Chapter 25: Growing Pains and Joys
Turning into a young woman was hard, painful work. Hermione had been noticing changes that were annoying at best and painful at worst. It was starting to mess with her studies, and that could not be allowed. She was currently quite upset at nothing really. Her hair wouldn't behave as well with the Sleekeazy potion. The effects weren't as good when people were undergoing hormonal changes because some ingredients wouldn't work as well. Her mane was not frizzy and her loose waves were turning curlier(?). She wasn't sure. It was a long step away from her naturally frizzy and messy hair, but it wasn't as good as before.
Hermione stared at the end of one of her strands that was particularly curly as Harry failed to answer a question from his mother. They were being quizzed by James and Lily in preparation for their exams. Draco and Neville had just left with a list of concepts they needed to review and a talk on growing up and being helpful to girls who are growing up. They left a bit shocked and concerned. They were discussing History of Magic in detail when a Gringotts owl flew into the office. Harry was grateful for the distraction, so he rushed to the owl.
"Who's it for?" Hermione asked Harry as he took the letter, scratched the owl's chest, and gave her some water in one of Madam Pomfrey's beakers.
"It's for us, I think-" Harry re-read the envelope.
"Mr. and Mrs. Potter? But that's your parents-" Hermione was interrupted by Lily clearing her throat.
"No, dear. You are Mrs. Potter, remember?" she smiled patiently.
"OH! Right… I forgot," Hermione blushed furiously.
"Let's read it," Harry blushed as well.
Mr. & Mrs. Potter,
Gringotts is pleased to invite you to a trial on Lucius Malfoy vs. the Goblin Nation to be held tomorrow at 3 pm. You are invited as audience and special guests of mine. Please confirm attendance once you consult with the Headmistress and make sure to have someone escort you for your own safety. Lord and Lady Dagworth-Granger will be present. May your vaults overflow and your enemies shake at the sound of your name. Lily and James are invited too, although we suggest you talk to Neesy and maybe even Dryadalis to make the painting smaller without affecting all its properties.
Best,
King Nagkrat
"I'll go get Aunt Minnie," Harry scrambled up.
"Freeze, young man!" Lily exclaimed.
Harry blanched, but he obeyed with a sigh.
"We are not done quizzing you," James frowned, but the corners of his mouth were tilting up in a small smile.
"Hermione, dear, do you mind-? Since you are ready for the exam…." Lily smiled brightly at the girl.
"Sure, Mrs. Potter. I will also write to Neesy," the girl smiled and left. She felt this was a conversation that was not for her ears. This was further confirmed when Harry shut their connection down as she stepped out into the hallway.
"Honey," Lily's tone was disappointed.
"I know, mom," Harry sighed.
"Is there something wrong?" James asked in confusion as Harry sat back down.
"How do I know if she… you know…." Harry blushed all over.
"If she what?" James asked with interest.
"What is going on, my little love? I know you have sat down to study equally. Why is it that she's ready and you are falling behind?" Lily frowned slightly.
Harry pulled his hair and cursed his natural inability to communicate as clearly as she wanted, "Something is happening…."
James lifted a brow, "Meaning?"
"I already asked her, but she says everything is alright. Except it isn't. Something is wrong -or at the very least- different," Harry had a full-body shiver.
Lily's brain was rushing through many scenarios, "Different how?"
"I don't know! Her body is different, and so is her face… And she's looking at me a lot," Harry covered his face with his palms.
James and Lily shared a look and frowned at their son, who lowered his hands and blushed.
"Oh, don't look at me like that! I don't mean her body is different like that… I mean inside. I sense it happening in the bond, and it feels wrong to have these sensations because I think they should probably be private… but I can't help it. She's also been feeling some pain, but she doesn't want to talk about it, and I am freaking out that something is wrong or that she's sick, and maybe that's why I feel it, but she won't tell me," Harry's tone was questioning.
Lily's face went through several expressions as the situation began to make sense. "I see…"
"You do?" James was perplexed. "Okay… Do we need to talk to Dan and Emma?"
"No, love. Let's start at the basics. How old is Hermione?"
"Eleven going on twelve?" James replied, still confused.
"And that is an important factor because?" she looked at him meaningfully.
James looked pensive and muddled for about a minute. "Ooooooh! Right… Um, I think this conversation is for you, Lils…." He made a move to leave, but his wife grabbed him tightly.
"Oh, no, you don't! This is your duty too, and Harry is a boy. We agreed I would talk to the girls, and you would talk to the boys," Lily pulled James back to the forefront of the paint.
"But we had only one child!" James complained.
"Which is why I am willing to do this with you," Lily crossed her arms.
James sighed. "Fine."
"Can someone please explain what is happening?" Harry asked, a bit desperate. "I can't help her unless I understand-"
James took a deep breath, "Son, do you know where babies come from?"
Harry paled. "Y-Yes, we s-studied the r-reproductive system in our primary school. But what does that have to do with-?"
"Hermione is soon to become a young woman."
"Huh? But she's a child, like me," Harry exclaimed, confused.
"Yes, baby, but her body is maturing," Lily explained.
"Like fruit?" Harry blinked fast.
"More like a flower that blooms," James stammered, trying not to laugh.
"Honey, no. No metaphors or euphemisms. Tell me, Harry, what do you remember about the female reproductive system?"
Harry swallowed thickly. "The female reproductive system has many parts. There's the ovaries, then the fallopian tubes, then the uterus, then the cervix, and then… the v-va-vagina and the vulva."
"Yes. Excellent start. Good job using the proper names. Were you told about menstruation in school?" Lily asked.
