October 31st 1998
Room of Requirement
Jack & Emma
Emma lay exhausted against Jack, she could feel the sunrise approaching like a clock counting down, the spell would be broken soon. She savored the feeling of his skin against hers, the intense moment of fear she had felt about the night ending had slipped away, she knew their time was long past. All that remained was the intense thankfulness she felt about the gift they had been given and a niggling concern about the couple whose bodies they inhabited.
She stroked Jack's chest lightly as he ran his fingers through her curls. "Do you think they'll be okay?"
When she and Jack had seen them, the young wizard lifting his witch high while they smiled and stared into each other's faces she had felt their connection. They were kindred spirits, just like her and Jack. Feelings weren't something spirits typically mistook, they had both read romantic love in their auras, in the way the couples' magic blended.
"Mhmm, we didn't mistake their love Emma baby. We just jumpstarted the intimacy a little bit for them." Jack's voice was confident and reassuring, he knew without a doubt the wizard he inhabited was in love with the witch next to him.
"I feel bad about it, though. The first time should be special, and we took it away from them." The gift that she and Jack had been given would probably cause the couple a lot of hurt, she had been so certain a love like that would have taken the next step already.
"Do you want to let them remember it?"
"Can we?"
"In dreams."
Emma thought about it, drawing slow circles on Jack's chest with her fingertips. "Maybe some of it, some of it is ours only. Can we do that?" Some things should not be shared.
"Yeah baby, I got it." She felt Jacks magic reaching out and opened her mind to him, feeling him nudge the edited memories into place.
She snuggled closer feeling her lids start to close, sleep creeping over her. "Jack will they be happy?"
"Yes Emma baby, I promise."
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January 18th, 1999
Hogwarts
Hermione
11 Weeks Pregnant
"While I'm happy you are able to have this, to help you in the last trimester of pregnancy, using it during practicals for N.E.W.T testing would not be within the rules. Magical enhancements are not allowed." McGonagall inspected the necklace as Hermione sat across from her in her office.
Hermione sighed glancing at the necklace Harry had given her. "I knew that would be true but I felt I should still discuss it with you."
"There's no barrier to you taking the testing on the theory and knowledge." McGonagall paused and handed Hermione back the Potter necklace. "I've already spoken with your teachers and they've agreed, given your aptitude we can provide the practical test early in March as opposed to May so we avoid any issues with your magic. This would mean a loss of close to three months of additional training for your practicals however."
"I can do it." Hermione reply was quick, fervent. She was already making plans of her studies, she had to let Harry know too. McGonagall smiled at her.
"I don't doubt it my dear." McGonagall paused. "How are things going with you personally?"
Hermione gave her a radiant smile. "Kind of wonderful."
"I'm very glad to hear that, you let me know if there's anything I can do to help you succeed Miss Granger, you have the entire teaching staff rooting for you."
Hermione blushed; it was such a lovely sentiment. "Thank you, please let them know I appreciate their kindness."
She gathered her things as she wrapped up the meeting with McGonagall, leaving her office as if she was floating on a cloud. Life was good. She pulled the charmed little black notebook Harry had given her out of her robe pocket ducking into an alcove.
So, like we thought, I can't use the necklace for the testing BUT McGonagall said I could take the practical portion of my N.E. early in March, so that I could avoid issues with my magic.
That's great, sweetheart. Please put time in your study schedule for me or I'll probably start trying to transfigure myself into a book to get you to pay attention to me.
Hermione's smile was so wide her cheeks hurt. She stood there smiling down at his response for a long minute before she shook her head at herself, she needed to get to class. Hermione walked around the corner so quickly that she smacked right into Ginny Weasley.
I was having such a good day.
"Well if it isn't the scrubber who stole my boyfriend."
Hermione's eyes widened at Ginny's aggression; it had definitely escalated since last month. She opened her mouth to reply, when a cutting voice responded from behind her.
"Maybe he realized Granger was a better bet than a crazy ginger bint." Hermione looked over her shoulder to see Malfoy rapidly approaching to stand next to her sneering down at Ginny. Malfoy looked a bit worn and stressed out, much like he had during their sixth year. His entire focus though was on Ginny with an unnerving intensity.
"Mind your own business, Ferret." Ginny's face started turning an unfortunate red color as she stared back with equal intensity into Malfoy's icy grey eyes.
"I wish I could, but left to your own devices you're such a nutter you might cast another twit spell and the lot of us will be barking mad."
Hermione edged away from the two of them, and neither noticed her movement she might as well have become invisible, Malfoy and Ginny were locked into their argument.
"I didn't know it would do that! It was just supposed to be for you!"
"Now I really feel special, do you think of me often?" Malfoy gave her a smug superior smile and smoke practically started coming from Ginny's ears.
Hermione slowly backed away from the crazy pair as they sniped at each other, their faces getting closer and closer together until they were gritting threats mere millimeters apart.
What. The. Hell. Is. This.
Was it okay to laugh at this? A slightly hysterical giggle wanted to escape from her as she finally turned the corner, neither of them noticing her departure. She paused again thinking of telling Harry what had just happened, but considering she wasn't even sure what had just happened…
Had Malfoy defended her? Or just used the excuse to insult Ginny? And that byplay… there had been an undertone to it that she hesitated to label because it was absolutely ridiculous … right?
She gave her head a hard shake. None of her business. She needed to plan out her study schedule and make sure she didn't forget her boyfriend.
Hermione grinned again.
Her boyfriend Harry Potter.
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February 27, 1999
12 Grimmauld Place
Hermione
16 weeks Pregnant
Hermione was amazed at how quickly timed passed, her life falling into place neatly. She was four months pregnant, and very settled into her relationship with Harry. Neither had spoken yet about marriage again, content just being together and planning their life. They were slowly, on weekends starting to remodel Grimmauld Place.
Given Harry's resources they could have hired contractors and designers but they decided to do it themselves, they would make Grimmauld place their own home themselves. After several awkward starts Ron had started coming around again, which she had been very happy about. It felt good to have the three of them hanging out together at Grimmauld place whenever they had the chance. Ron had taken his position as godfather seriously and kept asking them if they needed help for the baby. Hermione had been happy to invite him over for some much-needed painting.
