Your little hand's wrapped around my finger.
And it's so quiet in the world tonight.
Your little eyelids flutter 'cause you're dreamin'.
So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light.
To you, everything's funny.
You got nothing to regret.
I'd give all I have honey,
If you could stay like that.

Oh, darlin', don't you ever grow up.
Don't you ever grow up,
Just stay this little.
Oh, darlin', don't you ever grow up,
Don't you ever grow up,
It could stay this simple.
I won't let nobody hurt you.
Won't let no one break your heart.
And no one will desert you.
Just try to never grow up.
Never grow up.

~ Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift

*WARNING LABOR AND BIRTH DEPICTED*

*~*~* July 29, 2008 – Noon (Forty Weeks Along) *~*~*

Ron popped out of the floo and paused, seeing them sitting on the couch, "Harry said that you thought your water broke. Why aren't you at the hospital?"

"Because my water didn't completely break, it leaked, and my contractions aren't strong enough, according to Healer Littrell's assistant, who came to check me. They are every 6-8 minutes," Hermione told him as she yawned, "They said unless I feel like I have to push or my water completely breaks, just to hang tight here away from the press."

Ron nodded as he sat on the floor. "Move over, cat." He said, pushing Hope away from her feet.

Hermione kicked him, "Leave my cat alone."

Ron stared at Crookshanks eye to eye, "What is up with him? He's not hiding for once."

"I think he can, oh!" Hermione said as she grabbed Harry's hand.

Crookshanks meowed and pawed at her belly as Hermione breathed through the contraction.

When it was over, she looked at Ron, "He somehow is sensing my contractions."

Ron shook his head, "We always knew that cat was weird."

*~*~* July 29, 2008 – Half Past Four in the Afternoon (Forty Weeks Along) *~*~*

Hermione glanced over from where she was pacing to see everyone glancing at her as they continued their day. Ron and Harry were watching an old football game with her dads. Juliet was pretending to read as Teddy drew pictures.

"I'm going for a walk to the park," Hermione stated.

Ron jumped up with Harry, "I'll go with you."

"I wanna go too!" Teddy said, standing up.

"Teddy honey, Grandpa Kingsley is coming to get you soon. Stay here and have lunch with me," Juliet told him.

Teddy sighed as he sat down, "Fine."

Walking outside, Hermione paused as the boys followed her outside and shut her eyes, looking toward the sun. "That feels so good," she said.

"So, the plan is to walk this baby out?" Ron asked as Harry shut the door.

"I just had to get out of there. I know Mum, Dad, and Daddy are trying to help, but it is just getting to be too much," Hermione said, taking Harry's hand as they slowly walked toward the park.

"So, let's take a bet. Will he be a 29th of July baby, a 30th of July baby, or will he be stubborn and not come until Harry's birthday?" Ron asked.

Hermione shot him a look, "Don't you go giving him ideas, Ronald Weasley. He will be a 29th birthday if I have anything to say about it."

"I don't know, Hermione. I think he is going to be a very early tomorrow morning baby. That way, he can celebrate with me and Neville," Harry said with a smile.

Ron glanced over at them, "Well, there is something I never told you two before. George and Fred told me once. I honestly didn't believe them then, and George reminded me of it recently."

Harry looked at him, "What?"

"Fred was in divination our first year, the day after Halloween. He said that Trelawney went a bit… barmy. Her voice got deep, and she said something about how the Boy Who Lived has connected with the Golden Girl. They will be blessed, on the 30th of the seventh month as the sunrises on the day before his 28th birthday, with a son that will help change the world, bringing muggle and wizard together… or some shit like that," Ron said, "Trelawney was always loonier than Luna ever was of course. George remembered it and told me it the other day."

Harry froze, looking at Hermione, "Ron, they didn't call Hermione the Golden Girl back then. How would Fred have known?"

"Shite," Hermione groaned as she grabbed onto their arms as a contraction hit her.

Harry pulled her into his arms, rubbing her back, "Just breathe."

Hermione groaned, then gasped, looking up at him, "My water just broke."

"That it did," Ron said, stepping back.

"Let's go call Healer Littrell," Harry said, kissing her forehead.

After a short walk back, Harry called Healer Littrell while Hermione changed, who informed them to bring Hermione in since her water had broken. Harry grabbed their bags as Juliet ran to get her purse.

"Wait! Wait!" Teddy yelled, running down the stairs, "Don't forget his panda!"

Hermione smiled as she took it and hugged Teddy, "When we see you next, you will be a big brother. Are you excited?"

Teddy nodded as he looked at her, "Will you bring him home tonight?"

Harry laughed, kissing the top of Teddy's head, "No, Ted. Maybe tomorrow if he's born tonight."

Juliet hurried over, "I'm ready."

Sirius walked over and kissed her, then kissed Hermione and Harry's heads. "Let me know how it's going in a few hours, and we'll be there."

Hermione turned to Ron, "Do not tell anyone we are going, okay? I don't need the whole Weasley family there."

"But I can tell Luna," Ron nods.

"Luna is fine, obviously, but not your Mum. Please, not your Mum," Hermione said as they walked out to the garage.

After Harry put their things into the boot, Harry took Hermione's hand and made sure Juliet and herself were fastened in the car. "Ready to go have a baby?"

"Yes! Finally!" Hermione said, "Let's go!"

