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

They say I did something bad.
Then why's it feel so good?
They say I did something bad.
But why's it feel so good?
Most fun I ever had,
And I'd do it over and over and over again if I could.
It just felt so good, good.

It just felt so good.

They're burning all the witches, even if you aren't one.
They got their pitchforks and proof,
Their receipts and reasons.
They're burning all the witches, even if you aren't one.
So light me up (light me up), light me up (light me up)
Light me up, go ahead and light me up (light me up)
Light me up (light me up), light me up (light me up)
Light me up (light me up), light me up (light me up)

~ I Did Something Bad by Taylor Swift

*~*~* December 10, 2007 (Seven Weeks Pregnant) *~*~*

Glancing at her reflection in the mirror, she wished she hadn't left her wand downstairs so that she could glamour away the puffiness in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to find Harry standing there.

"Hermione! You'll never guess who we just apprehended!" Harry said excitedly. His smile faded when he saw her face. "Hermione, have you been crying? Who made you upset?"

"Harry, it's..." Hermione's voice trailed off as she noticed him glance behind her, "Fuck," She cursed under her breath, realizing in her haste that she had left the pregnancy tests on the counter in plain view.

Harry's eyes widened in confusion, "Hermione?"

Tears welled in her eyes as she burst into tears again, "They're positive! I'm a 28-year-old unwed mother-to-be! How the fuck did I screw this all up?"

Harry stared at her for a moment, then, to her surprise, he laughed.

Hermione glared at him, "I'm glad you think this is funny!"

Harry hugged her tightly, "We did it! We didn't mean to, but we did it! Hermione," he said as he took her face gently into his hands, "We're having a baby!"

The reality of their situation hit her, and for the first time, she smiled, "Oh my God, Harry… we're having a baby!"

Harry led Hermione into the bedroom that he hadn't used since they'd officially gotten together, other than for short amounts of time before Teddy knew. As the door clicked shut, he gently cupped her face in his hands, brushing her tears away with the pads of his thumbs. His lips found hers in a tender kiss filled with love.

Hermione leaned into his chest, resting her forehead against it. "Everything makes so much sense now," she murmured. "The flu, the dizziness, my breasts hurting so much… oh Merlin, I wonder how far along we are."

Harry guided her to sit down on his bed, "We need to make an appointment. We've been together since October, and you haven't been feeling well for a while."

Hermione ran her hand over her face, trying to process everything, "I had my period in November. It wasn't much, but it was there." Hermione asked him, "Can we trust St. Mungo's not to leak this to the press?"

Harry sighed heavily as he stood up, pacing the room, "We shouldn't have to worry about this! We're still worrying about the bloody press all these years later!"

Hermione reached out and took his hand to stop his pacing, "I'll call my muggle doctor and see if she can recommend someone. Maybe we can keep this under wraps for now." She glanced at her watch, "But it's nearly time to pick up Teddy."

Harry nodded, kissing her forehead, "I'll go get him. You stay here and rest. See if you can get an appointment for tomorrow. I'll call in sick so I can go with you."

Hermione looked at him, surprised, "You want to come with me?"

Harry smiled, "Of course. It's my baby too. I'll be back soon."

Hermione watched him leave, a small smile on her lips. She sighed and lay back on the bed. Her hand instinctively moved to her flat belly. "Hi there, baby," she whispered. "I'm your mum. I love you already."

Pulling her mobile from her pocket, she dialed her doctor's office. Relieved when they told her that the nearby clinic, which they were tied to, had a cancellation, so she set the appointment. Hanging up, she thought about Alicia and decided to give her a call as well.

"Hey Hermione, what's going on?" Alicia asked.

"I was just wondering. Are you at work, or will you be at work tomorrow? I have something going on, but I want to keep it a secret and away from prying ears right now," Hermione stated.

"No problem. Give me thirty minutes, and I'll be over there," Alicia told her. "Are you at home?"

"Yes. Thanks, Alicia. Keep it a secret for now, please," Hermione told her.

"Got it," Alicia said as she hung up.

Hermione headed downstairs and sat on the couch when Harry returned with Teddy, who quickly said he didn't have homework as he dashed off to play video games at Sirius'. As Teddy disappeared, the floo lit up, and Alicia stepped out.

Looking between Harry and Hermione, sensing the tension, "All right, someone want to tell me what's going on?"

"Come upstairs with me, please," Hermione said, leading the way to her bedroom.

Harry followed them up to Hermione's room, where she locked the door and cast a silencing charm. Glancing at Harry, who nodded, she turned to Alicia.

"If I were to need a private healer, just for a bit… would you be interested?" Hermione asked.

Alicia looked at her, "What's wrong?"

Hermione grinned, "I'm pregnant."

Alicia's eyes widened in shock, "But… I thought you couldn't get pregnant?!"

Harry chuckled, "Well, we proved that wrong."

Alicia glanced between them, then laughed, "Oh God, George is going to win the betting pool!"

Hermione frowned, confused, "What betting pool?"

Alicia waved it off with a smile, "Doesn't matter. How long have you two been together?"

"Since September, I'm not sure how far along I am, but I took a Muggle test earlier. It was positive," Hermione explained, "With Greyback and Rita, we're trying to keep our relationship a secret for now."

Harry groaned, "That's what I came home to tell you. We caught Greyback. Well, we found him. My grandpa was right; he went to that place, and they created a home. He wanted to be their alpha and pushed against them. They killed him at the full moon. We never have to worry about him again."

Alicia took off her coat and gestured for Hermione to lie down, "All right, let's take a look. Lie down on your bed."

Hermione complied and laid down on her back, "Do I need to pull my shirt up?"

Alicia shook her head, "It's not like Muggle practices. Reveliour Conceptus."

