Harry hated to see Hermione leave, but he was silently glad she was gone. The Prophet and Witch Weekly had found out about their engagement, and it had caused a new uproar. Harry Potter was finally getting married to his best-mate's ex-wife who happened to already be pregnant with his child. It seemed they were waiting for Ron to step in to add to the drama. Ron had joked about saying something to them about how much he hated Harry and wanted him dead for stealing his wife, but one look from Harry made Ron almost fear for his life.
The seventeen-year-olds who were entering the Auror-training-program were a definite lively bunch. He was glad when Friday rolled around to be able to escape the chaos at the Ministry. The day didn't seem to end. He had an endless stream of memos to sign and read, reports to go over, missions to assign, all before he was supposed to leave at five. And by the looks of it, it didn't seem like he was going to be leaving any time soon, and it was almost four thirty. He had a half a mind to just leave it, but he knew the head of the squads wouldn't be too pleased with him. Sighing, Harry picked up his pace and charmed his quill to automatically put his signature on the respective pieces of parchment. He filed the reports as quickly as he could, magically rid of the spare parchment, and cleaned up the mess around his desk before collapsing into his chair and glanced at the clock on the wall. It was almost six. Groaning, he stood back up and grabbed the handle of his suitcase on wheels and quickly walked through the deserted Auror department and into the lift and headed up towards the Atrium to dissaparate to Scotland. He veered into the men's room and opened a bathroom stall and quickly changed out of his rumpled work clothes and into a pair of designer jeans and simple jumper before heading into the almost empty atrium. He closed his eyes and disappeared with a faint pop.
When he opened his eyes, he was standing in front of a large welcoming home, with lawns that seemed to go on for miles. To him, it seemed like too much for a retirement home. But with all the stress Hermione had put them through because of their `adventures' during their schooldays, they definitely deserved it. Part of him wanted to just go back home to London and sleep after the hectic week he had had, but he wanted to see Hermione and the kids. He missed them, and wanted nothing more than a quiet evening at home.
He ran a hand through his hair as he rang the doorbell and straightened his posture as he heard the locks being opened on the opposite side. Finally, the door swung open to reveal a relived looking Hermione.
"You're late," she said simply as she stepped aside to let him in.
"I'm sorry," he apologized as he attempted to kiss her, but she turned away. "I had a ton of memos and reports… I didn't realise the time before it was too late … please don't be mad at me…"
Hermione exhaled and shook her head as she allowed him to wrap her in his arms. She closed her eyes and breathed in his comforting scent. She was home. He gave her a gentle kiss and brushed her hair behind her ear, causing her to smile. "I can never stay mad at you…" she whispered as they pulled away.
"It's a gift," said Harry matter-of-factly.
"Did you change before you left?"
"Yeah, I figured I'd make a better impression if I showed up looking half decent than in my work clothes."
"Armani. I guess you want to make an impression," she commented.
"Stop staring at my arse," he replied playfully.
"That's where the logo is."
"Missed me that much, huh?"
"We'll get reacquainted in a while," she whispered, nipping his ear lightly with her teeth.
"I ought to just ravish you here." Harry replied as he pressed her against the wall.
"You won't on the wall of my parent's house," she warned pushing him away as she pushed open the door to their bedroom and she stepped inside. He followed her in and closed the door. Gently setting his suitcase at the foot of the bed next to hers, he straightened up and was quickly pushed on top of the bed and her silky brown ringlets obscured his vision. Her mouth instantly latched onto his and he wasted no time obliging to her.
"I've missed you so much…" she panted as he cupped her face.
"I've missed you too," he laughed as he kissed her lightly and ran his fingers though her thick curls. "How's our boy?"
"Amazing." She whispered, returning his kiss.
"Any signs of movement?"
"None yet."
"I see." Harry replied, rolling onto his back. "Would your parents mind if I took a nap? I haven't really slept this week because I've been so busy…"
"Go ahead. They're out with Henry and Sarah. I'll stay here with you if you'd like."
"I might do a little more than nap then," said Harry, his eyes dark with desire as he rolled back over and slid his hand up her maternity dress.
