13 Weeks
Harry ran his brush through his hair. Ever disheveled, at least it was knot-free. He set the brush down on his dresser and paused, his gaze landed on Hermione's sonogram. He picked it up and traced his finger over the shape of their baby.
They were so small. Hermione didn't even look pregnant, but there they were. He couldn't wait to hold them, see them, and hear their heartbeat in person.
"What's that?" Sirius appeared in the doorway.
Harry slammed his hand down on the dresser. "Nothing."
Sirius grinned. "Oh, you've got saucy pictures or something? I didn't think you were that kind of guy," he shrugged, "tastes change, I suppose." He lingered in the doorway. "Is it someone I know because I don't want to see that."
"No," Harry grumbled. "It's not that." He couldn't stuff it in his dresser drawer because Sirius would just open it and see what it was. Where could he possibly hide it? He swiped it off the dresser and slid it into the pocket of his cloak. "You're up early," he told his godfather as he slipped out of his bedroom and down the stairs to the kitchen.
"I don't know," Sirius practically skipped down the hallway. "It just seemed like I had to be up right now."
"You mean you couldn't sleep?" Harry grabbed two glasses and took the orange juice carton from their refrigerator, pouring juice for himself and Sirius.
"Fine." Sirius took the offered glass. "I couldn't sleep anymore. I've been up for two hours. So, what is this?" Sirius snuck his hand out of Harry's cloak pocket.
"No, wait." Harry reached out for it, but Sirius slid away, holding the image up high.
Sirius looked over the picture, front and back. "Why do you have a sonogram?"
Harry steadied himself against the counter.
Sirius set his orange juice down on the table. "Whose baby is this?"
Harry swallowed hard. This was not how he wanted to tell Sirius. He wanted to tell him over dinner or with a fun gift. He knew Sirius would like something like that. Plus, he hadn't rehearsed what and how he was going to tell him.
"Come on, Harry. You wouldn't just have some random person's sonogram." He cooed at the image, "look at the little bean. Who should I say congratulations to?"
Harry took a deep breath. He opened his mouth to answer, but Sirius started talking again. "I know! It's gotta be, Hermione. Our Hermione is gonna be a mama! That baby is going to be so cute." He handed the image back to Harry. "I'm sorry, Harry."
Harry held the image carefully. "Why are you sorry?"
Sirius moved to the counter and grabbed a chocolate chip muffin. "Well, Hermione's having some other bloke's baby."
Harry's eyes widened. "What?"
"I kept telling Remus that you two would get together eventually, but maybe it's too late for that. Honestly, you shouldn't have dragged your feet." He pointed his muffin at Harry. "What's with the face?"
Sirius thought he and Hermione would get together? And Remus? Who else assumed they would get together? She's his best friend! Who… he happened to have sex with. Quite frequently. He wanted to bang his head against the cupboard.
Harry braced himself. "Sirius, Hermione is pregnant."
"I knew it!" He bit into his muffin.
"It's not some other bloke's baby," Harry gulped, "it's my baby. Our baby. She's having my," He pulled at his hair, "I'm the father," he blurted out.
Sirius's blank face slowly morphed. His gray eyes grew wide and a huge grin spread across his face. "You're having a baby? I mean, Hermione's having - with you? You're gonna be a dad?"
Harry nodded, he couldn't help his own smile spreading across his face.
"Harry!" Sirius pulled him into a tight hug. His hand gripped the back of Harry's neck. His chest shook slightly and Harry wasn't sure if he was laughing or crying until he felt something wet against his neck.
"Are you crying?" He patted his godfather's back.
"Yes, damn it!" Sirius pushed him away. "I can't believe it." He dropped down on the closest chair. "I'm so happy."
"You're happy?" Harry relaxed his shoulders.
He slapped his hand on the table. "I'm beyond happy, Harry! I don't even know what the word for it is. I can't wait to tell Remus."
Harry waved his hand. "Wait, don't!"
Sirius ignored him and continued to fire away. "When did you two get together? How did I miss this? You're going to be a dad! Wait, I thought you two were just friends. Harry?"
# # #
Harry was exhausted and it wasn't even ten a.m. He checked into the Auror Office and then went straight down to Hermione's department. He needed to tell her what happened with Sirius.
He stood in the back of the lift with his arms crossed over his chest, listening to the two ministry employees talking between themselves.
"I don't stand a chance with her," the blond-haired man said.
His companion with cropped dark hair shrugged. "You won't know unless you ask her. You stress about it, but nothing's gonna come from it until you do something. People aren't going to wait around for you to be ready."
The blond groaned. "I know that."
The dark-haired guy let out a low whistle. "Besides, it's not like there aren't other people vying for her attention. This is Hermione Granger we're talking about. You've got competition."
