My deepest and sincere apologies to you all for the wait. New job, Christmas, the new year. Twas pretty hectic. I have a treat for you guys. Enjoy. Happy 2017. Ratings to change later... Just putting it out there.
Disclaimer: Don't own this, Don't own HP.
Harry walked over to Hermione, who was packing Belle's backpack, "We'll go with your car to the mall and afterwards, I will apparate back" he said, though she wasn't sure, it sounded more of a demand. She was in no mood to pick a fight with Horrid Potter today, because she already knew it was going to be a long day.
Hermione and Amanda had got on spectacularly not to mention Belle and Stephanie. They had walked into a toy store, which Belle so graciously directed them to. They didn't have the heart to stop the girl, who was having the time of her life. She pulled them to every part of the store, loading her trolley with goodies. Hermione had seen a fluffy stuffed unicorn which she picked up to buy for Belle, but stiffened when she heard a mock scoff behind her. She didn't need to guess who it was.
"What?" she asked in an almost threatening voice and he stood next to her picking up a doll.
"Do you think Belle would prefer a stuffed unicorn over a doll?" he asked and she rolled her eyes at him.
"Why does everything have to be a competition with you?" she retorted.
"I think I know my daughter better than you, that's all I'm saying" he smirked and she huffed.
"I wouldn't wager a bet just yet Potter. I don't think you know her at all" she remarked and he scowled, "and to prove it, watch this" she said calling Belle over.
The girl raced over, "What is it Aunt Hermy? She asked in her innocent voice.
"Your dad and I have a dilemma, you see we have chosen to buy you a toy and the thing is we can't decide which you would prefer. You see, we couldn't decide so we decided to make you chose" she explained and the girl by now was bouncing on her heels in excitement.
Harry was the first to reveal his gift and with a confident arrogant smirk that he threw at Hermione, he placed the doll in Belle's hand.
"Wow daddy, this is so pretty. I shall call her Katie" she said excitedly hugging the doll.
Hermione looked crestfallen and Harry gave her a triumphant smile nevertheless, she held the stuffed unicorn in front of Belle, who immediately gasped in awe
"Where did you get it?" she asked and it was Hermione's turn to throw Harry a smirk.
"I saw it and I thought of you" she explained and the girl left the doll and hugged the stuffed toy, which annoyed Harry.
"It's just like the unicorn you told me met in France" she said in awe and Hermione nodded.
"I love it Hermy. Thank you" she said hugging Hermione tightly.
Hermione saw the look on Harry's face and felt a tad bit guilty, just a tad and then removed Belle from her embrace.
"Tell you what, how about we buy both, that way "Katie and" she said looking at the unicorn, "Fluffy" she exclaimed and Hermione smiled.
"Okay, Katie and Fluffy can be the best of friends. What do you say?" she asked and the girl hugged her and ran to Harry and hugged him aswel. Harry was surprised by the turn of events.
"Thank you daddy" she said and Harry smiled and hugged her tighter.
As they walked to the checkout, Harry cleared his throat, "Erm, thank you" he said so softly that Hermione almost missed it.
"I did it for Belle" she said without even looking at him and he scowled, and mutted "insufferable" and walked ahead of her to pay and she stopped with her hand on her hip.
"What?" he asked annoyed to no end. "I'll pay" she said and he rolled his eyes.
"She's my daughter, it isn't right for you to pa.." he said but she cut him off.
"Yes and you keep reminding me, but since she's with me, I will pay" she said walking past him.
He rolled his eyes and stood by and watched as she placed all the items on the counter. After the goods were packed, she handed the Fluffy to Belle and searched for purse. She panicked when she realised that she had forgot her purse.
"Oh no!" she sighed in disbelief which caught the attention of Belle.
"What's the matter Hermy?" she asked.
"I forgot my purse. I need to apparate home quickly" she sighed as a hand moved past her.
Harry had handed the cashier his credit card avoiding Hermione's glare.
"I'll pay you back" she muttered awkwardly and he rolled his eyes at her "Sure."
After the embarrassing encounter at the toy store, the trio walked out with Seamus' trio. Belle was in-between Harry and Hermione, holding their hands and trotting along. Seamus decided that they should call it a day because they needed to pack for their return to the States.
As they walked towards the exit a familiar pair of blue eyes fell on the trio causing the two adults to stop dead in their tracks.
"Hello Hermione" Zach said whilst glaring at Harry who was looking everywhere else. His eyes moved towards Belle who was holding their hands then to Hermione, who looked ready to throw up.
"Am I missing something here?" he frowned as Seamus looked at them in confusion.
"Zach, what are you doing here?" she asked nervously.
"Actually I was looking for you" he said.
"Why don't you two talk and we'll meet at the car?" Harry said trying to divert their attention from Zach.
