A/N: Wow! I think it must be a record...I updated within the week! surprised? lol

Anyway, thank you to everyone who has read this piece so far, I hope you're all continuing to enjoy reading it - I know I'm enjoying writing it! There's not many more chapters left to go.

Thank you to everyone who has reviewed! The support I'm getting is fantastic, and I really appreciate the time you guys take to let me know your thoughts.

Hope you enjoy this update :)

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DISCLAIMER: I own nothing related to Harry Potter, nor Harry Potter himself...life would be much sweeter if I did *sigh* But, alas, JK Rowling owns all...

~ Chapter 17: St Mungos/A New Arrival Pt2 ~

"Seriously guys? We leave you alone for half an hour. This is a place where babies are born, not made." George's voice broke through Harry and Hermione's little bubble. The pair broke apart and looked toward the voice: George made his way around to the chair he had vacated a little over a half hour ago, followed by Arthur who set down a new tray of provisions onto the coffee table.

"Half an hour to go get coffee?" Harry asked George disbelievingly, "What the hell did you do? Collect the beans yourself?"

"We called in on Ginny, only for five minutes though. Man she is cranky" George started to explain,

"Well, what do you expect?" Hermione defended, "She's been here for hours, in labour for longer. It's now coming up to 9pm, she's going to be here for many more hours, and she's trying to push a tiny human out of her va-"

"Stop!" George interrupted at the same time as Harry held up his hands making a "Gah!" sound of discomfort, Hermione laughed as she reached for her latte, "Thanks for this" she added

"No graphic statements thanks" George continued, "As I was saying, we called in on Ginny for five minutes, than dawdled about for a while. We thought we'd give you two some time to yourselves. Luckily we didn't delay much longer, god knows what we would have walked back into if we did" he chuckled.

Harry, who had just reached for his own coffee, picked up a biscuit and threw it at George's head. Hermione rolled her eyes as the missile hit its target,

"In ten years I would have thought you both would have matured somewhat," she said in semi-disapproval, though it was said with a smile to lessen the reprimand.

George chuckled once again, "Unfortunately, your absence meant we were lacking your discipline; we've been running amok with out you to keep us in line,"

Hermione laughed outright, "And when did you ever heed my advice? Harry may have listened to be on the very rare occasion, but you certainly never paid attention to my advice what so ever. Your maturity – or rather your lack of – is nothing to do with me." She said with a smile.

The foursome continued to chat happily for another hour, conversation punctuated with the odd yawn. Not long after, Rob returned carrying Declan, who was fast asleep in his arms. After placing his son gently on a seat and conjuring up a blanket to lovingly cover him, he allowed himself fall into the vacant seat next to him letting out a long yawn, and excessive stretch as he did so.

Hermione smiled, and voiced the question on everyone's lips, "How's Ginny doing?"

"She's not too bad. Moving along a bit now, managed to get up to 7cm. And we seem to be moving quicker" He explained, before yawning again, "She's a little out of it at the minute though, she's just been given her first dose of Torpor Elixir" He explained,

"Torpor Elixir?" Hermione asked, having never heard of this particular brew before.

"It numbs her from the waist down" Rob explained, "But it's made her drowsy."

"Ahh," Hermione nodded in understanding. "An epidural in potion form. If only the muggles knew about that, they'd go crazy for it."

"What's an epidural?" Asked George, brow furrowed,

"It's the same as the potion," Hermione explained, with a dismissive wave of her hand, "Just administered a little differently,"

The men looked at her, waiting for her to continue, she laughed, "You guys freak out about the mention of 'cm's of dilation'," she stated, to which each mad shuddered. Hermione shook her head, "you really want to know?"

