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.

We could leave the Christmas lights up 'til January.
And this is our place. We make the rules.
And there's a dazzling haze, a mysterious way about you, dear.
Have I known you 20 seconds or 20 years?

Can I go where you go?
Can we always be this close forever and ever?
And ah, take me out, and take me home.
You're my, my, my, my
Lover

~ Lover by Taylor Swift

*~*~* July 11, 2008 (Thirty-Eight Weeks Along) *~*~*

Hermione adjusted her positioning in her chair as she looked over her notes one last time. It was her final day of work before her maternity leave, and Opal and her junior assistant, Anne, were going over her caseload and the new research projects they'd be handling in her absence.

"Now, I'll be taking two months off," Hermione stated. Keep up with the research and stay organized, and after two months, I'll be working a day a week in my home office to keep up. I believe in you two, and yes, even Amos, to keep things steady."

Anne nodded, "If we need anything, we promise we'll only reach out if it's life or death."

"And really, try to relax," Opal added with a smile, "We've got it covered. Trust us to handle things here."

Hermione winced, feeling a sharp cramp shoot through her leg, "Oh, fucking hell, leg cramp," she muttered, slowly standing up to stretch it out, "That's one part of pregnancy I won't be missing."

Opal and Anne chuckled as they helped her balance, "Just take it easy," Opal said, handing Hermione her purse, "Everything will be here waiting for you in two months, not a moment sooner."

Hermione smiled, "Thank you both. I trust you'll hold down the fort beautifully."

She exited her office only to find Harry talking to one of the interns. His face lit up when he saw her, and he stood up. "We'll talk later." He came over and met her. "Ready for two months of freedom?"

Hermione laughed, shaking her head. "I'm not sure it's complete freedom when I'll have a tiny human connected to me almost all day," she said, resting a hand on her belly. "But I'm going to love every moment of it."

Harry held his arm out with a playful grin. "My lady, are you ready to leave this joint?"

She slid her hand into the crook of his elbow, "Thank you, kind sir. Let's go have a baby."

*~*~* July 14, 2008 (Thirty-Eight Weeks Along) *~*~*

The morning of Hermione's first official day of maternity leave, Hermione watched Harry grab his robes from the couch and tried not to cry.

Harry looked at her and smiled as he walked over and hovered over her. "I know this is hard for you, but it's going to all work out." Hermione accepted his kiss. "I know you don't take a break like ever, but this is two months of a break. Enjoy it."

Hermione sighed, "I know. It just feels like I should be doing something."

"You are," Harry said as he sat at her feet and rubbed them. "You are doing the hardest job in the world, making our son."

Hermione looked towards the door as it opened, "Mum? What are you doing here?"

"I thought we'd hang out until he comes. If you want, Sirius and I tried to get out of your hair, but we can come back here to help you two out until the end. Sirius can still hop in and out to check on the house, but let me tell you, Holly and Swift have everything covered there," Juliet told her, "Holly is a wonderful cook and has been teaching me some recipes."

Hermione smiled, "I'd love that, Mum. This is your house. You didn't even have to leave. I've told you that."

"I know, but you two are adults and shouldn't have to have the parents all up in your business," Juliet said as she set her bag down, "Now, Harry, shouldn't you be getting to work?"

Harry nodded, "I should. Call me if you need anything."

Hermione smiled, "I won't. Have a good day at work."

Harry leaned over and kissed her again, then stood up, "Thanks, Mum."

Juliet hugged him, "Go have fun."

Harry frowned, "Today is Azkaban Day. I hate having to go visit there."

Hermione watched the flames whisk him away and sighed, "I hate when he has to go there."

"How about I put some music on?" Juliet suggested.

Hermione yawned, "Sounds good."

Juliet sat down on the recliner, "Sleep nearly impossible?"

Hermione nodded, "Yep. He's just preparing me for being a newborn." She said, closing her eyes.

Soft music played in the background as Hermione relaxed. Absent-mindedly rubbing her belly through her tank top, she felt Jamie lazing around himself.

Opening her eyes, she looked at Juliet, "Mum, he's not kicking as much lately," Hermione said, watching her belly, "It's more of a lazing or flopping around. Is that normal?"

Juliet looked up from her book. "Honey, you are so tiny, and he's getting bigger daily. He's just running out of room in there."

Hermione nodded, relaxing, "You're right, but I still worry." She smiled as she felt the rhythmic movements within her belly, "Like right now, he has the hiccups."

