Chapter 5 – A Change of Plans

The next day Hermione was still exhausted, but was also intrigued by the work of the night before. She had a whole new understanding for runes and their complexities. The rest of the week remained busy and by the weekend she had a large load of homework to complete. She was still feeling worn out from the work with Professor Babbling several days earlier when she settled down in the common room on Saturday morning to study, but was silently wishing she was still in her bed. As the day wore on, the common room filtered students in and out with the usual low din of conversations floating around. In one corner of the room, Ginny was whispering with a friend when Hermione overheard part of the conversation.

"Lisa, you haven't been yourself, what gives?"

"Oh Ginny, nothing gives, I'm just tired and irritable, sorry."

"You're not late are you?"

Lisa looked at her friend and laughed.

"I would think you should worry about that more than me Ginny. Michael and I haven't even reached that level in our relationship yet. No, I just think I took too heavy of a class load."

As Hermione listened, she suddenly dropped her quill. 'Late? Oh no, could it be?' she thought to herself. All thought of studies gone, Hermione flipped to the back of her study planner and looked at the calendar. It was over three weeks past when her period should have come. She had been so busy she hadn't realized. She was never late. Sometimes maybe a day or two early, but never late. But she and Ron had been careful, how? Hermione groaned and knew she wouldn't be able to focus on studying anymore. She needed to get tested and she needed to see Ron. Correction, she needed to see Ron and then get tested. The next Hogsmeade weekend wasn't for two weeks, but she had to find a way. Resigning herself, Hermione dropped her books off in her dorm and left to speak to Headmistress McGonagall.

Hermione reached the gargoyle guarding the stairs to the headmistress' office. She had no clue what the password was. Looking in the gargoyle's eyes, she decided to approach directly.

"Headmistress? This is Hermione. I need to speak to you please. It's urgent."

Nothing happened for a minute and then she heard McGonagall's voice.

"Please come up Hermione."

The gargoyle moved aside and she made her way to the moving stairwell that led to the office. She arrived and found the headmistress reviewing a large stack of paperwork on her desk.

"Hello Hermione, can I help you with something?"

"Hello. I have a favor to ask. I know it's a bit unusual, but I need to take care of some personal business outside of school. Can I please go to Hogsmeade? I should be back by tonight."

McGonagall smiled at her.

"It is indeed unusual, but then you are not a usual student. I think I can permit an exception for you. But, instead of Hogsmeade, would you prefer to floo from my fireplace? It would be much quicker than walking to Hogsmeade and apparating."

The last comment was said with a small smile and Hermione suddenly realized that she and Ginny hadn't been fooling McGonagall with their Hogsmeade weekend trips to Grimmauld.

"That would be very helpful, thank you."

With that said, McGonagall gestured to the fire and threw in the floo powder. Hermione took a step into the fire and as she called out 'The Leaky Cauldron'. She arrived in the small London pub and gave a brief nod to the barman as she made her way to the back alleyway. From there, she entered Diagon Alley and walked towards Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. It was Saturday, but she hoped Ron would be there. Upon entering the shop, Hermione immediately saw him and her throat caught as she thought 'What will Ron think?' Steeling herself, she made her way through the crowded store and appeared in front of Ron. He looked a bit stunned, but then pulled her into a hug.

"Ron, can we go to the back please?"

Ron looked concerned, handed off a customer to another sales wizard, and led Hermione into his office in the back of the shop.

"Hermione love, it's great to see you, how did you get time off this soon?"

She looked into his beautiful blue eyes and began to cry. Ron immediately wrapped his arms around her.

"Mione, what is it?"

Choking back tears, Hermione delivered her news.

"Ron, I'm late. Three weeks late."

Ron's face went deathly pale and Hermione buried her head in his chest.

"Please Ron, don't be angry, I'm still not exactly sure, but I'm never late."

Finding his breath again, he pulled her face up to his.

"Mione, how could I be angry? Shocked of course, but not angry. You said you weren't sure? You haven't taken a test?"

Hermione shook her head.

"Well then, I'm taking the afternoon off and we are going to St. Mungo's now."

Hermione was relieved and let out one more shuddering sob.

"I love you Ron, thank you."

Then he began planting small kisses on her jaw and she felt instantly stronger.

Ron went back to George's office to let his brother know that he was taking the afternoon off. Seeing Hermione, George smiled knowingly and waved them away with a laugh. Then Hermione and Ron walked down Diagon Alley to the Leaky Cauldron, where they caught the floo to St. Mungo's. The hospital was busy and they had to wait for a while. Hermione sat with her head on Ron's shoulder.

