A/N: To all my beloved readers, thank you so much for the supports for this story. I hope that this chapter won't disappointed all of you. Also thank you so much for the reviews, you guys are rock.

Anyway, I was thinking of pairing Haru with one of the Guardian, and since she is no longer in love with Tsuna (I had mentioned it in the 1st chapter) please let me know which of the Guardian should be paired with her. And should I pair Tsuna with Kyoko?

Disclaimers: HP and KHR are not mine...

Chapter 21: The Reason and Caught in Lies

Namimori, Japan

The Vongola were very much relieved when the Varia, Xanxus especially, went back to Italy. The past few days had been tense with Xanxus trying to get near Hermione and Kyoya becoming increasingly protective. The young woman seemed okay with it; her reasoning was that she didn't mind meeting and making new friends. She had no idea that Xanxus had more on his mind than just becoming her friend, but she was aware of how people reacted whenever he was around her. She had been introduced to him a few days after the school festival when he arrived with the remainder of the Varia from Italy, despite the clear hesitation of her friends and boyfriend when told he wanted to meet her. It seemed that Xanxus was not a person someone could easily mess with. She would admit, though, that the way he looked at her scared her. It almost reminded her of her past life, during the war.

Hermione knew her friends were worried for her, especially with Xanxus suddenly approaching and taking an interest in her. Did Xanxus know that she was a witch? Tsuna had told her that Xanxus was the adopted son of Vongola 9th and informed her of their fight some years ago, how things had changed after that and relationships were slowly rebuilding between the Vongola10th's family and the Varia. This brought Hermione into deep thought – she had believed her life was challenging in the past, but she was clearly not the only one. These people had it worse, some of their current friends and allies used to be their worst enemies. Looking at them now, she could see the similarities and these are what made her and these people stronger; the trust, love, confidence, togetherness. She was forced to acknowledge that these people were stronger compared to her, thanks to whatever they had gone through in their past, or maybe they were equal? The only difference was how they dealt with it.

Hermione knew she ought to be careful in the future if she were to see Xanxus again, but she couldn't help but think that he could be such a nice guy, if people would only get to know him and treat him well. Hermione hoped to see that side of him, and she hoped they could be good friends, just like she was with the rest of them.

With this thought in mind, she had to assure her beloved boyfriend that whatever she felt for Xanxus was only based on friendship, and family. She did not want her Kyoya to think otherwise, because Kyoya was the only man for her, and the only man she wanted to spend her entire life with. They had been dating for more than a year now, and she was ready to take their relationship to the next level. She was ready to build this responsibility with him. All she had to do was wait for the right time to come.

The Burrow, England

Every eye in The Burron was trained on Janelle and her parents, though mostly the former. Janelle was anxious and her pregnancy hormones weren't helping at all. Mrs. And Mrs. Bennigan began to wonder what the commotion was all about, and why they were looking at their daughter in such a way, especially her own husband. They wanted to demand answers, but seeing the Minister himself there to question her silenced their protests and made them wonder if their daughter had done something wrong.

"Janelle darling, what's going on? What's wrong?" Mrs Bennigan asked. She didn't like the looks on the faces around them.

"I don't know! I have no idea what's going on here, mum." Janelle protested, her pulse racing.

Mr. Bennigan was even more confused now. "But he said he has something to ask you. What is this all about, Janelle?" What did they want from his daughter? Had Janelle done something to cause this commotion?

"Mrs. Bennigan-Weasley, I would like to ask you a few questions regarding a conspiracy that you have been involved with," Kingsley asked seriously. Janelled paled. She was scared – What was going on? Did they find out what she did? This couldn't be happening!

"Conspiracy? What conspiracy are you talking about, Minister?" Mr Bennigan asked angrily, he had no idea what was going on but there was no way in hell he would let his daughter be accused of such a thing.

"Yes, explain to us this so-called conspiracy. I am sure that whoever did this hates my daughter. She's innocent," Mrs Bennigan snapped. Harry, on the other hand, felt sorry for them for being such a naïve parents. They were clearly unaware of what their daughter was capable of.

George ignored them. It was obvious they would think their daughter was angelic. His anger wasn't pointed towards them, it was pointing towards his soon-to-be ex-wife.

