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Hello everybody!
Well, here we find out Harry's reaction! Hope you enjoy!
To my fellow reviewers.........
--- THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEWS GUYS!!!
Now on with the story...
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Chapter Twenty-Eight : Reactions!
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"Go ahead, tell me Mione." Harry told her. Hermione nodded, unable to keep the small smile that was pulling at her lips hidden any longer.
"Well, you see," she started, before pausing once more.
"Yes Mione?" Harry chuckled as Hermione blushed. "What is it?"
This time she wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him down to kiss his cheek. As she did this, she turned her mouth to his ear, and whispered softly to him.
"Harry, you're going to be a father."
xxx
Harry froze atop of his wife, his eyes wide and his breath caught. He wasn't exactly sure he had heard her right. It took him a while to process what he had just heard, and finally after regaining movement in his body, his upper torso shot up, his eyes wide in disbelief.
"Wh-What?" he managed to get out. Hermione smiled softly, finding his face of confusion and surprise adorable.
He was now slightly kneeling on his knees, one knee between her thighs as she was lying now upon the small twin-sized bed. He stared down at her as his eyes traveled her face, as if searching for a sign that would confirm what he had heard. Hermione only smiled back at him, and pulled herself up into a sitting position before him. She dropped her eyes down shyly and touched his hand, a small blush painting her cheeks.
"I'm pregnant, Harry."
Harry was stunned. His eyes traveled from Hermione's face down to her silk-covered middle and back again, and he couldn't help but allow a large smile present itself. His eyes were alight with excitement and happiness, and his heart thudded rapidly within his chest. Just as he was about to rejoice, something came to mind, and he dropped the smile with a look of confusion instead.
"But… how?" he asked. Hermione softly smiled, having expected this question already, and looked her husband in the eye. "How is that possible? I mean… with all you have been through… I just- I don't see how a child could have survived all that!"
Harry looked just as concerned as he did confused. Hermione herself didn't believe it when Madame Pomfrey had confirmed with her that she was indeed pregnant.
:: Flashback ::
"I'm WHAT?!" Hermione bellowed in disbelief as she stared at the mediwitch with incredulous eyes. "That's impossible! I can't be-"
"Pregnant?" Madame Pomfrey interrupted. "But you are." Hermione sat there upon the bed beside her husband in total shock. She didn't know how this was possible. How was she pregnant? She hadn't been with Harry since…
'Ohh…' Hermione stopped. 'Since the morning of his departure off to war.' She wouldn't lie, she remembered that morning vividly. It had been two months ago, almost to the day. But still, Hermione couldn't believe it. She turned her gaze over to her husband that was lying unconscious in the next bed, his face pale and his body nearly broken, and fear swelled within her at the thought of such an idea as being with child… especially if she had to go on … without Harry.
Immediately, she discarded the thought, and snapped her eyes down onto her lap.
'No! Don't think like that, Hermione. Harry is going to be fine,' she told herself. 'He's going to be fine…'
"Your Highness?" came Madame Pomfrey's voice. Hermione raised her head, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes. "Why the tears? This is a happy moment, you should be rejoicing!"
Hermione looked up at her and smiled weakly, and nodded, before a thought suddenly pulled at her thoughts.
"But Madame Pomfrey," she started. "How … how can that be? After all that I have been through? After all of the emotional turmoil and physical abuse, how is it possible that a baby could survive such a thing?" she asked. "It's impossible."
Madame Pomfrey sighed, a soft smile at her lips.
"My dear, magic works in mysterious ways. I cannot tell you exactly how this child survived, but I can tell you this, fate has destined this child to endure." Madame Pomfrey told Hermione. Hermione sat there, still confused, but a new flutter of butterflies began to tickle her insides. Her smile grew a bit, but her head still buzzed with confusion.
