The birth of a new family.
Hermione screamed in pain as another contraction came. Ron squeezed her hand. "It's okay. It's okay"
The medi- witch came over. "Breath"
As soon as she took a breath the pain stopped and she loosened her grip on Ron's hand. She looked him in the eyes. "Thanks for being here for me. I really apreciate it"
Ron smiled. "It's no problem"
Ron had been living with Hermione and her family for the past week since school ended. He had promised to be here for the birth of her baby. He had kept his promise by coming to live with them for the last week. Hermione loved that he was nice enough to stay, but she wished that Harry had stayed. Now here she was about to have his baby. Had she made a micstake?
No, he would be here. If not in body in heart. And in the baby. This was his baby. This was his flesh and blood. He would be back, if not for a few years she didn't know. The medi witch came over. "Is everything all right dear"
Hermione smiled. "Yeah. Just thinking"
"What about?" The lady asked looking at her thoughtfully.
"My boyfriend. He's off doing some dangerous stuff at the moment. I don't know when he's going to be back." Hermione said and she was surprised when the mediwitch nodded.
"My son, Argus, he went to war almost sixty years ago. I was so distraught when he was gone. I didn't know when he'd be back and I was always so nervous that he wouldn't make it bak. And he was on the front lines, so I figured someday I'd get the message that he was dead. Luckily I didn't. See he was a squib, and I was always so fearful because he couldn't do the stuff we could. I knew he could die pretty easily. Luckily now he's a janitor in a school"
Hermione laughed. "Do you mean Filch? The cat lover"
"Oh yes. He's always loved cats, especially this one I got him almost ten years ago. Mrs. Norris he named her. He was so fond of her. Is that cat still alive"
Hermione nodded. You said he was in the war sixty years ago, but that would have to make him at least seventy eight, and you"
"One hundred and sixty five dear. You see I'm part elf, as is he. Luckily the elf genes stuck with him. Elves always stay looking young for at least five hundred years, so I'm still fairly young. Him on the other hand, he didn't get the elves looks. I'm afraid he isn't going to get the long life either. But I got him this squibs book so that maybe he can learn a little magic to feel like he's important"
Hermione stared at Mrs. Filch and saw her and her son in a new light now. Hermione smiled. "Thanks for telling me that. At least I know there's still a chance my Harry will be home"
"Oh. Harry Potter is your boyfriend, wow. What a lucky girl. He is a hero." She looked at the moniter and at that moment Hermione felt another pain. She let out a little scream and Ron took her hand. Her mom stood there and gave Hermione a frightened sort of look.
"Hon, are you okay"
Hermione clenched Ron's hand and he winced in pain. Hermione looked at him concerned, but he looked back with a look that said he was okay. Hermione looked back at her mom. "I'm fine"
Her mom nodded. "I know. I'm just a worried sort of mother"
Her mom really was. But she had taken off the day when Hermione had her first contraction. Her mom had always been there for her. Her mom had written her every day while she was at Hogwarts. Hermione loved how her mom was though. It was that sort of behavior that made her mom her mom.
Ron let go her hand as Hermione had stopped having contractions. He was being so sweet about all this. He was helping Hermione even though this wasn't his kid. He had even said that if Harry didn't come back he would help to raise the baby and teach it about it's real father.