Hermione bounced on her feet lightly, happily, as the music pulsed through the room. Harry and Ron were each painting a wall a soft baby blue, this was their second layer after the primer as the previous dark red had been hard to cover up. They were working on transforming the room into a nursery for the baby, which considering the room looked as if it was decorated by someone with a completely mental obsession with red had been quite a bit of work.
She paused for a moment to look over at her two best friends as they painted their own walls. Ron was haphazardly pushing the paint along the wall with his wand. Harry was more methodical, concentrating on making even lines as he pulled the paint across the wall with his magic. The wireless was blasting music to keep them motivated.
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down
As if he felt her gaze Harry looked over his shoulder and gave her a smile, she grinned back at him, happiness feeling like it was bursting from her as they got the baby's room ready. Then she felt it, a soft roll in her stomach, as if the baby had turned over. Shocked, she let the spell go that had been helping her move the paint across the wall, the paint hitting the floor with a splat. She had the brief thought; thank Merlin they hadn't yet replaced the floor.
"Hermione?"
Harry dropped his paint and was at her side in a second. She wanted to laugh and cry at the same time, so she must have been making a very strange face indeed because Harry looked quite alarmed. She grabbed his hand pulling it towards her gently rounded stomach.
"I felt him! He moved."
Ron approached them slower, still a little hesitant about his interactions with her and Harry after they made up. Hermione gave a soft laugh and motioned him closer, grabbing his hand too once he was close enough to lay it near Harry's. "The baby moved, Ron."
They stood in a small circle, Harry and Ron each with a hand over her slightly protruding stomach, both men staring intently where their hands rested against her, focused on feeling any movement.
He sings the songs that remind him of the good times
He sings the songs that remind him of the best times
She felt it again, the faint flutter and roll inside of her, and she looked up at them eagerly to see if they did too. Harry was frozen staring at her stomach, a tear leaking from his eye that she reached up quickly to dash away.
Ron laughed and pulled his hand back from Hermione's baby bump. "Your boy's going to like tubthumpin', mate." Ron clapped Harry on the shoulder, giving it an affectionate squeeze.
Harry gave a nod, his hand still on her stomach, and Hermione covered it with hers. Ron rolled his eyes and walked away muttering to himself about their dopey love eyes.
Hermione raised her eyebrow at Harry not looking away from him, as Ron walked off to keep painting. "You making dopey love eyes at me, Potter?"
Harry laughed, placing both hands on her stomach while leaning forward to kiss the tip of her nose. "Every chance I get."
"Oi, you two. We need this done before my godson arrives."
"Okay, okay!" Hermione made a shooing motion to Harry to get him to go back to painting since he seemed to have trouble moving away from her. With a last caress along her cheek, he turned around to back to the mess he had left when he dropped his paint on the floor.
Hermione turned around to face her own mess, rubbing her belly as she surveyed the stained floor. With shrug she vanished most of the paint on the floor, then pointed her wand at the paint can floating out the paint to continue brushing the wall.
You are never gonna keep me down
When we're winning
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March 12, 1999
Hogwarts
Hermione
18 Weeks Pregnant
Hermione walked out of Flitwick's class on shaky legs, closing the door softly behind her with a huff of relief. Her last N.E.W.T practical completed three months in advance, she stared down at the floor nibbling on her lip, worrying about how well she did without the three months every one else was going to have.
She felt the faint vibration of her black notebook in her pocket and took it out.
Hermione,
I know you did absolutely wonderful on all your testing. Let's have dinner together?"
Hermione smiled at the note, and was just about to write back when she heard a throat clear.
Her head jerked up to spot Harry smiling at her from the opposite wall of the hallway, he was dressed handsomely in dark red jumper and black slacks. She looked down at her own school clothes, feeling a little under dressed.
"Umm, maybe I should change first?"
He took a step toward her until their bodies only touched because of her tummy and leaned down to whisper in her ear.
"You look beautiful. This is just going to be me and you, okay?" Hermione had to fight the impulse to lean up against him.
"Okay."
Harry took a step back from her and held his elbow out in an old fashioned courtly gestured and Hermione gave a little laugh as she tucked her arm in with his and they started to stroll down the hallway.
"I remember when I first saw you in first year, on the train helping Neville look for his lost frog, and you told me you knew all about me."
Hermione smiled. "I was a bit scared so I maybe overcompensated a tad preparing for school."
"Memorizing all the course books? Me and Ron almost fainted. Ron was hoping you'd get sorted into a different house. And then to top it off before we left you told him he had dirt on his nose, he was so stropped."
"I had forgotten that! Ron was such a little brat in first year."
Hermione hadn't been paying attention as Harry led her to the school but she realized they were right at the entrance to the great hall.
She gave a little laugh. "You want to do dinner in the Great Hall?"
Harry gave her a mischievous smile and went to open the closed doors, he gestured for her to enter first.
The great hall had been completely cleared of the tables for the houses and the raised dais where the teachers typically sat. Instead, there was a single solitary table in the middle with lit candles and a meal already laid out with a stasis charm keeping it hot.
"What… how…did you manage this?"
Harry gave a secretive smile. "Magic."
Hermione walked into the great hall, looking up at the enchanted ceiling showing gold and red tones as it reflected the sunset. Then she spotted the food laid out on the table and her tummy rumbled.
"And that's my cue. Here we go, love." Harry went and held the chair out for her.
Hermione blushed and mumbled her thanks. Chicken tikka masala, fried cabbage and naan bread, mmm. Harry was amazing.
"I'm glad you think so."
Hermione's hand froze where she had reached for a fork, had she really said all that out loud? Her blush intensified. "I just really really have been craving Indian food, you have no idea."
Harry held a hand up pinching two fingers close together. "Maybe just a bit of an idea. You may have mentioned it … once or twice or ten times daily."
"Stop making me blush, my face feels like its on fire already."
"Well, I was going to compliment you on it, you do rival the sunset." Harry gave a teasing wiggle of his eyebrows making her laugh again.
As they started eating Harry circled back to his initial topic. "You know my favorite memory of first year?"
"Hmm?"
Harry took out his wand and waved it to their left, and a pensieve appeared, with what looked like a line of memories. The first one started, projecting onto the wall in front of them, and she saw herself as seen by Harry.
Her hair was an absolute wild bushy mess, which caused a minor tingle of embarrassment for Hermione. First year Hermione had absolutely not given a hoot about hair maintenance. In the memory she was looking at Harry and her lip trembled, and she suddenly dashed at Harry and threw her arms around him.
