Hermione snuggled down into Ron's childhood bed. It was strange being in it alone but oddly satisfying. It connected her to him, in a way being home alone in their own bed didn't. Even after all this time, she still marvelled that she'd actually become Mrs Ron Weasley.
In second year after Ron had defended her honour against Malfoy (in the spectacular slug incident) she'd started to wonder what his real home was like. What his bedroom would be like, what The Burrow was like with the whole magical Weasley clan. She'd actually felt jealous that Harry had been there and she hadn't.
During her first visit she was intrigued to see inside Ron's sanctuary. He'd seemed almost embarrassed by his tiny attic room with orange walls and ghoul bashing about in the attic. But like Harry she'd thought it was wonderful, the Burrow was magical and warm as was his family. Her and Harry had been made to feel so welcome and wanted. Coming from muggle lives they'd both been in awe watching how a magical household operated. The visits gave her a new insight into his life and character and deepened their friendship.
Later when Hermione had fully grown to understand her feelings for Ron she found she longed to sneak into this room and onto this particular bed. She'd even fantasised about being alone with him in his childhood bedroom. Now she was his and he was hers and she could snuggle into this bed anytime she liked. Even if they did have their own beautiful cottage not far from here with an ornate king size wooden sleigh bed covered with deep red gryffindor colours.
She snuggled into Ron's pillow and she could smell him. Even though he hadn't stayed here in a long time, it just simply smelled of him. She'd had a lovely day lazing on the sofa, blissfully happy with her news. Mrs Weasley tended and fussed all about her keeping her topped up with potion and wouldn't let her lift a finger. Hermione really only left the sofa to use the bathroom a few times.
When Mr Weasley got home Molly told him of Hermione's tummy bug story and said she'd be staying over. Arthur hadn't blinked an eye. His children, their spouses, their children, their friends were welcome at The Burrow anytime without question. There was no need to make excuses. They'd enjoyed a lovely dinner alongside anti sickness potion for Hermione and she'd retired to bed early with a book. Pretending to read but really performing the confirmation charm over and over until she fell into a deep, comfortable, happy sleep.
The next morning Hermione woke early and ran for the bathroom. She vomited and shook while the small bathroom spun around her. Molly came to her rescue with an anti sickness potion and conjured a glass of water. She soaked a washcloth and patted the back of Hermione's neck until she stopped wrenching. When the sickness finally stopped Hermione sat back from the toilet on the floor, scared to stand in case she'd faint like yesterday.
"Oh gosh, I'm sorry Molly. Were you ill like this? Is this normal?"
"Oh don't be silly dear. Yes this is perfectly normal, do not worry. All my pregnancies were different. But believe it or not I was most ill with Ron and Ginny."
Hermione gave a weak smile. "And how can I be so tired…I did nothing yesterday and slept well last night. I feel like I could stay in Ron's bed forever."
Molly gave a warm smile. "Perfectly normal, darling girl, it takes a lot of effort to grow a baby." Stroking the cloth across her brow. "Is the potion taking effect yet?"
Hermione nodded.
"Good good, how about you have a nice long shower or soak in the tub. Come down after and I'll fix your breakfast. Arthur is already off to work so it's just us. Don't lock the door dear. Just in case you feel ill or dizzy again."
"Yes please, a bath would be lovely."
Molly started to fill the tub, adding lavender and pulled a large white fluffy towel from the press. "Relax as long as you please, your appointment has been confirmed for 2pm so you've plenty of time."
"Thank you" Hermione got to her feet as Molly opened the door to leave.
"Umm Molly, I was wondering if you would come with me today? I'm so excited but scared of what I might find out and guilty to do this without Ron."
Molly's eyes glistened and pulled her daughter in law in for a hug "I'd be honoured my dear".
At 2pm Molly floo'd first to St Mungoes to help Hermione when she made it through. Given the last floo experience to The Burrow Hermione was nervous that she'd be ill or faint again. Luckily this morning's anti sickness potion was still having it's effect and she was able to control the nauseousness.
Hermione and Molly were brought straight into Monica Erik's office without waiting. In all the time Hermione and Ron had attended appointments here they were always treated with the utmost respect and afforded privacy. Being war hero's they had a lot of media attention and the staff who looked after them at St Mungoes made sure they didn't have to wait in the clinic where they might be spotted. They even allowed them to floo into a private fireplace in an unused office. Hermione was glad their private struggles hadn't been leaked to the press and thought it was a credit to the healers who worked with them.
"Hermione, lovely to see you, do come in. Take a seat please." Monica greeted Hermione like an old friend.
Molly noted the women hugged instead of shaking hands and Monica had used her first name. She sighed, saddened knowing that Ron and Hermione had obviously spent a lot of time here.
"Thanks Monica, I'd like to introduce you to Ron's mother, Molly. He's away with work at the moment and couldn't be here. I've told Molly of the history and invited her here with me today. I'm happy for her to be here throughout appointment."
