Time Skips, Pain Remains

by KalKent

A serial killer on the loose driven by pain. A detective on the loose driven by grief. As Auror Harry Potter battles his inner demons and fights to hold on to whatever has left of his once happy existence, a killing spree has forced him back into action and given him purpose. A purpose that will ultimately consume him if he doesn't accept a truth that, time skips, pain remains.

23. Chapter 21: My little champ

A/N: My lovelies! I'm terribly sorry for the delay. Three things, exams, World cup (first Cricket and now Football), and God of War: Ragnarök.

But, I've come prepared as this chapter is a monstrosity. It is, and I kid you not, almost 22k words long. My average chapter is 8k words so this is almost 3 times the length.

Not going to say what happens or why I decided to make it so long, you'll find out after you've read it. So, without further ado...

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CHAPTER 21: My little champ

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Interior, St Mungo's - Night

The room was dark except the orange glow coming from each of the four candelabra's hanging from every corner of the room right below the ceiling. Their joined light intersected right above the single bed upon which laid a wizard.

Even though his eyes were closed and his breathing was steady, his expression remained slightly stiff, as if he was experiencing a nightmare.

His eyes screwed tightly and he started thrashing his head from left to right as beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

"Unhh...no-please...not him...take me...not my son...Kai...don't leave me...please...KAI!"

Harry bolted into a sitting position and looked around with wide eyes. His breath coming in harsh gasps. Fear was etched all over his face as he tried to make sense of where he was. His gaze shifted to the light above his bed before he turned his neck and spotted a glass of water at the bedside table.

Reaching over, he picked it up and drowned it in one gulp. The glass filled to the brim again before he drained it once more. He placed it back on the table as his breathing slowly turned softer.

Just then the door was flung open and Harry squinted his eyes from the glaring white light shooting from the hallway.

"Close the fuckin' door!" his deep baritone sounding more prominent because of the drowsiness still clinging to him.

The person shut the door before walking towards him. They stopped a few meters before the bed, not coming into the light.

"Hermione?" he opened his eyes and frowned in the direction where he assumed the person was standing. His jaw tightened when no answer came but recognition flashed through his eyes. "Fuck off" he growled.

Footsteps echoed as the person finally stepped forward and Harry's features darkened instantly.

"Hey" whispered Lily, giving him an unsure smile. Her eyes were red from what appeared to be long hours of crying and even the bright orange glow of the candles had no effect on her pale skin. She embodied a ghost.

"Leave" Harry kept shooting her a venomous glare.

"Har-"

"Don't tempt me..." he tilted his head to the side and lifted a challenging eyebrow. "If you're under the impression that I'm weak or that I'll-"

"Please" she perched herself on the edge of the bed. The tension was palpable as she pleaded with her eyes. A few seconds later Harry turned his gaze down and a bright smile stretched her lips wide before she scooted closer till she was within touching distance.

She sniffled and wiped under her nose, staring at a spot on the bed as seconds turned into minutes. Gathering courage, she lifted her hand and very gently placed upon his.

A huge sigh of relief escaped her lips when he didn't pull away.

"H-Hermione told me everything" she whispered.

His head snapped towards her with alarming speed, his pupils were dilated wide and a small gap kept his lips apart for a few seconds before anger coursed through his eyes.

"Don't blame her...please. It's not her fault." she pulled his hand in her lap and clasped her free hand over it. "The moment I saw you I knew something wasn't right. That poor girl tried her best to avoid me but she has been never particularly good at lying." A small chuckle escaped her lips as she wiped at her face.

Her face screwed in agony as she looked back at him. "Why didn't you tell us" she barely got the last word out before silent sobs wracked her weak frame.

Harry scoffed. "Why should have I? He let out a bitter laugh. She gave him a look of pure bewilderment and opened her mouth to speak but he continued. "Don't act like you would've cared. You never had before...at least not when it came to me" his penetrating gaze burned through her soul and she flinched her eyes away. "If it's any consolation, I never meant to tell Hermione either. If everything had went according to plan and let's be honest, when has ever that happened for me, I would've taken it to the grave"

A trembling whimper came through's Lily's lips as she put a hand over her mouth.

He ran a hand through his hair and grimaced in pain. "Fuck!" he dropped to his side, his weight collapsing on his forearm as he brought a hand to his ribs. He groaned as his head tilted back and shut his tightly.

"Lie down" she stood up before gently maneuvering his body till he was on his back.

"What the fuck did you do to me" he panted, glaring up at her.

"Shh, you need rest." She caressed his forehead with smooth motions. "Your body is weak. You drained large buckets of your magic with that spell in the ministry and with...your condition being as it is...your body's going to take a while to recuperate"

"I don't have time for recuperation" he tried to sit up but let out a painful groan and dropped back on the bed. "Fuck!" He bunched the white sheet tightly in his fists as he glared at the ceiling. His eyes turned wide a few seconds later and he snapped his gaze at her. "What time is it, I was supposed to meet Neville at Florean's"

His eyes narrowed into slits at seeing her nervously rubbing her hands together.

"What..." His voice trepidatious as his jaw cracked under the pressure.

"Harry...you must promise that you're not going to flip out"

"Tell me" He growled.

She sighed, running her hands over her face before dropping them back to her sides. "Son, it's been three days since the incident in the ministry"

His left eye twitched as she waited, and waited, and waited until finally the inevitable happened.

"WHAT THE FUCK!"

---

1998

March 22

---

Interior, Great Hall, Hogwarts – Morning

The hall was half packed with students as it was considerably early and there was still an hour before classes began. Hermione's eyes were fixed on the paper before her as she brought a spoonful of cereal to her eager lips. Every once a while her gaze would dart towards the open double doors for a brief glance before snapping back at the paper.

Gradually the hall kept filling as the grandfather clock hanging right above the teacher's desk ticked by and just a quarter before the first class there was only one free spot left. It was the space between Ron and Draco who were arguing about the latest broom in the catalogue that arrived this morning.

Hermione was now going through her notes for Transfiguration and was pressed closely against Cormac with his arm around her shoulder.

Just then Harry walked in through the doors and as if she could sense his presence her eyes shot towards him. Her eyes remained locked on him the entire time as he walked around the long table and took his seat between the redhead and the blonde.

"Where were you?" Draco asked, handing him a plate.

Harry started piling it with meat, lots and lots of meat. He didn't go anywhere near the vegetables and even scrunched up his nose when Draco offered him the bowl of salad.

"C'mon, you know me better than that" he gruffed, shooing it away.

Draco rolled his eyes as he put the bowl back. He caught Hermione's gaze who was sitting opposite him and gave her a small smile. "I try" he sighed.

She smiled back before dropped her gaze towards her book when she caught Harry staring at her with a raised eyebrow. A light flush appeared on her cheeks that she tried to hide behind the halo of her hair.

"You need to start eating healthy, mate" Draco turned towards Harry who was devouring the drumsticks with as if it was his last meal.

"Woah!" exclaimed Ron, eyes wide. "You've worked up an appetite" he chuckled. "Never seen you so hungry before"

"I was up all night" Harry said in between his frantic chewing.

"All night!" exclaimed Ron, before lowering his voice when Parvati glared at him. "Sorry" he apologized, before turning back to Harry. "What were you doing up all night" he whispered.

"Sesh"

"Wait what" frowned Ron before looking up at Draco. "Did you get any of that" The blond shook his head. "Yeah, you have to run that by us again mate cause that went right over our heads"

Harry let out an exasperating breath as he munched along rapidly. He drank the goblet of water to speed along the process and put it down with a loud thunk!. Taking a deep breath, and burping, quite loudly, which had nearby students giving him amused looks, he spoke with a clear voice "Sex"

With that he swallowed a full strip of bacon in one gulp before repeating it thrice more while Ron and Draco were staring at him with wide eyes.

"Come again" said Draco as he leaned close to him. "Did you just say...sex" he whispered the last part.

Harry hummed while nodding his head. He looked up to see Hermione staring at him with a blank face. "Oh yeah, an entire night of fucking" he didn't take his eyes off her as he continued. By now, Dean, Seamus, Neville, Rowan and even Cormac were staring at him, all with different levels of interest. "Naturally, as Ron said it worked up quite an appetite" he stared at Hermione for extra few seconds before turning his head towards Draco and patting him on the thigh. "You should try it sometimes; it'll sky rocket your stamina through the roof"

"Are you fuckin' serious" cackled Ron, hand above his heart.

"Oh, I'm always serious" He looked back at Hermione. "Believe me"

"Potter" started Cormac, a smile brewing across his features. "If what you say is true then you've my respect."

"Is that right?" Harry drowned a goblet filled with pumpkin juice before wiping his mouth with his sleeve.

"Hmm mm"

"You know what, Mclaggen" Harry chewed the inside of his mouth as he titled his head to the side and gazed up at the far wall. "Right now, I'm so full that I don't have space for your respect so here's what I'll do"

"Here we go" murmured Draco, rolling his eyes at Ron who had a huge smirk lighting up his face.

"I'm going to turn the respect around, fly it back to you, however" he lifted a finger as he dropped his gaze back to Cormac whose eyes were now narrowed into slits. "I'm going to put a little twist on it. I'm going to go round you and pause when I reach your peachy rump, spread your globes apart and shove the respect right in your shithole" he smiled innocently. "How does that sound. Would you like that" he raised both eyebrows as he leaned forward on the table. "Just say the word and I'll be more than happy to oblige"

Beside him, both Ron and Draco had hands over their mouths to subside the sound of their laughter. Seamus wasn't so courteous as he was openly cackling. "Good one, Harry!"

Harry shot him a wink before turning back to Rowan who was even redder than the tomato sitting before him.

"Cormac don't" Hermione whispered to him, rubbing her arm along his back. "Leave it"

Harry caught eyes with Rowan who was sitting on Hermione's other side and held his stare. "Didn't take you for a joker, Potter"

"That's too bad cause I always took you for a wimp"

Suddenly, there was a shift in the mood and nearly everyone on the Gryffindor table was staring at them with baited breath.

"Rowan, leave it. He's just goading you" Hermione said to him.

"Yeah Rowan, leave it." Harry blew him a kiss before one side of his mouth lifted at the corner. "You should always listen to your mother"

"That's it!"

In a flash Rowan was out of his seat and jumped on the table and diving towards Harry. However, a second later he found himself staring up at green eyes with boot pressing down on his chest.

"MR. POTTER!" Dumbledore's voice thundered across the hall.

Interior, Seventh floor, Hogwarts – Night

Harry rolled his neck as the circular moving staircase that led to the headmaster's office slowly reached the seventh-floor corridor. He stepped off and turned left before coming to a halt. Hermione was standing in his way.

Her eyes were burning with anger. He noticed her hands clenched into fists at her sides before lifting his gaze back to her face.

"Anything I can help you with"

She was onto him in a flash. "You insufferable, pathetic little cockroach!" she started landing punch after punch on his chest and he let her. "Who do you think you are" she snarled, going for a right hook and connecting with his jaw.

"Whoa!" he chuckled, lifting his hand up but she didn't relent her attack, if anything her assault grew more vigorous. She landed another punch at his stomach before slapping him right across the face. A second later she found herself pinned to the wall with Harry breathing down her face.

His eyes were closed as he took ragged breaths and a line of blood was trailing down his mouth to his chin. She was panting heavily as she tried to push him away but to no avail. "Get off me!" she kneed him in the crotch which knocked the wind out of him and landed him on one knee.

"Oh fuck..." he groaned. He still had one hand pressed against her stomach which was keeping her at bay. He took a few wheezing breaths before getting up and hauling her over his shoulder.

She let out a loud squeal and started attacking his back as he carried her down the corridor.

Interior, Classroom, Seventh floor – Night

"Put me down!" Hermione hissed, clawing at his back.

"Now, now, sweetheart. We're nearly there" He opened the door and closed it behind them before looking at the deserted classroom.

"Don't call me that"

The moment he put her down she was onto him but he was too quick and easily averted her punch aimed directly at her face.

"You could lose your head girl badge for this, you know" he smirked.

"I-don't care" she emphasized each word with a punch that hit nothing but the air.

"Alright, that's enough. You'll be sore in the morning if you keep this up" he moved behind her with a side-step before engulfing her entire frame with one arm and putting his other hand over her mouth.

"Mmmmm" she kept wiggling to shrug him off but his hold remained unbroken.

"Shh, listen to me" he backtracked till he reached the wall and used it as a support to lean forward and place his chin on her shoulder. "Listen to me or we will be here all night"

A slow smile came over his lips as she finally stopped struggling. He waited a few seconds before removing his hand from her mouth. "Easy there now, tiger. Let me get a word in before you start hammering me like bludger once more, alright"

"Ugh! I hate you!" she stomped her foot which only made him chuckle.

"No, you don't" he said casually before hugging her with both arms and pulling her tight against his chest. "Now, be quiet and let me tell you a story"

He paused for a moment to see her reaction but she remained quiet.

