Sorry I took a bit longer. Went out on a bar crawl last night (one last fling before my exams) and was fit for nothing today. And it's short as well. I apologise. You'll have to be patient with me now, for I have 5 exams this week. But I will keep writing – just updating a bit slower. Thanks for understanding.
While Harry was busy breaking the news of Hermione's disappearance to her parents, the missing girl was engaged in les serious pursuits, indulging in a little harmless daydreaming with her friend Carys.
"I just can't believe it!" Hermione said, more to herself than her companion. She lay on her sofa, on her back looking dreamily at the ceiling. She stroked her tummy. "A baby! Wow."
Carys smirked at her. "You know, for someone who, ten minutes ago could barely pee with fright that she might be pregnant, you've really got used to the idea haven't you?"
"Oh Ca! I know, but – it's a baby! A baby!"
"Yes, I think we've established that point now Herm." Carys was getting impatient.
"I know I know! But a baby! In me – in here," she prodded her stomach, "a little life inside me. Isn't it just amazing?"
"Yes. It is amazing."
"I mean, it's a little bit of me, a little bit of Harry, and it's just – wow how is it possible?" Hermione's eyes were shining as she pondered the miracle inside her.
"Oh pur-lease. Tell me you know how it's possible. Please tell me you knew what could happen when you got a bit frisky." The long-suffering Carys rolled her eyes.
"Honestly!" Hermione sat up out of her almost-trance to throw a cushion at her friend. "Don't be silly. I was being hypothetical."
"Whatever. Big words. Anyway, what are you going to do?"
"I'm keeping it duh!" Hermione cried indignantly.
"Even though it's father cheated on you?"
"It's still my baby! And I'll always have part of Harry…"
"God you're soppy!" Carys exclaimed in disgust. "Well I'm glad you're keeping it. Hey, I can be Auntie Carys!" Her face lit up.
"See? Told you you'd be excited soon! Oh Carys, is it really true? I'm not dreaming? I'm really having Harry's baby?"
Carys laughed and caught her friend's hand between her own. "Yes! It is true! You're not dreaming! Now, whether the baby is Harry's or not I can't tell you, but it's most definitely yours!" Carys laughed again, Hermione's enthusiasm was infectious.
"Of course it's Harry's! Who else's would it be?" Hermione giggled, gripping Carys' hand. She rubbed her stomach again with her other hand.
"Don't ask me! How would I know?" Carys squawked in protest.
"Trust me, it's Harry's. Without a doubt. Mine and Harry's baby." Hermione concluded in satisfaction. "Our little miracle…"
"Glad we've cleared that one up…" Carys muttered. "We need to get you to a healer though, just to give you a proper check-up. It would be wise Herm. Get you all checked out before we go telling everyone about junior in there."
"Oh my!" Hermione exclaimed, clapping her hand to her mouth, a gesture she'd inherited from her mother.
"What?"
"I haven't told my parents!"