Clarity

A/N: Thanks for all your reviews!!! GinnylovesHarry, I’d love a banner if you’re willing!!! It would be super awesome to have a banner for my other story “I am A New Day Rising” *blushes*

Enjoy it….tell me what you think!!

Chapter 9 - Forever a Family

“Yes, Professor?” Ron had just arrived at the Order of the Phoenix’s Headquarters. He left the meeting he had been in immediately when he received Dumbledore’s summon.

“There has been word of Death Eaters gathering in the south of France, Ron.” Ron’s eyes widened. It was the first time in over two months that the Order had heard of activity. He listened intently to Dumbledore’s information, letting every word sink into his memory. After Dumbledore had finished, Ron took the Portkey from Dumbledore.

When Ron opened his eyes, he stood very still allowing them to adjust to the dark. Finally he saw the outline of jagged rock walls, he was in a cave. He let out a breath he had been holding when he saw Harry emerge from the darkness. Conscious of the cold, he conjured himself a winter coat and followed Harry to a small fire.

“Do you have word, Ron?” Harry looked at him. Even in the dim light of the fire Ron saw his tiredness. Harry looked defeated already. It was clear the weight of the task and the prospects of the prophecy pressed heavily on his shoulders. Ron yearned to send his friend back to England and remain in his place. But they both knew Harry must finish this fight.

“Yes. Dumbledore has just relayed the message too me. There is a strong group of Death Eaters in the south of France.”

“I’ve gotten wind of that. I didn’t think it was important.” Harry poked around at the fire.

“I’m afraid it is. It seems that way because of the great number, 45 to be exact. The Order feels they are protecting something. Dumbledore feels its something important, because Lucius Malfoy is rumored to be there.” Harry’s eyes widened at the words. Malfoy was well known from being the right hand man of Voldemort. He was often sent on the most important tasks. “They have been there for nearly a year know, and the Order has only just got wind of it. They think the entire town has been wiped out to keep it a secret.”

Harry shut his eyes. Hundreds of lives taken for this bloody war. “I’ll go down there. I’ll go to town tomorrow and apparate to Nice. From there I’ll trek through the south to find this village. Do you know its name?”

Ron shook his head, “We only know they are congregating down there.” Harry nodded. “You will get word to me if you need help?”

Harry nodded. “Or when I have news. One or the other.” A short unsettling silence filled the cave before Harry continued. “Well at least it’ll be warm.” Harry smirked.

“Where are we?” Ron asked trying to look for an exit to the cave.

“We are in the Swiss Alps, high up too. I found a few Death Eaters in Zermatt. They told me they were staying here in case Voldemort came here to hide. I called the local Aurors, they’ve been sent to the Wizarding prison here.”

Ron nodded, concerned of Harry’s mental health. “Mate, do you want to talk for a bit?”

Harry looked at Ron and smiled. “You’re a great friend. But it’s kind of difficult to focus on the latest Quidditch scores right now. I’m completely ready for this war, this man hunt, to be over.” He sighed and took a drink from the metal cup that was next to him. He reached into his bag and pulled out two folded pieces of parchment. “For my girls.” Harry smirked.

Ron took them and smiled sadly. “They are both fine. Worried about you most of all.”

“And how did she take the news of the prophecy?” Harry cast his eyes downward; afraid Ron would tell him she has moved on.

Ron, who came with a prepared answer, replied, “You said you didn’t want to know your fate, Harry. If I talk about it, you’ll know.” Harry winced. He didn’t know whether that answer meant something good or bad. “You’ll get through this, Harry. I know it.”

Harry nodded and then got up to hug his friend. “Take care of them.”

Ron promised to and after wishing him a safe journey, he apparated away.

0o0o0o

Mrs. Weasley expertly maneuvered her way around her kitchen. The last Sunday of every month, just like this one, her family got together for dinner at the Burrow. She giggled to herself as she extended the table for the correct number of people. She pressed her wand to her lips in thought, Now there’s Bill and Fleur and their two little girls, Charlie and Katherine and their two little boys, Fred and George and their girlfriends, Ron and Luna, Ginny, and ah yes, Hermione. She double-checked the number of chairs, Ah. Yes. 18 chairs. She nodded her head in satisfaction and charmed the plates, cups, and cutlery to fly onto the table. She place three stacks of napkins in the middle of the table and then turned around to continue the food.
Humming happily she cut the potatoes and put them in the boiling water. Regardless of her excitement to see her family, her stomach flip flopped at the impending meeting of Hermione and Ginny. Although it had been nearly four months since Harry had left, the two girls had not met up since the Hogwarts Graduation.

