A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series or agree with her comments. This story is a product of my pure imagination. I do not profit from this and will not pay for any commissions for art about this story.
Your little hand's wrapped around my finger
And it's so quiet in the world tonight
Your little eyelids flutter 'cause you're dreamin'
So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light
To you, everything's funny
You got nothing to regret
I'd give all I have honey
If you could stay like that
Oh, darlin', don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darlin', don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
It could stay this simple
I won't let nobody hurt you
Won't let no one break your heart
And no one will desert you
Just try to never grow up
Never grow up
~Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift
A/N: Trigger Warning: Childbirth
~*~ 24th July 1998 ~*~
The breeze coming through the open bedroom windows was warm, and Hermione slowly blinked as she stirred on the bed. She had been napping before dinner until something tugged her out of sleep.
Frowning, a strange tightening sensation like the Braxton Hicks she had been experiencing pulled across her abdomen, but this time it was deeper and radiated into her lower back. It wasn't painful, just like a belt tightening across her middle. Pushing herself upright, she cradled her bump.
"Ron!?" She called out as she swung her feet to the floor.
"What?" Ron's voice came from downstairs.
"I think I'm having contractions!" Hermione called, trying to remain calm as she moved to the bedroom door.
A crash echoed up from the kitchen, followed by Ron's thundering footsteps on the stairs. Ron met her halfway up to the third floor by the bathroom, nearly tripping over his feet. "Are you sure? Are you sure it's contractions?"
Hermione nodded. "I had one that woke me up, then another-" as the feeling hit her again and she grasped the banister, "And that's it again."
"Mum!" Ron bellowed, scooping her up in his arms, "She's having contractions!"
Hermione held onto Ron as he carried her down the stairs. Molly met them at the bottom, her knitting needles in hand as a ball of yarn rolled behind her, still attached. "All right, all right, it's time. Where's her bag? Did you pack a bag?"
"A bag?" Ron blinked, "A bag for what?"
"For the hospital, Ronald!" Molly said.
"I packed it three weeks ago," Hermione muttered, "Take me to the couch."
"Of course you did. She packed it three weeks ago, Mum," Ron said as he set her down, "Because it's you. Thank Merlin."
"Where is it?" Molly asked.
"Oh Merlin, where is it?" Ron asked, breathless.
"In the laundry room," Hermione told him as he ran out of the room to get it.
"Ron, honey, deep breaths," Molly said as he returned. "Now go try the floo. See if Healer Lemon is available to check on her. We need to be sure."
Ron ran off to the fireplace, "Healer Lemon's office!''
A house-elf appeared in the flames, "Healer Lemon's office, she is not in the office at this time."
Ron looked at them, panicking, "She isn't there!"
"Did you call the hospital or the office?" Molly asked.
"The office," He and the elf said at the same time as Ron looked at the elf and hit his forehead, "It's hospital day!"
Molly patted Hermione's hand gently. "When Bill came, my mother was staying with us. Arthur left for the hospital without me."
Hermione laughed as another tightening came. Still no pain, but just uncomfortable.
The floo flared again, and a woman in lime green Healer robes stepped through, brushing the soot from her sleeves.
"You're not Healer Lemon," Ron said.
The woman straightened, "Healer Lemon is with another patient. I'm Healer Alonna, her assistant. I understand we have a possible labour situation?"
Her eyes flicked from Ron to Hermione, and Hermione stiffened. "I don't understand," she muttered, "You're Hermione Granger… and you're-"
Molly stepped forward, "If you cannot do your job, Healer, I suggest you go back through the fireplace."
Healer Alonna flushed. "My apologies. Let's get you checked over."
She ran her wand over Hermione as the spell grid appeared over Hermione's head. It glowed faintly with two different patterns. A dark pink, a pale pink, and a third gold circle sat still above her belly, unmoving. She straightened, "Not labour. Just Braxton Hicks, false labour. Healer Lemon thought it would be that possibility. Her recommendation is shorter walks, relaxing baths, plenty of fluids, and…" she looked at the stairs, "No stairs."
Hermione exhaled. "Thank you."
Healer Alonna nodded, moving back toward the fireplace. "Have a pleasant evening."
As soon as she disappeared, Hermione laid her head back with a groan. "I didn't like her."
Ron snorted, flopping into his Dad's armchair. "She looked at us all judgy."
"She was rude," Molly stated. "You'd think a bedside manner would be required in training."
Hermione rubbed her belly. "I thought it was it."
