Hermione spent her last night in hospital enjoying a hearty meal, having a relaxing bath and spending time with her husband. They played chess once she was back in bed, planned their match making dinner party and talked about all sorts of random things. She realised they didn't have many opportunities to just hang out anymore. It felt like they were back at Hogwarts whiling away an evening in the common room. There were no household chores or work matters demanding attention. No 'adulting' to be done as Ron liked to put it. She really felt well and content and fell asleep early. Despite the fact she'd been in suspension for four days she'd tired quickly and a few hours awake was enough to exhaust her again.

Ron kissed her goodnight thinking how lovely it had been to just talk to her this evening. It had been a lonely few days without her. He sat in the armchair stroking her hair while she fell asleep. He'd discovered she liked that when they first started spending nights together. Something her parents used to do when she was little apparently and it always helped her drift off. He'd promised her he would sleep in the other bed and get a proper rest himself tonight. After a final check in with the guard on duty he did retire to the spare bed knowing she had her wand under her pillow and wasn't entirely defenceless. He drifted off to sleep, surprisingly exhausted himself by the anxiety he'd had in the pit of his stomach fearing she might not have woken.

Ron's eyes flew open and in a flash he was on his feet, wand ready to duel. Hermione was screaming. The hospital room door crashed open, spilling light into the room. Everly advanced with his wand raised high searching for an intruder. But there was none, Hermione was still asleep but writhing around in her bed shrieking. Ron ran to her and hopped onto the mattress beside her, pulling her into his chest and whispering to her until she calmed.

It had been a long time since Ron had witnessed his wife experience night terrors. They had been a nightly occurrence after the war. Through trial and error, he found the only way to calm her was to hold her tight, the sound of his heartbeat seemed the only thing to silence her screams. It was like she quieted to listen to it. He rocked her back and forth and realised she'd woken up and was now sobbing into his t-shirt. She didn't always waken, he used to be able to sense when her slumber was turning into a nightmare, although to be fair it was easier when sharing a bed. Hermione was a sound sleeper but if a nightmare was brewing she'd fuss and turn. He usually woke and pulled her in for cuddles before it escalated.

Everly quietly backed out of the room and closed the door. Ron was thankful he didn't have to speak with him. He felt adrenaline coursing through his veins at the unpleasant awakening and took a few deep breaths to compose himself. The room was completely dark again except for the shaft of light below the door.

"One minute love." Ron mumbled into the top of her hair. He got off the bed and performed an extension charm on it. Picking up his pillow he climbed into Hermione's hospital bed and pulled her back onto his chest, wrapping both his arms around her. "Why didn't I think of this earlier, no reason not to lie beside since you're just normal sleeping…I'm a muppet." He gave a half-hearted chuckle. Trying to make her laugh or make light of a situation had always been Ron's default setting.

Hermione didn't say anything. She was no longer hysterical but still whimpering softly into the darkness.

"Would you like me to get you some dreamless sleep potion love?" His voice was full of concern.

"No." She whispered quietly.

"You ok though?"

"No." She whispered again.

"Tell me? Was it the same as before? Or was it that wanker Guther?"

"Worse"

"Worse?…How on earth could it be worse?"

"It started the same…reliving the manor…but I was me as I am now…grown, married, p…p…pregnant." She choked. "She was cursing me, over and over…she was shouting about how I was filthy mudblood and I'm not allowed to reproduce…she said she'd sort that problem out for me…and…then…she took the knife and s..s…stabbed me in the stomach" Hermione was sobbing and Ron was at a loss for words. Fuck, he thought. That was worse, a million ways worse. His wife had encountered Malfoy Manor in her dreams countless times after the war but as the years passed it became less and less frequent until neither of them could remember when she'd last had it. Himself and Harry's worst experiences had also manifested into nightmares, but like Hermione, time proved to be a great healer. Ron didn't want her going back to that again.

