London, July, 2011
Even after years of doing it, traveling through portkey is something Harry would never enjoy. He feels sick to the stomach, however he suspects the reason isn't exactly the wild journey they just had.
It's the crack of dawn and he's in London. Home. After so many years.
"Well, it still looks the same, doesn't it?" Ginny says by his side.
Lily, Draco and Dominic are inside the house looking around. They've arrived at a Malfoy Mansion - apparently there are a few of those but Draco never thought about telling anyone, not even his wife, which guaranteed him a nasty look from her - up a hill that gives them a vision of London from above. It's been a week since they decided to really move back. Harry and Draco were able to arrange a transference from MACUSA and the same way Ginny already got a privileged position in her journal's branch in England.
Harry feels cold and uncertain. For ten years he avoided this city and everything it meant to him. He wonders where Hermione might be right now, what she must be doing, with whom. He purses his lips. The last few times he observed Lily talking to Hermione through the floo he noticed something was different with her. For anyone she seemed normal, but he wasn't anyone. He knew Hermione. Knew the way she moved when nervous or how her words were a bit faster or the way she imperceptibly nibbled at her lower lip. She was anxious about something.
They hadn't told anyone about the move. They wanted it to be a surprise, however, Harry is a little unsure of this decision right now.
"How do you think they'll react?" He asks Ginny.
"I owled Ron and asked him to be here in…" She looks at her wrist watch. "He should arrive any minute now."
And just as in cue, a confused Ron Weasley appears in front of them. "What the hell?" He shouts and smiles broadly. "NO WAY!" He hugs Ginny first, then Harry, his laughs of pure joy and excitement leading Harry and Ginny to do the same. "Why didn't you guys tell you were visiting? Mum would be over the moon to accommodate all of you at the Burrow! Where's my nephew? Lily? Malfoy? Does Hermione know?"
"Wow, wow, easy there, Ron!" Harry says.
"UNCLE RON!" Lily comes from the entrance running towards Ron and hugging him.
Draco and Dominic emerge from the mansion as well greeting Ron with enthusiasm. "Wow, nice place you got here, Malfoy." Ron points to the big 'M' on the entrance, making fun of his brother in law.
"You do know this is my place also, right? As Mrs Malfoy and all?" Ginny provokes her brother.
"Do people really call you Mrs Malfoy?" Ron seems appalled and Ginny denies it, laughing.
"Okay, okay. Enough with jokes on my expense, very funny, ha ha. Look, Ronald if we're going to live in the same city I'll not tolerate this at-" Draco stops mid sentence putting a hand against his mouth. Ron begins to understand as Ginny muffles a laugh. "I'm sorry, I guess I ruined the surprise." Draco shrugs.
"Are you staying? Seriously?" Ginny confirms and Ron once again celebrates by hugging everyone, except Malfoy, whom he just pats on the shoulder. "You too, right, Harry? You can't leave if Ginny is staying here!"
"I don't know why people assume I can't live without Ginny and Draco, but, yes, I'm staying too." He hugs Ron again.
"This is wicked awesome! I'm so happy! Merlin, Laura!" He spins Lily around. "Your sister will be so happy! Not to mention your mother!"
Harry flinches at the mention of Hermione, the mere thought of facing her doing funny things to his insides.
"Okay, Ron, I know you're happy and all but you can't tell anyone, it's a surprise that my incredible husband just ruined for you, true, but I want to tell mum and dad and everyone else, okay? The same way I guess Harry wants to be the one to tell Hermione, am I wrong?" They all look at Harry.
"I want to tell her, yes." Am I sweating? By just talking about talking to her? Merlin.
"See? So, can you do us a big favor, big brother?"
"Of course, Ginny, anything."
"Gather everyone, tell mum to prepare one of hers Sunday's lunch, make a party out of it. What do you think?"
"And you know what? We could also celebrate Harry's birthday!" Draco says and Harry knows it's Malfoy finally getting back at him for the punch he gave him one week ago. Harry scowls at Draco.