Molly had not been the least bit surprised when Ginny told of their break up. Molly knew for some time that the two were not destined to be together. It was not her place to say anything, as her daughter did look so happy with Harry. But Harry was like a son to her, and it was very hard to watch him be with someone he was not in love with. Ginny could act like such a child sometimes, and Molly knew how embarrassed Harry became over it.

But then when he was around Hermione, nothing seemed to bother him. He’s eyes sparkled like Voldemort never existed. She remembered how he glowed with happiness before he knew about the Dark Lord. And she knew when he returned and saw that Hermione was pregnant, his eyes would sparkle like that again. It would be a long journey, she had no doubt about it, but she knew he’d come back. He was strong and kind, and Merlin wouldn’t turn a blind eye to that.

Sighing she set the water to a boil and checked on the roast in the oven. Glancing up at the clock she saw that most of her family was traveling. She patted her damp hands on her apron and frowned at the clock. Both Ron and Harry’s (who had been added a few Christmas’ ago, along with Hermione) were pointing “Mortal Peril”. In another time Mrs. Weasley would have had a heart attack at the sight of it. Recently, with Harry being gone and Ron becoming an Auror, she had become accustomed to seeing their names flick back and forth between various settings. Just before the rest of the Weasley Clan popped into the garden, she saw Ron’s face tick over to “Headquarters”. Another mission I suppose.

Molly called Ginny down from her bedroom and turned to open the door for her sons and their families. One by one they stopped on their way into the house, kissing her. She smiled at each one and fretted over how they were all loosing weight. The Weasley men went straight for the living room looking for their father. The little ones and the women lulled around the kitchen. The women tried to help Molly, but she only hushed them and ushered them out of the kitchen. The little ones were looking at all the delicious food and trying to get some of the steaming biscuits.

Normally Molly would have smacked there little hands away, like she did with her own children, but these were her grandchildren. She let each one of the little Weasleys take a biscuit and made them promise not to share with their fathers. All of them had bright red-hair and the temper of a Weasley. She kissed their foreheads and pushed them out of the kitchen.

Ginny walked in as the little ones went out, smiling at all of them. She walked over to her mother, sat down on the stool and took a biscuit out of the basket. “Ginny!” Molly reprimanded.

“You let the kids have one!” Ginny whined.

“They are only kids. You should know better.”

“But I’m your only daughter.” Still whining and pouting.

Molly glared at her and snatched the biscuit from her daughter’s hand. “Yes. Well you’re almost an adult, maybe you should start acting like it.” Ginny huffed at her mother’s bluntness. “On that note,” Molly looked at Ginny pointedly, “Hermione is coming for dinner tonight.”

“What? Why?” Ginny asked clearly upset.

“Because, Ginny,” Molly was clearly aggravated with her daughter’s attitude, “she is as much a member of this family as Harry is. I’ve been inviting her, but you know she’s been so busy with work. She finally said yes.”

“You’ve been talking to her?” Ginny looked at Molly unbelieving.

“Of course I have!” Molly put down the potato masher and looked straight at Ginny. “I love Hermione like a daughter! You think because of what happened between Harry and you that I would just abandon her? I’ve been owling her and meeting up with her once a week.”

“You don’t even go out with me that much.” Ginny pouted.

“Oh like you’d want to go out with me.” Molly said waving her daughter away. She wasn’t going to let her daughter’s immaturity stand in the way of her relationship with Hermione and Harry. Oh she knew Ginny would come along eventually to the idea, but she was going to be slapped across the face with reality tonight. Last time Molly saw Hermione a week ago she was already starting to show. She was nearly four months along, and she was glowing with happiness and pride.

