Ron groaned

Let's Just keep Our Fingers Crossed (2/3)

"There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.

There is another which states that this has already happened."

- Douglas Adams ('The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy')

I just have to mention how sad I am that we have lost Douglas Adams, my favourite philosopher. When I left California for the East Coast as a college student, a friend gave me the original BBC tapes of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' to listen to on the long flight. I flew for four years, back and forth, listening to the tales of Ford Prefect and Zaphod Beeblebrox, which kept me sane as I travelled, as I was deeply afraid of flying. Nearly ten years later, as I landed in Los Angeles home from Cairo, on EgyptAir, four days before that same plane I had taken plunged into the Atlantic, fulfilling my worst nightmares, I was still listening to the Vogons' poetry, the importance of towels, and poor Arthur Dent trying to convince a food dispenser he really did want a cup of warm water soaked with dry leaves for breakfast. Laughter makes you feel invincible. They'll be with me when I take off for Australia in three weeks, too. I even named Annie's owl after Zaphod (of course Wizards read these books!). So long, Mr. Adams, and thanks for all the fish.

"I am so cool, you could keep a side of meat in me for a month. I am so hip I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis!" -Zaphod Beeblebrox

Disclaimer: Need I point out I am neither JK Rowling nor am I Douglas Adams? Good, I didn't think so. I'm just a fan like the rest of you.

***

Play continued for another hour. The Bats managed to pull ahead by three goals at one point, but it only served to increase the energy and determination of both the Cannons' players and the Cannons' fans.

Ron couldn't stop himself from glancing nervously at his watch as he noticed it was starting to get a little darker as early evening approached and the grounds keeper moved quietly along the far side of the field getting ready to illuminate the pitch. Unfortunately his watch was on the arm he had around Hermione's shoulders, and she didn't miss his (not quite surreptitious enough) peek. She slapped his hand slightly and gave a smile.

"Ruh-on, I feel fine."

"Of course you do," he grumbled, watching Elk send the Bludger at Sallie More again.

"Oh please. I have no desire to give birth anywhere except a nice big bed. I'm taking no chances."

"Uh-huh."

"Malcolm, please tell Ron not to be such a worry-wort."

Malcolm glanced over his shoulder at them from where he now sat with Sirius and smiled.

"Ron, don't be such a worry-wort."

"Yes, Ron, don't be such a worry-wort!" added Sirius.

Ron couldn't resist glaring at him. "I'm getting this from you?"

Sirius shrugged. "Bank it for when Liz and I get here in a few weeks. I'm not even going to pretend to be calm."

"Ah, it's been confirmed," deadpanned Harry. Sirius shifted Malcolm so he could lean over nearer to Harry.

"You are supposed to keep me calm. Isn't that the 'secret' arrangement you made with Liz?"

"I promised Liz I'd try to keep you from driving her mad, not that I'd keep you calm."

Remus laughed. "Let me guess; this stems from the 'pillow and blanket' incident?"

Ron and Hermione also laughed at this comment. Sirius had officially lapped Ron in being the 'top' worrier when he had come home one day laden down with piles of new pillows and blankets, which he draped over practically every chair in the Black's flat, worried that Liz wasn't comfortable enough. She'd sent a pile of each to both Katie and Hermione with a note that simply said 'Help'.

Sirius gave Remus an indignant look. "Look, you, just because you've done this before is no reason to get all uppity."

"Daddy's not being uppity, Sirius," frowned Malcolm.

"Oh, yes he is, he's just doing it nicely."

Malcolm declined further comment and simply got down from Sirius' lap and went back over to sit with Remus, putting one arm around his neck and leaning his head into his shoulder. Hermione put one hand over her mouth to hide her grin, and looked up at Ron.

"Are you really worried I'm going to suddenly have this baby," she whispered in his ear, "or are you just anxious to get your hands on the baby?"

"Both," he whispered back.

