Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, brilliantly created by J.K.
Rowling. Most situations are based on those created by J.K. Rowling.
Chapter Sixteen: Babies
"Wanted to see how you all were," Seamus said. "Seeing as I was in no state to talk last night."
"It's good to see you again," said Harry, and he and Seamus shook hands.
"So tell us, what have you been doing since we graduated from Hogwarts?" Ginny asked Seamus.
"Well, actually, I got married right after we graduated. To Mandy Brocklehurst. Remember her? She was in Ravenclaw?" Seamus said.
Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ginny were able to come up with a small image of what Mandy Brocklehurst might look like. They nodded just the same. "I didn't even know you were seeing somebody when we graduated," Hermione commented.
"Well, technically we weren't SEEING each other," Seamus said, feeling a blush come to her cheeks. "We got ourselves into a bit of trouble just before graduation. The night Harry defeated Voldemort, actually."
Ron was curious. "What kind of trou-? Oh!" The realization had come when Hermione had elbowed him in the ribs.
"So," Hermione said, wondering how to word the question, "you have children then?"
Seamus smiled. "Five, actually," he said proudly. "Number six on the way!"
"Oh," said Ginny, "so you and Mandy are still married." Harry looked at her, thinking her question was inappropriate.
"Yes!" said Seamus. "We may have started our marriage in a strange way, but we love each other, really. We grew into it."
"Is she here tonight?" Ron asked.
"Nah," said Seamus. "She told me to come and have a good time, and she'd owl if she needs me. See, the baby's due in two weeks, and she's pretty crazy right now. She always is when she's pregnant."
"Yeah, cause we don't know what THAT'S like, huh Harry?" Ron asked Harry, with a laugh. Harry joined the laugh and nodded.
Ginny and Hermione looked at them, horrified. "What are you talking about?" Hermione demanded.
"Well, lets just say you're no picnic when you're expecting a baby," said Ron, and he stood behind Seamus quickly to avoid Hermione's reaction.
"I am not!" Hermione said.
"And neither am I!" Ginny added, glaring at Harry.
"I beg to differ," Harry said.
* * *
It was Emma's second birthday, and once again Ron and Hermione's house was filled with loud family. Even Hermione's parents made it to the party, and they seemed to be consuming all of Emma's attention, as they saw her less frequently than the Weasleys did. Ron and Hermione stood in their living room, having conversations with the ever growing family around them. Many of them gave birthday greetings to both Emma and, of course, to Ron.
Ron watched Emma make her way among the guests, the little girl small among all the adults. He watched as her cousin Phillip danced around the room with her. He was now seven years old and had taken a shine to his younger cousins and always wanted to entertain them. Ron watched as Emma laughed at things people said to her, and he watched as she looked at her birthday candles in awe, and how excited she got, even at the age of two, when she opened her presents.
That night, when the guests were gone, and Emma had fallen asleep (conked out from too much partying), Ron and Hermione collapsed onto the couch in their living room. They both sat there for a few moments, getting over the whirlwind of the party. "We can clean tomorrow, can't we?" Ron asked.
"It's better if we start tonight," Hermione said, but she made no move to pick anything up, not even her wand, which would have been quite helpful in the cleaning process.
"Can you believe Emma is two years old already?" Ron asked, taking Hermione's hand. She rested her head on his shoulder.
"Hardly," said Hermione. "Seems like just yesterday she was just a tiny newborn."
"Do you miss that?" Ron asked.
"Yes," said Hermione. "She doesn't need me as much as she did. Well, she DOES, but she doesn't THINK she does." Ron laughed.
"She doesn't like to be picked up so much anymore," Ron said.
"I know," said Hermione. "I miss that most I think."
They both sat in silence for a few more moments. Suddenly, they looked at each other and said, at the same time, "I want to have another baby."
"Really?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah," said Ron. "I've wanted it for a while, actually. Since Christmas. I just wasn't sure you wanted it."
"I do," said Hermione. "I've thought about it for a while now. Truthfully, I didn't really know it was what I wanted until today, but I do, I want another baby." She looked at him seriously. "Do you think we're ready for two kids?"
"Hermione," Ron said, "I think we're ready for anything."
