Author's Note:
Here is the much awaited continuation to my first story. Sorry for the delay, life was busy. I only got to work on this story as I was sick for the past few days and had nothing much to do. I would also like to apologize for any continuity error or grammatical error. Please let me know of any issues that you find and I would try my level best to fix it.
Also i would like to thank annoymuslyblonde for all the support she provided in the story. If you reading this then, thanks a lot!
With that out of the way, ENJOY and Have a Good One !
The Graduation Day: 5:00 pm
They were sleeping on the Gryffindor common room couch that had been named the 'Harmony Couch' by the lions as most of the time it was used by Harry and Hermione. Harry awoke by a soft nudge from Hermione's elbow. He kissed her mess of hair that he had always loved as the sleep vanished from his eyes.
Between their Head duties and 8th Year school work, they rarely ever had any time for themselves, and if all was done and they were free, professors who had to go for an urgent work always asked them to substitute.
Today was the day that their N.E. result would come. Hermione had taken Advanced DADA, Advanced Transfiguration, Advanced Potions, Advanced Charms, Advanced Ancient Runes, History of Magic, Arithmancy, Alchemy and Herbology.
Harry was allowed to take the same subjects as Hermione but he had to give the tests of the year's 3rd to 6th for Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. He had taken these tests in the time while Hermione was in Australia as a way to surprise her when they got their schedule.
Harry decided to wake her as they had to do their last rounds of Hogwarts before their Graduation Ceremony. She stirred awake as he shook her. As soon as her eyes could see Harry, she kissed him making any sleep left within the two of them go away.
A 4th-year boy came and interrupted their moment 'Headmistress McGonagall had asked me to tell you both to meet her as soon as possible in her chambers.' he told them. 'Sorry for interrupting.', he added before running out the same way he came.
'Well, Hermione, looks like we got to get up.', Harry said rather sadly. 'But I don't want to get up.', Hermione pouted him but knew they had to go to McGonagall before the Graduation Ceremony and also take their last rounds.
They both made their way towards the Headmistress Chambers hands intertwined. They told the gargoyle guarding the chambers the password and went up the spiral staircase. They knocked on the door and were welcomed in by McGonagall.
'Your N.E. result came. The certificates are being made as we speak but I wanted to show you two your results myself.', she told them as they sat down in the chairs.
The news made Hermione tense up. 'Was my result that bad that McGonagall herself had to tell them?', she thought to herself. But Harry's hand on her shoulder calmed her. McGonagall passed them their results and Harry and Hermione exchanged them not wanting to see how they did themselves.
Harry opened hers first.
Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests
Name: Hermione Jean Granger
House: Gryffindor
Advanced Arithmancy Studies - O
Advanced Ancient Runes - O
Advanced Charms - O
Advanced Defence against the Darks Arts - O
Advanced Potions - O
Advanced Transfiguration - O
Astronomy - O
Alchemy - O
Herbology - O
History of Magic - O
Pass Marks:
O - Outstanding
E - Exceeds Expectations
A - Acceptable
Fail Marks:
P - Poor
D - Dreadful
T - Troll
'Just like I thought. You got all O's. Congratulations.', he told her as he hugged her. 'Do we have to open mine? Let's just let it be that way.', he told her jokingly.
'As if. I want to see how bad you did.', she teased him as she opened his result.
Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests
Name: Harry James Potter
House: Gryffindor
Advanced Arithmancy Studies - O
Advanced Ancient Runes - O
Advanced Charms - O
Advanced Defence against the Darks Arts - O
Advanced Potions - O
Advanced Transfiguration - O
Alchemy - O
Herbology - O
History of Magic - A
Pass Marks:
O - Outstanding
E - Exceeds Expectations
A - Acceptable
Fail Marks
P - Poor
D - Dreadful
T - Troll
'You got O's in all except History of Magic. You got an A in that. I told you to take notes in History but no, the great Harry Potter had other things on his mind.', Hermione scolded him.
'It was one time. You caught me staring at you only once.', he replied back. 'Yeah, one time that I know of.', she scoffed.
A quick cough from McGonagall made them realize that they were not alone. 'It seems you both did well, but Mr. Potter I would have liked if you had gotten O's in all of your subjects. But you will still be counted as the second highest scorer in this year's N.E. as 7 best scores out of the total scores are taken.', she told him.
