A/N: You all seem to love those Gordon free chapters so much that we hate to tell you he's back with a vengeance in this one. He's getting creepier and creepier in his obsession with Hermione.
Looking over this chapter we noticed it was mostly H/Hr, guess that's how things worked out to be this time around.
Sorry that we didn't get a chance to respond to reviews, both of us have been crazy busy with things in RL, but we'll get back to those for the Tuesday update.
Enjoy and as always, please review! :)
Hermione stretched as the bell rang through the University corridors. "Thank Merlin," she muttered quietly to Gordon. "I feel as if I've been sitting here for days on end."
Gordon nodded. "Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if he didn't talk in such a monotone. I was practically stabbing my quill in my leg to keep myself awake," he whispered as they both collected their belongings.
Hermione laughed. "Is that why you kept jumping?" she teased him.
"You saw that, eh?" he asked, grinning at her.
"Of course I did," Hermione answered. "So did you want to go grab some coffee or something until next class?"
Gordon hadn't expected that. Usually, it was he who offered. "I'd love that," he said. "On one condition...you let me treat you."
"You don't have to buy me coffee all the time," Hermione said.
"You bought last time," he reminded her, following her out of the classroom.
"I did?" Hermione asked. "I completely forgot." she smiled at him. "All right then, you buy."
A few moments later, he and Hermione were seated in a coffeehouse near campus. As it was late morning, the place wasn't too crowded and Gordon smiled at Hermione as he watched her drink her cappuccino.
"So I tried calling last night, but I guess you were out," he said conversationally.
"Oh yes, Harry and I were out with Ron and Luna," Hermione replied. "We went to this great Thai restaurant. You should take Skylar there sometime."
"She, um, doesn't really like Thai food," Gordon said. He hadn't seen Skylar since the wedding, but Hermione didn't have to know that. "So did the four of you have a nice time?"
"Yes it was nice," Hermione replied. "It's funny, I feel as if we see so much of one another yet if you really think about it we all don't get a chance to get together as often these days. Cho and Neville are busy with the baby; Lavender and Seamus have their careers which are really taking off..." Hermione shrugged. "At least I have Harry to go home to each night."
Gordon smiled, but inwardly he was fuming. Potter again, of course. Everything eventually came back to him, didn't it? "You're quite lucky," Gordon forced himself to say. "It's nice to have someone to share your life with like that."
"It's funny, really..." Hermione said thoughtfully. "At this point last year I pretty much had despaired on ever finding anyone. And to be honest, it didn't cross my mind all that often- I was too focused on school. But after I met Harry so many things changed."
Gordon listened politely, but he really didn't want to spend his time with Hermione hearing for the umpteenth time about the great love story that was Harry and Hermione.
"So anyways," Hermione changed the subject, realising she was probably boring her friend. "What do you think this next big project will be about?"
Gordon relaxed. "I don't know, but I imagine it will be time-consuming and tedious as always."
"I'm actually kind of looking forward to it," Hermione replied. "I mean... especially if he allows us to spend the time working in the library rather than sit and listen to him lecture in class."
Gordon grinned. "There's the Hermione I know and love! I knew she was in there somewhere."
"Hey I've been here all along!" Hermione bumped his shoulder playfully. "This side of me's just been sleeping due to boring lectures is all!"
He laughed. If he'd been having any doubts that he should drop his plans, the way she was acting with him now convinced him that it was for the best. They were perfect together, he thought to himself. She could be herself with him and it wouldn't be too long before she'd know it, too. He had to start preparing. An idea formed in his head and though he knew it was risky, he had to do it. He'd wasted enough time already. But, to do it, he had to get Hermione away from the table.
"Did you want a refill?" he asked, hoping she'd offer to go up to the counter for both of them.
"Oh sure," Hermione said. "I've got it," she took his cup. "You get to buy next round."
"Okay," he grinned as she walked over to the counter. With his leg, he pulled Hermione's bag closer to him. With one last look to make sure she wasn't looking, he reached inside and pulled out her keys. He quickly pocketed them and slid Hermione's bag back by her chair.
She thanked the woman at the counter and brought the newly filled cups back. "There we are," Hermione
said.
