Spells, Charms, And…Babies? Oh My!
Chapter 6: Silent Night in the Burrow
(Disclaimer: I do not have any affiliation with Warner Bros. Pictures or J.K. Rowling. I do not own anything except for the fanfic idea and the womberry bush.)
Hermione and Ron sat in the kitchen alone. It had been hours since they had told everyone the news of their unborn child and impending marriage. To say their parents' reactions had been interesting was well…to say the least. After the news had finally reached the minds of Mr. and Mrs. Granger and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, the house was in a state of mixed pandemonium. Mrs. Granger and Mrs. Weasley started crying and going over the thrills of having a wedding and a grandchild. Mr. Weasley couldn't help but still be rather confused. Since when was Ron old enough to know how to get a young woman pregnant, anyway? Mr. Granger had remained silent and sullen. His face showed no intimation as to his feelings. This was what worried Hermione the most.
Everyone was abed, well except for the engaged couple and parents to be. Ron and Hermione were forbidden to stay in the same bedroom in fear that they would become a bad influence on another impressionable young couple in the household (i.e. Harry and Ginny). So, the couple had met downstairs in the kitchen to talk. They had not planned on being intimate. However, the suggestion that they might reminded the two that it had been quite some time since their last romantic encounter. Still, they were in the midst of their family and friends. It was impossible to think of acting on their feelings… absolutely impossible.
"Sh, they'll hear you," Ron murmured kissing Hermione deeply.
Hermione bit her lip as Ron's hand errantly found its way to one cloth covered breast. She couldn't remember when her breasts had been this sensitive to the touch. Hermione was sitting in Ron's lap, her legs astride his. They were both breathing deeply and they both seemed frantic in their kisses and touches. Hermione more so and she could not think of a justifiable reason why.
"I don't care," she murmured hastily, "I need you. It seems like it has been forever."
Ron chuckled huskily, "Well, it kind of has been forever. The last time we made love was five weeks ago and afterwards you avoided me like the plague."
"Shut up," Hermione demanded and succeeded in rendering his compliance by utilizing the skills of her mouth.
They both separated at a very deep cough. Hermione eyes grew wide as the lights turned on in the kitchen and her father's form was revealed in the doorway. Quickly, she scrambled off Ron's lap and sat in the chair next to him. She bit her lip in anxiety and folded her hands in her lap. Mr. Robert Granger took his time entering and taking a seat in the kitchen. The older gentleman's eyes had a strange unidentifiable emotion in their depths. His lips were set into a scowl and his large arms crossed over his chest.
"Is it your intention to besmirch my daughter further, Mr. Weasley?" Mr. Granger asked in a sleep roughened voice.
Ron gave the older man a pointed glare, "Of course not, Mr. Granger. Why would you think such a thing?"
Mr. Granger nodded thoughtfully at Ron's courage to speak to him in such a manner. Then again maybe, just maybe, it was a bluff.
Mr. Granger blinked angrily at the red haired seventeen year old, "I am not blind Mr. Weasley. I know what I saw when I walked into this kitchen."
Ron crossed his own arms, "With all do respect, Mr. Granger, I love your daughter. She happens to return my love. She also happens to have accepted my proposal of marriage. So, what you saw in this kitchen just so happens to be none of your business."
Hermione blinked at Ron in surprise and anxiety, "Ron…"
"I'm not quite through," Ron continued. "Mr. Granger, I owe a great deal to you and I also respect you a great deal. However, I will not allow your negative attitude affect my family's holidays. I understand that the news is shocking and possibly disappointing. However, do not underestimate me and assume that I will not be there for Hermione. I want this child. I want to have a family with Hermione. Hermione is my family now and if your negativity is upsetting her I might have to ask you to leave."
The air in the kitchen once again became quite tense and quiet. Mr. Granger and Ron were having an undeclared 'glaring' war. Both sat with determined scowls and arms crossed. Hermione was near tears as two of the most important men in her life squared off against each other. This was the time, she realized, the time where she must choose. It was either to stand by Ron and their decision to become a family or to fight for her father.
