Baby Gideon

One Week Old

"UGH!"

Hermione turned from her spot at Gideon's closet to see Fred standing at his changing table, his mouth pressed into a straight line and his eyes closed. She also noticed that there was a fountain coming from the changing table, making the neck and chest of Fred's t-shirt wet.

Hermione giggled. "Er… yea… I've heard about that…"

Fred scowled at her. "You could have mentioned it to me!"

"You could have covered him up when he started to shoot at you!" Hermione retorted, trying to keep the smirk off her face.

Fred shook his head. "I was in shock. My own flesh and blood almost peed on my face!"

"Surely, that's had to happen before…" Hermione mentioned. With all those brothers of his, surely one of them would have tried to prank him in some way.

"Pissing contests, yes… but never on each other!"

Hermione knew that Fred was cranky from the lack of sleep they were both getting. She moved over to Fred with an outfit in her hand. "Here, let me finish so you can go get cleaned up." They were headed to the burrow for Gideon's first Sunday dinner.

"Thanks, baby." Fred leaned down and kissed Hermione's temple. "I'll be right back."

As Hermione dressed her son, she worried a little that they were taking him out so soon, but Fred had reminded her a few hundred times that it was only the burrow and there, they would have plenty of people to hold the baby while they got a break.

XxXxXx

Once at the burrow, Gideon's grandparents, uncles, and aunts were on him like ants to a popsicle. His MawMaw won the battle and went off to the kitchen with him cuddled into her arms.

Hermione and Fred collapsed on the sofa next to each other, her head on his shoulder and his head on hers. Fred yawned and closed his eyes.

"Tired?" George smiled, knowing.

"Just give us five minutes. Gideon will need to eat again soon." Fred answered. Hermione grunted something that sounded like she was in agreement.

Hermione had just began to doze when his soft cry rang out from the kitchen. "Argh! Of course!" Hermione looked down and the front of her blouse was wet.

"I don't miss that!" Angelina murmured as Hermione took out her wand and cleaned herself before getting up to get her son.

Soon, she was sitting back on the sofa breastfeeding Gideon under her modesty smock.

"Ugh, I don't know how you can wear those, Hermione! They're so uncomfortable! I just pulled these out whenever the girls needed to eat!" Angelina said, pointing to her chest.

Hermione laughed. "It isn't uncomfortable for me. I just like being covered. To each her own. No wrong way."

Fred pulled the top of the smock away from Hermione's chest and peeked in. "Excuse you!" Hermione grinned.

"I was just making sure he was eating!"

"That's my job, Weasley! You deal with it when it comes out."

Ginny laughed. "So you are in charge of what goes in and he's in charge of what comes out?"

Hermione nodded, grinning. "Basically…until he goes back to work."

"That's brilliant!"

"So, how are you enjoying being a dad?" Bill asked.

A large grin formed on Fred's face. "It's incredible. I love it. He's just so perfect, I can't even deal."

Hermione smiled. "He's the best dad and husband. I couldn't ask for anyone better." Gideon appeared from under the smock, his big eyes blinking and little eyebrows moving up and down as Hermione began to burp him.

Fred moved close to Gideon's face and watched him as his eyes wandered around. Fred made a silly face and Gideon's eyebrows… or where he should have eyebrows… furrowed causing a little 'v' to form between his eyes. Fred chuckled and kissed the wrinkle, making Gideon blink rapidly.

"Come on Gideon… burp for Mumma!" Hermione urged.

"Here… let me see him." Fred sat up and held out his hands. Once Hermione handed the newborn over, Fred put him in a sitting position on his leg, holding his chest with his palm, his face between his thumb and index finger and he bent him over so he was doubled over. He pat his back a few times and the baby gave a loud burp.

Fred grinned and picked him back up. "That's my little man!"

Hermione rolled her eyes and took her son from Fred, switching sides so he could nurse again. It irked her that Fred could get him to burp so easily when she always had to struggle to get him to.

"Fancy a game of quiddich?" Harry asked, coming into the sitting room from outside. "It's a perfect day to play."

