755As I am NOT the original author of the Harry Potter series, who as anyone should know is the wonderful JKR who lets us play with her world. I don't own a darn thing here. On with the story.
Chapter 47 Surprises for All
With what was quickly being called "The Battle of Gringotts" over the more militant pure blood families realized they had paid far too high a price to accomplish nothing. The word from the few remaining elders of their clans privately put the word out among the Heirs they were to lay low, not make any waves or cause any problems all the while positioning themselves for places in the future to insure their way of life survived.
This was a long term project they would be tasked with and the elders giving this direction knew they would not be around when the next battle, which would hopefully be confined to the Wizengamot occurred.
Hermione was just settling into her Hogwarts routine when Ginny approached her between classes asking, "Can we talk in private?"
"Of course, can it wait until after classes? We could meet in our rooms that should be private enough."
"Fine I'll see you right after class."
Hermione gave little thought about the meeting until her care of magical creatures class ended and she returned to her rooms to study for Thursday's classes. Right after the end of the last class one of the guards announced Ginny and showed her in after Hermione nodded.
"Thanks for this," A nervous Ginny said looking around the room.
"Harry's off to a Quidditch practice but keep that between us."
"I was hoping his map would be around." Ginny said a blush appearing on her cheeks.
"It's around why do you need it?"
Well I don't know if you've noticed but a number of students have been suddenly whisked off for private meetings. I asked Susan bones what was up. She told me due to the events occurring at Gringotts on the Yule a number of marriage contracts were automatically enacted."
"So you want the gossip on who is with whom?"
"No I just wanted to have… Oh this is so embarrassing." A deep breath later Ginny continued, "I wanted to have you or him look at the map and see how I show up."
Hermione didn't say anything just disappeared into their bedroom and consulted the map hidden there. Her eyes widened before she replaced it and returned to the living room. "Would you like to explain why I saw a Ginevra Longbottom?" she asked.
"Oh Merlin then it is true." Ginny said her eyes wide in realization.
"I take it Mrs. Longbottom that there is a story to be told."
"Yes, Mrs. Potter there is. But first I should find Neville and let him know we are married. Then owl mum… this isn't going to be pretty maybe if I hold off a day or two I can get the howler to arrive on the weekend when there's less people to notice." Ginny went on thinking out loud as she rose to leave.
Ginny went to the Gryffindor common room hoping Neville was there. Ten minutes later she had Neville in an empty classroom looking at her while she was biting her lower lip wondering just how to phrase what she had to say.
"Come on Ginny you know you can tell me anything." Neville said hoping she'd calm down.
"You know that agreement that your gram and my folks drew up after we agreed to it?"
"The one my grandmother and your parents signed on our last day home? That doesn't kick in unless we marry."
"Actually I just read in the library that is only one of the ways a standard betrothal contract takes effect and they used a standard template." Ginny said biting her lips in nervousness.
Neville looked at Ginny despite the feeling growing in his mind, he told himself not to react without thinking before asking, "And what are some of the other ways?"
"If the two parties happened to have what the book called 'a love based coupling.'"
"Like we had the day I showed you my greenhouse?"
"That did it." Ginny said watching his face carefully.
Neville searched Ginny's face hoping to find a clue about how she felt seeing a glint in her eyes he took a chance saying, "So the fact you and I had all ready 'coupled' caused us to be married once everyone signed the agreement?"
"That's about it, my husband."
"I guess we need to go see Dumbledore."
"Why, do you think he can override the agreement?" Ginny asked puzzled.
"Great Merlin no! I love you, to find out we are married is one of the greatest presents you can give me. However you do realize just what this means."
"You are not mad?"
"No but if you think you and I are sleeping in separate dormitory rooms tonight you are wrong Mrs. Longbottom." Neville replied a smile on his face while he was taking her in his arms for a kiss.
An owl to his grandmother and her parents later they were relaxing in the Gryffindor common room awaiting the explosion they knew was coming. It began when Professor Minerva McGonagall, their head of house, stepped through the Portrait hole that was the entrance and spotted them relaxing in front of the fireplace Ginny in Neville's lap. "I wish you had chosen to inform me about this event?"
"Professor?" Neville asked in an even tone.
"You both know very well what I am talking about. Your grandmother and Miss Weasley's parents are waiting in Dumbledore's office to talk with all of us."
"I believe it is Mrs. Longbottom's parents who are awaiting us," Neville replied in the same even tone.
