Three
Chapter 4 of 5
MuseAmusantHermione Weasley is given devastating news that shatters her world. Can she find a new reason for living?
Arthur and Molly hurried through the Floo at St. Mungo's to find a terrified-looking Harry waiting for them, pacing and running his hands through his thoroughly-disheveled black mop.
"Harry?" Arthur's voice shook at the wild look in his son-in-law's eyes. "What's happened? Where's Ginny?"
"We, er... Ginny and I," Harry's voice broke and he scrubbed his hands over glassy, reddened eyes. Those eyes narrowed when he spied Rita Skeeter entering the reception area and promptly making a beeline in their general direction. "Come on, let's go somewhere where we can talk privately, alright?"
Harry quickly lead Arthur and Molly down a winding series of corridors and ushered them through to a private waiting room connected to St. Mungo's recently-opened High Security Critical Care Ward. Rita had clearly attempted to follow, but--judging by her indignant shrieks of fury--she had been accosted by the burly wizards who provided Auror-level protection to the medically fragile patients who were considered to be particularly high security risks due to their celebrity status and/or notoriety.
Ginevra Molly Potter, new bride of the Boy-Who-Conquered, most certainly qualified.
Arthur lead his wife to a large, squashy ivory-and-green striped armchair and seated himself in the one next to her. Molly, trembling, looked up at Harry. "Harry, please," she pleaded, "tell us what's wrong with our daughter."
Harry sat, dropping his head in his hands for moment, before resolutely meeting her anxious gaze. "We didn't want to tell anyone," Harry whispered. "After what happened to Hermione last time, we didn't want anyone to know until Ginny was a little further along."
Molly gasped, tightening her grip on her husband's hand.
This time it was Arthur who broke the silence. "Ginny is pregnant?"
The door to the waiting room slid open to reveal a haggard-looking Healer Rubens. "Was pregnant. I'm sorry, Mr. Potter, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, but she lost the baby."
"Ginny," Harry choked, "is she..."
"Your wife is a real fighter, Mr. Potter," Healer Rubens hastened to reassure the frantic young husband. "She will need several doses of Blood-Replenishing Potion and careful monitoring, but she will survive this."
"Oh, thank Merlin," Harry and Arthur sighed as one as Molly burst into tears. All were deeply relieved that their Ginny was still with them but heartbroken over the loss of yet another unborn Weasley. "When can we see her?"
"We're getting her cleaned up and moving her to a private room," Rubens informed them. "Give us about fifteen minutes and I'll take you to see her myself. But while we're waiting, there's something I would like to ask of you, if I may?"
Harry looked confused but nodded his consent while Arthur wore an expression that seemed to indicate that he had an inkling of what the Healer was referring to.
Healer Rubens addressed Arthur first. "Mr. Weasley, as a Ministry official, I imagine you might have some idea what this is about. But Mr. Potter, Mrs. Weasley, let me fill the two of you in as well. Over the last several months, there has been a sharp, unexpected increase in the rate of miscarriages in young witches. Particularly since the end of the final Voldemort war."
Molly's eyes widened in shock. "Like our Hermione?"
Rubens nodded sadly. "Hermione is all-too-typical of the cases we're seeing. All witches in their late teens to early twenties, all have a particular substance in their blood that has proven impossible to identify, all miscarry repeatedly until they are forced to avoid becoming pregnant again. The unusual thing here is that, up until recently, all of the witches affected have been Muggle-borns and half-bloods. Ginevra is only the third pureblood witch we've seen who seems to be similarly affected. The thing is, the substance has never been found in the blood of pureblood witches... but it is found in that of their babies."
Harry swallowed hard, dropping his head in his hands. "You... you want to test our..." He couldn't finish.
"I'm afraid so, Mr. Potter."
At the sound of a new, very familiar voice, Harry's head shot up.
"Snape?" Harry rasped.
Severus gazed at the former bane of his existence for a long moment. "My condolences, Potter, Arthur, Molly. I would not wish what you've suffered on anyone."
Rubens hastened to explain. "Professor Snape recently became a member of the team investigating this epidemic of miscarriages. He's specifically working on identifying the substance in question and hopefully finding a cure."
Snape nodded briefly at his new colleague. "I believe I may have found something with regard to the pureblood miscarriages." He turned to face Harry and the Weasleys. "Though none of the witches had the substance in her blood, we noted that each of the would-be fathers were not purebloods themselves. At our request, each father agreed to a series of tests. In every case, the substance turned up in their sperm."
