Family Ties

Mrs_Potter91

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6
Published: 02/12/2005
Last Updated: 02/12/2005
Status: in_progress

Harry and Hermione are happily married and are expecting their first child. Follow them through the pregnancy, and what happens after.

Chapters

1. A trip to St. Mungos

1. A trip to St. Mungos

Chapter 1

26 year-old Hermione Granger was sitting in the rocking chair by the window, looking out into the busy street below. She patted her stomach gently. She was 7 months pregnant with a baby boy. Harry and Hermione had been married for 8 months when they had found out she was pregnant. The couple were ecstatic about the news, especially Harry. The first few months were terrible; morning sickness, mood swings and crazy cravings in the middle of the night that left a tired and grumpy Harry in the morning. As Hermione got lost in all her thoughts, she remembered the first time she felt the baby kick.

“Harry! Come down here! Dinners ready!” she called out.

“Ok, coming darling.” yelled Harry from upstairs.

Hermione was busily cooking in the kitchen, moving around as quickly as she could with a 6 month pregnant stomach. A moment later, she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. As she turned around she saw her husband, Harry Potter dressed up in jeans and a nice green shirt that Hermione always said to bring out the colour in his eyes.

“Hey beautiful,” he said, “What’s cooking?”

“Spaghetti Bolognaise,” she replied, smiling. “Do you mind setting the table?”

“Sure”

“Thanks, honey”

There were a few moments of silence while Harry set the table, until:

“Hermione, I’ve been thinking…” said Harry looking up from where he was setting out cutlery.

“About what?” she asked, stirring the sauce.

“About more baby names.”

“Ok, shoot”

“Well, what about Benjamin? Or rather Ben for short?”

She considered this for a moment.

“It’s alright I guess, but I still think James should be his name.”

“I like James too, but I think we should cover all the options before we decide on the name”

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. What about middle names?”

“I dunno, um, I haven’t really thought of any yet”

“How about, David?”

“Urgh!!! No! Sorry, but no I don’t like it,” Harry said sheepishly

“That’s ok! Um, Sirius?”

“No, I don’t think I could have my son be named after both my dad and my godfather. It’d be just too weird. How about we just go for something normal that we can both agree on?”

“Ok then, any suggestions?”

“Um, Alexander? I’ve always liked that name.”

“Hmm, Alexander. I like it. James Alexander Potter. Has a nice ring to it don’t you think?”

“Well, is that agreed on then?”

“I think so, hello James Alexander Potter!” she said rubbing her stomach gently. Harry came over to me and placed his hand there too. Then, all of a sudden, I felt a sharp jab in my stomach. James had kicked me! I looked up to Harry, wondering if he had felt it too. He had.

“Did you feel that? He asked me uncertainly.

A big grin spread across my face.

“Yes!” I said excitedly.

“Do you think he’ll kick again?” Harry asked with equal enthusiasm.

“I doubt it, not tonight anyway.” I replied, still excited about what had just happened. The smell of overcooked tomatoes filled my nose, and it was then that I realized that I had forgotten about dinner.

“Oh, damn.” I muttered hurrying over to the stove to see how much damage was done.

“It’s alright,” said Harry, and with a wave of his hand, dinner was fine.

That was a month ago. Now James kicked all the time. Hermione often liked to sit in the rocking chair in the nursery, just imagining herself in a two months time with a baby in her arms. She heard a soft ‘pop’ of apparition downstairs meaning that Harry was home from work. Harry worked as an Auror for the ministry for Magic and today he had been called on a mission in the very early hours of the morning although it was the week-end. They told him he would only be needed for a few hours, but he ended up being needed the whole day. She walked downstairs to the sight of her very dreary-eyed husband.

“Hey, how was work?” said Hermione, walking up to him and giving him a quick peck on the lips.

“Oh, alright I suppose,” he replied. “I could do with a nap, though” he said yawning.

“Yes, you look like you could do with a good forty-wink. Do you want me to call you down when dinner is ready?”

“Yes love, please do.” And with that he walked up the stairs to their master bedroom.

“Merlin, I’m glad to be home,” he thought as he changed into more comfortable clothes. “It’s sure been a difficult day.” He climbed into bed, thinking about Hermione, James and, drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

10 minutes later, Hermione came in to wake him up.

