A/N: I do not own any characters referenced by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series and do not endorse her comments. This story is entirely my imagination. I do not profit from it and will not pay for any art commissions related to this story.
In my world before you,
I lived outside my emotions.
Didn't know where I was going,
'Til that day I found you.
How you opened my life
To a new paradise
In a world torn by change
Still with all my heart
'Til my dying day
I do cherish you (I'll cherish you, my baby)
(This much I know is true)
For the rest of my life
You don't have to think twice.
~ I Do (Cherish You) by 98*
Hermione turned to face him, "Do the test."
Harry looked at her, surprised. "The test?"
She nodded, "I nearly got sick earlier smelling fish, just like when we were on the hunt. I nearly got sick apparating here, and if you remember…"
"They're both things that happened when you were pregnant, and we didn't know it," Harry breathed.
Hermione took his hand, "What if those tests were bad? They were kind of on clearance."
Harry laughed, "You bought pregnancy tests on clearance?!"
"Why pay too much to just throw them away? Plus, it was a good deal," Hermione said with a grin as she took his hand and rested it on her stomach. "Do the test."
Harry nodded. "Okay," he said, removing his wand from his holster. She noticed his hand tremble ever so slightly as he placed the tip gently on her lower abdomen. "Revelior Conceptius." He whispered.
Golden light spread outward beneath his wand, and Hermione reached for Harry's free hand.
Together they held their breath for a heartbeat when nothing happened. Then, a sphere of warm golden light formed, hovering between them. Within it, a brilliant point of white light pulsed.
Harry's eyes widened as he looked at her. "It's…" His voice cracked. "It's positive."
Neither of them moved until the realization hit them, and Harry dropped his wand on the floor as he laughed.
He wrapped his arms around Hermione's waist and lifted her off the floor, spinning her around his grandparents' study. "We did it!"
Hermione burst into laughter, burying her face into his neck as tears streamed from her eyes. "I love you so much."
Harry set her down long enough to cradle her face, to kiss her forehead, and each tear-streaked cheek. Finally, he kissed her lips, his own eyes full of tears. "Thank you." He kissed her again, "Thank you." Hermione giggled as he kissed her again. "Thank you." She looked at him as he beamed down at her. "Thank you for giving me the family I never thought I'd ever have."
Hermione cupped his face. "You gave me one too."
"Congratulations!"
Both of them jumped and looked across the room to the two portraits hanging above the fireplace to find Fleamont and Euphemia Potter beaming. "Congratulations to another Potter! You've done brilliantly, both of you," Fleamont said.
Harry reached for Hermione's hand and pulled it up to kiss it. "I cannot wait."
Together they left the study and walked back out to the greenhouse. Briar Rose saw both their faces. "Everything okay?"
Harry kissed the side of her head. "Never better."
~*~*~
After their pictures, Hermione and Harry apparated to the Burrow just as the sun completely settled beneath the horizon. The Burrow seemed to disappear beneath the thousands of tiny lights in the back garden.
Harry had used the familiar frame of the Weasley tent, but it barely resembled a tent at all. Harry had rigged up nearly a thousand strands of lights overhead that sparkled like stars. Hermione stared up in wonder as she realized that there was no canvas roof. The late November sky was dark blue overhead as the first stars tried to emerge.
Stepping inside, it felt like slipping into a warm bath of warming charms after walking through the early winter air.
Long tables filled the centre of the frame of the tent, which were decorated with candles in glass jars and vases filled with flowers.
Hermione smiled. No orchestra or string band. No ministry officials other than Arthur to stage. Just their family and friends, those that truly mattered.
Harry pulled her hair out for her before sitting beside her and draped his arm over the back of her chair.
Bill raised his glass, "To the Granger-Potters!"
Everyone echoed his sentiment as Bill smiled across the table, "How did you decide on Granger-Potter for both of you?"
Harry took her glass and moved it down beneath the table to do a quick spell to remove the alcohol from it as he looked at Hermione, "Because if I want to drop Potter, I can just use Granger and not be Harry Potter for a moment." Harry shrugged, "It gives me options."
