CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Summary: With the War finally won and a rapid decline in the wizarding population, drastic measures are taken in a bid to save Wizarding Britain with the introduction of a new Marriage Law. Under the law, Hermione is forced to marry at eighteen or face being exiled from the Wizarding World. She must learn to deal with her past and look forward to her future with rising Quidditch Star, Oliver Wood. Rated M for a reason.
Disclaimer: All original characters and canon events belong to J.K. Rowling. Non-canon events and characters are my own. I am not making any profit from posting this fanfic. Characters are likely to be OOC.
Page count: 19
The Burrow - Monday 7th December 1998
"SURPRISE!" The crowd chorused and cheered the moment they stepped out of the floo.
"Happy Birthday, Leo," Hermione said, her hand settling on his shoulder.
Leo blinked in his surprise, his eyes wide and his mouth parted before a blush stained his cheeks and he ducked his head smiling shyly.
Almost three weeks had passed since Leo was placed in their custody and Hermione was honestly impressed and surprised with how quickly Leo had settled. It was now Leo's tenth birthday and they'd arranged a surprise birthday party for him at the Burrow. Those in attendance were the Weasleys and the Puddlemere team, all of them now being in the know about Leo, and they'd been sworn to secrecy, not to let slip to anyone including their partners.
Hermione observed with a smile as Leo was greeted with hugs, high-fives and fist bumps before they all convened in the living room, where a buffet had been prepared by Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Wood.
Upon the finishing of the buffet, Leo was sat on a chair before everyone so he might be handed his presents, the little boy being surprised with the number of wrapped gifts that waited for his unwrapping.
The twins had invented a new prank product solely for him and they'd even named it after him, too. Leo was over the moon with the gift, even choosing his first target so he might test it out, and that happened to be Charlie, as he'd pranked Leo the week before when they'd all attended dinner at the Burrow. Hermione knew the twins enjoyed having a little nephew they could corrupt and teach and she knew she'd have to keep a close eye on what they were teaching him, but given that Leo was happy, she was happy.
Charlie had gifted him a book on the subject of dragons, telling the birthday boy that he had to read it before he visited the Dragon Reserve where Charlie planned to allow him to pet and ride a dragon. The women all argued that it was far too dangerous and that he was out of his mind, but they were outnumbered by the men who waved off their concerns with eye rolls.
Percy and Audrey had gifted him a selection of his favourite candies, Bill and Fleur had given him French chocolates and confectionary, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had given him homemade fudge and a newly knitted scarf and hat. Mr. and Mrs. Wood had given him children's Quidditch equipment so that he might start learning to play under Oliver and the team's tutelage, something he'd nearly cried over. And the team had given him the collective gift of his own Puddlemere jersey, 'Leo, Junior Puddlemere Team Member, 18' scrawled on the back, it having also been signed by each member of the team. He'd been so excited he'd pulled it on over his shirt and beamed a large, toothy grin.
Hermione and Oliver had decided that despite barely three weeks having passed, they were going to tell Leo that they wished to adopt him. Given the circumstances, he'd been coping very well, more so that Hermione had anticipated, and it had been over a week since he'd had a bad dream or woke crying in the middle of the night. They also wanted to adopt him before Christmas as they wished to tell him about the pregnancy because Hermione's still flat stomach was only a few weeks away from swelling and being noticeable. They were nervous he wouldn't want to make it official but he'd unconsciously called Hermione 'mum' twice and Oliver 'dad' once in the little time they'd been together, so they were hopeful.
Leo looked to them expectantly, his eyes bright and wide and his smile happy.
"We have several gifts for you, Leo, and this is the first one," said Hermione.
Oliver pulled the wrapped back from his pocket and resized it before holding it out to him, his stomach fluttering nervously. The room filled with laughter as he hastily tore the paper from the box, the lid falling to the ground as he pulled free a stack of documents. His expression fell in disappointment in confusion.
"Thanks, Hermione, Mr. Wood," he said dejectedly, unsure what to do with it.
"Leo, look at the top af the page," Oliver instructed.
Leo's eyes shifted in search, reading aloud, "Legal adoption contract."
The room fell silent, all eyes turning to them in surprise as Leo's head lifted, his eyes widening. He may have been a ten-year-old for a matter of a few hours, but during his stay at the orphanage, the process of adoption had been explained to him, no matter of his refusal to speak.
"We want to adopt you, Leo," Hermione explained, gripping Oliver's hand tightly. "We want to make sure that there's no reason for you to be taken from us. Adoption will ensure that you are legally recognised as a member of the family and no one can argue against it."
"We don' want tae force ye intae anything," Oliver continued, "The paperwork is in yer hands an' it has already been signed an' filled oot by us, the Family Affairs Department an' yer caseworker. Given yer age, lawfully, yer deemed auld enough tae make yer own decisions an' tha's why we cannae adopt ye withoot yer permission. The choice is up tae ye, ye don' have tae sign it if ye don' want tae, we won't love ye any less," he assured the little boy.
"You... You love me?" he said quietly, his gaze lowering.
"Very much," nodded Hermione, tears welling in her eyes. The hormones had been doing a number on her recently and the team had noticed she was easier to annoy than usual and had since been keeping their distance when she was at the stadium.
"Like our son," added Oliver.
"Do I have to change my name if I sign it?"
"Not if ye don' want tae."