Turning to Rubens, he added, "Curiously, the substance has never been found to be involved any miscarriage in which both parents were purebloods. However, I think it would be beneficial for all pregnant witches and their partners to be tested as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. Perhaps if we can intervene earlier..."
Rubens nodded swiftly. "Thanks for the update, Severus. I'll make the order at once."
At Severus' raised eyebrow, Rubens clarified. "Healer Wainwright just requested an immediate leave-of-absence to deal with a family emergency, so I'll be in charge until she returns. By the way, Harry," Rubens added, turning to the younger man, "Professor Snape's request means we'll want to run tests on you as well. But for now, let me take you to see Ginevra. She needs just as much love and support as you can offer right now."
***
Lavender had just emerged from the bath, wrapped snugly in her favorite namesake-colored cashmere bathrobe and slippers when a sharp crack of Apparition heralded her married lover's arrival.
Hastening towards the kitchen, Lavender immediately began preparing tea in the blends they each preferred, along with a hearty platter of sandwiches and homemade biscuits when Ron slid up behind her and planted a kiss just below her left ear.
Shuddering in pleasure, Lavender turned around to kiss him properly but drew back, horrified, at the sight of the livid, purple handprint decorating his right cheek, shrieking, "Did she do this to you?"
Ron snorted, rubbing his sore, bruised cheek. "Hardly. I got into an argument with my parents. This is courtesy of my mum, who is siding with my bitch of a wife. Soon to be ex-wife, if I have anything to say about it. Lav, she lost our baby again. You were right all along, she's been doing it on purpose, I know it!"
Lavender's eyes shone with unconcealed delight at that piece of news. "I'm sure it's for the best," she purred. "I always knew that uptight, swotty, little bookworm was all wrong for you. She's too high and mighty, thinks she's too good to be a proper wife and mum."
"I know that now." Ron grunted, slumping into the nearest chair as Lavender fetched a teapot painted with bright orange poppies and poured, adding a healthy dollop of Firewhiskey and three sugars to the mug before placing it in front of him.
"But I couldn't make mum and dad see reason. They're too infatuated with their wonderful, perfect, saintly daughter-in-law. Oh no, their precious Hermione would never do such a thing. Bollocks, I say!"
Ron took a long drink of his tea as Lavender favored him with a sly look from under long, blonde lashes. "But you still want children, don't you, Won-Won?"
Grimacing only slightly at the nickname he used to loathe, Ron finished his cup and poured another. "Yeah, but I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon."
"Sooner than you think," Lavender burbled excitedly.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, Ronald," Lavender walked around the table and sat in Ron's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I'm pregnant! We're going to have a baby!"
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Latest 25 Reviews for Reason for Living
82 Reviews | 7.48/10 Average
I really hope you will continue and finish this story, it has so much promise of Ron-bashing that I can forgive Hermione for her temporary insanity of marrying him in the first place. Add that the story is extremely well written and plotted, it really brings out the emotions, and you have a story I would love to see finished.
Ron is a right old bastard! And Rita....AHHHHHH!
Keep this one rolling....I love it!
Well, Lavender didn't waste any time did she? Typical of the less than secure man, Ron just ate up the garbage she spewed to get her man. Pfft, they deserve each other. Now Hermione will be free to find happiness with someone more deserving, nudge, nudge. 
Wonderful story, I've been enjoying catching up. Thanks for the enjoyable sanity break!
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
I think Lav's been stuck on Ron for a really long time and has decided that she's prepared to do whatever is necessary to get what she wants. But at what cost?As for our Hermione, while things will be getting darker for her in the immediate future, she has many people ready and willing to stand by her. And you're so welcome! Thank you for reading and reviewing, it's so appreciated. :)
I bet Voldemort used some dark curse on Muggle-borns and half-bloods to prevent non-pure offspring.I hope the Healers together with Snape will find what's going onl, and how to help those couples - or the Wizarding World will come close to extinction soon.As for Lavender and Ron having a baby - I don't remember if Lavender is a pure-blood or not, so maybe she will be able to have this baby. But she doesn't strike me as the motherly type. Poot baby, with those parents ...