"Ron, if it's true, what are we going to do?"

Ron pulled away a bit and looked Hermione in the eyes.

"Mione, this has to be your choice. It's your body, but if you are expecting my baby then I very much want it. You wear my ring and I planned on marrying you after school. We just may need to move the date forward. You have Easter break in not quite two months, do you think you'd like to marry then?"

Hermione reached up, pulled his head down and began kissing him. Before they got too out of hand, she released him.

"I'd love that Ron, but how would I finish school?"

"Well, I'm not sure yet, but we'll figure something out. As long as we're together, everything will be alright."

Hermione smiled and settled back on his shoulder to continue waiting. Twenty minutes later, a healer called them back to an exam room. Hermione was a bit embarrassed as she voiced her suspicions, but the Healer wasn't fazed.

"Look dear, this is not that uncommon actually. You have the father here and a ring on your finger, so you are well ahead of many that I see. Now, let's examine you and see if your suspicions are correct."

A few minutes later the exam was complete and the healer delivered her news.

"Congratulations, you are just over seven weeks pregnant. Dates are never precise, but I estimate this happened around Christmas?"

Hermione nodded, but she was still puzzled.

"Healer, I always cast the charm, what happened?"

The healer smiled knowingly.

"Was there ever a time when you cast the charm, but may not have been entirely clear in your phrasing? Or a time when the charm wasn't completed? I see it quite often."

Hermione thought back and groaned. That was probably it. There were a couple of times when Ron had been doing delightfully distracting things while she tried to charm cast. As the look of realization came over her face, the healer smiled and then began to instruct her on healthy eating habits.

A short time later, Hermione and Ron were back in the lobby of St. Mungo's. Ron had remained fairly quiet and Hermione questioned him.

"Ron, I know it's a lot to take in. Are you okay?"

Ron looked surprised and shook his head.

"Me okay? You're the one we need to worry about. I was just thinking, the last time I was in Hogsmeade I saw an ad for flats to rent. If we marry at Easter and get a flat in Hogsmeade, then you can still go to school. You'll be about seven months when you graduate and then you can have school done before the baby arrives."

Hermione took a second to absorb what Ron had just said. Then she beamed at him and began snogging him in earnest. Reluctantly, he pulled away.

"Mione, love, this may not be the place. Plus, don't you think we should visit our parents? Better to get it done and start plans for the wedding."

Hermione groaned.

"Of course you're right Ron. Who first?"

"Why don't we take that muggle underground train and go see your parents? Then we can apparate to the Burrow."

Hermione agreed and they made their way out of the hospital to the underground. Hermione wasn't sure if her parents would be home, but she figured she could call them when she got home if needed. Eventually the train reached her stop and they disembarked. The Granger home was just a short walk further on and before Hermione was quite prepared, she stood outside her childhood home. Both cars were in the driveway, so it seemed like the Grangers were home. Ron took her hand as they walked up the driveway and knocked on the door.

Mrs. Granger opened the door almost immediately and exclaimed.

"Hermione! Ron! Come in!"

Mr. Granger appeared then, hugged his daughter and shook Ron's hand. Ron knew it was time to take the lead.

"Mr. and Mrs. Granger, can we talk?"

Mrs. Granger led them to the living room and everyone sat down. Mr. Granger looked at Hermione and Ron and he turned serious.

"Looking at your faces, I have a premonition what has prompted this unexpected visit. Am I correct?"

Ron took a deep breath.

"You probably are Mr. Granger. We are here to announce that Hermione is expecting."

Hermione's mother gasped and her father scowled as Ron continued.

"This is of course unexpected, but not unwelcome. This baby is not an accident. I love Hermione and this baby is a sign of our love. We've discussed this and our plan is to marry over the Easter holidays. I plan on renting a flat in Hogsmeade so that Hermione can continue school. She will be due to graduate well before the baby arrives."

With that said, Ron grew quiet and held a tearful Hermione close. Mrs. Granger was the first to break the silence that followed.

"Well, I can't say we are happy, but it seems you have thought this through. I guess we better begin planning a spring wedding."

Then she turned and looked to her husband. Mr. Granger took a deep breath.

"Hermione, I love you and only want you happy. I have known for a while that Ron is the person who will make you happy. I am not pleased, but I already gave him my permission. I will not rescind it now."

With that, Hermione let go of Ron and went to hug her parents. They were soon all crying and Mrs. Granger pulled Ron into the hug. A short time later, Hermione and Ron said good bye to her parents and apparated to the garden of the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley was in the garden and squealed with delight when they appeared.

"Hi mum, where's dad?"

Mrs. Weasley scowled.

