14 Weeks
Harry pushed the drawer closed with his hip. A few more folders to file away and he could leave. Just double-check the evidence for the Southgate trial was correctly cataloged and he could clock out. He briefly glanced outside the file room. Most of the office had already left. He appreciated when the office was this quiet. He could work more easily and comfortably.
Finally done, he hurried to his office and grabbed his cloak. Ron was moving to leave.
Ron smacked his shoulder. "I'll see you at -"
"Potter, my office now." Robards stormed past their office.
Harry bit back a groan.
Ron blew out a puff of air. "Might as well see what he wants." He strolled past him.
Harry put his cloak on. Maybe, if it looked like he was ready to leave, Robards wouldn't keep him for long.
"Sir," Harry stepped into the Head Auror's office and sat down in the uncomfortable chair opposite his boss.
Robards waved his wand at the door, making it shut quietly. "We need to discuss your future with the Auror Department, Potter."
Harry gulped. "My future?"
Robards threaded his fingers, resting them on the top of a file that happened to be Harry's personal ministry record. "You're an excellent Auror, Potter. There's no denying that."
"Thank you, sir."
"There's a new group of graduates entering the force in the coming weeks. Some of the senior Aurors have announced their retirement plans," he cleared his throat, "I haven't announced this with the force and the Department, but I'm also planning on stepping down within the next two years."
Harry took a deep breath.
"Which leads me to my next point," Robards continued, "You're a natural leader, Potter. While you don't necessarily have the seniority and years of experience compared to some like Castle, people listen and follow you. You have the skill and the mind." He pushed a paper across his desk. "Next year, a new Head Auror will be announced and I'm placing you on the list for my possible replacement."
# # #
With one more flick of her wand, the three-cheese lasagna was done. She set it aside and flipped open her laptop. She really did need to find a new place. She couldn't decide if she should move back in with her parents for now and take the time until the baby arrived to look for a place or just hurry and look for a place now.
She scrolled slowly through the listings. The thing was - she didn't want to move back in with her mum and dad. It's so great living on her own, she didn't want to give that up.
A knock came at the door, startling her out of her thoughts. She jumped out of her seat and hurried to the door. A brief look through the peephole showed a flash of red hair. She pulled the door open and smiled. "Hi, Ron. What's this?"
Ron stepped into the flat, holding a brightly colored box and a plain white box. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I brought you some biscuits and when Fred and George heard I was heading over here, they sent this box along. " he indicated to the brightly colored box. "It's an assortment of chocolates that make you change color."
"That sounds fun." She took the box of biscuits and set them on her kitchen counter.
"Yeah, if you're up for it, we should all try some later." He placed the box inside her refrigerator. "Mione, dinner smells amazing."
"Thank you." She poured out some drinks and motioned for him to sit down. "Is Harry coming soon?"
He gulped down some water. "I think so. He was in a meeting with Robards when I left." He peered at her laptop. "What are you looking at?"
"I'm moving," she announced.
"Really? Tired of your flat?" He looked around. "It's a nice place though."
"Yes, but I want a change of scenery." A good excuse for now until she could tell him the truth later.
"I'm thinking of building a house out by the Burrow."
She perked up. "Really? That's a huge undertaking."
He leaned back against his chair. "I know, but I think it'd be a fun project to do with my dad, and my brothers if they want to help."
"That's great! You'd get to decide how you want your home and it'll be a ton of fun with your dad and brothers. Do you think Ginny would want to help?"
Ron scoffed. "Probably not. Anyway, I've been thinking about it for a while. I like how the Burrow is situated and figured I should build my own place." He looked over the listings on the screen. "You know, Neville's thinking about settling down in Edinburgh."
"What, really?"
Ron nodded. "That's where Hannah and her family are from. I wouldn't be surprised if he heads up there after he pops the question."
She slammed her hands on the table and squeaked, "what?"
Ron let out a loud laugh, even going so far as to hold a hand against his chest. "Honestly, Mione. Neville told Harry and I that he's going to ask Hannah to marry him. He's just dragging his feet now."
