Chapter Nine:

Speechless

It had been three months since the marriage of Harry and Hermione Potter. Hermione didn't think she had ever been so happy, because her dreams of becoming his wife had came true. They both promised to love each other forever, and they were working hard to fulfill that promise. They had no doubts about being together forever.

Hermione paced the room and was sweating with nerves. She was afraid and she felt nausea. She was frantically looking at her watch constantly and was mumbling something about someone not coming. She was getting even more nervous when she paced the room faster, something was wrong.

"Where is she?" Hermione asked over and over.

"Who me?" A girl said from behind her. Hermione had heard a slight pop noise and turned around almost instantly.

"Lavender," Hermione said gratefully. "I wasn't sure if you were going to show." She said, practically praising her.

"Come now, I wouldn't let you do this alone!" Lavender shrieked. "It would be too much fun to miss it." She said with a devious smile.

"Lavender, this isn't a funny matter. I am freaking out… what if it's true?" Hermione said, afraid she was going to pass out.

"Then we'll all celebrate," Lavender said. Hermione stared uneasily at her and she sighed lightly. "When does Harry return home?" She asked. She wanted to get off the other subject.

"Not till five and it's about noon. He works late on Fridays, the Aurors make him." She sighed.

Hermione didn't like it one bit that Harry stayed longer then he should. Every Friday he would spend over two hours alone in the Office trying to think about his next plans. She didn't care that he made plans; she was just upset about how the Aurors made him work so hard. She always claimed they were pushing him too hard.

"Well we better get going," Lavender said happily. "This is so exciting!" Lavender squealed.

"At least one of us is." Hermione said nervously.

It was going on six o'clock and Harry still hadn't returned home. He was afraid that Hermione would be worrying about him, but he was on a roll. He thought he knew exactly where Voldemort's next plan was. He tapped his pen on the desk top and circled a place: Bristol.

He knew exactly where his next move was. Harry had carefully followed his steps and this was the only place that Voldemort's steps would lead to. He got out a sheet of parchment and scribbled down many notes. He then thought for a moment and took out another sheet and there he wrote something else:

Dear Hermione,

I think I have finally got a tail on Voldemort. I am writing to tell you that I am going to be quite late tonight. I probably won't get home till at least nine. I'm sorry, but I really need to stay here. I promise I'll be home before eleven. Be careful and I hope you're feeling better. Take care and I love you.

-Harry

He whistled slightly as a snow white owl fluttered through the window. She expanded her large wings and cooed smoothly. She perched herself upon Harry's shoulder. Harry stroked her gently and kissed her slightly.

"Hey, Hedwig." Harry said gently. "Will you deliver this note to Hermione?" Harry asked as he stroked her more.

"Hoooot." She responded and nipped his finger affectionately.

She soared out the window in a matter of seconds and Harry watched his disappear in the sunset sky. He looked back to his paper again and twirled in his chair to get an idea for a plan. Harry just swiveled in his chair. This was going to be the last time Voldemort would have the chance to live. He would make sure that this would be the last of it.

Harry waited only a few minutes when something clicked on the window. He turned to see Hedwig poking the closed window with his beak. Harry reached over and opened the window for her. She perched herself upon his desk and held out the letter. He gently opened it and began reading.

Harry,

It's alright. I'm planning on staying the night at Lavender's, because we have some things to discuss. I know I'm sick, and I'll be careful. Just don't work too hard, because they work you up enough at that place! Well I am off to see Lavender. Ron is staying the night at our house because we didn't want him in the way. Sorry if you don't want him to be there. Love always,

Hermione

Harry shook his head and picked up the nearest quill he had. He dipped it in ink and set it upon the paper. All he was to write was her name, but he couldn't think of something else to write. What was she doing at Lavender's? 'Oh well, it's her business.' Harry thought.

I won't work too hard, but I am very close on this case. I am just worried about you having morning sickness, but if you're sure then I'll see you soon. It's alright if Ron stays the night. He can stay if we are both planning on not having any food in the morning, just kidding. He might actually be able to help me with this case. Send him down, and I'll get something for him to do without destroying anything else.

Love You,

-Harry

P.S. Don't tell Ron I said that, but he might try and trick you out of telling.

