castle would still know the news. After all, Alexander Granger’s partial magical destruction of the Charms classroom was hard to miss.

Although Lorena felt terrible for her broken- hearted professor, she rather thought that didn’t mean the woman had to take her heartbreak out on everyone else!

“Lor, guess what!” Katie shrieked as she rushed towards her. “I’ve just heard from Riley, who heard from Pat, who heard from Greg, that Rupert said you looked ‘nice’ today!”

Her dread over Charms class was chased away by the pronouncement, and Lorena grinned. Perhaps the day wasn’t completely horrid after all.

~(o)~

Hermione tried, in vain, to calm her nerves. No, the books on the third shelf did not need to be straightened again, and the couch cushions were fine the way they were. Although, it probably wouldn’t hurt to do one last air freshening charm… after all, it was feeling a bit stuffy.

Just as she raised her wand to start the charm, green flame suddenly leapt in the fireplace, and two figures stepped out. Xander, after regaining his balance, scooped up his bag and headed straight to his room without a word to either of his parents.

After taking a moment to brush soot off his jeans, Blaise straightened his impressively tall frame. Something fluttered in the pit of her stomach, a feeling Hermione quickly tried to squash. That tactic failing, she quickly began their usual ‘Let’s be concerned co- parents’ routine.

“How’d it go?”

“He locked himself in his room for a few hours when he first got here. Blew up a lamp.”

“Anything else?”

“No, just the lamp.”

A sigh.

“How’d you get him to stop?” Hermione asked, frowning.

“Er, I didn’t, actually. Quin popped into his room with a snack, and she had Noelley with her. Carries her around in this little sling on her back. Anyway, Xander saw her and started making faces, which made her laugh, and soon enough he was having a blast, finding new ways to make the baby giggle. Of course, all the paintings of the ancestors were outraged- a Zabini heir, daring to interact with house elf spawn!”

Hermione burst into giggles at the picture Blaise painted, and he soon joined in. Before long their laughter died, leaving behind an awkward silence. Hermione cleared her throat nervously and avoided his gaze.

“I was hoping that things were getting better. He’s still meditating every day, and I try to encourage him to walk around the Hogwart’s grounds to let off some energy, but after the destruction of my classroom, Seth told me to try and give him some space. It’s frustrating, though.”

Blaise nodded. “I was hoping he’d have calmed down by now. I mean, it’s been nearly two weeks since we told him about…um, you know. Us… But he spent most of the weekend reading, or playing with the dogs.”

“I’m sure he’ll snap out of it, eventually.” Hermione smiled tightly. “Um, I meant to ask you something.”

“Yes?” Blaise looked over at her, and for a moment she was caught in the brilliant amber of his gaze.

Trying to suppress a blush for staring, Hermione quickly continued. “Halloween is coming up, and I’ll have to be in attendance for the entirety of the feast, as well as the small upper- year’s ball afterwards. Just in case anyone gets an idea to try and spike the pumpkin juice.”

“Or lets a troll into the dungeons.” Blaise quibbled, grinning.

Hermione smiled genuinely. “Yes, or that. Anyway, Xander always gets bored at the feast, so he usually goes to the Potter’s, but they’re taking the kids to Egypt to visit Bill Weasley. Could… would you mind taking him for the night?” Seeing something flicker across Blaise’s face, Hermione rushed on. “If you have plans already, or a party to attend, I completely understand. I mean, a Halloween at home won’t kill him-”

Blaise cut her off, catching her flailing hands with his own warm ones. Giving them a light squeeze, he smiled. “I’d be delighted to take Alexander for the holiday. I just wasn’t sure where I should take him trick- or- treating. Obviously, my neighborhood isn’t the ideal place to go knocking on doors, asking for sweets.”

“Right. Of course not.” Said Hermione. “I think the shop keepers down on Diagon Alley are open to trick- or- treaters, this year. Of course, you’ll have to check for anything suspicious, and read all the labels of the candy from Weasley’s Wizard Weezes.”

“Of course.” Blaise agreed steadily. “Also, I filed the paperwork to officially name Alexander as my heir. I haven’t actually received confirmation on it yet, but I suspect I will any day now.”

“You’ll let me know?”

“Of course. As soon as I find out.”