Barely a second passed before he'd removed the accompanying quill from the box and messily scribbled his name in the marked section. Hermione and Oliver blinked in surprise, neither of them expecting his decision so quickly. They'd at least wanted him to take a day or two think about what it truly meant. They probably should of told him that, they realised.
"I... I want to change my name," Leo said shyly.
"We weren't sure if ye would, but we got ye a form from the Ministry on the aff chance," said Oliver, swallowing against the tightening in his throat, a warm feeling settling around his heart.
Leo'd signed the papers. He officially had a son.
"Leo Wood," Leo tried it out before nodding to himself, his expression brightening, his smile bigger than they'd seen it.
"Leo Harrison Wood," Hermione corrected, reaching up to wipe a stray tear. "You can have both names."
Hermione took the pile of documents from him and she and Oliver quickly filled out the name changing forms, having Leo sign in the appropriate place when done. When they returned home, Hermione would make a copy of the documents for insurance purposes and the originals would be sent to the Ministry to be filed.
"I'm a real Wood now," Leo beamed. I have a mum and a dad."
Hermione felt her eyes welling with tears again and Oliver slipped his arm around her waist.
"And Uncles, Aunts, Grans and Grandads and an entire Quidditch team," added Hermione, smiling when Leo moved to hug them both tightly. .
"Now, it's time fer yer second present."
Oliver handed Leo a small wrapped box, the paper being removed to reveal a velvet casing. Eyes darted to each other questioningly whilst Mr. and Mrs. Wood couldn't help but smile.
When the box was opened, a silver signet ring sat wedged in the silk fabric. Stamped in the centre was the Wood crest and Leo's name was inscribed in the inside of the band.
"When ev'ry generation as Wood reaches a certain age, he is given a piece af jewellery stamped with the Wood family crest," Oliver explained. "Me ma has a broach an' me da has a ring, like we've given ye. Hermione an' a have cuff bracelets."
Hermione lifted the sleeve of her jumper to show him, and the look of pure delight on Leo's face was enough to make everyone in the room smile.
"Yer a Wood now an' we thought tha' ye were auld enough tae represent our family."
Leo beamed as he slipped the ring on his finger, his magically altering to fit him perfectly.
"And we have one final gift," Hermione spoke.
Everyone groaned. "Are you trying to outdo us?" Malloy said in mock annoyance. "Because you've already won the title of best gift-giver ever," he whined, snorts sounding from around him.
"Shut up," Hermione and Oliver chorused.
Hermione called for Tillie and she popped into view, a box in hand that was fitted with a bow and after handing it to Leo, she took her leave. Looking at his curiously, he removed the box and the lid, his eyes widening and a gasp of surprise falling from his mouth. Reaching inside, he drew back and in the palm of his hand sat a small snowy owl. He had brilliant white soft feathers with black speckles, giving him the appearance of a Dalmatian. The owl was unusual because he had bright blue eyes that seemed to sparkle.
"Happy Birthday, Leo."
"You got me an owl?" He whispered, unable to take his eyes from the little owl in his hand.
"Aye," Oliver nodded. "We know yer've always wanted yer own pet, but we dinnae think ye'd want a cat an' we couldn't get ye a dog as not only would we risk Quaffle getting jealous, but ye wouldn't be able tae take it tae Hogwarts with ye. So, we got ye an owl, a very special owl. He's only three-months-auld an' he doesn't have a name yet, tha's fer ye tae choose."
Leo beamed. "Thank you. I love him. His name's Boo."
"Boo?" Was scarily chorused by those in the room.
"Boo, like a ghost, 'cause he reminds me of one and they say boo," Leo explained.
"Boo? I like it," Charlie agreed.
Hermione rolled her eyes when the owl flew away from Leo and over to Charlie, landing on his shoulder.
"You want to keep an eye on Uncle Charlie, Leo," Hermione warned. "He's already stolen the attention of Ali and Quaffle."
They laughed because it was true. Both owls were sat on his shoulders as they affectionately pecked at his hair and Quaffle was sat by his feet, trying to chew at his boots. Charlie didn't look the least bit bothered by it.
~000~000~000~
Wood Apartment
"We have something we want tae talk tae ye aboot," Oliver began, taking a seat on the edge of Leo's bed with Hermione by his side, her hand held in his.
Leo's eyes darted between them, his expression curious but nervous.
Sharing a glance with Oliver, Hermione looked to Leo and said, "I'm seven weeks pregnant."
Leo looked terrified.
"Does this mean you don't want me anymore?"
"NO!" Oliver and Hermione rushed out, unintentionally loud and the young boy startled, visibly lifting from the mattress.
"We wanted tae wait tae tell ye," Oliver calmed, softening his voice and seeing Leo seeming to calm, too. "We knew Hermione was pregnant befere we came tae the orphanage fer ye. We wanted tae wait tae tell ye until after ye'd settled in with the family an' after we'd asked if we could adopt ye. We dinnae want ye thinking we dinnae love ye 'coz we have a baby on the way. All this means is tha' ye'll have a sibling. It's a boy."
"We don't know that, it could be a girl," Hermione interrupted.
"It's a boy."
"Oliver, it could be a girl," she glared at him.
"So you still want me?" Leo spoke shyly.
"Of course, we do. That's why we adopted you, so nothing could take you away from us. We love you, Leo, you're our son," said, tears leaking from her eyes.