"HERMIONE?" They heard a voice shout from the entryway.
Harry's hand shot from under her dress faster than a lit firework and rolled away from her. "Nap sounds great about now."
"I'll go tell them you're taking a nap." She agreed quickly as she smoothed out her dress and kissed him before drawing away from him. Sighing contently, Harry closed his eyes and faded into comfortable darkness.
Harry awoke to a warm tongue being slipped into his mouth. His eyes snapped open and green instantly met brown. Smiling, Harry pulled her down on top of him and deepened their kiss.
"Sleep well?" inquired Hermione.
"Yes. What time is it?"
"Almost ten. I just put Henry and Sarah down. Would you like something to eat?"
"Please," he yawned as he sat up and scratched the back of his head.
"Come on, I put a plate in the oven for you."
"Thanks," replied Harry gratefully as he stretched and allowed Hermione to pull him out of the room.
They were silent as they walked down the oak staircase and Hermione led him to the doorway to the sitting room.
"Mum, dad, this is Harry Potter," announced Hermione as she wrapped her arms around his waist and stared up at him.
"This is that same little boy you were friends with in school?" said Helen Granger, obviously shocked as she got to her feet.
"Yes mum," replied Hermione.
"You look so different from the pictures Hermione used to show us," continued Helen, as she looked Harry up and down. He was beginning to feel uneasy.
"Thanks?"
"Helen, you're frightening the poor boy," interrupted Edward as he made his way towards Harry and Hermione.
"Edward Granger." He said seriously, extending his hand.
"It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Granger," replied Harry kindly as he shook it. "You too, Mrs. Granger."
"You're what they call `pure blood?'" inquired Edward.
"No sir. I'm only half-blood. My mum was muggleborn. I was brought up normally," he explained. "I lived with my aunt and uncle. I didn't find out I was a wizard until I was eleven."
"I see, so you understand the proper functions of a regular home?"
"Yes I do, as Hermione and I live in one."
"Have you ever golfed?" Edward asked arching an eyebrow.
"I did when I lived in Australia … I haven't in months."
"Helen and I belong to the local country club. You and I will go tomorrow."
"Okay, sir."
"None of this sir, nonsense. Call me Edward."
"Yes, Edward."
"Come on, Harry. Let's eat." Said Hermione finally, drawing him away.
"Thank you," he whispered as they entered the kitchen.
"I don't think a pin could have been as straight as your back," she laughed as she removed two warm plates filled with pasta from the oven and cast a cooling charm on the plates and handed one to him.
"Well I didn't know what to say," he shrugged.
"And that's what I love about you. I'm sure they'll love you." She said happily as she gave him a peck on the cheek.
"You didn't have to wait for me," he said.
"I wanted to," she replied simply.
"How old are you? Eighteen?"
"What?"
"I've never seen you this … giggly."
"I'm not giggly!" she said, blushing.
"Yes you are," he countered.
"No sex," she whispered in a low voice.
"Says the woman who nearly fucked me as soon as we got in the bedroom."
"You didn't exactly push me away, either."
"I was too stunned to think straight," he said frivolously as he took a sip of water. "I'm not used to having pregnant woman vehemently shoving me onto a bed."
"Of course you aren't, Harry."
"Not that I'm complaining, of course," he added.
"I would surely hope not."
Ten minutes later, they had cleaned their dishes, and headed up the stairs towards their bedroom. As soon as they were inside, Harry whipped out his wand and performed locking and silencing charms on the room before turning to his desire-driven fiancé.
x-x-x-x-x
Hermione lay quietly in Harry's arms, simply staring into his eyes, and sharing an occasional kiss. She laced their fingers together and kissed his knuckles and smiled as he captured her lips and gave her a light kiss.
"Where were you one year ago, today?" she whispered as he lazily played with her hair.
"I was likely sitting in the condo either sleeping, or awake, thinking of you."
"Did you do that a lot?"
"Thinking of you got me through a lot," he explained softly.
"Like what?" she asked, outlining his slightly chapped lips with her finger.
"Lots of things. Hedwig's death, Auror training …what about you?"
"I was home, asleep, or up with Henry or Sarah … maybe waiting for Ron to come home… writing another angry letter to you."
