Ain't Life Grand? by beverlyhills Rating: R Genres: Drama, Romance Relationships: Harry & Hermione Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6 Published: 19/12/2006 Last Updated: 29/01/2007 Status: In Progress *WARNING* MAJOR Alternate Universe and OOC Hermione. Hermione’s life hasn’t turned out the way she planned. In her dreams it was always her and Harry, not this mess she’s in now. Now, a mistake ten years ago ruined all her dreams, but can she still have hers with Harry? Rated R for strong language. 1. Dreams Don't Come True ------------------------- Disclaimer: **I don’t own Harry Potter.** A/N: Hey y’all. This is my first story ever published on Portkey!!! Now, I had to make a few changes in the book so this story makes sense. First, there are no Horcruxes. In this story, let‘s just pretend Harry finished Voldie couple years ago. He‘ll just get in the way. This story might be about….I don’t know, what, 20 chapters sound good? Okay. That being said, enjoy and review, I am open to any criticism and suggestions to make my story better, so, review, even to say that you hated it and there’s no way to fix it *Hogwarts, 6th year.* *“WE……..ARE THE CHAMPIONS………..MY FRIEEEEEENNNNNDSSSSSS!!!!!”* Hermione laughed and got herself another butterbeer. “I think Seamus is drunk,” she said speaking loudly over the music to Ron at the table. Ron grinned and replied, “When is he isn’t?” They both laughed and watched as Seamus sang into his butterbeer bottle. It was the party after the Quidditch Cup. Of course, Gryffindor flattened Ravenclaw, but it was a close match. In fact, it would be Ravenclaw celebrating tonight if Ron had let that last goal in. It was actually an amazing save, even to Hermione, who didn’t even care for Quidditch. Ron had been on the other side of the goal, and he somehow managed to shoot back over to where the Quaffle was being thrown in, and, with the tips of his fingers, knocked the Quaffle out just as Ginny found the snitch. The score? 410 to 420, in favor of Gryffindor. So, being that he basically “saved” the game, Ron was feeling mighty cocky. So Hermione played along, praising and bowing down to him while the whole Gryffindor team lifted him up and carried him to the common room while he held on to the trophy. Only Ginny seemed slightly put out. She was sitting on an armchair by the fire. Hermione went over to her. “What’s wrong?” she asked. Lavender stumbled and fell near them. Hermione ignored her. “Ginny?” Ginny sighed. “I don’t know…I guess I just feel bad that Harry had to miss out on it.” “Miss out on what?” Ginny sighed again. “That, you know, he missed out on playing the game.” Hermione laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m sure that Harry will play a thousand more games and win a thousand more trophies. Don’t worry. There’s always next year. And besides, when he comes back from detention with Snape, he’s got a party to go to! I think that’s a nice reward for alphabetizing detention records, don’t you?” Ginny smiled. “Always right, aren’t you, Hermione?” Hermione smiled too. “You know it.” Ginny stood up. “Well, I think I’ll get another butterbeer. Want one?” Hermione laughed. “You know, the butterbeer’s spiked with fire whisky. Be careful how much you drink.” Ginny had mock surprise on her face. “Hermione? *Prefect* Hermione, not confiscating fire whisky *and* drinking it too?” Hermione ignored her and drank her butterbeer. She wondered about Ginny. Ever since she broke up with Dean, she seemed to be psyching herself up to do something. Hermione looked at her. Ginny was chugging down the butterbeer. Hermione took another sip, and then stopped. She was starting to feel a buzz. She shook her head to clear it, then put her drink down. Hermione hadn’t gone five steps when Lavender Brown came tumbling into view again. She helped Lavender up and said, “Are you drunk?” Lavender giggled and said, “Sshhhhhhh, don’t tell no one.” Hermione dropped her on the floor. She was still pretty pissed off at her. How could she have used Ron like that? Leading him on and then just dumping him. She was glad when Ron finally got the balls to break it up with her. Everyone thought the reason Hermione was so angry about their relationship was because she was jealous. *Hell no*, she thought. *I mean, sure Ron’s cute, but my heart’s been stolen long ago*. Hermione laughed out loud when she heard herself say that. It sounded so cheesy. But, she had to admit, it was true. She didn’t just have a crush. Oh no, what started out as a simple crush escalated into full-blown love. Ever since third year, when Harry and her waited outside with Buckbeak, they had talked about anything and everything. From Quidditch to muggle television. She was surprised just how easy it was to talk to him. And spending almost half a year with him alone during fourth year only sped up her feelings for him, and she finally realized that she loved Harry at the end of last year. Yes Hermione loved Harry Potter. The only problem was he had no idea. Lavender was clawing at Hermione’s jeans like a drunk. Hermione shook her off and went to Ron who was comforting a depressed Luna. “What are you two lovebirds doing here all by yourself?” Hermione asked as she sat right next to them. Ron looked as though he might laugh. “Luna’s mad at me since I didn’t let Ravenclaw win.” He turned to Luna. “Honey, you know I’m sorry and all, but,” he sighed, “I just gots the skills baby.” Hermione laughed and started to walk away (since she knew Luna wasn’t gonna be happy soon) and started walking to the table to get a snack. when the portrait door opened and Harry walked in. A blast of noise hit him and he looked shocked. He opened his mouth to say something when suddenly all Hermione saw was red hair right in front of him. Hermione’s mouth was open. Was that…*Ginny?* The whole room had gone completely silent. She vaguely heard a bottle breaking. Hermione didn’t exactly know when Harry and Ginny broke apart. It could have been minutes, hours, or possibly several dark and stormy days. All Hermione knew was that Ginny had been kissing Harry, *her* Harry. Harry glanced nervously around the room as whistles and cat calls rang out. His eyes landed on Hermione. She quickly broke into a smile. What the hell was she supposed to do, kill him? Yes, but that might be a little too extreme. Harry and Ginny walked back out of the portrait hole. Hermione grabbed a butterbear and, with a smile still plastered on, she walked towards her dormitory. All around her a buzz broke out: “Harry and Ginny?” “I thought they’d get together soon” “Yeah, I mean, Hermione-” Hermione closed the door behind her and walked up slowly up the stairs. She landed on her bed, and, after placing silencing charms on her curtains, she fell onto her bed and finally allowed the tears to fall from her eyes. A/N: So? Like it? Hated it? Please review!! 2. Author's Note ---------------- **READ BEFORE CONTINUING NEXT CHAPTER!!!!** **A/N: Hey everyone. Okay, before I start getting flames and who knows what else, I just want to warn y’all that some very OOC Hermione and strong anti-harmony things are happening in the next few chapters. DON’T WORRY!!! THIS IS PORTKEY!!!! I cannot stress that enough. So before we continue onwards, read with an open mind, because no matter what, you KNOW it will end with Harry/Hermione.** **With that being said, happy reading!!!!** **beverlyhills** 3. Getting Over Him ------------------- “Damn it Parvati where the hell is my jacket?” Parvati looked up from her homework. “How should I know you wore it last night. Or *did* you?” Parvati looked at Lavender and they both started giggling. Hermione threw one of her deathly stares at Parvati but she didn’t care. She was too used to them. “I mean it Parvati. I thought I saw you parading around with my jacket, which, by the way, cost 15 galleons.” Parvati laughed. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Terry wont mind if you’re wearing one less piece of clothing.” “What are you talking about? It’s fucking freezing outside!!” Lavender and Parvati looked at each other again, then burst into giggles. Whenever Hermione was mad and raised her voice, it always cracked. Lavender calmed down and said, “Don’t worry it’s not that cold.” It was two months later, and Harry and Ginny were “officially” a couple. It made her sick. The day after Hermione acted like usual, laughing, whatever. But whenever she saw Harry and Ginny kiss or something, she felt sick. She had to do something. Fuck. So that Tuesday after they became “official” when she went to the library and she saw Terry Boot sitting at a table reading. She thought nothing of it. When they started talking about Arithmancy, she thought, hey, this guy’s pretty nice. When he asked her out, she thought, no. But “sure” came out of her mouth before she knew what she was doing. Yep, she, Hermione Granger and Terry Boot were “officially” a couple. At first she thought, I’ll just go out with him, and maybe I’ll just forget about Harry. I mean, it’s not like he’ll ever notice me *now*. He’s got Ginny with him, the lucky bitch. Hermione should’ve hated Ginny, but she didn’t. She hated herself. She hated how she never told Harry how she felt and now he was taken. She hated how she used her feelings for Harry and projected them for Terry. She hated how she was using Terry to get over Harry. And she hated how she agreed to sleep with Terry. It was a mistake. That’s how she thought of it the first time it happened. She was sad about Harry and just thought, maybe if I sleep with Terry, I’ll be okay. I’ll forget about him. It didn’t work. So she slept with him again. And every time she did, so just thought about Harry and felt disgusted with herself. “Hermione, why the hell are you going out with Terry?” Hermione stopped looking for her jacket and looked at Parvati. “What?” Parvati sat up. “I mean it. I mean, you’re gorgeous enough to be going out with anyone.” And that she was. Hermione was no longer the skinny girl with buck teeth and bushy flyaway hair. I guess *puberty is a blessing*, she thought. Her hair had somehow become manageable and ended just below her shoulders in soft curls. Her teeth were straight and white, and she had a figure that most boys in Hogwarts fantasized every time they hopped in the shower. She was also rather pretty, she thought, but she didn’t say it too much, some people would think she was being cocky. Parvati was still talking. “Why are you going out with him?” Hermione sighed and bent down. “Terry’s pretty hot, that’s why.” “Yeah, but you know how he is. After he fucks, he leaves the duck.” Hermione looked up. “What the hell is a duck?” “I don’t know. It rhymes. A duck is a girl, cause, you know, we’re always quacking.” Hermione stared at Parvati. “Shut up.” Parvati laughed. ***************************** “Hey baby. Don’t you look beautiful.” Hermione smiled at Terry. “Don’t I always baby?” She kissed Terry. Terry looked her up and down. “Hey where’s you jacket?” ************************** Terry and Hermione walked slowly to Hogsmede. It was a nice night, the sky was clear and the stars were shining brightly. Hermione looked up and thought, *Star light, star bright, I wish upon the star tonight.