Chapter Three

Ron didn't know how he didn't yell or scream at Hermione. She left for good reason, but he couldn't believe she had went into hiding when she was pregnant and not tell him. He watched her sleep on his bed. She was married to an abusive man and was pregnant. Not only has he hit her, but caused her to loose a child.
He didn't doubt the man's love for Hermione. Hell, he hasn't moved on for eight years because of her. She just had something about her, and it had hurt him so much to accept the fact that she wasn't coming back, that she somehow had given up on him. Ron kissed her forehead softly, everything was twisted now. Something has changed dramatically and he refused to let himself give up on them again. So he left Hermione alone and went down to meet his daughter.

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"Mum, wake up!" Destin shook her mom softly. "It's time for dinner, grandma cooked so much food!" Hermione opened her eyes. Destin was standing over her and boy did she look like a true Weasley. Her cheeks were flushed from running and her hair was a tangled red mess.
"Did she? That's great, you must be starving." Hermione sat up in bed and Destin climbed up to sit beside her. Hermione ran her fingers through her hair, attempting to untangle it. "What did you do today?"
"So much! First Dad and Uncle Harry," Hermione's heart skipped a beat, "told me all about what you guys did in school. It's so cool how you had so many adventures! And to think; I thought I was having an okay life, but compared to yours its so boring!" Hermione smiled.
"Sometimes the not life threatening adventures are better." Hermione soothed.
"I guess. Oh Mum, I'm not afraid of the dark anymore! Dad explained that that nothing serious would happen, and that if I was scared I wouldn't be able to defend myself if needed."
'Oh, so all you needed was me to play mind games with you,' Hermione thought. "That's great hunny. What else did you concur today?" She asked happily. Hermione was completely unprepared for the answer.
"My fear of heights!" Hermione thought her heart had stopped. "Dad and Uncle Harry took me to this secluded place and taught me how to play Quidditch!"
Hermione felt her heart start again and the anger filling her grew. "Ron let you fly while I was sleeping? Without my permission he gave you a broom and taught you to play Quidditch?"
"Well yeah," Destin suddenly felt she shouldn't have said anything. "But doesn't he get a say in it?" Destin said this with little confidence, but was happy she did because Hermione's eyes softened a bit. Destin decided to try her luck, "He is my father, doesn't that give him an equal say?"
Hermione knew that she was being talked out of being angry but couldn't help it. Destin was right, no matter how much Hermione didn't want her to be. "Yes, I suppose he does. But I asked him to talk to you, to explain more about everything. Instead he gives you a broom and lets you go up into the air without me knowing." Hermione stood up and started walking to the door. "Come on dear, I'm starving; let's go eat." Both went down the stairs and Hermione could smell the dinner cooking. It was so nice to be able to enjoy a meal she didn't have to cook. They entered the kitchen and everyone looked up. Hermione smiled, "It's been a long time hasn't it?" Everyone laughed, but nobody said anything. Hermione decided not to wait, "I've been told that Destin played Quidditch today, how did that go?"
Ron's eyes widen in what could be called terror. "Well it's uh . . . I thought that she should be scared of heights. Er - and she uh - Didn't have a favorite sport or anything-"
Hermione cut him off, "Even though it's amusing how frightened you are of me, I'd just like to say I don't really think it's appropriate that you gave her a broom." Hermione and Ron stared at each other. Hermione thinking she won and Ron contemplating what to say next. But Harry cut in; saving both from what could have ruined the possibility of any kind of relation.
"When will you two ever stop fighting?"
Ron was extremely thankful that Harry stopped him from showing his true feelings. Everyone was quiet for a second before both Ron and Hermione both started laughing. All the adults soon followed suit, while the kids just ignored them and kept on playing. After everyone settled down Hermione walked over to Harry and gave him a big hug. "Harry it's so good to see you, I could have definitely used a couple of laughs over the years!" she said this good naturedly, though Harry caught a hidden message that she didn't intend to be.
"Yeah, I suppose Brent didn't make it any easier," he whispered quietly in her ear. Loudly he said, "I've missed you too 'Mione."
