Unofficial Portkey Archive

Another chapter, hope you enjoy this one.

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Just One More Thing

Chapter 13

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Ginny was growing ever more concerned at Draco's silence. His facial expression just froze when she told him she was pregnant. She thought it would be unfair to jump to conclusions straight away, it was huge life changing news to digest, and decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"Babe, what are you thinking?" Ginny asked gently.

Draco's eyes got wider for a second, as hundreds of thoughts were swirling around in his brain at the same time. He couldn't find his voice, everything he wanted to say didn't seem like enough.

Ginny tried again. "I really need to know how you feel about this."

After another few moments he finally met her eyes, and Ginny felt a wave of euphoria shoot through her body, after seeing a smile as wide as the ocean slowly begin to creep onto his face.

"Really?" he asked, his eyes starting to glisten in happiness.

"I'm positive," she replied, a mixture of happiness and relief coursing through her body. "You're happy?"

Draco laughed quietly. "I'm…ecstatic…thrilled…amazed…there isn't a word that could sum up how incredibly happy you have just made me."

Ginny leaned up and kissed him soundly on the lips, before breaking away and gazing at him sweetly.

"I was so afraid of telling you," she admitted. "I thought that there was no way on earth that this would be something you'd want."

"We're having a baby," he whispered, and shook his head in complete amazement. "Me and you, how could I not want that."

"I love you, you bastard," Ginny said meaning it affectionately. Her emotions started to get the better of her, and tears of joy began to trickle down her face.

Draco wrapped his arms around her in a fierce hug, and lifted her off the ground. "I love you too beautiful," his voice muffled against her neck.

Gently setting her back onto her feet, Draco gave her another smile, before stepping back and looking down in wonder at her stomach. Pressing his hand against her belly, he got down to his knees and put his ear to the spot where he thought their baby might be at that moment.

Ginny let a hand rake through his blonde hair, as she sighed blissfully at his cuteness. "I don't think you'll be able to hear or feel anything just yet," she told him softly. "He or she is only over four weeks old."

Draco simply smiled, turned to kiss her stomach and let his arms wrap protectively around Ginny's waist. He knew he'd never be able to remember how long he remained there, on his knees with his face against her stomach, but he also knew that he'd remember for the rest of his life how he'd never felt happier than he did at that moment.

****

Harry laid behind Hermione on the sofa, propped up on his elbow looking down at her while stroking her arms. They still hadn't moved from the sofa after their desperate steamy encounter. Deciding they were too spent to go back out, they opted to simply lie in each others arms, something that they were quite fond of. After a long content silence between them, he couldn't help but be curious by the look of intense thought on her face.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked softly.

"Being as happy as I am can make you think about a lot of things," Hermione replied.

Harry raised his eyebrows and grinned. "Babies?"

Hermione narrowed her eyes and smirked. "No," she said chuckling, he was too cute not too humour.

"So then what were you thinking about?" he asked, before leaning down and kissing her forehead.

"Just things," she replied still in thought.

Harry leaned down closer to her head and quirked an eyebrow. "Divulge please."

Hermione laughed. "Look at you using big words."

"Hey," he said pretending to be offended. "Contrary to popular belief, I didn't fall asleep in all my classes at school." Harry tapped her nose gently. "And I'm still waiting for an answer."

"If you must know," Hermione said reaching up to stroke his face. "I was thinking about us, what our lives are going to be like when we get back home," At this sentence Harry gave her a smile. "Work," she added.

Harry cleared his throat, "Well, the first two I'll give you. But were lying on a sofa half naked in an amazing suite in Rome, in the afterglow of amazing sex, and you're thinking about work." Harry let out a dramatic sigh. "Not really sure how that should make me feel."

Hermione started to rake her hand through his hair, a gesture that made Harry closes his eyes temporarily in bliss. "In the short time that we've been together, I've never seen things so clearly as I do right now," she said seriously.

Harry blinked. "You mean there was a time when Hermione Granger didn't think clearly?" he asked sarcastically.

"Have you got short term memory loss?" she asked in amazement.

Harry knew immediately what she was talking about, a time in her life that he was eager to forget. "I try to pretend as though he never existed," he said sourly referring to Steven. "I just meant that in school, nobody saw anything as clear as you. You're the most level headed person I know."

