A/N - Thanks for reading!

Chapter 15

18 July 2003

Hermione spent most of the afternoon staring morosely into the empty fireplace in her suite. She was going to have to jump again but this time, she didn't feel optimistic. Nothing new had been discovered about the Universe Hopper and just reversing the direction of the turns or turning the center disc wasn't instilling a lot of confidence that she'd get home.

How much longer could she keep doing this? How many more universes could she visit without going completely mad? What she'd told Padma was true, it killed her every time to leave and not know what happened to the people she left behind. Especially now that she was sharing a body with her other self. How had the other Hermione settled back into her life with Neville? Was she angry? Did Neville suspect anything once his real fiancée had returned? Had the other Hermione told him what happened?

And what was happening in her own world? She'd been missing for almost a month now. She wondered if Harry had decided to end things with Ginny. And if he had, how was he getting through it all alone? She was sure that the rest of the Weasleys had probably cut off contact with him. Well, perhaps George wouldn't, but he and Harry weren't exactly close anyway. There was Neville, and Luna, but Harry wasn't as close to them as he was to Hermione and Ron. And when Hermione had jumped the first time, Luna had been out of country on one of her creature finding trips.

Hermione's heart ached at the thought of her best friend trying to deal with this all alone. Or maybe, once Hermione had disappeared, Harry had stayed with Ginny for the support she and her family offered. Hermione wouldn't blame him for that. She couldn't imagine what she would do if Harry disappeared. She liked to think she was strong enough to weather it without Ron, but Hermione at least had her parents, strained though their relationship might be.

Her parents. They'd never understand what had happened and it would just be one more mark against magic for them. She hoped that maybe Harry and her parents were helping one another. They had always liked Harry, especially as he wasn't uncomfortable around them because they were non-magical. Not like Ron seemed to be at times.

Tears once again began to flow down Hermione's cheeks as she took a shuddering breath. She didn't know what to do, except that it wasn't fair of her to stay here. The other Hermione deserved her chance with Kingsley. A chance to make a real marriage, regardless of the law that had brought them together.

But gods, she was tired. So tired of hopping and not knowing where she was going to end up or if she would ever get home. She didn't want to admit to herself that she was starting to think that she might never get back where she belonged.

She was startled by a pop as Jinx appeared in front of her. "Mistress is having a visitor."

"Oh," Hermione said as she wiped at the tears on her cheeks.

Jinx frowned. "Mistress is not happy here?"

"No, Jinx, it's not that," Hermione tried to reassure the elf.

"Master is a good man. Master be caring for Mistress very much."

"I know," Hermione said with a smile. "I care for him very much as well."

Jinx nodded once, then waved a hand towards Hermione's face. Hermione felt the tears disappear and her face relax.

"Mistress be ready to greet her guest now."

"Thank you, Jinx," Hermione said. "Who is the visitor?"

"It being Mr. Harry Potter. He be waiting in the sitting room."

While Hermione would normally be happy to see Harry, she wasn't in the best headspace right now. Not to mention she had no idea of their history in this universe, except that they were obviously still close. Harry's reaction to Kingsley at the Ministry party had proven that. But she didn't know the specifics about anything else.

"Thank you, Jinx. Could you bring us tea?"

"Of course, Mistress." Jinx disappeared and Hermione stood, taking a deep breath and checking her reflection in the mirror above the vanity. No one could tell that she'd just been crying, not that Hermione would have expected any less after Jinx's spell. Hermione pulled up her mental shields and left her suite.

"Hello, Harry," Hermione said as she walked into the sitting room. "Not working today?"

"I had the early shift," Harry said as he rose to greet her. He was still in his Auror robes so he must have come here straight from the Ministry. "I wanted to see how things were going."

"They're fine," Hermione said as she sat down on the couch next to him.

"Everything is all right with you and Kingsley?"

"Yes," Hermione said unable to stop the smile that spread across her face.

Harry answered with a grin of his own. "Really, now?"

Though she tried to stop it, Hermione couldn't help the blush that stained her cheeks. Harry grinned wider. "All right then."

"You're impossible," she said with a huff.