Above Hermione's stomach, a golden orb hovered, pulsating. Alicia waved her wand a few more times, and the image became clearer, "Well, you're about seven weeks along."

Hermione gasped, "Seven weeks!?"

"Probably around the 1st of November," Alicia explained.

Hermione groaned, "I ran out of my potion, but Harry was on the birth control charm."

Alicia turned to Harry, "Did you reapply it after you had to see me at St. Mungo's?"

Harry frowned, "No, it was still active."

"No, it wasn't. I told you that I cleared your body of all spells," Alicia told him with a laugh as she looked at them, "Two of the smartest minds in our world, and they both forgot about birth control. Hermione, I highly doubt that your fertility issues are as bad as you think they are if this happened with a brief lapse in birth control. Do you want to know the sex?"

Hermione looked at Harry, surprised, "You can tell this early?"

"It's genetics. Magic can read the child's DNA and tell us early," Alicia explained, "But it's up to you both."

Hermione bit her lip, considering, "What do you think?"

"If you want to know, I want to know," Harry said, his hand resting on her shoulder.

Hermione nodded at Alicia, who cast the spell again. The orb about Hermione's stomach suddenly turned a brilliant blue, making Hermione gasp.

"Congratulations," Alicia said with a grin, "You're having a boy."

Hermione looked up at Harry, staring at the orb in shock, his eyes glistening with tears.

Alicia smiled warmly at them, "I'll get some prenatal potions and bring them to you. If you're uncomfortable going to the hospital, the Muggle doctors are great at what they do. I can still do checkups here at home every month."

"Thank you, Alicia," Hermione said, sitting up, "I appreciate you coming here. Please let us know what we owe you."

Alicia grinned, "Dinner next month when I come over to check you out. Also not telling everyone that I know until I switch my bet."

Hermione laughed as she stood up. Alicia glanced at Harry, "I'll see myself out. I think we broke him," she said as Harry sat down on the edge of the bed in shock.

"Thank you," Hermione said as Alicia shut the door behind her and Hermione joined him on the bed, "I know this is a lot-"

Harry wiped away the tears that escaped, "Sometimes, being with you feels like a dream I don't ever want to wake up from. Do you know what I saw in the Mirror of Erised when we saw it last?"

Hermione shook her head curiously.

"Us. Us and Teddy, and you were holding a little boy, giving me a family," Harry confessed, "Mum, Dad, and Sirius behind us. And now, you're making that dream a reality. You've been my family for so long. You've shared Mum with me and given me a second Mum. But now… now you're giving me a biological family too."

Hermione smiled, tears in her eyes. "They'd be so proud of you, Harry James." She took his hand and placed it on her stomach. "I don't know what you think about it, but I already have a name idea."

Harry looked at her, "You do?"

"We name him after his grandfathers. Jamie Sirius Daniel Potter," Hermione suggested.

Harry's eyes welled up again, and he leaned in to kiss her, pushing her gently back onto the bed as she giggled.

*~*~* December 11, 2007 (Seven Weeks Pregnant) *~*~*

Stepping out of the OBGYN's office, the cool winter air brushed against their faces. Clutching the ultrasound photo of their baby in her hand, her eyes lingered on the tiny images as they walked to the fast-food restaurant down the street for lunch. Jamie's heartbeat was a strong 160 beats per minute, and the doctor confirmed that everything looked on track for a July 25th due date. It was an unanticipated early birthday present for Harry.

After ordering their food in the cozy fast-food restaurant, they found a quiet corner booth. No one was near them as they sat down, and Hermione noticed that Harry had gone quiet, lost in thought, as he set their tray down.

"You've been quiet. What's going on in your head?" Hermione asked, searching his face.

Harry picked up a chip and popped it into his mouth, chewing as he stared at her. "Did you know that the first hug I can remember was from you?" he finally said.

Hermione's heartstrings tightened. "I don't think you're trying to make me cry, but you're going to," she said, her voice slightly trembling.

Harry reached across the table and took her hand in his, his thumb brushing over her knuckles, "The Dursleys were never my family. YOU were my family. The place I called home," he told her, "However many years we have left, I want to spend them all with you."

Hermione smiled as she wiped away a tear from her cheek. "Well, you're stuck with me. Between being soulmates and Jamie," she replied.

Harry hesitated momentarily, "I don't want you to think I'm crazy, but I feel like I have to do this," he said. He took his straw wrapper and twisted it into a makeshift ring. Taking her hand in his, he gently wrapped the paper ring around her left ring finger, twisting the top into a small ball that resembled a diamond, "I might be crazy. We might be crazy, but it's always been you, Hermione. This is just a placeholder until I can get one. This right one is sitting in Gringotts right now. So, what do you say? Will you marry me?"

Hermione looked at the paper ring on her finger and then back at Harry. "Yes! There is no doubt in my mind that we'll spend the rest of our lives together," she told him.

Harry leaned across the table and kissed her. "I'll go to Gringotts after I take you home," he said in a low voice.

"We're already basically an old married couple. What harm could it be to try it out for real?" Hermione looked at her paper ring, "I don't know. I like this one," she teased, "Talking about being crazy… let's get married this month before I start showing. We will tell Mum and Sirius to come for dinner tonight and tell them. I can call Dad. Shit, Dad doesn't know about us still."

Harry's eyes widened in realization, "This month?"

"I'm saying we have a private ceremony with the magistrate of the courts. Then, on New Year's Eve, we throw a big party. Make everyone think it's just a party and surprise all our friends by coming out in a dress and tux and tell them we're married and have the magical ceremony there, and the party is our reception," Hermione told him.

Harry grinned, "Fitting for the wife of a junior marauder to come up with." Harry pulled her into another kiss, "Let's do it."

"It shouldn't be too hard, I mean..." Hermione trailed off, clearing her throat, "I never finished ending our civil partnership." Hermione admitted, making Harry laugh.

