Nine Months
Month 6-August
"Steady heart rate… appropriate weight… excellent lung development… right. You've got one perfectly healthy little baby there, Mrs. Potter."
Hermione heaved a relieved sigh as she watched the hologram-like picture of their baby disappear; she'd been feeling a little queasy lately (nothing out of ordinary, to be sure, but still not well) and when she'd mentioned it to Harry he'd nearly dragged her to St. Mungo's in a panic. Thankfully, she'd managed to convince him to wait for her monthly check-up, which was due three days later anyway, just so she could tell him 'I told you so' which, of course, she loved doing.
She rounded on her husband, flashing a brilliant smile in his direction. "You see, Harry? You were just being paranoid. There's nothing wrong with the baby."
"Yeah, well, there's nothing wrong with making sure either, is it?"
Healer Abercrombie chuckled as he watched the spouses' playful banter and moved closer to the examination table, from where Hermione was starting to get up. "Hold your hippogriffs, Mrs. Potter, I've still got you to check."
Hermione gave him a sheepish grin as she laid back down; in her haste to prove Harry wrong, she had asked to have the little one examined first and totally forgotten he was supposed to check her too.
Pointing his wand right at her heart, the Healer glanced at his watch and said softly, "Ab Palpitatio Cordis Auditur!"
A jet of pale blue light shot right through her chest and Hermione shuddered slightly, then turned to grin at her husband as the tell-tale of her heart's pumping suddenly filled the room; it was a spell used to check the patient's heart rate and blood pressure, and the first time they'd gone together and the Healer had performed it Harry had nearly jumped out of his skin in fright.
Realizing what she was thinking about, Harry rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue childishly out at her.
Hermione stifled a laugh and turned back to Healer Abercrombie, but was surprised to see a light frown on his face. "Is something wrong?"
Harry was immediately at her side; the middle-aged man flicked his eyes up at them briefly but said nothing as he continued to check his watch and listen. He proceeded to perform a series of spells they didn't recognize, frowning all the while, and then finally cast the counter-spell and put his wand down, looking at them.
"What?" Harry asked worriedly but the man turned to Hermione.
"There has been no Hypertension registered in your family's medical record, right?" Hermione frowned and shook her head no. The Healer sighed. "Well, there's been a sudden increase in your blood pressure, and since I haven't registered it in any of our previous appointments, I deduce this is a case of PIH, or 'Pregnancy Induced Hypertension'." Seeing the alarmed look on Harry's face, he added hurriedly, "Don't worry, it's not unusual for women to develop Hypertension during pregnancy, and it usually goes away soon after the baby is born. There shouldn't be any major problems, and with the proper care I believe we can avoid any possible side effects."
Harry frowned. "Side effects?"
"Well, Hypertension doesn't usually have any evident symptoms, but it could have some serious repercussions on both the mother and the baby if allowed to further develop. One of the most serious consequences of PIH is Preeclampsia, a toxic condition developing in the last four or five months of pregnancy that is characterized by excessive weight gain, generalized edema and a tendency to swell up… among other things."
Harry squeezed Hermione's hand, looking at her worriedly. "What should we do?"
"Well, if PIH actually develops into Preeclampsia, muggle doctors normally suggest hospitalization in order to protect the mother and the baby but, as you already know, the magical world possess more effective resources nowadays. I'll prescribe you with a potion to regulate your blood pressure and an other that'll calm anxiety and soothe agitation-you should be familiar with it, as they teach it at Hogwarts during fifth year, the Draught of Peace-" Harry made a face at being reminded of his most detestable professor "and be sure to rest if you feel tired. Sleep as much as you can, drink loads of liquids-except those containing caffeine, the fetus doesn't take it well-and try to avoid stressful situations. If everything goes well, and I have faith it will, by mid November you will father a most healthy child, Mr. Potter."
But in spite of Healer Abercrombie's reassuring and Hermione's apparent calmness, Harry couldn't stop the dread from sneaking into his heart.
***
After a few other routine tests, and after paying a short visit to Ginny Weasley, who was a Trainee Healer at the Spell Damage ward on the fourth floor, the couple made their way back home from St. Mungo's, and although he tried not to show it, Hermione knew Harry was worried; he kept throwing surreptitious glances at her as he drove, and he drove at almost flobberworm pace. He didn't say much and looked utterly immersed in his own thoughts, but she was pretty sure he would drop the bomb soon enough.
