Chapter III – Consequences

When she got to the kitchen, before she sat down, her mother said, "Hermione, before you start eating can I talk to you for a moment. Let's go out in the garden."

Hermione followed her mother and after the door closed Mrs. Granger said, "Hermione, I'm afraid Harry won't be able to stay here. We'll help find him another place; but I think it will be best if he leaves today."

"Why mother," Hermione asked in astonishment "last night you and dad said he could stay until school started."

"You know why." Mrs. Granger said. "I got up in the middle of the night to check that Harry was okay and when I got to his door I heard you two having sex.

I could tell I was too late to stop you; you were in the middle of an orgasm calling out. I wouldn't embarrass you and Harry by coming in the room; and I knew it was you not him that started things.

I can't reverse what happened; but I can remove the temptation for you to do it again."

"But mother," Hermione said "I was honest with you about it. During our woman to woman talks I told you how I felt about Harry and Ron. You knew I was thinking about having sex with both of them eventually.

You're the one that taught me about sex; you gave me the books on sex. When you said Harry could stay here I thought you knew what I would do. If you didn't want me to have sex; why did you tell me all about it?"

"I did want you to have sex; eventually." Mrs. Granger said. "But I wanted you to be older first; and preferably married. When I saw that look in your eyes last night when we said Harry could stay here I knew what you would do. But I told myself you wouldn't do it that first night; that it would take you a few days to decide and I would have time to talk to you and persuade you not to.

I didn't tell your father; I don't think he would take it well. We'll have to think of an excuse to ask Harry to leave so your father won't suspect the real reason."

"I'll do it mother." Hermione said. "I'll tell Harry the truth; we're always honest with each other. I know he'll understand. He'll tell dad it's his Idea to go; that he doesn't want to impose on us or something like that.

Mother, I'm sorry I disappointed you; but I'm glad I did it."

"You didn't disappoint me Hermione." Mrs. Granger said as she hugged her daughter. "As you said, I knew you would want sex with Harry, and that you would enjoy it. You're my daughter; you're too much like me not to.

You did enjoy it didn't you? I could tell from overhearing you that you did."

Hermione smiled and said, "Yes, it was wonderful; and each time we did it, it got better."

Mrs. Granger also smiled and said, "Hum, each time you did it; oh I wish your father and I were young again. I'm glad for you; but still I want you to wait until you're older before you do it again. I hope you understand; it's just that you're only thirteen. The thought of you having sex, to me, it means you're growing up too fast. I want to keep my little girl a while longer."

"Yes mother, I'll try and wait;" Hermione said "but I can't promise. Now that I know what it was like with Harry; you know I feel the same way about Ron. If fate brings him together with me like it did Harry I don't think I could turn down the opportunity."

Mrs. Granger said, "Hermione please be careful. You were last night I hope; you told me witches know a charm to keep from getting pregnant. You did use it and it does work?"

"Yes mother, I did it before I went to Harry's room and reversed it in the shower this morning. I'm sure it worked.

I better go now and talk with Harry."

Hermione got to the sitting room when Harry came down the steps. She hadn't opened her mouth when there was a knock on the door. "I'll get it." she called to her parents in the kitchen.

When she opened the door a woman dressed rather strangely said, "Is this the Granger house?"

"Yes," Hermione said "can I help you?"

"Are you Hermione Jean Granger?"

"Yes." Hermione said.

The woman said, "I'm Esther Goodwand from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

Harry panicked. "How did they find me here." he thought. "It had to Stan or Ernie from the Knight Bus."

"Okay you caught me." he said. "Hermione had nothing to do with it; leave her alone."

The woman said, "And just who are you young man?"

Harry realized the woman was not there to get him; and didn't recognize him. He said, "I'm a friend of Hermione's; I just happened to be staying here with the Grangers last night so I know Hermione didn't do any magic."

The woman looked at Harry and said, "I don't know who you are, or what you think you did young man; I'm here about what I know Miss Granger certainly did. But don't leave the room; I'll want to talk to you later.

Miss Granger, the ministry received notice of the use of underage magic at this address just after midnight; and again around seven this morning. Since our records show that you are the only witch in this area, and since you are Muggle born; rather than sending the usual owl notice of a hearing I have been sent to talk to your parents.

Are your parents home?"

Mr. and Mrs. Granger had come from the kitchen by then and heard what the woman said. Mr. Granger said, "I'm Hermione's father. Would you mind explaining what this is all about?"

Hermione looked at her mother and Mrs. Granger caught her meaning; "Don't let dad hear what I did."

Mrs. Granger said to Mr. Granger, "I know what happened and it's my fault dear. Why don't you go check on breakfast before something burns? I'll take care of this and explain everything to you later."

When Mr. Granger was gone, Mrs. Granger said, "Why don't we all sit down and discuss this."

Mrs. Granger showed the woman to a chair and sat in the chair next to her. Harry and Hermione sat together on the divan.

The woman said, "Our information shows that the Contraceptive charm was used at midnight and reversed at seven this morning. Miss Granger, do you deny doing those charms? Do you deny knowing that doing charms away from Hogwarts is a violation of the Law for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Magic?"