*~*~* July 29, 2008 –Five in the Afternoon (Forty Weeks Along) *~*~*

As they arrived at the Maternity Centre, Harry helped Hermione out of the car, and Juliet grabbed their bags. The nurses greeted them and took Harry's keys to park the car.

"All right, Mr. Black. I need you to fill out this paperwork, and we will take Mrs. Black back to her room to be checked," the nurse told him as they brought a wheelchair for Hermione.

Harry looked conflicted, and Hermione smiled as she sat down, "He's not going to come while you are filling out paperwork. I'll just get dressed in a gown by the time you get there."

Harry nodded as he leaned down and kissed her, "I'll see you in a bit."

Juliet walked with her as the nurse pushed her to her private room. The nurse set out her gown to change into and stepped out. Juliet helped her change into her gown and settle into the bed. She covered her legs with a blanket and rubbed her foot, "Ready?"

Hermione smiled as she settled back into her pillows, "So ready."

When Harry found them, Hermione had already been examined and had a fetal monitor attached to her belly as well as an IV in her hand.

Healer Littrell was finishing as Harry entered the room, "All right, Hermione. You are well on your way. You are dilated to a four, but it could be a long night. Firstborn babies tend to be stubborn."

"I can see that already," Hermione said with a smile, "Thank you, Healer Littrell."

Harry walked over to her side, "So, it's happening?"

Hermione nodded, "It is happening. Look, they even put a recliner in here for you…. Oooh."

"Are they getting worse?" Harry asked as she slowly breathed through it.

"They're more intense, but on a one, a stomach cramp to ten, Crucio scale, it's a four," Hermione said, sighing as she looked at her watch, "My contractions are every five minutes now. So, not getting too frequent."

Harry looked at the tiny baby warmer and said, "Merlin, Hermione… he's going to be in that in hours from now."

"Can you believe we're actually about to meet him?" She said as Harry sat down next to her on the bed.

"I think he's just as excited to meet us," Harry told her, kissing her.

*~*~* July 29, 2008 – Six in the Afternoon (Forty Weeks Along) *~*~*

Hermione adjusted in bed as the nurse checked her and Jamie's vitals.

"Mrs. Black, you should try an exercise ball. I see Mr. Black has that one over there." The nurse suggested.

Hermione glanced over to where Harry was watching the monitors with her heart rate and Jamie's, "I'm afraid I'll fall off it."

The nurse smiled, "I bet you won't."

Juliet walked over and helped Hermione out of bed to sit on the ball Luna and Ginny had given her.

"Look, I'm on the damn ball," Hermione said, trying bouncing, then rocking on it.

Harry looked over to her, "How's it feel?"

Hermione sighed, "Good on my hips, actually."

Hermione found herself zoning out, her hips stretching thanks to the ball, listening to Jamie's heartbeat, and feeling Harry's comforting magic washing over her. Rubbing her belly, she jumped as she heard, "You're using the ball!"

Hermione opened her eyes, "Hello, Luna."

"How are you feeling?" Luna asked, walking over to her, "Ron is taking the boys to Molly, saying we need an evening to ourselves."

Hermione groaned, "Molly Weasley will be here in the next couple of hours, won't she?"

Luna shook her head, "No, I trust my Ron. Plus, I told him to tell her that I wanted to do a fertility ritual, so I think he will be so embarrassed that he won't be able to stick around," Luna said with a grin.

Harry snorted, "You two are so funny."

Hermione sighed, "I need to walk."

Harry jumped off the recliner and walked over to her to help her stand up. Juliet helped her into a robe over her gown as Harry said, "They have this whole section of the ward private for us."

Hermione shook her head. "At this point… oooh," she said, grabbing Harry's hand as Harry clocked his stopwatch. "I don't care," she breathed out after the contraction stopped.

"Still every four minutes. That was 45 seconds long," Harry told her, rubbing her back as they left their room to walk the hall.

Looping an arm around her as they headed down the hall, the dim lighting made Hermione feel calmer as she walked down the hall, and when they rounded the corner, they ran into Sirius and Dan.

"How are you feeling, pumpkin?" Dan asked.

"Stir crazy, I just want him to come," Hermione whined.

*~*~* July 29, 2008 – Eight in the evening (Forty Weeks Along) *~*~*

Ron walked into the hallway and raised an eyebrow seeing Hermione shuffling down the corridor as Harry sat in a chair watching her, "What's she doing?" he asked, looking at Harry concerned.

"Pacing," Harry told him, stretching his neck. "Her contractions are stronger if she's walking, so she keeps pacing until she can't anymore."

Ron leaned against Harry's chair and crossed his arms as Hermione paused to breathe, "Blimey, you two look like you've been at this for ages."

"Feels like it," Harry murmured as his stopwatch went off, and he jumped up as Hermione slowed and winced as another contraction hit her. Moving to her side, Harry slipped his arm around her. She leaned into him and pressed her forehead against his shoulder.

"Still every four minutes," he said softly, rubbing her back as she took a few breaths.

Hermione looked at him, "I cannot walk anymore, Harry. My legs are just… done."

"Then it's back to the room," Harry said, gently guiding her.

Ron followed behind them and stood back as Hermione settled onto her bed with Harry's help. No sooner than she was in bed did a stronger contraction hit her.

Hermione's face twisted in pain as she gripped Harry's hand, her other hand grabbing the sheets as the monitors around her flickered and sparked as their screens went dark.

Ron jumped back from the alarm, "What just happened?"

Healer Littrell and two nurses entered the room and saw the dark monitors.

