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.
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day.
When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May
I guess you'll say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talking 'bout my girl (my girl)
~ My Girl by The Temptations
A/N: Trigger Warning: NICU stay
~*~ 3rd August 1998 ~*~
Hermione sat quietly on her bed, Rosella sleeping in her arms as she read through her NEWT study guide. Her tiny body was warm against Hermione's chest as her tiny eyelashes fluttered against her rosy cheeks. The blue charm was still on her chest, monitoring her blood pressure and breathing. Reading the runes, it seemed to her that Rosella was improving, but her oxygen numbers didn't seem to be improving as much to Hermione.
A small knock sounded on the door, and Healer Lemon walked in with her clipboard in her arms. "Good afternoon, Hermione," he said, "And how are the Granger girls today?"
Hermione smiled, "Tired, but we're doing great. She's been calm all day. She likes the quiet during the day over the fuss at night."
Healer Lemon moved closer, looking at the monitoring charm, and Hermione saw her smile fade ever so slightly.
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked as another knock sounded on the door. "Is there something wrong with her?"
Another Healer came in, but was wearing rainbow robes. She was petite and had short brown curls. Seeming like a human ray of sunshine, reminding Hermione so much of Luna.
"Hermione, this is another healer on our team. I was going to introduce you to her. She is a pediatric healer, this is Healer Amanda Sterling," Healer Lemon introduced.
"Hello, Miss Granger. I am Healer Amanda from the Little Wizards Unit." She said as she smiled.
"Hello," Hermione said, looking between the two of them.
"Hermione, you are doing beautifully, and Rosella is making progress. I am clearing you to be released," Healer Lemon told her. "But Healer Amanda and I agree, we think it's best if Rosella goes to the Little Wizards Unit for a few extra days of observation and care."
Hermione's heart jumped into her throat. "Why?" Hermione asked.
Healer Lemon looked at her, "Her lungs aren't responding as quickly as we'd hoped. The oxygen charm is helping, but her breathing still shows that she is straining. We think she could benefit from a few light potions and specialized charms to help her lungs finish developing."
Tears filled Hermione's eyes as she looked down at her tiny daughter in her arms. "Is this because of the Cruciatus Curse? Because of what I went through when I was pregnant?"
Healer Amanda walked over to her. "Hermione, we can't say any of that for certain. We don't know enough about how trauma affects the unborn's magic. Most don't survive that kind of treatment, mother or child. More likely, it's that she is just early, and babies, even magical ones, sometimes need a little extra help. Even Muggle babies often require breathing support when they are born prematurely. This isn't uncommon, and I promise you that she will be close by and in good hands."
Hermione tried to hold back her tears as she nodded. "I don't know if I can spend a night without her."
"You can be there. You can still be with her for everything," Healer Lemon promised.
After Hermione had been released and Rosella moved to the Little Wizards Unit, Ron frowned walking into the Unit. "I went to your room, and they said they released you."
Hermione stood up from her chair and walked over to him, throwing her arms around him.
"Hermione?" Ron asked, setting the food down and holding her to him. "What's wrong? Is she okay?"
"Her lungs need more help," Hermione sobbed into his chest, "I'm released, but she has to stay."
Ron looked around at the four other babies in tiny beds. Only one had a mother next to it in a rocking chair. "Do you want me to stay?"
Hermione shook her head. "Go home, Ron. Get some sleep. I'll be fine. Only one of us can stay overnight, and I can't bear to leave her."
Ron rubbed her arms. "Are you sure?"
Hermione nodded. "I'm sure."
By the time the night had rolled around, the ward had quieted, and the medi-witch had dimmed the lights, Penelope stepped into the room with a folded blanket.
"I brought you something," Penelope said as she held out her hand. "Stand up. That chair is awful, and there is no way you are sleeping in it."
With a flick of her wand, she transfigured the stiff hospital chair into a padded recliner that would be nice to sleep on. "There, that will be better for you," Penelope said, handing her the blanket, "If you have to sleep on a chair, it would be better for you to sleep on this."
Hermione settled into the recliner. "Thank you, Penelope," she whispered.
Penelope looked at the monitoring charm. "The potion is helping. Her oxygen level is already up."
Raising her wand, she pointed it at the ceiling. With a murmured spell, glowing stars appeared above Rosella's crib, shimmering into the shape of Rosella's name, written as a constellation. "My little touch to make it feel more homelike." Penelope smiled, "Get some sleep."
Hermione curled up on the recliner as Penelope gently closed the door behind her. Looking up at the stars, Hermione smiled as she closed her eyes, reassured that Rosella was safe.
~*~ 3rd August 1998 ~*~
Hermione sat in the recliner next to Rosella's cot as she slept. The charm, glowing softly above her crib, was keeping track of her breathing and heart.
