The Potters Are Expecting
by snoopy_pie

Rating: PG13
Ship: Harry & Hermione
Canon: Books 1 - 6
Genre: Romance
Status: Complete
Length: 8,410 words in 6 chapters
Published: 15 Dec 2006
Last updated: 10 Oct 2007

Hermione and Harry Potter are expecting their first child. Can Harry survive this beautiful time in their life? A funny
look at how our favorite couple deals with some strange goings on with Hermione's pregnancy.

From the Unofficial Portkey Archive: https://portkey-archive.org/story/6720/

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1. Chapter One

Hello everyone,

I want thank scout for posting this challenge and I hope she has enjoyed it. This was originally posted on
Fanfiction.net and I know it isn't perfect and it is short but I want to get it up on portkey for her. I hope you all
enjoy it! This will most likely be my very last pregnancy fic. As always none of these characters are mine and I make no
money off of writing them. That is basically it. Thanks for reading!

Manda

Harry eyed his perfectly, grilled steak and his stomach lurched uncomfortably. The vegetables that Hermione had steamed
were beautifully displayed on his plate but he paled and felt like he was going to be really...REALLY sick. Maybe it is
the smell that was causing his stomach to churn but either way he was not going to make it. Hermione was talking to him
but she sounded so very far away...

"So I went to the doctor this morning and he said everything is going beautifully although...Harry?" Hermione paused and
realized that her husband wasn't looking so good. Just as she was about to go to him he dropped his fork with a loud
clang and bolted from the table to the bathroom. He nearly didn't make it before the terrible retching began.

Hermione grabbed a cool cloth and ran to the bathroom where she found poor Harry bent over the toilet looking pale and
weak. She started to kneel down to him but he held up a hand and held her back.

"No! Stay back I must have a stomach flu or something and I don't want you to get sick." Harry lay down on the cool
bathroom tile and groaned miserably. "Just let me lay here awhile. I never want to move again." He moaned.

"Harry, honey you should go to bed. Do you want me to save your dinner?" She ignored his protests to stay back and
placed the cool cloth over his forehead covering the dim scar that used to be the main concern of their life. "I could
brew you a potion to help settle your stomach..." Hermione was concerned. Over the past few days Harry had began to do a
few strange things. It all started when she found out she was pregnant and while she felt fantastic Harry seemed to be
acting oddly. Perhaps it was just stress she thought absently. She would look it up tonight when he fell asleep. He
seemed so tired lately.

Hermione helped him to their bedroom after some coaxing and waved her wand over him to remove his clothing. She taped
her wand toward the chest of drawers and pulled out a set of green Pajamas when he pawed at her. "I don't want those,"
he complained. I want the other ones. They'll make me feel better."

Hermione shook her head and kissed him on the cheek. "Of course honey, I just forgot." She soothed. Once again she
flicked her wand toward the dresser and immediately a set of blue Pajamas with tiny golden snitches shimmering over the
material flew to her outstretched hand. He complained and groaned the entire time it took her to get him dressed and
under the covers. Finally, she leaned down to kiss him and he warded her off.

"Don't kiss me. You will make me sick again." He whined pathetically. Hermione blinked. He had never refused a kiss from
her before. This was most peculiar indeed. She patted him on the shoulder and left him in peace to finish her own
dinner. After she did the dishes she went to their private Library to research Harry's symptoms, but there was nothing
that she could find. She would have to call a healer in the morning.

Later that night Hermione was being shaken awake by Harry. Now Hermione was more than used to being awakened in the
middle of the night by her husband but he was usually a bit more romantic. In fact Hermione had found that married life
with Harry meant long sexy nights and she had to admit that she could certainly use one of those nights right now, with
or without the romance. As she turned to him she softly kissed his neck and her hands found their way underneath his
pajama top but Harry stopped her.

"Hermione...what are you doing?" He lightly grabbed her hands and gave her an amusing grin. Hermione had never been so
bold before when initiating sex but he had to admit that this was a welcome change. He realized that his craving for
taco chips and yogurt could wait while he sampled the delights that his wife was offering to him. Harry never got tired
of making love to Hermione. Just the mere touch of her skin could get his blood pumping and after 3 years of marriage
things in the bedroom just kept getting hotter and hotter.

"What do you think I am doing?" She purred and ran her fingers through his hair suggestively. "Is my guy feeling a bit
better?"

Harry gave her a wicked smile and pulled her beneath him. "I've never been better," he whispered huskily, and she gasped
with anticipation. He bent his head down low to nuzzle her neck just the way she liked and was rewarded by a soft moan
escaping her lips. Merlin, he loved how she moaned like that, he thought vaguely. Whatever had caused him to wake her up
to begin with had completely left his mind the moment she arched her body up to press against his. Her softness was a
delightful contrast to his hardness and Hermione loved how he used his entire body to lightly touch and tease her. They
moved together with comfortable ease simply enjoying the feel of each other as they lost one piece of clothing after
another. This couple adored each other and it showed in their lovemaking with each tender caress and touch.
Passion...obsession...desire; Harry and Hermione were all of these things and no matter how many times they came
together it felt like they were discovering each other for the first time as man and woman. Hot...pulsing...burning;
Harry loved how she melted into his arms and Hermione loved how his eyes shimmered with undisguised desire burning
within their depths. Soon they were both lost in each other as they had so many times before and the magical energy they
created nearly took out the lights for an entire city block.

