Caught Spying

A/N- This is chapter ten for you to read and enjoy. It's important to clarify that this is not a beta read. I previously reached out to 4 to 6 beta readers but have yet to receive any feedback from them. Therefore, while I would welcome input in the future, this chapter will not be subjected to a beta reading process at this time. Please bear with me during this phase. Additionally, I'm nearing the completion of the story, with only two to four more chapters left to finish. I appreciate your understanding.

Chapter Ten

Hermione

Hermione entered the dimly lit infirmary, her heart still racing from the events that had transpired. Beside her, Draco walked closely, providing a comforting presence in her moment of distress. She felt a surprising sense of safety with him, a feeling she had not expected to experience.

"Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy. What can I do for you?" Madam Pomfrey asked, her voice a mixture of concern and curiosity. She quickly noted the unusual pairing of the two students, who were rarely seen together, let alone seeking help side by side.

Draco took a deep breath and began to explain the situation, glossing over the troubling details of what had happened to Hermione. Though she felt the heaviness of her ordeal weighing down on her, she could see the determination in Draco's eyes to support her. Even as she grappled with feelings of shame and violation that clung to her like a shroud, she knew it would take time for her to heal both physically and mentally.

"Miss Granger, please come and sit on the bed," Madam Pomfrey instructed gently, gesturing to the nearest cot. Hermione winced as she made her way over, her body still aching from the pain she'd endured. With Draco's steadying hand at her back, she gingerly lowered herself onto the mattress, grateful for the momentary relief as she settled in.

Madam Pomfrey returned shortly with a cart laden with a variety of potions, their glass vials glimmering in the soft light of the room. "This is the pain reliever potion. Please take some," she instructed, handing Hermione a vial filled with a viscous liquid. Hermione drank it down swiftly, and within moments, she felt the relentless throbbing in her body begin to subside.

"Next, this is a healing potion specifically for bruises and cuts," the nurse continued, passing her another vial. Hermione grimaced as she swallowed the bitter concoction, the taste lingering unpleasantly on her tongue.

"Now, this potion will test for pregnancy," Madam Pomfrey said, her tone gentle yet serious as she handed Hermione a light pink vial. With trembling hands, Hermione took the potion and swallowed it, her heart racing with anxiety. A moment passed, and then a soft glow emanated from her abdomen, pulsing six times, each pulse amplifying her dread.

"Oh dear," Madam Pomfrey murmured under her breath, concern washing over her features. "I will need to summon a healer who specializes in pregnancies immediately."

At this, Hermione's composure shattered. She felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she shook her head in disbelief. "No…no. I didn't want this…" she sobbed, her heart heavy with despair. The realization that her life had taken an irrevocable turn pressed down on her, a crushing burden of uncertainty and fear for what lay ahead.

Draco

Draco gazed at Hermione, his heart aching as he processed the weight of the revelation. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes as he registered the truth—she was pregnant. The potions they had taken, with their unintended consequences, lay heavy upon them both. The small, enchanted device had glowed a staggering six times, and dread twisted in his gut as he pondered what that could mean. Surely, it was not good news.

"Hermione…." The sound of his voice barely broke the silence, but it captured her attention. She met his gaze, her expression a mix of sorrow and fear that twisted his insides. Gently, he took her hand in his, intertwining his fingers with hers, and began to rub soothing circles on her palm, trying to channel some comfort into her trembling form.

"I know it isn't what you wanted…but do you think you could kill the baby?" The words tumbled out before he could fully comprehend their gravity. The question hung in the air between them like an unwelcome spectre.

He watched as her expression shifted from shock to despair, her gaze dropping to the bed beneath her as if seeking solace in its familiarity. But the weight of his question jolted her back to him, her eyes widening with a mixture of rage and anguish. A flicker of hopelessness crossed her face, and she whispered with a conviction that cut through the tension, "No. The child had no say, but it was also not their fault."

Her words lingered in the stillness, echoing the magnitude of the decision hanging over them, and Draco felt the weight of their reality settle heavily upon his shoulders.

Draco gave a slight nod in Hermione's direction, a gesture filled with an understanding that seemed to echo between them. He was aware that her words rang true, resonating in the depths of his thoughts. As he contemplated their situation, a swirl of questions filled his mind, particularly regarding what his parents—or even Hermione's parents—might think of their circumstances. His aspirations were clear in his heart; he knew exactly what he wanted to achieve. Yet, the lingering spectre of his father's approval cast a long shadow over his desires, making him hesitate.