A soft knock on the door made Hermione look up to see Penelope step inside with a steaming cup of tea. "Morning, I brought you some tea."
"Thank you," Hermione said, accepting it with both hands.
"Before I forget, the Minister sent you flowers. A very large arrangement. They're lovely, but they are with our medi-witch desk out front. We can't bring them in here with the babies," she told her apologetically.
Hermione smiled. "That was thoughtful of him."
The door swung open, this time more forcefully, as Ron stormed into the room, his face red, showing his anger.
He froze, looking around at all the other cribs. "Where are all the other parents?" He asked in disbelief.
Penelope gave him a sad smile. "Most of them don't stay. These babies… many are very sick. Some have been here for months. That one over there," She nodded toward the crib on the back wall, "His mother died in the last wave of attacks. She went into labour. The child barely survived."
Ron visibly sagged, and Hermione looked at him, concerned. "What had you so upset?"
Ron sighed, handing her the folded Daily Prophet that he had kept inside his jacket.
THE GOLDEN GIRL ISN'T SO GOLDEN! HER SECRET LOVE CHILD REVEALED!
Hermione groaned, seeing who wrote it. "Damn you, Rita!"
Penelope frowned, "I'll tell the ward security, just in case. She doesn't care about sick babies. She only cares about a story." She turned to Hermione, "I'll see you tomorrow?"
Hermione nodded. "Thank you, Penelope."
Once the door clicked shut, Ron walked over and leaned into Rosella's crib. "How is she today?"
Hermione smiled at him. "Better, the potion helped. She's breathing a bit easier."
Ron started pacing, "So I couldn't sleep last night, and I decided something."
"What was that?" Hermione asked.
Ron looked at her, "I need to get a job."
Hermione blinked. "Ron, you don't have to support us."
"I know that," Ron stated, "But you're going back to Hogwarts next month. You'll be juggling a newborn, classes, and God knows what else. Someone has to buy nappies, wipes, and bottles. Since you used your savings to feed us during the Horcrux hunt, this is just me paying it back."
Tears filled Hermione's eyes. "You are such a good friend, Ron."
He smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'll be the best god-dad this little witch will ever have."
Hermione stood and threw her arms around his middle, holding him tight, and he hugged her back.
Later that afternoon, Ron left to get her a change of clothes and some extra books, but not before casting his own protective charms over their space.
Rosella stirred, making a soft noise. Hermione gently picked her up, cradling her close. After a few attempts, Rosella struggled to latch again, and on the fourth or fifth try, she finally did. Reaching for her notebook, she added a note under the feeding log.
1:47 pm – tried feeding, still having trouble latching. The breathing charm is still active, and breathing is steady.
Hermione leaned back, releasing a long breath of relief.
The door opened, and Healer Amanda stepped inside. "How are we doing this afternoon?"
Hermione looked at her. "She still had trouble latching at first. Is that normal?"
Healer Amanda nodded, "It is, especially with the oxygen charm still in place. It can be a bit disorienting for them. Her numbers are getting stronger, though." She looked down at the notebook on Hermione's lap. "I have to say, you are the most attentive mother on this floor."
Hermione blushed. "Oh, I'm just trying to keep track of everything, sort of like her baby book. My Mum kept one when I was little, and I used to read it. Thought one day, Rosella might want to read hers."
~*~ 4th August 1998 ~*~
Hermione looked up at the door that opened from her spot, staring into Rosella's oxygen-filled crib, to see Healer Amanda. "Afternoon."
"Good afternoon," Healer Amanda said, looking down at Rosella, "I want to try something, but I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"
Hermione sat up, "Of course."
"Muggle studies have found that skin-to-skin contact is wonderful for premature babies. I want to try it with her, then start weaning her off the oxygen charm. I hope that it regulates her breathing, her temperature, and maybe even helps with feedings," Healer Amanda told her.
Hermione unbuttoned her top and pulled it over her head. Setting it to the side, she reached into Rosella's crib and pulled her out, cradling her close to her chest. Sitting down in the rocking chair, Hermione watched as Healer Amanda removed the breathing charm, and Hermione watched the stats on the monitoring charm.
"Holding steady on her own. How about you try feeding now?" Healer Amanda suggested.
Hermione held Rosella to her chest, and Rosella latched immediately, sucking eagerly.
Healer Amanda grinned, "That's what I thought." She said, scribbling something on her clipboard. "We'll give her a half hour and then check on her again to see how she does."
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?"
Healer Amanda smiled as she left the room. Hermione beamed as she put Rosella on her shoulder to burp her. "Well, she fell asleep feeding, fed without the oxygen charm," she said, moving her back to her arms, "I can't believe it.
Ron stepped closer, "She's a tough little thing. Gets it from her mum."
Hermione looked at him. "You're sweet."