"Why're you crying?" The young boy frowned.
"It's her hormones," Oliver chuckled.
"Aunt Fleur was crying when I spent the day with her on Friday. She said she was so happy to have a nephew she could spoil and spend time with."
Oliver laughed. "Well, soon Hermione will be like tha'."
Hermione grumbled, smacking Oliver in the arm.
"When she's in a mood an' her hormones are acting up, run. Run fer yer life an' don' stop."
Leo laughed when Hermione hit Oliver again and he whined.
"I'm going to be a big brother?"
"You're going to be a big brother," Hermione confirmed, all too glad to accept his tight hug when he threw himself at her.
~000~000~000~
Diagon Alley - Sunday 20th December 1998
The Woods, Weasleys (except Fleur) and the team all port-keyed to the front of the orphanage just after lunch, following Hermione into the building as she led the way past the gawking staff members that mulled about.
"Can I help you?" A young woman stuttered in surprise.
"Yes, we would like to see Helen please," Hermione answered.
The woman barely spared a second glance before she'd disappeared, returning minutes later with Helen Tripp.
"Mr. and Mrs. Wood," she greeted kindly. "To what do we owe this pleasure?"
"We have a surprise for you, as well as the staff and children, and we'd like to ensure it is completed today so that everyone is settled before Christmas," answered Hermione, seeing the older woman tip her head curiously. "I brought some people I thought the children would like to meet," Hermione gestured behind her towards the team.
"Oh, I don't doubt they would be very pleased to meet you all. I am Helen Trip, the head of this orphanage and it's a pleasure to meet you all," she said kindly. "Please, follow me. The children should be finishing lunch in the dining hall."
Following after the older woman, she led the way and the moment they stepped inside, the hall fell quiet, all previous noise halting to a sudden stop before it was replaced by cries and shouts.
"Hello, everyone, I'm Hermione and I hope you don't mind us coming to visit you today," she said.
Smiling at their excited nods, Hermione stepped aside to quietly speak with Mrs. Tripp, explaining her plans for the day. After the older woman had a little cry and sniffle, the staff was gathered and given instructions and with the aid of Hermione, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Mr. and Mrs. Wood, Percy, Audrey, Bill and Charlie, they all set to work on magically packing everything in the orphanage away. From children's belongings, toys and clothing to office supplies, files and food items, all boxes being correctly labelled to ensure organisation.
Once done, they returned to the dining hall, all of the children's coats being summoned and given to the correct owner.
"I know that you're all going through a very difficult time, I lost both my parents to Death Eaters," began Hermione and the children gasped. After the war, everyone knew who Death Eaters were. "For the last month, I have been working on a project with the sole purpose to benefit you all and bring some happiness to your life, because that is what you deserve. With the help of some wonderful people, the project is now complete and just in time for Christmas. And in order to show you the results, a port-key is needed. You will be separated into groups and your adult will explain what you must do in order to travel safely. Understood? Excellent. "
~000~000~000~
Wiltshire
The sight that met them upon arrival was a large manor house of white brick surrounded by an expanse of grass.
"Everyone; staff and children, I would like to introduce you to your new home."
Hermione had been looking around for a property large enough to turn into a spacious home for one hundred and seven children and several staff members. Draco Malfoy, being the Head of his House and with Malfoy Industries having their fingers in many honey pots, had gotten word and informed her that there was a rundown and repossessed manor in Wiltshire, one he'd thought of purchasing but decided to offer it to her instead, should she want it.
Hermione hadn't thought twice about visiting Gringotts and offering a bid for more than what the property was worth, something they wouldn't turn down and ensuring that the paperwork was rushed through. She hired contractors in order to ensure the structural safety and she hired decorators to make the manor comfortable and homey.
After taking a trip to Muggle London, she'd acquired toys and muggle clothing in different sizes, as well as muggle technology including TV's, DVD players and age-appropriate DVD's, stereos and music. She'd also bought plenty of muggle garden games and several bicycles for the children. The grounds of the manor included a lake, gardens and a small Quidditch pitch, something Oliver had insisted was needed.
The manor was triple the size of the orphanage and that was just the outside, the inside was bigger with the aid of magic. And despite that, the children did still have to share bedrooms but it wouldn't be in such cramp conditions.
Hermione cleared her throat, the whispers dying down and drawing everyone's attention, though only the staff seemed to be actually listening to what she was saying.
"This manor consists of five floors, there are three staff rooms, three kitchens, seventy bedrooms for the children and several for the staff. There is a bathroom on the first three floors and each bedroom has its own bathroom and there is also a dining hall. There is one living room or communal area on each floor and one office on the first three floors, with the top two floors holding the bedrooms. The fifth floor houses the girls and the floor below houses the boys. On the third floor, there is a library that contains books on every subject you might imagine, both wizarding and muggle. There are also three media rooms. These contain muggle devices that provide entertainment."
"In addition, we have ten classrooms. The children may not be able to practice magic legally outside of school, or if underage, but that doesn't mean that they can't learn. I want to them the opportunities that they didn't have before. As such, I have hired several tutors who are willing to work five hours a day, four days a week. The lesson plans will include those that don't require practical magic, such as potions, arithmancy, muggle studies, divination, ancient runes, care of magical creatures and herbology. This will give the children an advantage over the other students when they first attend school."