So Hermione made her rounds, giving everyone a hug and being introduced to all eight kids. Percy and three girls and a boy; Becky, Jen, Mon and Troy (Mon and Troy were twins). Harry and Ginny had two boys and two girls; Jordon, Lily, Emma, and James.
"How far along are you Hermione?" Gin asked while placing a hand on her stomach. "I'd say . . . you have about a little less than three months left," she predicted.
Hermione stared at Ginny wide-eyed. "Galloping gargoyles Gin! How did you know?"
Gin smiled brightly, "Well I've had four of my own remember. I've become almost an expert."
Beside her Harry mumbled, "And Mum told you." Hermione didn't hear it, but Ginny did. Hermione did catch the painful jab Ginny gave to Harry, who then doubled over to the ground, tightly grasping his stomach in pain.
Ginny suddenly realized something and gasped in horror. "Blimey I forgot! I'm so sorry Harry, oh bloody hell. What was I thinking? Come on Harry, stop moving and hold still. Let me look at it would you?" Harry stopped gripping his side and did as Ginny said, but his eyes were closed tight in pain. Ginny knelt beside him and carefully pulled his shirt up. It seemed Hermione wasn't the only one not knowing what was wrong. In fact, Ron seemed the only one who wasn't surprised. By pulling up his shirt Ginny revealed three large slashes on Harry's side, as if an animal had attacked him. Hermione than remembered that she didn't know either Ron's or Harry's professions. After Hogwarts they both planned to go through training to become Aurors, but she didn't know if they had succeeded.
In a matter of seconds everything was in chaos; Emma and James started crying, Molly ran over to see if Harry was alright, Arthur had set something on fire and Hermione felt a weird, painful tug in her stomach. Hermione sat down in a chair, determined not to say anything to make matters worse. While looking around her at the situation she say Percy and Arthur trying to extinguish the fire, Ginny pushing Molly aside and started putting some kind of slimy medicine on Harry's stomach and amazingly Ron picking up both kids immediately. He picked them up quickly, one in each arm and had them both calm again within moments. Hermione was stunned and impressed, but her stomach gave another painful tug. She gripped her lower stomach and closed her eyes, praying for the pain to stop. A strong hand came down on her shoulder.
"Are you okay?" Ron whispered into her ear. His hot breath crept through her body, making her shiver. She couldn't find her voice. Hermione opened her eyes to find Ron staring intensely at her. She nodded her head, though her eyes pleaded for help. There was another painful tug and Hermione bit her lip a little too hard. She tasted blood, but ignored it because the pain diminished.
"I'll be fine," she managed to whisper. Ron raised his eyebrows questioningly, but Hermione gave a weak smile in response. Ron shrugged it off and turned to see how Harry was doing. Hermione was still studying his face when he chuckled to himself. Hermione shook her head, trying to get rid of the images flooding back into her mind. She looked over to find Harry sitting up, all healed, and still staring daggers at Ginny.
Molly was just frantic, "What on Earth happened to you Harry? When did you get injured?"
Harry tried to smile reassuringly, though it was obvious he was still upset that Ginny started this whole thing. "Just an accident in work last week. It was healing fine, so there was no reason to worry anyone. The Ministry gave me a week off to recover." Harry dismissed the subject and stood up. He seemed to be perfectly fine; Ginny had known exactly what she was doing to heal him.
"Are you sure dear?" Molly persisted.
Harry gave a full smile. "Yes Mum, it's fine.
"Is there anything I can get for you?"
"No, don't worry about me. It only hurts when it's poked or you know - jabbed." Harry stared at Ginny, who really did look miserable for letting Harry's secret out.
Molly laughs, "If you're sure. Let's eat; I'm sure we're all very hungry." Molly started putting food on the table as everyone sat down.
"I should call Brent, he doesn't really know what's happening," Hermione spoke automatically. Brent was sure to be angry that she's not home yet and that she hasn't called. Maybe she could catch him at work so he could pick up take-out on the way home.
Ron was still very close to her, but she didn't look at him. Why does he make her feel so guilty? It's the prat's fault she was in this situation. "Of course. The phone is in the other room beside the big couch," Ron replied as he made his way to chair beside the one Hermione had taken.
