they were both awesome posts. Im so happy for hermione. Kepp up the great work

Hermione was glad that she really didn't have to work at all that Monday! She felt as if she was on a cloud floating above it all. Later that afternoon, Ron came to her accompany her home for the evening...but home was not where they were going, at least not yet.
"We have been invited so a special dinner prepared by our favorite chef!" Ron told her.
"Molly!" Hermione said, face breaking into a wide smile. "She must have heard the news already!"
"Oh yeah," Ron said, returning her smile. "This time Ginny only beat my telling her by a few minutes!"
Hermione gave Ron a playful slap across the arm.
"You two are something else!" Hermione said. "You know that?"
They were laughing as they apperated to the Burrow, where, much to their delight, found it would only be themselves, Ginny, Harry along with Arthur and Molly. Typically these types of meals had a much larger crowd.
Molly really outdid herself with onion soup, beef roast rich with potatoes and gravy, carrots and beans, followed by treakle tart for dessert.
Afterwards, Ron and Hermione apperated home. Everyone did have to work in the morning after all.
That next morning, Rufas met Hermione at their office. His demeanor was serious, but not dark.
"I don't know how long I am going to be able to keep you to myself!" He said, longingly. "Already you are the best assistant I have ever had."
"You aren't going to lose me!" Hermione said, looking at her boss with wonder. "My being a member of the Wizengamot allows me to keep my position here, much like my being an Auror."
"That's basically true," Rufas agreed, nodding his head. "However, you will be spending plenty of time in your own office in the Wizengamot as well. I guess that I am just worried that it will all become too much for you and you will want to leave."
"That won't happen!" Hermione said. "Dumbledore was Chief Wizard in the Wizengamot, and now Professor McGonagall is doing it. Both have their duties at Hogwarts as well, and I don't think they had a problem keeping up, so, I am afraid you are stuck with me!"
"Yes," Rufas agreed, looking at Hermione's enlarged belly. "But neither of them had a growing family!"
"Oh yes they did!" Hermione said. "The students at Hogwarts were and always will be their family!"
"Alright!" Rufas said, smiling. "Thank you for making me feel better! By the way, after this baby is born and you are back to work, I will have a surprise for you. But! Don't ask me now what it is! You will see when the time comes!"
"Why are you torturing me!" Hermione laughed! "That's not very fair now, is it?"
"I guess not," Rufas said, smiling mischieviously "But at least I know it will get you back here faster after that baby is born! But, right now, you had better go meet with McGonagall. She's waiting for you."
"Alright," Hermione answered. "You'll be able to manage things here on your own for a little while won't you?"
She gave him what looked like a very innocent smile.
"Just hurry back before I get buried by flying faxes!" Rufas growled, then broke into laughter along with Hermione.

awesome posts. I just hope she can handle all that with a baby on the way too they better start looking for a good nanny. PAMS please.

That is so awesome, I can't wait to see Hermione's baby! She is so caring towards the people that she holds dear to her. I wonder what Rufus' surprise is? Great post!

We're about to the part where things will start jumping ahead by bits and pieces. This story needs to jump ahead like this to get where I am taking Hermione in the end. That doesn't mean it is ending really soon though, so don't worry about that!!!!

Whew! I thought it was all going to be over soon.
I haven't been here for a week, and WOW! three amazing chapters.
I can't wait until the next chapter, tatewin!

double post IgNoRe ThIs

I am a new reader and your story is fantastic that one smiley describes what i've been all day PAMS

