Halloween at Hogwarts was usually a time of celebration, filled with feasts and laughter, the Great Hall decorated with floating pumpkins and fluttering bats. But this year, the castle felt different. The usual excitement was replaced by a tense undercurrent, the students subdued as they went about their day. The war had cast a long shadow over everything, and the cheerful decorations did little to lift the oppressive atmosphere.
Ginny stood in front of the mirror in her dormitory, studying her reflection. The changes in her body were becoming more pronounced with each passing day. Her once - flat stomach now had a noticeable curve, a small but undeniable bump that strained against her robes. Her chest was fuller and more sensitive, and she often found herself adjusting her clothing to relieve the discomfort. Her skin, usually clear, had started to break out, and she felt tired all the time, a bone-deep exhaustion that made even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming.
She ran a hand through her hair, which seemed duller and more prone to tangling than usual. These changes were small, almost imperceptible to anyone who wasn't paying close attention, but to Ginny, they were reminders of the danger she was in, of how fragile her secret was. Each change felt like a marker of time, pushing her closer to the moment when her secret could no longer be hidden. With a sigh, she pulled on her robes, making sure they were as loose as possible.
As she turned to leave the dormitory, she found Neville waiting in the common room. He gave her a small, reassuring smile, and she felt immense gratitude for his steady presence.
"Ready?" he asked, falling into step beside her as they started down the corridor.
Ginny nodded, her hand finding his, grateful for the contact. It had become a habit for them, a way to show the other students—and the Carrows—that they were together. Today, of all days, Ginny was glad for the contact. Her nerves were frayed, her stomach churning with a mix of anxiety and nausea. She could feel the eyes of the other students on her, could hear the whispers as they passed.
"Did you see Ginny Weasley? She's looking...different."
"I heard she and Neville Longbottom are really serious now."
"Strange, I thought she was dating Harry Potter."
Ginny tried to ignore the whispers, but each one felt like a dagger. She was nearly four months along now, and it was becoming harder to hide her pregnancy, her body changing despite her best efforts to conceal it. Every time she caught a glimpse of herself in a reflective surface, she felt a pang of discomfort—like her own body was becoming unfamiliar, foreign. And each whispered comment made her heart ache for Harry, who was far away, unaware of what was left behind, growing inside her.
They made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast, the usual spread of food laid out on the tables. The air was filled with the smell of pumpkin pasties and cauldron cakes, but Ginny's stomach turned at the thought of eating. She sat down next to Neville, and tried to focus on the mundane task of pouring herself a glass of pumpkin juice.
Across the hall, Draco Malfoy was flanked by his usual entourage, his pale face smirking as he surveyed the room. His eyes landed on Ginny, and he nudged Pansy Parkinson, muttering something that made her giggle. Ginny tensed, her grip tightening on Neville's hand. She knew that look, knew the kind of trouble Draco could stir up with just a few words.
Sure enough, Draco sauntered over to the Gryffindor table, his smirk widening as he approached. "Well, well, if it isn't Weasley and Longbottom," he drawled, his voice dripping with condescension. "You two look...cozy. Though, Weasley, I have to say, you've really let yourself go since you started dating Longbottom. I guess love doesn't always do wonders for the figure, does it?"
Ginny's face flushed with anger and embarrassment, her free hand balling into a fist. The jab at her appearance stung more than she wanted to admit, a cruel reminder of how she felt trapped in a body that no longer felt like hers. She wanted to retort, to wipe that smug look off Draco's face, but she forced herself to stay calm. Beside her, Neville tensed, his eyes narrowing at Draco.
"Why don't you mind your own business, Malfoy?" Neville said, his voice steady, though Ginny could feel the anger simmering beneath the surface. "No one asked for your opinion."
Draco raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the reaction he was getting. "Just making an observation, Longbottom. But I suppose that's all you Gryffindors are good for these days, isn't it? Making yourselves look ridiculous."
Ginny couldn't hold back any longer. She turned to Draco, her voice cold and sharp. "Do you just skulk around rooms waiting for opportunities to insult people? Because that's really pathetic, Malfoy. It's almost like you don't have a life of your own to worry about."
Ginny felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see Luna standing beside her, her expression as serene as ever. "I think you should go, Draco," Luna said, her voice calm and unwavering. "There's a Wrackspurt floating around your head. It's probably making you say silly things."