"Soon enough," Molly said, kissing the top of her head. "Just get some rest, and when you want to go upstairs. Let one of us know."
~*~ 31st July 1998 ~*~
The sun was dipping behind the trees in the orchard, giving the Burrow's backyard a golden hue as Hermione sat beneath a patch of shade in a chair with a cushion charm. The late July air was thick with heat, but a soft breeze blew at her curls as she watched Ron, his brothers, and Ginny toss a Quaffle back and forth, zooming across the sky like they were at Hogwarts all over again.
Deep in her belly, an ache panged, not from the baby. It was Harry's birthday today. Their child would be coming anytime in the next few weeks, and yet Harry had never felt farther away.
Hermione had her notebook in her lap, which she had started recently. She was using it almost as a diary. She would copy portions of it onto parchment to send to Harry, but he never replied since his last, so she used this for the letters she would send, but could not stop writing either.
Opening it to the next page, she put the ink pen to paper.
Dear Harry,
I sit here in the backyard at the Burrow on your 18th birthday, missing you dearly. I wish I knew where you were. Molly is making a cake, and we are celebrating you as if you were going to walk through the doors at any moment. But I know you won't.
Ron's laughter ran out as Fred nearly dropped the Quaffle, and Hermione smiled faintly, shaking her head.
Ron has been amazing. He stepped in for you until you come home. I know he has feelings for me, and I no longer feel any for him. When you started showing interest in Ginny, I thought it would all just work out like Ginny once said, "One big Weasley family," but I can't do that to him. Not when my heart is with you.
She paused, her hand gently rubbing her belly as the baby shifted just slightly.
Our child is going to be a Beater or a football player. She keeps me up most nights now, practicing for the sleepless ones to come. I already petitioned Hogwarts to let me bring her with me this term. I feel confident that I can do it. I wasn't sure if I could, but I tried to call Kreacher. He is still working the kitchens at Hogwarts, and he came when I called. He said if I needed help, he would be there. He helped raise Sirius and Regulus, after all.
Fred let out a yell that had her look up to see George pull a quick dive. Hermione chuckled before going back to her journal.
I don't know if it's a girl… but I feel it. I dream of her. Most of all, I dream of handing you this notebook, full of all my thoughts I've saved up for you. Letters I never dared send or those that I did. Wherever you are tonight, Harry…. Happy Birthday.
The door creaked open behind her.
"Boys! Dinner's ready!" Molly called, wiping her hands on her apron. She walked over to where Hermione sat, "Feeling better, dear?"
Hermione nodded. "Just got overheated. Even cooling charms weren't helping much today."
As Molly headed back inside, Luna walked over from where she had been dancing in the grass while watching the Quidditch match. "Hello, Hermione. How is our girl today?"
Hermione smiled softly, "Not as active. I think she hates the heat as much as I do."
"Smart girl," Luna stated, "Fairies hate it too."
Before Hermione could respond, Fred swooped in and picked her up in his arms.
"Fred Weasley!" she squealed. "Put me down!"
He carried her bridal style to the house. "Isn't this what you lot read about? A handsome wizard sweeping you off your swollen feet?"
George followed close behind, smirking. "You'd have to be handsome for that."
Fred gave him a look as he sat her down in a chair. "You just insulted yourself."
Hermione was laughing when Ron sat down next to her, a scowl on his face. "Why are my brothers always flirting with you?" Ron asked.
"They're just being nice," Hermione told him, rolling her eyes.
"Exactly, Ronnie," George said, reaching for a roll, "We know she's off limits-"
"But that doesn't mean we can't flirt," Fred finished, winking.
"Besides," George added casually as he took a bite of roll, "Neither of us is single."
Molly froze, looking at them, "And just who are you two seeing? And why haven't I heard of either of them?"
George grinned, winking at Hermione before turning to Molly, "Who said it was more than one witch?"
"Oh, you two stop," Molly muttered, her cheeks flushed as she went over to the oven.
Dinner went on without any incidents, and Ginny looked in Hermione's direction once. As the meal was winding down, Molly stood, smoothing down her apron.
"Everyone. I know he's not here… I tried sending a letter through Kingsley to tell him we were thinking of him tonight. I want us to at least sing 'Happy Birthday' for him." Molly stated.
Ron took Hermione's hand as everyone stood. She swallowed back the tears that tried to come, her free hand resting on her belly. Then everyone started to sing. The Weasleys, Luna, and Fleur, for the ghost in the room.
