Just like every other morning, the morning sickness alarm went off at 7:15am, with Hermione clutching her little trash can as Ron tried to make himself useful. He made his way downstairs to get her some water and a pastry when he ran into Mrs. Weasley.
"Happy Christmas dear! What are you doing up so early?" his mum asked as she prepared the Christmas breakfast for the family.
"Erm… Happy Christmas mum. Mione is having the morning sickness again… So I'm just grabbing something for her." Ron said uncomfortably, still getting used to the idea of talking to his mum about his girlfriend being pregnant at 19.
"Oh poor Hermione. Well grab her some water! When she's feeling better, will you send her down to me please?" She asked as she aggressively mixed some sort of dough.
"Ya 'course mum." Ron said as he shuffled back upstairs. Not trying to think about it too hard, he was reminded of how down there he felt like a kid who was having a kid… But back upstairs with Hermione he felt ready. Like an adult, like a partner… kind of like a dad.
Back in his room, he saw Hermione adjusting her ponytail, keeping her hair out of her face as her breathing returned to normal.
"You know, I've always loved when you had your hair like that," Ron said as he plopped down on his side of the bed.
She gave him an uncomfortable glare, "Well I really like putting my hair up when I'm not avoiding dipping it in vomit." Taking a deep breath, she was already backtracking, "Sorry… this just isn't getting any easier."
"Mione, it's fine. … Would some water or a croissant help? I read that bread can help your stomach..." He said, offering her a plate.
She just stared at him, dumbstruck that he had been reading. "You read that somewhere?" she said, grabbing the plate and downing the glass of water.
His face turned tomato red. "Mum gave me some books… I figured I might as well know what's coming, right?"
"Well that was very sweet of you Mr. Weasley," she said, kissing him on the cheek as she pulled herself out of bed.
"Oi! Mum asked for you to come down and see her when you were feeling better."
Remembering the blanket, Hermione quickly threw on some of Ron's sweatpants and made her way down to Molly with her croissant in hand.
"Good morning dear and Happy Christmas! I heard this morning hasn't been too easy on ya?" Molly questioned as she placed a tidy white box on the kitchen table.
"Um, not exactly. Did the blanket get finished in time?" she said excitedly.
"Yes! I think it looks perfect! Take a peak for yourself. There were a couple extra shirts so I made something else with them… Oh you'll see it later! You finish wrapping this up before everyone gets down here." Molly said, shoo-ing Hermione out of the kitchen.
After thanking her profusely, Hermione boxed up the blanket again and headed up stairs where her letter was. Seeing Ron was in the bathroom, she quickly wrapped it before sneaking it under the tree. Nervously, she paced around the house, waiting to tell everyone the news.
Around 9, Bill and Fleur arrived, along with Charlie and George shortly after, and finally Percy came in with his girlfriend Penelope Clearwater. The whole group sat around the tree with presents for everyone.
This first Christmas without Fred felt uncomfortable, almost as if they were waiting for Fred to walk through the door and apologize for being late.
Harry played Santa, handing out the gifts one by one, as everyone was ooo-ing and ah-ing at the presents. Mum gave Penelope a traditional Weasley sweater as the newcomer of the group, Arthur gave all of the Weasley boys and Harry a ticket to a Cannons game, Ginny tickets to a Hollihead Harpies game… and then it was Hermione's gift to Ron. Which was really an announcement to everyone. As Harry picked up the gift and read the tag out to the room, her pulse quickened, as she knew all eyes would be on her in a moment.
Ron ripped off the paper in the least delicate way and saw a note on top of crepe paper that was holding the blanket. Picking it up, his eyes watered as he read Hermione's words:
Dear Ronald,
There is no one else I could ever imagine starting this adventure with.
I hope our baby has your same eyes and hair, but more importantly your bravery, loyalty and passion. I figured snuggling up to some of your old shirts from over the years would rub some of your magic off on our little one.