"That is what this meeting is to determine. Miss Granger or Mrs. Longbottom, which ever is correct, expect to have several determining spells cast on you to determine your correct status." McGonagall said turning and heading for the Headmaster's office knowing the two teens were dogging her heels unless they wanted problems.
At the headmaster's office they entered and found two empty hard back chairs opposite the headmaster's desk while Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were on a couch off to the side with Mrs. Longbottom in a plush chair beside them.
"Miss Weasley what is this nonsense I hear from your parents that you are married to Mr. Longbottom?" The head master asked still seated behind his expansive desk.
"It is true I can't say how I know but it is. Mrs. Longbottom, the other one, owled my folks after Christmas about drawing up a marriage contract. It lays out my dowry and other things. Mum asked me about it. I agreed as long as it did not take effect unless we married. Which mum swore was the only way it would. Well she was wrong I was reading in the library and found out that marriage or a love based coupling would activate it. Once our parents signed it there was a flash that they dismissed as accidentally magic but it took effect because Neville and I had already had the love based coupling." Ginny said finishing up with a red face but not giving any indication of backing down.
"Would you object to my casting a determining spell," Dumbledore asked from his chair behind his desk.
Ginny glanced at Neville deferring to him. "I wish to know the spell and the indications Professor." Neville said speaking up.
"Neville the headmaster asked Miss Weasley," Neville's grandmother spoke up intending to correct his manners.
"He asked my wife who as is proper differed to me. Her Husband and the defacto head of our family." Neville replied looking at his grandmother who sat back in her chair in shock. Her grandson had never corrected her like this before.
'He'd better be right. I'd hate to have that woman looking at me like that.' Dumbledore thought as he turned back to Neville. "If you are indeed married you should see a glow around both of you if you are not there will not be a glow and if she is married to someone else she will glow as will her mate where ever he is."
Neville nodded his agreement and Dumbledore drew his wand casting a spell on Ginny. For an instant there was nothing then suddenly Ginny started to glow along with Neville.
The sound of crying started to fill the room as Molly Weasley realized that her daughter, the youngest one of her seven children was the first one married while she was in her fifth year of schooling.
"I believe the proper thing for me to do now is say welcome to the family Mrs. Longbottom." Neville's grandmother said standing and walking over to Ginny who stood and returned the embrace.
"Molly it shouldn't be too bad they will still need to spend their nights in the dorms." Dumbledore said trying to comfort Ginny's mother.
"That is not acceptable." Mrs. Longbottom said instantly.
"But Mrs. Longbottom the school has no provisions for married couples. The Potters are in professor's quarters." Professor McGonagall replied.
"Nonsense, my grandmother attended Hogwarts as a married woman for her last two years and bore her first child while a seventh year. My mother was married her last year here also. Professor Dumbledore I expect arrangements to be made with in the next few hours to accommodate my grandson and his wife as a married couple complete with all the rights and privileges that entails." Neville's grandmother said firmly her eyes locked on the Headmaster.
As much Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore enjoyed being the head master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry there were moments that he regretted taking the job and this was one of them. Neville's grandmother had him dead to rights and what was worse she knew it. "While it is true, Mrs. Longbottom, there have been married students in the past over the last fifty years we have discouraged students being married." Dumbledore said an encouraging smile on his face and a twinkling in his eye.
"Don't even try that with me Albus. Now I told you they need rooms for tonight or I will withdraw both of them from Hogwarts."
Albus looked towards the Weasleys hoping for support but it was evident from the look on Molly Weasley's face that there was no support to be had from that area. He hated to admit this was another fight he wasn't going to win. If this went to the board of directors he knew Neville's grandmother knew where too many bodies were buried among that group for him to stand a chance for his side to prevail. He was also aware of the number of betrothal contracts activating along with the repercussions for Hogwarts. He called the house elves and requested the married quarters in Gryffindor tower be revealed and readied for habitation.
"Two hours." The head elf responded before disappearing
"Is there anything else?" Dumbledore asked looking towards Neville's grandmother.
"Yes, I need to make sure there are no charms or spells that will prevent my becoming pregnant." Ginny said speaking up firmly only her red face betrayed her embarrassment at having to speak of this.
"Excuse me?" McGonagall said speaking up.
"One of the changes to the standard betrothal contract my folks agreed to was there would be no magical nor muggle pregnancy preventions used until either our first male child was born or I had borne Neville five girls. If there are any charms or spells cast on the students I need to insure mine are removed. It was a magical contract between our families and I do not want any complications."
Dumbledore's quick glance at Mrs. Weasley whose hung head confirmed the truth of Ginny's statement.
