Disclaimer- I didn't create all of the characters, as you very well know. Hermione, Percy, and the whole HP crew are the sole intellectual property of JK Rowling, and don't you forget it!
Early A/N- according to the great and wonderful mel, I wasn't wrong last chapter about Hermione's water not breaking. So take that!
The Consequences of Alcohol and Depression
Chapter 18: New Arrivals
"W-what?" Percy asked in a strangled voice.
Hermione took a steadying breath. "The baby is coming," she repeated, clenching her fists at her sides. Percy jumped up, running a hand through his hair.
"Oh, no, what do we do?!" he shrieked, pacing the floor. "I mean, what are we supposed to be doing!?!"
"Percy, come here!" Hermione said urgently; he was immediately beside her.
"What, Mione? Should I get you a towel? Or-" He was abruptly cut of as Hermione's open hand connected with his cheek. He shook his head, blinking heavily. "Thank you, Hermione, I needed that."
"Okay," she said, "Apparate to the Burrow and let your Mum know what's going on and tell her to inform everyone, then get your bum back here." Percy quickly obliged her wishes. Hermione pulled herself up from the couch and walked over to the closet, pulling out her suitcases and setting them on the floor. She then pulled her wand from her pocket and uttered the incantation to alert St. Mungo's of her imminent arrival.
Standing beside her bags she waited for Percy to return. It only took a moment, as he appeared within twenty more seconds.
"Alright, now what?" he questioned.
"Now we need to get to St. Mungo's. Grab my bags, please," she said, motioning to the luggage on the floor. They quickly moved to the fireplace, where they and the suitcases went through together. When they arrived at the hospital, there was already a nurse waiting with a wheelchair.
"Miss Granger?" she questioned. Hermione nodded, allowing Percy to help her sit down.
"And everything is taken care of already? All the paperwork, and such?" Percy asked. Hermione suddenly gripped the handles of the wheelchair and screwed up her face; Percy sank down beside her. "Hermione, what?"
"I'm having a contraction," she said, drawing in a breath, anticipating the worst. But then it stopped. "Oh, that wasn't so bad," she said, relaxing.
"Alright, Miss Granger, let's get you to your room," the nurse said. Hermione looked back at Percy to ensure he was there. She knew she'd be needing him very soon.
Within just a few minutes, Hermione was lying back on her starchy hospital sheets in her new hospital gown, in her rather large room, doing her best to stay calm. Percy was standing right beside her bed (he'd waited outside while the nurse had helped Hermione change), and they were awaiting the doctor.
"How are you doing?" he asked anxiously, a nervous smile on his face.
"Fine so far, I guess," she replied. At that moment, Amelia knocked on the door. The doctor was already in her white coat, a clipboard in her hand.
"How are you doing, Hermione?" she asked kindly, smiling brightly at the expectant parents.
"Well, I was hoping you could tell me," Hermione replied shrugging apologetically. She honestly had no idea how she was doing, how far along she was, any of those things.
Amelia chuckled. "Don't worry, I'll check you over now." She then proceeded to prepare herself with the examination gloves. "Now, about how far apart are your contractions?"
Hermione bit her lip. "Um, about every twenty minutes, I think."
"Okay, good, good," Amelia said, "Now, let me just check you out, here." After a few moments, she declared that Hermione was doing fine, and everything was proceeding as it should. "And there are some people waiting outside to see you, if you feel up to them. Just a few at a time, though."
"Oh, would you go send someone in?" Hermione asked of Percy.
"Sure," he replied, kissing Hermione on the forehead and walking to the door with Amelia. "I'll be right back, okay?" he said as he paused before he left the room. Hermione nodded, smoothing out the bed sheet covering her. And as promised, Percy returned after a moment, Harry and Ginny very close behind.
Ginny rushed to the bed, taking her hand. "Oh, Mione, how are you?" she asked sweetly.
"The doctor says I'm doing good, and it's really not that bad yet," she said, giving a weak smile. "Did you guys get a letter off to Ron and Draco?"
Harry shook his head. "I Apparated to their hotel a few minutes ago, but they didn't answer their door. I left them a message at the desk, though, and they'll get it as soon as they check for it."