Harry's eyebrows rose. Hermione? The blond fancied Hermione? His Hermione? Alright not his, but his friend Hermione!?
The lift stopped and the rickety doors opened, the two men stepped out, leaving Harry alone with his thoughts. He knew people liked Hermione, but that didn't mean he was comfortable hearing about how many actually fancied her.
Of course, she was fanciable. She's brilliant, kind, and beautiful. She's a war hero! She kept him alive countless times. She was twice as eloquent as he and Ron combined. Caring and somehow always had a smile on her face.
He leaned against the side of the lift. That's probably how she had her fair share of admirers. A smile here and there and you'll find yourself fancying the witch. Did Hermione even know she could do that?
The lift opened again and he strode out. He passed Mrs. Fawley and greeted her with a quick wave. "Is Hermione in her office?"
"Good morning, Auror Potter," Fawley ignored his question. "Is there something you need from the Department for the Regulation of Magical Creatures?"
Harry held back a sigh. "I was wondering if Hermione is in her office."
Mrs. Fawley grinned at him. "She sure is. She has a meeting in a few minutes."
"Thank you, Mrs. Fawley."
He felt her eyes follow him all the way to Hermione's office. He knocked on the wooden door and waited for her cheery voice to let him in.
But, she didn't sound very cheerful. He pushed the door open and closed it behind him. Hermione was at her desk, papers were strewn all across the too. "Morning," he said tentatively.
"Harry? What are you doing here?" She set her pen down.
His eyes roamed over her figure. Her attire was as composed as ever, but his eyes focused on the dark circles under her eyes. "Are you feeling alright?"
She groaned. "Is it that obvious?"
He dropped down in the seat opposite her desk. He stretched his legs out before him. "Well," he trailed away.
She let out a puff of air. "Don't answer that." She rubbed her hands over her face. "I couldn't sleep last night. I threw up and just couldn't settle. It was too hot and I couldn't get into a comfortable position."
"Does this happen often?"
She shrugged. "It's happened a few times. I'm sure it'll get worse as time goes on." She offered him a small smile. "What brings you around?"
He hesitated. "Sirius saw the sonogram this morning."
"What?"
"He caught me looking at it," he began to explain, "and I hid it in my pocket, but he snuck it out and he guessed it was yours and I told him," he spilled. "He knows."
She blinked slowly. He watched as her expression changed from confusion, with knitted brows, to a contented smile. "Okay, so, you told him I'm pregnant."
"Right." He gulped. "He thought you were having a baby with someone else and I couldn't leave without telling him the truth. So, I told him. Made him promise not to tell anyone else though."
She relaxed against the back of her seat. "That's good." She laid her hands against her abdomen. "I'm not ready for anyone else to know."
"I understand." He laced his fingers together. They had discussed over the weekend after the stilted supper with the Grangers when and how they were going to tell their friends. She explained how it was advised to share the news after sixteen weeks, just in case.
Just in case. He didn't want to worry about a 'just in case'.
"Harry?"
"Yes?"
She must have been talking because she was giving him that exasperated look, head turned slightly to the side and a pouting lower lip. He was on the receiving end of that look countless times, usually because he was too busy undressing her instead of listening to why he didn't need to bring flowers or chocolates or little gifts whenever he came around to have sex.
Now, he wasn't listening again. He met her gaze. "What was that?"
She rolled her eyes. "What did Sirius say?"
"Oh, he cried."
"He did? Was he upset?" She frowned and tugged on the end of her blouse.
"No, the opposite. He was so happy he started crying." He chuckled under his breath. "When I left, he was talking about what kinds of stuff he was going to do with the baby and what he wanted the baby to call him."
A relieved smile came to her face. "I'm really happy that he's looking forward to it. I haven't thought about that. Grandpa makes sense."
"Grandpa?"
She shrugged. "Well, yeah. He's your godfather. I suppose Uncle Sirius wouldn't be too far off either. He does act like an overbearing uncle sometimes. But, it comes down to how Sirius feels about it."
Harry nodded and got to his feet. "I need to head back. I've got interviews to conduct and evidence to present. I'll see you soon?"
She stood and came around her desk. "Sure. Thanks for coming to see me."
"I had to tell you before he came bursting through your office. I honestly wouldn't put it past him." He kissed her forehead. "But, I'll keep a leash on him."
"Harry!"
Harry pursed his lips and leaned against the arm of Hermione's sofa. Did pregnancy make getting ready twice as long?
She entered the room moments later in a deep blue dress with little white polka dots. It cinched slightly at the waist. "Do I look okay?"
"Beautiful, as always," he replied.
She grabbed her purse from the kitchen table. "Flattery is unnecessary, Harry. We've already had sex. The proof is growing inside me."
"It's not flattery if it's true." He stepped toward her, taking her hand in his. "You sure you're alright? Don't force yourself to go if you're not feeling well."