"Also, on the grounds, there is a small Quidditch pitch, gardens and a lake. There is a shed on the grounds that holds many muggle outdoor games and equipment, as well as a broom shed that contains seventy rooms... The children will also be given flying lessons by..."
"US!" The team chorused with grins, Hermione chuckling when the children fidgeted excitedly.
"With the help of Madam Malkin, she has designed and made clothing especially for the children, and the contractors and decorators have made this manor as much of a home as possible. This manor and grounds belong to you. And before I let you explore, there are some people I would like you to meet... Kitty, Gunner, Micky, Lima, Jersy, Bunny, Jenson, Pixie, Nelly, Ziggy," she called softly, ten pops sounding as the house-elves appeared before her, bowing.
"Mistress," they greeted as one. Hermione smiled and gave her head a shake.
The staff to children ratio, Hermione knew they could do with more help with the running of the orphanage, particularly with the laundry, cleaning and cooking, allowing them to focus on the children rather. As such, she'd put a notice out that she was searching for some help, and she'd hired a number of house-elves who no longer had a master, losing them in the war. But she'd been adamant that they receive clothing, wages and time off. They had even made their own shift rota between them.
"Everyone, I would like to introduce to you the house-elves that will be helping around the manor. I expect them to be treated kindly and with the respect they deserve. They will not be expected to do everything as you will all have to help them in some way, even if it's picking up a dirty towel from the floor or putting your plate in the sink. They have their own house on the grounds and it is out of bounds to everyone. Does everyone understand?... Brilliant, please, introduce yourselves and your area of expertise," Hermione spoke softly to the house-elves, dismissing them once they'd finished. "Okay, that's everything, now, off you go and explore your new home. You'll have to share bedrooms so pick your roommate and find a bedroom."
Hermione waved her wand and the large doors swung open, the children all barrelling towards the manor. Chuckling, only she and Mrs. Tripp remained outside, everyone else having followed the children.
"I have absolutely no way to repay you for everything you have done for the children," Mrs. Tripp sniffled.
Hermione felt her eyes tearing up. "I didn't do this to receive payment. I did this for the children. I have the ability to improve their lives and give them opportunities they could never have even dreamed of having."
"We are incredibly grateful, Mrs. Wood."
"Please, my name is Hermione," she responded, pulling the older woman into a hug. "This is a privately run orphanage. I have all of the paperwork already processed and filed thanks to a little help from Minister Shacklebolt. The government won't be able to interfere with the orphanage unless a criminal act occurs on the grounds or by a resident, either staff or child."
"Oh dear," her brow furrowed. "Our funding..."
"Oh, no need to worry about that," Hermione interrupted. "My husband and I have set up an account that gives you a monthly allowance for food, clothing, books, health care and anything else that may be required. If there is not enough money or you require anything else, you must simply owl me and I'll have it taken care of. My husband and I have purchased twenty owls for the use of the orphanage and they should be here before New Year's. The grounds and the manor are in my mine and my husband's name for insurance reasons, but it is yours to do with as you wish."
"And seeing as it's privately run, have you chosen a name yet?"
"No," Hermione shook her head. "We thought that with it being a new residence and a new start, that you should be the one to name it."
"Anything I wish?"
"Anything you wish," she confirmed.
"In that case, I wish for it to be called Wood Orphanage."
"We don't want credit..."
"No, Dear, this isn't a form of repayment. This is for the children's sake. I want the children to know that there are good people in the world and that they can strive to be like them. The children look up to you and your husband and you have only proven yourselves to be remarkable role models."
Her eyes watering, she pulled the woman into a hug before drawing back and directing her wand towards the front of the manor.
"I have a suggestion, if you don't mind?"
Her brow furrowing in concentration, Hermione carefully directed the movement of her wand until a golden plaque sat above the large double doors. Inscribed in beautiful, black, bold cursive writing, was 'Wood Home' and beneath it was, 'est. 1998'.
"The manor is a home and not an orphanage," Hermione explained, seeing the older woman's smile.
Hermione guided the older woman forward and when they stepped inside, she gasped in wonder, laughing in delight as children darted this way and that way, running up and down the stairs with the adults struggling to keep up with them.
"You'll make a wonderful mother," she commented.
"I hope I can be," Hermione replied. "Leo deserves someone he can rely on."
"Oh, I don't doubt that, I can see you and your husband love Leo dearly and it was proven when you adopted him. But my words were intended for the child you have on the way."
Hermione froze, hearing the older woman's laugh.
"How?" She choked. "I'm not showing yet, am I?" She looked down at her stomach, her eyes narrowing in scrutiny.
"Oh no, dear, but I can tell. You are glowing and you subconsciously touch your stomach." She chuckled when Hermione did just. "But, on the day you collected Leo, I witnessed your husband's expression of concern when you were carrying Leo's belongings. My husband was the same when I was pregnant with my daughter many years ago, it drove me insane," she laughed, shaking her head fondly. "If you don't mind my asking, how far along are you?"
"Almost nine weeks," Hermione admitted.
"Congratulations," she smiled "And I have no doubt that you and your husband will be wonderful parents. I have witnessed it with Leo. Does he know?"
"Yes, we told him after we sent off the adoption papers. We didn't want him to think that we would love him any less because we had a baby on the way, adopting him before telling him showed that we would always want him as our son."