He didn't disappoint her.
As soon as they got home, Harry rounded on her. "When are you planning to go on maternity leave?"
Hermione sighed, making herself comfortable on one of the living room's couches; this was going to be a long conversation-she knew how stubborn the both of them could be. Harry remained standing. "Not for another month at least, I'm afraid… things have been pretty hectic at work…"
Harry crossed his arms over his chest and wet his lips anxiously. "You should rest more, Hermione, you heard what the Healer said; it could be dangerous for you and the baby."
Hermione frowned lightly. "He also said there was no reason to worry as long as I took it easy and followed his instructions, so I don't see any reason for me to stop working, especially when my job is as relaxing and calm as it is."
"You just said it's been very hectic lately!!!"
She glared at him. "Hectic as in I've had a lot of work lately. Honestly, Harry, I work at the Research and Development of Charms Department at the Institute of Magical Academics," she gritted out, emphasizing the 'Research' and 'Academics' part of her job, "the most straining physical effort I'm required to do is transport my arse from the office to the library and not even that, because I can get Georgiana to do it for me. It's not like I'm running after dark wizards or flying on broomsticks like you and Ron, you know, I have a bloody desk job!"
It was to note just how angry she was that she was swearing; she knew Harry worried but honestly! She was pregnant, not an invalid!
"Hermione, you know perfectly well that researching is not all 'relaxing' and 'calm'. Do you remember our NEWT's? You hardly got any sleep! You were snappish and moody, and you threatened to curse Ron and me if we as much as breathed loud when we were studying!!! You're supposed to avoid stress, for goodness' sake!!!"
"Yeah, and a great help you are, shouting at me like I'm five years old!!!" she snapped, looking as livid as he'd ever seen her.
Harry, who was as red as a lobster, opened his mouth to respond but no sound came out.
She's right, he thought finally, deflating a little, I should be helping her, not arguing with her… Merlin, I'm such a git…
Hermione was still glaring at him; sighing, he was about to apologize when someone cleared his throat, and they both turned sharply to the door, where a pale-face Ron was shifting from foot to foot.
"If you two are quite done fighting," he began weakly, his eyes wide as saucers, "do you think you could drive us to the hospital? Luna's just gone into labor…"
***
If the drive back home had been dreadfully slow, their second trip to St. Mungo's for the day was the exact opposite, and as she sat on the back seat with a panting Luna's head on her lap, Hermione was sure they were going to crash.
To hell with avoiding stressful situations!, she thought frantically as she gripped the back of Ron's seat with a shaky hand. This is my best friend's baby we're talking about!
They didn't crash, thankfully, and they made it to the hospital in one piece (if a little frazzled and green), and as Harry yelled impatiently for the ugly dummy in the display window to let them through, Ron helped his wife out of the car, holding her tightly to his side as Luna's panting got worse.
Stepping out of the car herself, Hermione was suddenly overcome with a sharp pain on the upper part of her abdomen and she gasped a little, leaning against the car for a moment. It passed soon though, and she looked up to see Harry hadn't noticed, still dealing with the dummy, Ron having joined him in the shouting.
Shutting the car's door closed, she walked carefully to the group in time to see the dummy finally nod its head at them to let them through. Ron and Luna did so immediately, but Harry glared at the window one more time before turning to Hermione, reaching for her hand and squeezing it gently.
"I'm so sorry, sweetheart… you were right, I was being a git," he finally said, looking apologetically down at her, "can you ever forgive me?"
Hermione smiled a little shakily, leaning into him, and his arm went immediately around her. "It's okay, Harry… listen, we'll talk about it later, alright? Ron needs us right now…"
Nodding his head mutely, Harry grabbed her hand again and they walked together through the barrier. A young Healer was standing by the entrance, holding a hand to his rapidly swelling eye, and when he noticed Hermione's obvious pregnancy he gave a startled jump.
"Are you going to hit me too?" he finally said, glaring accusingly at the two.
The couple looked at each other in surprise and then at the young man standing in front of them.