She shook her head and tugged her hand out of his. "It's Tonks' birthday brunch. I'm going to go." She slipped on her cardigan.
Finally ready to go, they first drove to Grimmauld Place to use the floo to get to the Lupin's house.
Harry traveled first and waited just outside the fireplace to catch Hermione in case she stumbled out. The floo flared and she stepped out with ease.
Remus greeted them from the doorway. "It's good to see you two. I hope you're in the mood for French toast, omelets and fruit parfaits. Sirius was here, but he rushed back to his house for something. He looked abnormally happy. Do you have any ideas?"
Harry whipped around. "No idea."
"Mai!" Teddy's voice resounded through the house. Hermione laughed and followed the sound of his voice. They met up in the dining room and burst into a conversation about stars, Pokemon, and food.
Remus clamped his arm around Harry. "Keeping busy, aren't you?"
Harry hesitated. Did he know something? "With work?"
Remus nodded.
"Oh, yeah. We're trying to wrap up the latest case. Serial killer and arsonist."
"Serial killer?" Remus's voice hitched.
Sirius's booming voice echoed from the front room. He burst into the dining room, his eyes searching around and immediately found Hermione.
"Come here you." He tugged her to her feet and pulled her into a tight hug. "You've made this old man happy, Hermione," he muttered into her ear.
"Oh, please." But, she wrapped her arms around his torso.
"Hermione, I can't wait." He dropped his arms and held her by the hands. "How far along are you now?" He whispered
"Thirteen weeks," she said softly.
His wide grin made her smile. "You let me know when you ever need anything, okay? Just call me and I'll come to you. Whenever. Whatever." He kissed her forehead. "I got you a little something. Well, it's for the baby."
"You didn't have to do that," she whispered.
"Nonsense. It's only the beginning!" He kissed her forehead and moved his attention to Teddy.
"Sirius," Harry warned.
"What?" He held up his hand. "I'm not doing anything." He ruffled Teddy's hair and asked about school.
"What's up with you?" Remus asked him. "You're acting odd. Did you get a new girlfriend?"
"No. I'm just happy. Can't a bloke be happy?" Sirius threw his arms in the air. "This family is against happiness."
Andromeda walked into the dining room with a glass of mimosa. "You're looking odd, Sirius. It's creeping us out." Behind her, plates filled with food floated and spread out onto the table.
Tonks stepped forward and held up her own mimosa. "Hermione, you want some?"
Hermione kept her eyes on her food. "No, thanks."
Andromeda and Tonks exchanged a wide-eyed look. Hermione never said no to mimosas.
"You sure you don't want some, Hermione," Tonks waved the cup in her hand. "It's your favorite."
"I'm good, thanks."
"That's unlike you," Andromeda downed her glass. "You usually drink with us."
"Alright, you two," Harry cut in. "She doesn't want any. Lay off."
Tonks and Andromeda brought their heads together and began whispering. Remus shook his head and turned his attention to Hermione. "How's work? I understand you're finishing up the Werewolf Legislation."
Hermione perked up. "That's right. We're almost done with the final draft. We're just working on finalizing the wording, cleaning it up a bit. We're hoping it'll be ready to be introduced to Wizengamot by the beginning of June."
"That soon. You think it'll pass?" Remus picked up his fork and knife.
"I hope so. It'll be the first comprehensive protective law the Wizengamot has ever passed in regards to werewolves. I can't see what arguments they'll use to not pass it. Although, Mr. Sterling is preparing for any and every possibility."
"Alexander Sterling?" Andromeda piped in. "He's handsome."
"He sure is," Tonks added cheerfully. "I remember him from school."
"Right," Hermione looked down at her food, pink dusting her cheeks. "He's the department deputy. He's been in charge of this legislation since we started. He's committed to seeing it through."
A glass of water suddenly appeared before her. Sirius pulled up a seat beside her and dug into his food.
She picked up the glass and took a sip. She then picked up her fork and began to cut into her French toast, but she got a strong whiff of cooked sausage and her stomach felt queasy. She shook her head and tried to concentrate on the food on her plate. Maybe if she just breathed through her mouth she'll be fine?
Nope. Not good. She slapped her hand over her mouth and stood carefully from her chair and hurried out of the dining room.
"Is she okay?" Tonks called out.
Harry followed quickly, almost tipping his chair over. He entered the bathroom and pushed the door closed behind him. He kneeled down beside her. Her arms were bracing herself against the toilet. He reached out and pulled her hair back.
"It hurts," she whined under her breath.
"What hurts?"
"My stomach, my chest." She hurled into the toilet again. "It's sore from throwing up so much." Her eyes began to water. "I just want this to stop."
He re-adjusted his hold on her hair and used his free hand to rub her back. "It'll go away soon."
