Disclaimer:I'm getting tired of saying I don't own it.
A/N: Hello folks! Here is an early update for you all. :) I am a bit anxious while writing this chapter so your opinions will matter. I'm sorry it took me about two weeks to update but hey, it was my birthday last week and I needed inspiration so I finished this as my gift to myself. :) This is still not BETA-ed, so sorry for any mistakes and such. ENJOY. :)
Chapter 28: New Beginnings
"WHAT?"
Ron eyed me dubiously, a little taken aback by my words. He was panting and sweat trickled down his face. A little confused, worried and panicked, he just shook his head. "What happened to you? You look like you've just been dragged by a dragon."
With a sigh, I closed my eyes and sat down the nearest chair, rubbing my temples as I felt the beginning of a headache. "Er – it is nice of you to notice my. . .state."
Ron cautiously helped me remove my cloak and uniform, looking at the wound with disdain. "Did you even realize that Hermione will go mental when she sees your state? She'll kill us both before we could even get the chance to look at the baby!"
"Did you think I didn't already know that?" Ignoring Ron, I carefully lifted my injured arm to see if I could fix it and before I knew it, Ron vanished and reappeared a few minutes later with some potions and bandages.
"You know, I never ever thought I would say this, mate, but you really need to sort out your priorities." He put the items down in an orderly fashion and examined if they could be of help.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you see, now that V-voldemort is gone, you have Teddy to take care of, not to mention Hermione. This may be weird, coming from me but. . .can you be a bit grateful and stay alive? Aha! This should do the trick."
He gave me a vial filled with green-colored potion and I gave him a grateful look. Then, I examined the wound cautiously and quickly casted a few spells that could help me detect if there would be any side effects that would be potentially life-threatening while I waited for him to continue, but he didn't. "I am alive, all right? And I am not planning to get killed in the near future. Now, we must hurry."
Finally, he seemed to give up on the topic, which was getting to awkward for the both of us. The air in the room was thick and very uncomfortable as I started dabbing the potion into my wound, albeit, clumsily that it sent jolts of pain whenever I did.
"Well, if you say so, but be careful Harry, Hermione doesn't appreciate it when she sees you like that."
I nodded at him grudgingly and wrapped my arm with a bandage awkwardly. Seeing that a part of my shirt was already ripped and covered with blood, I casted Scourgify and wore my black uniform again. With a nod, we set off.
Willingly, I let him drag me out of the Ministry, too tired to even breach the silence and protest that I was a few pace behind. My body was screaming at me to stop, and all I wanted to do right now was bathe in hot water and get a good night's sleep. . .but my mind was set.
The strength of willpower alone helped me keep up with Ron's pace as we ventured towards the familiar atrium of the Ministry. I wanted to ask where we were going but I kept my mouth shut, my heart pounding with every step.
As we apparated to the familiar cottage, I let Ron mutter the incantation and we found ourselves knocking at the door. I could hear muffled voices inside and there was a noise that was halfway between a scream and a cry. It was a while before a bushy-haired witch with her hands on her hips opened the door and let Ron inside, but not before whispering something in his ear.
I let out a breath when I saw her step outside, casting a non-verbal spell that I knew so well. The cold breeze seemed to pass us by as we stood there in silence, with my hands in my pockets. I watched as different emotions occupied her features. Relief, frustration, disappointment and many others swam beneath her eyes that she bit her lip to control herself.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" Hermione's scream rang, reminding me of the Howler that Mrs. Weasley sent all those years ago.
She struggled with words as frustration overtook her senses. I didn't know whether she wanted to scream or cry as she tried to keep her emotions intact. It made me feel more guilty as I watched her in that state.
"Hermione – " Without even thinking about it, I reached out to her, desperately trying to calm her. But she pushed my hand away and took a step back as she turned her back on me, hiding the tears that she desperately didn't want me to see.
"I knew something was wrong, but I trusted that you knew what you are doing! Why did you have to hide it from me, Harry?"
It was as if someone punched me in the gut. I couldn't speak and I knew that it was no use lying. She already knew and even if I wanted to, I never could lie to her without getting caught. I wanted to tell her that I didn't mean it, that I was just trying to protect the people I love. As I tried to figure out what I should say, I took a reluctant step forward, placing my hands in her shoulders as a gesture of surrender. "I – I'm sorry."