"Can you pass me the," Harry said as Hermione pulled the garlic powder out of the cabinet, handed it to him, and then went back to chopping vegetables, "Thanks."

The front door opened, and Sirius walked into the kitchen with Juliet. Teddy was sitting at the kitchen table and looked up, "Grandmum! Grandpa Sirius!"

Sirius hugged Teddy and ruffled Teddy's hair, "Hey, kiddo. Working on your homework?"

"Yeah, Mumma said if I finished it, I could play video games after dinner," Teddy said as he walked back over to the table, and Harry checked on the roast in the oven.

Hermione threw him the baster, and he caught it without looking.

Juliet smiled while watching them. "It smells wonderful in here. You two make quite the team."

Hermione smiled as she walked over and hugged her. "Thanks, Mum. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Why don't you and Sirius have a seat."

Once everything was set on the table, everyone gathered around it. Teddy told everyone about what he was learning at school and how he was learning division.

Sirius asked Harry, "So, are there any developments about Greyback?"

"Oh! Greyback is dead," Harry told him, "He went to an old werewolf hideout and tried to force himself as alpha, and they killed him for it at the Full Moon."

Hermione turned to Teddy, who had finished his plate, "Love, are you all done?"

"Yes, Mumma. Can I please go play my video games?" Teddy asked.

"You can go play your games," Hermione told him with a smile.

Teddy stood up, cleared his plate, and put it in the sink before running off to play his game.

Hermione looked at Harry, who nodded as he pulled out his phone.

"Hey Dan, it's Harry. Sorry for the late phone call. Well, early for you. Did I time it well? I know when we talked last night, you said you'd get up around now and was hoping you'd be awake. Awesome, I am going to put you on speakerphone." Harry said, "All right, Dan, you are on speakerphone with me, Hermione, Juliet, and Sirius."

"Hey, Daddy, we wanted you to be part of this," Hermione said as she looked at her Mum and Sirius. Hermione took a breath. "We have some news." Hermione held up her hand, revealing the paper ring Harry had made for her, which she had charmed to last forever, "Harry proposed."

"Congratulations, pumpkin!" Dan said on the phone.

Harry frowned playfully, "Hold on," he said, reaching into his pocket.

Juliet's eyes widened as Harry pulled out a small ring box.

"A real ring means the real proposal," Harry said with a grin as he opened the box to reveal his grandmother's sapphire ring that Hermione had fallen in love with the first time they visited his vaults, and he had tried to give to her even then. Its deep blue heart-shaped stone surrounded by tiny diamonds gleamed under the kitchen lights. Carefully, he took the ring out and slipped it onto Hermione's finger, "And Hermione said yes."

Juliet squealed with delight as she stood up, knocking over her chair, and hugged them both. "I'm so happy for you two!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining.

Sirius looked at them and then suddenly laughed, "I thought you smelled different," he said, his voice teasing.

Hermione looked at him, confused, "What do you mean?"

Sirius pointed to his nose. "The Canine sense of smell is heightened. How far along are you?"

Juliet's eyes widened in shock as she turned to Hermione, "NO!?"

"Hermione Jean! Are you pregnant?!" Dan asked, shocked.

Hermione sighed, smiling, "We were going to wait a bit to tell you. I'm only seven weeks along. We're due on the 25th of July, but even without the baby, we knew we would get married. We just have to do it a little sooner than planned."

Juliet looked between them, "Oh, Hermione…"

Hermione took her mother's hand, "So we will have a small court ceremony with you, Teddy, and probably Ron and Luna. Then, on New Year's Eve, we'll make everyone think we are just having a big New Year's party, but it's our magical wedding and reception."

Sirius' grin widened as he wrapped Hermione in a surprise hug, "Oh, look at that! A chip off the old Marauder's block. Such mischief! I love it!"

Hermione bit her lip excitedly. "Also, thanks to magic, we already know what we are having," she told them, taking Harry's hand. "And we've already decided on a name."

Juliet laughed, "Of course you do. So, what is my grandbaby going to be named?"

Harry squeezed her hand, "Jamie Sirius Daniel Potter, naming him after all his grandfathers."

"Oh! A little boy!" Juliet said, "We will have two boys. Does Teddy know?"

Hermione shook her head. "Teddy gets very excited easily, so we want to wait a little further to tell him in case he spills the beans."

"So, when are you planning the wedding so I can be there?" Dan asked.

"Our plan is our court wedding on the 22nd and then our big party wedding on the 31st," Hermione told him, "I know you probably won't be able to come up for that long-"

"I hired a manager for the store, and we have teamed up with my friend who also has a candy business, so I have flexibility now. It's not every day that my daughter is going to get married. I'll be there on the 21st, and I'll leave in the new year," Dan told her, "There is no way I'm going to miss this."

*~*~* December 15, 2007 (Eight Weeks Pregnant) *~*~*

Hermione yawned after returning from the Burrow, where she had dropped Teddy off to spend the night with the Weasley cousins. Harry looked at her, concerned. "I'm just tired. I should have taken a nap today."

"Ron and Luna should be here… now," Harry said as the floo fit up, and they walked through.

Luna's eyes lit up when she walked through and smiled, "The aura in the house is so happy. I love it!"

Hermione laughed, taking Luna's cloak and hanging it by the door. "Well, while we wait for the food to arrive, come sit down. I have some news to share."

Ron made a beeline for his favourite chair, sinking into it with a content sigh, while Luna settled on the couch next to Hermione and Harry. Looking at Harry, he nodded to her.

Hermione took a deep breath and looked at her friend. "I'm not going to beat around the bush. I have some news: I'm pregnant."

Luna's smile widened, "I was wondering when you would tell us."

Hermione blinked, surprised, "How did you know?"

"Your aura changed around the 1st of November," Luna informed her.

