Chapter 3
Harry and Ron sat on opposite sides of the chess board savoring the simplicity. Their attention focused solely on the game studying potential moves, and their consequences.
"Why are you doing it?"
Ron's question took a moment to penetrate. He wasn't talking about Harry's risky chess move. "It feels like I should."
"Really?"
"Yes, and no. But I need the N.E.W.T.s."
"To be an Auror?"
"It's my chosen career. Voldemort is gone, but he wasn't the only threat. You have to admit after him, it'll be a piece of cake."
"I suppose," Ron said. The dream job lost its glamour.
"It'll be different," Harry said. "I'll be trained."
"How does Ginny feel about it?"
"We haven't discussed it."
"If you want it to work, talk to her," Ron offered. "Before."
"It's not the same. Ginny knows my plans. I haven't changed them. We've got a year to figure things out."
Ron concentrated on the chess board. He made his move. Harry pondered his pieces.
"I wish you would have told me," Ron confessed.
"Now, you sound like Hermione."
"I sort of understand how she felt."
"Would it have made a difference? You didn't confide in me."
"I didn't want to be made fun of."
"Neither did I. Going back is a totally Hermione-ish thing to do. Maybe we're growing up, making decisions on our own and what not. But I always pictured us returning together."
"I pictured us going as well."
Sadness enveloped the pair. Most of Harry's memories of Hogwarts included Ron in some form. If he hadn't been part of the adventure he was always there to tell. Now…
"Depressing."
"Yep," agreed Ron. "Are you ready for it?" Harry cocked an eyebrow. "You were famous before, but now you're like an idol or something."
"I can handle it." He'd dealt with fame since he was eleven years old.
"It'll be a hundred times worse than before. You defeated him for good. He's not coming back. People will be staring, and hounding you for autographs. You're probably the only student to be awarded an Order of Merlin, First Class."
"Thanks, mate, that helps a lot."
"I'm just saying." Ron shrugged his shoulders. "Look at it this way, you should have no problem starting a Harry Potter fan club. There will be loads of students and teachers who'd sign up." He snorted.
Harry stared at him.
"Oh, but please Mr. Potter, my we have your autograph." Ron batted his lashes and clasped his hands in front of him.
"Git." Harry laughed. "Declare check mate so we can get ready for your party."
"Check mate."
"Try again," Harry urged. "You aren't going to see her for a year." Harry cursed himself. He promised not to interfere.
"I want to, I do," Ron said. "Where is she?"
"Running."
#
Hermione's running was becoming a routine. She dashed into the kitchen. She grabbed a bottle of water and gulped. The preparations for the party were scattered on the counter. Mrs. Weasley prepared Ron's favorite dishes.
"Hello dear," Mrs. Weasley said. "Better hurry along. The party starts soon."
Hermione gave a tight-lipped smile. She trudged up the stairs. Were they going to leave things this way? Unresolved with things not said. Her traitorous heart refused to let hope die. It believed Ron would stay.
The party forced the facts of the situation. His belongings had been sent. Tomorrow he would follow. Her chest heaved. Oh, Merlin, he's leaving me. What had she done? She had to talk to him.
#
The knock echoed faintly in the near empty room. "Come in."
"How's it going?"
"Surreal."
"Big word."
"I do know some." Ron scowled.
"That's a shock," Ginny teased. "Got things patched up?"
"Where's the subtlety little sister?"
Ginny tilted her head in that obnoxious way of hers asking him if he was for real. The façade dropped as quickly as it came. "I'm going to miss you," she said.
"Me too, but you'll have Harry."
"He's not you."
"It's a year. We wouldn't be together anyway. Not that you can stand me, or anything."
"That's not true. You could be at Hogwarts with the rest of us."
"It's too late, Ginny."
"I'm proud of you, even if you are being stubborn." She hugged him. "Write to me," she mumbled into his shoulder.
He rested his chin on her head. "I'm not going to write." He pulled back to look down at her. "It is me."
