Chapter 2
(6 years later)
Harry was true to his word. As the years rolled Harry hadn't stopped caring and taking care of her and her son that was born on April 14. He was beautiful and Hermione was never happier then on that day when she finally got to hold him. Harry and Ginny had helped as much as possible, Ginny usually spending the day with Hermione and her son. Mrs. Weasely and her own parents helped out as well, though her parents offered she come live with them again she refused saying she had to do this herself. They didn't say anything from that day on.
Now six years later Hermione was twenty-five with a six year old son, she still lived in her small apartment but had to move her office to the living room so that her little boy had his own room. Harry still came around a little less but he still was there. So everything was still the same, other then……
"Mommy wake up," a light weight had flung it's self onto Hermione's bed causing her to moan and roll over. "Come on mom it's Christmas."
Laying on her back, Hermione could feel her child crawling up next to her and sitting on her stomach. Opening her sleepy eyes she looked up at her son, a weak, tired smile on her lips. Lucas Granger was six and an amazing child, he had his mothers brown hair, her little freckles over his nose and her intelligence. His eyes on the other hand were a electrifying blue, which probably came from his mysterious father, who Hermione cared not of. All that mattered was that her son was safe and happy.
"I'll get up in an hour," she smiled as she closed her eyes.
"Mommy, come on please," he whined as he pushed on her shoulder trying to keep her awake. When she didn't move he leaned forward so he was face to face with her. "Mommy?"
Hermione's eyes shot opened and she grabbed her son only to roll on top of him so she could tickle him. He squirmed trying to get away from his mother.
"Mom stop," he giggled. "Please.
Hermione stopped, smiling down at him. He was such a beautiful child and she loved him with all her heart, she didn't know what she would do if something would of happened to him.
"Okay let's go get cleaned up and then have breakfast, then presents when everyone arrives," said Hermione rolling off the bed.
Lucas stood to watch his mother as she stretched. Then got off the bed as she began to fix the pillows, and pull the blankets back up, he helped her fix the corners and smiled at her when they were finished.
"Now to get dressed, your clothes should be on your dresser and I'm going to have a quick shower so when your finished getting dressed you can put the T.V on okay?"
Lucas nodded and ran out of the room to his own. Hermione sighed grabbing her robe and making her way to the bathroom. She washed quickly never wanting to leave Lucas by himself to long. Leaving the bathroom she returned to her bedroom and got dressed in a simple red sweater and black dress pants. Pulling her hair into a ponytail she exited the room and headed out to the living room.
Lucas sat on the couch his little legs barely hanging off the end, he had dressed himself pretty good, he wore his red button up t-shirt and plain blue jeans, his brown hair was still in a mess and he preferred it that way, never really liking to sit down and allow Hermione to comb it back. So they agreed that they would leave it alone until the day he decided to do something with it.
"What would you like for breakfast?" she asked stepping into the kitchen.
"Pancakes please," he said not taking his eyes off the T.V.
Hermione smiled, he loved pancakes and since today was Christmas she had no problem in making them for him. Pulling out the things she would need, she got to work on making the pancakes. Since she left school she hadn't really used magic a lot and with Lucas around she rather not have it, but he did know about it and Hogwarts. She wanted him to be equal about both worlds and not treat people different from what they were or what they had.
She placed the finished pancakes on the table and Lucas came in and sat down at the little table. He had the right manners and Hermione hardly had to correct him she was proud of him and herself that she had done a good job with raising him herself.
Sitting down across from him she sipped her tea and watched him as he ate quietly. He finished and took his plate to the sink then returned to the table.
"When will they be coming?" he asked looking at his mother.
Hermione looked at the clock it was 9:59am she gave a grin and turned to her son. "Right about now."
A knock came on the door and Lucas' eyes grew wide as he stared at his mother. She laughed at his shocked expression.
"Well are you going to stare at me all day or are you going to let are visitors in," giggled Hermione.
Lucas hopped out of his chair and ran into the living room, Hermione put her cup in the sink before walking into the living room. The door opened and standing there was Harry and Ginny Potter. Yes. They had gotten married last year, it was a beautiful wedding taking place in the backyard of the Weasely's in August, Lucas had been asked to be the ring bearer, and Hermione Ginny's brides maid the only thing that went wrong was that Ron couldn't show up to be Harry's best man which upset him terribly. So without Ron, Harry made do with just Fred, George and Neville to everyone's surprise but Harry said that Neville had been a great friend through the years. Ginny and Harry were happy newlyweds and lived peacefully in a small country house outside of town.