She unwillingly turned to face me, her face shining with unshed tears. Her gaze penetrated my soul, her face scrunched up in a frown. "Sorry? You always say you're sorry but you don't even do anything about it! Why did you have to hide it from me? Did you think I wouldn't find out?"
"I – I, I was going to tell you –"
"When, Harry? When are you going to start telling me something? Once it's over? After I've seen you hurt? Did you think I was that blind?"
Her tone was laced with sadness and hurt that I couldn't help but look down on the ground as I let my hands fall to my sides. I could hear her struggling to gain composure, her breathing a bit strained with her sobs. Frustration welled up inside me, along with an unrelenting urge to tell her, explain to her that I wanted to protect her from all of it. Frankly, I was getting a little tired of hide-and-seek.
But I couldn't. We had our share of misunderstandings, but this was by far, the most hurt I had seen her. Many times, she would scream and yell, tell me that I was such an ungrateful git and show her frustrations. But this time, there was only silence as the night wore on, our voices cloaked by the rush of the wind and the smell of sea water. I couldn't stand it.
"Please, Hermione," I began, speaking as gentle as possible to somehow ease the situation, "talk to me."
"I wanted to, Harry, but you never seem to listen," she sniffed and I could see how she wiped away the tears that escaped her eyes. "This event was supposed to be happy."
"I know you're mad, but please understand, I'm trying to– "
"Don't you dare. You don't know how it feels knowing that you're in danger everyday so don't you even try telling me that you trying."
"What do you want me to do? Give this all up? You know I can't."
"Would you rather die?"
Somehow, her words struck a chord and hurt me. "Do you think I will allow that, Hermione? I have done everything in my power to do my job and come home, alive. Do you really think I will give up that easily, after all the hard work I've done? Do you really think I am going to break the promise I made to you?"
Her shocked expression was enough. I turned around, hoping that she wouldn't see the tears in my eyes that were already falling, the words just went out. I knew I was wrong, deep inside. But every person had their own reasons why they kept something, right? When I found out about it, I couldn't stand and look at her but not tell her what I was going to do. Seeing her like this, only added more guilt. I sat down, feeling thoroughly drained and defeated, and covered my face with my hands.
Silence followed as we tried to sort out our own issues. I could hear her muffled sobs and wondered why she was still here. Deep inside, I didn't want to yell at her or tell her she was wrong as guilt gnawed me, but I couldn't even comfort her right now. I didn't know how much time has passed and briefly, I wondered if the baby has arrived.
"W – we should get inside or else they'll be worried," Hermione finally said. She tried to calm herself, allowing steady breaths to overtake her sobs. Hesitantly, I stood up and sighed as I followed her inside the house.
I strolled through the door, into the living room of Bill and Fleur's home as I watched Hermione disappear into the kitchen, only to stop as my eyes took in the large assortment of people that were already here, anxiously waiting. "I'm sorry we took a bit long."
A smirk suddenly appeared in George's face as he stood up and gave me reassuring taps in the shoulder. "Don't worry about it, mate. From the looks of it, it will still take a while."
"Harry, don't warm up to what he's about to say. You'll just end up nodding to his stupid bet," Ron intervened. There was a scowl on his face, evident from being forced to participate on George's little game.
George and the others laughed at his little brother's reaction. A little confused, I asked, "I thought everyone already knew that the baby was a girl. What's the point of the bet?"
Ron looked shocked at the news, his mouth gaping like a fish. "You knew it too?"
"There are two things you missed, Harry. One, ickle Ronniekins was not listening when it was announced and two, there was a second bet."
"I'm in for the second bet then," I replied casually.
With a smug look on his face, George shot a triumphant look at Ron. "Well, Harry, you know, as well as I, that my oldest brother is about to be a father. Five galleon says the child will have red hair."
"I think she will," Ron agreed.
"Aye," said Charlie.
"Come on now, boys. You know that it is not right to gamble," Mrs. Weasley interjected from where she sat next to her husband.
"Ten galleons says she'll have Fleur's hair," Mr. Weasley said, giving the said amount to a very cheerful George, who gave a whistle.
"Arthur, this is no time for games," Mrs. Weasley whined.
I quickly rummaged my pockets and gave ten galleons to George. "Well, I have to agree to Mr. Weasley then."
George and Ron quickly started counting the money, with wide grins in their faces. Another yell echoed down the room as we glanced towards the door.
