Chapter 55: Hermione Granger.
6th January, 1999
His cloak was soaked and cold as he pushed through the doors of the overly crowded pub (much to his disdain) and sat by the bar. He could feel looks all around him and it brought a sour and unpleasant grin to his face. He was used to it. Having completely ignored the animated wanted posters of his face hanging outside, he still remained painfully aware that he'd only get a few minutes before the authorities arrived. Still, he couldn't help himself to a drink.
"Is that him?" He heard a panicked whisper behind his back. He ignored that too.
"W-what could I get you?" A startled voice came from behind the bar. It was a young girl, couldn't be more than twenty. He raised his head slightly to see her, his red eyes gleaming from under the hood of his cloak.
"Firewhiskey, double. Please." He answered and placed three galleons on the counter. A generous tip. As he stared at the young waitress, he couldn't help but bring closer attention to her bushy and curly brown hair. In that moment his eyes drew back towards his scarred hands, making the hood hide his face again.
A glass appeared before him soon enough, along with a perfect portion of his favourite drink. He took a sizeable gulp and huffed in approval, allowing for the liquid to burn its way down his throat.
"The dark lord!" Someone cried.
As the whispers around him became much more prominent, people started to hurry out the pub. Customers abandoning their meals and drinks made their way towards the exit. He remained unbothered.
"Tell me." His dry voice rang out, "If tonight was to be your last night. How would you spend it?"
The waitress didn't answer at first, maybe hoping the question hadn't been aimed at her. However, as more customers left the pub, he could tell she felt cornered.
"I… I guess…" Her voice was breaking. It stung him. But there wasn't much he could say or do to make it otherwise. "I'd spend it with my loved ones."
Then he looked up at her, and he could see the immense horror that formed on her face as she studied his. "That does sound rather nice." He muttered. "If only-" His voice had been cut off by the loud knock on the door.
"Potter! We know you're inside! Remove yourself from the premises at once. You are under arrest. Come out with your hands in the air. Do not try anything stupid!" An auror's voice followed.
Harry finished his drink slowly, then placed a small bag on the counter which echoed with the sound of coins from inside. "Make sure to do exactly that." He told her, then turned towards the door.
His steps were calm and even as he unholstered the Elder wand from his belt. His eyes an endless wave of crimson, he pressed through the door once more, back into the pouring rain.
"You would have been a natural." That melodic dark voice echoed in his mind. Like a poison.
Screaming followed. But he quickly realised the scream had belonged to him.
"It's alright! Harry! Everything is okay. I'm here!" Her voice came. Arms wrapped around him.
He could feel sweat pouring from his forehead. His breathing was broken and unsteady as he clutched onto her.
"Shh, shh." She nuzzled against his neck. "You're okay, my love. Everything's okay." Her voice was so calm. So composed. She was used to this. He hated himself for making her endure this.
Eventually his breathing slowed, and he relaxed once more, trying to clear his mind. Her fingers running up and down over his bare chest, as she continued to hush him. Her other hand was wrapped around his shoulders. Her face pressed to his hair as she continued to whisper and comfort him as best as she could.
They stayed like that for several minutes before he spoke. "I'm sorry." He huffed, clutching to her arms.
"Don't be ridiculous. There's nothing to apologise for." She whispered into his hair and kissed his head gently.
"You shouldn't have to deal with this. No one should. I know how terrified it makes you. I can hear your heart." He grumbled. He felt her smile against his skin.
"Harry. I'm only terrified for you. Not of you. You know this."
He nodded, only half convinced.
"Was it…"
"Just a nightmare." He finished. "It didn't feel like the old ones. It was just a nightmare." As if that was of any comfort to either of them.
"Want to tell me about it?" She asked, rocking him slightly in her arms.
He shook his head, "It was similar to the others. Just…"
"What?" She encouraged.
"Nothing. Don't worry about it. It was just a dream. I'm certain of it." He explained.
"I wish I could help somehow." She complained, pain in her voice.
Harry smiled for the first time, "You are doing exactly that."
