He stared. There was nothing else at that precise moment he could do. He gazed into the familiar green eyes that he saw every morning in the mirror, they were alight with child like happiness, however Harry sensed a deep underlying emotion, most likely concern for her mother.

Hermione.

Harry immediately snapped out of his daze and looked up, noting that the two other adults were staring at the pair, waiting for one of them to speak.

"Its nice to meet you Miss?" Harry inquired gently and Emerald smiled.

"Emerald Lillian Granger." Harry smiled broadly at her tone of voice; it sounded so much like her mother. Hermione. He thought of her once more and extended his hand.

Emerald took it cautiously and he shook it gently. "We need to go see your mum." Harry looked up and at the woman Harry assumed was Hermione's cousin and gave her a meaningful look that startled the young woman. Shite, is it that obvious?

"Where is she?" Emerald asked a small adorable pout forming on her features.

Harry sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. "Your mum is not well, she is in hospital." Harry said slowly and Emerald's eyes widened.

"What di-dizeeze does she have?" it was in that moment, that second that Harry fell completely in love with his daughter. She was definitely Hermione's and mine.

"Can we go see her… she can explain sweetheart." He whispered and she nodded placing her arms around his neck, burying her face in his collar. Harry wrapped his arms around her and stood walking towards the fireplace.

Lizzie followed and whispered. "Go tell Luna and Draco." Blaise nodded and pressed his lips tenderly to her forehead before leaving the house and disappearing with a loud crack.

Emerald had not looked up from Harry's now wet shirt and he rubbed soothing circles around her back, whispering reassurances to her in an affectionate voice.

Lizzie entered Hermione's room first and Harry stood in the doorway, gently swaying from side to side. Emerald looked up and rubbed her eyes with her tiny fists.

Her brow furrowed in confusion. "Why are we dancing?" she asked curiously and Harry smiled.

"Do you like dancing?" Harry whispered and she nodded, a small grin on her face. Harry began to spin and his daughter let out a shriek of laughter which is when Harry stopped and looked into the room where Hermione sat bolt up right staring at him.

***

He truly looked like a father at that moment. He seemed to be in his element. Hermione suddenly felt guilt for keeping the two most important people in her life apart.

Lizzie noticed she wasn't answering any of her questions and she immediately followed her gaze and smiled at Harry. He froze and locked eyes with Hermione whom allowed a single tear to fall down her cheek. He entered the room, Emerald in his arms, her eyes large and puffy, still slightly watery from crying.

"Oh sweetheart, come here." Hermione whispered soothingly and Emmy reached out her little arms for her, straining to reach her mother. Harry slowly neared and placed Emerald gently on the bed, where she threw her arms around Hermione's neck spluttering and mumbling things between sobs.

"Mummy…. What's wr-wrong… I'm sc-scared… I want to go home…" the little girl trailed off into little whimpers and Hermione kissed her head gently.

"Mummy's fine Emmy, you can stop crying precious, it's all going to be okay. Trust me" Emmy broke away from her mother and looked defiantly into Hermione's eyes, questioning the truth in Hermione's statement.

"You better not be lying mummy, I'm old enough to know grown up things!" she said in a proud voice Harry had heard Hermione use often when they were children. Hermione chuckled at this, a sharp pain erupting in her chest as a result of it.

"Are you now? Sweetie, I know you are very mature and very intelligent but I was wondering if you could go outside with Auntie Lizzie for a moment so I can talk with Ha- your father." Hermione whispered the last word and met Harry's eyes which were full of warmth. "He's a good man your dad." Hermione added when Emerald looked at her sceptically. "I love you so much." Hermione whispered and Emmy smiled.

"Love you too." The small girl whispered and Hermione smiled sadly at Lizzie who nodded and Hermione kissed her daughters cute button nose before Lizzie swept Emerald into her arms and left the room, the door shutting in her wake.

Harry took another step towards Hermione and she bit her lip. He dared to inch closer his eyes never leaving hers. She stared into his smouldering depths and knew that her eyes were cold and dark, something he was not used to.

Harry sat gently on her bed and placed a hand over Hermione's which made her smile smally.

"I'm sorry… for everything." Harry said in a hoarse voice, as if he was fighting back tears. Hermione reached up and placed a gentle hand to his cheek. Harry placed a hand over her heart and his face contorted with pain when he felt the freezing temperature of her skin. "This is my fault.. My entire fault." Harry let the words out in a small gasp and bowed his head.

"I think it's my fault for falling in love with you… you stole my heart and I stole yours." She whispered and Harry smiled smally.

"I should never have left you." he whispered and Hermione stroked his cheek tenderly.

"I shouldn't have kept her from you."

"I don't know how to be a dad."

"You are an amazing father and you will be her father." Harry smile broadened considerably at this and he kissed her hand gently, the feeling sent a jolt of happiness straight to her heart.

"She is an amazing girl; you have raised her so well. I wish I had been there… I'll make up for it now… I promise." He whispered with such determination and emotion in his voice Hermione let out a small sob. He bent down and brought her icy lips to his for a tender, loving kiss. "I love you with all my heart." Harry whispered looking directly into her eyes. Her honey coloured orbs lit up, her eyes turning from honey to a bright gold as she smiled.

"I love you." she whispered and Harry watched as what little colour that was in her face disappeared, the shining light in her eyes faded. A soft, angelic smile still etched upon her features.

And she was gone.

Hermione.

AN there will be another chapter.