Author's Note: Just to let you know, some of the content in this could be deemed inappropriate for the youngin's…haha I just said youngin's! ah! I said it again! Youngin's! hahahahahaahaaaaaaa…

Okay, well, read if you want to. I hope you do :-D I swear the writing isn't as crazy as my ramblings ;-)

I also think this chapter is quite a bit longer than the others. I hope you enjoy it. I also think that this is one of the last drama/crying chapters for quite a bit. I believe things will pick up from here…;-)

And lastly, thank you so much to all my reviewers! It means so much to me to get positive feedback!

Zoë

Chapter 7: Discoveries and Division

Hermione, Harry, and Ginny had settled on a bench in the corner of the garden. Ginny was still clamped around Harry's mid section, crying silent tears into his shirt. Even thought the dampness was beginning to become more than a nuisance, he kept quiet. Frankly, he couldn't understand how he had gotten out the parlor with no injuries. They'll probably come for me later, when no one's looking, Harry mused.

"Ginny, Harry?" Hermione's voice broke his train of thought. They both looked up at her, questioning.

"Well, I don't mean to be forward, but how much do you two know about pregnancy, or raising a kid? I mean, Ginny, you're the youngest, and Harry, you're the only child, so, well, you haven't really been exposed to a lot of children."

"Uhhh…" he stammered, looking at Ginny for help.

"I guess that means not much," she said, sitting up and wiping her eyes. Then a new thought formed in her head. "God, Harry, I didn't realize that we are so not ready for this!" Her eyes started to brim with tears again as he enveloped her in his strong arms.

"Gin, I didn't mean to upset you, I was only trying to offer that I could pick up some books about babies and such for you guys if you'd like," Hermione said gently.

"I'm sorry Hermione," Ginny wiped her eyes once more. "The pregnancy makes me much more moody than normal, but yes, I think we'd love some books. That's a great idea." Hermione beamed.

"And, also…" Hermione started timidly, "Have you spoken to Dumbledore about this yet?"

Harry realized that he hadn't thought that far. My God. What will Ginny do this whole year at school without me there! He looked at Ginny, pain filling his eyes. Her own were wet again.

"You know we have to tell him, Gin," Harry said. "And probably the sooner the better. He'll know how to handle it and what to do." Ginny nodded her head, shivering a bit.

"I just hope I can finish school," she said. "Can we go there now?"

"I don't see why not," Harry realized. He smiled. "I bet that Dumbledore is already expecting us. That bloke knows everything." Ginny's smile was shaky but genuine. They said their goodbye's to Hermione, telling her to inform the family of their whereabouts and then snuck inside to the kitchen fireplace to Floo there.

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"Ah! Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley! A little bird told me I might be expecting you!" Dumbledore stroked the phoenix, Fawks, with a wink and a smile. "What brings you two to my office during your holiday?" He then noticed the somber looks on their faces.

"Is everything alright?" he asked in a gentler tone. Ginny and Harry made their way to the squashy armchairs on the other side of his desk.

"Well, not really Headmaster," Harry said, not daring to meet his eyes.

"Oh? And what is the matter that I could help you with?"

"Well, sir," he took a deep breath and looked up into Dumbledore's eyes. I've got to act like a man if I'm going to be a father soon, he decided.

"Well, Ginny is pregnant," he had never seen Dumbledore look so shocked.

"And I'm the father," he had never seen Dumbledore look both shocked and angry at the same time. In fact, he had never seen anyone accomplish such a feat.

Dumbledore drew a deep breath.

"Does Miss Weasley's family know?" he asked. Ginny and Harry nodded.

"When will the baby be due?" Harry drew a sharp intake of breath. This was Dumbledore's way of asking if the baby had been conceived at school. Harry realized later that it could have been much harsher.

"February 15th," Ginny answered.

"I see," was his reply as he strummed his long fingers. He looked at them silently for a while. Then finally he asked, "Who else knows?"

"Just the Weasleys and Hermione, well all the Weasleys save for Percy," Harry supplied. Quickly Dumbledore scribbled something on a piece of parchment. Handing it to Fawks he said, "Please take this to the Weasley residence, my friend. It is of utmost importance." Fawks chimed his understanding and took off out a window.

Dumbledore had been pacing his office for quite some time before he spoke again.

"Miss Weasley, am I right to believe you wish to stay at school?"

"Yes, very much so," Ginny replied, trying to keep her voice from shaking.

"I see. Although normal procedures indicate that a pregnant student should be sent home for self-study, I believe it is imperative for Ginny's safety that she stay here at Hogwarts," Dumbledore stated.