She shook her head, "It isn't enough. I haven't had any nightmares since… well you know. I wish there was something we could do about yours. I really think we should start considering the dreamless sleep potion again. There are subscriptions, Harry."
Harry didn't want to take them. He wanted to beat this. He didn't want to rely on potions to live and sleep normally. He didn't only have bad dreams. There were also wonderful ones. However, he started to ponder the idea more and more. Not so much for his benefit, but more for Hermione's. He knew this affected her just as much as it did him.
"If they don't stop soon, we can give them a try." He promised. She smiled at him and then placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
He returned the kiss. Soon enough, she was the one to land in his arms. She nuzzled against his chest now, singing some lullaby he couldn't recognise. She'd started doing that recently, and it made him realise just how angelic her voice truly was.
They were back in the Head Boy's room, or rather Head Girl's Room number two. As Harry wasn't allowed inside Hermione's quarters, given the old Hogwarts rule protected by smart enchantments, Hermione usually spent most of her time in his. Over the months both rooms essentially became hers. Harry had his little corner for Quidditch gear, but most of both rooms were covered in endless piles of books which all belonged to Hermione. Madame Pomfrey had dismissed them the morning before, after being satisfied with Harry's vital charts.
They stopped by McGonagall's office and thoroughly briefed the headmistress.
"Thank you, Mister Potter, Miss Granger." She nodded at them.
They were about to leave when McGonagall turned to Harry, "Potter, how have your dreams been? Anything new? Are you still seeing the old one at all?"
Harry shook his head, "Already happened, professor. It was… well the dream was more of a vision. From Christmas."
She studied him a while longer and then let out a pained sigh, "I really hope that was the worst of it, then. I'm glad both of you are okay."
They smiled at the headmistress awkwardly.
"One last thing. Harry. The Aurors wanted to speak with you. I denied their request. Given that you are my student and therefore still under my care, I took the liberty of speaking for you. I apologise for that. However, I was almost completely certain you'd be grateful to hear this." She informed.
Harry nodded sheepishly, "I am, professor. Thank you. Did they say what they wanted?"
"The chief Auror stated it was a personal matter."
Harry and Hermione shared a glance, knowing it could really mean one thing. Harry was wanted at the ministry. Again.
"Regardless, I told them if you wished to contact them, you would. And that I'd relay the message."
"Thanks again." Harry smiled. In that moment he was very grateful for the headmistress. In many ways, she was very much like Dumbledore.
"Well, that's all. I'm always here, should you ever need me. Now I'm sure the two of you have plenty of studying to do. NEWTs are just around the corner."
Harry glanced at Hermione and saw her eyes sparkle. She was excited for the exams. He smiled to himself.
"Harry." She called after him as they left McGonagall's office, "Do you think you should contact the Aurors?"
Harry thought about it for a second, then shook his head, "Don't see a reason to. They can wait. If it's terribly important, they'd contact me one way or another."
Hermione bit her lip, "I just feel like… maybe it's best you don't ignore them too long."
Harry's eyebrows furrowed, "I thought this is what we wanted. To distance ourselves from the politics."
Hermione smiled at him, "I know, my love. But think about it this way… You're… well." She threw her hands in defeat, "Harry you're a hero. Whether you like that title or not. You are. You saved magical Britain. You're a symbol now. To so many people. I don't know how long we can go ignoring all of that. Maybe if every once in a while, you showed your face. I think that would be good. It shows people you care."
"Dying wasn't enough?" Harry asked, then instantly regretted his words.
Hermione looked at him, sadness in her eyes. He knew that she knew it was. There was no point stating the obvious.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that. I just… I don't want any of this. The fame. The popularity. I just want to be happy. Alone. With you." He explained to her, as his arms wrapped around her waist. He bent lower and pressed his forehead against hers.
She kissed him quickly, enjoying the moment. Then her serious face came back, "I know, Harry. Believe me that I do too. But you're a symbol of hope. Not just to them but to the whole world. You're proof that good prevailed over evil. You showed everyone that fighting for what's right is worth it. And although we'd like to hope that was the end of it, I think this is the epilogue to that story. This is the part where you stand up, and show yourself to everyone. You tell them that it was worth it. That it all meant something in the end. I think people need that. The ministry is so hell bent on contacting you because you're the only one who has that power." He took the large pile of books from her arms and lead them to the first lesson that morning.
