Waiting and Hoping
Chapter 16
Hermione couldn't quite believe how happy she felt. She was walking down the school drive hand in hand with Ron Weasley, her boyfriend. They were on the way to Hogsmeade for a drink in the Three Broomsticks before apparating to the Burrow. The walked in to crowded pub and were about to find a table when they heard their names,
"Ron, Hermione, come sit with us!" It was Neville Longbottom and his wife Hannah, who looked radiant. Ron and Hermione made a beeline for them.
"Hannah it's good to see you, you look great" said Hermione indicating at her protruding bump,
"Thanks Hermione, Neville was just telling me about you two" Neville flushed,
"Hannah, I don't know if their telling…"
"Don't worry Neville it's fine, some students caught us kissing by the hospital wing, it will be round the whole school by now," said Ron proudly
"Where's Frank?" Hermione asked,
"We dropped him off at my Gran's before your party…Oh Merlin it wasn't a surprise was it!" said Neville putting his hand to his mouth in embarrassment,
"No, I knew, we were just going to have a drink before we go, what can I get you? We can go together."
They arrived at the Burrow just as the sun was setting and walked into the house.
"Hermione, Ron! You're here, oh hello Neville, Hannah" said Molly as she ushered them into the house. Hermione and Ron walked into the kitchen hand in hand.
"So it is true!" Ginny squealed upon seeing this
"Happy Birthday Hermione," said Harry leaning over to give her a peck on the cheek "Well done Ron, finally plucked up the courage, what did it take? An interesting dream maybe?" he said cheekily, Ron however just smiled and kissed Hermione on the forehead
"No, just a near death experience" Ron said, Hermione grinned.
The evening wore on and most of the guest had left, when just Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ginny remained, Molly served some Coffee.
"Thanks for the great party Molly" said Hermione smiling at her,
"Not at all dear, I trust you had a good day" she said inclining her head at Ron's snoozing form
"Much better than expected" she replied giving him a nudge. Ron grunted and awoke, taking the Coffee from his mother. Harry coughed awkwardly,
"Umm, everyone Ginny and I have something to say" they all looked at him, he paled,
"Ginny" he said offering her the floor
"Coward," she joked "I'm pregnant." Everyone cheered and hugged the couple; Molly was failing to hold back tears of happiness. Ron shook Harry's hand and said "Much as it pains me to think of how that baby got in there Congratulations mate" Hermione laughed,
"Honestly Ron, they are married, congratulations you two, its brilliant news!"
Harry and Ginny beamed
"Oh what a day," said Molly smiling " Ginny's pregnant and you two have finally opened you eyes" she said indicating at Ron and Hermione, they smiled.
After saying their goodbyes the two couples left together, as they were walking to the end of the garden path Ginny and Hermione were discussing baby names and Harry pulled Ron aside,
"Ron, I feel I have to do this, Hermione is like a sister to me, and if you ever hurt her I will kill you" he said seriously, Ron grimaced remembering giving a similar speech to Harry when on his wedding day
"Don't worry Harry mate," he said clapping him on the back "I've waited over 10 years for her, I'm not going to mess it up, I love her"
"I know you do" said Harry quietly.
The four friends bade goodbye to each other and Ron and Hermione apparated back to Hogsmeade.
"It was a great night" said Ron as they walked through Hogsmeade towards Hogwarts
"Yeh it was, do you want to go for a nightcap" Hermione replied
"I can think of far more interesting things to do for the last few hours of you birthday" he replied cheekily,
"So can I" she said smiling
"Happy Birthday Hermione" said Ron pulling her in for kiss, and they walked towards Hogwarts to do some 'far interesting things'.
A/N I almost put Hagrid in this chapter instead of Hannah and Neville before I remembered that I killed him! Oops! Hope you like it, I will try to update tomorrow if I can! 2 days to go! Please keep reviewing!
Love you all
Laura
xxx