Harry Potter and the Moral Dilemma Chapter 5
The First decisions
"Hey Potter, rumor has it that you got Weasley's sister pregnant?" Draco Malfoy called out across the Great Hall at breakfast the next day.
"Malfoy, I have no idea what you are talking about. Ginny probably has a simple Muggle stomach bug," Harry said. "I doubt she is pregnant."
"Well as I said it's just a rumor," Draco said as some of the other Slytherins sat down. The Gryffindor table was fairly sparsely populated at that point. Fairly soon it filled up and Prof. McGonagall brought everyone's schedule around. Harry was pleased with his schedule since he didn't have any classes with the Slytherins that day. Just Transfiguration with the Ravenclaws, Herbology with Hufflepuffs and Double Divination that day. He didn't have Defense Against the Dark Arts, History of Magic with the Ravenclaws, Care of Magical Creatures with the Slytherins, or worst Double Potions with the Slytherins until the next day. Eventually Ginny sat down next to him.
"Ginny is it true?" Harry asked.
"Is what true?" Ginny asked.
"The rumor about why you were sick yesterday. Malfoy was blabbing about it earlier," Harry said.
"Oh that. What I'd like to know is how the Slytherins found out. The only person I told was Prof. McGonagall when she followed me upstairs last night. Her reason for following me only partly had to do with that. She was also offering me the other vacant slot on the team. I haven't accepted the position yet because of my medical condition. I haven't even sent my mom an owl yet about this. What if the school did?" Ginny wondered.
"So it is true huh?" Harry queried.
"Why what was the rumor?" Ginny asked getting worried.
"That you are pregnant," Harry said.
"I bet Peeves found out and told someone in Slytherin to get back at me for getting mad at him after he smashed Sirius's bed the other night and caused all this to happen," Ginny complained. "Wait until I get my hands on that Poltergeist I will send him to the most distant Moon of Andromeda I can find." This last part she screamed such for the entire hall to hear.
"What do you think Minerva a nice round hundred points from Gryffindor for that outburst from their table?" Prof. Snape asked as he looked at his colleague.
"If you are going to do that then I feel I should take at least thirty points from your house for their spreading that rumor. After all something like that is rather private and shouldn't be just spread around without proper confirmation which we now have," Professor McGonagall said.
"I think we should hold off on penalizing the houses until we know all the facts. Besides I wouldn't mind seeing Peeves sent to Andromeda," Dumbledore said putting his own two Knuts in.
After Breakfast as Harry was heading for Transfiguration and Ginny for Defense Against the Dark Arts Ginny brought up the rumor.
"Harry, what exactly was the rumor Malfoy brought up?" Ginny asked.
"That I had gotten you pregnant. Which since you in fact are pregnant then I must have done it," Harry said.
"Harry, the only people that I know of that knew besides me was Madam Pomfrey and Prof. McGonagall and neither one brought up the question of who the father was. This really makes me want to know how the Slytherins found out," Ginny said.
"I agree," Ron said. "If you ask me we should begin making more Polyjuice Potion."
"I think not. After all Snape probably used multiple tricks on his private supplies after so much was stolen before. Besides how would we get the recipe back? The book is in the restricted section after all," Hermione said. "Besides nobody went up the stairs to the girl's dormitory while Professor McGonagall was upstairs talking to Ginny."
The door to the Transfiguration class was before Ginny's Defense against the Dark Arts Class and Prof. McGonagall called out to Ginny to hold up.
"Ginny, for the record I kept my lips locked about the whole thing. Could someone have been listening at the keyhole?" she asked.
"Hermione says no. Besides the rumor included the fact that Harry Potter is the father and only I knew that prior to just now. Have you sent an owl to my parents yet about this?" Ginny asked.
"No I have not. I figured they should hear it from you. If you want I spent time last night writing notes to your various professors excusing you from anything overly dangerous. Where you can't easily participate that you are to be given assignments that would allow you to maintain your grades. After all you did real well on Your O.W.L.'s," Prof. McGonagall said. "Here let me write one more thing out. What class are you late for?"
"Defense Against the Dark Arts," Ginny said.
"Prof. Blankwood can be as strict as any professor even Snape," Prof. McGonagall said. "I'll write an extra note so he won't take points off."
Later that day Harry stood by in the hospital wing as Ginny consulted with Madam Pomfrey about something. He figured it had to do with Quidditch since Madam Hooch was also on hand.
"Well how did it go?" Harry asked.
"WE had Madam Hooch come since Madam Pomfrey wanted me to install a mirror on my broom if I played so that I could look behind me for Bludgers. They both agreed that the Bludgers would be my main concern. It isn't Bludgers from the rear that are the problem though but Bludgers coming at me from the other sides," Ginny said.
