Cairo Nights- Chapter 13
Hey Guys, so glad you liked the last chapter. Tried to make it a bit longer than usual. This new chapter will deal with the Hermione and Bill dealing with the rest of the Weasleys with Charlie providing back up.
Bill apparated back to his apartment to find the his mother kitchen complaining about his lack of food, his dad who was fiddling around with some Muggle appliances that Hermione had left in Bill's flat. The twins, Ron and Ginny were exploring the rest of Bill's apartment with no doubt in his mind they were looking for signs that Hermione had invaded his flat.
"Bill, love you've got absolutely nothing here to eat." Said Molly as she looked into sparse cupboards.
Bill smiled and walked over towards to his mother and kissed the side of her head. "Don't worry so much mum, besides look at me. Do I look like I haven't been eating enough?" He said.
"Come on Bill, we both know Mum's still going to say you're still to skinny" Teased George.
Bill laughed and Mrs Weasley shot George a scolding look.
"Honestly mum, it's completely fine, Hermione and I we cook fresh every day. We cook for each other."
Mrs Weasley looked at her son impressed.
"Speaking of Hermione, love; is she going to be joining us later?"
'Not today, she's resting."
Molly's ears perked up. "Resting? Is she sick? Merlin! Is the Floo connected, what's the address Bill?
"Mum, it's alright, she's fine. She's just had a few long shifts at work, she's sleeping that's all." Said Bill as he did his best to appease his mother. "I'm sure she'll be feeling better soon." He said as his thoughts to drifting to Hermione.
"Anyway are you all up for a trip into town, see the local markets." Asked Bill as his family nodded.
"That would be wonderful dear." Said Molly.
"Great, well I'm going to let the site know I'll be at the market place if they need me. Take your time, grab what you need and be ready to leave in say half an hour." He said as he apparated out and over to Hermione's flat and found her asleep in against Charlie's chest as one of her hands rested on her stomach.
"Hey" He said softly acknowledging his brother.
"Hey, how did you go with mum?" He asked as Bill took a seat on the coffee table opposite them.
"Alright, she was asking about Hermione, but just told mum she had a few long shifts at work and she'd see them when she was feeling a little better."
Charlie smiled and chuckled softly. "You know that won't hold mum off for long."
"I know, but Hermione's more important right now. How is she doing?"
"Everything just got to her I think, just exhausted, she nodded off not long after you left actually, bit of chocolate and she was away to the world."
"What exactly happened after I left you in Australia?" Asked Charlie who still had Hermione in his arms.
"We um had breakfast, went to the hospital to (Bill paused) see about aborting the baby and she couldn't do, she saw the image on the screen and she couldn't do it and she ran out. I found her in tears on the floor. I held her and we apparated back her and then your dragon came galloping down the laneway."
"So does that mean you're keeping my future niece or nephew?" He asked hopefully.
"I mean she said she couldn't do it, abort, but um we haven't really had a chance to talk properly about it all."
Charlie nodded. "Right well you best get back, mum and everyone will be waiting for you. I'll wait here with Hermione til you get back, so no need to worry. "He said as he smiled.
"Thanks Char" He said as he leaned over and kissed Hermione, whispering I love you to her before apparating out to spend some time with his family.
About an hour later Hermione had awoken from her short nap. "Bill?" She groaned as she opened her eyes to see a fleck of red hair.
"Sorry, love but you've got the better looking brother today." Smiled Charlie as Hermione pushed off him and smiled.
"Is Bill with the rest of your family?" She asked as Charlie handed her a piece of a chocolate.
Charlie nodded. "Yeah, he's keeping them occupied so you can get some rest and deal with everything.
"Bill told you what happened at the hospital, didn't he?" She said as she took another piece of chocolate.
"Don't be mad at him love, I asked. I just wanted to make sure you were both okay, that's all."
"I'm not mad. I'd be surprised if he didn't tell you." She said.
"Bill said you two haven't really had a chance to talk."
Hermione nodded her head.
"Hermione, love, I can see your nervous about a lot of things, having the baby, seeing my family, the reaction of my mum, your still worried about Bill."
