Rose Weasley: August 18th, 2006

Hermione Weasley was home in Ottery St. Catchpole, marveling at the baby growing inside of her. In a matter of days, maybe, she would be a mother. She and Ron would be parents, finally! It had been a long road for them trying to get pregnant, leading to Hermione having an emotional breakdown the previous Christmas. Sometime in September, a little Weasley would arrive…

Just then, Hermione felt wet cascade down her front, followed by a debilitating wave of contractions. She rolled over in bed, holding her belly and screamed. No, no…it couldn't be now, it was much too early.

"RON!" Hermione screamed. Then, remembering her husband was still at work, she threw some Floo powder into the fireplace that also was in their bedroom and called for Ron to come quick. She held on until Ron came in a puff of green flame, looking panicked.

"It's coming, Ron. The baby's coming."

"Now?!"

"Yes, now! Get a Patronus out to the family. Hurry! And phone my mum and dad! Oh, and don't forget the overnight bag!"

Ron ran around, making contacts and gathering supplies. He was proud of even himself that he was managing to remember everything his wife asked him to do. Once everything was organized, Ron helped his wife into the Floo and they were whisked away to St. Mungo's. Harry and Ginny were already there, with Teddy, James and Albus in tow.

"Did you get the Patronus?" asked Ron.

"Yeah, but there was no need. I saw you leave the office in such a hurry that I just knew. Went right home, gathered everyone up," Harry explained.

"Oi! Gin, what are you doing here? You just left this place a couple days ago! Shouldn't you be home with Al?" Ron asked.

Ginny just smiled. "Just because I had a baby myself does not mean I am missing my best friend becoming a mother too!"

Hermione was wheeled into a room, and the others followed. Ron held Hermione's hand as the delivery began.

"Come, Hermione, you can do it! I love you, sweetheart, I love, love, love you. Just keep pushing!" Ron had no idea if his words of encouragement were landing, for Hermione just kept screaming in pain. He was even less sure when she unexpectedly sent a death glare his way and hissed, "I am never having any more of your children ever again!" Ron went white and looked to his sister for help. She just smirked.

"Relax, Ron. I said the same thing to Harry when James was born…and look where that got me!"

"I mean it, Ronald Weasley! You are never getting me pregnant ever a-Arrrghhh!" Ron could now see a tiny head emerging and started to feel a little sick. He actually felt annoyed when Harry chose that time to leave the room to check if anyone else in the family had shown up.

Finally, Hermione gave another push and out the baby came. Ron knew it was a girl; neither he nor Hermione could wait to find out the gender. The Healer passed the bundle to Hermione. She looked thrilled.

"Hi there! How are you? Don't worry, Mummy's here!" Hermione cooed to the infant. Wow, she's a natural , Ron thought. The sound of running feet made him look up. The rest of the family was entering.

"Out, out! For bloody's sake, I haven't even had a chance to hold her yet!" Ron shrieked. Too many births already had left him feeling that sometimes his family could be very intrusive. Harry and the others looked at each other in shock before awkwardly backing out the door again. Hermione swatted him with her free hand.

"Honestly, Ronald! Be a little more understanding!"

"Can I help it if I want a few minutes alone with my girls?" Ron shot back.

Hermione actually smiled. That was a really sweet thing for him to say. She held the bundle out to her husband. "Would you like to hold her?"

At this, Ron froze. "I can't," he said feebly.

"Yes, you can," Hermione encouraged, and placed their daughter in his arms. Ron was instantly in love. It was like being struck by lightning, holding a small child for the first time and realizing she was yours. Yours.

"Look at her little cheeks, 'Mione," he said. "They're so rosy!"

"That's it!" Hermione suddenly cried. "That's what we'll name her! Ron, you're a genius!"

Ron smiled up at her. "I'm going to remember you said that!" he said proudly. "Rose. Rosie," he said quietly to the baby in his arms. He then got up and kissed his wife on the forehead.

"Thank you," he got out through a tight throat. "For giving her to me."

Hermione smiled at him. "Well, you helped too, love." Ron didn't even notice when the other Weasleys re-entered the room. Comments were thrown out, like how Rose was the prettiest Weasley girl yet. At that one, Ron looked up.

"Beautiful or not, no boy is getting near her until I'm dead!" he promised. Harry smirked. "Conservative, much?" he whispered in his friend's ear.

"Piss off, Harry."