"Okay, good," Hermione said. After a moment, Ginny stepped back beside Harry, and he put his arm around her shoulders. "So who all is- oh, Percy!"
He quickly rushed back to her bed. "What, Mione?"
"Another contraction," she said, reaching for his hand, "This one's worse than before."
"It's alright, just breathe through it," Percy said, squeezing her hand gently. Hermione did just that, and it passed quickly. "Do you need anything?"
"A damp washcloth, please," she said, motioning to the stack of linens on the counter.
"Oh, I'll get it," Ginny volunteered, quickly marching to the pile and dampening it in the small basin in the corner. She handed it to Percy, who proceeded to gently press it to her forehead. Hermione felt very grateful for the action, smiling up at Percy.
After a few moments of visiting, Harry and Ginny left, Molly and Arthur coming in, followed by Charlie and George. Fred, Bill and Fleur, and Ron and Draco had yet to show up.
As the time went along, the contractions began to get worse for Hermione, and they came more frequently. She knew she must have almost been breaking Percy's hand, but when those moments of pain came, she forgot all about his feelings, remembering that he was the reason she was in this whole bloody mess in the first place! But the entire time, crushed bones or not, he was being very sweet and caring, reminding Hermione (not in moments of intense pain) why she'd fallen for him.
In between contractions, Hermione remembered something very important that she and Percy had neglected to do thus far. "Percy," she said, turning to him, "We forgot something."
"What?" he asked nervously, "Do you need me to go back home for anything?"
"No," Hermione said with a small laugh, "We forgot to pick out godparents."
Percy looked thoughtful for a few moments, most likely going over the past few months in his mind. "We didn't, did we?" he asked.
"No," she replied, shaking her head. "Now, it needs to be someone that we trust very much, that we know would take care of the baby if anything happened to both of us."
As Hermione thought, she watched Percy mouth several names, shaking his head after each. There were many choices, but Hermione knew she'd want someone in Percy's family. They were the most logical choices, after all. She knew Molly and Arthur would love to do it, but they had already raised seven children, and didn't need any more; this was the same reason Hermione had declined her parents. Ginny and Harry, while she trusted and loved them both, wouldn't be a great choice. They were young, and would probably start having children of their own soon. And Hermione knew that Ron and Draco both wanted to adopt a baby as soon as they could, and that also ruled them out, not to mention Bill and Fleur for the same reason. And Fred and George, while Hermione knew they would both love the child, they weren't the most responsible. Therefore the best choice would be Charlie.
Charlie was very good with children, Hermione knew. He had no plans to settle down and marry any time soon, but she also knew he would love to take care of a child. He had put out the idea of adopting a child to raise on his own before, but had decided against the plan when most of his family had disapproved. He was responsible and loving, very mature yet playful. Charlie would be a terrific choice.
Hermione then made up her mind. "Charlie," she said firmly.
"Charlie?" Percy asked, obviously trying to make sure Hermione was certain.
"Yes," she said, "I mean, he's obviously the best choice. He'd be terrific."
"Alright, then" Percy agreed.
"Go get him, will you?" Percy smiled and walked to the door, returning a moment later with his older brother.
"Hi, Hermione, how are you doing now?" he asked gently.
Hermione snorted. "Well, apart from the tremendous pain from the child fighting it's way out of my body, I'm terrific; how 'bout you?" Hermione glared at Percy as she saw him cover a laugh very quickly with a coughing fit.
"Poor thing," Charlie said sympathetically. "I can only imagine what you're going through." He patted her arm, exchanging a glance with Percy. "So, what did you need me for?"
"Well, Charlie," she said, "Percy and I wanted to ask you something. I mean, its totally fine if you want to say no, but think about it."
Percy took a deep breath. "Charlie, we want you to be the baby's godfather and legal guardian should anything happen to the two of us."
Hermione smiled sweetly at Charlie's awed expression. "Really?" he asked. "You guys would want me to do that?" Hermione and Percy both nodded, awaiting his answer; it didn't take long. "Of course I would! I'd love to."
"Thank you so much, Charlie," Hermione said happily, reaching her hands out to pull him into a hug. "You have no idea what this means to us."
"Yes, really, Charlie, thank you," Percy said.
