Hi all, Thanks for RR and FF, much appreciated.

I don't own Harry Potter and or anything affiliated with Warner Bros. NEITHER do I own YHM.

Belle ran off to tell her grandparents about their night out as per Hermione's request leaving her and Harry alone to talk.

"You've been drinking" she said with her back to him as she closed the door.

Taking his silence as confirmation, she continued "Something's bothering you" she said as she sat down beside him.

"It's nothing" he whispered and she scoffed.

"In case you haven't noticed Harry, I'm very perceptive. I've been living with you for the past, what, nine months? I understand you better than you think. Please just don't insult me by lying" she said slightly insulted by his nonchalance.

"Hermione, trust me. It's nothing" he said taking her small hands in his, an act that surprised her.

She looked at him, still not entirely convinced but relented when she looked into his eyes, "you're hiding something from me, but I'll respect your privacy and let be but it doesn't ,mean I like it" she sighed and he nodded then smiled at her in appreciation.

They stared at each other and Harry couldn't help but compare her to Ginny. Ginny would never have noticed the change in his demeanour. Come to think of it, she never took the time to get to know him at all. But Hermione, she was something else all together. She was selfless, compassionate, and intelligent and a far better mother and friend than Ginny ever were.

He didn't realise he was drawing circles on the back of her palms and she slowly looked down at their hands. Harry followed her eyes and stopped his ministrations but only for a moment. Hermione looked up at him with an almost longing gaze and he was sure that his matched hers. He found himself drawn to her as his eyes moved to her lips, gulping he tilted his head intent on closing the gap.

Hermione closed her eyes in anticipation waiting to feel his soft lips on hers but the moment never came. Belle burst into the room, "I don't know what to wear?" she said excitedly and missed the look of disappointment on her parents' faces.

Hermione quickly recovered and smiled at the girl, "tell you what, why don't you and I go to my room and pick out a dress for me as well?"

"That would be so much fun. Can this day get any better?" she squealed as she pulled Hermione out of the room. She glanced at Harry who again looked forlorn and gave him a sad smile.

"Wow, daddy, this place is really nice. Look over there is a play area" she said bouncing on her heels as she pointed out the attractions the family restaurant had. Harry smiled awkwardly at her and stared at Hermione panicked then looked away as the front of house escorted them to their seats; something that didn't go unnoticed. Hermione had watched him ever since they had left home; he was antsy and easily startled as if he was nervous about something.

"Mum, dad can I go see the aquarium?" she asked the moment her eyes had landed on the magnificent display.

"Sure sweetheart, but hurry back because you need to order your meal" Hermione smiled.

"That's easy, I'll just get the kids meal" she shrugged and Hermione chuckled.

"This isn't a takeaway sweetie, but seeing as you're so anxious to discover the water world, go ahead, I'll call you when we're ready"

"Thanks mum, you're the best" she chirped as she hopped off and ran off to explore the exhibit.

Harry and Hermione watched in admiration as the girl's eyes widened and light up every time she discovered something new in the tank. It's as though they were watching her for the first time. Hermione contemplated asking Harry about what's bothering him; perhaps she could have been of some help to him.

Harry on the other hand couldn't help stress over his beloved son. As much as he loved Belle, he loved AJ just as much and it ripped him to shreds knowing that his son, HIS SON, asked to relinquish his rights as his father to Malfoy. He would give anything to have his son back with him, were he belongs. He was sorry that Hermione had to get stuck in the middle of this war between Malfoy and himself. "She is too good for me and my family affairs, she deserves so much more, but will I ever be able to give her that?" he thought as he watched her face light up a beautiful smile graced her lips.

Their thoughts were abruptly halted when Ginny, Malfoy and AJ stopped at their table. Hermione looked up at Ginny and Malfoy, who just sneered at her but what did surprise her, was the young boy she had met at the fair.

Harry stood up and smiled nervously at the boy and Hermione gasped when her mind finally made the connection, the boy was AJ, Harry's son.

"Son, you came" he stammered and the boy scoffed at him and then glared at Hermione.

"Come now, Son, that's not how you behave; even if it is to the other sort" Malfoy cast a jeering glance at Hermione, but Harry was too pre occupied by the presence of his son to care.

"Yes father, whatever you say" they boy replied and Harry looked as if someone had kicked him in the gut and Hermione was aghast that the boy had referred to Malfoy as father, even though Harry was right in front of him.

"I asked for this meeting, didn't I?" he turned to Harry and Hermione felt dread washing over her as Harry glanced in her direction for a millisecond.

"I want her to apologise to me for the way she spoke to me at the fair" he said biliously and Harry for the second time felt a kick in the gut when he saw the expression on Hermione's face.