"Hermione!"
"Harry — you're a great wizard, you know."
"I'm not as good as you," said Harry, very embarrassed, as she let go of him.
"Me!" said Hermione. "Books! And cleverness! There are more important things — friendship and bravery and — oh Harry — be careful!"
The memory faded and Hermione looked at Harry and quirked an eyebrow. "Is this a favorite because I called you a great wizard?"
"No, because it was the first time you hugged me and I realized you really did care about me. It's a memory I treasure."
His gaze was soft on hers as he made the confession. Before Hermione could say anything, the next memory played.
It was morning and they were walking along together in the school hallways while munching on toast. She turned to Harry with a trusting expression.
"Well, of course I knew you hadn't entered yourself, the look on your face when Dumbledore read out your name!"
Harry's gaze remained on hers through the memory. "You believed in me when no one else did."
The wall flickered black briefly before resuming as the memory cued up, they were in the Gryffindor common room surrounded by their classmates and food.
Hermione was talking to Lee Jordan, "He's supposed to work out the clue on his own. It's in the tournament rules. . . ."
Harry muttered, "I was supposed to work out how to get past the dragon on my own too."
In the memory she met his eyes and gave him a guilty grin.
"You're such a stickler for the rules… but you always broke them for me. To help me or keep me safe."
The pensieve rolled onto the next memory and King's Cross was shown on the wall. As they stood on the platform, Hermione leaned up against Harry and kissed his cheek.
"Bye Harry!"
"That was the first time you kissed me, at the end of our fourth year." Harry reached out and picked up her hand where it rested on the table threading his fingers with hers. Hermione had finished eating and was watching enthralled as he showed her memory by memory, what she meant to him.
The memory on the wall was showing Bill and Fleurs wedding. Hermione was beaming at him in her floaty lilac colored dress and matching heels.
Their eyes on each other as the priest finished "… then I declare you bonded for life."
The memories continued, each one of them together as they grew up until the most recent and last memory played from December, Harry was facing her and she was sitting outside the school near Black Lake. Harry was reaching out laying his hand on her stomach.
"I'm pregnant. The spell said… the spell shows its um a boy." Hermione paused and continued a little lower. "I understand if you don't want him. But I do, Harry. I just found out today and I already… I already love him so much. You don't have to do anything or be responsible for him. I can do it, I've got him."
The sun had set, and the ceiling of the great hall reflected a starry night as Harry Potter got down on his knee before her, the glow of the candles casting a romantic light over them. He held a small black box in his hand, outstretched to her as he began.
"Hermione Granger, you're my best friend. You're the smartest, most loyal person I know. You've been by my side through some of the hardest times in my life. Just being near you makes me happier." Harry swallowed hard and opened the small box he held in his hands, pulling out a ruby ring encrusted with twinkling diamonds around it. "I know you've struggled with what's happened to us, but I'm so incredibly grateful for the turn my life has taken. All this time, and I found love right in front of me. I love you so much. Will you marry me?"
Hermione blinked rapidly, to try to stop her tears but they spilled anyway. She had to clear her throat in order to speak.
"Yes!" And then she lost all sense and threw herself at him intending to hug him, but managed to knock him flat onto the floor with a loud huff.
She ignored their position pushing her lips against his, as she felt his hands grabbing hers and putting the ring on her finger.
When his tongue slipped into her mouth, she became acutely aware that she was straddling him in her skirt, and she could feel his erection pressing against her. She pulled back to look down at him, and his hands rested on her hips. She gave a slight wiggle, and his hands tightened, his green eyes darkening.
Hermione rested her hands against his shoulders, leaning down to whisper in his ear. "Want to go to my room?"
Hermione wasn't quite sure how Harry managed to get them vertical and out the door so fast, but the school hallways were passing in a blur.
It felt like she blinked and she was in her room, the door shutting behind him, and that's when Harry paused as if remembering himself.
He looked down at her, the heat in his gaze wasn't any less but a blush spread across his cheeks. "Sorry, I …"
Hermione lifted her hand to rest against his cheek, her ring gleaming on her finger. "Don't be sorry. I want you that much too."
Harry's hands came up to slide through her hair, cupping the back of her head, his eyes searching hers. "You're so beautiful."
He lowered his head slowly towards her, letting the pressure of his lips against hers increase slowly, his tongue lightly tracing the seem of her lips. When she opened her mouth, he kissed her like it was the first time, slowly, carefully. Exploring her mouth while his hands held her close.
Hermione let her hands wander as he kissed her, sliding under his jumper to caress his chest, before sliding around to stroke his back. She dragged her nails lightly down his back and he moaned into her mouth.
She rested her hands on his hips, pushing him slightly and he let her turn them around, so her back was to the door and Harry's to the bed. They continued kissing as she walked him back step by step until the backs of his knees met the bed and she broke the kiss by pushing him back.
"This time, I'm in charge."
Harry's eyes flared with lust at the statement and his voice came out hoarse. "You're in charge anytime you want to be in charge."
Hermione smiled, kicked off her shoes and climbed on top of him. She leaned down to kiss Harry and it was just as she was thinking of vanishing their clothes, that a flicker of insecurity flared. She was four months pregnant and baby Potter was definitely noticeable.
She paused inches away from his face, her hand unconsciously going to her belly. Harry's eyes searched hers, seeming to read her worry.
He looked at her completely seriously. "The idea of making love to you while you're pregnant with my baby is so goddamn hot, I don't know how I will be able to not come as soon as I'm inside you."
Hermione almost choked on her laughter. "Harry!"
He gave a sly smile at her, and his hand came up and their clothes vanished.
"Fucking hell, Hermione…" His voice was awed as his eyes wandered down her body. His blunt admiration and lust made her nipples harden and he groaned seeing it, his hands coming up to caress her breasts.
She rolled her hips on top of him as his hands played with her nipples, she was so sensitive that it felt like each touch went straight to her core, making her wet and aching for him.
Dreams flickered in her mind of what it felt like to have him moving inside her, she wanted the reality. Then one of Harry's hands drifted lower, to between her spread legs, lightly stroking along the outside of her pussy.
Hermione moaned, her hips following his hand. "More please."
"So polite."
They both shuddered as the words made the dream of making love in the bathing pool flash between them.
