A/N: Merry Christmas! I decided to stretch my schedule for one day so you could get this chapter as a Christmas present! Try not to be thrown off by the title, the chapter has some sad stuff, but I tried to keep it to a minimum. I also apologise for the length of the chapter. I know that I promised longer ones, but I've been super busy with Christmas and all. I promise to make the following chapters much longer.

Either way, I would like to wish a pleasant and warm Christmas to you and your family. I hope you spend this lovely time with the ones you love : )


If we could lift up each other,

And know that we all care.

If we help our sisters and brothers,

There's a bond that we'll share.

- Honestly J.T.


Chapter 24: Unity During Grief

Hermione was wandering through the garden, enjoying the beautiful view and living the dream. To think that only last month the darkest lord was in power and her life was in danger. Thankfully, it all changed. All thanks to Harry Potter, the love of her life, and boyfriend. The best, most caring, most handsome, lovely and charming boyfriend who was currently making dinner with Beemey.

She gave a quiet sigh as she took in the view of the garden. Lily Potter really did have a great taste. It also saddened her as meeting Harry's mum would mean a lot to her; she always keenly observed the relationship between Fleur and Molly and how much it had grown over the last couple of years. A part of her would always regret not having the chance of at least speaking with Lily for a short moment.

While Harry made dinner with Beemey, Hermione was able to play around with the protection wards. She had to admit that the Horcrux hunt made her wards extremely defensive and even violent. She didn't want any owls or travellers to get hurt because of them, so she decided to change things up.

The wards now made the mansion fully visible, but they wouldn't allow for wizards to get too close without having permission from the creator of the protective field. She also added the muggle repelling charm in order to stay out of sight from hikers. This meant that the only way to enter the Potter premises would have to be under Hermione's and Harry's consent.

Owls would now be fully allowed to enter the premises, but only during daytime, unless they have been inside the wards before. This would only be relevant to Pig.

"Hermione, dinner's ready!" came Harry's voice.

She slowly started making her way back to the mansion, "Coming!" She would definitely miss this place. The quiet and relaxing atmosphere, the view… and of course, the owner. She sat down at the dining table, admiring the meal.

"Spaghetti… when did you learn to make that?" she asked.

"I made it a couple of times at the Durley's. It's quite a simple meal." Harry answered, sitting beside her, "You know… by now I'd expect you to be more trustworthy of my culinary skills."

"I don't doubt you, love. It's just fascinating to see you cook. I'm still bothered by the fact that you never even once thought of helping me out in the tent." She answered.

Harry smiled, "You'll never let me live that down, will you?"

She shook her head and laughed, "Never."

They were both quite worn out after their recent shenanigans in the bedroom. Hermione had to admit that Harry was an incredibly fast learner. She still couldn't believe how wonderful it was to sleep with him. Of course, both of their inexperience could cause quite the inconvenience at times, but Harry was incredibly fast to make up for all of it. The way he worshipped her body, it was bizarre. She saw him in a completely different way than ever before. The lust in his eyes, the hunger. It was overwhelming to think that all of those emotions were directed at her; it made her knees weak.

"So, how was your day, Miss Granger?" asked Harry, smiling.

She snickered at his question, "Quite lovely, to be honest. I spent the majority of it with this handsome guy, oh he was amazing. I can't even begin to describe how much he makes me happy."

"Sounds like a keeper." Harry laughed, sipping on his juice.

Hermione's chest tensed up at his words. Merlin, yes. He does! "He's a really lovely guy, incredibly handsome too. Oh, and he's also amazing in bed. Makes me wonder how much that will improve with time. I'm a lucky girl."

Harry's cheeks turned red at her words, "I think you're not giving yourself enough credit. In my opinion, I think he's the lucky one."

"And why's that?" she smiled.

"Well, he's got an incredibly beautiful, smart, funny and caring woman to keep him warm at night. Is there anything else a guy needs to call himself lucky?" Harry asked.

Hermione laughed, "I guess not… But I really don't think I have all those qualities."

Harry's smile faded slightly, "What do you mean?"

Hermione was going to say that she isn't beautiful, but she knew Harry would never allow for that comment to slide. Whenever she mentioned how Cho and Ginny were prettier than her, Harry would enter this extra defensive mode, throwing counters at her, trying to prove her wrong. But Hermione knew that he was simply trying to be kind to her; she was not as good looking as Harry's previous dates, and she just had to accept it, even if Harry didn't.

"I can be very stubborn and bossy sometimes." She answered.

