A/N: Yup, first of all I want to thank all of you for the response! And to my regular guest reviewer (wish I could know your name), I know it's getting annoying and long and has become like a short novel but we're nearing the end.
Also, I admit that there is too much of drama so I changed the genre :P
Anyway, hope you don't kill me after this one!
"Mister Potter it's almost been two years and you're still behind the Walsh case."
"But sir, we've been on it for the past one and a half years-"
"Yet I see no difference."
Harry and Ron hung their head low in shame as their boss paced along the length of his office.
The boss sighed and looked at the two men, patiently observing their low faces.
"Proving Rebecca guilty has done nothing." He said slowly. "I appreciate whatever you both were trying but it didn't seem to go on any further-"
"But sir-" Harry cut him off desperately. Getting his boss into a bad mood was the last thing in his mind. "We tried-"
"Harry lad, you need to rest son. You've been through a lot lately. As your godfather and boss, I suggest you to close the Walsh case and get yourself something new."
"But Sirius-"
That did the work. Sirius Black, Harry's godfather and boss had forbidden him to call him by name when at work. However his godson was a cheeky one like his father. Sirius could do nothing but deceive his words whenever Harry gave him a desperate look and said his name.
"No Harry." Sirius said with a small smile. "You need to get some load off your shoulders. In the past one year, you've lost your sister and married the woman you always wished to. You have many wishes of hers to be fulfilled. You're a married man." He then looked at Ron. "And you, your wife just gave birth to your son. You should be with your family, not at work."
Harry and Ron exchanged a look knowing that Sirius was right. Both men had been working lately and had been ignoring their wives lately. Harry had regretted choosing the Walsh case over Hermione; last month, all that woman wanted was to make love to him and he refused and chose questioning the other victims for his friend's murder.
"So, lads-" Sirius clapped. "I'm officially closing the Walsh case and giving both of you a month off." He gave their widened eyes a maniacal grin. "No, you aren't suspended. But I'm just letting you off for a month's vacation."
"Are you sure-?" Harry started.
"I'm absolutely sure!" His godfather replied which earned him a smile from Harry's and Ron's faces.
"Thank you then." Harry said and Ron nodded. "So, may we take leave?"
"You may." Sirius smiled and stopped Harry by the door. "Give Hermione my compliments. When is she due again?"
"Next week." Harry said with a huge smile.
"I know you'll make an amazing father Harry." Sirius said patting his godson's shoulder. "All the best. Go to your wife and spend the day with her. Hermione deserves it."
Harry rang the doorbell at exactly 1700 hours. With a suitcase in his hand and huge boyish grin on his face, he couldn't wait to see his wife after eight long hours of work. Harry hadn't been paying much attention to Hermione despite her nine month pregnancy and he couldn't help but feel guilty about it. Sure he spent his nights with her in his arms and with their little one kicking against his hand. However, all he wanted to do was to kiss her and declare his love for her all day.
The door opened and Marie greeted him with a smile.
"Good evening sir!" She greeted, taking Harry's suitcase from his hand. "How come you're home so early?"
"I've got a month free. My boss gave me off because Hermione needs me more than my work." He answered with a smile as he closed the door behind. "Anyway Marie, how's she been doing?"
"Madam has been craving for treacle tarts lately. She's asked Mister Walsh to get a fresh stock for her from her favourite bakery." Marie answered with a chuckle. "Right now she's been sleeping for the past two hours."
"I guess it's my cue to take care of her." Harry chuckled. "Marie, I'm officially giving you an off till the baby comes. It's my turn to learn of my wife's cravings myself than you telling me."
"Oh sir, thank you!"
"It's alright. You just got married didn't you?"
The girl nodded.
"Go and spend some time with your husband. He'll like it."
"Thank you so much again sir!" Marie thanked him greatly.
"Now don't make it late. Off you go!"