"When it came to academics I suppose," she said softly. "I was to learn later in life that I knew nothing in the matters of the heart."

"You do now," he assured her. "You can't keep beating yourself up for that. Being in love with someone you think you can't have, can make you do some not so smart things."

"Don't I know it," she said softly.

Hermione would never be able to define what ever it was she had with Steven. He couldn't have been considered a rebound seeing as how she hadn't been in a serious relationship with anyone before. She was settling. She genuinely believed that she and Harry would never be anything more than friends, never believed that he could be in love with her, so she decided to try and exist with a person that loved her. In the end she couldn't even get that right, Steven didn't even care for her, he was only using her. In a strange twist of fate, she saw her relationship with Steven, if you could call it that, as something that needed to happen in order for her and Harry to end up together. She would gladly go through it all again knowing that her and Harry together would be the outcome.

Now Hermione knew she had what she needed to get through anything, she was free to think about her life, her present and her future, knowing that Harry would be by her side always.

"You're doing it again," Harry said chuckling, interrupting her thoughts.

"Hmm, sorry," she said shaking her head.

"That's ok," he said softly. A look of concern passed across Harry's face. "Hermione, is everything at work ok?"

Seeing his worried face, Hermione smiled and squeezed one if his hands. "Oh, everything's fine darling, I promise there's nothing for you to worry about. I'm just thinking about other options."

"Other options?" Harry asked confused. "I'm not sure I follow."

"I'm not sure it's what I want to do full time anymore," she confessed quietly.

Harry looked bewildered. "I thought you loved being a healer?"

"I do," Hermione said quickly. "It's one of the most gratifying jobs one could have."

"But?" Harry asked knowing that there was more to it.

"I don't know whether it's the only thing I want to do," she admitted.

"Hermione," Harry started gently. "You work long hours at the hospital, and you have two shifts at the bookstore every week. Don't you think doing something else maybe taking on a little too much?"

"That's another thing," she said sadly. "I might not be working at the bookstore much longer."

"Why?" he questioned.

"Mr Stockwell told me with regret that he would be selling the store soon, he said he's more than ready to retire," Hermione told him. "I'm not sure the new owners will need me around."

"Oh come on now, who wouldn't want Hermione Granger to work in their bookshop? They'd be nuts to pass up the chance of having you work for them," he said trying to cheer her up.

"My two days at Flourish and Blotts balances out my week. Being a healer can be very stressful at times, and working there helps me relax," she said.

Harry grinned. "I understand completely, but don't forget you have me to help you relax too now."

Hermione kissed him softly before saying, "I could never forget that, but you know what I mean."

"Of course I do, I know how much that shop means to you," Harry cuddled her even closer. "So what is it that you do want to do?"

"You'll think its silly," she said shyly.

"Hermione, I would never think anything that you took seriously, as silly," he said stroking her face.

"Well I was thinking maybe I could apply for a job, at the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures," she said getting excited.

Harry smiled. "And what would you be doing?"

"I could work as a healer part time, hopefully the new bookstore owners will let me keep my shifts, and then I could devote the rest of my time in…improving the quality of living standards for house-elves, and other mistreated creatures," she finished proudly. "What do you think?"

Harry was silent for a few moments, and then smiled at her lovingly. "I think, whatever makes you happy, makes me happy. And you know you'll have my full support in anything that you do, but promise me that you won't burn yourself out.

"I promise, and thank you," she appreciatively.

Harry kissed her forehead, and snuggled down behind her, wrapping her in his arms. Hermione pressed herself back against him, and closed her eyes blissfully. After a while Harry spoke again, "You know, you always said you wanted to own Flourish and Blotts."

Hermione kept her eyes closed. "Like that could ever happen, besides, that was ages ago. It was more of a distant dream then anything else, Harry."

"Hmm," Harry mused out loud, whilst thinking deeply.

"What?" Hermione asked softly.

"Oh, nothing, nothing," he said before kissing her head. Pulling her even closer, a light bulb flashed above his head.

****

Lavender was folding some clothes in her and Seamus's bedroom, when her husband came through the door looking anxious.

"Have you heard from Ginny yet?" Seamus asked his wife, for what must have been the fifth time that day.

