A/N: Ok, here's the rest of Hermione's pregnancy. I don't think we'll focus too much on pregnancies from here, but I've learned not to make promises in this story.
***
** Week 18 **
"Harry!"
"Yes?" he calls from the shower.
"Will you get me another slice of pizza?"
There's a pause. "Mione, I'm in the shower."
"Ugh! Fine! Accio pizza!" Ever since I got pregnant, my powers have been very amplified and I can do wandless magic better than ever. Molly told me that I'm probably tapping into the baby's magic, but that usually doesn't happen until the second trimester is almost over. The current theory is that "well … it is Harry Potter's baby." Makes me beam with pride in so many different ways.
Harry comes out, drying himself off. "Now, was that so hard?"
"No, but it still wouldn't have killed you to get it for me."
He opens his mouth and then shuts it again, obviously not wanting another argument.
"Are you going to be ok, tomorrow?" he asks as he climbs into bed.
"Of course I am!" I say, as I offer him a bite of pizza.
He accepts it and looks at me, unconvinced.
"What? Harry, I'm Ginny's Matron of Honor. It's not like I can't go to the wedding."
"I know that. I wasn't going to suggest that you not go. I just don't think you'll be very comfortable."
"I probably won't. But I've got my maternity dress, my comfy shoes and a Molly Weasley buffet. I'll be fine."
"Ok," Harry says as he lies down.
"Besides, you'll be there if I need anything! And I'm not the only pregnant bridesmaid. Fleur will keep me company at the buffet."
"Well, Fleur's only a month and a half along, but ok, you've made a good point. Besides, you look gorgeous in that dress. I can't wait to see you in it again!"
"Good night, silly. I love you."
"I love you too, Mione. And you two, little one," he says with a yawn.
* The next day *
What a wedding! Ginny looks fabulous in her gown, Neville looks very handsome and so does Harry. What is it with me and Harry in a tux? I can't get enough of it! Bloody hormones are making it worse!
But, as we sit here at the head table, with my plate piled as high as I can get it, I count my blessings. Neville's parents are sitting at a table nearby with a nurse who is feeding them. They're really making progress, but they're still far from normal. But Neville insisted that they be there for his wedding day. I can't blame him for that at all.
Nev and Gin are dancing now. They're so sweet together. I'm so happy for them!
And as they call for the rest of the bridal party to dance, I'm reluctant to leave my food, but I cast a warming charm over the plate as Harry drags me away.
He holds me close as we sway to the music. Someone's baby cries in the background. He puts a finger under my chin and raises my head to look at him.
"That'll be ours someday," he says.
"Before you know it," I whisper.
He kisses my forehead and then gently kisses my lips. As we continue to dance, I hear flashbulbs going off, but I ignore them. These will be great pictures to show the baby.
Once the evening is over, I'm more than glad to kiss everyone good bye, wish Neville and Ginny good luck and head home!
As we get into bed, Harry cuddles close.
"What's on your mind this time?" I ask.
"Just how beautiful you were today. You were prettier than the bride big time."
"Harry! That's not true. Ginny looked amazing!"
"Yes, she did. But then there was you! You looked angelic."
I blush.
"I'm serious, Hermione," he says. "You're a gorgeous woman and you showed everyone today!"
"If you say so."
"And I do. Go to sleep, sweetheart. You've got to be tired."
"Oh, I am. You're baby is wearing me out!"
"That's my kid! I love you, Mione."
"I love you too, Harry."
And with that, I'm practically out like a light.
*Week 19*
Today is another doctor's appointment for me. We're going to find out what the sex of the baby is this time. I still insist that we're having a boy. Molly agrees, but I want the medical professional's answer.
"What the hell is taking so long?" I ask.
"Mione, she'll be here soon," Harry reassures.
"Soon isn't good enough!" I snap.
And before a fight can break out, Healer Graham enters the room.
"Hello, Hermione! How have things been since our last appointment?" she asks.
"Very well."
"Great. So, ready to learn the sex of the baby?"
"More than you know! There are betting lines out there for this!" Harry says as the Healer pulls down a screen on the wall.
