Hi there. This is a bit shorter than the other chapters, but I thought it was a good place to stop. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
In the months that followed, Harry felt true happiness again. After work he'd meet Ginny in London, or she'd meet him in Hogsmeade. In London they'd walk around looking in little shops, having coffee in cafés and would then go back to Ginny's apartment later that night. They do the same thing in Hogsmeade, walking through the streets hand in hand, drinking butterbeer in the Three Broomsticks and going back to Harry's house at night. Harry felt that being with Ginny was like an addiction that he couldn't get enough of. He daydreamed about her when he wasn't with her and rejoiced when he was. Sometimes they were joined by Hermione and Viktor and the foursome would go out for dinner in muggle and wizarding restaurants; Harry prefered the muggle restaurants, at least there no one knew who he was. Hermione's bulge was gradually growing bigger. Harry could tell that she was having a son, but as Hermione wanted to be surprised, he didn't tell her. Viktor could hardly contain his enthusiasm when he talked about the baby. He talked about when his child would play Seeker for England and win the Quidditch World Cup. Hermione, however, talked about their child being top of every class at Hogwarts, and eventually becoming Head Boy or Girl. They still hadn't decided on any names, although all of their friends had made suggestions. At one particular dinner, Hermione and Ginny spent their entire night discussing the merits of particular names.
'I want a strong name, but nothing too old-fashioned or flowery.' Mused Hermione.
'How about Virginia?' suggested Ginny slyly 'shortened to Ginny as a nickname.'
Hermione swatted her with a napkin.
'I don't think it would be a good idea for the baby to have the name name as a godparent.' Laughed Hermione.
'Godparent?' gasped Ginny. Hermione nodded.
'Viktor and I decided that we want you and Harry to be godparents.' Hermione grabbed Viktor's hand and smiled at him.
'That's fabulous Hermione.' Grinned Harry. Ginny looked as though she could hardly contain herself. She began talking animatedly to Hermione about chistening details. Her eyes were sparkling, her vibrant hair shone brightly. Harry looked at her silently. He couldn't believe how beautiful she was. While he was contemplating this, Hermione had begun to feel something. She placed a hand on her round belly, while the other gripped the table.
'Hermione? What is it?' cried Ginny.
'I think it's time.' She replied through gritted teeth. Viktor looked alarmed and jumped up from the table and motioned for the waiter. He and Harry hastily pulled out a handful of muggle money and gave it to the waiter.
'Could you call an ambulance for my wife?' he asked the waiter breathlessly 'She's in labour.' The waiter hurried off, Viktor helped Hermione to her feet and escorted her to a more comfortable chair in the waiting area of the restaurant. Ginny and Harry followed them, and Ginny held Hermione's hand as they waited for the ambulance.
'I'm not your wife Viktor.' Groaned Hermione.
'We might have to do something about that.' He replied. A few minutes later the ambulance arrived and Hermione and Viktor were whisked to the nearest hospital. Harry and Ginny left the restaurant, and discreetly apparated in the waiting room of the hospital.
The night wore on, Viktor came out regularly to give Harry and Ginny updates. Harry contented himself with pacing the waiting room, while Ginny nervously twisted her hair into knots. At last Viktor came running out, his eyes were shining, a broad grin covered his face.
'A boy!' he exclaimed. Harry and Ginny both embraced him and then followed him to Hermione's room. She was sitting up in bed, cradling her baby. Her brow was still moist with sweat, her hair soaked. She gave a weak smile when she saw her friends and turned her son around for them to see.
'May I introduce Alexander Harry Krum?' she said proudly. Harry and Ginny looked into the bundle of blankets to see a mop of dark brown hair covering the head of the sleeping baby. His tiny hand was grasping Hermione's finger.
'He's so beautiful,' breathed Ginny. Harry nodded his agreement.
'Would you like to hold him, Ginny?' asked Hermione. Ginny quickly nodded. Hermione carefully passed her the bundle and Ginny looked down at Alexander in awe.
'He's perfect. Congratulations Hermione, Viktor,' smiled Harry 'But I'm not sure about the middle name.'
Viktor laughed.
'You wouldn't let us call him Harry, so it had to be his middle name.'
Ginny walked slowly around the room and then handed the baby back to his parents. Hermione held him while Viktor smoothed his hair.
'Come on, we'd better leave the new family to themselves.' Whispered Harry to Ginny, surveying the happy scene in front of them. Ginny nodded, and they said farewell to their friends, kissing Hermione the new baby.
Harry smiled to see Viktor gently kiss Hermione as he and Ginny left the room. He was so happy for his friends.
'I can't wait to tell Mum,' said Ginny happily 'She'll be so glad for Hermione and Viktor.'
'What about Ron?' asked Harry quietly. Ginny shrugged.
'He took it okay when he found out about Hermione and Viktor. I'm not sure about the baby.' She sighed 'But if he doesn't send a message to them, I'll personally rearrange his face. This is about them, not him.'
Harry laughed at this. He could almost picture fiery Ginny decking her older brother.
They walked towards Ginny's apartment. When they got inside, Ginny fixed them both hot drinks and they settled in front of the fire.
'I can't wait to have a family.' Said Ginny as she snuggled up next to Harry. He nodded.
'It will be good.' He agreed.
They sat quietly, sipping their drinks and watching the dancing flames. There was a knock at the door.
'Who on earth could that be?' asked Ginny checking her watch. Harry shrugged and got up to answer the door.
A tall red haired man with a brown, freckled face grinned at him from the hallway.
'Ron?' gasped Harry.
'Long time, no see.' Grinned Ron, stepping through the door. By this time Ginny had got to her feet and Ron hugged her.
'Hey Ginny.' He said as he squeezed her affectionately.
'Ron, what are you doing here?' stammered Ginny.
'Well, I got some time off, so I thought I'd come and visit everyone. Sorry to call so late, but you're up aren't you?'
Ginny nodded.
'We've been at the hospital all night.' She replied, stifling a yawn.
'What?! Is anything wrong?' Ron sounded genuinely concerned.
'No, nothing like that. Hermione had her baby.' Spoke up Harry. Ron stood speechless, his mouth hanging open in disbelief.
'Baby?' he asked weakly. Ginny nodded and put her arm around her brother. He sat down abruptly on the couch, still shellshocked.
'Alexander Harry Krum.' Ginny told him gently. Ron seemed to flinch at the word Krum. Then he jumped up and rubbed his hands together.
'Right!' he said brightly 'Probably time for bed. I'll sleep in the spare room, shall I?' he picked up his bagged and practically ran into the room.
Ginny shook her head sadly. Harry put his arm around her.
'He'll be okay Ginny.'
'I hope you're right.' She replied, resting her head on his shoulder.