Juliet set her book aside after making her page, "You had them so much when we were waiting on you, too. There are old wives' tales about things like that. Oh, heartburn. You said you haven't had much?"

"I've had more than I did before my pregnancy, but nothing horrid," Hermione told her.

"They say that the more heartburn, the more hair a baby will have. I had a horrid amount of it with you," Juliet told her as Hermione tried to get up, "Need a hand?"

"Nope, I got this," Hermione said, rolling a little to push herself up to stand, "Ooh."

Juliet was by her side instantly, "What is it?"

Hermione steadied herself. "My books said something about this 'lightening' feeling when he drops lower. My hips are feeling a bit strange," she took a deep breath. "I can breathe better now, but he is down on my bladder."

Juliet laughed, "That's a good sign. Means he's getting ready."

"Thank goodness," Hermione said as she shuffled toward the stairs, "Though now, I'm officially waddling. Look at me. I'm full-on penguin walking now."

Juliet smiled as Hermione approached the stairs, "You're just getting ready to be a mum, penguin walk and all."

*~*~* July 15, 2008 (Thirty-Eight Weeks Along) *~*~*

Hermione sat back on the couch after another trip from the bathroom and sighed as she rubbed her belly. It was only her second day of maternity leave, and the morning felt a bit too quiet with Teddy at camp this week, and Harry had already left for work. Her mum was in the kitchen when the floo lit up the living room.

Luna stepped through, a satchel against her hip and colourful bags in hand.

"Hello Hermione, Hello Juliet!" Luna greeted. "Would you mind if I hung out with you both today?"

Hermione narrowed her eyes with a smirk, "Harry asked you to come, didn't he?"

Luna just grinned and nodded, "He didn't want you to be bored, so I brought you a few fun things to keep us entertained. " She looked at Juliet as she walked into the room. "I heard you needed to go to the store. Please don't worry about Hermione. Go ahead. I'll keep her company."

Juliet hesitated, and Luna smiled, "You can even do something fun for yourself."

"Well," Juliet said, "If you are sure."

Hermione looked at her mother, "We've got it covered."

Luna grinned, "I brought the books for the zoo and some bridal stuff."

Hermione's eyes lit up as she saw the ledger for the Magical Creature Center, "Gimme, gimme, gimme! Luna, I love you. You know exactly what I need."

"They just did all the updates on all the animals, feeding schedules, magical care records, and all their latest reports. We are thinking of starting a breeding program with other magic zoos."

Juliet shook her head from the doorway, "You're supposed to be on maternity leave."

"This isn't work, Mum. This is fun," Hermione winked, already flipping through reports, "We're good, honestly. Go have some fun time to yourself."

Juliet shook her head, "All right. If you two are happy, I'll take you up on it. Call me if you need anything."

"So the Leprechauns have been working out well?" Hermione asked.

"Fabulous. As you see, they are very meticulous in their note-keeping, taking their jobs very seriously," Luna said as Juliet left the house.

*~*~* July 16, 2008 (Thirty-Eight Weeks Along) *~*~*

On Hermione's third day of maternity leave, she felt a bit of cabin fever. She was walking around the house looking for something to do when the floo lit up, and Ginny popped through.

Making eye contact, Ginny laughed, "I told him you wouldn't be able to stay on the couch for two weeks. You look like you're ready to run for it. Want to go for a walk? Is there a park nearby?"

Teddy practically flew down the steps, "Can we go to the park? Please, Mumma?"

Juliet exited the kitchen, "Hermione, you really should rest."

Hermione smiled. "Mum, Healer Littrell said that walking is good. We'll walk to the park, let Teddy play a bit, and then walk back. If I get too tired, I can always call you to come pick us up."

Juliet sighed, "All right, but please don't overdo it."

Stepping outside, Hermione took a big breath, "Fresh air!"

Ginny smiled as she yelled to Teddy, "Not too far ahead!"

The park was nearly within sight of the house, so they didn't have to walk far. The afternoon sun felt good on Hermione's skin as they slowly strolled at her pace. When they reached the park, Teddy immediately took off to the playground. Hermione and Ginny found a nearby bench where they could see Teddy and saw kids playing a football match.

Hermione gestured towards the kids. "That's football," she said. "It's played all over the world. America calls it soccer. Two teams try to score by kicking the ball into the opposing team's net. No hands are allowed, except for the goalie."

Ginny watched them, "So it's like Quidditch on the ground," she said, "But with one ball. I think Quidditch is more exciting. I can see why Muggles like it, though."