"Good, now, the story goes something like this" he put his chin back on her shoulder and breathed in hair. "There was once a boy and a girl. They had never met before but when they did...the boy saw no one but her. He fell in love...at first, he fell in love with her beauty, she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, and will ever see...but, over time as he observed her from afar, he fell in love with the beauty that resided inside her and when he realized that, poof!...he was done for." He tightened his hold on her and closed his eyes. "She had him...she still does...but not for long...not that he won't love her anymore...no...but because if she doesn't listen to her heart now and remain true to herself about her feelings then...he has no hope because he's this close to falling off the ledge" He held his pointer finger and thumb at a hair's width away. "It's not a matter of if but when. He knows her feelings for him but what matters is when does she realize them cause if she's too late then it won't matter. He'll be too far gone and no matter how hard she tries to bring him back she won't be able to"

He opened his eyes to find her staring at him over her shoulder. He loosened his grip and she turned around, her hands moving to his shoulders. He leant down and touched his forehead with hers.

"I don't know what to do" she whispered.

"Do what your heart tells you" he whispered back.

She shook her head. "It's not that easy."

"Nothing worth fighting for is easy, love."

Tears escaped her eyes as she placed her head on his chest. "Why couldn't you just leave me alone"

"Because I'm selfish" he whispered. "We only live once and it's a short life and I'm not letting go what I want without a fight. I've done everything from my part, now it's up to you."

"You have a fucked-up way of going about it"

They both chuckled.

"I never said I was a romantic" he murmured as she sniffled. "I'm...I'm not a-" he swallowed a lump as his voice grew thick. "I'm not a good person, Hermione, and I can't promise you that I'll always be easy to be around or that there won't be times that you'll question every decision you ever made and would want nothing more than to put my head through a spike"

She let out a small giggle as he continued.

"But one thing I'm sure of" He lifted her chin with his finger and brought her gaze to his. "I'll always love you...always"

More tears ran down her cheeks.

"I don't know about others but I think that that's enough" He smiled. "It'll just be us. Me and you, fuck everyone else"

He wiped her cheeks with the pads of his thumbs before cradling her face in his hands. "I'll be waiting for you at the astronomy tower at 6 tomorrow. If your answer is yes, we'll have our very first date in Hog's Head...if not, you won't see me ever again, that I promise you"

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I'll be waiting" he murmured before walking out of the room.

---

Present time

---

Interior, St Mungo's - Night

The door barged open and Hermione came storming through. "What happened!" Her eyes moved from Lily to Harry.

Lily sighed before walking over to her. "Nothing, I just told him what day it is" She patted Hermione's shoulder before walking out of the door. Hermione walked over to the door and closed it before crossing the path to Harry's bed.

She ignored his glare as she plopped down onto the bed. "How are you feeling" she moved her hand to check his temperature but he thwarted it away. Hurt flashed across Hermione's features.

"Har-"

"WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE TO ME!" his voice boomed to the lower levels of the hospital.

"Harry, please, you need to calm down. This isn't good for you"

"Good for me!" he sneered, as he sat up. "I'll tell you what's not good for me. Staying in this fucking bed isn't good for me. Keeping me locked isn't good for me, you stupid BITCH!"

She jumped off the bed as if she had been slapped and stared at him in horror.

"Do you have any idea what you've done. How you've fucked everything up! I was this close to catching him!"

"Har-"

"SHUT UP! KEEP YOUR FUCKING MOUTH SHUT!" He roared, flinging the covers off him and with difficulty and pain etched across his face moved his legs off the bed and put his hands on the edge of the bed. "You've made me fucking immobile. All because you couldn't wait to do your little experiments and what for, huh! WHAT FOR! FOR THIS! IT WAS BETTER IF YOU'D JUST KILLED ME!"

THWACK!

The slap resounded over every inch of the room and echoed for what seemed like eternity.

"LISTEN TO ME!" she screeched, pointing a finger at his face. "You nearly died..." Her face twisted as her lips start trembling. "You hear me...you al-almost d-died"

She took a step forward before gingerly lifting her left hand. She pushed him back by pressing on his shoulder till he was lying on an angle on the bed with his legs dangling of the edge. She then lifted his legs up and with a heavy sigh plopped them back on the bed before covering his lower half with the blanket.

She sat on the edge adjacent to his chest and placed her hand over his torso.

Harry's jaw was clenched tightly and was breathing heavily through his nose, fists clenched to his sides and eyes burning with anger.

"I've already called Neville; he'll be here in a couple of hours. As will be John and his team." She rubbed her hand in a circular motion over his chest as his breathing slowly turned normal. "But I won't hesitate for even a second to kick them out of the room if you react in anyway similar to what you did just now."

He glanced sideways at her and shot her a venomous glare.

"For now, you need to rest-"

"Say that one more time and I'll put you to rest"

She raised an eyebrow and shot him an amusing smile. She stopped rubbing his chest and moved her gaze at the free space on the single bed. "Move over" she murmured, kicking her shoes off before removing her socks. She stood up and aimed her wand at the door. "Colloportus"

She put her wand at the table beside the bed before opening the fly of her jeans and pulling them down in one smooth motion. She looked up to see him staring at her white cotton panties and rolled her eyes. "They are comfortable"

"In other words, not getting any" Smugness coated his words like honey but there was also a hint of relief, in one could determine from the relaxed expression on his face.

"Oh, and you are" she rebutted with a snort.

He shrugged his shoulders as she pulled back the covers and got in. She laid on her side facing him and a few seconds later he mirrored her posture.

"Do I even need to say" he drawled haughtily.

She smiled, shaking her head.

"What - you don't believe me"

She covered her mouth as a loud yawn escaped her lips. "Sorry" she sighed. "And do I even need to say" she winked, which made his mouth curl up at the corners.

Silence enveloped them as they got lost in their thoughts. Hermione's eyes were turned down as she unconsciously drew patterns on the cover with her pointer finger. She looked up to find Harry staring at her forehead.

"What"

He blinked his eyes once before shifting his gaze to her brown orbs. "You've lines on your forehead"

She snorted. "It's a simple concept called ageing. Happens to everyone"

"I don't like it" he frowned.

She lifted a questioning eyebrow. "What, getting old or the lines on my forehead"

"The lines"

She let out another yawn. "Yeah, well, deal with it"

"Ginny and Luna don't have them" he pointed out.

She looked at him as if he'd just sprouted another head. "You honestly did not just say that"

"Say what"

She stared at him for a few long seconds, expression remaining affronted. "Ginny" she stretched the name out. "Has been using charms and make up to fool everyone that she's still 20." She then added with a slight hint of bitterness "And doing a bang-up job apparently" she mock glared at him.

"I don't believe Luna knows first thing about make up or glamour charms" he said, his eyes dancing mirthfully.

"Luna's been drinking wrackspurts blood" she finally broke the façade and let out a small giggle.

"Oh really"

"Hmm mm" By now they were both grinning widely.

"Maybe you should try some"

"Doesn't sit well with my taste buds"

"So, you've tried it"

"A wife would do anything to have her husband look at her the same way as he did during their honeymoon period"

"In other words, a ruse to always have us in your clutches" he quipped.

"More or less" she chuckled.

Seconds ticked along as the smiles on their faces gave way to a much sober expression. "I think we should talk" he spoke.

She looked at him quizzically.

"About everything" he elaborated, and her eyes turned slightly wide.

"Now..." she whispered.

He nodded. "Now's the perfect time. We may never get a chance like this ever again" He lifted his hand when she opened her mouth. "I know what you're going to say but let's be realistic" He paused. "There's only a slimmer of hope of me surviving"

She gave him a long hard look before nodding. "Fine" she breathed.

---

1998

March 22

---

Interior, Head's dormitory, Hogwarts – Night

"Hey" Cormac's face lit up as Hermione closed the door behind her. He motioned her to sit between his legs as he leaned back against the arm of the couch situated in front of the fireplace.

"Hey" she tucked a hair behind her ear before plopping on the opposite end.

He pouted, looking at the open space between his legs and back at her.

She gave him a small smile before saying "This way I can look at you"

A pleasing smile came over his face. "As you wish my lady" he gave a little bow, making her smile stretch wider. "So, did you catch any deviants during your rounds"

"You insufferable, pathetic little cockroach!"

"Who do you think you are"

"Hermione?"

She blinked her eyes and looked up from staring at the spot between them. "Huh"

He shot her an amusing smile "I said, did you come across any illegal behavior while you were patrolling the castle"

"Oh...no"

"You alright" he frowned.

"Yeah, yeah, sorry, just tired"

His expression relaxed. "You want to hit the bed" he raised his eyebrows.

"In a bit. I just want to soak up the warmth for a while"

"Ok" he smiled. "Let me know when you're ready" he went back to reading his novel.

For a while everything was silent except the constant sizzling of the fire and sound of a page turning over every few minutes.

Ugh! I hate you!

No, you don't

There was once a boy and a girl

She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, and will ever see

She had him...she still does...but not for long

He's this close to falling off the ledge

It's not a matter of if but when.

He knows her feelings for him

what matters is when does she realize them

if she's too late then it won't matter

He'll be too far gone and no matter how hard she tries to bring him back she won't be able to

"Hermione?"

Hermione gave a little start as she focused her attention on Cormac

"You've been staring at me"

Her forehead scrunched in confusion before she shook her head and flushed under his gaze "Sorry...didn't realize"

"No, I don't mind" he gave a little chuckle as he snapped his book shut and put it on the table. "I like you staring at me." He lifted his shoulders. "Makes me feel special" he gave her a saucy wink.

She playfully rolled her eyes as he grinned widely.

"I think you should get to bed. I've grown accustomed to your eyes by now and right now they're looking about as tired as I've ever seen them"

He swung his legs off the couch before standing up. He held out his hand and beckoned her. "C'mon, let's go"

She nodded before grabbing his hand.

They had only taken a few steps towards her room before she stopped. Cormac looked over his shoulder and raised a questioning eyebrow.

She was staring down at the floor and only lifted her gaze when he gave a tug.

"Do you love me" her voice just above a whisper.

His face went to a slew of emotions before it settled on bewilderment. "What sort of question is that" he chortled.

"Cormac please" she bristled.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he grew serious and fully turned towards her. "Of course, I do. You know I do" he put his hands on her shoulders.

Hermione's eyes grew misty as a sad smile came over her lips.

"Where is this all coming from"

"Cormac..." she put her hand over his chest. "I haven't been honest with you...for sometime"

He tilted his head to the side "I don't understand"

Her lower lip trembled as she sniffled. "Please don't hate me"

---

The next day

---

Interior, Astronomy tower, Hogwarts- Evening

Harry was facing waterfall as the last rays of the sun glided over the top of the mountain range. His hands were folded behind his back and his eyes were closed, a serene expression on his face.

Behind him the sound of the iron gate being pushed open filled the open area and one side of his mouth curled up at the corner.

The sound of footsteps moving towards him followed next until they stopped to his right. Still, he waited a few moments to open his eyes, to turn his head, to look into brown pools of orbs staring right back at him, shining with guilt, uncertainty, hope, courage, belief and something else, something he wasn't going to acknowledge just yet, not until the person they belonged to acknowledged it first.

"I'm not sure what I'm doing is right or wrong" began Hermione, as her hair flew every which way in the wind. "But I do know that I've never hated myself more than I did yesterday...to look into the eyes of someone you care deeply about and tell them they are not enough for you, that you can't truly find happiness find them, that – that you don't love them...after they've said that they love you..." she sniffled, shaking her head and wiping at her nose. "I feel less than dirt and never want to see my reflection again"

"Then why are you here"

She looked up at him and her jaw tightened stubbornly "Because I know the feeling would be much worse if I kept living the lie"

This time both sides of his mouth lifted up into a smirk.

"I don't love you"

The smirk vanished as quickly as it came.

"How can I? I know practically nothing about you except that you're a giant asshole and I'm horrible cunt who just dumped her boyfriend who has been nothing but great to me because for once I listened to my heart and not my head" she shoved her hands in her hair and started taking step backwards. "Oh my god, what have I done" she started hyperventilating. "How can I be so stupid. I can't believe I chose you over Cormac. You're nothing but an egotistic, manipulating, conniving asshole who likes to play with people's emotions and craves nothing but attention because, of course, everything has to be about Harry – Bloody – Potter doesn't it!" She halted and lifted her head to glare at him.

He was staring at her impassively.

"Well! Say something" she shrieked. "Tell me that I fucked up. Tell me that I'm the worst person in the world!" she snarled. "Isn't that what you're good at...isn't that what you love...to make people hate themselves as much as you hate yourself...isn't that how you validate your pathetic existence...by taking pleasure in watching that they're those with just as if not more fucked up souls than you"

He walked towards her before leaning down till his lips were next to her ear. "You know nothing about me"

A few seconds later the gate was shut with such force that it broke the hinges and the gate clattered to the stone floor.

---

Present time

---

"So, is this supposed to be a form of catharsis release for us," said Hermione

Harry chewed this inside of his lip as he thought about his answer "Mmmm...more or less"

"Alright then" she tucked a hand beneath her head. "Well, let me then repent for my latest action." she gave him a polite smile. "I'm sorry for slapping you"

He blinked his eyes once, silently communicating that her apology was accepted. "I'm sorry for calling you a bitch"

She copied his action and blinked her eyes.

