A/N: Again I have to apologize for the long delay. As mentioned in the previous author's note I had my farewell at college. It was even worse than what I've written here. I cried for the first time since I was eight. I was in no state to write after that. That coupled with all my work kept me away from the story. At one point I was contemplating abandoning it. However I couldn't. I've grown a bit too attached to this story to leave it midway.
There will be three more chapters after this. Everything has been planned out so hopefully updates would be quick. The last bit of drama starts in this chapter. There is an eighteen month jump at one point, so keep that in mind. Thank you to all the reviewers. I know the continuity has been broken but please keep up the reviews. Maybe you can glance through the last one or two chapters before reading this. Happy reading!
Chapter Twenty: An Unexpected Problem
"I love you too," replied Ron, simply. Luna smiled at him. They shared a quick kiss. Though they had been together for a while, it made all the difference after those three words had been said.
"That's the first time somebody has said that to me," said Luna.
"Ditto for me. Though I've been in relationships before, never has anyone confessed their love for me. I'm glad you did the honors," replied Ron.
"Didn't Parvati say it? I thought she was serious about you," said Luna. Ron looked slightly uncomfortable.
"No, she never said it. If I hadn't got caught, she would have said it. Now that I think about it, I think it was a blessing in disguise that I got caught. It would have hurt the others more had they found out later. And I found you during my isolated days," answered Ron.
While admitting their love for each other, Ron and Luna had forgotten that they were spending their last few moments together. Of course they'd meet during the course of the holidays, but it wasn't the same as living under the same roof. Harry and Hermione's sober faces at their compartment door brought them back to reality. The four of them sat together.
"The moment of separation is very close," said Harry.
"Please don't speak like that Harry! This is the true test of our friendship. If we can keep in touch despite our physical distance, it'll prove the strength of our bond. As it is all of us are feeling bad and if you make comments like that, everything will get out of hand," scolded Luna. Harry kept quiet.
"So you two looking forward to seeing your place?" asked Ron, breaking the silence.
"Yes we are. It is the only positive thing in my mind at the moment. I never imagined leaving school would be so tough," replied Hermione. The train started slowing down before coming to a standstill. Nobody wanted to move. Ron took the initiative and got up. He held Luna's hand but she was refusing to move. A few tears leaked out of her eyes.
"Come on Luna! You just said this was a test. I promise you we'll pass it with flying colors," said Ron. They quietly walked out of the train. The moment had arrived. Everybody hugged each other. The last goodbyes were said.
Harry and Hermione apparated outside their house long faces. The mood couldn't have been worse. Though they managed to keep the tears away, they were crying within. They could have gone into the house just by apparating or Alohamora but Harry rang the doorbell. Kreacher opened the door. What they saw took their breath away.
Their entire gloom disappeared. The house looked absolutely stunning. It had been decorated, furnished and painted exactly as they had wanted. It was a welcome sight. They couldn't find even one flaw.
"It's perfect," said Hermione.
"It's all ours. I don't think professionals could have done it better," said Harry.
Both of them sat down in the living room after looking through the other rooms. They were just as good. Kreacher brought them some refreshments. They ate and drank in silence. They were still overwhelmed at the sight of their home. Harry turned to Kreacher.
"Thank you Kreacher for all you've done for the house. Without you it wouldn't have like this. Now you can return to Hogwarts. I've left your payment with Professor McGonagall. She'll give it to you," he said. Kreacher bowed and disappeared.
"I'm glad you've decided against keeping Kreacher permanently," said Hermione.
"At our age it's not a good idea to keep a houselve. We should learn to do things ourselves. Besides that we could do with some privacy," replied Harry mischievously.
"Exactly what do you have in mind, Mr. Potter?" asked Hermione moving closer to him.
"As much as I would like to take your offer, we should decide on a few things regarding the house. Maybe we can make up for it in the night," said Harry. Hermione nodded.
"Okay, how good are your cooking skills?" asked Harry.
"I'm afraid they aren't great. I can make a few basic things but for elaborate meals I need a lot of practice," said Hermione.
"That's alright! At least there's something besides Quidditch which you are not good at. So I'll do most of the cooking. You can take a few tips from me to start with. Thanks to the Dursleys, my cooking is rather good," said Harry.
"I can manage the finances of the house. We'll be slightly tight on that front due to the high cost of this place. However at the moment, things are under control. Within two or three years it'll be absolutely fine," offered Hermione.