"Yes, but," she began. She took a moment to gather her thoughts and then turned back to the mediwitch before her. "But Serenity said that a healer cannot use healing when pregnant… she said that it would be dangerous to both the mother and child. I did heal," she told her, "and I used more of my energy last night than I had in any attempt… ever."
At first Madame Pomfrey was confused, not knowing a thing about Hermione knowing the Art of Healing. Finally, Hermione explained the story of her training to the mediwitch, and she nodded in understanding.
"You see, when Serenity told you the rules of healing, she was telling you the rules that applied to her people," Madame Pomfrey said. "No witch has ever been trained in such an Art, and I am truly amazed to hear that you have succeeded in such an endeavor, but you must remember, the Elven body is much different than our own. They draw their energy via their surroundings and themselves. Their lifeline is their energy, if depleted it could mean their lives, but in a Witch or Wizard, our bodies survive on a different lifeline… while energy is a key to consciousness, it is not what we depend solely upon." Hermione nodded and listened, understanding where Madame Pomfrey was going. "Concerning Serenity, had she been pregnant and attempted to heal, she would be far from my reach to heal. A child takes so much energy from ourselves to carry, but in Serenity's case, it is far more dangerous. It would have cost her life."
"I understand." Hermione said softly. Madame Pomfrey only smiled.
"It seems to me that your pregnancy has helped you more than harm you." Hermione turned to her, confused. She just smiled as she continued. "Again, this is unusual to me, but your body has built up a form of resistance shield. Now unfortunately that does not protect you from pain, but it did in fact protect your body and the baby. Considering the amount of times you had been hit with that horrid curse last night, I would have thought internal injuries would show, but you were blessed Hermione. Your body was so intent on protecting the baby that it had managed to repel the most harmful aspect of the curse."
Hermione was shocked, and thankful, as she lay there. Harry was unconscious upon the bed beside her, and she turned her head to watch him. He looked so peaceful, regardless of his many wounds, and another sensation of butterflies erupted, and a larger smile spread across her face.
They were going to have a baby!
:: Flashback ::
"Hermione?" came Harry's voice, breaking her out of her reverie. Hermione looked up, startled for a moment before smiling apologetically.
"Oh, sorry Harry." Harry's gaze softened upon her, before touching her cheek and sweeping back a stray strand of hair from her face.
"How is this possible?" he asked softly. Hermione suppressed a grin, and touched his chest before looking up into his eyes.
"By magic." Before Harry could respond, Hermione clutched at his hospital tunic and pulled him down into a passionate kiss. Harry smiled against her, giving in to her completely, as he gently pushed her back onto the bed.
As he kissed his wife, Harry gently ran his hand down her arm, to her side, and across her stomach, where he let it linger for a moment before he pressed his palm against her stomach softly, his thumb gently rubbing back and forth. He could feel Hermione smile into the kiss as he slid his hand around her waist, to her back, and pressed her stomach to his, pressing his body flush against hers once more.
'Merlin, I love this woman!'
xxx
The next day, around noon, Madame Pomfrey released Harry as well as Serenity from the Hospital Wing, assured that their health was completely fine. Harry noticed that Bill was yet to be released from the Wing, but was glad to see that he was fine and healthy, and Madame Pomfrey guaranteed him that Bill would be out within the next few days.
Also to his surprise, Draco Malfoy was no longer occupying the bed at the end of the Wing, and wondered what had happened with him. Deciding to dwell on that later, Harry wrapped an arm protectively around Hermione's waist as he, his wife, and Ron left the Hospital Wing.
Harry noticed amusedly that Ron had been acting peculiar ever since his visit to the Wing late last night. His face still hadn't lost the color he had entered with last night, and he seemed preoccupied most of the time. Hermione also seemed to notice this, but kept her small smile to herself; if she knew anything, she was definitely doing her best to keep quiet.
Harry couldn't seem to suppress the large, ecstatic grin that plastered itself upon his face. Whenever he would think of the idea that Hermione was indeed pregnant, he would tighten his hold on her waist, pressing his fingers softly into her flesh, and revel in the feeling of one day soon becoming a father.
