A/N: Just a reminder, this chapter has a rape scene. It is not detailed, but it is in here.

Chapter Four:

Hermione and Bill had been living in Egypt for a year. They still enjoyed their work and each other's company, but they were now planning a trip home. Their trip would be two weeks, and would also include a trip to Gringotts. The goblins wanted to speak to them, since they were going to be in the country anyways.

Marshall's team would continue working and hopefully would be a lot closer to being caught up then before. Hermione packed her and Bill's things in her beaded bag before finally being satisfied. Bill grabbed her arm and apparated them to Shell Cottage. He removed the wards on the house, to allow them to enter.

Hermione set up in the same room she had slept in last time, but had a bad feeling about it. She and Bill then apparated to Gringotts to get their meeting out of the way.

"She is doing well," said Ragnok. "We want her to have her own team."

"No," Hermione protested. "I am doing so well because of Bill. If you separate us, we won't be as successful. Let us keep working together. Let us be a team."

Eventually, they agreed. Bill was quite impressed. "You know you'd make more if you weren't my partner," Bill said.

"Yes," Hermione said, "But I also wouldn't have your company, which I value more than money." Bill smiled at her as they apparated to the Burrow, just in time for dinner.

Hermione knocked on the Burrow's front door and Molly answered it. "Hermione, Bill," she shouted, bringing them both in for a hug. "It's lovely to see you. Neither of you are eating good enough," she chided. Hermione laughed and hugged the woman again.

"We're eating fine," Hermione assured her. "I promise, we're not going hungry." Molly didn't agree, but didn't say anything else. As people began to arrive for dinner, Hermione grew more excited. She hugged Ginny and Harry, surprised to see that Ginny was about six months pregnant. The next time she saw the witch, she would be a mother. Ron and Miranda, his girlfriend, had been steadily dating for six months and were happy together. Miranda was a lovely girl, who seemed to be a perfect fit for Ron. George had begun dating Angelina Johnson, who was unable to make this dinner, but George looked better than he did when Hermione left for Egypt.

The conversation flowed easily. Hermione was sitting between Bill and Harry. Bill fixed Hermione's plate without a word before fixing his own. Nobody mentioned this, but they obviously thought it was strange. Hermione didn't even break her sentence when Bill gave her her plate. She just smiled her thanks and began eating.

Hermione went for a walk in the garden with Harry and Ron. She had her arms linked with the boys as she told them about Fleur's visit. "Marshall is a menace," she moaned.

"Can you get a different team," Harry asked with a frown.

"No," Hermione said with a sigh. "All the other teams are assigned. We have to deal with him for at least the next three years. Hopefully when we're routed back to England, a new team will be assigned to us."

"That would be good," Ron agreed. "That bloke is kind of terrifying."

"I'm not scared of him," Hermione said with a snort.

"I know, but he doesn't look like he's mentally sane. That's a problem, especially since he has his sights set on you." Hermione considered what Ron said. She didn't believe he would actually do anything, but Ron raised some valid concerns. "Just promise you'll be safe," he pleaded softly.

"I will," she said. "I'll be as safe as possible." Seemingly satisfied, the topic changed to England's current political climate. Hermione was glad she didn't have to stress about it, but Harry definitely did. He was working in the Ministry and was seen, still, as the savior of the world. It didn't matter that he didn't like the attention. It didn't matter that the war ended five years ago and Harry had no desire to enter into another war. Hermione didn't begrudge Harry the little bit of happiness he had found, especially with all the pressure the world, and the media, was putting on him.

It was getting late and Hermione and Bill headed back to Shell Cottage. Hermione hugged Bill goodnight before heading to her room. She dressed for bed and tried to sleep, but found she couldn't sleep. She didn't protest when she heard the door open and felt a familiar arm wrap around her waist. "Turns out I can't sleep alone anymore," Bill said. He kissed Hermione's temple, and she fell asleep soon after that.

The next morning, Bill moved Hermione into his room. "I don't know why you even wanted to try that," he complained. Hermione rolled her eyes and gave him his cup of coffee before sitting down across from him.

"It was to see if we could sleep apart," she said. "Especially after the goblins threatened to separate us yesterday," she said. "What are we going to do if they do that?"

