Chapter 12:

Once the children were all settled back in their rooms, Harry had pulled her aside saying they were heading to Potter Manor for the night. He refused to take no for an answer, saying Teddy was already there, and that it was late enough Teddy was most likely already asleep. James had just followed behind them, luckily not bringing up how they knew each other, but still giving her these looks that just made her want to bolt.

If she knew Harry wouldn't chase after her tonight she would have, but Harry was always on edge after a battle, wanting to keep those he cared about in his sight. Even if she didn't want to be around James tonight, she couldn't punish Harry for her problems. He needed her tonight and she'd just have to deal with being uncomfortable. Only hoping that when James did confront her, because she knew he would, that he wouldn't do it in front of Harry.

"I'll bring Hermione into the wards Harry, you can just meet us there."

"Alright. See you in a moment." With that Harry left her alone with James, Hermione braced herself thinking he was going to get into it now.

"You can relax love, I won't bring it up today. We've all had a rough day, Harry's not going to want to let you out of his sight, but if you don't want me going directly to Harry you won't hide from me after today. We need to talk."

"Okay," she said her voice weak, she was exhausted, the amount of magic she had used today had drained her. Giving her a fragile smile James carefully gathered her into his arms before spinning on the spot.

When they reappeared Hermione saw Harry pacing looking worried, even those few extra moments had been too much on him. He always did get antsy after their antics, not wanting her out of his sight. Teddy and her would end up sleeping in whatever room Harry had tonight, just because he'd need to reassure himself they were there, he'd never sleep if they were in different rooms, constantly getting up to make sure they were still there.

Harry didn't even raise a brow at the fact that she encased in James's arms instead of just holding onto his forearm. Probably believing it was because of magical exhaustion. He knew she tended to push herself to her limits.

"You should help her onto the couch, knowing Hermione now that she's away from the kids she was protecting her legs are about to give out. Dorea's already gone to get some broth and tea for you 'Mione."

It was as if he jinxed her because as soon as Harry said it her legs went weak. James tensed up behind her and instead of just supporting her he swung her up into his arms for the few steps it took to get her to the couch. Breathing in his scent just made all the tension flow from her body. It was odd, things between her and James were up in the air, she shouldn't be feeling so relaxed.


James POV

Maybe he was being a bit too conspicuous around Harry, but when Hermione had gone limp in his arms he couldn't help swinging her into his arms. Holding her just felt right. If it wasn't for the fact he hadn't seen a marking he'd think she was his other half, his soul mate, but there hadn't been anything on her when they'd slept together. Even if he was acting the way someone separated from their soul mate, who hadn't had the bond broken, would act. Besides actually meeting your soul mate was rare, only 2% of the magical population ever met their other half.

Keeping his eyes from drifting towards Harry, not wanting to see anger on his friend's face, he had to fight the smile at the tiny inhale Hermione made breathing in his scent before the tension seemed to just leech from her body. Different then before when her muscles were still tense just unable to hold her up any longer. Her grip tightening on him when he went to put her down and glancing down into her eyes he realized she had fallen asleep. Her grip wouldn't lessen, instead getting tighter as he tried to gently move her fingers to put her down. James knew she needed her rest and he didn't want to wake her.

"You won't get free, 'Mione has an insanely strong grip. You'll just have to wait till she let's you go on her own, you won't even be able to wake her up, she'll be dead to the world for a while," instead of sounding pissed Harry sounded oddly amused.

Sighing since Harry would know his sister better, James just straightened back up so that he could sit on the couch instead. As soon as he was comfortable she immediately shifted so that her head was tucked against his shoulder, a soft breathy snore escaping her. It was adorable.

Feeling something flutter down on them James had to stop himself from jolting realizing that Harry had pulled a blanket over them. "She get's cold easy." Was all he said as he made sure the blanket was completely covering Hermione. He looked amused, but calm. Why wasn't he looking annoyed that his sister seemed so comfortable with his friend, his friend that to Harry's knowledge had never met Hermione?

"Oh the poor dear. I'll cast a warming charm on the tea and broth, make sure she has both when she wakes up. Did she have a lot of healing to do today? I heard about the attacks; your father is still helping clean up the mess at the conference."

"No mum, from what little we heard from Augusta, Fabian and Gideon had her help. When the attacks started they were against 30 Death Eaters, with six young children to protect. Hermione used her animagus form to help level the playing field and then put herself and the children behind a ward, she's a genius with them it seems, if they hadn't told us there was a ward and I hadn't seen her bring it down I wouldn't have believed it."