Hermione herself couldn't hide her smile as she leaned into Harry gently. She wrapped an arm around his waist as well, and hugged him as they made their way down the many corridors that eventually led to the Dining Hall. Ron and Harry continued to talk, mostly on how things had been since the end of the War. As they did this, Hermione only hugged him, her fingers rubbing gently over the areas of his skin that were still covered in bandages due to all of his attacks.
Harry still couldn't believe that the war was actually over. Since he had passed out, he hadn't been given the chance to allow the information to sink in, and it was quite a shock to discover. Voldemort was gone. Evil was dead.
A sense of contentment fell over the Prince as he walked down the hall with his best friends; Ron, Hermione, Serenity and Li. As they grew closer to the Dining Hall in which his parents were currently waiting, Harry pondered all the different ways in which he and Hermione could break the news to them. He was excited, and a bit nervous, and he already knew all of the different unbelieving questions they were going to ask, but the fact was… they were going to have a baby!
Again, his stomach flipped at the thought, as it did hundreds of times already, and he hugged Hermione even closer to him. At this, Ron noticed and chuckled.
"Mate," he started. "If you hug your wife any tighter, you're going to splinch her right in two." Serenity and Hermione laughed, and Harry playfully socked Ron in the shoulder.
"You're just jealous I have a gorgeous wife by my side." Harry replied cockily. Ron made another disgusted face, and then muttered something under his breath. Harry's ears perked up at this, but failed to catch the whispered words. He continued to bug his best mate until they finally reached the large open doors of the Dining Hall, where a large group had been assembled.
Sirius, Remus, King Amos, Cedric, Dumbledore, The Longbottoms - including Neville, The Weasley family and many others occupied the large Dining table that had now been momentarily converted into a conference table. Harry also noticed, to his pleasure that King Richard and Queen Charlotte also sat amongst the others. His father, King James, sat at the head of the table, while his mother, Queen Lily, sat at his right. Two empty seats stood at the King's left hand side, while three other seats were scattered throughout the table.
Harry smiled when he noticed his father's attention upon him, and watched as the King of Gryffindor stood to greet his son. Harry had only seen him briefly last night, perhaps an hour or so, before he had to travel over to the prison Azkaban to see to the captors of war. Lily, on the other hand, had stayed the night in the Hospital Wing, along with Hermione. She refused to leave her son.
"My son," James stated proudly as he approached his son. He placed a gentle hand atop his shoulder before pulling him into a tight fatherly hug. "Glad to see you better, Harry."
Harry smiled back, but wasn't given a chance to reply as the other men and women surrounding the table all stood up, greeting the Prince. James turned and guided Harry and Hermione over to the long table, with Ron, Serenity and Li closely behind.
As Harry approached the table he was greeted by his mother, in-laws, the Weasley's and almost everybody else at the table. And finally, after everyone had settled down and ready for work once more, Harry made sure Hermione was seated and comfortable before seating himself beside his wife and to the left of his father.
The meeting had gone on for another hour or so after Harry had arrived, and he listened carefully as they went over different punishments for the Death Eaters, and also over who would succeed as King of Slytherin.
Slytherin needed to be run. It was currently under the management of the other three Kingdoms, but James and the others knew that Slytherin needed to be restored back under a King… a King they could trust and a King that would lead them onto a straight path once again. This was proving to be difficult, for nobody wanted to take the responsibility of governing such a Kingdom as Slytherin, for its reputation and its name was enough to quell even the most ambitious of men. Finally, as James sat back in his high chair, running a free hand through his messy hair and ready to give up for the night, a voice called out from the doorway of the Dining Hall.
"I could run Slytherin."
Everyone in the hall turned to their heads towards the voice, eager and surprised at its outburst, but Harry immediately felt a cold stone drop into his stomach as he took in the speaker of the voice. Draco Malfoy.
