Disclaimer: I own nothing!

A/N: So…Not a big response from the last chapter. Hmm…Maybe I do need to stick with Harry/Hermione smut…No worries! This is the last chapter for "Instinct." I hope you enjoyed it. I'm sorry I've been behind recently; school's killer this time of year!

Plans seemed to fall in place for Hermione and Bill's wedding fairly quickly, at least in the bride's eyes. Bill seemed to feel as if he wanted to elope, and he soon was regretting ever even mentioning the wedding to his mother.

The eldest Weasley child had found solace in an unexpected ally: Philip Granger. Phil had taken a liking to his future son-in-law, and Hermione's parents had immediately fallen in love with Victoire. Hermione would take the little girl over to visit with her mother on the evenings when she was off and Bill had to work late.

"What do Molly and Arthur think about Harry being home?" Emily had Victoire in her arms, showing her pictures in one of Hermione's old books. The little girl was content in her new adopted grandmother's arms.

Hermione sat back uneasily. "Well…They don't exactly know he's home." The brunette met her mother's gaze.

The elder Granger's eyes widened. "Why not? He's been home for two weeks, and he's dating their son! Why shouldn't they know? Ron just going to show up and say, 'Mum, Dad, Harry and I are getting married. Just thought you should know!'"

"Well…that's basically what Bill and I…"

"Hermione Granger!" Hermione was cut off by her mother. "You know exactly why they can't do that. This is more than your and Bill's relationship; at least they've had you two around for a year. Harry's been away, and they, as open-minded as they may be, have to come to terms with their son being gay. It's not exactly something we parents hear every day. That's not in our handbook."

Hermione laughed a bit. "Too true. Speaking of a parenting handbook…"

"They don't exist. Sorry, love." Emily looked at her daughter sympathetically. "How is this little angel?"

"Oh, she's fine; sleeps all night now. We have our wands set to where we'd know if she woke up during the night." Hermione picked at her fingernail, a habit that told Emily much more than her daughter was giving out voluntarily.

"Hermione?"

"I think I'm…"

"Hermione? Love, you here?" Bill and Philip walked in. "Look who I found outside." Philip bent to kiss Hermione on her cheek before sitting beside Emily and taking Victoire from her.

Bill sat down beside Hermione and took her hand. "How was your day, love?" he whispered.

"Busy, but I love my days with Victoire. I don't want to go back to work tomorrow." Glancing across to her parents, she whispered, "Want to go grab some ice cream after dinner?"

"Just us? Your parents volunteer their services, or do we need to swing by the Burrow or Shell? Ron and Harry will keep Bluebell."

Hermione shook her head. "Mum asked, actually. She wants to test out Victoire's new bed upstairs. You'll have to go see it." She smiled as Bill grinned.

"Emily, you didn't have to do that…"

The older woman waved her hand. "Of course I did. I don't know how involved her other grandparents are, but I plan on being very involved in this little girl's life, if you'll let me. Let me have this."

Bill stood and pulled Emily to her feet, hugging her. "Thank you, Emily. There was no doubt in my mind that you'll be in Bluebell's life." He pulled back a bit. "Fleur's family keeps in touch, but they rarely visit. I'm going to send them some pictures soon, so they'll know how she's growing."

An oven timer went off in the kitchen, and Emily pulled completely away from Bill. "I'd better get that; that's dinner." As she disappeared into the kitchen, she called out, "Hermione, show Bill Tori's room!"

Hermione smiled and stepped up to take Bill's hand. "Come on." The two walked past Philip, who was entertaining Victoire by singing some silly song that he had made up when Hermione was the same age as the youngest Weasley.

Bill laughed as they climbed the stairs. "Is that a muggle song?"

"Technically, yes. He sang it to me when I was little. Came up with it himself." Hermione stopped in front of a door. "Are you sure you're okay with this? My parents are entirely too excited about having a grandchild."

"I'm positive. Now can I see this room?" Bill's eyebrows reached his hairline as he took in what used to be Hermione's room. Emily and Phil had put in Hermione's old crib (with some obvious adjustments), along with a whole toy chest with stuffed animals. A matching changing table stood in one corner while a large bookshelf filled with children's books covered the other. "Wow."

"Right? However, it doesn't really look all that different than when I lived here, except for the crib, of course."

Bill wrapped his arms around Hermione. "So…Is Victoire staying the night?"