"I started so many replies," he whispered, kissing her index finger as he propped his head up on his elbow. "I didn't know what to say. I wanted to tell you so much … but I couldn't, because it wouldn't be the same. When you called me, I was in the middle of a meeting and I couldn't leave. I would have dropped everything right there for you if I could, because I would have been directly talking to you… Then you called more and more, and I found myself scared. I was scared of what you'd say to me… That you didn't want me to come home…"
"I didn't know what to say to you either, honestly." She admitted. "Ron thought I was being silly. But I just called that number to hear your voice…" she whispered. Harry wiped her tears away with his thumbs.
"I never wanted to put you through that," said Harry as he pulled her into his arms.
"You didn't do anyone good by staying there," she said forcefully as she pushed him away.
"Hermione-"
"Don't. I wanted you to come home so badly… I didn't feel right asking you to, because I knew you would have dropped your whole life in Australia. I didn't know if you were married with children, or if you were still single. I didn't know anything, Harry. I didn't know if you were alive or dead, if you were okay… And I always knew Remus did. I knew you wrote to him, and I knew he was telling Molly to keep her satisfied. But why wouldn't you let him tell us?" demanded Hermione as she pulled away from him and sat up and pulled the duvet over her chest and stared at him.
"It killed me staying away from you, from everyone. I thought it would have been better if I had left, because it seemed to have all worked out- you and Ron, Ginny and Neville … you didn't need me. There was Harry and no one. I thought if I just left, you would have just forgotten me and moved on with your lives. Your letters kept me going. It was the thought that someone cared about me enough to still let me know what was going on, even if I didn't respond. I didn't want Remus to tell you anything because I knew you would have came after me. I wasn't ready for that. I liked it that no one knew who I was there, because Voldemort never went to Australia. I was just another Auror to them. I almost came back here so many times. I had the plane tickets and everything, but I couldn't do it. I didn't know how everyone would react. I'd been gone for three years the first time… I was at the gate and ready, but I was too much of a coward to leave … it was right after Henry was born, and I was sure you didn't need me as a burden around… So I stayed. I thought you would have stopped writing after the first few months and moved on after you realised I wasn't coming back… But you didn't stop. I wished you would have at times. I loved you so much; I had to let you go… You were happy, and your happiness mattered the world to me…"
"You should have told me," she whispered as she buried her face in her hands. "I would have dropped everything to be with you…"
"Don't say that," he said harshly. "If you had followed me, you wouldn't have Henry or Sarah."
"You're right," she said finally as she scooted over to his side and laid her head on his chest. "We're together now and that's what matters most…"
"Exactly…" he replied as he draped his arm over her shoulder.
"We should really put something on, just in case…"
"But-"
"I'm serious, Harry," said Hermione as she pulled the blankets off them and silently climbed off the bed. She straightened up and felt Harry press himself against her backside. She couldn't help but groan. "Harry no … I'm too tired…"
"Don't say that to me again," he whispered in her ear as he kissed her cheek and slid into a fresh pair of boxer shorts and sleep pants.
"Just wait until after our son is born," she began wickedly, "you'll be hearing it for weeks."
"I'll deal with that time when it comes," he said simply as he climbed back into the bed and allowed her to curl up beside him and fall asleep.
x-x-x-x-x
"Harry!" shouted a male voice on the other side of the door. Harry was instantly jolted out of his sleep. "Are you awake?"
"Yes!" he shouted back as he scrambled out from underneath Hermione who gazed at him groggily.
He used his wandless magic to unlock the door and he breathlessly swung it open to reveal Edward Granger.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
Harry stared at him for a few seconds in disbelief.
"We're leaving in twenty minutes. I suggest you dress in proper attire," continued Edward seriously before leaving Harry standing alone in the corridor.
"What was that about?" asked Hermione as Harry shut the door and turned to his suitcase.
"Fuck…" he whispered.
"What?" she repeated.
"I haven't got a damn thing to wear golfing …"
"Just transfigure something," she said, shaking her head.
"I'd be lost without you." He said as he dressed quickly and allowed her to point her wand at his jeans and t-shirt.
