A New Life

Hedwig76

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 14/06/2005
Last Updated: 26/06/2005
Status: completed

After the Dark Lord was defeated, the gang is trying to get their life back to normal by moving forward. Hermione decides to do it away from home, but destiny has another plan for her. She has to go back and get even closer to the one person she was trying to get away from.

Chapters

1. ONE

2. Two

3. Three

4. Four

5. Five

6. Six

7. Seven

8. Eight

9. Nine

10. Ten

11. Eleven

12. Twelve

13. Thirteen

14. Fourteen

1. ONE

Disclaimer: The characters and the world of Harry Potter came out of the brilliant mind of JK Rowling. I’m just an admirer.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ONE

“Are you sure about this, Hermione?”

“Yes Harry, for the twelfth time, I’m sure.”

“Well, just remember that if things don’t work out the way you want, you can always come back home.”

Hermione placed a hand on her friend’s shoulder. She appreciated Harry worrying for her, but she had already made up her mind.

“I know. Besides, it’s not like Greece is that far from here. A five-hour flight and you’re there.”

The whole gang - Ron, Ginny, Luna, Hermione, Harry, George, Fred and Neville - were at the twin’s place, on the second level of their shop in Diagon Alley. They were having a kind of going away dinner for Hermione.

She had been awarded a scholarship to study at the Greek Academy for Healing Development in Athens. She had enrolled in one of the programs offered at the Academy to become a healer. It consisted of two years of intensive courses and six months of internship at the Academy’s hospital.

One of the things Hermione liked the most about it was that the program was shorter than the three-year-courses-one-year-internship program offered at St. Mungo’s. Also, the opportunity to live abroad at the ancient city of Athens was very appealing.

“So, Hermione, how are you getting to the airport tomorrow?” asked Ginny.

“I’ll be taking a taxi,” said Hermione while placing back on the table the bottle of butterbeer she was drinking.

They had finished dinner quite a while ago, but remained in the kitchen since it was the only room in the apartment big enough to hold all of them. The kitchen/dinning room was an open space. Some cabinets were lined along one of the walls, next to them there were an old stove and oven.

A few feet away, a square island stood in the middle. Ron and Fred were sitting there on a couple of stools. At the other side of the room, a wooden table for six took up most of the available space. The rest of the gang sat around it.

“Mum had originally offered to drive me, but she wasn’t able to cancel some of her appointments so I told her not to worry.”

“The independent girl can do it on her own,” said Ron with a mocking smile on his face.

“You still don’t believe I can take care of myself?” said Hermione defiantly.

Ron raised his hands signaling defeat. “I’m just saying, since you got this I-want-to-doing-it-on-my-own thing going.”

“And what’s wrong with that?” asked Luna looking at Ron as if she was ready to jump on him.

“Jeez girls! I was just kidding, alright?”

“Well I’m not,” declared Hermione. “I want to show my parents I can survive on my own. The only thing they’ll be paying for is my plane ticket. I’ll be taking care of everything else.”

“Exactly how are you going to do that?” asked Ginny. She was dying to finish her last year at Hogwarts and be able to get a place for herself, too.

“The scholarship will give me enough gold to cover tuition, books, supplies, all I need for my courses. If I manage it well, I may have a little leftover. Plus I’m going to be working at the Academy’s library on the weekends so I can have some pocket money.”

They all looked proudly at her. She sure had proved to everybody she could take care of herself, but nobody had expected that she’d be going away to study.

The final battle had taken place just a few months ago and they all were still trying to adjust to a normal life again. The relief felt when the Dark Lord was finally defeated had been bitter sweet. The lives of many great witches and wizards had been lost in the process. Some of them had been people close to them, like Moody, Dumbledore, Hagrid, Tonks, among others. Now they were trying to push all that aside and resume their lives.

“How is it that you haven’t even left yet, and you already have a job?” wondered Neville, who was sitting across the table from where Hermione was.

“They happen to have this department for foreign students,” explained Hermione. “They help you out to find housing, a job, you know, basically to get settled.”

“You know Hermione,” said Harry turning to her. “I can take you to the airport.”

Hermione looked at him and smiled. “Harry, you don’t have a car.”

“I know, but I can get the taxi for you and we could go together.”

Ginny and Luna, who were sitting at Harry’s other side, looked at each other and smiled.

“I just don’t want you to go alone,” said Harry with a shy smile on his face.

“Thanks Harry,” responded Hermione smiling back at him. “You don’t have to, you know, but I appreciate it.”

Besides wanting to get into a shorter program than the one at St. Mungo’s and besides wanting to live in a wonderful city, one of the reasons Hermione had decided to go to Greece was to be away from Harry.

She was totally in love with him. Seeing him fight Voldemort and his Death Eaters had been agonizing for her. She had always hoped that some day he could respond to her feelings, but she had never seen in his eyes anything other than the love one has for a best friend.

So many times she had been in the verge of telling him how she felt, but there was one thing stopping her. She would never do anything to upset their friendship. To her, that was far more valuable than her feelings for Harry.

Hermione hoped distance would help her get over him, or at least ease the pain and tension she felt when being around him.

Hermione looked at her friends around the table. She sure was going to miss them, but she had to be brave and continue on the path she had traced for herself.

“What about you Harry?” asked Fred. “When do you start school?”

“In two weeks.”

“I still can believe you’re going to be a teacher man,” said Ron standing up to get another butterbeer.

“C’mon Ron, don’t you remember how great he was during our DA meetings?” reminded him Ginny.

“Well, I don’t know how great I was, but I did enjoy them.”

It had been a surprise to all when Harry had decided to leave his Auror dreams aside and enrolled in an institute for teaching that Professor McGonagall, the new Hogwarts’ Headmistress, had suggested.

Professor McGonagall had originally offered Harry the post of DADA teacher at Hogwarts earlier that summer. Harry, however, had refused saying he needed more training.

“What do you mean more training? Don’t you think you had more than enough Defense Against the Dark Arts training?” asked Professor McGonagall to an amused Harry.

“What I mean is training as a teacher, Professor.”

“Oh! Well… that I can understand.”

Harry smiled to himself as he remembered that talk. He had been assured by Professor McGonagall that the post of DADA would be waiting for him when his three-year studies were finished.

“I think I’m gonna head home now. I still have some things to pack,” said Hermione while getting up.

Everyone stood up after her to hug and kiss her good-bye. This was the part Hermione hated, but she promised them she’d be coming home for Christmas.

--- * --- * --- * ---

The following day, Harry and Hermione made their way to the airport on time. Harry had been quiet all the way from her parents’ house to the airport. He hated to see her go. There was a part of him that wanted to tie her legs to a lamppost to keep her from boarding the plane that would take her away from him.

He was so used to having her around, to see her almost every day. But he was also proud of her and happy to see that she was going to fulfill her dreams. He had no right to stand in her way. As the friend he was, he was supposed to be supportive and encourage her every step of the way, even when it hurt to say good-bye. She deserved to have the chance to go out into the world and become her own person.

“Hermione?” Harry spoke with a soft voice.

“Yes Harry, I’m sure,” said Hermione thinking that once again Harry was going to ask her the same question he had asked a hundred times.

Harry smiled. “Actually, I was going to wish you the best of luck.”

“Oh! Sorry…”

Taking her hands in his, Harry got a little closer to her. “You’re going to do great Hermione, I know it. You’re very smart... of course, you already know that. I just, I’m going to miss you.”

Harry was looking into her eyes in a way that made Hermione nervous. “I’m going to miss you, too,” she said almost in a whisper.

Just then, a voice in the speaker system announced the last call to board the plane she had to take. Before letting go of her hands, Harry gave her a quick kiss in the corner of her mouth, perhaps a little too close to her lips.

To hide her flushed face from him, Hermione busied herself pretending to look for her boarding pass in her bag.

“Take care Hermione,” said Harry when she finally walked up to the gate. He hugged her tightly for a few seconds and whisper in her ear, “See you soon.”

After that, he saw her walk through the gate and into the plane. Harry stood by the big glass window and stayed there until the plane took off. He followed it with his eyes until it disappear form view, feeling that a part of him had left in that plane, too.

2. Two

TWO

A year and a half passed since the day Hermione left London. On that Saturday, December 10th, the beautiful city of Athens was rapidly waking up. People could be seen on the streets going about with their daily routine.

One person, however, was not ready to start the day just yet. Twenty year-old Hermione Granger had stayed up late the night before, studying of course, and was not willing to leave her bed for at least one more hour.

Hermione enjoyed a lot living in this fascinating ancient city. There was, however, one thing she didn’t like. Being away from her family and friends was not an easy thing. She missed them terribly.

The previous Christmas, Hermione had gone home and spent two wonderful weeks enjoying herself among the people she loved the most, but she hadn’t seen them since. She stayed at Athens during the previous summer. She had been able to get a summer job at the Academy’s hospital and decided it was better to stay and start getting involved in the field she’d soon be joining.

This Christmas, she wasn’t going home either. She had signed up to be part of a research team that was doing some investigating work on magical plants to come up with new remedies for people suffering of heart condition.

They had to observe the plants they were working on twenty-four-seven at one of the Academy’s lab and Hermione was forced to stay. She even had to put her part time job at the library on hold for a few weeks.

Being Hermione’s parents muggles, they had gotten a mobile phone for her so they could ring her whenever they wanted. Since Harry knew perfectly well how to use a phone, she had given him the number.

To avoid hearing complains about her not going home, Hermione decided that instead of calling to tell them the news, she’d send a letter to her parents and another to Harry. She waited to the last minute to let them know she wouldn’t be going home for the holidays. She knew they’d be disappointed.

“Herms! Wake up.” The voice of Damara Teves, Hermione’s housemate, startled her forcing Hermione to open her eyes.

Damara was a Greek girl that also attended the Academy. When she was just a baby, her parents had moved to America where she was raised. Unfortunately, when Damara was seventeen, her father died unexpectedly. Damara's mother decided then to go back to Greece. She now lived with her relatives in a small town an hour north of Athens.

“What is it?” Hermione was ready to ask Damara to go away, when she saw her friend was standing next to her bed, carrying Hedwig in her forearm.

“Look who’s here!”

“So quickly?” Hermione was surprised to see Hedwig so soon. She had just sent the letters the previous week. She knew Harry would reply, but wasn’t expecting it to be so soon. Hermione's parents had already phoned her to complain about the news.

“You look tired girl,” said Hermione while checking Hedwig to make sure she was fine after such a long trip. She untied the letter attached to her leg. Then, she offered Hedwig water from a goblet that was placed on top of her night table. Hermione scratched softly the owl’s head. Then, she sat at her bed.

“Is it from Harry?” asked Damara. Hermione nodded. She had told Damara all about her friends back home, and especially about Harry.

Even when they were miles apart, Harry and Hermione kept regular contact through letters and phone calls. They knew everything about each other lives. Harry had told her about a girl he was going out with whereas Hermione told him about a guy she had dated.

Hermione knew that for the last three months, Harry had been dating a young witch called Laura Lynch and that things were going alright between them. Hermione, in the other hand, had gone out with a peer from the Academy during her first year at Athens.

Not being able to take Harry out of her head, they had split up a couple of weeks later. She, of course, never explained to Harry the real reasons for the break up. Hermione had been alone since.

Taking the letter in her hands, she ripped it open and read it out loud.

Hermione,

What do you mean you’re not coming home? You think we’re not dying to see you? Think we don’t miss you?

Well we do, I do, and I’m not going to keep waiting for you to come see me. I’m going to Athens. I’ll be arriving Saturday the 10th at noon at the international airport.

If you don’t come pick me up, I’ll go find you wherever you may be.

See you soon,

Harry

“The 10th? Today?” asked Hermione already knowing that answer to that question.

“Well, I guess you’d better go take a shower, Herms. You don’t want to be late, right?”

Thinking that perhaps she had read wrong, Hermione read the note one more time to then toss it to the side and run into the bathroom to take a shower.

--- * --- * --- * --- * ---

At a quarter to noon, Hermione arrived at the airport. She was anxious to see Harry, as always. She had spent half an hour trying to decide what to wear. Finally she had chosen to go with a pair of slacks, a striped light blue jumper, and a waistcoat jacket to protect her from the wind.

She waited impatiently until she heard a voice announcing Harry's flight had arrived and that the passengers would be coming out through Gate 12. Hermione walked quickly to that gate.

People started coming out of the gate before she reached it. Hermione searched their faces looking for the object of her affection. To Hermione, it seemed like an eternity from the moment people started coming out to the moment she finally saw Harry.

He was among the last people to leave the plane. As soon as he saw her, his handsome face was illuminated with a big smile. Quickly Hermione pushed her way through the people gathered around the gate until she was able to reach him.

“Harry! It’s great to see you,” she said at the same time that she encircled him with her arms.

“It’s so good to see you, too!” said Harry returning the hug. Then pulling her gently away, he added trying to sound serious, “Hey I’m mad at you, remember?”

“C’mon Harry! It’s not like I didn’t want to see you guys.” Hermione put on her puppy face hoping he’d feel sorry for her and forget he was supposed to be upset.

“Well, if you really wanted to see us you would’ve come home, wouldn't you?” Harry had in fact been upset about her not going home for the holidays, but now that she was smiling at him, he had totally forgotten about it. “Don’t tell me you’re so busy you don’t even have a couple of days to be with your friends.”

“Actually, I am.”

Leading Harry out of the airport, they got to the street and grabbed a taxi to take them to the apartment Hermione shared with Damara. In the way to the apartment, Hermione told Harry all about the research she was a part of. Her team was made up of five people. Out of those, three of them were in charge of keeping an eye on the plants.

The day was broken into three shifts that they rotated so that one person wouldn’t have to stay overnight at the lab all the time. Hermione was supposed to stay overnight that day.

“Can’t you get someone to cover for you?” asked Harry. He was supposed to go back to London the following night and wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.

“I’m sorry Harry, but there’s nobody. That’s why I can’t go anywhere. I’m also supposed to be there tomorrow all afternoon.” She would’ve liked to have the weekend off to take Harry see some of the wonderful places the city had to offer, but she had a commitment she couldn’t get out of. “What time does you flight leave tomorrow?”

“At nine.”

“Oh! I have to stay there until 10 p.m.”

“It’s okay, don’t worry.” He placed an arm around her shoulders while pulling her towards him. “I should’ve called before coming. I don’t want to keep you from your work.”

Just then, the taxi arrived at Hermione’s apartment building. The two of them took the lift to the third floor, where the apartment was located. Damara was waiting to welcome them.

“So, you’re Harry! I’ve heard so much about you,” said Damara while shaking Harry’s hand with a strong grip.

“I hope you’ve only heard good things,” said Harry looking at the strong hand shaking his.

“Oh, sorry.” Damara let go of his hand and beckoned him to sit down in the couch.

“Honestly Damara! You always leave people with a sore hand.” Hermione sat next to Harry taking his hand in hers, checking for bruises. “You sure don’t honor your name.”

Harry looked at Hermione trying to understand what she had meant by that. Damara, reading Harry’s expression, explained to him that her name means “gentle.”

“Well… I hate to leave you guys, but this girl has to go to work, you know,” said Damara standing up. “How long will you be staying Harry?”

“I’m leaving tomorrow night.”

“So soon? Oh well, at least you get to spend some time with Herms.” Then leaning down to kiss Hermione good-bye, she added, “Why don’t you take him to our favourite restaurant for lunch? I’m sure he’ll love it.”

--- * --- * --- * ---

Following Damara’s idea, Hermione took Harry to the Cafe Divani from where you could see the Acropolis Hill in the distance. Harry was glad to be there. Even knowing that he wasn’t going to spend all the weekend with Hermione, as he had planned, he was happy to see her at least for some hours. He had missed her so much.

Then, an idea came to Harry’s mind.

“Hermione? How exactly works this staying-at-the-lab-overnight thing?” asked Harry looking inquisitively at her.

“Why do you ask?”

“Well…” said Harry pushing aside his empty plate. “I was wondering if I could go with you.”

“You mean, stay with me at the lab?” asked Hermione surprised.

Harry nodded.

Hermione thought about it for a while. It sure sounded appealing, but spending the night at the lab was not a comfortable experience. She voiced this concern to Harry.

“I don’t care about that. I just want to spend as much time with you as possible.”

Hermione smiled. She appreciated his sacrifice, and couldn’t feel happier about his suggestion.

3. Three

THREE

Harry and Hermione spent the rest of the afternoon sight seeing. They visited the Acropolis Hill, and a couple of museums. Harry was fascinated with the city, but he knew that just Hermione’s presence alone was the reason of most of his excitement.

“So, where is this school of yours?”

“It’s located in the north side of the city, magically hidden inside a hill.”