"You really think you can run away from this, isn't that right, Janelle," George spat.

"GEORGE…Are you still suspecting me?" Janelle retorted angrily, she had enough of this.

"Very much so. Why don't you tell me about your relationship with that man, Callen? Surely you miss him so much, don't you?" He asked calmly. This shocked both Janelle and her parents.

Janelle was now truly desperate to secure her status as George's wife and began to beg. "George love, what are you talking about? I don't have any relationship with Callen. We're just friends, darling. How many times do I have to tell you that I love you, and only you? There's no other man in my life."

Despite how desperate she sounded, only her parents believed her since they were unaware of what actually happened. To everyone else, it was obvious that the love and feelings the claimed to have for George were fake. She was toying with his feelings, using his weakness to trap him with her so she could seek a glamorous life.

"Don't lie, you bitch! You're only using my brother for your own benefit, you bloody whore. You didn't think we knew about that, huh? You never loved my brother. You just married him because of his fame and wealth, not his love. Bitches like you only want a glamorous life, not love. You're the one who caused him to break up with Hermione, you good-for-nothing slut. You never loved George like Hermione did," Ginny shrieked angrily. She had enough of this bitch toying with people's feelings and she couldn't wait to see Janelle cut from the Weasley family. Mrs. Weasley didn't say anything. She would normally scold her children when they used such vulgar words, but this was an exception.

Janelle saw red. No one compares her with George's old girlfriend, the Mudblood Granger. Her kind weren't supposed to be welcomed into the Wizarding World.

"Don't you dare compare my love to George with that mudblood's love. Who is she compared to me? She's just an ugly mudblood who wasn't gifted with beauty whatsoever, unlike me, and that's why George left her!" Janelle hissed, not knowing that she just triggered the outrage amongst the Weasleys, Harry, Lee, and Kingsley. She also shocked not only the rest of the guests, but her parents, too.

How dare she insult Hermione and call her that loathed name? That was unforgivable. Ginny snapped. She grabbed her wand from the table and tried to fire a jinx towards Janelle, but Harry and Bill managed to stop her, diverting the jinx towards the wall. She turned to them, angry that they interfered and vowing to hex them if they tried stopping her again. Harry quickly calmed his wife's anger with whispered words.

"Are you sure? You promise, and you won't stop me whatsoever?" Ginny asked Harry tersely. The Man-Who-Lived nodded.

"I promise. Mark my words, Ginny love," Harry said. Ginny looked up at him before nodding. She turned her attention back to Janelle with a smirk on her face. Janelle paled, she would bet something bad was going to happen to her.

"What are you planning to do?" Janelle asked in a trembling voice. They refused to answer her.

Ron turned to Harry and whispered, "Mate, what did you promise my sister?"

Harry glanced at the redhead and whispered back, "Something about hexing her with Ginny's famous bat bogey hex in the future, after she's given birth."

Ron's eyebrows lifted and he smiled. "Put me in as well."

"Deal," Harry responded.

"I've been waiting for my answer, but it seems you are quite stubborn. Now answer me truthfully: What have you done with your unborn child, Mrs. Bennigan-Weasley?" Kingsley asked again, his voice stern.

Janelle was scared. She had been discovered, but they couldn't possibly know the specifics of what she had done. She looked at Kingsley and George, and pretended to be angry at such an accusation.

"What do you mean with what I've done to my unborn child? I've done what? Tell me. George, how many times do I have to tell you that this is your child, our child. Our baby boy. Why can't you just accept the fact that I'm pregnant with your child for Merlin's sake!" she pleaded. She let a few tears fall from her eyes that were only partially fake. She was terrified.

George looked at her with disgust. She had the nerve to deny everything and pretend to be an angel.

"I hope you realise that I've never believed the child you are carrying is mine. Why should I believe you? Yes, you're pregnant and it's obvious, but that child is not mine. Stop lying, Janelle. You're going to make the life of that child miserable," George replied irritably. He had enough of all her lies.

"What the hell are you talking about, George Weasley? How dare you accuse your wife like that? She's carrying your child for goodness' sake. We were there at St. Mungo's to watch the sonogram. The child is obviously yours," Mr Bennigan hissed furiously. What the hell was going on with his son-in-law to think such a thing? Mrs. Bennigan glared at him as well.

