Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing of hers!

Chapter 23

Ron opened the window allowing the Daily Prophet to be delivered as he made his morning tea. The owl swooped in and dropped the paper on the counter. He gave it a treat and it went back the way it had come. Ron planned to flip through the Daily Prophet, waiting for his girls to exit their room so they could have breakfast together.

He sipped his tea as he unraveled the item. Stopping promptly as his eyes landed on the headline of the paper.

The Golden Trio Grows by One

Written by: Rita Skeeter

Ron didn't need to read the article to know what it was speaking of. To confirm his fears, there was an old picture of him and Hermione sitting closely together at Hogwarts, smiling at each other. Ron groaned knowing it would be spewing malicious lies that most of the wizard of community would believe.

He was surprised further when a large falcon dropped off a package on the counter. The bird left without taking a treat. Ron surveyed the package carefully. It was addressed to Ron and Rose. The return address stated it was from a Charlie Weasley in Romania. Ron smiled at the sight, he enjoyed hearing from his brother who was currently training dragons there. To calm his suspicions, he cast a spell to identify if it was truly from his brother, and not cursed. Both came back clear, and he decided he'd let Rose open it.

He took another sip of tea as the two girls came into the room. Hermione was fully dressed in a white quarter sleeve blouse and navy pencil skirt. Her heels clicked on the floor as she approached him holding Rose. She resembled her mother by wearing a navy and white striped dress, white leggings with a lacy frill, and a large navy bow clipped into her wild curly locks, which bounced with each step her mum took.

"Morning," she greeted as she handed Rose off to him, and stood on her toes to kiss his cheek. He chuckled and greeted his girls. They ate breakfast together as a family, something Ron enjoyed immensely, and as they cleaned up, Ron thought it would be the best time to distract Rose with her present and break the news to Hermione that their secret was out.

"Look Rosie, Uncle Charlie sent you a package!" The tot, who was playing with her toys on the ground, looked up to see what her father was speaking of. He handed her the package that she looked at curiously. Ron sighed at how shy his daughter could be, and sat on the ground, pulling her between his legs. Hermione stood by and watched as the two opened the gift together. Ron took the parchment note from Charlie and read it, leaving Rose to unpack items that were magically shrunken down, only to grow to their actual size once they were taken out of the package. She brought out colorful books about dragons, a friendly looking dragon stuffed animal, many toy figurines of dragons that moved and breathed child-safe, magical fire, and a large dragon toy which was large enough for Rosie to ride on.

"Never would have guessed Charlie sent all this..." Hermione muttered sarcastically as she looked skeptically at the dragon toy her two-year-old could ride on. "How safe so you think that is?"

"Charlie says he can't wait to meet you Rosie. He'll be here for Christmas this year!" Ron said ignoring Hermione's worries. To her relief, the tot was more interested with the books which contained moving dragons.

While their daughter was distracted, Ron rolled up the parchment and pulled Hermione back to the kitchen. Still being able to observe their daughter from their position, Ron sat and motioned for Hermione to as well.

"This came earlier." He stated and set the Daily Prophet down in front of the brunette. Her eyes became wide, and she sat up straighter when she saw the headline. Her eyes scanned the page quickly, gasping and growling at the lies it spread.

"They said she was sick in the hospital…"

"Might be a squib!?"

She gasped, and her eyes moved quicker as her glare became fiercer.

"What?! They said she might not even be yours Ron! That I ran away and shagged some muggle!"

"They can't do this!" She was outraged, throwing the paper down and paced furiously behind her chair. "She's a child! They can't display her on the front of the Daily Prophet without our consent, Ron!" He sighed and tried to calm himself from the lies Hermione mentioned the Prophet emitted. He stretched out his white knuckled fists he had been clenching. He stood and held her shoulders, stilling her movements, and glanced back to make sure Rose was still occupied.

"I know, love. It's completely out of line, and I will discuss some sort of punishment for Skeeter for writing about children without permission. But, isn't the damage already done?" He gave a sad smile as he rubbed her shoulders reassuringly. "So, let's just try to get through this. The ones who matter know the truth, and that's what I choose to focus on."

