I don't own any of these characters, this fanfic is just for fun.
Harry Potter and the Temple of the Holy Cross
Chapter 12: Choices
With Halloween approaching, the overall attitude at Hogwarts was positive as people looked forward to the brilliant Feast that awaited them on the 31st of October, the first Quiddich match between Gryffindor and Slytherin, and the wonderful fact that Christmas was just that much closer.
Hermione's parents had yet to respond to the Owl that McGonagall had sent to them more than a month ago, and Hermione was quite nervous regarding this; she tried to ignore it and focus on her studies, her obligations as prefect, her upcoming N.E.W.T.'s and of course, Ron. The fact that she was pregnant had definitely circulated amongst the other students, some of whom attempted to ignore the fact, others regarded it as their personal duty to heckle her about it. Ron however, managed to come to her defense, which once resulted in a detention for hexing a student who asked her if she was beginning to get "a little fat around the edges."
Spiritual life amongst the growing Christian Community, which now also included Luna Lovegood and the Patil twins, continued on as usual with Liturgy on Sunday, Praise Service on Wednesday, and Bible studies on Tuesdays. Every so often, Ron would convince Hermione to attend one of these events during the course of the week, which seemed to do nothing with regards to her commitment to agnosticism. Religion continued to be one of their topics of argument, though less and less so, it seemed as though they were beginning to learn to avoid the subject all together.
As he had with Dumbledore the previous year, Harry was being called occasionally to Reverend Ewls' office in order to analyze memory data from Dumbledore's old Pensieve which he had apparently entrusted to Reverend Ewls. Though throughout the course of their investigations, nothing of what they found led any closer to the discovery of the location of the mysterious R.A.B. or the whereabouts of the last horcrux. In spite of their lack of success, they proceeded on.
For some reason which was unknown to his wife, any of his children, or any of the members of the Hogwarts Christian Community, Reverend Ewls was seemingly on edge lately. His performance in classes seemed to bear this out, though with the introduction of Hinduism, his classes were as interesting as ever. His right hand, however, seemed to shake and twitch at random during lectures, and his voice seemed less forceful.
In private he was meditating more often. He enjoyed meditating, it allowed him to clear his mind and focus merely upon what he called, 'the Love of God penetrating, surrounding, and binding all things together.' He now meditated every night before leaving his office; on one particular night a week before Halloween, he meditated as usual when he found himself surrounded by bright white light. Realizing where he was, he stood and beheld the old, scarred, grey-haired Father Robert Bates.
"Robert, good to see you again." Ewls greeted.
"Thomas this isn't exactly a pleasure visit," Bates responded. "Have you fulfilled your assignment to the order?"
"Right I've been meaning to ask you for clarification about that I think…"
"Reverend Ewls, do you realize what danger you're putting this girl in?" Bates continued. "And not only the girl but the entire world if you do not inform her, and have her tested."
"Father it occurred to me that she's in no danger as long as the ministry cannot prove that her conception was without sex," Ewls pleaded. "And as of right now they cannot, and what interest is it to them to focus on someone like Hermione Granger, when they're still at war? Let's keep it that way."
Father Bates' expression was becoming more and more frustrated as the conversation continued, his eyes squinted, his teeth were grit and visible.
"Reverend, the world must know the potential danger that this child poses!" Bates argued. "If you don't complete your assignment, we will send someone to Hogwarts who will!"
With this, Reverend Ewls nodded in resignation, for some reason he was suddenly perfectly willing to submit to the orders given to him by his superior.
"Yes Robert, I'm sorry."
"Very well, God go with you my old apprentice."
"And also with you."
The next day, following lunch, Ron and Harry were nearly sprinting to get to their Defense Against the Dark Arts class amidst a corridor filled with other students who too were attempting to avoid being late to their various classes. Reginald Lovelace was quite willing to take a good number of points away from his own house, as he had proved time and again. In fact he was proving to be a second McGonagall in terms of his conception of ethics, strictness, and fairness. Yet as they traveled they heard a voice to their right side.
"Harry, Ron, I need to speak with you two for a moment, it is urgent!" Came Reverend Ewls' voice.
The three of them proceeded with haste to Ewls' office under the promise that Ewls would give them a pass to Defense Against the Dark Arts. Upon arriving, Ewls instructed them to sit in front of his desk, while he sat at his own chair behind the desk. Without bothering to offer them a drink which was his custom he merely began to speak about a subject that surprised them, as they had no clue that he had any interest whatsoever in it.