Gordon grimaced. "Actually, Hermione...I just remembered an errand I needed to run before our next class. I'm afraid I'm going to have to take my coffee to go."
"Oh," He was pleased to see Hermione look slightly downcast. "Well all right then, I'll just get caught up on some reading then."
"Save me a seat," he asked bending down to pick up his own bag. He wished so much to be able to give her a proper goodbye. "I'll see you later."
"All right see you in a bit," Hermione waved him away, pulling a thick tome out of her bag.
Gordon was positively beaming as he walked out of the coffeehouse. He so loved it when a plan came together.
Nearly a half-hour later, Gordon was sprinting through the quad toward the building that housed the Transfiguration classroom. He'd really gambled with the time, but he didn't have any choice. This would have been his only opportunity to get her keys without her knowledge and with the free time between classes, he knew he'd be able to get a copy made.
Hermione was just settling down at her desk when she saw Gordon come through the door. "Did you get your errands finished?" she asked.
A little out of breath, he nodded. Now, all that remained was putting them back, unnoticed. In theory, that was what he hoped would happen. The last thing he needed was for Hermione to catch him dropping her set of keys into her bag. The jig would most definitely be up.
Hermione smiled and went back to her book. "I've been doing a bit of reading ahead and I went to the library and checked out a few of the textbooks I think we might need for the project. They're in my bag if you want to take a look."
He couldn't believe his good luck. The gods were certainly smiling down on him today. She had no idea what gift she'd just given him. "Thanks, Hermione," he said, leaning down and indiscreetly grabbing her set of keys out of his own bag. Looking up at her, he saw her attention focused on the book in front of her. He looked inside her bag and dropped the keys.
"I'll want to borrow some of those," he said, smiling at her as he sat back in his chair. "You're an angel."
Hermione laughed. "Well it sort of pays back for all those books you've brought to me," she answered.
"I guess we're even then," he said.
"When did you want to get started on this?" Hermione asked absently as she turned the pages of her book.
"I'm free anytime," he said, shrugging. "Whenever is good for you..."
"Well let's hear what he," Hermione nodded her head in the direction of the professor. "…gives us formally... and from there we can work out a study schedule? Besides," Hermione teased. "I'm sure Skylar will want a say in your schedule too!"
"Yeah," Gordon said with a slight smile. She probably would have if he'd paid her the slightest bit of attention. He didn't have any more time to talk to Hermione as the professor began the lesson. Looking at Hermione out of the corner of his eye, he knew that she'd soon be his and his alone.
*** *** ***
Hermione winced as the sunlight sliced through the open shades. "Ughhh..." she muttered as she rolled over, pulling the covers over her and burying her face in her pillow.
At that same moment, the annoying sound of the alarm clock going off filled the room, waking up Harry as well. Blindly he reached out to shut it off. When he finally hit the snooze button, he buried his own face back into his pillow.
"I hate mornings..." Hermione moaned. This morning, especially. Her stomach was churning and she was afraid to move lest it make things worse.
"Mmmph," Harry said incoherently into his pillow.
She pressed her lips together as her hand blindly reached out and touched Harry's bare shoulder. "Harry..." Hermione croaked.
Harry turned his head toward her, but didn't open his eyes. "Stay in here a little longer...we'll get up in a few minutes," he said, his voice scratchy from sleep.
Hermione tried to turn onto her back, which was a big mistake.
Oblivious, Harry reached out for her and tried to pull her to him. With his eyes still closed, he lifted his head up from the pillow and went into kiss her, but heard her groan. The next thing he knew he felt the covers hitting him in the face as Hermione rushed out of bed and into the loo. He sat in bed wondering what had just happened.
"Hermione...?" he called out groggily, rubbing his eyes. He sat up in bed as he heard the muffled sound of her retching.
Hermione finished emptying her stomach and pulled the lid down so she could rest her head against the cool porcelain. She shook as small tears came to her eyes, and a fine sheen of sweat had appeared on her forehead. Hermione was so tired that she didn't even notice Harry come to the bathroom door.
"Hermione..." he called out to her, pushing the ajar open all the way. When he saw her slumped over the toilet, he walked over to her and knelt down beside her. Putting a hand to her forehead, his brow creased in concern as he felt how hot she was. "Sweetheart..." he asked softly.
