Sparks and Embers
Summary: It's almost four years post Hogwarts for the trio, and some characters are beginning new, successful phases in their lives. However, others are mired in a holding pattern of one kind or another. Unexpected events will soon change that, and the fallout will be volatile for a time.
Author's Note: It's taken me over a decade to begin to post this story for various reasons. Some of it may not accommodate HBP or DH plotlines. *shrugs and smiles*
Hermione dropped the tattered parchment back onto the stack with a long, low sigh. She was used to long days on her job in the Forensics Lab for the Auror Division of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, but lately she'd been burning the midnight oil a lot more than usual. She'd been combing through files trying to find links and paths between information so that a credible case could be brought to trial, and hopefully put some of the remaining Death Eaters in Azkaban for good.
Harry, a field Auror along with his partner Bryan Hawthorne, had investigated this case for months. Just last week, Harry had appeared in Hermione's office with several boxes of papers they'd found in a run-down flat in the southeast end of London.
"Hermione, I think I've finally found what we've been looking for!" Harry said, elated, followed by several boxes, which were floating along behind him.
"What do you mean?!" Hermione hurried over to take a closer look at the containers that were gliding steadily into her office, depositing themselves one by one on the floor by her desk. "What's all this?"
"Look!" Harry replied, his grin about to split his face as he began to take the lids off, exposing hundreds of papers and several ledgers.
"Oh, my God…this isn't…" Hermione ran her hands over the contents of one of the boxes and then her eyes snapped to Harry's.
"It is." Harry nodded proudly.
"Wow…" Hermione whispered. "Where did you find this?"
"It was an accident, really," Harry started to explain. "We'd gotten a tip from the Muggle police reports that there were complaints of strange things going on in the southeast of London, on the docks. When we got there, this two-bit little thug started throwing hexes and curses at us."
Hermione's eyes widened. "Did he get either of you?"
"Yeah..." Harry scowled, then finished reluctantly, "me."
"Are you all right?" Hermione grabbed Harry's arm, turning him toward her so she could get a better look at him.
"'Course I am. I'm here, aren't I? It was only a Jelly Legs. The worst part was falling into the river."
"Harry!"
"I'm fine—fine," Harry soothed her. "Bryan fished me out, stopped the hex, and I dried myself off."
"You should go to the Ministry's Mediwitch right away and let her give you something to get rid of the germs you probably picked up from that nasty water!" Hermione said.
Harry sighed. "Done. Remus marched me straight there when we got back. Can I get on with my story?"
Hermione smiled sheepishly and released his arm. "Sorry."
"Yeah, well, we started out to see if we could find the little git, but then caught a strong magical echo coming from a flat just a block from the waterfront. Bryan contacted headquarters to get permission for us to enter and, when we got in there, we poked around a bit and found all this stuff in a file cabinet."
He'd been sure that day that he'd found something important, and the more Hermione studied the papers and ledgers, she knew he'd been right. She had always been diligent, but this being Harry's case made her all the more determined to complete her work quickly. Hermione had another personal stake in this case—Antonin Dolohov.
Dolohov, along with several other well-known Death Eaters, was still at large. Hermione had killed Bellatrix Lestrange during the last battle before the she could finish firing the Avada Kedavra curse at Harry. Lucius Malfoy and Rodolphus Lestrange had also lost their lives on that day over three years ago. Rabastan Lestrange appeared to be traveling with Dolohov and Mulciber. Hermione knew that she was well on her way to providing critical evidence for the Ministry's case against them. But it had been hard won, and several weeks of long days were starting to take their toll. She was now facing another headache in a string of many.
She massaged her eyes with shaky hands, sliding her fingers back to her temples to rub the sore muscles there, too. Tilting her head from side to side, she stretched her neck muscles, and then bent her head forward, as she reached to rub her aching shoulders.
Hermione tugged her desk drawer open, looking for the Anadin capsules she usually kept on hand. She picked up the little jar and groaned, as no rattling sound came from it.
