AN: Thanks for the reviews and everything. I love the support.

I've been sick (Allergies-eew) This may not be my best work and the proof reading may not be top notch. I don't have a beta so-

Sixteen Weeks

"Hermione is asleep at her desk," Terry Boot said. Harry put down the paperwork he was reading and glared at the man but before he could say anything Ron had stood up. The four Auror's had been using the Junior Aurors desks instead of their own office so they could discuss the case. It was after hours and almost everyone was gone.

"She is four months pregnant and she is working 15 hours days," Ron clipped. "What the fuck do you expect, Boot?"

Terry didn't look ruffled by Ron's outburst. He turned away from the redhead and looked at Harry, "Maybe Hermione should step down," Terry suggested.

"Excuse me?" Harry asked, He rose slowly to his feet and leaned forward.

"Look, Hermione is brilliant. No one can dispute that. She is certainly a capable witch but-" Terry started.

"But what?" Draco cut in stepping forward.

"But we have a catastrophe on our hands and we need someone-" Terry was beginning to look a little scared.

"We need someone-what?" Neville demanded, looking as cross as Harry and Draco.

"Someone who can handle the-" Terry tried again.

"Handle the what?" Ron asked.

Terry looked around at the Auror's who were advancing on him and he squared his shoulders, "We need someone who can handle the work, the fifteen hour days and everything else." he looked at Harry, "This cannot be good for Hermione or the baby. Let me step in until this is over."

Harry exchanged a look with his friends and then looked at Terry, "Listen Boot, Hermione will continue to do this job until she doesn't want to anymore. And if I know my wife, that means she will be working until she gives birth. So, I suggest you back off and stop trying to use this pregnancy to steal her job."

"Get to work or get out," Draco snarled.

Terry looked at the Auror's for a long moment and then he nodded and walked into his office.

"Should we wake up Hermione?" Neville asked.

"Not yet," Harry replied as he sat down and went back to work.

"Potter, take your wife home," Draco said.

Harry looked at him and made a face, "Not you too?"

"Don't you dare compare me to that prick Boot," Draco said. "I just think you ought to take her home for the night. You guys have that doctor's appointment tomorrow."

"Tomorrow is Friday," Ron muttered.

Draco looked at him, "Yes, would you like a cookie for noticing that -or what?"

Ron glared at Draco. "Shut it ferret," he snapped. "What I was trying to say is-Tomorrow is Friday, you two should take the day off and the weekend too."

"Oh Ron, I don't know," Harry took his glasses off rubbed the bridge of his nose. "We have had three more muggle attacks this week. We haven't the slightest clue as to how the death eaters actually escaped or where they are-it's been three months since they escaped- Kingsley is frustrated. The media is-"

"These will be problems whether you are here or not," Draco pointed out. "No offense Potter, but the department wont self-destruct if you and Granger leave for three days."

Harry considered this and then shrugged. He put his glasses back on and stood up, "I will run it by Hermione. It would be nice to spend some time with Teddy."

"Try and push her, will you?" Draco said. "If she gets some rest maybe Boot will back off and I won't have to break his nose." Draco looked up, "Luna might be put out if I assault one of her former housemates."

Harry rolled his eyes and gathered up his stuff. "Hopefully I won't see you fools until Monday morning," he said.

"A whole three days without your ugly mug, whatever shall I do?" Draco called as Harry walked away.

Harry walked into Hermione's office and smiled at his sleeping wife. Sometimes it was still hard to believe they were married. It was kind of a shame that all of this happened right after their honeymoon, they didn't really get a chance to enjoy the beginning of their married life.

Hermione's head was resting on her arms and her mouth was slightly open. She was silent, Hermione was always a quiet sleeper. Her hair was in her face, which looked peaceful. He hated to wake her but he had to.

"Hermione," he whispered. "Wake up, love."

Hermione stirred. She opened her chocolate eyes and smiled sleepily at him. "Hi," she whispered. Then she seemed to wake up a little. She sat up and looked around, "oh no, how long was I asleep?"

"I'm not sure," Harry admitted. "Let's go finish this sleep at home, huh?"

"Did anyone see me?" Hermione asked she organized her desk.

Harry grimaced, "Terry," he admitted.

"Oh well, the worst person who could see me then," Hermione sighed.

"You don't have to worry about Terry for a while, I think the guys scared him into good behavior," Harry grinned.

