Chapter 14: An Eye for an Eye
Albus Dumbledore woke up drenched in sweat. He vomited as if he had eaten a banquet, but he had been on stasis for a week. Why was he throwing up? And then it hit him. A barrage of excruciating memories starring Ariana, Aberforth, and his parents assaulted his senses. All his failures, his biggest mistakes, and his biggest regrets were pounding on his temples. His heart squeezed painfully. He needed sugar and alcohol, preferably together and in large quantities. Why was the house so quiet? He got up and grimaced in pain. His muscles and joints did not want to cooperate. He began moving slowly, put on a robe, pointedly avoided looking in the mirror, and went out to look for Gellert. He was sure the man had his wand. No one else would dare remove it from his hold.
For the love of Crawley! What the bloody hell had happened while he was unconscious? The house was severely damaged. Parts of the ceiling had caved into the floors. Chunks of the floor were missing. The walls were peeling, and many windows had shattered. Albus felt exhausted, but for some reason, his physical discomfort was nothing close to his mind and heart. He felt so sad, so drained, so confused. Dumbledore prized his intellect above all things, including his appearance, but he couldn't think straight. He kept getting flashes of the worst things that happened to him.
The air was cold, as if devoid of any magical energy. Why wasn't anyone guarding his door? Where were the elves? He couldn't feel Gellert at all. This realization made a chill run down his spine slowly, and goosebumps exploded on his damp skin. He suddenly felt as if naked without his wand. He grabbed a letter opener from the ground with shaky hands. Despite the pain, Albus tried not to make any sounds as he descended the stairs, but they creaked, and some steps were missing. He walked through the house and found no one. He went to the study half-expecting to find it empty as well, but Gellert was shirtless, his tattooed back to Dumbledore, staring into the fire.
"Gellert?" Albus asked in a whisper. "What happened? Where is everyone?"
"Dead."
"What!? What happened? What did you do!?" Albus was shocked.
Gellert laughed. His laughter was dry and sardonic. "What did I do? You have a lot of nerve to sleep through Armageddon and then blame me for it."
Albus held on to an armchair. That tone of voice was the kind you got right before Gellert blew off the hinges and went on murder machine mode.
"How long was I asleep?"
"A week, fortunately for you," Gellert bit back his desire to strangle the other man. Unfortunately, they needed each other to succeed.
"What happened?"
"Bellatrix Lestrange happened. I told you to put a leash on that psycho bitch. You didn't. Now she has set us back at least two years. All the soldiers we had in this house, except for Malfoy and Mrs. Carrow, are dead. But even those two left. They were scared for their lives. The elves vanished, and the goblin that took years to corrupt cut ties with us entirely… All of that happened because of you NOT listening to me," Gellert said all this slowly, calmly, in a tone of voice that sounded almost bored, but Albus knew better. That voice was the same as a snake when it raises its head, ready to attack.
"What did she-?" Albus's question died in his throat as Gellert turned the chair around and faced him. Gellert stood and moved towards Albus, who collapsed to the chair in shock. Gellert's beautiful left eye was missing. The socket was hollow and angry red. It was infected, and it oozed pus that looked like disgusting thick tears, except they only fell from the missing eye. The lid had been split in half and stitched back together. His face had hundreds of micro-cuts that, from the looks of it, were not healing that well.
"She worsened the sludge by trying to revive her master. Then, when that didn't work, she exploded her core in a fury when she heard I killed that aberration. Lestrange was locked in a closet. I couldn't see what she was about to do until it was too late. Lucius said that spell was from the Lestrange Grimoire. A sort of safeguard to make sure that when faced with a situation impossible to survive, you can at least do as much damage as possible. Lucius's knowledge was why he could protect himself and Carrow, who was next to him. Everyone else was cut in half. I could only protect myself because I fell to the ground from the pain of my eye being destroyed… The only other thing I could do was to place a protective enchantment on your room before the destructive wave reached it," this was a blatant lie. Grindelwald had no idea how the house was still standing, particularly how Dumbledore's room was in top condition, but Albus didn't need to know that. Guilt and remorse are great tools of control, but so are gratitude and pity. Gellert couldn't call a life debt for a life he didn't save, but Albus didn't know that Grindelwald didn't save him. By virtue of just telling Albus that he wouldn't call a life debt, he had one up the man's head. The room survived because Neesy didn't know how long Albus would be unconscious, and so she had strengthened all measures to make sure no one helped him or woke him.
"T-Thank you… S-She worsened… the sludge?" Albus's head was pounding. "How?"
"Bellatrix cut Emma Dagworth-Granger open, without numbing spells, and pulled her baby out. She intended to cut off the child's head and throw him in the sludge to give Riddle a body. But the baby was covered in Emma's blood…" here Gellert gagged, barely stopping himself from vomiting "and Lestrange's saliva. She licked the baby." Gellert gagged again. "You know very well how specific blood magic is. Both Emma's and her baby's blood got in the cauldron, perhaps even Lestrange's saliva, but I managed to intervene and saved the baby," Gellert smiled, trying to project kindness.
"Emma… Dagworth-Granger?" Dumbledore replied slowly as he tried to process. His brain was fuzzy.
"Yes, House of Dagworth-Granger has been revived."
"Where is she? Where is the baby?" Dumbledore asked. He hoped they had died. At least that would be a strong hit on the Potters.
"Safe and sound. Neesy, the elf, managed to trace her. Probably through the baby's core. She popped here with Lord Dagworth-Granger and a couple of others, and they took care of Emma and took her away with my permission."
"W-What? You had several members of the opposition here, at your complete mercy, and you didn't end them?!" Albus was furious.
"Need I remind you that Bellatrix almost killed Emma Dagworth-Granger? How were we going to use her to get money when that lunatic had cut her in half!?" Gellert punched the desk, making Albus jump.