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Is Voldemort responsible? Well, maybe not him exactly, but you're on the right track. About Lavender: I understand JKR has waffled back and forth about Lav's blood status. But in her original class draft, Lavender was listed as pureblood, which is what I'm going with in this story. I don't see her as the motherly type either. Poor baby, indeed.
Goodness grace! How can anyone be so cruel to someone he supposedly loves - or rather loved, if I interpret that Lavender comment right.
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Something's definitely up with Ron and his aberrant behavior. We will learn exactly what as the story unfolds.Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! :)
Oh, how sas for Hermione. Not only was she alone at St. Mungo's when her live obviously was in danger, but also did she have to receive such a devastating message without the support of her husband. And now she will be worrying about her relationship, because her husband wants to be able to have a quidditch team of his own children.Poor woman.A very intriguing prologue. You definitely made me curious for more.
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Hermione's definitely going through a very rough patch at the moment. But even though she doesn't have her husband there to support her, she does have some wonderful friends who truly love her and will be there for her.Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, it's greatly appreciated!
Hmmm! Lavender expecting? Dissing on Hermione's misfortunes? And the Healers don't know what's going on? I see divine retribution ahead. ^_^Not that I'm wishing harm to anyone, but I get the feeling that Lav-Lav may be the first pureblood-pureblood case.This is an excellent treatment of such a delicate subject. My sister-in-law had three miscarriages between her first and second babies. I held her hand for two of them because my brother was stationed overseas. I can really sympathise with the families in this story.
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Divine retribution? You could say that, yes. But perhaps not in the way you might think. :)I am so glad you think I'm handling this delicate subject and the characters involved in an appropriate and respectful manner. I was rather concerned about that. BTW, it sounds like your sister-in-law is an incredibly strong woman with a wonderfully supportive family. Kudos to you all!
Sad chapter but a good update.
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Things will be difficult for Hermione, Ginny and Harry for awhile, but things have a way of turning themselves around for good people like them. :)
Really good story line.(unique little gem). So.. ummm I get to 
ron and lavender. Don't like her. When will we see what happens with ron and lavs baby? Please update soon.
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Thank you! I'm so pleased to hear you're enjoying the story. On the subject of Ron and Lavender's baby: Well, bear in mind that only mixed couples have been affected so far. As a pureblood-pureblood couple, they're probably safe.The next chapter is already written and is currently being beta read, so the next update shouldn't be too far away Thanks so much for taking the time to read and review! :)
Holy Hannah! What???? I mean What A JERK!!! Oh, I say that every chapter, don't I? Wait, I mean what a pig. Man, you really get me riled with this Ron guy. Poor Harry and Ginny, but it's good that they're one step closer to figuring everything out. Am interested to see some Severus/Hermione interactions eventually. (Sooner than later.) :) Anyhoo, exciting update, in that it got my blood boiling.
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Well, you're in good company as Ron seems to be doing a bang-up job of infuriating everyone around him. Unfortunately, he will continue to do so for a while yet. But we'll also start getting a clearer idea of when and how Ron started to change, from Hermione's perspective, in the very next chapter.Poor Harry and Ginny indeed. And you're right, though the loss of their child is heartbreaking, it gives Severus and his fellow researchers one more crucial clue in their fight to identify the substance and find a cure.As for Severus and Hermione working together, I can say that it will be happening sooner rather than later. Perhaps as soon as Chapter 5. :)
It will be interesting to see what Ron thinks when he finds out about his sister. And if Lavender and Ron want to be together, I say go for it. No one else will want either of them!
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
True, Ron and Lavender are doing a bang-up job of alienating those around them. Especially Ron. And things are about to get much, much worse.As for Ron's reaction to Ginny and Harry's loss, that remains to be seen. But he had best remove his head from his arse before he talks to either of them, or Bat-Bogeys will be the least of his worries...
OH UGH. Ron is just so horrible. I can't wait until he finds out about Ginny!!
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Oh, he'll find out. But how Ron will react to the news remains to be seen. He may have unleashed a whole 'nother hornets nest by then...
Just wait until Lav-Lav miscarries as well, and the Healers find out that she has the same problem Hermione does! In canon, if memory serves, Lavender Brown is a Muggleborn like Hermione -- in PoA, Lavender Bown is one of the few students with a puzzled look on her face when Trelawney mentions The Grim (but if she were either a pureblood or a half-blood, she would probably already know what a Grim is). So the question is...will Ron be there for Lavender when he wasn't willing to be there for Hermione, or will he admit that he was wrong?