"Ok, then, Hermione, lie back." Healer Graham lifts my shirt and waves her wand over my stomach. As she does this, a picture of the baby appears on the screen. "And there's your beautiful baby …" She pauses. "Well, let's see … little modest there. The baby just doesn't want to roll over this way. Almost hiding from me. Let's see if we can get it from this side … Ok, there. Now, I can't make a guarantee from this, but my guess is that you're having a little boy."
"I knew it!" I cry in triumph.
"Do you want to know for sure?" the Healer asks.
"How can we do that?" Harry asks.
"Well, there's a potion I can give you. You take the potion, we take a drop of blood, add that to another potion and we know from the color what the sex is."
"Is it dangerous?" I ask.
"No, no. Not dangerous, just quite disgusting tasting," she says with a grimace.
"Well … sure, give me the potion," I say with a bit of hesitation.
"Ok, let me go get some," she says before leaving.
"Are you ok?" Harry asks.
"Yeah, fine. Not thrilled about taking something that probably tastes worse than polyjuice, but I really want to know."
I cast my glance towards the screen on the wall.
"That's our baby," Harry whispers, seeing where I was looking.
"He's quite handsome," I giggle.
"I think he looks like me," Harry says, smiling.
"Oh yes, I can certainly see it."
Healer Graham returns with the potions. "Ok, dear. Down the hatch."
I stare at the tiny beaker she handed me. If there was a color for gross, this would be it.
"Well, bottoms up," I mutter and drink the potion.
UGH! This tastes like … I don't even know what!
Before I even know what's going on, the Healer is grabbing my hand and pricking my finger. I want to curse at her, but I'm afraid any movement in my mouth will make the taste worse.
She squeezes my finger and lets the blood drip into a clearish potion. Just like that the awful taste is gone and I'm mesmerized by the second potion.
It turns red with my blood, but slowly and surely, it changes into green, purple and finally … blue.
"It's a boy!" Healer Graham happily says.
"A boy," Harry whispers.
"I have never seen it that blue before. You've got one healthy and powerful kid there," Healer Graham says.
Being the proud parents we are, we're beaming.
"Let's get this exam over with so you can make the announcements to your family," she says. "And we'll make some prints of the baby too."
A little while later, Harry and I are Apparating home and preparing to give Hedwig the delivery of her life.
Luckily for her, when we arrive home, we find Pig, Apollonia and Missy (Neville and Ginny's owl) waiting for us. All have notes attached that say, "Well????"
"I write, "It's a boy!" on the back of each note and send them back to Ginny, Ron and Dad.
"Ok, so, we need a note for Molly and Arthur, they'll send the word out to everyone else. One for Sirius and one for Remus and Tonks, right?" Harry asks.
"That should work," I say, beginning the notes.
I'm writing the same message on these notes as the others. Short and sweet. We'll be hearing from them all soon enough.
I walk upstairs and stand in the middle of the nursery. It's still empty, but it's so full of love already.
"So, are we going with the name we decided on before?" Harry asks as he hugs me from behind.
"I think so. This room will belong to Samuel Harry Potter."
*Week 30*
So, I'm sitting here and I'm enormous and I still have about 10 weeks to go. I don't know how Lily did it, but carrying a Potter child is impossible. This is worse than anything I've done before because the answers to this aren't in a book. The books say they have the answers, but they LIE! Those potions of Luna's work sometimes, but not always. And I'm huge, have I mentioned that?
It's Saturday, but Harry is out with Ron, so I'm alone for now. And I'm sitting here, talking to Sam. Samuel means "God heard" and that's why we named him that. God heard our prayers for a family. Harry is obviously to name him after his father. I had thought about naming him Harry Samuel, but if we did that, there would be two Harry Potters in the world and who could deal with that? Then, I thought, well, I could name him Harry Samuel, but call him Sam. But then that sounded too complicated.
So, in the end, the baby's name became Samuel Harry. I personally like it.
And as I sit here, talking to my unborn son, there's a knock at the door.
"Come on, Sam. Let's go see who it is," say as I slowly get up.
I peek outside and find Minerva there.