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2. Surprises

Hello all! Yes it is me and I am currently working on Chapter 6 of this story and I hope to have it finished tonight. In
the mean time I will be uploading the other chapters to this story one at a time. I hope you enjoy and maybe by the time
I load up chapter 6 I will have finished this story at long last! I'm so sorry for the delay Scout. I will finish this
if it kills me! lol Love you guys. I hope you like it.

Chapter 2

The next morning Hermione awoke and stretched luxuriously. A soft smile adorned her face and she giggled bashfully when
memories of the previous night flooded her mind. She was amazed when that familiar warmth began to encompass her entire
being once again and she couldn't believe that she wanted another romp under the sheets with Harry. She didn't even care
that the sun was shining brightly thru her bedroom window and she pulled the covers up over her head in embarrassment.
What was wrong with her?

Suddenly a small groan could be heard coming from the master bathroom. Hermione flipped the covers off and listened
intently before she realized it must be Harry. Her previous musings were forgotten as she grabbed her wand and rushed
over to open the door. He was once again hugging the toilet as if it was a life line. He was pale, but he managed to
give Hermione a weak smile. He opened his mouth to speak but instead of his steady deep voice he croaked feebly, "Hey
babe, I don't think I'll be able to go into work today."

Hermione was immediately thrown into worry mode and after he got cleaned up she helped him back to bed. "Harry, this is
so weird! How could you...uh...be so amorous last night and then be sick the very next morning? What kind of sickness
comes and goes like that?" Hermione sat on the edge of their bed with a thoughtful expression. Harry thought she looked
extremely adorable as she tried to work out in her mind what could be happening to him. He loved how she still got
embarrassed about making love, but last night was different. As a matter of fact he would've said it was she who was the
zealous one, but he felt too queasy at the moment to point this out to her.

"Hermione, maybe I am just hungry. I feel like I am starving, but if I move I just know I will hurl."

Hermione worriedly pursed her lips and ran off to the kitchen. When she returned she carried a plate with saltine
crackers and a cool glass of ginger ale. "Here sweetie, try these and in the meantime I am going to go have a chat with
Healer Valorin. She ran her wand over her body and was now wearing a beautiful set of green robes. They were her
favorite because they reminded her of Harry's own emerald eyes.

Harry pouted a little as he watched her pull on her cloak hastily, "but, how long will you be gone?"

Hermione smiled gently at his boyish expression and planted a kiss on his forehead. "I'll be home soon. You stay in bed
and eat your crackers. They will help settle your stomach." She then stepped away from the bed and blew him a kiss
before apparating out of their bedroom, leaving Harry all alone nibbling on a saltine.

"Haaarrrryyy! Where are you mate? Ouch! Bloody hell...where did that table come from? Harry! Are you here?

Harry rolled his eyes and got out of bed. Amazingly enough his nausea had disappeared about an hour after Hermione had
left, but he was trying to wait for her to come home before rising. He had relished the thought of spending the
afternoon in bed with her but apparently that wasn't in the cards with Ron bumbling around downstairs.

Harry tapped his wand over his pajama bottoms and a pair of muggle jeans appeared in exchange. Somehow they didn't fit
like they used to...curious. He grabbed a black T-shirt out of the laundry basket and went in search of his best friend
who had found the refrigerator.

"Ron, have you ever considered going to your own house for lunch?" Harry walked into the kitchen to find him building an
enormous turkey and cheese sandwich.

"I already had lunch with Luna but she is on some kind of diet and all we ate was a kind veggie casserole thing. A man
needs something with substance, but I didn't want to hurt her feelings." Ron piled layer upon layer of thick turkey
slices before looking up to catch Harry pulling his T-shirt over his head. "I uh...didn't interrupt anything did I? I
mean Hermione isn't going to come down wearing something indecent is she?" Ron glanced around cautiously before giving
Harry a quizzical look.

"Naw...Not that I would mind it, but I was sick this morning and she has been all Hermione-ish ever since."

Ron nodded his head knowingly but grimaced when Harry poured some taco chips into a bowl and spooned some of Hermione's
strawberry yogurt over them. When he sat down to eat it Ron was completely dumbstruck.

"Harry...uh...are you sure you feel alright? You are not going to really eat that are you?" Ron looked extremely
doubtful.

"Of course I am. I don't know why, but I dreamed about it last night and I have been craving it ever since." Harry ate a
big spoonful and closed his eyes as he savored the fruity crunchiness. Who would have thought that something like this
would taste so good together?

