Chapter 18

Author's Notes: Remember you can't kill me 'cause I'm the only one that knows how this story's going to end!

To my wonderful beta reader… KATIE!!!

Enjoy and LEAVE YOUR EMAIL IN THE REVIEW (EHEM!) SO I CAN EMAIL YOU WHEN I POST ANOTHER CHAPTER!

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"Ron?"

Frozen, Hermione stared at the tall man in front of her. What was he doing here? She couldn't think of a better thing to do than keep her mouth open and stare at him shocked… As a matter of fact, she couldn't think at all. Apparently, all her human abilities were now down to nothing but to stare at this one man. This one and only man who had caused her so much happiness and sadness.  Now, he was here, standing in front of her. And she couldn't move.

"Hermione. Hello."

That's all he managed to say as he looked at Hermione's shocked face. She had changed so much… for the better. She had longer hair and looked more… He couldn't describe it, but somehow she looked more responsible, if that was possible! She was different from the last time he had seen her. Well, after all it had been more than a year.  So many things had happened since then, but she looked better than ever.

Ron kept on staring at her. The minutes seemed to last forever. Then it hit him. She had a baby in her arms! Whose baby was it? Was it hers? Someone else's? Suddenly, Ron felt very jealous.

They couldn't do anything except stare at each other, as if they were the only people left in the whole world. Everything had been totally forgotten. It was only them. Ron and Hermione… and the baby. It was such a funny situation.

Ron realised they couldn't stay like that forever, so he decided to take the first step and say something.

"Can I come in?" he asked, motioning inside.

Hermione moved her head fast, as if realising what she had done and stepped aside, letting Ron in. She closed the door as he stopped next to her and looked around. He took a deep breath.

"God, I missed this so much!" He then turned to look at Hermione, who was still playing (although with much less enthusiasm) with her daughter.

"You look very good, Hermione."

"Th-thanks. You too."

An uncomfortable silence filled the room once again. It was soon broken by Ginny who came into the room.

"Hermione who is… RON?!" Ron turned around smiling.

"Hey little sister!"

"RON! OH MY GOODNESS! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"

"That's a nice question for someone who just came more than 16,000 km back to his homeland…"

"Shut up, silly, you now what I mean!"  She gave him a warm hug. "I missed you, Ron!"

"I missed you too, sissy."

"Hermione, Ginny, who is it?"

That was Molly, who entered the room, walking fastly.

"Ron?!"

Ron hugged his mother and then the rest of the family, who heard the screams, and went to the living room.  Hermione walked slowly upstairs to Ginny's room.

*~*~*~*

Hermione closed the door of the room she had entered and walked nervously around. What was he doing here? The wedding was in a week… Couldn't he have come a little later? Let's say… the wedding day?

The hell with that! Why was he there? He was supposed to be in Australia, playing with Australian guys, and doing quidditch things. Not here, not now! Desperately, Hermione put Allyson on Ginny's bed and put pillows around her.

What was that all about? She couldn't stop staring at him.  He couldn't stop staring at her either. What an uncomfortable moment! For a couple of seconds Hermione thought she was living in a dream and that this all was not true.  But, no, Ron was downstairs with the family. What was she supposed to do? She wasn't used to running away from her problems; right now she felt like getting the hell out of there, no matter what. But she couldn't do that. She had 'promised' Ginny to be nice to Ron. (Actually, promise was not the word). If she had to be good to Ron, she should start now. But how?

*~*~*~*

As the whole family kept on questioning him, Ron realised that Ginny had walked over silently to Harry and told him something in his ear.  He nodded and then, two minutes later, Harry told her something and then walked to the stairs. He climbed up and then he lost sight of his best friend.

"Hermione? Can I come in?"

Harry didn't wait for Hermione to answer, so he entered the room. Hermione was sitting on the bed, Ally next to her. When Harry opened the door of the room Hermione looked up and when he closed the door behind him she looked down again.

