Chapter 4
Ron closed the door behind him and turned to Hermione. "Do you want to check out the house?" he asked her.
Hermione's eyes widened slightly, and then she laughed. "You must be really good at your job." Hermione let Ron lead the way to her new home. She knew the silence wouldn't last long, but tried to enjoy it.
Not wanting built up anger, Ron started straight out. "What happened 'Mione?"
Avoiding his eyes at all costs she searched the sky for stars. She desperately wanted to compare this failed relationship to her past with Ron, but knew it wouldn't help. Hermione had no problem intentionally hurting Brent, but Ron had gone through too much in one day. Willing tears to disappear and to show no emotion Hermione began, "Brent gets off work early on Tuesdays."
When she didn't continue Ron asked a simple, "Why?"
The baby started to kick so she stopped and placed her hand on her stomach. Ron stopped and stared quizzically. Hermione grabbed his hand, placing it on her stomach, never speaking a word. The baby finally stopped, but Ron didn't remove his hand. Hermione knew she had to tell him. She took a deep breath, "To become better acquainted with a girl named Malory."
Ron's face grew red in anger, just staring at Hermione, though she was studying the stars again. Ron pulled her into a hug and whispered into her ear, "I'm so sorry."
For the second time that night his breath made her shiver and feel the attraction she held for Ron. But his words came in clear, the meanings not well hidden along with his actions. "I'm sorry about Destin. No matter what happened between us, Destin should've known her father."
They pulled away and Ron started rubbing her arms to sooth her. She had tears streaming her face. He wiped them away and spoke seriously, "You're actions are justified. It was and always will by my fault. I was the reason you left and felt like you couldn't come back. Yes, it's frustrating and makes me angry to have not been a part of her life, but that's my punishment for hurting you. Sometimes it feels like it's not punishment enough." One last tear fell and Ron caught it with his thumb.
"I'll come with you tomorrow for your stuff. No arguments, you need someone to do the heaving lifting. She gave a slight chuckle and nodded her head. "Let's go back; you need sleep after what you've been through."
They walked the short distance back to the Burrow. The silence that surrounded them was no longer suffocating them, but was very calming. Ron helped Hermione upstairs to his room.
"Wait. Ron, where are you going to sleep?"
"I'll sleep on the couch downstairs," he answered dismissively.
"I'm not kicking you out of your own bed. I refuse to," Hermione stated forcefully.
"Well, it's just my old bed and I'm not putting pregnant women on a couch. I refuse to," Ron replied stubbornly.
Hermione looked at Ron then at the bed. "We'll both sleep in your bed. It's big enough and we're both adults."
"Okay, that works. I'll go get changed." Ron moved towards his old dresser where he kept some extra clothes for when he visits.
"Er - Ron? I didn't bring anything to sleep in. Do you er - Have a pair of boxers and a shirt I could borrow?" If she wasn't already nervous...
"Yeah," Ron replied without thinking about the situation. He grabbed what he was going to be wearing and left the drawer open. "Pick what you want. I'll be back in about five minutes." Ron left and changed in the bathroom. He washed his face and brushed his teeth, taking extra long to give Hermione time.
He made his way back up to the bedroom. He knocked lightly and when there was no answer Ron opened the door slowly. He looked in to find Hermione sleeping soundly on her back. Ron smiled, gently closed the door and turned to notice Hermione had neatly folded her dress and had set it on top of his dresser. He three his clothes on the floor and turned off the light.
Hermione was beautiful in the moon light; he had noticed this earlier too. It had taken all his might not to kiss her; it might have been the most difficult thing he ever had to do. She now had her short hair tied pack in a small ponytail and looked completely peaceful. Ron bent down and gently kissed her forehead. He stood staring at her for a moment longer, then climbed in beside her and fell asleep almost immediately; it had been a very long day.
****
Hermione slept peacefully and soundly, not because she was physically tired; she could have ran a marathon if she wasn't pregnant. But she was so emotionally drained, so when she woke up she was fully rested, ready for the long day ahead of her. If she only knew how long it would be. As her eyes fluttered open she saw the early morning light had filled the room. The other side of the bed was empty. Hermione sat up in bed and stretched.
The baby was pushing against her bladder, so she felt like she hadn't used the bathroom in a week. She pushed herself up out of the bed and waddled out to the hall. Hermione descended down the stairs quickly and carefully. When she arrived at the floor with the only bathroom in the house she hurried to the door. It was closed and the shower was running. Hermione knocked on the door then started hopping from one foot to another. She heard a grunt of some sort as a response; definitely Ron.