Hermione felt a wind blow by her face, there was a pop and Professor McGonnagal appeared in the middle of the room. She was red in the face. She looked over to Hermione. "Oh, Hermione. Is it time. I'm sorry if this is a bad time. I just wanted to tell you something I think you'll need to know"
Hermione sat up and the doctor, her parents, and Ron looked at her concerned. "I'm fine. Go ahead Professor McGanagall"
She looked at her and Hermione saw a sadness in her eyes. "We found Pettigrew yesterday. He was raving mad, but he did say two words sanely. The were, 'Voldemort's dead!' We didn't believe him until we looked at his arm and the mark was so light. It was starting to disappear. That only happened if the master was dead. It was true. He is now being sent to Azkaban. We have some of our Dementors back"
"So you've gotten some control. That's great!" Hermione said, but as she looked around the room she knew something was wrong. "Where is Harry"
McGonnagall looked sadly at everyone before answering. "I have absolutely no idea. As I said Pettigrew had gone crazy, and all the other deatheaters have disappeared. I don't know if Harry's alive or dead"
Everyone stared amazed and Hermione felt another pain, but it wasn't a contraction. This pain was in her heart. "So Voldemort is dead and Harry's missing. That is not fair"
"I am so sorry Hermione. I didn't mean to bring such bad news on a happy day." She looked down. "I just thought you'd like to know"
Hermione looked at her and hoped she looked caring enough. "I did need to know. Thanks for telling me"
McGonagall smiled. "Thanks for everything Hermione. You've taught me so many things. Did I tell you I found myself a nice man. His name is Rodolpho Tiernes. He went to a wizarding school in Mexico and became a headmaster of that school. When I went to the Headmaster/Headmistress conference I met him. He was so nice, and he really cared for his students"
Hermione smiled kindly. "That is so cool. I'm happy for you"
McGonnagal came over. "Thank you so much. I hope you get your man too"
Hermione looked at her sadly, her smile disappearing. "I do to. I have been waiting so long for"
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Hermione looked over."Oh great. Who can it be now. Is there somebody else here to tell me how stupid I was to let Harry go"
Her mom went to the door and opened it. Her mom looked surprised and Hermione tried to see but the person was out of sight. Her mother turned back. "Yes, it is"
Hermione sighed. "Then please tell them to go"
Suddenly Harry walked into the room and he came over. "Is that what you want? I thought we had something"
He suddenly stopped and stared at her stomach. "Oh, you found someone else a while ago I'm guessing"
Hermione shook her head. She could hardly speak. "No, it's yours"
Harry stared and smiled. "Mine. I'm going to have a baby"
"Yes. In just a few minutes probably. I'm so glad you're here." As she said that Ron looked down. Hermione felt bad. "And maybe Ron could help by holding my other hand"
Harry looked at Ron. "Of course. I see he's helped you while I've been gone. Thank you Ron. You really are the best mate I could ever have"
Ron's cheekks grew red. "Thanks Harry"
Suddenly Hermione felt another contraction and Hermione smiled through the pain. "I think someone wants to meet their father"
Harry came over and took Hermione's hand. Ron took the other and while they held she pushed. She felt the baby come out and the medi-witch smiled. "It's a boy"
Hermione smiled and Ron let go, but Harry didn't. He held up her hand and looked at the ring on her finger. "You really did keep this"
Hermione smiled. "Of course"
Mrs. Filch handed the baby to Hermione. Then she went over to her stuff and grabbed a paper. She came over. "So, what would you like to name him"
Hermione smiled and she knew exactly what to name the baby. "Serius James Potter"
The nurse wrote it down and then went back to her case and worked on some things. Harry smiled and stared at her. "You did that for me didn't you"
"Of course. Don't you like that name." Harry smiled at her and she knew he did. "You're welcome"
Hermione looked at her mom with the camera and Hermione knew what she wanted to do. "Mom, can I borrow the camera quick"
Her mom nodded and handed her the camera. Hermione set the camera down so that she could get the baby settled. She sat up and motioned for Harry to take the baby. He took it. Hermione quickly took a picture of Harry and the baby. Then she looked at eveyone and she knew she had to do one more thing. "Um, could everyone get on the livingroom couch"
Everyone went over there, but Harry stayed by her side. Hermione motioned for him to go. He walked over to the couch and sat right in the middle with the baby. Evewryone must have known what she was about to do. Mrs. Filch stepped forward. "I can take the picture for you. You should be in the picture"
Hermione smiled. "So, should you"
She looked at her strangely. "I'm not family"
"You are in my eyes. You did just deliver my baby. I think that counts as family. SAt least it does in my book"
McGonnagal looked at her. "I can do it"
Hermione motioned for her to sit down. "You are family too. You have taught me so much. I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for you"
McGonnagall must have knew she wouldn't win the fight so she sat down. "Besides, the camera has a timer. I can set it to take a picture of all of us. Of my family"
Hermione set the timer and went over by them all. She sat down and smiled. A few seconds later the timer went off and she knew she had the perfect picture to put into Harry's picturebook. Even though she was still fat, and ugly. Still it would be a good picture.