Just as Ron was about to comment on the strangeness of Harry's food choices, Hermione popped into the kitchen with an
amusing look on her face.

"Harry! You are never going to believe this!"

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3. Man of the Year

Chapter 3

Ron nearly fell out of his chair and Harry was just simply staring at Hermione unhappily.

“You mean Harry is going to have the baby?” Ron asked incredulously and scratched his head.

Hermione rolled her eyes and swatted him on the top of the head with a small booklet she had been holding in her hands.
“No you twit, honestly don't you two pay attention to anything I say?”

“But, Hermione how can I be having all your pregnancy symptoms? I mean I feel okay now maybe I just umm…….had some sort
of Wizarding Flu…or…or maybe I ate something that didn't agree with me.”

Ron eyed Harry's breakfast warily and nodded emphatically. “He has a point Hermione.”

Hermione giggled. “What am I going to do with you boys? Healer Valorin and I had a lovely chat and he mentioned that you
might be experiencing what we call Empathic Pregnancy. It happens sometimes when two people love each other so much that
the man will start exhibiting some of the symptoms." Hermione sighed wistfully and smiled at Harry like he had answered
her prayers of every romance notion she had ever thought of. "Its actually a lot more common among Wizards than muggles,
but it happens with them sometimes too.” She handed Harry a small book that had a young man waving unhappily beside a
young woman who was grinning from ear to ear as she patted her swollen pregnant tummy.

“It all makes sense actually. If you stop and think about it you have been experiencing a couple of things already. I
mean the nausea…strange eating habits...mood swings…oh and you might gain a little weight, but I'm sure everything will
be fine. Oh Harry!" She stated breathlessly. "We will be able to truly experience this together! I'm so excited! I think
I'm going to go shopping for some baby things.” She said all of this very fast and after flashing her boys a luminous
grin, she disappeared out the door and up the stairs. Harry and Ron could hear her singing a sweet lullaby and both of
the two young men stared at one another and gulped.

Harry slowly digested what Hermione had just told him as everything ran through his mind over and over again.
Nausea...Mood swings...Weight gain? Harry suddenly whipped his head around to try and look at his arse and suddenly it
all became clear to him.

Harry heard Hermione thumping around in the room they were planning to decorate for the baby's room and plopped down
pathetically. "How could this be happening to me? I mean I hate the thought of Hermione going through all of those
symptoms...but...it is supposed to be HER going through it...not me. I...I...I'm just the husband!"

"Mate, you probably have the worst luck of any man I know. Forget the loonys trying to do you in, you have bigger
problems with your wife." Ron shook his head sadly and sat back down to devour his sandwich. "I always did think she was
mental. Better you than me I always say."

Suddenly, a deep primal urge to prove his manhood began building up inside of Harry. He couldn't explain it but he
certainly knew what he wanted to do. "Hey Ron how about we go out for a guys night out kind of thing? I haven't went out
with you guys in a long while. What do you say we call Neville and your brothers, play a little Wizard poker and kick
back?" It was a great idea! Going out and tossing back some beers and maybe even some firewhiskey. He almost felt like
roaring with a very manly roar when Ron sniggered. "What is it?"

"Sorry mate, but I'm afraid I can't let you drink."

Harry looked at Ron curiously before Ron's mouth curved into a huge grin. "Alcohol is bad for your little bun in the
oven."

"WHAT?" Harry lunged for Ron with his wand drawn but Ron was ready for his attack and jumped out of the way cackling
hysterically. Grabing his half eaten sandwich Ron narrowly missed a beam of red sparks before disapparating out of the
Potter's kitchen. Harry could just imagine Ron telling Fred and George with gusto what was going on with "the pregnancy"
and shuddered. Then another train of thought popped into his head. Perhaps it is time he took some extended time off
from work. He didn't think he could handle hunting dark wizards and pregnancy at the same time. The world would just
have to make do without "The Chosen One"...at least until after the baby was born. At that moment Hermione appeared in
the doorway with a deep blush heating up her lovely cheeks.

Harry smiled when he saw her and the love he felt for her overtook his heart until nothing else seemed to matter. The
effect she had on him was amazing and right now there was nothing he wouldn't do for her. This amazing woman was
carrying his child and that alone was a captivating thought. They were going to be parents and he realized that at least
they could go through it together just as they always had. Her eyes glittered dangerously as she slowly approached Harry
and slid her arm up around his neck. Damn she smelled so good and that look in her eyes reminded him of last night…Oh
hell what was she doing?

“Harry…” she purred. “Let's forget about going shopping.”

Harry took a sharp breath when she cupped her hands around his bum and all coherent thought was wiped away. Yes indeed
Hermione had other things on her mind. Things that made Harry never want to leave the kitchen again. He grinned like a
fool when he saw his wife wave her wand in the air to cast her anti apparition spell against visitors. Oh Merlin this
was going to be good!

