One Night Stand

One night of pleasure can lead to a lifetime of pain. One night of lust can lead to a lifetime of love.

Disclaimer How many times do I have to type it? Harry Potter is J.K. Rowling's. I only own a cardboard sign.

Chapter 2: To Keep or Not to Keep

Two weeks had gone by since I told Ron I was pregnant. No one knew I was pregnant expect Harry, Ron, and I. I didn't plan on telling anyone else either, until Ron talked to me again. According to Harry, they had had a nice long chat about it. Harry told me Ron broke down. I couldn't imagine Ron crying. I had never seen him cry before. Ever. It was quite impossible to imagine, too. But, nonetheless, Harry had spoken to Ron about what was happening and how he felt about it. Ron had said that he wants to be there for me. He said that he will support me in any way he can. Although, he also said he was scared. He wasn't ready to be a father yet. He didn't know how to be a father?! When Harry told me that, I exploded with rage. I didn't know how to be a mother. What in the hell did Ron think? That I had done this before? Harry insisted he had told Ron that, but somehow, I didn't believe him. Besides, if Ron wanted to support me, why wasn't he talking to me?

Classes had resumed and I had no choice but to get back into the swing of things. I had papers to write, spells to practice, and the N.E.W.T.s to prepare for. They were less than six months away! I still had so much to study, I couldn't let the pregnancy or Ron get in my way. The pregnancy. I would be a little over six months along by then. Having this baby would mess my academic career up for sure. Then, a sinful thought came into my mind. I could get an abortion. It was the perfect way out, but I couldn't do that. For one, I had never taken the short way out. For two, how would I live with myself? And, if by some chance my parents were to find out, they would kill me, not only for having an abortion but for having sex in the first place.

I was on my way back from Arithmancy when the first cramps came. I had been having them since early that morning, but I choose to ignore them. The closer I came to the common room, the more the pain increased. By the time I reached the portrait, I had put on arm around my stomach. I was moaning slowly with the pain, willing it to go away. I threw my Arithmancy book on the floor by the couch and ran to my bedroom door. In less than five seconds, I was on the ground, my face in the toilet. I began to retch, all the while keeping a supporting arm on my stomach. I must have left my door open, because five minutes later, Harry cautiously made his way toward the lavatory, calling my name. I couldn't answer but he heard me.

When he reached the doorway, I looked up at him, all sad and pathetic. Harry sat his books on the counter, and got down on the floor next to me. He pulled my hair back and held it firmly in place with his right hand. A few strands, unfortunately, were already messy, but Harry didn't seem to mind. With his left hand, he rubbed my back up and down, whispering words of kindness, reassuring me it would all be okay. He sat with me for the next few minutes, until I sat up.

"Thanks."

"No problem," Harry replied, standing. He opened the linen closet and pulled out a towel and washcloth. He turned on the cold water knob, soaking the washcloth. When the access water was squeezed out, he sat down in front of me, and began to wipe my face. I pulled back, not comfortable with the gesture, and asked Harry if I could do it. He handed me the washcloth and then conquered a glass.

I took the glass of water gratefully and drank it pretty quickly. I had just finished cleaning myself up when another wave of pain came over me. I found my way back to the toilet. This time, Harry caught my hair before it touched the water, and repeated what he had done earlier. This time, when I was finished, Harry smiled at me.

"All done?"

"I think," I answered uncertainly.

"Is this one of the symptoms? Of your pregnancy?"

In truth, I hadn't look at Witches and Pregnancy since I got it from the library. "Um.. I'm not exactly sure." Harry frowned. "But, I have a book!" I told him.

"Ah, a book," Harry said, a slight smile returning. "Of course."

I ran into my room, got on the floor, and retrieved the book from under my bed. A thin line of dust had formed over the cover and I brushed it off. Harry and I sat on the bed, and he looked over the book.

"You got this out of the school library?"

"Yeah."

"I never knew they had stuff like that in there."

"Well, they do."

"Alright," Harry said, taking the book from me. He flipped through the first ten or so pages, looking for the chapter entitled "Month Two." When he found it, he scanned the first page, cleared his throat and began to read. "Alright, it says, 'During your second month of pregnancy, you will experience a bout of morning sickness. Drank more fluids, preferably water, to help. Also, it is important to have your first prenatal visit this month.' Prenatal visit? What's that?"