"Thank you, I'll only be a moment. You don't have to wait for me," Hermione supplied politely as she exited the room. She made her way across the room to the phone, wondering why she was having these pains. She picked up the phone with a shaking hand. She called his cell phone, that way he'd pick up whether he was at work or not. It rang four times until someone picked up; and it was not her husband.
She heard giggling before an unfamiliar voice chirped, "Hello?"
Trying her best not to be alarmed Hermione responded in the most cheerful way possible, "Hello, who am I speaking to?"
The person on the other end giggled once again, then continued, "You're speakin' ter Malory. Who am I speakin' ter?"
She didn't know a Malory, so decided to make up a lie. She gave a fake laugh, "It's Mona, from Brent's office. I was just wondering what happened to him today."
"Oh you must be new there. Brent leaves early on Tuesdays," Malory explained. She giggled again, it was clear she was intoxicated.
"Yes, I just started here. Why does he leave early on Tuesdays?" Hermione managed a fake giggle before adding, "All this paper work you know."
"Right," giggle, "Can you keep a secret? Brent's wife ain't 'posed to know this."
"Of course hunny, I just need to write it down. It's a personal fine so nobody can read it anyway."
In a hushed voice, though still giggling profusely Malory replied, "Me and Brent get, lets say more acquainted on Tuesday afternoon's." She started giggling again and Hermione almost dropped the phone. She was about to give Malory a piece of her mind when she heard Brent in the back round.
"Who you talkin' to Mal?"
"It's Mona, the new one from your work. She needed to fill out paper work on why you leave early on Tuesdays."
"There's no Mona at my work, and no paper work is filled out for me leaving early. I dealt with that months ago." Hermione felt a tear run down her face, but quickly wiped it away as Brent took the phone from Malory. "Now who is this?"
Hermione didn't try to hide the anger in her voice as she answered, "It's your wife, and I just called to say that I'm staying here for the night so I can't make you your supper."
"Hermione?" His voice was scarcely audible.
"Yes, it's me. Well, I guess this is over isn't it?" She tried to laugh, but more tears were coming out now. "I'll stop by to grab more things tomorrow. Destin and I will find a place to stay as I contact a divorce lawyer."
"Hermione, wait. We can work this out. Think of the baby!"
Hermione gave a sour laugh. "I guess it's time I tell you why I left the father of Destin when I was pregnant. He cheated on me too. Don't try to get sympathy from me. Keep the house, your car, anything you want. But Destin and I are leaving." She paused and swallowed. "Goodbye," she whispered. She replaced the receiver and sat on the couch. Silent tears escaped from her closed eyes. She sat for another minute before wiping them away, taking a deep breath and going to eat dinner.
She entered the room with a smile and sat beside Ron, who had dished her out a plate, and was eating his already. Everyone seemed to stop talking, so she picked up a fork and took a bite of her dinner. "Delicious, Molly. I see you haven't lost your touch." She smiled, and did a good job covering the fact of what she felt. But Destin brought up the subject of going home.
"When are we leaving tomorrow mum?"
"Early, I think. We're going to have to find a place to stay sweetheart."
"Why's that mum? I thought I had to back to school tomorrow." The kids were busy eating, but the adults and Destin were all watching Hermione.
"You and me have to go back to the house and pack our things. We're moving to a new house." She paused and looked at Ron, before back at Destin. "Somewhere close to here I think, so you can visit more often."
Destin smiled, "Great! I love it here. But what about Brent, is he coming?"
Hermione gave a weak smile, her daughter never missed a thing. "No, I don't think it's going to work out. He has to stay in the city for work." Destin just shrugged, then continued eating. "Harry, I don't even know what you do now," she laughed. "I don't know what any of you do."
Ron was staring at her, amazed that she could be so calm. Everyone just went along with her lead, catching up on the years missed and forgetting what they just learned. Harry talked about working in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures in the newly restructured Ministry. Since Fudge was gone and Albus brought in, everything has changed for the better. Ginny had become a Healer, and a very good one at that. She had just started up her own practice at home so she could be with her kids. Percy and Arthur were still at the Ministry.
"What about you Ron?" Hermione asked him, for he had been silent the whole time. She took the last bite of her dinner and sipped her water.
