Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
A/N: Welcome Back to the Purest Power. For those of you who didn't like my twist, I'm sorry. I did foreshadow it though – I said in an earlier chapter that his girlfriend had banished the day she told him she was pregnant. Anyway, this chapter picks up where we left off and then Sirius comes to see her in the hospital wing. Plus, Dumbledore decides to share the prophecy and then offers the couple a gift they would be silly to refuse. Note, there is one slightly mature-themed conversation in this chapter. Reading suggestion: ¾ width.
From Last Time:
"Done? Good, our resident know-it-all can be our guinea pig. If you'll put a lock of hair into your potion please?"
She did so and Harry's heart began to race. A tense minute later, the parchment before her filled. For the first time in her life, Hermione Granger fainted. Whatever she'd been expecting, it wasn't that.
Chapter 9
In the moment that Hermione Granger fainted, time seemed to stand still for those that loved her most – that is, her boyfriend Neville, her best friend Harry, and his wife Ginny, who was seeing everything through her bond with her husband. Harry ran to her, removing his outer robe to support her head. Neville joined them on the floor, holding her hand and stroking her hair.
"Patil, make yourself useful run and get Madam Pomfrey and Headmaster Dumbledore. Don't dawdle! The rest of you, hurry up and do yours. If it's correct, it will fill the paper, much like this one." Professor Snape snapped.
"Uh, yes sir. As you wish!"
Snape scowled. "Longbottom, what did you do wrong?"
"Sir, the potion itself was perfect. I-I-I've really come a long way. Maybe try looking at the parchment."
Snape picked it up and shoved it at Neville. "You do it, silly boy."
"Fine, I will. Hermione Granger – mother, Marie Granger Black nee Prewett; father, Sirius Black."
A series of gasps spread through the classroom. Hermione Granger was the daughter of Sirius Black?
Oh my goodness, Harry! You have a godsister. Ginny gasped.
And you, my dear wife, seem to have a sister-in-law after all. Technically speaking.
Is she alright yet?
She will be. I'll meet you outside the Hospital Wing.
As it happened, Hermione was slowly waking up. "What happened?" she asked sleepily.
"Miss Granger, or shall I say Black, it appears you couldn't handle the truth," the Potions Professor sneered.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Neville yelled.
"Clean up! I don't need to answer to you." He swept out the room, robes billowing behind him. Harry stood, seeing no choice but to restore order to the room.
"Everyone, I know this a surprise, but we need to support Hermione by staying out of her way and letting Neville look after her. Let's all stay calm, pack our supplies away and clear the mess. And don't forget to put your parchment on Professor Snape's desk as this is still an assignment. When you're done, go back to the tower and don't speak a word of this situation until her father has been informed. Thank you!"
"Excellently said, Mr Potter." Albus said, stepping into the room with Poppy. "May I have a word with you outside?"
"Absolutely sir." Harry replied and followed him out.
"May I ask exactly what happened? Miss Patil was rather shaken, so it was hard to understand her."
Harry nodded. "Well, Professor Snape asked us to make something called the family tree potion. It all went smoothly until it came time to drop our hairs in. Hermione's result appeared and she obviously didn't expect it, so she fainted."
"What did it say?" Albus asked.
"You mean Parvati didn't tell you? Sirius is her father."
Albus' breath left him. "Oh my! I remember him telling me that his wife had gone missing. This is wonderful news!"
"Yes, Ginny was excited because now she has a sister-in-law."
"I see you are adjusting to married life." Albus teased with a wink. "Let us assist Poppy in transporting your sister, as you call her, to the infirmary. She'll give her a sleeping , if you would call Sirius and let him know he is required at Hogwarts – claim it is Order Business. I dare say he deserves a bit of happiness. By the way Harry, I find myself to be rather fond of Mars Bars."
Fifteen minutes later, Harry and Ginny were reunited with a chaste kiss. The trip to the infirmary took less than five but it had been his responsibility make sure that his classmates had finished before they left.
Well hello there. I missed you. Harry said to her.
I missed you too. I can't believe this has happened.
Professor Dumbledore has one more task for me. I have to let Sirius know he's needed here.
Ooh fun, can I come?
You're my wife. Of course.
