Hermione's Offer

by The Ghostly Minion

Alternate. The last battle with Lord Voldemort is imminent. Harry knows that he has little chance of surviving. He speaks to the spirits of James, Lily and Sirius, promising to vanquish Voldemort. But he also tells them of his sole regret. However, Hermione overhears and offers a solution. H/H, NL, LL, MM, Poppy P, LV

2. Marriage and Consumation

A/N: This story is in response to Chapter five (A challenge), in the late broomstick flyer's collection, All sorts.

As always, it is an honor to create my own world in the reality of Harry Potter. What you recognize is JKR's, the rest is mine (and broomstick flyer's).

Once Hermione, Harry and Neville reached the second floor, their paths diverged. Hermione went towards the Hospital Wing and Madam Pomfrey, while Harry and Neville sought Professor McGonagall in the Great Hall.

Hermione sped to the Hospital Wing to find Madam Pomfrey outfitting the infirmary for the inevitable casualties. There were several others in Healer's garb, assisting. Obviously, more than fighters had joined the defenders. She felt grateful for that mercy and that it made it simpler to speak to the mediwitch in private.

"Madam Pomfrey, please I need a word in private".

The nurse looked at her and noted the odd mixture of strain and elation on her face. Knowing the others could carry on without her, she gestured and led the young witch into her office. "Miss Granger, what can I do for you? You look distraught. Is something the matter with Mr. Potter?"

"It concerns Harry, yes, but I have to ask you to keep most of what I have to say confidential." Hermione continued after a confirming nod. "Harry has to fight 'V' and we learned this morning that he is not likely to be alive at the end of the fight." Waving off Pomfrey's exclamation of dismay, she continued. "He vows he'll take him down and you know Harry wouldn't lie about that. I found Harry talking out loud to the memories of his parents and Sirius. He asked them to forgive him for not having an heir, for dying the last Potter and Black. I love him, Poppy, for what seems my entire life and I offered to give birth to an heir for his houses. You know him, he wouldn't do that just to do it, it had to be with someone whom he loved and loves him. I told him I did love him and he finally admitted he loves me too. We are going to be wed, in the hour and I need your help. I need an antidote for the contraception potion and a fertility potion, one to ensure a male baby, if possible, I'm at my most fertile time anyway. We'll consummate our marriage until it's time for battle and we need to make it count."

Poppy looked in amazement. Then a smile grew on her face. "Hermione, the staff have known of your feelings, yours and Harry's for a very long time and I'm glad you two now know too, though I wish the timing could be better. I will fix up a kit with instructions for you both. Everything will be there to ensure you carry your futures. Florence", and a medical house elf popped in "I am preparing a kit for Mr. and Mrs. Potter. When the headmistress opens a marriage suite for them, please put the kit in there." She turned to Hermione. "Go now child and get ready for your fiancé. I'll be down shortly to attend and lend my best wishes for both of you." Hermione hugged the healer and exited.

When she reentered the clinic proper, she saw two of the people she would have sought out. She beckoned the two witches over. "I am so glad to find you here. Harry and I are marrying, soon, in the hour. We love each other and we wish to ensure that the houses of Potter and Black continue. You're both Purebloods, you understand why family is important but we know that that ideology means nothing to you. Luna, you fought with us at the Department of Mysteries, will you stand by me as Maid of Honor? And you Daphne, will you be a bridesmaid? I'm asking someone from each house, Harry and I want to forget everything else except our common cause."

Luna Lovegood smiled a decidedly undreamy smile, pleased that her friendship and devotion to Harry and Hermione were rewarded. "I am honored, Hermione, though you might be a bit too assuming about my virtue." Her tinkling laughter filled the room at Hermione's startled expression. "I'm just winding you up, and no, this is the real me that I only show to my friends."