"Hermione, seriously…"
"I think you look handsome," she said fondly.
"I look like I'm thirty six, driving a minivan working a job I hate-"
"Better?"
"Thank you." He replied gratefully as she smoothed out his polo shirt across his flat abdomen and kissed him quickly and pushed him towards the door.
"I'll see you tonight," she called.
"If I live that long." He muttered as he closed the door and perched his sunglasses on the top of his head and headed down the stairs.
"Where are your clubs?" questioned Edward.
"I don't have any," replied Harry.
"You'll have to buy some when you get to the club then."
"I guess I will."
"Do you have a glove?"
"No I don't."
"You'll have to get one of those as well."
"Alright."
"Come on. I told the boys we'd meet them for nine."
Harry nodded and followed him out to the car. Harry put Edward's golfing supplies in the trunk of his BMW and climbed into the passenger seat.
"Do you drive, Harry?"
"I have a car, but I prefer to appearate."
"What is it you drive?"
"A Mercedes Benz."
"Good choice of vehicle."
"It's kind of a waste. Hermione and I only make use of it when we go grocery shopping."
"I see."
"Yes…"
"How long have you known my daughter?"
"Almost seventeen years."
"How long have you been in love with her?
Harry exhaled and looked away. "Fourteen years."
Edward was silent as he drove. Harry was determined not to look at him. He knew the wheels were turning in Edward's head. He was in love with Hermione the whole time she was married to Ron. Hell, he was in love with her and living on another continent, totally unaware that Hermione felt the same as him.
"Did Ronald know about this?"
"He always knew. But he loved Hermione, as a sister … not as his wife. I've never doubted his affections for her."
"You wouldn't do anything to hurt her?"
"I love your daughter, Edward. I'll try my hardest. All my life I've done things she hasn't approved of. You know I can't promise that," said Harry seriously. "I wouldn't leave her for the world. I intend to marry her, raise our son with her, along with Henry and Sarah. I love them as if they are my own children. They're my family and I love them. They're all I've got."
Edward remained silent.
"When I was living in Australia," Harry began quietly, "she was the only one who wrote to me. She left me messages on my answering machine. Pointless ones, but she was the only one who cared about me. And I was selfish not to reply to her. But for almost ten years, she wrote to me once a month. She was the one thing that kept me going. Now she's giving me a son, and she said yes when I asked her to marry me. I owe her so much. I promise you Edward, the only way I'd leave her is in a body bag."
Harry stared at him long and hard. Edward however, did not meet his gaze instead, he simply said, "welcome to the Granger family, Harry."
x-x-x-x-x
Harry lowered his aviators over his eyes as he stood alone on the green. He was aware of the six sets of eyes on his back. He was sure Edward's friend's thought he couldn't play at all. In fact, Harry was quite good. His gloved hand slowly clasped around the handle. He bent his knees slightly. Swung backward, and the club collided with the tiny white ball, sending it flying through the air and out of sight. He distantly saw the flag with the number 18 bolded being waved in the air. He had somehow managed to get it in the hole. Smirking, he turned towards the six men who stared at him, mouths gaping.
"What?" he asked, obviously confused.
"How old are you?" demanded the one named Richard.
"I'm twenty seven, Mr. Moore," replied Harry as he slid the club into the leather case.
"How long have you been golfing?"
"About eleven years. Picked it up while I was living in Australia."
"What is it you do, exactly?" asked Richard suspiciously.
"I'm a head of a team of investigators in London," said Harry casually.
"Crime investigators?"
"You could say that."
"At twenty seven?"
"At twenty seven." Repeated Harry as he rolled his eyes.
"Why Edward, this boy is too good to be true. He must have a flaw somewhere."
Edward chuckled as he clasped Harry on the back and smiled. "I don't know. He must be damn near perfect for my Hermione wanting to get married to him."
"Did you go to the same private school as Hermione did?" inquired Glen.
"Yes I did. That's how we met."
"Edward's Hermione was always a polite girl," said Glen fondly.
"Helen and I raised her well. I'm glad she's finally happy."
"Pregnant again, did you say earlier?"