Hermione smiled and kissed him, pulling him closer to her. "Well then," she said. "Why don't we start working on it right now?" Ron smiled and stood up. Taking Hermione's hand, he led her upstairs to their bedroom.
* * *
In August, Hermione still wasn't pregnant, and it was starting to stress her out. "I don't think you should worry," said Ginny. "Maybe you're just thinking about it too much."
"Maybe," said Hermione. "But I just don't understand why it hasn't happened. We had Emma just fine."
"But we you really planning that?" Ginny asked.
"Sort of," said Hermione. Ginny looked at her. "But not REALLY. It was just something we talked about at the time, thinking it would be nice IF it happened."
"See," said Ginny. "You're just too anxious about it. Calm down."
"I suppose," said Hermione, but she didn't seem convinced. In fact, the conversation was starting to irk her, so she changed the subject. "So what about you and Harry? Are you going to have more children? Or is James destined to be an only child?"
Ginny smiled. "I don't know," she said. "It would be nice to have more children, but we're so busy right now. It's nice to have just one little guy around anyway. I grew up with SO many people around."
"That's where we're different," said Hermione. "Growing up, it was just me. I don't want Emma to be an only child."
Ginny sat down next to her, and patted her hand. "It'll happen. I promise."
* * *
One month later, Ginny was pacing her living room, waiting for Harry to get home from work. He had been expected a half hour earlier and he still hadn't come. James was following his mother back and forth, giggling because he thought they were playing some sort of game. "James?" Ginny asked, "Why don't you go play with your blocks or something?"
"I want to play with you," James said, and he hugged Ginny's leg. Despite her tension, Ginny heart lightened at this gesture from her son. She felt herself calm down.
"What do you want to play, sweetheart?" she asked.
"We can play with the blocks," he said, and he sat down on the floor and gestured for Ginny to do the same. Though still a bit reluctant, she did so, and the pair began to stack blocks into castles, Ginny skillfully placing small spells on them so they wouldn't topple and upset James. He was unlike other kids when he played with his blocks - he wanted to build, and NOT knock them over.
Though she managed to calm down and enjoy herself, Ginny felt herself tense up again as soon as she heard the pop that signaled Harry had arrived home. "Daddy!" James exclaimed, and he was up and running towards Harry as soon as he saw him, moving much faster than Ginny.
"Hey buddy!" Harry said, and he scooped James in the air, something only he could do now that the young boy was four. He was getting far too heavy for Ginny to pick him up anymore.
Ginny stood and joined her husband and son, kissing Harry quickly. "Yuck," said James. Harry just smiled at him.
"We need to talk about something," Ginny said softly, but seriously to Harry. The look on her face made him curious immediately. He put James down.
"James, can you play with your blocks and bit more?" Harry asked. "Me and your mum need to talk about something important."
"Can I come?" James asked.
"Not right now, sweetheart," Ginny said. "But we'll come right back okay?"
"Okay," said James, and he watched Harry and Ginny walk into the hallway. They were heading for the kitchen.
"What's going on, Gin?" Harry asked when he shut the door behind him. "Is something wrong?"
"Wrong? No, not really," said Ginny. "Unless you think our having another baby is wrong."
Harry was shocked for a moment, but then he smiled. "Another baby? Ginny, that's great!" Ginny finally relaxed. Once again, as had happened with James, she had worried what Harry's reaction would be, even though she was thrilled when she found out.
"I'm due in May," she said, and Harry hugged her.
"I can't wait," he said. "When can we tell everyone?"
"I don't know," said Ginny, feeling apprehensive again.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"I mean, we didn't plan this," Ginny started, "and Ron and Hermione have been trying to have another baby for a little while now, and it hasn't happened. I don't want to upset them."
"Ginny, you can put this off, but at some point they'll figure it out," Harry said, with a small smile.
"I know we have to tell them," Ginny said. "I just don't want them to think I did this on purpose."
Harry smiled again, and pulled her closer. "I know you're thinking of their feelings. I love that about you. But this is something wonderful. I'm sure they can be happy for us."
Ginny smiled, "Yeah, I'm sure you're right."
* * *
Even so, Ginny waited an entire month to tell people she was expecting. She and Harry even neglected to tell James for a bit, not sure how he would take the news. Finally, in the middle of October, they sat James down and told him he would be a big brother.