Harry just laughed. Jinx appeared with a tray of tea things and Hermione distracted herself by preparing them both a cup.

"How's the job search coming?" Harry asked, taking a sip of his tea.

"All right, I suppose," Hermione said.

"Haven't made a decision yet then?"

"No, not yet. They all have their positives but I need a bit more time to really decide."

Harry nodded, grabbing a biscuit from the tray. He took a bite and then looked over at the fireplace. Hermione recognized the look on his face. Something was bothering him.

"How are things with you then?"

"Fine," Harry said.

"Liar."

He sighed and gave her a half-smile. "I always forget how easy it is for you to read me." He sighed again and ran a hand through his hair.

"Things are…all right, I guess."

"That doesn't sound very convincing."

"It's just," he paused, looking across the room again, trying to order his thoughts. "I think I might have made a mistake marrying Ginny instead of taking the compatibility test."

Hermione sat in silence. She knew that Harry would eventually fill it and she really had no idea what to say as she didn't know anything about his and Ginny's relationship in this world.

"When she approached me after the law was passed, I guess I thought maybe it would be better to marry someone I knew and could probably get along with instead of taking my chances with someone else. I don't know, I thought we might make a real go of it this time, since we were both a little older and hopefully, wiser." He sighed. "That's not happening, unfortunately."

"Harry, I-" Hermione began but he interrupted her.

"And yes, I know that you questioned me about this very thing, warned me really. I should have listened to you."

"That's not what I was going to say," she replied.

"I know, Hermione," Harry said, smiling sadly at her. "I know you would never say 'I told you so'. I just, I was hoping, you know? That this would all work out."

"Oh, Harry," Hermione said. Even without knowing the history, she knew that look and knew how much it meant he was hurting. She reached for his hand. "Tell me what's going on."

"It's just…everything. She doesn't want to live at Grimmauld Place, even after the complete remodel I did to the place. She wants something new, a fresh start, she says. Which I've discovered actually means something much bigger and more expensive than we need. And Grimmauld is, well, you know the way I feel about the link to Sirius there.

She always wants to go out all the time, shopping, out to dinner, out to clubs, just out. You know me, Hermione. I don't mind doing those things sometimes but I'd rather stay home and watch a film or something. Or have a few close friends over for dinner and drinks. I hate all the reporters that still hound me whenever I'm in public or the autograph seekers that want to say they met 'The Chosen One'. I thought Ginny knew that but she seems to enjoy the attention.

And the whole kid thing. We're supposed to have two children within five years but she doesn't even want to talk about it. Every time I bring it up, she says we have plenty of time and then changes the subject. I mean, yeah, she doesn't have to fall pregnant tomorrow but it's not like we can wait until the last minute either.

I understand that Ginny is just as upset about this law as most other people are. No one should be forced to get married and have children if they don't want to." He sighed again and ran his free hand through his hair. "But the thing is, I really feel like I'm ready to be a dad. I really want to be a dad."

Hermoine squeezed his hand.

"But Ginny, well, I dunno, it feels like she really doesn't even want to have kids. And sometimes, I don't even think she really wanted to marry me, so much as she just wanted to get married so she didn't have to worry about it anymore. And that she's just waiting for the law to be repealed so she can move on with her life. Without me."

He gave Hermione a sardonic half-smile. "We loved each other once. I know we broke things off and all but I thought that it wouldn't be that hard to get back to that place again." He paused for a moment. "And it hasn't been, at least for me. I just don't think she feels the same way."

"I'm so sorry, Harry." She pulled him into her arms and hugged him.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, Hermione's heart breaking for her best friend, who wasn't her best friend, but was going through almost the exact same thing he had been in her world, marriage law notwithstanding.

Harry finally pulled away from her, a bit pink in the cheeks.

"Don't do that," Hermione said. "You know that I'm always here for you, no matter what. There's nothing to be embarrassed about."

"Yeah, I know." Harry looked up at her and smiled. "Too bad you had to marry a Pureblood. It would have been so much easier if we'd just been able to get married, wouldn't it?"

Hermione stared at him for a moment, then laughed, hoping it didn't sound as shaky as she thought it did. "Yeah, too bad."