Harry's eyes widened. He nodded, then shook his head. "I think- No, well I don't know… because they told us about the non-magical body, and I don't know if there's a difference."
"Very clever!" James smiled. "It is similar, but not exactly the same."
A very flushed but thoroughly informed Harry left the Infirmary feeling a bit reassured. Now he knew how to best react and help Hermione. His parents would let Neville and Draco know what would probably happen soon so that they could be ready too.
Hermione was done with every errand. The Headmistress would send them to the trial with Professor Snape, and she had sent out messages to the elves. They were coming later to discuss making the painting smaller. By now, Harry was probably playing exploding snap with the boys. As she skipped back to the tower, she felt the same dull, slight ache on her chest. Her mother had explained that this could happen when she started… developing breasts. It was so annoying. Her training bras were getting a bit too tight. She decided to pay a visit to Aunt Andi. If she was about to start bleeding soon, she didn't want to have an accident in class. Heaven forbid she sat up, and there was a pool of blood on her seat! She blushed, just thinking about how mortified she would be. And the boys! They would probably freak out and think she was dying. Maybe Daphne could tell her if there was a magical difference for period products.
As if she had called her with her thoughts, Daphne was walking her way.
"Hey, Daph!" Hermione smiled a bit hesitantly. You never knew how people would react to discussing such personal things.
"Hey, doll!" Daphne squeezed her.
"Um, I was wondering if-"
"Say no more. I saw this," Daph motioned at the space on her forehead where her third eye would be. "I saw this whole conversation already, so I wrote to your mom, and she is waiting on Aunt Andi's mirror so we can all talk to you about your concerns. It sucks that there is no decent Sex-Ed here," Daphne sighed.
"Maybe we can talk to Aunt Minnie about that," Hermione offered with pink cheeks.
Daphne laughed, "Oh, you are a better woman than I am. No wonder you are a Gryffindor. I'd be terrified to talk about sex in front of the Headmistress. But do let me know when you plan to have this conversation. I must see her face!" Daphne chuckled as they moved towards the Infirmary. She was sure Hermione already had a lot of information on growing up and all it entailed, but it helped when Healers you trusted clarified things.
Growing up sucks. The awkward voice changes, the hormones, the shame, the crushes. Ew. Sometimes it's okay, like when you have great friends suffering the same issues with you. Rarely, growing older can be joyful. Today, Neville Longbottom was having a thrilling day. They had double Herbology this morning, and Finnigan had been staying distant the last couple of weeks, thank Merlin. Today was particularly great because they got to do fieldwork, his favorite! Neville loved getting his hands in the dirt. He was paired up with Draco, and off they went. Professor Sprout had given them a chart, and they were supposed to fill it with as many plants as they could recognize. Theirs was a great partnership because Neville had the most knowledge in plants out of the whole class, and Draco was great at drawing.
Out of the blue, Professor Sprout called Neville over and asked him to go to the greenhouses and bring a wheelbarrow. She wanted to bring some samples and saplings to use for her next class. Neville was a bit disheartened to slow down, but he trusted that Draco would do good while he was gone. His friend's favorite subject wasn't Herbology by any means, but he was a great student. Neville took off in a hurry. If he came back soon enough, he could still add some more plants to his list. The winners would get 30 points for their house! He opened the greenhouse and was surprised to find Daphne there.
"Hello, lover boy," she grinned mischievously.
Oh no, Neville thought with a furious blush.
"We don't have a lot of time. Follow me," she walked into a broom closet, and once he came in, she closed the door and did a Lumos.
"Daph, I think we shouldn't do this. He's been leaving me alone..."
"Yes, because I talked to professor Sprout to keep him away from you. There's no time to second guess. Just kiss the back of your hand and let me do the rest!" she whisper-shouted.
Neville did as she asked, although he felt really weird. Daphne grabbed his hand and moved it against his lips in circular motions, pressing it towards him in different intensities. Daphne was wearing some lip color that she then applied to her fingers and carefully smeared on his lips and smudged on hers as well. She was not done. She pulled her shirt out of her skirt and did the same to one side of his shirt; she then ruffled it. Then, she loosened both their ties and messed up his hair.
"Quick, do me!" Daphne said. She then heard how dirty that sounded and grimaced. He was blushing a fiery red. "I mean my hair, Nevy!"
He tried to mess it up, but he was too gentle, so she did it herself. Daphne conjured a mirror and nodded approvingly at their reflections.
"Is that how one's supposed to look like?" Neville was shocked.
"If you do it good," she winked and chuckled.
"Longbottom!" Seamus' voice was approaching the greenhouse.
"Merde. He's a faster walker than I thought," Daphne whispered. She faced Neville with her back towards the door so she could block her friend from view.
"Now what?" Neville whispered, feeling a tad panicky.
"Close your eyes," she whispered back jokingly.
His eyes widened. Daphne motioned for him to suck his lips inside his mouth so they couldn't be kissed. She grabbed his shaking cold hands and placed one hand behind her hair and another one on the small of her waist from behind. She placed two fingers on top of the tightly closed mouth and kissed the back of her fingers. Neville was standing in a fertilizer bag to be closer to her height. The door swung open.
"What the bloody hell?!" Seamus exclaimed with a gasp.
Daphne turned slowly, using her finger to clean the corner of her mouth while making sure she was still covering most of her friend. "Ugh. It's you. I thought it was a Prefect. Do you mind? We're kind of busy here!" she said in mock exasperation.
"What-? How-? Who-?"
Neville moved his face to the side so he could be seen. "Finnigan, please knock on the door next time."
"Oui. We are not the only ones who use broom closets!" Daphne giggled.
