Author's Note: Continued from 'The Truth Potion: Secrets Part Two'
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It happened during Transfiguration.
Hermione, Ron, and Harry were all trying to get a rabbit to turn into a white Persian cat. Hermione kept turning her rabbit into a squirrel, which was unusual for her. But lately, even with Ron's and her friend's support, she was beginning to slip in classes. It was hard to concentrate when she was wondering if anybody could tell that she was pregnant yet. She didn't want anybody to know -- the shame she would have to face with her teachers, and the looks she'd get in the hallways. She would always be known as 'that slut who got pregnant in seventh year' if anybody knew.
The door opened to reveal Albus Dumbledore -- a very uncommon sight during class -- and startled Hermione out of her thoughts. She was always thinking about what would happen when everybody found out; perhaps that was why her marks were slipping. Everybody began to work harder, as if trying to impress the headmaster, and a few even got a cat out of the rabbit -- though it wasn't white *or* Persian.
"Yes, Professor Dumbledore?" Professor McGonagall inquired, looking a little surprised at his visit.
"I need to see Miss Granger and Mr Weasley if it's to no inconvenience to you," Dumbledore said humbly.
Hermione froze and glanced between Harry and Ron, who were both looking like they'd eaten something horrible. Harry did always say that Dumbledore knew everything that went on in the castle . . .
"Of course not, Professor Dumbledore, go ahead and take them," Professor McGonagall said, looking a bit confused. She gave him a look that clearly said she wanted to know why.
Professor Dumbledore ignored the look and motioned for Ron and Hermione to follow him out of the classroom. Hermione felt her stomach dropping and she stared at the floor as they walked on. To Professor Dumbledore's office, she presumed.
They walked inside of the circular room and Hermione and Ron were motioned to sit in the chairs across from his desk. He sat forward and put his hands together, giving them both equally stern looks.
"I must say that I am very disappointed in you both," he said quietly.
Hermione looked ready to burst into tears.
"Hermione, you have a bright future in front of you . . ." he continued, giving her a sad look.
"It was an accident," Hermione offered in a barely audible whisper.
"There are some accidents that could have easily be prevented. And this is one of them," Dumbledore answered.
"Professor Dumbledore, sir," Hermione said, her voice louder and more clear. Her lip was trembling slightly -- she was terrified of his answer. "Will I still be able to continue school?"
"I expect," Professor Dumbledore said. "What we could do is pull you out now, and you can come back next year and take all of your classes with the sixth years."
Hermione nodded meekly. "If that's what you think best."
"It's not," Professor Dumbledore said. "What I think is best is if you continue your schooling this year. Now, I haven't worked it out completely yet, but I'm sure you would only miss a couple of weeks of school if after you had the baby you sent it to your parents to take care of until you get out."
"Oh, no!" Hermione said passionately. "I'll go back to school next year if that means that I can take care of my baby when it's only just been born. That's when she'll develope her attachments. What if I just dropped some of my classes and scheduled it so that Ron and I could take care of her during different periods, you know? And I'm sure Ginny and Harry would be delighted to help as well."
Professor Dumbledore considered for a moment. "Hermione, have you told your parents yet?"
Hermione didn't answer, but blushed in shame.
"I want you both to send an owl to your parents tonight--"
"Mum'll give me another Howler," Ron interrupted.
"If you two don't do it I will be obliged to," Dumbledore said firmly. "Now, what have we decided about what to do, Hermione?"
"I think--" Hermione swallowed "--that you should pull me out now, and I will continue next year."
Dumbledore gave her a long look before sighing and nodding. "I'm sorry that this happened to two of our students with the most potential."
"Dumbledore--Professor Dumbledore," Ron said quickly. "If you take Hermione out, take me out too. I don't think it's fair--"
"Ron, no!"
"You two obviously need to discuss this further," Dumbledore said. "I'll let you skip the rest of Transfiguration so you two can talk."
"Thank you, Professor," Hermione said, standing.
"I'll call you into my office as soon as you have an answer."
Hermione almost asked 'how will you know when we have our answer', but stopped herself in time. If he knew what had happened to her and Ron, then it was pretty obvious he *did* know everything that went on in the castle.
Hermione dragged Ron into a classroom that seemed to have been empty for a century. "Ron, I appreciate the thought and all . . ."
"No, you were right. If you should have to suffer, so should I. We can both go back to school next year," Ron said.
"You aren't thinking clearly," Hermione snapped. "You finish school here and then--" she cut herself short. "Nothing. Just, you know, finish school here."
