Chapter 11 – A New Arrival
Hermione and Draco were so relieved by the positive reactions they received from Ginny and Professor McGonagall. It was nice having all the extra help and support from them and Harry, alongside Madame Pomfrey, when Hermione was expecting to deliver any day now. They were surprised, however, to learn that Mrs. Weasley was going to come to Hogwarts to teach a class! It was Friday after classes and they were getting ready to go to dinner and also hear all about the class that Mrs. Weasley is starting, thought Ron wasn't too thrilled about the idea…
Everyone was seated at their house tables for dinner, completely focused on their meals. Draco, however, kept looking back at the Gryffindor table to make sure Hermione was eating properly, which she rolled her eyes at. Just then, the entire hall went quiet as Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat.
"Good evening, students. For those of you who haven't heard already, we are starting a new class at Hogwarts, titled wizo-nomics, to be taught by none other than Mrs. Molly Weasley, whom you will now refer to as Professor Weasley. Here she is to talk about what will be taught in her class as well as how and when to sign up for it."
There was a round of applause, which made Mrs. Weasley blush. She then addressed the students, "Good Evening everyone! I am Mrs., err I mean Professor, Weasley. I will be teaching a home wizo-nomics class starting next Wednesday upon seeing that a sufficient number of you sign up for it. You will learn everything from the basic charms for everyday tasks in and around the home to spells to use in case of natural disasters and other misfortunes. It should be really interesting for you all and I recommend that everyone join. You must be a third year or higher to join. There are sign-up sheets posted in all of the common rooms and you have until Monday to decide. Now I won't keep you from your dinner children. Eat up!"
There was another round of applause followed by excited students discussing their plans to join the class spreading throughout the hall. Hermione, however, was not smiling and gripped Ginny's arm.
"Ow, Hermione! What was that for?"
There was fright in Hermione's voice, "Ginny, my water broke. I am going to have the baby now! Take me to the hospital wing."
Ginny was panicking and told Harry to go get Draco as well to help them to the hospital wing. Ron, however, didn't notice this because he was busy snogging Lavender Brown, his new girlfriend for two weeks now, while receiving a disapproving glare from his mother. Professor McGonagall realized what was happening and helped Ginny to carefully and non-suspiciously get Hermione to the hospital wing.
Madame Pomfrey practically screamed, "Merlin's beard! Alright let's get Hermione on the bed then Mr. Malfoy can stay while the rest of you wait outside."
Ginny was so nervous she almost bit her fingers off when chewing her nails, which she always did when under stress or anxiety. Harry was more nervous than she was but waited patiently with his arms around her.
Professor McGonagall couldn't even sit down and went pacing back and forth, feeling a bit irritated but understanding as to why she had to wait outside.
What seemed like a million years later, all three of them jumped when they heard a baby girl crying. They rushed in to see Hermione laughing tears of happiness. Her new child snuggled in her arms.
Madame Pomfrey spoke, "Congratulations! You now have a baby girl, as expected."
Everyone exchanged hugs with each other and with the new parents. Then Ginny asked to hold the baby in her arms. Harry let the little girl wrap her tiny fingers around one of his then said to Hermione, "Have you chosen a name for her yet?"
Draco spoke up, "Her name is Adora Granger-Malfoy."
Harry grinned and gave Draco a soft pat on the back, "It's perfect."
Hermione smiled at Harry then remembered, "Ron! What about Ron? I completely forgot about telling him!"
"And Professor Weasley," Draco added, "she should probably be know about Adora as well."
Hermione sighed, "You're right. I suppose sooner is better than later."
Madame Pomfrey instructed, "This better wait until tomorrow night at dinner I'm afraid. You will have to stay here to get some rest. Lucky for you there are no classes on Saturdays."
Professor McGonagall gave Hermione and Draco a hug then said, "Alright everyone now off to bed! We can't have you out of your houses after curfew. Hurry up now."
Hermione asked, "Can Draco stay here with me? I want him to be near his daughter too."
Professor McGonagall looked unsure. "Please Professor! It's very important to us," Draco added.
She looked at Madame Pomfrey for an answer who said, "I suppose it's alright. I'll just wheel in one of the spare beds. And the crib too…" and with that she walked away.
Professor McGonagall nodded then escorted the Harry and Ginny out of the hospital wing. Upon leaving she shouted back, "And if you need anything just let me know! You won't have to ask twice."
"Thank you Professor! Good Night!" Hermione shouted back.
About half an hour later, she and Adora fell into a heavenly sleep. Draco, however, was still awake; thinking about how Adora was going to make him even closer to Hermione and whether or not she was ready for their relationship to head to the next level…