A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series. This story is a product of my pure imagination.
All I knew
This morning when I woke
Is I know something now
Know something now I didn't before
And all I've seen
Since eighteen hours ago
Is green eyes and freckles and your smile
In the back of my mind making me feel like
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
~ Everything Has Changed by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran
*~*~* March 6, 1999 *~*~*
"Hello, Hermione."
Hermione looked up from her spot in the library where she was studying, "Hello Luna."
"Where is Harmony?" Luna asked as she sat down with Pandora attached to her chest.
"With Harry, he wanted to take her to watch the Quidditch practice," Hermione told her as she sat tapping her quill, "I have a question for you and I know that I can trust you with this question."
Luna nodded, "Of course, what is it?"
Hermione cast a privacy charm, "Did you and Neville always… just work? Romantically that is?"
Luna looked at her, "You and Ron had sex, and it wasn't good was it?"
Hermione bit her lip, "I don't know. Is it supposed to feel better?"
Luna sat back and looked at Hermione, "If you think it should feel better, then it should have been better. Honestly, I'm not surprised, you and Ron have never had matching auras."
Hermione looked at her, "Luna, are you into Divination?"
"My Grandmother was a Seer. While I didn't inherit her future-telling abilities, I can see auras and it helps on see things that others do not," Luna told her, "For example, your aura is multicolored. You have magenta, red, yellow, blue, turquoise, orange, violet of course and gold. Almost as much as Harry. Your brightest color is yellow which is intellectualism and self-control, but also much blue, violet, and gold. Harry has much white as well as green."
"What about Ron?" Hermione asked interested.
"Ron is pure magic so his primary color is violet. Red, orange, blue, and magenta are his other colors," Luna told her.
"What do the colors mean?" Hermione asked closing her book.
"Red is a large part of Ron but it is negative, it's because of his short temper. Your red is positive so it's more scarlet or ruby in Harry's circumstance. Positive is the ability to overcome any obstacles and a passionate lover. Neville is also Ruby. Metallic red like Ron is a shorter temper and irritable nature. Orange like you and Harry is a rich, vibrant orange and means you can integrate different aspects of life. You both can be Muggle or Magical with ease. You are self-motivated and open-minded, enthusiastic even. Ron has both a warm orange and a murky orange. He is territorial," Luna explained.
"We know that. Can this be learned?" Hermione asked interested.
Luna shrugged, "I've always seen them. I'm not sure if Divination teaches it. I think you have it or you don't."
"What do the other colors mean?" Hermione asked her.
"Yellow is your brightest color, a clear lemon color meaning a focused mind with a bit of mustard brown meaning a smart mind. Ron has a mustard yellow, because of his fits of jealousy. Then there is green. Harry has green, I believe that is part of the reason his eyes are so vibrant green, his emerald green is what keeps him so lucky. He also is generous with his time, love, and money without being asked," Luna told her as she looked around, "Then there is blue, you have a large amount of royal blue. You have a keen sense of justice and Harry has a natural power of leadership. You have a clear blue almost glassy because you have objectivity. A negative dull blue is also part of your aura because of your rigid rulekeeping. Ron has a harsh blue because he is opinionated. I have indigo and surprisingly so does Ron. Just means an enhanced intuition and I have a Lavender color because I am sensitive to nature. Violet is a color Harry didn't have before Voldemort. A connection to a higher level because he died and came back. Your violet is negative and harsh because you and Ron have a level of perfectionism. Both you and Harry have a vibrant, pure white light in your auras. You are meant to make a difference in the world. You draw powers from the cosmos for a higher level of consciousness. Magenta is a color we all have because we battled back from the threat of mortality. Harry is more than all of us. You have clear pink, you see the best in everyone, and are such a loyal friend. Same as Harry. Something that you need to watch out for is clear pink also suggests fertility."
Hermione looked at her surprised, "What? Meaning I'm pregnant?"
"No, no. It just means that you should not struggle to have children if you want them," Luna told her, "Ron has a bit of murky pink that means poor me. Which is why he is a bit childish. You and Harry both have some of the rarest of auras. Gold means you have a purpose in the world. You are going to be advocates and leaders for change. Harry sacrificed his own life to make a difference."
"So Harry and I are rare, but what does it all mean?" Hermione asked, "About me and Ron that is?"
Luna sighed, "You are going to have to work hard on it. It could work, but you'll have to make it work."
"Do your and Neville's auras match well?" Hermione asked.
"We have compatible auras, but Neville isn't who I will end up with in the end," Luna told her.
Hermione stared at her, "You know who you will end up with and you are still with Neville?"
"Life is about the journey, Hermione. No one should know whom they are meant to be with. I know that I will have two great loves, one will be a short time that will help me grow as a person, and the other has to grow before he is ready for me and will be my great love that will last until my dying day," Luna told her with a smile, "You'll have one of those as well."
"I thought you weren't a seer," Hermione commented.
"I'm not, but I have a feeling and usually they are quite on," Luna told her, "Now Tarot cards, I can read and I read them well. For a muggle sight, it's real. Want me to read yours one day?"
Hermione laughed, "I'll just wait and see, maybe one day."
*~*~* March 7, 1999 *~*~*
Hermione walked out of the University of Cambridge with her guide, "Thank you Maria for showing me around."
"Are you sure that you don't want to apply here?" Maria asked as they sat down on the steps of the admission office.
"While I'd love to, London just doesn't feel right currently," Hermione told her looking over the campus in front of them.
"I don't know how you and Harry are dealing with the fame," Maria said honestly making Hermione look at her surprised, "I'm a half-blood. I went to Beauxbatons because that is where my Mum went. My father wanted me to continue my Muggle education though. I am surprised you are leaving Harry and Ron behind though."
Hermione swallowed hard, "I don't want to, but I have to do what is best for me."
"I get it. Do you have a mobile?" Maria asked.
Hermione shook her head, "No, I do need to get one though. My parents are in Australia right now and I have to go to Hogsmeade to talk to them."
"I can show you where you can get one," Maria offered, "Won't take but an hour."
Hermione looked at her watch, "I have a couple of hours before I have to be back."
"Excellent, if we have time I'll treat you to lunch too," Maria said excitedly.