Hermione laughed, running her hand over her belly, "Quidditch is certainly flashier with all the flying and enchanted balls, but I think football has its charm. It's still intense in its own way. Daddy used to get so into it."

They sat quietly for a bit as Teddy chased after the other kids. Jamie gave a sharp jab, and Ginny looked at her, "He's active today."

"He is active when I'm not. I think he will be more Harry than me," Hermione chuckled. "Or maybe he's just as eager to get out as I am and wants me to keep moving."

Ginny smiled, "Only a bit longer, and soon, Teddy will be a babysitter."

*~*~* July 17, 2008 (Thirty-Eight Weeks Along) *~*~*

On the fourth day of Hermione's maternity leave, she was dozing comfortably on the recliner, one hand on her belly, the house quiet as Juliet had stepped out to take Teddy to a friend's house, when the floo network lit up, waking her up.

Hermione groaned when she saw Pansy stepping through, "Did Harry bother you? Pansy, I'm so sorry. I'm really fine with just me and Mum."

Pansy smirked, setting down her bag, "Bitch, please. Like I'd be here if I didn't want to be."

Hermione laughed as Pansy unloaded a stack of magazines onto the coffee table, "What's all this?"

Pansy sat down on the sofa nearest to her, "Well, for starters, fashion magazines. I need to start thinking of the Winter and Spring lines. I need ideas and your distractions. Plus," she said as she pulled out a couple of thicker bridal magazines, "Bride magazines. You need a dress for Ron and Luna's wedding because you know Lovegood will put you into some atrocity if you leave it up to her."

Hermione looked at her, amused, "Luna can be unconventional, but she has decent taste."

Pansy shot her a look, "Decent taste? Do you remember what she wore to the gala last time? A gown of silver streamers and peacock feathers."

Hermione laughed, "I forgot about that."

"Well," Pansy said, flipping through the magazines, "She refused my help on her own dress. Made a comment about how she didn't need one at all."

Hermione froze, "You don't think she's planning on getting married naked, do you?"

Pansy looked horrified, "That was the old practice to get blessed by the fertility goodness. With Luna, anything is possible. Merlin, I hope not. That means Weasley would be naked, too." She shuttered, "If you find an elegant, simple dress, maybe she'd change her mind."

As they flipped through the magazines around them, Hermione looked up at her, "Thank you, Pansy. I know I said I didn't need it, but company is nice."

"Well, you can pay me back by letting me go nuts on your nursery when you FINALLY get one. I can't believe it's not driving you nuts," Pansy stated.

Hermione smiled, "I want him in with us as long as I can."

"You say that now, but once you can start having sex again, you won't," Pansy told her with a grin.

*~*~* July 18, 2008 (Thirty-Nine Weeks Along) *~*~*

Hermione was lying on the recliner, arm draped over her face, pretending to sleep so that Molly would not bother her anymore. She was dozing, but not fully asleep when someone lifted her arm, and she gently cracked an eye open at his touch. When brown eyes met green, she sighed in relief.

"Oh, thank God. Get her out of here," Hermione whispered.

Harry laughed as he leaned down and kissed her, "Is Molly driving you nuts?"

"Be quiet. Yes!" She hissed, "I have to pee so bad that I might just pee myself standing up, but I was pretending to be asleep so that she'd stop trying to make me eat. First, it was a pie, then it was lunch, and then it was biscuits. I can barely eat as it is."

Harry stood back, "Go, My love. You're in the clear. I'll run interference."

He helped her stand as quietly as possible, putting the footrest down. Then, she hurried to the stairs.

At the footsteps, Molly came out of the kitchen and saw him, "Harry! You're home early!"

Hermione hurried up the stairs and heard Harry say, "Molly, thanks so much for hanging out with Hermione and Juliet today. It was a big help knowing she wasn't alone. I was able to come home a little earlier."

Shutting the door to the bathroom, Hermione used the toilet as quickly as possible and then sat there for a moment, catching her breath.

A knock sounded on the door, and it opened as Harry peeked in. "She's gone."

"Fuck yes," Hermione sighed in relief, "I love the woman, don't get me wrong, but she is worse than Mum."

Harry shut the door behind him, "Well, you are stuck with me for the rest of the weekend unless he decides to come this weekend. Draco told me to tell him to hurry the hell up, but I think that's just because he wants some power."

Hermione laughed as she wiped and then flushed the toilet.

"Do you want to take a bath?" Harry asked. "I could tell Mum to stay down there for a bit, and we could take a bath together."

Hermione smiled as she started washing her hands, "I'd love that."

Harry started the tub and kissed her cheek, "I'll be right back."