Harry pushed two fingers inside her firmly, sliding into her wet pussy. Hermione couldn't resist jerking against him, grinding down on his fingers. He moved his hand so that his palm ground up against her clit while his fingers were inside her.
Hermione whimpered at the sensation. "I need more."
"Up love." She raised herself higher on her knees above him and felt Harry adjust his cock at her entrance, before his other hand tugged her hip downward. "Ride me."
Hermione leaned forward to get a better angle, her face inches away from his as she braced her hands on either side of his head, her curly hair making a curtain around them.
The sensation of being filled with him, his cock stretching her, drove her too wild to keep a smooth rhythm, her hips jerked forward hard. Taking him deep, trying to sink deeper on him.
Their eyes locked, the arousal out of control. Hermione's words came out in gasps as she rode him. "You feel so good inside me."
Hermione leaned back as she continued to ride him, bracing herself with her hands behind her on his legs. The angle made him hit just the right spot and she gave a grunt, and she moved faster against him. She looked at Harry's face as she moved and there were streaks of red across his cheek bones, his jaw tight as he watched her body bounce on his cock.
The orgasm hit her like lightning, suddenly, abruptly, going through her entire body. She gave a short scream as her pussy tightened on his cock and her whole body stiffened on top him.
As if it was a signal he had been waiting for, Harry rolled her beneath him, his hips snapping against hers.
She wrapped her arms around his neck as he covered her body with his, stretching out on top of her as he fucked her. Making her feel like her whole world was just him, and really, wasn't it?
He punctuated his words with thrusts. "You feel so good, I can't fucking take it." The words sent a thrill through her, she loved how wild he sounded.
Abruptly he stopped against her, his hips tight against hers his back arched slightly as if he didn't want to put any pressure on her stomach. There was a fine trembling going through his body, Hermione slid her hands along his back, petting him as he shuddered against her.
"I want to see you better." He muttered against her shoulder and pulled away, his hand wandering around the bed until he found his wand tangled in the covers, pointing it and conjuring a large mirror to the side of the bed.
He pulled her up, helping her get on her knees, before turning her and settling her back against his chest so they both faced the mirror. His green eyes were laser bright as they found hers in the mirror and he pressed a kiss to her shoulder. His hands were wrapped around her, one possessively over her stomach while the other was higher cupping her breast. He pulled at her nipple, as he guided her back down on his cock, both them watching as he nudged aside her folds to enter her slowly.
He paused there, both of them enthralled with the sight of his cock deep inside her, the hand on her belly drifted slowly down between her legs. He caressed her pussy, stroking his fingers around where they were joined before moving up to firmly rub on her clit.
He grinded up against her while he stroked her pussy, his eyes never wavering from the mirror as he watched her.
"You've always been beautiful to me, but like this…" His hands roamed over her body, admiring the red flush of arousal across her chest. The way her breasts seemed slightly fuller.
Hermione's whole body felt hot, burning trails left where Harry's hands caressed her, her nipples tightened nubs.
He tucked her closer, his mouth kissing along her neck, and she moved her head to the side to give him better access. Giving him a mischievous smile in the mirror, she slid her left hand down her own body drawing his gaze. She felt him stiffen behind her as he watched her hand go lower approaching his, his ring gleaming on her finger.
She slid her fingers along his cock, touching where they were joined and his eyes widened as he groaned in to her neck.
His hands tightened around her like a cage, one wrapped around her chest, under her breasts the other pressed hard against her clit. "Come with me."
He abandoned his slow grinding and started to jerk up harshly, and she bounced in his lap. She felt him lose control first, his cock jerking inside of her and the warmth of his cum deep inside her. She shuddered at the feeling, her pussy tightening as her own orgasm rolled over her.
His cock slipped out as he softened but his arms remained tight around her, his eyes fixed on watching the mirror. They both saw his cum sliding down her thigh.
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It was late at night and she was curled up with Harry spooning her from behind, his hand was still busily stroking her body even though they were both exhausted.
"When do you want to have the wedding?"
"Mmmm. Maybe soon, after May? I'd like us to be settled by the time he's born."
"So that means we don't have to make you a separate room when you move in with me at Grimmauld?"
Hermione giggled. "I think that would be a bit unnecessary."
"Thank Merlin. I think I would go crazy if I knew you were sleeping under the same roof as me and not be with you after this."
"Well, we can't have that, baby is going to need a sane father."
"Do you have a name you like for him?"
Hermione turned around to look into Harry's eyes. "I was thinking James, after your father, if that's okay."
Harry gave a dazzling grin. "I love it. James Sirius?"
"Hmm." Hermione looked down at her belly, her hand coming to slowly stroke over her child. "What do you think of James Sirius, little love?"
Harry moved his hand lower too, joining hers on her tummy. "I'm not above bribery, James."
They both felt the slight roll of her stomach and laughed. "I don't think bribery should start before the baby is born, Harry."
"I haven't read anything against bribery yet, I'm barely on bottles and diaper changing."
Hermione rolled her eyes at him and he leaned forward to kiss the tip of her nose. "I'm going to make you so happy Hermione, I promise."
Her smile faded as she searched his eyes, looking at him seriously. "You already do. I love you so much."
"I love you, too."
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Unknown and unheard by the couple laying contentedly on the bed, a whisper sounded, drifting away slowly.
I told you so.
There was an even softer responding giggle.
That you did love.
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August 20th, 1999
Hermione
42 Weeks Pregnant
Hermione sat on the couch in the living room of Grimmauld Place, waiting for Harry to get home, a medical text about childbirth open in her lap. A miniature stag, Harry's patronus, was prancing around the back of the couch, not leaving after delivering Harry's message that he was running late getting off work.
She watched the patronus for a minute smiling, it seemed to be manifesting Harry's behavior, the stag paced back and forth on the couch before stopping and watching her intently, then repeated the actions again.
She was over her due date by a bit, and it was driving Harry a bit mad with worry even though she had told him- the books had told him- the healers had told him - it was a normal thing that happened. He watched her so intently that she had started keeping a larger quantity of dittany on hand for all of his mishaps.
Just that morning when they were in the kitchen together, he had gotten so preoccupied watching her stretch he had poured hot coffee directly on his hand. She had already banned him from cooking after he nearly sliced off a finger.
