A/N: I'm so so so sorry about the delay - I got completely sidetracked with a different story, sudden inspiration for a plot, and I couldn't let it be until I got it down on paper. But I have an extra long chapter ready to go - so long that it's been split into two, the rest of the chapter needs finishing off, but I've made you wait too long for this one, so I've put the first part up.

Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, I'm loving the feedback! And a great thank you to everyone who keeps pointing out my mistakes - hopefully there wont be any in this one, but if there is please let me know.

And now, enjoy!

xBx

~ Chapter 16: St Mungos/A New Arrival ~

The Weasley clan, along with Harry and Hermione, crowded into the reception area at St Mungo's, pushing through another family who were sporting various ailments, the likely product of an eventful Christmas lunch. The witch at the desk looked up absent-minded, "What can I help you with?" she asked sounding slightly bored,

"My daughter is in labour," announced Molly, slightly breathless,

"Strait through the doors at your left," She pointed, then taking in Ginny's entourage, she added "There's also a separate waiting area through there, so you can all go through with her."

Ginny hurried her 'thank you' before being carted off by Molly, and as the crowd thinned the Witch behind the desk finally noticed Harry, she sat up a little straighter, and smiled properly for the first time, "Harry, how are you? What brings you here on Christmas? You're not due back for another three months, am I right?"

Harry smiled, while Hermione held herself in the background looking from one to the other with a raised eyebrow and an amused expression,

"You're right," Harry said, "I'm here with the Weasleys. Part of the birth support entourage"

The witch giggled and started twirling her hair with her wand, "Of course, I should have realised, I might see you a little later on, I'm guessing you're here for the long haul" she said with a smile, Harry nodded, as Hermione moved forward to take Harry's arm, "Speaking of, the Weasley's will be wondering where we got to. See you later," she added to the witch, as she steered Harry away,

"Friend of yours?" she asked with a grin, Harry laughed,

"She's nearly always on reception, and I'm here often." Harry explained, opening the door for Hermione, as the made their way to the Weasleys, "I have to come here every six months for a full health check – It's part of the Auror contract. And then we have to come in after every assignment to get checked over, sometimes we need a few courses of treatment spells before we're fully in the clear. So yeah, she knows my face."

"I think she likes your face," Hermione said laughing,

"Jealous are we?" Harry asked

"Not at all" Hermione assured him, "What, or rather who, you did in the past is entirely your business" Harry laughed again, then put his arm around Hermione's shoulder,

"Well, she was not one of them. I've never asked her out, and I think she knows I'm never going to. But it doesn't stop the flirting. Trust me, I don't even notice it anymore – after putting up with it since school, you kind of get numb to it." Harry tried to explain, accidentally making him sound more egotistical than he was: Hermione laughed,

"Wow, Harry. Don't be so modest," she teased him, sarcastically, as they came upon the waiting area in the maternity ward, causing him to redden slightly.

"You two took your time," George called when he saw them approach. He was sat around a table with Arthur, Rob and Declan.

"Harry couldn't tear himself away from his admirer," Hermione explained grinning, "Though apparently he doesn't notice the flirting anymore," she continued in mock seriousness, "Not when he's got it every day since school, he's immune apparently." Hermione laughed, George raised an eyebrow, and Harry reddened even more, "His words" Hermione clarified, "not mine,"

George let out a whoop of laughter, "Blimey Harry, you could give Draco Malfoy a run for his money with an ego like that,"

"You're taking it out of context," Harry tried to defend himself, "It wasn't supposed to sound like that. Where's Molly and Ginny?" He asked, changing the subject to avoid further embarrassment, it was Arthur who answered, while Hermione, George and Rob continued to laugh.

"Molly is with Ginny. Helping her settle into her room. We men would only get in their way, so we thought it best to leave them to it," He said with a grin, as Harry took a seat,

Hermione looked around, "I think I'll go in search of some tea, we could be here for a while,"

"Biscuits would be good as well!" George called after her, as Hermione turned to leave the boys to do whatever it is men do in the maternity ward. On the way she passed by Ginny's room, just as Molly was coming out;

"Hi Molly," Hermione greeted, "I was just on my way to grab us all some tea, can I get you and Ginny anything while I'm at it?"

