The characters and canon situations in the following story belong solely to JK Rowling. I am not making any money from the publishing or writing of this story.

It just seemed like a wonderful night to update. I hope you enjoy.

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This story has a rating of 'M' for a reason.

This chapter is part of that reason.

You have been warned.

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Breakfast was leisurely for Hermione and Monica, the brothers worked hard in the kitchen creating their attempts of Molly Weasley's famous chocolate chip waffles. Hermione wrapped her hands around the steaming cup of tea that Ron had brought to the table while Monica discreetly nursed Jane and sipped her hot chocolate. The conversation ranged from Monica's desire for a more caffeine laden beverage to Hermione's description of the secluded lake on Charlie's reserve. It wasn't until the males joined them at the table that the topic of the impending family visit was broached.

"So dear sister-in-law, who can we expect a visit from?" Charlie was intent on sopping up the last bit of syrup on his plate with the last bite of waffle.

"I don't understand how you can eat that Charlie…chocolate and syrup…shouldn't you fall into some type of sugar induced coma?" Monica burping Jane on her shoulder with one hand and trying to get the fork loaded with waffle into her mouth with the other hand.

Charlie grunted. "You are one to talk. Hot chocolate and chocolate chip waffles. I suspect Jane might be getting chocolate flavored breast milk!" His eyes were twinkling with amusement.

Ron had been too busy devouring his stack of waffles to catch the entire conversation, only hearing the tail end his head lifted in surprise. "Can that really happen?" The sugar intake had lowered his cognitive ability.

"Of course Ron hasn't anyone told you that chocolate milk comes from chocolate colored cows?" Hermione couldn't resist. She waited while his brain processed. One, two and three…

"That's not right is it Mon?" Ron was looking slightly confused.

Laughter filled the air and Jane let out her own tiny gurgle. Ron blushed slightly and joined in.

"Alright enough already, really little brother you should you have to stay on your toes with these two. They are sharp." Charlie had stood up and begun to clear the dirty dishes. "Honestly Monica, who should we be expecting later?"

Monica handed the baby to Hermione and joined in the clean up effort. "Molly and Arthur, Harry and Ginny, Bill and Fleur, and George."

Hermione did not say anything but looked panic stricken at Charlie. He smiled turned to put the dishes in the sink. "Well that should cover it." He walked over to Hermione and the now sleepy infant, his hand rested on her shoulder his fingers gently stroking behind Hermione's ear. "It will all work out you will see."

Hermione was watching the baby slowly fall asleep, she did not respond more than to nod her head.

Monica lifted Jane out of Hermione's arm and with a small smile she left the room to tuck Jane in the crib.

Ron sat down next to his best friend and cleared his throat. "I was thinking about all of this earlier, when Jane needed a bottle at about dawn; maybe it would be best if Charlie and I explain the situation to everyone before they actually see you. It might give Mum a coronary if she walks in the door and spots a thought she was dead Hermione."

Charlie shifted his weight and leaned down to look at Hermione. "I agree, let us break the news to them before…they are gaining a beloved daughter but also losing a son."

Hermione sighed; it was too early in the day to feel so anxious. These were what she had considered her family and it terrified her to face them, but it had to be done she owed them that much.

By the time everyone had had a shot at the loo and they finally decided that Hermione and Monica would stay out of sight in the nursery, it was time for visitors. Hermione could hear the various family members arrive. It broke her heart that they had grieved for her unnecessarily, she had deceived them and the guilt was eating away at her.

Hermione waited, she couldn't hear what Charlie and Ron were saying but the loud exclamation from the front room startled Jane. The silence that followed was unnerving.

Monica soothed her daughter and looking at her dearest friend she explained, "Charlie made copies of the photos and he also wrote a sort of deposition – describing how he found you, the state you were in, the obvious signs of abuse…"

Hermione nodded. "Documentation."

Monica pursed her lips in distaste. "Careful documentation wins cases." She paused it wasn't the best time to bring up the next topic but it was unavoidable. "You need to be examined by a healer, Hermione. I took the liberty of scheduling an appointment for tomorrow. Okay?"

Hermione did not have a chance to respond before a loud "So'f bitch" was heard. Hermione looked at a wide eyed little girl, "You Uncle George is finished reading Jane."

Charlie opened the door moments later. "Love?" He was looking at Hermione.

"I'm so scared." Her voice cracked.

Charlie wrapped his arms around her trembling shoulders. "They will understand and I will be right next to you, its okay." His lips brushed against her hair and he slowly walked with her to the door. His arm was still around her shoulders when they entered in front of the gathered Weasleys. Mrs. Weasley and Ginny were crying. Harry had his usual goofy grin and George let out a low whistle when he saw Hermione's face. Bill mumble, "Look what that evil git did to our girl…he deserves Azkaban."