Harry gently pulled on one of her curls with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, then hugged her again. "I love you, Hermione."

"I love you too, Harry."

"Sorry for prattling on," he said when he'd pulled back from her again. "I really did come over here to make sure you were all right."

"You never have to apologize for talking to me, you know that."

Harry nodded. "I'm glad things seem to be working out for you and Kingsley. I know that I wasn't really on board at first. I'm sorry for that."

"You had legitimate concerns," Hermione said. She had no idea just what his concerns had been, of course, although she could probably guess. "There's nothing wrong with that."

"But you're happy, yeah?"

Hermione couldn't help her smile. "Yeah, I am." She knew the other her was, at any rate. She wasn't sure how she knew, just that she did.

"Good," Harry said softly. "That's all I want for you."

"I want you to be happy too, Harry." Hermione gripped his hand again, giving it a squeeze.

"Maybe that's just not in the cards for me, Hermione."

"It is," she said fiercely. She remembered how happy Harry had been with Luna in the last universe, how happy everyone said he was with Daphne in the one before that. "This law is going to get repealed, I know it is. And then you can find the person you're meant to be with."

Harry stared at her for a few moments, then gave her a sad smile. "I'm not sure that will happen." He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, squeezed her hand, then stood from the couch.

"Thanks for the tea and for listening. I should get going."

"Harry, you don't have to," Hermione said but Harry shook his head.

"Yeah, I do." He smiled softly at her. "I'm really glad you're happy, Hermione. I'll see myself out." And then he walked quickly from the room, leaving Hermione staring after him, stomach churning. She had to get out of this universe before she did something that would ruin everything.

"You've been quiet tonight. Is something the matter?" Kingsley asked later that evening. They were in his suite, sitting on the couch, having a drink.

"Sorry," she said. "It's nothing really."

"I don't think that's true. But if you'd rather not tell me, it's all right."

Hermione looked over at him. He had a look of concern on his face but she knew that he meant what he said. He wouldn't push or pry if she didn't want to talk about it.

She had been melancholy, for lack of a better word, since Harry left this afternoon. Her heart ached for him. Throw in the fact that she not only knew she had to jump but was quite sure she wasn't going to end up back in her own universe and she'd been, well, not in a good place since. She wasn't surprised that Kingsley had noticed.

"Harry stopped by today," she said, figuring part of the truth was better than nothing.

"Oh?" Kingsley said.

"He's just, well, things aren't going as he expected. With Ginny." Hermione sighed, leaning the side of her face against the back of the couch and looking at Kingsley. "I hate that he's so upset and there's nothing I can do to help him."

Kingsley reached over and took her hand, rubbing his thumb across her knuckles. He didn't say anything, just lent her silent support. She sighed again and moved closer to him, until she was snuggled into his side. He wrapped an arm around her and then leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

"I'm sorry that he's not happy."

"Me too."

They sat in silence for a few minutes, Kingsley's fingertips tracing circles on her upper arm.

"It's just, Harry, after everything he's done for the wizarding world, deserves to be happy. It's not fair that he's not," she said.

"I know," Kingsley said, squeezing her more tightly to him. Hermione rested her cheek against his shoulder. "I'm doing everything I can to get this law repealed. No one should have been forced into marrying."

"I know you are."

There was another few minutes of silence.

"Hermione, if, no when the law is repealed, I won't, that is I don't expect," he trailed off, throwing back the rest of his drink. "If you'd rather leave, I understand. I'm sure the DRCMC would be happy to give you your job back."

She froze, breath catching in her throat. He didn't want to stay married to her? While she knew that it shouldn't affect her one way or the other, this wasn't her life, Hermione found herself sick at the prospect.

"Do you not want to stay married to me?" she asked quietly. Inside, she was panicking. Except that it wasn't her that was panicking. It had to be her other self. Hermione had never felt the other her this strongly. It was almost as if the other Hermione was trying to force herself forward. It was extremely disconcerting.

"I want you to be happy," Kingsley said equally as quietly. "I know that had it not been for this law, we wouldn't have ended up together."