To Harry's surprise, Ginny stood just behind him, looking up at the Slytherin Prince with just as much surprise as the others were.
Draco, on the other hand, stood confident as he approached the others. Harry's first instinct was to shoot up and protect Hermione, but he watched as Dumbledore stood up instead, a soft smile tugging at his features.
"Draco," James started. "You know that that is not a possibility, not now at least." Harry looked at him with confusion for a moment, and then turned back to Dumbledore who had conjured up another two seats for Ginny and Draco. Ron had a sour look on his face as he watched Ginny take a seat beside the Slytherin, and Harry noticed that he wasn't the only Weasley fuming, for the twins were as well, while Charlie and his parents looked taken back.
"With all do respect, Your Highness," Draco replied in an even tone. Harry was surprised to hear him speak with such politeness, and watched as Dumbledore smiled softly to himself as he did so. "But I do not believe there is any other man here that would be capable of running Slytherin better than a Slytherin himself." Draco said. Sirius was about to reply when Draco went on to add: "If it is a trust issue that concerns you, I can assure you that I am no more loyal to the Dark Lord and his teachings than a dog would be to an abusive master. Slytherin was my home, I know it better than anyone here, and am positive I can restore it."
Harry turned to his father, and watched him sigh as he sat forward in his chair and placed his fisted hands to his mouth.
"Trust isn't the issue here, Draco." James started. He threw a look to Dumbledore, and inhaled deeply. "The issue that concerns me is that you may not be the safest candidate for this."
Draco's face remained stony, but Ginny decided to speak up at this point. She stood up from her chair, her red hair bouncing gently behind her.
"What do you mean safest? Who here would be more suited to govern Slytherin other than Draco?" For a moment everybody sat shocked at her outburst, but Draco remained as professional as ever. Fred and George both stood from their seats as well, furious to see her defending the former enemy, and Ron made to protest as well but James made a face of warning, and the two sat down, angered. Ron seemed to be struggling with holding his anger back as he decided to breathe through his nose, his lips pursed and his eyes piercing. James then sighed and motioned for Ginny to sit as well. He could see that the Weasley family wasn't taking to her friendship with Draco too well.
He then turned to Dumbledore, who in turn decided to take over the conversation.
"You see, young Prince," he stated out softly. "Your life is still in very grave danger. We have just received word that your aunt, Bellatrix Lestrange and Peter Pettigrew had managed to escape from our grasp yet again." Dumbledore gave Draco a pointed look, but decided to go on, not waiting for his reaction. "Also, you must remember… your father has yet to found. He and his few followers, those two cohorts that he had brought with him into the cave, have also escaped along with him."
Draco then sighed at this, and Harry could see the strain of worry drag upon his forehead.
"So you understand now, Draco, what King James means by saying that you are not the safest candidate at the moment. It is no doubt that Wormtail and Bellatrix will find their way to your father's side, and until they are found and stopped, we cannot take any chances at risking your life, for then it won't only be your life, but the lives of the people of Slytherin as well." Dumbledore took a breath after this and cast a very solemn look down at this bandaged hands, "Your father will stop at nothing to exact his revenge… and I fear your life is at the top of his list at the moment."
Dumbledore then dropped the subject, leaving Draco there to take in the very heavy meaning of his words slowly. Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of pity towards the Slytherin, as well as disgust for how his father was reacting.
Draco sat there for a moment, lost in his own thoughts of his father and his former home, as he tried to think of different approaches he could possibly take, but suddenly froze when he felt a soft hand touch his upon his lap. He turned to Ginny, wide-eyed and thoroughly shocked at her choice of human contact, and felt himself paralyzed as he found himself staring back into sapphire eyes.