Marie nodded excitedly as she dashed into the servant's quarter before placing Harry's suitcase into the study. The moment she was out, Harry quietly peeped into his bedroom and found his wife soundlessly asleep in the middle of the bed. Smiling to himself, Harry stripped himself to his boxers and slowly crept into the bed.
Harry couldn't help but admire his sleeping wife's beauty. Her beautiful face shone as the evening sun set its rays on it through the curtains. Her breathing, steady and even blew that one lock of curl falling on her nose. Her beautiful chocolate eyes which Harry always loved watching, moved frantically beneath her eyelids; it seemed as if she was daydreaming. Another sign that she was having a peaceful nap was the smile on her lips which Harry proudly assumed was because of him.
All this man knew was that his life was complete.
Oh he loved her so much.
Harry's hand darted to touch her bulged belly. His heart fluttered when he felt their child moving around in the small space it had got to live for nine months. He was going to become a father in almost a week. It seemed just like yesterday when Hermione had announced her pregnancy.
He looked at his wife and then felt the baby kick against his hand. Harry was sure it was time for Hermione to wake up. With a baby kicking like a footballer, it was impossible for the mother to remain in her beauty sleep. Soon enough, Harry felt Hermione's hand on top of his on the belly. She gave out a soft moan and opened her eyes with a bright smile and looked at him.
"Hey." She said softy.
"Hey you," Harry gave an even reply and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Are you done napping?"
"Pretty much." Hermione answered and kissed Harry softly on the lips. "Whenever the baby gets up and eventually, so do I. Anyway, how come you're he early?"
"Sirius has given me a month off. He says I need to be with you and the baby." Harry said with a smile. "Plus, the Walsh case is closed-"
"What do you mean the case is off?" Hermione asked him curiously.
"He said that we had been working on it for the past two years and the last clue we got was Rebecca." Harry explained. "And plus Ron and I have been working more than spending our time back at home." He caressed Hermione's tummy and gave a peck on her nose. "So yes, the case is off and Rebecca Richardson remains in lock up for I don't know how long."
"At least I'll have my husband to bear my cravings-" Hermione said seductively. "Both mental and sexual." With that she started to kiss him hungrily on his neck.
"Absolutely." Harry said with a wicked grin as Harry removed his hand from her tummy and slid it inside her nightgown. It traveled up her thigh and met her throbbing wet centre.
"Looks like you're absolutely ready for me darling." Harry purred and kissed her softly.
"I am." Hermione giggled and kissed him firmly on the mouth. "But Harry, my back hurts and, I don't think you want to do your fat wife-"
"You're nothing but beautiful." Harry said sincerely. "And at this moment, all I want is you, your love." He cupped her anatomy. "And as for your back, what's better than a nice hot bath followed by sex the way you want it?"
And it was ten long days later on a fine winter morning when Hermione's tummy was being mercilessly kicked by the baby. The couple knew it was time for the baby to come into this world and meet its parents.
They were having breakfast at nine when Hermione felt a huge wave of pain on her belly, later finding out that her water had broken. Harry was the one to react quickly; at an instant, he ran to the nursery and brought a carry bag with all the items they had packed for the baby and its mother, before driving his wife to the hospital.
At the moment, Hermione was screaming her lungs out in labor, while Harry was outside the maternity ward, anxiously waiting for the doctor to show up.
"Just get over it already!" Hermione screamed, placing her legs wide open on the metal clamps as the doctor and the nurses worked on reducing her pain. "How much more time doctor?"
"You're almost done dear. Just another contraction and you can start pushing." The doctor replied as Hermione cried in pain.
"Please Doctor Pomfrey, please let Harry in!" Hermione cried in request, feeling another contraction on its way.
"Mrs. Potter, it's against the rules-"
"I said please!" Hermione screeched when she felt another contraction and moaned. "I need Harry! I can't do this without him. I need him!"
The doctor looked at her patient who cried in pain, at the same time her tired face looked fearful and nervous; of course she wanted her husband to be with her at the moment. She then looked at the nurse and said "Get Mister Potter here. Make sure he is all clean and dressed before showing up."
