A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series. This story is a product of my pure imagination.

I'm sick and tired of your reasons
I got no one to believe in
You tell me that you want me, then push me around
And I need you like a heartbeat
But you know you got a mean streak
Makes me run for cover when you're around
Here's to you and your temper
Yes, I remember what you said last night
And I know that you see what you're doing to me
Tell me why

~ Tell Me Why by Taylor Swift

*~*~* January 29, 1999 *~*~*

Hermione poured through her Runes text looking for the specific Rune to protect a building from negative spells, when Harry's door barely opened to his room and suddenly she heard Ginny's voice screaming before the door shut again.

Looking at his bedroom door in confusion, the door opened again and Ginny stepped out slamming the door. She looked at Hermione surprised to see her with a face flushed so similar to her brother when he was mad, "Sorry if you heard any of that."

"Bye!" Hermione yelled as Ginny stormed out slamming the door behind her.

Harry came out of his bedroom, disheveled with part of his shirt untucked from his waist and his tie gone.

"What just happened? I didn't even know you were in there," Hermione stated.

"I don't even know," Harry sighed as he threw himself onto the couch next to her and ran his hand through his already disheveled hair, "All I was doing was taking a nap after practice. I was up late filling in last night for patrols," Harry yawned, "Suddenly I wake up to Ginny on top of me. I may have freaked out and threw her off me."

Hermione sighed as she set her book down, "You threw her off you?"

"I wasn't exactly expecting to wake up to her straddling me!" Harry said rubbing his temples, "We just can't seem to get on the same page lately."

Hermione bit her lip as she curled her legs up underneath her and turned towards him, "Well, you know she had already slept with Dean. I imagine that she possibly… expects it again."

Harry groaned as he laid his head back on the couch, "I don't want our relationship to be just sex! Is that bad?" Harry asked looking over at her.

"Honestly, no. That is what a good relationship should be based on anyway," Hermione told him patting his knee.

"Thank you!" Harry said aggravated, "She seems upset that we haven't done it again. Hell, the first time it happened so fast I wasn't sure it wasn't a dream at first."

Hermione swallowed hard, "You need to speak to Ginny and tell you how you feel. That's where Ron and I struggle, conversing. That is where you two seem to be better, but I'd go after her."

Harry nodded as he got up, "Thanks, Hermione. You always have my back."

Hermione waved him off as he got up and left the common area heading down the stairs.

After a half hour, Harry returned relieved that he and Ginny had talked things out, but still apprehensive about where they stood at the moment. "I think I need…" Harry trailed off as he spotted Hermione asleep on the couch with her book on her lap. Quietly, Harry walked over to the couch and took her book from her lap. He gently sat it on the coffee table with her bookmark. Glancing at her sleeping form, he took in the relaxed and peaceful expression on her face. Gently, he lifted her into his arms, noting to himself that she was much lighter than he thought that she should be. Carrying her to her bedroom, he whispered the spell to peel back her sheets and laid her down on the bed. Covering her up, he kissed her forehead and stood up when he realized what he had done.

"Ron," Hermione whispered in her sleep as she frowned.

Harry froze as he stepped back. Hermione settled grabbing her pillow as he backed out of the room. Shutting the door, Harry took a deep breath trying to calm down his suddenly pounding heart. Why had he without thinking, kissed her forehead? Why had his heart raced like it did when she muttered Ron's name? Shaking the webs of emotions clouding his mind Harry crossed the common room to his room with a quick, "Night, Mum, Dad." to their portrait.

*~*~* January 30, 1999 *~*~*

Hermione sighed in relief as she, Harry, Luna, and Ginny walked into the Three Broomsticks. Ginny despite walking with them, had not muttered so much as a word after she had met them at the entrance hall before heading towards Hogsmeade.

"Over here!" Dean yelled as he saw them.

"Hi, Dean!" Ginny said with a smile as she rushed over to where he, Ron, and Neville were already sitting.

"Don't let her get to you, Harry," Hermione assured him as she unbuttoned her coat.

"I don't understand why she is being this way," Harry said annoyed.

"Let it blow over," Hermione stated as she walked over and Ron stood up to hug her, giving her a quick kiss, "Hello."

"You are freezing," Ron said as he rubbed her arms, "Hiya Harry."

"Hi Ron," Harry said as they shook hands then gave each other a half hug, "What have we missed?"

The Three Broomsticks was surprisingly empty for a Saturday night, so Madam Rosmerta walked over shortly after they had sat down.

"Drinks?" Rosmerta asked them.

"Warm Butterbeer, please," Hermione said as Ron put his arm around her and she rested her head on his shoulder as everyone else ordered the same.

"So nervous about tomorrow?" Neville asked them.

Ron frowned as he looked at Hermione, "Big test?"

"No," Hermione sighed, "The Child Rearing project begins tomorrow."

"Oh, that project," Ron said sitting back, "Did you find out the partner yet?"

"No, I hope we get to pick," Ginny said as she side glanced at Harry.

Hermione shrugged, "When McGonagall explained it to me, it didn't sound like we would. We had to each give a hair from ourselves. I think it was just which ones… matched."

"So it could be completely random?" Ginny frowned.

"No clue," Hermione stated as she looked at Ron and Neville, "So how is Auror training?"

Ron and Neville started telling them about the hilarious disguises that some people had attempted during stealth and disguises when the bell on the front door tolled. Hermione glanced at the door, "George!"

George stopped in his tracks and someone ran into him from behind, "What are you doing here?" George and Ron asked at the same time.

Harry got up as he saw who was behind George, "Angelina!"

She smiled when Harry walked over to her and hugged him, "Hi Harry."

Harry looked at them, "Please come join us."

"Didn't think you could leave Hogwarts when it wasn't a Hogsmeade weekend," George said scandalized.

Ginny looked at George rolling her eyes, "Seventh years have more flexibility on weekends, you know that."

"Oh that's right, you aren't ickle first years anymore," George teased as he ordered a Firewhiskey.