She looked down at her large, very round tummy, it looked like she had a basketball under her shirt, and rubbed at her baby soothingly.
"How much longer are you going to be lazy James? Your daddy may not survive it." As if he heard her, her stomach suddenly tightened, and she felt a rush of fluid down her thigh. Her eyes widened and she smiled, hugging her belly.
"Okay I just needed to tell you your daddy is having a bit of trouble and you rush to rescue. I see I'm going to have to keep a close eye on you."
She waited for a minute, letting the contraction pass before slowly getting up. Honestly she didn't know how she would have handled it without the help of the rune charm that was tattooed around her waist, it was like an invisible support whenever she walked.
She walked slowly to where she had left her bag by the bedroom door, then back down stairs. The stag was still pacing around the couch watching her.
She reached up to clench the necklace Harry had given her, feeling his magic inside it and pulling it so she could cast a patronus. Her otter appeared floating in front of her as if in water. "Ron, I need you to come here right now please."
Hermione knew he was off today, which was extremely convenient for her, and the wards let her know Ron arrived barely a moment later.
"Hermione!" The door opened and he ran inside, his shirt on backwards. It was the shirt he had been wearing non-stop for a month which said Brand New Godfather. Apparently he didn't want to accidently not wear it on the right date. "Are you okay? Everything's okay? Why is your dress wet- oh MY GOD IT'S HAPPENING!"
Hermione winced as he hit a particularly high note as he started squealing. She waited patiently as he babbled incoherently.
"It's happening! Why are you standing there-"
"Calm down Ron."
"Oh my god where is Harry, I have to go-"
"Calm down Ron."
"How are you so bloody calm, do you want to change-"
"Ronald Bilius Weasley. Calm. Down."
He finally gulped and shut his mouth. Hermione smirked, his mother had trained him well and hearing his middle name almost always shut him up.
She walked up to him and placed both hands on his shoulders pulling him down so their eyes were an inch apart.
"I am depending upon you to get Harry safely to the St Mungos, no accidents and no splinching. Is that clear?"
"But what about you? I can take you there first, then go get Harry."
"No it's fine, I already have a mediwitch on call that I'm going to message who will come get me. It's going to be your job to get Harry there, tell everyone else who needs to know and above all else keep him… " Hermione paused trying to think of how to phrase it.
"From going bonkers?"
Hermione sighed, everyone had noticed Harry's behavior. "Yes from going bonkers. James and I are depending on you okay?"
Ron puffed out his chest. "Don't worry about a thing, I've got it!"
Hermione watched him dash out of the house with a smile, still feeling a bit concerned. She knew Harry would be a little upset with her about not telling him first thing, but she wasn't risking him having some type of mishap when coming to St Mungos.
Harry's work with the Aurors frequently took him all over London, and while Harry was absolutely fine at work- frequently having articles written about him in the Daily Prophet regarding his skills at helping bring dark wizards to justice - as soon as Hermione came into his orbit all he lost all focus except for her.
Watching her normally hyper aware athletic young husband start walking into doors because he was so distracted with her had been amusing at first, but she quickly lost that amusement when she saw him almost chop off his finger while trying to make her a stew for a craving she had.
She had been wearing a crop top along with shorts that day, and her belly poked out so much it was a little difficult to get close to tables and counters and so Harry had insisted she sit down while he cooked her a stew the muggle way.
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"You sit down and I'll cook."
"Harry it's okay I can use magic!"
"It doesn't taste the same when you use magic, I know you like it better cooked this way. Sit down and rest and let me make it for you." He led her gently to the chair, firmly insisting she sit down.
Then he went back to the other side of the counter to pull out the cutting board and knife, before grabbing an onion to start chopping. After his first cut of the onion, he quickly picked up his wand and cast a bubble head charm making her laugh.
"It works. No onion tears. You have to think outside the box!" He advised her.
"Or inside the bubble." She giggled. She watched him continue to chop the ingredients a little dreamily as she stroked her stomach. His head looked oddly wide and stretched in the bubble head charm, but he was still so sexy.
Even though they had never quite reconnected with Ginny, honestly Hermione might give her a kiss if she could. Her life was so incredibly happy, sometimes it scared her to think if not for Ginny's stupidity she could have missed out on this. Having Harry as her husband, about to give birth to her first child.
Any regret she might have felt over her life plans was long gone- there was no other way she would have wanted her life to go except the path she was on now. She realized quite suddenly that she had been staring at Harry and he had been staring right back at her when she saw almost in slow motion as the knife went down and he hadn't moved his fingers.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER! Pay attention to what you are doing!" He jumped a foot at her frightened yell, which is the only thing that prevented him from bringing down the knife and chopping off his finger right in front of her.
She still wasn't sure how she managed to be around the counter and snatching the knife out of his hand so quickly, while he smiled sheepishly still in the bubble head charm. Pregnancy or no pregnancy, when she cast a wandless finite, the bubble charm disappeared and she kissed him within an inch of his life for scaring her.
The kiss had quickly turned her fright into a raging desire and she dragged him upstairs. Pregnancy hormones were no joke.
Their impatience had lost them entire wardrobes to evanesco, the monthly budget now included a healthy allowance for clothes. This time was no different, as soon as the door closed, Harry cast the vanishing spell pulling her close and bunching his hands in her hair as he held her close to kiss her, only to break it off to look at her with desire darkened eyes.
"You're so beautiful I can't concentrate on anything else but you." The intensity and sincerity of his gaze made her anger slip away. Really who could stay mad in the face of that confession? Still she tried.
She cupped his cheek gently. "I can't have you getting hurt in front of me, Harry. I've had enough of that for my entire life okay? It hurts my heart."
Harry turned his head to kiss her palm, muttering to her. "I'm sorry, I'll do better." He paused, turning to face her again. "I'll make it up to you."
With a wink and a sly grin he swept her into his arms, like he had on their wedding night. "Harry, I am too heavy to be carrying!" Hermione laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Never. If you want I'll start carrying you around everywhere to prove it. We can go to the bookstore and I'll carry you around the aisles and let you pick out whatever you want." Hermione couldn't help but giggle at the idea, Harry was probably already planning it.
"That's a lovely thought, Harry, but no."
He laid her down gently in the middle of the bed, sitting next to her and stroking her hair back from her face, admiring her body. "Are you sure?" He asked seriously.
