I know that this took forever, but it's summer break now, and I don't have anything standing in my way of getting this done now.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
"Ouch," Hermione breathed opening her eyes and touching her stomach. The baby was kicking like a mad man, and for the fourth time that night had woken her up. She glanced at the clock that read 2:20 A.M. She sighed and turned over. The sight before her turned her frown into a delighted and passionate smile.
Ron lain in front of her fast asleep. Hermione traced her fingers across his bare shoulder and rubbed the faint freckles that sprinkled his skin. Ron didn't stir for he was in a deep sleep as always. Lately, he had gotten very little sleep due to school, practice, and helping her out. He became a bit distant and quiet, as well. She leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his lips. "I love you," she whispered before getting up. Hermione slowly climbed out of bed and went into the bathroom.
"Oh, god," she breathed to herself while looking in the mirror. She looked dreadful. The baby was due this month, and she definitely looked the part of a woman about to have a child. Hermione checked the calendar. It was March first. Hermione gasped and put a hand over her mouth. She dashed out of the bathroom and looked back at the sleeping Ron Weasley in her bed. He looked so peaceful, yet exhausted. Hermione quietly put on her robe, and left her room.
She padded next door to Harry's room and pounded on the door. "Harry! Harry James Potter, open this door right now!" Hermione almost screamed. She could hear Harry knock into his side table before answering the door.
"Shit, Hermione, what's going on?" Harry mumbled opening the door and rubbing his left knee.
Hermione frowned at him. "Harry something serious has happened! Do you know what today is?" she asked.
Harry rubbed his puffy green eyes and looked at her. "What?" he asked.
Hermione rolled her eyes and hit her forehead. "Harry, it's March first!" she sighed.
"Okay, what's wrong with that?" Harry asked.
"Today is Ron's eighteenth birthday!" Hermione moaned.
Harry stared at her blankly. "Okay, it's been that way for the past seventeen years. What's makes it any different today?"
Hermione moaned again. "Harry, I completely forgot," she said quietly.
Harry gave her an amused look. "Really? You actually forgot?"
"Oh, Harry don't sound that way. I didn't mean to. It's just we've both been so busy lately, and his birthday hasn't even come up once," Hermione tried to explain.
Harry scratched his head. "Okay, so why are you going mad over this?"
"Because I didn't get him anything. I didn't plan a party or buy him a present," Hermione said ashamed.
"Oh, I doubt he cares. I mean he'll understand. You're pregnant and just haven't had the time or money to plan or go shopping. Besides, I doubt Ron would want a party," Harry stated.
Hermione gave him a look. "Did you get him something?"
Harry looked down, "Well, yes, tickets to a Cannon's game over the summer."
"Harry," Hermione whined as tears swelled her eyes.
"But I'm not pregnant Hermione. I have time and plus I got it months ago," Harry tried to explain.
"Oh, that doesn't matter. I should at least get him something," Hermione said.
"Hermione, Ron is not going to care. He knows you love him and not having a gift isn't going to change that," Harry said. Hermione gazed at him. Harry must have known the thoughts swimming in her head because he added with a sigh, "If we hurry up there still may be some stores open in Diagon Alley, but we'll have to sneak out."
Hermione smiled and clasped her hands together. "Oh, Harry, thank you!"
"Yeah, yeah, you owe me," Harry said going back into his room to get dressed.
"What do you think Ron would like?" Hermione asked as she and Harry walked down the empty streets of Diagon Alley.
"I haven't a clue. I'm telling you Hermione, I don't think Ron cares a whole lot about his birthday. He hardly talks about it at all when I bring it up at practice. The days he decides to show up anyway."
Hermione frowned, "He's been skipping practice?"
Harry nodded, looking a bit frustrated but said still groggy, "Lets just get something because we will get in serious trouble if we're caught being out here."
Hermione turned to him and smiled, "Since when has the concept of getting into serious trouble meant anything to you?"
Harry smirked and rolled his green eyes. "Since the quidditch match is this month. I need to play if we're going to be in the championship game."
Hermione nodded and continued walking. She rubbed her stomach, "This guy will not give me a break. He's going to be a night owl."
Harry chuckled, "Has Ron thought of a name yet?"
Hermione frowned, "Every time I bring it up Ron changes the subject. He needs to think of something because the baby is due this month. I keep trying to tell him I can help, but he really wants to do this himself."
"Well, I'll tell you what I told him. If you two get in a bind, I have a good, strong name for him," Harry said wisely.
