AN: Thank you to waiting so patiently, to make up for the delay I hope you enjoy this long chapter. Happy Reading!
BTW: The correct answer for last chapter's question is that really liked writing Harry's small interlude with the prostitute. It was fun.
PS: I apologise for the error in advance. Again I'm too lazy to proofread properly.
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Chapter 3
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"Good evening, Master Lupin." Harry turned to address Remus, as the older gentlemen rose from their seats upon his entrance, "Good evening to you too, Lord Potter." Harry smiled in politeness as he took a few steps forward, "Is it alright with you Master Lupin to grant me some privacy in speaking with my godfather?"
"Of course, I would allow you such curtesy. Well, I should take my leave, so you my Lords will be able to speak freely." Master Lupin spoke as he tugged off imaginary dusts from the contours of his velveteen vest and with the soft pitter patter of his iron heels he prepared to leave.
"I do apologise for my rudeness." Harry humbly bowed before Master Lupin, for truly he does not mean to offend the older gentleman by dismissing him. He fears being misinterpreted, when truly he bears no ill will to him.
"There is no need for forgiveness my Lord, I do understand." Master Lupin seemed to brush off his worries with his gentle smile.
"Lord Black, I shall be awaiting you in the parlour." Master Lupin glanced at Lord Black meaningfully then, "Thank you," Harry told him and Master Lupin bowed in response before proceeding on his way and successfully leaving the two Lords in the comfortable privacy Harry so wished.
Pulling out his pipe and breathing in and out a puff of smoke, Lord Black turned to address his godson as he placed himself back on his seat, "Lord Potter, to what do I owe the pleasure of you seeking my company this fine evening?"
"You sneaky-" Harry had started, but just as hasty, Sirius held up his hand, "Language, young sir." Sirius admonished, remembering his place Harry heaved a sigh and continued on in a calmer tone.
"You tricked me Sirius! You deliberately mislead me by withholding information."
"Have you any care to share with me of what I have kept from you? It is hard to feel guilty without myself knowing all of the details." Sirius told Harry in what seemed to be a nonchalant verbal denial, which only infuriated the younger lord more.
"Oh do not look so smug, you my Lord know fully well of what I mean." Harry paused to catch his breath and for emphasis, "You have hoodwinked me into agreeing to become Hermione's wardmaster!" Harry declared and Sirius had the decency to look affronted.
"Hoodwinked you? Young sir, I most certainly have not. I might have failed to tell you what a wardmaster precisely is and the responsibilities the title entails but under clear conscience was it never my intention to beguile you, not even in the slightest of ways." Harry laughed a short and bitter one, because he knew his godfather was lying to him. After all, his experiences have allowed him to grow perceptive enough to read people and their intentions.
"Apparently, I find that hard to believe, most especially with that smile on your face." This time Lord Black did not bother to feign ignorance, he knew very well what he had done, it was just quite fun to do a bit of teasing. He faults his younger self, for it is the part of him, that inner marauder that missed being the carefree prankster. Maybe it isn't too kind to be toying with his godson, Lord Black supposes.
"Lord Potter, what troubles you so in being a wardmaster? Please do tell me of your woes." Sirius now implores, as much fun as it is getting his godson in a state of vexation he ill understands the despair in his tone, as if being a wardmaster was a task so full of desolation.
"I will speak to you of my woes! You will hear me." Harry told his godfather as he continued to pace back and forth across the room, all the while wondering how he will make Lord Black understand that he is most unsuited to become anyone's wardmaster, much less become Hermione's wardmaster.
"If I will take Miss Granger into my home, where she will stay until she finds a husband, I will be expected to host balls in honour for her and invite guests mainly that of eligible bachelors if not noble gentlemen who are seeking a meek and obedient wife. Then I must accompany her to all the balls she'll be invited to, along with her chaperone and other lady companions to ascertain she only entertains worthwhile suitors. After these trivial tasks I must then create a short list from all those who gives her a bouquet which here in the wizarding world is a token of a wizard's interest, by the way I never knew that, so remind me never to send anyone flowers." Harry stated, "I will be obliged to allow these arrogant high society pricks to court her, and even set up dates for them and with her. After which I will have to talk with the wizards to determine who I think is best suited for her and choose a gentlemen which I think will help advance my own interests. Finally, it is Miss Granger and I who will decide who will be her husband." Harry said with a sense of exhausted finality as he felt himself tired out by the effort of injecting sarcasm and disdain in the delivery of his litany. Harry felt himself wanting to find a seat to sink on, which he did as he deposited himself on the velveteen couch across his godfather who had only stared at him in a quiet and sober disposition. Lord Black's only movement consisting that of inhaling and exhaling a puff of grey smoke laced in the intoxicating scent of nicotine.
"You forgot to mention the handsome dowry you would have to provide for her as well." Harry, raised his eyebrows at this.
"Do you think I give a rat's arse about the bloody dowry?" Harry scoffed, but Sirius merely nodded as he plucked the pipe from his mouth and laid it down.
"By your tone, I think not. And Harry, do be courteous. The fact of the matter young sir is I fail to see the dilemma here, do trust me it is not out of lack of effort on my part." Harry had looked incredulously at Sirius, "You, my Lord are asking me to be no less than her surrogate father!" Harry exclaimed, but Sirius only met this with a short bout of laughter, "Young man, if you read the books I've tasked you to study on then you will find that that is the most basic definition of wardship."
Harry scoffed at this; he leaned against his chair with his arms crossed over his chest as he looked at his godfather challengingly, "Why do you not do it then? You possess more father-like qualities than I do, considering your age." Sirius had looked affronted before exclaiming, "I resent that!".
The older gentleman cleared his throat as if to give himself the time to grapple with a sense of bearing before proceeding in a calmer tone, "Are you telling me my Lord that you no longer desire to be of assistance to Miss Granger?" Harry look scandalised then, "I never said that I will not help her, nor do I desire not to!"
"Then you must speak plainly Lord Potter for I cannot trust what I am hearing, I am as you said an old man." Sirius implored at him, and Harry finally sighed in defeat.
"I am concerned since it seems unwise that the task befall upon me, for I fear that I am most undeserving and incompetent for it. I suppose and suggest that it is far better that I would sponsor her and that you, Lord Black should instead offer to take her as your ward. What do you think of my proposition?" Harry eyed his godfather hopefully.
Harry thinks he'll do too poor a job. He fears having to socialise like a grand tapestry meant only for shallow eyes that sees merely of the glamour and none of the pain nor knows of the blood its maker experienced and spilled in making an ornament of such decadence. But even Harry is not too arrogant to compare himself to masterful pieces, no he is simply commonplace, an unadorned carpet, only appraised by hearsay and faulty preconceived notions bred from overstated accounts of his merits.
A name and reputation he has gained but fears he cannot live up to. Even if that is so, Harry does not fear what the masses will say nor of what they will think, he cannot be bothered by their words, he's grown numb to them after all these time. Although he knows that it will forever haunt his soul if Hermione's opinion of him changes, because she unlike the others, matters to him.
"Harry, my good lad, I am much too old to be tossed in society's frivolities and mindless idiocies they audaciously call events of the century. They would sooner kill me before you could utter the third unforgivable curse," Harry looked appalled by this, and having noticed, Sirius quickly added, "though it can be extremely shallow it too possess the potentiality of becoming extremely educational. Alas, what I am trying to say is that this whole ordeal might serve you a good purpose!"
"Are you proposing that it is for my own good?"
"Aye, that I am." Sirius had looked pleased while Harry slumped further against the cushions of his seat. The leather bound chair suddenly felt quite prickly to his skin. It must be seeing the doubt marring his godson's face that prodded Sirius to explain himself, "One day you will have a daughter of your own, and you will have to be her 'father'. Consider this as some sort of practice. I dare say that by doing so you might actually gain some respect for the ladies." By the mention of his treatment to the 'ladies' of his age Harry growled in frustration. Will not his godfather ever stop berating him about it?
"Hermione is not my child. Furthermore, how would you know that I treat women poorly?" Harry retorted back, but Sirius only smirked knowingly.
"Harry, do not allow me to embarrass you by providing examples. I assure you your mother will be most disappointed with you."
"Do not talk about my mother!" Harry spat back.
