January 14th, 2006
Grimmauld
Harry makes a face. Ron is beating his ass in wizard's chess. He can't help cringing a little each time one of his pieces gets destroyed. Letting out a breath, he makes his move, trying, in a last effort, to trap Ron.
He smiles, sure that he succeeded, but then, after two more moves, Ron says:
"Checkmate."
Harry snorts. "Fuck you." He says to Ron and they burst into a sincere laugh. "I don't ever want to play with you again, mate."
"Ah, come on, you cry baby. Hermione used to lose to me every time, but she never gave up until she beat me. It happened one time and I have to say that I'm proud that I'm better than her at something."
Harry shakes his head. He doesn't want to talk about Hermione. Things are… awkward between them.
A few days after he read the file, he said she could take it back and Hermione went to his flat. Harry has to admit that he was a bit cold, distant. But not so much intentionally, it was just… after the talk with Sirius, he kept thinking about them and about his feelings. And the more he thought, the more sure he was that there's no future for them.
The realization wrecked him.
And when she apparated inside his flat, he felt unsure.
Unsure of what to do with the turmoil inside him and with the fact that maybe he should move on from her.
He completely froze when he looked at her engagement ring. He froze when he registered her Head Auror's uniform.
Pettigrew's soon-to-be wife. Riddle's daughter.
And Hermione herself seemed to notice that something was off.
She didn't try to hug him. They didn't kiss. They only talked.
They talked about the file. Talked about the Aurors. Talked about the Persecution. Talked about Sirius' deposition and James' interrogation. Hermione didn't bring up the fact that Riddle knew from the start where the Potters were and Harry didn't ask what she made of it… but he should have, though. He should have asked her, should have questioned if Riddle might have other motives to go after the Potters.
They settled on visiting Goyle next. In five days from now.
And since this talk they barely saw each other. Hermione has been working like crazy and Harry stays out of her way. She didn't go after him either, and he's focused on his own tasks, trying to stay under the radar.
Investigations on what happened with the statue are ragging. Hermione is mostly occupied with that. Since the attack, even when Harry was away in Italy, Riddle made her go through tracking spell after tracking spell to see if she could undo the damage. Ginny told Harry about this.
And then he saw it with his own eyes, just a few days ago, when he was leaving later than usual.
Hermione was alone inside the Atrium and she didn't notice his presence, so, Harry stood there, in the shadows, watching her perform spell after spell. From a fair distance he could tell that she was exhausted. But Hermione kept going, her lips pressed into a thin line while she tried discovering who might have done that.
And it was a perfect representation of the pressure she's constantly under.
His heart ached for her. But he just watched, in silence. After what seemed hours Hermione finally gave up and groaned to the empty place, letting out some rage. And then, she left, murmuring things to herself that Harry wasn't able to hear.
When he was all alone in front of the statue, he couldn't help a chill running down his spine. It was the first place he stood when he arrived there. And in front of that same wrecked statue, he talked with Hermione for the first time.
Somehow, standing there with it in pieces-
It felt… ominous.
But he shoved the thought away and went home.
And apart from that, they discovered that Vernon Dursley died around 2am. No signs of struggle. No sign of the murder weapon.
Harry knows Hermione stole the file from Riddle. She told him she went to her father's office when Riddle stood in front of the statue for an hour before the others arrived. He was trying to fix it and didn't notice Hermione slipping away into the elevators to an unguarded floor.
So, now they're sure the three things happened at different hours.
Mostly because it was the complete destruction of the statue that sent out an alert to Riddle and Hermione. She said she received the alert at around 4am. Riddle states the same.
And whoever did this… it didn't trig any other kind of alarm. So, it's someone who knows their way around the Ministry. A Wizard or Witch. One or two or three… they have no idea.
The whole thing is consuming all of them. Harry can't deny it was well planned and executed.
And on top of everything, Riddle is demanding answers from all other investigations. On the Fair, on who invaded the Manor, on the rescue of Lucinda Summers and her daughter…
Hermione said to Harry, on a brief encounter they had at an empty corridor, that she was going to talk with Riddle regarding Lucinda Summers. The interrogations were done and nothing came out of it, so, her official report is that someone from outside knew or imagined the transference was going to happen on that night and was prepared to strike. There's nothing else she can do to solve it. Harry agreed, said it was a good idea and they parted their ways.
He takes a deep breath and glances at his watch. In a few minutes they're all going to meet Petunia and Snape at their Head Quarters. It will be the first time that Harry will see his aunt. Talk to her.
And he's anxious.
"Are you nervous?" Draco asks, sitting by Ron's side and making a face at the obvious massacre on the chessboard.
"A bit." He answers sincerely to Draco. Their relationship is still the same, friendly but not so much. "But I'm more anxious to see what they've been doing all these years. What they've accomplished."
Ron and Draco nod.
"It's pretty impressive." Ginny says behind Harry and he turns to look at her. "Petunia still doesn't know that you're coming with us, Harry." She says softly. "Sirius thought it would be fun to make a surprise, but since I have sensibility, I'm asking, do you want me to warn her in some way?"
Harry shakes his head, a tiny smile on his face. "No. It's fine, Gin, but thanks."
Deep down he wants it to be a surprise. It will be nerve wracking for him, so it can be surprising for them.
"The Portkey is ready!" Sirius calls from the kitchen and they head there.
Harry pockets his hands. The coin is inside his pocket. But the last time he or Hermione used it seems a thousand years ago.
"Let's go, people." Molly urges them.
Trying not to think too hard about what's about to happen, Harry closes his eyes when he reaches for the Portkey.
The Palace
Head Quarters
They land in the middle of nowhere.
It's a forest. There are only tress and a river. And silence. Harry frowns, looking around. Was this a trap and are they finally going to kill him or something?