"Ron, I have to pee like a race horse!" she said this just loud enough so he could hear her. Hermione heard no reply, but she couldn't wait so she hurried inside.
Ron heard her perfectly, but didn't respond. He was going to quickly get out; he didn't think she would come in. His eyes grew in shock as he heard her enter the small bathroom. "Bloody hell Hermione! I'm naked in here you know!"
Hermione rolled her eyes and closed the door. "It's nothing I haven't seen," Hermione answered as she slipped down her boxers and started to go to the bathroom. "Ronald, it's down right chilly in here. How cold is that water?" Hermione asked, shivering slightly.
Ron pushed in the tap, stopping the water. "I need a cold shower to wake up." He reached out from behind the curtain and grabbed a dark blue towel from the rack. Hermione flushed the toilet and pulled up the shorts. She washed her hands and observed Ron stepping out from behind the curtain. The dark blue towel hung loosely on his hips, his muscles along his chest and arms were more defined then she remembered and his inch length hair was sticking out everywhere.
He looked so innocent Hermione couldn't help it. "Ron, I just realized I haven't seen you blush in a long time." In a swift movement she turned off the tap, turned to face when then dried her hands on his towel. She straightened up and laughed; Ron was two shades away from being a tomato. "That's better. Oh, does your mom have mustard? I have a craving for pickles and mustard; I wonder what it would taste like."
She didn't wait for an answer; Ron watched her rush the rest of the way downstairs; no longer waddling. He chuckled to himself and scratched his head. He then realized that he must set a goal. The major problems of achieving his goal have sorted themselves out. All that was left was the small details. He smiled fully, and then made his way back to his room.
****
Hermione found pickles, but not the mustard. She sighed heavily and settled for the peanut butter as a replacement. She was feeling great now; she had slept her emotions away. This is probably for the best anyhow. She could raise her two children by herself, with Ron to help with Destin. She could live in the Wizarding World now, though she'd have to find a job. No romance just meant fewer complications.
It didn't take long for the house to come alive. Harry was up with the crying baby, who woke all the kids but Destin, who was a heavy sleeper. Then Molly and Arthur got up; Molly preparing breakfast for the whole family and Arthur getting ready for a day at the office. Soon enough Lilly and Emma had Ginny awake. The whole house was crazy, Harry trying to clothe the children while Molly tried to feed them; Arthur leaving late; Ginny being horribly sick all morning; and Ron and Hermione were making plans. They decided to go alone and leave Destin there. When they were leaving the kids were fighting their parents to go outside while Harry and Molly worrying tremendously over Ginny's sudden sickness.
Ron drove the whole way. The talked about had had been happening lately, small talk mostly. Hermione directed him to her house near the end of the drive.
"Is Brent home?" Ron asked voice lined in hatred.
"No. He shouldn't be home until six, unless he comes home for lunch. He doesn't miss work for anything," Hermione explained as she let Ron help her out of the car. As they walked to the front door Hermione started to get nervous. Ron still had her keys so she pointed out which key it was and he slid it into the lock. But it would only go in half way.
"Are you sure it's this key?" Ron asked patiently.
Hermione nodded, "All the others are for my parent's house." Hermione took the keys and tried She, but it was no use. She closed her eyes and leaned against the door. "He must have switched the locks," she sighed and stood straight again. Hermione opened her eyes to hind Ron with his wand in hand. "Ronald, what do you think you are doing?"
Ron smiled mischievously, blue eyes sparkling. "Alohomora!" he chanted mockingly. The door swung open and Hermione laughed.
"Alohomora?" she questioned knowingly.
"Standard Book Spells, chapter seven," Ron replied in the same mock voice.
Hermione laughed again, "I miss those days." There was a pause, but she quickly filled it. "Well, everything in Destin's room is coming. You can start on that while I grab my stuff."
"Okay, but don't life anything heavy. Just leave it and I'll grab it, alright?" Ron ordered worriedly. She nodded and they went upstairs. The house was very glamorous; the upstairs had rooms around the perimeter of the house, leaving the middle open. The hall went around in a rectangle, with a railing acting as a wall. Ron found Destin's room and went straight to work, using his wand as his packing device. Hermione went to the master bedroom, straight for the walk-in closet. In the very back right hand cornered, covered by extra blankets and pillows, and sat her old Hogwarts trunk. She opened it and found her wand sitting on the top of the entire neatly organized trunk. Hermione picked it up with a smile and stood up. With a swish of her wand the trunk levitated, and she directed it out of the closet.
