Chapter re-vamped 2/3/2015

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Disclaimer: None of the characters or the world created by JK Rowling belongs to me nor do I make any money off this story.

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Days had gone by swiftly since Hermione had discovered her pregnancy. It was August twenty-ninth and the trio was getting ready to head into Diagon Alley for a day of shopping. Their more recent days had been spent moving Hermione's things into another room, adjacent to both Ron and Harry's rooms. Kreacher didn't like that. According the slightly demented elf, "proper young mudbloods should not sleep on the same floor as master and the young blood traitor." This room had a private bath and a small adjoining room, perfect for a baby. They knew it would be a while before the room was needed, but Hermione wanted to get things in motion. She was determined to return to number 12 Grimmauld with Harry and Ron in the summer. It was her home.

A week earlier, Hermione had contacted Headmistress McGonagall and over tea she had explained her sticky situation. The father had not been revealed and would not until such a time Hermione felt comfortable. However the Headmistress would be telling both Professor Flitwick and Professor Vector. Hermione also had a checkup appointment scheduled with Madame Pomfrey on Saturday. Seeing as the term was beginning on a Wednesday, the Headmistress had given everyone leave to relax. Classes would not start until the Monday after. For that, Hermione was thankful.

Finishing off her orange juice, Hermione looked at her watch and sighed. What was taking them so long? Minutes later, Ron and Harry strolled into the kitchen. Harry was laughing his head off as Ron limped a little and rubbed his shin. Hermione quirked an eyebrow, almost afraid to ask. In between laughs, Harry managed to choke out an explanation.

"You know that troll leg umbrella stand in the hall? Ron tripped over it."

Ron glanced sideways, his gaze promising retribution.

"I didn't trip. He practically shoved me into the wall."

Hermione shook her head ruefully. They may have defeated a dark lord but they were still children. Half the time they were making up for lost time. Setting her glass in the sink, Hermione grabbed her purse off the counter. The trusty enchanted purse. There were small tears in the lining, beads missing from the outside and other insignificant damages. But Hermione wasn't willing to replace it just yet. After all, she and the purse had been to hell and back together.

"Ready to go Hermione?"

She glanced up at the pair and nodded. "I've been waiting on you two fools."

Slowly they walked out of the kitchen and down the back hall to the rear door of the house. Kreacher stood by the door, his new pillow case already turning a dingy yellow.

"Young Master heading out now?"

His voice was gravelly, his movements slow. The elf was old as hell and it was definitely showing as the days went by.

Harry nodded to Kreacher as Hermione and Ron preceded him onto the back stoop.

"Yeah. We'll probably be out until late evening. Don't worry about supper, we're eating at the Burrow."

Kreacher nodded slowly, his ear flopping slightly.

"Don't do too much Kreacher. Take it easy."

With that Harry stepped out on the stoop and closed the door behind him. He quickly activated the wards on the house and turned to the others.

Ron looked at him and with a smirk on his face he said, "If I didn't know better, I'd say you liked him."

Hermione giggled at the scandalized look on Harry's face. "I wouldn't say that however he kind of grows on you, like mold."

Hermione slung her purse over her head, resting it on her shoulder. Holding out her arms, Harry and Ron both took one. With a sharp crack, they were gone.

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The trio appeared in the alley next to the Leaky Cauldron. Hermione slapped a hand over her mouth and ducked away from the others, afraid of puking on their shoes. A pair of hands grabbed her hair and held it out of the way as another rubbed her back. When Hermione finished dry heaving, she shakily stood and took a minute to compose herself.

"I thought you said apparition was safe?"

Hermione nodded as she pulled a bottle of water from her purse. After rinsing her mouth she said.

"It is. Madame Pomfrey told me it's safe until I hit six months. But no matter how I travel it'll bother my stomach for the first few months. I figured apparition would be easier on my stomach than the floo network. Ready?"

Ron and Harry followed Hermione's shaky progress toward the door of the inn, hands at her back. Harry held open the door and Hermione stepped through into the dimly lit establishment. Breathing in the scents, she sighed, content. It had been a very long time since she had smelled the warm, musty odor. It was loud, but not overly so; as people crowded around tables and were crammed into booths, sharing food and drink with bags and packages at their feet. For just a moment Hermione thought it would be like it used to, at what seemed so long ago. But then the noise stopped and heads turned their way, bodies twisting at odd angles to get a look at the source of attention.

"Celebrity status."

Hermione elbowed backward and Ron shifted out of the way, stifling a laugh. Slowly the trio made their way toward the bar and a smiling Tom. Along the way they passed those brave enough to whisper behind their hands right in front of them. Once in a while they encountered someone braver, who stood and shook their hands, thanking them for what they did. From a far corner, they also received a slight wave from Dean and Seamus.

