"Right, home with you all. Hermione needs to rest." Mrs Weasley announced as she finished charming the kitchen clean. Everyone had been lazing in the living area after the hearty meal, the companionable chatter broke up as all eyes turned to the Weasley matriarch.
"Now, who am I expecting for Sunday lunch at the Burrow tomorrow? Bill, your lot, love? No. Percy? Yes. George? Yes. Ginny and Harry dear? Yes. Ron? No and not Charlie either. Gosh how many is that…Arthur you tot it up and keep me right. Lovely." Mrs Weasley had pointed at each of her children and waited for a nod or shake of their head so she knew how many to cook for this week. It was always guaranteed that there would be some random combination of Potters, Weasleys and extended family at the Burrow on a Sunday.
The Weasley children never considered themselves spoiled growing up, gallons were hard come by. They didn't appreciate the cooking and cleaning and million other things their mother did for them daily. But as adults they could fully appreciate how utterly spoiled they were. Each of them thrilled to be able to pop home for a proper cooked meal and save themselves the effort. All of the ladies who had married into the family had commented on how rubbish the Weasley boys were at fending for themselves. They all firmly blamed Molly which she acknowledged and accepted as the world's biggest compliment.
"Nope, we're hosting the in-laws' tomorrow." Ron smiled proudly, wrapping an arm around Hermione's waist and pulling her in close. "Got some exciting news to tell them." He winked. "And I guess I'll be…err…cooking…shut it" he said as a smirk traced across Harry's face.
"Didn't say a word!" Harry said defensively.
"You were thinking it! Prat! I'm a good cook…right Hermione?"
"Yes! He's definitely mastered a Sunday roast. You're no pastry chef though!"
"Oh Ronald dear…I'll pop over with a crumble in the morning." Molly offered.
"Thanks mum" he said ignoring the abuse from his outraged siblings and Harry 'Oh Ronniekins!' 'Poor thing might die of starvation without a decent crumble' 'What do I have to do to get dessert delivery?!'
Molly also ignored them and swept them all up, sending them off into the fireplace until only her and Arthur remained. Harry barely had a chance to wave goodbye before he disappeared into the flames followed by Ginny. Molly hugged Ron and Hermione in turn, extra tightly and for a little longer than usual. "Take care dears. It's ever so good to see you back on your feet Hermione love."
"Thanks Molly and thanks for everything as usual." Hermione smiled as Molly stepped into the green flames.
"Have a lovely day with your parents dear. Do tell them we were asking for them!" Arthur called before disappearing.
"Alone at last! I love them and all but Merlin…my family." Ron rolled his eyes in such an exaggerated manner his whole head rotated.
"Awk they didn't stay long Ron. They've obviously cleaned the whole place and cooked for us. I'm sure your mums left the kitchen spotless too."
"Yeah yeah, she's a Saint." He pulled her in and kissed her forehead. "Now how are you feeling? Need any potion? Want to sit down here or shall I put you straight to bed?"
"Take me to bed?" She suggested mischievously.
"Only if it's for cuddles. You're not to exert yourself for another week or two. That's what Monica said."
"Ronald Weasley! She didn't mean that!"
"Sorry love. You know I want to, but you've no chance."
"You think you could resist my advances Mr Weasley?" she giggled.
"Never Mrs Weasley…but I'd put up a good fight." He backed away from their hug to create some distance. Who was he kidding, if she turned it on he would be screwed. Literally and figuratively. "Now come on. Stay here or up to bed…for rest?"
She rolled her eyes and sighed. "Bed. You're right I don't have the energy anyhow. Will you bring my stuff and the book off the coffee table?"
"Your wish is my command wifey."
Ron escorted her upstairs and got her settled into their massive bed with her book and a cup of tea. He cast 'engorgio' on the luggage and unpacked everything, firing some items straight into the laundry basket, tidying away the rest. He pottered between the bedroom and en-suite and she watched him, not bothered to read. She was fascinated at the care he was taking, he could be a bit of a slob and this was unlike him. He was obviously trying very hard to make sure she'd no reason to get up. Eventually he lifted out the vase of roses and placed them on top of the set of drawers opposite their bed. He flicked his wand and the cases tidied themselves into the top of their wardrobe. He threw himself face down onto their bed with such force it caused her to jiggle.