"Then do not talk in riddles, what is it that greatly unnerves you about becoming your own best friend's wardmaster?" Harry sighed and ruffled his already disheveled hair, hoping for some sense of calm semblance in his current state of emotional upheaval. Suddenly, his being here seemed pointless, only driven by his callous decision motivated by his childish emotions. Harry felt extremely silly, sitting there as if a child who can barely understand simple logic.
"I cannot fathom the source of my discomfort with the idea. I suppose it makes me anxious as I have never done it, and you know of how I detest mingling with society which I will be doing in excess if I were to become a wardmaster. I abhor talking to those pointy toed high society snobs with pockets quite full but whose upstairs are equally empty. Surely, such position would open doors for me to be swarmed by the press once more and they will not grant me a moment's peace." Harry explained. "I have valiantly evaded the public eye and now, accepting this will mean that I'll be giving them the perfect opportunity for retribution. And most importantly, I might fail her."
"Fail her, how will you ever manage that?" Harry looked at Sirius with disbelief, "I don't know Sirius, surely I can never make the error of marrying her off to scum. Do be reasonable and enough with your jests." Harry told him, making sure that the sarcasm was heard in his manner of speaking.
"If you are so bothered about that then the solution is simple, allow her to choose her husband, wash your hands off that responsibility, it is your prerogative. After all, you don't have to follow the rule book, the public need not know of Miss Granger's and your agreement." Left unconvinced Harry reminded, "The other points still remain."
"Harry, let me ask you this, did you ever think the Hermione you knew growing up would ever permit herself to be thrown in the marriage market?" Surprised by this Harry answered instantly, "Honestly? She never seemed like the marrying sort, she always looked quite content."
"Precisely! She is doing this because she believes this is right. For all those stupid and idiotic things you have done in your youth, simply because you were only doing what you thought was right and driven by childish arrogance, who was there to hold your hand? Who was there to support you and who never left you most especially in times when you needed someone to be there?" Sirius looked at Harry meaningfully, Harry knew what Sirius was trying to do, and the latter sighed and answered truthfully.
"Hermione was there."
"And now, why can't you hold her hand during what might be the hardest time of her life? Are you not a man of honour?" Harry glared at Sirius, how could he think that his being here was about his welfare. No, he has no concerns of himself, what he fears is not being good enough for the job. He fears failing Hermione or marrying her off to a man who would not understand his friendship with her. He ultimately fears losing one of his closest friends, a loss he will surely make by simple error of judgement.
"Because, it feels like I am helping her imprison herself to a life of loneliness."
"You don't know that Harry, the contrary might well be true. Besides, would you rather we trade shoes and I will be tasked of searching for her husband, and you stand in the sidelines like a faithful bystander sending her only luxurious dresses as you wish her luck and pretend to pray for her in her journey. Or would you rather stand by her ensuring that she gets the best gentleman there is, because really it is you who knows her best. Think about putting your hexes to good use if any of her suitors turn out to have everything but good intentions. Furthermore, it will be good publicity for you both. You the reclusive Lord of society will finally be visible and in those lovely balls you might even get to meet a young lady that will inspire you to end your womanising ways." Harry scoffed at the last part of Sirius' speech, but beneath his disdain and rebellious streak, Harry is still able to see the merits of Sirius' argument.
He is her best friend, he knows her well and true and he and Hermione sees things eye to eye, or more so than she does with Sirius. Furthermore, he wonders if Sirius was a good judge of character, when he himself had questionable morals in his youth. What if Sirius chooses a gentleman Hermione finds repulsive but she does not tell him, for Hermione has respect for Lord Black. But Harry knows he and Hermione are in equal footing, she even makes sure he is kept in his place, maybe she'll even find it easier and more comfortable if she were to discuss affairs of the heart with him instead of Sirius. He understands, truly he does, and still it does not stop the churning of his stomach every time he thinks about actually doing it.
"You do realise what you did now, do you?" Harry tells Sirius, and the older gentleman regarded him with curiosity, "Tell me what it is that I did this time."
"If I accept this you know perfectly well that I won't have the time to enjoy my new hobby." Sirius smiles at this, for there was not an ounce of bitterness in Harry's tone as he said this.
"Well that might have been an advantage, I confess."
"There are moments where I wonder if you truly are Gryffindor or Slytherin." Harry teases and his godfather smirks, "My child, I might have received the best of both worlds." Harry raised his hands up in the air and announced, "Aye, I concede defeat. I will take Miss Granger as my ward." Harry announced and Sirius clapped his hands together.
"Splendid! She would most certainly be pleased." Sirius told him happily and Harry smiles, before speaking once more, "I have just one request from you."
"Go on, tell me what it is."
"If she is to become my ward I do not wish for you or Remus to meddle in my affairs nor are you allowed to interfere with my manner of conducting my responsibilities as her wardmaster. I will be entirely responsible for her. I am not entitled to hear of your advises." Harry looked meaningfully at his godfather. Harry knows well enough that Lord Black was a man of good intentions, still he finds his meddlesome ways suspicious and extremely annoying. Sirius nodded his head in understanding and said in confidence, "Certainly, I will honour that request."
"Listen, for there is more. I want to draw a contract for Miss Granger. A contract that shall state that her dowry will solely be provided by myself and that she has complete autonomy over her assets once she is married and no hide nor hair of any husband of hers will ever be able to touch them without her consent. Hermione and her independent spirit deserves that much of curtesy."
"The wizarding world will surely hear about this." Sirius reminded Harry, and the latter only nodded his head.
"That is another of my concerns. I do not wish for Miss Granger to find out that I have arranged for this contract to be drawn for her. I hope she will only know of it once she is successfully married to a most honest man. Will you help me Lord Black? Help me produce this contract covertly." Sirius, looked almost proud and utterly floored by his godson's pronouncements.
"I would be most honoured my Lord. Will that be all you would need of me?" Harry smiled at him shyly, "For now I believe these will be enough. I still have need to discuss my wardship to Miss Granger, but that concern of mine is between her and my person."
"Do not fret; you will have an opportunity to speak with her. Miss Granger has been invited by Miss Ginny Weasley to her wedding on the next week and I know that you shall see her there." Harry looked pleased by the news and he stood up from his chair and looked at Sirius.
"Very well, I shall take my leave now so you and Master Lupin could resume your drinking." Harry jests and this time Sirius laughs mirthfully.
"Aye, that would be most wise. You are welcome to join us of course, and fill your father's seat on the drinking table."
"I appreciate the offer, but I truly must retire to my own bed. I fear the day has been quite eventful and it has direly tired me so." Harry reasons and Sirius nods in understanding.
"Well, I hope you will be sleeping in an empty bed."
"I fear I have no energy for other things." Harry says self-depreciatingly.
"Your father would be shamed to hear of that." Sirius had teased Harry and Harry had only laughed humourlessly.
"Aye, he was fortunate to come home to a woman he loves. While the rest of us are not graced by such blessings." Harry remarks almost as an afterthought, but Sirius having heard this shook his head, "My child, you are still young. You might yet find love." But Harry merely shrugged and said in calm resignation, "Perhaps that is true. Perhaps I have I met her, perhaps I have missed her, perhaps she is not here yet and perhaps I'll never see her. For now I am content with my being alone."
"Harry-"
"It's well and good Sirius, you need not be so concerned. Furthermore, I think I am far rather suited to your lifestyle than that of my father's." Harry smiles, and the melancholy at the way he uttered those words left Sirius, troubled. "I'll be seeing you soon." Harry says.
"May you have a safe journey home." Harry smiles at Sirius' well wishes, and just as he moved to exit the room, he stopped on his tracks and faced his godfather, all the while seeming as if he had left behind his wand on his seat.
"Oh, and Sirius?"
"Aye, my lad?"
"Before I forget, I was wanting to ask about this certain clause in the wardship contract Hermione and I will have to sign, before the ministry will officially proclaim her as my ward. It is one of the things that truly bothered me so while I was studying the books, and managed to put me in a state of reluctance." Pausing slightly, Sirius tried to recall what that certain clause stated. Having figured out what Harry had meant he turned to answer his godson truthfully.
"What about the final provision clause?"
"Is there any chance we could omit it? It will put Hermione at a great disadvantage. Confident as you are in my success in this endeavour, I on the other hand believe that nothing is predetermined. It will ruin her, should I fail." Harry had gazed at Sirius with hopeful eyes, seeming all the world like a student asking for an extension in the submission of his schoolwork requirement.