Lavender blew out a breath. "No Seamus, not in the last ten minutes since you last asked that question."

"Well waddya expect me to do Lav?" Seamus asked frustrated. "Draco's one of my best mates and I'm worried about him, which is more than I can say for you."

Lavender stopped folding the shirt she had just picked up, and narrowed her eyes at him. "What's that suppose to mean?"

"Draco's our friend, and you don't seem at all bothered by how upset he is over whatever it is that's going on." Seamus replied evenly.

"Yes, he's our friend Seamus and of course I care," Lavender said sounding tired. "But Ginny is our friend too, we have to let them sort this thing out by themselves."

"So you do know what's going on?" Seamus questioned.

After a moments silence, Lavender sighed. "Yes, alright. I know what's going on."

"So then tell me," Seamus said desperately.

"I can't okay!" Lavender answered louder than she meant to. "I promised Ginny that I wouldn't say anything, not even to you."

"But I'm your husband," Seamus said softly. "You know you can trust me with anything."

Lavender walked towards him, and put her hands against his chest. "I know I can, it has nothing to do with not trusting you. But I made a promise to Ginny, and I can't break it." Seamus's expression didn't change. "Can you trust me, when I tell you that they're going to be fine?"

Seamus looked into his wife's eyes, he had no reason at all to doubt her. "Yeah," he whispered. "I'm sorry Lav, I didn't mean to…"

"I know. You're worried about our friends, I wouldn't expect anything else," Lavender said, and hugged him tightly.

****

Draco and Ginny were sitting on their bed with their backs against the headboard. Ever since they had left the living room where Draco eventually got from his knees, he couldn't seem to let go of Ginny's hand. He was completely overjoyed with the news that he was going to be a dad. He finally understood how Seamus felt when Lavender told him she was expecting. Seamus tried over and over again to try and explain it, only to find that he would never be able to, it was something one had to go through to understand. He understood perfectly now. Finding out Ginny was expecting their baby made him feel happiness that he never thought he could feel. He also felt relief, relief at knowing that he and Ginny were going to be fine.

"I still can't believe it," Draco said in wonder. "Were going to be parents."

Ginny smiled. "I know. You and I parents, who would've thought?"

Both laughed quietly, and went back to being silent as they both began to think about their baby. It wasn't long before Draco spoke.

"Do you think our baby will have red hair, or blonde?" he asked.

"That has actually crossed my mind too," Ginny admitted. "The hair thing seems to be hereditary on both sides of our family, it'll be interesting."

"True," Draco agreed. "Although either way the kid will be lucky."

"Yeah?" Ginny asked grinning.

"Sure," Draco said. "You're red and beautiful, and I'm blonde and gorgeous."

Ginny laughed, and leant her head on his shoulder. "I hope our child inherits your ego Draco, it's charming."

"Thank you," Draco said looking down at her, before briefly kissing her head.

"Boy or girl?" Ginny asked.

"I don't mind, as long as it's healthy." Draco replied thoughtfully.

Ginny raised her head to look at him, and quirked an eyebrow. She wanted him to be honest, but she was happy that he was at least making an effort, to tell her what he must of thought she wanted to hear from him. But she meant what she said, she didn't want him or his personality to change, and she couldn't help but feel guilty that she'd told him in anger, that was what she wanted.

"Cut the bullshit baby," Ginny told him giggling. "That's the kind of answer Hermione would appreciate."

Draco thought for a while before answering. "I really don't mind."

"Really?" Ginny asked not quite believing him.

"I'm serious," Draco insisted. "The way I see it, I can have a beautiful daughter that's going to look just like her mother, or a son that'll look just like me, either way the kid's going to be lucky."

"Our son or daughter will be lucky to have you as their dad," Ginny told him softly.

Draco squeezed her hand gently and winked. "I hope so, I just need to do everything my father didn't, and do nothing he did."

Ginny was amazed that Draco was able to talk about his father so openly. She once asked him how he managed it. He simply told her that if he appeared angry, sad, or resentful when mentioning him, that would indicate that he had some kind of feelings towards him, and he didn't. Draco didn't think of his father as anything, just a person who's presence on earth resulted in him being born.

"So I take it if we do have a son, we won't be naming him after your father?" she joked.