Draco's smirk faltered, his eyes flicking to Luna. He sneered, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his gaze. "You're all mad," he muttered, turning on his heel and stalking back to the Slytherin table, his cronies following him with snickers.
Ginny let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thank you both," she said, managing a small smile.
Luna nodded, her gaze distant. "He's not worth worrying about. People like him feed on attention. It's best to just ignore them."
Ginny nodded, though her heart was still racing. She knew Luna was right, but the encounter had rattled her.
As they left the Great Hall, Ginny couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen. The air felt charged, as if the castle itself was holding its breath. She and Neville made their way to the Room of Requirement, where the DA had planned to meet later that day. They had chosen Halloween for their meeting, hoping the festivities would provide cover.
Luna stayed with them, the three of them talking quietly as they waited for the others to arrive. Ginny tried to focus on the conversation, but her mind kept drifting. She thought about McGonagall's words, about the Carrows watching her, about the secret she was keeping. And she thought about Harry, wondering where he was, if he was safe, if he was thinking of her. The ache of missing him was constant, a dull throb that never quite went away.
As the room filled with familiar faces Ginny felt her body untense. These were her friends, her allies. They were the reason she was fighting, the reason she was risking everything. Even though they were still young, Ginny felt that they could truly make a difference.
Neville stood up, his expression serious. "Alright, everyone, let's get started. We don't have much time, and we need to be careful. The Carrows are watching us more closely, and we can't afford any slip-ups."
Ginny listened as Neville laid out the plan, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew this was dangerous, that every meeting put them all at risk, especially her. But she also knew they had to do this. They had to resist, to fight back, to create with their own hands a future worth living for.
When the meeting ended, and they all left the Room of Requirement, Ginny felt a strange sense of calm. She and Neville walked hand-in-hand back to the Gryffindor common room, Luna trailing behind them.
As the Halloween festivities wound down, the Gryffindor common room gradually emptied. The less than enthusiastic celebration left a lingering sense of unease, a reminder that even in moments of normalcy, the shadows of the war loomed large. Ginny and Neville sat together on a couch by the fire, the warmth of the flames providing a small comfort against the chill creeping into the castle. Most students had gone to bed, leaving the room quiet and still.
Ginny gazed into the fire, her thoughts swirling with worries about the future. The past few weeks had been a blur of stress and anxiety, each day a challenge to keep up appearances and avoid suspicion. She turned to look at Neville, his face bathed in the flickering light.
"Neville," Ginny said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think...I think I'm going to tell Madam Pomfrey in the morning."
Neville glanced at her, pleasantly surprised that she had stuck to her word, and not tried pushing back the difficult day to come. "Are you ready?"
Ginny nodded, though she didn't feel ready at all. "I think I have to be," she replied, managing a small, shaky smile.
Neville nodded, understanding her unspoken fears. "It's going to be okay...If this was real—if I really was the father—we wouldn't be hiding it forever. It would look like we were scared, like we didn't know how to handle it. And that's believable, right? Two teenagers making a mistake and trying to figure it out?"
Ginny nodded, squeezing his hand tightly. "I know. It's just...what if she doesn't believe us? What if she figures it out?"
"We'll make her believe us," Neville said, his voice steady. "We'll tell her we've been too scared to say anything, that we didn't know how to deal with it. It's not far from the truth, after all. We're just trying to survive, Ginny. And Madam Pomfrey, she's on our side."
Ginny let out a shaky breath, the knot of tension in her chest loosening just a little. "You're right. We can do this. We'll tell her tomorrow, and we'll stick to the story. We're two scared kids who made a mistake, and we need her help."
Neville gave her a gentle smile, nodding his head. "Exactly."
Ginny managed a small smile, but it was strained. Before she could stop herself, tears welled up in her eyes, and her shoulders began to shake. She had been trying so hard to hold everything together, to be strong, but the reality of her situation was overwhelming. "I just...I wish he was here," she whispered, her voice breaking, and Neville pulled her into a hug.
"It's okay," Neville murmured, his hand gently rubbing her back. "Let it out, Ginny. It's okay to cry. Everything is going to turn out."
Ginny sobbed into his shoulder, her grief and longing pouring out. She felt a strange sense of relief in Neville's arms, knowing she wasn't alone in this. They were in this together, and they would face whatever came next, side by side.