Madam Pomfrey, the steadfast matron of Hogwarts, stepped into the moment, her voice breaking the tension. "Miss Granger," she began, her tone both authoritative and nurturing, "this potion here is the Calming Drought, designed to soothe anxiety and ease troubled minds. And the last one," she continued, gesturing with a practiced hand to a small vial that glimmered faintly in the dim light of the infirmary, "is the Dreamless Potion, meant to grant peaceful rest free from nightmares." Her words filled the room with a sense of purpose, a reminder that amidst their uncertainties, some things remained constant.

"Not those yet. Madam Pomfrey." Draco's voice was barely a whisper as he turned to see his Potions professor, Severus Snape, towering over him alongside Pansy Parkinson. The atmosphere in the hospital wing was thick with tension; the soft rustle of blankets and the distant sounds of Hogwarts faded away as his heart raced.

"Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy…. I'm afraid you both have earned yourselves a detention for endangering your lives," Snape declared, his voice cutting through the stillness like a knife. "Twenty points will be deducted from Slytherin and twenty from Gryffindor." His gaze, usually sharp and forbidding, was now a mixture of concern and disappointment

"Professor…" Draco began to protest, but the words caught in his throat as he met Snape's penetrating gaze. The intensity of it was daunting; the unspoken question in those dark eyes made it clear that a defence would be futile.

"I know, Mr. Malfoy," Snape said, his tone softening only slightly as he leaned in closer. "But I require an explanation. Where did you go? What possessed you to withhold information from one of your professors regarding this reckless escapade? And I must ask, why is Miss Granger lying in a hospital bed, looking so pale and frail, imbued with both illness and fear? What on earth happened?" His voice had shifted into a low, menacing growl, signalling to Draco that the time for evasions had passed. It was a moment of reckoning, and he would need to face the truth.

Draco cast a worried glance at Hermione, who offered him a faint nod, her expression conveying a depth of emotion that words couldn't express. As he focused on her, he noticed her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, glistening like dewdrops in the morning sun. With a heavy heart, he turned to face the head of his house, preparing to recount the harrowing tale that had woven them together from the moment Hermione returned, clutching a bracelet that chillingly proclaimed, "Property of Draco Malfoy."

He delved into the ordeal they had both faced in that alternate world, his voice trembling as he recounted their shared struggles. The weight of his sorrow intensified as he spoke of the horrific violation Hermione had endured, a trauma that echoed within him as well. He reached into his pocket with a shaking hand, pulling out the note Professor Snape had entrusted to him, a tangible remnant of their grim circumstance. Holding it out, he felt a surge of vulnerability.

Around them, Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall, along with Hermione's steadfast friends—Harry, Ron, and Ginny—stood frozen, disbelief etching their faces at the devastating revelations Draco had just laid bare.

Draco instinctively stepped closer to Hermione, sensing her quiet sobs that broke the heavy silence like a fragile glass shattering. He gently brushed his fingertips against her arm, a tender gesture meant to provide comfort. Within moments, she sought solace against his chest, her small frame shaking as the tears spilled freely, her cries a haunting melody of pain and despair. The burdens of the day weighed heavily on her, too much for her spirit to shoulder alone, and at that moment, all he could do was hold her close, offering whatever solace he could amidst the storm.

"Mr. Malfoy, could you kindly release Miss Granger? Madam Pomfrey is ready to administer a potion that will help her drift into a calming sleep," Professor Dumbledore stated, his voice steady and reassuring.

Draco hesitated, feeling Hermione's distress as she whimpered softly at the sudden request. He gently pulled away from her, his heart aching at the sight of her distress. "Hermione… please, try to calm yourself," he whispered, his fingers entwining with hers. He rubbed his thumb soothingly over the back of her hand, trying to offer her some comfort.

Hermione met his gaze, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and trust. Nodding slowly, she accepted the small vial from Madam Pomfrey, who stood nearby with a warm, nurturing presence. The calming draught sparkled slightly in the dim light as Hermione brought it to her lips, followed by the sleeping potion. Within moments, the tension in her body seemed to dissipate, and her eyelids fluttered before finally closing gently as sleep claimed her. The room fell silent, her breathing serene against the backdrop of the worry that hung in the air.

Harry

Harry sat across from his female best friend, Hermione, feeling an overwhelming sense of despair wash over him. A knot tightened in his stomach as he stared into her eyes, knowing he was utterly at a loss for how to support her during this tough moment. The weight of the situation felt even heavier when he thought about Draco Malfoy, his longtime rival, who seemed oddly capable of providing the comfort Hermione so desperately needed. The thought made Harry's frustration simmer just beneath the surface, and he found himself biting his lip to keep from screaming his frustrations into the world.