"I don't know," Bill said. "We'll come up with something. But for now, we continue to work as we always have." Hermione agreed. "What's the plan for today," Bill asked. Hermione rolled her eyes. She had planned to see some of her friends while she was in the country. She also knew Bill had similar plans for the day, but they rarely did anything separately.

"I'm meeting with Seamus, Dean, Neville, and Hannah," Hermione said. "You were supposed to meet with some of your friends as well." Bill smiled at her.

"Please tell me you scheduled them at the same time. I don't want to try to figure out what to do while you're busy." Hermione laughed.

"I did," she assured him. He grinned at her before getting dressed for the day. He left out to meet his friends and Hermione left about ten minutes later. She was meeting them at Seamus and Dean's flat. She arrived, and hugged the men before sitting down on their dark brown sofa. It was insanely comfortable. "Where did you get this sofa," she asked. "My sofa sucks."

"You never got a better sofa," Seamus asked, remembering how awful her sofa was before.

"Honestly, I'm still not home enough to use it often," she admitted. "Bill and I work most of the day, Usually we get home in time for dinner and bed before getting up the next day, doing it again."

"What about your days off," Dean asked.

"We usually spend it sight seeing. It doesn't matter that Bill lived there for years and I've lived there for the past year. It's an interesting country."

"How long have you and Bill been together," Seamus asked. He and Dean finally admitted their feelings for each other two years before.

"We're not together," Hermione said with a laugh. "I'm not sure why everyone thinks we are."

"Probably because all you've talked about is Bill. Bill this, Bill that. You're happy with him. As long as he treats you right, that's what matters."

"We're not together," she protested.

"So, you could date another man, if you wanted to," Seamus asked skeptically.

"Yes," she said. Though, as she said it, it left a strange feeling in her. She didn't want to date someone else. It wouldn't seem right. "I just don't want to." The men laughed and changed the subject.

Hermione's visit with Neville and Hannah was much the same. Apparently Harry and Ron had spread the word that she and Bill were dating, and Hermione did her best to change that theory. She wasn't very successful, but she wasn't too worried about it. She mostly talked about Hogwarts, as Neville was the new Herbology professor and the Leaky Cauldron, which Hannah just bought. They were both happy and Hermione enjoyed her time with her friends.

By the time she returned to Shell Cottage, she was ready to see Bill. She didn't question why that thought entered her head, but he was already home, and his eyes brightened when he saw her. "How was your visit with your friends," he asked. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"It was fine," she said. "Harry and Ron told everyone we're together," she said with a laugh.

"Are they ever going to give that up," Bill asked with a groan. Hermione shrugged her shoulders. Probably not, but maybe they'd get bored.

Back in Egypt, Hermione and Bill quickly fell back into their routine. They worked well together, and they were both disappointed that Marshall's team hadn't made any progress. Bill was frustrated at how slow Marshall moved and made sure the man knew it. "It's like you're intentionally delaying us," Bill said. "You used to work much faster, what happened," he asked.

"I'll tell you what. Give me a night with Hermione, and I'll reward you with progress," he said. Bill sneered at the man.

"Even if I agreed, she never would. Get out," Bill demanded. Marshall smirked at Bill as he walked out the door. Hermione walked in when she heard Bill shouting.

"What was that," she asked.

"Marshall said if he could sleep with you, he'd make progress." Hermione gagged. She would never do that, and luckily Bill knew that.

"So that's why he's moving so slow," she surmised. "At least we now know." Hermione turned to head back to her own office, when she suddenly felt dizzy. She swayed, but Bill jumped up and stopped her from falling.

"You okay," he asked. Hermione, who caught her balance, nodded.

"I'm fine," she assured him. She walked back to her office on sturdy legs. Bill wasn't sure he believed her, but let her go, and turned back to his own work.

The next morning, Hermione had a fever. Bill knew she hadn't been feeling well the day before. "Stay in bed," Bill ordered. "Get some rest and feel better. I'll go in alone today," Bill said. Hermione reluctantly agreed and rolled back over to go to sleep.

That day, Bill decided to head to the work site to see what was going on. He knew sometimes things could happen to stall progress, but Marshall was quite capable of fixing the problems without help. "What brings you here," Marshall asked when his boss walked in.