Ginny, Luna and Hermione hurried back into the living room, their hands twisting their wands as they levitated the food into a table. "Did we miss anything?" Hermione asked.
"Nothing much, the boys were just arguing about hair color," Mrs. Weasley scoffed.
"Really now? I bet she'll have red hair, she's a Weasley for Merlin's sake!" Ginny stated, with a slight smirk.
Luna giggled, giving her friend a tap in the shoulder. "There is still a possibility that she won't."
Hermione sat in the chair opposite mine and I couldn't help but feel guilty when I knew we still hadn't resolved anything. Her façade was unbreakable while she talked to Mrs. Weasley, smiling and lending an ear to ease her tension.
"It's too bad Andromeda and the others didn't stay to join us," informed Luna as she went next to Ron. He gave her a warm smile as he wrapped his hands around her waist.
"Teddy has been fussy, so they had no choice but to leave. They'll be back later," Hermione answered, giving Luna a warm smile.
A knock on the door interrupted the crowd's usual conversation, only to reveal a very tired-looking Percy with his wife in tow. "Is the baby here yet?"
"No, not yet, Perce. Hi Audrey," said Ginny, enthusiastically. She gave the couple a warm hug and resumed to her usual position, near the fireplace. Everyone greeted the new comers and offered butterbeer and some pastry as we waited. George, Charlie and Ron, as usual, started telling Percy and Audrey about the bet.
"I bet this child will be interesting, what with her heritage and all," said Percy.
"Enough about that, I'm about to become a Grandad!" Mr. Weasley cheerfully exclaimed.
Everyone laughed, but still, we all couldn't believe it was really happening. Not a few months ago, they told us about the news, and now, time seemed to have flown out of the window. In a few hours time, our lives would change. Suddenly, the sound of a baby's cry echoed around the house and everyone stopped what they were doing to look at the door where Fleur was being held.
It was only Mr. Weasley who gave a warm chuckle, his eyes filled with excitement as he glanced at his watch. "Who would've thought. . ."
"Thought about what?" Ginny asked.
"That the baby would be born on the day of Voldemort's defeat," Hermione stated.
"Arthur," Mrs. Weasley started to cry on Mr. Weasley's shoulders as everyone looked at their watches to confirm what Hermione said. George gave a huge grin and Ron stood there, agape.
Everyone started to talk in hushed voices, expressing their joy and excitement while waiting for some news. Their eyes all shined with happiness and enthusiasm, even though they knew today always opened up the old wound.
Yet, today, it was different. This time, there was something new, something that everyone who lost someone looked forward to, even George was laughing with his brothers. Hesitantly, I went to Hermione's side and squeezed her shoulder to tell her silently that our fight over and that I was. . .in all sense, nervous. She looked at me and offered a warm smile, placing her hand on top of mine. Before the tension inside the room could escalate further, a disheveled-looking Bill suddenly appeared, a huge grin in his face.
Everyone stared at him expectantly, wishing he would tell them more. Even Hermione squeezed my hand as we waited for the news. "They're okay, our little girl is finally here."
"Do you hear us, Fred? We have a niece now!" George shouted, his eyes shining with tears. Everyone took turns to pat Bill in the back or punch him in the shoulder, only to give him their various versions of congratulations. They were all giddy and excited as one by one, we went inside the room.
The baby, as Mr. Weasley and Luna predicted, had Fleur's hair color, but everyone was too caught-up with the little bundle of joy to even notice. Fleur, who looked very tired because of the labor, had this distinct shine in her features as she wore a very huge smile on her face.
"She's so beautiful!" asked Ginny excitedly.
Bill gave her sister a very warm gaze and caressed the strands of hair out of the baby's face. "Yes, she takes after her mother."
Mrs. Weasley suddenly went beside her son, her face solemn and bright with tears. "Have you decided any name for her, dear?"
Fleur gave her mother-in-law a warm smile as she cuddled her newborn daughter to her chest. Finally, she looked at Bill lovingly and nodded, "Victoire, Victoire Weasley."
Bill gave little Victoire a kiss in the forehead as he said in a loving voice, "Hello, my little Victoire. Daddy and Mummy is so happy to finally see you."
The baby shifted from her position in her mother's chest and opened her eyes. I peered at the little girl's face couldn't help but smile at the new symbol she portrayed. Victory. It symbolized everything we had worked for, every sacrifice we had given. She gave us a new hope during this day, a new meaning. Seeing everyone here, too caught up with her with only smiles in their faces, was enough to tell me that.