"If you give the go-ahead…"

Nibbling her ear, he smirked. "Did you bring her bag?"

Bill stared across the table at his fiancée. They were sitting in a small Muggle ice cream parlor just down the street from the Grangers' house.

"So, you're feeling better?" He was worried. Hermione had not been feeling the best lately; she had been working around some potent potions in the lab, and each day she had been coming home more and more tired and nauseous. This morning, he had found her in the bathroom, losing what little dinner she had choked down the night before.

She nodded. "This sherbet is helping. I didn't want to get ice cream because of the milk content on my stomach."

"Still think it's those potions? If so, maybe you should…"

Hermione shook her head, stopping Bill. "No, I don't think it's that, although I'm going to have to tell my supervisor that I need to stop working around such potent materials."

"I agree, but I'm surprised. Why the change of heart, love?" Bill took a large bite of his chocolate sundae, chewing thoughtfully on a peanut.

"Well, potions of any kind, especially the kind I've been fooling with over the last year, aren't conducive to the health of an unborn baby, Bill, and unless I've missed my mark, that's exactly what's been making me sick over the last week."

Hermione could have laughed at Bill's expression. "B…b…baby?" he stuttered.

"Baby, Bill. I haven't been to a healer yet, but in my own professional opinion, I'm about a month and a half along."

"But that means…"

"That means, congratulations, stud, you got me on the first try." Hermione laughed again. "Bill, we're, as in you and I are going to have a baby!"

Bill gaped at the brunette across from him. "Are you sure?"

"Pretty sure. I have an appointment with a healer tomorrow; we're due to pick up Tori tomorrow night, and we can tell them then."

"And my family?"

Hermione smiled. "Well, I figure if we can get Harry to go with us to the Burrow on Sunday, we can tell everyone then."

Bill gulped down the rest of his sundae. "Come on, love. Harry and Ron will be back from America tomorrow. Let's take advantage of the empty house."

"Is sex all you think about?" Hermione wrapped her arms around her fiancé in the alley.

"With you?" he asked as he apparated. Settling her back on the couch, he smirked and said, "Every day of my life."

"Harry, why not?" Hermione blew a frustrated breath. "They need to know!"

"Because, Hermione, I don't feel the need to announce that I'm back. I love Ron's family, but Merlin…why can't I have a moment to enjoy just being me?" Harry threw himself down onto Bill's couch. Hermione had to smirk to herself as she remembered what had happened just eighteen hours prior on that same couch.

She just shook her head at her best friend. "I can't argue about this anymore. I have to get to work; Bill and I are going to my parents' tonight again for dinner. Want to come over?"

"Sure they won't mind?"

"They'd be happy to see you. Dad has been asking when you're going to come back." Hermione figured she could go ahead and tell Harry and Ron about the baby; maybe then they'd consent to going to the Burrow on Sunday.

Harry nodded. "Okay. I'll get in touch with Ron at work." He stood up and hugged his best friend. "I'm sorry I'm being stubborn, love. I just don't know how they'll react…"

"Is that what this is about? How they'll react? They love you, Harry! They don't care that you and Ron are gay! This is the ideal situation for Molly." Hermione smiled.

"You think so?"

"I know so! I really want you there on Sunday. I have to go right now, but be at Mum and Dad's by six. Bring that dessert of yours!" she continued as she hopped into the Floo.

Bill was going to blow everything. He was walking around the Grangers' like he had defeated a dragon with his own bare hands, and Hermione could only sit and pretend as if she didn't notice. However, her mother did.

"Love, what did you do to Bill last night? He's in an extremely good mood today!" Emily winked at her daughter.

"MUM!" Hermione shushed her mother, but Bill overheard. He sauntered over.

Wrapping his arms around Hermione's middle, he grinned. "Hermione and I just went out for ice cream before going home to enjoy our empty house. Ron and Harry are worse than two third years trying to find a broom closet…" Looking down into Hermione's brown eyes, he murmured, "Not that we're much better…"

Emily laughed at Hermione's red face. "Bill, I think Philip needs help out back. Go help him bring the food in, if you don't mind…"

"Sure thing." Bill reached down and kissed Hermione, his hand grazing her still-flat stomach. "See you in a bit."

Hermione's mother's gaze followed Bill out the door, then she turned to her daughter. "Okay, spill."

"What…?"