After half an hour of everyone talking, reminiscing, and enjoying themselves, Ron leaned over after casting a privacy charm, "What is going on between those two?" Nodding towards Harry and Ginny, who while sitting next to each other, had barely touched all night.

Hermione glanced at them and sighed, "It's complicated, Ron. They are having issues communicating. You know how it is, everything catching up to them."

Ron frowned, "But it's Harry and Ginny, they have so much in common."

Hermione looked at him, "Really? What? Quidditch and…?"

"Well possession by Voldemort, Ginny always mentions that when she says Harry gets her," Ron muttered.

"What?" Hermione said surprised glancing over at the couple and catching Ginny's eye.

"What is it?" Ginny asked defensively.

Ron canceled the privacy charm, "Nothing, just talking to Ron," Hermione assured her with a smile as she leaned on Ron's shoulder, "They'll be fine."

*~*~* February 1, 1999 *~*~*

Harry leaned back against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest, next to their Life Studies classroom as he watched Hermione pace back and forth in the corridor shaking her hands.

"I can't do this, I can't do this. I don't want to be a Mum," Hermione mumbled to herself, "What if I get matched up with Draco?" Hermione paused looking at him wide-eyed, "Oh my God, Harry?! What if it's Draco? I'll be stuck as a single mother when he finds out he's matched with-"

Harry walked over and put his hands on her shoulders, "Hermione, breathe. It's not going to be a real baby. Plus, Malfoy is rarely here for classes, I doubt he will even be part of the project. Even if you do, he is a little better this year."

"I can't breathe," Hermione whispered and he pulled her into a hug.

Harry rubbed her back, "It will all work out. Just wait and see."

Hermione rested her forehead against his shoulder as more people walked into the classroom, "Alright, I'm ready. I can do this."

"You can always back out," Harry told her.

"No, I will set an example for the class. The Head Girl cannot back out of the project," Hermione stated as she closed her eyes and let out a breath, "Alright, let's go."

Hermione led Harry into the Life Studies classroom and sat down on their usual couch. Harry leaned over and kissed Ginny's cheek.

Ginny glanced over at Hermione, "Is she okay?"

Harry gave her a look, "She may have a nervous breakdown over this project," Harry whispered.

"She can hear you," Hermione reminded them as Professor Noel walked in with a stack of parchment, and Professor McGonagall followed behind.

Professor Noel set the parchments down on her desk, "Welcome class, I see some nervous faces. Don't worry, after the spell, I will be dismissing you for the rest of class. If you have a class after our traditional period and start feeling unexpected things, the rest of the professors have been told."

Professor McGonagall stepped forward, "We decided that each partnership is within the same house," She lifted her wand and the parchments distributed themselves to each student.

Hermione caught hers and looked at it as Harry looked at her, "I'm honestly not surprised now."

"Jimmy?! Who did you…" Ginny trailed off as she saw Hermione's name on Harry's parchment.

"We will call you up alphabetically by mother's last name. Please understand to the male partner, part of your project is also the mother. Try to get to know her, be there for her. The females will be experiencing a change in hormones to replicate the pregnancy to make the experience more realistic," Professor Noel stated, "Be there for her, you are their partner."

Professor McGonagall called up the first girl and Luna walked over to them, "Who are your partners?"

"Harry got Hermione," Ginny said as she got up and walked over to Jimmy Peakes.

"I am partners with Sturgis. He is very nice and knows about Neville," Luna told them as she glanced at Ginny, "Don't worry, Harry. She has a Wrackspurt infestation. I will have Neville brew up some Mistletoe spray and we will be able to remove them."

"Miss Granger."

Harry stood up and held out his hand to Hermione, "Let's do this."

Hermione nodded as she took his hand and they walked over to Professor McGonagall, who looked at Hermione.

"Granger, are you okay with this now?" Professor McGonagall asked looking over her glasses.

Hermione glanced at Hermione, "I feel more confident that I can do this project with Harry."

McGonagall smiled, "I will admit, I picked you two myself. I figured it was easier being in the head quarters together, for the two of you to do the project together," She lifted her wand, "Ready? Potter, you don't need to hold her hand."

Harry dropped her hand, "Sorry."

McGonagall waved her wand over Harry, then held her wand over Hermione's stomach, "Conceptus Falsus Termus."

Hermione watched as a blue glow surrounded her stomach and then absorbed into her.

"You may feel some cramping, do drink some water, and until Runes, which I know you will go to, go rest until you know how you will feel," McGonagall told her as she looked at them, "Congratulations."

Harry shut the door to their common room and looked at Hermione, "So anything noticeable yet?"

Hermione shook her head, "Maybe a little cramping, but no. Nothing," She said as she sat on the couch and took the paper out of her bag, "Tomorrow will be 8 weeks, then every day afterward will be another two weeks."

Harry sat down next to her, "I know it's not real, but it sounds like it will feel real to you, so if you need anything and I mean anything, please let me know okay?"

Hermione patted his knee, "I will be fine, Harry."

*~*~* February 2, 1999 *~*~*

Hermione sat up in the middle of the night, confused as to what had woken her at two in the morning. Suddenly a huge urge of nausea hit her. Rushing out of her bedroom, she barely made it to the lavatory when she threw up.

"Hermione? Are you okay?" Harry asked on the other side of the door.

"Go away!" Hermione groaned as she threw up again.

"I'm guessing this is the morning sickness," Harry told her as he opened the door.

"I don't want you to-," Hermione said as she threw up again and Harry held up her hair for her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize you'd experience this," Harry said rubbing her back.

"McGonagall warned me tonight," Hermione said as she flushed, "It could be worse for me. They studied our magical levels when they put the samples in for our elf and the levels together were off the charts. The spell amplifies it. In real magical pregnancies, it means a higher chance of twins."

"Great thing to know for the future," Harry said rubbing his hand over his face, "Ready to go back to bed?"

Hermione took his hand as he offered it to her to stand. Pulling her into his arms, she rested her forehead against his chest as he rubbed her back. "I'm sorry that you are going through this when it's not what you wanted to do in the first place," Harry said as he kissed the top of her head.