Hermione laughed, shaking her head in disbelief, "Luna, I thought that whole aura thing was nonsense, but I guess you're right. What does my aura look like now?"

Luna tilted her head, observing Hermione, "You have a white area around your abdomen, with a little bit of pure gold. It's like a heart of gold, untouched by evil."

Ron looked at them, confused. "How? Don't get me wrong. I'm not asking how it happened because I know how it happened. But it's the who part that I don't understand. You haven't been with anyone in over a year and don't have a boyfriend right now."

Hermione couldn't stop the grin as she took Harry's hand, lacing her fingers through his, "I have been seeing someone, Ron, for a few months now, but we were wondering how long it would take people to notice. But it took so long that we got pregnant and engaged."

Ron's eyes widened as he looked between Hermione and Harry, his mouth dropping open, "Are you fucking kidding me? Finally!" he yelled, jumping out of his chair and over the coffee table, "That means, oh Merlin! I call godfather!"

Hermione and Harry burst into laughter as Ron pulled them off the couch and hugged them tightly. "I'm so happy for you guys! Merlin! I was so tired of you two fighting it!"

Luna smiled, "I knew it would happen eventually. Did you find out the sex?"

Hermione nodded, "But we aren't telling anyone but the two of you, Mum, Dad, and Sirius, about the baby for a while. We want to get married first, and then we will reveal Jamie to the world."

"Jamie?" Ron asked.

Hermione nodded, "Jamie Sirius Daniel Potter." Hermione said as the doorbell rang and Harry went to pay for the food.

The four of them ended up plating their food and sitting around the kitchen table with their food, talking about wedding ideas.

"I still think you should consider the Burrow," Ron suggested, "I mean, you are family, and all the rest of the family has done it. Mum would love to have the wedding there."

"I was thinking of Potter Manor," Harry said, looking at Hermione. "Have it in the auditorium. It's not like we are inviting 500 people. The DA, our friends, we have to contact Josh and Dane, the people we care about, and some of our favorite coworkers—those we know who will keep it quiet."

Hermione nodded, "I think that would be easiest."

"Well, I supposed that Potter Manor is more…"

"Elegant," Luna supplied for Ron, "And quite fitting for your big event. Your grandparents' home, Harry. Their portraits are there, correct? You can have family there at the wedding."

"The gymnasium would easily fit everyone," Harry nodded.

"We need to start planning already. There is so much to do," Hermione told him.

Luna grabbed her hand. "We may have to involve Pansy to get it done in time. Knowing her, she can get you a dress and probably have everything set by the end of the month."

Hermione nodded, "You are right," Pulling her phone out of her pocket, she called Pansy.

The phone rang and nearly went to voicemail when Pansy answered, sounding tired, "Hey Hermione, I can't talk right now," Pansy stated, "I'm at St. Mungo's. Astoria collapsed when Draco was at work earlier today, and by the time the house elves found her, she was already in labour. The baby is here, and he's early, so he needs support, and Astoria nearly didn't make it. She's in a coma."

Hermione gasped as she looked at Harry, watching her intently, "Should we come down?"

Pansy sighed on the other end, "No, Drake… he's not in a good place right now. I'll call you in the morning with an update."

Hermione bit her lip, "All right, thanks, Pansy. Please keep us posted."

As she hung up, Harry moved closer, "What's wrong?"

"Astoria collapsed and went into labour," Hermione explained, "The baby is here, and it sounds like neither she nor the baby are doing well."

"Shite," Harry muttered, running his hand through his hair, "I have to go in, and I'm going to put him in for leave then."

Leaning in, he kissed her lips, "I'll take care of it."

Hermione squeezed his hand, "Be careful. Love you."

"Love you too," Harry said as he walked over to the floo and disappeared to the Ministry.

Hermione took a long breath, "I hope the baby will be okay," Hermione murmured, "Lord, I just thought of it. Jamie and their son will go to Hogwarts the same year."

Luna took Hermione's hand, "They will be like best friends. He will be like part of the family."

Ron leaned back in his chair, "So the school/Potter Manor for the wedding is fitting for you finally becoming a Potter."

Hermione smiled, "I wish we could get married in the rose garden, but no one else can get inside it."

Luna looked at her, curious, "Is there a protection spell on it?"

Hermione shook her head, "No, but there is a ward for only Potters and their mates to go inside. I've been able to enter since I discovered it because of our bond. I want to use some of the roses from inside, though. I've noticed that they are beautiful and stay all year round."

*~*~* December 16, 2007 (Eight Weeks Pregnant) *~*~*

Sitting at the Weasley family table for Sunday dinner, Hermione sat next to Harry at the long wooden table in the kitchen, enjoying Molly's famous roast that, thankfully, her stomach was handling. As Hermione's phone buzzed in her pocket, she glanced at the screen and saw Pansy's name.

Leaning over to Harry, "I'm going to step outside and take this."

Harry nodded, squeezing her left hand under the table. "I'll be here."

Hermione slipped out of the kitchen and walked into the back garden, smiling as she watched the children play on the new playset that Arthur had built. The evening air was crisp, and the fairies were starting to light the trees in the yard, "Hey, Pansy," Hermione answered, "Sorry, I'm at the Burrow for dinner and had to step outside. How is the baby?"

Pansy sighed, sounding exhausted, "He's doing better, but it's still not out of the woods. Neither is Astoria. Draco's brought in the best healers he could find, so we're hopeful."

"Good," Hermione said, "I'm glad to hear they are in good hands. The reason I called yesterday seems silly with everything happening, but I need help organizing a large party on New Year's Eve."

"Oh, a party?" Pansy asked.

"I know it's the last minute, but you were the person that Luna and I thought could make it happen," Hermione told her.

Hermione could practically hear Pansy's grin through the phone, "Of course, I'd love to help. So, on New Year's Eve. Any particular theme?"