Draco smirked, and put his arm around her. "Nah, be rather unfair to call our son 'Dick' wouldn't it."

Ginny laughed and snuggled against him, happy they were able to laugh at his expense.

"Gin, maybe you should contact Ron, let him know you're ok," Draco said. "He looked pretty worried yesterday after you left the café, so did Lav and Shay."

"Yeah you're right, I did leave rather hastily," Ginny said sitting up. "I bet you were hounded with questions after I left."

"You could say that," Draco said putting a hand on her shoulder, rubbing it affectionately. "Questions with answers I didn't have at that time."

Ginny covered his hand that was on her shoulder. "Do you want to tell them right away?" she asked.

"What do you think?" he asked her smiling.

"I think we should them, no point in keeping them worried," Ginny said. "Also my family, but it is very early, so I don't want any of this to be made public yet."

"Of course, whatever you feel is best." Draco said softly.

"I should tell you, that Lavender and Luna already know," Ginny admitted guiltily.

"Don't worry baby, I understand you must have had to tell someone, and they are your gal pals." Draco said, making Ginny relax immediately. "What about Scarhead and Bookie?"

Ginny tilted her head to the side, "We'll tell 'Harry' and 'Hermione' when they get back from their trip."

Draco smiled. "Okay."

Draco watched Ginny get off the bed, and wrap a robe around herself.

"Gin?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah," she said looking back at him.

"How do you think your parents will take it?" he asked, clearly concerned about her parents possible reaction to the news of their only daughter being pregnant.

"Don't worry babe," she tried to assure him. "They've adjusted to us living in sin, I'm sure they'll adjust to the idea of us having a baby."

"That's suppose to reassure me?" Draco asked raising his eyebrows.

"Everything will be fine." she said, leaning down and giving him a gentle kiss. "I'm going to take a shower, then we can go to the café and put Shay out of his misery. But I'll owl Lavender before, just to tell her that everything is okay and we'll see them at café in a bit."

"Okay, I'll go make us a cup a tea," he said.

"Thank you," Ginny kissed him again, and then disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Draco alone with a huge smile on his face.

****

After a couple of hours sleep, Harry and Hermione had ventured out, and found a nice park to stroll through. They were walking hand in hand and taking in the fresh air, on what was a beautiful sunny afternoon.

"This is nice," Hermione said, looking at her and Harry's entwined hands.

"Yes, it is," Harry said, his eyes bright. "No one around to bother us, just you and me, with some peace and quiet."

Hermione smiled then snorted. "Enjoy it while you can, because Saturday after the game it's all going to change."

Harry knew she was talking about them going public at the quidditch match on Saturday, and he couldn't help but think she was reconsidering their decision judging by her voice.

"You're not having second thoughts about going public, are you?" Harry asked, afraid of her answer.

Hermione stopped walking. "No, of course not."

"Because… if you've changed your mind then…" Harry stuttered, before Hermione silenced him with her lips.

Pulling back, she gazed at him intently. "I haven't changed my mind darling, all I'm saying is that it might be a while before we can do this sort of thing at home," Hermione motioned to their clasped hands. "Without being bombarded by photographers."

"Or that kiss you just gave me?" he asked grinning.

"Right," she answered.

Harry looked up at the sky momentarily, and then back towards his girlfriend. "It'll be worth it though won't it?"

"Of course it will be, besides like you said, they'll get bored eventually," Hermione said, leaning in for another kiss.

They started to walk again, and were happy to remain in comfortable silence. Later, Hermione spoke again.

"It's actually a good thing about the game Saturday," she said looking at Harry.

"Yeah, why?" he asked curiously.

"At least this way we have an excuse, to leave my parents house early Saturday morning," she told him.

"Lets not jump to conclusions gorgeous, your parents might be busy Friday night, and if they're not, they might not even ask us to stay over," Harry said, hoping that he was right. He was still very nervous at the thought of seeing Hermione's parents, now that he and Hermione's relationship had become much more intimate.

Hermione chuckled. "Don't tell me that you're still worried about my parents?"

"No," he shrugged. "Nervous that's all, they use drills for a profession you know?"

"Oh very funny," Harry said not amused.

"Oh, lighten up," Hermione said, still with a smile on her face. "I'll look after you."

