Chapter 17


The mindhealer's office looked like Hermione imagined any muggle therapist's office may look. A lush lounge set with comfortable chairs and a worn rug beneath it, book shelves neatly arranged with books, art, and even activities. It was comforting, lived in without being overwhelming. Seated across from Adelaide Mills she could understand how it would be beneficial, even easy to talk to her. Her glasses rested on the edge of her prim nose as she leaned into Hermione's long winded tale.

Hermione spent the better part of an hour recounting the events of the last few months. To Adelaide's credit she didn't interrupt during most of the explanation and only looked mildly shocked at the many twists and turns throughout the story. She was a good listener.

"... And that is why Ron suggested I come and see you, to help sort through everything."

"Ah yes, Mr. Weasley." Adelaide said sitting back in her seat, as she jotted down what was likely a long checklist of all of the traumas they would need to cover in these sessions.

Hermione said with a humorous grimace. "Can we not call him that? It makes me think of his father."

Adelaide chuckled a bit under her breath suppressing a smile at Hermione's expression. "Well alright then. What would you prefer to call him today? It could be his name, maybe a nickname?"

"I always liked his full name, so maybe just Ronald. It's… nice. No, that's not the right word. It's strong, but gentle. It fits him." Adelaide jotted down something on her pad of parchment shortly.

"Very well, Ronald it is. So how do you find your relationship with Ronald at present?"

"It's been… tough, no that's not quite the right word, challenging maybe, but not in a negative light-"

"Hermione, I think you may be getting overly fixated on choosing the proper words, let's just focus on how you're feeling about this situation. Our conversation isn't being graded for vocabulary."

It was Hemrione's turn to chuckle under her breath, "I'd probably feel better about all this if it were graded, I was always better when the marks were quantifiable."

"Is that something you find difficult now as an adult? Success in situations being unquantifiable?"

Hermione thought for a moment, "I would say that's accurate. I've always struggled with interpersonal relationships. I mean, for the majority of my time at Hogwarts I really only had two friends, and even then Ronald and I bickered constantly, both of us always needing to be right. Then again, I think that may have just been our way of trying to express interest in the other, proving we were worthy of attention."

"Has that habit re-emerged since your reunion? The bickering, I mean."

"Not so much. At first we had our fair share of serious rows, but after we got everything out in the open it has been easier to communicate without it."

"Tell me more about your communications with Ronald in recent weeks as you have come to terms with getting everything 'out in the open' as you said," Adelaide leaned in in an assuring manner.

"Well, when I first got back we were both so focused on the feelings of hurt and betrayal that had been accumulating that it was difficult to do anything else, but about a month or so ago we started to really work on rebuilding our friendship, when the block came down and his emotions were unhindered again, it opened up a new-old avenue for us, but I was hesitant as I still thought he was actively rejecting Rose."

"And has he? Rejected her, I mean."

"No, no, not at all. He's been every bit the father I knew he could be, that I wanted for her. I just… I don't really know where that leaves he and I. We've stated that we want to try to work on… rekindling, but I can't help but feel… I don't know the right word for it. Not tainted, but… maybe marred would be the correct word."

"Elaborate on that. What has you feeling disconnected in that way?"

"I think the attack in New York took a larger toll on me than I was allowing to show." Hermione said, her voice getting just the slightest bit smaller as she focused her eyes on her fingers. "Feeling vulnerable again, even voluntarily… it's terrifying."

"That is a perfectly normal response to the kind of trauma you experienced in New York. Many survivors struggle with intimacy in many forms after a situation like that, vulnerability with loved ones included."

Hermione's hands gripped each other tightly, the uneasiness in her features fading to something different, like she had made a decision. "I keep surviving things, Adelaide. I've fought in secret armies, helped slay dark wizards, been tortured by Unforgivables. Just once I would like my life to center around something I don't have to survive, I just want to live without the very act of living being a defiance against circumstances."

"That is a very profound statement, Hermione. And one I would love to help you accomplish."


Later that week Harry and Ron could be found in the training room of the Auror Department working up a sweat with a friendly duel. The days had long passed since the other Aurors would come and gawk at the two as they rapidly fired spells at each other, one after another, usually there were still trainees that would come down during their first few weeks with the department to see the war heroes in action, but with the new crop of recruits still at the Academy Ron and Harry had the training area to themselves that day.