"Hey…Do you know this time last week I was still at work, didn't even know I was going to be a daddy?"
"Gods, it's been quite the week." She agreed.
"That is the biggest understatement I've ever heard Hermione. This week has nearly done me in. I'm so bloody glad to be home with you both." He lifted his hand and placed it on her stomach. "Oh bloody fuck! I just remembered!" Ron jumped up onto his knees in excitement. "You've thought of a name!? Tell me what our daughter is to be called? Please don't let it be shit."
Hermione laughed, he was looking at her like an excitable puppy. If he had a tail she was sure it would be wagging frantically. She loved that he still had this silly playful side.
"Oh I dunno now, what if you don't like it?" She whined, suddenly nervous.
"Well you have to try me…I'm not a mind reader."
"You provided the inspiration actually."
"Huh? Aw come oooooon just tell me."
"Ok fine. I was thinking…Rose." She paused for effect and eyed him suspiciously as he considered it. "When I woke up from suspension, the first thing I saw was the flower's you'd picked for me. It melted my heart when you said the gender charm reminded you of the pink roses at home. And I like the way it starts with R-O so kind of named after you. And I like the way the rose bush has growing here ever since we moved in. It's been here for as long as we've been trying. It feels like we've had this whole long journey and we've been growing our little flower to bloom. That sounds stupid now I'm saying it out loud though. And…oh I dunno…you hate it? Say something?" she pleaded.
"You thought of all that in the last 24 hours?" Ron was dumbfounded.
"Mmmhmm."
"Bloody hell you're brilliant. I love it! I love everything you just said. She is our little pink flower. Rose is perfect. Rose Weasley." He said testing how it sounded. "Yep, that's it, perfect." Ron leaned forward and took his wife in his arms for a passionate celebratory kiss. She did that giggling thing he liked.
…
The next morning Ron woke before his wife and patiently waited for her to stir. He sat up watching her sleep for a while feeling relieved she hadn't had a nightmare. Maybe it was a one off, he thought hopefully, she looked so beautiful. Very different compared to being in suspension. She was lying on her left side, facing away from him, her hair spread out over the pillow. One leg was over the top of the duvet giving him a fine view of her lovely bottom. It wasn't usual that he woke first, he liked it. She looked so cosy and it was Sunday after all so he decided to snuggle up behind her. He slotted into his usual cuddle position as big spoon. She gave a little sigh and wiggled closer into his warm body. Reaching around he placed his right hand on her tummy and thought of baby Rose as he drifted back to sleep. When they finally woke he had her anti-sickness potion at the ready.
Ron brought his wife breakfast in bed and ran her a bath. He was determined that she rest and relax as much as possible. He busied himself in the kitchen putting the meat on to slow roast and prepping the veg. Molly popped in with the promised crumble and fixed his gravy which had turned out altogether too watery and a bit bland. Everything was sorted and ready for the Grangers' arrival. Hermione was curled up on her armchair, even after this morning's lie in she'd fallen asleep reading and he waited as long as possible to wake her.
"Hey love, your parents are due in 20 minutes."
"What? Oh, I was going to get properly dressed. But I can't be bothered." She sighed sleepily. He looked over the pale grey leggings tucked into fluffy socks paired with his orange Chudley Cannons jumper, which was adorably oversized on her.
"I think you look great. Your parents won't care what you're wearing. It's Sunday, you're just home from the hospital, take it easy."
"Yeah you're right. I'm so excited to tell them Ron."
"Me too! It's more of a thing for your side. This will be their first grand baby!"
"Maybe their only grand baby?" She raised her eyebrows as the thought occurred to her.
"Let's worry about getting this one grown first, alright love?" Merlin, she had that look about her again. The one which would lead her into crazy overthinking and worrying for no reason.
"Yes, yes…sorry."
"Don't be silly."
A silver bear patronus jumped through the cottage window.
Grizzly to Terrier
Wards breached
Visitors Imminent
"Gods Ron, I'd forgotten we had a guard. I haven't seen sight nor sound of anyone. Don't they need to be fed? Or use a bathroom?" Hermione gasped.