"Great minds think alike," Molly smiled, "I was just on my way to do the very same," The pair went in search of the tea trolley together,

"How's Ginny doing?" Hermione asked,

"She's going along slowly," Molly sighed, "her contractions are still a fair while apart," she explained

"Guess we should be settling in for the long haul then" Hermione said as the finally came upon the trolley, and began to help themselves to a generous supply of tea and cakes: Hermione conjured up a tray to carry the mountain of cups and plates for the others back in the waiting room.

Molly left Hermione back at Ginny's room, saying before she passed through the door, "When you've handed the boys their provisions, please come and join us, I think Ginny would be glad of your company,"

"I wouldn't be in the way?" Hermione clarified,

"Of course not dear," Molly smiled, "We'll see you in a couple of minutes."

Hermione took the tray back to the waiting room, passed out the teas, and left the plate of biscuits on the small coffee table, she then left the men to their talk – they had gone quickly quiet as she had returned, making her think they were possibly grilling Harry about herself.

"I'll see you guys in a bit, I'm going to hang out with Ginny and Molly for a little while,"

"Good luck," George wished her as she walked away; as soon as Hermione was out of earshot, he turned back to Harry, "So, Harry. Let's talk, man to men" he gestured to himself and the others, "Level with us, Harry. What's the deal with you and Hermione?"

"What do you mean, 'what's the deal?'?"

"What's the relationship status? Are you actually a couple now? Or are you still masquerading as friends?"

Harry sighed, leaned back and stared into his mug, "I don't know what we are," he answered truthfully, "I love her, and I've been in love with her for years. But we've just been re-establishing our friendship: we're both completely different now, we've been through a lot, and we've lived separate lives for ten years – we've been on our own for almost as long. We need to get used to having each other back in our lives again before we start discussing the seriousness of our relationship."

"But do you believe it to be serious?" Arthur asked, seriously. "And, more to the point, what are Hermione's expectations? Does she believe it's serious, does she want it to be serious? Because if she does, and you don't….well, the girl has been through a lot: opening up emotionally has never been a strong point for her, I'm guessing it will be even harder now; after ten years of silence, the last thing she needs is another heartbreak" Arthur finished solemnly.

Harry looked up, looking Arthur straight in the eye: "Do you really doubt my intentions?" He asked incredulously, "I've been waiting solely for her for eight years, looking for her even longer: the time-frame expectancy for this relationship is unquestionably never-ending. I will be spending the rest of my life with her: now I've got her back I'm never letting her go.

"But I know she's going to need some time to get comfortable, some time to settle back in, and I get that. I do. I've been looking for her for ten years, she's finally back in my life now, I can wait as long as it takes for her to be ready for a relationship, to be ready for me. But I'm sure as hell not going to let her get away again.

But Marriage isn't on the cards just yet, if that's what you're thinking" He finished with a grin, to which George, Rob and Arthur all laughed.

"Well, I guess that clears it up a little bit," commented Rob, "Does this mean the hero has finally got his girl?" He joked with a grin,

"I think 'hero' is a bit over the top, but yeah, I guess this is the start of the Happy Ending" Harry said with a smile,

"Good God, Harry, did you lose you dick on the way here? That was the girliest comment I've every heard you speak!" exclaimed George, sounding and looking slightly disgusted – until Harry pulled out his wand, thought 'levicorpus' and dangled George in the air, by his ankles.

###

Meanwhile, in the birthing suite down the hall, Ginny, Molly and Hermione had spend the better part of two hours discussing Ginny's Quidditch career, before touching on the past ten years of Hermione's life. The conversations took place in between Ginny's contractions, which still weren't getting any closer together.

As Ginny caught her breath following her most recent contraction, she questioned Hermione about the development of her and Harry's relationship: "So, Hermione," she began, slightly breathless, "What happened when Harry found you? How did he find you?"