"Oh, I forgot, I got a job," Ron told her.
Hermione looked at him. "Ron, I told you that you didn't-"
"I know you told me that I didn't need to," he interrupted, "But Fred and George figured since I'm always at the shop helping out anyway, they might as well pay me."
"Oh, Ron," Hermione said, taking the hand he put on her shoulder.
"It's part-time. Flexible hours. Just enough to help out, especially while you finish Hogwarts," Ron told her.
Hermione stood up and laid Rosella back down. Buttoning back up her shirt, she threw her arms around him, "You are too good to us."
Ron grinned, "Before I head out, do you want to go freshen up? I can sit with her."
Hermione hesitated, then nodded. "Make sure she doesn't roll."
"Hermione, she is the size of a loaf of bread and can't roll over yet. She'll be fine," Ron told her.
Hermione laughed, then grabbed her bag to go down the hall.
When she returned, Luna was in the room, and she paused, seeing Luna and Ron talking to each other.
"I brought something for the baby," Luna said, showing him a tiny bracelet, "It's made of bloodstones. For strength and vitality. I also had I blessed by the fairies in Devon.
Ron stared at her. "You got fairies to bless a bracelet?"
Luna nodded, "They said that with it, she will grow as strong as a willow tree. Quiet at first, but unshakable."
Hermione stepped forward. "Luna, that's beautiful."
"She has a brave heart already. She's going to do great things," Luna told her.
Hermione sighed, looking down at her. "She already has."
~*~ 6th August 1998 ~*~
On Rosella's fifth day in the world, rain pelted the windows outside the Little Wizards unit, making Hermione feel restless. The day before hadn't been a good day. Rosella had some regression without the breathing charm, but she fought hard and was showing improvement today.
The door opened, and Hermione looked up to see Molly standing in the doorway.
"Mind some visitors?" Penelope asked her.
"If they are allowed, gladly," Hermione said as they entered the quiet room.
"Oh, Hermione, dear," Molly said, coming inside with a bag, "I brought you some more clothes and a book. Ronald said you read through both ones he brought you."
Hermione sat back in the recliner with a sigh, "There isn't much to do here but feed her and read. Only one father has come in to visit, and he saw me… it was obvious that he wasn't a fan."
Molly set the bag down next to her recliner and smoothed her greasy hair back. "I just thought you might need some things. How are you holding up, love?"
Hermione blinked away tears, "She's stronger today after the scare she gave Ron and me last night. Thank you for bringing me clothes."
Arthur cleared his throat, "I saw this in a little Muggle shop on the way to Diagon Alley yesterday. Every little girl needs a first friend," he said, handing her a small stuffed orange cat.
Hermione took it, "Oh, Arthur. It reminds me of Crookshanks." She petted it as tears fell down her cheeks. "Thank you."
Arthur smiled, "Maybe he'll come back and guard her. Be a girl's best friend."
Hermione sighed, closing her eyes for a moment, "Wherever he is. I hope he's having fun chasing mice or gnomes."
When Hermione opened her eyes again, she noted how Molly and Arthur had left during her unintended nap. Rubbing her eyes, she looked and saw that Rosella was in a different outfit. This one Molly made, and she smiled.
Grabbing her journal, she opened it up and wrote the date.
Our tiniest warrior of the war, our Rosella. I see your strength in her, Harry. She had a rough night, but today, she fights hard, just like her Daddy.
Setting the journal aside, she gently lifted Rosella from her crib. She fussed slightly but settled into Mommy's arms. Looking out the dreary window, Hermione rocked Rosella as she fussed, which brought a memory to mind of when she was a little girl on a rainy day, and how upset she had been. Her dad came over and took her into his arms, dancing with her as he sang while holding her.
"I've got sunshine, on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May. I guess you'll say. What can make me feel this way? My girl. My girl, talking about my girl. My girl," Hermione sang softly, as she blinked away tears, and kissed Rosella's forehead. "Just a few more days and we will go home, my beautiful girl."
~*~ 7th August 1998 ~*~
After lunch, Hermione and Ron, who had taken the day off from W3s, were sitting across from each other. Ron had pulled over one of the recliners from one of the sadly now-empty cribs. Hermione had sent him a panicked Patronus this morning after the little boy had sadly lost his life. No parents had visited him the entire time she had been in the Little Wizards unit with Rosella. But Ron didn't hesitate to spend the day with them to help calm her fears.
Ron grinned, "Checkmate."
Hermione growled, throwing her rook down, "I hate this game."
Ron folded his arms behind his head, stretching out his long legs, "You'd think the genius Hermione Granger would eventually be able to beat me at a game of Wizard's Chess, but what is that now? 100 to 0?"
"You don't have to be so smug about it," Hermione told him as Healer Amanda stepped into the room. "Hello, Healer Amanda."