As Draco began to narrate the grim tale, Harry's throat tightened, and he noticed that his eyes were starting to glisten with unshed tears. He quickly glanced at Ron and Ginny, only to find that both of them were already openly crying, their faces a mix of shock and sorrow. The sight of his friends' anguish reflected his heartache, and he felt a deep sense of sorrow to bond them together in that painful moment.

The very essence of their existence in this world was glaringly distorted—Ron and Harry had unwittingly hurt Hermione, a reality they had never truly faced until now. Harry's mind raced as he tried to process the ramifications of that truth, realizing that, for the first time, their actions had caused real pain to someone they loved. The other Hermione, from an alternate reality, had confirmed this distressing fact, adding an extra layer of weight to their already heavy hearts. It was a moment of revelation, realization, and sorrow that would linger long after Draco's story came to an end.

"Professor…

With a hint of urgency in his voice, Professor Dumbledore addressed Madam Pomfrey, "Could you reach out to someone who specializes in underage pregnancies or those deemed high-risk?"

"I can do that," she replied briskly, her expression shifting to one of determination as she quickly exited the room, the door softly clicking shut behind her.

Dumbledore turned his attention to Severus Snape, who stood nearby, his brow furrowed in thought. "Severus…"

"I'm going to see if any of them have a cure," Severus interrupted, his voice unwavering. "I'll be making potions." With that, he strode purposefully out of the room, the rustle of his robes trailing behind him as he vanished into the shadows of the hallway, intent on his research.

Dumbledore then shifted his gaze to the trio huddled together, their eyes wide with concern. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Weasley, I advise you to return to your house and get some rest after recounting all that has just occurred. I believe a slice of lemon fudge might lift your spirits as well." His voice held a warm authority, reassuring them that despite the gravity of the situation, comfort could still be found in small pleasures.

Ron

Ron wanted to kill someone, and he wanted it to be Malfoy. How dare he rape Hermione! His mind was going mad to rage seconds after hearing the whole story. But what came out after was the fact that Hermione was pregnant…with a child of Malfoy's.

He then looked over to Malfoy and saw Malfoy looking ashamed and disgusted with himself. He was blaming himself, he thought. Until he heard that he was forced to have sex with Hermione as well, it clicked into his mind that he was raped as well as Hermione.

Both were forced into something they didn't want at all. His mind was still going in circles.

"I believe it would be best for Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Weasley to get some rest before visiting again tomorrow," Professor Dumbledore declared firmly, his wise blue eyes glinting as he turned to the two boys. His voice was calm but brooked no argument.

With heavy hearts, Ron, Harry, and Ginny made their way out of the hospital wing, casting lingering glances back at Hermione, who was still resting in her bed, a look of concern etched on her face. As they stepped into the dimly lit corridor, the weight of the day's events pressed down on them, and they exchanged hushed murmurs laden with frustration.

"I can't believe we have to leave her like that," Ron grumbled, kicking at the stone floor as they walked. Harry nodded in agreement, frowning deeply. "It's not fair," he added, a hint of anger creeping into his voice.

Ginny walked beside them, trying to keep her spirits up but unable to shake the worry that clouded her thoughts. "We'll be back first thing in the morning," she reassured them, though she too felt the ache of helplessness. Together, they trudged through the familiar halls of Hogwarts, their minds occupied with worries about their friend and what lay ahead.

Professor Dumbledore

This was a complete disaster. He glanced over at the brightest students of their year, their bewildered expressions reflecting the chaos that had just unfolded, and he shook his head in disappointment. The air was thick with tension as he turned away from the scene and made his way down the dimly lit corridor leading to his office.

With a heavy heart, he contemplated the necessary charms he needed to cast around Hogwarts. It was vital to prepare the grounds for the arrival of Miss Granger's parents, who deserved an explanation after the unsettling events. He would delegate the task of gathering the parents to McGonagall, knowing her reputation for handling such delicate matters with poise and authority.

He couldn't shake the feeling of dread that accompanied the thought of summoning Mr. Malfoy's parents, too. The gravity of the situation weighed on his mind as he replayed the revelations shared by Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger; their accounts of what had truly transpired were alarming, and they had even brought with them written records of the potions involved.

Upon reaching his office, he climbed the final steps and pushed the door open, the familiar creak sounding like a warning bell in the silence. Dumbledore took his seat at the mahogany desk, feeling the weight of his responsibilities bearing down on him. He sighed deeply, acknowledging the urgency of contacting the parents.

It was crucial to gather them all at Hogwarts as soon as possible to clarify the events and discuss the way forward. Rubbing his forehead in exasperation, he steeled himself for the task ahead, preparing to face the challenges that lay in the wake of this incident. With a surge of determination, he set about drafting the messages that would soothe the anxieties of those involved, knowing that transparency was key to restoring peace within the school community.