* She smiled. Terry, thinking she was smiling at him, said, “I hope you don’t mind baby, but I’m not feeling too hot. Let’s just get some butterbeer or something and how bout we get back to the castle and...you know,” he winked. Hermione bristled, but smiled and said, “Sure baby.” Terry laughed and picked her up. “Then how bout we skip this whole date sweetheart?” Hermione laughed and wrapped her legs around him. “Sure baby, sure.” A/N: I know!!! What is Hermione DOING! Don’t worry y’all, it’ll be a long, slow and painful process, but I promise, this is PORTKEY!!! 4. A Chat with Harry -------------------- A/N: Woah. Heh heh. Allright let’s, you know calm down. I’m not a secret H/G shipper and I’m not out to get everyone. This is a story. On Portkey. Where H/Hr is shipped. Remember? I told y’all this was unorthodox and something new. So let’s read with an open mind. Thanks to all that reviewed. I’ll try to get the chapters up faster so we can get to the good part. Okay? Okay. Here we go. Oh boy. It was 3:32 am. Shit. Hermione tiptoed through the corridors trying not to be seen by Filch or that damn cat of his. Sometimes she wished Crookshanks would finish off Mrs. Norris for the whole school. A couple of portraits would awaken as she walked by past and would whisper among themselves. She looked up and saw a portrait of a young man staring intently at her. She winked at him and he blushed. She laughed silently and continued to walk eastward towards Gryffindor tower. She silently walked to the Fat Lady and said the password (Abstinence, what a joke) and entered the common room and gasped loudly. Harry was right in front of her. Harry’s eyes were bloodshot with lack of sleep, and he hissed at her, “Where the hell have you been? Do you know how worried I’ve been? I thought you were gonna meet me and Ginny at Hogsmede? Where’d you go!” he finished fervently acting like an enraged father whose little girl just got back from sneaking out of the house. Hermione looked up at Harry’s green eyes and whispered innocently, “Oh Harry I’m so sorry! I completely forgot! I’m sorry.” She walked over to a desk where she had left her books at. Hermione wasn’t sorry. She knew they were supposed to meet up with Harry and Ginny and double-date. She just couldn’t stand being with them both looking so happy for an hour. The last time they did she thought she made explode, she was so heart-broken seeing them laugh and steal kisses, while she sat with Terry with his arm around her. So she went with Terry back to his room rather than go. Harry glared at her. “I was a mess waiting for you and that asshole,” he said angrily. Hermione picked up her books when she turned around. “What?” Harry walked over to her. “You heard me. That asshole you call your boyfriend.” Hermione blinked. “Why the hell would you say that,” she said softly. Harry didn’t back down. “Because he uses you! Don’t you see! He only goes out with you to fuck you! I don’t even think he knows your name! All he does is call you sweetheart or baby or whatever fucking name he can think of! I thought you were better than that Hermione! I thought you were smart. How could you let him use you like that? FUCK!” He walked to her and knocked her books out of her hand. Hermione didn’t say anything. She bent down to pick up her books. When she came up she said, “How dare you say that Harry.” Harry let out a roar. He stepped towards her and grabbed her shoulders and shook them softly. “How dare I? How dare *he* treat you like that!” He took a breath. “Fuck Hermione,” he let her go. “You’re not even 18.” Hermione swallowed. “What I do is none of your business, Harry. I don’t ask you what you do with Ginny, do I?” Harry shook his head. “This is so unlike you Mione. I mean, you’re supposed to be a good girl! I thought you were supposed to wait until *after* marriage.” Hermione stared at Harry. “Go to hell.” She walked towards her dorm. Harry stepped in front of her. “Hermione, listen to me. I’m only saying this because I care about you. I *know* Terry. He plays Quidditch. I know what he’s like, and he’s a guy. He has sex with any girl he can. He’s a player. Sooner or later he’s gonna find someone else and dump you. But besides that, he’s probably got a thousand diseases.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “Hermione, just….” he closed his eyes. “just stop.” Hermione said softly, “Harry, thank you for caring for me. But I’m a big girl I can take care of myself.” And with that she shrugged off Harry’s hand and went upstairs, closing the door softly behind her. Harry walked to the door and rested his head on it. “Fuck Hermione. Where’d you go?” A/N: Argh! Hermione! Listen to Harry! He cares for you!!! Oh Harry, such a good guy. REVIEW!! 5. Oh Boy.. ----------- A/N: I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas!!!! This is the last chapter with any Terry/Hermione. From then on its smooth sailing…kind of. *BEEEEP! BEEEP!* Hermione opened her eyes. “Noooo.” She rolled over on her bed and put the pillow on top of her head. *What time is it?* She thought. She peeked out from under her pillow. 6:00 AM. Only two hours of sleep. Hermione groaned and sat up. She pulled her curtains open and could see Lavender and Parvati stirring. She tiptoed out of the room and walked down the hall to the showers. She turned the water on hot and allowed the steaming water to cleanse her body. She closed her eyes and thought about what Harry said last night. It was true, sooner or later Terry would just dump her. He was just a playboy, everyone at school knew it. Hermione opened her eyes. And now everyone at school knew that she, Hermione Granger, prefect, Head Girl candidate, was a slut. She turned off the water. Not that anyone thought of her like that really, she thought. It was funny, no one really talked about her and Terry like that. *Good.* Merlin. She stepped out of the shower and put on her robe and was walking back to her room, when she saw Ginny pass by her. “Hey Hermione,” she said easily. Hermione stopped. “Hey Ginny. Sleep well?” Ginny smiled slowly and said, “Harry slept with me last night. Not, you know, but it was so nice, just me in his arms. Harry is so great Hermione. ” Hermione was drying her hair with the towel. “Uh-huh.” She couldn’t say anything else. Ginny closed her eyes and leaned against the wall. Hermione started to walk away but Ginny called her back. “Hermione?” She stopped and turned around. “Yeah?” Ginny looked nervous. “Can I…ask you something?” “Sure Gin. What?” Ginny bit her lip. “You’ve had sex…with Terry right?” “….Yeah…” “Well, how do you *know*.” “Know what?” “You know, when to….do….it?” “I don’t know Ginny, sleeping with Terry was a mistake. Don’t sleep with Harry. It’ll just fuck things up .” “But then, why did *you*?” “Because, Ginny, I fell for his good looks and his charm. I was stupid, okay? I don’t, I don’t know why.” Hermione felt her eyes well with tears and she closed them. “I’ve been real stupid, okay?” She started to walk away. “Wait-Mione!” “What?” “I don’t want to sound rude or disrespectful or anything, but I’m just curious. I’ve never done anything with Harry that’s bad but, he never seems to be into it when where kissing, so I think…” She does *not* want to be having this conversation with Ginny. “…that maybe, I don’t know, we should spice up some things? I’ve heard some of the girls talking and well, have you…ever…s-ucked….Terry?” “Merlin, Ginny! Leave me alone!” She felt her temper start to rise. “What I do with my *boyfriend* is none of your damn business! If you want to suck Harry or…whatever…*please* don’t talk to me about it! I DON’T want to hear it! God!” And with that she stormed back to her room. ************************* Hermione couldn’t concentrate all day in her classes. She couldn’t stop thinking about Harry and Ginny…like that. She glanced at Harry who was struggling to pay attention to Professor Binns. She nudged him and he smiled at her. That gorgeous smile that made her want to kiss him. The bell rang and she grabbed her books and headed to Arithmancy. She was climbing the stairs when she felt someone grab her book bag. She turned around and smiled. “Hey baby!” Terry took her books and carried them for her. “Hey beautiful. Ready to crack open our books for finding the square root of what happens when you mix two non-prime numbers together and subtract the positive integer?” Hermione laughed. “Everyday.” Terry kissed her, a slow, deep one. A group of fifth year girls were walking down the staircase when they saw that, and started whispering behind their hands. Hermione broke away and cleared her throat. Terry looked at one of the girls and smiled, making the girl blush. Hermione hit Terry’s arm. He looked at her in surprise. “What?” “Don’t flirt with other girls right in front of me.” “I can’t help it baby. I’m just so sexy.” He rubbed his hands up and down his chest and Hermione hit him again “ Ow! Cut it out!” he laughed. She hit him playfully again and he dropped her books. “Aw, see what you made me do baby? I dropped your books. Your precious precious books.” Hermione smiled and shook her head. She turned around but Terry grabbed her. He stood in front of her and rested his hands on her hips. “Hey, you want to skip this class, baby? I don’t know about you but Advanced Arithmancy isn’t what I call a good time.” Hermione laughed, “Terry, baby, we skipped way too many times.” Terry grinned and pulled her close as his eyes flashed dangerously as he said quietly, “Then what’s one more time?” ************************** Hermione walked in the bathroom. She looked in the mirror and fixed her hair. Just then the door burst open and there stood Lavender. She leaned against the wall and shook her head, a smile playing at her lips. “Damn, Hermione. I was wondering were you and Terry ran off to.” Hermione put her hair in a ponytail. “Just the same place you and Dean always go.” Lavender gasped mockingly and said, “How did you know?” Hermione laughed. “Just a hunch.” She went inside the stall and Lavender took the one right next to it. “So you and Terry still going strong?” “As strong as ever I guess.” “ You guys look cute together. It’s like the two best-looking people in Hogwarts finally hooked up… Oh damn. Hey have you got an extra tampon or something?” “No I-” Hermione stopped. No she didn’t have one. She didn’t even have her period since… *“FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!”* Hermione flushed the toilet and ran out of the stall and left. “Hello? Mione? I still kind of need that. Hello? Mione...” ****************************** Hermione ran up the stairs to her room. She looked at her calendar where the big X marked when she took the contraceptive potion. It was for last week, the week before, all for a month, the week be- Hermione dropped to her knees. She took a deep breathe. She swallowed and closed her eyes. She had started sleeping with Terry a month ago. Fuck. She didn’t take it in that first week. Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!!! Okay, calm down, she thought. She slowly got up and looked in one of her potions book. Page 53. There. *Early Pregnancy Potion.