"Here is my number, I feel privileged to be your first contact," Maria said handing Hermione her Nokia phone back, "So do you think you could introduce me to Harry Potter?"
Hermione looked at her, "Harry has a girlfriend."
"Not romantically, but just to meet him. I know that he is your boyfriend," Maria stated.
Hermione scoffed, "We are just best friends, don't listen to anything Rita Skeeter says. His girlfriend is someone else, but I need to be getting back."
"Sure you don't want to get lunch?" Maria asked.
"I appreciate your help today, but I do need to be getting back. I am in the middle of a big project at Hogwarts and I cannot be away for too long," Hermione told her as she put her new phone into her purse.
"Well if you are ever in town, give me a ring," Maria told her.
"Thank you again for your help today and I will be sure to do just that," Hermione told her as she walked over to the apparition zone, "Goodbye."
"Goodbye," Maria said as Hermione disapparated to Hogsmeade.
Quickly walking back up the path to Hogwarts, she walked through the courtyard and saw Harry and Ginny sitting on a bench watching everyone around them as Junior and Harmony played on a blanket in front of them.
"Hey Hermione, how did your appointment go?" Ginny asked as she saw Hermione.
"Registered for my required tests. I take one in April and one in May," Hermione told them, "So I have some studying to do." Harmony squealed when she heard Hermione and reached her little arms up. Picking her up, Hermione rested her on her hip, "Now if you don't mind I'm going to take her upstairs and just relax a bit."
"See you in a bit," Harry told her.
After putting Harmony down for a nap, Hermione pulled the new cell phone out of her pocket. Knowing that it was three in the afternoon, Hermione knew in Sydney it would be two in the morning, and knowing her mother she was just starting to get ready for bed.
Dialing her mother's number, Juliet picked up nearly straight away, "Hello?"
"Hello, Mum? Can you hear me?" Hermione asked.
"Hermione, what are you doing calling at 2 in the morning here?" Juliet asked concerned.
"I just got a mobile phone and I wanted to try it out. I knew you would still be awake. I just called to say I registered for my GCSEs today as well as my A-Levels. I need to brush up on some subjects, but I can do this," Hermione told her as Harry came through the door, "I just have to schedule them."
"I believe in you, I have no worries," Juliet told her.
"Save this number, and call me whenever. I'm going to leave it up here in our dorm but I will check it," Hermione told her, "Goodnight Mum."
"Goodnight my love," Juliet said as she hung up.
"You got a mobile?" Harry asked surprised, "And it works?"
"The sound quality isn't as good but I could hear her and she could hear me," Hermione said as she sat down at her desk, "I have to figure out a revision schedule and fast."
Harry leaned against the desk, "I can help you. I've been thinking of taking them myself as a backup. I could use my name to get places in the magical world, but not the muggle world."
Hermione looked up at him, "Really? You want to try it?"
Harry nodded as he crossed his legs in front of him and held onto the desk under him. Hermione noted how the muscles in his arms flexed under his rolled-up sleeves, "I know it's going to be difficult, but I want to try my best at it."
Hermione pulled books out of her bag and enlarged them, "I stopped at a bookstore near campus. GCSEs have every subject that could be covered in traditional schooling. Maths, geography, history, languages, sciences, or art. English and math are the most common ones. From what the University of Cambridge's educational consultant said today when I went there, New York University suggests 9 to 10 GCSEs. Math, English, and Sciences are the core subjects they look for but you can choose six others. I'm doing history, geography, French, geology, business, and astronomy."
"Shite, I won't be able to do this," Harry groaned as he pushed off the desk.
Hermione stood up and took his hands, "I think you can though. If we study all the same subjects it could work out."
"Hermione, I don't know French, at all," Harry told her.
"Well, there is physical education. Take that one in place. You are athletic," Hermione suggested.
"On a broom," Harry told her pinching his nose.
"We can always do chemistry, which is essentially potions," Hermione said as she opened her book, "Latin is what most spell work comes from." Flipping through her book she gasped, "Food Technology, Harry! You know so much about food preparation and we can read up on the science. That's an option."
"What is the minimum required?" Harry asked, "Not the Hermione minimum, but the absolute minimum?"
"Five," Hermione told him, "Math, English, and Science are the core that everyone must take. English and Math must receive a passing grade."
"Alright," Harry said as he pulled up a chair next to her, "So I only need to pick two. Astronomy should be a breeze."
"What was your best subject in school?" Hermione asked.
Harry sat back, "I don't remember, I loved Earth sciences. I collected rocks in my cupboard."
Hermione grinned, "Geology, Harry! That is geology! We get you a study guide and some books on geology and you already have the foundations."
"Do you think that this will work?" Harry asked.
Hermione smiled, "I know it will. We are going to have to miss some classes though here. We can make sure our A-Levels are just the same subjects we are taking already. Here," She said as she grabbed her planner, "Let's go through the schedule and map this out."
After three hours and lots of pacing from Harry, they had a schedule. It was going to be difficult. The months of May and June were going to be packed for both of them between GCSEs, A-Levels, and NEWTs.
Harry looked at her as he quit messing with his hair, "We are going to have no lives."
"The last Quidditch game is the day after our Astronomy GCSE. Hopefully, none of our theory NEWTS are that day. The first week of June we have our practical NEWTs, the Math GCSE, and our History GCSE and Geography paper all due. Think we can get the time turner again?" Hermione asked him.
Harry laughed, "I probably could. Do you think I should ask?"
"It might honestly help, but I don't want to go through that again," Hermione admitted, "Let me come up with a schedule and tomorrow we will go into London for some study guides after classes."
Harry looked at the clock, "It's nearly dinner, should we wake Harmony up?"
"No let her sleep, I'm going to come up with this revising schedule. We have a little less than two months. I have to figure this out," Hermione told him opening one of the many books on the desk.
"Kreacher !" Harry yelled.
Hermione gasped, "No!" as Kreacher appeared.
"Master Potter, what do you need?" Kreacher asked looking at the floor.
"Are you still in the kitchens here?" Harry asked.
"Yes sir, do you wish for me to return to Grimmauld's Place?" Kreacher asked.
"No, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't calling you from too far. Hermione and I are going to start having meals up here more often," Harry told him, "If you could bring our meals here we'd appreciate it."