Hermione stared at Charlie, but didn't say a word.
"You don't have to say anything, just listen. Okay?"
Hermione nodded
"I'm the last person that should be giving baby advice as I've been told many times, usually by Ron and the twins that I do better with dragons than women and babies." He said as Hermione smiled and chuckled.
"How about we start from the top? Sound good? Alright, you're nervous about having the baby? I know you wish your parents we're here love. I totally understand and I know that while my mum isn't your mum, she loves you just like a daughter. You're not alone Hermione, you've got my entire family behind you, you've got Harry behind you, we'll be there for you, always. As for your folks love the ministry has been working to try and lift the charm, you can't lose hope."
"As for my family and my mum, love are you worried about what they were going to say if you did choose to abort, or are worried mum is going to want you two to be married, or are worried she's going to try and give you advice when you do just wish you could talk to your mum?"
"All of it." She whispered.
Charlie smiled. "As much as I love my family it's a decision that's between you and Bill and I know my mother will want to have input, she'll see the baby as her grandchild and knowing my mum she'll want to have a say, but you don't have to face her alone love. I won't let you and I know Bill certainly won't let you and he'll stand up to her, we both will if necessary. You're not alone love.
Hermione smiled.
"As for Bill, that man loves you Hermione. He'll be there to support you, defend you, love you, protect you, you and your child, unconditional love."
Hermione smiled and nodded. "Thanks Charlie. How did you get so good at giving advice that good?"
Charlie smiled and laughed as he ran his hand over his hair. "Well that's what happens when you spend so much time around dragons, they have unconditional love for each other, they stay by each other's side no matter what happens, defend each other, and protect each other."
Hermione smiled as Charlie's word sunk in.
"You're right Charlie. I mean I don't know how I feel about you comparing women to dragons or my relationship to Bill to a dragon, but I see your point."
"Open up to him Hermione, talk to him before you see my parents tomorrow."
Hermione smiled. "I will, thanks Charlie. For everything, the talk and being here."
"Always love." He said.
"Now you hungry? I'd imagine you would be I mean I haven't gone through your morning and I am starved, how about I make us some lunch."
"Are you cooking the Muggle way or magic?" Queried Hermione.
"I know you prefer the Muggle way, so the Muggle way it is." He said.
"Do you want a hand?" Asked Hermione.
"No, no, it's alright."
"Have you cooked the Muggle way before Charlie?"
"Yeah, yeah, a little bit." He said from the kitchen.
"You know I'd really still like my flat in one piece when you're done" She teased as she walked into the kitchen to give him a hand.
Meanwhile Bill and the rest of the Weasley's were enjoying the Marketplace, his father came up beside him while the others continued to browse.
"How are you son? How's Hermione?" He asked.
"We're both good dad."
"I know your mother can be a little enthusiastic when it comes to you and Charlie."
"I think she's hoping you two would settle down. I remember your mother was heartbroken when nothing happened between your brother and Hermione, but then when you told us that you and Hermione were dating your mother was quite excited."
"Anything to make her a Weasley huh." Joked Bill, but in reality he would love nothing more, but he knew now wasn't the right time.
Arthur looked at his son and smiled realising that Bill wasn't actually joking about what he said before he joined the others.
Hours later the Weasley's had finished up their shopping and had all arrived back together.
"Are you all heading back to the hotel?" Asked Bill.
"Yes, but we'll see you and Hermione for dinner certainly."
Bill smiled. "I'll check how she's feeling but I'll be there either way mum." He said. "Do you need any help getting back to the hotel?" He asked.
"No dear, we'll be fine you go onto Hermione." Said Mrs Weasley as she hustled together her children. "We'll see you tonight dear 6 o'clock." He said as she watched his family disappear.
Bill exhaled as he apparated to Hermione's flat to find Hermione asleep on the couch and Charlie in the arm chair across from her.
"How did everything go with Mum and the family?" He asked
"Yeah, brilliant. Dinner 6 o'clock tonight, couldn't get out of it if I tried. Mum kept asking me to bring Hermione.
"I don't want her to feel overwhelmed, she's going through alot."