"Wow, our Neville is getting married. I think he's the first of our friends to tie the knot." She leaned on her hand. "That's so sweet."
Ron had a sheepish smile on his face. "Yeah. Who would've thought really? Awkward Neville grew up to be -"
She grinned. "A stud."
"Hermione!"
Hermione erupted in a fit of giggles. "What?" She held her sides as Ron grew various shades of red.
"Bloody hell, Hermione."
"It's the truth! Neville has a great personality and he's handsome."
Ron groaned. "I suppose. Stop already." He took a gulp of water. "You know, talking of personality, would you ever consider dating Fred or George?"
It was Hermione's turn to sputter. "What? They just like to tease me. There's nothing there."
Ron slowly turned his glass. "I don't know. You never know what they're thinking."
She watched him curiously before staring hard at the lasagna on the table. Why did he bring them up all of a sudden? But, would she ever consider it? If Fred or George came by and asked her out, what would she say? They made her laugh. They were handsome and creative. But, she couldn't picture herself dating either one of them. "I don't think we're very compatible. At least not right now."
Ron's eyes were trained on the lasagna. "Not right now? How does that work?" His stomach grumbled loudly.
Hermione chuckled under her breath. She closed her laptop and set it aside on the counter. Taking her plate and Ron's, she cut up a portion for them both. She set the plate down before him.
"Thanks, Mione."
"Harry won't mind, I'm sure." She stabbed her fork into her lasagna. "Anyway, about Fred and George and anyone really, who's to say I won't change in the next few months or year," she said casually, "maybe we're not compatible now, maybe later, or maybe never."
"Geez, Hermione. How much different could you be a year from now?"
She scoffed. "You have no idea."
They spent the next thirty minutes discussing Fred and George and what kind of girls (or guys) suited them best before moving on to Ron's love life.
"I like her," Ron said softly, his face flushed.
"Well, I know you like her," Hermione waved her chocolate chip biscuit around.
His cheeks were growing pinker. At this rate, he wouldn't need the candies that made him change color. "It's not just because I think she's pretty, I mean she is, but I really like her."
Hermione grinned. "What do you like about her?"
"Really, Mione?" He rubbed the back of his neck.
She shrugged. "It's an honest question. Don't answer if you don't want to, but I can tell Ron."
"You can tell what?"
She looked him in the eye and was suddenly taken aback by how much older Ron looked. He was no longer a lanky boy, but a man, tall and firm. An old scar etched down his neck and a small scar over his right eyebrow made him look like he was forever questioning you. But, it was his blue eyes that did her in. They weren't bright with youth or inquisitiveness, but a deep solid blue that showed he's seen and experienced dangerous things and isn't one for playing games. When did they grow up? Has it really been seven years since they were in school? Since they'd seen the horrors of war?
"How much you like her," she told him. "You brighten up, sit a little straighter when you talk about her. She does too whenever she sees you. I've noticed."
A cheesy grin replaced his worried frown. But just as suddenly, his eyes narrowed at the clock hanging over the trash can. "It's gotten pretty late and Harry isn't here yet."
She glanced at the clock. He was right. It was almost an hour since Ron arrived and they sat down to eat, half the lasagna was already gone. "I hope nothing drastic happened."
"Doubt it or I would've been called in." He looked over his shoulder. "Damn, I forgot you don't have a floo connection."
She rolled her eyes.
He didn't notice. "Isn't that weird for you?"
"A little," she said nonchalantly. It didn't phase her until now. She stood and gathered their plates. She yawned and placed the plates beside the sink. "Did you still want to try those chocolates?"
"Yeah." His attention was on her front door. "I'll be right back, I'm just going to check outside."
"Why?" She returned to the table with the box of chocolates.
"Just a precaution, Hermione. I'll be back in a moment." Ron slipped out of her flat, closing her door softly.
She let out a long breath. Great, just great. This is what happens when she has Aurors for friends.