"We were thinking roses and gold tones," Hermione stated, glancing around the garden, "We are holding it at the school. Since it's the former Potter Manor, it was fitting. There is a gorgeous rose garden in the back, and I'd love to use the roses from it as part of the decorations."

"That sounds romantic," Pansy told her. "Is there anything else you want to make sure we include?"

"Well, we need a cake. It will be a small gathering, fewer than 100 people, so I think three tiers should be perfect. Oh, and of course, I'm counting on you for the dress," Hermione laughed.

Pansy was silent for a moment, "Where are you again?"

Hermione grinned, "I'm at Ron's family home. It's called the Burrow."

Before Hermione could continue, the phone call ended. She stared at her phone in confusion for a moment, then looked back as the back door of the Burrow opened. To her surprise, Pansy stepped out, closely followed by Harry, who shut the door behind them.

"They were completely confused when I just stepped out of the floo," Pansy said with a smirk as she walked toward Hermione.

Hermione laughed at Harry's puzzled expression, "Pansy called me back."

Pansy grinned at Hermione, "All right, so this party. " Her attention was suddenly drawn to the ring on Hermione's finger. "Oh, Salazar!" Pansy yelled as she hit Harry on his arm. "You finally got the courage to not only ask her out, but you went straight to asking her to marry you?!"

Both Harry and Hermione laughed. "Pansy, we've been together since September," Hermione explained.

"You bitch!" Pansy gasped as Hermione looked at the kids, but it seemed they hadn't heard. "And you kept this from me? We have so much to do and not enough time to do it! I have your measurements, so I'll start working on a dress right away-"

Hermione glanced at Harry, "Look, Pansy, we are keeping this quiet for now. With Rita around, we don't want to make it a public spectacle, so please don't tell anyone. Also, keep the dress simple and classic. Lace would be amazing, but nothing too tight around the middle or corset-like. A bit loose is best."

Pansy raised an eyebrow, and a knowing smile crept across her face, "Of course, Potter had to do the noble thing after knocking up his girl."

Harry frowned, "I already had the ring for her before we even got together."

Hermione nodded, looking at her ring. "It's his grandmother's ring. He tried to give it to me years ago, but knowing its significance, I told him no. And we're not telling anyone about the baby yet; we aren't due until July."

Pansy's laugh rang through the garden, "Baby Malfoy and baby Potter in the same class! Hopefully, McGonagall retires by then, or she'll have her hands full!"

Still laughing, Pansy gave them a wink before disapparating away with a faint pop.

Harry looked at her and wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Are you ready for this?" Hermione asked, her head resting on his shoulder as she watched Teddy go down the slide.

Harry smiled as he kissed her temple, "As long as I have you, I am ready for anything."

"You are so cheesy," Hermione chuckled as they rejoined the family dinner.

*~*~* March 2, 2008 *~*~*

"As you know, everything went so fast after that."

*~*~* December 22, 2007 (Nine Weeks Pregnant) *~*~*

Groaning as the sunlight filtered through the curtains of her childhood bedroom, Hermione rolled over and instinctively reached out to the other side of the bed and opened her eyes when she found nothing but cool sheets. Sighing, she pulled her hand back.

Rolling over, Hermione decided to go back to sleep, but a wave of nausea washed over her when she moved. She took a deep breath and hoped it would pass, but she quickly scrambled out of bed and to the loo.

Leaning over the toilet, retching was not something she had imagined happening on her wedding day. After what felt like an eternity, the nausea subsided, and she flushed the toilet and leaned back against the cool surface of the bathtub, closing her eyes and trying to steady her breathing.

Looking up as the door opened, Juliet stepped into the bathroom, "Do you think tea would help?"

Hermione shook her head, exhausted, "I don't think I could keep it down. I usually don't manage to hold anything down until 10."

Juliet nodded as she sat beside her on the floor and wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders, "I was the same way with you," she said. Hermione rested her head on her mother's shoulder. "I was so tired all the time with you too."

Hermione yawned, "Glad that's normal then. I never nap, and I think I've napped more in the past month than my entire life."

Juliet glanced at her watch, "It's a quarter 'til eight. Go back to bed and try to get some more sleep."

Hermione stood up slowly, still feeling shaky, "I am thankful that this happened. I never thought I'd ever have kids. Did it blow up my whole plan out of the water? Yes, but I didn't realize how awful I'd feel."

Juliet rubbed her shoulder, "Being a woman is one of the hardest jobs in the world."

Hermione grabbed onto her mother's arm, "Stay with me?"

Juliet smiled, "Of course, sweetheart," she said, climbing into the small bed beside Hermione. Juliet ran her fingers through Hermione's hair as they settled under the covers.

Hermione laid her head on her mother's shoulder. "You know when I found out about you, I was so scared too," Juliet began. "Your dad is a lot like Harry, but there is one big difference between them."

Hermione glanced up at her, "What's that?"

Juliet looked down at her, "Harry would move heaven and earth for you. He'd give up his life for you, even before you were together. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for both of you."

Hermione smiled, "According to Luna, a long, happy life."

Juliet kissed her head, "I hope she's right."

Standing in front of the mirror in the small bathroom of the registrar's office at the city hall, she adjusted the long-sleeved white dress that hugged her figure just right. The black sash around her waist, an idea from Pansy, added a touch of elegance and covered the slight rounding of her stomach that only she and Harry could tell was there. Smoothing down the fabric, her reflection stared back at her. Today, she was marrying Harry.

The lavatory door creaked open, and Luna stepped inside, "The boys just arrived."

Hermione nodded, "Luna, I'm getting married in a few minutes."

Luna grinned, "You should have married him years ago if we are being honest. So, let's go make it official." Luna pulled a bouquet of roses out of thin air, "They aren't Potter roses, but I saw them, and they were beautiful at the store."