She punched him lightly on the shoulder. He offered his arm. She took it. They walked downstairs to his leaving party.
#
The party was in full swing. Congratulations, and best wishes poured from the guests. Glasses rose in toasts. Presents were given.
"Luna, what is this?"
"A Wrackspurt preventative."
"How could you not know that?" Harry whispered.
"Thanks," Ron said uncertainly. He hugged her.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Daddy asked for you to keep an eye out for the Crumpled-Horn Snorkack. We haven't been to America on holiday yet."
"My pleasure." She beamed at him. He barely contained his laughter as Neville led Luna to Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan.
Hermione observed from her lone corner as Harry and Ron joked with their friends. Just because misery flowed through her every pore did not mean she should ruin Ron's night. She excused herself to no one.
Ron saw Hermione leave. His shoulders drooped. His smile disappeared. But a minute later she was back with a huge grin on her face. She took her rightful place in the trio. They enjoyed what would be their last night together for a while.
#
"Harry, I've been thinking of moving out."
"What? Where?" Concern washed his voice.
"I'm going to ask Professor McGonagall if I can stay at the school. I have studying to do. I can't concentrate with the interruptions."
"Is it that bad?" The undercurrents in her tone alerted him.
"Yes, no," she spluttered. "I don't know. I like living here. But he's everywhere." A whole week without the annoying red-head and she was ready to go.
"He'll be there too."
"I know," she cried. "I still need a change."
"How will you study with George?"
"We can apparate to Hogsmeade, or something. I'll work it out. I can't stay here." Anguish mixed with fresh pain met his gaze.
"Ok. Let me think on it."
"You won't change my mind."
We'll see, he thought. She couldn't leave. Her familiar and dependable presence comforted him.
"Are you still going to help with Teddy today?" he asked.
"Yes." The conversation hadn't gone to plan, but it was over.
The doorbell rang. Harry pushed Hermione's decision aside for later consideration.
"Hello, come in," Harry said welcoming Andromeda Tonks, and Teddy into his house.
"Hi, Harry."
Teddy gurgled happily waving his arms at Harry. Harry brightened. He'd gotten attached to his godson. Teddy's hair shifted to bright green. Harry grinned.
Andromeda reluctantly handed Teddy to Harry. She liked Harry, she trusted him, but she was notoriously over-protective of her grandson. He was the only family she had left.
"What have you got planned for today?" she asked handing Harry a diaper bag. It was unnecessary. Harry kept a well-stocked nursery for Teddy.
"Nothing special. We're staying in with Hermione," Harry said. "We'll see if he likes the stuff I got him in Diagon Alley."
"You spoil him," Andromeda chided. Her smile removed the sting in her words.
Harry shrugged, and cuddled Teddy. "It's my job."
"Teddy," Hermione cooed. "Hello, my adorable little man." She scooped him up. "Let's see what uncle Harry got you."
Andromeda watched Hermione and Teddy disappear into the living room. "I'll be off," she said.
"Thanks for bringing him."
"Not at all. He's your godson."
"I wish I had more time to spend with him."
"Harry, you're doing the best you can. It's more than enough." The beginning had been rocky. In time they found an arrangement that suited Teddy. The tyke loved Harry.
Hermione lifted Teddy into the air. He waved his arms. She pulled him down to be nuzzled. He grabbed handfuls of her uncontrollable hair.
"You're a natural," Harry commented.
"No, I'm not. He screamed bloody murder the first time he saw me."
"It was the hair. Now, it's his favorite chew toy."
"Oh no, Teddy, don't put it in your mouth."
Harry snickered as Hermione pulled the wet stands from Teddy's hands.
The three spent an enjoyable afternoon together. Hermione managed to forget about Ron while laughing at Harry's antics to make Teddy giggle. It was easy to understand Harry's need to make the baby happy. Teddy's loss mirrored Harry's.
Harry was adamant that Teddy would grow up in a loving family. He was determined for the boy to know his parents even though Teddy didn't have memories of them. To know that they cherished him. To know that he was their greatest joy.
