Hermione had been fully aware that Ginny was back in the country, and had been planning on attending the open day. In fact, she'd even spotted her from a distance earlier that morning. As such, she'd been bracing herself for the first time they came face to face, but nothing could have prepared her for what had occurred. She did admit it was nice to finally discover just why Ginny hated her so much, although she was totally baffled as to where the jealousy had sprung from as from Hermione's point of view she'd never been a threat to Ginny's relationship with either Ron or Harry, but clearly the redheaded witch had thought otherwise.
What Hermione never could have predicted was the wild allegations Ginny had thrown her way. Even though she clearly didn't know who she was married to, therefore couldn't have known who Scorpius was, surely she should have known that Hermione wasn't the sort of person to have an illicit affair with a student. But it seemed that Ginny had let her dislike of Hermione taint her view of things, and she had been only too happy to throw crazy allegations around. Hermione just considered herself lucky that no-one but Ginny would ever believe such a ridiculous allegation.
As Ginny hurried away at Arthur's urging, Hermione was still trying to come to terms with the accusations Ginny had thrown in her direction. She had to wonder if Ginny realised the trouble she could have caused for her. As it was, by pinpointing Scorpius as her lover, her claims were always going to be dismissed out of hand, but if she'd happened to have targeted some other student, things might have ended very differently. Even though Hermione was confident no-one would ever have believed such a thing, a different student in the mix might have made things a bit more awkward and caused a lot of trouble.
"Hermione, I am so very sorry," Molly apologised, breaking the heavy silence that had fallen with Ginny's hasty departure. "I cannot believe that has just happened."
"It's really not your fault, Molly," Hermione assured the older witch. "It's no-one's fault," she added, smiling at the twins who must surely be mortified by their mother's actions. "It was a misunderstanding, and I just want to forget the whole thing."
It took Hermione a few more minutes to convince Molly and Arthur that she really didn't hold them responsible, and that the confrontation hadn't affected her too badly. However, she eventually convinced the older couple to carry on with their day and show their grandchildren what sort of fun they would be having when they started Hogwarts. Once the Weasleys were gone, she turned her attention to Ron, Harry and Pansy, and spent another few minutes convincing the trio that she was just fine and didn't need to be fussed over.
Once she'd convinced Ron, Harry and Pansy to get on with their day, Hermione turned her attention to the two wizards she was left with. However, she was well aware that convincing her husband and son she was okay would be slightly more difficult. Draco had always been very protective of the people he loved, which stemmed from the war and his inability to protect his mother when she'd needed it. And while Scorpius had never displayed any of his father's extra protectiveness growing up, he'd proven himself to be just as protective as his father in recent months as Hermione's pregnancy had progressed. In fact for the last couple of months, Hermione had been contending with two very protective Malfoy wizards, and she just found herself grateful that Lucius didn't work at Hogwarts or else she would have had to deal with three of them.
"I really am fine," Hermione insisted as Draco pulled her into his arms.
"I'm sure you are, but that drama was not what you needed," Draco insisted. "It wasn't something, anyone needed."
"The stress could have caused you to go into labour," Scorpius added. "Should I try and find Madam Spinnett so she can check you over."
"I do not need checking over, I'm fine," Hermione said, feeling as if she was just repeating herself. Quite honestly, she didn't know how many more times she could say she was fine before her husband and son believed her.
"Even so, maybe you should grab some rest," Draco suggested. "We can go back to our rooms and relax for the rest of the day. I'm sure Minerva will understand."
"And what about the quidditch?" Hermione asked, hardly able to believe she was about to use quidditch to help her cause. "If you don't play, you'll be letting the staff team down. They won't have enough players and will have to forfeit the match."
"Wood wouldn't let that happen," Draco snorted. "He'd drag some poor sod into the team to take my place."
"But then you would miss out on the once in a lifetime opportunity of playing against our son," Hermione argued, still not ready to give up and spend the rest of the day away from the action. "And Scorpius has been looking forward to it, haven't you?"
"I have been looking forward to beating you old timers," Scorpius confirmed with a smirk.
"In your dreams, kid," Draco retorted with a derisive snort. "I may be older than you, but I am certainly not past it."
"I can vouch for that," Hermione joked, stroking her extended stomach.
"Let's not dwell on that," Scorpius begged, wincing slightly to the allusion of his parents sex live. Obviously given the fact his mother was pregnant he knew that side of their life was still active, but he preferred not to think about how he was getting a new sibling.
"That's decided then, we'll carry on the day as normal," Hermione said decisively.
"When did we decide that?" Draco questioned with a slight frown. "I didn't agree to that."
"Well, I did," Hermione retorted. "And you don't want to upset your pregnant wife, do you? You don't want to make me angry, do you Draco?"
"Say no," Scorpius hissed, nudging his father in the ribs. "For Merlin's sake, don't make her angry."
"You know I can never say no to you," Draco muttered, smiling down at his wife. "But you have to let me know if you need to rest or anything."
