Chapter Sixteen:

Win

It was very warm in the surgery room. Everyone seemed to be sweating in fear that she wasn't waking, but she was fine now. Harry could see her breathing, and this meant she was alright. Harry felt that this experience would scar him for life, but he knew that this was something he couldn't run from. Never would he leave her, and never would he have let her leave him behind in this gruesome world.

He promised her that he'd always be there for her, and he would not back out now. He had to make sure she was breathing, and she was. There was nothing to worry about, but yet, he was still shivering in fear of death. She had assured him countless times that she was fine, but he didn't want to listen. He wanted to believe her, but words can't always be trusted.

Even if they promised each other never to lie, they still could end up in that fix without knowing how to escape. That's it! They were trapped in this feeling, and with no way of getting out. Hermione told herself that she was fine, but even she was still afraid. She knew that she had almost died, and the thought of it made her teeth clatter in a fearsome shiver.

Her teeth felt like they were glued together when she noticed the temperature of the table that she laid on. She shivered from head to toe as she felt frozen. She wasn't sure if she could move and she had pains all over. Her legs felt like they were getting a thousand bee stings all over, and her lower stomach felt like it was ripped in half from where her daughter was removed.

She was tired and her head pounded with pains. She was moaning as her headache felt like her brain was exploding. She felt the blood pump through her head and the pangs of pain within her skull. She rubbed her head and just when she was about to see her husband leave the operating room, a woman had stepped in. She was holding something wrapped in a blanket, and Hermione's vision went fuzzy for about a second, and then returned to normal.

Whether she thought her vision was strange or not, she still was interested to know what the lady was holding. Harry seemed to know this woman well, and then Hermione realized who it was. She noticed and then nearly slapped herself. She figured it out and she laughed at herself, but made no noise out in the open. She was too intrigued in Harry and the woman's conversation.

She listened carefully, but all she could hear was giggling and laughing that echoed through the room. Hermione felt like she was shut in the dark. What was so happy that she, Hermione, could not hear? She could barely see them, because the only light in the room was on her and her only. Harry was swallowed in the darkness and she was getting restless. She pulled her blanket that covered her up to her face and shivered inside it, and then Harry stepped into the light.

He had a smile of warmth on him, and held a lump in the large, pink blanket. Hermione tried to look over, but the flap of blanket was in the way. She reached out and had a look of wonder on her face. Harry sat on the edge of the table, where his back had met her side, and he smiled at her. She stared at the blanket in wonderment and tears of joy had come to her eyes.

"Melody," She said in astonishment. "She's alright." She said.

"Yes," Harry spoke. "Our daughter is fine." He assured.

The word daughter had hit her like a brick. She was a mother, and she was no longer worried about her near death experience. Nothing seemed to her as bad anymore. The young child was wrapped in the blanket, and Hermione's eyes had gleamed in excitement and love. Her daughter was fine, she was fine, Harry was fine, and now she knew that her family was fine.

"She's beautiful." Hermione beamed at the young child.

"Just like her mother." Harry said with a smile. Hermione turned to him and pulled him to her with a soft kiss.

Hermione didn't dare move as the pain pumped into her skin. She felt the sears of pain curse her blood with danger. Not literally danger, but somehow she felt danger was coming from somewhere. Hermione looked at the young child that was now fast asleep in the crook of Harry's arm. Melody looked so peaceful, and it was more relaxing now because Hermione could see her breathe.

The young girl had an angelic face as if it were carved by angels. How she could see it was awkward, and it sort of scared her. She could see the color and she could see the thin strands of hair begin to grow at the top of her head. Not much, but she could see some. She then turned to Harry. His eyes were transfixed into the beauty of his first born daughter, and her angelic face.

"Did he do anything to her?" Hermione asked instantly when a memory corrupted her mind.

"Who?" Harry asked after his eyes had been glued to his daughter. He looked at Hermione like she was somehow crazy.

"You know," Hermione said. "Him,"

"Voldemort?" Harry whispered and Hermione nodded coherently.

"Did he harm her at all?" She asked. "I want to know if he had done anything to her. If he did then you have no idea, Harry, what I'm capable of doing." She threatened her thoughts and Harry laughed.

"Woah Sweetie," Harry said in fear. "He's gone."

"He's gone?" Hermione asked in amazement. She had suddenly grasped Harry's arm in unbelief and he cringed his teeth.

"Uhh, you're hurting me." He said and Hermione let go instantly.

"Sorry, but is Voldemort definitely dead?" She asked.

She whispered the name because this was a public hospital. What would others think if they happen to heard them talking? Harry and Hermione were basically the only ones that didn't fear to say his name. Perhaps if Harry wasn't the-boy-who-lived, he would find Voldemort a fearsome guy too. Maybe they would even be afraid to say his name like in the old days.