"It was initially placed there to protect the interest of wardmasters should their investment not turn out profitable, and is only applied to the wards and wardmasters that are not of close kin. So I understand why it would be a cause of your worry, because it can apply to you and Miss Granger. Although I confess that I am unfamiliar with wizarding legalities, but what I do know is that it is a binding contract one that has no other forms and is regulated and recognised by the ministry of Magic ever since its conception. I believe that like an unbreakable vow, there will be no way around it. Rest assured my Lord that I will be discussing this with Master Lupin, perhaps it is he who knows." Harry seemed satisfied with this as he nodded and pulled his cloak snugly against his frame.
"Thank you for your efforts." Harry tells Sirius.
"It is of no matter."
"Oh, and Sirius?"
"Aye my lad?" Sirius asks Harry and the latter smiles rather fondly at his godfather as he push some of his hair away from his eyes, "Make sure you send her lovely dresses. I expect colours more vibrant than that of black and none of its family is invited to her closet as well. She is a young lady, not a widow." Harry's simple but genuine request, deeply amused Sirius, as to him it showed Harry's pure concern of Hermione.
"Will do my lad."
"Thank you." And with that the young Lord ended his visit, and left for the comforts of his own cold manor.
Moments after Harry left, the library doors once again opened. Sirius turned to look at the intruder and spotted his somber looking friend, Master Lupin approaching him, "I thought you were going to wait in the library?"
"Well, as you see, I've grown impatient." Master Lupin states plainly and Lord Black rolls his eyes at this simple admission.
"It's not like I would take so long at walking that by the time I arrived there it would have been a full moon." Master Lupin glared at Sirius, "Must you take jabs at my condition all the time?" Remus berated Sirius who looked not at all apologetic, "My dear friend, it is a privilege of your friends," Sirius reasons.
"If there is a certain advantage to my being a werewolf then it would be my heightened hearing skills." Remus states, "And must I point out that Harry made a very valid point. Why won't you be the wardmaster? It is not like you have better things to occupy your time with. I am pretty certain you waste it all away on redecorating this godforsaken place. And might I point out to you that your draperies needs changing, it is dusty and awfully out of season." Remus remarked as he pointed at the emerald fabrics that heavily lidded the golden rods of the study's windows. Sirius shrugged and plucked another glass from his liquor cabinet and poured a drink in it as he spoke, "Harry needs to learn responsibilities what better way to do that than to toss him to society instead of locking him up in Godric's Hallow. He needs to socialise with other wizards even mingle with those hypocrites wearing their pointy shoes and feathery hats! And he desperately needs to quit his terrible vice." Sirius raises his glass to his lips as he hands the other to Remus, while Remus took it albeit with a frown on his face.
"Why does Harry need to do all that? Can you not leave him be? And should his activities concern you at all? Sirius you are hiding something from me, do not play coy as I can sense it. Tell me, what is it really?" Sirius rolls his eyes, "Oh, alright you old snoop! The Minister talked to me about two months ago."
"What did you speak of?" Remus asked suddenly wary. Playing with the wine goblet in his hands, Sirius managed to avert his gaze from his friend. He is sure Remus will be angry with him once he utters the next words, "The minister had spoken with me about Harry, and he has made his intention clear that he is so very interested in having Harry succeed him as minister when he finally retires." Sirius flinches when Remus exclaimed, "Have you lost your mind! It's far too premature a time for Harry to consider politics; he is barely through with his training as a Lord. Sirius you cannot be serious!"
"Do you mock me my friend?" Sirius jests, but instead of calming Remus, this act only seemed to harden Remus' jaws and knit his brows closer.
"Oh, quit with your childish antics and be reasonable here. I am not speaking to a child after all."
"I apologise go on, what do you want to say?" Pleased that Sirius, understood that he meant business Remus proceeded, "If Harry is to become Minister when Shacklebolt retires it should be under his own terms, on his own pace. He is a grown gentleman and a fine young Lord capable of forming decisions all on his own. He has no need of your prodding, more like shoving in the right direction." Remus asks, "So what are you playing at, do you see Miss Granger's misfortune as a form of opportunity for Harry to rub elbows and be a fragrant peacock to the masses?" Looking gravely offended, Sirius denied, "You misread my intentions! I care deeply for Miss Granger, she is the closest thing I have to a daughter and I know Harry will do good on her, so I have neither fear nor qualms in my decision."
"I am not shoving as you put it, Harry to become Minister. I am only providing him the venue for mingling and having a good reputation early on if he so wishes to pursue it one day. Among the young lords and gentlemen at present I have the most confidence in my godson and I know he will do well and pave the way for some much needed changes if he manages to take that seat one day and Shacklebolt knows it! I know you do too. He would be a waste, if he rots in his home and only oversees his estate when he could do better things. This experience might show him his other options!" Sirius says.
"It is well and all if this works out the way you envision it. But have you thought of the other side of the coin? Do you not see the possible complications, their ramifications and the consequences that is not you who will suffer, but Harry your godson!"
"I do not know of what you mean." Sirius denies.
"You have two good eyes my Lord, do use it to look into the present and not only the future!" Remus bellowed and continued, "Do you not see the danger? What if the children fall in love?" Looking quite confused as to Remus' meaning, Sirius replied rather confidently, "Then I dare say they will have a happy life for being so blessed." Remus felt a vein pop on his head and wished a building of bricks to fall upon Sirius and knock some sense into him.
"Not that you dimwitted buffoon, what if Harry falls in love with Hermione?" Sirius actually had the audacity to laugh, but he quickly stopped once he spotted how serious Remus had looked.
"As brilliant as Hermione is, if Harry was inclined to fall in love with her he would have done so ages ago. He already knows her well enough for years now and she has been beside him all this time that Harry knows just what he means to her and yet in all the years he has spent with her not once had he looked at her differently nor has he actively pursued her when he has had all the opportunities! Furthermore, the ladies he had passing fancies for could not be more different than that of our Miss Granger." Remus nodded his head; he knew that there was some truth in what Sirius had said. And yet he could not help but listen to this nagging feeling he had that the other side of the grass should also be explored.
"He does know her well enough. I dare say that she already has a place in his life that Harry knows is irreplaceable. But he also does not know what it would be like to lose her, to become alone because she has always been his constant in life." Remus calmly explained, "Tell me, my lord do you not treasure your right hand? Do you not know of its importance? Would you agree that without it you cannot write nor can you draw your wand properly?" Remus did not wait for Sirius to answer as he flexed his hand as if to point out an illustration before continuing on, "You know you need it and no other hand will do but your own. If one day you lose it would you not long for it to be back? Will you not want it back, and will you not realise that no hand has fitted you rightly so than that of the hand you had once called your own?" Remus stared at Sirius meaningfully then.
"Harry knows he needs Hermione, what if one day he discovers he can grow to want her too? My Lord can you not imagine the scandal it would cause if word got out that a young wardmaster falls for his ward? Especially one as prominent as Lord Potter, it will be his ruin I tell you! His and Miss Granger's to be honest. And with regards to the final clause I suppose they cannot do without it. If Harry were to fail his task by either not finding her a husband or of falling in love with her he would further ruin Miss Granger's reputation." Seeing the appalled look on Sirius face Remus questioned him, "Have you not read History books?"
"Archaic gossip columns never interested me. Furthermore, the children aren't limbs so your analogy is faulty." Sirius replied as he tried to reign in the doubts that are slowly filling his head, but Remus only shook his head.
"You are right, they're beings, they feel, and they have emotions which are malleable, flighty and susceptible to change. It can change Sirius, that I deeply assure you."
"Alright! I concede defeat." Sirius moaned as he massaged the throbbing pain on his forehead, "Why does not the two of them just marry?" Sirius suddenly exclaimed at this Remus had looked irritated which only prodded Sirius to explain himself. "It'll be most advantageous to them both. Miss Granger would be the perfect wife for my godson."