Harry was completely confused. "Sorry, Headmaster. Her safety? What do you mean?"

For the second time in his life Harry had shocked Dumbledore. The old man just stared at him for a few second before composing himself once more.

"Harry, firstly I did not think that you could have done something this irrational. I thought more highly of you. Now I am once more shocked to see that you have not only been irrational, but you are also not thinking as well. I suppose we must realize that you are only 17.

However, Harry, you have just handed Voldemort your weakness. Ginny. Your child. If he finds out about this, he could kill or torture them to get to you. I'm sorry to be blatant, but you both must realize the consequences that could arise due to your actions."

Harry stood up sharply, shaking. He walked into a corner of the room as Ginny slowly sank into her chair. He couldn't look at her face. What have I done to her? How could I have been so stupid! How could I not have realized? He slumped in a corner of the room, and noticed tears were running down his face. Not caring anymore, he slowly sobbed into his hands. Ginny, he thought. I can't let him hurt Ginny. How could I have done something so stupid!

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. He had seen Harry go through many traumatic events, yet Harry had rarely cried. The only time he had seen tears on his face was when Sirius died.

Harry felt warm hands pull his own away from his face. He looked up into Ginny's blue eyes.

"Harry," she said. "I'd be lying if I said I'm not scared. But I wouldn't have it any other way…I love you."

She was too much for him. Too good for him. He hung his head. He didn't deserve her, nor did she deserve what he'd done to her. She was now in so much danger…

"Harry, please," her voice cracked a bit. "Please, this isn't all your fault…" she trailed off, realizing what she was saying wasn't helping much. Her eyes spilled with tears again.

"Harry, remember when you said you'd always be there for me?" He looked up at her slight form. "Well," she whispered. "I need you here now. Get up and stop feeling sorry about it all and hold me!" That snapped Harry out of it a bit, and he rose and collected her in his arms.

Dumbledore watched in interest as the scene between the two young lovers played out in front of him. He was sure that their love was real now. He could feel the pain that radiated in the room. It was so strong it could only come from the purest love. It pinched his heart to watch as Harry discovered he could lose the love in his life. He could tell how desperately Harry needed her.

He sighed. Somehow, even with the biggest burden a 17 year old boy could ever have on his shoulders, the Boy Who Lived had found love in the midst of it all. Remarkable. He cleared his throat.

"Perhaps you two could sit again so we may continue our conversation?" he looked at them over his half moon spectacles. Still wrapped around each other, the pair made it into one of the armchairs.

"Now, I'm very sorry we find ourselves in this situation. But we do, and we must do all we can to keep Miss Weasley safe. I think the first thing is that you mustn't tell anyone you are pregnant for as long as you can keep it covered. I assumed that no one knew of your relationship other then the aforementioned Weasleys and Miss Granger? The letter I sent to them explained that they must also keep quiet.

I know this will be hard, as you will feel sick often. I also suggest we don't even inform anyone other then Madam Pomfrey, since I don't want your teachers treating you differently since that would arouse suspicions," he noticed the bit of worry cross their faces.

"Ahh, you are wondering what about practical magic to be done in class? Well, it is safe to say that most magic you do in the classroom shouldn't hurt the baby. I will give you a complete list for what to stay away from though when term starts." He paused again.

"And finally, if anyone should find out that you are pregnant, you must not tell them that Harry is the father. This will possibly be the worst part, Miss Weasley. Your fellow students will ridicule you for your state, especially if you refuse to disclose the father. Rumors will fly, and I am powerless against them. Are you willing to do all this?"

Ginny took a deep breath and nodded. Harry squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"Very well. I will inform Poppy immediately. I believe that if you stayed in your brothers' suite that would be best. Since you would be more noticeable in your room amongst your roommates, I will think up some reason for staying with your brother that won't arouse too many suspicions." He paused and looked at them once more, however his look was softened.

"I am disappointed in you, but I am also very sorry for what you will have to endure. All of you. I will do my best to keep them safe, Harry," he finished, turning to face him.

Harry nodded. "Thank you Headmaster. I'm sorry I've let you down." The old man shook his head.

"Harry, you could let me down 100 more times and we would all still be in your debt. Learn all you can from training." Dumbledore handed them the flower pot containing Floo power from his desk.

"Do try to enjoy the rest of your vacation. Be safe," he told them. With a nod, the couple evaporated into green flames.

Dumbledore sat down behind his desk, and placed his head in his hands. This was not the way things were supposed to go. Harry had the prophecy to fulfill, and this could very potentially get in his way. Dumbledore sighed. He had a lot of thinking to do…

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Harry did his best to forget the day they had told the Weasleys and Dumbledore, and focus on the little time he had left with Ginny. He was scheduled to leave for Auror training on the last week of June. That meant he had three wonderful weeks left with the woman he loved.