"I have seen a remarkable change in Leo in only a few short weeks, he is in good hands. Don't worry, Dear, I won't tell anyone about the pregnancy. I can only imagine what would happen if the press got wind."
"Thank you" Hermione smiled gratefully, and with that, she gave Mrs. Tripp a tour of the building before the children were called together, Hermione removed all of the boxes from her beaded bag and the children were sent to unpack their own belongings whilst the house-elves did the rest.
"Am proud af ye," said Oliver fondly, watching as she dug through her beaded bag in search of any boxes she might've missed. She looked up at him and smiled. "Only ye could accomplish something so meaningful an' life changing in four weeks. Yer've changed their lives ferever."
"You helped," she shrugged.
"Naw, all a did was kept the children busy an' offered tae give them flying lessons. Ye did ev'rything else. Ye built them a home, ye provided them with ev'rything they could ev'r want or need. Ye took all af our untouched wealth an' used it tae do something good, an' with yer budgeting, ye barely made a dent in our vault... Am incredibly proud af ye an' what yer've done taday makes mae want tae love ye even more, but tha's not possible." Hermione gave a sniffle and she reached up to wipe at her eyes. He chuckled, reaching out and tugging her against him in a hug. "Hormones," he teased, laughing when she weakly hit him.
~000~000~000~
Muggle London - Wednesday 23rd December 1998
As the days and weeks of her pregnancy passed, she'd long since been introduced to the dreaded morning sickness. Luckily for her, there now potions with aided with that particular symptom, Hermione feeling sorry for the muggle women who had to rely on ginger and crackers. Her breasts had also grown larger, something Oliver appreciated and was more than happy to attend to no matter how many times she batted his wandering hands away, it actually encouraging him.
Her appetite had increased and she was now experiencing the phenomenon that was cravings, her first being cheese, ice cream and gravy. When Tillie had brought her as she wished (the little elf being over the moon with the news of a soon-to-be baby Wood to care for as well as Leo, someone she doted on) Oliver and Leo had promptly left the room.
Hermione had taken the day off from work to go shopping with Leo, wishing to grab a few last-minute deals, not that she wasn't already prepared, because Merlin knows she'd finished her Christmas shopping in October. But she wished to spend some time with Leo whilst she was still capable of walking around, and she wanted to begin purchasing items for the baby, wishing to be prepared.
They'd floo'd into the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley but they hadn't remained there long, wishing to avoid the press. The Daily Prophet had gotten word of what Hermione had done for the children of the orphanage and she'd received many requests for interviews in two days from different newspapers and magazines from around Europe. They'd also discovered the news of them adopting Leo, the paperwork having been processed and filed, making it official.
They'd barely stepped out of the Leaky Cauldron before they were spotted and soon they were surrounded by a crowd and camera flashes were going off. Her displeasure had been known with the unhappy pursing of her lips and with the help of Tom, they'd managed to cross into the Muggle World where they wouldn't be followed.
They'd spent the morning browsing the shops and market stalls, Hermione purchasing muggle books on the topic of pregnancies (wishing to have all of her bases covered) and Leo had chosen a few children's books that had caught his attention. She'd purchased more DVD's, some for herself and Oliver to watch as they had a higher rating, and Leo had also chosen a few of his own, too. After purchasing some toys and a new dog bed for Quaffle, they stopped for lunch in a little cafe, Leo struggling between laughter and disgust when the cook happily catered to her cravings for the day, whilst he'd opted for a cheeseburger and chips with a lemonade.
As they continued with their browsing, slowly wandering down the street with Leo talking animatedly about how he couldn't wait to get home and watch the Home Alone trilogy (Hermione insisting he had to watch all three of them) and Jingle All The Way, ("because he loved Christmas") they happened to wander past a doctor's surgery and Hermione paused in her steps contemplatively.
In the Wizarding World, pregnant women had one appointment to confirm pregnancy, which Hermione had already attended the Wednesday after they'd took Leo in and she was given a bag load of potions to aid in the baby being healthy and eradicating nausea, including vitamin potions which she had to take twice daily. They had another appointment around their third month and another around their sixth to seventh month, finally visiting when they were in labour. Hermione's Healer was a kind middle-aged woman and her files were confidential, meaning the press couldn't and wouldn't get word of the pregnancy, not without a few laws being broken, that it. But that appointed was a month ago.
The one thing she didn't like about the Wizarding World, was that she couldn't have an ultrasound scan as they didn't have a spell or the technology to allow that, which meant they couldn't see a photo of the baby. But in the Muggle World, it was possible.
With her heart set on having a physical and documented reminder of her pregnancy, (something she would later put in a scrapbook after the baby was born) she barely thought before tightening her hold on Leo's hand and leading them into the building, immediately feeling the warmth fending off the chill of the cold, snowy day despite Hermione having ensured both she and Leo were wrapped up warm and fitted with Warming Charm.
"How can I help you?" Was asked in a bored, monotone of voice by the young man behind the counter at the reception desk, his eyes locked on the computer screen before him.
"I was wondering when the next available appointment to see a sonographer would be," she responded,
The young man lifted his green eyes to her, freezing in place for a moment.
"Why is he staring at you like that?" Leo muttered, leaning closer to her.
