A/N: For me, this is the best chapter I have written in this story. You'll find out why later as you read along the way.
Yesterday marks the second monthsary for My Cheating Heart. This story is a piece of work to write. So far, this is the most complex story I have ever written.
At the start, it got some hate. I do not mind but the personal attack I was getting almost made me want to stop writing this. And now, I am finally over the 100K word count. I am so happy that I did not listen to the trolls.
I would like to thank all of you readers who kept their faith in this story.
Anyway, enough drama. Hope you guys enjoy this second monthsary special.
I am soooo looking forward to your feedback on this chapter.
Excited for your reviews, faves, and follows.
My Cheating Heart
By: tweety-src-clt9
Chapter Twenty-eight: Defining Terms
"Harry?", Hermione asked as they were sipping wine after dinner at his penthouse. It was the evening after the press conference. The entire week had gone by so swiftly. From the moment Abim arrived, everyone was kept on their toes. All of them anxiously excited for the case to be finally solved. And now, all the surgeries were completed. All the children have been released from St. Mungo's. Rosier and Abim will have the vaccine formula ready on the 26th of December. Her return to Britain has been a whirlwind of surprises from the very moment her portkey first landed in the ministry. And now, her trip is coming to a close...
"Yes, Hermione?"
"I was wondering…", she said with hesitance.
"Yes?", he prodded.
"If you're not busy that is", she was nervously twiddling her thumbs now.
"Yes?"
"Do you want to spend the entire day with me tomorrow?", she muttered. Her eyes focused on her fingers.
"Like the whole day?", his voice betrayed the shock he is feeling.
"It's alright if you don't want to", she shrugged.
"No. It's not that I don't want to. I'm just surprised 'is all", he reassured her quickly.
"Oh. So, well, do you want to?", she sneaked a glance at him before looking away.
"I guess I can have Dean fill-in for me. My schedule tomorrow is just a few meetings and last-minute security checks. The latest attempt at entrapment for the syndicate is a huge failure. And as much as I am angry about that, I really can't do anything about it. So might as well take the day off tomorrow", he said with a shy grin.
"Really?"
"Yes. I would love to spend the day with you", this time around, his smile is on full blast.
"I do hope you know what you're getting into since I have a long day planned", she chuckled.
"Praytell?", he said playfully.
"I need you to come shopping with me. And then we can just explore all around London. And then we can watch a show in the West End at night, I miss that. And we could – I just want to have fun. I've been so stressed lately; we all have been. I don't know, it's just I need to take it easy, I guess. And I do miss London and I got nothing to do at St. Mungo's now except – ", she was talking too fast because of excitement.
"Okay, okay. I get it. You're bored and you miss London", he chuckled.
"You sure you want to come with me?", she asked one more time, giving him the chance to back out.
"Hermione, I'm trying to win you back, aren't I? I may not be as smart as you but I sure as hell ain't stupid enough to let this opportunity pass", he said in a teasing manner and she laughed.
"You know you might eat your words tomorrow", she smirked.
"And why is that?", his voice is now laced with a little apprehension.
"Two words. Shopping trip", she said dramatically.
"Oh", he muttered.
"Still think you're up for it, Potter?", she challenged.
"Ah, the things I do for love", he played along and they laughed.
"Good night, Harry. See you tomorrow", she kissed him on the cheek before standing up from the couch.
Harry Potter lay awake in the middle of his large bed as he contemplates about his dilemma.
He is very happy about the positive change in his relationship with Hermione but at the same time, he is scared. If she is not confined within the strongest wards of the ICW headquarters, then she is still at great risk to the unknown threat just lurking around and waiting for the right time to attack her.
He had a gut feeling that whoever is leading the Red Triangle syndicate, he is just bidding his time. Someone who organizes the operations of the largest syndicate in the European Wizarding Community is bound to never give up on his goal of capturing Hermione.
He remembered the entrapment operation he and the British aurors planted on the supposed local hideout of the mysterious syndicate three days ago. By working closely with the ICW, they were given intelligence on another scheduled smuggling shipment. The plan was perfect. There is only one problem, the members of the syndicate seem to have been aware of their plan.