"They didn't need to know that. You could have patched Emma up and obliviate-"
"You don't get it, do you? Her pregnancy was high risk. Bellatrix and Lucius handled her roughly, which precipitated her labor, EARLY, except she couldn't push because she had already been warned she needed surgery! The pain she must have felt… Lestrange silencioed the room and cut into her lower belly with a knife! The woman was bleeding out, and Bellatrix was cackling with pleasure as she tried to decapitate her son to bring back Riddle!"
Albus took a shaky breath. Through his hazy mind, he noted that Gellert was never this touchy or sentimental. That meant that something about the scene had moved him to his core. But what?
"Now what?" Albus asked in a child-like tone.
"I'm leaving," Gellert said resolutely.
"What? You can't. We can fix this!" Albus pleaded.
"We don't have the hallows! Riddle is currently living in one of his Horcruxes -Merlin knows where-, most of our army was wiped out, and you can't fucking stop shaking! What the bloody hell is up with you?" Gellert barked.
Albus looked down at his hands that were shaking nonstop. He hadn't realized he was shaking at all. He shook his head. "We will get them! We have enough life debts combined to raise a new army with the firstborn children of the families that owe us life debts…"
"What happened to you?!" Grindelwald insisted through gritted teeth. "I will not have a partner who does not trust me."
"I don't know. I woke up like this…" Dumbledore said slowly. His eyes widened, and he palmed his robe. He gasped. "Gellert, where is my wand?"
"You only realize that now? I told you we don't have the hallows!" the man yelled.
"Where is the Elder Wand!?" Albus answered agitatedly, his eyes vicious.
"Gone. I left it in your hands in your room when I put you to sleep."
"You couldn't take not having the Elder Wand, could you? You robbed it! It will not answer to you because you didn't win it fair and square!"
"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME?!"
Gellert stood up abruptly, and Albus was reminded that Grindelwald had taken superior care of his physique and health. He was still very muscular and had significantly more stamina and energy. Gellert's core which turned on in pure fury, made Albus feel a cold fear. Bellatrix losing control of her core was damaging. Gellert losing control of his was an ELE*. The worst part was that Albus knew that Gellert was only letting a fraction of his power out. Dumbledore took a few steps back slowly. He had to tread very carefully.
"Don't you ever take that tone with me again, Brian!" Gellert whisper-shouted. "I am done putting up with your temper tantrums. Your inability to control your feelings and your desire for revenge put us in a precarious position."
"Okay, Gellert. It's all my fault. Is that what you want to hear? Had we stuck to MY original timeline, none of this would have happened."
"Do not try to assuage my anger with fake platitudes. You know me better than that. Who would be stupid enough to think that a child with little knowledge can go through a Cerberus and whatever other menial obstacles you whispered into Filius's ear?! Not even stupid Quirrell could get in and out unscathed."
"He's dead too?"
"OF COURSE he is. But he talked… He was forced to take Veritaserum, and since he had a Vow with us, he died. But before he did, he told the DMLE everything he knew! I told you he could not be trusted. Such a coward!"
"Now everyone knows we are working together, and moving around will be next to impossible."
"No. We have a safe haven. I didn't want to do this, but… don't move, I'll explain later," Albus sliced his left wrist vertically with the letter opener and bathed Gellert with the blood. The man looked at Dumbledore in anger and disgust.
"Albus, I am not in the mood for vampire foreplay. What are you-?" Gellert was interrupted.
"Domus secretum," Albus whispered, grabbing Grindelwald's forearms, and they were taken in a whirlwind, vanishing from the Alps.
Genevieve Dugard was happier than she had been in a while. She thrived on running a home full of people. Everyone from the Potter family was so grateful and genuine that she couldn't help to come to see them as her own family. It took a week. She missed her own children so much, but they were going up MACUSA's ladder with astounding speed. Daniel had been resolute in the decision that the kids were not to visit the hospital. He was still very tense about security. So far, only Martin, Dorea, Narcissa, and Tonks had been over to see Emma and meet the baby.
"Mrs. Dugard?"
"Yes, Neesy?"
"Lady Longybottoms wants me to bring her to see the family. Scion Longybottom misses his friends," Neesy explained with a blush.
"Oh, darling. You don't need to ask for permission. Now that we have signed the agreement, House of Longbottom is our ally as well," Genevieve smiled, showing her pearly teeth.
"Thank you. I don't want to step on anybody's toes. Your family has been so good to us," the elf smiled.
"We have loved having you here. The house has been so empty since our children left, but now we are delighted to have a full home with so many wonderful additions to our family," Genevieve squeezed Neesy's hand. Minutes later, Augusta, Frank, Alice, and Neville walked out of the Dugard's study fireplace. Genevieve greeted them.
"Welcome to Maison Dugard, House of Longbottom. Matthieu and I have added you to our wards so you can visit anytime. Anything you need, call for Neesy or for Lisou, our Head Elf," Genevieve shook their hands and took their coats.
"Thank you, House of Longbottom will reciprocate. We were unsure as to whether you had signed the agreement yet-"
"Yes, with Lady Dagworth-Granger's situation, things have been a bit… um… crazy, but we signed last night."
"Wonderful. If you could tell us where the kids are, that would be great,"
"Follow me."
Harry was tired. Hermione's anxiety was draining on their bond. After her comment on Mrs. Granger not being his mother, Harry was feeling rejected and lonely. Now that the Grangers had a son… where did he fit in? He loved his grandparents and his parents in painting form, but it just wasn't the same. In the back of his mind, he chastised himself. He was surrounded by people who cared, who protected him and who didn't hurt him, and yet, something was missing. Hermione's words had hurt much more because it was her. Had it been a bully at school, he wouldn't care. But she was his person… and he thought he was hers, but maybe not. He raised his shields and left the library without a word. They had been looking for baby boy names, but Harry didn't feel up to it anymore.