"Well, it looks like we need to take the magical route with this one," Healer Littrell said. "The upside is that you'll be able to move around more freely with the magical monitors."

Hermione laid her head back, "That sounds amazing."

One of the nurses brought over a soft, glowing orb, which Healer Littrell tapped with her wand and then placed on her belly. Above her body, their vitals appeared.

Healer Littrell looked at them and said, "Just do you know, with this level of magical interference, he is probably going to be very magically gifted from an early point."

*~*~* July 29, 2008 – Eleven in the evening (Forty Weeks Along) *~*~*

Nearing midnight, Ron quietly entered Hermione's room to find her and Harry in the middle of an intense card game. Standing back, he watched them throw down card after card as Hermione bounced on the exercise ball.

"How are we doing?" Ron asked.

Harry looked up, "She's at five centimeters now, but contractions have slowed a bit."

Hermione rolled her eyes as she set another card down. "She is right here, you know." Setting her last card down, "Ha! I win this r…ugh," she muttered as she clutched her belly, and a contraction rippled through her.

Ron chuckled as he moved to rub her back, "Can you eat?"

Hermione's eyes lit up, "Is that pizza? Do I smell pizza?" she asked, throwing her cards down.

Ron laughed as he held up a box, "Luna thought you might be hungry."

Hermione stood up and grabbed the box, "Gimme, gimme." She walked over, sat on her bed, took a bite of a slice, and moaned, "So good."

Ron plopped down on her exercise ball and looked at the cards scattered on the table. "So, how do you play this game? Whoa!" Ron asked as the ball slid out from underneath him.

Hermione and Harry burst into laughter. "See Harry! That is what I was worried about!"

Ron reached for Hermione's leg to steady himself as he got up, just as she was hit with another contraction. Her leg jerked, sending the ball out from under Ron, and he was back on the floor.

"Sorry!" Hermione said through gritted teeth.

Ron stood up, "You know you wanted to do that."

Hermione grinned and took another bit, "True, but you brought me food. So, I love you so much right now."

Her nurse walked in and smiled at them, "How are we doing right now?"

"Her contractions have slowed," Harry told her, "They're about six minutes apart."

"That can happen," the nurse nodded, checking her monitors. "Healer Littrell estimates he will be a big one, over eight pounds, maybe close to nine."

Hermione froze, "Nine?"

The nurse patted her arm, "It is just a possibility. For now, since your contractions have eased up, I would suggest taking a warm bath and resting while you can."

Ron stood up, checking his watch, "I'd better head home anyway. You know where to find me if you need me."

Hermione swallowed tears as Harry hugged Ron, "Mum, Dad, and Daddy are all staying in the waiting room until they kick them out. But you know that you are the first one we are calling."

Ron walked over and placed his hand next to the glowing monitor orb on Hermione's belly, "Jamie, Uncle Ron's headed home, but I'll see you in the morning."

Hermione hugged him and then watched Harry walk Ron to the door.

"Ready to stand?" The nurse asked.

Hermione nodded as she stood up, and the nurse helped her remove the monitor. "Let us get you into the tub to relax. Once you are settled, we will bring a recliner bed in for Mr. Black so you can both rest until it is closer to time."

*~*~* July 30, 2008 – One in the morning (Forty Weeks Along) *~*~*

Hermione moaned as another contraction came so intensely that she closed her eyes as the contraction swept through her back and pelvis. Bracing herself against the bed since the contractions were more intense while sitting or lying, she leaned onto the mattress as she tried to breathe through the pain.

At her side was Harry, rubbing her back, worried, "What can I do?" he asked, pressing into her lower back.

Hermione closed her eyes, moaning through another contraction, "Get the nurse. I cannot take it anymore."

Harry moved over to the door, "Nurse? Healer Littrell?"

Hermione sighed in relief as she heard the hurried footsteps approaching, and Healer Littrell entered. "Are we feeling like we need to push?" she asked, moving to the monitors.

Hermione shook her head, groaning at another contraction. "No, just," she moaned as the contraction became more intense.

Harry answered for her, "Her contractions are much more intense, and she can't sit or lie down without making them worse due to pain in her back," he explained, rubbing circles on her back.

Healer Littrell nodded, "Hermione, I need you to lie back just for a moment so I can check you," she told her, "I think we may be ready to head to the delivery suite."

Hermione eased herself back into bed. After a quick examination, Healer Littrell smiled, "You are at six centimeters. I will prepare the delivery suite."

As Healer Littrell left, Hermione swallowed hard, "I'm scared."

Harry kissed her hand, "We can do this together," he promised.

An orderly appeared at her door and walked over to unlock the brakes on Hermione's bed. "All right," he said, "Let's go have a baby."

Hermione closed her eyes as her bed was wheeled to the delivery suite. Healer Littrell was already there. "All right, Hermione. I am going to give you the magical epidural, and hopefully, it will calm your contractions down."

Harry paced as Healer Littrell and the nurse prepared her. The nurse glanced at Harry and said, "How are you doing there, Dad?"

"Just worry about her," Harry told them.

"You should start feeling some relief in 5…4…3…2…1," Healer Littrell stated.

Hermione exhaled, "Everything just went numb."

"Now, because you have the epidural, minimal walking. I do not want you falling," Healer Littrell said as she helped Hermione lay back down. "Try to get some rest while you can." She glanced in Harry's direction, "You too, Dad."