"I know about Hermione's unexpected pregnancy," Ewls said. "And I know that, according to Ron, as far as her memory is concerned, she is still a virgin." His gaze then fell upon Harry. "I also know that McGonagall has told you about the Order of the Cross." His attention then returned to both of them. "Thus, here is the situation, there is a prophecy which the Catholic Church purged from the Book of Isaiah, it goes after verse sixteen of the seventh chapter. Are you two familiar with Isaiah 7:14?"
"Therefore Yahweh himself shall give you a sign," Harry began to quote. "behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and call his name Immanuel."
"That's right, the prophesy after Isaiah 7:16 is the antithesis of that," Ewls stated. "it reads, 'And in the like matter behold so also shall the adversary give unto his people a sign, behold another virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name the destroyer. He shall know to refuse good and choose evil.' The Order of the Cross has instructed me to ascertain the truth as to whether or not Hermione is indeed a Virgin."
"You don't honestly think she is do you?" asked Ron.
"No, it's probably nothing but the Order must know," Ewls said. "If she is a virgin, and if the Ministry of Magic learns about it—and they will attempt to find out one way of another—they will attempt to force Hermione to terminate the pregnancy."
"But you know Hermione would never believe in this sort of thing," Ron stated. "And she won't have an Abortion."
"I know she won't," Ewls Responded. "If she refuses to allow them, they will force her using any means necessary, even if it endangers her life, which is why we must know."
"But wouldn't it then be better if we not know," Harry asked. "If we don't produce the proof that she's a virgin, the ministry will never find out. By testing her, we provide the ministry with the proof they need."
"I thought about that, and I tried to convey this to the Order, but my instructions stand."
"And you trust this 'order'?" Ron asked.
"Yes," Ewls said without hesitation, his eyes stating his conviction clearly. To Harry it was clear that Reverend Ewls trusted the order as much as he and Ron trusted him. It was this conviction that convinced Harry immediately to trust the order as well. "We have always stood for peace and justice, and protection of the innocent. Even if Hermione is a virgin, we will protect her and her child; the word 'virgin' in the Hebrew actually means young woman but church tradition has interpreted it literally to men 'virgin.' This to me means that her child may or may not be the antichrist either way, but until he does something wrong, he is still innocent. The ministry is composed of politicians, most of whom are not Christian but would still be scared into terminating this pregnancy knowing the prophecy that the Order of the Cross keeps. The reason why the order is giving these instructions is that they must think that the Ministry will eventually learn of the pregnancy and of the situation surrounding the pregnancy and try to find out the truth for themselves anyways, and that Hermione will be safer in our care; or perhaps they figure that if this child is in fact conceived without sex it is our duty to attempt to ensure that the child is raised in such a way that it doesn't become an antichrist. Either way I trust the Order of the Cross' judgment."
Harry nodded, indicating to both of them that he agreed, even though he still thought it best to not attempt to find out the truth concerning the pregnancy, his faith was placed in Reverend Ewls, and this organization whom he had never come in contact with. Somehow he knew that the order would not allow any harm to come to Hermione or any of his friends. Ron, however, remained unconvinced.
"But what's to stop this 'order' from being just as corrupt as the ministry?" Ron asked. "They're Christian, they believe in the prophecy, the ministry doesn't, it seems to me therefore, that the order would have more interest in seeing this pregnancy terminated than the ministry."
At this, Reverend Ewls paused for a moment, considering how to respond. For a few seconds he nodded to himself, as if struggling to figure out what to say. Finally his stare became almost nervous, his eyes gave a look of being unsure of themselves. It was the first time, Ron and Harry had ever seen him like that, usually his gaze was powerful, confident, secure, now he appeared grave and almost frightened.
"Nothing of what we are about to discuss leaves this room, understand?" He commanded solemnly.
"Yes Reverend," said Ron and Harry almost in unison with nervousness in their voices. It seemed as though Reverend Ewls' apparent nervousness was contagious. If something could scare someone like Reverend Ewls, they reasoned, it must not be good.
"The Order of the Cross is a Christian order of the most powerful Wizards and Witches in the world," Ewls began. "They are not a secret organization but their existence is not well known nor advertised either. They are based in a location that is not plotable to any cartographer."
"But neither is Hogwarts," Harry said.
"Hogwarts is different," Ewls clarified quickly. "Hogwarts has a physical location in the Earthly realm, the Temple of the Holy Cross, where the Order is based does not, it composes a Universe other than our own, and it can only be reached from a single location in the world—I tell you this because I trust you—a secret port-key is hidden at Golgotha."
