Note: We get to see glimpses of their lives in the future, I hope you enjoy it.
Title: Endless travel - Tiko Tiko
August 10th, 2007
D'Angelo Villa
Harry is standing alone in front of the Villa. And he can't help thinking about that Christmas when he came back here, still battling with his feelings, still unsure of what to do with his revenge and totally pissed with Tom Riddle. It was also on those days that he finally admitted to himself that he was in love with Hermione.
He opens a small smile. She stayed at home with the children. Their friends are there giving her a hand and Harry told her that he wanted to do this alone. Of course she understood. And even if she's not there physically, Harry doesn't think there's a real moment when they're not together. Their bond is growing stronger and stronger. And since they became parents, since Victor stepped into their house by the lake, they feel more and more in sync. Which is crazy but very possible.
"Are you going to stand here all morning?" Harry turns his head to look at Marcello. His mother's husband. He's not sure he can consider this man a father, but well…
Harry snorts. "I'm just… taking some time."
Marcello surprisingly stays there with Harry, both have their hands inside their pockets. For a while they don't say a thing, but then, his father says:
"It's strange not having you around anymore." His voice comes out low and insecure and Harry widens his eyes. "I- I know I wasn't the best father to you, Harry, but in my own way I tried to always support you." Harry looks at the man, a bit shocked. Yes, Marcello was present. But he never showed his emotions. And later when he became addicted to gambling and such it drove a wedge between them. "I'm not perfect, Harry. I made many mistakes. But I hope that you can find in yourself some… love for me." Marcello shrugs. "It would make me glad to be in your life."
Harry squints, confused. "I never stopped you from participating in my life. It was you who simply stopped showing up."
Marcello wets his lips. "I never agreed to the whole revenge thing. It- I wanted us to be a normal family. I wanted us to stay out of this whole thing with Riddle. But I knew there was no way of going against this. I- I'm sorry. I guess I just didn't know how to deal with everything."
Running a hand through his hair, Harry sighs. "I understand. I- yeah, I mean, if you want to be in my life, I would like that." It's really all he can say. He was not expecting this, but… he's glad.
Marcello smiles at him, one of his hands squeezing Harry's shoulder affectionately.
"I think he's waiting for you." His father says before walking away.
With a smile, Harry shakes his head and enters the Villa. As always his eyes wander to that magical floating love seat where he shared his first kiss with Chiara. Sometimes it's hard to believe how close she and Hermione are now. They're together all the time, sharing everything and doing whatever they can as a duo. It warms his heart.
"Ah! Il mio bambino!" He hears his mother yelling from inside and Harry soon sees her coming to him, her arms wide open.
They hug tightly. "Mamma." He kisses her cheek tenderly, glad that he's there.
"How are you? And Hermione? What about my grandchildren? Is Dante getting chubbier?"
He smiles widely. "They're fine, everyone is fine. By the way, Hermione made sure that I would remember to tell you that we're hosting a dinner next week and she won't accept a 'no' from you."
Bianca laughs, incredibly happy. "For sure! Your father and I will be there." Her eyes soften. "He talked to you, didn't he?"
Harry nods. "Yeah, I was not expecting it."
"I know." She takes his arm and they begin to walk. She's clearly guiding him to the library. "We talked a lot about you on these last months, Harry. I love Marcello and he regrets the way he dealt with things. I told him it was not too late to make amends. It isn't, right?"
"Of course not." He says with a smile. "I'm here, after all, aren't I?"
She stops right in front of a large double door. Inhaling deeply his mother cups his cheek and smiles.
"I'm insanely proud of the man you've become, Harry. And I don't want you to forget that your grandfather does have his flaws but he's also responsible for the incredible person you are." She opens a sincere smile that touches Harry's heart. He purses his lips to hold back his emotions.
"I know." He whispers.
Bianca kisses his cheek tenderly and they share another embrace. Then, she moves back.
"See you next week." She motions to the door with her head. "He's inside."
Harry nods, squeezing his mother's hands before opening the double doors and heading inside their library.
Matteo is sitting close to the fireplace, a cigar in one of his hands and a book in another. Harry immediately recognizes the cover.
"Invisible Cities." He says to his grandfather, who raises his eyes to look at Harry.
"I used to read it to you when you were pretty young, do you remember it?" Matteo asks, closing the book and exhaling some smoke.
"Of course I remember. It's my favorite book." Harry says in a low voice, getting closer to Matteo and sitting right in front of him.
They look at each other for a long moment. Harry can see that Matteo is tense. But also… something changed. He looks at peace. And his eyes are… softer.
"I take this is not just a random visit." Matteo says after a while.
"It is not." Harry inhales deeply. Since that day when they talked at the Palace, since before he went on his own to kill the Riddles, they haven't had a proper talk.
"I- Are you ready to forgive me, Harry?" His voice is low and unsure, so very different from what Harry got used to.
Running a hand through his hair, Harry looks down. "I don't know if I'm there yet." He whispers.
Matteo sighs loudly, moving on the chair. Harry looks up at him again, his grandfather has some tears in his eyes.
"I- I'm so sorry, Harry." Matteo is shaking a bit. "I'm an old man and I've made many mistakes. I don't know how else to apologize to you, but whatever you want me to do, I'll do it. I just want to have you back in my life." Harry purses his lips. "I want to see my great-grandchildren. I want to be part of their lives too."
Harry lets out some air through his mouth. "I'm not quite there, Matteo. And I don't know if there's something in particular that you can do to change this. I- it's hard to forget years of lies. Of such manipulation. It hurts because you were once everything to me." Harry gulps, looking down again. "You were my hero-"
"Harry, I'm so so-"
"Stop apologizing." He says a bit more firmly. Matteo is indeed crying now, silent and discreet tears. "Maybe I'm not quite ready to forgive you, but my wife does have a huge heart. She wants me to try and I'll try for her."
Matteo nods. "I'm not going to waste away this chance. I really won't."
Harry only sets his jaw. He can't lie. He misses his nonnino. He misses their talks and their moments together. He misses him when everyone is gathered. Since Bellatrix took over her position at the Ministry, Matteo vanished from London. But even so, the same heart that misses this man in front of him, resents him. It resents the way he lied to Harry and how he treated certain aspects of this whole revenge he created with his own agenda…
"I-" Harry begins and stands from the couch. He puts both hands inside his pockets. And he feels it. The reason why he's here. His hand closes around the Resurrection Stone. He had a long talk with Hermione about this. They both agreed that Matteo deserves to see Beatrice. They can understand this on a visceral level. Losing a soulmate is not… it does things to the person. "I have something for you."