"I don't really know how, to be honest," Hermione started, addressing the final question, first, "I think he came to Robin Hood's Bay as a last resort – he knew I used to go there a lot when I was young, with my parents: I don't think he really expected me to be there because of the memories the place might have held. And to be honest, his instincts were good – when I first went there I didn't expect to linger for that very reason. But the place was so different to my memories that I couldn't really feel my parents presence there. It felt completely new to me, and the place was too beautiful to resist, so much so that I ended up staying. What happened when he found me, you asked?" Hermione smiled, and rolled her eyes, "True to our typical selves we argued: I lost my temper, shouted and screamed, I even threw something at him I think. Then he stormed out into the night" she finished,

Ginny laughed, "very typical," she agreed, before another contraction took over. Hermione approached the bedside, taking Ginny's hand, breathing with her through the pain. When the pain had subsided again, Ginny continued questioning Hermione, "So, after you threw him out, how long before he came back to apologise?" she said with a breathless smile,

Hermione took a seat by the bed, "Well, apparently he was there the very next day, and the day after, and every day for the next week, but he was under his invisibility cloak." Hermione laughed, "He finally revealed himself though, and we managed to have a somewhat civil conversation. It took a while, a few days really, to get used to be around each other again, but we eventually got comfortable. After a while he started asking more questions about why I stopped using magic, trying to get me start using it again: of course I was a bit defensive at first, and we argued yet again. But he never gave up; he didn't push me too far though, or too quickly, but he definitely never gave up on me either," she remembered fondly,

"So, when did you properly become a couple?" Ginny asked bluntly, Hermione wasn't sure how to answer, she wasn't even sure of the answer herself.

She blushed and stammered slightly as she tried to respond, "We're not really….I mean…erm…I don't really know what we are," she finished lamely, she sighed and continued, "Getting to know Harry again after ten years apart, allowed me to get to know him on a completely different level, to see him in a different light, in a way. I think it allowed me to realise there was something more than friendship there," she admitted.

Ginny laughed, and Molly smiled as she said: "I think what you mean, dear, is that you finally realised you've been in love with him for years"

Hermione laughed, "I guess you're right," she agreed, just as Ginny was gripped by another contraction.

"That one felt worse than the last," commented Ginny, through clenched teeth,

"And I think they're starting to get closer together also, if only slightly," added Molly, "Looks like we might me finally getting somewhere,"

"Shall I call a healer in?" asked Hermione,

"No, not yet," Ginny shook her head, "We may be getting somewhere, but there's still a long wait. And anyway, I want to hear all the juicy stuff from you first"

"Are you sure?" questioned Hermione, Ginny rolled her eyes,

"Hermione relax, I've been through this once before, I know what to expect. Now tell me, I know you two are taking it slow – much slower than really necessary I would wager – but please tell me you've at least given into the passion and slept together already"

Hermione blushed "Ginny! Seriously?"

"Hermione, I'm about to push a tiny human through my vagina: I'm allowed to say what I want and blame it on the pain and hormones. The least you can do for me, in said paid, is tell me all the dirty details. And if you haven't done the deed already, can you please get a move on, I don't know about you, but Harry really needs to get laid soon: he's been so tense and cranky for ages, it's no fun for the rest of us" Ginny stated, Hermione laughed in shock, but answered her with a blush, all the same,

"Fine. Yes, we have. Satisfied?"

""Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Ginny smirked, before another contraction hit, just as one of the healers appeared to check on her progress:

"Right, dear, let's have a look shall we?" she bustled over to Ginny; Hermione moved away from the bed as the healer proceed to give Ginny the once-over.

"Hmm, well, we're definitely moving in the right direction, although we're moving at a snails pace it seems, I'm afraid." Ginny let out an exasperated sigh, as the healer continued apologetically, "You're only 4cm dilated, it's two more than when you first arrived, which is a positive. But it looks like you're going to be here for a while yet." The healer smiled encouragingly, before leaving the room. Hermione returned to the bedside,

"Shall I go and update the guys?" she asked, Ginny nodded,

"Thanks, that would be good. And could you send Rob and Declan in – I'd like to see Declan before the pain gets too much I think,"

Hermione nodded, "of course, do want anything else getting?"