As they began to work themselves into a sweat, trying to out maneuver and out-think their partner the men began to converse, as the rhythm of their duels had become almost predictable after all these years.

"Neville has been owling me constantly about coming to see Hermione since the article came out. Said Seamus confirmed that she was back when they were at the Leaky." Harry grunted, dodging the onslaught from Ron.

Ron did his best to reply while maintaining his concentration on the duel at hand, "Been sending me the same thing. Do you think it's a good idea?"

"Yeah… Expelliarmus!" Harry shouts, missing Ron by just inches as he dodges out of the way. "I think it would be good for everybody to get back to some kind of normal, and if she came back under any other circumstances we'd have all gotten together at the Leaky weeks ago."

"Shouldn't be in public though. I don't think she's ready for that." Ron said, sending back a stunning spell that Harry blocked with a quick shield.

At this point it really didn't help either of them to duel each other anymore. They were the best set of partners of any Auror squad, always knowing the other's next move. Unfortunately that made for a nearly uninteresting duel for those participating. These duels were more a reason to avoid paperwork than actual training. "Plus Sawyers are still out there. We need to keep her location under wraps as much as possible until we make some headway on the case."

"Burrow then? I can ask when I go for dinner tonight if that would be alright with everyone." The two continued to converse as if they weren't actively trying to curse each other between each sentence.

"Been eating dinner over there a lot recently. I'm sure your mum is loving it."

"A little too much, honestly. Need to figure out what Hermione and I are going to do about all that."

"Thinking of having her and Rose move in?" Harry nearly got himself stunned with that one. The topic catching him by surprise more than the spell itself.

"Maybe, I've been thinking on it- she can't stay at the Burrow forever, but also my place wouldn't feel right."

"What about looking for a new place together?"

"I don't know how I feel about her being out and about looking at flats while those bastards are still hunting her. I feel like I've made so much progress with her, but until they're locked up I'll always be looking over my shoulder for-" Ron finally landed a well placed petrificus totalus, just clipping Harry, but ending the duel, "-them."

As soon as he caught his breath he unstunned Harry, who huffed a bit at being left petrified for that minute. "We'll take it a day at a time. First, getting Nev and Luna to the Burrow for dinner, then we catch the Sawyers, and then you get to ride off with Hermione into the sunset," he teased.

Ron rolled his eyes as he offered Harry a hand up, "Oh, is that all?"

Neville was the first one out of the floo, eagerly ducking into the Burrow's den with Hannah's hand in his.

"Is it true? She's really here?" He asked before the flames had even sparked again for Luna to enter behind them.

"She's just outside in the garden." Harry answered his enthusiastic friend.

"Well come on then. What are we waiting for?!" Neville said, dropping Hannah's hand to burst out the door. She couldn't help but grin at his antics as Luna skipped up beside her and linked their arms to follow behind.

As soon as the new arrivals were out of the house Hermione was swept up off her feet in a bear hug, hardly having time to even registered that their guests had arrived.

"I knew it! I knew you'd come home! I'm so glad you're back safe! You have no idea how much I've worried about you!" Neville exclaimed, holding his friend tightly. Hermione couldn't help but reciprocate the enthusiastic welcome.

"It's good to see you too, Neville! However, I would very much like to remain on the ground." She said laughing as he set her back on her own two feet. "Look at you! You've gotten so tall I hardly recognized you!" Neville blushed and turned toward Luna and Hannah as they made their way out to the garden accompanied by Harry.

Luna flitted over the uneven path as those she were hardly hindered by gravity at all, before embracing Hermione in a delicate hug. "It's good to see you intact, and woolfsprite free as well! They're quite common for those who've lived in America as long as you did." Hermione couldn't help but smile, the endearing blonde hadn't changed one bit. Hermione saw Hannah bringing up the rear since Harry had walked past the introductions to stand by Ron and extended her hand to the girl.

"Good to see you, Hannah. Can't say I'm not surprised to hear about you and Neville. Congratulations!"

"Oh thank you!" Hannah shook Hermione's hand with gentle exuberance.

"Where's the baby?" Luna asked, absentminded searching around.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione just gaped at her.