Matteo also rises from his chair, a question in his eyes.
Without a word Harry takes the Stone, showing it to Matteo. His grandfather widens his eyes. And one hand goes to his chest, over his heart. Now he's crying copiously.
"We want you to have the Stone." Harry says, he considered this a thousand times. Maybe it's too much power for Matteo. Maybe it's too much for a man that lost his soulmate to have unlimited access to her ghost-
"I don't want it." Matteo says. There's pain in his voice. "I- Of course I want to see Beatrice at least once, but then you can have it back, Harry. I- I trust you and Hermione to guard this safely and way better than me."
"You think you can't control yourself?"
"I know I can't. I would eventually snap. Or by killing myself or by bringing Beatrice back." Matteo shakes his head. "I know myself well, Harry."
Doubting his own decision, Harry walks to his grandfather, stopping right in front of him. Then, he takes his hand and puts the Stone there.
"You can give it back to us next week. We're hosting a dinner at our house and you're invited."
Matteo cries a bit more at this. But his hand closes around the Stone.
"I don't deserve you." He whispers.
Harry does open a small smile at that. "It's good that you know that."
Matteo looks into his eyes, a certain glint there. They smile. And Harry hugs his nonnino. Matteo squeezes him tightly. In a way he never did before. Tears are falling down Harry's face and he pats his grandfather on the back. Matteo does the same. They're both very emotional.
But Harry moves away first, wiping his tears. "Okay." He says, already walking away. "See you on next Saturday."
"See you, Harry." Matteo is smiling, his hand is fisting the Stone.
Harry leaves. He has a good feeling about this.
September 19th, 2008
Black Manor
She's sitting in front of the Mirror. Her mother said that she's sending this to the Ministry to keep it locked inside a protected room that very few will have access to. And Hermione agrees with her, but she felt the need to come down here one last time.
All her family and friends decided to throw her a surprise birthday party here, and Hermione is indeed having a great time.
Her mother changed a lot of things in the Manor. She decided to stay but Hermione can't see an ounce of Tom Riddle in this place anymore, which is a tremendous relief. Victor and Dante love coming here and she also enjoys the place a lot more now. Her mother got married to John and they're managing all her mother's assets extremely well. Hermione told Bellatrix that she didn't want a thing that was once Riddle's. She never considered herself one and she really isn't one, so…
However, right now, only this moment matters.
It's impossible not to cry at what she's seeing in the Mirror. It's herself. Only that. Her sitting in front of it and brushing her own happy tears. And she can't help chuckling softly. Life has been a dream lately. Since they ended Ludwig it… Hermione can't complain. Her days are filled with love. Love for her children, love for Harry.
And now… their family is about to get bigger. Hermione is six months pregnant. And, again, Harry discovered it before her. It angers her a bit. Hermione needs to think of way to maybe conceal her next pregnancy so she can give him the news for a change-
"I thought I might find you here." He says in a low voice, walking to her.
Hermione opens a huge smile at him. "Hey, handsome. The boys?"
"Dante's with his grandma. And Victor is still running around like crazy."
"It's the sugar high." She whispers, sighing when he reaches her and makes her stand from the chair for her to sit on his lap. His hand immediately caresses her modest belly, his mouth finding her neck in a gentle kiss.
"What do you see?" His voice comes out thin, a bit… scared.
Inhaling deeply she kisses him, her hand going into his hair in a caress. Then, she looks at the Mirror again. The reflection there is of them together, sitting on the chair.
"I see us. Our reflections. Nothing else."
He squints and opens a soft smile. "I see the same thing."
They share another kiss, more eager this time. "Should we have sex here in front of this Mirror one last time?" She asks in a playful tone and he laughs loudly. She chuckles with him. "It is my birthday, after all."
"Indeed. You're getting old-"
She slaps his arm. "Harry!"
He laughs again, kissing her neck and cheek. She's also smiling. Sometimes it feels like she'll suffocate in their happiness. Which is amazing. She would gladly die like this.
"You didn't let me finish!" He says, nuzzling her neck. "Older, but even hotter."
She shakes her head and they share another kiss, provoking one another.
"Do you think someone will come here looking for us?" She asks in a low voice, her hand already going down his chest, seeking his cock.
He bites on her lower lip, his tongue meeting hers after. "We'll need to be fast."
"Oh, that's no problem at all." She snorts, biting on his neck. They know each other so well that's hard not to know exactly what to do.
Harry doesn't waste his breath answering her. Hermione frees his cock but he doesn't take off his pants, she only moves to straddle him properly. In a blink his hand goes under her dress, finding her panties and pushing them to the side. They lock their eyes and kiss when he enters her.
This arouses her immensely. Knowing that they need to be quiet and fast. The way he squeezes her is his arms and thrusts deeply while she moves with him, both on the same page, both in sync with their feelings and pleasure. Truly. The sex between them is only getting better and better and Hermione never imagined something like this was even-
She moans with her mouth closed, tugging at his hair. He's driving her crazy with one of his hands right there, his fingers on her clit-
"Shhh." He whispers, knowing that she's losing it. Then, Harry moves his mouth to her neck to suck on a point under her ear that-
She feels the shivers all over her body and the orgasm takes her in a powerful wave. She moans again with her mouth closed and Harry changes their position a bit so he can move into her better-
"Oh, love." He says into her ear, also reaching his orgasm fast.
Hermione smiles, a bit numb and completely relaxed. He's chuckling softly, squeezing her, his mouth leaving small kisses all over her neck and jaw. She also moves her head to kiss him and they playfully each want to kiss the other more, losing themselves in this small contest of sheer love.
Inhaling deeply, Hermione uses a spell to clean them and make both presentable again. Their eyes meet and the immensity of their love never ceases to amaze her.
"In a way it's a good thing your mother stayed here." Harry says, his eyes again on the Mirror. "It was here that everything started. It was right against that wall," He points to it, "that we first fucked." He winks at her.