They were silent for a moment before he spoke "We did alright, didn't we..." there was a hint of vulnerability in his tone. "In terms of the kids, I mean"

Hermione smiled. "Yeah, I think we did more than alright. We raised 2 level headed kids with hearts made out of gold and in the end that's all that matters, not to mention that Rose is the smartest witch of her age" she added

Harry chuckled. "How do you think she would've fared against you"

"What, academically?" He nodded. "Oh, I would've whopped that girl's ass" Their laughter filled the room.

"Oh..." Harry wiped at his eyes as his laughter finally subsided. "What about me and Kai? Now that's a much closer I think"

"Hmm..." Hermione pondered. "I think you were more naturally gifted but Kai was much more adaptable in the sense that he was a much quick learner and applied himself more"

Simultaneously, the light shining in their eyes went back to hiding in the darkness as the smiles were overcome by forlorn expressions of remorse and pain.

"I'm sorry" she whispered, her eyes filling up.

His jaw tightened as he focused his gaze past her shoulder.

She scooted forward till she was pressed up against him and wound her arm over his much larger frame, pressing him closer.

"Let it out" she sobbed. "You need to let it all out"

"I can't" he croaked.

"You can..." she burrowed her face in his chest. "Close your eyes and think about him...trust me"

"No!" he tried to push away but she kept her hold on him.

"...Please...for me...just this once..."

He obliged, forcing his eyes shut as he took a deep breath.

"Now listen to me" she whispered, lifting her head up and resting it on top of his, her lips skimming his ear. "It wasn't your fault"

He gave a jolt but she kept her hold firm.

"It was never your fault"

His body started trembling.

"And I'm so sorry for ever making you feel that it was...there is no excuse and I can't apologize enough. I was just as broken as you and I didn't know how to help you through it when I couldn't even help myself. I'll have to live with myself for the rest of my life and I'm okay with that...it'll be a constant reminder that I let you down...that I let K-Kai down..." she sobbed harder.

A gasp escaped her lips when she heard it. A pained cry, much different than hers, it was much more subtle in volume compared to hers but nonetheless she heard it and that was all that mattered as a smile broke through her features as tears continued to cascade down her cheeks.

"That's it" she hiccupped. "Let it all out" she patted the hair at the back of his head as she closed her eyes. "Let it all out..."

They fell asleep in that position as their breathing evened out.

---

1998

March 23

---

Interior, Great Hall, Hogwarts – Night

Hermione was unconsciously twirling her spoon in the bowl of tomato soup, lost in her thoughts. Ginny was sitting to her right while Neville was sitting to her left, the latter silently enjoying his meal while the redhead was in a deep conversation with Lavender.

Unlike breakfast that very morning, Cormac was sitting three spaces to her left, chatting with a couple of sixth years though he kept darting glances at her. Every time he would sneak a look in her direction, his face epitomized nothing but hurt and brokenness.

During his next surreptitious glance, purely accidentally, Hermione caught his eyes and the former lovers weren't quick enough to look away. Breaking out of her shock moments later Hermione mustered up a soft smile that had instantaneous effect, although not the one she was hoping for as Cormac shot her a pained look before turning his back towards her.

She sighed morosely before going back to playing with her soup.

A few seconds later she glanced in the opposite direction as her eyes raked the length of the table all the way to the end, searching for a particular mop of head but from the dour expression on her face it seemed she didn't find what she was searching for.

"Is it true"

She whipped her head round and let out a gasp, meeting the intense gaze of Rowan.

"Where did you come from" she looked past him at Ginny who was still engaged in a conversation.

"Shower. Is it true" he directed the question again, an unknown expression on his face and from the light furrow in her brow it seemed she wasn't sure what to make of it.

She sighed, turning her gaze down. "Yes" she whispered.

A few seconds later. "Why"

She looked up at him and fixed him with a scowl. "It's none of your business"

He leaned back a bit, shock written all over his face.

"Sorry" she rubbed her temple before pinching her nose. "I'm not in the right frame of mind"

"I'd say so" he muttered.

She dropped her hand and narrowed her eyes. "Don't test me" she hissed.

"I didn't mean to" he lifted his hands in defense. He cleared his throat as he looked around. "I was hoping we could talk"

"We are"

"No - I mean – in private"

She arched an eyebrow.

His cheeks flushed under her gaze and he turned his gaze down.

"Talk about what"

He remained silent.

She nudged his knee. "What's the matter with you" she said in an annoyed clip. "Why are you acting so weird"

"Nothing" he shook his head, still averting her gaze.

A few seconds later she let out another long sigh before whispering "Fine. Meet me at our place around 9. it's in my route today and no I won't take points away from you"

He finally lifted his gaze, his lips pressed tightly but his eyes were sparkling with unbridled anticipation as he mutely nodded his head. "I'll be there"

"Alright" she nodded, before once more sweeping her gaze across the table. She went back to staring at her soup. It lasted for less than a minute before she abruptly stood up.

"Where you going" Rowan asked over his mouthful of potatoes.

"I'm going to finish the charms report"

"But that's not due until three weeks"

"Exactly" she lifted her legs off the bench and started walking backwards.

"But you didn't even finish your dinner" he motioned towards the soup bowl.

"I've had my fill"

"But- But I just got here" he pleaded with his eyes.

"Rowan-" she levelled him with a hard stare. He lowered his gaze and nodded reluctantly; disappointment etched all across his face. She sighed before walking over to him and placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'll see you at 9" she whispered, before kissing his cheek.

She turned around and briskly left the great hall. Her speed didn't waver once until she was standing before the door to the seventh year Gryffindor boys' dorm.

Taking a few seconds to steady her breathing she lifted her fist and knocked thrice.

She pushed locks of bushy brown hair that had escaped during her travel behind her ear as footsteps were heard on the other side of the door.

She folded her hands at the front as the door was unlocked before it was pushed open a couple of inches.

The first spot her eyes landed on was the lightning scar before they trailed down to meet a pair of emerald orbs staring at her with an unreadable emotion. Her gaze briefly flicked down to chapped pink lips before snapping back to the eyes.

"I'm lost" she said in a trembling voice.

The door opened another couple of inches, revealing his entire face.

She took a big gulp. "But I know what I want...in fact I'm sure" she whispered the last part.

The door was now opened halfway and her eyes trailed down his legs, resting on his bare feet for a brief second before snapping back to his eyes.

"I meant what I said earlier...I don't love you...but I don't love Cormac either, no matter how many times I told him I did...I realized I was just saying it because it was what I was supposed to say and not because I felt it...I'm not making the same mistake again...but whatever this is" she motioned between them. "it's given me months of sleepless nights and I figured it's ought to mean something even if it's not love...so...I'm willing to give it a chance"

He leaned against the door frame and rubbed at his eyes as she anxiously waited for his response, her foot tapping nervously against the floor.

"Are you certain" he let out an obnoxiously loud yawn which made her eyes narrow into slits.

"No" she hissed, glaring at him.

"You gotta be certain, love" he shook his head, putting his hand over his mouth as he let out another yawn. "You don't want to take chances on giant assholes and people you deem to be 'the worst person in the world' if you're not certain"

He rested his head against the door as he looked up from under his lashes.

"Why are you acting like this" Her eyes were shining with moisture and in a matter of seconds she went from radiating power to a quivering little girl seeming utterly lost and hopeless.

He shrugged his shoulder in response. "This is who I am" he took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly. "I told you...remember...being with me won't be easy. I have mood swings...I have no control over them, they come and go as they please. Sometimes it's once a day while other times I'm a different person at every turn of an hour...so I've been told." He held up his pointer finger. "I'm not compatible" he lifted a second finger. "I don't compromise" he lifted a third. "I'm very selfish" he lifted a fourth finger" …...and I'm not a people person" he held up his thumb, palm facing her. "In fact, I don't generally like people"

He cleared his throat before pushing the door open in its entirety. "I believe you should know all this before you make a decision. Now" he smiled, a genuine smile that he was hardly ever seen sporting. "Don't mistake my lack of enthusiasm over you coming here and confessing what you did as me not wanting you anymore. Oh, no, no, no" he tutted, wagging his finger. "I'm not a shouting at the top of my lungs at a quidditch match type of person. You won't always know what goes in here" he tapped his forehead. "with what you see here" he drew a circle around his face. "But" he inclined his head towards his outstretched hand. "If you take a chance and let go of everything that's holding you back...nothing would make me happier"

They remained in that position for a long while, both staring into each other's eyes with his hand hanging between them.

"It's starting to ache" he joked, giving her a half smile. She didn't react in anyway, her gaze searching as if she was trying to decipher an unsolvable code. "Oh well" he muttered under his breath, the spark leaving his despondent eyes. He dropped his hand and turned around, pulling the door with his other hand to mark the end once and all to this small chapter in their lives.

However, just before the door could lock onto the frame a hand stuck between the small gap and grasped a much larger one on the other side.

Harry whirled around just as Hermione let out a painful yelp as the door closed in on her forearm. His eyes turned wide as he looked down to find her arm jammed between the two wooden objects. He slammed the door open and pulled her inside.

He led her to his bed before sitting on the edge with her taking a seat beside him, clutching her arm firmly.

His eyes turned even wider at seeing a red mark starting to form on her arm. "Umm..." he looked up at her, a desperate expression on his face.

She rolled her eyes, understanding what he couldn't utter and took out her wand from the holster tied to her thigh. She pointed the tip at the bruise and closed her eyes, her mouth moving silently. Her wand glowed a light blue color before the spell struck her arm, momentarily blinding Harry as the light got brighter. He pulled his hand from his eyes a few seconds later to find her putting her wand on the bed.

He trailed his eyes to her arm and saw the effects of the spell still lingering from the light sheen on her skin. The red was starting to dissipate and her skin was turning back to its natural color.

"That was brilliant" he whispered, a slight reverence in his voice.

She gave him a wry smile in return. "We learned that in fifth year"

A light flush came over his cheeks as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, well...I was home schooled"

Her lips curled into a smirk "That's no excuse. It just means that even with the full attention of the tutor you fail to learn"

"You know I think I should've let you wail outside in agony instead of being my noble and chivalrous self by letting you in"

She let out a very unladylike snort that had him grinning from ear to ear "Noble and chivalrous" she chortled. "First of all, I wasn't wailing in agony and secondly, in case you forgot I fixed myself. You just sat there looking utterly hopeless"

"Oh boy I knew this was a bad idea" he said, rubbing at his eyes.

"What"

"Falling for a bossy know it all who thinks mortals should clean the dirt of her foot with their tongue"

She arched an eyebrow "Hmm, foot fetish kink" she drawled.

He rolled his eyes and looked away.

Her eyes turned wide and her mouth formed an 'o'. "Nooo" she whispered, before little burst of giggles escaped her. "Oh my god, are you serious" she touched his shoulder to make him face her but he didn't budge. "Hey" She stopped smiling and bit her lip "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-" Her eyes narrowed when she saw his shoulders shaking. "Oh, you wretched little-" She lifted her hand to smack the back of his head when he suddenly turned around and hoisted her in the middle of the bed by her shoulders before lying half on top of her.

"Hey"

"Hey"

They both smiled. She lifted her hand touched his scar. "Does it hurt" He shook his head. "How did you get it"

He buried his face in the crook of her neck and wound his arms around her, mashing her body against his. "When I was one, I accidentally sent a spell from my brother's wand. It hit the mirror and came straight towards me"

"Oh my god, you could've died"

He chuckled "I did"

She pushed him away to look into his eyes "What" she gasped.

"I was dead for a whole minute before mum saved me. Apparently, my magic was still alive even though my heart stopped pumping" he shrugged his shoulder before dropping his face back to neck.

"That's...astounding" she breathed.

"Hmm" he inhaled deeply. "You smell so good"

"Unfortunately, the same can't be said about you, I'm afraid"

She giggled when he poked under her rib.

"Mmmmm" he growled.

"I was kidding!"

He craned his neck to look her in the eye. "What now"

This time it was her turn to shrug her shoulder. "You tell me"

He quirked an eyebrow. "I was kind of hoping to let you steer this relationship,,,,,,,,,,at the beginning at least"

"Oh really"

He nodded.

"Hmm" she tilted her head to stare at the ceiling as her hand rubbed the back of his head.

He kept waiting for her with a keen expression.

A few minutes later she turned to him. There was something in her gaze that had him taught with anticipation.

"Well," she began. "You've got a girl in your room, in your bed, under you..." she trailed a finger from the side of his head to his chin, grazing past his lips. "Shall I continue or..."

He sent her a Cheshire grin "Cheeky little thing aren't you"

"I can be" she whispered, gazing deep into his eyes.

A flash of emotion flashed through his eyes, something akin to hunger as his jaw face twitched and his jaw clenched.

He moved till he was hovering over her.

"Is this what you really want" he murmured, trailing a path with his finger all over her face before it ended upon her mouth.