"If you want to make it to me, then make her apologise. She insulted me in front of my friends" he said darkly and Harry couldn't believe what he was asked to do.

Harry's silence pushed the boy further, "Well, what's it going to be?"

Harry turned to Hermione who looked at him incredulously not even expecting the words that followed.

"Her.. Hermione, what you did was wrong so apologise to him" he said faintly as his head hung in embarrassment.

"Harry, you can't be serious?" she choked out but Harry nodded still unable to look at her.

"I'm waiting. If she doesn't want to its fine by me, we'll just be going and you won't have to see me again" he threatened made to turn when Harry stopped him.

"Hermione, please" he pleaded finally looking at her dolefully.

"But" she tried to argue

"Just do it" he hissed and Hermione cursed the treacherous tears that filled her eyes.

She stood from her seat ready to walk out and leave Harry to face his mess but then spotted Belle at the aquarium. Her face radiating her happiness she felt being out with her parents, she couldn't destroy this memory for the girl; she just didn't have it in her.

Sighing deeply, she looked at AJ, "I'm sorry" she said and he scoffed.

"Good. Now apologise to my mother" he said and both Harry and Hermione stared at the boy.

"What? You took away my sister from my mother, so apologise" he demanded and Hermione was appalled by his request, she looked to Harry but he was in no place to help.

"AJ, you can't be serious?" Harry whispered and her head snapped in his direction.

"How do you think I feel? My mother lost her daughter because of you and this woman!" he spat and Harry was about to lose it and Hermione could see it.

"You know what, Ginny I am sorry. For everything! For saving a child that almost died; for becoming a stable figure in her life; for giving her the love of a mother when her mother abandoned her; for giving her the love when her own father was too busy to spend time with her; for being someone who she could count on" she seethed and Harry was taken aback by her outburst but she was far from done.

"You know, the only person I even care for is and will always be Belle. Her happiness means far more to me than it did to her own parents. I don't expect you to understand any of this AJ. You may not think much of us now but one day, you will see for yourself that you were wrong about us. Harry loves you more than you'll ever know. I mean if he had to lie to Belle to get us here, it says a lot" she finished softly and turned to look for Belle.

"She's just a baby. You tricked her into going with you!" AJ said adamantly and Hermione looked at him sympathetically.

"No AJ, that's where you got it wrong, she chose us" Hermione smiled sadly as the tears finally burst forth down her cheeks.

Belle walked up to the table and found Hermione in tears and then looked up at Draco, Ginny and AJ.

"Hello Isabelle" Ginny forced a smile and Belle grasped Hermione's hand.

"Hello Belle, did you like the aquarium?" AJ smiled and Belle nodded shyly.

"Anyways, enjoy your dinner. My parents are taking me to a Quidditch game" he said proudly as Draco ushered them out.

Hermione quickly dried her eyes and plastered a smiled on her face, "are you ready to order sweetheart?"

"I'm not hungry. Can we go home?" she asked and Hermione nodded, unbeknown to them, Belle had heard the entire conversation.

On their way home, Harry wanted to make amends with Hermione and Belle so he pulled over at an ice-cream parlour. "Belle would you like some ice-cream? They have yours and your mom's favourite" Harry tried but Belle looked at Hermione.

"I don't want any mom. I just want to go home" she said avoiding Harry.

When they reached home, he tried again to speak to Belle but she refused to look at him and asked Hermione to carry her.

After Hermione had tucked Belle in for bed, not before making her a sandwich, "Mom I don't want to sleep alone and I don't want to sleep in your room neither" she said wringing her fingers.

"Belle, you're a big girl. You shouldn't be scared"

"I'm not, I heard what they said to you" she said and looked at Hermione doe eyed and Hermione gasped.

"It's ok sweetheart, I'm fine now" she tried to assure the child, but she wasn't swayed.

"No you're not. Ginny and Mr Draco are mean and they made AJ mean too" she argued and Hermione held her in her arms.

"He just doesn't know any better"

"Daddy doesn't love you?" she asked and Hermione looked away from the teary eyed child.

"He didn't protect you like daddies should. He let them be mean to you and my friend at school said that mommy's leave when daddies don't love them." she finished and Hermione hugged the girl.

"Well our love is different; our love is in you AND we love more than anything" she said and then launched a tickle attack on Belle who giggled loudly asking her to stop.

"Sweetheart, do you think I'm going to leave you? Is that why you're scared?" she asked and the girl looked away sadly.

"Promise you won't ever leave me" she said sadly and Hermione felt her heart drop into her stomach

"I'll never leave you, I promise" she whispered as she held onto the girl.