"Better to find out now rather than later. My plans aren't changing at this point," Hermione said as she took his wand from his lounge trousers and cast a mouth-freshening charm, "My parents would be mad, but I have a feeling if I were to brush my teeth right now I'd get sick again."

"Come on," Harry said as he led her back into her room and pulled her covers over her.

Hermione grabbed his hand, "Stay, please?"

Harry thought about it a second, "Of course." Harry climbed into the other side of the bed.

*~*~* February 6, 1999 *~*~*

Stretching, Hermione yawned as she sat up in bed. Taking a moment, she smiled when she realized that the morning sickness that had plagued her for the last week when she woke up, was not affecting her today. Throwing her covers off, she got up and the moment her feet hit the ground, the world started moving around her. Losing her balance, she grabbed her bedside table knocking her glass as well as a book to the floor.

Her bedroom door flung open hitting the wall behind it. "What's wrong?!" Harry yelled as he saw her holding onto her bedside table.

"I'm… dizzy," Hermione informed him holding her head.

Harry rushed over to her and helped her sit back on her bed, "What can I do?"

"I don't know, what does the book say?" Hermione asked as she laid back on her bed and put her arm over her head.

"It said it would happen and just to move slowly and sit when you were dizzy," Harry told her.

Hermione looked at him, "Wait you read… Harry, you are just in a towel."

Harry blushed, "I was getting out of the shower when I heard crashing. Sorry, sit here. I'll go get dressed."

Hermione swallowed hard as he turned and she saw a bit of arse cheek as he went out her bedroom door. Letting out a breath as her heart pounded in her chest, she slowly sat up. Ignoring the pounding in her head, she stood up much slower. Grabbing her clothes that she had set out the night before, she took off her nightgown, stepped into a new pair of knickers, and put her bra on. Bending down, she pulled up her knickers when the dizziness came back sending her into her dresser.

"Hermione!" Harry scolded as he walked in and saw her head forward against the dresser, "I told you to just sit!"

"I'm not an invalid, Harry! This pregnancy isn't even real!" Hermione groaned as she straightened up and Harry stepped back, "What?!"

"Your stomach, it's showing," Harry commented.

Hermione walked over to the mirror and turned sideways, "I cannot believe it. I'm showing, but it's only 16 weeks today."

"Here let me help you get dressed," Harry told her as he grabbed her shirt and helped her pull it over her head. Helping her step into her trousers, she laid her head on his shoulder, "I know this is tough."

"I am so tired from just getting dressed," Hermione sighed as she grabbed her stomach, "And this gas! All I have is these bubbles."

Harry grabbed her as she nearly lost her balance again, "We are going to see Pomfrey, I don't like how off balance you are."

Hermione nodded letting a slow breath out at the dizziness it caused, "Okay, I don't feel right so we can go."

Madam Pomfrey looked up as they entered the Hospital Wing, "Potter, what did you do this time?"

"It's not me this time, Madam Pomfrey. Hermione is feeling a bit off and unsteady," Harry explained.

Pomfrey huffed, "Have a seat on the bed. I advised against this archaic project."

Hermione sat down on the bed and Madam Pomfrey waved her wand over Hermione. From her wand, a scroll of paper came out. "Magic levels are fluctuating, but the unsteadiness appears to be low sugar in your blood. When was the last time you ate?"

Hermione flushed, "I'm just so nauseous after I eat."

"Hermione!" Harry said in disbelief, "Is there anything else we can do?"

"Just eat small meals if large meals are bothering you. Use the house elves to bring you things to snack on. If it becomes an issue, we may have to cancel the charm," Madam Pomfrey told her.

"Is there anything we can do for these gas bubbles?" Hermione asked her, "That doesn't help either."

Madam Pomfrey smiled, "It may not be gas bubbles, it may be the sensations of a baby moving at this stage of pregnancy."

Hermione sat in the Great Hall at dinner time and picked at her plate of Macaroni and Cheese that Winky had made her at Harry's insistence.

"Everything okay, Hermione?" Ginny asked as she glanced at Harry.

Hermione set her fork down, "How are you feeling? I feel awful," Hermione told her cringing at the whining voice she heard coming from her mouth.

"All Jimmy and I do is fight," Ginny stated as she took a bite of her food, "So yeah wonderful. It's going to be awesome until we get this done. I'm not planning on having kids for a long time, if ever at this point."

Harry frowned, "You might not want kids? But you are a Weasley. Isn't it like on your birth certificate that you are supposed to have a big family?"

"Harry, it's still a long way from ever even thinking about it. I want to try out for the Quidditch league and after I make it, hopefully, I will have a long career. After that I will start a family," Ginny explained.

"How long do Quidditch players play for?" Harry asked her.

"Usually around 30 if they are lucky. We are wizards, Harry. We can have children until we are in our 60s," Ginny stated, "We live until at least 130 years old. That's still 100 years with kids."

Harry grimaced as if he had been slapped. With a sigh, he looked at Hermione, "Hermione, you need to eat."

Hermione put her face in her hands and burst into tears, "This sucks! All I want to do is curl up on the couch with a book and not move, and I'm not even pregnant!"

*~*~* February 13, 1999 *~*~*

Hermione pulled her jumper closer to her as the pale moonlight filtered through the leafless trees casting eerie shadows onto the tent behind her. The crackling campfire in front of her provided a warm glow to her heart and she closed her eyes.

Behind her, the wireless played a soulful tune adding to the ambiance of the night.

"Care for a dance?"

Hermione opened her eyes and met Harry's gaze, who had a warm smile on his lips as he held his hand out to her. She grinned up at him, "A dance? Here in the middle of nowhere?" She asked looking at their surroundings.

"Why not? Who knows what lies ahead? We deserve a moment to just think back on some of the happier times," Harry told her as he took her wand and made the trees have glittering icicles hanging off them and fairy lights sparkled around them, "It's not Hogwarts, but I feel awful that you were alone at Christmas."

"You were here," Hermione stated.