He could only hope that his mother thought the awe in his voice was from her magic and not her. James wasn't going to keep the truth from his parents, but he did at least want to sort out what was going to happen between him and Hermione first. She'd most likely refuse to marry him, but he had to at least be in hers and his child's life.

Mum had always been a bit too sharp, and he could see the way her eyes took in the scene in front of her. Even with Harry being so calm, he was certain his mother had realized exactly who Hermione was to James. The blanket was hiding it, but his hand was resting over her stomach as he slowly allowed his magic to flow into his chid. There wasn't an actual spell so it wasn't obvious what he was doing, but his mum had a life time of experience in reading him.

"I'm going to get Teddy, we can all just crash here, if you don't mind Dorea. I tend to have nightmares that keep me up all night whenever Hermione's been involved in fighting, only thing that helps is seeing her when I jolt awake."

"It's fine Harry dear. I'll get Pip to set up some blankets. Sirius should be heading back soon enough, we can make sure that all of you can just have a relaxing night. Just let Pip know if you need anything."

"Thanks Dorea."

"No trouble at all Harry."


Hermione's POV

Hermione woke up to the low sound of murmurs. Only recognizing Harry's voice had her not try to fight free from the weight she was feeling against her. She was laying down and as her brain woke up more she realized that it was a pair of arms surrounding her. The only reason that realization didn't have her tumbling off the side of wherever she was, was because the arms were so tight around her she couldn't move.

"Morning sleeping beauty, I didn't expect you to sleep so long," Harry said his face appearing in front of hers. He looked oddly amused as he carefully moved the arms around her back off of her, before giving her a hand to get up.

Turning back Hermione had to hold in a squeak when she realized she had been sleeping in James's arms in front of Harry! The couch they had been on having been magically expanded at some point, otherwise there wouldn't have been room for them to sleep as they had been.

"An Min up," Teddy demanded keeping her from overreacting at how she woke up. Smiling down at Teddy she stretched her back muscles first and then swung him up into her arms. Holding him close, she was glad that he was safe, not that she doubted he had been, but seeing that the youngest of the children last night must have been around his age just made her furious!

"Good morning cub, did you sleep well?"

"Uh huh. Siwi pway wit me and Dada."

"That's good, did you eat breakfast."

"Yeah we all did, other then you and James. The two of you just didn't seem to want to wake up."

"Yeah you two didn't want to let each other go," Sirius teased a glint in his eyes as he glanced between her and the still sleeping James. Just great, now Sirius was going to try and matchmake, just what she needed!

"I'm sorry who are you?" she asked, knowing that she hadn't been introduced to Sirius in this time.

"Sirius Black at your pleasure, surely my dear Harry mentioned me."

Looking into Harry's eyes and seeing the subtle shake of his head she shrugged, "can't say that he has. I've heard a lot about James and his parents, but he's never said anything about a Sirius."

The look on Sirius's face was like she had just kicked a puppy. Hermione could almost imagine his tail and ears drooping sadly. Turning to look at Harry and seeing the resigned look on his face and the light blush she had to hold in her laughter. Harry had fallen for the younger version of his godfather but was clearly keeping him at arms length. Maybe that meant he wouldn't kill her and James when he found out that his magically adopted sister was kind of going to be the mother of his half-sibling. It sounded like a soap opera just thinking about it.

"Ah the pain, I think I've been mortally wounded," he acted like it was a big joke, but she could see the true pain in Sirius's eyes. Even an he melodramatically held his chest and made as if he was dying.

A pillow shot out and hit him in the head, "shut up Pads. What have we all told you about being so loud before everyone's awake for the day."

"Ah it's only you who was still sleeping Prongs dearest, you already lost the lovely maiden you were holding captive in your arms."

James jolted up at that, looking panicked, probably thinking she hadn't listened to him and had run off this morning. He only relaxed when his eyes hit hers, but he quickly swung them to Harry as if he was trying to make it seem he'd been worried about her brother's reaction instead of her leaving.

"I'm sorry to do this 'Mione, but I need to head into work. Augusta sent me an owl, she's demanding you take the day off, her letter said you weren't in trouble although you will be if you go in today."

"Prongsie can keep your fair sister company today, Ma Dorea can make sure she doesn't try to sneak off, besides I think Ma Dorea wants to kidnap Teddy for a while. She's terrified that the attacks aren't over and the next one will be at the Ministry, she doesn't want him to be in danger, so she said for now just to bring him to her when you're both working."

It showed just how worried Harry was to that he didn't argue. Giving her a tight hug and kissing Teddy's head he Apparated on the spot. Not even giving her a chance to protest at staying with the Potters. Sirius following behind him only moments later.