"The hill where the savior was Crucified," Harry said.
"That's right, in this temple, Love radiates from the walls, you are engulfed by the Holy Spirit, in the very presence of the actual Cross of Jesus, preserved throughout the ages by the power of love radiating from Christ's blood sacrifice to the Nasserites."
Harry and Ron now understood why Reverend Ewls was reluctant to tell them this, this information certainly could be quite dangerous in the wrong hands. The two of them stared into Reverend Ewls' face intently, hanging on every word, every turn of the conversation. At this, Reverend Ewls began to relax, his expression was once again becoming confident.
"The actual cross!" Harry said in amazement.
"What are Nasserites?" Ron asked.
"Members of the order, take the name of the Wizards of the ancient Hebrews who called themselves Nasserites." Ewls clarified. "The Nasserites were wizards who consecrated themselves to God, and were commanded never to cut their hair, because the power of God flowed through them from the source of their hair. If your familiar with the story of Sampson, this should sound familiar. Today that commandment has been lifted as you can tell," Ewls said as his eyeballs moved up into his sockets in the direction of his shortened hair.
"The power of God's love today is from the Cross—not our hair—the cross upon which the greatest act of righteous magic was performed, the greatest act of love, wherein the whole law of God was fulfilled and the wrath of God was satisfied granting salvation to the human race," Ewls continued. "And also from the cross derives the power to act in the name of righteousness, which is committed to those who take upon themselves the duty of the Nasserites. This Order is the oldest Christian organization in the world, predating the Roman Catholic Church; in it the true doctrines of Christianity and all scriptures taken out by the church throughout the ages are preserved. It is impossible to act with unrighteous intentions in the presence of the Holy Cross, the actor would be tormented and unable to stand in the presence of the temple. The intentions of the Order of the Cross are therefore clear, I do trust them. Understand you are not permitted to share that information with anyone, even those closest to you."
Both Harry and Ron nodded in understanding and amazement.
"I am not authorized to do this against Hermione's will," Ewls added. "But we must convince her, her safety and the life of her baby may depend on it."
"What if she is a virgin?" Ron asked. "By testing her, we would have just given the Ministry the proof they need."
"Ron, if Hermione is a virgin, I will take her to the Temple of the Holy Cross," Ewls declared. "She'll be safe there. But I must ask you to trust me."
Ron nodded, his expression, like Harry's was now one of positive affirmation; he now understood and trusted The Order of the Cross.
"What do you need us to do?" Harry asked.
"I will not force Hermione to go through with any procedure," Ewls said. "But my wife can simply employ magical analysis in order to discover the truth, I need you to convince her to go through with the procedure, it is not harmful, it is not painful, it is a mere analysis of her vaginal fluids."
The two of them nodded in understanding, demonstrating their willingness to try. Even though Ron believed and trusted Reverend Ewls, he was still doubtful about Hermione's willingness to go through with what they had discussed. Reverend Ewls handed each of them a pass to their Defense Against the Dark Arts class. As they traveled through the corridors alone together, both prayed silently that Hermione would be willing to lay aside her animosity toward Reverend Ewls in order to do, what they felt sure, was best for her child.
Ron especially prayed fervently for this, for as time progressed he began to feel a connection to the child, which was similar to Hermione's. He began to feel the same sense of love which caused Hermione to be willing to boldly stand against what she was sure would be her parents' wishes in this situation. A powerful instinct which both he and Hermione shared which flowed through both of them, piercing even the most fundamental parts of their souls, gave them the realization that they—however it happened—were going to be parents. Both of them rejoiced at this, both of them drew comfort and strength from it. It was this newfound love, combined with an unwavering faith in Reverend Ewls, that gave Ron a thorough commitment and willingness to go to whatever lengths within the bounds of Christian morality to convince Hermione to undergo what he felt was required of her. Convincing Hermione, unfortunately, proved as difficult as they had anticipated.
"No! I will not do it!" She proclaimed as the three sat next to the fireplace in the Gryffindor common-room late that night, after all of the other students had retired.
In her eyes was a look of negative surprise, she seemed absolutely astonished and taken back at the suggestion with which her two best friends had presented her. It seemed utterly ridiculous to her, her child, a target of the ministry of magic, the potential antichrist, it was absurd.
"Hermione if the Ministry finds out before the order does you're baby's life will be in danger."