* She ran her finger down the instructions. It wasn’t - it wasn’t hard to do. Shit. Okay. You just gotta…FUCK! How could she have been so stupid! “Fuck,” she said softly. She felt tears welling in her eyes. She slammed the book shut and went down to the common room. She saw Ginny and Harry cuddled up in one armchair near the fire, Harry playing with her straight red hair. She walked out of the portrait hole. Lavender was walking by. “Hermione, where the hell did you go? I had to-” but Hermione kept walking. She went down to Madam Pomprey. Shit. How the hell was - shit. Forget it. She’ll just do it herself. She turned around and walked back to the common room, past an already bewildered Lavender. *************************** Back in her room she was able to put together the potion fairly quickly (*good thing you’re the cleverest witch of your age, you stupid idiot*, she thought). She poured it in a cup and took a breath. She drank it. Okay, now wait 10 minutes. Oh Merlin, what if she was pregnant? What would she do? What…what would Terry say? Should she get rid of it? Would Terry help? She had locked the door to the dorm room. She sat on the bed and thought about that fateful night with Terry. “*Baby, you know I love you right?”* What an idiot she was. After Terry said that, she was so glad, finally, she could concentrate on her and Terry’s relationship instead of her non-existent one with Harry. And then she fucked with Terry. She fucking fucked Terry because he was - fuck. *Merlin Hermione, you’re such a stupid idiotic slut. Fuck!* Ten minutes had passed. 20 minutes…25.… *Okay,* she thought, *do the spell and see if it comes out blue for pr-preg-na…nt, or red for relief.* She raised her wand. *Just do it and get it over with, it’s probably nothing anyway*. *Fuck fuck fuck fuck please don’t be blue…oh please….* She said the incantation and looked down and passed out. It was blue. A/N: Now she’s screwed. She’s in trouble now. See? Review please!!!! 6. Telling Terry ---------------- *Fuck fuck fuck.* She was pregnant. Five weeks by at least. Fuck. *What am I going to do?* she thought. *I’m seventeen-fucking years old. FUCK! Fucking Terry. Fuck. Terry. What the fuck am I gonna fucking say. WHAT THE FUCK AM I GONNA DO!!!* Hermione sat down on the edge of her bed and bit her fingernails. It was a horrible habit she had, she knew, but whenever she was anxious or nervous or scared, she’d just bite them. Hell, all these years worrying about Harry would have left her nail-less if she wasn’t the cleverest witch of her year. Fuck. Shit. Harry. He was going to flip. And he had warned her. That was the funny thing. Hermione almost laughed. She closed her eyes and fell onto the bed. Tears started leaking out of her eyes and she lay flat on her back and allowed the tears to overtake her. It shouldn’t be like this. You’re supposed to be married and love the guy and have a two-story house and have a dog and… She groaned and dried her tears as she sat up. She was in school. There’s no way you can have a baby in school. Think of your reputation. *Why bother the whole school knows what we do anyway*. Hermione took a deep breath and slowly let it out. *I’m seventeen years old,* she thought. *There’s no way I can have this baby. I’d have to drop out…and how am I even going to afford it? Mum and Dad won’t…..Mum and Dad. Crap.* Hermione’s parents would kill her. Especially her father. *Well, let me go talk to Terry. I mean, he’ll know what to do. He’ll know.* She stood up and cleaned up the potions and closed the door and walked towards the Ravenclaw common room. ************************* Hermione walked slowly down the halls. She climbed up the stairs with great caution, now that she knew that she was pregnant. Though it didn’t really matter. She reached the portrait of Rowena Ravenclaw, with her long black hair gently cascading over her beautiful face. Now that Hermione thought about it, all of Ravenclaw was beautiful. There wasn’t an ugly witch or wizard who ever entered that house. *Well that’s good,* she thought dully. *At least the baby would be good-looking.* “Snickers,” she said dully to the portrait. Rowena looked down on her. “Not tonight young lady. You’ll have to ask your boyfriend the new password. It changed last night.” Hermione waited outside until a younger Ravenclaw allowed her to come in. (The new password was Apple Jacks…go figure) Hermione scanned the blue decorated common room and saw Terry playing cards in a corner with Michael Corner and Anthony Goldstein and another Ravenclaw boy she didn’t know. She walked over to them. Michael looked up and saw Hermione walking. He smiled and called out, “Hey Hermione! Care to join us, or are you on ‘strictly business’”? He laughed as Terry scowled at him. Terry looked up from his cards, smiled, and leaned back in his chair as he said, “Hey baby. What are you doing here?” Hermione bit her lip. Terry laughed and said “Uh-oh. Sounds important. You want to go somewhere private sweetheart?” Hermione nodded. Terry said “Be back in a minute. And don’t look at my cards! I’m taking you all to the cleaners.” Michael and Anthony said something back and Terry laughed. Suddenly Hermione felt sick to her stomach. Terry pulled her outside the common room. He was still smiling but sobered instantly when he saw Hermione’s face. “What’s the matter baby?” he asked in a concerned tone. Hermione said something but he couldn’t hear. He leaned in closer and put his hand on her arm. “What baby?” Hermione crossed her arms and closed her eyes and seemed to find the words. “I’m…..p-pregnant.” Terry stared at her. It was quiet and all Hermione could hear was his shallow breathing. She opened her eyes. Then he suddenly said, “Get rid of it.” Hermione blinked. Whatever she was expecting, she sure wasn’t expecting this. “What?” “You heard me, get rid of it. Abort it or….God! How could you have been so stupid!” He started to get angry. He still had his arm on Hermione and he shook her. Hard. “Why the fuck didn’t you use that fucking contraceptive potion you stupid bitch!” He said through gritted teeth. “God! Now…fuck.” He ran a hand through his hair and turned around. Hermione was in tears. “Terry….” Terry spun around and glared at her. Hermione gasped at the look in his eyes. “Get rid of it,” he said through gritted teeth. “Get rid of it and don’t bother me about it anymore, okay? Just…Hermione, just get rid of it.” Hermione blinked back her tears. She opened her mouth to say something, but found she couldn’t. She nodded and turned her back to him and walked down the stairs. Terry watched her leave. *Fuck,* he thought. He swallowed and entered back into the common room. Anthony looked up. “So what did she want? Is she cheating on you? ‘Cause I told you, Hermione’s not that bad looking, someone’ll-” “It was nothing,” Terry interrupted gruffly. Anthony stared at him. Terry cleared his throat. “Just…you know. Needed to know how her man was doing and such. C’mon, let’s play.” A/N: Terry. What a ! jerk. But that’s what he is. Good choice Hermione!! Review please!!! 7. Homecoming ------------- **A/N: Okay, I think it might be time for another Author’s Note. Okay. First things first: Harry’s reaction is next chapter, but that won’t come out for at least a week or so. I’ve decided to make it longer. Enjoy the chapter, review, and go Wolverines.** ******************************** “WHAT!!!!!” “Shhhhh! Ginny SHUT UP!” Hermione whispered as loudly as she could. Ginny’s mouth was open and her eyes looked as though they might pop out. “Hermione-I-WHAT!” “Shhhhhh!!!!! Be quiet!” “How am I supposed to be quiet when you’ve dropped a bombshell like this on me!” she whispered fiercely. “Well figure it out!” Ginny and Hermione were in Ginny’s dorm room. Hermione didn’t want to around Lavender or Parvati at the moment, and no one was in Ginny’s room. “I just can’t believe it’s true. How can you be pregnant? You’re only 17! And what happened to being the cleverest witch in our year? Did you just happen to skip the one class that would actually come in handy? I mean-” “Ginny.” Ginny looked up and saw tears fall down from Hermione’s miserable face. “I know, ok? I know I was stupid. Just…just what am I supposed to do?” she asked tiredly. She sat down on her bed. Ginny looked at her friend. She had always looked up to Hermione. She was as close to a sister that Ginny would ever find. Smart, pretty, somewhat popular, and incredibly nice, Ginny had always respected Hermione. But when she had found out that she and Terry were having sex, about half that respect had gone out the window. She always told Harry that Hermione would get in trouble one of these days because of that, and now here it was. She felt so bad for her. Ginny sat down on the bed next to Hermione. “Don’t worry Mione. It’ll be okay-” “Are you crazy!” Hermione stood. “I’m!-” she lowered her voice. “I’m pregnant. In school. Not married. Please, tell me how it’s going to be all right.” Ginny sighed. “I don’t know, you could…look, why don’t you talk to McGonagall or Madam Pomprey. I’m sure both of them would know what to do.” Hermione bit her lip. “I can’t, Ginny. I don’t want to tell anyone.” She sat back down. “Maybe I should just get rid of it.” Ginny looked at Hermione. “Do you really want to?” Hermione laid down on the bed. “Not really.” She closed her eyes and put her hands over them. She stayed like that for a few minutes until she sat up. She moved her hands and Ginny wasn’t surprised to see tears streaked on her cheeks. “I’m going to go home.” Ginny looked at Hermione. “What?” “I’m going to go home. I mean….Maybe my mum will know what to do.” Ginny looked at Hermione with sad eyes. “When?” “No better time than the present, right?” Hermione chuckled sadly. “Anyway, it’s the weekend. I’ll just say I’m missing my parents.” Hermione stood up. So did Ginny. “You’re going right now?” “Yeah.” They stared at each other. “Well, Mione, good luck.” Hermione laughed. “Thanks Ginny. Merlin knows, I’m gonna *need* it.” ******************************* It was good to be home. It was easy to get access to go home. A couple of minutes sweet-talking the headmaster of how she missed Mummy and Daddy and she was all packed for the weekend ready to get flooed to the nearest wizarding complex where she lived. She had always loved her house. It wasn’t big, but it was perfect. Two-stories, painted beige with green shutters and a green door. *Great,* she thought, *more reminders of Harry.