I am back and I do apologize for the delay. A lot of things have been happening that has taken my time to write. I hope that you guys are satisfied.
Disclaimer: I honestly don't own the HP franchise.
Hermione knew Harry and the others were very concerned with her. Their many attempts at trying to get to her were evident. But despite their gestures, she still felt undeserving of the affection. She would avoid them whenever they got into her line of sight.
Meals weren't even an exception. She had personally gone down to the Hogwarts kitchen and asked Dobby to bring her meals into her dorm.
Hermione shook her head.
She was letting her thoughts consume her when she should really focus on finding her solution to break Draco's spell. That was the reason why she chose to come to the library so early on a Saturday.
She sighed. Putting her tenth book away, she decided to resign. Normally, she wouldn't, especially on a task like this, but she needed to finish her Christmas shopping.
Hermione organized her things into her bag and headed out for the exit. Unfortunately, she was stopped midway by a female student. The student looked up to her.
"Excuse me, but do you know where I can look up a book on magical creatures? It's my first time here, and I am afraid to ask the librarian," said the student. Hermione studied her. The little girl was a first-year Gryffindor. She had black pin-straight hair, and brown eyes. She can tell that the student was afraid of her, but her determination to get this book gave her courage to ask.
'She reminds me of me' thought Hermione.
"It's around that shelf," replied Hermione, while pointing to the left. The girl nodded and thanked her. She walked away to her destination, getting further away from Hermione. She couldn't help but feel a strange feeling if guilt. She couldn't believe she was letting away a monster like Draco hurt an innocent, bright young girl like that student.
'Just like me' she thought bitterly. She felt awful on her way to the carriages.
She found a carriage and sat inside. Unfortunately for her, Draco was in there by himself.
Draco swiftly placed himself on top of Hermione.
"Lucky finding you here, Granger," he whispered into her ear.
Hermione froze. Having Draco above her reminded her of that night. When Draco unzipped her jacket, she began hyperventilating under his touch. He put his hands under her shirt to feel her breasts, squeezing them so hard it made Hermione flinch. He tried to plant a hickey on her neck while he moved his hands away from her boobs and placed them onto her stomach. He was feeling her belly.
'The baby!'
Hermione feeling of apprehensiveness changed into anger. How dare he let his slimy hands touch her and her baby! With that, she gathered all her strength to punch Draco. He flinched. She then pushed him off of her and quickly whipped her wand at him.
"Do. Not. Ever. Touch. Me!" She growled, still pointing her wand at him. With that, Draco just sat still. It remained eerily quiet on the rest of the ride. Eventually, they reached their destination. Draco was the first to get off. He was checking the carriages to catch up with his Slytherin friends.
Hermione got off next. She wore her hat over her head so that no one would recognize her and entered a bookshop inside Hogsmeade. She scurried through the aisles, and picked up many pregnancy books. Though still unsure about keeping her child, Hermione thought that adoption was the most realistic choice.
She brought them to the counter. The cashier narrowed her eyes towards Hermione. "That would be 3 Galleons and 2 Sickles," she said. Hermione gave the coins. "Stupid teenagers these days! What with condoms and all they wouldn't be in this situation, yet it still happens," muttered the old lady.
Hermione was shocked at what she heard. This old cashier lady had no idea of the hell that she has been put through!
Hermione left, shoved the books into her bag, and went inside Dervish and Banges beside the bookshop. She bought two Rememberalls for her parents. Then, she entered Honeydukes to buy some candy for her friends. Normally, she got her parent's dentists friendly treats, but she felt bad for being neglectful towards her friends.
Hermione was on her way back to the carriages, until something caught her eye. She turned her head to the right and saw a maternity store. Entering inside, she was fascinated with the things around her. There were baby strollers, carriages, diapers, and many more baby things. Hermione felt like she should buy some diapers to be prepared, but frowned.
She remembered that she chose adoption for her baby. But why was she in the store then?
Hermione was definitely confused about her feelings toward the fetus. She thought that adoption was the right path, but something was gnawing inside her to reconsider. Sure, she bought those books to prepare for the next six months, but that should be it. Yet... Why did she feel the need to buy something just for the baby?
Hermione wasn't sure, but now she decided to buy something from the store.
She walked down further and saw baby blankets in shelves. She examined the blankets. The blankets were short to cover an adult, but seemed to be perfect for babies. Each blanket had a thick silk square border around the edges. Inside the border was an animal design on top of cotton material. The other side of the blanket was made out of warm wool. Hermione couldn't decide between a pink themed blanket, and a blue themed one because she didn't know what the gender was. She gave up and chose a silk brown bordered blanket, with a cute monkey on top of white cotton material.
Hermione picked up the blanket and shakily handed the blanket over to the cashier. The cashier noticed her shaking hands and stared in Hermione in the eyes. Unlike the last cashier from the bookstore, this woman was younger and had a kind atmosphere around her.
" You must be a new mother," she replied with a smile. Hermione nodded. "Don't be afraid. I won't judge you based on your age. Regardless of the situation, a baby should be celebrated, not condemned. That would be 2 Galleons please."
Hermione gave her the money and a small smile. The cashier spoke up again, " Might I interest you in a book called "The Tales of Beedle The Bard"? It is a great book consisting of fairy tales. A lot of mothers read it to their children."
'No thank you'
Hermione nodded. "How much?" She didn't know what was going on with her mind now.
"For you, on the house."
Hermione was surprised. This lady was giving her a free copy of the book?
She studied her closely. This woman looked like she had no hidden intentions. Hermione was grateful for her genuine hospitality, and excitedly put the book plus blanket in her bag.
"Thank you so much!" exclaimed Hermione.
With that, Hermione left the store. She picked an empty carriage and slept inside until it reached Hogwarts.
Tomorrow she was going to join her parents for Christmas break.
Hermione is still hesitant on the baby, but luckily, she has abandoned the thought of abortion. She still is terrified of Draco because of everything that has happened, but she is slowly getting over it (As seen when she got him off of her). I'll gradually build this up.
Do review and follow.