"Minerva!" I say as I open the door. "What a pleasant surprise! Come in."
"Thank you, Hermione. I'm really sorry to be calling on a Saturday, but I didn't want to discuss this in the library."
"Um, ok. What's wrong?" I ask as I sit and gesture for her to do the same.
"Well, nothing's wrong. I just wanted to get your opinion on something. Now, as you know, Albus isn't getting any younger. And he's considering his retirement in the next few years. I would take his place and become Headmistress. But I can't teach and head the school. Someone will need to take the Transfiguration teaching position."
"And … ?"
"Well, Hermione, I was wondering if you would like the position."
"Me? Teach Transfiguration?"
"Well, of course! You were a natural at it! Well, you were a natural at anything you did, but I was so impressed with your abilities. Never since James Potter did I see someone with your talent."
I'm blushing terribly at the moment.
"I'm honored Minerva, really. But I really need time to think about it."
"Of course, dear, of course. You've got so much on your mind right now. And how is the little one?"
"Moving and grooving at the moment … feel," I say as I take her hand and place it on my stomach where Sam is dancing.
"My goodness! As active as his father was!"
"You know, I often forget that you would have known Lily when she was pregnant with Harry."
"Oh yes. She was a beautiful woman. So loving with Harry, even before he was born. And he was a handful even back then! Always moving and kicking. James would say he was dreaming of flying," she says with a laugh.
"Typical. Harry says the same thing about Sam."
"Samuel. It's a lovely name." She grows quiet.
"Are you ok?" I ask.
"Yes, yes. Just thinking about the past. No sense dwelling, yes?"
I nod sadly.
"Well, I really should get going. Just think about our offer. I think you would make an amazing professor. You can transfigure almost anything into something else."
"I'll definitely think about it. Thank you so much for your confidence."
She helps me to stand and hugs me. "You're more than welcome. Goodbye for now!" And she Apparates out.
I glance at the coffee table, wave my hand and turn it into a teapot. I smile and then turn it back. Good to know I've still got it. I know it's the baby that helped me to do that wandless, but I might as well stretch his magical muscles too.
As I glance at the clock, I realize that I'm alone again. Figures.
Well, I'm hungry, so I might as well make some lunch. I'm past my strange cravings now and I'm moved on to all things sweet and all things covered in sauce (but not together). So, I'll make some spaghetti. And maybe make some cookies afterwards.
As I'm stirring the sauce, two loud cracks scare the daylights out of me.
"Great Merlin!" I scream as I throw the spatula at the noise.
"Bloody hell, Hermione!" Ron screams as it hits him right between the eyes.
"Are you two crazy?" I snap.
"What did we do?" Harry asks, a bit irritated.
"You two come flying in here like nothing!"
"I bloody live here!" Harry yells.
"You could have warned me!" I retaliate.
"Um, hello, I'm on the floor here!" Ron mutters.
"Oh! Sorry, Ron! Are you ok?" I say as I hurry to get ice for him.
"I'm bleeding!" he shrieks.
"Ron, don't be thick! That's spaghetti sauce," Harry tells him.
"Oh. Well, it's tasty," he says as he licks his finger.
"Here," I say placing the bag of ice on his face. "I'm really sorry, Ron. But you guys know better than to sneak up on me."
"Well, it certainly wasn't the plan!" Ron defends. "I didn't think I'd be attacked!"
"I'm sorry!" I cry as I burst into sobs.
"Oh geez, Hermione …" Ron says as he stands slowly. "It's ok, really. Look! I'm ok!"
"But I could have really hurt you!" I'm bawling like a child now. "I'm so sorry!"
Harry pulls me into a hug. "Mione, come here. Ron's fine. We're all fine! Are you ok?"
I sniffle a few times. "Yeah, I'm ok. I just … oh, I don't know!"
"Mood swing," Ron says, with a tone that gets me.
"Listen here, Ronald Weasley! My mood swings are not of your concern! I'm sorry I hit you with a spatula, but I'm more sorry that I don't have it now to throw at you again!"
"Ok, guys, see you later!" Ron says before Apparating out like a coward.