They even left a note. A note that sends a chill of fear in his very bones.
We know who you are. But you don't know us. We've existed for more than five hundred years. We shall continue to exist. No one will bring us down. Not the ICW. And most especially not Harry Potter.
That was the only note left inside the hideout that they found. All the goods they expected to retrieve were no longer there. All that's left is a note written on the walls. A note written in blood. There was no signature. Only a red triangle.
Now he is torn between keeping Hermione safely confined within the ICW Headquarters' wards and having her stay in Britain with him.
He so wanted to hide her and keep her safe. That's what his mind is telling him. But his heart is screaming the exact opposite. Ever since her recovery from the accident, he could feel Hermione opening up to him. Inch by inch. Every single day. Hence, he can't possibly let her leave now. Not when he is this close…
He knew he is so close to making her fall in love with him again.
He shifted to his side and glanced at the single white tulip that he carefully placed on his nightstand. That single white flower made him feel hopeful about their relationship. Because if he could read this sign based on the symbolism of flowers, she was subtly telling him that she is willing to start over. Besides, the kisses she initiates must mean something…right?
So, he cannot send her away. Not now… He had waited so long for this one chance.
Yes, it might be selfish of him to have her staying in Britain, but if she is with him, he knew that he could keep her safe.
He will do anything just to keep her safe...
The next day, his peaceful slumber was bothered by a knock on his door. He covered his face with a pillow to muffle the sound but the knocking just became more insistent. With a groan, he waved his hand all over to wandlessly open the door. Hermione was already up and about, clearly ready for the day.
"Wake up sleepyhead!", she said cheerfully while tugging on his hand.
"Five more minutes", he muttered.
"Fine. If you won't get up, I'm leaving without you", she huffed. He suddenly got up from the bed and ran to his bathroom. As he was taking a hot shower, he could hear Hermione's laughter echoing from his bedroom. This woman could just be plain evil sometimes…
After ten minutes, he got out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist. He hurriedly found clothes that would easily blend in with the rest of muggle London. Once he is ready, he closed the door to his bedroom.
Hermione was sitting comfortably on a couch and flipping through a magazine.
"That was quick", she said with a grin.
"Well, I can't have you leave me here. I'm on guard duty and shopping bag duty today", he said grumpily.
"You could always sleep in you know. I can take care of myself", she said.
"Oh no! You're not going around London all alone", he huffed.
"Well let's go then, Lord Potter. I have some shopping to do. Don't worry, I'll treat you to breakfast, and lunch, and dinner", she cajoled.
"You're lucky I love you", he muttered.
"Sorry, I didn't catch that", she said.
"So, do we drive or apparate?", he inquired.
"Can we drive? Although I want to eat breakfast at Viola's. You don't mind, do you?", she said as she got off the couch.
"Hey… how could you be paying for breakfast if we eat there for free? We own the place", he argued playfully.
"You're so stingy", she rolled her eyes.
"Let's go Lady Potter. You can spend the rest of the day bossing me around", he held out a hand for her which she eagerly accepted.
Hand-in-hand, they headed towards the lifts that led to the basement parking.
"Can we ride the black car this time around?", she said as they stood in front of his beloved rides.
"Sure", he said with a grin. The 2005 Lamborghini Urus is his second car. It's also his second favorite after the Alfa Romeo. He opened the door for her before he slid on to the driver's seat.
"Your taste in cars is very similar to your taste in brooms", she chuckled.
"Oh?"
"They're all fast vehicles", she replied.
"Well yeah", he grinned sheepishly before turning on the ignition.
"What's this car called?"
"It's a Lambo", he said as he drove away from the parking lot.
"A Lambo?", she asked with an eyebrow raised.
"A Lamborghini", he replied.
"Who would have thought I'd get to ride one of these", she mused.
"You know about cars then?", he inquired but his eyes were focused on the road.