* She remembered growing up here. She loved playing outside in the yard with her dog, Charlie. Charlie had to be almost 15 years old. And when her little sister Becca joined the family, it just made things better. Her dad loved Hermione. Always Daddy’s Little Girl. And now… She took a breath and knocked on the door. Se waited a few minutes and heard footsteps shuffling towards the door. The door slowly opened to reveal her mother, Jane. Thin, beautiful, with straight brown hair, wearing an apron over her slacks. “Hi mum.” Jane’s open mouth quickly turned into a huge grin. “Hermione!!!!! Oh Eddie!! Oh Hermione!!! Oh my baby! What are you doing home? Is everything okay? Oh I’m so glad you’re home!! ED!!!!” Hermione’s father came stumbling in from the living room. Edward was not a small man. His thick dark bushy hair and strong build always intimidated people, but he was an ol’ softy at heart. “What Jane, I-” He saw Hermione. “MIONE!!!” He took two great strides and picked her up in bone crushing hug and spun her around. “Ow, Dad, can’t breathe.” Edward put her down and hugged her again. “Becca!!!” Jane called. “Becca come here!” A pause, followed by a long “What?” “Mione’s home!” From upstairs footsteps came running down and Hermione’s eight year-old sister hugged Hermione as tight as she could. Her straight dark brown hair hid her face. Becca looked up from Hermione’s belly. “Finally!!! You’re home!” Hermione laughed and gently pushed Becca off her. “Yeah, I’m home.” “About time!” Edward hugged her again. “We were wondering if you’ve forgotten us!” Hermione replied softly, “How could I have forgotten you guys? You’re my family.” Edward laughed, but Jane got a sinking feeling. Hermione didn’t look happy. She looked nervous, anxious. This was not a happy return. Something was wrong. ********************** “Want some more mashed potatoes Mione? They’re delicious.” “No thanks.” “Eat some, you hardly ate anything tonight.” “I don’t want any.” “C’mon!” “Dad I don’t-” “C’mon!!!!!!” “Dad, I-” “Eat some!” “DAD!” Ed looked at Hermione. Hermione looked back. “I’m just not hungry, ok? I’m sorry.” Ed looked like a sad puppy and cleared his throat. “Well I was just wondering, I mean, this dinner *is* for you after all.” “Dad, I’m not hungry.” “Well I can see that. You gave practically all your food to Charlie-” “Dad.” Hermione sounded exasperated. “-who by the way is getting older and older. I think he misses you. You should come home more often you know.” “Dad-” “I mean, we’d all love you to come home. We haven’t forgotten you, so why are you forgetting us?” Hermione sighed and rubbed Charlie’s completely gray muzzle. “Hmmm?” “What?” “Will you come home more often?” “Yeah, sure.” “Really?” This time it was Becca. “Yeah, really. Sure.” All throughout dinner Jane was watching her oldest daughter. Now she was definitely concerned. Something was off. ********************* 10:51 P.M. Jane was cleaning the dishes. It had just started to rain lightly, and the pitter-patter of the rain was making her sleepy. Becca had gone to bed just a few minutes ago, and Hermione and Ed were watching TV or something in the living room. She was drying a plate when she heard Hermione. “Mum?” Jane turned around. “Yes honey?” Hermione took a deep breath and said almost inaudibly “I need to tell you something.” Jane turned off the faucet and dried her hands on the towel. “What?” Hermione started to cry. “I’m so sorry Mum, but I-” “Well Janie, I’ve got to hand it to you. You make the best doggone meals I’ve ever had. I-” He saw Hermione and instantly sobered. “What’s wrong?” Jane said, “Hermione was just about to tell us something. What is it sweetheart?” “Nothing.” She turned to leave but Ed grabbed her arm. “What is it?” “Nothing Dad!” “Well then why are you crying?” “Nothing! Leave me alone!” “What’s wrong!” “Nothing!” “Tell me!” “No!” “Hermione-” “I’m pregnant!” She didn’t mean to blurt it out. It just…came out. For a moment her parents stood there just staring at her. Ed still had her arm. He slapped her face. Hard. “Ed!” Hermione gasped and pulled away from her father, rubbing her cheek in disbelief. Ed slowly walked towards Hermione. “What did you say?” “I-” “You…I…” Ed was shaking his head in disbelief. It seemed his whole body was shaking from anger. “My daughter MY daughter…is a fucking slut.” Jane and Hermione stared at Edward. “Get the hell out of my house.” A silence then… “WHAT! Ed, are you crazy!” “Don’t talk to me Jane,” he said not taking his eyes off of Hermione. “I don’t want this damn whore darkening my step and ruining my other daughter.” Tears were flowing down of Hermione’s cheeks. “Dad, please, I-” “Get out.” “Dad!” Ed lost it. He roared, “GET OUT! GET OUT AND NEVER COME HERE AGAIN! HAVE YOUR BASTARD CHILD, ABORT IT, WHATEVER, BUT NEVER COME HERE AGAIN!!! GET OUT!!!! GET THE FUCK OUT!!!!!” Hermione grabbed her bags and left, slamming the door behind her. Jane stared at her husband in total disbelief. “Edward, what the hell-” “Don’t talk to me Jane.” “Edward!!!” Jane too was in tears. “How could you-?” “Don’t TALK to me JANE!” Jane ran outside to try and stop Hermione, but it was too late. She had already disapparated back to Hogwarts. Inside Edward let out a roar of frustration and knocked over a vase, Becca had watched everything from her seat on the stairs. 8. What Else Can I Do? ---------------------- **A/N: Hey I got this out earlier than expected. Now, for all those who read “So Cold“, I am having MAJOR writer’s block, but don’t worry! I’ll make it a happy ending. Now, to those who didn’t like how Hermione’s father reacted…I don’t know what to tell you. As most of you can tell the running theme in this story is people don’t think before they act and wind up making stupid mistakes, so Hermione’s father is another example of that. Enjoy this chapter, and review!!! (Wolverines lost doggonit)** Hermione ran out of her house and disapparated right on the spot. She landed on her feet near the Three Broomsticks and walked back to Hogwarts. Now she was in trouble. *Fuck,* she thought, *my own father…shit. What am I going to do now? I can’t go home, and Terry doesn’t want to help me…well, it seems like there’s only one choice…but I don’t….* Hermione ran into the sign pointing to Hogwarts. She bounced off it and shook her head. She sighed and started up the slippery path to the castle she calls home. It was drizzling. She had been walking for a couple of minutes when she heard someone call her name. “Hermione!” Hermione stopped and saw Harry jogging towards her. He skidded to a halt next to her and stood panting for breath. “Hermione,” he said again. “Hey Harry.” “Hermione.” Harry looked at her with sad eyes. “Ginny…Ginny told me.” Hermione opened her mouth, then closed it. “Told you what?” Harry’s eyes flashed. “Don’t play stupid with me, Mione. I know that you’re…pregnant.” Hermione blinked, and Harry picked up her bags and carried them for her as they walked up the castle. “I guess things didn’t go too good at home?” Hermione shook her head. Harry sighed. “I can’t believe you Mione.” He shook his head. “I mean, God, how could you have been so stupid. I’m so disappointed in you. I thought that -” Harry looked over at her and saw that she was crying. “Oh Merlin.” He dropped her bags and hugged her. Hermione laughed. “I think that’s all I’ve been doing all day. My dad just threw me out.” Harry looked at her and said, “What?” “Yeah. Isn’t that great? Now what am I supposed to do?” Harry rubbed her back. “I don’t know Mione. I don’t know.” Hermione pulled away and dried her eyes and said, “Yeah well, that makes two of us. No, one. I know what I’m going to do. I’m getting rid of it.” Harry stared at her. He stopped rubbing her back and said shockingly, “What?” Hermione sniffed. “There’s no way I can take care of this baby. I mean, come on. I’m 17. I’m still in school, I’d have to drop out, I have no money, my parents won’t help, *Terry* won’t help…Tell me Harry, what else am I supposed to do? *What I am I supposed to do?*” It was Harry’s turn to open his mouth and then close it. Truth be told he *didn’t* know what she was to do. He sighed. “Okay Hermione. If that’s your decision, I’ll support you, 100%. But, you know, it’s not gonna be fun.” He took her bags and put his arm over her shoulders as they began walking towards Hogwarts Castle. Hermione looked at her hands, which were shaking. “It hasn’t been so far.” ***************************** Back in the common room, Hermione said she was going to lie down. “Enjoy,” said Harry, which brought on a true smile on her face. Harry…he’s such a good guy. After Hermione went upstairs to her room, Harry leaned in close to Ginny, and told her Hermione was getting rid of the baby. Ginny shook her head. “What else is she going to do?” she asked. Harry couldn’t answer her. ****************************** *Saturday, 9:19 A.M., St. Mungo’s Hospital* Hermione sighed and put her hands in her head as she waited in the waiting room. It was one week later since she found out, and having to spend a whole week with this secret and go to classes and act normal had put a huge strain on her. Terry had ignored her completely, and it hurt to see him getting close to Lisa Turpin. *Well, at least after today I’ll have one less thing to worry about.* She had scheduled an appointment at St. Mungo’s baby ward for an abortion. Despite much of Hermione’s protesting and saying how she wanted to go alone, Ginny was accompanying her. They didn’t talk as they secretly disapparated during a weekend Hogsmede trip (with Ginny side-alonging of course), but the tension was a thick as peanut butter. Ginny sighed and leaned against her chair and crossed her arms. She couldn’t believe what had happened to Hermione. Just three months ago she had no worries. Now, pregnant, alone…poor Hermione, she thought. Meanwhile Hermione still had her hands in her head. She sighed and leaned back in the chair. She opened her eyes and saw a young couple walk through those double doors. The woman seemed nervous, but her husband or boyfriend seemed to be pushing her on. *I don’t want to do this,* she thought. *But what else am I supposed to do? I have no money, no one to help me…and even if I did have this baby, I couldn’t continue going to school. I’d have to drop out, then what? You don’t want to go through that, do you?* *No, but…I don’t think I can do this.* *Just do it Hermione. If you don’t, the rest of your life will be…terrible. Just do it and get it over with and you’ll be smarter and wiser.* Hermione sighed for what must have been the hundredth time since they got there. “I’m really scared,” she said to Ginny. Ginny jumped and looked at Hermione. “Then don’t do it.” Hermione bit her lip. “I have to.” “Hermione Granger.” The nurse opened the door and called her name. Hermione looked at Ginny and said, “Well, here it goes.” Ginny watched Hermione stand up and walk shakily to those doors. *Merlin Hermione,* Ginny thought. ***************************** “How old are you, Hermione?” The nurse was friendly and sympathetic. “Seventeen.” The nurse looked at her in surprise. “So young, wow. Are your parents making you get one?” “No, I just don’t want it.” The nurse sighed and said, “You have to really think before making a decision like this.” “I already have.” “Some people don’t think it all the way through, and then they regret it the rest of their lives.” The nurse bustled around getting who knows what ready for the doctor. Hermione watched with dull interest. She had always wanted to be a doctor, to help people. That’s what she had told Professor McGonagall during fifth year. She had the grades and the smarts, but if she had this baby, she could kiss that dream good-bye. *Merlin, what the hell is that?