His face went pale as hers. "Pregnant," came a whisper. It wasn't a question or statement, just a fact that he still couldn't believe.

Hermione gingerly sat up on the bed. Her hand slipped away from his. "I found out after we broke up," she had the same pained look on her face as before.

Madam Pomfrey gave them privacy and left the room quietly. She was the one to confirm the news after Hermione came in about three weeks ago with a stomach bug. She was unable to keep anything in her stomach. It was something she saw plenty of, in her decades long occupation as a Healer. A quick Muggle pregnancy test confirmed it.

He nodded, out of habit. His hand slid to hers, and covered her smaller hand with his. They remained silent. He couldn't find the right words and didn't want to say something stupid. "How many weeks?" he asked softly. His eyes drifted to hers.

"About ten weeks," she used her free hand to wipe her tears.

"That was around the time I came to your place when your parents were at work, before summer ended. We were careful, weren't we?"

"I'm Muggle born. Madam Pomfrey said, Magical contraceptives might not work all the time for Muggles."

"I didn't know."

"Neither did I. You should tell your parent's. We need to make a decision."

He looked down, then back up. "What do you mean?"

"I just turned 19 back in September, and you'll soon be, too, before the year ends. We're still young and we're not together. We have to think about the future. My parents are supportive of anything I decide."

"I," he held her hand between both of his. "I want to keep our baby."

"Tom, this is a big decision. Take a little more time."

"Have you decided?"

She shook her head. "I don't think I can do it," she paused and fought the tears. "I can't see myself getting rid of our baby."

"I'll send a note to my parent's."

"You should tell them in person. We can meet with our parents this weekend or next. The sooner, the better."

xxxx

After Tom left the infirmary, he went straight to the Headmaster Dumbledore's office, who already knew about the pregnancy after Madam Pomfrey confirmed it. Due to some unfortunate events in the past, the Ministry needed to be informed. Hermione Granger was not the first witch to become pregnant whilst attending school, and she certainly wouldn't be the last.

The Ministry quickly made the decision for the student to leave before the school became tarnished and ruined. Headmaster Dumbledore stepped in to help one of Hogwarts' smartest witches and instead of expelling her, she was set to graduate early as long as she passes her N.E.W.T.s. She quickly agreed to it, not wanting to make things more complicated than it already was.

The Ministry was not happy about the decision, but nonetheless they agreed as long as she leaves before her stomach begins to show and rumors start. They were more concerned about their reputation than the witch and wizard involved in the matter, and never bothered to learn their names. They were only known as Witch #28 and Wizard #28. It gave Tom some relief that they weren't the first to do so.

xxxx

He was granted permission to use the Floo to visit his father, who he got his good looks and curly hair from. Tom Riddle Jr. was a close clone of his father except for the eyes. His father had grey eyes, and he had dark brown eyes like his mother. They both had a thirst for knowledge, and both played Quidditch for Slytherin. The younger Tom dropped out this year.

About an hour later, his mother came. He told his father first whilst they waited for her, who liked taking her time and making a grand entrance, no matter the occasion. The elder Riddle was more emphatic to his son's complicated situation. His mother threw a family heirloom vase at him, whilst yelling in anger that he ruined his future and their bloodline by having a Mudblood baby, tarnishing the family name. It hurt to hear what his mother called his unborn child, and only then did he realize how much he hurt Hermione.

Before leaving via Floo, she threw a Crystal glass at her former husband for letting their son ruin everything their families worked so hard for. She vanished in smoke of green, and the mansion was quiet once more.

"Don't worry, I'll support any decision you two make. I will meet with the Granger's at their earliest convenience. Let them know as soon as you can," said his father, as he quickly cleaned up the mess and put everything back to the way it was.

"Yes, father."

"Get back to Hogwarts and let Miss Granger know. Are you two still broken up?"

Tom looked at his father with shame. He was too prideful to apologize to her and wasted so much time. "Yes."

"We'll talk more when we meet her family."

xxxx

Tom came back in time for lunch, but he had no appetite after everything that happened in the past few hours. He went from a teen in his last year at Hogwarts to a young adult and soon to be father. A part of him was terrified, yet, there was a small part of him that was excited.

He forced himself to take a few bites of roasted chicken and mash before leaving and going to the infirmary. Hermione was fast asleep, and Madam Pomfrey let him stay, who was informed by the Headmaster about everything that has occurred since morning.

Exhausted, he fell asleep with his head on the side of her bed. It wasn't until after the bell rang for the end of the final class did they wake up. Voices echoed from the halls. There was excitement as students passed in the corridor.