'Perfect…wonderful.'
Hermione tossed the empty bottle in the bin, and guessed she'd have to request a potion from the infirmary if she wanted to keep working and get anything accomplished today.
"Pia, I'm going to get a headache potion," Hermione called as she strode out of her office. "Be right back."
"Oh, not another one—Hermione you're really overdoing it lately," Pia answered, rising just a bit to peer at Hermione from over her partition.
"And don't roll your eyes at her," Serge added, leaning around his cubicle wall, his dark eyes scanning Hermione's in concern. "You know she's right."
"I know, I know…but I'll be back in a moment, good as new," Hermione said, putting on a smile and trying to sound convincing. Truth was she wanted to curl up in a ball under a warm blanket and sleep for a month. She loved her seasoned research assistants—couldn't imagine a better pair to help her with her work. But she was growing tired of people saying that she looked like she needed a vacation.
'Oh, yes… much better…' Hermione sighed to herself a few minutes later, feeling almost instantaneous pain relief as she downed the small vial of milky white potion. Her face wanted to scrunch up against the taste, but she didn't allow it.
Hermione thanked the kindly, old Mediwitch, and headed out to the corridor that would lead her to the lift. But, instead of going back to her office, she impulsively turned down a side corridor that led to the Department for the Control and Regulation of Magical Flora. After a few twists and turns, the scent of fresh soil led her to the Experimental Horticulture Laboratory, and she popped her head through the door.
Hermione smiled when she saw one of her dearest friends bent over his work table in the sunny, glassed-in room that was lined with all sorts of growing things. He appeared to be transferring a large pear-shaped plant, with long wriggling tendrils sprouting from the top, into a larger pot.
"There you go," he said gently, and the plant shivered a bit, seeming to burrow a little more deeply into the potting soil as though snuggling into a warm blanket, "that should feel better now."
Hermione could've sworn she heard the plant give a squeaky contented sigh.
"Knock, knock," she said softly, trying not to startle Neville, but he jumped a bit anyway. Seeing who his visitor was, he chuckled, and quickly began removing his safety glasses and dragon hide gloves.
"Hullo, Hermione!" Neville said as he gave her a welcoming hug.
"Hi, yourself," Hermione warmly returned his hug.
"What are you doing in this part of the Ministry?" he asked.
"I just came from the infirmary and thought I'd stop by.
"Everything all right?" Neville asked.
"Oh, yes," Hermione answered, waving her hand dismissively. "Just a headache, and I'd run out of my medicine."
"I don't know why you keep taking that Muggle stuff. It takes forever to work, compared to the wizard remedy."
Hermione shrugged. "Habit, I guess—plus my pills don't taste like willow bark." Then she changed the subject with a grin. "So, how's married life, Mr. Longbottom?"
"Really, really great," he replied returning her grin, and Hermione was charmed to see Neville blush just a bit, even as an ache of longing pinched her heart.
"How goes it in the Forensics Lab?" he asked with a lift of his eyebrows.
"Long hours as usual, but I think I'm near a breakthrough in one of the most important cases that our department's investigating right now," Hermione replied, stepping over to the table to get a better view of the plant Neville had just repotted.
"Careful," he warned suddenly, as one of the deep purple tendrils shot out towards Hermione's face, stopping just short of her nose. She gasped and took a hasty step backward, her hand flying up to cover her heart.
"Are you okay?" Neville said worriedly as he put a steadying hand on Hermione's arm. "Sorry—should've warned you sooner. Those things can take your eye out." Reaching forward, while speaking soft words of reassurance to the plant, he slowly slid it toward the middle of the table and away from Hermione.
"What is that thing?" Hermione asked breathlessly, casting a wary look at the tendrils.
"This is a species that has some promise medicinally," he replied, looking fondly at the quivering plant. "It's called a Dwarf Cwafien."
"Dwarf?" Hermione's eyes widened. "You mean there are larger ones?"