But before he dwells on it, Sirius performs a spell and a bright bird goes soaring into the sky… and then into a magical ward that breaks and vanishes in seconds.
Harry blinks.
He's in front of what looks like a huge palace. And standing there, in front of it, he can see a man. Black hair, prominent nose and dark eyes. He has his arms crossed in front of him, waiting.
"Severus, my friend!" Remus says, walking to the man. Everyone follows.
Harry stays a tad behind the others. He can feel his heart pounding inside his chest. He knows the moment when he steps past the ward. He knows they vanished for the outside world.
"Remus!" Snape says, his voice dragging a bit. "Good to see you all. Is it a special occasion or did you just missed me?"
They embrace and smile at each other. And Harry sees himself walking forward.
He stops in front of Snape.
There's a silence, then.
Snape and Harry look at each other for a long minute. Harry has no idea what to say and the other man seems to be at a loss of words too.
When Harry opens his mouth, Snape yells, "TUNEY!" Harry blinks. "It's true, then." Harry nods and Snape smiles. "I'm glad. She'll be ecstatic." And he extends his hand to Harry. "Severus Snape. I guess you can call me uncle Snape."
Sirius snorts behind Harry and the tension leaves his body. "Harry Potter." He shakes the hand in front of him. Giving his true name sends a thrill of excitement down his spine. "It's a pleasure, uncle Snape." He says in a teasing tone, making fun of the title and the others all laugh. Snape too.
"Come." He pats Harry on the shoulder, walking to the palace. "She's probably at the greenhouse."
"Can you… tell me about this place?" Harry asks in a low voice, he's mesmerized by the palace and the grounds around it.
"Of course." Snape begins, "We made this our safe house or head quarters as they like to call." He motions with his head to the others behind them, entertained in their own conversations, "We began many years ago, me, Petunia and… your mother." He gives Harry a side glance, clearing his throat. "We thought it was incredibly unfair that only Purebloods could learn about magic and attend Hogwarts. But we surely didn't have the proper place or materials to learn stuff. So, it all began with a book." Snape smiles. "As it always does, right? Well, Petunia and Lily were on a trip with their parents and they met Remus' uncle. They were little, your mother was probably seven and Petunia nine when this happened. Remus' family, I have no idea how, had a feeling that Lily might have magic and in a generous gesture, they gave her a wizard's book about children tales." Snape stops talking for a brief moment when they reach the steps to the front huge door of the palace. "It became Lily's favorite. And since I'm a Half-Blood, I had easier access to books, wands… magical things." He clears his throat. "We started smuggling stuff."
"At ten?" Harry asks, surprised.
Snape snorts a chuckle. "Pretty much, yeah." They resume their walk and Harry observes while Snape murmurs a few spells to open the door.
His mouth hangs open.
The place is… majestic. The entrance is filled with light and Harry smiles at the huge tree inside. Its roots come from below the marble floor and its enormous trunk rises firm and tall. Since it's pretty much winter, it lacks leaves, but there's a hole on the ceiling for the tree to thrive. He's sure a few spells hold it in place. And circling it there's a huge staircase.
There are many corridors to choose from the hall and he can see… students.
He can't help a warm sensation inside his chest.
Some are older, others very young. And they're wearing uniforms, walking together, laughing. Free.
Harry inhales deeply. "How many students?" He asks Snape. The others all vanished inside.
"Almost a thousand." Harry widens his eyes.
"That's incredible." He whispers.
"I know." Snape clears his throat. "Come, the greenhouse is this way." And they resume their walk to what Harry assumes is the back of the palace. "So, at first it was just the three of us. Me and Lily, we were able to use magic, it was clear, but Petunia wasn't. Even so, her relationship with her sister was very strong and they promised to never part, so she took it to herself to help us in any way possible." Harry can hear the fondness in the man's voice. "I made my parents go to Diagon Alley to get me and Lily wands. And then, one day, Remus came to visit Lily and her family. We told him about our plans, about how we wanted to learn magic. He loved the idea. And then, books and all kinds of things that could help us exploring our magic began to arrive through the mail. Remus had told his parents and they mentioned it to Dumbledore." Snape raises an eyebrow. "He's pretty much the one responsible for this amazing place we have here."
"Really?" In a way it doesn't surprise Harry. Dumbledore dedicated all his life to teaching, to passing on knowledge…
"Yes. And when he started helping," Snape opens a door to a wide backyard, Harry can already see the greenhouse. He chews the insides of his cheeks. "Things were far easier. We had almost unlimited access to everything. Your mother used to spend nights studying non stop, she was very dedicated and an amazing witch." Harry closes his eyes at the words. "It was… terrible, what happened." Snape says in a low voice, turning his head to look at Harry. "I'm sorry."
Harry stops, shaking his head. His eyes on the greenhouse. He can see a few people inside. "Thank you. I just…" He trails. "It's nice, hearing about her."
Sensing that Harry is still not quite ready to meet his aunt, Snape steps in front of him and crosses his arms. He continues talking, "When Lily met your father and the others, things got pretty serious. We began searching for whoever might need our help… the laws were getting absurd at that point, Muggleborns and Half-Bloods were practically exiled. And the incredible thing was… we found them, Harry. We found a lot of wizards and witches who were looking for a way to use their magic. We kinda of began teaching at my place's basement. It wasn't much, but it was enough. Until Dumbledore suggested this palace. It was abandoned, in the middle of nowhere. Of course we accepted his proposal of teaching. Dumbledore sends us students ever since. It's been some good twenty-five years."
Harry smiles. He's fascinated by the story, but he's also shaking. His aunt is right there, inside that greenhouse.
"She'll love to meet you." Snape says, sensing his nervousness.
"You really think so?" He asks in a whisper.
"I know so. Ever since Sirius and Remus talked about the possibility, she began searching about Harry D'Angelo." Snape smiles. "But we couldn't find a proper picture of you. It's impossible to doubt, though. Your eyes-"
"I know." He gulps.
