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
- 21
- 22
- 23
Time's Up by Gotbooks93

Summary: After successfully hiding the existence of her son for eight years, Hermione is out of luck and time. When the father of her child discovers her secret, their quiet worlds are changed forever. Join Hermione as she takes on the challenges of co-parenting, snake charming, and a crazy little thing called 'love'.

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- TWO

All around her, the crowd roared. Some screamed and cheered their support, others booed and jeered in displeasure. Indeed, even some of the adults- grossly outnumbered by their charges- had gotten caught up in the undeniable energy emitted within the stadium.

Quidditch matches tended to make people a bit mad.

The Hufflepuff- Slytherin match was proving to be an exciting one. The Slytherin team, armed with a fantastically talented seeker, was behind in points, and their housemates were acting accordingly; jibes were made about the Hufflepuff player's brooms, house, and mothers. Hermione watched the stands closely, scanning for anyone brave- or dumb- enough to throw a jinx at one of the players.

Compensating for a less keen seeker, the Hufflepuffs were ahead by thirty points, much to Professor Sprout's approval. The matronly witch was humming happily in her seat, clapping good- naturedly whenever a point was scored by either team. Hermione, however, wasn't fooled. She knew that twenty galleons were riding on the outcome of the game, thanks to a friendly bet made between Pomona and Professor Benley.

As a rather complicated play was made by the Slytherins, Xander gave a cheer beside her. He had made no secret of his support of the Slytherin team, decked out in a silver and green scarf, waving a snake- embroidered flag. She knew full well that the accessories had not been provided by herself or any of her (mainly Gryffindor) friends. Naturally, she suspected her son's father.

As the thought of him entered her mind, Hermione's eyes darted around, searching. While dropping Xander off on Sunday, he had casually mentioned he would be attending the match. Naturally, Hermione had invited him to sit with them- something she cursed herself for upon his departure.

It wasn't that they were unfriendly, per se. Indeed, the conversation between them in the last few months had been downright civil. 'Acceptable' areas of conversation included Xander, his job, her job, and most of their former schoolmates. The one exception to this last category was, to Hermione's surprise, Pansy Parkinson.

The announcement had come during one of the 'Parent Nights' held by Xander's school.

"It's funny how fast he's grown up." Hermione reflected as they strolled down one of the school's hallways. She paused, pointing through an open door. "That's Xander's old classroom. He absolutely hated his teacher; he was convinced she was completely incompetent even though he was only six. But that was the year he got really close with Teddy Lupin."

Blaise poked his head into the classroom, running his eyes over the teacher, who sat at her desk. Facing Hermione, he nodded with mock seriousness. "Completely incompetent." He agreed, earning himself a slap on the arm. They continued down the corridor.

"Seriously, though, I hope Harry and Luna are ready for it. Already, I feel like James and Albus were born just yesterday. Not to mention Gin and Pansy, once they adopt." She mused.

Blaise paused in the middle of the hallway, his jaw tense. Despite his obvious signs of distress, he remained silent. A moment later, he began walking again.

"Blaise?" Hermione asked, confused. "Is everything alright?"

His eyes cut to her, conflicted. "Pansy and I recently met, and our conversation was….less than cordial."

Carefully, Hermione questioned him further. "What was your conversation about?"

"Plenty of things, since we had a lot to catch up on. She's been avoiding me since my return to England. But mainly, you and Alexander."

Her brow furrowed. "And?"

"I was obviously…displeased… by her deception, concerning Alexander's birth. Her reasoning for her silence was unsatisfactory." He spat the words, his eyes hard.

"But she was only trying to protect us. Or, more than likely, she was trying to avoid conflict with Ginny!"

Blaise gently tugged her elbow into a sparsely populated side hall, his mouth set in a firm line. His eyes snapped with repressed emotion. "Hermione, Pansy and I have known each other since our infancy. She was one of my closest friends in childhood, and through Hogwarts. She was my sole confidant when we were first dating. I supported her… unorthodox… relationship with Ginevera. Who, mind you, was not only another female but a Weasley. And all this time, she was keeping the biggest news of my life from me. That I had a child."

Hermione opened her mouth, and then closed it. She had been rendered speechless by the mix of anger, hurt, and passion in his voice.

"If ever there was a time to remember her loyalty to a life- long friend, it would be then. Instead, she chose to side with her love interest. And so, despite her insistence otherwise, she has taken a side, and it isn't mine. In the future, please don't mention that woman in my presence, because I have absolutely nothing to say about- or to- her."