'Yes, Professor. I wonder who would be first? Do you have any idea Hermione?', he asked her. 'Oh, I don't know. Must be some stupid girl who fell in love with a dumb idiotic and stupid raven-haired boy.', she replied back. 'Hey, nobody calls my Hermione stupid.', Harry told her.
'While I am loving this, you two must get ready for the ceremony that will take place in an hour.', McGonagall smiled at them. 'I hope you both have prepared your speeches?', McGonagall asked.
'Yes Professor, we have. We will take your leave now, we have our last rounds to take.', Hermione told her as they got up and left.
The ceremony was wonderful and no one had any doubts that the Head Girl and Head Boy would take the first and second positions respectively. After they had delivered their speech and gotten their certificates, they went to have their last feast at Hogwarts.
Many cried that evening as this would be the last time they would get to be in these great halls as a student. Harry and Hermione were nowhere to be found as they had taken this moment to escape from the Great Hall and spent their last moments in Hogwarts in the Room of Requirements.
'Can I come and live with you? At Grimmauld Place. After I meet with my parents.', Hermione asked Harry as they were cuddled on the couch that the room had generously given to them. Harry looked over his shoulder to and asked her, 'Are you sure you want to live with me?'. 'More than anything in this world.', Hermione responded.
'But there? I can buy a small house somewhere near your parent's place.', Harry told her.
'I know you can. But I want to live with you in that place so that you can have some good memories of that place. I know you like that place for Sirius, and yet you also hate that place for Sirius.', Hermione told him. 'I want you to have more good memories of that place.'
'Alright. I'll ask Kreacher to ready a room for you.', he told her and he was shocked to hear her laugh. Once, she calmed down a bit she told him, 'We are a couple, Harry. We can stay in the same room and sleep on the same bed. We are adults. And more importantly, I trust you to not do anything I am not ready to do.'
'Right, Sorry Hermione.', he apologized. 'We better head back before they start looking for us.', Harry added. 'Yeah. That's why I want to move in with you, we can have all the time we want at least for one day.', she told him as she got up and straightened her clothes.
As she was helping him with straightening his clothes she asked him, 'Have you thought of the offer that Head Auror gave you?' 'Yeah. I have decided to refuse his offer again for a free pass in the office. Instead, I'll take the test to enter the academy, and pass the Auror test like everyone else.' Harry told her honestly.
'That's what I like about you. You never use your fame for anything. Never change.', Hermione told him as she held his hand. 'Your wish my command. What have you decided?', Harry asked her. 'Kingsley offered me a post in DMLE but I think I'll go for the interview just like you.', Hermione told him.
They then slipped into the Great Hall and started saying their goodbyes to all the professors. Goodbye to Hagrid was the saddest of all. 'I'll miss yeh both. Don' forget ter write me.', he had said to both. He had then taken Hermione aside to talk to her about something important. 'Her ears on'y.', he told Harry.
'What is it Hagrid?', Hermione asked. 'Well, 's 'bout Harry. I know yeh love 'im and I also know he loves yeh. All me is tryin' to say is tha' there's ups an' downs in all relationships. Harry… well Harry can act a bit thick sometimes but try not ter hold it agains' 'im. Will yeh Hermione?', Hagrid asked of her.
'Of course, Hagrid. I know Harry better than he probably knows himself. I know that he has his moments of stupidity but I also know that he cares for me.', Hermione told Hagrid.
'But I understand what you are trying to say. I'll make sure to keep Harry from not acting too dumb.', Hermione told Hagrid and he smiled before taking his leave.
Hermione found Harry trying a new dish that was set up for the feast. 'Did you know ando-something something is quite good despite the smell.', Harry told her intellectually. 'It's andouille de vire, Harry. And yes, I went to France for my Holidays so I know what it tastes like.', Hermione corrected him.
'Students!', McGonagall called for the attention of 7th year and the few 8th year students. 'Seeing as this is the last time you will attend Hogwarts as students, we teachers have decided to have a little departure ball. Please pick your partners and the Head Boy and Head Girl will open the 'ball'.', McGonagall announced.
'Looks like you are stuck with me Miss Granger.', Harry teased her. 'You just realized that? I have known that ever since 4th Year.', Hermione retorts.
They open the ball, as McGonagall had asked. And close it too. They literally had to be pried off the dance floor so that the rest of the school could attend the End of the Year feast and head back to their dorms before going back for summer holidays the next day.