Harry looked at her with curiosity. He knew all magic buildings needed to be disguised when located in muggle cities, but he still felt as amazed by that as he had felt the first time he found out about the magic world.

Hermione was more than glad to tell Harry about the Academy. To the muggle eye, the hill where the Academy was located seemed as any other regular hill with just a few old looking houses at the foot and an abandoned house at the top.

Those houses were not abandoned, of course. They belonged to the Academy. In the houses in the foot of the hill lived students like Hermione who came from abroad. Hermione had at first been assigned to one of these houses, but at the last minute they had reassigned her to the building where she lived, which was also owned by the Academy.

The house on the top of the hill was actually the main entrance to the Academy. Once you entered through the old iron gates, the abandoned house disappeared from view to be replaced by a magnificent white marble building. At the entrance, a big wide atrium welcomed visitors with the soothing sounds of a great fountain that stood in the middle.

Big marble statues of the Academy's founders, dressed in the ancient Greek style, stood at both sides of the atrium. They resembled mythological gods and goddesses.

A spacious auditorium, where graduations and other important events took place, the Headmaster’s and the professors’ offices, and several other offices surrounded the atrium. The actual classroom, the labs, and the library were located underground, or better said inside the hill, spread out through eight levels.

Harry heard Hermione’s description intently. He was glad to see her talking about it with such excitement. “She must be having a great time,” he thought.

At about eight thirty, they headed back to the apartment. Hermione was supposed to be at the lab at ten and she needed to get her stuff first.

“How are things going between Laura and you?” asked Hermione trying hard to hide her emotions with a normal voice.

“Okay,” responded Harry without looking at her.

They were at Hermione’s bedroom. She was throwing some rolls of parchment and a couple of books into her book bag. She looked at him inquisitively.

“Okay?” repeated Hermione. “You don’t sound too excited about it.”

“Well… she’s great, you know. She’s a really nice person, but…” Harry was still avoiding Hermione’s eyes.

“But what?” she asked walking up to him, her book bag on her shoulder.

“I don’t know. I just don’t seem to connect with her. I like her a lot, but I don’t feel that… thing, you know.” He finally looked up at her. Realizing she was ready to go, he took her book bag off of her shoulder and placed it in his.

“Give it some time, Harry.” Hermione grabbed her cloak and started hearing to the door.

“I am giving it time,” replied Harry following Hermione to the living room. “We’ve been together for almost three moths!”

Hermione turned around to face him. “What I mean is give some time to yourself Harry. Don’t rush things. You’ll find that thing you’re looking for.” Placing a hand in his arm, she added, “If it’s not Laura, it’ll be someone else. Just take your time.”

Harry nodded. This was one of the things he missed the most, having his best friend at his side every day.

“So how are we getting there?” asked Harry, who had just realized they were ready to leave.

“We’re apparating.”

Minutes later, they both apparated to the Academy’s atrium.

--- * --- * --- * ---

To keep her hair out of her face, Hermione tied it up behind her head with a muggle hair clip. Still a few rebel curls hung freely at the side of her face.

It was passed midnight. They were at the Academy’s lab on the fifth level. They were the only two people in that entire level. Very few people actually stayed at the Academy overnight. Hermione gave Harry the five-knuts tour of the lab, to then leave him to explore on his own so she could do some work.

“You guys have a lot of interesting things here,” said Harry from across the lab with his back to her. He was observing a plant that seemed to be sleeping. It actually made snoring sounds.

“Yeah. I’m sure Neville would love to see some of the plants we have here,” replied Hermione without looking at Harry.

Harry agreed.

He tuned around to face her. The lab was dimly lighted since most of the plants needed that type of setting. Several torches placed high in the walls, which reminded Harry of Snape’s dungeon, were the only source of light beside the fireplace that crackled in the back of the lab.

Hermione was recording some notes in a chart. She was sitting in a high stool, checking on a plant that rested on top of the counter, her feet placed in the up most rung with a book on her knees. The light from the torches reflected in her hair giving it a golden glow. She was wearing reading glasses, which had slip to the tip of her nose.

Harry stood rooted to the same spot, across from where Hermione was, looking at her. She looked so beautiful with the soft glow the light from the fire gave her. His gaze was so intense, Hermione felt it.

Slowly Hermione turned her face to look at him. He was so gorgeous. Time had done wonders on him. He was no longer that thin boy. Now his shoulders were broad, his chest firm, his muscles well-toned. His face was no longer the face of a boy, but that of a man, with a strong jaw and pronounced features.

When Hermione met Harry’s eyes, her stomach made a somersault. “Oh god!” she thought. “Why did he have to come and torture me?”

She tried to go back to her notes, but Harry’s stare was still on her. He slowly started walking towards her. Hermione’s heart started pounding in her throat. When he finally reached her, Hermione was able to look clearly into his eyes.

What was that she was seeing? He had never looked at her like this, as if he was trying to memorize every single line of her face. He slowly took the book that was lying on her knees and placed it on the counter. Then, he removed her reading glasses and placed them on top of the book. Finally, Harry took one of her hands and pulled her up to make her stand up.

They stood like that for a few seconds. None of them spoke. They were both looking into each other eyes. Harry grabbed one of her loose curls with his fingers and caressed it gently to then move it aside. He placed a hand on the side of her face, gently rubbing her cheek with his thumb.

Softly, he began to trace the lines of her face with his index finger, from her forehead to her nose to her lips. Hermione closed her eyes. The sensation of Harry’s touch was too intense she was afraid he’d be able to see through her eyes just how much she enjoyed it.

Then, she felt something else tracing her lips, Harry’s tongue. He had leaned forward until their faces were inches apart. First, he placed a soft kiss on her lips. Then, his tongue began tracing the softness of Hermione’s lips begging to be let in.

Hermione responded. Soon Harry’s tongue found its way inside her mouth. The kiss intensified as he tried to take in her sweet flavor. Hermione could not believe what was happening.

Her mind, usually sharp, was slowly processing the moment sending a wave of tingling sensations down her spine and all through her body. Her knees started shaking, as if they were not able to hold her weight.

Sensing this, Harry placed both his arms around her back. Hermione tied her hands around Harry’s neck. Slowly, Harry’s lips moved away from her mouth and his tongue began to trace her jaw line until it reached her ear.

Gently, Harry bit it. A moan escaped of her throat causing Harry to look at her, afraid he might have hurt her. Once he saw her eyes were still tightly closed, he went back to kissing her lips.

Harry raised one of his hands and took off the clip that was holding her hair. After her hair cascaded down, he grabbed some of her long curls and brought them to his nose. He inhaled their wonderful scent with his eyes closed.

Hermione opened hers to see what he was doing. After a few seconds, he looked back at her, desire burning in his eyes. He pulled her closer to him and kissed her with even more passion than before.

His hands began to wonder freely through her body, from her back to her hips to her arms, trying to explore as much as possible. Then, Hermione felt one of his hands pulling her jumper up. She gasped as she felt the touch of Harry’s hand on her bare skin.

Slowly, Harry began to lift up her jumper. Hermione raised her arms, allowing him to slip it off, being left with just her bra. Carelessly, he toss it to the side to then resume the kissing, his hands exploring her body now more openly.

Hermione slid her hands down until she found the buttons of Harry’s shirt. She pulled them off without breaking the kiss. Soon his shirt ended next to her jumper. Hermione run her hands through her chest, feeling how his muscles tensed under her touch.

Then Harry heard a voice in the back of his head. It was saying: “STOP! Don’t do this.” Harry pulled away and looked at her with shock in his eyes as if he had just realized what was happening.

“Hermione…”

Hermione realized he wanted to stop, but she wasn’t willing to let him go. She had waited many years for this moment. Now that she had felt Harry’s lips on hers, her hands on her body, she wanted more. She needed more.

“Please Harry,” she said in a whisper. “Don’t stop. I want this.”

To keep him from saying anything else, she placed her mouth over his and tried to reassure him with her kiss that she wanted to be with him. She started to steer Harry towards the back of the lab where the fireplace was.

In there, there was a big couch the students usually used to sleep for a while during their night shifts. A couple of blankets were neatly folded right next to the couch. Hermione pushed him towards the couch.

Harry stumbled and fell sited into the couch. Hermione smiled at him while straddling him with her legs and sitting on his lap. She buried both her hands in his raven hair, gently pulling his head back.

She leaned forward and slowly traced her tongue around his neck and to his ears, nibbling at his earlobe. The little bit of resistance Harry was trying to put up banished away. He closed his arms around her back pulling her towards him, kissing her with all the passion he had accumulated during the years.

4. Four

FOUR

Hours later, Hermione woke up feeling the happiest woman alive. She was lying down in the lab’s couch encircled by Harry’s arms. Their warm, naked bodies pressed against each other. They were warmly covered with the soft blankets. Harry was still sleeping.

They were lying on their sides, facing each other. Hermione wished she could freeze time and remain like that, on his arms, forever. She started to recall what had just happened.

Harry had made love to her. She had been his for a few hours. She had felt him deep inside of her. That feeling had been the most exciting experience she had ever felt. For a while, they had been a single being. Their bodies fitted perfectly well together.

Harry took Hermione to a place she didn't know existed, making her feel things she never thought possible. Just remembering Harry’s hands on her body made her blush with pleasure.

Now that she was thinking about it, she didn’t care what happened next. It didn’t matter. All of her life seemed to have stopped at the moment Harry penetrated her. Everything before and after that moment was forgotten.

She then looked at her wristwatch. It was five thirty. Her shift would be over at six o’clock. The student who was to take over after her would be arriving soon. She quickly got up and woke Harry up.

“Harry! You have to go!” she said while searching for her clothes and putting them on.

“What?” he asked, still a little sleepy.

Hermione quickly explained to Harry that he had to leave. Harry got up and quickly got dressed. Hermione instructed him to apparate to her apartment and wait for her there.

--- * --- * --- * ---

Half an hour later, Hermione apparated home. Harry was waiting for Hermione in her bedroom. When she walked in, Harry looked her in the eyes and remained silent for a while.

Hermione looked into his green eyes. She didn’t like what she saw. Not even a trace of the happiness or the excitement she was feeling could be seen in his expression. Instead, she found shock, guilt, regret.

“Hermione, I…”

“Don’t Harry, please.” The last thing she wanted was to hear him say that he was sorry or that he regretted what had just happened between them. She sure wasn’t sorry.

“Just forget about it, okay.”

She was trying to make it sound as a tiny, worthless thing, but her voice revealed her feelings. Harry walked up to her and tried to take her hand, but she stood back.

“I need to take a shower,” she simply said.

She walked around him, grabbed some clean clothes out of the dresser, and walked out of the bedroom to the bathroom on the hallway, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

After Hermione left the room, Harry remained in the same spot for a few minutes, not knowing what to do. Tons of things were twirling in his head. He felt bad about what had happened.

He was ashamed of himself. He had used Hermione and she didn’t deserve that. She wasn’t a one-night thing that could easily be forgotten the next morning. She was his friend, his best friend, and he had taken advantage of that.

“What’s gonna happen now?” he wondered. “Is she gonna walk away from me? I don’t want that! I don’t want to lose her.”

He was angry with himself. He had probably ruined one of the best things he ever had in his life, Hermione’s friendship. “How could I’ve been so stupid? Throw away years of friendship just for a night of pleasure?”

He needed to fix this. He needed to make sure that she wasn’t going to walk out of his life. “But how?”

--- * --- * --- * ---

Hermione was enjoying the soothing sensation of the water hitting her body. Similar thought to the ones in Harry’s head were flying through hers. She also wanted to make sure that the previous night wouldn’t mark the end of their friendship, even when she had enjoyed it so much. The difference between her thoughts and Harry’s was that she didn’t regret anything. She’d save that moment in her memory forever.

She had been in the shower for more than twenty minutes. If the building’s water weren’t headed by magic, she would have already run out of hot water. Finally, she turned it off and started to dry her body.

She could still feel Harry’s touch on her body. That thought alone, sent a wave of sensations through her body. Trying to get that out of her head, even when she knew she’d never be able to, she started to get dressed.

She needed to calm down and look as normal as possible before talking to Harry in order to settle things down. If he could see how much their encounter had affected her, she wasn’t going to convince him it didn’t matter.

Then a knock on the door took her out of her thoughts.

“Herms? Are you done?” Damara had been waiting for her to leave the bathroom. She had to work Sunday mornings, and needed to get ready. Hermione opened the door to let her in.

“Sorry Damara, I forgot you have to go.”

“It’s okay,” said Damara closing the door behind her. Without waiting for Hermione to leave, she took her pajamas off and stepped inside the shower. “Did you just get in?”

“Yeah,” answer Hermione taking her toothbrush out of her mouth.

Damara started telling Hermione about a rude customer she had dealt with the day before. Damara worked as a waitress in a restaurant. Hermione, however, didn’t pay much attention to Damara’s words. She was lost in her own thoughts.

--- * --- * --- * ---

Half an hour later, Damara was gone and Harry and Hermione were having breakfast in the apartment’s kitchen. Neither of them was eating much. They were sitting down at the table, coffee and toast placed before them.

They had been very quiet not knowing how to start the conversation they both needed to get out. Hermione had thought of different ways to make him see their night together didn’t have to change things between them, but now that he was sitting across the table from her, none of them seemed to make sense. Finally she spoke.

“Harry, I…” She stopped. Hermione opened her mouth to continue, but closed it again. She was having trouble finding the right words.

“I don’t want you to get the wrong impression. I don’t do things like that, you know…” said Hermione without looking up at him.

“Hermione, I…” interrupted Harry.

“Please Harry, let me finish.”

He felt quiet again. Taking a deep breath, Hermione continued. “I don’t want any of this to affect our friendship, Harry. I don’t want things to change between us just because I… You know I’m not like that, chasing a guy down, I… I don’t know what took over me (She was lying of course). I just don’t want you to have a bad impression.”

Harry looked at her, not sure of what her little speech made him feel.

“Hermione I know you’re not like that. Besides I had a lot to do with it, too. I kind of feel like you, I don’t want this to take us apart. I… I want you to know that I’ve never seen you as a one-night thing. Our friendship matters to me too.” He placed his hand on top of hers and added, “And I would never have a bad impression of you, never.”

Hermione let a sigh out. She was having mixed feelings. Seeing that Harry was taking things this way felt good. It meant their friendship would continue as always. But his regret also made her feel sad. It showed that what had happened between them didn’t matter to him. He was just worried about their friendship, but that was all. Obviously, he didn’t care about her in that way. To him, their night had just been about pleasure, nothing more.

--- * --- * --- * ---

Once they had that talk, they were able to somehow go back to normal, or as normal as possible. They decided to make use of the few hours they had left together. They went to the city and wondered through the streets of Athens.

They had lunch at a nice little restaurant. After that they headed back to the apartment. Hermione was due back at the lab at two. Harry decided he’d go to the airport and see if he could get an early flight home. They said good-bye at her apartment, she didn’t have enough time to take him to the airport and be back at the Academy on time.

“Would you be coming home for Easter?” Harry asked before getting in the taxi that was to take him to the airport.

“I’m not sure Harry. This is my last term, you know. I’ll be done with my courses in June so I don’t know how things will get by then.”

He decided not to insist. He rubbed her arm gently and smiled at her. “I understand.” Then placing a soft kiss on her forehead, he added, “I’ll see you.”

He got in the taxi. Hermione stood there watching the taxi go, until it made a turn a couple of blocks ahead and disappeared from view. Hermione felt that a part of her was also gone.

5. Five

FIVE

The days went away too slowly for Hermione’s taste. Three weeks had passed since Harry’s visit and she still couldn’t stop thinking about their one night together. In fact, the scene replayed almost every night in her dreams.

The new year had arrived and with it the courses had resumed. Being busy all day long at the Academy made things easy for her. It was a whole different story when she was alone in her bedroom or at night trying to sleep.

To Hermione relief, the research study was over. The days she had to spend at the lab after being there with Harry had been a torture . She couldn’t look over by the couch without thinking of Harry. She would close her eyes and feel his lips and his hands on her just like that night.

Damara had noticed the change in Hermione’s mood. She kind of had an idea what the reason was. Damara knew that Harry had stayed at the lab with Hermione overnight on Saturday, but she had no idea what had happened between them. All she knew was that Harry’s visit had turned Hermione into a walking zombie.

Meanwhile, things were not going that well for Harry either. He was handling things in a different way than Hermione, though. While Hermione spent part of her days daydreaming, remembering every little detail of her night with Harry, he was strongly trying to forget about it. Not because he hadn’t enjoyed it, but because he didn’t want to analyze his feelings.

He had indeed enjoyed his encounter with Hermione more than he was willing to admit. He just had never imagined that a night with Hermione would remove so many things inside of him. He had been with someone else before, but none of them had made him feel the same way he had felt with Hermione. That complete, that content, that satisfied.

