A/N: I know posting these does not truly make up for the past few months of no posts but I am trying to make it up to you all. I hope you enjoyed the last chapter and that you will enjoy this chapter too. I promise to make a greater effort at posting more frequently. Happy Holidays to you all!

For those of you who don't remember, dreams are in italics.

Disclaimer: I only own the plot, not the characters or the HP universe.

Uncertainty

The loud sound of people cheering could be heard all throughout the Ministry of Magic. Wizards and witches of all ages, sizes and colors could be seen protesting in front of the main fountain. Decorative signs and bright shirts adorned the several dozen protestors standing about. The slogan adorned on various signs said, "All magical beings deserve rights, house elves included. Support S.P.E.W." Many protestors were also carrying signs that simply said S.P.E.W while others had signs that read SPEW: Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare.

Among the protestors, one bushy haired girl stood out. She was completely decked out in S.P.E.W. attire and she was holding two signs, shouting at the top of her lungs. A bright smile adorned on her face. She looked completely ridiculous but the passion in her eyes and face was enough to draw the attention of many of the wizards and witches passing by.

Hermione found herself to be truly happy. She could not believe the turnout of witches and wizards. She was surprised by the large amount of protestors who were supporting her and S.P.E.W. Her heart was overwhelmed by emotion. She was thrilled to know that she was not the only one who cared. There were so many others out there with compassion for other magical beings and it warmed her heart to know that her cause was not futile, as many before had called it. She almost had enough signatures to allow her legislation to be given to the Wizengamot for further discussion. She had prepared and written a solid speech already and she had a few people willing to testify on the behalf of magical creature rights, including a house elf or two.

Hermione had a good feeling about today. Their protest was gaining a lot of attention and the wizarding media was all over the place. Rita Skeeter, among many other reporters, was interviewing random protestors and people passing by. The Daily Prophet had hired a photograph to get a picture for the front page, which Hermione would be on.

Hermione wasn't sure of what the papers would say but she knew the saying that good publicity or bad publicity is still publicity. If her cause was shown in the papers like the Daily Prophet then it would definitely increase her chances of passing legislation. People would hear about it and people would talk about it. The word would spread and more supporters would come forward. Sure, she would face opposition but she knew she could not give up.

"Hermione! Hermione?" Hermione looked up and beamed.

A man was walking toward her with a brilliant expression gracing his face. He was wearing a S.P.E.W. t-shirt and jeans. Hermione ran toward him.

"I'm so happy you could make it!" She jumped into his arms and nestled her face into his neck, taking in his refreshing and comfortable scent. His arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her into a tighter embrace. She immediately felt safe.

"Hermione, you know I would not miss this for the world. It means everything to you. And if it is important to you, then it is important to me." He smiled lovingly at her and kissed the top of her head, as they broke from their embrace.

"Thank you so much. You don't know how much it means to me." Hermione stood on her toes and lifted her body forward, quickly kissing his cheek. Hermione's day could not get any better.

"Where may I get one of those S.P.E.W. signs, my dear? We have some hardcore protesting to do, don't we?" He asked her quietly. Hermione smiled and grabbed his hand.

"Right this way, sir!" Hermione giggled happily as she made her way through the crowd of protestors and to the table with S.P.E.W. items. She was thrilled that he had worn the S.P.E.W. shirt that she had given him and she still could not believe that he was here. He was amazing. The fact that he had taken today off in order to help support her dreams was very sweet and slightly romantic. His job was incredibly important to him, so the fact that he took time off of work truly meant a lot. It showed her just how much he cared.

She handed him a S.P.E.W. sign and the two retreated to the front of the protestors. They spent the rest of the day promoting S.P.E.W. and gathering signatures. It was a paramount day for both S.P.E.W. and their relationship. Hermione could not have asked for more.

Hermione immediately sat up in her bed and looked out the window. The sun was just beginning to rise and a calming quietness had graced the countryside. Hermione could see birds flying in the far off distance and the trees lightly swaying in the wind.

She blinked several times and yawned, sighing to herself. She had, had yet another dream about her mystery man. She was surprised by this dream to say the least. She did not want to voice her thoughts on the dream nor think them but unfortunately she could not stop her mind from overflowing with thoughts.

