Chapter 6 - Announcements
When Hermione arrived back in the Gryffindor common room, the first person she sought out was Ginny. She found her soon to be sister-in-law ensconced in a leather chair, trying to read and ducking an occasional Fanged Frisbee. Crossing the room, Hermione placed herself in front of Ginny.
"Gin, we need to talk. Upstairs. Now."
Ginny looked at Hermione a bit surprised, but put her book down and followed. When they reached the dorm, Hermione immediately locked the door and sat Ginny down. Before she could speak, Ginny jumped in.
"So Hermione, I hope you are going to explain where you've been all day. The whispers have been gaining in frequency."
Hermione sighed and sat down opposite of Ginny.
"Well Gin, the whispers are about to get much louder. You're going to be an aunt."
Hermione paused and Ginny stared for a minute before she replied.
"Wow. WOW. Really? I mean, of course really, I know you wouldn't joke about this. So, Hermione, you are the best in charms. How did this happen?"
"Well, let's just say that you need to be clear and precise when you cast your charm and don't let yourself be distracted, no matter what is happening around you or to you at the time."
Ginny's eyes got wide.
"Ooh, yes I probably should be more careful then. So, who knows? What are your plans? I assume you left the school today and that's why we didn't see you. How?"
Hermione took a couple of minutes and filled Ginny in on the details from the day and the fact that it was now time to make the announcement to Gryffindor. Ginny took a minute to assimilate all the information before she spoke.
"Well, looks like you get to be my sister sooner than we planned. But having you live in Hogsmeade is a bit of a letdown. It's been good having you back. Anyway, I guess it's time to go back downstairs. I'm right here with you Hermione."
Hermione stood up then and began a slow descent back down to the common room. Ginny was right behind her and Hermione appreciated the support. When they reached the common room, Hermione tried to speak up to get everyone's attention, but her voice refused to raise in volume. Ginny took initiative and stood on a chair as she shouted.
"Hey everyone, quiet down. Hermione has an announcement. You over there, I said hush!"
The room quieted and Hermione took a deep breath and began.
"Hi everyone. As you all know, I am engaged. Well, the wedding is now planned for Easter holidays. After that, Ron and I will be living in Hogsmeade until the school year completes. We are moving up the timeline because I'm pregnant. McGonagall knows and has approved of our plan."
As she finished, the quiet in the room broke and a million questions hung in the air. A few people whooped, a few offered their congratulations, and more than a few scowled. Hermione had finally had enough for one day. Ignoring all questions, she turned and headed back to her dorm to turn in early.
The next morning found McGonagall in the teacher's lounge before breakfast for the usual start-of-day staff meeting. She issued a couple of usual announcements and discussed a disciplinary issue that Flitwick was having, then she switched to the task that she had never dreamed she would be taking on.
"One last item I need to inform you all of before we dismiss to breakfast. Yesterday Hermione Granger took a day off to deal with some personal issues. When she returned, her fiancé Ron Weasley was with her. They are expecting and came to ask for my support. Their plan is to marry over the Easter holiday and then live in Hogsmeade so that Hermione can finish her school year. She is not due until two months after graduation. As you all know, Hermione is not an average student. Given the unique circumstances, I have agreed to their plan. Does anyone have any concerns?"
McGonagall waited for the news to settle in. Everyone looked like they were handling the announcement fine, except Professor Babbling, who seemed more than stunned. Poppy Pomfrey, the school's healer, was the first to break the silence of the room.
"Well, I will make sure Hermione checks in with me regularly."
Next, tiny Professor Flitwick spoke up.
"Hmm, yes, this is a shock. But, I agree with Minerva, if anyone deserves consideration it's Hermione. I'll have to make sure not to work her too hard. She's been an immense help with the rebuild, but we really can't risk her now."
No one else had anything further, so McGonagall dismissed them for breakfast. As she was preparing to exit, Professor Babbling held McGonagall back.
"Minerva, do you have a moment?"
McGonagall smiled at the Runes professor.
"Certainly, what is it Bath? I know the news is difficult, but I think we all just need some time to adjust."
Poppy Pomfrey was also about to leave, when Bathsheda Babbling held her back as well.
"Poppy, I think you need to stay for a moment if you don't mind."
Poppy nodded and turned to regard the Runes professor. She took a minute and then spoke again.
"Well, the news is certainly not easy Minerva, but I have another concern. Last week you are aware that Hermione was assisting me? Well, we were working on repairing some of the unique rune structures in the north wall of the castle. It was a difficult task to say the least. We were almost complete when something unusual happened. I felt another essence, some kind of energy apart from myself and Hermione. I was in tune with the task, but something threw us out of tune. At the time I was puzzled, but now I think I might know the answer. The child Hermione carries very well may have been just what caused the disturbance. If I had known she was pregnant, I never would have enlisted her help. The effect of rune workings on the unborn is not well understood. I am scared that something in our work that night might have affected the child."
With that, Professor Babbling stopped speaking and looked like she was about to cry. McGonagall was a bit stunned and did not speak immediately. Then Madam Pomfrey spoke.
"Now Bath, there is no proof that the working of runes has any effect on an individual or on the unborn. I'll run some additional tests to make sure, but I wouldn't worry when we don't yet know if there is anything to worry about."
McGonagall nodded.
"Thank you Poppy. I think it will be wise to keep a close eye on this pregnancy. Please keep me updated if anything out of the ordinary comes up. In the meantime, I don't think we should mention our concerns to Hermione. I think the stress would actually be worse than anything."
Once McGonagall finished speaking, all three women agreed to monitor Hermione, but to keep any concerns to themselves. Then they headed downstairs for breakfast, although none of them had much appetite.
The next couple of weeks passed quickly for Hermione. She was kept quite busy with classes, but her extracurricular help with the castle had ceased. She tried to question the professors about why her help wasn't being enlisted, but received only vague answers. It seemed that all the professors were being overprotective. Madam Pomfrey especially had been fussing over her and had her in for checkups each week. The first checkup was especially thorough and Hermione didn't understand most of the tests that were being run. When she questioned Madam Pomfrey, she only received more vague answers. The rest of the students had gradually settled down and many were being as protective as the professors. One first year offered to carry Hermione's books, but instead she levitated them behind her and left the first year standing in the hallway a bit stunned. Meals were another time when everyone seemed to be watching her and making suggestions - 'do you want another glass of milk Hermione?...how about another slice of roast beef.. you know you should have more protein…try the spinach, lots of good iron'. Hermione appreciated the concern, but it was starting to grate. She was in regular communication with Ron and voiced her frustration, but he was just happy to hear that she was being well cared for.
Since Hermione was no longer assisting with the rebuild, she had plenty of extra time and put it to good use making wedding plans. She regularly sent owls to her mother as well as Mrs. Weasley and most of the details were decided. Meanwhile, Ron had been busy with other details. He had located a one bedroom flat in Hogsmeade that was not currently vacant, but would be in another couple of weeks. They wouldn't need it yet, but he had already put a down payment on the rent so that it was reserved for them. It seemed like all of the details were falling into place and Hermione had relaxed and began to really embrace her upcoming arrival, especially since she now had a very noticeable bulge.