He smiled at Hermione, "In professional circles, we can still use our own last names without me confusing my patients." He lifted his own glass. "Plus I'm a modern wizard. In the Muggle world, some are hyphenating both their names together for a combined last name, so we thought it worked perfectly."
Hermione leaned over and kissed his cheek before resting her head on his shoulder. "Still say Harry Granger would have been good, but I like a modern wizard."
Harry smiled against her hair. "Thank goodness."
Briar Rose smiled across the table, "Honey?"
Hermione looked up to see her mother smiling.
"You are so much more relaxed now. I'm so glad to see it," Briar Rose told her.
Hermione smiled. "My biggest worry is done," she said, looking around at their gathered family. "Honestly, Saturday's ceremony isn't as big of a deal suddenly. Whatever happens…happens."
Harry took her hand in his and kissed it. "We're already married."
"Exactly," Hermione said as the caterer that Harry hired brought over food for everyone.
~*~
After dinner, one by one, their friends came over to congratulate them after they shared their first dance.
Hagrid nearly crushed Harry in a hug before giving Hermione one, thankfully gentler, but no less enthusiastic. "I knew yeh belonged together," he declared, drying his eyes.
Flitwick beamed so bright that Hermione was afraid he'd used a cheering charm on himself. "Ms Granger… oh! Should I say Mrs. Granger-Potter now?"
Hermione laughed, "I think you can just call me Hermione now."
"Mr. Potter… Harry, you sure got lucky with this one," Flitwick told him.
Harry laughed, "Don't I know it."
McGonagall even gave each of them a hug, surprising them both. "I am so proud of my little lions."
After everyone had spread out, conversations flowed between guests, allowing Harry and Hermione a moment of peace. Harry took her hand. "Come with me."
He led her to just beyond the glow of their reception, where lanterns hung from the apple trees in the orchard. Sounds of laughter beyond were muffled as Harry wrapped his arms around her.
"Finally, just the two of us," Harry said, burying his face in the crook of her neck.
Hermione smiled, running her fingers through the tiny hairs at the back of his neck. "Technically, the three of us. You, okay?"
Harry laughed into her neck. "I'm so excited it's hard not to yell it out to everyone."
Hermione giggled, "We just have to wait a little bit longer."
Harry straightened up, and she reached up, stroking his cheek with her thumb. "We can't be that far along," Hermione said as he looked into her eyes, then leaned down to kiss her.
Harry rested his forehead against hers as they pulled back to catch their breath. "God, I cannot wait for tonight. Tonight I'll do the diagnostics, and we'll find out."
"Pays to marry a healer, I suppose," Hermione said.
Harry raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"
"Well, free prenatal care," Hermione stated.
Harry gasped, "So that's how it is," he said, pulling her closer, "You married me for healthcare?"
Hermione laughed as he brushed another kiss against her neck. "It's just a perk."
"I knew there had to be an ulterior motive," Harry mumbled against her skin.
Before she could answer, tiny feet pouting against the ground echoed, and she instinctively braced herself.
"DADDY!"
Harry caught her with ease. "There you are," he said as he kissed Rosella's cheek. "Thought you abandoned us for Teddy and Victoire."
Rosella looked between them. "Do I get another ring?"
"Another ring? Mumma and I didn't even get rings," Harry told her. "That's on Saturday."
"Well, I wants candy," Rosella told him.
Harry burst out laughing. "Does everything have to be candy?"
"Yes," she said honestly.
Hermione wiped the tears from her eyes as she laughed.
"Well, not candy, but I do have something else," Harry said as he carefully set Rosella on the ground before reaching into his trouser pocket to take out a small velvet box. "I found this in my vault." He knelt so that he was eye level with Rosella. "It belonged to your Grandma Lily."
Rosella's eyes grew large. "It did?"
Harry nodded as he opened the box, and inside the velvet was a gold locket engraved with a single blooming lily. "You see that flower?"