It was only a mere five minutes before Hedwig had zoomed at top speed through Hermione's window. She hooted heavily as she clutched onto a nightstand and held out her foot to Hermione, who was sitting on her bed, for her to take. Hermione carefully untied it and stopped packing a bag to go to Lavender's.

She read through the letter slowly and laughed lightly at every comment Harry had made about Ron. Hermione left her bedroom and walked down to the kitchen where Lavender and Ron were both sitting. Hermione was smiling over joyously. Lavender and Ron's heads moved immediately onto her face.

"Ron, Harry needs your help down at the office." She was giggling. Lavender walked over to her.

"What's so funny about that?" Ron asked as he watched Lav move.

"Look," Hermione said handing over the paper.

Lavender shrieked with laughter. Hermione needed a good laugh and Harry had given her just that. Hermione explained to Ron that Harry needed him right away and shoed him off to the living room where she told him to apparate. After he had disappeared, Lavender looked at Hermione.

"I think Harry was right." She smiled.

"I think so too." Hermione agreed.

Hermione walked back up to her and Harry's bedroom. She fingered through the layers of clothing in her bag, closed it, and announced that she was ready. She was quite nervous and slightly scared, but she would soon know the truth. She was secretly terrified to death, but held her ground.

She walked out of the room and took in the scent of home. She would be home in a day, but she would never look at home the same again after she returned. She took in the scent and could basically smell Harry in her presence. She looked at the clock, it was going on ten at night, and she gasped.

"Lavender, I'm ready." She said as she rushed out of the room. It was ten at night and she was still at home.

She wanted to leave before Harry got there, only because knowing Harry meant a lecture about something stupid. In her case, he would talk to her about how it probably wasn't a good idea to stay the night at someone else's house when you are sick. Hermione didn't care, it was just morning sickness, and she was fine.

She raced down the stairs with her bag trailing on the floor. She tripped slightly on the strap of her bag and ended up jumping over three steps. She sighed, phew, she hadn't fallen. She wiped the sweat off her forehead from being so nervous and walked into the kitchen. Lavender walked to her.

"Ready?" She asked gently.

"I think so." Hermione said breathlessly. "Can we just leave? I want to get out of here before Harry returns." Hermione pleaded.

"Why?" Lavender asked and gave her a look of amazement.

"I'll explain back at your house." Hermione said quickly. "Now let's just go!" Hermione said.

Lavender shrugged and with a pop, they were gone. Hermione ended up inside Lavender's living room and plopped down onto the couch. Lavender came out of the kitchen with a platter that had fancy cups of fresh tea on it. Lavender looked at Hermione with sadness.

"Are you alright?" Lavender asked.

"Yes," Hermione winced. "I have a stomach ache." She said.

"I think its true then." Lavender said as she set the platter down in front of Hermione and took a cup.

"Something tells me I hope and something tells me I hope not." Hermione said slowly with a few sighs in between.

Harry had returned home with Ron along side of him. He entered the house as Ron and he had both burst with laughter. They were joking around and laughing at the side of Ron's face. Harry pointed at him shakily as he laughed harder. He was practically snorting.

"I can't believe you!" Harry laughed.

"Well if that girl didn't leave the damn thing in the office, I wouldn't have gotten scratched!" Ron protested, but he couldn't help by laugh too.

"Ron, it was a cat." Harry laughed and then took a deep breath. "No wonder your Animagus form is a rooster." Harry said lightheartedly.

"WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSE TO MEAN?" Ron said taken aback.

"Well, there isn't exactly anything called a male chicken." Harry said with a laugh.

"But, I thought roosters were male chickens." Ron said as he pondered thickly on the subject.

"Oh my god," Harry said as he shook his head in amazement.

Harry just shook his head in utter amazement, and headed for the kitchen. Harry's house, for the first time, had looked almost bran new. Everything was clean and had the tiniest scent of lemon around it. Hermione must have cleaned while he was working, but she had forgotten something.

He walked into the hallway as shirts, pants, and other clothing were scattered through-out the stairway. He picked each piece of clothing up as he walked upstairs and found the bedroom a complete mess. The window was opened and papers were flown everywhere and Harry laughed.

"Guess she was late on her packing." Harry said, observing the room closely.

He carefully started folding each piece of clothing and packed it neatly into the dresser. He could smell Hermione's hairspray all over the room. This would be the first night in three months that they had not spent the night together. Harry couldn't help but feel a little lonesome.