"Hi Harry," she said nervously.

"Hello there," he sat next to her. "Are you OK?"

She shrugged. "I don't know… How am I supposed to feel? What is he doing here?"

"I don't know," Harry said. "But after all he's also invited to the wedding. Perhaps he's here now to have a mini-vacation also, and that's why he came early."

Hermione said nothing; she just kept on playing with her daughter's hair.

"What should I do now?" she asked all of the sudden. "You don't have any idea of the look he gave me when I opened the door.   I guess it was the same look I gave him.  My goodness, Harry! He saw me with Ally! What if he starts asking questions? What if..?"

"Hermione, relax." He put an arm around her shoulders. "Calm down, Hermione. There's no way that Ron would ask such questions, at least not now. People downstairs are asking him too many questions for him to ask some himself."

"Harry, let's put it this way. I don't want him to ask any questions. Ever."

"There are some things that can't be hidden for very long, Hermione."

They were silent for a couple of seconds.

"What do you want me to do?" she asked. "Go down and say 'Hi Ron! How have you been doing? I've been fine, thank you.  I had your baby by the way, but it's OK! You'll catch up in time.'  No, Harry, I can't do that!"

"I'm not saying that you have to do that. But I think, and I always thought like this, that sooner or later you'll have to tell him about Ally. And it's better sooner than later."

Hermione sighed.

Harry was right, even though she didn't want to admit it. Sooner or later she would have to tell Ron about Allyson, and even though she used to think that she would never, ever see Ron again, she knew that all of that was only a big lie. She had been lying to herself for over a year now, trying to convince herself that Ron would never come back and that he would leave both of them alone.   But somewhere in Hermione's mind she knew that if she saw Ron, and more important if Ron saw Hermione and Allyson together, there would be some explaining to do. Although Hermione never thought it would be so… soon.

"Think about it, Hermione", Harry said, getting up. "It doesn't have to be now. But come downstairs with the rest of the family."

Harry waited a couple of minutes for her to answer.

"Fine," she said finally. "But first I want to put Ally for a nap…"

Harry nodded and went downstairs.

*~*~*~*

While walking down the street, Ron thought over and over again of the events of last night. Everything was so messed up that he couldn't even believe it! What the hell had happened today with Hermione?

She had opened the door and then walked upstairs as soon as the rest of the family arrived to greet him. The strange thing is that she had a baby in her arms. But that simple detail had been forgotten as soon as he walked with the rest of the family and sat in a chair next to Ginny.

Hermione had come down fifteen minutes later and had sat in a chair next to him, as though all kind of contact had been totally forgotten. When they finished their food, Ron had already told them all about his life in Australia but still hadn't finished catching up on things.

As he kept on talking and talking, they heard a baby cry coming from upstairs. Hermione had looked nervously around, excused herself, and then went upstairs. Meanwhile Ron had felt curiosity for that baby and Hermione, but he couldn't go away now, as  his whole family was around him and asking him questions.

But when Molly announced that she wanted to clean the plates and serve the desert, Ron thought it was the perfect time to try to go upstairs and see Hermione. After all… he had missed her as well although he didn't want to say anything.

After saying he was going to the bathroom, he quickly went upstairs and looked in every room. He found her in Ginny's room, giving the little baby a milk bottle.

"Can I come in?" he had asked. She had looked up from her daughter to analyse his face and after a couple of seconds she nodded. He entered gratefully in the room and sat in a chair next to her.

"What's her name?" he had asked, trying to break the ice.

"Allyson Zoe."

"Zoe?" he asked surprised. "I love that name."

"I know."

Wow, Ron thought, that was surprising!

"How old is she?"

"Eight months."

"Oh…" Damn, she was old. "She's really cute."

"I know," Hermione said and for the first time she looked up and gave him a small smile. "She's my sun, my everything." Ron gave her a small smile too.

"Uh… can I hold her?"

"What…? Oh… s-sure. But… be careful."

