Sunday, George had decided, was the best days of the week. He worked every week day and often on Saturdays as well, leaving himself only Sundays to really relax. Not that he minded working, of course – the shop was important to him and he enjoyed stocking, inventing, and selling – and he certainly didn't regret being the manager of such an insanely popular and rapidly growing business, but nothing could beat his Sundays. Generally speaking, George wasn't one to have a set schedule for himself, preferring to fly by the seat of his pants and just roll with it, but over two years of marriage with Hermione had taken its toll and he had quickly and quite subconsciously developed a routine for Sundays. He got to lie in late and then spend the rest of the day with his wife or the rest of his family. They went on outings and dates, had supper with his mum, visited Hermione's mum and dad, hung around the flat like the bums that they truly were – really, it was a de-stressing day to be spent with his gorgeous wife.

However, it was a sort of unspoken household rule that Sundays did not begin until at least ten o'clock. Hermione had always been an early riser, but she understood and respected George's night owl tendencies and never complained that he slept later than she. As it was his only day off, she had no problem allowing him the luxury of sleeping as long as he desired. She would wake up bright and early and go about her business (which usually entailed tidying their messy flat and reading) until he woke up, at which point the day began.

This particular Sunday was one that George had been looking forward to. They had plans to be at the Burrow for supper around seven, but otherwise had the day to themselves. Both Hermione and George had experienced rather trying weeks, filled with long hours, uncooperative coworkers, and an assortment of other troublesome bits, so the reprieve from their busy everyday life was welcomed. George had gone to bed early on Saturday evening, expecting a long night's rest before starting his day of relaxation.

His pleasant dreams were shattered at six thirty in the morning. He woke abruptly to a piercing shriek, which immediately put him in a foul mood. As he rolled over, slamming a pillow over his head to block the sound, he heard the yelling start again – though this time, he could make out the words his wife was bellowing at him.

"GEORGE WEASLEY, YOU LAZY SOD! GET YOURSELF OUT OF THAT BED THIS MINUTE OR YOU'LL REGRET IT!"

Irritation coursing through his tired body, he lugged himself out of the bed with the intention of telling his wife to be quiet and let him sleep. It was only when he reached the sitting room and saw Hermione standing in the middle of the room, her face contorted in pain and annoyance, that it occurred to him that the rude awakening might have been important. Snapping out of his tired daze, he rushed over to her.

"You are the most ridiculous man I have ever encountered," she said through gritted teeth, bent over slightly as she sent an aggravated glance his way.

"What's wrong?" he asked, worry lacing his words.

"The baby," she replied shortly, pointing at her large, protruding pregnant belly.

"Now?" George said hoarsely. The baby couldn't be coming now. It wasn't due for another week and a half. The nursery wasn't ready. He wasn't ready.

"Yes, now, you buffoon. Get me to Mungo's or you'll wish you'd never had the misfortune of meeting me," she snarled, grabbing his hand tightly and tugging him towards the fireplace. The floo trip was uncomfortable and far too slow, and when they arrived Hermione was immediately whisked away by a couple Healers. George tried to follow but was shoved unceremoniously into a chair instead. When the witch at the reception desk finally said she could help him, he bolted over.

"What can I do for you?" she asked, batting her eyelashes in what George might've found cute and flirty at one point in time but presently found bothersome and unprofessional.

"My wife is having a baby," he stated, feeling a bit flustered by the entire situation. The witch raised an eyebrow.

"How exciting," she said drily.

"Can you direct me to her room?" he asked with forced patience.

"Name," the witch said briskly.

"Hermione Weasley," he replied. "She was just let in a moment ago, just direct me to the maternity – "

"Weasley… hmm, none on file," the witch said.

"She's having a baby, not checking in," George snapped. "Just tell me where the maternity ward is before I blow a gasket and burn down the hospital." The witch looked a bit startled and gave him the directions, which sent him hurtling down the hallways at a breakneck speed. When he finally arrived and found her room, he shoved his way inside and found a very angry Hermione glaring at a very scared Healer. When she noticed George had arrived, the glare softened slightly and she let out a puff of air.

"There you are," she said. "I was beginning to think that you were trying to skip you're child's birth ."

"Terrible receptionist," he muttered, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Have you told anyone we're at Mungo's yet?" Hermione asked. George blinked.