Sorry I have been away for so long!!!! Lot's happening right now!
Hermione spent the rest of the morning meeting with everyone from the Wizengamot and putting together her own private office at the Headquarters. Before leaving to return to The Ministry office, McGonagall met with her again and left her with a stack of material to look through.
"No immediate rush," Minerva said, patting the pile of papers. "These are mostly informative to help you understand the many different fuctions we have here within the Wizengamot. There is also a list of committiees and a description of what each of them do. Each day begins with a meeting between myself and Rufas, which you already sit in one, and based upon your daily schedule, you will spend either some hours in the morning or in the afternoon in your office here. There will also be assignments, although nothing like what you have with the Ministry. Court hearings must be attended, of course, as well as the monthly legislative meetings where new laws and regulations will be discussed and implemented. Now, I must be getting back to Hogwarts and you must be getting back to Rufus! We'll see each other again soon!"
Hermione made her way back to the Ministry and as she walked she noticed how strange it felt not having Ginny with her any longer. Now that the threat Umbridge and her small gang had been removed, Ginny did not need to keep her constant company. Hermione found she missed Ginny's company, though.
Both Ginny and Rufus greeted her as she walked into the Ministry offices, however.
Ginny grinned. "It's about time! I have had to babysit for you long enough!"
"Hey!" Rufas growled playfully. "Who was it keeping me from my work complaining they were no longer needed as an official escort?"
Hermione rolled her eyes!
"Go to your rooms!" Hermione ordered, a slight smirk on her face. "Both of you!"
The three broke up laughing.
"I love working here!" Hermione thought.
Weeks passed and Hermione found herself adjusting easily into her routine in both offices. Ginny covered in many ways when Hermione had to be at her Wizengamot office. Careful planning and scheduling kept everything flowing smoothly. This was a welcome relief for Hermione as her belly swelled and she began to move more awkwardly.
At home in the evenings or over the weekends, Ron still loved to place his hands over the mound that sheltered their child. He had learned not to place his head on the mound any longer, as the baby's kick was strong enough now to hurt a little bit! The couple took good advantage of their time off to relax and unwind and to prepare for the birth of their first child. They also took the time to stay close to their friends as Harry, Ginny, Neville and Luna visited often. Ron and Hermione also visited the Weasley's, Tonks and Lupin who were getting ready to have their first child as well having been assured that the child would not be a true werewolf, but rather a hybrid of sorts. The child could later transform if they wanted, but would not be forced to at a full moon. Needless to say, Lupin was very relieved and he and Tonks made a great couple. He no longer looked thin and ill, nor did he wear shabby clothes. Rufus, despite the outcry of some ignorant wizards and witches, had allowed Moody to hire Lupin as an Auror. Together, he and Tonks brought home a very comfortably salary.
Hermione and Ron also watched their accounts at Gringott's Bank grow. Ron received raises as his rank and seniority grew. Hermione now earned a handsome salary from three Ministry offices.
One day, as Hermione sat at her desk in the Ministry office, she felt the first cramp of labor. It was midafternoon, and she automatically knew she would soon be holding her and Ron's baby in her arms. She got up and waddled into Rufus's office.