Just like Ron, she used magic to pack. Making boxes appear, filling them with well chosen words. She packed all her personal belongings and odds and ends they'd be needing in the new house, such as shampoo, towels, face clothes, blankets, pillows and dish cloths. As she finished moving everything downstairs she followed. Hermione found Ron just finishing packing Destin's entire room into the car.
"I grabbed everything, even her old baby stuff. Oh, and the big couch and lazy-boy recliner," Ron winked happily.
"How did you manage all that?" Hermione asked, raising her eyebrows.
"Rom simply shrugged. "Same spell my father used to enlarge the Angelina Ford. I set the couch along the back seat; recliner is in the back by her bed. All her things are in the back seat, and what you have here will fit too. We still have enough room if you decide you want the any of those big square muggle appliances."
Hermione shook her head slightly in amusement; like father like son. She then had a brilliant idea. "Then why don't you pack the guest room furniture? I know a shrinking spell if we need too."
"Okay, but no need." Ron made his way upstairs as Hermione packed a few more odds and ends of hers that she'd like to have. She brought along an old television, her fancy stereo, her c.d., three telephones, even her expensive dish set she had just bought. She decided to leave the dishwasher, but took the washing machine and dryer; Brent has all his clothes dry-cleaned anyway. When they had finished Hermione went upstairs. She went to Destin's room and couldn't help but notice how sad it looked now that it was completely empty. And fear started to sink in; she was actually leaving everything she had known for seven years.
She didn't hear Ron come up behind her. Hermione jumped slightly as Ron commented, "She's going to be just fine you know." He gave the best reassuring smile he could; he wasn't sure of that himself.
Hermione let out a breath. "Thank you -," but she cut short when she heard the front door slam. Her eyes grew wide and her body started shake.
Ron went frantic, "Hermione, its okay. You'll get through this, trust me!" he pleaded uncertainly.
"Put away your wand," she whispered.
"What? No, Hermione -"
"Ronald Weasley, just put it out of sight!" she ordered fierce fully. Ron stared stubbornly, but did as she told him. Ron noticed that Hermione had backed up to the wall and was clutching the wall with all her might.
"Hermione?" a voice called from downstairs.
Ron couldn't believe how brave Hermione became. Hermione had turned completely white, but she went to the railing across from her. "I'm up here Brent. We were just leaving, you better not have blocked us in!" she called back angrily.
They heard footsteps coming in their direction and Hermione stepped back. Another shout came, "We? Who may I ask is here? And how did you get in, I changed the locks! And half my stuff is gone! There's no way you could fit all that in your Explorer!"
Hermione had turned her back so she couldn't see Brent walking into view, stopping at the foot of the stairs for a second, but Ron could. Brent was a tall, lanky man, with dirty blonde hair and dark eyes wearing an expensive suit.
"An old friend who's helping me move in my new place," she answered bitterly. "You changed the locks, but forgot to lock the back door. And half of our stuff is gone, as I'm sure you'll want to make this as simple as possible. You could loose everything if we took this into court," she continued smartly.
Brent started up the stairs two at a time. "What?" He had obviously didn't believe she was that serious about moving and that he could talk her out of it.
Hermione gave Ron a wink (to his amazement). "You know, he did the heavy lifting." Ron now understood and tried not to laugh. Hermione turned to Brent, "I'll be polite and introduce you. Brent, this is Ron; my best friend since I was eleven and my first love. We dated in school, but had chosen different careers so separated after Seventh Year. He is also Destin's father, you might recognize the hair." She turned back to Ron. "Oh and Ron, this is Brent; father of my second child and soon to be ex- husband. He is a slight alcoholic and on his spare time, beats me. As you know he caused a miscarriage, and doesn't seem to understand me or Destin. I think that's about it, right?" she asked tilting her head back at Brent.
Ron, obviously angry enough to kill him but trying to keep his temper out of control, half smiled. "But 'Mione," he exclaimed in fake astonishment, "You forgot to mention the lying son-of-a"
"Ron," Hermione interrupted quickly.
"Cheated on you for months. But in that long list of faults, I can see why you forgot to mention it."
Before she knew what happened, Brent had lunged at Ron. They started fist fighting and Ron was winning, probably because he had twice the amount of muscle. Hermione grabbed her wand, not wanting this to go any farther, but Ron saw her and stopped.
"'Mione, no!" But Brent saw this as an easy hit; punching Ron right in the nose. Now Ron was clutching his nose, and Brent just kept giving his all, not caring he was only winning because Hermione distracted Ron. Hermione dropped her wand, not wanting to curse Brent, and instead lunged on Brent's back.
