This chapter contains references to war, torture, and trauma, which may be triggering for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

August 10th 2005 - 15 Winter Way, Cokeworth

Harry was at the home of his grandfather, Hugo Evans. He hadn't been to his grandfather's house since he had joined the SAS, just over a year ago, and he was surprised at how much he had missed it. The small, modest house in Cokeworth held so many memories from his childhood, and being there made him feel closer to his grandfather.

Looking at a photograph of his grandfather from when he was serving in the RAF, Harry remembered the stories from him and Rose, Harry's grandmother, about how she served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and him in the Battle of Britain.

As Harry reminisced about his grandfather's stories, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for him. He had always looked up to both of his grandfathers, Hugo having served in the RAF, and Fleamont Potter, who had served in the Royal Navy, running escort convoys across the Atlantic.

Harry's thoughts then turned to his own situation. He had been on administrative leave for nearly two weeks, waiting for a decision from the SAS higher-ups about his and Hermione's future in the regiment. Harry knew that the outcome of this decision would have a significant impact on his life, as well as Hermione's.

As he watched his grandfather making a mug of hot chocolate each, Harry couldn't help but feel grateful for the warmth and comfort of the familiar surroundings. It was a far cry from the chaos and danger he had faced in the SAS, and it made him appreciate the simple things in life even more.

"Here you go, lad. Just the way you like it," his grandfather said, handing him the steaming mug of hot chocolate.

"Thanks, Granddad. It's good to be back here," Harry replied, taking a sip of the sweet, warm drink.

"I'm glad to have you here, Harry. It's not often that I get to spend time with my favourite grandson," Hugo said with a chuckle.

"I'm your only grandson!" Harry said with a chuckle. "I mean, my sisters don't count!"

Hugo laughed. "Well, there's that, but you know you're my favourite anyway," he said, giving Harry a playful wink.

They settled into an easy conversation, catching up on what they had been doing in the time since they last saw each other. Harry talked about his time in the SAS, careful not to reveal too much about the nature of his work, while his grandfather regaled him with stories of his own experiences in the RAF.

As they talked, Harry's mind drifted to Hermione, who was at home, waiting for news about their future. He couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt for leaving her alone, but he knew that his grandfather needed him too.

"Harry, you seem a bit distracted. Is everything alright?" Hugo asked, noticing the look on Harry's face.

"Yeah. I.. I'm just worried. I mean, I know Hermione and I broke the rules, but... I just care about her. How did your CO react when you and gran got together?"

Hugo leaned back in his chair and took a sip of his hot chocolate, thinking about Harry's question. "Well, it was a different time back then, lad. Rose and I met during the war, and we were both serving in the RAF. We were stationed together for a while, and we just... clicked, you know?"

Harry nodded, listening intently. He had always loved hearing his grandfather's stories, especially the ones about his time in the RAF.

"But, of course, there were rules about fraternisation even back then," Hugo continued. "We had to keep our relationship a secret, but we were careful. We didn't want to jeopardise our positions or put anyone else in danger. It was tough, but we made it work."

Harry nodded, thinking about the similarities between his own situation and his grandfather's. "I guess things haven't changed all that much," he said, feeling a sense of camaraderie with his grandfather.

Hugo smiled, looking at his grandson with pride. "You're a good man, Harry. You know what's important in life, and you're willing to fight for it. Just like your grandmother and I did."

"It's just... with Hermione expecting, it's even more important to me to be there for her," Harry said, his voice tinged with worry.

Hugo put a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. "I understand, lad. And I'm sure that whatever happens, you and Hermione will make it work. You're both strong, capable people, and you have each other's backs. That's what really matters."

"I know, and... I know I'm not really supposed to talk about operations and stuff, but when I was in Kabul, when I was being tortured... Harry's voice trailed off, his eyes focused on the hot chocolate in his mug. Hugo could sense the pain and trauma in his grandson's voice and he knew that Harry was struggling with something deep and painful.

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, Harry," Hugo said, his voice soft and understanding.

Harry looked up at his grandfather, his eyes filled with emotion. "I just... I don't know how to deal with it, you know? The things I saw and did... they haunt me. And now with Hermione and the baby... I don't want them to have to deal with that too. Especially as I know that you were in a POW camp at one stage when the Germans shot you down, and you managed to escape... but I couldn't... all I could think about was staying strong... for the regiment... for Hermione... I mean, I know they've provided counselling and therapy, but when the attack on the London Transport network happened last month, and I couldn't contact Hermione, couldn't make sure that she was safe...

"And then when I did get through to her... how her dad had been injured on that bus... I knew I had to make a choice, and now with the investigation." Harry sighed.

Hugo listened intently to his grandson, feeling a sense of empathy for the pain he was going through. He knew firsthand the toll that war could take on a person's mental health and he wished he could take away Harry's pain.

"Harry, I know it's not easy. But you don't have to go through it alone," he said, his voice soft and gentle. "There's no shame in seeking help, whether it's from a therapist or from your family and friends. We're all here for you, and we want to support you in any way we can."

Harry nodded, feeling a sense of relief at his grandfather's words. "Thanks, Granddad. I appreciate it. It's just hard, you know?"

"I know, lad. But you're stronger than you think. And you've got Hermione and your family to lean on. We'll get through this together," Hugo said, giving Harry a reassuring smile.

As they finished their hot chocolate, Harry felt a sense of gratitude for his grandfather's words. He knew that the road ahead would be tough, but he also knew that he wasn't alone. And with the love and support of his family, he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As he was about to return to Hermione, his phone rang. He looked to see who it was and it was the call he was dreading. It was Major Bones.

Harry took a deep breath before answering the call. He knew that this conversation would determine his and Hermione's future in the SAS.

"Major Bones," Harry said, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Trooper Potter. My office, 0900 hours tomorrow."

Harry hung up the phone, feeling a mix of anxiety and anticipation. The meeting with Major Bones would determine their fate, and he knew that the outcome could change everything.

As he left his grandfather's house and made his way back to Hermione, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of uncertainty. He had always known that the SAS was a risky job, but he had never expected it to impact his personal life in such a significant way.

When he arrived home, Hermione was waiting for him, a look of concern on her face. "What did they say?" she asked, taking his hand.

Harry took a deep breath before replying. "We have a meeting with Major Bones tomorrow. She'll let us know what's going to happen."

Hermione nodded, her expression serious. "What do you think will happen?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"We broke the rules, we got together knowing that the Regiment had a policy on fraternisation, and we'll have to face the consequences. I don't know what the outcome will be, but we have to be prepared for anything," Harry replied, his voice low. "Its my fault, I shouldn't have...Hermione cut him off, placing a hand on his arm. "No, Harry. We both made the decision to be together. It wasn't just you. We knew the risks, but we couldn't help our feelings for each other."

Harry nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude for Hermione's unwavering support. He knew that no matter what happened, they would face it together.

As they sat in silence, Harry's mind drifted to the meeting with Major Bones. He knew that the outcome would impact not just their careers in the SAS, but their future as a family.

But he also knew that he had his family's support and love, and that gave him the strength to face whatever lay ahead.