"Oh, I didn't think about that. Dammit. This means, if I am going to keep the baby, I have no choice but to tell Madam Pomfrey."

"What do you mean 'if'?"

"Sorry. It was just a passing thought. Of course I am going to keep my baby."

"Good." For a brief second, Harry looked thoroughly pissed. I started to think he wanted me to have this baby more than I did. In the past week he had been talking to me more. It could have been because he was the only one, besides Ron, who knew I was pregnant. Maybe he was filling in Ron's absence. I didn't know. All I did know, though, was Harry seemed to forget about all of his problems, and he focused on mine. I was thankful, but as the school year came to a close, I wanted Harry to be on alert for Voldemort, not a harmless baby.

"When do you think I should tell them?" I asked.

"Soon, I think. You shouldn't wait to long."

"If I tell them, I will probably have to write to my parents. They will be furious, Harry. What if they take me out school?"

Harry pulled me into a tight hug. "They won't," he said, rubbing my arm. "Just explain that you need to stay here."

---

That afternoon, once all my classes were over, Harry left me alone in the common room to write a letter to my parents. It took me almost an hour to get the first few sentences. Once I completed that, it took me another twenty minutes to complete the paragraph. But, once I had started, the words just flowed through my arm, into the quill, and onto the parchment. I felt as if I wasn't really writing my parents. The people who had raised me since birth. The people who thought so highly of their daughter. The people who wouldn't believe their eyes when they saw what I had written. When I finally finished, I reread my completed work.

14 January 1998

Dear Mum and Dad,

How are you? I am doing fine, except, there is something that isn't entirely fine. What I am about to tell you is going to come as a shock. I am sorry I have to write it in a letter, but there is no possible way I can tell you in person. I only hope, when I do write it, you will understand and support me. It's not something I wanted. It may just be something that has to help me in life. Who knows? This could be a good thing. At least, that's what I keep telling myself.

I know you have put your total trust in me, and I know I will lose that now. Maybe one day I can gain it back. I have disobeyed you. Please understand it wasn't intended and I regret it ever happened. It shouldn't have. I couldn't help myself though. It's just something that happens to a person, I guess.

I am pregnant.

I have been pregnant for about a month and a half. I have only known for about three weeks now. I am so sorry this happened. I am going to keep the baby. As I said, maybe I am supposed to learn something from this experience. I am sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I was trying to deny it. I have told the father and now, we are having slight problems. Don't worry, I will work them out with him.

Please, whatever you do, don't take me out of Hogwarts. I only have five and a half months left. I need to finish my magical education. If you take me out, I won't be able to get into a muggle school, and then what will I do with my life? Besides, the baby won't be due until August...

I am going to go see Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey tomorrow.

Always remember I love you, and I didn't ask for this. I am sorry I disappointed you.

I love you,

Hermione

I wasn't honestly happy with it, but it was the best I could do. I folded the letter, tied a string around it loosely, and sat it on the desk. I prayed they wouldn't be too mad. I sat, staring at a blank piece of parchment, wondering what to do next. I wasn't hungry, so it was useless to go down to dinner. It was probably over by now. As I stared deeper into that parchment, I thought I should let one other person know.

14 January 1998

Dear Mrs. Weasley

I don't think I have ever written you a letter before. And, I don't particularly fancy writing one under the present circumstances. I know that you have only disliked me at one point in the last seven years, and I hope that will be the only time. I hope that we will still hold a kind of mother/daughter friendship, even after this.

Mrs. Weasley, I am pregnant. I am pregnant with Ron's child.

As I said to my parents, I am sorry. I am so very sorry I have disappointed you. I am sorry Ron disappointed you. Please forgive us both.

I have no choice to but to keep this baby. I want to keep this baby. This baby may be able to teach me something. Please understand.

Again, I am sorry. It would mean a lot if you would support me through these times.

Yours Truly,

Hermione

I already knew it would piss Ron off that I was writing his mother. I had to do it though. If I didn't, he wouldn't. Harry could have always written her. Or even Dumbledore. But, I felt better about doing it myself. It somehow lifted one burden off my shoulders. I folded this letter, picked up the one for my parents, and left for the owlery. The sooner I sent the letters, the better I would feel.

