Two weeks later - Middle May

Outside Malfoy Mansion

It feels weird to walk in all fours, but he's getting used to it as the days go by. Harry can't help thinking about Sirius while he expertly enters the grounds of the Malfoy Mansion through a little passageway. To imagine that his animagus form would be so similar to his godfather's makes something ache inside his chest. It was easy to master the ability since he just had to borrow it from Hermione, and she's a powerful animagi which helped Harry's transition a lot. He keeps running, thinking that if Sirius were there he would tell Harry to stop being this nervous. But he just can't help it. He hadn't seen Hermione in person since the party, only two times in their dreams - they feel real, but it lacks something you can only get seeing the person in the flesh. They both agreed it would be best if they didn't start acting differently with each other, so they kept ignoring the other at the Ministry. Harry's sure Marga doesn't suspect their relationship took a turn, because if she did she would be burning his scar in a blink. But she's getting more and more impatient, which is giving him a headache since she talks about plans to terminate Hermione day in, day out.

It's nice to feel the grass under his paws and he already sees the mansion, the night dark and the moon bright. It was hard keeping his distance from Hermione after telling her everything, but they've been communicating a lot more in their connection, their magic embracing each other, their incredible bond getting stronger and stronger. However, they're still very careful. They don't dare opening up entirely to it, Harry doesn't know if Marga would be able to tell and they don't want to risk it. He stops running and sits on his back legs, his mouth hanging open as he breathes heavily.

Today they're telling the others everything. Hermione decided to keep it a secret between them for a while and Harry understood, but his mind wandered to whether she was being cautious or still suspicious of him. He hears a high pitched screech and instinctively looks up to the sky. Athena is flying, getting closer to him fast and just before she lands, the transformation occurs and Hermione is in front of him, smiling.

"You look cute."

He barks in response - yes, a Siberian Husky is cute - and immediately changes back to his human form.

Harry imagined this moment maybe a thousand times since they decided to hold this gathering. The moment they would meet for real after what they shared inside his study and their dream. Each time he had a different reaction, but in none of them he just stood there wide-eyed staring at her. Hermione's smile falters a little, her brows raising in question. "Is everything okay?" Her voice is gentle and it jolts him into motion. He shakes his head and pulls her to him, burying his face into the crook of her neck, breathing her in. "It's okay, Harry." Her hands are soothing him, going up and down his back, into his hair. He kisses her shoulder, releasing a breath. Hermione gently pulls back to look into his eyes. "Hey." She says in a low voice.

"Hey." He answers, a lot passing between them. He can't understand his own hesitation in kissing her.

"What is it?" She asks gently, her fingers in his hair, her mouth close to his.

"I just can't believe this is real. I was so afraid-"

She presses her lips to his, stopping his words, their mouths opening slowly. Kissing Hermione is like coming home and he can't even begin to understand how much he missed it. Yes, they had a few kisses here and there since Azkaban, but not one after they talked about everything. It feels even better. She tastes like the sweetest drug and… belonging. He captures her lip between his, biting gently then giving her three more pecks, their eyes opening as their foreheads touch.

"Are you ready to do this?" She asks and he nods.

"What have you told them?"

She takes his hand and guides him to the mansion. There's a strong protection around the place. Hermione did it herself with the help of Harry's magic, so they're more than sure that Marga won't be able to track them. Harry also discovered the wicked woman can't keep her eyes on him when he's in the animagus form, which is a relief. He hasn't said this to Hermione yet, but he intents on visiting her more often this way.

"I told them that you wanted to talk." She shrugs and he squeezes her hand.

"Hermione!" He's shocked she hasn't explained anything to them.

She turns to him. "If I'd told them everything what would be the point of them hearing it from you?" She's right. He sighs, releasing her hand and crossing his arms, taking a moment to stop his insecurities and anxiousness. His biggest fear was Hermione never forgiving him, but his friends not wanting him back in their lives is something which haunts him too. "They love you, Harry." She reassures him and before he can answer, a voice comes from one of the many back doors.

"Are you coming in or not?" It's Draco shouting to them. "We don't have the whole night! Some of us have a baby to take care of!"

Hermione chuckles, her eyes on Harry as Draco comes back inside. She puts a hand against her belly and Harry instinctively goes to her, his own hand on top of hers. They don't need to say anything. She takes his hand again and they finally enter the house.