Harry ran into the Longbottoms as he went towards his room. He didn't hear Hermione calling him. Frank, Alice, and Augusta greeted him and went on to the Library. Neville immediately saw something was wrong. "Hey, Harry, wanna go out for a flight?"
"I can't, Nev. Daniel forbade it. He's really stressed about security these days… Even more than before."
"Okay then… chess?"
"Sure," Harry walked with his head down towards his room. They sat down to play, but Neville couldn't stop staring at Harry's sad eyes.
"Harry… How are things with Hermione?" Neville asked this in a whisper.
Harry shrugged. "I don't even know. She's still mad at me, and I think I-"
"What?!" Neville said, feeling angry in Harry's stead. "You are the one who should be mad… at her! What she said about Mrs. Granger-"
"She didn't mean it," Harry interrupted right away.
"It doesn't matter if she meant it. She has to apologize. If Mrs. Granger knew, she would-"
"Don't you dare! Emma has been through enough for several lifetimes. She needs peace and quiet. If she were completely healed, she would be here instead of in the hospital. I can't help but think that if the Grangers had never met me, they would be better off," Harry sighed, and a tear fell from his eye.
"Of all the stupid things you could say, Potter… That is the stupidest," Draco smirked from the open door. He had been staying with the kids because well, his mother insisted and he was worried about them. "If Aunt Emma heard you, she would be incensed. Aunt Emma and Uncle Dan love you. Hermione was a brat that day. Granted, she was scared and worried, but that is no excuse to say such a horrible thing to you."
Harry covered his face with his hands. "I feel bad enough already, Draco. You don't need to call me stupid and add insult to injury…"
Draco did something then that he had never done before. He unceremoniously dropped to the floor… without a cushion… and pulled Harry in against his side. Out of all the kids, Draco was the least likely to initiate physical contact. He would accept it. Especially from Hermione because she was a hugger… and she had grown on him like a sister, but he didn't usually bring people in. Harry tensed for a second but rested his head against Draco's shoulder.
"I only get to call you stupid because I'm your brother, and I do it with love. Anyone else calls you stupid, and they will have to fight me."
"And me," Neville added with a smile.
"Thanks, guys… I just don't know what to do about Hermione…" Harry sighed again.
"Nothing," both boys answered.
"You didn't do anything wrong; she did. Don't do anything. She will soon come to apologize," Draco said all of this matter-of-factly.
"Yeah, Harry. Don't worry," Nev added, squeezing Harry's shoulder. Harry shrugged. He didn't care who was wrong. He just wanted things to go back to how they were before the attack.
Augusta didn't have decorative gray hairs. They had all been hard-earned through many years of experience and hardships. As Harry left hastily, she could immediately notice something was wrong. Harry seemed like a dark cloud was following him. Hermione's eyes were watering. The girl was smart and fast, so she turned away to wipe her tears and turned back with a smile.
"Lady Longbottom," Hermione curtseyed. "Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom."
"Scioness Dagworth-Granger, future Lady Potter," Augusta nodded.
Hermione winced at her Potter title. She didn't think she deserved to be called future Lady Potter. "Come in. I'm sorry, but my parents are still not here," Hermione blushed and looked down.
"We know, dear. We are here for you and Harry to check up on you and how you are holding up," Augusta replied with a smile. "May we sit?"
"Of course," Hermione motioned at the large sofa. She had been curled up in an armchair with a blanket and a thick book.
"How are you d-doing, dear?" Alice smiled through her stubborn speech difficulty. Her dark blue eyes were full of concern. Those eyes had the same expression Emma's did. The worried mama bear look. Hermione's lip trembled, and she started crying. To her surprise, Augusta was next to her in a moment and embraced her tight. The older woman knew that this kid had been holding back her tears for a while.
"I'm… Oh, God! I'm a h-horrible person. H-He will never f-forgive me… God, I wouldn't forgive me! When my mom knows what I d-did, she will be a-ashamed to call me her daughter. My d-daddy will be so d-disappointed. I'm the worst!" Hermione blabbered through her tears.
"Sweetie, c-calm down. Take a d-deep breath. Please explain because we are lost," Frank tried to smile. His speech was still strained. Neville had told them that Harry and Hermione were cross at each other without any specifics. It struck all the other Longbottoms as odd because those two were quite harmonious.
"It's just… in the battle… I-I was so worried about my mom getting h-hurt while pregnant… Harry kept insisting we had to s-stay in the armory because that was what my p-parents wanted… and I got angry. He said that he knew how I f-felt… and I… Oh, God! I pushed him a-away and told him that he wouldn't understand how I f-felt because she was not his m-mother!" The collective gasp from Frank and Alice made Hermione feel ten times worse than she had been feeling up to this point. As the teen rambled on, she began to hyperventilate. She was shaking and curved in a ball as she continued. "And now I think he p-probably meant he knew how I felt b-because he can feel my e-emotions as his own through the b-bond, and I am the most h-horrible person! So, so stupid! What if I can't f-fix this? He will never for-forgive me! Will he d-divorce me?"
Before they could answer, Harry, Neville, and Draco burst through the door, their wands in front of them, seemingly ready to attack. Harry ran to Hermione and knelt in front of her.
"Are you okay? The bond pulled me, and I felt you were scared and in pain… What's wrong?" Harry reached out to touch her, but Hermione sunk into the sofa behind her and recoiled from his touch. Harry looked in physical pain when she moved away from his hand.
"I'm sorry I s-scared you. I'm f-fine…"
Harry lifted a disbelieving brow. "You are not fine. Bond, remember? When you are freaking out and not in control of your emotions, you can rarely block me."
Hermione's shoulders shook as she tried to calm down to speak. "H-Harry… I-I-"
"Hermione, wait. Please don't say anything. I was very insensitive to how you were scared and hurting because you were worried about Emma," he almost said 'your mom' bitterly, but he realized being petty wouldn't help. "I shouldn't have tried to push you to see sense when feelings are illogical, and the situation was so overwhelming. I should have also done a better job at protecting you and your mom. I made a promise, and I haven't been able to keep it as well as I should have. I will train and work harder to do better next time. Please forgive me."