"How Tom Riddle didn't-"
Harry shakes his head. "I have no idea. He suspects me, of course, but I think he doesn't want to believe that he failed."
"Failed?"
"If James and Lily had a son… how was that he didn't know? How can I be here? Breathing? Alive? If he recognizes this fact, he also recognizes that his Persecution was a failure. A Potter still lives. One of the best Aurors in the world inside his own Ministry. A Half-Blood."
Snape clicks his tongue. "You're right." Silence. And then, "Do you want me to go fetch her?"
Harry gulps. "No. I- I'll go."
Snape nods and they share a final look before Harry walks alone to the greenhouse. He can feel a slight tremor inside him. He pockets his hands and his fingers close around the coin. He would give anything to have Hermione there with him. Anything. He's sure her warm hand and calming words would give him more courage to face this.
He stops a few steps from the door. And just when he's ready to open it, it opens itself, a few students coming out. He can hear a feminine voice from inside:
"And remember to study the right properties."
The students mumble in response and give Harry a strange look. He must look like a freak, frozen there on the spot. But he takes a deep breath and holds the door open. The woman he's sure is his aunt has her back to the door, she's tending to a vase filled with… lilies.
His heart is beating so fast. This woman is family. A blood relative.
"I-" He clears his throat, "Excuse me."
"Yes, dear?" She doesn't turn. "Did you forget something?" Her voice is gentle, a bit high pitched but fond.
"I just wanted to… introduce myself."
And it must be something in his tone… she stops fumbling with the flowers. He can see her taking a deep breath. There's nothing separating them. The greenhouse is even bigger than it looks.
So, when she turns around, their eyes meet dead on.
Petunia immediately starts crying. Harry presses his lips together, his chin trembling, there are tears in his eyes. He can see the resemblance. He can see his mother's gentle features on his aunt. Of course she has wrinkles and the unmistakable traces of the passage of time on her face that his mother will never carry, but even so, it's certainly overwhelming.
Both are glued on the spot. Harry opens his mouth, but she beats him to it.
"Harry." She whispers. And his whole face contorts into an ugly cry. Harry sobs.
"I- I-"
He shakes his head. Petunia finally moves. And he does too. They meet halfway. He's not sure if he should hug her or not, but she wastes no time. In a blink her arms are around him.
"My God." She says, sobbing, her voice muffled by the embrace. She's shorter than him, but not fragile. Far from it.
And she smells of flowers. Of trees. Of a river. Of lilies.
"You do exist." She says. "My God." She repeats. "And you're so big! Such a grown man!" She's smiling when she takes a step back to look at him. Then her hands are cupping his face. Harry keeps crying. Her touch is gentle, similar to Bianca's. "You're the exactly copy of James." She chuckles softly. "But-"
"The eyes." He chokes out.
She nods, closing and opening her eyes, still crying. "Our grandfather had the same eyes. Lily got them from him. And then she passed it on to you. To her son." She clicks her tongue and suddenly her expression changes. "Harry, you need to know, you must know- if I had the slightest idea that you existed, that you were alive," She chokes, "I would have come for you. I would have teared this world apart to find you. But Lily never mentioned, she never-" Petunia stops, crying harder.
Harry sighs and hugs her again. "I know." He says softly. "I know." And he does know. He feels it.
Something he didn't even realize was broken heals itself inside him and he squeezes his aunt - my aunt - even tighter.
"I want to know everything." She says when they finally separate. "You must tell me everything. My God." She repeats. Then she laughs. Content. "You're so handsome." She smiles to him. "And I guess I need to thank the D'Angelos. They were good for you, weren't they?"
Harry gulps. "Yes. Very much."
Petunia purses her lips. "Good, Harry. I'm glad. Good." She takes his hand in hers and squeezes it. "There's so much we need to talk about-"
The greenhouse's door opens and Snape pokes his head inside. He opens a smile when he sees their faces. "Sorry to interrupt. But there are two people here who want to meet their cousin."
Harry gasps. Cousin?
And then a man and a woman enter the greenhouse. They are adults, must be the same age as Harry, or almost- and the man, who looks like his aunt, opens a smile.
"I'm Oliver." The man says and extends his hand to Harry. "It's nice to meet you, mate."
Harry blinks many times, in a daze. But he shakes the hand. "I'm Harry."
"Hi! I'm Sam." The woman says. She's a mixture of Snape and Petunia.
Harry also shakes her hand, dumbstruck. "I- I had no idea I had cousins."
Snape laughs, "Sirius hid it from you? He's such a jerk."
Harry only chuckles, shaking his head. Petunia steps closer to him and hugs his side. He can't put into words how happy he feels. "Let's head to the Great Hall, it's almost dinner time and we can talk better." Petunia says, still hugging Harry while they walk out of the greenhouse.
Harry knows the food tastes amazing, but he's barely paying attention to it. He was not expecting such a mesmerizing Great Hall. It's filled with tables and people sit wherever they want. There's no kind of separation between certain houses or classes.
Snape, who Harry just discovered is the Headmaster, is sitting with them, talking and eating in such a carefree way that Harry never imagined existed for a Half-Blood in England. Petunia, who's sitting right in front of Harry, smiles at him while she sips on her juice. They're fascinated by each other. Harry can't believe he has an aunt and she's still trying to grasp the reality that he's actually there, eating with them.
He already told them a lot of things. Oliver and Sam are very curious about his life and they keep asking infinite questions. And Harry is thrilled to answer all of them and ask his own. Oliver is the oldest, he just turned twenty-four and Sam is twenty. They were born and raised inside the palace. Both magical. And now they both teach there, helping the newcomers and giving them all the support they can.
Snape also teaches. Potions. And it crossed Harry's mind that he might be able to get some Veritaserum from him. Finally.