Again, the awkward silence stretched between them, and Hermione missed the easy silences they used to share. She realized Blaise’s hands were still clasped around her own, and quickly removed them. Abruptly, Blaise stood from his spot on the couch and turned towards fireplace.

“I best be going.” He said. “I’ll be by on Friday afternoon to pick Alexander up.”

“All right. See you later, then.” Hermione said. Quickly, Blaise threw a handful of floo powder into the fireplace and was gone.

Her hands had never felt colder.

~(o)~

The muggle neighborhood was quiet when Hermione apparated Xander into the Granger’s back garden. She glanced around quickly, ensuring no nosy neighbors had seen their sudden appearance, while Xander nimbly stepped out of her grasp. Hermione tried not to let the hurt show on her face, but her son’s continued silence cut to the quick.

Seeing her daughter and grandson through the kitchen window, Teresa Granger, wiped her hands on a dish cloth and threw open the back doors. “Hello, darlings!” she called cheerily, embracing them both. Hermione noticed her glance at Xander’s neck, arms, and shirt- Selena had been banned from the Granger home several weeks prior due to a ‘No Snake Rule’.

“Hi, Mum.” Hermione said, hugging her mother tightly. “How’re things?”

“Oh, you know. Daddy seems to think he can fix the leaky pipe in the bathroom better than the repair man.” Teresa rolled her eyes in exasperation, and Hermione grinned. The familiarity of the situation was a balm to her raw nerves.

“Hello, Alexander.” Teresa greeted her only grandchild warmly, giving him suffocating hug.

“Hi, Nana.” Xander said, smiling a little. “Did you say Grandpa was fixing something?”

“Yes, darling, in the bathroom down the hall. I’m sure he’ll be happy to take you on as an assistant.” Teresa said, giving him a nudge. Xander needed no more encouragement, and quickly disappeared into the house.

“Can I help with anything?” Hermione asked.

“Dinner’s nearly ready, but would you mind setting the table?” Teresa asked, peering into the oven at the meal.

“Of course.” Hermione easily agreed, taking out her wand. For once, she didn’t particularly feel like doing the work manually. Plus, her folks tended to get a kick out of seeing every- day magic.

Teresa laughed and clapped as the plates and silverware danced and bobbed around the table before settling in their correct places, and served the meal soon after that. Thomas, still battling the leaky pipe in the bathroom, welcomed a reprieve from the chore. Once they were all settled into their chairs and the servings had been distributed, Teresa began her plight once again to get Hermione married.

“Hermione, darling, I know just the man. He’s a son of one of the dentists we met at a conference. What’s Nikol’s son’s name, Thomas?” She asked Hermione’s father.

“Damien. No, Daniel. Daniel Ludwick. He’s a neurologist, if I remember correctly. Saw his picture, and I must say he’s a rather good- looking fellow.”

Hermione smiled thinly. “I’ll keep Dalton in mind-”

“Daniel.” Teresa corrected.

“-but I don’t think I’ll be calling any time soon. I’m terribly busy, you see.” Hermione continued as if her mother hadn’t spoken.

“Too busy for one date?” Thomas questioned doubtfully. “I really think you two would hit it off.”

Before Hermione could respond, Xander broke in. “I wouldn’t bother, Grandpa. Mother apparently has some issues with commitment.”

The table sat in shocked silence for a moment, all three adults staring at Xander as he calmly cut his food.

“Alexander, how could you say something like that about your mother?” Thomas rebuked, shocked.

Hermione held up her hand, stopping her father’s lecture. “If you’ll both excuse us, I think Xander and I need to have a chat.” Standing up, Hermione looked pointedly at her son. He rose from his chair reluctantly, rolling his eyes. As her mouth tightened in displeasure, Hermione reconsidered her parenting choices during the last few weeks. She had intended to simply give her some time and space to adjust, but had evidently come off as lenient instead.

Walking out into the back garden, Hermione sat on the stone bench and gestured to the spot next to her. When Xander remained standing and crossed his arms over his chest stubbornly, Hermione fought to control her temper- she hadn’t raised a brat. “Sit. Down.” She nearly growled, and he sat quickly. Counting backwards from ten, Hermione got a handle on her frustration and anger.