He thought for a long time about her words, but truly, how could he ever say no to that face? Not when she looked at him like that. The way her eyes would pierce straight through him, as if she could see his soul. From the moment he first kissed her, he knew he'd do anything she wanted, and follow her wherever she went. It was during lunch, when she brought up the subject again. And in a final attempt to compromise, "I'll only do it with you by my side." He informed.
She blushed, "Harry…"
"It's only possible thanks to you. There's no point arguing. I'm only as brave or as strong because I've always had you to aid me. I'll only have the strength to face them if I know you're next to me. Sharing the burden."
She looked down, her eyes escaping his. "I don't think I'm who they want to see."
He lifted her chin with his finger and made her eyes meet his again, "Yes. Yes, you are."
They agreed for Harry to make contact with the Ministry as soon as spring break would start. Before the exams began. And much to Harry's distaste, it wasn't far away at all.
The sun was peering over the horizon as they stayed in bed. Staring at each other. They did that often. He loved the way she looked at him. As if he wasn't even real, and he returned the gesture. Sometimes. He still didn't believe it. That it had all worked out somehow. That she was at his side. Completely his. And he was hers. Maybe some stories did have happy endings. Maybe his would be one of them.
"What are you thinking about?" She asked him, tracing her fingers over his arms.
"You." He sighed. "Always you."
She grinned at him, "When will I tire of your flirty comments."
"Hopefully never." He prayed, kissing her.
Silence was always comfortable with Hermione. They never found the need to fill it with anything. They were perfectly happy just enjoying each other's company.
"You mentioned the puzzle pieces the other day." Harry reminded her.
She smiled at him, "I did. You liked that didn't you?"
He nodded, "I was thinking. Could you tell me your side of the story? I feel like we're always talking about me and my feelings. But I'd love to hear more about it from Hermione Granger's perspective. She's so much more interesting."
Hermione laughed, as she played with his hair "What would you like to know?"
Harry paused, considering his question carefully, "You loved Ron. What was it about Harry Potter, besides his dashing looks, that changed your mind?"
She bit her lip as she thought for a while, "There are many factors at play here."
Harry looked out the window briefly and smiled, "We've got time." He knew whatever Hermione followed up with would be more of a report. An analysation. And he was excited.
"I do love Ron. But I felt like our friendship had always consisted of one of us picking on the other. Throughout our time at Hogwarts, I felt like I was very often the subject of his nasty jokes. And when his real feelings started showing, the way he revealed them- even that was cruel. Things got much better with time, of course. I've always valued how protective he was of us both. But there were also times at which I questioned his loyalty and friendship. Our fourth year… and during the horcrux hunt. And yet, because I always considered you to be strictly off limits, I found myself thinking about him." She explained.
"I guess a lot of his actions were cute in one way or another. As I grew up I began to care for him. And I saw that he cared for me. I loved how nervous he was around me when he came back to us. I was angry of course, but he was patient and understanding. I felt like things had finally changed. Maybe I did love him in that way. And then… when it finally happened. When we kissed during the battle. I couldn't help but feel like I was kissing a brother. I'd argue that he felt it too. We both resisted it for a while, but I knew from that moment that something was missing."
Harry rubbed her back as she spoke, "That sounds hard."
She nodded, "I was going to settle anyway. I was Hermione Granger afterall. An insufferable know-it-all all bookworm. The only person I'd ever truly been really connected to was taken. But Ron was always there. Holding my hand and smiling at me. He did accept me in some form, the way I was. I also felt so horrible. He was so upset after losing Fred. It made it almost impossible to speak about my feelings during that time. I didn't want to hurt him further. Then things happened between us and there was no denying anymore. I had to come clean."
"I'm glad you came clean." He smiled.
