What happened afterward

She sat soaking in a tub full of hot water. It was taking all of her energy to will herself not to get out of the tub and go to class. Part of her didn't want to believe all that had happened; part of her wanted to believe that this was just some dream. A dream that was so wonderful and full of so much magic that it couldn't possibly be true. Yet it was.

Hermione Granger sighed as she gently put her left hand on her bulging belly. Several years ago she fell in love with an amazing boy, correction man. Now that man was somewhere on the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry playing a highly dangerous sport called Quidditch.

Harry Potter was not only the love of her life and the savior of the wizarding world many times over but also her husband. And he had been for ten months now. Many people ridiculed them for getting married so young, after all when you are sixteen you are still just a child, but they went against it all. Hermione knew the prophecy and made up her mind the night he told it to her, she was going to marry the boy she loved and spend all the time she could with him.

On February 21^st of last school year they did what everyone thought was unthinkable, they got married and shortly there after she got pregnant. It felt like all their dreams were coming true. Than a battle befell on Hogwarts, Voldemort, the most evil wizard in the world, decided he was not going to wait (they say patience is a virtue) and attacked with one purpose in mind to kill everyone in the school and to kill Harry. But Hogwarts was prepared for such a thing and they prevailed and Voldemort fell.

“Everything happened so quickly,” she murmured to herself. “Hermione Potter.” It was still something she was getting used to. Her name had changed and she was now just as famous as her husband. Mostly that was because of her husband.

She decided that she had soaked long enough in the tub, her fingers were starting to look like prunes, and she carefully got up. The matron of medicine at Hogwarts had ordered Hermione to rest. She was not allowed to attend classes, do magic, or anything else strenuous. She was in hell and it was all out of love.

This was her last month of pregnancy and needless to say she couldn't wait to have the new generation of Potters out of her. For a little more then a week Madam Pomfrey, the matron of medicine, had been coming to her private quarters to check up on her. Each day she would leave her with those final words, “any day now.” Hermione was about to curse the next person that said that to her.

She had just finished changing into a pair of sweats and a t-shirt when the baby kicked and something wet starts moving down the inside of her legs. All the sudden there was a sharp pain in her back. She made a grab for anything to hold on to, the sink soon became the thing that held her up. After the pain subsided a little bit she had just enough strength to mutter, “twinkle, twinkle, little star.”

Minerva McGonagall was in the middle of teaching fourth years about the switching charm. Her Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw class was doing very well in taking down notes. As she was just about to wrap up her lecture she heard a twinkle of a bell coming from over head. Forgetting that she still had people in her class she dropped the piece of chalk she was holding and ran out of the room.

Madam Pomfrey was busy giving a Slytherin first year a pepper-up potion. She was just about to hand him the glass when she too heard the twinkling of a bell. Setting the potion and cup down, she started making her way towards the door. Her mind had completely forgotten about the first year. Turning to grab her cloak she was startled to find that he was still laying in one of the beds.

“Don't move until I get back. If I come back to find you have gotten out of bed it will be fifty points from your house and a week worth of detention.” She said briskly and then left the hospital wing at a run.

The last person to hear the bell twinkling wasn't really a person at all. Dobby the house elf was busy working in the kitchen when he heard the call. He dropped the onion he was holding and immediately apparated to his mistress's side. Upon entering the Potter's quarters he saw Hermione Potter on the bathroom floor in pain.

“Dobby!” She called out when she heard the crack of his apparating into her quarters. When he came into view she sighed in relief. “Dobby, Madam Pomfrey and Minerva should be on their way. I need you to go open the door for them and then go tell my parents that they need to come here. Apparate them here, but before that get Dumbledore's permission. Oh and contact Remus Lupin and tell him the news too. Oh, and one more, Molly and Arthur Weasley.” Dobby silently rushed to the door and opened it. He was scared to see two formidable witches running toward it.

“Ms. Granger!” Madam Pomfrey yelled out.

“In the bathroom and it's Potter now!” She yelled with a strangle cry at the end. At once the pain started again, it was sharp and very real like someone was poking her with a hot iron stick.

A few seconds after she called out Madam Pomfrey and Minerva found her crouched next to the sink holding her stomach. She was muttering something to herself and only looked up at them when Madam Pomfrey started to examine her.

“I need drugs.” She said weakly. “It hurts so much and that was only the second one.” Everyone had told her labor was something else but they did say what that something else would be.

“We need to get her to the hospital wing.” Minerva said. “I'll transfigure something into a wheelchair. That way we can transport her down.”

“Good thinking. Someone needs to tell Mr. Potter.” Madam Pomfrey mumbled to the room.

“No!” Hermione shouted and this time it wasn't out of pain. “Don't go get him. Who knows how long my contractions could last for? He could be waiting for hours. He doesn't need to know, at least not yet anyway.”

“Lets not argue with her now. Lets just get her to the hospital wing.” Immediately they began to rush around, well all but Hermione. Minerva transfigured a foot stool into a wheelchair, Madam Pomfrey began gathering some of her personal items up, and just as the where exiting the quarters Minerva grabbed the camera that was on the table beside the door.