"I can't belie-"
"If you don't want anything… We need privacy," Neville said with a smirk. Finnigan's face was priceless.
Seamus sputtered for a full minute and shook his head. "Professor Sprout wanted me to tell you not to forget the gloves," he stammered.
"I won't," Neville grinned. "I'll be there in a couple of minutes."
Seamus looked at them as if he wanted to say something but thought better of it. He did look them up and down slowly as if trying to find deceit but found none and left with a severe frown. Daphne and Neville stayed still until they couldn't hear Finnigan anymore. She then did a spell to make sure no one was in the greenhouse. When this was proved, the friends started laughing, and after a while, their sides hurt.
"Oh, this has been the best part of my week!" Daphne smiled radiantly.
"Mine too! Thank you, Daph! You are the best!" Neville hugged her, and his gratitude was almost overwhelming. "This means a lot to me."
"I know. I've always wanted a brother… and I think life just rewarded my good karma points with the best of brothers… That is if you'll have me," she smiled.
"I would love to," he grinned. "Aren't you late to class?"
"Want to get rid of me already? You wound me!" Daphne laughed.
"No! Of course not. I just don't want you to get in trouble because of me!"
"Nah. It's a free period. But you should get going. Don't forget the gloves," Daphne winked and skipped away, smiling to herself.
"Yeah… Daph!" Neville called after her.
"I don't know if anyone can deserve you, but if that's ever the case, he will be really lucky," his lopsided grin melted Daphne's heart.
"Nevy… you are too sweet. If you weren't so into Luna, I would love to have you for a brother-in-law… But Draco may kill me," she smiled and turned as he blushed and stammered. She tapped her wand on the wheelbarrow and gloves as she left the greenhouse, and they turned tiny. Neville rushed behind took off with both objects in his pockets. He ran all the way to the class with a stupid smile on his face. He got there to hear most students looking at him and whispering. It had worked! Draco gave him a discreet thumbs-up.
A few days later, during their Potions Exam, Hermione was not feeling so great. The tenderness in her breasts was getting too annoying, and as her breasts were growing little by little, this signaled her period would follow soon after that. According to the conversation she had with her mom and Aunt Andi, her period would be coming soon. Hermione would occasionally feel a bit of pain in her lower belly. It would leave as fast as it came. Sometimes she thought she was imagining it.
There was also the inconvenient fact that she was starting to notice boys, specifically Harry… The worst part was that she knew he knew something. At times, he would look at her weirdly. He would squint as if he was Superman trying to see through her skin to determine what was happening. When he did it repeatedly through a lesson, she would snap at him. It made her feel awful because he was being really sweet, but she still wanted to bite his head off at times.
Her mom said that her mood swings were normal but warned her not to scare the boys too much. She felt a bit crazy. As per usual, she turned to books, both magical and muggle. Of course, her mom was right. Nothing to be done but live with it. Ugh. Wizarding books talked about potions, but only after her first period and only if she was irregular. How annoying. She had taken to wearing a panty liner just in case, but this wouldn't be enough today.
As she stirred a potion, Harry read instructions in a whispered voice, "Okay, now 15 times counterclockwise," he motioned over her cauldron in the right direction.
Hermione took deep breaths as she counted, and suddenly, stabbing pain in her lower abdomen made her sit back down. She had to grind her teeth not to complain out loud. Harry took over the stirring with a concerned expression. He tried asking her what was happening, but she just shook her head angrily, looked down, avoiding his eyes, and hugged her middle.
After a couple of minutes of Hermione staying in the same position, Draco and Neville noticed. She was getting paler, and her eyes were full of unshed tears. They motioned to Harry questioningly, but now he felt some of the pain she was clearly fighting hard to prevent him from feeling. It was true that misery loved company. However, Harry shouldn't have to feel something that he doesn't even have the anatomy to experience, and this is why Hermione was trying hard not to let the pain through.
"Ew! Granger is bleeding!" Goyle exclaimed with a disgusted expression as he took his finished potion to Severus' desk. The whole class went silent, and Snape rushed to Hermione, scared that something had gone wrong with preparing the ingredients.
"Did you cut yourself?" Severus asked before his brain caught up with what was happening.
Hermione shook her head, and more tears fell down. Harry's hands were shaking as he bottled their potion, but luckily he didn't spill much of it. Whatever was happening hurt like hell. His lower belly felt like it was being stabbed, and then the knife was twisted at random intervals. His back felt stiff and heavy. And he was sure he was only feeling a fraction of what Hermione was experiencing. Harry wanted to go to her, but he knew she would be cross if he didn't finish the potion and they failed the evaluation. He labeled it and left it on the work table. Uncle Sev would understand.
Several students started looking at Hermione to figure out what was happening, but Severus turned to look at them over his shoulder with a scathing look. "If I see any of you looking elsewhere but your cauldron, I will consider it as cheating. Am I making myself clear?!"
"Yes, professor," was the general reply.
"But she is bleed-!" Goyle was silenced by the professor.
"No talking during evaluations either!" Severus interrupted. "Place the potion on my desk and sign the attendance register. Then clean and dry everything you used and return it to the storage area."
Draco left Neville to bottle up their potion and rushed to Hermione to block her from view. Severus erected a privacy silencing ward around the three kids and himself. He vanished the blood on the seat and then on the floor with concern. It was a significant amount. Harry took off his sweater immediately, as did Draco. Both boys tied their sweaters around her waist to cover her completely front and back.
"Hermione, do you think you can walk, or do you want me to levitate you?" Severus asked.
"I- For fucks sake! How much worse can this get!?" the girl replied, groaning and doubling over. Unbeknownst to her, she was passing a cyst. She could feel something traveling down her body. It was the strangest, most painful sensation.