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
About Lavender: From what I've read, Jo waffled back and forth on the subject of Lav's blood status. But in her original class draft, Lavender is listed as pureblood, and that's what I'm going I'm going with in this story. At any rate, Lavender would had to have been either a pureblood or a half-blood, because she did attend Hogwarts during the year Voldemort was more or less in control and requiring all Muggle-borns to register with the Ministry.
Response from MlleGigi (Reviewer)
I gather that means Lavender isn't going to miscarry, since both she and Ron are purebloods in this story...so Ginny's miscarriage will probably have to be the one which sets him straight. For Hermione's sake, I hope Ron's repentance will be heartfelt and not simply an example of adding insult to injury...but no matter how sorry he might be, there are some wounds for which no amount of apology can compensate. The infidelity was bad enough...but the accusations which he flung at her on top of it were incredibly cruel and completely unjustified.
I really feel for Harry and Ginny. I think that Hermione and Ginny will be good for each other. As far as Ron and Lav Lav go, I hope you write them to hell. I look forward to your next update.
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Harry will definitely be there for Ginny and so will Hermione. They'll really need each other in the days and weeks ahead. Ron and Lavender will get what's coming to them, eventually. Count on it.As for the next update, Chapter Four has already been written. It may be delayed a day or two, but that's only because 'Reason' has finally acquired a beta in the lovely and talented Luvsev! :)
I am so happy to see the update, brilliantly written as usual:-)) I am very sorry for Harry and Ginny loosing their baby too, hopefully some good will come of it, making it easier for Severus to find the reason behind and hopefully a cure. Into this, Ron has a reality check comming his way doesn't he? I bet that a bat-boogey hex will be the last of his worries if he utters one bad word about loosing babies around Ginny and Harry, though I am quite sure he will manage to put his foot in his mouth more than once more. Say, I honestly don't remember, is Lavender halfblood or pureblood? Not that I would whish for anyone to loose their baby, but at the same time I wouldn't mind the bitch Lavender to feel some of the pain Hermione, and other women, has gone through. Not to mention how happy Molly and Arthur will be to be presented with the proof that Ron not only is a lousy husband, he is a cheating husband. I can fanthom it will sit well with Molly that at the same time Hermione miscarried, he shared Lavenders bed. I can also see a Harry and Ginny accepting and be grateful for the help from Severus (and the other healers of course), Ron on the other hand..... I am very much looking forward to read more.
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Thank you for such a lovely compliment! :)And you're right... while the loss of their child is heartbreaking for Harry and Ginny, it has given Severus and the other researchers another crucial clue, hopefully bringing them one step closer to a cure.Re Lavender: From what I've read, Jo kind of waffled back and forth with regard to Lav's blood status. But on her draft class list, Lavender Brown was listed as a pureblood witch, so that's what I'm going with here.About Molly's likely reaction to the news that Ron has been cheating on Hermione for some time... I think it's safe to say that Won-Won's bollocks are in mortal peril. And then there's Hermione. While she's had her suspicions, she's about to get presented with irrefutable proof of her husband's infidelity...
Hmm, what's up with Ron? And is it something that Lavender is doing? She seems a little too sure of herself regarding Ron, so I wonder... Also, if Ron is being manipulated by outside forces, how will he react to the news that his sister Ginny has lost her baby now? Especially if he's made aware that the circumstances are eerily similar to Hermione's?What a mystery! I look forward to reading more about Severus' attempts to isolate the cause, and hopefully having Hermione him in the process. I'm sure she wouldn't wish any of what happened to her on Ginny or on any other witch (not even Lav-Lav).
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
On your questions regarding Ron and Lavender, let me just say you're very perceptive. We will learn more about what's going on with them as the story continues to unfold. As for Ron's reaction to Ginny and Harry's loss, that remains to be seen.Severus is working hard get to the bottom of this medical mystery... someone with motivation and a real talent for research like Hermione would surely be a tremendous asset right about now. :)
And you're right... Hermione is much too civilized and compassionate a witch to ever wish such pain on anyone. Even her worst enemy.
Like Snape, not something I would wish on anyone, but after their treatment of Hermione, I hope Won-Won and Lavvy have a troubled pregnancy!
