Chapter 9: Coming Back
Sirius placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder. He shook his head sadly, and then turned away, tears forming in his own eyes. Hermione clutched Rachel to her, and kneeled beside Harry. It had been two days, and he was yet to regain consciousness. They were all crowded around him, in the newly restored castle.
"Come on, baby," Hermione said. "You can beat this. I know you can." She kissed his hand.
Rachel reached out and put a tiny finger on Harry's forehead.
And then, finally, he moved.
His eyelids fluttered open, and he looked around the room. When his eyes rested on Hermione, his face cracked into a grin.
She grinned back.
"Where were you?" he whispered, reaching out, and taking her hand.
"Does it matter?" she asked, giving his own hand a squeeze.
"Let's give them some time alone," Sirius grinned, and hugged and his godson. "Ron, Lavender…"
"It's great you're back, Harry." Lavender grinned. "But I'm going to be sick." And she dashed from the room.
Harry chuckled.
Ron looked after her puzzled, and then he too grinned at Harry. "Good to have you back," he said, thumping him on the back. "Wouldn't be the same without you."
Harry nodded. "Thanks, Ron."
"Come on, Ron," Sirius said, putting an arm around his shoulders. "We need to have a little talk about… women, and… the stork."
Ron goggled at him, but went with him willingly.
Harry grinned at Hermione, and scooted over to make room for her and the baby. She nestled next to him, and let Rachel sit on his stomach. He grabbed her little hands gently so she didn't fall.
"Lavender is pregnant," Harry said.
Hermione stared at him. "How do you know?"
"I don't know… when Voldemort and I were dueling… a lot of things flashed in front of my eyes. And that was one of them."
"What else?" she whispered.
"You, Rachel, Sirius, Ron… how did you come back?"
"Ron… found me. But when we came back, you were gone…" her voice trailed off.
Harry slowly nodded. "I owe Ron a lot."
"We both do."
Rachel laughed, and tried to touch Harry's nose. Harry kissed her tiny hand. He couldn't believe his daughter was sitting up already. Pretty soon she'd be walking and talking.
Hermione took Harry's hand and placed it on her stomach. Rachel looked around, and something shiny caught her eye. She reached down, and grasped at the chain Harry wore around his neck.
"What's that?" Hermione asked.
Harry pulled out a small oval gold pendant with the names Hermione and Rachel on it.
Tear filled Hermione's eyes.
"I had it made back when I couldn't be there for her first tour of the city. I missed you guys so much, this way I had you with me."
Hermione kissed him.
"I love you, Harry Potter."
"I love you more."
Hermione got a thoughtful look on her face, and put his hand back on her stomach. "Think you can fit one more name on that?"
Harry looked at her. "You mean…?"
"I found out this morning," she said. "I had thoughts earlier… but then everything happened…" She paused. "So what do you think?"
Rachel leaned down and spread out on Harry. She closed her eyes.
"I think it just adds to the joy of everything today,"
"Now I can help Lavender through her pregnancy, and go through my own again," she said. "I love you so much," she said, curling her arms around his and closed her eyes.
"I love you too," Harry said, closing his eyes too.
And the three of them fell asleep together.
Ron was in total shock. He slowly sank down to the floor.
"Ron?" Lavender asked quietly. "Ron, are you okay?"
Lavender tried hard to laugh at his face. It was a cross between winning the lottery, and coming face-to-face with a spider. "Ronnie?" Lavender asked again.
Harry, and Hermione walked in carrying Rachel.
"What's wrong, Lavender?" Hermione asked.
"I told him," She replied quietly.
Ron unexpectantly blinked, and then reached for Rachel. "Guess I need some practice, huh?" he asked with a grin.
Rachel laughed at his face.
"I'm having another child too," Hermione said.
Lavender gave her a hug.
Ron shook his head. "Are you trying to have a litter?"
Hermione smacked him, and they all shared a good laugh.
"Let's go take a walk," Harry suggested. "We never do that any more, it's time we took a break and had some fun."
So, Lavender and Ron joined hands, as did Hermione and Harry, and they headed down a path where only the sun stood in the horizon.
The End!!!
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