"I thought I'd see if there was anything I could do to help," Bill said. Marshall's eyes narrowed slightly before he smiled brightly.

"Great," Marshall enthused. "Our problem area is in there," he said, pointing. "Hey, I have to run an errand, since you're here. I'll be back soon," Marshall said. Bill nodded his okay before disappearing behind a door.

Hermione had gotten up to fix herself a cup of tea. She wasn't feeling well still, but she hoped the hot tea would soothe her sore throat. She was startled when someone knocked on the door. She opened it, surprised to see Marshall standing there. "What are you doing here," she asked.

"Bill is at the site," Marshall said.

"Does Bill need me," she asked. Marshall shook his head, a creepy smile crossing his face. Hermione tried to shut the door, but Marshall pushed his way in.

Hermione turned to run to the bedroom where her wand was, but Marshall tackled her to the floor. She fought. She pushed and punched and kicked and scratched, but she couldn't stop him. He ripped her pants off forced himself on her. He held her hands down with bruising authority and she started to scream. As quickly as it started, it was over and he left. Hermione dragged herself to the shower. She turned the water on as hot as she could and curled in a ball in the floor of the shower.

Marshall arrived back at the site covered in scratches. He made some excuse about a cat, which everyone seemed to buy and was irritated when Bill had made the progress Marshall hadn't been able to make. Well, he was able to make it, he just hadn't done it yet. "What happened to you," Bill asked.

"Cat," Marshall said. "Hey, I see you figured that out. My guys and I have been stumped on it. We should be able to make good progress now, thanks," he said as he pushed past the red-headed man. Bill took a deep breath to calm the frustration that was building. He apparated home, intent on checking on Hermione before heading into the office, and possible getting a shower first. He heard the shower running. Then he heard sobbing.

He ran into the bathroom to see a fully clothed Hermione sitting in the bottom of the shower. She was covered in bruises. It was then that he realized she wasn't fully clothed. She was naked from the waist down and he felt nauseous. He turned the water off and she looked at him with wild eyes. "I'm not clean enough," she said weakly.

"You are," Bill assured her. "Let's get you to the Hospital. Then we're going to report this to the Aurors." He grabbed her a pair of her underwear and a pair of sweatpants. He helped her dress and picked her up gently. He was fairly sure her leg was broken at the very least. She clung to him, crying. Bill apparated them to the Hospital. He got her checked in and into a private room. The healer pulled him aside. "How is she," he asked.

"Internal damage is severe. We have healed what we can and given her potions to heal the rest. She'll need to stay here overnight, but as long as everything works as it should, she should be released by tomorrow."

"Did you report this to the aurors," Bill asked. "Because if you didn't, I will."

"Yes," the healer assured him. "I sent an assistant to the aurors with her file. Hopefully they'll be by soon to talk. For now, hopefully she'll sleep. I'm glad you got to her when you did."

"I'm not," Bill said. "I wish I had gotten there sooner." The healer patted his arm sympathetically before he walked out. Bill sent a patronus to his mother to tell her what had happened. Bill grabbed her hand and squeezed as she slept.

An auror walked in about an hour after they arrived. "Can we talk," The auror asked. Bill agreed and told what he knew. "Do you have any suspicions?"

"Yes," Bill said. He told them how Marshall had left and returned covered in scratches. He also told them how Marshall had made Hermione uncomfortable and knew where they lived. The auror took the notes necessary.

"We'll be by tomorrow to check on her and to get her story. Maybe we'll be able to get her memories so we can use veritaserum to get the guy. Thanks for you assistance," he said. Bill nodded and headed back in the room.

Molly and Arthur arrived that afternoon. She hugged Bill tightly. "How is she," she asked.

"Healer gave her dreamless sleep. Hopefully she'll be able to be released tomorrow. But not too early. I need to find us another place to live."

"Good idea," Molly said. "She is strong, but she may not want to go back to your home. Go home, Bill. Arthur and I will stay here with her. Get a shower." Bill thanked his mother, but didn't go home. Instead he went to a building that had nice flats. They couldn't afford this when they first moved to Egypt, but now they could afford it without a problem.

"Can I help you," the kindly lady asked.

