Disclaimer: I am not J.K. Rowling or Timothy Zahn.
Enter Hermione Granger Weasley, at Ministry Headquarters.
Hermione. [to unborn Albus and Rose] It's all right. It's all right. I'm just worried about your Uncle Harry, that's all.
Enter Parvati.
Parvati. Your Highness? Are you all right?
Hermione. [sighs] Come on in, Parvati. How long have you been listening at the door?
Parvati. [offended] I haven't been listening. I saw the light coming from under your door and thought you might need something.
Hermione. I'm fine.
Parvati. Can I get you some more milk, Your Highness? Or some crackers?
Hermione. No, thank you. My stomach isn't really bothering me at the moment. It's . . . well, you know. It's Harry.
Parvati. Same thing that's been bothering him for the past nine weeks?
Hermione. Has it been that long?
Parvati. You've been busy.
Hermione. Tell me about it. I don't know, Parvati. I really don't. He told Percy that he misses Sirius Black, but I can tell that's not all of it.
Parvati. Perhaps it has something to do with your pregnancy. Nine weeks ago would put it just about right.
Hermione. Yes, I know. But that's also about the time Millicent Bagnold and Admiral Murcus were pushing to move the government seat here to London. Also about the time we started getting those reports from the borderlands about some mysterious tactical genius having taken command of the Ministry fleet. Take your pick.
Parvati. I suppose you'll just have to wait until he's ready to talk to you. Perhaps Captain Weasley will be able to draw him out when he returns.
Hermione. [sighs] Maybe. In the meantime, we'd better both get some sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow.
Parvati. [raises an eyebrow] There's another kind?
Hermione. Now, now. You're far too young to become a cynic. I mean it, now. Off to bed with you.
Parvati. You're sure you don't need anything first?
Hermione. I'm sure. Go on, scat.
Parvati. All right. Good night, Your Highness.
Exit Parvati.
Hermione. [to Albus and Rose] Good night to you two, too.
Hermione lays down and returns to sleep.