"He's ecstatic about something, and the way he's touching you…Hermione are you…?" Emily's eyes widened.

"Mum…"

The doorbell cut off anything Hermione was about to say, to her relief. "Harry and Ron are here!" She ran to the door, opening it wide to let her best friends in.

Ron kissed Hermione on the cheek and walked in the house. Hermione crinkled her nose. "Merlin, Ron! Did you not shower before you came over?"

She turned at Harry's voice. "Of course he didn't. I had to drag him out of the office when I did." Hermione took the dish from Harry's hands as he continued. "I told him six; he forgot. Be careful, that's hot," he said, indicating the treacle tart in Hermione's hands.

"I will. Bill's out back, Ron." The three walked towards the kitchen, and Ron spoke to Emily before continuing out back to speak with his brother. Hermione set the dessert down and turned back to Harry, who was hugging her mother. "You and Ron in a tiff?"

Harry shrugged. "He wanted to go to his mum's tomorrow. I'm just not ready, Hermione. I told you maybe Sunday, but…"

Hermione hugged Harry. "You don't need to rush, but Harry, they'll still love you. If anything, they'll be upset you didn't trust them in the beginning. However, Molly and Arthur will never turn you away, and they'll be ecstatic that you and Ron together."

"I guess. Do you think I need to go over with Ron tomorrow?"

"Why don't you talk this out with him at home tonight?"

Harry and Hermione turned at Emily's voice. "Sorry to interrupt, but dinner is ready. Could you two call the other guys in?"

"I'll do it." Hermione went out to get Ron, Bill, and Philip; Emily walked up beside Harry and put an arm around his shoulders.

"He loves you, Harry. That's all that matters."

Harry nodded. "I know, and I love him." He took a deep breath. "I'll go. It can't be that bad, right?" he asked, turning to Emily.

"Right," she smiled at him just as the others came in. Everyone gathered around the table, with Victoire sitting happily in Philp's lap.

"Phil, I think you're going to steal our daughter away from us." Bill laughed as he caught sight of Victoire babbling. Hermione basked in the words "our" and "us." She was so glad that Bill was happy with his new family.

Emily shook her head. "We're not stealing her; we just like to borrow her every now and then."

Conversation flowed easily around the table. They all raved about Emily's cooking, joking that Hermione couldn't have possibly cooked anything, to which Hermione acted offended for a whole two minutes.

"I can too cook!"

Bill wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Sweetheart, you burnt toast the other morning."

"And…?"

"We use a toaster!"

The entire table laughed, including Hermione. "Okay, maybe cooking isn't my strong suit."

Ron grabbed his work satchel from the living room and pulled out a bottle of wine. "I felt bad about Harry bringing something and my not contributing." He opened the bottle and conjured glasses transfigured glasses for everyone. "This is Hermione's favorite wine; I wanted to thank her for kicking my arse and making me go find Harry."

Harry smiled and held up his glass. "To Hermione, then."

Everyone else repeated the sentiment, enjoying Hermione's embarrassment. Soon, though, Ron noticed that Hermione had not touched her wine.

"Did I get the wrong type of wine, Hermione? I could have sworn…"

"Oh, no! You got it right, Ron, but I'm afraid this was completely wasted on me." Hermione looked at Ron apologetically.

Ron looked confused. "Why then? Are you okay?"

Hermione looked at Bill, who winked at her. She smiled and nodded. "I'm fine. But I'm pretty much through with alcohol for the next eight months. Not good for babies, they say."

Emily was the first to catch on, only because she had suspected her daughter already. "Hermione! A baby?!"

The brunette nodded happily. "A baby. I confirmed it this morning at the healer. I'm about a month and a half along, due in May."

Conversation erupted then, talking about plans for the baby. Hermione told the group that she didn't want the news out until she was further along and that she was going to tell the Weasleys on Sunday.

A little later, Harry pulled her to the side. "So that's why you wanted me there Sunday?"

Hermione nodded. "I wanted you to be there to help us all celebrate. You're family, Harry. I'm going to want you there when I get married next month, and you're going to be the godfather of this baby, both you and Ron are. I need you with me."

Harry pulled her close. "Of course I'll be there. I'll go to the Burrow tomorrow with Ron and get that confrontation out of the way. That way, Sunday will be all yours."

"Thanks, friend. Just lead me straight into the wolves, or as she's known to most, Molly Weasley."