They spent most of their time near the Burrow, since any time they went out they needed to be accompanied. They didn't want anyone to even get a hint that Harry and Ginny could be involved. Still, they were happy. They spent hours talking, reading, or just sleeping, learning what it takes to be a good parent from the many books Hermione had purchased for them. Harry also learned that Ginny's favorite color was green (because of his eyes) and that she hoped their child would inherit his eyes. He learned the foods she hated and loved, the books that she could read over and over, and the little places all over her body that made her shiver when he touched. He loved to massage her back when she was sore, and softly trace on her forehead to help her to sleep.

Harry had now been moved into Percy's old room since Ron wasn't speaking to him. He and Ginny spent most of their time in there just lying next to each other on the bed. Harry wished they could have done more, but he could never do that under the Weasley's roof. Plus, there was now an "open door" policy, literally.

Slowly, the Weasley had grown to accept the young couple, and had embraced them even. All save for Ron. It pained Harry to have lost his best friend, but he realized that he had betrayed him, and that only time could heal the hurt. So instead, he focused on Ginny and their growing love.

Finally, June 30th came; Harry's last day at the Burrow. He and Ginny spent the whole day together, from sunup till well past dark, doing various things mostly in silence, just holding each other, hoping that they would never have to let go. Finally, around midnight, Mr. Weasley insisted Ginny and Harry get some sleep, and the two walked up the stairs.

Ginny didn't care that her father was right behind them. As they stopped at her door she pulled Harry into a long kiss, tears pouring out of her eyes.

"I love you," she whispered. To say anything else seemed pointless. Harry would be careful, and have a good time, and she didn't think for a second that he would forget about her.

"I love you too," he replied, holding her tight. Finally they let go and Harry went across the hall to his own room.

No more than 15 minutes later Harry heard his door creak open. He knew shadow of the person standing in his doorway anywhere.

He sat up. "Ginny?"

She closed the door quietly and rushed to his bed.

"I don't care what they will say, Harry!" she sobbed, enveloped in his strong arms. "I just want to be with you for as much as I can until you leave! Please, I just want to stay here with you tonight…"

"Of course you can, Ginny," he told her, stroking her hair. "Of course you can."

He rubbed the small of her back with one hand, while resting his hand on her belly with the other. He loved the idea that his hand was on his child. But…slowly, carefully, he ran that hand up her thigh and under her nightgown to rest it on the skin of her belly. She shivered with excitement.

"I wish…" he said, kissing her shoulders and neck.

"I know, Harry…so do I," she replied, closing her eyes and losing herself in the sensation of his lips on her.

He sighed. "But we can't." He kissed the top of her head once more and slowly drifted off to sleep, loving the feeling of his hand resting on her belly, and her hand on his.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Harry woke early, and got dressed while Ginny watched him, knees curled up into her chin from his bed.

"I just wish there was a way to talk to you every day. Just to hear your voice for only a minute would be so wonderful," Ginny said wistfully. He agreed. If only there was a way. He grabbed a comb out of his trunk and stood in front of the mirror, trying to tame his locks. The mirror…Harry thought. That's it! How could I have been so stupid! Sirius's mirrors!

Ginny watched, confused, as Harry jumped and ran once again to his trunk, and then to her side.

"Here!" he said, handing her the small mirror. "I think this is what we've been looking for! I can't believe I forgot about them!" He beamed.

"Uh, Harry. What exactly is this?"

"Oh, right," he grinned sheepishly. "Any time you want to talk to me, just say my name and if I have my mirror we can talk. You face and voice will come to mine, as will mine to yours."

"Oh, Harry! It's perfect! Thank you!" This time when her eyes brimmed with tears, they were of joy.

"Now I feel so much better that you have to leave…If I can talk to you, it makes it much more…bearable." Harry understood what she meant. She didn't want him to leave, but she understood what had to be done.

He stood up and packed the last few remaining items in his trunk. Turning to Ginny, he simply pulled her into his arms for a long time. Finally he kissed her passionately and pulled away.

"Be safe. I love you, and our child. Try to mirror me every night at 6, I should be home from training by then," he told her, choking up a bit.

She kissed him once more.

"I love you too; I can't wait for the holidays." It would be so long before they would see each other again.

Harry held her once more, then grabbed his trunk and Hedwig's cage and with a loud CRACK, he was gone.

Author's Second Note: So what did you think? Did you like/dislike? Please tell me in the form of a review! Thanks!

Zoë