Neville and Draco looked at Harry and facepalmed simultaneously, but they should have known that Harry could never stay as angry as he should at Hermione. Augusta was shocked. She had always known this boy to be sweet and kind, but he was entitled to be furious at Hermione, and yet, he could talk calmly and express himself better than many adults in such a situation. Hermione's jaw was hanging. Her eyes were full of tears. If she was any bit like Lady Longbottom, such a reaction made her feel worse. Frank and Alice looked at Harry with pride. He was the best possible combination of Lily and James.
"Harry… You must h-hate me. I am so so so sorry for what I said. It was untrue, cruel, and the w-worst thing I could have ever said. I know I h-hurt you deeply. You have b-blocked me since that day. You were absolutely right that we should have stayed where it was s-safe. You were right that that's what mom and dad would have wanted. I was being illogical and mean. I want you to know I didn't m-mean a word. I think, in a way, my m-mom is probably more your mom than my mom. Me? She got p-pregnant, but you… she chose you and nursed you back to health and loved you from the second she saw you. I just got l-lucky to be her daughter. I have nothing to forgive you for. I don't expect you to forgive me anytime soon, if at all. I just want you to know that I am sorry and that you are entitled to be mad at me for as long as you want."
Harry had been looking pointedly to the ground. He looked up at Hermione with his eyes full of honesty. "I forgave you the same day it happened. I know you didn't mean it. I can feel it here," he said, pointing at his heart… "and here too," he added, pointing at her chest. "It just hurts, you know? But I'll be okay."
Hermione pulled Harry up and hugged him with all the might in her young body. "You are the best friend-" she whispered the next two words with a blush, "and husband… anyone can have, Harry James. I love you so much."
Harry blushed. Husband. He liked the sound of that a little too much for someone his age. "I love you too," he whispered.
"Since that was cleared up and since we are here… Can we see Lily and James? We've been working with Lupin to finish some legislation Lily proposed, but there are parts of her notes that were damaged by humidity and time, and we hope she can help us figure them out."
"Of course, I think they are visiting in grandpa's and grandma's room with the other paintings, but their frame is here. Um, Lady Longbottom?" Harry asked.
"Yes?"
"What does one have to do to open up a murder investigation?" Harry asked with barely concealed emotion. Hermione squeezed his hand.
"Well, they are usually investigated immediately, by default. Otherwise, if it was in a different country or under suspicious circumstances, you must go to the DMLE with the person's official death certificate, including the cause of death, and demand an investigation. Why do you ask, Harry?" Augusta replied with a slight frown. Why would this boy need to ask this?
"It's just… I don't know if anyone formally accused Voldemort of killing my parents. But I think it should be on record. The same goes for whoever attacked Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom. If they are ever caught, they deserve to rot in prison forever… I get that you don't want to tell Nev who did it, and I think I understand that, but you deserve justice," Harry said, squeezing Hermione's hand back. She could feel the block he had lifted as it vanished completely. This brought a proud smile to her face.
Augusta felt as if a bucket of icy water had been dropped on her. The boy was right. They hadn't pressed charges. What an oversight! Frank and Alice looked at her questioningly.
"Merlin and Morgana! I have no excuse. I should have done this… I just, oh-"
"Mom, don't. Y-You had enough on your plate. We need to request a m-meeting with Madam Bones to straighten things out."
"Harry, dear, tell Charlus that you want your parents' death investigated formally. Lords and Ladies have their requests expedited because we hold significant purse strings to the DMLE with our participation in the Wizengamot," Augusta caressed Harry's cheek tenderly. "I am so proud of you for speaking up."
"Actually, you should be proud of Neville. It was his idea."
"It was an e-excellent idea," Frank smiled at his son with a special shine in his eyes. Neville blushed furiously.
In her hospital room, Emma was growing irritated with her husband. He didn't even want her looking out of the window… in case they were attacked. She couldn't blame him, but when Emma walked slowly towards the bathroom, and he made an attempt to help her while shielding her with his body, she snapped.
"Daniel Francis Granger!"
"What, dear?!"
"You are giving me so much anxiety right now. I can walk myself to the bathroom. I promise you that the boogeyman is not hiding in the shower!"
"You don't know that!" He snapped back, rushing before her to said shower to double-check.
Emma huffed as she reached him. "You need to calm down! I am okay. The baby is okay. We need to go home, so you feel less out of your element."
"Yeah? And where is home, huh? The manor was obliterated! I really doubt we can move into the office!" Daniel said this quickly and angrily as he got in position to help Emma sit down on the toilet.
Emma looked at him and took a deep breath. This was the man that she chose, the one she married, the one she loved today even more than the day before. It wouldn't do to allow this gap to keep widening. Emma remained silent as she used the bathroom. She only groaned a bit in pain from straightening back up as her internal stitches pulled and at the cold water as she washed her hands. Daniel seemed quite embarrassed for his outburst. Now he remembers that he's British, his wife thought with amusement.
He lifted her to place her back on the bed without a word. Emma patted the bed so he would climb in next to her. Dan looked at the baby, checking him to make sure he was still sleeping soundly and joined his wife. As he was about to lie on his back, Emma pulled his head, and he ended up resting it on her thighs, curved up in a semi fetal position. His wife began threading her fingers through his hair, and his breath began to even out and slow down. "Love, you did the best you could do with the resources you had. If you don't let go of all this guilt, you will drive us both nuts. I know you are terrified because you couldn't protect us, but no one could have. Those people are insane criminals… And I know you keep playing what-ifs in your head. Stop it. None of them came to pass, thank the Lord. We are going to be alright. It will take time, but we will be okay."