Draco, Ginny, Ron and Luna are there. His dearest friends. He smiles a little as he remembers the last time they were together like this. Ron called them a sextet, but things were way simpler back then. He takes a deep breath. "I-"

"Stop!" Ginny cuts him and Harry inhales sharply, but she opens a smile. "We've missed you." She comes forward and hugs him. In a blink all his tension leaves his body, tears threatening to fall from his eyes.

"Who wants wine?" Draco magically fills some glasses. Harry can't even answer as he tries to comprehend what just happened. "Not for you." Draco teases Hermione and stops in front of Harry. "Yeah, maybe I've missed you," He shrugs, "but I did not forget you put me to sleep that day in the Department!" He opens a little smile and hugs Harry too, patting his back.

The moment Ron and Luna come closer he's already crying, the tears falling discreetly while they hug. He feels undeserving of them. Especially Hermione. He's shocked she actually forgave him after the things he said and the way he acted… he's still trying to forgive himself. Sensing his insecurities, she intertwine their fingers, her thumb gently caressing his hand. Before he can register it, they're all sitting together, Draco with Ginny, Ron with Luna and Hermione by his side. He's exactly where he's supposed to be.

"It's okay, love." She says to him and opens almost entirely to their connection. It's breathtaking. He can feel her, feel their baby and also the girls. They're all in sync, humming like the perfect song. It gives him courage. Courage to open up and to seek doing what's right. Even if everything blows up, he'll still have them.

His family.

"First of all I want to apologize." He begins. "I know I've acted terribly, done and said awful things and there's no way of going back in time and erasing them, but I hope I can prove to you that you can trust me, that I'm the same Harry I've always been," He gulps, the dark magic inside him contradicting his own words, but he ignores it. Hermione gives his hand a gentle squeeze. "I did what I believed was best to protect my family, to protect all of you. But now there's no reason to hide things anymore, I want to be as honest as possible with you. I don't want to screw things up again." He sighs. "You all mean so much to me. I'm sorry, again."

He barely believes while they all forgive him, their faces gentle and their words welcoming him back into their lives. He has no idea what he did to deserve such amazing friends, he's not even sure if he deserves this kind of trust… even if he tries not thinking about it too much, it's undeniable that Marga has some influence on him now - her oppressing darkness and the voice inside his head - and he has no clue the deepness of it, he only hopes he can deal with being a 'double agent'. It was a fear he had right from the start.

And Harry explains everything to them, all his fears and worries, the way Marga is watching him closely and how he's trying to discover as much as he can about her and the plans she's making. Hermione holds his hand all the time, a gentle smile playing on her lips each time she turns her head to gaze into his eyes. He knows he wouldn't be able to do this without her.

After hours, Draco breaks the silence with an obvious question they're all dying to make:

"What are her weaknesses? She's vulnerable, right?" He's talking about Marga.

Harry shakes his head. "Marga is very powerful, more times than I can count I wonder if she was born with this magic or if she did something to acquire it. I wonder if that is even possible. I mean, as we grow and enhance our magic we develop an unique affinity with it, we grow more powerful, it's natural. But is there a limit to it? A certain point where we can no longer improve or is this something that never ends? If so, we know she's way older than we think… how many years has she been doing this? Getting in touch with her magic? How much does this makes her more powerful?" He sighs. "I tried using legilimency with her, I tried beating her in a staged duel. She won every time. It's like there's a protecting shield around her all the times and she doesn't let it down even for a second." Shaking his head he goes on. "I sneaked into her room when she was fast asleep, no luck either. Physically she's way stronger than she looks, the whole old and vulnerable lady thing is a facade. I couldn't even beat her in a hand to hand combat." Draco snorts. "I'm serious."

"So, what? Is she immortal? Indestructible?" Ron asks, his eyes wide.

"I don't know. But it's a theory I've been thinking about lately. What if she really is some kind of super powerful witch, immortal even, and in a way me and Hermione are what makes her mortal? Weak?"

"What do you mean?" Hermione asks.

"The prophecy." He states. "Our mere existence, our family is a threat to her and she needs to destroy us to be able to keep living. The prophecy already left this kinda of implicit, but I think she's running out of time."

Hermione raises an eyebrow, everyone is silent and she turns her head to look into Harry's eyes. "Did she say something that hinted you into this theory?"