"Are you about ready to become an 'Uncle'?" Hermione asked him as he looked up at her. She smiled as she saw his puzzled face suddenly pale with the realization of the meaning behind her words. He jumped up quickly and started toward Hermione, who laughed and held out her hand in restraint. "Rufus, I am in labor, but it will still be a while before the baby actually arrives, so please, calm down! I am alright, the pains have just started and I have plenty of time. I must send an owl, however, to Molly, who is going to be with me when the baby is born. I should also send flying faxes, first to Minerva, so she will know I won't be in tomorrow and to Moody letting him know. Ron will just go starkers if I tell him right now, and I think I will be fine to work out the remainder of the day here. At 4:30, I will just go down to Ron's office and I will tell him then. We will go home together and Molly will come later. I think this baby will be here by dawn tomorrow. Until then, it will be good for me to keep busy!"
"Did I hear right?" Ginny's voice said excitedly from behind her. "I'm sorry, Hermione, I had to drop off these papers to Rufus and his door was wide open. I couldn't help but overhear!"
"It's okay, Ginny!" Hermione said, smiling at her friend. "I guess if I had wanted to keep it private, I would have remembered to shut the door."
Rufus had calmed down, but only a little. While he was no longer on the verge of panic, he was still highly concerned for Hermione.
"I think Ginny should go get Ron and you both should head on home now," Rufus said. "There's very little left to do today anyway and you need to rest!"
"That's sweet!" Hermione said, smiling gently. "But I can tell you have had little experience with childbirth. There is plenty of time yet, and I would like to get some things prepared before I have to leave you all alone for an entire month!"
"Ginny, would you help her with whatever she needs to do," Rufus said, smiling, but seriously. "Then, as soon as she is done with that, go with her to meet Ron."
"Certainly," Ginny smiled as she patted Rufus's shoulder. "Don't worry!"
The two headed back to Hermione's office, and within 45 minutes, had everything as ready as they could make it for Hermione's upcoming absence. Before leaving the office, Hermione stopped back in Rufus's office and surprised him with a hug.
"You stop by and see us in a few days, alright!" Hermione told him. "And send an Owl if you have any questions Ginny can't handle. But I know she'll keep you in line for me while I'm gone!"
"You take good care of yourself and that baby," Rufus ordered fondly. "Don't worry about me!"
Just as Hermione and Ginny left the office, Minerva came almost running around the corner. "Are you alright, Hermione?" she said breathlessly. "I just got your flying fax."
Ginny and Hermione gave each other a look of disbelief.
"I am fine," Hermione assurred Minerva as the older woman tried to catch her breath. "The pains just started about an hour ago. They are not bad at all yet. Ginny and I were just heading down to meet Ron so we can go home together."
"Well, that's good," Minerva said. "You should definately be heading home. I assume Molly is going to be there to help with the delivery?"
"Oh, yes," Hermione reassured Minerva. "Please come by and see us later!"
"I wouldn't want to intrude," Minerva said.
"You would NOT be intruding, you would be a very welcome guest in our home!" Hermione said. "Please come!"
"All right," Minerva said. "I will come, but in a couple days. You will need time to rest after the baby comes. But, Ginny, would you please send me an owl when the child arrives?"
"Of course!" Ginny said, smiling.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Minerva said. "Get going! You have to tell Ronald that his child is coming!"
"See you later!" Hermione said as she and Ginny made their way down the hall.
"People sure act wierd when they find out you're in labor, don't they?" Hermione said.
"They sure do!" Ginny laughed. "But I have a feeling we haven't seen anything yet! I bet Ron absolutely faints from panic!"
"Maybe you should just come with us to our place," Hermione said. "I may need someone there to help me control him!"
The laughed together all the way down the hallway to the entrance to the Auror's Office.