“Alexander, I will not tolerate that kind of nastiness from you.” She began. “I know you’re angry. I know you’re frustrated. But comments like the one you made are not only nasty, they’re extremely disrespectful, and not just to me. When we go back to the table, I want you to apologize to both Grandpa and Nana. Am I understood?”

Staring down at his feet, Xander nodded morosely without meeting her eyes.

“Now, I don’t think we can put this off any longer. I thought you deal better with the news, given space and time, but that was obviously a mistake on my part. Please tell me what’s bothering you.”

“I just don’t get why you and Father couldn’t stay together! It isn’t fair.” Xander nearly shouted.

Hermione let out a fast, frustrated breath. “Alexander, your dad and I already explained this to you. There are just things between us that aren’t well-matched.”

“But we were so happy.” Xander argued, his tone pleading. “Things were really good for the three of us. Like a real family.”

“Xander, sweetheart, why are you so determined to make us a ‘real’ family?” Hermione asked, “You still get to see your dad on the weekends, and we got along alright before he came into the picture.”

“Yeah, but people won’t see me the same.” Xander’s voice was quieter, now.

Turning her head sharply, Hermione felt her hackles rise. “Has someone said something to you?” she questioned. “Honestly, some people are so closed- minded, it just makes me sick! I’m going to-”

Xander hurried to cut her off, placing one of his small hands on his mother’s arm. “Mother, no, it’s not that. Not really, at least. Most everyone is really nice… But I heard Nonna Elena telling Father that people in ‘the real world’ would treat me different, and that he couldn’t protect me forever. And that you have ‘issues with commitment’ and weren’t fit to be my mum. And then she said she would find me the ‘right kind’ of mother, so I could live with him all the time, but Mother, I don’t want a new mum, I want to stay with you!”

“She really said that?” asked Hermione, a little dazed at Elena’s blatantly insulting remark.

“Yeah, and then some more stuff, but in Italian so I didn’t understand it. And then Father yelled some more and made her leave. She was really, really cross when she left, though.”

“Xander, you listen to me. That woman is poison- she brings out the absolute worst in people. R dad and I didn’t…part ways… because of commitment issues, it was because we’re just too different. But I don’t want you to worry; your father and I love you so, so much and no one could ever replace me as your mum, alright? ”

Nodding, Xander snuggled into her side and Hermione kissed his curly mop of hair. “I love you, little one.” She whispered.

“I love you too, Mother.” He whispered back. The pair sat on the bench for several minutes, but before long the sun had set and night had begun its reign.

“I think we’ve kept Grandpa and Nana waiting long enough.” Hermione said. “Remember, I want you to apologize for your behavior.”

Xander nodded morosely, and they made their way back into the dining room. After Xander’s apology, the conversation around the table flowed easily. As soon as his plate was cleared, Teresa hurriedly brought the youngster a bowl of chocolate ice cream, just to show that “no one had any hard feelings.”

Hermione groaned as he zealously dug into the frozen treat, much to his grandparent’s amusement. She idly wondered how long it would take him to get to sleep.

“Hermione, darling, would you help me in the kitchen?” Teresa broke into her musings.

“Of course, Mum.” Hermione acquiesced, grabbing the leftover meal on her way into the kitchen. Teresa had already begun to fill the sink with hot water, and was loading dirty dishes into the soapy water basin. Knowing her mother had something on her mind, Hermione washed the dishes in silence, handing them to Teresa to be rinsed and dried. The muggle radio softly played on the windowsill, and Hermione began to relax for the first time in…well, a long time.

Her fingertips had gone pruney by the time the inquisition began.

“Anything you’d like to share with the class?” Teresa asked casually next to her. Hermione paused for a moment in her washing before continuing steadily. “You haven’t brought Alexander around for quite a while. Daddy and I were beginning to worry.”

Hermione took a deep, shuddering breath. The sound of concern in her mother’s voice was making her emotional. Memories from long ago flittered though her thoughts; recounting some cruel prank Malfoy had played on her, or the petty, whispered comments made by her roommates late at night.

Smiling tightly, Hermione forced her hand to put some more soap on her sponge. Her knuckles were turning white from the tight grip. “You know how it is Mum.” She said with forced cheerfulness. “We’ve been so busy with school. Nothing terribly important, though.”