Severus' eyes widened. Hermione wasn't one for colorful language. "Nevermind walking!"
"It hurts like a motherfucker! What the bloody hell is that!?" Harry exclaimed with a grimace as he doubled over to mimic Hermione. It helped a tiny bit.
"Oh no!" Draco exclaimed, a bit shocked at Hermione's cursing and at Harry feeling what she was feeling. "Taffy!"
The elf popped in and bowed. "Mr. Black, you calls Taffy?"
"Yes, we need you to pop Harry and Hermione to the Infirmary," Draco explained quickly.
The elf looked at the girl with understanding and at the boy with confusion. However, it was not for her to question strange things, and bonds were so very rare that she merely extended her hands towards them, "Come with Taffy."
"Nev finished our potion, Dad. Can we go after them?" Draco asked with a pout.
"Of course. I will contact Emma and Dan. Tell her I hope she feels better," Severus smiled as his son rushed to Neville, who was already anxiously waiting by the door.
"Let's go!"
Severus summoned all finished potions and began making a batch of Cramping Relief draught. That would certainly help, and other first-years would probably need it soon. He would talk to Minerva to see whether they could keep a batch under stasis in every girl's bathroom so they wouldn't feel embarrassed and could feel better without going all the way to the Infirmary. Severus hoped everything was okay. That really was more blood than should have been there. As the last students to complete the evaluation left, he grabbed floo call powder and contacted Emma at the Dugards.
"Severus! Hi. Is everything okay?"
"Hello, Em. Um… I don't think so. I believe Hermione has just started menstruating."
"Oh? Is she okay?" she asked with a slight frown.
"Well, she bled through her clothes in class. I am not a healer, but I am concerned because it was quite a bit of blood. Harry felt it too, somehow… They were taken to the infirmary. I will send an elf to request for Minerva to open her floo so you can come through," Severus offered.
"Of course, thank you for letting me know. I'll call Dan and get a coat."
"Mr. Potter, please wait outside. I need to do a physical exam on Ms. Granger," Madam Pomfrey stated.
"NO!" Hermione groaned. "He can feel it too!"
"Oh dear," Poppy gave the boy a second look, and he was sweating and pale. His knuckles were white from how hard he was squeezing the bed's metal frame. "Get on this other bed, then."
"Poppy, Sev told me that- Oh boy," she noticed the trail of blood. "I'll check Harry," Andromeda helped Harry to a bed across from Hermione.
"Ms. Granger, your bleeding is abnormal. It is perfectly natural to menstruate, but so much blood on menarche is quite unusual," The healer placed a screen surround Hermione's bed. While the kids were married, their guardians knew their relationship had not gone past hand-holding and hugs, and they told the Healers as much. From within the office, the Potters called an elf to take them out so they could be there for the kids.
"It huuuurts!" Hermione howled as she hugged a pillow tightly to her chest.
Harry grunted but said nothing. He just wanted for Hermione not to be in pain anymore. His parents' portrait materialized next to his bed.
"We are here for you, love," Lily placed her palm against the surface of the paint.
Harry stretched towards the painting. If her mom could release some healing energy, maybe Hermione would feel better through the bond.
"WHAT IS HELL IS THAT!?" Hermione's panicked scream made him stop mid-motion.
"Ah, that explains a lot, Ms. Granger," Madam Pomfrey tutted.
"Not to me, it doesn't! Is that supposed to happen!?" Hermione saw in absolute dismay a big clump of tissue on the bloody underwear that the Healer helped her remove to change into clean clothes.
Andromeda was casting spells on Harry, but everything was fine. Except for the pain, of course. When Hermione screamed, the boy got off the bed with a grimace and went into the screen without hearing the Head Healer's protests of privacy. He never moved his eyes from Hermione's face. He took her hands, which calmed her a bit. Harry didn't look towards the offending underwear or the rest of her body at all.
"You passed a large clump which can be a combination of a clot and uterine tissue. I have to test it to make sure it's not a cyst or something else…" the healer placed the underwear in an instrument tray and vanished it to her office.
"Is that-?!" Harry asked, pale and sweaty, looking at Hermione, who was blushing in mortification. "Is that what felt like it was traveling down your body slowing its way down by stabbing your insides?! Bloody motherfucking hell!"
"Harry James! LANGUAGE!" Lily snapped from outside.
"Sorry, mom!"
"Mr. Potter, did you feel that yourself, or did you sense her feeling that?"
"No, I felt it! It was the weirdest sensation because I don't even have… the b-body parts for it! Must be what hens feel like when laying a chicken," he finished and blushed when he realized he said it out loud.
"Mr. Potter!" Poppy frowned.
"It's true, though!" Hermione said with a grimace.
"Poppy, Minerva sent a Patronus. Her parents are on her way," Andromeda said from outside the screen.
"What? Why? This is mortifying! I don't want them to see me like this! Harry, quick, help me change! Can someone get me clean underwear and a freaking pad for the love of God!"
Draco and Neville heard that and rushed to the supply cabinet in the healers' office. They grabbed a two different pads as they shared a confused look. One was larger than the other, but if she was bleeding a lot, perhaps it would be better. They shrugged, grabbed towels and a pitcher of water just in case, and went to the screen. Draco's hand went in through one of the spaces between the wall and the screen.
"Hermione, here," Draco handed her two pads.
She blushed furiously, "Thanks."
"We have some water and a couple of towels," Neville offered. Madam Pomfrey came out and took both things back inside the screen with her.