"Where's the baby?" he asked.
"Here," said Ginny, and she placed his hand on her stomach. James was confused. Ginny looked at Harry. "I think you may have to explain how it works."
"Me?!" Harry asked. "YOU do it!"
"I really think YOU should be the one to tell your SON about how babies are made," said Ginny. "He's a boy, you're a boy, it fits."
Harry was apprehensive, but he explained in as little detail as he could, how babies were made to James. The little boy was still confused, but he seemed to accept the situation a little more. "There will be a baby here?" he asked.
"Yup!" said Ginny, trying to sound upbeat, as James didn't seem too happy with the news. "In May." James didn't seem too thrilled, but Harry and Ginny didn't worry about it. They knew that the idea would take some getting used to. After all, he would be five years older than his sibling. He had had his parents to himself for quite a while.
"Give him time," Ginny said.
That same night, they expected Ron, Hermione and Emma over for dinner. Ginny was planning to tell them the good news that night, and she made everything she knew Hermione liked. "To soften the blow," she said.
Ron, Hermione and Emma arrived right on time, about half an hour before dinner was to be served. They set Emma next to James and the two children started to play. "Know what Emma?" James asked her. Emma looked up at her cousin.
"What?" she asked.
"I'm going to be a big brother!" James exclaimed.
Hermione stopped talking. Ginny looked concerned immediately. "James?" Hermione asked. "What did you say?"
Ginny stopped him. "We were going to tell you at dinner," she said softly. "We're having a baby."
"Oh," said Hermione, almost to herself. She forced a smile on her face and stood to hug both Harry and Ginny. "That's wonderful. Really, it is. I'm so happy for you."
* * *
Back at their house a few hours later, Hermione was quiet. Dinner had also been quiet, with Hermione wanted to be happy for Harry and Ginny but having trouble. Now that she was back in her house, she let the tears fall down her face. Ron sat next to her on the edge of their bed and took her hand. "Don't be sad," he said. "I know you wanted this for us. I did too."
"I just don't understand," said Hermione. "Why isn't this happening for us?"
"I don't know," said Ron. "But we haven't been trying for that long. Maybe we just need to give it more time." He let Hermione cry on his shoulder for a few moments. He knew she didn't feel like talking about it.
"Maybe we're just destined to have one child," she said after a while.
"Don't say that," said Ron. He wasn't admitting it, but Harry and Ginny's news had depressed him a bit as well. He wanted another child as much as Hermione did, and he was as worried as she was that nothing had happened yet.
"I mean it, Ron," said Hermione. "Maybe this is a sign. An omen." She sighed. "I give up, okay?" she said to no one. "I give up."
Ron said nothing more, knowing Hermione intended for the moment to be quiet. He held her until she fell asleep, and then he laid her down on the bed and put the blankets over her before climbing in himself. He turned over and put his arm around her, holding her close as he fell asleep.
* * *
On an unseasonably warm day in November, Hermione and Ron invited Harry, Ginny and James over. Hermione was in a particularly good mood, and Ron smiled at her as she moved around the kitchen getting things ready for the visit. As she stood by the sink washing dishes, he walked over to her and snaked his arms around her from behind. "What are you so happy about?" he asked, placing a kiss on her cheek.
"Oh, nothing," said Hermione, and she sighed. "We're just going to have a baby, that's all." She smiled as Ron's reaction, but kept her back to him. He had stepped away from her in shock, and she knew he was standing there staring at the back of his head.
"What?" he finally asked, as if he had misheard her. Hermione finally turned.
"I think you heard me," she said with a mischievous smile.
"I did hear you," he said, now smiling himself. "But it's just, I don't - I mean, I believe you, but - When? When did you find out?"
"This morning," Hermione said, "but I've suspected it for over a week now."
"But," said Ron, "I thought -"
"I guess giving up works wonders," said Hermione, raising an eyebrow at him. She smiled widely. "I don't know," she continued. "I guess all I needed was to just not want to so badly, and it happened."
"Are you really sure?" Ron asked. Hermione nodded. They looked at each other for a moment, then reached for each other at the same time, pulling the other into a tight embrace. They told Emma the good news that night, right along with Harry, Ginny and James. Ginny was just as happy for them as they were, and she and Hermione talked excitedly for the rest of the evening how their children were going to go to Hogwarts together someday.