"Yes! Please, dad? A party with everyone? For your birthday! It would be perfect!"
Draco smirks at him. "See, Potter, your daughter agrees, perfect!"
"And since your birthday is near you know Molly Weasley won't accept no for an answer. Sorry, Harry, but it is perfect." Ron says.
"Fine." He mumbles. "But no presents!"
"Awwww, dad! Presents are the best part of the birthday!"
"Yeah, okay, Lily, he can say that, but he knows we're getting him presents, he just likes to be humble." Draco soothes her.
"I swear, Malfoy-"
"Enough, you two." Ginny cuts Harry's answer. "Can you do that, Ron?"
"Of course. Don't worry. Are you staying here, too?" He asks Harry and Lily.
"Just for now while we search for a house." Harry answers. "By the way, Ron…" he hesitates. "Can you give me Hermione's address? I want to talk to her right away."
"Yes, sure, no problem, if you want I can take you there, she's probably home now."
Animus Mansion
Hermione stares at the ring with growing disbelief. After Jack's proposal she's been all over the place going crazy with indecision and a profound desire to talk to Harry, to go after him. She told Jack she needed time to think. To her their relationship is relatively new even if their feelings are strong for each other, marriage is something else. Something she wasn't sure she was ready for. But now… she said yes. Jack spent the night with her since Laura was at her parents' and they had a long conversation, one that put all her fears at ease. She couldn't live petrified all her life waiting, wishing for something that was never going to happen. Hell, I just saw Harry and nothing changed after so many years. He has someone and I have to move on with my life.
So, she took a leap of faith. She told Jack everything. She finally opened up to a partner and he was amazing. She cried and he comforted her, she got angry and he told her it was understandable. And he said he already suspected Harry was Laura's father. Well, it wasn't that hard to figure it out. What really surprised him was the fact that Lily existed. Hermione complained about Harry's stubbornness too. Then they had sex. She felt satisfied and calm, marriage seemed the next step, the right choice. So I said yes.
She laughs alone. Now I just have to tell Laura… and Lily. And Harry. Do I? Do I have to tell him? Really? No one knows yet. She imagines her friends will be happy for her, especially Ron, he always said she had to move on. Her parents already love Jack. Yes, it is my decision. The right one.
She turns the ring on her finger. Thoughts of how much she wished it was Harry's proposal being squashed down with ferocity.
The unmistakable sound of an apparition inside the foyer halts her. Only the Weasleys and Jack can apparate inside the house and she's not expecting anyone now, maybe Jack forgot something.
Her high heels click on the floor as she walks to the foyer, projecting her voice "Jack, did you forget something-"
She stops dead on her tracks. It's not Jack. It's Ron. Ron and Harry. Harry. She blinks fast. Maybe I'm imagining things. But he's still there. Standing in the middle of her house. She opens and closes her mouth, no sound coming out of it. He seems a little uncomfortable. Hands in his pockets, he shrugs and smiles shyly.
"Hey-"
"How did you get in?" She's being rude, she knows, but he shouldn't be able to apparate inside her house.
"Oh, I wasn't sure Harry would pass the protection around the house but he did, wicked, right?" Ron says.
"What are you doing here?" Not a proper hello. Her mind goes to the ring on her finger and she feels like it weights a ton. She inadvertently hides her hand behind her back.
"I- I-" Harry stutters, her manners putting him off.
"I'll be on my way, I need to go, see you later, right?" Ron doesn't give them time to respond, he just apparates away.
She watches as Harry takes a deep breath and runs his hands through his already messy hair. He seems different from the last time they saw each other almost a month ago. He looks casual, more relaxed and as handsome as ever. I can't deal with this right now. She's opening her mouth to ask him again what he's doing inside her house, when he raises a hand and starts talking.