"I will," Hermione vowed. "Although it's not like I've got a strenuous afternoon planned. I'm going to head back over to my table for a little bit longer, and then I'll be watching the quidditch. And that's hardly likely to get me over-excited, even with you two playing."
A few more reassurances had Draco heading back off to his Potions display, but Hermione noticed he switched a few tables around so he had a better view of where she was sitting. Not that he needed to worry about her as Scorpius insisted on staying with her until he needed to go and get ready for the quidditch.
With Scorpius refusing to leave, Hermione simply carried on with her demonstrations with her son at her side. That was until they were joined by her daughter, Lyra, who suddenly appeared from nowhere, checking that her mother was okay.
"I've just heard," Lyra said breathlessly. "I've been around the back all day helping Nev… Professor Longbottom with his Herbology display," she explained, almost stumbling over the name of her Professor, whom she'd known forever and like Harry he was a personal friend of the family. "What was that woman thinking?"
"I'm not sure she really was thinking," Hermione admitted with a shrug. "I think Ginny dislikes me so much she was just looking for something she could use against me."
"But why does she hate you so much?" Lyra asked with a frown. Obviously she'd never met Ginny, but she knew the rest of the family, and they'd all been nothing but lovely towards her and Scorpius over the years.
"I was never sure until today, but reading between the lines of what she was saying, I think she's jealous of me. Or rather, she's jealous of the relationships I have with Harry and Ron."
"But why?" Lyra pressed. "Ron's her brother. It doesn't matter how close you and him are, it would never have changed that. And I know she used to date Harry, but there's never been any romance between you two, has there?"
"No, Harry is like a brother to me," Hermione confirmed. "I was never a threat to Ginny's relationship with him. But she clearly doesn't see it that way. In her mind, I'm the villain of the story."
"Stupid woman," Scorpius muttered. "It was her kids I felt sorry for. Imagine witnessing your mother making such a show of herself. I would be mortified."
"I'm sure they can cope with any gossip," Hermione said. She didn't want to say that no-one would give the twins a hard time because of Ginny because she knew that wasn't true, but she knew that if the pair were as strong as the rest of their family they would be just fine.
"Of course they can," Lyra predicted with a firm nod of her head. "It's really not the end of the world if people gossip about your parents. I've been putting up with it for years."
"Do people treat you badly because of me and your father?" Hermione asked with a concerned frown.
"No-one would dare treat Lyra badly, she's too much like you," Scorpius joked.
"Of course no-one has treated us badly," Lyra assured her mother. "But of course they talk. You and Dad are both Professors right here at Hogwarts. And of course, there's been a bit more talk this year with you being pregnant."
"But it's nothing we can't deal with," Scorpius added. "And we're not the only ones. Liv and Aiden get it too with Harry on the staff."
"So does Allie," Lyra added, referring to her best friend, Alice Longbottom. "But if you want, I can make sure people leave the twins alone."
Hermione smiled at her daughter, proud of her thoughtful she was. She knew Lyra wasn't just saying it to placate her, she really would keep an eye out for the twins and ensure that they didn't suffer any form of bullying over Ginny's wild allegations. Given the scene their mother had caused, she really didn't have to make such an offer, but she was a kind, caring girl and Hermione loved her for her big heart and warm nature.
Despite Arthur saying they would stay and ensure their grandchildren enjoyed the rest of their day, Molly wasn't so sure about the wisdom of remaining at Hogwarts after Ginny's mortifying outburst. However, while people were no doubt gossiping about Ginny, they at least had the decency not to mention the incident to either her parents or her children. And if the twins were bothered about their mother's actions they hid it well, and seemed absorbed in exploring Hogwarts and everything it had to offer.
During their exploration they ran into George and his wife, Angelina, and the pair insisted that they joined them for the quidditch match that was almost ready to start. Since Molly and Arthur had attended several open days, she knew her son tended to sit with a selection of friends that usually included Hermione. However, George was adamant that Hermione would want them to join them, and so Molly was persuaded to sit with her son and his wife. Although George wasn't the only members of the Weasley family in that particular section of the stands as Molly and Arthur's oldest son, Bill was there with his wife, Fleur. Also present was their oldest daughter, Victoire, her husband Teddy and their six month old son, Zachary.
George and Angelina's son, little Fred, was sitting at the front of the stand, and he was more than happy for his cousins to join him. Although they were soon joined by other youngsters including Fred's older sister Roxanne and Sophia Potter, who settled herself between the twins. Allie Longbottom also arrived to take her seat, alongside her best friend, Lyra Malfoy, and Molly was relieved to see Lyra introduce herself to the twins and to give them a warm reassuring smile. Aiden Potter was also with the girls, and he greeted the twins warmly before focusing on the pitch where the players would be emerging any minute.
"See, the twins are just fine," Arthur whispered in Molly's ear. "And they're already making friends."
Molly nodded, but was soon distracted by Hermione entering the stand with Pansy and Neville's wife, Luna. Despite what she'd said earlier, Molly was still unsure if Hermione would be holding any grudges over the scene Ginny had caused, but Hermione slid into the seat next to hers and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
"How are you, Hermione?" Molly checked.