“Harry darling, time to wake up” she said softly.

“Huh? What? Oh, its you”

“Yeah, it’s me, dinner’s ready love.”

“Oh, right, thanks, I’m going to have a shower first, if that’s alright.”

“Yeah, that’s fine, I’ll wait for you.”

“No, no, it’s alright, you start eating, I’m sure the little one’s complaining”

“Ok, I’ll put a heating charm on your dinner so it doesn’t go cold.”

“Thanks.” He gave her a quick kiss and went to the bathroom.

Hermione walked back downstairs. She had started to serve, when a ‘pop’ came from the living room. Wondering who it was, she walked into the living room seeing Ron Weasley walking towards her with a huge grin on his face. Ron had been married to Luna Lovegood for about 10 months. The couple were about to have their first baby, who was due any day now.

“Luna’s just gone into labour.” He said after giving her kiss on the cheek.

“Oh! Ron, that’s great!” Hermione said hugging him.

“Yeah, she’s at St. Mungos now.”

“We’ll be there in a minute; I’ll just go get Harry.”

“Where is he, anyway?”

“In the shower. I’ll go and get him.”

“Ok.”

She quickly made her way upstairs to their bathroom.

“Harry?” she called. He poked his head around the shower curtain and looked at his wife inquisitively.

“Yes love?”

“Ron’s here, Luna’s just gone into labor.”

“Really,” he replied with a slight grin.

“Yep, she’s at St. Mungos, I told Ron we’ll be there in a minute.”

“Ok, give me a second.” He said turning off the shower.

“I’ll leave a heating charm on dinner so we can eat when we get back.”

“Well, how about we just put dinner in the fridge and eat out tonight”

“Sure, where do you want to eat?”

“I dunno a muggle place for a change.”

“Ok love, get ready and I’ll go tell Ron.”

Ron was waiting downstairs watching T.V. Even though Harry and Hermione were both magical, they still had a few muggle items, for instance, a T.V and phone. The first time Ron saw the T.V he was fascinated. Now, whenever he came over to the Potter house, he always headed straight for the T.V.

“Harry’s coming down now” said Hermione as she approached Ron.

Ron nodded, his eyes still glued to the T.V

“Oh, Ron, if you keep watching that T.V, you’ll go square eyed.”

“What? How can someone go square eyed? That’s impossible.”

“It’s just a saying. It doesn’t mean you’ll actually get square eyes, it’s just what parents say to get their kids away from the T.V.”

“Oh, right.”

At that moment, Harry walked down the stairs, fully dressed and ready to go to St. Mungos.

“Ready?” I asked.

“Yep, sure am. Hey Ron”

“Oh, hiya Harry”

“How’s Luna?”

“Oh, she’s alright, but I think she’ll start screaming if I don’t get back to her soon.”

“Well, we better get a move on then” Harry exclaimed, putting on his cloak. Hermione grabbed hers too, and headed for the fireplace. Normally she’d apparate, but being pregnant makes it hard at the moment.

“St. Mungos!” she yelled, as she dropped the floo powder. She felt herself spinning quickly, every now and then, having a glimpse of rooms that went past.

As she stepped out of the fireplace, she saw Harry and Ron waiting for her.

She brushed the soot off her clothes and walked over to them.

“I’m here.” she said as she approached them.

“Ok, let’s go,” said Ron.

We followed Ron along a corridor when we suddenly bumped into Mrs. Weasley.

“Harry! Hermione! It’s great to see you. It’s been a while hasn’t it?” she said giving them both a hug.

“Yes it has, hasn’t it?” said Harry.

“Hermione! You look great, darling. Won’t be long before you’re here too now?”

“Right you are, Mrs. Weasley.”

“Oh, please call me Molly dear.”

“Ok, Molly.”

“How’s Luna?” asked Ron.

“She’s doing fine, I think you should go and see her, she wants you here with her when she gets the baby.”

“Ok, then, Harry, Hermione, the rest of the us are sitting in the waiting room, if you care to join them now.”

“Where is it?” I asked, before Ron hurried off.

“Follow me.” he said.

“I’ll be there soon,” said Mrs Weasley. “I’m just going to get a drink.”