"How can you be so calm about this? She's just a toddler!" Hermione asked, raw emotion cracking her voice, tears now sparkling in her eyes.

"I'm just as angry as you, Mione. They're spreading shit about my family- my daughter!" He glanced over at Rose playing happily with one of the dragons who was roaring and breathing fire over one of her books. He swallowed and tried to calm again. "Justice will be served. I will make sure of that." Hermione looked up at him swiping a loose tear from her eye. She nodded and wrapped her arms around herself.

"Where do you think they got the information?" She questioned, and she heard Ron sigh.

"I can only think of only two people who had knowledge of Rose." He could see the gears in Hermione's brain turn faster.

"Lavender..." Hermione began, knowing she was there the day she went to collect Ron to help heal their daughter. She looked at Ron to fill in the name of the other person who had expressed they knew information about their daughter. He looked grim when he added,

"And Isla."

Ron walked into his office after greeting Dorothy, who showed him moving photos of her newest grandchild born the night before. Ron congratulated her and internally wished he could announce his daughter instead of having the Daily Prophet spoil their excitement. He'd definitely have to bring in Rose to introduce her to the elderly woman.

As soon as he entered, he instantly felt something off about the room. His eyes snapped to his chair, where Lavender Brown sat. Ron closed the door behind him, internally sighing in relief that is was no physical danger, and removed his cloak.

"What are you doing here Lavender?" He asked obviously annoyed she would have the audacity to sneak into his office.

"Seen the paper today?" She asked as she leaned forward on his desk. She was wearing a red dress, appropriate for work at the ministry, for the exception of the plunging neckline. Her position on his desk continued to have her spill out of her dress. Ron kept his eyes focused on anything but her. He wasn't even tempted because there was no attraction there. He kept things professional and friendly at work; no matter how hard she tried to make him act differently.

"Yes. I guess I have you to thank for running your mouth about." He hung his cloak and stood above her, raising an eyebrow at the blonde seated at his desk.

"D'ya mind?" She slid out of his chair and shimmied by him instead of walking around the desk where there was plenty of room. Ron scoffed at her tricks. He moved to his chair and sat as he straightened the items on his desk. Thoroughly annoyed with the woman.

"I haven't a clue what you're talking about Ron. I would never talk about a child to the Daily Prophet." Ron scoffed again retrieving mission plans, prepared for tomorrow, that were contained in a locked drawer. Lavender glared at his response and the fact that she was being ignored. She stood at the opposite side of the desk lying both her palms on the hard wood. She leaned forward and stuck out her bum.

"People are talking Ron. Saying 'Little Miss Perfect' cheated on you."

"They're all lies you distributed. She never cheated on me. My daughter is mine."

"How do you know that for sure? Curious timing don't you think? My guess is she shagged your brother after you left. Then she was so ashamed of it she had to leave!"

"How dare you!" Ron roared, causing the blonde to jump, startled by the rise in volume. He continued with an eerily threatening tone. "Stop spreading these pathetic lies Lavender! She is my daughter. No one else's. The information you heard was private! After I was kind enough to let you sleep off your drunken state, instead of leaving you in public for other men to do what they wish with you! I'm done being bloody nice to you! I've tried making this coworker thing decent. But I'm done. Get out of my bloody office before I hex you for contributing to publicly spread lies about a minor!"

Lavender was left in goosebumps. Never had she been fearful of Ron before; never had she heard this tone before. But the frisky woman wasn't one to ease off quickly. She backed away from his desk, taking agonizingly slow steps. She reached for the door handle with a firm grip. Ron was relieved to see her leave, he hated using that tone. He learned it for interrogation purposes, and only used it on scumbags and Death Eaters.

Then, Ron saw her hand loosen its grip on the handle, and Ron closed his own around the firm wood of his wand. She turned slightly, he could only see part of her face and kept her hand on the knob.

"I'll help you realize that she's not yours. Then you'll be free of Hermione at last." Then she swung the door open and slipped out into the Ministry. Ron relaxed the hand on his wand and exhaled. Just by her final words to him. He knew something was off. He could feel it.