She looked up at him with a softness he had never seen before, not even from his own mother, and smiled almost shyly up at him as she guided her fingers softly over his hand. Within seconds, a noise was heard, and suddenly Ginny's blue eyes turned away from his, and Draco couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment for a moment. Her hand had also left his quickly, and he noticed that her brothers' eyes were burning into him, staring him down as a lion stares down his prey.
Draco allowed a stony look to wash over his features once again and turned to stare down at the other end of the table, but his mind was suddenly filled with unexpected images and thoughts of the red-head that sat beside him. He felt the urge to turn back and look at her, but fought his feelings and remained tuned into the current conversation as his thoughts wandered curiously around the youngest Weasley.
xxx
All throughout the meeting, Harry had felt restless and slightly nervous as he sat quietly beside his wife. He would frequently reach under the table and grasp Hermione's hand, gently rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand and her knuckles, giving her soft squeezes every now and then. A smile never left Hermione's face as she leaned her body into her husband, pressing her shoulder against him softly, enjoying the closeness once again.
The two never noticed once the long gentle stares the Queens of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw sent the reunited couple, and missed all of the soft smiles as well.
Harry only hugged Hermione closer as the conversations began to take a lighter feel, as they discussed the upcoming wedding of Cho and Cedric, and Harry chuckled softly against Hermione as he noticed Cedric's face light up with a proud glow, tinged with a hint of embarrassed red.
So Cho was finally happy. He was glad for her. She had helped more than she knew, and he thanked her greatly.
Harry then turned his attention back to Ginny and Draco. The two had not spoken since earlier when Draco was insisting on leading Slytherin. He noticed how Ginny's demeanor had changed, going from a spitfire to a more subdued, thoughtful manner. Harry didn't have a chance to think more deeply on this, for Hermione had nudged him with her shoulder, calling his attention back to her as she turned to him.
Harry instantly smiled as he looked down at her. Suddenly he noticed that his father was raising to his feet, in the manner that meant that the meeting was adjourned. He leaned forward as Hermione smiled, and placed a soft kiss to her temple as he squeezed her hand gently before rising to his feet as well.
Hermione watched as stood beside his father as the rest of the men also stood. She waited for the Queens to indicate that they too were rising before she too stood beside her husband.
King James then dismissed the men, and turned to smile at his small family. Hermione caught the eye of her mother and blushed softly before turning her attention to her husband and her father-in-law.
"Son," King James started, "how's about a quick game of Quidditch down at the pitch before dinner?" he asked enthusiastically. Harry laughed as he watched Ron, the twins, and Sirius perk up at the idea. Everyone stood awaiting his answer, but Harry turned to Hermione, and was about ready to decline the offer, but Hermione beat him to it.
"That would be great, Harry," she told him softly as she turned to him. He gave her a quick look, but she dismissed it. "You need to get out of this Castle. Go, have some fun. You need it!"
The others agreed and Harry laughed.
"Alright… let me go get ready." Harry told the others. James nodded, a large grin on his face as he turned to the others as well.
"You heard the boy! Go on, all of you!" he told them excitedly. "I want everyone down on the pitch in ten minutes. Let's go!"
xxx
Harry and Hermione laughed as they fell into their room, Harry chasing Hermione slowly as he reached to drop soft kisses along her neck.
"Stop it, Harry!" she exclaimed, giggling all the while. Harry chuckled as he gripped her waist and gently twirled her around, careful as to not hurt her. "Honestly, no one would have ever guessed you to have just come out of the Hospital Wing after a week long coma!"
Harry let out a deep laugh before kissing his wife tenderly. Hermione smiled into the kiss before pulling away, leading him slowly over to his wardrobe so he could get dressed. Harry followed quietly, reaching for her waist and hugging her as they reached mahogany closet.
When he pulled away, he placed a few kisses upon her forehead and lips before dropping his hands to her middle once more.
"So, when do you want to tell them?" he asked quietly as he smoothed his hand across her middle. Hermione let out a soft laugh as she pulled his hand away, turning to the wardrobe as she began to extract his Quidditch robes.
