MGGS User27/10/07

"Hermione!"

Hermione felt something warm press against her nose. She opened her eyes and saw Ron, his nose pressed against her own, his breath so close to her that he was almost touching her lips, almost….

"To close Ronald, ewww!" she squealed pushing him away.

Ron looked highly offended, but got off Hermione's frail shape and sat on the edge of the bed next to Harry.

Harry looked at Hermione, with so much worry that Hermione felt deeply touched.

"Are you ok?" Harry paused and frowned. "No, that's a stupid question, are you getting better?"

"I'm fine really, Harry, as for getting better," she paused and Harry could see pain in her eyes,"I'm not sure. My body is healing and dieing at the same time."

"What?" both boys screamed out loud

"I'm….I'm…I..."

"It's ok, Hermione, you can tell us," said Harry in his best most gentle voice.

Hermione was close to tears; could she really tell them that inside her grew a monstrosity that would no doubt grow to be like its father? Yes, she made up her mind; after all her best friends deserved to know. The golden trio told each other everything.

"Hermione?" she heard Harry's coaxing voice

"I'm pregnant, ok?" she screamed. "I'm pregnant with Malfoy's child!"

She looked over to her two best friends; they both looked stunned. Not for long; soon enough Ron's face changed from shock to disgust.

"How could you?" he screamed, jumping up from the bed. He stood looking down at her, his whole frame shaking with fury. "You are a filthy whore, Hermione Granger; I can't believe I used to fancy you!" And with that said he stormed away from his friends and out the door.

Harry looked at Hermione the same way as Ron, with disbelief written all over his face, but he didn't scream or jump up or even show any sign of disgust or revulsion. Instead he looked at Hermione and said in a concerned voice.

"How did this happen?"

Hermione, feeling happy that at least one friend remained by her side, told Harry the whole story.

Harry was a very good listener; he didn't interrupt, even when Hermione ploughed into describing the rape. He didn't show any sign of hate, only nodded in the right places but otherwise remained still. By the time Hermione finished she felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Telling someone what happened felt like the best potion for her problems.

Harry looked angry, and for a moment Hermione was worried that he was mad at her. 'Maybe,' she thought, 'he to thinks I'm a whore.'

"I'm going to kill him," she heard Harry vow in her ear, interrupting her thoughts.

"What? " Hermione was so shocked she turned to face him and ended up bumping their noses together.

"I'm going to kill him for what he did to you." He spoke with so much passion, that Hermione couldn't help but believe him. This didn't make her feel good; in fact she felt frightened.

"No, Harry, don't, he'll know I told you and then he will probably send his father to come after my parents."

"Not if he's dead."

"Some day maybe, Harry, but for know let him live."

Harry didn't say anything but got up from the bed and spoke

"I've gotta go, Divination starts in 10 minutes." He turned towards the exit doors.

"Wait Harry, I want you to promise me that you will not harm Malfoy."

Harry turned towards Hermione with a look of disbelief, but catching her firm gaze he mumbled, "I promise," under his breath.

"And, Harry, if you see Ron, tell him not to tell anyone about my pregnancy."

"Ok."

With that he left and Hermione rested.

"Good evening, Miss Granger."

Hermione was finishing her dinner when she saw Professor Dumbledore walking towards her.

"Evening Professor," she said coldly, remembering that because of this man, she couldn't have the very much desired abortion.

"I have come for a short visit, Miss Granger, as I have a lot of work to do. I only came to explain to you everything you need to know."

"Well that's a lot of things, professor, why don't you tell me for one why I am not aloud to have an abortion?"

"Ah, well, you see…."

And professor Dumbledore continued on to tell her everything about Marina Merrywether's prophecy. By the time he was done Hermione was speechless.

"So you see, Miss Granger, the child inside of you is the legend which should one day defend our world against the oncoming darkness."

Hermione remained silent, partly because her voice hadn't returned yet and partly because their really was nothing to say.

Dumbledore saw that the girl kept her silence and carried on with his speech.

"So you see, Miss Granger, you are in a lot of danger here in Hogwarts. Voldemort has many spies and I may know a lot but I can't be everywhere at once. Therefore, I have decided that for your own safety and the safety of the child I will send you away from here to live in my Holiday home in Ireland. It's a very nice and peaceful place, perfect for resting and, in you case, growing." Here Dumbledore gave a little chuckle. "It stands on the edge of a cliff over looking the sea; behind the cottage stands a forest, a lovely place. In all I think you will be very happy there."

"Professor?" Hermione, finding her voice, decided to speak up.

"Yes?"

"Can I say goodbye to my friends?"

"Ah yes, you see, Miss Granger, we must keep your pregnancy secret but there are some people I know you can trust. Mr Potter and Mr Weasley can be trusted to know the truth as well as Hagrid, who I know is one of your dearest friends."

Hermione nodded.

"Well, that's about it, oh and you will be leaving the day after tomorrow, all your things have already been packed for you. I have added some extra goodies too, which should keep you entertained while you're in hiding. The day you arrive I will send a letter explaining all you need to know around the place. You may say all your goodbyes tomorrow, as you will be leaving very early the next day. If any one asks about your accident you are to tell them it was a bad spell."

Dumbledore got up from the bed and looked down on Hermione.

"Good night, Miss Granger, and good luck."

"Professor, aren't you going to see me off on Sunday?"

"No I'm afraid I will be quite busy, but do not worry; Professor Snape has agreed to escort you to Mertonel cottage; that's the name by the way, quite pretty don't you think? It was my mother's choice."

Hermione just nodded again.

"Good night professor."

Dumbledore gave Hermione one last smile and left.

Hermione looked at the opposite wall of the wing and thought about whether her life in hiding would be any more boring than that. Probably she thought; no amount of entertainment could keep her inside for eight months.

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