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 I hate repeating myself over and over again, especially when what I am repeating is something I don't want to admit in the first place. I do not, have not, and will not own Harry Potter in this lifetime and more than likely any other.

Chapter 3: It'll All Be Okay

The Great Hall was slowly emptying out when I arrived. I rushed to the Gryffindor table and took my sit next to Ginny. Harry and Ron were both watching me from across the table. Ginny looked up from her bacon and looked at them. She gave them questioning looks and then looked at me. Her eyes were narrowed in suspicion and I gave her a smile while dishing some eggs on my plate. As I brought the fork closer to my mouth, I felt as if Harry, Ron, and Ginny were closing in on me. I tried ignoring them and concentrating on my food, but the pressure was terrible. I finally put my fork down and sighed.

"What is it?" I directed at Ginny.

"You have been acting weird lately." She looked at Harry. "As have you. And, you, Ron. I want to know what's going on."

"Nothing's going on," I said in barely a whisper.

"I'm sure," Ginny replied sarcastically. "Fine," she said, turning to her brother. "Are you going to tell me what's going on?"

Ron didn't say anything. He sat still, his eyes unmoving, expression blank. Ginny's face was twisted with fury and her temper was ten times worst than that of Mrs. Weasley's. I gulped a couple of times and cleared my throat. I had already told my parents, her mother and brother, and Harry knew too. It wouldn't be long before I would have to tell her, too. Besides, how could I leave Ginny out? Especially since in the last year she had become a better friend to me than Harry and Ron ever were. I swallowed one last time and turned to face Ginny head on.

"I can't tell you here."

"Why not?" Her voice hinted disappointment.

"No one should know."

"But they do?" Ginny accused Harry and Ron.

I nodded meekly. "And Professor Dumbledore, your mother, and my parents."

"I see."

I sighed. "Fine, Ginny, I'll tell you here. But, it's a secret and this must not get out to anyone."

Ginny laughed. "Do you know how many secrets I have had to keep since I was born? You can tell me anything."

I first looked around to make sure no one was watching. Everyone had either left or was to busy with their food and friends to notice. I brought my head real close to Ginny's. My mouth was so close to Ginny's ear, I was certain not even Harry and Ron would be able to hear my words.

"I'm pregnant, Gin."

I pulled back quickly to see Ginny's reaction. Her mouth was open in pure shock and she had to blink quite a few times before she spoke again.

"You're what?" she whispered.

I didn't repeat myself, but nodded. Ginny followed with a nod of her own and a shake of her head.

"Who?" she mouthed.

My eyes darted to Ron and back to Ginny again. If possible, her mouth opened even wider.

"No." Her voice was so loud, a few of the remaining professors at the Head table turned to see what was going on.

"Yes," I whispered.

"No," she repeated.

"Hey, we really should be heading off to class," Harry interrupted.

I nodded and stood, leaving a shocked Ginny at the breakfast table to gather her thoughts.

---

My mind wondered all throughout History of Magic. Professor Binns's lecture bored me as usual. If possible, this lecture was more boring then any other lecture I had heard in the past seven years. My quill was held lazily in my right hand, resting on a blank piece of parchment. Halfway through the double period, Ron slid a folded piece of parchment toward me. I had never accepted a note in class. Not that anyone had every passed me one, but that's beside the point. I looked at Binns and back at Ron. He nodded, telling me to take it. After several minutes, I did.

How you feeling?

You wrote me to ask how I was feeling? I'm fine.

You sure?

Why wouldn't I?

I dunno. I guess I am just a little paranoid. Are you scared?

Of the pregnancy? A little. I am more afraid of what will happen when this baby is born. What are we going to do, Ron?

We'll make our way through it. I promise. Like you told me, we'll take it one day at a time. Remember, I'll be here for you.

I know you will. Be honest with me, okay? How exactly do you feel about this? About becoming a father when you are eighteen. And how.. how do you feel about me? About me being the mother of your first child.



After passing the note back to Ron, I didn't receive a reply for quite some time. I kept looking up at him, but each time I did, he was facing forward. I decided to take some notes from the lecture. Knowing Binns, at least thirty percent of what he was saying would come up on an upcoming test, many even our N.E.W.T.s final. I wondered vaguely why I hadn't dumped this class in fifth year. Oh, yeah, I needed it. I scribbled down a few words here and there. With twenty minutes until the bell, the folded letter landed on top on my notes.

I can't really explain it, Hermione. It's hard. I'll admit, when you first told me, I didn't want to believe it. I will only be eighteen when this child is born. You'll only be seventeen. I think the real question is how do you feel? Now that I think about it, I am excited about having a child. I am nervous too. What if it doesn't like me? As for you being the mother, I wouldn't have it any other way.



I stared at the last sentence of what Ron had written. As for you being the mother, I wouldn't have it any other way. What did it mean? I hated this. I understood things when it came to books, but emotions and feelings drew a complete blank in my mind. I didn't know what to answer to that. I reread it several times, hoping something would come to me. I smiled when I got to the part about him being excited. This meant that he wouldn't be resentful. I couldn't help but imagine Ron being a father. It was difficult though. When you don't see someone show much compassion toward his own family, you couldn't see them with a baby in their arms. Seeing myself as a mother was even harder.