Janelle continued to cry while being held by her mother. This was not supposed to happen. How did they find out? They don't have proof... She must persuade George into believing her.

"George, why are you denying this? How could you?" Janelle pleaded again.

"Janelle, should I tell them about our sex life? I bet you remember how often we had sex before you fell pregnant," George said spitefully. He didn't care one bit that the room was full of people, but Janelle was embarassed. How dare her husband even mention their sex life? This was supposed to be a private matter between the two of them. She knew what he hinted at; they hardly had sex before her pregnancy.

Some of the occupants of the house blushed, while others pretended not to hear. Mr. and Mrs. Bennigan were shocked and embarassed.

"But despite that I'm still pregnant with your child. It's a miracle," Janelle said as she touched her portruding belly. Mrs. Weasley looked at her with ire. She wanted to hex her daughter-in-law badly, only the pregnancy kept her in check.

Mrs. Bennigan was beyond furious. Not only did her son-in-law not protect his wife, but he also accused her for cheating on him and having someone else's child. "Then tell us why in Azkaban you're saying such things. Why are you denying your unborn child and Janelle's love for you? Tell us, George," she demanded.

"Yes, tell us. I want a solid answer for this. I want proof that Janelle has done what you accuse her of. Prove it to us." Mr Bennigan seconded his wife. He, too, was very angry.

"You want proof? Let me tell you something: I have proof," George answered. That was enough to shut Janelle up. What proof was George talking about?

"Then show it to us," was the reply from Janelle's mother. Mr Bennigan nodded; he agreed that they should provide evidence so that he and his wife could see it themselves. They didn't notice how the rest of the people in The Burrow smirked. Kingsley answered on George's behalf before he could reply.

"It's a letter. A letter that Mrs. Bennigan-Weasley wrote to her boyfriend, Callen McGale not long ago. She hadn't had the chance to send it to him."

Percy took the letter how and showed it to both Mrs. And Mrs. Bennigan. They were shocked at reading the contents. Their faces reddened in a mixture of humiliation and anger. Mrs. Bennigen let the tears fall from her eyes and Mr. Bennigan clenched his fists.

"We also captured Marcia Doddleton yesterday night and detained her for interrogation for using dangerous potions and spells illegally upon the unborn child. Additionally, we questioned a young woman by the name of Tabitha Andres, who worked as a trained mediwitch at St. Mungo's. She confirmed the child belongs to Callen McGale and not George Weasley. She tried to deny it at first, but after being threatened with veritaserum and her career jeopardised, she agreed to cooperate," Harry told them. He and Ron had done their job exceedingly well.

Janelle passed out and was reluntantly caught by Harry and Ron. Regardless of how much they despised her, they couldn't risk the innocent life she was carrying. Mrs. Bennigan nearly followed her daughter into unconsciousness, but was caught swiftly by her husband. Mr. Bennigan was still in shock as he held his wife tightly and his tears fell. Harry and Ron carried Janelle to the sofa in the living room and left her there to rest. The others followed. Fleur and Penelope held onto each other while Ginny and Luna gathered around Mrs. Weasley. Ron moved towards his wife to support her. The children were still outside, unaware of the drama unfolding inside the house.

"Allow me to examine her to see if everything's all right," Madam Darlingthon, one of St Mungo's experienced mediwitches, suggested. Kingsley gave his permission and the mediwitch performed the spell while the others waited patiently. Mr. and Mrs. Bennigan stayed on the loveseat, still silently crying; they could not believe what their daughter had done. The middle-aged mediwitch took roughly an hour to examine Janelle and to identifiy the type of spell and potion used on the fetus. After she was done, she turned to them with a grave expression. They all knew this was not good news.