"I want to know what you want," Hermione said, internally trying to reassure her other self that she wouldn't mess this up.

"What I want is irrelevant."

"Why?"

Kingsley stood, clearly agitated. "Because I won't force you to stay because you're worried about my feelings."

"Do you think you could force me to stay if I didn't want to?"

"Of course not, but I know you, Hermione. You talk about Harry having a 'saving people thing' but you do too. Just not in the same way. You don't want to hurt people that you care for and I'm afraid that-"

"Of course, I don't want to hurt people that I care about," she interrupted as she stood as well. "But that's not what I asked you."

He sighed, scrubbing a hand over his scalp. "I'm afraid that if I tell you what I want that you won't leave, even if you really want to."

"What makes you think I want to?"

Kingsley turned to stare at her. Hermione could almost feel the other her hovering just below the surface, but the panic had subsided a bit. All Hermione's earlier suspicions that her other self was aware of what was happening had been confirmed during this conversation. She knew, somehow, that if she said or did the wrong thing, her other self would let her know.

"What are you saying?" Kingsley asked.

"I'm saying I want to know what you want."

Kingsley stared at her for a few more moments. "You want to know what I want?"

Hermione nodded.

"I want you, Hermione. The law may have brought us together and I know that taking the tests was a formality to make it appear as if we had been matched, but when we actually were, I, well," he paused and swallowed thickly, "I was elated that Ron had refused to marry you. I know that makes me an arsehole of highest order, being happy that he rejected you, but I can't help it. I've…cared for you for a long time."

Hermione stared up at him. So, they would have actually been matched, even if Kingsley hadn't married her for her safety. "So, you want to stay married to me?"

"Gods, yes."

She smiled. "Good." And then she stood up on her toes and kissed him. Hermione felt the other her relax.

When they parted, Kingsley's brow furrowed. "What are you, that is, this is what you want?"

"Yes," she said simply.

He stared at her in surprise, then pulled her into his arms and snogged the life out of her. When they parted, both breathing heavily, Kingsley rested his forehead against hers. "If you change your mind-"

With a definite nudge from her other self, Hermione interrupted. "I won't."

"Hermione, I-" he began but Hermione quickly kissed him again before he could continue. She was fairly sure what he was going to say and the other Hermione should be the one to hear those words first and even return them if she felt the same. Hermione had taken enough firsts from her, although, after everything that had happened this evening, she was certain that the other her had been there for all of those firsts as well.

Kingsley swept her up into his arms and carried her across the sitting room to his bedroom, laying her down on the bed and covering her body with his own. Hermione would jump, tomorrow. It was time for her other self to get on with her life and marriage. Until then though, she allowed herself to lose herself once more to Kingsley's ministrations, not feeling as guilty about it as she probably should have.

19 July 2003

Hermione had been awake for some time when Kingsley finally stirred. She'd been lying there trying to decide just what she was going to do differently with the Universe Hopper when she jumped. And when she would go. She still had to write a letter to her other self, although after what had happened last night, she wasn't sure it was really necessary. She would do it anyway though, if for no other reason than to make herself feel better.

Hermione moved slightly away from Kingsley so she could watch him wake. She smiled as he yawned and stretched a bit, then immediately reached for her. When she grasped his hand with hers, his eyes opened and he smiled sleepily.

"Wasn't a dream then."

"What wasn't?" Hermione asked.

"Last night. What you said to me."

She smiled softly. "No. It wasn't a dream."

He pulled her towards him and kissed her rather thoroughly.

"Jinx," he said when they parted.

Hermione made a sound of surprise, pulling the sheets tighter around herself as the House elf appeared in the room.

"Yes, Master?" Jinx glanced at Hermione and Hermione could have sworn the elf smirked before turning her attention back to Kingsley.

"Can you bring us breakfast to the suite, please?" Kingsley said.

"Of course, Master. Mistress."

"You could have warned me," Hermione said with a huff. Her other self seemed just as indignant.

Kingsley chuckled. "Sorry, love." He didn't look at all sorry, in Hermione's opinion. He kissed her again. "Let me make it up to you." Then he moved down Hermione's body, disappearing under the blankets.