Awesome chapter, tate!
Can't wait to hear about Ron and Mione's baby! Post again soon!
~*Mindy*~

awesome post plese post more soon

Everyone looked up as Hermione and Ginny walked into the Auror's Offices. Hermione gave Moody a wink before heading back to Ron's office. The two were pleasently surprised to find Harry sitting there with Ron as they entered. Both men looked surprised to see their wives.
"Aren't you just a bit early today?" Harry said, eyes moving from Hermione to Ginny's faces and back again. "There is something different about them," Harry thought. "But what is it?"
For Ron, all it took was one look into his wife's eyes, and he knew. He jumped to his feet and yelled at Harry to move out of the chair. Harry, startled, did as Ron ordered. Ron then gently grabbed his wife and led her over to the now-vacant chair and sat her down gently.
"How long...." he began.
"The pains just started a little over an hour ago," Hermione answered him, smiling calmly. "We have a long way to go yet. I would have stayed until quitting time, but I think Rufus was too nervous to have me stay any longer."
She laughed. "I think he was afraid I might have the baby right there in the office!"
Harry had moved to stand by his wife. He now understood what was happening. He smiled broadly at his two best friends.
Moody knocked on the door and Ron beckoned him inside. Ron excitedly told Moody that Hermione's labor had begun.
"Aye," Moody said. "I thought that might have been the reason behind that wink Hermione gave me when they came in. Well, Ron, it looks like you are in fer a long night! Best get your wife on home and comfortable. I don't expect you to be in to the office tomorrow, but I do expect an owl when the baby is born, alright?"
Everyone noticed that Ron had begun to shake. The realization of what was happening was just beginning to sink in.
"Ginny and I are coming with you," Harry said as he took his friend by the arm, helping to steady him. Hermione stood and took Ron's other arm and Moody led the way over to the office's flue network. The Aurors that saw them noticed Ron's face had gone totally white and that his eyes were glazed.
"Ah, the look of a new father-to-be!" Kingsley Shacklebolt shouted. "I remember it well! You'll get through it alright, Ron! Take courage! In these circumstances, it is our wives who have the most bravery while we men quiver and wilt, all our bravado forgotten! It will pass with no shame! When we next see you, you will be a proud father, with more courage than you ever thought you could have!"
Gentle and encouraging chuckles surrounded the group as they prepared to climb into the purple flames.
A short time later, three of the four were sitting and relaxing at Ron and Hermione's home while they watched two red heads weave back and forth as Ron and his father paced up and down the path outside.
"It's best if he keeps busy," Hermione said as she inhaled the tantellizing aroma's of Molly's cooking wafting out of the kitchen.
Molly had insisted on coming early, wanting to be sure that Hermione got all the rest she could before her hard labor set in. Hermione was thankful. Her cramping was steadily becoming stronger and more painful. But they were not yet to the point where she would have to let on to her friends how strong they had become. She was grateful she would be able to enjoy the good meal Molly was preparing before the pains got to that level.
It was several hours later that Ginny and the others started noticing that Hermione would break into a sweat when a pain hit her, and her eyes would darken. It was time to call Ron inside again, but to Ron's surprise, Hermione and Ginny made their way outside. It was Hermione's turn to walk! Activity helps one get through the pain for a time, but when it came to the point where Hermione had to stop and curl over when a cramp hit her, Ginny led her back inside where Molly waited. Taking Hermione by the other arm, Molly helped Ginny get Hermione upstairs and into bed.
Those downstairs waited anxiously and time seemed to absolutely crawl by as Harry kept getting cold Pumpkin juice for Ron and Arthur, who was almost as nervous as his son.
Finally, Ginny came down the stairs.
Moving close to her brother she told him: "Hermione's time is near. Do you want to be with her and see that baby born? Do you think you can handle it?"
Ron looked at his father, who nodded, and got shakily to his feet, face whiter than it was at the office! Ginny supported him by his elbow as Ron shut his eyes and shook his head, then took a deep, rather shaky breath, then started moving toward the stairs.
Up in the bedroom, Molly was wiping the sweat from Hermione's brow as she rested between the now severe cramps. Ginny got Ron into a chair close to Hermione's side and saw him gently grasp his wife's hand. Hermione smiled at him. "You'll soon be a daddy!" They looked into each others eyes for a moment before Ron saw Hermione's eyes darken and narrow as another pain hit her. He heard Hermione moan as her head fell forward as if she was trying to push that pain right out of her. Her face turned quite red and beads of sweat began rolling down her temples and onto her cheeks. Ron suddenly realized that his hand was hurting. It was tight in Hermiones grasp, and Ron watched as if in suspended animation as his fingertips turned white. Then, suddenly, Hermione fell back again, panting a bit as Molly gave her a small sip of water and began wiping the seat away again. Ron noticed that the pain in his hand had eased and his fingertips were turning pink again. Hermione's eyes were back to normal as she slowly closed them for a few moments before reopening them to gaze at her husband. The sun was just beginning to rise, turning the fields and hills around them into hues of orange, red and gold.
The rest did not last long! Hermione was hit with another pain, but there was something different now...it was as if the pain had a real purpose, a goal that his wife was now struggling to meet. Then he saw it! His baby was coming, and quickly! Moments later, he heard the baby's first cry as his mother gathered the infant up and into soft blankets. It took a few momments for Molly's practiced eye to check the baby over, then, smiling widely, moved to hand the baby to Hermione. "Here's your son!" She announced happily, looking at both Hermione and her son, who was sitting there bug-eyed and stunned.
"I have a son!" Ron said softly, in wonder and awe. "I am a father!"

Yay! You finally posted~
and Yay! again~
Ron and Hermione are parents now. That's great news. I've been waiting for this moment, but poor Hermione, she had to go through all those painful moments. At least the end is happy!

pams!

pams! pams!

they were excellent posts tatewin, hermione finally had her and rons baby

Yay! the baby is here! Those were a couple of awesome posts! My goodness, I felt myself tensing during her Labor! Great Post! Can't wait to see what happens next!

They don't call it Labor for nothing, do they?