Ron looked at her like she a mad woman. "Hermione, they wouldn't be very good at their jobs if they gave away their covert operations now would they? And no they don't need feeding or the loo. Don't you worry we're well used to it."
"Ugh I just don't like it. It feels pathetic…like I'm weak and need to be guarded."
"We're not talking about this now." Ron closed down the conversation before an argument could break out. "Your parents are nearly up the lane. Let's go greet them." He offered her a hand and they hovered on the veranda. Hermione admired her rose bush and was pleased to see Ron had cast a charm to encourage all the pruned flowers to regrow.
Hermione's mum was waving enthusiastically as the car pulled into their barely used driveway.
"Hello kids" Jane jumped out of the car as soon as it stopped and rushed up the porch steps to hug Hermione tightly.
"Mum! So good to see you…and Dad. How was the drive down?" Hermione swapped to hug her dad while Jane moved onto hugging Ron. Hugh then gave Ron a firm handshake and used his free hand to squeeze his shoulder.
"Oh fine fine. We're just glad to get down to see you both and pleased to see you're up walking about Hermione. We weren't sure what state we'd find you in." Hugh stated, Jane let out a little whimper.
"Well come in, come in. I'll make the tea." Ron offered. Everyone piled into the living room. Hugh took up residence in the armchair while Hermione and her mum sat closely on the sofa.
"Tell me everything." She demanded.
"Gosh well, I'm not sure what you know exactly? But well Ron had a mission that ended badly about 2 weeks ago. A dark wizard was killed while he tried to apprehend him. The surviving brother escaped and was trying to get revenge by attacking Ron at work. Unfortunately, we were heading out to lunch together when he attacked and I guess I got hurt."
"Oh darling."
"But it wasn't Ron's fault. He did everything he could have. He jumped in front of me to protect us but the curse ricocheted off the elevator cage I was standing in."
"Well, we all know that man would take a bullet for you." Jane patted her daughter's hand.
Ron levitated a tray onto the living room coffee table. "Thank you, Ron. I'll never get used to this magic stuff, you know. Fascinating, absolutely fascinating." Ron grinned, Hugh's interest in magic rivalled his own dad's interest in muggles.
"That's nothing, ready for a few more tricks? Or maybe now's not the right time?" He looked nervously over to Hermione and her mum. Jane was still holding her hand tightly.
"Oh go on. You know I can't resist." Hugh encouraged.
Ron turned to the staircase and wordless summoned something. Hermione recognised the wand motion. A few seconds later a pink rose flew down the stairs and into Ron's waiting hand. He offered it to Jane with a cheeky grin.
"Bravo" said Hugh with a clap of his hands.
Ron then proceeded to levitate things around the room, sending books back onto shelves, made the dining table set itself zooming cutlery, plates, salt and pepper from the kitchen. Eventually he produced his corporeal patronus and let it bound around the room endearing itself to both his in-laws.
"Ok, I've something new to show you. You've never seen me do this one before." Ron announced.
"Excellent! Go ahead son." Hugh said excitedly.
"I'll need help from my glamorous assistant." He reached for his wife's hand and pulled her up to stand next to him in front of the fireplace.
"I don't know about glamorous." She said, pulling at the baggy jumper.
"Don't be ridiculous, you look wonderful." He grinned and kissed her temple. "Now bonus points for anyone who can tell me what this charm does."
Ron cast the confirmation charm. Hermione turned to him, eyes wide looking gobsmacked. He simply grinned and gave a small shrug then pulled her close to him to watch the show. The first golden orb floated slowly to Hugh, he looked momentarily fearful and seemed to try to sink further into the chair to avoid the light. But it rather lazily drifted inside his chest and there was a smile on his face as it warmed him. "It must tell you who's the most handsome in the room?" Hugh joked.
"Ha, more like oldest?" Jane quipped.
"Nope neither of those things" Ron laughed.
The second orb bobbed over to the sofa and entered Jane's chest. The third and fourth predictably found Hermione and Ron's heartbeats.