Madam Pomfrey

"Madam Pomfrey, what are you doing here?" a healer inquired, his brow furrowing in surprise as she stepped into the bustling entrance of St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.

Poppy Pomfrey, the matron of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, replied firmly, "I need to speak with Healer Whitt and Healer Sano right away."

The healer nodded, sensing the urgency in her voice, and quickly summoned the two specialists. Moments later, Healer Whitt, a tall woman with a serious expression, and Healer Sano, a younger, more optimistic healer, hurried toward Poppy.

"Ladies," Poppy began, her tone grave, "I need both of you at Hogwarts. It's urgent."

Concern flickered in Healer Whitt's eyes. "Poppy, what is the matter? You look pale."

"I have a student who is pregnant," Poppy explained, her voice steady but laced with anxiety. "But it's worse than that. She has ingested dark potions. When I administered the pregnancy reveal potion, it blinked six times."

Both healers exchanged worried glances, understanding the implications of her words. It was a diagnosis no healer ever wanted to encounter.

Without a moment's hesitation, they began summoning their equipment, meticulously packing their bags with potions, diagnostic tools, and other essential supplies they might need.

Once prepared, Healer Sano glanced at Poppy, his expression a mix of determination and concern. "Let's get to Hogwarts, then."

With a nod from Poppy, they activated the floo powder. In an instant, the three of them disappeared in a swirl of green flames, leaving St. Mungo's behind as they prepared to face the urgent and delicate situation awaiting them at the school.

Hermione

Yawning softly, Hermione stretched and glanced out the window, noticing the deep indigo hues of night settling across the horizon. It was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. She looked down at her flat stomach, instinctively placing her hand on it and rubbing it in soothing circles, a hint of anticipation flickering in her mind. In just a few months, her midriff would no longer be so flat, and she couldn't help but ponder the changes her body would soon undergo.

A sigh escaped her lips as she contemplated the whirlwind of events that had led her to this moment. Life had certainly taken some unexpected turns, and as she turned her gaze to Draco, she caught him staring intently at her belly, a thoughtful expression etched across his handsome features. She opened her mouth, preparing to ask him what was on his mind, when the door creaked open.

Madam Pomfrey stepped into the room, her presence immediately bringing a sense of familiarity and comfort. With her, two other female healers followed their outfits, which mirror Madam Pomfrey's style and professionalism.

"This is Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy—the two I told you about," Madam Pomfrey introduced them, her voice authoritative yet warm. The two healers approached with curious smiles, their eyes sparkling with interest as they moved closer, ready to assist with whatever was needed.

As the dim light of the chamber illuminated the worried faces of the healers, Hermione was presented with an array of potions, each more peculiar than the last. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding, as she hesitated before drinking one mix after another. The atmosphere was heavy with tension. After what felt like an eternity, both healers exchanged a glance that spoke volumes, laden with concern and unspoken words. One of them turned to Hermione, her expression serious.

"Miss Granger," she began, her voice steady yet gentle, "you are faced with a high-risk pregnancy due to your age…"

"I'm actually seventeen," Hermione interjected, a small frown creasing her brow as she attempted to assert herself amid the gravity of the situation.

The healer nodded, her demeanour remaining professional. "Yes, but even at seventeen, this situation is classified as high-risk. And given the number of complications that can arise, especially considering the quantity of babies developing inside you right now…"

Draco, who had been silently absorbing the unfolding events, finally broke his silence, his voice low but urgent. "How many?" His eyes bore into the healer, a mix of fear and disbelief flickering across his features.

The healer took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering. "Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger is expecting sextuplets." The weight of her revelation hung in the air like a thick fog, and in an instant, the room froze. Time seemed to pause as her words sank in.

A mixture of emotions surged within Hermione; disbelief bubbled up, and she let out an incredulous laugh, half-coughing as she tried to process the enormity of what she had just heard. The healer watched her closely; concern etched into her features.

"You can't be serious," Draco said, his voice trembling slightly as his eyes darted toward Hermione's midsection in a sudden panic. A whirlpool of thoughts raced through his mind, and a dread settled deep within him, the reality of this news crashing down like a wave. This was not good at all.

"Miss Granger is currently carrying six fetuses, and based on my understanding of the effects of those illicit potions she has been using, it seems she will always be expecting more than four at a time. Tragically, there's no way to halt this process, as the dark magic inherent in those potions does not come with a counter-curse," the healer explained, her voice laced with concern. She turned her gaze toward Hermione, her expression a mixture of empathy and worry, as the gravity of the situation weighed heavily in the air.

A/N- I'm wrapping things up for now and looking forward to our next chat! Take care until then!