Juxtaposed: Chapter One

Summary: Anna has grown up without Harry in her life, but when Harry tries to recreate the connection with his daughter, Anna seems resilient. But when Anna falls in love, she seems to crave her father's approval more than anything. But will Harry approve?(HG/HP)

Disclaimer: Don't own any of J.K's characters, no money was made from this story.

Chapter One: Determination.

"Harry! Harry, I'm not joking, make this thing come out!"

"'Mione, I can't. It'll only be a little longer, just breathe, honey."

"Breathe! Harry..."

Harry clenched his wife's hand tightly, trying to block her screeches from his mind. Birth wasn't exactly easy, he knew that. But Hermione had to be over-exaggerating. Looking over at his best friend, Ron, he could see his reaction mirriored.

Ron blinked down at Hermione, mouth slightly agape. Ron shook his head and looked up at Harry.

"Harry, can you remind me to send my mum something really expensive when we get out of here," Ron sputtered.

Harry simply nodded, not even listening. The healer had suddenly exclaimed loudly.

"What? What?" Harry burst out nervously, his eyes flicking to the healer. Hermione let out a gasp of pain, her grip on Harry's hand tightened.

"Nothing, nothing," the healer muttered, he directed his attention back to Hermione.

"What!" Harry demanded.

"The baby, it... stopped."

"What do you mean it stopped?" Ron burst out this time.

Hermione shook slightly. Harry and Ron clenched their hands tighter around her own, not knowing what else they could possible do at this moment.

"It just stopped coming."

"What!"

"Can't you make it move?" Harry begged.

The healer shook his head. "Not really, it should continue on its own, but..."
"But what?" Harry and Ron yelled in unison.

"This may mean bigger problems..."

"Like?" Harry urged him to continue.

"The baby might be stuck?"

"What do you mean stuck?"

"Well, Hermione may not have dilated enough."

"You mean, the baby will be stuck, as in... stuck?" Harry seemed lost for the right word.

The healer nodded.

"But... We... what..." Ron stammered.

"What happenes now?" Harry asked, his voice quiet now.

"We wait a little longer, but then..."

"Then what?"

"Then we have to consider our options."

Hermione moaned again, looking up at Harry now.

"Harry, what's happening to my baby?"

"Don't worry, 'Mione. We'll fix it."

The healer and his assistants had turned to talk to each other at this moment. Harry became extremely silent at this moment, trying to hear what they were whispering to each other. He wasn't going to stand by while his child could die, and possibly the woman he loved.

Hermione moaned again, but this time it was deeper as though she were in more pain.

The healer turned to look at her, but this time he stopped and stared.

Harry and Ron stared also.

Harry had never seen anything like it before. Hermione's whole body seemed to shake with effort. He could see now how important this baby was to Hermione, and how determined she was to have a successful birth. After two miscarriages, Hermione wasn't going to give this one up.

Harry now remembered the feelings of disappointment and hurt Hermione had edured trying to get pregnant this time, after losing two before, her hope was almost diminished.

But now, a new hope shined in Hermione's face as she urged her baby forward.

"I don't believe it, the baby's moving," the healer breathed.

"Well don't just stand there," Ron demanded.

"Right," the healer muttered, before rushing into work.

Harry looked down at Hermione. "I... I don't know what to say," he whispered to her.

Hermione blinked up at him, her face contorted in effort, flushed and sweating. "I love you."

"Anna!"

Skidding into her bedroom, Anna slammed the door, right on her mother's face.

"Anna! You're being ridiculous!"

"No, you are. I'm not going, I'm not!"

"Anna, he's your father."

"So?" Anna spat, as she opened the door, and walked passed her mother and into the kitchen.

Hermione trailed her daughter, who seemed so determined to avoid her.

"I don't understand why you don't want to see him."

"You don't?" Anna asked sarcastically.

"Anna, please."

"No, you promised I could stay the summer with you," Anna now moved into the living room.

"But I have to work now, and Harry said he had no problem taking you. James and Lauren would love to see you," Hermione tried, hoping to push Anna a little further towards the idea.

"Lauren can't even speak, and James is like what... five?" Anna retorted.

"Anna, don't be difficult. You can't be here alone..."

"I'm sixteen! I'll be fine," Anna assured her mother.

"Well you haven't been acting very mature, how can I trust you?"

"Don't bring that up again," Anna stopped her mother in her tracks, turning on the spot. "Look, can't I just stay here, please?"

"Anna, no. You'll be flooing to your father's tomorrow morning, and that's final. Now go pack."

"I haven't even unpacked!"

"Okay, fine!" Hermione turned on her heel and marched off to her study in a huff. Anna did the same, only marching right back into her bedroom.

"This is ridiculous," Anna raged, slamming her door once more.

Well, I wasn't going to end it there, but the chapter will just be super long if I put in the next scene. So enjoy!

Until next chapter...