This pulled him back, so he was no longer close enough to hit Ron. He wanted to keep fighting, so he tried to throw Hermione off his back. Ron watched in horror as he finally completed his task, throwing Hermione in a tumble down the stairs. Brent hadn't realized what he had just done, but Ron exploded on him. In a matter of seconds Brent had been tossed heavily against the wall, knocking him unconscious. Ton rushed down the stairs to Hermione, who was on her back.
"Are you okay?" 'Mione answer me, please!" he pleaded as he knelt beside her.
"Get Ginny," Hermione whispered. A tear trickled down her face. "I think I lost it."
Ron stared in horror, but then apparated to the Burrow. Hermione, still sprawled on her back, head aching, hands on her stomach, started to cry. She remembered this horrible feeling in her stomach from two years earlier; after Brent had smacked her so hard she had fallen over a chair her body twisting from the blow. Only difference was that she had been only four months pregnant, not six. Somehow she managed to lift herself into a semi-sitting position against the wall. She forced herself to stop crying, and when she did she tried to wipe her face.
She heard two 'pops' and found Ginny and Ron now in the room; each holding bags of medicine. Ginny rushed to her side. "This isn't my strong point Hermione, so just be patient. How are you feeling?"
"My head aches from the fall and I think I might have twisted my ankle. My lower back feels like a house fell on it. I've had what it seems like small tugs from inside and," she paused before finishing with eyes closed, fight back tears, "It hasn't moved or kicked at all."
Ginny looked as if she too was going to cry. "Well let's see if we can save it." She pulled out her want and uttered words that Hermione had never heard. She opened her eyes to see Ginny pointing the wand at herself.
When Ginny herself opened her eyes Hermione almost screamed. But Ron explained, "It's just so she can see inside the womb at the baby." Ginny's eyes had turned completely blue and were gazing into Hermione. Ginny then closed her eyes and muttered some more foreign words. Ginny opened her eyes, which were normal again.
She grabbed Hermione's hand and confirmed it, "You were going to have another little girl."
Hermione smiled, a baby girl! But she started to sob immediately. At least Ginny didn't refer to the baby as if it were a set of keys like the other doctor; You lost it. Ron, also crying, gave her a hug and let her soak his shirt in her tears.
"Herm, we're going to have to take her out, it's not healthy. Would you like me to do it right away?" Ginny asked softly. Hermione nodded. "Would you like to see her after, though it would be terribly difficult to see her," Ginny warned.
"I - I can't." she sobbed.
"That's okay. Ron, sit behind her for support. This is going to drain most if not all her energy. When you drive back she should sleep. Ready?" Ron moved behind Hermione, and rapped his arms around her. She nodded and closed her eyes. Once again Ginny spoke unknown words and there was a bright purple flash. Hermione fell back on Ron.
In a whisper she said, "Take the exercising machines. The expensive ones." She paused. "My wand is by Brent. Leave him a note, telling him what happened in as little of words as you can."
"I will make sure to blame him," he promised.
"And give a nice hard kick; make sure he'll never have the chance for children," Hermione added.
"I will, now rest and fall asleep."
Right there she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep in Ron's arms.
**** Sorry if there are any grammer or spellin' mistakes. Reviewer's:
NicholeAnneWood - sorry about the spacing; bad habit
SoftAsh - lol, I'm glad that somebody caught that! Enter With Bullet is amazing! I enjoy you're . enthusiasm for my story ;) Oh, I love Stutterfly too!
Megan - I'm not sure if you meant to review twice . sorry this chapter took so long!
Tabi - Sorry 'bout the low romancece . If requested I'll wrtie an out take to extend the prologue (Ron and Hermione's first night) and Harry and Ginny's little thing from the beginning of chapter 2
RonandHerm4eva - Was that enough of a tush kickin' for yeh? Destin is actually a realaticecs' name! Oh and I read your stories (Oh, EVERYONE MUST READ RonandHerm4eva's STORIES!! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE MISSIN'!) I ended up attached to the computer for three days; I read slow!
Isadora - Neat name, anyway I'm not sure if I'll add details anytime soon . there's more to it that will create a nice, evil TWIST!
Cu gurl - thanks for giving me a shot!
ToEatTheseApplesFromYourEyes - crazy name, Thanks for your tremendous support!
Jane - Originality is my all time goal; thank you so much!
To all my other reviewers: Thank you for your support and encouragement, you all inspire me!