Harry took her hand and led her to the headmaster's office. "Mars Bars," he said to the gargoyle, watching with satisfaction as it moved aside. The couple wandered over to the fireplace. Ginny found the pot of floo powder and held it for Harry, who took a handful and threw it in.
"Order Headquarters!"
There was a small chime and Sirius' head appeared in the flames. "Oh, Harry! Ginny! Nice to see you. How are you? Why are you using Albus' floo?"
"Headmaster Dumbledore sent me. He needs you here urgently. Don't worry, it's nothing bad but I wouldn't waste time."
"Alright, I'll just grab my cloak and I'll come through."
Harry and Ginny looked into each other's eyes. How do we conceal our excitement babe? Ginny asked.
I was about to ask you the same.
Maybe we should just not say anything, she suggested helplessly.
Their silent argument was interrupted by Sirius' arrival. "Ah, were you having one of those silent lover's spats? James and Lily used to have them all the time."
Harry snorted. "Sure, Padfoot. We'll go with that. Now come on."
On the way down, Sirius did try to question them, but they were united in their determination to not let anything slip. They wanted this to be a complete surprise for him. Sirius' mind raced as they escorted him. Had something happened to Remus? No, it couldn't be. Harry and Ginny didn't seem upset.
"Are you sure you can't tell me anything?" Sirius begged when they reached the Grand Staircase. What he didn't realise was that rumours were already spreading, and his being there did nothing to quell them.
"Not here, no." Harry replied. We need to hurry. He can't know before he gets to the infirmary.
I know Harry. And I'm right here with you.
I've just thought of something. I'll create a diversion.
"I love you Ginny," he said loudly for everyone around to hear. He gently placed his thumb on her cheek, pretending to wipe away tears.
"I love you too Harry. I'm sorry, I've got to go. I can't talk about this right now." She hiked up her robes and trotted off down the corridor. Sirius frowned but followed once he realised what his godson was doing.
Only once they were clear of the crowd did Harry take a breath.
Well played. Well done, Mrs Potter. Only now everyone's probably going to think I knocked you up.
Ginny giggled. "Sirius, we're almost there. Harry and I will take you as far as Dumbledore and then we have business to attend to."
"Fine…" Sirius whined.
"Stop worrying Padfoot." Harry muttered.
The rest of the journey was spent in tense silence.
It was a rather big relief when Harry, Ginny and Sirius reached the infirmary doors. For Harry and Ginny, the doors represented the end of their task; for Sirius, they represented the start of a new life, although he did not yet know it.
"Harry, Ginny, thank you. If you would please find Mr Longbottom, I believe he might appreciate your company. Sirius, wonderful to see you again. Follow me."
As soon as the young Potter's left, Albus laid a hand on Sirius' shoulder. "Mr Black, we found your daughter. You can thank Severus later."
"What does Snivellus have to do with this? Wait, she's alive?"
Albus sighed at the animosity that still existed between the two men. "Yes, we have. His lesson for today was the Family Tree potion. I do believe you remember your own?"
"Indeed. Horrible day. I was reminded by Bella that I had the displeasure of being related to her."
The doors opened and the conversation fell short as Sirius laid eyes on his child for the first time. "She seems familiar," he remarked.
"Funny you say that, for she was beneath our noses the entire time. In fact, she witnessed your entire trial. Testified even."
Sirius stopped short. "Surely not. It can't be."
"You are not imagining it. Our very own Hermione is yours. Go on, she'll be waking again soon."
A sob escaped his lips. He raced over to the single chair beside the bed and sat down heavily in it. His precious baby was alive. Almost automatically, his hand found her head and he stroked her soft curls. "My baby girl," he whispered.
Hermione's eyelids fluttered. "Neville?" she rasped.
"No, it's me. Your dad. Harry and Ginny got me. You remember what happened right?"
She opened her eyes fully. "Yeah, I do. It's funny, all those times I jokingly called you dad to get your attention… turns out it was actually the truth."
He smiled. "I missed you. I'm sorry I was never there. How's your mother?"
"She was killed in a car crash this summer." Tears gathered in her eyes.