Daphne Greengrass snorted in amusement. She'd always respected the brilliant Gryffindor, house divisions be cursed. Still, the sense of humor she kept to herself couldn't be but tickled at Hermione being pranked and by Luna of all people. "I am also honored. I understand the house concerns and I cede you both the laurels for thinking of this at this time, but I'm sure your love is the real reason, isn't it?" Hermione's nod told her all. "Let's go then, I am proud to stand by the friends I could not acknowledge for so long."

-HO-

Meanwhile, Harry and Neville soon entered the Great Hall. "Neville, I'll talk to the headmistress. Would you find Blaise, Ernie and Micheal and make sure they're here so I can ask them to be groomsmen?" Neville gave a deep nod, almost a bow and set off.

After a minute's search Harry found McGonagall giving out orders to the defenders. Catching her eye, she could tell he needed to talk. She gestured to Professor Flitwick, who took over marshaling the combatants. Minerva and Harry ducked into the antechamber in which Harry last stood as an unwilling TriWizard champion, a relative eon ago.

"Mr. Potter—no, Harry, what is it?" It didn't escape her notice that Harry was sending out mixed signals.

"Headmistress, Prof-no, Minerva. You already know about my long-term prospects and the rest of the castle doesn't need to know, not yet. But I was up in the Common Room, just talking out loud to my mum and dad and Sirius, like they were there and could hear me. I apologized to them, apologized that even though I'd be sure to kill 'V' I knew I'd die too and I'd be the end of House Potter and House Black. I hadn't heard Hermione come into the room. She told me she wished to bear an heir to Potter and Black that she was at her most fertile time and would get the right potions to ensure a male baby. She told me she loved me and wanted to marry me and be our child's, maybe even children's, mother. I've loved her since our fourth year we two 'brave' Lions finally confessed our feelings. We want the ceremony as soon as can be. Will you marry us? Get us Married Quarters?"

Minerva surprised him by giving him and big hug and a kiss on his forehead. "I am thrilled you two finally confessed to each other! You're my most favorite students since your parents and I love you both. Of course I'll marry you. I'll arrange for quarters and get the hall set up. You and Hermione gather the wedding parties and leave the rest to us."

-HO-

When Harry reentered the hall, he spotted Neville and the other three whom he wished to speak to. He walked over to them, saying "Blaise, Ernie, Michael; if Neville didn't tell you, I am marrying Hermione as soon as things are set here. I hope you will be my groomsmen, Neville will be best man. Will you help me?" A chorus of 'yes' from the three left Harry beaming. "Great, I see the hall is being prepared." Taking another two Galleons from his pocket, Harry transfigured them into wedding bands, a napkin into a velvet cushion. Handing the rings and cushion to Neville, he looked around the hall. Spotting a regiment of redheads, he headed in the Weasleys' direction.

When he reached them, he held up his hand forestalling the response his appearance reflexively received but for which he had no time or stomach. "I'm usually glad to see you all, but time is short and I have much to tell you so please put up with me. Ron I'm sad to say you have no place here this is going to be a battleground and a killing field. Neither I or Hermione now trust you even as far as we can throw the castle your desertion of us on the hunt ended our friendship forever you selfish sod if you got caught 'V' would have won. We followed through no thanks to you but you're not going to waltz in here to bollocks up the final battle or claim credit you don't deserve." Harry saw his former friend's ears turn scarlet and raised his voice. "Shut your mouth and keep it shut we've no time for your baby tantrums! I will have to go out, fight and kill him and more than likely die doing it so shut it! In a few minutes Hermione and I are to wed we love each other and she and I will conceive a child to carry the names Potter and Black" Harry had to skewer Ginny with a cold, hard stare "and none of your 'but I'm your girlfriend' dung from you either Ginny! We broke up, I love Hermione not you accept it or leave I don't care which. Mr. Weasley I look to you to keep your family in line they will NOT ruin the last bit of happiness I may ever have. I've said my piece, stay, go, but don't get in the way!"