It suddenly occurred to Hermione that they hadn't really talked about *anything*. What were they going to do after the baby was born? Hermione had just assumed they'd be living together, married, so that Ron could help her with the baby. But what if Ron didn't want that?
"Ron, please, just do this one thing for me," Hermione pleaded.
Ron was getting confused. "But I thought you'd like it if I wanted to suffer the same as you. I mean, it *is* half way my fault . . ."
"It's very noble," Hermione assured him. "But it's not the right thing to do. We probably should go back to the dormitories -- Transfiguration should be over in another ten minutes or so."
* * * * *
"Harry?"
"Ron, I'm trying to sleep."
"Yeah, okay."
Harry sighed after a few seconds. "Okay, what is it?"
Ron stood and pushed the curtain between their beds aside so he could see his friend. "Hermione's leaving tomorrow."
"I know," Harry said somewhat miserably.
"I won't be able to see her until Christmas . . . and even then she may have already had the baby," Ron said, sitting on the edge of Harry's bed.
"Ron, babies take nine months, not four. Besides, I'm sure Dumbledore won't mind letting you off for a day or two when she sends owl that she's in labor. From what I've seen in movies and read in books a first pregnancy takes long. And if it's a teenage pregnancy it could last days."
"You didn't pick that up in a movie."
"So I was bored and Hermione had left a pregnancy book with her homework so I read it, so what? Well, I read some of it. Not all. I'd just gotten to the fourth month when someone came into the common room."
"Oh," Ron said, a little jealous that he hadn't read any pregnancy book. "I won't even be there for her fourth month. I wish this hadn't happened when we'd have to be seperated. The next time I'm not letting her out of my site."
"Next time?"
"Well, yeah."
"Oh." Harry hastily changed the subject to a less uncomfortable one. "Do you really think your Mum'll send you a Howler?"
"I just hope that picking the slowest, sickest owl in the owlery is going to work. I feel bad enough as it is, but Pig won't even look at me anymore. I explained to him that he worked too well and I needed an owl that *wasn't* good so it would get there later than a regular owl would, but he wouldn't listen."
"I know how that is," Harry said, thinking of the many times he'd upset Hedwig.
"I feel really guilty about Hermione," Ron said suddenly after a moment of silence. "I'm really scared for her too. I just know that if I was with her, nothing bad would happen. But I feel . . . if I'm not there anything could happen to her, and it would be my fault. I wish she had let me take off school too."
Harry didn't know what to say, so he just awkwardly patted Ron's back.
* * * * *
The next day Ron, Harry, Ginny, and Hermione were all at Hogsmeade, seeing Hermione off on the train that was leaving for London in about ten minutes.
"Send me an owl everytime something happens," Ginny made Hermione promise. "I want to know *everything*. And keep me updated on your life too. If your parents give you a rough time, just remember that we're all coming there for Christmas Holidays, and that's only about two months away."
Hermione hugged Ginny in response.
"It's not going to be the same without you," Harry said a bit awkwardly. He wasn't sure what else he was supposed to say. "I'll miss you."
"Ditto," Hermione said and gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek.
Ron gave Harry a meaningful look, and Harry took Ginny's hand and led her away from the station. They had already discussed that Ron wanted a few minutes alone with Hermione before she left.
Ron put a hand on her belly and rubbed lightly. "I know this won't be for a while . . . but promise to owl me the minute you go into labor. And anytime something happens. The first time it kicks, if you have *any* pain whatsoever . . . you know, stuff like that. And if your parents aren't considerate of you when you first get there just think about what it would be like if they were Harry's aunt and uncle and you'll feel better." Ron stopped babbling and looked down at his shoes. "I'll just -- I'll miss you, Herm," Ron said in a low voice. He wasn't very good about talking about his feelings.
"I will too," Hermione said. She pulled Ron into a hug, and he responded instantly, holding her tightly and inhaling the scent of hair -- it would be a long time before he could do that again. Then, before he knew what he was doing, he had his lips on hers in an urgent kiss, one that he could save the memory of to tide him over until the next time he saw her.
Hermione was surprised at first, but she was kissing him back and there they stood until the train's bell rang, signaling that all passengers had better get on or be left behind.
Ron pulled away, blushing. "Uh . . . yeah . . . see ya, Herm."
"Uh-huh, Christmas holidays. I'll send you an owl when I get there," Hermione said breathlessly in a rush as she walked backwards to the train and stumbled on her weak legs. As soon as she turned around she mothed 'wow' and closed her eyes to the memory of his lips on hers.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
To be continued . . . most likely tonight or tomorrow because I just keep on writing with this one.