The memory was broken as she felt a large, warm hand on the small of her back. "Sorry I'm late, got held up in negotiations." His voice said over the noise of the crowd.

Hermione smiled serenely, trying to force down the flutter in her stomach, an instant reaction from his touch. "No problem." She said easily. "Although, I feel that I must inform you that your team is losing by thirty-" she paused as a bell struck loudly, "excuse me, forty points."

Blaise flashed one of his devastating smiles, shrugging off his heavy outer robes. Although it was already mid- November, the day had dawned bright and clear, and uncannily warm. Beneath his heavy outer robes, Blaise sported his usual pressed suit and shiny shoes, tailored to fit perfectly. Hermione tore her eyes away from Blaise's fit frame, unintentionally meeting his eyes. They were equal parts amused and aroused, sending blood into Hermione's cheeks in a becoming blush. She hurriedly turned back to the stadium, hoping the flush could be attributed to the weather.

"They're just lulling the competition into a false sense of security." Blaise continued, his eyes on the players above. "After all, Hufflepuffs are notoriously easy to fool."

"Hufflepuff has a pretty solid team this year." Hermione defended. "And if you go by the odds in the teacher's betting pool, they have a good shot at making it into the finals."

Blaise's eyes cut to Hermione's, and the look in them made her lose track of reality, if only for a moment. It was because of that look, she reflected, that he had managed to so craftily manipulate their relationship.

"How confidant are you in Hufflepuff's team?" He asked, his voice casual.

Hermione forced her gaze away from his, her eyes scanning the field as the match continued. The crowd suddenly erupted as a Hufflepuff chaser made a goal, setting the score at fifty to one hundred. Grinning, she turned back to the handsome Italian wizard.

"What're the stakes?" She asked.

Briefly, Blaise appeared thoughtful. "If I win, you spend an evening with me, participating in the activities of my choice." His eyes were like hot embers, surrounded by sensual dark lashes. Hermione's breath quickly became unsteady as her heart raced.

Somewhere in the back of her mind, a sensible sounding voice spoke up, warning her of the repercussions of his statement. Another part of her brain, enthralled by the idea of his tantalizing touch once again gliding over her body, told the sensible to shut up. Hermione's expression must have displayed her inner turmoil, because Blaise's gaze gentled a little, and he leaned in to whisper in her ear.

"Don't worry about that, cara. When I get you back into my bed, it will because we've finally gotten things straightened out. Your conscious seems to be quite a bit louder in the morning, and I'd rather not wake up alone."

Hermione opened her mouth to reply, although she wasn't entirely sure what to say. Her relief was palpable when Xander rushed up to their spot in the stands. He had wandered down, closer to the railings, but had rushed back to her side upon seeing his father.

"Father, we're losing!" Xander exclaimed, his tone almost a whine.

"Not to worry, figlio," Blaise soothed. "We still have plenty of time to catch the snitch, and our seeker has barely broken a sweat."

Looking at the player hovering high above, Hermione wasn't sure how he could tell, but the statement calmed their son a little. After gaining the assurance that yes, Blaise would stay until the game ended, he raced back down the steps until he leaned on the railing between Professors Benley and Gupta.

As the game progressed, Hermione and Blaise lapsed into conversation, discussing Seamus Finnigan's new bar, which was opening in Hogsmeade.

"It's gotten everyone up in a bit of a tizzy." Hermione confided quietly. "Most of the Hogsmeade community is pleased with the idea, since they don't get to go to Diagon Alley much. But of course, Rosmera is concerned about the competition. After all, the only other bar in the town is the Hog's Head, and that can hardly be considered opposition."

Blaise nodded, clapping politely as Slytherin stole the quaffle. "Most of the people who drink at the Hog's Head are only there because they've been banned from The Three Broomsticks, anyway."

"It wouldn't surprise me if she came around to see McGonagall one of these days. It's one thing for students to go to the Three Broomsticks on their visits, but Finnigan's is an adult bar. Seamus better put an age line at the door, so they don't accidentally serve any minors alcohol. Although, I just know a couple of the students would try anyway, and some of them are terribly clever."

"Not cleverer than the Weasley twins, I'd wager." Blaise deliberated. "If I remember correctly, they've already had a run-in with age lines before, and didn't escaped unscathed."

Hermione laughed loudly, recalling the bearded versions of Fred and George. Her laugh gained a few questioning looks from her fellow teachers, causing her focus to re-direct to the match. Although her eyes had settled on the players, Hermione's attention was split.

