Hello My Readers - this is a mini chapter. I will post the next chapter is just a few minutes...

Thanks for Bri892 for being a grrrreat Beta.

Chapter 30: Girl Talk

Hermione joined the Potters and the entire Weasley clan in the waiting room at St Mungo's. A few members of Angelina's family were squished in with them but the other hospital guests had given up and moved to the hallways. The healers, aides and attendants had tried their best to shush the group. Finally, the newest Weasley had entered the world, Connor Fabian Weasley.

In small groups, they were allowed to greet Fred and Angelina and kiss baby Connor, before being ushered out.

"Come back to the house with us. We are just going to hang out with Ron." Ginny invited her.

"Sounds fun, I'll be right behind you."

The rest of the evening was filled with toasts and laughter. Harry was trying to explain the muggle method of celebrating a new life to Ron.

"Why a cigar? You don't inhale it like a cigarette? Is it like a pipe?"

Hermione had Jamie in her lap and her laughter set the baby into tiny giggles. "You just wait, Jamie. Your Uncle Ron will be smoking cigars by tomorrow afternoon."

She slapped her hands over her mouth, "Oh no, Harry! Come here."

Harry crossed the room and bend over Hermione and his son. He caressed the boy's fine hair, as Hermione whispered to him.

"What if Ron discovers lighters? Do you remember camping in Forest of Dean? He almost started several forest fires when he discovered muggle matches."

Harry began guffawing as Hermione kept smacking him. Jamie, Ginny and Ron stared at them in fascination.

~~~~O-O~~~~

"We haven't talked since you decided not to date Lee."

"Is there a question in there, Ginny?" Hermione asked.

Ginny finished snapping up Jaime's pajamas and huffed. "Fine! So Hermione, what EXACTLY happened with Lee?"

Hermione sat on the small ottoman in the nursery as Ginny settled into the rocking chair with the baby.

"It was fun but crazy with Lee. Plans were constantly changing, he's like a whirlwind. He didn't understand my commitments, not just to Sabrina but to my work. I am very serious about family, friends and career. He flits through life with no responsibilty. Did you know he doesn't have a flat? He moves from friend to friend. If no one is around, he'll get a hotel room. He went to Cairo for eight days and didn't tell anyone. He's not completely irresponsible with work. He records his radio show from anywhere and sends it in when he feels like it."

Ginny nodded, "You like schedules and routines. You like to plan."

"I know I haven't dated much. Ron was the last long term relationship and you know how that turned out. I dated a little before the coma but it was just one or two dates. I enjoyed Oliver but there wasn't much there other than lust. And Lee, he is so fun. I feel young and sexy with him but I want more."

Ginny watched Hermione's face as she talked. She was animated and then immediately she closed off her emotions.

"You want to feel young and sexy but you want a commitment. You want to be important to the person in your life. You want a serious relationship that will lead to a family. Basically, you want it all."

"Yeah, I guess." Hermione muttered.

Ginny wisely said nothing. She continued to rock Jamie to sleep and then placed him in the crib.

They headed downstairs and rejoined Ron and Harry.

~~~~O-O~~~~

A few days later, Hermione joined her mother and cousin for tea. Helena and Sabrina had disappeared upstairs to play in Hermione's old room leaving the adults to chat.

Anna guided the conversation away from the girls, school and work. Within minutes, Diana and Hermione were talking about their recent dating experiences. Smiling to herself, Anna left to check on dinner.

"Promise you won't say a word to anyone. Not your mother or to Ginny." Diana begged.

"I promise. I promise."

"I like someone. I kind of really like him. He's a great guy but he doesn't have kids. Who wants a ready made family?"

"I know what you mean. At this point, I think it would be easier to date a single dad."

"Hermione, you already have that. You can date Severus." Diana told her cousin.

Blushing, Hermione ducked her head, "Yeah, well, he doesn't think of me that way."

Surprised, Diana jumped out of her chair and rushed to Hermione's side. "Are you saying you think of him that way?"

Hermione nodded once and then shook her head, "Nevermind."

"I think you should rethink this. I saw how he looked at you at Sabrina's party."

Standing up, she removed herself from Diana's gaze. "I was dressed like a pirate, of course, he was looking. What about you, Diana? Does this man know you like him?"

"I think so, and I think he likes me. We are just friends. But I wouldn't mind just grabbing him and pulling him in for a kiss."

Laughing, the girls ended the conversation as they set the table for a family dinner.

~~~~O-O~~~~

A knock on the door surprised Hermione and Diana but Anna was quick to invite Ron in for dinner.

"Sorry, I didn't call ahead."

Mark shook his hand, "Ron, so glad you came by. Save me from all these women."

Diana spoke up and grabbed Ron by the arm, "No, no, no! I need your help with the music for Hermione's media player."

They disappeared into the study with Mark and Hermione headed into the kitchen to help her mother with dinner.

About an hour later, Hermione moved to the stairs, "Sabrina and Helena. Dinner is almost ready. Please start cleaning up."

The simple dinner was fun, filled with laughter and conversation.