Hermione read through some files on proposed laws the department was planning on presenting to the Minister. She was making edits to one when her secretary walked in.

"Excuse me, Ms. Granger. You've had a letter arrive." She walked up and handed Hermione a letter.

"Thank you, Greta." The secretary nodded and left her office. Hermione set the files aside and opened the letter. She unfolded the parchment, and began to read.

To the parent(s)/guardian(s) of Rose Minerva Weasley,

This is a reminder to make an appointment to see Healer Clarke about the recovery of Rose Weasley. We have not detected any concerns for her health from afar. For the best interest of our patient, we would like to do a follow up appointment at a time convenient to you. Please contact the St. Mungo's pediatric office to set up a date and time.

Thank you and well wishes,

St. Mungo's Hospital

Just as she finished reading the letter, there was a knock at her open door. Ron was standing at the door, knocking lightly on it.

"Hey, you busy?" Ron asked, still staying at the door.

"No. Come on in." Hermione said, setting the letter aside. Ron closed the door behind him, and for the first time, she noticed he looked a bit anxious. "What's wrong?" She asked apprehensively.

"Auror Kensington found some new information about our case. They'd like to meet with us as soon as possible." Hermione's eyebrow raised in surprise.

"Oh, really? I can go now. Let me just write a response to St. Mungo's and we can walk over." Hermione wrote a quick response and gave it to Greta to deliver for her. Hermione walked quickly with Ron to the Minister of Magic's office. The ministry was bustling and Ron waited until they were able to get alone as possible.

"Mione, wait." He tugged lightly on her sleeve, and pulled her aside to an alcove in the hall. He saw the confusion written on her face, as she impatiently glanced into the hallway to the minister's office.

"I haven't told you, because well, before last night we weren't really talking... That I, I recognized one of the names on the list." Hermione now looking at Ron in shock.

"Well, which one Ron?" She asked, frustrated that he was just now telling her, and did not continue to tell her which name.

"Indigo Fredrickson." Hermione was just about to respond when Britton Kensington spotted them in the corridor.

"Ah, Weasley, Ms. Granger. Are you ready for our briefing?" Ron nodded, and stepped back into the hall with Hermione by his side. They walked to the Minister's office, where Isla sat at her desk typing away. Ron glanced at the young woman, who had bags under her eyes and looked quite pale. She looked up at Britton and cleared her throat.

"The minister has been expecting you, go on in." Britton nodded, and walked ahead into the office. Ron remained facing forward and Hermione gave a small smile to Isla, whom attempted a grin in return but ended up looking down meekly. Hermione followed the two Aurors into the office.

They all sat in the comfortable chairs facing the minister's desk. The tall man waved his wand, closing the door and silencing the room. Hermione sat in the chair closest to Ron. Who reached over and took her hand in his, giving it a small squeeze.

"Auror Kensington, you have new information for us?" Kingsley turned toward him. He nodded, and began.

"A few weeks ago, Ron wrote to me that he reviewed the list of names we viewed during our last meeting, and he recognized one. Specifically, he asked if Indigo Fredrickson's maiden name was Brown."

Hermione gasped at the realization. Auror Kensington paused at Hermione's reaction, smirking slightly as she put the pieces together.

"I looked into it, and indeed it is. Her name was Indigo Johanna Brown, daughter of Rolf Bourque and Anita LeAnn Brown. She married Daniel Roman Fredrickson four months before she came to work for the Owlery."

"Lavender's sister?" Hermione whispered, astounded.

Auror Kensington looked down at the file of parchment resting on his lap.

"Brother: Ruben Anthony Brown, sister: Lavender Ann Brown. Ron stated that he had a previous relationship with Indigo's sister, that did not end mutually. Is that correct, Ron?"

He cleared his throat and drew in a breath. "Yes, that is true." Hermione's eyes flitted to Ron, and then looked down and back to the Auror.

"I called Mrs. Fredrickson in for questioning. She discussed that Lavender did come in to visit her during lunch, quite often during the period of time that correlates to your letter having gone missing." Hermione squeezed Ron's hand.

