Beyond the Second Destiny

by William "Blissey" Raymer

Based on characters and situations in the Harry Potter book series

Written by J.K. Rowling

Published in the United Kingdom by Bloomsbury Publishing plc.

and in the United States of America by Scholastic Corporation

Harry Potter is owned by

J.K. Rowling (publishing and theatrical stage production)

and

Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (all other rights)

This story is not intended to infringe on the rights of either J.K. Rowling or

Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. with regard to any character, location or item immediately recognizable

as being from the Harry Potter book or motion picture series.

That being said, this story is my interpretation of the Wizarding World—combining elements of the books and films with my own head canon and concepts from other Harry Potter fanfictions and may not be to the liking of certain readers as a result. Please keep this in mind as you read.

First Arc:

"Order of Merlin Arc"

Chapter One

Previously on Second Destiny...

Somewhere in the Afterworld

Linear time did not exist in the Afterworld. But if it did, it was later that night when Harry and Hermione—having finished moving into their new heavenly residence—heard a knock on their door. "Enter," Harry said.

The door opened, revealing Joanna. "Joanna, please come in," Harry said.

Joanna smiled as she walked in and saw Hermione walk down the steps. "I just wanted to see how you two were doing," Joanna said.

"Amazingly," Hermione said. "So what brings you here?"

"I was taking a final look through your records and saw some things that I was confused about," Joanna said.

"Like what?" Hermione said.

"Everything after you defeated Voldemort," Joanna said as she, Harry and Hermione made their way to the nearby dining room table.

"You want to know what really happened—is that right?" Hermione said.

"Merely in a personal capacity—as one friend to another," Joanna said.

"All right," Harry said. "Where would you like me to start?"

"How about the awards banquet when you two and Ronald Weasley got your Orders of Merlin?" Joanna said.

Hermione smiled at Harry. "Seems as good a place as any," she said.

"My thoughts, exactly," Harry said.

Harry then turned to Joanna and smiled.

"Well, Hogwarts had just let out for the year, and we were to attend the banquet where we would receive our Orders of Merlin," Harry said. "I was not really looking forward to it—you know how I disliked the fame I had at the expense of my parents' lives."

Joanna nodded as Harry continued: "Well, my story begins when Ron arrived at Potter Manor to meet up with us so that we could all go to the ceremony as one party."

Potter Manor

Swansea, Wales

25 June 1992

"Master Harry, sir, a Ronald Weasley is calling through on the Floo, requesting permission to come through," a house elf's voice said.

Harry smiled at Hermione. "Let him through, Baron," he said.

"Yes, Master Harry," Baron said.

"Harry, I have an idea," Hermione said.

"Yeah, 'Mione?" Harry said.

"Now that Voldemort is gone and the Horcrux from your scar is also gone..." Hermione began.

Harry smiled as his mind picked up on what Hermione was suggesting. "Episkey?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded.

"Do it," Harry said.

Hermione nodded then pulled her wand from its holster and pointed it at Harry's forehead. "Episkey," Hermione said.

Harry could feel his forehead tighten. Hermione then held up her communications mirror so that Harry could see that what remained of his famous scar had faded from view. Harry began to sob as he realized that the last remnants of the night that claimed his parents' lives had forever faded from his sight.

"Lori!" Hermione called out.

A female house elf POPPED into view at Hermione's summons. "Mistress Hermione called for Lori?" the elf asked.

"Lori, calm Harry down," Hermione said. "He just got an emotional shock."

"Yes, Mistress," Lori said. She then made her way towards and touched Harry on the shoulder.

Harry felt Lori's house elf magic calm him. He then looked over and saw Lori, who offered Harry a handkerchief.

"Thank you, Lori," Harry said before dapping at his eyes with the handkerchief and handing it back to Lori.

As Lori POPPED away from the room where Harry and Hermione sat, Hermione smiled at Harry. "You know, Harry, I realize now what the Hermione of your last life didn't about house elves," Hermione said.

Harry nodded as he remembered how, in his previous lifetime, the Hermione of that lifetime condemned Harry for freeing Dobby from the Malfoy family yet still owning him. Harry then explained that house elves required the bonding to a wizard or a wizard's House lest that elf go crazy and eventually die.

"Thanks for understanding, 'Mione," Harry said.

There was a knock on the door which interrupted Harry and Hermione's conversation. "Enter," Harry said.

The door opened, revealing Baron and Ron.

"Scion Weasley, My Lord and Lady," Baron said.

"Thank you, Baron," Hermione said. "You may return to your normal duties."

Baron bowed to Harry and Hermione before leaving the sitting room.

Ron's eyes darted to Harry's forehead. "Harry, you got rid of your scar?" he said.

"Why wouldn't I?" Harry said. "Voldemort's gone, the Horcrux in it was taken out by the Gringotts goblins..."

"I see your point, Harry," Ron said before the friends hugged.

"You're looking lovely tonight, Hermione," Ron said before kissing Hermione on the hand.

"Thank you, Ron," Hermione said. "You're not looking half bad yourself."

Ron blushed. "Thanks, Hermione," he said.

Harry looked at Ron, a questioning look on his face. "So, Ron, do you have a date for the party tonight?" he asked.

"Yeah," Ron said. "We agreed to meet up at the Ministry Atrium."

"Would we know this person?" Hermione said. "I mean, does she go to Hogwarts?"

"She does," Ron said.

Hermione looked at the desk clock and saw that it was time to make their way to the Floo for transport to the party.

"Shall we be off?" Hermione asked.

Ron and Harry nodded. Harry took Hermione by the hand and followed Ron out of the sitting room.

::TBC::