The morning after Halloween dawned cold and gray, the sky outside Hogwarts, clouds hanging heavy with rain. The castle was quiet, most students still asleep after the subdue. But for Ginny and Neville, the day ahead was far from ordinary. It was the day they had been dreading and preparing for, the day they would tell Madam Pomfrey their secret.
Ginny sat on the edge of her bed in the Gryffindor dormitory, her heart hammering in her chest. She had barely slept, her mind tangled with worries of the future. Each time she closed her eyes, her thoughts spiraled into a vortex of worry and fear. The enormity of their decision pressed down on her, and she couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom.
She dressed slowly, her hands trembling as she buttoned her robes. She had chosen the ones Neville had given her—one of his own, after she had broken down, confessing that her robes no longer concealed her growing bump. The fabric was too big, almost swallowing her small frame, but it did the job for now. She paused, her hand lingering over her belly, feeling the tiny life growing inside her. The sensation was both comforting and terrifying, a constant reminder of how everything had changed. Taking a deep, steadying breath, she reminded herself of the plan. This was for her safety, for Harry's, and for the safety of everyone they loved.
As she made her way down to the common room, she found Neville already waiting for her, standing near the fireplace. He looked up as she approached, his expression serious yet calm. "Ready?" he asked, his voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of anxiety.
Ginny's lips curved into a forced smile, the kind you give when you're trying not to fall apart. "No," she said, her voice trying to stay light, "but let's get this over with anyway."
They left the common room together, walking side by side through the silent corridors of the castle. The quiet around them was heavy, and neither of them dared to break it. As they neared the hospital wing, Ginny's heart began to race faster, each step bringing her closer to the moment of truth. She stole a glance at Neville, who gave her a reassuring nod.
"We'll be okay," he said quietly, his voice firm and reassuring. "Just stick to the story. We're just two scared stupid teenagers who don't know what to do, and we need help. Madam Pomfrey will understand."
Ginny let out a dry, humorless laugh. "That'll be easy, because I am a scared stupid teenager."
Neville's expression softened, a shadow of guilt crossing his face. "I'm sorry, Ginny," he said, his voice low. "I'm only pretending, but sometimes I forget that this is real for you. I shouldn't have made it sound so...dismissive. I wish I could do more. But you're not alone in this, okay? I'm here."
Ginny nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for Neville's support. "I know," she said softly. "It's just...I don't know what's going to happen. I'm scared of what everyone will think, of what's waiting for us."
Neville squeezed her hand gently. "We'll make it through this, Ginny. One step at a time."
Taking a deep breath, Ginny pushed open the door to the hospital wing. The room was quiet, the beds neatly made, and the windows letting in the gray morning light. Madam Pomfrey was at her desk, scribbling notes in a large ledger. She looked up as they entered, her expression softening when she saw them.
"Miss Weasley, Mr. Longbottom," Madam Pomfrey greeted them, her tone warm but slightly concerned. "What brings you here so early? Is something the matter?"
Ginny exchanged a nervous glance with Neville before stepping forward. "Madam Pomfrey, we...we need to talk to you about something. It's...it's important."
Madam Pomfrey's expression grew more serious as she gestured for them to sit down. "Of course, dear. What is it?"
Ginny hesitated, the words sticking in her throat. She felt Neville's hand on her back, steadying her, and she forced herself to speak. "I'm…" Ginny swallowed, "I'm pregnant," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "I see," she said, her tone calm but concerned. "And I take it Mr. Longbottom is the father?"
Neville nodded, his face solemn. "Yes, ma'am. We...we didn't know what to do. We were scared, and we've been trying to figure it out on our own, but...we need help."
Madam Pomfrey leaned back in her chair, her gaze softening as she looked between the two of them. "I see," she repeated, her tone gentler now. "You've both been under an enormous amount of stress, and I can understand why you would be frightened. But you did the right thing by coming to me. You shouldn't have waited so long, though. You're not the first couple in Hogwarts history to find themselves in this predicament, and you certainly won't be the last."
Ginny gave up on holding back the tears that were threatening to spill. "We don't know what to do," she admitted, her voice trembling. "We...we need your help."
Madam Pomfrey's expression grew more serious, but there was kindness in her eyes. "It's perfectly natural to feel overwhelmed, Miss Weasley. Teenage pregnancies are challenging, but you're not alone in this. I'm here to help you every step of the way."
