10 December, Friday, 1730 GMT

Hermione placed one palm each on the two Potter children's shoulders. Harry finished tying his bowtie.

"Are you sure you'll be alright watching the two of them?" Harry asked as he turned to get their opinions on his look.

"We'll be fine, right, guys?" she said. Four-year old James raised his hands and gave a cheer. His two-year old sister copied her brother.

Both adults laughed. Hermione straightened Harry's tie and nodded.

"I guess it'll be good practice once Drew comes along," Harry said smiling.

Hermione's breath hitched. She gave Harry a weak smile and shrugged. "You'd better floo to Hogwarts, Harry," Hermione said, changing the subject. "Ginny's going to be upset with you if you're late to that Yule Ball. Chaperoning is hard work."

"Okay already," he smiled back, raising an eyebrow.

"Molly and Arthur will be back by 9 p.m." Hermione said, "I don't have to be at the hospital until 9:30. We'll be fine."

Harry nodded. He placed his wand into his robe pocket as he walked to the fireplace. He squeezed her hand, reassuring her that her secret would be safe. He grabbed some floo powder, nodded at his children before flooing off to Hogwarts.

Hermione blew out a breath as she watched him disappear. She looked at the two small expectant faces.

"Alright, guys, dinner," she said, as the children responded with a loud 'yay!'

o-o-o

10 December, Friday, 2245 GMT

Hermione pulled her doctor's coat around her as she finished making her rounds. She had left the Potter residence almost an hour and a half ago after Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had arrived after their Ministry function. The pair was the only other Wizarding people who knew about her pregnancy; which was actually a relief.

Neither asked her about the particulars. She was grateful for that. She wanted them to know. They had always been like guardians to her. To have kept that from them, would have been like deceiving her own parents.

Hermione had flooed from the Potter house to the Leaky Cauldron. From there she walked the five blocks to the Muggle hospital. She didn't want to risk apparating at this late stage of her pregnancy, not wanting to chance splinching herself or the fetus.

She took a breath as she reached the first floor office of the director of the hospital and her mentor. She knocked on the door and waited until she was invited in. Dr. Elizabeth Masterson enjoyed working the night shift. She always said that the most bizarre cases always occur at night. She always loved a good challenge.

Hermione nodded at the woman at the desk as she closed the office door behind her. The office was fairly sized. The desk sat at the back of the office with four chairs in front of it. A couch was set to the side of the door facing a 32 inch flat screen television; which were both used when Dr. Masterson needed a break. What was quite interesting about the office was it was the only one with a fireplace.

The veteran ER surgeon stood up and headed toward the counter that housed the coffee machine. She tilted the carafe at Hermione who declined. The doctor poured herself a cup before joining Hermione on the couch.

"How are you doing tonight, Hermione?" Dr. Masterson asked as she took a sip from her cup.

"I'm good, thanks for asking, Liz," the younger doctor said as she took in a breath.

"So it seems you have something you want to tell me," the older doctor said putting her cup down on the coffee table. She looked at the brown haired woman, studying her face.

Hermione shut her eyes for a moment before reaching into the inside pocket of her doctor's coat. Her fingers brushed the thin stick as she reached for the thick envelope.

She looked at the white number ten envelope in her hands before looking up into her mentor's face. She handed it to her. Hermione watched as the woman unfolded the multi-page document.

"I want this to be recognized as official," Hermione said, gulping.

Doctor Masterson skimmed the first few pages in her hands. She looked up at her subordinate. She canted her head. "Are you sure about this, Hermione?"

All Hermione did was nod. She didn't know if it was all the pregnancy hormones or not but lately she had been easy to cry. Dr. Masterson brought her into her chest for a hug, comforting the expectant mother and terminal cancer patient.

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