Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing of hers!
Chapter 7
"Well done. Thanks for everything," Ron shook Kensington's hand firmly.
"Yes, thank you so much. I cannot tell you how grateful we are for your help," Hermione shook his hand as well, her other having her cloak draped across her arm in from of her torso.
"I hardly did anything. Ron's little speech in there got McLaggen his time in Azkaban. Even if it's the lower level. He probably couldn't handle the real stuff up top. In a few years he'll be out anyways and on our parole list," Kensington spoke, grinning widely, in a way neither of them had seen before.
"Well, don't think we aren't thankful." Hermione assured the Auror. The man smiled before being called by the reporters for an interview.
Ron slung his arm around Hermione's shoulders and squeezed her to him. He kissed the crown of her head as she snuggled into his embrace. After a moment, she pulled away.
"Let's go home."
The pair grinned at each other before he took her hand and headed toward the Floo entrances. Ron felt more relaxed than he had in weeks, thanks to the two people responsible for ruining several years of his life going to Azkaban. He was sure Hermione felt it as well, as her smile was still gracing her lips, while they paced away. She adjusted her cloak in front of her growing belly as they rounded the corners, noting the onlookers that peered at them curiously.
"And then, most importantly, there's me and your Mum, and Rose. You'll hear her called Rosie. I think Mummy did a wonderful job choosing her name. I'm sure she'll choose a great one for you too." Hermione woke up to the sound of Ron's voice and her baby bump exposed to the cooler night air. A warm hand brushed across it.
"Rosie's going to be a lovely big sister. It's all she talks about." He chuckled, "I'm sure Mummy won't let her have you from the start -you see, Rose is a bit eager- but, when you are old enough you'll play together for hours. And your Nana Jean will just adore you. Now you have to remember, Mummy doesn't have any siblings, so Nana only has Papa, Mummy, and Rosie to call her own. She was thrilled when we told her. And Papa is going to dote on you as well. He has a special place in his heart for his girls... kind of like I do... but, I'm sure he'll enjoy having a grandson as well," Ron continued.
"Ron?" Hermione croaked, opening her eyes to the pitch dark that their room was coated in.
"Oh, hey," Ron shifted up, now leaning on his elbow, still in his position close to her belly.
"What are you doing?" She yawned. This baby had her constantly running to the loo, as her bladder had seemed to be Baby's favorite thing to pounce on. She hardly ever got close to a full night's sleep.
"Just telling Baby about the family. We've gone over all their aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents, and great grandparents, and us of course, and-"
"And, you decided to do this at," Hermione glanced her blurry eyes at the clock, "three in the morning because..." Hermione yawned again, leaving the question open for him to answer.
Ron sighed heavily, "couldn't sleep," he mumbled, running his hand over their growing child, and tenderly kissed the skin of her belly before lowering her nightshirt over it. It had been several weeks since the trial had ended. The next morning the Weasleys were once again plastered across the front covers. This time, stating more positive, and unusually accurate, statements about the pair being pregnant. Neither of them enjoyed this, but, Hermione was now able to walk around without something constantly covering their growing child.
"What's wrong? Nightmares?" Hermione had known him well enough to realize nightmares may always scar their sleep.
Ron shook his head, pulling himself up the bed, joining her again, and meeting her eye to eye.
"Never fell asleep," Ron nibbled his lip, "there's something I want to tell you, but, it'll probably make you lose some sleep too." Ron explained.
Hermione inhaled deeply, hoping that she'd be able to fall asleep quickly, yet, at Ron's words, she was fully awake.
"What is it?"
He sighed huskily, reaching up to rub his eye, "There's a case I think Kingsley wants me to lead. I've planned it all out, and we've gone over it several times, and he's hinted that he wants me to lead it."
Hermione sat up, as her eyes widened, "You're going on a mission?" She croaked, her eyes searching his face.
"It's not official, which is why I haven't said anything. But, yeah, they want me to lead it. I find out tomorrow for sure."
Hermione's stomach instantly knotted, "but you haven't been on a mission in months! I thought- "
"I know. The other missions had been handled by fellow Aurors. This one..." Ron thought for a moment, before deciding what he would divulge to his wife, "a girl went missing months ago. A muggle. She was only nineteen and we know who has her. Same bastard we've been trying to get for over a year. He has some sort of plan that we just can't crack. Not to mention we've just now found where he's at. We don't know why he needs her, or if she's alive. But, whatever it's for, it's not good. Kingsley wants me on the case. And-"
"And you want to go," Hermione finished for him. He closed his mouth and looked at his wife.
