A/N: Hey guys, I know most of you are waiting for me to finish Time skips, Pain remains, and trust me it's nearly done. I just couldn't get the idea of this story out of my head. It's a one-shot and its is an ode to my favourite film of all time, A beautiful mind. I hope I did it justice and I hope you enjoy this story.
T/W: This story deals heavily with mental health issues and PTSD. Please forgive me I wrongly offended anyone with the portrayal of the subject matter. It was not my attention.
Lastly, I aim to gain no profit from this story. Harry Potter and everything surrounding the wizarding world is the property of J.K Rowling.
A beautiful mind
If one had set out in the winter of 2025 to travel across the Yorkshire Dales, an upland area in Yorkshire, filled with scenic river valleys that divided into exquisite waterfalls edged between luscious green hilltops topped with a blanket of snow, they would've been forgiven for crossing the park completely oblivious of the small settlement situated in the north-west region, such was the view.
Although, to be fair, even the keenest eye searching for something extraordinary in this dreamy and spellbinding vision wouldn't have been able to spot anything out of the ordinary unless they were of a different nature altogether, someone magical.
For only someone who's entire being was the source of magic itself could locate this magical town hidden behind a fog of clouds and guarded by a complicated set of ruins and charms that if any ordinary muggle got within a distance of hundred meters of it, they would simply come to an abrupt halt, scratch their head and look around in confusion before turning around and with a shrug of their shoulder, continue in the opposite direction.
For that is what happened precisely when a little boy of five wandered in that direction. The jubilant expression on his face died instantly, only to be replaced with a look of utter bewilderment and confusion as he looked around.
"Kevin!"
He whipped around before shouting "Here mummy!"
A few seconds later a woman's head popped up as she climbed the steep slope before dashing over to him. "Kevin! How many times have I told you not to go wandering about" she picked him up and tucked him tightly to her chest. She smothered his head with kisses. "You ought to stay with mummy at all times, understood"
"Yes mummy. I'm sorry" murmured Kevin.
"It's okay, my love" she gave me a reassuring smile before tickling his sides. Kevin giggled and shrieked while trying to squirm away.
"S-tt-o-pp"
"Now, tell me what were you doing here" she stopped her ministrations as he took gulping breaths to control his breathing.
"I don't know" he furrowed his burrow in contemplation, craning his neck to look around.
"Hmm. Well, in that case let's get back before your dad and sister lose their patience and start on the sandwiches without us. You wouldn't want that now, would you"
Kevin shook his head as he propped his chin on her shoulder and wound his arms around her neck, looking back at the spot where he was standing earlier before his mother's voice reached his ears, a puzzling expression once again forming over his face. A few seconds later his gaze shifted skywards and landed on a bird.
He frowned for he had never seen such a peculiar looking bird ever in his young life, a snowy white owl. A sharp gasp escaped his lips when his gaze shifted towards the small package tied to the owl's leg. The bird inclined his head towards him before diving straight at him.
"Aah!" he buried his face in his mother's neck as the owl circled them before flying away.
"Hey" she laughed, patting his head. "It's alright honey, it was just an owl, quite beautiful mind you, never seen one like that before"
"Did you see what he was carrying" he asked, still afraid to look up.
"Carrying?"
Kevin lifted his head and looked at her. "Yeah, something was tied to its leg"
"Really" she arched an eyebrow. "Hmm. I must've missed it."
Kevin turned his head and scowled at the owl's retreating form before it vanished behind a thick set of clouds that was the gateway to the wizarding town of Craxius.
A small town built entirely out of masonry with cobbled streets creating pathways between cottages and shops. There were only four entrances into the town, one in each direction. With population just short of 300, one never witnessed a lot of commotion or streets bustling with high energy.
The residents preferred a laidback style of life, where after work everyone usually gathered around the town hall for an hour or two to relax and enjoy the company of their friends and family while children played in the nearby park on the edge of the market.
That is to not say that Craxians didn't know how to have a good time, particularly if it was a special occasion. The Bumbling Inn could give any London nightclub a run for its money on New Year's Eve.
On this bright summer day however, even though it was school holidays and children were back home with their parents, only a handful of people were seen strolling down the streets as almost every family with kids had taken the opportunity to travel.
The Smith's had taken their kids to America, the Barrowman's were visiting family in Spain, the Harriot's opted for a trek along the Alps, the Juneberg's took a world trip to see all seven wonders of the world.
Every family had taken upon the opportunity to make most of the break before the children were to board the train back to Hogwarts. Everyone except one.
On the northern edge of the town, past the creek, on top of a hill, stood a two-storey cottage with fenced boundary. The cottage oozed a cozy atmosphere with flowers adorning the curving lane that led up through the steel gate all the way to the front door. The garden was stretched on either side of the building and merged at the backside.
The interior was entirely wood paneled floors made out of trees that covered the perimeter of the town.
Photographs were lined across the walls upon entrance, the largest being of a little girl staring straight ahead with the biggest smile on her face.
The same girl was lying flat on her stomach in her room, coloring in her drawing book. Her small tongue was peeking out as she was completely engrossed with a look of utter concentration etched on her face. Her frizzy black hair was parted in the middle, creating a soft curtain over her eyes.
A sharp knock on her window made her let out a high-pitched yelp as she jumped up.
"AAAH!"
She whirled around and glared at the snowy white owl gliding outside her window.
"What happened!"
She turned around to face her mother as she came hurling into her room. She had bushy brown hair that ran just past her shoulder blades with matching pair of eyes as her daughter. She was wearing a loose pair of jeans and a blue oversized t-shirt.
"Look mum!" she pointed at her drawing which was now had a stray line running across her painting of a unicorn. "Look what he did, again!" Her lower lip started trembling and tears started forming behind her eyes.
Her mother's eyes shifted from her daughter to the painting, to the owl, and back at her child. In a flash she scooped her girl in her arms. "Oh, my baby." she cooed, bouncing her lightly. "My sweet pumpkin"
"Ugh! I hate that stupid owl!" cried the little girl. "Look what he did" she pointed once again.
"I know pumpkin" she kissed her forehead. "Mummy will fix it in a jiffy, don't your worry"
"Okay" she sniffled, wiping at her eyes as her mother carried her over to the window before opening it and letting the owl in.