"Kingsley!" Hermione hissed, knowing that it wouldn't take Jinx long at all to return with their breakfast.

He ignored her and after a few minutes, Hermione didn't think she would have cared if the Queen herself had walked into the room.

After a rather satisfying morning for both of them, they sat on the couch in the sitting area of Kingsley's rooms, eating the breakfast Jinx had delivered. The House Elf had, thankfully, left the tray of food on the table in front of the couch under a stasis charm, not even venturing back into the bedroom. The fact that Jinx knew what they had been up to still made Hermione's cheeks pinken, although Kingsley seemed completely unaffected.

"Do you have to go into the Ministry today?" Hermione asked. It was Saturday, but he'd had to go in the previous Sunday so the fact it was the weekend was no guarantee.

Kingsley said. "Yes, unfortunately. But only for a short time. I've got a quick meeting this afternoon at two."

Hermione nodded. That's when she'd jump. The thought made her stomach clench. She was going to miss him horribly. Maybe that was the other Hermione's feelings bleeding over into her own, but Hermione didn't think so.

"I'm sorry," Kingsley said. "I won't be gone long."

"Oh, no, it's not that," Hermione said unthinkingly.

"What's the matter then? And please don't say 'nothing'. Your face changed just now, so I know it's something."

Hermione swore in her head. Why hadn't she just let him think that she was upset he had to work today? Because she didn't want him to beupset, that's why. Or her other self didn't, in any case. But now she had no idea what to say, what excuse to give.

"Erm, I was just…thinking about something Ms. March said to me, about the book."

Kingsley frowned. "I know that you don't want to write it, but did she say something else that upset you?"

"No, no, it's just, she was rather disappointed when I said no. I guess I expected people would be more sensitive or understand why I wouldn't want to write something like that." Hermione thought it sounded like the lamest thing in the world but Kingsley seemed to buy it.

"You don't owe anyone anything, love." He took her hand and kissed the back of it. "Don't feel guilty for not wanting to do it."

Hermione nodded. "I won't."

Kingsley smiled and leaned over to kiss her again. When he sat back, he picked up his cup of tea and took a sip. "What are your plans for the day?"

"I didn't really have any."

"Would you like a more extensive tour of the grounds then? I haven't had a chance to show you everything."

"That sounds wonderful," she agreed.

They finished their breakfast and Kingsley walked her back to her suite, even though Hermione thought it a bit silly. She was just down the corridor, after all. When they reached her door, he put his hands on her hips and drew her to him. "Move into our suite with me."

"Your suite?"

"No, our suite. There's another set of rooms, down that corridor." He pointed behind him to the corridor that bisected the one they were standing in. Hermione had never been down that way, but she had no idea if the other Hermione had.

"It's meant for the Master and Mistress of the Manor but it's been empty for a while now. I've never mentioned it before because I didn't want to push you. But now," he paused and kissed her. "Now, I'd like to share them with you."

Hermione smiled and put a hand to his cheek. "Ask me again after you get home this afternoon."

Kingsley's face fell slightly but he nodded. "If you need more time-" but Hermione cut him off with another kiss. She was fairly certain what the other Hermione was going to say but she wasn't going to make any more decisions for her.

"Ask me again, this afternoon."

"All right," he said, looking a bit more hopeful.

Smiling and kissing him one last time, she reached behind her and turned the knob on her door. Breaking the kiss, she slipped inside with one last smile over her shoulder.

Closing the door behind her, Hermione blew out a breath and leaned back against the door. It was going to be even harder to leave this time.

"You have to go," Hermione said between kisses. She was standing in front of the Floo with Kingsley but he'd made no move to leave yet. They'd had an enjoyable morning touring the grounds, which were more extensive than Hermione had realized. Then Jinx had served them lunch outside on the back patio where they'd remained until Kingsley had to dress for his meeting at the Ministry.

"I'm the Minister. They can wait." He kissed her again.

Hermione laughed and pulled back from him. "The sooner you go, the sooner you can get back."

He sighed and leaned his forehead against hers, his hand still gripping her hips tightly. "Work on the weekend should be illegal."