*~*~* July 21, 2008 (Thirty-Nine Weeks Along) *~*~*

Hermione looked up as she tucked another pillow under her legs. She was finally getting comfortable when Juliet entered the room, drying her hands on a towel.

"So, who is coming today?" Juliet asked.

"Not a clue. Luna is busy today, I know for sure," Hermione said, looking at the clock, "It's nearly nine, that is when…" she trailed off as the floo lit up and Daphne stepped through, "Daphne! What is all that?"

"I brought every color of nail polish I had. I figured we could do makeovers. Muggle nail polish is steps ahead of color-changing spells," Daphne said as she looked at Juliet. "Hello, Mumma Granger. How are you today?"

"Great. I'll leave you two girls to it," Juliet said with a smile.

"I'd be glad to do your manicure, too," Daphne told her.

"Maybe later. I'll be downstairs doing some laundry," Juliet stated.

Daphne started unloading her collection of polishes, "All right, pick a color. We have everything from 'Whispering Lilacs' to 'Crimson Heartbreaker'."

Hermione laughed as she grabbed a soft pink, "I'll go with something simple. It's not like I'll have a chance to repaint them once he's here."

"Good choice," Daphne said as she took out her nail kit to shape Hermione's nails.

After spending the morning watching movies and chatting, the doorbell rang as the afternoon started settling. Juliet got up to answer the door, and a woman walked in with a smile and a portable massage chair.

Hermione looked at Daphne in shock, "You didn't!"

"Oh, but I did. All of us girls went together for it. You are always so tense. Hopefully, he comes in the next couple of days, and you'll be all relaxed," Daphne told her.

Hermione swallowed back the lump in her throat, "How did I ever deserve such good friends?" she asked as a tear fell down her face.

Daphne smiled, "Because you are you. Now let Sarah work her magic," she said with a wink, "I checked with Dr. Littrell, and she said this was a great idea."

Hermione sat on the chair, and the masseuse started with her shoulders. Hermione felt as if she was melting as the tension slowly started releasing from her shoulders, "So fucking amazing."

*~*~* July 22, 2008 (Thirty-Nine Weeks Along) *~*~*

Ron stepped through the floo, and Hermione looked at Harry, "Do you WANT to send me into labour?"

Harry laughed as he buttoned his dress shirt, "Behave."

"He's who you need to talk to," Hermione said as Ron plopped onto the couch beside her.

"Go to work, I've got her," Ron said, kicking his shoes off to put his socked feet onto the coffee table. He looked at Hermione with a grin, "See that? I remember to take my shoes off now."

Hermione scoffed, "Luna's trained you well. She deserves an award."

Harry shook his head, "Call me if you need me."

"We won't need to sugarplum… sweetie pie… whatever sweet, gross names you call each other," Ron said as Harry put his robes on.

Harry rolled his eyes and walked over to her to kiss her. "Love you, My."

Hermione touched his face, "Love you too, be safe today," Hermione told him as he flicked Ron's head and walked over to the floo.

After Harry left, Ron turned to her, "My? You hated it when I called you nicknames. Herms, Mione…"

"My isn't for my name. It's for My Lady," Hermione clarified.

"I never thought I'd see the day that you allowed a pet name," Ron said as he turned the television on.

Summoning her knitting, she started working on the little jumper for Jamie in the winter.

"That for the little guy?" Ron asked as he watched her knit in the muggle way.

Hermione nodded, "Just a little jumper. I'm sure Molly knitted him enough to last through his first five birthdays."

"Nah, this one is special. Coming from his mum and all," Ron said as he stared at her belly. Hermione watched his face slowly grow pale.

"What?" Hermione asked, "Is there something on my face?"

Ron's mouth opened and closed a few times before he blurted out, "Holy shite… one of us is going to be a parent. Two of us. Oh, Merlin, Hermione... you're having a baby!"

Hermione stared at him, slowly blinking as she tried not to laugh. "Ron… honey, you have Luna and TWO kids. Not to mention that Harry and I already have Teddy."

"No, no," Ron continued as his ears slowly turned red, "but this is US. Me, you, and Harry. I mean… when did… we're… we're adults… with responsibilities. Holy Merlin's left ball sack, when did we get old?"

Hermione chuckled as she lowered her knitting to her belly, "Head between your knees, Ron."

Bending over and taking deep breaths between his knees, Hermione patted his back. Juliet returned to the room and raised an eyebrow, "What on Earth is happening here?"

"Reality just caught up with him," Hermione told her as she resumed her knitting.