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4. Just Harry's Luck

Chapter 4

Harry had never been so exhausted in his entire life. Even Voldemort hadn't wiped him out as completely as his wife
lately. He never thought he would hear himself refuse a blissful night of lovemaking with his wife, but he was nearing
break down. His mind lingered over the amazing transformation Hermione had went through and he smiled. She sure wasn't
called the brightest witch of her age for nothing he thought wickedly. His little book worm had completely taken him by
surprise with how well she researched the art of seduction. Yep this last encounter would definitely be one for the
books and heaven help him he didn't know if he could keep up with her.

Looking over at his now sleeping wife he gently touched her flushed cheeks and she smiled softly in her sleep. He could
watch her sleep peacefully for hours and never take his eyes away from her loveliness. He almost laughed at his poetic
mood and flipped onto his back with his arms hooked above his head. Well, If Hermione had changed then he certainly had
as well. His emotions seemed to be off the charts and even though his nausea seemed to have ebbed away something else
had come to take its place. For the first time in Harry's life he had begun to experience heartburn. It didn't matter
what he ate or drank it came. It didn't matter whether it was water or crackers, his esophagus would be engulfed in a
blaze of fire every single, solitary night. He couldn't get away from it unfortunately and since there was no real
physical cause for the heart burn there was no potion that would make it go away.

His symptoms now were getting so bad Hermione had even ventured out to an all night Muggle store to get him some Tums
which seemed to help at first but didn't last. It seemed he was doomed. At least that was how he felt when the familiar
sensation assaulted him. What made it worse was that Hermione hadn't even begun to experience the normal symptoms of
pregnancy. Harry thought they would be sharing them but after a quick trip to the healer he told them that Harry was so
powerful his magic was drawing all of the uncomfortable experiences to himself while leaving Hermione to feel the more
lovely aspects of carrying a child. He had looked at Harry with admiration and said how lucky Hermione was to have
someone who loved her so deeply. Harry didn't think it was so lucky but didn't say anything because Hermione was
practically licking her lips when they left the office and they didn't even make it out of the hospital before Hermione
pushed him into a broom closet for a quickie.

Of course Hermione occasionally thought Harry over dramatized everything and thought his predicament quite funny at
times. To this Harry would humph all the way to their bedroom where he would pout for a good 30 minutes before Hermione
would come up and apologize which almost always ended up with a nice little jaunt under the covers. The woman was
delightfully insatiable.

Ron did indeed tell his brothers about “The Pregnancy” which was what they called their little situation and teased him
relentlessly until Hermione threatened to hex them into the next century if the jokes didn't stop. Now in her 5th month
Hermione had at last begun to wear the maternity clothes that the twins had sent to Harry as a “joke”, which
incidentally, made Harry wail inconsolably for an entire evening. Ron and Luna had been there for dinner that evening
and Hermione had apologetically whispered, “He gets a bit emotional sometimes,” which seemed to make Harry howl even
louder. Luna had sympathetically hugged Hermione before gently prodding a snickering Ron out the door a little before 7
pm.

Harry now seemed to be in the thick of his Empathetic pregnancy and while he tried to keep positive about the whole
thing, it sometimes seemed to be just too much. How on earth did women do it? Harry took a deep breath and flipped the
covers off of his body. The room was stifling so he decided to get up and raise a window. He sat on a small window seat
by the large picture window lost in thought with his hand cradling his chin. The cool breeze gently tickled the curtains
that Hermione had bought when they married and he couldn't help but wonder what the next 4 months would bring.

Harry heard a small sigh from the bed and he didn't have to look up to realize that Hermione had awoken and was waddling
over to where he sat in front of the window. He instinctively made room for her on his lap and kissed her cheek when she
joined him.

“Anything wrong Mr. Potter?” Hermione snaked an arm around his neck and looked into his dazzling green eyes that seemed
to assess the soft curves of her very pregnant body with appreciation. Harry loved how Hermione's body had changed over
the last few months and he carefully laid his hand upon her stomach that held the child they so desperately loved. He
was going to be a father and at that moment his eyes caught her chocolate ones and there was no need to vocalize how the
other was feeling.

“Nothings wrong, I was just sitting her thinking about how our life is going to change when my son makes his grand
appearance.” Harry gently patted her tummy and Hermione sighed contentedly.

“Well, it could be a girl you know.” Hermione said casually, as Harry nuzzled her neck.

Harry thought about this for a moment. “Well, baby Potter then. Although I have a feeling he is a boy.”

Hermione giggled and hugged Harry closer to her for warmth. “It is a beautiful night don't you think Harry?” Hermione's
small hands began twirling Harry's ruffled mess of black hair and he closed his eyes in blissful enjoyment.

Merlin he loved it when she did that. “Mmm…humm.”

“It reminds me a lot of the night you proposed to me.” Hermione sighed wistfully as Harry's arms pulled her close to his
own body. Almost instantly Hermione's breathing became deep and fast and Harry groaned deliciously when she lowered her
head down to whisper seductively in his ear, “Why don't we go back to bed.”