How do I feel? Let's see. I'm positively frightened. I didn't want to have children until I was at least twenty five. This is one too many years too soon. I can't see myself as a mother. You're worried the baby won't like you? How do you think I feel? This is going to be the hardest thing I have ever done. I already can't stand the pain. It's a good thing I'm seeing Pomfrey in less than twenty minutes.

It'll be okay, Hermione. It'll all be okay.



I smiled at Ron once I read his response. I wanted to believe everything would be okay, but I just couldn't. I had to tell myself I would try though. If he believed everything would be fine, and Harry believed everything would be fine, I had to try and believe everything would be fine.

When Binns released us two minutes before the bell, the majority of the class headed for their common rooms or to lunch. Harry, Ron, and I were the last to leave the History of Magic classroom. We paused outside the door and Harry offered to take my books to the common room so I could head for the hospital wing. I gratefully accepted his offer. I then watched Ron and Harry head up the stairs, and I went down the stairs.

Madam Pomfrey wasn't in site when I opened the door. I stood quiet for a moment, looking around for her. There was no one in the main wing, and as I walked around to the office, my footsteps were the only sound made. I knocked cautiously on the office door and waited for a response. Madam Pomfrey didn't seem at all surprise to see me. Dumbledore had probably informed her that I would be by to see her. By the way her eyes lingered on my stomach, I was certain the professor had told her why.

"Well, Miss Granger, how are you?"

"I'm fine."

"Good, good. You've been pregnant for a month and a half, yes?"

"December fourth, ma'am."

"Yes, that's almost exactly a month and a half. Alright, come into my office and let's get started."

I followed her into the brightly lit office and sat in the chair against the wall as she instructed.

"You're parents have been notified, yes?" I nodded. "Your parents are muggles?" I nodded again. "Very well. Hopefully, you would know if anyone in your family has any diseases?"

"None that I know of."

"We will go on that today. Of course, I will have to contact them to get a bit of the family history. And the father, yes?"

At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Great, I thought, just what I need now, someone to find me here, talking about pregnancy. Madam Pomfrey stood to answer the door and I was surprised to find Ron the caller. He smiled sheepishly at me and then looked at Madam Pomfrey.

"I'm the father, Madam Pomfrey."

"I see, I see. Well, I am sure you heard us. Do you know of any diseases in your family?"

"A great-great aunt of mine had cancer."

"She was the only one?"

"I believe."

"Okay, then. That shouldn't hinder the baby's health. Usually, if there is a long line of it, then we would have something to worry about. Let's see, your parents have been told as well?"

"Yes."

"I should contact them sometime soon, also."

"I understand."

"Alright, Miss Granger, if you would come with me, I have to run a few tests. You, Mr. Weasley, are to stay right here," she added, when Ron tried to follow me. I looked at him and nodded, agreeing with the nurse. Ron nodded reluctantly, and sat in my discarded chair.

Fifteen minutes later, I was seated once again in that chair, Ron standing behind me, hands on my shoulders. Madam Pomfrey was behind her desk, looking over the results of my blood and urine tests. She was muttering under her breath. I listened closely, trying to catch anything she may not tell me.

"Hermione Granger, five feet, five inches, one hundred and thirty seven pounds. Normal blood pressure. Blood type O," she stopped her muttering. "Everything seems to check out okay, Miss Granger. Although, am I right in saying you have a cat?"

"I do."

"I advise against changing the cat's litter. The chemicals in the litter can cause birth effects. Even," she added, when I tried to protest, "with magic."

"Okay."

"When is the baby's due date?" Ron asked. I had forgotten once again he was with me.

"Oh, yes. I would say the baby will be born around August twenty-seventh."

"August twenty-seventh," Ron repeated.

"That's all, then. Miss Granger, I expect you to follow those diet and exercise charts I gave you. See me again sometime next week and we will do an ultrasound."

"Thank you."

---

Next morning brought a return owl from Mrs. Weasley. I was afraid to open it. When the owl dropped it onto the table, I was thankful the envelope wasn't red. I stared at it and not ten seconds later, Harry, Ron, and Ginny had their eyes on it as well. My fingers shook as I reached for it. Ginny, who was sitting next to me, slid in closer to read over my shoulder. It was then that I noticed the letter was addressed to Ron and I both. I pointed this out to Ginny, who then stood, walked around the table and told Ron rather pointedly, to "get his ass over there." Ron slowly made his way around and took the seat on my left. When I couldn't bring myself to open the letter, I shoved it in Ron's hands and took a deep breath as he opened it. He carefully unfolded the letter and both of our eyes trailed over Mrs. Weasley's neat handwriting.

16 January 1998

Dearest Hermione and Ronald,

I won't deny that this piece of news both shocked and disappointed me. This wasn't something I would ever of thought to happen. Of course, I am upset, but since there is nothing I can do to prevent it, I will accept it. Arthur and I have agreed to support you both.