Rob waved his hand in dismissal, "Come on, it can't be that bad, if the muggles can handle it, I'm sure we can"

Hermione sat up straighter and smiled, "okay then. It's an injection. Quite a dangerous one actually, if you contract during administration it can cause permanent paralysis. But anyway, it's administered into your lower back, right at the spinal column and the needle is about," she held up her hands roughly 8cm apart, "this big. Pretty thick too. It's huge," she added, smiling as she saw the four of them fidget in their seats, trying to keep their composure while resisting the urge to shudder, "Right. Into. Your. Spine." She added again, slowly for dramatic effect, then laughed at the pale faces looking back at her. George spoke first,

"Yeah, I didn't need the details." Hermione laughed again, and mumbled "pussies" under her breath, though still loud enough for some of them to hear. Rob laughed, Harry raised his eyebrows in slight shock,

"I'm sorry?" Harry asked incredulously, "Did you just call us 'pussies'?"

Hermione shrugged, "If the cap fits," she stated, causing the others to laugh again.

After another hour or so of general chit-chat, Hermione decided to call in on Ginny once again, this time taking Harry along with her, as he was the only other member of the group still actually awake.

"Hey Gin. How you doing?" Harry asked her quietly, hoping not to wake Molly, who was sleeping in an armchair, at the other side of Ginny's bed.

"I'm tired, I'm hungry. The potion is wearing off, and I'm still only 8cm's" she complained. "I can't take a nap, because every time I'm just about to drift into sleep, another contraction rips trough me."

"Can we get you anything?" Hermione asked, hesitantly, not sure what to say or do to not anger Ginny any further.

"Do you know where my husband is?" she asked suddenly, and somewhat abruptly. Hermione looked at Harry, not sure what to say, as Ginny continued, "He said he was going to go put Declan down, get a drink, then come back. That was 2 hours ago."

"Erm," Hermione started, feeling that this news was going to piss off Ginny even more, she really didn't want to tell her that her husband was enjoying his second nap of the evening so she elbowed Harry forward.

Harry cleared his throat, "Rob and Declan are in the waiting lounge, with your father and George" Harry started, "asleep," he added quietly.

Ginny closed her eyes and took a deep calming breath, Harry instinctively took a step back as she began to speak through clenched teeth, "Go wake him, and send him in. He did this to me, if I'm not sleeping he's not sleeping!"

"Right away," Hermione answered, quickly slipping out of the door before Harry could even take a step.

Hermione was only gone twenty minutes at the most, but it felt like a lifetime to Harry, who had no idea what to do or say to keep Ginny's temper from boiling over.

"Are you going to stand there awkwardly all evening Harry, or are you going to talk to me?" Ginny asked, slightly waspishly, after five minutes of uncomfortable silence.

"I'll talk, what would like me to talk about?" Harry asked, before adding, "Do you want another potion bringing? A calming draught maybe? Or another dose of the Torpor Elixir?"

Ginny shook her head, "No, a calming draught can interfere with the Torpor, and I had my last dose of elixir half an hour ago. You need to leave it at least 3 hours between doses." Ginny explained,

"Ah," Harry said quietly, "ok."

"Have you and Hermione sorted yourselves out yet?" she asked bluntly,

"Sorted ourselves out?" Harry asked, taken aback by the sudden change of subject.

Ginny let out an exasperated sigh, "Have you sorted out where you stand? Gods be good, you're twenty-eight, not fourteen anymore! There are these things called words, you know," Ginny started to rant condescendingly, Harry smiled and let her get it of her system, "they're the sounds we make from our mouths, when you string these words together they form sentences. This is how we communicate. Do it." She commanded.

"Are you finished?" Harry asked with a grin, "We have communicated, thank you very much. It's not something we find particularly difficult to do, I might add. We were just simply taking our time. And Yes, I'm aware of my age, but come on Ginny, I'm only twenty-eight! My life is still really only starting out, I've only just got my career fully established."

Ginny cut him off, "Yeah, yeah. Blah, blah, blah," she waved a hand dismissively, "You said you and Hermione 'communicated'. What's the verdict?" She got strait to the point.

"What exactly were you all expecting? A marriage proposal?" Harry laughed in rhetoric, "For the past few weeks we've just been going with the flow, not rushing anything, letting things progress in their own time" Harry explained, deciding it best to not toy with Ginny too much in her heightened hormonal state, "no labels, no commitments, nothing major. Just getting to know each other again at our own pace, our own way, in our own time. But now, we're ready for that definition that everyone seems to want to know; we're both in the same place, and we're both happy for everyone to know what we are and where we are."