She smiled into his chest, "Me too. It wasn't easy, as I'm sure you remember."
"But it was right." He answered and she kissed him then.
"I couldn't help but feel like it was always really you that kept Ron and I together. I don't think we'd be friends if not for you. It felt like you were the bridge that kept us united. If not for you, we would have found a way to hurt one another. But you were always there to break us apart. In some way, I'd wager it's only thanks to you that we lasted as long as we did."
Harry marvelled at her words, "I guess that's true. Do you think you'd have been friends if I never came to Hogwarts?"
Hermione thought about it and then shook her head, "I highly doubt it. My life would have been completely different without you. The magic would have been far less appealing."
He chuckled again as he kissed her head, "I'm happy I made it all better. I'm sure you know it goes both ways."
She looked up at him again, "Always both ways."
The next couple days were very quiet. Harry had gone back to thinking about the ridiculous amount of looks he still received as he walked the corridors with Hermione. People still gazed at them like they were some godly deities. Hermione seemed to have eased into it, though. She gracefully held his hand and kissed him on the cheek whenever she wished, and he was glad.
As the new week rolled in, Ron arrived at Hogwarts again, and Harry could sense a mission in his eyes. Something about Ron's face seemed strange. But Harry couldn't quite place a finger on it. He was even more surprised to see Maria at his side.
"Hey guys!" Ron waved, Maria shyly standing nearby. They were all dressed in casual clothes, preparing for their trip to the three broomsticks.
It took some time to persuade Hermione to come along.
"I'm sorry, Harry. But I don't know if I'm comfortable with it yet." She told him. "Of all the girls in the world, he just HAD to catch his eye on the one that tried to steal you from me. Do you even realise how weird this all is?"
Harry braved a reassuring smile, "Life can be weird, my love. We know that better than anyone. But think about it. After all we've been through. Don't you think we all deserve some happiness? Everyone has their own stuff they need to deal with. Why add more anger? More pain and dislike. I know she was wrong to do what she did. But truly, it feels so distant now. And I really can't help but feel strangely sorry for her. I'm sure you've heard some of the stuff they say about her."
Hermione couldn't argue Harry's point. She had heard the other girls saying stuff about Maria. It felt like good looks could only take you so far when people couldn't figure out your strange behaviour. One day she just stopped talking to everyone. Started spending all her free time in the dark corners of the library, or out near the black lake. She'd usually skip breakfast. Then she'd have lunch and dinner at the far corners of the Gryffindor table. Away from everyone.
Ginny tried talking to her a few times, but she'd brush her away too. It was almost like she wanted to suffer. Like she wanted to feel punished. And if Hermione hadn't been so preoccupied with her own life and Harry's, perhaps she'd have realised it all a bit sooner.
Eventually, Hermione agreed and was now awkwardly strolling across the courtyard towards Ron and Maria, with Harry's hand in hers.
"How are you, Harry? All healed up?" Ron asked.
"I'm good, thanks. How are you guys?" Harry asked.
Ron's brows furrowed, "Oh, same old same old. You know. Joke shop. Auror training."
Harry's eyes turned to Maria.
She cleared her throat, looking perfect and overbearingly beautiful as always, "I've been good. Just trying to prepare for the exams. A lot of studying."
Harry could feel Hermione's hand tighten around his.
She liked that.
The pub was quiet today, and they found a nice booth in the corner. Harry ordered a round of butterbeer and they all started talking about Hogwarts and old days. Harry realised Maria was taking it all in with a smile as she listened to their stories. Harry could tell this had been the longest conversation she'd been part of in months. She didn't talk much. But they all knew she needed some time. She didn't know them after all.
It really was all very strange. Harry felt like the girl sitting in front of him was a completely different person now. All her charisma and boldness were gone. And somehow, she seemed so much better without it all. He felt like he could finally see the real her. It also helped that Ron's constant jokes and comments would make her giggle and laugh endlessly.
She was wiping at her eyes when Ron turned to Harry, his look serious. "Hey Harry, I was wondering if uh- we could talk. Just us?"