Hermione took a deep breath. She knew in her heart what she had to do. Quietly, she stood and moved to hug her father. Ron looked on; his eyes were alight with worry. He worried that Hermione had misgivings about her decisions. He listened as the love of his life began to speak. His heart warmed as her words filled the room.
"Daddy," Hermione murmured, "I love him. I love Ron and I am going to marry him. We are going to have a baby together. I must agree with Ron. I love you, Daddy, but if you will not get past your disappointment with me and realize the good in the situation… I must ask you… to leave. I cannot have you disrupting the rest of my family's happiness. Please don't make me choose, Daddy, because you already know what my choice will be."
Mr. Granger looked at Hermione with impassive eyes. Those same eyes traveled over to Ron's tensed form. The Mr. Granger did something surprising. He started to smile and then… then he began to do the unbelievable. He… he began to laugh. Ron moved to stand next to Hermione. Both held bewildered expression on their faces. Mr. Granger took this in stride and laughed even harder.
"Daddy," Hermione murmured questioningly, "are you alright?"
Mr. Granger stood and pulled Hermione into another hug. Then afterward he took Ron's hand and shook it before pulling Ron into a hug. When the embrace ended it still left the couple confused and Mr. Granger immersed in mirth. Finally, Mr. Granger settled down and bid the couple to sit down. He then took the time to explain his actions. Ron and Hermione listened intently as the elder gentleman explained his plot to reveal the true depth of their commitment for one another.
"You see, my dear girl," Mr. Granger smiled, "while I could see that Ron here was smitten, I was still unsure if this was a strong, unshakeable bond. I was worried that Ron's heart was fickle and decided to put his will to the test. If he didn't have the courage to stand up to me and fight for you he was not worthy of marrying you. So, when I heard the two of you sneak away down here… I waited until I was sure I'd find you both in a compromising position…"
"Daddy!" Hermione gasped appalled at the very suggestion that her father would want to find her in that situation.
Mr. Granger chuckled, "Well, I needed a reasonable excuse to be angry with Ron. You see my plan worked flawlessly. I found that Ron is truly worthy for you and I would be proud to give you away to him. I guess what I am trying to say is… welcome to the Granger family, Ron."
Ron and Hermione smiled. Hermione hugged her father and kissed his cheek. Then she turned to Ron and hugged him. Ron kissed her chastely and earned the chastisement of his soon to be father in law.
"That is not how a man kisses the woman he loves," Mr. Granger teased. "Kiss her like you mean to."
Ron chuckled, "Well, alright then…"
Ron pulled Hermione towards him. His lips found hers and he kissed her with a fervor never before seen. Hermione gasped and clutched his shoulders. She could only follow Ron's lead in the heated kiss. Ron opened his mouth to nibble on her bottom lip, only to follow by sweeping his tongue in her mouth. Ron took his time with this kiss. By the time he parted for air, he had explored every crevasse in Hermione's warm orifice. The couple panted heavily as they stood nose to nose. Hermione's eyes were glazed over in a passionate daze.
"Wow…" she nearly whispered.
"Wow is right," Ron murmured kissing her chastely again. "I love you, Hermione Granger."
"I love you," Hermione smiled and pulled away to stand upright.
Mr. Granger chuckled and started to make his exit from the kitchen, "Goodnight you two. If you two must spend the night with one another don't let me stop you. I warn you two though, I don't know about yours Ron, but her mother can be quite frightening. Mrs. Granger is like a hellcat with a bad reaction to catnip when she is angry. So don't expect me to get in her way if they decide to come down on you."
"She's worth the risk," Ron murmured nuzzling Hermione's hair.
Mr. Granger said nothing and moved to go upstairs. Ron and Hermione resumed their previous position on the chair. This time, they were content with just holding one another. That was, until they could make it back upstairs to a spare bedroom. That thought seemed to brighten Ron's mood even more than Mr. Granger's blessing. Without another word, Ron cradled Hermione in his arms and made the trek to that inviting spare bedroom.
"Where do you think you are taking me Ronald Weasley?" Hermione asked smiling.