"I'm back. I mean, I'm moving back to London with Lily. She's going to Hogwarts, I realized it's the best for her and for Laura and I think we've suffered enough, haven't we?" He keeps talking, not looking at her but at the floor as he goes back and forth. She can't believe what she's hearing. "Ten years ago I was an idiot and the way we parted this time showed me that maybe I hadn't grown up not even a little and I can't be that guy, you know? That father that takes away the happiness from his daughters, or the old man that dies alone from pure stubbornness, right? So I'm back and I-" He stops.
Hermione is in total shock. She never expected this, never. So she takes a few moments to understand that he stopped because he's staring at her engagement ring. Eyes wide. Her hand moved from behind her back to her mouth when trying to suppress her utter surprise with his words.
"Are you-" He moves closer to her. "Are you getting married?" his voice cracks and she feels like crying.
She closes her eyes. This can't be happening. "Yes." She whispers. She can't escape from this. It's inevitable. Harry was going to find out one way or another.
Harry just stares at her and for the first time in more than ten years she feels their connection, faintly. A deep sadness emanating from him.
"Harry-"
"Congratulations." He cuts her. "I'm happy for you." He swallows hard. "So, I have to go, but that was it. I wanted you to know that I'm back and that Lily is here. She wants to see you as soon as possible, so maybe today after work?" He's walking away from her, heading to the front door. "I'll owl you where we're staying for now." He opens the door, obviously anxious to be out of the house. Without looking at her again he closes it, and the scene of Harry leaving her house that way finally puts her into motion. She runs to the door opening it in a rapid movement, but there's no one outside. He's already gone.
Ministry of Magic
As Draco waits for Harry, his eyes search the Ministry's atrium. They are supposed to check in today to talk to the Head Auror and manage their positions in the department. What is taking Potter so long? Maybe he finally settled things with Granger. Draco hates the Ministry. He hates and at the same time loves it. The last time he set foot on the place was at his father's trial, him and his mother were also being questioned, their whole lives exposed to the wizarding world, everyone eager to condemn them for the rest of their days. For Draco it was all a show, not a real trial, not something to prove guilty or innocence. It was something to ease others, to fulfill their expectations.
Draco knew nothing and no one believed him. Which brings him to the reason why he loves the last time he was at the Ministry. As he left the court room, angry and sad, he bumped into someone, the only thing he saw was the ginger hair before registering anything else. She apologized and then scowled at him, the way she said 'oh, it's you' conquered his heart. She hated him and he was finally free to look at her differently and as he did he noticed her incredible eyes, how intense they were. In an impulse he asked if she wanted to grab a coffee with him. To his surprise she widened her eyes and smiling a little while shrugging she said 'why not'.
Well, Dominic is proof of the rest of the story.
"Hey, sorry I'm late." Harry is by his side.
"What happened? You look like shit. Don't tell me you two argued again."
"No, we didn't."
Draco's been Harry's friend for almost a decade now, so he knows Harry is mad angry. Draco also knows there's no point in pressing the issue right now, Harry will talk whenever he feels comfortable to do it.
"Good."
They walk through the atrium in silence, people's heads turning as they pass. It's not exactly common knowledge yet that Harry Potter is back. Draco hears whispers of 'is that Potter?' and 'Harry Potter' around them and notices that Harry ignores everything, he doesn't even flinch. After so many years Draco can understand that both of them went through a lot of shit while still kids and maybe that's the reason they are good friends now, life showed them they had more in common than they could imagine.
Finally when they are on the Auror's floor Draco says. "Do you know the name of the Head here?"
"No idea."
"Hey, you there!" Draco calls a young man that for sure is an Auror that just got out of his diapers. "Can you point me the Head's office?"
The man does and stares at them. "Are you Harry Potter?" His eyes wide.
"Yes, yes, he is, and I'm Draco Malfoy and you can go kiss someone else's ass now. Go. Shoo." Draco motions the man out of their way as they head to the office.
"That was rude."