Rosella nodded.
"That is a lily, just like her and you are named after," Harry said as he unclasped it, and two tiny pictures laid inside.
On the left was a picture of Hermione holding Rosella for the first time, smiling as she cradled her tiny newborn. On the right was the first photograph that Hermione had taken of him and Rosella together.
"That's us," Rosella said.
"It is. It was pictures of my mum with her parents, but I put our pictures in," Harry told her. "Do you promise to keep this safe?"
Rosella nodded so enthusiastically that her flower crown slipped on her head. "I promise." She lifted her hair so that Harry could carefully fasten the chain, his large fingers fumbling with the clasp before closing it.
Rosella touched the locket. "Was it really Grandma Lily's?"
Harry nodded, "It was." Harry said as he touched it. "I found it in one of her jewellery boxes. It had pictures of her with my grandparents."
Rosella looked down at it, then her face lit up. "I have to show Teddy!"
Hermione laughed as she tore off back toward the reception.
Harry shook his head. "So much energy."
Hermione sniffled as tears came. "Ignore me."
Harry stood up and pulled her close to him.
"Damn hormones," she muttered, wiping her eyes.
Harry smiled as he kissed her.
"You need to be prepared for these next nine months," Hermione warned him. "I'm going to be a mess."
"That's okay," Harry said, kissing the side of her head as he slid his fingers into hers, "Let's go join our family."
Hermione smiled as they walked hand in hand back toward the Burrow, "My parents are taking Rosella back to the house tonight, and Charlie is staying over to help with Sirius."
Harry's grin grew. "You and Me. A hotel room. Our first night as husband and wife… what do you think?"
Hermione rested her head on his shoulder. "Honestly? I might just sleep."
Harry chuckled, "After I make love to you, or before. You choose."
Hermione laughed, throwing her head back, "Of course, it's our wedding night after all."
~*~
Their cab pulled up to their hotel for the night. The old building, converted into a swanky hotel, loomed over the street, casting a warm glow on the pavement as Hermione stepped out onto it, her wedding dress dragging on the pavement as she gathered it before it could get any additional dirt on it.
After Harry paid the driver, he slipped his arm around her as he carried their suitcase with the other.
Once inside, they checked in, receiving congratulations from the clerk, who stated there was a gift from the hotel in their room as he handed them their keycard.
Walking over to the lift, the moment the doors closed, Hermione found her back pressed against the mirrored wall as it started up to the top floor. She smirked as he didn't waste any time, and he grabbed the back of her legs so that she could wrap them around his waist. "You are supposed to wait until the room," Hermione stated. "Anyone could come in at any time."
"Well then, we'll just give them-" Harry said as the car slowed to a stop, "Shite."
Hermione laughed as the doors opened and an older couple was about to enter as Harry let her down, and she buried her face in Harry's shoulder as he cleared his throat, "We are going up."
The gentleman stared in disbelief as the woman smiled, "We will wait, dears. Congratulations."
As soon as the doors shut again, Hermione hit Harry's shoulder, "Told you!"
Harry just laughed as they finally made it up to the top floor, and Harry picked her up the correct way to carry her over the threshold.
"Wait!" Hermione said, holding onto the door as it was about to close, "Our suitcase."
"Shite, I suck at this," Harry said as he set her down and grabbed it, then took her hand, leading her to their room for the night.
Sliding their key into the door, it beeped, and Harry threw their suitcase into the room before picking her up again.
As soon as they cleared the door, Harry kicked it shut behind them before gently setting her down on the mattress. Hermione stretched out in her best impression of Crookshanks, grinning as she brought a leg up. "You know what's amazing about this dress?"
Harry was already unbuttoning his shirt. "What?"
Hermione pushed up on her feet and hiked up her silk skirt to her waist, revealing her smooth thighs beneath the lacy outer layer. "The silk lining makes it easy to pull up around my hips. Come here, Daddy, and see if I also have silk knickers."
Harry groaned, his trousers already visibly tenting as he unfastened his belt. "I get to make love to you on our wedding night with your dress still on? Fuck, Hermione."