"Don't," Hermione whimpered, pushing his hand away.
"You're burning up," he said matter-of-factly. "Come on; let's get you back to bed."
"I'll be all right," Hermione didn't resist as he helped her up.
He gingerly helped her back to the bed. "Do you want me to get you some water or some juice?" he asked, not liking at all how pale her skin looked and how hot her forehead had felt.
"No," Hermione said. "I can't lie around here I have to go to class..."
"And have you passing out on the way? I don't think so!" Harry said, shaking his head. "You're staying home today."
"I'm feeling better already," Hermione finally sat up.
"Hermione," he said, hoping to reason with her. "You're sick. Everyone's entitled to take a day off or two when they're sick."
"But I already took a few days off," Hermione pushed the covers away. "I was only hot because I was throwing up."
"And why did you throw up?" Harry asked. "It's because you are sick. You're pushing yourself too far with these classes. You were up until two last night, Hermione. Your body's trying to tell you to slow down."
"Harry I'm FINE," Hermione felt herself get snappish. She honestly already felt better. "Honestly, I probably just ate something that disagreed with me."
"Are you sure?" he asked, still unconvinced. She rolled her eyes as he felt her forehead again. The colour had returned to her cheeks. "Okay so you're not burning up anymore, but you scared me to death, Hermione..."
"Sorry," she softened as she looked up at him. "But I'm fine now I promise Harry."
"Alright," he relented. Leaning in, he kissed her forehead. "I'm going to go downstairs and fetch you some juice. How does that sound?"
"Sure," Hermione replied. "I'm just going to brush my teeth- I've got quite a nasty taste in my mouth."
"Okay," he said squeezing her hand before heading out of the bedroom.
Hermione pulled her long hair off her face as she splashed some cool water on her skin. She still wasn't feeling a hundred percent but she'd make it through the day. After brushing her teeth vigorously, Hermione pulled on a pair of jeans and one of Harry's soft button down shirts.
"Wasn't sure which one you wanted so I brought you apple and orange," Harry said coming back into the bedroom holding two glasses.
"Orange is great," Hermione smiled and took a tiny sip. "Thank you."
"Stealing my clothes again, eh?" he teased.
Hermione smiled. "Makes me think of you during the day," she hugged the shirt to her. "And they're very comfortable as well."
He smiled. "I'd better get in the shower. I have class in thirty minutes. Will you promise me that if you start to feel ill again, you'll come home straightaway?"
"I promise," Hermione replied, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for the juice."
"See you tonight," he promised, winking at her before disappearing into the bathroom.
Hermione watched him go and then went downstairs and grabbed her bag. She didn't have class herself for another hour but knew she needed some fresh air as her stomach was starting to bubble again. "Please don't," she whispered, not wanting to be sick all day.
The rest of her day was much of the same. During one of her breaks, she ran from Gordon and a few other people in her class for the loo where she again emptied the contents of her stomach, although she didn't run a fever. She could tell Gordon was concerned, but she waved off his comments and insisted she was fine.
After all, there couldn't be anything wrong. Not when everything in her life was going so right.
*** *** ***
Traditionally, sales went down after the holiday season, but for Madam Malkin's shop, sales were at an all-time high. Madam Malkin was quite pleased and as a result, she'd taken to putting some of Lavender's designs on display throughout the store and in two of the display windows.
With Cho out on maternity leave at least for another month or so, Madam Malkin had employed Caroline Drummond, a pretty black-haired girl who was helping out until Cho came back.
Caroline grinned at Lavender as yet another customer walked out after purchasing a Lavender Brown Original.
"We've only been open two hours and already we've sold five of your designs," Caroline gushed.
Lavender was ecstatic. "I can't believe this!" she squealed. "Seamus is going to be so excited!"
"I don't know if he could top Madam Malkin's reaction," Caroline commented with a laugh. "I can't believe she went out to get champagne. It's still morning."
Lavender laughed. "It's five o'clock somewhere in the world," she replied teasingly.
"True," Caroline said, sitting down on a chair behind the counter. "You really are talented, Lavender. I saw the photographs from Cho's wedding. Those dress robes were fabulous."