He lifted his head up and met her golden brown eyes, as she laid on her side. In so little time, everything between them changed. He sat up on the chair. "My father will meet anytime your parents are available. My mother," he looked away for a second then back to her.

"I know. She hates me."

"Hermione," he reached for her face, but she flinched. "Sorry."

"It's better she's not there," she stated. Whilst dating Tom, she had an eerie feeling whenever he brought her to the Riddle Mansion. His mother never made any attempt in speaking to her or even acknowleded her presence. "Weekends work best. I'll ask them for a day and time and let you know."

A few seconds followed in silence. There was an awkward stillness.

"You didn't go to class."

"Headmaster Dumbledore excused it. How are you feeling?"

"Fever went down. I should be able to return to class soon."

"That's good," he said. "About you leaving Hogwarts," he began, but was immediately cut off.

"Ministry has made their final decision. They don't want a pregnant student ruining its reputation. I'm ahead in classes and will be taking my N.E.W.T.s exam soon. As long as I get passing in each class, I'll be able to graduate. I just won't be here for the rest of the year."

"Is there anything else I can do?"

"Harry and Ron has been helping me with things."

"They know?"

She nodded. He had to admit that he was jealous that they found out first than him, but then again, he had no right to. He broke up with her and made no effort to salvage their relationship until he realized too late how he felt about her.

"It's my fault. I should have come to you sooner. Thank them for me. I know I'm their least favorite person at the moment."

There was another pause. They could no longer fill the silence like before.

"Is there anything you need from me?" he asked.

"We need to come to a decision."

"I thought we already did this morning."

"Tom, you need to give it some time. You just found out. I've known for weeks, and I'm still," she sighed. "Think about it."

"Okay," he played with the sleeves of his robe.

"Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean we're back together."

His mouth opened to talk or protest, but his mind couldn't process the right words and thoughts.

"I'm not saying this to hurt you. I'm not ready to go there again. What you said really hurt me, and it hurt more that you never came to me to apologize. It was difficult seeing you every day in class, in the halls, and everywhere else, then to find out I'm pregnant," she turned away from him. "Can you please go?"

xxxx

He tossed and turned all night in his bed. There were so many thoughts going through his mind. They were always so careful and never imagined this could happen. He pictured them as a family, but he was also terrified of fatherhood. There were a lot of things they couldn't do with magic, like raise a child. Where would they live? Will they be together or raise their baby apart? Does she want to keep their baby?

Talks of bloodline filled his head. He would be the first in either side of his family to break the pure blood lineage. There was a possibility that his child would be disowned and maybe even him. He was okay with it as long as he had Hermione, but he didn't. They were still broken up. Nothing had changed, except for that she was pregnant with his child.

Worst, he hated himself for hurting her so much that it was difficult for her to be around him. It hurt him to leave her and not be able to console her like he used to. Before, he always made her smile with new spells he learned, now they were like strangers.

xxxx

He came back to the infirmary the next morning after having a few bites of his eggs, sausage, and toast during breakfast, just enough to get him going for his classes. She was awake and resting as instructed by Madam Pomfrey, who gave them privacy. There was an awkward silence between them again as he sat beside her.

They both look like they hadn't slept much. Her hair was bushy and oily from not being able to leave the infirmary for a couple of days because of the flu. He looked like an utter mess with his curls all over the place. His buttoned shirt was untucked and tie was crooked.

"You don't have to keep checking on me. Harry and Ron will be doing that. I don't want it to be obvious that something is going on between us. Madam Pomfrey will put a charm on my stomach, so it doesn't look different to everyone. In a few weeks I'll be gone and no one will know. It's what the Ministry wants."

He leaned closer. His hand was itching to touch her. "Don't I get a say?" he whispered, because he couldn't let her know he was upset about how nonchalant she was with everything she said. He wanted to be a part of their life, too. It was his baby and not Ron or Harry's.

"We'll talk about it over the weekend. My parents are available all day Saturday, noon is preferable, at our house."

"What about us?"

"Right now, there is no us. I can't," she shut her eyes and shook her head. "Please don't do this, Tom. I just can't."

"I fucked up. I'm sorry. I need to be a part of your lives and not Harry or Ron. It's my baby, not theirs," he softly placed his forehead on hers. "Please, Hermione. I'm begging you. I'm so sorry I hurt you. I fucked up and didn't mean it."

Tears stained her cheeks as they rolled down. Her eyes were red. "I don't trust myself with you. Please don't make this difficult for me. I just want to finish my classes and go. In a few weeks, maybe we can talk about it."