"Drink this pain-relieving potion. I think we are out of the cramp-relieving draught, but I am sure Severus is making some right now," she handed Hermione a vial. "You too, Mr. Potter."
Both kids took it, and Hermione started looking less pale. She was still tense and stressed out, though. "Someone, please get me clean underwear!" she snapped when she looked back down at her legs that still had a trail of dry blood on their insides. The sheets were now bloody too.
Taffy popped into the room, and her wrinkly hand offered the underwear to the girl. "Thank you, Taffy! You are the best!" Hermione barely checked to make sure it was hers. "Harry, turn around!"
"Wait, you'll stain them," he wet the small towel and carefully started to clean her legs by her ankles, not wanting to be inappropriate.
Hermione was moved by this but pushed his hand away with a blush, "I can do that, Harry,"
"Yes, but you shouldn't have to. Tell you what… I'll do from your knees down," Harry smiled and handed her the other washcloth. Together they had her clean in a couple of minutes. Harry helped her stand and turned away. Hermione placed the bigger pad on her underwear (just in case) and changed into a clean hospital gown. She was so glad that she had been taught how to do all this in advance. She wasn't expecting so much pain… or such intense bleeding. Madam Pomfrey had the bed clean and fresh with a couple of wand motions.
"You lost a significant amount of blood. You should lose up to 80 milliliters of blood per your whole cycle. Some women lose a lot less. Bear in mind that I am saying blood. Tissue and clots will make it look like it's more," the healer explained. "I want you to stay the night here. If you start to bleed heavily, wake me up, no matter the time. When women bleed too heavily, that can indicate something is wrong, and you could even get anemic from blood loss. You may need to take a blood replenishing potion."
All the boys did mental notes on this information. Heavy bleeding is bad. Got it. Take her to the Infirmary as soon as possible. Duly noted.
"Madam Pomfrey?" Harry said, smoothing the covers over Hermione as she took a small vial of blood replenishing potion to be safe.
"Yes?"
"Is there anything I can do to help? I feel… useless," Harry looked down with a sigh.
Madam Pomfrey was not easily touched by a scene, but this seemed adorable to her. "Yes, as a matter of fact, there are some things you can do. Make sure she eats healthy and rests. She should try to stay warm. She will probably have cravings, and her temper will be a bit short. Chocolate helps. Be patient and if either of you are in significant pain, come see me immediately. I don't care if you are in the middle of an exam. I will give you a note. Understood, Ms. Granger?"
Hermione nodded and turned to Harry with a blush. "Whatever happened with our exam?"
"I bottled the potion and left it on the desk. Don't worry," Harry smiled.
"Emma!" Andromeda hugged her friend. After her encounter with Bellatrix, it had taken a while for the doctor not to jump when she saw her, so Andromeda had gone to a hairstylist and died her hair platinum gray with purple streaks and straightened it. She also avoided dark lipstick like the plague and tried to wear her hair up and away from her face whenever she knew she'd be seeing Emma. It was the least she could do. Her sister caused her trouble even after death.
"Andi!" Emma squeezed back. "Dan was in surgery. He will be upset to miss this. Is she okay?"
"Much better now. I think Hermione was quite calm. We have had other girls, from third year and up, who come here and were never told anything about menstruation, so they come in here terrified and terribly embarrassed, thinking they are going to die. The boys have been great! They were all raised right. Come on in," Andromeda pushed the door open.
Draco and Neville were sitting on the next bed to Hermione's. Draco had asked Taffy to bring some chocolate from his secret stash in his trunk. This was how much he cared. Everyone knew that Draco was not one for sharing his chocolates, but he dearly loved Hermione. Seeing her in so much pain had him very concerned. Hermione was a tough cookie. Draco had seen her fall down spectacularly in practices. She even dislocated an arm once and popped it back in place herself to keep playing without much more than a groan as it resumed its natural placement.
Draco was worried because Harry had been beaten by an adult who resembled a whale many times. Today he was almost falling to his knees in the pain he could feel through the bond. And the pain felt through the bond wasn't as intense as what Hermione was feeling. So, if chocolate helped her feel a bit better, she could have it all. It was, in any case, a great excuse for him to buy more. He looked at Neville, who was starting to look relieved. The poor boy had been so embarrassed, but Draco smacked him over the head and told him to remember what the Potters had told him. They were right. Stupid Goyle. Draco would prank him in revenge.
FLASHBACK
"But what do I even say? I'd be mortified to bring it up," Neville blushed.
"If you are embarrassed and uncomfortable, imagine how she feels. That there's a bloody stain in her uniform, and everyone except herself can see it," Lily reasoned.
Neville grimaced. "I wouldn't want a friend to feel embarrassed for something she can't help."
"Exactly," Lily smiled. It was a good thing these boys were raised better than most kids their age.
"Boys, it's a thing. I promise. As you grow older, your female friends and eventually your girlfriends may ask you to check if everything looks okay," James motioned at his groin and his bum. "That's a big responsibility. You have to be discreet, quick, and subtle."
"Oh yes! Never say 'You bled through, mate,'" Lily scrunched up her nose.
"NEVER DO THAT! That is grounds for a breakup or at least a very long fight."
"So, what should we do? Whisper?" Draco asked with a frown.
"Yes. Say the stain is on your friend's bum area. Stand behind her to cover her from prying eyes, and whisper in her ear," Lily said. "She can loosen the shoulder straps of her book bag and it will cover her for the most part. Or alternatively, she can take off her sweater and wrap it around her waist while she gets to the bathroom and fixes herself."