"You think like a child!" Remus scolded, "Presently, the two of them are not ready for that commitment. I imagine Miss Granger at her state has completely given up on ever finding romantic love and on her honour she will not take Harry as her husband if he is only doing it out of pity for her. Harry as well is too unexperienced to recognise what love is, and that it will take him a long time to comprehend what the word means or if he is capable of feeling it, that and he has not had a proper teacher growing up to show him what real love looks like. All the young lord knows is that there is comfort in being alone. He does not trust so easily and he too believes that some things are not meant to last. After all, all the simple joys in life have been robbed from him, his parents and even a moment of peaceful sleep. Marrying them now would be a callous and folly act, and might even lead to the ruin of their already beautiful friendship. Furthermore, there is still the possibility they might find love in other people too, do we deny them of making their choice?" Remus reasons out, and Sirius nods his head, "Aye, but now with Harry agreeing to become Hermione's wardmaster we have taken away their choice to be together, if they so chooses to."
"Which is why you should have consulted with me when you made this oh-so-brilliant plan!" Looking worried and deeply ashamed Sirius turned to ask his friend.
"Oh Remus, what are we to do? I have ruined everything." Remus took a sip off his wine goblet, feeling just as worried and confused as his best friend. He wishes he could offer his friend an answer. For truly, he knows Sirius means well, despite his lack friend's clear lack of thought. Furthermore, he does not wish for both Lord Potter and for Miss Granger to regret later on in their lives the decisions they were to make, or in this case they were not allowed to make.
"You will do nothing! You sit, you wait and you pray that they do not fall in love with each other. That will be the safest since it will be the least complicated scenario."
"What if the contrary comes true? Surely there are some other things we can do, perhaps we can convince Harry to reconsider?" Sirius suggested and Remus scoffed.
"After all the trouble you've gone through to convince him so? That will not do."
"I insist it was no trouble at all!" Sirius implored and Remus sighed, "And what of Miss Granger? What of your promise to her? Is there no honour in your words, my lord? No, it is too late." looking very much deflated, Sirius tried to suggest once more.
"I can still be wardmaster and Harry could sponsor her instead."
"Harry will grow suspicious and because of the way you recently tricked him-do not argue that you have not, he will be on his guard around you. Your meddling will increase his paranoia and would only prompt him to be more attached to being the wardmaster."
"What if I tell him the truth of my worries?" This suggestion made Remus pause. How will Harry react once he discovers that they no longer want him to be Hermione's ward because they fear the possibility of him falling for her? "He will only laugh at you because he does not think he is capable of loving and being loved in return." Remus answered truthfully and Sirius looked massively disappointed.
"You've thought of this thoroughly, have you not?" Sirius says weakly and Remus replies curtly, "Well I've certainly been better at thinking than you."
...the day before Ginny's wedding...
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief as she landed safely on her destination. She let go of the old hairbrush in her hands, for it had already served its purpose as a portkey. Just as she managed to become self-aware of where she is, she was suddenly enveloped in warm arms, and thick flaming hair obscured her vision, that was once seeing patches of greenery.
"Hermione! I am so glad that you are finally here." Ginny exclaimed which caused the older girl to smile at her in fondness. "Oh, have you been well?" The younger girl asked her in her jovial tone, with cheeks all flushed as well.
"Aye, Ginny I have. Must I say that you my dear are looking radiant, I do congratulate you, you are most fortunate." Ginny smiled shyly as she stepped back but still held her friend's hand.
"Thank you!" Ginny tells Hermione, and the two girls turned to walk towards the burrow, their shoes crunching the dried leaves that were dusting the pathway almost artistically.
"I wanted you to be one of my entourage but I heard you've been busy with your books and I did not want to impose nor rob you off of your precious time as Lord Longbottom and I have a very short engagement of only a month. Consequently, there are just so many things for us to do in such little time, I knew that pulling you into it would just be cruel of me. I do hope you will forgive me." Ginny tells Hermione, and latter rubbed her thumb across the former's knuckles in an attempt to soothe her.
"Oh Ginny, I do forgive you, it is of no consequence to me if I am being honest. I however confess that I was taken by surprise to hear of your engagement. Although I hope you know that I still hold your friendship in high regards. I do not scare so easily so you will not lose me." Ginny smiled gratefully at her, as they continue to tread the familiar path. Hermione recalls fondly of the friendly visits she's had upon these grounds. Aside from Hogwarts and her own home, this place is one of the places she's most comfortable at.
"I am sorry about your father. Has he been faring better now?" Ginny turns to her then and Hermione let out a sigh. Recalling how she could barely face her father after her mother informed him of her decision. She's been avoiding him that Hermione knows. And no, it is not because she thinks ill of him, no, never that. But the guilt in her father's face would be far too painful to bare. He does not deserve to feel guilty for it is not his fault that she had been so stubborn, believing herself to be an exception to the age old rules. Naive and reckless was she in a world too premature for the likes of her person.
"No, he is not. I fear he is only getting worse with each passing day. I do worry about him." Hermione shares to Ginny, having glanced at the younger girl then, Hermione had exclaimed, "Oh, Ginny it is the eve of your wedding day! You have no need to be troubled by my woes when it is a time of joy." Ginny frowns at her then.
"My dear, it is no trouble at all if you confide in me of your woes. It is my belief that the world does not stop spinning for my person. It never has done so, and it never shall. The joys of my wedding day, be it on the morrow will in no way take away the pain you feel for your father, that I understand. I do not want you to pretend to be gleeful for my sake." Hermione smiles at her friend. And despite her worries, she felt light headed after hearing of Ginny's comforting words. The two ladies resumed their walk in a comfortable companionship.
They talked of trivial wedding details, of laces and wines. Of bead works and stitches of fleur-de-lis embroideries tossed in a hodgepodge of whites and blues. Their tete-a-tete was one of idyllic comfort filled with wonders of the things that could be associated with wedding caprices and the hard labour that came with its preparation. They were ladies after all, bound to have critical and privy eyes to almost everything, and what bigger event is there than one's very own wedding day. Of course there was just too much for them to fuss about!
Hearty laughs filled the makeshift courtyard where the wedding reception was to take place on the next day. The two ladies smiled and made pleasant small talk with friends and family asking the customary how are you's and being polite enough to say, I'm fine thank you. It was a light hearted trip with both Hermione and Ginny being reduced to giggling girls, and ended with the two of them in Ginny's room, sprawled on top of the younger girl's bed.
Ginny was lying on her back, holding a congratulatory letter from one of her many great aunts in her hands as she read the contents out loud to Hermione, while the older girl sat, fisted a handful of Ginny's hair and was carefully bradding it.
"My dearest Ginevra, I confess I have doubts in your being married. What with you having the thinnest of ankles and a lanky form for a lady. I wondered what gentleman would want to marry and bed a lady with curves like that of a boy's," Hermione snorted as Ginny read gleefully on," I daresay you are most pale, you lack sunshine and I advise you to bask more often in the sun so as to have a carrot-like undertone, that would surely please your future husband. I heard he was a herbologist is he not, if so, then I hope you get my meaning." Hermione laughed then, wondering how liking plants could possibly equal to liking skin with carrot like undertones.
"With my ginger hair, how could she possibly think I'd look good as a carrot?" Ginny exclaims and Hermione laughed some more, as she pictures Lord Long bottom marrying a thin carrot in a wedding dress while Ginny continued on.
"None the less, I am so very please for you. Although tell your young husband to stand up straighter, his imperfect posture strains my eyes,-she's quite the nitpicker isn't she?" Ginny glances up at Hermione, and the two girls shared a laugh again and Ginny tossed the letter aside and stated, "You my friend are an unmarried lady nor are you betrothed. The rest of the letter offer marriage counsel unfit for your innocent ears." Ginny teases and Hermione rolls her eyes.
"And so now you see it proper to patronise me? Myself who is older than you, might I add." Hermione says "Since when have you given care about decorum?" Hermione continued to tell the younger girl as she finished fixing her hair, Ginny sat up straighter on the bed.
"If I don't get to tease you then where's the fun in my being married?" Ginny said as she gesticulated animatedly, "Merlin knows I hated being given the excuse of my being too young to know or be involved in any of your previous affairs. I daresay, the time has come for a bit of sweet vengeance." Ginny reasons and Hermione conceded defeat, after another round of laughs; Hermione finally queried the question she's been dying to ask Ginny of.