"Nah, my husband can run around for me for a while" she smiled, "But there is something you can do," she added slyly,

"Anything," Hermione assured her quickly, assuming it would be pregnancy/birth related,

"Use the time to talk to Harry. By the time this baby is born I want you both to know exactly where you stand, I want a full and official relationship status by the time we're through here."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Fine" she consented, "anything else?"

Ginny grinned, "Nope, that will be all."

Hermione turned to leave, calling before she closed the door, "I'll come check in later on, see how you're going."

Hermione made her way back to the waiting area, stopping short when she got there to take in the sight before her: All four men were leaning back in their chairs, heads tilted back, mouths open, all almost to the point of drooling, and all unquestionably asleep. Aside from Declan, who had taken this precious opportunity to climb onto the seat next to his father and quietly crumble a biscuit in his hand to then sprinkle sneakily into his father's hair.

"Seriously?" Hermione spoke incredulously, as well as loudly, causing each male to jump awake in their own special way: Arthur's was perhaps the most dignified, he merely cleared his throat, shook his head, and reached for his cup. George, on the other hand, jumped to his feet exclaiming, "I didn't do anything I swear!" While Harry sat bolt upright saying, "I wasn't asleep, I swear it," trying to convince the whole room in general more than any one particular person. At the same time, Rob jerked forward, blurting out "Huh? Who called?" followed quickly by, "What the hell?" as a cascade of crumbs fell from his hair into his lap, accompanied by a gale of mischievous laughter from Declan.

Hermione merely shook her head at the group, complete with the raised-eyebrows of Hermione-ish disapproval. She then focused on Robert, "Rob, Ginny would like to see you, and Declan as well. She's not much further along yet, so we've got a long wait ahead, I think she may be a little frustrated at the speed of proceedings. Just to let you know."

Rob stretched himself out and rose to his feet, "Thanks for the heads up. Come on trouble," he added to his son, taking his hand, "let's go see how your mum's doing, and keep her company for a while."

As rob left, Hermione took a seat next to Harry, "I can't believe you all fell asleep," she reprimanded them all in mock disgust,

"It's not our fault, it's Christmas afternoon," Harry tried to defend himself, "It's a tradition to fall asleep in the afternoon, after your dinner. And, we have been here for hours already," he pointed out.

"Not hours, it's only been a couple at most," Hermione countered, George yawned then took up Harry's defence,

"Nope, we've been here a while Hermione," he checked his watch before continuing, "Nearly four hours actually, you've been in there with Ginny for about three hours" He then stood up and stretched himself out, "I think I'm going to go look for some coffee, anyone else want one?"

"Mmmm, yes please, a latte would be good thanks" Hermione said while Harry nodded, "Please mate, want a hand?"

It was Arthur who answered, however, as he stood up himself, "Not to worry, Harry, I'll go. You keep Hermione company. Your usual?"

"Yeah, thanks Arthur."

The two Weasleys departed, George giving Harry a wink as he left; a wink that didn't escape Hermione's notice.

"What was that for?" She asked Harry, her curiosity brimming.

"Oh, nothing, really, they've just been winding me up a little bit," he shrugged, "How's Ginny doing?"

"Not too bad, considering. She's moving along slowly, but she's only dilated 2cm more than -"

"Too much information," Harry cut her off, holding up his hands, Hermione laughed, then leaned her head on Harry's shoulder. "How you holding up?" he asked,

"Me? I'm fine, why?" Hermione felt Harry shrug, underneath her.

"Just making sure it hasn't been too overwhelming for you. It's been pretty chaotic for your first day back in with the family."

Hermione laughed, "honestly, after the first hour or so of being in the burrow, it was like I'd never left. And the day wouldn't have been quite right without a little bit of chaos," she added "after all, when was our life ever anything but chaotic?" she asked with a smile, causing Harry to chuckle.