"Uncle Harry, Aunt Ginny!" Lucas jumped in the arms of Harry who grabbed him up.
"Whoa Luke what has your mother been feeding you, your so big," said Harry giving the boy a massive hug, he looked over at Hermione and winked.
"Vegetables," said Lucas cringing in Harry's arms.
Harry laughed. "Yeah, your mom use to make me eat those too but look at me now."
Placing the boy on the ground, he started to flex his muscles that hadn't been used since his qudditch years. Lucas laughed and started to imitate his uncle.
"Harry stop it, someone's going to get hurt," said Ginny passing the two muscle boys and going to hug Hermione.
"I'm not gonna hurt him," said Harry standing straight, his eyebrows knitting together.
"I was talking about you," said Ginny with a playful smile. The three adults laughed as they got comfortable in the living room. Harry took a seat down on the couch and Lucas crawled onto his lap.
"Did you get me a present Uncle Harry?" he asked looking up at the black haired man.
Harry looked down at him, his eyebrows knitted together in deep thought. "You know I don't think I did get you anything." Lucas stared at him. "How bout you go check my coat pocket."
Lucas hopped down and went to the black leather coat that Harry had placed on the chair. He went through the pockets slowly, his little hands searching eagerly. Hermione came to stand next to Harry, passing him and Ginny mugs of tea.
"What did you get him?" She whispered
Harry only smiled and watched his nephew as his little blue eyes lit up when the found his gift. He pulled his little hand out and sitting in his palm was a small box, his eyebrows raised in confusion, he made his way back to Harry and stood in front of him.
"Is this it?"
Looking shocked Harry smacked his forehead. "That's right I forgot all about that pocket, good thing you looked huh?"
Lucas nodded and turned to his mother. "Can I open it?"
"I would like for everyone to be here so can you wait just a few more minutes?" she asked. He gave a sigh but nodded.
Harry, and Lucas watched Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer while Ginny helped Hermione get some of the drinks out and cookies. Laughing could be heard from the living room and the girls smiled.
"You've down good you know Hermione?" said Ginny retrieving the egg nog from the fridge. "I mean look at Lucas, he's so amazing I don't think anyone could of raised him better then you."
"Well I had help, I couldn't of down it without you, Harry, your mother, my parents. With all of you I wouldn't of been able to do it," said Hermione looking out at Lucas and Harry.
"Okay well we all raised a wonderful child Hermione," said Ginny taking the tray of drinks out into the living room.
Shortly a knock came to the door and the Grangers walked in, they hugged Hermione and Lucas, then shaking the Potter's hands. "Lucas my boy look at you," said Mr. Granger hugging his grandson.
"Grandpa I can't breathe," squealed Lucas as he was being suffocated by his grandfather.
Mr. Granger chuckled as he placed the boy on his feet so he could hug his grandmother. "You are turning into a wonderful young man Lucas," she said brushing back his hair with her hand. Lucas smiled up at her is big blue eyes just sparkling.
Mr. Granger tuned to his daughter and smiled huge, he held his arms open wide and Hermione hugged her father.
"My baby girl," he said in her then held her at arms length. "You're still beautiful."
Hermione smiled. "And you're still flattering Dad." He chuckled and kissed her on the forehead. He left to go greet Harry and Ginny, Hermione turned to her mother who smiled at her.
"Hi mom," she said before her mother engulfed her in a hug.
"Hermione dear it's lovely to see you again," she spoke softly.
"It's nice to see you too mom," she said.
Hermione hardly saw her parents only on holidays and birthdays. She had this need to be independent, to prove that she was able to do things herself with out help unless she asked for it. Like raising Lucas, she asked for the help and they gave it to her without any complaints. So seeing her parents was a big thing for her.
Harry and Ginny moved to the floor as the Grangers took the couch and Hermione sat on the arm of the couch next to her father
"Okay Lucas you can open them now," said Hermione with a smile on her face.
Lucas went straight to work, for a six year old he was speedy. Wrapping was flung all over as box after box was opened. He was soon sitting in front of his new things, laying on his back flying his new airplane.
"Don't forget about the gift Harry and Ginny got you," said Hermione picking up the wrapping. The boy hopped up, looked toward the table where he placed the box, picking it up he started to unwrap it. Throwing the top a side he found in the box a glass globe the size of a golf ball, he picked it up delicately looking it over closely.
"For once I have no idea what that is," said Hermione looking over her son's shoulder.
"Just wait for it," Harry said watching just as closely as everyone else.
With all eyes on the glass globe, they watched as a pair of wings unraveled themselves off the globe and started to flutter, the wings were clear with a hint of gold. As the wings fluttered harder the globe lifted into the air and started to go in zigzags.
