I finally have another longer story finished! Yes, I this story is completed already, no it isn't be posted all at once. I hope you all like it!

Warning: This story does include violence, allusions to sexual assault, abuse, miscarriage, and some major character deaths.

I own none of it. I just like to play with the characters.

Chapter 1 – Everything's Perfect

June 12, 2006

Hermione Granger-Weasley was content. No, content seemed like too simple a term to describe how she was feeling as she looked around the crowded kitchen to her unusually large, and continuously growing, family. She ducked her head as a buttered roll was tossed from a one-eared, crazy twin towards his older brother's forehead. She stifled a giggle as Percy stuttered indignantly, trying to maintain his aloof and somewhat pompous attitude before he gave a hearty laugh and retaliated with a spoonful of mushed peas. She felt her husbands' warm hand encompass her own under the enlarged table as the other twin joined in the impromptu food fight, triggering a shrill screech from her mother-in-law and laughter from the growing broad of grandchildren.

"I never thought I'd see the day when Percy of all people starts a food fight," Ron whispered into her ear as they watched a creamed pastry explode against Harry's robes as he valiantly tried to protect his wife from the fray. Ginny was doubled over laughing as she tried to feed little James who was leaning around her to watch his uncles and aunts act as children.

Hermione agreed with him. They had all changed considerably since the war that had ended eight years prior. The first few months, even years, after Harry Potter had finally killed Voldemort had been very hard on the family. She was continuously grateful that the large family hadn't lost anyone during the final, and most traumatizing, year of the second war against Tom Riddle. Her heart ached when she remembered those that had been lost like Lavender, Hagrid, and her own favorite teacher, Minerva McGonagall. They had almost lost Fred as well. He had been found under a pile of rubble after an explosion had happened in the hallway they had been battling the previous Minister for Magic of all people. Harry had performed muggle CPR while Hermione quickly did multiple healing spells on him. She could still see George's face when Fred's heart began to beat again. Fred had spent three months in a coma but he was alive and well. Well, except for his great fear of tight spaces but they all had their issues from the war. It had taken a very long time for them to get to where they were.

"Technically George started it," Hermione whispered back. Her eyes widened as she saw Fred sneak behind his mother with a handful of mashed potatoes. To her, and the other's, complete and utter surprise, Molly Weasley laughed, her plump cheeks red with mirth, before she grabbed a slice of berry pie and turned to smear it across the stunned red-head's face. This caused her children to cheer her name before grabbing more ammunition and throwing it towards any target they could find. Hermione happily licked her cheek, flavors of peppermint and chocolate bursting on her tongue. "Mmm, delicious."

Ron chuckled. "No, Percy did. He was going on and on about that boring new law." He raised his hand to wipe away some of the mint pudding she had missed. He licked his thumb, his eyes glittering with mischief.

"Hey! That boring new law is one that I worked on for six months," Hermione slapped his arm. "And it's going to help so many people, including Remus." Her eyes began to scan the table. "Where are the Lupins? And Sirius?"

"Said they'd be a bit late," Ron answered while chucking a piece of honeyed ham at Charlie. He raised his plate to deflect the chicken leg that was tossed back. "Andromeda isn't feeling so well lately and Sirius is still having issues with the Ministry."

"Well he did come back from the dead," Hermione mused, picking some corn out of her plaited hair. "There is bound to be some questions."

Sirius Black, the last heir of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, had been sent through the Veil at the end of their fifth year during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries. Almost nine years later, the Veil began to emit strange surges of power that would shake the entire Ministry of Magic. At the end of one extremely violent event, the ancient stone arch had exploded and in its place was one shivering, nearly dead Sirius Orion Black. It took two weeks for him to awaken, and another six for the Ministry to finally release him into the care of Harry who took him to live at 12 Grimmauld Place with him, Ginny, and a newborn James Sirius Potter. Nine months later and Sirius still had to attend multiple meetings and take tests as the Ministry tried to figure out how he had come back and what the consequences were. He was extremely vocal with his displeasure.

"Yes, tons. It's keeping me and Harry extremely busy at work," Ron grumbled. He pulled her tightly to his side, his large hand cupping around her still flattened stomach. "I'd much rather be coming home on time to you and this little one."