Daniel shut his eyes harshly as tears fell. "I just hate not being able to do my duty. I am supposed to protect you, to keep you safe. You saw the look on your father's face. He looked at me with reproach because I didn't keep you safe like I swore I would when we got married and-"
"And like you have done for all these thirteen years of marriage, love. My dad was just shaken up as we all are. My mom was dismayed at the scar, but we can try to make it better, and even if we can't, it's a reminder that I survived. That Gellert Grindelwald person could have had us all killed, but he didn't. I am sure he had ulterior motives, but all I care about right now is that we are alive and well. I do miss the kids a lot. If you and the Ob-Gyn insist I stay… Can you please bring them here? I miss them so much, and they must be worried, honey," Emma caressed Dan's cheek.
Daniel sat up. "I don't trust that man one bit. Call me crazy, but… I felt his power, I think. Does that make sense?" Emma nodded decisively, and he went on. "I will bring the kids later today. Your Ob-Gyn wants to make sure you are taken care of until we can remove your staples safely."
"Ugh! That's going to take a while! I hate this. I want to go somewhere with a nice fireplace and a comfy couch and all that delicious elven food. I miss Neesy and everyone else," Emma sighed.
Dan got off the bed and kissed her forehead. There was a knock at the door, and both jumped. It was Martin. "Come in."
"Good morning, Daniel, Emma," Martin smiled, putting down a coffee cup on a side table.
"Thank you for being so punctual. Please go ahead and get comfortable. I will go get the kids and bring them in after lunch," the doctor explained.
"Wonderful. They have worn down all the beautiful carpets at Maison Dugard from all their worried pacing," Martin clapped Daniel on his back with a sincere smile.
"Please don't leave this room until I return," Daniel mouthed his back to his wife.
Martin nodded resolutely. He sat on the chair next to the bed and grabbed a book that was discarded there. "Where were we?"
"Elizabeth just got to Pemberley," Emma smiled.
"Oh, yes. Here is when it starts getting good," Martin wiggled his brows, making Emma giggle… and wince from her ab muscles reacting to said giggle.
Daniel walked into the Library to find Harry and Hermione pacing in opposite directions with frowns on their young faces. He realized he should have brought the kids to the hospital, but the more people there, the riskier it would be. In their portrait, Lily and James did the same, but they walked close to the forefront and then away to the background.
"Afternoon," he said after clearing his throat, which made both teens jump and for the grown-ups to turn around quickly.
"Daddy!" Hermione ran to her father's arms. Harry stayed back. He had forgiven Hermione, but he still felt a bit burned. "How's mum? How's the baby? Did you pick a name yet? When can we come to see them?"
"Pumpkin, calm down," Daniel hugged her back and moved her hair out of the way. The doctor was a bit confused as to Harry's expression. It was doubtful and sad, and also a bit scared. This reminded him of a tiny emaciated, bruised, and freshly-scarred 5-year-old Harry. His heart constricted. "Son?"
Harry looked at the floor and took a deep, shaky breath. Hermione let out a squeak and turned towards Harry. "Hi," the boy said without meeting Daniel's eyes.
The doctor put his daughter down and knelt in front of his boy. "What's wrong, Harry?"
Harry shrugged. "Nothing. It's not important… How's Mrs. Granger, Mr. Granger?"
Daniel blinked repeatedly. Mrs. Granger? Mr. Granger? What!? He looked at Hermione questioningly and was surprised to find her eyes full of unshed tears. "Mhmm. Right. Emma is getting better every day, the baby is healthy, and Martin is with them right now. We have no name yet. But I am not buying that, Harry James," the doctor frowned. A sob from his daughter made him turn around.
"Daddy, it's all my fault. I did something horrible and- Oh, you will be so upset! And mom will be furious! I hurt Harry so badly. I'm so sorry, Harry," Hermione sat down on a loveseat and broke down again.
"What happened?"
Hermione was about to tell him everything, but a look from Harry silenced her.
"Everything is fine, sir. I have forgiven Hermione and what she did is irrelevant now. Can we visit Mrs. Granger?"
Daniel looked up at the painting. James and Lily returned after they met with the Longbottoms. "James, Lily, what happened?" the paintings were very serious but replied that they didn't know. That all they knew was that Harry was really sad. "Okay, son, what gives? You haven't called Emma or me Mrs. Or Mr. in years. Did we do something to upset you? Is it the baby? Harry, listen to me very carefully. We can have ten more children, and that would never change or diminish our love for you. You know that, right?"
Harry's shoulders shook as he sobbed quietly. Daniel's heart constricted. "I-It's not the baby. I am h-happy for you."
"You should be happy for you too. You are an older brother now. That is a privilege and a big responsibility for life," Daniel took Harry's hands. They were clammy and trembling.
"I don't t-think you should t-trust me with your son. I f-failed you. I couldn't p-protect Mrs. Granger or Hermione," Harry shrugged, looking down.
Daniel shook his head, "And who told you that you had to do that? It is my responsibility as a husband and a father to protect them, not yours. I am the one that failed. So did all other adults, by the way. You saw it. Minerva, Filius, Severus, Andy, Tonks, Dorea, Charlus, Sirius, and Remus were there. All of them are powerful, experienced fighters, talented witches, and wizards, and they couldn't keep us safe either. We were not prepared for this. We will be, next time. But this is not in any way, shape, or form your fault," Daniel pulled Harry in and gave him a bear hug. The Potters looked down, grateful that the doctor was such a good man and a wonderful father figure to their boy.
The teen marveled at how the pieces of his broken heart that were miles away started growing closer. He sighed, "I'm sorry anyway."
"Don't be. What you need to be is ready. Go get your coat, son. We are going to the hospital," Daniel instructed. Harry's face lit up with a smile, and he dashed away to his room. He was so desperate to see Emma and make sure she was okay that he didn't notice that Hermione lingered behind.
