Disclaimer: I do not own any original Harry Potter characters. Sniff sniff.
Claimer: I own Jack Harry Arthur Potter, Robert Clegg, Victoria Fitzsimmons, Amy, Maxmillian Xavier Black, and the entire 'de Varci' family.
This story is being used for entertainment purposes only, no money is being made and no violation of copyright intended.
Read, enjoy, and review!!! *****************************************************************
A couple of weeks passed. Katharine turned out to be the perfect baby- never cried, slept through the night, smiled delightfully all the time and was admired by passers-by on the street. Max adored little Katharine, and played with her as much as he was allowed to. He nicknamed her Kathie and was forever hanging around the nursery peering through the bars of her crib.
Roscoe, Max's Christmas puppy, was undergoing training and Draco had his hands full with the mischievous dog for a lot of his time. He and Hermione rarely talked- well, they did at meals and when they were out with Max and Kathie, but they never had any time alone. Hermione had no idea that Draco knew how she felt about him, and Draco didn't know how to respond to this and just kept quiet.
The sun was beginning to come out, and the afternoons got warmer. Hermione would walk down to the playground with Max and watch him on the swings while Draco took care of Kathie and Roscoe at the house.
One afternoon, Ginny was throwing a part for Jack's fourth birthday. All four of them went. Hermione spent most of the party talking to Lav, who was helping out, and attempting to help in the kitchen but ending up knocking over everything with her huge baby bulge. She also spent a while watching Ginny, who was laughing and smiling and dashing around madly making sure everything was perfect for her son's birthday. It was hard to believe that four short years ago she had tried to commit suicide.
**************************************************************************
It was two weeks since the Final Battle. The school year was officially over, but many of the surviving students remained at the school. They didn't want to go home to watch it all on the news, to be comforted by parents who didn't understand. Hermione had chosen to remain at school, and was keeping busy to ward off the grief. She helped Professor Sprout tend to the greenhouses and brewed potions for Madam Pomfrey's stock. She inventoried the library and aided Professor Flitwick in redoing the charms all over the castle and grounds. She read and talked to the students in the hospital wing, and polished the telescopes on the Astronomy Tower. However, what she did for most of the day was look after Ginny.
At first, Ginny hadn't believed that Harry was dead. She had been found hiding in the Shrieking Shack with many of the younger students, clutching Jack to her and calming down the hysterical first-years. Upon hearing the news, she had screamed and screamed and had had to be sedated by Madam Pomfrey. When she had woken up, she refused to speak to anyone and was pale and quiet. It was as though something inside her had been broken and couldn't be repaired- she was like a young child, as opposed to a mature teenager with a baby of her own.
She was obedient enough- if you told her to stand or sit somewhere, to eat something, to hold something, she would do it. But she never did anything for herself, out of free will. Hermione had to do her hair for her and tell her what to wear, as well as dealing with Jack. She talked to Ginny often, but the girl never talked back- just nodded or shook her head. Even when Hermione begged her to speak, Ginny didn't respond. Madam Pomfrey believed the best thing would be for Hermione to take Ginny everywhere with her, but carry on as normal, acting cheerful and talking a lot. Hermione hid her sadness all day, but at night when Ginny was asleep and Jack was with Madam Pomfrey in the Hospital Wing, she cried her heart out. One of her best friends was gone forever, along with so many others. Ron was gone too- home to the Burrow. His parents had decided that it would be good for Ginny to remain at Hogwarts, where Harry's grave was.
One overcast afternoon, Hermione was mixing up a new batch of skele-gro for Madam Pomfrey's supply cabinet. It was a difficult potion, and required two hours of intense concentration. Finally it was done and Hermione poured it into two bottles and turned to the desk where she had deposited Ginny earlier. To her shock, Ginny wasn't there and Jack's baby seat was empty.
Hastily clearing up the mess she had made, Hermione grabbed the bottles and ran from the room. There was no sign of Ginny anywhere, no flash of red hair in sight. As she skidded around a corner, she spotted a Ravenclaw sixth-year named Madeline Brown comforting a sobbing Hufflepuff third-year.