The next day came and Harry and Hermione had led the pack of students to carriages before finding one for themselves. Soon, the duo found themselves an empty compartment in the middle of the train so that no one would bother them and locked the door with silencing charms as a secondary measure.
Harry had purposely waited for Hermione to sit down and then placed his head on her lap. Hermione didn't object and just played with his hair. They just sat like this and talked about anything, hoping that they could just stay like this forever talking about anything.
But all good things must come to an end.
King's Cross had arrived. Harry collected his and Hermione's luggage and exited to the muggle world where Hermione's parents were waiting for them.
'It's so good to see you two.' Mrs. Granger greeted them and wrapped them in a hug. Mr. Granger hugged Harry before hugging Hermione and kissing her forehead. 'I missed you. You both.', Mr. Granger told them. He had opened up to Harry.
'How did your exams go? I have heard from Hermione that they are an integral part of your career ahead.', Mr. Granger asked them. 'I was 1st in our year and Harry was second due to his abysmal result in History.', Hermione told them.
'It was Acceptable. At least I passed.', Harry added. 'Hermione, stop teasing Harry like that.', Mrs. Granger reprimanded Hermione.
The Grangers had convinced Harry to come home with them for this week. Then they would think of something else to hold him there. Harry enjoyed the ride back to Hermione's home, which was starting to feel like his own home.
Harry helped the Granger with the luggage and put his and Hermione's trunks in Hermione's room. The Grangers had allowed them to stay in the same room if they kept the door a bit open.
Dinner came and went. Harry and Hermione had volunteered to help with dishes. Harry's job was washing the dishes and Hermione's was to dry them. After 3 minutes of work, everything was done and they had decided to sit by the fireplace on the couch for a bit before heading to bed.
'How am I going to tell them of my decision to move in with you?', Hermione asked him worriedly.
'You aren't. We are. As you said in the Room of Requirements, we are a couple now. There's no you or me now, it's just we.', Harry assured her.
'We can figure something out. We always do. Hell, we defeated Voldemort. Convincing your parents should be a piece of cake, right?.', Harry tried to lighten the mood and it worked. Hermione laughed. He always loved those laughs of her. He loved everything about her.
Hermione laughter was stopped abruptly as Harry's lips came close to Hermione's. They were just a few inches apart and Hermione decided to close that distance and they kissed forgetting that they were at home, all they cared about was each other.
Mr. and Mrs. Granger saw the scene playing from the stairs and were reminded of their youth. They had also heard Hermione's worries and Harry's little speech on how he looked at their relationship. Without speaking to one other, they decided to talk to the two young adults about their decision separately.
Harry and Hermione had finally decided to head to bed and slept like puppies. In the morning, they woke up to Mrs. Granger waking them both up.
It was a weekend so they didn't have to head to their dental practice. 'Wakey wakey sleepy heads.', Mrs. Granger woke them. 'Harry, dear, Dan wanted to talk to you about something. He is downstairs with two cups of Hot Cocca.', she told him.
Harry got up from bed and went to the washroom to freshen up and went downstairs to see Dan sitting on the dining table. 'Harry, come on over here.', Dan called him.
'What is it, sir?', Harry asked.
'I, or shall we say me and Emma, heard yours and Hermione's little talk last night. We are sorry but we were coming downstairs to get something and overheard.', Mr Granger explained.
'I know of Hermione's decision to move in with you. And I am not saying that I am against it and neither is Emma. You two are young, and want to explore your options.', he continued.
'Did Hermione ever tell you how and when me and Emma married? No? Well, I was 19 and she was 18. I am not what you call a religious person, but Emma's parents were. They didn't approve of my relationship with her.', he told him.
'They outright told her to leave me. She didn't listen to them and we continued seeing each other on late-night strolls. One night, she told me that her parents had found a groom for her. He was some pastor's brother's son or something, real religious fella.', he told the story as if it had occurred yesterday.
'She said that she didn't want to marry a man she didn't even know the name of. It was my idea to run away and marry and she accepted my idea. And now we are happily married for 23 years.', he finished his story.
'So… you want us to run away and marry?', Harry spoke after moments of silence trying make a joke.
'No. Heavens no.', He replied with a short a laugh. 'The reason I am telling you this story is because I want you to think about what I was thinking at that time. Can you live without Hermione? If the answer's no, then you are going on the correct path. But this path will also have its ups and downs. Understand that. Life is not an exam where there is only one correct answer and the rest are wrong.', he told Harry.