"Look, I know something is wrong with you and I'm very tired of this whole 'Harry Potter' thing."
"Jealous?"
"Please, Potter, I'm way better than you."
Harry laughs and Draco feels better for his friend. Draco knocks on the door. The sign in front of it says: Jack Winter - Head Auror
Hermione should be at the Ministry by now, but she can't think properly. She knocks and knocks on Ron's door. She tried apparating inside but something stopped her and she wound up at his doorstep. "Ron, I know you're there, I need to talk to you!"
After a few minutes he opens the door. "Hermione? Shouldn't you be at the Ministry? What's wrong? Oh my, did you kill Harry? Where's he?"
"Just let me in."
He steps in front of her. "Hum, I'm not sure now it's the best time-"
"What? It is, of course it is." She pushes him out of the way and enters the flat. "Honestly, Ron, you should clean more often."
Her eyes go over the place and she realizes a few things around the living room are definitely not Ron's. "Oh, is someone here?" She smirks at him, her problems forgotten for a while. "I didn't know you were dating! Who's she?" She's curious. Ron is very private about his relationships.
"What? No! There's no one here-"
"Ron, do you have any clean towels?" A voice comes from his bedroom. Ron closes his eyes, swearing. Hermione raises her eyebrows.
"Wow there, I know this voice." She really does. And the woman comes into view from the corridor, blond hair all over combined with big dreamy blue eyes and Ron's clothes. Luna Lovegood. Oh My Merlin. "Luna!"
"Hermione!" They hug. "It's been a while. How are you?"
"Fine, I'm fine and you?"
"Are you really?" Luna watches her and leans her head to the side, measuring Hermione. "Something is very wrong with you, Hermione."
"What?"
"Yes, I can tell, you know I teach Divination at Hogwarts now, right?"
Hermione holds herself not to laugh. Fucking Divination. "I know."
"Okay, sweetie, here's your towel." Ron practically walks Luna to the bathroom as she waves goodbye to Hermione.
"So, Luna, huh?" Hermione can't wipe the smile from her face. Ron turns almost purple from embarrassment. "Hey, I like her, I just never thought you would look at her that way. How long has this been happening?"
"Seven months." Hermione's mouth hangs open. "I really like her, Hermione."
"Why no one knows about this, then?"
Ron sighs. "I'm afraid I'll tell people and things will start to go wrong… like if no one knows, nothing can ruin this. Am I being silly?"
"Not at all. If it works for both of you, what's the problem, right?"
He smiles at her. "So, what happened?"
Hermione extends her hand to him, the ring shining bright. Ron opens his mouth. "Harry asked you to marry him?" He laughs. "This day is getting better and better, I swear!"
"It's Jack."
"What?"
"I'm engaged to Jack."
"But-"
"Is he really back?"
"Who? Jack?"
"No! Harry!"
"Yes, yes. Ginny and Draco also. I'm gathering everyone to have lunch at the Burrow, Ginny will tell the news there, and… Jack, really?"
"Ron-"
"Are you happy?"
"I-" Am I? Maybe if Harry hadn't shown up like that. Maybe if he had but a day earlier and- no, no. Harry is in the past. Jack is the future. Focus on the future. "Yes."
Ron watches her, cautiously. "So why are you here, acting like there is a crisis?" She blinks.
"No, no. There is no crisis. None at all. Things are great, everything is fine."
"Huh."
"I'm serious."
"Okay then, I guess I owe you a congratulations?" Ron opens his arms and she hugs him.
"Thank you, Ron. I just wanted to be sure that Harry was being serious about moving back, because he can't say something like that and get the girls hopes up just to leave again."
"He seems pretty serious about it. He and Lily are staying with Ginny and Draco, but he told me he's gonna look for a house tomorrow." He squints at her. "What happened between you two?"
"Nothing. We finally acted like the adults we are, I guess. Am I invited to this amazing lunch at the Burrow?"
"Of course. Bring your fiance." He challenges her.
