Harriet 'Harri' Potter watched in utter shock as Veronica 'Ron' Weasley stormed out of the tent, leaving her alone with Hector Granger. She stood stoically, not knowing how to proceed with what had happened. Hector's jaw was tense as he tried to rationalise what had just happened between them. Veronica often liked to let her emotions rule her head, but this was a completely different story. They had promised to help Harri with her mission. He didn't like the idea of Harri facing things alone. She was a fragile enough girl at times. He tried to relax himself, but it was just impossible to wrap his head around it. She'd be back. She wouldn't abandon them again.

"I can't believe that she just did that…" Harri whispered to herself. She removed the locket from around her neck, placing it in the moleskin pouch that Hagrid that gifted her a few months before. "How could she walk out on us? She promised to help…" She felt tears coming to her eyes. She tried not to cry during the mission. She swore to herself that the last time she'd cry was Dumbledore's funeral. She couldn't help it anymore. It was hopeless.

"She's not cut out for this." Hector sat down on his bed, running a hand through his short but frizzy hair. Veronica wasn't made for the outdoors. She had been pampered too much at home, being the first female born Weasley in centuries had a tendency to do that to a person. He sealed the entrance to the camp, checking their protective spells. "We'll wait till morning. If she's not back by then, we move on to the next site…"

Harri nodded meekly, sitting down beside him. "She'll be back, Hector…she wouldn't leave you like that."

Hector let out a weak scoff. "Veronica isn't someone who considers others, Harri. She's walked out on you before. She's selfish in that regard." He glanced at Harri. "How are you faring? You've been wearing that Horcrux too much."

Harri frowned. "I'm fine, Hector." She hated it when people started with that shit.

Ever since she entered the Wizarding World, Harri had to deal with two things; people wrapping her in cotton, and guys trying to fuck her at every corner. She never really considered herself attractive, but Hector just scoffed whenever that happened. She was just under his chin in regards to height, but that wasn't fair because he was just a lanky git. She wasn't as well-endowed in the chest compartment either, compared to Lavender or Veronica. She had her father's raven black hair, which messily went down to her bum. Her mother's striking green eyes and damn near most of her figure.

"Look, you don't have to pretend to be strong. It's ok to cry." Hector gently patted her shoulder. "You went through shit with your family, but that doesn't mean you have to put up this wall around me. Just be yourself."

"This is me!" Harri snapped at him. "I'm not some fucking China doll that you have to wrap in cotton wool and put on a fucking shelf!" She stood up, clenching her fist. "Ever since I first stepped foot on Platform 9¾, it's just been one thing after another!" She crossed her arms. "I don't need your macho bullshit right now."

Hector watched her. "Look, I didn't mean it like that." He corrected himself. "I, I just mean that…you've been putting yourself through this intense emotional pressure. I don't want you to lose it." He said softly. "And I don't want to be the only one here using their head. We've lost Dumbledore. We've lost the Ministry. I cannot let you go too."

Harri wiped her eyes. "I'm fine." She insisted. "I went through sixteen years of living with people who hated me. I've survived three encounters with Voldemort…I…" She stopped herself. "You know…"

Hector nodded weakly, looking away in shame. "I know…" That was the worst of it. The crimes Voldemort had to pay for. What he did to her. "I'm sorry."

"Nothing happened." Harri reminded him. "I got to the cup just in time…" She sat on the ground, resting her head against the mattress. "You know the funny thing? I still haven't…you know."

"Really?" Hector asked. "I thought you and Ger?"

"Did Gerard go around telling people I fucked him?!" Harri frowned. "We never got past snogging. Well, maybe he pawed my tits once, but that's it."

Hector shook his head. "I just assumed. You and Ger seemed like you were close."

"It was nerves. The war." Harri sighed. "God, I wish I had a smoke right now…"

Hector frowned. "I keep telling you those things will kill you." He sighed. "Veronica and I, we did it once." He opened a small compartment in his endless trunk, producing a bottle of firewhiskey. "Here," He poured her out a glass. "I'm sorry, by the way. For wrapping you in cotton."

Harri downed the glass. "You know, I've had a lot of guys want to pop my cherry. Malfoy. Those arses in Ravenclaw. But oddly enough, you never made a move."

Hector chuckled. "I never wanted to. You're my best friend. You were my first friend. You helped me get past all my problems. I was a socially awkward kid who couldn't start a conversation without spouting several bullshit facts." He sniffled. "You…you were the one to open up to me. I never got the chance to say thank you for that." His eyes started watering. "I…I never wanted to risk that."