"Shh!" She quickly looked around the table to see if anyone had noticed the exchange. "No one knows yet and I don't…" Her voice trailed off, her hands beginning to tremble.

"I know, love, I know. We won't lose this one." Ron raised her chin to give her a chaste but still loving kiss. "I have a good feeling this time. And our little Rosie will be here in just over six months."

"Ron, we still don't know if it's a girl or not," Hermione sighed as she leaned into her husband's warm and inviting chest. She forced her fears of losing a third child from her mind. Shortly after the last battle Hermione had been helping Madame Pomfrey in the hospital ward when she suddenly collapsed. She woke up a week later to Harry and the Weasleys surrounding her bed with worried faces. Ron had been the one to tell her that the cursed blade Bellatrix Lestrange had used on her arm had left residue dark magic in her blood and if it hadn't been for the oldest Weasley brother, Bill, and his extensive knowledge on curses, Hermione would have died within weeks. She had cried when the healer explained that combined with the amount of time Bellatrix had kept her under the Cruciatus Curse, Hermione's chances of becoming pregnant were next to none.

It had taken them by surprise when just four months after their wedding Hermione had fallen pregnant and in their immense glee, had immediately flooed to the Burrow to tell everyone their welcome news. Two weeks later, she lost the child, throwing herself into her work and trying to tell herself that it was ok, that they'd try again later, when it was a better time for them to start a family and they were more prepared. Two years after that, when she lost another baby, this time making it to nine weeks, Hermione and Ron began to think it might be better to expand their family in other ways, like adoption or a surrogate. Ginny had offered but when she had gone to take the necessary tests to assure a possible pregnancy Ginny had discovered that she was already pregnant. It took Hermione months to feel completely happy for her best friends.

Now at thirteen weeks pregnant, Hermione was a large ball of nerves and anxiety. Every simple symptom of pregnancy caused her to worry and fret, wanting to race to St. Mungo's and have a check up to ensure that her child was still in her womb. "Hey," Ron's soft voice brought her back to the Burrow. She met his crystal blue eyes. "She'll be okay." Hermione opened her mouth but Ron quickly added, "Just a feeling, love. It's a girl. Our beautiful and amazing little Rose." He pulled her face to his, sighing a bit as she deepened the kiss.

Hermione squeaked as a large chunk of pie collided with both of their cheeks. "Oi, lovebirds! A food fight is not for scarring the rest of us with your disgusting displays of affection!"

"Shut it, George!" Ron yelled, grabbing some of the pie off his face and throwing it back at the twin. Hermione watched as her husband rejoined the fight, smiling as she wiped the pastry and cooked berries from her cheek. Her hand fell to her stomach as she thought of what Ron had said. Rose. She liked it. Their little Rosie.

"'Mione?" She turned suddenly, blushing when she realized that Ginny was watching her attentively. Ginny's brown eyes darted to where Hermione's hand still rested. She didn't ask the question but Hermione gave a small nod anyway. Ginny's hand quickly went to her mouth to keep from yelling out with joy however neither woman noticed Molly's widened eyes beginning to fill with tears.

"Mum? Everything alright?" As quickly as it started, the food fight stopped as the table looked to the now crying Matriarch.

Molly nodded quickly, her eyes never leaving Hermione's as she said. "Everything is perfect. Just perfect."

Since becoming an Auror, Ron Weasley, formerly known as being the most oblivious Weasley son had grown and evolved into a man whose eyes took in every change and small detail even it took a few minutes for him to comprehend what he was seeing. He looked from his mother to his blushing wife to his psychotically grinning little sister. He leaned close to Hermione, his lips just brushing her ear. "I think mum and Gin know."

"Yeah," Hermione breathed carefully, ignoring the curious looks from her in-laws.

"Can we?" She could hear the hope and desire in his voice. She spared a quick glance to the others before give a stiff nod. She wanted her family to know. Ron squeezed her hand. "It'll be ok, love. Everything will be okay."

"Ron? Hermione? What's going on?" Harry asked, concern covering his face. "Are you two alright?"