Hermione's eyes welled up as she hugged Luna, "Thank you, Luna."

"Let's get you married," she said, linking her arm to Hermione's.

They left the lavatory together and entered the hallways to spot Hermione's Dad waiting for her. His eyes lit up when he saw her, "Hey, pumpkin!"

Hermione threw her arms around him, "You came!"

Dan held her close, "Of course I did. There is no way I'd miss this."

Luna went inside the office as Dan led Hermione toward the room. Dan paused before he opened the doors and looked at her, "Are you sure you want to marry him?"

Hermione looked up at him, "Never any doubts here. My feet are warm as can be."

Dan smiled, "I never doubted it, honey." He kissed her cheek and opened the door as Sirius came out.

"Oh good, she's ready," Sirius said, "You okay, kid?"

Hermione nodded, "Never better. How's Harry?"

Sirius winked, "Nerves of steel. Not nervous at all." Leaning in, he kissed her cheek, "Now I have to go be godfather."

As Sirius practically skipped back into the room, Dan shook his head with a chuckle, "He's like a giant puppy."

Hermione laughed, "Oh, Daddy, if you only knew."

As the doors opened, soft music played in the background, and Dan led Hermione down the small aisle. The room was small, with just enough chairs for their closest friends. Ron, Luna, Kingsley, Teddy, Juliet, Pansy, and Sirius stood as Hermione's eyes locked with Harry's at the front of the room, wearing a black tuxedo and looking dashing.

As they reached the front, Dan stopped at the table where the registrar stood and smiled at Harry, "Be good to her."

Harry returned his smile, "Always sir," he said as he took Hermione's hand.

The registrar looked at them, "Hello, Harry and Hermione. Thank you all for coming and being with us today. It means a great deal that you are here today to share in their happiness and witness their marriage vows. Now, the bride will be presented in marriage, so I ask Dan, do you give Hermione to be married to Harry?"

"Yes," Dan answered.

"Thank you," the registrar said, nodding for him to sit. She continued, "Marriage requires patience, love, kindness, devotion, wisdom to know when we are wrong, and humility when you are right. You both came here today because you are deeply devoted to each other and are each other's priority and responsibility. Never stop showing affection to one another. Support and encourage each other. Love is something that only two of us, who are the best of friends, can enjoy. So, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of Harry James Potter and Hermione Jean Granger in holy matrimony. If anyone present knows of any lawful reason for these two not to be married, he or she should declare it now."

Hermione glanced around the room and saw all the smiles everyone was giving her and Harry.

"So, Harry, do you promise to share your life and love with Hermione, to love, support, and comfort her, whatever the future brings?"

"I do," Harry stated.

"Hermione, do you promise to share your life and love with Harry to love, support, and comfort him, whatever the future brings?"

"I do," Hermione smiled.

"Marriage is the union of two people, at the exclusion of all others. I want to ask you to declare if you are lawfully ready to marry each other. Harry James, are you lawfully ready to marry Hermione?"

"I am," Harry nodded.

"Hermione Jean, are you lawfully ready to marry Harry?"

"I am," Hermione stated.

"The vows cover marriage's legal and emotionally binding nature. Please turn to one another, hold hands, and vow to be partners for life."

Hermione turned to Harry and playfully winked at him.

"I, Harry James Potter, take you, Hermione Jean Granger, to be my wedded wife," Harry repeated.

"I, Hermione Jean Granger, take you Harry James Potter to be my wedded husband," Hermione repeated.

"If you would take Hermione's ring and place it on your left hand and repeat after me," The registrar instructed.

Harry picked up the ring they had chosen together and slipped it onto her finger. "As I put this ring on your finger, my wish is that our love will always strengthen, and we will always laugh together."

Hermione picked up his ring, "As I put this ring on your finger, my wish is that our love will always strengthen, and we will always laugh together."

The registrar smiled, "So Harry and Hermione, you have made the declarations by law and made a solid binding contract with each other in the presence of your witnesses. I am grateful to be able to declare you are now husband and wife. Congratulations, you may kiss your bride."

Harry leaned in and grinned, "Hey."

"Hey," Hermione whispered back as their lips met in a tender kiss.

"Mr. and Mrs. Potter, please come over here and pick two witnesses to sign your marriage certificate," the registrar requested.

Harry and Hermione looked at their gathered friends, "Ron and Luna," they said in unison, earning smiles from their friends.

Luna practically skipped over as she stood next to Hermione. Hermione smiled as she signed 'Hermione J. Granger' for the last time, handing the pen to Harry.

Luna hugged Hermione tightly as Harry finished signing and handed the pen to Ron, who grinned as he signed the document.

After the ceremony, Harry turned to the registrar, "Now that we are married, we are special guardians to our godson. How hard would it be to adopt him officially?"

"If you stay here, I'll get the paperwork for you to file today. Has he lived with you for ten weeks?"

Teddy, who had been sitting quietly, jumped up and said, "I've lived with Mumma and Dadda for years!"

The registrar chuckled, "It's just a form and a fee, and then they will contact you in 3-6 weeks about a hearing. Are there any relatives that would want parental responsibility?" She asked.

Harry shook his head, "No."

"Then it should be relatively fast and easy, " she said before leaving the room to fetch the paperwork.

Ron hugged them both tightly, "You two are married. I still can't believe it."

Harry wrapped his arm around Hermione, kissing her head, "This was a long time coming."

*~*~* December 25, 2007 (Nine Weeks Along) *~*~*

Hermione sat comfortably on the couch at the Burrow next to Harry, watching Teddy and the grandchildren eagerly tear into their presents. The room was filled with the joyful sounds of the children, crinkling wrapping paper, and chatter between the adults as the Christmas tree twinkled in the corner of the sitting room.