"Yes she is. Almost six months, isn't it Harry?"
"Yes. The baby's due in December."
"She'll be giving birth in London?"
"We haven't decided yet." Said Harry truthfully.
Edward stared at him. "What do you mean?"
"We were thinking about going away before the baby's born. Just her and I… come back right before Christmas."
"I see."
x-x-x-x-x
It was late when Harry and Edward returned home. Harry had just settled his new golf clubs in the closet and had changed into a loose-fitting t-shirt and trousers when the door burst open.
"Harry!" cried Sarah as she rocketed into his arms.
"Hey kid, how are you?" asked Harry, laughing as he kissed the side of her head.
"I'm good. I missed you." She whispered as she hugged him tightly.
"I missed you too, Sarah. Were you good for your mum and grandparents?"
"Yes." She said happily.
"Where's your brother?"
"Billiards with grandpa."
"And your mother?"
"She's watching with grandma. They sent me to get you."
"Then we should go meet them, shouldn't we."
"Yes we should," she agreed as she tightened her grip on his neck as they walked out of the room.
Hermione looked up when the door to the games' room opened. Her face instantly lit up as she saw Sarah being held tightly in Harry's arms, beaming. She stood up as Harry let Sarah down and walked over to him.
"Hey," he said softly as he kissed her cheek.
"Good game?"
"That's an understatement," began Edward, his brow furrowed, "the boy whooped our arses."
"Harry was always quite the athlete in school," she said fondly.
Harry immediately became interested in the fingernails on his left hand as he felt his cheeks grow warm.
"We've heard," said Helen as she stroked Sarah's hair.
"I was a seeker on our house team," Harry explained.
"Puddlemere wanted you on their team badly. I think Wood forced them into it," laughed Hermione.
"I would have loved to play for Puddlemere … I think it's rubbed off me now."
"I think it's time you two went to bed," announced Hermione.
"But mum-"wined Henry.
"No buts, Henry. You're practically dead on your feet. Upstairs and into your nightclothes. Harry and I will be up soon to tuck you in."
"Fine…" grumbled Henry as he and his sister shuffled out of the room.
x-x-x-x-x
Hermione groaned pleasurably as Harry gently massaged her shoulders.
"I've been thinking," he began quietly as he kissed the back of her neck.
"About?" she inquired as she tilted her head forward to give him more access.
"A few weeks before the baby's born, how about you and I go away? Just somewhere only you and I know. I'll tell Remus so he'll know how to contact us in case something happens. That way St. Mungo's won't be flooded with reporters, and we can have some time with him in peace before we introduce him to the family."
"Where will we go?"
"I stay in this amazing hotel in the Bahamas during Christmas. You'd love it there. It's very relaxing."
"I like that idea." She whispered as he moved away from her and lay on the bed with his hands folded behind his head. She settled herself alongside him. "Have you considered any names?"
"Not really," he confessed truthfully.
"I was thinking if you were okay with it, we could name him after your father?"
"James?"
"James. You pick out his middle name."
"I don't really know."
"You've got four months to figure it out," she whispered softly as she slowly drifted off into sleep.
x-x-x-x-x
Harry hated working late. It seemed the closer December came, the more reports he had to go through piled up. He was slowly counting the days until he and Hermione would be leaving. They had filled Remus and Tonks in on their plans. Everything had been finalised, they were leaving the first week of December, and would return a week after the baby was born, in mid-December. They were staying on a small, populated muggle island where Harry had spent many Christmas's and vacations over the past several years. Hermione knew this place must be special for him, and by the way he talked about it, it appeared to be paradise. The healer had recommended her relaxation, and where they were staying, she would have everything at her fingertips, Harry assured her.
Baby James Potter was not going to be experiencing a magical birth. Instead, Hermione insisted that they shouldn't venture to find the nearest Wizarding establishment; she would be just fine in a muggle hospital. There, they would look like a regular couple that decided to have their child somewhere where they could have peace and quiet, along with having bonding time with their baby before returning home. This way, they were sure he would be away from the prying eyes of the media. No one would suspect that Harry Potter and Hermione Granger had left the country to have their baby. As far as the rest of the Wizarding World was concerned, they would be staying in the best room St. Mungo's Maternity ward had to offer. Hermione had left her shop in the care of the assistant manager, Anna Kennings. For the entire Ministry knew that Harry had gone on a two-month leave so he and Hermione could have time to prepare and welcome their baby.