"Happy Birthday, dear Harry," Arthur said, raising his Firewhiskey.
"To Harry," Everyone echoed, raising their own glasses.
Glancing out the window, Hermione watched the edge of the orchard. Wishing that he would walk through the trees. Walk back into their lives. But it was just the wind within the trees.
~*~ 1st August 1998 ~*~
Molly and Arthur had popped out to the market, and the rest of the Weasley household was scattered for the afternoon, leaving Hermione with an unusually quiet Burrow, and she was grateful for the peace. Only Ginny remained, but she was upstairs in her bedroom, leaving Hermione alone, reclining in a cushioned chair in the back garden. Her hands rested on her swollen stomach as she tried to take a short nap in the breeze. The sound of the leaves rustling in the wind was lulling her to sleep until the creak of the back door interrupted her peace.
"Why do you have to have everything?"
Hermione opened her eyes, confused. Ginny stood a few feet away, her arms crossed over her chest. "What?" Hermione asked, confused.
"Why did you have to take him away from me?" Ginny asked, "We were going to get back together once you three finished… whatever you were doing out there."
Hermione sighed, shifting as she swung her legs carefully off the chair. "Ginny, let's not do this right now."
"No," Ginny said as she stood in front of Hermione and poked her shoulder. "We are doing this. Everyone's finally stopped treating you like you're made of glass and left you alone."
Hermione rubbed her temples. "Seriously? I'm too tired for this, Ginny." Thunder rumbled in the distance, and Hermione looked up at the sky. "And it's about to rain. Let's go inside."
"No," Ginny said, stepping in front of her again.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Be an adult about this. Harry and I weren't with anyone at the time. It happened. I'm sorry that it hurts, but I'm not going to apologize for falling in love with him."
"You say you love him?" Ginny growled.
"Yes," Hermione told her softly, "I do."
"You bitch!" Ginny hissed, spitting toward her.
Hermione took a step back, disgusted. "Are you serious right now? You're acting like a child."
"This was supposed to be MY life!" Ginny shouted. "Harry and I were meant to be together!"
"According to who?" Hermione shot back, her patience finally running out. "The fairytale version of life that you made up in your head? Things don't work out the way we plan, Ginny. Hell, I'm about to start my final year of Hogwarts with a baby! I didn't plan that!"
Ginny's face was turning red as Hermione finally got around her and went inside.
Hermione turned around, looking at her, "For the last time, I never meant to steal anything."
Ginny opened her mouth, and Hermione groaned, clutching her back as pain ripped through it.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "What now?"
Hermione straightened up as she felt something rolling down her legs. "I think my water just broke."
Ginny stared at her, "Merlin, did you just pee yourself?"
Hermione's voice trembled. "No, my water broke, Ginny!"
"Fuck!" Ginny yelled, running past the table and diving for the fireplace. "W3 Joke shop!"
Hermione waddled over to a chair and lowered herself down slowly.
"RON?! FRED?! GEORGE?! ANYBODY!?" Ginny yelled into the floo.
Ron's voice answered, "What's the matter, Gin?"
"Hermione's water broke! Mum and Dad aren't here!" Ginny yelled, panicked.
"Move!" Ron shouted, and seconds later, he stumbled through the fireplace. Running into the kitchen.
"Ron, stop!" Hermione and Ginny both yelled as he slipped in the puddle on the floor, crashing to the ground.
Ron groaned, "Why is the floor wet?"
"My water broke!" Hermione yelled at him.
Fred and George tumbled out of the floo and walked over. Fred looked at him and burst out laughing. "Oh Godric, Ron. You're lying in baby fluids!"
Ron jumped up in horror, scrambling away from the puddle.
"Enough!" Hermione groaned as a contraction hit her. "I need to get to St. Mungo's. Ron, grab the bag and come with me. Fred or George, I don't care who, get your mum!"
"Already sent a Patronus," George said, "Just hope they didn't go to the Muggle market."
The floo burst into green flames, and Molly stepped through, scanning the room. "Is it really time?"
Fred flicked his wand, vanishing the mess from the floor, "Yes, mum. For real this time."
"Then why are we standing around?!" Molly barked. "Ron, get the bag! I need to grab my bag!"
Ron reappeared with her bag and looked at Molly as she rushed into the sitting room and grabbed her bag. "Mum, why do YOU need a bag?"
George peeked inside it. "It's all knitting."
Molly smacked him with it. "I need something to do while we wait!"
Arthur came through the floo, brushing the soot off. "I've already notified the hospital. They're ready."