Harri wrapped her arm around him. "You weren't socially awkward. And hey, I wouldn't know half of the things I know without you. Like that things about octopuses mating habits, or the fact that some animals can actually change gender. You were amazing when it came to those things." She kissed his cheek. "I never got what you saw in Ronnie to be honest. She's one of my oldest friends, but she's also a little…high maintenance."

Hector laughed softly. "Merlin, that's an understatement." He poured two more glasses. "Veronica has this sweet side to her, you know that. It's just…she's Ronnie."

Harri downed her glass. "I nearly did it, with Ger…after the funeral." She played with the glass. "I just, stopped myself. I…it's stupid."

"You didn't want to waste your first time." Hector whispered. "I get that. Hell, Ronnie was with Dean for half a year before we got together. And I know they weren't exactly saving themselves…" He smirked. "War fucks with you."

Harri gasped. "Hector Romeo Granger! You swore!" She swatted his arm. "You fucker! You give out to me for it!"

Hector chuckled softly. "I have my reasons. You should have met my nana. Damn woman could make a sailor blush." He finished his second glass, nudging her head with his. "You remind me of her. She was strong too." He smiled sadly. "It's days like this I really want to talk to her again." He poured their third round of drinks. "Sirius gave me this bottle a couple of years ago for Christmas. He said it was for an emergency. When the shit hit the fan and I needed to make sure you didn't do something stupid. I've lost count of the amount of times I've nearly opened it since then."

Harri let out a soft scoff. "That sounds like Siri alright." She smiled softly. She took a small sip, chuckling to herself. "He used to tell me he pitied whoever got me as a wife. Said they'd be in for a rough ride. That I was 'Lily incarnate'. An unstoppable force of nature." She snorted, giggling a little. "Little did he fucking know."

Hector laughed. "That he got it completely right." He downed his glass, putting the radio to a muggle station. "Ooh, slow song!" He grabbed her hand, pulling her up for a small dance.

Harri rested her head on his shoulder. "Why do you have to be such a lanky git?"

"I'm 5'11!" Hector exclaimed. "It's not my fault you're a midget." He shook his head, twirling her around. He continued dancing with her, glancing at the flap of the tent. He opened it up, sitting outside with her. "What's your plans when the war is over?"

"Depends on what happens." Harri whispered. "If I don't get killed, then I want to…" She shook her head, muttering something under her breath.

"What?" Hector raised an eyebrow. "Come on. Big girl voice."

"I want to have a baby." Harri mumbled a little louder. While she never considered herself a girly girl, she absolutely adored babies. "I want to just settle down somewhere quiet, have a family and live my days happily. Probably play some quidditch and have a garden. With strawberries. I love strawberries." She finished her drink. "Pour me another, barkeep!"

Hector chuckled, pouring the last of the firewhiskey. "Never thought you'd settle down to be honest. I had visions of you going Xena and charge through Europe." He downed his drink.

"I hate that show." Harri frowned. "You try listening to your cousin talking to his friends about how often his wanks to that show."

Hector scrunched his face in disgust. "Your cousin? No thanks." He shook his head, playing with the empty bottle. "Dad and I would watch it every week." He chuckled. "I'm missing out on the new season right now. Mum would have her Bridge Club, so we'd order pizza, grab a beer and watch the show. He'd tape it when I was at school. We'd binge episodes when I got home." He rested his head against the tent, staring out at the forest.

"I'm sorry." Harri whispered. "If it wasn't for me, you'd be able to watch your show."

Hector laughed softly. "Harri, there's nowhere else I'd rather be than right here." He promised her, pulling her into a close hug. "Besides, I paid my neighbour to tape the show for me." He kissed her forehead.

Harri nestled into him. "We make it out of this alive, and I'll pay for the two of you to meet her." She promised him. "I've a vault full of money just begging to be spent meeting hot celebs."

Hector snorted. "Damn! Don't do that!" He found himself laughing more. "My mum would castrate my poor Dad. I'm pretty sure he's asked her to wear a costume to bed once or twice."

Harri burst out laughing, holding onto him. "Oh Merlin. Sorry, I'm not doing that for you. As much as I love you."

Hector stopped for a moment. "You love me, eh?" He asked teasingly.

"Yep!" Harri kissed his cheek. "But not enough to shag you in that costume."

"Whoa!" Hector grinned. "We're shagging now?" He looked down at them. "Nope. We're clothed." He winked.

Harri blushed. "Shut up!" She slapped his chest. "You know what I mean…"

Hector rolled his eyes. "Excuse me, but I do not know what you mean." He flicked her nose. "Should I sling you over my shoulder and bring you to bed?"