Hermione grinned, biting her lip as she watched him kick off his shoes, then his trousers and boxers in one swift motion. He crawled up the bed like a lion searching for his prey. "Hi, husband."
Harry gazed down at her, "Hello, wife." With a quick kiss, he dropped lower, his breath hot against her stomach. "Now, baby, this is daddy. I want you to close your tiny little ears and just go to sleep and ignore everything I'm about to do to your Mumma for the next five minutes."
Hermione scoffed, "Better be longer than five minutes!"
He climbed back up her body, and he touched her silk knickers and grinned, "They are silk, but I hope you don't like them." Hermione gasped as he tore them away, and cool air hit her warm centre, making her back arch off the bed. "Are you ready, wife… god, I'm never going to get used to being able to call you that."
Hermione reached up and grabbed his hair, pulling him down to crash his mouth into hers as she put her leg over his hips. Rocking her hips against his, she demanded, "Make love to me."
With a growl, he thrust into her, slow and steady, making Hermione moan and grab onto the back of his neck until he filled her. "Shite, I should have known something was up. Every nerve seems like it's on fire."
Harry's hands found hers and pinned them above her head as he set a pace that quickly had her climbing closer to orgasm. The silk of her dress clung to her sweaty skin as her nails raked down his back, and the pressure deep within her grew.
Harry's mouth moved down her neck, biting down just enough to make her whimper. "You feel so fucking good. I'm so goddamn lucky that you are my wife."
"Don't stop," Hermione gasped as he hit the spot within her that made her eyes roll back.
Harry let go of her hands and pulled out of her, making her cry out. "On your hands and knees."
Hermione rolled over and grabbed the headboard as she felt Harry pull her dress up and slide into her even deeper. "Fuck!"
"Are you okay?" Harry asked, running his hand up over hers on the headboard.
Hermione tilted her head back and captured his lips in hers. "I'm just so full and so close."
Harry wrapped his other hand around her stomach, cradling where their child laid. "That's it… You are doing amazing."
His thrusts grew erratic as Hermione reached down and touched herself. Grabbing the headboard tight, as her body tensed, she clamped down hard on him as her orgasm hit her hard.
Harry followed her with a groan, wrapping his arm around her and rolling them before he collapsed onto her.
Hermione stared up at the ceiling, trying to catch her breath as she laid on top of him. "If I weren't already pregnant, I'd be pregnant now."
Harry laughed, kissing her shoulder. "Let me draw us a bath, and I'll clean you up, and if you fall asleep in the tub, I'll bring you to bed."
"Good," Hermione groaned as he slid out of her, "Because my body feels like jelly and I don't want to move."
And she did fall asleep against Harry in the clawfoot tub within their room, completely happy.
~*~ 29th November 2003 ~*~
Hermione stood in front of the mirror in the bridal suite of the Signet Library, adjusting her dress.
This time, there were no butterflies or nerves. No fear that something would go wrong. Because she was already Harry's wife.
Today was simply to celebrate with everyone that she couldn't share it with in the magical ceremony.
Harry came up behind Hermione and carefully arranged her veil, and she didn't jump as Dennis took their picture. "There, perfect," he said as he smoothed it down.
A slow tapping noise slowly grew louder, announcing Sirius's presence before he was in the room. Sirius leaned against the doorframe as he looked at her and Harry. "I didn't realize you knew this many people."
Harry chuckled, "Well, most of our classmates could come to this, all of Hermione's employees, my coworkers who wanted to come, and apparently, Hermione's entire family," he said, glancing at Hermione with an amused smile.
Hermione checked her lipstick in the mirror. "I cannot believe Aunt Guinevere came." She gathered her train as she turned toward them so that she wouldn't step on it. "How do I look?"
Harry cupped her face and kissed her gently. "Like the queen that you are."
Hermione smiled into the kiss.
Sirius frowned when she looked at him as he looked between her and Harry, "What's going on?"