Ron looked up, panic in his eyes, "Oh Merlin, I'm getting married in three months! I think I'm gonna be sick."

Crawling over her legs, he darted toward the bathroom, and Juliet looked at Hermione, who sighed, "Ron… has this… well, tendency to freak out under pressure," Hermione explained, "I blame Molly. She babied him his entire life, so he still hasn't completely shaken it. Just let him work through it for a moment. He'll be fine once it's over."

Juliet nodded as she sat in the recliner.

A few minutes later, a slightly pale but more composed Ron reappeared. Sighing deeply as he dropped on the couch beside her, Hermione patted his arm, "Feel better?"

He took a deep breath, nodding, "Just needed a minute." He looked at her belly again, "I can't believe you're having a baby in a few days, Hermione. You're gonna be an amazing mum. Bloody hell, look, you've been taking care of me and Harry for almost 20 years."

Hermione smiled, "Thanks, Ron, and don't worry, you'll be a wonderful husband to Hermione, and you've been a great bonus dad to the boys already."

Ron leaned against her and spent the rest of the day watching TV and chatting about old times and his family.

*~*~* July 23, 2008 (Thirty-Nine Weeks Along) *~*~*

Hermione stirred awake in the recliner and opened her eyes to see her Daddy talking with her Mum and Sirius. The sound of her dad's familiar voice made her blink back tears.

"Daddy," she whispered.

Dan turned, and his eyes lit up as he saw her awake, "Did we wake you, Princess?"

Hermione smiled, shaking her head as she tried to push the footrest down, "I don't sleep well anyway, so don't worry."

Dan moved to her side, "Don't you dare. I'll come to you." He helped her with the footrest and then supported her as she stood. Pulling her into a tight hug, he rested his chin on her head, "Pumpkin, it seems like there's something extra between us now."

Hermione laughed as Jamie flopped, "Your grandson is excited to see you, too."

Dan pulled back to look at her, "You look amazing, pumpkin."

Sirius sat down on the couch, "We've been telling her that, but she doesn't believe us."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Because I feel like a whale."

"You're smaller than your mother was," Dan teased, earning a nudge from Juliet as she went to sit next to Sirius, "Ow! It's true! She looked like a balloon by the end."

"That's because I had pre-eclampsia," Juliet explained, rolling her eyes.

Sirius looked at her, "What's that?"

"High blood pressure, which made her swell up like mad. She was on bed rest for the last three weeks," Dan explained, nodding at Juliet, "Doctors didn't think that Hermione would make it to her due date, but not our girl. You can't tell her that she can't do something, and she'll prove you wrong. She arrived precisely on time."

Hermione smiled as she sat back on the recliner, "I tried to be punctual even back then."

"You did," Dan said proudly, "I think you were even early to walk and talk."

"I was always early to classes, too. I think I only missed three classes, and I slept through it because I took every class that year and went to three classes at once with the time-turner. Harry came to find me and woke me up to tell me that I missed class," Hermione stated.

Sirius barked out a laugh, "Only missed one set of classes then. Meanwhile, during our Hogwarts days, we lost whole mornings after every full moon."

Dan looked at Sirius, curious, "Why every full moon?"

"Because of Moony, Teddy's father," Sirius said with a mischievous grin as she stood and transformed into Padfoot.

Dan's mouth dropped open, and he yelled, "Holy shit!"

Hermione laughed so hard that she had to hold her belly. "All right, I need to pee now, or it will be a mess in here," she said as she pushed herself up and headed to the stairs.

As she reached the landing, she heard her dad say, "Damn, no wonder I always thought you reminded me of a dog."

*~*~* July 24, 2008 (Thirty-Nine Weeks Along) *~*~*

Hermione made her way downstairs, one step at a time, feeling every ounce of extra weight she was carrying on what was hopefully the day before Jamie came. The house was quiet as she waddled into the kitchen, where she found Sirius at the table. His eyes were unfocused as he held a cup of coffee, lost in thought.

"Everything all right?" She asked.

Sirius jolted, nearly spilling his coffee, "Shite, Hermione, you scared me! I didn't hear you coming down the steps."

She chuckled, heading to the fridge. "You seemed to be in your own world. Everything okay?"

Sirius took a sip and then frowned at his coffee. "I must have zoned out for a while. My coffee has gone cold." He reheated it with a flick of his wand and took another sip before setting it on the table. "Hermione, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what's up?" Hermione said, pouring a glass of milk and leaning against the counter.

Sirius took a deep breath, "If I asked your mum to marry me, do you think she'd say yes?"