"A little. My dad likes cars. Well, most blokes do I suppose", she said with a chuckle.
Hmmm…maybe I can get her parents a car for my Declaration of Intent, he thought to himself as he remembers his talk with Luna about the formal courting procedures. The Declaration of Intent is the first in a series of five protocols. Since the protocol is an archaic procedure, the pursuer makes his intentions known by formally speaking with the lady's head of house, in Hermione's case, her father. Along with the verbal intention, a gift will be given as some sort of dowry. This will be a bad idea if Hermione would see this as me buying her affections… Maybe I should ask her first…
"Mione?"
"Hmmm?
"What will you say if I bought your parents a car?"
"Huh? Why?"
"Well, it's part of the – "
"If you're talking about the whole pureblood courtship protocol, then you can forget it", she huffed.
"Oh", he muttered. Thank Merlin that I asked!
"Harry, you don't need to do that. If you do that, I'll hex you myself. And if you do that whole kneeling in front of the Malfoys' home as part of the bloody list, I would hex you for that too", she said.
"Oh. Okay", he said with a nod.
"Harry?"
"Yes?"
"Could you help me find some gifts for your aurors?"
"Why?"
"I want to give them thank you gifts for guarding us here", she turned to him with a bright smile.
"Of course."
"Do you have something you want to do today?", she asked.
"Well, you could help me with my own Christmas shopping as well. Especially for the kids in the foundation", he said. His eyes still focused on the road.
"I would love that", he could hear the excitement in her voice.
"Do you want to watch a show at the West End later?", he inquired. He remembered her blabbering about it last night.
"That would be brilliant. But, well, we're not dressed for a show", she mused.
"Hermione Granger, are you a witch or not?", he glanced at her with a smirk.
"If you're not driving, I would so smack you on the back of the head", she said grumpily and he chuckled.
Harry parked the car on a hidden corner that is just a walking distance away from the secret entrance to Diagon Alley. After opening the door for Hermione, he cast notice-me-not charms on the car before he ushered her towards the Leaky Cauldron.
As soon as they entered, all eyes were immediately drawn to them but he chose to ignore it. Hermione too is now an expert in dealing with the murmurs and stares from other witches and wizards. He waved to Hannah Abbot – Finnigan, who bought the Leaky from Tom six years ago along with her husband, Seamus.
They were almost at the door that will lead to the brick barrier, but a little boy ran in front of them.
"Hello", Hermione greeted with a friendly smile.
"Hi Lady Potter", the little boy grinned.
"What's your name?", she asked.
"Ralph."
"Nice to meet you, Ralph", Hermione held out a hand for the child to shake. The child shook it eagerly.
"You are so pretty", the boy said with a blush. Harry chuckled. Hermione charms little boys wherever she goes.
"Thank you Ralph", she giggled.
"You will make a great wife for my daddy", the boy said as he shuffled his feet.
"Well I'm sure your daddy is as good-looking as you but I can't have two husbands", Hermione replied with a kind smile.
"Oh", the child said sadly.
"I'm so sorry buddy. Your daddy just needs to find another lady", he smiled to the child.
"Can I hug you at least Lady Potter?", the child bashfully muttered.
"Of course, sweetie", Hermione crouched down as she opened her arms and the child went to embrace her willingly. He smiled at the sight. Hermione is so good with children.
"Happy Christmas Lady Potter", the child said after he pulled away.
"Happy Christmas too, Ralph", Hermione said with a cheery wave. He too waved at the child who gave them a big smile.
"You know Lady Potter, it's scary how many blokes are drawn to you", he teased as he tapped the bricks with his wand.
"Jealous?", she smirked.
"Nah. If it were straight blokes who looked like Irie, then definitely. Little boys, no. Besides, it's adorable to see you with children", he winked.
They hurriedly made their way to Viola's since they were attracting too much attention. When they entered the restaurant, the head waiter bowed.
"Welcome to Viola's Lord and Lady Potter", Laurence respectfully greeted.
"Come now, mate. It's just Harry", he rolled his eyes.