"Why have you decided to marry so soon? Though, I must tell you that Lord Longbottom is indeed a fine gentleman, despite how badly your aunt thinks his posture is." Hermione teases, but then continued on somberly, "You are quite fortunate to have him so." Ginny shifts in her place, as she bit her bottom lip and sighed deeply, her shoulder slumping evidently as she did so.
"Indeed he is." Having noticed the change in her friend's demeanour, Hermione tugged at Ginny's elbow, "What is it? I see that something troubles you." Seeing the hesitation pass her friend's eyes Hermione pressed on, "Have I said something to offend you?" Ginny turned to Hermione then.
"Oh Hermione, how I wish to confide in you." Ginny bemoaned. Thoroughly confused as to the cause of her distress, Hermione tried to reassure the younger girl.
"My dear, you've always known that I am loyal to my friends and your place in my heart allows you the same curtesy. Please do not fear for my ears, know that to you I shall always listen."
"It comforts me to know that you hold me dear, but I fear what it is you will think of me if I tell you of my secrets. Will I still have your friendship then?"
"Ginny," Hermione said, "as long as you do not agree with Voldemort's ways nor do you share his views, remember that you, I shall always see as a friend despite the things you have done, grim as they may be to a stranger's eyes." Ginny raised her hand and waived her wand to cast privacy and silencing charms in the room, she then turned to look at Hermione with muddy irises suddenly dashed with a hint of resigned determination.
"Hermione, I am with child." Hermione felt a force passed through to her core and robbed the air from her lungs, she suddenly felt dizzy, perplexed and just outright speechless.
"I think I need to sit." Hermione muttered more to herself than to Ginny, Ginny told her apprehensively, "You are already sitting down, unless you meant on a chair." Hermione almost glared at her friend's sarcasm if only she wasn't so shocked, "Are you certain?" Ginny nodded softly.
"It is my body, I think I would notice if something is growing inside of me." Ginny said in haste, albeit the last part was said in a joking manner that did not in the least bit improve Hermione's mood.
"Oh, young lady do not jest! Is that why you are marrying so soon? Who knows of it?" With head bent down, Ginny sat back on her bead, though at a greater distance from Hermione. The red haired lass played with the hem of her skirts as she spoke to answer, "Only you and Lord Longbottom knows of it, not even mum suspects it." Hermione glanced at her friend suddenly filled with pity, but very much disappointed as well.
"Aye I can see why, you hardly look it." Hermione states, "Are you still in the first month of your pregnancy? Though I must confess I never saw Lord Longbottom as someone who would jump on a lady. And you, well you were always a bit rebellious and flirty but still this is a bit of a shock." Ginny glanced at the older girl then, cheeks all flushed and a small streak of fresh tears glistening pass the angles of her face.
"Oh, Hermione you have not heard the worse yet!"
"What could be worse than your present state?" Hermione asked incredulously "Are you having twins?" She stated almost as if it was an afterthought and Ginny had looked appalled.
"No! I mean it's still too early for me to tell, so I cannot be certain." Ginny paused then as she wiped a stray tear away, her hand that scraped the water bead was all the while shaking, "The child growing inside of me is two months old, I suspended my own pregnancy for two months. That way when I marry it would seem as if I had it during my marriage for everyone knows that babies are often born in the span of seven to nine months of carrying it so it would seem that I have had the time." Ginny confessed softly her eyes avoiding that of Hermione. Being the moral idealist that she was, Hermione was absolutely horrified that Ginny could do such a thing, to a poor innocent child. Her child, no less! And what of the repercussions, she must know there is a certain danger to such drastic measures. What of the child and his or her right?
"How can you suspend your own pregnancy?" Hermione admonished, her tone bordering to that of despise and surprise. Ginny sighed in her seat, "I drank a potion which Lord Longbottom made from a concoction of magical plants and herbs. It is a delicate potion one that could even have the potentiality of harming the baby. But I took it still," Ginny admitted rather regretfully, "Oh, Hermione I am such a monster!" this time an onslaught of fresh tears wracked the younger girl and seeing her shake Hermione was moved, as much as she would have preferred to be angry she could not help but be sympathetic to her friend's plight. Who was she to pass judgement to Ginny after all?
Wise men have uttered to only condemn the act and never the person and the wisest man did say, let he who bears no sin cast the first stone. Hermione could see that Ginny was remorseful, who was she to make her feel worse?
"Ginny, I know you want to preserve your reputation but to do this to your own child? And I can't imagine Lord Longbottom actively participating in it. He always seemed so gentle and loving." Hermione told Ginny in a more civil tone, wanting to understand what lead Ginny to the point of deciding so.
"That's because Lord Longbottom is not the father!" Ginny admitted, and that had taken Hermione completely aback. How could Ginny do this? Didn't she know this girl; didn't she grow up with this lady that was the closest thing she had to a sister? Didn't she know her to be above those simple minded girls who spread their legs quite readily for simple sweet lies, shallow whims and illusions of luxury?
"Genevra Molly Weasley, you have better tell me everything!" Ginny stared at her lap her palms balling up her skirts that fell above her knees.
"I-I was at a masked ball three months ago and I met the father of my child there. He was charming, handsome and mysterious. Oh, you know how I have a weakness for dangerous men." Ginny reasoned as she looked at Hermione, who only rolled her eyes, "I did not want to fall for him, I honestly didn't. I did sense he's only trouble and I know that neither my parents nor my brothers would ever approve of him, even I have doubts if I truly wanted to pursue a romance with him. I thought I was being careful but I fell right into a trap like so many ladies." Ginny paused then as she bit her bottom lip, it seemed to Hermione that she was struggling to put her emotions into words, Hermione was patient with her and after a deep sigh, Ginny continued.
"Something happened with the two of us, and he left as soon as he came! I suspected that I was pregnant when I wasn't feeling so well and when I missed my cycle I went and tested myself. I was carrying his child! Lord Longbottom, it was he who saved me." Hermione reached out and clasped Ginny's hand and brought it to her, all the while running her thumb against the back of the younger girl's palm in a gesture meant to bring comfort.
"Ginny, how did Lord Longbottom save you?"
"I knew he had an apothecary which had various plant ingredients needed to take care of these things. I couldn't go to the local apothecary for they might suspect what I would do with them and the Black Market for this has moved further underground and I feared that if I went to them it will only cause more harm and scandal if anyone found out about it. And as you know, the usage of the polyjuice potion has been made illegal for the time being since some death eaters might still be in hiding. So I had no choice. When I sent the order I had hoped Lord Longbottom would not be too suspicious of it and even turn a blind eye if ever I piqued his interest with my choice of herbs. But truly I have underestimated his skill for he is indeed knowledgeable with plants. Instead of sending me an owl carrying the basket filled with the things I had requested, I found it carrying a letter from Lord Longbottom he had asked to meet with me before giving me those things." Ginny voice had sounded scratchy, it was muffled by the break in her voice and the shortness in her breath, Hermione casted the aguamenti charm at a nearby empty glass, and then handed it to her friend.
Ginny took the offered drink gratefully, after drinking a bit of it, the girl had continued, "He persuaded me to not go through with it. He was really worried about me so he offered me a way out. He heard I was on my season and he offered to marry me. It was a proposition which I knew would greatly benefit and help me. I decided not to be a fool and I had accepted his proposal. I also asked him to brew me a potion to delay the growth of my child. I wanted it to be longer but Lord Longbottom would only make me a potion which would only delay my pregnancy for two months because it's safer for the baby that way. I don't know why he is so kind to me, but he is."
Hermione's self-righteous instinct told her to lash out to Ginny, to rebuke her, but then her heart ached at the thought. She had remained silent and she knew a million thoughts were running in Ginny's head, Hermione decided to tread the shaky ground with forbearance, "I think I need a moment to process all of it."
"I understand, I am actually surprised you haven't passed out yet." Ginny jokingly replied, and Hermione smiled weakly at that. Truly, it must be a Weasley trait to remain as optimistic as Ginny is when all that she had spoken of was laced in dark glitter that hurt and poked the eyes and hid the ample amount of dust that was waved between them. But Hermione had always spoken true; she was never amicable though polite and was never one who tolerated lapses in judgement.
"Ginny, I will not lie to you that I am terribly disappointed in you! I thought you were better than all those other ladies you have even ridiculed for being so short sighted. You have been very irresponsible, irresponsible indeed! I can't believe you would do that to your own child no less! I hope you are grateful that Lord Longbottom is so kind to you."