He wiped her tears with his thumbs. "Sorry, I keep hurting you, but I'm not giving up on us."

xxxx

For the rest of the week, in the classes they had together, he remained close by her but she ignored him. He watched her from afar as Ron or Harry remained by her side to make sure she was okay. Not much changed between them. They only talked when they had to. No one was the wiser about their situation.

Over the weekend, they both used Floo to return home via Headmaster Dumbledore's office. The Riddle's were punctual and wore their best suits when they arrived at the Granger's house. It was a modest two-story home that was passed on from her grandparents to her mum. There was a spacious living room, kitchen, three bedrooms and two full baths. It was nothing compared to the Riddle Mansion, but it was cozy and filled with love.

All five sat around the living room with hot tea on the coffee table between the two families, who sat on different couches, facing the other. Both of the Riddle's had their hair slicked to the side and wore a tie with their dark grey suits. They were a true father and son pair.

Mr. Riddle spoke first. "I'd like to apologize for any inconvenience my son has caused your daughter. With my divorce, I wasn't able to keep a proper eye on him. I taught him better, always told him to practice safe sex."

Mrs. Granger cleared her throat before speaking. "My daughter has informed me that they were both careful. They're at a certain age, that us parents no longer have control over what they chose to do."

"I see," Mr. Riddle answered. "Tom has informed me of his decision. Ultimately, the final say is Miss Granger's. I will support any decision, if you have decided," he turned to his attention to Hermione, who was nervous.

She carefully looked at Tom, who was as nervous as she was. He kept looking away and looking back down. It was difficult for him to look at her mum and dad, who he met several times and had dinner with.

"Son," his father patted his shoulder.

"I want to keep our baby," he whispered. His eyes began to glisten with tears. "My father will help financially but if Hermione decides to," he looked back down. He swallowed the painful truth of what her choice could be.

"We will both support her decision," Mr. Riddle finished.

Hermione had to wipe her tears. It had been a difficult week, and decision that she talked for hours and days with her parents, who she had the full support regardless of what she chose. They were understanding but not at first. They were shocked but loved her regardless. It took a couple of days to get used to the fact that their only daughter was pregnant.

"Mum," her voice cracked.

"Hermione also wants to keep their baby."

Tom broke down and hugged his father. He finally let his emotions get the best of him. Hermione quickly went to the bathroom. It was still difficult to see him, especially now. Maybe it was her hormones that put her emotions all over the place.

When she opened the door, he was there waiting. "They're talking."

She nodded and immediately walked into his embrace, for now she just needed him. She needed him to comfort her and tell her everything was going to be okay.

"I'm sorry for everything I put you through," he said as he hugged her.

xxxx

The next few weeks were slightly better. She didn't ignore him but kept her distance. Ron or Harry was always beside her to help her with anything she needed. They still weren't together, but she was able to be in the same room without crying or being upset, sometimes. It was the hormones that threw her completely off centered. He knew when to back away and leave her alone.

On some weekends when she wasn't busy with studies or extra work, they Floo to her parent's house. He slept in the guest bedroom room, soon to be nursery, and helped care for her or went to appointments with them. He was clueless, and so was his father, who never went with his wife. Her mum had to explain everything to them when a Muggle born Healer examined her. They had zero clue to what a sonogram was. Tom got to watch the monitor, whilst their parents waited outside the hall.

They didn't have time to talk about their relationship. Everything was about their unborn baby. By the end of the day they were knackered. After dinner, she went to her room, and he went to the guest bedroom. They were too exhausted to think about anything other than sleep.

Her mum gave them books to read and bought them a doll to show them all the how-to's, from carrying, burping, and changing diapers. Her father was more concerned about housework and maintenance, which he didn't need. His father didn't know much, they had house elves and a nanny for him when he was a baby. His mother was not interested in the slightest.

A week before their winter break she took all of her exams and received mostly Outstanding's and one Exceeds Expectation. She cried because she was never going to step foot in Hogwarts again. It was a tearful goodbye to her two best friends as Tom kept his distance. She rode the train in the same compartment with her two best friends, whilst Tom sat with other Slytherin. He hated that he was never going to see her everyday in class.

It was another tear filled goodbye on Platform 9 3/4. It was the last time she was going to see them in a while or step foot on there. Tom was gone by the time the three separated. He gave them their space, and he was still one of their least favorite person but not as much as before.