His words had the young man clearing his throat and giving his head a shake, a blond strange of hair falling over a bushy eyebrow as he typed away at his keyword, the sound quite loud in the otherwise silent room.
"We have had a last-minute cancellation. The next available appointment is in forty minutes."
Hermione beamed. "Excellent, I'll take it."
Taken aback by her smile, it took the young man a moment to gather his wits and hand her the forms in which she needed to complete and sign.
"Would you like a hot drink, Miss...?" He paused, waiting for her to supply her name, hoping to God she wasn't married or that she had a partner.
There were only two reasons he held the job he currently did, him being sure one of them would get him fired should it ever be discovered by those that paid his wages. The first was that it was easy and required little effort. The majority of his workday required little movement or effort as he sat behind his computer, taking phone calls and booking and cancelling appointments, greeting clients that came to the surgery and ensuring the kettle was always filled with water so he might offer tea and coffee. The second reason and honestly, the most important to him, he had a bit of a kink for pregnant women. And where better to find one than a doctor's surgery that specialised in midwifery? If he was honest, in the three years he'd been at the surgery, he'd bedded almost a dozen pregnant and unattached women that had stepped through the doors. But that was to remain a secret. And the woman that stood before him, he wouldn't mind bedding her, too.
"Mrs. Wood," she supplied.
He felt his hope shatter, particular when he noticed her wedding and engagement rings on her finger when she reached out to take the forms from him. She's rich, he thought. There was no denying that, seeing the quality of the bands and the largeness of the gemstones, plural.
"... If you wouldn't mind, please. It's rather cold out there today."
After asking her for her preference, he headed to the nearby staff room and she and Leo took seats on the comfortable armchairs with Hermione filling out the forms as honestly and quickly as she could. Of course, her address couldn't be used given she resided in Wizarding London, so, she used the address of her childhood home.
"Are we expecting your husband, Mrs. Wood?" The young man enquired after he returned with the hot chocolate she'd asked for.
"No, my husband's currently training," she replied, and seeing his confused look, she elaborated, "He's a professional athlete and I'm his Junior Coach."
His hope was completely shattered when he heard the news and saw the look of adoration on her face as she spoke of him. So, he deduced there wasn't a chance of her possibly being swayed towards him and cheating on her husband.
He'd done it before he'd gotten the job at the surgery and after getting his head bashed in by the woman's husband, he'd decided to stick to single, unattached pregnant women. But with a face like the woman's before him, he was almost tempted to try.
"He's going to be disappointed that he couldn't come with me today," she sighed, "He doesn't even know I'm here, this was a spur of the moment decision when I noticed the surgery as I walked by."
Giving her head a shake, she handed him the now complete forms and sipped at the hot chocolate before handing it to Leo. They were left alone and she busied herself with flicking through some of the magazines on a nearby table whilst Leo drew a picture using the paper and pencil the young man had given him to keep him occupied. Hermione would've thought that given the nature of the surgery, there might've been a small table with crayons or perhaps a toy or book to keep children occupied, but it seemed not.
When their wait was over almost fifteen minutes later, they were collected and escorted to the correct room, following the sonographer inside. As Leo took the chair by the wall, Hermione took a moment to examine the woman before her. She looked no older than late-twenties, her blonde hair was tied back in a tight knot at the nape of her neck, her skin pale and blemish-free and her eyes a pale blue. As expected, she wore medical scrubs in blue with comfortable white shoes on her feet and she carried a clipboard in her hand.
"Mrs. Wood, I am Amanda Tully," she introduced.
"Please, it's Hermione, and this is my son, Leo."
An eyebrow was arched in questions, having read the forms she'd filled out, stating that she'd never been pregnant before, as well as it containing her date of birth. She knew Hermione to be nineteen and the young boy looked no older than ten-years-old.
"It's nice to meet you," she tipped her head towards Leo.
Introductions aside, Hermione removed her coat and scarf and moved to lie on the examination table, unbuttoning her jeans and lifting her jumper as instructed. The cold gel was put onto her stomach with the scanner and the screen was switched on.
"Where's Mr. Wood today?" She asked conversationally with her eyes locked on the screen.
"My husband's at work. He doesn't know I'm here; I didn't even plan on coming here, if I'm honest. We happened to walk by and before I knew it I was asking for the next available appointment," she responded.
"Well, I imagine it will be quite the surprise when you return with the ultrasound."
Hermione chuckled. It would be a surprise to everyone given they had nothing even remotely similar to an ultrasound in the Wizarding World.
"Here we go," said Tully, turning the screen so Hermione might better see.
She squinted her eyes in search, her brow furrowing and lips pursing in concentration before she saw it.
"Wait, is that..." She trailed off, her eyes widening.
Tully nodded. "Yes, Mrs. Wood, you are pregnant with twins."
Hermione felt the tears welling in her eyes and her throat hurting at the effort off holding it back. When she thought she wouldn't be able to give Oliver children, she discovered she was pregnant. And she was ecstatic. Then they'd brought Leo into the family and she was over the moon. And now, she was finding out she was pregnant with twins. Oliver was going to be a father to not two children, but three.
"Is everything okay, Mrs. Wood?" Asked the blonde, giving her a look of concern.
"Yes, just fine, I'm sorry for crying," she sniffled, reaching up to wipe away the stray tear that escaped.
