2004
“Hermione, Dear. What are you doing here?” Molly asked her daughter-in-law, who was standing in the Burrow's kitchen on a Wednesday afternoon in late November.
“I have a favour to ask you, but you cannot tell anyone.”
“Of course, dear. What is it?”
“Could you show me how to knit a sweater?”
“Oh yes, my dear. I always hoped one of you girls would ask. Ginny never liked knitting and Fleur already knew how to!”
Hermione was relieved Molly didn’t ask any further questions on why she wanted to learn how to knit and was rather excited to show her. So they started right then and there. Hermione was a fast learner, nothing unexpected by Molly. They met up every Wednesday and Friday, because those were the days Ron had to work longer hours and wouldn’t notice his wife coming home later than usual. Hermione hated sneaking around but she knew it would be worth it in the end.
Right before Christmas, Hermione and Molly met up one last time and Hermione brought her very own creation to the Burrow with her.
“I wanted to thank you for teaching me, Molly and wanted to show you what I have been working on.”
“Oh dear, I already know. Congratulations you are gonna be a great mother and I know Ron is gonna be thrilled.”
Hermione stared at her in shock, “How… How did you know?”
“You don’t go through 6 pregnancies for nothing.”
“Thank you, Molly. It means a lot.”
—
Hermione woke up early on Christmas Day, Ron still fast asleep next to her. She moved carefully, slowly moving the duvet when she felt Ron's arms sneak around her.
“Stay in bed, love, it’s Christmas,” he murmured.
“I was actually just getting your present.”
“In that case,” he released her from his embrace, “I can make an exception.”
Hermione chuckled and went over to her dresser where she pulled out a small bag. She took a deep breath and went back to bed. Ron sat up and rested his back on the headboard.
“Here you go.”
“Oh my, a bag? I love it!”
“Shut up,” she shoved his shoulders lightly, “open it.”
Ron took the bag and pulled out a small package wrapped in pastel orange paper. He raised an eyebrow at her and she nudged him to keep going. Ron went along and gently tore the wrapping open. It revealed a tiny maroon-coloured wool sweater with the letter ‘GW’ on the front.
Ron’s jaw dropped, “Does this mean what I think it means?”
“What do you think it means?”
“Are you pregnant?” He looked straight at her.
Hermione nodded and Ron threw himself at her just a second later. He hugged her and kissed her all over.
“This is so exciting! Best Christmas ever!”
“I am glad you are happy about it.”
“Are you joking? Starting a family with you has been my dream for a while now, Hermione.”
“I know, but I was still nervous.”
He hugged her again and then placed one of his hands over her belly, “I already love her.”
“Her?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t know it's a her, Ron.”
“I know, but I have a feeling.”
She laughed, “Okay I guess we’ll find out in a few months.”
“Did you make the sweater on your own?”
Hermione nodded, “Mhhm, I talked to your mum and she taught me. I thought it would be the most appropriate way to tell you.”
“I love you so much, Hermione Granger-Weasley and you are gonna be the best mother ever.”
He kissed her again, gently, making sure his hand never left the top of her belly.