'Sometimes, even wrong choices can help us in life. I can only guide you. The path you pick is your choice. But now, its consequences will not only affect you. It will also affect Hermione. Think of what I said.', Mr. Granger looked like he was about to finish.
'Oh, looks like Emma also talked to Hermione.', Dan brought to Harry's notice.
Hermione looked like she wanted to talk to Harry alone and seeing this Emma and Dan left the room to head out for a walk.
'You still wanna move in?', Harry whispered to her softly hoping that her answer didn't change. She didn't say anything at first and he thought maybe he wasn't loud enough and decided to repeat his question.
This time Hermione looked down as she came towards him. She didn't say anything just hugged him. Even with no words being exchanged between them, he understood everything she wanted to say.
'Thank you, Hermione. Thank you so much.', Harry told her as he held her tightly. 'No. Thank you, Harry, for telling me about your feelings. If you hadn't, I wouldn't have had the courage to tell you about mine either.'
The days went by and soon it was time for Hermione to move into Grimmauld Place. 'I am going to miss you sweetie.', Mrs. Granger told Hermione as she hugged her.
'Harry?', Mr Granger called him upstairs.
'Yes, sir. You wanted to talk to me?', Harry asked.
'I have always been there for my little princess till she was 12. Then, she went off to Hogwarts and when she returned, she always talked of only one boy, Harry Potter. Harry did this. Harry did that. Harry saved me. Harry became my first friend. It got to a point where every sentence of hers had one mention of Harry Potter. It only increased after her 2nd year.', he told Harry.
'Then suddenly, she came for the holidays of Christmas of her 3rd year and she was quiet, uninterested in everything and above all had lost all her excitement. Not even a mention of Harry. On Christmas morning, she ran downstairs as soon as she was awake and started throwing boxes trying to look for one box. Harry Potter's box. When she didn't find it, she didn't show any emotion to me or Emma. But we could tell that inside she was scared, scared that she lost her first friend permanently. She wanted to cry but didn't. That was the worst I have ever seen my little angel.', he stopped at this point for a moment. Harry looked down in embarrassment. He didn't send her a present just over a broom.
*(A/N: Sirius sent the broom early in this and Hermione had left for her Parents also. Bit of Divergence.)
'Then summer break came and the Harry song started again.', he said after his momentary pause.
'All I am saying is she has liked you ever since her 1st year. And she has 'liked' liked you ever since she came back from her 3rd Year. She has always told me you were there for her whenever she asked for it, except for the Christmas of 3rd year. Now I want you to promise to me that you will be there for her all the time, not just when she needs you and that Christmas incident will never repeat itself. These past few years have made me realize that I won't be with her forever… but it would ease my burden if I could know for sure that someone is there for her even after me.', Dan ended his little speech.
'I promise that I will never let Hermione be alone. That is a promise of a son to his father.', Harry said solemnly. Dan hugged Harry as he said this. 'Thank you, son. Thank you.', he told him.
They went downstairs to see Mrs Granger had said her goodbyes to Hermione. While Mr. Granger was saying his goodbyes to Hermione, Mrs Granger hugged him and asked him to take care. He simply replied, 'I would… Mum.', hearing this she hugged him tightly and said to him, 'Welcome to the family, dear.'
Harry first apparated to Grimmauld Place to place her things and prepare for a surprise. After an hour, he popped back with a blindfold. 'Wear this.', he said. Hermione though a little taken aback obliged but not before having a group hug with her parents and Harry.
She then felt a hand lock with hers and then felt the sensation of apparition. 'Follow me.', she heard Harry somewhere in front of her with her hand still held in his. Soon they came to a stop. 'Can I take this off now?', Hermione asked.
'Let me help.', he said as he undid her blindfold. As soon as she could see, she heard Harry say 'Taadaa!'
In front of her was a dinner table, but not only there was a dinner table, the room was dimly lit and soft soothing song was being played in the background. It was just like what she always told Harry what her dream setting for a date was.
'You did this all for me?', Hermione asked him with tears in her eyes. 'No… I did this Ron. Of course, I did this for us. Really Hermione, for the brightest witch of her age you sure can act a bit… I am not going to complete that sentence.', Harry said jokingly.
He then helped her to her seat before sitting himself. Then, Winky came in with a wine bottle in hand and filled both of their glasses to brim. Winky was dressed in a green uniform- a shirt, skirt and a small coat over her shirt. Kreacher was dressed the same but his were blue and instead of a skirt he wore trousers.