A few minutes as Ginny exited the kitchen, Molly heard someone apparate into the garden. Looking up she saw it was Ron, her youngest son. He made her so proud. Luna popped in right after him, and they hugged like they had met here. She watched the interaction between her son and his long time girlfriend and smiled happily. She knew that he would take his own time to marry her, but she had no doubt it was going to happen. Everything about Ron showed that he loved her. As he talked to Luna, he moved the hair out of her face and smiled down on her. He had turned into a perfect gentleman. Molly would have liked to credit that to herself, but she knew that Luna helped a lot. No matter how much a mother tries to shape her sons, it was always the other women in their lives that finished the job. Molly was ok with that, because she knew her stubborn boys would need a little extra push in the right direction.

She saw the couple start to walk to the door, and she hurried to open it for them. She hugged her son tightly and then hugged and kissed Luna on the cheek. She followed the two into the busy living room. The kids were playing in a corner, trying to learn Wizarding Chess from their Uncle Fred. The rest of the men were talking seriously by the fire, Ron went to join them. The women stood leaning against furniture talking animatedly about the latest gossip.

After a few minutes, Ron made his way over to the women. He kissed each one of the ladies on the cheek to say hello and then asked his mother, “Is Ginny home? I have something for her.”

Molly, not even noticing Ginny wasn’t in the room, nodded. “Probably in her room.” She said before exiting back to the kitchen. Luna followed her, begging to help in some way, and Ron trotted up the stairs to Ginny’s room.

The door was slightly ajar but he knocked anyway calling her name. When he walked in she looked up from the book she was reading and smiled, “Hey, Ron.”

“Why aren’t you downstairs with the family?”

“I just got into this book.” Ginny lied. She didn’t want to spend any more time with Hermione than necessary.

Ron nodded then pulled out the parchment from his back pocket. “I saw Harry today. He wanted me to give this too you.” Ginny’s face became expressionless as he took the letter from Ron. “Anyway, you should come downstairs. Everyone’s here.”

Ginny nodded not taking her eyes off the letter. “Yea. I’ll be down in a bit.”

Ron silently exited the room, closing the door behind him.

Ginny slowly opened the letter and read it emotionlessly.

Ginny,
By this time you must know whether you’re pregnant or not. I don’t know if Ron has told you, but I have asked him not to tell me. Because of the way we left things, I don’t think I can bear to know either outcome. Yes: I come home and we are forced to be in a relationship will be horrible for both of us. No: I may not come home. I know we’ll make it work if we have to.

I hope you are staying safe and listening to your parents.
Regards,
Harry

Ginny’s stomach hit the floor. No: I may not come home. She read the line over and over again, trying not to feel guilty. She knew if she had become pregnant they would be forced into a relationship. Yes, she wasn’t in love with Harry, but she would give anything to get that relationship back. It was the only place she felt like she belonged. But he was in love with Hermione, who would be coming into her house and joining her family. They all loved her, little Hermione who was so perfect every way. Ginny’s face distorted into disgust at the thought. Would marrying me be so bad? She thought. Would I make a horrible wife? I could make him happy. She knew it wouldn’t be a relationship of love, but they could be happy. Huffing she put the letter on her desk and exited her room. She couldn’t ignore her family any more.

When she arrived downstairs, she circled the living room saying hello to her family. Noticing that a few girls were missing, she went into the kitchen to look for them. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Hermione leaning against the counter chomping on a biscuit.

Ginny looked her up and down in disgust. Hermione looked very presentable, in dark denim jeans and a loose peasant top. Her hair was pulled back in a loose clip and some strands fell in her face. Ginny was annoyed with her, just by her presence.
Ginny walked into the room a little further and Hermione looked up at her. “Hi Ginny.” She said politely. Hermione’s face reddened and she shifted uncomfortably.

Ginny returned the short greeting and Luna and Katherine turned to say hello as well. When she was saying hello to the girls, Ron came barging into the kitchen. “I thought I saw you through the door way.” He grinned broadly at his best friend and took her into a big hug. “I didn’t know you were coming today.” He stepped back from her. His grin faltered a little and passed a letter to her. Ginny’s eyes widened at the sight of the parchment identical to her own. “I saw him today. Wanted me to give you this.” Hermione’s face looked sad and then she nodded slipping the letter into her back pocket. Ron took her into another big hug and whispered something in her ear that Ginny couldn’t hear.