Ginny walked into the room with a tray of eggnog and started handing out mugs. Finally, she made it to Hermione and attempted to hand it to her. "I'm good, but thank you," Hermione told her, sitting back with her glass of water.

Harry took his mug from Ginny as George entered the room, grinning, "Oh, by the way, Hermione, why haven't we met this fiancé that the prophet says you have?"

Harry nearly choked on his eggnog as Hermione blinked, confused, "What do you mean?"

Molly, seated nearby, rolled her eyes, "Rita Skeeter and her web of lies again. She's saying you were spotted wearing an engagement ring."

Hermione couldn't help but grin as she held her left hand up, "Oh, I am."

The room fell silent until Ginny's tray dropped, "It's true?!" Ginny gasped, her eyes wide, "You bitch!"

"Ginevra!" Molly scolded, horrified by her language.

But Ginny ignored her, climbing onto the coffee table to sit before Hermione, "You didn't tell me you found him!"

"Found who?" George asked.

Hermione raised an eyebrow, still smiling, "Why would I lie about that? I didn't find him. He found me."

Molly leaned forward, "But why haven't you told anyone or brought him around to introduce us?"

Before Hermione could respond, George interjected, his grin wide, "Because it's a rushed wedding, that's why. Notice how she said no to the nog. She's done got herself knocked up! I'm proud of you, Granger."

Hermione sighed, half-amused and half-exasperated by his antics, "Thank you, George. Really."

Mrs. Weasley's expression softened as she came over and sat down on Hermione's other side. She took her right hand, "Really? Are you expecting?"

Hermione glanced at Harry, who nodded. Taking Harry's hand with her left, she smiled, tears welling in her eyes. "We are."

Molly gasped, throwing her arms around Hermione. Letting go of Harry's hand, both women hugged tightly as the tears fell from Hermione's eyes. Knowing Molly's somewhat old-school thinking, she had been afraid of her reaction to their news.

"But why have you not brought him around?" Arthur asked.

"Or not even been seen with him. Ashamed of us, are you?" George said with wide eyes, "And look at that rock on your hand. He's well off, obviously."

Angelina, who was standing nearby, elbowed him sharply as Harry spoke up, "It's a family heirloom," he explained, "It was my Grandmother Potter's ring."

There was a collective gasp as the realization hit everyone. Ron, who had been watching quietly, snorted, leaning back in his chair as Luna sat sideways on his lap, "And they call me the dumb one."

Fleur looked between Harry and Hermione, "Wait, you and Hermione? That is why she hasn't been seen! They are always together!"

The room erupted into an explosion of voices, everyone talking at once and throwing questions at the couple. Molly squeezed Hermione's hand. "How long have the two of you been together?"

Harry took Hermione's left hand, "Officially since September," he said, "We weren't ready to tell everyone at the time with Greyback and Rita. Honestly, we were seeing how long it took people to notice."

He paused as his gaze shifted to Hermione's flat stomach, "Then we had a bit of a potion issue, so thank you, George."

George bowed, "At your service. What went wrong?"

"I took it a day late. It seems to lose its effectiveness the longer between doses," Hermione told him.

"It's still really early, and it wasn't expected, but we're so happy," Harry told them, "Now that you are all in on the secret, our New Year's Eve party isn't just a party. It's our magical wedding, but we are already married. We had a small Muggle wedding at the city hall."

Molly wiped her eyes, "Is there anything you need help with for the wedding?"

Hermione shook her head, "If we do, I'll call you."

The cozy warmth of Hermione's family home surrounded Hermione as they gathered for a post-Christmas dinner at Juliet's house. She had only set up a small tree with important ornaments, and gifts were already distributed as the gentle hum of holiday music played in the background. Hermione tried not to drift off as the evening crash started taking hold.

Teddy, Lorcan, and Lysander were lying on the rug together in the living room, focused on their game of Candy Land, which Teddy had found earlier.

Around the dinner table, Harry and Hermione, Ron and Luna, and Sirius, Dan and Juliet sat deep in conversation. Harry moved his chair closer to Hermione, and as she started to get sleepy, he took her hand in his. Sirius told Dan a story about the Marauders while Ron and Juliet laughed at something Luna had said.

Harry leaned over to Hermione and kissed her forehead. Her eyes had drifted shut, and his kiss made them open again, and she smiled at him.

"You know, you were meant to be together. It's in the cosmos," Luna's voice spoke up through Hermione's sleepy haze.

Curious but skeptical, Hermione looked at her, "Oh really? How?"

Luna's eyes sparkled, "You have kindred souls. Some souls in this world are reincarnated, and yours have been many times over. Destined to find each other every time." She said, "Even if you hadn't accepted your Hogwarts letter, you two would have found each other later in life. The pull to each other would find a way."

Hermione glanced at Harry, "And how do you know this?"

Luna's face turned serious, "Because I am the guardian of your story, just like my mum was before me, all the way back to Nimue."

Hermione blinked, not expecting that answer, "What?"

Luna continued, "Before you were born, a witch and wizard married in the 1930s. They were happy until he went off to war in 1944 and was killed. She died with him, even though he was far away. Their souls were reborn as a couple who met in school in the 1950s but were torn apart when her parents moved away. They found each other again, but she died in 1978, and he died in 1979, the years that you were both conceived."

Luna paused, "Your souls go all the way back to Merlin and Morgana le Fey. Merlin didn't want to be separated from Morgana, so he cast a dark spell to always bind their souls together."

Hermione stared at Luna, then laughed, "That's hilarious. Whatever you say."

Luna frowned, clearly hurt, "You don't believe me."

Sirius sat back in his chair. "Hermione, there have been legends that Merlin and Morgana were together and that they bound their souls to find each other in the afterlife. The Blacks are an Ancient and Noble house, so magic would be more likely to choose you because of us."