'Thank you Winky.', Harry told the rather energetic house elf. After the wine pouring was finished, Winky with the help of Kreacher started bringing in all the dishes Hermione liked.
'Thank you Winky and Kreacher but you two didn't need to work so hard for me.', Hermione told the elves. She had matured up to know that all the house elves are not mistreated. Potter House Elves were prime examples of this. But before she could personally meet them, they had passed away in the first war in which Potter Manor and other residences were destroyed by Voldemort in search of Harry.
'Oh No, Miss Hermione. We is not do a thing. All was done by Master Harry. He didn't let us turn on the fire even.', Winky told Hermione and Kreacher nodded. Hearing this, Hermione looked to Harry who was a brighter shade of pink and mumbled something that sounded like, 'hope you like it.'
As soon as she dug into the first dish she could see, she felt like she was in heaven. The food was great and all, but what it special to Hermione was that it was Harry who made it for her. 'You are a good cook, Harry. From now onwards you will cook everything.', Harry just smiled at this.
After this little candle lit supper, Harry asked the two elves to go to Hogwarts and have a good time with the other elves there.
Harry then turned the music a little louder and held out his hand towards her and asked, 'May I have the honour of a dance with you, Milady?' 'Why not, fine sire.', Hermione replied before taking his hand.
They danced for an hour taking short breaks by kissing each other. After that, Harry carried her in his arms to their beds and closed the door.
*(A/N: Get your mind outta the gutter. They did what they did in the Room of Requirements.)
5 months had passed since Hermione moved in with Harry. Harry had passed his Auror Academy Entrance Test with flying colours, top of the batch even. Hermione on the other hand had successfully given her interview and was given an entry position in Department of Regulations and Control of Magical Creatures, a position she was more than happy to accept as this would help her identify all the errors in the foundation that was made to protect and, in some cases, foster the magical creatures.
They were now 'in-sync' as some people may call it. They had a schedule made up. Wake up, then freshen up and shower – sometimes together and others singular.
Then, breakfast was served. Afterwards, they would just sit on the couch and talk about anything anyone wants to talk about.
After their talk, they would get ready for their work, Hermione for her office and Harry for his Academy.
Today was a special day for Harry as today was the day of his Auror Recruitment test. As the wizarding world was in need of capable Aurors as many had perished in the Second War, the tests were scheduled earlier than ever. The training for Aurors had been started in Hogwarts itself. All students were given the opportunity to take Advanced Courses, but students who wanted to give the Auror Exam were required to take these courses.
If he passed this test, he could get into the Hit-Wizards Programme and also join the Aurors. The Hit-Wizards programme was a training regimen of sorts where accomplished Aurors only get entry, but seeing Harry's track record, he probably outranks every mid rank aurors in terms of on field experience.
Hermione had to convince Harry that he gained this and that it was not a charity. He eventually relented and accepted Blackthorn's offer, who had now been turned Head of DMLE.
'Ready for the big day, Harry?', Hermione asked Harry as she woke up. Harry just hummed a yes. 'Come on, wake up!', Hermione said as she threw a pillow at him. 'I'm up!', Harry exclaimed before throwing the pillow back in her general direction.
This back and throw of pillow continued for a few minutes before Harry grabbed Hermione and tickled her till there were tears in her eyes. 'Stop it, Harry.', she said in-between her laughter. 'First say you're sorry.', Harry replied back. 'Fine. Sorry.', Hermione finally said.
But she was far from sorry, as soon as Harry had let her go, she grabbed him starting tickling him. After some time, Hermione had her face just inches above Harry's, and Harry seeing this as a perfect escape route, closed the gap and kissed her.
This turned into a whole make-out session. Afterwards, they followed their schedule and were ready to head out. 'Best of Luck, Harry.', Hermione told him and she kissed him goodbye. 'Thanks. And have fun at work. If my test finished early, I'll wait outside your office, alright?', he said and she nodded in agreement. Then, they took the same elevator to the DMLE department and bid goodbyes.
Harry was the last to arrive, it seemed. All the test takers had arrived and were seated on their respective benches. Many of them were the students that Harry had graduated with.
He took his seat and not five minutes afterwards the Written Part of the test started.
The written test included Poisons and antidotes, History of the Dark Arts, Dark Detectors among other topics.