"Hello Hermione, Ron," She said, walking over to Rosella, "Are you ready to learn a few spells before you go home?"
Hermione looked at her wide-eyed, "Home? Tonight?"
"One last overnight, then yes, you'll go home tomorrow," Healer Amanda told her with a smile.
Hermione nodded eagerly as Ron stood up, "Ok, let's do this."
Healer Amanda walked them through a home monitoring charm to use and taught them how to use it to detect breathing changes and temperature shifts. They learned how to set an alarm on their wands to be notified of those changes. She then demonstrated the safe sleeping enchantments they could add to Rosella's cot to keep her protected.
"I suggest for the first week until you bring her back in, put the oxygen spell on her each night just to help her along," Healer Amanda told them, "Use the monitoring charms, and if anything changes out of the normal range, it will alert you."
Hermione nodded, recording the information in her notebook, practicing the wand movements with Ron.
"You both are going to be wonderful parents," Healer Amanda said, "Barring any surprises tonight, Rosella will be ready to go home tomorrow."
After Healer Amanda left, Ron settled back into the recliner as she fed Rosella and then rocked her back to sleep. Ron grabbed the morning copy of the Prophet as Hermione laid her back down in the crib and started reading it out loud to Hermione.
Sitting back down, she closed her eyes, exhaustion tugging at her. Ron's voice droned on about the Prophet's views of Ministry Reform, shifting alliances, and Muggle-borns that were suing the estates of Death Eaters.
"Good for them," Hermione whispered as she let sleep take her.
When she woke up again, Ron was reading a book to Rosella, who laid on his lap, kicking her arms and legs. Something about unicorns saving the day.
Hermione watched them sleepily. Ron wasn't her dad, but she knew in her heart that Rosella would always be safe with him. Ron would guard her with his life. With a sigh, she closed her eyes and listened to the story as she drifted back to sleep.
~*~ 8th August 1998 ~*~
It was finally the day that Rosella would be released from St. Mungo's. Healer Amanda played with Rosella as she gave her one final exam.
"She's grown a whole centimeter since birth," She said, smiling, "And while she lost weight a few days ago, she's already gained it back. Remember to use the breathing charm at night and continue using those monitoring spells. But otherwise, you're ready."
Healer Amanda turned to Hermione and Ron, "I'll be honest with you both. You are young, and parental burnout is very high among young parents. You have a wonderful support system. Use it. Grandma Molly has been a constant fixture this week, even when she wasn't in here. She will be absolutely thrilled to step in when you need her."
"Thank you so much," Ron told Healer Amanda as Hermione tucked Rosella into her wrap.
She looked at Ron, "Are you ready?"
Ron picked up their bags and looked at them. "We came with one bag, right? How do we have four now?"
Hermione chuckled as she settled Rosella's head against her breast. "Thank you, Healer Amanda. I don't know what I would have done without you this week, and the medi-witches."
"I'm just so happy to see you both going home," Amanda said as she walked them to the fireplace.
Hermione cast a bubble-head charm around Rosella as Ron stepped into the floo first. Holding her daughter close, Hermione followed.
As she stepped out into the warm Burrow kitchen, Molly was waiting, arms outstretched to catch her. "I got you."
Looking around, Hermione gasped softly. A large hand-painted banner stretched across the kitchen: WELCOME HOME, ROSELLA!
At the table sat Bill and Fleur, Charlie, Ginny, Fred and George, Luna, and even Neville. The comforting smell of something sweet came from the oven.
"If they're too much, just let me know," Molly whispered as Ron slipped into the laundry room to drop the bags, then reappeared with a wand in hand.
"Sanitation charm for the lot of you. Up, up… and hands out," Ron ordered.
Fred rolled his eyes but obeyed. "Daddy Ron in full effect."
For the next hour, Rosella was gently passed between the loving arms of her family. Fleur cooed at her the longest as she gazed down at her and murmured to Bill, "I want one, darling."
Hermione leaned into Ron's side, resting her head on his shoulder as exhaustion crept in.
"Oh, Hermione!" Molly said as she stood up, startling her. She walked over to the counter and grabbed a sealed letter. "Your Hogwarts letter came this morning. So did Ginny's, and she's been named Head Girl!"
Hermione gave Ginny a tired smile. "That's great, Ginny."
She opened her letter slowly. The standard greeting, the list of NEWT-level books, was all included. "Looks like the castle's been repaired enough."
Bill nodded, "They focused on the common areas, classrooms, and the exterior walls. Still a way to go, but it's safe. I've been helping twice a week."
Hermione yawned, and Ron rubbed her arm. "Go on upstairs. Get some sleep. I'll keep an eye on Rosella."
Hermione nodded as she stood and excused herself upstairs. Before she could walk more than four steps up the stairs, Ginny approached them. "Hermione?"