Harry gave her a warm smile, "But something tells me that he likes that about you… I think he finds it to be one of your many great assets."

"But how could being bossy and stubborn be an asset?" Hermione asked.

"It shows that you're always willing to fight for what you believe is right and that you can be a leader. I think many women hide away from those traits, scared that they might be seen in a negative light. But you don't, you shine even brighter with those traits. That's what makes you so amazing." He explained.

Hermione sighed, "What am I ever going to do with you and your wonderful speeches?"

Harry laughed, "Love me, hold me, and never leave me."

She smiled at him, "I'd never leave you." Her eyes fell back to the plate of spaghetti, "Now. Let's finish this dinner so I can take you upstairs and have my wicked way with you."

He smirked, "Should I be scared?"

"Very." She answered.


Hermione was very much close to passing out by now. They've been at it for three hours and she was finished. She wanted more, both physically and mentally, but her body was not willing to carry on. It was time to rest.

"Did you like that?" Harry asked, smiling at her. He was resting his head on his arm, his chest revealed to her gaze. Really? Do you need to tease me?

"You're getting too good at this." She answered, trying to steady her breath. She reached her first orgasm earlier today, but even now, during her third one, the feeling which spiked across her body was incredible. She was starting to worry that it might be unhealthy.

It all felt like a build of everything. Then all of a sudden, it was all released. It made her legs shake and Harry was terrified when it happened the first time; he was so worried that he might have hurt her, that when she finally turned to look at him, he was clutching his wand, ready to apparate with her to St Mungo's.

It took a while to explain to him how it all worked with the woman's body, but eventually, Harry understood that it was simply a reaction to how much pleasure she felt. On the second attempt, Harry was a lot more relaxed but still tensed when she finally reached her climax. On their third try, he was perfectly calm and happy to have succeeded in pleasuring her yet again.

"You know, Hermione. I'm starting to think that you might be a bad influence… using me for your own sexual pleasures." He teased.

She laughed, "Yeah right, as if you don't get anything out of it. It's a fair trade, you need to admit to that."

"As long as you're happy." He smiled.

"The happiest."

Hermione was starting to think that leaving back to her parents would be an impossible task. How could she possibly leave him? He's everything she ever wanted. She was also not very keen on talking with her mother. Knowing Emma Granger, she will probably manage to read the whole truth out of Hermione right at the doorstep. Then she would ask about details and that was something that Hermione could never be ready for. It was the one negative thing about having your mother as a best friend; she could be so damn insensitive sometimes. But she was still the best mum Hermione could ever ask for, and she wished that she could be as good of a mother one day.

They were both falling asleep when a soft knock was heard on the window. Harry sat up and turned on the small light on his nightstand. He put on his glasses, then his boxers and paced towards the window.

Hermione stood up from the bed and covered herself with the sheets. It was an extremely nice feeling, it made her feel like she was in a romantic movie; that's what all the women usually did.

Harry opened the window and a familiar large fluffy owl flew inside the room.

"Errol? What are you doing here?" asked Harry as the owl settled on the window sill, stretching out his leg.

Harry took the letter and sat down on the bed with Hermione, unwrapping the envelope. It was a letter from George.

Dear Harry,

I'm sorry to be the bearer of sad news, but since you're basically part of the family, we all figured you should know.

We have just heard from Bill that Fleur has miscarried. She is currently at St Mungo's and the healers are pacing over her. Mum is devastated. Ginny told me that you might be with Hermione, so please make sure to let her know as well.

If you want to visit us, we're all going to St Mungo's. I think everyone would appreciate your company.

Hope to see you,

George.

Harry turned to Hermione who had tears in her eyes. He didn't think much before wrapping her in his arms.

"That's… that's horrible." She cried into his shoulder.

"I know…." Harry added, rubbing her back, "Come on… let's get dressed. I think Fleur needs as much woman support as she can get. You should be there for her."

Hermione pulled back and wiped at her tears, "you're right." She stood up and marched to the bathroom.


Harry never enjoyed hospitals. He was lucky enough to avoid them during childhood as he rarely got sick. None the less, he hated the atmosphere which the hospital brought. There's always quiet chatter taking place somewhere within the large hallways, healers passing through with stone faces and families crowded, awaiting news.

Hermione was in her typical 'on a mission' mode. She was leading Harry through the hallways, a desperate and determined look on her face. It was the same face he saw many times during his Hogwarts days. It always impressed him; it showed him how much of a string fighter Hermione could be.