They all jumped up ready to go out and then Fred sat back down. "Er… uh… I really shouldn't leave Mione…"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous! Go have fun! Heaven knows we don't get to have any at home these days."

Fred lit up like a lightbulb. "Really? Are you sure?"

Hermione smiled at him. "Of course, love. Go enjoy the weather. Please be careful!"

Fred hopped up and leaned over to give her a kiss. "You're the best!"

"Yeah… yeah… now go have fun!"

"Going!" Fred called as he hurried out the door with the others.

XxXxXx

Fred came in a few hours later, feeling exhilarated. A good game of quiddich and a ride on his old broom was exactly what he needed. He slid his hands through his windblown hair and headed into the sitting room to find his wife. It was empty.

"Where's Hermione?" He stopped and asked his mother when he noticed her holding the baby.

"I sent her to nap about an hour and a half ago. The poor thing looked exhausted."

Fred bit his lip. He was suddenly feeling extremely guilty about being gone so long.

"I'm sorry, Mum. Let me just wash my hands and I'll take him from you." Fred said, turning on the tap.

"You will not. I'm enjoying my grandson. I'm teaching him to cook, I'll have you know!" Molly said, pointing at him with a spatula.

Fred smiled. "Oh, are you now? Is he taking notes?"

"Oh, you hush! You just go up and lie with Hermione. Dinner will be done in about forty-five minutes, but I suspect he'll be up in thirty, so go rest while you can." She said, shooing him out of the kitchen.

He headed up towards Ginny's old room and quietly opened the door and tiptoed in.

"Hi." Hermione's voice rang out while he was closing the door, making him jump and grab his chest.

"Hermione! You're up."

Hermione sighed. "Yes. I'm waiting for Gideon to cry."

Fred toed off his shoes and slid into bed next to her. "Why aren't you sleeping baby?"

She shrugged. "I'm scared I won't hear him. I slept for a bit."

"You know Mum would come up here if he started crying."

Hermione rolled onto her side and cuddled up to Fred. "I guess you're right."

Fred felt Hermione relax in his arms and her breathing even out as he closed his eyes and began to drift off himself.

"WWWAAAHHHH!" Hermione bolted out of bed and Fred sat up, ruffling his hair and sighing. "So much for a nap with Hermione." He murmured, following after his wife.

XxXxXx

Four Weeks Old

The next few weeks went about the same way. Fred had gone back to work four days a week, leaving Hermione to deal with most of the baby duty. He found her many times asleep on the sofa with the bassinette next to her on the coffee table. Fred had begged her to just sleep in bed with the baby, but she refused, stating that he needed sleep for work.

Fred would rather be woken up by the baby than have to sleep by himself every night. Truth be told, he missed Hermione and the two barely had time to speak to one another. He was either at work or Hermione was dozing on the sofa or running around like a mad woman trying to keep the flat looking presentable.

Gideon was now four weeks old and sleeping longer between feedings and Fred and Hermione felt more energized than they had the last month.

Hermione laid Gideon down in his crib before sitting down at the kitchen island next to Fred to eat dinner.

"It's nice to see you with your eyes open." Fred commented, leaning over and giving her a chaste kiss.

Hermione grinned. "Tell me about it. I've missed you." She answered, taking a bite of potato.

He placed his hand on her thigh and squeezed it. "Me too, baby."

They sat in silence as they ate while Fred's fingers caressed her thigh. Hermione found it hard to concentrate on her food with Fred's fingers against her skin.

She sighed and laid her fork in her plate before placing her hands in her lap, wringing them. She looked over at Fred and saw that he was watching her intently. She turned sideways in her chair and Fred's fingers were wound in her hair, his lips on hers before she could blink.

It didn't take her long to recover and her hands found themselves in his hair lightly tugging his face closer. It had been so long since she had any sort of intimacy with her husband and right then making out like teenagers sounded like the best thing in the world.