"You got him a snitch," said Hermione looking confused. A snitch was nice of course but not for a six year old especially since snitches were for qudditch seekers. The only thing different about this one was that it was clear glass. "Harry are you sure that's a proper gift for him?"
"Yes just watch there's more,"
As they watched the snitch fly around, they soon noticed a flicker of light coming from the inside of it. Slowly multi-colored lights beamed out of it and hit the white walls, reds, purples, greens, oranges, yellows, blues were painted on the walls. Everyone watched in amazement as figures started to dance on the light, Hermione noticed dragons, mermaids, hippogriffs and a phoenix frolic on the wall. Lucas watched amazed by the many colors and creatures, he walked up to the wall reaching out as if to catch one of the magical creatures.
"Wow, Harry it's amazing," Hermione watched just as astonished as her son .
"It is great isn't it, and when your done with it all you have to do is reach your hand up to it and say 'come'"
Lucas looked to the snitch and did as his uncle instructed, reaching his little had up toward the light show globe he called out to it to come. Sure enough the lights went out and the snitch floated down to his hand. He went to his uncle and aunt and gave them both hugs. "Thank you, this is the best gift ever."
"After seeing that I think my gift isn't worth giving the lad," said Mr. Granger with a smile.
"No Grandpa I want to know what you got me too," said Lucas his blue eyes turning to his grandfather. "I'll love it as much as I love Uncle Harry's"
"I don't know,"
"Please," Lucas whined his lower lip hanging. His Grandfather smiled at the boy.
"Okay you win," said Mr. Granger. "It's right out side the door."
Mr. Granger made his way to the door, opening it he disappeared for a second only to return with a red bike with training wheels.
Lucas watched his mouth opened a gap. "That's for me?"
His grandfather chuckled. "Yes, it's all yours."
Lucas made his way over to the bike running his hand over the black leather seat, and red handle bars. He swung his leg over sitting straight on the seat his little hands holding tight to the handle bars.
"Thanks grandpa," said Lucas smiling large up at his grandfather.
"Not in the house Lucas please," said Hermione smiling down at him.
The visit only lasted another hour before the Grangers left, leaving Hermione, Lucas and the Potters. They all cleaned the apartment before they all had to leave to head over to the burrow where they were spending Christmas dinner. Leaving the apartment the four made their way toward the disapperating point. Harry left first, then followed by Ginny, and last was Hermione and Lucas who held him on her hip.
When they arrived at the burrow Mrs. Weasely engulfed them in a huge hug and squeezing Lucas's cheeks. Everyone was there; Fred, George, Percy, Bill, Fleur, Mr. and Mrs. Weasely only Charlie and Ron were missing. No body worried that much about it and got straight into the Christmas festivities. Gifts were passed around, jokes were said and everyone just enjoyed themselves. Dinner was served and everyone sat at the table, like one big happy family.
"Heard you got a promotion Hermione, that's great," said Mr. Weasely.
"Yes, I got promoted to being Mr. Dunkton's personal assistant, which is a lot of work," said Hermione looking at Lucas who sat beside her.
"But you can handle it right I mean you were always ahead of everyone at school," said Fred nudging George.
"Yeah I mean its got to be super easy for you ,"
Hermione blushed not knowing what to say. It was true that she was always ahead of the other students but she did find her new position hard. There was a lot more paper work and she had to make sure that Dunkton was on time for appointments or any meetings. About to say something about her job Hermione was cut off by the door opening.
Everyone stopped what they were doing to look toward the door. There was a slight gasp of shock that came from Molly. But everyone else just stared in surprise.
For standing in the door way of the burrow was Charlie and Ron Weasely. They wore dark cloaks protecting them from the falling snow, they had removed their hoods and were looking over the table. Charlie smiled at his family happy to see them all again, but Ron was hard in the face like the sight of his family didn't arouse him, his blue eyes ran over the faces and soon fell upon Hermione. His eyes softened and a small grin rose on his face. She smiled back.
"Mommy who are they?" Lucas asked pulling on his mother's sleeve.
Ron looked over at the young boy his eyebrows coming together in confusion, why was he calling her mommy?
"That's Ron and Charlie Weasely," she answered her son taking his hand off her sleeve.
Harry was the first to move, he rose out of his chair and made his way over to Ron where he stood and stared at him. "I've missed you mate."
"Missed you too," said Ron. Harry pulled Ron into a massive hug, Ron hugged back they truly were brother. They broke apart and smiled at each other, everyone else got up to greet the two Weasely's . Molly crying of joy that her two boys were alive and well, everyone just hugged or patted them on the back.