"What's that?" Hermione questioned.
"Harry," Harry said.
Hermione snorted and walked ahead. "Oh, maybe we can find something in here," she said walking in front of a store. In the display window there were nice looking robes and boots. She looked up and read the store name, Dorian's Defense Shop. "Well, he gets right to the point about what he sells," Hermione added. "I've never heard of this shop before."
"That's because it's new. Neville and I were talking about this shop the other day. It has a lot of amazing defense stuff in here. It's a store for aurors and people in the defense department," Harry said in awe.
"Perfect, Ron wants to be an auror. I can get him something in here," Hermione said excited. She opened the door and walked in.
The store was stuffy and very dark. Books on defense spell and ways to improve the strength of your wand lay all over the place. "Harry, where do you think I should start?" Hermione asked. She turned around and noticed Harry on the other side of the store by very impressive looking robes. She walked over to him.
"These are really nice. They are real auror's robes," Harry said eying the black robes. "Ron would love this," he added. Hermione smiled and picked out one in Ron's size.
"Thank you so much for coming with me," Hermione said when they returned to their rooms.
"No problem, I'm glad we found that store. I definitely have to go back. I'll be back later this morning to give Ron his gift," Harry said. He gave Hermione a hug and closed his door.
Hermione quietly went into her room and closed the door. Ron was still sound asleep when she pushed the bag under her bed. Hermione eased back into the bed and kissed Ron softly once more. Before she drifted to sleep, she smiled. She couldn't wait to see the look on Ron's face when he saw the robe.
Hermione woke up once again. She rubbed her eyes and adjusted to the change in light. She turned over and noticed Ron's side of the bed empty. "Ron," she called sitting up.
"I'm here, don't worry," Ron said coming out of the bathroom.
Hermione sighed taking his pale, freckly, half-naked body in. "I really enjoy those shorts," she said dreamy.
Ron chuckled, "Good morning to you too." He reached to the floor and pulled on his white shirt, climbed back into the bed, and kissed her.
"Happy birthday, Ron," Hermione mumbled running a hand through his bright red, growing hair.
"Thank you," he said laying back down. "I'm eighteen now," he muttered with a frown.
"Yeah, that's fantastic. You're getting older," Hermione said thrilled.
Ron didn't respond but simply turned away from her and stared off into space. Hermione gave him a look. Before she could say anything, there was a knock at the door. "That must be Harry," she said getting up and answering the door.
"Where's the old man?" Harry asked coming in.
"Ha, ha," Ron said sitting up.
"Now, that's no way to talk to your oldest and most fantastic friend is it?" Harry asked sitting on the bed. He pulled an envelope from his pocket. Ron tried reaching for it, but Harry was too quick for him. "Now, now, I believe begging is in order," he added.
Ron rolled his eyes and snatched the gift, "You're the world's biggest twat you know." He ripped open the envelope and pulled out the tickets. Immediately Ron's blue eyes grew ten times their normal size. "Holy shit," he breathed.
"World's biggest twat am I?" Harry said.
Ron looked at him and beamed, "Wow, Harry this is incredible."
"I thought you would like it. I figured it would be a nice for us to go to a real match before going to camp." Harry was grinning from ear to ear.
Ron turned the tickets over and over again in his hands. "I can't believe I'm going to a Cannon's match this summer. I love you," he said almost in tears.
"Yeah, yeah, just bring the love to the game this month, yeah?" Harry suggested.
"Ron, this is the happiest I've seen you in a while. I can't wait to give you my gift," Hermione said reaching under the bed. She pulled out the black bag, and handed it to him. Ron eyed the bag curiously and pulled out the robe. "Do you like it?" Hermione asked.
Ron unfolded the robe and looked at it. His face was blank and his eyes were still. He simply stared at the black robe, clutching it.
Harry gave him a curious look. "It's from that new defense store in Diagon Alley. The one with all the-"
"I know the store Harry," Ron interrupted stiffly. He looked up at Hermione. "Why did you get this for me?"
Hermione was taken back. She hadn't expected this reaction. "Um, well, these are robes aurors wear. I'd thought you'd like a set."
"I'm not an auror," Ron said quietly.
"But you will be," Hermione said.
"Come on Ron, what's wrong with it? These robes are amazing. Hermione went through a lot to get them," Harry said frowning.
"There's nothing wrong. It's just….never mind. I love the robes, I'm sorry. I guess I'm still tired. I'm going to go up to the dorm and sleep a bit longer," Ron said quickly.