The ride to the hospital wing was going well until the reached the charms quarter. Hermione let out a scream as she had another contraction. Tiny Professor Flitwick and his class of first year Gryffindors were startled when they heard the cry. He told them to stay put and he would see what was going on.

He exited his classroom and into the hallway to be met with the sight of a hand grabbing at him. He let out a squeak and suddenly saw the very pained face of Hermione Potter.

“Oh! Mrs. Potter is it time for the little one to come out?” He asked excitedly.

“Professor, can you please do something to get rid of this pain.” Flitwick let out a chuckle and sadly shook his head. Hermione was about ready to deck him one if it wasn't for the fact that she was going to deck Madam Pomfrey first. The patron of medicine kept telling her to breathe. “If you tell me to breathe one more time I am going to deck you.”

“You been hanging with Harry way too much.” Madam Pomfrey said as she started pushing the wheelchair once again. Minerva gave Flitwick a sympathetic look as she too moved on as the two ahead of her kept arguing.

Meanwhile as Hermione was being taken to the hospital wing and Harry was playing Qudditch outside, Dobby had apparated to Professor Dumbledore's office. The headmaster was currently mumbling something to himself as he faced the fireplace. He neither heard nor saw Dobby when he first apparated into his office.

“I is sorry, sir, but my miss told me to come here. I have important mission to go on, sir.” Dobby's high voice interrupted Dumbledore's train of thought. The aging headmaster turned to the source of the interruption with a smile gracing his lips and a twinkle in his electric blue eyes.

“Hello Dobby. What is it that Mrs. Grang…Er…Potter needs today?”

“She told me that I is to contact her parents and bring them here. But not without your permission.” Dobby's ears drooped a little as he spoke but when he noticed the headmaster's smile they perked up once more.

“Then go, but before you do I must ask if there is anything I can do to help.”

“No I think not, sir.” Dobby didn't need help, he knew that and so did the headmaster. House-elves do not like it when others take away their work even if they technically are free.

“Well then why don't you bring them here and then go and get the others. I am assuming that Mrs. Potter is in labor?” With a nod and a snap of his fingers Dobby left the castle and he apparated into the Granger's kitchen.It took a good hour for Dobby to assemble the Grangers, Lupin, and Weasleys but he did it and then apparated into the hospital wing were he knew he would be needed.

Harry Potter had just finished his flying session and was now heading back to his quarters with his best friend Ron and Ron's little sister Ginny. As they reached the portrait of The Fat Lady Harry gave the password but the picture wouldn't open.

“Hello! We said the password now would you please open up.” Ron bellowed at the picture. She just humped at him in ignorance. But when she spotted Harry she glared at him.

“I can't believe that you of all people would be coming here at a time like this.” She said. Ron and Harry shared a confused look and questioned her. “Well I mean with that wife of yours being in labor and all.” Harry didn't wait for the others; he tossed his broom to Ron and ran in the direction of the hospital wing.

He made it to the hospital wing after twenty minutes of moving stairs and classes getting out. Many people already heard the rumor and they stopped Harry, or tried to, to talk to him. He quickly brushed them aside and sent curses at the people who didn't move.

“Hermione!” He yelled upon entering the hospital wing. Harry tried to get his feet to stop moving but before he could he crashed into a bed and he heard someone snickering at him. Turning he saw the Slytherin first year that Madam Pomfrey had told not to move.

“Where are they?” He asked grasping for breath.

“Behind the curtain. Boy, for someone who married the smartest witch of the century you sure are dense.” He drawled in true Slytherin fashion. Harry gave him a glare before rushing to the curtain.

Just as he reached the curtain he heard Madame Pomfrey yell out, “Fifty points from Slytherin and a detention. Now get back in bed.” Harry turned and saw the first year with his hand on the doorknob. The first year gave a glare at the curtain and sulked back to the bed as if he was awaiting his doom. Harry gave him a sympathetic look, for he too knew what Madame Pomfrey could be like seeing as how a school year couldn't go by without him landing in the hospital wing for something or another.

Without any more hesitation Harry pulled back the curtain. He was greeted with the sight of his darling wife lying on a bed screaming. Wondering why he couldn't hear it in any other part of the hospital wing before he was glared at by Madam Pomfrey.

“Close the curtain. I put a silencing charm on it so that her screams couldn't be heard and disturb the other patients.” Harry didn't think they would bother the first year who just wanted to leave but he did as he was told and made his way quickly to the bed on which Hermione laid on.

“Hey, babe how are you doing?” Just as he asked the question he immediately wanted to take the words back.

Hermione shot him a glare of death. “How the hell do you think I feel?” She asked him. Sweat was running down her forehead and her eyes looked wild.

“Don't just stand there!” Madame Pomfrey yelled at Harry. “Help her!” Harry gave her a quizzical look and then saw that Professor McGonagall was there. She was holding Hermione's left hand and talking to her in a soothing voice. “Take her hand and give her mind something to focus on besides the pain.” Madame Pomfrey explained. Harry immediately did as he was told.