Harry got up and handed the baby to Hermione. She took the baby which was now asleep. Harry looked into her eyes. "I've had a lot of time to think and I want to make my life better than it was. I love you. I want you to be in my life forever." He got on his knees. "I love you Hermione. Will you marry me"
Hermione felt light. "Yes"
Harry smiled. "Great, because otherwise I'd have to go live in America without you"
"America. You mean I'd have to move"
Harry smiled. "How else would you teach at that school"
Hermione stared amazed. "I-i don't even know if they need a teacher anymore"
Harry smiled and laughed."They do"
"You did something, didn't you." Hermione said accusingly.
Harry laughed. "No. I just told them you'd take the job starting on next Monday"
Hermione looked around. "Harry, I can't. My family is here"
Harry smiled. " I know. That's why we'll apperate here every other day after you get done teaching to isit and let them see Serius"
Hermione looked at him. "Harry, we'd need a house, and a car, and"
Harry put a fiinger to her lips gently. "How is a block from the school. We wouldn't need a car"
Hermione stared amazed. "But how"
"While I was gone I was thinking about what you'd need if I didn't make it. And if that ever did happen I wouldn't need my gold in Gringotts so I had it treansfered into muggle money and I bought you that house. I figured that way you'd have a house and a job"
Hermione smiled. "You are so sweet. Thank you Harry"
Ron smiled sincerely. "You guys are going to be so happy together. I'm happy for you"
Harry smiled and stepped towards Ron. "Actually, if my fiancee' wouldn't mind it's a three bedroom house and I was thinking you could come live with us. Well, as londg as you don't hit on my wife like I know you have been while I was gone"
Ron stared. "You learned Legilimensy while you were gone. That is so cool!" Ron's cheeks turned red as he said it. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have hit on her"
"It's fine Ron. Just don't do it as you're living with us." Ron stared excited. "You really want me to live with you"
"As long as it's okay with Hermione." They both looked to Hermione and she knew she had no choice really. And she didn't want a choice. She knew she'd have a wonderfl life with these two men. Ron as a friend and Harry as her husband.
She nodded. "That sounds good"
Harry smiled. "Good, then we'll move over the weekend and then we'll start our new live in the U.S"
Hermione smiled. A new life, a new family, a new hope. This was going to be a great life. Hermione knew it.
Hermione screamed in pain as another contraction came. Ron squeezed her hand. "It's okay. It's okay"
The medi- witch came over. "Breath"
As soon as she took a breath the pain stopped and she loosened her grip on Ron's hand. She looked him in the eyes. "Thanks for being here for me. I really apreciate it"
Ron smiled. "It's no problem"
Ron had been living with Hermione and her family for the past week since school ended. He had promised to be here for the birth of her baby. He had kept his promise by coming to live with them for the last week. Hermione loved that he was nice enough to stay, but she wished that Harry had stayed. Now here she was about to have his baby. Had she made a micstake?
No, he would be here. If not in body in heart. And in the baby. This was his baby. This was his flesh and blood. He would be back, if not for a few years she didn't know. The medi witch came over. "Is everything all right dear"
Hermione smiled. "Yeah. Just thinking"
"What about?" The lady asked looking at her thoughtfully.
"My boyfriend. He's off doing some dangerous stuff at the moment. I don't know when he's going to be back." Hermione said and she was surprised when the mediwitch nodded.
"My son, Argus, he went to war almost sixty years ago. I was so distraught when he was gone. I didn't know when he'd be back and I was always so nervous that he wouldn't make it bak. And he was on the front lines, so I figured someday I'd get the message that he was dead. Luckily I didn't. See he was a squib, and I was always so fearful because he couldn't do the stuff we could. I knew he could die pretty easily. Luckily now he's a janitor in a school"
Hermione laughed. "Do you mean Filch? The cat lover"
"Oh yes. He's always loved cats, especially this one I got him almost ten years ago. Mrs. Norris he named her. He was so fond of her. Is that cat still alive"
Hermione nodded. You said he was in the war sixty years ago, but that would have to make him at least seventy eight, and you"
"One hundred and sixty five dear. You see I'm part elf, as is he. Luckily the elf genes stuck with him. Elves always stay looking young for at least five hundred years, so I'm still fairly young. Him on the other hand, he didn't get the elves looks. I'm afraid he isn't going to get the long life either. But I got him this squibs book so that maybe he can learn a little magic to feel like he's important"
Hermione stared at Mrs. Filch and saw her and her son in a new light now. Hermione smiled. "Thanks for telling me that. At least I know there's still a chance my Harry will be home"
"Oh. Harry Potter is your boyfriend, wow. What a lucky girl. He is a hero." She looked at the moniter and at that moment Hermione felt another pain. She let out a little scream and Ron took her hand. Her mom stood there and gave Hermione a frightened sort of look.