"Yeah, thank you" she said without even looking at him. They said their goodbyes.
"You know Harry, good women like Hermione are hard to come by. You should be proud to have her as your wife. Really understanding" Seamus said as Harry, Hermione and Zach froze.
"Wi ... Wife" Zach whispered looking visibly hurt by the revelation. Harry took his queue and hurriedly ushered them away leaving Hermione to speak to Zach.
"YOU MARRIED HIM?" He spat and she flinched at his tone.
"He didn't waste time moving in after he tried to remove me from the picture" he said.
"It's not what you think" she tried.
"Did you ever like me? Or were you just using me to get to him? Was all what he said true? Did you use Belle to get him?" he asked and those were the last words that left his lips as her hand connected to his cheek.
"How dare you?" she glared and he recoiled.
"Those people are under the impression that Harry and I are married. Not that I owe you an explanation. You showed me your worth the night you disappeared before I had a chance to explain my side. So you have no right!" she ranted and embarrassment fell over his features.
"Hermione, I'm so.." he started to apologise.
"No save it, I don't want to see you or hear anything you have to say. Goodbye" she said walking bristly past him.
"Marry me" he whispered loud enough for her to hear as she stopped dead in her tracks. "Hermione, I made a mistake. Please forgive me and give me the honor of being your husband" he said with poise and she simply shook her head.
"You know, had you asked me before this entire debacle, I would have said consider it, but you did sow doubt into our relationship and it's something that will always linger. I'm sorry Zach, I can't" she said tearfully and he dropped his crestfallen face.
"I get it, I'm sorry. I do love you Hermione" he said and walked away from her and she quickly dried her eyes and made her way to Belle.
She made her way to the car park and ignored the look she got from Harry. "Ready to go sweetie?" she asked the girl as she buckled her in her seat.
"Did you say bye to your dad yet?" she asked forcing a smile to the girl.
"Bye daddy" she said hugging him tightly.
"I'll miss you" she whispered in his ear.
"I'll miss you too and don't worry I'll do everything I can to get you back home to us" he replied.
"You promise?" she asked as they parted and he smiled.
"I promise." He smiled again and closed the door. He looked over at Hermione and gave her a miniscule nod and left.
Hermione had stopped by the clinic to pick a few documents, when Ginny called to have Belle dropped off. The girl was far too uncomfortable going back, which made Hermione uneasy. She promised the girl that she would speak to Ginny about not sending away to boarding school until Hogwarts. It helped to pacify the girl a little.
By Draco's request, or rather command, Ginny was forced to reduce her socialising time to "bond" with Belle in order to coax her into remaining with them rather than Harry. He also spared no expense in buying her the best toys and clothing, in order to keep her happy, but Isabelle Potter was no fool.
As much as the parties and gifts were in abundance, the girl stilled missed home and home with her father and grandparents. She missed Hermione aswel, so much that her first burst of magic was apparating into Hermione's bedroom.
Hermione was reading in front of her fireplace when the girl appeared, scaring the daylights out of her and the girl did nothing but giggle and run into Hermione's arms. The reunion was short lived though, for when Hermione called Ginny to inform her of what had happened, Ginny went ballistic to the point of accusing Hermione of kidnapping Belle. Hermione was appalled by her attitude but it was Draco who had stepped in and made Ginny apologise. After everything was settled, Draco explained to Ginny that Hermione was becoming a key player in his game and that they need to play it safe with her.
The day of the custody hearing had arrived and the Potter's, together with their family friends gathered at the family court and Ginny had convinced Hermione to support them, but Hermione remained aloof saying that she would be there but only for Belle.
On her way there, Hermione's suv had broken down; she pulled over and popped the hood. She frowned at her inability to understand mechanics so she pulled out her phone and called her insurance company. Coincidently Harry had been driving past.
He saw her on her phone and noticed the hood open and then looked at his clock, groaning at himself and he pulled over. Hermione watched him get off and inwardly cringed.
"What happened?" he asked barely looking at her.
"It just went dead" she said. He walked over and noticed something off and hummed.
"What is it?" she asked walking over.
"Let me try something" he said adjusting her battery terminal.
"Could you try starting?" he asked and she climbed in and started the vehicle and it started. He closed the hood and walked over to her.
"It's sorted. Your battery terminal was loose" he said looking at his dirty hands, which she noticed.
"Do you mind if I?" she asked casting a wandless scourigfy, but before she could thank him he jumped into his car and drove off.
"Horrid" she mumbled and hooped in the vehicle and drove off.
"Order in court! The custody hearing of Isabelle Lily Potter is now in session. Honourable Judge Newton presiding" the bailiff read out as the judge took her seat.
"I have received statements from both parties and I must say when it comes to custody battles, we have to proceed cautiously in order to maintain a healthy balance for the child in question. Children at Isabelle's age tend to be affected more by the outcome rather than children of an understanding age" she explained and Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes, remembering Hermione's words.
