To Be With You

A/N: Thank you all for your continued support! There's a bit of a time jump in this chapter, but I hope you enjoy! xx

Disclaimer: JKR owns the world of Harry Potter, not me. I am making no money from the posting of this story.

Chapter 20

Summer quickly faded into fall.

Sirius returned to work and was now hunting down criminals with Harry and Ron. The three of them formed a tight knit Auror group that often caught the most notorious criminals.

Hermione was busy putting together a book on time travel. She had gotten most of her research done in the Department of Mysteries and was now ready to publish. Minerva had been one of the biggest helps with the book. Dumbledore had also been a large help.

The leaves had all fallen from the trees. Hermione glanced at the backyard, watching as Sirius pushed Eridanus in the swing. They were at her parents' house, much like they were every Monday evening.

"Stop biting your lip," Amelia admonished, appearing next to her daughter. "I'm sure Eridanus is warm enough."

"But that jacket isn't very thick," Hermione protested.

"And Sirius is a wizard. I'm sure if he felt it was too cold, he'd cast a warming charm or something on Eridanus."

"I suppose," Hermione said. "The October air is chilly, though."

"Mmmm," Amelia responded. "Dinner is almost ready. Why don't you go get your two boys?"

Hermione did as her mother bade and went outside. She stood by Sirius, watching as he pushed Eridanus. Her hands rested on her baby bump, she was now about four months along.

"Higher Daddy!" Eridanus squealed.

Hermione smiled as Sirius did so. "You're almost flying buddy!" And he grinned at Hermione. "Don't worry, he's magically secured. Nothing bad will possibly happen."

"I know," Hermione said, leaning over and giving Sirius a quick kiss on the cheek. Ever since his accident and finding out she was pregnant, Sirius had become much more involved in Eridanus' life. He was doing just fine before, but with another baby on the way, it seemed he wanted to perfect his parenting. Hermione simply stepped back and let him do what he wanted. It was obvious Eridanus loved the attention from his father.

"Mum said dinner was just about ready," she said after a moment.

"All right, we can head inside," Sirius said. He grabbed the swing, causing Eridanus to let out a cry of protest.

"No! Swing!" he said, his little hands forming fists. In the past few months, Eridanus' vocabulary had increased exponentially. Unfortunately, his temper also went up. If he didn't get his way, a temper tantrum was sure to ensue.

"Now come on," Hermione said. "Grammy and Grampy are ready to have dinner. Aren't you hungry?" She bent down, looking him in the eye.

"No," Eridanus said, crossing his arms. "Want swing!"

"You won't grow up to be a big, strong wizard if you don't eat dinner," Sirius said. "I love dinner."

His eyes lit up. "Ok," he said, walking towards the house, leaving his parents behind.

Hermione laughed, taking Sirius' hand. "Good thinking." He responded by kissing her.

They followed Eridanus into the house. Hugo had picked him up and was now situating him in the high chair. Everyone else took their seats.

"So, Hermione and Sirius," Hugo said, looking to them both. "Have you two started planning for the wedding? I know you plan to have it here. Will the reception be here as well? Will you two go on a honeymoon?"

"We aren't sure. The baby will be due around then and we don't know what we'll do with the children."

"Hermione!" her mother scolded her. "Why didn't you say anything? Your father and I would be happy to watch the children."

"Really?" Hermione asked, looking at them both. "I wouldn't want to impose."

Amelia rolled her eyes. "Really, Hermione, we don't mind. The two of you should have a honeymoon."

Hermione glanced at Sirius and saw he was grinning. "What do you think?" she asked him.

He took her hand and kissed it. "I think that sounds wonderful. We would really appreciate it Amelia and Hugo."

"Then it's settled," Amelia said happily. "You just let us know when you plan to go."

"Probably a few days after the wedding," Hermione said.

"Good," Hugo said, a rare smile on his face. He was starting to warm up to Sirius and was pleased with the way Sirius was with his daughter and grandson.

"Now, what are we going to do about a dress?" Amelia asked. "Since it's so close to your due date, we don't know if you'll be pregnant or not when the day is here."

"Mum, that's the wonderful part about magic. Molly will be able to alter the dress that day to make sure it fits just right," Hermione explained. She had already spoken with Molly Weasley about altering the dress.

"Oh, that's nice of Molly," Amelia said, taking a bit of her food. "And we're going dress shopping with her later this week?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes, on Wednesday."

"Wonderful. Have you decided on a bridal party?" Hugo asked.

"Mhmm." Hermione nodded once more. "Ginny will be my maid of honor. Luna, Tonks, and Lavender will be my bridesmaids."

"And Sirius?" Amelia asked. "What about you?"

"Remus will be my best man, and Harry, Ron, and Arthur will be my groomsmen."

"Very well!" Amelia said. "I'm glad the both of you have started planning. You've got a lot to do in the next few months."

Hermione frowned. That overwhelmed sensation that she had been feeling lately returned. It seemed that everything was so chaotic and she could barely find time to breathe.

"Hermione?" Hugo asked, noticing the panicked look on his daughter's face. "What is it? What's wrong?"

She shook her head. "Just pregnancy brain," she said. "I keep forgetting and remembering random things. What did you just ask?"

"I asked if you were finding out the gender of the baby soon." Amelia asked, her eyes full of concern.

"Yes, tomorrow actually," Hermione said. "We have a checkup appointment at St. Mungo's."

"Exciting," Hugo said. "Do you need us to watch Eridanus?"

"No, Remus is," Sirius answered. "Teddy has been asking for Eri to go over and play."

Hermione glanced at Sirius from the corner of her eye. She was pleased to see how relaxed he was at the table.

After finishing up dinner, the family returned to the living room. Amelia made tea, which they drank while Eridanus played on the floor with his blocks.

"So, Sirius, what gender do you think the baby will be?" Amelia asked.

He grinned. "I'm hoping for a little girl."

"And Hermione?" Hugo inquired. "What do you think?"

"I think it'll be a girl. A beautiful baby girl."

"Here's to hoping," Hugo said, lifting his teacup slightly.

Hermione placed her hand on her stomach. "I don't know if I can handle another rambunctious boy."

Amelia and Hugo laughed. "If it is a boy, he'll be completely different from Eridanus. No two children are ever alike."

Hermione smiled, taking Sirius' hand. "We'll just have to see."