"Soon," she said at first. Harry raised an eyebrow as he smiled softly at her. Finally, after a few comfortable quiet moments, Hermione looked down at his clothes adoringly. "When the moment is right."
Harry smiled and hugged her from behind, "I couldn't agree more."
Hermione smiled and turned around, as she began to unbutton his over-robe. Harry's eyes never left her face as she did this, while his hands never left her waist.
Ten minutes later, Harry found himself walking down the long marble outside corridor. It had long arching columns along the right side, where a lush garden was beginning to grow again, and to the left was the wall of the Castle, with large windows every few feet giving view into the large indoor training hall. The late afternoon air was cool against his skin, as it was the perfect weather for Quidditch.
Hermione stood beside him as they conversed and joked along the corridor. The sun was low in the sky, and it seemed they only had a few hours before dusk would fall.
The pitch wasn't too far, and Hermione found herself deeply enjoying the fresh scent of a new spring. It was almost symbolic; new life greets a new future, for both her and her husband, as well as the Wizarding World. Everything should hopefully fall into place now.
As she and Harry turned off of the outdoor corridor, they turned down a winding gravel path that took them out of the gardens, towards the large Quidditch pitch. It looked more like a small stadium to Hermione, but she couldn't miss the large adoring smile her husband wore as he approached the structure.
Hermione smiled and grasped his arm tenderly as she walked the path with Harry. She could hear the voices carrying off of the pitch grounds and she shook her head as they neared. She noticed Harry was doing the same, with a knowing smile on his face as two loud bickering voices carried over energetically through the air.
"Oh, shove a sock in it, you git!" cried the first voice. Harry chuckled, knowing exactly whose voice it was. He could almost predict what was coming next, for he knew this sort of bickering very well.
"You're fraternizing with the enemy!" the other voice exclaimed. "His sort almost killed my best friend!"
"He saved Dumbledore's life!" retorted the first voice. "And for your information, he saved mine too! I should think that would make you a bit more considerate." Harry had expected a long pause to follow, but to his surprise, the second voice retorted quite quickly.
"That line of yours may have worked on Seamus, but it isn't going to work on me, Ginny!" Harry heard his best mate retort. "And that reminds me, just where exactly did you two go this morning?" Ginny made a sound of aggravation and Harry could hear her huffing angrily as well. He and Hermione were almost to where the two were bickering, and could hear them quite loudly in fact.
"We went out into the Gardens, is that a problem with you?" she asked, though not expecting an answer. Before Ron even had a chance to inhale a breath to reply, Ginny continued. "Because I don't need your approval, nor the approval of the twin twits, regardless of what you three may think! You aren't my father."
"Yes that is a problem with me!" Ron exclaimed. He seemed to have disregarded everything else she had said, which Harry knew angered her more. He and Hermione were just rounding the large wooden stadium-like structure surrounding the pitch, and the figures of Ron and Ginny came into plain view. "And what were the two of you doing alone in the gardens? Who knows what he could have done to you in there!"
"Oh Ronald, quit overreacting," came the dreamy soft voice of a third person. "I am sure he hasn't done half of the things you've done to me in those gardens."
Harry froze in his spot for a moment, his eyes wide as he took in the figure that had last spoken. To his right, he felt Hermione do the same. Luna Lovegood.
Harry couldn't help the smile of surprise and amusement that spread across his face at that moment. He watched as Ron turned to Luna with a look of shock mixed with a hint of betrayal. Luna only smiled as if what she had said was quite ordinary, and watched as Ron spluttered for a moment before tripping backwards suddenly. Luna giggled sweetly as Ginny raised an eyebrow, a smirk evident upon her soft features.
Harry laughed heartily as he finally made his way up to the trio. Luna crouched down beside him and smiled before extending out a petite hand to Ron. Ron only stared at it for a moment as he looked up at Luna. Finally he grasped her hand and smiled as she helped him to his feet.