She looks at the wall. "That was a monumental fuck." They chuckle again. "But you're wrong."
"I'm wrong? About what?"
"It wasn't here where things started between us, Harry. You know pretty well it was on the first time we laid eyes on each other at that Atrium."
He wets his lips. "It was."
They kiss again. And soon they leave the basement to enjoy the rest of the party.
August 29th, 2011
House by the lake
Harry leans on the door frame. Victor is quietly playing with a few magical toys. Hermione stops by his side and they share a look. Their other children are asleep and they both enter Victor's room in silence. The boy raises his head to them, a sad expression on his face.
Hermione sits on Victor's bed and Harry stands there, unsure. She gives him a look and he clears his throat. They decided that Harry would talk first.
"Son, your mother and I noticed that…" Victor is looking at him, waiting, "that you've been sad this past month. Is there something wrong? Something you want to tell us?"
Victor lowers his head and Hermione purses her lips. Harry knows that she's been restless about this since she first told Harry that Victor was too quiet. One month ago. They decided to wait a bit to see if it was just a moment since everyone is allowed to feel sad or confused. And the days went by well, Victor behaved normally yet a bit… contained.
But this last three days have been impossible. He's barely talking. And his siblings are also finding it strange that he's not playing with them like he used to.
"Sweetheart," Hermione says, extending her hand for Victor to take and sit by her side on the bed. He goes. "What is it?" Harry can hear Hermione's pain. They're suffering. They don't like to see their child like this. Any of them. "You can talk to us, you know that, don't you?"
Victor makes a face. "I- I was just wondering if you don't want me around anymore."
Hermione widens her eyes and Harry feels himself opening his mouth in disbelief.
"What are you talking about, Victor?" Harry asks in a soft voice. "You're our son. Of course we want you here."
"But you're sending me to Hogwarts!" He says a bit more loudly. "We won't see each other anymore! I'll-" Victor stops, sobbing.
Hermione exhales heavily and they share a look. So, this is the problem. She sits closer to Victor on the bed, hugging the boy.
"Victor, you're eleven and now you can go to Hogwarts. We just want you to get the best education-"
"Why can't I go to the Palace? I always went there!" He mumbles, sniffling. "I can come back home at night!"
Harry takes one step closer to them on the bed. "You know the Palace is getting ready to teach the adults, son. All the kids are going to Hogwarts now."
"But I don't wanna go!" He says and moves away from Hermione's arms, wiping his tears. "Do you want me to go because I'm not really your son?!"
It suddenly feels like the air doesn't exist in the room anymore. Hermione goes very still and Harry bites on his inner cheek.
"What are you talking about, Victor?" Hermione asks, her tone is firm and a bit harsh. "You're our son. Why are you even saying this?"
The boy lowers his head and cries more, sobbing. Harry shares a look with Hermione. They already talked about this. They knew stuff like this would reach Victor eventually. They do their best to keep him away from the news and they never allow him to read the newspapers, but Harry is sure that he read some. And they're all talking about the same thing. Hogwarts and the way it's going to welcome Muggleborns and Half-Bloods. Victor was mentioned. He's a Potter, after all. But in one particular article Harry remembers reading a passage that talked about the fact that he's adopted and some other shit-
"Victor, look at me." Harry also says it firmly and the boy obeys. "Do you feel in your heart that you're not our son? Do we treat you any differently? Did you ever not feel loved by us?"
Victor looks down again and shakes his head. "No, I-"
"Hey," Hermione moves Victor's chin up with her hand and looks deep into his eyes. "We love you. We're your parents and you're our son. Do you understand? Nothing in this world is going to change that, no matter what others might say or do." She puts one hand over her own heart. "Since that day when I sang that lullaby to you I knew in my heart that you were mine, Victor. So, don't you ever think something like that again, is that clear?"
He nods. "I'm sorry, mum." His voice comes out thin and Hermione shakes her head.
"You don't need to apologize." Hermione hugs him again and Harry finally sits on the bed with them, hugging both.
"I'm sorry, dad. I love you."
Harry looks at Hermione. There are some tears in her eyes.
"It's fine, son." He says, kissing Victor's head.
They stay in their embrace for a while. Then Victor says, "I'm just going to miss you a lot. And Dante and Jade."
Hermione opens a tiny smile. "We're going to miss you too." She says firmly. "I studied at Hogwarts, you know? It's an amazing place. I'm sure you'll love it there." She winks at him.
"You think so, mum?"
"I know so." She kisses his forehead.
And they begin to talk about everything Victor is going to do there, all the friends he'll make and the many spells he'll learn. Soon, they're laughing, their hearts at ease.
December 7th, 2011
House by the lake
She has a huge smile on her face while she watches Harry swimming at the lake. It's pretty late and the kids are sleeping. There's a letter from Victor in her hand and she just finished reading it. He's loving Hogwarts like she knew he was going to. And even if they have their personal issues with Dumbledore - they never spoke again after they defeated Ludwig years ago - Hermione knows that he's an excellent Headmaster.
But Victor's letter is not what she wants to discuss with Harry. Leaving it at the counter, she exits the house, going to her husband. They have a beautiful illumination outside and he waves at her when he sees her. It's the first night of the full moon. And a mischievous smile is playing on her face.
Hermione sits at the edge of their platform, her legs dangling. He swims fast to her.
"Oh, your smell." He says when he reaches her and Hermione purses her lips. It's not possible that he's going to be able to tell again. She even talked with Remus! He told her what spell she should use to confuse Harry so he wouldn't know that she's pregnant. He tilts his head. "There's something different about it." He says in a suspicious tone, a bit angry.
She wants to laugh. Remus was right. She masked her own scent with a strong male perfume. One that Harry probably thinks belongs to some guy who touched her or anything of the sort. And now he's getting out of the lake, sniffing her like a madman.
"Why do you smell like…" He sets his jaw.
"What?" She asks, making an innocent face.
"I don't know what you're playing but you're smelling like another man and I swear, Hermione." He inhales deeply. "I could murder all the male population in the world right now." He seems serious.
She laughs. "Well, Remus was right." He snarls at the mention of another werewolf. "He said you would be obsessed with this smell and wouldn't be able to perceive anything else. Now I know what to do when I don't want you sniffing all my secrets." She drags her voice and Harry squints, moving even closer to her.