Charlie smiled. "You've got to give her more credit Bill and you've got to talk to her. Trust me."
"Did she say something to you?"
"She said more than something mate, but trust me, just talk to her alright. I'll be back later before dinner."
"You're coming?" Queried Bill
"I can't leave you high and dry to deal with mum alone." He smiled before aspirating out.
Bill relaxed and took a seat next to Hermione as he pulled her into him. Hermione groaned before she nestled into Bill, who kissed her forehead, held her tight before drifting off to sleep.
Bill woke up and glanced at the clock. "5.30?" He looked down to find Hermione gone, he extended his arms over his head as he looked around hoping to find Hermione when all he caught was a flash of deep purple duck from room to room.
Bill got up and yelled out for Hermione.
"In here" She replied.
"In here?" He muttered as he smiled. "Bathroom or bedroom?" He yelled.
"Bedroom." She yelled as Bill headed towards her voice.
"Hi." He said as he leant against the door frame as he watched as she rushed around the bedroom.
Bill walked into the room and stood in front of Hermione. "Love, you need to relax."
"How can I relax when we've got to meet your family for dinner at 6."
"How did you..."
"Your mother sent a Patronus; it came here looking for you."
"Love, I've already told mum, that you've been working alot and you might not be able to make it. It's okay you don't have to come."
"No, no, its okay, your mum would probably come around looking for me if I don't."
"Hey...hey.. come on, come sit down." He said as he grabbed her hand led her to the bed. "You don't have to do this; you don't have to come, if you're not up to it."
"No, no, it's okay." She said as she smiled softly.
"You know we don't have to tell mum about the baby, not until we get a chance to talk about it."
"I'm okay. I spoke to Charlie and he cleared a few things up for me."
Bill smiled. "I thought he might of, he mentioned you two talked. (Bill paused) Listen I've been thinking I know you said that you don't want give up your career, what you've worked hard for. I was thinking I have a lot of leave accrued and if we decide to keep the baby I was thinking I could take some time off stay home with the baby so that way you can get your career started, finish your placement."
"Are you serious?" Asked Hermione.
"Course love. I love you Hermione. I love this baby" He said as he placed his hand on her stomach and smiled. "And if me taking time off work to help you is what makes you feel comfortable then that's what I'll do."
Hermione nodded and smiled as tears began to run down her face.
Bill caressed her face as he leaned in and kissed her.
"Are you alright love? What's wrong?" He asked
"I'm alright." She said as Bill wiped the tears from her face. "I want to talk to the people looking into the reversal of the bloviate charm. If there's a chance my parents can be here. I need them to be here."
"I know you do love. Do you want to send an owl to the ministry?" He asked.
Hermione shook her head no. "No, I want to speak them, see what kind of progress their making, see if I can help."
Bill smiled. "Alright, we'll we can head off tomorrow. I know you've got the day off. I can take some time away from the site."
"You don't have to I.." She started to say but was cut off as Bill's lips captured hers.
"You're not alone in this love. I'm going to be there to support you, alright." He said as he stared into her eyes.
Hermione smiled and nodded.
"Good." He said as he gazed at the clock. "Last chance to get out of dinner." He teased as he wrapped his arms around her, not noticing that Charlie had apparated in.
"We both know your mother would never let you out of dinner, she'd go to your place, then to the hospital and badger them for my address and then come here and drag you to dinner with me following no doubt."
"She has a point." Came Charlie's voice.
"Charlie! How long have you been there?" Exclaimed Bill.
"Not long" He said as he smiled. "Come on you two, otherwise we are going to be late and we are going to experience what Hermione just explained first hand." He said as he extended his arm with Bill looping onto Charlie's arm and Hermione looping on Bills they disappeared in a pop and re-appeared at the pub seconds later to find the Weasleys coming down the stairs.
"Hermione!" Came Ginny's voice as she pushed passed the twins and hugged her tightly.
"Easy Gin, almost toppled her over." Laughed Bill as he put his hand on her back.
"Charlie? What in Merlin's name are you doing here? I thought you were heading back to Romania." Said Mrs Weasley.
"They don't need me back til tomorrow, so thought I'd come for a visit and let myself stay for tea." He smiled.
