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Hermione tried to stay up and wait for Ron to come home. But she couldn't stop her eyes dropping closed.

…

She'd received a ministry owl at The Burrow early on Saturday morning. Well Arthur had retrieved the note from Ron's secretary while she had her head in the toilet being sick. When she'd been able to take a long enough break from retching to take the anti-sickness potion it allowed her to join Molly and Arthur for breakfast. The news from the ministry as always was brief.

Mission complete

Auror's safe

Return blue

Hermione had been living this life long enough to know how to decipher the key information. Ron and Harry had survived another mission. She'd no idea if it had been successful or not but it was complete and they were safe. They were already at the ministry and would be home after debriefing and reporting. Blue timeframe meant 'home for dinner'. Hermione chuckled, Ron was always thinking ahead to the next meal.

She was beside herself with excitement, just the thought of seeing him and sharing their news gave her goose bumps. Molly offered to accompany her home after lunch.

"I'll make Ron's favourites and leave them for you to serve at dinner time. Save you having to cook." Molly suggested, she was just as excited at the thought of Ron hearing the news this evening and wanted to help Hermione with preparations.

Arthur drove them to Willow Cottage in the early afternoon to save Hermione facing the floo again. He checked the cottage over and reinforced the protective enchantments around the property before driving the car back to The Burrow. Molly however spent the next two hours dusting, cleaning and doing their laundry much to Hermione's embarrassment. It's not like their home was particularly untidy or unkempt but she had left two days ago assuming she'd be home after work and as a stay at home mother of seven children Molly knew her way about household chores. Hermione had admittedly let things slide when she was busy with work which was more often than not.

"Honestly, Molly, you don't need to do this. Making dinner was already too generous."

"Nonsense, I'm helping my pregnant daughter in law with a few household chores to make sure she's able to rest. I'm floo'ing over to Ginny's after I finish up here to do the exact same thing." Molly smiled, nurturing her family was her life's work and it made her happy to do so.

"Thank you so much, I really appreciate it, I know Ron will too. And I don't just mean cleaning the cottage, for everything, especially since Thursday morning."

"You're welcome my dear. I'm happy to have been there for you. Please let me know how I can help over the next few weeks. Honestly, absolutely anything." Molly stood before Hermione and took both her hands giving them a squeeze. "I'm so proud of you dear, you and Ron both" her eyes glistened and she gave a quick sniff pulling herself together. "Now I really must be off. Ginny is getting really big now and I didn't make it over the last few days, although I know Fleur called in. Will you be alright my dear? You and Ron will be over to The Burrow tomorrow won't you? I don't think I can hold it in any longer" Molly laughed.

"Of course, I'll be fine, he'll be home in a few hours. And yes we'll be over tomorrow. My only plan is for a sleep in followed by being violently ill. I will take my potion and be ready to visit for brunch." Hermione was also laughing.

"Perfect dear, I'll fix us up a little celebration lunch." Molly hugged her and disappeared into the green flames to Grimmauld Place.

Hermione had wandered around the cottage. Everything was spotless, the chores had been done and dinner only needed to be served, kept warm under charms. There really wasn't anything to do so Hermione made some tea and curled up in her armchair with a book. She read for hours pausing to make more tea, have a snack and perform the confirmation charm over and over. The afternoon turned to evening and Hermione was interrupted by Ron's work owl tapping the window. She took the note and offered it a treat. It flew off immediately. The Auror department owls rarely carried replies and only waited around if explicitly told to do so. One of the many precautionary measures in place to protect Auror's and their families. Hermione unrolled the parchment, one word.

Indigo

He was going to be later than expected. Hermione sighed and decided to get comfortable. No longer feeling like reading, she headed upstairs and peeked into the bedroom next to hers and Ron's. She'd always hoped it would become a nursery and couldn't wait to decorate it. Again she wondered if they would choose to find out the baby's gender ahead of the birth. Moving into the master bedroom she ignited the fire with her wand, filled the roll top tub in the en-suite and had a long soak. She thought of Ron and how he would react to the news, watching the golden orbs come from her wand as she cast the charm over and over. It was beautiful watching them disappear into the warm water.

Hermione dug deep to the back of her nightwear drawer and found the ivory negligee she'd worn the night of their wedding. It was so soft and silky and reminded her of that wonderful day and intoxicating night.

She lay on top of the bed and performed the charm once more. It wasn't late, but her exhaustion seemed never ending and the warmth of the fire lulled her to sleep.

