It Had To Be Her

20: Momentous News

Hermione

The potion vial stood on the bathroom countertop in the Gryffindor girls' bathroom, staring me down as I debated whether or not to drink it. I formulated it, I knew it was safe, and I took the ingredients from a more modern Potions text book, so none of the weird frog leg or other animal parts that were listed in the Most Advanced Potions text book were used. Still, I had some of the symptoms: two missed periods, the first one a mere spotting and then nothing afterward, breast tenderness, certain perfumes and smells really made me almost throw up, and tiredness, like more than usual.

"Just do it, just fucking do it you coward," I chided myself aloud. "If you are, it's far too late now."

I stared at my bridal set and how it sparkled in the lights. Yep, if I was in a family way, I was doing my duty to the clan, to my marriage. Oh yes, a marriage that is technically forbidden by every school rule, or did you forget that said possible baby daddy wizard is a teacher of yours?? I heard the sound of girls coming, and the group happened to be Ginny with her friends from Quidditch. They greeted me, but Ginny noticed my distress, and said, "Could you guys excuse me? I've gotta ask Hermione about Herbology homework."

They soon scooted out and when we were alone, she took out her purse and began doing makeup. "What's wrong? Is it..wolf stuff?"

I chuckled. "Kind of. I might be pregnant, and I'm being a massive wuss by trying to psych myself out of not taking the potion."

Ginny's eyes went wide with shock. "Oh. Oh, wow. How sure are you that you're like...knocked up?"

"Gin!"

"Sorry. But you did say you two are going at it on the regular. I mean, it's not like you two can take precautions and stuff."

I sighed heavily. "About 80 percent sure. We haven't been casting the anti birth charm ever since this whole thing began, but I've missed two periods and I have some other symptoms. Is it normal for it to be months before it happens?"

Ginny nodded. "Uh yeah, it's pretty hit and miss even for witches, girl. My mum tells me that anyway which is why she had me memorize the two anti birth charms when I was twelve."

"Two?"

"Yeah, one for all day, and the other right before sex so his little swimmers can't get to the egg."

"Oh. Maybe I should just go see Madam Pomfrey about this. I mean, the staff knows already."

"So? She'll berate him endlessly for it."

"True. Will you stick around for the results?"

Ginny smiled. "Of course. Now, take it and stop overthinking already. Geez, you're making me nervous and I'm the virgin here."

"Okay, okay, fine." I picked up the potion vial and unscrewed the top of the clear potion. "Bottoms up, as my dad says."

I drank it, and it tasted bittersweet, but within a minute the need to pee was overwhelming. I rushed to the nearest stall, and made water. I wiped up afterward, and looked into the stool. At first, I thought my eyes deceived me, but I shook my head and yes, the toilet water was blue. I felt my pulse speed up at the realization my life had changed forever in the space of a minute. I opened the stall door, and Ginny looked in on me and by my face she knew the results were positive. She looked at the blue water, and wordlessly gave me a hug.

"Are you okay?"
"I...I don't know what I'm feeling."

"That's okay. Do you want to go see Madam Pomfrey?"

I nodded, separating from Ginny. "Yeah. You go on to class, I'll be fine. I need her to write up that medical slip anyway so I don't have to do any flying for Flying Class. My last class I guess I have to stay after to tell my husband the big news."

"I'm here for you even if Ron and Harry aren't you know that."

"Thank you. I'll do the same for you if Flitwick gets a furry problem and you have to go through this."

Ginny laughed. "Thanks. But I'm saving myself for Hagrid you know that. Hooch too, I'm not particular, but no kid from her."

I giggled. "Why does that sound feasible?"

"Um, because he's a teddy bear?"
"True. Your poor uterus."

We broke down giggling but had to stop because the bell for classes rang.

Ginny sighed. "I guess it's time for me to get to class. Good luck with Madam Pomfrey."

I smiled. "Yeah, thanks. It's not like she's going to report to Dumbledore that I have an active sex life or anything."

"Merlin forbid. I'll see you at dinner?"

"I'll owl you."

✨️✨️✨️✨️

We shared a nod over that and separated to go to our different destinations. I felt a bit nervous about telling Pomfrey the news first, simply because she was Dumbledore's lackey, but then shook my head of my misgivings. I turned the door knob, and as usual, the Hogwarts Mediwitch was busy.

She spotted me and looked me over. "Miss Granger. You don't look the least bit ill. Dare I ask why you are not in class?"

I cleared my throat. "Well...um, see the thing is that I'm experiencing some witch issues. Personal issues that might make me sit out of Flying Class or do anything physical for nine months at least."

She studied me for a bit before sighing heavily. "Did you take a conception proof potion?"

I nodded. I produced the evidence out of my purse, and she became all business. "Very well. Find an empty bed, and I will test this potion vial to be absolutely sure."

I did as she told, and after a few minutes of waiting, decided to pace. After ten minutes, Madam Pomfrey returned and had the necessary permission slip in her hand.

"Show this to any teacher who is planning anything physically distressing in their lessons," She instructed. "Also, I will be scheduling daily check ups in light of your condition. But personally I do not approve of this one bit."

I frowned. "It's not like I have a choice in the matter, Madam Pomfrey."

"I'm not blaming you, or Severus for that matter, dear. I know a little bit of werewolf politics, and how mates of werewolves have to get pregnant for the good of the clan. Still, Lupin should've taken his damn potion like he was supposed to."

I laughed. "On that even he would agree with you there. Still, I don't entirely mind even if I wanted to go the family route later on after graduating."

She grinned knowingly. "True. He is...appealing, isn't he?"

I winked. "You have no idea."

I left her then, and as I got out of History of Magic, I noticed that Madam Pomfrey tacked on a small note with a smiley face drawn on it. The note read: Congratulations on another wizard.

I touched my still flat stomach: somewhere inside my womb, a tiny microscopic male fetus was forming. I couldn't help but feel elated. Would my son look like us both? Or like Severus alone? I almost couldn't wait to meet him already.

My joy lasted all day, and I looked forward to my spicy Potions class because afterward, I could relate the news that our union was a resounding success after all...