When he pulled back from Hermione, Ginny got another big surprise. Ron was grinning again with his hands on Hermione’s stomach. “You had your appointment right? Do you know what this little one is yet?” Luna, Katherine and Molly looked at Hermione anxiously.

“I’m sorry what?!” Ginny couldn’t keep her surprise a secret.

Hermione looked at her curiously and so did Ron. Molly was the one to answer. “Hermione’s pregnant, dear. About 4 months now right, Hermione?”

Hermione nodded not unaware of the vivid shade of red that Ginny had just acquired. “You’re pregnant?” She hissed.

“Yes, Ginny. I’m pregnant.” Hermione locked eyes with Ginny. Everyone else in the room was completely silent. The only thing that could be heard was Molly continuing to put dinner together.

Ginny broke eye contact with Hermione and shifted to Ron. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I figured you knew. Everyone else does.” Ron shrugged. He was now standing over next to Luna who was frowning at Ginny.

“Well I didn’t.” Ginny spat. She looked down at Hermione’s stomach. “Is it Harry’s?”

Molly gasped and threw down her dishrag. But Hermione got to Ginny first. “What are you implying, Ginny?”

“Well. I mean Harry’s only been gone that same time. So it could be anyone’s child.” Katherine paled at Ginny’s words and quickly excused herself from the room. Luna stood up and was about to walk over to Ginny ready to smack her, but Ron grabbed her arm and held her back. Ron himself was reddening by the minute at his sister. Molly was fuming at the indecency of her daughter.

“I will not have that kind of talk in my house, Ginevra!” Molly spat at her. Ginny’s eyes flicked from her mother back to Hermione.

Hermione’s eyes were brimming with tears and she willed herself to turn the hurt to anger. “I have –” Hermione’s words choked and she started again. “I have never been so insulted in my life. I have never loved anyone other than Harry, and I would never dream of hurting him like that.”

“Well I mean, you aren’t in a relationship with him so how am I supposed to know.” Ginny spat out.

Molly was going to stop the word toss, but Ron hushed her. Hermione answered calmly. “I am, Ginny.” Ginny’s eyes widened. They only had a week to do what I couldn’t. “Harry and I have been in love far longer than you two have been separated. This is his child, and when he comes back, we’ll be a family.” The tears started to spill from her eyes. Luna rushed over to comfort her but she continued. “I don’t care if you’re jealous, Ginny. He left you for me. I’m sorry if you’re hurt, but Harry and I are in love. This” she rubbed her stomach, “is a product of that.”

Ginny’s face was red with anger. Tears were spilling out of her eyes as well. She had lost control of her emotions. “It was supposed to be me! I was supposed to give him an heir! I was supposed to save him and the world! Not you, Little Miss Perfect! ME!” With that she turned and ran out of the kitchen up to her room.

Everyone in the kitchen was stunned. Hermione was visibly shaken and Luna guided her to sit down. “I shouldn’t have come.” Hermione whispered. Everyone heard her.

“Nonsense.” Molly said starting to put the food on the table. “She’s in the wrong, not you. We’ll have a very pleasant dinner and then Ron can go upstairs afterward and talk to her.” Then a little softer she said, “Silly child.” No one knew whether she was referring to Hermione or Ginny.

The rest of the evening went very smoothly. The Weasley Clan had time to cope with the sudden change in Harry’s relationship and responded very nicely to news of the baby. They had determined that the sex of the baby couldn’t be seen for another two months. Molly, however, stated it would be a girl. The Clan laughed at that and continued to talk of family news. Ginny was not thought of until after Hermione had left.

Ron had promised to check on her later, and after she kissed everyone goodbye she apparated back to her flat.

Ron sighed heavily when Molly thrust a full plate of food in his chest. “Go upstairs and talk to your sister. Merlin only knows what will happen if I go up there.”

Ron nodded and slowly moved up to Ginny’s room. He knocked quietly. “Who is it?” Ginny called out.

“It’s Ron. I have food for you.”

Ginny opened the door and went to grab the food. Ron pulled it back, “We need to talk while you eat.”

“Whatever.” Ginny muttered and moved back to her bed.

“Tell me what’s going on, Gin? What you said to Hermione was totally uncalled for.”