"Thanks," Lavender replied. "I appreciate that... I guess I never thought my doodling would pay off like this!"
"And when you're rich and famous, I can say I knew you when," Caroline said. "I'll tell the newspapers and magazines how I used to fold robes alongside the great Lavender Brown."
Lavender snorted back her laughter. "The Great Lavender Brown..." she mused. "I wonder what my boyfriend would think of that."
"I'm sure he'd be really proud of you," Caroline replied. She'd seen Seamus a couple of times when he came into the shop to visit with Lavender. "He's really quite dreamy, isn't he? And that accent, too! You're so lucky."
The blonde smiled as she thought of Seamus. "Yeah," she said wistfully. "He's really sweet and charming."
"And walking in the door this very minute," Caroline said, motioning toward the door.
"Seamus!" Lavender squealed in surprise. "You'll never believe what's happened today!!"
"I imagine I will," Seamus said, forcing a grin for Lavender. "I spent the entire evening last night cleaning up the set which those morons flooded. I had to spend the first part of this morning explaining to my professor why I needed an extension for the project. So, if you have good news, love...I'm all ears."
"That's horrible," Lavender's good mood deflated a bit. "What is wrong with those idiots at your bloody school?"
"I have no idea, but I'm stuck with them until the end of the project," Seamus said, nodding hello to Caroline. "So, enough about me. What's your great news?"
"FIVE of my designs have sold just today!" Lavender's grin reappeared. "FIVE of them Seamus!"
"Five?" Seamus asked, beaming at her. "It's not even noon yet! That's fantastic." He picked her up in his arms and spun her around. "I always knew you were talented, now the rest of the world is catching on, too!"
Lavender giggled. "So here's hoping that you'll be free tonight to celebrate with me," she said.
"I still have some cleaning up to do, but I'll try and get away early," Seamus promised. "Lavender, I'm really proud of you."
"Thanks," she said. "I can't wait to tell everyone else but I'm so glad you came when you did. I wanted you to be first to know."
"I'm honoured," he said, leaning in to kiss her. "I just had a couple of minutes myself. I wanted to stop in and see you before heading back to campus. I'm glad I did."
"Me too," Lavender wished she could kiss him more passionately but it wouldn't look very professional for her to be sneaking away now.
"I'll give you a call later today and let you know a better idea of when I'll be able to get away," he said smiling at her. "Well, ladies enjoy the rest of your day."
"You too love," Lavender said. "Good luck." she squeezed his hand.
"I'll need it in spades," he said with a wry smile.
After he'd left, Caroline sighed. "You certainly don't need the luck....a keen eye for fashion and a dreamy boyfriend."
Lavender laughed. "I haven't always had luck; I've had my fair share of bad boyfriends."
"What is it they say?" Caroline asked thoughtfully. "You have to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince..."
Lavender laughed harder. "Well I had the biggest frog of all this past summer holiday," she replied. "But it led me to Seamus... so I guess I can't think of it too horribly."
"Guess not," Caroline agreed. "I'm going to pop in next door for a coffee, want me to bring you back anything?"
"I'm fine," Lavender said. "Thanks though."
"Sure," Caroline said, heading toward the front door. "I'll just be a few minutes."
Lavender watched her go with a smile. She liked Caroline, and hoped she would stay on even if Cho decided to come back to her job there.
"There's my star designer," Madam Malkin said coming through the door. She smiled broadly at her protégée and set a bottle of champagne on the counter. "I know it's early, but we have much to celebrate."
Lavender laughed. "I owe you so much Madam Malkin," she replied. "If it weren't for you putting my designs here, I wouldn't have anything right now!"
"It's just the beginning, my dear girl," Madam Malkin said, giving her a hug. "I knew you had something when you showed me your designs. I haven't seen talent such as yours in years."
Lavender actually felt tears well up in her eyes. "Thank you," she said.
"I'm going to need you to submit some more designs," Madam Malkin said. "One of the Hogwarts professors told me they were having a Valentine's Day dance this year and we're really going to need to stock up for that. Do you think you can come up with a few ideas?"
"I'm sure I can!" Lavender said. "In fact, I might have a few already. I got inspired the other night and started drawing..." she rummaged in her bag for her sketchbook.
