The characters and canon situations in the following story belong solely to JK Rowling. I am not making any money from the publishing or writing of this story.
Feeling much better and hope you enjoy!
Thanks for taking the time to read.
Hermione was exhausted but happier than she had been in months. Her entire week had flown by; the volunteer work was a god-send. It kept her hands and mind occupied and gave her a sense of accomplishment. It was Saturday and she wasn't scheduled to work until Monday afternoon, the entire weekend stretched before her long, dull, and endless.
Hermione smiled at the basket of laundry she had sitting next to her on the sofa. Most people she knew lived for the weekends and here she was wishing it was over already.
The only break from the monotony was the weekly family brunch at the Burrow. Attendance was mandatory. Hermione knew she should try to be enthusiastic but the whole Bill-Ron-baby situation was fraught with tension. Sitting at the same table with all of the Weasleys, knowing she had shagged her oldest brother-in-law was just un-nerving.
The idea that she might be pregnant had drifted though her mind every couple of hours whether she wanted it to or not. The not knowing was excruciating, but Hermione realized the possibility that she was not expecting was worse.
Sunday morning she decided to make a raspberry jam cake as a surprise for Molly. Meal preparation was never Hermione's strong suit but she was a wiz at baking; cookies, pies, tortes, anything that was loaded with calories and did not call for being well balanced. The flat was filled with the aroma of vanilla and confectioner's sugar coated the kitchen counter. Hermione was behind schedule and frantically trying to finish and jump into the shower, when the doorbell rang.
"Great! Just what I need! I am already fifteen minutes late!" Hermione brushed off flour and powdered sugar as she answered the door.
Standing in front of the door was a huge arrangement of irises, tulips, roses, peonies and gladiolas with legs. The flowers obscured the delivery person. A voice came from over a yellow rose, 'Mrs. Hermione Weasley?"
"Yes," Hermione answered.
"Thank you" the face of the young deliveryman was now visible peeking over the enormous bouquet. "We have had his order for so long I was afraid you might have moved or died or something."
Hermione was confused. "I am sorry, I afraid I don't understand, what do you mean you have this order so long?"
"Look lady these are heavy, where can I put them before you start playing twenty questions!" Hearing the strain in his voice, Hermione open the door further to allow the man entry.
"Just there on the coffee table would be fine." Hermione noticed a card attached to the vase and in an instant knew who sent the flowers. She took a shaky breath and turned to the deliveryman.
"You said you have had this order for a long time?" Hermione turned to face him.
"Yeah you could say that. Bloke came in around New Years and placed the order. I remember 'cuz he was so tetchy, agitated, nervous, like I wasn't going to get it straight or somethin'."
Hermione's eyes welled up. "Thank you getting it straight after so long. I appreciate your effort." She was looking around for her wallet, the least she could do was to tip the man generously.
The man realized what she was searching for and stopped her, "No reason to worry, he got care of everything, right generous he was…Is it your birthday or anniversary or something?"
Hermione smiled sadly, "Something." She hadn't realized what day it was until she saw Ron's handwriting on the card."
"Well… then….happy something." The man tipped his cap and left.
Hermione started at the flowers, they were perfect. Ron had obviously given a lot of thought to his selection. For her each flower represented a special moment.
The gladiolas and irises reminded her of the all the long lazy summers she had spend in the Burrow garden with Ron before they had been force to grow up and defeat evil.
Tulips were the first type of flower Ron had every given her when they first got together. He had been so cute holding out a single red tulip for her when he came to pick her up for their first official date.
She had held a small bouquet of peonies at Harry and Ginny's wedding. It was the first family event that Ron was able to attend once she had nursed him back to health.
The roses were the same color as the ones she carried at their wedding. The arrangement was perfect.
Hermione opened the card. Her heart skipped a beat as she read the message.
Love,
Did I surprise you?
Happy Kissersary!
Please know what ever might happen, you will always be in my heart.
Ron
Hermione looked up at the flowers she could feel the tears on her cheeks. She was ashamed, she hadn't thought about Ron in days but now that she did, she missed him so much.
"Oh Ron, I wish you were here to see these they are amazing and you are right I was surprised." Hermione laughed and smiled as she wiped away the tears. Kissersary was a word he made up years ago.
Ron had dutifully explained that is was an anniversary that just they would celebrate, the anniversary of their first kiss. They had done little things for each other every year on this day something small but meaningful. Hermione leaned down and took a deep breath the fragrance was delightful. It was so like Ron to think ahead for this.
Hermione sat on the sofa and studied the arrangement. She vaguely remembered New Years. Ron had a bad spell right after Christmas but he seemed better by New Years. Looking back Hermione realized that had been the beginning of the end. Ron got progressively worse as the year went on. Had this been his last conscience effort to look forward or had he realized that, he wouldn't be here for their Kissersary?
The truth was it did not matter, he was gone and she was left to deal with the aftermath and that included having brunch at the Burrow now.
Hermione wiped her face once again and stood up. She needed to get dressed and she had a cake to deliver.