"Both parents are fighting for sole custody and as it stands, the child is currently in the mother's custody after a mishap." She said looking up from the file.
"I will take into account the choice of the child first and foremost and judgement will be passed for the best interest of the child" she explained and then asked the bailiff to bring Belle into the box.
The girl nervously sat down and looked at everyone in the court. "Isabelle I'm Judge Newton. May I call you Belle?" she asked warmly and the girl looked at her through anxious eyes.
"It's okay sweetie, there's no need to afraid. No one can hurt you here" she said as the girl visibly relaxed.
"Good, now. I'm going to ask you a few questions and I want you to be brave girl and answer them without fear, yeah" she said and the girl nodded.
" Belle, did you like your stay with your mom so far?" she asked and the girl thought about it and hesitated before answering.
"It was nice, but no one plays with me. Unlike when I'm home with my daddy. There I have loads of fun, with grandma and grandpa and Crookshanks and Aunt Hermy" she said with a smile and the judge noted a few things.
"Did you ever visit your mother often when you were with your dad?" she asked and the girl shook her head.
"I didn't know who my mom was until the day she came and took me away" she said looking away sadly.
"If you had a choice, whom would you want to live with?" she asked and the girl looked at her with expectantly.
"Anyone?" she asked and the judge smiled and nodded. Hermione watched and was saddened by the predicament the girl was in, choosing between the parents.
"Aunty Hermy" the girl said looking at Hermione, smiling brightly. Everyone in court was stunned into silence. Hermione was beyond stunned.
"Who's Aunty Hermy?" the judge asked breaking the eerie silence and everyone looked at Hermione. Lily and James locked eyes for a few seconds before turning their gaze to Hermione. Harry, Draco and Ginny stared at the child in disbelief.
"I .. I am, your honor" she stood, stammering.
"Please take the stand. Belle, sweetie, you may go to your seat" and the girl hopped of her seat, smiling at Hermione as she past her.
"I'm assuming your full name is not Aunt Hermy?" she asked while making notes.
"No you, honor. I'm Dr Hermione Granger" she introduced herself.
"And what is your relationship with Isabelle Potter?" she asked and Hermione smiled and replied.
"Isabelle Potter is the sweetest child I have ever met. I have no blood relationship with the child, just friendship. I'm her neighbour" she explained.
"I see you're the woman that was accused of kidnapping Ms Potter?" she said making more notes.
"It was a misunderstanding your honor" she said narrowing her eyes at Harry, who turned away in awkwardness.
"Yes I see that the charges were dropped. So it seems that the child has developed a unique bond with you Dr Granger, in my years as a family court judge, never have I seen a child requesting to live with a stranger rather than family" she said.
"All I want is the best for the child your honor. Any decision made here today should be just that" Hermione said making the heartfelt plea.
"Thank you for your time Dr Granger, you may return to your seat. So I will have to re-asses this case based on this new findings. And" she said looking at both parents.. "I will definitely take into consideration the child's request. This case is adjourned. In 30 days I will have my decision. And until such time the child will remain with her mother. This court is adjourned." She said banging her grovel.
To say Harry was angry was an understatement. He called out his lawyer asking him to do everything in is power to get Belle to go home with him. He walked out passing Hermione on the way and stopped.
"This is entirely your fault! How dear you brainwash my child into wanting to live with you? I promise you if I lose Belle, I swear to you I will make your life a living hell!" he hissed and left leaving an equally angry Hermione behind.
"Well isn't this an interesting turn of events. Well it seems we have Belle's custody in our hands. And I didn't have to do any heavy lifting" Draco said smirking as he watched Harry and Hermione's confrontation.
"Yes my love and pretty soon Harry will be in putty in our hands. He will bend to our every whim" Ginny smirked evilly.
That afternoon the Grangers were having dinner and Hermione, still haven't not come to terms by Belle's declaration explained to her parents what had happened.
"My goodness, I can't have heard of a bond as such Hermione" Emma said in amazement and Dan agreed.
"Well mother there are Soul bonds, which exists in the magical world mother" she said aloof.
"Well we are not of that world Hermione and it's extraordinary to witness it. So what are you going to do about it?" Emma asked breaking Hermione out of her reverie.
"What do mean mother?" she asked in confusion.
"Let's not pry Emma" Dan warned.
"Whatever decision Hermione makes, we will stand by her regardless" he said looking at his daughter knowingly.
"That's what I'm afraid off" she whispered to herself and got up and excused herself.
Ginny and Draco wasted no time in trying to persuade Hermione that Belle was better off with them but she knew better. She hadn't confronted them about their plan to send Belle away to boarding school and thought that it would be best to let it be for the moment else she would lose access to Belle. She observed them and noticed how well they camouflaged their sneakiness but she easily saw right through them just maybe Grouchy Potter was right.