Since Petunia is not magical, she teaches botanics. All theories and mostly things that don't require magic. And she's so proud of it. Harry can see in the way she explains how a plant can be used for infinite purposes. And each time a student stopped at their table and exchanged fond words with Petunia and Snape, Harry smiled.
They're loved there. It's their home. Their safe landing.
Of course things should be different. Of course they should be accepted into society as any other wizard, but Harry can't deny that even so, what they have there is truly special.
All the students live there. And also many Muggle families that had magical children and didn't want to part with them while they left for this adventure. Harry met some of them. And it blew his mind to learn that they all know about James and Lily. Petunia mentioned they never stop talking about them, about how fundamental Lily was for this place to exist. Harry held back his tears at this.
His parents weren't forgotten. They weren't betrayed by their friends. They were loved. And they still are until this day.
Harry smiles to Petunia while she teases Remus. They all form a big strange family. A family they chose. A family to maintain James' and Lily's memories alive.
Yes, Tom Riddle killed them. But they didn't die. Not really. They survived. Harry can feel it in every corner of this school. He can see his mother on his aunt. And he's kind of a copy of his father. He can feel the joy from all these Muggleborns and Half-Bloods. If anything, Riddle's attitude only gave them more strength to keep fighting.
And it's impossible not to feel emotional about all of this.
He's happy. Coming here was the right thing. It was exactly what he needed.
"Tell me, mate," Oliver says by his side, "Do you have a special someone?"
A partial silence takes over the table. They all seem eager to hear about this. Sirius gives Harry a pointed look, curious to know if he'll mention Hermione, if he'll open his heart. But how could he? She's a Riddle and she's marrying a Pettigrew. He's sure his aunt wouldn't approve. To be truthful, in a way, Harry himself doesn't approve his feelings for her.
"Not really." He says with caution, sipping and occupying his mouth. But Petunia keeps watching him and he feels compelled to say something more. "I was engaged back in Italy, but… it didn't work out in the end. I think I'm still recovering." He shrugs. "And besides, I have other things in mind right now."
Petunia purses her lips and nods. Harry briefly mentioned that he came to London to bring justice to his parents and he knows they'll talk more about this, but later, in private. Only the family.
"Well, I'm sure any woman is going to be lucky to have you." Petunia smiles while she says this and Harry sees the way Snape looks at his wife, with happiness. As if her joy from meeting Harry is reaching him, making him happy as consequence. It gives Harry a good sensation.
And Harry nods at the words. Apparently Hermione doesn't think like that. Apparently he's not enough for her-
A sudden house-elf appears by Snape's side.
"Sir, is there anything else you want from us tonight?"
Harry narrows his eyes. The elf is old. Incredibly old. But even so, he carries a singular glow to himself.
"No, Efrey, it's fine, you're all dismissed for the night."
"Okay, sir. Dobby will stay on protective duty."
And the elf gently says his goodbyes after staring at Harry for a while longer and then he vanishes. Harry frowns and Petunia notices his face.
"The elves here are free. Most of them were mistreated and dismissed by their masters because they deemed them useless. I have no idea how it happened, but somehow they heard about us. You can imagine my surprise the first day a bunch of them appeared outside." Petunia chuckles. "I've never seen one and it was a bit of a shock."
"We treat them fairly here." Snape says. "It would be hypocritical to claim for equality and treat these wonderful magical beings poorly, don't you think?"
Harry nods. His mind is already going back to Hermione. To the way she furiously said she hated the way the elves were treated. He grits his teeth in a nervous manner. "It's actually amazing. Do you pay them?"
"A symbolic sum was all they allowed us to pay, but it works. They even attend classes here. And some teach." Snape keeps saying. "Dobby, the one Efrey mentioned, was the Malfoy's house-elf." Snape points to Draco a bit further on the table, talking with Ginny and Ron. "But he got hurt one day and Lucius," Snape makes an ugly face at the name, "was disgusted by it. He actually left the elf bleeding outside the house. Draco found him later and brought him. He's relatively new here, but the elf is smart and he teaches the kids different and ingenious ways of using magic."
Harry opens his mouth, amazed. "I would love to meet him someday." He glances at Petunia.
She gets what he's asking without saying. "He never found anything related to Lily and James at Malfoy Manor. From what Draco told us, and Dobby confirmed later, the only involvement Lucius had with Riddle was funding his campaigns and bribing the press."
Harry scoffs. "As if Riddle doesn't have the money himself to do it."
"Of course. But he can't tarnish his name or get directly involved." Snape says.
"The only thing Dobby mentioned was that Pettigrew and his son were always there. Plotting." Petunia says.
Harry raises an eyebrow. "Plotting? Against Riddle?"
Snape shrugs. "Dobby didn't say. But I highly doubt it. They wouldn't be that crazy."
Harry blinks. "No one questioned him? About this?"
"We did. But he was too shaken… Dobby suffered a lot in Lucius' hands, Harry. He's been here for three years and until today he trembles when someone mentions his former master. I doubt we can get any information from him."
He bites his lower lip to stay silent. He would love to have a conversation with Dobby. But maybe another day.
Harry, instead, asks what he's been wanting for a time now.
"Can I teach here?"
His voice is low but by their reaction it seemed like he screamed at the top of his lungs. Petunia, Snape, Oliver and Sam open their mouths and widen their eyes and Harry makes a face. Did I say something wrong?
But Petunia opens a bright smile, some tears on her face. "Of course you can, Harry. Of course."
"You seem shocked I-"
"We never imagined you would want to." Snape says.
"I do. Very much."
"Well, then. What would you like to teach?" Snape asks while he moves a bit forward. Harry notices he's talking as Headmaster now.
"I want to teach them how to defend themselves. How to stand against those who might hurt them."