Fred's large, warm hands slid down her neck, continuing down to her body, until he found her waist to yank her into his lap. He craved the closeness. He couldn't get close enough. He missed his wife. She didn't waste anytime wrapping her arms around his neck to pull herself closer and hummed against his lips when his warm hands found their way up the skin of her abdomen.

Severing the kiss, he nuzzled into her neck. "I've missed you so fucking much, Hermione. You smell so damn good. I just want to place you on the counter and spread you open so I can have dessert." He knew he couldn't push himself inside of her yet, but that didn't mean he couldn't make her feel good... maybe force her over the edge a few times...

Hermione's toed curled against the rungs of the chair. "God, Fred." She pulled on his hair so he'd pull his face out of her neck. When his eyes met hers, she nodded. "Yes. Yes, I want that."

With a smirk on his face, his mouth formed over hers again as he stood to deposit her on the counter. When her backside hit the cool counter, she immediately leaned back on her elbows, determined to watch him devour her.

There was a cry from Gideon's room and Fred slumped, his forehead resting against her abdomen, a groan of disappointment escaping him.

"That didn't take long. I'm sorry." Hermione mentioned, her hand slipping through his hair.

Fred lifted his head to look at her. "Hey… it won't always be like this. You have nothing to be sorry about. He's mine, too."

XxXxXx

Six Weeks Old

"I'm glad you convinced me to let your Mum take Gideon for awhile." Hermione told Fred as they stood in the kitchen making dinner. Molly had wanted them to go out on a date, but they opted to stay in for the evening and enjoy the peace and quiet as well as each other.

"Mum's done this plenty of times. She'll be fine. We needed a small break." Fred told her as he started to cook the chicken for the fajitas.

Hermione was supposed to be chopping vegetables, but she kept turning and staring at her husband who wore nothing but blue striped pajama pants that hung low on his hips.

"Are you ogling me, Mrs. Weasley?"

Hermione felt herself blushing and it surprised her. It had been quite awhile since she had been able to take a good look at her fit husband and she even found herself getting butterflies at the thought of what was to come.

Fred stopped pushing the chicken around and stared at her, his mouth slack in shock. "Hermione… are you blushing?"

Hermione shrugged and went back to her vegetables.

Fred moved over to her and touched her cheek with the back of his forefinger. "It's only me, baby."

"I know. It's just been… awhile." Hermione answered, her breath hitching, but refusing to look up at him.

"Are you nervous?" Fred asked, gently.

"A little."

"Why?"

Hermione chewed her lip and continued chopping the vegetables, ignoring the question.

Fred waved his hand over the vegetables and the knife floated out of her hand and started to cut the vegetables itself.

"Hey… look at me." Fred lifted her chin with his index finger and dipped his head down to look into her eyes. "If you aren't ready, that's okay."

"It isn't that." Hermione said, shaking her head.

"Then what is it?" Fred asked, gripping her hips and turning her so she faced him. Hermione looked down at her clasped fingers and chewed her lip.

"Baby… tell me."

"It's just… my body's changed. My hips are wider… and my thighs are thicker…" Hermione confessed quietly.

"And you don't think I've noticed?" Seeing Hermione's face turn red again made Fred realize she needed more reassurance. "Hey… there's no reason to be embarrassed. It doesn't bother me… I love your body." Hermione snorted and rolled her eyes. "I do, baby. Your hips are so sexy to hold onto... and your thighs… they're are incredible. You don't know how many times I've dreamed of having them wrapped around me…"

Hermione continued to look down, shaking her head. "You're just so fit and I'm... not. You deserve more than-"

"Stop!" Fred didn't like this. He didn't like this one bit. "Don't you fucking dare finish that sentence. Don't you ever be ashamed of this body, Hermione. I swear to all that I'd Magick I will take you over my knee if you even think about being self deprecating. I will spank it right out of you."

Hermione stood, wide-eyed and opened mouth at her husband. She was half terrified and half aroused by his words.

Knowing his words came out harsh and seeing the confliction in her eyes caused him to sigh out, releasing the anger in his chest. Turning to the stove, he turned off the heat and moved the skillet to a cool burner.