Hermione found him outside waiting for her. His father was there to pick them up. She was too tired and fell asleep in the backseat of the car. They stopped to pick up food on the way to her parent's house, who arrived almost the same time as them from their workplace.

The Riddle's stayed for dinner and Tom was allowed to stay with them for a few days. His father had already packed his clothes. The parents had set it up. Tom would be gone for Christmas and New Year's to celebrate with his father's side of the family, who still had no clue about the newest addition. He dreaded having to tell them.

The days went by quickly with the holidays approaching, and her baby bump was starting to show now that the charm had worn off. She mostly wore over sized jumpers and his joggers, as they were baggy and comfortable. He didn't mind it. She looked cute in them. They were starting to become closer again now that she was stress-free from exams and anything Hogwarts related.

Her parents were on annual leave from work until after New Year's, so they were never left alone, except for when they went out shopping. It was a bit awkward at first, even while they simply watched a movie in the living room. They sat on different couches and didn't speak much except for when he asked if she needed something. She politely declined his offer.

When the movie ended, it was quiet. He fiddled with the remote as he searched for something, anything really, to fill the room with noise.

"Tom," she broke the silence first.

"Yea," he quickly replied, too eagerly. He turned to look at her. She had her hair tied up in a messy bun and was wearing his jumper and jogger. He asked his father to buy more, and it was delivered via house elf, who scared her parents.

"What would you like our baby to be?" she asked.

"Healthy, not a squib."

"I meant gender."

"I'm not sure. Hopefully has our brains."

After dinner, she fell asleep in the living room as they watched another Christmas movie together. Her parents had gone to bed. He carried her upstairs to her room with a bit of help with his wand. He wasn't as in shape like before when he played Quidditch.

It had been months since he last saw her room, the day their baby was conceived, a few days before their Seventh Year began at Hogwarts. He came by after they shopped at Diagonal Alley and things got heated pretty quickly. She drank a contraceptive potion they bought at Knockturn Alley, like she always did.

He set her down on her bed and tucked her in. Being in there made him miss her and the way they used to be. He removed her hair clip and placed it on her nightstand. "Goodnight Hermione," he whispered.

"Tom," it was low that he barely heard. "I forgive you."

xxxx

The next few weeks were a blur for him. He had too many schoolwork and exams to study for, whilst on weekends he was trying to catch up with her on her appointments and other baby classes she took to help prepare to take care of their baby. The Granger's let him stay with them to help care for her. They were also working on their relationship and slowly trying to get back what they used to have, which was difficult when so many other things were a priority in their busy lives.

Around twenty weeks, they found out the gender. It was a girl. He was excited and scared because he knew how boys think, and he was already thinking of ways to keep boys away from her. He didn't want the same thing to happen. Not that he had any regrets.

After twenty-five weeks, she began to show more and her belly was getting bigger. Her hormones were much more sensitive, and so were other parts of her body. Her face was more plump and so were her breast, he noticed, every time she wore a shirt, since the weather was getting warmer.

Her parents were already asleep when they were in the living room watching a movie after dinner. She came on to him first. She was horny, she admitted. It had been too long since they last kissed. It was before they broke up around October.

He didn't hesitate. They snogged on the couch, with her straddling his lap. His hands went everywhere he could touch. She was too sensitive. They ended up in her bedroom, and he put a Quietening Charm.

She woke up in his arms and woke him before her parent's got up. He quickly dressed, then left her room to sleep in the guest bedroom.

It was hormones she reasoned, but it was a lie. He was doing everything he can to prove to her that he was dedicated to her and their baby. He never pressured her for anything more besides being able to be there for her.

xxxx

As her due date neared, he was more stressed. He had exams to study for, and her appointments were more frequent. She tried to help him study, but she was constantly exhausted. They were usually found asleep in the living room or the guest bedroom with books left wide open. Her parent's never said a word and always pretended not to know anything until they were ready.

He managed to finish his exams early, thanks to Headmaster Dumbledore, who allowed it. The dreaded exams he studied for were finally behind him. He passed with Outstanding's and two Exceeds Expectation. He left Hogwarts mid-May, before his daughter was born.

On 23 May 1998, she gave birth to their daughter, Ella Charlotte Riddle. He was there through the whole ordeal of being called every horrible name she could spew whilst pushing their baby out. A hex or two was glanced his way. A curse bounced off as well. Even without a wand she was powerful, and he vowed to make it up to her when she let him come close enough, although he was a bit frightened.

It all went away and so did her anger, when they heard her cries. He apologized a few more times and so did she. Their baby was healthy, and that's all that mattered.

end.