"Yes, I guess it will be a good opportunity to tell everyone. Won't it?"
Ron sighs again. "Hermione. Are you sure?"
"I'm always sure. I have to go now, thank you, Ron. For listening."
"Sure, see you."
And in a blink she's gone.
Ministry of Magic, Head Auror's Office
The man behind the big desk exams carefully the file with their transference and details about their abilities and missions, as well as all the information on the last few years that they dedicated to the training of new Aurors. Draco and Harry stand there, quiet, waiting.
Harry immediately disliked his new superior. He can't tell why but the way the man looked at him when he entered the office was indication enough. Maybe he feels threatened by me. Everyone knew that if Harry hadn't left England he would be, by now, Head Auror for sure. To his surprise, Jack is extremely young, maybe two years older than him, so he must be very good.
"So," he finally says. "I'm not sure what to do with you two. I mean, you're more than capable of doing anything… but at the moment there aren't spots for training new Aurors, and if I understood correctly this is your priority."
"Yes, sir." Draco answers.
"We need an Auror at the international relations, fancy a trip to Australia, Auror Potter?"
Harry can't be sure if he's serious. "I rather not, sir." Draco coughs masking a laugh.
"Fine, you two can do some desk work for now, starting tomorrow, but I'm sure something more interesting will come up soon enough. Any complains?"
"None, sir."
They nod, ready to exit the office. Harry turns his back to Jack but the man calls to him. "Auror Potter?" He turns back around.
"Yes, sir?"
"Do you intend on staying this time?"
Harry really doesn't like him. He opens his mouth to answer but the office's door swings open and a voice fills the room. "Jack, I need to talk to you-"
It's Hermione. "Oh," She stops at the door, unsure. Harry doesn't turn to look at her, differently from Draco that greets her with a hug. Jack stands up.
"Hermione."
"I'm sorry to interrupt, I thought you were alone."
"There's no problem at all." Jack says and smiles at her. Draco raises his eyebrows and glances at Harry.
"Harry." Hermione acknowledges him.
"Granger." He answers.
Harry feels cold. It can't be. "Oh, that's right, I forgot you knew each other." Jack says coming forward and meeting Hermione halfway from his desk. He greets her with a chaste kiss on the lips and Harry wishes the man would drop dead. Hermione seems a little surprised by the action, but says nothing. Harry can't function. His muscles are stiff and his emotions are running wild inside him. He's afraid she might feel something through their connection. He knows she felt it earlier in her house. He tightens his jaw so hard he fears he might break something.
"Sir, if there's nothing else, we would like to be excused." Draco saves the day.
"Sure, you can go."
Harry doesn't wait, turning on his heels he exits the office as if it was on fire. Draco is right behind him, they don't talk and don't stop till they reach the floo and head back to Draco's Mansion.
Malfoy Mansion
"What the hell was that?" Are Draco's first words.
"She's fucking engaged to that- that-" Harry breathes heavily. He wants to explode something.
"Hey, boys, back already?" Ginny greets them, and then looking at Harry, "Oh, no, what happened?"
"Our superior is Hermione's fiance." Draco says to her.
"WHAT? She's getting married? Since when? How? WHERE?"
"Why is the 'where' relevant, love?"
"I don't know, Draco, shut up!" She's exasperate, Draco looks at her in disbelief. "Harry, do you care to explain?"
"Where's Lily?" He asks.
"Outside, playing with Dominic. She really wants to see Hermione and Laura, Harry."
Harry closes his eyes and in an impulse screams to the ceiling. He wants to let it all out. Everything he's feeling. Regret, anger, solitude, disbelief, sadness. Is there a spell to stop my heart from aching?
A scared house elf appears. "Is everything alright, masters?" The elf eyes Harry suspiciously.
"Are you done, Potter? You're frightening the house elf." Draco turns to the elf. "Bring us a soothing drink, please."
