When the Smoke Clears
Hermione Part 2
A/N-Disclaimer: I'm back! Still own nothing. Here's chapter two…
2 May 2008
"Rose, hurry up or we'll be late to Grandma Molly's." Ron's voice calms me even when he is shouting. He returned home at three today. No one would argue with him about leaving early. Not even after ten years. Not today.
"I'm coming, Daddy!" I hear her tiny footsteps on the stairs and then I see her jump the last three steps. She has been trying that for a few weeks. Today, like every other, she falls flat on her bum. Unlike what other children her age would do, she bursts out laughing. She stands and dusts herself off, still shaking with mirth. Then she runs to her father to pick her up.
I smile in contentment as I watch my family. Then, I begin trying to stand. Even though Ron's back is towards me, his head snaps to me struggling and is by my side in an instant, helping me up. I imagine it's quite a feat to watch; Ron helping me stand with both his hands, while Rose hangs off of him from his neck.
When I am finally mostly vertical, Ron wraps his arms around Rose again. The second he does, Rose twists to look at me and pokes my bulging belly. "How much longer, Mummy?"
"Not much by the feel of it," I reply at the same time Ron murmurs, "Not much by the looks of it."
I take a moment to look and feel a bit scandalized—getting the satisfaction of Ron going red—before I realize it's ridiculous to feel that way. If anything, I am proud and excited about my belly. All it means is that I am expanding my beautiful family again.
I let out a small laugh that instantly relaxes Ron. "Come on then, Grandma will worry if we're late."
o.O.o
"…And, finally, for Harry, my son. We wouldn't be here without out him. His sacrifice, with Fred's and everyone else who gave their life for our future, gives us the strength and determination to live our lives to the fullest." There is a profound silence as Molly completes her speech.
Ginny is not attempting to hide her tears, Jonah, her husband of four years, simply comforts her. George and Angelina each hold one of their sons', Fred, hands. Fred, at age two, doesn't understand why his father is crying.
Bill and Fleur hold their heads high with unshed tears as all three of their little ones cry.
My eyes are shining as I look at Rose, then at Ron and finally, at my belly. It's a boy this time. We, Ron and I, almost want to name him Harry. Every time we discuss it, though, we seem to shy away from it.
Slowly, we begin to eat. Then we speak. Finally, we allow ourselves to laugh. Fred would want nothing less than the most boisterous laughter.
It won't ever be easy, but we try. It's the least we can do.
It seems Ginny tries her hardest, no pun intended. She's pregnant she tells us. At that moment, we don't forget, but we look forward. Ginny smiles as brightly as she can as Molly dotes on her and she is passed around for hugs with everyone. Noah's hand is shaken and brotherly threats are reiterated after five years.
We can almost believe it is simply another family dinner. It is so nearly normal.
By the time Ron and I must leave, it is with slightly lighter hearts. Rose is fast asleep in Ron's arms.
After ten years, the nightmares sometimes come back, but with Ron, I can face it.
Harry left a hole in our family that won't ever be filled.
He gave us our freedom, though.
Thank you, Harry. We love you.