"As an Auror it's difficult to be so close and let it slide right through my grip when I could go and help. As a father and husband," he smiled a small grin at the words before it disappeared and he continued seriously, "it terrifies me that I have to leave you three and know it's not just a day to the office, but something potentially dangerous." Ron explained, hoping Hermione understood where he was coming from.
Hermione had to smile at his words, "you were always meant to save people, weren't you?"
Ron blushed and shrugged, "I just want to keep you three safe, most of all," He rested his hand on Hermione's growing bump, "but, this girl's done nothing wrong. She's just a few years younger than us... if it was you, or Rose..." Ron shook his head.
"I just feel that if Kingsley asks, I need to go." He finished.
He looked up at Hermione who was lost in her thoughts. She knew exactly what he was saying. She fights her own battles in her career; making a difference and helping magical creatures gain the rights they deserve. Ron is doing the same; it was just unfortunate that his was dangerous and could cause him harm.
"You've planned this mission yourself?" She questioned.
"Yes."
"Okay," Hermione whispered. Ron could hear the shaking in her voice.
"I'm sorry," Ron replied, shifting so he laid on this side toward his wife, snuggling closer and wrapping his arm further around her waist.
"It's your career. You are doing what's right. It's just one of the many things I love about you. You don't need to apologize," Hermione adjusted more comfortably against him. Her small bump pressing against his abdomen.
"It makes things harder on you. You'll have Rose who hates when I leave. You're already having more needs because you've got that little one in there... maybe I can get Mum to stay while I'm gone. It shouldn't be long... a few days tops."
"I will be just fine, Ron. You don't need to bother your mother, she'll probably be helping out with Victorie."
"You're right. You will be fine because my Mum will be here to make sure everything is okay. And Fleur's Mum has been staying at Shell Cottage helping with everything since Dominique was been born. Mum has all the time in the world."
Hermione shifted to glare at the redhead, "I will be fine. Molly doesn't need to come over."
"Okay. Your Mum then, but, that might make things for her schedule a bit difficult," Ron reasoned.
"She doesn't need to be coming over either," Hermione huffed, "I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself and our daughter while you are away."
"Right again. You are. But, it would make me sleep better at night and perhaps be more focused on the mission of someone stayed here with you. Hermione, I know you think everything will be fine. But, what if you need medical attention in the middle of the night? Mum could call for you, or stay with Rose, or help bring her along. If it was just you... I dunno. I'm afraid it might make you too late or something. I know that's an outrageous situation," Ron continued when he saw Hermione take a breath to retort, "but, it would make me feel much better if we were prepared for whatever happened. Besides, it must not be too outlandish if Fluer's water broke in the middle of the night. Your labor could be as quick as hers. They were lucky Bill was there to help."
There was a pause between the pair. Hermione recalled Fleur's hour labor and how she had to deliver at home, due to her progressing so quickly, and not being able to make it anywhere. Bill was able to contact everyone he needed, and a Healer was able to make it over while both Grandmums were summoned to help with little Victorie.
"Are you going to give up on this?" Hermione asked, breaking the silence.
"Never."
"Then fine. I'm too tired to keep arguing about it anyway," Hermione sighed, shoving her arm under Ron's shoulder, and shifting closer to him, lifting her tiny belly so it rested on top of Ron's abs.
"He's really growing now, isn't he?" Ron hummed, resting his hand on top of her expanding skin.
"Yes. He OR she is certainly getting bigger every moment. Taking all my energy with them." Hermione chuckled, "I still can't believe we have a few more weeks before finding out what they might be."
"A boy. I'm sure of it," Ron answered quickly, expanding his hand across their little one, rubbing it sweetly.
"You're going to feel so daft if it's a girl," Hermione rolled her sleepy eyes.
"Well, what do you think Baby is?" Ron insisted, though he knew her answer by heart at this point.
"I've told you before. I don't know, and it doesn't matter. I want Baby to be healthy and happy. That's all that matters to me. They'll be loved either way," Hermione yawned.
Ron chuckled, knowing he was spot on in her response. He kissed her forehead as she hummed in satisfaction, "I bloody love you." She hummed quieter this time, almost as if she was responding the same.
"Let's get some sleep."
A few days later, it was confirmed, Ron was leaving for his mission. This time, he would be leaving during the evening. He spent the day with Rose, making sure they did almost everything she wanted during their time together. Hermione came home from work early to spend the final few hours before he left, just the three of them. Ron hugged Rose extra tight that night, and gave her two bedtime stories and Hermione sang her to sleep; extra for the tot, as all of them tired dragging out their time together. Hermione walked Ron to the Floo; he stood tall and held his small bag full of essentials in his hand.
"You have the coin still?" Ron questioned, as Hermione nodded.
