1 October 2007 — The Fat Lady

"I'm hideous," Hermione said, looking dejectedly at her reflection in the full-length mirror. Ron stuck his head out of the bathroom.

"Huh?"

"I—oh, look at me!" Hermione cried in distress. She turned to the side. "I can't even see my whole body in this stupid mirror!" She smoothed her pale pink dress slightly over her massive belly. She was due to give birth to their second child almost any day now. "This is awful, I look like the Fat Lady." Her eyes filled with tears and she whimpered, turning to face front.

She ran a hand through her hair and exhaled roughly in irritation. "Maybe a different dress—"

"Hrrmynee," said Ron. He came out of the bathroom, his toothbrush sticking out of the corner of his mouth, and laid his arms on his wife's shoulders. "You 'ook yooyufull," he said, spraying a bit of toothpaste on Hermione, who flinched.

"Oopsh, shorry," Ron said. He held up a finger and retreated to the bathroom. "One shecond."

Hermione smiled slightly and nodded, wiping the droplets from her cheek. Ron reappeared, toothbrush-free.

"Now," he said, resuming his hold on Hermione's arms. They sat down together at the end of their bed. "It's just me, Rosie, and your parents tonight, and let me tell you a secret." Ron came closer, wrapping his arms around Hermione and placing his mouth near her ear. "We all think you're gorgeous already. Right, Ro? Doesn't Mum look pretty?"

"Pitty Mumma," said fifteen-month-old Rose, who stood in her playpen, a big grin on her face as she stuffed one chubby fist in her mouth. Hermione laughed as Ron got up and picked up his daughter, carrying her over to Hermione. He plopped Rose in his lap, and Hermione straightened her daughter's dress, smiling.

Rosie leaned forward and rubbed Hermione's belly. "Pitty Mumma," she said again. "Yoo-go. Yoooo-go." Her smile grew wider and she clapped her hands.

Hermione and Ron laughed.

"That's right, Ro," Ron said, cuddling his daughter. "Hugo."

Rosie looked around at him, looking inquisitive, her hand still on Hermione. "Brudder?"

"Yeah, your brother," Ron told her.

Rose laughed as she made the connection and held her hands out to Hermione. "Pitty Yoo-go Mumma!" she cried joyously.

Hermione smiled. "All right, all right. You win," she said, leaning over to her daughter. "You win!" She rubbed her nose against Rosie's. The baby squealed and giggled.

"Silly Mumma!"

"Your mum's so silly," Ron said. He leaned in and kissed Hermione, who smiled. "And very beautiful," he added.

"Eeeee!" Rosie squeaked from between her parents. "Squish!"

Ron sat back. "Sorry, sweetie, you're just so squishy!" He tickled Rose, who shrieked with delight. He picked her up again and placed her back in the playpen so that he could finish getting ready.

Hermione leaned back on her elbows, smiling at Ron. He bent over and kissed her. "See, you pay me to tell you you're beautiful, but how can you argue with Rosie? I mean, even if you did try to pay her, she'd just eat the money." They looked over at their daughter, who had placed the head of her stuffed rabbit in her mouth and was sucking on it serenely.

Ron sighed. "Kid takes after me," he said, sounding immensely proud. Hermione laughed, and Ron looked at her. "You're beautiful. And having this baby makes you even more beautiful. And I will never, ever tell you anything different, Hermione. You're no Fat Lady."

Hermione kissed him. "Thank you," she said softly. "I needed that."

Ron nodded and straightened, striding over to the bathroom door.

"Ron?"

He turned.

"I need one more thing," Hermione said, looking at him with wide eyes and a playful smile. "Help me up?"

So I'm a little confused as to what time or day it is. I'm under the impression that I uploaded a chapter sometime during the all-nighter I pulled, but I really have no clue. My solution? DOUBLE POST! This is actually one of my favorite chapters. I love this li'l girl! How cute is she? Such a little muffin. Anywho. Hope you like this. I'm off to sleep. :)

Lucy