Ron grinned that wicked grin that Hermione loved, "Somewhere I can kiss you in all the proper and improper ways I want to."
"What do you mean 'improper' Ron?" Hermione asked as he lay her on the mattress and then closed and locked the door.
Ron grinned and soon Hermione had her answer. She gasped at the effect his answer had given her. Soon the room was filled with moans, giggles, groans, murmured endearments, and rather loud endearments.
"So that is an 'improper' kiss," Hermione giggled as they rested together.
Ron laughed, "It could be considered a proper kiss between husband and wife."
"Well, we will be soon enough," Hermione smiled mischievously before leaning over Ron. She started a trail of kisses down his torso.
Ron rested his hands behind his head, "What are you doing, soon-to-be Mrs. Ron Weasley?
Hermione giggled as Ron gasped out her name. She raised up momentarily to speak.
"Why, giving you and improper kiss of course," she teased.
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(Christmas Day… Three days later)
Hermione and Ron had finally, well almost, gotten past the teasing from their family. After being roused by their not angry at all mothers (while both were dressed indecently, as in not at all), they went downstairs to be accosted by the twins along with Harry and Ginny. The two were teased mercilessly all morning and only escaped when Hermione feigned fatigue and they escaped to the haven of their spare bedroom.
Now it was Christmas and the inhabitants of the Burrow was found to have increased. Not only were Mr. and Mrs. Granger there, but the party had grown to include Remus, Tonks, and even Percy had deigned to return for the holiday. They were all surprised with the news of the future nuptials and baby. However, their surprise quickly turned to well wishes and happiness. Ron and Hermione were hard pressed to find a moment together that Christmas morning.
They were sat apart during breakfast, and then again at lunch, and then again at supper. Ron finally got tired of the whole badgering when the party moved to open gifts. He made a firm stand and forbid anyone to sit next Hermione but himself and would only allow someone to talk if it was to ask a serious question. Hermione giggled at the red face of her fiancée and kissed him on his cheek as they began the rounds of gifts.
Hermione was the first to receive a gift. It was from Mrs. Weasley and it opened to reveal a soft cream colored blanket with the letter 'W' stitched in a corner with red thread. Hermione smiled with teary eyes as she folded the baby blanket into herself and held it close. She thanked the older woman profusely but Mrs. Weasley dismissed it with a smile.
"It was meant for you," Mrs. Weasley smiled, "I was saving it for my first grandchild."
Ron smiled and moved to kiss his mother's cheek, "Thanks, Mum."
Mrs. Weasley nearly cried as she hugged her youngest son. Hermione was taken into the mother's arms next and then the opening of presents resumed. Everyone was delighted with their presents. Harry had gotten a book of the 100 most interesting quidditch matches in the past century from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley (along with the traditional jumper), a set of antidotes and knickknacks from Tonks, a photo book from Remus that contained memories of his days in Hogwarts with Harry's father, a new product from the twins, a new and improved set of wizard chess from Ron and Hermione, and mistletoe from Ginny.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had fiercely ordered the children not to get them gifts. However, they were immensely surprised and happy with the new tents that all the children presented. It was a gift when the boys remembered Mr. Weasley's wish to take his wife on a 'decent' camping trip. Mr. and Mrs. Granger were given a book that introduced the wizarding world to muggles. Remus received a year's worth supply of butterbeer and chocolate. Tonks received a trunk full of the oddest assortment of clothing (incase she needed to change into the oddest assortment of people), along with a super-duper set of cleaning supplies. Percy received the traditional jumper and another book that would increase his 'all knowing' air.
Fred and George also received the Weasley Christmas jumpers. However, they also received a history on the best pranks ever pulled in the wizarding world, a bag full of their favorite sweets from Hogsmeade, and the large variety set of a prankster's dreams. Ginny was extremely happy with her new set of dress robes, a new journal, and a white gold locket from Harry. However, the stars of the occasion had to be Hermione and Ron.