"Come." His tone was soft and warm, letting her know he wasn't angry at her. He held out his hand and her eyebrow raised at it.

"Where are we going?" She didn't have the emotional capacity to deal with Frederick at that moment. She felt too raw and vulnerable.

"I'm going to show you just how incredible that body is." He grabbed her hand and pulled her against him.

"Oh…"

He grinned. "Oh, she says." He kissed her quickly before taking her hand and leading her into their bedroom.

XxXxXx

Forty-five minutes later, the couple was back in the kitchen, finishing making dinner. Hermione moved around her husband, letting her fingers graze his back, his shoulders, his arms… every time she passed him. Hermione was wearing one of his white button-downs and he kept looking over his shoulder at her as she set the breakfast bar for dinner.

"See something you like, Mr. Weasley?" Hermione asked, turning to look over her shoulder while she reached for something in the cabinet.

He watched the shirt lift as she reached and saw a smidge of her naked bottom peek out. He successfully squashed aby doubt she had about her body, buy fuck she was going to be the death of him.

Fred closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "We are never going to eat tonight if you don't stop teasing me."

She laughed as she set their glasses next to the plates on the bar. "If dessert first is so great… double can only be better right?"

She heard his breathing hitch behind her right before he grabbed her hips and yanked them backward so she was bent over. She gasped and her stomach gave a delicious lurch.

"Hold on to the counter. Plant your feet." He demanded.

She felt herself grin. "Yes, Frederick."

"Good girl. This will be hard and fast and then we need to eat. I need fuel for later."

"Huh? But-Fuel for-Oh!" He slammed into her, making her cry out.

"What were you saying?" He stilled inside of her, panting into her ear.

"I... I forgot."

"That's what I thought."

"Frederick, please... I need you."

A grin formed on his face and he pressed a kiss to his favorite freckle. "I know."

XxXxXx

Fred fixed the fajitas while Hermione poured the pumpkin juice. She had just put the container back in the fridge when the floo lit up and the Weasley matriarch came stumbling through with a screaming baby.

Hermione hurried over to her. "What's wrong? What's happened?"

Molly put a hand up to calm Hermione. "Everything is fine, except he won't take the bottle. I've tried and tried, but he won't latch. He's hungry. He got so mad at me for trying to feed him that he squealed and the bottle flew out of my hands and into the wall."

Fred chuckled at this. "Strong wild magic! Can't wait to see what little man can do!" He said proudly.

Hermione took Gideon from her mother-in-law and he immediately started to quiet down. She unbuttoned the top few buttons of the white button-down so she could feed him. "My poor baby! Are you hungry? Mumma fix it!"

He quieted down completely and started eating. Hermione stroked his head. "That's better, isn't it?" She couldn't help, but feel a little elated that her son wanted her to feed him instead of that fake rubber nipple with her re-warmed breast milk inside. She knew that this also meant she couldn't leave him for more than a couple hours at a time, but the thought didn't bother her much. Her son needed her and she loved it.

Hermione made her way to the breakfast bar with Gideon so she could sit and take a bite of her dinner.

"You mean you two haven't even eaten yet?" Molly asked, looking disgruntled.

Fred's face went red, giving them away. "Er… we got sidetracked."

His mother gave him a knowing look. "Mmhmm… well, I'll wait until my darling grandson is finished and I'll take him back with me."

"No, no! That won't be necessary. You've done so much just watching him these few hours. You go home and relax now…thank you so much for watching him." Hermione told her.

"Are you sure? It's no trouble." Molly looked uncertain.

"Yes, I'm sure. I'll just be worried he's hungry the whole time. Thank you, Molly."

XxXxXx

Thirteen Weeks Old

"Come on little man! Do those pushups!" Fred encouraged from his spot on the floor next to his son at the burrow.

Hermione and Angelina laughed. "I think Fred likes tummy time as much as Gideon does." Hermione mentioned while she played with Mia on her lap.

"Oh! He got me!" Hermione looked back down to Fred to see him holding his eye and Gideon laying on his tummy, his head resting on his blanket looking at his daddy with a toothless grin.