"You can stay here," Hermione offered.
"No, I'd rather go to the dorm. Thanks for the gifts," Ron said shoving the robe back in the bag along with the quidditch tickets. Before anyone could say anything, Ron's swiftly kissed Hermione on the cheek and left.
Harry and Hermione were quiet for awhile. "What the hell was that about?" Harry asked.
Hermione sighed, "He hates my gift that's what."
"No, Ron's always wanted something like that. It has to be something else," Harry said shaking his head. "He's just seemed so different lately. I know he's anxious about the baby, but I still think it's something else."
"I don't know. He hasn't said anything really to me about anything being wrong, but then again Ron hates showing any emotion," Hermione said trying not to feel so disappointed.
"I guess whatever it is; Ron will tell us if it gets to bad," Harry said. Hermione nodded but didn't feel very sure.
Ron didn't come down from his room the entire day.
The following Monday, Ron didn't say anything about what happen the morning before. Neither Hermione nor Harry had much time to question him because it was career week. In each class the professors explained to them about the career options in that particular field. Hermione paid close attention. Even though she was pregnant, she still wanted to become a curse breaker. Harry even paid attention. He was looking to become an auror along with Ron. However, Ron didn't pay attention at all. He showed up to classes late and would space out during lectures. During lunch he wasn't even present.
"What is wrong with Ron?" Hermione asked concerned.
"I don't know. He hasn't really talked to me all day," Harry said.
"Me either. I tried asking him what was wrong but of course he said he was fine," Hermione said.
Ginny joined them at the table. "Did you two know Dad is here?" she asked.
Harry and Hermione looked at each other. "No, why is Mr. Weasley here?" Harry asked.
Ginny shrugged, "I don't know, but it has something to do with Ron. I saw him, Dad, and Professor McGonagall go up to her office."
Hermione frowned, "Ginny, do you know what's up with Ron."
Ginny laughed, "Haven't known what has been up with Ron for the longest time. I don't think he's in trouble though. He's been so moody lately."
Hermione slipped Ron a note during Transfiguration. She asked him why he had gone to see professor with his dad. Ron quickly scratched nothing important. Hermione frowned and decided to give up. The bell rang and Ron walked over the McGonagall's desk. She handed him a large package. Ron took it and began walking out of class.
Harry ran to catch up with him. "Ron, what's that?"
Ron looked at him and clutched the package tightly. "Nothing important," he mumbled.
Hermione rolled her eyes and stomped her foot. "Look, Ron, we're tired of this. It's obvious that something is up. You can tell us if something is wrong."
Ron shook his head. "Nothing is wrong, okay?"
"So why are you acting like such an prick? Why were you so rude to Hermione yesterday when she gave you the robe?" Harry asked.
Ron looked down and grew paler. "I'm sorry for that, okay."
"That's not what this is about. I don't care about that. I just want to know why you're being so distant. Why do you seem so upset lately?" Hermione asked.
Ron put a hand over his face, "I don't know okay? I'm just not in a good mood okay? It's nothing important. Now, I have to go okay? I see you two later." He walked away from them and down the hall.
Ron wasn't at dinner and Hermione was beginning to worry. "I need to go look for him," she said getting up.
"Hermione, you don't need to do anymore walking. You need to rest. Ron is not in the room, so he's probably outside. That's the last place you need to be," Neville said looking at her worried.
"I don't care. I want to find him," Hermione stated.
"You want me to come with you?" Harry asked.
"No, I'll be okay. I think I know where he is," Hermione said.
Like she hoped Ron was outside next to the lake. He's back was against a tree. Hermione took a deep breath and walked over to him. "Ron," she said quietly.
He jumped and turned to her. "Hermione, what are you doing out here? It's chilly and you-"
"I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what's wrong," she interrupted while sitting herself next to him on the grass. Ron turned away from her and shrugged. Hermione grabbed his chin and pulled his face toward her. "Ron, I mean it," she said letting go. "Did I do something?" she asked quietly.
Ron looked at her longingly. He licked his lips, "Of course not. You're doing everything right."
"So, why are you so upset? Why did you get so mad about the robes? I only wanted you to be happy. I wanted to get you something special...to thank you," Hermione breathed.
"For what?" Ron asked frowning.
"For being with me. For taking me back. For trusting me, believing in me, and loving me again. For stopping me at the clinic and making me believe we can do this," Hermione said.