The knowledge that Pansy and Blaise's long friendship had ended had eaten at her over the past few weeks. She had kept quiet about it, until meeting with Ginny for tea the previous week. When Hermione revealed she knew about the two friend's split, the fiery redhead had confided that Pansy was distressed over the break.

"They've been friends for so long." Ginny had sighed. "Used to write letters all the time, and floo- call at least once a month. It's been rather hard on her, and I can't help but feel I'm at least partially responsible. I was the one to ask her to keep it quiet for all these years."

"No, no." Hermione had assured her, placing her own hand over Ginny's freckled one. "You were just being a good friend to me. If anyone's responsible, it's me…I should have told him about Alexander a long time ago."

As the shadows grew longer over the Quidditch field, Hermione became more resolved. "Blaise, I know what I want, if Hufflepuff wins."

Blaise looked a little surprised, but pleased. "Are we still doing that, then?"

Hermione nodded. "If Slytherin wins, we'll spend an evening engaging in the 'activity of your choice', which bars any and all sensual deeds. If Hufflepuff wins, you have to talk to Pansy. And not just talk, but really give her a chance to make up for her… duplicity."

The entire stadium shot to their feet as a Hufflepuff player tumbled from her broom while attempting a steep dive. The stadium went silent as Madam Hooch and Pomfrey rushed to the player. A few moments later, the girl stood on slightly unsteady legs, and waved to the crowd. However, she had one arm cradled to her chest, and the Hufflepuff reserve player soon soared onto the field. The game resumed.

Reassured by the change in the player lineup, Blaise held out his hand. "Alright, Granger, I agree to your terms."

Only letting herself pause for a moment, Hermione took Blaise's hand, shaking firmly. Meeting his eyes, she smiled. "Just try not to cry too much when I win."

~(o)~

Hours later, she was eating her words as the Slytherin team flew their victory lap around the pitch. The scoreboard showed a close game, at one hundred and ninety to two hundred and twenty. Beside her, Blaise was tugging on a pair of leather winter gloves. He waved goodbye to Xander, who jumped up and down, mouthing "We won!" as he waved his Slytherin Pride flag excitedly. Blaise smiled indulgently in reply.

Turning to face her, Blaise nodded cordially, his eyes dancing with triumph. "I'll be in touch, Ms. Granger. Good evening."

Watching Blaise walked away, hands shoved in his pockets and a bounce in his step, Hermione scowled. Bloody Slytherins.

~(o)~

Hermione walked slowly around the edges of the classroom, stopping every few feet to examine something pinned to the wall of the room. More than once, she spotted Xander's messy scrawl, some assignment that his tutor had deemed appropriate to display. One bulletin board, with the title "Student Art" caught her eye.

A few pictures were simple, drawings in colored ink. One section had several origami figures pinned to it, while a collage of Quidditch photographs was pasted together in a loud montage of color and moving shapes. Then, tucked into a corner, was a medium black-and-white photograph. After a moment, Hermione recognized the scene- it was one of the small back courtyards in Hogwarts. In the photograph, a lone student perched on a stone bench, reading a book. Occasionally, she would turn a page or tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. It was Ella Walters, one of Hermione's fourth year students, and she seemed unaware of the photographer.

Peering more closely at the photograph, Hermione grinned proudly. The caption scribbled across the bottom read 'Alexander Granger- Zabini'. Straightening, she turned to face the room once more, searching for Xander in the crowd.

She didn't immediately find him, but did spot his tutor. The older man was speaking lowly to two aurors, who were immediately recognizable by their blue and crimson robes. Just as she processed what she was seeing, a finger was thrust in her direction and the aurors both caught her in their sights.

A moment later, they were weaving through the crowd towards her. Her first instinct was to back away, but she squashed the impulse. She hadn't done anything wrong, and running would just make matters worse.

Within seconds, the aurors- a man and a woman- had made it within earshot. "Excuse me, Madam. We're from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic. We have a few questions for you. Are you Hermione Granger?" the man asked, and Hermione noticed the name pinned to the front of his uniform read 'DAVIES'.

"I am. Can I help you?" Hermione asked, puzzled.

Before she had even finished her sentence, the female auror stepped forward and swiftly locked a set of magical hand cuffs around her wrists. The cold metal bit into her skin. In a firm voice, she stated, "Ms. Granger, you're under arrest."

Hermione tried to think through the haze of shock. "Excuse me, but I'm sure there's some mistake." All around her, parents and their children were beginning to take note of the arrest. "And couldn't we straighten this out in a more discreet location?"