"Daddy. You need to know what happened. Harry is being noble, but… I have to t-tell you. I don't know how to fix it."
And so she did. To say Mr. Granger was having difficulty not blowing up at Hermione was an understatement.
"I have never been more disappointed and upset with you in my entire life, Hermione Jean Granger," he said slowly. Hermione was a mess of tears and snot, but she managed to block Harry. She didn't want him to add feeling guilty about her current state to things he shouldn't even think about. Daniel handed her his handkerchief and continued, "I would have never believed you could be so cruel and cold. You being worried about your mom and brother does not excuse your behavior. That comment alone may have undone years of therapy and consistency on our part for him to feel like he is one of us. Your mother will be beside herself. Have you apologized?"
Hermione was so agitated that she couldn't speak, but she nodded her head once.
"Daniel? She apologized profusely," Augusta walked into the Library.
"Auggie," Daniel stood up and hugged the woman. "How do you know that? I thought you were home, recovering…"
"I'm much better. We came here to discuss some legal things with Lily and James earlier, and we were having lunch with Genevieve," Augusta squeezed the man.
"Oh, nothing serious, I hope?"
"No, darling. The kids reminded us that we never did take legal action against that psycho that tortured Frank and Alice or the terrorist that murdered Lily and James. So we are going to correct that and also sponsor some laws that Lily wrote with a few amendments."
"Wonderful. Emma would love to be a part of that process when she's better," Dan smiled sadly.
"Absolutely. How are they?"
Daniel filled Augusta in. Frank and Alice were updated too. They had walked in a bit after her with Neville. Hermione dashed to her room to get her coat, but Harry was walking back to the Library with his and hers.
"Here you go," Harry handed her the coat with a tiny smile.
"Harry, I know you said you forgive me, but I don't think you have. It's okay. What I did was really bad… truth be told, I think my parents are not that happy to be my parents right now. At least dad isn't."
"Hermione. It is fine. I did forgive you. It just hurts a bit still. But that doesn't mean you have to shut me out. You told Mr. Granger, didn't you?" Harry sighed.
"I had to. I knew you would try to stop me. Mom and dad need to know so they understand you. I deserve their disappointment," Hermione sighed. "If there's anything I can do to improve things between us, let me know."
Harry nodded, pulled Hermione in, and kissed her forehead. Hermione smiled a bit brighter. Maybe there was still some hope that things could get back to how they were before.
"I think it's the perfect name, Martin," Emma smiled brightly. "I hope Daniel agrees."
"I'm glad you like it. Emma, I will be leaving next week," Martin said with a sad smile.
"So soon?"
"Yes. His Holiness has requested my presence. His health has been declining the past few months steadily…"
Emma paled. "I hate even to suggest it, but… Could it be foul play?"
"Unfortunately, that may be the case. Ianthe recommended a healer from a magical village in Tuscany. We will be arriving the same day to-" Martin stopped talking when the door opened wide, and two blurs ran past him towards Emma.
"My babies!" she kissed both their heads and smelled their hair.
"Mom! I missed you so much!" Hermione squealed. "Can I see the baby?"
"Of course," Emma pointed at Daniel, who was speaking in hushed tones with the priest while holding the baby. Hermione jumped off the bed and went towards them. She felt a drop fall on her shoulder, where Harry's head was. Poor thing must be so worried. "Sweetheart, it's okay. I'm getting better by the minute," she said, rubbing Harry's back in soothing circles.
"I know," he whispered. "I'm sorry."
"Whatever for?"
"I should have kept you safe… Sometimes I think that I should have gone with the social worker… At least you would have been safer… I didn't keep my promise, Mrs. Granger. I am really sorry," Harry sighed. He kissed one of Emma's hands while she stared at him perplexed. "I will wait outside."
"Harry, what-?" she began, but the boy was already outside and walking towards the waiting area by the time her brain processed what he said. "Daniel… Why did Harry just call me Mrs. Granger?"
Hermione yelped and removed her hands from the baby. This conversation was going to be bad.
"Hermione," her father began.
"Daddy, Father Martin, could you please leave us alone so we can talk?" Hermione said this with her head down.
Her father nodded, wrapped the baby more snugly, and gestured for Martin to join him outside.
"Hermione Jean, explain," Emma crossed her arms and frowned. Daniel knew and was clearly crossed at their daughter. He always had a bigger soft spot than Emma for Hermione's puppy eyes.
By the time Hermione had finished her tale, in between tears and agitated outbursts from her mother, Emma was livid. "I am most upset with you. A daughter we raised with love, to be open, friendly, courteous, and empathetic… You took all of Harry's love for you and us and weaponized it against him. Your brain is a fearsome thing to behold. You are too smart to do something like this and think that simply saying sorry will suffice. Lord knows how long it will take for him to overcome this. After everything we did to make him feel like one of us, you go and take an ax to the base of his metaphorical family tree. Hermione, I am very aware that you are too young to comprehend this properly, but Harry is your husband. He is the person that will be there with you through your darkest hours. He will support you, protect you, love you… How are you going to fix this?"
Hermione took a deep breath. "I don't know."
Emma frowned. Her daughter wasn't arguing as she usually did when she got in trouble with her parents. She was resigned and heartbroken. If there was something Hermione hated was not knowing the answer or the solution, "You don't know?" Emma repeated the phrase in a monotone.
"Mom, I know I messed up horribly. I already feel terrible. Nothing you can say will make me feel worse than Harry pushing me away in our bond. He is blocking me on purpose. He said he forgives me, but I don't think he did… I know you are very disappointed in me. I promise I will never let my anxiety make me hurt Harry again."
"You better not. Go be with your brother and have Harry come here. I want to talk to him. I will try to help figure out what he needs to move past this. When we know, I will help you figure things out, but this cannot EVER happen again. You know full well that when we taught you to use your words when you are upset, we did not mean this. Understood?"
