Helloooo! What you see here on the screen is the much awaited 5th chapter of my story. But first, some thanks to my super-great reviewers, who made this chapter possible.
freespirit65: To answer your questions would spoil the story, so just wait for future chapters. Thanks for reviewing!
Dude Formerly Known As Coty: As this is a Romance fic, they will eventually realize that they like each other. A lot. J Thanks for the review!
Prongsette: I may have to disappoint you on that one (about the cliffies). Sorry. J
insertgoodnamehere: Well, read on and you'll find out. J
Arestoktra: That's what they're wondering too. Hehe. Thanks for thinking my story's awesome!
Hermi De Harry: Yup, the scream was from Hermy. I really hope we can 'make contact' too! If not, we can always e-mail! J
Nyoko: Hope you'll feel better with this chapter! J
Hermione-Potter-52036: I'm not that evil… (blinks innocently). Hehe, I prefer strawberries. J
HarryNDracosDarlin: Well, Ron's pretty weird all the time. You'll find out more about Dottie and if she gets paid or not in the next chapter.
zyra123: Thanks a million for adding me in your Favorites list! J In answer to your question, they'd prefer not to tell anyone else so no one'll think they'd gone mental.
Marissa: I'm so happy that you look forward to my fanfic! Thanks for the review!
A Harry and Ginny Dreamer: About Harry not knowing how to be a father, let's just say that he's a fast learner. I'm no good at writing tragedies, so you can bet there's a happy ending. J
REBANENE!!!!!: I want a rematch! J
And great big thanks also to year1989rocks, Cycla, Magic Crystal Rose, Granger-gurl-rox, Kristen, swimchick1614, harry lover, fanjimmy, aquarius chik, sally, blue3ski, juli, HarryP fan, Ashes, Lil Miss Emzy, lttlmisschica5!
And heeeereee's Chapter 5!
Chapter 5
Everyone in the kitchen jumped. "That sounded like Hermione!" Ron yelled, rushing to the direction of the scream, Harry at his heels.
They reached the living room just as Dottie and Lily were rushing downstairs. Lily looked terrified and ran immediately to Harry, arms outstretched. Harry, not knowing what to do acted on instinct. He scooped her up and, without stopping, reached the bathroom where Ron was pounding on the door.
"Oy! What's going on in there?!" Ron yelled.
The door opened and Ginny stepped out, her hands over her ears.
"Nothing's wrong. Sheesh! I didn't know Hermione could scream that loud." Ginny said, shaking her head.
Hermione was sitting slumped on the closed toilet seat, looking completely lost. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was slightly open.
Lily took one look at her and asked Harry fearfully, "Daddy, what's wrong with Mummy?"
"I don't know." Harry murmured, handing her to Ron. He then walked into the bathroom and got down to Hermione's level.
"Herm?" He said, waving a hand in front of her eyes. She didn't move. Harry was starting to get worried. "Hermione, are you alright?" he asked, putting his hands on her shoulders and shaking her slightly.
That seemed to snap her out of it. She jumped up, almost knocking Harry backwards and grabbed his arm, yanking him to his feet.
"Harry!" she cried, pulling him out of the bathroom. "We just need some time to talk." She called back to Ginny, Ron, and Lily. She then dragged Harry back to the empty kitchen.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" Harry asked her. The look of panic on her face made him dread the answer.
"Oh, Harry… it's terrible!" Hermione said in a hoarse whisper. "I'm… I'm…" she trailed off.
"What?" Harry said, leaning forward so he could catch her reply.
"I'm… pregnant." Hermione finished in the same whisper, looking at Harry with wide eyes.
"You're WHAT?!" Harry yelled. He was stunned; this can't be happening to him! To them! He slumped down on an empty chair, mouth agape.
"I'm expecting, which means that we have to find Vablatsky now, because I don't want to give birth at seventeen!" Hermione cried out in anguish. Harry looked up at her. Hermione's brow was furrowed and lips were quivering. "Harry, what if we don't find her?" she asked, her voice shaking slightly.
Harry stood up, walked over and enveloped her in a hug. "We'll find her." Harry told her reassuringly, trying to comfort her. Hermione buried her head in his shoulder and hugged him back. Harry felt as though something were lodged in his throat. It was odd how good he felt holding her. She fit into his arms perfectly.
Hermione leaned into Harry, acutely aware of his arms around her. Harry somehow always had the ability to calm and soothe her. For a moment she forgot about her problem and enjoyed the feeling of Harry's embrace. It all came back, however, the moment Ron, Ginny, Lily, and Dottie entered the kitchen.
Harry and Hermione quickly sprang apart and Hermione noticed a slight pink tinge on Harry's cheeks. Her own cheeks felt a little warm too.
"Mummy! Aunt Ginny told me I'm gonna be a big sister! Yay!" Lily squealed happily, jumping around Hermione's legs.
"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs.!" Dottie beamed at Hermione.
Ron walked over and clapped Harry on the shoulder. "You dog! You've been home for only, what, two months?" He laughed. "Congratulations you two." Harry managed a weak smile in return.
"Yes, congratulations!" Ginny piped up behind Ron. Then she glanced at her watch. "Ooh, Ron and I can't stay. Mum wants us home to help decorate the Burrow." Ginny said.
Ron nodded. "Right, I almost forgot. Wait'll mum hears about the news. She'll start knitting little sweaters again, just like she did for Lily." He said with a laugh. After a few more goodbyes, both Weasleys left.
"Daddy, can we build a snowman now?" Lily asked, tugging on Harry's jumper.
"Err…" Harry said, casting a glance in Hermione's direction. Hermione nodded. "Alright, let me just put on something warmer." Lily, he had noticed, was already dressed for a snowstorm. Dottie was an extremely efficient house-elf. Harry reached into his pocket and suddenly realized something.
"Hey, where's my wand?" Harry asked. Hermione realized that she didn't know where her wand was either.
"Right here, Mr. and Mrs., Dottie was polishing them last night." Dottie said with pleasure, handing them both their gleaming wands, which she took out from a pocket in her dress.
Harry took the wand being offered to him by Dottie, eying it carefully to make sure it was really his then cleared his throat. "Err… Acciojacket!" he said, waving his wand.
A jacket flew out of a closet and Harry caught in firmly in his hand. He summoned more articles of clothing, including some boots and hastily put them on.
"Erm… okay, let's go build a snowman." He said, trying to make himself sound more cheerful. With a giggle, Lily took his hand and led him out the front door, leaving Hermione alone with Dottie.
Time to get some information.Hermione thought.
"Err… Dottie?" Hermione said.
"Yes, Mrs.?" Dottie replied with a smile.
"Erm… Let's pretend that I… er… hit my head… hard." Hermione began.
"Oh, that would be terrible!" Dottie cried out, eyes wide in horror.
"Well, let's pretend I hit my head and got amnesia and, you know, I forget about everything?" Hermione continued. Dottie nodded, eyes still wide.
"What could you tell me about myself and my family to jog my memory?" Hermione finished.
Comprehension dawned on Dottie's face. "You is wanting to see how well Dottie knows you!" Dottie said with a big smile. "Dottie is happy to comply!"
"Let's just have a seat first then you can start." Hermione said, pointing to the couch. Dottie nodded, her big ears flapping, and followed Hermione to take a seat.
A/N: In the next chapter, Hermione will find out some pretty surprising stuff about her and Harry's supposed relationship as a couple, and more! So as always, stay tuned!