"Hmmm. Well, I promise not to have the baby here and to try and have it as soon as possible. Fair?"

He leaned over to kiss her, ignoring the loud 'ahhhhs' from Sirius and Harry, but not passing up the opportunity to give Sirius a kick in the ankle. Sirius promptly kicked Harry, saying 'from Ron'.

"SNITCH!"

Adams rarely yelled, but he was on his feet now and leaning over the edge of the box. Everyone stood up, Ron hauling Hermione to her feet, and came to the front next to Adams. The stadium crowd roared as the Seekers both shot upwards.

"MCLEOD AND DERICKSON ARE AFTER IT!"

Because of the angle of the light, the Snitch was obvious, shining in the glare of the setting sun well over the pitch. It seemed to sense the attention, however, and just as the Seekers started to get about 25 feet from it, it plummeted downwards, it's wings a blur.

"COME ON MCLEOD, IT'S DOWN HERE!"

Derickson rounded back first, and flew in a steep line after the Snitch, charging towards the bottom of the pitch. McLeod caught him, however, as the Snitch suddenly banked right and made a line for the Bats' end of the field. Sarson Caston had the Bludger, though, and he sent it towards the Snitch, rather than the fliers.

"CASTON FORCES THE SNITCH TO CHANGE COURSE! IT MOVES UP, PASSING DERICKSON TOWARDS MCLEOD…."

Derickson made a grab as he tried to turn upwards, but his balance was wrong, and he swerved to the side, not up. McLeod shot past him, about ten feet over his head…and got the Snitch.

"WE'VE GOT IT! WE'VE GOT IT!"

Ron could barely believe it, even as McLeod soared past, holding the Snitch above her head and screaming like a banshee. Sirius and Harry both threw their arms around Adams, and the three of them cheered and whistled at the top of their lungs, along with practically everyone else in the place.

"Did you see what happened, Malcolm?" yelled Remus over the din.

"The Cannons win!" he called back, and Ron felt the shock wear off. We did. We won. We're first in the League!

At that moment Sarson Caston practically crashed into the box. He leapt from his broom over the railing and extricated Adams from Sirius and Harry to wrap him in his own bear hug. Both men were now openly crying and laughing. They earned it; it's taken them 10 years to get here.

Ron smiled at them, staying next to Hermione, but was nearly pulled off his feet as the two other men reached out to pull him in.

"Know what Ron," Sarson bellowed at him over the cheering and the cries of the rest of the team as they too flew over to the box.

"What?"

"I think the only thing more exciting than this would be having a baby!"

"Shut up, Caston," he yelled back, grinning from ear to ear. Caston just moved to hug Hermione.

"Alright, beautiful, the show's all yours now!"

"Thanks, I think," she laughed.

"Caston! Say hello to Malcolm Lupin; it's his first game," called out Adams. Ron watched as Caston reached to shake Malcolm's hand.

"Did you like it then?"

"Brilliant!"

Caston laughed and smiled at Remus, who also shook his hand.

"Congratulations."

"Thanks. Malcolm, will we see more of you?"

"Oh yes!"

"Good. Next time, we'll make sure you have one of our gruesome orange shirts."

Katie Bell, who called out a loud hello to Remus, and Oric Willmersham pulled Sarson away at that point. They yanked him back to the edge and forced him onto his broom so the team could fly a few victory laps around the stadium together. The audience roared and the place started lighting up with orange flashes and explosions as the witches and wizards, in violation of at least five public-conduct laws Ron could name off the top of his head, started celebrating in earnest.

"For gods' sake, Hermione, don't jump up and down!"

Hermione just laughed harder at him and instead hugged Harry, who much to Ron's annoyance proceeded to jump up and down with her while they continued to cheer.

As the referees started making a half-hearted and basically doomed attempt to stop the fireworks and charms going off at an increasing rate as people became more emboldened, Remus suddenly grabbed Malcolm and pulled him close, crossing Malcolm's arms over his chest and holding his hands tightly.