"Yes, mom. Thank you," Hermione kissed her mom's hand and left.
"May I come in, Mrs. Granger?" Harry's timid voice said.
"Yes, darling, come up here. Sit on the bed," Emma patted the space next to her.
"I don't think I should... I-I don't want to h-hurt you. You should be c-comfortable…"
"Harry, honey, one of the things women give up when they become mothers is comfort. Come here," Emma opened her arms. Harry looked at her and seemed conflicted. His face turned sad but resigned, and he sat on the bed and went into her loving arms.
Harry bit his cheek, trying to stop himself from crying, but soon he couldn't. Events from that terrible night flashed before him. He closed his eyes tightly, but he could hear Hermione screaming at him, the sounds of explosions, he could feel the house shaking… He saw Emma's pained face as the balcony fell… Daniel punching the tree… Hermione crying inconsolably... His grandparents worried sick… The hurt goblins and elves… Emma in Daniel's arms, covered in blood… Being engulfed by Emma's arms, hearing her heartbeat, the dam burst. He started crying, and he couldn't stop. For the first time, he cried aloud, not as if he had been muted.
"Oh, sweetheart. Let it all out. I'm here. It's okay," Emma peppered Harry's whole head with kisses.
"I'm s-s-sorry," Harry wiped his tears harshly with the back of his hand.
"Hey, none of that, baby," Emma took his hand and put it down. She reached over to the side table and grabbed a paper tissue to dab Harry's beautiful eyes. "I know we went through something horrible. You must have been so scared. I'm the one that's sorry you had to see all that."
"I didn't pro-protect you, Mrs. Granger. I didn't k-keep my promise," Harry sobbed.
"Sweetheart, I am glad you didn't. If you or Hermione had gotten hurt, I wouldn't forgive myself."
"But I should have-"
"You should have only worried about you, love. Won't you call me Emma?"
"It's just… Sometimes I think your lives would be much better if you had never found me…" Harry said all this in a whisper, but Emma heard him as if he was shouting from a rooftop. She lifted his chin and looked into his eyes.
"Never say that again. Never even think that again. Finding you was the best thing that happened to us. It's tied in first place with Hermione's birth and me and the baby surviving this nightmare," Emma smiled at Harry and kissed his forehead, making him sign contentedly. "I know I am not your mother, but I feel like I am at the same time. I would never want to step on Lily's toes, but I can't help but feel bad for you because they are here, but at the same time, they aren't…"
"I know what you mean... I am aware that I'm not your son… But I feel like I am at the same time too."
"I am quite cross at Hermione for what she did, you know… So is Daniel," Emma squeezed the boy's hands.
"You shouldn't be. I shouldn't have expected logical Hermione when she was so scared."
"Never excuse people who hurt you. I don't care if she's my daughter. What she did was very wrong. Can you tell me what hurt you the most?"
"I… I felt like… lost? Like… my parents are not really here, but you are… and I thought I belonged with you… but when she said that, I felt like I belonged nowhere at all…" Harry's eyes filled with tears again.
"Sweetheart, look at me," she asked with a tender smile. "It doesn't matter that I didn't give birth to you or saw you take your first steps. It doesn't even matter that we look nothing alike. You are my son. I dreamt of having a special boy like you my whole life. I couldn't have gotten a better gift from God, magic, the Universe, or all of them combined," Emma chuckled as Harry giggled. "And now I have two special boys. Whether you are eleven, twenty, or fifty years old, a son's place will always be in his mother's arms, especially when that son is hurting. You belong here. We are your family," Emma hugged him tightly, and like magic, all those little holes in his heart closed. "I know you are not particularly happy with Hermione right now, and that is okay. She is willing to do whatever it takes to right her wrong. You should tell her what you want her to do," Emma smiled, and Harry nodded. "Always remember that I am here for you. You can talk to me about anything. I am not going anywhere, and I love you. Please don't call me Mrs. Granger anymore, okay? It makes me feel old and like you want to push me away…"
Harry squeezed her while trying not to touch her belly. "I love you, Emma."
"That's more like it! I love you too, sweetie. Forever," she kissed the tip of his nose. "Do you want to meet the baby?"
Forgiveness is a difficult thing, but people with hearts as loving as Harry can forgive. Father Martin heard Hermione's confession. She was on the right path. The teen had asked for forgiveness, providing no excuses for her behavior. She offered to make amends in the way Harry thought would be better. Hermione was terrified of losing her best friend. He knew she was confessing primarily to calm herself down a bit.
"Can God forgive me, Father?"
"Hermione, you did the right thing in asking for Harry's forgiveness as he is the affected party. However, as for your confession… God, through the death and resurrection of his Son, has reconciled the world to himself, and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit," the priest blessed the girl who crossed herself and whispered Amen.
"Thank you for listening, Father," the girl said as the priest offered her a hand to stand up from their shared bench within the small chapel. "I hope I can fix things with Harry."
"You will. The bond you share is very special. However, as you said before, you cannot hurt Harry in this way ever again. People forgive, but most do not forget. Harry is not resentful, but he is human, Hermione. With his background at the hands of those wretched people, it took years for him to begin to feel like he was a part of your family… like he was loved. Don't ever make him doubt where he belongs again," the Father playfully swatted the top of Hermione's head softly. "Understood?"
"Yes, Father Martin."
"We're sticking with the name," Daniel announced as he came in with the baby.
"Gabriel has such a beautiful meaning that considering the situation of his birth… I can't think of a better name," Emma smiled as Harry peered over the blankets while Daniel sat down on the chair by the bed.
"What does Gabriel mean?"
"God is my strength," Emma smiled at her boys.
"How are you feeling, Harry?"
"Much better… Sorry for earlier, Daniel," Harry snuggled against the doctor's side. Gabriel was such a beautiful baby boy. He had a lot of hair that from the looks of it, would be as wild as Hermione's. His eyes were closed.