The owl hooted as it perched itself on the edge of the bed.
"Bad Hedwig" the woman chided lightly. "You gave Ally a terrible scare"
Hedwig looked at the girl and let out a soft hoot. Ally harrumphed and looked away. Her mother smiled and shook her head at her daughter's ability to hold a grudge. Wonder where she gets it from.
She untied the package from the owl's leg before unwrapping the brown paper. It was a small red box made out of made out of parchment.
A beaming smile came over her face as she sat beside her daughter.
"What is it, mummy" asked Ally, as Hedwig situated himself onto her lap and she started massaging his head, her anger at him now a distant memory. "Who sent it?"
"Who do you think" her mother gave her a cheeky smile that took Ally a few seconds to decipher the meaning off.
"Daddy!"
"Mmm hmm" she nodded vigorously.
"Yay!" squealed Ally. "Open it, open it!"
"Alright, calm down, young lady" her mother giggled.
She turned her attention back to the box before opening it.
"Wow...a charm" gasped Ally, as her mother took out a snowflake charm. "It's so beautiful"
Her mother silently agreed as her gaze turned wistful. "It is" she whispered.
"Mummy"
She faced her daughter "Yes honey"
"Why are you crying" she asked in a small voice.
Her eyes turned wide as she put her hand over her face and realized that she indeed was crying.
"Oh - they are happy tears, honey" she gave Ally a light peck on the cheek for reassurance. "See, mummy's smiling"
"Okay" Ally smiled back before her gaze turned back towards the charm. "Why did daddy send this?"
Her mother smiled inwardly. Her daughter's curiosity knew no bounds. But that she was certain of the moment she found out she was pregnant.
A child of Hermione Granger without a curious bone in her body, utterly preposterous.
She crawled on the bed before shifting till her back was pressed against the headboard before pulling her daughter on her lap.
"Now, that's a long story, young lady."
"But I love stories!" Ally turned around to face her. Her big brown eyes wide with in anticipation.
"Really" Hermione playfully bit her chubby cheek.
"Eww mummy, Yucks!" Ally wiped her wet cheek before spreading her soft arms across her mother's chest and rested her head just below her chin.
Hermione stroked her hair with one hand while the other still held the charm.
"When you're older my sweet, I promise I will tell you. But you're too young and won't grasp the meaning the of the story, and it is a really special story that deserves to be understood properly otherwise it will sound as just another fairytale and this isn't a fairytale even though it revolves around a boy and a girl. For now, I will just tell you that to know the story behind the charm is to know the story of our love, your dad's and I...for this snowflake is the beginning, the middle, and the forever"
Ally pulled back with a small frown curling her lips. "I don't understand" Her innocence brought a fresh wave of tears into Hermione's eyes but she kept them at bay.
"You will in time. Trust me" smiled Hermione.
"No, you won't, trust me" came a voice from the door.
Both mother and daughter turned their gaze towards the voice and saw a much younger version of Hermione standing at the threshold. She had the same features as her mother with slight differences. Whereas Hermione had a button nose, her was more defined with a pointed tip. Her hair had the same bushy brown quality to them that had annoyed Hermione all her life. They were of a similar built, slender and petite, with Hermione having slightly more pronounced assets that came with age. She was half an inch taller than her mother at 5ft 7 inches. The only resemblance to her dad were her eyes.
"Kaia!" Hermione reprimanded.
"Mum please, you know I hate that name" Kaia huffed, rolling her eyes as she trotted inside the room before flopping on to the bed. "I thought we had a deal you would stop calling me that. It's Kay, remember"
"Sorry Kay" smirked Hermione. "I thought you were going out for a jog"
"Yeah...no" Kay crawled over to her before placing her head on Hermione's right thigh. Ally, who now had her back towards her mother started playing with her sister's hair. "I don't feel like it anymore."
"You're going lethargic"
"I know. I'm bored" she whined, thrashing her legs. "There's nothing to do here"
"You found plenty of things to abide your time with when you were young. In fact, you never wanted to leave. I still remember you clinging to your dad for not wanting to board the train"
"That had nothing to do with this place. I was young and scared of living alone"
"You weren't alone"
"You know what I mean"
A soft smile came over Hermione's lips. "I know. But there is plenty to do around here. Go for a swim in the caves. You used to love it. It was your favorite place. You used to beg your dad every day to take you there"
"Yeah well, I'm not little anymore" Kay lifted her head and propped her chin on her hands. "I don't understand why can't we just live in London. It's the cultural hub of magical and muggle world. Plus, it's got the best nightclubs" she muttered the last part.
"Because this is our home and always will be" Hermione chided.
"Well not for long. Just six more months till graduation and I'm out of this shithole"
The words hung in the air like a fly on the wall. Kaia cringed, shutting her eyes before looking up at her mother whose warm gaze had turned cold.
"Mum - "
"If you're that desperate and itching to want to leave, you don't have to wait till graduation, Kaia" Hermione gently pushed Ally off her lap and stood up.
"Mum, I didn't mean - "
"I'm sorry you're not happy with the life your father and I provided you with and that it is not good enough anymore but understand this young lady, the word shithouse that you spouted so frivolously is an insult to not only our decision for building a life here but to your father as well. There is a reason behind all this you know...why we moved here...we never wanted to share with you because we didn't think you could fully grasp its meaning and now you've just proven us correct by showing how immature you really are but listen very carefully" Hermione paused, holding up a finger as she glared at her daughter who was now sitting upright on her knees, staring wide-eyed at her. "You can live anywhere you want; it is entirely up to you. You want to leave now...go. Let me rephrase it better so it goes through your thick head. This is not me kicking you out, those words will never come out of my mouth. We will support you in any way we can as long as we live. You will never have to ask for anything but...I never want to hear you disrespect this haven that your father and I have built"
With that, Hermione stormed out of the room without closing the door behind her.
Kaia remained staring at the spot Hermione stood at for a long period of time.
Her gaze was broken when Ally punched her on the arm. She blinked at her little sister who was supporting a mean scowl. "You're a nincompoop" Ally blew her a raspberry before getting off the bed and going in search for her mother.
"Fuck!" Kaia dropped backwards and pulled a pillow over her face.
Later that night, dinner was a tense affair with all three witches eating in silence. Hermione sat at the head of the table with Kaia and Ally on either side of her.