Harry turned to Hermione who nodded, although he could see the curiosity in her eyes. He gripped her hand, signalling she'd know about it all later and she smiled at him.
They removed themselves from the booth and Harry briefly worried about leaving the two women alone. But decided to trust Hermione in the end.
"So uhm… how's studying going?" Hermione asked after a couple minutes of silence.
Maria choked on her butterbeer as Hermione's question reached her. She wiped at her mouth quickly, "It's great!" She said enthusiastically. "Stressful of course. But I'm actually enjoying it. Weird, I know."
"It's not weird. It's nice to learn new things." Hermione added, her mouth twitching.
"I think I've been studying a little too much, but sometimes I can't help myself. Hogwarts has such an amazing library. Some subjects are much tougher than others. I absolutely hate Divination and consider it a bit pointless, but I'm very much attracted to the idea of predicting the future so I'm in love with Arithmancy at the moment. I think it's so much more effective than divination and much more practical. Getting accustomed to all the new numerology we've been introduced to this year has been challenging, but it's all so fascinating and I'd love to see how we can tie it with astrology." Maria realised she had said rather a lot and grabbed her butterbeer again, avoiding Hermione's gaze which had become rather pained.
"You like Arithmancy?" Hermione asked, fighting the grin that was forming on her face.
Maria nodded, "I'm sorry I probably don't even know half of what you know, I've seen you win several arguments with Professor Vector. I've actually been seeing her outside of classes for some extra work."
Hermione's grin widened and now she was fighting the blush forming on her cheeks, "I doubt that. You do seem rather confident yourself. I'd love to exchange notes for the current essay if you don't mind? I've been having a difficult time committing to weather predictions or future tectonic plate clashes. I haven't seen you at the advanced arithmancy class." Hermione pointed out.
Maria smiled, "I'd be happy to exchange notes. I spoke with Professor Vector. The extra work is actually related to the advanced class. If she's happy with my results, she said she'll invite me."
Hermione smiled back and it truly felt genuine "Well I'm hoping to see you there. Tell me though, why don't you like Divination? It's argued the subjects go hand in hand?"
Maria shrugged, "With all due respect, I feel like it's a very volatile subject. There's very little knowledge involved and so much left to chance. You're either a seer or you're not. Of course, it is an elective subject, but I just had to drop out after realising that I'm clearly no seer. Arithmancy on the other hand, well anyone can do it, as long as they apply themselves and put in the work."
Before Hermione could answer, Ron and Harry had returned, a rather puzzled look was in Harry's face, whereas Ron looked rather relieved.
"Okay I heard something about Arithmancy, and that stops now or else I'm leaving." He said and the whole table laughed. Harry's laugh was the quietest; Hermione deducted.
The rest of the afternoon went by smoothly. Ron had to leave eventually as the joke shop was receiving fresh stock of love potions that needed to be checked in, much to Hermione's frowns and complaints about it being far too extreme of a potion to be sold around. Maria excused herself too, and decided she wanted to catch up on a couple essays, but not before giving Ron a quick hug which made them both blush. After being denied paying for their butterbeer by Madam Rosmerta who claimed them the saviours of magical Britain and so by extension – her pub, Harry and Hermione decided to spend the rest of the afternoon with Hagrid. The half-giant was of course happy to have them as always. They talked about the next classes Hagrid had planned for them, before finally deciding to return to their dorms.
"How was Maria?" Harry asked, curious.
Hermione smiled, "You know. Not bad actually. She uhh… she likes Arithmancy."
Harry stared at her, dumbfounded, "No way."
"Yes way." She laughed. "I actually tested her a bit. She passed."
Harry smirked, "How much stranger can life really get?" He asked himself, smiling.
As they passed the clock tower courtyard Hermione's eyes focused on a loose copy of the daily prophet left abandoned on a bench nearby. Something about the headline had caught her attention.
HARRY POTTER – DANGER OR BLESSING?
She grabbed the paper and unfolded it as they sat on the bench. Harry was rather unbothered by her reaction as she began to read.