"I do" His finger slipped into her mouth as her lips separated and she caught it with her teeth. She grabbed his wrist and pulled his finger out. "What are you waiting for" she asked when he just kept staring at her.

He shook his head before saying "I just...wasn't expecting that"

"Expecting what"

He let out a small chuckle as he ran a hand through his hair. "I just guessed that it would take a lot of begging on my part to get you to finally sleep with me. I had the time frame around 3-4 weeks. Anything more than that and I was going to take drastic measures"

"Oh really. Tell me a little about your drastic measures"

"Tie you up and have my way with you" he cringed during the entire sentence, offering his left cheek in apology. He closed his eyes tightly, waiting for the impact that never came. However, what he wasn't expecting was her laughing. His mouth opened in shock as he stared at her in bewilderment.

"Close your mouth" she chided lightly after her laughter subsided.

"W-wait, you would've been okay with that"

"No" she responded casually. "But I can't help and imagine the ways you would've gone about begging me for sex. The visions are endless" she giggled. "Also" she pulled him down by the collar till her mouth was touching his ear. "I don't mind being tied up"

"Oh fuck" he groaned. "Yup, you're going to be trouble" he pulled back and let out another groan. "Stop doing that"

"What"

"Biting your lip"

"Oh" She let go of her abused bottom lip. "Better" she asked innocently that had him glaring at her. She dropped the act and beamed widely. "You're so easy to rile up"

He shook his head and smiled wryly as she started giggling once more.

He moved off the bed and removed his t-shirt.

Hermione sat up on her elbows and stared at him wide-eyed.

"What" he smirked. "All powder no fire"

She sent him a defiant look before sitting up and removing her jumper.

"That's more like it. C'mon, off with the rest"

"I thought you would like to do the honors"

"Nah, can't be bothered" he said, removing his trousers.

"Wait" He bent down to pick the trousers up before looking up at her. "We can't do this here" she said alarmingly. "Your roommates can come in anytime"

"We can close the curtains and cast muffliato" he walked over to his open trunk and put the trousers and t-shirt inside.

"No!"

He looked over his shoulder as she got off the bed and grabbed her jumper.

"Fine, we can go to yours then"

Just as he said that the sound of footsteps climbing the staircase and the low chattering of voices reached them.

Hermione's face went pale as Harry thrust his hand inside his trunk. When he pulled it out, he was holding his broom.

He turned around to face Hermione and one look at her told him what she thought of his plan.

"No"

Exterior, Hogwarts – Night

"AAAH!"

Hermione let out an ear deafening scream as she looked down. She was sitting at the front with Harry's right arm around her middle. He was guiding the broom with his other hand as they glided parallel to the western tower of the castle.

He was only wearing his boxer shorts and by the shit eating grin on his face seemed to be having the best time of his life.

"Easy there, Tiger" he chuckled, when she gripped his arm even tighter to her chest.

"SHUT UP!" His only response was even more laughter which made her turn her head around and send him a death glare. "I'M GOING TO KILL YOU WHEN WE LAND"

"Well, maybe then I should keep flying so I can live longer"

"NO!" she screeched, when he tilted the handle of the broom to the right.

"I'm just kidding" he placed his chin on her shoulder as he descended just a little as the windows to the teacher's quarters came into view.

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god"

"Here" he moved his arm that was holding her and grasped her right hand.

"No" she whimpered, when he tried to move it.

He leaned closer, his mouth hovering right beside her ear. "Trust me, princess"

He smiled as her grip loosened. He maneuvered her hand forward till it was touching the broom handle. "Grip it" he whispered.

She shook her head, eyes tightly shut.

"Hey" his voice dropped down few decibels, their hair flying every which way in the gentle breeze. "Look at me"

"I'm scared" she whispered.

"Just look at me" he lifted his other hand of the handle and grasped her chin gently before turning her head towards him. "Open your eyes"

Her eyes fluttered before he saw the golden irises in her brown orbs. He sent her a charming smile before nudging his nose with hers. "Hello"

He pulled back and lifted his brows, a teasing tilt in his smile. "You know it's considered rude to not say Hello back"

An involuntary smile formed over her lips as she whispered "Hello"

"There it is. Now, do you trust me"

Her response was immediate as she nodded her head.

"Do you trust me"

Again, she nodded.

He arched an eyebrow. "Do you trust me"

A scowl formed over her face. "What are you, a robot. I've already said yes"

He shook his head. "I need to see it in your eyes. They still hold fear"

"Fear and trust are not mutually related" Her brows furrowed in confusion. "My fear of heights isn't going to go away because I trust that you would not let me fall"

Hermione was so deeply engrossed in their conversation that she hadn't realized that they were now flying over the great lake.

"You're right but what if I were to tell you that I can make your fear go away when you're with me. I can make you feel like you're in the comfort of your bed instead hundreds of feet in the air."

"How" she whispered.

He tilted his to the side. "Simple, never break this contact" he pointed to their gaze. And she did just that, her eyes locked onto him, never wavering, even when his lips quirked at the corner, even when he pushed the handle of the broom till it was pointing directly to the lake, even when they were diving at breakneck speed, even when she saw his face leaning closer, her eyes remained locked onto his through all that except when his lips touched hers, only then did they flutter for a moment before her eyelashes made contact with the skin under her eyes.

Harry pulled back before smirking "Look down"

Hermione was still in daze when her eyes opened and it took her a few seconds to realize where she was. "What" she frowned.

"Look down, princess"

She turned her head back around and let out what would go down as the loudest scream ever heard at Hogwarts, for it even woke up the giant squid resting peacefully hundreds of feet below the water.

Laughing uproariously, Harry pulled back the handle just as they were about to smash into the water. Hermione was in a state of shock for several moments before her own shoulders started shaking and soon her laughter rang out just as loudly as his.

Harry glided them to a stop in a small clearing in the forest right under the foot of the mountain. He got off before helping her.

"Oof!" she giggled, as her legs gave out and she hit her head against his chest.

"I got you" he smiled.

She pulled back after a few seconds before punching him in the stomach. "Never pull a stunt like that again, you hear me!"

Harry dropped to the ground on his knees, clutching his midriff. "Ow!"

She pulled off her jumper as she looked around. "Where are we"

Harry was letting out little wheezing noises as he failed to form coherent words.

She turned around to look at him and concern shone across her face as she dropped to the ground beside him. "Oh, I'm sorry, did I hit you too hard" she laid a hand on his cheek.

He shook his head. "No, it's fine" he gasped. "You do pack a punch though"

She pushed a curl behind her ear as he winked at her.

"You sure you're not hurt. There's nothing to be embarrassed about admitting that a girl just knocked the wind out of you"

"P-please" he winced, as he tried to stand up but ended up falling onto his back, arms spread wide.

She started laughing as she laid down beside him with her head resting on his arm. She laid her left hand on his bare chest before scooting closer.

He turned his head to find her smiling widely.

"Hello"

"Hello"

"Should we do the whole bit with asking each other about our day and exchanging more pleasantries"

She giggled, shaking her head. "You're a goof"

He shifted till he was on his side facing her and put his arm around her waist. "You know you're the first person to call me that" he twirled a strand of her hair between his fingers.

"Maybe because no one has ever seen this side of you"

"Or maybe I haven't felt comfortable enough to show them this side of me" he whispered, eyes trailing to her lips.

"Maybe" she whispered, her gaze dropping to his lips.

Simultaneously they moved forward and pressed their lips together. It was chaste kiss at first, lips remaining closed before Harry started moving his lips and she reciprocated his action. His tongue shot out, demanding entrance and she was only too happy to oblige. Before long, it became a duel of battling tongues and exchanging saliva.

Hermione moaned when he nipped at her bottom lip, pulling at it with his teeth till it was stretched to its limit. He let it go after a few seconds and it snapped back into place. He soothed it with a gentle swipe of his tongue before ending with flicking her upper lip.

He pulled back and she opened her eyes. Their gaze locking, arousal shining in both their eyes. "You really want to do this" he whispered, slightly out of breath.

She nodded, swiping her tongue across her bottom lip. "Yeah"

"Good, because otherwise I was going to start wanking right away"

She snorted, as he started unbuttoning her shirt. "I'm so fuckin hard, you have no idea"

"Oh, I do, believe me" she emphasized her point by moving her hand down and squeezing his cock through is boxers.

"Fuck, don't do that" he dropped his head to her chest. "I plan on making this last a while"

"Then you better get on with it" she said huskily.

"Right on it" he had her shirt removed and was moving further down her body. In a matter of seconds, he had her skirt next to her shirt before removing her shoes and socks. "Fuck" he whispered, eyes raking all over her body. "Your thighs are thicker than I was expecting" he trailed his hands from her knees to her thighs and squeezed the flesh.

"Thanks, I guess" she chuckled.

She leaned up on her elbows and unclasped her bra before throwing it next to her shirt and skirt.

"Fuck"

"How many times are you going to say that"

"I don't know" his mouth hung open as he stared unashamedly at her chest. "Your tits are so fucking perfect"

She squealed as he dived forward. "Wha-ohh fuck!" Her shout of surprise turned into a long-overdrawn moan when he closed his mouth over her left nipple and started sucking it in earnest. She let out high-pitched mewling sounds as he continued worshipping. He pulled back with a pop before swirling his tongue over the areola.

"So, I guess you're a tits guy" she gasped when he lightly grazed his teeth over the taut flesh before soothing the burn with his tongue.

"Mmm mm" he shook his head before looking up.

It was quite an image and made Hermione let out a burst of laughter at seeing him staring at her with his lip closed around her nipple. He let go of the flesh to say "I love tits but I'm an ass guy"

She let out a sharp gasp as he once again went back to ravishing her tit. "Oh yes – I remember you – oh fuck, just like that – eating Daphne's ass in the broom cl – less pressure – closet"

He hummed in reply.

His left hand found its way to her right breast and he started tweaking her nipple between his fingers.

"Ohh god..." Hermione was writhing under his ministrations.

He placed a gentle peck on the tip of her nipple before creating a path with his tongue to her other breast and engulfing it in his waiting mouth.

Hermione let out a languorous moan as she moved her left hand between her legs and started rubbing circles over her mound through her soaked panties.

Harry lifted his head and watched her play with herself.

"Stop it" he said, turning his head towards her.

She opened her eyes and paused the movement of her hand. Her cheeks were flushed and a light sheen of sweat was coating her face and chest.

"Wha-what" she breathed.

"I want to get you off all by myself" He moved down her body.

"O-okay"

She lifted her hips when he hooked his fingers under the band of her knickers. Once off, he threw them over the back of his head.

He lifted her right leg and held her foot in line with his mouth before he licked a stripe from her heel to her toes.

She giggled, wiggling her feet. "Tickles"

He smiled "You have the most exquisite feet" he whispered in awe.

"I don't see the appeal"

He stopped admiring her foot and shifted his gaze towards her.

"Then you're missing out"

A horrified expression overtook her face "Please don't tell me you're hoping I'd reciprocate"

"Oh, don't worry" he chuckled. "I'm not going to ask you to lick my feet"

"Oh, thank god" she sighed in relief "Seriously though, I find feet disgusting. I mean they're sole purpose is to get dirty and plus the smell, oh god, can you...leave that for some other time. It's really weirding me out right now"

His eyes lit up "Some other time?"

She rolled her eyes before dropping her leg to the ground "Yes, now get on with it" she harrumphed.

"Yes maam" he laid on his chest and started kissing his way up her left leg. He circled her knee with his tongue before moving towards her thigh. Taking a chunk of her supple skin between his thumb and two fingers he brought his teeth down to it and gave it a playful bite.

"Watch it!"

He chuckled, soothing the skin with a swipe of his tongue.

"Sorry, couldn't help myself" he reached the juncture of her thighs and spread her legs wide. He inhaled a long breath before nudging his nose against her outer lips. "Gods, you smell divine"

"I taste divine, too"

He lifted his head and arched an eyebrow.

"I bet you do"

She bit her lip, gazing at him with lust filled eyes "What are you waiting for then...have at it"

He smirked before inclining his head down and brushed his lips against her mound.

"Mmmm"

Creating a 'V' with his forefinger and middle finger he parted her outer labia. "Gods, you're so wet" he rubbed his finger over her glistening red flesh.

Leaning forward he swiped his tongue from her opening to the hood of her clit.

"Oh fuck!" Hermione dug her nails into the ground, pulling out a handful of soil.

Harry started placing open mouthed kisses all over her pussy, sometimes changing his tactics and flicking his tongue teasingly.

Hermione was squirming, her arse rubbing against the wet grass.

Harry peeled back the hood of her clit with the tip of his finger before pulling the little nub into his mouth. "Ohh fuck yes!"

She bucked up into his face and he put his hands on her hips to hold her down.

Harry sucked the clit feverishly before moving down to her opening. He placed his index finger right atop it before pushing it inside.

"Unnnh!" Hermione groaned, hooking her right leg over his shoulder and pulling him close by digging her heel into his back.

Harry thrusted his finger all the way in before adding another.

"Fuck! You're tight" he glowered.