"Mione! Calm down!" Harry says as he holds me at arm's length. "Ron's gone, so just breathe!"
"It's just that man makes me so frustrated! He comes in here like -"
I don't have a chance to finish that thought because Harry has slammed his lips onto mine and he's kissing me so powerfully that I can't think straight.
Just as I begin to really get into the kiss, Sam kicks … hard.
Harry bends down to talk to my stomach.
"Samuel, we need to get something straight right now. I will be kissing your mother a lot over the years and you are just going to have to get used to that fact. Once you're born, it'll really embarrass you, and I'm sorry for that, but I love her so very much and I want to kiss her and show her that. So, please settle down."
And all the dancing slows to a stop.
"Merlin! He is a Marauder," I sigh.
"Thank you, son," Harry says before kissing my bump. "Now, Mummy, sit down. I will get your lunch finished."
"Harry, I can handle it."
"Yes, I know. But I ate and I want you to eat."
"And just where did you two go?"
"Hogsmeade."
"And … ?"
"And what?" he asks innocently.
"What did you buy?"
"Some things for the baby."
"Such as?"
"Some things. You will see at the shower tomorrow, I promise," he says as he puts the spaghetti on my plate. "Do you want some bread?"
"Yeah, the loaf is on the counter."
Harry slices some bread for me and sits with me as I eat.
"Thanks," I say between mouthfuls.
"You're very welcome. Are you ready for tomorrow?"
"I guess. I'm just glad that Molly and Mum didn't get too out there about this."
"I think they just remember the last time they tried to get too involved and decided to back off. They don't want to risk not seeing their grandson!"
"Yeah, sure," I say before yawning.
"Ok, finish up there and then we're taking a nap," Harry says.
"We?"
"Yes. I wore myself out today shopping for the anklebiter."
"Harry, do not call our son the anklebiter. I don't care if that's what Sirius called you."
"Yes, dear."
I finish my lunch and let Harry help me upstairs. A nap does sound Heavenly …
Later that night, as we're getting into bed, I tell Harry about Minerva's offer.
"Are you serious?" he asks.
"No, that's your Godfather. I'm your wife," I say with a giggle. Sirius was right, that never gets old!
"Funny, Mione. Really though, would you want to do it?"
"Well, I mean, I love my library, I really do. But perhaps I've done all I can with it. It's in wonderful shape. And Patty would be fine to take over for me. But what's your opinion?"
"I think it's brilliant! You'd have more off periods if you wanted to check on Sam and you'd have a bigger office in case another professor wanted to visit."
"Professor Potter! Are you insinuating something?"
"More than you know. But what do you want?"
"I think it's a very interesting proposal. One that I will think about carefully."
"And that's the Mione I know and love. Good night, sweetheart. Good night, Sammy. I love you both."
I kiss Harry and tell him, "We love you too. Good night."
Dreams carry me away before I even know it.
*The next day*
Today has been one of the longest days of my life. It was tiring to go through my last shower, but this time was exhausting!
The food, as usual, was amazing. The games were, as usual, cheesy. (Who knew that honey Dijon mustard looked so much like baby poo?) And it was great to see everyone. They knew by the blue decorations when they walked in that I'm having a boy, but when I announced his name, everyone went nuts. And, of course, the gifts are beautiful.
I'm sitting here now, big as a house, looking at the list Luna made of gifts we received.
Nana & Aunt Debbie- Silver brush and comb set, clothes, music box, hangers
Tonks (& Remus)- Bibs, Pjs, booties, rattles, stacker toy, diapers
Poppy - Baby supplies (toothbrush, nail clipper, bath stuff, washcloths)
Mindy, Maureen & Carol- Baby dishes, onesies, crib sheets, nightlight, teddy bear, clothes
Grandma - Fishy toy for crib, changing table, rocking chair, clothes, diaper bag, hamper
Aunt Betty & Aunt Jean - Blanket, crib set, bottles, pacifiers, socks, clothes, diapers
Emily's co-workers - Washcloths, burp cloths, crib sheets, baby tub, diaper genie
Patty - Frame and books
Irma Pince - Homemade blanket, bibs
Minerva (& Albus) - Memory book, a wizard's hat, baby robes, books, clothes
The Weasley ladies - Stroller/carrier/car seat (for the car you never use), toys, clothes
Emily - Crib, sheets, tons of toys, clothes, diapers, pacifiers, hangers, baby monitor
The best part of the day was when Harry walked in with Ron. Lucky for me, this time I wasn't holding up any lingerie. He walked in holding a huge white basket full of stuff. In it was a big blue teddy bear, some blankets, some onesies, a bib that said "Future Quidditch Champ," and the mobile for the crib (it was brooms, snitches and quaffles, and the players were wearing Gryffindor uniforms).