"How will they ever know?" Hermione responded, almost shouting. "I'm probably not a virgin, but if I am you're asking me to produce the proof they need, even if we keep the proof secret, the information could fall into the wrong hands; not like I honestly believe that they're going to do anything anyways. Harry here's a clue, I don't trust Reverend Ewls."
At this, Harry seemed almost offended, although he knew that Hermione had an irrational dislike for the Ewls' he thought sure that she would understand that, as a professor, he would have her best interests at heart. He responded in kind, almost shouting back at her, as she was almost shouting at the two of them.
"Hermione here's a clue," Harry said sarcastically. "The Ministry knows who you are, they've known all of us since the battle at the department of Mysteries, the whole school already knows that your pregnant, meaning that if the ministry doesn't already know that your pregnant, they're going to find out, and when they discover that you don't know who the father is, they'll force test you themselves and God help you're baby if truly you are a virgin."
"Since when did the Ministry of Magic officially subscribe to Old Testament Hogwash?" Hermione responded. At the phrase "Old Testament Hogwash" Harry gave a look that seemed to Ron, a precursor to violence. Though Ron knew Harry better than that; Harry would never strike Hermione, it would be beyond him. In spite of this knowledge, Ron thought that he might have a better chance at convincing Hermione if he could just end the religious discussion. He knew he had to make Hermione see that it was in hers and her child's best interests to be tested. In spite of this cognition, he still knew that the odds were that Hermione would not go along with it. It was, therefore that Ron had to concede. Reverend Ewls would not force Hermione, neither then should they force her, Ron thought.
"Harry, can I speak to Hermione alone," Ron said calmly.
"Sure," Harry said, the look in his face, still one of rage.
Ron positioned himself on a sofa next to Hermione, taking her in his arms.
"Don't even try it Ron," Hermione said threateningly. "You won't convince me through this."
"I'm not trying to convince you," Ron gave a look of sincerity, he clearly was not lying when he said what he was saying. "Look, this is your choice, not ours, we won't force you, and I give you my word, Reverend Ewls will not force you. We've learned though that we can't trust the ministry, hell my father will tell you that and he's on the ministry, they're politicians and they'll do whatever it takes to remain in power."
"So rather than trusting non-Christians who may not believe in this Prophecy, we'll trust Christians who do and have more interest in preventing this baby from being born than the ministry, makes so much since," Said Hermione sarcastically.
Ron maintained his calm in the face of his girlfriend's sarcasm and proceeded on.
"There is one difference Hermione," He said. "The order is guided by ethics."
"Ron…"
"Look Hermione," Ron Paused and looked down to his waste, he gathered the emotions locked in the deep chambers of his heart; now was the time to express them, now was the time to make them as clear as possible. His right hand stuck into the right pocket of his robes and began to fiddle with the ring he had since the beginning of the summer, tears came to his eyes. "I love you, and I have sworn to you that I will go through this pregnancy with you, that I'll be there when you give birth, I'll help you raise this baby, it occurred to me that the reason why I was so awful to you when you first told me, was that I was scared, because now not only were you going to be a mother, I was going to be a father, and I wasn't sure that I was ready for that yet, but now I'm sure."
Hermione turned her face away from Ron, it was working, his sincerity was winning her over. In her academic stubbornness she did not want to convey this to Ron, it was thus, that she hid her face from him by turning away, as she did so a tear escaped from her eyes. With his right hand, which left the ring in his pocket, he turned her face back toward him by way of her chin, revealing to him the tears which were now forming in her eyes. He smiled through his own tears.
"I love this child," He said. "As much as you are willing to do anything for this child, so am I, I love this child and I want what is best for it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that on this issue we may not see exactly eye to eye on what is best for the child but we both love it. Look, you make the decision, and whatever you decide, I'll support you."
Hermione's heart leapt, she smiled through her tears, she had never seen Ron display such sincerity, such solemn emotion. She had always known him as a bit of a misfit and now it seemed as though he had fully grown up. "Even if Reverend Ewls disagrees?" she asked.
"Hermione you're wrong about Reverend Ewls," Ron proclaimed calmly. "He's a great man, but I don't love him like I love you, so yeah even if he disagrees.
Hermione smiled and brought her lips to his. After a brief peck, the two pulled apart, and Hermione nodded. A realization came to her, something so simple she though she should have seen it before, an opportunity to get something she wanted out of submitting to this test.
"Look, I don't believe in this prophesy," She said. "I don't believe that the Ministry of Magic is going to try and force me to have an abortion, but I would like to know who the father is, so for that reason and that reason alone, I will submit to this."
"Good enough for me."