"Yes. Since I've been with her, she's been nothing but sarcastic and evil, but recently she started to say things she wouldn't… I think she might be afraid of something, I think she wants to murder Hermione as soon as possible so she can breathe relieved. The only thing which bothers me is that... why is she not trying to kill me too? I think it's because she's using me in a way. She's been ushering me to do things, to find the Wand, to throw parties so I can have a network of supporters." He turns to Hermione. "She recently told me the purpose of those parties. She wants me to lead a coup on the Ministry. She wants to take over, seize the power." He hears them gasping a little in shock, but he goes on. "Ava for example is insanely rich, she can bribe whoever she wants to." He swallows hard. "I'm sorry, but I think it's coming sooner than later, Marga doesn't share much, so, if she's sharing, her plans must be at the final stage already. I think it's closer than we imagine."

Harry watches Hermione's utter shock. He should have guessed this sooner, but in a way he didn't think Marga would go through with it, he thought her concerns were directed at them, at their family and only that, but no, she wants everything.

"She really is Voldemort with a skirt." Draco says. Harry only nods, his eyes still on Hermione. He knows she's wondering why he's telling her this only now.

"I won't let her." Hermione says, her jaw set, her eyes certain. Harry purses his lips. That's exactly why he hasn't told her earlier.

"Hermione, please-"

"No." She gets up, incredibly angry. "I don't see a single reason why we should just accept this and roll over to her wishes! If she thinks I'm giving up the Ministry or my position she has a fucking surprise coming her way."

"You can't go against her, Hermione. She has the support of everyone that matters at the moment, the support of big families, purebloods."

"I don't care." She spits the words. The others watch their moment, holding their breathes.

Harry narrows his eyes, he didn't want to use this card, but- "Think about the girls. Think about our son." Hermione purses her lips, her eyes murdering Harry. "If this prophecy is anything like mine with Voldemort, there's only one way of defeating the Wicked One and I don't think it's simple, I don't think you or anyone here can defeat her without something more, may it be a weapon or some kind of knowledge." Hermione grunts, crossing her arms. "You know I'm right. And you know that our best chance is to indeed roll over to her wishes for now. We have our hands tied until we find the bottom half of the prophecy, you like it or not."

Hermione shakes her head, taking a few steps forward and then back, Ron is watching Harry with his eyes wide, they already know she's not giving in. "I don't like it and I won't bend over to her. I won't watch a bunch of obnoxious purebloods taking over the Ministry as if I don't have a say in this. I won't let them persecute muggle borns and dictate what is right and what is wrong. If you think I'm going to stand by you don't know me at all, Harry."

"I don't expect you to stand by." He tries controlling his own annoyance. Why everything is always so difficult with her? "I'm just asking you to be rational, to see this as it is, Hermione. You can't beat her." He emphasizes the last phrase. "If you stand in her way she's killing you without a second thought. Please, don't give her a motive." For a moment, Hermione actually nods and her expression softens, Harry exhales a little relieved but-

"No." He closes his eyes. "The same way we don't know how to end the Wicked One, we don't know if she can actually kill me. What if she can't? Think with me, Harry, she's sending others to kill me, she's trying to destroy my life but not directly. Maybe there's something in the prophecy stopping her and I don't intend on watching as she-"

Harry gets up in a swift movement. "You're not thinking about our daughters!" His voice is higher than expected and Draco gets up in instinct, surprised by his outburst. "Is being fucking Minister more important than our family?"

"Okay, okay." Ginny says, getting up too and standing between them, trying to appease things a little. "Look, Harry, you're right, but Hermione is also right."

Harry snorts, his anger bubbling inside him, the dark magic trying to take over his mind and body. He wonders if Hermione notices it because her posture changes abruptly and she takes a step back. Their connection closing off, but recently even if they try as hard as possible to keep it dormant, it still affects them greatly. He can feel her disappointment through their bond, and he's sure she's feeling his anger and darkness. He blinks fast, as if coming to his senses.

"I don't want to talk about this anymore." Hermione leaves the room and he hears her going upstairs. He sighs. Harry knows this conversation isn't over, but he'll let things cool down a little. He sits back on the couch, Draco and Ginny too.

Ron has a strange expression on his face.

"What is it, mate?" Harry asks.