Hermione smiled fondly, "My boys look out for me," she said.

"Yes, we do," Harry told her. "Ready?"

Hermione stood up and took her briefcase. She held out her hand and Harry entwined her fingers with his. "Tomorrow we should be able to tell the sex of the baby," Hermione told Harry.

"Do you want to know?" Harry asked.

Hermione quirked an eyebrow, "Don't you?"

Harry shrugged, "Surprise might be nice," he said.

Hermione shook her head, "But if we find out we can plan better," she argued.

"But wont it be cool to wait until he is born?" Harry pushed.

"He?" Hermione asked.

"You know what I mean," Harry chided.

"Goodnight," Hermione called.

"Night," Ron, Draco and Neville called.

"You guys should get home too," Harry said as they made their way to the floo.

"Yeah, we will," Ron replied. But Harry knew it might be another all nighter for them.

Hermione was sitting on the edge of the examination table twisting her hands nervously. Harry was watching her from a chair near the door. "Hermione, it's a routine visit. Don't be so nervous."

"I know," Hermione sighed and adjusted the gown. "I don't understand why I have to be naked," she said.

"You're not naked, you have a gown on," Harry pointed out.

Hermione gave him a look, "I only like being naked at home."

"I would prefer you to only be naked at home too," Harry agreed.

Before Hermione could respond the door opened and Lisa Turpin walked in. "Hello Harry. Hello Hermione," she said, She pulled a stool out and rolled over to where Hermione was perched. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm a little worn out," Hermione said.

"Usually people are getting their energy back by this point," Lisa said.

"She is working long hours," Harry interjected earning him a look from Hermione and a grin from Lisa.

"You might want to think of scaling back a little," Lisa told Hermione.

"You know what is going on at work right now, Lisa," Hermione said. "I have to be there. I can't control it."

"All right," Lisa conceded. "Lay back. Let's check the heartbeat."

Hermione did as she was asked and Harry stood up to join them. Lisa put her wand to Hermione's stomach and a few minutes later Harry could heat the familiar sound of their babies heartbeat and smiled. In these moment it struck him. He was going to be a dad. He tried not to dwell on his fear and tried to focus on the amazing gift he was getting.

"Good, strong heartbeat," Lisa told them. She looked at her chart, "You've put on a little less weight than I am comfortable with. You need to be getting about three hundred more calories a day, are you doing that?"

Hermione shrugged, "More or less," she said.

Lisa and Harry exchanged a look. Harry knew he needed to watch Hermione a little more closely. He knew she wasn't doing it on purpose but she was so stressed and overworked-

"How can she gain more weight?" Harry asked.

"She needs to eat three full meals a day and some snacks in between- healthy stuff," Lisa explained. "Maybe try drinking a milk shake once a say, don't get too overboard with treats but once a day could be good."

"I'm fine. I will handle it," Hermione said crossly.

"Have you felt any fetal movements yet?" Lisa asked.

"Once or twice," Hermione said.

Harry frowned, "You didn't tell me that. I want to feel."

Lisa chuckled, "You won't be able to yet Harry," she explained. "They are just little flutters at this point,. It will be a few weeks yet before you can get in on the action." Lisa looked at the chart and smiled, "Want to know the gender."

"Yes," Hermione said at the same time Harry said, "No." The two looked at one another and Harry sighed and said, "Ok, sure."

Lisa put her wand to Hermione's stomach again. A moment later Hermione wand emitted a pale blue glow, "Well, it looks like you two are having a son."

Hermione looked like Harry felt-like she would cry. "Really, a boy?" she asked.

"Look that way," Lisa told them. "Congratulations , you two."

"Thank you," Harry mumbled.

"Well, we are done for today. See you in 4 weeks Hermione. Work on the weight gain and try and get some rest." Lisa said and she exited the room.

"A boy," Harry repeated.

"Well, it was either going to be that or a girl," Hermione laughed. Harry helped her off the table and she started getting dressed.

Harry dropped into a chair. This felt more real now. He was going to be a father, to a little boy. Harry didn't know how to be a dad. He didn't have a stable male influence until Mr. Weasley. Could he learn or would he struggle?

"Harry, are you all right?" Hermione asked. She was putting her shoes on and watching him with concern.

"Yeah, fine," Harry smiled. "Ready to go pick up Teddy?"

Hermione nodded and let Harry lead her from the room.