"So you think Lavender's the one behind forging the letters?" The Auror nodded and shuffled his notes to a new page.

"Right now, that is what I am predicting. I will need to sit her down for questioning and to take a handwriting sample. You had no relations with Mrs. Fredrickson or her brother Ruben?" Both Ron and Hermione shook their heads.

"What about Isla Fisher?" Hermione's stomach dropped at the name of the woman she had just smiled at outside the room. Her grip loosened on Ron's hand. Ron noticed the release, but was also confused by the Auror's random question.

"What does Isla have to do with this?" Ron asked Kensington.

"It was stated by Mrs. Fredrickson that she and Ms. Fisher are best friends, have been for years. She visited her quite often in the Owlery, during lunch, among other times."

"That doesn't make any sense. She wasn't working here until after the letters were forged."

"Outsiders can visit if they sign into the Ministry. We have a record of the times she visited during the duration when your letters were switched and removed. So, is there any reason you know of that could make her a person of interest?" Hermione looked down at her lap, carefully slipping her hand from Ron's hold and twisting them over her wrinkle-free skirt. Ron knew she was feeling uncomfortable. He had just told her what had happened between him and the woman last night. Now, he was not only worried she had something to do with the news about their daughter, but this investigation as well.

"Yes, she and I had a previous...night together that did not end of good terms. That was a few months ago." Ron said grimly.

Auror Kensington wrote a few notes on the parchment. "Did she want a romantic relationship with you?" Hermione continued to look down, and the Auror looked apologetic and he asked the question.

"Yes." Ron responded, wishing the questioning would be over.

"For how long before this night a few months ago?"

"I'm not sure. But it sounded like she'd been thinking about it for a while." Ron leaned forward and clasped his hands together as his elbows rested on his knees.

"Is it possible that Isla could have switched the letters as her first attempt to get you out of your prior relationship years ago?" The Auror continued, trying to be professional as possible despite the personal questions he was asking.

"Look, I can't see Isla doing anything like that. She's a nice girl. I just think it's a bit far-fetched." The Auror nodded, jotting down a few more notes on his file.

"I'll continue to look into this and question the two women for any involvement. Thank you for your time."

The Auror left the room quickly. Hermione stood and began to follow when Ron asked her to wait a moment. He turned to Kingsley to speak, but the older man spoke first.

"Skeeter has already been put on probation. One more maligning story and she is out of the job."

"Thank you, sir." Ron stood and left the room as well.

The walk back to Hermione's office was silent. Her secretary handed her a letter on the way into her office, and sat down in her chair behind her desk. Ron closed the door and watched as Hermione continued to open the letter and read through the parchment. She penned and quick response, sending out of the room swiftly. She continued to go about her work as Ron stood, watching her ignore him.

"Are we going to talk about this?" He questioned the young woman. She wasn't fazed as she continued her work.

"Hermione!" This time she looked up. Her cheeks were slightly flushed and she was gripping the file she was holding tighter than she normally would.

"Are there any more women in love with you Ronald?" This question took Ron by surprise.

"Huh?" He asked puzzled.

"It seems that we're now looking at two women who are or were in love with you who could have done it. So, I would like to know if there are any more women out there that may be interfering with our lives anytime soon!"

"I told you last night. It was only with Isla and it was a mistake! Do you not believe me?!"

At this she looked down at her desk, fiddling with a quill. Her silence was the only answer he needed. He scoffed and clenched his fists.

"Fine. I'll see you at home tonight." He stated plainly, turning to the door.

"I'm taking Rose to her checkup at St. Mungo's before. They could fit her in today." She spoke professionally. Ron clenched his teeth and took calming breaths.

"Fine then. At the burrow." Before she could respond, he exited the room and walked to his office at the opposite end of the Ministry.

Ron was due at the burrow in a half hour as he began packing up his work. He was still reeling from the fact that Hermione would accuse him of lying. Especially so soon after their talk the night prior. He was caught up in his thoughts when he heard a woman clear her throat. He looked up to see Isla standing just inside the doorway. He instantly wondered what she was doing there so late, as all the secretaries had already left for the day. She sniffled a bit and it was then he realized that she was crying. He set aside his final pile of paperwork and walked toward the small woman.