“Oh, I don’t think I believe that.” Teresa said doubtfully as she rinsed her hands off in the sink. “I know you’re a big girl now, with a family of your own, but you’re still my child. A mother can tell these things.”

Swallowing thickly, Hermione turned to look at her mother. “Oh, Mum, I think I’ve mucked something up.” Hermione confessed. “And I don’t know how to set it right again.”

The faint lines around Teresa’s eyes crinkled as she smiled sadly. “Hermione, I’m not going to pry into your life. But I will say this: Daddy and I didn’t raise you to be a ninny. If you think you’ve botched something up, then fix it. There’s really no value in moping around, and I know how smart you are. Put that brilliant mind to use.”

Nodding slowly, Hermione drained the soapy water from the sink, thinking the wise words over. By the time she lead a tired Xander out of the house, an hour later, her spirit was feeling much less burdened. Preparing to apparate them away, Hermione couldn’t help but smile. Things would turn out alright, she just knew it.

~(o)~

“She’s alive!” Ron crowed as Hermione stepped into a small bistro in Diagon Alley. The other patrons turned in their seats, searching for the source of commotion. Upon discovery, they all give indulgent smiles and turn back to their meals. It was just the Golden Trio, after all. Hermione often thought that the three of them could do anything at all, and get away with it; a perk of being one of society’s darlings.

Hermione gave a small smile as she waded through the tables toward them. Harry looked tired but happy, managing to get through the sleepless nights that came with fatherhood and being an auror. Ron, skin still clinging to a bit of a Quidditch tan, looked like the pinnacle of health. Thanks to the last few stressful weeks, Hermione knew she paled in comparison.

Upon reaching the table, both of her best friends stood and embraced her. Both held her a little tighter than what was absolutely necessary, but she appreciated the gesture.

A waiter zipped over and pulled out her chair, writing down her drink order a moment later. Left in relative privacy, the trio automatically slumped into their usual positions- Ron braced intertwined fingers under his chin, elbows propped on the table top. Harry slouched back a little in his seat, curving his spine against the chair. Hermione neatly folded her hands on the table, forearms resting against the linen surface. As she assumed her usual position, Hermione realized she had missed this easy, familiar camaraderie.

Although all of magical England seemed to know about Hermione and Blaise’s break up several weeks prior, Harry and Ron stayed mercifully silent on the topic. Instead, they talked about the mundane happenings in their lives.

Dean Thomas and Hannah Abbot had finally set a date for their wedding, and the Creevy brothers had landed a spot in a much- anticipated art show in London during the following month. Harry reported that Luna had signed up for a muggle psychology class at the local university, much to Hermione’s amusement. If anyone would be able to appreciate the course, she thought, it would be Luna.

As their lunches were served, the talk inevitably turned to Quidditch. Ron was coming to terms with the Cannon’s defeat in the Quidditch World Cup.

“The owners were quite pleased, actually,” he explained casually. “They made a fortune in merchandise and sponsors this year, plenty to go around. I don’t really think they expected us to win- the Quiberon Quafflepunchers were really good this year- but now the Cannon’s have their name back on the board. Plus, we’ll have a decent chance at the cup again next year.”

Hermione hummed politely, hoping the topic would turn soon. The magical sport held little interest for her, but Ron’s next words changed her mind.

“Of course, I’ll have to go up against Gin in the British and Irish League’s competition, since she’s signed on for Puddlemere.” He said, shrugging. “Hope mum doesn’t ban pick-up games at Yule again this year.”

Hermione’s head jerked up from her meal. “Wait, what did you say?” she questioned sharply, causing her best friend to raise their eyebrows in surprise.

“Don’t you remember? The Christmas before Gin and I got signed on to play pro, she wouldn’t let us play any pick- up games. Said it encouraged ‘unfriendly competitiveness between family’ or some such rot.” Ron said, shaking his head in mock disbelief.

“No, no, before that. You said Ginny was getting signed on for the Puddlemere United team.” Hermione cut in impatiently.

Ron’s expression turned sheepish. “Woops. ‘Spose that wasn’t supposed to become common knowledge yet, was it?” He grinned mischievously, glancing at Harry and Hermione before lowering his voice. “Just between us, right? I was at the Burrow the other night, dropping off some owl treats for Errol. Anyway, Gin floo’ed in, and started screeching that the owners of Puddlemere had contacted her manager, saying they wanted her on their reserve next year. Kind of weird, since it came out of the blue, but Gin can’t be picky since the Harpies dropped the whole team. So she signed her contract papers day before yesterday, and Oliver Wood came ‘round to welcome her to the team. Always liked Wood, myself.”