Harry watched from the doorway in tears at his daughters words, "I know I hurt you both, but you have to realise that AJ needs me too" he thought as he walked into his room and poured himself a scotch.

Hermione walked into the room and made her way into the bathroom as she noticed the door to the balcony was open. She knew he was out there but made no attempt to confirm it.

She contemplated the day's events and cried her heart out. Cried because of the humiliation; cried because of Belle; cried for Harry and cried for the lost boy that needed help.

She made her way out of the bathroom and decided that she needed to clear her head so she wanted to take a stroll around the park and on her way out she bumped into the last person she wanted to see.

She moved around him to leave, "Where are you going?" he asked when she put on her jacket and grabbed her scarf.

She huffed and opened the door, "Hermione?" he whispered but she ignored him and walked out. He sighed and closed his eyes knowing that he had hurt her really bad.

Hermione called Luna and asked her to meet her at the park and it didn't take long for the blonde to apparate over.

After explaining to her what had happened, Hermione broke down. Luna was shocked at his behaviour and felt sad for Hermione.

"Luna, the worst part is that he doesn't know how badly this is affecting Belle, she thinks I'm going to leave. What do I do? He is a good person but he can be horrible as well. I know I married him because of Belle but I don't know how much more of this I can take. My patience is wearing thin Luna" she cried and Luna knew that Hermione was a reasonable person and her patience was legendary but if this is how she felt, then their marriage was truly in trouble.

"Hermione, you know what they say about wine right?" she asked and Hermione shrugged.

"Well, it mellows with age. That's the same thing with Harry. He, like you, are adjusting to this new life. He may not be the best tasting now, but give him some time and he'll be the best. He's in a peculiar situation I mean why would he ask you to apologise?" she asked and Hermione straightened up.

"Because AJ is his weakness" she said thoughtfully.

"Exactly! Harry is smart eventually he will realise that AJ is making him weaker" she smiled

"But how long before he realises it? Belle is already hurting and I'm afraid that he's going to push her beyond reach and then what?" she asked.

"That's were that legendary patience of yours comes in. Give him some time and he'll change, I'm sure of it. But also give him space and a reminder of why you married him wouldn't hurt either" she finished and Hermione became pensive.

"You have a big heart Hermione and a lot of love to give, perhaps Belle isn't the only one that needs it" she added as she stood and watched Hermione.

"Go home to your daughter Hermione, the last thing you need is for Belle to think you're distancing yourself from her" she said and Hermione nodded.

"Besides, if all else fails then just shag the daylights out of him. Merlin knows that he needs to loosen up" Luna giggled at Hermione's disgusted face and then disapparated.

Meanwhile Harry had been sitting in the dark study, thinking of how he let his son humiliate Hermione and Belle's confession. Neither of them deserved it but yet he allowed it. "We were finally getting along and this had to happen" he thought and skulled his drink.

Lily had walked past the study and noticed her son slumped in the corner of the study, "Do I dare ask if my son has gone Goth?" she chuckled and walked into the study then with a flick of her wand she turned on the lights.

"I couldn't sleep" he mumbled.

"It's been a while since we had a mother and son chat, don't you think?" She asked as she sat beside him. Patting his leg, "so tell me Harry, how have you been?" she asked.

"I'm fine mom" he sighed and she frowned.

"You don't sound fine to me. You may have grown, but I'm still your mother and I know when you're lying. I understand you more than you think" she said softly and to her surprise Harry turned and hugged her. She wrapped him in her warm motherly embrace but what shocked her was the fact that her blouse had become soaked in his tears.

"Harry, what's wrong? You know you can talk to me about anything" she said as she looked into his tearful eyes.

"Is it my fate to have so much pain in my life? Why does misery follow me? I never asked for any of this. What did I ever do to deserve this punishment? I mean I love my children, is it so wrong for a father to want the same love from his children. Ginny used me, AJ calls someone else father and Belle" he cried hopelessly and Lily's heart broke for her son.

"I would do anything to have him with me, to teach him how to fly a broom, to ride a bike. Teach him right from wrong. He should be proud to be called a Potter but instead Ginny and Malfoy seemed to have brainwashed him" he said getting worked up.

"I am furious with myself for being so helpless and weak" he sighed. "I had taken Belle and Hermione out tonight because he wanted to meet her. I was a fool and did what he asked" he said dejectedly.

"What happened Harry?" she asked carefully.

"He asked Hermione to apologise for 'humiliating' him at the fair" he chuckled dryly and Lily was stunned.

"But that's ridiculous, Hermione would never do anything like that" Lily said and Harry nodded.