"She is fine, just shocked. It's the baby I'm worried most about. I confirmed the baby indeed does not belong to Mr. George Weasley, then tried to identify what kind of spells and potions were used. I've found traces of both, and they are quite dangerous – not just in the short term, but long term as well. The spell used is illegal and they used it to change the traits of the child, forcing it to look the way they wanted. The potion was also illegal, and used to extend the results of the spell. There's another side effect, though I won't go into it just now. The bad news is that the child will fall ill and may not survive much longer. The spell and potions will eat him from the inside and my guess is that he may only have a few years to live after his birth before they consume him and take his life away in the process. Now, I must find the cure to counter this so the child will have a chance. Because of that, we must hurry. I don't know if this child would still have a better chance at life if we delay," Madam Darlingthon informed the group to a few gasps. The women in the house sobbed, while the men looked sad and angry. Mr. Bennigan looked very much embarassed and angry with his daughter. He couldn't believe it; he and his wife had raised their daughter well. They gave her a proper life and education, but this is how she repaid them? His embarassment stemmed from having accused George and his family of lying, and he knew he would need to apologise to them.

"George, I apologise for accusing you of lying, and I'm very sorry for what my daughter has done to you. Please forgive us,," Mr Bennigan begged.

"It doesn't matter, I forgive you. I would do the same if I were in your place. I was stupid, too, for believing her. I thought I had found true love in her, but I was so very wrong. I can forgive her eventually, but not now or in the near future. All I want to say now is that I can't live with her anymore. You must understand, it would be better for the both of us," George replied. He refused to hide anything anymore. Mr. Weasley patted his shoulder and nodded at him, knowing George had done the right thing.

"You mean… ?"

George's voice was firm. "Divorce, yes. I will divorce her so that I'll be free and so will she. We can follow our own path, it's the only way."

Mr. and Mrs. Bennigan had no reply to that. Despite how much it saddened them, they knew he was right. Everyone had suffered so much because of what happened.

"And as for the child, if Janelle doesn't want her him, then I'll help raise him. I'm sure my family will help," George offered and the rest of his family agreed.

"Thank you but I think it would be better if both my wife and I look after him once he's born. He is, after all, our grandchild. Our first and only grandchild. If Janelle doesn't want her son, we would love to have our grandson come live with us. We already love him, and please, I beg you to find the cure for the spell and potions. I want my grandson to have a better life in the future, to live much longer and become a good man, unlike his mother," Mr Bennigan replied. He hadn't lied. He and his wife already loved their grandchild, and they would do anything to keep him with them, even if that meant taking him away from his mother.

"Well, if you insist. You can come to us if you need any help. I know I'm not a good person, I don't love your daughter anymore and we may no longer be together, but your grandchild is innocent, and we would never despise him. That's our promise," declared George. His family nodded in agreement. They were willing to help with the baby, even though George and Janelle may no longer be together.

"Thank you, thank you so much," Mrs Bennigan said in a choked voice. Mrs. Weasley patted her shoulder comfortingly. They'd no longer be in-laws, but they were always welcome into the family as friends.

Moments later Janelle was awake and aware that everyone was looking at her. Well, everyone except her parents. It was as if they were embarassed by her. She didn't know what to say as she looked at her husband. George stared back with an emotionless expression and she wanted to cry and beg for forgiveness.

"Percy, the document please," George said. Percy passed the divorce papers to him and he handed them over to Janelle, who was stunned when she took the papers from him.

"These are the divorce papers. I've signed my part, and now you can sign yours. I can't live with you anymore, Janelle, and you are welcome to do anything you like after this. So please, don't make this harder on both of us." Janelle looked at him in utter hurt with tears streaming from her eyes. George couldn't divorce her. What about her life, her future, her child's future? There was no way she would allow this.

Squaring her shoulders, she stated firmly, "I refuse to sign the divorce papers." She would not let herself lose this battle.

"Sign the damn papers or you'll be sorry. Trust me, Janelle, you will." His voice was as firm as Janelle's.

"What sort of trouble would I get into if I don't sign, George?" she questioned stubbornly

Kingsley was the one to reply, instead of her husband. "You would be sent to Azkaban for your involvment in this crime, of endangering the life of your unborn child. These are the choices you have, Mrs. Weasley, either you sign the divorce papers or you go to Azkaban." Janelle paled. Go to Azkaban? That was unlikely.

"Just sign the divorce papers, Janelle. You've done so much wrong, and your mother and I can't forgive you easily. How could you do that to an innocent child?" Mr Bennigan asked.

"But what about my child? Who will look after him once he's born? Who will help raise him if he doesn't have a father?" she retorted. Janelle was angry, sad, and scared.