*~*~* July 30, 2008 – Five in the morning (Forty Weeks Along) *~*~*

Thanks to the magical epidural, Hermione was enjoying a couple of hours of rest when a sudden and overwhelming urge between her legs woke her up. It was as if she had to push urgently.

"Harry!" she gasped, grabbing his arm. "Harry, wake up! I need to push!"

Harry jolted up from his recliner and ran to the door. "She needs to push!" he called into the hallway and rushed back over to her. Grabbing her hand, Harry kissed her head, "They are coming."

"This is nothing like the parenting project in our seventh year!" Hermione moaned, gripping the bedrail as Healer Littrell and her nurses rushed into the room.

"Is it time?" Healer Littrell asked as she moved to the foot of Hermione's bed and put her feet up on the footrests, "Oh yes, it is. I see black hair."

"Black hair?" Hermione gasped out.

"All right, Hermione," Healer Littrell told her, "On the next contraction, I want you to push."

As the contraction hit, Hermione bared down, pushing with all her strength as Harry and Healer Littrell encouraged her.

Four minutes later, Hermione's energy was weak, and she laid her head back against the pillow, "I cannot do this. I just can't."

"Yes, you can," Harry said as he kissed her, "You are the most powerful woman I know. You are beautiful and wonderful, and I thank my lucky stars every day that you walked into that compartment and took mercy on me. Now, push!"

Hermione gripped his hand, took a deep breath, and pushed through the pain. Screaming at the effort, the lights all around them flickered. The lightbulb above Hermione's head shattered with a pop as Harry pushed magic and energy to her through their bond.

"There we go! His head is out!" Healer Littrell announced, "Now, just the shoulders. One more big push, Hermione!"

Harry went to move to peek over her leg, and Hermione yanked him back by his shirt, "No fucking way!" She yelled as she gave one last push.

Laughing, Harry pressed his forehead to her. Staring into his eyes as she pushed, Hermione felt a sense of relief and then heard a strong cry.

"He's here!" Healer Littrell announced.

Hermione sunk back on the bed in relief, saying, "Oh my god!" as tears filled her eyes. Lifting her head, Healer Littrell lifted their son into the air. In front of her was a small, wiggling, slimy baby with a full head of dark hair. He was tinier than Hermione thought he would be but loud, showing how well his lungs worked as his face scrunched while he flailed.

"He's here," Harry whispered, "Oh Merlin, Hermione. He is here."

"Daddy, would you like to cut the cord?" Healer Littrell asked, wiping Jamie down before laying Jamie carefully on Hermione's chest.

With a trembling hand, Harry took the scissors, swallowed hard, and cut Jamie's umbilical cord. His eyes filled with tears as she took Jamie into her arms with a sob. Looking up at him through her own tear-filled eyes, she sobbed, "We have a son."

Hermione kissed Jamie's little head, "Why did you feel so big coming out? Look at his hair already!"

Harry laughed as he leaned down to kiss Jamie's forehead. "The Potter curse, I am afraid, my love. Hello Jamie."

Jamie's cries softened as he settled into Hermione's chest.

"We're going to take him and clean him for a moment and get you settled, Hermione," Healer Littrell said, gently lifting Jamie from her chest. She looked at Harry as Hermione wiped her eyes and laid back, feeling the most exhausted she had ever felt. "Harry, once we have him cleaned up, I suggest some skin-to-skin while we get Hermione ready to return to your room. It will help him regulate and get cozy with you."

Hermione smiled as Harry quickly removed his shirt and followed the nurse to the small bed to be weighed and cleaned. Harry reached down, and Jamie took his finger in his tiny hand. She watched Harry's Adam's apple jump as he swallowed hard. "Hi Jamie, I am right here. Daddy is here."

"Hermione, you may feel a little pinch. Thanks to magic, you will feel back to normal in no time," Healer Littrell told her as she sat back on her stool.

Hermione paid no attention to Healer Littrell as the nurse placed Jamie into Harry's arms. Supporting his head, Harry placed Jamie on his chest, resting his head against his shoulder. Tears slid down Harry's face as he looked at Hermione, "Welcome to the family, kiddo."

*~*~* July 30, 2008 – Six in the morning *~*~*

After the orderly pushed her bed back into her room, Hermione sighed in relief as she settled back into her private room. The orderly left her, Harry, and Jamie with only one nurse who remained.

"Way to go, Mumma," the nurse said, shutting the door behind the orderly. "I am Taylor, your lactation nurse. You wanted to try breastfeeding, correct?"

Hermione nodded as she yawned. Taylor came over and raised the head of the bed to a comfortable angle, helping Hermione sit up. She placed a pillow on Hermione's lap and glanced at Harry, "Let us see if he is interested in his first feed. Daddy, if you would."

Harry leaned down, kissing Jamie's head before carefully placing him in Hermione's arms, "I'll go call Ron and check if the grandparents are still around," he told her as he kissed Hermione and then slipped out of the room.

With Taylor's guidance, Hermione successfully got Jamie to latch on with only one correction. The feeling was surreal, and a wave of tears threatened to come. This was the one area she worried about the most. All the books in the world would not help if she and Jamie could not figure out a way for him to latch. She smiled down at him, "I did it."

"That you did," Harry said with a smile as he stepped into the room, "It is just Sirius here. Mum and Dad went home around one when we finally got some sleep." He poked his head out the door, "Hermione is feeding Jamie."