"But I made her apologise regardless" he seethed and Lily gasped in horror.

"He belittled her mom and I let it happen and that's not all. He asked that she apologise to Ginny for 'forcing' Belle to live with us. I wanted to draw the line but she reiterated" he spat and Lily couldn't fathom what Hermione must have felt.

"Why Harry?" she managed.

"I thought albeit foolishly, that he would see Hermione was an amazing person and he would accept me back into his life. He's my pride and joy. He made me a father, even in the midst of all Ginny's drama; he gave me hope that things would be better."

"I've been unfair to Belle and I hate myself every day for it. When she was born, Ginny and AJ were already gone and I tried so hard to get him back that I forgotten that she needed me and she needed my love more than ever" he said through gritted teeth.

"I'm no longer Harry James Potter, Hogwarts Golden boy and beloved son. No! I'm nothing but an indigent, hard hearted and unlucky father who wants love from his child but can't give it to his daughter" he finished holding his head in his hands.

"Why can't I fix it? Why can't things go back to the way they were? Did Ginny using me and leaving with him turn my love it into hatred?" he asked and Lily couldn't respond.

"But do you know what mum?" he asked looking at her dejected face.

"Today Belle taught me that hatred can be overcome only by love. I know what I did to Hermione was wrong but I was selfish. Belle witnessed everything at that happened and in her eyes, I failed them both mom" he sighed.

"Harry, a father will always be a superhero to his daughter. You need to make her your number one priority and things will work out, you'll see. That goes for AJ as well, he is his father's son, he'll eventually see through this game Ginny and Draco are playing and know that you love him" she tried.

"You're right, I will become a better person for Belle, and I'll make things right with Hermione. She loves Hermione and if keeping Hermione happy just to see a smile on Belle's face; I'll do it. I'll never be a failure in my daughter's eyes again" he said determination etched in his voice.

"But son" Lily tried to advise him but he had already disappeared upstairs. Lily thought that his attempt to keep Hermione happy because of Belle would only be futile. "Do it because you want to" she whispered.

Harry's attempts to apologise to Hermione and Belle were futile. Every time he would approach Belle, she got upset and ran away. He was hurt each time she turned away from him but it only fuelled his determination.

Hermione on the other hand was completely avoiding him. She spent more time at the clinic and spent even more time with Belle and Lily. He attempted to get her alone to apologise only to have his plans foiled each and every time. He even wondered if the two of them had planned to teach him a lesson, not that he didn't deserve it, but it hurt not to have them be as close as they once were. His parent's were taking Liz and Grace to visit their relatives the next day and he knew he had the day alone with Belle and Hermione, so he devised a plan to get them to forgive him.

The next morning Harry had gotten up earlier than usual and decided to set his plan into motion. He had texted Luna and asked her about Hermione's favourite hobbies etc and she gave him a list of dislikes and stuff to avoid, which confused him more. He knew Hermione was out on her run so he apparated to her favourite coffee house and bought her favourite blend (hopefully) and her favourite muffins that she and Belle got everyday on their way to school. He also picked up something special for Hermione, as per Luna's request.

He got home before she had arrived was getting Belle ready for the day so he quickly setup an 'I'm sorry' breakfast. When he heard Hermione enter the kitchen he stood before them with his best puppy dog face. Belle looked at Hermione and she shrugged. He held out two teddies; a huge teddy bear and a smaller replica of it.

"I'm sorry. I know that you both are really upset with me and that I've been a big ninny and I want you to know that's I'm really sorry. Please forgive me" he said as he got down on his knees and begged. Belle looked again at Hermione and she nodded as the girl left her side and walked over to her father.

"You've been really been mean to mom and she told me to forgive you but I couldn't because you needed to learn from your mistakes. But I think you learned a lesson, don't you daddy?" she asked triumphantly and Harry gave her a watery chuckle and then nodded. "Good, then I forgive you" she smiled and hugged her him wholeheartedly.

"Please don't grow up" he pleaded and she giggled and then hugged him he held on to her as if his life depended on it, thanking her and promising her that he won't hurt her again. He then looked at Hermione and mouthed thank you and she gave him a curt nod before turning to leave.

He noticed that he was about to lose his chance to apologise to her so he quickly got up "Hermione, I thought that we could have breakfast together. I know that you both like those muffins from the café so I got them for you. Also" he said revealing a basket full of custard filled Chouquetts. "I heard these were your favourite" he said coyly and Hermione gasped.

"No you didn't" she asked and he nodded shyly.

"What's that mom?" Belle tugged on her hand.

"That my sweet girl is your mom's favourite treat from when I was in France" she said and then frowned.