Harry dropped her hand, and placed an arm around her, "I'm sure I'll be fine then."

"Of course you will be," she said, before kissing his neck.

Harry shivered as Hermione tickled his neck with her lips. "Just think," he said. "This time next week, everything will be out in the open, your parents will know about us, and everything will be perfect."

"Everything's already perfect," Hermione told him softly. "We're together, that's all that matters."

"You're right as always," Harry said, leaning in to kiss her. "I'm feeling hungry, fancy going to get something to eat?"

"Yes, I'm feeling rather peckish too," Hermione replied, liking his idea.

"All that sex, wears you out," Harry commented cheekily.

"Burns a lot of calories you know," Hermione said, a devilish grin appearing on her face. "So when we get home, instead of you going to the gym you should just, workout with me."

"That sounds, much more fun," Harry said, his eyes burning into hers. They had actually stopped walking without realising it. "I love your ideas."

"Who says being smart doesn't have advantages?" she asked, as Harry started to get even closer. "Down boy, I'm hungry," she said, pushing him gently.

"Fine," he said sulkily. "Later?" he asked quirking an eyebrow.

"Erm, yeah." she replied, as if the answer was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Then lets go get you food," Harry said, as the two began walking out of the park to find a restaurant.

"If its true what you said about the calorie thing, I'm going to order like the biggest cheeseburger and chips you can get," Harry said excited.

"You do know that to burn calories you have to actually be able to move, right darling?" she joked.

Harry put in a sad face. "You had to go and spoil it didn't you."

****

Seamus, Lavender and Dean were sitting at a table in the café, discussing the situation between Draco and Ginny.

"So they're okay?" Dean asked his friends.

"Ginny owled not so long ago," Lavender told Dean. "And she said that her and Draco are fine, and they'll see us here in a bit."

"Well that's a relief," Dean said. "Draco sounded like shit this morning."

"Everything's fine now," Lavender said. "They just needed to talk."

"Which is weird, seeing as how Blondie and Red usually shout," Dean quipped.

"I just wish I knew what it was that's been going on," Seamus said, looking at his wife pointedly .

"You will," Lavender smiled. "They'll be here soon."

Dean looked between the two, then narrowed his eyes at Lavender. "Do you already know?"

"Oh for Merlin's sake! I'm one of Ginny's best friends, of course I know," she exclaimed.

"Well we're her best friends too, how unfair is that?" Dean whined.

"It's different. Put it this way, if Draco asked you to keep a secret you would," Lavender pointed out to him.

Dean put his head back and blew out a breath. "Alright, that'll I give you."

"Thank you, Dean," Lavender said, taking another sip of her tea.

No one got a chance to say anything else, as Draco and Ginny approached their table with huge smiles on their faces.

"Hi guys," Draco said, wrapping an arm around Ginny's shoulder.

"Hi," Dean said. "You two okay?"

Draco and Ginny looked at each other, and then back at their friends. "Actually, we're better than okay," Ginny said, happiness oozing from her.

"So," Seamus said, rubbing his hands together. "What is it you have to tell us?"

Ginny looked around the café, that was almost full. "Do you mind if we go into the back room, we don't want anyone to overhear?"

"Sure," Lavender said standing up.

Seamus and Dean also got up, and started to follow the others to the back room.

"Nigel," Seamus addressed the Blonde at the counter. "Watch the floor for us would you? We won't be long."

Nigel nodded. "Take as long as you need Mr Finnegan, I'll take care of everything."

"Thanks Nige," Seamus tapped the counter, and disappeared into the back.

Once Seamus had closed the door behind him, he, Dean and Lavender all looked at Draco and Ginny with expectant looks on their faces. Lavender sat down and looked like she was about to cry with joy, Dean looked intrigued, and Seamus couldn't take the suspense any longer.

"So what is it then?" Seamus said with his hands on his hips.

Ginny smiled and gave Draco a nudge, indicating that he should tell them their news.

"Okay," Draco said excitedly, before looking between his friends. "The thing is…we're.."

"What?" Dean and Seamus said simultaneously, after Draco struggled with his words.

"We're having a baby," Draco announced happily.

Lavender clasped her hands together and sighed in happiness, Seamus seemed shocked, and Dean promptly burst into laughter.

