Written for Ultimate OTP Competition round 2 for action and the Fantastic Beasts Boot Camp for #12 (crup).

Puppies with Odd Names

"Hermione, I just-"

"Oh save it Draco," she muttered, crossing her arms. She had the evidence sitting right there in front of her, resting on the floor. He was rather ashamed that she had found it before he could give it to her. "Did you really think hiding something like this from me would work? I've known something was up for ages now."

"Now that doesn't surprise me. That's why Blaise has been holding onto him for a while."

"What was it supposed to be, an anniversary present?" she inquired.

"Well darling, we have been together for almost four years now, and married for one of them."

"I know," she agreed, arching her eyebrows. "So what did you call this thing?"

Draco grinned, bending down to the creature. "It's called a crup, kind of like a muggle dog. I couldn't introduce it to you originally because I had to train him. They're not very friendly towards muggles or muggle-borns and I didn't want to buy you a puppy that would hate you. That's why he's been at lessons, learning to be good. I was trying to just bring him over early and show him the house but… you showed up. Now my surprise is ruined."

Hermione crouched down to pet the tired puppy. He really did look very tired. "What's his name?"

"I haven't officially named him yet. Since I bought him for you I thought you should have the right to name him. While training him I called him boy."

She looked up, eyebrows raising up. "Really, boy? You couldn't try something more imaginative?"

He shrugged. "I didn't want him getting stuck on a real name. I thought you would want that honor."

Smiling Hermione stood, kissing her husband on the cheek. "I love him Draco, really. But you didn't need to lie to me to keep him a secret."

"I thought Blaise would be better at his excuses than he was."

"Obviously not," she chuckled, picking up the puppy. Tired little eyes opened up, and she beamed. "He's so cute!"

"I knew you would like him." He stroked the puppy's ears. "What would you like to call him?"

She looked him directly in the eyes when she mentioned the name, already knowing he was going to hate it. "Norbert."