"Ron? I think we'll just resist temptation and get out of here," said Remus, managing to look entertained and vaguely worried at the same time. Ron looked down at Malcolm, who was staring at the goings on with a rapt and rather whistsome look.

"Yes, you may have a point."

Remus gave Ron a rather wicked smile, even as he stepped back, pulling an obviously reluctant Malcolm with him.

"Oh, you'll know just how good an idea it is soon enough!"

Sirius reached out at that moment, however, to stop him from leaving with Malcolm.

"Hang on, we'll all go. Katie prepared to have a victory whip-up? Liz said I'm not allowed home until I calm down, no matter what happened."

"Excellent idea. Then Malcolm can show you how he's been getting on with our lessons."

Malcolm cheered at this and pulled on Remus' wand arm.

"Yes! Now! Take us back now!"

"Hang on, hang on. We'd love to have everyone back at to the house; Katie rather expected it. Hermione? How are you feeling? Are you up to joining us for a while?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips, ignoring the rather strained look Ron gave her. "Remus, I expect more from the experienced man of the group!

"You're getting the benefit of my experience right now, Hermione. Feeling any tightness? Any odd cramps?"

"As I have been saying all day, I feel fine, thank you, so I vote for the Lupins. Ron? Is that okay? Really, I'll understand…."

Ron considered his answer carefully. Obviously she wanted to go, so did he, truth be told, and it wasn't that far to Apparate. She's fine; she's been saying all day she's fine. She is a sensible woman, and wouldn't ask if she didn't really feel fine…

"It's fine."

"Ron…."

"Hermione, it's fine. Besides, Katie is a healer and all, so if by some incredible fluke of the Universe you are wrong you'll be in good hands."

***

Katie had indeed expected them all, and had a large dinner lain out when they arrived. Harry followed them after going back to the Burrow for a few moments to collect Ginny and let the Weasleys know where Ron and Hermione were. Malcolm ignored the food, and even forgot Remus' suggestion that he would be allowed to do a little magic as he told his mother about the game. Ron found himself only half listening to the adults as he watched Katie and Malcolm, wrapped up completely in their own conversation. Soon that'll be Hermione and our son…or daughter. Amazing.

As Malcolm calmed down a little, and got to the point where the Cannons had won and everyone started celebrating, he finally remembered Remus saying he might be allowed to do some magic.

"Mummy! Daddy said I might be allowed to show Sirius how I've been getting on!"

"Did he indeed?"

Remus leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Just a bit. You want to help him or shall I?"

"I think I will, considering the audience," she said, looking at Sirius, who pretended not to notice as he stood up from the table.

"Right," Sirius called out. "Come, my little marauder. Let's get into the front room, so Hermione can sit on one of those lovely chairs, and you and mummy get ready for us." Sirius took out his wand and quickly cleared the table, not resisting the impulse to give Malcolm a wink as he did so. Katie wasn't about to let him get the last word.

"Well, now, Padfoot. If that had been the skill you'd decided to impart upon my son to develop his talents I wouldn't have been quite so cross, would I?"

Ron and Hermione lagged a bit, slowly following the others out of the dining room. Hermione was still smiling widely and held Ron's hand tightly. He smiled back, knowing what she was thinking.

"Soon."

"Soon," she responded with a happy sigh. "You know something? I don't think I'm worried anymore. About anything."

"What brought on this change?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe it's watching Malcolm, knowing that despite what he's been through in his life, he's about the happiest and most energetic child I've ever seen."

Ron nodded and stopped in the front hall with her, before going into the front room. "Well, I think his parents have a lot to do with that. Just like we will. We'll be brilliant, I've told you that."

Hermione smiled a little wider and hugged him, then laughed. "It'll be nice to be able to get close to you again, you know. The little Weasley here is a bit in the way."

"Oh, that will be nice, won't it?" he whispered, kissing her ear.