Bill and Fleur only had eyes for their child, even when they knew there were others around the room. They look tired but fulfilled, their smiles never leaving their faces. The sun finally rose while everyone had their share of holding the baby, so they allowed the new family to rest and bond with their little one. One by one, the Weasleys said their respective goodbyes and apparated home so that they could come back later. George even gave me a wink as he handed me the galleons I had won from the bet before he disapparated, leaving me and Hermione alone in the little cottage by the shore.
I took Hermione's hand and said our own goodbyes to the new parents, but not long before the door to Shell Cottage was closed, she stopped and hugged me from behind. "I – am not telling you to give it up. I only wish that you'll be more careful. You know you have something to live for now. You are not that boy who once lived just to kill Voldemort. You have a family now, a home, so please."
The tone of her voice, her silent plea, everything she did. . .allowed the tears in my eyes to fall and I couldn't help but hold her, somehow show her, I knew. "I'm sorry, I didn't want to hurt you or make you worry. I thought I was doing the right thing."
She rested her head on the crook of my neck. Somehow, I could feel her tears as they trickled down my skin. I held her closer, allowing her to cry. "I – I'm sorry too. I was just worried. Please, don't try to protect me from the truth, I am stronger than that."
Silently, I nodded at her and rubbed circles around her back, kissing the crown of her head repeatedly. There was a new feeling trying to escape from my chest, a new hope. "What you said, did you mean it?"
She lifted her head to look at me, confused. "What do you mean?"
"About me having a family."
She gave me a warm smile as she retreated into my chest, nodding. What she said. . .it was everything that I longed for, something that I kept on searching for. I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming happiness in my chest at what she said and what I meant to her. Hesitantly, I pulled away and lifted her chin so that she would look at me in the eye. "Can you do something for me then?"
She nodded, her breath hitched at my question. I lifted the hand where the bracelet I gave her hung and looked at the trinkets. This time, I was sure in I wanted to do, the world be damned. This time, I didn't care about her safety or the Death Eaters that still evaded capture. For this time, all I wanted was to be with her. I fetched my wand from my back pocket and tapped the Golden Snitch.
Andromeda's words rang on my ears as I carefully took the emerald ring out of its hiding place, like I was examining it for the first time. "This, was your mother's. Give it to the person you see fit to have your heart. After all, your father chose a good witch to love."
Hesitantly, I bent down in one knee, ring at hand, as I observed Hermione's features. I knew we were still young, I only barely started working as an Auror. But remembering my dream, the dream where she was my wife and I was her other half, I knew that deep inside, this was what I wanted to do. This was the future I chose, to be with her.
Slowly, uncertainly, I flicked my wand and muttered, Aperio so that she would see what was in my heart, the day I decided to give her that bracelet. I watched as the bracelet went back to its original form and looked at her as she gasped. I was well aware how fast my heart was beating or how clammy my hands were in hers, but with a slight smirk at her teary expression, I remembered why I loved her in the first place.
Her bossiness, her tears, her laughs, her hobbies. . .everything about her was something I always look forward to. Knowing her was only a part of the equation, after all, when I decided to save her from that Mountain Troll, I never expected that she would be the girl I wanted to be with. . .but loving her? It was the best experience, terrifying, exhilarating, every moment was special. . .it was everything I could ever think of.
I knew, deep inside, that our relationship has its flaws, it was not perfect, but it was everything we had. We would have our misunderstandings and fights. . .but everything about it only strengthens us, it molded us to become better for our other half.
Gathering all my feelings and courage, I finally asked, "Marry me?"
A/N: If you're wondering, I got some scenes from this chapter from a story I read a really long time ago. I couldn't remember the title, but somehow, the scenes were still fresh even though I remember only parts of it. Only a few more chapters and this story will finally be finished. I have another one in mind, because my friend gave me an idea eons ago, but I still don't know when I will write it for Iris isn't finished yet. Finally, I want to ask you guys for any good fics that I could read, please send me a message/review about good Harry/Hermione fics. :)
I have a little surprise for you all btw, the next chapter will be posted this weekend, when I have the liberty to finally finish what remains of it. And also, I want you folks to tell me what you think of this chapter! I hope you enjoyed it. Please don't be shy and click the review button, your opinions matter. :)