Sirius entered with his hand over his eyes. "I don't care if you don't, but if you do, I'll wait out there," he said with a laugh. "I'm sure I'll see plenty over the next year."

Hermione chuckled, exhausted, "At this point, I'm too tired to care," she replied quietly as she watched Jamie's eyes flutter open, "Harry, his eyes are open again. Look."

Harry came over next to her and looked at Sirius. "Well, look at that. He has Black eyes."

Hermione looked down as Jamie stopped sucking, "Oh no, he stopped."

Taylor moved closer, "That is because he fell asleep. It is perfectly normal for a first feed. He has had an exhausting day."

Hermione carefully adjusted her gown. She glanced up and saw Sirius gazing at Jamie.

"Hey, Granddad," Hermione said smiling, "Want to meet your grandson?"

Sirius shook his head, "How about Papa? I am too young to be a granddad."

Hermione laughed as he came forward, stood beside her, and looked at Harry, "If only Prongs could see this." Sirius cleared his throat as he looked at Harry, "He looks so much like you did as a baby, Harry. He has the Black chin, though," he said, looking at Hermione, "You do too."

Hermione grinned, "So, want to hold him, Papa?"

Sirius closed his eyes and opened them, a tear falling. "I was the first one to hold Harry. Now, I am the first one to hold your son? Life is… great."

Harry gently lifted Jamie from Hermione's arms and placed him in Sirius's arms, "Sirius, meet Jamie Sirius Daniel Potter."

Sirius looked at Jamie in awe. "Your parents would be so proud, Prongslet," he whispered. "Way to go." He looked down at Jamie. "We must find the perfect Marauder nickname for you, just like we did for Teddy. But that can wait until you are bigger and have more personality."

A yawn escaped Hermione, and Sirius looked at her and then back at Jamie. "All right," he said softly. "I think it is time I gave you back to your Mumma and Dadda. It looks like you all need some rest."

Gently, he returned Jamie to Hermione and hugged Harry tightly. "I'm so proud of you, of you both. Get some rest. Juliet, Dan, and I will be back at noon," he promised.

Sirius and Taylor quietly stepped out of the room, leaving them alone for the first time.

Hermione sighed, looking up at Harry, "I'm so fucking exhausted but so damn happy at the same time."

Hermione stared at Jamie, "Look at him. Harry. He is simply perfect. Can you believe we created this?"

Harry leaned down and kissed her, "I think he looks like you."

Hermione laughs, "I think he's your mini-me and has Sirius's chin."

"Well, he is named Jamie Sirius, so it's only fitting," Harry said, running his finger over Jamie's face as she yawned. "How about you try to get some sleep?"

Hermione bit her lip, "I do not want to miss a second, Harry. I do not want to return to work right now. Can I be a stay-at-home mum?"

Harry laughed, taking Jamie, "I think that will change. He's only an hour old, My." He placed him on the warming bed and swaddled him with the thin muslin blanket, "While he sleeps, let's get a nap."

Hermione winced as she moved over and patted the bed. Harry crawled into bed next to her, wrapping her in his arms. "You were amazing," he said.

Hermione glanced over at Jamie's tiny bed, then relaxed into Harry's arms as she drifted off.

*~*~* July 30, 2008 – Noon *~*~*

The hum of a one-way conversation drew Hermione to the edge of consciousness. The voice was familiar, drawing her from sleep.

"You know, they've always been the more affectionate of us three, Jamie," Ron said quietly, "When your Mum was petrified our second year, she ran straight to your dad when she woke up. So, you better get used to it. They're two of the best people you'll ever know. You're so lucky they are your Mum and Dad, and wait until you meet your brother Teddy. He's so excited to meet you. And your cousins, Lorcan and Lysander, they are great fun. Your poor Mum and Aunt Luna are surrounded by all of us boys. Maybe after your Aunt Luna and I get married, we can break the Weasley curse again."

Hermione's eyes fluttered open, and she looked towards Ron as he paced the room, cradling Jamie gently in his arms. His smile got larger when their eyes met.

"Well, it looks like Mummy is awake," he told Jamie. "So, how does it feel?"

Hermione smiled back, "It does not feel real. How long have you been here?"

Ron slowly rocked Jamie. "I came in an hour ago. I just wanted to let you both get some sleep. He started fussing just five minutes ago," he said as he looked down at Jamie. "He is going to be a good baby. I can tell. He didn't even cry when I picked him up. He knew Uncle Ron's voice, didn't you, Jamie?" He walked over to her bed, rocking the baby lightly, "I think he may be hungry, though. Just before you woke up, he tried sucking on my chest."

Hermione laughed, holding out her arms, "Give me my kid."

Ron chuckled as he handed Jamie over. He fussed briefly before settling into Hermione's arms, relaxing against her chest. She glanced up at Ron, "Either look away or leave," she told Ron, already pulling down her gown.

Ron slapped his hand over his eyes dramatically, peeking through his fingers, "Did he latch? Okay, safe to look."

Hermione laughed, "Ron, are you afraid of nipples?"

"Yours? Absolutely. Harry would kill me," He joked with a grin.

"Yes, I would," Harry mumbled, his voice groggy with sleep as he stirred beside Hermione. Snuggling into her neck, he pressed a kiss to her shoulder. "Hey, Mumma. How is he doing?"

"Eating," Hermione replied with a smile, noticing the bags under his eyes, "Did you get any sleep at all?"

Harry groaned as he rolled out of her bed, stretching, "He woke up two hours ago with his first dirty diaper. I am sorry I didn't wake you, but you needed the rest."