"Like you said, you're the Minister. Weekends off aren't really in the job description."

He sighed again then released her with one last kiss. "Don't think I've forgotten about that question I'm going to ask you when I get back."

"I look forward to it," Hermione said, lump in her throat. She hoped her smile didn't look as tremulous as it felt. She really didn't want to leave.

He smiled, then grabbed the Floo powder from the mantel and stepped into the fireplace.

When he'd gone, Hermione let out a shaky breath and quickly made her way back to her rooms. She wouldn't have long, Kingsley thought that his meeting wouldn't last more than an hour. She stepped into the her sitting room and crossed to the desk, pulling out parchment, quill, and ink. She took her seat and began to write.

When Hermione finished the letter, there were tears running down her cheeks. This was going to be the hardest universe to leave yet. Kingsley was a large part of it, of course. She was so glad for the other her, knowing that the two of them were going to be very happy together. Hermione envied her that and wondered again about the Kingsley of her own universe.

But she was also worried about Harry. Nearly as worried about him as she was about her own Harry. She'd devoted an entire section of her letter to Harry's situation, ending it with a suggestion to her other self.

I know I probably don't have to tell you, but please, please, look after Harry. No matter what he says, if Ginny does decide to leave him if the law is repealed, he's going to be devastated. I'm not sure what Luna's or Daphne Greengrass's situation is in your world but he was very happy with them in two of the other universes I was in. Perhaps, if either are single, you could steer him towards one of them. Or someone else you think could make him happy. He deserves that.

Reading over the entirety of the letter again, Hermione dried the ink with a spell and then folded the parchment and slipped it into an envelope, propping it up against the desk lamp. She stared at the wedding photograph of the other Hermione and Kingsley that sat on the corner of the desk for a few moments before she took a deep breath, then waved her wand to dry her tears and clean up her face.

She glanced at the clock on the desk. It had been over thirty minutes; she needed to go now and give her other self time to read the letter before Kingsley returned. Looking at the photograph again, Hermione kissed her fingertips and then placed them on the cheek of the photograph Kingsley with a sad smile.

She pulled out the box with the Universe Hopper and opened it. She placed the chain carefully around her neck and stared down at the device. She'd decided to try turning the rings in the opposite direction, although she had little confidence that she would end up back home.

There was a part of her that just wanted to stay here and she would be lying if she said she hadn't strongly considered it this morning while lying in bed before Kingsley woke. She'd felt a bit of agitation at that thought, which she now knew was coming from her other self and knew she couldn't. It wouldn't be fair, not to mention the fact that she didn't know what the other Hermione would do. What if she ultimately was able to take back her own body and Hermione was left in limbo somewhere? She couldn't risk that as much as she wanted to stay.

With one last glance around the suite, she began to line up the symbols and runes on the Universe Hopper. She turned the last ring and disappeared.

When Hermione landed, the first thing she realized was that she was in the loo, and not one she recognized. The second thing was that she was on her knees, hunched forward over the toilet about to lose the contents of her stomach. Which she promptly did.

"Mother of Merlin," she said as she finally stopped retching and sat back to lean against the cool porcelain of the enormous tub. Her stomach was still churning, threatening to repeat the experience at any second. Hermione quickly grabbed the Universe Hopper and looked at the symbol wrapped around the edge. It was again different but also similar to the last universe somehow. Committing it to memory as best she could, she quickly conjured a box and placed it inside. She looked down at herself and realized she had no pockets anywhere. Clad in only a pair of soft cotton shorts and an oversized T-shirt, there was nowhere to put the box.

There was also a huge diamond ring on her left hand. And she'd thought the ring in the last universe had been big. There was a wedding band, also inset with diamonds, beneath it. Sweet Merlin, who was she married to?

A few seconds later, there was a knock at the door. "Love? Are you all right?"

"Shite," Hermione whispered, looking frantically around the bathroom. There were cupboards, of course, but she had no idea who was on the other side of the door or if they were likely to look in any of the cupboards before Hermione had a chance to hide the Universe Hopper somewhere else.

She stood on shaky legs and opened the first one which was filled with towels and other linens. The next held toiletries and extra toilet paper and tissues.

