Bittersweet

Hermione lay on her side.

Three months since school had been effectively closed as the war with the dark lord waged.

And she was seven months pregnant.

She gently stroked her enormous belly, wondering if it would be a boy or a girl.  She and Ron had elected not to know the gender of the baby.  They wanted to be surprised.

In a stroke of genius, Ron proved incredibly adept at quickly developing his own fortune away from his parents surprising everyone, especially his family.

He worked hard, moving the family up through the levels.  It might be something that she would question, but she was always tired and sleeping.

The doctors said it was ptsd—or ‘post traumatic stress disorder’ because of her violent rape.  She couldn’t really care.  She didn’t want to think of it. She wanted to pretend it never happened.

Ron was her pillar of strength.

She rubbed her belly, grimacing because the child was kicking.  Again.

She could lay still, and endure the pain, or move and relieve the pressure o n her ribs.

So she sat up.

Sighing, she went into the kitchen.

She knew she really shouldn’t drink…

But maybe just a little something would take the edge off.

She frowned.

Ron usually kept some kind of whiskey, and she was pretty certain that one shot of alcohol was not going to hurt her baby.

Let this be between you and me, baby.

As if to criticize her, it kicked again.

Sighing, she searched around the kitchen, finally finding the fancy container containing his alcohol.  She opened it—

And stopped.

What?

She sniffed.

And felt something cold and icy seize her.

Because Ron, who seemed to be sipping at least twice a day from a flask (she even teased him for it), had not been drinking firewhiskey but polyjuice potion.

And who better than her would be familiar with its effects?

‘Everything alright my love?’

Turning slowly, she faced Ron, who stood in the doorway, watching her closely.

And for the life of her, Hermione was stunned, unable to say anything other than to gape at him stupidly.

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Thanks for the reviews!

Mr.Sean, I appreciate the critique.  I understand your frustration, and I am sure it is something many readers have been experiencing.  The loyal readers of this story know that I granted a request to finish it (magi) but unfortunately I have really struggled with writing it.  It’s almost over, and I have to say, this is probably the most difficult story I have written because it is a struggle to finish it!  I have no idea why, and I think my writing is not up to par.

Maybe when this is all finished, I will go back and edit.  But thank you everyone for your support and I am glad you continue to read, even if the author is not-so-good at the moment!

And a quick shout out to my Italian fan!  I had to use an online translator but thanks!  Your comments made me smile! Sei fantastico!