"If she's your girlfriend, the gentlemanly thing to do is to take off your sweater and wrap it around her waist, then whisper in her ear. She will reward you for being so attentive… Oh, and while we are at it. Start buying more jumpers and sweaters. As you grow older, they will start vanishing and end up in your female friends and girlfriends' closets as if by magic," James side-eyed Lily.
"Boys' clothes are always more comfortable," she shrugged. "While we are on the subject of things you can do to help, there are some things you should carry in your bookbag."
"Absolutely. Always carry a discreet drawstring pouch with a couple of pads and tampons. All the marauders had a black velvet pouch just for that purpose. It never disappointed any girls in need. And as heirs of our legacy," Neville looked down. James cleared his throat, "Yes, Neville, you too. The only reason Frank wasn't a marauder officially was that: a) He didn't want to risk Augusta's wrath, and b) He never really liked Peter. We should have listened to him…." James sighed and shook his head. "Anyway, as we were saying, add a few scrunchies and a lip balm, and that gives you a thousand gentleman points per item. If you add chocolate under a stasis charm, you will win at life," James smiled from ear to ear. "Am I right, or am I right, love?"
"Very much so. If you notice that a girl spots her clothes and you not only let her know with subtlety but also give her a pouch with options in case she needs any items within, a bar of chocolate and your sweater, she will thank you forever," Lily smiled.
"But remember, boys, you are not doing this for them to thank you. You are not doing this for them to like you like that. Chances are, if it's their first accident, they will be very nervous and shy about the whole thing. You will do it because gentlemen who respect women don't ever want them to be ridiculed or criticized by dumb, immature kids. Understood?" James said this very seriously. Lily beamed at him with pride. "If the Marauders could handle this, so can you."
"Treat any girl you may end up helping as you would treat Hermione, Luna, Daphne, Astoria, or any other friend you care about," Lily added. "That will make it less awkward. If they ask why you help them, just say you have sisters, and you wouldn't want anyone to treat them poorly for any reason, let alone a biological process they have no control over."
Draco and Neville shared a look and nodded. The only problem was that they needed to find a way to get pads. That would be an awkward conversation with their parents.
END FLASHBACK
Hermione was munching away contentedly on a bar of dark chocolate with a strawberry filling. Her head was on Harry's shoulder. They were all distracted talking to the Potters about their exam.
"Hermione," Emma said with a smile.
"Mom!" the girl scrambled to stand. "They shouldn't have made you come! This is so embarrassing. I am okay now!"
"Mione…" Harry said in a warning tone. It would not do to play something this serious down.
"Fine. I was really scared, but these boys were awesome."
"Ms. Granger," Taffy popped back in. "Your uniform, all clean. The boy's sweaters, all clean. I hopes you feels better now."
Taffy made to leave, but Emma knelt and hugged her. "Thank you so much, Taffy. It's hard as a mom not to be there when your kids need you most. You are so kind to help out beyond your duties," Emma smiled with gratitude as she let go of the startled elf. "Did I scare you? So sorry! We are huggers."
"You is welcome, Lady Dagworth-Granger. Humans don't really be hugging elves. I is surprised. Your children are all being kind to Taffy. Taffy loves to help and sees they takes after you," the elf nodded and popped away.
"Boys, you are looking taller," Emma opened her arms, and the three boys rushed to hug her tight. "I missed you so much!"
"We missed you too!" was the chorus that replied.
"It's so good to see you here, Lily, James," the doctor smiled at the painted parents who waved. "We miss you in the house, but I felt much better knowing you were with them."
"Of course, accompanying them is the least we can do, Emma," Lily smiled. She and her husband left the portrait to go ask Severus if the cramping draught was ready.
Emma let go of the boys, "Thank you for being so good to my baby girl. I am proud of you for being so mature about this… Now, can you go get some dinner? I need to speak to her alone," she smiled at the kids who nodded, understandingly.
Harry went to get his sweater, tossed Draco his, and kissed Hermione's cheek before he left. "I will come back with your dinner," he said confidently.
When the three boys left, Emma sat on her daughter's bed and squeezed her for a long time. "Your Uncle Sev told me you bled a lot."
"For a moment, I thought I was dying!" Hermione giggled with a blush.
"Oh no!" Emma giggled too. "We wouldn't want that for another thousand years at least. Sweetie, did the healer talk to you already? If you keep having such intense pain, I want to take you to the Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the new hospital. We are set to open in a couple of weeks, and there's already a waiting list for several services."
"If you think it's necessary, I'll go," Hermione nodded. She would never doubt her mother's medical advice. "Madam Pomfrey said she needs to test a large clump that fell to make sure it's just blood and tissue, I guess," Hermione shrugged.
"Oh. I'll talk to her," Emma frowned slightly.
"Mom… I… Harry felt it all," Hermione seemed mortified and sorry.
"It all means?"
"Everything! He even felt the clump coming down! He described it in a way that he couldn't have if he hadn't felt it," Hermione covered her face with her hands.
Emma frowned slightly. "I see. Alright, I will talk to him, honey. Don't worry. Now, for the goodies," the doctor placed a duffel bag -that Hermione hadn't even noticed- on top of the bed.
Inside it were several packs of disposable pads for day and nighttime. Her mother's care packages were never small, and they tended to be very comprehensive. There were a few pairs of comfortable black cotton panties, two new training bras in a larger size (thank the Lord! Hermione had forgotten to ask for them), two pairs of fluffy socks, a couple of leg warmers, and sweatpants. There was also an empty hot water bottle and a bag full of different muggle chocolates, and a tin of chamomile flowers to make tea.