---

When I returned to the common room, I found Ginny, Neville, Luna, Harry, and Ron occupying the furniture around the roaring fire. They quieted as I entered. I hung in the shadows, not really wanting to be seen. I wanted to get back to my room, curl up in bed, and go to sleep. Tomorrow would be a big day. Before breakfast I planned to see Dumbledore and during lunch, I would head for the hospital wing. I slowly walked toward my bedroom door, avoiding my friends' gazes.

"I'm tired," I explained, before they could get a word in edgewise.

They didn't say anything as I opened my door, but before I closed it, they all muttered goodnights. When I shut the door, their voices returned to normal, but I couldn't make out what they were saying. I had the distinct feeling they were talking about me. I shrugged it off and began to undress. As I did so, I studied my stomach. It didn't look any bigger. I didn't think I had gained any weight either. Maybe an unnoticed pound or two. Once I was washed up and changed into my pajamas, I got under the covers, and opened Witches and Pregnancy. I knew that over the next few months, this would become my bible. I should probably look into getting more books, I told myself.

An hour later, I was in month eight when there was a soft knock at the door. I hesitated, not sure if I should answer or not. I stared at the door as if it were something harmful. For several seconds, I didn't answer. Finally, I decided it very well could be Harry. I closed the book and told the caller to come in. I straightened up in bed and waited for whoever it was to open the door. It was Ron.

"Hey, Hermione," He said softly.

I was shocked to see him. I didn't think he would end up talking to me for quite some time. I only gazed at him perpetually. He hung back, halfway behind the door. He was waiting for me to let him come in farther.

"Hello." My voice was cold.

"Can I--Can I come in?"

I nodded.

Ron still moved slowly, cautiously, from the doorway and into the center of my room. He stood at the foot of my bed, searching my face. I searched his, too, looking for some indication to why he was there. His face was blank, as were his eyes.

"What is it?" I asked impatiently.

"I wanted to talk to you, Hermione."

"About?"

"Hermione, don't get a bloody attitude with me. I came to talk to you about us.." He paused. "..I mean.. the baby."

"I see."

"I talked to Harry."

"I know. He told me."

"What did he say?" Ron hesitated when he asked this. He acted like there was something he didn't want Harry telling me. I made a mental note to ask Harry about it later.

"That you were confused by all this. And, you are not ready to be a father. Frankly, Ron, I am not ready to be a mother. But, it's happening. I am not getting rid of this baby."

"I know," he replied. "I don't want you to have an abortion. It's premature murder. But, I think we need to discuss it."

"Like what?"

"Well, we already know you are keeping it, so, let's see. We need to figure out how we are going to tell people."

"I plan on see Dumbledore tomorrow before breakfast, and I need to see Madam Pomfrey. I owled my parents today. I also sent an owl to your mother."

Ron's face turned red with fury. "YOU DID WHAT?"

I mustered what ever strength I had left. "YES! I DID OWL HER! YOU KNOW BLOODY WELL YOU WOULDN'T HAVE DONE IT. I WANTED HER TO HEAR IT FROM ONE OF US. WELL, IF YOU DON'T DO IT, THAT LEAVES ME!"

Ron cowered under my glare. He backed up a few steps and frowned. He looked at my angry face and then down at his feet.

"You're right, Hermione. I'm sorry. I hadn't planned on telling my family at all. So, what are we going to do now?"

"Nothing. I guess the best thing to do is wait it out. Go about our day as normally as possible and pretend I'm not pregnant. Like I said, I have to speak to Dumbledore tomorrow. During lunch, I'll head to the hospital wing." I stifled a yawn. "I'm tired, Ron. I'll see you in the morning?"

"Yeah, sure. Sweet dreams, Hermione."

---

The next morning, I was up an two hours earlier. I had planned on waking early, but only by an hour. A sharp pain had awoken me from my slumber, and I was in the bathroom in a flash. As I had expected, the morning sickness was back and there was nothing I could do to stop it. This time, I had enough sense to pull my hair back myself. My retching was violent and I couldn't remember a day in my life when I had been as sick. In fact, the last time I had thrown up, I was eight years old. At least that had only been from eating too my cake at my cousin's birthday party.