He stops with his face an inch from hers. Hermione is fascinated by his eyes and the little droplets of water that are falling down his face.
"What are you hiding from me?"
She's so happy she's the one who's going to tell him about their next child. Hermione is sure she got pregnant on the last full moon. Because two weeks later she felt a bit different and performed a spell to be sure.
"Hermione." He's snarling again.
"Hm, sexy." She says, provoking him. "I'm pregnant, love." She ends his misery.
He widens his eyes, his expression softening immediately. Harry opens a gorgeous smile.
"Yeah?" He sounds insanely excited.
"Yeah!"
Harry laughs and pulls her to his arms, kissing her with enthusiasm. And then, without a warning, he jumps into the lake with her.
She gasps, smiling but a bit angry. "Harry!"
"What? We need to get this smell from you!" And then they're already kissing again.
July 1st, 2016
D'Angelo Villa
"Matteo, are you serious?" Hermione asks the man, her eyes wide.
"Of course I am!" He says, smiling brightly. "It's a wonderful idea-"
"You want our children to get killed by Dragons?" Chiara asks in a high pitched voice.
Hermione snorts a laugh.
"Harry is very alive last I checked!" Matteo says, pointing a finger at Chiara. Harry laughs.
"Yeah, but… what I had with Bellaverde was special, nonnino. I'm not sure if this is… ideal." Harry scratches his stubble looking at Hermione with a glint in his eyes. She knows exactly what he's thinking.
Chiara shakes her head. "Exactly! And look at this angel." She says, talking about her very blond daughter that's smiling in her arms. She's Chiara's miniature. "What if she gets burned? She's only two! And Harry still has those scars!"
Matteo rolls his eyes. "We'll be careful."
"I mean, Adam is older and I think he'll love it, but Camila is too small." Oliver says, backing Chiara up on this. "Maybe when she gets a bit older…"
"Yeah, I think you're right." Harry agrees with them. "But nothing stops her from being around while the others-"
"Oh!" Matteo interrupts Harry, excited. "So, you two agree, right?" He's asking Harry and Hermione. "Come on, don't refuse this present!"
Hermione raises an eyebrow. "Dragons are not things for you to give them away, Matteo." Even if her words are a bit harsh, her tone is soft. She glances at Harry. "But I think… it won't hurt. I mean, the kids are going to love it."
Harry opens a smile at her. They miss Bellaverde a lot. They never went back to the Valley and maybe having the children interact with some baby Dragons is exactly what they need to finally do it.
Matteo claps his hands, clearly overexcited. Hermione never imagined he would spoil their children so much. But it's like nothing is able to stop this man. He really didn't waste the chance they gave him. The children love him to death and he's always present, always creating moments with them and making the most out of them. It warms Hermione's heart. The way their children are surrounded by so much love. That's how it's supposed to be.
And just then the children burst inside the living room, running like crazy. The only one walking is Victor. Their teenager. Hermione can barely believe how grown up he is. He's such a sweet boy. So loving and thoughtful. They couldn't be prouder of him. And she has to admit that she experienced something odd when she discovered that Victor has a girlfriend. It's not that she's jealous. But she does wonder where time went. How things happened this fast.
"Hey, mum." He says, going to her. "What's going on?" He asks, looking from her to Matteo - who's smiling widely at his great-grandchild.
"Matteo is having some crazy ideas." Chiara answers for her while Harry tries to calm the children.
Victor opens a wide smile. He loves Matteo's crazy ideas. And they often conspire together.
"Mum!" Jade whines, coming to her. Hermione truly lost count on many times a day they call her. But she loves every second of it. "Dante pinched me!"
Dante rolls his eyes. "I did not!"
Harry snorts and says, "Dante, don't pinch your sister. Jade, I'm sure it didn't hurt that much." He gives her a pointed look. Yeah, since Jade was the first girl arriving in a family with two boys… they spoiled her a bit.
Jade is about to complain again, but Hermione stops her.
"Sweetheart, I'm sure you're going to forget about this when you hear that grandfather Matteo wants to give you Dragons."
This surely makes the children stop on their tracks.
"Real Dragons?" Victor asks, his eyes wide. "Like Bellaverde?"
Harry and Hermione inhale deeply. Victor remembers almost everything since he was taken to the Palace. He saw Bellaverde when she was dead. He asked his parents about it years later. They explained everything to him.
"Yeah, like Bellaverde." Harry says in a soft voice.
"Who's Bellaverde?" Jade asks, her eyes wide while she questions Harry.
"She was mum and dad's Dragon." Victor says. Dante opens his mouth in shock. Benjamin - their four-years-old - widens his eyes.
"Was?" Dante asks.
Hermione gulps. "She died years ago."
A heavy silence fills the room.
"Are we going to get our own Dragons?" Dante asks, "They're so big."
Benjamin agrees with his brother, clearly a bit unsure about this. Maybe he's also too young.
Harry opens a goofy smile and Hermione knows that this is happening for real. She can't lie that she's also excited with the possibility of their children bonding with a Dragon. It feels right.
"Mama!" She smiles at their youngest that's coming to her, her arms open. Hermione fetches Mia, kissing her head.
"You're definitely too young I have to agree with aunt Chi on this one." She says, referring to Mia. Harry cocks his head, agreeing. She's the same age as Camila, they were born practically at the same time and Hermione and Chiara had a lot of fun while pregnant. They used to do everything together and drive Harry and Oliver crazy with pranks. Hermione kind of misses those days.
"But, nonnino," Harry begins, "Where do these Dragons come from? They're not from the Valley."
"Oh, Harry, I believe I never told you from where Bellaverde came, right? The Mafias steal and sell Dragon's eggs. They earn a lot of money in this business. The eggs are expensive because getting them is dangerous. Many die-" Harry interrupts, clearing his throat, motioning to the children. Matteo nods. "So! Who wants to meet the Dragons?"
Mia yells an 'I' and Hermione chuckles. Harry smiles at her.
"She's a little daredevil, isn't she?" He asks. The others are already running after Matteo. They just walk, though. "Just like her father."
Hermione laughs and gives him a gentle kiss, Mia uses the moment to go from her arms to Harry's. Chiara and Oliver are walking with them. Camila is also in her father's arms now.
