The next morning Hermione was pacing anxiously by the floo in her receiving room, waiting for Harry to show. He still had ten minutes before he was officially supposed to be arriving—but she was excited to see him.
Her Father had shared his conversation with the elder Malfoy's over breakfast, and Hermione had laughed when he'd shared Lucius Malfoy's initial reaction about Harry's offer. The pompous blonde had sputtered incoherently and Narcissa had to smack him on his back, to bring him back to himself.
She wished she'd could've seen it for herself.
When the floo finally chimed a moment later, she turned to face it and smiled widely when Harry stepped through—dressed in a nice pair of new fitted jeans, a torso hugging button down shirt with a jacket slung over his arm. She briefly took in how yummy he looked, before she rushed into his arms and felt herself being lifted off the ground into a crushing hug.
Then she felt his head tilt into her hair as he visibly inhaled her perfume, and she couldn't help the shiver that raced through her body at the simple intimacy, that left her reeling.
"Hey." He whispered.
"Hi." Her voice was breathy, and she felt Harry's responding tremor before he gently set her on the ground. Then he took in her appearance with a lifted eyebrow.
"You look very nice."
And she did in fitted jeans, an off the shoulder blouse and a pair of knee high boots.
"Thanks." She blushed, and Harry's answering grin was adorable.
"So, what's on the agenda for today?"
"Well, what would you say to a trip to Paris?"
"Really?" Harry blanched. "Muggle Paris?"
"No, silly. Wizarding Paris. I was going to meet with Nicolas Flamel today, and I'd thought you might like to meet him too?"
"That's brilliant!" Harry nodded enthusiastically. "Although I should warn you that Ron accosted me before I floo'd over."
"What did you tell him?"
"He doesn't seem to believe the letter you finally wrote to him, telling him that you strongly felt that you both were better off as just friends."
"Lovely." She groaned. "Why must he be so difficult?"
"Come on, Hermione? This is Ron we're talking about. When has he not been difficult?"
"Touché." She pulled Harry into the hallway and led him down towards her Father's study.
"How was last night?"
Looking over her shoulder, she grinned wickedly. "Fine."
"I know that look."
"Do you?"
"Yes, it's the same one you had on your face after Umbridge got taken away by the centaurs."
"Foul woman."
"I agree, but let's stay on topic. So? What happened? Did you talk to Malfoy?"
"It was kind of required, Harry."
He pulled her to a stop and gave her a strange look. "Did you tell him of my offer?"
"In a roundabout way. He actually was the one to bring up the consort clause, and when I'd asked him about Astoria, he said he was considering it."
"Prat." Harry growled in disgust, before his lips quirked up in glee. "Did you make him guess it was me?"
Hermione burst out in giggles and nodded. "You know me too well, Harry Potter."
"Perhaps. But I can't imagine the git was thrilled with that fact. Did he blow a fuse?"
"Very much so. It was hilarious!"
She went to move them back towards her Father's study, but Harry shook his head.
"Hermione, didn't you mention there was a consummation clause? You're going to have to..."
Quickly placing her finger on Harry's lip, she silently returned his gesture. "In vitro, Harry."
Green eyes widened, as he whistled in appreciation. "Would that work?"
"Maybe? I don't see why it wouldn't. My Father is looking into it. If Draco Malfoy thinks he is going to take my virginity with the express desire to take a Mistress after our children are born, he's got another thing coming! I simply won't degrade myself in such a way."
Harry hummed thoughtfully, secretly not upset at all about this new idea.
"Okay? Say it works? Then what?"
"What do you mean?"
He pulled Hermione into his arms and tilted her head up so he could see her face clearly. "Will you live separately? What about the kids? Will they live here? Who gets custody? How does that work in the Wizarding World?"
Hermione's expression dropped as she hadn't considered that at all!
"Didn't think about it, eh?"
"No..."
Harry chuckled and she smacked his chest in faux irritation.
"Ouch!"
"I didn't even hit you that hard!"
"So did!" He bantered back.
"Quit being a baby."
Harry wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, causing Hermione to smirk at him.
This was a side of Harry she'd never seen before.
"Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?"
"Oh, he's here. All angsty, brooding and unsociable. I decided however, that if I was going to be serious about this offer, then I was going to need to step up my game. I can be charming, when I have to be."
"Really?"
"Sure," he quipped with a pinch to her side, that had her giggling again. "But seriously? I'd never thought that you were interested in me like that. I've always assumed it was Ron, and truth be told I didn't want to take a chance and ruin our friendship if I couldn't give you everything you deserved."
"Which was?"
"Marriage...a family?" Harry sighed softly. "Just because Voldemort is gone, doesn't mean all those feelings aren't still a part of me, Hermione. The anger, frustration, distrust, paranoia...the only person who's stood by me through everything is you. You are the only person I trust completely...you know that, right?"
"I do."
"I'm going to be hounded for the rest of my life. The Boy Who Vanquished. The Chosen One. Merlin, I can't go anywhere these days without being followed! Can you imagine what being in a relationship with me would be like?"