"Passed out from a snake bite and unconscious because of the Horcrux, you were fighting to keep me conscious. Wasn't exactly a great Christmas for you," Harry stated as he held his hand out, "Dance with me. I never asked you to at the Yule Ball and it was one of my biggest regrets."

With a reluctant smile, Hermione placed her hand into Harry's and he led her to a flattened area of grass next to the campfire. The rustle of leaves under their feet, the crackling of the fire, and the wizard wireless crooning in the background provided a magic of its own as it weaved around them in a haunting melody filling the air with an enchanting tune as she looked at Harry as he pulled her into his arms.

They moved more gracefully together than she thought they would and she couldn't help but lay her head on Harry's shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart as her forehead touched his neck. Providing a calming drought of its own to Hermione's heart and soul. Too many nights she had spent awake, worrying about the boy holding her in his arms in her personal goal to keep him alive despite the feeling that plagued her nightmares that he would not make it to the other end of the war.

As if he could hear her thoughts, Harry whispered, "We'll get through this, Hermione. Together."

Hermione tightened her grip on his shoulder and his waist, "I know, Harry," She swallowed hard, "We always have," She told him as she looked up at him and the urge to kiss him was so powerful, but she resisted, "I love you, Harry. Thank you for being my best friend."

Harry kissed the top of her head, "Thank you, Hermione. I… think I love you too. I'm just not sure if that is what this feeling is. I've never had anyone to love before."

Hermione held him closer to her as she swallowed down the tears and the lump in her throat.

Hermione sat up in bed, her heart racing as she woke up from the dream that was a memory. Rubbing her hands over her face, she cursed the hormones that the damn spell had caused to go haywire through her body. Throwing her covers from her body, she put her feet on the cold stone floor. Grabbing her back as she stood up because of the now persistent ache in her back, she patted over to the dresser. Dressing in a jumper that had once been Dudley's and a pair of Harry's sweatpants that probably had been Dudley's as well, she threw her hair up into a messy bun. Glancing at herself in the mirror, she sighed as she ran her hands over her enlarging belly.

"Only five more days," Hermione reassured herself in the mirror.

Leaving her bedroom, she saw Harry sitting on the couch with an equally as big Ginny, resting on his shoulder.

"Morning," Hermione yawned, "You couldn't sleep either?"

"Nope," Ginny yawned back, "I'm a stomach sleeper and that isn't happening anymore. How are you feeling?"

Hermione itched her belly, "I feel like my stomach has insects crawling in my skin. I'm heading to the library."

"Want me to walk you there?" Harry asked.

Hermione frowned, "I may feel 30 weeks pregnant, but I'm not pregnant. I am fine, Harry James," Hermione huffed as she threw open the door to their common room.

"Don't forget your shoes!"

Hermione glanced down and sighed, "I forgot shoes. I can't wait for this to be over."

The warm glow of the fireplace next to her table was making Hermione sweat as she sat flipping through a Runes text to supplement her essay. Lost in thought, she fanned herself as she lost herself in the text in front of her.

Hermione jumped as Harry sat in front of her in the library, "Bloody Hell, Harry, you scared me."

"Sorry, mind if I join you?" Harry asked.

"Sure," Hermione drawled as she noticed the look on his face, "Where did Ginny go?"

Harry sighed as he ran his hand through his messy hair then picked at the edge of the parchment in front of him, "We fought. A big one. We decided to break up."

"Oh Harry, I'm sorry," Hermione said as she took his hand.

Harry shrugged as he squeezed her hand, "It's alright."

Hermione swallowed hard as his thumb started running back and forth on the back of her hand, "You know, Hermione, you are the only girl I've ever been able to depend on."

Their gazes lingered on each other as tension filled the air, "We fought for a while," Hermione gasped out as her heart started racing on its own accord.

Harry got up and Hermione stood up, "I need another book!"

Racing into the shelves, Hermione tried to catch her breath.

"Hermione."

Hermione gasped as she turned around, "Harry! I-" She stated as Harry silenced her with his mouth. Moaning, she threw her arms around his neck. Grabbing her legs as if she weighed nothing, he picked her up and set her on one of the ledges by the books. His lips left hers and ventured down her jaw to her throat as his hands wandered up her legs to right under the hem of her skirt.

"Miss Granger."

"Say it again," She gasped.

"Miss. Granger! Wake up!"

Hermione's eyes snapped open and she sat up from her spot in the library, a piece of parchment stuck to her face.

"Miss. Granger, you were asleep and dreaming. This is a library, not a dormitory," Madam Pince chastised.

Hermione blushed as she gathered up her supplies, "I apologize, Madam."

Flustered, she put everything in her bag and then hurried through the quiet library. With a sigh as she walked out of the library, she slid down the wall realizing that she had been lost in a daydream so intense that her heart felt as if it were hammering out of her chest.

"Hermione, are you okay?"

Hermione looked up to see Luna walking barefoot toward her, "Did someone take your shoes again?" Hermione asked her.

"No, my feet are swelling with this belly. Are you okay?" Luna asked as she sat down next to Hermione.

Hermione swallowed hard, "Luna, are you… having fantasies?"

Luna smiled dreamily, "Oh Neville, never leaves my thoughts right now. The things we do," She smiled as she closed her eyes then opened them looking at an uncomfortable Hermione, "Had a fantasy about Ron?"

Hermione breathed out, "Something like that."

"Nothing wrong with that, even without the extra hormones in our bodies thanks to the spell," Luna said as she patted her leg, "Now, the question is, can we get up?"

Footsteps ran down the corridor they were in as Hermione turned on her hands and knees trying to push herself up on the wall to stand.

"Did you fall?" Harry asked as he ran over.

Hermione gasped and nearly fell onto the ground as Harry caught her, "Harry," She breathed out.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked concerned, "I think we are done with this project."

"No, no. I'm okay," Hermione said as he helped her to stand then aided Luna as well, "I can last until Thursday. I just fell asleep in the library so I was heading back to the common room for a nap."

"Are you sure you are okay? You seem…" Harry trailed off. "Flustered," Luna supplied.

"Yeah, flustered," Harry stated.