“Ok, see you Molly” I said, trying to catch up with Ron.

We continued following Ron through the many corridors until we got to the waiting room.

“It’s in there” He says, pointing towards a door on the right, “Everyone’s waiting for you.”

“Thanks Ron,” Harry said. “Say hello to Luna for us.”

“Will do, see you guys later”

“Ok.” Harry and I said in unison.

Harry opened the pointed door, to see Mr. Weasley, Fred, George, Bill, Fleur, Julia whose Bill and Fleur’s daughter, Charlie, Ginny, Tonks, Remus and Mr. Lovegood. They all greeted us warmly, as we sat down on one of the empty couch. Ginny came over to me and gave me a hug.

“Hello.” She said

“Hey Ginny,” I replied “How are you doing?”

“I’m alright I suppose. I could be better.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, Peter just broke up with me”

“Oh, Ginny, I’m sorry” I say, giving her a hug. Ginny and Peter had been dating for 7 months. Peter worked in the Ministry, in the Department of Magical Games and Sports.

“Yeah well, I think I’m over it now . How are you, Harry?” Ginny asked.

“I’m good actually, yeah, never been better.” He replied happily. I took his hand and squeezed it. He looked at me and gave me a warm smile.

“How’s the little one going?” Ginny asked referring to James.

“He’s good, he kicks a lot though.”

“Well, he is my son,” Harry exclaimed “He’s probably dreaming of playing Quidditch, already.”

“I am not letting my son go anywhere near a broomstick,” I said.

“Ah, Come on! He’ll be a great little flyer! I can tell!”

I shook my head. “I’ll think about it” I replied mulling it over in my head.

“Ok then.” He replied.

“It won’t be long before you’ll be in here Hermione, having James.” Ginny said.

“Yeah, I know, time goes by so quickly, It seems like only yesterday I found out I was pregnant and now I’m 7 months along!”

“Yeah, I can defiently agree on that.”

I felt my stomach grumble, and I realised that I hadn’t eaten dinner. James was starting to complain about it. Harry had obviously heard my stomach, as he said:

“Do you want me to get you something to eat? You look hungry, and I’m sure James is complaining by now.”

“You read my mind.” I said smiling. “Yes, that would be great darling. Just a sandwich and some water will do.” I asked.

“No problem.” He said as he kissed my cheek. He left just as Mrs. Weasley was came back.

“Anyone heard from Ron yet?” she asked the room at large.

“Nope, not yet.” answered Mr. Weasley.

I continued talking to Ginny and 15 minutes later Harry came back with my sandwich.

“Thanks.” I told Harry as he handed me the sandwich. I gobbled it down quickly.

“Geez, you where hungry.” Harry said as he watched me finish my sandwich.

“Well, he is your son, isn’t he?”

“So?”

“Potters have big appetites.”

“Not as big as Ron’s.”

“Well, no, but I can tell this one’s going to take after his father.” I said rubbing my stomach.

“You think?”

“I’m sure of it.”

“Well, Minerva’s going to have to watch out for this one in 11 years time, if he’s just as mischievous as his father.” said Ginny.

“Yeah absolutely, though hopefully he won’t get into any death defying adventures.”

“But that’s just the fun of it,” said Harry. “What’s the point in an adventure, if there are no risks?”

“Well, I just hope he gets through his first year without us having to be called to the school because he injured himself somehow. I’ve visited that hospital wing way too many times for you.”

At this moment, Ron walked in to the room and all conversations were forgotten as all eyes got fixed on Ron.

“Well?” Mr. Weasley said in anticipation.

“It’s a girl!” He exclaimed, with a grin from ear to ear.

Mr. Weasley got up and hugged him, as did the rest of the Weasley’s.

“Ron, that’s great mate!” Harry said, giving him a one armed hug.

“Yeah, that’s fabulous!” I exclaimed, happily as I too gave him a hug.

“Do you want to come and see her?” He asks us, still with a grin on his face and a proud look in his eyes.

“Don’t you want your Mum and Dad to see her first?” I asked.

“No, no, I want my two best friends to see her first.”

“Well, if you’re sure.” said Harry.

“Absolutely.”

“Ok then! Let’s go!” I said already walking out the door.

“Which room is it, Ron?” I asked as the boys followed me.