Hermione whined when he pulled out his fingers. She squealed when he effortlessly turned her onto her stomach.

She pushed up on her elbows and looked over her shoulder at him.

His gaze was attached to her arse, staring at them like they were the source to his life. She bit her lip and pushed her arse up. He moved his gaze towards her and a slow smile spread across his lips.

"Eager are we"

She let out a petulant whine, making him chuckle.

He pressed on her back till her forehead was resting between her arms before spreading her legs wide, his face hovering above her pale globes.

He placed his hands on either side of her crack and squeezed the flesh with a giddy smile.

After playing with them for a few seconds he spread the cheeks apart before shoving his face right in.

"Fuck me!"

Hermione's head shot right up and her back arched into a bow as he vigorously ate her out. His head bobbing in quick successions, his tongue tracing a path from the opening to her pussy to her brown hole. Every time he reached her asshole, he would swirl his tongue around the rim before jamming it into her tight hole, the motion very much portraying the mechanics of a jackhammer.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck" Hermione kept chanting the word like a prayer.

He lifted his head and licked the entire length of her back before pulling her lobe into his mouth. "You ready" he whispered huskily.

"Just do it" she moaned.

He sat up on his knees and lowered his boxers to mid-thigh before once again covering her back with his bulky frame. He fisted his cock with one hand while the other moved the hair at the back of her neck to side and started sloppily kissing her skin.

She mewled when he rubbed the tip against her sensitive flesh before thrusting inside in one strong motion.

---

The next day

---

Interior, Potions Classroom – Morning

"Hey" Hermione looked up from her book at Rowan. "Where were you"

"What do you mean?" she asked with furrowed brows as students were slowly filing the classroom.

He raised an eyebrow "We were supposed to meet...remember"

Her eyes turned wide in shock "Oh...shit I forgot, sorry" she contorted her features for forgiveness.

"I knocked on your door as well" he took the seat beside her.

"Oh, well...I was probably sleeping"

"At 9.30, seems a bit early even for you"

Her cheeks tinged pink and she tried to hide her face behind the curtain of her hair. "I was really tired"

"Hmm" he peered at her with searching eyes before taking out his quill and inkpot.

"We still have some time before class starts so we can talk now" she said with a small smile.

He looked around the classroom. There were only four other students beside them at this point and they were sitting far away where their conversation wouldn't be heard. He cleared his throat as he faced her.

"Go on" she said smiling encouragingly.

"Umm...well, you know...I was hoping if you'd like to go together to Hogsmeade this weekend"

"Oh" she seemed taken aback by his request.

He took her response to mean something else entirely and the hopeful expression fell from his face. "It's okay if you don't want to-"

"No!" she touched his shoulder. "Sorry, I guess I was just expecting something...I don't know...more important"

She chuckled, swiping back the hair from her face and missing the look of hurt that flashed across his face.

"But yeah, sure. Though I don't know why you wanted to talk about this in secret. We always go together anyways"

He masked a smile on his face as he nodded. "Yeah, you're right. But I meant like it would be just us two this time since you know..."

"Rowan..." she sighed. "You can say it. I'm fine with it. I had a life before Cormac, remember." she continued with a smile. "Plus, it would be fun with just us two. We can hang out in all our favorite spots"

"Great" he beamed, before a dark look came over his face as he looked up at the person who stopped behind Hermione.

She scrunched her eyebrows before looking over her shoulder.

Her yelp of surprise was smothered by a pair of lips.

A sharp gasp left Rowan's lips as he watched the scene with shock written all over his face.

"Sorry" Harry whispered, pulling back.

Hermione's eyes fluttered open as their breaths mingled with one another.

"But I don't want to hide whatever this is"

By now the class was almost full, even Professor McGonagall had taken her spot at the front of the room and was staring at them with a hidden smile.

Draco was grinning smugly as Ron handed him five galleons, grumbling curses under his breath.

"I probably could have chosen a better time" he smiled sheepishly as they swept their gazes all around the room.

"Yes"

"Please tell me I didn't just fuck this up" he whispered, touching his forehead against hers. "I know what you said about keeping it secret but the more I thought about it the more I realized that I couldn't do it. You get what I'm saying"

She smiled ruefully before pulling him down for a peck. "It's done now, so doesn't really matter"

"So, you're not going to curse me to hell and never want to see me again"

"No" she rubbed her thumb over his cheek. "Now go before I change my mind"

"I love you" he gave her one last peck before heading towards the door. "Not a word" he warned Draco as he walked past him.

Hermione's cheeks were tinged in pink as she turned back around in her seat. She glanced at Rowan to find him glaring down at his notes, his knuckles had turned white from how hard he was gripping the bench.

"Rowa-"

"Alright everyone, let's begin the lesson"

---

March 29

---

Interior, Head girl suite – Night

"AAH FUCK!"

Hermione was bent over the bed with Harry pounding into her from behind.

The obscene sounds of their flesh slapping together accompanied with the litany of cursed leaving their mouths filled the room.

"Fuck me! Fuck me! Fuck me!" she hollered at the top of her lungs.

He lifted his right hand and brought it down on her butt cheek with a resounding force.

"Yes! Give it to me!"

He repeated it.

"Again!"

He did it again with more force.

"Unnhh!" she sobbed. "So fuckin good" she mewled.

He pulled out of her but before she could voice her disappointment her feet were pointing to the ceiling and he was hammering into her.

"Oh my god, I'm cummings!"

Her body started convulsing and her mouth opened in a silent scream as her orgasm washed through her. Three more thrusts and he was spilling inside her with a loud grunt.

"Oh god" she wheezed, as he pulled out and dropped next to her, their combined fluids leaking out of her battered cunt. "That was a first for me. I don't think I've climaxed seven times in one hour"

He pulled her towards him and rested his hand on her stomach. Their bodies were soaked in sweat.

"I promised you didn't I"

He cleaned the sweat of her upper back with his tongue.

"Sweat kink, too" she raised an eyebrow over her shoulder.

"You bet"

She giggled when he lifted her arm and licked the length of her armpit.

"Oh god, you're making me conscious, now"

"Don't be" he placed a kiss against her stubble. "You taste divine"

"There's something wrong with you" she said dryly.

"Tell me something new"

She chuckled, shaking her head.

"Mars"

She frowned "What"

"Mars"

"I don't get it"

He dropped her arm and turned around so she was facing him, their legs tangled together.

"Your taste"

She stared at him blankly for a good ten seconds "I beg your pardon" she asked in a affronted manner

He grinned impishly. "The chocolate"

Her eyes turned wide.

"Why you little-"

---

April 2

---

Interior, Prefects Bathroom – Night

"Here?'

"A little lower"

"Here"

"Just a little lower"

"Here"

"Ohh yes, right there" she tipped her head back and let out a contended sigh.

"You need to relax more. Your muscles are really tense"

They were in the enormous bathtub, bubbles all around them.

He was massaging her shoulder blades.

"I've always heard about the Prefect's bathroom but this is my first time seeing it in person"

"I first came here in my fifth year" she said. She opened her eyes and looked over her shoulder at him, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"This can't be good" he eyed her warily.

"You know I had my first shag at Hogwarts right here"

"Oh really" he raised his eyebrows, an amusing glint in his eyes. "Do tell, princess"

She turned her head back around and rested it against his chest. "It was with Dean Thomas. It was during the first term of fifth year." She shrugged a shoulder. "It was alright. The water made it quite uncomfortable to be honest. There was a lot of splashing"

"I think it was more of a case of you two being inexperienced cause sex underwater can be quite fun."

"Could be"

"Was he your first?"

"No"

A small bout of silence before "Okay"

She shifted in his arms till her chest was pressing against his, a smirk playing at her lips. "Do I sense jealousy"

"Please" he scoffed.

Her smirk widened as she curled her arms tighter around his neck.

"Alright, maybe a little" he gruffed, making her giggle.

"Hey" she whispered, leaning up and kissing his jaw. "He's got nothing on you"

"Really"

She nodded, giggling.

"Good" he started moving backwards, pulling her with him, water cascading around them. "So, a muggle then?"

"Hmm?" she furrowed her brows.

"If Dean was your first shag at Hogwarts and he wasn't your first..."

It took a moment for realization to dawn on her. "Oh right, yes. Raphael. He lived on my street, actually still does. He is a year older than me and during the summer after fourth year he used to mow our lawn every week. Easy money for a sixteen-year-old boy. Anyway, my mum's cousin had a surgery so her and dad went to visit her for a couple of days and so my grandma came to stay with me."

"Poor grandma" he smirked. "She had no idea her innocent little granddaughter was being corrupted right under her nose"

"Please" she snorted. "I was far from innocent. Anyway, the next afternoon I looked out the window and saw Raphael mowing the lawn. It was really hot that summer so he was just wearing in shorts. I went out, lying to myself that it was all for just a nice tan but it couldn't be far from the truth. He looked at me and oh did I mention that I was wearing the shortest shorts and a bra. Five minutes later I was getting my cherry popped in the tool shed."

"Tool shed!" he exclaimed, before cackling.

"It was alright" she said, shrugging her shoulder. "Though I did accidentally push him straight into a tool cart when I climaxed" she cringed. "Poor guy limped his way back home"

Harry's loud guffaw echoed in the hall as he rolled them into the water.

---

April 14

---

Interior, Potter Manon – Afternoon

'Ring Ring'

Lily picked up the phone "Hello"

"Hello, is this Potter residence" said a soft voice on the other side.

"Yes. Who is this?" asked the older woman.

"Umm, I'm Hermione Granger. I'm a...friend of Harry's"

"Oh" A slight pause. "Sorry dear, you just took me by surprise. This is the first time any of Harry's friends have called via phone...infact I believe this is the first time any of his friends called, period. I presume you're a muggleborn, dear"

"Yes, maam"

"Please dear, call me Lily. Anyway, I'll stop rambling and connect you to Harry. You're lucky you called in just time. He just came back from flying. Hold on one second"

"Thank you"

Lily placed the phone on the table and walked over to the sofa where her wand was laying.

"Sonorous" she placed the tip against her throat. "Harry, pick up the phone. There's a cute girl on the other side."

Her voice reached every surface of the sprawling mansion.

Interior, Harry's room – Afternoon

Harry's eyes turned wide and he remained rooted to his spot for a full five seconds before dashing to the phone on the table beside his bed.

He picked it up and brought the receiver to his ear.

"Hello" he said out of breath.

"Hey" She was trying to hold back her laughter.

"Guess you heard that, huh" he sighed, plopping down on the bed.

"Yup" she giggled.

"So...what's up"

"Umm...nothing much..."

"...okay"

A small period of awkward silence later "So, how are you"

"I'm fine" he kicked off his shoes before stretching his legs out and crossing them at the ankle. "How about you"

"I'm good"

"That's nice"

"Hmm"

He chewed the inside of his lip and stared out of his window during another bout of uncomfortable silence.

"Had a huge fight with my parents last night"

"What about"

"Same old shit...they don't want me going back. We were invited to the burrow for dinner last night and naturally the conversation turned towards the war and you know the rest...the moment we came back home they were onto me like a horde of moths...I just couldn't deal with it so I ran to my room and slammed the door."

He was twirling his wand between his fingers, an act that would require every ounce of one's concentration but from the contemplative expression on his face it was clear that his mind was elsewhere.

"Anyway, that's me" she laughed humorlessly. "I hope your holidays have gone much better"

"Not really" He paused before continuing. "I'm hardly home. I can't stand to look at them, any of them. I know what they're all thinking. They see a failure, a loser...but I don't give a fuck. They're all scared to talk to me...worried that one wrong word and I'll be gone..."

"Will you..."

"What"

"Be gone"

"...Yes"

He closed his eyes and sank deeper into the pillows, dropping his wand to the bed.

"You seem tired"

"Hmm...just came back from a three-hour ride"

"I'll let you rest then"

He turned to his side "Is that all you wanted to talk about"

He had to wait a moment to hear reply "I just wanted to hear your voice...I was feeling really lonely" she let out a small chuckle but it seemed strained. "Such irony...lonely in my own house...anyway" she sighed. "Take care. See you in a week"

"Wait"

"Yeah"

"Do you sleep with your curtains open or closed"

"I don't have curtains, I have blinds"

He chuckled "Do you sleep with them open or shut, princess"

"During summer, open"

"Okay"

"Why?"

"I'll see you...soon"

---

That Night

---

Interior, Hermione's room, Granger residence – Night

Hermione was lying on her side, the blanket covering her entire frame sans her face. The room was dark except the moonlight passing through the double windows. It was still silence except her soft and gentle breathing.

Her bed dipped under the weight of a knee, followed by another. The blanket was pulled off her shoulders for a few seconds as a body laid beside her. An arm enclosed around her waist; a small kiss was placed on the nape of her neck.

She shifted a little, lines appearing on her forehead.

Another small kiss landed on her open shoulder.

The lines deepened as a frown marred her features and slowly her eyes fluttered open.

She blinked a few times and moved her eyes without moving her head.

She lifted the blanket and her eyes landed on the hand resting next to her chest.