"No problem, little brother," Charlie replied, reaching out and hugging him as well. There was then a knock on the door, and Amelia poked her head in.
"Sorry to break this up, but I need to examine the patient," she said apologetically. Charlie left the room with a last smile, and Amelia set to work on her task. "So, Hermione, are you going to be wanting the Pain-Relief Potion?"
Hermione shook her head. "Actually, I've decided that I'd rather not," she said, "I want to go through with natural bir-" Suddenly, she was hit with another contraction. She squeezed Percy's hand tightly, feeling the pain shooting through her. And when it subsided, she turned to the obstetrician. "Maybe I'd better have that potion."
******
Five hours later, seven hours into the labor, Hermione was very irritated. While the potion had helped with the pain, it couldn't catch it all. There was an intense pressure that Hermione felt the need to push against, she was sweaty and tired, and completely ready to have it over with so she could hold her baby in her arms, cry over it, and get some sleep.
Percy had been by her side the entire time, not saying one word about her moaning and complaining, or the constant pain she was now inflicting upon his hand. He was being absolutely terrific about it all, and Hermione felt grateful that he was the one beside her.
"How much longer is this going to take?" she asked, her voice filled with irritation.
"Probably not much longer, sweetie, you were pretty far along fifteen minutes ago," Percy said, once again dabbing a wash cloth on her forehead.
In another two minutes, Amelia was back. "Alright, let's just check you out again, Hermione," she said, lifting the sheet. When she looked back up a few moments later, she was smiling brightly. "You're at nine centimeters. It's time to go to the delivery room." She then signaled for the nurses to assist her in Levitating the bed.
"Percy," Hermione cried, "Don't you leave me!"
"I won't, Mione," he promised, squeezing her hand tighter, "I promise I'll be there with you." As they passed through the waiting room, Hermione saw the anxious faces of all of the Weasleys (minus Ron), Harry, Angelina, and Fleur, each of them looking on in nervous anticipation. "We're going to the delivery room!" Percy said brightly.
They entered the sterile white room a few moments later, where Hermione was transferred to the bed in the center of the room, Percy still by her side, holding her hand. She cried out as she was struck with another powerful contraction.
"Alright, Hermione," Amelia said as soon as she had prepared herself with surgical gloves and mask, already wearing a smock, "You'll need to need to push in just a moment. And Percy, you'll need to put one of these on." Hermione barely let go of Percy's hand long enough for him to put on the hospital gown; he immediately returned to her side.
"Can I push yet?" she asked wearily.
Amelia looked at the chart monitoring her progress, nodding as it indicated another contraction. "Alright, Hermione, push." She gripped Percy's hand tightly, pushing with all she had.
"Come on, Hermione, you're doing great," Percy said reassuringly. When the contraction ended, Amelia told Hermione to stop her activities.
"Now, remember, only push during a contraction," she said, patting Hermione's leg. "You are doing wonderful." Hermione simply nodded, to weak to talk.
Before long, Hermione had another contraction, followed by another, and another. "Come on, love, keep at it!" Percy said, grasping her hand between both of his. Amelia looked up at Hermione from her position at the end of the bed.
"Percy, would you like to take a look at this? The baby has crowned." Percy looked questioningly at Hermione, silently asking if she would mind him examining her so intimately. She simply shook her head, not willing to release his hand whether or not he'd need to move. Percy only extended his arm, still keeping his grip. When he looked up, his face was pure joy.
"Hermione, I can see its head!" he said excitedly, moving back to her side. "It's really coming!"
Mere seconds later, Amelia grinned. "Alright, Hermione, let's give it one more big push."
And Hermione did just that, a loud scream escaping her lungs, one that echoed all around the high-ceilinged room. "AGGGGGGGGHHHH!!!" Percy whimpered painfully at the force she exerted on his hand. When it was over, she collapsed against her pillows, her breathing ragged, body sweaty, and mind completely ready for sleep.
She looked up when she heard the first screeching cry of her newborn child. "It's a girl," Amelia announced, one of the nurses casting a Severing Charm on the umbilical cord and a Cleansing Charm to clean her while the other wrapped the baby in a soft pink blanket. Amelia then handed her the wrapped bundle, and Hermione felt tears streaming down her cheeks. She was completely energized in that moment.