The Auror Department had finally revealed that fourteen death eaters had been found and eliminated by the Vanquisher of the dark lord – Harry Potter. It seems the boy who lived is determined to bring the rest of The Dark Lord's forces to an end. A rather promising Auror – one would say. However, this does beg the question of how a single Eighteen-Year-Old wizard managed to take on an entire group of Death Eaters all by himself. The Auror's reports state the scene had been discovered and analysed post-attack. Leaving to belief that Potter was capable of not only defending himself against a small army, but also bringing each and every one of them down single-handedly. Power of this kind is truly one which the world is most afraid of. Especially at current times. It is well known that Harry Potter had stood in defence of magical Britain and the world. However. Power requires responsibility. And so this begs another question; How do we know Potter shall forever stay loyal to his cause of goodness and justice? When perhaps a single bad breakup or regular crude day could cause a similar slaughter?
Hermione saw a single attached image of Harry's picture in St Mungo's as he hurried through the corridor. He was strapped in tactical robes, and Hermione was very thankful his red eyes weren't visible in the black and white print. But even so, his face didn't look right. It didn't quite look like Harry. It was a different version of him. A dark one. One Harry and Hermione were trying to forget.
It had been revealed months ago that Harry Potter had indeed switched love interests. His new life companion is none other than his long-time close friend, Miss Hermione Granger. A muggle born witch who had also aided him at the battle of Hogwarts. Granger's relations with Mr Potter had been previously monitored and analysed by the talented writer and journalist, Rita Skeeter. She had provided us with an exclusive comment.
"Oh, I always knew there was something between them. I could see it in their cute little innocent faces. Why, they loved each other of course and so I had to write about it. I'm telling you now folks, you're looking at the future Mrs Potter."
Very little is known on how Harry Potter had found himself in Shirewick Village on that cold Christmas Night. However, some believe Miss Granger's admittance to St Mungo's has some correlation to the story. It has been speculated she might have been kidnapped by Death Eaters herself, after which being rescued by Mister Potter. Much is still unknown. The Auror Department has refused to release any further information, and have not allowed any members of the Prophet Press entry to the Shirewick crime scenes. However, one thing is certain. Harry Potter defeated these dark servants on all on his own. He is clearly one of the most powerful wizards alive. Should we be scared? Or should we rejoice at our new protector? Only time can tell.
Hermione read the article a couple more times as they reached their dorms.
"Say it now. Don't let it bottle up." Harry commented.
"THIS IS RIDDICULOUS! WHAT ABSOLUTE GARBAGE!" She howled at the paper.
Harry nodded simply "That's why we don't have the prophet delivered to the manor and probably won't for a few more years."
Hermione looked back at him seriously, "Harry, this is serious. Do you even understand how this makes you look? They're trying to tarnish your name!"
Harry shrugged, "Kingsley told me I should expect as much. The press will always do its thing. It always attacks everyone and everything. Good or bad. Best thing to do is ignore it."
She tried to press on the matter. But deep down she knew there was little they could do. There was no fighting with the media. No one had that power. Not even the vanquisher of the dark lord.
"It's disgusting." Hermione spat. "If not for you, they'd be printing some blood supremacist propaganda right now."
"If not for us." He corrected her before collapsing on the bed.
Hermione studied Harry's picture a while longer as he walked through the halls of the magical hospital. They captured it at what seemed like the most perfect moment. Harry looked angry. Lifeless and venomous. She imagined people had already made comparisons to the young Tom Riddle. It made her stomach turn in anger.
"Hermione. Please stop. You're only making it worse for yourself." He told her from the bed, holding out his hand.
She crushed the paper into a ball and threw it across the room before taking his hand and collapsing next to him. "Unbelievable." She breathed. "I'm warning you now, Harry. You're going to regret inviting me along to the ministry. I'll go straight to Kingsley's office and demand they shut that publisher down."
Harry grinned, "I'm not quite sure I agree. I'd love to see that."
She turned to look at him, slightly annoyed, "Harry, could you please explain how you're taking this so easily? Does it not infuriate you even in the slightest?"
