One Night Stand

One night of pleasure can lead to a lifetime of pain. One night of lust can lead to a lifetime of love.

Disclaimer Harry Potter and all related characters and/or themes belong to J.K. Rowling. No profit is being made off of this story. Unfortunate for me, I need the money. Holds up sign: Will Write For Food

Chapter 1: It All Begins in the New Year

It was the morning of New Year's Eve when I noticed something was definitely wrong. I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my room, trying to clasp my bra. Each time I pulled tighter, the worst the pain in my chest became. I cried out when I finally clipped it. With the rise and fall of my chest, the pain lessened and then increased. I sighed, unclipped the bra, and took it off. For the third time that week, I had to slightly enlarge the cups. I didn't understand what was happening. One day, my bra fit fine, the next, my breasts seemed to have a sudden growth spurt. I flaunted my chest, examining each breast. There were faint stretch marks that hadn't been there weeks earlier. If I so much as touched them, the pain would make me gasp.

There were other noticeable changes as well. Dark bags had appeared under my eyes. I had been tired more often, too. At first, I ignored it. N.E.W.T.s were this year, after all. I stayed up to almost two each night, reading everything I could. Anything that might help me with the tests. But, as I thought about it now, for the last week or so, I was falling asleep in the common room at eight, nine o'clock at night. Harry would come back from playing Wizard's Chess or Exploding Snap, ready for patrols, only to find I had passed out. Poor Harry would then go find Ron, or another prefect, to help him with the nightly rounds.

I had to use the lavatory a lot, also. I found myself slipping away every two or three hours to pee. I tried to find a legitimate excuse for this, too. I told myself I had been drinking more pumpkin juice at mealtimes. It was a lie. I was only drinking one goblet at each meal. That was only three glasses. Then, I reasoned with myself that I also drunk a lot of water. Another lie. I barely drink water at all. I finally decided to only fill the goblets halfway. This helped, but I still had to use the restroom more often than not.

I stood in front of that mirror, going over every possible explanation for what was happening. I thought long and hard. What exactly could be affecting me in such a way? And then it hit me like a bludger. Why hadn't I thought of it before? With all the stories my mother had told me and what I had picked up over the years, it was obvious. I wanted to scream now. No sound came from my mouth however. But, as I looked into that mirror one last time, tears filled in my eyes, and one by one, they made a path down my cheek.

---

Thirty minutes later, the tears stopped flowing, and I wiped my eyes. I needed to tell someone what was happening. I walked to my door, opened it and looked straight ahead. Harry's bedroom door stared back. I fought back whatever tears were still to come and swallowed hard. At first, I started walking slowly, but as I advanced, my speed quickened. I paused when I reached Harry's door, sighed, and raised my fist. With my first knock, I received no answer. When I knocked again, I hear a murmur and then footsteps.

"Who is it?" Harry called.

"It's me."

I heard the lock click and Harry opened the door. He was still in his pajamas, a pair of plaid pants and a white t-shirt, and he had a white towel around his neck. A razor was in his hand. Harry surveyed me from head to toe. My robes were thrown on carelessly, I wore neither socks nor shoes. My hair was in messy curls, I had neglected to brush it that morning. My eyes, of course, were bloodshot with the crying I had done. Harry frowned at the sight of me.

"Hermione, what's wrong?"

"I—I.." I couldn't finish. The tears came once more.

"What is it?"

"I made a terrible mistake. I feel so ashamed. It should have never happened."

"Shh," Harry cooed. "Shh, Hermione, calm down, you're not making any sense." He put a comforting arm around my shoulder and led me to the couch in the common room. "Now, start over. What's up?"

"Harry, I am a disgrace. I have made the biggest mistake of my entire life. If I could go back, I would never have done it. I had a one night stand, Harry. It was all a mistake."

"Huh? Wait.. A one night stand? What? Hermione, you—you did that?" I nodded with shame. "When? Who?"

"A few weeks back, I think. It shouldn't have happened," I repeated.

"Who?" Harry asked again.

"It was late, Harry. I was up late studying. He left your room and came to tell me goodnight, but he looked so sad. He asked me about love, and what it all meant. I tried to explain it, but it was impossible. Who can really explain love? 'It's just there,' I told him. 'How do I know?' he asked me. 'You just do.' We sat in silence and then, as if a magnetic force had taken over our bodies, we kissed. It wasn't the most wonderful thing in the world. I didn't feel anything. No fireworks went off, like my mother had told me. But, I wanted it so bad, I just kept going. I knew it was wrong, but passion over took me. It was Ron, Harry."

"Ron?" Harry's voice was distant, his eyes wide with shock.

"Harry," I sobbed, "what do I do?"

Harry pondered the thought. I couldn't help but think of what the answer could be. Finally Harry gulped, and he seemed to have found the right words.

"Do you love him?"

"No," I replied without hesitation.

"Then, what's the problem? Just forget about it," said Harry.

"I can't. I would if I could, Harry. But, I can't. I'm—I'm pregnant, Harry."

