As I am NOT the original author of the Harry Potter series, who as anyone should know is the wonderful JKR who lets us play with her world. I don't own a darn thing here. On with the story.
Chapter 24 Back to Hogwarts
It was the twentieth of August when Hermione danced her way out of their Bunglow's bathroom holding a little white piece of plastic in her hand beaming like she'd just aced a test. "What's up?" Harry asked as he dressed for the day.
"Nothing Daddy," Hermione said watching Harry closely.
He stopped what he was doing looking at her puzzled for a few moments before he took in the whole scene. Hermione standing there in the short, easy to remove robe she wore around the bungalow smiling like no tomorrow with something in her hand suddenly it all clicked for him, "You're pregnant?" He asked starting to get excited.
Hermione nodded and Harry picked her up swinging her around. "Oh Merlin, I know we talked about it but I didn't want to believe… Your folks will kill me… This is so great!" Harry said babbling.
"Harry put me down." Hermione said through her laughter.
"I'm sorry, I didn't think. Do you think we hurt…"?
"No Harry you didn't hurt me or the baby." Hermione said the joy flowing out of her now that she'd told Harry and He'd been happy.
After a morning long combination snuggle and snogging session they joined Alan and Jane for lunch in the resort's dining hall. Jane watched the two walk over to their table wondering 'What is causing Hermione to be glowing like she is?' Suddenly she put the facts together and as her daughter sat down beside her she asked, "Hermione are you pregnant?"
"Yes," her daughter replied with a self-satisfied look.
"So you got your wish?" Alan asked looking at Hermione.
"Very much so," Hermione said beaming at Harry.
"How does this affect her schooling?" Alan asked Harry wanting to hear his comments.
"Not at all," Hermione said quickly.
"There might be a few things she will not be able to do because of this but she will be able to make them up next year," Harry said firmly. Hermione was his responsibility now and it was time Alan realized that.
"This is a good thing," Jane Granger said looking at her husband.
Alan caught the look and realized it had happened, his daughter wasn't a young girl playing house. She was Harry's wife and in nine months would be the mother of his children.
The next day was spent either discussing the pregnancy or packing for the trip home.
"Remind me why we are stopping in Paris." Alan said to his wife as they were boarding the plane to leave.
"Harry and Hermione need robes for school. Hermione especially."
"Why not London? They have always gotten their robes there."
"Fleur promised Hermione a Paris shopping trip as a wedding present." Jane said knowing that despite her husband's protesting he would spend a portion of their time in Paris the way he always did, touring the Musée Rodin.
"Ah," Alan replied then turning to face Harry he added, "She's just trying to convert Hermione to French fashions."
Had he realized the lecture he was going to get Harry would have kept his mouth shut, but he really did mean well when he asked, "Why can't she just cast an engorgement charm on her robes as she needs to?"
Hermione's sharp, "Be quiet," was both his first hint of trouble and not enough to save him from what followed.
"Monsieur, for the same reason you do not conjure robes to begin with, a simple Finite Incantatem will cause the robes to revert to their original item and size. Most young ladies learn this early on when a well meaning friend causes hours of conjuring to disappear. In your wife's case her robes would quickly revert to their original size constricting her and the baby possibly injuring one or both. Our maternity robes come with a choice of styles a four panel style or an eight panel style. The four is less expensive butt does not fit as well over the course of a pregnancy." The matron running the boutique said firmly.
"How do they work?" Jane asked as Harry was now determined to keep his mouth shut.
"We make the robes for the ninth month. Then cast a very special charm to hide each panel individually when your daughter needs more room she simply uses the reverse charm for a panel and voilà more room. If her robes have the Finite Incantatem cast on them naturally the charm will end allowing her robes to expand to the original nine month size, a far safer result for her and the baby. She can then adjourn to the ladies room and cast a charm to hide any extra panels. It will not work as well as our charm but it will allow her to continue wearing the robes until she can return here where it will be redone for free."
"I also need dress robes for both of us." Hermione said remembering their school letters had announced another ball.
"Do you want any special crests on them?" the matron asked.
"I will be handling that. They are being made as we speak," Fleur said quickly joining the conversation.
"I do not wish the robes to clash with the crest," The matron announced haughtily.
"That will be my concern, not yours." Fleur said back in as haughty a manner revealing her true French breeding.
"Very well on your head be it."
Harry found himself leaving the boutique empty handed with Fleur promising delivery of at least two sets of school robes prior to September first.
Back in England they were resting at the Granger estate enjoying the last week before school and the ensuing circus when everyone found out about the marriage and pregnancy when Dobby appeared as they were eating lunch passing Mr. Granger a note.
"What is it?" Jane asked speaking for everyone.
"Dumbledore is requesting my permission to come talk with Harry about an urgent matter." Doug said looking up from the parchment in his hand.
All eyes shifted to Harry who looked at Hermione and shrugged his shoulders. "Let's hear him out if it is more of his crud we toss him out." Hermione said firmly.
"Okay by me." Alan said taking a pen and writing a reply.