* * *
In April, Ginny and Hermione were nearing the ends of their pregnancies, with Ginny due in a month and Hermione in three months. They were both glowing and happy, still enjoying work. However, Harry and Ron were feeling the strain of caring for their pregnant wives.
Not that they didn't enjoy taking care of Hermione and Ginny. However, the late night trips to the store and keeping James and Emma happy when their mothers were resting or simply out of the house was stressful. One day, Harry dropped Ginny off at Hermione and Ron's house and headed out with Ron. The women had decided to give them a day to themselves. However, Harry and Ron soon found that the only thing they could talk about was their wives.
"You're lucky, mate," said Ron. "Ginny'll have the baby next month, and then you'll be able to get some sleep."
"Come on, you don't have too long to go," Harry reassured Ron.
"I know," said Ron, "but we're nearing that time when she gets sick of being pregnant. That's how she was with Emma anyway."
"Ginny's been sick of being pregnant for the last two months," said Harry. "I've heard all the complaints."
They were in the Leaky Cauldron and had just received their drinks. Ron learned his elbows on the table and put his face in his hands. "I don't know how much longer I can get up in the middle of the night."
"It won't stop, you know," said Harry. "Cause after she has the baby, you'll STILL have to get up in the middle of the night. You know that."
"Yeah," said Ron with a sigh.
Suddenly, an owl swooped into the Leaky Cauldron and stopped right in front of Ron. "Here we go," he said, and he pulled the letter from the owl.
Dear Ron, it said,
Just thought of some things you can pick up while you're in Diagon Alley. The list is attached. Love you!
Love, Hermione
When Ron looked up from the letter, Harry was laughing. "Shut up!" Ron exclaimed, which only made Harry laugh harder. However, the laughter stopped abruptly when another owl came in and stopped near Harry. Harry looked at his own letter and this time it was Ron's turn to laugh. Eventually they were laughing together.
When the laughter died down, Ron said, with a smile on his face, "Can't live without 'em, though, huh?"
* * *
On May 11, Lillian Margaret Potter made her way into the world. When Ginny went into labor, Harry was at work, and the family was afraid he would miss the birth entirely. Whereas James had made his entrance after a long labor, Lily didn't seem to want to wait. Less than an hour after they made it to St. Mungo's, Ginny was ready to push. Harry came running in just before Lily made her appearance.
An hour later, Harry and Ginny were studying Lily intently. "Well, we already have our James," she said. "I think it only fitting that she be called Lily."
Harry agreed immediately, once again knowing that his parents' legacy would continue on in their namesakes.
* * *
Ron was pleased to discover that Hermione was not the same during her second pregnancy as he first. At the end of it, she was almost dreading the baby being born. "Not that I don't want to have the baby," she explained to him. "It's just that things are still relatively calm with me being pregnant. When we have the baby, everything's going to be so chaotic."
Ron agreed with her, but to be honest, he was dying for the new baby to make his or her appearance. He wanted to remember the feelings he had had when Emma was born. He wanted to see what he or she would look like, and he wanted to be able to hold the baby in his arms. It wasn't long before he got his wish.
Olivia Jane Weasley arrived on July 15, four days before her due date. Ron felt everything he had expected and more, because seeing Olivia made him remember vividly the day Emma had been born and how much he now loved his daughters and Hermione. He wasn't sure there could ever be enough room in one heart for so many people, but his parents had shown him otherwise and now he was doing the same with Hermione.
Ginny was thrilled when she found out Ron and Hermione had another daughter. "They'll be best friends," she said to Hermione the day they brought Olivia home and she and Lily "met" for the first time.
"I know!" Hermione said. "I can't wait."
"There's plenty of time," said Ginny, and she cast a glance in five-year- old James' direction. "Plenty of time."
* * *
"Sounds like a crazy time," said Seamus.
"Still is," said Ron, with a smile.
An owl swooped into the Great Hall and dropped a letter in front of Seamus. He read it and his eyes grew wide. "Oh!" he exclaimed. "Mandy's having the baby! I have to go! It was great to see you again!" he called as he started to run out of the Great Hall into Hogsmeade so he could disapparate.