Ron sighs, he seems sad. "Look, don't get me wrong for what I'm about to say, but I think you all need to hear this. You left." He's looking at Harry. "You all left and I stayed here, I stayed with Hermione and I've been her friend my entire life. Her fight in the wizarding world is her life. And in a way I don't expect you to understand because I don't understand entirely myself. We aren't muggle borns and we should be more empathetic towards her when it comes to this. Of course she worries about the girls, about the consequences of standing up against Marga, but this is Hermione, she's been doing it since she got her letter from Hogwarts." Harry's heart is beating wildly. Ron words cutting like a knife. He's right. "She fought her whole life to stop muggle borns from being casted aside and humiliated just because of the way some powerful people see themselves entitled to treat them as they want. She's not wrong. And since she took over, things are really changing, slowly? Yes. But changing. I imagine that's why those traditional families are so eager to take her down." He sighs. "We don't know what the bottom half of the prophecy says and I understand your concern, Harry, but this means everything to her, I think it's unfair to take this away from her. Unfair to tell her how she should act when it comes to a subject only her can feel in her bones."

Ron words hit the living room like a brick. The heaviness of what he said sinking into Harry and making him a little sick to his stomach. Am I ever going to stop disappointing her? They all look down, ashamed. Harry can't even move, he's petrified on the spot, sad and angry at himself now.

"Look," Draco says, "We're going to reinforce the spells and protection around the house, I mean, Hermione did an outstanding job already, but I think you should stay here, Harry. Be with her tonight."

Harry knows she's sleeping there tonight and Draco's proposition is tempting, but what if Marga finds out? What if she discovers he's there with Hermione, with all their friends? What would she do-

"Stop overthinking this, Harry." He widens his eyes at Luna's words. "Marga won't find out. Hermione needs you."

Hermione needs me. It courses through him like a lightening. And I need her. Without another word he gets up and walks to the stairs, he goes as fast as possible searching for her inside one of the countless rooms the mansion holds. He finds a crying Hermione after opening two doors. "I'm sorry." He blurts out the moment he gets closer to her. Shaking her head and snorting a little she opens her arms to him.

Their embrace is filled with emotions, their connection struggling to break free from their hold, eager to be part of this moment. Harry holds her tightly and decides on letting go at his end of the connection. He doesn't care about Marga right now, they need this and the sensation is liberating. It's amazing how she immediately corresponds and he can't help sighing when he feels her, all of her. All their emotions are there in the open and even if the fear of losing the other is immense, what really flows through them is… love. She kisses his neck and leans back as he brushes her tears away. Touching their foreheads she says:

"I can feel everything. It's-"

"I know."

They smile. It's the first time after her coma and his imprisonment that they let the connection open like this. They're fascinated by the other. "Do you feel the girls?" She asks.

"Yes."

Their presence is so strong it would be impossible not to feel them, impossible not to imagine they're probably feeling them too. And they shine so bright, it's so peaceful and warm. So pure. "I forgot to tell… after the wine cellar, when we talked to them, Lily or Laura said inside my mind that there was something wrong with you." Harry chuckles.

"Yeah? Don't you know which one said it?" They chuckle and even without knowing which did it, he can't help feeling proud of them. Hermione feels exactly the same as she nods. They smile like fools.

"Are you staying?" She asks and he knows how afraid she is he might say no, but she also already knows the answer the moment he thinks about it, so, she sighs, relieved.

He doesn't think he would be able to tell how long they stay just gazing into each other's eyes and marveling at how good the connection feels, how right and powerful. Hermione kinda of breaks the spell when she gently touches his scar with her fingertips. Harry closes his eyes, her touch so loving and caring, nothing like what Marga does to him. Hermione shudders a little in his arms, hearing his thoughts and emotions, knowing how much it means to him that she cares, that she worries, that she loves him.

It means everything.

He knows her intentions and he lowers his head a little, her lips finding his scar, her mouth hot against his skin, her touch a balm.

Words are very unnecessary between them, practically useless. They just know what the other feels, they know every thought, sensation and emotion. If Harry wanted to, he would be able to search her mind entirely, see everything, feel everything. And she could do the same to him. But as they stare at each other, they decide it would be too much, they would cross a line doing so. Even if they don't have secrets, even if their love is everything… their individuality is also important. They fear they might get literally lost inside the other.

His thumb caress her cheek, then her slightly parted lips, her eyes blazing as he does it, he wants her as much as she wants him, but right now… she tilts her head when she understands what he's thinking. Without even blinking, Hermione pulls up her blouse, standing in front of him in her red bra. He gulps at the sight of her, his fingers going down her neck and stopping at her scar. It's precisely above her heart, exactly like his. He touches it gently, Harry knows it's stinging a little, he can feel it like if it were his own. His touch calms the pain immediately and they raise their eyebrows, curious. He leans over, kissing it softly, making her sigh, her hands going to his hair instinctively.

