A/N: Hi everyone! I want to thank you guys so much for all the favorites and reviews! You guys are wonderful and you give me such great ideas for this story!
Also, I just wanted to say that probably in the next chapter or two you'll get to hear a little more about Hermione's parents as some of you have been asking.
And...in the next two or three weeks my writing might slow down because I am getting ready to move to a new apartment. The delay will only be temporary and I'm not exactly sure when it will happen just yet (details are still be worked out) but I will definitely keep you posted. I am starting to go into overdrive with writing so that way you'll still have plenty to read.
I apologize in advance for the somewhat shorter than usual chapter, but the natural ending just came a bit sooner than I expected. But don't worry - the next chapter is a great one and will be talking a bit more about the possible relationship between Harry and Hermione and give more details about the pregnancy and such! So trust me - it is well worth it.
Hermione slowly opened her eyes and released Harry's hand. She looked around and quickly recognized the quaint neighborhood of Pontypridd. She had landed herself in an alleyway near the house. She took a slow deep breath before offering a small smile to Harry. She then lifted her trunk and led the way down the road to her aunt's front door.
As the house came nearer Hermione's stomach began to turn. She felt shaky and she noticed that her throat became very dry. She had never expected to have this conversation with her family at such a young age and in such circumstances. All she could do was pray for their understanding and love; She needed them more than ever with the Weasley's so angry with her.
Hermione stopped at the gate of the modest one-story house. The gate looked as if it had received a recent coat of crisp white paint and the garden was full of small flowers. There were three small steps that led to the front porch and door. A porch swing was on the porch, looking as if it had been sat in a million times before.
Hermione placed one hand on her stomach as another wave of nausea swept over her. She swallowed hard, gently pushed the gate open, and proceeded down the small stone path that led to the steps. She walked up them and then paused as she reached the door. She sent one last glance at Harry as he stood next to her; Her pale face gave away her nervousness and Harry hoped that this wouldn't turn out as horrible as Hermione's body language was leading on.
She placed her fist against the door and banged on it three times. She waited patiently, her hands held onto her stomach; the nausea was once again taking a hold of her stomach. Her breathing began to become heavier and she began to feel lightheaded. She closed her eyes to try to retain her balance and control.
Just then, an older woman with a bushy haired bun answered the door.
"Hermione! What on Earth? I haven't seen you in ages!" said the woman in the doorway with excitement.
Hermione immediately dropped her trunk and pushed her way passed her aunt into the house. She ran as fast as her legs would move, making a dash to the bathroom and slamming the door just in time.
Harry looked uncomfortably at the woman in the doorway. He gave a nervous smile and ran his hand on the back of his neck.
"Well then…" said the woman, looking behind her towards the bathroom. She gave a quick nod before extending her hand. "I'm Marilyn," said the woman. "I'm guessing you're a friend of Hermione's?"
"Yes, I am," said Harry nervously as he shook her hand. "I'm Harry."
"Pleasure to meet you, Harry. Come on in," she said as she gestured towards the living room. "Go ahead and place your trunks in the corner. Make yourself at home and please excuse the mess. I would've picked the place up a bit if I knew I would be having guests," said Marilyn as she began walking towards the kitchen. "But I really can't complain, I haven't seen Hermione since she was a young girl. By the looks of it, she is a beautiful young woman. A sick one at the moment, but that's no bother. I better put some tea on for her. Would you excuse me for just a moment?" she asked as she turned into the kitchen.
Harry tensely sat down on the couch. He had his hands folded uncomfortably in his lap as he patiently waited. He looked around the room and noticed a television, something he hadn't seen in years. He stared at it and wondered what sort of new shows had been created since he had discovered the magical world. He slowly began to drift into thought on how much things had changed and evolved in such a short amount of time. He wondered what his life would be like in five years with his new child.
His thoughts were interrupted as Marilyn walked into the living room carrying a tray of tea and sugar. She set it down on the table and sat on the chair across from Harry.
"Sorry for the wait," said Marilyn in a cheery voice. She poured some tea into one of the small cups and passed it to Harry.
"Thank you," replied Harry. He wasn't expecting their arrival to be like this. It was already so uncomfortable for him and all he could think about was how awkward it would be once they explained the real reason for their visit.
"Hermione should be out in a moment. I offered her the chance to lie down but she insisted that she was fine. She was always a soldier that one, never one to let others see her weakness," said Marilyn. "So, how do you two know each other, if you don't mind me asking of course," asked Marilyn kindly. She was attempting to make small talk until Hermione could come out and explain the situation. She knew something was going on – especially since she hadn't seen her niece in so many years.