"What are you doing?" Ron asked before stepping through the doorway.

"Cleaning," Harry started. "Hermione must have been in a rush and left her clothes all over." Harry said with a laugh.

"Wow, she even has you cleaning for her." Ron laughed.

"It's because I love her." Harry said. "It's not surprising that you don't clean your house. I don't know how you can call yourself a husband if you're that lazy." Harry said coolly.

"I do clean my house!" Ron said.

"Fine," Harry rolled his eyes, he knew he was lying, but said nothing. "You clean your house."

Ron smiled sanctimoniously. He left the bedroom leaving Harry alone folding Hermione's clean clothes. Harry didn't really like using magic in his house, because he'd rather do everything himself. He looked around the room when everything was folded and put back into the dresser. He then picked up each piece of paper and stacked them neatly on the desk. He closed the window.

He walked back downstairs when he smelled something weird coming from the kitchen. He walked in and found Ron stuffing his face with a grilled cheese sandwich and drinking a large glass of butter beer. Ron looked at Harry as flaky crumbs fell down the front of his shirt.

"vou dobt mib if y youse yorf cathen, fo vou?" Ron asked through a mouthful of sandwich.

"What?" Harry asked as he tried making out what he said.

"I said," Ron started after he swallowed. "You don't mind if I use your kitchen, do you?" Ron recited.

"No, but what are you eating?" He asked as he looked disgusted at the fried thing of crumbs.

"Grilled Cheese, I bought one at a muggle restaurant and didn't think it was that bad. So I made one." He said happily.

"That looks sickening." Harry said truthfully. "I think I'm going to throw up." He said as he clutched his stomach.

"You lived with muggles almost your entire life and you've never heard of a Grilled Cheese sandwich?" Ron asked, completely shocked.

"Nope." Harry said simply.

"And I thought my life was sad." Ron joked as he took another bit into the greasy hunk of cheese.

Harry left the room, afraid of getting sick, and set himself down on the couch. It was going on midnight and Harry was still thinking about Hermione. He had never been alone in so long, and he wanted her to come back home. He sighed, why was he thinking this? She hadn't been out with her friends in so long, and they were going shopping tomorrow, so they should be having fun.

Harry relaxed himself against the couch and sighed. No need to worry, no need to worry, no need to worry. He should stop worrying, but Hermione was his wife and he couldn't help but wonder where she was. He pictured her sleeping heavily on the couch, and lying comfortably in Lavender's guest room.

Harry relaxed himself across his blood red sofa and watched Ron lay comfortably on a spare sofa across from Harry. Harry let out a slight sigh and looked at Ron as he was still in deep thought about Hermione. He wanted his picture to be real and hoped that she wasn't in any kind of pain because she was sick.

"Do you miss Hermione?" Ron asked as he sprawled across the couch and snuggled with a blanket.

"I do, more then imaginable." Harry said truthfully.

"Harry, she is only going to be gone for a day. Why are you so worried?" Ron asked, thinking he was completely insane.

"Ron, we have never been apart once since we've been married." He said. "I just feel a little lonely." He sighed greatly.

"Well, she will be back in the morning. We can go out and have fun tomorrow. We are off work tomorrow because Mr. Crouch had called in members from the Order to take care of Voldemort." Ron said. "So Mr. Crouch arranged for every Auror to have the day off tomorrow." Ron said knowingly.

"Ron, we are in the Order." Harry said with a laugh, Ron must have forgotten.

"Oh yeah," He said after he thought a bit. "But, we are still Aurors so we get off." He said smartly.

"I'll send Albus an Owl in the morning, and I'll ask him if he needs our help." Harry said. "He probably will. Albus isn't exactly as young as he used to be." Harry joked.

"Harry, he stronger then the whole Order put together!" Ron said. "He's amazing!" Ron idolized Dumbledore.

"Ron, I know." Harry said. "I've witnessed more of his power then you have." Harry told the truth. Ron wasn't with him the whole time that Dumbledore had a duel with Voldemort. He wasn't there the entire time when Harry himself had battled Voldemort thrice. He was never there.

"How do you know?" Ron said jumpily. "How do you know that you've seen more power of his then me?" Ron asked. Harry nodded.

"I don't know, but I wish not to talk about this tonight." Harry said forcefully. "See you in the morning."