"Madeline- have you seen Ginny Weasley?" She asked frantically. Madeline studied her with the unusual eyes that made everyone do a double-take- one was green, the other brown.
"Yes, about an hour ago." She replied. Hermione panicked. Was it possible that Ginny had been gone for an entire hour?
"Where exactly did you see her?"
"Heading up the stairs towards The Den, with her baby. I'm about to take Mischa here to the Hospital Wing to get a Cheering Charm for her- I'll check if she's there, if you like."
"That would be great, thanks. Could you take these to Madam Pomfrey, since you're headed that way anyways?" Hermione handed over the bottles of skele- gro. "Feel better, Mischa." Hermione strode briskly towards The Den, wondering why Ginny had gone back without her. She pushed open the door and was amazed to find Ginny sitting at the table with Dumbledore, mugs of tea in front of them. Dumbledore was just standing to leave when she came in.
"Professor Dumbledore! Hi!" She said, rather stunned.
"Hello, Miss Granger." He bowed to her before turning back to Ginny. "Miss Weasley, any time you wish to talk do not hesitate to stop by my office or summon me here." Dumbledore said, before sweeping out of the room. Hermione cleared away the tea, staring at Ginny.
"Were you talking to him?" She asked Ginny, who was cradling a whimpering Jack. Ginny nodded.
"As in, real talking? Not just shaking your head or nodding?" Ginny nodded again. Hermione smiled to herself. It wouldn't be long before Ginny was talking to everyone. As Jack began to cry, she took him from Ginny and changed him and gave him a bottle. Another thing that had worried her and Madam Pomfrey was that Ginny and Jack were not really bonding. They had been doing great until Harry's death, but now it was as if Ginny didn't know how to take care of him or even hold him. But if Ginny was talking again, they would be okay soon enough.
Over the next week, Ginny disappeared more and more often, and was always found with Dumbledore at the table in The Den. She began to smile more, and was easier with Jack. Hermione was confident that Ginny was on the road to recovery, and began to focus more on her own grief. She found that writing in a diary whenever she experienced strong emotions helped a lot.
One day she was in the greenhouse with Ginny, tending to the plants. When she turned around Ginny was gone- and she was glad for some privacy. She had been feeling really down all day, and needed to cry. She let the tears roll down her face, but a few accidentally dropped onto the Venemous Tentacula, which didn't take well to water and stung her. She cried all the way up to the hospital wing to get the antidote.
When she got back to The Den, she was surprised that Ginny and Dumbledore were not in their usual places at the table. Jack had been up in the Hospital Wing with Madam Pomfrey, but Ginny wasn't there. A cream envelope caught Hermione's eye, neatly placed on top of the books on the table. It had her name on it in Ginny's writing. Maybe it was her instincts, maybe she had read too many Muggle books- Hermione knew this was a suicide letter without even reading it. She tucked it into her robes to read later and kicked open the doors to all the rooms in The Den, searching for Ginny.
BANG!- she wasn't in the kitchen- BANG! BANG! – Jack's room or the study- BANG!- the bedroom- BANG!
"Oh my god." Hermione whispered.
Ginny was lying on the floor in her study, drenched in blood. She was wearing the wedding dress that she had picked out to wear to marry Harry in September, the dark blue one. It was now stained, the darkest stain about where Ginny's heart would be. There was a knife next to her left hand.
Hermione backed up, and ran, screaming, through the corridors. It seemed like she'd been running for hours when she stumbled across the path of Professors McGonagall and Snape, doing the afternoon patrol.
"Miss Granger?! Are you alright?" Professor McGonagall asked, taking in her shaking, terrified state.
"Ginny's committed suicide!" Hermione screamed. Both teachers went pale, and passing students gasped.
"Where is she?" Snape asked. Hermione ran back to The Den, both teachers following. She pointed towards the room that Ginny was in. Snape went in and came out a few minutes later with Ginny in his arms, the blood flow staunched.
"She is still alive, but barely. Miss Granger, follow me. Minerva- would you go up to the Owlery and inform the Weasleys?"
"I'll go to them personally." Professor McGonagall replied, leaving the room. Hermione followed Snape to the Hospital Wing and through the fireplace to ST. Mungo's, as if in a trance.