"Did I get it wrong? Your energy has changed, more nurturing I only assumed…" She said trailing off. Neville and Hannah shared a look of confusion.

Hermione recovered first, "She-she's upstairs, just put her down for a nap before you got here."

"Ah, I have spoiled the surprise or perhaps a secret. My apologies."

"A baby?!" Neville exclaimed, a mixture of shock and joy. "Hermione, you had a baby! Can we meet her? What's her name? How old is she?"

"He's got a touch of baby fever." Hannah said, scrunching her nose up at her fiance's antics. "Gets a bit overexcited."

"I'll get her up in about an hour and we can make proper introductions. For now how about we have some tea and catch up. I have a feeling that once you meet Rose you won't find me all that interesting." Hermione said with a laugh and smile. Happy that as the concept of Rose was being introduced to more people the overall reaction seemed to be positive.


As they caught up in the garden over tea, the conversation naturally turned toward Neville and Hannah's upcoming nuptials. Hermione was fascinated with the ins and outs of all the planning that seemed to be involved in a wizarding wedding. The only one she had ever attended had been Bill and Fleur's during the war and it seemed that wartime really had taken some of the more intricate elements out as Hannah explained the magical elements in detail.

"Hermione, you must come to the wedding! Neville insisted you be on the guest list even when we didn't have your forwarding address, just in case. It just wouldn't be the same with you in town and not in attendance." Hannah insisted, her bright smile beaming with the invitation. "We have aurors booked for the event as well so you won't have to worry about the press or anything."

Hermione's eyes went a bit wide in surprise. "Oh, well, of course! I wouldn't miss it." Her heart swelled with the welcome invitation. She hadn't thought much of the wedding since learning about it, assuming she wouldn't be able to attend, but the chance to see all her friends again, to reintegrate herself into what should have been her life all along was too good an offer to refuse.

Once Rose's crying could be heard from the open window to their room Hermione started to excuse herself to retrieve her when Ron insisted she stay comfortable on the blankets laid out in the sun as he would go get Rose from the house. Hermione couldn't help but smile at how doting of a father Ron had turned out to be.


After some time Rose had made her rounds with all the new guests climbing and giggling as she went, finally claiming her spot in Hannah's lap as the woman carded her hand through the little girl's curls gently.

"She looks just how I always thought she would," Luna said, cooing at Rose.

Neville nodded in firm agreement. "I can't wait to have some of our own, especially with the improvements with my mum and dad!" Neville turned to Hermione and continued to elaborate. "Gran was a bit skeptical at first but I have been doing a lot of research to be able to combine my findings with my international herbology fellowship with Ron's suggestion to have an Empathic healer present to help navigate the undercurrents of their mental state. They aren't quite verbal yet, but they are fully aware and engaging most of the time."

Hermione couldn't help but feel her heart swell for her friend. "That's wonderful, Neville!"

"There is still a long way to go, but I'm hoping that we can get to a point where they can live on the Longbottom Estate again with us and Gran."

"We really couldn't be more thrilled!" Hannah chimed. She leaned into Neville, bouncing Rose as she giggled. Luna held out her finger for Rose to grasp. Hermione propped back on her hands as the conversation continued around her.


Not long after the sun began to set their guests decided to take their leave with excuses of dinner waiting and other pleasantries. Hermione and Harry offered to walk them back to the Burrow to use the floo, and they must've let Kitty out into the yard along the way as Ron could see her coming up the hill toward them.

Rose nodded excitedly. "Doggie!"

Ron watched Rose in the center of the blanket with her attention solely on the large dog bounding their way. "Big Doggie!"

"Kitty." Ron said, patting Kitty on the head as she slowed to a stop.

Rose gave him a look he had seen cross Hermione's face countless times when she thought he was being thick, "Shanks, kitty," she then pointed to Kitty, "Doggie"

Ron threw his head back in laughter, "I know, it's a doggie. Don't worry, kid, your dad's not dumb." Ron patted the blanket for Kitty to lay down. Just as she did so Rose toppled into her, giving her scratches and giggling as Kitty licked the crumbs from her cheeks. It didn't take long for Rose to drift off to sleep, her tiny finger entwined in Kitty's wiry fur. They looked picture perfect, his daughter and his dog. Ron didn't dare move them an inch.