She gave him a sensual smile, tugging him down to her. "Yes, I am quite sure. Now come make love to me."
"Yes, ma'am." He whispered against her lips, then he pulled back, moving between her legs. She pulled herself up a bit, trying to see over her stomach, and got a very good view of Harry Potter's head disappearing between her thighs, and felt his mouth press against the lips of her pussy a second later.
She gave a short yelp of surprise, pulling back a little more, but he locked his arms around her widely spread thighs keeping her close with a husky chuckle.
"Don't move away."
Her thighs trembled where they were held in his strong grip. They had made love so many times, but the sharpness of the pleasure made each time like the first time.
Even though she knew what was coming, when his hot tongue slid along her pussy she screamed his name, and heard his resulting moan pressed against her core. Their desire fed on one another's pushing the flames higher and higher until it burned out of control.
His tongue licked along her entrance teasingly, slowly, driving her wild. He didn't go anywhere near her clit, wanting to make her wait for her orgasm.
Hermione thought he quite liked going down on her while she was pregnant, she could no longer reach to grab him and yank him back up to put an end to his teasing, her tummy was in the way.
"Do you know how pretty your little pussy is?" His voice was dark and husky with desire, and she pushed against him, trying to get his tongue deeper inside her. He loved teasing her, but she had learned a few tricks about her husband as well, and he absolutely adored hearing her talk dirty.
"Harry, please, lick me harder. I want to feel your tongue-" She cut off with a sharp moan as he pressed harder against her, his tongue delving deep, retreating and pushing in again.
When he finally pulled back, her breath was coming in panting little moans and the bottom half of his face was wet from being pressed against her pussy.
He gave a lustful smile, his teeth flashing. "Do I make you happy, wife?" He crawled up her body kissing her as he moved.
"You make me very happy, husband."
"Mmm." He kissed her mouth, and she tasted herself, his tongue sliding passionately against hers. While his busy hands positioned her so he could slide his cock deep inside her. He touched her breasts gently, reverently, knowing how sensitive pregnancy had made them, his eyes fixed on her face to watch her reaction to his caresses.
Harry then straightened up, kneeling, pulling her hips high against him, so she was displayed out in front of him as he made love to her. She stretched out her arms above her head, letting him control their movement, pulling her against him in hard jerks as he watched her tits and belly bounce with each deep thrust.
She loved the feeling of his hips moving between her thighs, their skin sliding against each other, she swore she could feel his magic when he was like this. Prickling along her skin, hanging heavy in the air, focused on her, pressing in on her just like Harry.
She felt no embarrassment about her body as she watched his eyes devour the sight of her as he made love to her. Harry's effusive and explicit praise of her, and her body, had burnt out her embarrassment long before their wedding.
He pulled up higher, she was half lifted off the bed as he pulled her closer to him as he continued thrusting hard against her. A bead of sweat had drifted down his chest, she wished she could lick it. Her orgasm broke suddenly, her nipples and pussy tightening almost painfully and she gave a strangled yell.
"That's it love, come on me." His hand reached over possessively sliding against her stomach. Harry fucked her through her orgasm, and she twisted her hands in the sheets each time he bottomed out in her clenching pussy.
She laid there half dazed her hands above her head, her body moving with his thrusts, watching him make love to her. Her mind was still marveling at the same thoughts, maybe they would never go away.
His hips slapped firmly against hers, before he slid slowly out again.
My best friend is making love to me.
He pushed in again, the slick sounds of sex loud in the air.
Harry Potter is my husband, and he fucks me like the world might end.
Harry pulled out again, muttering about getting her pregnant again and she gave a breathless laugh.
Harry was absolutely obsessed with her pregnant body.
He pushed inside her rougher than before, his voice almost coming out like a growl. "I love coming inside you."
He ground against her as he came, trying to bury himself deep and she trembled against him. His hot green eyes were fixed on where they were joined as he pulled back slowly, giving a soft moan as he saw his cum sliding out of her wet pussy.
His eyes rose to meet hers and he gave a satisfied bedroom smile, the kind only she would ever see. She reached out her hands for him, asking silently for cuddles and he rose up laying on the side of her and pulling her close.
After they had settled together she picked up his hand, touching the wedding ring. "I love you so much, sometimes it scares me." Hermione whispered.
He tightened his hold around her, "Don't be, I love you that much too."
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Hermione shook off her day dreaming about Harry. Her next patronus was sent to her mediwitch contact Brandy. Brandy popped outside the ward shortly and Hermione opened the door to let her in. Brandy had short straight blonde hair with blue eyes and was small statured with a curvy figure, she was dressed in the light green healer robes of St Mungos. She smiled excitedly at Hermione.
"Ready to become a mommy?"
Hermione gave a little wince as another small contraction hit, but smiled back at her nodding.
"You have your bag?"
Hermione gestured on the couch, walking over to grab it and throw it over her shoulder. She saw that Harry's patronus had finally disappeared. She wondered if Ron had gotten to him yet.
Brandy took her and firmly and they walked outside slowly so Brandy could apparate them to St Mungos.
Everything went without a hitch, they arrived and Hermione was calmly led to the room that had been set up for her. She changed into a hospital gown and was just declining a pain potion from the healer when the door to the room slammed open and her wild haired husband stormed in.
"You sent a patronus to RON first!"
She gave him a mulish expression. "You would have splinched yourself."
"I would have-"
"SPLINCHED YOURSELF!" Hermione's voice came out a little louder than she intended when a contraction hit just as she started speaking.
Harry's eyes widened and he reached for her hand nodding. "I would have splinched myself."
He threaded their fingers together locking their hands tight, and she squeezed hard as the contractions started coming harder and with shorter breaks between them. It seemed like hours she laid there, the contractions coming in torturous cycles that sometimes didn't give her a chance to catch her breath.
"My, my, baby Potter is definitely anxious to be born, first time mothers usually have a really long birth." The healer said with a chuckle.
"Thank, Merlin." Hermione whispered, even with the rune charm, the pain had begun getting sharper, and the pressure on her pelvis was intense.
"Dad, do you want to come catch him?" The healer asked.
Harry was a bit pale and this time he was the one squeezing her hand. "Um that is maybe I should stay on this side, by my wife."
Hermione felt the next contraction hit hard, the healer telling her to push. She was pushing! But she had no breath to tell the healer that.