The pain subsides greatly and he kisses her tender breast. He takes his time as he spread kisses across her chest, as his mouth closes around her hard nipple above the lacy bra. She tugs his hair slightly and he knows exactly what to do, he knows exactly what she wants. He takes off her bra, slowly kissing her neck, his hands on her breasts, his lips finding hers again. It's a slow kiss, hot and provocative. His teeth catching her lower lip, their breathes heavy. Sharing a meaningful look, Hermione touches his shirt, her hand going down his chest, the piece of clothe obeys her silent command and disappears instantly. He stays in place, knowing she'll touch his back, knowing that she wants to run her fingers through his scars. Her eyes blaze while she does it, her brows knitting. He feels how it affects her to imagine the pain he felt when he got them and he tries his best not to think about it. He shakes his head discreetly, his hand bringing her closer by the neck, his way of saying 'don't worry, I'm fine now', his other arm going around her waist and seizing her, joining their hips, making both gasp.

They move as one, their destination the bed while they share another kiss. It seems to him that each time he sees her he wants her even more, and to his surprise he recognizes that she feels the same. He hovers over her on the bed, breaking their kiss and stopping to watch her. She smiles, an unique smile that screams to him how much she loves him, a smile filled with admiration and affection. He closes his eyes, his heart doubting if he's worthy of her. He's aware she can tell what he's thinking and her response is a gentle touch on his cheek, her own emotions reassuring him. He feels her lips on his, a soft peck, her arms locking behind his neck and bringing him down. She doesn't kiss him again, instead, she hugs him, her cheek against his, their hearts as close as possible and beating as one. He buries his face on the crook of her neck.

Again, he can't tell how long they stay there. If he couldn't read her thoughts he would move, afraid of his massive body hurting her, but he knows that's not the case, he has no reason to move. Her nails grasp his back gently as his hands squeeze her sides, one of his legs between hers.

It's amazing to feel her warm body, to just… be with her. He sets his jaw. Since meeting again in New York they haven't had the time to just hold each other, feel the other, really connect unencumbered of other problems or issues. He lifts his head to gaze into her eyes. They share this thought. They need this moment to heal, they need this to forgive, to understand. He kisses her again, their hearts swelling. Different from what happened inside the wine cellar - an encounter filled with crazy lust - this time their connection is not focused on their bodies, but is syncing their minds and souls. Their magic is already working as one since Harry explained everything inside their dream and he's sure that after the wine cellar their bodies are connected as one more than ever, however, what they're sharing right now is new. They've always been close, but not like this, not with this intensity, with this freedom.

Not ever entirely free of secrets and fears.

Hermione wishes again for the rest of their clothes to disappear. The contact of their naked bodies is electrifying, a pleasant chill running through them. Harry feels complete. He's… happy. They're happy. Not even if he tried he would be able to wipe the smile off his face. Her hands go down his back, pulling him even closer, their minds working already as one.

He can't describe the sensation.

The moment he enters her is like nothing else exists. The world seems insignificant close to what they're sharing. Harry moves slowly, aware of her pleasure, aware of his, incredibly connected to their needs. They never break eye contact, their mouths close to each other, their bodies acting as one. A thousand things passes between them. Suddenly he understands all the pain she felt when he left all those years ago, he really sees what his action did to her, and the same way she understands his motivations, finally grasping the depth of his desperation, how inevitable it was for him to try to protect her regardless the consequences. He never tried putting this into words, but it's the first time she fully comprehends how much she means to him, how her happiness and safety comes first and above anything else for him. And he gets her fear of getting lost inside him, he gets what it means for her. She was always the 'freak', the girl who had to prove herself time after time, day after day. It's just logical she would feel like giving into him entirely would be like losing control over everything she conquered by showing others her true value. But he also sees that her happy place is with him, regardless how difficult things might be.

His slow thrusts get a little faster, their hearts speeding, their breathing hard.

They're not perfect. Far from it. They tend to be stubborn, each trying to win every argument, they also know how much they've hurt each other over all these years, even recently, but it couldn't have been any other way, if it were it wouldn't be them. And as they reach their orgasm it's easy to realize how petty and little these discussions between them are. Harry and Hermione are much more than that, what they have is bigger than anything else, stronger than any kind of love. It's infinite. It's right.

Inevitable. Since they first met. Since they first kissed. Since forever.