"Very. I'm looking forward to it. Though this time I'm not quite so frightened you'll bolt when I put my arms around you. Or faint."

"I was never going to faint that night."

"Really? You certainly looked like you might."

Ron sighed, remembering the night he had finally, standing on the edge of the lake at Hogwarts and covered in mud thanks to having been dragged across a large expanse of the lawn by one of Hagrid's winged horses Ron had foolishly agreed to help him corral, told Hermione exactly how he felt. Like so many of the conversations they'd been having at that time, it had started as an argument. Ron had snapped when Hermione, having successfully captured the other animal without incident, had stood there and calmly explained how he had erred by getting his rope around the horse's leg, not his neck.

"Yes, Hermione, I am quite aware that the rope was supposed to be on the neck, not the blasted leg! I was aiming for the neck, the horse moved!"

"You needn't yell, I was just…."

"Just what? I get it, Hermione. I screwed up. But I'm the one covered in muck, not you, so I really don't see how this in any way puts you out!"

"I was just worried you'd hurt yourself!"

"Well I didn't, so you needn't worry."

Hermione, inexplicably, started to cry. Ron stood there staring at her, feeling helpless and horrible.

"Mione? Please, look, sorry. I'm not hurt, but I just feel like an idiot…I lost my temper. It's not your fault, it's mine. I'm just so on edge, lately."

She gave him a wet look, but stopped crying and just shook her head.

"Ron, we're all on edge. You think I want to leave here in a few days at the end of term? I'm terrified to go home, and I'm terrified that…that not all of us might be back next year. I can't bear it. I don't want to argue! Why are we arguing?"

"Why do we ever argue? I just…I don't want to see you go, either. I don't want to not be able to see you every day and know you're alright."

She watched him silently for a minute before finally whispering, "Why's that Ron?"

Ron couldn't believe the next words finally came out of his mouth. "Because I love you, Hermione. And you're no idiot, and I know you know that. And it scares me to death."

Ron hugged Hermione a little tighter until she gave a small grunt.

"Oof, heart; watch the squeezing."

"Sorry. I guess I might have looked like I was going to pass out. Lucky I didn't, right?"

"Well, it was hard enough walking back into the tower both being covered in mud with those stupid grins on our faces. Imagine if I'd had to levitate you up there and try and explain what had happened. But it was just your luck to be the first to break that odd little standoff; I would probably have had the same expression in your place."

"I doubt that."

"You just missed the opportunity to see it. I'd decided to say something to you, only I was going to say it on the train. I'd already convinced Harry to clear out of our compartment on my signal."

"Wait a minute…Harry knew?"

"Of course Harry knew, you weed. Who's shoulder do you think I was weeping on waiting for you to come to your senses?"

"But…."

"But he was the best friend imaginable and said nothing, as I specifically asked him not to."

"And being bloody entertained having both of us weeping on his shoulder," mumbled Ron.

Hermione shook her head against his chest. "He was anything but entertained, Ron. I think it hurt him getting caught in the middle like that, but he stuck with us anyway."

"Why then?"

"I decided spending one more summer moping over you was more than I could take, considering everything that was happening. I knew how you felt, but I needed…I needed to hear you say it. I needed that reassurance that at least one good thing was there for us. And…"

He waited a while, before prompting her. He could tell there was more there.

"And?"

"And, Ron, I couldn't bear the idea that you, or I, might be killed, and we'd never said anything. Ever since those fourth years had been …."

"Don't say it, I know."

"Yes. I thought you might. Remember when you proposed? I felt like you'd read my mind. You said everything I ever felt, about not wasting anymore time. That's why I said yes."

"You didn't want to waste anymore time?"

"No. Well, yes, but mostly because I just knew how well matched we really were. How we think alike, despite what people might say about us."

He held her, not wanting to say anything else, just enjoying a moment of quiet and perfectly matched perfection.