"That's good. I'm rather poor at this. The other things we can share," said Harry. Kreacher had kept a large supply of food at their place but still they went shopping for some groceries. They felt like adults. It was a new experience for both of them and they were enjoying every bit of it.
Harry made a meat pie for dinner. Hermione too helped by making a soup. Their first meal at home was an affair to remember. It wasn't anything special but everything was new for them starting from cooking, laying the table, serving food, eating alone in their own house and cleaning the dishes.
"Wow! I love this! I hate to say but my thoughts about leaving Hogwarts seem like ages ago. The day has been superb," said Hermione.
"I know what you mean. We should have a party with everyone here. They'll love the place. I'm so glad you are here with me. If we had to separate like everyone else, I don't know how I would have managed," replied Harry. Hermione kissed him softly. Harry kissed back and it kept getting more and more passionate.
"Want to continue this in our bedroom?" asked Harry huskily.
"Yeah!" said Hermione quickly before recapturing Harry's lips. They had great difficulty finding their way to the bedroom. No matter how hard they tried they couldn't keep their hands of each other. They fell on to the bed as soon as they got to the room. Their limbs were all tangled up. Harry's hand found its way under Hermione's shirt. She gasped in pleasure. Things were heating up very quickly.
"Hermione, I won't be able to stop after this," said Harry desperately.
"Then don't stop," replied Hermione. Harry sat still.
"Are you sure of this? We can wait if you want. I don't want to pressurize you," he said.
"Harry, we'd had this discussion before. I have no problem. I'm totally in love with you and trust you completely. This being our first day at home makes it special. I've never been surer of anything," replied Hermione.
"I love you so much," said Harry and literally jumped on to her.
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
18 MONTHS LATER - CHRISTMAS, 2009
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"I hope there is enough to eat, I'm ravishing," said Ron coming walking into Peaceden. There was a party on Christmas Eve at Harry and Hermione's place.
"There is enough food for a DECENT person's appetite," replied Hermione, trying to sound firm. They exchanged pleasantries before sitting down.
"So who all are coming?" asked Luna.
"The Gryffindor's from our year at Hogwarts and a few more. Some friends of Harry's are also coming. They are his classmates from Auror training. I'd called a friend of mine but she couldn't make it," replied Hermione.
"So are you two excited about the next step?" asked Harry.
"Yeah I'm excited as well as nervous. Moving in together with Luna was always my dream. Now we have enough money between us to get a house. We've already looked around a bit. We'll see some more before making the final decision," answered Ron. The doorbell rang and Seamus and Dean walked in with their girlfriends.
"Congrats everybody! Ron and Luna for deciding to move in together and Harry and Hermione for your second anniversary," said Dean.
"Thanks a lot," said Harry and Ron together, "However our anniversary is not until midnight," added Harry.
"I'm surprised Neville and Ginny are late," said Hermione.
"Oh I know the reason for that. Just as me and Lav were walking into your place, we saw two people behind the large bush. They can't even survive a few hours without snogging," said Seamus.
"Excuse me; this is my sister you are talking about! My baby sister," said Ron clearing his throat.
"Come on Ron! You know very well how they act around each other. We can expect the doorbell to ring any moment," said Seamus. Just as he said this, the doorbell chimed. Everyone laughed.
They could see what Seamus meant. Ginny's lipstick was smudged and her makeup was not as it should have been. Neville's hair was unruly despite his best efforts to comb them properly.
"Sorry we are late. I'd got caught up with some work," said Neville. Everyone stifled a giggle.
"What's the joke?" asked Ginny innocently.
"Have a look at yourselves in the mirror and you'll understand. Even if Seamus hadn't told us what he'd seen behind the bush, we would easily have made out. Did you work involved checking out Ginny's tonsils?" countered Parvati. Both of them blushed deeply.
"Can we please change the subject?" said Ron. They didn't embarrass Ginny and Neville anymore.
Five minutes before midnight Harry called Hermione aside. "Can I talk to you alone in the bedroom?" he asked. Hermione nodded.
"I know I've said this to you many times but I can't stop myself. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Without you I'd be a nobody. Though I've enjoyed each and every moment with you, the last two years have been special. We'll be celebrating our second anniversary in a couple of minutes and I want to give you something special on this extra special occasion," said Harry.
"Oh Harry! You didn't have to. You just said the words which are in my mind. I feel exactly the same way," said Hermione. She saw Harry taking out a small velvet covered box. "Harry!" She gasped.