"Shhhh love, I'm here. No one is going to hurt you or our baby girl. Shhhh…hush now. I'm here. We're here. She's here. Do you want to see?" he felt her nod against him as her crying lessened and he cast the confirmation charm. It was spectacular in the darkness and it seemed to do the trick, comforting her. Hermione lay in his arms while he stroked her hair for what felt like a very long time. Neither spoke again. Ron didn't know what else to say. Eventually he felt her body relax and breathing get deeper but he couldn't sleep. He lay awake for what felt like hours seething with anger once again at that bitch Bellatrix Lestrange. It felt like every time they turned a corner in their lives something else seemed to happen and the horror flooded back in. Why wasn't it enough that she was bloody dead?

Ron prayed this wasn't the return of the nightmares. She needed rest now and being too afraid to sleep again wouldn't be good for her or the baby. He couldn't protect her in her dreams but would make sure to do everything he could that was within his control. He decided to talk to the dark magic specialist healer in the morning, why was this suddenly happening again?! Maybe she needed to talk to her mind healer again? And also he thought to ask Monica for dreamless sleep potions just in case. Glad he'd devised a plan, having a plan was the first step to solving a problem, Ron finally closed his eyes.

The next morning Hermione woke bleary eyed, she was facing the window and took a moment for the giant pink blob to come into focus as the beautiful arrangement of roses. She felt Ron's warmth behind her and his arm over her stomach and snuggled against him closer.

"Hey you." he croaked, pulling her back into his chest to spoon her more tightly.

"Good morning." she smiled.

"How are you feeling?"

"A bit tired. Sorry about last night, Ron. It's been so long since a nightmare, I'm sure that scared you."

"A little…I jumped out of bed like a madman." he laughed. "Only a nightmare, don't be silly, probably just a one off." he said trying to hide his worry.

"Yes I hope so." Hermione tried to sound optimistic but knew both of them were concerned about the sudden recurrence. "Anyway, what time do they serve breakfast around here? You'd better get up and put my bed right!" She wanted to change the subject swiftly.

"Yes dear…" Ron groaned sarcastically. "But five more minutes first, I'm soooooo comfy." he exaggerated, earning a giggle. "On the plus side it was a great excuse to hop into bed beside you."

"Oh honestly." She laughed and made to sit up. "Ugh Ron, feel…sick…"

"Shit!" he bolted upright and accio'd the anti-sickness potion. "Drink it quick before you can't."

Hermione managed to sip the potion down before vomiting, much to both their relief.

"We're going to have to remember to get that into you before you try to get out of bed."

Hermione ate a good breakfast and Monica completed her final checks. She was discharged from hospital with potions and instructions and a date to return in a month's time. Ron was packing the last of their things when Harry arrived.

"Hey guys. Hey you." He greeted them both but went straight over to Hermione who was sitting in Ron's comfy armchair.

"Hi" she beamed at him.

"Are you ok? Can I have a hug?" he put out his hand to help her stand.

"Oh come on now, you're not usually a hugger Harry Potter." she teased.

"Don't I know it. But needs must." He pulled his best friend in close. "Wish I'd given you a hug before leaving the ministry, who knew a Tuesday afternoon could go so wrong?"

"Yeah, it was a bit dramatic." Hermione sighed as Harry helped her back into the chair. He hopped up onto the bed facing her.

"Well congratulations! I heard the good news! I'm going to be an uncle!" he grinned at her.

"You're already an uncle…" Ron interrupted from across the room.

"You know what I mean, cheeky git! It feels different, like it's my side of the family or something?"

"That makes no bloody sense." Ron teased still pottering about tidying and packing.

"Ignore him Harry. I understand what you mean." Hermione agreed with him, making Harry smirk across at Ron who gave an exaggerated eye roll and grinned knowingly. "Thank you! It barely feels real. I only found out…what…just over a week ago and I've spent most of it asleep." She moved her hand subconsciously to her still flat stomach. "8 weeks apparently and all the testing they did looks like the baby is happy and healthy."

"That's such great news, honestly I'm so happy for you both."

