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Twice in a Blue Moon	By : UnseenLibrarian Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Hermione/Bill Views: 19685 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 5
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters from it. I make no money from this story.

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CHAPTER 7

Sunday, Dec 12, 2000

"I'm... what?"

Behind Bill, Ron and Lavender were hugging and talking excitedly with Arthur. Hermione ignored them. She could only stare at her mate, confusion and surprise etched across her features.

Giddy with happiness, Bill cupped her face with his hands, leaning down to kiss her soundly. Whispering against her lips, he repeated the news. "We're going to have a baby, sweetness."

He couldn't stop smiling. He was finally going to be a father.

His inner wolf was strutting around, its cocky smugness radiating outwards and permeating his mind.

Wham, bam, thank you ma'am, the pups are a-coming! Damn, Red, you've got some potent seed. It's been only, what, about seventeen or eighteen hours since you first mated? The conditions were right, your female is hot, your bond was successful … You dog, you. You'd better keep practicing though. You haven't had nearly enough exercise.

No need to worry, wolf. My mate and I have barely gotten started, Bill sent the mental quip at his wolf then refocused on Hermione, wanting to celebrate the happy news with her.

Hermione didn't seem nearly as excited as Bill and his wolf were, however. Her brow furrowed as she tried to process the information. She shook her head slowly and said in a quiet voice, "I can't be pregnant, Bill. I cast a twenty-four hour contraceptive charm yesterday." Then, she continued as realization dawned, "Wait, I just remembered that you cast Finite on my warming charm. That cancels all spells." Her voice trailed off and she swallowed hard, her face stricken.

Bill's grin faded as he watched the color drain from her cheeks. Unease stirred in his gut. She'd cast a contraceptive charm? Why would she have done that? Unless … he reached for her but she took a step back, biting her lip and wringing her hands.

Shite. He might be pleased at the idea of having a child so soon, but it was obvious that his lovely Hermione was not. He felt his face flush with aggravation and annoyance.

Damn it. I wish I'd realized earlier, before everyone arrived, Bill muttered mentally.

His wolf scoffed. Don't let that Lavender female scold you; your mate's scent changed only a few minutes ago.

That's not what I mean, wolf. I shouldn't have blurted it out. I should have told Hermione when we were alone.

Before he could speak again, his father turned from Ron and Lavender and gave Bill's shoulder a firm squeeze. "Congratulations, this is wonderful news!" He beamed at the pair of them, seemingly unaware of the tension that had sprung up between his eldest son and Hermione. "How nice to have something good happen in the midst of all this Greyback worry."

Ron, his arm around Lav's waist and his hand resting on her burgeoning belly, laughed. "Merlin, wait until Mum hears about your fruitful evening of savagery." Lavender shushed him as Hermione's head jerked up at his words. Her eyes were bright and Bill could see they were full of unshed tears.

"I've … I've got to … um, please excuse me," she stammered quickly before sprinting up the stairs.

"Ah yes, off to the loo," chuckled an oblivious Arthur. "You'd best get used to that, Bill, eh, Lav?"

Lavender didn't answer. She watched Hermione go and made as if to follow, but Bill stopped her, meeting her eyes and shaking his head.

"But, she needs to know about what happened, so she won't-" she began.

He said quickly, "I agree, but if it's all right with you, Lav, I'll tell her. We need some one-on-one time." Lavender agreed, looking rather woebegone.

Facing all three visitors, he said, "Hermione and I need some time to talk. You three head back to the Burrow. We'll be along by lunchtime." He pierced Ron and his father with his gaze. "Please don't tell Mum or anyone about the pregnancy. That's an announcement for us to make." He shot a quick glance at Lavender. She nodded in understanding; she would make sure nothing was said.

Arthur's expression turned sympathetic as he finally noted the tension in the air. "Right! Of course, Bill. Mum's the word to your mum. And everyone. About, well, everything." He grew more flustered as he spoke. "Um… right. We'll just say you'll be along soon. Let's go, Ron, Lavender!"

Ron tossed the Floo powder into the fire for his wife. Lavender hesitated, and then quickly hugged Bill. She gave him a nod before stepping into the fireplace and calling out the Burrow as her destination, disappearing into the green flames with a floomph. Ron then threw in more powder for his father, telling him he'd be right along, and hung back.