Harry looked at him, confused. "What do you mean?"
"You two are suspiciously calm," Sirius stated.
Hermione laughed. "We're getting married in the Muggle world, when we are already married in the magical one," she took Harry's hand and squeezed it. "So, there is really no reason to worry."
Sirius narrowed his eyes as he leaned on his cane. "I think there is more to it. I just can't put my finger on it."
Hermione looked at Harry, who winked at her.
"HA! That look!"
"What look?" Harry asked Sirius.
"That look that says you're both hiding something!" Sirius stated.
Hermione bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing.
"No pranks worthy of a Marauder at the wedding, right? If so, why didn't you include me?" Sirius asked.
Harry held up both hands, "I solemnly swear-" Hermione elbowed him. "That there are absolutely no pranks planned."
Sirius looked at them for a long moment before sighing, "I don't believe either of you."
Hermione laughed, "I swear. Now go find your seat, and if you find my father, tell him I am nearly ready. He has Rosella."
Sirius nodded as he started for the door, then looked back at them. "James and Lily would be happy for you both."
Harry looked at Hermione as Sirius disappeared into the hallway, the tapping of his cane fading away. "So," he said, pulling her close, "Are you ready?"
Hermione laughed, "We're already married. How much more ready can I be?"
~*~
Dennis lowered his camera as he looked at the screen. "I think I've officially exhausted every possible combination of family photos."
Harry laughed, rubbing his face. "I sure hope so. My face hurts."
Hermione slipped her hand into his, smiling when she could feel the ring around his finger. "Ready to go upstairs?"
Harry smiled, "To face our families? Of course."
As they walked to the stairs, Luna and Ron were waiting for them at the base of the stairs with Rosella. Luna looked like a fairy in her pale blue velvet and tulle dress, as Ron awkwardly adjusted his tie. "I hate ties so much." Ron looked down at Rosella. "Hopefully, they are banned at Hogwarts before you have to wear one."
Luna gathered Hermione's train as they climbed the stairs, where a member of the Signet staff stood. "They're ready for you." He said, flicking a switch.
Harry squeezed Hermione's hand as the music stopped inside.
"Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have your attention? Our wedding party is ready to make its appearance. May I introduce the Matron of honour and the best man, Luna and Ron Weasley, along with the flower girl Rosella Potter."
Harry looked at Hermione as they entered the library. "First thing after our honeymoon, we get Rose's name changed."
Hermione nodded as the music changed. "Now for the first time, our bride and groom! Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Hermione Granger-Potter!"
Hermione and Harry walked out as applause erupted around them as they walked through the bookshelves surrounding the Upper Library floor. Narcissa had gone above and beyond with Neville's help as the small balconies overhead were draped in white roses and ivy. The artificial candles lit the room while the quartet and duelling pianos played for them as they walked out.
Rosella skipped over to where her parents, Sirius, Molly, and Arthur, were sitting as Ron and Luna made their way to the head table, and Harry and Hermione made their way to the dance floor.
Harry bowed playfully to Hermione, "My wife."
She smiled as she rolled her eyes playfully, "Husband."
He took her hand and kissed it, "May I have this dance?"
"You may."
The band shifted into a waltz that neither Harry nor Hermione knew, but they made it their own using their Yule Ball training.
Hermione rested her head against his shoulder. "We need to dance together more often."
Halfway through the dance, Rosella came to the edge of the dance floor, and Harry smiled as he bent down, scooping her up into one arm.
Rosella wrapped both arms around his neck as the three of them swayed together beneath the chandelier.
As the song ended, Harry kissed Hermione, then kissed Rosella's forehead.
While dinner was being prepared and hors d'oeuvres were set out, they made their way to each table while guests enjoyed their wine and food.
Hermione paused at a table toward the front. "Aunt Chloe."
Her aunt stood and hugged her, "You look beautiful."
"Thank you for coming," Hermione said.
Harry shook her uncle's hand as Hermione turned to her other aunt, whose eyes were sweeping the room. Aunt Guinevere looked at Hermione, then at Harry. "Are you rich?"