"No. I want something strong, please." Harry says in turn. The elf agrees and disappears. Harry finally sits and holds his head with both hands. "Fuck, fuck, fuck! I can't even ignore her! Lily and Laura will always be a connection between us and I'm so angry right now, this is so absurd-"
"Harry, calm down!"
"This can't be real…" A few tears run down his face. Ginny sits by his side and Draco puts a hand on his shoulder.
Just many drinks and a few hours later Harry finally feels a little better. Ron is entertaining Lily and Dominic with a few Quidditch tricks giving Harry proper time to talk to Ginny and Draco.
They're all a little drunk. "I still can't believe it, Harry." Ginny says.
"You know what, Ginny?" He puts his glass down and gets up. A owl taps the nearest window. Harry keeps talking while walking to retrieve the letter. "If she's marrying this guy she must love him and I don't want to be in the way of Hermione's happiness once again. I'm done with all our history. It's over. She clearly agrees." Harry fetches the letter. Draco and Ginny exchange looks.
"What if her happiness is with you?"
"Obviously it isn't. It's from her." He raises his hand, showing the letter. "She's coming with Laura. They should arrive soon. I'll warn Lily."
He exits the living room.
"The way Hermione entered the office and kissed our boss..." Draco shakes his head. "It was brutal. Harry shouldn't be going through this. Why can't they be together? He came back for her!"
Ginny, sitting on his lap kisses his cheek. "Aren't you a romantic?" She smiles. "I feel for them, but we can't control their choices, believe me, if I could they would be married with five kids by now." She shrugs and he laughs. "We just have to be there for them, especially because it all involves Lily and Laura. It won't be easy."
And Ginny was very right.
Ministry of Magic, Hermione's office
She's nervous and on the edge. Again. She's angry with herself about the way she barged into Jack's office earlier, but she is so used to do it and most of the time he is alone... she didn't think. However your mother taught you how to knock, didn't she, Hermione? Harry didn't even look at her. The way he said 'Granger' keeps echoing through her mind and heart. But he'll have to accept it, I'm marrying Jack. The fact that Jack is now Harry's superior is something she doesn't want to think about.
It's been a week since she got the Auror's file on Harry's first mission and to her disappointment it gave her almost nothing. It bothers her how well written and rehearsed the events of the night seem on paper. The report from the responsible Auror of the mission is apparently complete, except for the motive of it all.
The Auror team arrived on the location - a secluded house - and made a brief recognition, no objects or signs of dark magic were found, however, when two Aurors, after doing a Revelio, entered the empty house shouts and screams were heard by those that were searching outside. The file says that they all ran to the house, but an explosion from the inside killed those Aurors and injured others that got close. They tried putting the fire out with spells but their magic seemed off and non responsive. The responsible Auror highlights the brave way Auror Potter ran into the burning house and retrieved the corpses of his fellow Aurors. Nothing else was found inside the house and when they thought the mission was over, ten hooded wizards showed up out of nowhere circling them. They never used wands but the Aurors were hit nonetheless. 'It was like fighting ghosts' It's the way the responsible Auror describes it. But then they were able to apparate away. And that's it.
To Hermione everything seems staged. The house, the supposed dark activities in the area, the explosion. Why wasn't the responsible and more experienced Auror of the mission the first one to enter the house? It bothers her. Why their magic was off? She never heard something like that. Why ten allegedly dark wizards didn't kill a group of defenseless Aurors? It doesn't make sense. But what really gives her the chills is the time of it all. She was so nervous that night that she remembers minute by minute how long the mission lasted. The report says that the mission was over four hours before the time Harry finally got home. What happened to him on these four hours? She knew he wasn't at the Ministry nor giving any kind of statement regarding the mission. Aurors were used to do it the day after with a clearer state of mind.
So, what were you doing for four hours, Harry?