The female auror exchanged a glance at her partner, then looked back at her. "Of course, Ms. Granger, although that location will have to be the auror offices. We have instructions to take you to headquarters without delay."

Davies, looking slightly embarrassed, nodded in agreement. "Sorry, ma'am, it's just orders."

Both aurors then clasped a firm hand around each of her arms, steadily tugging her towards the room's doorway. On their way out, Hermione's eyes connected with the aged blue ones of Xander's teacher. The man looked quickly away, picking up a few random papers and peering at them intently. Hermione suppressed a snort at his cowardice.

The aurors escorted her from the building, into the open air of the school's playground. Her footsteps seemed awfully loud, and her palms were beginning to sweat. Just as she was beginning to feel a bit light- headed, she attempted to keep some semblance of calm. Panicking would get her nowhere. She hadn't done anything wrong. She hadn't done anything wrong.

Her mantra was broken when she suddenly spotted Blaise through one of the school's windows. As she spotted him, he did a double- take, his usually calm expression showing unadulterated shock.

Blaise disappeared out of view for a moment before barging out of one of the exterior doors.

He rapidly assessed the scene before him before striding over to the trio. Spotting Hermione's metal- clad wrists, his eyes blazed with fury. "What is the meaning of this?" He asked coldly; Hermione imagined she could see icicles form in the air.

Davies straightened to his full, but unimpressive, height and spoke authoritatively, all traces of his earlier uncertainty gone. "Excuse me, sir, but you're interfering with official auror business. In the name of the Ministry of Magic's Law Enforcement Department, I must ask you to step aside immediately."

If possible, Blaise's gaze became even frostier. "Auror... Davies, is it? Auror Davies, I must disagree with your assessment. As Ms. Granger's legal counsel, I have every right to monitor her arrest. Now, Hermione, what are the charges?"

"Well, I suppose I'm not sure." Hermione admitted. "They haven't told me."

One of Blaise's eyebrows arched, and a smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. "Oh, they haven't? Well, that's a bit of a blunder, isn't it?"

Both aurors flushed, and the woman opened her mouth, but snapped it shut when Blaise glared at her before turning to Hermione. "For every legal arrest aurors make, they're obligated to immediately read you your rights and explain what you're being arrested for. Obviously, you were about to be transported to the Ministry holding cells, implying you have been in custody for several minutes. Unless you've proven to be uncooperative or hostile, which I'm guessing you haven't?"

Hermione shook her head, answering his question. She was glad she had Blaise for a lawyer, impromptu or not.

Auror Davies cleared his throat. "Well, we should probably correct our…blunder, Ms. Granger. I hereby arrest you in the name of the Ministry. You have the right to remain silent; anything you say can and will be used against you before the Wizengamot. Should you feel your arrest or charges are unjustified, you may present your opinion during trial. You have the right to an attorney; should you be unable to afford a licensed attorney, one will be provided for you." At this, he glanced at Blaise, who simply raised a brow, his expression distainful. Davies hurried on.

"Finally, should health or safety concerns be raised, for any reason, the Ministry reserves the right to search you and your properties at any time until the charges against you have been resolved. The charges are as follows," He paused, unfolded a sheet of parchment, and cleared his throat again. "Hermione Granger, you are being arrested for the following unlawful acts: child abuse, child negligence, and erratic conduct as a parent. Now, Ms. Granger, you'll need to come with us. We will apparate in… five, four, three, two, one."

Translations:

"Cara" (Italian)

-Term of endearment; dear, darling

"Figlio" (Italian)

-Son

Chapter Twenty Two Author's Note:

Hi Everyone!

Sorry about the long delay! Real life and tech issues caused some problems, but now we're back on track. I should be posting the next few chapters soon. I have until Chapter 25 pre-written, so enjoy the speedy updates while they last :)

Auror Davies' arrest statement was primarily based on the United State's Miranda Rights, although bits and pieces came from other countries. I think I got most of the Quidditch bits correct, too, but feel free to let me if I messed up! I don't have much more to say about this chapter's plot, although I'm sure you all do!

I'm not going to give you guys an estimate of the next chapter's upload date; I always seem to end up lying because of it, even if my intentions are originally in the right place. Sorry about that!

Huge thanks to everyone who's left a review! They've been so lovely, and prvide some awesome sources of encouragement.

Stay classy,

Gotbooks93
- 21
- 22
- 23
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Time's Up