"Yes, Hermione," Harry laughed. "He's gone. The death marks on the deatheater's arms have disappeared. He's gone for good Hermione, and we no longer have to worry." He smiled and Hermione beamed.

"You did it?" She asked in joy. "You actually did it?" She wondered.

"Yes," He said and hugged her close. "We are safe." He said.

Hermione had sat up, using basically all her strength, and had finally gotten up. She sat on the table with Harry hugging her close, and then she looked at the child. The young child was asleep and Hermione smiled at the young girl. Hermione's fatigue had suddenly left her at the sight of Melody. Then Harry had spoken a few words, and Hermione's heart had stopped in unbelief.

"We're finally a family." He spoke and Hermione kissed him so hard on the lips that it hit him like a bullet. "What was that for?" He wondered.

"For accepting everything we've created." She said.

"Accepting?" He asked with confusing. "Did you think I'd turn her away or something? I would never do that if that's what you mean!" He said, but Hermione had shaken her head.

"That's not what I meant," Hermione said. "I just thought this would be a pretty big step after everything that happened. I know you said you wanted to keep her, but now that she is here I thought maybe you'd change your mind." She said.

"Hermione," Harry assured. "This is all because of what we have done, and what we did, and what we attempted." He laughed. "As dirty as that sounds, Melody is alive because we've made her. You should be proud, and to let you know… I am." He said.

"I love you." She smiled. "So much, and thank you for all this," She said.

Hermione had taken the little girl into her arm and rocked her. Knowing that her, and Harry, had made this child live seemed phenomenal. She smiled at the young child and held her close to her. She smiled and nuzzled her face into the child with unbelief and fascination of how this was possible. She smiled gently and her thumb had gently rolled against the skin of her daughter's hand.

"She's so tiny," She said in tears of happiness.

"She is," Harry laughed and stared at his daughter. "What color eyes do you think she has?" He asked.

"I think green, like yours." She smiled.

"I think they're chocolate, like yours." He smiled.

"Do you wanna make a bet on that Mr. Potter?" She teased. Harry cupped his chin with a thinking expression.

"What do you have in mind, Mrs. Potter?" He teased back.

"If her eyes are green then you have to take me out to a romantic dinner when we are both feeling well enough." She said, practically drooling.

"Alright, and if I win we have to snog senseless when we get home." He laughed and Hermione smiled.

"I'm up for that."

"Me too," They shook hands.

They eyed each other with the laugh in their heads about such a ridiculous bet. Hermione had a smirk on her face saying that she'd win this "hands on," and Harry had the same exact one across his face. Whether the other would win or not, it didn't matter. This was just a fun game to play to get the thoughts about everything out of their heads and begin smiling again.

"I hope she has your eyes." Hermione said after watching Harry rock her some more.

"Why, so I can take you out to dinner?" He asked.

"No," She said. "Because I love the color of your eyes."

Hermione and Harry sat holding their child and spent countless minutes talking about their bet. Harry was sure he'd win, and Hermione was sure that she'd win. It was neck and neck, but all they had to do was to wait for their daughter to open her eyes. They waited, but she seemed to be in a deep sleep. Then the doors had swung open, and Hermione had instantly covered herself.

"Are you alright?" seven voices asked at once as the almost entire Weasley family had filed into the room.

"We're all fine." Hermione said with a joyful smile. She had her arms still around Harry when they had entered.

Hermione noticed that when the Weasleys had walked in one of them seemed to be glaring at Harry. It was Ginny, and Hermione had hugged Harry tighter then ever in fear of what she was capable of. It didn't matter if she spoke or not, but the explosion of anger was pumping through her vanes like lava. She just glared back, but tried not to look too noticeable.

"I'm glad you're alright, 'Mione." Ron had choked out and she smiled.

"It's alright Ron," She said. "But where's Lav?" She wondered.

"She'll be here in a few minutes. She is having some difficulties because she was afraid you wouldn't make it, but her boss wouldn't let her leave work." He said. "Don't be mad at her for it." He pleaded.

"I don't think I could survive being mad at Lavender." She assured. "Come now," She said.

She had spoke the words then let go of Harry. He was still holding the child, and Hermione had swirled around so she was covered in the blanket. She knew she was naked underneath, and she was sort of embarrassed, but right now she didn't care. She held out her arms and Ron had shakily stepped towards her. Hermione had hugged him with a bright smile across her lips.

"I'm glad you're alright." He said. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost a sister." He said.

"It's alright Ron, I'm fine." She smiled and gave him a friendly kiss on the cheek.

"Are you still in any pain Hermione?" George asked from the back wall.

"Not so much, but if you want a hug then come and get one." She laughed and George had indeed given her a hug. She had kissed him too in the exact same way as Ron.