* The nurse pulled out some sort of forceps looking device. Suddenly Hermione felt sick. She couldn’t do this. What was she thinking? She hopped down from the examining table. The nurse looked up in mild surprise. “I can’t do this.” Hermione was breathing heavily. “I’m sorry, I just…don’t think I can go through this. I’m sorry.” She walked out of the room. ****************************** Ginny had her hands together and rested her chin on top of them. She was waiting, waiting for Hermione to come out. What she was going to say to her, she had no idea. Just then the doors burst open and Hermione came flying out. Ginny opened her mouth. So she had done it. Hermione walked towards her and grabbed her jacket. “Let’s go,” she said. “Did you do it?” Ginny asked. “No.” “What?” “I couldn’t do it. Let’s go.” “Wha-well what are you gonna do?” “I don’t know. C’mon let’s get out of here.” Ginny followed Hermione in a daze out the door. 9. Don't Worry -------------- **A/N: Wow! Thanks to all of who’ve reviewed! I never thought I’d get this many people reading my sory! Over 12,000 hits! (I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but it’s good enough for me!” Now, for being such good reviewers, I have and teeny bitty slice of Pumpkin Pie for all you Harmonium shippers out there. Now, when you read the ending, remember what the theme is: people make wrong decisions that affect the rest of their lives. I’m pretty proud of this chapter, we’ve got some ass kicking in here. Now, read, review, and enjoy.** ******************************* Harry shoved his hands in his pockets and walked up and down the halls of Hogwarts. Ginny and Hermione had been gone for a couple of hours now. It seemed that he was the only one left in the castle at the moment. Either everyone was in their designated common rooms or else out buying useless junk at Honeydukes or Zonkos’s in Hogsmede. He sighed and shook his shaggy black hair out of his emerald eyes . A girl walked by him and shyly smiled at him. He didn’t even acknowledge her. He needed a haircut. Maybe he’ll leave to go to Hogsmede and meet up with Ron and Luna and get it cut then. But not before Hermione comes back. Hermione… How had it ended up like this? Why would she do this? Harry let out a growl of frustration and walked down one of the halls leading to Ravenclaw. Just a few months ago it seemed Hermione’s life was on track. Now… Harry had to go pee. He walked towards the nearest bathroom and opened the door. He stopped when he saw who was in there, then went to the urinal a few spaces down from him. Terry didn’t even acknowledge him. He just shook *his* light brown hair out of *his* brown eyes. Harry looked at Terry and Terry looked at him. Terry nodded, and Harry nodded back. Harry looked at Terry. He couldn’t blame Hermione for falling for him, he was a pretty decent-looking guy, and they did look pretty good together, but she still shouldn’t have- “What are you, gay or something?” Harry looked at Terry in surprise. “What?” Terry zipped up. “Why are you staring at me like that? Am I giving you a hard-on or something?” Harry scowled at him. “Shut the fuck up dipshit.” Terry laughed. He went to the sinks and turned on the faucet. Hot water came streaming out and he slowly washed his hands. “You know, I’m not a bad guy. I actually feel bad for ‘Mione.” If Harry hadn’t been doing his business, he would’ve ripped Terry’s fucking throat out. No one called ‘Mione ‘Mione but him! And besides, how the fuck could he feel bad for her?! Harry zipped up and turned around. “No, you’re not,” he said, each word dripping with menace, “if you felt bad you would help her out.” He turned on the faucet. Terry turned the faucet off and shook his hands. “It’s her own fault she got knocked up. She should’ve taken precaution.” He ripped a paper towel of the rack and dried his hands. “I really liked her you know. She was a good fuck.” Harry’s blood boiled, but he kept his eyes trained on his hands. He wanted to punch Terry in the mouth, but he couldn’t afford to get into trouble, especially with Snape and what happened with Malfoy. He’d get expelled. Terry threw his towel out and leaned against the sink. He smiled, with his straight white teeth, obviously enjoying Harry’s hands shaking from the anger he could do nothing about. “Yeah, I’m not gonna lie. Hermione fucked *good*. Shit, I still think about her sometimes. Maybe after she gets rid of the baby, I’ll fuck her again…and again…and - ” Harry finally exploded and Terry’s jaw met Harry’s fist. Terry dropped from sight and hit the stone floor hard. He breathed in sharply and swore. “Fuck!” He stumbled up wiped the thin line of blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. He was breathing deeply and looked at his hand, the blood smeared on it. Terry scowled. Blood slowly poured out of his mouth. Harry was shaking and breathing hard. It took all his self-control not to just *strangle* Terry. The lights in the bathroom began flickering. They stopped when Harry felt hard pressure hit his stomach and he lost his breath. Terry punched Harry in the stomach. Hard. *Fuck*, he thought. Terry was a beater, and he was pretty strong. But shit. Harry felt like he couldn’t breathe. He grabbed his stomach and doubled over. He crashed to the floor on his knees. *“Fucking pansy...”* Terry’s voice sounded far away. Harry gasped as he felt a knee bash his jaw. Blood gushed out of his mouth and he fell flat on his back. He felt a sharp pain to his side and he realized Terry had kicked him. Harry rolled over, but Terry kicked him again. He coughed and blood spurted all over the porcelain floor. He could vaguely hear Terry telling him something, but another sharp kick to the ribs and Harry mercifully, finally, blacked out from the pain. ****************************** “What was he even doing there?” “Taking a piss. Fucking Terry beat him up.” “I can’t believe it.” “Believe it, Mione. Your fucking boyfriend beat up your best friend!” “Ronald -” “No, Luna! Listen to me Mione! You gotta dump this guy. Who beats up someone taking a piss?!” Harry could hear the argument as though it was far away. He opened his eyes, and closed them immediately. *It is **way** too bright in this room*, he thought. *What room is it anyway? Oh yeah, the hospital wing. So that must be…yep, Ron and Mione, fighting as usual. Who else is here? Luna? Hey Luna. And hey look, my girlfriend. Hey Ginny. Ow. My jaw.* Harry opened his eyes. Everything seemed blurred; Madam Pomprey must’ve taken his glasses off. (*Why does she always do that? I’m blind without them!)* He shifted in the bed to get Ron and Hermione’s attention. It worked. “Oh Harry! Are you okay? What happened?” Hermione knelt down and put her hand on his forehead. “He doesn’t have a fever Mione.” Ron was still scowling. Hermione blushed and stood up. Ginny came over to Harry’s other side and held is hand. Harry smiled. “Hey Ginny,” he said softly. Ginny smiled and patted his hand. “Are you okay, Harry?” Harry laughed. “Are you kidding? With you here I’m 100% better already.” Ron pretended to gag. Hermione felt her stomach drop. Ginny handed Harry his glasses while Luna smiled serenely and linked her arm with Ron’s. Ron looked down at Luna and winked at her. Luna held her head high and said, “Harry, are you all right? You looked rather bad when Professor Flitwick found you.” Harry looked at Hermione. “I saw Terry in the bathroom. One thing lead to another and…” He shrugged. “It’s no big deal.” Hermione felt sick. She said, “Not a big deal? Harry, this is all my fault! Oh Harry, I’m so sorry. I’ll talk to him, I promise.” Tears welled up in her eyes. Harry laughed. “Mione, don’t cry. It’ll-” he stopped and his eyes got round. Today was - Oh Merlin. Did she do it? Hermione smiled sadly and shook her head ever so slightly. Only Ginny and Harry would know what that meant. Harry’s eyes, if possible, got even rounder. Ron noticed this and said, “Whoa, Harry mate. Are you okay? It looks like your eyes just might pop out. What is it?” Harry looked at Ron with his eyes as round as saucers. He shook his head and said, “Nothing, just, just remembered something. Uhhhhhh…..” *C’mon Potter think of something you dope.* “……uhhhh I uh uh for-forgot to SHIT!” Harry leaned back in his pillows and shut his eyes tightly. “Crap. What’s gonna happen to me? Will I get expelled or something?” Ron’s eyebrows came together. “Harry mate. What are you talking about?” Harry groaned in frustration. “For fighting! Ah shit. Snape’s going to expel me, especially after what happened with Malfoy. Aw man.” “Mate, don’t worry. Look. Terry beat *you* up. Not the other way around.” “Yeah, but I started it.” “What do you mean?” “Well - I -” But he stopped. He looked at Hermione. She looked miserable, with tears staining her cheeks. Harry’s face softened. “Mione, are you okay?” Ron looked at her hard. “She better be, she’s breaking up with that prat as soon as she gets out of here. In fact, I’m going with her to make sure she actually does.” Hermione sighed. “Ron.” Ron scowled. Ron didn’t know. He turned back to Harry. “So, what did Terry do then?” Harry averted his gaze away from Hermione. “Well, he was saying some pretty nasty things about Mione,” he mumbled. Hermione blushed. She stood up from her chair. “Harry, I’ll talk to Terry.” Harry whipped his head at her. “NO! I mean,” he blushed. “Don’t worry about it Mione.” Hermione shook her head. “Don’t worry Harry. I’ll be right back.” She smiled and walked out of the infirmary. ************************* Hermione had been walking down the halls not two minutes when she saw Terry. He was strutting down the halls with his chest puffed out. No one else was in the hall. She could see his lip was a busted. Hermione walked over to him and slapped him as hard as she could. SMACK! “OW! Bitch! What the -” Hermione slapped his other cheek. Terry backed away. “Bitch, what the fuck!” His cheeks both had red handprints on it. “What the fuck Terry? What the FUCK is your problem!” She pushed him. Terry stumbled. He said, “If you fucking do that again I’ll push YOU!” “I fucking dare you to. Why the fuck did you do that!” “Do what?” “Don’t act like an idiot Terry. Why’d you beat up Harry?” Terry rubbed his cheeks. “I don’t know if what I did constitutes as beating up. Harry just laid there. Weak ass.” Hermione took a deep breath. “Okay, whatever.” “Besides, he hit me first.” Hermione rolled her eyes. “God forbid he mess up you fucking…” she hit him “…. perfect…” she hit him again “…..face!” She kneed his groin. Terry doubled over. “Bitch,” he wheezed out. He took a couple of deep breaths and slowly stood up. He swallowed before he spoke. “Okay, that was just fucked up.” “You’re fucked up.” “No, *you’re* fucked up.” He laughed. “So how’s that baby doing sweetheart?” Hermione blinked. “Are you getting rid of it or what?” Hermione turned around and started to walk away. “Hey sweetie pie!” he called out to her retreating back. “Make sure you name him after his daddy!” He laughed uncontrollably as Hermione broke into a run and disappeared as she turned a corner. ********************* Hermione stopped in front of the hospital wing. She caught her breath and entered it. Harry was the only one in it. She walked slowly and sat down in the chair next to