Hermione turned, looking at her. "I'm really too tired for another argument, Ginny."
"No, it's me who should be apologizing," Ginny said, looking at the floor. "I'm so sorry. For what I said, for the way I treated you. It's my fault she came early and was so sick."
Hermione stared at her, surprised.
"I was so angry, and hurt, and stupid," Ginny continued. "Harry and I weren't even together. I had no claim on him. I'm sorry."
Hermione sat on the steps. "Who talked to you?"
"Luna," Ginny admitted, "And when Luna yells at you, it really lands."
Hermione glanced over at Luna, laughing with Neville and Fred. "I can't say I forgive you fully, Ginny, but I accept your apology. I hope this is a reality check. My daughter's life was on the line, and we don't know if it was us arguing or damage from the Cruciatus that caused her to come early."
Ginny looked at her, horrified. "You were under the Cruciatus Curse while pregnant?"
Hermione nodded, pulling back her sleeve to show the faint scar. "Bellatrix tortured us, spell and blade. So yes, you were a factor, possibly, but not the only one. Just… remember, we all lost Harry, Ginny. Not just you."
Ginny nodded, tears in her eyes, as Hermione stood and continued her way upstairs.
The Burrow was quiet, but Hermione couldn't rest. Rosella had fussed herself to sleep hours ago, but Hermione's mind wouldn't stop racing. She paced inside Ron's small room, made even smaller by the two beds, a cot, and a rocking chair now. Pausing to gently lay her hand periodically on Rosella's chest to check for the rise and fall of her breathing.
Rosella fussed, and Hermione was on her in a second, picking her up. "Shhh, my sweet girl, hold on," Hermione said, unfastening her top so Rosella could feed.
Hermione paced with Rosella in her arms, quietly humming as Rosella eagerly ate.
Ron sighed from his bed, rubbing his eyes. "Hermione, this is why we have charms to monitor her," he said, his voice rough.
"But charms can fail, Ron," Hermione whispered.
Ron sat up, blinking in the light of the flickering lamp. "Is that what happened between you and Harry?"
Hermione froze as she sat in the rocking chair that now sat between their beds, as Rosella continued nursing.
"No," she sighed, "Honestly, I was so used to taking birth control to regulate my periods that I forgot I wasn't taking it anymore."
Ron's eyes drifted downward, and Hermione felt her face burn as she realized she was baring herself to him. "Shit, Ron, I'm sorry if I am making you uncomfortable. I can cover up."
"No, no," Ron said quickly, flopping back against his pillow. "I'd better get used to it. Honestly, Hermione, I love you, but… I'm realizing that it would never have worked between us. While your boobs are attractive, I'm not… turned on by them, if that makes sense?"
Hermione couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "I'm glad you think my leaky breasts are attractive, thanks, Ron."
Ron blushed, running a hand through his hair. "You know what I mean. You're an attractive woman, but… honestly, when I kissed you, I…"
"Didn't feel what you thought you would?" Hermione finished.
Ron nodded, "Exactly. Plus, could you imagine us married for the rest of our lives? I'd annoy you and you'd kill me in my sleep eventually." He stated as he folded his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling.
Hermione snorted. "I wouldn't kill you in your sleep, Mr. Dramatic. But I get it."
Ron turned his head toward her, "That's why you and Harry always worked. The only fights you two really had were because he was being stubborn and you were trying to protect him, even when he and I didn't want to see it."
Hermione's eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Ron, that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me!"
Ron made a face. "I can't wait until this hormonal thing stops."
Hermione rolled her eyes through the tears as she put Rosella to her shoulder. "And there's the teaspoon again," she teased, patting her back as Ron snorted and turned over.
Hermione smiled, listening to the soft sounds of Rosella's breathing and the creak of the floorboards as she gently rocked her back to sleep in the chair.
~*~ 25th August 1998 ~*~
Bubbling of Molly's chicken stew and the turning of the pages in Hermione's book filled the room as Hermione studied and Molly cooked. Molly hummed as Hermione scratched down notes on various new spells, and Rosella slept soundly in her Moses basket near the hearth, covered in the newest Molly Weasley knitted blanket. Hermione tried not to grin as she glanced over at it. She had lost track of how many blankets Rosella now had.
Every so often, Hermione glanced over at Rosella, but after multiple weeks of no breathing issues, and she had grown so much, Hermione was no longer as worried as she had been.
The knock on the back door startled both her and Molly. Grabbing her wand, Molly nodded at her as she wiped her hands on her apron and walked over to the door.
"Hello, Molly."
Molly greeted the older woman, "Hello, Minerva. Please, please come in."
Hermione stood up at once, brushing the biscuit crumbs off her jumper. "Professor McGonagall, how are you?"