“Just down here to the right.” he said. “That one.” he said pointing towards a pure white door. He knocked softly and opened the door.

“Hey,” he said as he walked in. Harry and I followed him in. We were greeted by a most beautiful site. Luna was there, holding what looked like a pink bundle of blankets.

“Hello,” she said as she saw us walk through the door.

“Hi Luna,” I exclaimed

“HHHHi Hermione, Harry.”

“Hey” said Harry “How are you?”

“I’m fine, just a little tired.”

“I can imagine.” I said watching Ron pick up his daughter.

“What’s her name?” Harry asked.

“Sophia Luna Weasley.” he said walking over to us. “Do you want to hold her?” he asked Hermione.

“Sure!” she said walking over to sit down in one of the armchairs. Ron handed her to her.

“She’s beautiful, Ron.” she said watching the little girl falling asleep.

“Yeah, definitely takes after her mum.” He replied, grinning.

I can’t help but think that this will be me in a couple of months. Our conversation continued going from work to Fred and Angelina’s and George and Alicia’s weddings. 15 minutes later I asked Harry if he wanted to hold Sophia.

“Um, ok.” He replied nervously. He came over and sat in the armchair next to me as I handed him Sophia.

“Ok, make sure you support her head,” I said as I gave her to Harry. “There you go! You’re a natural.”

“You think?” he asked. I could tell he was nervous.

“You’d better get some practice at it, mate. This’ll be you and Hermione in a couple of months.” Ron said to Harry.

“Yeah I suppose.”

“Is the nursery completely finished now?” he asked.

“No, its painted, but there is no furniture in it yet, Harry’s going to do that this weekend” Hermione said.

“I’m sure James will love it.” Luna said, yawning.

“Yeah,” she replied, watching Harry with Sophia. He really was natural. He’ll be great with James, thought he is a bit nervous. But who could blame him, anyway? He never had any proper parents throughout his childhood. He’s just scared he’ll mess it up somehow.

“Luna, I think you should get some sleep.” said Harry, breaking me out of my reverie.

“Yeah, we’ll let the others come and see her, I’m sure they’re eager.” Hermione said standing up. Harry handed Sophia back to Ron and we headed out the door, saying our goodbyes to Ron and Luna as we went.

“Well, that was great.” I say as we headed back to the waiting room to say goodbyes to the other Weasleys.

“Yeah, Sophia’s so cute.” He exclaimed.

“Yeah, have to agree on you with that one.”

As we entered the waiting room, everyone asked us how she was.

“She’s great!” I said excitedly.

“Can we go in now?” asked Mrs. Weasley.

“Yeah, do you know which room it is?” I asked.

“Yep, sure do.”

“Ok bye then, we’re heading off in a minute.” Harry said to Mrs. Weasley.

“Oh, all right. goodbye then.” Molly said, coming over to hug the both of us.

“Bye Mrs. Weasley!” Hermione said as she hugged me.

“Molly dear, call me Molly.”

“Ok, sorry Molly.” she said as she let go.

“Bye Harry.” she said as she pulled him into a hug.

“Bye Molly.” said Harry making sure to use her first name.

“Ok, then, see you later.” she said.

“Bye everyone!” I said to everyone in the room as we headed off home.

“So where do you want to go for dinner?” I asked Harry as we walked down the hallway.

“How about we just go home?”

“You’re not hungry?”

“No, I’m just tired. I prefer to just go home.”

“Ok love.”

As we got to the fireplace, ready to floo back home, Harry grabbed my waist and pulled me into a passionate kiss.

“What was that for?” Hermione asked breathlessly after we broke apart.

“I dunno, I just had this mad urge to kiss you,” he replied taking my hand.

“Well, if you ever have those urges again, please come find me.”

“Even if you’re at work and you’re in the middle of a conference?”

“Well, maybe not then. But everywhere else is fine.”

“Ok, cool, let’s go home; I think I have another urge coming on.”

“Oh, and what urge would that be Mr. Potter?”

“I think you know very well what I’m talking about, Mrs. Potter.”

“Oh, do I now? Would it be possible for it to involve a bed?”

“It may very well do. How about we go home and find out?”

“That Mr. Potter sounds like a very good idea.”