"Isla?" He questioned, unsure what he should do in the present situation.

"Ron, I'm so sorry." She croaked as more tears fell down her cheek. He Accioed a few tissues from a box nearby and handed them to her. She gave a watery grin and mumbled a thank you.

"Sorry for what Isla?" She blew her nose and wiped at her eyes. Ron looked out the door to see if anyone had a clue of what was happening.

"Last night, I went out to get drinks with some girls at the Ministry... I was sloshed." She blew her nose again, and tried to calm her breathing. Ron waited anxiously to see what the woman was exactly sorry for.

"Someone started talking about you and Granger, and well, I... I got angry." Ron watched as the girl tucked her hair behind her ear, and spoke again. "I happened to be sitting by Skeeter and..."

"You told her about Rose." Ron stated astounded. Isla sobbed as more tears flowed down her face.

"I was so angry, and I wanted to hurt you, and I just started talking. I didn't know she would write anything!" She cried desperately.

"It's Rita Skeeter! You know the kind of gossip she spreads!" Ron yelled exasperated that Isla was the one who caused the story in the Daily Prophet.

"I'm so sorry Ron. I'm so sorry! I would take it all back if I could!" Ron gazed out into the empty hallway shaking his head at this discovery.

He looked down at the young girl he used to see as his friend. She whimpered and wiped her eyes again.

"You know that it is illegal to contribute to any information to the press about a minor without consent? You could lose your position over this!" Isla shuddered, as she hung and nodded her head. Tears were pouring off her face and dropping onto the floor. Ron sighed, he knew Hermione would be furious when she heard about this later.

"I won't press charges." The girl snapped her head up to look at the tall Auror, complete shock written on her face.

"What?"

"I won't. I know you didn't mean to. And now we've both done stupid things we regret. But, that doesn't mean Hermione won't." She swallowed visibly and nodded her head.

"I'm sorry Ron." He gave a curt nod, as she turned and exited his office.

As he arrived at the burrow he saw that most of the family was already there. His parents, Bill, and Harry were chatting outside in the garden as Ginny, Fleur, and Angelina were watching Victorie play with her toys on the den's floor. The moment he Flooed in, Victorie jumped from her spot and ran toward him. He crouched down and gave the sweet girl a hug.

"Unkee Ron's here mummy!" Fleur smiled breaking the girl's conversation to welcome the new arrival.

George stepped out of the kitchen, taking a large bite out of an apple as he leaned over the back of one of the sofas.

"Where's yours?" He gestured toward Victorie in his arms.

"She had a checkup at St. Mungo's, they'll be coming after." He said stone faced, as he set the tot down and walked outside for a breath of fresh air.

The group still inside gave each other questioning looks as they went back to their conversations. Fifteen minutes later, the group all went outside to help finish setting the large table to begin dinner. At the same time, Hermione walked through the garden door with an excited looking Rose on her hip.

"Daddy!" She exclaimed as the family swooned at the eager tot leaning forward as Ron approached her. He swung her in the air and onto his hip, giving her a loving hug.

"I missed you Rosie. How was your day?" He spoke to her curls. The child leaned back to look at her father.

"I go to doctor! I a big girl and no cry!" She placed a chubby hand on her chest as she showed how proud she was that she didn't cry. Ron noticed a small yellow plaster on her arm, and an even smaller one on her lamb's, which was tucked into her elbow.

"Wow Rosie! You're such a big girl now. I'm so proud of you!" He kissed the top of her nose and she giggled joyfully at the action. Hermione hadn't spoken since arriving. She set the nappy bag down against the wall, and looked at Ron.

"Could I talk with you a moment?" She asked somberly. George was nearby and was the only one still watching the couple.

"I'll take her," he said as he scooped the child from his brother's arms. "Wow! What did you get there Rosie?" He asked pointing to her plaster.

"They shot me! And give my lamby a plaswer too!" Rosie told her uncle very seriously.