"Oh, I don't know? I found myself thinking about it quite a bit last night!"
"Oh?" He grinned mischievously. "And what conclusions did you come up with?"
"That no matter what happens, I can't leave you. I need you in my life in whatever way that works for you. I won't ask for more than you can give me, Harry. Godric knows, what I can give back is limited too."
"We're a right pair, aren't we?"
"Yes." Hermione leant up and kissed his cheek softly, feeling his hand gripping her hip momentarily before she pulled back with a wink. "Now, I would like to introduce you to my Father, if you're okay with that?"
"Lead the way, love."
Hermione's grin was blinding at the endearment, as she pulled Harry along the rest of the way until she got to her Father's study and knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Opening the large oak door, Hermione popped her head inside and said, "Hi, Papa. Do you have a moment to meet Harry formally?"
"Of course, Angel! Bring the boy inside!"
Hermione opened the door all the way and smiled at Jean Paul with a brief nod. The wizard's eyes widened noticeably when he took in Harry, and bowed in welcome.
"Mr. Potter."
"Harry, this is my Father's most trusted aide. Jean Paul Duvries. Jean Paul, this is Harry Potter."
Harry nodded at the man. "Pleasure."
Jean Paul smiled slightly as he returned the sentiment before excusing himself, closing the door behind him as Pierre stood up and rounded his desk—his hand outstretched in welcome and Harry didn't miss a beat—taking it firmly within his own.
"Sir."
"Harry, this is my Father, Pierre Alphonse...Papa? This is my best friend, Harry Potter."
"It is high time I was finally able to meet you, Mr. Potter. Please have a seat."
"Thank you."
Harry sat down on the loveseat and Hermione sat down next to him, while her Father made himself comfortable in a wing-back chair near the fireplace.
"So, my daughter tells me you will starting Auror training soon?"
"August. I know it probably sounds cliche, but there's still at large Death Eaters out there, and there's a large part of me that won't rest until they're all brought to justice."
"That's commendable." Pierre nodded. "It must be a relief however, to finally have the worst of it behind you?"
"Yes." Harry returned the gesture. "I feel though, as if I should apologize."
"Harry..."
"No, Hermione! Your Father deserves to hear this from me."
Pierre watched as his daughter sighed, but surprisingly acquiesced to her friend.
"I didn't know about Hermione's past, but even if I'd had—I'm not sure I could've been selfless enough to let her leave me. Despite the fact that I knew she never would—I don't imagine her friendship with me was something you'd anticipated happening when you decided to have her attend Hogwarts. Am I correct?"
"You are."
"I'd often wondered in our early years, why she hadn't been sorted into Ravenclaw. It wasn't until our fifth year that I'd realized why she'd ended up in Gryffindor. Her bravery is unparalleled."
Pierre smiled widely, and decided right then and there that despite his misgivings about Mr. Potter, he rather liked the young wizard.
"You know her well."
"I'd like to think so, but...I'm sure she's told you that I would like to know her even better—if she allows it."
Pierre noticed his daughter blushing, but she was smiling adoringly at the young wizard, and it was clear to see that Harry Potter adored his daughter just as much.
"You wouldn't be put off by her marriage, nor her having to bear children with another wizard?"
"No. I know that must sound odd, but as I've told Hermione—the only reason I've never pursued something more permanent with her is because I wasn't sure I could give her what she deserved. I don't see marriage nor children, as part of my future."
"You could change your mind?"
Pierre was surprised at the dark look that crossed the young lad's face.
"I've been hunted and hounded in some form since I was eleven. My fame precedes me wherever I go, but now that Voldemort is dead? I'll never be rid of it. I'll always have a target on my back. I'll never know peace. The closest I've ever come to it is with your daughter. She cares nothing for my fame—she's only ever cared for Harry. Am I selfish in taking advantage of this situation? Probably. But you have my word that nothing is more important to me than she is. In whatever capacity—I can't not have her in my life."
Pierre leant forward and eyed the young wizard closely.
"And Draco Malfoy? What if he were to decide to give this union a real chance?"
Harry shrugged. "If that were to occur, and that was what Hermione wanted? I'd still be her best friend."
Pierre nodded, infinitely pleased.
"You are a good wizard, Mr. Potter. For myself? I owe you a profound apology. Over the years, I wasn't as supportive of your friendship with my daughter as I should've been. My only concern was for her safety and welfare. Many a night we would argue over my desire to remove her from Hogwarts, but she was stubbornly adamant that she would never forgive me if I took her away from you. She claimed you needed her, and in my selfishness—I was too blind to see the truth."
"Which is?"
"That she needs you just as much."
Hermione launched herself from her seat and hugged her Father fiercely.
"Thank you, Papa."
"You're welcome, Angel." Pierre then nodded again at the Potter lad. "Just be there for her, Mr. Potter. That's all I will ask of you."
"You have my word, Sir."
"Call me Pierre, Son. Something tells me I'll be seeing quite a bit of you in the future."
"Then please call me, Harry."
"It is done."