Kreacher bowed, "Yes Master Potter, sir." and disappeared with a pop.
Hermione hit him, "You know I hate that."
"I know, but now we don't have to leave here, but for classes, the library, or my Quidditch practice," Harry told her, "I might even sit out the last game."
Hermione glared at him, "Don't you dare. Ginny would have my neck."
Harry jumped up as Harmony started fussing, "I got her."
Hermione looked at her planner, "We can do this. We can do this."
*~*~* March 16, 1999 *~*~*
"Hey Hermione, can I revise with you?"
Hermione looked up from her text of Most Potent Potions and smiled at Harry, "You don't need to ask," She said as she moved her parchment from the other side of the table and he sat down, "How far into Slughorn's essay are you?"
Harry looked at her sheepishly, "Only a foot in. Let me guess, you are more in revisions?" He asked pulling out his parchment and book.
Hermione reached for his parchment and the spark that she had seen off and on since her seventeenth birthday flew between her and Harry.
"Bloody Hell," Harry said eyes wide, "I must have drug my feet across the floor on the way here, sorry Hermione."
Hermione looked at her hand, which was tingling. Unlike the other times before, the tingling was spreading up her arm. Suddenly, she had a thought about whether it was normal for this to happen. She had never had it happen between her and another person other than Harry.
Shutting her book, Harry looked up at her, "What's wrong?"
Hermione swallowed, "I just remembered that I have an appointment with McGonagall to go over the revised Prefect schedule. Where is Harmony?"
Harry frowned, "I didn't get that note. She is with Luna."
Hermione stuffed her parchment and books into her bag, "Don't worry about it. It will be quick, I just tried to take some of our shifts to those who offered. She just has to approve them," She said as she swung her bag onto her shoulder, "I have it handled. Go ahead and work on your essay. I'll stop in after we're done and see if you are still here if it doesn't take too long."
"Okay," Harry said confused as she hurried through the library.
The tingling in her arm was decreasing the farther she moved through the school, up the staircase to the seventh floor. Walking up to the gold griffin that stood at the entrance to the headmistress's office, she looked at it, "Puddlemere."
The Griffin did not move and Hermione growled, "Look, I'm Head Girl Hermione Granger and I wish to speak to the headmistress."
The gold griffin stood staring at her with its ruby eyes before it moved revealing the swirling staircase. Taking the stairs two at a time, she stood with her hand raised to knock when the door opened to reveal McGonagall.
"Anything wrong, Granger?" Professor McGonagall asked leading her towards her desk, "You look like you are deeply concerned about something and you did not recall Harpies was the new password."
Hermione sat her bag down next to the chair in front of the desk and sat folding her hands in her lap, "No cause for alarm, Professor. More of a personal question that has been plaguing me more recently,"
McGonagall looked at her with eyebrows raised as she sat down, "Alright, what is it?"
Hermione contemplated how to phrase it for a moment, "Is it normal to be able to feel or see sparks of other people's magic? Not from an aura perspective, but almost like static electricity."
McGonagall looked at her over her glasses, "Sparks you say?" McGonagall asked opening her tin of biscuits and holding it out to her, "Biscuit?"
"No thank you. At first, I thought it was just I had very bad static electricity. I was frequently shocked when I was in close range with others, but now I think this is more, ma'am. I think it's my magic reacting," Hermione told her concerned.
McGonagall sat back against her chair, "Do you believe that this is your magic, or do you see it coming from others?"
"Mostly my own," Hermione informed her, "But," She looked at her hand that had finally gone back to normal, "Recently, I can see occasionally Harry's as well."
"What happens when this happens?" McGonagall asked.
"Well just earlier, I was sitting in the library and Harry sat down across from me to work on his potion essay. I reached out for his essay to see how far he had gotten and I could visibly see the spark between our hands. It made not only my hand tingle this time, but my arm as well," Hermione told her.
McGonagall sighed, "I keep forgetting that while you and he are two of the most powerful wizards in our world, you were raised Muggle and no one informed the both of you about some of the simplest wizarding parts of life," McGonagall said rubbing her eyes, "You are both of age and reaching your magical maturity, if you have not done so already. There are some witches and wizards, whose magic works together so well, that their magic will search out for each other. Their magic is so compatible, that they can grow past their magical maturity to become even more powerful and be evenly matched in power."
"So my magic is searching for Harry's?" Hermione asked confused, "I mean when Harry passed out after the battle I know my magic did. Pomfrey even said that I was stabilizing his magical core."
"I believe so, how you describe it seems to be so," McGonagall said as she put her glasses back on her face, "That tingling sensation is your magic reacting. If it becomes a problem, there is a potion that you can take to stabilize your magical core."
Hermione bit her lip, "Is this normal? I've never read about it in any books."
McGonagall looked at the portraits around her and Hermione followed her eyes to see Dumbledore looking at her with a look as if he knew something no one else did, "It is not common, no. You and Potter have been through a lot together, so honestly I'm not surprised that it is happening to the two of you."
Snape's portrait scoffed as he rolled his eyes and she narrowed her own at his.
"So when I see Ron, it is possible that my magic will react to his as well? I mean we are dating and I've been around him as much as Harry," Hermione stated.
McGonagall looked at her surprised, "You are with Mr. Weasley?"
Hermione blushed, "Yes."
McGonagall sat back again, "Well, I," She said as she opened her mouth and closed it a few times, "I honestly thought you and Potter were together and were hiding it because your head student responsibilities like his parents did. When Weasley is here he is just with you both."
Hermione looked at her with a smile, "Harry's parents were heads and got together then, not after they graduated?"
McGonagall cracked a small smile, "They did. Lily was determined to uphold her responsibilities as Head Girl and not let their relationship break their professionalism," McGonagall told her as she frowned, "Mr. Potter has never told you?"
Hermione swallowed, "He doesn't like speaking about his parents. Honestly, I think I know most of what he does know about them and it's not much," Hermione said sadly.
McGonagall sighed, "Do you know if Potter sees the sparks that you do?"
"He felt it earlier, I know that for sure," Hermione told her.
McGonagall nodded, "If it becomes an issue, I will notify Madam Pomfrey and she will have a potion for you."
