Hermione barely noticed Harry trying to wave down her attention as she made her way quickly through the Gryffindor Common Room. She already knew what he wanted to talk about, but she wasn't ready to face the issue just yet. She attempted to pretend she hadn't seen Harry waving her down, nor that she could hear him calling after her. He finally made his way through the crowd, catching her shoulder. Hermione turned around and attempted to act surprised, but it seemed that she came across more annoyed than anything.
"Hermione, I know you're busy. But you really should talk to Ron." Harry looked at her with his green eyes swimming full of pity, and Hermione hated it. They had been back at school for a few months now, and November had snuck its way upon them. The third of the month marked exactly one more month until Hermione was of age. She and Sirius had exchanged several letters, letters in which they attempted to get to know one another as best as they could. Hermione told him about school, her prefect duties, and the trouble the Umbridge woman was causing, Sirius told her about how things in London were going. Hermione shook her head at Harry, moving to walk on, but Harry stayed close at her side.
"I'm not ready to make this a huge deal." she commented, feeling more exhausted than she had in a long time.
"I know, but he really deserves to know." Harry replied. Hermione stopped and turned to her friend. "He ask me about the ring." Hermione felt a wave of panic briefly, but pushed it aside.
"And you told him, what, exactly?" she inquired. Harry shrugged.
"That a friend got if for you." Harry sighed. "I don't want to lie to him anymore. It's Hogsmade weekend, and he's going to wonder why your not with me in a few when I meet up with him." Hermione knew Harry was right. While Harry and Ron met for drinks at the Three Broomsticks, Hermione was set top meet Mrs. Weasley, Ginny, and Olivia in the wedding dress shop in town for a fitting for herself and Olivia and Ginny as Bridesmaids. It was where Hermione was headed when Harry stopped her. Ron and the twins were the only ones not in on Hermione's secret.
"I guess you're right." Hermione agreed, starting to walk again. "I'll talk to him tonight, but you have to be there with me." she added. Harry gave a weak smile.
"Of course, you'll both need me after that talk." Harry said, allowing Hermione to continue on her way. She hurried, as she was due to meet the other ladies in about ten minutes time. When she arrived at the shop, she was the last one and the others were sitting and waiting. Ginny was off to the side, partially avoiding her mother's questions and partially engrossed in a catalog. Molly was talking quietly with a very tired looking Olivia, who was paler than normal. Molly looked deep in thought and was telling Olivia something, and Olivia nodding along. When Hermione walked in, the older two witches quieted, and Olivia greeted Hermione with a hug, followed by Mrs. Weasley who did the same.
"I'm so sorry this shopping trip was necessary, dear. But Sirius sent you a pass to his Gringott's, said for you to keep it, and said to tell you-" but Molly was cut off by Olivia, who was more willing to quote Sirius' real words.
"To buy the damn store if it'd make you happy." Olivia finished. Hermione smiled, thinking of Sirius saying such to Molly.
"What colors where you thinking for us?" Ginny spoke up, hopping over to join the conversation. Hermione thought for a moment.
"I thought, it being a winter wedding, perhaps a snowy theme. Pale blue for you two?" Hermione said, moving over to a rack of dresses. A shop worker walked over and introduced herself as 'Marline', and started holding dresses for Ginny and Olivia. "We'll do your dresses first, as it won't take so long." Hermione said, laying another set on the shop worker's arms. After they had about four styles to try, Hermione sent her friends off to the dressing room. When they walked out in the third style, a tea length cut with off the shoulder neckline and mid-length sleeves, Hermione seemed happy.
"I like these too." Olivia said. "They're not so over the top that they can't be worn again, like to a party." Ginny agreed.
"I'll need to fit you both, so that they're right." Marline said, watching both witches spin. Ginny agreed and hopped immediately onto the stool, where Marline set to pinning. Molly turned to Olivia and Hermione saw her smile sadly to the dark haired witch, before Olivia retreated into the dressing room and returned with her dress over her arm.
"I think I'll let Molly do mine, thanks." she remarked, getting a slightly rude nod from Marline. Hermione looked over to Olivia questioningly, who simply mouthed the word 'later' to her and sat down, watching Ginny be measured and pinned. Once Ginny's dress was marked for needed alterations and Olivia's bagged to be taken, they moved on to the white gowns in the other room of the store. Hermione felt uneasy, wishing desperately that her mother could be there, but she had decided it was best to wait until she was of age and they couldn't pull her from Hogwarts before telling her parents what was happening. She looked through several gowns, trying a few on and getting tears from Mrs. Weasley, but never feeling completely happy with one. At least, not until Olivia came out with a long, silk gown. It was simple, with a high collar and pearls beaded onto the front in a lace-like pattern, and had a train about four feet long. Hermione gasp when Olivia held it up.