Her eyes turned wide and she whipped around in a flurry of motions.

"Hello" smiled Harry.

A multitude of emotions hit her all at once but the one that remained was somewhere between shock, happiness and something not easy to decipher as her eyes welled up.

A soft cry left her lips as she engulfed him in a massive hug.

---

April 27

---

Interior, Head girl suite – Night

"Where did you get this" Hermione traced a line across the scar on the right side of his abdomen.

Harry's eyes were closed. He had one arm thrown over his head while the other was curled around Hermione. "One of the raids, can't remember"

There was a brief period of silence.

"You never told me how you got picked up for the squad."

"Hmm"

She shifted so she was lying half on top of him with her right breast brushing his nipple.

He sighed, pulling the arm shielding his eyes to his side and opening them to find her gazing at him expectantly.

"It's not exactly a joyous story"

"I'd still love to hear it"

He let out another sigh and moved his gaze towards the ceiling.

"I've told you practically everything there is to know about me" she said. "Yet, I don't know anything about you"

She flattened her palms over his chest and propped her chin atop it.

"You know about how they recruit kids in the squad, right"

"Yeah, check if your magical core is strong enough to undergo extensive training and battle regime"

"Well...mine has been recorded the strongest ever"

Her eyes turned wide "Really!" He nodded "Wow"

"After - " His breath hitched and he took a deep breath. "My brother was in the squad. He was the best of the best."

"I read about him. Cedric, right?"

"Yeah" he whispered.

"I'm sorry for his loss"

"He - he was killed by Voldemort"

She placed a kiss above his heart.

"I was 11, three weeks before I was meant to board the train for the first time when he left for the mission." He shook his head "He never came back...at least not alive" his voice just above a whisper. His featured darkened as he continued "When I heard the news...he was my life...the one who I cared for the most...my hero. I wanted to be just like him. Everything changed for me that moment...and for the entire wizarding world apparently"

She scrunched her forehead in confusion "What do you mean"

"I was so angry when I found out about his death that I did something that had never been heard or seen before. The funny thing is even I don't know exactly know what it is because I lost consciousness but apparently, I released a power of such magnitude that when I opened my eyes the entire mansion was in ruins"

Hermione's mouth opened in shock. "What"

He nodded "Even though I didn't see any of that I felt it...the power coursing through my veins...feeling invincible...I just needed training and discipline to master my own limits" He let out a dry chuckle "Everyone was staring at me like they didn't know who I was. I decided then and there that I wasn't going to go to school and waste my time with classes and what not...plus I don't think I would've been able to...Cedric had told me about every nook and cranny so everywhere I would've looked I would've seen him.

Mum was against it, obviously. She wanted to hear nothing of it but eventually dad and grandpa convinced her. They knew I wouldn't have been able to concentrate on anything but more importantly I think she feared another one of my 'episodes', as they called it.

So, I became the youngest member of the squad, training with those who fought alongside my brother and knew him better than me."

His throat bobbed as he swallowed, his jaw clenching and his nostrils flaring. "But I realized later on that I was just a pawn. The battle was going on behind closed doors while I was killing hundreds without a second thought"

"I don't understand" she said.

"I just wanted to kill Voldemort, that was it, the whole reason I joined but I was not aware of political machinations changing every other day and old men forging their own agenda for their own personal, selfish reasons"

"You mean..." she trailed off.

He shook his head "No...my grandfather has his faults but he would never try stoop so low"

She breathed a sigh of relief.

"So, they stopped you from going after Voldemort, why"

"Voldemort discovered a rock right in the heart of the Volcano on the outskirts of Wales. The rock dates back to long before humans, some even say it's as old as the planet. But Grandpa believes it was made by Salazar Slytherin, Voldemort's ancestor"

A sharp gasp left Hermione's lips.

"What's so special about this rock"

"Whoever holds the rock, can never die. In other words, they are immortal"

"Oh my god"

"So basically, there is no point going after the bastard cause even if you manage to kill him, it would only be for a few seconds and he would be right back. But I didn't care about any of that, I just wanted to see the light leave his eyes just once and that would've been enough."

"Seconds?"

He nodded "It's happened only once before when grandpa killed him twenty years ago. He witnessed the whole thing. Apparently, after he killed the noseless wanker a dome of black light covered him until he was up again. Grandpa was foolish enough to penetrate the dome, it nearly killed him. He became half the wizard since that day"

"This is preposterous! It means there is no way to defeat him" she huffed. She narrowed her eyes when at the faraway look on his face. "Or is there"

He sighed "Mum proposed a theory that everyone got behind. She believes that the source of the rock's power is tied to the loyalty of those who serve the one who's the master of the rock."

"Death eaters"

"Bingo" he snapped his fingers. "She did this whole research back into history that Salazar's ultimate demise came when he was all alone."

"So, to kill Voldemort you would've to kill every single death eater"

"Or offer them an incentive to leave him. That's where the politics come in. Why do you think the ministry passed this new law about werewolves allowed to roam free as citizens with no stipulations."

"The massacre at Flower Bay" she shuddered.

"That came back to bite them in the ass big time. Werewolves are fucking beasts and unless they start to act like humans, they should be locked in cages. They're fucking savages"

"But there is another way right" she said with a knowing look. "I can see it in your eyes. You got this look in your eyes that I've become quite accustomed to and I know when you're hiding something, Harry"

He smiled ruefully, pinching her cheek. "You're too clever for your own good, you know that"

She smiled, shrugging her shoulder.

"My...last mission"

Her back tensed and to her horror he noticed it.

"What"

"Nothing" she was too quick to answer.

His eyes narrowed "What" his voice dropped a few decibels.

She tried to move off him but he put his arms around her.

He raised an eyebrow "What"

She swiped her tongue across her bottom lip before taking it between her teeth.

"I - I was there..."

"Where" he frowned.

"The night in the astronomy tower..."

His eyes turned wide and he dropped his arms from around her "You listened"

It wasn't a question but still she nodded her head.

"I saw you leaving Professor's Snape's classroom and wanted to speak with you but then I heard shouting and...I couldn't leave...I'm sorry"

He pushed her away and got off the bed.

"Harry!"

He summoned his clothes with his hand and hurriedly got dressed as Hermione watched him from the bed, desperately pleading with him.

"Harry, please-"

She put her hands over her face as he slammed the door behind him.

Interior, Sixth Floor corridor – Night

She caught up with him just as he rounded the corner at the end of the long hallway and grabbed his hand. He tried to jerk it out of her grasp but she kept her hold and guided him towards an empty classroom.

She locked the door and cast a silencing charm on it before turning around.

He was standing in the middle with his back towards her.

She walked towards him and hugged him from behind.

"I'm sorry, I know I should've told you earlier but I couldn't find a way to bring it up"

"How can you still be with me" he said in a pained voice before turning around in her arms. "In fact, why did you even be with me in the first place if you knew what I did...what kind of a person I am"

She looked him in the eyes for a moment before saying "Because if we judged each other based on the worst moment in our lives, the world would be even more shitty than it already is. War makes animals of us all, killing people without an iota of remorse...and you've had the worst of it."

He shook his head, backing away "You're too good for me"

"No" she pulled him even closer "I'm just like you" a soft smile quirked her lips at the corner "Maybe a little less destructive" she emphasized by holding her pointer finger and thumb with a small gap in between.

He scoffed "Just a little"

He bent down and nuzzled her nose with his. They remained in that position for a few minutes before she pulled back.

"So, what were you going to tell me before you did a runner"

"You're unrelenting, you know that" he sighed exaggeratedly.

"I know" she smiled.

"Well, remember the little thing I did when I was 11 that turned my life upside down and started this whole journey"

"You mean where you destroyed your house with the greatest power ever known to mankind"

"Yeah"

"Hmm"

"Well, it never happened again until..."

"No way" she exclaimed.

"Yup. That's how I survived the ambush, and guess what"

"What?"

"It was your face that made it happen." Her eyes turned wide as he continued with a smile. "It was your face flashing through my mind that triggered it. That's something right"

"I guess so" she whispered, the shock evident in her voice. "So, you think this power...whatever it is can finally kill him"

He shrugged his shoulder "Grandpa seems to think so. He believes he knows what the spell is. White light. That's what it's called in the only text that has mentioned it. Only one person before has been capable of producing such a spell and his name was Godric Gryffindor" He turned around and began walking "I'm his descendant"

He looked over his shoulder to find her staring at him with an open mouth.

"But it doesn't matter, anyway"

"Why not"

"Because I need a source to channel that much power through and I threw my wand off the astronomy tower after breaking it into half"

"Well, buy a new one"

"No!"

His eyes were blazing with such intensity that she took a step back.

"It was my brother's wand. He gave it to me before he left. I'm never getting a new wand"

She nodded "Okay"

---

May 1

---

Interior, Great Hall - Morning

"Anything interesting?"

Hermione looked up as Harry sat down beside her.

She folded the paper and put it away. "Not really" she smiled and giving him a peck on the lips.

He started filling his plate as Seamus leaned over the table to grab the paper. "You mind, Hermione"

"No, go ahead"

"Cheers"

Harry took a huge bite of the apple when Seamus let out a low whistle.

"Jeez! When will there be an end to this."

"What is it" asked Dean.

"Massacre in Diagon Alley, 63 dead. It seems the werewolves have joined you-know-who once again"

"Fuck" cursed Dean. "Like he needed more help"

Hermione glanced at Harry from the corner of her eye to find him staring at the cereal bowl.

---

May 7

---

Interior, Head girl suite – Night

"Why did you decide to join Hogwarts this year?"

They were sitting on her bed with her back resting against his chest.

He was brushing her hair.

"I was accused of disrupting the sanctuary that is the squad base."

"Oh really. Well, do tell"

"I was seeing three women at once and they all found out. Oh, and by the way two of them were married"

"Seeing them?"

"Well, you know what I mean"

"So, they kicked you out"

"Yup. To be honest I'm not sure why they didn't kick me before. Probably, because of grandpa but I guess that was the final straw. Can't blame them and then mum found out and I had no say whatsoever so I was forced to come here"

"Forced to"

"Hmm" he kissed her shoulder. "But I'm glad I did"

"Good answer"

---

May 11

---

Interior, Astronomy tower – Evening

"Hey"

Harry looked over his shoulder as Hermione walked over to him.

"Hey"

"I've been looking for you for the past half an hour"

She stopped next to him and looked up at him.

"What's wrong"

He sighed, shaking his head.

"Another 120 were killed today"

"Yeah" she kissed his shoulder. "I read about it"

He gritted his teeth "It's been eating at me all day"

"There's nothing you could've done to stop it"

"But that's the thing, I could have!" he punched the concrete railing.

"Not without a wand, you couldn't. Besides, weren't you the one who said it wasn't your responsibility anymore"

He closed his eyes as the wind swept his hair to the side.

"C'mon, let's go back"

She pulled on his hand but he jerked it away.

"I'm gonna stay here for a bit. You go"

"C'mon, you've been up here long enough"

"I said no!" He whirled around to glare at her.

"Fine then!" she glared back. "I'm staying too"

His face turned red in fury "Can't you leave me alone just once. Just one-fucking-time!"

Tears filled her eyes but before they can escape, she turned around and ran.

---

May 15

---

Interior, Head girl suite – Night

Harry was lying flat on his back as Hermione rode him. Her hands were pressed on his chest and she was using them as leverage to bounce on his cock.

"Ohh - oh!...fuck yes! - just like that – c'mon baby...fuck! Right there...c'mon!" she growled.

She stopped moving and shot him a glare.

"What's wrong"

He had a lazy and tired expression on his face as he took a huge puff of the cigarette. He shrugged his shoulder.

"You're not even putting in effort. For fuck's sake you're not even hard!" she pushed off him and she was right. His limp dick curled itself between his legs.

She ran a hand through her hair.

"What's happening, Harry" she wiped the sweat off her forehead before sitting on her haunches. "Talk to me. Tell me what's wrong"

He threw the fag into the bin before rolling over.

She threw her hands up in the air before laying down and mimicking his position, their backs to each other.

There was a slight shift before an arm wrapped around her shoulders.

She looked over her shoulder at the apologetic smile on his face.

"I'm sorry"

"I'm sorry, too" she rolled over and put her arm around his neck.

"I'll be better, I promise"

"Just be you...that's all I need. You're perfect the way you are'

"I love you"

"I..."

"Shh" he put his fingers over her lips.

"It's okay"

He kissed her forehead before closing his eyes and falling asleep.

Hermione didn't sleep until another 4 hours.

---

May 18

---

Interior, Head girl suite – Night

"What are you reading"

She snapped the tome shut with more force than required.