Hermione nodded as she stood up, "Thank you, Professor. I still don't fully understand it."
"Silly girl, your magic is calling out to him because it feels as if he is your magical soul mate," Snape's portrait snapped.
"Severus! That is enough!" McGonagall yelled as she looked at Hermione.
"Is that true?" Hermione asked as she sat down in shock.
McGonagall sighed, "Partially, yes. Your magic seems to be reaching out to him because it feels that you are most compatible with him. That is another reason I matched the two of you for the project as well. It happens to couples after years together and reaches full maturity at the binding of their magic in their marriage ceremony."
"So my magic will be unstable because we will never get married to each other?" Hermione asked in disbelief.
She patted Hermione's hand, "Or eventually it will realize that another wizard is more compatible. It has happened before. Don't overthink it. You are still young and have plenty of time to find the wizard… or witch, that is best compatible with you not only through magic but through most importantly, love."
"Until then?" Hermione asked timidly.
"Don't be afraid of your magic. Don't avoid it, or Mr. Potter. He thinks of it as simple as static electricity," McGonagall stated as Snape scoffed again and she sent him another look, "If you have any further questions, I am here."
"Thank you, Professor," Hermione said as she stood up on shaky legs.
Hermione swallowed hard as she left McGonagall's office. Instead of going back to the library, she went up to the Head's common room. Grabbing her phone, she cast privacy charms around her room and called her mother.
"Hermione, what is wrong?" Juliet Granger answered.
"I need you to calm me down, Mum. I just learned something and I don't know how to understand it," Hermione told her, "You see my magic has been reaching out to Harry. It is similar to bad static electricity. It shocked Harry and me so badly today that he felt it. I went to McGonagall about it and she said we are magically compatible and it is similar to our magic believing we are soul mates."
Juliet was quiet for a moment then sighed, "Well, you two have been through a lot together, are you surprised that your magic is reacting that way?"
"I just did not know it was something that could happen. I've been with Ron and I never have felt the sparks with him as I have with Harry," Hermione told her quietly.
"Maybe there is a reason for that, sweetheart," Juliet told her.
*~*~* March 17, 1999 *~*~*
Hermione laughed as Harmony pulled herself up on the couch and started cruising around the couch and the side table, "You are going to be walking before we know it." Looking back at her book, she started reading more about on history of the muggle world.
"Mum mum!"
Hermione looked up in disbelief to see Harmony standing on her own, and gasped dropping her book, "Harmony!"
Harmony dropped to her bottom in surprise.
Jumping up, Hermione grabbed Harmony, "Oh sweet girl, that was amazing!"
Harmony giggled, "Da."
Hermione kissed her cheek with a grin, "Let's go find him."
After a quick walk down to the courtyard, Hermione froze when she saw Harry and Ginny lying under their tree. Ginny was lying on her back with the sun shining on her like a halo as Harry lay on his stomach gazing down at her. He smiled as he kissed her forehead and she reached up to tussle his hair.
Hermione's heart dropped and she was about to turn around when Harmony yelled, "Da!"
Harry looked up, "Did she just?" He asked surprised.
"Da!" Harmony yelled in her small squeaky voice.
Harry jumped up and walked over to them, taking Harmony from Hermione, "She just said Da. That is so weird."
"She also stood up for the first time on her own," Hermione told him.
Harry looked at Harmony sadly, "Tomorrow she will be a year old, then we only have her for two more weeks."
Hermione swallowed hard, "Let's not think of that right now," Hermione sighed, "I'm going to go study."
"I'll come with you," Harry said as he glanced back at Ginny, "I'm going to head inside."
Harmony started babbling away and Ginny sat up, "I probably should check in on Junior."
After putting Harmony to bed, Hermione came out and sat down next to Harry who was looking over his study notes, "She is asleep finally."
Harry sighed as he sat his notebook on the table and leaned forward putting his hands into his hands, "I never expected the end of this project to be this hard."
Hermione nodded, "I know what you mean. I never wanted to do this in the first place, but now she is all I think about. I don't know what I will do when she is gone."
Harry patted her leg, "In the future, I'll get her as my house elf and she will be the most spoilt elf ever. We will even hire her Mum or Dad, to keep their family together. They already gave us such a gift to raise her."
Hermione burst into tears and Harry looked at her surprised, "What's wrong?"
"That was just so beautiful and I love that idea," Hermione told him, "That way she can have both families." She looked over at them, "What is your plan for the future? Where do you plan to live? Grimmauld? My house?"
Harry sat back, "One of these days, I need to go to Gringotts and get my parents' accounts settled, but that would mean going to Gringotts."
"And they aren't very happy with us," Hermione stated.
"Nope, I sent a letter before we went to Australia and said whatever it cost to repair, to take it from my accounts. I assume I took a notable hit on the vault," Harry told her with a smile.
"Harry, you weren't the only one that was a part of it. I was the one who came up with the idea to ride the dragon," Hermione told him as she shook her head, "You knew I was that desperate when I did that."
Harry nudged her with his shoulder, "We had no other choice. It was a brilliant idea. Saved our backs."
"From what I understand, also got a lot of goblins killed," Hermione told him sadly.
"That wasn't on us Hermione. He killed them. We cannot control the actions that he took," Harry told her.
Hermione looked at him as she grabbed his arm, "Do you hear yourself, Harry? You don't control the actions he took either. Or any of the Death Eaters. You had no control over your parents, over Sirius or Remus. None of it was your fault."
Harry inhaled as he swallowed hard, "I know that, but some days it weighs on me." Harry looked away from her over to his parents' portrait, "I would give anything to get them back to just hear their voices even."
Hermione looped her arm through his and rested her head on his shoulder, "I wish I could do that for you Harry."
*~*~* March 20, 1999 *~*~*
"Alright, lay it on me," Harry told Hermione.
"According to the book at one-year-old babies can have pears, peaches, apples, bananas, mango, plum, watermelon, potato, sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, avocado, broccoli, blackberries, blueberries, zucchini, raspberry, spinach, butternut squash, and cauliflower, as well as shredded meats and eggs. She's already had bananas, potatoes, and berries. It also suggests to start weaning off breast milk to cow's milk," Hermione read, "My breasts will be thankful for that."