"Of course. You'll let me know how things are going?" She inquired back.
"Yes." Ron glanced at the clock. His mum would be arriving in five minutes. Ron looked back at his wife, whose eyes were glossy.
"Love, it's going to be fine," he reassured her, dropping the bag and wrapping his arms around her body. She melted into him.
"I know. Just an emotional wreak is all," she tried to joke. Ron squeezed her as close as was comfortable and her belly allowed. When they parted, he bent down to her stomach.
"Daddy'll be back. You be good for Mummy," he placed a gentle kiss on her protruding stomach, then stared at it for a moment before sighing, "still? Nothing? You'll kick for me one day."
He stood, resting a hand on the witch's cheek.
"I love you. Take it easy, right?" Ron reminded her. He thought he heard a scoff from her before he pressed his lips to hers. Hermione pushed up onto her toes to deepen the kiss.
Moments later, Ron Flooed away with his bag in hand.
...
Hermione laid in bed that night. It was late. Molly had already come over and made herself comfortable in the guest room. Insisting to Hermione that she'd take care of everything. The witch sighed, and rolled to her other side. She now faced Ron's spot, lying cold and vacant. They hadn't told Rose he was leaving. Hermione was hoping they wouldn't regret the decision. She thought it would be easier to tell the tot in the morning, so she could have a restful night before the news was broken to her. She dreaded the morning. And just like that, she was reminded of the sleepless nights that plagued her when Ron had gone in missions before. Yet, this time felt worse than the last. She thought it was to get better, him leaving; they would become more accustomed to the action. However, now they had so much more: their marriage, Rose, and now their new little one on the way.
Hermione shook her head, she couldn't think that way. Ron would be coming home to them: healthy and alive. She raised onto her elbow to fluff her pillow before lying back down heavily. A foot pushed against her as she did so. Hermione smiled and turned to her back.
"Now you decide to kick?" Hermione whispered sweetly, running her hands over her belly, "Daddy's been trying to get you to kick for weeks, and you choose when he's gone to do it?" Hermione hummed.
She pressed around a bit on her stomach; it still amazed her that her body could do such extraordinary things. This earned her another kick, quite a hard one too. She chuckled, "I suppose you miss him. He likes talking with you before bed... I miss him too. If I'm right, we should be hearing his voice any moment now. Don't tell him this, but, I'm glad your Grandmum is staying over. I still don't think I need the help, but, with these restless night I'm sure I'll be having, it will be nice to have her around."
At this, her room illuminated and a buzzing sound reached her ears.
A smile graced her face, as she turned to grab the coin from her nightstand.
"Right on time."
The next morning, went as well as Hermione was expecting. The tot took it hard that Ron was away. She reminded her of the books they've read, and that Daddy comes back when he can. Yet, the majority of the morning, Hermione spent with Rose cuddled into her lap; a difficult task with Hermione's growing belly. When it was time for Hermione to leave, Rose was reassured enough to just be sniffling and wiping away her final tears. She was held by Molly who assured Hermione that Rose would be taken well care of, while she held the tot in her aging arms. Hermione briefly heard the mention of some of Grandmum's hot cocoa before she Flooed to work.
Each night, or sometime early evening, that Ron was away, he would message her on the coin. Apparently, the mission, which was only to take a day or two, was taking longer than expected. He couldn't say much more than that, but, always managed to convey his love for Hermione and their children. On the sixth day gone, Hermione was lying in bed. She had retired just a few hours ago, just as she normally did. Yet, Ron hadn't sent a message. Her stomach twisted in knots as she tried not to have a conniption worrying about why he hadn't communicated. The little one she was carrying was kicking as well.
"I know, sweetheart," Hermione rubbed her belly, "I've got you worrying in there too. I'm sorry." Hermione tossed and turned for some time before falling asleep.
When she awoke again, it was to a bright light. Hermione huffed and squinted her eyes, when she realized it was a silvery stag. The animal stood there stomping its hooves and watching Hermione intently. It opened its mouth to relay a message in Harry's voice.
"Hermione, Ron's at St. Mungo's-"
Before Hermione listened to the rest of the message, the witch jumped to her feet and summoned her cloak before rushing to the Floo.
By this point in her life, Hermione was very familiar with the wards at St. Mungos. As she hurried to the ward she knew Aurors were taken to, she had a moment of calm knowing Rose was left in the good hands of Molly.
She turned the corner to find Ron lying in a hospital bed with Harry by his side.
"What's happened? Ron!" The pair looked at her; Harry looking embarrassed and Ron shaking his head in slight amusement.
"Told you, Harry. You worried her for nothing," Ron spoke, shoving Harry with the arm Hermione realized was not in a sling.