"So, crazy woman, I was thinking," Chiara says in an even tone that Hermione knows means trouble. "Are you planning another pregnancy?"
She makes a face, caught unaware. "Why?" Hermione tilts her head.
"Oh, nothing much, I just thought it would be nice for us to be pregnant at the same time again."
Oliver and Harry grunt together and they laugh. But she shares a look with her soulmate. They haven't talked about more children. It's not like they're stopping it from happening, but since Mia it hasn't, so…
"We… haven't talked about it." Hermione says simply, "Are you two planning another one?"
Chiara opens an obvious smile. "I think three is a great number, right, love?" She asks Oliver and he agrees. "I know you two already have five, but maybe six?" There's a hopeful look on her face.
Harry chuckles, kissing Mia's cheek. They're approaching the backyard where Hermione is sure Matteo has the nearly hatched Dragons' eggs already waiting for them.
"It's up to Hermione." He says, smiling at her. "I know the pregnancy can be… hard at times." He squeezes her hand.
Well, Hermione does wonder if her love for Harry will ever stop growing. The answer is probably 'no'.
"I think I'll let… fate decide." She gives him a pointed look.
Chiara makes a sound that indicates that she's rolling her eyes. "Okay, fine, let's hope fate works in our favor so we can enjoy those amazing nine months together! The four of us!" She provokes the men. "Oh, it's going to be so fun!" Chiara claps her hands and Mia and Camila do the same.
Only Hermione and her are laughing. Harry shakes his head and Oliver lets out a sound of indignation.
But the atmosphere changes when they indeed reach the eggs. Harry clearly tenses a bit and she squeezes his hand. She knows he's thinking about Bellaverde and everything they went through together.
"Adam! Don't get too close to it!" Chiara is already walking to her older son. Even if she's determined and courageous… she's an overprotective mother. Oliver goes after her.
Harry and Hermione stay a few feet away, at the porch, observing the others on the yard. Mia yawns and rests her head on Harry's shoulder, sucking on her thumb, drifting to sleep. Hermione wets her lips.
"Is this a good idea?" She asks him, watching eagerly while the children instinctively choose an egg. Almost as if they were… fated to them.
"Well, we'll know when those eggs hatch." He tells her, observing the others as intensively as she is. "I mean, Victor is… older. I don't think he'll bond with a Dragon, but since he's a Nurturer and have this affinity with animals and all living things, I know for sure that the Dragon is not going to hurt him." Hermione nods, agreeing. "I don't wanna say this but I think… if one of them is going to bond with a Dragon it's going to be Jade."
She turns her head to him, raising an eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"
"Because she's a force of nature, love." He says it fondly. "She reminds me of myself in many ways. She goes after what she wants, she never plans, but she's always ready. And even if she whines sometimes she brushes things off easily." Hermione opens a smile. "Dante is more like you. More calm, more rational… I'm not sure that's the spirit a Dragon wants to bond with."
"But there's nothing wrong with being more rational." She points a finger at him.
"Of course not. But these are wild animals. They live for the adventure and for the bloodlust." Hermione snorts a chuckle. He's so right. Jade is exactly like that. "And Ben is…"
"He likes to be with himself." She completes for him and they share a look. Ben is indeed looking at the eggs with fear in his eyes. And she can't help wondering… "Do you really want more children?" Yes, they talked about a big family when they had zero kids, but now with five, they do know how hard it is to juggle everything.
He turns to look at her. "Of course." His smile is so sincere that she smiles with him. "But I think you're right, we can let things unfold naturally." Mia is asleep and the sight of their daughter in his arms warms her heart. He's such a wonderful father. Harry is… everything.
"Yeah, well, what if we…" She moves closer to him, her lips on his, "try a lot tonight?"
Harry moves his head to look into her eyes and she can see the lust there. The same lust since they first realized they wanted each other. "You can count me in."
She winks at him, kissing his lips softly and then also kissing Mia's head. "She looks like an angel when she's sleeping."
They snort. Mia is unstoppable. But the same amount of hours she stays awake driving them crazy she also sleeps, which is a relief.
"Mum! Dad! It's hatching!" Dante yells, excited, calling to them.
With their hands clasped together they walk to the children and the eggs. Matteo planned everything carefully.
And she can't deny that it is indeed fascinating. Everyone is silent now. All the five eggs are hatching at the same time.
Dante and Ben take a few steps back, their eyes wide. Victor is also being very cautious. Adam too because Chiara is holding him back. But not Jade. Jade is right in front of the egg she chose, her green eyes - exactly like Harry's - are wide. She has a tiny wrinkle between her brows and her brown hair is falling over her face. She's in a trance.
Harry looks at Hermione and she understands what he's saying: I told you so.
The moment is charged. And even if all Dragons are revealing themselves together, Hermione only has eyes for Jade's. She's sure Harry is also hypnotized.
Because the Dragon coming out of Jade's egg is green. Entirely green. A green that they only saw once. That they know very well. That they recognize. The baby Dragon looks exactly like Bellaverde.
Jade squeals in delight, clapping her hands and already extending her arm. Hermione takes a step to her daughter, stopping her from touching the Dragon.
"He spits fire, sweetheart. You have to be careful not to burn yourself, okay?" She crouches, completely mesmerized by the green Dragon that's opening its small wings and trying to understand where it is.
The Dragons snarl in a high pitched tone, opening their eyes and puffing out some smoke. Hermione can see that Victor is smiling, mesmerized. Dante is leaning closer now, one eyebrow raised, she knows her son is analyzing the Dragon, thinking about all its intrinsic characteristics that he knows because he read somewhere. Ben is intrigued but not moving closer.
Adam is still being held back by Chiara.
And Jade is now looking at Hermione with big eyes.
"I wanna touch her." She says and Hermione feels the air leaving her lungs. Now Harry is also standing there by her side, baffled. They share a look.
"How do you know it's a her?" Hermione asks.
Jade makes a face as if this is a stupid question. She points to the Dragon. "Because it is." She states. "Can't you tell, mum?" She's a bit startled. Hermione always answers all their questions. She always knows everything before they even ask-
The green Dragon takes small steps in their direction, sniffing the air. Jade giggles and again extends her hand. Everyone is watching. Is like even the other Dragons are waiting for something to happen. This time Hermione doesn't stop Jade, but she murmurs a strong spell to protect her daughter from any occasional burn.