"Yes ma'am." The nurse nodded and left the ward to get the patient's husband.
"Thank you." Hermione breathed out in pain when the last contraction hit her.
"Alright Mrs. Potter, you're ready to push-"
"Harry-"
"He'll be here Hermione. You just concentrate on the baby now. On the count of three," the doctor nodded at her and lowered herself between Hermione. "One, two, three, push!"
Hermione pushed hard, feeling a dozen of bullets being shot on her back. She screamed out in dismay while pushing, clutching the sides of the bed sheet.
"That's right Hermione. Keep going-"
Hermione pushed again. The door then opened and her teary eyes found Harry all dressed in green, rushing to her side.
"Harry-"
"I'm here sweetheart." He cooed and placed a kiss on her sweaty head. "I'm here." He took her hand and she clutched it hard.
"Hermione, we're close to crowning." Doctor Pomfrey informed. "Keep taking deep breaths and push."
Hermione did as she asked and fell back on the bed.
"It's so painful Harry." She cried. "You did this to me!" She further screamed at him.
"Hermione," Harry moaned, feeling his hand being crushed to powder.
"You're crowning!" Pomfrey informed. "A couple of pushes more and the baby will be here!"
Hermione huffed and looked at her husband who was smiling dearly at her. "I love you." She murmured.
"Me too." Harry said, placing a kiss on her lips. "Come on Minnie, you're almost there. Now push!"
Hermione cried, yet she put on all her energy in bringing out their child in the world.
Think of happy things Hermione, her mind encouraged. Your family will be complete, you'll see your baby grow, you'll see Harry being the best father to your child, you'll see a piece of the man you love.
With the last push, Hermione fell on the bed, her body covered with a heavy blanket of sweat. It felt as if a piece of her was taken away from her body, willingly and painfully; she felt very empty at the moment.
Her eyes met Harry's smile, knowing the pain was over. Their baby was here-
"Oh lord!"
Their eyes darted towards the doctor, who fearfully looked at the baby and started blowing into its mouth. Hermione felt Harry's fingers twitch around hers when he asked "What's wrong?"
"She isn't breathing, the cord was around her neck when we took her out." Was the instant reply from the doctor.
She, Hermione sleepily thought, A girl.
"I need to get her checked up properly." The doctor rushed with her words when one of the nurses cut the cord and took away the little red doll in her arms.
She isn't breathing, the doctor's words then rang in Hermione's mind as her heart clenched in panic. Her eyes widened in fear as she looked at her husband, who mirrored the very same look on her face.
"Harry, sh-she-"
"She'll be okay Hermione." Harry quivered fearfully. "She's a fighter."
Hermione started to she'd tears and cried into Harry's arms. They had a beautiful daughter, with who they had seen a beautiful future. She didn't deserve to bid goodbye to the world the day he was born.
Baby Potter is just an innocent girl!
"Hermione," Harry too cried into his wife's shoulder. "Our baby will-"
"Mister Potter," the nurse interrupted their moment. "I need to clean Mrs. Potter and she deserves some rest-"
"I won't rest till my daughter comes back into this room all healthy!" Hermione screamed at the nurse. "Bring her to me, right now!"
"Ma'am, doctor is trying her best-"
"I said, bring my baby to me!" Hermione screeched, feeling Harry holding her steadily in his arms. Her eyes darted towards the doctor, who entered the ward with her head hung low.
"Doctor Pomfrey," Harry blurted out painfully. "How's she?"
Doctor Pomfrey looked dreadfully at Harry and Hermione and cleared her throat, yet no words came out of her mouth.
"Doctor?" Harry asked again. "Is our daughter-"
"I'm sorry Mister Potter." The doctor said sadly and looked at Hermione. "We- we couldn't save your daughter. I swear we tried everything, but she wouldn't give out her first cries."
Harry's heart crumpled at the news as the doctor further spoke.