Hermione let out a shaky breath and looked up at Ron. "Let's go."
Ron took her hand. "We've got this."
Hermione paused as another contraction hit, and Ron rubbed her back, "Okay… I'm good."
Stepping inside the flames after Ron, Hermione yelled, "St. Mungo's Maternity Ward."
Hermione grabbed Ron's arm tightly as she stepped through. "Oh, thank god!" Hermione said as she saw Healer Lemon.
"Hermione, I hear that you are an impatient person, but it looks like your child is as well. After the article in the Prophet last week, we have you a private suite," Healer Lemon said as more redheads came through the floo, "And you have the whole family."
Ron grinned, "Not the whole family. Just a large part of it."
"Melissa!" Healer Lemon yelled, "Tell the security wizards we might need some stiffer security."
A medi-witch nodded.
"You all can take a seat in the waiting area. I'll bring word when she's settled," Healer Lemon told them as an orderly brought over a wheelchair for Hermione. "Have a seat."
Hermione sat down, and the orderly pushed her to a private room.
"We figured you'd be more comfortable in here. We put all the privacy enchantments on it, and only a certain number of us are allowed in," Healer Lemon told her, handing her a gown.
The room was warm, and lamps lit the soft blue walls as the ceiling was charmed to show clouds mimicking a moving sky. A cot was already in the corner, ready for the baby.
"Mr. Weasley, help her change, and I'll be back," Healer Lemon stated, leaving the room.
"I…" Ron trailed off as he turned to look at her.
"Just turn around," Hermione told him.
Ron turned toward the wall as Hermione pulled her tank top over her head. Putting her gown over her head, she sat down on the bed, trying to peel her wet shorts from her body. "Ugh, gross," Hermione said, finally getting them off and making sure her lap was covered, "You're safe."
Ron walked over to the door and opened it. "She's good now, Healer Lemon."
A minute later, Healer Lemon rejoined them, "So how are we feeling?"
"I've had more of the tight feelings all through yesterday, and a backache, but nothing worse than I've felt before. But my water broke," Hermione said as Healer Lemon helped her lay back and cast the monitor spell.
"You are in early labour, and the baby has moved down. I would like to continue monitoring your progress. Biggest thing, Ron, you are to help her stay comfortable and hydrated," Healer Lemon stated.
Ron nodded, "I got that."
Healer Lemon looked back at her, "Do you need any pain charms?"
Hermione shook her head, "It's just like cramps."
"Good," Healer Lemon said, looking at the monitor, "Baby's heart rate is great. The position looks good, and you are already four centimeters dilated. I'll be back."
Hermione winced as another contraction hit her, and Ron walked over to her. "Do you want anything? Ice? A cloth? Water?"
Hermione sighed, "Just Harry."
A knock on the door made them look up. Molly poked her head in. "How is she?"
"Early still, come on in," Hermione told her.
Molly tiptoed in and set her bag down next to the chair. "Bill and Fleur are here now. Arthur alerted Kingsley, and they are both on their way."
Hermione groaned, "Great."
Another contraction hit Hermione, and for the first time, it actually hurt. "Owww," Hermione said, scrunching up.
Ron jumped up, taking her hand, "You're doing amazing."
Hermione rested her head on their hands, "I want my Mum."
"I know," Ron said, rubbing her back. "I promise not to go anywhere. Not even the loo."
"You will go to the loo, I don't need you falling in your pee," Hermione said as Ron laughed. She looked up at the monitoring charm. "Ron, it's early."
Ron watched the charm with her, "It might be early, but it's not that early, really. Only a few weeks."
Ron helped her adjust herself as Healer Lemon popped in to check on them.
"How are we doing?" she asked.
"It's starting to hurt," Hermione admitted.
"I'm not surprised," She said, looking at the monitor, "You are near 6 centimeters now. Want the pain charm? I'll just put it on low."
"Sure," Hermione said, "Can I still walk around?"
Healer Lemon looked at her, confused, "Oh, you mean unlike Muggle pain relief needles? This will just numb your abdomen."
Hermione nodded as Ron helped her sit up, and Healer Lemon cast it. Hermione instantly felt relief. "That feels so much better."
"You'll feel the tension, but not the pain," Healer Lemon explained.
Hermione rubbed her hand over her face. "I can't believe it's happening," she whispered.
"Me either," Ron told her, "We're really going to meet her soon."
Hermione looked at him, "You think it's a girl. I thought you thought it was a boy?"
