Wow! Great response from the last chapter everyone : )
Sorry it took longer than normal. I actually have been busy though! My social life seems to have picked up and it takes up alot of my time haha!
This chapter contains a skip in time, but with a flashback, just to move things along a bit. The flashback will be in italics, so it won't be too confusing. It is now the end of November.
Love sent to:sweet-tang-honney, TashaLyn13, Dodyroo, lilac9109, Siriusly-a-princess, TheGreySpace, 11xNaNx11, lovelyru, MiloSpider, reina13, Ayriannah, kkosoundsfan, jessirose85, jayd-n33, OneLove OneTime OneRefusal, AngelHeartOfMine, Storylover456, tfobmv18, BustyxxxxWizard, selemi, cyn23, Jade2099, dreadfuldelights, ManhattanStreetLights, Lovestoreadlikecrazyyy, CFCRockAngel, Lightning And Blossoms and JacobSalvatoreBlack.
Previously:
Everyone nodded, and Hermione, Draco, Ron, Luna, Harry and Pansy- accompanied by George, Fleur, Bill and Angelina- left the Hospital Wing. They heard the lock click, and could hear no more.
Chapter 27: How Time Flies
The weeks flew by.
Ginny had been released from the Hospital Wing a few days after she collapsed, much to everyone's relief. Her family returned to their homes after they had the meeting with Dumbledore. Ginny reassured her mother that they'd be home for Christmas- only a month away.
Ginny had began throwing up about a week after she returned to the room and was taking a potion every morning to keep her energy up, as well as providing the unborn baby everything it needed whilst inside the womb.
"God, Madam Pomfrey said I'd get used to the taste." Ginny complained at breakfast Sunday morning. "It still tastes vile. You'd think with all the magic and advanced technology we have, they'd make these nicer to drink." She took a sip and scrunched her face up. "Makes me want to throw up."
"But Ginny," Draco teased. "Everything makes you want to throw up."
"Behave," smiled Hermione. "Ginny wants to be sociable, and she can't do that when she is resting in her room all the time."
Ginny nodded, smirking at Draco. He frowned; he didn't like it when anybody (except Hermione) copied his smirk. He was the creator of the Malfoy smirk, and it only worked when a Malfoy (or soon to be Malfoy) used it. So, Draco retaliated by pulling a bowl full of scrambled eggs towards Ginny. She gasped and her hand flew up to her mouth as she bolted towards the door.
"Draco!" Hermione scolded.
"Dude...that was low," Blaise commented, before hurrying off after Ginny.
"What? She used my trademark smirk. Besides, egg doesn't make her feel that sick. I thought it was fish?"
Hermione shook her head. "That was last week! It's egg now! You should really pay attention more."
Draco muttered, "Damn..."
"Yeah! That's exactly it. It's hard enough to have to listen to Ginny throw up. Now you have to make her sick? That's just plain insensitive."
"Sorry, Hermione." Draco touched Hermione's arm, but Hermione pulled away.
"No. Go apologise to her. She'll be in the downstairs toilets, they're nearest."
Draco sighed, and headed towards the door.
Hermione settled down to finish her porridge. She had never liked it before she went to Hogwarts, but the house elves made some kind of special mixture. It was heavenly.
The last few weeks, although she had wanted them to be quiet and peaceful, just hadn't been.
First, Hermione had organised a trip to Diagon Alley with her bridesmaids to look at dresses. They also sneaked into Muggle London to buy some films to bring back to Hogwarts. Even though supposedly no electronic equipment worked inside the castle, Hermione was able to charm the TV and DVD set into a small bubble, where the magic wouldn't interfere with the system. She was quite proud of herself, and they had been able to enjoy a movie night just the two of them (her and Draco).
Next, she had to cope with mounting school work. The teachers had decided to give them practise exams before Christmas, as there was a lot of work to catch up on- what with Hermione and the rest of the school missing a whole year of proper teaching.
She also had to help Ginny; she was becoming very temperamental, what with all the hormones shooting around her body. Blaise was very good with Ginny; he knew exactly when she was on a high, low, or about to throw up. It was sweet to watch them together. But, no-one could do that all the time, so when Blaise needed to sleep or do some homework, Hermione took over, making sure that Ginny had someone to help her when she threw up, and when she got herself worked up over something small. It was tiring, but Hermione wouldn't complain. Ginny would do it for her.
"Hey, Hermione," Pansy said as she slid into the seat opposite her. Harry grinned as he sat down beside her.
"Oh, hey. Sorry, I spaced out for a second."
"We noticed, you're holding your spoon by your mouth but not actually moving it."
Hermione glanced down, and realised Harry was right.
"Great..." Hermione sighed.
"It's nothing to worry about, it's not like you're gonna get teased for it," Pansy smiled.
"Hmm. Yeah...see you guys later, I'm gonna go for a walk."
Pansy shot Harry a look, which she ignored.
"Hermione. Haven't you looked outside?" Harry asked.
"No, why?"
"The grounds are covered in snow."
"Well done. It's been snowing for days." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"No, seriously. An enormous amount of snow. There was a heavy snowstorm, last night. Didn't you hear it?"
She shook her head. "Draco charmed the windows to block the sounds of the weather outside. It's been stormy for ages, and it kept waking me up."
"Oh right, that'd explain it."
"So you're saying I can't go outside? We're trapped inside?"
Harry nodded, "pretty much. Hagrid is trying to clear the paths, but it will take a while."
"That's just brilliant. What if I want some fresh air?"
Harry shrugged. "Unless you want to brave the snow and wind, I'd say you can't have any. But at least we'll warm. Do you want to study for that Herbology exam we have tomorrow?"