"Oh honey, that's awful," he said. "Come here, gimme a hug." He moved to the edge of her bed and opened his arms. And for the first time in his life, he held his child.
"Love you dad," she whispered.
"Love you too sweetie."
Neither could be happier.
Meanwhile, Harry and Ginny were hunting for Neville. They'd tried the Common Room, the library and the dormitories, all to no avail.
Harry? Ginny asked quietly as an idea came to her.
He jumped. He'd been having a rather nice daydream involving his wife. Yes?
You alright? I was just going to ask if you thought perhaps Neville might be in the greenhouse?
Sorry, I zoned out. He could be. We haven't looked there yet, he replied as they walked hand in hand through the corridor.
Did you happen to be thinking about husbandly duties? Ginny asked casually.
Harry blushed. Possibly… how did you know?
Well, for one thing, I'm your wife for a reason. And for another, I've been thinking about it too. Ginny giggled, breaking the tension.
They laughed all the way to the greenhouse. As predicted, Neville was there. He sat on the cold stone, staring vacantly towards the Great Hills. His face was pale and streaked with tear tracks. The couple sat down, Harry on Neville's left and Ginny joining his right.
"Nev, mate, are you alright?"
He sniffed. "I keep seeing her. Her pale face, limbs sprawled over the floor. And there was nothing I could to help other than give her my robe."
Tears gathered in Harry's eyes too. "She's my sister. And I know that Ginny can totally relate – Madam Pomfrey basically had to bring me back from the dead. We're here for you mate."
Ginny took Neville's hand. "It's going to be alright. Besides, having Sirius Black for a father-in-law one day isn't such a bad thing. You've seen how he is with Harry."
Harry snorted. "And Arthur is better? No offense love but I'm often scared of him. I stay up some nights fearing how he might tell me I'm not good enough for you!"
Is that true? She asked him quietly through their link.
Yes. To me, I'm just Harry.
He already loves you like a son. Trust me, you're more than good enough.
Neville looked at them, shocked. "If anyone's not good enough, it's me."
"You really think Hermione would believe that rot? She chooses every day to be with you and I can't tell you how much I hear 'Neville this' and 'Neville that'. She loves you to the core."
"You reckon?"
"I don't know if I should be telling you this, but she said that if you treat children the way you treat plants then you're going to make an amazing father," Ginny said kindly.
He blushed. "Wow. Do you think she'll be awake soon?"
"Shall we go and see? Come, Mrs Potter, let us take young sir to see his girlfriend."
"Mrs P-P-Potter?" Neville stuttered.
Crumbs! Sorry Gin.
It's alright Harry. I trust Nev. She reassured him. "Indeed, Neville. That, however, is a story for another day."
And together they led him back home, within the castle walls.
Hermione was on cloud nine. Potions had been awful, and Harry had caught her out. But she'd found the answers she'd been seeking for more than ten years. She'd found her dad. She smiled brightly. To think that Draco had been wrong after all – she wasn't a mudblood. She was a daughter of the Ancient and Noble House of Black, a family once tainted by darkness but transformed by her father into a pillar of light. And Neville. He was everything she'd ever dreamed of and more. He was sweet, gentle, kind, and only spoke ill of someone if it was completely necessary.
Hermione was torn from her thoughts by someone calling her name. It was him. "Neville!" He walked quickly to the side of her bed and wrapped his arms around her.
"I was so worried. I thought I was going to lose you." Neville whispered, giving her a quick kiss, which she unhesitatingly deepened.
"I'm here. You have my whole heart."
When they returned to the common room, Harry and Ginny were bombarded with questions about how Hermione was and if they'd sorted out the problem in their relationship. For a second they were confused but remembered in time to stutter out a yes. They were saved from further humiliation by Fawkes appearing in front of them with a letter in his beak.
Harry and Ginny
I wonder if you would please meet me in the fourth-floor corridor by the portrait of Alex the Adventurous at around 5pm today.
Kindly
Albus
Harry glanced at his watch. It was five minutes before five – perfect timing. The Headmaster always had been one for theatrics. Let's go then. After you, my dear.
Thank you kind sir.