"Hon, are you okay"
Hermione clenched Ron's hand and he winced in pain. Hermione looked at him concerned, but he looked back with a look that said he was okay. Hermione looked back at her mom. "I'm fine"
Her mom nodded. "I know. I'm just a worried sort of mother"
Her mom really was. But she had taken off the day when Hermione had her first contraction. Her mom had always been there for her. Her mom had written her every day while she was at Hogwarts. Hermione loved how her mom was though. It was that sort of behavior that made her mom her mom.
Ron let go her hand as Hermione had stopped having contractions. He was being so sweet about all this. He was helping Hermione even though this wasn't his kid. He had even said that if Harry didn't come back he would help to raise the baby and teach it about it's real father.
Hermione felt a wind blow by her face, there was a pop and Professor McGonnagal appeared in the middle of the room. She was red in the face. She looked over to Hermione. "Oh, Hermione. Is it time. I'm sorry if this is a bad time. I just wanted to tell you something I think you'll need to know"
Hermione sat up and the doctor, her parents, and Ron looked at her concerned. "I'm fine. Go ahead Professor McGanagall"
She looked at her and Hermione saw a sadness in her eyes. "We found Pettigrew yesterday. He was raving mad, but he did say two words sanely. The were, 'Voldemort's dead!' We didn't believe him until we looked at his arm and the mark was so light. It was starting to disappear. That only happened if the master was dead. It was true. He is now being sent to Azkaban. We have some of our Dementors back"
"So you've gotten some control. That's great!" Hermione said, but as she looked around the room she knew something was wrong. "Where is Harry"
McGonnagall looked sadly at everyone before answering. "I have absolutely no idea. As I said Pettigrew had gone crazy, and all the other deatheaters have disappeared. I don't know if Harry's alive or dead"
Everyone stared amazed and Hermione felt another pain, but it wasn't a contraction. This pain was in her heart. "So Voldemort is dead and Harry's missing. That is not fair"
"I am so sorry Hermione. I didn't mean to bring such bad news on a happy day." She looked down. "I just thought you'd like to know"
Hermione looked at her and hoped she looked caring enough. "I did need to know. Thanks for telling me"
McGonagall smiled. "Thanks for everything Hermione. You've taught me so many things. Did I tell you I found myself a nice man. His name is Rodolpho Tiernes. He went to a wizarding school in Mexico and became a headmaster of that school. When I went to the Headmaster/Headmistress conference I met him. He was so nice, and he really cared for his students"
Hermione smiled kindly. "That is so cool. I'm happy for you"
McGonnagal came over. "Thank you so much. I hope you get your man too"
Hermione looked at her sadly, her smile disappearing. "I do to. I have been waiting so long for"
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Hermione looked over."Oh great. Who can it be now. Is there somebody else here to tell me how stupid I was to let Harry go"
Her mom went to the door and opened it. Her mom looked surprised and Hermione tried to see but the person was out of sight. Her mother turned back. "Yes, it is"
Hermione sighed. "Then please tell them to go"
Suddenly Harry walked into the room and he came over. "Is that what you want? I thought we had something"
He suddenly stopped and stared at her stomach. "Oh, you found someone else a while ago I'm guessing"
Hermione shook her head. She could hardly speak. "No, it's yours"
Harry stared and smiled. "Mine. I'm going to have a baby"
"Yes. In just a few minutes probably. I'm so glad you're here." As she said that Ron looked down. Hermione felt bad. "And maybe Ron could help by holding my other hand"
Harry looked at Ron. "Of course. I see he's helped you while I've been gone. Thank you Ron. You really are the best mate I could ever have"
Ron's cheekks grew red. "Thanks Harry"
Suddenly Hermione felt another contraction and Hermione smiled through the pain. "I think someone wants to meet their father"
Harry came over and took Hermione's hand. Ron took the other and while they held she pushed. She felt the baby come out and the medi-witch smiled. "It's a boy"
Hermione smiled and Ron let go, but Harry didn't. He held up her hand and looked at the ring on her finger. "You really did keep this"
Hermione smiled. "Of course"