Madam Malkin watched with delight as Lavender opened up her sketchbook and showed her newest designs. "That one right there...I'm sure the girls at Hogwarts would love."
Lavender couldn't stop her smile. "That one, and then I think if I did this one in red and another one in white..."
"You've read my mind," Madam Malkin said happily. "We better get to work soon. We haven't much time before Valentine's."
"Right," Lavender waved her wand and several bolts of fabric flew towards them from the walls in exactly the shades she wanted. "What a great charm," she said happily.
"Magic definitely helps in our business," Madam Malkin said with a laugh.
*** *** ***
Harry laughed as Chiaki gave him a gummy smile. "She's grinning at me," he said smugly.
"It's probably gas," Cho snorted, rubbing at the back of her neck. She absolutely loved motherhood and everything that came with it, but she desperately missed sleep.
Hermione slowly came back downstairs. She still couldn't shake the stomach bug that had plagued her the past few days. Because she didn't want Harry to worry, she'd just excused herself and discreetly went upstairs. Things around the Potter-Granger house had been a little tense. It had been nearly a week since they'd made love and she knew Harry was a little cranky because of it. She missed it, too, but this stomach bug certainly didn't put her in the mood.
"And she's back," Cho smiled as she saw her friend.
Hermione gave a weak smile. She'd also tried to stay away from the baby as she certainly didn't want to pass on her nasty stomach bug to the newborn.
"Sorry about that," she said softly.
"Are you all right?" Harry asked her, his eyebrows knitting together. "You told me you were feeling better..."
"I'm fine," she snapped. Seeing the stunned expressions on Neville and Cho's faces, she shrugged. "I'm feeling loads better. I just had to go to the loo."
"What was wrong?" Cho asked. "You were sick Hermione?"
"Just a stomach bug," Hermione said dismissively. "But I'm really okay. Honestly."
Harry still looked at her suspiciously but he settled back against the sofa. Cho looked at her sorrowfully. "I guess you'd better not come near the baby then," she said. "I feel just awful saying that but--"
"No," Hermione said giving her a reassuring smile. "I understand completely. I'll keep my distance."
Neville looked at her sympathetically as well as Harry made funny faces at Chiaki who was staring quite adoringly at her godfather. She still had her glossy patch of black hair atop her head but her eyes had turned silvery grey like Malfoy's in the past few days.
"I really hope she starts easing into a sleep pattern soon," Cho said. "Honestly- I'm so glad I'm home all day and not have to work otherwise things would be a disaster."
"Maybe when I'm feeling better, you'll let me baby-sit," Hermione offered. "That way you can catch up on your sleep a little. I'd be glad to do it, Cho."
"I'm not above taking you up on that," Cho laughed. "I would appreciate it."
"I actually tried to reason with her the night before," Neville related to his friends. "I told her that daddy really needed her to go to sleep because Mummy and Daddy were knackered. And she cried even more..."
"Normally she quiets right up when Neville holds her," Cho said. "I thought she might even have colic but I took her to the doctor for a check-up and he said it was normal for her to cry a lot."
"Well, I'd say our daughter was beyond normal then," Neville said with a laugh.
Harry laughed. "She seems just fine with me," he boasted.
"He always could charm the ladies," Neville joked.
Harry's smile widened. "Very true," he said. "Looks like I haven't lost my touch either," he and Neville laughed as Hermione and Cho rolled their eyes.
"And you certainly haven't lost your large ego, either," Hermione said.
Cho laughed loudly. "Hermione, have you got any tea? I'm dying for a cup."
"Certainly," Hermione said, glad for an excuse to go to the kitchen to get some seltzer water to settle her stomach. "I'll go and put the kettle on."
"I'll help you out," Cho said. "It's so much easier to get up these days," she said happily.
"I can't believe how great you look," Hermione commented as they entered the kitchen. "I certainly wouldn't know you just had a baby."
"Thanks," Cho said. "I tell you though, one good thing came of all that weight," she turned to the side. "Check these out! Neville's certainly been enjoying them when we have ten minutes to lie down and play around." she grinned mischievously.
Hermione laughed. "One of the fringe benefits, eh?"
"Aye," Cho agreed, taking the tea kettle and filling it with water. "So what's this about you having a stomach bug?"