It takes both a moment to realize their magic exploded. The room is a mess, it seems like everything floated and crashed down to the floor as they reached their peak, a little like it was the first time they had sex, but way more powerful. Harry's eyes are wide as he watches what they caused, Hermione's loud laugh brings him back to her, the happiness filling their hearts and-

"You're glowing." He says, his mouth hanging open, their bodies still connected.

"You too."

She runs her hand through his hair, a smile on her face.

"I'm sorry-"

She presses a finger against his mouth. "It's okay. I understand."

"I understand you too." He kisses her. "I'm just afraid."

"I know."

He moves on the bed, lying by her side and bringing her with him, his arms protective around her, their legs tangled together. They both come to a silent agreement about closing off most of their connection, at least the bit where their thoughts and emotions are acting as one in order for them to have a clear conversation. "We'll fight, Hermione. You're right, we can't just roll over to Marga's wishes."

"How are we doing that, Harry?" She traces her fingers on his chest following a pattern. Thinking. He watches her as she comes closer to him, her arms tighter around his torso. He sighs in happiness, kissing the top of her head. She kisses his chest. Their bodies still feel charged, everywhere their skin touches one another an electric sensation passes through them, their magic humming and their power stronger, more solid. Alive. "If you stand with me against her, your plan to be on the inside is over." She states, her voice firm.

"I know." He bites the inside of his cheeks. "What if…" She raises her eyes to him. "If I stay on her side, maybe I can be the one in charge after her takeover."

Hermione scrunches her nose. "You think she trusts you this much?"

"I don't know. But it's odd that she wanted me to be in the good graces of the traditional families. I escaped Azkaban and did bad things according to the papers." He squeezes her arm a bit. "It feels planned. And these people have a distorted sense of reality. They might see me as their new savior. Their new Voldemort. Maybe I'm finally doing what I was meant to do. By their standards, of course."

"You think that's what she wants, Harry? To have you as the new Dark Lord?" Hermione moves, releasing him and sitting on the bed, leaning against the headboard. He admires her in all her naked glory. She's still glowing and he can see the thin layer of sweat on her skin, her hair a beautiful mess. He groans. She looks even hotter that way. She gives him a mischievous smile and he sits up too, his lips finding hers fast, his hands already on her breasts. She stops the kiss. "As much as I want to have my way with you again, we need to talk." He presses his head against the headboard, breathing hard and she chuckles, her hands on his neck.

Harry finally sits properly and she moves into his arms. It's so natural. So domestic. She must feel the same because she fully relaxes and they chuckle together, their minds working as one even with the connection closed. Harry wants to be in this position forever. With Hermione in his arms. His hands stop at her stomach and he thinks about their son, about this baby that has no idea everything they've been through. "Hey there, little guy." He says on their bond and Hermione's hands press over his. He can't see her face but he knows she's smiling. "It's Harry. Your dad." He kisses her cheek. "I can't wait to meet you. We already love you so much." Hermione sighs and as he feels her wave of pure contentment he also feels an irrational hate emanating from her.

"What is it?" He asks.

"I hate this situation. I hate Marga. I hate Chang. Jack. Those ten years apart. This stupid prophecy." He doesn't answer. He hates it all too. "I just want to be with you. Is that so hard?" He pulls her even closer to his chest. "I should hand over the Ministry when she comes for it." He can tell how much it pains her to say that. "It would be the wisest."

"Hermione. If you want to fight… I know how much it means to you. I could reveal myself, go back to your side. Maybe give it a go in harming Marga before I do-"

"No. I don't want you to put yourself in more danger, Harry. She still thinks you're obeying her and we should use this to our advantage. Plus, it would be easier to really explore our connection if she doesn't pay much attention to you. I hate it, but we need to play our parts. You need to stay by her side and I need to bow down to her." He nods and there's a comfortable silence between them. "I- Killian is coming to my house this week. We'll try to translate the parchments." Harry closes his eyes, trying his best not to react, but he knows she can feel everything through their bond. "Don't be jealous." She sighs. "I know you'll be, regardless, because it's exactly how I feel whenever I even imagine you with Chang." She turns in his arms. "Killian is a friend, Harry." She looks down, pondering. "We kissed." He inhales sharply. "Once." She waves her hand, but doesn't say anything else. He closes his eyes. Hermione doesn't try to explain herself and he understands. But his boiling blood doesn't, the heaviness in his chest also.

When he finally opens his eyes, he asks, "How did you meet?" Hermione turns back in his arms.