"Good luck!" Ginny called after him.
Chapter Sixteen: Babies
"Wanted to see how you all were," Seamus said. "Seeing as I was in no state to talk last night."
"It's good to see you again," said Harry, and he and Seamus shook hands.
"So tell us, what have you been doing since we graduated from Hogwarts?" Ginny asked Seamus.
"Well, actually, I got married right after we graduated. To Mandy Brocklehurst. Remember her? She was in Ravenclaw?" Seamus said.
Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ginny were able to come up with a small image of what Mandy Brocklehurst might look like. They nodded just the same. "I didn't even know you were seeing somebody when we graduated," Hermione commented.
"Well, technically we weren't SEEING each other," Seamus said, feeling a blush come to her cheeks. "We got ourselves into a bit of trouble just before graduation. The night Harry defeated Voldemort, actually."
Ron was curious. "What kind of trou-? Oh!" The realization had come when Hermione had elbowed him in the ribs.
"So," Hermione said, wondering how to word the question, "you have children then?"
Seamus smiled. "Five, actually," he said proudly. "Number six on the way!"
"Oh," said Ginny, "so you and Mandy are still married." Harry looked at her, thinking her question was inappropriate.
"Yes!" said Seamus. "We may have started our marriage in a strange way, but we love each other, really. We grew into it."
"Is she here tonight?" Ron asked.
"Nah," said Seamus. "She told me to come and have a good time, and she'd owl if she needs me. See, the baby's due in two weeks, and she's pretty crazy right now. She always is when she's pregnant."
"Yeah, cause we don't know what THAT'S like, huh Harry?" Ron asked Harry, with a laugh. Harry joined the laugh and nodded.
Ginny and Hermione looked at them, horrified. "What are you talking about?" Hermione demanded.
"Well, lets just say you're no picnic when you're expecting a baby," said Ron, and he stood behind Seamus quickly to avoid Hermione's reaction.
"I am not!" Hermione said.
"And neither am I!" Ginny added, glaring at Harry.
"I beg to differ," Harry said.
* * *
It was Emma's second birthday, and once again Ron and Hermione's house was filled with loud family. Even Hermione's parents made it to the party, and they seemed to be consuming all of Emma's attention, as they saw her less frequently than the Weasleys did. Ron and Hermione stood in their living room, having conversations with the ever growing family around them. Many of them gave birthday greetings to both Emma and, of course, to Ron.
Ron watched Emma make her way among the guests, the little girl small among all the adults. He watched as her cousin Phillip danced around the room with her. He was now seven years old and had taken a shine to his younger cousins and always wanted to entertain them. Ron watched as Emma laughed at things people said to her, and he watched as she looked at her birthday candles in awe, and how excited she got, even at the age of two, when she opened her presents.
That night, when the guests were gone, and Emma had fallen asleep (conked out from too much partying), Ron and Hermione collapsed onto the couch in their living room. They both sat there for a few moments, getting over the whirlwind of the party. "We can clean tomorrow, can't we?" Ron asked.
"It's better if we start tonight," Hermione said, but she made no move to pick anything up, not even her wand, which would have been quite helpful in the cleaning process.
"Can you believe Emma is two years old already?" Ron asked, taking Hermione's hand. She rested her head on his shoulder.
"Hardly," said Hermione. "Seems like just yesterday she was just a tiny newborn."
"Do you miss that?" Ron asked.
"Yes," said Hermione. "She doesn't need me as much as she did. Well, she DOES, but she doesn't THINK she does." Ron laughed.
"She doesn't like to be picked up so much anymore," Ron said.
"I know," said Hermione. "I miss that most I think."
They both sat in silence for a few more moments. Suddenly, they looked at each other and said, at the same time, "I want to have another baby."
"Really?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah," said Ron. "I've wanted it for a while, actually. Since Christmas. I just wasn't sure you wanted it."
"I do," said Hermione. "I've thought about it for a while now. Truthfully, I didn't really know it was what I wanted until today, but I do, I want another baby." She looked at him seriously. "Do you think we're ready for two kids?"
"Hermione," Ron said, "I think we're ready for anything."
Hermione smiled and kissed him, pulling him closer to her. "Well then," she said. "Why don't we start working on it right now?" Ron smiled and stood up. Taking Hermione's hand, he led her upstairs to their bedroom.