And suddenly…
There was the sound of a baby crying.
Her baby.
Their baby.
James Sirius Potter.
The healer handed the baby to Harry, who brought James to her, laying him on her chest. James had quieted as soon as his father took hold of him, and he snuggled against her skin, as if recognizing her as his mother.
Tears dripped down her face and she looked at Harry to find him also crying. He leaned over the bed, his left arm around her back while his right stroked slowly down James's face.
"I love you, James Sirius Potter."
The healers had been busy cleaning and doing diagnostics from a distance while they were distracted with the baby, and suddenly the room was dimmer and they were alone. Just the three of them.
Hermione scooted over on the bed and Harry climbed in next to her, James between them. She looked down and James was already asleep exhausted from his new experiences, and she could feel exhaustion pulling at her too.
"Harry …make sure…"
"Rest, love. I've got it."
Hermione let herself drift off to sleep knowing Harry was watching over her and James.
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Hermione cradled James as they made their way slowly to the non-emergency apparition point of St Mungos. Harry was almost right on top of her, their bags were slung around his left side while she walked on his right and his arm wrapped firmly around her but his attention was on his surroundings.
She had thought after she gave birth he would calm down, but Harry was looking around like he expected them to be attacked at any second. James cooed happily while seeming to eye his father's tense form.
"Harry, what are you doing?" She whispered to Harry as they walked, gently patting James' back as she held him.
Even though she kept her voice soft, she felt Harry's subtle flinch, and he looked down at James who fairly sparkled with excitement as if he felt his father's gaze. "They're just letting me walk out of here with him!"
She gave him a squinty look. "You mean us walk out of here with our son?"
"Yes! They're just letting us have him!"
Hermione scrunched her eyes closed for a second as she tried to figure him out. "Hermione, open your eyes. What if you fall and then they think we don't know what we're doing and then they take him away!"
The real panic in his voice managed to drain a tiny bit of her consternation. They were in sight of the apparition point and Harry was so stressed about leaving his hair seemed to stand on end as if he had been electrocuted.
She felt Harry brace himself and reached out to grab his arm. "I've got us." She apparated the three of them easily to the front of Grimmauld Place.
Harry heaved a sigh of relief as he saw the door to their home. "I can't believe they just let us take him!"
"We are his parents, Harry."
"There wasn't even a test or–or at least an oral exam–what if we aren't responsible? What if something happens to him? Hermione really. You refused to leave Hogwarts without your N.E.W.T.S and you don't think they should have tested us before they let us WALK OUT WITH A BABY?"
Hermione looked at him. Harry practically vibrated with his unease. She reached up with one hand, curling it behind his neck. She rubbed lightly, trying to relieve some of his tension, feeling the hair on the nape of his neck, then pulled him down closer to her.
Beyond Harry she saw the door to Grimmauld place creep open and Ron poke his head out. She flicked her hand behind Harry at Ron and he ducked back in, Harry unaware of the exchange. She needed to calm Harry down before they walked into the madhouse Ron surely had planned.
"Harry."
"Yes?"
"You're going to make a wonderful father for James."
His breath caught almost in a half sob, and he cuddled them both close, wrapping his hands around her and James. "You promise?"
"I promise."
They stood there on the sidewalk for long minutes while muggles walked past them with sidelong glances. Until Harry finally pulled back, the panic that had been in his eyes since they started the discharge finally receded a little bit.
He reached out and softly stroked James's curly black hair. "I'm scared of messing up Hermione."
"We're not perfect Harry. We're going to mess up a little, but we're family and we're going to love each other anyway–no matter what."
He sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly and nodded at her. "I guess we should go in before the muggles get really suspicious."
Hermione smiled at him. "Mhmm, I would say so. It's a bit hot out here for James."
Harry's eyes widened and he pulled them along towards the door. Just as he was about to open the door it was flung open and Ron jumped in front of it. "Surprise!"
Hermione barely flinched when Ron hit the floor after Harry's stupefy hit him. Even though it was three days later, Ron was still in his Brand New Godfather shirt which looked like it needed at least a couple of scourgifies. Maybe next time Ron would listen to her although that was doubtful. She looked at the large crowd that gathered in their living room with their mouths open staring at them.
"Hi Everyone! Meet James Sirius Potter!"
George was the first one to break the silence with his laughter. "Welcome home James!"
Then everyone joined in with a chorus of cheers as a slightly red faced Harry re-enervated Ron, who jumped up and gave Harry a big pat on the back. "Merlin, mate, you're even quicker on the draw than when we were in Hogwarts!"
Hermione made a face and cast several scourgify spells aimed at Ron before he could get close to James. Then she cast some at Harry too.
Molly looked like she might burst with happiness, her gaze flickering from James, then back to her own son George. George's laughter had become a bit rarer since Fred's passing and Hermione knew Molly treasured each time she saw her son happy.
Angelina leaned her head on George's shoulder, her arm tight around his waist as they talked and laughed with everyone around them.
"Hermione! Hermione pay attention, give him to me!" Ron made wiggly fingers at her. "Quick, before Mum's over her distraction with George or I'll never get him from her."
Hermione giggled, handing the swaddled James carefully over. "Make sure to support his head."
"I know! I know! I practiced with potatoes."
She and Harry exchanged wide-eyed glances and mouthed. "Potatoes?"
Hermione grabbed the back of Harry's robe before he could follow after Ron as Ron went about the room, introducing the baby to everyone one by one. "Stay with me Harry, he's going to be fine."
"But–"
Hermione reached up and turned Harry's face away from where he still looked towards Ron who was now arguing with Molly about who should hold James. "You know what, Mr. Potter?"
Harry stopped, caught by the look in her eyes. "What?"
"It's been entirely too long since you've kissed me."
A big smile slowly stretched across his face, his teeth flashing. "Is that so, Mrs. Potter? I can't have that."
He wrapped his arms around her and dramatically leaned her back while she giggled and pressed his lips to hers. Catcalls immediately went up in the crowd.
"Oi! That's how you two got one baby already!" Seamus Finnegan yelled out.
"Aw, Seamus, is that how you think babies are made? No wonder you're single." George snarked.
Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet raised their eyebrows at Angelina, who gave a light cuff to the back of George's head. "Be nice."