Mrs. Filch handed the baby to Hermione. Then she went over to her stuff and grabbed a paper. She came over. "So, what would you like to name him"
Hermione smiled and she knew exactly what to name the baby. "Serius James Potter"
The nurse wrote it down and then went back to her case and worked on some things. Harry smiled and stared at her. "You did that for me didn't you"
"Of course. Don't you like that name." Harry smiled at her and she knew he did. "You're welcome"
Hermione looked at her mom with the camera and Hermione knew what she wanted to do. "Mom, can I borrow the camera quick"
Her mom nodded and handed her the camera. Hermione set the camera down so that she could get the baby settled. She sat up and motioned for Harry to take the baby. He took it. Hermione quickly took a picture of Harry and the baby. Then she looked at eveyone and she knew she had to do one more thing. "Um, could everyone get on the livingroom couch"
Everyone went over there, but Harry stayed by her side. Hermione motioned for him to go. He walked over to the couch and sat right in the middle with the baby. Evewryone must have known what she was about to do. Mrs. Filch stepped forward. "I can take the picture for you. You should be in the picture"
Hermione smiled. "So, should you"
She looked at her strangely. "I'm not family"
"You are in my eyes. You did just deliver my baby. I think that counts as family. SAt least it does in my book"
McGonnagal looked at her. "I can do it"
Hermione motioned for her to sit down. "You are family too. You have taught me so much. I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for you"
McGonnagall must have knew she wouldn't win the fight so she sat down. "Besides, the camera has a timer. I can set it to take a picture of all of us. Of my family"
Hermione set the timer and went over by them all. She sat down and smiled. A few seconds later the timer went off and she knew she had the perfect picture to put into Harry's picturebook. Even though she was still fat, and ugly. Still it would be a good picture.
Harry got up and handed the baby to Hermione. She took the baby which was now asleep. Harry looked into her eyes. "I've had a lot of time to think and I want to make my life better than it was. I love you. I want you to be in my life forever." He got on his knees. "I love you Hermione. Will you marry me"
Hermione felt light. "Yes"
Harry smiled. "Great, because otherwise I'd have to go live in America without you"
"America. You mean I'd have to move"
Harry smiled. "How else would you teach at that school"
Hermione stared amazed. "I-i don't even know if they need a teacher anymore"
Harry smiled and laughed."They do"
"You did something, didn't you." Hermione said accusingly.
Harry laughed. "No. I just told them you'd take the job starting on next Monday"
Hermione looked around. "Harry, I can't. My family is here"
Harry smiled. " I know. That's why we'll apperate here every other day after you get done teaching to isit and let them see Serius"
Hermione looked at him. "Harry, we'd need a house, and a car, and"
Harry put a fiinger to her lips gently. "How is a block from the school. We wouldn't need a car"
Hermione stared amazed. "But how"
"While I was gone I was thinking about what you'd need if I didn't make it. And if that ever did happen I wouldn't need my gold in Gringotts so I had it treansfered into muggle money and I bought you that house. I figured that way you'd have a house and a job"
Hermione smiled. "You are so sweet. Thank you Harry"
Ron smiled sincerely. "You guys are going to be so happy together. I'm happy for you"
Harry smiled and stepped towards Ron. "Actually, if my fiancee' wouldn't mind it's a three bedroom house and I was thinking you could come live with us. Well, as londg as you don't hit on my wife like I know you have been while I was gone"
Ron stared. "You learned Legilimensy while you were gone. That is so cool!" Ron's cheeks turned red as he said it. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have hit on her"
"It's fine Ron. Just don't do it as you're living with us." Ron stared excited. "You really want me to live with you"
"As long as it's okay with Hermione." They both looked to Hermione and she knew she had no choice really. And she didn't want a choice. She knew she'd have a wonderfl life with these two men. Ron as a friend and Harry as her husband.
She nodded. "That sounds good"
Harry smiled. "Good, then we'll move over the weekend and then we'll start our new live in the U.S"
Hermione smiled. A new life, a new family, a new hope. This was going to be a great life. Hermione knew it.