Hermione looked at Bill and George. "That bad? I haven't looked in a mirror."

George hugged her. "Yep, horrible but it will heal."

Mr. Weasley was silent as he walked up to her and gently embraced her. His voice was filled with emotion he said, "It is my fault, and he is my son. I should have known, you are our daughter, we should have known."

Hermione took his hand and gently raised her lips up to kiss his cheek. "I love being your daughter and even I did not know Dad."

Arthur Weasley's face was wet to her touch. Hermione put her head on his shoulder and sighed.

Mrs. Weasley watched the emotional scene and was overcome; she quietly walked out to the garden hoping not to disturb anyone.

Hermione had watched her leave and after a minute excused herself to follow the matriarch.

"Mum." Hermione was standing next to her mother-in-law. Mrs. Wesley was horrified, she could see the remnants of all the beatings Percy had inflicted on this poor girl. It made her sick. She sobbed.

"What did I do wrong? I loved him, fed him, and encouraged him just like all of his brothers. No different – how could my son become such a monster?"

Hermione sighed. "I don't think it was something you did or didn't do. Something inside of Percy snapped something he hides from everyone."

Mrs. Weasley turned to look Hermione directly in the face. "I can't believe this happened, what do I do?"

Hermione had struggled with this issue, she calmly answered, "Understand…understand that I will do whatever it takes to make sure he never does this to anyone else."

Mrs. Weasley simply nodded while Hermione hugged her with all her might.

"Do you hate me?" Mrs. Weasley small voice filled the afternoon breeze.

Hermione pulled back to look at Mrs. Weasley, "Never Mum!" They both smiled and walked back in to the house arm in arm.

The room fell silent when the two women reentered. Ron was flustered, his calling out "How about some lunch Monica!" broke the tension and the rest of the afternoon was spent eating, laughing, and rejoicing that Hermione was back.

Ginny and Harry cornered Charlie later after everyone had finished their meal and were settling down by the fireplace.

"What is going on between you and Hermione?" Ginny was relentless in her questioning.

Charlie finally broke under the barrage of questions, "I love her! Okay! Are you happy now brat?"

Ginny grinned and kissed her older brother on the cheek. "Very!"

Harry and Charlie watched as Ginny flounced away. "Can I get you a beer Charlie; you look like you could use one." Harry Potter knew when a man needed a beer.

Sitting in the garden after everyone had left, Charlie softly stroked the back of Hermione's hand that he held in his. "So…big day…you okay Hermione?"

She was looking at his big hand hold her little one, lifting up their clasped hands she looked at him and answered, "This is what make it okay. I know you are right next to me."

Charlie grinned. "Do you mind staying another night?"

Hermione realized she hadn't told him about Monica's plan for the next morning. "Monica made an appointment for me with a healer at St. Mungo's. She wants documentation. She thinks a medical opinion along with the rest can get me an early court date. I hope so, I want this over."

Charlie kissed their clasped hands, "Me too!"

Hermione was eager to get back in to bed with Charlie. She wanted to continue where they had left off earlier. Charlie laughed as she kissed him with great enthusiasm.

"We have all night my love, relax." Charlie was enjoying being wanted.

Hermione blushed, "You just make me feel so wonderful."

Charlie kissed her. Hermione took a deep breath just his kiss made her feel all weak and bubbly at the same time it was exquisite.

Charlie was concerned he wanted them to explore each other more but he was afraid of accidently hurting her. "Love you know I would never do anything to hurt you."

Hermione could see that he was very serious. "I know you will never hurt me."

Charlie began by kissing her shoulder and between kisses as he ventured lower he whispered into her skin, "Trust me love."

Hermione stiffened when his fingers brush across her pelvis. Charlie released his suction and let her go with a 'pop' to look into her eyes. "We can wait."

Hermione was perplexed; they had agreed that they would wait for 'that'. What else was there?

Charlie's fingers encouraged her to lose all train of thought and before she could figure out what he was speaking about he found her. The sensation was unworldly, it felt so wonderful. Hermione gasped at the sensation, her mind shut down and her body simply responded to Charlie's touch.

Hermione moaned and Charlie knew he had found his target. Slowly and relentlessly he began to flame her into frenzy. Charlie was thrilled at how she was reacting. He could tell Hermione's body was ready to explode.

"Charlie, please…I can't…not…breathing…Charlie!" Hermione slipped over the edge into to bliss. "Charlie" she whispered as her head rolled on to his shoulder.

Charlie kissed her as she calmed, his lips next to her ear he said, "Hermione, my love, that's how it will always be with us, I promise. Did it hurt?"

Hermione took a deep breath and licked her lips, "No, that was wonderful." She was suddenly so sleepy.

"Hermione will you marry me?" Charlie was holding her close to him as he felt her relax.

Hermione smiled a drowsy smile, "Of course I will you silly man," and she was asleep.