Luna nodded at Sirius, "There is a book about it that has been passed down throughout the generations. My mother rewrote it before I was born because it was in bad shape. I'll find the copy and share it with you. You were meant to be together. That's what I am saying."

Hermione looked at the group, "Then why did I feel something towards Harry from the beginning on the train, but he never felt the pull until more recently?"

Harry spoke up, "I've felt things towards you since the train."

Hermione turned to him, surprised, "What?"

Harry nodded, "I just didn't understand them. I didn't grow up with love like you did, Hermione." Harry told her, ignoring Sirius' growl, "So I didn't understand what it meant. By the time I started feeling something, Dumbledore pulled his shit, and I was having feelings for Ginny."

Juliet looked at her, "Hermione, honey, your brain works on facts. It's always been cut and dry with you. But sometimes, things are a mystery, and there are no facts to back it up. And it's okay to believe that you two are destined to be together. We see and know it, but you two were too stubborn to realize it."

Smiling at Harry, she squeezed his hand, "Maybe you're right. I know we are meant to be together, but maybe there is a higher reason."

Harry stood up, "Now, it's getting late. Teddy has been up since five this morning, and Hermione is nearly falling asleep at the table," Harry said, holding his hand out for Hermione, who took it.

"Are you stopping by tomorrow?" Juliet asked.

"Of course, we have to have our milkshakes," Hermione told her, hugging her. "I love you, Mum."

Ron stood up, "We better round up the crew too."

Juliet smiled at him and Luna. "You two are invited as well. It's a family tradition of milkshakes, and it usually becomes a contest to see who can drink theirs fastest."

"I will gladly lose this year," Hermione said, pushing in her chair, "I'd probably throw it up."

Ron grinned, patting his stomach, "I was made for this."

Hermione stepped into their bedroom, the soft glow from Harry's bedside lamp, casting a warm light throughout the room. Pulling her hair up into a loose bun, strands escaping around her face, she let out a long, exhausted breath as she collapsed onto the bed beside Harry.

Harry looked over at her, "That tired?"

Hermione crawled over to him and rested her head in his lap, sighing, "Fucking exhausted," she muttered. "We may have to move into your room downstairs when I'm further along. I might not be able to get up the stairs if I get more tired than I already am." She moaned as Harry began to run his fingers through her hair gently, "I know making a baby is hard work, and all the books say I'll be more tired, but I used to stay up for 24 hours straight studying or worse when I had the time-turner. Now I get tired after being awake for two hours."

Harry closed the book he was reading and placed it on his table as he continued stroking her hair, "It's because it's a magical pregnancy," he explained, "He's pulling off your magic according to the book."

Hermione tilted her head up to look at him, "Book?"

Harry rubbed the back of his neck, "I may have used a glamour to go to Diagon Alley and bought some baby books about magical pregnancies."

Hermione laughed, "Oh my God! Why didn't I think of that? Does it say that the baby eats your brain cells, too? Because I swear, my brain is in a fog all the time."

"Brain fog is a normal thing," Harry said, reaching down to pick up the book off the bottom of his table and handing it to her.

Hermione sat up, leaning against the headboard after taking the book from him, "I am so fucking glad that we could get pregnant when I thought it would never be possible. It's just…shit, being pregnant is hard work."

Harry couldn't help but laugh as she grabbed her glasses, "You know, I never find you hotter than when you wear your glasses."

Hermione raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she slid her glasses onto her face, "I want to make love to you so bad right now, but I'd probably fall asleep in the middle of it. I'm going to fall asleep two pages into this book if I'm honest."

Harry chuckled and took the book from her hands, setting it on top of his own, "You can read this later. It's late, sweetheart. Let's get some sleep."

Hermione pouted, her eyes looking towards the book, "I really want to read it, though."

With a gentle smile, Harry helped her move down the bed, then turned the lamp off, pulling her into his arms as they settled under the covers, "I know you do, but sleep is more important right now."

Hermione sighed, but the warmth of his arms quickly took over as she relaxed into him as he spooned her, "Fine. Goodnight, I love you."

Harry smiled, pressing a soft kiss against her shoulder, "I love you too," he whispered as she felt the powerful pull of sleep taking her over.

a/n: Just a quick heads-up, there will be no chapter next week. My school's Harvest Festival is next weekend, and I won't be able to post. A few people noticed that it says there will be 50 chapters, and we are now counting down to the end. That is an estimate, but my plan is, in fact, for that stopping point. It depends on the muses. Thank you again for everyone that read and commented!

Along with the new followers: Chelsey Sharp, spikes baby, nethrapillai16, kaitboxell, and Tynsyazwaniey.

To the reviews:

Hudy Leak613: Thanks for reading and reviewing

Alix33: I figured Sirius' mental well-being was off when he returned from the veil, so he wouldn't be able to transform. Now that he is doing better, he can again. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Preview of Chapter 41- New Years Day 2008

Hermione smacked him, "Yes, you cocky jackass, now I need sleep, or else I may fall asleep at our wedding."

Harry looked at Ron, "Are you leaving?"

"How is she supposed to sneak out?" Ron asked him as he expanded the bed.

Hermione looked at him, "Now, wait a minute, can't you just get the second bed inside here?"

"There is no room for a second bed with the double bed in here now," Ron told her, throwing himself on the bed. "Now it's king size, and there is no funny business with me in the bed."

Hermione looked at Harry and then sighed, "Let's just sleep. I'm tired."

Harry got into bed to be in the middle, and Hermione climbed into bed on the edge. Ron reached up and turned the lamp off.

Hermione settled into Harry's arms, comforted at last, and almost immediately started drifting off.

"If Rita were here now, we'd feed her wildest fantasies. The three of us in bed together," Ron commented.

"Ron, go to sleep," Harry and Hermione said together.