"When will daddy be back, mummy?"
"I'm not sure, honey"
"Are you going to wait up for him"
Hermione gave her a polite smile before answering "Always"
"I'll stay up with you too, to keep you company so you don't get bored"
"Nice trick, pumpkin" chuckled Hermione. "But that trick won't work on me."
Ally pouted but Hermione just pinched her cheek in return.
After dinner, as Hermione was cleaning the plates, Kaia walked into the kitchen.
"Umm...mum..."
Hermione turned the water off and faced her. "I know what you're here to say but I'm not ready to listen it yet." Hermione's eyes filled with tears as she continued. "What you said really hurt me, Kaia, and it will take some time before I can accept your apology"
Kaia's own eyes filled up and she closed the distance between them. "I'm so sorry, mum" she cried, hugging her.
Hermione wound her arms around her back and for a soft sobs echoed around the kitchen.
After helping Hermione clean up the remainder utensils, they walked into the backyard and sat on a couple of chairs in the garden, drinking up a cup of tea.
"Mum"
Hermione dropped her gaze from staring at the stars. "Hmm"
Kaia seemed nervous for what she was about to say as she twiddled with the edge of her shirt. "What is the real reason you moved here?"
Hermione sighed before putting the cup on the round table between them. She leaned back in her seat and rubbed her hands over her face.
"It's a long story" Hermione smiled wryly.
Kaia chuckled. "I'm all ears"
"Well..." Hermione tipped her head back to gaze at the stars as her eyes glaze over and a nostalgic smile curled her lips apart.
"It all began in fifth year..."
A sixteen-year-old Hermione Granger was walking alongside Harry Potter, her best friend of more than four years and her boyfriend of just over two months. They walked along the path beside the great lake. It was winter holidays and snow covered every inch of the ground.
"Well...do you still see them?" she asked hesitantly.
Harry looked to his side and nodded.
Hermione gulped as her face lost half its colour. "Alright...is it still the three of them" Again he nodded. "And what do they say...or do"
"I told you a million fucking times! Nothing!" Harry snapped at her before his features softened as he saw the hurt look on her face. "I'm sorry" he pulled her in for a hug. "I know you're just trying to help but-" he sighed. "I don't think you can help me on this one"
"I'm sure I can" Hermione pulled back and framed his face between her hands. "It's just another problem and if there is one thing I'm good at, it is solving problems.
Harry smiled, touching his forehead with hers. "This...this is helping me. Being with you always helps me"
"I'm not going anywhere, Harry"
He pulled back at the sincerity in her tone. "You promise"
"With all my heart"
"Thank you" his voice came out choked as he pressed a kiss to her lips. "I love you"
A sharp gasp escaped Hermione's lips before she kissed him more forcefully.
"I love you, too"
They pulled apart and continued walking before Harry stopped abruptly as his gaze landed on something on the ground.
He walked over to it and picked it up. It was a snowflake. Smiling to himself, he walked back to Hermione.
"What is that?" she tried to incline her head to see but he hid it behind his back.
"A token of our love" he brought his hand forward and showed it to her. "Today is the first day we said the three magical words to each other. So, to celebrate it, I'm gifting you this" He handed it to her.
"It's beautiful"
"Not as much as you"
"Oh my" she chuckled. "Where are all these cheesy lines coming from. I never knew you had such a sappy side too"
"It's always been there" he shrugged. "Just don't tell, Ron"
Hermione zipped her lips before pecking him on the lips again.
A nineteen-year-old Hermione Granger woke up with a start and immediately turned the light on. She saw Harry walking back and forth on the other side of the bed, hands on head, muttering to himself.
"No, you can't kill her. You're not real. I killed you. You are dead. Please, don't go after her"
Her face turned ashen white before she dashed around the bed over to him and engulfed him in a tight hug.
"Harry!" she pulled back and moved her eyes frantically over his sweaty face. "This can't be happening. It should be over"
Harry stopped his rambling and looked at her. "Hermione..." His lower lip started quivering before tears streamed down his cheeks. "Hermione!" he broke down into heavy sobs. "They're still here. He's still alive. He wants me to join him. Finish what he started. Oh Hermione..." He pulled back and stared wildly at her.
"I think he's right. Hermione, I think it's better if I join him. That he won't come after you"
"No Harry! Listen to me, Harry. Voldemort's dead, so is Pettigrew and Crouch. They are all dead. They can't hurt us anymore"
"No, they're not. Look!" he pointed behind her.
Hermione closed her eyes as tears slipped down her cheeks.
"Look Hermione!" shouted Harry. "He's laughing. They all are!"
"Harry, it's not real"
"Yes, it is! I'm not crazy!"
"I know, sweety, but please...just listen to me...please"
Months passed, but Harry's problem continued to get worse. So much so that Hermione was having thoughts of moving him to a psychiatric facility, something she was totally against ever since the start when this first started manifesting just after the end of his fourth year even though everyone told her otherwise.
Hermione stepped out of the floo in their apartment and called out "Harry, I'm home"
No reply.
She removed her coat and sat down her bag on the sofa.
"Honey, where are you"
She looked in their study before climbing up the staircase. She walked past the first door and stopped at the second. She opened it and peered inside. "Harry...oh there you are" An instantaneous smile came over her lips as she walked over to him. He was seated on a chair facing the window with its back to her. "Didn't you hear me, darling" she wound her arms around him and kissed his cheek. She was about to pull back when her heartbeat stopped.
Blood. All over his right arm and dripping onto the ground in big droplets.
"HARRY!"
She twisted to the front of the chair and dropped on her knees, staring up at him.
Harry's face was devoid of all emotion, and he was pearly white. He was staring out the window while ripping chunks of skin of his forearm. She could see his bone from the whole he'd created.
"Oh my god" she put her hands over her mouth.
After that, there was no choice left. Harry was admitted to the psychiatric ward in St. Mungo's. Hermione wasn't allowed to see him for three days, the longest three days of her life, the doctors didn't think he was stable enough to allow visitors.
The moment she did, however, she mustered all the strength she could to not look away. He wasn't her Harry, surely, he looked the same but those were not the eyes of the boy she first met on the train, or the boy she fell in love with when she sat behind him on Buckbeak. No, this was someone else for his eyes were dead and they reminded her of someone she never wanted to think off.