"Let's get some breakfast. After we eat we need to talk," James said gently taking her by the elbow to direct her to the dining room. Dorea Potter was already there nursing a cup of tea, although she set it down to swoop Teddy out of Hermione's arms.

"With how much magic you used yesterday and since you didn't eat the broth I left, you shouldn't be carrying him. We don't need you passing out on us. Sit eat. You too James."

"Thank you for letting us stay last night Mrs. Potter, I'm sorry I wasn't awake to actually meet you."

"It's fine Hermione, that type of magical exhaustion can't be fought. I'm just glad you're alright, and please do call me Dorea."

"How was da last night? I ended up passing out before he got back."

"He's fine. He had to go in to work to help clean up the aftermath. Asked me to make sure you took your day off."

"I'm glad. I can't believe I fell asleep before seeing him last night. How bad were the casualties at the ICW conference?"

"Tally is still being made, but all I know is it could have been a lot worse. The other attacks we were luckier, you know the results of Diagon Alley being there yourself, and there were no casualties at St. Mungo's. Fabian and Gideon would like to formally meet you Hermione, to thank you for saving them, they weren't certain they could make it on their own."

Giving a sad smile, Hermione didn't really know how to respond to that. Not when she knew for a fact they would have died before backup arrived. That those six children would have died with them. Maybe she had been reckless engaging in the battle in her condition, but she couldn't let them die, not when she could do something about it. The same most likely wouldn't work again, now that the element of surprise over her animagus form was gone.

When she didn't respond Dorea and James returned her sad smiles, the three of them going silent as Hermione and James ate. The only noise in the room being Teddy babbling something to Dorea. He was talking so fast Hermione had no idea what he was trying to say.

"I'm going to take Teddy upstairs to play. Try to get some more rest Hermione if you can. If you're not rested enough Augusta won't let you work tomorrow."

Hermione didn't want to be left alone with James, but she knew it was inevitable. He looked so serious the moment his mother was out of their sight.

"If you want privacy, we can go into the family library? It's that or my bedroom if you don't want to be interrupted."

"Library please," she squeaked out. She hated how off kilter she felt, but it was her own fault. With her luck she should have known she couldn't avoid James forever, that this would happen sometime. Instead of only focusing on avoiding him she should have planned out what to say when they finally met.

James held out a hand to her and Hermione hesitantly took it, her legs were still a little too weak, and she didn't know how far the library was. It just showed how nervous she was that she couldn't even muster up any excitement about visiting the Potter library. Harry would have checked her for a fever if she ever said she wasn't excited about seeing a new library.

When they reached the room, Hermione was a little relieved since it meant she could sit down. Perhaps she wouldn't be going into work tomorrow. Not if she was still feeling this weak this morning. For the baby's sake she had to be careful.

"How long have you known?" James asked not needing to elaborate.

"I found out the week before Christmas. I haven't told anyone; I am taking the necessary potions to make sure the baby is healthy." She didn't see the need to beat around about it. Now that he knew there was no point denying her child's existence. Not that she'd really been denying it's existence, she just hadn't been shouting about it from the rooftops.

"Were you ever going to tell me?"

Looking into his eyes Hermione knew he had read the answer in her own. "It's nothing against you, I don't know you, I just didn't see the point."

That was the wrong thing to say. James started to pace in front of her, his face going red, anger clear on his face. He kept opening and then shutting his mouth before resuming his pacing. It was clear he was trying to control his anger, so that he didn't say the wrong thing.

"The point is that I would have never ignored the existence of my own child. If I didn't think you'd shoot it down, I'd be insisting we marry. However I know you aren't ready for that, not when we don't know each other, but I do want to be in my child's life. Magical children absorb magic in the womb, not in the sense that it gives them a stronger magic, but it creates stronger bonds among their family members. Even if my child won't have my name, I want them to have the family magic."

Hermione didn't miss that he said she wasn't ready for him to ask her to marry him, not that he wasn't going to ask. If she conceded on allowing him in her life and to get to know their child, she had a feeling he'd never stop trying to get her to marry him. Not once they knew each other better. It would just be easier if she refused, but at the same time she wanted her child to have the family magic Hermione had never had. To have a link to their family, to maybe inherit a magical trait that muggle or squib born would never have a chance of developing. Besides if she didn't at least concede on this she'd never know a moment's peace. James wouldn't try to fight her for custody, but he would fight for visitation rights.

"Marriage is off the table. No matter how much time passes, I will never marry you James. I will allow you to be in our child's life, but there won't be anything else between us except maybe friendship. We can be friends if you don't try to make it more, but if you try to convince me of a romantic relationship we will only just be cordial and not spend anytime with each other unless we have to."

