23 Weeks

"Thank you for making your way to Hogwarts today, Auror Potter," Headmistress McGonagall gave him a warm smile.

Harry returned the smile. "Of course, Professor. I always try to be a part of the team that comes by and performs the school's yearly security checks."

They strolled down the corridor, leading away from the headmistress's office. It was quiet in the school, something Harry never got used to. During his school days, it always felt like the students and building itself were buzzing with activity and life.

Summer break was a whole different story. It seems even an enchanted castle needs its rest.

"A certain someone," Prof. McGonagall began, "let slip that your family is growing." There was a hint of mirth in her dark eyes.

Harry kept himself from rolling his eyes. "Sirius?"

"Precisely. According to him, you and Miss Granger are having a baby."

Sirius must have dropped in randomly and annoyed Prof. McGonagall until they could sit together and have tea. He couldn't even imagine how that conversation went down. Did Sirius cry or did he laugh through it all?

Harry thought of Hermione and their baby. What was she doing right now? Was she feeling well?

"It's true," Harry finally answered, "she's due in November."

"I was delighted to hear the news, Harry," Prof. McGonagall said, dropping formalities. "I can't even imagine how happy you and Hermione must be. I can't wait to meet the little one. That is if you'll allow a proper introduction."

He started. "Of course, Professor. I'm sure Hermione would love that too. You were always her favorite teacher."

Prof. McGonagall smiled knowingly. "Thank you again, Harry, for coming by with a team. It gives me and the staff peace of mind." She gazed out the windows of the corridor. "You ought to see Hagrid before you go. I don't think he knows the good news."

Harry had already planned on seeing Hagrid, but he now had a renewed desire. He gave Prof. McGonagall a hug, leaving her flustered, and jogged the rest of the way toward Hagrid's hut.

He worried Hagrid might not be home, but he crested over the hill and saw smoke coming from the chimney.

It was quiet leading up the dirt path. Fang's characteristic barks no longer cracked in the air, having passed away a few years ago. Hagrid had been devastated. He, Hermione, and Ron contemplated on how to cheer him up. They thought maybe a new dog could help, but before they could do anything Hagrid had sent them a letter with a photo of a white puppy with large black spots. Apparently, he found it all by itself on a street corner and took it in. He named him Blue. This dog was a lot quieter than Fang was.

A blur of white appeared in the window. There was the dog now.

Harry could see Hagrid shuffling inside the hut. He opened the door to let Blue out. His gaze immediately fell on Harry and a wide grin spread across his face. "Harry!"

Harry hurried down the path and brought his arms up to hug Hagrid, as best he could.

Hagrid hugged him firmly. "It's good to see ye' Harry!" He stepped back. "Come inside fer some tea."

"Thanks, Hagrid."

Hagrid let him in, leaving the door propped open. "Hermione or Ron here with ye?"

Harry shook his head. "It's just me today. I was here on Auror business."

Hagrid poured them both some tea. "Of course! Auror business. How yer doin, Harry?"

"I'm good. Very good. How about you and Blue?"

Hagrid smacked his knee. "Good as a herd of hippogriffs. Gotta get ready fer another year. New students and all that."

Hagrid began telling Harry about the past year. The students he had taught and the chaos they ensued in his class and in school, particularly a pair of troublemakers from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff house. "Those two could be like those Weasley twins."

Harry laughed. He couldn't even imagine trying to keep kids like the Weasley twins in check. He was glad he and Hermione didn't have to deal with that.

Goodness, what if their kids were wild like Fred and George?

He choked on his tea. Kid, he amended in his mind. Kid.

"Hagrid," Harry cleared his throat. "I wanted to tell you some good news."

Hagrid set his hands in his lap. "What is it, Harry?"

Harry took a deep breath. "Hermione and I are having a baby."

Hagrid's eyes widened immediately. "A baby? Harry!" Hagrid leaped out of his seat, at a speed Harry didn't know he was capable of and pulled him into his arms squeezing him tight. "Harry, that's amazing, that is."

Harry patted his arm. "Thanks, Hagrid."

Hagrid wiped at his cheeks. "A little Harry and Hermione," he chuckled, his whole body shook. "Oh, your parents would be so happy." He plopped back down in his chair. "When is the baby coming?"

"In November."

Hagrid clapped his hands together. "I'll try to see the little one when yer and Hermione are ready. I'll say, hello little one, I'm Rubeus Hagrid. I've known yer parents since they were wee tykes too."

Hagrid continued to blubber and Harry smiled through it all, his friend's excitement was infectious. He was happy to tell one of his oldest friends his good news, only disappointed that he hadn't told him sooner.

# # #

"Early day, Ms. Granger?" Mr. Sterling stood in the open doorway of her office.

Hermione felt herself blush, inwardly scolding herself. "I am, sir. Was there anything you'd like me to work on?"

He shook his head. He clasped the portfolio in his hands. "Nothing today, Ms. Granger. I know I've expressed it before and many times already, but thank you so much for the hard work you've put in this last year, working with me on the werewolf legislation."

She grasped the edges of her blazer. "Thank you, Mr. Sterling. I appreciate it."

He made a cursory glance over her form. He gulped and stepped back. "Have a good weekend." He turned on his heel and stalked away.

She took a deep breath. Being around Mr. Sterling made her nervous now, but she figured if what her coworkers said was true, she probably made him more nervous than she could ever be.

She grabbed her tote bag and headed out of the office. She had a lunch date.

She briefly thought about all the things she still needed to buy to be fully prepared for when the baby arrived. That's all she thought about as she made her way to the atrium and used the public floo to go to Diagon Alley.

She strolled through the Leaky Cauldron. She walked all the way to Gringotts and turned left on Horizont to the small restaurant-cafe.

Luna was outside and waved her hand in the air once she saw Hermione.