Ron nodded, a large smile on his freckled face as he stood up. "Better than alright, I'd reckon. Mum, Gin, I'm sure you've already guessed it but," he paused to look at Hermione, the devotion and love clear as day as he took a breath. "Hermione's pregnant. Just over three months." Hermione had to clasp her hands over her ears as her very large, very happy family cheered. Yes, Hermione Granger-Weasley was more than content.

oOoOoOoOo

Hours later, after the mess had been cleaned up and Hermione had been passed around multiple Weasleys and their spouses, Hermione found herself perched on Ron's lap in the living room, Ron's protective arms wrapped around her waist. Her husband was in a serious debate on the likely hood of the Chuddley Cannons, his favorite Quidditch team, taking the cup with Charlie and Bill while Hermione helped Fred and George work out some kinks of a new candy lolly. "We want it to make the person float off the ground but only a few inches." Fred said, showing her the parchment with his calculations.

"However, every time we try it, we float to the ceiling," George added.

"And turn blue."

George blushed. "Er, yes that too."

"I'm just happy that you two weren't dumb enough to test this outside," Angelina said as she passed Hermione a glass of water. "I'd be quite livid if I had to take care of the kids by myself, you know."

Fred laughed at his wife. "I'd be off too if I was stuck with those two terrors alone. Ouch, woman, be more careful! I'm delicate, I am!"

"You haven't been delicate in years, besides your mind of course," Angelina swatted at Fred again. She turned to George. "Where's Verity tonight?"

"Still in the States until next week," George answered, his lips pursing. "Something about the new store needing a bit more adjustment. I offered to go and help but she told me to stay. I think she wants to prove that she can run one of the stores alone."

"But you don't believe her?" Hermione asked softly, reading the worry and mistrust in his eyes.

George shook his head. "She's been acting weird for a few months now." His eyes narrowed, his lips thinning. "I think…well there's a new guy at the store that's been a bit too familiar with her in his letters."

"George, I'm sure Verity wouldn't cheat on you," Hermione tried to comfort her brother-in-law. A glance at Fred and Angelina however told her that they didn't trust George's new wife either. "And if she is, I promise you I'll create a lovely hex just for her. Remember Marietta?" Hermione asked slyly, twirling her wand.

George laughed loudly, pulling her towards him into a hug. "I love you, 'Mione. Best sister-in-law ever!"

"HEY!"

"You know I love you too, Angie-Pie."

"Don't call me that! I'm going to go check on the children."

Hermione giggled into George's shoulder, wondering when Ron would realize that he had both Hermione and George in his lap due to George's crushing hug. As if on que, "Oi, get off her, you tosser!" Ron knocked his brother off, his hands quickly finding Hermione's stomach again. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Ron."

Ron, however, wasn't satisfied with that, turning to his older brother. "You have to be more careful, you git! She's pregnant, remember?" Ron stared at George, trying to remind him of their fears without giving words to it.

George paled as he realized Ron's concern. "I'm sorry, 'Mione. Ron's right, I shouldn't have jumped on you like that. Are you ok? Do you need anything? Mum knows some diagnosing charms, I think." Fred looked around, ready to call for Molly as soon as Hermione said anything.

"I'm fine, truly," Hermione patted his arm. She appreciated how much her in-laws cared for her but she had to admit having so many brothers could be overwhelming. "And I don't need mum," Hermione nudged Fred's leg. "Trust me, I've read so many books on healing and concerns for this that at this point, I think I'd be able to deliver the baby myself."

Ron chuckled. "Not to mention how many times we've been to St. Mungo's in the past few months. The entire maternity ward know us by name." He gently poked Hermione's side. "This one isn't taking any chances with our little Rose."

"Rose?" Fred asked.

"It's a girl?" Charlie questioned excitedly, reminding them that he and Bill were watching.

Hermione sighed. "We don't know yet." She gave her husband a pointed look.

"It's just a feeling. It's a girl," Ron nuzzled his nose into her hair, leaving a light kiss on her neck. "And she's going to be just perfect."

"Rose Granger-Weasley," Bill tested out the name, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I like it."

Hermione shook her head. "Just Weasley." Charlie caught her as Ron suddenly jerked forward.

"What?"

Hermione turned herself in Ron's lap so she was facing away from the others, her hand gently running down Ron's cheek. "Just Weasley. I, um, I filed the paperwork yesterday before leaving work. I am officially just Weasley as of five o'clock last night. I was going to tell you tomorrow… I wanted it to be a surprise for our anniversary."

Ron stared, open mouthed at her. "W-why?"