Harry crouches by her side. Mia is not in his arms anymore and Hermione briefly notices that she's in Matteo's. There are some tears in Harry's eyes.
"So fast." He whispers in awe.
Because Jade is indeed touching the Dragon. Hermione lets out some air through her mouth, her heart is beating like crazy. It's… amazing.
It's like she can feel the magic around Jade and the Dragon. Harry chuckles, happy. And when the newly hatched Dragon practically climbs Jade's lap, Victor murmurs:
"Wow, wicked."
Hermione can't stop her own laugh. This is truly special.
November 30th, 2016
House by the lake
He inhales deeply. Harry is sad.
"Love, don't be sad." Hermione says, hugging him from behind and kissing his back in a tender motion. "I'm sure we're going to love the new place."
Harry makes a face, his eyes roaming the living room. "I know, but we just have so many amazing memories here." He sighs, turning around to face her. Hermione is smiling, though.
"MOVING DAY!" Chiara yells, excited, from the entrance and Harry snorts.
"I cannot believe that you two are pregnant at the same time again."
Hermione laughs loudly. It's like Chiara manifested this into the Universe when she spoke of the possibility while they were at the Villa on the day they met the Dragons.
And they're moving exactly because of that. The house by the lake got too small for their family. Harry and Hermione agreed that it's not ideal to keep modifying it magically so they decided to move. It was a tough decision but one they made with an open heart. They took the kids with them to check out their new possible homes and one place really did win fair and square.
It's a big property. A Manor. The Potter Manor now.
And it's closer to where their friends live. And they're all arriving to help them pack their stuff. Which was really not necessary since they can magically put everything away, but they wanted to make an event out of it. They always take the chance to unite the kids and have a good time.
Hermione kisses him, then she whispers, "Thank you, my love, for all the amazing memories we made here. Let's make some more in our new home." She winks at him and they share another kiss.
Then, Chiara and Ron are already there and the children are running around.
It's not like they're going to sell this place. No, of course not. It's always going to be here for them. But sometimes change is a good thing. And soon his sadness goes away. Only a feeling of nostalgia remains.
December 10th, 2016
Potter Manor
Harry is sitting on their bed, his back against the headboard. He watches while she enters their room and walks to the bathroom. They had a crazy day. The children were impossible and they're exhausted. But it's a full moon and her smell is already invading all his senses. Having sex with her while she's pregnant is different. Harry barely keeps up when she's extremely horny. Then there are moments that he can't even touch her.
But he understands. And maybe tonight she's too tired-
He frowns, making a face when she exits the bathroom - naked - and walks to their bed. Only the moonlight is entering through the windows. Hermione tilts her head.
"What?" She asks, climbing the bed and already straddling him. There's a faint glint in her eyes. "The children were impossible today, but I'm having my way with you, Potter." She kisses his cheek, then his lips, softly.
He opens a smile and squeezes her waist. "Love, I-" He's confused. "Your smell is…" He trails and she frowns.
"What? Do I smell bad?" She widens her eyes and he chuckles.
"No, it's not that." He's intrigued. "I mean, you have a particular smell when you're pregnant, but this time it's… different."
"In what sense?"
"I'm not sure." He brings her closer to him, his nose on her neck. Harry inhales deeply, one of his hands fisting her hair.
"Hm." Just this simple motion already makes her even hornier and he smiles, his other hand going to her shoulder blades. "Harry." She whimpers his name, opening her wings in an involuntary motion.
He absolutely loves her wings. The obscene amount of time it took for them to completely heal from what Ludwig did still haunts her. More than a year. She had to go through the pain everyday while the feathers grew back. And she had so many nightmares… There was a moment that Harry wondered if this would ever go away.
It did. Thank fuck.
His fingers caress her wings while he keeps kissing her slowly and sensually. It's amazing how fast this simple combination can take her to a precipice of pleasure. Especially when pregnant. And the thought makes him go back to his previous observation. That her smell is different this time.
Harry stops the kiss and she complains, biting on his lower lip, trying to continue it.
"Love." He says, his hands going to her ass, squeezing gently.
Hermione lets out a strangled and annoyed sound. "What?" She asks, digging her nails into his back and grazing her hips against his erection. She raises an eyebrow in question.
He inhales deeply. "When is the check up test on the pregnancy?"
She rolls her eyes a bit, "I'm trying to have sex here." Harry chuckles honestly and she opens a smile. "It's only next week, why?"
"I don't know…" He makes a face, one hand over her belly. "Be silent for a second. Let me just…"
Harry concentrates on her smell and on the sounds he can hear from the embryo. It's hard to explain how this works, but he tries to understand what it's different… because this is bugging him. She's caressing his hair, kissing his neck softly while he concentrates. And after a while he can smell how her horniness is shifting to worry.
"Is there something wrong?" She asks, serious, recoiling her wings.
He sighs. "I'm not sure." He's worried now too.
Hermione gulps, her nervousness going through the roof in a second. "Do you think-"
"No." He knows what she was about to say. "No." He reassures her, kissing her softly. Hermione exhales heavily, calming down.
"Tell me what's happening." She says.
He tilts his head. "It's like the smell and the sounds are crazy, all over the place…" He keeps thinking of a better word. "Doubled."
And just when he says it they comprehend. Hermione widens her eyes and he does too. They open their mouths, looking at each other.
"No way." She whispers, her hand going to her belly. Her smell changes drastically. She's excited and worried and overwhelmed and so fucking happy. "Oh, fuck, Harry, how the hell are we going to handle two more?"
He laughs. A clear and solid laugh. And Hermione can't help laughing with him.
"Oh, the ones we already have are driving us completely crazy." He says between a few laughs. She's crying from how much she's laughing.
"Oh, shiiit."
He squeezes her more in his arms, happy and totally shocked and a bit scared. "Dio, love." He kisses her cheek.
She hugs him even more. Her eyes seeking his. "We're not having sex after these two are born. Ever again."
They laugh together at her joke. Then, when they stop, they share a serious look.
Harry kisses her gently. "I- I could not ask for more, Hermione." His tone is grave. "I'm more than okay if we start to take contraceptive potions after these little ones." He caresses her belly, his heart swelling.