"No it's not what you think. It is a promise ring. I promise to stand by you no matter what happens, for the rest of my life," said Harry. Hermione kissed him fiercely. Very quickly both of them were on the bed.
"As much as I would like to have you right here, right now, it's rude to keep our guests waiting," said Hermione reluctantly getting up. Harry followed her.
"Thanks again for the ring," said Hermione as they walked downstairs hand in hand.
Since they had had a late night they had decided to sleep in. But early in the morning, Hermione woke up not feeling well. Her stomach felt uneasy, she rushed to the bathroom and immediately had a bout of vomiting. She brewed a potion for herself. She felt better after taking it. She didn't wake up Harry as he'd be worried. She lay down next to him and went back to sleep. When they woke up Hermione felt perfectly fine. She dismissed her sickness a freaky happening. Perhaps she'd eaten too much the previous night.
However the matter wasn't going to die down so easily. The events repeated the next day and the next. Since it was early in the morning, Harry had no idea. Hermione didn't feel the need to tell him. She suspected some sort of flu. She took a stronger potion. The potion seemed to have done the trick. Till New Year she didn't get sick. But on the third of January it happened again. Hermione was now getting worried. She decided to do some research in her library.
As she read her eyes widened. She rechecked in two other books. Her symptoms were clear signs of pregnancy. This couldn't be happening. Things were going so well. This would spoil everything. She worried about it throughout the day. She contemplated telling Harry but wanted to be sure herself first. So in the evening she bought a few muggle pregnancy tests. They were the most accurate indicator. She would test them in the next morning.
Hermione was again sick in the morning. Unfortunately for her Harry woke up. He saw Hermione was in a bad state.
"Hey what's the matter? It can't be very serious. We'll just go to St. Mungo's and have you checked up," he said putting an arm around her.
"Probably that's the best solution," said Hermione hesitantly. Harry noticed the uneasiness in her voice but didn't ask anything else.
"I'll prepare some breakfast. You get ready. Take care of yourself," he said, walking towards the kitchen. This was Hermione's chance. Quickly she performed the test. She had five strips. It took five minutes for the test to give its result. She waited with bated breath, not even looking at the strips. Five minutes passed, six, seven, and eight… The result would be right behind her now. Slowly she turned around. All five were positive.
Hermione sat down on the floor dazed. It was now confirmed. She was carrying Harry's child. She didn't know how she'd tell this to Harry. This wasn't in their plans. Both of them planned everything together. They didn't imagine this would happen.
Seeing no sign of Hermione, Harry grew concerned. He went upstairs and knocked on the bathroom door. There was no answer. He called out her name. Still no one answered. He opened the door. The sight of Hermione on the floor alarmed him tremendously.
"What's the matter Hermione? Are you alright?" he asked helping her up.
"Harry… I'm… I'm… Pr… Pregnant," Hermione stammered back.
"What?" Harry asked not believing what he had heard.
"I'm pregnant," repeated Hermione. Harry stood still not saying anything. Hermione grew uncomfortable at his silence.
"Please say something," she urged him.
"How could this have happened? We took all the required precautions. You didn't make a mistake, did you?" Harry asked.
"Harry how can you speak like that, at a time like this? You know very well that the precautions aren't hundred percent effective. And for your information I was extra careful, each and every time," replied Hermione angrily.
"I'm sorry for reacting like that. This has come as a real shock for me. I believe you feel the same. We have to sit down and think out our plan of action. This was totally unexpected. Anyway whatever it is we are in it together," said Harry. Though he was being supportive, Hermione could feel a certain coolness in his voice, which normally wasn't there. They ate breakfast in silence. Never had they had a quieter meal together. Harry was deep in thought. Hermione spoke after they had finished.
"So what do we do from here?" she asked.
"Let's sit in the living room. This is a very serious matter. We must not make any mistake. Even a small mistake may cost us dear," he said. He kept thinking in the living room.
"As bad as it sounds, there is no other way," said Harry. Hermione was confused.
"What do you mean Harry?" she asked.
"You should get an abortion," said Harry. Hermione turned pale. This was the last thing she was expecting from Harry. She didn't know how to react. She had been slightly relieved when Harry hadn't blown up on hearing the news. But what she heard now tore her. Surely Harry didn't mean it.
"But Harry there has to be another way. We can't just kill the baby," she objected.