"I can't wait until the new baby gets here," Teddy said at dinner time.

Harry and Hermione had ordered pizza. Normally Hermione tried to make substantial meals especially when Teddy was around but she was too tired today.

"Yeah?" Harry asked. He was glad his godson didn't seem jealous.

"I have so much I want to teach him," Teddy said. "How to ride a broom. How to play with trucks. I'm glad it's boy baby."

"What if it was a girl?" Hermione asked.

"I would have loved her too and taught her to ride a broom and play with trucks," Teddy said.

"You can't ride a broom yourself mister," Hermione told him.

"My toy broom," Teddy told her.

"Oh right, sorry," Hermione said.

"When is the new baby coming?" Teddy asked.

"In December," Hermione told him. "Before Christmas."

"So, I need to get him a Christmas gift?" Teddy asked.

"You don't have to," Hermione told him.

"I want to, he is my little brother," He looked at Harry and Hermione, "Right?"

"Right," Hermione told him. "Want me to help you find a gift for the new baby?"

"I think it means more if I do it myself," Teddy told Hermione, "Thanks though."

"You're a sweet boy," Hermione said and she kissed his cheek.

Teddy made a face, "Mum-" he whined and then he paled.

Hermione and Harry exchanged a look.

"Sorry, I meant Aunt Mione," Teddy said.

"It's fine," Hermione said. "No need to be sorry."

Part of Harry was pleased that Teddy had called Hermione mum but he was worried it would hurt Andromeda's feelings. He wondered if he should mention that to her?

Harry had never lied to Hermione.

Until today.

He told Hermione he needed to go to the office for a bit. Teddy and Hermione were going to watch a movie.

It was eating away at Harry's conscience that he had been less than truthful but you do what you have to do.

Harry apparated not too far away from his destination. Harry walked the rest of the way. He stood in front of the house he sought. He checked the address again before he walked up the path to the front door. He took a deep breath and knocked.

Harry shoved his hands in his pockets while he waited. He didn't have to wait long. The door was opened minutes later by Jean Granger.

"Harry?" she said. "What-is Hermione ok?"

"She is," Harry said, "But I came here to talk about her. Can I come in?"

Jean hesitated for a moment and let Harry inside. She led him to the sitting room and gestured for him to sit down. "Would you like something to drink?"

"No, is Mr. Granger here?" Harry replied.

Jean nodded, "I'll get him."

Harry sat there waiting quietly. He hands balled into fists on his knees. It felt like hours before the Granger's reappeared but he knew it had only been minutes. "Mr. Potter," Howard Granger greeted him, his words were friendly enough but his tone was cool. "To what do we owe this honor?"

"I'm here to talk to you about Hermione," Harry started.

"Is she all right?" Howard asked.

"More or less," Harry replied.

Howard narrowed his eyes, "What does that mean?"

Harry took a deep breath and said, "That means that physically Hermione is fine and most of the time she is fine emotionally but that she misses you and it hurts her." Harry paused and then lowered the boom," Hermione and I got married four months ago-"

Jean's hand went to her chest and her eyes watered, "Hermione got married?"

"Yes, and she wanted you there but she was too scared to ask you," Harry explained. "I don't want you to miss anything else."

Howard seemed shaken but he was resolute, "She sent you instead coming herself?"

"Of course not," Harry answered. "She has no idea I'm here. But Hermione and I-we- Hermione is pregnant and I know she wants you to be there for her and our baby-"

"She's pregnant?" Jean echoed. "How far along?"

"Sixteen weeks," Harry said.

"Is that why you got married?" Howard asked, "because she was pregnant?"

Harry stiffened at the accusation, "No sir," he answered. "We were engaged for nearly a year before we got married." Harry tried to get the conversation back on track he had planned this before he came, "I know you don't like me and you blame for everything that is wrong with you and Hermione. That's fine. I'm not even going to try and defend myself to you. All I ask is that you not let those feelings keep you away from Hermione and the baby. This is your first grandchild. Hermione needs you."

Howard was quiet for a long moment. Finally he asked, "What do you want from us?"

Harry handed him a piece of paper, "This is our address. Please come to dinner tomorrow night"

The Granger's exchanged a look and then Jean asked, "What time?"

"Seven?" Harry replied.

"See you at seven, Mr. Potter," Howard said.

Harry left there knowing that the ball was in their court now. He figured Hermione would be a little upset but it would be worth it to ease her mind.