She opens a wide smile. "Yeah, I-" He can see that this is a hard decision for her. "I mean, for more than ten years I thought I would never be able to have children or live this life that we're living now. And don't get me wrong, Harry, I love our life. I love our children more than anything in this world." He nods, smiling. Of course he knows that. "But seven kids is a good number, right?"
They chuckle together. "It's a great number." And he pulls her to him, kissing hard.
Soon enough the atmosphere goes back to horniness. And they enjoy every second of it.
June 5th, 2018
Hogwarts
They're walking together and the corridors are packed with parents and their children. Hermione is aware that almost everyone is looking at them. Some give them dirty looks, but most people look at them with gratitude. It's been eight years since the Law that allowed Muggleborns and Half-Bloods to attend Hogwarts was enacted. Twelve years since her mother took over the Ministry.
Eleven years of change and… happiness.
Sometimes she can't believe her life. She can't believe that she has this beautiful family and… this amazing husband.
Harry is walking by her side and she'll never stop finding this man the most handsome and attractive one in the entire room. Some things will never change.
Sighing at the thought, she stops when they reach the entrance to the Great Hall. She shares a look with Harry.
"You're all going to behave, right?" She asks their six children. Their oldest is graduating Hogwarts and they're all here for the ceremony. Sometimes it's hard for them to keep everyone quiet. They love to run amok when they really can't. And tonight it's one of those moments.
"Why are you looking at me specifically?" Jade asks, raising an eyebrow in a gesture that Hermione knows it's exactly like hers.
"You know why, young lady." Hermione says in a soft voice. Jade opens a smile.
"I'll behave, I promise."
"Good. This is a big moment in your brother's life, okay?" She's talking to everyone. "He's a bit nervous about it and we're here to support him, aren't we?"
They all nod, even their youngsters: The troublesome duo - Leonardo and Cecilia. Harry and Hermione used to think that Jade and Benjamin were the troublemakers of the family, but the twins are really… something else, and they're not even two-years-old. They fear the moment they'll start to talk properly. Hermione can already imagine the countless mischievous plans they're going to come up with.
She glances at Harry, there's a huge smile on his face. They know the children are going to behave. They love Victor too much to ruin this moment. And how proud they're of their son is pretty obvious. He excelled in Hogwarts. He's such a strong minded boy and naturally good that sometimes it astonishes Hermione. Sometimes she does wonder if she was not right when she questioned herself, when she questioned if she were a good enough person to take care of Victor. Good enough to be his mother. Because everyday since they met, Victor has taught her something precious. A different kind of love that now she's very familiar with but she experienced it with him first.
So, yeah, she's insanely emotional. Insanely happy.
"Okay, my little mafia, let's go." Harry says to them and she snorts, smacking his arm playfully. She already told him not to call their children a mafia, but Harry finds it funny and he says that they misbehave just as the criminals when they want to. Not to mention how fiercely they protect each other, which is something that the mafias also do.
Hermione takes Cecilia's hand and Harry takes Leonardo's. The others are chatting among themselves, excited to be there. Soon Dante will receive his letter. They all will. They're all going to be part of Hogwarts' History because of what Harry and Hermione did. They changed the course of History and they know that. Their children know that. But it's a bit harder for them to completely comprehend since they were already born in a different world.
Dante and Jade already asked Hermione about her past and where she came from. She tried to explain the best she could, leaving out a lot, obviously. This came up because they find it strange that she doesn't call John 'dad' like she calls Bellatrix 'mum'. And even if the children see John as a grandfather, they do know the difference, they knew something was… off.
But she knew this would happen. She knew this day would come and she was ready to deal with it. She knows they'll only understand things better when they're older.
The Great Hall has been modified to receive the parents for the ceremony, so it's more like an auditorium now. They find great seats and Cecilia sits on Hermione's lap while Leonardo's is on Harry's.
The others are scattered close to them, talking in hushed tones. She leans closer to Harry and he kisses her temple. There are times when words are very unnecessary between them. He knows exactly what she's feeling. Of course they fight occasionally. Of course there are moments when things are not the best. But it's impossible to complain. They're so happy that it feels surreal.
And that's exactly what she's feeling. Like this is a dream. Almost as if this moment couldn't be real.
But it is. It's all real.
The ceremony was nice and Harry cried a bit. The children behaved themselves and now they're walking with Victor while he shows them one of his favorite places ever inside the School. Dante and Jade are the most excited about it. Soon it will be their turn. Soon they'll be the ones walking these halls and running from one class to another.
He leans on a pillar and opens a smile. Hermione embraces his side and they stay that way, watching their family.
"It's good to see you well." A voice says behind them.
Harry sets his jaw. Hermione squeezes his side. They knew they would see Dumbledore, after all, he still is the Headmaster - rumor says that the old wizard wanted to at least once graduate Muggleborns and Half-Bloods so he could retire in peace.
But they didn't think they would actually talk with the man.
Hermione turns around before he does.
"Dumbledore." She says in a controlled voice. "How are you?" She's being polite. Harry knows pretty well that before they left their Manor she was rolling her eyes at the possibility of even seeing Dumbledore.
"I'm old." He says in a gentle tone and Harry knows that he's smiling. He finally turns around to face the older man. "Harry." Dumbledore nods curtly at him in a way of greeting. "I'm glad things turned out… fine."
Harry inhales deeply. Even after all these years, facing Dumbledore unsettles him. It's the way he can pierce into their souls with a look and the certainty that he can, in a way, tell their future.
"They did." Harry says between his teeth. Hermione squeezes his hand. "And you probably think we should be thanking you for that."
Dumbledore opens a discreet smile. "I wouldn't say that, but you can't deny that… I helped."
Hermione clicks her tongue and Harry knows that she's impatient, nervous with this conversation.
"You manipulated us into doing what you thought was right." She says in a lower voice, her eyes briefly going to where the children are still talking.
"What I knew was right."
Harry exhales angrily. "Spare us, Dumbledore." His tone is final. "And stay the fuck away from our children. Is that clear?"
"You don't need to worry about that, Harry." Dumbledore tilts his head. "My role here is… over." They can see the certainty in his gaze. And suddenly Harry feels more at ease. Hermione also relaxes by his side. Dumbledore takes a step closer to them. "My only advice-"
"We don't want your advice." Hermione cuts him.