He was very confused and could not sort out his feelings, better said, he did not want to analyze them. On top of all of that, he also felt a little guilty. He was, after all, dating a very nice girl who cared for him. Then, why did he dreamed about Hermione almost every night?

He decided to push those unsuitable thoughts about his best friend away, focus on the relationship he and Laura had and try to make things work. He wasn’t sure how he was going to be able to manage that, but he had to try.

--- * --- * --- * ----

The next week, Hermione was running from one classroom to another. She had stayed after class to ask the Professor some questions about that day’s lecture and was now running late for her next lesson. She run to the lift at the end of the hall, her next class was two levels up, but didn’t catch it on time. Not wanting to waste more time waiting for the next lift, she decided to take the stairs.

Hermione got to the first level in a few seconds, since she had run up the stairs. Being in such a big hurry, she didn’t notice that when she turned to get into the second sets of stairs, she run straight towards another witch. Both girls ended up in the floor.

As a result of the fall, Hermione ended up with a bruised knee and a big bump on her head, which had collided with the marble wall. Hermione’s head started spinning around. She was seeing shiny spots around her and before she knew it, she lost consciousness.

When Hermione woke up, she was lying down in one of the Academy’s hospital emergency care unit. She quickly tried to sit up, only to get back down quickly. She was still feeling a little dizzy.

“Don’t sit up, Herms!” Damara was standing next to her. “You need to lay down.”

“What happened?” asked Hermione, but as soon as she said that she remembered everything.

“You had a little bit of an accident honey,” responded Damara in a soft voice while walking to the door to check if any of the healers were around.

“How did I get here? And how did you get here?”

“Well, after you fainted, the girl who run you over called for help. They brought you here and they also called me.” Damara came back to Hermione’s side and passed her hand over Hermione’s forehead checking her temperature. “You know, I think you may have a fever.”

Hermione pulled Damara’s hand away gently. “I don’t have a fever.” Then remembering more clearly what had happened, added, “Actually, I think I was the one who run over this girl. I was running up the stairs to get to the fourth level. I didn’t see her.”

Damara smiled. “That doesn’t surprise me.”

Hermione look curiously at her, “What do you mean?”

“You’ve been sleepwalking since Harry came, Herms.” Damara pushed slightly to the side Hermione’s legs and sat down on the space she had created on the bed. “You’ve been out of the loop for days. You hardly pay any attention to what’s happening around you.”

Hermione sighed. Damara was right.

Just then a healer walked up to them to check on Hermione. She was ordered to go home and lay down for the rest of the day. If she wasn’t feeling better the next day, she was to come back. An excuse was issued and sent to her Professors. Damara accompanied her home.

“I guess I should stay with you all afternoon,” said Damara helping Hermione to settle in her bed.

“There’s no need for that, I’m fine.”

“I only have one more class anyway. So I’m going back to the Academy, but I’ll be back in an hour, okay?” Damara leaned down and placed a kiss in the top of Hermione’s head. “Don’t get up! They said you have to rest.”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “Yes mum!” She thought Damara was exaggerating a little. It had just been a little accident, nothing big for the healers to make so much fuss about.

“Then why do I still feel dizzy?” wondered Hermione long after Damara had left. She turned to her side and closed her eyes trying to relax. “I’ll be okay tomorrow.”

--- * --- * --- * ---

But she wasn’t okay. The next day Hermione was still feeling dizzy. She could not understand why. “It must be ‘cause I’ve been in bed all day,” she reasoned. “All I have to do is get up and eat something to get my strength back. How can I feel okay if I haven’t eaten anything since yesterday morning.”

She got up and slowly made her way to the kitchen. It was early in the morning and Damara was still sleeping. Hermione got into the kitchen and prepare herself some toast and poured pumpkin juice in a glass. She then sat at the table and - even though she wasn’t that hungry - started eating her toast thinking that some food in her stomach would help her feel better. A few minutes later, she realized she had been wrong.

She had only given a few bites to her toast when an unexpected feeling started to creep up on her stomach. Hermione placed a hand over her mouth, hoping the nausea would go away. A few seconds later, however, she was forced to run to the bathroom and empty the pieces of toast and the juice she had just taken in.

“Hermione?” Damara appeared inside the bathroom still wearing her pajamas. She had woken up by the peculiar noises Hermione was making. “Are you okay, what happened to you?”

When Hermione was finally able to talk, she explain to Damara what had happened.

“Oh boy! You think this has to do with yesterdays accident?” wondered Damara. “You have to go see the healers. Remember what they said?”

“I don’t think it’s necessary,” said Hermione. She was sitting down in the floor next to the toilet, looking as white as paper. “I’m okay now.”

“That’s ‘cause you have seen yourself on a mirror honey. You look bad!” She then helped Hermione up and back into her room. “We’re going there as soon as we get ready, no complains.”

--- * --- * --- * ---

Almost an hour later, Damara and Hermione were back in the Academy’s hospital. They were talking to the same healer that had seen Hermione the previous day. Hermione explained her symptoms to the healer asking what was wrong with her.

“Well, it’s quite normal in your condition,” the healer said.

“What do you mean my condition?” asked Hermione. She wasn’t sure if having a bump in the head qualified to be referred to as a condition. Damara looked as puzzled as Hermione.

“Yeah, your condition,” repeated the healer. Then her expression changed, “You don’t know?” she asked Hermione.

“Know what? I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” Hermione was beginning to feel frustrated with the healer’s lack of ability to speak more clearly.

The healer smiled at them and then told Hermione something she wasn’t expecting to hear. “You’re pregnant.”

“What?!” said both Damara and Hermione at the same time.

“You’re pregnant. I noticed yesterday while I examined you. I didn’t tell you ‘cause I thought you already knew it,” said the healer.

“Are you sure?” asked Hermione.

“Totally.”

“I’m pregnant?” repeated Hermione to herself. “I’m pregnant!”

6. Six

SIX

Twenty minutes later, Damara and Hermione were in the Academy’s cafeteria. Damara had almost dragged a dumbstruck Hermione all the way there. They were sitting at a small table, cups of tea in front of them.

“You wanna tell me how this happened?” finally asked Damara when she saw that Hermione was breathing normally again.

“You’re a big girl, you know how this happens,” said Hermione avoiding Damara’s eyes.

“I know that! My mum did give me that little speech, you know.” Damara looked at Hermione not that amused with Hermione’s comment. “But Herms, you don’t even have a boyfriend, and don’t tell me that it was conceived by the Holy Spirit.”

Hermione couldn’t help but simile at Damara’s words, but she still was not looking at her. Then Damara remembered something important.

“Wait a minute…“ Damara suddenly said. “Hermione? Harry spent the night with you at the lab that weekend, right?”

Hermione said nothing.

“What exactly happened that night?” Damara was anxiously trying to get Hermione’s answer from her eyes.

Finally Hermione looked at her. She didn’t have to say a word. It was all written in her face.

“Merlin’s beard!! Harry… and you!” said Damara, perhaps a little too loud.

“Damara! You wanna say it a little louder. I don’t think that guy in the back heard you,” said Hermione sarcastically.

Ignoring Hermione’s complain, Damara continued talking, only not as loud. "And you didn't even use protection? Herms, you were in the lab! You could've used... I don't know, something!"

Hermione shook her head. "Damara, we were in the Herbology lab! What did you want me to use? Leaves! Besides, I wasn't thinking about that. I wasn't thinking at all."

"Obviously..." Damara scratched her head still trying to process the whole situation.

“You and Harry… but Hermione, I thought you said he didn’t think of you in that way. Wasn’t that the reason why you came here? ‘Cause he could only see you as a friend.”

“He still seems me only as a friend.” Hermione looked away from Damara and focused on the cup of tea she hadn’t even tasted.

“How can you say that after what happened between you two?” Damara believed she had seen something in Harry’s eyes when he looked at Hermione. Now she was sure what it was she had seen there.

“Because… you don’t know what happened, or actually how it happened?”

“Explain it to me then.” Demanded Damara.

Hermione let out a sigh of resignation and looked at her friend. “It was me… I caused this.”

“You got yourself pregnant?” interrupted Damara, feeling a little frustrated.

“Would you let me finish?” Damara motioned Hermione to continue. “He wanted to stop. There was a moment, before things got too… intense, when he wanted to stop, but I didn’t let him. I actually asked him to continue. I incited him, Damara. I pushed him to go on.”

“Did you put a knife to his neck?” asked Damara mockingly. Hermione rolled her eyes at Damara, remaining quiet. “C’mon Hermione! He’s a big boy. He knew perfectly well what he was doing. You can’t put all the blame in yourself.”

Hermione looked down. Perhaps Damara was right, but she still felt most of the responsibility had been on her. For a few minutes the two friends remained silent. Then, Damara spoke again.

“So… what are you going to do about it now?”

“What do you mean what am I going to do? I’m going to have my baby, of course!” jumped Hermione defiantly.

“I know! That’s not what I meant.” Damara rubbed Hermione’s arm soothingly. “What I meant is, what are you going to do about Harry?” Then looking at Hermione’s questioning expression, she added, “Herms, you have to tell him.”

Hermione didn’t say anything for a while. She hadn’t thought about that. Damara could see the internal struggle Hermione was having with herself.

“He’s the father. He has the right to know.” Still Hermione said nothing. “Or… are you afraid he’s going to deny it?”

“No, of course not. He’s not like that.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“He’s got his own life, you know. He’s still dating this other girl. He has a year and a half to graduate. I… I can’t suddenly come along and mess up his life.”

“And what about your life?” said Damara looking deep into her friend’s brown eyes. “Besides, a baby is not going to mess up anybody’s life. It’s a blessing Hermione.”

Hermione smiled at that. “I know that. It’s just that… things can get really complicated and I…”

“Okay, okay.” said Damara again rubbing Hermione’s arm. “Don’t stress too much about it. Just don’t take any decisions right now. Think about it, okay?.”

Hermione nodded. She sure was glad that Damara was there at her side. It would’ve been harder to face this on her own.

“Just remember one thing, he has to know.”

--- * --- * --- * ---

Four months went by and Hermione still hadn’t say a word to Harry about her pregnancy, not even to her parents. The Easter holiday had already passed and Hermione, once again, hadn’t gone home.

That day, five-month-pregnant Hermione was in her apartment’s living room trying to finish up some schoolwork. If she had been busy during Christmas, it was nothing compared to how busy she was now.

She anxiously waited for June to arrive. She’d be done with her courses then. According to the program she enrolled in, after her courses she then had to start her six-month internship, graduating in the middle of December.

Now with Hermione’s pregnancy, she had made some changes. Hermione talked to Professor Fanizza, Head of the Department that led the program Hermione was enrolled in. Professor Fanizza agreed to make some special arrangements so that Hermione could complete the program and still graduate in December.

Hermione was allowed to start her internship sooner. In February, along with her regular courses, Hermione began her internship at the Academy’s hospital. This way, she’d be able to complete the requirements by July and have some months off before graduation. Her baby was due in mid September.

Because of the especial arrangements, Hermione’s day was longer than ever. After her courses, she had to go to the hospital three times a week and stay there until well into the night.

Hermione’s plans were to finish her studies and go back to London in July, have her baby there, and return to Athens for graduation in December. She wanted to settle down in London and make a home for her and the baby there. She planned to tell Harry and her parents about the baby once she’d be home in July.

Damara arrived to the apartment, she was coming back from work. Seeing that Hermione was there, she walked up to her, and gently rubbed Hermione’s pregnant belly.

“How are we doing today?” Damara said in a babyish voice. Then looking up to Hermione, talking in her normal voice, she added before kissing the top of Hermione‘s head, “And how are you?”

Hermione smiled at her. She sure was glad to have Damara with her. She not only was a great company, but she have been a source of support for Hermione. Just then, her mobile phone rung.

“Hello?”

“Hey gorgeous!” greeted a familiar voice.

Hermione’s heart fell to her heels. “Hey Harry,” she managed to say a few seconds later. Damara, wanting to let Hermione talk, left the room to go take a shower.

“How’s it going?” asked Harry warmly.

“Alright,” said Hermione not very convincingly.

“You don’t sound that good. Are you okay?” Harry’s voice sounded concerned.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Hermione said making an effort to make her voice sound normal. “I’m just tired, that’s all.”

“Why is that?”

“Well, you know… this is my last term and things are getting kind of crazy.” She hadn’t told anyone back home about her plans to go there during the summer. That would lead to more explanations and she didn’t want to give them just yet.

“But at least you’ll be done soon. Me? I still have a long way to go. I wish I’d also be close to finishing. I’m sure you’re dying for this term to end, aren’t you?”

Hermione laughed to herself. “You have no idea.”

As always Harry have her a brief summation of the gang’s activities. The hook ups, the break ups and anything else worth telling. Hermione smiled listening to Harry’s account while wishing she could be there to see it all.

“We all miss you, and you know what? We’ve been talking lately that perhaps some of us will come to Athens in December to be at your graduation.”

“That’s so nice of you guys,” said Hermione, her eyes staring to fill up with tears - she had been very sensitive lately. She was touched by her friends’ plans and couldn’t help feeling homesick.

Harry noticed Hermione’s broken voice. “Are you crying?” asked concerned.

“No,” quickly responded Hermione. “I just… I think I may be catching a cold.”

“Take care of yourself then.” Hermione didn’t respond trying to hold back her tears. “Hate to leave you, but I gotta do some studying. I’m telling you, I’ll be glad when I’m done with school.”

“Say hello to everyone for me.” A few seconds later, Hermione hung up, tossed the phone to the side and finally let her tears roll down.

--- * --- * --- * ---

Harry placed the phone down slowly. Calling Hermione always made him happy, but having to hang up and say good-bye also leaved him sad, longing to see her. He had been tempted to take his broomstick and fly to Athens way too many times, but something stopped him.

He was afraid that if he’d go see her, he could place himself in another “sticky” situation with Hermione. “Or is that what I want?” he asked himself. “Why do things have to be so complicated?”

Just then Ron apparated next to him, in Harry’s living room. A little more than a year ago, Harry had bought a cozy two-bedroom house in a quiet muggle neighborhood. Sirius had inherited him a handsome amount of gold, which along with what he already had in his Gringotts’ vault allowed him to continue his studies without having to worry about money.

“Hey man, we were going for you!”

“Waiting for me?” asked Harry once he realized his best friend was standing there.

“Yeah, you forgot we were supposed to have dinner at the twins’ place?” Ron walked up to him.

Harry had totally forgotten about it. While talking to Hermione, he had lost track of time.

“Ron?” said Harry not yet ready to go to the twins’ place. “Can I ask you something?”

“Ask,” said Ron. By the look in Harry’s face, Ron noticed Harry had something going around in his head, Ron sat down at the couch. “What is it mate?”

Harry looked at him, not quite sure if it was a good idea. Finally, he took a deep breath and spoke. “How… how do you know when you’re in love?”

Ron looked at him with a silly grin in his face. “I thought you’d be able to explain that better than me, man.”

“C’mon Ron, I’m serious!” said Harry, frustration in his voice. “You’ve been dating Luna for, what? Five, six months. I know you must feel something for her. You two seemed to connect very well.”

“Five months! We’ve been dating for five months.” Ron stood up not really given importance to Harry’s question. “You know that she was the one who asked me out. She’s always the one leading the way. I… I’ve just followed along.” Then looking inquisitively at Harry, he asked, “Are you and Laura having problems or something?”

“This just nothing to do with Laura.”

“Then, what the bloody hell is this all about?” asked Ron a little confused. “You’re talking about being in love, but this just nothing to do with Laura?” Then a thought came to Ron. “Hang on, I think I know what the problem is, and it does have to do with Laura.”

Harry looked at him with a puzzled expression.

“The problem is…” said Ron pacing around, “Laura doesn’t have brown curly hair,” said Ron using his fingers to number his points. “She doesn’t have pretty brown eyes. She’d not a bossy know-it-all, and most importantly, her name is not Hermione.”

Harry remained silent for a while. Still he wasn’t willing to let his guard down and fought the thoughts Ron’s words woke up in his mind.

“What are you talking about?” said Harry trying to make his voice sound normal, not doing a great job at it.

“You know what I’m talking about.” Harry looked away. “C’mon mate, admit it for once! You care about Hermione more than you want us to think.”

Harry passed a hand through his raven hair, but didn’t respond.

“You think I’m blind? You’ve always been drooling after her, following her every step.”

“Well, she’s my friend!”

“Yeah, I’m your friend, too, and you don’t pay me the same attention, not that I want you to of course. Besides I know things aren’t working out with Laura, how can they?”

“What do you mean?” asked Harry a little concerned.