Harry looked at her surprised as he watched Harmony sucking away at Hermione, "You haven't mentioned her biting you lately."
"No, she is pretty good about it, but they hurt all the time," Hermione told him, "The book also says crackers, pancakes, porridge, toasts."
"So sounds like whatever we eat, just smaller," Harry told her.
Hermione nodded, "So want to try carrots or avocado?"
"Kreacher!" Harry yelled.
The Elf appeared before them and looked at Harmony who grinned as she released on Hermione's breast. "The Master's baby elf is still here," Kreacher stated.
"Could you bring us some carrots, avocado, or maybe eggs?" Harry asked, "We want to try some new foods for her."
"Yes sir," Kreacher said as he disappeared with a pop.
"Alright, so what are we studying today?" Harry asked her as Hermione set Harmony on her play blanket.
"Geography and Earth Science," Hermione told him handing him a book, "But don't forget your date with Ginny today too."
"Shite, that is right," Harry groaned then looked at Hermione wide-eyed, "Don't tell her I said that. I just don't want to go deal with the press drama that always seems to find me. When we go to the Three Broomsticks with our friends, we go there and then we go back. Gin wants to go shopping."
Hermione took his hand, "Then tell her that, Harry."
"But I have," Harry told her with a sigh, "I don't know, maybe they won't be around."
Hermione grinned, "I know a way to throw them off your scent. No one knows about this project outside these walls. I need to go get a few more books today from London, I'll just go with Harmony and the press will be all crazed that war hero Hermione Granger had a secret child."
Harry laughed as he squeezed her hand, "I love how you think Hermione."
Hermione laid her head on his shoulder, "You know, I am proud of you, Harry."
"For what?" Harry asked resting his head on hers as they watched Harmony play with the stuffed Snitch.
"When I first met you, I could tell you weren't used to people touching you or hugs. So I made it my own personal thing to try to make you more comfortable with it. Now, all these years later, my work paid off," Hermione told him.
Harry chuckled, "I remember the first time you hugged me back in our first year when you were excited about something. I didn't know how to react. I think you were the first person besides my parents to hug me, then Mrs. Weasley of course, but her hugs are different. I figure they are what hugs from my Mum would have felt like."
Crookshanks ran out of Hermione's room and jumped up on the top of the couch.
Harmony squealed and pulled herself up on the coffee table, "Ooks."
Harry laughed as he put his arm around Hermione, "Well that sounds like Crooks."
Harmony cruised along the coffee table and then when she got to the end, put one foot forward reaching for Crookstanks, "Ooks!" She yelled as her other foot followed.
Hermione grabbed Harry's hand as she inhaled sharply as they watched Harmony cross the distance between the coffee table and the couch taking five steps before grabbing onto the couch.
"Oh," Harry said as he looked around, "Now we have to baby-proof everything."
Harmony reached out for Crookshanks and giggled.
"Poor old Crooks," Hermione said with a laugh.
"How old do you think he is?" Harry asked.
"The store had no clue, he is part kneazle and they live longer than traditional cats. Wild kneazles live to be nearly 70, domesticated are more near 25 from the books I read," Hermione told him, "I've had him six years now, they said he was found in a forest years before wild by a wizarding family. They tried to domesticate him but were not completely successful, so they brought him to the Menagerie."
"So I'm guessing 10 to 15 years old?" Hermione predicted as Crookshanks stared down at Harmony and she got up picking Harmony up, "Let's go get you ready to go out on the town." Sniffing at her diaper, "Phew, definitely needs a diaper change."
Stepping out of the floo of the Leaky Cauldron, Hermione dusted Harmony off in the carrier she had in front of her. Looking at her, Harmony was taking in everything around her and thankfully was not upset about the travel.
"Blimey, Miss Granger," Tom said as he saw her, "Who is that?"
Hermione walked over to him, "Hello Tom, meet Harmony. We are doing a project at Hogwarts raising an elf in our likeness. This is mine and Harry's elf."
Tom walked around and looked at her, "Bless me, soul, she is adorable. They brought the Child Rearing Project back then I see."
"That they did. Harry is on a date tonight so it's just me and Harmony. I'm heading into London, so I will see you later," Hermione told him.
Tom nodded as he went back behind the bar.
Exiting the Leaky Cauldron on the Muggle side, Hermione walked out into London, "Let's go visit a bookshop."
After a couple of hours of shopping, Hermione entered back into the Leaky Cauldron and then glanced at Harmony who was still awake and taking everything in. A quick trip to Flourish and Blotts would not hurt. Opening the portal between the two worlds, Hermione stepped out and was surprised at how many people were walking around Diagon Alley. Walking past the Cauldron shop, and Wiseacre's, she paused as she reached Flourish and Blotts as the bright color of Weasleys stood out. Wondering if George was there, she continued and walked inside.
"Welcome to Weasleys' Wizarding… Hermione Granger?" A voice asked as she stopped to look at a new product.
Hermione looked up, "Lee? Hello Lee, how are you?"
"What is happening? Why do you have a baby that looks like you, but Harry Potter too?" Lee asked as George appeared at the stairs.
"Hermione!" George yelled as he saw her.
Hermione smiled, "George!" Hermione said smiling as Harmony babbled.
"Who is this pipsqueak?" George asked looking at Harmony, "Is this the famous Harmony?"
"Ron told you?" Hermione asked.
"He was surprised you did the project, can I hold her?" George asked.
Hermione unfastened her and handed Harmony off to George.
"Wow, she does look so much like both you and Harry," George said as he held Harmony up above him, "How old is she now?"
"A year old today," Hermione told him sadly.
"I'm missing something. I had no clue that you had a baby?!" Lee said in disbelief.
George nodded to the back as people looked at them, "Come on, too many ears." George told them as he put Harmony on his hip, "She's been great practice for Teddy and the next Weasley hasn't she?"
"Oh we have some real hands-on experience, I hate that the project is coming to an end though," Hermione said as they went into the staff room after George asked one of the other employees to watch the floor. Lee looked at her confused, "Lee, this is Harmony. She is an elf."
Lee laughed, "Man, I thought you and Harry had a baby while you were running last year."
