Chapter VII – Parental Approval

As they approached the sitting room they heard Mr. Weasley say, "But Molly, be reasonable; you know you can't keep them apart. They spend so much time together in school. Ron, Hermione, and since that Chamber of Secrets thing, Ginny to are so involved with Harry's troubles they were bound to become attracted to each other sooner or later.

If you order them not to see each other they'll just sneak around behind our backs. Better we allow it and can at least talk with them about not going too far and being careful so one of the girls doesn't get pregnant. You remember what it was like when we were dating; our parents couldn't have stopped us from seeing each other."

The four teens stopped in the hall waiting to hear what Mrs. Weasley's answer would be.

She didn't hesitate a second before saying, "Yes Arthur, I remember what it was like when we were dating. We started seeing each other in third year. We were just as old as Ginny is now, and we were having sex before the year's end.

Three times I thought I was pregnant, and actually was at the end of our seventh year. None of the children ever brought up the fact that William was born only seven months after our wedding.

I don't want Ginny, or Ron for that matter, to have to worry about caring for a baby before they are old enough to handle it.

And they're always in such danger when they're around Harry. He's a wonderful boy and under normal circumstances I would be happy if he fancied Ginny; but what if 'You Know Who' comes after Harry again and Ginny is with him.

Arthur, we almost lost her in the Chamber of Secrets just because 'You Know Who' knew he could use her for bait to lure Harry. If he ever found out she was Harry's girlfriend he might try again to get at Harry through her. I couldn't stand to lose her."

"Dear," Mr. Weasley said "You can't stop them. No matter how you fear it; Ginny is going to be with Harry if that's what she really wants. And Ron and Hermione will be together to; so tomorrow morning I think we better tell them we thought it over and are okay with it.

But I think we better give them a longer talk about sex; and make sure the girls know how to avoid getting pregnant."

"I'll talk to the girls again;" Mrs. Weasley said "and you do the boys again."

"I think we should both talk to them all together;" Mr. Weasley said "they might take it more seriously if they're together as we warn them what could happen from having sex."

"Okay dear." Mrs. Weasley said. "We'll do it after breakfast tomorrow. Now let's get to bed."

The teens scrambled to get back up the stairs before Mr. And Mrs. Weasley discovered they had overheard the conversation.

Back in the girls room Ron said, "Ginny, did you know about what mom and dad said; about them having sex before they were married?"

Ginny answered, "I knew Bill's birthday was only seven months after their anniversary so mom had to be pregnant with him before they were married. In fact I was thinking of using that as one argument for letting us be together. If they were doing it before being married they'd be hypocrites telling us we shouldn't."

"It's a good thing you didn't get the chance." Hermione said. "Telling your mother since she got pregnant before being married means that you should be allowed to take the chance that you maybe get pregnant to would have made her be even more against us."

"Right;" Ginny said "I didn't think of it that way. Anyway, I didn't know they were having sex when they were thirteen or that mom had other pregnancy scares while in school.

All the girls learn the Contraceptive charm; so I wonder why she didn't use it. Maybe it not 100% effective; I always thought when I started having sex I wouldn't have to worry about getting pregnant. Hermione, maybe we'll both have to be more careful when we do decide to start having sex."

Hermione said, "That's not the reason; the Contraceptive charm is 100% effective if done correctly. Maybe your mom just forgot to do it some time; or was thinking about something else and just did it wrong sometime."

"Mom's a great spell caster;" Ron said "she wouldn't make a mistake on a charm that important; and if she and dad were planning to have sex she wouldn't forget to do the charm either. Are you sure the charm is 100% effective?"

"Yes," Hermione said "but think about it Ron. I did the charm on myself before dinner tonight because we were planning to go on a walk and after this afternoon, I thought being together might lead to sex.

Ginny, you said you were hoping to have sex with Harry tonight. Did you do the charm on yourself before you and Harry went for your walk?"

"No," she answered "but I would have if Harry said he wanted sex."

"Are you sure you would have remembered to?" Hermione asked. "If you and Harry were snogging and took your clothes off just planning to have manual sex like you did tonight, or even to have just oral sex; and you were both really into it and decided to go on to vaginal sex, are you sure you would remember to stop and do the charm.

You might be lost in the moment and not be thinking logically at that point and just continue without doing it. Or you might not want to break the mood by stopping; thinking you're in the right time of your cycle so there's no danger of getting pregnant.