Hermione laughed, wincing at the soreness in her body, "I'm okay with missing that first milestone."

Ron sat on the foot of her bed and looked between them, "So, how's it feel being parents?"

"It hasn't even been twelve hours yet," Hermione told him, "Give it more time to set in."

"What time was he born?" Ron asked.

"5:23 a.m.," Hermione answered. "He was eight pounds, one ounce, and 50 centimeters long."

Ron barked out a laugh, "I was so close. I thought he'd be born on Harry's birthday. Neville and George won the pool with their guesses. Should've stuck with George, even if Trelawney was nuts."

Hermione rolled her eyes as a soft knock came on the door to her room. Harry moved towards the door as Sirius poked his head in, grinning at seeing her feeding Jamie. "I have impeccable timing as always," he stated as he popped his head back out, "She's feeding Jamie."

Hermione glanced at Jamie, who had slowed down his nursing, "I think he's nearly done. He is barely sucking now."

Juliet stepped into the room and shut the door behind her. "Don't rush him," she told her gently as she tossed her handbag into a chair. Her face softened, and she put her hands to her mouth as she saw Hermione and Jamie. "Oh my word, look at you."

Jamie released with a soft smack of his lips, his tiny mouth pouting in a near smile. Hermione adjusted her gown, lifted Jamie to her shoulder, and patted his back. "You can let them in," she told Harry.

Harry opened the door wider to let Dan and Sirius in.

"Hey, Daddy," Hermione greeted Dan as Jamie uttered a tiny burp, "There we go."

"Oh, can I hold him?" Juliet asked as she reached into her bag and put sanitizer on her hands, rubbing it in thoroughly.

"Of course," Hermione said as Juliet took Jamie from her.

Juliet cradled Jamie in her arms. "Oh, he's so small," she said as her eyes filled with tears. "Jesus, I told myself I wouldn't do this."

Sirius chuckled, stepping beside her, "Pull yourself together before you scare our grandkid."

Dan walked up to Juliet's other side and peered down at Jamie. "Look at you, a little peanut," he said softly. Jamie reached his tiny hand outward, and Dan caught it carefully between his fingers. He looked at Hermione, "It doesn't seem like that long ago that you were this little."

Juliet sniffled, then handed Jamie to Dan, "Take him, take him," she said as she rummaged in her purse.

Dan adjusted Jamie and turned his head toward Juliet, "Are you okay?"

"I'm Just… emotional," Juliet replied, dabbing her eyes and blowing her nose. "This is… my baby had a baby."

Sirius wrapped his arms around her, "You need to calm down. You are going to raise your blood pressure. Do you need to step out?"

Juliet shook her head, "No." She closed her eyes and took a steady breath, "I can pull it together."

Hermione frowned, "Mum, are you having issues with your blood pressure?"

Juliet sighed and glanced at Sirius, exchanging a look before looking at Hermione. "We might as well tell them."

Hermione exchanged a worried glance with Harry, "Tell us what? Is something wrong?"

"No, not wrong. Per se," Sirius said as he looked at Juliet.

Juliet cleared her throat and wiped her eyes again, "Well, something I never thought I would say again. I am pregnant."

Hermione's jaw dropped, "What?"

Sirius scratched his head awkwardly, "Yeah, a bit of a surprise for us too. We didn't even think it was possible. How many weeks are we now?" he asked, turning to Juliet.

"Twelve today," she said, taking a deep breath, "I am considered very high risk because of my age. Honestly, I thought it was menopause. Then I went to the doctor a few weeks ago for an issue…surprise."

Harry blinked, "Wow, so when is the baby due?"

"The 11th of February," Juliet told them, "But we're not expecting me to go to full term. I've already had some complications. We weren't planning on telling anyone until closer to 20 weeks." She laughed, "I thought I was old at 30 having you, Hermione. I never expected to be fifty-nine and pregnant. I will turn sixty next year right before they are born."

Sirius chimed in, rubbing Juliet's shoulder, "We have already been to a magical specialist. Even though Juliet is not magical, the baby seems to be. Magical pregnancies can happen to older witches, such as your Grandma Euphemia. We have to be careful. More than likely, she will be on bed rest by Thanksgiving."

Hermione reached out, taking Juliet's hand, "Whatever you need, we are here. Holy crap, the baby will be younger than their nephews."

Sirius laughed, "Yeah, when we found out, we thought of that, too. After this one," he said, looking at Juliet, "we are done. No more babies for me. Two surprise pregnancies are plenty. I do not think your mum could manage another at her age."

Juliet elbowed him lightly, "Are you calling me old?"

Sirius grinned, "Yes, honey, we are."

Dan chuckled, "I know I am. Sixty-three years old, and I'm thinking of retirement."

Sirius puffed out his chest, "Well, I look damn good for 49, even though I am technically 39."

Juliet rolled her eyes, "He loves to remind me that I'm a cougar."

Sirius bent down and kissed her head, "A beautiful, sexy cougar, darling."

Ron jumped off her bed, "Well, glad to be here for the family when needed, but I'm going to go home and let Luna know he's here." Ron said as he squeezed Hermione's hand, "Want anything special to eat? I can bring it for dinner when Luna and I come back later."

"Pizza sounds so good right now," Hermione told him.

Ron laughed, "Cheese, mushroom, and green pepper pizza it is."

Hermione grinned, "I knew there was a reason you are his godfather."