"Er - I didn't have the grades to, but Albus agreed to let me go through the training anyway. I'm an Auror now." Ron replied as he took a long gulp of butter beer.
"That's amazing! Way to go Ron," Hermione congratulated.
There was a pause, then Ginny said, "Well it's late, the kids should go to bed now." The kids had all went into the other room and were all pretty much sleeping. "Need any help Perce?" Percy had the job of putting all four of his kids in his car.
"I'll help, you and Harry have enough to look after," Molly replied. The four left into the other room. "Ron, you come take Destin. She's going to sleep with the other four in the twin's old room," she called quietly. Ron stood up and followed his family. Ginny game out carrying three-year-old Emma and thirteen-month-old James, leaving Harry to follow carrying six-year-ole Jordon and five-year-old Lily. He was managing quite easily actually, especially with his injury. Percy followed, carrying six- year-old Becky, and five-year-old Jen. Next was Molly with the four-year- old twins, Mon and Troy. Finally Ron emerged carrying Destin quite comfortably on his side. She was fast asleep, head resting on Ron's strong shoulder, arms wrapped around his neck and resting on his hip. Ron was gentle and amazing with her and it was though they were never separated.
It was just her and Arthur left in the kitchen for a while. "Know of any small available houses in the area Arthur? It seems I'll be needing a place to stay."
Arthur had aged, though hadn't lost any spirit. "Well you know that you're always welcome here, but I know you need your space. It so happens that I own a small house and property not two minutes away. Molly doesn't know about it, so it's our little secret. You'd just have to pay normal expenses if you need them. But it's far enough away from muggle's that you could just use magic instead of electricity. It's a little run down, so we'll help you fix it up."
"Thank you Arthur, for everything. I still have my parent's house, but I know Destin would rather stay close to here now." Arthur didn't have time to respond, as Molly, Ron and Percy were returning from either upstairs or outside, so he smiled and nodded his head knowingly. Hermione stood up and made her way for the door.
"Harry and Ginny are out for the night. They both say goodnight," Molly explained.
"I should be off, it's late and a long drive. It's great seeing you all again. It's been too long." He gave Hermione a big hug before turning to his parents. "Thanks for watching the kids, I appreciate it. Bye everyone," Percy finished giving his mother a hug.
"Bye Percy," everyone replied. He closed the door behind him and went back to the car.
There were only the four of them left in the kitchen. Molly and Arthur both looked worn out, Ron furious and Hermione nervous. "I'm zonked, good night. Good to see you Hermione, we'll talk more tomorrow," Arthur filled the awkward silence knowingly. He gave Hermione an encouraging smile and turned to his wife. "Coming Molly?" he asked as he started for the stairs.
"Yes, Arthur." Molly gave Ron and Hermione a last hug before following her husband.
"Good night Arthur, goodnight Molly."
"Night mum, dad," Ron replied lazily.
"Good night kids, don't stay up to late," Molly replied as the exited the room.
They were alone, and it was horrible. She'd have to tell him sooner or later, but she hoped for the later. She stared out the window, and sighed. "It's a gorgeous night."
"How about a walk?" Ron supplied, needing to leave the house. Inside the air was warm, and smelled of dinner. Outside was fresh, cool air and you could tell that rain was coming. The best time for a walk in his opinion. "I'll grab you a jacket, its a little cold." Ron pulled out his wand, and with a flick two jackets were at his hands.
"You have improved. I'm impressed Mr. Weasley," Hermione mocked jokingly. She let him slide on her jacket and noticed that his touch brought warmth to the core of her body, just like it had almost a decade ago. "Thanks."
"It's no problem," Ron responded. He opened the door and gestured towards it, "Your Majesty." With that he slightly bowed. Hermione laughed easily, but all the same took gracious steps out the door. Ron stood up and followed her into the deep, slightly cloudy, moon lit night.

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A/N: :) ABIG thanks to my reviewers. You make me so happy! Anyway, I need some Direct feedback here: chapters too long? Too short? Descriptive enough? Romantic enough (though that's coming up real soon;) ?) Hopefully you read that this is not only Romantic, but Angst as well. (*angst comes is big loads, but I really hate it when they cry so you might not see much of that from the characters. Maybe a little, I'm not sure!)