Harry moved to the side as he pulled the blanket off the top of the couch and snuggled with it. It was now one in the morning, and Harry was fatigued. He curled up against the back of the couch and pressed his face into the back cushion. He slowly and gently fell asleep to the smooth snores of Ron on the other side of the room.

Harry had been use to his snores because he spent probably a million nights at his house before, and Ron often fell asleep during work. Harry slept alright that night, he had had better nights, and he tossed and turned in his sleep. Harry had begun to dream things that were horrifying to see, but he couldn't get them out of his head.

"Harry!" Hermione yelled as she ran through the iron gates of the park.

"Hermione!" He called back as he was pushed into the Statue of Secrecy. His back hit the concrete directly.

"What's the matter Potter?" A high cold voice said. "Are you too afraid to fight?" The man in the black cloak hissed.

"Voldemort!" Hermione gasped and the man turned to her.

"HOW DARE YOU SAY MY NAME?" He hissed. "YOU FILTHY MUDBLOOD!" He said through gritted teeth.

"Hermione, run!" Harry yelled as he stood from his spot.

"No Harry, not without you!" She yelled but just then Voldemort had raised his wand.

"AVADA KEDAVRA!" Voldemort hissed. A green light swept across Hermione and she fell to the ground, dead.

"NOOOO!" The sound exploded.

"NOOOOOOOO!" Harry sat up from the couch, panting.

His scar was aching with pain as he lay back down and panted harder. He heard Ron rustle to get out of bed and walked over to him. He was clutching the blanket and seemed to be half asleep still. Harry thought that if he saw this before he screamed he would think Ron was a Zombie.

"Bloody Hell Harry, are you aight?" Ron asked through a wide yawn.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Harry panted a little softer. "Nightmare, sorry I woke you." Harry apologized.

"No need for-for-for, for apologies." Ron yawned. "Just get back to sleep; you've only been asleep for an hour." Ron said.

Harry breathed deep and returned to his position. Harry gave him a light thank you and heard the rustle of him returning to his sleep as well. Harry breathed deep and tried to think happy thoughts, and it seemed to work. He slowly drifted off to sleep and had replayed the entire wedding of him and Hermione in his head.

He slept heavily to this as he heard the slight patted on the roof, meaning there was rain. He thought for a moment. Hermione said everything bad happens when it rains, must be he wasn't paying attention before he fell asleep the first time. Maybe the rain would stop soon, hopefully it would.

Harry woke up to the smell of breakfast in the kitchen. He removed himself from his position and staggered out into the kitchen. Ron was cooking food on Harry's stove and turned sharply to face him. Harry was still half asleep and dragged himself over to the closest stool and melted on it.

"Morning, Harry." Ron said cheerfully.

"Morning," Harry responded tiredly.

"Breakfast?" Ron asked as he pushed a plate of scrambled eggs, two strips of crispy bacon, and a piece of buttered toast.

"Thanks," Harry said with a yawn. "What time is it?" He asked.

"Nearly three," Ron said. "We slept a while." Harry started laughing.

"I think that's the longest I've slept in ten years." He said.

Harry picked at his food. It looked quite delicious, but Harry wasn't all that hungry. He didn't want to hurt Ron's feeling on turning down the food though. Harry cut a piece of egg with his fork and shoved it quickly into his mouth. The sponginess made his mouth water with delight.

"This is excellent, Ron." Harry said after taking a sip of coffee and eating another bite. "I didn't know you cooked." Harry said.

"Well, this is my share at home. I try and cook the meals while Lav tries to clean." He said. "Once in a great while we'll switch off."

Harry nodded as he practically devoured his meal. He never knew that Ron could cook or clean, you have to admit that he didn't exactly look like it. Harry stood, a little bit more awake, and sipped his last mouthful of hot coffee. He turned to Ron before leaving the kitchen.

"I'm going to go take a shower. Hermione should be home soon, so you can wait for her if you'd like." Harry said as he headed up the stairs.

About twenty minutes had passed when Harry had opened the door and the hallway upstairs filled with steam. Harry combed his hair slightly as he walked out with clean clothes and hung the wet towel up on the back of the door to dry. He walked down the stairs silently. It was quiet… too quiet in his opinion.

"Hermione," Harry said when he walked in the kitchen and saw the girl sitting at the table with a tube in her hand.