Slowly, each of the Weasleys had given their love through a hug and a kiss from Hermione, except Ginny. Hermione wouldn't let her at all. She didn't know the whole story about why Ginny had given her name to the Deatheaters, but she didn't care. The point is that she did it, and Hermione wasn't usually a forgiving person. She told her self that she would never again forgive Ginny for her mistakes.

"Oh, dear, you're all alright!" Molly Weasley said as she quickly ran into the room. "I didn't see anyone in the hall and I got rather scared." She said. "Good to know that you're alright, Hermione." She said while giving her a hug.

"Thanks Molly," She said. "Would you like to meet your new Granddaughter?" She smiled and Molly let out a happy laugh.

"Stop making me feel so old!" She taunted.

Harry had handed the young child that was still wrapped in the fuzzy, pink blanket to Molly with a smile. He twisted at his side and held Hermione close to him. He kissed her head and she nuzzled her face into Harry's neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist as he felt a gentle kiss on the neck of his skin. He giggled as the tickling sensation covered his neck.

"Stop that!" He said in the middle of a laugh. "You know that tickles." He said.

"I know, but I wanted to make you laugh." She smiled in an innocent tone.

"We'll it worked." He said and hugged her tightly. "When do you want to deliver the news?" He whispered.

"What news?" She whispered back as all the Weasleys were congregated around small Melody.

"The news." He said and Hermione thought for a minute. "Come on, Hermione, we discussed it a week ago." He said.

"Oh, that," She said. "I still don't know when to tell them, but I guess now would suffice." She said.

"You, or me?" He asked and she shrugged.

They whispered back and forth as the family was gawking at the young child. Hermione watched Ron closely as he handled the child, and she decided to herself that this news indeed was a good choice. How they acted and how they were, it was perfect. But there was one problem and Hermione had suddenly remembered as the thought raced through her head.

"We need to wait for-" She was cut clean off.

"SORRY I'M ATE EVERYONE! Are you alright Hermione?" A woman with long brown hair asked after racing into the room.

"I'm fine Lavender." Hermione assured. "Ron has Melody if you want to see her." She said.

"Alright, but are you alright?"

"Yes." Hermione laughed.

"You sure?" Lavender asking in a questioning tone.

"I'M FINE!" Hermione shouted in an annoyance tone. "Get over there and meet your- meet Melody." She corrected herself. She had almost given away the surprise.

Whether or not Lavender was good with Melody, it didn't matter. Lavender had her own child, Skyler, and he was one of the most polite children Hermione had ever seen, even with being a healer. Hermione had never seen such a gentle mother nursing a child. She couldn't even remember one time that Lavender had ever yelled at Skyler, but if he did something wrong then Lavender would just gently talk to him and not force him.

"Harry, I think now is the time." Hermione said. Harry nodded.

"EVERYONE, can I have you attention?" Harry asked. He shouted at first, but then when the sound died down he did too. "I'd like to kindly ask you all to leave so Hermione and I can have some time to talk with Ron and Lavender." He said.

"Of course dear," Mrs. Weasley said. "Melody is still sleeping, so here you are." She said and handed the child delicately to Harry.

"Thank you Molly." He said. "It will just be a minute." He said.

"Oh, no, dear." She smiled. "Take your time, we'll be outside if you need us." She winked and gave Harry a small peck on the cheek. "Hope you feel better, Hermione," She said with one last hug.

"See you in a few minutes, Molly," Hermione said.

They watched as the entire family had disappeared behind the huge black, padded, door and then they both turned to Ron and Lavender. They both looked petrified as their faces drained to a white color. Hermione smiled at them gently, and they relaxed a little more. The pink had returned to their cheeks, and smiles had crawled across their lips like a sensor.

"You can relax," Hermione said. "We just want to talk."

"Look, Hermione," Lavender started. "I'm sorry I wasn't here, but it was my job. It probably sounds rather selfish that you were nearly dead and I was worried about losing my job, but that's not how it is. I was tearing myself a part at work and I'm really, really sorry that I didn't walk out!" She said. She had talked in one long breath.

"Lavender, slow down!" Hermione said. "I don't care about that. I'm fine, so it honestly doesn't matter." She said. "I just want to ask you something."

"About Melody," Harry noted and Hermione nodded.

"Why don't you explain it to them?" Hermione asked in a pleading tone and Harry smiled and gave Melody to Hermione.

"Alright baby," He said. "Ron, Lav," He stood. "We've known you two a while and we've learned to realize how excellent you are with a child." He said.

"Ron does nothing with Sky, so what do you mean?" Lavender asked.

"I do stuff!" He retorted back.

"Come on Ron, I asked you to change his diaper once and you came back a half an hour later with nothing done. I asked you what you did for the whole half hour and you said you were looking at porn in a magazine." She rolled her eyes.

"Anyway," Harry said trying not to laugh. Lavender kept a straight face, but Ron had grown incredibly rosy. "We want to offer you an option." He said.