Ron blushed as he received a rather risqué book from the twins. A book that caused the men to laugh and the woman to… let's just say the twins were in a very compliant mood for the rest of the evening. He had received a new set of dress robes from Ginny, and a book from Harry entitled, Who's Your Daddy. From Hermione he had already received the greatest gift three weeks earlier.
Hermione, along with the blanket had gotten a locket from Harry that resembled Ginny's (only it had an engraved RH instead of HG). Ron had given her a set of pearl earrings even though she had told him not to give her a gift. Mr. and Mrs. Granger gave their daughter the dress that Mrs. Granger had been married in. Along with the presents from the others, Hermione couldn't help but count the ones from the aforementioned givers.
"Oh, it is all too much," Hermione murmured in awed gratitude, "especially the earrings, Ron. Don't get me wrong, I love them. Still, I thought we weren't going to give gifts this year?"
Ron grinned, "Well I couldn't have Harry beat me with his locket. Ow! Jeez, Hermione I was only kidding. I saw them and I knew I had to get them for you."
The family laughed at the young couple as Hermione apologized by pulling Ron for a kiss under the mistletoe.
Story news: It is with great pleasure that I announce a new idea that has sprung from the depths of my mind. I am putting the sex of the baby to vote. In order to keep my fans guessing and to have, hopefully, even more input, I have decided to let my reviewers decide the sex of the baby. So if you have a wish as to whether it be a little Hermione or a little Ron, you can vote either by reviews, my email, or if you're dying to get a message to me try myspace (if you are a myspace member). It will be awhile, of course, before the baby is born but, hopefully until then, you can have fun trying to vote for the baby's sex. Oh, and please, please, please be diplomatic; only one vote per person/reviewer.
A/N: Awe, Christmas at the Burrow. I'm sorry if this chapter was sort of blah. I promise a much better one next time. I have a huge obstacle the couple must get through before they are married. Also, what happens when the news reaches the school… hmm, I dunno.
I also realized that Mr. Granger kind of seemed like a dirty old man but… I really honestly didn't mean for him to be portrayed like that. Sigh, sometimes you help things.
Thanks to All of My Readers and to the Following Reviewers:
IWillRemember: I'm sorry about the cliff hangers! I honestly try not to but, sometimes I cannot control what I type. Thanks for continuing on despite the cliffhangers, heh.
Dakota'sgirl: I'm so glad you love it. Thanks for reading it!
Xvega: Thanks! I'm kind of a non-believer in my writing talent so, thanks for thinking it was awesome!
HP. Thanks, I know what you mean. I'm glad you thought mine was one of the good ones.
Jen Potter: Here's what happens next! I'm sorry it took me so long. My laptop was in the shop… so to speak.
Ron Lover6789: I'm glad you think so. Thanks for reviewing!
Fliengdolphine: I'm sorry again!!! I can't help it. I swear I keep punishing my fingers for typing those dastardly cliff-hangers but they still rebel! I'm sorry you were sick and I hope you're getting better! Thanks.
shanelover89: Thanks! I'm glad you think that Ron's love for Hermione is more important than his 'manly' dignity…(no offense to any of my male readers… uh, heh).
High Snow Lord of the Blowland: I'm glad you like it! Thanks for reading.
Mione-Girl.x: Thanks!!! I'll try my best to keep the story good!
Iluvharryandron: I hope you liked this chapter! Thanks for reading!
Connieewing: Yes… I could still hear it too, until I fired the supervisor in the sound department. Crazy guy, he can't take any directions at all. Hah!
The Warner Sister Dot: I'm so glad you loved it. I hope you love this chapter!
HermioneWatson9000: I'm sorry it took so long. I hope this satisfied your curiosity! Thanks for reading!
And also thanks to Ginny PoshSpice and Joy. Whew… there are so many!!! I'm so glad to all of you who have read my story and to those who have reviewed it. I hope this chapter keeps you content until next time.
[Next Time: Wedding Bells
Ron and Hermione have been ordered by their parents to get married before the holidays are over (and before the baby begins to show) This chapter will go through the tears, laughter, fiascos, and perfections of the union between Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger (soon to be Weasley).
Ta-ta for now.