"Not to worry, I've yet to see a pregnant woman leave my office without crying, I understand it can be overwhelming," she assured her.
"It's just that there was a high possibility that I was infertile, and then my husband and I found out we were pregnant. Then we adopted Leo, and now I'm finding out it's twins."
She gave Hermione a smile. "The human body is a miraculous thing. Now, let's get you a copy printed," she said, turning away from her and putting her attention elsewhere.
"I'm going to be a big brother to twins?" Leo asked.
Turning her head, it was to see that Leo had moved from the chair and to her side, his eyes darting between her and the screen, squinting in confusion. Reaching out, she gestured to the two small bean-like shapes.
"You are, and there they are," she gestured to them.
"They're so tiny," he said in awed-wonder. "And they're in your tummy."
"They are and soon, mine will be as big as Fleur, bigger even because I'm having two babies and she's only having one." The smile that lit Leo's face was infectious. "What do you say we go and see dad at work and surprise him?
~000~000~000~
Puddlemere United Stadium
When they arrived at the stadium, it was a little after three o'clock and when Hermione noticed that the wives and girlfriends didn't appear to be on the premises, she couldn't help but grin and sigh in relief, knowing she could finally let the team in on their little secret without risk of them being overhead and it being leaked to the press.
"Junior, Leo? You took the day off," Coach Burton said in lieu of a greeting, his head tipping in confusion when he noticed their arrival, turning away from the players above.
"I know, but I have some news I wanted to share with you all," Hermione replied, unable to hide her smile.
"What?" He asked, eyeing her curiously but warily. Seeing this, she sniggered.
"You'll see," was all she said before drawing her wand and raising it high, conjuring hundreds of balls of soft blue lights, manoeuvring them high in the sky and manipulating their movement until they spelt out a single word.
Twins.
All of the players halted to a stop, looking to the light display in confusion, all but one understanding the meaning.
Oliver, taking only one glance at the spell used and the single word, knew it's meaning and he felt the breath being knocked out of him with the force of a being hit with a bludger.
"Wood? D'you know what that's all about?" Asked Bishop, he and the team having flown over to him and Kings waved a hand in front of his face, seeing that he'd apparently gone into shock.
Blinking slowly, being brought back to reality had it all sinking in. Twins. He felt his mouth pulling into a smile that he couldn't squash down, and he didn't want to. He was too happy. Leaving behind his confused teammates, he manoeuvred between them and flew down to the coach's box, barely paying them any mind as they followed him.
He dismounted his broom and dropped it carelessly to the floor, almost tripping over his own feet in his haste to get to Hermione, a laugh sounding from her when he swept her off her feet, holding her against him as he spun happily. He set her down, muffling her laughter when he buried his hands in her hair and pressed his mouth to hers, the team wolf-whistling and Coach Burton snorting as he reached out, covering Leo's eyes with his hand.
Drawing back, Oliver pressed his forehead against hers, "Twins?" He questioned in disbelief. Hermione nodded, tears now streaking down her face. "Hoo d'ye know?"
"When Leo and I were shopping, we happened upon a doctor's surgery. Muggles have the technology to see inside the womb, and they had an appointment available, so I took it. I saw them, Oliver, I saw our babies," she said in a little above a whispered.
Pulling back from him, she dug into her coat pocket and removed the ultrasound scan, holding it out to him. He took it from her, his vision blurring as he stared down at the two bean shapes, two tiny developing babies that were half him and half Hermione. His smile was bright and his hand came up to rest against her covered stomach, feeling her hand move to rest above his.
"Our babies," he muttered in awe, unable to take his eyes from the scan.
"Does someone want to explain what's going on?" Thompson voices, his tone filled with annoyance, matching his expression.
Sniffling, Hermione briefly shared a glance with Oliver as he finally tore his eyes away from the scan, agreeing it was time to tell them. With her being pregnant with twins, she knew her she'd likely show earlier than twelve weeks.
"I'm nine weeks pregnant with twins," Hermione confessed.
She was met with silence and dumbfounded expressions before she startled when cries, cheers and applause sounded, Hermione finding herself being surrounded by overly excited professional athletes that took it in turns to hug her, though not too tightly, she noticed.
"The first Quidditch baby... Babies," Pallie corrected, "I knew it'd be you." The team chorused a laugh and agreement. "We're going to be Uncles," he beamed and Hermione laughed. "Wait, should you be working?" He questioned in concern. "You're on feet all day..."
"Stop it, I've got one over-protective wizard in my life," she gestured to Oliver with a jab of her thumb, "I don't need fourteen more. I am perfectly fine to work, as confirmed by my Healer. If you have an issue with her decision, take it up with her."
"Maybe we should get you a nice couch," said Thompson, "So you can sit down and be comfortable, rather than sitting on the stands."
"I have an office with a chair, couch and lounge chair, I am fine," she promised with a roll of her eyes. "But I am going to have to speak to the bosses."
"Why?" Coach Burton arched an eyebrow.
"The twins are due during mid-game season, and that might cause some issues."
"Don't worry about it. If they fire you, I'll quit," Coach assured her.
"Me tae," Oliver injected.
"Us too," the team chorused passionately.
"Yeah, there's not a chance in hell we'll let them take you from us," added Malloy.
Hermione burst into tears.
"Er, did we say something wrong?" Bishop questioned, eyeing Hermione in horrified concern.