Perhaps that's what happened to you mom; maybe she and your dad didn't plan on having sex but spontaneously got in the mood and did it without thinking of the charm. I'm sure that can happen at times.

I think you and I better get in the habit of doing the charm on ourselves anytime we're going to be alone with the boys just in case."

Harry said, "What's this Contraceptive charm you're talking about; I never heard of it?"

Ginny answered him with, "Most boys haven't. It's a charm that prevents a girl from getting pregnant. McGonagall teaches it to all the girls first year; as soon as they are able to do enough magic to perform it. Most of the girls in the school wouldn't make it through seven years without it.

You do know that if a girl gets pregnant she has to leave school. With all the accidental spells flying about it would be far too dangerous for the unborn baby if the mother was hit by some spell that could kill the baby or cause some transformation in the womb."

"How does it work?" Harry asked. "And is it really one hundred percent reliable?"

Hermione answered that. "During sex, when the boy climaxes, he deposits his sperm in the girl's vagina. The sperm has to swim up into the girl's uterus where her egg is waiting to be fertilized and grow into a baby. Between the vagina and uterus there is a narrow opening called the cervix. The Contraceptive charm blocks the cervix; preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. Later, the girl has to do the reversal charm. It forces all the sperm out of her before reopening her cervix.

If the girl does the charm properly it is one hundred percent effective."

"Ginny, how will you know you're doing it right?" Harry asked. "What if you make a mistake; then you could get pregnant."

Ginny spoke up with, "Don't worry Harry, I'm real good at charms; I'll do it right. Besides I've practiced it several times during McGonagall's lessons; and I could feel my cervix contracting as I do it. I'll know for sure I've done it right."

Harry said, "Right then, when we feel we're ready to have sex I'll just be sure to remind you in case you forgot to do it. But remember our agreement, we're not a couple and won't have sex until we make it to Halloween without Voldemort showing up or some other trouble happening."

Hermione asked, "What's this about an agreement?"

Ginny said, "I'll tell you about it later. Now you boys better leave."

Ron said right, "And Hermione, when we're ready to do it I'll remind you to.

Now we better head upstairs before your mom hears us in here talking. Goodnight."

The next morning Mrs. Weasley shouted up the stairs, "Girls, boys, breakfast is on; hurry down."

Everyone but Mr. and Mrs. Weasley showed up at the table in their night clothes, as was usual in the Weasley house, and started taking helping of eggs, ham, toast, and kippers. Mrs. Weasley was eating a bowl of porridge and Mr. Weasley seemed to be already done with his breakfast.

As everyone else started eating he said, "Mrs. Weasley and I talked over the situation we were discussing with you last night and have come to a decision."

Fred interrupted with, "What happened last night? Georgie, did you know about this?"

George answered, "Not me; what's up dad."

Mr. Weasley said, "You mean you two didn't know that Ginny and Harry have started going together; and Ron is going with Hermione now? I thought you two knew everything that happens around here."

Fred said, "Congratulations Harry; you better be good to our sister or you'll have to deal with us. And Hermione, our condolences for being stuck with Ron."

Mrs. Weasley slapped his upper arm and said, "You two take your plates up to your room; you to Percy. We want to talk without you three interrupting. Now get; and don't forget to bring the dirty dishes back down when you're finished eating."

Percy said, "Perhaps I should stay. I could help you and father understand how young people feel about love and sex."

"We're not fossils Percy." Mr. Weasley said. "I think your mother and I understand about being in love well enough to talk with these four. Now go to your room like your mother told you and get dressed for work before you are late."

When Percy and the twins were gone Mr. Weasley said, "Molly said she told all of you that she didn't want you being alone because you're too young to be serious about the opposite sex. Well, we realize after talking, you are all more mature than we first thought.

We started seeing each other when we were about your age and things turned out well for us. We think you are all as mature as we were and you were brought up with a good moral background, to respect each other as persons.

So we've decided that if you want to date; well it's alright with us."

Ginny said, "Thanks mom, dad. We had planned to try and convince you of just that but now I guess we won't have to talk with you."

Mrs. Weasley said, "Oh no, we still have to talk with you. There's the matter of your snogging last night turning in sex in the future. Your father and I want to be sure all four of you understand how we feel and what we expect."