Neville nodded. "They're rare, thank goodness, as they're not as useful as the Dwarves, and much more dangerous. A fully grown Cwafien can punch a hole right through a person, if it feels threatened."
"Yes, well…I'd better get back to work," Hermione said with a distrustful glance at the other plants around her. "Good to see you, Neville. Tell Ginny hello for me. I guess I'll see you both at Molly and Arthur's on Sunday for lunch?"
"We'll be there, but you might see Ginny before then, as she's coming to visit Arthur this afternoon."
"Oh, good," Hermione said happily. "I hope she'll pop by for a moment."
"I'll tell her that you'd like for her to. George stopped by earlier. Came to the Ministry to renew their business licenses and apply for another to start a third store, I think," Neville said. "Sounds like they're growing quickly and doing well."
"That's wonderful," Hermione said, impressed. "Who would've thought it? They always seemed like they couldn't care less about responsibilities at school, but I guess they had their own plans all along."
"I know what you mean," Neville agreed. "I think I'm going to enjoy having them as brothers," he added, then suddenly peered into Hermione's eyes with concern. "Hermione, I don't mean to pry or offend, but are you getting enough rest?"
Hermione gave a rueful smile and shook her head. "Probably not as much as I should. I've been engrossed in my work, I guess." Hermione lowered her voice. "And I've had to deal with a new assistant, whose blundering has disrupted the office several times in the past week."
"He sounds like a mess."
"She. And mess is a good word for her," Hermione snorted. "She's managed to knock folders with important documents from my desk a few times."
"She sounds a bit like me," Neville smiled.
"Hardly, Neville," Hermione objected, but at Neville's raised eyebrows, she added with a slight smile, "Well, at least you've grown out of it. There doesn't seem to be much hope for her at this age."
"Ginny might not agree with my having grown out of it. I broke one of her favorite vases yesterday," Neville winced slightly at that memory. "Just don't overdo it with the long hours, all right? You won't be able to get anything done if you become ill."
"I hope I can get this case wrapped up and then take a few days off. But, then, you never know with such a hard-arsed boss," Hermione's lips quirked into a smile.
"Yeah…he's a real piece of work," Neville chuckled. "I'll speak to him on your behalf, if you think it'll help."
"Hmm, I might take you up on that," Hermione kidded back. "Actually, he's been trying to get me to take some time off for several months now."
"I hope you'll be able to take him up on his offer sooner than later."
"Me, too," Hermione replied, "but now I'd better be getting back, or Remus might just retract that offer."
Neville nodded. "See you soon, then. Get some rest and good luck with the new assistant."
"Ah, there you are," a voice trilled irritatingly from the entrance of Hermione's office, "I've brought some coffee for you."
"Yes, well…thanks, Shaula." Hermione got up hurriedly and met her assistant before she could reach her desk and knock anything else awry.
"You're welcome," Shaula replied, glancing at the parchments that Hermione had just been reading. Hermione shifted her body protectively in front of her desk. Shaula's gaze moved quickly back to Hermione's face and she said, "I hope I made the coffee like you take it. Black?"
Hermione nodded, taking the cup from the young woman. "That's right, thanks. Sorry, but I've really got to get back to that." She gestured to her work.
"Sure, I'll just leave you to it, then." Shaula turned and went in the direction of her cubicle, some of her dark hair falling from her unkempt chignon.
Hermione walked back around her desk and sat down gingerly, taking care not to spill her coffee on the folders she'd just organised. She took a quick sip and nearly choked. 'Mother of Merlin, that's strong!' Hermione set the cup down and took a quick drink from the bottle of water she brought to work each day. 'Oh, well, maybe it'll keep me on my toes and I'll be able to concentrate,' she thought, eyeing the cup. She braced herself for another sip.
Harry threw his head back in laughter. He and Hermione were enjoying a slightly long lunch at their favorite Muggle café, and she was telling him about her morning with her ditzy new assistant, Shaula Thuban. Harry wiped his eyes, and then draped an arm around her shoulders. Hermione scowled at him, but leaned into his warmth.