Hermione swallowed hard, "I'm fine. Just tired."

Hermione sat in the common room with Crookshanks resting on her lap as she read the book in front of her. The door to the stairs opened and Harry emerged with a single red rose. Hermione swallowed hard, "Flowers for Ginny already?"

"No, actually, this is for you. Happy Early Valentine's Day," Harry said as he walked over and handed it to her.

Hermione took the pink rose and sniffed it. Bursting into tears, Harry sat down next to her, "I'm sorry, why the tears?"

"Roses are my favorite!" Hermione said wiping her eyes, "My Grandmother had pink roses in her front yard and they were so beautiful. Sorry. I shouldn't be crying. My emotions and hormones are all over the place right now."

Harry sat back next to her and took her hand, "We are almost at the end."

Hermione wiped her eyes, "I'm glad that Ron couldn't come here this weekend. Between this huge belly and my emotions all over the place, it's for the best."

Harry laughed, "He would have said something and pissed you off."

"True," Hermione sighed as he pulled his Snitch out of his pocket and let it go. It hovered in the air in front of them. Closing her eyes, she remembered one of the nights that Ron had been gone. Harry had been sitting out in the blizzard-like conditions with the wind howling around their tent. Hermione had been pouring over Tales of the Bard again by the lantern light. Hermione had finally yelled for him to come inside to warm up. He had come inside the tent with his hair frozen in spots. Taking her blanket off herself, she made him sit in her chair and then covered him up with the blanket before sitting down in his lap to give him more warmth from her body. She bit her lip as he had wrapped an arm around her and he let the Snitch in my pocket go so he could catch it with the other. They had sat together for an hour quietly talking about the book and everything under the sun until it was time for bed.

"Ginny and I are going to the Three Broomsticks for dinner tonight. Want me to bring you anything back?" Harry asked snapping her out of the memory.

Hermione swallowed hard, "No, I'll be fine with dinner tonight."

Hermione was sitting in the Great Hall eating when she heard gasps. Looking up she saw Ron walking through the doors and down towards her.

"What a wonderful surprise!" Hermione said as she tried to get up.

"Whoa," Ron said in disbelief as he helped her stand, "What the hell? You are fat!"

"Ron!" Someone gasped from down the table.

"Ron, it's the project. We've been telling you about it and I've been writing you about it!" Hermione said as tears came to her eyes that she could not avoid.

"Shite, I'm sorry. I forgot. I just… it's weird," Ron said as he helped her sit back down and sat next to her.

"I'm just a mess of emotions right now," Hermione told him wiping her eyes.

"From what you said it's what two weeks of pregnancy in one day? That has to be tough on your body. Don't worry when it's a real pregnancy it won't be all within such a short time and you'll be able to get used to being pregnant. Plus we have years until we have to worry about it for real," Ron said as he kissed her cheek.

Harry walked into their common room and sat down next to Hermione who was rubbing her ever-growing belly, "You alright?" Harry asked, "I brought you a milkshake."

Hermione let out a shaky breath as she took it, "Maybe it's these fake hormones, but my whole life plan is going down the loo right now," She told him as she took a drink of her milkshake.

Harry put his arm around her and rubbed her shoulder, "How so?"

Hermione looked at him with a pinched face, "One of the reasons I avoided my feelings for Ron was that I never really wanted children. Okay, maybe one or two, but I've never had that urge to be a mum," Hermione confessed, "And I knew with his family, he was going to want another Weasley family."

"That's okay. You are an academically driven person, no surprise that you would want to get your career settled first," Harry told her.

Hermione smiled, "Thank you! Ron and I argued about it once. I think he wants the big Weasley family."

Harry frowned, "It is way too early in your relationship to think about stuff like that. Isn't it?"

Hermione looked at him pointedly, "You and Ginny haven't discussed things like that?"

Harry shook his head, "No, actually I don't think we have ever really discussed the future. I know she wants to try out for the Quidditch leagues and she knows I may want to be an Auror, other than that. We talk about Quidditch and school. Other than that, we don't...talk. Is that weird? Our relationship is more physical."

"Who knows what is a normal relationship at this point in our lives!" Hermione said throwing her hands up, "Hell, I'm fake pregnant by you, dating Ron, you are dating his sister and none of us thought we'd even be alive at this point because a madman was trying to kill all of us. None of this is normal, Harry!"

Harry burst out laughing and Hermione glared at him, "What's so funny?"

"It's like one of those Muggle Soap Operas that my Aunt watched," Harry told her, "We are almost at the end."

"Yeah, then there will be a fake baby," Hermione said as she laid her head back on the couch, "I'm just so tired."

Harry looked over at her, "Well between this and Teddy, whenever it does happen for us. At least we will be prepared. What do you want to name our baby?"

Hermione's head snapped up and she groaned at the pain in her neck, "A baby together?" She asked her heart racing.

"The baby, elf… whatever you want to call it," Harry told her as he frowned, "Did you hurt your neck?"

"Just jerked it," Hermione said trying to calm her racing heart, "We don't know if it's a boy or girl. Do you have an idea?"

Harry laid his head back against the couch and then looked over at his parents' portrait, "I always thought of naming my kids after my parents, but it's not really my kid right? So that doesn't feel right to waste their name on a baby that we are just going to lose in a couple of months."

Hermione swallowed hard, "Why don't we wait until it's here and we know what it is."

Harry smiled at her, "You are so smart, Hermione," He got up, "I'm heading to bed. Need help getting to your room?"

"No, I'm good. Goodnight," Hermione told him. She waited until his bedroom door shut, then grabbed the rose he gave her and brought it to her nose.

*~*~* February 18, 1999 *~*~*

Hermione sat on the couch next to Harry in their Life Studies class and took his hand, "Are you ready?"

"After Teddy, I think we will be fine," Harry told her.

"Alright partners, we are about to cast the spells to start the feeling of labor. Remember there will be no pushing. It is simulating the contractions. Boys we want you to stay with your partner. You are free to wander around the castle, if they were true contractions walking helps as well as a distraction. Be sure to be back in one hour, that is all we will be having you go through with the spell as we bring in the babies. Girls, please step forward," Professor Noel told them.

