A Whole New World
A Harry Potter Story
Summary: Hermione's life is finally coming together as the final battle comes to a close just before her 7th year. She's married, returning to Hogwarts as Head Girl, and has her closest friends with her. There's only one problem now…Hermione isn't happy. And shouldn't she be? Hermione's quest for happiness is filled with twists, turns and finding love in the least likely of places.
Disclaimer: I don't own it. I wish I did.
Author's Note: This takes place 7th year, an AU. If you don't like AU's then don't read this. Please review and please check out my other fic, You Are My Everything. Depending on review stats will depend on my updating.
Chapter 1: Freedom and Mistakes.
The final battle could be summarized quite easily into two words-freedom and mistakes. While the good triumphed once again over the evil, and the world was free to live and move on from the tragedy that had been plaguing it since Voldemort returned. Families would be rebuilt and Hogwarts would heal. Freedom. It was a word that everyone breathed when Harry Potter had finally killed the Dark Lord. Everyone could feel it. They were safe, Death Eaters, Half-Bloods, Muggle-Borns, and everyone else. He couldn't kill or threaten. They were free. The third holocaust (second for the wizarding world) was over and they were free. But, mistakes were made in the process.
Mistakes-who really cared about them now that they were free? If it took a mistake to bring about world peace, what did it matter? So what if two people were late, searching for light in the darkness? He was just trying to find comfort and love amidst the turmoil and hatred that surrounded them. She had needed the same thing and knew, in that moment, that he was the only person that could bring her that. They always seemed to be taking care of each other, on every battle field, so, why did this matter? Because they couldn't acknowledge that it happened. She was engaged to marry her best friend. He was the enemy. Though he was a spy for the Order of the Phoenix, no one would understand. They'd fought for years, hated each other. Now, that hate was over. Mistakes had been made. They stood together among the carnage of their home; Hogwarts had become the final battleground. They were the last two remaining in the building. He held her hand, tight. He could feel the small engagement ring on her finger, but he didn't care. She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. Mistakes had been made-and their lives wouldn't be the same. He looked down at her, touched her cheek tenderly, and laid another kiss on her lips, showing her that he was hers. She kissed him back, knowing that they would never have another opportunity to be like this again.
Freedom and mistakes-that's what war was. The search for freedom and the making of mistakes. This war was no different. All that they knew was that they could tell no one. It could only cause more damage. She was engaged. He was a playboy. She was a princess, he was a god. She was poor, he was rich. She was a muggle-born, he was a pureblood. She was a good-two-shoes, he was a lay-a-bout. She was a woman, he was a man. And in that kiss, they were the only two people in the world-and they were being torn apart.
Hermione Weasley stepped onto Platform 9 ¾. Her husband followed behind her, with their trunks. The couple was returning for their final year at Hogwarts. Closely following her husband was their best friend, Harry and his fiancée, her sister-in-law, Ginny. The platform was busy as ever and it filled Hermione with a sense of familiarity. Of home. She knew that Hogwarts wouldn't be the same. She was married now and she was with child. She'd be taking potions throughout the year to keep it from being common knowledge. Madam Pomfrey told her that she'd be able to appear normal, no signs of growth in her stomach, no mood swings, and no morning sickness. She'd considered giving the child up, but Ron wouldn't have it. He said that he'd find a way to keep her dreams alive and have a child early in their marriage. Since he'd be helping George with the joke shop when they finished school, he'd be taking care of their child while she furthered her education and got into her choice field, which had been promised to her by the Minister, Kingsley Shaklebolt, at the end of the war. She'll be going into Magical Law Enforcement. Hermione had been made Head Girl, for their final year and was elated. Hogwarts was to have many celebrations this year, and as Head Girl, Hermione would be in charge of pulling them together. She had specially requested that everyone still refer to her as Hermione Granger, not Weasley. Ron hadn't liked that, but he would have to deal with it. Hermione was probably not the best wife in the world. She never listened to her husband, since her pregnancy, she's refused to sleep with him, or even beside him. She is constantly getting angry at him for his still childish antics. They were married and they were supposed to be happy. She wasn't. She didn't want to be married and pregnant at 17, she was supposed to be just starting her life. So why did she agree to marry Ronald Weasley? Because she thought that she loved him. She was so sure that they would live happily ever after. And everyone expected the two of them to get married. So, when he asked her, she said yes. Then she told him 3 days after the wedding that she was pregnant. He didn't think twice about it. He was elated. He was going to be a father-what could take away his happiness? Hermione saw that one thing boarding the train ahead of her. She bid her friends good-bye and went to the Heads' compartment. She opened the door and saw that it was already crowded with Prefects and the blond head of the Head Boy. He looked up at her, smirked sadly, and scooted over so she could sit beside him. She took the seat, not looking at him, and handed the schedules and listing off the duties to each of the prefects. When they left, she sat across from him and looked out the window. She held her stomach as she felt the baby give a small bump. She was nearing 3 months pregnant. Her figure remained in tact, but that didn't keep the baby from being active. She knew that her child was to be a girl. A beautiful baby girl. She was happy about that. Ron was ok with it, but she could tell that he wished it were a boy. "How was the rest of your summer?" Malfoy asked her, trying to be conversational, though this was far more awkward than sitting in silence.