"Hermione, good to see you dear, are you feeling rested. Bill mentioned that you had been working such long hours."
Hermione smiled. "Yes, Mrs Weasley. I'm alright."
"Well now, you look far too skinny my dear."
"You tell me that everytime I see you Mrs Weasley."
"Well, its true isn't it dear." She said as she smiled.
Hermione finished saying hello to the others as they took their seats at the table and they continued to make small talk as the tucked into their meal.
"How are you doing love, did you talk to Bill?" Asked Charlie who was sat down next to her.
"Yes, we sorted a few things out." She said as she smiled before placing a hand on Bill's leg and squeezing.
Bill and Charlie had tried to run interference but it didn't stop Mrs Weasley asking Hermione about her relationship with her eldest son.
"Bill has been great Mrs Weasley." She said as she smiled. "He's amazing, more than I ever knew." She said as she smiled as she caught Bill's glance as he was chatting away to the twins. Hermione nodded towards Bill, who knew what she was getting at. He quickly excused himself from the twins and headed back to Hermione.
"Everything alright love? Mum's not giving you too hard a time is she?" Bill teased as he wrapped his hand around her waist."
"Bill." Scolded Molly. "Of course not, just making friendly chit chat."
"So not the usual 100 questions then?" Asked Bill
Molly shot Bill a look of. "Nonsense." She said.
"Would you mind if I borrow Hermione for a moment?" Bill asked
"Well go on then but hurry back dessert will be on the table soon." Said Molly as Bill led Hermione over a corner of the pub.
"I saw that look you gave me before, are you sure that you want to tell them? I'm okay for you don't want to, we can wait."
"No we should tell them. I know I was having doubts about everything, about the baby, but I'm okay. We should tell them we don't know when we're going to see them next and I.."
Bill cut her off just like earlier as he kissed her.
"You know once we tell her though there is no escape, she'll want to be checking up on you all the time."
"Well we'll just put up the wards and block the Floo network." She said as she smiled.
Bill laughed as he took her hand and began to lead her back to the table when they found Charlie standing in front of them.
"You're going to tell them aren't you?"
Bill nodded.
Charlie reached out and squeezed Hermione's hand, remember love I'm here to back you both up." He said as the three of them headed back to the table and sat down.
"Before we all get stuck into dessert. I...well...we have something we want to talk to you about." Said Bill as the entire attention of the table turned to them.
"We recently found out that we're expecting a baby.
Smiles and echoes of congratulations began to echo from the table as everyone began to get up and congratulate the couple including Mrs Weasley. Bill made sure to keep Hermione close and his ears open.
"Congratulations dear. It all starts with one and then next thing you know you know one will turn in a harem of kids running around and mark my words dear you'll be running around after them, you'll barely be able to remember life before kids I know I can't." Smiled Mrs Weasley.
"I uh. I'm actually not taking any time off after the baby."
"I'm sorry dear. I don't think I heard you right. What do you mean you're not taking any time off after the baby?"
"I'm going back to work. Bill's going to take some time off work and look after the baby while I finish my placement."
Mrs Weasley looked at Hermione in shock. Charlie saw the situation and whistled to Bill who had been distracted talking to his dad, immediately moved over to Hermione.
"Is everything alright love?" He said as he wrapped his arm around her.
"Bill, Hermione was just saying you're going to be the one taking time off work after the baby is born. That surely can't be right."
Bill pulled Hermione in closer to him as Charlie moved closer to them.
"It is right Mum. Hermione and I have discussed it and we have decided it's what is best for us."
"You need think about what is best for the baby dears. That baby is going to need to bond with you and Hermione and you need to bond with the baby dear, you can't do that if you're working.
"Besides dear, there is nothing wrong with being a stay at a home mum. It's a wonderful job to be able to commit all your time to raising your child." Smiled Mrs Weasley. "Oh and don't worry about career dear, you're going to mum now and that's all that matters."
Charlie saw the facial expression on Bill change. "No, mum, look I, we appreciate what you're saying but this our decision, it's something that Hermione and I have talked about."