"Oy! Are you two going to keep Malcolm waiting all night?" Harry's voice brought them both back to the immediate, and with a quick kiss they went into the living room.

"Sorry, Malcolm."

"S'all right."

Malcolm, under Katie's close supervision, demonstrated how he'd learned to make water turn various colours, turn the pages of a book without touching it (which caused Ron to smile at Remus), and turn the lights on and off from across the room.

"Bravo, Malcolm," said Harry.

"Yes. We've been drinking blue tea for a week now," laughed Katie, hugging Malcolm as he climbed on the couch to sit next to her. He beamed, and snuggled down, suddenly looking rather tired.

"Malcolm? Ready for bed," asked Remus, watching his son's eyes droop a bit.

"Might I stay up a little longer?" he pleaded, but not sounding convinced it would be approved. It wasn't.

"No," replied Remus, getting up and coming over to collect him. "Up you come. Say goodnight to everyone, your day is over."

Malcolm didn't resist as Remus picked him up and dutifully said good night, giving Sirius a kiss on the cheek when he stood up. Sirius smiled as he sat back down, watching Remus leave with Malcolm.

"How much longer do you think I'll be getting my goodnight kiss, Katie-girl?" Sirius said a little sadly.

Katie kept her gaze on the door, watching Remus vanish upstairs. "You might last up through Christmas, but they are getting rarer. Blame big brotherhood more than age. He's the eldest you know."

"Yeah, I know."

Katie turned back and smiled at him. "You'll have a nice replacement soon."

"Nothing replaces my little marauder, Katie."

"Oh, Padfoot, it was a tease, don't take it so seriously."

Ginny asked to be given details of the game, and Sirius and Harry launched into it. Ron's attention drifted at this point and he shifted to gaze around the room. His idle wandering stopped, however, the second he noticed that Katie was watching Hermione rather intently with a small smile. What?

As soon as he looked at Hermione, however, he knew exactly what. She had gone a little pink, and seemed to be nodding, very softly, at Katie, who grinned and stood up. Ron shot to his feet in the same instant.

"I knew it! It's time, isn't it? That baby is bloody coming now!"

Hermione frowned. "Ron, do watch your language!"

Katie laughed as she stepped over to Hermione and took her firmly by both hands and helped her to her feet. "Hermione, dear, there are some moments in life when we just have to turn our heads. This is one of them. Now, can you feel real contractions, or are you just starting to feel your body tense up a bit?"

"Real contractions. I've been feeling the tense part for about three days."

"Oh, then it is real labour…."

"THREE DAYS?!?"

Katie gave him a bit of a look. "Ron. Swearing is okay, yelling is not."

"Katie!"

Katie turned to him now and took him by the arms. "Ron, relax. Now, Hermione, you have a few options here, but you need to tell me exactly how you feel."

"Like I've a rope around my middle being pulled tighter."

"Okay. Does it hurt?"

"Not exactly."

"Right. This is early yet, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that the fact that you went from being tense to starting to feel contractions, skipping over cramps, nausea and aches, wasn't moving your timetable forward a bit. This may not take that long…."

Ron gaped at her and started stuttering, "what about the eight or ten hours you've all been talking about?!"

"We may still have that long, we may not."

"This is NOT making me feel better!"

Katie ignored him and took Hermione's hand again. "I know you don't want to go to a Muggle hospital. Did your mum and dad finally feel alright with that?"

"Yes. Well, as comfortable as they are going to get."

"We can take you home…."

Ron shook his head and actually stamped his foot. "Apparate in labour? Certainly not!"

"Ron, don't be silly! What would I have done if this had started at the game?"

"WHY DO YOU THINK I DIDN"T WANT YOU TO GO?"

Remus came back at that and casually said, "Ah, Hermione. Labour started has it?"

"Right, that's it. Remus, take Ron to the kitchen this instant and get him a glass of water while I talk to Hermione. Ginny, go to Liz immediately and ask her to contact her and Hermione's physician and have him come here, then have her call the Grangers and tell them someone will collect them shortly. Sirius, Harry, out."