Ron closed the door behind him and turned to Hermione. "Do you want to check out the house?" he asked her.
Hermione's eyes widened slightly, and then she laughed. "You must be really good at your job." Hermione let Ron lead the way to her new home. She knew the silence wouldn't last long, but tried to enjoy it.
Not wanting built up anger, Ron started straight out. "What happened 'Mione?"
Avoiding his eyes at all costs she searched the sky for stars. She desperately wanted to compare this failed relationship to her past with Ron, but knew it wouldn't help. Hermione had no problem intentionally hurting Brent, but Ron had gone through too much in one day. Willing tears to disappear and to show no emotion Hermione began, "Brent gets off work early on Tuesdays."
When she didn't continue Ron asked a simple, "Why?"
The baby started to kick so she stopped and placed her hand on her stomach. Ron stopped and stared quizzically. Hermione grabbed his hand, placing it on her stomach, never speaking a word. The baby finally stopped, but Ron didn't remove his hand. Hermione knew she had to tell him. She took a deep breath, "To become better acquainted with a girl named Malory."
Ron's face grew red in anger, just staring at Hermione, though she was studying the stars again. Ron pulled her into a hug and whispered into her ear, "I'm so sorry."
For the second time that night his breath made her shiver and feel the attraction she held for Ron. But his words came in clear, the meanings not well hidden along with his actions. "I'm sorry about Destin. No matter what happened between us, Destin should've known her father."
They pulled away and Ron started rubbing her arms to sooth her. She had tears streaming her face. He wiped them away and spoke seriously, "You're actions are justified. It was and always will by my fault. I was the reason you left and felt like you couldn't come back. Yes, it's frustrating and makes me angry to have not been a part of her life, but that's my punishment for hurting you. Sometimes it feels like it's not punishment enough." One last tear fell and Ron caught it with his thumb.
"I'll come with you tomorrow for your stuff. No arguments, you need someone to do the heaving lifting. She gave a slight chuckle and nodded her head. "Let's go back; you need sleep after what you've been through."
They walked the short distance back to the Burrow. The silence that surrounded them was no longer suffocating them, but was very calming. Ron helped Hermione upstairs to his room.
"Wait. Ron, where are you going to sleep?"
"I'll sleep on the couch downstairs," he answered dismissively.
"I'm not kicking you out of your own bed. I refuse to," Hermione stated forcefully.
"Well, it's just my old bed and I'm not putting pregnant women on a couch. I refuse to," Ron replied stubbornly.
Hermione looked at Ron then at the bed. "We'll both sleep in your bed. It's big enough and we're both adults."
"Okay, that works. I'll go get changed." Ron moved towards his old dresser where he kept some extra clothes for when he visits.
"Er - Ron? I didn't bring anything to sleep in. Do you er - Have a pair of boxers and a shirt I could borrow?" If she wasn't already nervous...
"Yeah," Ron replied without thinking about the situation. He grabbed what he was going to be wearing and left the drawer open. "Pick what you want. I'll be back in about five minutes." Ron left and changed in the bathroom. He washed his face and brushed his teeth, taking extra long to give Hermione time.
He made his way back up to the bedroom. He knocked lightly and when there was no answer Ron opened the door slowly. He looked in to find Hermione sleeping soundly on her back. Ron smiled, gently closed the door and turned to notice Hermione had neatly folded her dress and had set it on top of his dresser. He three his clothes on the floor and turned off the light.
Hermione was beautiful in the moon light; he had noticed this earlier too. It had taken all his might not to kiss her; it might have been the most difficult thing he ever had to do. She now had her short hair tied pack in a small ponytail and looked completely peaceful. Ron bent down and gently kissed her forehead. He stood staring at her for a moment longer, then climbed in beside her and fell asleep almost immediately; it had been a very long day.
****
Hermione slept peacefully and soundly, not because she was physically tired; she could have ran a marathon if she wasn't pregnant. But she was so emotionally drained, so when she woke up she was fully rested, ready for the long day ahead of her. If she only knew how long it would be. As her eyes fluttered open she saw the early morning light had filled the room. The other side of the bed was empty. Hermione sat up in bed and stretched.
The baby was pushing against her bladder, so she felt like she hadn't used the bathroom in a week. She pushed herself up out of the bed and waddled out to the hall. Hermione descended down the stairs quickly and carefully. When she arrived at the floor with the only bathroom in the house she hurried to the door. It was closed and the shower was running. Hermione knocked on the door then started hopping from one foot to another. She heard a grunt of some sort as a response; definitely Ron.