"No madam," Hermione said "I did them; but I had a good reason."

"The woman looked at Harry and said snidely, "I'm sure I know your good reason; considering your boyfriend admitted he stayed with you last night. But wanting to have sex is not considered a sufficient reason to violate the law."

Harry turned red and said, "Mrs. Granger…" That's all he got out before Mrs. Granger interrupted with, "Not now, be quiet Harry."

The woman looked from Mrs. Granger to Harry and back before saying, "Harry? Harry Potter? The entire ministry has been looking for you since last evening. Once this matter with Miss Granger is settled you will return to the ministry with me."

Continuing she said, "Miss Granger, you will report to the Ministry of Magic on August 23rd for a hearing to determine if there is sufficient cause for a reprimand and or punishment."

Hermione looked at her mother and Mrs. Granger said, "It's my fault; I ordered Hermione to use the charm to avoid getting pregnant. You can't blame her; she had to obey me; punish me if you have to."

"We have no authority to punish Muggles." The woman said. "But let me understand this correctly; you knew your thirteen year old daughter was going to have sex with her boyfriend. You allowed him to sleep with her over night; but, not wanting her to get pregnant you ordered her to do the Contraceptive charm."

"Yes," Mrs. Granger said.

"I never believed half the things I heard about Muggles;" the woman said "but encouraging your daughter to have sex just because it's Harry Potter she's with is disgusting."

"Don't you dare say any more." Harry yelled. "The Grangers are the kindest, nicest people I ever met; Muggle or Magical. When they heard I was in trouble the allowed me to stay without thinking of what kind of trouble they might get into because of their kindness."

"You mean they knew who you are and wanted to fix their daughter up with someone rich and famous." the woman said.

"No," Harry said "that's not true. Hermione and I have been best friends for years. I've saved her life and she's saved mine. Anything we did was because we love each other; not because the Grangers arranged it."

The woman asked, "So you're saying you and Miss Granger are the ones that decided to use magic underage; just as you did last night at your family home?"

"I did it," Harry said "not Hermione. She didn't do anything. You said underage magic was done here and records show Hermione is the only witch; but I was here to and I'm a wizard. I tell you I did the Contraceptive charms on her; Hermione did nothing."

"Really," the woman said "then you wouldn't mind demonstrating those charms for me. Right now Mr. Potter, you and Miss Granger get up and show me how you did the charms on her."

Harry didn't move. After a few seconds he said, "No, you're trying to trick me into doing magic again so you can say I violated the law right in front of you."

The woman laughed, "The ministry has all the proof it needs already. Only girls are taught the Contraceptive charm Mr. Potter; I knew you couldn't do it. Now that Miss Granger has been notified of her hearing date; you will come to the ministry with me."

Before anyone could move or even say anything, there was another knock on the door.

When Mrs. Granger got up and opened the door; Harry and Hermione both gasped. Dumbledore was standing there.

He said, "You are of course Mrs. Granger; may I introduce myself. I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts.

It is my understanding that Harry Potter is here. I need to speak with him; may I come in."

"Of course," Mrs. Granger said "Hermione has spoken of you."

Mrs. Granger seemed flustered by the presence of another magical person and not knowing quite what to say, she simply said, "Have a seat Mr. Dumbledore; I'll make some tea for all of us."

Dumbledore said, "Please call me Albus; and thank you for the offer; but I won't be here that long." Then turning to the woman from the ministry he said, "Good morning Esther, I see you're out early today. I'm afraid you wasted you time; I just left the minister's office and he agreed that I would see to Mr. Potter's safety.

The woman said, "I didn't come here for Mr. Potter; I'm here about Miss Granger using underage magic. You should know that she did the Contraceptive charm on herself last night so she and Mr. Potter could have sex.

Everyone knows you think highly of Mr. Potter; most people do. Perhaps when this sorted affair of thirteen-year olds having sex and the girl's mother permitting it comes out at Miss Granger's hearing people will realize Harry Potter isn't the perfect boy after all."

A look of concern flashed across Dumbledore's face for a second. Then he stood and waved his hand at the woman with a sort of wiggly motion. She seemed to freeze in her seat.

He walked over to her and placed his hand on her forehead and said, "You talked with Miss Weasley and her and her parents and have determined that Miss Weasley's use of underage magic was accidental and does not require a hearing.

You do not remember seeing anyone else in this house or any other events that took place here. You will close Miss Granger's file when you return to the ministry.

You may leave now."

After she was gone, Dumbledore turned to Harry and Hermione and said, "I was afraid of this since your first year when I learned how close you two had become. I had hoped you would wait until you were sixteen or seventeen before having sex.

Harry, your reputation must be spotless if you are to attract people to help you when an eventual confrontation with Voldemort occurs. I understand teenage desire for sex. Miss Granger is quite pretty and also intellectually attractive. You have shared life threatening adventures together; but I must ask you to control yourselves sexually.

Miss Granger, your reputation is also important. I see a future for you where you will have great influence in the magical community. But, if people who oppose you can drag out sorted stories from your teen years; much of the good works you try to do may be stymied."