"Shut up!" Harri exclaimed again, feeling her face getting hotter by the moment. She was about to retort when the clouds above burst open, soaking her and Hector to the skin in a matter of seconds. "Bollocks!" She ran inside with him, laughing as she wrung out her hair.

"I'll put up the screen divider." Hector removed his top, throwing it onto the ground. He turned around, freezing with the divider in his hands as Harri shed her top.

"No need." Harri waved him off. "We're friends. Besides, I've seen you nude before."

"When?!" Hector covered his chest.

"Tri-Wizard." Harri replied softly. "Madam Pomfrey had to transfigure that blanket into clothes for you." She blushed.

"Oh." Hector's blush matched his. "I see…" He whispered, trying to keep his attention on her face. "C-Can you put a top on? I-I'm finding it hard to maintain eye contact."

Harri turned around, placing a new top on. "Sorry." She chuckled, turning back around to face him. "And you're telling me you didn't peek down your blouse when you were me?"

Hector gulped. "Um…I…that is to say…" His face completely turned red. "Bollocks…"

Harri snorted. "I knew it." She shook her head. "So, what did you do?"

"Remember when I used the loo?"

"You didn't!" Harri laughed.

"I went to the bathroom and stripped…" Hector looked down. "Sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

Harri shook her head. "It's fine." She promised him. "The twins already made enough jokes about my sexiness." She rolled her eyes. "I hate it when they act nice like that."

"Harri. You're fucking beautiful. That's two F words tonight, so you know that it's true." Hector smirked. "You have the perfect body."

"Oh please, look at these!" Harri gestured to her chest. "I'm barely in a B-cup."

"And that's perfect. Merlin, Veronica's breasts are too big." Hector pointed out. "You can walk without breaking your back every day."

Harri couldn't argue with that. "Fair enough." She mumbled. She lay herself down on the bottom bunk, resting her head on her pillow. "Hector…if I ask you to do something, will you promise me it stays between us?"

"You have my word." Hector smiled.

Harri gently patted the spot beside her. "Will you hold me?" Her voice was different than he had ever heard it. This wasn't the usual Harri, it was someone who just wanted human contact. Someone who was trying to be strong.

Hector lay down beside her, wrapping his arm around her carefully. "I'll make sure that you live through this." He promised her. He closed his eyes. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure." Harri whispered, resting her head on his chest.

"That night. The graveyard." Hector began softly. "Did you really get out in time…?"

"…" Harri stared into his eyes. "I did, and I didn't. I grabbed the portkey just as he got my skirt off…I landed in the middle of an empty field, wearing only a pair of knickers and in front of several teachers and politicians…and with Cedric's body beside me."

Hector held her closer to him, kissing her forehead. "I'm sorry that happened to you." He whispered. "And I'm sorry I didn't write to you that summer…"

Harri smiled sadly. "It's ok. You were under orders."

Hector shook his head. "You needed us. And we listened to the Order instead of helping you." He stroked her hair gently. "What would you name your child?"

"I don't know. James. Lily. Sirius. Cassandra. Jacob. Anna." Harri listed off names, closing her eyes as she relaxed on his chest again. "Hell, I'd have a hundred kids if I could."

Hector chuckled. "Fair enough." He continued to play with her hair. "Your hair is still wet. You should dry it."

Harri frowned. "I let it naturally dry. Have done since I was a child."

Hector watched her carefully. "What about brushing it?"

"I did it myself." Harri shrugged. "No big deal…"

Hector sighed internally. He summoned his bag, grabbing a hairbrush out of it. He sat the two of them up, using a drying charm on her hair. He carefully began to brush her hair. He watched her face, adjusting his movements if she flinched or not. "Your aunt should have done this for you years ago."

Harri scoffed. "Petunia and I were never close." She reminded him. A small smile graced her face as he continued to brush her hair. It was nice. Hell, it was probably the nicest thing that had happened to her since they left for the mission. "It's probably why I want kids so much. I want to shower my child with love and affection. Brush their hair. Cuddle with them when they're sick. Hold them after they have nightmares."

Hector finished brushing her hair, wiping his own eyes. "Like I said. I'm going to make sure you survive." He dropped the brush, capturing her in a tight hug. "We're pretty drunk…"

"You're pretty drunk!" Harri corrected him. "I've been drinking since I was twelve."

"That's not a good thing." Hector frowned. "You shouldn't have had to live like that…you should have been happy…"

"I'm happy now." Harri reminded him. She hugged him tightly. "I have people who care about me now." She sniffled, finally letting her tears fall. She held onto him, sobbing her eyes out.