Harry's grin turned into a smile, "Have you realised for the past few days no one has been coming up to us? No autographs. No questions. They all just stare quietly and mutter things amongst themselves."
Hermione thought about that for a while. It was true. Another thing she'd had failed to pick up. Where has all her focus been on recently?
Funny question. Her mind echoed, making her frown.
"So you're happy they're all scared of you now?" She asked in disbelief. She wanted to ask him another question but forced herself to stop. She knew it might hurt him. You'd rather be feared than loved? It still rang in her head.
"Many are speculating I was only there to rescue you. That I did all of that because you were in danger." He answered as he tried to connect the dots for her.
"And you did." She hoped it didn't sound like a question.
He nodded, "Of course. So after everything that's happened. Something good came out of it in the end."
She still didn't understand.
His smile widened, "Now the whole world knows Hermione Granger has a bodyguard capable of taking on fourteen death eaters single-handedly. I don't think anyone will be trying to kidnap you any time soon."
Her mouth parted slightly as she stared at him. "You're just as ridiculous as that bloody newspaper." She told him, but couldn't help a tiny smile from forming on her face.
They stayed like that for a few minutes, just enjoying the peace and quiet. Then Hermione turned to him again and he already knew what it was.
"Right." He muttered as he shifted onto his side to face her. "Ronald."
"Precisely." She smiled.
"He's on an assignment from Jax Weller. You remember him?" Hermione nodded, "So as it turns out, the aurors don't actually want to see me for the reason we speculated." He explained.
He took a sharp glance at her before continuing, "Ron made me promise that I would keep this completely to myself as it's strictly confidential and not to land in the public's knowledge. At least not until the Auror department wishes it so. However, I felt like he knew I'd tell you anyway. But I'd like you to try and stay calm."
"Okay." She nodded again, slightly confused.
"Well. It turns out that they were a death eater short when running the crime scene." He told her as his face turned rather hard. Hermione noticed some form of internal struggle taking place in his eyes. His body looked tense. "There was one guy upstairs. He was the first one I encountered. After…" He hesitated.
Hermione placed her hand on his shoulder, "And he's missing."
Harry nodded. His eyes foggy. "Everyone is accounted for except him. They believe he escaped the scene before they arrived."
Hermione stared at him. She thought Harry had killed them all. However, during one of his nightmares, she remembered hearing him mumbling about it.
"Where are the rest… Tell me now and I'll make sure your suffering ends… Cru… cru-cio…" This would happen right before a lung-tearing scream would burst out from within his throat, waking him up.
He tortured a death eater for information. Hermione never dared to breach on the subject. But she calculated this must have been the way he found her location. She predicted he'd have killed him. Tell me now and I'll make sure your suffering ends. Harry's mumble repeated in her head as she deducted and calculated again and again; trying to form the whole story. Turns out he never did. He left the man alive. Left him to die slowly. The thought made her shiver unwillingly and she saw Harry cringe.
"He won't hurt us, Hermione. I promise you. You don't need to worry about it. Please. Don't let it bother you. I won't let anyone hurt you." He shifted closer to her and wrapped his arms around her.
She braved a smile against his chest, "I'm not scared, Harry."
He pulled away slightly to look at her, as if trying to see if she was being sincere. He must have been satisfied with what he saw on her face because he pulled her back into a tight hug.
"So that's all? The Aurors just wanted to warn you. Did Ron say anything else?" She muffled into his shirt.
"Not exactly. They need to identify the death eater before they can start looking. It's hard to look for someone who doesn't have a name or a face." He explained.
Hermione's body stiffened against his. She gasped in realisation as her arms tightened around him. They needed his memories. They needed to see the scene from Harry's perspective. That's the only way they could identify the suspect.
Hermione had done plenty of research regarding memories and their uses. It started at the end of her second year, when Professor Lockhart was found out for erasing the memory of famous witches and wizards, after which claiming their achievements as his. Hermione could still remember the betrayal she felt over it back then. Memory became a theme of research for her again, particularly in fifth year once Harry was being taught Occlumency and then revisited the matter once more the year after, when Harry revealed he was using a Pensieve with Dumbledore. She had to essentially master memory manipulation by her seventh year when she decided to obliviate her parents. She found it all rather fascinating yet strange and almost scary at times. Now, however, the page extracts she remembered reading sent thunderstorms through her chest as she recalled all the basic details of summoning memories.