"Hello", Hermione smiled.
"Please follow me. I'll escort you to a private booth so that you can avoid the curious stares", Laurence led the way and they followed.
"Thanks, mate", he said as they were seated.
"What shall I get you, sir? Shall I recommend the breakfast special?", Laurence inquired.
"What do you think Hermione?"
"I'll eat whatever. I'm starved and we have a lot of shopping to do", she grinned.
"Two specials then Laurence. Thank you", he informed the head waiter.
"Right away sir", Laurence gave a slight bow before leaving the private booth.
"He seems nice", Hermione remarked.
"Yeah. He just gets all Lord Potter and stuff because of his roots. He is muggleborn and well, he knows I hold a title in the House of Lords as well", he explained.
"How did that happen by the way?", she asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Two years after you left, the muggle police found out about Walden Macnair, a death eater. Well, that vile man is responsible for the kidnapping and torture of fifty muggle children. Long story short, there is a squib police officer who recognized the dark man on the cartographic sketch given by one of the witnesses. He told his peers that the man responsible for the crime is a member of a terrorist group. That story escalated to the ears of influential people. Finally, when the Queen found out that Macnair is dead, she wanted to reward the person who ended all of that vile man's terrors. So, she had her people investigate, and then the whole Voldemort thing was made known. She gave me an honorary seat at the House of Lords. Of course, due to the statute of secrecy, we had to keep the real reason for my title a secret. Her majesty just said that I was a long-lost distant relation or something", he explained.
"You must have women throwing themselves at you then. I mean you must be the only member of the House of Lords who is young", she chuckled.
"The House of Lords knows I'm married", he replied.
"Then how would you explain going to all those fancy events all alone and without a lady on your arm?", she challenged.
"I told them my wife left me because of my stupidity", he admitted.
"And?"
"Well, the Queen, along with the other peers of the realm, offered to help in looking for you, but I politely declined. I knew that you were hiding somewhere in the magical world. I just don't know where", he said with sadness.
"Why did you never stop looking for me?"
"I need you back in my life Hermione. But more importantly, I want to tell you how sorry I am", he confessed.
"Why did you cheat on me, Harry? Why did you parade all those women in front of me?", he could see the tears she is fighting to hold back.
"The first time I brought a woman to the manor after you said that you did everything you could to steal me away from Ginny, I just wanted to hurt you. Make you regret your decision. I was under the influence of alcohol then and I was listening to Ron, Molly, and Ginny's words. So, I met this witch at the Hog's Head, I brought her home with me. She was very eager to bed the chosen one, so she performed oral sex on me, and after I you know, I couldn't get it back up, and I just passed out exhausted. The next day I threw her out of the house and I saw the reaction on your face. I saw how seeing that woman leave the manor hurt you. So, I decided to use that as a petty revenge scheme on you", he admitted with shame.
"Did you ever sleep with any of them?", she said as she wiped away the tears.
He was about to answer but there was a knock on the door. Laurence came in with a tray containing their orders. After he left, his eyes fell on Hermione again as he continued his explanation.
"Well, they slept beside me on the bed. Some of them performed handjobs and stuff. I was too drunk to care. But I never went all the way with them. After that first woman, and seeing how much I hurt you by parading them around the house, I decided to just abandon witches and go to muggle prostitution houses. I pay them to act like I was fucking them like crazy", he continued.
"Why did you do that Harry?", she sniffed.
"I thought that if I hurt you enough you would suddenly fight back. But you never did. So, I assumed you were guilty. I just, I never thought my Hermione, my best friend, could ever betray me like that, you know?", this time it was his turn to wipe away the tears.
"So, you never went all the way with someone? During our one year of marriage?", her chocolate brown orbs were staring intently into his eyes to test the validity of his words.
He flicked his wrist to summon his phoenix feather wand from its holster.
"I, Harry James Potter, swear on my life and magic, that I have never had vaginal intercourse with another woman except for my wife. So mote it be. Lumos", he stated in a clear voice. As his wand glowed with a blindingly bright light, he proved to her that his words were the absolute truth.