Hermione was afraid to admit that the man may not be Ron, as she had initially hoped for and believed. Although Ron had supported S.P.E.W. she was not sure that he would have willingly left work to join her in protesting. Aside from that, she was almost certain that he would never wear a S.P.E.W. shirt willingly but then again Ron may have very well done so. Hermione could not bring herself to rule Ron out as an option. She couldn't do it. She wouldn't. She was not ready to let him go. Not now.

And this mystery man may not be real at all. It may not be a memory but simply a dream revealing her desires. Hermione wanted to believe it was just a dream but her gut was telling her that it was not. Hermione did not like what her gut was telling her, so she chose to ignore it for the time being.

She refused to even consider Malfoy, as Ginny had suggested. The idea was absurd. Malfoy supporting house elf rights? That was just too crazy to believe. Hermione snorted and immediately blushed from the sound of her stifled laughter. Malfoy would never give up his own endeavors for another; he was a primarily selfish being. It would make absolutely no sense. Then again if he had changed, it was highly possible. Hermione decided to rule out Malfoy. It was way more likely to be Ron than Malfoy. At least, she wanted to believe that.

Hermione stood up and stretched, feeling satisfied with her assessment. If it was not Ron, then the dream was simply a dream.

As Hermione was getting dressed for the day, she remembered one crushing detail. Harry had told her only days earlier that S.P.E.W. had not been enacted until after her split with Ron. He had also told her that a lot of the protests had not been done until afterward either. But there was still hope, wasn't there? She remembered one protest she had attended. Ron had been unable to attend but he had promised that he would attend the next time. It was possible that Hermione could not remember and that Ron truly had come to support her. Hermione sighed. She wanted to believe that it was Ron in her dreams more than anything but the evidence supporting her belief was faulty. She knew it was improbable but she could not allow herself to give up on Ron. She knew it was futile. Ron was married. It was to late to do anything about it.

"Hermione! Harry and I are heading to St. Mungo's now. Would you like to come?" Ginny's voice permeated Hermione's thoughts and she was immediately brought back to reality.

"I would love to Gin! Give me a moment and I will be right down!" Hermione ran to her closet and quickly changed into more suitable attire. She felt her worries dispel. Ginny and Harry were having a baby and she could not help but feel giddy. It was time to place her worries on hold and to be a supportive friend.

The halls of St. Mungo's were bustling with witches and wizards. Injured and uninjured people alike crowded around the front desk. The loud buzz of talking hummed through Hermione's ears as she sat anxiously in the waiting room. Harry and Ginny were currently at the front desk, checking in. She wondered what the doctors would have to say. Hermione bit her lip nervously. She knew everything would be fine. Yet Hermione could not help but feel a slight twinge of fear. There was always the possibility of something going wrong. Hermione smiled quietly to herself, she needed to focus on the positives not the negatives. Ginny was very healthy and despite her crazy energy, she had truly been quite cautious regarding her health.

Ginny and Harry joined Hermione in the waiting room. All three remained quiet while the rest of the room bustled chaotically. Ginny was fidgeting with her shirt and trying to remain calm but to no avail. Hermione had rarely seen her redheaded friend fidget. It was very uncharacteristic of Ginny. Ginny was usually so assured and handled situations so calmly but Hermione could see a nervous air etched across her friends facial features and in her movements. Hermione reached over and grabbed Ginny's hand. Ginny looked up at Hermione and smiled brightly.

"Everything will be okay Gin." Hermione smiled eagerly.

"You're right Hermione. I need to stop worrying." Ginny smiled earnestly and leaned into Harry who was sitting beside her.

"Ginny you have nothing to fear. Our baby will be fine and he or she will be perfect." Harry said confidently. He winked at Hermione, who nodded encouragingly in response.

"Mr. and Mrs. Potter, the doctor is ready to see you." A kind looking elderly nurse walked into the waiting room and smiled gently at the couple. Harry and Ginny slowly stood up and walked toward her. Ginny glanced back at Hermione, who smiled back. Hermione wished that she could come with Harry and Ginny but she felt that it was an important moment between the two. Her intrusion would not feel right. She did not mind waiting.

Hermione glanced around the room. She saw several other young couples waiting to see the doctor. One woman's stomach was nearly bursting. Hermione assumed that she must be close to nine months along. The young and very pregnant woman looked up at Hermione and smiled brightly; Hermione could not help but return the gesture.