Grabbing her right hand he gave a quick grin to Minerva and went to work trying to calm down Hermione. “Hey. Baby, do you remember our third year here?” He asked and Hermione shot him a quizzical look. “Okay stupid question. But remember when we went back in time and how we saved Sirius?” She gave him a weak faltering smile before another contraction hit her. She let out a scream and so did Harry as he suddenly felt his hand break.

“Next time you are so having the baby!” She shouted, unfortunately for her and the first year the silencing charm had worn off. The poor Slytherin first year was now free to here everything that was going on. He settled himself in for a long day and prayed to Merlin that he never had children.

Albus Dumbledore had just received the Grangers and Remus Lupin in his office. He offered everyone a Lemon Drop and then casually sat down behind his desk once more. He went about twiddling his thumbs until Remus Lupin broke the uncomfortable silence. “What in heavens name is going on?” He asked.

“Yes for once I would like to know why a creature was in our office demanding that we get to Hogwarts immediately.” Mr. Dr. Granger said. He was scowling and all the while he was frowning. His wife on the other hand could just sense that something was wrong.

“Is Hermione in trouble? No that is an absorbed idea. Is she hurt? What is going on?” She hadn't seen her daughter since she had gotten married at the ripe young age of sixteen. At first they were against the wedding but they both knew there was nothing they could do about it but give their blessings. Say “no” and she'll just be even more convinced that getting married to Harry was worth it. So far, she thought, the marriage between the two was going well.

“Yes where is Hermione and Harry?” Remus Lupin asked. “Is Hermione…Oh my Merlin she is.” A sudden realization just hit him and he knew that if James and Sirius were there he'd be the one explaining it all to them as Lily sat on in wonder on how he put up with the two clueless boys for seven years of school and five more years afterward.

“Is she what?” Remus Lupin had come to some conclusion and now the Grangers were the only ones left in the dark. They both glared at Harry's guardian as if hoping that would get the information out of him. He just chuckled slightly as if them glaring was amusing and to him it was. He had received far worse glares than the ones they were giving him, especially when he got glared at by Professor McGonagall.

A soft yet deep note came floating through the air and he felt something land on his shoulder. “Hello Fawkes. How are you doing on the fine day?” He asked the phoenix who let out a soft note in reply. “I'm doing well thank you very much for asking.” Out of all of the Marauders Remus was the one in and out of Professor Dumbledore's office the most and yet he was the one who rarely got into trouble.

Another twenty minutes went by when all of the sudden the fire place roared to life. Molly and Arthur Weasley unfolded themselves and graciously stepped out of the fireplace. “We sent Dobby to the hospital wing.” Molly said as by way of greeting.

She took a quick glance around the room and then stopped. Frowning she said, “Why are you all sitting here?”

“Hermione's parents don't know what is going on.” Remus said as though this was something he went through everyday.

“What do you mean? Oh, Hermione and Harry didn't tell them.” Mrs. Weasley said as if the notion shocked her beyond all reason.

“Tell us what?” They both demanded.

“She is in the hospital wing right now having a baby.” Dumbledore said and then he went to his right hand draw. “Lemon drop anyone?”

“She just broke my hand.” Harry said as he gasped for air above the pain screaming in his hand.

“This is no time to be self centered Harry. What the hell do you think I am going through right now? I'm trying to get your son or daughter out of my body!” She said in her high pitched, don't mess with me, voice.

“Good point.” Harry said. Madame Pomfrey gave a startled cry as Dobby apparated into the hospital wing. He bowed low and then went about cleaning stuff up.

Hermione yelled Dobby's name three times before he answered her. “Me is sorry.” He said and his green eyes filled with tears. “What does miss need?” He asked.

“Oh Dobby I need you to tell me that you got my parents here.” She said her breathe heaving and her face screwed up in a look of pain.

“Honey, you never told them that you are pregnant. Remember? You kept saying you would owl them but you never did.” Harry said in a gentle voice. Hermione grabbed his shirt collar and pulled him down to her eye level. “Harry now is not the time to be questioning me.” She said with a growl. Harry nodded as he straightened himself up.

A while later the hospital doors swung open and in walked a group of people, they looked around the seemingly empty hospital wing but all they found was a boy looking like he was going to kill someone. “You are all really dense. You know that right?” He asked them all.

“No one has ever called me dense before…” Albus Dumbledore said to the first year. “…Many have called me mad, and they were right on the bludger.” The first year looked startled to see the headmaster and he immediately mumbled an apology. “Oh don't worry about it, Steven. Now if you don't mind we will be taking up residences for a little while. I suggest a nice relaxing game of chess and exploding snap.” He said and with the wave of his wand the two games he mentioned and several chairs and tables appeared.

The Grangers looked a little nervous at such an open display of magic. It wasn't until Ron spoke that either of them jumped out of their stupor. “Okay so who haven't I creamed in chess?” He asked the group of people around him.