“Why don’t we start with why you didn’t tell me that Princess Gryffindor was pregnant with Harry’s child?” She spat out, folding her arms across her chest.

“First of all, enough with the 12-year-old attitude. You’re 17 for Merlin sakes. Second, I told you the truth. I didn’t tell you because I figured someone else did. And third, stop acting like Hermione tries to be better than you. You and I both know she never meant to hurt you. Her pregnancy was a complete accident.”

“You’re trying to tell me that Harry didn’t tell her about the prophecy. I bet they were fucking when I was with Harry still.”

Ron sighed in disappointment. “Harry only told Hermione through a letter, that I made him write. She found out the day she found out she was pregnant. And stop being a bitch. Harry would never cheat on you. He may have not been in love with you, but he wasn’t a dick.”

Ginny fumed. “You know I’m your sister and you’re supposed to take my side right?”

“Sides? There are no sides, Ginny?!” Ron was starting to get angry. So he took a deep breath to calm himself. “What is going through your head? You think it’s ok to talk to people like this? Like you talked to Hermione?”

“It was supposed to be me, Ron.” So looked away and fiddled with the pillow in her hand. “I was supposed to carry his child. I was supposed to help him save the world. If I had done that, he would have seen that we were supposed to be together. But now I’ve lost him, I’ve lost it all.”

“What’s it, Ginny? The only thing I see you lost is a boyfriend.”

“Well now the world is going to think I’m not good enough for him. They are all going to laugh at me and put me down.”

“Is this what this is all about? Your reputation? Your appearance?” His ears were burning from trying to stay calm.

“I needed to do this so I wouldn’t be just another poor girl.”

That did it. Ron snapped. “So you wanted to get pregnant with Harry’s child for the fun of it? The fame and fortune?” Ginny bowed her head. Embarrassed by her brother’s reaction to her words. “Well I have news for you, Ginny. Harry and Hermione love each other. They didn’t even want to have a child, but now they are. And Hermione is having it out of love, no other reason than that. Maybe that’s why you weren’t able to get pregnant – your reasoning was shit.” He started to walk do the door, but then he turned around to look at his sister. In a much calmer tone he said, “You know. As a Weasley I thought you’d have a little more pride in yourself and your family. I hope your last year at Hogwarts can smarten you up a little bit. When you are sitting on the train in a few days, take a hard look at your priorities. Otherwise you’ll be loosing a lot more than a boyfriend.” He walked out of the room and down to the garden. Without a word to his family Luna and him apparated to their apartment.

Hermione now sat in her armchair in front of a fire debriefing from the long dinner. It really hadn’t been that bad once Ginny had left the group, but her words still played heavily in her mind. Sighing she reached to her back pocket and took out the letter from Harry. She read it.

Mione,
I don’t think I could ever express to you how much I miss you. At night I dream about you. Waking up without you breaks my heart. It’s my thoughts of you that are pulling me through this manhunt. Every step I take, every lead I follow brings me closer to your arms. I can feel it.

The worst part about writing this letter is that I do not know my fate. I shiver at the thought of coming home and not being able to hold you. I hope that these words to not bring hurt, for they are only meant to bring solace. I will always love you, however this ends.

Although I can’t give you details, I must tell you that the trek is fairing much better than I thought it would. The leads come easily and the trips seem shorter than they should. As I write this, I’ve been gone for nearly 3 months. But I don’t know when the next time I’ll see Ron. It seems pointless to summon him to bring you a letter, although I wish I could.

I’m trying to narrow down the places I can find him, but it doesn’t seem like Europe is getting any smaller. This trek is not taking me in an even pattern around the continent, so I can’t say that one area is ruled out. Even so, I feel close to the end. Hopefully I’ll see you before Christmas, my love.

Forever yours,
Harry

Hermione smiled and rubbed her expanding stomach. She reread it over again. She loved that even with hundreds of miles between them, he still remained honest with her. She knew he wasn’t being completely honest; he made no mention of danger or of confronting Death Eaters. But he still talked of his journey. It made her smile that he cared so much for her feelings that he mentioned the prophecy with a hint of guilt. She wondered how he would react when he found out it was she who was pregnant, not Ginny. Ginny. Just the thought of her made Hermione’s blood boil. She took a sip of her decaffeinated tea and tried to calm down. What a little tramp! Saying the baby wasn’t Harry’s when she knew we spent the week together before he left. She gulped her tea. How dare she think that I would treat Harry with so much disrespect. She sloshed back the rest of her tea and got up to make another when there was a knock on her door. Must be Ron.