"Nah, she's going to be amazing, just like her Mum," Ron told her.
Hermione closed her eyes and tried to relax.
Hermione shifted, moaning as a tight contraction tore through her. Grabbing onto Ron, she gasped. "They're coming closer now. Too fast."
Ron went toward the door as Molly knitted behind them, and Healer Lemon walked into the room. "Let's check again," she said, "The charm alerted me."
She looked up above Hermione's head, "You are nine and a half centimeters. Almost here. The baby wants to meet you."
Hermione whimpered as she laid back, "I don't know if I can do this."
"Let's give it a few more minutes, then we'll start pushing," Healer Lemon told her. "Just breathe deep for the next contraction."
Ron looked at her wide-eyed. "Why? Does the baby need more oxygen?"
"Ron," Molly said, "She doesn't need you to panic. She needs you to breathe with her."
"I am breathing!" Ron said.
Molly sighed as she stood up and walked over with a hand-knitted flannel and gently dabbed Hermione's forehead. "You're doing wonderfully, sweetheart. You've got this."
Hermione gasped as she felt something pushing between her legs and moaned, "I feel like I have to push."
Healer Lemon checked the chart and nodded. "All right. It's time." She brought over a stool, and the chart above her head lit green. Casting sanitation charms, Healer Lemon pushed up Hermione's covers, setting her legs in the stirrups, "On the next contraction, I want you to push for ten seconds and the rest."
Ron stumbled over his feet as two medi-witches came into the room. "Push?! Wait, is this happening?"
Healer Lemon looked at him, "Ron, you need to be here for her. Stand next to her, and if you are going to faint. Go."
"I'm not," Ron said as he accidentally looked toward the edge of the sheets, and his face went pale. A medi-witch appeared and waved her hand in front of Ron's face as she levitated him over to the chair.
"Just a light sedation," She said as Ron blinked, muttering "bloody hell" and "what was that?".
Hermione barely heard it as the next contraction hit her hard. Molly took her hand and Hermione bore down, groaning.
"Good, good, Hermione. That's it, you're doing it!" Healer Lemon yelled.
Molly wiped her forehead, and Hermione knew she was whispering something that should have been encouraging, but it didn't even register as Hermione sagged against the pillows.
"Take a breath," Healer Lemon assured her. "The head is here. Shouldn't be long now."
Another contraction ripped through her, and Hermione cried out, "I want Harry!"
Ron stumbled over to her, taking her hand, "He'd be here if he could. He wouldn't want to miss this."
Hermione laid back sobbing, "I'm scared."
"We are here for you," Molly said, wiping her forehead.
Another contraction hit, and Hermione's body shook as tears fell down her face as she pushed with everything she had left. Ron clutched her hand.
"Come on, Hermione," Healer Lemon told her, "One more big push and once the shoulders are out, you'll be done."
Hermione cried out as pain radiated through her, nothing like the Cruciatus Curse, but she kept going. Then the pressure stopped.
A moment of silence as Hermione caught her breath, then a sharp, wet wail.
"She's here!" Healer Lemon said, holding a tiny, bloody, squirming baby up in her hands.
Hermione sobbed. She was so tiny and so red. Covered in red and white goo. Hermione collapsed back against the pillows, exhausted. "Is she okay? Ron, is she okay?"
"I don't," Ron said, watching as Healer Lemon took her over to the tiny bed, which seemed so big for her.
The tiny baby let out another wail, but it sounded funny, making Hermione look over.
Healer Lemon's face wasn't smiling anymore. "She's breathing, but not as strong as I'd like." She said as a medi-witch came over, and the tiny table suddenly had a soft, glowing charm circle around it, with runes flickering to life around her tiny girl. "She just needs a little help."
Ron took her hand, and Hermione cried, "Is she going to be okay?"
"Yes," Healer Lemon said, casting more charms and spells around her. Soft lights shimmered over her bare chest and around her tiny nose. "She is early, so her lungs are just a little stressed. She is strong. She will be just fine."
Healer Lemon started cleaning her up, and Ron looked from the baby to Hermione, kissing her head. "She's ours," he said, his voice cracking.
Tears fell down her face, "She's Harry's, but your goddaughter." She whispered.
Ron swallowed, "I know, but I'll still be there for her. For both of you."
The medi-witch walked over with the baby in a warm blanket and gently set her down in Hermione's arms. "She's small, but she is a fighter."