"Oh nothing"

"Right" he drawled, walking over to her. "You've been saying that the past of couple of days. C'mon, what are you hiding"

She put the book face down on her study table before standing up. "Just some light reading. C'mon, let's get to bed"

"But I don't feel like sleeping just yet. The night's still young"

"Who said anything about sleeping, plus as you said, the night's still young"

"Oh, I love the way your brain works"

---

May 21

---

Interior, Quidditch Locker rooms – Afternoon

"So" Draco began. "You and Hermione seem to be going along smoothly"

Harry leaned his head back against his locker as a contended smile stretched his lips "She's the one, mate"

"Oh really" the blonde arched an eyebrow. "Aren't you a bit young to say stuff like that"

"Nah, when you know it, you know it, and I know it"

"If you say so, mate" Draco removed his t-shirt before standing up. "I'm hitting the showers. Today's training kicked my butt"

"Alright"

On the other side of the door Hermione was leaning against the frame, a look of pure joy radiating across her face.

---

May 23

---

Interior, The Broomsticks, Hogsmeade – Evening

Harry and Hermione were standing at the door, their gazes sweeping across the rowdy pub to find an empty table.

"Over there" he pointed at the table situated in the back corner.

They squeezed their way through the crowd, bumping shoulders with other students on the way as they made their way through.

"Wow!" he exclaimed, sitting down. "I feel more exhausted now than I did after the match"

She smiled, leaning across the table and kissing him. He was sporting a glazed look when she pulled back.

"Tell me what I have to do to repeat what just happened"

She giggled, grasping his right hand which was resting on the table. "Just be you"

"You know I still don't know what that means. I'm always me."

She squeezed his hand "You'll figure it out"

"If you say so, princess"

A pink hue came over her cheeks and she ducked her head.

"Oh-my-god" he said in a dramatic voice. "Did I just make Hermione Granger embarrassed" As if on cue her cheeks turned even a brighter shade of red. "Haha! Yes, I did. Bravo, Harry" he patted himself on the chest.

"Stop" she giggled.

"No, I don't think I will. Opportunities like these don't come very often so I'm going to make the most of this" he smiled evilly. "And there's nothing you can do about it...princess" he dragged out the last word.

She shot him a mock glare. "Don't challenge me, Potter"

"Oh really" he said smugly.

"Yes, you don't want to play this game with me"

"Ha! Save it, princess. There's nothing you can do or say to embarrass me. I'm shameless. But you already know that" he lifted his hand, gaining the attention of the waiter, a young man couple of years older than them.

He turned his head back towards Hermione to find her staring at him with an intense look in her eyes. Her face wore the mask of resolution and he let out a nervous chuckle.

"Why are you looking at me like that. C'mon princess, you're giving me creepy vibes, now. Whose murder are you planning, its mine isn't it. Ofcourse, its mine. Stupid Potter, had to run your big mouth didn't you. Now, suffer the consequences, probably going to murder you in your sleep. Is that how you plan to do it, princess. Smother me with a pillow. Tell you I wouldn't mind if it was your ass. That would be a story, wouldn't it. Harry Potter killed by suffocation; further analysis shows that his girlfriend's ass was printed on his cheeks. Imagine the headline - "

"I love you"

"On the daily prophet – wait what"

She had a smirk on her face "I...love...you"

Harry gulped audibly "Y-you d-do"

She nodded "I do"

"This isn't a prank, right? Because if it is please tell me now"

The smirk was replaced by a soft smile as she leaned forward and covered both his hands with her own "Listen to me very carefully, snowflake, and yes that's my nickname for you because you smell and taste like a snowflake to me. You should be lucky it's nowhere near as atrocious as a Mars bar. Now, no this isn't a prank and I should give you a whack for even thinking that I would do something as cruel. For the past couple of weeks, I've been thinking a lot about my feelings for you and I came to a realization." She paused, rubbing her thumb over his knuckles. "I fell in love with you long before I realized I did. In fact, I think it was even before we got together. I just didn't want to admit it. I'm sorry I kept you waiting for so long but I had to be sure. Anyway, that's all in the past. Still, I have much catching up to do so I think I'm going to start-right-now"

She shot him a wink before she stood up and climbed the table.

"I LOVE YOU!"

Harry's eyes turned wide as every noise in the pub gave way to silence and all eyes turned towards the girl with bushy brown hair standing on the table. Jaws dropped, mouths wide open, no one could believe what they were seeing, least of all Harry.

"I LOVE YOU, HARRY JAMES POTTER! I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU!"

A brief period of silence as Hermione looked down on him with an ear-splitting grin and mouthed the words once more, this time just for him.

"I think she loves you, mate" Draco's voice rang out, breaking the silence as laughter shook the paintings on the wall.

Harry's cheeks were red as a tomato and he ducked his head. Hermione jumped off the table and took her seat back before leaning forward tipping his chin up. Both sets of eyes were glistening with unfiltered joy.

"Hello" she whispered.

"Hello"

---

May 30

---

Interior, Astronomy tower – Night

"Princess, please I'm tired" Harry whined as Hermione led him towards the railing,

"For me, it won't take long, I promise"

His lips stretched into a lazy smile "Anything for you, princess"

She stopped and turned around to face him, standing just a foot apart. She took a deep breath and pulled out her wand from the inside of her robes.

"Why you taking your wand out"

"You'll see" she sniffled and cleared her throat before looking up at him, apprehension marking her features.

"What's up" he asked in concern.

"Promise me you'll hear me first and not interrupt until I'm done"

He eyed her with an inquisitive look and nodded. "You have my word"

"I-I know you're not happy"

He frowned but let her continue.

"I know that you steal the morning paper when no one's looking and come up here to read. I know it's been killing you to not be able to do anything and prevent the killings that are growing with each day. I know you want to go back to your team and help them...lead them and I know you want to kill him, now more so than ever because you know you can...I know you hate yourself for what you did to your wand...your brother's wand...I'm so sorry for that but you need to come to terms that it's gone and there is nothing you can do about it.

She swallowed a lump before continuing.

"I'm saying all this because I believe there is a future. A future for you and me." Her voice thick with emotion. "After Hogwarts, after the war...I believe in that future but it won't come into fruition until we deal with the present"

Tears sprang into her eyes and she wiped them away with the back of her hand.

"If you see that future too and wish to live with me, to make it a reality... then listen to me. This" she waved her wand. "This will help us make that future a reality. I know you said you will never get a new wand, that it won't feel right, that it'll feel like a betrayal to your brother. I understand, I truly do but, your brother gave you his wand as a token of his love and I want to do the same because I believe in you...because I love you."

Her gaze dropped to the wand in her hand.

"I haven't been honest with you...I haven't been doing light reading nor have I been studying for the exams...I've been doing research...about wands. The books I've been reading aren't from the school library...they are from your grandfather's collection. That's where I've been spending my most of my time...he and I have been working together."

Harry's eyes turned wide as she continued.

"But when he realized my true attentions, he...I've never seen him so angry."

He gripped her shoulders tightly.

"What are you talking about, Hermione" he whispered; concern shining through his eyes.

"But I want you to know that I'm doing it because I believe in the future...I want to live it with you"

"Hermione!" he growled. "Tell me what's going on"

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she held up her wand. "I love you"

Quick as a flash, she bound his arms with ropes before pointing her wand at her midsection.

"HERMIONE!"

"Dincaten Cres Omarium"

Color left Harry's face as he watched Hermione's eyes turning gold and a beam of light leave her body where her wand was pointing. The light cast a circle around her body before it shrunk to the size of a snitch. The ball of light zoomed straight at Harry and did three circles around him before it smashed straight into the wand.

Hermione hit the ground, unconscious.

"Hermione!"

---

JUNE 1

---

Interior, Infirmary – Night

Harry jumped off his seat and knelt on the ground at the edge of the bed, grasping Hermione's hand as her eyes fluttered open.

"Hermione!" he smiled.

"Har-ry" her voice came out weak and broken.

"Hey baby" he swept back her hair.

"Where am I"

"Infirmary"

"Infirmary? Why am - " Her eyes turned wide as realization dawned on her face.

Harry nodded. "Yup...you know, if you knew you were going to black out maybe binding my arms wasn't the smartest idea"

She smiled "You would've stopped me otherwise"

"Damn right I would have" he chastised "What were you thinking. Do you realize how lucky you're to be alive"

"It was a risk I knew but I would do it all over again for you"

"Hermione" he placed a kiss on her knuckles. "You didn't need to do any of that."

"It was the only way"

"No, it wasn't. Yes, I was serious when I said that I wasn't going to use another wand again...but you're forgetting one important thing...for you...I would do anything...even go against myself. If only you would've talked to me"

"I didn't think you would listen. I know how much you loved your brother and would never - "

"Princess" he cut her off, a wry smile on his lips. "You are my life. Plain, simple, end of discussion. No one, and I mean no one, comes close to what you mean to me. I would do anything for you...anything"

"Really" she whispered in a hoarse voice, tears shining in her eyes.

"Really" he gave her a peck.

"Okay"

"Now, do you realize how stupid you've been. That's my job"

She giggled as he gave her another chaste kiss.

"I almost lost you" he whispered.

"I'm sorry"

"...Grandpa told me everything"

"He did?"

"Hmm. He said your magic has lost more than half of its potency. The good thing is that you haven't lost time...meaning your core will not diminish any early...it will live its full life but...you won't be able to cast powerful spells or ones that require endurance."

She shrugged her shoulder. "It's okay. I never planned on being an auror, anyway. Safe and without risk life sounds great to me, thank you very much"

He chuckled, before motioning her to scoot back. He climbed the bed and pulled her in close.

"I can't believe you did that...just gave up your wand so easily"

"It wasn't easy...but it's nothing compared to you. At the end of the day, it's just a piece of wood. Was it dear to me, sure, but so will be any wand that chooses me. I'll get a new one tomorrow"

They were silent for a while before he spoke.

"You really believe it?"

He didn't even need to mention what he was referring to. She nodded, rubbing her thumb over his cheek. "I believe in you" she whispered. "Nothing else matters"

"Nothing ever will"

They both shared a smile before leaning forward and gently brushing their lips together.

He leaned back and pulled out her wand from his jean pocket. He held it between their faces. "So, it's true, huh"

She nodded.

"A part of you resides in this thing"

"It was the whole point." She traced the curves and edges of the wand with her finger. "I believed if I could somehow put a part of myself in it then you wouldn't say no."

"You are remarkable, you know that but again...if you would've just told me the same stuff you did in the astronomy tower without doing any of the shit that put you in here...there would've been no way I could've said no"

"I won't make the same mistake next time"

"Damn right you won't" he growled playfully before pushing her on her back and rolling on top of her.

"Harry! Not here!" she hissed.

"I wasn't going to do that. God woman, is that all you think about"

She gave him a whack on the head.

"I deserved that"

"Yes, you did"

"I'll be leaving tomorrow...early morning"

"Oh"

"I can't wait any longer, Mars"

"I understand and don't ever call me that again"

He smiled and rolled on to his side. She tucked her head in the crook of his neck.

"Promise you'll come back"

"Close your eyes"

She did.

"Now, dream about our future while I go and make it a reality"

Her lips curled up.

"And of course, I'll come back."

He kissed the top of her head.

---

June 17

---

Exterior, Hogwarts – Morning

Hermione was spinning in a circle, her eyes searching through a sea of bodies celebrating the victory.

She stopped spinning as her eyes landed on a figure staring straight at her. He was standing at the edge of the bridge. His face was caked with blood, as were his clothes. His shirt was ripped open and a huge gash ran from the left side of his chest down to his hip bone.

He was holding the wand in his left hand and Godric Gryffindor's sword in his right hand.

She didn't look at any of those. Her eyes were fixed on his and with a huge cry she took off.

Seconds later she had her arms around his shoulders and her legs wrapped around his waist.

---

1999

---

Interior, St Jerome's, Godric's Hollow – Morning

"I now pronounce you husband and wife; you may kiss the bride"

He bent down as she leaned upwards, their lips coming together and sealing their bond forever.

---

2000

---

Interior, LDR, St. Mungo's - Night

"Look at her, Harry. Isn't she beautiful"

"Of course, she is. Just look at her mother"

Hermione cast him an amusing glance. "I look like a whale, dear"

"Then you're the most beautiful whale in the world"

He ducked down just in time as her hand came hurling towards him.

---

2005

---

Interior, Master Bedroom, Mars, Godric's Hollow – Night

Harry closed the door to the bathroom and stopped after a few steps when his eyes landed on his wife sitting at the edge of the bed, staring at him with bright eyes.

"What's up" he walked over to her.

"I have some news"

"Well" he knelt on the floor before her. "I'm all ears, princess" he smiled, taking her hands in his.

"I'm pregnant" she beamed.

His mouth fell open and his eyes turned wide as saucers

"What" he gasped. "H-how..."

She rolled her eyes. "Really Harry, you should know the mechanics by now"

"B-but-"

She shushed him with a finger on his lips. "It's a great news, dear. Try not to use your limited brain power on something so simple. Now c'mon, let's celebrate"

"Yes maam" he whispered in a daze.

---

Nine months later

---

Interior, LDR, St. Mungo's - Morning

Hermione was staring at the little bundle of human flesh in her arms with tears shining in her brown orbs.

"My baby boy"

She looked up at her husband whose eyes were fixated on the baby. He was trying to hold back his emotions, a rare occurrence for him.

"Would you like to hold your son, love"

Her words broke through his trance and he looked at her.