"Which is?" Ginny probed, when Harry seemed likely to stop talking, "Come on, what's the status?"

Harry rolled his eyes, "We're in a fully committed, serious relationship." He said with a smile. Ginny smiled back, one of the first genuinely happy smiles she had given in the past few hours.

"Well, it's about time," she said approvingly, "Does this mean she's definitely back for good then? She won't be running away any time soon?" Ginny asked unguardedly. Harry looked at her probingly, a sudden thought occurring to him, which he hadn't initially thought of before,

"That was your main issue with her return wasn't it? Why you we're reluctant to fully let her back into your life again? You we're afraid she was going to run out on you again." He stated, Ginny didn't say anything, which made Harry think he was getting pretty close to the truth: if he were wrong, Ginny would certainly have let him know. Harry pressed on, "Is that why you were so keen for Hermione and I to define our relationship? To find out how serious we were? You figured if we decided that we were in it for the long haul, you'd know she wouldn't be leaving us again?"

Again, Ginny didn't answer right away, she simply looked at Harry, chewing her lip nervously. Finally she spoke, "Fine, I'll admit it, I wasn't sure she was back to stay. Ever since you mentioned that you had found her, I was waiting for you to come home one day and tell us all she'd done another runner. I half expected her to avoid dinner today as well. And even the optimistic part of me that expected her to join us for Christmas, was unwilling to bet that she might still be around six months down the line. She was my best girl friend all throughout school, Harry. Luna was a very close second, and in the last ten years she has become somewhat of a sister to me – she's Godmother to Declan, I love her to bits – but she's no Hermione, she could never fill that void. I didn't want to let Hermione back in, only to have her walk out on us again, I don't want to go through that again." Ginny told him honestly, then seeming to realise how much of her emotions she had laid on the line, she grumbled: "Stupid potions and hormones, got no control any more."

Harry laughed and walked over to the bed, taking one of Ginny's hands in his, "Hermione is here to stay. I can promise you that much. I certainly won't be letting her get away again."

"When's she moving in with you?" Ginny asked, once again being as blunt as a sledgehammer. Harry dropped her hand and took a step back, shaking his head.

"You Weasley's just don't give up do you?"

Ginny grinned, "Nah," she said, just as the door opened, and the arrival of Hermione and Rob saved Harry from answering.

"Sorry I took so long," Hermione apologised hesitantly, "He proved rather difficult to wake; when I finally managed to bring him back to the land of the living, I ploughed him with a few extra-concentrated espresso shots. He should be good for a few hours now."

Ginny laughed, "Thanks Hermione, don't suppose you have some for my Mother? She's been out like a light for nearly an hour, much longer and she'll start snoring. And that is the last thing I need right now."

Harry and Hermione spent the next half an hour in with Ginny and Rob: Ginny's contractions were increasing rapidly, which left little time for fully-fledged conversation. When Molly finally awoke from her much needed slumber, and a couple of maternity Healers came in to check on Ginny's progress yet again, Harry and Hermione took their leave, and went in search of something more substantial to eat than cakes and biscuits.

With nothing but the tea and coffee station situated in the maternity ward, they had to venture back into the main part of St Mungos to find the sustenance they craved. Thirty minutes later they returned back to the waiting area, laden down with a varied selection of cold food from the cafeteria – extra portions for when the others awoke, knowing they would probably be hungry when they did.

Harry conjured a blanket, Hermione a number of pillows, and the pair sat down to a make shift pic-nic in the centre of the waiting room. Half-way through their supper – or rather their mid-night feast as it was now approaching 1am – Declan awoke and wanted to share some of their plunder: He managed to get through half a sandwich before falling asleep on the blanket, amidst a pile of pillows. Harry pulled Declan's blanket from the chair and covered him back up, Hermione looked up at the clock.

"I can't believe I have to be at work in like nine hours time, and I haven't even been to bed yet."

"You're really going into work?" Harry asked, Hermione shrugged.

"It's not like I can call in sick, I own the place." She said, handing Harry a tub of butterscotch pudding, and taking one for herself, "If Ginny still hasn't had the baby, I guess I'll post a note to the door saying I'm closed for the day, so I'd have to go back at least for half an hour. But it's my business, I can't neglect it."

