DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own the Harry Potter series.

Late August 2005

Hermione waited anxiously for Ron to return from the joke shop. She had the report in her hand. Hermione had almost crumpled the paper due to her nerves. One minute she was sitting on the couch with one hand on the other and another she was pacing the length of the living room of their apartment. Her husband was due any minute and she still had no idea how she would break the news to him. Or worse how would he react. The very idea of her husbands' reaction made Hermione's insides squirm. Get a grip on yourself, she urged herself. A pop sound outside the window announced Ron's arrival. She rushed to open the door. Should I tell him now? No, I should give him time to breath first.

"Hi!" Hermione beamed. His sight made her a little less nervous. She wasn't that twitchy anymore.

"Hey!" said Ron embracing her.

"How was the day?"

"Very busy. With September coming nearer, the students are stocking themselves for the year. And oh! Harry came over with James today. The three year old has some taste in mischief even at this age." He chuckled.

Well, he is not tired. Maybe I should tell him now. No, he hasn't had food yet. I should wait.

"What's up? 'mione?"

"Um…nothing. Why don't you freshen up? I'll set the table for dinner."

"Right."

With this Ron went to their room. Hermione set the table. When Ron came down, there was a normal dinner. They talked about each other's days at work and some incidents that happened that day. After doing the dishes and cleaning the table with a flick of their wands, Ron and Hermione settled in front of the television. Their place was a mixture of muggle and magical appliances. Hermione and Ron decided that it was the best since she had her muggle relatives visiting her from time to time. In fact, Ron and Hermione had two weddings, one wizarding and another muggle.

Hermione retired early to bed. She went to their bedroom and laid down thinking. I don't want to spoil his night. Maybe I'll tell him tomorrow. But how do I do it? Her nervousness returned and she twisted and turned in bed. Ron came there an hour later and Hermione tried her best to feign sleep. Ron turned off the lights and slid inside the blanket. A couple of minutes elapsed.

"What is it 'mione?" he asked turning on his side to face her. Hermione didn't respond and continued to pretend to be asleep. Ron flicked on the lights with his wand. He stroked her hair. "I know you are awake." Hermione opened her eyes.

"What is it?" Ron asked again.

"Ron…I am…It is…" She opened the side table's drawer and handed a paper to him. Ron took the paper and read it. His eyes became wide from disbelief.

"Really?" was all he could manage. Hermione nodded her head in response. Ron jumped out of the bed and ran to Hermione's side and pulled her out of bed too. He hugged and spun her. He was cackling. Ron Weasley had never been so happy in his entire life. He hugged her tight and did not let want to her go. What if he realized this was a dream?

"Are you really happy?" she asked him in a muffled voice.

"Blimey Hermione! I have never been happier!" Ron exclaimed. He expected her to be exceedingly happy too but he felt her body shake with sobs. He put her on the bed and found that his shirt had become a little wet. He took her hand in his and said calmly,

"You don't want this?"

"I do."

"Then why are you so sad?" She didn't reply. Instead fresh tears started streaming down her face. Ron put an arm around her shoulders and said,

"Shh...We have been trying for months now sweetheart. We have our wish granted! Didn't we want a child?"

"Yes. I mean no. It is not that. I want a baby. I want this baby but the fact that I'm pregnant makes the thing so real! I don't know if we are ready. I don't know if we ever will be! This…this feeling that someone is inside me is just so overwhelming." She shed some more tears. "I know nothing about parenting. I never had a younger sibling to look after. I don't know why I am being so stupid about the entire thing but this is how I am feeling." Ron looked at Hermione's helpless and tear blotched face.

"Maybe it is the hormones." He suggested meekly. This made Hermione smile a little. Ron continued, "We are ready for this." He placed his hand on her stomach.

"Yes, we are. Harry and Ginny have been handling it well and I am sure we can do it too. And of course if there is some problem, there are always some books on parenting available for light reading." He smiled and seeing him so calm and happy about it Hermione smiled too.

They slid into the blanket with Ron's arm wrapped around her. She closed her eyes. Everything is as perfect as ever. And it then hit her. I am having a baby! She was happy, really happy. Ron didn't think about it much. He was happy to have finally been granted his wish. I hope it is a girl. It was his last thought he feel asleep. Hermione shut her eyes too. She feel asleep with Ron's slow breaths on her neck acting as a lullaby. Yes, he will be the most loving father ever.