"I can't disagree with that" Harry acquiesced, "So, what were you and Ginny talking about for so long?"

"A bit of everything really: we discussed her Quidditch career for a little while," she started, before carrying on slightly nervously, "then, she started grilling me about us."

Harry sighed and laughed a the same time, "Yeah, I got the same thing from the guys." He admitted, "Looks like the Weasley clan are on a mission"

Hermione giggled before continuing, "Ginny wants an official status of our relationship by the time the baby is born." She stated while rolling her eyes, "Luckily for us, though, this baby will take hours to arrive." Hermione laughed as she spoke, but Harry frowned,

"We need hours to figure out our relationship?" He asked, "Surely we're not that complicated?"

"I don't think we're complicated," Hermione clarified, "Rather, I think I'm complicated. No, I know I am. With everything that has happened in the past few months, my head is all over the place at the moment, and sometimes I can feel quite overwhelmed with it all. But, I know that it's worth it, I get to keep you by my side." Hermione carried on, suddenly speaking her feelings with more courage than she ever thought she would have,

"I know that I love you. And I no know that I have loved you for years – long before I left I believe – I was just in denial. The way I feel when I am with you, the way I've always felt when I was around you, I never felt that with Ron. Don't get me wrong, I loved him, I did. And a part of me always will, but it's not the same as the way I love you. I can't explain it. I just know that I'm over being alone; I'm over being afraid of my feelings. I'm yours for as long as you want, and I won't be going anywhere again. That bit at least, isn't complicated" she finished.

"I'm always going to want you" Harry stated without a moments hesitation, and being just as frank as Hermione had been, he continued, "I've been in love you with you for years. And I have known it for nearly as many years, as well, - though everyone else seemed to know it for a lot longer. Except Ginny, she didn't realise until I realised. Or maybe we both knew it, we just ignored it, tried to maintain our little bubble, I don't know. But that's not the point. The point is, I know you are the only woman I am ever going to want to be with. I'm definitely not going anywhere, and if you think I'm going to let you slip away again, then the muggle world has left you delusional-" Hermione laughed, and Harry pulled her closer, smiling,

"I know it's been chaotic for you, I know it's been a lot to take in, but whenever you're ready, I'm here you for you. I'm all yours, and that's not going change. Just don't make me wait too long, I'm pushing thirty now, apparently I should be thinking of settling down, Molly is constantly telling me." Harry smiled as he spoke in jest, letting a slight chuckle slip out, and Hermione laughed again, before speaking slowly,

"So, to answer Ginny's question," She spoke carefully, suddenly feeling quite nervous, "We're in a fully committed relationship?" It was meant to be a statement, but it ended up coming out as a question.

"Are we?" Harry asked, turning to look at Hermione, surprised by her sudden forwardness and willingness to commit,

"Aren't we?" Hermione asked slowly, looking up at Harry, starting to worry that she had been too forward, and slightly surprised by Harry's reluctance,

"Yeah, I would like to think that we are there yeah. I just wasn't sure you we're wanting that yet – We don't have to rush this, if you're not ready - "

"I'm ready, I'm there." Hermione assured him with a smile,

"Ready to tell everyone?" He clarified,

"They're all expecting it anyway," Hermione sighed, strangely relieved that they had come to an open understanding and that they were finally on the same page. A playful smile graced her lips, and she turned to smirk at Harry, as she remembered their arrival, "The question is are you ready to tell your girlfriend at the front desk that you're seeing someone else. You're going to break her heart you know?" She put on a mock-stern expression.

Harry's expression was less than amused, "That's not funny. I could still change my mind about you know." He threatened, Hermione simply laughed, and put her arms about his neck,

"No you won't. You love me too much" she counted, before kissing him full on the lips.

A/N: There it is, Part one of the next instalment. I've lost count of how many times I had to re-write some of the conversations, but I got there in the end. Again, I'm really sorry for the delay, but thank you all for your patience, I only hope this chapter was worth waiting for.

Let me know what you think, I'll try and have to next part up soon

xBx