"Yeah I didn't think it would happen for us you know." Tears suddenly welled up in Hermione's eyes and her voice broke. She hadn't asked Ron how much Harry knew yet. They'd avoided any heavy conversation topics last night, she'd felt too relaxed to bother asking. Ron raised his eyebrows comically at Harry making a face as if to tease 'nice one mate'. He stopped what he was doing to join them. Sitting on the arm of her chair he put his arm around her.

"Sorry! I didn't mean to upset you. But yeah I do know Hermione, Ron kinda filled me in."

"It's ok, sorry, I'm just suddenly weepy. Silly of me." She dabbed her face with a tissue.

"Course you're not…Ginny went through that too. Lucky you've got such a sensitive soul of a husband to deal with the raging hormones…Good luck with that mate."

"Hey…I'll have you know I've developed a lot in that area. I've an emotional range of a dessert spoon now…aiming for a soup ladle next." Ron scoffed making them all laugh.

"We'll talk another time, Hermione." Harry promised. "We need to get you home! Molly's been there all morning fussing and cleaning and cooking. Ginny wants to see you too if you're up for it."

"So long as she doesn't get tired out" Ron said sternly.

"Yes of course. Honestly Ronald, don't be so rude!" She chastised, making Harry laugh again.

"Oh before we go. Only Mum, Dad and Ginny know about the baby, Hermione. The others know about the attack from Mum but didn't tell them the baby news." Said Ron ignoring her reprimand.

"Excellent! We'll tell them now. I thought I'd missed out on the announcement." She smiled and took his hand. "Did you talk to my parents by any chance?" She asked somewhat nervously.

"I called them once and told them you were in hospital but you were fine and Mum's been owling them daily reassuring them there was no change. I didn't want them coming up, it might have umm freaked them out a bit seeing you in suspension. I didn't tell them about the baby, hope that's OK? Thought you'd want to yourself. If you're up for it, they want to come see you tomorrow."

"Of course, I can't wait to see them and tell them about their first grand baby." Hermione beamed.

"Right, are we ready to get going?" Harry jumped off the bed and started to shrink the luggage.

"What about Banks, thought she was the escort home?" Asked Ron.

"I relieved her, I'm filling in. This calls for the highest security measures." Harry winked.

"Cheers mate."

"And Smith is stationed at Willow Cottage. We'll keep a rotation there for another week or two or however long you like."

"No Harry, Ron this is madness, the Auror's have more important duties."

"Not at the moment they don't Hermione" said Harry firmly, closing the matter. Hermione rolled her eyes but gave up while Ron nodded gratefully at his best mate.

…

Ron went through the Floo first to help Hermione and Harry followed after. The living area of Willow Cottage seemed much smaller than she remembered. Molly was the first to greet her but many others were piled into the cosy cottage. Ginny was on the sofa, her feet raised on the pouffe, Arthur beside her. George, Percy, Bill and Fleur were all there too. Fleur was the next to give her a hug followed by Bill and then George. Percy opted to stay back and gave a wave as did Ginny, who looked too big to ever move from the sofa again. Arthur hopped to his feet and was the last to hug her. He escorted her over to her reading chair obviously intending for her to sit.

"Great to see you dear. You're looking so well."

"Thank you, thank you…gosh I didn't expect such fuss." Hermione's slippers were by her chair and a soft blanket folded beside it. The house looked immaculate and she could smell something wonderful coming from her kitchen.

"Well we had to come check on our beloved sister in law…not all of us were on the guest list you know…we were starting to worry you'd been cursed bald or something. But no…you're looking well Hermione." George joked.

"I see, well no nothing as drastic as that, thank you. But I suppose we do have some news…Ron" she smiled to her husband who was turning his signature red, embarrassed to have everyone suddenly look at him expectantly. Hermione had evidently decided to pull the metaphorical band aid off as soon as she could, whereas Ron had hoped to at least eat first.

"Well…umm…the thing is…we're…Hermione's having a baby." he stammered before grinning like an idiot, gesturing wildly between himself and Hermione which made her giggle.