Tom's toothless smile greeted them at the bar.

"Wonderful to see you three. What can I do for you today?"

Hermione smiled back at the man, remembering how kind he was to her when she and her very confused parents stumbled into his tavern eight years ago.

Hermione shook her head.

"We're just headed into Diagon Alley for our school things."

Tom nodded and waved his hand, the side door that led to the back of the building easing open with the motion.

"Well, have a good day. You need anything let me know."

"We will."

Ron said, hustling Hermione toward the door, Harry right behind him. As they stepped outside and approached the brick wall Ron exaggerated a shudder.

"They kept staring. Merlin, it was creepy."

Harry laughed and smacked his shoulder.

"Now you know how I feel all the time."

Hermione pulled her wand from her sleeve and tapped in against the bricks before slipping it back into the wrist holster.

As the wall opened and the bricks rearranged themselves, the trio stepped through into the hustle and bustle of the newly repaired Diagon Alley. It looked like the attacks and the shop shutdowns had never happened. People were everywhere in brightly colored clothes and the alley was alive with activity of all sorts. Things were getting back to normal. Or as normal as they ever were.

"So where to first? What do you two need?"

Ron and Harry looked between themselves. Tapping her chin Hermione ignored the two.

"I'm not going to be taking potions so I can give you all of my supplies. That should cover you in that aspect. We'll have to get you new robes and of course we can't skip the Quidditch supplies."

The last was said with a sardonic smirk, her tone mocking. Harry shoved her lightly and chuckled.

"Yeah. I want to pick up more dark arts books and take a look at the specialty shop."

"You mean the one that opened at the end of the alley?"

Harry nodded. Hermione shifted her purse strap and said "Well, I suppose our first stop should be Gringotts."

Turning they headed in the other direction toward the large structure. Ron suddenly had a thought.

"Will they let us in? I mean we did break in and steal a dragon. Goblins are notorious for taking revenge."

Hermione and Ron stopped in their tracks, sharing a concerned look. When Harry realized they had stopped, he halted himself and turned to look back.

Harry held a finger and wagged it like he was admonishing a child.

"I already took care of this. Paid a fine, bought them a new dragon and was threatened on pain of death. But Griphook did say we had style."

Hermione tried to hold it in, but she couldn't help it. She burst into laughter. Ron looked perplexed.

"Style?"

Harry shrugged. "I guess so. Ready?" Hermione nodded and they continued walking. So far nobody had stopped them, however there were people pointing and whispering. They knew it was going to be like this but to actually experience it was a whole other story. As they climbed the white marble stairs to Gringotts massive front doors, Hermione peered at her reflection is the hard surface.

Wide eyes, pouty lips, sparse freckles and a mass of hair that couldn't be tamed looked back at her. A sudden thought struck her. What would her child look like? Would it have her hair and Severus's alabaster skin? How about his dark eyes or her honey brown ones? Her high cheekbones or his strong jaw line?

"Hermione? You alright?"

Snapping her head up, she met the concerned gazes of her two best friends a few stairs above her. She hadn't realized she had stopped moving. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't muster the blinding smile she wanted to. Instead a small sardonic grimace appeared and she ran a hand through the loose strands of hair that dangled in front of her eyes. Licking her lips and gripping the strap of her purse inhumanly tight she whispered, "My baby."

The boys shared a look as they slowly converged on her. Hermione shook her head fiercely, determined not to freak out in public before giving them a stern look to back off.

"Just because I lose my sense for a moment does not mean you two can treat me like a wounded deer. I'm alright. Just having a revelation is all."

Harry dropped his arm and tilted his head, looking at her quizzically. "Revelation?"

Hermione nodded, her smile coming easy this time. "Just wondering what my child will look like is all. Now that I'm done having a moment, let's continue, shall we?"

Brushing past her companions, Hermione moved forward, throwing a smile over her shoulder. As they stepped into the extravagantly furnished building Hermione couldn't help but look around at the activity. Just as before imposing goblins manned the high, gold plated counters and patrons waited patiently in the lobby while others waited to be called to a counter. The trio didn't have to wait long before they were noticed and escorted directly to the Bank Managers desk. No other goblin would deal with them civilly.

Griphook raised his head, his teeth glinting viciously in his mouth. Setting his quill down, he pushed aside his paperwork and said," Lord Potter, Mr. Weasley, Ms. Granger. I would say it's good to see you but trouble is never far behind where you're concerned. How can I help you today?"

"Uh…." Harry cleared his throat as Ron scrambled to finish his incoherent thought.