"Hadn't even thought of that," he mumbled, pulling out his wand and sending a Patronus to his mum, informing her that Hermione and he were at Mungo's and that she should get the family and be there soon. "Have you got your mobile?" he asked. "I don't think your mum and dad would like a Patronus popping up." Hermione pointed at the little table beside her, on which sat her mobile and a couple other items from her pockets. George rang her parents and told them that Hermione was in labor – the conversation was interrupted only by Hermione letting out a rather loud moan of pain as a contraction hit her. Mrs. Granger chuckled and said they'd be there as soon as possible and wished them good luck.

Family quickly began materializing at this hospital. Most popped into the room briefly when they first arrived, but left the couple by themselves for the majority of the time. Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Granger stayed a little longer, soothing the pained pregnant woman as the contractions came increasingly close together. But in the end, it was only Hermione and George and the Healers. Unfortunately for George, she hadn't even begun the worst part and she was already cursing him for "getting her into this mess" (he refrained from pointing out that it took two to make a baby, if only to save his own neck).

It seemed ages before the Healers announced it was time. Hermione gripped his hand, her eyes desperately searching for his; fear flickered beneath the steely determination and George offered her a comforting smile. She almost returned it, but the Healer cried, "Push!" and the moment was lost. Crying and screaming followed; Hermione squeezed his hand harder than he had formerly thought her capable of, cursing him and life and every other thing she could think of. It felt like pandemonium at its finest; insanity and absolute chaos. It was loud and disorganized and bizarre –

And then, another voice joined the din. A cry pierced the room and, all of a sudden, it was all George could hear. Hermione's screaming softened and the Healers disappeared; all he heard was the cry of a baby – his baby.

"It's a boy," announced a Healer, breaking his trance as he placed something small in his arms. He looked down and saw the most beautiful baby he had ever seen. The small and rather pink bundle squirmed in George's arms, a tuft of red hair visible in the light. The baby opened its eyes, revealing bright blue irises as the crying baby gazed up at his father. George smiled, subconsciously putting a finger on the baby's soft cheek. He quieted slightly under his touch and George felt his heart soar. This was his baby – his son. He and Hermione were parents now; parents of the most beautiful little boy on the planet.

He tore his eyes from the baby to look up at his wife. Hermione was watching the pair with tears in her tired but happy eyes. Wordlessly, George handed their son over to her and watched as she looked down at him, the tears flowing freely down her cheeks. He brushed an unruly curl away from her cheek and she looked up at him.

"He's perfect," George whispered, planting a light kiss on her nose.

"You're a dad now," Hermione said, her eyes drifting back to her crying baby. She rocked him softly, a loving smile gracing her features.

"And you're already the best mum in the world," George replied, watching his wife soothe the baby until the crying stopped. Hermione gave a watery little laugh.

"I'm not so sure about that, but I'll certainly try," she murmured. They were silent for several minutes, watching their newborn son as he lay quietly in his mum's arms. Then, suddenly, Hermione said, "Fred."

George looked up, startled. "W-what?"

"His name," she replied. "Fred Weasley."

George was dumbstruck. He looked down at the baby, back at his wife (whose expression clearly said that she would brook no opposition), and back at the baby. He felt a swell of love and gratitude for her and was hardly surprised at all when tears sprang to his own eyes. He pulled her into a hug, careful not to squash their son between them, furiously wiping away the tears. When he sat back again, he grinned at the baby.

"Welcome to the world, Frederick Charles Weasley."

A/N:

I mean, it's only been what, a year? o.o

I'm sorry.

But here ya go. Done. Hopefully, satisfactory. I plan on editing this story (fix those grammar/spelling/other technical errors, as well as tweak my awful writing) and bringing some of my fics back to life (cough cough Speed of Change cough cough). There's some serious dusting to do. And revising. Gosh. Some of my writing on here sucks. I can't imagine why people would read it.

Anywho, I rather like this story/fourshot/thing. I like these two 3 The twins are just perf, and Hermione is epic. I hope everyone liked it.

Reviews and critiques would be much appreciated! If anyone wants to beta some stuff, that would be awesome. I have a few exams and finals in the next couple weeks, but by mid-December I'm free as a bird and will probably dedicate a lot of time to writing. :) Hope to see people then!

(early) happy holidays to people! Hope this was an enjoyable little story.

Naomi