"Aye Hermione, I know. I am deeply ashamed more than you'll ever know. It's very hard to tell you this because I know you will view me differently now and I cannot blame you if you no longer wish to associate with a dirty whore like me. But please, I need a friend! I need someone to confide in, I am going to drive myself mad keeping all these in, I already feel guilty as it is. Please do not shun me." Hermione sighed, everyone knows that as sure as the sun rises in the break of dawn, she will always be there for all her friends.
"Be grateful that I love you. I told you Miss Weasley that you are my friend, have I not? Do not worry your secret is safe with me." Ginny smiled at her then with new tears clearing away the sadness from her eyes, and then the younger girl enveloped her friend in a tight grateful hug.
"Oh, thank you!" Ginny whispered in her ear and Hermione could feel her eyes slowly filling too with raindrops and her lashes catching dew.
"But promise me you will carry no one's bastards from now on, will you not?" Hermione gently scolds Ginny and the younger girl nodded her head.
"Of course not!"
"Good! You know, despite your predicament I envy you still."
"I find that surprising, how could you when there is no good in my life." Hermione shrugs then.
"Because I suppose Lord Longbottom must love you to do this for you. There are very few gentlemen who would take the responsibilities of another man even if it is for the girl they love. There is so much fear and anger in such a predicament and so he is very brave and honourable to stand by your side and hold your hand through this ordeal. You are truly lucky to have the love of such a rare young lord."
"Indeed I am." Ginny admits, "But Hermione he does not love me."
"How do you know that? Has he told you this?" Ginny smiled ruefully and shook her head.
"I've had my share of passing fancies, dalliances and the midnight rendezvous with the man who has wronged me so. In their eyes I've seen fire that can be both warm and could burn. And though none of them were real, still there was a fondness there for me. Lord Longbottom's eyes are vacant of it. Don't get me wrong, I do know that he cares for me, but I suspect it is more brotherly of sort. I do not expect my marriage to be loving, I suppose I deserve this fate. But know I am grateful." Hermione furrows her brow then.
"Is it Harry's? The baby I mean." A look of annoyance passed Ginny's eyes then.
"I do not wish to talk about the father. Nor do I want to remember he exists. But I will answer your question, no, it is not Harry's though in my youth I've often dreamed of carrying his child that I confess."
"That is well and all but answer me truthfully if it was his, would you tell me still?"
"I confess that if it is his I still will not tell you. But don't you see, if it was Harry's he would have married me by now." Hermione nodded her head.
"I apologise, it's just that. I always thought-"
"Hermione, so did I. If there is one thing I learned about falling in love is that when it's quick it's equally flighty and it never lasts." Ginny smiled, but it was a brief one, almost like a short reprieve before continuing on, "I sold myself for cheap thrills and now I pay a dear price."
Hermione pulled Ginny in a hug then, and as the girl cried into her shoulder, Hermione could not help but think, that with all the pain being in love brings she's quite happy that it seems that she will never have it.
Thank you for small teardrops of favours.
...in the night...
There was a fleeting warm breeze that traced the delicate silk material of her night gown and Hermione shifted closer to it, it was comforting like the warmth emanating from an enchanted candle. This candle's heat became vaster and from the steps of her spine it trailed to the curves of her waist smoothing out the silk, gliding gently against her once icy skin. There was more pressure to it as seconds passed by and a certain heaviness begun to accompany it too. It left goosebumps on her exposed skin and she shivered from the places its warmth has not yet reached.
Then she felt hot air blowing against her ear, its bliss was evanescent. She could even hear a muffled sound, it was deep, heavy and even silky, like velveteen midnight light from a lone wayward starlight that disappears before the break of dawn.
"Hermione..." Her eyes fluttered open at the command disguised as her birth name, for she knows that voice, she has known it so well.
She shifted in her bed; her acts were performed in desultory. Hermione was all aware of her weight upon the soft mattress shifting the wrinkles of the clothe in labyrinthine as her body glided against it.
Hermione faced the intruder in her room.
Against the wink of moonlight she saw the soft glimmer of precious jade.
"Harry," She breathed as she wiped the sleep from the corners of her eyes, she could feel her face heating up under his stare.
"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked him in incredulity as she pulled her blankets toward her face and tucked them beneath her chin.
Instead of apologising, Harry had smiled at her as he hovered looking much like a penumbra gliding over the edge of her bed. He moved languidly as he crawled towards her all the while palming her mattress in plethora touches. Hermione backed further against her bed, only hindered by her skull colliding against her stiff headboard and she blushed as she saw Harry smirked at her.
Hermione did not know whether to be repulsed or awed at his confidence of performing an act of transgression.
"I came to see you." Harry had said simply, and Hermione had half the mind to hit him with a blasting hex, if only her wand was within reach, she thought in passing.
"I can see that my Lord, could you not have done it on the morrow? At a time where there is daylight and when people's eyes are on you." Hermione scolds, "This is highly improper. I am in my bed clothes for goodness sake! Please get off of my bed." When Harry did not budged, she glared some more. "My Lord, I implore you to leave, now!"
"My Lord," Harry spoke with a slight upward curve to his lips, "I must confess I like the sound of that." He said.
"How did it taste like coming from your lips?" Harry asked her, his baritone dropping an octave as he did so. "Should I find out?" Harry suggested and Hermione felt the air around her become more humid, she was suddenly no longer cold.
"Please, do not come any closer." Hermione whispered as she caught sight of Harry's cheshire smile. "Harry, are you possessed by dark magic in any way? Please tell me. You are not yourself, that I can see." Harry laughed then which caused Hermione's brows to rise in confusion. Soft parallel tunnels appeared at the point between her eyes.
"I am a changed man, Hermione." Harry stated, his tone becoming husky as he uttered her name, and Hermione shivered involuntarily.
"I know Sirius told you of my secret. Do you not wish for me to talk to you? Do you not miss the times that I confided in you? The times when we were such intimate friends?" The way he spoke of the words was filled with so much malice, or to Hermione that was how it sounded like.
She looked away suddenly feeling quite discomforted by the presence of her best friend. His company was stifling her in a situation that she did not think had ever the chance of materialising.
"Harry, you are scaring me!" Hermione finally admitted. She winced at the quiver she heard from her tone and despised the fact that she could not control the shaking emanating from her limbs and dislodging the machinations in her core, she was suddenly feeling disoriented.
"Do you not wish to know? Do you not wonder what the taste of flesh is like." Harry philosophises, and despite her better judgement Hermione found herself entranced to the movements of his lip and the way his thumb rubbed against the barely there stubble upon his chin.
"Is it sweet or salty? Maybe it's a mixture of spice? Do you want to know this knowledge? I can teach it you." Harry's questions had resounded in her ears, as he enveloped the back of her hand in his palm. Hermione wondered when he got to be so close.
Despite her resistance, Harry managed to draw her hand near him. He kissed the cynosure where the signs of her existing heart resided. Harry might as well be at the east at that moment for it would have not mattered to her at all.
Hermione would have still sensed him. She would have felt his words as it travelled through the air and lapsed the contours of her ears, and heard still the soft steps his eyes made as it travelled and swept across her as if she were some new pastiche stolen from some artist's dreams. That if he stared long enough he'll be able to decode and uncover whose fingerprints had sculpted her so.
"No, I do not want it and let go of me or I will scream." Hermione threatened as she pulled her hand away from his lips, it had felt wet. The moist area seemed to reek of acid and it burned her.
"Oh Miss Granger, if it isn't made apparent to you, then I say that I do intend to make you scream." Harry smirked at her his eyes seeming chatoyant like she's never seen them be.
"My Lord, do not be indecent with me." Hermione reprimanded her friend in the tone she has used often when she scolds him during their time as children.
"Did you think I'll be your wardmaster so freely without any compensation or just reward?" Harry says in confidence and Hermione bites her lower lip.
"What is it you want?" She said finally, and Harry smiled at her then as he traced the lines of her neck with the back of his index finger, it went to the rounds of her chin and he then thumbed her lower lip, Hermione flinched away. But with the small distance between them, it made no difference.
"Just a kiss, your first kiss before I lose you to your husband." Harry told her and then he laughed, "You cannot honestly be thinking of giving your all to your husband now do you?" Flabbergasted by what Harry had said, Hermione stuttered to formulate a response.