George had to clear his throat from the laugh that was desperately trying to get out.

"Well that sounds painful! I'll tell you this one time when your daddy was little..." George walked off with the tot, leaving Ron and Hermione to talk. Hermione turned and led them back inside the house for more privacy. They stood in the kitchen as Ron noticed Hermione's mood was dangerously more melancholy than normal.

"Is Rose okay? Did the doctor find anything wrong?" He inquired, now panicked that Rose's illness may not be gone.

"Oh, no, no. She's fine. They said she's perfectly healthy and completely healed from the curse. The inoculation was just needed, and they drew some blood to help research elements of the curse further." Ron exhaled, extremely relieved that their daughter was healthy once more.

"I wanted to apologize for earlier. I was just surprised, and reacted without thinking. I should have never accused you of lying. I know you wouldn't, and I'm sorry, Ron." Hermione hung her head when she finished. He scooted closer and wrapped his arms around her waist. She was obviously stunned by the action, but adjusted quickly and hugged him as well.

"I understand it was hard for you in there this morning. I still love you Mione. I would never lie to you. Don't forget that." She softened and pulled back a bit.

"I won't. I love you too." He bent down and kissed her on the lips. She pulled back somewhat, still close enough to feel his breath on her lips.

"Do you forgive me?" She whispered, hopeful based on his reaction.

"Of course I do, love." She grinned and reached up to kiss him again. It lasted for a few moments, much longer than Hermione would normally allow in a space where anyone could walk in. He reluctantly pulled back and kept his hands firmly on her waist. He knew he needed to tell her before something happened and she found out another way. She could read the emotion on his face.

"Ron, what is it?" She asked, tightening her hold on his middle.

"Isla said she was drunk last night and told Rita Skeeter about Rose." Ron blurted the sentence, but knew he wanted it all out there as quickly as possible. Hermione's face turned from surprise to rage. He decided to continue. "She was really upset and apologized numerous times. She said she would take it back if she could." Ron added, hoping that might lessen the fire he could see in his love's eyes.

Hermione was furious. Her brain was racing with the information Ron had given her. She could not believe that the woman had told the entire wizarding world about their daughter. Something so private and personal, something that was a mother and father's right to share how they saw fit. Now, something taken away from them.

"Love," Her thoughts were interrupted by the redhead still holding onto her. "Could we talk more about this later? I know you're upset, and I didn't want to make you feel that way, but you needed to know." He saw her thinking it over, and she resigned with an exhale and a nod of her head. "Thanks, Mione. We will discuss it later, I promise." He pecked her on the lips. She took his hand, and they walked to the garden door.

"You okay?" He questioned as he squeezed her hand.

"Yea," She responded, trying to put the situation to the back of her thoughts. "Let's go hear this announcement."

Dinner came and went without hassle. The family enjoyed catching up with each other and the taste of Molly's food, of course. As dessert was being served, Ginny called attention so she could make her announcement.

"As you all know, it's taken Harry and I a while to decide when the best time to have our wedding. Based on the Harpies schedule, we set a date for November 25th!" Ginny squealed excitedly. Molly looked happy, but also surprised.

"But, sweetheart, that's less than three months away! Do you really think you can get all your planning done in that time?" She was cuddling Rose on her lap, letting her nibble on a roll. Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Of course, I can mum! Especially with all your help." She motioned to the family. "Hermione and Ron are the Maid of Honor and the Best Man. Fleur and Angelina are bridesmaids, and George and Neville are groomsmen. We already have a good part of it planned out." Molly accepted her response and figured she would discuss the situation with her daughter later. Ginny sat down and the wedding talk began.

"Ahem." George cleared his throat, standing. He was holding Angelina's hand, tugging it gently so she stood with him. He looped his arm around her waist. "We have bit of an announcement as well." He had fully captured his family's attention.

"Angelina and I have eloped!" The family was quiet for a moment, and then burst with commotion. Congratulations were expressed, hugs were given. Molly, who had yet to say anything, handed Rose back to Hermione, and walked toward the couple. She smacked George on the back of the head.

