This chapter contains depictions of terrorist attacks, injuries, and amputations that may be distressing to some readers.
July 7th 2005 - 22 Special Air Service Regiment Headquarters, Hereford
It had been a few months since Harry's rescue, and he had been slowly working his way back to full duty. He had received commendations for his bravery and service, and the Major of the regiment, Major Amelia Bones, had taken a personal interest in his recovery.
Hermione had been his constant support during this time, and they had grown even closer as a result of the ordeal they had faced together. Harry found himself falling deeper in love with her, and he couldn't imagine his life without her by his side.
But as Harry returned to duty, Britain was morning. Terrorists had attacked the London transport network, and Hermione had been on leave, spending time with her parents.
She had told him the night before that they were going to get an early morning tube into the centre of London. But as he arrived on base, the news had started filtering through. London had been attacked.
Harry's heart sunk. They had been dating since their mission in Iraq in September, and now he feared for Hermione's safety. He tried calling her phone, but there was no answer. He felt helpless as he watched the news coverage, seeing the chaos and destruction in the city.
Harry saw Major Bones come into the briefing room and quickly snapped to attention.
"At ease, Trooper Potter," Major Bones said, a serious expression on her face. "I know this is a difficult time, but we need to focus. The SAS has been called in to provide support for the emergency services and the police. Your team been tasked to assist in securing Number 10 and St James's Palace. 21 and 23 Regiment have also been activated and they will be securing other high profile targets."
"Understood. Where am I going to be?"
"Trooper Potter, you will be part of the team to secure Number 10. The Prime Minister's safety is paramount, and nobody is to pass through the perimeter that you will be enforcing without clearance from the top. You will be able to contact me at all times, and I will be in communication with the other teams to ensure that we are all working in unison."
Harry nodded, his mind racing with worry for Hermione, but he knew that duty came first.
As Harry made his way to Number 10, he felt his heart pounding with anxiety. He couldn't help but wonder if Hermione was okay. He tried calling her again, but there was still no answer. He felt a wave of panic wash over him.
But Harry had a job to do. He had to focus on the task at hand and ensure that Number 10 was secure. He worked alongside his team to set up barricades, check credentials, and keep the area safe. It was a tense and nerve-wracking experience, but Harry remained vigilant, knowing that any misstep could have catastrophic consequences.
Minutes turned into hours, but finally Harry was relieved, and he attempted to call Hermione again. This time he was successful, but he could tell in her voice that something was wrong.
"My dad... he was a passenger on the bus that one of the bombers hit. He...he's had one of his arms amputated," Hermione said, her voice shaking with emotion.
Harry felt a lump form in his throat. He couldn't imagine what Hermione was going through, and he wished more than anything that he could be by her side.
"I'm so sorry, Hermione. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"I just need you, Harry," Hermione said, her voice breaking. "I need you to be here with me."
Harry knew that he would have to be nearby, that he had his orders, but this was Hermione. He knew that she needed him as well.
He was conflicted. He knew that if he told his CO that he and Hermione was in a relationship, that he could end up being returned to his unit, but at the same time, he couldn't bear the thought of not being there for her during this difficult time.
In the end, he made the difficult decision to tell Major Bones about his relationship with Hermione. He knew that would have to be disciplined, but at this moment, Hermione was his priority.
"Give me half an hour 'Mione. I'll be with you. Where are you?"
Hermione gave Harry the address of the hospital where her father was being treated, and he knew that it was not far from where he was.
"I'm going to have to tell the Boss 'Mione. I know we were hoping to keep this secret, but right now, I need to be by your side. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you're okay."
Hermione's voice was filled with gratitude and relief, and Harry knew that he had made the right decision. He quickly informed Major Bones, who gave him permission to leave his post and be with Hermione.
As he made his way to the hospital, Harry's mind was filled with worry and concern for Hermione and her family. He knew that this was going to be a difficult time, but he was determined to be there for her every step of the way.
When he arrived at the hospital, Hermione was waiting for him. She looked exhausted, her eyes red and puffy from crying. Harry embraced her tightly, and she buried her head in his chest, letting out a deep sigh of relief.
"I don't know what I would do without you, Harry," Hermione said, her voice cracking with emotion.
Harry held her close, feeling a deep sense of love and affection for her. He knew that he would do whatever it takes to support her through this difficult time.
A few weeks later, Harry and Hermione were called up in front of Major Bones. They knew that they had both broken the rules about fraternisation in the regiment, especially as Harry was a trooper who could be returned to his unit at any time, and Hermione could face disciplinary action as well.
But Hermione had been Harry's rock, especially after the mission in Afghanistan where he had been tortured, and the mission before it in Iraq, where they had been posing as couple, and he knew that he couldn't live without her.
As they stood in front of Major Bones, Harry could feel his heart racing with nervousness. He knew that they had broken the rules, and he was prepared to face the consequences.
"Potter, Granger. I am aware of your relationship, and while fraternisation is strictly prohibited in this regiment, I understand that the events of the past few months have been difficult to both of you. Especially you Potter, you had proven yourself an exceptional soldier in your old unit.
"Now I could have you both returned to your old units, and it is something I am strongly considering. Especially as you had liaisons during a past mission together. Fortunately that mission had succeeded, and it is clear that you both work well together, but rules are rules."
Harry and Hermione stood there, their hearts sinking as they realised the consequences of their actions.
"Ma'am. If I may, I... I would like to offer my resignation."
Major Bones looked at Hermione, surprise on her face. "You are one of our most efficient administrators, and you have already proved yourself in the field. Why would you want to resign?"
"Personal reasons ma'am. Before the terrorist attack on London, I... I found out I was pregnant. I hadn't yet told Harry... Trooper Potter. I was going to wait until it was confirmed."
Major Bones looked at Hermione with a mix of surprise and concern.
"Is everything okay, Granger? You know that the SAS has policies in place to support new parents," she said, her tone softening.
Hermione took a deep breath, her eyes filling with tears. "I know, ma'am, but with Harry being a trooper, he could be returned to his unit at any time. I can't bear the thought of raising a child alone, without him by my side."
Major Bones nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I see. And what about you, Potter? How do you feel about this?"
Harry took a deep breath, his mind racing. He knew that he loved Hermione, and that he wanted to be there for her and their child, but he also loved his job and serving his country.
"Ma'am, I... I love Hermione, and I want to be there for her and our child. But I also love serving in the SAS, and I don't want to let my unit down."
Major Bones nodded, understanding the complexity of the situation. "I see. Well, I will have to discuss this with the higher-ups, but I will do what I can to support you both. In the meantime, Potter, Granger, I'm going to have to place you both on administrative leave until a decision is made."
Harry and Hermione nodded in understanding, still feeling the weight of the situation. They knew that they had made a difficult decision, but they also knew that they had each other to rely on, no matter what.
As they left the headquarters, Harry took Hermione's hand, squeezing it tightly.
"We'll get through this, Hermione. Together," he said, his voice filled with determination.
Hermione smiled weakly, but her eyes were still filled with worry. "I know, Harry. But what if we have to choose between our family and our duty?"
Harry paused for a moment, considering her question. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. But for now, let's focus on being there for each other, and for our future."
And with that, they headed off, uncertain of what the future held, but determined to face it together.