"I am very well, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall stated, stepping inside, a faint smile on her lips. "I must say, you are looking much better, healthier, than the last time I saw you."
Hermione blushed, "Well, Molly makes sure I eat," she said with a small laugh, tugging at the hem of her jumper, one of Harry's old Weasley ones, "And I've put on quite a few extra pounds."
Professor McGonagall moved toward the Moses basket, her eyes softening as she peered inside. "She is beautiful, Miss Granger," she murmured, glancing at her. "I can see Lily in her for sure."
Molly dropped the wooden spoon she had been holding to the floor, where it clattered loudly as Hermione's heart froze.
"What… how do you know?" Hermione asked quietly.
McGonagall looked at her, "No one else knows, if that is what worries you. As for how I know, when I write the Hogwarts letters, I consult the Book of Names to check whose magic has been granted entrance to Hogwarts. I will admit, curiosity got the better of me. I looked ahead eleven years." Standing straight, "One of the most recent names entered was Rosella Lily Granger-Potter."
Hermione groaned as she sat down, burying her face in her hands. "I put Granger-Potter on the birth certificate," she said, glancing at Molly, "Kingsley said he was able to hide her birth certificate so no one could read it. We are all who have her actual birth certificate."
"Magic knows, Hermione," McGonagall said gently. "Only I see that book. No one else ever will. You have my word."
Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat as she nodded. "I'm not trying to keep him from her," she said quietly, "We just… we don't want him to find out from a headline or a stranger."
McGonagall frowned, looking at her and Molly, "Mr. Potter still hasn't contacted anyone since he left Hogwarts?"
"Kingsley has been in touch with him," Hermione told her. "He says he gives Harry my letters, and Harry has sent a couple himself, but he doesn't want to be found. That he asked not to be told anything more than necessary."
"May I sit?" McGonagall asked, gesturing to the empty seat.
"Oh, of course," Hermione said, pulling out the chair beside her.
McGonagall sat, smoothing the creases of her cloak, and folded her hands on the table in front of her. "I don't know what you three endured while you were gone," she said. "I can only imagine the horrors. You are on edge. Mr. Potter disappears, and when I saw Mr. Weasley in Diagon Alley, he had dark circles under his eyes like bruises," she sighed.
"The nightmares don't help, especially when you have an almost one-month-old," Hermione admitted.
McGonagall's eyes looked toward her basket. "None of it was fair. You were children, thrust into a war."
Hermione nodded.
"But I'm afraid I've come today bearing disappointing news," McGonagall stated.
Hermione looked at her, confused, "I don't understand."
Molly set a kettle of tea between them and poured a cup for McGonagall.
"Thank you, Molly," she said, wrapping her hands around it. "The Hogwarts Board met yesterday. With all the recent press surrounding you and Mr. Weasley… only myself and two others voted in your favor." She stated with a frown. "The majority does not feel comfortable allowing you to return to complete your final year."
Hermione stared at her in disbelief. "But I have to finish!"
The floo flared green, and Ron's voice rang out, "I'm home!"
He entered the kitchen, brushing soot from his sleeves and casting a sanitation spell over himself, and stopped short, seeing the three of them in the kitchen. "Am I interrupting something?"
"Hello, Mr. Weasley," McGonagall said with a nod as Ron picked Rosella up. She turned back to Hermione, "And you will finish, Miss Granger. Professor Sprout, Flitwick, and I all met last night. We've already begun to organize a way for you to complete your NEWT level courses by OWL. It may take a few more weeks to prepare owl-based lessons, but rest assured, we will make sure you graduate."
Hermione swallowed, "Why don't they want me there?"
McGonagall sighed and took a sip of her tea. "Outdated, antiquated thinking. The kind that didn't die with Voldemort, I'm afraid. You are a teenage mother, unmarried. A Muggle-born who had a child with a Pureblood and did not marry him."
Hermione stiffened, fighting the tears stinging her eyes.
"Then we will get married," Ron stated.
Hermione looked at him, shaking her head, "No, we won't. I'm not going to put you through that, Ron."
"I'd do it, Hermione," Ron said, kneeling beside her.
"Ron, get up," Hermione said, looking at McGonagall.
"They claim blood status isn't the larger issue, Mr. Weasley. They claim their concern is noise," McGonagall added, "That a crying baby would be unfair to the other students. But don't let them fool you. Their discomfort is not about a baby's cries."
Hermione shook her head angrily.
"But, I do agree with them on one thing, Hermione," McGonagall said gently, "A mother should be with her child, which is why we want to bring your education to you. To ensure you aren't punished for choosing to keep your child and pursue your future."
Hermione nodded. "Thank you," she whispered as a million thoughts raced through her head, "Truly, thank you."
McGonagall smiled, "You're place in this world is not determined by those who fear change, Miss Granger. You will rise above them, as you always do."