Oliver is nodding his head by Harry's side. "I teach Defense Against the Dark Arts." His cousin says. "And I know it's going to be a bit difficult for you to come every day for the classes, so, what if you give one masterclass per week? My teachings can follow up yours."
Harry smiles at his cousin. He instantly liked the man and the idea is amazing. "I would absolutely love that, Oliver. Is that okay with you?" He asks Snape.
The man is smiling. "Sure." He says in a slow voice, as if marveling at what is unfolding in front of him.
With the corner of his eye he sees Petunia wiping away a tear. He extends his hand to hers and she squeezes it with a smile.
"Oh, shit. Look at the hour." Sirius says, interrupting the moment. "We need to go."
Harry glances at his own watch. It's almost 11pm. They've been there for hours and he barely noticed. But he needs to be at work tomorrow, so…
Petunia sighs. "Stay here, Harry." She says. "We can talk some more."
He smiles. "I need to go. But I'll be back as soon as I can."
And they talk about the many ways Harry can reach the palace. Snape will allow him inside whenever he pleases and Harry thanks them while they hug. Then he stops in front of his aunt.
"I-" He begins and stops. "I can't describe how happy I am that we found each other." He says from the bottom of his heart and she starts crying, shaking her head, her hands on his arms.
"You're family. My family, Harry. And I'll be here for whatever you need me for. Always."
He hugs her. "I'm here too, for whatever you need me."
She kisses his cheek. "We still have a lot to talk about." Petunia says.
"We do. And we will."
They nod at each other and then Harry follows the others, crossing the wards and going back to his life and his revenge.
January 19th, 2006
Harry's flat
It's Saturday and Harry couldn't be happier about that. Tomorrow he'll head back to the palace to teach his first masterclass and he's extremely anxious about it.
However, there's something else consuming him at the moment.
He'll visit Goyle with Hermione today.
And even if he desperately wants to face the Auror and get some answers, meeting Hermione in private, inside his flat, is driving the butterflies inside his stomach completely crazy. He feels cold and hot at the same time. Sane and insane.
They're barely talking with each other and Harry has no idea when this became their routine, but he hates it. Totally hates it. Maybe it was when he kinda of rejected her kiss after she brought the file on the Persecution. Maybe it was on the way she respected his clear stance of not touching when she came back to fetch it-
He has no idea. Maybe even the things he said-
Dio. The things he said to her. That he wanted her. That even while they were together it didn't feel enough-
He lets out a breath.
Harry decides reading Chiara's latest letter. He tears the envelope and settles on the couch. She's keeping her promise of winning him back. She's writing so much that there's already a pile of her letters on his center table.
He laughs at her stories. Things are a bit crazy at the Auror Department there and Chiara is trying to keep everyone motivated to deal with the Mafias. She also talks about Matteo. His grandfather is having the time of his life being Ministro. Chiara goes on about all his plans and strategies to make Italy better. Harry can't help feeling a bit proud.
And just when he's reading the last lines, the unmistakable cracking sound of apparition takes over his living room.
He raises his eyes from the letter, still holding it with both hands.
Hermione is there.
Wearing boots, black trousers and a black jacket. Her hair in a ponytail. She's ready for action.
It takes a few seconds for her to spot him on the couch. And when she does, he's sure she takes a deep breath and that adorable blush comes up her neck. She clears her throat.
"Hey."
"Hey."
His voice is barely there. Harry gulps. Unsure of what to do next. Hermione crosses her arms and her eyes fall to the letter in his hand. Then to the many envelopes atop the table.
"Are you ready to go?" She asks, her eyes still on the envelopes.
Harry knows she can see Chiara's name on them. He folds the one he's holding and set it back on the table. Then he stands and says, "I thought you were coming later. I'll just fetch a jacket."
She purses her lips. "Okay."
He only nods and moves to his room. He hates the coldness between them. The lack of touch. Since they had sex that first time, this is probably the longest they've been without touching or kissing.
Chewing the insides of his cheeks, he opens a cabinet to take the jacket and when he closes it, Hermione is inside his room, watching him.
Harry raises an eyebrow. "What?"
"I see Chiara is keeping in touch." Her tone is clipped. Strained.
Donning the jacket over his white t-shirt, Harry walks slowly to her, the closest he dares. "She is. She said she would."
Hermione clicks her tongue. "Are you thinking about going back to her?" She says fast, as if she would regret her words. Which she probably does as she says after, "I'm sorry. It's none of my business. Sally should be the one asking you this."
She waves a hand in front of her face and takes a step to leave the room, but Harry holds her.
He takes her arm and then he pulls her to him, gently. Hermione shows no resistance. She actually sighs when he closes both arms around her.
Harry is tired of this awkwardness between them. He still doesn't know what he'll do about his feelings, but he's sure keeping a distance is too much of a torture, not to mention unnecessary.
So, as softly as possible, he kisses her. Asking for permission first, testing the waters. Hermione leans into him, opening her mouth and giving him access. His heart pounds inside his chest. The knife twists, but he barely cares. Her tongue finds his and they share a slow kiss.
Even if they need to go to Goyle's, they take their time. It's like the kiss is erasing these past days. Patching up their doubts and all the strangeness that loomed over their every encounter. Harry squeezes her and her hands cups his face, her body moving closer to his as much as possible. They separate briefly and Hermione smiles. She kisses his cheeks and jaw.
"Indeed, you're an excellent kisser." She says faintly, her words echoing what Chiara said to her at that pub in Rome.
He chuckles and pulls back. They hold their gazes. "We need to talk." He says, serious.
"About?"
"Us."
Hermione tenses. And she sets her jaw. But her answer is a simple, "Okay." She kisses him again, tasting him. "I'll be alone tonight. Sleep with me?"
He groans in answer and rubs his cheek on hers. She sighs again. "I would love to."