him. She scooted closer to his bed. Harry opened his eyes and looked at her. “Hey,” he said, smiling. “Hey,” she said softly. He sat up. “Are you okay?” he asked. Hermione smiled sadly. “Look at you, asking how I’m doing. You’re such a good guy Harry.” Harry grinned. “I try.” He looked at Hermione. “So you didn’t do it?” he asked seriously. Hermione looked at him. “ I couldn’t. It was…scary, you know? And what if….what if I had made the wrong decision.” She shook her head. “I couldn’t go through with it.” Harry nodded and took her hand. He rubbed his thumb over it. Hermione breath hitched when this happened, but she didn’t think Harry noticed. A couple minutes of comfortable silence passed. “I’m gonna drop out,” she said finally. Harry started. “What?!” He couldn’t believe it. “What do you mean, ‘drop out’?” “Exactly that, Harry.” She pulled her hand away from Harry’s. “I don’t think I stay in school pregnant, right?” The look on Harry’s face would’ve been hilarious in any other situation. “No….” Harry said slowly. He sighed. “But where are you going? You said your dad kicked you out? Where will you live?” Hermione shrugged. “I don’t know.” She looked so sad. Harry felt tears welling in *his* eyes. He blinked them back. Harry grabbed her hand again. “Yes you do,” he said. He smiled. “You’ll live in Grimmauld Place.” Hermione’s head shot up. “What?” Harry’s smile grew larger. “Yeah. Look.” He grew serious. “Lupin and Tonks are staying there for the Order. They practically live there. So, you’ll just live there, with them.” He smiled broadly, like he was a little kid who had finally figured out the answer. Hermione opened her mouth, but Harry was faster. “Look, you said it yourself. Where else are you gonna live? This is the best place so far.” Tears fell down her cheeks. “Oh but Harry-” “Don’t worry about it Mione,” he interrupted. “You’ve been worrying way too much this year.” Hermione sighed and rested her head on his chest, listening to him breathe. Harry played with her hair. “Don’t worry Mione, it’ll be okay, because no matter what happens, you’ll always have me. I don’t care what you’ve done in the past. What matters is now, and how we’re gonna deal with it.” Hermione looked up. “We?” Harry laughed. “Yeah, we. What, you think you would do this alone? Look, I know you’re smart, but you’re a mess with kids.” “How do you know?” Harry laughed again. He shrugged. “Just have a feeling.” She looked suspiciously at him as she rested her head on him again. She traced the outlining of the pattern on his clothes. “Where’s Ginny?” “I told her and Ron and Luna I was feeling tired.” “Are you?” She heard the pillow rustle. He shook his head. “Just wanted to be alone…and it was getting pretty boring, with them talking about Terry and what an asshole he is. I already know that. I mean, look what he did to you.” Hermione looked up at him. “Harry…what do you think of me?” “What do you mean?” “Do you…think I’m a slut, or an idiot or...what? I know all Ginny does is pity me. Truth be told I’d rather her be anything but. I feel like she thinks she’s better than me.” Harry sighed. “No, I don’t think you’re a…slut. It never even crossed my mind. Ron slept with Luna, and I don’t consider either one of them sluts. Well, maybe Ron. All I hear now is how fun it is.” He laughed. He cleared his throat. “Look, the point is, when I first heard you were sleeping with Terry, I was real disappointed. Real…disappointed. I think I told you that, right? Yeah. Anyway, I…well…” he drifted off. “What?” He sighed. “Stop sighing,” she murmured, “I don’t like going up and down.” Harry breathed in deeply, and let out his breath quickly. Hermione smiled. “I love you Harry.” “I love you too Mione.” The rest of the evening past with them in comfortable silence. The hospital wing grew darker and the only sounds were Madam Pomprey’s shuffling feet from her office. No one said anything, and soon Hermione fell asleep on Harry’s chest . He looked at her breathing deeply, asleep and away from all the troubles she’ll have to face in the morning. He closed his eyes and before he fell asleep whispered, “More than you’ll ever know.” 10. Chapter 9 ------------- When Hermione woke up the next morning, she didn’t know where she was. After blinking her eyes a couple of times, she realized she was in a very uncomfortable position, her head on Harry’s chest and her body bent from sitting in the chair. She lifted her head and felt her neck crack. “Ow!” Harry’s eyes blinked open. Hermione blushed. “Hermione?” She smiled sheepishly. “Sorry I woke you. Go back to sleep.” Harry closed his eyes and stretched. “…time is it?” “Seven. Go to sleep.” “Okay…” “Good night Harry.” “Night Mione….” She stood up and walked quietly towards the door. She closed the door softly to the hospital wing. She turned around and nearly ran smack-dab into Ron. “Ron!” she gasped. She placed a hand over her chest. “You scared me!” Ron looked down at Hermione. Hermione looked up. Ron was tall. *Very* tall. He was over 6 feet, a while she was only 5’6. Being with Ron always made her feel safe. He was a bulky fellow, strong. Well, he had to be, he was keeper for Quidditch. In fact, compared to Harry, Ron was completely different. While Harry’s hair was black and shaggy, Ron’s hair was red and cut short neatly. Ron had muscles bulging from his shirt, while Harry was slim, but he was strong all the same. Sometimes Ron scared Hermione. Just because he was so *big.* He was an intimidator, that much was certain. Right now he was intimidating Hermione. He was staring at Hermione hard. “What?” she asked, annoyed. “Quit staring at me.” She moved to get around Ron, but he just blocked her. “Ron.” Ron grabbed her arm. Hermione looked up. “What are you doing here so early, shouldn’t you be sleeping until one like always?” she asked nastily. “I wanted to talk to you, and Ginny said you didn’t come up last night. I was thinking maybe you and Terry made up, but Ginny told me.” “Told you *what*?” “Ginny told me.” Hermione shrugged off Ron’s grip. She walked away but Ron followed her. “How could you have been so stupid?” he asked. Hermione didn’t answer. “Hermione. Hermione!” Hermione turned around, her eyes livid. For some reason she was extremely angry, and she decided to let her anger out on Ron. “What?” Ron stopped, then came forward. “Hermione.” “I’m perfectly aware that that’s my name, *Ronald.* What do you want?” Ron opened his mouth, but no words came out. “Well?” Ron sighed. “Are you okay?” Hermione scoffed. “Why *wouldn’t* I be okay?” Ron sighed again. “C’mon Mione. Don’t be this way. You know. I know. You’re pregnant.” “Shh!” Hermione scowled. “ Scream it out to the whole world, why don’t you!!” Hermione turned around and started walking. Ron took two strides and caught up to her. “Hermione, stop, wait! What’s wrong with you?” “What’s wrong with me is that you won’t leave me alone!” She stopped and turned to him. “Leave. Me. Alone!” “What are you gonna do?” he asked, ignoring her. Hermione sighed. “Well, if you’d get out my I’m going to go to sleep. I’m tired.” Ron growled in frustration. “Can you stop acting like a complete…” He sighed. “Okay. Hermione. Now I’m being serious. What’s going on with you? What are you going to do?” Hermione ran her hand through her hair and started walking. Ron walked next to her. They passed a corner. “I’m dropping out, that’s what.” Ron stopped, and so did Hermione. “Wh-what? You’re….dropping out. You. Hermione Granger. What are you, crazy? You’re the cleverest witch in the whole school. In the whole history of Hogwarts! How are you gonna drop out? What are you gonna tell McGonagall? Dumbledore? Where are you gonna live? What - ?” “Ron, shut up! Merlin!” Hermione crossed her arms. “I’ll tell Dumbledore and McGonagall the truth. I’m moving to Grimmauld Place. Tonks and Lupin are living there. Harry said it was okay.” Ron’s mouth was open. “*Harry* said that was okay?” “Yeah.” He shook his head. “Okay, you got that settled, I guess, but…you have no money. No muggle money, no real money, nothing. Ginny said your parents won’t help. What are you - ?” “Oh my God! Did Ginny tell you *everything*? Why? What did she just tell you out of the blue or something? Did she say she had some great news to tell you? Wha - what? Why would she tell you that?” “My *sister* told me because she thought I was going to beat up Terry since you didn’t come home last night. Fact I might still. But forget about that. *What are you going to do*, for the fortieth time.” “I don’t know. I’ll just get a job or something.” Ron snorted. “What, waiting tables at the Leaky Cauldron?” Hermione shook her head. “No. Not that. Maybe…” Ron stopped her. “That’s what you’ll be doing Mione, if you drop out.” He pointed his finger at her. “No matter how smart you are, if you don’t have that diploma…you’re gonna be living on tips. Merlin, Hermione.” Hermione closed her eyes. She couldn’t take it anymore. She had held in her emotions too long. The dam was about to break. When she opened her eyes the tears fell out. “Oh Merlin.” Ron hugged her. All his anger and sternness disappeared in an instant. Harry, Ron, all boys were the same. Sight of a crying girl, all resolve crumbles. “Don’t worry baby, we’ll figure something out.” Hermione hugged Ron tightly and cried into his chest. “You’re right Ron.” Her voice was muffled. “My life is *over.* I can’t get a good job. I can’t graduate. This is all my fault.” She cried harder. “Oh God oh God. Oh God! What am I going to do! What have I done? Oh God…” Ron kissed the top of her head. “Don’t worry Mione. It’ll be okay. I didn’t mean what I said. You’ll be okay. He looked around. Good, no one was around. He let Hermione finish crying and half dragged her to a bathroom to was her face. Around the corner from where they were Pansy Parkinson’s pug face lit up in a smile. The mudblood was pregnant. ******************************* Pansy ran down the hall towards the dungeons. She passed a bathroom and hear the mudblood and Weasl talking. She was so excited. Pansy entered the Slytherin common room with a smile on. She jumped on the couch where Draco was. “Guess what sweetie!” Draco looked at her with a bored expression on his face. He put down the book he was reading. “What?” he asked in a monotone voice. Pansy was practically jumping up and down. “The mudblood’s pregnant!” Draco stared at her. “Granger?” Pansy nodded. “No way,” he said. “No way. Are you sure? Miss goody-two-shoes has actually been fucked? And she’s pregnant?” Pansy nodded excitedly. Draco smiled. He laughed. “Holy shit. Has, has Christmas come early or something? Oh my-” He laughed. Millicent came lumbering over. “What’s so funny?” “The mudblood Granger’s pregnant!” Millicent smiled. “Beautiful.” ******************************** *Beeep! Beeep! Beeeeeeeeeeeep!!!* Hermione opened her eyes. *Beeeep!!!! Beeep!!!