Mrs. Granger said, "I have already spoken to Hermione about this. I think Harry will have to stay somewhere else so the temptation for them to do it again will be eliminated, at least for the near future. I told Hermione we would help find Harry another place to stay until school starts."

Dumbledore said, "That arrangement has already been made. The Minister of Magic and I agreed he should live at the Leakey Cauldron Inn. There, he will be around magical people that can supervise his activities.

Harry, you will come with me to the Leaky Cauldron and remain there until school starts. I will see to it that the memories of Stan Shunpike and Ernie Prang from the Knight Bus, and Tom at the Leakey Cauldron are modified so they will believe you went straight there from your aunt's house last night.

I can manage to cover things up this time; but I may not be so fortunate next time."

Harry said, "Sir, what about the underage magic I did last night; blowing up my aunt."

"Accidental magic happens Harry." Dumbledore said. "The minister doesn't plan to take the matter any further. Now go get your things."

Hermione stood and said, "I'll help Harry; it will give us a chance to say good-by."

When Harry and Hermione left Dumbledore asked Mrs. Granger, "Madam, you haven't said anything about what happened. Do you or your husband have any comments?"

Mrs. Granger said, "Like you, I knew Hermione was attracted to Harry. She's been telling me for over a year that she wanted to snog him; and Ron Weasley to by the way. In our last mother daughter talks she admitted she was thinking of sex with both boys. I tried to persuade her to wait; but when Harry arrived last night I knew what was going to happen.

I tried to interrupt her plans; but they were already having sex by the time I went to check on them. My husband doesn't know and I won't tell him; I'm afraid it might upset him if he learns what they did."

Dumbledore looked toward the kitchen door and said, "Mr. Granger, please come in and say what you want to me and your wife."

The kitchen door opened and Mr. Granger came into the sitting room. "I know about Hermione and Harry." he said to Mrs. Granger.

"I've been getting up every night since Hermione was a baby to check on her and pull her covers up after she kicks them off.

Last night, when I found she was not in her room I knew where she was. Dear, you're not the only one who saw that look in her eyes last night when we told Harry he could stay here.

Albus, we raised Hermione to be mature; to make her own decisions. She may be only thirteen; but intellectually and emotionally she is more like an adult. I don't like the idea of her having sex so young; but I'm sure if you asked her about it, she would have several good reasons why she decided to have sex with Harry last night.

As far as I'm concerned the matter is settled."

Up stairs, Harry didn't have anything to pack since, after showering this morning, he simply balled up his clothes from yesterday and shoved them in his trunk.

He wanted to apologize to Hermione for causing her so much trouble; both with the ministry and her parents. All he got out was, "Hermione, I'm sorry…"

She put her finger on his lips to stop him and said, "Don't be Harry, I wouldn't have changed anything we did. The only thing I'm sorry about is that we won't get the chance to do it again; at least not till we get back to school."

She put her arms around his neck and pulled him into a passionate kiss for several seconds before breaking it off.

She said, "We better head down stairs now before they thing we at it again and come looking for us."

When they arrived in the sitting room with Harry's trunk; Dumbledore said, "All that happened here must be kept secret. Harry, Hermione, I know you tell Mr. Ronald Weasley everything; but it would be best not to tell him this. The fewer people that know about what you did the better the secret will be kept.

I want you both to promise you'll never tell anyone."

Remembering that promise brought Harry back to the present. He had never again spoken to anyone about that night; not even Hermione. They never did have sex again; in fact for the next four years Harry didn't have sex with any girl until that day of the Quidditch Cup win in his sixth year.

It was after the match when he was suspended from playing and Ginny had to take his place as seeker. When he got out of detention and arrived in the common room; Ginny came at him and they kissed the first time. That day, Harry learned that, despite her dating Michael Corner and Dean Thomas; Ginny had waited to give her virginity to him.

He assumed, but never asked and so wasn't sure, that Ron and Hermione had sex in their sixth year after Ron was poisoned; broke up with Lavender Brown, and he and Hermione finally made up. Harry did know they had been having sex frequently at Grimmauld Place and in the tent when they were hunting for Horcruxes. He had accidentally walked in on them far too often.

Ron must have known Hermione wasn't a virgin the first time they had sex; but never said anything to Harry. She must have never broken that promise to Dumbledore and told Ron that Harry was her first. Maybe Ron assumed she did it with Viktor Krum fourth year when they were dating during the Tri-wizard Tournament. Or, because Harry and Hermione had accidentally walked in on him doing it with Lavender Brown one time; maybe Ron realized he couldn't say anything about Hermione not being a virgin.

All Harry knew was that he would never tell Ron or Ginny the truth; he would never take the chance of breaking up the friendship they had.

Ginny had brought a piece of cake over to the table for Harry and she said, "I looked over and tried to get you to come up for the cake cutting; but you looked lost in thought.

Anything you want to tell me about?"

"No, just wishing that Ron and Hermione have a happy life." he said. He kissed her and added, "And I was thinking that we'll be cutting our own cake soon."