Luna Lovegood clapped her hands excitedly as Ron approached their group, with the baby having somehow fended off his mother's grabby hands. "What a beautiful baby. We should do a birth blessing! There's enough of us here."
Luna looked around quickly, counting all the witches. Molly, Fleur, Angelina, Katie, Alicia, Andromeda and herself made just enough for a coven. Katie and Alicia grasped their wands excitedly. "That's a great idea Luna! I've never done one before!"
Molly approached, tapping her son firmly on the shoulder. "I have, you hand over that baby this instant Ronald Bilius Weasley."
Ron knew when he was defeated, and carefully handed his godson over to his mother. The men in the room backed up while Harry stood next to Hermione.
"Hermione…"
She reached over and squeezed his hand. "I've read about these love, it's fine." Then she walked over and took her son from Molly, moving to stand in the middle of the group of seven witches.
She slowly rocked back and forth with her son as she looked around at her friends and family and smiled. The seven witches surrounding her raised their wands high overhead as they started the chant.
We call on the power of Lady Magic
By the Moon, Sun, Earth, Air, Fire and Sea
Hear our plea
Bless this child
Let the moon grant him wisdom
The sun light his happiness
May the earth keep him rooted in family
The air deliver him freedom
Let fire grant him courage
And an endless sea of love surround him
We call on the power of Lady Magic
By the Moon, Sun, Earth, Air, Fire and Sea
Hear our plea
Bless this child
Thin streams of light emitted from the tips of their wands as they chanted the light circling around Hermione and James. A feeling of wellbeing and peace seemed to have invaded the room. It was as if a force greater than all of them had enveloped them all in a warm embrace.
There wasn't a dry eye in the room as everyone broke out in another round of cheers. Hermione caught Harry's eyes.
I love you. She mouthed at him.
I love you more . He mouthed back.
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In a place outside of time and space, five people had been looking down on the celebration and two were still watching intently. Despite the varying stages of life in which death had taken each of these people, they all appeared young, looking twenty at the most.
Lily and Tonks looked on both with tears in their eyes as they gazed down at their children. Lily looked over with tears glittering in her green eyes, the same as her sons. "They're all so happy. They're all okay. I was so–" She cut off as a little sob broke through.
Tonks nodded, trying to keep from being as emotional. "I knew they would be okay. Those three were something else–even more than those boneheads." She gestured with her thumb over her shoulder.
They both turned around to look at where James had Sirius in a headlock while Remus tried to convince them to calm down.
"I am only saying if you squint he may look more like me–OW" Sirius laughed and choked it off as James proceeded to give him a nougy.
"Take it back! That's my namesake!"
"Mine too!"
"You two, he can look like both of you -er-" James and Sirius paused and looked at Remus.
"What?!" James loosened his hold on Sirius' head and Sirius shoved him back, straightening up.
Sirius laughed, throwing back his hair. "Look like both of us? Well, not like you have to worry Moony- your boy can look exactly like you anytime he wants."
Remus smirked. "He can, can't he?"
"Oi! Don't act like it's something you did!" Tonks hollered out from where she and Lily were still intently watching the surprise party to welcome baby James home.
"Yes, dear."
Sirius and James made whipping sounds while Lily rolled her eyes. "Can we please pay attention to the children again?"
"I can't help it, Evans. I'm still scarred emotionally from that other time, you have to look first before I do." James gave her a sheepish grin.
"I told you not to be looking in on them that late, Prongs, you nosey git." Sirius gave him a playful poke in the arm.
"All I'm saying is he is waaaay more inventive than I was at his age."
"Oh my god James, can you please stop talking about that!"
"It's perfectly fine. They're still partying. The most he's done is give her a kiss." Tonks pointed down and they all crowded around again to watch as they had been before James started arguing with Sirius.
Lily held hands with James as they watched their son watch his son. "He's so scared."
"He'll be fine. Remember how much we panicked those first few days when we brought him home?" James said reassuringly.
"Oh Merlin, don't even remind me. I slept on your couch so I wouldn't have to apparate over constantly." Sirius said.
Remus gave him an incredulous look. "You mean how you refused to leave their couch because they might need you?"
Sirius tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Is that how it happened?"
"Yes." Lily, James and Remus said in unison while Tonks giggled.
"Look!" James pointed downwards, and they all leaned down for a better look.
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Harry walked over to Arthur, who was carrying Teddy, and asked for him, taking the toddler gently from him. Arthur gave the baby a brief pat on the back before turning back to continue his conversation with his son, Bill.
"Hawy!" Sixteen-month-old Teddy clasped his arms tight around Harry's neck.
"Teddy! I missed you. Where have you been?"
Teddy proceeded to babble excitedly at Harry – the majority of it wasn't clear but a few words—Gama and home were clear even in his baby speech.
"I'm taking some time off work, you should come visit me and your new cousin James."
"Yeh!" Teddy answered enthusiastically and Harry laughed. He made his way through the crowded living room over to his wife, who was holding James again, stopping when he was so close the babies were practically touching.
"Look Teddy, meet your new cousin James." Hermione held up James to give Teddy a better look at the sleepy baby.
"Yams!" Teddy reached out and poked James in the cheek.
Harry and Hermione shared a smile. "We'll work on that."
James and Teddy made strange baby faces at each other while they laughed, loving the way the babies interacted with one another.
"I'm glad James is going to have someone to grow up with." Hermione looked at the babies, thinking of her own life growing up as an only child.
Harry cleared his throat. "We could give him lots of someones to grow up with."
Hermione laughed at the flirting glint in his eyes. "You sure you're not too worried about all that responsibility?"
Harry looked down at the babies, his face becoming serious. "It does worry me, I keep expecting something bad to happen. After eight years of going from one thing to the next, it's hard not to expect it. But I have you to help me and as long as I have you by my side… then yes, I can handle it."
Hermione leaned up against him to press a soft kiss to his lips while Teddy tried to stick his fingers between their faces. "I'll always be by your side.
"Nooo kiss!" Teddy tried pushing their faces apart as they laughed.
Harry looked at Hermione mischievously. "I can't kiss Hermione? But I have to kiss someone! I guess it has to be…"
"TEDDY!" They both leaned down to kiss Teddy on either side while he squealed and James waved his hands about gurgling, as if he wanted to join in on the fun.
"Noooo kiiiissss!" Teddy giggled.