"I know it sounds horrible. However there is no other way. I have thought about it long and hard. If you have a better suggestion I'd be happy to hear it," replied Harry. Hermione thought about it for a few minutes. She couldn't think of anything.
"So I take it you've agreed to my solution. I'm sorry about it but it's the only way out," said Harry. Hermione nodded briefly.
"Good! Don't feel guilty. We'll have plenty of opportunities later. There's no point in delaying this. Let's get over with it. Get ready. We're going to St. Mungo's," said Harry. Hermione walked to her room to get ready. She still didn't feel they were doing the right thing. She felt as if they were murdering someone. She reconciled herself by thinking there was no life to be murdered.
Harry had booked an appointment with Dr. Emily Bones. Both of them waited outside her room. When it was their turn, they got up but Hermione asked Harry to wait outside. She wanted to go through this alone.
"Good morning, Dr. Bones," said Hermione with a stiff smile.
"Good morning Ms. Granger. I've heard a lot about you from my daughter Susan. You were in the same year at Hogwarts, weren't you?" replied Emily with a smile.
"Yes we were. How is she doing now?" asked Hermione politely.
"Oh Susan is doing well. She is my assistant here. She's just gone to check on a few patients. Maybe you'll see her after a while. Now what is the problem?" said Emily.
"I'm pregnant," replied Hermione shortly. Emily looked at her for a few seconds before speaking.
"That's great! You maybe a bit young but don't worry. I've dealt with cases younger than you. It shouldn't be a problem but where is the father. Surely he hasn't deserted you," said Emily looking slightly concerned at the serious look on Hermione's face.
"No that's not the case. He's waiting outside. I wanted to meet you alone," said Hermione quickly. She didn't want Emily to think badly of Harry.
"Then you should be happy! Don't make a serious face like that. I understand your nervousness but let me assure you that there will be no problem. It is a wonderful feeling to have life inside you. Even I had Susan at your age. Initially I was skeptical but when I felt her kicking for the first time, I was proud. It was like I was helping somebody exist. I'm sure you'll feel the same way," said Emily not noticing the change of expression on Hermione's face.
"But it's not life yet. It's just a fetus," said Hermione.
"How can you say it's not life? The baby in there is as much alive as you and me. Don't ever say that. It's your baby. You have to be a responsible mother," replied Emily.
"But…," started Hermione. Emily stopped her.
"Lie down there. I'll show you what I mean. It's surprising to hear this from you. Normally all mothers are protective of their baby," said Susan. Hermione lay down without protesting. Emily rubbed an ointment over her belly. She then carried out an ultrasound. Emily smiled at what she saw but didn't tell Hermione yet. She showed the zoomed in visuals to Hermione.
"Look there is the head of the baby. And look at those tiny limbs. It's developing inside you. The shape is like any human being. It's getting nutrition from you. How can you not call this life?" asked Emily. Hermione saw the visuals. She understood what Emily meant. There was indeed life inside her. It was killing her to go ahead with the abortion. What she was about to do was nothing short of murder. But it had to be done. That was the decision she and Harry had taken.
"I hope you are convinced. So I guess you want to know about the morning sickness and other symptoms. Well there is nothing to worry…," she was stopped by Hermione.
"Doctor I want to get an abortion," said Hermione forcefully.
"Oh I see. Well, lie down again. It won't take very long," replied Emily, realizing the reason for Hermione's earlier attitude.
A tear leaked out of Hermione's eye as she lay down.
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When Hermione came out of Dr. Bones' room Harry was nowhere to be found. The receptionist told her that he had an urgent call from his training institute. At home Hermione sat alone. The events of the morning flashed through her head. She wanted to talk to Harry. Suddenly the phone rang. It was Harry.
"Hi Hermione, I'm sorry for ditching you like that. I hope you are alright," he said.
"Yeah I'm fine. When will you be back?" asked Hermione.
"I had to interview a suspected deatheater. I'll be back in a couple of hours," said Harry. Hermione waited patiently for Harry to arrive. She kept wondering if what she had done was right. Finally Harry arrived.
"Some holiday this is," he groaned. Both of them sat down with cups of coffee.
"I'm really proud of you Hermione. It's not easy for any mother to go through an abortion but you understood the situation well. It was the only thing we could have done. Was the process painful? I should have been there with you," said Harry trying to cheer Hermione up. Hermione took a deep breath before replying.
"Harry I didn't get an abortion"