* * *
In August, Hermione still wasn't pregnant, and it was starting to stress her out. "I don't think you should worry," said Ginny. "Maybe you're just thinking about it too much."
"Maybe," said Hermione. "But I just don't understand why it hasn't happened. We had Emma just fine."
"But we you really planning that?" Ginny asked.
"Sort of," said Hermione. Ginny looked at her. "But not REALLY. It was just something we talked about at the time, thinking it would be nice IF it happened."
"See," said Ginny. "You're just too anxious about it. Calm down."
"I suppose," said Hermione, but she didn't seem convinced. In fact, the conversation was starting to irk her, so she changed the subject. "So what about you and Harry? Are you going to have more children? Or is James destined to be an only child?"
Ginny smiled. "I don't know," she said. "It would be nice to have more children, but we're so busy right now. It's nice to have just one little guy around anyway. I grew up with SO many people around."
"That's where we're different," said Hermione. "Growing up, it was just me. I don't want Emma to be an only child."
Ginny sat down next to her, and patted her hand. "It'll happen. I promise."
* * *
One month later, Ginny was pacing her living room, waiting for Harry to get home from work. He had been expected a half hour earlier and he still hadn't come. James was following his mother back and forth, giggling because he thought they were playing some sort of game. "James?" Ginny asked, "Why don't you go play with your blocks or something?"
"I want to play with you," James said, and he hugged Ginny's leg. Despite her tension, Ginny heart lightened at this gesture from her son. She felt herself calm down.
"What do you want to play, sweetheart?" she asked.
"We can play with the blocks," he said, and he sat down on the floor and gestured for Ginny to do the same. Though still a bit reluctant, she did so, and the pair began to stack blocks into castles, Ginny skillfully placing small spells on them so they wouldn't topple and upset James. He was unlike other kids when he played with his blocks - he wanted to build, and NOT knock them over.
Though she managed to calm down and enjoy herself, Ginny felt herself tense up again as soon as she heard the pop that signaled Harry had arrived home. "Daddy!" James exclaimed, and he was up and running towards Harry as soon as he saw him, moving much faster than Ginny.
"Hey buddy!" Harry said, and he scooped James in the air, something only he could do now that the young boy was four. He was getting far too heavy for Ginny to pick him up anymore.
Ginny stood and joined her husband and son, kissing Harry quickly. "Yuck," said James. Harry just smiled at him.
"We need to talk about something," Ginny said softly, but seriously to Harry. The look on her face made him curious immediately. He put James down.
"James, can you play with your blocks and bit more?" Harry asked. "Me and your mum need to talk about something important."
"Can I come?" James asked.
"Not right now, sweetheart," Ginny said. "But we'll come right back okay?"
"Okay," said James, and he watched Harry and Ginny walk into the hallway. They were heading for the kitchen.
"What's going on, Gin?" Harry asked when he shut the door behind him. "Is something wrong?"
"Wrong? No, not really," said Ginny. "Unless you think our having another baby is wrong."
Harry was shocked for a moment, but then he smiled. "Another baby? Ginny, that's great!" Ginny finally relaxed. Once again, as had happened with James, she had worried what Harry's reaction would be, even though she was thrilled when she found out.
"I'm due in May," she said, and Harry hugged her.
"I can't wait," he said. "When can we tell everyone?"
"I don't know," said Ginny, feeling apprehensive again.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"I mean, we didn't plan this," Ginny started, "and Ron and Hermione have been trying to have another baby for a little while now, and it hasn't happened. I don't want to upset them."
"Ginny, you can put this off, but at some point they'll figure it out," Harry said, with a small smile.
"I know we have to tell them," Ginny said. "I just don't want them to think I did this on purpose."
Harry smiled again, and pulled her closer. "I know you're thinking of their feelings. I love that about you. But this is something wonderful. I'm sure they can be happy for us."
Ginny smiled, "Yeah, I'm sure you're right."
* * *
Even so, Ginny waited an entire month to tell people she was expecting. She and Harry even neglected to tell James for a bit, not sure how he would take the news. Finally, in the middle of October, they sat James down and told him he would be a big brother.
"Where's the baby?" he asked.