Hermione opened the door and smiled at her friend, “Hello, Ron. I was just going to make another tea. Would you like one?”

Ron followed her to the kitchen. “Of course. Sounds great.” He paused and watched her pour the hot water over the tea bags. “How are you?”

Hermione smiled. “Oh? You mean there should be something wrong? Nah. I usually get called a ‘hussy’ three or four times a day. Once doesn’t faze me at all.”

Ron frowned. “Seriously, Hermione. She was wrong. Everyone knows you aren’t a hussy.”

Hermione nodded and handed him the tea. “Lets go sit in the living room.” Hermione walked into the room and sat down in the armchair, Ron sat on the couch. She sighed and began, “My biggest fear,” she looked at Ron so he saw the truth in her words, “is not how Harry will react. I’m only curious about that. It’s not if I’m capable of raising a child, because I know I am. My biggest fear is losing those I love, your family, because of Ginny’s attitude toward this,” She rubbed her stomach, “and toward my relationship with Harry.” She had tears in her eyes and continued, “Your family is like my own, Ron. Without you, I think I would loose connection with the Wizarding World. I would not want to be apart of it.”

“Oh, hun.” Ron stood up and pulled Hermione into a hug. Slowly he sat down and put her on his lap. She put her head on his shoulder and she cried. “You won’t loose us. You are one of us. You’re a Weasley, regardless of who you marry.” He kissed her forehead and held her. “Where’s your head at, Hermione?”

She laughed; he stole that phrase from her. She got up and laid down on the couch, pulling a blanket over her. Once she was settled she answered, “Everywhere.” He smiled, encouraging her to go on. He had shifted in the chair to face her, and his long legs were dangling over the arm of the chair. “I love your mum, you know?” Ron nodded. “I feel as if she’s Harry’s mum too, because Lily is dead.” She traced the top of her teacup and looked at Ron. “Is that ok?”

Ron chuckled. “My mum is Harry’s mum, Hermione. Just ask either one of them. He started to call her ‘Mum’ before he left. Of course it’s ok!”

Hermione smiled sadly. “I just don’t want to loose my relationship with her because of Ginny. I don’t know if I could take feeling like an outcast in a house and family I have grown to love.”

Ron shook his head. “No. Ginny was wrong today. I don’t know what’s gotten into her lately. I had a serious talk with her and left telling her how disappointed I was in her actions. Her thoughts are not reflected in any of the other Weasleys. We love you, especially Mum. That will never change. Surely you know that? Mum’s been doting on you for the past three months!”

Hermione giggled at the memory of the number of Sheppard’s Pie’s she’d received in the past three months. “Someone really needs to tell her that I can still make my own food.”

Ron waved the thought away. “She did the same thing when Fleur and Katherine were pregnant. Fleur hates Sheppard Pie, too.” He smiled at her laugh. I’m glad she’s still laughing after all of this. “You shouldn’t let what Ginny said bother you.”

“How can I not, Ron? I know it was silly and she’s just acting like a little girl, but what if the world thinks that about me when they find out?”

“They won’t, because Harry and I won’t let them. I know it’s hard to keep this private, when all you want to do is tell everyone. But you’ll be glad for it when it’s all over and Harry comes home. The press won’t leave you alone. Remember how they were always around when he went out with Ginny? Remember how they followed him when you two went out the week before he left? They won’t think badly of you, you are carrying the child of Harry Bloody Potter. They’re going to love you.”

Hermione nodded solemnly. “I’m worried about doing this alone.” She looked up at Ron with fear in her eyes.

Ron’s heart almost broke. “You aren’t alone!”

“No I know. But I mean, without Harry. How is he going to act when he comes home and sees that I’m very pregnant, or have a baby? I don’t even know when he’s going to be back. I could have had the baby by then.”

“He’ll be home before you have the baby. I know it. He’s on a good lead right now.”