Hermione blinked. "I'm sorry?"
Aunt Guinevere gestured around the room. "This place, all the flowers, and even the band. August says that you were financially set, but this..."
Harry took Hermione's hand before she could think of a response and smiled politely. "Between Hermione's business and my position as the Chief at my hospital, we are fortunate enough to be doing well. I appreciate the concern."
Harry smiled at Aunt Chloe. "It was so nice of you to join us, but I think it's time for us to say hello to other people."
"We will speak later," Hermione said as they excused themselves. "Thank you for saying something."
"I won't let anyone speak to you like that," Harry told her as they made it to the next table filled with the employees from the Lily Pad.
"THERE THEY ARE!"
Regina practically launched herself from her chair and threw her arms around Hermione, nearly vibrating with excitement. "I LOVE WEDDINGS!"
Hermione looked over Regina's shoulder. "Who let her have alcohol?"
Megan laughed behind her wine glass as Lucy grinned.
Hermione pulled back from Regina, "How much have you had to drink?"
Regina shook her head, then nodded, "Only two, or maybe it was three."
Megan leaned over, "It was four."
"I'm celebrating Harry and Hermione!"
Hermione laughed, "You've been here all of an hour, Regina. Slow it down." Hermione said, motioning to a waiter for a glass of water, "Glass of water at this table, please."
Leaving the table with her employees, she and Harry continued to the next table, which was much quieter.
Professor McGonagall stood first and hugged Hermione before doing the same to Harry. "You both look exceptionally happy."
"We are," Hermione stated, honestly.
Professor Flitwick beamed in his best Muggle clothes, "I've never been prouder of two of my students."
Slughorn was dabbing his eyes, "Lily would be so proud."
Beside him was Aunt Petunia, who gasped hearing her sister's name, and Hermione felt Harry's hand tense within hers.
Petunia stood and came over to Harry, looking at him for a long moment. "I'm so sorry." She whispered as she swallowed hard, "Lily… Lily would, in fact, be so proud of you."
Slughorn looked at her, surprised. "You knew dear Lily? She was my favourite student."
Aunt Petunia nodded, "She was my sister."
Hermione watched Harry swallow hard, then step forward. "Thank you."
Aunt Petunia cleared her throat. "Your gift, it is from your grandparents, my parents. Lily was supposed to have the set of China, but she was never able to. It's only right that it is yours now."
Harry looked to be weighing something as he stepped closer and held out his arm. Hermione nearly gasped as Petunia stepped forward and hugged him.
No more words were exchanged, but Hermione wiped her eye as Petunia looked at her, "Congratulations, you are a beautiful bride."
~*~ 5th December 2003 ~*~
Hermione shivered at the early December air breezing past her. It was much colder than it had been in Rome, where they had ended up for their honeymoon. Here, it was cold enough that she could see her own breath as Harry locked the car. He walked around and slid his arm around her, making her smile. "Careful," he reminded her as he saw a puddle with ice crystals on top.
"You don't have to treat me like I am made of glass," Hermione reminded him.
Harry smiled as he opened the door for her to the clinic. "I know, but you are growing my baby."
Hermione rolled her eyes, smiling. "Our baby."
Harry leaned down and kissed her quickly. "Our baby."
~*~
Inside the women's clinic, Hermione and Harry were taken to a sterile room, where Hermione could sense Harry's nervous energy. "Calm down, I think you are more nervous than I am."
"I'm not nervous," Harry assured her.
Hermione laughed. "You've rearranged the pamphlets three times, Chief Healer Potter. You aren't in charge here."
"I thought you liked it when I cleaned," Harry grinned.
"I do, at home. Today, you are just here as Daddy," Hermione said as she kissed his cheek, as a knock sounded on the door.
"Come in," Hermione said.
The nurse who had taken her weight, blood pressure, and medical history down came back. "Sorry, I forgot to draw a bit of blood."
Hermione looked at Harry as she applied the blue tourniquet.