"Option?" Lavender asked. "Does this have anything to do with babysitting or anything?" She asked and Harry shook his head.

"Not exactly." He said. "Since you guys are like brother and sister to me and Hermione, we were wondering if you'd like the fill the position of Aunt and Uncle." He said.

"Since me and Harry are both the only child in our separate families." Hermione had said from the bed.

"I'd love to!" Lavender said. "But you didn't have to ask our permission. We would have done it anyway, right Ronald?" She asked.

"Sorry, but I must be looking at porn." He said with great amount of sarcasm. Lavender had suddenly smacked Ron in the back of the head. "Ow!"

"You were drooling." She said, missing the sarcasm by miles.

Hermione and Harry then suddenly looked at each other. Two people, who they thought were good with children, were talking about the most disgusting things to each other and smacking each other in the back of the head! But even if they were a little nutty, both Harry and Hermione knew that this was the only choice they had and they'd thank them one day in the future.

Then without knowing it really, Hermione had gasped. A flow of amazement had washed through her blood like a stampede. She felt her heart race and then in the steadiest voice spoke to her husband. She gripped the sleeve of Harry's shirt and pulled him towards their daughter. Hermione smiled, and not caring anymore. The child was now revealing the answer.

"H-H- Harry!" Hermione said after gripping his sleeve. "Melody!"

"What? What's wrong?" He asked and then he had seen in. It stared him in the face and he smiled.

"Her eyes," She said.

"They're open!" They both said.

Then after a long awkward pause of nothing but silence, one of them spoke. Remembering the bet as it swirled in both of their minds, they now knew who won. That one had pointed it out in a greedy smile, and the other shrugged. In two simple words the moment had stopped pressing its force of anticipation between the couple and their surroundings.

"I win."

Author's Note:

As a cliffy I decided to stop here so you don't know who won the bet! Hahaha, I'm so mean! Lol. Sorry guys that I didn't update for two weeks, but the first week I went camping from Wednesday to Sunday, and last weekend I had finally gotten a job and I had no time to write. Sorry again, and hope y'all like this chap.! Have a good weekend! I'm also going to start updating every other week because I'm in the middle of five stories and it's getting to be a hassle with this new job and everything going on. Thanks for the reviews!

After I thought it could possibly be over, it happened again. A certain day of two weeks ago I have received another flamer. Whether this person's fact were true or not I'd as you all to tell me if you agree. You don't have to explain, but I want to know. I gave him a note under To My Reviewers but I doubt he'll listen. So, please, I'd like the truth behind the rude review from "w180" soon.

QUESTION:

Who do you think won the bet?

Airalynn

To My Reviewers:

rockergurl13 – Aggressive request? Haha, that's great.

Ms. Sakura Moon – Well I gave you a too long of a wait, so please don't hate me! I'LL NEVER DO IT AGAIN! Lol.

LoveSick105 – I don't know if I'll kill off anyone in this story. I think that's what people are wondering and like expecting because it happens in like EVERYTHING! Lol.

w180 – Alright, when I thought it was over I get ANOTHER FLAMER! Thereare somethings I need to say to you. 1) If you read a little further into the story you would understand why Hermione hates Ginny, 2) I didn't say his car was a mustang, I said it was in the form... there's a difference, 3) Mirrors have nothing to do with places. Have you ever seen a house with a million mirrors all over the place? Obviously not because you seem like one of those people who aren't elegant enough to go there, you damn poor people, and 4) That was uncalled for and to me, you should be shot for saying that about an Indian. I think their culture is rather magnificent. DOES ANYONE ELSE AGREE WITH THIS GUY?

harryhermione4ever – Define "fast" hahaha, sorry, I was dying to say that.

X Acheron X – Do you always have to bring the word 'monkey' in? lol, thank you Ally and I already explained about my writing. I just don't know when the right time is to tell my fans.

QuidditchGirl30 – NEWBIE! Just kidding, I'm kinda sorta new at writing too, but no sweat! As long as you review, I'm satisfied:P

NicciBubbles – I don't know either, so if I decide that the Angle was really Lilly then you'll find out later, but it isn't really a big deal to the story.

pumpkinpie4ever – I did indeed check out your story, and I think I had sent you a review. If I haven't then tell me and I will, but it was pretty good.

Aeiko – I WAS CAMPING! I TOLD YOU THAT LIKE 20 TIMES! Lol

E.G. Potter – I'm a great writer because I can make you freak out? Sch-weet! Lol.

Hermione Potter 4ever – You've just started reading this story huh? Well, I'm glad you like it and thanks for reviewing! Lol.

That's it... until next time!

UPDATED: (SATURDAY) AUGUST 20, 2005 – Happy almost Birthday to Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) who's birthday is August 24! HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY RUPERT!

"You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club."