I was in and out of the shower and in my school robes fifteen minutes before breakfast was to begin. I hurriedly grabbed my school bag, not caring if all my assignments were in it. I rushed through the common room, down the stairs, and found myself in front of the gargoyles guarding the staircase to Dumbledore's office. I searched my brain, trying desperately to remember the password. I couldn't. I did the only thing I could do.

"Um.. Bertie Botts Every Flavored Beans?"

Nothing.

"Chocolate Frogs? Sugar Quill? Drooble's Best Blowing Gum? Umm... Licorice Wand? Oh, come on, Hermione, think! Canary Creams? Pepper Imps? Exploding Bonbons? Oh, I know! Ice mice!"

The gargoyles turned and I watched as a staircase rose from the ground. I didn't wait for it to finish rising. I stood on the third step and I rode on the stairs like they were an escalator. I prayed Dumbledore was in his office. He could have left for breakfast already. I threw my bag down in the hallway and rushed to the door leading to the office. I knocked loudly, muttering under my breath for Dumbledore to hurry. He answered forty seconds later.

"Well, Miss Granger, how are you? What brings you to my office so early in the morning?"

"Professor Dumbledore, sir, can I talk to you? Privately?"

"Yes, of course. Come in, come in."

I took a sit in front of the desk, as Dumbledore took his place behind it. Dumbledore sat with his elbows on the desktop, his fingers interlaced, facing me. His eyes glittered and he waited for me to speak.

"Professor, there is something I must tell you." I looked around at the portraits of the past headmasters and headmistresses. Most were sleeping, but I caught a few peaking through one eye. This wasn't exactly what I called private, but it would have to do.

Dumbledore nodded.

It was now or never. "I am pregnant, Professor." The few headmasters that were awake tsked.

Dumbledore blinked once. "Pregnant?"

I nodded. "Yes, sir." A murmur from the surrounding portraits.

"I see." He paused. "May I ask who the father is?"

I didn't answer.

"It isn't Mister Potter, is it?"

"No, sir. It's Ron's."

"Mr. Weasley's?"

"Yes, Professor."

"I hope he knows, yes?"

"He does, sir."

"Have you seen Madam Pomfrey?"

"No, sir. I was planning on it today. During lunch. I wanted to speak with you first."

"Yes, yes, I understand." He rested his head on his hands.

"I am not going to be expelled, am I?"

Again, he paused. "No, Miss Granger. Not now. But, you have to understand that it shouldn't have happened. It is frowned upon in this school. That is why we have the safety precautions in each tower. Of course, it is possible to get away with something like this in the Heads' rooms."

I blushed. "I won't lose my title, will I?"

"Truthfully, you should. You wouldn't make a very good role model. Although, we have never had something like this happen to the Head Girl. But, with only four months left, I am afraid it is too late to find a replacement. Besides, we have never had a Head Girl with so much leadership before." His eyes twinkled. "How long have you been pregnant?"

"A month and a half."

"You are sure of this?"

"Yes." I blushed again. "It only happened one time."

"Very well. Go see Madam Pomfrey at lunch. We will discuss this again soon."

I nodded and made my way out of the office. At the moment, I was so afraid of losing my title as Head Girl. I had worked so hard for it, I didn't want it taken away, just like that. I grabbed my bag and slowly descended the stairs. Suddenly, keeping this baby seemed like a terrible idea and I reconsidered the option of abortion. My brain argued with my heart all the way down to breakfast, until my heart finally won. Whatever changes this baby brought to my life, I would deal with it. I would create a life around my child, for my child.

---

Author's Note Thanks for all the reviews! I really am thankful for what readers I still have. And, I have a poll for this story. We will vote on the gender of the baby. How does that sound? Corny? Yes, I know. But, I can't decide if I want it to be a boy or a girl, so I figured I would ask you. Please just leave a B or G at the end of your review! Or, that could just be your review, whatever. Thanks again. Oh, and if my characters are a bit OOC, so sorry. This is so un-Hermione-ish. Actually, I think my story is a bit un-Harry Potter-ish. Enjoy, anyway!