The flat was dark when Harry returned home. He and Hermione were scheduled to leave for the Bahamas in two days. Henry and Sarah had been set up at Ron and Lavenders flat so Harry and Hermione could have a few days to themselves before their departure. Ron kept pestering them to know where they were going, and both refused, and simply said, "Somewhere warm."
"Hermione?" he called as he set his briefcase on the couch.
"Upstairs," she called back.
Curious, Harry followed the sound of her voice and stopped at the room across from theirs. It was an empty room. They had both silently agreed that that it would be turned into the baby's room. But they never got around to it. The door was slightly ajar as Harry approached it. He swung it open to see Hermione folding baby clothes.
"Do you like it?" she asked anxiously.
Harry's breath caught in his throat as he looked around the room. It had been painted the lightest shade of green, with blue accents throughout the room. The furniture inside was made of a fine, expensive cherry wood. On the wall over the crib had `JAMES' written out in antique iron letters.
"You didn't do this yourself?" he asked calmly.
"No. I picked it all out. Ron and Neville put everything together. I charmed the paint onto the walls and I just started putting everything together," she said calmly as his fingers lightly traced the outline of the rocking chair. "You still haven't answered my question."
Harry walked over to the large window and stared out across the darkening city. "It's beautiful," he said softly. "It's all seemed so surreal until now. I've always known and understood we were going to have a baby, but now … it's finally sunk in…"
"I know," said Hermione as she joined his side and slowly entwined their fingers and laid her head on his shoulder. "I love you."
"I love you too," he responded quietly as he kissed the side of her head.
The next day went by smoothly, and the day of their departure was a cool rainy one. Harry had made all of their travel arrangements, and hadn't bothered to fill Hermione in, which began to make her suspicious of his actions. When she woke up, she had been surprised to find that all of her things were packed and ready to go, and Harry was up, showered and dressed. Harry helped her into her coat and held the door open for her then carried both suitcases down to the main entrance, where to Hermione's shock, a limousine was waiting for them.
"Harry!" she exclaimed slapping him on the shoulder as the driver made his way towards them to help Harry with their bags.
"Cheaper than a cab," he shrugged as he helped her into the backseat, and then slid in beside her.
"You better not have gotten a jet," she said warningly.
"Maybe on the way home," he chuckled. "We're flying first class."
"I can live with that," she said, smiling as he kissed her cheek.
Hermione shifted in the leather seat and cupped Harry's face in her hands. "Thank you," she whispered as he lowered his head towards hers. She threaded her fingers through the damp mess of curls on his head as his lips devoured hers. He pulled away from her, breathless as he stroked her face.
"You deserve it," said Harry, his voice just above a whisper, "you've already done so much for me, let me do this for you."
"Oh Harry," she sighed as she laid her head on his shoulder.
x-x-x-x-x
Hermione had slept most of the flight while Harry chose to go over field reports that he had to have finished before the New Year. He was appreciative that he was out of England, where the snow had begun to fall and the temperatures dropped. He wasn't used to it, as he had lived in Australia for so long. He had become adapt to the constant warm weather, and was silently struggling getting used to the cool, rainy English temperatures again. He missed Australia, and the friends he had there. He had little to no contact with them since he returned to England almost ten months ago.
He glanced at Hermione's sleeping form and smiled before looking back down at his papers.
"Can I get you anything, sir?" asked the fight attendant.
"A bottle of water, please." He responded without looking up as he put his pen between his teeth and began going through his briefcase. The attendant returned moments later with his bottle and left him to continue his work.
"Harry, put that away, we're supposed to be on vacation," came Hermione's tired voice.
"I had to bring something to keep me occupied," he countered as he slid the crisp pieces of parchment into the leather briefcase and pushed it under the seat. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, fine thank you." She responded as she ran a hand through her hair as the seatbelt light came on, signalling that they were about to land.