"She had the cord wrapped around her neck as I told you. And there's only two percent in such cases where the baby is saved." She looked sadly at Hermione. "Unfortunately, your daughter was among the ninety eight."
Her body stiffened.
Her heart had stopped.
Tears were trickling down from her eyes.
Hermione was broken.
Her baby was dead.
"I'm sorry you two." The doctor said softly, and looked at Hermione. "I do understand what you're going through dear, even my first born never cried."
Hermione sniffed and found herself nodding before asking an innocent question to the doctor.
"Can I hold her for once?"
"Hermione, first we need to get you cleaned-"
"Please?"
The doctor looked woefully at Hermione and nodded before she and her nurse left the ward.
The moment they were alone, Hermione started to sob softly and buried her face into her hands. She thought that or she and Harry would be meeting their baby after waiting for nine long months. Hermione had made sure to take care of the little one when she was in her tummy by giving her all the food and love the baby craved. She and Harry even talked to her, knowing that the baby would recognize her parents' voice the moment she was born.
What went wrong in taking care of her that she didn't open her eyes for mummy and daddy?
Hermione soon felt being enveloped into Harry's strong arms again, and felt him sobbing softly against her neck. Her heart shattered to pieces seeing her husband cry; he was broken too. Harry had been imagining himself to be his baby's protector ever since Hermione had gotten pregnant. Moreover, he wanted a daughter to keep him in cloud nine; he wanted a daddy's little princess.
"Hermione," Harry cried. "She's-"
"Be strong sweetheart."
"You too." He placed a kiss on her neck.
"Our princess-"
"She didn't deserve it."
"I know, she's just a baby."
Hermione nodded against his shoulder and placed a kiss on his cheek.
They broke apart as the door opened. Hermione's heart bled so much at the sight of her little angel in the nurse's arms that she wanted to break down again.
"Be strong for her." Harry whispered into her ear as the nurse handed Hermione's the little bundle of white.
Hermione was in awe at the sight of her daughter. The little one had the cutest little face and sweetest little nose. A shower of freckles were found on her nose. Her brunette tuft was slightly visible on her bald head.
She was the most beautiful baby in the world.
"She has her daddy's nose." Hermione said with a teary smile. "And I'm sure if she were to open her eyes we would see your emerald ones."
"I'm sure she would've looked like you." Harry murmured, looking fondly at his daughter. "I mean the hair is yours, the freckles and even her mouth. It's all yours."
Hermione gave out a small laugh as a tear fell on the baby's nose. "Mummy loves you really much sweetheart. I love you so much Lily." Harry's eyes widened as Hermione placed a kiss on her forehead. "I wanted to see you all alive, dress you up, give you morning kisses, change your nappies and love you Lily Elena. But-" she cried harder. "You will always be our little princess. And we love you. Don't forget that."
Harry sniffed as he saw his wife bonding with their daughter. They were the most beautiful women in his life. His heart melted when Hermione looked at him and motioned him to hold his daughter.
"Daddy, do you want to hold Lily?" Hermione softly asked and Harry couldn't help but shed silent tears. He nodded and gently took the baby from his wife's arms and admired the dead beauty with a sad smile.
"This shouldn't have happened to you." Harry croaked and traced Lily's cheek with his thumb. "You're not supposed to ignore me Lily, you're-" he sniffed. "You're supposed to grab my finger and give me your beautiful smile. You're supposed to say your first words, take your first steps and-" He sobbed. "You're my little princess and if anyone tries to harm you in heaven, I swear I'll come to you and-" he paused. "And save you from all the dangers. I love you so much Lily. No one can replace you in our lives. There were many things we had planned for you but, I'm sure you'll come back to mummy and I in some way or another. We love you and you will always be remembered princess, always."
It was a sad and sorry sight.
The Potters were supposed to celebrate, not mourn over the birth of their little princess.
Maybe fate was playing a terrible trick on them.
Or was it their punishment, they never knew.
A/N: As I said, don't kill me and review. Like I want to kill little babies! I love them and they love me!