Hermione sobbed, holding the tiny girl, her girl, against her chest, kissing the top of her head, "Hi, sweetheart. We've been waiting for you.
Ron stared at her in disbelief as Molly sobbed. "She's beautiful."
The baby let out a tiny squeak, her hand reaching out to Hermione's face.
"What's her name?" Healer Lemon asked, smiling.
Hermione wiped her eyes. "I haven't picked one yet."
Ron cleared his throat. "I still vote Gilderoy."
Hermione laughed, purely exhausted, kissing the tuft of wavy hair that lay on her head, "We'll find you the perfect name, little one. I promise."
The medi-witch left the room, and Healer Lemon smiled at them. "Rest now. Both of you. She's stable and being monitored, even in your arms. She's safe, and you can take her back to the cot whenever you are comfortable. You did wonderfully, considering all that the two of you went through."
Healer Lemon dimmed the lights as she left, and Molly blew her nose. "I'm going to go tell everyone the news." Then she too left, leaving her and Ron alone as he sat on the edge of her bed.
Hermione sighed, laying her head back. Her daughter… her and Harry's daughter with her pale pink skin and reddish wavy hair, was curled safely against her.
"Happy Birthday, little one," Ron whispered.
Hermione opened her eyes and looked down to see she had become still, "Ron! Ron, something is wrong!"
Ron glanced over at the monitoring charm, "No, I think she is just asleep. She is exhausted, too."
Hermione relaxed and yawned, "I am so tired."
Ron looked at his watch, "It's nearly midnight. Oh, baby girl, you nearly had the same birthday as your daddy. You were only 24 hours too late." Ron carefully got out of bed and looked at her.
"What?" Hermione asked, confused.
"I'm trying to figure out how to pick her up," Ron admitted.
Hermione bit her lip as Ron's hands, that never seemed so large as they did now, slid under her daughter's tiny head and bottom, meeting in the middle, then gently lifted her.
She whimpered, missing the warmth of Mommy's chest, as Ron walked her slowly over to the cot as if she were a bomb, then gently laid her down.
Standing back, Ron sighed in relief, "She stayed asleep."
Hermione ran her hand over her face, "Fucking hell, Ron. I'm a Mum."
Ron chuckled, "And I'm a God-dad."
Hermione flinched as she moved the bed back down, and Ron walked over. "Are you in pain?"
"Nothing like when we made it to Shell Cottage," Hermione admitted.
Ron sat down next to her, and they stared at the tiny cot next to them. "I can't believe she survived that."
Hermione leaned against his side, "Thank God."
Hermione blinked her eyes, feeling like she had just fallen asleep, when she heard the baby fussing. Looking around, no one was around, so she pushed the covers from her legs and swung them onto the ground. Testing her feet on the ground to make sure they would hold her weight. She slowly stood. While the baby's weight wasn't gone, it already felt weird not having the weight of the baby inside her. Shuffling over to her cot, she gently picked her up, cradling her to her body. "Shhh, it's all right, my girl."
Her daughter squirmed in her arms as she walked back over to the bed slowly, and sat down as the door opened, tense voices floated in from the hallway.
"Quiet your voices! It's after midnight," The medi-witch hissed as she shut the door behind her and turned, surprised to see Hermione holding the baby. "Oh, honey, you should have paged someone. It's much too early for you to be out of bed."
Hermione shrugged, "My legs work."
"I'm talking about your pain," She said as the baby started crying, "She hasn't fed yet, has she?"
"No, she fell asleep first," Hermione said as the medi-witch helped her unbutton the top of her gown.
"All right, babies have instincts. Set her against your breast and see how she does." The medi-witch said as Hermione followed her directions and the baby moved around a little bit. "She just needs a bit of help, sorry if my hands are too cold."
Hermione flinched as she helped her lift her breast into the right position, then she experienced the oddest feeling as the baby started suckling. "This feels weird."
The medi-witch smiled, "That it does. She may need a little help the first few times with the charm, but shouldn't have too many issues after she loses the charm, helping her breathe." She looked at her chart, "The charm is helping her. She's tiny, but mighty."
Hermione glanced at her, "How big is she?"
"She is barely above preemie status, but she is small. 45 centimeters and 2.9kg," The Medi-witch told her.
"I'm sorry, I'm so tired. I didn't catch your name. I am Hermione."
She smiled, "I know. You probably don't recognize me, but in your second year, you saved my life."
Hermione's eyes met hers. "Penelope!"