After Arthur's departing flames had died down, Ron stuffed his hands into his pockets and looked thoughtfully at Bill. He seemed to be weighing his words before speaking.

"What is it, Ron?" Bill asked impatiently, glowering at his youngest brother. He was itching to get upstairs to talk to Hermione. "Can it wait until we come to the Burrow?"

"No, it's better that I say this now," Ron replied. "Hermione's one of my best friends, Bill. I know her better than anyone, except perhaps Harry." Bill snorted, arms crossed. Taking a deep breath, Ron continued, "The three of us used to talk about what our future families would be like. I always knew I'd have kids. It comes with the Weasley genes, yeah? Harry can't wait to have them. He's going to be a great dad; they'll probably have three or four little ones running around in short order. But, as for Hermione," he paused.

She wants pups, right? Yeah? Say yes. Please say yes.

Bill held up a hand. "Don't," he said in a strangled voice, his scars standing out vividly against a face suddenly gone pale. "Please don't tell me that she doesn't want kids. Children have to happen; it's a biological imperative of our mating."

Ron was shaking his head emphatically. "No, no, that's not it at all, Bill. Hermione does want kids; she always said she'd like at least three. She hated not having siblings while growing up. She was lonely most of the time, and it was hard for her to make friends." Bill felt his shoulders slump with relief at Ron's words. Thank Godric, he thought.

Ron went on. "But you know how Hermione is. She likes to be in charge; she wants to know what's happening and why." He gave Bill's arm a good-natured punch. "I guarantee you she's freaking out a little right now. She's lost all sense of control over her life, yeah? In forty-eight hours, she's had a steamy tête-à-tête with you, found out that a crazed werewolf is on the loose and hunting for her, became your mate during a long night of shagging, and has now just learned, by way of your gifted nose, that she's pregnant." Ron rolled his eyes. "Blimey. If I were her, I'd explode. She's always had an organized life. When we were on the run from You-Know-Who, she was the only one of us who prepared for it. She kept us alive with her planning, you know. She had all our clothes, a tent, books, and potions in that brilliant bag of hers, and she'd figured out which concealing spells to cast to protect our camp. When the Snatchers found us, she's the one who thought to cast a Stinging Hex on Harry to disguise him. We'd have been royally fucked if she hadn't. Bloody amazing, she was. After the war she finished her education like she'd always planned and she's spent the past six months helping to reorganize the Hogwarts library. I know her latest goal involved starting an internship, but I can't remember where."

He shrugged. "I'm sure she planned that out months ago. The point is, she prides herself on being prepared, but now, things are all jumbled up. Being stalked by Greyback sure isn't anything she wanted, and getting pregnant this early in the game probably wasn't at the top of her list. She's overwhelmed. If I were you, Bill, I'd put my big brain to work helping her big brain create a new life plan. You'll be glad you did."

Having said his piece, Ron stepped over to the fireplace. "Hermione's smart, and strong, and clever. You need to remind her of that fact." He snagged a pinch of Floo powder.

Bill was staring at him, a disbelieving smirk on his face. "When did you grow up, Ron?" He marveled.

"Oh, when a little demi-werewolf bit me," Ron answered, grinning. With a flare of green flame, Ron departed.

As soon as he was gone, Bill closed the Floo to incoming traffic, inhaled slowly through his nose to calm himself, and headed up the stairs. He had a mate to comfort.

o

She wasn't in their room or the en suite bathroom. Following her scent, he found her in the smallest bedroom. Though cozy, the room had a large window that let in the early winter sunbeams. The room held two small chests of drawers and two twin beds, separated by a simple nightstand.

Bill paused in the doorway, taking in the sight of his lovely mate leaning against the foot of one of the beds, arms crossed, staring out the window with a look of consternation on her face.

Gently, Red, she's fragile.

Bill gave a mental nod and cleared his throat.

"Hermione?"

A moment passed before she looked over at him.

"I, I'm sorry I left so abruptly. I needed someplace quiet to think," she said in a shaky voice. "I needed to, to process ..." Her eyes were shimmering and a tear started making a trail down her cheek. She wiped it away roughly, almost angrily, and sniffled.

"Sweetness, it's all right. I don't blame you a bit."