"If necessary I'll just have one of the Beaters stick with you but it would leave only one Beater for the four players. I'm going to run the First years who were interested in forming a reserve element through some drills this week with Madam Hooch. It will include some Flying lessons since Lucy had expressed interest in playing," Harry said.
"Mind if I help out?" Ginny asked. "I'll need the extra practice as it is."
"No problem. I'm not sure if we have robes that would quite fit you," Harry said.
"That's not a problem," Ginny said.
"OK first drilling session is tomorrow night right after dinner. I may have the entire team take part," Harry said.
The next day Harry dreaded showing up to class with the Slytherins. Having talked to residents of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw he knew that the rumors had been restricted to Slytherin House. In Potions Snape had paired him with Pansy Parkinson a resident of Slytherin.
"Pansy, the rumor that I had gotten Ginny pregnant how did it start since it seemed to be known only to residents of Slytherin?" Harry asked her while Snape wasn't looking
"Oh that Draco was joking around in the common room the other night about how Ginny Weasley was sick because of you having gotten her pregnant. The Prefect told him to cut it out but Draco persisted. Only a few of us were in the room at the time. Vince Crabbe and Greg Goyle thought he was serious and started spreading it," Pansy said. She started to measure out some rose anthers into her potion while doing this.
"Well I think Malfoy better keep his distance because Ginny was wondering how word of it got out when she had only told one person prior to that," Harry said.
At the end of class Snape took thirty points from Gryffindor because Harry's potion wasn't the right consistency when Harry had it almost perfect. Snape also came down on Neville Longbottom but that was business as usual since Neville even after seven years had somewhat weak wizarding skills. Right after that was dinner. Harry did what he could to get a seat next to Ginny.
"Well any clue as to how the Slytherins found out about my pregnancy that night?" She asked. Near them at the table were Ron, Hermione, Lucy, Dennis and his older brother Colin, and Leslie.
"Well it was a bit of luck but in Potions today Snape paired me with one of the Slytherins. She told me how Malfoy was simply joking around but that Crabbe and Goyle had taken it a step further," Harry reported.
"I should have guessed. Ginny, have you told mom and dad yet about all this?" Ron asked.
"I have the letter for Mom and Dad right here I just need to take it to the Owlery so I can send it off with Pigwidgeon."
Right after dinner Harry and Ron accompanied Ginny to the Owlery where she attached the message to the tiny owl and sent it off. Right after that they had to Get Ready for the Quidditch Drills. Madam Hooch and Professor McGonagall were on hand on the Front Lawn when they arrived out front. Harry took a look at the crew and noticed how Ginny had Quidditch Robes with her.
"I picked them up when I was getting new school robes. I figured I would be prepared," Ginny said.
They started out by seeing how good the First years were flying. Lucy had some trouble taking off but Ginny was doing some stunt flying so she could get a few kinks worked out when she saw the Quaffle flying toward her. Soon as she saw Lucy nearby she threw the Quaffle toward her. Lucy Threw it back to Ginny when she was near the Goals and Ginny sent it right into the goal.
"Man Lucy didn't do too bad once she was up there," Harry said from the ground. He then called everyone together. "OK Gang, I'm going to see about doing a Teamwork Drill tonight.
The Drill went for a while but in the end Harry knew he definitely wanted Lucy on the team since she was a first class Chaser for a rookie.
A Few days later Harry posted a Notice on the Bulletin Board in Gryffindor's Common Room
Gryffindor Quidditch Team
Starting Line-up
Keeper
Rhonda McIntyre
Chasers
Ginny Weasley (M McG)
Dennis Creevey
Lucy Collins
Beaters
Colin Creevey
Natalie McDonald
Seeker
Harry Potter (Captain)
A separate Piece of Parchment contained the reserves which totaled five. One seeker, One Beater, One keeper and Two Chasers including one demoted 4th year. The other four were first years.
"Harry, How come I'm stuck on the reserve team?" the player asked.
"The Committee decided that Lucy should have a starting spot. We have a first class team this year. Even if it mostly students from the Girl's Dormitory on the starting team," Harry said.
"You might get your chance to see action if for some reason Ginny isn't up to it at some point," Harry said.
"Harry, the only reason Ginny probably even made the team is A she is your girlfriend and B You are trying to make up for getting her pregnant," The Player said.
"Warren, you know that is not the case. Besides I didn't put her on the team Prof. McGonagall did that is why her name has McGonagall's initials after it," Harry said. "Ginny took it slow in case there was a problem. Both Madam Pomfrey and Madam Hooch cleared her to play."
Warren took a rest at that point. Harry meanwhile started planning strategy. The next day being Saturday He went over to the Cabin near the Edge of the Forbidden Forest.
"Harry, How are you doing?" Hagrid asked. "I hear Hermione's cousin is on the Gryffindor team."