Fifteen minutes later the door chime sounded and Harry answered it "Harry it is good to see you looking so well." Dumbledore said following Harry to the sitting room where everyone was waiting for the Hogwarts Headmaster.
"Yes amazing what effect a relaxing summer can have." Harry replied as he entered the room.
"Ah Miss Granger, a pleasure to see you and you parents as well. Doctors Granger," Dumbledore said nodding towards them.
'No time like the present' Hermione thought. They'd talked about the best way to get Dumbledore off balance and this looked like the best chance. "Actually Headmaster the correct form of address in my case is Mrs. Potter."
Harry saw Dumbledore start to waver and suddenly realized just how old Dumbledore was. Harry's hand flashed out and a chintz covered overstuffed armchair materialized behind him catching him as his legs gave out.
"Forgive me did you say you are Mrs. Potter?" Dumbledore asked from the chair a moment later.
"Yes Professor. Harry and I were married shortly after his birthday."
Dumbledore shook his head slowly showing his age even more by mumbling more to himself than them, "I should have received notification from the ministry the instant your wedding license was issued."
"Headmaster are you alright?" Jane Granger asked concerned that their plan to unbalance him might actually have health consequences they had not anticipated.
"Yes perfectly fine. I would just like to have a few words with Mr. Potter like I requested." Dumbledore said looking around at the room. His eyes settled on the fabric covered chair he was resting in. "This is not my normal chair." He said suddenly.
"No Professor, Harry conjured it when he noticed you were unsteady and thought you might like to sit down." Hermione said diplomatically.
"You are getting faster with your wand work Harry." Dumbledore replied.
Harry just nodded as he realized his wand was still in his pocket.
Dumbledore straighten his robes realizing this might play right in to his plans. "Harry I am unable to find anyone who would agree to be our full time defense against the dark arts instructor this year. However one of the individual's I asked agreed to the job provided it is part time. What has been suggested is having you teach the first through third year students defense against the dark arts, if you are willing. He has agreed to teach the fourth through seventh years and help you with lesson plans and such."
"Me teaching?" Harry said astonished as he looked at the headmaster.
"You did very well with Dumbledore's Army last year Mr. Potter. I believe you can do this quite well. You would be given the title of Assistant Professor and paid a small stipend." Dumbledore said trying to cajole him.
"What about having my own room?" Harry asked doing his best to avoid glancing at Hermione.
"Naturally you would have your own classroom you need merely pick one. I suggest one close to the current Defense classroom to allow for easier consulting."
"No, what I meant was private living quarters, though the classroom is also an excellent idea."
"I assume for you and Mrs. Potter?" Dumbledore asked.
"We are married besides giving us a place where we can be together it would be a private place to grade parchments and prepare lesson plans without distracting or being distracted by anyone in Gryffindor or having someone else gain access to my plans for classes."
"Yes I believe that might be arranged." Dumbledore said thinking of the staff's reactions.
"Then I agree provided the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor is someone I can work with." Harry said
"William Weasley agreed to take the position contingent upon your agreement to teach the first through third year students."
"That is great, of course I agree to work with him," Harry said breaking in to a grin.
"Thank you, I will announce you as the assistant professor for first through third years at the welcoming feast." Dumbledore said before turning his attention to Hermione. "Would you like me to announce your wedding at the same time?" he asked.
"We would prefer you did not mention it at all. If Professor McGonagall allows us access to the Gryffindor common room we will be telling our friends. Shortly after that the entire school should know."
"Are you sure?"
"I did room with Lavender Brown. Once she knows I give it an hour tops before the rest of the school knows." Hermione said with a chuckle.
"I'm sure you will continue to have access to your friends. I will mention it to Professor McGonagall when I return. Harry, you will need to visit Hogwarts during the day tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday to coordinate everything with Professor Weasley and insure your classroom is set up the way you want. I will naturally supply you with a port key to make the journey back and forth each day."
Harry looked at Hermione and saw her nod her agreement. "That is fine sir." He replied.
"Thank you for such a comfortable seat." Dumbledore said rising out of the seat before waiving his hand to vanish the chair. When it took a second wave of his hand to vanish the chair he looked at Harry saying, "Very good work Mr. Potter, Very good indeed," as Harry ushered him back to the front door.
September first Hermione was lying awake beside Harry watching him sleep. She knew, possibly better than he did, the circus that their life would become over the next few days. They'd discussed various options for announcing their marriage including waiting until Monday when the goblins of Gringotts would file their marriage license with the Ministry of Magic. That option would require them to sleep in their respective dormitories over night something neither one of them found acceptable. They had narrowed it down to two options during the train ride or at Hogwarts after the feast. Both options had their merits and to be honest it was prank value that was driving their decision. Hermione had finally admitted she enjoyed a good prank almost as much as Fred and George, the Weasley twins who were notorious for their pranks. It had been seeing herself as the moderating influence in the trio that had forced her to keep that part of her nature under wraps. Just as Harry was opening his eyes to the English morning Hermione felt her tummy suddenly turn over and not in a good way. With one hand on her tummy and one to her mouth she raced into the bathroom when she promptly lost last nights dinner and bedtime snack.