"Ginny would have killed me. No, we had a project at Hogwarts where the 7th years had to raise an elf from an infant. McGonagall said that after the war was over last time, there was such an influx of kids because everyone suddenly felt comfortable. So many were from students and freshly graduating students, so they were hoping to delay that a bit since so many adults were killed and so many of us in the 7th year lost our parents to the war. No support systems like many people had after the first war."
"I get it, so who was Ginny matched up with?" Lee asked.
"A punk from the Quidditch team, she wasn't happy about it," George explained as Harmony yawned and laid her head on his shoulder, "Oh no the princess is getting tired. Has Ronny met her?"
Hermione shook her head, "No, Ron didn't come to the Quidditch match two weeks ago because of work. If he comes to the DA meet-up next week he will see her."
"I might have to come for that," George said wiggling his eyebrows making her roll her eyes, "Just saying, you and Harry make cute babies."
"George, I'm dating your brother," Hermione said in disbelief.
"Why you are, is beyond me. All you two do is fight. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have you as a sister, and Harry as a brother too, but even if that never happens legally you two are still like my siblings. I'd take you both over Percy any day," George told her with his wide mischievous eyes that she missed so much.
Hermione threw her arms around his middle.
"See I get more hugs from you than I do from Ginny," George told her as he put his arm around her, "You better get little one back before she falls asleep. Taking a baby through the floo system while asleep doesn't work well."
"I need to get another car," Hermione told him as she took Harmony.
"Why? Planning on babies soon, Granger?" George asked.
"No, no," Hermione emphasized, "Just that it can be a more convenient way to travel sometimes and I do have my license. Lee, it was good seeing you."
"You too," Lee said as George opened the door for her and they walked back out onto the sales floor.
"I'll see you Saturday," George told her as he opened the front door for her.
"Thank you, George," Hermione told him as she carried Harmony through the Alley deciding to take her straight back since she was tired. The moment her feet stepped into the Leaky Cauldron a flash made her jump.
"Miss Granger! Whose child is this?" A reporter yelled.
"Shite," Hermione said as Tom came out from behind the bar.
"Go Hermione, I will hold them off," Tom said as he let her get past and she ran over to the floo.
Pulling her scarf over Harmony, she stepped into it and yelled Hogs Head.
Brushing herself and Harmony off, who was sucking her thumb, Hermione looked at Aberforth, "There may be press that follows me through. I hope not, but just warning you."
"You took a child that looks like it could be a love child of you and Potter to London. The press is going to have a field day, Granger," Aberforth told her, "Go."
Hermione hurried out of Hogs Head and towards the main town. Thankfully it looked like no one within the town noticed who she was. So she walked down the main street glancing in the shops to try to see Ginny and Harry. Finally finding them at the Quidditch supplies, she walked inside, "Harry, Harry. I'm sorry. I was just joking, but looks like I made a mess."
"What's wrong Hermione?" Harry asked looking her and Harmony over.
"The Press was there in Diagon Alley. I know I joked they would follow me, but I wasn't serious. I thought they wouldn't even know who I was," Hermione told him.
Harry walked over to the front window, "Do you think they followed you?"
"No," Hermione said, "At least I don't think so. Tom was trying to hold them off. There was a photographer there and three people trying to ask questions. I'm surprised it wasn't Rita, honestly."
Harry glanced at Ginny then back to Hermione, "Ginny and I will walk you to the path, just in case."
Hermione shook her head, "No, go enjoy your date."
"We are done here anyway. Why don't we just go to Three Broomsticks and see if there is anyone around? If there is, they will follow us and not Hermione," Ginny suggested.
Harry groaned running his hand over his face, "This is what I hate. Can't I just be normal?"
Ginny took his hand, "Come on."
Harry let Ginny lead him out of Spintwitches and headed towards The Three Broomsticks. Hermione glanced out as she saw one of the reporters follow them. Leaving the store herself, she went left to go down the path next to Zonkos.
Once within Hogwarts grounds, Hermione sighed in relief.
"Hermione? Wha' yeh doin' out here?" Hagrid asked as he saw her hurrying up the path.
"I took Harmony to London, big mistake on my part," Hermione said defeated, "How are you, Hagrid?"
"Lemme see this lil one now. Blimey, she is still a tiny tot," Hagrid said putting his large hand on Harmony's back.
"She's bigger now, want to hold her?" Hermione asked.
"Come have a cuppa with me. Looks like yeh could use it," Hagrid told her.
"Thank you," Hermione said as she followed him.
Hermione put both hands around her teacup as she sipped the tea, "It's just all a mess, Hagrid."
Hagrid looked at the tiny girl in his arms then at Hermione, "It will all work out in the end, I think. She is very cute. Jus a bit bigger than a bowtruckle."
Hermione bit her lip as she set her cup down, "I'm going to miss her so much Hagrid after this is all over. I didn't think I would, but I feel like she is such a big part of me already. I want to be a Mum now."
"An' yeh will be a great mum, Hermione when it's yer time. Don' rush it though. Yeh are still with Ron righ'?" Hagrid asked.
Hermione nodded, "Yeah, we are together. How are you and Madam Maxime?"
"Oh me an' Olyme and nothin' serious," Hagrid said blushing, "She is a great friend."
"You deserve happiness too, Hagrid," Hermione told him.
"I'm good here at Hogwarts, keepin' all these students out o' the forest. A good lot it did with yeh all an' the Weasley brothers," Hagrid said with a barking laugh causing Harmony to jump, "Yeh better take her up ter the castle. She is falling asleep faster 'n Fluffy does ter music."
Hermione set her cup down on the table and stood up to take her, "Thank you, Hagrid. I should take her back. It is getting late and she needs to eat. She didn't even finish her bottle earlier," Hermione said as Harmony laid her head on Hermione's shoulder.
"Come ter visit meh before she leaves," Hagrid told her.
Hermione nodded, "I will. Goodnight Hagrid."
*~*~* March 21, 1999 *~*~*
Harry walked out of his bedroom to see Hermione sitting at the desk studying, "Hermione you cannot study every hour of the day. Did you even sleep?" Harry asked as he put his shoes on, "I know Harmony woke up around three."
Hermione rolled her neck, "I couldn't sleep after she finally fell asleep."