Pierre dismissed the children with a wave of his hand, and told them to enjoy their time in Paris.
Once they'd set foot on the Rue de Magique, Harry offered Hermione his arm and together—the two of them made their way towards the 3rd arrondissement, and the Rue de Montmorency, where Flamel House was located.
"I didn't realize Magical Paris was so big." Harry whispered, as several witches and wizards stopped and stared at both he and Hermione.
The looks were as expected—filled with awe and reverence.
Once they were at their destination, Hermione gestured towards the door and Harry opened it up, following her inside.
"Bonjour, Mademoiselle Alphonse, comment allez-vous aujourd'hui?"
Harry glanced up and saw a very thin man with stark white thinning hair, his skin looked like paper—but his eyes however, were a clear bright blue.
"Bonjour, Maître Flamel! Je vais assez bien, et toi?"
Harry couldn't help but grin at Hermione's perfect French. It was rather sexy, if he was being entirely honest.
"I'm very well, my dear. And this must be, Mr. Potter?"
"Yes, Sir." Hermione pulled Harry forward. "Harry, this is Nicolas Flamel."
Harry bowed in respect. "It's an honor to meet you, Sir."
"Nonsense, my boy! The honor is all mine! I had no idea Miss Alphonse was bringing you with her today or I would've had my lovely Pernelle, here to greet you both! But alas, she is feeling a bit under the weather at present."
"Oh no! Please give her our best wishes, will you?"
"Of course, dear!" Nicolas gestured over to the far wall where several tomes were located. "This is some early research for you, my dear. Have a look-see over and we will talk again in a week?"
"That sounds perfect!"
Hermione gently inspected the books with a happy smile, and Harry couldn't help but watch her fondly as she checked each one thoroughly, before carefully placing it into a special box that she'd taken out of her beaded bag, enlarged and then set the books inside—before shrinking it and putting them away when she was done.
"Interesting contraption." Harry grinned.
"It's a specially warded box that's charmed to protect the contents from theft, fire, water—pretty much anything you can think of."
Harry chuckled and shook his head in amusement. Leave it to Hermione to create her own charm so she could protect books.
"You're having a laugh at me!"
"No, love," Harry shook his head, "you just never cease to amaze me, is all."
"Is that a good thing?"
Harry pulled her into his arms and tilted her head up again to look into her beautiful amber eyes and grinned. "The very best."
Their smiles were completely matching, and they were so engrossed in each other they didn't see the young witch outside the shop staring into the store—her expression thoughtful.
"Come on, love, show me Paris?"
"Your wish is my command."
When they stepped out of the store, they'd made it around the corner before bedlam descended...as several flashes of cameras went off in succession. Harry looked up and glared in anger, while Hermione sighed unhappily.
"Miss Alphonse?" A reporter called out loudly, "Is it true that you are back in France to stay?"
"Miss Alphonse, why did your Father feel it necessary to hide your identity at school?"
"Mr. Potter? Are you and Miss Alphonse here on a date?"
The barrage of questions continued in a similar vein, until Harry took out his wand and silenced the entire press horde and their incessant chattering. Once everyone realized what he'd done, the surrounding crowd became very quiet.
"Listen, folks? I'm here to spend the day with my best friend. We've just fought in a war, and we are trying to enjoy some much needed peace, before you all decided to descend on our day. So let me make this clear, eh? And I'm only going to say this one time? Nod if you all understand?"
Everyone immediately nodded, and Hermione covered her mouth as she tried her best not to snicker at how utterly terrifying Harry could be when he got like this.
It was a turn on, too—if she was being completely honest.
"There's to be no speculation on Hermione's nor mine, personal life. Nor will any of you insinuate anything salacious? If you do? I will sue you for every last galleon."
He made eye contact with everyone there, and waited until they all seemed to comprehend.
"Now! You may write that Hermione and myself are here enjoying Paris. She was excited to show me her home country since I've never had the good fortune to visit. We've just arrived, and I would like to enjoy the shops in peace as it seems like such a beautiful place. I did visit with her Father, The Grand Duke, Pierre Alphonse this morning. It was my first time meeting him formally. He was very welcoming and fully supports my friendship with Hermione. I was very fortunate to have Hermione's unequivocal support throughout my fight against Voldemort and would've never succeeded without her by my side."
He turned his head and smiled down genuinely at his best friend, and felt her squeeze his arm in gratitude.
"Harry and I are just happy to be able to enjoy some quality time together. He's been more than understanding and supportive of my circumstances, such as they are. I consider myself fortunate to have him as someone I can always count on in my time of need. Thank you and please enjoy the rest of your day."
The reporters shuffled uneasily, but one singular glare from the Chosen One had them scurrying back to whatever hidey-hole they'd popped out of.
"That was brilliant." Hermione muttered lowly after they were all gone, while Harry just shrugged.
"You were rather fantastic too. Especially counting on me in your time of need? Should we just announce it now?"
Hermione threw back her head and laughed out joyously, while Harry grinned happily at her.
Neither one noticing the pair of dark eyes watching them with interest.