Chapter 5

The next day the seventh and eighth years were given the day off from their lessons. All they had to do was go to a meeting about the new life class. Hermione and Draco were the only people in the overcrowded classroom who knew anything about the new project. Professor McGonagall stood at the front of the classroom. "Grab a seat. Hurry now."

The students quickly settled down and gave the headmistress their full attention. Professor McGonagall smiled at the students before her, "This year is an important year, not only for the students of Hogwarts but the magical world itself. You will notice that this year many different programmes and events will be running to encourage inter-house relations. I hope that as our more mature students, you will support us in this endeavour."

Several people nodded their heads. "I hope you are all getting along well with your new study buddies. The head girl and boy worked hard to organise you into pairs with the help of the sorting hat. I have called you here to discuss a new class you will all be taking. The ministry is becoming increasingly worried about the fall in the wizarding population. Although it is to be expected following a war, the ministry feels that something must be done. They wanted to install a marriage law of some description but the minister himself managed to talk them out of it. They wish for us to encourage you older students to… er… settle down. Therefore, we will be adding a new dimension to the curriculum."

Several students groaned, "More work!"

"There will be more socialising for one thing. We will have several balls and parties. Each house will have their own events as well throughout the year. You will hear more about the different events from your head girl and boy at a later date."

There was an excited murmuring around the room, "We will also be introducing a new class; simply named life skills to your timetables. It will cover a wide spectrum of subjects; finances, housework spells, and parenting."

"Parenting?"

"You can't be serious!"

"I am indeed serious Mr Thomas. We will be dividing you up into small groups for this class. Each group will have a miniature apartment within the school. The apartments will each contain a kitchen, laundry room, nursery and common room. You will each have the chance to practice your skills and socialise with one another within the apartments."

"Will we have to live there?" Harry asked.

"No Mr Potter. You will still live in your dormitories," Professor McGonagall answered.

"Did you say a nursery?" Ron asked, his voice dripping in fear.

"I did, Mr Weasley. Each student will take care of a 'fake child'. Originally we intended for you to only look after them for one week a month but the ministry have insisted that it be permanent. The child will grow up each month so that you will each gain experience with children of all ages."

Professor McGonagall took a breath to allow everything to settle in, "a crib has been added to each of your dormitories for the babies. Everything you will need can be found underneath the crib; bottles, nappies, wipes… In your bathrooms you can find a baby changer unit."

Professor McGonagall smiled, "the dorm rooms have been magically enlarged so that each of you will have more space. For now, I will call out the names of each class. When your class is called you will go together to the hospital wing to collect your child. Then you will need to go to your apartment together. A teacher will be waiting for you all so that they can quickly teach you some of the basics; how to change a nappy, feed a baby with a bottle, etc."

"The first group will find their apartment behind the portrait of the Hungarian horntail. I will call out your names. If you could come up to the front and I will tell you the password."

"Hermione Granger," Hermione jumped to her feet and made her way to the front. "Harry Potter, Ginny Weasley, Ronald Weasley, Parvati Patil, Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, Daphne Greengrass, Pansy Parkinson and Blaise Zabini."

Once they were all gathered around the desk at the front of the classroom, the headmistress gave them the password, "Glytherin."

Both Hermione and Draco smirked at the password. They caught each other's eye and had to look away quickly in case they fall about laughing. They walked in two groups to the hospital wings. The Gryffindors walked together, talking animatedly whilst the Slytherins followed a few steps behind.

When they reached the hospital wing they were each told to take a seat and wait. Madam Pomfrey smiled at them, "I'll call your name and introduce you to your child. Miss Granger first I think."

Hermione followed the matron into a second room that was full of new born babies. Madam Pomfrey led her to the centre of the room. Hermione looked from child to child. They were all beautiful. She wondered which one was hers. Madam Pomfrey picked up the smallest baby Hermione had ever seen. The child didn't cry or make a sound, "Miss Granger, this is your little boy."

"A boy?" Hermione smiled.

"What are you going to name him?" Madam Pomfrey asked as she handed the boy over to his new mum.

"Erm… Curtis, after my father." She looked down into his eyes and grinned, "he's beautiful."

She followed the matron back into the larger room where her friends were all waiting. "Mr Potter, you next."

Harry followed Madam Pomfrey out of the room. When he returned, he was carrying a baby girl called Ebony. Soon all the Gryffindors had their babies in their arms. Ginny had a little boy who she had named Gofreddo. Ron had a baby girl called Ilenia and Parvati had a boy, who she had called Enzo. Soon it was the Slytherins' turns. Draco went first. He felt incredibly nervous as he made his way towards the child that was waiting for him. He wondered what the child would be like. Soon Madam Pomfrey was handing over a small child. Draco was concerned he might break the small girl in his arms, "do you have a name for her?"

"Aurora," he replied without taking his eyes off of his daughter.

The other Slytherins soon had their children as well. Theodore Nott had a baby girl, Rosanna whilst Daphne had a son called Castore. Pansy and Blaise both had little girls; Natascia Parkinson and Alina Zabini.

They left the hospital wing together just as the second class was arriving. They made their way to their new apartment. Draco said the password and all the students made their way in. Professor Sprout was waiting for them. "In you come… Take a seat…" each of the students grabbed a seat. "How are you finding being parents?"

Her question was answered by complete silence.