The Next day was a Saturday, Ron had obtained an exemption from Quiddich practice on the count of Hermione's test, for not only were they testing to see who was the father, but also the sex of the baby, whether or not there were any defects to expect; in muggle terminology, it would be a virtual sonogram. Hermione was actually excited and thankful to Ron and Harry for convincing her to go through with the procedure; excited at the prospect of seeing her child for the first time—in embryo form to be sure, but she was excited nevertheless.
What's more she found Healer Amanda Ewls to be nothing like her husband; whereas he was powerful and intimidating to Hermione, Amanda was calm, humble, and friendly. At the examination, Hermione laid flat on a gynecologist's examination table, with her legs spread, and her genital area covered by a hospital gown. Ron sat in a stool beside her, holding her hand and stroking her hair. Healer Ewls set a stool in front of her, in between her spread legs and sat down.
"You'll have to forgive the crudeness of these facilities," Healer Ewls said apologetically. "We ordered them in a Hurry I doubt that this school is used to dealing with these kinds of issues."
"Of course," Hermione said in somewhat of a shaky, nervous voice.
Noticing this, Healer Ewls proceeded to stand and look Hermione directly in the eye.
"There's nothing to worry, dear, it won't hurt a bit," Healer Ewls said as she sat back down upon the stool and held her wand to Hermione's abdomen. "Have you thought of a name?"
"No, not yet," Hermione said somewhat nervously. "I've been giving it some thought though, I was thinking that if it was a boy I would call it Michael Alexander after my father, if a Girl, I like Stephanie."
"Those are lovely names," Healer Ewls said in a very calm, soothing voice. "What I'm doing is taking a sample of you're vaginal Fluids, this shouldn't take but a second, Hermione. Would you two like to see your baby now?"
"Yes please," said Hermione.
"Close your eyes," Said Healer Ewls, she then proceeded to take her wand and touch Hermione's stomach. After this, she pointed it at Hermione's eyes. "Infantis Videro." She next pointed her wand at Ron's eyes, "Infantis Videro."
Immediately after speaking these incantations, Healer Ewls left Hermione's bedside and went to an examination table a few feet away. Hermione and Ron were emotionally moved at the sight of their child in embryonic form. Hermione was in tears, Ron was smiling.
"Oh my God, That's her." Said Hermione through her tears which were now streaming down her cheeks.
"Him," Said Healer Ewls in a concerned voice as she made slow motions with her wand over the sample of Hermione's vaginal fluids. "Preliminary analysis shows that your baby is a boy."
"Oh my God, he's so little," Said Ron.
"He's only a fetus, and you're only three-and-a-half-months pregnant, Hermione." Healer Ewls said in a vain attempt to cover up her concern. Hermione noticed this but ignored it, preferring to concentrate on her first look at her unborn child. "Would you excuse me."
"Oh Ron, he's so beautiful."
Healer Ewls, in a quick-paced stride stood from her examination table and walked toward her office. When she opened the door, Reverend Ewls was waiting for her. Healer Ewls entered the office and closed the door in as calm a manner as possible.
"She's a virgin," Said Healer Ewls.
"You're joking."
Healer Ewls shook her head, "preliminary analysis shows no fluctuation of the particles, no sign of male DNA. Thomas, she's a virgin, and what's worse, it's a boy."
"Would you analyze it again?"
"Of course I'll keep looking! But it doesn't look good."
"This cannot go far beyond us."
"We can't hide it from her."
"Of course not, but we have to convince her not to tell anyone," Reverend Ewls' voice emitted shock, awe, and concern. "We have to get her to the Temple of the Holy Cross, it's her only hope. The ministry will find out."
"God help us."
"If this child is, who the Nasserites think he is," Ewls began. "Indeed, God help us all."
Three hours later, Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood in front of Reverend Ewls' desk. Ewls did not give his usual powerful stare, rather, his gaze was one of deep concern, even nervousness. He leaned forward onto his desk attempting to appear as fearless and ever, staring Ron, Hermione and Harry in the eye as he spoke to them.
"Hermione, I assume you know why you're here," He said, his voice shaking slightly.
"Because the test showed that I was a virgin," Hermione replied, purposely trying to sound powerful and confident, enjoying the fact that Reverend Ewls did not appear to have his usual arrogance about him.
"That's right, and we must move quickly to protect your child from the Ministry," Ewls said. "I've secured a year long extension from Professor McGonagall for all three of you. I can take you to a place where the baby will be totally safe, where no harm will come to it, to the Temple of the Holy Cross. We can leave immediately, tomorrow if you'd like. Since we can't Apparate across the Mediterranean, and there are no floo or port-key connections to Israel, we'd fly by Hippogriff and be in Jerusalem in three days."