As Harry and Ron launched into a discussion about Wood’s Quidditch prowess, Hermione’s mind contemplated this new information, and how she viewed Blaise as a result.

Only the day before, Hermione had made a point to remind the headmistress of Hooch’s replacement. She had been certain that Blaise’s side of their deal wouldn’t have been upheld due to their break up. The new information twisted something in her stomach; something that felt suspiciously like guilt.

“Hermione? Hermione? Hello, earth to Professor Granger?” Harry waved a hand in front of her face, trying to jog her back into the present. When she visibly snapped back to the present, he grinned.

“Er, sorry.” Hermione said sheepishly. “What were you saying?”

“We were asking about Xander.” Harry said patiently. “How’s he dealing with… well, you know. The thing with Zabini.”

Hermione sighed heavily, rubbing her temples. “It’s been a bit of a roller coaster, to be honest.” She paused as Harry explained the metaphor to Ron before continuing. “At first, he was really, really upset. Blew up half my classroom.”

“I thought his, um- condition-” Ron started hesitantly.

“E.C.E.S.” Hermione provided.

“Right, that. I though he didn’t blow stuff up anymore.” Ron continued.

“Overall, he’s made some good progress. This was his first episode since he’s started treatment. Anyway, then he got quiet. I mean, I know he’s usually quiet, but this was almost complete silence. Didn’t listen to me at all, and refused to talk. I asked his specialist, when he went on Tuesday, but Seth just told me to give him some time and space. It took a while, but we eventually got past it. Now he’s pretty much back to normal.”

“And Zabini? How’s he taking it?”

Hermione shrugged. “We agreed that he would get to have Xander from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening, which has turned out alright so far. I used to think it would be nice to have some time to myself during the weekends, but now that Xander’s gone, it’s a little hard to adjust to. I think he has a good time with his dad, though. They’re going to Hamley’s Toy Shop today… No matter what you say about Blaise, you can’t deny he’s a good father.”

Harry and Ron both grumbled into their glasses, but voiced no discrepancy against the statement. Their complaining was cut short by the grandfather clock in the room as it chimed five times. Glancing down at her watch in disbelief, she realized their talking had lasted for several hours.

“Is that really the time?” she asked, shocked. “Merlin, I’m going to be late picking up Xander from Blaise’s. I’ve got to run.” Collecting her coat, she threw a few galleons on the table.

“I’ll see you at Teddy and Xander’s ‘Parent’s Night’, then?” Harry asked as he embraced her.

Hermione smiled. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She reassured him before hugging Ron goodbye.

Taking a moment to center herself, Hermione aparated away.

Translations:

“Nonna” (Italian)

-Grandmother, grandma, etc.

Chapter Twenty- One Author’s Note:

Hello? Anyone out there?

It’ll be a miracle if any of you end up reading this. To put it bluntly, I am a big, fat liar.

Exhibit A:

“Next chapter will be posted on either Monday or Tuesday of next week. Sunday, if my muse sticks around long enough. See you all then.” (From the A/N last chapter)

LIES. All lies. But there are a couple of different reasons for my very long absence. First of all, my muse did NOT stick around, and left me staring blankly at my outline for several days. Secondly, school has been kicking my butt lately, and exams are around the corner for me, which doesn’t help matters. Thirdly, I got hooked on several different, new, amazing fanfictions; and we all know it’s easier to read someone else’s story, than it is to write your own.

But enough excuses! Here’s the truth: Like I said, exams are coming up, so I’ll be super busy for the next 2- 3 weeks. As a result, I don’t see myself posting another chapter until then. The good news is, I’ll be off school (until mid- August) after that, and subsequently have plenty time to write! I hope that keeps you all going…for now.

Don’t really feel like commenting on the actual chapter. Make what you will of it, and let me know in a review. Since, you know, I love them. Plus, it’ll get you a snippet of Chapter 22 (which is already written and ready to be released.)

…Please don’t hate me!

Your faithful author,

Gotbooks93
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