The 'adopted' family stared at him in shock, even Molly couldn't find anything coherent to say. Suddenly, he was hugged near to death by Fleur, his one-time competitor and now friend. "'Arry, I am so pleased you and 'Ermione are together. I knew you should but was désolé to think that you and she might never find your feelings. My present to you and her is to cast glamors so you and your attendants look as you should for your wedding."

Harry hugged her back and kissed her cheek. "Thank you, our dear friend. On Hermione's behalf, we accept. Mr. Weasley," turning his attention to the family patriarch "I'm sorry to have put you on the spot, but there was no time for diplomacy."

Arthur nodded. "Harry, I understand and I tell you on my Weasley honor that there will be no disruptions from us and that House Weasley stands with yours, today, in battle, in peace. Take Fleur and do as you need." After a brief emotion-filled hug with the only father figure he'd known, Harry and Fleur looked to see where Hermione might be.

They found her at the back of the hall, along with four young women and Remus Lupin. Motioning to Neville and his groomsmen, Harry reached his fiancée, hugged her and settled a gentle, love-filled kiss upon her lips. "Love, the next time I kiss you you will be Mrs. Hermione Jane Granger Potter." He could go no further seeing the adoration glow in her eyes. Wrenching his gaze from her with an effort he looked at the others. "Thank you all for helping us. Fleur will place glamors on us so we look like a wedding."

Fleur then waved her wand and Harry looked clean shaven and resplendent in dress robes of emerald green trimmed in Gryffindor red. "Now alliez 'Arry to the front and await your bride—no peeking!"

-HO-

Harry gladly obeyed. Professor McGonagall cast a Sonorus charm and called to the castle, "Your attention, all who are not on sentry duty please come and sit in the Great Hall now." Since the preparations had escaped nobody's notice, the table seats swiftly filled. Harry then noticed that in front of the Head table was a second, half-sized table, festively set in all the house colors. He smiled to himself and then stiffened as a traditional wedding march played.

Still keeping his eyes to the front, he saw Neville in gold robes trimmed with emerald escort Luna, wearing Ravenclaw blue. A moment later saw Daphne Greengrass in her house's shade of green robes on the arm of Michael Corner wearing Ravenclaw bronze with emerald trim. Then Blaise Zabini in silver trimmed in emerald and Susan Bones in Hufflepuff blue. Finally Katie Bell in Gryffindor red took her place accompanied by Ernie MacMillan in Hufflepuff yellow and emerald.

Then Harry's heart stopped. On Lupin's arm was his Hermione. She wore a gown in bone, full length, shoulder-less and tight on top, flaring out modestly below the waist. There was no train, but a full veil. Upon her head a diadem of silver and emeralds, a necklace of emeralds at her throat and emeralds in her ears. When Remus handed him her arm, his heart lurched back into rhythm. Their eyes locked.

Harry's world shrank to encompass only those magic brown eyes. Somehow, he still kept track of Minerva's recitation of the marriage ceremony and when she asked if he wished to say his own vows, he nodded, his eyes ever drowning in hers.

"Hermione Jane Granger, since our first day at Hogwarts we've been a part of each other's lives. As a friend, best friend, supporter, guide, teacher, partner in trials and battles, you finally came to mean the world to me as a woman, my beloved. I will spend whatever time we have as your strength and companion, as you are my strength, my heart's companion, my soul's mate. This ring to me means all these things and those things that crowd my heart that I haven't the words to say." As he placed the ring on her finger, his magic escaped and an emerald green aura surrounded them both and then faded.

Hermione's smile shone like the sun and her eyes entered his innermost being. "Harry James Potter, I fell in love the moment we met. That it took this long to share my feelings shows even know-it-alls aren't infallible! I have never known a more humble, kind, decent, giving and loving man and I shall never find even a pale copy in anyone else. I will never have another and all the time we may have shall be more precious than any gem, purer than any gold. You are my soul's mate and together we will be one and pass our name down to futures yet unimagined. My being is too full of my love and joy for proper expression. This ring shall speak those things to you, now and as long as our hearts beat." As she slipped the golden band onto his finger, her aura, pure gold permeated them, lingered and entered them.