"Hogwarts does have a charm that applies to underage girls but it can be nullified in special cases." Dumbledore admitted drawing his wand and waiving it at Ginny while muttering a spell.
"Well it looks like I'll be pregnant sooner rather than later. Do I need to make any changes in my classes?" A smiling Ginny asked looking at the two professors.
Dumbledore and McGonagall exchanged glances then Professor McGonagall said, "It might be in your best interest to drop Potions for the next two years."
"I was hoping to take the same healer course Hermione is."
"That would be best." Dumbledore replied.
"Will it be safe for her to finish potions this year?" Neville asked speaking up aware the Hermione had to drop potions.
"I will have Professor Snape double check with Madam Pomfrey as to the safety of the potions he is planning to have his students brew for the remainder of the year. If there is an concerns you will both be notified." Dumbledore assured them.
"Professor McGonagall, will we need to change the crest on our robes?" Ginny asked looking towards her head of house.
"No Miss, my apologizes, Mrs. Longbottom. As you are both members of Gryffindor there is no need. I suspect any inter-house marriage will require a re-sorting of both partners." McGonagall replied then looked around at the group awaiting further questions that did not arise.
"I believe it is best if Professor McGonagall and I check out the goings on around Hogwarts. Feel free to relax and discuss what needs to be settled. We should be gone for a half an hour or so." Dumbledore said as he rose from behind his desk and escorted the Deputy Headmistress out the door.
Once the door shut behind them Molly Weasley turned to her daughter saying, "I can't believe you didn't tell me!"
"And just how as I suppose to do that without you getting upset? Neville and I were promised. Given the behavior of my classmates I believe we are in the minority by waiting until there was even a promise ring involved. Besides you said we had to be married before it took effect." Ginny snapped back.
"Well I certainly didn't think my daughter was a round heeled floozy." Molly snarled back.
"Mrs. Weasley I would prefer you did not refer to my wife with either those words or that tone of voice." Neville said sharply raising Arthur Weasley's eyebrows and causing the three women in the room to look at him in astonishment.
"But she… you…"
"Yes we are married a little earlier than anyone expected and possible not in the way anyone of us would want but you should all know that I love her and she loves me. I would like to be considered a member of your family but I will not have Ginny mistreated." Neville responded while wrapping his arms around Ginny.
Neville's grandmother looked at her grandson deciding that anyone who could cause such a change in her grandson was a welcome addition. "Ginny would you consider calling me Grandma Longbottom?" she asked indicating her acceptance of her new Granddaughter.
"Of course Grandma Longbottom, would it be acceptable if I just addressed you as Grandma when we are alone?"
With more than one tear running down her cheek the senior Mrs. Longbottom replied, "Nothing would please me more."
Ginny crossed the room and hugged her new grandma, giving her own parents a sharp look as she did.
Mr. Weasley was the first to react saying, "Neville you can call us Molly and Arthur or Mum and Dad Weasley whichever you'd like. Any man that defends my daughter like you just did has earned the right to call me by my first name."
Molly nodded her agreement before tearfully adding, "Neville can you forgive this mother? I was wrong to speak to her like that. You will be a great addition to our family."
"Of course you're forgiven Mum Weasley." Neville said approaching Molly intending to give her a slight hug but as anyone who had dealings with the mother of the Weasley clan could have told him once he was in range she enveloped him in a hug he was able to escape with only his breath taken away.
Later that night in a bedroom located just off the Gryffindor common room two students were relaxing in each other's arms. "I am sorry you didn't have the big wedding you deserve Ginny." Neville said looking at the young woman with him.
"Neville I've got you everything else is minor. Mum has promised to come up with some type of ceremony around Valentine's day. I hope to tell her at that time she's going to be a grandmother." Ginny replied.
"I'm sorry about the conditions my gram imposed."
"Don't worry about it I think it's a good idea, gives me an excuse to walk around here pregnant. Ready to try making a baby again?" Ginny asked a teasing smile crossing her face.
Despite the fact contracts had forced a number of automatic wedding creating a demand for married quarters not seen at Hogwarts for generations there was still a need for "Show Weddings," among the students and their families. With Valentine's Day approaching there was a sense of panic among the older students as more than one couple would be formally married on this day. Once the extent of the wedding preparations was realized by the various heads of house they cornered the Headmaster and on the Friday before Valentine's Day Dumbledore reluctantly announced classes would be canceled on the 13th and 14th due to the need for students to prepare for the coming events.