"Ron, I have to pee like a race horse!" she said this just loud enough so he could hear her. Hermione heard no reply, but she couldn't wait so she hurried inside.
Ron heard her perfectly, but didn't respond. He was going to quickly get out; he didn't think she would come in. His eyes grew in shock as he heard her enter the small bathroom. "Bloody hell Hermione! I'm naked in here you know!"
Hermione rolled her eyes and closed the door. "It's nothing I haven't seen," Hermione answered as she slipped down her boxers and started to go to the bathroom. "Ronald, it's down right chilly in here. How cold is that water?" Hermione asked, shivering slightly.
Ron pushed in the tap, stopping the water. "I need a cold shower to wake up." He reached out from behind the curtain and grabbed a dark blue towel from the rack. Hermione flushed the toilet and pulled up the shorts. She washed her hands and observed Ron stepping out from behind the curtain. The dark blue towel hung loosely on his hips, his muscles along his chest and arms were more defined then she remembered and his inch length hair was sticking out everywhere.
He looked so innocent Hermione couldn't help it. "Ron, I just realized I haven't seen you blush in a long time." In a swift movement she turned off the tap, turned to face when then dried her hands on his towel. She straightened up and laughed; Ron was two shades away from being a tomato. "That's better. Oh, does your mom have mustard? I have a craving for pickles and mustard; I wonder what it would taste like."
She didn't wait for an answer; Ron watched her rush the rest of the way downstairs; no longer waddling. He chuckled to himself and scratched his head. He then realized that he must set a goal. The major problems of achieving his goal have sorted themselves out. All that was left was the small details. He smiled fully, and then made his way back to his room.
****
Hermione found pickles, but not the mustard. She sighed heavily and settled for the peanut butter as a replacement. She was feeling great now; she had slept her emotions away. This is probably for the best anyhow. She could raise her two children by herself, with Ron to help with Destin. She could live in the Wizarding World now, though she'd have to find a job. No romance just meant fewer complications.
It didn't take long for the house to come alive. Harry was up with the crying baby, who woke all the kids but Destin, who was a heavy sleeper. Then Molly and Arthur got up; Molly preparing breakfast for the whole family and Arthur getting ready for a day at the office. Soon enough Lilly and Emma had Ginny awake. The whole house was crazy, Harry trying to clothe the children while Molly tried to feed them; Arthur leaving late; Ginny being horribly sick all morning; and Ron and Hermione were making plans. They decided to go alone and leave Destin there. When they were leaving the kids were fighting their parents to go outside while Harry and Molly worrying tremendously over Ginny's sudden sickness.
Ron drove the whole way. The talked about had had been happening lately, small talk mostly. Hermione directed him to her house near the end of the drive.
"Is Brent home?" Ron asked voice lined in hatred.
"No. He shouldn't be home until six, unless he comes home for lunch. He doesn't miss work for anything," Hermione explained as she let Ron help her out of the car. As they walked to the front door Hermione started to get nervous. Ron still had her keys so she pointed out which key it was and he slid it into the lock. But it would only go in half way.
"Are you sure it's this key?" Ron asked patiently.
Hermione nodded, "All the others are for my parent's house." Hermione took the keys and tried She, but it was no use. She closed her eyes and leaned against the door. "He must have switched the locks," she sighed and stood straight again. Hermione opened her eyes to hind Ron with his wand in hand. "Ronald, what do you think you are doing?"
Ron smiled mischievously, blue eyes sparkling. "Alohomora!" he chanted mockingly. The door swung open and Hermione laughed.
"Alohomora?" she questioned knowingly.
"Standard Book Spells, chapter seven," Ron replied in the same mock voice.
Hermione laughed again, "I miss those days." There was a pause, but she quickly filled it. "Well, everything in Destin's room is coming. You can start on that while I grab my stuff."
"Okay, but don't life anything heavy. Just leave it and I'll grab it, alright?" Ron ordered worriedly. She nodded and they went upstairs. The house was very glamorous; the upstairs had rooms around the perimeter of the house, leaving the middle open. The hall went around in a rectangle, with a railing acting as a wall. Ron found Destin's room and went straight to work, using his wand as his packing device. Hermione went to the master bedroom, straight for the walk-in closet. In the very back right hand cornered, covered by extra blankets and pillows, and sat her old Hogwarts trunk. She opened it and found her wand sitting on the top of the entire neatly organized trunk. Hermione picked it up with a smile and stood up. With a swish of her wand the trunk levitated, and she directed it out of the closet.