She whined under her breath. "What if it doesn't? Tonks said she threw up for five months. Am I going to throw up for five months too?"
"We'll figure it out, okay?" Harry continued to rub her back. It was the only thing he could think of to comfort her.
A soft knock came from the door. "You alright in there?" It was Tonks.
"Fine!" Harry called back. "We'll be out in a minute."
After a few more minutes, Hermione leaned back and scooted until she could rest her back against the wall. Harry scooted back to join her. He took her hand and threaded her fingers through his.
She rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm tired, Harry."
After a moment of rest, Harry helped Hermione to her feet and waited as she rinsed out her mouth. They stepped out of the bathroom and slowly came back down the hallway. Hopefully, they didn't bring much attention to themselves.
They stepped into the sitting room and faced four pairs of eyes.
"So," Remus was the first to speak. "Is there something you need to tell us?"
Tonks nodded her head vigorously. "Yes, like is someone dying? You're not dying are you?" She looked between Harry and Hermione.
"No," Hermione squeaked. "No one is dying." She turned her attention to the man beside her.
Harry gave her a small smile. "I don't mind, you know that."
She licked her lips, opened her mouth and said, "I'm pregnant."
"What?!"
"You're pregnant?"
"How?"
"Really, Dora? How?"
"Well, I wanna know!"
"Who is the father?"
"Mum, don't be so nosy!"
Hermione's gaze jumped from person to person, overwhelmed she took a step back and bumped into Harry, accidentally stepping on his foot. Harry's hand rested on her lower back.
"Did you know?" Remus aimed his question at Sirius.
Sirius nodded, practically grinning from ear to ear. "A baby, Remus!"
A slow, but sincere smile came to Remus's face. "Yes, a baby. Congratulations, Hermione."
"Thank you," her voice was soft.
"So," Tonks looked between Harry and Hermione. "You two are having a baby?"
Hermione hesitated, but Harry promptly replied, "Yes."
Tonks suddenly punched Remus in the shoulder. "Told you! You owe me five galleons."
Remus rubbed his shoulder. "Told me what? They haven't said anything about being together."
"But, it's obvious," Tonks whined.
Hermione shook her head. "We're not -"
Harry plastered a fake smile on his face. "Hermione and I aren't together. She's still early on so we'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone else about the baby. Not until we're ready."
"Harry?" Sirius sat forward, his eyebrows creased.
Harry ignored him, turning to Hermione. "Shall we get back to brunch?"
She nodded. She turned to Tonks and Remus. "Let's eat?"
Tonks scrambled to her feet, tripping over the side of the armchair. "Of course! Let's go. Teddy probably ate everything."
They gradually gathered back into the dining room. Harry and Hermione taking up the rear.
"What took so long?" Teddy shifted onto his knees. "I'm hungry."
Hermione tried to smile. "Thanks for waiting, Teddy."
His usual turquoise hair turned a morose brown. "Are you okay now? Are you sick?"
She squeezed his forearm. "Just a little. I'll be better soon."
His head turned slightly. "Are you sure?"
She appreciated his concern. It filled her with warmth and love only Teddy could provide. "Positive."
"Okay." Teddy picked up his fork and dug into his French toast.
Hermione looked around the table. She couldn't meet anyone's eyes until her gaze landed on Sirius.
He offered her a warm smile and winked. He turned his attention to their family and friends. "Who made the French toast because they're delicious?"
"I did!" Teddy leaned over his plate. "I helped gramma since it's mama's favorite."
"They sure are." Tonks smiled at the boy.
"So," Andromeda cut into her omelet, "how far along are you, Hermione?"
"Mum," Tonks hissed under her breath.
Andromeda shrugged. "What? We can't talk about it at all?"
"It's fine," Hermione said, "I just don't want to share with too many people until I'm further along." She turned to Andromeda. "I'm thirteen weeks."
Andromeda nodded. "And when's the due date?"
"November 21st."
"November, like me!" Sirius cheered.
Andromeda rolled her eyes at him. "Well, this is very exciting. It's been a while since we've had a baby in the family." She glared openly at Tonks.
Tonks stuck her tongue out at her mother.
"What's coming in November?" Teddy asked over his food, pieces of eggs falling from his mouth. "A baby?"
Hermione looked at Harry, Remus, and Tonks for help. Remus took the lead. "Teddy, Hermione is going to have a baby."
"Like Victoire?"
"Smaller," Remus said.
Teddy settled his gaze on Hermione, she could see him concentrate and attempt to formulate his thoughts. "Like Timmy? His mum got really big. Mai, are you going to get really big? Or is the baby going to come like Angela's did, in a car?"
Hermione smiled. "I'm going to get really big."
Teddy gasped, his jaw-dropping comically.