Hermione swallowed hard, nodding again as McGonagall stood, "With that, I am afraid I must leave."
"I'll walk you out," Molly told her.
Ron sat in her vacated chair once Molly walked McGonagall out the door, as Hermione stared at her hands, clutching her cup of tea.
Gently prying her fingers from the cup, he set it aside. "Hey," he said softly, brushing a tear from her eye, "It'll be okay. We'll figure this out."
Hermione shook her head as tears fell down her face. "I just wanted to finish properly, Ron. I worked so hard for so long, and now they are treating me like… I'm unworthy… or…"
"They're arses," Ron told her, "They don't matter. The people who do matter know how brilliant you are. And let's be honest, if Harry were here, he'd be hexing anyone who tried to do anything otherwise."
Hermione laughed through her tears, then buried her face in his shoulder. "What if they don't let Rosella go later? What if the world sees me as a sort of shameful scandal? I can't stand the thought of people thinking she was a mistake."
Ron put his hand under her chin, "Hermione, I said it and I meant it. Maybe I should propose to you. Get people off your back. So they see you're still a respectable witch or whatever rubbish they want to believe."
Hermione shook her head, "No, Ron, you don't have to do that."
"I know I don't have to," He told her, "But I'd do it. You're both family to me, and I love Rosella, even if she's not mine. If people think there's a wedding coming, they might shut up about everything else."
Hermione bit her lip, "I don't want you to sacrifice your life to protect me from gossip. That's not fair to you. Or to me."
Ron took her hand, "You wouldn't be sacrificing me. I'm not exactly beating admirers off with a broomstick, Hermione, and it wouldn't be a sacrifice. It'd just be me, us looking out for each other. We wouldn't even have to kiss. Just be seen together in public, which we already are. They just will think it's more."
Hermione squeezed his hand, "I know, and I love you for offering, but I can't, Ron. I wouldn't want to marry you just for appearances. Neither of us deserves that."
"I'm not talking marriage, Hermione, just a fake relationship so people give you a break," Ron told her as Molly walked in, "Mum, back me up. I offered to propose to Hermione, give her a fake marriage to get these arseholes off her back, and she won't let me."
"Ronald, honey, that's not something to just take lightly," Molly told him, "Your heart is in the right place, it is, but I agree with Hermione. People are already thinking that the two of you are together."
Hermione pushed her peas around her plate as she listened to Ron's family talk about their days. A new shipment at the joke shop, Fleur's complaints about the cold weather, and Bill stating that the goblins were beginning to rehire wizards.
Ron cleared his throat, glancing at Hermione, "So I've been thinking, maybe Hermione and I should… You know, get engaged. At least pretend to be."
Hermione threw her fork down. "Ron! We talked about this!"
"Engaged?" Ginny coughed on her pumpkin juice.
Arthur looked at them, "You mean to protect Hermione and Rosella from gossip?"
"Exactly," Ron stated. "People would stop whispering about her being a single mother if it looked like we were getting married. The press would shut up, the Hogwarts governors might back off… I think it would just make things easier on her and Rose."
Hermione glared at him. "MY daughter's name is Rosella, and no, Ron. I don't want that."
Fleur looked at Hermione, "But dat ez lying," she said, "You should not marry… or pretend to… for politics. You both deserve better than that."
"Thank you, Fleur," Hermione stated.
Molly nodded, "Exactly, marriage should be about love, not public perception!"
Bill leaned forward, "But Mum… with the way things are right now? The press is circling like vultures. It might be the simplest way to protect Hermione's reputation. Doesn't mean they have to go through with it."
Arthur looked at them. "I agree with Bill. It would buy you time and quiet things down. Though… It's a big step," he said, looking at Ron. "Are you sure, Ron?"
"I don't want it, though," Hermione said softly, looking at Ron. "I appreciate Ron's offering, but it just feels wrong. It feels like lying, and we're sacrificing something real to appease people who couldn't care less about me anyway."
Ginny frowned, "I don't like it either. It's dishonest, and if the Prophet finds out it's fake, they'll just twist it into something worse."
Fred and George grinned.
"Well, if you do go ahead with it, we're throwing you the best stag party the wizarding world has ever seen. No one will think it's fake with that!" George stated.
"With fireworks and strippers… fireworks of strippers!" Fred added.
Molly swatted him with her spoon, "Not helping!"
Hermione buried her face in her hands with a groan. "This is ridiculous!"
Ron rubbed her shoulder. "It's just an idea. I don't want to force you into anything. I just… I hate seeing them talk about you like you're… less than you are, when you are better than all of them."
"I know," Hermione sighed, "And I love you for caring, but I have to think about it."
"We stand behind you, whatever you decide. Fake engagement or not, you are part of the Weasley family, and if they mess with one of us, they have to deal with all of us." Arthur told her.