"We'd like to make a withdrawal. School supplies you know."

Hermione wanted to smack Ron in the forehead. Griphook handed them all a withdrawal slip and a quill, his smile even more predatory than before. He was getting a kick out of this.

Brazenly Hermione settled herself in a chair. "I hope there were no issues with the transfer of my funds. I would have done it sooner but I didn't think I would ever need to completely leave the muggle world."

Griphook waved a stubby hand dismissively. "It was nothing. Money is what we know best, only second to war."

As a second goblin brought some sizeable brown leather pouches forward, Griphook took them and shook them lightly, his ears flicking with the sound. Pushing the bags toward them he announced, "As you requested Ms. Granger, these pouches have been linked to your accounts and only you or those registered on your account can open them."

Hermione stood and followed Harry and Ron toward the door. Pausing, she asked "Can an account be opened by mail or must I come in personally?"

Griphook looked at her oddly, his head tilting to the side as he sniffed the air. Hermione squirmed under his scrutiny, especially when his gaze paused on her stomach.

"Mail is fine however you will have to deposit on site." Hermione nodded and continued out the door, her back stiff.

As the office door swung shut behind her she heard a coarse chuckle, its timbre grating down her spine. "Do come again, won't you?"

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Hermione shielded her eyes as they stepped back out into the afternoon sun. Harry and Ron were bickering about Quidditch again, no surprise there. Clearing her throat, she asked, "Where to first? Madame Malkins, do you think?"

Ron seemed to deflate at the thought and Harry grimaced. Hermione could practically read their minds.

"We are not hitting Quality Quidditch supplies so early in the day. We'll be there all afternoon. Tell you what, we go to Malkin's first, then the Specialty shop. Then while I go pick up my books, you can raid Quality Quidditch. Sound good?"

If they had nodded any faster their heads might have come off. Harry and Ron grinned at each other, knowing Hermione would take near forever getting her books. All the supplies that could be ordered by owl such as their new course books and replacement crystal vials had been, to shorten their trip.

Swiftly they weaved through the crowd, chattering idly and pointing out the new additions to the alley. Weasley's Wizard Wheezes was flourishing, despite the loss of Fred. Lee Jordan had stepped up and was helping George run things. He wasn't a replacement for Fred by any means but George needed a hand to both run the store and manage his grief. Fortescue's was repaired, popular as ever and Ollivander's although not completely repaired, had re-opened.

It was oddly comforting to see eager first years and their parents coming from Flourish and Blotts, arms full to the brim with books. Older students were hanging about in groups, chatting and showing off new purchases. Some younger students were crowding the display window at Quality Quidditch, noses practically melded to the glass. They were eyeing the new Lightening Strike. It was the newest broom on the market and three times as fast as its predecessor, the Firebolt. Harry had ordered and received his before they even came out on shelves. Nobody said there weren't a few perks to being The Boy-Who-Lived.

Coming upon Madam Malkins, Ron hurriedly pulled Hermione out of the way as a set of giggling triplet girls came barreling out the door. Their mother rushed out after them, shrinking brown wrapped parcels as she went. "That is what you could be looking forward to Hermione." Hermione burst into laughter as Ron held open the door, allowing her and Harry to go first. Madam Malkins was honestly the busiest they had ever seen it. From the looks of it, they would be getting a few more first years than usual. Attendants and sales clerks raced around, taking measurements, ringing people up and chasing after wayward toddlers of distracted mothers.

The trio took a seat in the main area, happy to wait for the chaos to settle and people to clear out. After about twenty minutes of idle discussion and people watching, Madam Malkin appeared in front of them.

"Well what do we have here? How good to see you! What can I do for our hero's today?"

Hermione grimaced.

Ron and Harry looked as if they were ready to bolt, so Hermione grudgingly took charge.

Standing she said, " Both Ron and Harry need new school robes, along with dress robes and several sets of slacks, socks and a few sweater vests. Gryffindor colors of course. A new pair of shoes wouldn't hurt either."

Nodding, Madam Malkin snapped her fingers and within moments two girls appeared, tape measures in hand. Briskly they led Harry and Ron away to the fitting rooms. "And you Ms. Granger? What can I do for you today?"

"I'll need the same if you please."

Madam Malkin nodded before turning swiftly, making a 'follow me' gesture with her hand. Dutifully Hermione followed, the wheels turning in her head. She needed new robes for sure. Her shirts were too tight on her breasts and her skirts a tad short. Inside the fitting room she threw her trusty purse into a chair and kicked off her flats before climbing up onto the round dais. Swiftly Madam Malkin took her measurements, tutting as she went along. "Really dear, you are far too skinny."

