Disclaimer: All characters and places belong to JK Rowling, the only thing that belongs to me is part of the storyline, and the writing.
Warning: Contains mildly bad language, mention of abortion, and suggestive situations.
Note: The talk about abortion is not meant to offend anyone, it was put in to show more on the severity of their situation. I'm very sorry if it offends you, that's not why it's there, and I hope you continue reading.
The next two weeks went by so quickly, that Ron didn't even have time to worry about what was going on with Hermione. There was so much to do in preparation for their last year at Hogwarts, the whole house was frantic. It was the day before the start of school when Hermione re-opened her letter to make sure that she had everything she needed. As she looked it over, and unfolded the last flap, something fell out onto the ground. She bent down to pick it up and flipped it over. "OH MY GOSH!" she screamed, running downstairs, "I'M HEAD GIRL!" everyone was already rushing towards the stairs at her first scream, and as they reached her, Harry and Ron tackled their friend in excitement.
"That's great!" Harry shouted, patting her on the back. Ginny ran and gave her a big hug.
"Well," Mrs. Weasley started happily after giving her congratulations to Hermione, "I think that means we're having a party tonight! Ginny, I'll need your help sending the owls to the rest of the order, I'm sure they'd want to be here to celebrate with us! Oh, and if there's anything any of you need still for school, Fred and George are coming tonight, they said to owl and they'd pick up whatever you still needed." With that Mrs. Weasley hurried off into the kitchen, patting Hermione's shoulder one last time, to start preparing for dinner. Ginny followed closely behind her, headed upstairs to write to the rest of the order, inviting them to dinner. That left just Ron, Harry, and Hermione sitting in an awkward silence in the living room. Harry scratched the back of his neck awkwardly as he stood up.
"Err.. Well, congratulations again Hermione. I'm gunna go make sure I have everything I need." he muttered, sensing that Ron wanted to talk to Hermione alone. He walked as quickly as he could without running up the stairs, and as soon as he was out of site, he ran to his room to grab one of Fred and George's extendable ears. To Harry's dismay, Ron had decided to cast a spell to avoid eavesdropping; he doubted his mother would be very happy with that conversation.
"Umm.. Hermione..." Ron started, twiddling his thumbs in his lap, trying to think of an easier way to say what he was about to say. 'Just say it!' he kept telling himself, but when it came down to it, it wasn't that easy. Hermione looked nervous.
"Yeah..?" she asked slowly, hoping he wasn't going to say what she thought he was. She knew she was losing time, and would have to tell him sooner or later, but she just didn't feel ready yet. She took a deep breath and looked at Ron, and how worried he looked. "What is it Ron? You look upset.."
"Well.. I was thinking... And you and Ginny have been acting really strange lately... And you've been sick... and with everything that's happened this summer..." Ron stuttered, looking down at his feet. Hermione buried her face in her hands and started to cry. Ron was startled by her reaction and moved over towards her, putting his arm around her and holding her close. "It's okay 'Mione. Everything's going to be fine." he soothed, not just for her, but for himself. Hermione curled up against his chest.
"What are we gunna do?" she whispered hoarsely, looking up into Ron's eyes. There was a look of desperation in her eyes that Ron had never seen before. Not even in their first year when she realised that he was going to sacrifice himself in the chess game. At this moment, Ron cast all worry he had inside, he couldn't stand to see that look on Hermione's face. Couldn't stand to see her that upset.
"Well. What do you want to do?" he asked her carefully, continuing to rub her back gently. Hermione hugged him tight and lay her head across his chest. They sat there for a few minutes in silence; Ron trying his hardest not to get shaken up by the situation, and Hermione just thinking, and being greatful that Ron was with her in this.
"I definitely don't want to abort it." she said, trying to look at him sternly. It came out as more of a worried whimper. Ron pulled away slightly.
"What is aborting a baby?" Ron asked, very confused. Though it was common in the muggle world, there was no wizarding equivalent to aborting a child. Hermione looked shocked and thought for a minute on how to explain such a thing to Ron.
"Well..." she started a little uncomfortably, "When muggle's have conceived a child... but they aren't in a state where they can take care of a child, or just don't want one, they have the option of aborting the child. Usually there's a shot given to the mother through the stomach, which kills the baby." Hermione finished bluntly, not knowing any nicer way to state the fact. Ron's eyes grew wide.
"That's terrible!" he exclaimed, "How could anyone do that to their own flesh and blood?! How could anyone be that selfish?!" Hermione cuddled into him closer, happy to know that he would support her in the decision to at least go through the pregnancy.
"I know." she said, a little more comfortable now. "But that doesn't leave us with that many options. I mean, there's adoption.." she scratched her neck awkwardly, and looked down, pulling away from him slightly. They sat in silence for a few minutes. Ron debated whether or not to say something, and finally decided that he should.
"Well, are you completely against keeping it?" he asked. As soon as he said it he wished that he hadn't. "Sorry, what am I saying, of course you don't want to keep it." He turned a bright shade of red and looked down, fidgeting with the sleeve of his shirt. "Forget I even said anything." Hermione looked up at him and smiled slightly. She couldn't help but wonder what she did to deserve such a great guy. It was her turn to comfort him.
"Well," she began, "Actually, I was kind of hoping that's what you'd want to do... I hate the idea of letting our child.. Wow. Our child." she shook her head as if disbelieving that she was actually saying those words. "It sounds funny doesn't it? That we're having a child?" Ron nodded, not quite so crestfallen. At first he had been mortified by the idea that Hermione was pregnant, but after giving it some thought, he knew he would never be able to give his child up.
"Yes. And it's scary." he replied. Seeing the sad look on Hermione's face he finished, "But I'll be here for you no matter what." Hermione smiled sadly, and cuddled into his chest once more, falling asleep to the sound of his heart beating.
AN: Okay, so I started this chapter with the plan that they would leave for Hogwarts here, but obviously it didn't work out that way. Next chapter will take place at Hogwarts, thanks to everyone for the reviews. I'm looking for a beta if anyone's interested. I hope you like it, and hope you continue reading!