Chapter 11

Telling the Folks

Two weeks had passed since the men had left the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley invited Hermione to stay with her until everything was sorted out. Hermione accepted, not sure if she could handle staying alone right now. It was even worse because Hermione and George's second anniversary was coming up in three weeks.

Mrs. Weasley and Hermione tried to keep their minds off everything but that seemed all they could think about. Hermione began showing Arianna George's picture often so she would be able to recognize her daddy. Hermione felt in her heart George was alive but there was still that sliver of doubt, of fear, in the back of her mind.

It was cloudy and damp the day of June first. Hermione stood in front the stove warming a bottle for Arianna. She could hear her daughter cooing from her play pen. Hermione couldn't believe how fast time was going by. Arianna was already a month and a half old. Hermione picked up the hot bottle and went to drip some on her wrist. Mrs. Weasley stood beside her stirring something in a large pot.

POP. Someone apparted into the kitchen making Hermione jump and spill the bottle down the front of her shirt. "Oh dear God," she winced as the hot milk seeped through her shirt.

"Hermy, Mum," a familiar voice spoke.

Hermione's head shot from her shirt to the voice. "Fred!"

"We found him."

-FLASHBACK-

"There's nothing to be worried about. Trust me. They'll be thrilled," George gave Hermione's hand a little squeeze.

"I know, I know. It's just, weird. Arthur, Molly, everyone, I'm pregnant," Hermione placed a hand on her abdomen.

"See, easy as pie," George let go of Hermione's hand and adjusted his tie in the mirror.

"It just feels weird. Like won't you sister mind us announcing our pregnancy during her engagement party. It's supposed to be about her and Harry," Hermione fastened the buckle on her shoe.

"Are you kidding me? Of all people Ginny will be the most excited," George laughed. "Don't be so nervous. I thought you were the master speaker."

"Um…no," Hermione stood up and peered over George's shoulder into the mirror to see her reflection.

"Well if you're that scared then I guess I'll do the little speech," George turned around to her.

"I am not scared George Weasley," Hermione realized the trap George was setting. "Fine," she sighed. "I'll do it, but only because I love this baby and I don't want you to traumatize it before it's born."

"It? I told you it's a her. Don't even start with me," he waved a finger at her.

"Sorry. I don't want you to traumatize her," Hermione turned to leave the room. George caught her hand and pulled her close to him.

"You look beautiful by the way," he whispered in her ear.

"Flattery will get you everywhere," Hermione rested her head back on his shoulder.

"I know," George smirked. He bent his head and pulled her lips to his. After a couple minutes Hermione pulled away.

"O.k. We got to go now. We're going to be late," she started heading toward to door.

"Hermione," George whined. "Did I mention your hair looks brilliant up like that?

"Come on George," she grinned reaching back and grabbing his sleeve. "Later," she winked as she pulled him out the door.