"Hey" she stood up and engulfed him in a massive hug. She breathed an enormous sigh of relief when he hugged her back. "I'm so sorry" she sniffled.
"It's okay. The important thing is you're fine" They each took a seat.
She couldn't stop the choked sob from escaping her lips. Even now he was worried about her.
"I'm alright. How are you doing" she swept away the hair falling over his forehead.
"Listen, you need to get me out of here"
Confusion mixed in with trepidation crept over her features as she opened her mouth to speak but he cut her off.
"Or they're going to kill everyone"
Her face paled instantly.
"Don't tell anyone, though"
Her face twisted in agony as he continued.
"Not even Ron. I don't trust anyone. Just you."
"Harry-"
"Voldemort has figured out a plan on how to escape but we can't do it alone. We need outside help"
"Stop"
"That's where you come in"
"Stop"
"Now, listen carefully, after you leave this room go straight to the cleaning room and hid inside"
"Stop"
"Don't worry, you won't be locked. Voldemort's sent Pettigrew to steal the spare keys from the security guard's office"
"Stop!"
Harry stopped and frowned at her.
"Stop it!"
"They are not real"
"Sshh!" Harry glared at her. "Be quiet. Voldemort's sitting right behind you"
"No, he's not! He's dead! You want me to prove it" She stood up and took out her wand.
"Miss" the guard took a step forward.
"Stay back!" she shot him a glare before turning to Harry. "Tell me where he is" Harry glared at her and motioned her to sit down. "Where is he!" His eyes flashed to a spot in the corner of the room.
Hermione turned around and fired a spell in that direction.
"No!" Harry twisted her around. "Why would you do that!"
"To show you there isn't anyone. If that noseless bastard was in this room he would've fired the killing curse back at me but see" she pointed at herself. "I'm still alive"
"You scared him away. He apparated"
"I scared him away!" she said incredulously.
"Yes! Now, he's going to be mad. You know how long it took me to make him turn around on you. I finally convinced him you were on our side"
Hermione's mouth opened in shock.
"What did you just say" she whispered.
"He finally agreed to let you help us out. He said that you could be a great addition to the cause"
Hermione dropped to her knees.
"Wha-what c-cause..."
"To make wizard kind reign over the world"
"Oh god" she covered her hand over her mouth.
"But listen" smiled Harry. "I convinced him that every witch and wizard is equal. No discrepancies against half-bloods or muggleborn. We're all equal. Isn't that what you always wanted, honey" he was beaming at her now.
Hermione put her hands on either side of her face.
"Listen to me" her voice hoarse. "None of it is real...you understand...baby...you're sick...Harry!"
Harry threw her hands away and stood up.
"You don't realize what lengths I've gone for you." he snarled. "You need to pick a side, Hermione, and fast or by night every inch of this hospital will be covered in blood. I can only hold him for so long. It's all up to you now."
He turned around and walked away and for the first time in her life, Hermione was lost of all hope.
Suffice to say neither did Hermione hid in the cleaning room, nor was the hospital covered in blood
Months passed and with treatment Harry's condition got better. Hermione only ever got to witness the treatment once, mainly because she couldn't bear to see the agonizing pain Harry was in the entire time. His screams shredded pieces of her heart.
Harry came back to their apartment six months later. The only medication he was prescribed was a vile tasting potion that he had to drink after dinner. It was mandatory and no matter how many ways Harry tried to persuade Hermione to not drink it, she was always adamant.
Life continued to move along and gradually Harry got back into the joys of daily life but unbeknownst to him and Hermione something else was brewing inside his head.
A month after he had been discharged, the young pair were enjoying a night out. Hermione couldn't remember being this happy in a long time.
To surprise his beautiful girlfriend, Harry took her to her favorite restaurant. She was telling him about her day at the job, she worked in the department of law at the ministry. Harry continued to listen with rapt attention when she halted midsentence and rose an eyebrow.
"Just what do you think you're doing, Mr. Potter"
Harry smirked. "I'm not sure what you mean"
"Oh really" she played along. "Then whose foot is trying to get under my skirt"
"Don't know. Why don't you check under the table"
"And what would I find if I do"
"You'll see" he winked, making her giggle.
"You're nincompoop, Harry Potter"
"But I'm your nincompoop"
"That you are" she sighed happily. "Oh Harry, I'm so happy. I feel like we can finally start our life now. All of the bad stuff is behind us." she wished later that night that she hadn't uttered those words.
"Me too, pumpkin" He stretched his hand and signaled her to do the same. She obliged and put her smaller hand in his. "You're so beautiful" A brilliant smile rose over Hermione's face as she continued to stare lovingly at him. "I feel I can stare at you all day and that'd be enough. That would be my ideal day. Just to look at you. In fact, I'm gonna do that when you're asleep tonight"
"If you do that, I won't be able to sleep"
"That's fine by me"
"Yeah, then how would I get to work on time"
"Don't. Stay at home with me"
"But you're going to the quidditch game with Ron, remember"
"I'll cancel it"
She arched an eyebrow. "You'll cancel a quidditch game. That too when Puddlemore's playing"
"Honey, for you I'll-"
"Sorry for keeping you waiting. My name is Paul and I'd be your host for the evening" A man in his early thirties stopped next to their table. He was holding a pen and notepad.
"Oh, that's alright" smiled Hermione, her cheek flushed. "I'll be having Spaghetti Bolognese along with Caesar crispy chicken." She looked at Harry. "And you darling?"
"Just a second" chuckled Harry, as he skimmed through the menu. "Sorry about this"
"Please, take your time" the waiter smiled.
"...um...I'll have a B-b-bb..." Harry frowned as Hermione giggled at his goofiness.
"Honey, stop being a prat" she kicked him under the table.
He looked up at her and she knew something wasn't right.
"Harry..." she voiced warily. "What's wrong?"
Harry went back to reading the menu. "No...no, no, no...Hermione...I can't r-read...the words are not making any sense...they're not making any sense, Hermione!" Harry threw the menu across the room and stormed up before heading for the door.
"Harry!"
It was one of the side effects of the medicine, they found out the next day as they stormed into the Head healer Roberts office and demanded answers.
"I told you quite early in the process that there would be side effects of the medicine." he informed them. "Even I couldn't tell you what it would be at the time as we're breaking new rules here."