"I know it tells you who is in the room…" Jane started to guess as Ron's glowing light arrived with him.
"Kind of." Hermione almost whispered, waiting for the last orb. When the 5th glow left Ron's wand and drifted toward her daughter's stomach Jane gasped.
"Oh Lord, did it find our heartbeats? Hermione…are…are you pregnant darling?" Jane had jumped to her feet in excitement. When they nodded she ran over and nearly knocked them off their feet as she hugged them both, which was awkward with the three height differences. When she finally released them tears were streaming down her face. "Hugh, Hugh did you hear? A baby, they're having a baby!"
"I did Jane, it's wonderful news! My baby girl is having a baby of her own. Hermione you'll make such a wonderful mother." Hugh was on his feet too to join the celebrations.
"Thank you daddy."
"Congratulations son. So happy for you both." Ron flushed, he loved when Hugh used that endearment for him. There had been a short but agonising few months when he feared he'd never be accepted into the Granger family. He'd been by Hermione's side when she awoke them from their memory alterations. He stood by her as her parents spent months working through stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance as they grieved for the 18 months lost with their daughter. A lot of it had been misdirected at him but he took it on the chin and finally when the dust had settled there had been an apology. From then on Hugh and Ron had bonded and thoroughly enjoyed one another's company. When Ron had asked Hugh for Hermione's hand in marriage he'd been told…Of course son, you've been part of this family for longer than you know…and he'd been using the term 'son' ever since.
They settled on the sofa again and Hermione resumed her story on why she'd spent much of the last week in hospital. Jane listened and gasped and sighed in all the right places, firmly gripping her daughter's hand. Ron noticed his wife brush over the reason she was so weak, she didn't fully explain the dark magic or mention the torture from being on the hunt. He didn't interfere, it was up to her how much she shared with her parents and when. He knew she didn't want them worrying about her.
The rest of the day passed comfortably, Ron's roast was a success, Molly's crumble was delicious. The men played chess into the evening while Hermione and her mum talked at length about all things babies. It was nightfall before the Granger's got up to leave.
"You're welcome to stay, Jane, Hugo?" Ron offered.
"Thanks Ron but it's a long drive and we've to open the practice in the morning. Thank you for cooking, dear. I'm so excited about the news. Hermione you must write me every day and tell me how you're feeling, especially the sickness. I remember it got better about half way through when having you, maybe you'll be the same and let's organise that shopping trip for next month. Oh I can't wait to buy all the lovely teeny baby clothes." Jane was still bubbling with excitement.
"Of course mum. I'll owl often. Good bye daddy. See you both soon?"
"Of course darling. Now Ron keep an eye on her won't you? Don't let her work too hard."
"Yes Sir." Ron saluted and they waited on the porch to wave the car as it drove off.
As they settled back into Willow Cottage for the night Hermione didn't think she could feel happier. "Ron?"
"Yeah."
"How did you come up with that little show to announce the baby?"
"I have no idea. I honestly didn't have a plan, it just struck me while I was up there and then suddenly it seemed like the most exciting way to tell them. Sorry if I stole it from you, I should have left it to you to break the news."
"No, I thought it was wonderful actually. It was magical." She giggled.
"Your mum is so happy right now."
"I know, she said she's been dying to hear this news since our honeymoon." She looked up to find Ron staring at her, she gave a half smile. "She said she'd worried we might have fertility issues like she had."
"Huh? They had problems?"
"Yeah. Apparently they waited a long time for me and they'd hoped for more children but it never happened. So even without…you know…we could have struggled to conceive just based on my genetics."
"Well there's a thought. This was just our path then?"
"Possibly."
"Huh. And she said about being sick all the time when pregnant with you too."
"Yeah. I wish I'd spoken to her about these things before." There was a comfortable silence as they both thought over these possibilities.
"Right. Bed. Rest."
"Are you working tomorrow?"
"No, it's too soon. I owled Bottcher this morning to say I need tomorrow off and I'll talk to him first thing on Tuesday morning."
"Perfect, so another lie in tomorrow, husband?"
"Whatever you desire, wifey." Ron followed her upstairs enjoying the view and playfully smacked her backside.