He was going through questions like a tank through a wall. With 15 minutes to spare he was done. He rechecked his answers and then submitted it to the invigilator. He was then asked to wait outside the hall for some time after which the Practical Part would start.
The practical portion consisted of Concealment and Disguise, Stealth and Tracking, Duelling in the Dark and other things.
He was partnered with a person he had never met, most likely from out of Britain, for any practical that needed a partner. He was a happy fellow, if not overly happy.
He felt confident that he would be selected even into the Hit-Wizard Programme. He checked his clock and saw that he still had roughly 3 hours before Hermione got off. So, he decided to plan a date for her. They also hadn't seen Ron or Luna in a long time, so he also decided that they would to visit them afterwards.
All the planning and plotting took Harry 2 hours to complete. Then as promised, he waited outside Hermione's department. The lady at the reception asked him of the purpose of visit without looking up.
'I'm waiting for my girlfriend Hermione Granger. She gets off from work in half an hour.', he told. The lady asked him to wait in the waiting area, and went back to her work. He was reading the new edition of Witches Weekly, when a pair of soft hands covered his eyes and heard Hermione's voice say, 'Guess who?'. 'Hermione! I waited for a long time. Come on, I have the entire night planned out.', he got up and grabbed her hand.
'Fine, but first let me keep my bag back home, then we will go. Also how did your exam go?', she asked. 'Fine. I think I would get into the Hit-Wizard Programme.', he replied before they both flooed to Grimmauld Place and told the elves that they would be out for the night and to not wait for them.
Harry then took her to a newly opened carnival in London close to their home. There they went all out playing go-kart, riding on the Ferris Wheel, eating cotton candy from the same stick. They then went to a nice, decent but not very expensive restaurant for dinner.
After dinner, the pair apparated to Weasley's shop, where Ron would most likely be. There they found not only Ron but Luna as well. The pair were just about to head out before Harry and Hermione came.
'Hey, how did your auror exam go?', Ron asked while Luna and Hermione were gone to the Leaky Cauldron to get some dinner for Ron and Luna.
'Eh, I think I would get into the course but you never know.', he told him. They talked about everything that happened in their lives since they last met. During this conversation, the ladies had come back from the pub and were setting up the table. Upon Luna request, Hermione had gotten 2 sandwiches for herself and Harry.
They talked while having dinner about the future expansion ideas for the shop. George was planning on creating a new brand of products and Ron had already thought of a prototype for this line of product.
Luna had told Hermione about helping her father with the Quibbler as it had grown in popularity ever since the 'Boy-who-lived' and now the 'Man-who-conquered' started giving exclusive interviews for the Quibbler only.
Hermione told them about how she was working on modifying the foundation of her department. It had its good points but they were out shadowed by its flaws.
Harry had nothing to add to this conversation so he just told them of all the people that were there for the test.
After dinner was over, they had some deserts and then, Harry and Hermione bid their goodbyes.
2 days later, his results arrived and he was so anxious that Hermione had to step in and take the result letter from him and glanced at it.
'Yay! You have been selected for the programme, Harry.', she cheered before engulfing him in a hug.
Harry read the letter and found that his first day was the very next day.
After a good night's rest and a fresh mind, Harry entered the Head of DMLE's room. 'Mr. Potter, how very good of you to come earlier than scheduled.', Blackthorn smiled at him. 'Come on up and wait.', he gestured towards a chair in front of his desk.
After he was seated, Blackthorn gave him a form to fill that required the details that would go down in the registry. 'This programme will mostly be a hands-on experience.', he told him as he looked over the document. 'This looks good!', he told him before calling his secretary to take the form.
After everyone had arrived – which really were only 5 people - and filled their forms, Blackthorn brought their attention towards him
'You would be given training, by being a part of the first ever task force of Britain. It would be headed unofficially by me till this 24-month programme ends. Afterwards, based on your performance, the leader will be officially announced.', he stopped at this.
'You are to not speak of this task force to anyone but your closest family. Is that clear?', he asked with force. Everyone nodded.
And so, it started. The training was a on field exercise. Harry and his team members, who were mostly people he was not familiar with, had to respond to any dark activities that were reported to DMLE. This response was secondary and quiet, they had to make sure no one saw them operating.
They also had to keep a track of all escaped death eaters. Many times, their responses relating to the dark activities were caused by them only. They had thus far convicted 25 escaped death eaters.
In this 24 months' time, Harry and Hermione's relationship had advanced from cuddling and kissing.