"I'm not ready to give up my career Mrs Weasley, a career that I've just started. Bill has offered to take time off when the baby is born to care for it." Said Hermione as she noticed the attention from the rest of the table was headed their way.
"So what you're saying is that you're putting your career before your child. Is that what I am hearing?"
"Mum" Said Charlie sharply.
"No Mrs Weasley, what I'm trying to say is that this is mine and Bill's relationship and it is our decision, no-one else's. Now I'm sorry if this came across as rude but this our decision." Said Hermione as she did her best to remain composed as Bill squeezed her waist, trying to get her to relax.
Mrs Weasley stopped and stared at Hermione and Bill. "Bill I don't understand how you can allow this?"
"What are you talking about mum?"
"You know that I stayed home, raised your brothers and sisters and quite well might I add. When you have children, your children become your life."
"No Mrs Weasley, your children became your life. I'm sorry but I don't want that for me, that's not who I am."
"Well then perhaps you should have thought about what was expected of you before you decided to have children then shouldn't you."
"Mum!" Snapped Charlie and Bill at the same time.
Tears began to flow from Hermione as she turned and ran out of the pub as rumbling of questions began to emanate from the remaining Weasleys.
Charlie turned to Bill. "Go, go after her. I'll sort things out with Mum." Said Charlie as they all watched Bill run out after Hermione.
"You have no idea, what you just did, do you?" Said Charlie.
"What are you talking about?" Said Mrs Weasley.
"What you said to her, why she was so upset."
Mr Weasley came up beside his wife. "Why was she so upset son?"
Charlie took a breath. He knew it wasn't his place to tell them, but they needed to know. He looked at his siblings and then looked back at his mum who took the hint.
"Alright you lot back to the hotel, off you go." She said as she watched as they all apparated away as the three of them took a seat at the table.
"Alright son, out with it." Said Mr Weasley.
"When Hermione first found she was pregnant she wasn't sure if she wanted to keep the baby."
"Merlin, did she say why Charlie?" Asked Mr Weasley.
"Come on now Dad, you know Hermione, she was not even thinking about children, she is focused on her career, she's young, she wants be successful and stable in her career and her relationship with Bill before she considered having a child."
Charlie turned to his mother. "She's not like you mum, she your complete opposite really. I mean it's alot for her to take in and deal with, she can't turn to her parents because she obliviated them and then she talks to you, mum the one person that she would consider a mother figure and she tries to explain and instead of supporting her and Bill you try and tell her how to live her life, what is expected of her as part of this family, whilst not taking into account what she wants." Exclaimed Charlie.
"Oh dear." Said Mrs Weasley. "I best go find her, apologise." Said Mrs Weasley picked up her things.
Charlie opened his mouth to stop, but he was surprised when Mr Weasley stopped her instead. He put his hand on his shoulder. 'Dear, let them be. They'll come to us when they're ready. Come on, we'll head back to the hotel."
Please apologise to Hermione for us will you Charlie. We would really love to see her and apologise to her face to face."
"I'll tell her Mum, but I can't promise that she'll see you. But I'll tell her, once she calms down."
"Come on Molly, let her calm down her first, she'll talk when she's ready." Said Arthur as she took his arm and apparated out.
Meanwhile Bill had caught up to Hermione who had apparated to her flat.
"Hermione!" Yelled Bill went room to room before finding her in the bathroom, crying.
"Hermione. I'm so sorry about my mum; she was bang out of line."
"She's right Bill, what parent or soon to be parent doesn't want to bond with her child." She said as continued to cry.
Bill moved his thumb up to wipe the tears from her eyes as he smiled. "You will bond with our child Hermione from the first time you hold our baby. You're gonna be a brilliant mum Hermione. " He said as smiling as he kissed her forehead as she smiled softly.
"I can't be your mum Bill."
"I'm not asking you to be love and I wouldn't want you to be. I don't want you to give up who are you. I would never ask you to do that. I love you." He said as he pressed her forehead to hers as he caressed her face before he kissed her softly.
Hey Guys
Bit of a longer chapter. Hope you enjoyed it and remember as always please review! Love getting Love getting your feedback!