"No! I will not tolerate these mad talks of yours. You are unwell sir! The Harry I know is not so forward." She reasoned as she made a move to jump out of her bed. As she did so, Harry grabbed her arm, and forcefully pulled her back to the bed.
Hermione was now lying on her back as Harry hovered above her. Her breathing was shallow, she saw him smirked from above her. She moved to struggle beneath him but Harry caught both her arms and pinned it above her head. Her breathing was laboured and her heart beat was erratic. She could hear, everything even the gurgling sound of the tears that threatened to bleed from her eyes.
"Not so forward?" Harry says, "Is this close enough to your liking, my lady?" He whispered against her ear and Hermione looked away. She stared at the closed door that seemed too far away. Just scream her head, tells her. Scream and help will come. But then doubt filled her, will anyone hear? How does she know Harry didn't cast a silencing charm upon her room? He seemed overly arrogant so he must have done so.
"Harry, please do not toy with me. What have I done for you to act so cruel with me?" With his free hand Harry turned her chin towards him so he could stare at her eyes.
Green meeting Brown.
Despite the fear she was feeling, Hermione did not dare to let it show.
"Hermione, all I ask is a kiss, please do not reject me. Do not deny yourself of this. Are you not tired of keeping up your walls? Let it fall, allow yourself to be weak and lean against me."
"Harry, I-" His finger lay gently at the top her lips, his gaze softening then, and for a moment he looked like the innocent boy she has always seen him as.
"Hush, just close your eyes, Hermione..." Harry told her as he moved closer, Hermione's breath hitched, and she wondered if she wanted him to kiss her or not.
He was slowly closing the distance between them.
"Hermione..." Harry whispered.
"Hermione..."
It echoed and then she allows her eyes to fall shut.
"Hermione!"
Hermione opened her eyes then and a pair of deep blue irises stared back at her.
She abruptly sat up on her bed.
"What? Oh, Luna! What are you doing here?" Hermione asked as the vague silhouettes conflated to reveal her friend Luna Lovegood.
After her talk with Ginny that afternoon, Hermione was deeply exhausted and excused herself from dinner, she supposes that she had rapidly fallen into a deep slumber. For she did not even sensed Luna's arrival, but judging by the extra bed at the corner of the room they might have shared the room together for the night.
"Good morning, I know it's early but I wanted to wake you up while the bathroom is not flooded yet." Luna greeted her, "Ginny told me of your fondness for thinking in the bathroom, you might take a while so I suggest you get in it now. Furthermore, since all of us unmarried girls get to share a single bathroom I suspect it would prove to be a battle if you dilly dally."
"Oh, thank you Luna. And you, have you finished yet?"
"I've just finished. I don't really need much sleep so I was the first one to use it." Luna told Hermione.
"Oh, alright! Truly, I appreciate you waking me." Hermione told Luna as she stood up and put on her robes.
"You are most welcome." Luna replied, "Oh, and Hermione, did you know that you moan in your sleep?" Luna's comment made Hermione pause in her haste. Hermione looked at the golden haired girl, her brown eyes carrying a weight of confusion.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Aye, you do and you can be quite loud. You move quite restlessly as well." Hermione felt her cheeks heating up as the memories of her dream flooded back. She felt deeply embarrassed by her indecency in thoughts. She wondered how she'll face Harry if they were to meet any time soon.
"I am sorry if it disturbed you." Hermione apologised and Luna had smiled.
"No it does not disturb me. I know that it's normal as you're currently infested by the caisidorpha bug that usually trails young brides, you might have spent too much time with Ginny then." Luna explains.
"If you wonder what they are the bugs can increase your amatory urges, did you not know?" Luna added, Hermione felt herself become more flustered.
"I-"
"It's nothing to be ashamed of; sometimes they get on me too. It'll go away." Luna told Hermione as the former patted her head in an act meant to bring comfort to a disgruntled child.
"I'll see you later." Luna said as she left the older girl alone in her thoughts and feeling more confused than comforted by the golden haired girl's parting words.
After Hermione bathed she found Luna sowing wild flowers into her yellow gown. The golden haired girl with the perceptive blue eyes wondered out loud how a wedding to be performed at the setting of the sun was long commenced before the breaking of dawn.
...three hours before the wedding...
Hermione hadn't changed into her pale blue gown yet. She was out in the garden along with everybody, arranging flowers, and placing her famous blue belle flames into small glass jars that lined the pathway. She was busy crouching down on the ground, with her hand raised up as she waved her wand.
Hermione felt a drop of perspiration trail down the angles of her chin and she reached to wipe it off with the back of her hand, she breathed deeply in, effectively taking in the salty dew scent from sweat mixing with the soil beneath her finger nails.
Hermione knew she'll have to clean up in a while, just after this task, she'll be on her way. She sighed and straightened her back as she dusted her hands against her skirts. She heard a soft commotion not far from her place and she trained her eyes towards it.
Her eyes widened as she saw soft orange streaks a top the tall bushes.
Hermione ran.
As she rounded up the corner, she smiled when she saw who it was and flung herself towards him. She was greeted with an 'oomph' and a laugh of fond surprise.
"Ron!" She happily uttered his name as she untangled herself from him, and the cheery smile of her best friend greeted her now.
"Blimey Hermione, you've grown stronger! I can feel it in your hug." He told her as he patted her head easily, he was taller now, and it surprised Hermione. She knew that Ron had always been tall but it seemed he kept on growing even after his teenage years. Her neck was aching from looking up at him, but it was a nice comforting ache, because it was always pleasant to see him grow.
To see all her friends become who they are now.
"I am sorry; I must have missed you so." Hermione told him and Ron grins.
"That maybe but I am willing to bet it's all due to the lifting you do with the books at the bookshop."
"You know, you might be right. Have you just arrived?"
"Aye, I went to Romania a week ago to tell my brother Charlie of Ginny's wedding. I had to help arrange his portkey here for today's wedding. He should be here any minute now. Oh there he is you see." Ron told her as he looked around and Hermione mimicked the movements of his eyes. And soon enough a fellow who looking a lot like Bill but with softer features rolled around the corner. He was walking on the path walk and his relatives were gravitating towards him like a proper welcome greeting party. After small pleasantries Charlie made his way towards Ron and Hermione.
"Charlie, allow me to introduce you to Miss Hermione Jane Granger. One of my best and oldest friends and she is as close to me as a sister. Closer than our own blessed sister if I dare say so myself." Charlie bowed at Hermione, and Hermione curtsied.
"Oh brother, you need not be so bitter just because she refuses to be your wife!" Charlie told Ron, and the latter scoffed.
"I resent that!" Ron replied and Hermione smiled at the childish sibling banter. Charlie then turned to address her.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Granger. After all this time, I dare say this meeting is long overdue." Hermione nodded her head in agreement, "The pleasure is mine Mr. Weasley. How are you faring?"
"Better now that I am home." Charlie admits happily and Hermione could not help but notice the mirth in his eyes, "You'll have to call me Charlie or you'll be turning quite a few number of heads when you address me as such. We are a big family after all." He tells her casually, and again Hermione is surprised by the warmth of the Weasley family members. She smiles gratefully at him, "If you wish it, then I will."
"That's enough time sipping tea now and do pull your weight Charlie, you're only home every five years." Ron tells his older brother and Charlie playfully ruffles his younger brother's hair, though Ron is noticeably taller he could still easily reach his hair.
"Charming, my little brother isn't he?" Charlie says teasingly as Ron struggles to get rid of his prying arms.
"That he is!" Hermione agreed as she watches the both of them, sometimes when she sees moments like this; she often wonders what it would be like to have a sibling. Would she have related better with people if she had a companion? Or will she grow estranged with them like the late Lady Potter and her sister.
"If mum is going to send me to do manual labor you might as well come and loose some fat around your belly." Charlie tells Ron as he managed to headlock Ron, while the latter kept on twisting in his place in an attempt to throw his older brother off of him.
"You're one to boast! The dragon tamer are you not? Though that may be I am thinner than you are you old tosser." Ron breathed heavily, "I expected more muscles from you, you who has been living a dangerous life or is it all just in paper!" Ron says but as they quarreled on playfully. But then they calmed down and Ron suddenly stopped resisting and Charlie loosened his grip on him.