*(A/N: Me not a good smut writer, nor do I want to add smut in this story. Use your best imagination. It is a Free for all.)
Today was a bad day for Harry. In the morning, he and Hermione got into an argument. Hermione was cranky all night worrying about some report she had to hand in today. Her report was still not complete by the time he went to bed. When he woke up, she was still in the same position writing. 'Hermione, you gotta rest. Maybe take some coffee or tea. You can't keep working like this.', he tried to comfort.
'I don't need tea or Coffee right now! Let me work in peace, you are distracting me.', she snapped at him.
'Hermione, I'm only trying to help you.', he tried to tell her but this only angered her more. 'Maybe I don't need your tea or snacks or kind words. All I need is some peace and quiet.', she yelled at him.
Harry was taken aback by this. 'I was just trying to help.', he added softly. 'You don't have to prove yourself to anyone, Hermione.', he told her as he hugged her from behind.
She shrugged him and told him, 'I HAVE to PROVE myself. I am a Muggleborn Witch. You don't get it, you don't have to prove yourself, you are the Great Harry Pott-', she stopped mid-sentence knowing that she shouldn't have said that. He never used his fame, nor did he care for it.
His temper too rose, but he didn't show it with words. Hermione got up from her seat and started walking towards him trying to say, 'I'm sorr-', but before she could get it all out, he left the living room. He came back minutes later, and by the looks of it showered, and left for work without a word. This was the first time ever they didn't ever have one of their talks before work.
Hermione knew she was wrong to yell at Harry and even more wrong to bring up his fame. She decided that she would apologize to him again at lunch.
Harry was fuming when he reached the Ministry. 'How could she even think that?', he thought to himself. 'I get that she has a report to work on, but still.', he continued his rant all the way to his cabin.
He was then called by Blackthorn for a mission. Within minutes, him and his team were on site for a sudden bout of dark magic. Harry and Henry, the two of the most powerful wizards on the team and the leading contenders for the leader post, with Ada their master technician were entering the building from which the dark magic was noticed.
Ada had searched every nook and corner as they moved forward and found no traps. Henry being the hot-headed guy he was, started pushing forward.
He sidestepped a curse that came from a room on the 3rd floor. 'One in the living room.', Harry called out into his watch. This was a special watch, it not only showed time, but it could also be used as a transmitter. Harry and Hermione had come up with the idea, and with their creative minds, they created their first invention. Soon, the Ministry brought the design schematics and the working model from them and gave them money in return.
Two more curses came out of the room. 'Too fast to be from the same person.' He thought. He looked at Henry who had better vision and he held up 4 fingers. '4 people in the living room. Most likely our culprits.', Harry called out again. 'Permission to engage granted, get those sons of bitches alive, team.', came the voice of Blackthorn to their earpieces.
Hearing this Harry and Henry sprung to action, they came into the room and started firing hexes at the 4 targets. The 4 death eaters fought back but were soon outnumbered as the full team came and held them at wand-point.
'Who among you is the leader?', Harry asked. All fingers pointed to the man in dark grey robes. He looked like he was in his mid-30s, he must have joined the death eaters' forces in the second war.
'You all are pussies.', the man growled at his peers. 'Fine. It's me who has the misfortune of leading these band of dimwits. You can ask me anything, but you won't get anything from me.', he told Harry with a sneer. 'These lips are sealed.'
'Think your next words carefully, sir. I won't ask twice.', Harry told the man in a cold whisper. 'Suck my dick! Potter.', he growled back before gesturing at said part.
'Henry, they retaliated. We had no choice but to use lethal spells on them. Sounds good enough in a report, right?', Harry asked Henry. 'Yeah, sounds good to me. You take those 2. I don't kill wimps.', he pointed at the 2 men who were shaking with fear.
'We were told to escape. We-', before he could continue, the supposed leader had fired a spell at the man who was speaking and killed him on the spot. He was aiming the next at his team. The wand movement looked like that of Bombarda Maxima. Without a thought, he pushed everyone out of the room, but before he could himself get out, the curse struck near where he was standing. The floor below him collapsed and he fell through the hole.
He saw the man smiling at him before trying to hit him with a bludgeoning curse. Harry rolled out of the way but his leg however was still in the line of fire and got injured. He screamed in pain and felt like he was losing consciousness.
The last thing he remembered was Blackthorn's voice coming into his earpiece saying, 'Abort the mission. I repeat, ABORT THE MISSION.'