After several minutes, Molly then shooded her son out of the room so that Hermione and the baby could get cleaned up, dessed and comfortable. Ron was beeming as he made his way down the stairs, but he was also moving like a drunken man making his way home after a night at the pub. Harry and Arthur quickly met and caught him before he could fall down the stairs. It was good that they had reached him, because the full effect of what he had just seen finally hit him. He smiled oddly and whispered "I have a son!" before his legs gave way and his body went limp in a dead faint! Harry and Arthur carried him down to the couch and laid their friend gently down onto it and covered him lightly.
"He needs some sleep now," Arthur said, smiling. "The same thing happened to me when Bill was born. Then Charley, then Percy, then Fred and George, then Ron, then Ginny! I never learned to handle it I guess."
Harry smiled, feeling just a little left out. He and Ginny had decided to postpone having a child for a while. But now, it seemed as if he should have a talk with Ginny soon, or their children would be too young to be interested in playing with their cousins!
Harry and Arthur then busied themselves by sending owls to everyone on Ron and Hermione's list. It was about 45 minutes later when Ginny came back down and asked the two if they would like to come up and see Hermione and the baby.
"Let Ron sleep!" Ginny advised as Harry started towards him. "He needs it! The baby will still be here when he wakes up!"
They hurried upstairs.
Hermione was dressed in her new nightgown which allowed her to feed the baby easily and discretely. They noticed the baby had already been fed and was sleeping soundly wrapped ing his blanket and laying on his mother's stomach.
"We'll have to wait to see if it takes after the Weasley's," Molly said smiling. "The little one is too bald to tell right now!"
"Congratulations Grandpa!" Hermione smiled at Arthur. Little Merlin James will have to meet you and his Uncle Harry more formally at another time. He is a bit tired right now!"
"And so is his mother!" Molly said. "We need to let Hermione sleep. It has been a long difficult night for her as well!"
"I had a feeling he would come when the sun was just coming up!" Hermione said softly, eyes fluttering with the effort to stay awake.
"We already sent all the owls, Hermione," Harry said. "Better sleep now while you can with a new baby!"
Hermione nodded her head and, as Molly took the baby and laid him in a bassenet next to the bed, she rolled on to her side and fell asleep instantly.

Oh, yay for Hermione and Ron! poor Ron is all stressed and such! one would think he did all the work I have a feeling we will be seeing more babies in the future *wink, wink* Merlin James, that is a super cute name! Great Post Tatewin!

Merlin's beard! (^^) Their baby seems to be healthy and cute! Wow, Ron actually fainted. Can't believe it. I feel so happy, for everybody!

That is so cool they are parents plz post more soon I LOVE the name it is so CUTE Merlin James

those were some wonderfully written awesome posts. Great name too. PAMS please.

Sorry for the wait!!!

Over the next several days, Hermione, Ron and the new baby had many visitors. But Ginny and Molly made sure that Mom and son did not get overwhelmed and had time to rest. After a few days, Molly was able to tell visitors the best times to come see the baby as he had already developed a schedule. Molly also made sure that Hermione didn't have to worry about cooking or cleaning for the first two weeks after the birth, but also realized that the household had to return to a normal schedule with just the three of them. But for the first week or so, Hermione was being kept busy with all the gifts being brought or send from friends, family and co-workers. Ron had finally calmed down and the glove of fatherhood was fitting him better. There was a new pride and confidence to him that showed in his walk and the way he held himself. He held his small son comfortably and even allowed his mother to teach him how to change diapers, feed and bath him. Everyone could tell he enjoyed doing things with the baby already.
Ron had already gone back to work of course, but Hermione took the time to enjoy the time off she had. She and Molly, Luna and even Tonks and Fleur occasionally before they delivered their own babies, would get together and take walks. Sometimes they would take muggle transportation to Diagon Alley or for shopping muggle stores in London.
Hermione surprised them all one day when she and Molly returned to Hermione's home one weekend when Ron and Harry were spending some R & R time together in a brand new car Hermione had purchased and quickly learned how to drive. She even got herself a muggle driver's licence "just in case". (Although she could definately disappear if a policeman tried to ticket her for anything.) Ron was stunned, but pleased that they wouldn't have to depend on muggle public transportation when they traveled with the baby. Floo powder and apparition was too rough for an infant to handle. Little Merlin soon learned to love flying however as both his mother and father strapped him onto thier backs when they rode their brooms!
The weeks passed quickly, and soon it was time for Hermione to return to work! For now, Molly would watch the baby while Ron and Hermione worked. Soon, Fleur and Bill's daughter would join them. Occasionally, Tonks and Lupin brought their son over to play as well. Molly definately did not have to worry about being bored! She had one "nephew" and two grandchildren and had just recently found out that there was another grandchild on the way...Ginny and Harrys!!!!

yay Harry and Ginny are having a baby

ps great posts, as usual

poor Molly but I guess raising 7 kids she can handle it. and another on the way ya for Harry and Ginny.