"Ron hit you?" Harry asked, and was further amazed when the Healer shook his head.
"Ron? Oh, no, it was the wife. And bloody scary, she was, threatened to feed me to a Crumple-Horned Snorkack if I didn't find her a stretcher to lie down soon enough."
***
Harry and Hermione were sitting together in the waiting room, which was quickly filling with Weasleys to the point of burst: Ginny had been the first one to arrive, of course, as she practically lived there, and she had taken it upon herself to notify the rest of the family, returning shortly after with a shy Neville, whom she'd been dating for over three years and who was a Trainee Healer at St. Mungo's himself; Arthur and Molly were next, the latter sobbing heavily at the arrival of her sixth grandchild, and gushing all over Hermione as well. Charlie had Apparated overseas (he was recently working in South America with a colony of Peruvian Vipertooths), looking very tan and very healthy, if a little frazzled and burnt, and George had popped in right after, carrying a stack of Filibuster Fireworks which he set off until he was kicked out of the room by two security wizards, but he came back in whistling a few minutes later, refusing to share the fate of the other two. Bill and Fleur had taken a Portkey from Paris with their children, Gabriel and Annette, who were now being smothered with kisses by their grandmother, much to their annoyance.
Percy had come strutting in twenty minutes later, with Penelope, Katrina and Percy Jr. in tow, announcing that he had, against his better judgment, postponed a very important meeting to accompany his brother in this eventful moment, and Harry had nearly hit him for that; he hadn't really forgiven him for what he'd done to his family, but was civil to him for Molly's sake nonetheless. Of course, his annoyance was short lived and soon turned into heavy bouts of laughter as, to everyone's (except Molly's and Penelope's) great amusement and relief, the newly arrived Fred turned him into a goose with a flap of his wand, at which the angry bird proceeded to chase him around the room, trying to peck him until an irritated Angelina handed little Elizabeth, who was just a toddler, to her uncle Charlie, grabbed her husband by the ear, the goose by neck and proceeded to yell at the two of them until Fred, properly chastised, agreed to transfigure his brother back.
Thankfully, they were all spared another lecture from Percy as Ron, who for the past hour and a half had been away with Luna, came into the room, looking nervous and pale, and was immediately attacked by his relatives.
"Ronald, my baby!!!"
"Hey, son, congratulations!"
"Where's Luna?"
"Where's my nephew?"
"Our ickle Ronniekins has finally grown up!!!"
"OW!!! GEORGE! That's my foot!!!"
Finally, looking exhausted, Ron lifted his hands in an attempt to placate them all. "Luna's still in labor."
"Well then what are you doing here?"
"They kicked me out after the second time I fainted."
***
Twenty minutes later the crowd was considerably thinner, half of the family having left to get a cup of tea and grab a bite while they waited; Harry had gone with them and come back soon after with a turkey sandwich and juice for Hermione, who hadn't eaten anything since breakfast and the little one had started to protest. Ginny and Neville had both left, as they were still on duty, but they assured Ron they would return in an hour or so.
The waiting room was almost empty, except for Arthur and Bill, who were talking quietly by the door, Charlie, who was dozing off on a couch in the corner, half-disoriented from jetlag, Angelina, who was watching Kat play with Elizabeth on the floor and the two Potters, who were sitting together across the room, watching amusedly as their best friend paced nervously in front of them.
"I'm not ready for this," he said, gesticulating widely with his long arms, his face so incredibly white that his freckles stood out sharply against his skin, "I don't know how to be a father, I am going to mess up so badly-"
Harry bit his lip, frowning slightly. He honestly didn't know what to tell him without feeling slightly hypocritical about it; he had the same doubts as he did, after all, and no matter how many times he tried to tell himself that it was okay to feel insecure, he could not help but spend most of his nights worrying about his future role as a dad.
Hermione, apparently, was not having the same problem; she had assumed the analytical, business-like disposition that had characterized her since-well, forever, and which had saved their arses (and grades) more than once as they were growing up. As she calmly ticked off the reasons why Ron was going to be a wonderful father with her fingers, Harry could not help the fond smile that crept into his face; he loved those two like crazy, and for a long time they had been the family he never had.