"Fine." Hermione offered non-committal to anything. She looked sadly at her wedding band. Malfoy's eyes went to her band as well.
"How was the wedding?" His voice was sad. She didn't like this tone in his voice, as though he were getting his heart ripped out.
"Fine." She told him again. Her voice shook this time. The baby kicked. She stifled an ouch, and thankfully he didn't hear her.
"Is your husband ok with you sharing a dormitory with me?" He asked. Hermione, in fact, had forgotten all about telling Ron about the Heads sharing a dormitory. She knew that her husband was going to be angry.
"He's fine with it." She said timidly.
"You didn't tell him." He inferred.
Hermione sighed and met his grey blue eyes for the first time. "I forgot." She said. His eyes were so clear, he was just there. Not the arrogant, one-minded pureblood child that he was once, but a straight forward, caring, patient adult that looked at Hermione the way no one did, not even her husband.
"He'll be angry." He told her.
"I know. He won't understand." She turned away. She watched mountains and streams pass them as the train chugged along the tracks through Scotland. They remained silent the rest of the trip. Words weren't needed. Both knew that there had been two conversations going the entire time and neither wished to talk about what had happened just 10 weeks ago.
"Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. It's so nice to see so many returning faces and new ones. I have a few start of term notices…all Zonko's and Weasley Wizard Wheezes products are forbidden, a full list can be viewed on Mr. Filch's door. And I would like to welcome back Professor Slughorn and welcome Professor Weasley as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Good luck, professors." The Weasleys and Harry all looked up to see Bill smiling at the Gryffindor table, beaming at his family. McGonagall continued, telling everyone the Forbidden zones and such before they all were dismissed to bed. Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny all walked out together, Ron with his arm possessively around his wife. When they reached the top of the first staircase, the one that they would follow to Gryffindor Tower, but Hermione would have to take up to the Heads dorm, Hermione stopped. "What is it, 'Mione?" Ron asked her confused.
"I'm Head Girl, Ron." Her husband's face was blank in confusion, but Harry and Ginny had realization in their eyes, remembering about the separate Heads dorms.
"Yeah. I know. What's the problem?" He asked unintelligently.
"I'm in the Heads' dorm, dear." She said as slowly as she could.
"Oh! I completely forgot about that-well, let's go." He said, beginning to walk to the dorm.
"Ron-honey, we don't get to go together. I am Head Girl; I sleep in the Heads' dorm. You don't, love." She said trying to sound sad about it. She was to some degree, but it really just masked her joy. She watched her husband's face grow red and he stalked off to Gryffindor Tower.
"I'll talk to him, Hermione. He'll be fine." Harry promised. Hermione shrugged and he held her to him in a brotherly embrace. Then the couple followed Ron to the dorm. Hermione began to walk up the stairs, feeling a bit faint; the baby was more active than usual. She reached the next landing and swooned. She would've fallen if strong arms hadn't caught her. She looked up into the eyes of her savior. Grey blue, steely grey blue eyes that took what little breath she had left. She said nothing as he gathered her up easily into his arms and carried her in silence to their dorm. Why did he keep saving her? And why does she never seem to be able to ask him that aloud?
When they reached the dorm, he sat her on the couch. Draco was truly confused by her weakened state. Hermione Granger never fainted before-but, he remembered, she wasn't his Hermione anymore. She was a wife-a wife to a man who wouldn't, didn't, and couldn't appreciate her. Wait-why did he care? It wasn't any of his business. She was never his Hermione as he'd put it so eloquently before. He had no one, but his heart didn't tell him that. "You really need to be more careful, Weasley." He said sitting on the floor at her feet, his back lounging against the couch. Weasley, he'd said that to keep her at a distance in his mind. And his heart, though he really didn't want to admit that she was in it. He was hers.
"Granger. It's Granger, and I told you before-call me Hermione, Draco." He winced when he heard his name cross her lips. Why did she insist on killing him?
"You're married, Hermione. That name means nothing-doesn't it?" He looked into her beautiful chocolate eyes. They were sad.
"It means everything to me. And I may be married, but I'm still the same girl." He grabbed her hand and held it. He was surprised that he'd done it, so impulsively, but what surprised him more was that she held his hand back.
"You're not a girl, Hermione. You're a woman. An amazing woman that has brought at least one world to its knees." She blushed. She knew what he meant. His world was on its knees. He kissed her hand gently and stood to leave.
"Don't-Draco we need to, er, we need to talk about what happened-between us." He looked at her, letting an old smirk of his loose. She smiled in return. That smirk meant more things to them both than anyone would ever know.
"Now isn't the time, love. We will, but not now." And he walked into the door to his room.