They reached the 'Gynaecology Ward' a couple minutes after arrival. Harry knew they were in the right place when he saw a large wave of red hair. The Weasleys were all crowded together in the centre of the hallway. Mr Weasley along with Percy and Goerge were both sitting on the waiting chairs, they were quietly whispering something to each other. Ginny, Ron, Luna and Mrs Weasley were surrounding Bill, hugging him and giving words of support.

Mrs Weasley and Ginny both had red eyes and pale faces, while Bill and Ron both shared the same ghostly expression of shock. Bill seemed to be a lot more surprised than Ron, as his eyes were still wide and threatening to release tears.

Soon, all of the Weasley's eyes fell upon them. Harry could feel Hermione's grip tighten as they slowly approached the family.

Hermione let go of Harry and paced towards Bill. She gently wrapped her arms around him and whispered something in his ear. Bill gave a weak smile and hugged her back. His eyes still clutching on Harry.

Harry felt his chest tighten as he stepped towards Bill and took his hand. Everyone was looking at them.

"I'm awfully sorry for what happened, Bill. How is she?"

Bill squeezed Harry's hand and tensed his lip, "Thank you. She's fine, at least that's what the healers are saying. I just wish I could see her now. I think she would like to see both of you. I'm happy you came."

Harry didn't know why Fleur would like to see him in a time like this, but he was happy that he wanted to be seen at all by anyone from the Weasley family; he expected a lot of looks and cold shoulders from everyone after Ron informed them about his separation with Hermione. He also knew that Hermione must be feeling a lot worse than him.

"It's nothing, Bill. We'll speak to her after you," Harry answered, giving a tight smile. He couldn't imagine what it must feel like. Fleur has just lost her unborn child, and he couldn't begin to imagine the pain she must be feeling no matter how much he tried.

Hermione was tearing up at his side when Mrs Weasley approached her and gave her a tight hug.

"We're happy you could come." She told them.

"Of course," Hermione muttered, a sight of relief spreading across her face. She was clearly thinking the same thoughts as Harry.

Eventually, Harry found himself facing Ron. There was a brief tension in the air, but then Ron smiled and all of it was gone.

"I'm glad you could make it, mate." It seemed like those words were the only things that any of the Weasleys could say right now. Harry didn't want to give the same answer for the second time, so he just smiled and nodded at his best friend. He was glad that nothing had to be discussed right now. All that mattered was that they could be together in this time of grief.


They all waited for what felt like hours when a young healer finally approached them. Harry knew that healers and doctors alike always tried their best to remain cold and stone-faced when giving news, but sadness was written all over the face of this healer; he was clearly affected just like any of the Weasleys about the situation.

"She's perfectly well." The healer informed, "We've given her some stress relief potions along with some numbing potions too. You can visit her if you wish." With that, the healer stepped back and stood at the door, waiting for someone to follow him.

All eyes turned to Bill who received a quick hug from Mrs Weasley and started pacing after the healer.

Bill was gone for quite some time and Hermione couldn't help but start to worry. They shouldn't be alone at a time like this, her mind protested as she fidgeted with her sleeves.

Harry took hold of her hand, "It's going to be okay. I know it." He smiled at her.

She smiled back and rested her head on his shoulder, "I hope… I still can't believe it."

"I never gave much thought to it… but I always kind of imagined that this sort of thing didn't happen to witches." He whispered.

She shook her head against his shoulder, "It doesn't, it's extremely rare for witches to miscarry. Naturally, because of our strong magic, the fetuses usually remain perfectly safe and healthy during the nine months of pregnancy. What happened to Fleur doesn't happen too often, that's why everyone is so shocked." She explained.

Harry sighed, partially in relief. Hermione's words helped ease his mind a lot; he couldn't stop thinking about the same kind of thing happening to Hermione one day. It would definitely devastate her. All of a sudden, the idea of having children and trying to raise a family scared him.

Hermione squeezed his hand and gave him a weak smile, "At least we're together in all this." He couldn't agree more with her words.

"I was scared that we wouldn't be welcome here. I'm glad that nothing changed between us." He informed.

"We will have to talk about it eventually."

Harry nodded, "I know. I'm not afraid of when that comes. I want everyone to know that I love you, and I don't care if they agree with it or not."

She wanted to kiss him at that moment, but she decided against it. She respected Ron for his kindness and understanding, and she didn't want to ruin that. She was happy to just be here and support the ones that she loves. It was all that mattered. They've been through so much together, and even now, during the time of sadness, they will still remain… Together.