They hugged and greeted each other. Luna led her inside to the table Ginny was reserving for them.

They shared another round of hugs and greetings and finally sat down at their table, ordered their food and drinks.

"He went straight to Grimmauld Place?" Ginny asked, her eyes wide. She lifted her brows and gave Luna a pointed look.

"And he said he missed you?" Luna said.

Telling them probably wasn't a good idea, but Hermione was overwhelmed. "Maybe it doesn't mean anything?"

Ginny shrugged. "It means something that he went straight to you."

Hermione pushed her food around her plate. "I am having his baby."

Ginny grinned cheekily, resting her chin in her palm. "You are, aren't you?"

"Have you and Harry chosen a name?" Luna asked.

Hermione relaxed. "We haven't yet. We can't find one that feels right."

Luna hummed. "It is a difficult decision."

"Ginevra is a good name," Ginny offered, "Jacqueline."

"Gloria. Andrea," Luna piped in.

"Lola. Natasha," Ginny added.

"Lance. Wendy."

"Ashley. Morgan."

"Elisen. Alondorr."

Hermione and Ginny turned to Luna, confusion evident on their faces. Luna simply shrugged.

Hermione burst into laughter and feeling more grateful than ever to have such a great group of friends. The tension she had felt coming into their lunch date eased away.

When she finally calmed down from her fit of laughter, both Ginny and Luna were looking at her knowingly.

Hermione took a deep breath. "I don't know what to tell him."

Ginny swirled her straw around. "Maybe you should just kiss him and see what happens next."

Hermione bit her lip. Could she really do something like that?

"But are you sure of your feelings for him?" Luna asked. "It wouldn't be right to kiss him or tell him what you feel if you're not sure."

Hermione agreed. She wasn't so sure if she was confused about her feelings still. She was more scared about what Harry would say.

# # #

Harry skipped up the steps to the stoop of Grimmauld Place. He took his mobile out to dial Hermione, but the door opened before he had a chance.

Hermione stood before him, in a loose t-shirt and shorts. Her long hair was down and hanging around her shoulders. "I saw you from the window."

She stepped aside and he walked inside, placing a kiss on her cheek. "I was at Hogwarts today," he told her.

She closed the door and led him upstairs to the first-floor sitting room. Harry's eyes fell to the streams of yarn set across the coffee table and sofa. "What are you doing?"

"I'm making a blanket for Ginny. It's her birthday present." She sat down on one end of the sofa. "It just seemed like a good idea at the time," she relaxed, "I mean, her mum makes her stuff all the time so maybe this will just add to the clutter."

Harry joined her on the sofa. "It won't because it's from you."

She smiled at him. "So, how was Hogwarts? Did you see Prof. McGonagall and Hagrid."

"I did. They both know about the baby."

She gasped. "It totally slipped my mind to let them know."

"Apparently, Sirius told Prof. McGonagall." He grabbed some yarn and started stringing it across his lap. "I told Hagrid. They're both very happy and send us their congratulations."

"Let me guess, Hagrid cried?" Hermione picked up her knitting needles.

"He sure did."

Hermione worked the yarn with her needles. "There are a lot of people who care about you."

Harry pushed the yarn aside and crept over to where Hermione was sitting, laying down and setting his head down so the top of his head touched her thigh. "There are a lot of people who care about us."

"Well, that'll be quite a sight. Rubeus Hagrid holding an infant. He'll look even bigger." Her fingers trailed through his hair. "We still haven't picked out a name, Harry."

Harry laid on his back, clasping his hands together over his stomach. "Is there one you've been leaning toward?"

"I like Elizabeth. Marie. Lydia. But when I try using those names and picture her, those names don't seem to fit." Hermione set her needles aside. "I don't want her to have a complicated name like mine."

"You have a pretty name," Harry countered.

"Sure, it's pretty but it's complicated. She should have something simple but beautiful."

Harry started naming off people in his head. Maybe something would stick out or inspire him. They already determined that Sirius was too stuffy. Maybe a star. Or after a flower, like his mum.

"I think it should be short and sweet, like your name Harry."

A furry weight landed on his stomach. "Crookshanks," he groaned. He rubbed his head. "Are you here to help us, Crookshanks? You'd think this would be easy for us."

Harry stared into Crookshanks's yellow eyes, the light making them shine like yellow jewels.

"I haven't seen Hagrid in ages," Hermione said suddenly. "I'm glad you were able to see him today. I hope he's doing well. Did you see Blue?"

Harry nodded. Hagrid had always been so good to him. He cared for Harry, was kind, and was always there for him. He'd never really thanked him properly for the love and care he'd given him as a child.

He sat up, making Crookshanks fall into his lap. He turned so he could face her, propping his leg up on the sofa. Crookshanks walked off his lap and onto the arm of the sofa. "What do you think of Ruby?"

"Ruby? Like the jewel or the Pokemon game? Harry, I swear -"

"Ruby, like Rubeus."

Hermione's brows furrowed in confusion, but her eyes slowly widened and she smiled. "Ruby," she tried again. "Ruby Potter."

He straightened.

"I like it," she said, "short and sweet and beautiful."

"Ruby Potter?" His eyes fell to her mouth.

"Yes, Ruby Potter, you dolt."

He swallowed hard and dropped his gaze to the coffee table and mounds of yarn. His face felt hot and his chest was tight.

"That means we'll have to tell Teddy that we're using the name he suggested. But, we need to make sure he knows it's not because of his Pokemon game!" She used his shoulder to stand up. He breathed deeply. "Are you hungry? Let me see what leftovers I have."

He didn't answer. He listened as he heard her walk down to the kitchen. Good. He needed some space. Air. A moment to breathe before he did something that could inexplicably mess everything up - like kissing his best friend before he told her how he felt.