"Hormones," Oliver and Coach Burton replied knowingly, the former allowing his wife to cling to him and snot on his training uniform whilst his teammates looked horrified.
~000~000~000~
The Burrow
Upon the ending of the workday, the Woods didn't floo to the apartment as they'd previously intended but rather they headed to the Burrow, knowing that everyone would be gathered for the holidays and they wished to tell them the development with Hermione's pregnancy.
Charlie was back from Romania for the holidays and he would be staying in his old bedroom, the twins in theirs, Bill and a seventh month pregnant Fleur were staying in his old bedroom whilst Percy and Audrey were residing in his. Mr. and Mrs. Wood were staying at Wood Manor but were expected to floo over to the Burrow the following morning, Leo was staying in Ron's old bedroom with Quaffle and the owls, and Oliver and Hermione would be staying in Ginny's old room. However, they were staying at the apartment that night and flooing over in the morning.
"There's my Grandson," Mrs. Weasley beamed, pulling Leo into a bear hug.
"Hiya, Gran," he greeted, confidently waltzing into the kitchen to greet everyone else once she released him.
"We weren't expecting you until the morning," she said with a smile, hugging them both.
"We have some news and we couldn't wait to share it with you," explained Hermione, she and Oliver stepping into the kitchen and being met with chorused greetings. They sat for dinner, Mrs. Weasley having made plenty to cater to three extra mouths (four if one counted Quaffle) and once done, they convened in the living room.
"So, Hermione, Oliver, what's this news you wish to share?" Pressed Mrs. Weasley, all eyes turning to them expectantly.
Sharing a smile with Oliver, she removed the ultrasound scan from her pocket before making enough copies to ensure there were enough to pass around.
"I don't get it," Charlie frowned, scratching at the side of his head. "What am I supposed to be looking at?"
"Today, I unexpectedly decided to get an appointment with a sonographer. Muggles have technology that is capable of showing the inside of the womb. What you're looking at... Those two small bean shapes... They're our nine-week-old twins," she explained.
It took all but five seconds for the news to sink in before Fred and George chorused, "TWINS!"
Excitedly, they sprung from their seats and dashed over to her, squashing them between them. It took a few moments longer before the others finally digested the news and when they did, Hermione found herself being passed around the group as hugs and kisses to the cheek were bestowed upon her, as well as tears in the case of the women.
"Dear, now you've given me three grandchildren in as little as four weeks," she cried wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her cardigan. Everyone laughed at her. "But I don't understand; twins usually run in the family, my brothers were twins, hence Fred and George"
"Well, we don' have twins in our family tree, only one male child per generation," said Mr. Wood.
"There is in mine," Hermione admitted.
"You never mentioned anything about twins," Fred said, looking at her strangely.
"My mum was a twin but my Aunt Christa died before I was born, so I obviously never met her, and from what I remember, she and my mum didn't really get along. Anyway, according to the sonographer, I'm due around the 24th of July."
"This is the best Christmas ever," Oliver decided, slipping his arm around Hermione with his hand splaying on her stomach.
~000~000~000~
The Burrow – Friday 25th December 1998
Presents had been opened and Christmas dinner had been eaten. Hermione had received many wonderful presents from her family including a beautiful tanzanite charm bracelet from her husband and a photo frame that held a photo of her and Leo, with 'I love my mum' scrawled around the frame, something that had Hermione bursting into tears. She'd hugged Leo so tightly, the twins had to pry her off him so he could breathe, the little boy going red in the face.
Fleur was currently taking a nap, Oliver's parents, her pseudo parents and Percy and Audrey were convened in the living room and everyone else was outside in the snow. They were all sporting Weasley jumpers as per tradition, and despite wearing hats, scarves and gloves, there were without coats with Hermione having applied the strongest Warming Charm she knew twice to each of them, allowing for easier movement without the restriction of so many layers.
Hermione was comfortably perched on a chair, her eyes locked on the sky above. She and Oliver had bought Leo a broom for Christmas. The WindRider was said to be the safest broom made to date, it was fitted with extra comfort charms, it gave the flyer perfect control and it was also the fastest broom made. It wasn't technically due to be released for another six months, but with Hermione and Oliver being who they were, they were sent one immediately after their enquiry.
And as Oliver, the twins, Bill and Charlie were hovering around Leo protectively, teaching him to fly and surrounding him strategically so all sides would be covered should he fall and they needed to catch him quickly, Hermione observed, terrified at the prospect her little boy potentially getting hurt but happy to see he was enjoying himself immensely (if his laughter was anything to go by) and she was happy to see he was a fast learner, too.
She smiled, one hand subconsciously rubbing over her clothed stomach and the other grasping her necklace, the one Oliver had gifted her on her birthday.
"That's your family, little ones," Hermione said softly, looking down at her stomach. "You are loved, you are protected and you are safe," she promised.
Oliver took that moment to fly to the ground, catching the end of her words as he set his broom aside and approached. Stopping before her, he held his hands out, helping her to stand before tugging her against him, his arms folding around her.
"All our children are loved, protected an' safe," Oliver vowed.
Hermione sighed, warmth flooding her. "I love you."
"A love ye, Sparrow."
She reached up, her mouth pressing against his, her tongue greeting his when he parted her lips and it swept into her mouth. Hearing her sigh, his mouth tugged into a smile.
"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!"