Harry continued to laugh at Ron's red face, but decided not to say anything as he heard Sirius call over to them from the air.
"Eh, Harry!" he called. Harry turned his head up and smiled as the two teams formed high above him. "Quickly, get your arse up her, son! We're ready to play."
"Comin' up!" Harry then turned to Ron, before summoning his Firebolt over to him. Ron did the same and watched as Ginny kicked up into the air. Harry then turned to Hermione and smiled. "Care to join us?"
Hermione laughed at the thought and shook her head as if Harry were crazy.
"No thank you, Harry. I think I'll pass." Harry only chuckled as he kissed her cheek before mounting his broom. He and Ron kicked off as Hermione and Luna climbed the stairs to sit in the stadiums as they sat to watch the others play.
The first team consisted of Harry as seeker, Ron as keeper, the twins as beaters, and Serenity, Ginny and another Gryffindor named Katie Bell as chasers.
The second team was made up of Charlie as seeker, Li as keeper, Sirius and Cedric as beaters, and James, Remus, and Angelina Johnson as chasers.
Hermione enjoyed herself as she watched the others play, following Harry's movements in the sky as he and Charlie battled for the small golden snitch. She hadn't ever really taken a liking to Quidditch before, but now she found it much more entertaining as she watched Ron swiftly zoom in different directions, trying his best to block the incoming quaffle.
As dusk finally began to fall so did the rain, and Hermione and Luna made their way down the stadium to greet the others. Harry dismounted his broom while still in the air and landed on his feet as he laughed freely. She hadn't seen him so light-hearted in so long, it was refreshing to her.
Harry then swung his arm around Ron as the two of them celebrated their victory against King James, Sirius and the others. As the rain grew stronger, the group quickly made their way up to the Castle, with Harry holding his cloak over Hermione as to not have her get too wet.
Immediately, they all split towards their own respective bedrooms for well needed showers. Hermione laughed as she pulled Harry through the corridors to their room while Harry continued to exclaim different things about the game. As they finally reached their room, Hermione laughed as Harry tried to hold her, while she tried her best to shrug him off.
"Harry," she whined playfully. "You're all wet! Stop!"
Harry laughed also as they stopped in the middle of their room. Harry hugged Hermione to him again and she tired to push away, but finally gave up as he refused to release her.
"Eww, rain and sweat… gross Harry." Harry chuckled as Hermione pushed him away. He resigned himself to remove his sodden clothing as Hermione also changed. Finally, after he showered and dressed, Harry grabbed for her once more and pressed her to his chest. Without giving her a chance to protest, he pressed his lips to hers soundly. She instantly gave in as she threw her arms around his neck, pressing him closer to her. When he had finally pulled away, Hermione pressed her forehead to his and smiled.
"Mmm, what was that for?" she asked in a whisper. Harry smiled.
"For everything… I've already told you this a hundred times." Hermione laughed prettily as she stepped back. She looked up at him and shook her head.
"Oh shut up, Casanova," she said, her voice ribboned with laughter as she tugged at his clothes. "Come on, I'm starving." And with that, she and Harry left their room in high spirits as they made their way down to the Dining Hall.
Hermione walked down the corridors in silent thought as she thought back on all that the two of them had been through to get to this point. Her hands unconsciously traveled to her stomach as she lost herself in thoughts of what the future might bring. She wasn't exactly sure what the future held for them as a family, but she was sure that whatever came along they were ready to face it, together. She found herself excited and hopeful as she leaned into her husband, feeling his strong arm wrap around her protectively as they continued down the hall together
XXX
So what do you think?
Personally not my favorite, I liked the one before this better, but I hope you all liked it!
Well, this isn't the last chapter, but I expect there will be probably two more. I hate to see this story come to a close, but I hopefully will have a sequel out, so look out for it!
Can't wait to hear all of your comments! Talk to you all next update! Ciao!!
Until next time…
SM131