"Yeah" he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I would"

She lifted her arms and handed him the baby.

"Oh boy" he let out a chuckle, adjusting the baby in his arms. "He's so quiet" he turned to her.

"Don't you worry, he'll be up and screaming in no time. He's your son after all"

"Damn right he is" he looked back at the baby. "Hello Kai, welcome to the world, my son." He kissed his forehead. "My little champ. You're going to rule this world, you hear me, abso-fuckin-rule it"

"Harry! No cursing near my baby"

---

2010

---

Interior, Living room, Mars, Godric's Hollow – Evening

Harry stepped out of the floo as the green flames vanished into thin air.

"Dad!"

"Oh, there's my little man"

Harry scooped up his son and lifted him up high in the air.

Kai's laughter brought a huge smile to his face.

"Oh, how I missed you" he ruffled the boy's raven black hair before kissing his cheek. "Were you a good boy while I was gone"

Kai gave an enthusiastic nod of his head.

"That's my boy"

Harry carried him towards the kitchen where Hermione was cleaning the dished and Rose was sitting on the shelf, cleaning the dishes using her mother's wand.

"Mummy, Rosy's playing with your wand, again"

"Rose!"

"No, I wasn't" Rose put the wand away and stuck her tongue out at her brother.

"Hello, my little princess"

"Hey dad"

Harry bent his head down and kissed her cheek. "Did you miss me, today"

"No"

Hermione's loud snort drowned out his gasp.

"Oh, how the mighty have fallen" Hermione said in a sing song voice.

"I'm terribly disappointed, Rose" Harry clutched his heart. "How could you"

"Dad please" she rolled her eyes. "I had a real fun day today. Mum and I went to Diagon Alley and she bought me my first ever jewellery and my own makeup"

"Make up!" Harry exclaimed, scandalized. "She's only ten!" he turned towards his wife.

"Your point being"

"My point being - " Harry lowered Kai to the floor before walking over to Hermione. "She's only ten!" he whispered shouted, mock glaring his daughter who blew him a raspberry.

"Darling" Hermione turned off the water and turned towards him. "It's part of a play set. Trust me, you've got nothing to worry about. Your safe for a few years. Now c'mon, give me a kiss"

Harry obliged and gave her a passionate kiss that had the children shielding their eyes in disgust.

"Wow!" whispered Hermione. "You've certainly worked up an appetite"

"You've no idea" he growled. "And I have a craving for a special dessert, tonight"

"Oh really" she arched an eyebrow.

"Mummy, I want to have the special dessert, too"

"Alright, I'm hitting the shower"

Harry almost ran out of the kitchen as Hermione put a hand over her mouth to stop her laughter.

---

2014

---

Interior, Back Garden, Mars, Godric's Hollow – Night

"Hey"

Harry opened his eyes and turned his head, watching his wife walk towards him with bleary eyes. She was carrying a cup in each hand.

"Coffee"

"Thanks" He grabbed the cup and took a small sip. He rubbed at his temples as she sat opposite him. They were sitting under the pergola, facing the garden.

"Tired?"

He grunted a reply.

"This Rubnok case is been kicking my butt lately"

"His face is on the paper almost daily. They say his mass of followers has grown substantially"

"I'm not worried about that. They're all minions. Cut the head of the snake, that's all that matters"

She leaned over the table and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You'll find a way, you always do"

---

A few months later

---

Interior, Living Room, Mars, Godric's Hollow – Evening

Harry plopped down on the sofa with a heavy sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose.

He turned his head towards the archway when he the sound of soft footsteps reached his ears. A smile came overtook his tired features when he saw Kai enter the room.

He gave the impression of someone who just wake up from a long nap.

"Dad"

"Hey buddy"

The little boy padded towards him. Harry hoisted him up onto his lap and nuzzled the back of his neck.

"How's my little champ doing today. What did you while I was gone"

Kai let out a yawn and leaned back against him.

"Nothing"

"Nothing? That doesn't sound like you" Harry placed small kisses over his shoulder, making the boy giggle.

"It was so hot today" he exclaimed. "So, mummy said we should sleep and that then when we get up it won't be as hot"

"That's...reasonable, I suppose. So, is that what you did, had a nice nap with mummy"

He nodded his head.

"Then who looked after her while I was gone. You know it's your job while I'm gone, right" Harry arched an eyebrow.

Kai covered his mouth with his hand "Oops!"

"Mummy can take care of herself just fine, thank you very much"

They both turned their heads towards the archway to find Hermione staring at them with a stern gaze.

"There's my princess" Harry blew her a kiss.

She huffed before walking over to them before sitting on Harry's left.

She laid her head against his shoulder and curled her arm around his midriff.

"How was your day"

He sighed. "Same old shit"

"I'm sorry, darling" she tilted her head and kissed his cheek.

"Mummy"

"Yes sweety"

"You didn't get angry at daddy"

"Why would I get angry at him"

"He swore"

She raised her eyebrows "He did?" Kai nodded. She looked up at Harry who shrugged his shoulder. "Well, I'll let it slide this one time. He's had a hard day, after all"

"Okay"

"You little backstabber" Harry growled playfully he started tickling him.

"AAH! Mummy save me!" Kai's laughter filled the room.

Hermione shot Harry a wink before she shifted on the sofa and sat on her knees. Harry picked Kai up and scooted on the other end of the sofa, laying him in the middle.

The little boy only got a moment's reprieve before both parents attacked him simultaneously.

---

A few days later

---

Interior, Living Room, Mars, Godric's Hollow – Evening

"Dad"

"Hmm"

"Can we go to Dripko's park, tomorrow"

"I'm not sure, son"

"Please, it's been so long"

Kai turned around in his arms and pouted.

"It's my birthday and I want to go!"

"Son, how about we just celebrate your birthday at home this time, huh. Everyone will be here and it'll be lots of fun"

"No! We'll do that after. I want to go to Dripko's. Callum said they have a new ride that's totally awesome and he's been on it."

"Kai..."

"Please dad, please" he stuck his bottom lip out and widened his eyes.

Harry sighed "Oh alright but" he lifted a finger as the boy was ready to jump. "No telling mum, alright or she'll have my head off"

"Promise"

---

Next day

---

Interior, Deputy Head Office, Auror Headquarters – Day

"I don't think this is a good idea, Harry" Draco said, both men sitting on either side of the large table. "Rubnik's latest attacks have all been at public places, large crowds"

"You think I don't know that" Harry put his elbows on the table and rubbed his face. "But he won't hear it. Stubborn little git"

"Wonder where he gets it from" smirked Draco.

Harry put his hands down and shot him a glare. "Can you just do what I said"

"Done. You'll have ten officers accompanying you"

"Thanks. it's just precautionary. I don't think he'll attack a theme park. Too inconsequential for his taste. Up until now he's been targeting rallies or political gatherings"

"Don't forget Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. There were no events"

"Both strategical moves. By attacking Hogsmeade he demonstrated his power, telling the world that he came this close to disrupting the safest sanctuary in the wizarding world. Diagon Alley is one of the if not the most popular shopping districts in all of the wizarding world. Dripko's doesn't cover either. He's not a megalomaniac like Voldemort. There's a reason behind his every move"

"I hope you're right mate"

---

2 days later

---

Exterior, Dripko's Park, London – Afternoon

Spells were flying in every direction. Beams of blue, red and some even green.

"Chamberlain! Cover me!" Harry dived forward with Kai wrapped in his arms as a spell flew over his head, shielding behind a wooden table.

Screams of terror filled the air as people scrambled to make their way to the apparition point located just outside of the gate of the theme park.

"Kai" Harry turned to the boy whose face was ashen white and who hardly appeared to be breathing, shell shocked by what was happening around him. "Son, everything's going to be fine. Daddy's going to get you out of here" Harry kissed his forehead before shooting a litany of spells over the table.

Harry looked to his right as another auror fell dead. He shook his head and took deep breaths before scooping Kai into his arms and taking off.

"Protego!"

The shield blocked the red jet of light, absorbing it. Harry took the shield away and cast a flurry of spells over his shoulder.

It hit two wizards cloaked in black robes, blowing a hole straight through their chest.

A sharp gasp left Kai's mouth as he witnessed the horrific scene.

"Close your eyes, son." panted Harry. "You'll be back in your room playing with your cars in no time, okay"

The boy whimpered in response.

"Sir!"

Harry looked to his left at a female auror.

"There's a shortcut to the apparition point through here" she pointed over her shoulder. "Rubnok's curse blew a hole through the wall"

Harry skidded as he made a sharp turn.

"Ugh!" A spell hit him on his upper right arm, sending him flying in the air.

He shot a spell at the ground a second before he landed on his shoulder. Solid ground made out of concrete was turned into a sponge as Harry rolled over before shooting up, Kai cradled safely in his arms.

Three aurors came hurling towards them but before they could reach them, the ground below their feet demolished into smithereens, sending them flying in the air.

Harry halted to a stop and turned around.

A man dressed in all black with gold intricate patterns around the edges of his sleeve was walking towards them. His shoulder length black hair was parted in the middle and he had a lazy grin splattered across his face.

"Harry Potter" he yelled gleefully.

Harry glare would've made a lesser man digging his own grave but it only made Rubnok's smile wider.

"Time to stop running, Harry. Your path's blocked" He pointed at the huge hole in the ground behind Harry.

Harry gritted his teeth as he adjusted Kai in his arms.

The air was polluted with smoke, through which seven dark wizards walked through and joined Rubnok.

Harry gripped his wand tighter.

"If anything happens to my son - "

"Please Harry, you think too low of me. You know my rules, I don't attack kids and women"

"Even a tiny scratch on him..."

"You have my word, Harry. No harm will come to your boy." He spread his arms wide. "Today's operation was just a little fun. You see, I found out through the grapevine that you were planning on taking your son to this wonderful establishment so I thought, how about if we up the fun a notch higher" he chuckled darkly.

Harry's jaw cracked under the pressure as his breathing turned heavier.

"Oh yes...you've got a snitch in your office, Mr. Potter"

"Let's kill him!" yelled the werewolf standing to Rubnok's right.

"Yeah, we'll never get a chance like this again" added the man standing on the far end.

"I can't wait to taste the little one" the werewolf smacked his lips.

"I'll have your head on a pike before you even take a step, Halfbreed" growled Harry.

The werewolf glowered before he took a step forward.

"Randolph! Stay back" Rubnok's orders fell on deaf ears as Randolph's slow walk turned into a full-blown run. "Randolph! NO!"

Harry put Kai on the ground just as Randolph jumped at him. He landed on his back with the werewolf trying to claw at his face.

"Daddy!"

"Stay back, son!" shouted Harry, before he punched the werewolf in the face that had him reeling back. Harry jumped up just as the werewolf turned around.

Randolph took off once more as Harry dove for his wand which was lying at Kai's feet. He turned around and pointed his wand at the werewolf flying in midair towards him.

"Avada Kedavra"

The werewolf dropped face first and lay there, unmoving.

A moment of silence before a battle cry tore from the mouth of one of the dark wizards.

"Sectumsempra!"

Everything happened in slow motion.

Harry turning around, the streak of white light hurling straight at him, too close for him to move or put up a shield.

"No Daddy!"

And then, his eyes turning wide as Kai jumped at him, into his chest, and the spell colliding with his son's back.

A puff of air leaving his son's mouth, smacking him on the chin, the sting sharper than any punch or slap as he put his arms around him.

His eyes turned even wider as he lifted his hand, covered in blood.

His knees hit the ground as he cradled Kai on his lap before turning him over.

The gash was so deep he could see his insides, including his heart.

"Oh no, oh no, no, no" he turned him around in his arms so his head was resting on his forearm.

Rubnok and his army were gone but Harry didn't care.

"K-Kai..."

Blood was seeping out of the boy's mouth.

"D-Dad..."

"You're going to be okay, son"

Harry picked him up and started running. He had only taken five steps before Kai's scream halted him.

The scream was so loud that it broke the glass on the nearby rotating slide.

"DAD!"

Harry dropped to his knees again.

"It hurts" sobbed the boy.

"Just for a little longer, son" Harry smoothed back the hair at the top of his head. "I'm going to get you to the hospital, get you all fixed up" he mustered a smile that faltered when he saw the blood pooling from his back.

His gaze shifted back to Kai's eyes which were drooping.

"No, no, no, fuck, fuck, fuck!"

He was hyperventilating, wheezing sounds escaping his parted lips.

"D-dad" With what appeared to be great difficulty Kai opened his eyes and smiled

"You shouldn't swear or mummy will be very cross with you"

A broken sob tore from Harry's lips as tears streamed down his cheeks.

"K-kai...don't leave m-me...p-please..."

"D-dad...I-I don't w-want t-to d-die...s-save m-me...d-daa..."

A strangled breath, followed by a sharp gasp, Kai Potter died in his father's arms on the day of his ninth birthday.

---

A/N: Alright guys, post your comments down below and let me know your thoughts. I promise the wait for the next chapter won't be so long. Give me 10 days and hopefully the next chapter will be up before it. Take care and I'll catch you on the flip side.