Chapter Five: Fred's POV

Fred was headed out the door behind Hermione and Madame Pomfrey.

"Just a moment, Mister Weasley," Professor McGonagall had seated herself back behind her desk when Fred turned around. "I think the two of us should have a talk."

"Yes, Professor," Fred had known he wouldn't get out of her office that easily, He sat back down in the chair he had been in before Hermione had left.

"Mister Weasley, I must ask, what were you thinking? This is a very serious situation you both are in. What is your plan? I assume since you've waited this long, you and Miss Granger intend to keep the child. You've waited too long for a potion to rid her of the pregnancy. So, again what is the plan? You're both students. You are a year and a half from graduating. You can't have a job while attending school so how will you provide for your family. Miss Granger is three years from completing school. Who will care for the child while you're in class? These are things the two of you should have thought about before being intimate."

Fred was extremely uncomfortable under Professor McGonagall's gaze. He knew they would have to answer these questions but hoped they would have the support of one another when they did. He tried for a grin to mask how uncomfortable he was, but he knew it came off as a grimace. "Professor McGonagall, I intend to leave school if my parents permit me to get a job at Zonko's in Hogsmeade. That way I can be near Hermione and the baby. I can watch the little tyke while she's in class. I can provide for us I've been keeping my savings since we found out."

He hoped he sounded more confident than he felt. He felt like he did in her office when he got in trouble his first year, but this time, George was not here to be of any comfort.

"Mister Weasley, leaving school at the age of 16 is not an option." Professor McGonagall replied sternly, her mouth set in a frown.

"I'll be 17 in April," Fred retorted, "That means I'll be of age. I can get a job after my birthday."

"Mister Weasley, a job at Zonko's will not provide a true source of income for a family of three. I implore the two of you to see reason." Professor McGonagall was giving him a sincere look. "Perhaps a family member can raise your child…"

"What? You mean send my child to someone else to care for like you and Dumbledore did Harry. We are not sending our child away. While my family would not treat my child as the Dursley's did Harry, I want my child, OUR child, to know their parents." He rose from his seat. "I'm going to breakfast. We will join you and the parents in Hogsmeade when we hear from you."

"Mister Weasley! I meant no harm in what I said. I'm only trying to help you. As for Mister Potter, that is the only family he had. You and Miss Granger both have wonderful families." Professor McGonagall was shocked at Fred's outburst.

"Goodbye Professor." Fred slammed the door on his way out.

When he arrived in the Great Hall a short time later, he was still seething. He saw George sitting with Lee Jordan and took his seat beside his twin.

"What's wrong?" George asked, noticing his brother's dark mood immediately.

"Nothing," Fred snapped back. He began putting food on his plate. He shoved food quickly into his mouth so he wouldn't have to speak.

George watched his twin curiously. "Lee was informing me that we have about six dozen orders for Skiving Snackboxes when we start production." George said happily, trying to lighten the mood.

"Yeah," Lee piped up staring at best friend cautiously. "Should be raking in the money pretty swiftly once everyone sees how great the products are."

Harry was making his way down the Great Hall. "Hey, have you seen Hermione and Ron?" He was looking up and down the tables. "I haven't seen Hermione at all this morning and Ron took off without speaking to me this morning. Seemed pretty huffed if I'm being honest." Harry shrugged and then noticed Fred's look. "What's going on?" He asked sitting down next to Lee Jordan.

"Ron got some bad news last night," Fred said pointedly looking at Harry. "As for Hermione," his voice softened, "I'm afraid I can't discuss that with you right now, Harry."

Lee watched the conversation curiously, "Since when do you know things about Granger that Potter doesn't?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't worry about it," Fred snapped back. He put some food on a clean plate and left the Great Hall.

Why did people feel the need to stick their noses in his business? McGonagall had no idea the things he was willing to do to make Hermione happy. He loved her more than he ever knew was possible. He'd do whatever it took to provide for his family, even if that meant giving up his dream of opening his own joke shop with George. He would scrub toilets in the Hog's Head if it came to that. Hermione and their baby were the only things that mattered anymore.

When he arrived at the hospital wing the doors were locked. He sat down on the floor with the food he had brought for Hermione and waited. He didn't know how long it would be before she came out. He reached inside the pocket of his robes and felt the tiny velvet box in his pocket. He was going to do this right. He had spent a small chunk of his savings on this box. He took it out and looked inside. There on a red velvet cushion was the white gold ring. The band was adorned with small diamonds all around and in the center of the ring was a slightly larger diamond. It wasn't as fancy as some rings he had seen but he hoped it would do.

He heard the door unlock and hurriedly tucked the ring back into his pocket. He stood up just as Hermione walked out. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly.

"Is everything okay with our little tyke?" he asked, holding his breath, afraid of the answer.

She looked up into his eyes, grinning, "Tykes, There's two. We're having twins."

He dropped the plate of food to the ground and lifted her into the air spinning her around. Her laugh was so musical in his ears.