Ginny had tried to commit suicide. Ginny hated life so much that she wanted to die. Hermione hadn't done her job, Hermione hadn't watched her. Ginny had tried to commit suicide.
These thoughts went round and round her head as she sat in the waiting room, while Ginny was wheeled through to Emergency. Eventually she calmed down, after forcing her brain to be quiet. Snape was busy reading Potions Today on the other side of the room. Then she remembered the letter. Figuring she should read it in case Ginny didn't make it after all, Hermione opened the envelope and began to read.
"Dear Hermione," Ginny's neat script read, "By the time you read this I will be with Harry, wherever that may be. Since you are Jack's godmother, I want you to make sure he's happy. He will obviously live with my parents, since I'm not selfish enough to ask you to become his guardian and raise him yourself. But don't et my parents lie to Jack- tell him the truth. Tell him that his Daddy died and Mummy couldn't live without him so he went to join him. Tell him that right from the very beginning, before he can even start asking questions. Make sure it's clear that Mummy and Daddy love him very much.
It's the truth, I can't live without Harry. Every single fiber of my being cries out for him; the way he looks, talks, smiles, laughs. How fun he was, how much I loved him, and how much I enjoyed our time together. It was fate, Mione, that brought us together and I know it would have lasted forever- and will, now that we are reunited. I am going to him because I can't wait to die naturally to see him again. I'm numb. I can't talk to anyone, they only hurt me more. Dumbledore is the sole exception to this rule. But I never talked to him about the future. Only the past. The past heals wounds, Mione. Not all of them, not the huge ones, but little cuts heal up when the past is remembered.
You will find a shoebox under my bed, filled with letters in envelopes. Each envelope will say something like '13th birthday', 'wedding', 'engagement', 'getting into Hogwarts'. They are for Jack. Give them to him on the events they are meant for- in that way I can be with him through those times, in memory instead of in body.
If it weren't for Jack, I would have done this the very second I knew Harry was gone. I held on for Jack's sake because I didn't want him to have the kind of upbringing that Harry did, a miserable one with awful relatives. I want him to be happy. But he can't be with a mother like me- one who doesn't even talk, can't hold him properly, and can't soothe him when he cries? He will be far better off with my parents; they know what they're doing.
You don't know this, Mione, but I hear you crying at night sometimes. I know that this is so hard on you too. You should be given the space to sort your mind out without me around all the time for you to deal with. I know that's what I would have needed, were I you.
Sometimes I wouldn't go straight to Dumbledore, when I disappeared. I would go to The Den and... his sounds stupid... I would talk to Harry's photo. I couldn't help it. I remembered the times we'd had, and all the times we'd planned our future. We were going to live in a nice house in the countryside with gardens and stables and lots of space and sunshine. We'd have one other child, a girl, and name her Grace. Grace Lily Molly Potter. Then Jack and Grace would go to Hogwarts and Harry and I would move to a foreign city like Paris or Tokyo while they were away...
It all seems so long ago now. I don't think of those things anymore. Those plans are shattered, and Harry is gone. It's all because of Voldemort. My life is one of the many he ruined- and ended.
And now you know why I'm doing this, you know I have a reason and that I'm not insane. I love Jack, and my parents, and my brothers, and you, and everyone else- but I love Harry more and I want to be with him. I will see you all again someday, Mione. Don't cry for me. There are things I need you to do. I want you to make sure that I am cremated, not buried, and I want my ashes scattered to the wind. Leave all my money and jewelry and photos to Jack. Tell everyone goodbye, tell my parents and brothers that I love them, and tell Jack exactly what I asked you to at the beginning of this letter. The most important thing I want you to do is not to forget me.
Ginny"
Hermione dealt with the floods of tears flowing into her lap and put the letter away. Why hadn't Ginny told anyone? Should she have made her talk, made her explain what was going on?
**********************
"DRACO! WHERE ARE YOU?" Hermione screamed. He came running into the living room. It was a week after Jack's party, and Hermione was going into labor.
"My baby's coming!" She yelled. His eyes went wide.