* She groaned. It was Monday. She heard Parvati and Lavender stirring in their beds. She sat up. She pulled he curtains open and turned off the damn alarm clock. After she had her *long* talk with Ron (they must’ve talked until ten. Poor Ron was dozing off by the time they had finished), she and Ron went to Professor McGonagall’s office. Of course, Dumbledore had been there. Hermione had sat down with Ron behind her and told Dumbledore and McGonagall what happened, unable to look either in the eye. They just looked at her with disbelief on heir faces. *“Ye-yeah. So um, I don’t think I can stay at school anymore. So I think that um I’m gonna have to uh… ahem drop out.”* They tried to persuade her to stay in school. Like that’ll ever happened. While she was pregnant? She left her room and walked towards the showers. A couple of girls were just waking up. Two girls, fourth years, saw Hermione and started whispering behind her hands. Hermione ignored them. After her shower, more girls were coming out of their dorm rooms. A lot of them were pointing at Hermione. *What?* she thought. *Whatever.* She entered her room. Parvati and Lavender were up, talking in low tones. “Good morning,” Hermione said. They both jumped. “H-ey Mione.” “Good morning.” Hermione started to get dressed. “Have you noticed that everyone seems to be whispering? What’s the big secret? Don’t tell me I’m out of the loop!” Hermione joked. Nobody answered her. Hermione sat down on her bed and pulled her socks up to her knees. “Well?” She buttoned up her shirt. Not a peep from the two girls who couldn’t hold a secret for longer than ten minutes. Hermione stood up and started to do her tie. “Parvati.” she said Parvati looked at her. “What’s everyone talking about?” Parvati bit her lip. “Parvati?” “Well….you see, Hermione. Um. Well, what they’re talking about is um…well, you see, it’s well, what everyone’s talking about is….you.” Hermione frowned. “Nothing bad, I hope?” Parvati looked sad. “Well, there’s this…rumor going around that you’re um…pregnant.” Hermione concentrated on doing her tie. She looked down at it and avoided eye contact. “Oh?” “Yeah.” Lavender and Parvati looked at each other. Hermione wasn’t saying anything. Hermione finished and put her vest on. After buttoning it, she grabbed her book bag and her books. She put her book bag on and slipped her shoes on. She turned to look at them. “I don’t know why you listen to that. You know it’s not true.” And she walked out of the room. ************************** As soon as Hermione walked into the Great Hall, conversation stopped, then buzzed up again. Hermione blushed. She walked over to where Harry and Ron were. Harry had made a complete recovery. Other than a bruised ego, he was feeling better. She sat next to Harry. “Hey Harry.” Harry looked at her. “You heard?” Hermione reached for the orange juice. “Heard what?” Harry sighed. “Mione, they’re all talking about you.” Hermione shrugged. “Don’t you care?” Hermione sighed. “Of course I do Harry.” She slowly began to eat. Harry and Ron stared at her. Harry said, “But…..” “But what?” “Mione!” “Yes, Harry?” “Merlin! Mione, they’re all *know.*” “I know.” Harry and Ron stared at her in shock. Ron spoke first. “How can you just take it so…calmly?” Hermione shrugged. “Go figure.” Ron shook his head in disbelief. “Look.” Harry and Ron looked at her. “They were all gonna *know* anyway. I’m dropping out, remember? I’m sure they would’ve put two and two together.” Ginny sat down across from Harry. “Hey Hermione.” “Hey Ginny. Did you hear? Everyone knows about me. Isn’t that just *wonderful*?” Harry, Ron, and Ginny looked at Hermione. She seemed bitter. “I mean, it’s just fabulous to know that every motherfucking person in this whole damn school thinks you’re a fucking slut.” Hermione threw her fork down. “I’m going. I’ll see you later.” She picked her books up and left. Ginny shook her head and watched her leave. She reached for the orange juice and began to pour it. “Did you do it?” Ginny looked up. “What Ron?” Ron was starting to get angry. “Did you tell everyone about Hermione?” “No! I’d never tell anyone that!” “But you gladly told me.” It was Harry this time. Ginny opened her mouth but no words came out. Just then Seamus leaned over and said “Hey Harry! Is it true? Hermione’s pregnant?” Harry glared at Seamus. Seamus got the point and backed away. Harry turned his attention back to Ginny. “Well?” Ginny shook her head. “I can’t believe you Harry! Why would you think of something like that! Don’t you trust me?” Harry stood up. “I’m going to look for Mione. I’ll see you later.” Ron stood up and was about to follow when Professor McGonagall walked up to him and Harry and asked to see them both. ************************** Hermione was walking to Hagrid’s. She hadn’t been to see him in a while, and she still had time before her first class started. On her way there she saw a couple of girls. “Oh that’s the one I was telling you about.” Hermione ignored them. She felt like crying. “Really? She doesn’t look like that.” “I know, but believe me, that’s her.” Hermione looked at them and the girls started giggling. She blushed. The girls started talking again, but Hermione stopped them. “Excuse me.” The girls turned around, wide-eyed. “Are you talking about me?” One of the girls stepped forward and scowled. “What does it matter to you?” Hermione stepped back, hurt. The girl kept going. “I mean, the whole school knows what’s up with you. Accept it. Yes, we *are* talking about you.” Hermione’s eyes filled with tears and she walked away. **************************** “I don’t know why they’re all talking about me like that Hagrid. I mean, it’s not like I killed anyone or something. In fact, I did just the opposite of that!” Hermione sighed and put her head in her hands. Hagrid poured her tea. “I don’ kno’ either ‘Mione, bu’ it’s human nature to talk about other people. I kno‘ from experience.” Hermione groaned. “You know, there are worse things I could do. I could….go with *all* the guys. Or…hurt people like they’re doing to me.” Her eyes filled with tears and she put her head on the table. Hagrid patted her back. The whole cabin shook. “Everyone thinks I’m this…slut, when I’m not. Hagrid, why did this have to happen.” Hagrid shook his shaggy beard. “You know I’m dropping out, right Hagrid?” Hagrid sighed. “Yes. I wish you won’.” Hermione heard the bell rang. “Well I got to go Hagrid or I’ll be late. Thanks.” Before she could leave though Hagrid captured her in a huge bear hug. “Take care Mione, and remember, I’m always here for you.” Hermione sighed. “At least I have one friend to count on.” A/N: Aww poor Mione! Phew! That was a long chapter. (For me at least) I’ve been getting lazy, I havent been writing, so now I have to write up the next chapters, so it might take time. So hopefully there’ll be an update within a week…God willing. Lol. Review please! 11. Note -------- **Hey y’all.** **I’m going to have to slow down on the chapters. The next one might not be for a couple of works, but I’m really busy lately. I’ve got a heck of a lot of work in and I just started this job and well… to make a long story short I’m a bit overwhelmed, but I haven’t forgotten about you! So just hang tight all right?** **GO BEARS!!!** **P.S. Thanks for all who’ve reviewed.** **Beverlyhills** 12. A New Home -------------- **A/N: Thanks to everyone who’s been reviewing thus far!!!! Oh and I know that Harry and Ginny got together at the end of the year blah blah blah but I said I’ve made some changes so I said Harry and Ginny got together after Christmas break, remember? No? Yeah I don’t think I said it. Well that’s what happened in this story. Well, enjoy, review, and as always, go DA BEARS!** After her talk with Hagrid she went back to her room. Why go to class? She was dropping out, and the only thing that would happen would be other people would just talk about her and make her last few days miserable. Hermione closed her eyes. She felt like she was going to throw up. She opened them and her door and gasped at the sight that welcomed her. All of her clothes were packed up, and her side of the room was practically bare. Dumbledore must’ve sent some houseleves, bless their hearts, to pack up her stuff. She was shocked when she saw that. She hadn’t been expecting to get kicked out. She crossed the room to grab her jacket and put it on. It was cold for March, even though the room was heated. Her trunk was open and she closed it. She sighed as she picked up her book bag. She slipped off her sneakers and sat on her bed. She looked around and thought of all the great memories she had had here at Hogwarts. First year with the troll…befriending Harry and Ron…brewing the polyjuice potion in Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom, scared to death they’d get caught…flying up on Buckbeak with Harry…the Triwizard Tournament…Umbridge…She took her jacket off. Hermione closed her eyes to stop the tears from forming. She placed her head in her hands and thought. *Oh God oh God. Oh God please help me. Please let this all just be a nightmare. Please. This can’t be happening. Not to me. Not to me. Please God, please.* She squeezed her eyes tighter but it didn’t matter. The tears came pouring out. *Not to me. Not to me.* She raised her head and realization dawned on her. She was dropping out. She was pregnant. Pregnant. Alone. No one was going to help her. No one cared. Harry didn’t care, he had Ginny to worry about. Her hands started to shake. She was pregnant. “Oh my God.” she said. “Oh my God!” She stood up and opened the door and walked out to the common room. She walked out of it and kept walking. A couple of people passed her and said something to her, but she didn’t care. There was only one person she wanted to see. *********************** His first period was Charms. She waited outside his class until the bell rang. A slew of people walked out of the room and of course he was last to leave. Last to get to class, last to leave. He walked out by himself and stopped when he saw Hermione. He laughed and shook his head. “What the hell are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be gone from here and getting income support or some shit like that? Merlin!” He laughed and kept walking. “Terry,” she followed him. “Terry! Stop. I have to talk to you.” He stopped and turned around with a smirk on his face. “Yeah, baby?” “Don’t call me that.” “Sorry baby. You were saying.” A smile was playing on his lips. She sighed. “Ok look. Can you stop being such a jerk for one minute please?” “Oooh I love it when you beg. You know it really turns me on.” “Stop it! I need to talk to you.” “Yeah baby I know what you need.” He laughed. Hermione turned around and ran her hands through her hair. She breathed in deeply. “Okay. Terry, just act mature for five minutes okay? I need to know-” “How to get laid? No problem I’ll show you.” He thrust his hips towards her. He laughed again. “SHUT UP! Just shut up for a second! Please!” “Okay I’ll be quiet…if you suck my dick.” The bell rang. Terry looked at the clock on the wall. “Hurry up baby, you’re going to make me late.” He walked towards her. “So? What do you want baby? Hmmm?” He smirked. “Ahh. I know.” He rested his hands on her hips. “Don’t touch me.” She stepped back. “Why?” “Just don’t Terry!” He sighed and rolled his eyes. “Okay, fine. What do you want?” Hermione bit her lip, debating whether or not to ask him. She decided not to. “Nothing, forget it. Go to