Hermione was the last to stand and greet Ron, they looked at each other just as Harry had done before.
"Hey Hermione," said Ron in a whisper looking at his feet.
A small smile rose on her face. "Come here you," she pulled him into a hug, where he wrapped his massive arms around her waist picking her up off the ground a few inches. "I've missed you the most."
She blushed as he put her back on her feet they continued to smile but Hermione looked down when a small tug was on her pant leg. Looking down she found Lucas, his bright blue eyes looking up at the red head. Hermione picked him up, balancing him on her hip.
"Ron this is Lucas, my son. Say hi Lucas,"
"Hi," he said waving his hand.
Ron looked at the two, his heart sinking. If she had a son that had to mean she was married or at least had a guy in her life. He had feelings for Hermione for the longest time and just when he had the courage to say something to her it was to late.
"Hi Lucas," said Ron cheering up a little.
"Okay enough of this the food is getting cold and I'm sure you two are starving," said Mrs. Weasely as she made two extra chairs appear. "Ron sit next to Hermione and Charlie next to Bill."
Everyone returned to their seat where they immediately started to eat and chat. Hermione had Lucas on her left and Ron sat on her right. She watched him from the corner of her eye seeing that his appetite hadn't changed. He was taller maybe 6'0, his red hair was still long and in his eyes, he had a little facial hair going on, his chin looking bristly. His eyes were still their blue but held shadows beneath them. He looked older then his supposed 26 and very tired.
"So Ron, Charlie what have you two been doing these past six years?" asked Fred.
"Well we would of visited earlier but we had some trouble with a dragon from Greenland and one from Japan." said Charlie looking over the many faces that looked up interested.
"What kind of dragons?" asked Lucas his blue eyes fascinated.
"Well in Greenland we had to find Glacialis Niveus Dragon which means Icy White Dragon, that guy was a monster. Instead of fire it breathed ice and I'm telling you it is not fun getting ice stuck in your skin. But we captured it and he is being tamed in the mountains now," explained Charlie watching as Lucas' face lit up.
"And in Japan," cut in Ron. "We had to stop a Burakku Kasui Doragon, which means Black Spiked Dragon, that was terrorizing some of the sacred temples. That dragon was a battle, completely black with spikes all along it's back and a huge spike for a tail. I'm surprised we survived."
Lucas stared at Ron and Charlie stunned. "You mean you fight them and capture the dragons?"
Ron looked over at the boy. "Yes. It's a dangerous job but someone's got to do it. Here one second." Ron reached into his cloak and pulled out a box, he passed it down to Lucas who looked at his mother first, when she nodded he took it. Opening it he found that there were two scales, one was snowy white and shined in the light, while the other was black as coal. Lucas ran his little fingers over the scales.
"Wow, you really did," said Lucas showing his mother.
"Yup," said Ron eating his turkey leg.
The rest of dinner went by quickly everyone chatting, and laughing. After dinner everyone had moved to the living room, they passed stories around of what had happened over the six years that Charlie and Ron had been gone. Harry and Ginny told them about their wedding, Charlie was proud and gave them a late congratulations and Ron felt horrible that he hadn't been there to see his little sister get married to a great guy and wasn't able to be Harry's best man. Fred and George told them that their store was reaching world wide. Bill and Fleur announced that they were expecting a baby. Percy had told them about his possibility to travel around Europe to learn the other ways of how magic ministries work. And Hermione and Lucas had nothing to say about themselves.
The day rolled on and the burrow started to empty. Fred and George left saying the store had to be opened tomorrow, Bill and Fleur left needing their rest for their trip to France to see Fleur's parents. Percy left as well going to see Penelope before the day was over. Charlie had called it a night right after their story time returning to his old room. So all who were left was Harry, Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Weasely, Ron, Hermione and Lucas. Mr. Weasely was reading the paper, Mrs. Weasely was cleaning getting help from Ginny, Harry and Ron were catching up on some chess and Hermione was sitting back brushing the hair out of sleeping Lucas' face.
"Check mate." said Ron sitting back with a smile.
"God you've been gone for 6 years and you still kicked my butt," said Harry with a chuckle.
Hermione smiled. It was just like old times, a little chess and herself just watching them. Those days were fun but things had changed since they grew up. And everyone had their own lives to live.
"Well I think it's time to go I only took today off and we have a lot of work tomorrow," said Harry raising to his feet. "Night Hermione, Mr. Weasely."
"Night Harry," said Hermione watching as he left the living toward the kitchen to get Ginny.