“It’s always been obvious that you aren’t half as excited about this relationship thing as she is.” Ron looked at Harry’s face to face him.”

“I’ve tried, man. She’s a great with, you know, but I just…”

“I know she’s great, no one is arguing that, but that’s not the issue. What you gotta do is set things straight with Hermione.”

Harry walked away.

“If you don’t have the balls to tell to her how you feel, another bloke is going to come along and leave you with your mouth hanging open. Isn’t she dating this Greek guy?”

“Was! That was last year Ron. They’re not together anymore,” said Harry. He knew Ron’s words were right and it hurt him to think of Hermione being with someone else.

“Well, they’re still in the same school, in the same city for that matter, aren’t they?” Ron hoped that by making Harry feel a little pain would help him open his eyes. Then, changing his voice to a softer tone, Ron added. “Listen mate, just think about it, okay? I know is a lot to deal with. Just remember something, Laura deserves your honesty. You should do something about that.”

Harry nodded. He knew Ron was right.

“Let’s go then. The twins are waiting.”

7. Seven

SEVEN

July finally arrived. Hermione was getting things ready to go back home and tell both Harry and her parents the news she had kept from them. Nobody in London knew she’d be going home in two days.

That morning, Hermione went to Professor Fanizza’s office. Since there wasn’t a fireplace in Hermione’s apartment, she asked the Professor if she could use it. Minutes later, Hermione kneeled on the floor by the fireplace, threw some floo power into it, and stacked her face into the green flames.

A couple of seconds later, Ginny and Luna’s living room - they had been living together since they left Hogwarts - came into focus.

“Hello?”

“Hermione?” Ginny walked out of the kitchen and run to the fireplace to greet Hermione. “Hey there! How are things going?”

“Things are… okay,” said Hermione not quite looking into Ginny’s eyes.

“You don’t sound that convinced, is something the matter?” asked Ginny with concern in her voice.

“Well, yeah… but don’t worry, I’m okay. I just… I need to ask you for a favor, two actually.” Hermione looked at her shyly.

“Sure hon, what is it?” asked Ginny curiously.

Hermione took a breath. “I’m going to London the day after tomorrow.”

“You’re coming home?” asked Ginny surprised. “You want me to pick you at the airport? But, aren’t you just starting with your internship? Or are you just taking a summer break?”

“No,” said Hermione looking away for a little while. “Actually, I’m finished with my program, both courses and internship. I’m off until December when I’ll be graduating.”

“How’s that?”

“Well…” Hermione knew she had to tell Ginny. “Something came up and I had to rearrange things.” Seeing Ginny’s confused expression, Hermione continued talking. “I… Ginny, I’m pregnant.” Ginny looked dumbstruck. “I’m pregnant with Harry’s baby.”

“You’re… what?! But how… when?”

Hermione let out a gasp and told Ginny, without any specifics, about Harry’s visit, about the special arrangements made for her at the Academy so she could complete her program, and about her plans to go back home.

“There’s just one thing, my parents don’t know anything yet. Well, you’re the only one in London who know so far actually, and I hope you can keep this to yourself at least until I get there.”

“Of course!” said Ginny. “It’s not my place to tell anybody.”

“Anyway, what I wanted to ask you, and Luna of course, is if you guys could let me stay with you while I find a place for myself. I don’t want to stay at my parents’ and have to listen to their lectures every day.”

“Yeah, yeah,” said Ginny quickly. “Don’t worry. You can stay with us as long as you need.”

“Thanks Ginny. I knew I could count on you.”

--- * --- * --- * ---

Monday afternoon, Hermione arrived at London. Ginny was already there waiting for her.

“Hermione!” she said pulling Hermione into a tight hug. “You look great! Pregnancy definitely agrees with you.”

“Thanks,” said Hermione returning the hug. “Where’s Luna?”

“She and Ron went to Morocco,” said Ginny while helping Hermione with her bags. “Her birthday is tomorrow and since she’s always wanted to go there, Ron took her as a birthday present. They’ll be back Saturday.”

“Oh, that’s so nice of him,” said Hermione sadly. She’d love to have what Rona and Luna had found in each other. “I reckon Ron is doing good at his job.”

“Yeah. That job Dad got him in the Ministry turned out to be great for him.” Both girls walked towards the exit of the airport and grabbed a taxi. “How was your flight?”

“Long,” said Hermione letting out a sigh. “Sitting down for five hours was not a comfortable thing, especially now.”

Ginny smiled at her. “And… when are you going to see your parents?”

“They’re not in town right now. They left last night to Scotland for a conference and won’t be back until Friday,” said Hermione rolling down the taxi’s window. Being seven-months pregnant during the summer was not an easy thing. She had trouble dealing with the warm weather.

“Did you come back while they were away on purpose?” asked Ginny looking at her.

“Yeah,” admitted Hermione shyly, not looking at Ginny. “I want to talk to Harry before talking to them.”

“When do you plan to do that?”

“Today,” responded Hermione looking up at Ginny. “I have to tell him today. I need to get this over with.”

--- * --- * --- * ---

Two hours later, Hermione apparated at Harry’s front door. She was wearing a knee-high maternity tank dress, her hair down. She had decided to first take a little nap to regain her strength. She wasn’t sure how things would go. She hadn’t spent much time thinking about Harry’s reaction to avoid misconceptions.

She took a couple deep breaths. Her hands were sweating, though this time it wasn’t ‘cause of the heat. Finally, she stepped closer to the door and softly knocked. A couple of minutes went by and nothing happened.

Her heart was staring to pound faster than usual. Once again, she knocked this time a little harder. Finally, she heard footsteps getting closer. The door sprung opened.

“Hello Harry,” said Hermione with a soft voice.

Harry stood there looking at Hermione for a while without saying a word. His jaw had fallen to the ground.

“Hermione!” His mind finally made him talk, however, it didn’t remind him to move or do anything else.

“Can I come in?” asked Hermione after a while. Without saying a word, Harry moved to the side to let her in.

Hermione walked into the house, stopping in the middle of the living room. Harry followed her after closing the door. Once they were standing in the living room, Harry looked intently at Hermione from head to toes.

At first, Harry thought that perhaps Hermione had just put on a little weight. “If that’s the case,” he thought. “I shouldn’t say anything about it.” But just then, Hermione rubbed her belly in a way that left no question about it.

“Harry… there’s something I have to tell you,” said Hermione looking at her hands. Harry remained quiet. “Okay, this is it!” she thought.

“I’m pregnant.”

She looked up at him, expecting to see shock in his face , but that wasn’t the case. For a moment, she even thought that maybe he hadn’t heard what she said. To make things more clear, she added, “It’s yours.”

“What?!”

This time, Harry’s face turned into the expression of shock Hermione had expected. His eyes were about to pop out, his mouth was still open. Hermione let out a sigh as if just by saying those words to him, a big weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

“Look Harry, I know this is hard to swallow,” she said again looking at her hands. “But don’t worry I’m… Listen, the reason I came here was just to let you know about this.” Again, she rubbed her belly in that same tender way. Harry’s eyes followed her hands.

“I know this is a lot to deal with. I just… I just wanted you to know.” Hermione looked at him trying to read the expression on his face, but she couldn’t. “I’m not asking you to do anything, Harry. You can be as involved as you want. That’s only if you want to, of course. I… I have no problem doing this on my own.”

“It’s… mine?” he finally said. Hermione nodded. He opened his mouth to ask her if she was sure, but quickly closed it before those words would come out.

“Why… why are you telling me this now?” asked Harry. His voice sounded upset, even when he had tried to avoid that.

Hermione closed her eyes for a few seconds and passed a hand through her forehead. “Listen Harry, my intention was not to come here and mess up your life, okay? I know you didn’t ask for this, but neither did I.”

“Why did you waited this long to tell me?” His voice sounded even more upset this time. “You should’ve told me sooner so we could’ve done something about this problem!”

“Oh no, you didn’t just say that!” Hermione’s temper was also beginning to rise. She could understand him being surprised even shocked with the news, but he had no right to get upset with her as if she had asked to get pregnant.

”I shouldn’t have come here,” said Hermione talking to herself while pacing around the room. Then, turning to Harry she said, “My baby is not a problem and if you see it that way, that’s your problem! I didn’t come here to ask anything from you. I don’t need your gold. I don’t need your name. I don’t need anything from you. All I wanted was to do the decent thing coming here and telling you in person about this, but I guess you don’t even deserve that.”

“Hermione, would you just…” but before Harry was able to say anything else, Hermione disapparated.

“Bugger!” said Harry kicking the chair next to him.

--- * --- * --- * ---

Three days went by and Hermione didn’t hear from Harry. She didn’t know what to think. She certainly hadn’t expected that reaction from him. Ginny and Hermione were in the kitchen having dinner, or at least Ginny was. Hermione wasn’t eating much.

“You need to eat, Hermione,” said Ginny softly placing her hand on Hermione’s arm. “Your baby needs it.”

Hermione nodded. She took a small veggie and placed it in her mouth, chewing slowly.

“I’m having lunch tomorrow at the Burrow, you want to come?”

Hermione looked at her plate, pushing her food around. “No, thanks,” she answer not looking at Ginny.

“You can’t keep hiding here, you know. There’s lots of people who love you and care about you,” Ginny stopped for a while, not sure if she should say what she was about to, then continued. “And they won’t react like Harry.”

Hermione quickly looked up at Ginny. “Have you told your parents?” She could not hide the anxiety in her voice.

Ginny shook her head. “No, Hermione, I haven’t, but you should.” Hermione breathed more relaxed after that. “They’re not going to judge you.”

“Still, I can’t go. I’m meeting my parents tomorrow, remember?”

Ginny stood up to place her empty plate in the sink. “That’s right! I forgot.” Then coming back to the table, she placed her hand on Hermione’s once more.

“Stop worrying about him, Hermione. I’m sure he’ll come around.” Then looking more intently at Hermione’s eyes, she asked, “You love him, don’t you?

Hermione looked up surprised by Ginny’s question. She had never asked Hermione anything about her feelings for Harry. Still, Ginny and Luna had always been sure that Hermione had only one raven-haired wizard in her mind.

“What consoles me,” said Hermione without answering Ginny’s question, “is that this baby is his, you know. A little part of me, but a little part of him, too.”

Ginny smiled warmly at her. A few minutes later, Hermione said good night to Ginny. It was barely nine o’clock, but Hermione preferred to go to her room, which actually was Luna’s room, she was sleeping there while Luna was gone, and be alone.

Hermione got into the room and went straight to bed. She laid down on her side, the most comfortable position on her condition, with her back toward the door. Almost an hour later, she heard a soft knock on the door.

Thinking that perhaps Ginny wanted to keep talking about Harry, Hermione didn’t respond. Then, she heard the door slowly opening and Ginny’s voice right after that.

“Hermione?”

Still, Hermione didn’t respond. Then, she heard Ginny’s voice again, but this time talking to someone else.

“I told you, she’s sleeping. You should just wait to tomorrow,” whispered Ginny.

“I… I can’t wait. I need to talk to her.”

After hearing Harry’s voice, Hermione quickly turned onto her back to face the door. Both Harry and Ginny looked at her.

“Hermione…” started Ginny, but Hermione interrupted her.

“It’s okay Ginny. Let him in.”

8. Eight

A/N: First of all, I just wanna say THANK YOU : ) to all you guys for reviewing and for begging for updates. Being a reader myself, I like to update soon ‘cause I know how it feels to be left wondering what’s going to happen next.

Special Thanks to my brand new beta, Melissa.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EIGHT

Ginny looked at Hermione and then at Harry, not sure if it was a good idea to leave them alone. Finally, she turned to leave, but not before giving Harry a warning.

“Do not upset her!”

Harry nodded and walked into the room, closing the door behind him. Hermione turned to her side again so she could sit up. When Harry noticed what she was doing, he quickly got to her and tried to help her get up. Hermione, however, retrieved her hand hurriedly.

“I don’t need help,” she said strongly.

As if she had slapped him with her words, he quickly took a couple of steps back. Hermione looked at him wondering what else he had left to say.

“I thought you said you wanted to talk to me,” she pressed after a couple of silent minutes.

Harry walked up to the bed and sat next to her. Then, he took one of her hands into his. “I reckon the first thing I need to do, is apologize,” he said in a soft voice. He looked into her eyes. “I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. I… I’m sorry Hermione.”

Hermione could see in his eyes that he was truly sorry and that alone made her feel so much better.

“I shouldn’t have said what… what I said.” Hermione looked away. “I didn’t mean it Hermione. I would never ask you to do something like… like that. I just… I didn’t know what to say or how to respond to you. You caught me off guard. I know that’s not an excuse, but I… I freaked out.”

Hermione looked at him. “That’s exactly what you should’ve said,” she said softly, smiling warmly at him.

Looking at her expression, Harry relaxed and smiled back. “You’re not mad at me?” he asked surprised.

Hermione thought about it for a while. “I wasn’t mad. I was… disappointed.”

Harry let go of her hand to place his arm around her shoulders, pulling her towards him. “I’m sorry I hurt you,” he said kissing the top of her head.

They stayed like that for a while. Then, she raised herself and turned her body to face him. Harry’s eyes went down to her pregnant belly.

“I… I still can’t believe it.”

“Well, you got two months to believe it,” she said smiling at him. “I’m due in September.”

He smiled brightly. Then, he raised his hand towards her belly, but stopped a few inches from touching her. “Can I?”

For all response, she took his hand and placed if softly on her stomach. For a few seconds, Harry didn’t move, staring at Hermione’s belly. Then he started rubbing his hand softly over her stomach.

Suddenly, Harry felt something that made him jump. “Wow! What was that?” he asked concernedly.

“The baby is saying hello,” said Hermione with a big smile on her face. “Here,” she said bringing back his hand to her belly.

“Does it hurt?” he asked looking into her eyes.

Hermione shook her head.

After a couple of minutes, Harry retrieved his hand and sat up. “There’s something we have to talk about,” he said in a more serious tone. “Hermione there’s only one thing left for us to do. We have to get married.”

Hermione opened her mouth and closed it back again. Finally, she spoke. “What do you mean we have to get married?”

“What do I mean?” repeated Harry, not sure if he had heard correctly. “I mean we have to get married!”

“Why?”

“Why?!” Harry was surprised she was even asking that. To him it was quite obvious. “Because! That’s the right thing to do. A baby needs a father and a mother, a home. We have to get married to give him what he needs. Besides, I’m not going to walk away from my responsibilities.”

“I know what a baby needs Harry, but we don’t have to get married for that.” Harry looked at her as if she was talking about something he could not understand. “I’m sorry Harry, but I’m not going to marry you.”

Harry stood up. He could not believe his ears. “Why?” he managed to say.

Hermione stood up as well. “Because marriage is not about doing the right thing, it’s not about responsibilities, Harry.” Then, thinking about it for a while she asked, “And how is it that you want us to marry if you’re dating someone?”

“Actually,” said Harry looking away. “I’m not. Not anymore.”

“You and Laura broke up?” asked Hermione surprised. She had thought things were going okay between them. “When?”

Again, Harry avoided her eyes. “This morning.”

“Oh no, was it because of… me?” she asked. Harry didn’t respond, but his reaction said it all. “I’m sorry Harry. I never intended to come and ruin your life like this.”

“Hey, don’t worry,” he said finally looking at her. “I’ve been meaning to do that for a while. I’ve just… I’ve been a bloody coward.”

Hermione shook her head.

“Listen Hermione, I want to be the father of my baby,” Harry’s voice was starting to get a little tense. “I want to be with him from the moment he’s born to the day I die. You’re not going to keep him away from me.”

Hermione let a sigh out. They were staring to fight yet again. “Harry this is not about keeping you away from the baby.” She was trying to keep her voice calm so that things wouldn’t escalate. “You’re always going to be the father.”

“How?” asked Harry, frustration in his voice. “How if you don’t want to get married?”

Hermione sat back down. She did not want to get into another fight with him, but they obviously had different ways of looking at the situation.

“What did you parents say when you told them?” asked Harry trying to find more reasons to convince her.

Hermione looked at her hands. “I haven’t told them yet.”

Harry looked surprised at her. “Why not?”

“They’re not in town, okay?.” Then looking up at him, she continued. “But they’ll be back tomorrow. I’m going to see them tomorrow.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“No!” Hermione quickly said. “Thank you Harry, but I don’t think that’s a good idea. It’s best if I tell them on my own.”

Harry took a couple of steps away from her, passing a hand through his hair. He then turned to face her. “What is it with you and this I-can-do-it-on-my-own thing?”

Hermione looked defiantly at him. “Listen, I know my parents, okay? I know it’s better if I talk to them alone. Your presence would only make things more difficult.”