Hermione stared at him, shocked, "Seriously?"

Sirius grinned, "I'm always Sirius."

She groaned, unable to hold back a smile, "I walked right into that, didn't I? But yes, I think she would. You make Mum really happy. I can't see any reason she'd say no."

Sirius nodded, "I'll need to go to the vaults. The Black ring would be perfect."

Hermione walked over to him, "The opal one?" Hermione asked, settling slowly into a chair, "You might need to talk to Draco about that. He used it to propose to me."

Sirius tarted at her, then laughed, "Of course he did! Shite, guess I'll have to see what else is in the vaults." He noticed her milk, "Let me make you something to eat. Just drinking milk is not enough."

Hermione smiled, "Thanks, Sirius. Where's Mum, by the way?"

"Doctor's appointment," he replied, "Eggs? Sausage? Both?"

"I'll have whatever you make," she said, covering her yawn, "I hope he decides to come tomorrow. I'm so ready to be done."

Sirius glanced at her, "Do you feel anything different? Like a sign that maybe he's on his way?"

Hermione shook her head, "Not at all. Just… tired and impatient."

Sirius turned on the stove and cracked eggs into the pan. "Well, tomorrow just might be the day then."

*~*~* July 25, 2008 (Forty Weeks Along) *~*~*

Harry and Hermione arrived at the maternity clinic on Jamie's due date, eager for good news. Healer Littrell greeted them and led them to an exam room. After a quick exam, Healer Littrell put Hermione's sheet down and gave Hermione a smile, "Bad news."

Hermione groaned, "Please, no!"

"He's just perfectly content where he is for now. I see no signs of labour just yet."

Hermione groaned, covering her face, "I'm so tired of being pregnant. Isn't there anything we can do to help him get moving?"

Healer Littrell chuckled, "There are a few proven things and some old wives' tales. Walking, mild exercise, relaxation, and even a warm bath can do wonders. Hermione, babies just come on their own time, and as a first-time Mum, sometimes it takes longer."

After a drive to the park and walking around where Hermione was determined to walk at least a kilometer, Hermione waddled around determined to no avail. When they returned to the house, Hermione sank into the recliner with a sigh. Just as she went to put the footrest up, she felt a sharp pain in her leg, "Ow! Oh, bloody hell!"

Sirius, Dad, and Juliet rushed in from somewhere in the house as Harry nearly tripped on his trousers, pulling them up from the bathroom. "Is it time?" Harry asked.

"No, fucking hell, it's a leg cramp," Hermione groaned, trying to clutch her leg.

Juliet waved Harry off, "Go finish, I got her," she said as she sat on the coffee table and took her leg in her hands, "I'm guessing she said no signs of labour."

"No," Hermione sighed, closing her eyes, "I don't know if he's really my kid. He would be here by now."

Juliet chuckled, "Honey, there is no doubt. Even you can't pass down punctuality through the womb."

Sirius sat on the couch, "Have you tried bribery? That would work on James' half." He dropped to his knees beside her chair, "Jamie, it's Grandpa Sirius. I will get you your first broom if you come out now."

Hermione narrowed her eyes, "No, you won't."

*~*~* July 26, 2008 (Forty Weeks Along) *~*~*

One day past her due date, Hermione sat on the couch, rubbing her belly as she read her book. News had spread quickly through their friends that Jamie was late, and their friends had sent helpful messages and gifts to help her pass the time.

The floo flared, and Hermione looked up to see Neville coming through, who smiled as he saw her.

"So Hannah tells me that he hasn't come yet. I thought I'd bring some plant-related things that might help," Neville told her.

"I'll try anything at this point," Hermione said, sitting up straighter.

Neville sat down next to her as Harry returned to the room, "Hey Harry, I brought something over for dinner to help Hermione." Neville pulled two pineapples out of his rucksack, "The bromelain in pineapples is supposed to help induce labour," he explained, "I thought I'd make you some pineapple curry. Between the pineapples and the curry spice, it couldn't hurt."

Hermione rubbed her stomach, "At this point, I'll try anything."

"Come o,n Neville, I'll show you around our kitchen," Harry said as he led Neville into the kitchen.

Hermione drifted off as the scent of curry filled the house, and Harry brought her a plate.

"Eat up, Hermione. Let's see if it convinces him to come out," Neville said as he sat beside her.

As they ate, Neville told them stories of the new plants he was growing in the greenhouse, and they reminisced about their Hogwarts days.

Neville looked at her as she finished her plate, "Feeling anything yet?"

