23 November 1997
Three-and-a-half weeks had passed since the young lovers became a couple. It was now late-November in the Yorkshire Dales, and the weather outside continued to grow colder.
Having experienced trouble keeping her meals down recently, Hermione thought she might be becoming sick. She now sat outside the tent on the rocks, breathing in the fresh air while thumbing through her copy of 'Tales of Beedle the Bard,' left to her by Dumbledore. She had been attempting to understand the mysterious symbol that appeared to be written inside of it.
While inside the tent, Harry lay on the cot they shared for close to a month now, which thanks to an enlargement charm was spacious instead of cramped. He was studying the golden snitch that floated above him. Acting on an impulsive idea, he grasped the Snitch, its wings fluttered inside, as he lowered it to his lips. Holding it there for a few moments, he pulled it away, studying it closely.
'I Open at the Close'
The words appeared in a light scrawl across the Snitch's golden exterior.
"Hermione!" he shouted, getting up to join her outside the tent.
Glancing around her shoulder, she saw Harry quickly running over.
"What is it, Harry?" asked Hermione, concerned.
"Hermione, you were right! Snitches do have flesh memories, but I didn't catch this Snitch with my hands…I almost swallowed it," said Harry. He sat down next to Hermione, showing her the hidden inscription.
"I found something as well," replied Hermione, moving the book to show him the symbol. "It's not an ancient rune, and it isn't anywhere in Spellman's Syllabary. It's not part of the book, someone inked it in!" Pausing for a moment, she continued, "Who would draw in a children's book?"
"Hermione, I've been thinking…we should go to Godric's Hollow," Harry cautiously suggested.
Hermione hesitated, "Oh, Harry, I don't know."
Harry continued, "But just think, You-Know-Who almost died there. Isn't that the kind of place he'd be likely to hide a Horcrux?"
Sighing, and walking back towards the tent, "Even I've got to admit, recently I've been thinking we'll have to go there," said Hermione.
Behind her, Harry silently mimed his excitement.
"Besides, I think something else could be hidden there," she continued.
"What?" replied Harry.
"The sword. If Dumbledore wanted you to find it, but didn't want it falling into the Ministry's hands, what better place to hide it than the birthplace of the founder of Gryffindor?" said Hermione.
"That's brilliant! Plus, it will be nice to return there." Giving a small laugh, he continued, "I couldn't think of a better way to spend Christmas."
Hermione seemed a little taken back by this, "Oh my God. It's almost Christmas…"
Harry stared blankly at her, "Yeah…why, what's wrong?"
"N--Nothing. I just hadn't realized it's been that long since…since that night. When Ron left," Hermione stammered.
As they re-entered the tent, Harry offered to prepare dinner, while Hermione hastily pulled out numerous texts. When Harry raised an eyebrow at her sudden urge to do research, she told him that she merely wanted to continue her decryption of the strange symbol. Harry smiled at her tenacity and returned to cooking their meal.
As soon as she was sure his attention was fully off of her, she ravaged texts such as: Common Magical Ailments and Afflictions, The Healer's Helpmate, and Magical Drafts & Potions. If it really had been over a month since Ron's departure that would mean that she had missed her period. Being the 'Brightest Witch of Her Age,' Hermione knew what that could mean. She wasn't nauseous because she was sick. She was pregnant. Concentrating on finding various spells to confirm this, she quietly escaped to the bathroom. Every spell she performed resulted in the same answer.
Taking a deep breath and steadying herself, she left the bathroom and joined Harry in the kitchen. She needed to tell him. He had a right to know.
"Hey, beautiful! Sit your fine self down, I've made Shepherd's Pie," said Harry brightly.
Wrapping his arms around her, nuzzling her neck he whispered, "And for dessert…"
Harry began kissing and suckling on her neck.
Hermione felt her knees beginning to go weak, but managed to remember why she walked into the kitchen.
Pulling away from him, "Harry…we need to talk," Hermione said calmly.
"Okay, what's wrong?" asked Harry, frowning.
"Well…when you reminded me of how close Christmas was, I realized it's been a month since we first…" Hermione smiled shyly. "I did the math again and again, and I realized...I'm late."
Harry gave her a slightly puzzled look.
"I'm pregnant, Harry," sighed Hermione.