For one, it was invasive. Whether the Aurors used legilimency on Harry, or a pensieve. It would still require Harry to revisit those memories in great detail. He would have to feel exactly what he felt in the moment. He would need take himself back to that horrible night. The night they were so desperately trying to forget.
It felt like by some form of magic, Harry had tagged along with her thoughts as his grip tightened on her too. "It's a bit of a conundrum, isn't it?" There was a slight hint of catharsis to his voice. Perhaps he too marvelled at how much they've managed to communicate without uttering a single word these days.
"Harry, you don't have to do it. They can't make you. I've read about this stuff briefly once I knew you wanted to become an Auror a couple years back. I know a little about the interview process for witness and victim statements. Wizards don't care for mental health near as much as muggles do, but they still have boundaries." Her voice was fierce, "They will never be able to force you. At most they can get you to provide a description." Her eyes widened, "That's why they tried to do it through Ron. They hoped he would be able to persuade you." She seemed to be rollercoasting through emotions as a look of disgust formed on her brows, "How pathetic of them. To try and do all this off the record and using your closest friends. An aspiring Auror Trainee hoping to prove himself. It's sickening."
Harry didn't say anything. He just held her. Trying to tune out his thoughts. He tried to focus on her smell. How beautiful her scent was. And rather than focusing on her words, he drew closely to the sound of her voice instead and how melodic it seemed to his ears. He'd been doing that often now. It helped so much when trying to stop the bad thoughts from coming in. Just focus on her. Focus on her. He repeated again and again. Trying to steady his heartbeat.
"Is there any part of this world that isn't corrupt? Why are all of them so desperately self-cantered? I don't understand. A free world ridden of death eaters and Voldemort had just been handed to them on a silver platter and THIS is how they decide to utilise it?" She cried angrily.
Harry smiled against her hair regardless, "One day you will change it all, my love."
The redness of her face weakened as she pulled away to look at him again, confused.
He looked back at her. Into the goodness his saw in her eyes. The beautiful soul that hid behind those endless waves of chocolate brown pureness. "I can see it. I can see you. A leader. At the helm of our world. I can see you change it all. Your words crushing the ones trying to manipulate. Those who only try to benefit their own profits. I can see you calling them out. Proving them all wrong. Leading us to something better. Something grater."
"Harry. What are you talking about?" She wondered, almost worried.
He just smiled at her, "I know you don't see it yet. But I've been hearing it for so many years now. Everything from S.P.E.W to Dumbledore's Army to Head Girl. You're going to be amazing. I just hope you find some space in there for me. I want to watch while you take them all on. And I'll perish anyone who dares to stand in your way. That is if you don't do it yourself first."
Hermione had no idea where all this had come from, but she couldn't stop her face from going red again. For a good reason this time. "Harry this isn't exactly the best time to boost my ego."
He frowned, "I'm not. I do wish you had some more faith in yourself. But you'll get there eventually. I can imagine even then you'll still refuse to accept praise. But it doesn't matter. You'll change this world far more than I ever could have. Harry Potter was the spark. But Hermione Granger will be the flame. I bet all three of my Gringotts vaults on it."
She buried her face in his neck, "If this is your way of calming me down, I'm extremely annoyed to admit it's working."
Harry smiled, completely unbothered now. Just focus on her. Focus on her.
"What are we going to do Harry?" She asked, almost pleading.
Harry shook his head, "Let's worry about it tomorrow. Please, my love. Let me enjoy this. Right now. I just want to enjoy this moment. I want to enjoy what I love enjoying best. Something that's better than any broomstick. Something greater than wielding the most powerful wand. Something even more amazing than magic itself. My one and only drug."
"Hmm?" She nuzzled against his skin.
"Let me enjoy Hermione Granger."