"Love, I'm coming in."

"No!" Hermione said immediately. "Just, erm, give me a minute." She Disillusioned the box and shoved it behind the rolls of toilet paper, in the far corner of the cabinet.

"Hermione, I told you, it doesn't bother me. I want to help you."

Now that the box was hidden, she concentrated on the voice. It sounded familiar but she couldn't immediately place it. It wasn't anyone else she'd been with in any of the other universes, nor was it Harry or Ron.

The knob on the door started to turn and before Hermione could tell whoever was not to come in, she had to kneel over the toilet again.

"Oh, sweetheart," the voice said and Hermione could feel hands gathering her hair and holding it back as she was sick. "I'm so sorry."

"Go 'way," she managed in between heaves. No matter who it was she was married to, she did not need anyone to see her getting sick.

He didn't reply, just lightly stroked the back of her neck with one hand, while he held her hair with the other. When Hermione finally finished, she closed her eyes and sat back on her heels, leaning against his legs. She felt horrible. Leave it to her to jump into a universe where she was sick.

"Here," the voice said and she opened her eyes to see a glass of water in front of her. She took it gratefully and took a sip, trying to rid her mouth of the taste of sick. She should cast a mouth cleansing charm but she didn't have the energy at the moment. Nor was she sure where her wand was. Or the other Hermione's wand, actually. She certainly didn't have it on her person.

She felt him shift behind her. He moved her forward a bit and settled on the floor himself, pulling Hermione back against his chest. She was so miserable, she went willingly, not even caring who was stroking her brow at the moment.

"I'm sorry it's so bad," he said softly.

Hermione said nothing, as she had no idea who she was talking to or why she was sick. She simply closed her eyes again and snuggled more closely to him. He smelt good.

"Do you want to go lie down? I could bring you some of that tea Molly sent. Or the potion my mother recommended."

Tea? Potion? Hermione tried to figure out what kind of sickness could be helped with either a tea or a potion. It was obvious she had some kind of stomach flu. Or it could be food poisoning, she supposed.

"Hermione?" the voice said when she hadn't answered. Deciding she had better see just who she was married to this time around, she opened her eyes and looked up. And promptly sat up in complete shock.

"Malfoy?"

He looked surprised for a second and then smirked at her. "I know it must be especially bad if you're calling me Malfoy. You only do that when you're angry with me."

Draco Malfoy? She was married to Draco fucking Malfoy? How in Godric's name had that happened? Her mind was whirling with possibilities, everything from another marriage law universe to Voldemort having won and Hermione being parceled out as a gift to the winning side.

"Hermione, what is it?" Malfoy said brow furrowed. "You look like you don't know who I am."

She had to get herself under control so she could figure this out without arousing any suspicion in Malfoy. Throwing up her Occlumency shields and strengthening them as much as she could, she managed a half-smile. "Sorry, it's just the being sick, I guess."

He reached out to brush a curl off her forehead and she flinched. She swore at herself in her head when he frowned.

"Sorry, I just, I don't know," she trailed off not really knowing what to say.

"It's all right," he said, face softening. "I know it's been rough." He smiled at her. "What about the tea or the potion? Do you want to try them again? Or there are still those ginger candies that your mum sent last week. I'm not sure how exactly those are supposed to help though."

Hermione was completely confused. If her mother had sent something last week did that mean the other Hermione had been sick all that time? How was that possible in the wizarding world? Even the stomach flu could be cured relatively quickly with a stomach soother and other potions. And what could possibly be helped by a tea or a potion or ginger can-, oh gods. No, it was impossible.

Except, it wasn't impossible. Just because it hadn't happened in any of the other universes didn't mean that it never would. Shite.

Malfoy reached out again and this time Hermione forced herself not to react. He put a hand to her cheek and ran his thumb across her cheekbone. "I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I wish I could help more." Then he gathered her into his arms and pulled her into his chest. "But it will all be worth it, right? When we get to hold our baby in our arms?"

Hermione forced herself to nod, unable to believe that the other her was not only married to Draco Malfoy, but she was having his baby.