Ron laughed as he hugged Harry, "Who else would you pick? See you in a bit."

Harry looked at Sirius after Ron left, "Can I talk to you out in the hallway?"

"Sure," Sirius said as he smiled at the girls, "Be right back."

Hermione looked at Juliet, "Well, at least you are prepared for a magical baby now."

Juliet shook her head, "I am not prepared for this baby. When they are thirty, I will be ninety, Hermione. I cannot believe this is even happening." Juliet bit her lip, "My doctor suggested ending the pregnancy because of my age, but my health is not poor. Sirius took me to your doctor, and she said that magical pregnancies are a little more… resilient than muggle pregnancies. Their magic, even in the womb, protects them and the mother. I am concerned but not worried. I have to take it very easy. I quit my job. It was only a few days a week, but Sirius has wealth. We agreed it would be better if I stayed home and took it easy."

"If you need anything, and I mean, anything. Let me know?" Hermione told her.

"Now, don't you worry. I will be fine," Juliet told her. "I have you, Harry, and Sirius, who will make sure I have the right care. You don't worry at all."

*~*~* July 30, 2008 – Six in the Evening *~*~*

Hermione and Harry were sitting on her bed watching the tele, Jamie nestled in Hermione's arms. When a knock sounded on the room's door, and Ron's voice filtered into the room. "Can we come in? I brought food."

Harry hopped off the bed and opened the door, "Hey guys, come in."

Ron and Luna walked in, and Ron proudly held up the pizza box, "Thought you might need this."

"Oh, thank you!" Hermione moaned at the scent of cheese, mushrooms, and green pepper. "You're officially my favourite person, Ron."

"I always knew I would eventually be," Ron grinned. "Take that, Potter." Ron walked over and dramatically whispered, "But don't tell Luna. She'll get jealous."

Luna placed the flowers in her hand on the counter, "I can share," she said as she looked at Jamie and cast a sanitizing spell on her body, "May I hold him?"

"Of course," Hermione said, carefully passing the sleeping Jamie into Luna's arms.

Luna gazed at him, "He is so cute. He is definitely a Potter. Your next one will look more Evans, I believe."

Hermione blinked, surprised, "Next one? How many…" she trailed off, closing her eyes and holding up her hand, "Nope, I don't want to know. Just give me my pizza."

Ron set the box on her bed, "For the record, she says we're going to have four kids together."

Hermione raised an eyebrow, grabbing a slice, "Including Lorcan and Lysander?"

Ron shook his head, "Nope, with the boys, we'll have six."

Hermione nearly choked on her pizza, "So your goal is to nearly match your parents?"

"No, it is just the Weasley genes. Apparently, we are blessed with high virility," Ron stated.

"That and I cannot keep my hands off him. One of the members of Dumbledore's Army will have a family of seven, though. Of course, the tarot cards could be wrong. They have been before," Luna said, swaying Jamie.

"Whatever you say, Luna," Hermione said as she looked at her friend, "You'll be Jamie's godmother. Won't you?"

Luna's eyes brightened, "Of course, I would be honoured."

Ron turned to them, "So, when do you and the little gnome get out of this place?"

Hermione's jaw dropped, "Don't call my son a gnome!"

"To answer your question, Ron. Tomorrow, and please, for the love of God, Ron, don't provoke her," Harry told him.

"Sweet, that will be a happy birthday to you, Harry," Ron said.

Harry smiled as he sat back on her bed, "Thanks, best one yet."

*~*~* July 31, 2008 *~*~*

The first ray of sunlight filtered through the hospital curtain as Harry stretched in the bed beside Hermione. Hermione had woken up earlier and had Jamie's nestled against her chest.

"Happy Birthday, Superman," Hermione said as he leaned up and kissed her.

"Best birthday ever," Harry said, kissing Jamie's forehead.

A soft knock on their door had Harry rolling out of bed to meet Healer Littrell at the door.

"Good morning," she said. "I heard from a nurse that someone has a birthday today."

Harry rubbed his eyes, putting his glasses back on his face, "Guilty as charged."

"Well, happy birthday," Healer Littrell said, "Let us make it even better. I am going to do a quick exam, and if everything looks good, you will be able to celebrate the rest of your birthday from home."

After a short examination of both Hermione and Jamie, Healer Littrell smiled, "Everything looks perfect. You are both in great shape. I will get your discharge paperwork ready, and you will be free to go shortly."

A short while later, the paperwork was signed, and their belongings packed as they made their way to the hospital's exit. Their car had already been pulled up around for them, and Harry snapped Jamie's carrier into the backseat before looking at Hermione.

"Are we ready for this?" He asked.

Hermione smiled, "Let's go home."

Harry opened the car door for her to climb into the backseat with Jamie, and they settled in for the short journey back to Juliet's house. After five minutes of careful driving, Harry glanced at Hermione in the rearview, "How's he doing?"

"Still asleep," Hermione told him.

Pulling into the drive, Juliet came out the front door to greet them, "How did he do?" she asked as Hermione gently exited the car.

"Slept the whole way," Hermione said as Harry popped Jamie out of the backseat.

"So, what are your plans?" Juliet asked as they set Jamie down.

Harry shrugged, "Honestly, I don't know, we figured we'd stay here today and then head home."

Hermione pulled Jamie out of his carrier and sat on the couch, "I thought we would stay here tomorrow and the next day just getting settled. Have Teddy come here tonight. Announce it to our friends. That way, they cannot overstay their welcome here if they come to visit."