She opens a side smile and gives him a peck. Then she moves away and takes his hand, leading him back to the living room.
"So, all the protection around the house is set. I highly doubt anyone will be able to track us down there." She exhales and takes a hair band from her pocket. A Portkey. Harry chuckles.
"You have the strangest imagination for Portkeys."
She laughs. The sound is like music to Harry and he caresses her cheek. They share a look of pure fondness.
"And you find me adorable for that." She winks.
"I do." He winks back. And that blush. It takes over her neck. Harry tilts his head, mesmerized.
Hermione shakes her head. "Again, we'll interrogate him, Harry, not beat the shit out of him." She says with an eyebrow raised.
Harry rolls his eyes. "Let's go."
And in seconds they're being uncomfortably sucked into the Portkey.
Essex
Harry makes a sound of irritation when they land. Portkey is definitely not his favorite kind of transportation. Hermione seems to be fine, though.
It's the middle of the day and they just appeared behind a few trees. Harry can see some houses in the near distance. He leans on the closest tree trunk and observes. There are some people walking on the streets. Families with children.
Harry narrows his eyes. "Is this the best time for us to be here?"
"It is, exactly because it's unexpected."
He raises both eyebrows. Hermione is charming herself and he does the same.
Then she takes his hand and interlaces their fingers, pulling him out into the open. Harry doesn't say a thing while they walk like a couple - again - in the middle of others. His thumb caresses her hand and she squeezes his. Their pace is slow, calm.
A stroll.
A walk on the street before Harry murders another Auror.
He internally flinches at the thought.
As they keep going, some wizards and witches wave to them in warm greetings. Hermione smiles in return and Harry nods his head. In a low voice he asks, "Which house?"
"The next one."
They're going through a small white house, charming. And the next one, the one Goyle lives in, is brown. Dull. Strange. It doesn't match the rest of the street.
"Are we just going to knock?" He asks, his eyes wide when he notices Hermione leading him to the front door.
"Yes." She simply says.
"You could have warned me about this."
"Why? So you could argue with me like the most stubborn man in the world?" She glances at him, opening a tiny smile.
Harry chuckles. "Witch." He says under his breath. Hermione holds back a chuckle and they stop at the door.
Before knocking she looks around. Harry wants to ask what's the plan, but she's faster and does it. Two firm knocks. He makes a face at her and she makes a face at him, leaning into his frame and pressing her lips against his. "I promise to make it up for you later."
He opens his mouth the same time the door opens for them. There's a man on the other side, his face contorted into a question.
"Yes?" He asks in doubt.
Goyle looks decent - different from Lestrange who was certainly losing his shit. Hermione opens a smile.
"Sir, we're sorry to bother you, but my husband and I," Harry widens his eyes, "were told that you might have something we want." Her voice shows that she's talking about a secret and Harry can't believe she didn't brief him on this.
What the hell Goyle has that they could want? And how did she find this out?
The man's posture changes and he looks at the street before moving his hand and allowing them in. Harry steps inside with Hermione and tries not fidgeting. Goyle makes sure no one saw them and closes the door.
Hermione's plan of entering the house through the front door is actually brilliant. Goyle lives in a busy Wizarding village and even if they came at night, someone was bound to see them. But like this, at broad daylight, who would suspect a nice couple that was greeted by the man himself? A man that surely has something to hide and was very careful when allowing them inside?
He looks down and tries hiding a smile. She's too smart. He squeezes her hand and she gives him a look of fake modesty, batting her eyelashes.
"So, please, sit." Goyle says as he motions to a stained couch at the corner. Hermione clearly dislikes the invitation but she tugs Harry and they settle close to each other, their hands still together.
Goyle sits in a chair in front of them. The interior of the house is barren. There are barely any furniture or personal items that could show a bit of the man's personality. Harry doesn't particularly care, but he already feels that anger boiling inside him as he watches the man. He's bold and fat. His face full of wrinkles. He looks way older than he should.
"What do you want? How did you hear about me?"
"An acquaintance mentioned you. Moritz." Hermione says. Harry has no idea what she's talking about. "And now that we're here, I'm in doubt of what I really want. What do you say, my love?" She looks at Harry and he purses his lips. She's on purpose leaving him in the dark about this just to have some fun.
"Love," He repeats the words, Hermione gulps, their eyes locked. "I think our friend Goyle here should show us some samples."
Harry turns to the man.
"Moritz gave you my real name? That's not usual." Goyle says, raising an eyebrow. Suspecting.
Hermione clicks her tongue. "I'm just very persuasive. But it's a great idea. Show us some samples."
Goyle narrows his eyes at them.
Harry and Hermione are quiet, their postures and faces relaxed while they pretend to be a married couple. As Aurors they surely already had many shares of missions and moments of pretending to be someone else… both know extremely well how to behave and what to do. Of course this little visit will end with Goyle tied to a chair and them questioning him, but Hermione wants something first and Harry will play along.
"Okay." He finally says and summons a black suitcase. Hermione stiffens a bit and Harry leans forward, curious.
Goyle opens the suitcase and the moment he does it, Hermione moves so fast Harry almost misses her action. In a beat the man is strapped to the chair and she's up, her hand on the suitcase. Harry stands too, taking a few steps to her to see what's inside. Goyle is totally shocked, still processing what just happened.
Harry gags the man and muffles the sounds around the house, clicking shut every door or window. For an Auror, Goyle was too sloppy. It's hard to imagine that he wouldn't take any kind of precaution while clearly making illicit deals with wizards and witches. Crossing his arms he observes the man. He seems… resigned. And almost relieved. As if he was living waiting for this day.
Hermione is silent and Harry looks above her shoulder to see what's inside the suitcase. There are three little vials there.
"What is it?" He asks in a low voice.
She sighs. "Later." And they share a look. Harry nods.
Turning to Goyle, he asks, "What can you tell us about the Potters' Persecution?"