As the Gryffindor common room was on the fifth floor, the couple didn't have to walk too far. But in the short distance they travelled, both had many thoughts running through their minds. Ginny was thinking about Hermione, the conversation from earlier, the meeting that was about to take place, Hermione again and Sirius while Harry was thinking about the meeting, bedtime and all that had happened in the space of a day.
Why do I have a feeling Albus is going to drop another bomb on us? Harry sighed.
Probably because that's what he does best.
Ready to face the music, my Lord?
Harry bowed teasingly and nodded. When they arrived, he leaned casually against the wall and turned to Ginny. "Do you think he'll be here soon? It's 5:01!"
The portrait swung open. "Looking for me?"
Ginny shrieked in surprise. Harry was torn between laughing or joining her. As neither was a good option for him, he stayed silent and simply raised an eyebrow. "Indeed, sir."
"Come in. We need to talk."
In muggle literature, that's never a good thing, Harry told her ominously. She giggled. When they were seated, they took a moment to look around. On the opposite end of the room was a rather large queen bed, a dresser, and an ensuite; the middle of the room was composed of a kitchenette and table; and where they sat appeared to be a sitting area.
"What's this about, Professor?"
"The final piece of information I haven't revealed. There are two prophecies regarding Tom's defeat." Albus said gravely.
"Really? Can we hear them sir?" Harry asked.
"Certainly. The first one was witnessed by myself during a job interview for the Divination position here at Hogwarts in 1980. It says that the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies..."
"And the second one sir? We'd like to hear them both before we discuss them."
"Your wish is my command.
Oh, those whose hearts do soar
Like the love of the Hogwarts Four
Hear the call, the lion's roar.
Born to one, known by all
Born to stag and flower tall
Drawn to she of fire ball
Time shall pass, and barriers fall
Two hearts become one,
Their light as bright as the morning sun
The snake in darkness shall he rule
But love's great light will be the tool
To restore peace to life
And live in joy with no strife."
There was silence for five minutes as the words were processed. No one knew what to say. It was Harry who broke the silence. "So, you think it's me?"
Albus nodded slowly. "Had Tom not marked you as his equal, the first prophecy may have pertained to Mr Longbottom. But alas, events did not play out that way. The beginning half was overheard by a spy, who took the information to his master. The second prophecy is much, much older – spoken by Godric himself. I believe your parents were often known as the stag and flower to their friends, Harry."
"But, how does it tell us that Harry is the one?" Ginny asked pointedly. She was still a little upset with him.
"As I said, Tom marked him as his equal. The second prophecy refers to a bonded couple – one child born to a stag and flower and drawn to 'she of the fire'. I believe, based on this, that the power He knows not is pure love and you are the couple. Think about it, Mrs Potter. Your hair is like fire."
"There's plenty of redheads!"
Harry put his hand on hers. "Let's give him the benefit of the doubt. If it pertains to us, what do we do about it?"
"Research. I'd start with that journal I gave you."
"Alright. We'll have a go sir."
Albus smiled. "Do stop calling me Sir, you know I prefer Albus. Anyway, I have an apology gift for you."
Harry and Ginny looked at each other. "Oh?"
The old man swept his arm around in an arc. "These quarters. I figured that since you're married, you deserve the privacy. You'll need to set a password but I think it's time that it happened."
"Thank you, Albus. We forgive you." Harry said after a quiet argument with Ginny.
"I will take my leave now. Enjoy your evening."
Half an hour after he left, they managed to decide on a password.
"I think we should make it Lily," Harry suggested aloud. The couple were practicing so they would no longer be caught out by their friends.
"In honour of your mother?"
"Sort of. Having been married for a couple of months and spending precious time with you, I know how blessed my dad felt when he looked at her. You, Ginevra Molly Potter, are the best thing that ever happened to me."
"Oh, Harry, you are sweet." She wrapped her arms around him and whispered, "Hold me."
A/N: I'm not sure why I start and finish my chapters with author's notes but I do. Anyway, I hope this chapter was a little better than the last and that you enjoyed it. If you have any ideas or suggestions that you want to see, feel free to put in a request. Oh, also, when I say that Harry and Ginny are married, remember that the soul bond has made it so. They will eventually have a proper ceremony with their friends but that is neither here nor there. Voldemort needs to be dealt with first. See you next time.