"OUCH! What was that for?" George asked rubbing the back of his head.

"You got married without you family there?!" Molly asked outraged.

"I know mum, but it felt right." He reasoned with her. She shot him a glare, and then turned to hug Angelina and give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Welcome to the family, dear." She whispered to her, caving in and hugging her son as well.

The commotion settled, and George and his new wife were now speaking in hushed tones to each other. They turned toward the family once more.

"That actually wasn't our only announcement…" Angelina spoke, nervously. "We're also pregnant." Gasps spread around the table and more congratulations were given. Angelina was overwhelmed with the amount of acceptance she was given, especially the fact that Molly was so thrilled to have another grandchild. They all sat down again and dessert was being served.

"You're going to have a new cousin, Rosie!" Hermione spoke to her daughter who was sitting on her lap, facing her mum. She kissed her nose.

"How far along are you Angelina?" Fleur asked across the table.

"Not quite three months. We just found out a few days after we got married, actually." Angelina answered, placing a hand over her still thin belly. "I wasn't sure if we were quite ready yet… I haven't had much experience with kids." Angelina glanced over at Hermione. "I would love to spend some time with you Hermione, to see how you do it all."

Hermione was surprised at this request. Most of the time, Hermione felt like she was a brand-new mum herself. She smiled and turned Rose around on her lap.

"Absolutely Angelina. I would love that." Dessert continued with talk of weddings and babies. Ron put his arm around Hermione's shoulders, as Rose munched on a treacle tart. He leaned toward her closer and whispered.

"Did you still want to make our announcement?" She gave a small smile and looked over the family she considered her own. She glanced at Ron and looked down at their daughter.

"No. I think there has been plenty today. We can let them figure it out on their own." She whispered and ended the conversation with a kiss on the lips. When they parted, she leaned her head on his shoulder. As the night grew on, the couples started to disperse. Hermione and Ron said their goodbyes to George and Angelina.

"Congratulations again. It's such an exciting time!" Hermione said, hugging George, and then hugging Angelina with Rose still in her arms. "Let me know if you need anything." Hermione said giving Angelina another tight squeeze.

"Thank you, Hermione. Bye Rosie!" Angelina spoke to the two girls.

"Congratulations George! What was it? I didn't know you had it in you?" Ron said with a laugh. George pulled Ron into a hug, releasing with a chuckle.

"I guess I'll have to be more careful what I say." Ron turned to Angelina, giving her a gentle hug.

"Congratulations, sis. You'll be a great mum." He stepped back and put his arm around Hermione's waist.

"Thank you, both, so much." Angelina said misty-eyed.

Later that night Hermione and Ron laid Rose down after her bedtime routine. Hermione was going over some of Rose's medical paperwork at the dining room table, as Ron approached her.

"Any thought on the Daily Prophet situation?" He asked her, as he sat in the chair next to hers. She sighed and wiped her face with her hands. She had recently taken her hair out of the plait it had been in all day. Now her bushy curls were surrounding her face. She threaded her fingers through her knotted curls, and brought her face back up to look at the redhead.

"I'll think about it. If I have to answer right this moment, she's being sued. But, I'll give it some more thought and make a decision. Is that alright?" She questioned him.

"Whatever you decide to do, love, I'll support you." She smiled, and he stood and kissed her forehead. "You remember that I go on a mission tomorrow, right?"

"Is that tomorrow already?" Hermione exhaled dramatically and stood. Ron chuckled as she wrapped her arms around his middle. "I'm going to miss you." She laid her head against his chest. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

"I'll miss you, too. And Rosie. It's the first time I have to leave her." Hermione sighed and pulled her head up to look at him. "Should we tell her?"

"I'm not sure. We can decide in the morning. Right now, I just want this." Hermione mumbled as Ron leaned down to make the most of this moment.

A/N: I am currently on my third day being snowed in. That, plus writer's block, does not equal a good time. However, I did crank out two future chapters that I am very proud of. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, PM'd, followed, and favorited. I SO appreciate it!

Chemrunner57, any change in theory now? :)

More to come!