She cursed herself for being so damn weak, as she handed Ron the baby and then her bottle. They were both silent for a couple minutes. Ron only looking at Allyson while Hermione looked at both of them together. Even though he didn't know it… that was the first time the three of them were together. Hermione felt something warm inside her.

"So, I heard that life in Australia is quite interesting," she stated minutes later. He nodded smiling at her.

"Yeah, it's really interesting. People there are really nice to me… Although I miss London and everything very much. Especially my family"

"That's normal… I would also miss it very much if I were somewhere else but here."

"I missed YOU very much, Hermione."

Hermione gave him a nervous look and bit her lower lip, but couldn't find a word to answer him so she put both of her hands under her legs.

"What have you been doing?" Ron asked.

Hermione told him that she kept on working with Sirius and Remus and at the same time she tried to raise her baby.

They kept on talking like that, as if they didn't know what to say. Half of the time they had been talking was silent minutes in which the two of them only stared at the ceiling.

When Ally finished eating, Ron gave her to Hermione who put her down for a nap on the mattress, covering her with the sheets and putting pillows around her.

Once she had fallen asleep, they both looked at her for a long period of time.

Finally, Ron decided to break the silence.  Although now, as Ron kept on walking alone in the middle of the night, he didn't know if he was happy he had asked the question or not.

"Hermione, can I ask you something?"

"Yes."

"Who is the father?"

She had looked at him, surprised, for a second or two, and took a  deep breath. She closed her eyes and when she opened them she answered him with only two words… Two words that would change Ron's life forever.

"She's yours."

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Author's Notes II:

Hope you liked it… hehe! I didn't want to keep you waiting for much long, especially when we are arriving to my favorite part! Don't worry, next part will SURE be interesting! *evil grin*

Thank you very much to: D.Torres, scholcomp25, HarryPotterFrEaK04, Miss kitty- kat (this will have a happy ending, it's a shame you are not going to read it!), Hermionehasharry, tortify (Ron did find out!) Pendragon (thanks!), tbjdancer, HarryPotterFan17 (thank you!!), da90schic, kat6528, Little House Girl, Ainur Agar (i feel so flattered!), Jaein (thank you very much for those words in spanish!!), Alriadne, StormingRaine, sweet775 (estoy bien, muchas gracias (I'm fine, thank you) I'm glad you like the story), Dracozchick, Wytil, Araya Arwen, Ashtynn-Jade, acciotomriddle , Ayama The Cat Demon/Angel, Amanda, Canned Apple Pie, HermioneGranger3269, Amanda, vanny , Kelly Chubb (thank you!!)

Sanomeh: mijuju!! How are you doing?? I hope you liked this chapter!

gatoriris: hi ya! So you speak spanish? Tell me something! Have you been studying it for very long or..? well, if you weren't expecting last chapter's ending… this one.. my goodness! *evil grin* ;)

Lizzi : AHHH! Another reviewer in spanish *hugs lizzi* Si! Soy de Argentina! De buenos aires precisamente! Asi que estuviste en Argentina?  Que lindo! Pero hiciste un tour por el sur y el norte o solo por el norte o solo por el sur? Que te parecio? Yo siempre que fui, fui al norte (cataratas del iguazú y toda la zona norteña) la verdad es que es muy bonito! Muchas gracias por decir que mi ingles es bueno, especialmente cuando tu español es igual de bueno! Segui estudiando asi! Hace cuanto que lo haces?? Bueno, contame! Te dejo un beso gigante y ¡ANIMO!

Sheradyn: thank you very much for your honesty in your review. I now Harry Potter is not a soap opera, but I don't think my story is more tragic than half of the stories in ff.net, and besides this is fan-fiction, we create the plots and we write them. It may not be very harry potterish but that's just the plot. And besides, it may not be apropiate to some readers in ff.net, but I'm sorry, there's nothing I could do about them, this story has certain raiting (PG-13) and if the people under this raiting are willing to take their risks is their desition. It has nothing to do with me, because they are already warned.
Once again, thank you very much for your review and I'm sorry you think this story is not good. I'm sure there are thousends of better stories out there. You just have to look for them.