"Sit tight for a minute- let me put Roscoe in his kennel and grab Max and Kathie- keep breathing, Mione." He dashed out. She did as he said, breathing deeply, but this was pain like never before. He came back with Kathie in one arm, Max following. He held out the portkey and she took it. They were immediately transferred to Angelina Johnson Maternity Ward. Hermione was wheeled into a room while Draco filled out a bunch of forms. He joined her fifteen minutes later, a doctor in tow.
"What did you do with Max and Kathie?" She asked as the doctor prodded her.
"They're in the crèche. Do you want something? Food, a drink?" Draco offered.
"No, I have ice." Hermione gestured to a jug next to her.
"Miss Granger, you're coming along famously. I think the baby will come out in less than three hours at this rate, and extremely short time." The doctor said happily.
"Three hours?" Hermione asked faintly, screaming as another contraction hit. "Three hours of this?"
"It will be over before you know it." The doctor reassured her, before leaving.
Hermione found that the doctor had lied.
It seemed like days- long, horrible days of her screaming and crushing the bones in Draco's hands- before the baby was born. She sat back, exhausted, and immediately fell asleep.
*****************************************************************
I'm sorry it took me so long to update, but I was in the USA with my friend having the time of my life and there was no internet. I was so shocked to find 30 reviews for that last chappie! Anyways, romance coming soon. Hang on just a couple chappies more.
Arwen1011- which sad song were you listening to?
issasop2- thanks so much for becoming a permanent reviewer.. I feel so honored... and loved! Yay!
NitenGale- ah, just wait. Max will get one eventually.
Siriusly Mione- about Ron, not for a long while. Eventually, you shall see.
Chocoliciouz- I wasn't very creative about the death eaters entrance, I know, but I was so sleepy... yawn.. soz about that...
Dracos Princess1- I love the name Capri, but I've already chosen the baby's name. I'll incorporate it into the story later, promise!
Chama Sombra Malfoy- your command has been fulfilled. I hope this is acceptable. Heehee.
To all others: thank you for reviewing! I may not post for another week, since I am focused on getting my crush to notice me as more than a friend. I'm going bowling with him tomoz, which I am soooo psyched about.
PEACE!
Claimer: I own Jack Harry Arthur Potter, Robert Clegg, Victoria Fitzsimmons, Amy, Maxmillian Xavier Black, and the entire 'de Varci' family.
This story is being used for entertainment purposes only, no money is being made and no violation of copyright intended.
Read, enjoy, and review!!! *****************************************************************
A couple of weeks passed. Katharine turned out to be the perfect baby- never cried, slept through the night, smiled delightfully all the time and was admired by passers-by on the street. Max adored little Katharine, and played with her as much as he was allowed to. He nicknamed her Kathie and was forever hanging around the nursery peering through the bars of her crib.
Roscoe, Max's Christmas puppy, was undergoing training and Draco had his hands full with the mischievous dog for a lot of his time. He and Hermione rarely talked- well, they did at meals and when they were out with Max and Kathie, but they never had any time alone. Hermione had no idea that Draco knew how she felt about him, and Draco didn't know how to respond to this and just kept quiet.
The sun was beginning to come out, and the afternoons got warmer. Hermione would walk down to the playground with Max and watch him on the swings while Draco took care of Kathie and Roscoe at the house.
One afternoon, Ginny was throwing a part for Jack's fourth birthday. All four of them went. Hermione spent most of the party talking to Lav, who was helping out, and attempting to help in the kitchen but ending up knocking over everything with her huge baby bulge. She also spent a while watching Ginny, who was laughing and smiling and dashing around madly making sure everything was perfect for her son's birthday. It was hard to believe that four short years ago she had tried to commit suicide.
**************************************************************************
It was two weeks since the Final Battle. The school year was officially over, but many of the surviving students remained at the school. They didn't want to go home to watch it all on the news, to be comforted by parents who didn't understand. Hermione had chosen to remain at school, and was keeping busy to ward off the grief. She helped Professor Sprout tend to the greenhouses and brewed potions for Madam Pomfrey's stock. She inventoried the library and aided Professor Flitwick in redoing the charms all over the castle and grounds. She read and talked to the students in the hospital wing, and polished the telescopes on the Astronomy Tower. However, what she did for most of the day was look after Ginny.