She gently supported the head, taking in the fine mop of red curls on top. Her little body was so tiny and small. Hermione sensed that Percy was hovering very closely over her, but she was only looking down at her newborn baby girl. And after a moment, her eyelids fluttered open, revealing the same chocolate brown eyes that Hermione had herself. The child calmed at the sight of her mother, her cries quieting slowly.
"She's beautiful…" Percy breathed, very slowly reaching a hand down and touching the soft hair.
"She sure is," Hermione agreed, a joyous laugh rising from her. She felt Percy gently kiss her cheek, the hand that wasn't still caressing the crimson locks of their daughter's hair reach up and wrap around her shoulders. Hermione leaned down and kissed her forehead very carefully.
Very cautiously, Amelia interrupted the tender moment. "And do we have a name for this little one?"
"Nicole Granger-Weasley," Percy replied, but Hermione shook her head in a sudden decision. "What, you don't like the name anymore?"
"No," she said quietly. Turning to the doctor, she amended Percy's statement. "Nicole Weasley."
Percy looked at her in shock. "Are- are you sure?"
"Very," Hermione replied, smiling down at her baby. "With hair like this, how could she be called anything else?"
******
(A/N- YAYAYAYAYAYAY!!! Baby Nicole has arrived! Now, I'm going to apologize for the inaccuracy of the birthing stuff (as I know that it was bad, as was most of the pregnancy stuff), as I have never gone through that stuff before. I get all of that info from Friends, other fics, and what I can get out of my mom.
Now, I know that there was some animosity towards the name Nicole, but I think it's sweet, and it has a special meaning to me, and it is my story, after all. I really hope that you guys like the little cutie in chapters to come, and that I get good reviews about her! And no, I didn't give her a middle name, after very much confusion on my part. So Little Nicky (heehee, that's one of my favorite movies) has NO middle name!
Alright, now I want to give a big thank you to everyone who gave their condolences about my dad. I mean, really, thank you so much! He had to have surgery yesterday morning, where he got a pacemaker and a defibulator put in (no, I don't know how to spell it!). He is doing fine, and he is back in his hospital room. He'll probably be getting out Monday!
POLL- alright, I have a couple of questions to ask you all. How many guys are reading this fic, if any? And who all is over sixteen? Twenty? Not to be nosy or anything, but I'm rather curious. I mean, I'm fifteen, and I'd really like to know!
To my terrific, awesome, great reviewers:
Sabby- Percy certainly doesn't loathe Hermione! No, I think you know what he was trying to say *grin*
Lulu-Chan- no, I promise I'm not mocking you! I only mock my sister, and that's just occasionally (my definition of occasional- every ten minutes) I know, I mean, if they have FILCH, they should definitely put in Ollie! And I'm not promising anything, but I might give in and work on a Percy/Oliver story for you NOT A PROMISE!!! I'll see what I can do about my first slash story, though.
Kazza- I know, didn't it seem a little omen-ie about that? I like omens, they ROCK!
sanguinans- Thanks a bunch! Did you like the baby? I hope so… And good, you must check out Thalia's stuff! And the new one she posted, Friendship and Brotherhood, is really good. I've read it over at FictionAlley Park's Herm/Percy Cookie Jar, and it's a gem!
Taryn- yes, I did have to do it! I'm evil! I mean, I'm extremely evil! Well, Quasi-evil, anyway. Semi-evil. I'm the Diet Coke of evil… just one calorie, not evil enough!
Loran- nah, the twins won't be that mean. I mean, I know they teased Mione in the beginning about eating a lot, but they wouldn't do that… plus, Nicole is too cute!
summerthyme- no, no smell comments from Percy… it meant something really good *taps nose*
pippin- oh, yeah, I've created a new shippper! WOOHOO!!! Don't worry, I'm going to finish this one. And thanks, by the way.
takari4ever7- I know, I'd hoped for it too… wait, no I didn't. I'm evil! Hehehe
Skye Rocket- okay, so it wasn't THEN, but it took less time than the last chapter!
Lady Malfoy II- Yeah, my sister thought the same thing when she read it. She gave me the shifty eyes when I'd stopped there!