Neville and Ginny greeted the announcement with a sense of relief as they were among the couples being married on the 14th with their wedding occurring at the Burrow. After a heart felt discussion between Ginny and Hermione accompanied by reassuring hugs and joint tears it was jointly decided it was best for Hermione's comfort she be excused from any wedding duties. Harry however was drafted in the role of Neville's best man.
On Valentine's Day the castle emptied out of all but a small minority of students. Most of the ones remaining were either first or second year muggle born or half bloods whose wizarding parent had been expelled from their family for marrying a muggle.
More than one pure blooded home, which included Malfoy Manor hosted a wedding where the first bride and groom married before staying at the alter and switching roles with the Maid of Honor and best man for a second wedding. With the families splitting the expenses and guest list.
Once the students returned to school Sunday for Monday's classes the Sorting hat made a very rare appearance during the school year as the cross house couples were sorted having spent their time up to this point in guest quarters. Vincent Crabbe and Catriona McBride were sorted into Hufflepuff McBride's old house while Michael Corner and Daphne Greengrass were now Ravenclaws, this continued until all the couples now had a house affiliation and the students were treated to the spectacle of the house point counters draining and filling as they adjusted to the movement of students.
A few weeks after the weeding Hermione found herself excused from her Gringotts duties for the next six weeks. She was spending most every moment not in class or bed in a muggle recliner Harry had bought upon his mother in law's recommendation. She increasingly felt like a blowup balloon, but did her best not to complain too much knowing the problem was as much her creation as it was Harry's. Naturally the recliner wasn't totally muggle anymore though with a number of magical improvements the one Hermione was most proud of though was a writing and reading table that she'd affixed it stayed in the desired position as she reclined or sat up adjusting with a wand tap to her various demands. Able to complete her essays in comfort. It took the intervention of the Headmaster but Dobby was able to do book runs to Hogwarts library freeing her from a once very pleasant task, but one had to make some sacrifices in the name of comfort. It wasn't all done for her as Dumbledore realized the Longbottoms were not the only couple under the wand as it were to produce heirs.
Harry on the other hand was busy squeezing in his school work while also teaching, and Playing Quidditch professionally. He felt Bill Weasley was a great friend and co-worker for stepping in and covering for him in class and with Dumbledore when he escorted Hermione to various functions she was required to attend not knowing Bill had cleared everything though Gringotts.
Later Saturday morning on the first weekend in April Hermione was trying without success to get comfortable in her recliner when the guard escorted in a very bouncy Ginny Longbottom.
"What has got you so wound up Ginny?" Hermione asked.
"I had a visit with Madam Pomfrey this morning," Ginny said with a face splitting grin.
Hermione was putting the facts together and arrived at a conclusion in fractions of a second. Deciding to let Ginny announce it she asked, "And?"
"I'm Pregnant!" Ginny said so excited she was bouncing.
"So does Neville know,"
"Oh I told him just before he left with Harry to go see his game. I practically had to push him out the door."
"Wow, That happened really fast. I know you weren't going to use any potions were you?"
"Not at all, did you forget I'm a Weasley by birth? Pregnancies are in my blood. Mum told me she felt all dad had to do was smile at her and she became pregnant!" Ginny joked laughing along stopping when she saw her friend sudden grimace. Concerned Ginny asked, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine it's just some back spasms," Hermione replied dismissively.
Ginny wasn't about to leave her friend along given the situation choosing to sit down and talk with her about what she could expect. As they talked she noticed an occasional look of pain cross Hermione's face. After a particularly long one Hermione looked own saying, "Oh heck I've just wet myself."
Things clicked in Ginny's brain and she said, "Ah Hermione I think your water just broke,"
"It can't be I'm not due for two more weeks."
"Hermione unless I'm badly mistaken your twins are coming right now! Winky!"
Winky appeared at Ginny's yell just as two goblins burst into the room also responding to the yell. "Is mistress okay?" Winky asked.
"Hermione needs to get to the hospital wing. I believe she's having her twins," Ginny replied just as Sigtug the head of Hermione's goblin guards arrived. "Have your elf go inform the healer. My men and I will get you to the Hospital wing." Sigtug stated before turning and issuing a few commands to the guards. They disappeared out the door returning seconds later with two long poles that attached to fittings on her recliner she'd thought were just decoration. A command later Hermione's recliner was now a sedan chair and with an armed goblin outer escort four goblins carried her to the hospital wing.
Seeing her arrive Madam Pomfrey directed them to place Hermione next to a strange contraption that both girls recognized as the birthing chair that had been recently installed. After banishing her guards out side the room it only took two levitation charms before Hermione was in that chair and her recliner was sitting against a far wall.