Hermione took this as her cue.

"Madam, how well does the material you use for skirts and shirts transfigure? You are right, I do need to put on a few pounds and when I do, I don't want to have to buy all new clothes."

Madam Malkin stopped and seemed to think for a moment.

"Well dear, the material is fairly strong. Now that doesn't mean it can be stretched to the size of a house, but a few inches here or there shouldn't matter."

Hermione nodded, her thoughts already in overdrive.

"Anything else dear?"

Shaking her head Hermione replied, "That should be it. Robes, skirts, shirts and a few sweaters. All three of us could use some ties. Other than that we're good to go."

Stepping down she slipped her shoes back on and grabbed her bag, following Madam Malkin back to the lobby. The seamstress handed Hermione's measurements over to another girl and said "Get this done, on the double."

The girl, looking tired and ready to drop nodded and disappeared into the back.

"Shouldn't be more than thirty minutes or so."

Hermione nodded and took a seat on a plush couch and pulled a book from her bag. Harry and Ron found her like that ten minutes later.

After another twenty-five minutes of reading and blocking out the very heated debate between the boys, the clothing was brought out to them in neatly wrapped brown packages. Hermione accepted them all, quickly shrinking them before putting them in her purse.

As they paid at the counter Ron asked, "Why did we need dress robes again? And where are yours?"

Putting her money back in her purse Hermione replied, "We will need them for graduation, Ronald. And I will be buying a dress in Hogsmeade."

Harry snickered behind the pair. Hermione was such a mother at times, and it was hilarious watching the other child get in trouble instead of him. Slowly Hermione raised an eyebrow in his direction, daring him to make another sound. Between her own mother and Mrs. Weasley she must have perfected that look. As they excited Madam Malkin's Hermione checked her watch.

"It's almost four o'clock now. I meet with Violet at five. So we've got some time to hit the specialty place before we split up."

A few months back a new branch of a specialty shop opened for Aurors, freelancers, and Hunters. You could find anything inside, from battle robes to wand holsters and sneakscopes. Things that no normal wizard would need. However with the trio's history, they had zeroed in on it as a place of interest. They had yet to be inside said establishment but were going to remedy that today.

As they reached the end of the alley, they spotted the black and bronze sign, bearing a set of crossed wands and the name Armor Ward: Defense Supplements since 1468. Ron slipped in front of Hermione, moving into the store first as Harry fell into step behind her. Hermione wanted to roll her eyes but couldn't. They had only started doing this since her pregnancy had been discovered. Granted they were still protective of her before, because of Death Eaters and sympathizers but this was on a whole new level. They both told her in no uncertain terms that the baby in her stomach was not to be risked. It was their future after all.

The shop was dim, it's shelves and cases lit up by display lights. The walls were covered in armor, weapons and trophies. The back wall was covered in racked clothing, from fire retardant cloaks to battle robes in assorted but dark colors. In a far corner rose a winding staircase, leading up to a second floor landing filled with books. Toward the front of the room was a newly polished counter with a scarred man behind it. He might have looked like a younger Mad-eye Moody.

Slowly they separated, giving the store keeper nods of recognition. Hermione and Harry headed toward the staircase, eyeing the bookshelves. Ron broke off toward the lit up cases, his eye caught by something or another. After about thirty minutes of aimless browsing, Hermione and Harry met back up with Ron, who was leaning against the slick counter, talking with the store owner.

Said owner was lazily flicking his wand, while sparks flew off of two gold rings in front of him. Harry tossed a few books onto the counter, along with a new fire resistant travel cloak and a set of forearm bracers, good for reflecting most spells. As he wrung Harry up, the store owner didn't even blink as he continued both discussing uses of a stunner with Ron and maneuvering his wand.

Hermione's purchases were next, three books on offensive Transfiguration and another on Alchemy. Carefully Hermione also set down a scrying mirror, the ornate silver frame shaped like ivy vines, the leaves studded with amethyst crystals. They were good for altering and creating new spells along with advanced rune work. Just as Hermione finished shrinking and putting away their purchases, the rings on the counter stopped giving of sparks. Ron's smile got wide, and he rubbed his hands together, very much the kid in the candy store.

Lifting the rings from the holder they resided in, the store owner handed them to Ron with the warning, "They're still a bit hot. Careful."

Both rings were embedded with a small amethyst, swirled etchings covering the bands. Ron held out one to Harry, before sliding the other onto his left hand. Harry looked at his, fascination and confusion on his face.

Hermione pouted playfully. "Where's mine? "

Ron looked at the shop keeper and asked, "Arminius, will you explain? I'll just bungle it up."