Harry's eyes popped open when he felt her tongue in his ear and before he knew what was going on his very pregnant wife
was leading him back to bed with a most sultry look on her pretty face.

Oh she was going to kill him for sure. Harry however didn't have much time for reflection on his wife's newfound Libido
before he realized she had used magic to relieve him of his pajamas. Oh boy here we go again…

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5. Fun With Harry

Hello Readers!

I first want to thank you all for the lovely reviews. I read them all and they are very much appreciated. I hope you
enjoy this chapter. It has been revised and revised and added too and some things deleted. I’m not sure about this one
so be nice, but honest.

As always, These characters do not belong to me. I did not think them up nor do I claim to be the creative genius who
began writing about this world for us. I also make no money off of these stories because that would be wrong boys and
girls ;)

I plan on posting Chapter 6 on Saturday because I still have to edit it some more before I feel comfortable releasing
it. I know I am not the best writer here so I feel very honored that you guys are even reading this! Love and kisses to
you all!

Thanks guys,

Manda

Chapter 5

Harry sat in the lounge flipping through the channels of the television set with his poor swollen feet elevated upon
several pillows. He could hear the gaggle of women in the baby’s room upstairs and felt ridiculous. After everything he
was going through and those women were upstairs acting like Hermione was the only one doing all the work. They had some
nerve.

Harry crossed his arms rebelliously when he heard a squeal of laughter from Ginny and wondered what in heavens name
could she be squealing about this time. He didn’t want to admit that Hermione had asked him if he wanted to join the
baby shower. In fact he had out right refused this right of passage into parenthood. His male ego had rebelled against
it because if Fred or George got wind of him participating in “name that baby food” he would forever be a marked man by
the Weasley twins. However, after several hours of squeals and giggles coming from the soon to be christened baby room
he almost wished he was sitting up there among all those pretty packages and colorful ribbons playing all those silly
games. He was pathetic. No it was best if he stayed down here and watched…what was he watching anyway? He flipped the
channel again as a very happy Hermione gave a loud shriek and then all was quiet. Flip. They must be doing the cake by
now he thought unhappily. I wonder if it is a chocolate cake.

Hermione’s due date of December 12th was still two months away and to Harry it seemed like an eternity. Everybody was
going ga ga over the whole damn thing and Harry was certainly feeling the pressure. His back ached for no reason it
seemed and most of the time he felt like he was going to melt down from what Hermione called “Hot Flashes”. It also
didn’t help matters that his arse was about 20 sizes to large and his feet…Well lets just say they wasn’t his feet
anymore as they seemed to swell in the evenings. Not to mention he was now running to the bathroom every 10 minutes to
relieve his bladder that filled up again by the time he made it back to the sofa. Bloody empathetic pregnancy! He was a
man damn it!

Harry Potter was not in a good mood and the fact that everyone was fawning over Hermione and the growing life within her
just made things seem worse. Wasn’t he important too? He thought miserably. This was the part when his eyes would
normally begin to well up with tears. Here he was feeling like some beached whale and nobody cared. Hermione was at her
stupid party and Ron was off being a guy while he Harry was stuck at home watching a stupid muggle soap opera. Flip.

By the time Mrs. Weasley trotted downstairs for some extra plastic cups Harry had worked himself up into a right state,
and if you were one of the most powerful wizards known to the wizarding world this was NOT a good thing. Mrs. Weasley
was on her way out of the kitchen when it happened and it caught her quite by surprise. She looked around wide eyed
while everything in the living room rose up and zipped about the room. Molly nervously tried to grab the plastic cups
that where darting out of her grasp when she suddenly felt a jolt. “Oh dear…uhh…Ohhh!!” She yelped fretfully before she
herself was lifted up up up into the air.

Harry could barely see through his teary eyes but when he saw Mrs. Weasley floating around haphazardly he waved his hand
and everything softly drifted back to their original positions; including a disgruntled Mrs. Weasley.

“I’m s…s…sorry Mrs. Weasley, I just couldn’t help it!” Harry groaned gloomily.

“Oh Harry dear! You gave me such a fright.” Molly nervously tip toed over to where he was pouting and gave him a
motherly pat on the shoulder.

“Why don’t you come up to the party for a bit?” Harry grunted and flipped the channel again. “Ehh…Hermione is going to
open the gifts after the cake and I know everyone would love for you to join the party.”

Harry grunted again and turned his tired green eyes upon the short little woman he had known since he was eleven years
old. She was as good to him as she was her own boys and he had grown to love her like a mother. “Mrs. Weasley, I better
stay put.”

“Oh that is pish posh child! If you let those silly boys of mine get to you then you deserve to be down here. Now enough
of this nonsense and up we go now.” Mrs. Weasley had apparently had quite enough of Harry feeling sorry for himself and
promptly marched him upstairs into the middle of a lovely pastel colored room decorated with floating balloons and
glittery baskets hanging with every kind of goodie you could imagine.