At first, Ginny hadn't believed that Harry was dead. She had been found hiding in the Shrieking Shack with many of the younger students, clutching Jack to her and calming down the hysterical first-years. Upon hearing the news, she had screamed and screamed and had had to be sedated by Madam Pomfrey. When she had woken up, she refused to speak to anyone and was pale and quiet. It was as though something inside her had been broken and couldn't be repaired- she was like a young child, as opposed to a mature teenager with a baby of her own.
She was obedient enough- if you told her to stand or sit somewhere, to eat something, to hold something, she would do it. But she never did anything for herself, out of free will. Hermione had to do her hair for her and tell her what to wear, as well as dealing with Jack. She talked to Ginny often, but the girl never talked back- just nodded or shook her head. Even when Hermione begged her to speak, Ginny didn't respond. Madam Pomfrey believed the best thing would be for Hermione to take Ginny everywhere with her, but carry on as normal, acting cheerful and talking a lot. Hermione hid her sadness all day, but at night when Ginny was asleep and Jack was with Madam Pomfrey in the Hospital Wing, she cried her heart out. One of her best friends was gone forever, along with so many others. Ron was gone too- home to the Burrow. His parents had decided that it would be good for Ginny to remain at Hogwarts, where Harry's grave was.
One overcast afternoon, Hermione was mixing up a new batch of skele-gro for Madam Pomfrey's supply cabinet. It was a difficult potion, and required two hours of intense concentration. Finally it was done and Hermione poured it into two bottles and turned to the desk where she had deposited Ginny earlier. To her shock, Ginny wasn't there and Jack's baby seat was empty.
Hastily clearing up the mess she had made, Hermione grabbed the bottles and ran from the room. There was no sign of Ginny anywhere, no flash of red hair in sight. As she skidded around a corner, she spotted a Ravenclaw sixth-year named Madeline Brown comforting a sobbing Hufflepuff third-year.
"Madeline- have you seen Ginny Weasley?" She asked frantically. Madeline studied her with the unusual eyes that made everyone do a double-take- one was green, the other brown.
"Yes, about an hour ago." She replied. Hermione panicked. Was it possible that Ginny had been gone for an entire hour?
"Where exactly did you see her?"
"Heading up the stairs towards The Den, with her baby. I'm about to take Mischa here to the Hospital Wing to get a Cheering Charm for her- I'll check if she's there, if you like."
"That would be great, thanks. Could you take these to Madam Pomfrey, since you're headed that way anyways?" Hermione handed over the bottles of skele- gro. "Feel better, Mischa." Hermione strode briskly towards The Den, wondering why Ginny had gone back without her. She pushed open the door and was amazed to find Ginny sitting at the table with Dumbledore, mugs of tea in front of them. Dumbledore was just standing to leave when she came in.
"Professor Dumbledore! Hi!" She said, rather stunned.
"Hello, Miss Granger." He bowed to her before turning back to Ginny. "Miss Weasley, any time you wish to talk do not hesitate to stop by my office or summon me here." Dumbledore said, before sweeping out of the room. Hermione cleared away the tea, staring at Ginny.
"Were you talking to him?" She asked Ginny, who was cradling a whimpering Jack. Ginny nodded.
"As in, real talking? Not just shaking your head or nodding?" Ginny nodded again. Hermione smiled to herself. It wouldn't be long before Ginny was talking to everyone. As Jack began to cry, she took him from Ginny and changed him and gave him a bottle. Another thing that had worried her and Madam Pomfrey was that Ginny and Jack were not really bonding. They had been doing great until Harry's death, but now it was as if Ginny didn't know how to take care of him or even hold him. But if Ginny was talking again, they would be okay soon enough.
Over the next week, Ginny disappeared more and more often, and was always found with Dumbledore at the table in The Den. She began to smile more, and was easier with Jack. Hermione was confident that Ginny was on the road to recovery, and began to focus more on her own grief. She found that writing in a diary whenever she experienced strong emotions helped a lot.