Elena Guidry- oh, what are you trying to get published? I'd love to get some of my poems published… well, I have, in one of those cheesy books where they say "You could be a winner!" and all that. I just can't wait for the day I have enough patience to sit down and finish a story that isn't fanfiction!
Mayhem- I know, it was ironic, huh? Almost an omen…
Sneezy Mouse- I know, I'm evil. But Hatorade is my favorite drink!
gohansfollower- I know how you feel! Right after I finished that chapter, I got a small case of writers block, and I couldn't get this one out. It was so infuriating!
Jade Straight- I know, he could have finished it. But where's the evil in that?
Hermione Malfoy- yep, you only reviewed once… well, twice now. By the way, just let me say this: I HEART YOU MUCHO!!! And I'm being nice… so let's get to the snogging! I mean, if you'd let anyone snog, at least I'd know you were making progress! But that was meant in the nicest way, of course!
dracos-baby-gurl- yep, they were having another marriage discussion. I mean, parents'll be like that, right?
delila-malfoy- he ALMOST confessed something like that! And I'll try to check out your story tonight; I've been so busy!
PhoenixRae- oh, cruel, I haven't been called that one before! YESSSSS!!!! And luckily, I haven't had to babysit my sister lately… just my mom!
Clare- well wouldn't that be awkward? I mean, I don't think I'd be able to form too many coherent sentences if I was giving birth… I could be wrong, though.
janie- yeah, it had too! I mean, I can't be nice! I'm too evil!
Yukito Forever- WAH! No cutting with machetes! *Puts on anti-machete cutting suit* HA, you can't! was that fast enough?
Kori Bischoff- yes, it did, and it's a really good theory. I quite liked that explanation!
Gem Stone- there's more! Did you like it?
springroll27- BREATHE!!! PUT DOWN THE SUGAR!!! Hehe, just kidding! I know that feeling quite well! And I bet you do know what Percy's gonna say.
Hermione18- ugh, I hate it when my computer messes up! Thanks a whole bunch, too!
Lady of Werewolves- yep, I think she is- I haven't ever gone through pregnancy myself, but I know it's gotta be bad!
mel- YAY! I was technically correct! And I'm glad SOMEONE appreciates the latter value of how I ended the last chapter! Thanks a lot!
HPFFG- nope, Ron didn't… you'll see why next chapter, though.
Camden Elizabeth Stephano- I know, YAY for Nicole! I got so excited when I first wrote her, it was like all my hard work these past couple of months has finally paid off!
Cbsha- I'm really glad you like it! And I haven't personally ever seen a fic exactly like this one, or at least not a Percy/Hermione one, either. And let me just say, I have a new favorite word: absobloodylutely!
Marie Black- I know, wouldn't it have? I really love the whole Rachel/Ross/pregnancy thing on Friends, that was where I got lots of ideas for this fic!
kim- I know, I'm evil, and I'm proud! I have to leave you hanging every now and then, though!
SamGgirl- thanks! I know, sometimes I need a little break from Hermione/Ron, and a little Hermione/Percy (or Harry!) always takes care of it!
Chloe- see, I called you 'Chloe'! And my sister thought your review was hilarious *shakes fist at sister* In the fic, it is late February. Here, in Texas, it is now only eleven days till Christmas! YAY! I put my tree up today, and it's berry pretty!
joybear- yes, I believe we'd all like a Percy of our own! Heck, I'd take any guy right now! And don't get fired cos of the story! *gives quiet squeal in joy at thought that people'd risk getting fired to get excited about story* Thanks a lot!
coolgirlchic16- nope, I couldn't have waited, that would have interfered with my evilness! And on the other part *hums innocently*
Silver Dragon Princess- oh, I know if that happened to me, I'd have killed! I mean, really, she loves the guy, he should hurry up with something!
ruffled owl- WHAT!?! You didn't know of Percy/Mione?! Well, glad that's rectified… you simply MUST go check out Thalia's fics; they are they best Percy/Hermione fics around! And I love your name!
Tabitha- oh, wow, thank you! I'm glad you like it! And I have to leave you hanging every now and then!
Now, thanks for reading the chapter, and please review, if you don't mind. I LOVE reviews! You guys are wonderful, and BTW, there are only about three chapies left!)