Hermione was sitting on a pink cushioned chair holding a little plate filled with cake and ice cream. Her eyes spotted
Harry coming through the door and she gave him one of her sweetest smiles.

Ginny leaned in close to Hermione and whispered, “Looks like mum has brought the walking hormone to the party.” She said
nastily. “I’m just glad I’m not the one who has to put up with him.” However, the look on her face contradicted this
sentiment. If fact Ginny looked like she could eat him up and be content.

Hermione gave Ginny a disapproving frown and slowly wobbled over to Harry and slid her hand inside his. “I’m glad you
finally came up.” She whispered. “I was getting worried about you.”

He looked down at Hermione and gave her hand a little squeeze. “I didn’t exactly have a choice.” He nodded his head at
Mrs. Weasley and in a lower voice spoke, “I accidentally let my magic get away from me and well…here I am.” Hermione
giggled and nudged him playfully with her shoulder.

“It’s not funny Hermione! I lifted her clear off the ground this time.” Harry stared at Hermione wounded. “Besides, I
was being a prat about this whole party thing.” He mumbled guiltily as he played with a ribbon on one of the gifts.

Hermione laid her head onto Harry’s shoulder and sighed. “It’s okay Harry. I know how difficult this is for you.” She
felt him relax and looked up into his emerald green eyes. His head slowly lowered and her eyes fluttered shut as their
lips reunited in a gentle kiss.

Mrs. Weasley frowned at her daughter who was staring daggers at Hermione and made a mental note to have a heart to heart
with the girl. In the mean time she and Hermione’s mother ushered the happy couple toward a large stack of brightly
decorated gifts. Harry allowed Hermione to lead him to her pink cushion and before he sat down he whispered into her
ear, “umm….Hermione? Do you have a blue one?” Hermione giggled and with a swish of her wand a lovely blue cushioned
chair appeared next to her pink one. Harry beamed with what he hoped was a roguish grin and plopped down beside his
adorably pregnant wife.

Slapping his hands together eagerly Harry straightened up and shouted merrily to the crowded room. “Ok then! Let’s get
this party rolling!” I roar of laughter erupted from the small crowd and Harry for once that day didn’t feel like crying
his heart out. However, no one noticed a teary eyed Ginny Weasley slipping out of the Potter house and into the cold
rain.

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6. Hermione...It's TIME!!

Chapter 6

Harry didn't know how many times he had changed his pants. All he knew was that with each change his clothes were
getting much tighter than the last and he was now getting desperate.

“Harry! Honey hurry up! We can't wait much longer!” Hermione's voice practically screamed with urgency and he knew that
he would have to hurry.

“I'm coming Hermione! I just can't seem to…” He took a deep breath and fell back on the bed so he could button his
jeans. “Come…on…!” He breathed with frustration.

“HARRY!!! It is time!” Harry grew panicked and gave up on the jeans before pulling out his wand to magically enlarge his
pants.

On his way out the door he paused in front of their bedroom mirror and scrutinized his appearance. He sighed. “This is
pathetic.”

“Harry! Oh for heaven's sake! What are you doing up there?” Hermione's voice was closer now and before he could answer
there she was in all her pregnant glory glaring at him from the doorway with one hand on her hip and the other rubbing
her very round belly.

“Umm…nothing Hermione.” He pointed at the closet. “You see…I was…and then I couldn't do it…so I…I…” Harry stopped
because his sensible wife was looking at him suspiciously like he had lost his mind or something. How could he possibly
explain that he had been trying on clothes? Instead he grimaced uncomfortably. “I feel like a deranged man.”

“Stop fooling around Harry! I know you don't want to go but it is important so…move it!”

Harry recognized that beautiful look of determination and grabbed his coat before following her downstairs…but no sooner
had they reached the fireplace Harry had to turn back for his wallet. Then when Hermione had her fist of floo powder
poised over the hearth he realized that he had forgotten his wand. When he returned Hermione was tapping her foot
harshly against the hard wood floor of their Lounge and he gave her a shameful grin.

“Sorry Mione…I didn't mean to…” He took a deep breath. “I'm ready now.”

Hermione eyed him carefully and raised her hand once more to—

“WAIT!!” Harry screamed in a panic.

Hermione gave an enormous exasperated sigh and turned to gape at Harry with her eyes blazing.

“What have you forgotten this time Harry? Is it your glasses? Or perhaps it is the simple fact that you don't want to
face the twins? The Weasleys are like our family Harry and I am certainly not going to disappoint them. So if you really
do not want to go visit your friends whom you have known since you were 11 years old and been like the family you never
had then by all means stay! But please excuse me while I go have a great time with our friends. Shame on you!” Hermione
had said this all very fast as usual when she became upset and Harry swallowed.

“Umm Hermione…I was only going to say that I forgot to…well…” He pointed down at his feet where he wiggled his toes.

Hermione's eyes traveled down his body to see his stocking feet and she giggled.

“I should probably put on some trainers or something. Don't you think?”

