Chapter 8

July 28th, 2000

Hermione went back to her parents' house along with Harry to change into some nicer clothes to head to Ron and Luna's reception party. Hermione put on a flowy light pink sundress that showed off her belly nicely.

"I never realized how big I am getting until I looked at myself in this dress." Hermione said.

"Yes, but you look absolutely beautiful." Harry said as he kissed her. They both got into Hermione's parents' car and drove the long trek to the Burrow. Once they pulled up to the house they seen the giant tent that they had seen when Ron's brother Bill and his wife Fleur got married. The only difference was that it was enchanted to change into different colors. As they got out of the car they walked up to the tent entrance and they were bombarded by everyone. Once they said their hello's to everyone, Hermione got the chance to take in all of the decorations.

All of the tablecloths were a beautiful crimsion red and the centerpieces were filled with different flowers, all enchanted to look orange. There were numerous hanging lamps around the tent and they were also enchanted to flash red and orange. Hermione noticed that their theme was obviously red and orange.

She walked over to the refreshment table and noticed that there was a punch fountain and numerous finger foods such as mini sandwiches and chips and dip. There were also some desserts, too. Hermione grabbed a couple sandwiches and two cups of punch and sat down at the table that was designated for her and Harry to sit at. Soon Ron and Luna sat down at their table and Luna stood up and started to speak.

"Thank you everyone for coming to celebrate our love today. I know it was kind of short notice, but if you all haven't noticed I am about 6 months pregnant. We wanted to be married before we welcome our son into the world and I thought it would be a great time to do it. Once again, thanks to everyone for coming and enjoy!" Luna sat back down started to eat the dinner plates that appeared in front of everyone. It was filled with roasted chicken breast and red potatoes. On the side was fresh green beans and fresh corn on the cob.

Once everyone was finished eating, Harry went up to the front to make a speech to two of his best friends.

"Now, I know I wasn't there to see you two get married, but I would have loved to see it! And I know that the two of you are perfect for each other. I wish you both the best."

Harry sat back down with Hermione and they started to play music and couples made their way to the dance floor to start dancing. Ron and Luna danced by themselves in the middle. Harry stood up and took Hermione's hand and brought her out to the dance floor.

"I can't say enough how beautiful you look to me, Hermione. I am so lucky to have you in my life. I don't know why I ever doubted our relationship and our bond between each other. I love you so much and I couldn't imagine being with anyone else."

"Thank you, Harry. It means so much for you to say that to me, especially since I look like a house right now."

"You look amazing. Don't ever bring yourself down like that. You are the most beautiful woman in the world." Harry said.

They danced a couple more songs and Hermione had to sit down because her ankles started to bother her. Harry took her shoes off and started to rub her ankles for her. Draco and Ginny holding Natalia came over to them.

"Hey guys! How have you been?" Draco asked.

"We have been great, Hermione's ankles are just a little sore right now." Harry said.

"You know, that was one of the signs that I was about to go into labor." Ginny said.

"Serious? Wow, it is hard to believe that it is going to be soon. I can't wait to be a mom." Hermione said.

"Yeah, I don't see you lasting much longer. August 21st is still pretty far away. I don't see you making it to your due date." Ginny said as she rocked Natalia in her arms. They walked away over to a nearby table and sat down.

"Do you really think I am going to go into labor soon, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know, but when you do I will be ready." Harry said. "I want you to stay with me until we go back to the US. That way I can keep an eye on you and make sure I am there when you go into labor."

"Ok! I am really excited to stay with you. I think we should leave here and head back so we can get everything packed up." Hermione said. They got up and said their goodbyes to everyone and headed to the car to drive back to Hermione's parents' house. Of course they were fine with her staying with Harry, they just asked that she let them know right when she went into labor so they could be there. She shrank all of her things and shoved them into the trunk and the back seat and they drove to Harry's house.

They got into the house and she set all of her things in Harry's spare bedroom, to be later spread around the house. Hermione sat down on the couch and propped her feet up on the coffee table and started to read the Daily Prophet.

"Love, I made up a bubble bath for you if you want to get in there and soak for a while." Harry said.

"That sounds great. Thank you Harry." Hermione said as she pushed herself off of the couch and went into the bathroom. She got undressed and got into the bathtub. The warm water around her relaxed her fairly quickly. She dozed off for about 20 minutes when Harry came in and helped her out of the tub and helped her get dressed and whisked her to bed.