"Your father is stuck in that workshop of his, he didn't even come out for lunch."

"Okay, I'll go fetch him. Why don't you and Hermione go inside."

Mrs. Weasley looked at her youngest son questioningly and led Hermione into the house. A few minutes later, Ron and Mr. Weasley appeared. Mr. Weasley greeted Hermione with an enthusiastic hug and then they all sat down to talk. Ron was about to begin when Hermione put her hand on his.

"My turn Ron."

"Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Ron and I are here to let you know that we are expecting."

Mrs. Weasley gasped and Mr. Weasley groaned as Hermione continued.

"I know this is not ideal, but Ron and I are embracing the news and our child. We have discussed this and our plan is to marry over the Easter holiday. Ron is going to rent a flat in Hogsmeade, which will allow me to remain in school. My graduation will be two months before the baby arrives. We've already been to see my parents and they are upset, but have agreed to support us. We are now here to ask for your support as well."

After a few moments, Mrs. Weasley was the first to speak.

"How far along are you?"

"Seven weeks."

"Well, I guess we better start planning then, what do you think Arthur?"

Mr. Weasley looked at the young couple. He wasn't happy, but what was done was done.

"I love you both, we'll do what we can to support you."

They then continued talking for another half hour and then Hermione knew her last task of the day needed to be done.

"Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Ron and I need to go now and deliver the news to Headmistress McGonagall. She needs to approve my staying at school before we put any additional plans in place."

Mrs. Weasley nodded and Hermione and Ron made their way to the fireplace. Hermione decided to call first, so she threw the floo powder, said 'headmistress' office at Hogwarts', and then stuck her head in the flames. Headmistress McGonagall was deep in thought when Hermione's call came through.

"Hello Hermione, are you ready to return?"

"Yes mam, but I will need to talk to you when I come through."

McGonagall nodded and Hermione stepped through the fire, pulling Ron along with her. McGonagall was surprised to see Ron arrive with Hermione, but she gestured to a couple of chairs and they sat down. After a long afternoon of difficult conversations, Hermione had no hesitation left as she began to speak.

"Headmistress, I need to explain now what prompted my sudden departure. I needed to leave immediately to go talk to Ron because I realized earlier today that I was quite late."

McGonagall paled as she realized why the young couple were sitting in front of her, but she said nothing and let Hermione continue.

"I was concerned what Ron would think, but he has been amazingly supportive. In the last few hours we have been quite busy. Our first stop was St. Mungo's and they confirmed I am seven weeks pregnant. After we left St. Mungo's, we visited both of our parents. They are not happy, but they have all agreed to support us in the plan that Ron and I have decided on. Now we are here to ask for your support."

Hermione took a deep breath and was feeling and looking very tired. Looking at her with concern, Ron took over.

"Headmistress, our plan is to marry over the Easter holiday. We are already engaged, so we will just be moving the wedding up from summer to spring. Then I plan on renting a flat in Hogsmeade. I would like to see Hermione be able to continue her studies while we live there for the last part of the school year. She won't be due until two months after graduation."

Ron finished his small speech and he and Hermione looked at McGonagall expectantly. The headmistress a minute to gather her thoughts.

"Well, first I will say that I am of course upset by this. Second, I am proud of the maturity with which you are handling the news. The situation may not be ideal, but it seems you have come up with a suitable solution."

Then she paused and contemplated for a full three minutes.

"Okay, I've made my decision. Thank you for giving me a chance to think. I will agree to your proposal and allow Hermione to continue school and live in Hogsmeade after you marry. There is no precedent for this, but Hermione is not an average student either. Given her history and all that you both have done, I feel you are due this consideration. Hermione, I hope you are aware that this will not make things easy with the other students?"

McGonagall's acceptance had buoyed Hermione's spirits and she was able to speak again.

"Thank you. I know this won't be easy, but I have decided in the past couple of hours that this child may not be planned, but it is a blessing. After the events of the last several years, we all deserve some happiness. Dealing with my classmates will be a small issue after everything else."

McGonagall regarded Hermione and smiled.

"Well said. Now, I will deliver the news to all the professors during our staff meeting in the morning. Will that be acceptable?"

"Yes, that sounds fine. And I'll tell Gryffindor tonight and then let the news filter out to the other houses."

"Well then, I expect the whole school will know by breakfast. Now, I unfortunately need to return to some paperwork. Ron, will you be using my floo to leave?"

Ron agreed and decided that he would floo to Hogsmeade to look at flats. With that decided, Ron gave Hermione a long kiss and stepped into the flames. Hermione stayed and stared into the flames for a minute before she exited the office with a sigh.