Chapter 3

From One Father to Another

"Spit it out you two. We know something's up," Hermione demanded placing down her fork.

George nodded his head in agreement. "I'm your brother. I know when you're hiding something from me."

George watched his younger sister Ginny and brother-in-law Harry exchange glances. "Out with it," George said more curious than worried.

"Well, we were going to wait until our monthly Weasley dinner," Ginny smiled. George knew that smile. He'd seen Hermione wear it at Ginny's engagement party.

Hermione gasped, she too catching on. "No? You guys are?" she squealed.

Ginny nodded. "Pregnant."

The next moments were filled with hugs and hand shakes and congratulations.

"How long have you known?" Hermione asked once all the noise had died down.

"Only two months," Harry smiled happily. "Although I'm surprised Ginny didn't figure it out earlier. You'd think since she was a Healer…" he wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulder.

"Yeah, well at least I didn't faint when I heard the news," Ginny teased.

"You fainted?" George chuckled. "Come on Potter. What kind of man are you?"

Harry's face flushed. "I didn't faint…" he mumbled.

"Of course you didn't," Hermione reassured him. George couldn't help but snigger. Hermione shot him the death glare and he instantly stopped.

The girls continued to giggle and chat and George decided it would be a good idea to pull his sister's husband aside. The two men escaped to the balcony, each holding a bottle of beer.

"Pretty exciting eh?" George asked, taking a swig from the bottle.

Harry nodded. "I'm kind of nervous though. I mean, what if I'm not a good parent?"

"Trust me. Once Ginny has that baby it will be one of the best moments of your life. Hermione was really nervous when she told me about Arianna. Look at her now. Plus, consider yourself lucky, the war is over and you'll be able to focus on the baby," George patted Harry's shoulder. "If you're nervous, you'll make Ginny nervous. This is a happy time. Enjoy it. Take it from someone who missed out on it," George sighed and took another sip.

"I'm sorry…" Harry began but George cut him off.

"Don't be. Just support my sister and my new niece or nephew and you'll have nothing to worry about."

"I love Ginny," Harry replied.

"I know you do. Go back inside there and don't be so nervous. Everything will be fine."

"Are you coming?" Harry asked, taking his last sip of beer.

"Nah. You go, I'll come in a minute," George tipped his head toward the door.

Harry nodded and left.

George stood out on the balcony and looked up at the stars.

"Hey hun," Hermione's voice cut through the silence.

"Hey," George smiled turning to face her.

"What was that all about?" she asked coming up beside him.

"Just some advice, from one father to another," he winked.

Hermione kissed George's cheek. "You're amazing, you know that?"

"Don't forget smart and handsome…" George smirked.

"Don't flatter yourself," Hermione slipped her hand into his. "How about we go back inside? Ginny and Harry are going to go soon."

"Sure," George finished up his drink and followed Hermione inside. He saw Harry whisper something to Ginny and her face instantly brighten up. Harry would be fine, George thought.

George followed Hermione, who still held his hand, over to the couch. All of a sudden George's hand let go of Hermione's and found its way to the back of his head. It felt like someone had hit him with a sledgehammer. "Bugger," he swore.

Hermione turned to face her husband, about to scold him for swearing when she noticed he was in serious pain. The pain got worse and everything started going black. George could hear Hermione calling his name in the distance but he couldn't seem to get to it. He collapsed into a heap on the floor. With a burst of light George was stunned by what he saw. A woman's face flashed before him, a face that wasn't Hermione's.

"I love you George," the mysterious woman smiled before everything went black.