Shaking her head with disbelief she slowly nodded her head and Harry bolted up the stairs praying that perhaps he would
trip and break a leg or something so they could miss the whole thing. As luck would have it he was in perfect health
when he once again reached Hermione by the hearth.

“Are we ready now Harry?” She asked calmly.

“Yep as ready as I'll ever be I guess. Let's go.”

Hermione smiled and flung the floo powder into the fireplace and in minutes Harry and Hermione were stepping out of the
Weasley's fireplace at the burrow.

The house was buzzing with the excitement of Bill and Fleur's 3 little boys who were having a grand time of playing
chase the snitch and Charlie's little girl Alisha was sitting nearby looking at her unruly cousins with obvious
displeasure. It wasn't long before Little Arty, Bill's oldest, noticed the Potters and ran up to give Harry a huge hug.
“Uncle Harry is here!! It's been forever since you came to see me Uncle Harry. Hermione seemed to drift off toward the
sound of Luna's soft dreamy laugh and Harry smiled at Arty and tasseled his red hair before following Hermione into the
kitchen. The small sea of red hair swarmed around an elaborate table decorated with snowflakes and little icicles. Mrs.
Weasley was dabbing at her eyes with a small handkerchief embroidered with small daisies along the edge.

“Oh I don't know if my heart can take it! Such news!” She was saying as Harry and Hermione drew nearer.

Oh my darlings come here!” Harry and Hermione both looked on with confusion until Ron and Luna stepped forward and
allowed Molly to wrap her arms around the two of them. Luna had the most peaceful smile Harry had ever seen. Ron looked
a little alarmed but happy none the less.

“What did we miss?” Hermione asked sweetly.

Fred popped up behind her and draped an arm over her shoulders. “Well Mrs. Chosen One it seems that our Little Ronnikins
is going to be expecting a little Weasley come next June.” Fred was grinning from ear to ear and when he saw Harry he
gave a low whistle and looked Harry over from head to foot. “I told you to keep those maternity clothes mate.” He said
shaking his head sadly.

George smirked, “I bet you wish you had some of those expanda britches now aye Harry?”

Harry gripped his wand and tried to ignore them. They are just having fun. They are my friends. They mean no harm damn
it! It was a mantra he had begun repeating to himself whenever he was around the twins. Instead of acknowledging their
comment he turned to Ron and slapped him on the back. “Bloody Hell…man that is…just…wonderful mate! I never thought we
would have families like this. I…I…never thought we would live to be honest.” The tears began building up and when
Hermione hugged Luna happily Harry felt overcome with joy. “Awe man you guys are the best.” He was all choked up and
Hermione giggled and patted Harry on the back until he gained control.

Fred snorted and laughed. “It is an emotional time for you aye Harry?

Ron smiled although he looked a bit pale when Mrs. Weasley asked Luna when her due date was.

“Well, I imagine I will give birth on June 4th but my doctor says my due date is June 17th.”

Mrs. Weasley just quietly nodded her head while glancing at her husband a little uncertainly. “Well…uhh…May 4th it is
then! I'm so happy for you dear.”

Harry just happened to look over at Hermione and sighed weakly. She was looking at him like he was her prey and she was
the hunter. Oh boy. He didn't know if he could handle another “moment” like they had at the grand opening of the twin's
new store a couple of months ago. They would have to get out of there soon if he recognized that hungry look on her face
like he thought he did.

Heavens the woman had lost all inhibitions. A few months ago he would have rejoiced over this new change but lately he
dreaded even going to bed he was so exhausted. Of course she didn't mean for any of it to happen but good gracious what
was a man to do?

More people began arriving and it wasn't long until they were all sitting down to Mrs. Weasley's fabulous cooking.
However right when he was reaching for the rolls he felt something that sort of reminded him of someone's foot creeping
up his pant leg. He swallowed and looked up to meet the smoldering eyes of his wife and she grinned at him. He took a
deep breath. The game had started. He tried to shift his legs out of the way but they were all so cramped along the
table he couldn't sufficiently move out of her line of attack.

By the time dessert was served Hermione had managed to place her foot right onto Harry's crotch making him squirm
uncomfortably through their pudding and at one point he gave a funny little moan causing Ron to raise an eyebrow.
Hermione looked completely unaffected as she chatted happily with Lupin about an innovative new potion that was being
tested for Lycanthropy.

He had to get out of there. “Umm…yes would you all excuse me and Hermione for a moment? I have to uh…run home for a
moment.” Hermione gave him an eager look when he got them to the fireplace and he barely got them to the privacy of
their own living room before she had her hands entangled within his dark hair. Within moments she had pinned him against
the wall, kissing his neck. He decided to make it easy on her and wandlessly undid his shirt buttons to reveal a white
t-shirt underneath. This seemed to drive her wild as she slipped a hand under his t-shirt. Yep this one was going to
take all he had to survive.