"Yes but, this is a drastic effect." cried Hermione.
"I agree. Look, Ms. Granger, you insisted to take him home and this is the only way we can keep him stable if we can't keep under our care 24/7. Also, I would like to inform you" he looked nervous for what he was about to say. "The results of the tests just came back and they are not good. Mr. Potter's magical core has weakened and by this rate it won't be long before he loses his magic completely"
The next morning Hermione was packing Harry's stuff as he was getting ready. A couple of members of the security team along with Robert's were waiting in the lounge room to take him to the facility.
She looked up as he walked in and took every muscle in her body to keep her standing.
"Hey" she tried to muster a smile but her attempt was futile.
"I'm not going"
Her mouth opened and closed numerous times but all she could manage was "What"
He walked towards her and sat on the edge of the bed.
"I'm not going through that hell again"
"Harry, we've no choice. This is the only opt -"
"You need to leave"
She snapped her mouth shut and stared at him wide-eyed.
"What..."
"Listen Hermione, I'm not going back to that place and I'm not drinking any of that vile stuff anymore. No" He held up his hand when she was about to speak. "You heard what he said, losing my ability to read is just the start of the side effects, who knows where it will end" She saw his throat bob as he dropped his head in his hands. "My magic is dying. Without it I don't know what I'd be...what I'd do"
She knelt before him and placed her hands on his knees. "I understand sweetheart, that's why it's important you back. So, they can find another solution"
"NO!" she nearly fell back as he dropped his hands and she got to see his red rimmed eyes. "I'm not going back"
"Harry! We don't have a choice"
"Yes, we do. Now I know they're not real. It's not like before, Hermione. I know he's dead. I know he can't hurt you anymore"
"Oh Harry" she lifted a hand to his cheek and swiped her thumb over his stubble. "It always starts like this. We can't take that risk again. Last time I came very close to losing you altogether and just the thought of that scares me so much you have no idea" she wept.
"Trust me, Hermione. It won't be like that. I will not let it get that bad I promise you. I just need some time, how much, I don't know but I'll tell you one thing, if you send me away today, I won't be your Harry the next time you see me. That is not living, Hermione. I was barely able to latch on to my soul the last time, I don't think I'll be able to this time"
He grasped her hand between his. "Please." he begged her. "Just give me time...alone. I can't take the risk of having you with me. If things go south, I want you to be as far away from me as possible, you understand"
She gave him a sad smile before leaning forward and kissing his forehead. Silently, she got up and walked out of the door.
Tears eased down his cheeks as he flopped back on to the bed.
A few minutes later he sat up as the sound of apparition reached his ears before gentle tapping of the footsteps on the staircase.
Hermione stopped at the threshold and held his gaze for several seconds.
"Roberts said to call if you try to kill me or anything" she bit the inside of her bottom lip.
A huge wave of emotion hit Harry like freight train and his face screwed up as he tried to keep the tears at bay.
She crossed the room before kneeling before him. "You want to know what's real?" She placed a hand over his cheek. "This" she lifted his hand and placed it over her cheek. "This" she trailed it down to her heart. "This is real. Maybe the part that knows waking from the dream...maybe it isn't here" she tapped his forehead. "Maybe it is here" she brought her hand over his heart. "Help me believe that something extraordinary can happen. You've managed it all my life...you can manage it one more time. Make me believe me, Harry." She took a deep breath. "I'm not going anywhere and if you mention it one more time, I will kill you"
Harry snorted as a small smile came over Hermione's lips.
She pulled her hand back from his chest and pulled something out of her pocket. She opened her fist and, on her palm, lying flat, was a snowflake. "A token of our love. You gave me this when we spoke three magical words for the first time. It was a monumental point in our relationship, as it is now. I'm giving it back to you because you need it more than me...for now, of course" she added, bringing a smile to his lips.
He took it from her hand and looked at it for a moment before snapping his gaze back to her. "Thank you" he whispered.
They embraced each other tightly and fell asleep with their arms around each other with Hermione on top of him.
It wasn't an easy journey, there were times when Harry thought it was impossible but Hermione never lost faith. Whenever he lost hope, she was there to pick him up and point him in the right direction. He lived a caged life, hardly ever going out because of the fear of embarrassing not only himself but Hermione as well. They only travelled in muggle areas to avoid the scrutiny that came with being Harry Potter but even that dwindled down to going out once every few months after a bad episode in Hyde Park one fine evening.
Harry and Hermione were strolling through the park, hand in hand, enjoying their day out. Hermione had taken a day off from her busy schedule and she had to literally drag Harry out of the house.
Harry worked from home under the pseudonym of Richard Jenkins. He made brooms and even fixed them. The new ones were exhibited at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. He started by posting an ad in the Daily Prophet. The first few weeks were quiet but after his first broom was showcased on the front window of the joke shop at half the price than market value, he barely had a moment's rest. Orders for fixing old brooms came through owl post.
Lately, it was getting harder for him to keep up with the deadlines as his episodes were getting worse. Hermione could see the toll it was taking on him which is why she decided that some fresh air might do him some good.
Hermione giggled when she saw two kids rolling around on the grass. "Oh my god Harry, look at them. They are so cute" She faced him when he didn't answer and her eyes narrowed immediately at seeing him murmuring to himself.
"Honey" she stepped in front of him and placed a hand on his cheek.
"Get out of my head. You're not real."
Hermione's eyes widened. "Harry, listen to me. Block them out, sweetheart. Just ignore them, alright"
He wrung her hands away and started walking in circles. "Get out of my head! Get out of my head!"
"Harry!"
By now more than fifty people were staring at them.
"I killed you!" shouted Harry. "You hear me! I killed you!"
Loud gasps filled the air as everyone started leaving their spots and getting as far as possible.
"Fuckin freak!" shouted a man holding his son's hand.
Hermione turned around and glared at him before running towards Harry who was getting further away.
From that day on, Harry vowed to never the leave the house.
With time, his problem started having an impact on their intimacy as well. Harry was laying with one arm propped beneath his head when Hermione curled beside his body and put her hand under his trousers and started nibbling on his neck.
"Mmm" she moaned. "You like that" she whispered.
Harry looked away and shut his eyes.
