Chapter 21

Pre-Lunch

After a long and sleepless night, Harry decided to give up on sleeping and get up. Despite the fact that the conversation with Hermione was still fresh in his mind, he found himself looking forward to the day. All the Weasley's were coming over for lunch plus Remus, Tonks, Dumbledore and McGonagall if she could make it and Harry was really looking forward to introducing them to his son. His son. He was still getting used to it, but every time he thought about Jamie he smiled.

He'd shaved and dressed and was walking along the corridor when he heard a noise from Jamie's room. It sounded a bit like a whooshing kind of noise, but it sounded so out of place that curiosity got the better of him as he opened the door quietly. He smiled. Jamie was jumping up and down on the bed, making flying noises as he played with a miniature version of the latest firebolt. He looked so happy, so content and didn't even notice as Harry shut the door silently. He leaned against Jamie's door, never feeling happier until glanced down the corridor towards his old room. It's not fair, it's just not fair, why can't I have them both?

xxxxx

Hermione felt sick. Her conversation with Harry was playing through her mind like a constant torture and in less than an hour she was going to face the wrath of Molly Weasley. Ron had taken care of telling everyone that she was back and about Jamie of course and everyone was keen to come by and meet him. Harry had decided that it would be easier if they just had a party and invited them all, so they could meet Jamie at the same time. She'd agreed. It was better that they all got to meet him at the same time and it would be easier for Jamie. And she'd missed them all – she really had. But the thought of what they would think of her made her feel physically sick. Especially Molly. She didn't know how she was going to be able to look her in the eyes.

xxxxx

When Hermione came downstairs Harry was setting out a dining table and Jamie was curled up on a chair reading a book. Every now and then he'd turn his head to look at his son and smile. Stop it Hermione! You'll start crying again – Get a grip! She forced a smile onto her face and walked towards Harry-

"Can I help?"

Harry turned to her, a welcome smile on his face. "You don't have to."

"I don't mind – what can I do?"

"You could do the drinks then? They're all in the kitchen."

"Ok" she said to him, and ruffled Jamie's hair on the way out. He giggled at her and she smiled. Maybe today won't be too bad.

xxxxx

Molly Weasley had already decided what she was going to do and no amount of coxing by her husband was going to change her mind. When Ron had told her all about Hermione and Jamie she'd been shocked. She couldn't believe that Hermione would do that to Harry; that Hermione would get it so wrong. She was angry for Harry and she was sad that she'd missed out on so much of Hermione and Jamie's life, after all she thought of Hermione as her own daughter.

When Ginny found out her Mother knew about Jamie, she'd come home to try and explain Hermione's point of view. She was surprised to find that her Mother didn't need talking around, that she could understand why Hermione did it and that her initial anger had diminished and sadness taken over. But that was nearly a week ago, and as much as Molly was dying to go and visit she had waited patiently until Hermione and Jamie had settled in. And now they were all going to lunch. They were going to meet Jamie and see Hermione again and Molly couldn't wait.

"Ready Molly?" Came Arthur's voice from the living room. "I said we'd be at Ginny's five minutes ago, and if we're going to get to Harry's in time for lunch, we need to leave."

"Coming dear." She said walking in to join him.

"And Molly?"

"Yes dear?"

"Promise me you won't-"

"Won't what?"

Arthur sighed wearily. "Molly-it isn't our place to interfere whatever we think."

"I'm not going to interfere Arthur dear, I'm just going to help those two-"

"They won't thank you for it."

"Maybe not at first. But they will. Harry and Hermione belong together we both know that. All they need is a little push"

"But Molly-"

"But nothing." He could see her mind was set, so there was no point trying to argue. "And besides dear, if we hadn't been pushed we wouldn't be here now would we" she said smiling at him. He kissed her quickly and they apparated to Ginny's together.

A/N: Thanks to all the reviewers!