Freedom and mistakes. Many fear mistakes, but sometimes you fear freedom. In the midst of battle, mistakes can be forgiven, but if you make the mistake seconds before freedom is given, then it's not nearly as easy to forgive. It's very nearly impossible. Regret soon follows the mistakes, but it's something that neither will regret. They needed the time, the moment, and they were in desperate situations. He loved her, and she loved him. They just hadn't known. Not until it was far too late. She wished that she could reverse time and tell him long before. But she couldn't do that. He would've never understood. He hated her, and she hated him. In that moment, they were one and love was found. Love in the hatred. Two strangers, finding themselves and each other, it was destiny, but destiny has a way of presenting itself too late. She was engaged. He wasn't lucky enough to be the one to give her the ring. But, in that moment, he gave her his heart, and refused to get it back.
Mistakes can be made. Its simple, easy, and quite possibly the most amazing thing to happen. A single mistake can be the one thing that brings about happiness. Happiness is a relative term until someone comes along to give you the happiness you deserve. A mistake can bring this out, show you things that you would have never believed before. In the heart of a mistake, a memory, you could be the happiest that you've ever been in your entire life. Who would want to take that back?
Freedom is something that is handed to you after you fight for it. It doesn't do anything but bring things into the open. Things, people, situations, anything can be brought out when the word freedom is uttered. But can a person really reveal themselves and not be persecuted? No one would understand. They won't forgive. And 10 weeks go by, and no one will really want to understand. Keep a secret from your husband, friends, and family-no, freedom can mean what it says, but it can also be a prison. The world was free, but two of the people responsible for its freedom were still trapped in its walls, unable to express their love, their happiness, anything. Secrets are bound in freedom. Misery can be brought on by freedom. Who understands that?
Can mistakes bring happiness, but freedom keep it locked away? Or is life just too confusing to understand with these two, brief, simple words?
Hermione was bent over the loo, her hair held back by Draco as she emptied the contents of her stomach. She had yet to go take her potion. When she finished, Draco helped her up and washed her mouth. They were both already dressed, but this had kept them from breakfast. "Do you need to see the nurse?" He asked. Hermione nodded simply. "I'll take you, love." She smiled at him miserably. He carried her out of their dorm, taking shortcuts and such to reach the Hospital Wing as quickly as possible. Right as they reached the door, Hermione remembered why she couldn't let him take her in, but shrugged, deciding that he may not put it together. They walked into the Hospital Wing and to Pomfrey's office. "Madame Pomfrey? Hermione needs your help." Upon hearing Hermione's name, the middle-aged nurse jumped up, grabbed a potion vile and walked out to where Draco had laid Hermione.
"Here, Mrs. Weasley, drink this up." Hermione did as she was told. Draco was confused. Hermione looked at him as they waited for the potion to kick in.
"Whats going on, pet?" Draco asked, using his pet names. Hermione quite liked that he called her these, though not in front of the staff or other students. Thankfully, Madame Pomfrey was back in her office.
"Nothing, love. Nothing." She told him, lying blatantly.
"Don't feed me that, Hermione. Whats wrong?" He bent down to look her in the eyes, sitting on his knees on his floor. She wondered about how he'd react, deciding to be honest.
"I'm pregnant."
"I'm pregnant." She whispered to him. He hit the floor. How-what? Could it-no, surely she'd slept with Weasel-was it? She was watching him. He knew that. How was he supposed to react? Was it his?
"Is it his?" He asked simply. He met her eyes. Hermione shrugged.
"I'm not sure." She told him honestly. He got on the bed beside her, holding her to him as tight as he could.
"How far along are you?" He asked, knowing that she could be taking potions to hide the pregnancy. Many witches did that. It helped keep their figures and such. Hermione would do it so no one would judge her.
"10 weeks." 10 weeks? That's, that's 2 and ½ months. She would've gotten pregnant right around the time-"Yes." She answered reading his thoughts.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because, it could very well be Ron's. I didn't even know I was pregnant until right before the wedding. It was too late and what would it matter?" She asked.
"It matters because that baby could be mine and even if it isn't, I will love the child because it's yours. I thought I made it clear that I wanted to be in your life, and then you didn't speak to me for the past 10 weeks." He told her, letting his pain and anguish show through.
"I didn't think that you'd want to be at the wedding. I didn't think that I would want you there."
"Why?" He asked, his curiosity piqued.
She looked up into his eyes. "Because, if I had seen you there, I wouldn't have been able to marry Ron."
Passion. It lies in all of us. Sleeping, waiting, and though unwanted and unbidden it will stir. Open its jaws and howl. It speaks to us, guides us. Passion rules us all… and we obey. What other choice do we have? Passion is the source of our finest moments. The joy of love, the clarity of hatred, and the ecstasy of grief. It hurts sometimes more than we can bear. If we could live without passion, maybe we'd know some kind of peace. But we would be hollow. Empty rooms, shuttered and dank. Without passion, we'd truly be dead.
Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful. Love is like the wind, you can't see it, but you can feel it.
Freedom, passion, love, and mistakes. They are all relative terms until brought together. Mistakes are made in a moment of blind passion and love is found in its freedom. These words come together, but it bubbles at the surface of ones thoughts, until the time that the truth can be told, and love is brought its freedom.
"My only love, sprung from my only hate."- Juliet, Romeo and Juliet.
Attention: Please review! I'm like really nervous about this. I've been working on it for days! Please tell me what you think and I'll post a new chapter as soon as possible!