Goyle mumbles something and Harry remembers he's gagged. "Nothing!" He practically yells. Then he clears his throat and looks down. "I know nothing about the Persecution."
Harry makes a face, annoyed. He inhales deeply and asks Hermione, "Should I punch him?"
"Hmmm, maybe one strong punch?" She entertains the idea and he opens a side smile to her. Yes. These past days without her were torture.
"I think so too." He says and takes two steps to Goyle who screams and whines. Harry stops and raises an eyebrow to Hermione.
"Please, don't hit me. Please. I- I know little about it, I swear!"
Harry crosses his arms. "Tell us what you know."
"I- I wasn't supposed to be part of the investigation! I didn't mean to- I'm sorry. I'm sorry." And he actually cries. Harry takes a step back, honestly surprised. "I never went out on the field! I barely know what happened and I'm fairly sure I had my memories erased. I had just graduated the Auror training and I wanted to please the Minister! I accepted everything he told me, but my only duty was taking care of the papers, the records." Harry shares a look with Hermione. "Please, believe me. The only thing I can tell is that after that night Tom Riddle made me issue a statement that the traitors were dead and that the mission had been a success, but in my personal opinion, he didn't seem satisfied. He was actually angry-" The man chokes, crying some more.
Hermione is watching him, thinking, that wrinkle between her brows. Harry feels cold. If Goyle's words are true, what he debated with Sirius is also true. Riddle had another motive to go after his parents, one they have no idea of. And now things are getting even more complicated.
"Do you believe him?" Hermione asks Harry after enacting a silencing bubble around them.
Harry sighs. "I kinda of do." Goyle seems sincere. "But maybe one punch?" He asks with a playful smile. She shakes her head, snorting. "Fine, I'll just scare him a little."
"He might piss himself." She makes a face.
Harry goes to Goyle and leans forward, very close. A dangerous stance. He turns serious. "Are you lying, Goyle?" Harry asks in a low voice. "Is that all you know?"
"I swear! I swear! Please!"
Harry raises his fist and the man closes his eyes, flinching.
Truth is… Harry doesn't want to punch him anymore. Doesn't want to kill him. Maybe he's being too forgiving but Goyle seemed sincerely sorry about everything-
Maybe just one punch.
Harry throws it and Goyle yells, crying some more. It surprises Harry that it gave him no satisfaction. Not like it was with Lestrange. Not even close.
"That's all I know, all I know…" Goyle is repeating in a low voice.
Hermione touches Harry's arm, pulling him back. Then her hand touches his cheek and her thumb goes over his skin. Harry lets out a breath, impressed by how well she knows him and his emotions. He relaxes. And she focus on Goyle.
"Let's talk about Moritz, then." Harry perks up. Who the fuck is this Moritz? "Where is he?"
Goyle sniffs, his expression changing a bit. He doesn't look as frightened as he did moments ago.
"He's always traveling. I don't know where he is."
Hermione clicks her tongue. "He vanished six months ago and that was not the deal he made with the Ministry. He should be more careful, don't you think? I just want to talk with him. I swear this won't come back to you."
Goyle shakes his head. Harry understands this is something that happened when he wasn't even thinking about coming to London. And he's extremely curious now.
"I don't know where he is. It's been a long time since I got a shipment from him." He moves his head to indicate the suitcase. "You can see for yourself, that's all I have left. Only three tiny vials."
"Are you sure, Goyle?" He nods. "Let's say then, that if I use Legilimency I won't find a thing inside your mind? Or my associate here could punch you a few more times-"
"No." The man recoils. "You can do it, you won't find a thing."
Hermione crosses her arms, considering. "Is Moritz testing new things, Goyle?"
"Not that I know of. Only the same old stuff."
Sighing, Hermione says, "Fine. I believe you."
And she moves to take Harry's hand, the suitcase on the other. Before he can even think about it, She apparates them to her house.
Harry blinks. Both lift their disguises and Hermione settles on the couch, the suitcase on the center table.
"So?" Harry asks.
He knows he vowed to end the Aurors who took part on his parents' assassination, but now that he's here with Hermione, alone, inside her house, knowing they won't be bothered, and after days of being distant… he doesn't really care about Goyle that much.
He decides it can wait.
"Well, Moritz is an Alchemist that spun out of control." She groans. "He was one of the best and my father, wrongly, used to favor him. Moritz began bossing around and getting everything he wanted from everyone. He was a piece of shit. But the Minister liked him, so, he never feared getting sacked."
Harry clicks his tongue. "What changed?"
"He got tired of being on a leash. He had many liberties already, but they weren't enough, he wanted more. He used to talk a lot and one inferior Alchemist came to me one day. The man said Moritz was talking about leaving the Ministry and starting his own business. Instead of mentioning it to my father, I began to watch Moritz myself. One night I caught him experimenting on illicit things." She gives him a pointed look.
"Drugs?"
"Yes. Heavy stuff. Incredibly powerful combinations capable of anything. Being an Alchemist, Moritz is able to create whatever he pleases. And inside the Ministry he had access to a lot of elements and materials." Hermione presses two fingers against her temple. "I confronted him. This happened a year and a half ago. He begged for mercy. The sentence for what he was doing is life in Azkaban."
"Apparently you were merciful." Harry states in a non judgmental voice.
"Stupidly so." She scoffs. "I made a deal with him. I said it was a warning and if I caught him at it again I would personally send him to Azkaban." Harry tries not flinching. "And guess what?"
"He did it again."