Hermione choked on the bitter jealousy of no one caring for her that way. Harry took her hand proving how wrong she was. Her best friend loved her unconditionally.
"Don't even think it." Harry spoke the words in her mind.
Startled chocolate eyes met shocked green ones.
"You heard me?"
"Yes," she squeaked.
"Weird."
"Very," she said aloud.
#
"Granger, what are you doing?" George found her in the library. She sat hunched over a parchment with her quill scratching away.
"Isn't it obvious? Or have you never used these before?" She indicated her writing tools.
"Smart arse. What are you writing?"
"A letter, as it happens."
"So stingy with the details."
"A private letter."
"Be that way." He resisted the impulse to stick his tongue out at her. Only just. "Where's our other housemate?"
"Off with Teddy."
"He's a cute little guy," George gushed.
"Why, George, I didn't know you felt that way about Harry." Hermione teased.
"You think you are so clever."
"So do you."
"Bah, ask one favor and it goes straight to her head."
"Speaking of," she said resting her quill in her ink pot. "I need to discuss something with you."
"Go ahead."
"It's nothing to worry about," she assured. "We're still going to study, but our meeting place will have to change."
"That would be silly, seeing as we both live here."
Hermione bit her lip.
"Out with it, Hermione," George ordered. "You're moving out, aren't you?"
An accusation. Like she'd done something wrong. She bristled. "It's crossed my mind."
"About that." Harry walked in.
"And?" Hermione demanded. "Don't keep me on the edge of my seat."
"I'd like to go with you."
"What?" The question flew out of her mouth at the unexpected response.
"Peace and quiet. A wonderful opportunity for peace and quiet. No one apparates in, or out. Nothing to disturb one studying or thinking." Memories haunted Harry too. The desire for a change of scenery was not constricted to Hermione. Besides he was not about to let her go through this alone.
"I can manage on my own," she informed him.
"I know that as well as anyone, Hermione. But this is too good to pass up. What about it, George?" No one got left behind.
"Mates, I don't know what you're on about."
"Staying at Hogwarts for the rest of the break."
Hermione registered the set of Harry's features. Determination. She resigned herself to having company.
"That is, if the Headmistress approves," she admonished.
"Why wouldn't she?" George asked warming to the idea.
"Are you sure, Harry? What about Teddy?" she asked. She wasn't intentionally ignoring George, but Harry had to consider the implications.
"I'll arrange to see him. Don't worry so much."
Hermione attacked her parchment furiously scratching out sentences, rewording others, and adding new ones. The two boys shared a smile.
#
The sun warmed their backs as they sprawled on the blanket in the backyard. Teddy changed his hair, blue to green to yellow. The pink reminded them of the clumsy witch with a heart shaped face.
"It's here," Hermione cried. She ran across the yard to them. She dropped down patting the baby's head.
"Well?" George asked. His impatience getting the better of him. Hermione posted her letter a week ago.
"I don't know. I haven't read it yet. Just got it from the owl."
He rolled his eyes pointedly.
She giggled. "All right." She scanned the letter. She frowned. "What's the plan for the rest of the day?"
"Hermione!" both boys yelled. Teddy whined.
"Come on guys," Ginny said joining them. "Don't scare him." She cuddled Teddy. She settled a thoroughly soothed baby on her lap. She took Harry's hand in her free one.
Hermione turned from the sight. She locked gazes with George. She found the same longing reflected in his eyes. Hermione folded the letter. She tucked it in her jean's pocket. It wouldn't be prudent to talk in front of Ginny. Harry hadn't said if he'd told her. Besides Hermione didn't fancy having the guilt of separating the love birds laid on her head. She was already swimming in it for taking Harry away from Teddy.
"Don't. I'll be with Ginny at Hogwarts."
"Quit it." She glared at him.
"I'll stop when your emotions aren't screaming at me."
"Bugger off."
Harry chuckled startling George and Ginny. Harry ignored their concerned looks. He snagged Teddy and tickled him. Laughter erupted and continued throughout their lazy day.