"Honestly, Harry, it's not funny! She's costing me valuable time, and I've been working almost 'round the clock for several weeks now to verify some of the evidence in the Farling case. Your case, I might add."
"Sorry, I know the hours you've been putting in on that," he responded, trying to arrange his face into a contrite smile, and adding a shoulder squeeze for good measure. "Hopefully, she'll get herself together soon."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I would be thrilled if she would just remember to make sure her robes aren't tucked into the back of her pants when she comes out of the loo."
Hermione could feel Harry begin to shake with laughter again, and poked him in the side, causing him to jump.
"Hey!"
"Well you deserved that, laughing at my troubles."
Harry looked at her, his eyebrows raised.
Hermione felt her lips begin to twitch at the memory of her poor assistant turning around in circles, trying to see what Hermione was discreetly attempting to point out, and then sheepishly tugging the hem of her robes out of her undergarments. Hermione finally snorted with laughter.
"See! You think it's funny, too!" Harry said triumphantly.
"All right, all right," conceded Hermione on one last chuckle. "That was funny. But the 'wasting my time' part definitely isn't. At least she's always prompt to bring my coffee to me in the mornings." She added sarcastically, and then went on, "Anyway, I've almost sorted out the evidence from the codes hidden in those documents despite her—maybe today will be the day."
"I really hope so." Harry squeezed Hermione's shoulder again, and then pulled her a bit closer. He'd begun to worry about her this past week, as he noticed the darkening circles under her eyes and her recent tendency to leave most of her food untouched on her plate. He added softly, "Then I'd get to see you more often…I've been missing you."
Hermione felt her heart flutter at this, and looked quickly at Harry to find him smiling down at her.
'What does he mean by that? Is he…'
Hermione mentally smacked herself and tried to quash these thoughts yet another time. She had only ever been disappointed when they had traveled in this direction in the past.
"I've been missing you, too." She returned with a faint smile, and nervously changed the subject. "So, how's the new Auror working out in your office? Susan, is it?" Hermione asked, reaching for her orange juice.
"Stephanie. She seems to be doing rather well, as her partner has nothing but good things to say. She's a great girl and actually—Hermione, are you all right?" Harry asked abruptly, watching Hermione's hand through narrowed eyes as it trembled, rocking her juice, while she lifted her glass to her lips.
Hermione took a quick sip, and then nodded as she set the juice down. "Another of Shaula's talents is making very strong coffee. I guess I've got too much caffeine running through me," she said, looking perplexedly at her shaky hands.
"Oh, my!" Hermione squeaked, noticing the time on her wristwatch. She downed the rest of her juice, and dug clumsily in her handbag for some money to pay for her lunch, as she hastily got to her feet. "I'm sorry, Harry, but I've really got to get back. Maybe we can catch up later?"
Harry rose quickly to stand beside Hermione, and gently tugged her hand from her purse. "I've got it today," he said softly. "I know you're in a hurry. And you know you can pop in any time. Hope to see you very soon." Harry checked his watch. "I've got to get going, too, as I've a meeting with the boss at Gringotts."
"Thanks for lunch then, and tell Remus I said hello," Hermione smiled at him, closed her handbag, and pulled the strap onto her shoulder.
"You're welcome, and I will. Hope your afternoon goes better than your morning has. And lay off that coffee." He leaned forward quickly and kissed Hermione on the cheek.
Hermione's eyes widened slightly at this contact, and she had to stop the hand that wanted to rise to the place Harry's lips had just warmed.
Harry didn't normally kiss her goodbye.
'Had he finally…'
Hermione shook her head to clear it, and then winced as she became aware of the beginnings of another headache. She tried to relax her shoulder muscles as she walked hurriedly back to her office, not even noticing the slight drizzle that was dampening her face.