"Honestly, I got fed up with constantly writing the whole thing out on every document and law I submit," Hermione joked. Ron tried to protest, telling her that she didn't need to do that for him. "Giving up the name Granger won't make me forget who I was and who I came from. And I know it bothered you, even if you never told me, that most people drop the Weasley and refer to me as Granger."

"'Mione…"

Hermione silenced him with a kiss. "I'm happy as a Weasley. Happier than I've ever been before. And my children, our children, will be Weasleys. I love yo- umpf." Hermione was cut off by Ron's lips, her husband kissing her passionately, one hand clasping her waist tightly as his other wrapped around her neck and into her braid. She was breathless when he finally released her. "Wow."

"I love you, 'Mione, so bloody much." Ron hugged her to his chest, ignoring the chuckling and teasing of his older brothers. He kissed her again, this time much shorter. "You taste like peppermint still."

"Pepper…that's it! Peppermint!" Hermione suddenly exclaimed; twisting towards the still giggling twins, missing Ron's face contorting in pain as her elbow hit his ribs. "You need to add in stewed peppermint leaves before you add the pixie wings. If you cast the matrix for the hovering margins before stewing them, they'll retain the height limitations and should take care of the strange coloring as well!"

"That's…" Fred brought his finger to his head, thinking through the concept. The potions aspect of the job wasn't his forte as charms and transfiguration were.

"That's brilliant, that is!" George quickly rummaged through his pocket, scattering random bits and pieces onto the coffee table, muttering to himself. "Where is a bloody quill? Ah, here it is. Now we'll need to decide on maturity of the levels, of course, and the stewing base will have to be something that won't negatively react with the rest of the ingredients." He looked at Hermione. "I'd think that –"

"A basic acidic stew base should be fine." George nodded, writing more calculations. "The leaves would probably work best if they are –"

"Freshly picked, off a fully mature plant, yeah?"

"Yeah, and don't forget to include the calculations for the time of –"

"I know, Herms, the time of month that the leaves are picked. I'm not a newbie, you know." Hermione slapped her brother-in-law, growling in annoyance at the nickname.

"I still can't decide what's more disturbing," Charlie said conspiratorially to Bill, Fred, and Ron. "Hermione willingly helping with the joke shop or when those two," he pointed between George and Hermione, "Begin to act like George and Fred."

"You're just jealous that I'm her favorite brother," George said, never looking up from his parchment. He bit his lip, pointing out something to Hermione. "That doesn't look right."

Hermione shook her head. "If you use that base, you'll have to get rid of the shredded gurdy root. Unless you want the hovering person to fall into a coma, though that would be an interesting idea…" Hermione trailed off as her brothers looked at her in shock.

"Now who are you planning on putting into a coma, kitten?"

"Sirius! You've made it!" Hermione finally extracted herself from Ron's arms and stepped forward to give Sirius a hug. She had grown close to the Marauder as he tried to readjust to the living world. "And I didn't mean it that way, I was thinking of another prank the boys could try out."

"Comas?"

"No, no." Hermione laughed, sitting back onto Ron while Sirius sat on the edge of the sofa after greeting the Weasley brothers. "I've been reading a lot of muggle fairy tales lately, comparing them to wizarding ones of course, and they've given me some interesting ideas for the boys." Fred and George lit up at the idea. "Not now," Hermione said as she watched their grins falter. "I'll stop by after work sometime this week and give you my list." Turning back to Sirius, she asked, "So how have you been?"

"Just like the last time you asked, which was yesterday by the way." The others laughed. "I'm alright. A bit bored."

Hermione nodded. She bit her lip. "Well, I have a proposition for you."

"A proposition? Kitten, I'm flattered, truly I am, but your husband is right there."

Hermione blushed brightly, the twins and Charlie laughing loudly as Ron sputtered. "Not like that, you twat! God, can't you be serious for one moment?" Sirius opened his mouth but Hermione pointed her wand at him. "Don't even think about it, Black."

"Think about what?" Sirius goaded her, his grey eyes twinkling. "About saying that I'm always Sirius, love?"

"Argh!" Hermione rubbed her forehead, pinching her nose slightly. "I'm going to regret this, aren't I?" She asked her husband, who smiled at her sympathetically.

"Probably."

"Regret what?" Sirius asked, his eyes going between the couple.

Hermione turned towards him. "I have a job offer for you."