"I'm fine, Molly," Hermione assured her. "I meant what I said. I just want to forget the whole thing. And it certainly won't affect our friendship, will it?"
"No, it will not," Molly replied in a decisive tone as she smiled at the younger witch. As much as she loved her daughter, she wasn't going to let her come back after twenty five years and ruin everything for the family. It would be Ginny who would have to adjust and accept the way things were, and if she didn't like it, then that would be her problem, not Molly's.
"Here they come," Pansy called from Hermione's other side.
From across the stadium, the seventh year who had been given the task of commentating for the match, started to announce the teams. She started with the student team, which was captained by Scorpius and featured Pansy and Harry's daughter, Olivia. Next came the introduction of the staff team, which actually boasted five staff this year and only two civilian stand-ins.
"Oh, I don't know if I can watch this," Luna cried, covering her eyes as Neville shakily lined up to play beater alongside Ron.
With Oliver in goal, Ron had been forced into a different position to one he'd played when he'd been in school. Although the same had happened with Draco, as he tended to play chaser now as Harry occupied the coveted seeker position.
"I know the feeling," Hermione muttered.
While she had no worries with either Draco or Scorpius's skills in the air, her husband and son were competing directly with each other as chasers and Hermione suspected things might get a bit competitive between the pair. Although theirs wasn't the only family competition on display as Olivia was playing seeker for the student team, and she was every bit as talented on a broomstick as her father.
"I do hope this isn't going to be too much for you, Hermione," Molly remarked, giving Hermione a slight frown as the whistle went for the start of the match.
"I'll be fine, it's only a game of quidditch," Hermione assured her.
However, a game of quidditch it might have been, but it was a very unique one for Hermione. Never before had her husband and son played against each other, and never before had she felt so conflicted over the outcome of a match. Usually as a member of staff, she supported her colleagues on days like these, but the student team didn't normally contain her son. And Hermione found herself cheering loudly whenever either Draco or Scorpius scored.
Hermione wasn't sure when she first became aware of the discomfort she was feeling, but initially she put it down to getting too excited and bobbing up and down to cheer. However, as the discomfort began to grow, her interest in the match began to wane, and she was soon remaining in her seat even when her husband and son were part of the action.
"Are you alright, Hermione?" Molly asked in concern as she noticed Hermione's lack of enthusiasm.
"I think maybe the day is catching up with me," Hermione replied.
"Do you want to go and lie down or something?" Molly asked.
"I really shouldn't leave the match," Hermione muttered with a sigh, gazing back towards the action.
"I'm sure Draco and Scorpius will understand," Molly urged, getting to her feet and holding her hand out for Hermione. "Come on, let's go and get you somewhere you can rest properly."
With a grateful smile, Hermione put her hand into Molly's and allowed the older woman to help her up. However, they'd never even started to move when an almighty pain ripped through her and she almost doubled over with the pain. Instantly, everyone around them, turned their focus to Hermione and Lyra came running from the front of the box.
"Mum, are you okay?" Lyra cried in concern.
"I'm okay," Hermione said, letting out a long breath as she raised her eyes to the sea of concerned faces. "But I rather think the baby is coming."
"Today?" Lyra squeaked. "But you're not due for another few weeks."
"Try telling your brother or sister that," Hermione hissed as another bolt of pain wracked her body.
"We need to get you inside," Pansy said. "Molly, can you help me?"
"Of course," Molly replied with a nod.
"Someone needs to get this game stopped," Pansy continued. "We need Alicia."
"And Draco," Hermione wailed as another wave of pain had her doubling over. "I need Draco."
"Personally, I think a medi-witch would be more useful, but I suppose we can drag Draco from his game as well," Pansy remarked in a joking tone.
Leaving someone to arrange for the match to be brought to an end, Pansy and Molly accompanied Hermione out of the stands and up towards the school, with the help of Luna and Angelina. Lyra also stayed with them, and she was at her mother's side until Alicia and Draco came running into the hospital wing, with Scorpius, Harry and Ron hot on their heels. Following in their wake was Neville, George, Arthur and all the children, and bringing up the rear was Professor McGonagall.
"Okay, first of all, let's clear some of you lot out," Alicia cried, spotting the hordes of people hovering around the hospital wing. "If you're not the father of the baby, then hop it."
"We'll just be outside if you need us," Harry called as everyone but Draco was ushered out of the room.
Once outside, McGonagall suggested that not everyone needed to wait. Obviously Scorpius and Lyra refused to leave, and both Harry and Ron wanted to be there for their friend. Although Ron was due to head to France that evening, which was where his wife and children were as they were visiting family and he was due to join them.
"I'll let people know the second we hear anything," Harry announced to the other concerned friends as McGonagall hurried off to contact Draco's parents to let them know what was happening.
Knowing there was nothing else they could do that evening, Molly and Arthur headed off home with the twins, while everyone else also headed off to wait for news of the newest arrival. It was certainly a surprise ending to a day which had already been pretty dramatic. Only unlike the drama Ginny had caused, this was a pleasant surprise and it was certainly a unique way to end the annual Hogwarts open day.