The room seemed to erupt with noise and excitement. Fleur was back hugging Hermione. 'Congrazulations!' Bill, George and Percy were clapping Ron on the back and shaking his hand. Molly and Arthur watched it all unfold. Harry had joined his wife on the sofa and was beaming at them all. Ginny reached forward far enough to grip Hermione's hand and give it a little squeeze. Hermione heard some of the boys say 'about time' and 'took you long enough' but was relieved to see Ron simply laugh it off so as not to ruin the joyous mood. She did however notice Molly's eyes narrowing.

"Merlin, congratulations! Did you know before the attack?" Percy asked as the room calmed down.

"Yeah we were actually on our way for a healer's assessment when it happened." Ron explained.

"Shit little brother, no wonder you were camping at the hospital. Are you both alright now?" George asked Hermione as he made his way over for a congratulatory hug.

"Yes, yes we're all going to be fine." She reassured.

"Yeah but I didn't know that at the time." Ron exclaimed.

"That must have been awful Ronnie." Bill gave his shoulder a squeeze.

"Well now everyone. Let's eat and then we'll all get out of their hair. Hermione needs to rest so no ones to stay late!" Molly interrupted.

"Yes ma'am! Bring out the grub!" George announced and saluted his mother.

"Shall I bring you a tray dear?" Molly whispered to Hermione.

"No no, I don't want to miss the fun." And she got up slowly to join everyone at their magically extended dining table. She looked around feeling so happy. It was lovely being in the midst of the Weasley brood even now with everyone grown. She was a bit astounded they'd all shown up to welcome her home from the hospital. "You'll have to Floo Charlie later Ron."

"Yeap snoow worries." He mumbled, mouth full of food already. Hermione rolled her eyes but laughed.

"What about your own parents dear?"

"Oh I think they are coming tomorrow Molly. I can't wait to see their faces. I'm so glad Ron didn't let it slip. Thank you for keeping them updated, I'm sure they were worried."

"Did you know Potter?" George inquired.

"Well…umm…I…err" Harry wasn't sure what to say.

"Out with it….did he tell you before his own brothers?!" George accused.

"Come off it George. We were attacked in the Ministry by a death eater hell bent on revenge. How could I not tell the senior field Auror who was tracking him down?!" Ron defended.

"Well…as long as it's just because of his job title then!" George laughed. "And you little sister, did Potter spill the beans to you?"

"No actually…I was on the guest list." Ginny stuck her tongue out at her older brother.

"Well you weren't." Ron said matter of factly. "But you did show up and threaten to hex an Alpha Auror if he didn't let you through. You only got added to the guest list cause I couldn't be bothered to retrain a new Alpha." Everyone erupted with laughter again.

"And you Mum? Given you weren't screaming the place down when they made that little announcement I'm guessing you were in on it?" asked Bill.

"I knew before Ron." Molly said proudly.

"Actually I think you knew before either of us Molly." Hermione admitted.

"Hate it when she does that! So what's the story there?" Ginny wanted to know.

"Ron left on the last mission with Harry. Hermione Floo'd into the Burrow, threw up on the dishes in the kitchen sink and then passed out." Molly succinctly. Hermione winced, wondering if she'd ever live that embarrassing moment down.

"Ahhh. A dead giveaway that, Hermione. Would've expected better from you myself, you know!" George laughed. "So do you know if it's a boy or a girl? Any names? Angelina will be fuming she's missed all the excitement. I better go home with all the gossip."

"Yes we know the gender and I have a name" Ron raised his eyebrows questioningly. "But, you know, maybe this time Ron should be the first to know." Hermione leaned into her husband and he kissed her forehead. He didn't care that most of his family were watching.

"You two make me sick!" George threw a bread roll at his head and Molly swotted him with a tea towel she'd slung over her shoulder. "Oww gerroff."

A few thoughts rattled very quickly through Ron Weasley's head…

What a git

This is my bloody house

I'm a frigging senior Auror…I could definitely take him

I'm a grown ass man

I have a wife

A baby on the way

Am I going to be picked on by these prats for the rest of my life?

Definitely

But that's ok

Git

…and he smiled at the warm fuzzy feeling in his chest.

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