Hermione gazed dreamily out of the large windows. Harry was right; the snow was inching up against the window.
"I guess. Library or room?"
"We have a library in our room, Hermione."
"Oh yeah. Merlin, I think I woke up on the wrong side of bed this morning. I'm not with it at all," Hermione laughed.
"I know, you better not be like this tomorrow, we have that practise exam and PRC. That means having a high level of intelligence and concentration."
"Come on then, I'll go up and set up the books, you want to revise as well Pansy?"
"Sure, sounds like fun..." Pansy said sarcastically.
Hermione winked and then went up to the room.
That evening, Hermione and Ginny were in Pansy's room having a mini spa treatment, the Muggle way. When they visited London, Hermione showed the two witches the advantages of having a Muggle spa session, and they had gotten into it enthusiastically. The boys had been banished, and the door was locked, setting off the silencing spell. This meant it time for a gossip session.
"So, how are you and Harry?" Ginny said as she painted Hermione's hand nails a bright purple.
Pansy blushed. "Great actually. I'm so glad that the questionnaire actually worked. Harry and I have so much in common, and we're still learning more each day. We may one day over take you and Blaise in the public displays of love and you and Draco's sweet teasing of each other."
"If I wasn't having my nails painted, I would slap you Pansy," joked Hermione.
"It's the truth though. I wish you could see yourselves when you're together, it's adorable, but just as sickening as watching Blaise and Ginny make out on the sofa."
Ginny grimaced, "well I can't help that Blaise is just irresistible."
"Young love. So innocent," Hermione winked.
"Totally," Ginny smirked.
Pansy and Hermione started talking about the pro's and con's of the questionnaire given to them at the beginning of term. Ginny carried on painting her best friend's nails, but her mind had drifted off elsewhere, to the conversation she had had with her headmaster, mother, father and lover.
"So Miss Weasley, how are you feeling this morning?" Professor Dumbledore asked kindly.
"I feel fine thank you. The potion Madam Pomfrey gave me has made me feel stronger. I don't feel as light headed as I did yesterday."
"Wonderful. So now," he clapped his hands, "let's get straight down to business, shall we? We didn't expect the couples to be at this stage so soon in the year, but we have fortunately made a few arrangements for you."
Ginny moved slightly, and Blaise took that as a sign she wanted him close to her. He slipped onto the bed, and took her hand. Mrs Weasley looked, but didn't say anything. She was calmer today, and wasn't crying- something which Ginny took as a good sign.
"But, before I say them. May I ask you one question?"
"Of course Headmaster."
"This baby is wanted yes? Since the deadline for children is a year this Christmas, and you are not married, you can terminate the pregnancy."
Ginny gasped and Blaise froze.
"This baby is most definitely wanted, I could never do that."
"Splendid. Now, all your teachers have been informed of your pregnancy, so you don't have to worry if you need to miss the lesson if you feel too sick or tired. They will also give you extended deadlines when they can, and if you need them. Pregnancies, I have been told, are very draining, especially magical ones. If you feel your magic become weaker, that is believe it or not a good sign as it shows that your child is growing stronger, and using your magic to develop theirs. Even though we know for definite if a child possesses when they are around seven years old, it is more likely that your child will be a witch or wizard if you experience the weakening magic in your pregnancy. Basically, don't worry! Secondly, you have the option of having your scans and treatments in the Hospital Wing, or St Mungo's. We, of course, will pay for all your medical bills, as this is something we were forced to put you under."
Mr Weasley looked relieved, it seemed like he had been worried about the extra money this would cost them.
"Next, as you have become pregnant so soon, you will begin to show during the school term. The lower years know about the Marriage Law, having read it in the Daily Prophet, but that does not mean they have to know that you are pregnant. We can perform a special charm to hide your pregnancy from those you do not wish to see, if you'd like."
Ginny looked at Blaise who shrugged. "It's your decision, babe."
"I don't want to have the charm. I don't want to have to hide my pregnancy, it's like I would be ashamed to be pregnant, and I'm not. I'm in love, and we're having a child together, what more could I ask for?"
Dumbledore nodded, "I respect your feelings, I will make an announcement in due course. I expect you won't be the only one falling pregnant this year. Now, I will let you get back to resting. Mr and Mrs Weasley, would you care to come to my office to discuss the terms of money?"
Ginny's parents nodded and stood up.
"Come for dinner soon Ginny, bring Blaise. It's time we got to know our future son-in-law."
"Yes Mum. I love you," she smiled as she hugged her mother.
The three left the room, and it was just Ginny and Blaise.
"I love you, Ginny," Blaise whispered, nuzzling into her neck.
"Would you believe I love you too? I'm so happy that we can experience this together Blaise. I wouldn't want it any other way."
They kissed softly before Ginny rested her head on his shoulder and fell quickly into a dreamless sleep.
"Ginny?"
"Huh?"
"You're painting my fingers...I think you can stop now," Hermione laughed.
"Oh, sorry. I was miles away."
"Really," Pansy drawled. "We hadn't noticed."
"What were you talking about?"
Before Pansy or Hermione could reply, there was a loud bang on the door.
"Ugh, boys," groaned Pansy.
Hermione wrapped her dressing tighter around her body, and unlocked the door.
Draco stood there, completely flustered, a letter shaking in his outstretched hand.
"It's father," he said.
Yes yes yes. I know i'm gonna get exasperated reviewers because I left it on a cliff-hanger. It's just so you have something to look forward to in the next chapter, as I don't think this one was my best. I did like the flashback though...
What do you lot think? Good, bad, alright? :\
Review please.