“I know things are not going to be easy, Hermione. That’s why I want to face them with you.” He sat back down, talking in a calmer tone. “You’ve been doing it alone for a while now. Let me help you.”

Hermione looked at him. She appreciated his words. “Harry, I do want you to help me.” Her voice was beginning to break. “I need you to help me, but please listen to me. I know my parents. I know how to get to them.”

“Okay, okay,” finally agreed Harry. “If that’s what you want, but at least let me take you there.”

“Take me there? I can just apparate. You don’t need to take me. Besides, what are you going to take me in? Your broomstick?”

“No,” responded Harry looking down. “I… I bought a car.”

“You bought a car?” asked Hermione skeptically. “When?”

Harry smiled shyly. Then, he answered the question, looking away. “Today.” He simply said.

“You’ve been busy today, haven’t you?” she said shaking her head. “And why exactly did you buy a car? Are you giving up on your broomstick?”

“Of course not!” He said quickly. “It’s just that as far as I know, they still haven’t come out with a broomstick you can attach an infant seat to. We can't apparate around with a baby either, and he won’t be able to use the floo network until he’s older.”

“Oh Harry!” said Hermione covering her mouth with a hand. She didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry. Harry smiled at her.

“I told you. I want this baby, too.”

Hermione’s eyes filled up with tears. That was exactly what she had been dying to hear him say. Harry, thinking it was best to give her some time, decided not to insist in getting married for now.

“Just do me a favor, Hermione,” he pleaded looking right into her eyes. “Promise me you’ll think about what I told you.”

--- * --- * --- * ---

She did think about it, all night, but the idea of accepting his proposition never crossed her mind. To hear Harry asking her to marry him had been one of her deepest wishes. But in her dreams, Harry didn’t propose out of a sense of responsibility.

She was not willing to marry Harry, or anybody else for that matter, as an obligation. She still hoped that if she ever got married, it’d be for mutual love. Not because she was pregnant and he had a commitment to fulfill. It’s not like she needed him to repair her honor.

That was not her way of thinking, and if that was what Harry wanted to do, she wasn’t going to go along with it. She was, however, glad of one thing. Finally, she and Harry had made peace and come to an agreement. Harry was going to be the father her baby needed. That was more than enough for her.

Marriage without love could do more harm than good to a child, and she was not going to put her baby through that willingly.

Now there was only one more thing making her feel anxious. She still had to talk to her parents. “That’s not going to be fun,“ she thought. She had appreciated Harry’s offer to go see them together, but she didn’t want her parents confronting Harry for something they both were responsible for.

She preferred to let them let all of their anger out first, even if it meant letting it out on her, before bringing Harry along as the father-to-be. She just hoped it wouldn’t take that long for them to accept the news.

9. Nine

NINE

The next day, Hermione was getting ready to see her parents, but she was not sure what their reaction would be like. She had always been a good daughter. Her parents were very proud of the excellent student she had always been and the responsible adult she was turning into. She knew they’d be disappointed to find out she hadn’t been as responsible as they expected.

Half an hour later, Hermione apparated to her parents’ living room. The room was empty, but she could hear noise coming from the kitchen. Mrs. Granger was there washing some dishes, her back towards the door.

Hermione walked in and before speaking, she took a deep breath. “Hello mum.”

Hermione’s mum turned around and let out a gasp after seeing her daughter had appeared out of thin air. She still couldn’t get used to Hermione’s apparating skills. A porcelain cup that had been in the woman’s hand fell to the floor, crashing into tiny peaces.

Hermione walked closer, took her wand out, and after saying “reparo” placed the cup back in her mother’s hands. Mrs. Granger hadn’t said a word looking questioningly at her.

“Mum,” Hermione said softly. “I think you’d better sit down.”

Mrs. Granger did as she was told. Finally, she was able to speak. “Thomas?” she called out to her husband in a shrill voice. “Will you come here, please?”

Hermione let out a sigh. “Here it goes,” she thought.

“Coming Julie,“ responded Mr. Granger while walking down the stairs. Minutes later, he walked into the kitchen. As soon as he saw Hermione, a look of shock appeared in his face - bigger than Harry‘s.

“Hermione!” His voice sounded upset. “What the bloody hell happened here?”

“Mum, Dad… I’m pregnant,” said Hermione looking from her one to the other.

“Oh dear!” simply said Mrs. Granger, not really looking at her daughter. Mr. Granger, however, looked about to explode.

“You want to tell me how the devil this happened?” started yelling Mr. Granger. Hermione, remembering that Damara had asked her a similar question thought about answering him in the same way, but after looking at her father’s furious face decided not to.

“How could this happen?” kept saying Mr. Granger. “How could you be this careless?” Mr. Granger didn’t seem to really expect Hermione to answer any of his questions, but then he asked something he did want an answer for. “Who did this to you? Who was it?”

“Dad, nobody did anything to me, okay?” Hermione responded in a calm voice trying to keep the situation from escalating. “Things just happened.”

“Things don’t just happen!” yelled out her father. “Tell me, who the bloody hell is responsible for this?”

Hermione remained quiet for a while. She looked at her mother, but Julie Granger seemed to have lost the ability to talk. Finally, Hermione spoke.

“Harry,” said Hermione in a soft voice barely audible. Then speaking more clearly she quickly added, “But he’s not the only responsible. I am, too.”

“Of course you are! Dammit Hermione, I can’t believe you threw away your life like this! And what about your studies?”

“I’m done. I talked to them and they made arrangements for me to finish early,” explained Hermione. “I just have to go back in December to graduate, but you don’t have to be there if you don’t want to.”

Hermione’s mother finally seemed to regain consciousness. She stood up and walked to her daughter. “Why did you wait so long to tell us?”

Hermione was glad to see that at least her mother wasn’t yelling at her. “I wanted to do it in person, mum. I didn’t want to tell you over the phone.”

“At least you should’ve warned us, Hermione.” Mrs. Granger’s voice also showed disapproval, but her attitude was completely different from her husband’s.

Hermione always thought things would be the other way around. Her mother had been more critical while her father had always spoiled her. The disappointment Mr. Granger felt did not let him see how hurtful his reaction was for Hermione.

“I can’t believe this!” Mr. Granger kept saying. “I never expected this of you, but we’re going to fix this right away. You and that friend of yours are going to get married, as soon as possible.”

“I’m sorry Dad,” said Hermione firmly. “I’m not going to marry him.”

“Why not? Don’t tell me that boy is running away from his responsibility because if he is I’m going to…”

“No Dad!” interrupted Hermione. “It’s not like that. He asked me to marry him, but…”

“But what?” demanded to know Mr. Granger. Mrs. Granger following their discussion intently.

“I said no.”

“YOU WHAT??” His eyes were wide open. He seemed ready to attack. In two quick steps, he got next to Hermione and grabbed her by the arms. He started shaking her. “Are you insane? Don’t you know what it’s like to be alone, to be a single mother?”

“Thomas, please!” Mrs. Granger intervened. “Violence won’t solve anything.”

Mr. Granger let go of Hermione taking a couple of steps back. “Didn’t you hear what she said?” He said talking to his wife. Then, looking back at Hermione he asked, “Why the hell did you say no?”

Looking at her hands, Hermione responded after a while. “I have my reasons.” She didn’t want to tell them “because he doesn’t love me,” knowing that detail wouldn’t matter to her father.

“You… you have your reasons!” he repeated sarcastically. “Well I don’t care what reasons you may have. You are going to marry, him or anybody else. I don’t care. You’re going to fix this problem, you hear me? And I don’t want you setting foot in this house until you’ve done it.”

“Thomas!” said Mrs. Granger, but he ignored her.

“Okay!” responded Hermione. “If that’s what you want I won’t set foot in your house anymore. I’m an adult now Dad, and I’m not going to do what you say. It’s my life and it’s my choice. If you can’t deal with that, then I’m sorry to hear it, but you won’t make me change my mind.”

Right after she said that, Hermione disapparated.

--- * --- * --- * ---

That night Hermione was lying down in Luna’s room. She could understand her father’s reaction. In a way, she knew he had the right to be upset, but it still hurt her. He had always been a loving father. She wished his anger would soon go away.

Hermione had thought her mother would be the one freaking out. She had always emphasized to Hermione how she had completed her studies and made a career for herself before Hermione was born.

She had been so deep in her thoughts, she didn’t hear someone walking in. Harry, thinking that perhaps she was asleep, didn’t say a word. He walked around the bed until he got next to her. He kneeled down by her head and looked at her puffy eyes.

“It didn’t go well, did it?” he said softly pushing aside her brown curls. “What did they say to you?”

In a few words, Hermione explained to him how her father had reacted to the news and what he said to her. Harry hated to see her pretty eyes like that. He helped her sit up, sat next to her and placed an arm around her. Hermione leaned towards him and dropped her head onto his shoulders.

“See? That’s why I told you we should get married.”

Hermione pulled back, resolution in her eyes. “No Harry. I’m not going to do what he says. If he doesn’t want to see me… or my baby, that’s his loss. I’m old enough to make my own decisions.”

“Hermione…”

“We already talked about this Harry. I’ve made up my mind,” she said firmly.

“Okay,” he agreed. “If that’s what you want, but next time you go see your parents I’ll go with you, okay? I’m not going to let you face them alone anymore, no matter what you say.”

She smiled softly at him. “Don’t worry. That won’t happen for a while.”

--- * --- * --- * ---

Saturday morning started with a bright sun, which came in freely through the window in Luna’s room, which Hermione had left wide open. Feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin energized her. It showed her the future would be bright.

That day she and Ginny went to take a walk. There was a nice little park a couple of blocks away from their apartment. After that they went back home. Luna and Ron were due back that afternoon.

At about four o’clock, Harry apparated to Ginny’s place. He wanted to be there when Luna and Ron got there. Harry and the two girls were in the kitchen talking animatedly, when their two friends arrived.

“Hello! I’m home,” called out Luna. Seconds later, Luna walked in the kitchen followed by Ron. Harry, Hermione and Ginny stood up to welcome the newcomers.

“Hermione!” said Luna excitedly while hugging her. “When did you get here?”

Ron, however, looked at her with his mouth hanging open. “What the hell is wrong with your stomach?!”

They all laughed. Hermione walked up at him, smiling to her dear friend. “There’s nothing wrong with it, Ronald. I’m pregnant.”

Ron opened his mouth to say something, but then he closed it again. Once more, he opened his mouth. “Who did this to you?” he asked.

Harry looked at him and answered his question. “Uh, that would be me.”

If Ron had been shocked before, there were no words to describe how he looked now. He kept looking from Harry to Hermione. Both Ginny and Luna were laughing at his expression.

“You… you guys had sex!” Ron finally said.

“Well, that’s kind of necessary for something like this to happen honey,” said Luna trying hard to stifle her giggles.

Harry and Hermione looked at each other, amused by Ron’s reaction.

“You guys had sex!”

It seemed like the more he said it, the less he could believe it. “You guys had sex!” he said yet again.

Luna grabbed Ron’s arm. “I think you need to move on to something else Ron,” she said to him.

Ron looked at her about to say something, but didn’t. He looked at Harry and spoke again. “When did this happen?”

Luna looked curiously at Harry. She had been wondering that too.

“Last December,” said Harry. “That weekend I went to Athens.”

Ron’s face illuminated. Now things were making sense for him. He remembered perfectly well that talk he and Harry had a little more than a month ago.

“So, that’s what all that was about!”

The girls looked questioningly at Ron. Harry, however, immediately knew what Ron meant.

“That’s why you were all…”

“Ron,” interrupted Harry to keep him from saying more than he ought to. “Can I talk to you outside for a moment? NOW!”

Without waiting for Ron to respond, Harry grabbed Ron’s arm and dragged him all the way out of the apartment. Ron didn’t seem to mind being dragged, as if he couldn’t even notice it. When Harry finally let go of him, he looked at Harry amusedly.

“Blimey Harry, I can’t believe you’re going to be a daddy!”

Harry smiled.

“So, man… you and Hermione, uh?” said Ron teasingly. “Why didn’t you tell me about it?”

“Of course I wasn’t going to tell you. This is our private business, you know.”

“Not anymore,” said Ron smiling at him. “We all know about it now, don’t we? So, did you finally dismiss Laura?”

“Actually, she dismissed me,” said Harry with a mischievous smile on his face. “She got a little upset, you know, when I told her about Hermione being pregnant.”

“What did you expect?” said Ron laughing. “Besides, now that you have Hermione, you don’t need her anymore, do you?”

Harry looked more seriously at him. “I’m not with Hermione.”

Ron looked at him with a puzzled expression. “What do you mean you’re not?” he asked. Then, after looking at Harry’s expression, he added, “Didn’t you tell her how you feel?”

Harry shook his head.

“Why the hell not?” asked Ron confused.

Harry let out a sigh and looked away for a while. “I asked her to marry me, you know,” he said. He then looked at Ron, who motioned him to keep going. “She said no.”

“She said no? Why?”

Harry thought about it for a while. “I reckon I’m not marriage material,” he said not looking at Ron.

Ron could not believe his ears. “If you’re not marriage material mate,” he said shaking his head. “Then there’s no hope for the rest of us. You’re the most marriage material I know. There must be another reason.”

“Then the only other reason,” said Harry after a while, “is that she doesn’t feel anything for me. I’m telling you, Ron. She doesn’t want to marry me, and I asked her twice!”

“This doesn’t make any sense,” said Ron shaking his head in disbelief.

10. Ten

TEN

On Sunday morning, Ginny, Luna and Hermione were having breakfast in the kitchen. Luna was telling them all about the wonderful week she and Ron had enjoyed in Morocco.

Now that Luna had arrived, Hermione said she’d be sleeping in the couch. She didn’t want to take over Luna’s room. Luna, however, did not agree. She insisted Hermione should stay in the room. Being Ginny’s bed big enough for two people, she and Luna had shared it.

“I need to find a place to move in to,” said Hermione. She appreciated the girls’ hospitality, but felt terrible about putting them in such an uncomfortable situation. This was after all their apartment.

“C’mon, Hermione,” said Luna. “I told you not to worry about it, okay?”

“I can’t kick you out of your own bedroom Luna,” Hermione said. Then, looking from one girl to the other she said, “I appreciate your help, really, but I have to find my own place.”

“Okay,” said Ginny. “But how are you going to pay for it? You’re not working.”

Hermione shrugged her shoulders. “I have some gold saved up,” she said not looking up. “Besides, I’ve been thinking about getting a part-time job.”

Luna and Ginny looked at her. “You can’t work now. You’re pregnant!” said Ginny.

“Yeah,” said Hermione defiantly. “I’m pregnant, not disabled! I could take just any part time job for now. I haven’t graduated yet, you know. I can’t work as a healer, yet. I’ll have to wait to do that later.”

All three girls had been so distracted talking, none of them heard Harry apparating into their living room. Without meaning to eavesdrop, Harry had heard their conversation. A while later, he walked into the kitchen.

“Good morning girls!” he greeted innocently.

Ginny and Luna greeted Harry back. Hermione, however, remained silent wondering how much of their conversation he had heard.

“You care for some breakfast?” asked Ginny in a way that resembled Mrs. Weasley.

“Thanks Ginny,” said Harry. “I already had some. Actually, I came to see if you would like to go take a walk with me,” he said talking to Hermione.

“Sure.” Hermione replied. “Let me just run to the loo. Seems I have to do that every hour lately.”

Harry chuckled.

Twenty minutes later, they were walking down the street on their way to the park. Hermione had been quiet most of the way there.

“Hermione… I heard what you girls were talking about.” Hermione quickly looked at him, her fear confirmed. Harry added quickly, “I didn’t mean to. I just apparated into the living room and well… it’s not like you were whispering, you know. I easily heard the whole thing.”

Hermione looked down. She didn’t want him to know about her money problems. They had arrived at the park, and Harry led her to a stone bench right under a tree. After they sat down, Harry turned to face her.

“Hermione, I know you don’t want to marry me. I’m not going to force you into something you don’t want, but I was thinking about this and… I think you should come live with me, well I mean, not with me as in… you know, but in my house.”

Harry took one of her hands in his and continued. “I have a spare bedroom which, with a little work, basically some cleaning, would be great for you. Later on, we could add another room to the house so we can prepare a nursery for the baby.”

“Harry…” Hermione interrupted him. “I… I can’t do that.”

“Why not?” he asked. “We’re friends, aren’t we? And friends help each other, don’t they? Besides,” he said placing a hand in Hermione’s belly. “You’re the mother of my baby and I’m not going to let you struggle alone. Oh, and forget about that nonsense of getting a job. You‘re not going to work right now, okay? All you‘ll do is take care of yourself and enjoy your pregnancy.”