Just like Ron, she used magic to pack. Making boxes appear, filling them with well chosen words. She packed all her personal belongings and odds and ends they'd be needing in the new house, such as shampoo, towels, face clothes, blankets, pillows and dish cloths. As she finished moving everything downstairs she followed. Hermione found Ron just finishing packing Destin's entire room into the car.
"I grabbed everything, even her old baby stuff. Oh, and the big couch and lazy-boy recliner," Ron winked happily.
"How did you manage all that?" Hermione asked, raising her eyebrows.
"Rom simply shrugged. "Same spell my father used to enlarge the Angelina Ford. I set the couch along the back seat; recliner is in the back by her bed. All her things are in the back seat, and what you have here will fit too. We still have enough room if you decide you want the any of those big square muggle appliances."
Hermione shook her head slightly in amusement; like father like son. She then had a brilliant idea. "Then why don't you pack the guest room furniture? I know a shrinking spell if we need too."
"Okay, but no need." Ron made his way upstairs as Hermione packed a few more odds and ends of hers that she'd like to have. She brought along an old television, her fancy stereo, her c.d., three telephones, even her expensive dish set she had just bought. She decided to leave the dishwasher, but took the washing machine and dryer; Brent has all his clothes dry-cleaned anyway. When they had finished Hermione went upstairs. She went to Destin's room and couldn't help but notice how sad it looked now that it was completely empty. And fear started to sink in; she was actually leaving everything she had known for seven years.
She didn't hear Ron come up behind her. Hermione jumped slightly as Ron commented, "She's going to be just fine you know." He gave the best reassuring smile he could; he wasn't sure of that himself.
Hermione let out a breath. "Thank you -," but she cut short when she heard the front door slam. Her eyes grew wide and her body started shake.
Ron went frantic, "Hermione, its okay. You'll get through this, trust me!" he pleaded uncertainly.
"Put away your wand," she whispered.
"What? No, Hermione -"
"Ronald Weasley, just put it out of sight!" she ordered fierce fully. Ron stared stubbornly, but did as she told him. Ron noticed that Hermione had backed up to the wall and was clutching the wall with all her might.
"Hermione?" a voice called from downstairs.
Ron couldn't believe how brave Hermione became. Hermione had turned completely white, but she went to the railing across from her. "I'm up here Brent. We were just leaving, you better not have blocked us in!" she called back angrily.
They heard footsteps coming in their direction and Hermione stepped back. Another shout came, "We? Who may I ask is here? And how did you get in, I changed the locks! And half my stuff is gone! There's no way you could fit all that in your Explorer!"
Hermione had turned her back so she couldn't see Brent walking into view, stopping at the foot of the stairs for a second, but Ron could. Brent was a tall, lanky man, with dirty blonde hair and dark eyes wearing an expensive suit.
"An old friend who's helping me move in my new place," she answered bitterly. "You changed the locks, but forgot to lock the back door. And half of our stuff is gone, as I'm sure you'll want to make this as simple as possible. You could loose everything if we took this into court," she continued smartly.
Brent started up the stairs two at a time. "What?" He had obviously didn't believe she was that serious about moving and that he could talk her out of it.
Hermione gave Ron a wink (to his amazement). "You know, he did the heavy lifting." Ron now understood and tried not to laugh. Hermione turned to Brent, "I'll be polite and introduce you. Brent, this is Ron; my best friend since I was eleven and my first love. We dated in school, but had chosen different careers so separated after Seventh Year. He is also Destin's father, you might recognize the hair." She turned back to Ron. "Oh and Ron, this is Brent; father of my second child and soon to be ex- husband. He is a slight alcoholic and on his spare time, beats me. As you know he caused a miscarriage, and doesn't seem to understand me or Destin. I think that's about it, right?" she asked tilting her head back at Brent.
Ron, obviously angry enough to kill him but trying to keep his temper out of control, half smiled. "But 'Mione," he exclaimed in fake astonishment, "You forgot to mention the lying son-of-a"
"Ron," Hermione interrupted quickly.
"Cheated on you for months. But in that long list of faults, I can see why you forgot to mention it."
Before she knew what happened, Brent had lunged at Ron. They started fist fighting and Ron was winning, probably because he had twice the amount of muscle. Hermione grabbed her wand, not wanting this to go any farther, but Ron saw her and stopped.
"'Mione, no!" But Brent saw this as an easy hit; punching Ron right in the nose. Now Ron was clutching his nose, and Brent just kept giving his all, not caring he was only winning because Hermione distracted Ron. Hermione dropped her wand, not wanting to curse Brent, and instead lunged on Brent's back.