Hector held onto her, kissing her forehead as she sobbed. "Shh, let it all out." He whispered, stroking her hair as she sobbed into his shoulder. This was starting to sober him up fast. He didn't care though. Harri needed to vent, and he wasn't going to let her just suffer alone. He owed it to her to make sure she was ok. She had done so much for everyone else.

Harri felt the mattress underneath her. Before she knew it, her eyes were empty of tears and she felt lighter in herself. She opened her eyes, wiping away the last remnants of her sadness. She glanced up at Hector, noticing that he eyes were full of worry for her. "Hector…why are you with Ronnie?"

"I…I love her…" Hector whispered.

"I know, but does she really love you?" Harri asked. "She treats you like shit."

"She's just high maintenance." Hector wiped his eyes. "She's really caring—" His words were soon silenced as Harri kissed him quickly. "Why did you do that…?"

"To see something." Harri whispered, staring into his eyes. She sat up, shedding her top once more. "I don't want to risk it, Hector. I want to feel loved in case I die." She whispered. "And I can think of no one I love more…than you." She kissed him again.

Hector stared into her eyes, stroking her cheek. "You're drunk." He whispered. "I can't take advantage of you like that…"

Harri grabbed his bag. "Get two purging potions then. We'll both be sober and nothing will change my feelings." She promised him. "Hector…please…"

Hector got the two potions, downing his. "Ok…"

0o0o0

After the Battle of Hogwarts

Hector ran over to her, sliding down on the ground as he winced in pain. She was on the ground, barely breathing as he picked her into his arms. "Don't you dare die on me…" He whispered into her ear. "MADAM POMFREY! SHE NEEDS MEDICAL ATTENTION!" He stood up, running with her towards the elderly healer. "She just collapsed…she's barely breathing…"

Madam Pomfrey looked her over. "She's got magical exhaustion." She lay the young lady onto one of the beds, frowning at the young man. "Can I assume you're the father?"

"Father?" Hector asked softly.

"She's pregnant. Around three months." Madam Pomfrey frowned deeply at the man. "I understand that you were alone with her for a prolonged period of time, Mr. Granger."

Hector stared at her, shock etched into his face. He was going to be a father? He glanced down at Harri, clutching her hand into his as he took a seat. "I promised you that you'd live." He whispered, chuckling through his tears. "I promised you that you'd get to raise that family you always wanted…" He kissed her hand. "Just think it'd be as your partner."

Madam Pomfrey sealed the room. "How was she eating?"

"Fine. When Veronica left we were able to blend into the muggle world." Hector sniffled. "We ended up using a B&B in Brighton as our base of operations. We were eating regularly and everything…" He kissed her hand again, stroking it with his thumb. "I-Is the baby ok…? She's taken another Killing Curse after all…"

"The baby's fine." Madam Pomfrey assured him. "If I had to guess how that is, I'd assume whatever Lily Potter did all those years ago protected her daughter and grandchild again…" She smiled down at the young man. "I do believe I now owe Minerva a few galleons. She was sure you two would be together."

Hector laughed softly. "I'll let her know." He kept his eyes on Harri. "She probably didn't realise. She hasn't got a bump."

"It's still early, Mr. Granger. She's only three months gone." Madam Pomfrey reminded him. She checked his eyes. "You're handling it quite well."

Hector sniffled. "I'm alive. She's alive. We've won the war and I can finally get my parents and bring them back. My mum's going to immediately suffocate Harri with hugs and my dad's going to pretend that he's not crying." He chuckled softly. He wiped his eyes, trying to keep himself in check. He finally let go of Harri's hand, turning to Madam Pomfrey. "Am I ok?"

"Broken ribs. Damage to the socket of your right eye." Madam Pomfrey clicked her tongue, checking him over. She brought him to a different section. "You're fine. I'll have you healed in a moment."

Hector winced as his injuries began to knit back together. He clenched his jaw as his eye socket popped. "Damn it!" He hopped around a little. "What damage does Harri have?"

"Little to none. A small scar on her chest. It's already healed." Madam Pomfrey assured him. "And Ms. Weasley is fine too."

Hector scoffed. "Not even a broken nail?" He didn't like being angry, but the fact that Veronica had basically frosted him because of him and Harri didn't sit right with him.

"Anger doesn't suit you, Mr. Granger." Madam Pomfrey frowned at the young man. "I need you to talk to her. She's lost a brother."

"I know…" Hector frowned. "And Harri lost her father's last living friend. She lost a second cousin who has left behind a baby. She's watched people she grew up slaughtered. Veronica has five living brothers and her parents. All Harri has right now is me and our baby!"