"I just cast a pregnancy detection charm on myself. Your nose is right. I am pregnant, barely. You might say the ink's still wet on the parchment." She tried to laugh, but it sounded strangled. "What now, Bill?"

"Now? Now I tell you how much I love you." He stepped into the room, holding a hand out to her. As he crossed the threshold, Hermione let a sob escape and went to him, burrowing against him. His arms came around her and he felt a sharp pang in his heart. Oh, my sweet girl. He buried his face in the crook of her shoulder, whispered, "I love you, my sweet, sweet mate," and then simply held her as she wept, quietly lending her his strength.

She suddenly clenched her hands into fists and beat at his chest. "I hate this! I can't think straight! I can't stand feeling so confused," she cried, looking up, her eyes wild. "Bill, I love you so much. I've fancied you since Ron and I broke up. I was heartsick when you left for Egypt, and that just got worse when we didn't hear from you all year. When I found out you were finally coming back I was thrilled. I hoped you and I could finally try being a couple." She laughed a bit hysterically at that. "I guess that wish came true, eh?" She shook her head, tears dripping off her nose. "But Greyback's escape has me so worried, and now I'm pregnant?We're going to have a family so soon? We've just bonded and we've had so little time together, Bill. I do want children, but I'm not prepared!"

She took a great, heaving breath, her voice cracking. "I've been accepted into the Curse Breaking internship at Gringotts, mostly because of that break-in I helped engineer with Ron and Harry. I think the goblins want to see what else I can do so they can shore up their security. I applied because it seems fascinating and because I hoped I'd get to work with you. But now we are mated, which is absolutely wonderful, but if pregnant women can't Apparate I'll have to drop out of the program. I don't want to work at that awful Ministry but I can't just stay at home. I can't! I need something to keep me occupied. I'll go mad otherwise, fretting about Greyback and twiddling my thumbs. It's all too much!" Her tirade ended with more gasping sobs, her face pressed tightly to his chest as she gripped his shirt in her hands. Her entire body shook.

Bill stood still, hugging her with his chin resting on her head and rubbing one hand soothingly over her back as she cried out her frustrations.

The wolf paced fretfully. Your mate's really worked up.

She's stressed to the gills, wolf. She needs to vent.

I know. I just … the wolf hesitated. I wouldn't know what to do in your place, Red. Like I've always said, you're a natural with the females.

Bill smiled at the lupine presence inside his head. Thanks. I guess there's something to be said for the higher brain functions after all.

Yeah. I guess. The wolf went quiet for a moment, then chuckled. You two are good for each other. Didja hear? She loves you, you big oaf.

Bill couldn't stop his grin from widening. Yeah. I heard.

After a few minutes passed, her sobbing lessened and then died away, and another moment or two later, a much calmer Hermione lifted her head. She sniffled again, looked at his chest, and gave a rueful chuckle. "Yuck. I've gotten you a bit soggy," she said, dabbing at her eyes with one sleeve of her jumper. His shirtfront was indeed damp with tears and other evidence of her crying jag.

Gross. That's just nasty, his wolf remarked.

Bill made an exaggerated show of soberly examining the damage. "I've seen worse," he decided. "A quick cleaning charm will fix it." He proved that to be the case with a flourish of his wand. Then, tossing it onto the nightstand, he lifted Hermione's chin to look her in the eye. "Sweetheart, your brain is on overdrive. You don't have to deal with it alone, you know. C'mere." He led Hermione to one of the beds. They lay down on it, cuddled together, her head cradled on his shoulder. She rested her hand on his chest and idly played with his shirt buttons.

"You're a good listener."

"That's what I'm here for, love. We're in this together."

"I'm not complaining. I'm just not used to it." She sighed. "Ron's a good friend but he wasn't much of a listener when we were younger. Though, I'll admit, he has improved considerably."

Bill nodded, his long fingers stroking her braid. "I've noticed that about him. He's more sympathetic and thoughtful now that Lav's sunk her teeth into him." They looked at each other and laughed.

After a few moments of quiet, Bill asked hesitantly, "So, I'm curious. Why did you cast the contraceptive charm?" He waited, surprised to find he was dreading her answer. What if she had been trying to protect herself from him?