This pulled him back, so he was no longer close enough to hit Ron. He wanted to keep fighting, so he tried to throw Hermione off his back. Ron watched in horror as he finally completed his task, throwing Hermione in a tumble down the stairs. Brent hadn't realized what he had just done, but Ron exploded on him. In a matter of seconds Brent had been tossed heavily against the wall, knocking him unconscious. Ton rushed down the stairs to Hermione, who was on her back.
"Are you okay?" 'Mione answer me, please!" he pleaded as he knelt beside her.
"Get Ginny," Hermione whispered. A tear trickled down her face. "I think I lost it."
Ron stared in horror, but then apparated to the Burrow. Hermione, still sprawled on her back, head aching, hands on her stomach, started to cry. She remembered this horrible feeling in her stomach from two years earlier; after Brent had smacked her so hard she had fallen over a chair her body twisting from the blow. Only difference was that she had been only four months pregnant, not six. Somehow she managed to lift herself into a semi-sitting position against the wall. She forced herself to stop crying, and when she did she tried to wipe her face.
She heard two 'pops' and found Ginny and Ron now in the room; each holding bags of medicine. Ginny rushed to her side. "This isn't my strong point Hermione, so just be patient. How are you feeling?"
"My head aches from the fall and I think I might have twisted my ankle. My lower back feels like a house fell on it. I've had what it seems like small tugs from inside and," she paused before finishing with eyes closed, fight back tears, "It hasn't moved or kicked at all."
Ginny looked as if she too was going to cry. "Well let's see if we can save it." She pulled out her want and uttered words that Hermione had never heard. She opened her eyes to see Ginny pointing the wand at herself.
When Ginny herself opened her eyes Hermione almost screamed. But Ron explained, "It's just so she can see inside the womb at the baby." Ginny's eyes had turned completely blue and were gazing into Hermione. Ginny then closed her eyes and muttered some more foreign words. Ginny opened her eyes, which were normal again.
She grabbed Hermione's hand and confirmed it, "You were going to have another little girl."
Hermione smiled, a baby girl! But she started to sob immediately. At least Ginny didn't refer to the baby as if it were a set of keys like the other doctor; You lost it. Ron, also crying, gave her a hug and let her soak his shirt in her tears.
"Herm, we're going to have to take her out, it's not healthy. Would you like me to do it right away?" Ginny asked softly. Hermione nodded. "Would you like to see her after, though it would be terribly difficult to see her," Ginny warned.
"I - I can't." she sobbed.
"That's okay. Ron, sit behind her for support. This is going to drain most if not all her energy. When you drive back she should sleep. Ready?" Ron moved behind Hermione, and rapped his arms around her. She nodded and closed her eyes. Once again Ginny spoke unknown words and there was a bright purple flash. Hermione fell back on Ron.
In a whisper she said, "Take the exercising machines. The expensive ones." She paused. "My wand is by Brent. Leave him a note, telling him what happened in as little of words as you can."
"I will make sure to blame him," he promised.
"And give a nice hard kick; make sure he'll never have the chance for children," Hermione added.
"I will, now rest and fall asleep."
Right there she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep in Ron's arms.
**** Sorry if there are any grammer or spellin' mistakes. Reviewer's:
NicholeAnneWood - sorry about the spacing; bad habit
SoftAsh - lol, I'm glad that somebody caught that! Enter With Bullet is amazing! I enjoy you're . enthusiasm for my story ;) Oh, I love Stutterfly too!
Megan - I'm not sure if you meant to review twice . sorry this chapter took so long!
Tabi - Sorry 'bout the low romancece . If requested I'll wrtie an out take to extend the prologue (Ron and Hermione's first night) and Harry and Ginny's little thing from the beginning of chapter 2
RonandHerm4eva - Was that enough of a tush kickin' for yeh? Destin is actually a realaticecs' name! Oh and I read your stories (Oh, EVERYONE MUST READ RonandHerm4eva's STORIES!! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE MISSIN'!) I ended up attached to the computer for three days; I read slow!
Isadora - Neat name, anyway I'm not sure if I'll add details anytime soon . there's more to it that will create a nice, evil TWIST!
Cu gurl - thanks for giving me a shot!
ToEatTheseApplesFromYourEyes - crazy name, Thanks for your tremendous support!
Jane - Originality is my all time goal; thank you so much!
To all my other reviewers: Thank you for your support and encouragement, you all inspire me!