~HJtheB
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It happened during Transfiguration.
Hermione, Ron, and Harry were all trying to get a rabbit to turn into a white Persian cat. Hermione kept turning her rabbit into a squirrel, which was unusual for her. But lately, even with Ron's and her friend's support, she was beginning to slip in classes. It was hard to concentrate when she was wondering if anybody could tell that she was pregnant yet. She didn't want anybody to know -- the shame she would have to face with her teachers, and the looks she'd get in the hallways. She would always be known as 'that slut who got pregnant in seventh year' if anybody knew.
The door opened to reveal Albus Dumbledore -- a very uncommon sight during class -- and startled Hermione out of her thoughts. She was always thinking about what would happen when everybody found out; perhaps that was why her marks were slipping. Everybody began to work harder, as if trying to impress the headmaster, and a few even got a cat out of the rabbit -- though it wasn't white *or* Persian.
"Yes, Professor Dumbledore?" Professor McGonagall inquired, looking a little surprised at his visit.
"I need to see Miss Granger and Mr Weasley if it's to no inconvenience to you," Dumbledore said humbly.
Hermione froze and glanced between Harry and Ron, who were both looking like they'd eaten something horrible. Harry did always say that Dumbledore knew everything that went on in the castle . . .
"Of course not, Professor Dumbledore, go ahead and take them," Professor McGonagall said, looking a bit confused. She gave him a look that clearly said she wanted to know why.
Professor Dumbledore ignored the look and motioned for Ron and Hermione to follow him out of the classroom. Hermione felt her stomach dropping and she stared at the floor as they walked on. To Professor Dumbledore's office, she presumed.
They walked inside of the circular room and Hermione and Ron were motioned to sit in the chairs across from his desk. He sat forward and put his hands together, giving them both equally stern looks.
"I must say that I am very disappointed in you both," he said quietly.
Hermione looked ready to burst into tears.
"Hermione, you have a bright future in front of you . . ." he continued, giving her a sad look.
"It was an accident," Hermione offered in a barely audible whisper.
"There are some accidents that could have easily be prevented. And this is one of them," Dumbledore answered.
"Professor Dumbledore, sir," Hermione said, her voice louder and more clear. Her lip was trembling slightly -- she was terrified of his answer. "Will I still be able to continue school?"
"I expect," Professor Dumbledore said. "What we could do is pull you out now, and you can come back next year and take all of your classes with the sixth years."
Hermione nodded meekly. "If that's what you think best."
"It's not," Professor Dumbledore said. "What I think is best is if you continue your schooling this year. Now, I haven't worked it out completely yet, but I'm sure you would only miss a couple of weeks of school if after you had the baby you sent it to your parents to take care of until you get out."
"Oh, no!" Hermione said passionately. "I'll go back to school next year if that means that I can take care of my baby when it's only just been born. That's when she'll develope her attachments. What if I just dropped some of my classes and scheduled it so that Ron and I could take care of her during different periods, you know? And I'm sure Ginny and Harry would be delighted to help as well."
Professor Dumbledore considered for a moment. "Hermione, have you told your parents yet?"
Hermione didn't answer, but blushed in shame.
"I want you both to send an owl to your parents tonight--"
"Mum'll give me another Howler," Ron interrupted.
"If you two don't do it I will be obliged to," Dumbledore said firmly. "Now, what have we decided about what to do, Hermione?"
"I think--" Hermione swallowed "--that you should pull me out now, and I will continue next year."
Dumbledore gave her a long look before sighing and nodding. "I'm sorry that this happened to two of our students with the most potential."
"Dumbledore--Professor Dumbledore," Ron said quickly. "If you take Hermione out, take me out too. I don't think it's fair--"
"Ron, no!"
"You two obviously need to discuss this further," Dumbledore said. "I'll let you skip the rest of Transfiguration so you two can talk."
"Thank you, Professor," Hermione said, standing.
"I'll call you into my office as soon as you have an answer."
Hermione almost asked 'how will you know when we have our answer', but stopped herself in time. If he knew what had happened to her and Ron, then it was pretty obvious he *did* know everything that went on in the castle.
Hermione dragged Ron into a classroom that seemed to have been empty for a century. "Ron, I appreciate the thought and all . . ."
"No, you were right. If you should have to suffer, so should I. We can both go back to school next year," Ron said.
"You aren't thinking clearly," Hermione snapped. "You finish school here and then--" she cut herself short. "Nothing. Just, you know, finish school here."