"Your mother and I will look after your child," her father informed her. "Don't force this burden on to George, he's not the father. This is your own fault. If you are too afraid and unable to look after him, then let us raise the child ourselves. He may not have a father, or a father who doesn't love or know about his existence, but at least he would have family members who will love and cherish him. Please, Janelle. Don't make this any worse than it already is."

Janelle knew she had lost now that her own parents were against her. It was obvious her husband won this battle. She found it hard to accept, but she had no choice.

Janelle trembled as she took the papers from George. With a heavy heart, filled with sadness and defeat, she signed. She gave the papers back to George when she was finished, and watched with watery eyes as he passed them to Kingsley.

Kingsley and Percy's fellow senior employees signed the papers as witnesses for the divorce that had just taken place. Once everything was validated, Kingsley declared George and Janelle officially divorced.

Varia Headquarters, Italy

It's been a few hours since the Varia returned to Headquarters, and although they wanted to rest, they wanted to know even more their Boss's real intention of why he he wanted to get to know Hermione. Squalo was afraid, although he didn't want to admit it. He considered her important to him, just as she was to Dino, Lussuria, Flan, and of course, the Vongola 10th's family. He cared for her, if only as a good acquaintance, and was willing to protect her from anything that could threaten or harm her. He had heard a little about her past from Dino, and he swore if he ever found the asshole who broke her heart he'd kill him. He didn't care if Hermione had already forgiven that sick bastard. And now his own boss worried him. He didn't like thinking that Xanxus had bad intentions towards her, but he certainly wouldn't allow anything to happen if he did.

As badly as they wanted to know, they all agreed they first needed a good night's rest after such a long journey. They wouldn't be able to deal with a grumpy boss at the moment. Besides, they still had time to interrogate him later. Through the night each of them, save Xanxus and Levi, were trying to figure out why the Boss of Varia was suddenly interested in Hermione. Why now? And most importantly, what triggered it?

xoxoxo

The very next morning

"Nee… Boss, we have something to ask you," Lussuria began. They were all having breakfast, courtesy of Lussaria. He had made a special breakfast for their boss, in hopes it would help persuade him to tell them what he had in mind regarding one Hermione Granger.

"Hmm… What is it you want to know?" Xanxus inquired. He knew there was a meaning behind the special breakfast.

"Boss, we want to know why you're suddenly interested in Hermione," Squalo blurted out. Everyone looked at the Boss, waiting expectantly for his answer. Xanxus snorted and fought the urge to laugh.

"Why should I tell you? What i want to do or why I'm interested in her is none of your concern, you scum." Why the hell were they so bent on finding out? It wasn't their problem anyway..

"But Boss…" Lussuria whined. He wondered why his boss was so secretive about this.

"It's fine if you don't want to tell us. I don't care whether it's my business or not, I won't let you hurt her," Squalo said seriously.

"Strategic Captain Squalo…" Lussuria whispered. It took a moment to realise why Squalo said such a thing.

"Damn it, trash, who the hell do you think I am? Don't you dare think I'm that low!" Xanxus hissed.

"Ushishishi…Boss sure is angry," Bel said, not helping at all.

"Then why are you so interested in her? You never paid her much attention before," Squalo persisted.

"Why is it wrong for me to get to know her? There's something different about her and I'm intent on finding out what. And you, most of you, and even that old man were so easily accepting of her with open arms and got to know her. Why can't I?" Xanxus retorted and the rest stared at him with no small amount of shock. Their boss wanted to get to know Hermione because the rest of them did, and he was left behind?

"Nee… Boss, are you jealous of us because you didn't get the chance to know her as well? Well, don't worry about that, you will have your chance. Hermione will definitely like you," Lussuria said. The Varia Sun Guardian surely knew how to find a way to make their boss open up to them.

Xanxus looked at thim with a deadly glint in his eye before smirking. That was enough for Lussuria to confirm his statement. Squalo snorted. What a nightmare.

"All the best, Boss," Flan wished him.

"Hmm… whatever, trash," Xanxus replied.

So, here you go, I hope that all of you will like this one. Your reviews are most welcome. If you have any comment, suggestion or question feel free to pm me XD