"We met through school," said Harry as he took a sip of his tea.
"Really? So…so…you're also…a…a…witch?" asked Marilyn confused.
"Wizard, actually," said Harry.
"Oh I'm sorry, of course. I hope I didn't offend you. I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to this magic. I'm what they call a Miggle, right?" asked Marilyn curiously, as she poured herself a cup of tea.
"Muggle," said Harry politely. "People without magic are called Muggles."
"Heavens, I'm just terrible at this sort of thing aren't I? I remember so many years ago when Hermione discovered her acceptance to Hogwarts. She was so excited and she went on babbling faster about magic than any of us could keep up with," said Marilyn fondly.
Harry heard a door down the hallway open. He glanced towards it and seconds later saw Hermione. Her cheeks were red with embarrassment as she took a seat next to Harry.
"How are you feeling?" asked Marilyn gently.
"Better now to say the least," said Hermione as she accepted the tea that was offered to her.
"Good. I don't mean to sound rude Dear, but do you mind explaining to me why you show up at my door so unexpectedly with a handsome young man and two trunks? I'm not complaining because you know I love you, but it certainly makes me wonder what the occasion is," said Marilyn. She looked between Harry and Hermione.
"Well…" said Hermione, giving a nervous glance towards Harry. "I was hoping we could stay her for a bit," said Hermione. "I don't want to be a bother though so if you have plans or anything – or even if you just want your privacy we don't mind going somewhere else," said Hermione quickly.
"Hermione…calm down," said Marilyn gently. "It doesn't matter to me what sort of trouble you are in. You are a good girl with a solid head on her shoulders and I won't pester you about your troubles," said Marilyn reassuringly. "You both are welcome to stay as long as you'd like."
"Thank you," said Hermione with relief.
"My only question is whether this has to do with your parents…you aren't arguing with them are you?" asked Marilyn.
"No, of course not," said Hermione. Her nerves returned as she realized that she would soon have to be telling her parents. She couldn't imagine the look on her father's face, as she would have to explain to him that his only daughter was pregnant at eighteen. This was certainly not part of the plan: Part of her parents allowing her to go to Hogwarts was the hope that she would be exposed to bigger and better things. She had already attempted to explain that she had been risking her life for the last few years – how could she possibly explain this to them?
"Well good, because they come over every Sunday for brunch. It is a little tradition we started once you went off to school. They were both so happy and proud of you, but very lonely just the same," replied Marilyn. "Now why don't you two tell me about yourselves! Tell me all about the wizarding world!"
For the next few hours Hermione and Harry began to loosen up as they spoke about their lives. The talked about Hogwarts and wands and the interesting creatures they had come across over the years.
As the time began to approach dinner, Marilyn cooked a lovely roasted chicken dinner. They sat around the dining table, exchanging funny stories as they ate. They stayed at the table, talking until the late hours of the night.
"Oh I'm beat. I'm sorry for keeping you two up so late," said Marilyn with a yawn. "Unfortunately, I only have one room available for the two of you, so I hope you don't mind sharing. Although, I doubt that'll be an issue," she said as she winked at the two of them. Harry began to blush.
"Aunt Marilyn…we're…we're not…. together…well, together in that…that sort of way," said Hermione nervously. She had never known herself to stutter before, but then again, she didn't know if she had ever felt so nervous.
"What a shame…the two of you look so wonderful together," said Marilyn. She glanced at the two of them and decided to change the subject. "The bed has fresh linens, so you shouldn't have to worry about that. If there is anything you need, feel free to ask. Make yourselves at home. Goodnight," said Marilyn. She gave Hermione a quick hug and walked down the hallway into her own room.
Hermione and Harry walked into the room and looked at the single bed anxiously.
"I'll sleep on the floor," offered Harry. He looked at the ground and began to feel uncomfortable. He knew they weren't an item, and yet it had somehow hurt his feelings hearing Hermione explain that to her aunt.
"Don't be ridiculous Harry. Go ahead and have the bed. You're the guest of this family," said Hermione as she opened the closet in search of more blankets.
"Don't you think it'd be better if you slept in the bed…considering your…your condition?" said Harry cautiously.
"Harry, if anything, it's OUR condition," said Hermione in a tone that reminded him of her eleven year old self.
Harry nodded. "Sorry."
"No…I don't mean to flare up at you like that. I guess I'm just tired. We both are. Why don't we both just sleep in the bed and tomorrow we can figure out other arrangements?" said Hermione.
"Sounds fine," said Harry.
Minutes later, the lights were off and both were in bed exhausted. Yet, despite the day's events, neither could fall asleep.