"Here," said Ginny, and she placed his hand on her stomach. James was confused. Ginny looked at Harry. "I think you may have to explain how it works."
"Me?!" Harry asked. "YOU do it!"
"I really think YOU should be the one to tell your SON about how babies are made," said Ginny. "He's a boy, you're a boy, it fits."
Harry was apprehensive, but he explained in as little detail as he could, how babies were made to James. The little boy was still confused, but he seemed to accept the situation a little more. "There will be a baby here?" he asked.
"Yup!" said Ginny, trying to sound upbeat, as James didn't seem too happy with the news. "In May." James didn't seem too thrilled, but Harry and Ginny didn't worry about it. They knew that the idea would take some getting used to. After all, he would be five years older than his sibling. He had had his parents to himself for quite a while.
"Give him time," Ginny said.
That same night, they expected Ron, Hermione and Emma over for dinner. Ginny was planning to tell them the good news that night, and she made everything she knew Hermione liked. "To soften the blow," she said.
Ron, Hermione and Emma arrived right on time, about half an hour before dinner was to be served. They set Emma next to James and the two children started to play. "Know what Emma?" James asked her. Emma looked up at her cousin.
"What?" she asked.
"I'm going to be a big brother!" James exclaimed.
Hermione stopped talking. Ginny looked concerned immediately. "James?" Hermione asked. "What did you say?"
Ginny stopped him. "We were going to tell you at dinner," she said softly. "We're having a baby."
"Oh," said Hermione, almost to herself. She forced a smile on her face and stood to hug both Harry and Ginny. "That's wonderful. Really, it is. I'm so happy for you."
* * *
Back at their house a few hours later, Hermione was quiet. Dinner had also been quiet, with Hermione wanted to be happy for Harry and Ginny but having trouble. Now that she was back in her house, she let the tears fall down her face. Ron sat next to her on the edge of their bed and took her hand. "Don't be sad," he said. "I know you wanted this for us. I did too."
"I just don't understand," said Hermione. "Why isn't this happening for us?"
"I don't know," said Ron. "But we haven't been trying for that long. Maybe we just need to give it more time." He let Hermione cry on his shoulder for a few moments. He knew she didn't feel like talking about it.
"Maybe we're just destined to have one child," she said after a while.
"Don't say that," said Ron. He wasn't admitting it, but Harry and Ginny's news had depressed him a bit as well. He wanted another child as much as Hermione did, and he was as worried as she was that nothing had happened yet.
"I mean it, Ron," said Hermione. "Maybe this is a sign. An omen." She sighed. "I give up, okay?" she said to no one. "I give up."
Ron said nothing more, knowing Hermione intended for the moment to be quiet. He held her until she fell asleep, and then he laid her down on the bed and put the blankets over her before climbing in himself. He turned over and put his arm around her, holding her close as he fell asleep.
* * *
On an unseasonably warm day in November, Hermione and Ron invited Harry, Ginny and James over. Hermione was in a particularly good mood, and Ron smiled at her as she moved around the kitchen getting things ready for the visit. As she stood by the sink washing dishes, he walked over to her and snaked his arms around her from behind. "What are you so happy about?" he asked, placing a kiss on her cheek.
"Oh, nothing," said Hermione, and she sighed. "We're just going to have a baby, that's all." She smiled as Ron's reaction, but kept her back to him. He had stepped away from her in shock, and she knew he was standing there staring at the back of his head.
"What?" he finally asked, as if he had misheard her. Hermione finally turned.
"I think you heard me," she said with a mischievous smile.
"I did hear you," he said, now smiling himself. "But it's just, I don't - I mean, I believe you, but - When? When did you find out?"
"This morning," Hermione said, "but I've suspected it for over a week now."
"But," said Ron, "I thought -"
"I guess giving up works wonders," said Hermione, raising an eyebrow at him. She smiled widely. "I don't know," she continued. "I guess all I needed was to just not want to so badly, and it happened."
"Are you really sure?" Ron asked. Hermione nodded. They looked at each other for a moment, then reached for each other at the same time, pulling the other into a tight embrace. They told Emma the good news that night, right along with Harry, Ginny and James. Ginny was just as happy for them as they were, and she and Hermione talked excitedly for the rest of the evening how their children were going to go to Hogwarts together someday.