"What's so special about it?" she asked perplexed.

"Well, not many places in England makes them and your dad must have worked really hard to get them" she explained and Harry nodded in agreement when the girl looked at him.

"Here, try this" she said taking a the pastry ball and placed it in the girls mouth and after taking a bite the girl's face lit up causing Hermione to laugh in excitement.

"It's delicious, it has custard" she said taking another bite and Hermione smiled adoringly that Belle loved something that she did.

"Hermione, can I speak to you for a moment?" he asked when Belle decided to sample a few more chouquetts. Hermione didn't feel like having an argument this early in the morning and Harry could see the internal battle she was having.

"Please?" she nodded and he led her to the lounge.

"I'm sorry about what happened at the restaurant. I know I was wrong and that I had no right to force that on you. But you have to believe me that I never knew what his intentions were. I saw disappointment in Belle's eyes every time she looked at me and I can't stand it and I've made a decision that I never want to hurt her again or you for that matter. My entire adulthood has been dwarfed by hatred and hurt and it's blatantly obvious that I'm hurting my family in the process. I want to change, no, I need to change, for my family, for my children and for you, but all I'm asking for is time Hermione" he explained and Hermione could hear the sincerity in his words.

"I've tried so hard to get AJ back into my life that I've lost sight of Belle and she had to suffer for it, but I promise you that I'll be a better father" he said adamantly.

"But Harry, why are you promising me this?" she asked confused by his declaration.

"Because you are Belle's mother and if ever I put a toe out of line I need you to set me right. I need your help Hermione to become a better father" he pleaded and Hermione understood his plea and after realizing that her blonde friend was a lot more insightful than she thought she would be, nodded and to her surprise Harry pulled her for a hug.

"So where did you get the Chouquetts, better yet, how did you know about them?" she asked feeling slightly embarrassed by his display of affection.

"That's a secret" he smirked and took a bite of the pastry. He was surprised that the pastry tasted so good and Hermione smiled at his reaction.

"I first tasted these in a quaint village near Beauxbatons during our weekend visits and I feel in love with them. Sometimes a few of my friends and I would sneak away and just to buy these. I remember when I returned to England, I tried almost every French bakery to find them but none of them came close those that I had in France, until now that is" she explained and smiled fondly at the memories and Harry couldn't help himself.

"You, Miss follow the rules snuck out from school just for these?" he chuckled.

"Yes and it was worth it!" she narrowed her eyes at him.

"Belle when you're done, we'll leave" she said as she sipped her coffee and hummed in appreciation.

"I thought it was your day off" Harry frowned.

"Yes it is, with your mom gone I didn't want to be home alone. Besides, I also have an important meeting with the charity investors and there are a few finishing touches to the muggle healing potion and then that's complete and ready for trial, so all in all I have a busy" she stopped when she saw the look of disappointment on Harry's face.

"What is it?" she asked

"It's nothing" he shook his head

"It's not 'nothing'" she corrected folding her arms challenging him to speak what was on his mind.

"It's nothing"

"If you want me to forgive you for your last fiasco then spill it mister" she said confidentially and he looked at her thoroughly confused.

"I never said anything about forgiving you, did I?" she pointed out and looked at Belle who agreed with her.

Harry was trapped and he knew it so he conceded, "I had taken the day off and ... actually I thought that we could spend the day together, if you wanted to that is and then maybe.. You know do something, I don't know. Anything that you like" he stammered and turned beet red and Hermione couldn't believe what she heard.

"Are you asking me out on a date?" she asked in disbelief needing to him to confirm it.

"Well I was thinking more like an outing, between you know" he babbled and Hermione couldn't help smile at that the usually confident Harry Potter had now become a nervous bumbling boy.

He sighed and nodded, "yes a date, only if you want to that is."

"I don't know Harry, its short notice to cancel my meeting" she said trying to hold her smirk as his face fell. She thought that it was sweet of him to ask her out and knew it must have been difficult for him to stay away from his precious company. She didn't have any meetings today and actually had the entire day off but chose to hide the fact that she didn't want to be alone at home after her episode with Ron, but that didn't stop her from enjoy making Harry squirm a bit.

"But it would be nice to have a day off, I mean I have been working flat out for weeks now" she said nonchalantly and Harry perked up.

"Is that a yes?" he asked

"I guess so" she smiled.

"Mommy and daddy sitting on a tree, K.I.S.S.I.N.G" she sand and Hermione and Harry laughed at her easing the atmosphere around the table.

"So where are we going? She asked

"That Mione is a surprise" he smirked and she wondered just what this inscrutable man had planned.

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