---

After much pleading, Harry agreed not to say a word. I could tell he was pissed. Harry watched over me like a hawk. Much like an older brother looked over his younger sister. All during breakfast, Harry glared angrily at Ron. I would cast worried looks his way, making sure he didn't do anything stupid. Breakfast went as usual. It was quiet, but it was usual. The only conversation made was a mere comment on how much I was eating. I hadn't realized I had piled so much on my plate until I had it consumed. I started for a second helping when I mentally slapped myself. Someone would surely notice if I ate too much. I stared at the eggs and bacon with a longing that made me hurt. I bid goodbye to Harry, Ron, and Ginny and headed off to the library. I had research to do.

They library was empty, all for Madam Pince. There was never anyone in the library during holidays. A crowd would flood in on the last day of vacation, hoping to do all their homework in a day. I avoided the library at all costs on that day, but for now, I had it to myself, which was a good thing. When Madam Pince was safely behind her desk, I made my way to the medical section of the library. Halfway down the aisle, I found quite a few books on pregnancy. I pulled two books down for starters. The first didn't do me much good. I didn't really understand what it was talking about. Then again, I was new to this whole pregnancy thing, anyway. The second book helped much more. It broke down each month. I turned to the list of symptoms for month one.

… Your first month of pregnancy won't always be recognizable. Most women commonly don't notice any changes. It is not unusual to be more tired, have to use the restroom more, or feel the need to eat extra food. Your breasts may also swell slightly and stretch marks can appear …

I slammed the book shut, not wanting to read anymore. It was clear that once again, I was right. I hated myself. Why did I always have to be right? Couldn't I be wrong, just one time? Now it was impossible to deny it any longer. There was indeed an unborn baby growing in my stomach. I brought my hand to my lower abdomen. I had to be almost four weeks along. December fourth. I was three weeks and three days along. I had gone nearly one month and I never knew I was pregnant. It amazed me how there was a life inside me and I was oblivious to the whole thing.

Picking up Witches and Pregnancy, I hid it under my cloak. I wanted to steal back to the Heads' common room before anyone saw me. Hopefully, Harry, Ron, and Ginny were still at breakfast and I could lock myself in my room for the rest of the afternoon.

Unfortunately, when I reached the portrait of the first Head Girl and Boy, I heard voices coming from inside. I quickly gave the password and tried to steal across the common room. I thought I had made it, when from somewhere behind me, Ron said my name. I turned, clutching the book to my chest, forcing a weak smile. Harry, Ron, and Neville were seated at the table by the window, clearing doing some holiday homework.

"Where have you been?"

"Oh.. um.. the library," I started.

"Your not finished with your homework?" asked Neville.

"Well, yes. Of course I am."

"What were you looking up?" Ron said.

Words caught in my throat. What was I suppose to say? I tried to think of a good excuse. Something that would cover perfectly for the lies that were sure to come. Thankfully, Harry was better with excuses than I was.

"She was looking for a book for me," he stated.

"I see," Ron replied. "What book?"

"Um.." I uttered.

"Hogwarts, A History!" Harry exclaimed.

"Hogwarts, A History?" Ron repeated. "Don't you have your own copy, Hermione?"

"Yes, but I—I left it at home."

"Well, did you get it?" Neville questioned.

"Oh, no. Apparently, someone else is interested in reading it." I smiled with satisfaction at the scowl on Ron's face. "I was just on my way to my room, if you'll excuse me."

"Why don't you join us?" Ron suggested.

I looked at Harry. He was all out of ideas now. He shrugged and I closed my eyes briefly. I'll just sneak away later, I thought.

"Alright, but I just have to go to the loo," I replied. It was the first truth that had been in this conversation. At least on mine and Harry's behalf.

When I opened the door to my room, I tossed the pregnancy book under my bed, hidden from wondering eyes. By this time I was full to bursting and I practically ran to the lavatory door. Once I had relieved myself of that morning's pumpkin juice, I had no choice but to go back to the common room. I took a seat between Harry and Neville, purposely sitting across from Ron and avoiding his eyes. Over the past seven years, Ron, Harry, and I had developed a sort of sixth sense, if you will. With one solitary look, we knew when something was the matter. And, boy, was something the matter.

I ended up spending the rest of the morning helping Neville with his potions homework. Snape had given us two essays, one, to be two feet long, was on vampires in Britain. The other, though only a foot was required, was a detailed explanation of how to brew a proper Veritaserum potion. We were just finishing up with truth potions and Snape decided to give us an essay on vampires since we were ready to learn the potion to poison them. Luckily, I still had the one we were made to do in third year. A few alterations and it would do.

Neville left around one. His stomach rumbling so loud that it made me realized how hungry I really was. I didn't go with him, although something told me I should have. Fifteen minutes later, a voice in my head told me to expect the unexpected. Ron stood, saying he would go to the kitchens and get some sandwiches and drinks. I couldn't remember the last time he skipped a meal and I knew he had to be starving. When the portrait closed behind him, Harry spoke up.

"So?"

"So?"

"Are you planning on telling him?"

"Tell who what?"