She'd think about Harry later. Right now, there was a job to do and an assistant to set straight.
"I hear congratulations are in order." Ginny's tapping heels fell into step beside Hermione just after she'd walked out of her office door to leave for the weekend. "Remus stopped in just a moment ago to let Dad know that you've completed your research on the evidence for some big case."
Hermione smiled tiredly. "Yes, I did as a matter of fact, thanks. I think we've got what we need for conviction. I'm just on my way down the hall to let Harry know, since he's the primary Auror for this one."
"Speaking of Harry," Ginny asked in a soft voice, "Anything…interesting going on there? I know you've been spending quite a bit of time together since Ron's been touring with the national team."
"Funny you should ask," Hermione replied, glancing quickly around, as they continued walking, and felt warmth invade her cheeks.
She told Ginny how Harry had acted, and what he had said during their lunch, ending with, "we've had more time alone together and I…well, I'd hoped that would help him see what could be between us. But these past several weeks, I've spent so much time with this case that I've been a bit worried. Hopefully, we can pick up where we left off."
"Well, I thought something was going to happen between you two last year when Harry took off work to see you through the flu. Sent that Sarah girl he was dating right around the twist—you should've heard her screeching at him in the hall outside the Aurors' offices," Ginny smirked as Hermione smiled at the memory of Harry taking care of her when she had been so ill.
"Anyway," Ginny continued quietly, "sounds like he was trying to let you know at lunch that maybe he's seen the light where you're concerned.
"I certainly hope so," Hermione whispered as they neared the door to Harry's office. She peeked in to find the office empty, and then said disappointedly, "Oh, well. I guess they've left a bit early as it's Friday."
Ginny made a sympathetic sound, then asked, "Why don't you just Apparate to his flat?"
"I might later—he did say to pop in when I could," Hermione mused. "But I'd like to get out of these clothes and into something more comfortable first."
Ginny nodded with a grimace. "I know what you mean," she said glancing down at her feet, which were clad in strappy heels.
"So, how's married life?" Hermione asked, hitching up a smile.
"Lovely," Ginny sighed happily, her mind far away from her aching feet now. She and Neville had gotten back from their honeymoon only a week ago.
"I'm so glad you're happy." Hermione answered, trying to keep the wistfulness out of her voice. "You and Neville make a lovely couple. I peeked in on him this morning, did he tell you?"
Ginny nodded and giggled. "He told me about the plant attacking you."
"That thing almost smashed my nose!"
"I've learned to just stand in the door until he tells me it's safe," Ginny replied. "Some of those plants…well, you just never know. Did Neville tell you about Fred and George's new shop?"
"He said George had been here earlier to inquire about a new license. Where's the new shop going to be?" Hermione asked.
"Near Dublin." Ginny replied.
"Dublin?" Hermione asked in surprise.
"In Shíoraí Fáilte—I think it's the largest wizarding community in Ireland." Ginny shrugged.
"I've heard of it—just south of Dublin near the coast, isn't it?" Hermione mused, but then asked, "Are they going to move there?"
"I don't believe so. They seem to like living over their shop in Diagon Alley. I think they're in negotiations with a local man about overseeing the new place for them." Ginny answered. "We'll just have to ask them when we see them next. You know, I don't guess I've laid eyes on them since our wedding."
They had reached the Ministry's Disapparation Point, in the Atrium, next to the Floo Area. Hermione gave Ginny a quick hug saying, "Well, have a good weekend. See you and Neville for Sunday dinner at The Burrow?"
"Looking forward to it," Ginny nodded, and then added with a sly grin, "Let me know straight away of any…developments with Harry." She winked, but then scrutinizing Hermione, added, "And tell him I said to take good care of you…you've been working too hard."
"Hmmm," Hermione sighed gratefully as she slid down into the warm, bubbly water. She lowered her chin close to her chest and tilted her head from side to side, stretching her aching neck muscles. Hermione slid further into the fragrant water, letting the bath envelope her like a favorite quilt.