Sirius grinned as he leaned on the doorway, "I'll kick them out if needed."

Hermione looked at Harry, "Can you get my purse? I will use my DA coin to alert everyone."

Harry pulled his wallet out of his back pocket to pull his own coin out, "What do you want to put on it?"

"Put 30 07 08 – 0523, many should understand," Hermione told him.

Harry took his wand out and cast the protean charm, adding the numbers, "It's out."

Dan walked into the room with a plate of fresh-baked cookies, "I brought the sweet stuff, and you brought my sweetheart." Dan set the plate on the table, "Now give me my grandson."

Hermione laughed as she handed him off and then took a cookie. "You always make the best cookies, Dad."

The fireplace lit up green, making Jamie fuss. Everyone turned as Teddy stepped through, and Kingsley followed.

Teddy set eyes on Jamie, and his hair turned blue, "Mumma!" he exclaimed as he rushed over to her, nearly tripping on his untied shoelaces.

Hermione hugged him as he sat next to her. "Hello, sweetheart. Are you ready to meet your baby brother?"

Teddy sat back on the couch and looked at Dan. "He's so tiny."

Dan walked over and handed Jamie to Hermione.

"This is your brother, Teddy. Teddy, this is Jamie," Hermione said, pulling back his blanket so Teddy could see Jamie's face. Jamie yawned and scrunched his nose, making Teddy laugh.

"He's so little," Teddy whispered as he reached out to touch him. "Wait, can I touch him?"

Harry walked over and used a sanitizing spell on Teddy's hands, "Yes, we just have to keep ourselves clean because he can get sick very easily."

Teddy reached for his tiny hand, and Jamie's fingers curled around one of Teddy's fingers, "He's holding my hand!" Teddy said, looking at Harry amazed.

Harry grinned and ruffled Teddy's hair, "He already likes you, Teddy. You are going to be a great big brother."

Teddy grinned. "I will teach him everything! Like how to play Gobstones and Quidditch and how to prank Uncle Ron," he giggled.

"Do you want to hold him?" Hermione asked.

Teddy looked at her wide-eyed, "I can?"

"Of course, Ted. You are his big brother," Hermione said as she looked at Harry, "You have to cradle his head in your elbow."

Harry helped Teddy with his arms, and Hermione gently placed Jamie in them.

Jamie gazed up at Teddy, cooing.

"Hey Jamie, I am going to teach you everything—maths and stuff, too. Mumma will have the reading thing, and Dadda is good at so much, too," Teddy told him. "I will always keep you safe."

Hermione wiped away the tears falling from her eyes.

Teddy looked at Hermione, "Does he always sleep?"

Harry laughed, "As a newborn, he will sleep a lot until he gets a bit older."

The floo lit up, and a voice said, "Is Hermione or Harry home?"

Harry walked over to the fireplace, "Hello Neville, Happy birthday."

"Happy Birthday. I just got the message. Is he here?" Neville asked.

Harry nodded, "Come on through, and you can meet him."

"Give me a moment," Neville told him as he disappeared.

Harry walked over to the coffee table and sat down, "So what do you think, Teddy?"

"He's cute," Teddy told him. "He looks like you but with Mumma's curls."

The floo lit up again, but Neville stepped through with a small bouquet of flowers in his hand.

"Hi, Hermione, Harry, Teddy," he greeted as his eyes turned to the baby in Teddy's arms, "And who is this handsome little man?"

Hermione smiled, "Neville, meet Jamie Sirius Daniel Potter," she said as she gently took Jamie.

Neville smiled, "Hey, birthday, mate. Merlin, he is perfect," Neville said, sitting next to Harry as he nudged him, "Congrats, Harry, Hermione."

"Thanks, Neville," Harry said, "How was your birthday?"

"Great, Hannah and I spent the day together," Neville said, looking at Jamie, "I cannot believe he was born on my birthday. At least it will be easy for me to remember."

Hermione grinned, "No Remembrall for this one. Would you like to hold him?"

Neville looked at her wide-eyed, "I might drop him."

"No, you won't," Hermione replied, "Have more confidence in yourself."

Neville was stiff as Hermione transferred Jamie into his arms.

"Just think, eleven more years, and you'll be his professor," Harry told him, "Relax, Neville."A/n:

Neville looked at Jamie and said, "Hello, birthday mate. I will teach you all about Herbology and be a good friend like your parents have done for me."

A/n: All my plans went out this week when I got sick. Whatever stomach virus went around my school was awful. I finally recovered and have written the first chapter of the sequel. I'm trying to do it differently than Enchanted because it is not in Hermione's POV. It will only be eight chapters at this point. Only two chapters to go and a little interlude afterward.

Thank you for the followers this week: Brittany1812, brittyBrat96, DaJoeShmoe247365, MrsKunkle, and Winsome248

Here is the preview of Invisible String in two weeks!

"Harry, he's beautiful," Lily whispered.

Harry grinned as he carefully picked Jamie up from his bassinet. He briefly stirred but settled into Harry's arms, where he carried him over to their portraits.

"Mum, Dad," Harry said, "Meet Jamie Sirius Daniel Potter."

James grinned, "So that's what Padfoot and I would look like combined!"

"Honestly, James," Lily huffed.

"What? Look at him!" James beamed, "Padfoot and I make handsome babies." Lily shook her head, "Juliet and I had something to do with it, you know."