"If you are in a lot of pain, sweetie, come see Madam Pomfrey or Andi, okay? I don't want you in pain but without help due to embarrassment or anything else. Menstruation is not supposed to hurt. If the pain is preventing you from following your usual routine, that is not okay. This is a tracking journal. You must write down symptoms, mood, discharge, or strange sensations, and I particularly want you to write the dates carefully. Write down the first day you bleed properly, beyond spotting that is, and the last day as well. Alright? That will help us determine your regularity, and it will give us a lot of valuable information on your health as well for when we talk to a specialist," Emma explained, handing her a small journal.
Hermione took the journal. It was quite pretty with the moon's phases in the calendar and plenty of space for notes. "I will be sure to write things down. I did finish the books you sent me. I have some questions, though."
"Ask away, pumpkin," Emma smiled.
The gossip about Neville and Daphne had gone all over the castle by dinner time. Most older students didn't believe it at all, fortunately. First and Second year students, though, were all talking about it. Daphne sat down with Neville to prevent Finnigan from sitting next to him and harass him. Seamus was strangely silent.
The boys were updating Daph on what happened to Hermione, speaking in code, of course.
"You did amazing. One day each of you will make one girl very lucky. Except for Nevy, because he already has," Daphne kissed his cheek, which went beet red right away.
"I am honored you feel that way," Neville smiled at her and poured pumpkin juice on her goblet.
"You could do better, Greengrass," Finnigan said loudly. Harry and Draco immediately gave him a look of shut up or else.
"Who asked you?" Daphne replied immediately.
Seamus chose or else, "It's what everyone thinks. Why not be with someone who is at least handsome? Someone who is your age? Someone who has a brain for more than stupid plants? Is your family in financial trouble? Is that why you are whoring yourself out to Longbottom?"
You could have heard a pin drop at Gryffindor's table. In seconds, Neville had grabbed Seamus by his tie with his left hand and punched him with his right fist with all the rage he felt, which resulted in rivers of blood flowing down his face. Before Seamus could even process the pain beyond a groan, Neville twisted his arm behind his back harshly and brought Seamus' head back by pulling a bunch of his hair. Therefore exposing his throat to Harry and Draco who pressed their wands against it. The two looked ready to trash Finnigan.
Neville growled. "I know you did not just say that of an heiress of a Most Noble and Ancient House in public in front many witnesses and worse… In front of three allies and friends who happen to be heirs to Most Noble and Ancient Houses."
"Boo-hoo, Longbottom! Fight me like a man and don't hide behind your retarded st-st-st-stuttering father," Seamus growled back.
Daphne would pull Neville back, but that comment richly deserved the brutal punch on the mouth it was rewarded with indeed. Seamus spat out a tooth, and his lip was torn.
"Don't you EVER speak of my father again! You are NOT worthy!" Neville loomed over the boy. "My father fought Voldemort three times! He was tortured to a catatonic state because he wouldn't give up his friends! He and my mother have been working for years to get back to me and I will not have you besmirch him!"
"You are not worthy of even being mentioned in the same sentence," Daphne added, placing a supportive arm around Neville.
Finnigan was scared. He thought Neville didn't have a backbone, but he did, and he could throw a mean punch. Draco was right. Daphne was untouchable to Neville, and apparently, so were his parents. Percy No-Name started approaching the scene to try and stop whatever madness was going on. Seamus was on his back, pulling himself away from Neville using his elbows.
Draco approached Seamus and said in his most haughty voice, "Scioness Greengrass is under the protection of our houses, as you very well know, and as such, we are all willing and able to call a Feud with your… meager House."
"I don't care about that!" Seamus yelled.
"You don't, but your parents will," Draco stepped even closer to Finnigan, "I warned you to stay away from Daphne, and you didn't listen. I told you Neville wouldn't tolerate any disrespect of her, nor would any of us. Now, I strongly recommend you beg Scioness Greengrass for forgiveness. If your family is blacklisted by all our four families… I don't have to tell you that will make them practically unemployable, and no one will want to do business with them."
The Headmistress and a couple of Professors were rushing towards them. They had been in a staff meeting.
Harry got on Finnigan's face and growled menacingly, "Imagine if an owl were to reach our friend and ally Nagkrat, the King of Goblins, and he heard about how stupid and disrespectful you are being to Scioness Greengrass. He could decide that your family is no longer welcome at Gringotts."
Seamus whimpered. "Leave me alone! You are only upset because I am right. Daphne would never be with this idiot unless she was under duress."
"Finnigan! Shut up!" Percy got in the middle of the group to try and break the fight. Seamus was such a git. "You don't even know Daphne!"
"Fuck off, you No-Name bitch! I don't have to listen to you! My House may be meager, but at least I have a House!" Finnigan yelled at Percy and stood up. He tried to hit Percy with a spell, but he ducked out of reflex from dealing with the twins, and Seamus hit Daphne instead. She flew up and went upside down, her skirt showing off her tight biking shorts that she had taken to wearing after a gust of strong wing almost showed off her brand new comfy hipsters to a group of Seventh Years last week.
Percy undid the charm immediately and levitated her down. He even placed a hand under her elbow to steady her. He felt guilty; he shouldn't have ducked without pulling her down too.
"You did not just do this, you meddling, imbecile troll!" Daphne slapped Seamus and kicked his privates. He fell to his knees. "I warned you never to address me so informally again, Finnigan! You disrespected that and also called me a whore," she said loudly for the professors to hear. "If I hadn't been prepared and wearing shorts under my skirt, you would have exposed me to the entire hall, you arsehole!"
"Mr. Finnigan!" Snape bellowed. "Have you take leave of your senses?!"
"Mr. Longbottom, you better have a good explanation for this," the Headmistress pursed her lips.