Your's sincerily, ML

HarryandGinny: well, here's the next chapter.. hope you liked it.. and give me more time to live!! *Blushes* I'm the only one on the earth that knows how this story is going to end *evil grin* hehe, hope you liked this chapter! ;)

FaerieDust: I know! I'm a really bad updater.. the thing is that I don't even have time to write! My school is getting me on my nerves with all of the homework and examns we have to do! It's amazing! And it's only the second month of classes *looks evily at her teachers* But don't worry, this story will be finished… and soon.. I think!

Alaskantiger: LOL, luckily, Hermione didn't throw Ally on the floor... POOR ALLY! Hahaha. You made me laugh a hard time! I hope you liked this chapter!

ginny530 : You were crying?? Poor you!! *hands a tissue*

 Mlle Katie Bell: Katie!! Darling!! Thanks for your review!!

Silver Dragon Princess: ahhh, the grammar! Always the problem between you and me… ahahaha. I hope this chapter didn't have any mistakes… my dear love beta reader corrected it!! :) (Thank her!!)

l[LiSa PiCe'A PePeRoNi PiZzA]l: i laughed out loud with your mother thing.. I could picture you all like 'ron.. hermione… ally! Potter…! Harry!! Weasleys!! Love!! He's back…!!' hehehe, it was really cool, thank you very much for that funny review! ;) I'm really glad you like my story, it was really flattering to read that you think this is one of the most originals.. thank you! Although I think there are better stories than mine here! Do you want me to recommend you some? Perhaps you can tell me some, also! :) BTW: I love your nick! :D

mini veela: HIIIII! Ay caramba! Hahaha, i loved it! Thanks for your review… once again! :)

Jeru: Asi que alla mucho... frio? Que raro! Aca nos estamos congelando... me encanta ^_^! Aparte son los qe mas me gustan... mucho, mucho sol y muchiiisimo frio! La verdad es que la pase bomba en estos dias!
Entiendo que te gusten los one-shot, es totalmente normal, yo ahroa estoy haciendo uno con Sirius de protagonista... me esta gustanod mucho, ni bien lo termine te aviso asi te lo mando si queres... yo todavia tengo que leer tus fics, es que te juro que no tengo tiempo! Voy a ver cuando me haga un huequito me leeo los tuyos! O por lo menos uno, que te lo debo! Pero no te preocupes que no me olvide! ;)

La verdad que lo de Sirius es muy shockeante.. pero bueno, que este muerto (dios! Que mal que suena eso!) en el libro no quiere decir que haya muerto en nuestro corazon y en nuestros fics! Hehehe! Ahora estoy escribiendo (aparte de este) dos mas. Uno de Sirius como protagonista (el que te dije antes) que es cuando estan en el 6to curso (creo) y tiene que ver con un accidente del Hogwarts Express... muy largo de explicar :p Y otro del 6to curso (pero con Sirius vivo, no tiene nada que ver con OOTP)
Te gusto este capitulo? Espero que te haya relajado de los finales.. .enteindo la tension, pero como te esta llendo? Espero que bien... suerte! Que la fuerza este contigo!

Nanda Weasley: DE BRASIL!!!! You are from Brasil!! I LOVE Brasil! I miss it so much! From what part of Brasil are you from?? Tell me! I used to go to Floreanopolis (or is it Florianopolis.. I always have trouble with that!)  I want to go there badly! I miss it very much! I'm glad you like my story!! Awww, Brasil!! (I love brasil! It's soooo beautiful!) so now I have reviewers from Chile and Brasil!! Awwww!

Well, that was all people! REMEMBER TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHEN I UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!

Kisses and now… REVIEW! Make me happy!

ML