There isn't much to say on this matter. I would've preferred to talk to you both in person, but seeing as there is no possible way to see you again until June, I will settle for a letter.

I agree with the decision to keep the baby, but you both need to be prepared for the challenges ahead. I won't tell you it will be easy, and I won't tell you it will be hard. Basically, it will be whatever you make it.

Hermione, keep your head up high. You are strong and I know you will make a wonderful mother.

Ron, you take care of Hermione. I don't want to hear that you are treating her badly.

Keep me notified on what happens. Also, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me.

With all my love,

Molly




When I finished, I sighed a sigh of relief. Ron looked up at me and smiled. I could tell he was as surprised as I was. Mrs. Weasley wasn't terribly mad or disappointed. I was glad she supported us. Since I hadn't received a return owl from my parents, I knew they were taking longer to calm down. I just prayed they would be as accepting as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Ron had passed the letter across the table to Harry and Ginny and they were just finishing it up. Harry folded the parchment up and looked at Ron and I. He had this peculiar look in his eyes. A small smile played across his lips until Ron finally shook a hand in front of Harry's face. I laughed along with Ginny when Harry jumped with surprise.

"What?"

"You were acting funny," Ron stated.

"How so?"

"Staring off into space with a funny look on your face," Ginny replied, giggling.

"What were you thinking about?" I asked him.

"Oh, nothing," he said, picking up his schoolbag. "I'll see you in Herbology." With that, he rushed out of the Great Hall.

"What was that all about?" questioned Ginny.

"No idea."

---

Harry barely made it to Herbology. He made it with about ten seconds to spare, just as Professor Sprout was closing the door to Greenhouse Four. Harry took his usual spot between me and Ron and dropped his schoolbag. The smile on his face was even larger then before and I wondered what was going on in his twisted mind. Before I could ask what he was up to, Professor Sprout pulled out a large, ugly bush and began speaking. She told us that there was a smaller bush under our stations and to pull them out. After telling us to get into pairs (I with Ron, Harry with Neville Longbottom), she asked us what plant it was. I couldn't help but raise my hand.

"Yes, Miss Granger?"

"Udimon," I replied. "It helps cure chicken pox and mussels."

"Correct. Ten points to Gryffindor. Udimon roots are also used in some sleeping potions. Today, we will be picking the leaves from the stems and peeling them for St. Mungo's. Get started."

Ron and I had trouble picking the leaves from the bush. It wasn't as easy as it sounded. Whereas a two year old could easily take a handful of leaves and pull on a normal muggle bush, two seventeen year olds were having trouble taking one leaf. The leaves seemed to hold onto the stems for dear life. When Seamus asked if we could just use a knife, Professor Sprout replied that the knife would only damage the stem, preventing new leaves from growing. Finally, some twenty minutes later, Ron and I had a quarter of the bushes' leaves in our bucket.

"Do you know what's up with Harry," I asked in an undertone.

"No," Ron said, turning his head to look at Harry, who was having trouble with one leaf in particular. "Wonder what's up. Whatever it is, he must have had a brainstorm."

"Maybe," I said. "But, I don't like that smile on his face. He only looks like that when he is conspiring. And I have a feeling he is conspiring against us."

At the end of the lesson, Harry pulled Ron away from me to tell him something. I started to follow after them, but Harry told me he needed to talk to Ron alone. Two minutes later, Ron come up next to me, a frown sported on his face. I gave him a questioning look and he returned with a look that read 'Don't Ask.' I pressed him more, wanting to know what was up. He finally sighed and told me that Harry wanted to meet him in his room at seven. I asked what about, but Ron said Harry wouldn't say, but that it was for his benefit. Ron and I both shrugged and then reunited with the other Gryffindors would were making their way to Care of Magical Creatures.

After we made it about a quarter of the way, I was shot with another wave of morning sickness. I hadn't had it in three days and here it comes, right in the middle of the grounds, the nearest bathroom too far away. I dropped my books and ran to the edge of the forest. I made it just in time. Unfortunately, my classmates ran to see what was up, and the Slytherins, seeing the commotion, turned and came over as well. So there I was, puking in the trees, and behind me Malfoy making one nasty remark after another. Before anyone knew what was happening, Ron jumped from my side, and jumped on top of Malfoy. Hagrid came running over from his hut and pulled Malfoy to his feet, just as Harry was helping Ron to his.

"I'm starting to wonder, Weasel," Malfoy sneered, breaking from Hagrid's grip, "if you consider the Mudblood as something more than a friend." I looked up from my spot on the ground and watched as Ron's face turned scarlet.

---

Author's Note Once again, thanks for all the positive reviews. I already have 18 for the first two chapters! That means a bunch to me. Anyway, I hope you are enjoying this story. This is a R/Hr fic for all who were wondering. Sorry if my story seems to skip from past to present tense. I try my hardest to work on that. Oh, I saw PoA yesterday. It was good. And for all who saw it, did you notice anything about Harry's scar? Oh, one last thing, I am going out of town Sunday and won't be back til Friday. I doubt I will have the next chapter completed and edited by Saturday to post. I may go over my weekly update, but it will be updated A.S.A.P!