Harry was a completely different story. Whenever she had Belle over, she made sure that Belle spent time at the Potter's without Ginny and Draco's consent. The little girl was overjoyed to be back home and the Potter's were grateful for the time they had with her. Lily would confide in Hermione about how Harry would drink himself into a stupor, and then take out his anger and frustration on any and everything. She was truly worried about her son and what the case would eventually do to him. When Lily explained it, she realised that Harry was indeed a devastated father; perhaps if she were in his shoe she would probably do the same thing. Well not as extreme. Though her mind was easily changed when they ran into each other. Bickering and hurling insults and threats at each other, well mostly Harry to Hermione.
It was two weeks before the case and two thirds of the parties involved were on edge. Harry tried everything he could to overturn the court's decision and get Belle back to no avail. He also allowed the lawyer to discredit Hermione in having any influence in the case but the judge was adamant and threatened to hold him contempt. It seemed every turn he made, led to a dead end.
Hermione was at war with herself, so much so that she had to take a leave of absence and take a portkey to Greece for the weekend. She had invited Luna with but Luna had chosen the same weekend to finally introduce Neville to her and boy did she get a shock. She knew him to be none other than Harry's lap dog. Words were exchanged and finally Hermione relented. Neville had explained the history of his friendship with Harry and nothing anyone would say could ever convince him otherwise. Harry was his brother in all but blood.
Hermione spent the weekend pondering over the case and Belle and regardless of the outcome; she made a decision to be there for her every step of the way.
The Potter monarchs had invited the Grangers (Emma and Dan) over for lunch, were they had a heart to heart with them regarding Hermione's influence in the case. Dan was adamant that they let Hermione make her own decision regarding the case however Lily and James explained to them the history behind Harry and Ginny's relationship.
How Ginny had force herself into Harry's life and forced herself on him even though she pined for Malfoy. She had used Harry to get back at Malfoy and eventually they married. 5 years ago she ran back to Malfoy, leaving their son to fend for himself. They explained how Harry went into the auror academy and when had finally made became an auror, had to quit his dream because it wasn't glamorous enough for her.
She demanded he take over the Potter family fortune and that was the beginning of the end. When Harry refused, she threatened to divorce him because he could not provide a good life for his family. James was willing to relinquish everything to Harry just so she would not follow through. And to everyone's surprise he refused saying that he would provide for his family by his own hands and not the Potter fortune. She took off that night and Harry was livid, she did return once Harry started his out his own venture, it wasn't much but he was proud of it, though she didn't see it that way.
Somehow through everything, Isabelle was born. She taunted and ridiculed him and openly declared she was divorcing him and that she would leave Belle in his care because she was too young to understand. She was leaving him for Draco, who would be able to supply her all the wealth and love he had.
"My darling, sweet, caring Harry was never the same. He lost himself that night and we could never find him since" Lily cried as Dan and Emma watched in horror. Emma got up and embraced Lily.
"I can't imagine that he would be. The poor thing has been through so much at such a young age" she said soothing the distraught woman.
"You know the case isn't going to be any easier?" James looked up at Dan, who nodded then looked into his cup deep in thought.
"I know Hermione is partly to blame for what has happened and I know she has a good head on her shoulder. She isn't the brightest witch of her age for nothing you know" he chuckled.
"I do believe she will make the right decision" he finished.
"Thank you for your confidence Dan, we surely appreciate it" James said.
"We could always join our families so that we could ensure Belle comes home to both Harry and Hermione" Emma chuckled as she whispered to herself but that whisper was loud enough to make a deaf man hear it seemed as everyone looked at her as if they had an epiphany.
"No, no N..no. It was a joke" she stammered once she realised what had occurred.
"Off course, why didn't I think of it" James said looking over at Dan, "Yes, that way Harry and Hermione would have a stronger case than Ginny. They have a more stable environment than her" Dan finished.
"NO! Harry and Hermione can barely stand to be in the same room together, what makes you think they will agree to something like this?" Emma asked.
"Isabelle! Their love for Isabelle. They would move heaven and earth for her. I've seen how much Hermione cares for Belle. I know she will consider this. I know why you're reluctant to have her married off, I understand as a woman and a mother. You have my word that no harm will ever come to Hermione as my daughter in law" Lily pleaded with Emma, who looked close to tears.
"She will become Isabelle's mother Emma. I know that it will fill that gap in her heart love" Dan said.
"Also, in the wizarding world, the Potters are an ancient and noble house, so no one in their right mind would dare insult her" James added and Emma looked ready to cave.
"Fine, as long as I'm not the one that has to break it to them" she sighed and everyone grimaced at the thought of explaining to the two of the most stubborn people they knew.
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