"The next morning after they trapped us inside the cellar, I woke up feeling awful. I had a terrible headache and I fainted." He frowns, worried. "Yeah, odd. Killian was the healer who took care of me and well, he's Luna's cousin, we met at Diagon Alley a few weeks later and went to the movies." She stops. It's implicit what happened next. She lets him take a few deep breaths and then she soothes him through their connection. Harry knows how ridiculous it is for him to be jealous. What he shares with Hermione is unique. He kisses her shoulder and neck, her hands caressing his forearms. Then-

"The headache." He says slowly. "How awful was it?"

"Absurd. I never felt anything like that."

His mind works fast, the pieces coming together and she squeezes his forearms, catching up with him.

"You also felt it. Marga burned me that night and you felt it somehow." She nods.

"Maybe. It makes sense. I mean… it's totally possible since we can share anything-" She stops and turns again, her eyes wide. "That's it, Harry!" He's not quite there yet and he tilts his head. "What if I can share this voice inside your head, this burden, with you? This darkness? You don't have to deal with everything alone, we could-"

"No. Not a chance."

"Hear me out!"

"Hermione!" His voice is a tone higher. "I won't let you get in touch with this!"

She purses her lips and takes his hand. "Harry. We're two halves of a whole, love. I'll be the one not letting you carry this on your own. This is our fight, it's our family, our lives. We're in this together, more than ever." He shakes his head. He tucked this voice and darkness so far inside him he knew Hermione wouldn't find it so easily. But she haven't even tried and if she wants to…

He sighs. "There's no way of convincing you out of this?"

"No." Her voice is firm and final.

She rearranges herself on the bed and magically puts on some underwear. Harry mimics her, understanding the moment and the seriousness of it. He sits with his legs crossed under him and she straddles him, her legs around him coming together at his back. He snorts a laugh. "What?" She asks innocently. "I want to be comfortable." She moves her hips on his lap and he grunts, narrowing his eyes at her. She smiles and kisses him softly.

"Ready?" She nods.

He has no idea how they'll do this but they open their connection fully again and they automatically glow brighter. The atmosphere around them is charged with magic, like an energy pulsing, throbbing to be unleashed, a caged animal pounding against the bars of its cell. Hermione puts both hands against his temples, Harry is sure the touch isn't necessary, but she does it to center herself, ready to lighten this heaviness he's been caring for so long. He's nervous. And worried.

They look deep into each other's eyes, both their scars stinging a little. Harry can't help wondering what it means while he feels Hermione smoothly traveling through his feelings and thoughts, through his emotions, fears, desires, wishes. She's present everywhere. In his mind, soul, body, heart. He squeezes her waist, his fingers digging deep into her flesh as she reaches that spot he hid so well. She bites her lower lip, their scars start bleeding slowly, one drip after the other. But she doesn't stop. Harry is barely breathing. Her fingers go through his hair, her palms still on his temples. Then… she touches it. Whatever the voice is, it screams inside their heads. Harry wants her to stop, but Hermione discreetly shakes her head, setting her jaw and going deeper.

The voice manifests itself in shrieks and images of darkness: Draco and Ginny's house destroyed, consumed by fire and their corpses there. Ron and Luna begging for their lives and getting killed right after. They both inhale sharply the moment the next image fills their minds. Lily and Laura. Dead. Hermione starts crying and he's sure he can't hold her any tighter than he already is. Hermione closes her eyes and Harry sees big tears falling out of them, but she doesn't stop. Grunting, she prods further, her legs around him squeezing painfully. It takes a moment for Harry to realize that the room is getting trashed by so much magic. Things are getting silently obliterated, turning into complete dust behind them. The chair at the corner, the lamp. It's like Hermione is seizing the energy from things, or around things to do this. He purses his lips. Their connection is getting stronger and stronger, he can feel what she's doing and he decides helping. He has no idea how, but in a second he's also taking this energy from somewhere.

Magic is everywhere.

Now the darkness is fighting her, resisting the way she's trying to destroy it. The voice yells clearly now, resembling so much Voldemort's Locker it gives Harry the chills. But it's using Harry's voice and mind to push Hermione away:

"Go away your filthy mudblood! I don't want you here. Or maybe I do. Maybe I'm the real Harry, the Harry you can't see. And the only one capable of speaking the truth. I don't love you! You're nothing but a liar and-"

The voice cuts short when Hermione throws her magic at it. Harry releases a deep breath. They're covered in blood from their scars, her eyes closed and a wrinkle between her brows. He can tell the moment she decides not sharing the voice, but actually destroying it completely. Harry understands that's what she's doing as she covers the darkness inside him with her light.

