I had been a NEWT student for almost two months before Tom and I began to meet up properly again. We had seen each other a few times, but they were few and far between. Most of our efforts had been concentrated on settling in to the new, and more difficult, school life. None of my dorm-mates asked where I was disappearing off to anymore; they had learned to accept by strange absences by now, probably assuming that I liked to wander the castle as many do when their minds are occupied.

I was glad that they didn't ask- it would have been hard to hide the blush that crept into my cheeks every time I thought of my meetings with Tom. We had moved away from our spot on the Astronomy Tower ever since a new ghost had appeared around that area at the end of last year. Tom and I now met in the prefect's bathroom after midnight, when it was guaranteed to be empty. Why we hadn't thought of it before was a mystery.


I waited in my bed, faking sleep, as the minutes ticked by and my friends feel further into their dreams. Faintly, I heard the chiming of the large clock that stood in the Slytherin common room, and I knew that Tom would now be making his way to the bathroom. I waited a few more minute to ensure no-one saw us together, then swung my legs out of bed and softly padded towards the door.

When I entered the bathroom, I was surprised to see Tom already relaxing in the mountainous bubbles. The warm, stuffy air smelled of coconut and pineapple, a sweet but seductive combination that, paired with the humidity of the room, made me want to tear off my pyjamas and join him in the creamy suds.

I pulled them off a little self-consciously and slipped quickly into the translucent foam, gliding through the boiling water to sit closer to Tom. His skin was warmed and softened by the heat of the bath, and in a moment of courage I closed the remaining distance between us. He lifted his arm from the water and wrapped it protectively around my shoulders, sending tingling drops of water over my still-dry skin.

I rested my head on his shoulder and he drew lazy circles on my upper arm with his fingers...


I stared in shock and horror at the letters.

I should have seen this coming.

Why didn't I recognise what was happening?

I was so stupid.

It had taken two months for me to notice.

Was I so engrossed in Tom that I had been neglecting everyday life?

Or was I just stupid.

Stupid.

For about a week I had felt nauseous at unexpected times in the day, and both yesterday and today had seen me with my head in a toilet immediately after waking up.

At first, I had put it down to food poisoning or an Autumn bug.

No.

I stared some more at the dull, cursive letters on the parchment.

The result of my test.

"PREGNANT."


I know this chapter jumps around a lot, so I can only apologise for that!

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