Neville nodded in agreement. "We want to do the right thing, Madam Pomfrey. We just...we don't know where to start."
Madam Pomfrey sighed softly, her gaze filled with sympathy. "You've taken the first step by coming to me. First, I have some questions, then I'll need to check on the health of both Ginny and the baby. After that, we can discuss what to do next."
Madam Pomfrey took a deep breath, then began speaking gently. "First, do you know the date of conception? It's okay if you aren't sure."
Ginny opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say a word, Neville blurted out, "July 30!"
Ginny turned to him, a look of confusion briefly flashing in her eyes. She hadn't expected him to offer up any details, let alone a date. She stayed silent, trying not to give away her surprise or blow their cover.
Neville's face flushed a deep shade of red. "It's my birthday," he said quietly, trying to explain his outburst as much to Ginny as Madam Pomfrey.
Madam Pomfrey raised an eyebrow, a look of surprise crossing her face before she regained her composure. "Quite," she said, her voice steady but with a hint of amusement. "Thank you, Mr. Longbottom. That's...noted." She turned back to Ginny, her tone softening once more. "Let's continue, shall we? Have you experienced any unusual symptoms or discomforts lately? Anything out of the ordinary that you've noticed?"
Ginny thought for a moment, then shook her head. "Just a bit of nausea, but nothing too bad," she replied.
Madam Pomfrey smiled reassuringly. "That's quite normal. Thank you, Ginny. Do you have any family history of medical conditions or complications related to pregnancy?"
Ginny thought for a moment before answering, "No, not that I know of. My mum's had a lot of kids, and there weren't any major problems."
Madam Pomfrey smiled reassuringly, noting this on her clipboard. "That's good to hear. One last item." Madam Pomfrey looked up at Ginny and Neville with a gentle, serious expression. "It's important to discuss all your options so you can make the best decision for yourselves and the baby."
Ginny took a deep breath, her voice firm as she looked Madam Pomfrey in the eye. "I'm keeping the baby. We've decided. I know it's going to be hard, but I want to do this."
Neville nodded in agreement, reaching out to take Ginny's hand. "We've talked about it, and we're in this together. We want to keep the baby."
Madam Pomfrey nodded, her eyes filled with understanding and respect for their decision. "All right, then. It's important that you both feel confident in your choice. We'll make sure you have the care and support you need. You're not alone in this, and I'll be here to help every step of the way."
Ginny nodded, her fear mingling with a sense of determination. "Thank you, Madam Pomfrey."
Madam Pomfrey gave them a reassuring smile. "Now, let's get you checked out, Miss Weasley."
As Madam Pomfrey led Ginny to one of the beds for a check-up, Ginny felt a small measure of relief. They had taken the first step, and now, with Madam Pomfrey's help, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Neville stayed close by, his presence a steadying force as Ginny underwent the check-up. As Madam Pomfrey worked, she spoke quietly, offering advice and reassurances that made Ginny feel a bit more at ease.
When the check-up was over, Madam Pomfrey handed Ginny a vial of nutrient potion. "Everything with baby is going swimmingly. I want you to take this once a day, and come back to see me regularly. We'll get through this, I promise."
Ginny nodded, clutching the vial tightly. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling the burden of holding her secret slip away.
Madam Pomfrey's expression grew serious once more. "There is something else we need to discuss. As part of my duty, I must inform the headmaster of this situation, and also notify your parents. They need to be aware of what's happening."
Ginny's stomach dropped, panic rising in her chest. Ginny knew this was coming, but now that the moment had arrived..."Please, Madam Pomfrey," she said quickly, her voice tinged with desperation. "Isn't there another way? My parents...they'll be devastated."
Neville put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, Ginny. It's what we have to do. They'll find out eventually, and it's better they hear it from someone who cares."
Madam Pomfrey nodded. "I understand this is difficult, but your safety and well-being are my top priority. I will set up meetings with your parents Ginny and Neville's grandmother so that we can inform them in a controlled and supportive environment. They have a right to know, and we need their support moving forward."
As they left the hospital wing, Neville gave her a reassuring smile. "We did it, Ginny. It's going to be okay."
Ginny nodded but stayed silent, still reeling from the reality of what they had set in motion. They had taken the first step, and now there was no turning back. With Neville by her side and Madam Pomfrey's support, they would face whatever came next.