Disclaimer: Why not? I like stating the obvious: sooo not my property, property of J.K. (inward glare of envy)

Chapter Four: The Potion

"Draco...How do you know?" Madam Pomfrey queried.

"Yes Severus, how certain are you?" Dumbledore asked.

"He did not arrive for Potions and when I went to retrieve him, his room was emptied of most of his belongings. Also, why not ask Granger? She's considerably lucid."
"Poppy?"

"She's quite well, especially with the two young men at her side. Such honorable beings." She added with a sad smile.

Suddenly a bellow rang out across the hospital ward as Hermione's curtain was viciously ripped open and left hanging by a few rungs. Ron, fury etched in his face stalked, towards the door, wand clenched so tightly in his hand, his knuckles were white.

"Professors, please! Stop him!" Harry called out as Hermione cried into his chest.

Ron stopped in mid-stride as Professor Snape stepped into his path.

"Snape," Ron hissed. "Step aside. I'm going to kill Draco Malfoy."

Suspicions confirmed, Severus sighed. "I can not blame you and would not hesitate to help seeing as how I don't have much to value-"

"That is not true," the Headmaster placed a strong hand upon Ron's shoulder. "Now Ron, you have a dedicated family, athletic ability in a sport that you love two dear friends who do not need you in Azkaban or worse..."

Hearing the echoes of his own thoughts aloud and from one that he respected and maybe even cared about weakened his taste for revenge. He dropped to his knees, ginger hair hanging over his face in defeat as he began to sob into his hands. "How?...Why?" His Head of House knelt beside Ron in an attempt to console him.

Dumbledore approached Hermione's bed. "Hermione, I am sorry but I must ask-"

Hermione composed herself still holding Harry's hand who was now laying beside her in bed. "Yes, Headmaster, I know. I guess now is a good time while it's all coming back to me."

"Yes my dear. If I understand from Ron's reaction, your assailant was Draco Malfoy?"

"Yes."

"Did he mention any motives?"

"Yes," she sighed before continuing. "He was jealous... He- he said that he- he...he thinks that he loves me." Hermione needed to regain control of her tears, which took a few moments. "Harry, he was in the library. He saw us. Saw you propose.. Oh Harry! The ring!.. I'm so sorry. He took it...I think he threw it. I'm not sure."

"It's safe. Miss Patil found it near the door of my classroom. At your leisure, whomever you would like may retrieve it. Headmaster, I'm afraid I must leave once more."

"Yes Severus. Please meet me in my office in an hour."

"As you wish."

"Congratulations to both of you. Your union will be of great benefit to the wizarding world. But Miss Granger, there is a matter that must be discussed as well. From your reaction earlier I assume that young mister Malfoy had told you about the potion that you took?"

"He said that it was a contraceptive potion at first. I've never taken one before. I wasn't aware of what to expect in taste, smell... I was desperate..."

"Yes, of course. You understands what this means?"

"Mm-hmm... But Harry-" She turned away, eyes falling on Ron sitting in a comfortable chair that Professor McGonagall had conjured trying to weakly smile at his best friend. "Headmaster, could you please?"

The powerful wizard nodded gravely. "You do not need to ask. Harry, as you heard from Professor Snape, Hermione was given the Munimentum Progenus potion."

"Yes, what is that?"

"The name means 'to protect one's lineage'. It's an ancient potion, virtually unforgivable and rarely used except for witches with a history of miscarriage."

"Yes, sir. But what does it do?"

"The potion's design is opposite of a contraceptive potion. If Hermione happened to conceive as a result of her rape, the infant would be protected from magic and potions until she carries to term."

"Harry gaped in disbelief. "You mean Hermione is..."

"It's too early to tell however if she is-"

"Then I'll be forced to have his child." Hermione admitted in defeat.

Harry looked and felt as if he was slapped by a Whomping Willow. Then anger washed over him. "Dumbledore... Tell me he will be found." He stated through clenched teeth. "Even if it's a lie, just say it."

The Headmaster stood, face resolute. "Draco Malfoy will be found. I assure you."