"Jerusalem? I'm not going to Israel!" Hermione declared.
"Hermione, please consider what he's saying," Harry said, in a voice as nervous as Reverend Ewls'. "It may become dangerous for you here."
"So I'm supposed to trust him and his order?"
"Hermione…" Reverend Ewls began.
"No!" Hermione said forcefully almost shouting. "I'm not going!"
Reverend Ewls looked down at his desk in near despair, giving a sigh.
"If that is your final decision, I will not force you to go," He said, attempting to appear as fearless and as calm as possible. "But know this, I am ready to leave at your request, and trust me, you will change your mind."
Hermione gave him a look that spoke of her absolute lack of respect for what he was advising her to do, and expressing perfectly the fact that she definitely did not believe him.
"Thank You Hermione, Ron, that will be all," He said with a hint of disappointment.
Ron and Hermione stood; Ron stood up calmly, resigned to his inability to convince Hermione to choose the option which to him was clear; Hermione stood up quickly, angrily, completely offended at what Reverend Ewls was suggesting she do. Harry remained seated as he was not actually dismissed by Reverend Ewls. After Ron and Hermione left, Reverend Ewls' now nervous gaze fixed upon him.
"Harry, will you stay for a moment please?" Ewls asked. He sighed and took a deep breath before returning his expression to its previous powerful authority. It seemed, therefore that what he had to say was not particularly unnerving, which ironically caused Harry to relax in the face of an expression which, to anyone else, would look intimidating.
"Hermione will come to see our point of view," Ewls began. "Undoubtedly as a result of the ministry taking action against her, once that happens we will have little time to act, keep on your guard."
Harry nodded at this.
"Once this happens," He continued. "The ministry will attempt to find out from everyone who knows us any hint of information which would lead to our apprehension, hence none of us can remain at Hogwarts, we must go to Israel together."
After saying this, Ewls paused for a moment in consideration. He maintained his powerful expression, but his eyes screwed up moderately, indicated intense deliberation.
"There is another reason why we must go to the temple together," He confided. "I have been praying for you and I am more convinced of this than ever. You have no future left at Hogwarts, God has called you to follow another path; the path that will eventually lead to your final victory over Lord Voldemort."
"What path is this?" Harry asked, looking confused, yet quite interested.
"If you would accompany me to the Temple, I can begin your training," Ewls began. "As a Nasserite, you will be in a much better position to fight this war against Voldemort than as a normal wizard. You are a powerful Wizard no doubt, one of the most powerful, God has called you to a higher purpose in life."
At this Harry gave a sigh, he did not, at first, know how to respond.
"Reverend, Hogwarts is all I know, it is my home."
"Harry, Hogwarts may not exist for much longer, I sense a plot to escalate this war on a world-wide scale, and when that happens, if they don't close the school, it will be destroyed."
"Why is it then that the Nasserites aren't fighting already?"
"There are some of us who feel that this is a matter of British security," Ewls responded. "And that there is no need to interfere. What those Nasserites do not understand is that Voldemort has pure-blood supremacist counterparts and supporters in every nation, they are waiting for the right time to unite in a global struggle against the status quo. When that happens, the Nasserite army will be unleashed." Ewls paused here and leaned even further forward, his powerful gaze penetrating Harry's soul. "As I and Dumbledore said, the time is coming when we must all choose between what is right, and what is easy, the path of your life has been given by God to you. You must choose to either follow it, or deny it."
Harry, now quite nervous at these prospects took a deep breath and nodded, he could not say anything in response. At the beginning of the year he did not want to return to Hogwarts, since the healing which had taken place in his soul through Christ, he did not want to leave. But he knew and understood the concept of divine calling, and the probability that what Reverend Ewls was telling him about his place at Hogwarts was true.
"That will be all Harry."
With that Harry stood slowly, turned toward the door and left. Hermione and Ron were waiting for him in the classroom adjacent to Ewls' office. On the way back to the common-room, Harry filled them both in on everything that Ewls had told him. Ron seemed nervous at the prospect of Harry's place at Hogwarts being in question, Hermione considered it Rubbish, she proclaimed immediately that she doubted whether or not the Order of the Cross actually existed at all. Harry seemed quite frustrated with Hermione on the count of this, and deliberated as to whether or not to exclude her from what Ewls told him in their Pensieve investigations, which would have been an insult to her since he always told her everything that Dumbledore told him. Ron, however, he knew, would fill her in if he didn't. He thus, elected to continue to tell her everything, even if she thought it ridiculous.