class, leave me alone.” Terry’s eyes flashed angrily. “Why? You said wanted to see me. In fact you practically begged me to stay and talk to you. If you ask me, that doesn’t say that you want to be alone. Quite the contrary actually. So, what do you want?” Hermione felt very uncomfortable all of the sudden. It was like something in the air changed. No one was in the hall, just her and Terry. “Okay Terry, I’m sorry. Just leave me alone okay?” She made to leave but Terry grabbed her arm and pulled her close. Hermione gasped. Terry had a look of mock surprise on his face. “What? What…are you *scared* of me? Why? You don’t think I’d do anything to hurt you would you? Not…the woman carrying my *child* would I? Huh? Yeah. Listen to me. Are you listening?” He lowered his voice. “I’m not fucking helping you with that baby if that’s what you wanted to ask me. I’m not paying for it, I’m not visiting it. I don’t *care* about it. Okay? So leave me alone about the baby. Okay? It’s your problem. Not mine. Get it? Not. Mine. Got it? Good.” He let go of her. “Now leave me alone. You’ve made me late.” Hermione breathed in deeply. Terry picked up his books he dropped and started walking away. “You can’t do that.” Terry laughed and turned around and walked backwards. “Yes I can. That fucking baby isn’t my problem. It’s yours. So, to quote you a couple of minutes before, leave me alone.” He turned back around. Hermione ran her hands in her hair and tried hard not to cry. She shook her head in disbelief. Terry was down the hall by now. She yelled at him. “Who the hell do you think you are? You can’t fucking do that! It’s against the law.” She heard Terry sigh out loud. He stopped but didn’t turn around. “Leave me alone Hermione!” “You’re in this just as much as me! You have to help me! It’s your fault anyway!” That got his attention. He turned around and laughed in disbelief. “What! *My* fault!” He started walking towards her. “*You’re* the one who should’ve taken precaution. Not me! You! If there’s anyone to blame it’s you! Not me! Got it?” He was right in her face. “Now leave me the fuck alone!” He threw his books down in anger. Hermione didn’t back down. “I’m not leaving you alone until you help me. What am I supposed to -” “Oh SHUT UP! Do you ever fucking shut up! Shut the fuck up! Shut up. Shut your fucking mouth. Shut UP!! What is wrong with you! Leave me alone! God! If you were going to be like this I’d never have fucked you in the first place.” “Oh yeah. Like it’s some *honor* to sleep with you! Yay, Terry Boot *actually* wants to sleep with me. Like who hasn’t? Every time we did it I was counting the seconds down until you’d be finished!” “Fuck you. You know you loved it.” He imitated her. “*Oh Terry Oooh*.” “Well then you must be the most gullible person I’ve ever met.” “What, you were faking?” “Only an idiot would actually think I was serious. Yeah, every time I faked it. In fact-” She didn’t get to finish her sentence. Terry slammed her against the wall and pinned her against it. She cried out in pain. “You don’t know what you’re talking about Hermione. So you better be quiet, okay?” His voice was deadly calm and his brown eyes gazed deeply into hers. Hermione’s eyes widened. “L-let go of me.” “Why? I mean, if you say that…you were faking every time….maybe…*now* I’ll be able to…pleasure you correctly, no?” He pressed against her. “Terry…please. Get off me. Please.” Terry’s hand pressed into her hip. “Baby, I already told you what happens when you beg with me.” *Oh God…* **************************** Harry and Ron walked down the halls when they heard the bell ring. It didn’t matter though, because Dumbledore and McGonagall had given them permission to skip today’s classes. It wasn’t going to be a fun day. Today was the only day Hermione would be able to leave. It was lucky it was the Annual Legend’s Weekend in Hogsmede. All legendary witches and wizards meet up there and catch up on old times and brag to each other about their accomplishments. Dumbledore was supposed to be there later today, and the carriage that would take him to Hogsmede would be able to take Hermione away to an apparation point so she could apparate to Number 12 Grimmauld Place. Tonks and Lupin were ready for her. McGonagall had sent houseleves to pack up her stuff and Harry and Ron were sent to find Hermione and bring her outside to wait for the carriage. Only problem was they couldn’t find her. “Mate, we’ve been walking around for 20 minutes already. Maybe she went up to her room,” Ron said. “No,” Harry replied. “Hagrid said she was going to go to class. Now, she wasn’t in Defense Against the Dark Arts, so she probably skipped that class. She’s probably in second period. Come on, let’s go to Charms.” Ron sighed and shoved his hands in his pockets. “If we go to Charms Flitwick is going to ask why we’re not there.” He shook the hair out of his eyes. “Harry, how did this happen?” “Well, obviously we keep missing Hermione. I’m sure she’s in Charms.” “Not that Harry. Hermione.” “I know. I told you she’s probably in Charms.” Ron looked at Harry. Harry sighed. “Look Ron, I really don’t want to talk about Hermione right now. You have no idea what this is doing to me to know that she’s dropping out. I mean, how are we supposed to be a trio with only two? No offense to your sister, but Ginny will never fill Hermione’s shoes.” “None taken.” The made a turn to the Charms corridor. “I mean, I guess I…no never mind. I don’t know. I don’t know why she’d-” Harry stopped short. “What Harry?” “Do you hear that?” “Hear what?” “Shh! Listen.” Loud voices were being echoed off the corridor walls. *“Oh yeah. Like it’s some* honor *to sleep with you! Yay, Terry Boot….”* “That sounds like Hermione.” Ron told Harry. Harry frowned. “Come one,” he said and started walking towards the voices. Ron pulled Harry back. “Whoa. Harry mate. I don’t know about you, but if those two are fighting I don’t think I want to be caught in the middle of it. Best just to stay here and wait for them to finish.” Harry listened to what they were saying. *“Yeah, every time I faked it. In fact-”* Then it got quiet. Harry couldn’t hear anything. “What happened? I don’t hear them arguing anymore. Where are they?” “They’re probably around the corner, because I don’t see them.” “I don’t either. It’s too quiet. Do you think..?” Harry trailed off. “Yeah, Harry I think. Look, Harry, leave them alone. You’ve fought with Ginny plenty of times.” Harry looked sharply at Ron. “Er, I mean, you know when people are fighting to leave them alone. And if I know those two, they’re probably ‘making up’ right now as we speak.” Harry didn’t say anything. Ron was probably right. Hermione hadn’t learned her lesson. Harry sighed and leaned against the wall. Ron didn’t say anything and neither did Harry. Ron cracked his knuckles. *“...please…”* Harry looked up. “Did you hear that?” “What my knuckles? Yeah.” “No not that. It sounded like someone said please.” Ron scoffed and muttered under his breath, “C’mon Hermione, where’s your pride.” Harry started to get nervous. “I’ll be right back.” He jogged down the hall. “No, Harry stop!” Ron jogged up to him. “Look, I know what they’re doing, and…” They turned the corner. “...I don’t-” Ron stopped short and stared at the sight before him. Terry looked up and pushed off of Hermione and bent down to pick up his books. “What the fuck were you doing?” Terry snorted. “Nothing you would know much about Harry.” He said to Hermione, “I’ll see you later baby, and remember what I said. Okay?” He started to walk off but Harry followed him. Ron looked at Hermione, who had a look of shock on her face. “Are you okay Hermione?” Ron asked softly. Hermione turned her head to him and nodded. Ron started towards her when they both heard Harry yell, “I SAID WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU DOING WITH HER!” Ron and Hermione both turned their heads toward Harry. Terry laughed at Harry and was about to walk off when for the second time that week Harry’s fist met Terry’s jaw, and once again, Terry crashed to the ground. “Whoa! Harry mate, stop!” Ron ran towards his friend and held Harry back. “NEVER FUCKING TOUCH HER AGAIN, YOU HEAR ME? LEAVE HER ALONE!” Terry stood up. “You know Harry,” he said calmly, “I would check with Hermione for the whole story before you come and throw your fists around.” He glanced over at Hermione. “Maybe if she wasn’t just *begging* me to help her, then none of this would’ve happened.” He picked up his books and walked off, wiping his chin and checking for blood. Harry whirled around. “What is he talking about? Why would you go **talk**to him Hermione?” Hermione shook her head. “I don’t know. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m sorry okay? I-” “Why would you even want to talk to him?” “I-” “I mean, maybe I was wrong. Maybe Ginny was right. Maybe you *are* stupid.” “Harry-” Ron warned. “No Ron.” Harry stepped towards Hermione. “I know I said you were stupid, but I never actually *believed* that you were.” He shook his head. “Merlin Mione. How can you be so smart, but so stupid at the same time?” Hermione didn’t answer. Harry sighed. “Come on. Dumbledore is looking for you. You’re leaving.” He walked off and left them behind. “Don’t worry about him Mione. He’s just mad, you know? He doesn’t mean it. I mean, you know how Harry is right? Always hot-tempered, never thinking things through. I mean, that’s just how Harry is. He doesn’t mean it. You got to believe that. Mione?” Hermione sighed. “Yeah I know. But you know what, he’s right.” “About what?” They started walking and Hermione crossed her arms and looked up towards the ceiling. “About how stupid I am.” And no amount of encouraging Ron gave her made her change her mind. ********************************* Harry and Ron lifted Hermione’s trunk into the carriage with ease. Hermione climbed in. Harry stood on the floorboard. “Hermione, I’m-” “Harry it’s okay. Really, you’re right. I have been pretty stupid.” Harry looked down and smiled. “Just a bit.” Hermione smiled and ruffled his hair. “I’ll see you later okay?” Harry kissed her cheek. “Bye Mione. Say hi to Tonks and Lupin for me.” “Bye Mione!” “Bye Ron.” “Bye Hermione.” Harry stepped off the carriage, and watched it leave until it was nothing but a black speck on the horizon. Hermione cried the whole trip to Grimmauld Place. ********************************** “Hey Hermione!” Of course Tonks would be happy to see Hermione. She was alone at the Headquarters. Lupin had been gone for a while. He had to do duty at Azkaban and question Voldemort’s former Death Eaters. “Hey Tonks.” She jumped out of the carriage and looked around. “Well…I guess you’re with me for the next uh…couple of months?” Hermione laughed. “Believe me Tonks, it’s going to be a bit longer than that.” **I know I know before all y’all start, this chapter sucked I know. But, I just needed to get this chapter out so I could start with the good stuff. And I’m sorry it took so long to get out, but updates will come quicker. I’m really excited about what’s to come! Well review and hope you enjoyed it! (Oh and I kind of stole the Legend’s Weekend from Oprah’s Legend’s Weekend.)**