"Yes," Penelope Clearwater smiled, "It's Penelope Fern now. I married early after my medi-witch training. When I saw you and Ron Weasley, I couldn't believe it. He's out there with the Minister right now."
Hermione frowned, "Is that who was yelling?"
Penelope nodded.
Hermione looked around and saw the breastfeeding blanket that Molly had knitted. "Give me that blanket and tell them to get their arses in here."
Penelope handed it to her and opened the door. "Excuse me, gentlemen. I was told to have you come in here at once."
Ron stormed in with Kingsley following, and Penelope smiled as she nodded at Hermione, shutting the door behind her.
"Why the hell are you two yelling at each other in a hospital when people are sleeping?!" Hermione scolded.
"I'm tired of him not telling us where Harry is!" Ron told her, looking around, "Where is she?"
"Feeding," Hermione said, pointing to the blanket.
"Congratulations, Hermione," Kingsley said calmly.
"Thank you, but Kingsley, we've got to know," Hermione told him, glancing under the blanket as the baby continued to feed, "I…" she looked at Ron, then back at Kingsley, "I don't want to name Harry's daughter without him being here."
Kingsley sighed, looking between her and Ron, "I suspected from what Remus told me before he died, how Ron left, but…" he trailed off. "You may send a letter, and I will make sure it gets to him. Not even I can contact him directly."
"Is he somewhere dangerous?" Hermione asked.
"No, he is somewhere safe… working on himself," Kingsley told her. "I'm sorry, but I am respecting his wishes."
Ron growled, making the baby jump.
"Ron! Don't scare her," Hermione told him, patting her bottom.
Ron took a breath, "Then tell him. Send him an emergency owl. Something! He should be here."
Kingsley nodded. "I shall go send it right now."
Hermione swallowed as Kingsley left the room. "Why don't I trust him, Ron?"
Ron sat down hard, putting his head in his hands. "Dad always said never trust a politician."
Hermione looked down as the baby pulled away from her breast, settling back against her skin as she stretched her tiny body. Tucking away her breast, she pulled the blanket off her body. "It's hard to see in the low light, but she has reddish hair, doesn't she?"
Ron stood up, walking over to her and running his hand over her small head, and smiled. "More of a dark red, more-"
"Auburn," Hermione whispered, "She has Lily's hair."
Ron laughed, "She fits into the Weasleys and into the Evans."
Hermione ran the back of her finger over her daughter's tiny cheek, and her eyes barely opened. "Hello, my girl, I am Mummy." Hermione gasped as her tiny eyes opened, and a pair of hazel eyes stared back at her. Greenish with brown specks. The perfect combination of Harry and her own.
Ron leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "You did good, Hermione."
"Didn't Harry say his Dad had hazel eyes?" Hermione whispered.
"I don't remember, but if you say so, it's probably right," Ron said as the little girl curled up against Hermione's chest, falling back to sleep.
Hermione leaned back against the pillows, gazing down at her, "I feel like I've been holding my breath for months. Now she's here... and he isn't."
Ron stared at her for a long minute, "It's not fair. You've had to carry all of it. Us. The war. Him. Her."
Hermione blinked back tears. "I just want him to know her. To hold her. I thought that when she got here, he would show. Maybe he'd feel it. But he's not here."
"He will be," Ron said quietly, "And when he does, he'll regret every second he missed."
Hermione kissed the baby's forehead. "Hazel."
Ron looked at her, "Hazel?"
"Hazel Lily Granger," Hermione said, then frowned. "Maybe not."
The door creaked open, and Molly poked her head in. "I was just checking to see if you were awake before we left."
"She's already out again," Hermione said as Molly and Arthur walked in.
"Oh, look at her, she could be a Weasley," Molly whispered.
Arthur looked at them, "A little Lily."
Hermione nodded, swallowing back the lump in her throat.
Glancing over at the baby as she slept in her cot. Hermione sat propped up with pillows as she flipped through a worn book of baby names that Ron had found at the Burrow. The pages were crinkled from love and use over the years that Molly had used them. She didn't realize that she was crying until a tear dropped onto the open page.
Ron snored in the recliner next to her, where he'd been since after he had finished his dinner. The room smelled of broth, chamomile tea, and the fresh smell of the baby.
A soft knock came on the door. "Come in," Hermione said quietly.
The door opened to reveal Kingsley, still in his purple robes.
"Feeling better?" he asked, stepping into the room.
Hermione nodded, "A little. Sleep has helped." She looked at his face. "Did you… did you receive a reply from Harry?"