Hermione looked at his green eyes. “Harry, I understand that you want to take care of the baby, but I’m no your responsibility. I wouldn’t feel good about it.”

“Hermione, please. You know I don’t care about that.” He was gently caressing her hand, which still remained in his. “And I am a little responsible for what’s happening to you.”

Hermione thought about it. She wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to move in with him. She knew that having him around all day, knowing he’d be sleeping in a room next to hers, would be torture. Still, she couldn’t deny she needed his help.

“C’mon, Hermione. Let me take care of you,” he pleaded.

Finally, Hermione agreed.

--- * --- * --- * ---

That same day, Hermione moved in with Harry. Being Sunday, everyone – Ron, Ginny, Luna, Neville and the twins - helped to get the room ready. With a few handy spells, the room was clean and spotless in no time. By the end of the day, Hermione had a room of her own.

Harry bought her a whole new set of white bedclothes. The walls were painted a soft shade of pink. Lacy curtains were placed on the window that led to the backyard, allowing light into the room.

Compared to Grimmauld Place, which had been destroyed during the Second War, this house was much smaller. To Hermione, however, this one-story house felt cozy, warm and inviting.

The gang helped to get Hermione’s room ready during most of the day. None of them let Hermione move even a finger to do anything. In fact, Neville kept her entertained most of the time. He kept asking Hermione about the research study she had been a part of. He was very interested in hearing all about the plants they had worked with and some of the results they had obtained.

Harry finally got to hear about the arrangement Professor Fanizza made for Hermione. He had been so focused on his being a soon-to-be father, he had forgotten to ask her about that.

Later that evening, once everyone had left, Harry went to his room to take a shower. Hermione was in hers putting away some clothes she still had in her trunk and placing them into a wooden dresser – one of the only tasks she had been allowed to do. She was so distracted, she didn’t hear Harry coming in.

The door of the room was wide open. Harry leaned against the doorframe watching her. Hermione grabbed a sweater, but didn’t notice that when she pulled it out another garment fell to the floor.

Harry quickly walked in and picked it up. The fabric felt very soft in his hands. Curious to know what it was, he unfolded it and looked at it with an open mouth.

“Hermione!”

Just then, Hermione turned to see him. He was holding up a pair of tiny knickers. To Harry, they looked more as something a little girl would wear. Hermione, who was beginning to blush, took the garment away from Harry’s hands with a quick movement.

“Give me those!”

Harry looked at her, a mischievous smile on his face. “Are those yours?” he asked even though he already knew they were. Hermione didn’t respond. She was trying to avoid his eyes.

“Aren’t they a little too small?” asked Harry softly.

Hermione rolled her eyes at him and let out a sigh. Finally she spoke. “If you must know…” she said looking away. “I need them this small.” Harry looked questioningly at her.

“So they can go under my belly,” she explained quickly. “I can’t stand anything over it. It bothers me, okay? Not that I should be giving you any explanations.”

Harry chuckled. He loved to see her blushing.

“Can you just go and let me finish what I’m doing,” said Hermione trying to sound exasperated, but also trying to stifle a nervous laugh.

Harry, still smiling, turned to leave the room but stopped as he reached the door.

“Actually, I came to ask you if you cared for ice cream.”

“Sure, thanks.” Then seeing that he was still standing there, she added, “I’ll be there in a minute.”

Minutes later, she walked into the kitchen to find Harry pouring ice cream into a couple of bowls. She went to one of the drawers and took out two spoons. Harry turned to pass a bowl to her, still wearing that same goofy smile on his face

“Would you take that stupid grin off your face,” she said a little annoyed. Harry just looked at her. “You’re such a prat!”

She turned to walk towards the living room. Harry, looking at her retrieving figure, couldn’t help but focus his eyes on Hermione’s behind. He could easily remember how soft her skin, that part of her body in particular, had felt in his hands. He wondered if he’d ever be able to touch it again.

“Stop that, Potter!” he told himself. “She’s pregnant!”

Trying hard to take those naughty thoughts out of his mind, he followed her to the couch.

“Could I borrow Hedwig?” asked Hermione minutes later.

“Sure. Mind if I ask who you’re writing to?” curiosity in his voice.

Hermione smiled at him. “To the one person that supported me while I was away from home, who was at my side since the moment I found out I was pregnant.”

Harry fell silent. “Shit!” he thought, remembering what Ron had said about another guy taking her away from him. Trying to make his voice sound normal, he asked, “And who may that be?”

“Damara of course!”

All of his muscles relaxed after hearing those words.

--- * --- * --- * ---

The following morning, Hermione woke up later than she usually did. When she turned to see the clock placed on her night table, she saw it was almost ten o’clock. She got up, put on a pair of jersey shorts and a maternity top, and went to the kitchen.

Harry was already there. He had prepared breakfast for her. There were eggs, toast, fruit, and juice placed on the table waiting for her. When she walked in, Harry went to her. Before even saying good morning, he leaned and kissed her pregnant belly.

“How’s my baby today?” he said talking to her belly.

Hermione laughed. It was great to see him like this, so excited about their baby.

“Why didn’t you wake me up earlier?” she asked sitting at the table after he finally let go of her stomach.

“You needed to rest!” he said sitting down as well. “It was a long day yesterday. Now, eat! We’re going out today.”

Harry was glad to be off for the summer. That allowed him to stay home with Hermione all day long.

Hermione looked curiously at him. “Where are we going?” she said while enjoying her breakfast. Since she reached her fourth month, the nausea had stopped and now she was again able to enjoy eating.

“We’re going shopping!” Harry announced. “I noticed yesterday that you already have some things for the baby, but we still need to get some more stuff, you know… all those little things babies need.”

Hermione looked at him with a shy smile on her face.

“Don’t even say anything,” he quickly said, guessing she was about to complain. “It’s my baby and I want to buy some things for him, okay?”

Hermione smiled. “Oh gosh!” she thought. “How I love this man.”

--- * --- * --- * ---

Harry and Hermione spent all day long in Diagon Alley. Harry acted like a little boy with a new toy. He was all excited going from shop to shop, buying anything he laid his eyes on from bottles and bibs to even a tiny set of quiddith robes.

Hermione told him it might not be a good idea to buy them since they didn’t know the sex of the baby, but finally let him buy them after he gave her his own version of the puppy face.

People looked curiously at them as they walked around the Alley. Harry, proud to be with her, took Hermione by her hand twining his fingers with hers, causing several eyebrows to raise.

When they finally got home, Hermione was so tired she decided to take a shower. She knew the hot water would help her muscles relax. Even after she had already finished washing her body, she remained under the shower enjoying the soothing sensation of the water hitting her skin.

Then, she felt the baby move in a stronger way than before. She quickly placed her hands over her belly and massaged it. “You must be tired too,” she said talking to her baby. Seconds later, she felt a sharp pain. She placed one hand over her stomach while trying to hold on to the tile wall with the other.

She started breathing rapidly, not knowing what was happening. Once again, she felt the pain, but this time it was much stronger. Not able to hold her weight any longer, she slipped to the floor.

“Harry!” she called out, not sure if he’d be able to hear her with the noise from the shower. “Harry!”

The bathroom door flew open and Harry walked in. As soon as he saw her through the glass shower door, kneeling on the floor, he knew something was wrong. He quickly grabbed a big towel and stepped in the shower.

Not caring about the water wetting him, he wrapped her body with the towel. “Hermione? Are you okay?” He pulled away the wet strains of hair that stuck to her face, only to see that she had lost consciousness.

11. Eleven

ELEVEN

Harry took Hermione to a muggle hospital, which was closer to the house than St. Mungo’s. He had no idea how he had managed to drive all the way there – he was now very glad he had bought the car. Since the moment he saw her lying in the bathroom floor, he felt his stomach drop to the floor. He feared that there could be something wrong with the baby.

He also feared for her life. He didn’t know what could have caused Hermione to lose consciousness. He just hoped it wasn’t anything life threatening. Hermione meant so much to him, as much as the baby growing inside of her.

Finally, a doctor came out of the room where Hermione had been taken to. Harry had been asked to wait outside. The doctor came up to him.

“Are you the father?” he asked.

Harry nodded his head.

“Your wife is fine. She’s sleeping now.”

“She’s not my…” started Harry, but then thought that didn’t matter. “What happened to her? How’s the baby?”

“They’re both fine. Your wife was beginning to go into early labor.” Looking at Harry’s confused face, he explained. “For some reason, she started having contractions, but don’t worry, everything seems fine now.”

The doctor placed a hand in Harry’s arm reassuringly.

“This tends to happen sometimes. All we need to do is make sure she has lots of rest in order to keep any more contractions from coming. We don’t want the baby to be born just yet. It’s better if the baby remains in its mum’s tummy at least for eight more weeks.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Harry still felt a little anxious, but at least he knew things were okay for now. “What could’ve caused this?”

“It could be anything, for example if she’s been doing heavy work, if she’s been under a lot of pressure, or if she’s not been eating right.” Harry immediately thought the being-under-pressure thing sounded just about right. “When was the last time she saw her doctor?”

“Uh… I don’t know for sure. She was living in Greece. I guess she must’ve seen a doctor there.” Harry felt bad not knowing this important piece of information.

“Well, just make sure she finds a doctor here and that she has a check up sometime soon.”

--- * --- * --- * ---

Hermione opened her eyes slowly. She wasn’t sure where she was. She turned her face to the side and realized she was in a hospital. For a few seconds she couldn’t remember why she was there.

Instinctively, she placed a hand in her belly, as if checking her baby was still there, and rubbed it gently. Just then she realized her other hand was softly trapped between a pair of warm hands. She turned her face in that direction and found Harry sitting next to her.

Harry, whose forehead rested on top of their joined hands, hadn’t noticed she was awake. Hermione placed her free hand on top of his head and run it through his hair.

Harry quickly pulled his head up.

“Hermione!” he said quickly.

She could see concern in his green eyes.

“Are you okay?” he asked standing up and leaning towards her. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead and smiled warmly at her.

“What happened?”

Harry explained, in soft terms, what the doctor had said. She placed her hand back on her stomach, worry in her face.

“Don’t worry!” he said reading her expression. “Everything is okay now. You’re just going to have to stay in bed for a couple of days.”

“You mean I have to stay here?”

Harry pulled some of her brown curls away from her face. “No, they’re going to let you go home in the morning. You’ll just have to be in bed for a couple more days”

Hermione sighed in relief. She didn’t fancy the idea of staying on a hospital bed for days.

She then looked into his eyes. Their faces were just a few inches apart. Harry was looking down at her with such love in his eyes that it made her blush. She wanted to look away, but it was as if their eyes were connected. She couldn’t break the strong gaze that was pulling her towards him.

Hermione’s heart started pounding so hard, she could feel it in her chest. She was even afraid he might be able to hear it. He started to move closer to her, ready to kiss the lips he had been dying to kiss again since that day back in December.

Suddenly the door opened and Ginny walked in. Harry quickly pulled back. Ginny froze at the door, realizing she had interrupted something. She was about to turn on her heels and walk out when Hermione stretched her hand out towards her.

Ginny, walked to the side of the bed opposite where Harry was and sat there, taking Hermione’s hand in hers.

“How are you feeling?” asked Ginny softly.

“I’m okay. Thanks.”

Harry, after regaining control of himself, talked again. “Reckon I’d better go out and let them know you’re okay.”

“Who’s them?” Hermione asked, thinking that perhaps Ron and Luna were outside.

“Your parents,” responded Ginny.

Hermione opened her mouth. Seeing her questioning expression Harry informed her. “I called them.”

“You called them?” she asked surprised. “Why?”

Harry sat on the bed as well. “I thought they had to know, Hermione,” said Harry not meeting her eyes. Then, he added looking up at her. “They got here almost immediately after I called. They’ve been worried about you… and the baby.”

Hermione didn’t say anything. She had felt bad knowing her parents were upset with her. Now that they were outside she wasn’t sure what to expect. Harry guessed her thoughts.

“Don’t worry. They’re not upset anymore. They want to see you.” Then standing up, he asked, “Should I go get them?”

“I’ll go,” offered Ginny. She quickly stood up and walked out of the room.

Harry looked back at Hermione and took one of her hands. “You want me to leave you alone with them?” He offered knowing they wouldn’t yell at her anymore.

“No,” she responded quickly. “Please stay.” She tightened her grip on Harry’s hand.

Harry nodded his head and gently pulled her hand up to his lips to kiss it softly. Just then the door opened once more. This time, Hermione’s parents walked in. Without letting go of Harry’s hand, Hermione turned to them.

Mrs. Granger walked to the bed and sat on the same spot Ginny had been sitting earlier. Mr. Granger was standing right next to his wife.

“How are you feeling sweetheart?” asked Mrs. Granger.

Mr. Granger walked closer to Hermione, looking down at the floor. He looked just like a little boy that has behaved badly and is begging for forgiveness.

“Dad?” said Hermione softly.

He looked up to find a warm smile in his daughter’s face. He smiled back at her and got even closer to the bed. He took Hermione’s free hand in his and did the exact same thing Harry had done a few minutes ago. He kissed her.

Tears of happiness rolled out of Hermione’s eyes without her realizing it. Her father let go of her hand and pulled her up in a tight hug, his eyes also watery.

“I’m sorry, sweetie,” he whispered in her ear. “I’m sorry I got so mad at you.” He softly let go of her, now meeting her brown eyes. “You know I love you. I just… I only want what’s best for you.” Then looking at Harry, he added, “And I know you’ve found it.”

--- * --- * --- * ---

Harry stayed with Hermione at the hospital all night. Hermione’s parents left, but came back early in the morning to help Harry get Hermione home. They also wanted to know where Harry’s house was located so they could visit their daughter any time.

All through the day, people came in and out of the house to check on Hermione. Mrs. Granger stayed there all morning, which allowed Harry to take a well-deserved nap since he hadn’t slept much at the hospital. Before she left, Ginny and Luna got there and stayed for most of the afternoon. Even the guys, Ron, the twins and Neville, visited later that day.

They had all been worried about Hermione’s complications, but were also glad to see she was fine. The one who felt the most relieved was Harry. Having Hermione back home lifted his spirits. He was determined to make sure Hermione got the rest she needed.

Staying in bed for a couple of days was not appealing to Hermione, but she was willing to do whatever it took to make sure her baby wasn’t born prematurely.

That night, once everyone left, Harry was in Hermione’s room. He had just brought in a jar with water to keep in her night table. She couldn’t deny it felt great to have Harry treating her so nicely and giving her so much attention.

“How are you feeling?” asked Harry sitting down on the bed. Hermione’s upper body was slightly lifted up by a few pillows behind her back.

“You’ve asked me that like twelve times this day,” she said smiling at him.

He took her hand and caressed it gently. “Well, I want to make sure you’re okay.” He looked deeply into her eyes. “You scared me last night. It felt awful to see you like that.”

Hermione placed her free hand on top of Harry’s. “I know,” she said softly. “I’m sorry, but I was scared too, you know.” Hermione let go of Harry’s hand and rubbed her belly. “I don’t want anything to go wrong.”

Harry leaned closer to her belly and rubbed it too. “Don’t worry. We’ll do everything the doctor tells us to make sure both of you are okay. Which reminds me,” he said sitting up. “We still need to make an appointment for you.”

“Actually, I already have one,” she announced. “My mum called her doctor this morning. I’m supposed to see her this Friday.”

“Her?” asked Harry.

“Yeah, it’s a woman.” Hermione looked at him curiously. “Why? Does it matter?”

Harry looked down and talked without meeting her eyes. “No, of course not.” He looked up and smiled. “As long as you’re taken care of, it doesn’t matter.” He remained silent for a few minutes. Then, a goofy smile appeared in his face.

“What are you smirking about?”

“It’s just silly, you know. Here you are a healer and you’re going to see a muggle doctor.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that! I‘ve been seeing by muggle doctors plenty times before.” she said smiling back. “Besides, my mum did it before I even said anything. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings by telling her I didn’t want a muggle doctor.”

“Yeah, I know. I was just being a git.” He then looked at the clock. “I should let you sleep now,” he said standing up.

Hermione grabbed hold of his hand just as he stood up. “Don’t go yet,” she said. “I’m not sleepy. Just… stay here, okay?”

Harry sat back down. He softly pulled away a strand of hair from her face, looking intensely into her eyes. The previous night, when Harry had been afraid something wrong might happen to her, a switch had turned on in Harry’s mind. He finally admitted to himself that he loved her.

The feeling had always been there. Harry had gotten so used to it, he didn’t recognize it for what it really was. During the time Hermione had been in Greece, he had missed her terribly. But he would always tell himself it was normal. “After all those years in Hogwarts, I’m just used to seeing her every day,” he would think.