Harry and Ron moved their things back to Ron's flat the next morning before Ron left for work. The two met at the Burrow for lunch, and Harry called afterwards to report to Hermione that everything went smoothly, just as she had said it would. Molly had welcomed Harry back with open arms, admonishing him for being gone for so long, but happy that he was with her youngest son.

The entire family, George and Luna included, were at the Burrow on Sunday. It was Molly's birthday, and all of the girls had gone together and brought dinner to the Weasley home. Hermione had even cooked for the occasion.

"Are you sure it tastes okay, Bill? I don't want to poison anyone."

Bill nodded enthusiastically. "The tart is wonderful, love. Harry's taught you well."

Hermione smiled widely. "That's good. They knew not to give me a hard dish to prepare. Harry and Trixie are doing the majority of the cooking."

"Well, you know I'm not marrying you for your culinary skills, right?"

"If so, I'd be out of luck. Plus, I think I earn my keep around here."

Bill laughed. "That you do. I'll go on and take all of this to Mum's. Could you get Bluebell?"

The three made it just as dinner was put on the table. Everyone moved outside, enjoying the cool fall air. Food was passed around, compliments were handed out, and jibes were made toward Hermione and Luna, the two who were the least inclined to cook.

George wrapped his arm possessively around Luna. "Well, then it's good Bill and I got us two who can do other things besides cook, eh?"

"Too true, brother," Bill agreed. "I'm perfectly content to cook every day for the rest of my life if it means I get to keep Hermione."

Hermione laughed. "You don't have much choice in the matter…keeping me, I mean."

"The difference is, though, I'm happy about it. I could be miserable."

Arthur spoke up. "Speaking of, son, you're awfully chipper today. Good week at work?"

Bill grinned. "Good week, but work was normal. I…uh…we were going to wait until after dinner, but I'll go ahead and tell you all: Hermione and I are having a baby."

Molly jumped up and over to Hermione. "Oh my! I got another son and a grandbaby all in the same week! You know how to make my birthday special! When are you due, honey?"

"May 21st. I'm a month and a half along."

The entire family surrounded the couple, laughing and talking and eating (some drinking) long into the night. When Bill and Hermione finally collapsed into bed that night, Bill a little tipsy, he looked over at his fiancée and grinned.

"I'm happy, love."

Hermione ran her hand through his long red hair. "Me too, Bill. I can't believe just a couple of months ago we weren't even on friendly terms with one another."

A bit drunkenly, Bill kissed her. "You know, I knew you were my mate months ago. I didn't recognize it, but it was there. I was just too wrapped up in myself and my grief to act on it. If I had been a better person, I'd have wined and dined you properly. I just didn't know…"

"Bill, you were and are a good man. You thought I was with Ron, then Charlie. You're too noble for your own good. But look, we're together now. That's all that matters."

As he drifted off to sleep, he mumbled into Hermione's hair, "I can't wait to marry you." His hand fell to her middle.

"Me either. Love you, Bill Weasley." Hermione knew that his wolf was content tonight, not even bothering to take her. It was as if it could sense the baby now. As much as she loved the sex with Bill, nights like this, just holding each other, were just as erotic to Hermione.

Suddenly, she heard Victoire stirring, thanks to the charm set on her room. Must be a nightmare. Hermione eased out of Bill's arms and down to her future daughter's room and opened the door.

Victoire stopped crying as soon as she saw Hermione. The brunette picked up the little girl and held her close.

"What's wrong with my little angel, hmm?"

The toddler babbled a while until Hermione heard it. "What was that, love? Say it again; say, 'Mum.'"

Victoire laughed at Hermione's facial expressions, holding her face and chanting, "mum, mum, mum, mum…" Hermione couldn't have been more delighted, but tears suddenly filled her eyes. This was actually happening. She was a mother, and even though Victoire would never be biologically hers, she was hers in all ways that mattered. She just hoped that that motherly instinct would fall into place soon.

"I'm going to take care of you, Victoire. You, this little brother or sister, and whatever other little sibling that might toddle along later. I'll get the hang of this mum job one day."

She felt arms wrap her from behind and a voice whisper, "Don't worry, Miss Know-It-All. You've got this. You're already a better mum than you know."

"Mum!" Victoire concurred.

"Come on, let's all three go back to bed. We have an early day tomorrow." Hermione smiled and went back to bed with her family, looking forward to another day spent with them.