* * *
In April, Ginny and Hermione were nearing the ends of their pregnancies, with Ginny due in a month and Hermione in three months. They were both glowing and happy, still enjoying work. However, Harry and Ron were feeling the strain of caring for their pregnant wives.
Not that they didn't enjoy taking care of Hermione and Ginny. However, the late night trips to the store and keeping James and Emma happy when their mothers were resting or simply out of the house was stressful. One day, Harry dropped Ginny off at Hermione and Ron's house and headed out with Ron. The women had decided to give them a day to themselves. However, Harry and Ron soon found that the only thing they could talk about was their wives.
"You're lucky, mate," said Ron. "Ginny'll have the baby next month, and then you'll be able to get some sleep."
"Come on, you don't have too long to go," Harry reassured Ron.
"I know," said Ron, "but we're nearing that time when she gets sick of being pregnant. That's how she was with Emma anyway."
"Ginny's been sick of being pregnant for the last two months," said Harry. "I've heard all the complaints."
They were in the Leaky Cauldron and had just received their drinks. Ron learned his elbows on the table and put his face in his hands. "I don't know how much longer I can get up in the middle of the night."
"It won't stop, you know," said Harry. "Cause after she has the baby, you'll STILL have to get up in the middle of the night. You know that."
"Yeah," said Ron with a sigh.
Suddenly, an owl swooped into the Leaky Cauldron and stopped right in front of Ron. "Here we go," he said, and he pulled the letter from the owl.
Dear Ron, it said,
Just thought of some things you can pick up while you're in Diagon Alley. The list is attached. Love you!
Love, Hermione
When Ron looked up from the letter, Harry was laughing. "Shut up!" Ron exclaimed, which only made Harry laugh harder. However, the laughter stopped abruptly when another owl came in and stopped near Harry. Harry looked at his own letter and this time it was Ron's turn to laugh. Eventually they were laughing together.
When the laughter died down, Ron said, with a smile on his face, "Can't live without 'em, though, huh?"
* * *
On May 11, Lillian Margaret Potter made her way into the world. When Ginny went into labor, Harry was at work, and the family was afraid he would miss the birth entirely. Whereas James had made his entrance after a long labor, Lily didn't seem to want to wait. Less than an hour after they made it to St. Mungo's, Ginny was ready to push. Harry came running in just before Lily made her appearance.
An hour later, Harry and Ginny were studying Lily intently. "Well, we already have our James," she said. "I think it only fitting that she be called Lily."
Harry agreed immediately, once again knowing that his parents' legacy would continue on in their namesakes.
* * *
Ron was pleased to discover that Hermione was not the same during her second pregnancy as he first. At the end of it, she was almost dreading the baby being born. "Not that I don't want to have the baby," she explained to him. "It's just that things are still relatively calm with me being pregnant. When we have the baby, everything's going to be so chaotic."
Ron agreed with her, but to be honest, he was dying for the new baby to make his or her appearance. He wanted to remember the feelings he had had when Emma was born. He wanted to see what he or she would look like, and he wanted to be able to hold the baby in his arms. It wasn't long before he got his wish.
Olivia Jane Weasley arrived on July 15, four days before her due date. Ron felt everything he had expected and more, because seeing Olivia made him remember vividly the day Emma had been born and how much he now loved his daughters and Hermione. He wasn't sure there could ever be enough room in one heart for so many people, but his parents had shown him otherwise and now he was doing the same with Hermione.
Ginny was thrilled when she found out Ron and Hermione had another daughter. "They'll be best friends," she said to Hermione the day they brought Olivia home and she and Lily "met" for the first time.
"I know!" Hermione said. "I can't wait."
"There's plenty of time," said Ginny, and she cast a glance in five-year- old James' direction. "Plenty of time."
* * *
"Sounds like a crazy time," said Seamus.
"Still is," said Ron, with a smile.
An owl swooped into the Great Hall and dropped a letter in front of Seamus. He read it and his eyes grew wide. "Oh!" he exclaimed. "Mandy's having the baby! I have to go! It was great to see you again!" he called as he started to run out of the Great Hall into Hogsmeade so he could disapparate.
"Good luck!" Ginny called after him.