Harry aided Hermione and Ginny in standing and they both waddled over to the front where she was standing, along with the other girls.

"Girls, this labor spell will also help shrink your appearance. By the time we end it, you should be back to your normal appearance. While you are walking around the castle, if you wish to take the potion please stop in the Hospital Wing to obtain it for the week," Professor Noel told them as she took out her wand, "Ready ladies?"

Hermione took Ginny's hand next to her.

"Inlaboronum!" Professor Noel cast multiple times.

When the spell hit Hermione, she felt a weak cramp start similar to a weak period cramp.

"You are all free to move about the castle now, but remember to be back here within the hour," Professor Noel instructed.

Harry walked over to them, "How are you both feeling?"

"I felt a slight cramp, nothing major," Hermione told him.

Ginny frowned, "It was just a normal cramp for me. It will get worse from here," She told him as Jimmy walked over to her, "I better go with him."

Harry held out his arm, "Want to go for a walk?"

Hermione took his arm, "I need to stop by the owlery to send a letter to Ron, and go to the Hospital Wing."

"What is this potion?" Harry asked as they exited the Life Studies classroom.

"If I'm doing this, I'm doing it right. It's a potion to start lactation," Hermione informed him.

"Lactation? Wait," Harry stopped and looked at her, "You mean to… feed the elf?"

"Baby, it will be a baby, but yes," Hermione told him as she had another contraction, "There is another."

"Worse?" Harry asked rubbing her back.

Hermione shook her head, "Not bad, but I've been tortured by the Cruciatus curse. I don't think it will be as bad."

Hermione grabbed onto Harry as they walked back from the Owlery, "Probably shouldn't have done the stairs today."

"Is it worse now?" Harry asked her.

"It's not fun," Hermione said straightening up as the contraction stopped, "How long do we have to get back to Life Studies?"

Harry looked at his watch, "Fifteen minutes. We can make it."

"If I can walk farther than 100 yards without a contraction," Hermione said as they started walking again.

With a few minutes to spare, they made it back and McGonagall walked over to them, "Potter, Granger, are you alright?"

Hermione groaned as she saw they were the last to return, "I wanted to send a letter and then we stopped in the Hospital Wing for the potion."

"While having contractions?" McGonagall said surprised, "Most partners returned 15-30 minutes ago because they were having hard contractions."

Hermione shrugged, "They stop you for a second but when it's over it's just a severe menstrual cramp. I've experienced worse at the hands of Bellatrix."

McGonagall pursed her lips, "Oh Hermione," She swallowed before steeling herself again, "I'm sorry, I didn't know."

Hermione shrugged, "When you've experienced torture, this isn't anything."

McGonagall patted her shoulder then went back over to Professor Noel.

Hermione sat down and ran her hands over her flattened belly, "It is weird after all this time being bigger, to be normal again."

"Alright, we will be calling the partners up by mother's last name. In my back room are the elves, we will take you to the elf assigned to you and we will give the spell to cast over the elf. It will then take the appearance of a real baby," Professor Noel informed the class.

Harry and Hermione stood up as her name was finally called and two Hufflepuff partners came out with a diaper bag and a baby in their arms. Walking into the room, McGonagall smiled at them, "Alright Potter, Granger. Say infans famulus together at bassinet number 5."

Hermione and Harry walked over to bassinet number five which held the tiniest elf they'd ever seen. Together they took out their wands, "Infans famulus," They cast together.

Inside the bassinet, the elf glowed a brilliant gold color. When the light faded, inside laid a baby covered only in a cloth diaper.

"Go ahead, see the gender," McGonagall told them.

Harry stepped closer and peeked into the diaper, "It's a girl."

"Congratulations, you are free for the rest of the day," McGonagall told them with a smile, "Take the bassinet with you and the diaper bag. Everything you need will be within that bag."

"Thank you, ma'am," Hermione said as she stepped forward and gently picked up the baby.

Hermione gently sat down on the couch as they made their way back to their common room. Cradling the baby in her arms, she gazed down at her. She had beautiful porcelain white skin and Harry's almond-shaped eyes. The tuffs of hair she had were already showing a curl pattern in the dark brown hair that lay on her head.

Harry slowly sat down next to her, "That spell did a good job of mixing the two of our looks."

"She is so quiet," Hermione told him softly.

"Because she has slept since we got her. Do you think she will ever wake up?" Harry asked.

"The pamphlet said the babies may sleep through the first few hours after the spell because of the changes to their bodies. Plus babies sleep a lot anyways," Hermione told him as she ran her finger over her face, "What name will we give her?"

"A Shakespeare name?" Harry suggested.

"Or a flower," Hermione stated.

Harry thought about it, "What about Harmony? Both our names and we are working together on the project."

Hermione smiled, "I like it, hello Harmony."

Almost on cue, her eyes opened. They were a stormy blue and were the shape of Harry's eyes, "Hello there sweet girl," Hermione smiled down at her, "I'm Hermione… Mommy I guess?"

Little Harmony squinted her eyes together and then started crying.

"And here starts the real project, is she smelly?" Harry asked.

Hermione lifted her to her nose, "No, I think she is hungry, get me the blanket from the bag."

Harry got up and unzipped the bag then handed her the blanket.

"Hold her for a second," Hermione told him as she gently set her in his arms.

Harry walked around bouncing her, "Hi Harmony. I'm Harry, your Dad for this project. I know I don't have food so you don't want me right now," Harry said as she started wiggling, "Hermione?"

Hermione reached behind her and unfastened her bra. Reaching through her sleeve, she pulled her bra through it, "I had to take that off anyways because it was getting painful." She unbuttoned the first few buttons, "Here I'll take her."

Harry handed her back to Hermione, who threw the blanket over them.

"Alright, this can't be too hard," Hermione said as she tried to put Harmony on her breast. After a couple of failed tries, Hermione groaned, "Come on, just latch."

"What? Does she not want to eat?" Harry asked.