She continued to stroke him and trail the side of his neck with her tongue.
"Hermione...honey - stop...baby please" He turned around so he was on his side with his back to her.
Hermione watched him for a moment before tears filled her eyes and she stormed off the bed and walked in the bathroom before locking it behind her. She sat on the toilet seat and stared at the wall with hollow eyes before getting up and punching mirror above the sink.
She let out ear deafening cries as she dropped to the floor and clutched her head between her hands.
Back in the room Harry's pillow was stained with tears.
A few nights later they were sitting on the balcony with a small table between them. They had been quite for more than half an hour before Harry turned to her and cleared his throat.
"Maybe it is best I go back to the hospital" Hermione opened her mouth but he held his hand up. "No Hermione, listen to me. This is not the life I imagined for you" he shook his head, a pained expression on his face. "You deserve to be happy and all I can provide you is torment. You're miserable and it makes my heart hurt to see you suffer because of me."
Hermione extended her hand and motioned him to do the same. He obliged and she grasped it before stroking her thumb over the back of his hand. "You're right"
Harry's face tensed at her words.
"I'm miserable. I'm not happy. This is the worst moment in my life"
Harry's face fell at her words and he ducked his head.
"But I'll still choose you"
His head snapped back up and caught her eyes which were sparkling with love. "I'll always choose you, you daft git because I know no matter how much miserable I'm now, it's nothing compared to what I'll be like when you're not with me"
Harry smiled through his tears.
"You know what I look forward to most in my day"
He shook his head.
"Going back home and seeing your sorry arse" he chuckled, wiping under his nose. "So, Mr. Potter, the moral of the story is...keep trying." she shrugged her shoulder.
Harry nodded his head and squeezed her fingers.
"Yes, I will keep trying. How could I not when I've got you by my side"
She walked around the table and perched herself on his lap. "I'll always be on your side, Harry"
"Promise"
She touched her forehead with his. "With all my heart"
She pecked him on the forehead before leaning back. A frown appeared on her face when she saw him chewing the inside of his mouth, meaning he was nervous.
"What is it baby" she swiped away the hair falling over his forehead.
"I..." he sighed. He looked up at her and took a deep breath. "What I'm about to ask you isn't easy..."
"Honey, you serious" she chuckled. "What's with this formality. Oh my god, you're not going to ask me to try anal are you. You know what, we only tried it once and I'll admit I wasn't a big fan of it but for you I'll give it another shot" she smirked.
"No, you goofus" he chuckled. "Although, I've locked that information for another time" She giggled as he got serious again. "This is...you know what, forget it."
"Oh no!" she pushed his shoulders back down when he started to get up. "Tell me, now" she demanded.
He ran a hand through his hair. "Fine." Silence enveloped them for a few seconds before he voiced his thoughts. "I don't want to live here anymore" Hermione arched an eyebrow but motioned him to continue. "This apartment, the city, all these people – I hate it so much that I can't stand it. I feel suffocated most of the time when I'm home alone and even when you're with me. It stresses me so much that there have been times I've thought about just leaving"
He chanced a glance at her and was mildly surprised to find her watching him with a neutral expression. He decided it was better than her just storming off so he continued on "I want to live someplace quiet and beautiful where when I look out the window, I feel peace, where I'm not afraid to leave the house, where it's just you and me. Somewhere we can build a life together, away from all this hustle and bustle, and grow old. What do you say?"
Hermione was now gazing at the arm of the chair and Harry's heart sank down.
"I knew I shouldn't have brought it up. It's so selfish of me, you've got a job you love right here and your parents live within walking distance from us and I know how much you London. You know what, forget I said anything"
He moved to get up but she didn't budge. His eyebrows rose up when she wound her arms around his neck. "You've put a spell on me, Harry Potter." she played with the hair at the back of his head as she gazed into his emerald orbs. "I always knew but now I'm sure"
His facial muscles relaxed at seeing a smile trying to break free through her stony expression.
"Because just now while you were ranting about things like my job or my parents, I completely zoned you out and was thinking about how much I love the smell of your t-shirts."
Harry's lips tugged at the corner.
"So..." Harry trailed off.
"So what, get your sorry arse up and get packing you big doofus"
Harry's mouth stretched to an ear-splitting grin as Hermione sauntered away saying
"But we don't know where we're going yet"
"I do"
An hour later they were standing on the threshold of the town of Craxius. Harry was still in awe of how one second, he was walking through smoke and then the next he was staring down at the most beautiful village from on top of a hill.
"Hermione, tell me again how you found out about this place"
"Mum and Dad used to bring me to the Dales every summer break between school but we mostly roamed around Malham where everyone usually visits. it wasn't until I was 12, the summer after my first year at Hogwarts, that we travelled to the northern part. We'd been walking for a while when I just felt this pull on my magic and I just had to follow it. I ventured away from my parents who were going sick with worry and walked through the smoke. I remembered feeling like I was swept away in some fantasy land when I stood here eight years ago. I couldn't stay for long cause I could hear mum screaming but during every summer break I begged them to come here and I used to sneak away for 10-15 minutes and just sit here and stare in awe and wonder at this magical place."
"Well, it is truly magical in every sense of the word that's for sure" said Harry.
They trailed down the hill and walked for hours in the empty streets.
"It's so quiet" murmured Harry.
"That's town life for you, I suppose" smiled Hermione.
"I love it"
"I knew you would" she wound her arm through his and laid her head on his shoulder.
They were quiet for a while as Harry kept looking around.
"Yup, this is it"
She lifted her head and looked at him. "You sure?"
"Oh yes" he rubbed his hands together excitedly.
"You're not just saying that to make me happy, are you"
"Honey" he put his hands on either side of her face. "Making you happy is my number one priority but no, I really want to live here. I can practically see our future right before my eyes"
Hermione's eyes welled up. "Really?"
"Really"
"Yes!" she jumped on him.
"Oof!" he nearly lost his balance but somehow managed to keep it. "Blimey, you're getting heavy"
"Harry!"
"Only one thing left to do now, I suppose"
"What's that" she whispered against his neck.
A brief pause before "Marry me"
He felt her body go rigid in his arms. That lasted for precisely three seconds before he felt air being squeezed out of his lungs.