Harry walked over and put his hands on her shoulders, slowly massaging them, "You should have woke me up."
"What? To stay up with me? She was asleep," Hermione said as Harmony started fussing.
"I got her," Harry told her as he got up and ran into Hermione's room where her crib was, "Hey there Harmony."
"Da!" Harmony yelled.
Hermione smiled as she went back to her revision and listened to Harry talking to Harmony as he changed her for the day and brushed her hair.
"I did my best with her hair, between your curls and my mess of a mop, she is out of luck. Otherwise, we are ready!" Harry said as he carried Harmony into the room wearing a little blue and white button-up dress and cute white shoes. Setting her feet on the floor, he held her hands and she slowly walked over to Hermione, "She's saying Mum, put the books down and let's eat."
Hermione picked her up as Harmony held her hands up, "Let's go get some food in this belly then."
"Morning, Luna, Neville," Harry said as they walked into the Great Hall and saw Luna, Pandora, and Neville sitting at the Gryffindor table.
"Morning Harry, doesn't she look cute today," Luna said with a smile, "Good morning Harmony."
Hermione sat down and took the baby chair out of her bag, enlarging it so Harry could put Harmony into it.
After everyone settled in to eat, the morning post started flying in.
"Oh no," Hermione said as three owls landed in front of her on the plate of bacon.
Harry sighed, "Has the Prophet made it here yet?"
A large mass of owls appeared with rolled-up parchment in their talons.
"Ask and you shall receive," Neville said as he paid his owl and took his prophet. Opening it he looked at Hermione, "And Rita does it again."
Hermione took her copy and opened it, "Hermione Granger and the Mysterious Love Child? Fuck."
Harry took her copy, "Rita of course, In a shocking turn of events, your ever-watchful Daily Prophet corresponded has uncovered a scandalous rendezvous that has the wizarding world buzzing with questions. More like just her," Harry commented as he read, "Our sources report that Hermione Granger, one-third of the famed Golden Trio, was spotted at none other than Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, the joke shop owned by none other than the Weasley family. But that's not all. Accompanying the brilliant witch was a baby, who, to the eyes of many witnesses including myself, bore an uncanny resemblance to none other than the Chosen One himself, Harry Potter. Fuck."
"I shouldn't have taken her to London," Hermione told him sadly, "I'm sorry, Harry."
"We shouldn't have to hide, Hermione," Harry said aggravated balling up Hermione's copy and throwing it into the fireplace, "Shit, why'd I do that? It could have gotten worse."
Neville read his copy, "Could this be the result of a clandestine love affair between the two heroes of the wizarding world? The rumors swirling around this peculiar sighting have reignited speculation about the wizarding couple that your personal reporter has been reporting for nearly five years. What did happen between the trio during their elusive "missing year" as they ran eluding capture of the dark forces."
"We starved and nearly bit each other's heads off multiple times. No romance," Hermione bit out.
"As readers may recall, Ronald Weasley the last part of the Golden Trio decided not to accompany his friends to Hogwarts to finish their final year. Could Ron's decision to forego his education been tied to a deeper, more personal reason? Was the secret romance between Harry and Hermione, culminated in the birth of a love child? The Daily Prophet aims to uncover the truth behind the whispers. Hermione Granger, known for her supposed intelligence, has yet to address the recent controversy. When questioned by our reporter, she flashed a tight-lipped smile and flooed away leaving us with more questions than answers," Neville read.
"No, I was chased to the floo," Hermione stated clenching her fists.
"Sources in Hogsmeade say that after running from Diagon Alley, she sought refuge from none other than Harry Potter himself, as well as another member of the illustrious Weasley family. Was this an attempt to keep their secret under wraps? Did the Golden Trio's bond extend beyond friendship during their journey? Was there a hidden love story playing out in the shadows, only to surface a year later with a baby in tow? Stay tuned for more updates on this sensational story as your favorite reporter unravels the secrets of our beloved heroes," Neville finished.
Harry looked over at the paper to see a picture of Hermione and Harmony with George at the doors to the Weasleys Wizard Wheezes and another picture of himself and Ginny in Hogsmeade, "Ron is just going to love this."
"Love what?" Ginny asked as she sat down on Harry's other side.
"Rita struck again," Luna said, "She's making everyone think Harmony is Harry and Hermione's love child when they were hiding from Voldemort."
Ginny held her hand out for the paper, "At least the pictures look good, just send a letter to them or have Luna's Dad write something about our project."
Luna smiled wide and jumped up, "Neville watch Pandora! That is genius, Ginny!"
Harry watched Luna run off, "It was a great idea, honestly."
*~*~* March 27, 1999 *~*~*
"It's here!" Luna yelled as she and Pandora met Hermione, Harmony, and Harry at the bottom of the steps before they ventured to the Three Broomsticks, "Daddy sent me the article that he published yesterday."
Hermione handed Harmony to Harry as she took it to read out loud.
Quibbler Exclusive: Hogwarts Brings Back Old Project- Elf Raising for Life Skills!
Greetings, dear readers of the Quibbler, seekers of the extraordinary and champions of the unusual! Today, I bring you a tale of magic and mentorship, as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has embarked on bringing the Child Rearing Project back to impart valuable life skills to its students. In this endeavor, young witches and wizards were paired together to raise an elf in their likeness to possibly be within their families in the future. Imparting essential life skills for future responsibilities.
The Project has left the halls of Hogwarts abuzz with joyful laughter of tiny feet for the first time since before the first Wizarding War. One of the most heartwarming stories to emerge from this project involved my beloved daughter, Luna. With her characteristic kindness and open-mindedness, she was partnered to raise a little girl elf named Pandora. This delightful creature was named in honor of my late wife and will become a cherished member of our household in the future.
"Oh here he mentions us," Hermione commented as Harry came closer.
"Now I must address the recent sensationalized reports... Oh, she is going to hate that," Hermione said with a grin.
...circulating in other publications, insinuating that Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, the heroes of our age, are concealing the existence of a mysterious child. These baseless rumors could not be future from the truth. Our beloved heroes were paired together in this very project. Their parenthood is but a mere demonstration of their commitment to the development of skills. The elf they are raising is a testament to their dedication to learning and their ability to nurture magical creatures. Let us not be swayed by the sensationalism of other publications that thrive on the mundane.