Molly realised how lucky she was to be privy to such a secret and hardship that Hermione had been going through. She reached over and pulled one of Hermione's hands into her lap.
"Lovely to meet you Mrs Weasley." The healer reached across her desk and shook Molly's hand. "How have you been, Hermione? The last time I saw you, you and Ron had just made a very difficult decision. Have you reconsidered this course of action? I understand sometimes couples need to think things through before taking the next steps."
"No Monica, it's not that. I'm…I'm pregnant. At least I think I am, the confirmation charm shows a heartbeat and I think I've performed it a hundred times since yesterday." Hermione laughed as she rambled on.
Monica stared at the young lady, her mouth open in shock. "Oh Hermione, how wonderful, I'm so happy for you and Ron. You're here to have it confirmed and dated?"
"I guess so, I'm not really sure what to do next. I'm excited but really scared given the scarring and trauma."
"OK well, let's get you on the examination bed and I'll see what I can find out".
Hermione climbed onto the bed and lay down. Monica immediately did the confirmation charm and they all watched four orbs appear and float around the room.
"Well congratulations again, I agree, there's definitely a baby in there!"
Hermione beamed. She tried to relax as Monica spent the next 15 minutes walking around the bed muttering and casting charms. Eventually she motioned for Hermione to return to the chair at the desk.
"Hermione, you're right to be concerned. The dark magic trauma is still present within your body. I don't believe anything major has changed in the last year in relation to that. That is a fact. However there have been cases recorded where women or men who have been deemed infertile have managed to conceive. It's not entirely known why but generally described as 'magicae viam invenient' which translates to 'magic will find a way'. Yourself and Ron are deeply magical beings and it may be that your magical cores have battled through this dark magic and found a way. I would never tell a couple that this is a method to conceive so to speak. There's no actions which can force this it encourage it to happen, it must mean you're both very strong magical beings and bonded deeply by love. I only mention it now as you've obviously been successful."
"That's incredible. But can the baby grow and survive if I'm still damaged?" Hermine was in awe, it sounded so beautiful.
"I believe if you've truly succeeded with 'magicae viam invenient' then your body and bond to Ron will provide everything your baby needs to thrive. However you must treat this pregnancy with the utmost respect. I would classify you as high risk. You must nurture and be kind to yourself. You'll need to take some time off work, reduce your working hours at the very least and rest as much as possible. Your body and your magic will be under a lot of stress. Putting in more effort than would normally be required to sustain and develop a baby."
Hermione couldn't believe what she was hearing. Their love and magic had found a way to conceive this baby. She resolved to do everything she could to protect it.
"Hermione, I would like you to come in for some proper tests, observations and to receive some potions. This may be required monthly to ensure you and baby are safe and healthy. Would it be OK to organise these for next week? You'll be admitted for a few days."
"Absolutely." Hermione answered immediately. Normally she would check her schedule and consider all the implications this would have on her work and colleagues. But she no longer cared about frivolous things such as work. Suddenly nothing else mattered except this baby.
"Good. Come back at 2pm on Tuesday and we'll get started. I think you're about 4 weeks along so you're in the very early stages. We'll confirm that more accurately next week. Most witches wouldn't notice this early. Have you been OK?"
"Well not really I've been sick a lot, dizzy, tired, emotional and my body has been sensitive." She blushed a little.
"All very normal pregnancy symptoms but I would say they could be magnified and affecting you earlier than expected. As I said rest and cut down on work. I will write up a letter which you can share with the Minister. It would be best to at least let him know your condition so he can adjust your workload. Do you have any other questions?"
"Not really. Oh maybe, am I OK to floo and apparate?"
"Yes to both but be extremely careful when apparating, it's doable but floo is definitely preferable."
Hermione sighed "Ugh the spinning makes me feel so sick. But for this one I'll go through anything." Molly squeezed her hand. She'd almost forgotten Molly was there and noticed her cheeks were damp.
"Of course. Well congratulations again and I'll see you and hopefully Ron on Tuesday? If you've any questions in the meantime please just owl, anytime. It was lovely to meet you Mrs Weasley. "
Monica walked them to her office door and bade them farewell. As they reached the private office with the fireplace Hermione suddenly thought of a burning question.
"Sorry Molly, one moment I'll be right back."
Hermione hurried back to Monica's office and knocked. She was welcomed back in and closed the door behind her.
"Sorry Monica, one important question, gosh this is rather embarrassing. But can Ron and I safely…ummmm…continue with marital relations?" Hermione was blushing but she had to know. She always welcomed Ron home from a mission inviting him to bed. It was their way of reconnecting and loving one another.
"Yes yes, that is perfectly safe. Within reason, do make sure you get enough rest. " Monica smiled, she'd known these two were madly in love from their first appointment, all those years ago.