Handel's Water Music drifted in from her stereo, calming and healing her nerves from her workday. If only she could sleep for just a bit…but then she might miss the chance to see Harry, and that wouldn't do. No rest for the weary. Seeing Harry would lift her spirits and make her feel better, anyway.
Hermione soaked for half an hour, then finally dragged herself out of the tub to towel off. Standing before her closet, she ran her hand through her damp hair, as she surveyed her wardrobe with a critical eye.
After some contemplation, she chose a silvery blue jumper that Harry had once complimented and paired it with some dark jeans.
Back in the bathroom, Hermione pulled her hair up and clasped it into a riotous ponytail, loosening some tendrils to frame her face. She quickly applied just a little make-up and spritzed some light cinnamon-vanilla scent over her. Hermione studied herself critically in the mirror. After tweaking her hair a bit, she gave a quick nod to herself, satisfied.
A lovely feeling of anticipation spread through her as she thought of spending the evening with Harry. Her heart swelled at the idea that he might finally be seeing her as something more than his best friend.
With a cheerful smile, Hermione turned and walked into her drawing room, preparing to go to Harry's. Impulsively, she hurried into her kitchen and grabbed two butterbeers from her fridge. Holding one in each hand, she Apparated.
Next second, Hermione was standing in the entryway to Harry's flat. She took a breath, trying to calm her nerves, and then walked forward and around the corner.
She froze.
There was Harry.
Hermione stifled a gasp.
There was Harry standing in the middle of his flat with his arms around another woman…kissing her passionately.
A noise like the roar of an ocean wave began to build through Hermione's head and suddenly, her lungs didn't seem to be working properly. Then, her legs began to feel odd and she knew she needed to get out of there. Now. Before her distress grew to embarrassing and uncontrollable proportions.
But no luck. As she tried to quietly step back into the entryway, Harry must have sensed her movement. He broke off the kiss, looking embarrassed, but said brightly, "Hermione! This is great! You can meet Stephanie." He put his arm around the pretty blonde and pulled her towards Hermione.
"Hermione, this is Stephanie Fourne, our newest Auror. Stephanie, Hermione Granger."
There was else nothing for it. Hermione mechanically shifted both butterbeers to her left hand, reaching her right out to shake Stephanie's.
"Nice to meet you." Hermione forced the nicest smile she could muster, all the while praying inwardly that she would be able to maintain her composure.
"You, too. Harry talks about you all the time." Stephanie's smile was genuine, but Hermione could see the confusion in her eyes, and knew that this woman was aware that Hermione was not as pleased to meet her as she had hoped.
Hermione turned to Harry, who was only beginning to notice her overly bright eyes.
"Hermione?" He put a hand gently on her shoulder, as his eyebrows worriedly knit together. "You okay?"
Hermione nodded quickly, trying not to meet his eyes. She knew it would be her undoing. "Just a hard week at work, you know. Well, I'm obviously interrupting, so I'd better get going." She turned back to Stephanie. "So nice to meet you." Hermione was proud of herself for smiling and keeping her voice steady.
"Thanks, you too." It was obvious to Hermione that Stephanie had some inkling of why Hermione was trying to make such a hasty exit. The awareness in Stephanie's eyes made Hermione feel even more pitiful.
"Hermione?" The look on Harry's face was just too much. She knew it was only a matter of seconds before she lost it.
"I'll see you Sunday at The Burrow, okay?" Hermione said breathlessly, trying desperately to keep herself under control. "Bye." She turned and fled back to the entryway, where she disappeared with a loud crack.
Harry stood staring for a moment, and then turned to Stephanie with a worried look. "I'm sorry. She obviously wasn't feeling very well," He apologized. "Hermione's usually much friendlier than that. She's been working really long hours lately, trying to uncover and verify some of the evidence in one of our hardest cases."
"I understand…" Stephanie nodded. As a matter of fact, she understood much more than she wanted.