Hermione’s eyes widened. “He didn’t tell me that.”

“He probably doesn’t want to worry you with the gory details. I gave him the information.” Hermione’s head fell back onto the couch in worry. “I know he’ll be ok. He’s going to summon me if he needs me. Or when he’s done he’s going to summon me to give me the update.”

Hermione nodded silently. They didn’t speak for a little bit until Hermione said, “My parents are having a Muggle baby shower for me. Do you think the women in the Weasley Clan will want to come? I’m going to invite Luna and Lavender too.”

“I think they would love that. I’m glad your parents are ok with the pregnancy.”

Hermione snorted. “They weren’t at first. But when I sat them down and explained the prophecy and let them read Harry’s letter to me, it evened out. Although I don’t know what to tell them when they ask if we are going to get married.” She sighed.

Ron laughed. “You’re kidding right?” Hermione looked at him funny. “I already told you he has permission from your dad. The minute he gets home I expect him to be on his knee.” Hermione smiled. “You know, Hermione. You’re not alone here. I’m going to be with you the entire way until Harry gets back.”

She closed her eyes and responded, “I know, Ron. And I love you for it.”

He got really nervous all of a sudden, fiddling with his fingernails. “You know, Hermione. I could go with you, if you wanted.”

“Go where, Ron?”

He reddened. “To the doctor’s appointments. If you need someone with you.”

Hermione heart melted at her friend’s sincerity. “When did you become such a grown up?” She laughed. “I remember when you used to shovel food into your mouth - off of my plate! When did you become such a great man?”

“Luna. She makes me a better person.” Ron smiled at the thought of her.

“Well I’m glad.” Hermione sat up on the couch. “Thank you, but I’m going to have to decline your offer. I need to do those alone. If Harry can’t be there, I don’t think anyone should.” Ron nodded in understanding. He wouldn’t have wanted Harry to go to his wife’s appointments either. “I’m worried about Harry’s feelings when he discovers he’s missed the pregnancy.”

“He’ll catch the end. And then you can tell him all the horror stories, so he doesn’t mind much.” Hermione mocked being hurt. “What?! I know I could have done without all the vomit. I’m never going to let Luna serve salmon ever again! And I love salmon!!” Hermione threw her head back in laughter.

“Well at least I’m keeping my hormones in check. Remember when Fleur was pregnant?” Hermione laughed out loud again. “I think she hit every emotion known to man during Christmas dinner that year. Happy-mad-annoyed-disappointed-sad-extremely sad-hyper- what were the other ones?”

Ron laughed too, “Yea. Thank Merlin.” He paused and thought of the memory. Shaking his head he continued on, “So we don’t know the sex of the baby?”

“Not for another two months, that’s when I have my next appointment.” She put her finger to her lips in thought. “I don’t know if I’m going to find out or not. I haven’t decided.”

Ron’s jaw dropped. “If you don’t want to know. At least let me know!! I’ll die with the anticipation.”

“Oh, Ron!” Hermione shook her head smiling. “We’ll see.”

Ron got out of his chair and stretched his long limbs. “Well I better be heading home. I left Luna to come check on you. She said she was going to take her frustration with Ginny and put it to good use. When I was leaving, she had yellow gloves on and was walking to the bathroom with a bucket of Muggle cleaning supplies. I should probably make sure she didn’t pass out from the fumes.”

Hermione smiled. “You know, it was great just sit and talk to you again.” She got up and gave her best friend a hug.

“It’s weird hugging you and feeling a belly now.” He put his hand on her stomach and bent down. “Bye little one.” Hermione thought it was cute, but felt a pang of hurt in her heart that Harry wasn’t here to say goodnight to the ‘little one’. “Oh, before I leave. Do you want to write a letter back to Harry?” Ron looked at her.

“You can get one to him?”

“I don’t know when I’m going to see him, but I’ll keep it in my wallet, just in case.”

Hermione nodded. “I’ll have one ready in the morning.” Ron smiled sadly and kissed her forehead before apparating back to his apartment.

With a flick of her wand the teacups were clean and with another flick they were put away in the cupboard. She sighed and walked up to the bedroom. She sat down at her vanity and started to write her response to Harry.