Hermione poured herself a glass of seltzer water and sat down at the table. "I wish I knew. I've not been able to shake it though."
"What's been wrong?" Cho asked. "I mean... have you had a fever or anything?"
"Just the first day," Hermione replied with a shrug. "But I think it was just from throwing up..."
"How many times have you thrown up?" Cho asked.
"Every day this week actually," Hermione answered, before taking a sip of her water. "Some days are much better than others though."
Cho stared at her.
"What?" Hermione asked, pulling a confused face. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Hermione..." Cho took a deep breath. "All right..." she lowered her voice. "I'm not trying to scare you here... but these are almost exactly what my symptoms were when I found out I was pregnant."
"PREGNANT?" Hermione asked, louder than she'd wanted to.
"Shhhh!" Cho said but it was too late, for Harry and Neville appeared in the doorway.
Hermione froze as Harry looked at her quizzically.
"What... Hermione... is there something you're not telling me?" Harry asked, still holding Chiaki in his arms.
"No," Hermione said quickly. "Of course not. Um...Cho was just showing me her, um...new cleavage from the pregnancy and I was just amazed that she got it from being pregnant. That's all."
Neville nodded and turned a snicker into a cough, while Harry still looked unconvinced. Cho sighed. "Hermione..."
"Shouldn't that tea be ready yet?" Hermione asked, getting to her feet.
"Hermione," Harry said now, handing Chiaki back to her father.
"Don't we still have some of those biscuits?" Hermione asked, avoiding his gaze. "I imagine they'd be really great with some tea."
"Are you pregnant?" Harry demanded.
"NO! Of course, I'm not," Hermione said, but wondered if this was true. She and Harry had always been careful, but there was that one time a few months ago when she'd forgotten about the charm.
"Are you sure?" Harry asked.
Neville looked uncomfortably at his wife. This wasn't a conversation meant for them to hear. "Cho, perhaps we should take the baby home now?"
Cho nodded. "We'll owl you later all right?" she placed a hand on Hermione's arm. "We need to have a talk if..." her unspoken words hung in the air.
Hermione nodded and watched as her two friends walked out of the kitchen. A few moments later, Hermione heard the door shut. She and Harry were alone. "Did you still want some tea?" she asked, trying to change the subject.
"Don't avoid this," Harry's eyes were narrowed. "Hermione... why wouldn't you have told me that you might be pregnant?"
"Maybe because I'm not?" Hermione asked sarcastically. "And why are you interrogating me?"
"Because this could bloody change our lives!" Harry exclaimed.
Hermione sighed. "I just have a stomach bug, Harry. I'm not pregnant. It's not possible."
"Why is it not possible?" Harry asked.
"Because we've been careful," Hermione said a little unconvincingly.
"It takes both sides of that charm," Harry said, his eyes boring into hers. "Have you forgotten?" He reached over to take her hands. "Hermione... please don't turn away from me."
"So I guess it was all my responsibility...is that what you're saying?" she asked him angrily. "It was all up to me. So, if I am pregnant, it would be my fault and my fault alone? Is that what you're saying?"
"No," Harry forced himself to stay patient. "It's not your fault..." he let out a breath. "If, IF you are pregnant... a lot of things will change but we'll make do." he reached out to touch her cheek. "I'd never leave you, you know that."
Hermione softened. "I know. And I just forgot that one night, Harry. It… was a few months ago, one of those nights in November after your training was so bad and you wanted a massage…"
Harry nodded. "Well... our next step is finding a trustworthy mediwizard who wouldn't blab this to the media." he pulled her over gently to sit on his lap.
Hermione nodded and felt tears welling up in her eyes. Sure, they'd talked about one day having a family, but it was much too soon for that.
Harry noticed her tears and hugged her. "It's okay sweetheart," he said. "I promise we'll work something out if you're pregnant."
"I hadn't even considered that I could be until Cho said something," Hermione said, resting her head on his shoulder as he held her. "But it all makes sense, doesn't it?"
"Yes, a bit," Harry replied. "Except for that fever you were running that first day you got sick..." he sighed. "I wonder if I should owl the hospital or just go over there."
Hermione shrugged. "I was thinking I could just go see my dad, but he'd probably have a heart attack if he knew..."