"He did. I got reports from St. Mungo's of adults overdosing, almost every day. And I knew it was Moritz selling what he was brewing inside the Ministry's labs. I waited to put my hands on some hard evidence… but when I was arresting him, my father stopped the whole operation." Hermione purses her lips, looking down. "He said Moritz was an excellent Alchemist and the misunderstanding could be solved in another way. I tried to argue, believe me. He was killing wizards with his experimental drugs!" Her tone goes a bit higher up and Harry moves closer to her, but still keeping some distance, standing and waiting for her to finish. "I had a… nasty fight with my father. But well, he won. Moritz got a warning and then fired." She sighs, angry. "He was supposed to stay in London. But he vanished after one month."
She leans back on the couch and crosses one leg over the other.
"Okay." Harry says, frowning. "I'm missing the connection here." He squints, thinking.
"Well, I thought about Moritz because-" She waves a hand in the air, "The bullets able to penetrate the wards, what happened to the statue… I thought… what if it's not a spell, but a drug, or something else? Something Moritz created and began selling at the illicit market? Something capable of nullifying magical protections?" Harry raises an eyebrow.
"Makes sense."
"Right?" She makes a face and exhales. "Then, last week I began snooping around Goyle's house. I realized he was selling drugs. It was too obvious." She motions to the suitcase. "It was a long shot. Mentioning Moritz. I couldn't be sure if he was the supplier, but well, I was right."
She looks at Harry. He pockets his hand. "Well," He begins. "If you were snooping around Goyle's, why didn't you say? I thought we were supposed to do this together." He says through gritted teeth.
"From all I said, is that what you're worried about? Honestly, I didn't think you would like to tag along-"
"Of course I would!"
"After the way you treated me I wasn't so sure." She states in a cold tone. Her words landing between them.
Harry knows what she's talking about. "The way I treated you?" But he needs to hear from her.
She wets her lips with her tongue. "I felt it, Harry. The way you pulled away from our kiss and how you kept your distance when I went to retrieve the file." She shrugs. "I mean, the other day I waited for hours at your flat and you never came. You clearly prefers other companies."
Harry sets his jaw. Probably the day he spent at the palace, the day he met his aunt. "Don't do this." He says in a low voice.
"Do what?"
"Don't act jealous when you have no right to. Not when you're wearing this fucking engagement ring."
Hermione stands from the couch and takes two steps to him. Harry straightens his back. "Is the ring the problem?" She asks and then she takes it off and tosses it behind her back. "There. Problem solved."
Harry exhales. "Why are you marrying him?"
She bites her lower lip and crosses her arms. "Because I want to."
The knife. Shit. The knife burns inside Harry's chest. "Because you love him?"
"Because-" She gulps, "he's the obvious choice…" Hermione trails.
"He's a jerk." Harry states. "And you know it. And I have no idea why-" He grunts, frustrated. "Don't marry him." He says faintly.
He hears Hermione gasping. "Don't. Please."
Harry looks up at her. She looks desperate. "Don't do it." He repeats. "You don't want to." She shakes her head.
"You have no clue of what-"
"Do you love him, Hermione?" He cuts her, his voice firm, his head high. This is it. He steps closer to her. She purses her lips, their eyes locked. "Do you?"
"Nothing will change the fact that I'll marry him, Harry." Her voice is low and she looks down, avoiding his eyes now.
"You can't even say the words." He steps closer, now there's only a few inches between them. He takes her left hand with his and the tingle comes to life. Warm. Good. Exhilarating. "Don't do it." He's pleading now. In a second he might get to his knee and beg.
Hermione squeezes his hand. "I'm not changing my mind about this." She says. The knife goes in deeper. Harry has a hard time breathing.
Gently lifting her chin with his fingers, he makes her look into his eyes. Harry's not sure what to do next. He decided that he won't tell her everything before they visit all the Aurors- her eyes are bright. Unshed tears. Pain. He leans forward, his brow on hers. Harry gulps and closes his eyes. "Have you decided on a date?"
"Probably September." She says.
"Then I have some time to show you that marrying that stronzo is the wrong thing to do."
"Harry." She warns him.
He pulls back to look at her. "You don't want him, Hermione. Not really." He kisses her cheek and she sighs. "And we already agreed that Hermione Pettigrew is an awful name."
She laughs sincerely and he smiles. She tilts her head, their hands still together, bridging their need to touch each other. "Exactly how are you going to show me that?"
"Hmmm, let me see." He finally releases her hand to hold her by the waist with both his, her arms find his neck easily. Harry nuzzles her neck and she shivers. "I want to take you out on dates."
She pulls back to look at him, shocked. "What?" Hermione shakes her head. "Are you serious?"
"Yes. Very." His tone shows how much.
"We- we can't be seen together, Harry."
"I know. But we'll find a way. Twice every week."
"Twice is too much. Once a week."
"I can't believe you're negotiating with me." He snorts and she chuckles faintly. "Fine, once a week but we spend the night together."
Hermione bites her lower lip, pondering. She's considering the absurdity of what he's proposing. Not even Harry is sure why he came up with this idea, but it seems to be the only way of wooing her without involving investigations and death and Riddles and Potters. The only way to be with her as simply man and woman. Maybe the only way to show her that they might work together, that their chemistry is something unique.
Maybe the only way to make her love him in a way that the ugly truth won't separate them.
He can tell that she's torn. Tell that she'd already accepted the idea of marrying Pettigrew, but now…
She gulps. "Okay." Hermione says slowly. "I can agree with these terms."
"Great." Harry kisses her. "Amazing." He says when he moves to kiss her jaw and then her neck. "Perfect." He can't hold back his excitement.
And on the same page, Hermione jumps him, her legs around his middle, their lips meeting again. While he leads her to the bedroom, Harry steps on the engagement ring on the floor.
He will make it work.
He'll show her that he's the man for her. Show her that they should be together. Show her that if she marries Pettigrew she'll be miserable. And after they visit the last Auror he'll tell her everything. He'll open his heart. He'll say the words and he'll beg her for a chance.
He'll show her he's the right choice.
Note: So? Excited about their dates? Next update on Wednesday, probably!