45 minutes later…

A strange silence had filled the waiting room. In less than thirty minutes the entire waiting room had cleared out. Expecting couples had entered various doctors' offices and some had left shortly after entering yet Hermione had seen no sign of Ginny and Harry. Hermione looked up as she heard another door open and footsteps approaching. Hermione had a hopeful expression on her face but it waivered, as she was disappointed yet again.

Hermione nervously opened and closed her book. She had stopped reading almost fifteen minutes ago. She could not contain her nerves. Not even the book could take her nerves away. She had hoped that reading would distract her from the real world and her fears for Ginny and Harry but unfortunately this had not occurred. Hermione was wondering if a forty-five minute long check up in the wizarding world was normal.

She was not sure how advanced wizarding medicine was in relation to pregnancies. Hermione although she was ashamed to say it, had little magical medical knowledge. Sure, she loved to learn and it was not that she did not have a desire to learn more about magical medicine but more that she did not have the time to delve into the topic. During her years at Hogwarts, she had meant to research it further but with all her classes and helping Harry with Voldemort, she had never been provided the opportunity.

Hermione's thoughts were broken when she heard the sound of a door opening and closing yet again. To her relief, she saw Ginny and Harry walking toward her. She could not read their expressions and she immediately felt her heart rate increase. She stood up quickly and took a step toward Ginny, mentally preparing herself for the worst.

When Ginny looked up at her and smiled encouragingly, Hermione felt tears of joy welling in her eyes. She held her hand to her heart and let out a sigh of relief. Hermione then ran toward her best friend and embraced her in a warm hug.

"Oh, Gin! I was so nervous! I knew you were healthy but…but I couldn't help but feel somewhat fearful. I am so happy for you." Hermione stood back and smiled softly.

"I know Hermione. I felt the exact same way. To be honest, I feel like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am happy too, very happy. " Ginny smiled weakly back. Hermione watched as her friend waivered slightly. Harry quickly moved to hold Ginny up. He wrapped his arm around her protectively. Ginny smiled up at Harry and took his hand and squeezed it.

Hermione suddenly felt guilt overwhelm her heart. She stood back and truly looked at Ginny. Her friend, despite her impeccable ability to always appear energetic, looked absolutely exhausted. Her body radiated signs of fatigue. How had Hermione not noticed before? Was she truly that selfish…that she had failed to see how much stress her friend was undergoing?

Hermione had spent the last three days, caring solely about herself and her own problems, while Ginny had tried to manage both hers and Hermione's. Hermione had mopped around and sulked…She had yelled at Ginny and taken advantage of Ginny's and Harry's hospitality. Hermione felt ashamed. It was evident that Ginny had her own problems to worry about. How hadn't she realized this before? Ginny had to have been worried about this check up for weeks now. Ginny had probably feared bad news of any kind and instead of supporting Ginny, Hermione had only made things worse.

"Ginny, I'm so sorry. I just real-"

"Hermione, whatever you have to say, it can wait. Everything is fine… in fact everything is perfect. Whatever it is you are feeling guilty about, please don't feel that way." Ginny smiled and outreached her hand, squeezing Hermione's. Hermione nodded and then quickly remembered something incredibly important.

"So, is it a boy or a girl?" Hermione asked excitedly. She watched as Ginny's face lit up.

"A healthy baby boy, we are having a healthy baby boy!" Ginny said enthusiastically. She nearly jumped with excitement. Hermione and Ginny both squealed and Harry barked out laughter.

The three walked in amicable silence toward the hospital floo network. Despite all their worries and problems, as of right now everything seemed like it would be perfectly okay.

And Hermione truly hoped it would be.

A/N: I'm sorry that this chapter is not very long but I needed it for the next chapter. I am honestly excited for the next chapter! I have been looking forward to writing it for quite sometime. These past few chapters have been somewhat difficult to write but from here on, I know I will have a much easier time writing. The story is finally getting to the part I've wanted to write for ages :) So hopefully you all enjoyed this rather short chapter. I am planning on updating soon. I'm sorry about the lack of Dramione but trust me when I say that there is much in store for Draco and Hermione. Until then- jesokaa

Brief preview of chapter nine...

Ron will make his first appearance

As will his wife... dun dun dun!

Draco will also appear again (as to be expected)

And Ginny will make an odd proposal.