"I know, I get that, I just wasn't sure if Boxing Day was a regular working day for you is all." Harry reassured her, knowing how edgy she could get about her business. Hermione dipped into her pudding before answering.

"Yeah, I usually open about ten- maybe eleven AM. Never really open for long, it's usually the regular tourists – they own homes up there" Hermione went on to explain as Harry gave her a blank look, "They come down on the holidays; usually on Boxing day the women and kids come for a drink around lunch time, while the men are in the pub. Then they go off to join their men about two in the afternoon. Which is when I close."

"Then what do you do?"

"What do you think I do?" Hermione asked with a smile,

"Clean up, then go up to your flat?"

Hermione laughed, "Nah, the place is already clean – hardly any customers so it just needs a wipe down. No, I cash up, grab the tips then go and join them." Harry let out a bark of laughter, to which Hermione reprimanded him with, "Shhh! People are trying to sleep" she laughed.

Harry smothered his laughter, "I'm sorry, but I wasn't expecting that. Making off with the tips." He shook his head, Hermione laughed as well.

"They're my tips, what else am I going to use them for?"

"Can I ask you a question? And don't get offended or fly off the handle, I'm just curious is all" Harry asked, sobering up slightly,

"Anything," Hermione assured him, "I'll be on my best behaviour"

"Do you think you'll ever work in the magical world? At the Ministry maybe? Or Hogwarts?"

"Harry, I -" Hermione started, but Harry interrupted: "I know, you have your business. But just hear me out. You've left Katie in charge a couple of times now, what if you were to do that more often. Not right away of course, I'm talking further in the future. And not an abrupt change, but maybe go part-time to start with, share the responsibility with Katie."

"It's a possibility, I'll give you that. With Katie I mean. But Harry, I've been away for too long, there definitely wouldn't be a place in the Ministry for me, and I think even Hogwarts would be pushing my luck." Hermione vanished her empty pudding pot, then laid herself down, resting her head in Harry's lap. Harry put down his own empty pudding pot, leaned back against the pillows he had propped against a chair, and started to run his fingers through Hermione's hair.

Hermione sighed and let her eyelids flutter, as Harry's touch soothed her. Harry continued the conversation, "You'd be surprised, Hermione, a lot of people remember how bright you were at Hogwarts. You we're wanted at the Ministry before you left us, and a few departments would take you on still."

"Because I was part of the Golden Trio, and helped bring around the demise of Voldemort?" she asked, Harry smiled,

"Well, maybe that has something to do with it as well. But you academic reports alone would put you ahead of many people who have been at the Ministry for thirty years." He assured her, "And with Hogwarts. McGonagall would love to have you on the staff – come on, even in our fifth year, you know just as much, if not more than every teacher in the place. Not that I'm pressuring you or anything. Just letting you know. It's not too late to get a job here if you wanted it."

"Hmmm" Hermione sounded, getting drowsy, "Never say never, I guess," She mumbled, not really aware of what was coming out of her mouth; she was far too relaxed, and too close to sleep to really think. Within seconds she was sleeping; Harry smiled down at her, then leaned his head back and joined her in slumber.

###

The five enjoyed a few hours of peaceful repose, until Molly came rushing into the waiting area a little after 6am, shouting excitingly to wake them up:

"Up, up! Get up, it's time!" she called, pulling them all reluctantly from their slumber,

"Calm yourself down, woman!" Snapped George, who definitely wasn't a morning person.

Arthur spoke more calmly, "Is everything alright?" He asked, a little concerned at the abrupt awakening, stretching himself out of his seat.

"Yes, yes, everything's fine" Molly assured him smilingly, "She's about to go into delivery, I just came to tell you all that it's finally happening!" she explained hurriedly, as Hermione and Harry untangled themselves from pillows, blankets and each other to stand up. "I'm going to go in for the birth, but I had to let you know. I'll see you on the other side." Molly finished, before hurrying off yet again, before anyone could say anything.

Harry stretched, and then sat himself back down onto a chair with a groan, "Well it's about time," he yawned.