"Stop the Lumos. Merlin! It's so bright", she protested as she shielded her eyes.
"Nox. Sorry about the brightness", he said awkwardly.
"Alright. Fine. So, you technically didn't cheat on me…", Hermione said. He could tell she was processing what he told her. She's processing this information logically from the look on her face.
"Technically yes. But I did hurt you. And that is no excuse", his head bowed down in shame.
"Quiet! Let me think", she admonished. He sneaked a glance at her. Hermione had a faraway look in her eyes. Her brows furrowed. Her lips pursed. He could tell that she was thinking about the things he said.
Ten minutes passed and she was still sitting there. Quiet. Her face was serious. He was nervous and hungry and scared but he remained seated. Deep inside, his heart pounded like crazy. He was scared if he had bollocked it up again. Please don't hex me…that was the mantra running through his mind.
"Harry", Hermione's calm voice betrayed no emotion. He cannot tell if he should run for the hills to save his hide or grovel on his knees for forgiveness.
He gulped.
"Yes, Hermione?", he nervously answered.
"Stand up please", she ordered. I guess Daddy will be seeing you soon again, Viola Lily, he thought as he prepared himself for the impending doom of Hermione Granger's wrath. He slowly stood up and walked closer to her side of the table. When he was a foot in front of her, he was prepared to face his maker.
May the Creator or whoever is out there have mercy on my idiotic soul…
Hermione stood up from her seat, took a deep breath and punched him on the face.
He fell on the floor with a thud. Now I know how Malfoy must have felt in our third year. Hermione Granger packs a mean right hook!
"Ow", he muttered as he rubbed his injured jaw.
"Now stand up you idiot", she huffed. To his surprise, she held out a hand for him to take.
He gave her an odd look but she only raised an eyebrow. Her hand still stretched out. He carefully held on to her hand and she slowly pulled him up.
"Are you gonna hit me again?", he muttered. She flicked her wrist and she was now holding her wand.
"If you're gonna kill –"
"Quiet! I'm going to heal your bruised face. You're lucky I didn't kick you in the bollocks", she said. She pointed her wand on him and he closed his eyes. After a few seconds, he could no longer feel the ache in his jaw. Did she just heal me so that she could hurt me again?
"Er, Hermione, I don't understand – "
"Listen to me, Harry Potter. And you listen well! You are the most exasperating, annoying, and stupid wizard I have ever met. Merlin!"
"Sorry but – "
"Stop interrupting me!"
"So- "
"Look, you passed the test. So, we – "
"I don't – "
"Why did I have to fall in love with such an idiot!?", she stomped her foot in agitation.
Did she just say that she's in love with me?
"Huh?", he was very confused now. Everything seems like a crazy satirical dream.
"Oh, come here", she raised her index finger and made a gesture that signaled for him to move closer. Despite his confusion, he followed her command.
"Hermione I'm con –"
She rolled her eyes in exasperation and roughly pulled him closer to her. His eyes widened in shock when she wrapped her arms around his neck before kissing him passionately. Now, this is just too good to be true, he thought. But if this is just a weird dream, he gave everything he got into the kiss. Might as well savor the moment...
When she pulled away for air, she laced their foreheads together.
"I love you, Harry Potter, even if you are one big idiot", she whispered.
"Someone must hate me for this cruel dream", he muttered.
"You're not dreaming", she giggled.
"Hah?"
"I said I love you Harry Potter", she whispered before pecking him on the lips.
"I love you too dream Hermione Granger", he said stupidly.
"Ow!", he yelped in pain when she stomped on his foot.
"There! Now you know it's not a dream", she huffed.
"What did you do that for?", he whined.
"So that it would sink into your thick head that this is most definitely not a dream. Merlin! Why should I be cursed by the fates to be in love with someone so stupid?", she said.
"So, you love me then?", he asked with disbelief. In as much as he wants to believe her, he still thinks it's too good to be true. He waited ten years for this so he can't imagine all his dreams turning into a reality.