"That gown is one of our most expensive. I don't know if it's in your price-"
"She's marrying Sirius Black, she could buy you if she wanted." Olivia snapped at Marline, who backed off as Hermione took the dress and ran to the changing room with it. When she emerged, even Ginny's eyes teared up. The dress seemed to have been made for Hermione, who's long neck complimented the collar and gentle flow of the fabric.
"Mione, that's it." Ginny said, walking in a circle around Hermione.
"Doesn't look to need alterations, either." Mrs. Weasley added, tugging at a few places on the dress and then dabbing at her eyes. "You look radiant, love." she said, pulling Hermione into a bone crushing hug.
"I'll take it." Hermione said, walking back to the changing room. The shop keeper rang the total up and Hermione paid, letting Mrs. Weasley leave with both Hermione's and Olivia's, letting Ginny's stay to be altered. When Mrs. Weasley was gone, Ginny also said her goodbye's and left to meet up with a boy, so Hermione insisted Olivia go to get something to eat with her, and explain what had happened in the store. Hermione was a bit worried about her friend, and how sickly she looked. She didn't say much as they sat down and ordered their food, so Hermione took initiative and spoke up.
"Tell me what's wrong?" she ask, her voice full of concern. Olivia let out a long sigh and closed her eyes. "What was Mrs. Weasley telling you? and Why wouldn't you let-"
"Because it they alter it now, it won't fit then, most likely." Olivia blurted. Hermione had a suspicion set in, but kept the thought to herself. Olivia appeared to be shaking, either from nerves or the cold, Hermione couldn't be sure.
"Are you okay?" she ask, reaching across the table and squeezing Olivia's hand that lay on the table. Olivia shook her head lightly.
"No." She admitted, looking down. "I found out a couple days ago- I'm pregnant." she looked as if she was about ready to cry. Hermione felt a bit excited at the prospect of a baby, and the fact that two people she care about wouldn't be facing prison, but because Olivia seemed to upset, she fought away her smile.
"Wow. What did Remus say?" she ask gently. Olivia shook her head.
"I haven't told him yet. I haven't told anyone but Molly." she admitted, looking down. Hermione felt horrible for her friend, who seemed so troubled. "Things had just started to be 'okay', you know? He was talking to me. We had dinner with my mum last week. I was just getting to know him..." She stopped talking and pressed her fingers into her eyes, as if fighting back tears. She let out an exasperated sound.
"You're afraid to tell him?" Hermione guessed. Olivia nodded.
"Afraid he'll shut down. Start staying at Grimmauld again. I don't want to be alone. Not now." Hermione gave Olivia's hand another squeeze.
"I don't think Remus would do that to you." Hermione said sincerely. In the letters she and Sirius sent back and forth, Sirius had mentioned that Remus seemed to be fairly happy with Olivia, and that they were getting along pretty well.
"I don't know what to say to him." Olivia admitted. Hermione gave a half smile.
"It shouldn't be a huge shock, as it was a requirement." Hermione reminded her friend. Olivia looked down.
"But it happened so fast." she said quietly. Hermione had to agree there, but there was nothing could be done about the timing. Their food came and the two girls ate quietly. When done, Olivia walked Hermione back to the school gate.
"You should tell him, tonight." Hermione said firmly. Olivia shrugged.
"Maybe." she said, kicking at the ground. Hermione shook her head.
"No. I have to talk to Ron, tell him about Sirius. You talk to Remus, tell him about the baby. Deal?" she offered, hoping the fact that Hermione also faced a difficult conversation helped her feel better.
"Deal." Olivia said, waving as Hermione walked back toward the school.
Hey everyone! Sorry it took so long, but I got a new laptop so I'm back in business! I hope you like this chapter, and I know it leaves some pretty HUGE and important stuff on the edge of a cliff, but honestly if I don't give you a cliff hanger what fun is there? Be sure to review, if I get 10 of them I'll update again tomorrow. If not- Well, I might still update tomorrow. Who knows?