"Warren Patrick isn't too pleased but Lucy is phenomenal once she is in the air. If Lucy hadn't been placed on the starting squad I would have designated her as Ginny's relief for when Ginny is unable to play," Harry said.
"Harry, do you regret what happened to Ginny at all. Or for that matter has it affected your friendship with her brother?" Hagrid asked as he set some tea and a few rock cakes down which Harry ignored figuring just the tea was enough.
"Since she found out she has been a little upset at Peeves. She blames Peeves having decided to use Sirius's bed as a Target for his annual prank rehearsal and smashing it in half," Harry said.
"Didn't know a good repair charm huh?" Hagrid asked. "It's not like Sirius ever used it preferring to sleep in his animagus form."
"Thing is When Ginny stayed over she used his bedroom," Harry said. "In fact a few times Myrtle referred to it as Ginny's room."
"That's true Myrtle moved over to your house for the summer," Hagrid said.
"Myrtle was careful when she would make her appearances in the bathroom if I was bathing," Harry said.
"I'm surprised Ginny didn't walk out here with you to visit me," Hagrid said.
"I felt I needed a little time for a simple private conversation," Harry said. "It's not like we can have talks like this in class."
"That's true," Hagrid said. "Maybe later we can work on the lab for care of Magical Creatures."
"Hermione and Ron wanted to work on it with me. Our friendship hasn't changed too much," Harry said.
There was a Series of knocks on the door right then. Hagrid opened it to find Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Lucy, and Leslie.
"Had a feeling you were here," Hermione said.
"What was your first clue?" Harry asked.
"I checked your map and it showed you as being here," Ron said.
"I hope you remembered to wipe it afterwards," Harry said.
"Of course," Ron said.
"Who is the new face with you all?" Hagrid asked since Leslie was in a sixth year session of Care of Magical Creatures.
"This is my cousin Lucy Collins," Hermione said. "She is a first year student."
"Another Witch born to that family huh," Hagrid said. "That has got to be unusual."
"It could very well be," Lucy said.
"Lucy, we've known Hagrid a long time since we first started at Hogwarts in fact," Hermione said when she saw how Lucy was slightly intimidated by him. "Of course Harry has known him a tad longer."
"Lucy, I hear you are a Chaser on the Gryffindor Team," Hagrid said. "You care for a rock cake."
Lucy took a quick look at the rock cakes before grimacing slightly.
"I think I'll pass," She said.
"Smart move," Ginny said. "Harry, we came looking for you because this came via owl from The Burrow."
Ginny
How could you have done something that stupid? Your father and I expected a little better from you. I'm surprised Dumbledore didn't kick you and Harry right out of school. I suppose one consolation is the fact that Harry has money so at least you won't starve trying to support the kid. Personally I can't figure out why you would blame Peeves for your ending up with a child. You could always have come home that night to sleep instead of doing what you did. Next time I hear from you young lady you better have a plan in place for dealing with it.
"Your parents seemed pretty upset from what I can figure," Harry said.
"When Pig dropped this I was surprised it wasn't red since I had expected a howler over this situation," Ginny said.
"What is a Howler anyway?" Lucy asked.
"Not good and it can be real embarrassing," Ron said.
"I take it even you have gotten Howlers in the past Ron," Lucy said.
"Just a couple," Ron said. "They are characterized by red envelopes."
"Hopefully I will never get one," Lucy said.
"You probably won't," Hermione said. "Howlers are one time I'm glad my parents are Muggles."
"Any ideas on how you will deal with it?" Leslie asked.
"The baby will be born towards the end of the term so I will be pregnant pretty much the whole term. What I should do is find a way to rework Sirius's room so that the baby will have it to sleep in," Ginny said. "Then there is the question of what I will do if I come back next year."
"Why wouldn't you. I'm sure you could arrange something with Dumbledore," Leslie said.
"One can only hope Leslie," Ginny said.
"I'm sure Dumbledore will understand. After all he has been almost a grandfather to Harry. Much as Sirius has been a father to Harry lately," Hagrid said.
"After all Sirius did help me replace me ol faithful Nimbus," Harry said.
"That he did," Ron said.
"One never knew what one might get for Christmas Hey Harry," Hagrid said.
"What did you mean by your old faithful Nimbus Harry?" Lucy asked.
"Harry's broom. He used to have a Nimbus 2000 back when he first started playing Quidditch only he lost it in a match his third year. Sirius Black sent Harry anonymously a Firebolt which was then just out on the market," Hagrid said.
"Whoa. Is that what you still use today Harry?" Lucy asked.
"Yes it is," Harry replied. Harry's mind then drifted a little bit to his trunk in Gryffindor Tower. More specifically to a small bag from a Jewelry Store in Hogsmeade.
"Excuse me for a minute my friends I seemed to have forgotten something," Harry said as he stepped outside with his wand out.
