Chapter 3: What's in a name
Ron sat on the bed next to her. More than anything in this world, he wanted her to wake up. He wanted to make sure she was ok and that their baby was still ok. After they had arrived from Malfoy Manor to Shell Cottage, Ron realised Hermione was bleeding pretty heavy. He had noticed her jeans tainted with a reddish colour and he panicked. He called Fleur in desperation, pleading her to save Hermione and their baby. After a few hours, Fleur assured him that the bleeding had stopped and that Hermione was going to be fine. However, she had no idea about the baby's condition. They knew the Cruciatus Curse could do a lot of damage on a person's body. What could it have done to their baby? What if it killed their unborn child?
"Please, Mione. You have to wake up." he whispered. She remained asleep. He noticed the beaded handbag on the nighttable. He took it and opened it. He then took his wand from his picket and pointed it at the inside of the bag.
"Accio, Hermione's muggle fairytale book" he said. An old gold book came out of the bag. He grabbed it. Then, he opened it and looked for a story. He stopped in the middle. The title read "Beauty and the Beast." He remembered Hermione telling that him it was her favourite. So, he began reading it. As he went through the story, he sometimes stopped to comment on it, as if Hermione could hear him.
"She's pretty, you know. this Belle chick. She reminds me of you, Mione. Strong, smart, really beautiful. She also has that brown hair of yours and your passion for books. And, Man, is she stubborn or what!" he said. He looked at her.
"I bet that, if we have a girl, she will be exactly like you: smart and beautiful." he said. Then, his face lit up. "If it's a girl," he started as he laid a hand on her belly, "we should name her Belle." He suddenly felt movement on the bed. he looked at Hermione as she opened her eyes. She looked at him. he smiled and kissed her forehead.
"R-Ron." she mumbled
"Shh... you're ok. you're going to be fine." he said.
"th-the baby..." she started.
He looked down. Hermione's eyes filled up with tears and she shook her head. Ron took his wand and pointed it at her belly. He then said "sonorus." They heard the sound as if they were under water. And then, the unmistakable thud of a strong heartbeat. They looked at each other and smiled. Then, Ron said: "genderum revelio". A pink glow emerged from Hermione's stomach. They looked at each other.
"Belle." he said, smiling.
"Belle." she repeated.