"Dammit, Hermione. You know perfectly well what. To be honest, I am not happy about what has happened. But, despite whatever feelings you may have toward Ron, good or bad, don't you think he deserves to know? I mean.. that baby.. in your stomach.. Ron helped."

I groaned. "I know. But, Harry, how do I tell him?"

"I dunno. Just come right out and say it, I guess. Get it over with."

"Maybe you're right."

Harry put a comforting hand on mine and smiled. "It'll all be okay, Hermione. I promise. If Ron turns out to be a prat, I'm here for you."

"Thanks, Harry."

---

An hour later, Harry looked at me and nodded. He stood, excused himself, saying something about needed his Transfiguration book, and disappeared into his room. Ron continued with his homework, barely noticing when Harry left. I put down my quill, debating in my mind what I would say. Nothing sounded right. I wished I didn't have to tell him. Finally, some thirty seconds later, Ron looked up.

"Something's wrong."

I nodded.

"What is it?"

"Ron, do you care about me?"

"What do you mean? 'Course I care about you."

"I mean, really care about me. Like, no matter what I say or do, you'll always be there for me?"

"Yes."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

"Ron? Do you remember that night? The one when we--"

He cut me off. "I thought we weren't going to discuss that. I thought we agreed it was a mistake."

"It was a mistake."

"Then why are you bringing it up?" Anger flashed through his blue eyes.

"Because--" Tears came back to my eyes. When Ron saw the tears, his expression softened and he looked at me suspiciously.

"What's wrong, Hermione?"

"I'm so sorry, Ron," I sobbed.

"For what?"

"I didn't mean for it to happen."

"What to happen?"

"Ron, don't hate me."

"What in the bloody hell are you talking about, Hermione?!"

I closed my eyes, but my hands in my lap, and stared at my palms. "I'm pregnant."

The words didn't seem to register in his mind. He looked at me blankly, staring right through me. His mouth opened and closed, but he appeared as if he forgot how to talk. I couldn't bare to look at the shock written all over his face. I shook my head, repeating over and over again, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Ron." Finally, he answered.

"Don't be sorry."

"Huh?"

"Don't be sorry. This is my fault. I came onto you. It was my mistake. If I wasn't such a fool this would have never happened. Don't be sorry, Hermione. I'm sorry."

"What are we going to do now?"

Ron's face hardened. "I dunno what we are going to do, Hermione. But, I need to think."

---

I sat on the couch, my head on Harry's shoulder. I had been crying for the past hour. Ron had walked out on me. Harry came from his room ten minutes after that, only to find me a pathetic heap on floor. He helped me up, pulled me into a large embrace, and let me cry on his shoulder. He just held me, never saying a word, but he understood everything so well. A funny thought came into my head, thinking maybe he had gone through this before. I let out a small laugh and Harry pulled back, looking into my eyes.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing."

"Really?"

"I was just musing about you being pregnant."

Harry smiled and looked down at his own stomach. He brought his hand up, feeling up and down.

"Um.." He pulled his shirt up, exposing his hard, muscled stomach. "I don't think I would make a very good pregnant man." I laughed again. "There's the genuine Hermione smile. Now, do you want to tell me what happened?"

"I don't know. I told him. At first, he seemed truly sorry. But, when I slipped and asked him what we were going to do, his reaction changed. He told me he needed to think and walked out. I started to go after him, but then told myself it was a bad idea. Oh, God, Harry," I said, as if just realizing it, "I'm pregnant."

"I thought we already established that?" Harry asked, trying to lighten the mood. When he saw that the tears were starting up again, he turned serious. "Maybe I should talk to him. What'd you think?"

"It's a good idea, if you can reason with him. I'm not asking for his help or his support. I just want him to understand that I only wanted him to know. Know that I am carrying his child. Know that if he--if he wants to be apart of this baby's life, I have no objections."

"Hermione?"

"Yes, Harry?"

"Do you love him?"

"No, not like that. He's my best friend and all.. but I don't love him like that."

"Do you think he loves you?"

"What?" I was taken aback. I looked into Harry's eyes and saw that he was serious. Did Ron love me? I asked myself. "Of course not," I voiced out. "Why would he? I mean, how could he? Think about it, Harry. We bicker all the time and get on each other's last nerve. Who could turn that into a loving relationship? We're just friends." I paused. "Friends who are going to have a baby.."

---

Author's Note How's this for a first chapter? I am enjoying writing this story. It's a bit different, I think. There won't be much going on to talk about school and classes, it will just focus on Ron and Hermione and the baby. I have the first three chapters written at the moment. Although, I have to make a few slight changes to chapters 2 and 3. I will more than likely update once a week. Let's see, I do plan on finishing this story. And, this time, I am serious. No more of 'I will finish this story' and not doing it. I know how much that pisses my readers off. Terribly sorry. Please review! Thanks! Oh, and if I have the whole conceivement to pregnancy thing mixed up, please forgive me. I have never been pregnant before, so I don't know that much. TONIGHT; MIDNIGHT! PoA! Yes! Although, I couldn't get a ticket into the midnight showing, and now I gotta wait! Boo-who!