She wrung her hands together. Goodness, but what if something had happened to Harry and they didn't know. No, Harry would contact them. With a Patronus charm or he'd call. Something. Right?
Right. He's fine. He's just really, really late.
She grabbed her cellphone and slowly sat back down. Did Harry forget about their dinner? They were going to tell Ron about the baby together. Should she go ahead and tell him or should she wait?
The door opened and Ron stepped back inside. "It's all clear." He walked back to the table and took his seat again. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I knew you wanted us both here."
"Let me just call him real quick. Maybe he forgot?" She dialed his number and held the phone to her ear.
"He hardly ever forgets our meetups with you," Ron commented. "It's practically the only thing he keeps track of. He never misses a chance to spend time here with you."
The call went straight to voicemail. She hung up.
"Let's forget that tosser for now. Let's see," he pulled the chocolate box toward him and turned it over. "Warnings, not intended for children under five years old. Not safe for pregnant people. Possible side effects, heartburn, indigestion, and color change for up to five hours."
He plopped the box down and opened the box. He quickly grabbed one and stuffed it in his mouth. Hermione's hand hovered over a truffle "Wait, it said not safe for pregnant people?"
Ron chewed on his chocolate. "Yeah, why?"
Her shoulders drooped. "I -"
A pounding sound came from the door. "Hermione? Ron?"
Harry! Hermione jumped to her feet and hurried to the door, pulling it open. "Hey, we were getting worried."
Harry slid his cloak off and stepped forward, hugging her and placing a soft kiss on her cheek. "Have you told him yet?"
She shook her head. "I wanted to wait for you," she muttered.
He tossed his cloak over the back of her sofa. "I'm here now."
Ron remained at the table, looking back and forth between them. His eyebrows rose and gave Harry a pointed look, but he just returned an equally confused expression.
Hermione sat back down while Harry served himself some food.
Ron sat back in his seat. "Alright, what's going on?"
Hermione bit her lip.
Harry took his seat. "Well, Hermione and I wanted to tell you something."
"You two are together?" Ron threw his hands in the air. "Finally."
Hermione shifted in her seat and blushed.
Harry choked. "What, no."
"Are you serious?" Ron scratched his head. "I was sure that was it." He held the box of chocolates out to Hermione. "Try one."
She shook her head. "I can't."
He pulled the box back. "Why not? You like chocolate." He glanced at the warning label again. "It's safe. You're not under five or...wait," his voice trailed away.
She watched as his eyes widened and his usually pale skin took on a lilac color. His jaw dropped. "Wait, does that, are you -" he slammed his hand over his mouth. "Fuck, are you pregnant?" His voice was muffled.
She bit her lip but nodded.
He yelled into his hand. "Oh, bloody hell! Are you serious?" He whipped his head toward Harry, who nodded, a grin plastered on his face. Ron jumped out of his seat and pulled Hermione into a tight embrace. "Blimey, this is amazing!"
She laughed as Ron bounced them around. He settled down after a few minutes. He grabbed the sides of her face and kissed her on the forehead. "Fuck, when did you find out? How far along are you? You don't look pregnant."
She giggled at his rapid questions. She walked to the counter and opened the drawer, taking out her sonogram while he picked up his chair, which had fallen over in his excitement.
"I'm around fourteen weeks."
He yelled into his hand again. He reached out and settled his large hand over her abdomen. "Hey, little one."
She giggled, placing her smaller hand over his.
She licked her dry lips and retook her seat. "This is why we wanted to have this dinner together," his gaze was unwavering. She swallowed hard. "Harry and I wanted to tell you together."
"You and Harry?" Ron narrowed his eyes.
She stared at her hands and said, "because it's our baby."
"Our baby? You mean, you and Harry," his voice was soft. He sucked in a breath. "So, you are together? I fucking knew it. I mean, I knew it was going to happen. Fred and George owe me five galleons."
Harry grimaced. "Ron, we're not together."
Ron examined the sonogram. "How the hell did you two conceive a baby if you're not, oh," a sly grin spread across his face. "You two are fuck buddies."