Hermione rushed to their sides, her wide eyes flashing between the two.
"Well, this wouldn't have even been my job if you would have done your paperwork!" Ron chuckled at Harry's exasperation.
"Sorry Hermione. If this ever happens again, I'll make sure I say he's alright before telling you we're here." He turned to Ron, "and make sure you change your paperwork. I'm no longer your emergency contact now that the two of you are married." He paced over to Hermione, pecking her on the cheek before leaving the ward.
Hermione stared at Ron, attempting to take everything in, in her frazzled state.
"Ron?" She croaked, he sighed and spoke.
"Just a dislocation. They already set it, just want to get me an anti-inflammatory potion before I leave. But, I'm just fine," Hermione brushed her hand along the cotton plaster just under his hairline, "okay, they're also watching for a concussion, but, I swear that's it." Ron attempted to calm her shaking body, "They called for Harry because he's my emergency contact. You see, I did 't want my mum to ever see me if something really bad happened, I figured Harry could just make the decisions and tell her. But, I guess I forgot to switch it over since we got married. So that explains Harry... then he goes and sends a daft message to you that I'm here instead of starting that I'm fine. I told him you likely didn't wait for the rest, and then you were here."
Tears poured down Hermione's cheeks. The tremor in her body has seemed to calm slightly, but, were being replaced by sobs. Ron took her hand and pulled her gently to the bed. She sat and wiped her tears.
"Sorry to worry you. I hate doing that," Ron said sadly.
"You're okay. I was so worried when I didn't get a message..." Hermione managed, making a loud sniff.
"I know. I'm sorry." Ron took her hand and brought it to his lips for a tender kiss, "I love you. You know I will always come back to you."
As she gazed into the deep blue of his eyes, she knew he was telling her the truth.
Hermione was stirred awake by the gentle nuzzle of her husband on her neck, where sweet kisses were being placed.
"Mmm." She hummed, craning her neck in the opposite direction to allow him to continue. He nipped just behind her ear where two small freckles rested, earning another breathy moan from his wife. He laughed and trailed the kisses down her neck and chest.
"Morning to you, too." She smiled as she opened her eyes, which brought the rugged redhead into view. He kissed her on the lips deeply. Ending the kiss, he pulled back, only slightly; the tips of their noses touching.
"You know what today is? He whispered huskily. She shivered at his voice.
"Yes. Do you my love?" She brought a hand up to caress his face, bushing her fingers along his scruffy chin.
"Only the day we find out if our little one's a girl or boy. Nothing too important." He winked as she slapped his arm jokingly. "Kidding! Only joking, love. Of course, it's an important day. A huge, exciting day!"
He leaned down to kiss her again, which she met, and raised the intensity level. Ron chuckled at her reaction, which reverberated through her, increasing her want of him. The past several weeks they had been spending much more time having romps around the house. It reminded Ron of when they were newly married, or on the date nights they attempted when someone could watch Rose. Hermione thoroughly enjoyed this part of her pregnancy; something she wasn't able to fully experience during her first. She was just so sensitive, and couldn't get enough of her ginger haired husband.
"I thought it sounded like your dreams were sexy. Care to share them with me?" He kissed her again, placing careful pecks up to her ear, lingering on a few and seductively sucked on her lobe.
She gasped and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, using her weight to carefully flip them over. She pushed herself up as she straddled his waist. Ron's eyes went wide at the sudden movement. He loved when Hermione was like this. She raised an challenging eyebrow, her lips formed in a smirk.
"I thought you'd never ask Mr. Weasley."
She removed her airy nightdress, which proudly displayed her growing bump. Ron's eyes grew even wider as he instantly placed his hands over her bump, caressing and brushing it gently. He knew he would never not find Hermione attractive. But, the way pregnancy had changed her body still amazed him. Her breasts had grown increasingly, and her bump was just a reminder of how much he loved her. He raised himself to bend forward to kiss her on her full lips, then place his on their growing baby. She smiled at the gesture, and continued to remove his track pants to reenact her dream with him.
…
Ron placed another sliced peach on the plate in front of his, now three-year-old daughter. The young girl grabbed a handful of peach and fried egg and brought it to her mouth.
"Rosie," Hermione warned, the tot's gaze jumped to her mum knowing she was doing something wrong, "Use a fork, love."
Hermione had been adamant since she had adjusted to living with Ron that she starts continuously using utensils when eating her food. Her big blue eyes shined brightly at her mum, a sneaky look upon her face, as she continued to bring the food closer to her open mouth.