Plus, he had always been sure that she’d be coming home. “She isn’t gone forever. She’ll soon be back.”

But last night had been different. For a while, he had been afraid he was going to lose her forever. That moment he had realized he wouldn’t be able to continue without her. He needed her just like he needed air. Things were clear for him now.

He knew now where all that passion and desire of their night together had come from. It had always been there, waiting patiently to be let out. It hadn’t just been about sex. It had been about making love.

Thinking about that, he looked at her pregnant belly. He gently caressed it. Just then, the baby moved as if returning the gesture. Harry smiled.

“What’s on your mind?” asked Hermione seeing his dreamy expression as he kissed her belly.

“I’m just so happy,” he said looking up at her. “I’m so happy to have you both.”

She smiled warmly at him patting the empty side of the bed next to her, inviting him to lie down. He looked at her for a few seconds, to then accept the invitation. He crawled next to her. Hermione turned on her side, giving her back to Harry, and pulled his arm over her body. He got closer to her and enclosed her with his arm.

“I’m very happy too.” She whispered.

Feeling there was no other place in the world where he’d rather be than next to Hermione, Harry closed his eyes breathing deeply in the scent of her hair. Before they knew it, sleep took over them.

12. Twelve

TWELVE

When Harry woke up, he was still in the same position he had fallen asleep in. Hermione, however, was now facing him. She had moved back and forth a few times, not being able to spend all night in one position.

She was still sleeping when he opened his eyes. He admired her soft features, her curly hair. “Why did I waste so much time? Why didn’t I realize sooner how I felt about her?” he thought.

She looked so peaceful like that. Slowly his eyes traveled down to her belly. A big happy and proud smile was drawn on his face. He then looked at her lips. A sudden urge to kiss them started to creep inside him. Without thinking about it, he started leaning towards her.

When their faces were a few inches apart, he looked lovingly at her face once more. Wanting to close the distance between their lips, he began to lean in farther. Just as he was about to cover her lips with his, a gentle moan escaped from her mouth.

Harry quickly pulled back. Lazily, Hermione opened her eyes. She raised a hand and rubbed the sleep off them. Then, she smiled at him.

“Good morning,” she said still a little sleepy.

Harry smiled at her, not quite meeting her eyes. Hermione, ignoring Harry’s agony, started greeting her baby good morning, rubbing her belly and talking to it. Harry smiled at that sight.

“What?” she asked, catching Harry, trying to stifle his giggles. “You’re laughing at me?” asked Hermione trying to sound offended but fighting back a smile, too.

“No,” said Harry quickly, motioning his hands in defeat. Then sitting up on the bed, he resumed talking. “I love seeing you do that,” he said honestly. He locked eyes in her for a while. He then stood up and straightened his clothes – he had slept fully clothed.

“I reckon I should go and make us some breakfast,” he said stretching out to wake his body up, reminding Hermione terribly of Crookshanks.

“Wait,” said Hermione before he left the room. “Could you pass me some clothes?”

Harry looked questioningly at her. “Why?”

“Please…” said Hermione, thinking that Harry was trying to remind her about good manners.

“I mean, what do you want clothes for?”

“I can’t wear my pajamas all day, ” she said in a matter-of-fact tone. “And I want to go to the living room.”

“No, you’re not.” He got closer to the bed and looked down at her, hands on his hips. “Remember what the doctor said. Bed for a couple of days.”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “Of course I remember. I’m not going for a run, you know. I’m just tired of being here all day,” she said looking at him. “I just want to go and settle down on the couch instead. That way at least I’ll be able to look out the window.”

Harry let out a sigh of resignation. “Alright, but you’re not going to move from the couch, you hear me?”

“Yes sir!” said Hermione mocking a salute with her right hand.

Harry smiled at her, shaking his head in disapproval. He then headed to her wardrobe and pulled the doors open. A soft scent came out as he did it. For a moment Harry remained there, eyes closed, enjoying that smell. Luckily for him, he was giving his back to Hermione - hiding his dreamy expression from her.

“Just hand me some shorts and a tee,” said Hermione, thinking that Harry was trying to figure out what to give her. “Oh and… a bra, too.”

Harry swallowed hard. He grabbed the first shorts and tee he saw and turned to place them on the bed, avoiding her eyes. Hermione pointed the to wooden dresser on the side of the room.

“On the top drawer,” she said simply.

Dragging his feet, he got closer to the dresser. He took hold the golden handles and, very slowly as if expecting it to explode, opened the drawer. Inside there were several pieces of Hermione’s socks, knickers, bras – and other things Harry had no idea what they were – neatly folded.

For a few seconds, Harry remained frozen holding the drawer handles for dear life, afraid that if he touched something, he might ruin its perfect balance. Then, Hermione’s fake cough took him out of his thoughts.

“Just give me a white one.”

He let one of his hands off the handles and steered it to the insides of this wonderful universe. He gently rubbed his hand on the soft fabric of one of her knickers to then linger toward the bras. A black lacy bra caught his sight. He froze for a second. Finally, trying to get away from this torture, he grabbed the bra right next to the black one.

Feeling he had survived an agonizing predicament, he placed the garment in her hands. Hermione looked curiously at him, realizing his hands were shaking. Harry stepped back, regaining the ability to breath. He started heading towards the door. Just before leaving, he turned back and asked playfully.

“You need help getting dressed?” a mischievous smile on his face.

Hermione looked at his green eyes for a while, smiling back at him. “Why thank you Harry,” she responded in the same playful tone. “But I can do it myself.”

He looked at her intently for a while. Finally, he walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

--- * --- * --- * ---

Harry and Hermione spent all morning in the living room playing exploding snap. They hadn’t played that since they were at Hogwarts and enjoyed it a lot. Memories of the times they spent together in the Gryffindor Tower, along with all of their friends, kept them laughing all morning.

Finally, Harry started gathering the cards. His cheeks were hurting. He hadn’t laughed that much in quite a while.

“Harry…”

Harry placed the cards on top of the coffee table and turned to face her. She was lying on the big brown couch. Harry was sitting on a chair next to her.

“What do you want to do this Saturday?” she asked while rubbing her belly, a thing she’d do very often lately.

Harry looked at her curiously not sure why she was asking that, or what she had in mind. “Why do you ask?” he said trying hard not to show hope in his voice. “I’d do anything you want!” he thought.

“Cause it’s your birthday silly!”

She realized he had forgotten. His mind had been so busy lately, he didn’t have time to pay attention to such things. He shook his head.

“Dunno. I forgot about that,” he finally said.

“So I see.” Hermione didn’t plan on letting the day go by unnoticed. She had indeed given it some thought. “Well, I was thinking that perhaps we could make a special dinner and invite everybody over. That way those who may not know about the baby… will have a chance to find out.”

Harry smiled at her. “Dinner sounds nice, as long as you don’t do anything…” She was about to protest, but he placed a finger over her mouth. “We can get the girls to help out, hey even I can help.”

Once again, Hermione was about to complain, but he didn’t give her a chance to speak. “And as far as for the letting-know-about-the-baby-to-those-who-don’t-know… I just hope you’re not planning to invite The Daily Prophet.”

Hermione laughed. He just loved to seer her like that, laughing like a child, her eyes alight with happiness.

“Of course not,” she said between fits of laughter. “I mean the rest of the Weasleys.”

“Oh,” he said in relief. “Let’s do it then.”

Nothing sounded better to him than to spend his birthday surrounded by his friends, his soon-to-be-born baby, and of course, Hermione.

“Just forget that nonsense about you helping out,” she said pointing a finger at him. “It’s your birthday and you’re supposed to be spoiled. I’ll have Ginny and Luna help me.”

“Okay, okay. Just promise me one thing,” he said getting closer to her. “You won’t tire yourself too much.” He placed a hand over her belly and caressed it gently. “I don’t want anything to happen to our baby.”

Each time Harry said “our baby” Hermione’s heart skipped a beat. She smiled sweetly at him. For a moment, they looked into each other’s eyes. Harry was beginning to lean closer to her. Just then, Hermione squinted her eyes and looked intently at him. Harry started wondering if he had something on his face.

“How can you see through these?” she asked taking Harry’s glasses off his face. “They’re so dusty!”

She pulled up her tee to wipe his glasses clean, revealing part of her tummy. Harry gasped at the sight of it. He quickly kneeled down next to her and took his glasses of her hands. Gently, he pulled her top up just enough to uncover her pregnant belly. For a second, Hermione thought about pulling her tee back down, but after seeing Harry’s expression she decided to set her self-consciousness aside.

Still, she couldn’t help herself from asking. “What? I’m too big, right?”

Harry smiled at her. “No, you‘re not,” he responded looking into her brown eyes. “I’m just amazed to see how perfect the woman’s body is. To be able to carry a baby and take care of it like this is just… a miracle.” He was softly caressing her belly. The baby responded to his touch. When Harry felt the movement under his hands, he started talking to the baby.

“Hey baby, daddy’s here.” His mouth was touching Hermione’s stomach, tickling her as he spoke. Hermione tried hard not to laugh, but she couldn’t take the tickling anymore. Harry looked up at her. “You know something Hermione, there’s no other person in the world I would have chosen to be the mother of my child but you.”

Hermione’s face turned radish-red. She sure was flattered by his comment, but was not willing to let her hopes rise.

“You’re just saying that…” she finally managed to say. “Because I’m already expecting your child.”

“No.” His voice sounded firm. “I’ve always thought that.”

She smiled shyly looking away.

--- * --- * --- * ---

That Friday Harry and Hermione went to see Mrs. Granger’s doctor. In Athens, Hermione had had regular check-ups at the Academy’s hospital. As the doctor examined her, Hermione couldn’t keep herself from making mental notes on the differences between muggle and magic prenatal care.

Harry was with her all the time. For the first time, Harry got the chance to listen to the baby’s heartbeat (Hermione had already heard it, though the technique healers used was different). At that moment, it completely dawn on him that it was all real.

He was going to be the father of a little baby, a tiny human being that was going to depend on him, and of course on Hermione. With that realization also came a sense of resolution that told him he was ready for that. He’d do anything and everything in his power to make sure this baby would be well taken care of.

Even an hour later, when they were already back home, his goofy expression was still glued on his face. Hermione, having a fair idea of what was going through his mind, remained silent giving him the opportunity to process his thoughts.

Finally, he seemed to come out of his trance. He sat down on the living room’s couch smiling at her.

“You know,” he said to her. “I’m ready for this. You have no idea how glad I am about us having this baby.”

Hermione smiled looking down at her stomach. She was glad too, but she would have felt even better if her pregnancy had happened under different circumstances. Without realizing it, she voiced this out.

“I just wished this baby had been conceived with love.”

As soon as those words came out, Hermione wished she wouldn’t have said anything. Trying to avoid Harry’s eyes, she quickly turned on her heels to go into her room. Harry, however, ran to her and grabbed her arm.

He pulled Hermione gently and turned her to face him. They were standing very close to each other.

“I’m sorry,” she said in a whisper still trying to avoid his eyes. “I shouldn’t have said that.” Hermione tried to free herself from his grip, but couldn’t.

“Wait!”

“Let me go, Harry,” she pleaded, determined to avoid his gaze as much as possible.

To keep her from going anywhere, Harry grabbed hold of both her arms. “We need to talk about this.” His voice sounded urgent.

Hermione swallowed with difficulty before finding her voice. “There’s nothing to say.”

“Maybe there is…” he said in a whisper getting closer to her. She tried once more to unhook his hands off her arms, but she couldn’t even move. Finally, she looked up at his eyes. His gaze was so intense, her heart began pounding uncontrollably, echoing in her ears.

Harry pulled her closer to his body, his green eyes still locked in hers. “Don’t you see it, Hermione?” he whispered. Their faces were so close, their noses were almost touching. Hermione started breathing in short gasps.

Harry loosened the hold of one of his hands in order to caress her bare arm gently. His touch was burning her skin. “Don’t you feel it?” His voice was dripping with desire just as it had several months before.

“Can’t you feel how my hands are dying to touch you?” His voice was barely audible. Breathing against her mouth, he said, “Can’t you see I’m dying to kiss you?”

Hermione closed her eyes as Harry finally covered her mouth with his. Her senses went into shock for a few seconds, but she quickly responded him with the same intensity; their lips and tongues exploring, devouring.

Harry nibbled at her bottom lip for a while before kissing his way down to her neck and the delicate skin right under her ear. A wave of sensations ran through her body making her throat emit a soft moan.

He went back to her lips and kissed them once more before pulling back just enough to see her eyes.

“Do you still think it was conceived without love?”

Hermione couldn’t respond. She was having a hard time processing her thoughts. Her heart was still pounding at top speed and her breath hadn’t normalized. For all response, she pulled his face back, wanting to resume the kissing.

He didn’t complain and gave her what she wanted. After a while, they both pulled back gasping for breath. Harry rested his forehead on hers and smiled warmly.

“Is this real?” she said once she regained control of her speech. “Am I dreaming?”

Harry placed one more kiss on her lips before saying, “Does it feel real?”

“It sure does.”

Harry enclosed her with his arms and enjoyed the wonderful feeling of knowing she felt exactly the same way he did.

13. Thirteen

THIRTEEN

The next morning Hermione woke up in Harry’s arms once again. She could not believe what had happened yesterday. First they were talking about the baby. Then she complained about their child not being conceived with love. Next thing she knew they were kissing the daylights out of each other.

Harry opened his eyes to find a smiling face staring at him.

“Happy Birthday!” she said placing a soft kiss on his lips. Harry beamed at her. He was totally sure this was going to be the best birthday of his life.

The happiness he had been feeling since the previous night seemed to shine through his green eyes, especially whenever he was looking at Hermione.

Around noon, Ginny and Luna arrived to help Hermione get things ready for dinner. They immediately noticed something different about the way Harry and Hermione were eyeing each other.

“Harry,” said Ginny. “There’s a few things we forgot to buy, could you go get them for us?”

“No problem,” he said. Before leaving, he went to Hermione. She was slicing strawberries for a cake they were baking. Harry grabbed a strawberry and placed a soft kiss on her lips. This, of course, didn’t go unnoticed to Ginny and Luna.

“Did I see what I just saw?” asked Luna.

Harry and Hermione smiled, the look on their faces more than eloquent.

“Finally!” said Ginny excitedly. “I can’t believe it took you guys this long to figure it out.”

“That’s okay,” Hermione replied. Then looking at Harry, she added, “What matters is that we’re together now.”

Harry leaned down and kissed her again. Luna and Ginny giggled at the sight.

--- * --- * --- * ---

That night, the entire Weasley family, along with Hermione’s parents, Neville and Luna gathered to celebrate Harry’s birthday. The kitchen’s table had been magically enlarged to fit all the guests and it was placed in the backyard.

“Oy Harry,” said George from the opposite end of the table to where Harry was. “How does it feel to know your restful sleeping nights are about to come to an end?”

Harry directed a loving look at Hermione. “Feels great, mate!” Then looking at George, he added, “Wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Molly and Arthur had learned about Hermione’s pregnancy before that night – it had slipped out of Ron’s big mouth. That, of course, saved them the shock of finding out after seeing her pregnant belly.

“Having a baby, although difficult at first,” said Mr. Weasley. “Is one of the best experiences in a couple’s life.”

“So that’s why you and mum had seven of us,” said Fred.

“Yeah,” quickly added George. “Cause we were so darn cute!”

Dinner went by amidst the twins’ jokes and Mr. Weasley’s inquiries to Mr. Granger. Arthur was listening intently at Mr. Granger's description of a microwave oven.

That night, Hermione found out that Harry and her father had had a little chat the night she spent at the hospital. Harry had assured Mr. Granger that he'd take good care of his daughter.

For that reason, neither him nor his wife was surprised to know Harry and Hermione were together now. Something they all agreed called for a special toast. Hermione was only allowed to drink apple cider, of course.

Finally when everybody was gone, Hermione was lying down on the couch resting. Harry took away the empty cake plates that were sitting on the coffee table and took them to the kitchen. When he came back, Hermione was talking to her baby.

He walked to the couch, moved her legs a little to the side and sat down, placing her calves on his lap. Gently, he started massaging her legs.

“Hermione,” Harry said after a while. “What are we going to name our baby?”

“Well,” she responded after a while. “I was thinking that perhaps you could help me decide. There are some names I like, but I want to know what you think.”

Harry looked curiously at her. “Of course you already have your list. After all, you’ve had several months to think about it, haven’t you?”

Hermione, trying to compensate Harry for not telling him sooner about the pregnancy, quickly responded. “Yes, but I haven’t made any decisions. That’s why I want to hear what you think.”

“Let’s hear the list then.”

“Well, if it’s a boy… I thought about James and… Thomas.”