"Yes", she huffed. She now had her arms crossed below her chest.
Oh my god! She loves me. She loves me.
When it finally sunk into his thick head, he had a shit-eating grin on his face as he wrapped his arms around her.
"I love you Hermione", he whispered to her ear.
"Took you long enough to understand the message, you stupid idiot", she chuckled.
"I'm gonna ignore that comment because I'm just so happy you love me", he laughed.
"You're lucky I have high tolerance to idiocy and that I am the forgiving sort", she said.
"I know I don't deserve you. But I love you Hermione Granger", he said as he squeezed her tightly in his arms.
"Maybe we can get used to calling me Hermione Potter now", she replied as she pulled away from his embrace.
"This is the best day of my life", he said.
"Well then let's eat breakfast. I don't want you to spend the rest of the best day of your life in St. Mungo's due to hunger", she chuckled. He slowly went back to his seat and he could still feel the shit-eating grin on his face.
As they started eating, he would sneak glances at her and he could feel himself smiling again.
Hermione could not take it any longer and she bursts into laughter. She had tears in her eyes as she laughed and laughed.
"What's so funny?", he asked.
"You are. I can't believe you thought you were dreaming", she burst into laughter again.
"Well, you can't blame me. It's like a whirlwind of emotions out here", he said.
"I'm sure Viola is laughing so hard right now. She'll probably be so thankful that she inherited my brains", she teased.
"You're sure about this?", he asked one more time.
"If you keep asking me that, I can take it back", she huffed.
"I just, I can't believe it you know", he said sheepishly.
"Believe it's true Harry. I love you. I wouldn't lie about this. I tried so hard to fight you, but you tear down the walls I built around my heart", she said with a smile.
"So, er, I love you. And well, you love me. What does this mean?", he asked shyly and she rolled her eyes.
"Well for starters, we're in love. Second, we're still married. We could give that a try", she shrugged.
"Okay… so, what do I do?", he said sheepishly.
"You love me with all of your heart and don't do anything stupid again", she said sternly.
"The first one I promise to keep. The second one, well, stupidity is in my DNA. But know that I will do my best to never intentionally hurt you again", he said with conviction.
"Fair enough", she grinned.
"What are your other terms for this relationship, Lady Potter?"
"Well, I could try sleeping with you", she mused.
"Excuse me?", he choked on the pumpkin juice he was drinking.
"Mind out of the gutter, Harry. I meant to sleep. Just sleep", she said.
"Oh. Of course. Sleep is good", he said with a nod.
"We also have to work out logistics when I go back to Switzerland", she muttered.
"Whatever you want, love", he grinned and she giggled.
It is very fitting that they acknowledged their love for one another in Viola's, the restaurant he built to honor the memory of their daughter. He would never have won Hermione's heart once again if not for their wonderful little girl. He cannot wait for them to talk to Viola Lily later tonight.
For now, he is just so happy to spend one whole day with Hermione.
He is the luckiest bastard alive since this wonderful woman, his wife, forgave him for all the shit he once put her through.
As Harry and Hermione Potter basks in the joy of spending the day together, as they celebrate their love for one another, the little boy named Ralph portkeyed to his master to proudly report on his success.
When he arrived at an underground lair of the Atbae 'Iilah Al-mawt , the master gave him an odd look.
"Who are you?", their leader asked.
"Master it's me. Ralph. I'm using Polyjuice. You know how Hermione Granger loves kids"; the little boy smirked.
"Did you get her hair sample?", the master replied.
"Yes master", he carefully removed the vial containing three strands of curly brown hair from his pocket.
"Excellent work, Ralph. Now we can track my Isis wherever she goes", the master smirked.
"Yes, master. Your Isis shall be yours soon", he replied.
"Gather the five for a meeting at midnight. I now have the perfect plan to capture my Isis", the master said.
"Yes master", he said with a bow.
Karim Hajjar, the last living descendant of Osiris, smirked as he continued to stare at the vial containing hairs of his Isis. You will be mine soon, Hermione Granger…