"Oh dear how thoughtful, Arthur loves raspberry, but of course you knew that!" Molly Weasley took the cake from Hermione as she entered the kitchen.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Hermione asked as she walked around the kitchen table looking at the various dishes already prepared.
"No, but thank you for asking; that is more that those lazy sons of mine have done. I declare I brought them up better than that but well it is water under the bridge. Make yourself at home; I think Bill is making his special mimosas in the lounge." Molly quickly began to stir the assorted pots on the cooker.
Hermione meandered her way through the family to the lounge and found Bill playing barkeep. He noticed her the moment she walked into the room.
"Hello sunshine, can I offer you a speciality of the house?" Bill was already assembling a cocktail for her.
Hermione smiled, his good mood was contagious. "Sure make mine a weak one though."
Bill handed her a tall glass frosty and frothy.
Hermione took a sip and looked up at Bill as he stood next to the makeshift bar. "I said weak not nonexistent."
Bill grinned and leaned to whisper in her ear, "Expectant mother should refrain from alcohol consumption."
Hermione blushed. "Right. Brilliant, I don't even know if I am pregnant and already I am a bad mum!"
Bill stepped around the table and looking quickly if anyone was looking he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "You will be a wonderful mum don't be so hard on your self."
Hermione nodded and rested her forehead on Bill's chest. "It has been a hard day."
Bill rubbed his cheek on her hair. "I understand I still have those. It gets better but then all of a sudden it hits you out of nowhere. I'm here if you need me."
"Thanks." Hermione whispered just as Molly's voice rang out announcing brunch was on the table.
Brunch was lively and loud. Hermione sat between Charlie and Harry. She was directly across from Bill and every couple of bites she would look up and see him watching her. No one noticed but she was still relieved when everyone was finished. She offered to clean up and start the dishes. Bill quickly offered to help her, which resulted in them being alone together in the kitchen arms covered with suds.
While he passed her a platter from the table as she stood at sink he asked, "Tell me again why we are doing this by hand? Wouldn't be easier just to set a charm to make them wash themselves?'
"I find washing dishes occasionally very relaxing William. After being here around everyone and knowing what we…well you know." Hermione grabbed the platter with more force than she intended and it almost slipped out of her hand.
Bill nodded and continued, "I think we should tell my parents about the vow."
The dirty platter crashed to the floor. Hermione looked as if someone had punched her in the stomach.
"Are you insane? I can see it now, 'Excuse me, Mum and Dad but I just wanted let you know I'm shagging Hermione and hopefully she'll be up the duff soon.'
Hermione's wand snapped in the air as she repaired the shattered platter and placed in the soapy water.
"Think about it Hermione, you turn up pregnant months after. You don't think they will find that unusual?" Bill placed the last of the dirty dishes in the sink.
Hermione sat down hard. "I hadn't thought about how people would react, I've more concerned about I was reacting. The whole having sex with my brother-in-law part has been a major hang up for me."
"I wasn't that bad was I?" Bill asked as he set the dishes to washing themselves and sat down next to her.
"No and don't fish for compliments. You were there it was definitely not horrible, blood fantastic in case you forgot." Hermione was quite and then looked up, "You're right, I think you should tell your parents."
"I should? I do not think so, we should. We both made the vow and we both should tell Mum and Dad." Bill's hand gently covered hers.
"Bill…" she whined.
"Together." He squeezed her hand.
Hermione sighed and nodded, "Okay when?"
Bill pulled her up, "Now."
Hermione shrieked, "You're certifiable you know that!"
Bill laughed. "Look this could take months. We will be spending a great deal of time together. My parents raised seven children they aren't stupid…they are going to suspect something."
"Months?" Hermione gasped.
"Sunshine I am good but even I'm not necessarily that good." Bill grinned. "We might have gotten lucky on the first shot but best to be prepared."
Hermione groaned. "Okay, okay I get it! But do I have to be there? Can't you talk to your parents alone?" She asked again hopefully.
Bill pulled her with him as he walked toward the door to the yard. "Hell no woman! This should be great!"
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were sitting in the garden enjoying the gently breeze. Hermione was thankful that they were alone.
Bill was literally dragging by her arm toward them.. She wasn't kicking and throwing things at him but she wanted to.
Once they had reached her in-laws, Bill plunged into the story. His parents were too shocked to say a word.
Mr. Weasley spoke first. "Do you think Ron knew it would come to this?"
Hermione wiped her face before she spoke. "I think his greatest fear was that I would be left alone."
Bill put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. "I am not sure Ron was himself after he came back but none of that matters now. We made the vow and now we have to honor it or die."
"Do you need anything from us?" Mrs. Weasley's voice was full of emotion.
Hermione had calmed down and Bill being as blunt as ever answered his mother. "I thin we know what we have to do. Just run interference for us if anyone starts asking questions."
The best part about having the Saints in the Super Bowl is that I have tomorrow off from work!
New Orleanians tend to party hard.