A week after the attack on Hermione, Ron had become extremely obsessed with her whereabouts at all times. One day, Hermione came home a half an hour late, and Ron completely lost it, telling her she should've sent a Patronus. Hermione got angry, of course, and told Ron that she could take care of herself and stormed out of the room, leaving Ron to deal with the icy silence left swirling around in the room.
But despite the obsession Ron had over Hermione's location, he couldn't help but notice something was different about her. She seemed exceptionally moody and angry all the time. She would snap at Ron sometimes for no reason, and Ron felt like he was losing the Hermione he had always loved.
One day, when Ron and the rest of the Weasley family were at Grimmauld Place for a celebration three days before Christmas, Hermione Apparated from work into the living room, giving Fleur and Audrey - who had been deep into discussion about their children – quite a fright.
Ron, who had been talking to Harry and Teddy about Quidditch with Rose in his arms, looked over and noticed Hermione looked extremely nervous. He hadn't seen that look on her face since three weeks before their O.W.L. exams. Immediately, he let Rose down next to Roxanne and Albus and made his way over to Hermione.
"Hello love," Ron said when he approached her, kissing her lightly on the lips. "What's wrong?"
Hermione plastered a fake smile on her face and simply said, "Nothing, I'm fine."
Ron gave her a stern look. "Hermione…" he said warningly.
Hermione shot him a deadly look and walked away to greet Rose, who was with Ginny and Angelina, who were both staring at the two curiously.
Ron sighed and joined the conversation Percy and Bill were having. He would be able to get whatever was bothering her out of her soon enough.
Two hours later, Ron noticed Hermione leaving the room. He took the opportunity to follow her and question her about what was bothering her.
Before Hermione could leave his sight, Ron grabbed her arm and spun her around. "Hermione, what's wrong?"
Hermione looked around miserably, and finally grabbed his arm and led him into a nearby closet. She closed the door behind them and used her wand for light.
"I have to tell you something Ron," she said quietly.
"What is it?" Ron asked, almost unable to read Hermione's face in the weak light of her wand. Hermione hesitated and Ron tipped her chin so she was looking him in the eyes. "Hermione, what is it?"
At this, Hermione's eyes filled with tears and she looked away. She mumbled something incoherent and Ron looked at her confusingly.
"Sorry?"
Hermione sighed impatiently and stated quite clearly, "I'm pregnant."
This was the last thing Ron was expecting and the shock came quite quickly. He was unable to get any words out until after about two minutes of awkward silence. "I – Hermione – that's brilliant!" He wrapped his arms around her, but to his surprise, she pushed him away.
"You're lying to me," Hermione accused quietly. "You're not happy about this at all."
Ron was bewildered. "What – No, I'm not – Hermione, how could I ever be unhappy about having another child?"
At this, Hermione completely broke down into tears and fell into Ron's arms. Ron, completely frightened and taken aback by this sudden change of emotion, wrapped his arms around her and let her sob into his shoulder.
"I don't know – Ron, it's just, we hadn't planned for this one – and I'm afraid I won't be able to handle two children." Hermione sank to the ground, and Ron quickly followed suit. "What if I'm as bad a mother as I am with Rose?"
"What?"Ron's tone was so sharp; Hermione looked up surprised, her tearstained face looking at him expectantly.
Ron was completely shocked. How could Hermione think she was a bad mother? Next to his own mother, Ron thought Hermione had the most remarkable motherly instincts and could handle anything Rose could throw at her. And she always kept her patience around Rose, no matter how stressed she was, a quality Ron still wished he had.
"Hermione," Ron scooted closer to her and held both of her hands in his. "You are the most brilliant mother I have ever seen. You can handle everything, and I know if I was to die today, you would still be able to raise two kids on your own."
Hermione sniffed and leaned into Ron's shoulder. "I'm sorry I've been such a prat lately. I would blame it on the pregnancy, but I think I was yelling at everyone before I was pregnant. And I hate that I have no idea why I've been like this."
Ron lovingly kissed her temple and rested his cheek on the top of her head. "I think you're stressed about work again. You've been working too hard. That's why a nine-month break is going to be perfect for you." He grinned cheekily at her and he saw, in the dim light, the smile he loved started to creep across her lips.
"So," Ron said ever-so-casually, "another baby."
Hermione laughed at this. "Yes, another baby. Not that big of a deal."
Ron chuckled as he recognized her joke and kissed her deeply on her soft lips. "I'm going to take care of all of you forever, whether you're pregnant or not. I need you to know how much I love you, Hermione."
"I do know how much you love me, Ron," Hermione stated before kissing him again. "And you are going to be a brilliant father, just like you are with Rose."
Ron grinned and stood up, helping Hermione up as well. "C'mon, we might as well tell everyone now."
And with that, he led Hermione out of the closet to tell the family the good news.