Hermione threw the blanket off and Harry backed up falling backwards over the table as he saw her breast hanging out of her shirt, "Yes!" Hermione yelled as Harmony finally latched on, "I think she got it that time." Hermione looked over at Harry, who was on his back with his legs on the coffee table, "You ok?"

Harry held up his thumb, "I'm good. She good?"

"Yeah, whoa it feels funny," Hermione told him as Harmony sucked away and looked back at Harry, "You know if I'm able to do this the whole time, you won't be able to avoid seeing my breasts right?"

Harry slowly sat up, "I know, and I've seen them before in the tent."

Hermione glanced at him, "You did?"

Harry blushed, "I didn't mean to, it just happened."

Hermione laughed, "It's okay Harry," She told him looking back down at Harmony, "I saw plenty of you and Ron too."

Harry drew his knees up in front of him, "Did the labor spell stop?"

"Since we did the spell for her," Hermione told him, "Can you look in the bag to see if there are any diapers?"

"Sure," Harry said as he jumped up and looked in the bag, "Cloth diapers."

Hermione sighed, "They plan on us using tergeo and scourgify the whole time," Harmony pulled away and Hermione looked at Harry, "Can you burp her?"

Harry took Harmony from her and gently placed her on his shoulder after taking the blanket and putting it on his shoulder, "How my doing?"

Hermione swallowed hard as she watched Harry bounce Harmony as he patted her back, "Great."

*~*~* February 21, 1999 *~*~*

"Got everything?" Hermione asked as she tickled Harmony's belly gazing down at her as they got ready to head down to breakfast.

"Everything is in the diaper bag. I can't believe we are going to breakfast," Harry said with a smile as he came back into the common area.

Hermione huffed, "You could have gone down without me. I just wasn't sure about taking her down there. Now that I have the baby sling, it's better."

"I can hold her too," Harry told her.

Hermione bit her lip as she looked down at a sleeping Harmony, "I know. I just…"

Harry put his arm around her and looked down at Harmony, "It's more real with her here."

Hermione nodded, "Now I see why Mrs. Weasley has all those kids. I'm this close to thinking about changing my mind about kids later rather than sooner. Of course, she is still in the cute and sleeping all the time phase."

"When will she start to age?" Harry asked as he opened the door for them.

"Tuesday, she will be two weeks old. She will grow two weeks every night afterward," Hermione informed him as they walked out of the Prefect's office. Up ahead was a Ravenclaw couple with a stroller, "That's what we need! A stroller!"

"We can transfigure one later," Harry assured her as they made it to the staircase, "And this is why they didn't include one."

Hermione frowned, "You know what I never thought of, what if a student is wheelchair-bound?"

"I've never seen a wizard that way. Maybe most injuries like that St. Mungos can heal?" Harry wondered as they slowly walked down the stairs.

"It has happened in the past," Sir. Nicholas stated as he glided over to them, "The stairs can turn into a ramp with a spell. Is the baby a girl?"

Hermione moved the wrap back so Sir. Nicholas could see her, "Meet Harmony."

"She is beautiful. I cannot wait until your real children start here at Hogwarts," Sir. Nicholas stated as he glided off.

"Not for many years!" Hermione yelled as Harry laughed and led her into the Great Hall.

"You guys made it!" Ginny said as she ran over and threw her arms around Harry's neck.

"Hi Gin," Harry said as he gave her a quick kiss, "How are you and Jimmy doing?"

"We have a boy, Jimmy Junior," Ginny rolled her eyes, "What did you guys have?"

"Girl, meet Harmony," Harry told her as he ran his hand over Harmony's head.

"Luna and Sturgis have a girl too. Come eat and meet Junior," Ginny told them pulling Harry over to the table.

Hermione sat down and glanced down at Harmony, who stayed asleep.

"She wake up?" Harry asked glancing over at them.

"Nope, still loves to sleep," Hermione told him as she started filling her plate, "I'm starving."

In the middle of filling her plate, the owls started swooping in.

"Pig!" Ginny shouted as she saw the small owl.

Harry caught the excited bird, "Calm down, and let me take your letter off for her."

Hermione held out a piece of bacon for Pigwidgeon as Harry got the letter off, "Thank you Pig." Taking the letter from Harry, she slid it open.

"What's he say?" Harry asked.

Hermione frowned, "He wants me to meet him at the Three Broomsticks on Saturday to celebrate Valentine's Day and his birthday."

"We are all meeting on Saturday though," Harry said confused.

Ginny looked at him pointedly, "I think we wants to celebrate, just the two of them."

"Oh," Harry said as he looked at Hermione, "What about Harmony?"

"We will figure it out, she will be a little bit older by then. I'll just spend the evening with Ron and come back to the dorms afterward. Would you watch her for the evening?" Hermione asked.

"She's mine too. Of course," Harry told her.

*~*~* February 27, 1999 *~*~*

"I don't know about this," Hermione said as she yawned.

Ginny looked at her from her spot on the floor with Junior, "Harmony not sleeping well?"

"She woke up twice to be fed last night," Hermione said as she collapsed on the couch, "I didn't take the potion today so I don't need to feed her as much today. I'll take it in the morning. I wasn't going to drink, but just in case I do I didn't want to feed her with alcohol in my system. Are you sure you two don't want to come? I can't believe everyone, even Neville backed out today."

Ginny looked at her, "Hermione, Ron sent them all a message saying not to come."

"What?" Hermione said surprised.

"He just wants you to himself for a romantic evening. Let him," Ginny said as Harry came out of his room with Harmony.

"She drank the bottle," Harry told Hermione as he sat down on the couch, "See no worries."

Hermione frowned, "That does make me feel a little better. She's asleep?"

"Yeah, so go get ready. Gin and I have it handled," Harry told her.

Hermione walked into the Three Broomsticks and looked around.

"Hello, Hermione! Looking for Ron?" Madam Rosmerta asked.

"Have you seen him?" Hermione asked.

"He's upstairs. Room 5. Asked for a room for a private dinner. If either of you need anything, just let me know," She said as she went to the kitchen.