Harry slowly took Hermione's hand in his as he leaned back into his seat. He and Hermione had changed into lighter clothing before they had boarded the plane. He was now simply dressed in a pair of knee-length kakis and a loose white button down shirt, while Hermione had worn a pale yellow sundress. They would blend easily amongst the tourists.
They exited the plane with everyone else, and collected their luggage. Hermione had gone off to use the loo while Harry obtained the keys to their rental car. He finally received the keys to a black Jetta when Hermione reappeared at his side.
"Ready?" he asked as he slipped the keys into his pocket and took hold of the handles of their suitcases.
"As I'll ever be," she beamed.
Harry loaded their things into the boot of the car and slid into the drivers seat.
"Are you sure you know where you're going?" asked Hermione as they pulled out of the parking lot.
"I've been coming to this place for holidays for almost eight years. I know the route like the back of my hand," Harry reassured.
Hermione remained silent, and sure enough, not even twenty minutes later, Harry had pulled into a parking lot in front of a large, bohemian-looking hotel on the beach, which was scattered with tiny little huts.
"We're staying inside," he explained.
"More convenient?" she said as she climbed out.
"Yes, and safer," said Harry as he removed his sunglasses and placed them on his head and led Hermione inside and walked up to the front desk.
The manager smiled warmly as Harry approached.
"A little late this year, Mr. Potter," she said as she began typing on the computer.
"I'm not staying as long this year," he explained as Hermione joined his side. "Just until the seventeenth."
"What's the occasion?" she asked.
"My fiancé and I are having our baby here," said Harry as he wrapped his arm around Hermione's shoulder.
"Fiancé?" said the manager slowly as she took in Hermione's appearance. "Lord boy, you were here in January moping around, now you're here almost married with a baby."
"Things happen, Julie." Chuckled Harry as he signed the consent forms. "Could you do me a big favour?"
"Anything for our guests."
"If anyone calls here looking for a Harry Potter, Harry Evans-Potter, Hermione Granger, or Hermione Weasley, tell them that you have no one here under that name? Or if anyone comes in with a camera and looks like a reporter, have them escorted off the premises."
"Would you mind if I asked why?"
"I can't release that information," replied Harry apologetically as he and Hermione walked away.
"Because you're the savoir of the wizarding world and the press has been trying to get pictures of us together, and the first pictures of James," giggled Hermione.
Harry shook his head as Hermione followed him into the lift.
"How long has Julie been working here?" inquired Hermione.
"No idea," replied Harry, "but she's been here every time I've come here for a vacation."
"I see," she said as Harry unlocked the door with the key card and swung it wide-open and stepped aside.
Hermione audibly gasped as she stepped inside. The room wasn't a standard hotel room by any means. It was large with a bright, inviting sitting room that led to double glass doors that opened to a private veranda that overlooked the clear blue ocean. To the left of the sitting room were two doorways, which presumably led to the bedroom and bathroom.
"I have to check on something," she distantly heard Harry say as he disappeared through one of the doors. Hermione seized the opportunity to go outside. As soon as she stepped outside, she was bet by a comforting breeze and breathtaking view.
"There you are," came Harry's voice.
Hermione said nothing.
"Are you alright?" he asked cautiously as he joined her side.
"This is all too much," she whispered while he gently rubbed her back as fell into his embrace. "I don't deserve any-"
"Don't say that," said Harry forcefully, "you deserve this, and so much more. You're the mother of my child, the love of my life. I'd rent us the whole bloody island if you had let me. Don't think any of that… We're here so James can come into the world peacefully, and we wouldn't have to deal with the Prophet, or any of them," he whispered as they sank down onto the padded swing.
"I'm sorry, Harry … my emotions are everywhere … I don't want to be pregnant anymore … I just want the baby out…"
"Soon, Hermione, soon."
"I don't understand how you can be so calm."