After over a month of Silence from Hermione's parents, by late October—the day after Ron, Hermione, and Harry's discussion with Reverend Ewls—an Owl arrived at McGonagall's office indicating that Hermione's parents would be paying the school a visit to deliberate on Hermione's and the child's future. Hermione and Ron were called into McGonagall's office on Wednesday evening after dinner, and informed that Hermione's parents had arrived and that they would be joining them shortly. After giving Hermione and Ron this information, McGonagall left the room, leaving Hermione and Ron to sit and ponder in their nervousness what the course of the dialogue would be. Surely, Hermione thought, knowing her parents, her parents would not believe her or understand her desire to keep her child.
Hermione's parents were practical muggles, placing emphasis on career and education for financial stability and success. They had originally hoped that Hermione would grow up to be a Doctor, or Lawyer, or Politician, but were proud nonetheless when she received her letter to attend Hogwarts, knowing that she would indeed succeed in the magical world as well as in the muggle world. They were now, however, undoubtedly furious, believing that she, for all intents and purposes had thrown her life away.
While Hermione and Ron pondered these things, Professor McGonagall led Hermione's parents up the spiral staircase which led to her office. When they arrived at the small entrance hall at the top of the staircase, McGonagall paused before entering her office.
"Mr. and Mrs. Granger I just want to thank you again for coming, and apologize for the heightened security measures, we are…"
"Yes, yes, where is she?" Asked Mr. Granger in a very annoyed and angry tone of voice.
Professor McGonagall was visibly taken back by Mr. Granger's rudeness, but nonetheless managed to keep her composure, opening the door to her office, "in here."
Hermione's Parents then saw their daughter sitting in front of McGonagall's desk; sitting next to her was Ron, holding her hand. This display of affection between Hermione and Ron served to infuriate Mr. Granger even further who stormed into McGonagall's office toward his daughter in as intimidating a fashion as he could.
Hermione saw the intimidating approach of her father, and in a shaky voice began to speak. "Hello Dadd…"
"You nasty little whore!" Mr. Granger shouted at his daughter, upon arriving at her he grabbed her by her shoulders, and made a motion with his eyes toward Ron. "Is he the father?"
Hermione was frightened beyond reason, she could not bring herself to answer her father's question, tears now fell freely from her face as she moaned and sobbed in front of her father "Daddy please!"
Ron's fury at this display matched that of Mr. Granger. He stood up, and drew his wand, pointing it at Mr. Granger.
"You Get away from her, Muggle!" He shouted.
"Are you the father?" Mr. Granger shouted. "I should have known you were shagging my daughter when she went to visit you, you little bastard!"
Amidst Hermione's loud sobs, Professor McGonagall stepped between Ron and Hermione's father, her wand drawn at Ron.
"Mr. Weasley! you will put that wand away immediately!" She shouted. "twenty points will be deducted from Gryffindor. And Mr. Granger if you will not act in a civilized way in order to discuss this matter reasonably I will have you removed from my school is that clear?"
Ron put away his wand reluctantly and sat down. Mrs. Granger came and stood beside her husband, talking to Hermione in a much softer, more reasonable, yet still angry tone.
"Hermione I don't understand," She began. "We were so proud of you, we supported you at this school we were there for you at every turn, and this is how you repay us."
"I don't buy the whole 'I don't remember who I slept with' rubbish," Mr. Granger said forcefully but no longer yelling. "You're a liar!"
"No daddy (sniff), I swear I…"
"Shut up!"
"Stop it both of you!" Ron snapped. "Jesus, I can't believe you would treat your own daughter like this."
"Mr. Weasley!" Professor McGonagall shouted. "If I hear one more sound out of you, you will receive detention. Mr. and Mrs. Granger, I Understand that you are upset, but you'll excuse me if I believe Hermione."
"I took a test (sniff) at the Hospital wing a few weeks (sob) ago which proved that I am still a virgin," Hermione cried. "Even if I wasn't, you honestly think (sniff) I'd consent to have sex?"
"Yeah your magic could have facilitated that lie!" Mr. Granger snapped. "You a virgin, hah! We loved you, we cared for you, we raised you, and you throw it right back in our face. Well first things first, you're getting an abortion immediately, secondly, you're coming home and going to a normal school away from," he paused as he pointed at Ron. "…him."