Hermione's POV:
Hermione Granger was having one hell of a bad day. She was yelled at by her seniors for not handing in the report on time, even though she was only 15 minutes late to submit. She also got into a fight with Harry, and he didn't even have anything for breakfast.
She was a bit disappointed to hear that Harry had already left on a mission. She decided that she would take him to his favourite Chinese Restaurant to have lunch.
She was about to head out to book a reservation for their table when Ada, one of Harry's co-workers, came looking for her frantically all covered in blood. 'Hermione, come quickly.', she said as she pulled her from her desk and out of her office.
'Ada! Calm down, what happened? And whose blood is this?', she asked. 'It… It's Harry.', Hermione stopped in her tracks. 'We were on a mission. We caught the guys and Harry was interrogating them, one of the guys almost talked but the leader of their small group attacked him before he could finish. Then, he tried to attack us, but Harry pushed us all out. He was about to get out, but his spell was fast and he fell down 2 floors.', Hermione gasped at this. She didn't even realize she was being pulled by Ada again.
'That didn't do much damage. What did do damage was the fact that that crooked man tried to kill Harry with a bludgeoning curse, he rolled on his back but his leg was struck.', she finished her story as they reached the Auror Emergency Ward in the Ministry.
'He has still not woken up. But he keeps on repeating your name.', Ada told her. Hermione made towards the door but was stopped by Ada, 'Hermione, you have to be strong. You can't cry when you see him. He needs you; you understand?', she told her. Hermione only nodded.
As soon as she was in the room she saw Harry, his leg was covered in a paste of sorts, his hands were bandaged and head was being tended. It took all her willpower to not run to him. She saw his mouth was moving but she couldn't quite hear what he tried to say from where she stood.
'Ms. Granger?', a healer came to address her. She nodded. 'Please come this way.', she gestured Hermione to follow her. 'I am Healer Minanza', the healer introduced herself, 'and this is Healer William', she gestured to the man who was tending to Harry's head injury.
'If you would be so kind to wait by that bench.', Healer William told her. 'I'll finish the procedure and then you can sit by him.' 'There are no complications, right sir?', Hermione asked worriedly.
The healer shook his head to say no. 'And that's done. As soon as the potions wear off, he would wake up. That could take 15 minutes to half an hour. He will be under our observation for 2-3 days. Did he have anything for breakfast?', he asked her. 'No. We… he left early.', Hermione told him. 'Well, when he wakes up, tell me Minanza.', he told the other healer who nodded. She then left the room after Healer William.
Hermione sat at the small stool that was near Harry's bed before taking his hand in her hands and wept. 'I'm sorry, Harry. I promise I would never yell at you. Just please wake up.', Hermione cried on his hand. She stayed like for minutes before she felt Harry squeeze her hand.
'Harry!', she exclaimed before calling for the healers. They both came and did some tests on Harry. Then, they told the couple that he would stay in their care for 2 days before he was let go home. 'Also, no work for this week. Understood Mr. Potter?', Healer William asked and Harry nodded.
They were silent for a while after the healers left. Harry broke the silence, 'I'm sorry Hermione, for acting like I did after our argument and for scaring you like this.' 'Don't be stupid. I should be the one to apologize. You were just trying to help me and I yelled at you.', she told him.
'So, it looks like we both are at fault here.', Harry told her before smiling causing Hermione to smile too. Blackthorn visited Harry. 'I'm so proud of you, young man. You have raised my head with pride. I promise you that I will find the person who tipped them off and told them to leave. I've gotta go now. See you on the day of result.', he told Harry before leaving
Hermione had taken the week off. She sat with Harry the whole time and talked to him. On the last day of his stay, Blackthorn had arrived to find Harry asleep. Hermione was about to wake him up but he stopped her and said, 'Let him sleep. He has deserved it. I just wanted to give him the good news that due to his performance and his heroic act, his team, including Henry, has voted for him to be their leader. This is for him.', he handed her a letter. 'Tell him he's the first Wizard to lead the British Task Force. I have announcements to make and interviews to schedule, see you later.', he told her before leaving.
Harry didn't wake up till after an hour had passed. She gave him this good news and he was over the moon. His team had come to visit him and congratulate him for this milestone. Life was good for one Harry Potter and Hermione Granger.
A/N: Thanks for reading and please leave a review.
Have a Good One !