"Wonder what he forgot. Harry doesn't forget things very often," Leslie pointed out.
"I'm sure Harry has everything under control," Hermione said as she saw something come streaking along from the castle toward Harry. Right after that she recalled how Harry had used a summoning Charm of some type right after he left the cabin. A few seconds later Harry walked back in.
"Ginny, I gave this a lot of thought over the summer. In fact I'd considered doing this on That Night only things got a little thrown out of shape because of Peeves. I have one simple question to ask you Ginny," Harry said. "Virginia Louise Weasley, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Ginny was surprised that Harry had used her full name. She quickly looked around to make sure there were no Slytherin spies before she responded.
", I would be most deeply honored even without circumstances being what they are to become your wife," Ginny said.
Ron immediately slipped off to dispatch Pigwidgeon with the News.
Two days later Hermione passed along the Gryffindor table at breakfast an article from the Daily Prophet.
Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office announces Engagement.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Weasley of The Burrow near Ottery St. Catchpull are most pleased to announce the Engagement of their daughter Virginia Louise Weasley to Harry Potter a resident of Hogsmeade. Potter the son of the Late James and Lily Potter managed to survive an attack by You-Know-Who when he was a baby. This same attack resulted in His parents death. Potter is a seventh year student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where Weasley is a sixth year Student. It is presumed that the couple upon their Wedding will reside in the grooms house in Hogsmeade.
"Hey Potter, I didn't think you would have the brains to marry Weasley?" Malfoy called over from the Slytherin Table. "Did you feel trapped into doing it?"
"He probably did since he did father Ginny's unborn child," Pansy commented.
"For the record Harry almost proposed before Ginny became pregnant," Hermione had written below the Article in multicolored ink.
Professor Dumbledore was spotted by a third year walking toward the Gryffindor Table.
"Harry, Ginny, I'd like to offer my congratulations on your engagement. To be honest I figured you all would probably announce your Engagement soon. If you don't mind waiting until the end of the School Year we can undergo the Ceremony shortly before the Leaving Feast," the headmaster proposed.
"Professor, who would we have preside over the wedding?" Harry asked.
"There is nothing in Wizard Law that prevents the Headmaster of Hogwarts from presiding over a simple wedding ceremony. Besides this way you two can concentrate on your studies and leave the Planning to us," Dumbledore said. "Besides I've done it before and the Ministry accepts it as does the Muggles."
"That is good to know," Harry said just before he got showered in Pumpkin Juice. Everyone in the Great Hall looked over to see Peeves drifting upside down about forty feet above Harry. In a way Harry was glad that the Staff had a table of their own in the room so that his professor would know why he was going to be late to class while he rebathed and changed his Robes. Professor Snape couldn't resist chuckling from the Staff Table.
Soon as Breakfast was over Harry headed back to Gryffindor.
"Blatherskite," He said to the Portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Whoa what happened to you?" She asked as the Portrait swung open.
"Peeves," Harry said.
Harry then headed for his Room where he changed out of the juice soaked robes and put his Dressing Gown on. He had just stepped into the tub in the Boys Bathing area when Myrtle showed up.
"What smells like pumpkin in here?" She asked.
"Peeves gave me a shower of Pumpkin Juice at breakfast today In front of everybody. The worst part is Professor Snape found it funny," Harry said.
"Well you have to admit that would have been a sight to see," Myrtle said. "Is that why you are grabbing a bath instead of going to class."
"Professor Blankwood was at breakfast when Peeves did it so I'm sure he knows what happened," Harry said.
"Maybe I should talk Peeves into doing it to you after Gryffindor wins the Quidditch Cup this year," Myrtle said.
"Maybe not," Harry said as he started to wash the pumpkin juice from his dark colored unkempt hair.
"I better find a way to tame my hair before the end of the school year," Harry said.
By the time Harry walked back into the Common room Nearly Headless Nick was on hand.
"Morning Nick," He said.
"I bring a message from Professor Blankwood. He said that he won't take points away for you being late to class due to Peeves prank at Breakfast," Nick passed on.
"That is good to know," Harry said as he pushed the portrait out of the way of the Entrance and headed for his Defense Against the Dark Arts class. He walked into class five minutes later and sat between Ron and Hermione.
"Can anyone think of an Dark Art that it is hard to defend against?" the professor asked just as Harry sat down which immediately cause Harry to raise his hand.
"Yes Mr. Potter," He said.
"I think we saw a example at breakfast this morning with Peeves rotten sense of humor. After all how often does one carry an umbrella to Breakfast?" Harry asked.
"I suppose you could in a very loose sense consider Peeves to be a practitioner of a dark art," Professor Blankwood agreed. "Any idea why he chose you as his victim Mr. Potter?"
"None what so ever, even if he was a house guest of mine over the summer," Harry said.