She opens her eyes when it's over. Raising an eyebrow, she questions inside their connection if the voice is really gone. To be honest Harry doesn't feel any different, but he can't find the voice anywhere, not hidden, not in the open. Hermione smiles, her hands going down to his neck. She's relieved and he feels a little 'drunk' by her light. They wonder if Marga will notice this change. There's no way of knowing, they'll have to wait and see. She kisses him gently, her eyes going over all the blood and she scrunches her nose. Their scars are burning hot. With a mutual understanding they slowly close off the connection, trying to ground themselves-

Suddenly, Hermione screams to the ceiling, the muscles of her neck tense, her teeth gritting.

"HERMIONE!" He can't reach her through their bond, the sensation strange and then-

She flies across the room and the magic really explodes. A blinding whiteness almost knocking him out. But Harry gets up fast and takes her in his arms. She's breathing hard, blinking and clutching to him.

Then, as fast as it happened, it's over.

Everything is back to it's place, they're not glowing anymore, there's nothing floating, no objects being obliterate. The room is as normal as it gets. Their scars are fine, the only indication they hurt at some point the dried blood on them.

Harry helps her up, worried, his hands on her belly. "I'm fine." She says and he feels their baby in their bond. He feels her and Lily and Laura. They hug, confused.

"Shit." He murmurs against her hair. "What the fuck just happened?"

"I have no idea. We should close off our connection. I mean, after this…" She trails and he agrees. "Do you feel any better?"

He pouts, pondering. "It's not here anymore." She smiles and he kisses her. "What would I do without you?"

She takes a step back. "Do you think the wards around the house are still on? After this much magic…"

"I'll check it." He enters the bathroom and starts cleaning the blood from his forehead and cheek. Hermione enters behind him, their eyes meeting on the mirror. She's naked again and he sees her entering the shower. He promises to be back soon.

As he puts on a t-shirt, he heads downstairs and calls for Draco. In a blink his friend is there, frowning at him. His hands open in front of him in a clear question.

"Didn't you guys hear?" Harry asks. "Or felt?" He's talking about the explosion, the magic, everything. Draco sneers.

"What? You and Hermione having wild sex?" Harry sighs.

"I'm serious, man. There was an explosion of magic upstairs. Something in our connection." Ginny is getting closer to them, her eyes worried.

"No. We didn't hear anything." Draco is looking around. "Do you think the wards are gone?" He's already checking for Harry. "Everything is in place, Harry."

Harry runs his hand through his hair. "What happened?" Ginny asks.

"I- can we talk later? I'm knackered."

"Sure." She says. "We're going to bed also." She gives him a half hug. "It's good to have you back."

He smiles. It feels good to be back.

He showers too and climbs the bed to hold Hermione in his arms. The room is dark and she immediately relaxes into him as they embrace each other, his hand caressing her arm and her fingers on his chest, doing those same patterns he loves so much.

"Harry," Her voice is soft and he waits for her to continue, "Do you remember when we weren't speaking and Athena went with you to a forest?"

He moves, a little nervous. "Yes. The day I met Chang at the cabin."

"How protected is that cabin?"

The question takes him a little by surprise. He was expecting her to talk about Cho or the Stone, or how she felt when meeting him in her animagus form after everything that had happened between them. He frowns.

"It's extremely secure."

"We should use it." She lifts her head from his chest. "I want to explore our connection as deep as possible." He can see her thinking. "What happened here today was…" She sighs. "We need to understand this completely. We need to be ready to use this bond we share in our favor. Marga is coming at us with everything she has. The least we could do is be ready for it." She lays down her head again and presses her body against his and he pulls her even closer. "We've been fools letting her keep us apart." She kisses his chest.

After a long silence, she says, "My favorite sound in the world is the beating of your heart."

He moves on the bed, bringing her face to his, rearranging them in a way that he can look into her eyes. "I love you." He kisses her.

"I love you." She says back to him and as they find comfort in each other again, he can't help thinking how it all feels like the calm before the storm.

Note: So, I thought they needed this kind of closure... to finally let go of all the hurt and be able to move on. With that in mind, we're entering a new and final moment of the story. Next chapter we get to see them dealing with how deep their connection is running...

As always, thank you for reading! We're getting closer to the end!