My Best Friend and Roommate

sorry if this chapter is too short, but I don't want anything else in this chapter but this stuff.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any HP characters.

Chapter Nine

Christmas Day 2000

Harry felt the magical day of Christmas before his eyes were even open. He sat up in his and Hermione's bed to see that she wasn't in bed. "Hermione, sweetheart?"

"Breakfast is ready, Harry," Hermione called from the kitchen. Harry got out of bed, and pulled on his robe and slippers. He found his three month pregnant wife flipping pancakes in front of the stove.

"Morning sickness all gone?" he asked.

"Finally," she said, "I can't wait to eat anything I want now." Harry chuckled as he kissed her lightly on her cheek.

"It smells good," he said. She handed him a plate of eggs, and he set it on the table. "I think you went a little over board with the breakfast, Mia."

"Well, I'm eating for two now."

"You realize Molly will have just as much at supper tonight?"

"Yep, I do. A pregnant woman can go through three breakfasts before noon, or that's what I read." Harry chuckled as she brought over the pancakes. "Dig in, love." They ate breakfast in light conversation, mostly about what Harry did to the Malfoys.

"I threatened them, Mia. That's all."

"What about the Marriage Law? Will we be affected?"

"I'll have to check with Scrimgeour," Harry said, "He seems to favor me since I defeated Voldemort, and that I bring in the most Dark Wizards then any of my co workers."

"We should get magically bonded after the baby's born, just to be safe."

"I agree, love," he said. After finishing breakfast, Harry and Hermione opened their presents from each other. Hermione got Harry a green cashmere sweater to help bring out his eyes, a muggle t-shirt that said 'Bring on Fatherhood', a new broom cleaning kit, a new Quidditch book and a cell phone, charmed so it would work in the Wizarding World. Harry also got Hermione a charmed cell phone, and a few other things. She gasped at the pearl drop earrings when she opened the jewel box. However, that wasn't the only jewelry she got. It came with a string of pearls as well. Harry also got his wife a complete book on flowers, and a new cloak for when her tummy got bigger. Hermione kissed her husband for the wonderful gifts, and put her new earrings on her lobes. They sat by the fire for most of the day before getting ready to go to the Burrow. "Should we Floo or Apparate?" he asked.

"Let's Apparate," she said, "I can do with some fresh air."

"Is it safe for the baby?" he asked.

"One hundred percent." They pulled on their winter cloaks, and scarves before gathering everything they needed. Hermione packed the cookies she made last night while Harry gathered the presents for all their adopted family. He shrunk each gift, and put it into a bag.

"Ready?" he asked. Hermione nodded, and they went outside, locked up the apartment and headed for the Apparation spot nearby their building. They held hands as they Apparated together, and found themselves in front of the Burrow. It was all lit up with red and gold lights, and some green. Harry always loved the Burrow at Christmas time. It was so homely. Harry opened the gate for Hermione, and she walked up to the door first. Molly was giddy as always when she saw Harry and Hermione. She urged them inside from the cold, and took their cloaks. She had Ron take them upstairs to his old room as she took the cookies from Hermione, and Harry unpacked the presents, putting them back to their original size.
Molly seemed to noticed something different in Hermione. As soon as she entered the kitchen, she had taken our cherry strudels to munch on while she told Molly what cookie was what. She also looked like she was gaining weight. Hermione had on a long black velvet skirt with her maroon sweater and her high heel boots. All though the sweater was meant to hide her small bump, Molly, who was pregnant a total of six times, knew that Hermione was pregnant. "So, where's Arthur?" Hermione asked.

"He went to pick up your parents, "Molly said. Hermione nodded as she left the kitchen to find Harry talking to Ron and Charlie. Ron and Susan's one year old was in a play pen by the Christmas tree trying to get a hold of one of the ornaments. Sonya was getting attention from her mother, Fleur while Fred and George sat with their fiancees, Katie and Allicia. It wasn't long until Arthur arrived with Emylee and Adam. They, too, had their arms full of presents. After settling down at the table, Harry and Hermione believed now was the time to announce of their new addition. The food was handed out, Hermione and Harry stood up, clearing their throats.

"We'd like to make an announcement," he said. Everyone stopped what they were doing to listen to Harry. "Hermione and I couldn't figure out what to get everyone, although there are loads of presents over there." Everyone chuckled. "But, we like to give one to everyone right now. I know it's still early, and you still consider us newlyweds, but in about six months, Hermione and I are going to be parents." Emylee and Molly were the firsts ones out of their seats, and congratulating the parents to be. Fleur was reprimanded by Molly for not telling her, but she said she promised Hermione not to say anything.

"So, is it a boy or a girl?" Ginny asked.

"It's a boy," Hermione said gleefully. That caused the women to get even more giddy. Soon everyone calmed down, and Molly put more food on Hermione's plate.

"You're eating for two, now," she had said putting more ham onto her plate. After dinner, Hermione was planted on a chair while the rest of the ladies did the dishes. The dishes were magically done, and it was time for presents. The wrapping paper didn't stand a chance as everyone acted like little children again. Harry got another broom cleaning kit from Ron and a new knitted sweater from Molly. She knitted a red and gold scarf for Hermione. Emylee and Adam got their son in law some new jeans and a green sweater. Hours passed by and soon it was time to go. Hermione's parents were already home, taken by Arthur in the flying car. They shrunk their presents down to size, and put them in their bags. After saying good bye, they headed outside, walking passed the gate, and Apparated home.

Hermione sighed as she climbed into bed with Harry. He was already dozing off, the day taking a lot of his energy out of him. Plus he had to go to work early tomorrow. He was planning on talking to Scrimgeour about the impending Marriage Law that was due to come into effect for the new year. She snuggled up close to him, and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. "I love you," she said.

"I love you, too," he said back, a little groggily. Hermione rested her head on his shoulder, and slowly fell asleep.

The next morning found Harry in front of Scrimgeour's office, waiting to speak with him. "You can go in, Mr. Potter," Theresa, the Minister's secretary, said.

"Thanks," Harry said before going into Scrimgeour's office.

"Harry, what can I do for you?" the Minister of Magic asked.

"I needed to talk to you about the Marriage Law," Harry said.

"Ah, I see. It's already starting to be a thorn in my side, and it hasn't even taken affect yet." Harry chuckled. "Sit down, Harry." Harry sat down, and got right to the point.

"I want your word that this law won't affect my wife and I," he said, "We're married, but not by magic."

"Do you have plans to get married magically?" Scrimgeour asked.

"Yes, we do, before my twenty first birthday, too."

"When will this ceremony take place?"

"July fourth."

"No need to worry, Harry. You and your lovely wife will not be affected by this." Harry sighed a huge sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Minister," he said standing up. He and Scrimgeour shook hands, and Harry headed back to work. There was absolutely nothing to worry about anymore.