Ron touched her cheek. "Hermione, you don't need to thank me. I'm just trying to do the right thing for us. I love you and I never stopped." He turned away as tears fogged his crystal blue eyes. "I will say this. Over the summer a piece of me died. I hurt so badly. I hated myself and I wanted to hate you. I tried hating you but I couldn't. I never stopped loving you, Hermione. There's no way I can make myself not love you. I never gave up on you. That piece of me that I thought died didn't. It's inside you now. It's growing into a beautiful, healthy boy that we have to take care of."
Hermione's bottom lip quivered. "What is so wrong then?" she asked so quietly she thought Ron didn't hear.
He looked back at her. "I love the robes. That what's wrong. I really do. I want to get my names sewn in the inside, and I want the boots to match. That is what's wrong."
Hermione stared at him. "Ron, you're not making any sense."
Ron bit his lip and breathed deeply. "Hermione, I'm eighteen years old. We'll be graduating this June. We have to start thinking about our future and what we're going to do with this baby."
"I know this Ron," Hermione said.
"Have you thought about how we're going to pay for everything? I don't want to live in my parent's house for the rest of our lives," Ron said. Hermione shook her head. "Hermione, we have to get jobs. I have to get a job that will take care of us. I have to stop living in a fantasy world."
"Ron, what on Earth are you talking about?" Hermione asked.
Ron stood up and paced. "All my life I have wanted to be an auror. I've always wanted to capture the bad guys and save people."
"Okay and you can do that," Hermione said.
"No, Hermione, I can't. I can't be an auror...not anymore. I have a family to take care of," Ron protested.
Hermione frowned, "Ron, if you think you're the only one that's gong to work you're crazy. I'm not crippled. I plan to intern as soon as the baby is old enough. Plus, I doubt your parents would mind-"
"You do not understand me. Do you want to know what I've been doing? Why I've missed practice and why I've been so upset? I've been interviewing at the ministry. I've been talking to professors and my dad. I've been getting recommendations and ideas to what desk job I'm going to get once I graduate. Seeing those robes, touching them, and being so close to my dreams made me realize once again of what I can never have," Ron said loudly.
Hermione frowned, "But you said you'd never work at the ministry."
"Things change, Hermione. I realized a long time ago that we're parents. We can't live in a dream world anymore. I can't be an auror. I'd have to leave for training, and that would take months. I'd never see you or the baby. I'm just so angry at myself, and I'm scared," Ron sobbed.
He ran a hand through his hair and wiped away his tears. He sat down next to her. "I want us to make it, and if that means giving up my dreams, I will, but it just hurts. I love my family, and my life, but I don't want to end up like my parents. I want us to be okay and never have to struggle. I want our son to have the things he wants without it being second hand or shitty looking. I don't want him growing up feeling ashamed and embarrassed like we had to. Sometimes, I'm sorry I got you pregnant Hermione."
Hermione gaped at him, "You're sorry? Ron, don't ever be sorry. I know we didn't plan this, but I'm not upset. I'm grateful. In the beginning I thought it was all over. I thought my future was ruined, but I was wrong. I knew everything would be okay, and you want to know why?" she asked Ron. He looked at her. "Because of the day you stopped me at the clinic and told me you would never your family. I knew then that in spite of everything, we would make it through together," Hermione assured.
Ron looked at her and sniffed, "I love you so much, and I want this baby. I'm just so afraid that I won't be a good dad and I'll let you and him down."
Hermione took his hand, "Ron, you could never be a bad father. You've already done a fantastic job. Giving up your dreams for him, for us. That's amazing. However, I don't want you to stop wanting to be an auror. It will happen Ron because you deserve it and you'll be amazing."
"Hermione, I don't know," Ron started.
"Look, for right now, let's focus on the arrival of the baby. We can worry about money later, okay? Plus, right now, I'm more concerned about a name," she said.
Ron chuckled, "I'm working on it," he mumbled.
"You better be. We're going to be fine okay. I promise. I love you so much, Ron," Hermione stated.
Ron leaned into her, "I love you too," he whispered before kissing her deeply. Hermione opened her mouth and let Ron ravish her taste.
She moaned and pulled away. "Lets take this to my room."
Ron smiled and stood up. He helped her up as well. "You promise we're going to be okay?"
Hermione smiled, "I promise Ron."
He nodded and began walking. Once he was a bit ahead Hermione stopped smiling. She closed her eyes and fought back her tears. Ron was right. They were in over their heads.
CRAZED