"What tests are they doing?" Harry asked.
Hermione grinned as she looked at the nurse. "He can't turn the doctor off. Sorry."
"Occupational hazard," Harry laughed.
"It's all right. It's a full workup, checking for everything to be safe," she told him as she capped it. "Dr. Clarence is just finishing up with her last patient, then she will be right in."
"Thank you," Hermione said as she left and looked over at Harry. "Breathe, Harry. You did all your diagnostics, and we know everything is fine. This is just to be safe."
Harry sighed, "I know."
"Knock, Knock."
Hermione smiled as an older woman who appeared to be in her late fifties with silver hair appeared.
"Mrs. Granger-Potter," she smiled warmly, "And I'd assume, Mr. Granger-Potter?"
"Dr. Potter," Harry nodded, "Not obstetrics, but general medicine."
"And he promises to stay out of the way," Hermione stated.
Harry put his hands behind him. "And I'll say no more."
Dr. Clarence smiled as she sat down on her stool, looking at Hermione's chart. "Based on your last menstrual cycle, you should be around seven weeks pregnant, possibly about to start your eighth week."
"Wow, we are already nearly two months along," Harry said.
Dr. Clarence pulled over a machine. "You are too early for a good ultrasound. It is too early to see anything yet, but we can attempt Doppler. If you aren't actually around seven weeks, we might not hear anything. No cause for alarm. They are just too small yet."
Hermione laid back on the exam table, pulling up her shirt, and jumped at the cold gel. "Sorry, it was colder than I thought."
Harry rubbed his thumb over Hermione's hand as the probe moved across her stomach.
For a moment, there was only static until a rapid sound filled the room.
Hermione's eyes filled with tears as she looked up at Harry.
"There we are," Dr. Clarence smiled as she tapped something on the screen, "One hundred and sixty beats per minute. Exactly what we want to hear."
She shut down the machine and handed Hermione a wipe for her stomach, "I'll give you a list of recommendations, but I am sure that Dr. Potter knows enough to provide you with adequate care between appointments. From your urine specimen, it does appear that you are a bit dehydrated, though."
Hermione sighed as Harry looked at her. "I've been trying, but I have to pee so often."
"I will make sure she is better hydrated," Harry stated.
Dr. Clarence smiled. "I suspected that you might. Just keep drinking water, take prenatal vitamins, and we will see you again in four weeks for your first ultrasound."
Harry helped Hermione sit up. "Thank you, Dr. Clarence."
Once they were finished in the office, they climbed back into the car, and Harry kissed her hand again. "This is really happening."
"It is," Hermione assured him. "Want to go get something to eat to celebrate?"
Harry started the car. "What are you craving?"
"Chicken with mayonnaise for some reason," She said as she fastened her belt. "You know, we need to make an appointment with an architect for the house.
Harry nodded, "Definitely going to need the room now."
"And for future Granger-Potters," Hermione stated.
Harry looked over at her with a grin as he stopped at the light. "Already thinking of more?"
"Definitely," Hermione told him as she closed her eyes, "Not quite the Weasley family, but I don't want a small family."
"Good, because neither do I," Harry said, "I was thinking five bedrooms to be safe. Ours, a nursery, Rose's, Sirius, and another."
Hermione looked at him as she rested her hands on her still flat stomach. "Six, and a separate cottage for Sirius."
Harry nodded, "Sounds good to me."
~*~ 7th December 2003 ~*~
Hermione thought that after knowing the Weasley family for the last twelve years and visiting the Burrow for almost as long, she would eventually get used to meals at the Burrow. That possibly, with the grandchildren and wives, things would eventually settle down.
Instead, every available chair that was available at the Burrow had been pulled into the kitchen. Victoire, Dominque and Rosella were darting between the adults' legs as they played hide and seek, and all the conversations overlapped at the table. When she first came to the Burrow, conversations had been about assignments, theory of charms or transfiguration. Now, conversation was about gross markets, productivity, and new laws for the country.