Harry grimaced as he thought of an angry Robert Granger. "And I know who he'd be coming to kill," he said.
Hermione wanted to tell him that was rubbish, but she knew Harry was right. Robert would be beyond angry if he knew there was even a slight possibility she was pregnant. "Maybe you could run to the chemist and get one of those Muggle pregnancy tests?" Hermione suggested.
"Well what if it DOES come up negative? Then we're right back at square one," Harry replied. "If we go to the mediwizard, he or she will be able to tell us what's wrong."
"You're right," Hermione said. "I hadn't thought of that..."
"Let me go send them an owl," Harry squeezed her hand. "Maybe if I pull a few strings they can get us in right away."
"Are you sure it's a good idea to send an owl?" Hermione asked. "What if it was intercepted?"
"I can just go over there," Harry nodded. "You're right- we don't live far away."
Hermione didn't say anything. She still wondered why he didn't want her to get a Muggle pregnancy test. While it was true that they'd be back at square one not knowing what was wrong with her, at least she'd have peace of mind about this.
She got off Harry's lap as he stood up. "I'll come back and get you if there's the off chance they can fit you in today," he said. "Otherwise, no need to risk attention by both of us going in there."
"Fine," Hermione said absently. She walked out of the kitchen and curled up on the sofa, pulling a blanket around her.
Harry looked in on her as he tugged his cloak on. "Do you... need anything before I go?" he asked.
"No," she said softly. "I'll be okay...just go."
Harry felt like something more than the situation at hand was wrong with her but he simply nodded. "I'll be back as soon as I can." he said.
As soon as Hermione heard the front door shut behind him, the fresh set of tears she'd been holding off fell freely down her cheeks. This couldn't be happening, she thought to herself, not now. It wasn't supposed to happen now. It was supposed to happen later when they'd both finished up school and training, respectively. If there was any bright lining to this, at least her parents didn't know and wouldn't know until she knew for sure. What would they think? She shuddered to imagine her father's reaction.
A half hour later, Harry sighed in frustration and accepted the soonest available appointment, which was three days away. "Are you absolutely positive--" he began.
"Yes, I'm afraid so," the receptionist replied.
"All right," Harry finally gave up and took the slip of parchment. "Thanks for helping me out." he left St. Mungo's.
He kicked a rock along the pavement as he walked back to Horizon Alley. He knew Hermione was upset about this, and a part of him was upset too but another part of him was excited at the thought that sometime in the next year, there was a possible chance of him becoming a father.
After she'd finished crying, Hermione turned the television on trying to get something to take her mind off what was happening, but she wasn't really paying attention. She didn't even flinch when she heard the front door opening.
"Sorry that took me so long," Harry came into the room a few minutes later. "Earliest I could get you in is Wednesday..."
Hermione lifted her head and stared back at him in disbelief. "Wednesday? I'm supposed to wait until Wednesday?" she asked him, shaking her head.
"I know," Harry dropped down on his knees next to the sofa. "I tried everything I could think of to get in sooner..."
"I still think you should go by the chemist and get one of those Muggle tests, Harry," Hermione said. "At least we'd know..."
"What do Muggles know about tests?" Harry asked. "Honestly, those things aren't accurate!"
"And how would you know that?" Hermione asked crossly. "Had much experience with them, have you?"
"No," Harry replied. "And don't look at me that way. I know Wednesday seems a long time off but I just think we're better waiting until we can find out everything at once."
Hermione nodded, but she didn't see why he wouldn't budge of getting one of the Muggle tests. Well, she wasn't about to wait until Wednesday. She'd just go herself tomorrow to the chemist's and pick one up herself.
"In the meantime," Harry said. "This gives you a chance to make me run around and get you anything you want." he tried to lighten the mood.
Despite herself, Hermione couldn't help but smile. She knew he was just as worried as she was. "Would you just...sit here with me and hold me? That's all that I want right now."
Harry smiled. "Of course I will. That's actually what was I hoping to hear," he slid in behind her as she sat up and pulled her blanket up as she leaned back against his chest. "I love you," he kissed the side of her head. "And no matter what those test results are..."
"We'll deal with it together," she finished for him.