Harry looked at her, a happy smile on his face. “We could use both names, James Thomas.” He kept massaging her legs. Then he added, “And what if it’s a girl?”

Hermione remained quiet for a while. “I… uh, chose one.” She said softly, looking at her hands.

“Which one?” Harry wasn’t surprised by that. He had expected her to already have decided on names for either sex.

“Lily.”

Harry looked at her. Hermione could see in his eyes happiness and sadness at the same time. “My mum’s name?” he said softly.

Hermione nodded. “I just love that name. It sounds so sweet. Plus it’s your mother’s name so I thought it was perfect.”

Harry took one of her hands and kissed it. “Why don’t we call her Lily Jane?”

Hermione thought about it for a while. “I kind of like just Lily alone, don’t you?”

“C’mon, Hermione. If it’s a boy, you want to name him James. We should do the same if it’s a girl and name her Jane.”

Hermione smiled at him. “Actually, I didn’t pick James for you Harry, but for your father.”

Harry looked at her trying to put on an offended expression, “Why thank you darling,” he said in a mocking voice. “I wouldn’t have expected less from you.”

Hermione laughed and patted him playfully on his arm. He turned his face into a fake expression of pain. “Ooouuuuch!!”

Hermione only laughed harder.

“Now as a punishment for the aggression you just inflicted on my person, I get to choose our daughter’s name,” he said trying to give his voice a serious tone, but not doing a very good job. “And I say her name should be Lily Jane.”

“Alright, alright Mr. Potter,” she responded mockingly. “Whatever you say.”

Harry stood up from the couch and then helped her get up as well. “Okay then, it's time to go to bed.”

“It’s getting harder for me to get up on my own,” she said looking down at the couch.

Harry wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek. “That’s why I’m here to help you.”

--- * --- * --- * ---

The days continued their regular course. Hermione, however, felt they were getting longer and longer. She was already in her eighth month and things were getting harder for her. She’d feel frustrated when she couldn’t do simple things as she used to, like tying her shoelaces.

Harry did as much as he could to keep her comfortable, not only because he loved her but also for his own sanity. She would get irritated way easier than before.

On the third week of August, Hermione received some good news that perked up her mood. Hedwig arrived with a letter for her. They had just arrived home from a morning walk.

“Finally,” said Hermione while taking the letter off of Hedwig’s leg. She scratched the owl’s head in appreciation. “Thanks girl. You should go rest now, you deserve it.”

Harry took Hedwig on his arm and went to give her food and water, leaving Hermine alone so she could read her letter. It was from Damara. Minutes later, Harry came back and sat ot the bed next to her.

“How’s Damara?” he asked playing with some of Hermione’s curls.

“Great,” replied Hermione. “She’s coming to visit for a couple of days. That’s so great I miss her so much.”

“When is she coming?”

“The first weekend of September,” answered Hermione looking back at the letter to make sure she had the right date. “Says she wants to see me before the baby’s born.”

Harry looked thoughtful for a while. Then, he looked at Hermione with a playful smile on his face. “You know what this means?”

“What?” she asked, not sure of what he was thinking of – but by the look in his mischievous face Hermione was almost sure it wasn’t anything good.

“Well, it means that we’re going to have to give your bedroom to Damara. We can’t have her sleeping on the couch, even when you do it every afternoon.”

Hermione rolled her eyes at him.

“Which also means,” he continued. “That I’m going to have to share my bed with you,” he was trying to make it sound as an uncomfortable, annoying thing he’d be obligated to do, but Hermione of course was not fooled.

“I thought you’d be a gentleman and take the couch so you could leave your bed for me,” she replied playfully.

“And I thought you’d prefer to have some company…” he said getting closer to her and surrounding her with his arms.

Hermione smiled. “You know, I’ve slept alone before.” She locked her hands behind his neck.

“You didn’t seem to mind it the other day.”

Hermione looked into his lovely green eyes. There wasn’t anything he could ask her that she wouldn’t do, just by looking at her like that. “Alright, Potter,” she said in a whisper. She placed a quick kiss on his lips and then added, “But you gotta promise me one thing.”

“What’s that?” said Harry pulling his head back to look at her face.

“You’ll keep your hands to yourself,” said Hermione with a teasing smile.

“I’ll try.”

--- * --- * --- * ---

The first Friday of September, Damara arrived in London. Harry and Hermione welcomed her at the airport. Hermione was so glad to see her. She couldn’t believe how mush she had gotten used to seeing Damara every day until she left Greece.

That day Hermione and Damara stayed up talking until well into the night. Hermione was telling her all about Harry’s and her parents’ reaction to her pregnancy. Wanting to give them some time alone, Harry had gone to Ron’s for a few hours.

The next day, Hermione and Harry took Damara to Diagon Alley. They spent part of the morning there, taking little breaks every half hour since Hermione would soon get tired, and finally had lunch at the Leaky Cauldron. After that, they headed back home.

They were invited to Ginny and Luna’s for dinner and they (meaning Hermione) wanted to get some rest before that. All the gang had been invited as well so they could meet Damara. At about six o’clock Harry, Hermione and Damara got there.

“We’re here!” called out Harry as he walked in.

They were all gathered in the kitchen, Ginny was just finishing with the cooking. The guys were seated around the table, open bottles of butterbeer spread on top of it.

“How’s that tummy going?” asked Luna rubbing Hermione’s belly.

“We’re growing,” responded Hermione.

“I’m sure you’re counting the days, aren’t you? asked Neville standing up and offering his chair to Hermione.

“And the minutes,” said Hermione before sitting down. She thanked Neville for the seat and then called everyone’s attention. “Oy people! I want you lot to meet Damara, the little angel that took care of me in Greece.”

Damara shook everyone’s hands as they told her their names.

“You sure look like an angel,” said Fred, who hadn’t removed his eyes from her since the moment they arrived.

“Thanks,” she simply said, though checking him out.

After they all had settled down, Ginny offered something to drink to the newcomers.

“Water for me,” said Hermione.

“I’ll get it for you honey,” said Harry quickly getting up. The guys, of course, didn’t let that go unnoticed.

“Honey,” mocked George. “I’ll get it for you, darling.”

“Shut it, George!” warned him Harry. “I just know how she wants it, okay? A cooling charm and a slice of lemon.”

“Yeah, yeah…”

Once it was time to have dinner, Fred made sure to find a chair right next to Damara. “Say Damara,” Fred spoke in a casual voice. “How long are you staying in London?”

“I’m going back home tomorrow night.”

Fred looked at her disappointed. “Why so soon? There’s loads of things to see in London. I don’t reckon you’ve had a chance to see them all.”

Damara smiled warmly at him. “No, I haven’t,” she said. “It’s just that my term already started and I have to go back to school on Monday. Since classes started just last week, things are still kind of slow. That’s why I had the chance to come up here.”

“I see,” said Fred, “Well, you could just send a message saying you got very sick and that by healer’s orders you can’t travel long distances. That way you could stay one more week… or two.”

“Would you stop bothering her with your taradiddles,” said Luna. “Don’t pay any attention to him, Damara. He’s just a troublemaker.”

“Troublemaker?” repeated Fred trying to sound offended. “Luna, what have I ever done to deserve this kind of treatment from you?” Then, looking at Ron he added, “What have you been telling her about me?”

They all started laughing, mostly at Fred’s supposedly offended but mostly goofy expression. Just then, Hermione grabbed hold of Harry’s arm. Harry looked at her only to find a serious look.

“What is it love?”

Hermione leaned closer to him. “Harry…” she said quietly trying not to call everyone’s attention. “I think it’s time.”

Harry looked questioningly at her. “Time?” he asked, but as soon as Harry saw Hermione placing her hands on her belly, he realized what she meant. “Are you sure?” he said, louder than he had intended.

Everyone at the table fell quiet and looked in their direction. Hermione smiled nervously at them. Then, she simply said, “My water just broke.”

14. Fourteen

A/N: Well everyone, here’s the last chapter. I’m really, really happy to see that you guys enjoyed my fic. It’s great to see all the reviews you gave me. Thank you all for taking the time to do it. A very special thank you goes to my great beta Melissa - she’s wonderful : )

-------------------------------------------------------------------

FOURTEEN

After twelve hours of labor, the fruit of Harry and Hermione’s night of love was born. A pink-faced baby girl was lovingly welcomed into this world by her parents. Lily Jane had Harry’s green eyes and what promised to be Hermione’s brown curls.

Harry had been by Hermione’s side through the entire ordeal. The fingernail marks Hermione left on Harry’s hands were proof of that – during the most difficult moments she had held just a little too tight for him, but Harry didn’t mind.

The anxiety and nervousness he was feeling at that moment numbed the pain. Once Lily came out, the doctors gave Harry the honor of cutting the umbilical cord. He watched closely as the nurse cleaned and checked the tiny baby, making sure everything was fine.

When the nurse finished the examinations needed, she handed Harry his daughter. Feeling as if he was holding way more than just a little baby , he went to Hermione’s side and gently placed Lily in her mum’s arms.

After nine long months, Hermione was finally able to look at the bundle of joy that had kept on kicking her mature womb.

Tears of happiness rolled out of Hermione’s eyes without her even noticing. She could not believe this little person had been inside of her, growing, getting ready to meet the world. Harry pulled some sweat-wet strands of hair off of Hermione’s face, and kissed her forehead.

“She’s perfect,” said Harry. “Just like her mother.”

Hermione smiled at him. All of the emotions she had felt during the last hours were tied into a knot in her throat making it impossible for her to speak. Harry took a tiny hand in his and kissed it if softly. Then, he looked lovingly at Hermione.

“Thanks,” he said. “For giving me the most beautiful daughter.” He leaned and kissed Hermione with all the love he had for her, giving her in that kiss the unspoken promise that their love would last forever. He gently pulled back and rested his forehead on hers.

“I love you,” he said in a whisper.

“Me, too,” she managed to say, feeling a happiness she’d never felt before.

--- * --- * --- * ---

“Oh Hermione! She’s so beautiful.” Ginny was holding the baby in her arms, Luna and Damara at each side.

Mrs. Granger and the girls were at the hospital room with Hermione and the baby. Harry had taken the opportunity to go take a shower.

“I’m so glad I got to see her,” said Damara, who was now holding Lily. She was supposed to be heading home later that day. Fred had offered to take her to the airport and she was more than glad about the idea.

“Me too. After all we went through together. You were the first one to know she was coming to this world,” said Hermione. She couldn’t feel happier about having Damara with her to enjoy this moment.

“She was?” asked Mrs. Granger.

Hermione was telling her mother about the little “accident” that led to her finding out about her pregnancy and about Damara being there with her, when Harry walked in followed by Ron, Neville and the twins.

The guys said hello to everyone and quickly went to see the baby. Harry sat on Hermione’s bed and kissed the top of her head.

“How are you feeling?” he asked softly taking one of her hands in his.

“Still a little sore, but I’m fine.”

“Good,” he said leaning down to kiss her lips. Just then a little cry was heard.

“Hey, what are you lot doing to my baby?” asked Harry quickly hurrying to get Lily. He took her in his arms - it seemed that with just a day’s worth of practice he had turned into an expert on holding babies.

“There, there,” he talked soothingly to his daughter. “Daddy’s here. Daddy’s got ya.” Harry walked over to Hermione and handed her the baby. “Fellows,” he said talking to the guys. “It’s Lily’s lunch time!”

They looked at each other trying to guess why he was announcing this to them. Since they weren’t moving, the girls started pushing them out. As they were leaving the room, they realized Hermione was getting ready to breastfeed the baby.

--- * --- * --- * ---

Harry’s courses were supposed to start the next day, but after he talked to Professor MacGonagall (she had connections at the institute), he was allowed to take two days off. He’d resume his classes on Wednesday instead.

That night after everyone left, Harry was finally alone with Hermione and the baby. Hermione would be allowed to go back home the next morning. Her parents had promised to get there early to help them get home.

Harry was standing next to Hermione’s bed looking lovingly at his two girls. Lily had been placed on Hermione’s side and both of them were sleeping. Harry was so proud of Hermione. He witnessed the harsh pain she had suffered when bringing Lily into this world.

He wished he could’ve made things easier for her, but her sacrifice made him love her even more. Just then, Hermione opened her eyes and smiled at him. Harry sat on the bed, took her hand and kissed it.

“You should get some sleep, too,” said Hermione.

“I’m fine. I’ve never been better.” He let go of her hand and leaned forward to kiss her lips. “Hermione… I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

He kissed her one more time. Then, he pulled back and sat straight. “This… this feeling, Hermione, has been here…” he said placing a hand in his chest. “I don’t even know for how long. Since I met you, perhaps. I can’t say when it matured into this.”

Hermione looked into his eyes. She felt the same thing. If someone had asked her when it was that she had fallen in love with him, she wouldn’t have been able to point out a precise day or a moment. She simply could not remember a day when she didn’t love him.

“What I want you to understand,” Harry continued. “is that Lily was not the reason that brought us together. Even if you weren’t pregnant, we would have ended together ‘cause this love we feel wasn’t born in two days. It’s been there for years, waiting for us to act on it.”

Hermione opened her mouth to say something, but Harry didn’t let her. He moved closer to her and placed a finger on her lips. Hermione waited for him to continue, but he seemed to be giving it some thought. Finally, he spoke.

“I asked you this once, but I didn’t use the right words.” He was looking at her hands, which he had taken again in his. “I got something,” he said taking a red rose that rested on the side table. Hermione hadn’t even noticed it before. He placed the rose in front of her. “For you.”

Hermione smiled at him and took the flower up to her nose, smelling the wonderful scent. Just then, Harry took out his wand. He waved it and immediately the rose’s petals opened up to reveal a sparkling silver ring with a tiny heart-shaped diamond on it.

“Harry…”

Harry took the ring out of the rose and placed it at the tip of Hermione’s finger. “Hermione Jane Granger, would you be Mrs. Potter? Will you marry me?”

Hermione quickly sat up, ignoring the complaint from her sore muscles, and pulled Harry into a one-armed hug, her left hand still in his. She held him for a while without saying a word. Then, she pulled away, grabbed his face with both of her hands, and devoured his lips in one desperate kiss.

“Well…” said Harry after she let him breath again. “I guess that meant yes.”

“Of course it meant yes.” Hermione kissed him again. “I will marry you Harry. I will be Mrs. Potter.”

Harry slipped the ring on her finger. After that, he pulled her closer to him and kissed her lips. “Hermione…” he said against her mouth.

“Yes?”

Harry moved back a little, just so he could look into her eyes. “How long did the doctor say you had to wait before… you know?”

“Six weeks,” responded Hermione, knowing perfectly well what he was asking.

“Okay, then. We’ll marry in six weeks.”

Hermione covered her mouth to stifle her laugh.

--- * --- * --- * ---

And six weeks later, they got married. The ceremony took place in their own backyard. The entire gang helped to get everything ready for it. The place was decorated with white roses. Lighted candles floated above the guests’ heads, reminding people of the Great Hall.

Molly offered to prepare food since she was used to cooking for a lot of people. A charm had been placed so that the temperature was be comfortable enough to have Lily out.

Since Harry proposed with a red rose, Hermione walked down the isle, escorted by her father, with a small bouquet of red roses in her hands – which after she tossed it, fell in Luna’s arms.

It was an intimate wedding attended by their closest friends, including Damara. Fred had made sure of that. Two weeks prior to the wedding, he had gone to Athens and now he and Damara were dating.

Lily witnessed the union of her parents from her grandma’s arms, though she slept through most of it.

Since Harry was still in school, there was no honeymoon planned. Instead, Harry, Hermione and Lily would be taking a trip during the summer after Harry’s graduation, asides going to Hermione’s in December.

Since there were plenty of people to look after Lily, Harry took the opportunity to ask his wife to dance. He wasn’t too fond of dancing, but being this a special night, Harry thought he ought to make an exception.

He took Hermione by the waist and led her around the dance floor. Apart form the day Lily was born, they both felt this was one of their happiest days together, so far at least. They were sure there were many more happy days to come.

“Hermione…” he said pulling back to look into her brown eyes. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For giving me the one thing I’ve always wanted to have,” said Harry twirling one of her curls in his finger.

“And what would that be?” asked Hermione looking lovingly into her husband’s green eyes.

“A family.”

Every time our eyes meet

This feeling inside me

Is almost more than I can take

Baby when you touch me

I can feel how much you love me

And it just blows me away

I've never been this close to anyone or anything

I can hear your thoughts

I can see your dreams

I don't know how you do what you do

I'm so in love with you

It just keeps getting better

I wanna spend the rest of my life

With you by my side

Forever and ever

Every little thing that you do

Baby I'm amazed by you

"Amazed" Lonestar

(Marv Green/Aimee Mayo/Chris Lindsey)