"Rose," Ron stepped in now, sitting in the chair beside her, across from Hermione. Rose instantly dropped the food back on her plate, wiping her hand on her bib. Giving her blue eyed innocent gaze to her father. Ron scooted the tot sized fork closer to the child, as he continued eating his own breakfast with his utensils. Rose reluctantly picked up the fork and ate with it ungracefully. Hermione smirked, and mouthed a 'thank you' to Ron. He shot her a wink.
"I don't know why she's so stubborn about it. It's not like it's the first time today eating with a fork," she laughed. Ron grinned as well. The tot certainly had both their stubborn natures.
"Rosie, Mummy and Daddy are going to the Healer today for the baby." Ron caught Rose's interest when he mentioned the baby. She watched the redhead while picking off a few pieces of discarded egg from her bib, and placing them in her mouth. "We're going to find out if you're getting a brother, or a sister."
Rose's eyes grew wide with excitement. She clapped her hands together, sticky from the juice, and squealed. "Bwofer! Baby bwofer!" She giggled as Ron chuckled along with her.
"Well, Rose certainly agrees with me." He said, winking at his daughter. Hermione stood to clear her dishes and came back to wipe Rose clean of her fruit and egg mess.
"I still don't understand why you won't tell me what you think our little one is." Ron enjoyed the view she bent down to wipe Rose's face and hands. Of course, Ron knew exactly what his wife would say; he always hoped he would get her to spill something.
"Because it doesn't matter if our baby is a girl or a boy. I'll still love him or her either way. I'm just excited for them to get here." Hermione straightened and leaned back to stretch her back, pushing her small bump out even further toward Rose. She grinned and put her hands on her mum's belly, smiling luminously.
"Hi bwofer! Love you!" She joyfully spoke, leaning forward to kiss her mum's bump. Hermione and Ron both melted with the love they felt for their daughter.
"Well, that was adorable. She must be taking notes from her daddy." Ron stood and slid his arms around her body to her protruding belly, kissing her neck lightly.
"Ron! Not in front of little Rosie." She admonished him, even if she did enjoy his ministrations.
"You think you'd be sated after this morning!" Hermione added, whispering to Ron. His ears began turning red.
"Alright, alright. We need to get Rosie to mum's anyway so we can go see her little brother." He kissed her cheek again, and squeezed her bum, causing Hermione to jump in surprise. He slipped Rose out of her high chair and held her back to his chest.
"Say goodbye to mummy," Ron leaned her to Hermione's face. Rose pecked her mum on the lips.
"Goodbye Mummy! I wuv you!" Hermione caressed her daughter's face.
"I love you too darling. Have fun at Grandmum's." Hermione smiled lovingly at her daughter. Ron then leaned Rose downward toward Hermione's growing bump.
"And say goodbye to brother."
"Ron…"
"Or sister," Ron muttered grudgingly. Rose leaned and kissed her mum's belly.
"Goodbye bwofer! Wuv you!" Hermione sighed, how could she not melt?
"Brother OR sister loves you as well." Ron rolled his eyes at his wife, strolling over to kiss her.
"See you in a few, love."
…
Ron stood tapping his foot outside the door. Healer Clarke insisted on an internal examination this appointment, so now Ron was pacing impatiently outside the room. He thought they'd come, and as soon as they arrived, they'd find out what they were having. Ron didn't think he had ever been more excited. He glanced at the door again. Finally, the healer opened the door and allowed Ron back inside. He shut the door behind him. Hermione was lying on the bed, her shirt pulled up, revealing her growing belly. She grinned at him. His heart thudded madly as he rushed over to her.
"Sorry for the wait, Ron. Most husbands feel more comfortable with the internal examination if they are outside the room. I told Hermione everything looks great for Baby," Healer Clarke filled him in. Ron nodded in agreement, rather glad that he didn't have to be in the room while a healer was examining something extremely private for Hermione; and something Ron was quite familiar with as well.
"Anyway, you ready to find out just what Baby is?" The healer smiled, knowing just what their answers would be. She squirted the gel on Hermione's tummy.
"Couldn't be more ready!" Ron uttered, chuckling with excitement. Hermione laughed as well, linking her hand with his.
"We've been counting down the days, you see," Hermione explained, as Ron held tightly to her hand.
"Well, the wait is over," Healer Clarke explained, as she pressed the ultrasound wand around Hermione's abdomen, watching the screen to show her what was inside.
She gave a wide smile as she gave them the news.
"It's a girl."
A/N: I'm not sure I'll get another update out before Christmas, so, Merry Christmas and happy holidays! I'm very interested to see your reactions for this chapter. Thank you for reading, and I hope you're still enjoying it! I would love to hear your thoughts.
Scarlet