"Too right," Bill said.
Fred grinned, "And we can still throw a party. Celebrating something. Anything really."
Hermione laughed, then gasped as Ginny told them that her birthday was coming up, "Ginny! No!"
"Oh, Granger… you just wait," George grinned.
~*~ 19 September 1998 ~*~
The room was quiet on the day of her 19th birthday, except for the rhythmic creak of the rocking chair against the wooden floorboards and the soft sounds of her daughter nursing. The morning sunlight streamed through the window, telling Hermione it was closer to noon than she once thought. By some miracle, she had fallen asleep after Rosella's earlier feeding until she just woke her up again. Hermione sat, gently rocking, her arms curled protectively around her daughter.
She gazed down at the small bundle in her arms. When she entered the world with nearly a full head of hair courtesy of the messy hair of both her parents, she had dark reddish hair that was wavy. Now her little girl's auburn hair was turning to curls that were bright against Hermione's arm. Rosella's long eyelashes fluttered against her rosy cheeks, her tiny hand resting on Hermione's chest.
Hermione gently traced the back of her finger over her daughter's cheek, marveling at its softness. As Rosella finished feeding, Hermione glanced up to see Ron leaning in the doorway, watching them.
"I swear she's going to have freckles," she said softly.
Ron smiled, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. "Wouldn't be surprising. You do. Might help with the whole Weasley story too." He crossed the room and dropped onto his bed, still watching them. They quickly overcame their shyness and modesty after just the first week together in his room.
"She was born with Lily's hair. That sold it right there." Hermione smiled, brushing a curl away from Rosella's forehead. "From what Harry said, her hair grows almost as fast as his did."
Ron propped himself up on his elbows. After the last month or so, he'd grown used to these moments of Hermione feeding her daughter. "How is Rose this morning?"
Hermione gave him a pointed look. "Her name is Rosella."
Ron grinned. "Just saying, no one's gonna call her Rosella. Too fancy for a kid."
"Rosella Lily," Hermione said softly as Rosella let go of her nipple and fell asleep. Hermione gently pulled her shirt up as she rocked a little slower. "Named after the Lily flower, Rosella."
"Happy birthday, by the way," Ron added, sitting up and pulling a small parchment from his pocket. "This came for you this morning. I'll take her."
Hermione hesitated, then carefully passed Rosella into his arms. Ron smiled at her, humming something as the baby burrowed against him while he left her alone in the room.
Alone, Hermione unfolded the parchment.
Happy Birthday, Hermione.
No signature, but she didn't need one.
Pressing her lips together, she squeezed her eyes shut. Crushing the letter in her palm like it would help the ache in her chest go away. It didn't.
She sat there momentarily, blinking hard, and then stood. Walking to the small desk in the corner that she had squeezed in at the foot of the bed under the window, her fingers moved almost without thinking. Dipping the quill into ink, the words flowed from the quill, dark and angry, across the page.
Harry,
You have given me a gift for my birthday. I am a mother.
If you are interested in being in her life, write back.
Love,
Hermione
She rolled up the parchment, then reached for the same string he had sent. Tying it carefully, she set it aside. Later, she would send it to Kingsley. He would know how to find Harry. It was time. He had to know.
Preview of Chapter 19 – Lonely
Her feet hit the cold snow, and it seeped into her shoes. She didn't even think of putting boots on. No one was around as she walked toward the town square, seeing the kissing gate in the distance. With a deep breath, she walked through it and over to the tombstone.
Swallowing hard, she fell to her knees as she cleared the snow away. Under the snow, some flowers had died, so she cleared them away too.
James and Lily Potter
Just like the year before, where Harry and she had stood. The five of them were there together at the time, and she didn't even know it.
"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Potter, it's me, Hermione again. God, so much has changed since I was here last." She whispered, "You have a granddaughter. Her name is Rosella Lily. I hope you don't mind that I named her after you."
Hermione sat down on her bottom, pulling her knees up to her chest. "You don't know where your son is, do you? We miss him." Hermione wiped her tears, "I miss him so much. Like, the air I breathe is missing sometimes. Rosella just got over her first cold… and I didn't handle it well." Hermione confessed, "Harry could have been calm in that situation." Hermione traced a heart in the dirt, "Why isn't he coming home? Why does he not want to see her?"
Hermione stood up and raised her wand, making the wreath of Christmas roses again. Swallowing hard, she stared at it as the anger that had been building consumed her. Disapparating on the spot, she thought of Kingsley's office. She felt the wards trying to hold her back, but used her magic to force herself through them, landing right in front of Kingsley's desk.
Alarms went off as Kingsley stood in front of her, surprised. The door flew open, Aurors at the ready, their wands out.
"Just a false alarm," Kingsley told them, "Go back to your posts."