It was early February when Harry and Hermione were jolted awake as Molly Weasley flung open their bedroom door.
Harry and Hermione recoiled as far back to the headboard as possible. Harry instinctively reached an arm across Hermione's stomach.
Pointing an angry finger towards Harry, "You, I will deal with later!" screeched Molly.
Turning her attention to Hermione, "And you! Arthur told me what you're planning to do! 'Unacceptable' does not even begin to cover it!" continued Molly as she approached their bed.
Harry moved his body even further in front of Hermione's.
"Mrs. Weasley…" Harry started.
"Don't you even DARE try to stop me young man! This one needs to rest, not to go gallivanting Merlin-knows-where!" Molly interrupted.
Molly grabbed Hermione's arm and hoisted her out of bed. Thankfully, Harry and Hermione had decided to wear underwear to bed the night before, unlike their normal routine of sleeping in the nude. Harry only wore black boxer-briefs, while Hermione was in a matching pink bra and panties.
Harry was up and in front of them instantly, holding up both hands cautiously.
"Mrs. Weasley, I agree with you," said Harry warily.
"Thanks, Honey," replied Hermione sarcastically.
Harry shot Hermione a pleading 'not now' look.
"Mrs. Weasley, what exactly did Mr. Weasley tell you?" asked Hermione.
"That you two are not only an ENGAGEDcouple now," pointing to Hermione's protruding belly, "but expecting twins as well!" answered Molly with a shrill voice.
Silence followed Mrs. Weasley's statement.
"Well?! Is that not true?!" demanded Molly.
Harry and Hermione stammered.
"Y-yes, it's true, but," stuttered Hermione.
"Well then! No arguments! I'll leave you to pack your things and say goodbye to…your fiancé and Ron. I'll be waiting downstairs," ordered Mrs. Weasley.
"Where are we going?" asked Hermione sharply.
"To the Burrow, dear!" replied Molly tartly. "You didn't honestly think you could carry on living like this? You should have come straight to us the moment you…" she trailed off.
Regaining her composure, "I'll be downstairs. You have 10 minutes, otherwise I'll be back," warned Molly as she closed the door behind her.
Turning towards Harry, "Oh my God, what are we going to do?" panicked Hermione.
Harry placed his hands on her shoulders to calm her. "We are going to pack your things, with the exception of the Horcruxes and the sword, and you are going to leave with Mrs. Weasley."
"Harry…" said Hermione.
"Hermione, you have helped us immensely. But you understood that at some point, you'd have to go into hiding. To ensure not only your safety, but our children's as well," he paused. "I would love nothing more than to be with you and the babies. I wish I could just abandon this 'mission' and go into hiding with you. But I'm counting on you, 'Mione. To keep our kids safe," soothed Harry, leaning his forehead against hers.
Hermione let out a deep, resigning sigh. "Alright, alright…I'll go. I swear I won't let anything happen to them, Harry," she replied firmly.
Kissing his lips sweetly, "Just promise me that you'll return to us safely," she pleaded.
Harry smiled as he kissed her again, "I'll do my best."
"FIVE MINUTES!" bellowed Mrs. Weasley from downstairs.
"Come on, let's get you dressed and packed," replied Harry glumly.
Before Mrs. Weasley could drag Hermione downstairs, the trio gathered in the entryway to say goodbye.
Ron gave Hermione a quick hug, "Good luck," he whispered in her ear. "We'll miss you. Take it easy."
Ron briefly hugged his mum goodbye as well.
"Don't think that I'm okay with what either of you are doing…but I understand. Stay safe, my boy!" Molly replied, squeezing her son so tightly that he had to struggle to breathe.
"Will do," he rasped as she let him go.
Harry gave Mrs. Weasley a big hug, "Please, take care of her," he whispered.
"I will. I promise you that," replied Molly; kissing his cheek lightly and fixing his hair absentmindedly.
Harry embraced Hermione affectionately.
"We'll be together again soon, I promise," he whimpered. "I love you."
"I love you, too," she replied, tears now falling from her eyes.
No longer caring that Mrs. Weasley was watching them, Hermione pulled Harry in for one last passionate snog; cherishing the feel of his soft lips.
Molly and Ron turned away to offer them some form of privacy. However, after a minute had passed, Mrs. Weasley cleared her throat to signify it was time to leave.
Harry and Ron watched as Mrs. Weasley and Hermione Disapparated from the property.
Ron clapped a hand on Harry's shoulder, "Come on, mate. I'll make us some drinks."