"What an arm! I leaned in to kiss him and BAM! Right in the eye socket!" Fred looked extremely pleased with his son. "Must get it from his Mum." He added as an after thought.

The fireplace in the burrow's sitting room came to life, spitting Charlie and Sorin out.

"Where is he? Where is my nephew?!" Charlie asked, hurrying over as Fred picked Gideon up and held him out for Charlie. "There's my champ! I've missed you! I brought you something…"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Of course you did!" Charlie had made it a habit to bring something dragon related for Gideon every time he visited.

"Oh, hi Hermione!"

"Oh? Ugh! Nice to see you too, Charles! I remember when I use to be your favorite…now I'm just the milk machine for your perfect little nephew…" Hermione said, pouting.

Charlie laughed. "But he is perfect! How can you not love him?"

Hermione sighed dramatically. "That is true. Just don't forget who made that perfect baby!"

"Right! Fred! Thanks for that!" Charlie turned, grinning and shaking Fred's hand.

Hermione scoffed. "What'd he do? A few minutes work on his part and he gets all the credit!"

Sorin laughed and settled next to Hermione and put an arm around her. "There, there pet. You're still my favorite."

Hermione laid her head on his shoulder. "Thanks Sor. I like you better anyhow."

XxXxXx

Twenty-One Weeks Old

"FRED! FRED! LOOK!" Gideon was on the floor for tummy time while Hermione sat reading out loud to him. She heard him grunt and she looked up to see him start to roll onto his side.

Her voice startled Gideon and he ended up on his back looking up at the ceiling. Hermione dropped down to the floor in front of him and patted his tummy. "Well done, Gideon! Mumma is so proud of her boy!" The baby grinned and made noises at her.

"What? What'd I miss?" Fred asked as he charged out of the bedroom with his trousers around his thighs.

"He flipped over! All by himself!"

Fred kneeled down next to his son. "Aw, man! I missed it? I left for five minutes to dress! What did we talk about mister? No doing anything unless Daddy's watching!" Fred said, poking Gideon's chin lightly.

Hermione flipped Gideon back over on his stomach. "Maybe he'll do it again."

They watched him for another five minutes, but he didn't budge. "Ugh! Fine! I'm going to finish getting ready." Fred said, a little annoyed that he missed it. Once he got to the door to the bedroom Hermione called for him.

He came running out. "IS HE-hrmph." When Fred got there, the baby was already on his back, looking toward Fred and smiling.

"Fine. If that's the way you want to play it…Hermione… flip him back over again."

Hermione tried to cover up her smirk by biting her bottom lip and turned their son back over. She looked over at Fred who had hurried over to the kitchen and dropped down behind the cabinets of the island.

Hermione laughed. "Oh, honestly!"

"Sh! I don't want him to know I'm here!" Fred's head popped out from behind the island and scowled at her.

She laughed silently and brought her hand up to her lips, pretending to lock it up and throw away the key. He gave her a nod, his face looking rather determined, and popped back down behind the cabinets.

"Gideon, please just roll over so Daddy will stop acting like a lunatic." Hermione coaxed.

Less than a minute later, the baby started to roll and Fred jumped up from behind the cabinets with both arms in the air. "YYYEEESSS!" He hurried over to Gideon and picked him up. "You are incredible! My little man won't be little much longer!" Fred's smile faltered a little after he realized what he said.

"Oh… Fred… he's still a baby. Don't look like that. We still have plenty of baby time left."

Fred raised an eyebrow, but pushed the thought in the back of his mind. He settled onto the sofa, holding Gideon.

"Isn't he the best?" Hermione asked as she stood in front of her boys, looking down at Gideon.

Fred looped an arm around her and pulled her onto his lap. "He is."

"Can you believe that it was just a couple years ago that I was so against this? What could be better? I mean, look at him!" Hermione smiled, rubbing Gideon's cheek.

"Perfect baby, perfect wife, perfect family." Fred kissed his wife.

Next up: Epilogue!