…

The weight of him joining her on the bed gently woke her. Her eyes fluttered open and there he was. Inches from her, red hair slightly too long and messy as usual, just how she liked it. Piercing blue eyes and lopsided smirk. Face full of love and relief from returning home.

"Hi" he whispered.

Hermione noticed a deep gash on his forehead disappearing into his hairline that looked recently cleaned and tended. No doubt the reason he was home later than expected. She'd have to ask about it but not now. There were more pressing matters just now. She leaned forward and kissed his latest injury.

"We've missed you" she said softly

"We?" Ron glanced towards the bedroom door into the hallway wondering if Ginny was asleep in the spare room. That had been known to happen when he and Harry were away together. He was glad the girls had each other but felt a brief pang of disappointment this evening. He wanted his wife to himself.

Hermione waited until he looked back at her. She didn't answer his question. Slowly she reached below her pillow and pulled out her wand. She wordlessly cast the confirmation charm, she'd been practising it non verbally for this exact moment.

Ron's brow furrowed as she moved her wand but stayed silent. He could feel this was something he needed to give his full attention.

When the first golden orb appeared his eyes grew wide. He knew the charm she'd cast but his brain couldn't process why quickly enough. He followed the glow into his chest, he'd seen it happen so many times before, he felt the familiar warmth envelope his heart.

He watched the second orb float lazily into Hermione's chest, his gaze lingered where it disappeared, always comforted knowing her heart was beating next to him.

He sucked in a sharp breath when the third golden orb appeared. His own heart started beating so hard he thought it was trying to escape from his chest. He lifted his right hand and used his finger tips to follow the golden glow through the air in between their bodies to Hermione's stomach. It passed into her womb showing him the presence of the third little heart beat sharing their bed. Ron's hand landed on the silky ivory material where the orb had shown him his baby was growing. He didn't take his eyes from the spot. He shimmied down the bed and kissed it. He wasn't sure when he had started crying but the soft slinky material was wet when he lifted his face. He bunched up the negligee to her ribs and kissed her bare skin over and over. Hermione reached down and tangled her fingers in his hair, giving him a moment to take it all in. She could feel his shoulders shaking as he sobbed.

When he finally looked up at her she was glowing. He didn't know if it was from the fire light or discovering she was pregnant but she was actually glowing. She was beaming down at him, smiling, tears of happiness streaming down her face.

"Welcome home Daddy" she whispered

Those words had Ron completely undone. He came back up the bed and pulled Hermione into his arms. They cried together and kissed and cuddled for a long while.

"Christ…is this real? How?" It was all he could manage to say.

Hermione cast the charm again and let the beautiful glows confirm it for him. She knew how he felt, it had taken her hours - maybe all day - and many many times casting the charm to finally believe it.

"Yes darling…this is real. I have so much to tell you."

"Are we really going to be parents?"

"All being well…yes."

There was so much to discuss and tell Ron but at this moment Hermione just needed him. They had always had a strong physical connection. They were a powerfully passionate couple and over the years they found that sometimes it was just best to stop talking and communicate their love, celebrations, apologies, pain (the list goes on) by bonding as husband and wife.

The cuddles turned to kisses, with Hermione pulling Ron close and forcing a passionate exchange. Their tears were dry on their cheeks now and their hands roamed over each other's bodies. Hermione was frustrated that she couldn't connect with his skin, she sat up and urgently removed his Auror's robes, leaving him in nothing but boxers. Her eyes roamed over his torso. He was so big and strong, he'd added muscle and definition to his body since joining the Auror's. Hermione had always been attracted to Ron but she didn't complain when his physically demanding job had resulted in…developments. He was gorgeous resting against the pile of pillows propped up by the headboard of their bed, pale skin illuminated from the fire. She felt like a randy teenager, not that she wasn't often motivated for relations with Ron but this evening something primal was taking over. She needed him right now. She briefly thought to blame pregnancy hormones but couldn't concentrate to think it through, she was distracted by Ron's intense gaze.

Ron looked upon his wife. She was kneeling in front of him in between his legs, having stripped him of his robes. She was looking so beautiful in the ivory nightwear and he'd no idea why but the thought of his baby below the silk made him want her all the more.

She crawled up the bed and on top of him, settling to straddle his lap. She kissed him with such passion and urgency and he responded in kind. She grabbed her wand again and disappeared their underwear. Suddenly there was nothing between them. She made a move to join them when his hands stopped her hips.