But soon, he thought, looking at Hermione's bulging belly, soon…
"-and most important," Hermione was saying, shaking a finger in Ron's face, which bore a disheartened look; her lips broke into the sweetest smile as she grabbed his hand, giving it a little squeeze in the process, "it's you, Ron… there is just no way in the world that you'll turn out anything other than a smashing dad…"
Ron's face softened and he squeezed her hand back, flashing her a grateful smile.
"Yeah," Harry piped up brightly, "and you'll have loads of practice too-as it is, the way you two behave, by this time next year you'll be expecting your second child and you'll be able to exhibit your wonderful traits as a father!"
Ron, who was kneeling in front of them, flushed a deep scarlet, while Hermione shot him a dirty look. Then, without any notice at all, she jammed her elbow hard into his side.
"Ow…"
"That's so you'll stop saying horrible things like that!" she chastised, glaring at him.
"But it's true!" he whined, "They go at it like crazed weasels! I'm always afraid to open my poor, innocent eyes when I Apparate over because-ow! Hey, can't you take a joke-OW!!! If you're gonna hit me, hit me someplace else, 'cause that spot is getting sore..."
Hermione dissolved into giggles, leaning forward against Ron's shoulder as he guffawed loudly, drawing the curious eyes of his relatives, who had stopped their previous activities at the merry sounds coming from the other side of the room.
Harry grinned sheepishly, rubbing his side gingerly as the other two laughed heartily at him, but they were interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throats, and they turned abruptly to see a Medi-witch standing at the door, holding it open with a bright smile on her face.
"Mr. Weasley? Your son is here..."
***
Ron had insisted that Harry and Hermione come with him; they had tried to tell him that he ought to go alone-or at least let the rest of his family meet his baby boy first, but Ron was having none of it.
"Nonsense," he'd said, smiling tearfully at them, "this is the single most important moment in my entire life and I want the people I love most to be there right next to me."
When they entered the room (Harry and Hermione trailing a little behind him), they were greeted by a most beautiful sight: Luna was sitting up on a bed, holding a tiny bundle to her chest and gazing down at it with a most tender expression, the usual detached and dreamy look completely gone from her face. She was simply beautiful, in her new motherhood, blond hair in disarray and rosy cheeks as she turned at the sound of the door.
"Ronald?" she began with a bright smile in her face "Come meet your son…"
The other couple hung a little back, giving them a little privacy; they watched Ron bend down to kiss his wife's forehead and whisper a few words in her ear. Luna smiled in response and looked her usual dreamy-self. They watched with slightly misty eyes as she placed the bundle into Ron's trembling arms and heard his sharp intake of breath.
"Oh, my God…" he whispered softly, and when he turned around to smile at them, they could see the tears running freely down his face, "get your arses over here, you silly sots!"
Hermione, already bawling, darted forward towards them and hugged Luna first, who patted her calmly on the back; Harry followed more sedately after her, and when he reached Ron, Hermione had turned to him too, grinning widely.
"Oh, Ron, congratulations!"
"Yeah, well," he began with a proud smile on his face, holding the sleeping up for his godparents to see "meet Robin Arthur Weasley…"
The baby was fast asleep, his tiny fists curled tightly against his chest; his face was round and fat and he was sort of blotchy, with a red, ruddy complexion and his daddy's copper hair. He was making soft, cute little baby sounds as he slept, and Hermione felt her heart melt inside her chest as she looked from the infant to the new parents in turn.
"Oh, Luna!" she gushed, tears flowing anew, "he's beautiful!"
"Actually," Luna began in her misty voice, "he is kind of blotchy and wrinkled, but I'm sure he'll turn out as dashingly handsome as his dad."
Harry and Hermione exploded in laughter, and Ron rolled his eyes heavenward, although he too was smiling.
However, all the noise seemed to have had an effect on the child who, fidgeting a little in his father's arms, gurgled and opened his eyes, revealing a pair of blue irises identical to his mother's; the adults' laughter died away as Robin stared up at Ron, who stared right back at him with wide eyes, and gave him a toothless smile. Ron's eyes filled again at this, and he made a chortled sound before blinking twice.