Mr. Weasley said, "We know by allowing you four to date; you being together and snogging will eventually make you want to do more. You'll want to get your hands under the others clothes and take your clothes off. You'll want to have sex.

We understand these things will happen eventually and we want to discourage you from doing them when you're so young. Sex is a wonderful thing; it makes you feel good. But there is a price to pay for it."

Ginny said, "We know dad; we could get pregnant and have to care for a baby. Don't worry; we've been taught the Contraceptive charm first year and know enough to use it."

Mrs. Weasley said, "We know; but it's not that simple. The charm can be forgotten in the excitement of the moment; or done wrong because your mind is on anticipating sex instead of the charm.

Then there's the emotional involvement. Giving yourself sexually to another person stirs deep feelings. Should something happen later and you break up, the emotional pain is tremendous."

Again Ginny interrupted, "Harry and I will never break up."

"Maybe not," Mr. Weasley said "but Harry's in constant danger. What if something happens to him? Having sex will make the pain of losing him worse.

And Harry, what if 'You Know Who' attacks Ginny again because he finds out she's your girlfriend. How would you feel knowing that?"

Harry said, "I've been thinking of that since yesterday when Ginny and I decided we wanted to be together. We made an agreement, we just stay friend for two months. If there is no trouble like in the past three years by Halloween; then we'll let other people know we're together.

We thought, if one or both of us might be killed any time, and you know anyone might be killed with Voldemort's death eaters roaming about; then shouldn't we grab our chance at being happy together now while we can. If we wait we may never get the chance.

And I want you to know I will do everything I can to keep Ginny safe. I know I can't give you a guarantee, but like with the Chamber of Secrets I'll do my best. I'll give my life to save her if I have to."

Mrs. Weasley started crying and ran over hugging Harry so tightly, after a minute, he had to say, "Mrs. Weasley, I can't breathe."

She let him go and said, "Children, just please be careful; don't do anything to hurt each other's feelings."

Ron said, "We won't mom; we understand your concerns. So, is it okay if we go swimming this afternoon?"

Mrs. Weasley said, "Yes, but I still hope you will decide to wear something when you go."

Ginny said, "If we wear shorts and tees when we go to swim, will you be happy?"

"Yes dear, that will be fine." Mrs. Weasley said.

They all went up to Ron's room, the farthest away from where Mrs. Weasley might hear them talk.

"Well, that went about as good as I could hope." Ron said. "Harry, telling mom you would give your life for Ginny was brilliant; that's what won her over."

Harry said, "I didn't say it to win over your mother; I said it because it was true. And I know you would do the same for Ginny and for Hermione to. You proved it by going with me to the Chamber of Secrets."

And I don't doubt the girls would do the same for us. Now that Ginny and I are together; thinking back, I don't understand why I never realized how close the four of us have been this past year. Why didn't we notice we were meant to be together?"

"Because we've grown up in the past year." Hermione said. "Most eleven year old boys and girls don't think about dating and sex; but thirteen and fourteen-year olds are starting to. It's natural that as we matured, spending so much time together, we would be attracted to each other.

I'm more worried about what Ginny said to your mother; that we would wear shorts and tees to swim. I don't have any Ginny; and yours won't fit me. I told you that yesterday; it was why I didn't want to go swimming in the first place."

Ron said, "No problem; I have plenty of both. They'll be big on you and you'll need a belt to hold the shorts up; but they'll work."

Ginny said, "She won't need them Ron."

"Why not?" Hermione said. "You told your mother that's what we'd wear."

Ginny smiled and continued, "I'm not as straight forward as Harry; I asked mom if it would be alright if we wore shorts and tees to go swimming. I never said we would wear them while we were swimming. I intend to swim starkers like I've always done."

Harry said, "I don't know Ginny. It's like lying to your mom."

"Harry, she said "I've been swimming naked with boys all my life. My mother worries too much about unimportant things. If anything is going to happen sexually between us; and I hope something will eventually, it will happen whether or not we wear clothes while swimming.

Hermione, Ron, do you think wearing, or not wearing, swim suits today is going to change what you two are planning on doing?

All of you can wear something or not; I told you what I'm doing."

After lunch, Ron gave Hermione the smallest pair of old shorts and a belt, along with the smallest oldest tee he had. They all dressed and made a point of showing Mrs. Weasley how they were dressed to swim.

When they got to the pond and the blankets were spread, Ginny pulled off her tee; but stopped when the others didn't start undressing.