After seeing the looks on Draco and Ginny's faces, Dean's laughter began to slowly subside. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, we're serious," Draco said, a little miffed his friend thought it was a joke.

Dean gave another short laugh. "But you guys aren't baby people! You don't go for that type of thing."

Draco and Ginny's smiles slowly started to disappear.

"Dean," Lavender said in a quiet stern voice, trying to stop him from voicing his pointless thoughts. They were clearly affecting Draco and Ginny.

Dean obviously hadn't heard her, and continued. "You're Draco and Gin, the couple who love to party. You can't party with a baby! Even though I must admit it's a good joke, why don't you tell us what's really going on?"

"Dean!" Lavender said hotly.

This time Dean heard, and felt guilty when he saw his friends faces. It wasn't a joke.

"That's great!" he said, in a lame attempt to save himself from further putting his foot in it.

Lavender got up form the sofa, and went over to hug them both. "I think it's wonderful news," she said sincerely. "Don't you shay?"

Seamus who was still in shock, began to shake his head in amazement. "Yeah, course I do, it's great news."

Seamus went over and hugged the new parents to be, while Dean just stood there still feeling incredibly guilty. He approached them looking very remorseful. "I m sorry," he said. "I think it's incredible news…really I do. Just a little surprised."

Ginny and Draco looked at each other, before feeling pity for their friend. Hell they thought the same things Dean had at first too.

"You're forgiven," Ginny told him.

Dean looked relieved. "Good, come ere give me some sugar," he said, giving Ginny a quick peck, and enveloping her into a hug.

Letting Ginny go, Dean hugged Draco and gave him a pat on the back. "It's good to know you're not firing blanks."

****

Harry and Hermione had found a nice restaurant where they could sit outside to eat. True to his word, Harry had ordered the biggest cheeseburger possible, and the largest portion of chips. Hermione had opted for the healthier option, and decided to have the chicken salad instead.

"Gosh Harry, that's disgusting," she said trying not laugh, as she saw Harry take a huge bite of his cheeseburger. "You'd make Ron, proud."

Harry finished eating what was in his mouth, before responding to her statement. "I plan on working it 'all' off later," he said smirking.

"You are an animal," Hermione said shaking her head.

"Better believe it babe," he said winking, and then taking another bite of his burger.

"Can you believe it's our last day tomorrow?" she asked in a soft voice.

Harry took a swig of beer to wash down his food. "Don't be too downhearted sweetheart, besides it's only Tuesday tomorrow. We don't have to go back first thing Wednesday morning, we could go back in the evening."

"I know, but we can't get go back too late, I have to prepare some things for work the following day," she said regretfully.

"Then think about it Wednesday," Harry said. "We still have tonight, and all day tomorrow."

Hermione smiled. "Okay."

"Want a bite?" Harry asked her, referring to his burger.

"I'd much rather sink my teeth into something else," Hermione answered licking her lips.

"My chips?" Harry asked, knowing what she really meant. He lifted one off his plate, and waved it in front of her face. "Go on Hermione, you know you want too," he teased. "Be bad just for me."

Hermione leant down, and took the chip in her mouth. "Why didn't I order that?" she asked while chewing,

"Cause you weren't dangerous enough," Harry replied.

"Wish I could be as dangerous as you," she said in a fake voice.

"Are you taking the piss?" he asked raising his eyebrows.

"Yep."

"Fair enough," he shrugged.

"Harry," she said in a sly voice.

"Yes, my precious," Harry said in a dramatically sweet voice.

"Can I have another one?" she asked, looking at his plate.

Harry smiled and continued to eat his burger, before slowly pushing his plate closer to her.

Hermione looked at him gratefully, and began to tuck in.

"You're lucky I love you," he said, watching her eat some of his food.

"I know," she said, blowing him a kiss.

Hermione's mobile phone started to ring. Cleaning her hands with a napkin, she went into her bag to retrieve her phone. Upon seeing 'Mum and Dad' flashing on the screen, she rolled her eyes and flipped the receiver up to answer the call.

"Hello, mother," she said in a sweet voice.

Harry's head shot up, his eyes widening. Why was Hermione's mother calling? Had she somehow found out about them? Harry started to panic.