"Oh, my," he said weakly, "I think I'm in love…"
Harry grinned, wrapping an arm around his sniffing wife and patting his best friend's shoulder with his free hand.
"Congratulations, Ron," he said sincerely, "you're going to be a great dad…"
To be continued…
A/N: Well, this is a record for me! Twelve days since my last post-nothing, really, considering I hadn't written a word of this chapter when I posted July. It's compensation for the sixth months I had you waiting for it. ***grins*** I thought it would take me a lot longer, because of the first part with the healer's appointment (hint, hint!), but surprisingly, it didn't take me that long. I researched a LOT, but it all seemed to fit in the end to my purpose, for which I'll be eternally grateful. However, I ask you to bear with me if something does not feel right-I am no doctor, and so I can't be sure that everything I wrote concerning Hermione's health is alright… I hope you guys know I tried my best. Aside from that, I really like how it turned out in the end. Also, some of my reviewers commented that they'd like to read some from Hermione's point of view, and so I tried to do that-but to an extent. For some reason, I find Hermione extremely difficult to write, while I seem to 'connect' a lot more with Harry… ***shrugs*** Finally, and unfortunately for you, September will take a little longer to come, both because I've been writing nonstop for nearly two weeks, (however hard it is to believe) and because it's going to be HORRIBLE to write. BUT, I promise it won't take six months to finish, because, well, I have to months and a half worth of doing nothing but write. ***smiles*** Besides, there's POA coming up-sadly, I get to wait another week for it, ***pouts*** you lucky lot!!! Do tell me about it, I can hardly wait to see it!
A particular thanks to dreamingdemon27, who very kindly reminded me that I forgot to mention one of the stories I got inspiration for the last chapter. ***winces*** in response to your question, yes, I did. I like that story very much, and there is a part (when Hermione is crying) that is very much like in that story… I just forgot to mention it. I'm sorry! Oh, and there is something else I borrowed from 'Expecting' in this chapter, along with something from Lori's POU… can anyone point it out?
Pockets, ***blushes*** thanks for the review. I tried to update earlier, but as you said it yourself, school can be a real pain! Thanks again, and I hope you like this chapter as well.
Ginnymalfoy21, ***grins*** yeah, we all do. Thanks for reviewing!
RavenclawChrissie, ***smiles*** thanks for the review! Somehow, I think that's exactly how Harry would act around a pregnant Hermione, and I think he's just adorable! ***sighs***
Creepy Susie, ***grins*** oh yeah! Sometime I'll tell you about the party they missed that landed them in their actual condition (meaning, pregnant) hint: the baby is due November 14th (count back!)
KypDurron, yay! Love all the reviews!!!
RickyElRey, ***laughs*** another story for another time, but I'll give you this: pregnant Luna got to have three portions of cake!
Fire Gazer, aww, he won't! ***smiles*** Merlin knows how many parties HE and Luna have missed for the exact same reason!
Jenna Kathleen, ***smiles*** thanks for the review, it really made me smile. And about Harry, he's a sweetie, isn't he? ***sighs dreamily*** I'd like to find a guy like him myself…
Hermiones Phoenix, your wish is my command! Wouldn't like to receive a howler. ***shudders***
HarryWouldBeAPaladin, ohhh, you'll have to read to find out what happens between the two!
Typical-me, mmm, as I said above, I somehow find it incredibly difficult to write Hermione, but I CAN blame it on mood swing, can't I? ***grins*** I hope she was a little in character in this chapter, though…
Hermioniegranger, ohh, you'll have to read to find out what it is!!! Thanks for the review.
Violatedpenguin, 'twas nothing. I love your reviews! ***grins***
QTE626, err… thanks, I guess! ***grins***
Babyhalo19, ***laughs*** I don't know… I'm not the funny kind, I can't tell a joke because I always spoil it, but I'm glad you think it's funny… because next chapter isn't going to be very funny. ***whistles innocently***
Pottersgil2003, ***blushes*** thank you so much for the review, it made me smile… it really means a lot to me that you like my writing, so thanks… I hope you like this chapter as well…
PurplePasties1985, ***smiles*** I'm glad you like it! Thanks for the review!!!
To anyone I forgot, I'm sorry, and I love you all very much!!!!