It suddenly occurred to Hermione that they hadn't really talked about *anything*. What were they going to do after the baby was born? Hermione had just assumed they'd be living together, married, so that Ron could help her with the baby. But what if Ron didn't want that?
"Ron, please, just do this one thing for me," Hermione pleaded.
Ron was getting confused. "But I thought you'd like it if I wanted to suffer the same as you. I mean, it *is* half way my fault . . ."
"It's very noble," Hermione assured him. "But it's not the right thing to do. We probably should go back to the dormitories -- Transfiguration should be over in another ten minutes or so."
* * * * *
"Harry?"
"Ron, I'm trying to sleep."
"Yeah, okay."
Harry sighed after a few seconds. "Okay, what is it?"
Ron stood and pushed the curtain between their beds aside so he could see his friend. "Hermione's leaving tomorrow."
"I know," Harry said somewhat miserably.
"I won't be able to see her until Christmas . . . and even then she may have already had the baby," Ron said, sitting on the edge of Harry's bed.
"Ron, babies take nine months, not four. Besides, I'm sure Dumbledore won't mind letting you off for a day or two when she sends owl that she's in labor. From what I've seen in movies and read in books a first pregnancy takes long. And if it's a teenage pregnancy it could last days."
"You didn't pick that up in a movie."
"So I was bored and Hermione had left a pregnancy book with her homework so I read it, so what? Well, I read some of it. Not all. I'd just gotten to the fourth month when someone came into the common room."
"Oh," Ron said, a little jealous that he hadn't read any pregnancy book. "I won't even be there for her fourth month. I wish this hadn't happened when we'd have to be seperated. The next time I'm not letting her out of my site."
"Next time?"
"Well, yeah."
"Oh." Harry hastily changed the subject to a less uncomfortable one. "Do you really think your Mum'll send you a Howler?"
"I just hope that picking the slowest, sickest owl in the owlery is going to work. I feel bad enough as it is, but Pig won't even look at me anymore. I explained to him that he worked too well and I needed an owl that *wasn't* good so it would get there later than a regular owl would, but he wouldn't listen."
"I know how that is," Harry said, thinking of the many times he'd upset Hedwig.
"I feel really guilty about Hermione," Ron said suddenly after a moment of silence. "I'm really scared for her too. I just know that if I was with her, nothing bad would happen. But I feel . . . if I'm not there anything could happen to her, and it would be my fault. I wish she had let me take off school too."
Harry didn't know what to say, so he just awkwardly patted Ron's back.
* * * * *
The next day Ron, Harry, Ginny, and Hermione were all at Hogsmeade, seeing Hermione off on the train that was leaving for London in about ten minutes.
"Send me an owl everytime something happens," Ginny made Hermione promise. "I want to know *everything*. And keep me updated on your life too. If your parents give you a rough time, just remember that we're all coming there for Christmas Holidays, and that's only about two months away."
Hermione hugged Ginny in response.
"It's not going to be the same without you," Harry said a bit awkwardly. He wasn't sure what else he was supposed to say. "I'll miss you."
"Ditto," Hermione said and gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek.
Ron gave Harry a meaningful look, and Harry took Ginny's hand and led her away from the station. They had already discussed that Ron wanted a few minutes alone with Hermione before she left.
Ron put a hand on her belly and rubbed lightly. "I know this won't be for a while . . . but promise to owl me the minute you go into labor. And anytime something happens. The first time it kicks, if you have *any* pain whatsoever . . . you know, stuff like that. And if your parents aren't considerate of you when you first get there just think about what it would be like if they were Harry's aunt and uncle and you'll feel better." Ron stopped babbling and looked down at his shoes. "I'll just -- I'll miss you, Herm," Ron said in a low voice. He wasn't very good about talking about his feelings.
"I will too," Hermione said. She pulled Ron into a hug, and he responded instantly, holding her tightly and inhaling the scent of hair -- it would be a long time before he could do that again. Then, before he knew what he was doing, he had his lips on hers in an urgent kiss, one that he could save the memory of to tide him over until the next time he saw her.
Hermione was surprised at first, but she was kissing him back and there they stood until the train's bell rang, signaling that all passengers had better get on or be left behind.
Ron pulled away, blushing. "Uh . . . yeah . . . see ya, Herm."
"Uh-huh, Christmas holidays. I'll send you an owl when I get there," Hermione said breathlessly in a rush as she walked backwards to the train and stumbled on her weak legs. As soon as she turned around she mothed 'wow' and closed her eyes to the memory of his lips on hers.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
To be continued . . . most likely tonight or tomorrow because I just keep on writing with this one.
~HJtheB