"O-Our baby…?" Harri's voice called out weakly.

Hector ran over to her side, sitting down beside her. "Hey sleepyhead." He whispered softly, taking her hands in his. "Yeah, our baby…" He chuckled weakly. "One down, ninety-nine to go."

Harri let out a weak laugh, looking into his eyes. "We're having a baby?!" She felt tears come to her eyes. "Fuck!"

Hector snorted. "I hope to God you lessen the swears before they start talking…"

Harri sobbed out a proper laugh. "You have to leave though…Australia."

Hector smiled. "We could put it off for a few months. Go with a baby and really surprise them."

Harri shook her head. "No! You need to go and get them." She stroked his cheek. "We can wait on you."

Hector kissed her forehead. "I'll be back as fast I can. We'll tell them when they come home."

Harri smiled. "Sounds great." She leaned up and kissed him gently. "I'm going to fix up your house in the meantime. It's been months since they left. It'll have a layer of dust two inches thick.

Hector nodded. "Ok." He whispered, taking the key out of his bag. "Just, don't overexert yourself…"

Harri wanted to argue with him, but she was just too tired. "Ok." She kissed his cheek.

0o0

Six weeks later

Portia Granger laughed a little as she walked into her sitting room. Her son's girlfriend obviously hadn't heard them enter the house. She bit her lip to refrain herself as she watched the young woman sing along to the song on the radio, using the sweeping brush as a microphone. She watched her husband and son trying their hardest not to laugh too. "Is there dinner with the show?"

Harri yelped, falling onto the sofa as she heard the voice. "Son of a bitch!" She panted, glancing up at them. "Give a girl a little warning! Fuck me!"

Hector chuckled. "Mum, Dad. You remember Harri. Harri. You remember my parents." He watched in enjoyment as Harri went beet red.

"Sorry." Harri gave a weak laugh. "My language tends to get a little explicit when I get the crap scared out of me."

Portia smiled at the young girl. From what she knew, the girl didn't have the best home life. "I understand. My mother was the same." She winked a little. "So, I do believe that you're responsible for cleaning the house for us."

"It was nothing." Harri smiled. "Now, why don't you relax while I make us a cuppa?"

"Sounds divine." Samuel Granger nodded.

Hector cleared his throat. "Actually, we've got a bit of news for the two of you."

Harri smiled, moving to his side. "I-I'm pregnant."

Portia's eyes widened for a moment. "Excuse me?" She turned to her son. "Hector Romeo Granger! What exactly was this mission you were on?"

Harri stood forward. "I-It's not Hector's fault, Mrs. Granger." She said softly. "We were living in a tent and Veronica had just left us…we got to talking, things happened and we realised that…"

"That we loved each other." Hector finished for her. "We know we're young."

"You're not even nineteen!" Portia said softly. She walked over to them, hugging the two of them. "Where are you staying, Harri?"

"I, um…" Harri bit her lip. "I could use Grimmauld…no, it needs repairs…" She scratched her head. "I suppose I could ask the Dursleys…"

"No!" Hector shook his head. "No fucking way am I letting you go back to them!"

"Let me?" Harri frowned, poking him in the chest. "You can't make me do anything, mister!"

Hector resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "You know what I mean…"

"Yep." Harri smirked, flicking his nose. "I'll figure something out."

"You could stay here." Samuel said softly.

Harri smiled weakly. "I couldn't impose."

"You're not imposing." Portia ensured her. "Believe me, it'll be nice having another female around. You don't watch their silly show, do you?"

"Xena? God no!" Harri shook her head. "Bad experiences. I'm not really a telly person."

Portia patted her shoulder. "Do you play cards?"

"I can hustle pretty well in Blackjack." Harri nodded. "Undefeated champion in the Gryffindor Common Room."

"Perfect." Portia grinned. "You boys enjoy your shows. The mothers are going to have some fun."

Hector watched them leave, shaking his head. "Women…"

Samuel snorted, grabbing the tapes. "Come on. We've a whole season to watch!"

Hector sat down with him, popping the tape in. "Pepperoni?"

"Sausage on half." Samuel smiled a little. "Couldn't wait until I was fifty, could you?"

Hector smiled. "To be honest…no." He whispered. "Harri's got no one else. I love her, Dad. I don't mind having a kid, as long as it means I know that Harri's surrounded by loved ones."

Samuel smiled, patting his shoulder. "That's my boy…or so your mother tells me."

Hector laughed. "I could've erased the dad jokes…"

Requested by ObeliskX