Hermione opened her mouth and burped. Blushing, "Just a lot of pineapple, thanks for trying, Neville. It was delicious."

"Well, at least I got a nice dinner with friends out of it," Neville told them with a smile.

*~*~* July 27, 2008 (Forty Weeks Along) *~*~*

Two days past her due date, Hermione was pacing slowly around the living room, feeling restless and achy. Rubbing her belly, she thought over all the advice everyone had given her, and her patience was thinning, "Why won't you just come out!" Hermione said to her belly.

The floo flared again, and Hermione sighed but smiled as Ginny stepped out, then Luna behind her. Once in the living room, Luna expanded a large, blue exercise ball.

Hermione stared at it, "What is that?"

"It's an exercise ball," Luna stated, setting it down in the middle of the living room with a small bounce, "I read that sitting and bouncing on one of these is supposed to help with labour. The man at the store assured me that it would work and said it was also good for your hips during labour. So you should bring it with you to the hospital."

Ginny laughed, plopped down on the ball, bouncing, "See? Easy peasy. You just have to get the hang of it."

Hermione watched her, "Knowing my luck. I'll just slide right off and end up with bruises. How about we do something safer? Let's go for a walk. Harry took Teddy to the park. We could walk there to meet them."

Ginny shrugged, and stood up, "All right, a walk it is. Probably more enjoyable than a ball bounce."

The three of them walked out of the house, and slowly down the street at Hermione's pace.

"Mumma!" Teddy yelled as he ran over to her.

Harry walked over to her, "You made it all the way here. How are you feeling?"

"Nothing, sadly," Hermione told him as he kissed her temple.

*~*~* July 28, 2008 (Forty Weeks Along) *~*~*

Three days past her due date, Hermione was dozing on the recliner when the floo flared, and Charlie walked through and saw her open her eyes, "Shite, I woke you up."

"No, I was just resting my eyes. What's up?" Hermione asked.

"Mum said there was still no baby," he said, holding up a steaming dish, "So I brought you something."

Hermione pushed down the footrest and accepted the dish. Lifting the lid, she gave it a sniff and waved her hand in front of her face, "No offense, but… what is that?"

"The world's spiciest chili. Made with dragon peppers from the preserve," Charlie said.

Harry came over, "I can smell that from here. Is that bubbling?"

"It's very spicy," Charlie told them as Harry went into the kitchen to get a spoon.

Taking the spoon, Hermione took a tiny bite. The flavor hit her tongue, spicy but manageable for just a millisecond before the afterburn hit. Her eyes went wide, and Harry grabbed the dish as she shot up from the recliner and waddle rushed over to the sink to run water in her mouth straight from the spigot, "Holy shit is that hot. I couldn't eat enough of it to put me into labour if I wanted to!"

Harry sniffed it, then reached over and took a bite for himself. It took him a couple of seconds longer before he, too, bolted for the sink and stood right next to Hermione, splashing his mouth, "Holy fuck Charlie. That should have a warning label."

Charlie frowned, sniffing the chili, "I may have added too many peppers. I think I used six."

Hermione shot him a look as she ate bread, "Charlie, one dragon pepper would have done the job."

*~*~* July 29, 2008 – 6 AM (Forty Weeks Along) *~*~*

Four days past her due date, Hermione woke up in the early hours of the morning, realizing she felt no different than the day before, and tears slid down her cheeks as she lay in bed. Her body was still achy, her back still sore, and to her frustration, she felt no closer to labour than she had the night before. Her quiet sobs stirred Harry, who rolled over and rubbed his eyes in the low light.

"Hermione?" He said quietly as he brushed the tears from her cheek, "What's wrong?"

"I'm just so tired of being pregnant," she sniffled, "Everyone's given their best ideas, and none of them have worked. Our kid is the most stubborn baby in the world."

Harry chuckled as he ran his hand soothingly down her arm, "Are you really surprised?"

She laughed, "No," Hermione admitted, "I should have seen it coming."

Harry kissed her shoulder, "You know, all those baby books. They all mentioned one thing that we haven't tried yet."

"Are you serious? We've tried every… seriously? You still want to have sex with me like this?" Hermione said in disbelief.

Harry's grin widened in the dark, "Hermione, you're beautiful and very, very sexy."

Hermione bit her lip, "Alright. Silence the room then."

Harry reached for his wand, "Alright, how are we going to do this?"

"I have to be on top," Hermione told him.

With his help, Hermione climbed onto his lap, settling against his raised legs so that her legs were open for him giving him perfect access to her clit.