"No need to apologize. You did nothing wrong, son," Daniel ruffled Harry's hair. "Do you want to hold Gabriel?"
"Really?" Harry brightened up considerably. To be trusted with holding someone's baby felt to him like the most important task anyone had ever given to him.
"Sit and put your arms like this," Emma gestured and Harry copied her. "Be careful. Always support the baby's head."
Harry looked down at the baby in his arms and felt pure love and a sense of duty. He had a brother. Gabriel stirred a bit and opened his eyes: a beautiful hazel iris, with strong shades of dark yellow, almost gold, framed by dark curly lashes. Harry felt his bond charge with love and new magic that reached out to him and danced with his own. The baby's magic felt so soft, pure, and playful. He sighed. Mr. and Mrs. Granger stared at the boys… both were emitting a soft glow in different colors.
"What are you doing, Harry?" Emma asked.
"The baby's magic reached out to mine… I don't know how to explain it... I can feel his energy inside me. He's such a beautiful soul," Harry stammered. The baby cooed at this and smiled at Harry.
"His first smile! Oh! This is just precious!" Emma took a camera that her parents had brought and immediately took a picture. It would be a beautiful memory.
"May we come in?" Martin said from the door.
"Of course."
"Mione, did you feel that?!" Harry asked excitedly.
Hermione smiled brightly and nodded. She was over the moon that he had called her Mione. "What's his name, then?"
"Gabriel Ajax Dagworth-Granger," Daniel said, looking at his wife and holding back tears.
Emma smiled through tears of her own. Hermione took a deep breath when she heard Ajax but nodded with a smile. Her parents were happy and Harry had given her a chance. That was all that mattered. Anything else could wait.
Feeling lost geographically was never something Gellert enjoyed. He had an impeccable sense of direction, and after Albus moved them somewhere else with a very bizarre and obscure deviation from standard hiding charms like the Fidelius, he was lost. To make matters significantly worse, they had landed somewhere completely dark and cold, and as soon as they got there, Albus fainted from blood loss. For a sinister second, Grindelwald thought of just letting the man die. He did deserve it. But where on Earth was he? Suddenly, light-bathed him as a door opened and someone wearing a tattered robe came in. The sharp light blinded Gellert's eye, but he immediately set to petrify and disarm whoever this was. As soon as he lifted his wand, it disappeared.
"Don't even try it," the man said. The man sounded exactly like Albus. What the hell?
"Albus?"
"Thank Merlin, no. Aberforth… Is he alive?" Aberforth lit an oil lamp he was carrying.
Oh no! The brother that never forgave Albus… or me, Gellert thought. What could Dumbledore be thinking by bringing them here? "Yes, but very weak. Aberforth, I would like to apologize for what happened to Ari-"
"If you say her name, I will personally chop your tongue and feed it to my pet goat. You have no right to even think of her."
"I am very sorry regardless," Gellert looked down, in appearance, repentant.
"The only reason I haven't killed you is that he forced me to do a Blood Oath with him. You have a week to stay here. You better see to it that he gets strong enough to leave as soon as possible. This house was left to my sister and me. Albus lost any right to claim House of Dumbledore when he put Ariana between you while you fought each other."
"He didn't put her-" Gellert began, and his throat started to close on its own.
"Not another word."
"O-Okay," Grindelwald croaked.
Aberforth pulled out a Delluminator and turned on the lights in the room. They were in a cellar at Hog's Head(?). Grindelwald wasn't sure. "Now, keep quiet. There are Ministry officials who come here often and would love to find you two."
Gellert coughed as his throat opened back up. "How can I know that you won't betray us?"
"Because if I do, I will die. That's how loving of a brother that piece of shit is. There are basic potions in there and a bucket if you need a bathroom. If you steal from me, my goat will attack you."
Gellert couldn't help his morbid curiosity. "Tell me, is it true that you… um... prefer goats to women?"
The goat was extremely protective of her dad, and she rushed out of nowhere hitting Gellert in between the legs with her hard bony head and horns. He fell to his knees with a pained grunt. The horns didn't pierce the skin but there would for sure be bruises.
"You don't get to disrespect me, Grindelwald. I don't care how much magical power you have here. This is MY house and you will respect it. That was a rumor circulated by brother dear to make sure I could never find decent employment. My goat is like my daughter. You hurt her; I kill both of you. I really want to piss on Albus's grave and I wouldn't mind shitting on yours," Aberforth spat on Gellert's face. "You are disgusting, and I am sure you will die a very painful death," Aberforth growled.
Gellert growled, "Remember your oath. Do you have a death wish?"
Aberforth grimaced in anger and clicked the Delluminator and stole the only source of light from the room. "Let's see how you like a chilly, dark night," he walked away, followed by his goat that walked in reverse, never once taking her creepy yellow eyes from the now two hurt wizards.
A/N:
*ELE: Extinction Level Event
Thank you for reading! Thank you, new readers, for your follows and favorites. I appreciate it. The reason this took so long to write is that the semester has started and I am too busy teaching 4 courses. I hope the next chapter won't take so long, but I make no promises. I made this one long-ish so you aren't all too cross at me.
I want to say something regarding reviews. You have the right not to like a story, to hate it even, but not to insult someone with curse words, especially doing it through cowardly Guest Reviews. My stories are rated R for a reason. There are disclaimers on the descriptions that they are not for easily offended people and I mention the topics to be discussed. If you choose to read regardless, don't complain. You did that to yourself. I did nothing. You were told what the story would contain, you saw it was an R-rated story, you know you are a delicate, easily offended person, and you clicked on it. I will not apologize to you. Move along to read someone else's work and stop trying to patronize strangers who are posting stories just to entertain other strangers for free. Also, I am not British. Big surprise. So is most of the rest of the world. Sue me, lol. I love my country too much to care. :) - Lux