"It hasn't been too long really, we came here about half four yesterday?" Hermione countered, "that's what? Nearly fourteen hours? That's not a long labour – some women can be here for a couple of days." The guys just looked at her, not really taking in what she was saying, "How about I got get us all some coffee?" she said, "A bit of a caffeine kick, wake us up a bit." Hermione waited for a response, but the most she got was a "mmm" sound from Harry and Arthur, and grunt form George, and a snore from Declan, who was still sound asleep on the floor, and hadn't even woken from Molly's excited babble.

"I'll take that as a yes," she said to herself, before going on yet another coffee run.

It wasn't until they had gone through three rounds off tea and coffee, nearly two- and a-half hours later, that they heard anything from the delivery room. Rob appeared, looking exhausted but happy, and announced the new arrival.

"A fighting-fit baby girl," he announced with a grin, "8lb 2oz, born a 7:49am. Ginny's doing great, they're all back in the room now if you want to come and see them." He added, going to pick up his son, who had been awake, but quiet for the past half hour. "Did you hear that?" He asked his son, "You have a little sister! Isn't it great?"

Declan shrugged, "It would have been better if it was a boy, but I suppose a sister will be good." He said in his childish honesty, to the laughs of the rest.

The entourage made their way back to Ginny's room, quietly entering, whispering congratulations, and taking it in turns to pass the newborn around, while Ginny slipped in and out of a doze.

When Hermione was sat in the armchair next to Ginny's bed, taking her turn at holding the newborn, with Harry leaning over the side of chair, one arm around Hermione's shoulders, the other hand playing with the baby's tiny fingers, she sighed and smiled, "Ginny, she's absolutely beautiful, well done. Have you got a name for her yet?" She asked,

"We had a few ideas, but we decided on Isabella Rose." She said, "Izzy, for short."

As you would expect, the entire room cooed and ahhed over the new name; Hermione noticed the clock on the wall, and groaned at the time,

"Oh, it's nearly half-past nine, I can't believe I have to go into work soon" she moaned.

"I think we should all make a move soon," voiced Arthur, "let Ginny get some rest."

"You can't go just yet," Ginny protested, "Some things need sorting out first."

"Like what?" asked George, "Surely it can wait? You must be exhausted"

"I am," Ginny said, "But this will only take a moment" she assured them, looking meaningfully at her husband, who came to sit down next to her, on the bed. The pair turned their attention to Harry and Hermione,

"Harry," Started Rob, "We want you to be Izzy's Godfather."

"You serious?" Harry asked, a huge smile spreading onto his face,

"Of course," seconded Ginny, "You've been a great Godfather to Teddy, and now that He'll be starting Hogwarts soon,, he's growing up, we thought you should do it all again for Izzy, especially now you have Hermione by your side again. You two make the perfect team. Which brings us nicely to the next point," she said turning to Hermione, "Hermione, we'd love you to be Godmother."

Hermione looked up incredulously, "Honestly?" she asked, tears threatening to form, "Even after the crap I put you through?" she questioned, hesitantly, Ginny laughed.

"You're the obvious choice for Godmother," Ginny assured her, "And this way, you can't run off again, because you have responsibilities." She joked.

"So, what do you say?" Pushed Rob, "Will you do it?"

Harry and Hermione looked happily at each other, then looked back to Ginny and Rob,

"Of course we'll do it," Harry said, while Hermione nodded, not daring to speak as she was becoming rather emotional and it was highly likely that any sound she attempted to make would turn into a rather embarrassing sob, "We'll be thrilled." Harry finished, for the both of them.

A/N: Well, there it is. I hope you enjoyed the update. Please leave a review, let me know your thoughts - and if you spot any mistakes, please let me know so I can fix it! :)

There isn't much left of the story to go, but there are at least three chapters left - however, recently my chapters seem to be doubling up, so you never know, it could end up being six more! I have a rough outline of how the story is going to go, but the chapters still need a lot of work, so I can't promise a time frame for their completion. But I will get started on the next one in the morning.

Thanks again to all my readers; thank you for sticking by me, and thank you for your reviews! keep it up!

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