"Fine, we'll need to see each other at least 3 times a week for the rest of your pregnancy, more often if you're willing, but 3 times is the bare minimum for the child to get the necessary exposure to the family magics. I'm not sure if you know a lot about the absorption, there are three ways; the least affective is using magic around you when we're together, the next is that I spend at least half an hour with my hand on your stomach just focusing my magic, the most affective I know is off the table. For transparency's sake I'm going to tell you what it is, also just in case someone tries to joke around, the most affective is sex where our magics mingle when we climax together."

Hermione could not believe that James just said that with a straight face. She did appreciate his honesty, even if it brought her mind back to how good that night between them had been. He certainly had been quite talented. It was also clear to her that despite his agreeing verbally he didn't seem like he was serious about not pushing for a deeper relationship. James would most likely try to play the long game to change her mind, but she wouldn't especially not as long as she had so many secrets she was keeping from him.

"Also just so you know my parents are aware I got a witch pregnant. Your name, nor the baby's shows on the tapestry, but there is a line connecting to my name. After our child is born, I'll need to put a tiny amount of their blood onto the tapestry, a child born without the parents being married will only show on the family tapestry if a member of the family adds them. Any child of mine will be registered as a member of my family, I won't deny my relationship with our child."

That explained how he had known she was pregnant. At some point Hermione needed to do some research into family tapestries. She was still convinced that the Black Family Tapestry had been the culprit in their arrival in the past.

"I have no problem with that. Would you be willing for our child's name to be hyphenated? It's not just because we won't be married, I don't know if I'd ever take my husband's name, I'm proud of my own family history." Even if the name she was currently using wasn't her true family name, but it was still a conviction she'd had since she was a small child and understood what marriage was. Hermione had never wanted to give up her last name. Which is why it had been hard on her to not use it in this time, but she'd had to do it for her own safety.

"Either hyphenated or as a middle name if we have a son. Our child will be my first born, unfortunately due to Wizengamot ruling a daughter can only be heir if there are no sons, but if our child is a boy, I will make him my heir. Even a daughter will still get a trust fund and access to any family heirlooms."

Once upon a time his heir would have been Harry. How would Harry feel when he learned that her child might end up James's heir in this time? Would he be angry at her for sleeping with his father? It's not like the ritual they did made them blood relatives; it was just a magical tie that they chose. Would that matter to him? Would Harry find it as odd as she did that, she was going to have his half-sibling?

"Has Harry explained that we aren't blood siblings, that we only did the magical ritual claim?" On the off chance he ever found out that Harry was his future son, she didn't want him worrying that she was his blood daughter. The situation was still weird, but it wasn't incest.

"Yes we discussed it, a conversation we all had during one of the many dinners you didn't attend. Was it just about not wanting to see me? Was that why you didn't accept any of my mum's invitations?"

"No it wasn't just about you. I truly have been quite busy with becoming a healer." Plus wanting to let Harry have time to get to know the Potters on his own.

"You are going to have to tell at least your immediate supervisor about the pregnancy, there are some magical illnesses that are even more dangerous to pregnant witches. Making sure your supervisor knows means they can keep you away from those cases and take precautions in protecting you and our child."

James did have a point. Hermione had been worried she'd be exposed to something that would harm the baby.

"Alright, but other then your parents can you please not say anything yet. I just want to wait a little longer before I tell Harry."

"Are you ashamed?"

"What no?! I just don't know how to tell him. I was also waiting until I was through my first trimester." She couldn't believe James had asked her that. Had she given him the impression that she was ashamed of their child? "I might not have been planning to have a baby until I was well established in my career and married to a man I loved, but I already love our child. He or she means the world to me."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I'm glad that you love our child. I thought it would be weird if I said I already loved them when I don't even know them, but I'm excited. I wasn't planning on having a child during the war if I could help it, but I have always wanted children one day."

"James, we might not know each other well, but Harry has talked about how good you are with Teddy. He talks about you and your parents quite a bit, he really values your friendship. What I'm trying to say is you'll be a good father, that was never the reason I didn't reach out to you."

A look of relief passed over James's face at her reassurance. Hermione was glad she thought of telling him that. It could have caused a bad misunderstanding down the line.

"I just hope our friendship doesn't blow up when he finds out I got you pregnant." He said with a wince. Hermione wondered if maybe James felt a bond with Harry. If he could feel the Potter family magic within Harry, even if he didn't realize that was what it was.

"Harry's quick to anger and a bit of a hothead at times, but there isn't a lot of things he won't forgive. I'm sure he'll be fine, eventually at least."