Hermione's head fell back in pleasure as Harry's fingers worked their magic, "Oh fuck, Harry," she said, rocking against his fingers, "I need you inside me."

Harry helped her slide onto him and let her set a pace that was comfortable for her. As she slowly rocked onto him, Harry reached up and began to play with her nipples, pinching and twisting them gently.

"Shit," Hermione moaned, trying to move faster on him.

"Come for me, My," Harry commanded as his fingers found her clit.

Hermione cried out as she felt her orgasm hit her, and Harry followed her over the edge.

Harry groaned as she moved off him, "We still got it!"

"I'm going to be feeling that later," Hermione sighed in relief, "But so worth it."

*~*~* July 29, 2008 – 11 AM (Forty Weeks Along) *~*~*

Hermione sat on the couch, watching TV with Crookshanks snuggled up against her side. Running her fingers through his thick fur was a comfort as she felt a weird crawling of antsiness under her skin. Harry entered the room with a glass of water and paused, seeing Crookshanks cuddled up at her side.

"Is Crooks… snuggling?" Harry asked, surprised.

Hermione chuckled as she petted Crookshanks, and he purred loudly, "A bit unusual, but he's getting funny too in his old age," she said with a smile as he sat on the other side of Crookshanks who preened as Harry ran his hand, down his back.

From his spot on the floor, Teddy looked up from his Matchbox cars, "He's happy though, Dadda. Can you hear him purring?"

Hermione smiled, "He is, in fact, he must be feeling our excitement."

Teddy nodded as he looked at Hermione's legs, "Mumma, can I make your legs a road?"

"Sure, Teddy," She agreed, "A little leg massage with those little wheels sounds great."

Teddy set his cars on her shins and started driving them around, making car noises. Hermione looked at Harry, "Could you grab my phone? I want to call Neville and wish him happy birthday in case tomorrow gets… busy."

Harry handed her his own phone, "Any signs yet?"

She shook her head, "Nothing different. Just the same aches as usual."

She dialed Neville, putting the phone on speaker as it rang.

"Harry?" Neville answered.

"Harry, Hermione, and Teddy," Hermione told him.

"So I'm guessing no luck so far," Neville stated.

"Still no Jamie," Hermione told him with a sigh as she adjusted herself, "I'm just trying to relax, but I wanted to call and wish you happy birthday early, just in case."

"Thank you. Tell him I'm okay with sharing a birthday with him if he ever decides it's time. Though, at this rate, he might prefer his dad's birthday," Neville teased.

Hermione laughed, then stopped as she felt a slight wetness between her legs. She swallowed hard, "Neville, I have to go. Talk to you later. Have a wonderful birthday."

She tossed the phone on the couch and looked at Harry, "Can you help me up? I think I need to go upstairs."

Sirius strolled in the room, "Everything all right, kiddo?"

Hermione sighed, "If you must know, I think I just peed myself a little." She said as Harry helped her up then ran upstairs to get her some new knickers.

Teddy giggled, "Ew, Mumma!"

Sirius chuckled, "Kicked you too hard?" he asked as she waddled past him.

Hermione shook her head but grabbed his arm as a wave of pain hit her. She looked into her father's eyes, "Actually… I think that was a contraction."

Sirius' face lit up, "Harry! We're in business!"

Juliet ran into the room, "What's going on?"

Teddy looked at her, "Mumma peed herself, then had contractions!" Teddy announced.

Hermione laughed as she straightened, "I think it was my water breaking."

"All right, I'll call Healer Littrell," Harry said, grabbing his phone.

Hermione started going up the stairs, wincing as another contraction hit, "But first, I still need to pee."

Juliet caught up to her, "I'll help you, sweetheart. Are they bad?"

"Not really, more like a period cramp," Hermione told her, "I think I've been having them all morning, honestly. It's just stronger."

Hermione saw Sirius ruffle Teddy's hair, "Get ready to be a big brother, Ted Man."

a/n: Only three chapters remain. I have officially finished it and have begun writing the sequel. I have the next two weeks off for Christmas break and plan to finish the sequel within that time. Die With a Smile isn't going to be long, possibly ten short chapters or less. Dependent on how the muses go. This is a concept that I've thought of for a while and don't see much of, so I wanted to attempt it. I hope it goes as well as I wish it will. Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays to everyone else!

Thank you for the new followers this week: Yuki Minamoto, laghd7, kaitboxell, and as always, thank you, Hudy Leak613, for your review!

Preview of next week's chapter, Never Grow Up (2008).

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."