One day she was in the greenhouse with Ginny, tending to the plants. When she turned around Ginny was gone- and she was glad for some privacy. She had been feeling really down all day, and needed to cry. She let the tears roll down her face, but a few accidentally dropped onto the Venemous Tentacula, which didn't take well to water and stung her. She cried all the way up to the hospital wing to get the antidote.
When she got back to The Den, she was surprised that Ginny and Dumbledore were not in their usual places at the table. Jack had been up in the Hospital Wing with Madam Pomfrey, but Ginny wasn't there. A cream envelope caught Hermione's eye, neatly placed on top of the books on the table. It had her name on it in Ginny's writing. Maybe it was her instincts, maybe she had read too many Muggle books- Hermione knew this was a suicide letter without even reading it. She tucked it into her robes to read later and kicked open the doors to all the rooms in The Den, searching for Ginny.
BANG!- she wasn't in the kitchen- BANG! BANG! – Jack's room or the study- BANG!- the bedroom- BANG!
"Oh my god." Hermione whispered.
Ginny was lying on the floor in her study, drenched in blood. She was wearing the wedding dress that she had picked out to wear to marry Harry in September, the dark blue one. It was now stained, the darkest stain about where Ginny's heart would be. There was a knife next to her left hand.
Hermione backed up, and ran, screaming, through the corridors. It seemed like she'd been running for hours when she stumbled across the path of Professors McGonagall and Snape, doing the afternoon patrol.
"Miss Granger?! Are you alright?" Professor McGonagall asked, taking in her shaking, terrified state.
"Ginny's committed suicide!" Hermione screamed. Both teachers went pale, and passing students gasped.
"Where is she?" Snape asked. Hermione ran back to The Den, both teachers following. She pointed towards the room that Ginny was in. Snape went in and came out a few minutes later with Ginny in his arms, the blood flow staunched.
"She is still alive, but barely. Miss Granger, follow me. Minerva- would you go up to the Owlery and inform the Weasleys?"
"I'll go to them personally." Professor McGonagall replied, leaving the room. Hermione followed Snape to the Hospital Wing and through the fireplace to ST. Mungo's, as if in a trance.
Ginny had tried to commit suicide. Ginny hated life so much that she wanted to die. Hermione hadn't done her job, Hermione hadn't watched her. Ginny had tried to commit suicide.
These thoughts went round and round her head as she sat in the waiting room, while Ginny was wheeled through to Emergency. Eventually she calmed down, after forcing her brain to be quiet. Snape was busy reading Potions Today on the other side of the room. Then she remembered the letter. Figuring she should read it in case Ginny didn't make it after all, Hermione opened the envelope and began to read.
"Dear Hermione," Ginny's neat script read, "By the time you read this I will be with Harry, wherever that may be. Since you are Jack's godmother, I want you to make sure he's happy. He will obviously live with my parents, since I'm not selfish enough to ask you to become his guardian and raise him yourself. But don't et my parents lie to Jack- tell him the truth. Tell him that his Daddy died and Mummy couldn't live without him so he went to join him. Tell him that right from the very beginning, before he can even start asking questions. Make sure it's clear that Mummy and Daddy love him very much.
It's the truth, I can't live without Harry. Every single fiber of my being cries out for him; the way he looks, talks, smiles, laughs. How fun he was, how much I loved him, and how much I enjoyed our time together. It was fate, Mione, that brought us together and I know it would have lasted forever- and will, now that we are reunited. I am going to him because I can't wait to die naturally to see him again. I'm numb. I can't talk to anyone, they only hurt me more. Dumbledore is the sole exception to this rule. But I never talked to him about the future. Only the past. The past heals wounds, Mione. Not all of them, not the huge ones, but little cuts heal up when the past is remembered.
You will find a shoebox under my bed, filled with letters in envelopes. Each envelope will say something like '13th birthday', 'wedding', 'engagement', 'getting into Hogwarts'. They are for Jack. Give them to him on the events they are meant for- in that way I can be with him through those times, in memory instead of in body.
If it weren't for Jack, I would have done this the very second I knew Harry was gone. I held on for Jack's sake because I didn't want him to have the kind of upbringing that Harry did, a miserable one with awful relatives. I want him to be happy. But he can't be with a mother like me- one who doesn't even talk, can't hold him properly, and can't soothe him when he cries? He will be far better off with my parents; they know what they're doing.
