It had all started when Harry had announced happily at a dinner at the Burrow that Ginny was pregnant.
"I'm going to be a dad," Harry had said, looking weak with happiness. "I can't believe it…oh, I love you…"
He had embraced Ginny happily then hugged Ron and Hermione accordingly. Ron hadn't been too fussed about his younger sister getting pregnant, though his smile had seemed a trifle forced and he ended up spilling his drink everywhere. Hermione had hugged Ginny and Harry, flawlessly but regrettably hiding her disappointment at the fact that she and Ron had not yet conceived.
They were able to talk about it after the celebrations had died down somewhat and after Ron's mother had stopped blubbering that she was going to be a grandmother.
They sat in the living room together, holding hands.
"Ron," said Hermione. "What if we had a baby?"
Ron looked at her, alarm mingling with longing and a bit of apprehension.
"Do you think we should?"
"I'd like to," said Hermione. "I mean, Bill and Fleur already have a daughter, so do George and Angelina…and Percy and Audrey too, last I heard. And Harry and Ginny are well on their way…"
Hermione cast loving eyes on Ron.
"I want a little boy or girl to call our own, Ron."
Ron put his arm around Hermione and pulled her closer to him. His eyes were thoughtful but no longer alarmed or apprehensive.
"Yeah," he said. "I would too."
"Do you mean it?" asked Hermione, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Do you really mean it?"
Goodness, did Ron love the happiness in Hermione's eyes. "Of course," he said, and there was no mistaking the smile on his face now. "Let's have a baby."
They walked into the kitchen, one arm around the other, and they nearly ran into Mrs. Weasley.
"Oh…sorry, Mum…"
The way Ron's mother was looking at them told them she'd heard everything. Her eyes twinkled.
Ron looked embarrassed but Hermione smiled.
"It's true," she said.
Mrs. Weasley threw her arms around them.
"Oh, I'm so happy! This is so wonderful-"
"Mum," said Ron. "We'd like it to be kept quiet right now…we've only just decided to."
"Yes of course," said Hermione, nodding.
"I understand," said Mrs. Weasley, dabbing her eyes. "Yes, I-I'll keep it quiet for now-"
She became quite overcome and left the kitchen.
Ron and Hermione went upstairs to the bedroom and after cleaning up and changing they settled into Ron's bed. Hermione was ready to go to sleep but Ron suddenly turned over and pressed his lips to her neck gently. His arms went around her waist.
She got the gist immediately.
"Not now, Ron…not here…"
"Why not?" Ron whispered, edging closer. "We said we wanted a baby."
"For heaven's sake, Ron! Not in your parents' house!"
Hermione wanted to turn over and kiss Ron's face off but didn't go against her better judgment. "We could wait until we got home for this."
"But you look incredibly beautiful tonight."
Hermione turned toward him, a small smile on her face.
"Not in your parents' house. I love you. Goodnight."
She kissed Ron's nose, turned over, and went to sleep.
Ron didn't want to wait, but he did anyway.
Once they got home from the Burrow, Ron bided his time. Hermione knew that he was, and was keen to tease him a bit before giving in. After all, they still both loved getting under each other's skin.
Some things never change.
Ron followed Hermione throughout the house as she giggled and kept walking. Finally he caught up to her and slipped his arms around her waist.
"I got you," he said, kissing her neck. "Please?"
She sighed, turned around, and kissed him on the lips.
"I love you, but you're a goofy idiot. Let's at least do this properly, okay?"
Hermione's eyes glowed with love as she kissed Ron, who enthusiastically kissed her back.
Ron lifted Hermione into his arms, his lips never leaving hers as he carried her into the bedroom, the door closing behind them.