For a moment, none could speak then Minerva found her voice. "As a licensed marriage bonder, I declare this man and woman married, in the sight of magic and of the law. You may kiss your bride."

Harry gently lifted the veil from Hermione's face, cupped her cheek then embraced her waist. As her arms encircled his neck their lips met in a kiss that swiftly deepened. To them the kiss lasted an eternity, but only really endured until the edge of that cusp between perfect and uncomfortable was reached.

After a brief but filling luncheon, Neville raised his glass and gained the attention of the company. "I will be brief, my two best friends should be our focus after all. I will claim the distinction of having introduced Hermione to Harry through my toad Trevor, or should I say Yenta?" Laughter. "Anyway, it has been my great good fortune to watch and know them as we grew up and I'm proud to call them my best friends in the world. Now, let us drink to their joy and happiness. I give you Hermione and Harry Potter, the bride and groom!"

-HO-

Harry and Hermione found no trouble reaching their bridal suite, it was as if the castle itself guided them. Once there, Harry scooped a giggling Hermione up and across the threshold. Inside, their robes again appeared as they had that morning. First, they stopped at the table on which the 'bridal kit' had been placed. Carefully reading the instructions, they toasted each other and drank the mixes, in the order prescribed, two for Harry and four for Hermione. Since they needed a few minutes to let the potions settle, they took a quick look at the quarters. They found a deluxe bath, with toiletries for each and a pair of bath robes bearing the Hogwarts crest.

Hermione showered first, then Harry. Back at the bed, they stood, kissing, sweetly at first then more and more heatedly. Soon Harry undid her sash and her robe pooled at her feet. His eyes drank in her beauty. When his hands began to explore her in earnest, she moaned and divested him of his robe. Her hands began to mirror his and they then found their way onto the bed.

His hand and lips worshiped her torso, then his attention dropped to her gateway. His explorations aided by her guidance soon led to the first release she had had by another's digits. Lovingly, she touched and explored his member until he gasped. Then positioning him over her, between her legs, she guided him inside and they became lovers. A seeming era of bliss later, they truly became married. After a time they bestirred themselves from the afterglow.

"Sweetheart, are you in pain?"

"No love, the potions prepared me and deadened any pain. I love magic and you. Again?"

Throughout that afternoon they coupled, separated and resumed. They lost track, but it didn't matter. Each encounter was different and in its own way, thrilling. Soft or rough, quick or languid, they shared new sides of themselves to their partner. Both were enthralled. Both hoped that it would be the first of many such days in their lives, but they engraved it indelibly onto their memories to keep.

Finally, their physical hunger overcame their passion and a dinner appeared on the table. They ate and washed the meal down with the last stamina and fertility potions. Returning to bed, they shared themselves again for a timeless interval, until their bodies claimed their due and still entwined, they visited the land of dreams.

A/N: First, a big shout out to my Beta, texan-muggle. Betas keep me on the straight and narrow, bless them all. Any goofs are on my dime.

I hope my efforts here will meet with your approval. I'm trying not just to honor broomstick by accepting her challenge, but to write it also in as close to her writing fashion as my own limitations as a writer allow. So, if you noticed the run on sentences and paragraphs, they're part of the tribute!

A couple other notes. Though it' pure broomstick, I can't describe Harry as magic's answer to John C. Holmes. Also, I don't really do the whole 'soul bond' trope. So when Harry and Hermione speak of the other as their 'soul's mate', this ismply says they're very very deeply in love.

The story recommendation for this chapter is Hermione's Offer by Proffessor Albus Martin (id: 5499685 ). Thanks to my staff helper, EJ Daniels who found this and added to my C2.

Once more, thanks to all of you who read my efforts. Visitors, hits, reviews, follows, favorites, C2s are my only payment. Believe me, they make me feel rich!

The Ghostly Minion, in mourning

Posted: 05/05/2015
Words: 3,246