"He-rm-io-ne" wheezed Harry, as he patted her back to let the grip off which she did after nearly a minute. Harry's face resembled a tomato when she pulled away. He could see tears running down her cheeks. "So, I take that as a yes"
He barely avoided the punch she threw at him.
The next morning every house in Craxius received a letter. It simply read.
Important meeting, town hall. 11 am.
So, by 11 everyone was gathered around the town hall and all their jaws dropped open when they saw who was standing next to the statue of Herius Pigolt.
Harry and Hermione explained that what they were about to tell shall remain confidential. That they were putting all their trust in them. After seeing the people nod their ascent after they had come out of their shock, the young couple set about telling the reason behind their visit.
By the time they finished, there was no dry eye left. Some were softly sniffling and some were openly sobbing but they were all staring at an embarrassed looking Harry with infinite amount of respect.
"There will be times when I won't be the most pleasant person to be around with and my behavior may seem strange to you all but please understand that none of it would be intentional" spoke Harry.
That very day the young couple were wed along the waterfall trailing between two adjoined peaks. All the townsfolk were invited.
The old man officiating the marriage turned to Hermione. She nodded before turning towards Harry. "Harry, my dear sweet Harry. I'm lost for words" she chuckled. "I know right, what irony."
Harry winked and whispered. "You got this"
She nodded. "You're my hero. The moment I saw you shoving your wand in that troll's nose I had already decided that you were never getting rid of me and guess what, I was right" Everyone laughed as she continued. "You are the most amazing man I know, your strength knows no bound, nor does your heart, for it is filled with so much compassion and love that it alone is enough to fuel my beating heart. I love you so, so much. I vow to never break your trust and be always at your side. I promise that you would never need turn your head to know that I'm right next to you"
She was openly weeping by the time she finished. The officiant turned to Harry who took a deep breath before clearing his throat.
He was about to open his mouth when he looked to his left and his expression tensed immediately. Hermione's breathing stilled as an alarming expression overtook her features. A frown came over everyone's faces as Harry kept staring at some spot in the air.
Hermione was about to step towards him when he looked back at her and his smile calmed her nerves somewhat.
"I've always believed that there is good in this world, even when everything may seem dire. That is why I never lost hope because I believed that what I was fighting for was good. But after a lifetime worth of such pursuits, I ask what truly is good. Who decides reason. My question has taken me through the physical...the metaphysical...the delusional...and back. And I've made the most important discovery of my life. It is only in the mysterious equations of love that any logical reasons can be found." He paused as his breath caught in his throat. "I'm only here tonight because of you" Hermione covered her mouth with her hands. "You're the reason I am...you're all my reasons"
He fished inside his pocket and pulled out the snowflake. "I handing it back to its rightful owner" he pulled her hand forward and placed it in her palm.
Beaming smiles lit up their faces and before the officiant could announce them husband and wife, they were desperately clinging to each other.
Time passed, days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, months turned into years and before long five years had passed. Hermione tried to maintain her job at the ministry but left it 3 three years ago but if you asked her, she was much happier now than she was ever at her previous job. Not long after leaving her job she opened a small bookstore in the middle of the market. The bookstore gradually expanded to a pre-school education for kids before they boarded the train to Hogwarts. At the beginning she only had 10 students which was mostly due to the town's population but slowly word got around that Hermione Granger was offering free education to young kids and within six months she upwards of 50 kids at her disposal. She renovated the bookstore which took a week's time to add couple of floors and a large room that could house close to 100 students at once.
It also opened job opportunities for townsfolk and generated decent amount of revenue. The bookstore housed both muggle literature books that ranged from fiction to non-fiction and wizarding tomes. She was more than happy with the sales as it not only paid the salaries of her employees but also covered their grocery and other small expense.
In the mean time she also published her first novel, a murder mystery novel. It became a best seller in both the muggle and wizarding world. She was now in the middle of finishing the sequel.
Harry's journey was a lot more challenging and at times filled with peril and doubt, but day by day, it got better. His schedule was fixed. He went for a morning walk every day, followed by breakfast before he worked on the brooms for 3-4 hours before having lunch. He then went for a ride around the town to test the latest broom he was working on. That usually took an hour before he made a stop at the bookstore to see if Hermione was done for the day. If yes, great, if not, he would wait for her but either way he never left without her. She clung to him as he flew them home, at a gentle pace, of course.
The visions never stopped but he got better at dealing with them. A slightly peculiar situation rose up when there was an outcry of fans barging into the door of the joke shop demanding to meet the legendary maker, Richard Jenkins. Ron flew straight over to them after kicking the horde out. The colour of his face matching his hair as he stepped out of the fireplace.
"Ron!" Hermione squealed, as she came into the living room. It was a Sunday.
"Where's Harry?" he gasped.
"In the backyard, why?"
"He needs to come with me now"
He headed for the door to the backyard but Hermione stopped him. "No, he doesn't" her tone didn't leave any room for argument, nor did the look in her eyes.
"Hermione, please!" he folded his hands. "There are more than hundred people outside the shop demanding to meet Richard Jenkins. This is third straight day and they won't hear no for an answer"
"Ron?"
They both turned to see Harry standing at the door, looking between them.
"What are you doing here? Took a day off, did you" he smiled.
"Harry!" Ron ran past Hermione and dropped right before Harry. He grabbed his left leg and clung to it. "Harry mate, you got to come with me. Just for a few minutes. I promise I'll flew you back"
"Ron!" came Hermione's shrilling voice. "I told you no!" she pried him off Harry's leg by lifting him by his ear.
"Ow! Ow! Hermione! That hurts!"
"Good!" she growled.
"Will anyone tell me what's going on?" asked Harry, who stored the memory for future teasing.
"A throng of people are waiting outside the joke shop wanting to see Richard Jenkins" Hermione glared at their best friend who was pleading with Harry.
"Just fifteen minutes mate, tops. I swear"
"NO!" Hermione gave him a smack at the back of his head.
"Darling, please stop assaulting our friend. You don't want him to go crying to his wife, do you" chortled Harry, before dropping the smile off his face at Hermione's glare. "Sorry"
"You think this is funny, do you"
"Honey, I don't-"
"Then tell him to leave and stop giving me a headache"
Harry sighed and turned to Ron. "You heard her, mate. Plus, my answer was always going to be no." He walked over to Ron and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm not ready yet, mate. Maybe in the future I'll be, hopefully, but for now...I'm sorry. The main cause of my stress is large crowds, especially when all the attention is directed towards me. It can get really bad really fast" he finished in a more somber tone.