Ron rose and moved to sit next to Hermione, they sat quietly just looking into the fireplace.
"You haven't said much about your six years," said Ron glancing over at Hermione.
She sighed, she knew he was going to ask. She just didn't want to tell him he had such a temper at times that it was hard to talk to him.
"There's not much to say," she finally said keeping her eyes forward rubbing Lucas' back.
"Not much to say?! Hermione there's so much you probably have done I mean I'm looking at one right now. You have a son. That's got to mean you have a family, a husband or boyfriend or something," his voice was in a loud whisper not wanting to wake the child.
Her heart skipped a beat. A husband, a father for Lucas is what she wanted and she dreamed for that but she didn't have it. Of course she had wonderful friends, and parents but her life didn't seem perfect without that man figure.
She looked at Ron her eyes glazed over as she fought back tears. "Ron there's nothing to say. It's just Lucas and I, I work at the Ministry, I live in an apartment. That's it nothing else."
Picking Lucas up slowly, Hermione made her way toward the kitchen. Passing Molly she grabbed her coat and threw it over Lucas. "Thanks for dinner Molly it was great."
"Your leaving dear?" She asked wiping her hands off on a towel. Ron came to stand in the doorway.
"Yes," she looked at Ron. "I have a lot of paper work to do."
"Well take care dear," said Molly as she watched Hermione leave. When the door shut she looked over at her youngest son.
"Ronald what did you say to her?" Her hands on her hips. Ron twitched 'Bloody brilliant I get back and I already get in trouble with the women'
"Nothing. I just wanted to know what she had done in the past 6 years I was gone,"
Mrs. Weasely paled. "She doesn't like to talk about her past Ron. It hurts her a lot."
"I don't understand," said Ron looking at his mother.
"Not tonight dear, you've had a long day I'm sure you need your rest." Ron nodded and headed up to his old room.
He still loved Hermione and when he returned he had planned to see if they could get together but when he saw Lucas his dream washed away. Then Hermione said it was just Lucas and her which gave him hope again, he wanted to be with Hermione and thought she might want to be with him. So as he laid down to go to sleep he planned to go visit her and apologize and see if they could spend time together. He fell asleep with a smile on his face as his mind took him into thoughts of Hermione.
Still holding back tears Hermione apperated home, when she arrived home she changed a sleepy Lucas into his pajamas and got him into bed. She went to the kitchen and did a few minute clean up. Once the kitchen was cleaned she left to do the living room, picking up a few left over wrapping pieces, and putting the toys to the side. She looked at the tree and sighed, how she hated taking trees down. "I'll do it tomorrow," she said turning to the coffee table.
Noticing an unopened package she went over and picked it up, probably a forgotten gift but she spotted a letter under it with her name on it. Frowning, she had told everyone that she didn't want anything this year that they had given her enough. Putting the box back down she went to fetch her wand, returning she did a spell to check for any curses, jinxes or tracking charms. Finding none she sat and opened the letter, she didn't recognize the writing, which was elegant and smooth unlike the messy sprawl that Harry had or the tiny writing that Ginny usually wrote in. The letter followed as:
Dear Hermione Granger,
I guess I should start with Happy Christmas, and Happy New Year. Please don't be alarmed that you have received a letter from someone you do not know of. But this is important and I would not be doing this if not so. I can not tell you everything though I wish deeply too but you are a bright one and I am sure you will understand and do the right thing. You have been gifted with a powerful presences , with having this gift in I am terribly upset to inform you that you are in danger. This is hard for me since I am intended to stay hidden and unannounced which I fear will make this letter unbelievable to you. But please I bag of you to believe this because if you don't I fear that you and your gift will be no more and I will have failed. So please accept these for they will keep you safe until the day I am able to present myself to you.
Sincerely, your guardian.
Her guardian? This letter was to much for her, she had no clue to who it was or even if this person was trust worthy but they had said so themselves in the letter. She thought to call Harry to see what he thought of it but knew it was to late, folding the letter up she reached for the box. She opened it and found two silver chains curled up in the center, taking one out she found that there was a matching silver cross with a red ruby in the center. Pulling her wand out she searched it, there was nothing to be found. She ran the cool chain over her fingers wondering what this so called gift was and that it was putting her in danger and possibly Lucas. Lucas. He could be in danger, that made her choice right there. If it meant protecting her son then they would wear the chains.
Putting hers on she made her way to her room, she placed the extra chain on her table. Getting changed she pulled her blankets up over her, turning her light off she rolled over and went to sleep. What she didn't know as she drifted into sleep was that her guardian was watching already.