Hearing Hermione being sick Harry checked on her to insure that was her only problem then quickly yelled out the door for Jane Granger before returning and holding Hermione's hair out of her way praying that she was going to be alright.
"What's wrong?" Jane asked entering Hermione's, now the couple's, room carefully. Hearing someone retching she made her way to the bathroom a smile on her face. "I would suggest crackers for breakfast dear." Jane said looking at her daughter in sympathy.
"What?" Harry asked.
"I believe she has morning sickness. It normally accompanies pregnancy for the majority of women."
Harry looked at Hermione who managed a half smile saying, "Don't worry about it Harry I expected it. I guess the dormitory option is definitely out,"
"How long does it last?"
"It varies," Hermione said not wanting to scare Harry with worst case scenarios.
Two hours later they were busy insuring their trunks were packed and in the car for the trip to Kings Cross station when Jane suddenly looked at her daughter saying, "Hermione your rings."
"What about them?"
"Won't someone notice them?" Jane asked causing a stir as both Hermione and Harry tried to think of a spell to hide them.
The problem was finally solved when Anna said, "Hermione why don't you roll the engagement ring so your stone is toward your palm then you can both hide them with flesh colored tape. It worked for me years ago."
"Won't people see the tape?" Harry asked.
"Yes but everyone will assume she has just hurt the finger." Anna replied.
Hermione did as suggested thinking, 'Anna has definitely had a more interesting life than I suspected.' when she realized Anna was right and all it took was a piece of tape unless you looked close.
At the train station The Potters and Grangers said their goodbyes on the muggle side of the barrier allowing Harry and Hermione to pass through by themselves. "Harry, Hermione. We missed seeing you two this summer." Mrs. Molly Weasley said watching Harry step back allowing Hermione to be hugged before he stepped up for his hug. "Hermione you and your parents have done a wonderful job feeding this boy. Harry looks the best I've ever seen him." Mrs. Weasley said holding Harry at arm's length after his hug.
"Hey I'm right here."
"Yes you are dear boy but I know who's been taking care of who." Molly countered.
"I can't believe you two are engaged." Ginny Weasley said hugging Hermione after her mother.
"What about you?" Hermione asked.
"Dean was a git, Neville however…" Ginny replied her eyes dancing.
"You and Neville, that's great." Harry said turning to face the two girls pleased that things had progressed since the wedding.
"Yes, well if you could help Ron pick just one girl mum would be grateful."
"What?" Hermione asked looking around for the third member of the Gryffindor trio.
"Last tally was Luna, Susan Bones, both Parvati sisters, Lavender Brown…" an older red haired boy said counting them off on his fingers.
Harry looked at him for a moment before asking, "Fred?"
A shocked look appeared on the boy's face, "Actually yes. How do you do that Harry, not even mum can tell us apart as often as you do."
"Not sure actually, probably just a good guesser," Harry replied watching as the third member of their trio approached, "Ron, Fred was just telling us about your summer so which girlfriend did you end up with?"
"All of them."
"Ronald Weasley I can't believe you're leading all of them on like this." Hermione said firmly getting a good anger building as she stood looking at him.
"Take it easy Hermione. They know all about each other, not sure about Luna though she's still a bit odd. I've told them all several times that I'm not ready to settle down to just one girlfriend like my mate Harry here." Ron said proudly.
"Come on, let's go get a compartment then you can tell me what it's like being the girlfriend of his hotness there." Ginny said taking Hermione's right hand leaving Ron and Harry to deal with the trunks.
The train had just pulled out of the station and they were settling down into the compartment Harry was nearest the door and seated next to Hermione. Ron and Ginny mimicked their positions and Neville was sitting near the window watching the scenery when Ginny pulled Hermione out of her seat leading her to the next compartment where a group of Ron's girlfriends had assembled. Saying, "I've brought her like we agreed now we've got a little while before the prefects meeting time for you to come clean Hermione. What's it like being Harry's girlfriend."
'Oh darn how am I going to handle this?' Hermione was thinking when a voice in her mind answered, 'Tell them the truth to a point.'
"Hey, Hermione don't zone out answer the question." Lavender Brown said pulling Hermione's attention back to the compartment full of girls.
Hermione thought for just an instant before replying, "Being his girlfriend was nice. He is attentive and actually everything you'd ever want in a boyfriend."
As the other girls smiled mentally comparing what Hermione said to what they would say about their current boyfriend. Luna Lovegood and Padma Patil looked at each other then Padma turned to Hermione asking, "What do you mean was nice?" drawing the attention of the others.
Hermione blushed and was about to reply when, "Hermione, Ginny, Luna, Perfects meeting." A girl's voice called from the door reminding them of the meeting they were suppose to be at.
Everyone exchanged looked until Hermione said, "You two go to the meeting. I am turning in my badge when I get to Hogwarts. I don't want the problems this year," getting up and going back to the compartment where Harry waited.