"My girlfriend was raped in our home," he said. "I can't have her go home to that flat. I was wondering if you have any availabilities." The woman looked shocked at his announcement.

"I am so sorry to hear that," she said. "Yes we have a two bedroom and a three bedroom," she said. Bill looked at both before putting a deposit down on the three bedroom. "We can sign the paperwork once she's had the chance to look it over. The deposit will hold it for you."

"Thank you for understanding," he said. Now he went home. He cleaned up the mess and threw away the pants Marshall had ripped. He showed quickly before dressing and heading back to the hospital.

By the time he arrived back, Harry and Ron had arrived. Ginny couldn't come as she was close to her due date, and Miranda opted to stay back so Ginny wouldn't be alone. Both women demanded an update as soon as they could give one.

Bill slipped back in the room, pleased to see that Hermione was still sleeping. "I got a flat," Bill told his mother. "I put a deposit down on it so she can check it out herself before we sign the paperwork."

"Good," she said. "I can head to your flat and clean it up if you want," Molly offered.

"Thanks, Mum, but I cleaned it up already.

"Mr. Weasley," the healer said as he entered the room. Bill looked up.

"Yes," he asked. "We had run some tests while you stepped out. They all came back negative. However she will need to repeat a pregnancy test in a couple of weeks, as sometimes those spells aren't accurate this early in. I will also give her these instructions, but I wanted to make sure you were aware as well."

"Thank you," Bill said. "I'll make sure she remembers." The healer headed to the door, but stopped after a moment.

"It is good to see such a loving family supporting her. She will need it as she goes through this." The healer walked out.

Molly smiled down at Hermione. Harry and Ron were each holding a hand. "Do you have a hotel," Bill asked.

"Yes," Molly said. "Arthur and I have one, and the boys have one," she said. "We should be heading out. It's getting late. We'll be back first thing in the morning, dear," Molly said. She hugged her son and she and Arthur left.

Once the parents were out, Harry turned to Bill. "What's the plan," he asked coldly. Bill could understand how angry he was.

"Let the aurors handle it," Bill said.

"I am an auror," Harry protested. Ron placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"You're not an auror here," he reminded Harry gently. "Don't do something stupid. Bill has it taken care of. Let's go to our room. We can see her in the morning."

"Keep him out of trouble," Bill said to Ron. Ron nodded grimly and led Harry out of the room. Bill took Ron's abandoned seat. He sat down and grabbed Hermione's hand, squeezing it gently as he dozed off, content that she was safe.

Hermione woke. She was surprised not to feel Bill's arm around her waist, but then the previous days events came barrelling back to her. She started to panic, until she realized Bill was sitting next to her, sleeping in a chair. She winced as she was sure he was uncomfortable in the chair, but was also glad she wasn't alone.

"Ms. Granger, I'm your healer," said the healer as he walked in. "How are you feeling?"

"Sore," Hermione said. "Tired," she said.

"That's to be expected," The healer said. "We've given you potions to heal your internal injuries. They seem to have worked well. We'll release you today, but not until later. The aurors will be back later to get your statement. They also would like some memories as they can use them to use veritaserum. Get some rest, I'll check on you later." The healer walked out and Hermione sighed.

Harry and Ron entered her room ten minutes later. Bill was still asleep, so they quietly hugged her and talked with her. She was able to calm Harry down in a way that neither Bill or Ron could. "The Egyptian Aurors can handle it," she reminded him.

Molly and Arthur poked their heads in. Hermione beamed at them. "You didn't have to come," she said as she hugged them both.

"Of course we did," Molly countered. "When someone as important as you are to this family is in need, we come out to assist," she assured. "I want to call you my daughter, but that might make things seem weird considering your and Bill's relationship." Hermione didn't have the energy to argue with her. She just rolled her eyes and allowed the woman to continue chattering.

Bill woke up and wiped his bleary eyes. He was originally surprised to see everyone in his bedroom, until he remembered that they were in the hospital. Hermione filled him in on what the healer had said to her. He held her hand and she never let it go. They just enjoyed their family for a while before Bill cleared his throat. "Yesterday, after Mum and Dad arrived, I went to find us a new flat," he admitted. "I found one that I put a deposit down on. I haven't signed any paperwork yet, as I wanted you to have a chance to check it out first," he said.