Remus and Harry bodily dragged Ron out of the living room. "Wait! This is my decision too!"

"No, it is not, Ron," said Remus firmly. "Just give them a minute. Katie will take care of her."

Ron gave up struggling but just stared at the glass of water Remus pressed into his hand like it was going to hex him.

"Ron?" Harry said, quietly.

"What?!"

"Look, why don't you go to the Burrow and tell your mum and dad what's happening?"

Excellent idea. See how Hermione holds up once my mum gets here!

Ron was vaguely aware of soaking Harry as he practically threw the still full glass of water at him and went to the largest fireplace, and grabbed some Floo Powder. He didn't realize he'd grabbed a bit too much until he tossed it into the flames and they shot up over his head and a cloud of unused powder drifted towards the ceiling. Ron managed to choke out 'the Burrow' as he stepped forward, and could hear the others behind him coughing as well.

Luckily, he ended up in his parents' kitchen without incident and jumped out of the fireplace. His father walked in to see who had arrived.

"Ron! Congratulations to the Cannons! We just…."

Ron shook his head and moved to run down the hall looking for his mother.

"BABY! NOW! LUPINS!" he yelled as he went past, then ran directly into his mother, who let out a shriek and dropped a plate she had been carrying, so that it smashed on the flagstones.

"Ronald!"

Ron stopped cold at the tone in his mother's voice. Molly gave him an exasperated look as she took out her wand. With a flick and a whisper she sent the remains of the plate flying into the kitchen. Arthur came over then to hand her her cloak with a large smile on his face.

"Sounds like it's time for another grandbaby, Molly!"

"Yes, dear, I gathered that. Honestly, Ron; running about and screaming are not a help."

Ron nodded, but felt himself start to sweat. Noticing his distress, Molly did smile and give him a hug.

"Come, dear, don't look like that. Everything is going to be wonderful. Have you told the Grangers?"

"Um, Liz Black is going to call them," Ron didn't miss his father's eyes light up at this, "but we need to collect them. I came here first."

Molly looked a little dubious.

"Well, of course they want to get there as soon as possible, but I can't help but think how ill poor Mr. Granger gets from travelling in the Floo Network."

Arthur shrugged as he put his own cloak on. "Well we can't use a portkey, Molly, dear; they're Muggles."

"Muggles are capable of moving from place to place on their own, Arthur. They may prefer to simply drive from their home. Nothing's going to be happening for a while."

Ron gave a blunt and rather unamused laugh at that.

"Oh, yes, so everyone keeps telling me, then all of a sudden here we are!"

"Yes, dear, it's all a conspiracy against you," she said lightly as she took her cloak from her husband and went to the fireplace in the kitchen, followed by her son and her husband.

"I'm going over to help Katie with Hermione. You two go and tell the Grangers what is happening. If they want to come back with you, very well. But if they don't, Arthur, just make sure they know the way to the village and we'll send someone to collect them. I do take it that this is going to happen at the Lupins?"

"Absolutely," said Ron.

"She can still Apparate to…"

"NO!"

"Right, Ronald, we'll see how foolish you are after you've been through this a few times. Honestly." She vanished into the fire.

Ron closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Never again."

Arthur chuckled and patted him on the back. "I believe I said the same thing when Bill was born. Now, let's get to the Grangers. I do hope they've remembered to have the chimney swept."

"At least it won't be booby-trapped," Ron muttered.

"No. Who is telling your brothers?"

"I suspect Ginny go to Percy first, then trick him into being the one to tell George and Fred. If he has any sense he'll just go to the shop and talk directly to Sarah. But I don't want any of them anywhere near me until this is over!"

"Ron! They're your brothers!"

"And look what Fred did to George!"

"Yes, I see your point. I'll keep them off you. Come on!"

(TBC)