Kingsley reached into his cloak and withdrew a small, rolled-up parchment. "It just came."
Hermione's hands trembled as she took it from him. She unrolled it slowly and read the familiar handwriting.
Dear Hermione and Ron,
I am safe. I am okay. I just need my space for a bit. Thank you for the birthday wishes. I cannot wait to tell you about my adventure when I get home. I should be home for Christmas.
-Harry
Hermione stared at his words, then let the parchment fall into her lap as tears came to her eyes. "He won't be home for a while."
"I'm sorry, Hermione," Kingsley said gently, "I wish I could say more."
She nodded, unable to speak, as Kingsley quietly left the room, pulling the door closed behind him.
The click of the door stirred Ron. He sat up, blinking and rubbing his eyes. "What's wrong?" he asked, "Why are you crying?"
Hermione didn't answer, just handed him the letter.
Ron read it, "Shite, Harry," he muttered under his breath.
"I kept hoping that he'd walk through the door," Hermione told him, staring at the foot of her bed. "But he's not coming. Not in time." She swallowed hard. "Can you get her for me?"
Ron stood up and brought her over. Hermione brushed her tiny fingers. "Lily," Hermione said quietly. "Her middle name will be Lily. It's only fitting."
Ron exhaled. "That's perfect."
Later that evening, Penelope peeked her head into the room. "Hermione, you have visitors. Is it all right?"
Hermione smiled, "Of course."
The door opened and Neville stepped inside, holding the door for Luna, who skipped her way into the room, her wand tucked behind her war.
"Oh, Hermione," Luna sighed as she walked over to her to see the baby stretching, "She's gorgeous. Like a little rosebud, just waking up."
Neville leaned over with a smile, "She's adorable. What's her name?"
Hermione glanced at Ron, then back at their friends. "We haven't quite settled on her first name yet, but to honour Harry, we picked Lily for her middle name."
Neville's eyes lit up. "I know what to name her."
Hermione looked at him, "What idea do you have?"
"There is a species of lily in eastern magical gardens," Neville explained excitedly, like he always was when talking herbology, "Found mostly in Asian climates, has pinkish petals, mostly with freckles. Just like I imagine she'll have with you and Ron, both having freckles."
"Oh, I'm sure she will," Ron said, looking down at the baby.
Neville continued, "It's called an Asiatic Lily, Rosella's Dream. Some potioneers have been studying it recently for the use in calming draughts."
Luna clapped her hands together, smiling, "The little rose."
Hermione's heart raced as she looked down at her. It was like everything finally fit into place in her mind. Elegant and strong, while being floral inspired, just like her grandmothers.
"Rosella Lily Granger," She whispered.
Ron leaned forward, touching the baby's hand. "I like it. Hello, Rosella."
Rosella stirred lightly before settling again.
Luna sat down at the foot of her bed. "That's such a powerful name. She'll do great things."
Tears came to Hermione's eyes again, but this time they were happy ones. Looking around the room at Ron, Neville, and Luna, and down at the little piece of heaven that she and Harry had created, she was proud of where they had come.
"I hope she makes him proud," Hermione whispered.
"She will make us all proud," Neville said quietly, "We are all going to spoil her rotten."
~*~ 3rd August 1998 ~*~
Rosella had just woken Hermione up to feed at a little after two in the morning. Rosella had fallen asleep shortly after Hermione had burped her, and Hermione laid her on her raised knees. Hermione's heart constricted in her chest as Rosella's little fingers curled around her own. Her tiny eyelids fluttered as she dreamt so much like Harry's did in his sleep. Oh, how she wished that Harry were here to experience this.
Slowly standing up, she laid a kiss on Rosella's head before putting her to bed in her cot. "Goodnight, my sweet flower."
Preview of Chapter 18 – My Girl
Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat as Rosella's tiny hand gripped a lock of Hermione's hair as she fed.
Near the end of her feeding, Rosella opened her eyes and stared at her. Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes. "She's doing it. How are her levels?"
"She's doing wonderfully," Healer Amanda said as the door swung open.
Ron stepped inside with a book in his hand. "Hey, I picked up that… oh bloody hell!" he said as he saw her and turned around so fast, he walked straight into the doorframe.
"Ron!" Hermione called out, laughing, "It's fine. It's just skin-to-skin contact. Nothing, I'm sure you haven't seen in those magazines George used to brag about."
Ron turned back slowly, not looking at her. "Just wasn't expecting to see that. You good? How's her breathing?"