"Harry!" Ron spoke and Hermione looked up, her heartbeat quickening with the familiar sight of the raven moussed up hair, recognisable round spectacles and famed lightning bolt scar.
But old habits always overcome new ones, as Hermione ran towards her best friend. Harry's arms were stretched out, ready to receive her.
"Hermione-oof!" Harry greeted before his arm her full of Hermione and her brown hair obscured his vision, he laughed as the familiarity in her embrace always gave him the sense of coming home, and he breathed her scent in deeply and closed his eyes. He knew that the smell of faint ink could only come from her.
"Well, you have not change!" Harry whispered in her ear, and Hermione untangled herself from him, her cheeks flushed from excitement at his presence.
"Well, it must be so if you think it, although Ron begs to disagree." Hermione informed him and Harry raises his brows as he glanced over his best mate who was heading towards them. Harry then gave Hermione a look of faux reassignment.
"Doesn't he always?" He tells her and Hermione laughs just as Ron arrived beside them. Harry turns, to Ron then and hugs him briefly. Overwhelmed by happiness in being together with her best friends after a long time, Hermione hugged both Harry and Ron again. Ron then playfully broke free from their hug. Charlie had excused himself as he was being called away by Bill to set up a tent.
The golden trio was left alone and for the first time in what felt like ages, they spoke as easily and freely as they did when they roamed the stone walls of Hogwarts.
"Come here, both of you and let me look at how the times have treated you." Hermione told them and the two young men stood before her, chest tucked out proudly with boyish grins and Hermione felt tears filling her eyes.
"Oh, Ron look...once again you've made her cry." Harry teases as he rushed towards Hermione and patted her hair.
"I did no such thing you prat. It must be your broody look. You've always caused her more grief than I had." Ron reasons. Hermione wiped the tears off her eyes.
"No, it is no one's fault, I was just reminiscing. You both grew up so fast. I grew up with the two of you, we've had journeys together but now I fear the truth that I will not always be by your side." Hermione told them.
"Hermione stop making me blush!" Ron exclaims and the three laughed.
"Hush you, you best be minding your mouth. You dare speak so callously in a presence of a lady Mr. Weasley." Hermione teased.
"You still have us Hermione. We still have today." Harry told her and Hermione smiled and hugged him. She missed hugging him.
It always brought her comfort in their youth. Knowing that he's still alive, that she hasn't failed him yet. That she still had the time to show that she cares.
"What's this?" Harry and Hermione were startled as they looked at the source of the voice; they saw an aged lady covered in thick layers of make-up and quite...bloated and stout. "Highly improper I tell you! There is no wedding band on this lady's finger and yet she drapes her arms around this young man. No shame, I tell you!" She says, and as Harry moved to rebuke her, Hermione tightened her grip on Harry's arm. Harry looked at her then and Hermione shook her head. Ron moved in front of them, his height effectively shielding them both.
"Oh, shut it Aunt Tessy! Lord Potter's like a brother to Miss Granger. The only thing indecent here is the way you stick your nose in somebody else's business."
"That may be so, but still he remains not! A lady who disregards propriety is a lady with questionable morals." Tessy spat and Harry beside Hermione stirred but her meaningful glare at him and the way she pinned him in his place caused the young Lord to control his temper.
"Oh come now Harry and Hermione, you're not obliged to listen to her." Ron announced. Harry and Hermione paid their respects to Tessy, before following Ron at the old barn shed. The only place that was deserted, a place that lent them some privacy.
"She's a nutcase I tell. Turned bloody senile before Bill was born." Ron muttered as they made their walk. He opened the door and sat at a nearby haystack and faced his two friends.
"Do not take it personally; she's always been rude even to family." Ron tells them. "Are you alright Hermione?" Harry asked Hermione and Ron looked at her with concern as well. She smiled at them.
"You know I've been through worse." Hermione tells them.
"So how have you been faring, my Lord?" Ron asks Harry and Harry shrugged.
"I don't know really. Surviving I suppose, just like I always do." Harry tells them Ron rolls his eyes. "I heard that you were in London." Ron says and Harry clears his throat.
"London?" Hermione turned to peer at Harry, "I hadn't known that you were there." She tells him and Harry rubs the back of his neck, he then casts a look at Ron. Ron bows his head guiltily.
The two of them had an understanding to not let Hermione know of Harry's current problem. She's had enough worrying about him for ages now and they both agreed it was time she became concerned of her own affairs. Being men, Harry and Ron, they understood each other.
"I think my mum is calling me." Ron announces and Hermione looked at him suspiciously, "I have to leave and prepare those plates." He tells them as jumps off the hay stack and quickly rushed out of the barn house, Hermione's eyes followed him out and Harry beside her sighed. After Ron left Hermione turned to Harry and looked at him quizzically. Harry tucked his hands in his pockets and begun explaining himself.
"For a short while I had to be there on business and checked on the London House." Harry lied, "I am sorry if I wasn't able to visit you, I did not know Mr. Granger had fallen ill." Harry told her truthfully.
"Oh, nonsense it was not your fault. How could you have known when I did not tell you. I did not inform anyone save for Lord Black as he is my employer. But word still got out despite my reservations."
"That's because we all care for you. Please do not forbid us to worry about you." Harry exclaimed. Sometimes Hermione's complete disregard for herself frustrates him. But before he could further feed that annoyance Hermione spoke.
"I've been meaning to ask you. Are you sure you want to be my wardmaster?" For a moment Harry felt stunned. He knew they would have to talk about this sooner or later. Despite what Hermione might think the truth was he's thought more about it than what was required. His palms suddenly felt sweaty.
"Oh Harry, it's no easy feat, I do not wish to impose nor cause any inconvenience to you." Hermione continued on as she paced back and forth in front of him, just like she always does when she over thinks and talks at the same time, Harry would have laughed if only he hadn't been so offended by her words. Didn't Hermione know that he will do everything in his power to help her?
"Do not doubt my sincerity Miss Granger." He grabbed her elbow then, and she stopped her pacing. Her brown eyes stared back at him and he removed his grip on her elbow and settled to hold her hand.
"Lord Black made sure I knew what a wardmaster does, he made me read if you must know. Hermione, it would be an honour and privilege if you agree to be my ward." He told her sincerely and Hermione smiled weakly at him as she raised her had to pat his cheek.
"Are you sure you've read the whole book?" Hermione asked him rather unsurely and Harry nodded his head.
"I assure you that not a single page was left unturned." Harry stared intently at Hermione, with his eyes he showed her that he was serious. He was a man of his words.
"Then I thank you." Hermione tells him and Harry releases his hold on her.
"Hermione, is this the only way?" Harry asked her, and Hermione sighed.
"I do not want you to force yourself to marry a stranger out of necessity." He tells her then.
"Harry, you know me better than anyone else. If there was another way I would have tried that instead." With the contemplative look painted on Harry's face Hermione shoved him lightly with her shoulders.
"My friend, do not pity me. I have long known what is to become of me should I choose this path. It's not an easy road, but I put a lot of thought to it." Harry stepped closer towards her, and the lack of distance caused Hermione to look up and stare into his green eyes.
"Hermione, I have thought of another way. If you allow me, I want to tell it to you."
"Speak my Lord, for I am listening." Hermione readily answered as she watched Harry's every movement. She felt drawn to his lips at his tongue which slipped out and wetted them. It brought memories from last night's dream that deeply surprised her. Harry looked away at ground, and troubled by the look of discomfort on her friend's face Hermione reached out to touch his hand. Harry paused then, looked at their intertwined fingers and squeezed it in reassurance before shifting his gaze to her.
Hermione smiles comfortingly at him and Harry spoke. And for the second time of that day Harry managed to shock him with his words.
"If you must marry, marry any one at all, then...marry me instead."
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End of Chapter 3
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AN: So how was it? If you've read my previous works you'll see some mature themes in this story, more mature than my previous writing because I wanted to challenge myself and try writing them. Although I know where I want this story to go, nothing is set in stone yet. Anything could still happen. Again I am open for suggestions. What did you think with my attempts at writing the almost-smut scene. I'm taking baby steps but I don't know if I'll actually include it in the story what do you think?
Share your thoughts? Any thoughts about the plot? Complaints or just about anything under the sun? Message or Review me.