"I'm fine thank you, how are you and dad?" Hermione asked, in the same voice. Hermione looked over at Harry to see concern etched on his face. She shook her head and smiled at him, letting him know that the conversation she was having with her mother was nothing out of the ordinary. Harry began to relax.

"I can't make it over tonight mother, but I am glad you called," Hermione said. "As a matter of fact I have some news…" After a moment Hermione sighed. "No, Steven and I, aren't back together."

Harry's grimace matched Hermione's.

"I'm glad that makes you happy, but I was wondering if Harry and I, could come over for tea Friday night?" she asked slowly. There was a short pause, before she started to smile. " That's great, I'm sure he'll be just as excited to see you too."

After another pause, Hermione looked at Harry before answering her mothers' next question. "We'd love to spend the night."

Harry used two fingers and a thumb to make a gun shape, then placed them against his forehead to pretend he was shooting himself in the head, an action that earned him a slight glare from Hermione.

"Like I said, I really am busy right now mother, can I call you back later?" Hermione asked in a desperate fashion. "Okay, pass my love on to dad…love you lots…bye."

Hermione snapped her phone shut and took a deep breath.

Harry, I love my mother," Hermione said. "But talking to her exhausts me sometimes."

"I know what you mean," he sympathised. "I get exhausted just thinking about her."

"Dinner, 7.00pm, and we're sleeping over," Hermione informed him.

"Yeah, I got that," Harry said. "Sleeping arrangements?"

"Harry, please," she said sounding tired. "I'm in Rome, at a restaurant, on the verge of being completely mellowed out, I really didn't think this, was the time to tell my mother that you and I are sleeping together."

"I'm sorry," he said gently. He knew how stressed Hermione's mother could make her sometimes, and he wasn't helping.

"Don't be, its not your fault," she said reaching for his hand. "I meant what I said, there is no way I'm sleeping without you again unless it's absolutely necessary. Don't worry I'll handle it."

Harry raised her hand and gave it a gentle kiss.

"Thanks for the meal," Hermione said.

Harry shook his head. "Don't know why you're thanking me, you're buying."

Hermione's eyes lit up in surprise. "Really? She asked hopefully. She was thrilled he was finally letting her pay for something.

"Sure," Harry said. "I'll guess I'll just have to 'thank' you this time," he finished with a wink.

"I'll look forward to it," she told him, leaning in for a kiss.

****

"At first I was a little shocked but, after talking to them boy, they really seem thrilled about this," Seamus said to his wife, as he was undressing for bed.

Lavender was already in bed and leaning against the headboard, rubbing her stomach. She seemed to have something on her mind. "Um-hmm," she murmured.

"You could see it in Draco's eyes," Seamus continued, hanging his shirt in his wardrobe. "I had that same gleam when you told me we were expecting our own little bundle."

"Seamus," Lavender said quietly, sounding a little distressed.

"Yes, petal," Seamus said turning to his wife.

He started to worry when he saw Lavender taking slow breaths. "What's wrong pumpkin?"

"Something's not right," Lavender told him.

Seamus rushed to her side. "Is it the baby?"

When Lavender nodded, he started to panic. "How do you know?" he asked worried.

"Because my water just broke," Lavender said sounding petrified.

Seamus's heart started to thud at a manic rate, something was wrong. Lavender wasn't due for another six weeks.

****

I always get mad at authors who leave cliff-hangers, especially on stories where I'm desperate to know what happens next, they irritate me to no end. So why should I be any different!! Lol. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Thank you so much for your reviews, they give me no end of inspiration. Please, please, keep reviewing, tell me what you would like to see happen, and what you don't like. It's hard to please everyone, but it's nice for you guys to have input. I write this for you, (and for myself of course,) and for your enjoyment, it's only fair you get a say.

I try my best to reply to as many reviews as possible, even if I don't get round to every one, I value them all the same. Please keep reviewing, I need you guys.

With Christmas approaching, everyone is going to be busy. Gifts to buy, parties to go to, lagers to be drunk, and families to gather. My point? I can't promise when the next chapter will be out, maybe before Christmas, maybe just after. I won't make you wait too long, I can promise you that. So I shall say it now just in case,

MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! TO EVERYONE WHO READS THIS.