Taking a breath, she walked up the stairs and found room five. With a knock, Ron opened the door, "Hermione, come in," Ron said as he kissed her.

"Wow," Hermione said taking in the room. It was filled with candles and flowers. In the middle was a table with food on it.

"Let me take your coat," Ron said as he took it from her body and hung it up, "Wine?"

"Sure, I'm not feeding Harmony tonight," Hermione told him as he poured her a glass.

"How is that going?" Ron asked.

Hermione smiled, "She is wonderful Ron. I know I was hesitant to do this project at first, but I'm glad I did. I'm going to be sad when she is gone."

"It's a house elf right?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, Harry or I could request to have her for our homes in the future," Hermione said as she took a sip of her wine.

"Having a House elf would be nice," Ron stated.

"She would be bonded to myself or Harry, if we don't want her for our homes then she will go to another family. Again, a long way from now. After the project she will go back to her Elf mother for at least a year," Hermione informed him.

"Let's eat, I asked for chicken and vegetables since I know you like it so much," Ron told her.

"Thank you, so how is training?" Hermione asked as she took another sip of wine.

Hermione stared up at the ceiling feeling the tension between her and Ron. The flickering of the candles cast an eerie glow on the ceiling.

"Was it that bad?" Ron asked.

Hermione looked over at him, "No, I just… I'm a little overwhelmed," Hermione told him with a smile, "You made me feel very good though, but I have to get back."

Hermione reached off the edge of the bed and grabbed her dress.

"Why do you want to leave so soon?" Ron asked reaching over to her as she put her dress back over her head.

Standing up, she flinched a little at the pain she was feeling between her legs, "Harmony might need me. I just thought I should check on Harry and Harmony."

Hermione saw his jaw tighten, "Ron, I'm sorry it's just I haven't been away from her-"

"Always Harry, isn't it? Bloody Hell, Hermione!" Ron yelled as he stood up and she looked at his naked body in surprise, "Can't we just have our first night together without worrying about Harry?"

"Ron, it's not like that. I'm not worried about Harry. I just want to make sure Harmony is okay," Hermione said as she walked over to him.

"Well, maybe I want you worrying about me for once! I'm standing here naked for you, after making love to you and all you can think about is Harry and the baby you didn't even want!" Ron yelled.

Hermione's eyes widened, "Ron, that's not fair."

Ron clenched his fists, "Maybe I'm just finally fired of being second behind Harry. I want to be your priority for once."

Hermione shook her head with a mixture of anger and hurt flowing through her, "Ron, you are important to me. But I won't abandon her right now. She needs me. If you can't understand that right now, maybe I need to leave before I get really upset."

"Well, I'd be annoyed to say it mildly. I thought we could have this romantic night and you'd spend the night here," Ron told her.

"If she wasn't there, I would probably do that, but she depends on me right now, Ron," Hermione told him as she finished getting dressed.

"You're scared and you are running," Ron bit out as he stood in front of the door.

Hermione swallowed hard, "Ron, you are important to me. But I can't abandon her when she needs me."

Ron stepped back like he had been slapped, "This is about me leaving. You are still punishing me for it."

"No Ron," Hermione said as she hugged him.

"I'm sorry. I wish I could change it," Ron mumbled against her hair.

"I'm breastfeeding her Ron," Hermione told him with a chuckle, "I didn't take the potion today so it's not hurting that bad but after us being together, my breasts are killing me."

Ron stepped back, "Is that why your chest is all wet?"

Hermione looked down at her dress and groaned, "I forgot my bra. Where is it?"

Ron helped her find it and then pulled her dress back over her head. She slid her bra on then he helped her redress. Hermione hesitated for a moment gazing at Ron's face. Touching his face, she kissed him, "We will do this again, just not when she is here and I'm breastfeeding. I'm exhausted."

"I shouldn't have said those things. Go check on her. We will have a date night again after Easter. That's when the project is over right?" Ron asked rubbing her arms.

"Yes," Hermione said as she kissed him again, "Stop in for breakfast in the morning to meet her."

"I will send me a patronus when you make it back," Ron told her.

"I will, goodnight," Hermione said as she walked out of the room. No one was left in the restaurant when she walked out into Hogsmeade. A few people were roaming around and Hermione leaned against the building looking up at the sky as she let out a breath.

By the time she had made it back to the Head's Common room, Hermione's brain was working overtime.

"Hermione?" Harry asked as he came out of his room.

"Can't be, she is…" Ginny said as she appeared around Harry's shoulder in his shirt.

"Nope, it's me. Where is Harmony?" Hermione asked them.

"In your room, I have a monitor charm on her," Harry told her.

Ginny walked to the door frame of her bedroom as Hermione walked inside, "I figured you would be staying in Hogsmeade tonight."

"Ron did too, but I couldn't be away from her," Hermione told her as she tucked Harmony in.

"So, did you?" Ginny grinned.

"Did they what?" Harry asked coming up behind Ginny.

"What we just did," Ginny said rolling her eyes.

Hermione blushed as she gently sat down, "None of your business."

"You did! You got the funny walk," Ginny said with a grin, "I don't want to know how it was since it was Ron, but I'm happy for you!"

Harry looked at Hermione as Ginny went back to his room, "Really?"

Hermione looked at him as she took her hair down, "Don't judge. It happened so fast, the wine didn't help."

Harry frowned, "Ron didn't get you drunk and take advantage did he?"

"No, no," Hermione sighed, "Honestly, my hormones have been all over the place since the start of the project. The alcohol was probably just the tipping point. I'm okay, Harry. Honestly."

"Okay, just checking. Get some sleep. You know where to find me if either of you needs me," Harry told her.

"Thank you. I'm just going to take a shower and head to bed," Hermione told him.

"Goodnight," Harry said as he shut her bedroom door.

"Night," Hermione whispered as she laid down in her empty bed, feeling more emptier than it had ever felt before.

a/n: Thanks to Just the Facts 007 and Samb1988 for the follow! Thank you to Yaw6113 for the review!