"Harry, it's all so wonderful!" I cried as he held me.
Luna dismissed the guests after I gave a tearful thanks to them all.
"Mione?" Harry says quietly, breaking me from my thoughts just as I get to Harry- Bear, blankets, onesies, bib, mobile (you're such a lucky woman). "Are you in there?" he asks.
"Hmmm? Oh! Yes. I'm just looking at the list of thank yous I'll have to write."
"We really made out!" he says. "Want to help me put it away?"
"Well, we'll watch, but I think I'm too tired to help."
"Fair enough."
Harry helps me up off the couch and up the stairs. He conjures a fluffy easy chair for me and gets all the gifts.
"Where do you want the rocking chair?" he asks.
I point to a spot at the far side of the room.
We continue to play the game of "Where do you want this?" for about an hour before the nursery is together. It's a beautiful room where the ceiling is charmed to look like a calm, wispy cloud-filled sky. Harry lets the crib build itself and puts it exactly where he said he would. The changing table is set up and filled with diapers.
The clothes and things that need washed are put into a pile. I'll deal with those tomorrow.
Finally, Harry puts the Quidditch themed mobile on the crib and turns it on. It plays "Rock a Bye Baby" and I begin to tear up.
"Mione, what's wrong?" Harry asks.
"It's beautiful. Completely beautiful." I get up and walk to the crib. Gently caressing it. "We'll put Sam to bed every night here."
"Except those nights where I sneak him in bed with us," Harry says.
"Yes, I suppose there's exceptions. Harry, I love it. Every bit of it. And I love you!"
"I love you to, Mione. Do you want to get ready for bed now?"
"Yeah, I'm pretty tired."
And with that, my super hero carries me off to the shower.
*Week 39*
Well, my maternity leave begins tomorrow. Tonight is the annual Halloween Ball at Hogwarts, so Harry and I are here chaperoning. I'm not very useful since I'm giving Hagrid a run for his money when it comes to size, but it feels nice to be here nonetheless. The costumes are very nice and I'm enjoying all the attention and pampering. Everyone keeps offering to bring me drinks and food. I'm certainly not telling them no!
I can't get comfortable though. I keep getting pains, but they feel like the same thing I've been having, so I'm ignoring them for now.
Minerva comes up to me and smiles.
"How is young Mr. Potter tonight?" she asks.
"Ready to dance, I think. Honestly, Minerva, this is the most active child ever."
And with perfect timing, Sam kicks hard enough to move my stomach, causing Minerva to jump and then laugh.
"Yes, well, we'll have to watch this one in 11 years."
"11 years?" I scoff. "11 days after he's born!"
She laughs again. "That's a Potter for you. Speaking of Potters, as soon as Harry returns, you two are welcome to go home. I'm sure you're tired and the ball will be ending soon."
"Thank you, Minerva. I think we'll take you up on that."
"On what?" Harry asks, returning with some water for me.
"We can leave."
"Brilliant! Let's go. Good night, Minerva. Tell Albus we left?" Harry asks.
"Of course. Good night."
Harry has to help me up and we walk to my office to floo home.
Once we're there, I tell Harry that I need to get something from the nursery.
However, when I get to the middle of the room, I get an awful feeling and I scream.
Harry runs to my side, "Mione, what is it?"
I pause … "Harry, my water just broke!"
***
A/N: Thanks to DarkPower for the spatula story. I tweaked it a bit!
Next chapter, baby Sam arrives!