You will be the best dad on earth, I only hope I can live up to half of the example you will set.
Thank you for loving me, I can't wait to be a mum with you.
x,
Hermione
Before a tear could escape his eyes, he pulled Hermione into a giant hug, almost as if they were the only people in the room. Giving her a kiss, he finally pulled away to look at the actual gift.
A blanket collage made of all of his t-shirts from growing up. His first Cannon's game, some hand-me-down shirts from his brothers, Gryffindor quidditch shirts from his first year on the team… The perfect baby blanket.
"I don't mean to break up this adorable moment… but what the devil is it?" Ginny asked, knowing what was to come.
"It's a bloody baby blanket… Well guys, Hermione and I are having a baby!" Ron shouted at the family, with all of his brothers looking shocked and confused.
For the first time George spoke that day, he looked at Ron and joked, "Bloody hell! Ickle Ronnikins knocked up Granger!" And with that the whole room was laughing, finally feeling like a true Weasley Christmas.
Dinner came and Mrs. Weasley kept pushing Hermione to eat more, reminding her "You're eating for two you know!"
As conversation continued and everyone enjoyed the holiday feast, Bill stood up, tapping on his glass with his knife. "While I hate to steal Ron and Mione's thunder, Fleur and I also have a bit of a surprise!"
Fleur stood with him, "Ve are also expecting a bebe!" she said in her heavy french accent. "My veela blood has me hiding it quite well, but ve are due in the beginning of February!"
"Blimey!" Ron stated, "You're even smaller than Mione and you're way further along!"
Everyone's necks snapped towards Ron, knowing immediately he'd made a grave mistake. Hermione quickly excused herself before running upstairs, with Ginny trailing shortly behind her.
Mrs. Weasley swotted his arm, "Ronald! Go apologize to Hermione NOW. And Fleur dear congratulations! Oh we are so excited for you both."
As the baby talk continued downstairs, Ron approached Ginny's room to find Hermione sobbing into Ginny's lap. Spotting him in the door frame, Ginny gave him a death glare, telling him to go away. But instead he dangerously approached the door, preparing to be cursed, or screamed at, or maybe both.
"Mione… I am so sorry I am a blubbering idiot! I didn't mean it in a bad way, she just doesn't look pregnant and all and you were just saying how you feel like there's a tiny bump…"
"Gin…" Hermione whispered, "would you mind giving us a minute?"
"... I'll just um, see you both downstairs." Ginny said awkwardly as she backed out of the room.
"Ronald… I'm not a bloody whale yet am I? I know you've always found Fleur to be attractive and I just can't compete with that! How can I look like that-" Ron cut the rant off, sitting next to her on Ginny's bed.
"Did I find Fleur attractive when we were 14? Yeah sure. But Mione, not only is she married to my brother, but I got my dream girl right here. I'm a dumb git okay! I said the wrong thing and I am so sorry."
"You're right… She is smaller than me and I have SO much longer to go.." she whispered, tugging at her sweater as if to cover up her almost non-existent bump.
"Oh no… Mione, the fact that you're carrying my child is the sexiest thing in the world. I swear! I was an arse, you look absolutely perfect." Ron continued to apologize, hoping to nip the insecurities in the bud. "Come here love."
He pulled her into a hug, kissing her head, then gently lifting up her face to his, kissing her like he'd been longing to do all day. As the kiss intensified, he leaned, back, pulling her on top of him. She pulled back with a laugh, "I think you saying something dumb than apologizing like this is what got us into this mess, isn't it?"
"I think you're about right there Ms. Granger! How about we head on down, I think we both owe Fleur and Bill a congratulations."
Hermione laughed, "Okay, you lead the way!"
Thank you guys so much for reading! This chapter was really fun to write... it's fun to imagine George slowly coming back to life after Fred! Let me know what you think if you have any questions, comments concerns... y'all know the deal!
xoxo,
J