Hermione inhaled deeply. "I wanted some extra protection in case Greyback did somehow get hold of me," she said, her voice catching. She shuddered. "I want children born of love, not of hate and obsession." She propped herself on one elbow and looked him in the eye. "It had nothing to do with you, Bill. You know that, don't you?"

"Oh, well, of course. Right! Guarding against capture by Greyback, that's good thinking. Very sensible." He squeezed her in a tight hug. Mentally he felt awash with relief. She hadn't been trying to avoid their mating after all. He felt sheepish for even having had the thought.

Duh, of course she wanted to bond with you, you berk. Weren't you listening to me a couple of nights ago? She's wet for you even now.

I'll have more faith in you, Bill said with an inward grin. He returned his attention to his mate, who had a contemplative look on her face.

"Bill," she began, "you said last night that outside magic would interfere with our mating. What would have happened if the contraceptive charm had still been in place?"

"Our attempt to mate would have failed. We'd have had a grand ol' time fucking in the great outdoors, but we wouldn't be bonded. I'd still be cranky and irritable today, with no patience and lots of anger." He paused to trace a forefinger along her jawline. "But our mating was successful, so I'm relaxed and happy. It's incredible how much of a difference being bonded to you has made already, sweetness. I feel like a puppy with a new toy. And I'm randy as hell, of course." He pinched her bottom.

Yeah, she's so fecking juicy! his wolf said, licking its lips. Bill smirked.

Hermione squeaked and poked him in the ribs. "Something tells me that's not a new phenomenon."

Snickering, he squirmed away from her finger. She slid her hand across his taut stomach, tracing the muscles beneath his shirt. She went quiet again and he could practically hear the gears turning in her head. He waited for her to speak. Finally, she asked, "Why can't pregnant witches Apparate?"

Bill sighed heavily. "It's not that they can't so much as they shouldn't. The chances of Splinching skyrocket in early pregnancy. You'd need to ask a Healer for the specifics, but it has something to do with the rapid cell division going on, the implantation, the growing of the placenta… it's just too easy for the growing embryo to be separated from mummy during Apparition." He stopped, sadness spreading across his face. "Pregnant witches are five times more susceptible to Splinching than wizards and non-pregnant witches are. It does become less of a problem as the witch comes closer to her due date. It's more like Side-Along Apparition at that point."

"That's awful!" Hermione was clutching protectively at her belly, eyes wide in horror. "But, how do you know so much about it?"

"Oh, Hermione, love," he said. "It happened to Lavender."

"No!" Hermione clapped a hand to her mouth. "When?"

"About two months after they'd mated. You were at school when it happened. She'd Apparated to the Burrow along with Ron, as she'd done countless times before, but when she arrived she immediately started bleeding and passed out. The St. Mungo's Healer told her that nothing could be done. Lavender would fully recover, but the baby was gone. She and Ron were shattered. They hadn't even known she was pregnant." Bill clenched his jaw at the memory. He saw that Hermione's eyes were full of tears.

"It's been almost two years," she whispered. "They've never told me."

Bill shook his head. "Don't be upset. They didn't want to tell anyone. They couldn't stand the fuss. Mum and Dad know because they helped Ron get her to St. Mungo's. I know only because I was at the Burrow that night. Harry and Ginny do too. But just now, Lav asked me to tell you. She didn't want you to go through the same thing she did." He sighed. "You can see now why this baby is extra-special to them, yeah?"

Hermione nodded. "I see." After another moment, she said, "I guess not doing the internship isn't the end of the world. I suppose I could offer my research services to George, to help develop new WWW products." Her voice trailed off as she bit her lower lip, obviously disappointed.

Bill rolled onto his side, cupped her cheek with his hand, and drew her face to his. "Stop chewing on yourself. That's my job," he said softly, and kissed her, reclaiming her lips with his. She moaned and leaned into him, giving as good as she got, and they snogged like that for many minutes.

Suddenly, Bill stopped mid-snog, his eyes wide open, gazing into the distance. Hermione continued to try to smooch him, but when he didn't respond she pulled back and grumped, "Hey, my big, manly wolf. I'm finally feeling a bit happier, why'd you stop?" Bill quickly focused on her and grinned.

"I know how you can still take part in the internship." He sat up, dragging Hermione upright with him. She eyed him warily, his gleeful expression an awful lot like George's. Bill seemed entirely too pleased with himself.

