A Slight Complication

Chapter Nine: I Wanna Hold You Close

Hermione was tucked into bed, making a rather futile attempt to feed her son when the bedroom door slammed open. Fred stood shell shocked in the doorway and she stared back at him, relief washing over her. He was okay. He made it back.

“Are you okay?” He ran to join her, falling to his knees at her bedside. “Aunt Muriel told us. I couldn’t believe it. You…” He trailed off, staring at their son in awe. “Is that…”

Hermione smiled and shifted over to give Fred room to sit beside her. “Come here little boy.” She lifted the fussy child and stroked his soft cheek before presenting him to Fred, who quicky climbed in next to her. “This is your Daddy.”

Fred took the boy into his arms, smiling down with his eyes shining. “Hey there little guy. You came a little early, didn’t you? You get that from your mother for sure.”

Hermione smiled, letting her head rest on Fred’s shoulder. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” she whispered.

“Of course I am. George promised to bring me back, didn’t he?”

“What about everyone else?” She was afraid to spoil the serene moment, but she had to know what kind of world her son had been born into.

“We won. No need to worry about anything else for now. Harry and Ron are okay, and the rest of the family will be here soon. I came back as soon as everything was over but there’s a lot of clean up over there.”

Hermione could tell there was information he was holding back on, but she was willing to let it wait. For the moment she just wanted to enjoy this peaceful time with Fred at her side, their child cuddled between them.

Fred took their son from her arms and turned to the heroes of the wizarding world; her very best friends.

“Meet Ronald Harry Weasley,” he beamed.

Hermione rolled her eyes and tried to hide a snicker as Ron and Harry both gushed about what an honor it was to have the child named after them.

“He’s joking,” she laughed, watching both their faces fall. “His name is William Charles Granger.”

Fred gave her a disgusted look. “I thought we decided on Frederick George.”

Hermione laughed. “Because that wouldn’t be confusing.”

Ron and Harry looked on in confusion and Hermione finally took pity on them. “I’m sorry, really.” She reached for her son, cradling him in her arms as Fred handed him to her.

“Nicholas, meet Uncle Ron and Uncle Harry.”

The two boys gathered around her and the baby, Fred standing off to the side to give them room. She smiled at him gratefully and sighed in contentment.

“Nicholas?” Harry asked, staring at the tiny boy in awe.

“Yeah. Muriel said it means ‘victory of the people.’ We thought it was appropriate.”

Ron smiled, reaching to touch his nephew’s hand. “It’s perfect.” He turned to Fred, rubbing the back of his neck. “Congratulations. I… You’re gonna be a great Dad, I know it. Despite everything, I just know you two will give him everything he deserves.”

“Thanks.” Fred pulled his younger brother into a tight embrace, letting him go abruptly when the bedroom door swung open, Mrs. Weasley bustling in with her husband right behind her. George followed behind, looking decidedly harried.

"I tried to get her to stop," he apologized.

“Oh, I just couldn’t wait!” his mother gushed, quickly gathering her new grandson in her arms. “What a beautiful boy!”

Ginny, Bill, Fleur, Charlie and even Percy all stood at the door apprehensively and Hermione smiled.

“Oh just come in. The poor boy will have to get used to you lot anyway.”

AN: Thanks for sticking with me through this whole story. I'm sorry this chapter was so short, but you’ll get an epilogue after this so get your requests in now. I've already got on to keep Tonks and Lupin around so tell me what else you want. ^_^

I hope you’ve enjoyed the story, and thank you again for all your thoughts and support.