You don't know this, Mione, but I hear you crying at night sometimes. I know that this is so hard on you too. You should be given the space to sort your mind out without me around all the time for you to deal with. I know that's what I would have needed, were I you.
Sometimes I wouldn't go straight to Dumbledore, when I disappeared. I would go to The Den and... his sounds stupid... I would talk to Harry's photo. I couldn't help it. I remembered the times we'd had, and all the times we'd planned our future. We were going to live in a nice house in the countryside with gardens and stables and lots of space and sunshine. We'd have one other child, a girl, and name her Grace. Grace Lily Molly Potter. Then Jack and Grace would go to Hogwarts and Harry and I would move to a foreign city like Paris or Tokyo while they were away...
It all seems so long ago now. I don't think of those things anymore. Those plans are shattered, and Harry is gone. It's all because of Voldemort. My life is one of the many he ruined- and ended.
And now you know why I'm doing this, you know I have a reason and that I'm not insane. I love Jack, and my parents, and my brothers, and you, and everyone else- but I love Harry more and I want to be with him. I will see you all again someday, Mione. Don't cry for me. There are things I need you to do. I want you to make sure that I am cremated, not buried, and I want my ashes scattered to the wind. Leave all my money and jewelry and photos to Jack. Tell everyone goodbye, tell my parents and brothers that I love them, and tell Jack exactly what I asked you to at the beginning of this letter. The most important thing I want you to do is not to forget me.
Ginny"
Hermione dealt with the floods of tears flowing into her lap and put the letter away. Why hadn't Ginny told anyone? Should she have made her talk, made her explain what was going on?
**********************
"DRACO! WHERE ARE YOU?" Hermione screamed. He came running into the living room. It was a week after Jack's party, and Hermione was going into labor.
"My baby's coming!" She yelled. His eyes went wide.
"Sit tight for a minute- let me put Roscoe in his kennel and grab Max and Kathie- keep breathing, Mione." He dashed out. She did as he said, breathing deeply, but this was pain like never before. He came back with Kathie in one arm, Max following. He held out the portkey and she took it. They were immediately transferred to Angelina Johnson Maternity Ward. Hermione was wheeled into a room while Draco filled out a bunch of forms. He joined her fifteen minutes later, a doctor in tow.
"What did you do with Max and Kathie?" She asked as the doctor prodded her.
"They're in the crèche. Do you want something? Food, a drink?" Draco offered.
"No, I have ice." Hermione gestured to a jug next to her.
"Miss Granger, you're coming along famously. I think the baby will come out in less than three hours at this rate, and extremely short time." The doctor said happily.
"Three hours?" Hermione asked faintly, screaming as another contraction hit. "Three hours of this?"
"It will be over before you know it." The doctor reassured her, before leaving.
Hermione found that the doctor had lied.
It seemed like days- long, horrible days of her screaming and crushing the bones in Draco's hands- before the baby was born. She sat back, exhausted, and immediately fell asleep.
*****************************************************************
I'm sorry it took me so long to update, but I was in the USA with my friend having the time of my life and there was no internet. I was so shocked to find 30 reviews for that last chappie! Anyways, romance coming soon. Hang on just a couple chappies more.
Arwen1011- which sad song were you listening to?
issasop2- thanks so much for becoming a permanent reviewer.. I feel so honored... and loved! Yay!
NitenGale- ah, just wait. Max will get one eventually.
Siriusly Mione- about Ron, not for a long while. Eventually, you shall see.
Chocoliciouz- I wasn't very creative about the death eaters entrance, I know, but I was so sleepy... yawn.. soz about that...
Dracos Princess1- I love the name Capri, but I've already chosen the baby's name. I'll incorporate it into the story later, promise!
Chama Sombra Malfoy- your command has been fulfilled. I hope this is acceptable. Heehee.
To all others: thank you for reviewing! I may not post for another week, since I am focused on getting my crush to notice me as more than a friend. I'm going bowling with him tomoz, which I am soooo psyched about.
PEACE!