"Mr. Granger," Professor McGonagall spoke calmly. "When I last spoke to your daughter on this matter she indicated to me her desire not to terminate the pregnancy."
"Well, she's not having this child I can guarantee you that."
"Michael calm down," Mrs. Granger said. "Hermione if you don't want to have an abortion then at least put it up for adoption, you're not ready to raise a child alone."
"She won't be alone!" Ron proclaimed.
"My baby is not (sob) going to grow up in an orphanage (moan), I love him (sniff), and I will take care of him, I'll do whatever it takes to take care of him!" Hermione said powerfully amidst her tears.
"If you love him dear, than do what is right, put him up for adoption," Mrs. Granger pleaded.
At this, Hermione finally managed to, as she was attempting to do, stifle her tears. Her expression became almost reminiscent of Reverend Ewls' powerful gaze. She looked her mother directly in the eye, sending the message loud and clear that she would not be dissuaded.
"I'm keeping my baby!"
"Oh yeah," Mr. Granger broke in. "Well guess what you don't have a choice, we're your parents, and we're dictating what you're doing on this matter."
"I'm afraid you can't do that Mr. Granger," Said Professor McGonagall calmly.
"What?"
"Hermione is eighteen years old, meaning according to both Wizard and Muggle law, she is of age," McGonagall clarified. "She can choose to keep the child if she wants."
At this prospect, Hermione's parents were dumbfounded, realizing that there truly was nothing they could do to prevent her from having the child. After considering the predicament for a few seconds, Mr. Granger spoke up.
"I'm going to make this clear Hermione," He began. "I am willing to forgive you, if you come back home with us now. But if you decide to stay here, and keep this child, you can never again live under my roof. You will be cut off from us, do you understand me?"
"Please dear, don't force us to do this," Mrs. Granger pleaded.
Within her voice came a faint tremor of disagreement with her husband's course of action. Mrs. Granger also gave her husband looks which pleaded with him not to force Hermione to make such a rash choice. Given the choice between defending her daughter's and her husband's decisions, Mrs. Granger, by her recent plea had chosen to side with her husband. This conflict was clear to Hermione, but she could do nothing to exploit it. Given the circumstances, Hermione said the only thing that she could have said. In midst of the tears and sobs which were returning to her, she summoned her Gryffindor courage and looked her mother directly in the eye.
"I will not give up this baby!" She proclaimed as she now cried aloud. "Do what you Must."
After finishing this statement, Hermione's heart sank at the realization of what surely would come next, her face turned to Ron who gave her a sympathetic look and took her hand into his own; unfortunately this gave little comfort.
"We gave you a chance to redeem yourself," Mrs. Granger began. "We were so proud of you. You are cut off, never return home I don't even want to see you again."
"Professor, we know the way out," Said Mr. Granger coldly.
The two of them left without turning back to look at her, though Ron thought he heard the distinct sound of sobs coming from a voice similar to Mrs. Granger's from the entrance hall outside of McGonagall's office. After they were gone, Hermione lost control of her emotions and began to cry, hard. Ron left his chair and knelt down next to her, taking her head into his shoulders. Professor McGonagall stood up from her chair and rounded her desk coming to kneel beside Hermione as well, when she arrived she relieved Ron's embrace with one of her own.
"Oh my dear child, I am so sorry," McGonagall said with her own tears glistening her eyes as Hermione cried into her shoulder.
"I have no family now," Hermione cried into McGonagall's shoulder.
"That's not true you know," said Ron, whose hand was now fiddling in the pocket of his robes, playing with the ring he had obtained at the beginning of the summer. Hermione's face emerged from McGonagall's shoulder. Ron's and Hermione's eyes connected in a moment of powerful clarity. "I'll never leave you."
Hermione and McGonagall broke apart, Hermione and Ron then gave each other a tight embrace, Ron's hand leaving the ring in his pocket.
"Thank you," Hermione said through her tears and sobs. "I love you so much."
"Ms. Granger, seeing as how you are well over seventeen, and have no need for parental permission, you are welcome to remain here over Christmas holiday," McGonagall informed her.
"Thank you," Hermione said.
Ron and Hermione left McGonagall's office hand-in-hand, their relationship was never stronger. Though Hermione was probably as sad and troubled as she had ever been in her life, from her boyfriend she drew a newfound strength and hope which gave her what was probably also the deepest sense of happiness she had ever experienced in her life. Though the couple had enjoyed a very strong relationship prior to this incident, after that night they were hardly ever seen apart from each other.