Arminius nodded, as he reached below the counter for a slim black box, the kind that held wands. Setting it on the counter he said gruffly, "This Ms. Granger is yours."

Removing the top he slipped a finger beneath a thick gold chain and lifted, pulling the item from the boxes velvet lining. Dangling at the end of that twelve inch chain was a sizeable amethyst, light from the windows glinting off its dark hue. Holding the chain out to Hermione he continued.

"This necklace is connected to those rings, designed to monitor the wearer's health and wellbeing. It is an exceptionally good item for expectant mothers who are often in the line of fire."

Hermione shot a glare in Ron's direction for telling her secret. Arminius waved his hand idly.

"Your secret is safe with me. Now, if something is wrong such as you get hurt or your too stressed or heaven forbid you go into labor the necklace sends out something akin to a magnetic pulse and the rings will emit a burning sensation letting the wearers know something is wrong."

Slowly Hermione looked the necklace over, running the cold metal chain through her fingers as she watched the stone dangle. Carefully she slipped it over her head, grateful that her hair was up and out of the way. Settling the chain on her chest she noticed the amethyst dangled a few inches below her breasts, perfect for tucking away. Harry had slipped his ring onto his hand and was flexing his hand open and closed, getting used to the feeling. Hermione engulfed Ron into a tight hug, her arms like a vice as emotions welled up and her throat tightened. After a minute she once again got herself in check and let go, a smile on her face.

"Thank you Ronald."

Ron smiled back.

After bidding Arminius goodbye, the trio left. Glancing at her watchHermione sighed, the day was almost over. She hadn't realized how much the trip would take out of herr, the excitement and the sun sapping her energy. With a quick yawn, she made a shooing motion to Ron and Harry, watching as their faces lit up. Heading in the opposite direction, Hermione let her mind wander. The crowd was beginning to thin out, only adults and older teens left, the families with small children and younger students heading home presumably for supper.

As she came upon the bend that led into Knockturn Alley, Hermione quickly looked left, then right before slipping into the shadow strewn, cobble street. Hermione gripped her new necklace, as she walked down the alley, weaving between bystanders and vendors. People barely gave her a second thought, so busy were they with their panhandling and selling of illegal goods. Coming upon a small shop at a corner, she pushed the smoky glass door inward, stepping into a dimly lit bookstore. Behind the ancient and scarred counter stood a young woman with spiky blue hair, warm brown eyes and several silver studs in her ears, eyebrows and lips.

"Hello Violet."

Violet smiled widely, her hands moving in rapid succession. Violet was mute. Hermione laughed.

"Yes, yes. They are going into overdrive. I've come for the books if you've got them."

Violet nodded swiftly before making a 'stay here' motion with her hands and disappeared into the back of the shop. Hermione wandered, looking at the shelves covered in books, her index finger tracing the spines of tombs older than she. Violet emerged from the back to find Hermione skimming through a book on blood wards and their application with both Greek and Roman runes.

Hearing Violet, Hermione turned; book in hand. Walking toward the girl she waved the book commenting, "I'll take this one too."

Violet smiled, her hands forming words in a practiced manner.

Hermione laughed, before replying "Yeah, I hear you. I'll take in under consideration. If you get your hands on any of the other titles let me know."

Violet wrung her up as Hermione shrunk the books one by one. After handing over the required gold, Hermione left with a wave and well wishes. Leaving Knockturn, Hermione slipped back into the crowd of Diagon Alley. Wandering back through the alley, Hermione got caught up in window shopping. By the time she arrived at Quality Quidditch it was six o'clock. Harry and Ron were lounging outside the shop, bags in hand. They waved Hermione over, smiling like kids at Christmas, shiny new toys in hand.

"Did you boys get everything you wanted?"

Harry nodded. "Oh yeah. New broom maintenance kit and new Quidditch robes."

Ron was holding his bag excitedly. Hermione knew what was in there before he even said anything. Ron had been eyeing a set of Chudley Cannon practice robes and she knew he had bought them. As he opened his mouth, she held up her hand, cutting him off.

"Got the robes did you?"

He nodded almost violently, his excitement potent. As they grasped hands, Hermione muttered, "Merlin, I need food."

With a sharp crack they were gone and within seconds standing just outside of the Burrow. As they walked toward the door, Mrs. Wealsey opened it and rushed out to embrace them.

"Oh Ron, Harry! Hermione dear, so glad you three could make it. Come in, come in. Supper is almost ready."

As they followed her inside, a look passed between them and Hermione shook her head subtly. She didn't want to tell Mrs. Weasley or the others just yet.

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