Harry didn't feel like another romp on the floor so he immediately apparated them both to their bedroom. Hermione almost
growled with impatience as he helped her out of her own lovely dress before kissing her fully on the lips. He knew that
she was already ready but he wanted to tease her just a little and he needed a little more time to be fully aroused. But
she didn't need to know that. He eased her down onto their bed and began really making love to her. He was determined
this wasn't going to be a quickie...No way. Hermione closed her eyes as his hands took control touching and exploring
her body.

It was when Hermione was nibbling a little on his ear lobe however, that he began to feel a little strange.
“Wha…Wha…What is happening Hermione?” He breathed softly into the hollow of her throat.

"Come on, you know what I need” She murmured lustfully. However, when Harry sort of stopped moving she realized that
something wasn't right. “Harry? Are you okay?”

Harry saw Hermione's face hovering inches above him before everything went black...

When Harry awoke Hermione was wearing her robe and nervously patting his hand. Most of the Weasleys were gathered around
him looking rather amused while others looked worried.

"Oh Harry! I'm so sorry! I had no idea you were so exhausted!" By the look in her eyes he could see she was truly
worried about him. Then it occurred to him that the entire Weasley clan was in his bedroom.

He jerked up and pulled the covers up to his chin. Ron chuckled. "Having a little trouble with the wife are you Harry?"
Hermione shushed him while Harry just fell back upon his pillow again.

"I'm sorry Harry. I was worried about you! I had to tell them why you collapsed in case it was important for your
health!" She then leaned in close and whispered, "You've never...well...done that before..." Hermione looked about the
room. "Maybe you guys better go. I think I can handle it from here." Mrs. Weasley shooed them all out.

Harry stared at the ceiling in total silence. Hermione twisted her hands. "I can't believe you told them why I passed
out." He shook his head with disbelief. "I mean we are talking total mortification here." Hermione laughed at his
dramatics and shook her head.

"That is nonsense. Besides, Bill said the same thing almost happened to him when Fleur was pregnant with one of their
boys. I don't remember which."

Harry rose up and looked at her doubtfully. "You mean Mr. Curse breaker had trouble in bed? With a Veela?" Harry shook
his head. "Nope, I'm not buying it. Besides, I don't seem to recall looking down on Bill in his bed after it happened."
He gave her a poignant look and Hermione blushed.

"I'm sorry........OH!!...umm...My! That was certainly different." Hermione rose up and curiously placed a hand on her
tummy.

Then she looked down and saw Harry grimacing with pain. "Mione...I think it is TIME."

Hermione grinned and held his hand through the contraction. "We better call the Weasleys back. They'll want to know."

Hours later in a room at St. Mungos...

Hermione lay in a soft bed holding a small little bundle of blankets with Harry close by looking at his wife and new
baby girl. "Let's name her Sarah." He said delightedly. The baby held on tight to Harry's finger and that moment was
like no other in his entire life. He was a father, and no matter what he had been through during the past 9 months he
knew it was completely worth it. At last he had a family.

"Sarah Lily Potter." Hermione whispered quietly and then smiled up into her husband's bright green eyes. "She is perfect
isn't she?" Harry nodded and peeked down at the pink little thing that was his daughter. His daughter! Although he loved
his little baby girl he had to say that he was certainly glad it was over. The mood swings, the back aches and pains. He
had a new found respect for women but he was certain that if men were the ones that carried babies there would be no
more babies. He grinned with relief that it was completely over.

"You know Harry; I think I want to start trying for a boy as soon as the doctor says it is safe. I mean it really wasn't
so bad was it? And just look at the result...Harry...are you okay?" Hermione looked at her husband with panic and called
for the nurse.

"Another baby? So soon?" Harry answered her weakly. Just the thought of going through another 9 months of Hell was
enough to make him feel woozy. He grew nervous and he felt all the blood drain away from his face as he sank to the
floor. The last thing he saw before he hit the ground was Hermione's worried eyes and his little Sarah sucking on her
fist.

When he came to he looked around the room to see Ron and Luna along with his own little family and he could think of
only one thing to say. "Hermione I love you with all of my heart but if you get pregnant again it's YOUR turn!"

At that The Potters and the Weasleys laughed joyously as they celebrated the birth of a new family member.

As time passed Hermione did have another baby and luckily this time Harry was able to be the best supportive husband he
could be. He knew the best ways to lie in a bed to get comfortable. He knew how to place the pillows on the couch to
support an aching back and the moment Hermione needed her feet rubbed or someone to make her anchovy and banana
sandwiches he was there. Sometimes her emotions ran away with her and her feelings were very easily hurt but everyone
said that Harry was the kindest most caring husband to ease her concerns. Thanks to his experiences he never forgot to
assure Hermione of how much he loved her and their children.

Sarah was 3 years old when little Evan Harry Potter was born and mother, father and big sister looked adoringly over the
little bundle. The only difference was Hermione wasn't so eager to continue their family so soon after the birth of
Evan. Harry couldn't blame her. Pregnancy was difficult even if it was worth it. Not to mention next time was his turn.