"Really, Ronald?" Her cheeks were hot. "Yes, alright."
Harry blew out a puff of air and stabbed his food with a fork.
"Well, you two fucked up didn't you?" Ron burst out laughing. "Bloody hell, that baby is going to be so fucking cute."
"Why does everyone say that?" She held her hand against her cheek, trying to cool herself down.
"Don't you think so? Your button nose. Your eyes, or damn what if the baby has Harry's eyes. The baby is going to be cute!"
"My baby is going to be beautiful," she huffed.
Ron rubbed his arm. He was still lilac. "When's the due date?"
"November 21," Harry answered.
"Nice, just in time for Christmas. Oh!" He clapped his hands together. "That's why you're looking for a new place." He glanced around her flat again. "If you really need a place, you can stay at the Burrow for a few weeks until you find a place. I know apparating isn't advised for pregnant people and the Burrow already has a floo connection."
She squeezed his hand. "Thanks, Ron, I appreciate that."
"Of course, anything for you and the little one here." He ran his fingers through his hair. "You're having a baby!"
She grinned. "I'm having a baby."
Ron erupted in another fit of excited laughter. As he attempted to calm down, they tried to figure out if she was the first of their year to have a child.
"Well, some of the guys in the Auror department are gonna be put out." Ron slipped his cloak back on. "A few fancy you quite a bit, Hermione."
Hermione walked him to the door. "Oh, shut up, Ron."
Harry leaned over the back of his chair, following Hermione and Ron with his eyes. "They do?"
"Stuff it, Harry. You know they do. They go gaga whenever she comes by." He paused at the door, kneeling down and putting his ear against Hermione's belly. "Alright, little one, Uncle Ron is heading out. Be nice to mummy now, okay?"
He stood up and wrapped Hermione up in another hug. "This is amazing news, Hermione, Harry. You let me know if you ever need anything alright? And I'll help with your move."
She wrapped her arms firmly around his back, appreciating the feel of his secure hold around her. "Thanks, Ron."
He kissed the side of her head and stepped out into the dark London night.
She leaned back against the closed door. "That went well."
Harry nodded, finishing off the rest of his lasagna. "This is delicious."
She gave him a small smile and walked back into her little kitchen, setting the dirty dishes in the sink.
"I'm sorry I was late, Hermione. Something came up at work, not that it's any excuse." He stood up and grabbed his dishes, joining her beside the sink. "Robards pulled me aside after everyone was gone," he began, his voice low.
Her eyes widened. "What did he want?"
He gulped. "He's made me a team lead and told me I'm on the shortlist for the Head Auror position."
Realization slowly dawned on her face and she squeezed his hands. "Head Auror? Harry, that's incredible! Head Auror at 24 or 25, that's amazing." Her hand rested on his forearm. "Is this something you want?"
His eyes concentrated on her fingers and the slight pressure she exerted. Hermione smelled like some type of flower, he wasn't sure, but it was a scent that was feminine and so distinctly Hermione, he just wanted to smother himself in it. "I think so, yes."
She slowly threaded her fingers through his. "Well, it can't be helped if you were a little late. But, we got to tell him together. That's what matters."
He rested his forehead against hers. "You can be mad if you want too. I almost missed it."
She shrugged but didn't move away. "At least you didn't miss Ron turning as purple as a plum."
He laughed aloud. "That's true."
She giggled, but her soft laughter gave way to a sigh. "I'm going to miss this place."
He kissed her cheek. "Because it's your first flat?"
She turned to face the dining and sitting room area of her flat. "That, but so much has happened here. We celebrated Ginny's first big win here. That first time we all got drunk without the 'adults'. My promotion. Your promotion. Us," she whispered. "Our baby was conceived here."
He settled behind her, wrapping his arms around her torso. He rested his chin on her shoulder.
She placed her hands over his. "I feel like everything is happening so fast. Things are changing."
He kissed her clothed shoulder. "I'm always going to be here for you, Hermione. That's never going to change."