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Hm. Well, let's put it this way. Ron and Lavender will have their share of troubles. Whether those troubles are pregnancy-related remains to be seen. Thanks for reviewing! :)
Oh I feel so sorry for Ginny and Harry. Now what did Voldy do? Obviously something.....I hope Ron sees the light but I doubt it especially since Lavendar will probably carry to term....because she is a pure blood and nothing will happen to her baby.Keep up the good work!
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Poor Ginny and Harry, indeed.Is Moldy Voldy responsible for what's happening? Well... maybe not him personally, but you're on the right track. On Ron seeing the light: Not likely to happen. At least not anytime soon. As for Lavender, while there has been some question about her blood status, I am going with Jo's original class draft in which Lav was listed as pureblood. Thanks!
Well thank God that Molly and Arthur are on Hermione's side...and kicked Ron out. How dare he think that just because he was their son that they would think that she would lose a baby on purpose. I am so glad Molly slapped him.WAY TO GO MOLLY!!!!!
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Molly definitely gave her errant son at least some of what he so richly deserves. Unfortunately for him, he seems to have forgotten that Molly is a mother too, one with strong maternal instincts. We'll learn more about why Molly and Arthur both are so supportive of Hermione in the next chapter.Thanks for taking a moment to review! :)
Ron is such a jerk....how could he even think that she would purposely lose a baby. As someone who has been there, I have know idea why anyone would want to do that on purpose. I can't believe that not only did he think that she would do that but he really doesn't care if he is cheating.....I hope he gets what he deserves.
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Ron's a jerk who is letting his dangly bits do the thinking for him at the moment. And while there are other major factors at work here, I think that part of Ron's hideous accusations against Hermione may be coming from his own underlying guilt and insecurities.Ron will get exactly what he deserves... and then some.Thanks for reading and reviewing! :)
This is a fascinating story so far. Looking forward to reading more.
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Thank you! I'm so delighted to hear you're enjoying the story. :)
poor Ginny and Harry..with this information Ron is going to blame Hermione all the more....can we kill him? please?????great chapter, just wish it was longer
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
I don't know about actually killing Ron, but trust me... Ron will pay a hefty price for his duplicity. In fact, in a sense, he is paying already. He just doesn't know it yet. About the chapter length: This is where the muse decided to stop, and I decided to follow her lead. Next week's chapter is a bit longer. We're currently at 1700+ words and counting. Also, it may be delayed a couple days or so as this fic has just acquired a beta reader: the lovely and talented Luvsev!
Wow, I'm glad that Molly slapped Ron he deserved that and more. At least it's clear that Hermione had the comfort and support of Molly and Arthur if not her own husband. They seemed surprised by his actions, so I am wondering is this harshness from Ron is a new occurance? Or has Hermione been protecting his parents from finding out what a complete ass their son turned out to be?I'm also glad she has Luna for a friend, Luna is one of my favorite characters. Can't wait to read the next chapter. :)
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Ron definitely deserved what Molly gave him. If he hadn't been her child, I expect he would have gotten a few nasty hexes as well. Yes, Molly and Arthur have been there for her when Ron wasn't. In the next chapter, there is a flashback of sorts from Hermione's POV that I think will clear some things up with regard to how things went so wrong with her marriage to Ron.I also love Luna... she will be popping up quite often, as she is an essential character to this story.Thanks again, for taking the time to read and review. :)
Wow! What a jerk your Ron is. I can't believe how totally selfish and unsympathetic he is being to Hermione. If this is how he has behaved throughout her other miscarriages and their marriage I am surprised that she has stayed with him up to this point. Of course being a HG/SS shipper, I want to see her with Severus anyway so I am glad to that she is getting away from Ron.
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
I know that Ron's behavior seems somewhat uncharacteristic... while in the past he's been shown to have a rather vindictive, even cruel streak (as evidenced by his treatment of Hermione in HBP, in particular) his actions now are way beyond the pale. There's a bit of a flashback coming up, which will be from Hermione's POV, in which we will get a clearer idea of exactly how things things went so wrong in their marriage. I think things will make a bit more sense at that point.Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! :)
Very good start and how very sad for Hermione. Plus how awful to have to go through that and receive such devastating new all alone, where is Ron? He should have been there for her through this.
Response from MuseAmusant (Author of Reason for Living)
Very sad for Hermione, indeed. We will see that Ron's been... otherwise occupied. He should have been there for her, perhaps things would have turned out differently if he had.Thanks for taking a moment to review!