Hermione read as she looked at Luna, "I love your father. The Quibbler remains committed to the pursuit of truth and the celebration of the extraordinary. From there it just goes on about the Quibbler. That is perfect, Luna."
Together they all walked to the Three Broomsticks. Neville, Ron, and Ginny were already waiting for them.
"What took so long?" Ginny asked as she got up and kissed Harry.
"Luna brought us the article her Dad wrote for the Quibbler," Hermione told her as she took her coat off and sat down next to Ron, "Hello Ron," She said as she leaned over and kissed him.
"So this is the famous love child," Ron joked.
"Ron," Hermione chastised as she took Harmony from Harry, "This is Harmony. Harmony this is Ron."
"She is cute, hey there," Ron said tickling her belly, "So what's the plan when the project is over?"
"All the Elves are going back to their Elf families for a year so they can grow up completely before training," Harry explained, "I think even at two years old that is still too young for a house elf."
"Thank you!" Hermione said huffing as she sat Harmony on her lap, "I think she should be able to go to school like any other child."
Ron frowned, "House Elves don't go to school."
"Because no one has ever let them," Hermione told him, "I looked into it. She will be two years old by human standards then her growth development will finally start slowing. Sometime in November, she will turn three in human development and her development will slow down even more to be matched with human development. She will stay with her Elf family until she reaches five years of development by human standards. So we can put… claim on her next year, but she will stay with her family under their guidance until November of 2001."
Harry looked over at her, "You've thought about this."
Hermione rested her head on Harmony's curls, "I will miss her so much while she is gone. I know she has to, but if you don't have a home for her, I want to bond with her family. I hope they are available when she reaches maturity."
"Who thought you'd get so attached, you were so against it," Ron noted.
"When it was on paper, it was different. Now she is real," Hermione told him as she looked at Madam Rosmerta, "Can I have waffles possibly? She loves them."
"Coming right up, anyone wants drinks?" Madam Rosmerta asked as Ron put his arm over the back of Hermione's chair.
After ordering drinks, Ron looked at them all, "Why do I have a feeling I'm flashing into the future?"
Neville smiled at Luna and Pandora, as Harry looked at Hermione.
"Not for about five to ten years though," Hermione stated.
"You make it sound like prison," Ron told her, "I figured your timeline would move up a bit."
Hermione shook her head, "Education first, then career, then family. I do want a family, a small one, but I do want kids."
Ron took her hand and laced his fingers in hers, "If that's what you want."
"It is," Hermione assured him.
Ron looked at Ginny, "Where is your sprog?"
"Jimmy kept him for the night," Ginny said taking a drink of her Butterbeer, "Luna and Hermione are better mothers than I am anyways."
Luna frowned, "That's not true. You will be a great Mum. You will have two."
Ginny slowly set her bottle down, "What did you say?"
Hermione cleared her throat, "Luna."
"No, how do you know that?" Ginny asked.
"Your Tarot cards, of course," Luna said as Hermione groaned and she looked at Hermione, "What?"
"Remember the talk we had about no one should know that?" Hermione asked her.
"Oh yeah," Luna said with an airy smile.
Harry leaned over, "Tarot cards? I thought that was a Muggle thing."
Hermione looked at him, "She says they are real and she can use the auras to read them," She whispered.
"Her and Trelawney should start a club," Harry mumbled as Rosmerta brought Harmony's waffles and he took them to tear them up.
Hermione reached down in her bag to pull out Harmony's cup. Harry pulled the lid off and Hermione poured the glass of milk into it so that Harry could put the lid back on before handing it to Harmony who started drinking away.
"That was weird," Ron stated staring at them as Harry finished with the waffles and gave them to Harmony, "You two didn't even say a word."
"Ron, we've been doing this every day since she was born. We know what to do by now," Harry insisted, "Drink your Butterbeer before it gets cold."
Neville laughed as Harry groaned, "Got the Dad vibe going."
"Sorry Ron," Harry said as everyone at the table laughed.
Shutting her bedroom door behind her, Hermione emerged from her bedroom wearing her pajamas and sat down on the couch next to Harry, "What are you studying right now?"
"History, it's the hardest part for me," Harry said as he set his book down on the coffee table and took his glasses off throwing them on top of the book, "Do you think I could get into New York University with you?"
Hermione stared at him, "And leave England?"
"I can't do this, Hermione," Harry admitted, "The press and the pressure. All I want to do is be Harry. I don't want to be the 'Boy Who Lived' because his parents didn't. I don't want to be the 'Man Who Conquered' because Voldemort died by his own spell. I just want to be Harry Potter, a student, and man who doesn't know what to do with his life."
Hermione took his hand, "You were never prepared for this, Harry. I think you've done a great job with the cards you were dealt."
"But do you? Do you think I could make it in?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded, "We will talk to Kingsley, and we will make it happen."
"Then maybe everyone will forget about me after four years and I can come back to a normal life?" Harry wondered.
Hermione smiled sadly, "They didn't forget you while you were hidden in plain sight here in England for ten years. Eventually, it will die down. It has to."
Harry rested his head on the back of the couch, "I'm just so tired, Hermione."
Hermione pulled him into one of her famous bear hugs, "I got you, Harry."
"Look, can we keep my plans just between us and Kingsley for right now? I'm not ready for the Weasley judgment," Harry admitted into her hair.
"Your secret is safe with me," Hermione told him.
a/n: My class is officially over! Whoo! While I didn't get much writing done this week, I wanted to post this chapter.
Thank you for the follows: luckyone123, nikkistew2, azza8.
I also post this story on AO3 where the formatting is more user-friendly and I can imbed pictures if anyone is interested in viewing it there.
Now for a preview of Chapter 11- Wherever You Will Go
Ginny jumped up, "Ron, don't jump to conclusions. She just needed some time to herself."
"Just time from me," Ron told them, "We had sex. It was horrible."
Harry jumped up and pushed Ron back against the wall, "Don't you dare talk about her like that."
"Always at her defense," Ron said as he pushed Harry away.
Inspirations for this chapter:
Image from: list/226723519-harry-potter-fan-fiction