"What's with you lot?" she asked. "Scared of mom Ron?"

Hermione said, "I asked Ron to keep his shorts on. Ginny, we promised your mother. She treats me like I'm her own daughter and I would feel guilty lying to her. We only have a few days left and won't kill us to do as she asked. Please."

Ginny looked at Harry; and he said, "Me to Ginny. Your mother is the only mother I remember. I couldn't sleep tonight if we lied to her. Please keep you tee and shorts on when we swim; it's only for the next few days.

After Halloween, if things work out, we can decide what we want to do with each other. Deciding what we wear next summer for swimming can wait till school is over."

Ginny stared at them for almost a minute before pulling her tee back on. "Okay," she said "I guess it won't kill me to keep the sun of my back for a few days."

Behind the bushes, tears were running down Mrs. Weasley's cheeks as she watched what she thought of as her four youngest children wade into the pond to swim.

After a rousing game of horse and rider which Ron and Hermione won eleven to eight, they returned to the blankets to rest, talk, and sip butterbeer.

On their blanket Harry and Ginny snogged between times of quiet talk about their future. "I really hope things work out our way." Ginny said.

"Me to." Harry replied. "Yesterday and today with you were the two best day of my life. I'm so happy you took the initiative and showed me what I was missing about knowing you.

Now I've got to tell you this; I think we shouldn't do more than snog until things are settled. Last night, we went too far. Not that I didn't love it and don't want to do it again; but I think it will be better to wait until we're sure there's no more danger.

I just want to tell you, if anything bad happens, and we can't be seen as a couple, that doesn't mean I've changed about how I feel. If it takes years before it's safe for us; I'll wait for you."

Ginny said, "I know we'll be together eventually no matter how long it takes; I just wish so hard it doesn't take more than two months. Now, we only have two days here before we go back to school and have to pretend to be just friends; so stop talking Harry and snog the life out of me."

Neither of them knew what the Goblet of Fire had in store for them.

On the other blanket, Ron and Hermione also were snogging and talking in between.

After twenty minutes, Ron said, "Hermione, why don't we take our blanket and move to the other side of the pond behind the trees. That way we have some privacy and so can Harry and Ginny.

They got up and Ron yelled, "We'll see you guys back at the house; we're going to take a walk."

Harry and Ginny were too preoccupied to respond.

Once around the pond and the blanket was spread, Ron started to take off his clothes.

Hermione said, "Ron, what are you doing?"

He looked at her and said, "Taking my clothes off; why aren't you? I thought that's why we wanted privacy; so we could do more of what we started last night."

Hermione's eyebrows raise and she said, "I thought you understood when we talked this morning that I would feel guilty about lying to your mother."

Ron answered, "Yeah, that's why I kept my clothes on to swim. But we aren't going to swim now; we're going to have sex, and that's easier when you don't have clothes on."

"Oh, we're going to have sex, are we;" Hermione said "so glad you decided to tell me instead of just jumping on top of me."

"What's got your knickers in a twist?" Ron said raising his voice slightly. "You seemed pretty willing to take your clothes off last night. After what we did in the barn, I just figured you would want to do more today."

"Ron," she said, her voice also getting louder, "don't you remember me saying last night, that I'm not ready to have sex; that it's too big a step for the first time we're together?"

"Yeah," he said even louder "but today isn't the first time, last night was."

"That was only sixteen hours ago," she said "not like we've been seeing each other for months."

"So you're telling me you don't want to have sex?" Ron asked.

She said, "I do some day; but, no not today. I see now that I went too far with you last night if it made you think I'm that easy that I would have sex on only the second day after we first kissed."

"So you're just a big tease?" Ron now yelled. "You get me all excited and then tell me I have to wait months before you'll do anything with me."

Hermione got up and started crying. "I never thought that you were that kind of boy Ronald. If all you want is fast sex, there are plenty of girls at school that do that sort of thing. I'm stuck here until school starts because my parents are traveling; but don't you speak to me again or I'll tell your parents what you wanted to do."

She started to walk away then turned and said, "I won't tell Harry or Ginny about this, and you better not either."

They didn't say a word to each other until they were on the train two days later; and things remained strained for months. Ron's refusal to believe that Harry didn't put his name into the Goblet of Fire didn't help and it would take years before Hermione began to trust Ron's intentions, and got back with him.