As Molly made lunch, all the Weasley children, along with Harry and Hermione, had worked together to decorate for the holiday. A large Christmas tree was next to the fireplace that had its mantle expanded to allow for everyone's Christmas socks to be displayed. With everyone's teamwork, the Burrow was ready for the holiday season.
Molly set another steaming dish onto the table before she pointed her spoon at Ginny, "You need to eat." She stuck it into the potatoes.
"Mum," Ginny groaned, rubbing her full-term bump. "There is just no space in there. If I eat too much, this child will have no choice but to crawl out looking for pudding."
"If anything, this kid will crawl out looking for pudding," Neville stated. "She can't get enough of it lately."
George grinned, "He's obviously a Weasley." Ginny glared at him. "Just saying, he is stubborn to a fault and is one day overdue."
Arthur looked at him.
"Just meaning, a trait we all have, is that we are stubborn to a fault," George said, reaching over to pat her belly. "I mean, look, he's already refusing to be born."
"I may cut off your hand," she glared. "My child is one day overdue, which is normal for a first child," Ginny said, throwing her napkin at him.
Angelina elbowed him, "Ours better be more Johnson."
Fred looked at her, offended, "Excuse me?"
Angelina pointed her fork at him, "I'm done being pregnant. Johnson's are impatient. Hence, our baby better be a Johnson."
"You just ooze radiance," George told her, "You just absolutely glow."
"If you think that, you get to carry the next one," Angelina told him, making everyone laugh.
Hermione smiled as Harry's hand grazed her knee under the table, giving it a small squeeze.
Ginny groaned, "See Mum, I ate two bites, and I have already run out of room." She placed her hands on the table. "I need to stand."
Neville stood and took her hands. "I've got you. Need to walk it off? Back cramp or stomach cramp?"
Neville stood helping her up, and she straightened her back, "Back cramp," she said, then froze, looking down toward the floor, "Either I just peed myself, or my water just broke."
Forks dropped as silence spread through the room. All eyes moved to Ginny and Neville, who stood frozen, staring at the growing puddle between her feet.
A/N: We are winding down now. I am sorry for those who are disappointed at the lack of honeymoon scenes. I wrote a whole scene or two for their honeymoon, but it just didn't flow right with the rest. I wasn't a fan of it, so sorry for the lack of honeymoon sex, but hey! There was at least their wedding night!
The next chapter of Ghost will come on August 22nd! Next week is going to be another chapter of my new story, a Recluctant Love Story! If you haven't checked it out, please do! There are only two chapters so far, so not much to catch up on!
In case you missed it, here is the summary! I am writing it for this year's Harmony out of the Ordinary Fest!
After the war ends, Hermione rebuilds herself in Australia, while Harry chooses the path to become a professional Quidditch player. Oceans apart, years of letters, visits, and phone calls keep their friendship stronger than ever. When the Wizengamot enacts a controversial marriage law, Hermione's future is no longer her own, until Harry arrives with an unexpected proposal: marry him instead, on their own terms.
Prompt: Multiple Prompts/Tropes
- Social class gap / Caste gap / Status gap (Quidditch Player Harry/ Librarian Hermione)
- Alternate Universe (Quidditch Player Harry)
- Experienced/Playboy Harry
- Marriage Law
Preview of Chapter 55 – Happy Christmas
Together, she, Harry, Ron, and Luna walked out of the hospital, and fresh snow had fallen while they were inside, which crunched beneath their feet.
"I think this year is going to be busy," Luna said as they started walking toward the apparition zone.
"So many babies," Ron said with a laugh.
Luna looked at him. "There will be."
"Yeah, I mean, Gin's son, the twins' baby, and Bill's little boy," Ron said as he looked at her and Harry. "Mum is going to be over the moon."
"Your poor mother," Hermione said with a laugh, "I think we need to buy her stock in a yarn company."
Harry snorted, "At the rate this family is growing," he said, giving Hermione's hand a small squeeze, "we might need to just invest in buying her a sheep farm."
Hermione and Luna laughed as they walked over to the apparition zone.