"Hello Harry." She said as she removed herself from her seat and kissed him gently on the lips.

"Are you feeling better Love?" Harry asked sweetly and wrapped his arms around her waist, but before she answered he asked something else. "Where's everyone else?" He wondered.

"They returned home because we need to talk." Hermione said gently.

Harry nodded as he helped her to her seat and sat across from her. He was afraid something was wrong. He was afraid she was hurt over night. The good thing though was that he had forgotten about the dream he had last night. It was not in his memory anymore, and hopefully it didn't return to him.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked as he looked at her.

"Harry, I haven't been feeling good at all. I've been having stomach cramps and morning sickness and it hasn't gotten any worse, but it hasn't gotten better either." Hermione said as she clutched her stomach.

"It's alright. It's probably just the flu or something." He said. Hermione shook her head.

"I thought so too, but the reason I stayed with Lavender is so we could go to the Doctor's this morning." Hermione said nervously. "I found out what's wrong."

"Please don't be scared," Harry said as he felt her hand shake. He held her hand tight in his and tried to soothe her.

"I'm scare to death Harry." She said truthfully. Harry had gotten the wrong impression. "Harry I don't want you to freak about what I am going to tell you." She said as she started to cry lightly. The hidden spring of tears flooded her chocolate eyes.

"I won't, I promise. Are you really sick?" He asked. "Do you have some kind of illness that is fatal?" He asked, terrified.

"Oh heavens no," Hermione said quickly and reassuringly. "Of course not."

"Then, please, tell me?" Harry pleaded.

"Harry, please tell me you love me and nothing would change that." Hermione pleaded back.

"Of course I love you, you mean everything to me." He said. Harry looked down as she help a white tube in her hand. "What is that tube in your hand?" Harry asked as he studied her hand. Suddenly she opened her hand.

"I took a test." She said, "And it came back positive." She said nervously.

"You... you can't be...?" He stopped and she nodded.

"I am," She paused. She cried. She didn't know whether to smile or to scream. Tears were flooding her eyes with pure fear.

Hermione was shaking even more. Harry had guessed, but telling him the truth scared her more. How was he to handle this? Harry reaction at the moment was a little odd. How was she going to get through this? She bit her lip as the tense grew even higher. So thick that it seemed impossible to brake at all; Hermione, though, she had broken it with only two words:

"I'm pregnant."

Harry was completely speechless.

Author's Note:

I realize that I shouldn't have gone straight to three months after the wedding because that makes it really fast, but I don't want this story to have a lot of chapters. To the people who told me Hermione's middle name was "Jane:" I apologize because I could not remember. So I thought of one instead, just to let you know. And to those who told me Crouch is dead: I forgot that too. So in my story he is still alive because my computer doesn't work well with the replacing chapter thing. I'd have to delete it and then repost it and I don't have the time. I hope you enjoy this chapter though. I thought it was quite sweet.

To My Reviewers:

PrincessLuckyCML – Why wouldn't Hermione want to marry him? He's so hot! Lol

DestroyerDRT – Yes, that was the real Hermione. Unbelievable it seems. :P

pumpkinpie4ever - Ginny will show again in the next few chapters. I will have a special chapter for her. –evil smile-

E.G. Potter – Thank you for reminding me. Sincerely.

Laurence Hill – Thank you too, for pointing that out. I haven't read the fifth book since it came out, so I completely forgot. Apologies.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO EVERY REVIEWER:

I have received four reviews from a person with the pen name "donkeykong27" this week. He has written to me and told me nothing but how much my stories suck and basically all of you that review and say you like my stories, lie. He reviewed chapters 2 through 5 with nothing but insults. I ask you all to do one thing for me and that is to take the time to read his reviews sometime and tell me if you agree. If you do, honestly, agree with him then I'll gladly take the story off this site because that's what I feel like doing. He could have asked me to burn my computer and I would. If one person hates a story that much, then the story should not be posted. To all of you, who have not lied about how you feel, I thank you. I could never thank you enough, but his reviews really hurt. So I beg all of you to tell me if he is right, because I feel I must quit writing this story.

Thank you donkeykong27 for making me want to quit writing. I'm sure you feel wonderful now because I am one of those people who try to make people happy, and you have given me hell in return.

Airalynn

UPDATED: (SATURDAY) JUNE 3, 2005