"I'm scared shitless, Hermione," Harry admitted quietly, "I don't know the first thing about raising kids. I don't know anything about what to do when a baby cries … I'm so scared I'll fuck up and something bad with happen to James, just because of who his father is. The people from the Prophet will be everywhere trying to find us with him. I'm just so scared that I'll end up in some situation where I won't be able to defend or help him…"
"Harry, I had no idea…"
"I have to think like that, Hermione… They won't leave us alone for months after he's born because of me … when we get married, it'll be fanatical…"
Hermione stroked his face lovingly with her hand, causing him to relax slightly. She laid her head on his shoulder and sighed. "After James is born, and we're both out of the hospital, you and I should just get married here s we can avoid all of it. Don't tell anyone until we're ready…"
"Sounds like an idea," replied Harry, "it would make things easier on everyone."
"Don't put much thought into it now," she warned, "our focus now is on the baby."
"You're right," he agreed as he draped his arm lazily over her shoulders. "C'mon, I want to show you our room."
"Alright, but then I have to call Sarah and Henry. I promised them I would once we arrived."
"Okay," he said as he pushed open the door.
It was a vision of white. There was a large, inviting king-sized bed, along with a cream-coloured suede couch and arm chair, accompanied by a dark oak coffee table. Against the wall was an armoire entertainment centre, which appeared to be made of the same wood. At the foot of their bed was a bassinette with a mobile. Hermione made a beeline towards it.
"How did you…?" Hermione asked him softly.
"You pointed it out in that magazine… I went through it after you left it and ordered it. I kept it in my office as a surprise for you."
"Harry, this thing cost a fortune."
"It doesn't matter anymore." He said simply, a hint of bitterness in his voice.
"How did you come into so much money?" she asked suspiciously.
"I already had what I inherited from my parents, then my trust funds and everything else came into effect when I turned eighteen, but I didn't tell anyone then… I inherited from Sirius when he died, from Dumbledore, and I believe I get something when Remus kicks it. I started making good money when I became an Auror, and I started making a shitload when I became head of the Auror department." He explained as he ticked the names off his fingers.
"I had no idea," said Hermione, who was obviously surprised.
"I apparently own a nice old home in Ireland, too. Via Evans side of the family."
"I see."
"I don't want any of it, Hermione," he said quietly after a few moments of silence. "Bit it allows my family the lifestyle they deserve. I'd give Henry, Sarah, and James the world if I could…"
Hermione stared at him with tears flowing freely down her cheeks as he launched her pregnant form into his arms and kissed every inch of his face she could reach, muttering something like "what I always wanted". Harry turned his head slightly and caught her by surprise by capturing her lips with his.
"You know we can't," she groaned as she pulled away from him.
Harry looked down at her stomach and said sternly "Hurry up, daddy would like to have sex again."
Hermione's tinkling laugh filed the air as she sat down on the edge of the bed and picked up the phone and dialled Ron and Lavender's number. Harry chose to leave to give her some privacy.
"Hello sweetheart, how are you?" she asked softly as she heard Sarah's voice.
"I'm good, mummy. Did you have the baby yet?"
"No, I haven't. Within the next week and a half, Sarah honey. I promise I'll make Harry call as soon as the baby's born."
"Okay. Where is Harry?"
"In the loo."
"Oh. Okay. Tell him hi."
"I will. Can I speak to Henry?"
"Okay, mummy. I love you."
"I love you too, baby."
"Hi mum," came Henry's voice.
"Hey Henry."
"Are you alright, mum?"
"A little tired, but good. How're you?"
"Good. Dad took us to Puddlemere's game. It was awesome!"
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."
"Yeah. When're you, dad, and James coming home?"
Hermione was silent for several seconds. "What did you just say?"
"I…" Henry stuttered. "Sarah's been calling him dad for months now. I guess it's rubbing off on me," he said, in a would-be careless voice.
"Henry, that's wonderful!"
"Dad said it was okay with him if it was okay with Harry."
"I'm sure he'll be ecstatic. He loves the two of you very much."
"He's cool."
"Henry, I'm going to tell you something. But you can't tell a soul. Promise?"
"I promise, mum."
"Harry and I are going to get married here after James is born. Is that okay?"
"Yeah mum. That's great! I promise I won't say anything."
"I love you, Henry."
"I love you too, mum."
"Call you soon, I promise."
"Okay. Bye."
"Bye, sweetheart."
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