Let It Be Forever

A Surprise For The New Year

Hermione winced slightly at the pain in her back. She had been in a fair amount of pain for most of the day.  However, as it was New Year's Eve, she said nothing about it to her friends. At this point in her pregnancy, she expected to be quite uncomfortable.  Harry had noticed her expression and came to her side. "Everything ok Mione?"

"My back hurts," she replied with a sigh. "I'm fine. Enjoy yourself. It's a New Year's party, and I'm not due for another two weeks," she reminded him, jerking her head toward the people chatting, eating and dancing around the Great Hall.

Harry hesitated, peering at her with concern.  "I'm going to keep checking on you," Harry told her as he moved back toward Ginny.

Hermione shook her head and stood up. She froze as she felt a strange tightness start in her back and wrap around to the front of her stomach. She rubbed her stomach uneasily. These contractions were not like those that she had been having off and on throughout her pregnancy. She let out a shaky breath.

"Are you alright?" Severus asked, approaching her from behind. She whirled around in surprise, regretting the movement immediately. Her enlarged abdomen threw her off balance slightly and she stumbled. Severus reached out swiftly and grasped her arms, steadying her. "Slow down," he reprimanded her, but his tone was gentle. "What's wrong?"

"I had a contraction," Hermione said quietly. "A real one."

"Shall I take you to the hospital wing?" Severus asked, concerned.

"No," Hermione replied with a slight frown. "If I am in labor, it could take several hours."

Severus looked a bit taken aback. "Surely you will be in pain," he said skeptically.

Hermione swallowed hard. "Yes," she said uneasily. "But, that's just how these things are. There's nothing to do but wait. When my contractions are stronger, I'll go to the hospital wing."

"You're having contractions?" Ginny said anxiously, coming up behind Hermione. She had noticed Hermione's uncomfortable expression and had come to investigate. "Tell me when you have another one."

"Now," Hermione said, feeling her stomach begin to tighten.

Ginny placed her hands on Hermione's belly, feeling it become very tight and firm beneath her sweater. Ginny grinned. "Well, my goodness," she said happily. "Perhaps we'll have a baby tonight."

"You think?" Hermione asked, feeling slightly panicked. "My back has been hurting all day. Maybe it'll just go away."

"Maybe," Ginny replied with a shrug. "But, if you're in labor, it'll just become more painful."

"How kind of you to reassure her Mrs. Potter," Severus growled.

"I'm just being realistic," Ginny said coolly. "There's no sense in denying it. Hermione needs to rest. She has some hard work ahead of her." She flicked her wand and a large comfy chair with soft cushions appeared along with a matching ottoman.

Hermione sat down carefully with a little help from Severus. Ginny marched off to speak with Madam Pomfrey. "Do you need anything?" Severus asked, eying her apprehensively.

"A drink and some company," Hermione said with a little laugh. Severus stepped away and returned moments later with a glass of water. Once he'd handed her the water, he flicked his wand and sat down on the wooden chair that appeared. "Well, aren't you accomodating?" she chuckled as Harry, Ginny, Ron and Luna approached, summoning chairs to sit in. McGonagall approached the small group as well.

"This is so fantastic," Ginny said, gripping Harry's hand in excitement.

Hermione's smile faltered as another contraction gripped her. Everyone waited while she squirmed in slight discomfort. Harry's eyes widened as he could see her stomach jump a bit as the baby inside her kicked. "Bloody hell!" Harry exclaimed, laughing. "Did you see that?"