A look of deep understanding flashed across Ron's face and he nodded. "I understand, mate. I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked you. Guess, I caved under the pressure" he chuckled.
"Hey, happens to the best of us" Harry patted him.
"Alright" Ron headed for the floo. "I'll think of something to kick the lot out and if that doesn't work well then, I can always call in a favor dad. He'll have half the auror force surrounding the shop in less than a minute"
"Hey, wait up" Harry called after him as Ron stepped inside the fireplace.
"What" Ron stepped back out.
Harry was gone for a few seconds before he came running back holding a broom. He handed it to Ron.
"Wow" the redhead gasped in awe. "This is beautiful"
"It's a working prototype at the moment but you can hang it in the shop so people have an idea what they can expect next"
"Mate" Ron shook his head, smiling bashfully. "You're a champ"
Harry just smiled in return as Ron left with a flurry of green flames.
It took another couple of years after that before Harry felt he had almost full control of his emotions everytime the visions stirred up. It was a significant day in the couple's life as they had agreed not long after their marriage that they wouldn't have children unless Harry's episodes wouldn't cause anymore problems in their life. He was very insecure of raising children because he was afraid of failing as a father. He never voiced it out loud but Hermione knew his biggest fear, he didn't want his children to think their father was crazy. He wouldn't have been able to deal with the pain. It would've totally broken him.
So, on February 14, 2007, the couple had their first child, a beautiful baby girl, Kaia Lily Potter. There had been only three times Harry had truly cried. The first was his wedding day, the second was when Hermione told him she was pregnant, and the third when he held his daughter for the first time.
The first thing he said to Hermione when he handed the baby back to her was "Honey, forgive me, but my heart just broke in two pieces and this teeny little thing owns the one half" She just giggled and pecked him on the lips.
Their second daughter, Alicia Jean Potter, was born on May 21, 2019.
"A heart is in the shape of a triangle is it not" he had said and Hermione just rolled her eyes.
"And there was a time when it was all mine" she pouted.
He gave her a warm smile that still sent tingles down her spine. "My love, you and I are one. What is yours is mine and what is mine is mine"
This time he wasn't quick enough to dodge the whack on the head.
Kaia was now crouching in front of her mother, sobbing on her leg as Hermione gently massaged her head, her own tears sliding down her cheeks.
"I'm so so-rry, m-mum." she lifted her head and looked up at her mother. "I d-didn't know"
"It's alright, sweety" Hermione smoothed her hair back. "Now you do"
"Dad, I feel so bad for him"
"Don't feel bad, be grateful that he's your father" smiled Hermione. "He loves you so much, Kaia, just as I do" she leant forward brushed her lips against her forehead.
"I love you guys, too. But I don't understand one thing. Why did dad gift you the snowflake, today?"
Hermione smiled "Because today's the exact day when your dad first gave it to me all those years ago"
"Oh"
"Well, well. There's a sight for sore eyes"
Both mother and daughter whirled their gaze towards the door and huge smiles split their faces in half.
"Dad!"
Harry was casually leaning against the door as Kaia came barreling towards him before he caught her in his arms.
"Oof! You're getting heavy" he chuckled.
"Dad!"
"Very charming, darling. You know just the thing to say to a girl" Hermione gave him a peck on the lips.
"Hey, I gave you plenty of compliments when we were young. Remember Slughorn's party. I couldn't get my eyes off you"
"Please, can we not talk about this" Kaia put her fingers in her ears and made a gagging face.
Hermione just rolled her eyes before facing Harry. "So, did you get my gift?"
She lifted her right hand and uncurled her fist. An ecstatic smile came over Harry's lips as he gently traced the snowflake. "Looks beautiful in your hand"
"There's the charmer I remember. So, how was the game?"
"Brilliant" grinned Harry. "Should've seen Ron's face when Andrews grabbed the snitch. Ha! He owes me fifty galleons"
Hermione shook her head. "You're a nincompoop, Harry Potter"
"I know, but I'm your-"
"Yes, yes, I know" she waved a hand as she walked into the house. "Go get changed, I'll get dinner ready"
"Yes maam" he called back before turning to face his daughter. She looked like she wanted to say something but was finding it difficult to voice the words swirling in her head. "Hey, what's the matter"
He grabbed her hand and lifted it to his lips. She smiled as he pulled her in for a hug. She twiddled with the button of his shirt for several seconds before saying "I had a long chat with mum"
"Go on"
She took a deep breath. "She told me everything"
She felt him go tense and snapped her gaze to his. His eyes had turned slightly wide. "Everything?" he whispered.
She nodded. "Everything"
He stared into her eyes for a moment before letting out a soft sigh. "Well, I suppose it was time. You deserved to know"
She could sense he was holding something back and his posture was still slightly tense. She knew exactly why.
"Dad, I love you. I'm never not going to love you, just like I know you won't either"
His eyes glazed over and he embraced her tightly, kissing the top of her head. "I love you too, honey, more than you can ever imagine"
She sniffled before pulling back.
"C'mon, let's get inside before mum bites both our heads off"
She nodded with a smile.
They headed for the door when she stopped him. He looked over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow. "What's the matter, pumpkin"
She was biting her bottom lip. "I just wanted to know...if...they are...still around"
He held her gaze before looking to her left. Lines appeared under his eyes as a small smile curled lips at the corner. "They never left, honey. They are always going to be around"
"Then..."
He turned his gaze back at her and smiled "I just choose to ignore them. I'm the one in control now" he winked.
She smiled back at him as he tugged on her hand and they walked inside.
Harry turned around to close the door and stopped for a moment. He stared through the glass at the three figures standing in the garden. Voldemort, Pettigrew and Barty Crouch Jr. They were all staring at him with warm smiles on their faces and they all gave him a nod of their head.
"Night guys" whispered Harry, before one side of his mouth stretched upwards. "I heard it's going to snow tonight" with that he pulled the curtain over and joined his wife in the kitchen.
A/N: Well guys, I hope you found that somewhat enjoyable. As always, post your comments below and let me know your thoughts. Don't be shy, I love reading them.