Seeing Hermione looking around Pomfrey said, "Don't worry this is what this chair is designed for I suspect it will see a lot of use in the coming months. Isn't that right Mrs. Longbottom?"
"Yes Healer." Ginny said a bit bashfully surprising Pomfrey.
While Madam Pomfrey puttered about getting everything to her liking for what was to come Ginny sat holding Hermione's hand. Noticing that Pomfrey cast a spell at Ginny.
"What was that one I missed it," Ginny asked. "Bone strengthening charm. Holding her hand you might need it if she starts gripping it a bit too hard. I saw more that one hand broken when I was taking a refresher course on child birthing to get ready for this."
"Has anyone notified Harry?" Hermione asked for not the first time.
"Why would we? It's not like he'd be here for this," Pomfrey stated.
"What? In the muggle world it would be Harry holding my hand all the way through this."
"Not in my Hospital wing. This is woman's business there is no need to have a man buzzing around here causing all sorts of distress. Better they stay away. Once the children are born and cleaned up I'll have an elf fetch him so you can present him with his children.
"I want him here."
"I don't and as this is my hospital wing I win." Pomfrey said in finality.
"We will see about that. Winky summon Dobby and send him to get Harry," Hermione stated just another contraction hit.
Winky did as ordered but Dobby had been in the Malfoy household when Draco was born. Combined with getting his directions from Winky, who was from another pureblooded household, Dobby responded as a pure blooded witch would have expected him to. Dobby notified Neville who was in the owners box watching the match and after getting his assurance he'd notify Harry went back to his other duties.
Neville being schooled in pureblooded traditions his entire life responded as one waiting outside the dressing room until Harry had dealt with all the normal aftermath of yet another win before notifying him.
"Neville why didn't you come in and tell me? Hermione's going to kill me when I show up this late." Harry exclaimed.
"What are you panicking for? All the father does is show up when everything is over, Ooh and Ah over the babies and congratulate your wife. No big panic."
"Where did you get the idea that was how it was done?"
"Harry relax that's the way it's done."
"Not in the muggle world. Hermione was expecting me to hold her hand and comfort her all the way through the birth." Harry stated.
"I doubt Madam Pomfrey would allow you any where near Hermione until this is all over, but if you want to rush back to Hogwarts I'm okay with it." Neville replied thinking 'Watching Pomfrey toss you out on you head will, at the least, be entertaining for me.'
As was his luck Harry arrived to a quiet hospital wing. The Goblins let him and Neville pass without comment. Entering the wing proper Madam Pomfrey looked up and nodded towards an area screened off with dividers. Peaking around one Harry saw Hermione resting on a bed with a baby cradled in each arm.
"Well you two it seem your daddy has finally decided to show up." Hermione commented.
"I got here as fast as I could once Neville told me." Harry quickly answered praying he'd survive this.
"I don't suppose you could have left your game seeing as you were playing seeker." Hermione admitted adding, "You do owe Ginny here one big thank you. She's been arguing you case since I sent Dobby off to get you."
"Thanks Gin, I appreciate it. So these are our kids?" Harry asked looking at Hermione and the two bundles she was cradling his eyes overflowing with love.
"Yes and you get the next nappy change."
Harry couldn't avoid a reflexive glance towards Winky having planned all along to pass that chore off to their house elf when it was his turn to watch them.
"Oh no, while it will normally fall to her you will be come a proficient nappy changer also." Hermione said firmly putting her verbal foot down.
'Crap foiled before I even started,' Harry though choosing to say, "Not a problem love, so did you tell them the names we decided on?" while forcing a smile.
"No she wouldn't say a thing, although Madam Pomfrey was asking," Ginny threw in.
"God parents as discussed?" he asked looking to Hermione and getting a confirming nod. "Right then," Harry said raising his voice he called out, "Madam Pomfrey."
The healer was apparently just giving the appearance of being busy and was quickly at their side.
"Madam Pomfrey allow me to introduce you to Miss Lily Jane Potter and Master Daniel James Potter. If the Godparents agree Miss Lily's godparents will be Griphook and Ginny. Daniel's godparents will be Neville Longbottom and Harhook Longbottom.
"You know we are honored to be god parents Neville said as Ginny nodded in agreement.
THE END
It's been a long road uploading this with FFN or my internet provider fighting me every time Thus the short chapters and occasionally very odd breaks between. Do to these I don't know if I'll post more writings but I won't stop writing. It keeps this old brain active.