"We do," Draco said. "I am willing to speak under magical oath. This absolute arse said that Daphne was -sorry, Daph," Draco grimaced, but the teen nodded resolutely, giving him permission to carry on. "That Daphne was whoring herself out to Neville because her family is in financial trouble," many people around them gasped. "Never mind that the Greengrass family is doing better than ever or that what scioness Greengrass and scion Longbottom do in their personal lives is NONE of his bloody business."
"Finnigan insulted Neville, Neville's father, and myself, Headmistress. It's not the first time this idiot bullies Neville, and he has disrespected me before. You can ask professor Sprout to corroborate. I asked her to keep Seamus away from Neville. He is obsessed with the idea that Neville is gay," the Headmistress and Snape looked at Seamus as if he needed a mind healer. "He is a homophobic, sexist, nosy, stupid bully, and I have had enough. I have no idea what gave him the ill-advised notion that he had a say in our lives. If he doesn't stop this bullshit," the headmistress reprimanded her for her language. Still, Daphne ignored her and carried on, "the next contact he will receive from my family will be a citation for a formal Feud arbitration at the Ministry for Magic. Maybe that will help solve this senseless undeserved superiority complex born out of deep-seated insecurity and hatred for those who are doing better than him… because they are working harder than him. I am perfectly sure that Lady Longbottom and Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom will do the same," Daphne looked at the boy with absolute contempt.
"So will Lord Black," Draco placed a supporting hand on Daphne's shoulder.
"So will Lord Potter," Harry imitated Draco.
"If I understand correctly, you are giving unsolicited opinions of Ms. Greengrass and Ms. Longbottom's personal lives. Is that right, Mr. Finnigan?" the Headmistress asked with pursed lips.
"Everyone is saying the same thing," Seamus said, indignant.
"Except other students seem to be smart enough not to antagonize families that are so prominent and respected in our community. Other students have learned to leave this particular group of friends alone because messing with one of them is messing with them all. Why haven't you?" Severus replied with a frown. "They have warned you repeatedly to leave them alone. Are you a masochist, Mr. Finnigan?"
"They attacked me physically. I didn't touch one hair on their heads! Everyone saw it! I want them punished!" Seamus said all this with difficulty due to the blood that was still pouring.
"Aggressions are not limited to just physical harm. They will be punished, but so will you, and you did attack Ms. Greengrass," Minerva replied while fixing the boy's nose and lip.
"I meant to hit the stupid Prefect!"
"You will not disrespect the No-Names due to a condition that is not something they can help! Mr. No-Name is a Prefect. You will respect and obey him as such!" The Headmistress said with authority. "However, Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, Mr. Longbottom, and Ms. Greengrass, you will be punished as well."
Harry and Draco sighed. Detention was worth it, anyway. Daphne shrugged, and Neville nodded.
"100 points from Gryffindor and 50 points from Slytherin for attacking a fellow student. Remember to use your words next time," the Headmistress said to gasps from the two Houses affected.
"Yes, Headmistress," the three boys and the teen girl looked down.
"100 points from Gryffindor, Mr. Finnigan. You insulted a classmate, offended a schoolmate, and attacked a lady with a spell that could have had disastrous consequences had she not be wearing additional layers. You should warn your parents to expect howlers from four Heads of House from Most Noble and Ancient Houses, and if your attitude doesn't change, they can expect a howler from me too! Off to bed, all of you!" the Headmistress squinted angrily at Seamus. "I will call you to my office once I have discussed the appropriate consequences. Save the tooth and go to the Infirmary tomorrow, Mr. Finnigan."
Minerva discreetly tapped Snape's wrist, and with a nod, he went after the kids. Daphne had just left on Percy's arm after giving all the boys a bear hug.
"Neville, Harry, Draco… My office, please."
"Yes, professor," the boy sighed, rubbing his fist as he followed.
They went in and closed the door behind them. Severus squeezed Neville in an uncharacteristic tight hug. "Are you alright, Neville?"
The boy started crying. "I am sorry I did that. But what he said about Daph… and my dad… I-I couldn't-"
"Shhh," Severus patted the boy's back. "No need to explain. You did what was right. Violence is not such a good idea but off the record… I would have done the same. Minerva wanted me to make sure you were all okay."
"Didn't look like she cared," Harry shrugged, feeling a bit dejected.
"She does. But she's in a horrible position. She can't show favoritism, no matter how much she loves all of you. You know your Aunt. She will be fair with her punishment and his will be worse than yours. At the rate he's going, he will be at the very least suspended soon," Snape handed Neville a glass of water.
The boy drank with small sips.
"I am proud of you for standing up for Daphne and for supporting Neville. Charlus will be proud too. Be sure to tell the Marauders and Frank and Alice. I am sure they will love the story and be proud of you too. Just call a Prefect, or better yet a Head Boy or Girl, immediately next time you feel things are getting out of hand. Okay?"
"Yes, Dad!"
"Yes, Uncle Sev!"
Harry had to request help from the kitchen staff to get dinner up to Hermione, but he wouldn't let her go hungry. While she ate, he recounted everything he felt to Emma who was very interested in his descriptions. She asked him to take notes of the dates he felt different when he thought it related to Hermione. He agreed readily. Then, with Emma, Lily, and James looking at him, Harry felt he had to tell them what happened during dinner. Lily and James asked Emma to tell the Longbottoms to floo call tomorrow during their revision session with Neville. They felt he would need it. Once Emma left, Harry got into bed with Hermione, and they fell asleep emitting a soft golden glow.
A/N: Thank you for reading! Next chapter we will see whatever happened with Horatio and with Malfoy, not to mention our favorite obscure pair. Stay safe and healthy! -Lux-