"You didn't have to do that," Hermione said quietly. "I'll eventually move past what happened."

"You deserve to be comfortable in your home. You wouldn't be in that flat any more. I don't plan on letting you back in that flat at all. I'll pack our things up," he told her. She flushed slightly at his caring, but smiled at him and squeezed his hand.

"Fine," she said.

"Is the new flat bigger at least," Ron asked.

"Well, it couldn't get any smaller," Harry quipped. Hermione laughed.

"It's a three bedroom flat," Bill said.

"A bedroom for each of you and a spare," Ron said nodding. Then he got a mischievous glint in his eye. "Or an office, a spare, and your shared room." Bill flushed slightly.

"You just want your own room when you come to visit," Hermione said. Ron nodded and they laughed.

The aurors appeared when everyone went for lunch. Bill and Hermione were left behind and Hermione was grateful for the privacy. The auror handed Hermione a vial and she removed the memory from her mind and gave it over to the auror. Once they got her statement, and confirmation that it was, in fact, Marshall, they left and the Healer discharged her.

Bill and Hermione apparated to the new flat. Bill showed her around and she walked slowly through each room. "She's lucky to have a caring boyfriend like you to care for her," the office lady said. Hermione heard, but didn't react to the statement.

"Why three bedrooms," Hermione asked. "Are you tired of having me in your room?"

"No," Bill said softly. "I didn't want to assume you would still be okay in my bed," Bill told her. "I wanted to give you a chance to have your own room, if you didn't want mine."

"Let's get it," Hermione said decisively. Bill signed the paperwork quickly and Hermione and Bill apparated to the pub where their family were staying. Molly and Hermione went for a walk while the men went to pack up the old flat. Bill turned in the key, paying the fine, and apparating to their new flat, where Hermione and Molly were waiting.

"This is a lovely place, Bill," Molly said. Hermione took her beaded bag and began removing the living room things. The men placed them where they went before she went to the main bedroom and removed all the things she and Bill shared. He watched silently as she also removed her own things and placed them on her side.

"Are you sure," Bill asked. Hermione smiled at him.

"I am," she assured him. They finished unpacking the house. They ended up with an office space for them to share, and a spare bedroom. Hermione insisted that Molly and Arthur take the spare that evening. She also pulled out a camp bed and insisted that Harry and Ron take the couch and the camp bed. They all agreed and left to get their things.

"Can we talk," Bill asked quietly. Hermione agreed and he sat down across from her. "When I came to get this flat, I called you my girlfriend. I didn't even think about it," he confessed. "I realized I think of you as my girlfriend more often then not. I want to know what you think about it."

Hermione took a deep breath before speaking. "You asked if I wanted a separate room. I know you were thinking about what happened, but part of me wondered if you were tired of everyone thinking we're together. I admit, it broke my heart a little bit. I know you were thinking of me and what I went through, so I do appreciate it. Part of me thinks Harry and Ron are right, and we've been in a relationship for a while without realizing it."

"My friend asked me if I could date whoever I wanted to now that Fleur and I were divorced. My only thought was, I doubt Hermione would like that very much," Bill said with a chuckle.

"Same thing happened to me," Hermione confessed. "I just thought, it wouldn't be fair to you. But the only reason I could come up with for my relationship status to matter to you at all, is if we're together."

"So, do you want to be my girlfriend," he asked. Hermione smiled and slowly nodded.

"I already am," she said cheekily Bill smiled at her and kissed her hand. The others arrived back then. Harry smirked at them but didn't reply. Hermione rolled her eyes. "This time we only do business out of our office," she insisted.

"Absolutely. That way no one can find our flat and no one can tell bloody Fleur where our flat is," he said. Hermione nodded in agreement.

It had been a long day, so everyone went to bed rather quickly. Nobody commented on Hermione and Bill going to the same bedroom, even though they knew they could have changed that. They snuggled together and Hermione fell asleep, feeling much better now that she was in his arms.

Everyone went back home, satisfied that Hermione was okay. She had an appointment with a mind healer and the aurors had arrested Marshall. The goblins called Bill for an immediate meeting, who insisted that Marshall be fired for what he did. They promoted Marshall's second in command, Johnathon, and he seemed to be more than willing to work at a good speed. He knew they had been behind because of Marshall, so he was working his team tirelessly to work on getting caught up.