"Wait…is this OK?...the baby?" Concern in his voice.

"Yes…it's OK….I've so much to tell you…all you need to know right now is that this is absolutely fine" she panted.

"Wicked" he laughed. Ron lifted her hips and aligned them.

She dropped down onto him feeling him enter her deeply. They both moaned and returned to kissing. As they established the necessary routine their hands roamed over one another's bodies, their lips explored each other…necks, earlobes, chests anywhere they could reach. As Hermione felt her release build she ran her fingers through Ron's hair and pulled him close. Sensing the same he sat forward from the headboard grabbing her hips and picked up the pace until they finished together.

He laid back onto the pillows pulling her with him. They stayed that way for a while. Ron gently rubbing the silk on Hermione's lower back.

"That's was incredible Hermione"

Suddenly she jumped off him and ran to the bathroom. She noisily emptied her stomach. Hermione was getting used to this but Ron hadn't had the opportunity. He skidded into the en-suite and knelt by the toilet beside her.

"Bloody hell…are you alright, love? I'm so sorry? I didn't mean to…" he was as white as a Hogwarts ghost and had such a look of concern etched on his face.

Hermione finished being sick and wiped her mouth with a tissue. Seeing him naked on the floor beside her and babbling away just made her burst out laughing.

"Of course you didn't, Ron I've been sooo ill… for days. I'm sorry I don't mean to laugh. It's nothing to do with you or what we just did. I just need some anti-sickness potion. Could you reach it from the vanity?"

Ron jumped up and fetched it for her.

"That's better. I just need a few minutes to let it take effect." She sat back against the cool tiles.

"Merlin, you had me so worried. You said twice now you've lots to tell me. I can't wait any longer." His stomach growled and he laughed. "Typical"

She smirked. "Yes I do. Do you fancy getting cleaned up and I'll meet you downstairs for dinner? I promise to fill you in on every single detail. Your mum made your favourites, including dessert."

"My mum?" Ron was obviously intrigued.

"Lots to tell you" she smiled knowingly.

Ron had a quick shower while she served up dinner. She'd changed into something more comfortable and the two of them sat at the dining table in their pyjamas next to each other. Hermione told him of everything that had transpired since Thursday morning. Ron listened and she watched his face change from shock to horror to happiness.

"Blimey, so mum knows. How did I not notice you were ill on Thursday? I was so preoccupied. Oh Hermione I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you. You should have owled I would have come home straight away"

"That's exactly why I didn't owl and I didn't want you to know I was feeling ill on Thursday morning. Stop feeling guilty everything is perfect." she smirked. "Your mums been wonderful, I'm so thankful for her. I wouldn't even have thought to do the test. Honestly I was such a mess when she suggested it."

Ron lifted his wand and smiled at her, he cast the charm this time and watched the golden globes dance between them. He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"You've no idea how many times I've cast that charm in last few days Ron, I can't believe this has happened. I'm so happy. Are you?"

Ron didn't answer immediately, he reached over and placed his hand on her tummy. "Of course I'm so happy. I've always been happy with you…I was happy to be your friend, happy to be your boyfriend, happy to be your husband. Any one of those things was enough for me. Being a parent with you is just another amazing thing to be thankful for. I have no idea how I got be such a lucky git. We didn't need this but I'm over the moon type of happy we get to do this together."

"Oh Ron" and the tears started again "you can't be that romantic, my hormones are all over the place, I can't cope. I love you so much."

"Bloody hell I love you too, so bloody much. Let's get to bed, sounds like healer's orders for you to get lots of rest"

"But…You haven't told me about the mission. Or how you got this nasty gash" she reached up and gently touched his forehead. Normally Ron would talk through whatever mission the team had been on. It didn't do well to sleep on these things.

"Not tonight, all I'll say is…it was really tough going, we cornered six of the ring but they didn't all make it to Azkaban. One death and one escapee. But I don't want to go through it all tonight. All I want to do is snuggle up with my pregnant wife in bed." He pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head.

"Of course...whatever your desire husband" she giggled, thrilled at how he described her.

They made their way back upstairs. They met in the middle of the bed, slotting together like jigsaw pieces. Hermione lying on her side facing the dying embers of the fire, Ron spooning in behind her. He draped his free arm over her, placing his large hand over her flat tummy.

"I can't wait until you're huge and I can feel the baby moving just here"

Hermione smiled at the thought. She fell asleep feeling safe in his strong arms.