"How?" she finally asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Grinning even more broadly, he announced, "Did you know that Gringotts has a research library of its own?" Judging by his mate's shocked expression, she did not. He pulled her into his lap as he said smugly, "Oh yes indeed. The bank's had it for ages, hidden of course, so the goblins and Curse Breakers could research curses, counter-curses, treasure locations and so forth, away from the prying eyes of the Ministry."

"I had no idea," said Hermione. "I'd love to see it. But, how does that help with the internship?"

"All of the Curse Breakers use the library, of course. As part of training the interns learn what's in the collection and how to use the resources. At least, they are supposed to. Unfortunately, there hasn't been a librarian maintaining the place for decades. You can imagine the state it's in now." He watched her and was rewarded with the sight of her eyes lighting up as she cottoned onto what he was saying.

"Bill, that's perfect! I could re-organize the library and make it useful again. I've already got experience doing so," she said happily.

"Yes, and you could also help the Curse Breakers with research. You've got a fantastic mind for fact-finding and analysis, sweetness. You'll be brilliant. I'll talk to the goblins; I'm positive they'll take to the idea. You said yourself they want you around. The best part is that Apparition won't be necessary. Employees can Floo directly into Gringotts." And this way, he vowed to himself, I can keep you protected from that bloody werewolf.

Damn right, his wolf agreed.

Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, Bill. This is what I needed, to have an alternate plan. I feel so much better. I know your mum was home with you when you were children, but I just couldn't see myself staying home all day long."

"I would never expect you to, love. If you ever do want to stay home, I'll be fine with that. I just want you to do what makes you happy."

"Oh? Well then, I'm going to make myself happier right now." He laughed as she tackled him, pushing him down into the pillows and proceeding to have her wicked way with him.

If books are all it takes to make her this randy, Red, I say buy her a library of her own!

Bill couldn't respond just then, but he fully agreed with his wolfy companion.

o

Some time later, the sweaty and sated lovers remembered they were expected at the Burrow to have birthday cake with Charlie. Breathless and glowing, they made their way downstairs to the sitting room.

Before leaving, Bill became serious and turned to Hermione. He took both of her hands in his. "I suppose we really shouldn't be surprised that you're pregnant, since you were at your most fertile and we humped like beasts last night." Hermione blushed scarlet. "But I want you to know, sweetness, that I am thrilled beyond belief."

Hermione couldn't speak, but a small smile appeared on her face. She squeezed his hands in agreement.

"Also, we keep this to ourselves for now, yeah?" Bill asked.

Hermione nodded fervently. "Yes, please!"

"Right then. That's sorted." He scowled. "Merlin's beard, I just bet Charlie is lying in wait to get even with me."

Hermione scoffed. "He wouldn't do that. He'd rather hold that punch over your head for a good long time." She smirked as Bill rolled his eyes in agreement.

They each took a pinch of Floo powder. Hermione went first. When Bill came through, he began brushing himself off as soon as he hit the Burrow's hearth, keeping a sharp lookout for Charlie. He was a bit disappointed to find the sitting room empty. He privately thought he wouldn't have minded a little bit of payback from his brother. It would ease the guilt some.

They could hear indistinct voices. Hermione took his hand. "It sounds like everyone's already eating," she said.

"Shite, if they've started pudding already, we won't hear the end of it for being late. C'mon, let's go." With the giddiness of a bridegroom, he tugged his mate towards the kitchen and the promise of dessert.

They entered the little kitchen to find the entire Weasley clan seated around the table, Charlie at the head and wearing a party hat. No one was eating cake, however. Instead, all eyes were focused on Harry, who was still in his Auror robes. He was rumpled and soiled and looked absolutely knackered. He stopped in mid-sentence when he saw them.

"Harry!" exclaimed Hermione. "What's happened? Do you have news?"

Harry nodded soberly. "Yeah, I do. It isn't good. Greyback did attack someone last night - at Malfoy Manor."

TO BE CONTINUED ...

Author's Note: That bastard attacked someone at Malfoy Manor? Who? WHO? WHO?

Tune in next time ...

Please let me know what you think of this chapter. :) Cheers!
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Twice in a Blue Moon