Hermione and Bill did business strictly out of their office. They weren't worried about Johnathon, though. He had never made a pass at Hermione, reciprocated or otherwise. He also offered an apology on behalf of Marshall, though Hermione assured him he had no way of knowing what was going to happen.

Two weeks had passed and Hermione and Bill were sitting in their flat. Hermione was nervously anticipating the results of the pregnancy spell, that was supposed to take after two minutes. They had discussed what they would do if she were pregnant, but so far their discussions didn't matter. Her stomach started to glow a soft green. Green meant pregnant, and red meant not pregnant. Bill sighed and held Hermione as she broke down.

Hermione would have to go see a specialist to help her through her pregnancy. They discussed an abortion, but Hermione found she couldn't end this little life. They also considered adoption, and that was still on the table. Hermione didn't think she could live with herself if she didn't raise her own child, but how was that fair to Bill? He shouldn't have to raise another man's child. Bill just told her he would do what she wanted to do.

Harry came out to visit again. Ron wanted to come with him, but was too busy at the store. Ginny was busy taking care of a newborn and sent her love to her friend. Bill went to work the day Harry arrived, insisting Hermione stayed home that day and spend it with her friend. "What has Bill said," Harry asked. Hermione sighed.

"He just tells me its up to me," she said. "I just want some firm direction. Does he want to be a parent with me? We're barely together and now we're having a baby," she asked. "But then we're not having a baby, but I'm having a baby. I'm having my rapist's baby. How can I look at that face and not see my rapist?"

"Because your baby is not his/her father," Harry said. "How much did you defend Draco because people treated him as they would his father. Doesn't your baby deserve the same chance?" Hermione nodded. She knew Harry was right, but she was still scared.

"I think you're more scared about being a mother," Harry said wisely. "Ginny and I weren't ready to be parents. But we're doing the best we can. We love our son and I know you'll love this baby, despite who the father is. I don't see Bill treating this baby any way other than his own, because it's not like you cheated on him. You were raped. Bill is right to leave it up to you, but if you're uncomfortable, then you need to talk to him. Seriously and honestly," Harry said. Hermione knew Harry was right.

"Would I be wrong if I said I wanted to have my baby in England," she asked quietly. "I can't ask him to move back to England, but I'd rather raise my baby with family, and not from afar."

"You're not wrong for that," Harry said. "And if you told Bill that, he'd move you two back tomorrow. But you need to be sure you want that before you talk to him about it." Hermione also knew that was right.

"I'm glad you're here," she said. Harry beamed at her. Of course he'd be here for his friend. "Oh," she said. "I almost forgot." She jumped up and headed into the office. She walked back out with a gift bag for the baby. "This is for James," she said. "And this is for you and Ginny," she said bringing another one out from behind her back.

Harry opened the gift for James. Hermione had bought him an adorable little outfit that said 'my aunt is my favorite' and a soft blanket. There also was an envelope in the bottom of the bag. Harry opened it and looked at her in surprise. "It's a favor from the goblins. All he needs to do is show that to the goblins and they will do whatever he asks, no questions asked. I'd recommend not giving him that one until he's of age. It's not a little thing, asking a favor of the goblins, but Bill and I have earned quite a bit of favors from them, and we wanted to share them with our nephew," she explained.

"This is too much," Harry said, trying to push it back.

"Take it, Harry," Hermione said. "If you decide he doesn't need it, you can throw it away, but it may come in handy one day. Keep it for a rainy day. When you need it, you can use it." Harry stopped his protests and opened the gift for him and Ginny.

Inside was a box of expensive chocolates and some wine. An envelope is in the bottom of this one as well. This was a babysitting voucher from Hermione and Bill. "Come to Egypt to visit. Bill and I will take care of our nephew while you and Ginny get some alone time. That's good forever. I know Ginny's not going to be ready to part from James any time soon," Hermione explained. Harry threw his arms around Hermione.

"Thank you," he said. "This means we can get some time together and James is nearby and being cared for." Hermione smiled at his excitement. "However, these chocolates and the wine won't last that long." Hermione laughed. She hadn't expected it to.