She needs to know. Now that she started this, there's no going back, even if their situation is a little delicate right now. Now that he's finally back. She's still trying to comprehend. What about all his reasons to go away? Weeks ago he told me he would never come back. What changed? Is this about me? No, no… it's for Lily, for Laura. She tries her best to rationalize the situation. She's afraid of what she might feel if she doesn't distance herself from him.
She sighs and prepares to leave her office. Her engagement ring tucked away inside her purse. She's not ready for the world to know about it and Jack said he didn't mind. Plus, before anything I have to tell my daughters.
Leaving the Ministry her first stop is at her parents' house. She's not ready to explain things to them either, so she just fetches Laura and apparates them to their house. Crouching in front of her, Hermione takes her daughter's both hands and smiles.
"I have a surprise for you. We're not staying in today, we're having dinner elsewhere."
"Really? At the Burrow?"
Laura loves the Burrow. Who doesn't?
"If I tell you it ceases to be a surprise, right?"
"The suspense is killing me, mum! But before we go, can I talk to dad and Lily?"
"No, not today. We're already late." Her owl must have arrived at least 40 minutes ago.
Malfoy Mansion
Ginny is the first to greet them. "Aunt Ginny!" Laura is over the moon already. But Hermione feels that Ginny looks at her differently and immediately she knows her engagement is the reason why.
"Where's everyone?" She asks.
"At the back, playing Quidditch." Ginny answers.
"Everyone?" Laura asks. "Is dad here?" She runs into the house.
Hermione and Ginny follow. The silence bothers Hermione a little, but she still notices how big and beautiful the Mansion is on the inside. They go through at least five living rooms before they get to the back porch. The yard is huge. Laura breaks into a run, shouting and calling the others that fly way above. Hermione recognizes Harry, Draco, Ron, Dominic and Lily's figures. Ginny stops her before she sets foot on the grass.
"Look-"
"Ginny-"
"No, let me say this." Hermione nods. "I'm your friend, Hermione and I want, from the bottom of my heart, you to be happy. I don't know this guy, Jack, but I trust you and I trust your judgment, if he makes you happy I'm more than ecstatic to help you even organize this wedding."
"Well, thanks, Gin, I-"
"I'm not done yet." Hermione starts feeling nervous. She watches as they descend from the sky. Harry is the first to hug Laura, Lily is right behind him. "Harry is my friend too and I love these girls. So, if you have any doubts, in any way about this man, about your feelings… don't do it." Ginny's tone is final.
Hermione thinks about her words as she watches Harry carrying Lily and Laura around the yard, the three of them laughing and yelling. Laughs so pure, so true. Happiness. But he's their father, their relationship has nothing to do with me or with whom I choose to spend my life with. Jack is the future, he loves me. He really does. And Harry- he doesn't love me.
"Because, Hermione, if there's even a chance for you and Harry… take it." Ginny holds her arm. "He came back, Hermione."
Hermione closes her eyes. Is there? A chance? She remembers everything they had, how happy they were even with so many obstacles… most of them Harry's fears. She also remembers how stubborn Harry is, the way he didn't trust her, those four hours he hid from me, how much they hurt each other. I can't. I can't do it all over again.
"He did it for the girls. You know it." She shakes her head. "I was here all this time, Ginny. Ten years. Not even a letter, nothing. I know there was nothing from me too, but he was the one that said that he didn't want us together anymore. I never agreed with his unilateral decision of leaving. So I don't think it's fair that now that I'm happy-" She stops talking. No, there's no doubt. "I'm sure." Ginny sighs. "I'm happy with Jack and me and Harry-" She holds back a few tears and turns to Ginny. "We're over. There's nothing there anymore, it's in the past." She doesn't wait for Ginny's answer.
Hermione steps into the yard, her arms open as she hugs Lily.
"It's gonna be a long night." Ginny murmurs to herself.
Note: I hope you all don't hate me! hahaha So, things aren't easy for Harry and Hermione... but trust me, their happy ending is coming... eventually.
I love your comments, so, leave one if you feel like it!
I'll try to update every friday, hope I can really do it