His smile gets wider. "Are you sure, Hermione?" Harry hates the tone he uses. The way he insinuates that he knows something they don't.
"We are." Harry says firmly and extends his hand to Dumbledore. "No hard feelings, though." He opens a tight smile, waiting.
"I still think-" Dumbledore begins, but Hermione interrupts him another time.
"Enough." She says, angry now. "You may think that we need your guidance or anything of the sort but we really don't. We can take care of ourselves." She's so serious that Harry feels a bit intimidated himself. "You should worry about your retirement, Dumbledore. Maybe you've lived so obsessed with your visions and prophecies that you forgot to look at your own life." Dumbledore makes a face, clearly taken aback. "If whatever you want to tell us is about our future or destiny or whatever the fuck, don't worry about it. It will come to pass, regardless your advice."
"My only intention is to make things easier for you-"
"We've always chosen the hardest path." Harry says and tugs at Hermione's hand, taking one step to their children. "It's not going to be different this time around. Goodbye, Dumbledore."
They don't look back.
And Harry feels good about it.
June 2nd, 2024
Potter Manor
Harry looks up at the sky. The sun is shining brightly and he can see two tiny spots way up high. From the place where he's sitting close to their enormous pool, he can see Hermione flying - with her wings - along with Jade and her Dragon.
He was right all along. From all the children that Matteo gifted with a Dragon, only Jade bonded with hers. A Dragon that behaves exactly like Bellaverde, which is something weird and comforting at the same time. At first Harry and Hermione were worried about what to do with the Dragon. Kana - the name Jade gave her Dragon because it means green and powerful - didn't originally belong to the Valley, but Matteo talked with Hagrid and they went there to make sure that the other Dragons would accept her into their nest. The same with all the other Dragons that were rescued from the Mafias' hands.
It wasn't that easy but it worked. And Harry and Hermione finally visited the Valley again. They took all the children. The Dragons weren't exactly warm towards them but they stood out of their way while they visited Bellaverde's resting place. It remains the same. That powerful dome around it. They also saw her offspring. It was amazing and Harry felt a deep connection to them, but it was brief.
However, even if Kana lives there at the Valley, Jade is always taking some time to be with the Dragon. Their bond is strong and Harry is glad that his daughter won't have to endure a life without this connection. He knows nothing bad is going to happen to Kana. Dragons live for millenia. What happened with Bellaverde was… not common.
He sets his jaw. Thinking about Riddle thrusting that sword into his Dragon still makes his blood boil. Every time this happens he feels the phoenix fire surfacing. He would kill Riddle again if he had the chance.
"Dad." He turns his head to look at his youngest daughter. Cecilia is coming to him with a strange expression on her face. She looks exactly like Hermione. Which makes Leonardo also look exactly like her. They're only six, but… insanely smart and driven. They do drive Harry and Hermione mad. "Can I fly too?" She points to the sky where her mother and sister are.
"Ceci!" Benjamin calls from the pool. "Come play with us!" All her other siblings are there.
Cecilia shows her tongue to her brother. He laughs. Harry snorts. Ben likes to drive the twins crazy.
"Can I, dad?" She asks again, batting her eyelashes and making an innocent face. Harry doesn't buy it. He knows she's planning something devious.
"No." He says firmly and she pouts. "Your mother and Jade warned that this was a private moment." Harry is not sure what Jade wanted to tell Hermione, but this whole flying thing is a way for them to bond and Cecilia often wants to interrupt it. "Come here." Harry pats his lap for his daughter to sit there with him. She goes, a bit furious. "Hey, why are you so angry?"
He asks while he hugs her, kissing her head.
"Mum never flies with me." She lowers her head and Harry laughs.
"Ceci, she flies with you practically every night." She's so dramatic. Cecilia is still pouting.
"But not today! Because she's with Jade." She says her sister's name with certain disdain. Harry inhales deeply. Cecilia is jealous of Hermione. Especially when she's with Jade. He has no idea why.
Harry sighs and does the only thing he can right now. He takes Ceci in his arms and with a yell he jumps into the pool with her. She screams but on the next second she laughs loudly and soon she forgets about the whole thing with Hermione and Jade.
He's washing his face, getting ready to sleep, when Hermione enters the room. She's smiling widely.
"The duo is finally asleep." She tells him, entering the bathroom and hugging him from behind, kissing his back tenderly. "The others are watching a movie." She kisses his back again and he knows that she's kissing the phoenix's eyes from his tattoo.
Harry opens a side smile.
"Ceci was jealous of you and Jade today. Again."
Hermione sighs. "Their age difference makes it hard for them to bond, love. Then when Jade is home, she wants to be with us and Ceci can't take it." She kisses him again.
"So, are you telling me what Jade is hiding? Is it a criminal boyfriend?"
She laughs, squeezing his abs. He turns in her arms and they share a small kiss. And when her hand goes down his stomach and into his boxers he knows that she doesn't want to talk about Jade. Harry holds her hands.
"Oh, no way, you're telling me." He says with his mouth on hers.
Hermione snorts. "Don't you want to hear from her?"
He cocks his head. "Come on, you know she's not going to tell me. She tells you then you tell me and I talk to her about it. That's how it works."
She shakes her head a bit. "Okay, so…" Hermione wets her lips. "She does have a serious boyfriend." Harry makes an ugly face. His daughter is dating. "And she… got a tattoo."
He opens his mouth, a bit shocked. "What? She's only sixteen!"
Hermione raises her hands in the air. "I know, I know. But she's Jade and she has both our stubbornness, love. A Gryffindor and all that." She waves a hand in front of her face. Harry crosses his arms. "We can't be really mad at her, can we? With our giant tattoos?"
"But we're adults!" He sighs. He has no idea why this makes him so nervous. "What tattoo she got?"
"It's Kana. On her left thigh. It's fucking gorgeous."
He can't help opening a smile at that. Hermione smiles with him. Jade is a handful of work but she's amazing. They're so proud of her. They're so proud of all of them.
"Who took her to do this tattoo?" He asks.
"Who do you think?" Hermione snorts. "Amazing aunt Chiara, of course."They share an amused look. "I'll think of something dangerous to do with Camila just to avenge this." They laugh. Chiara continues to be an overprotective mother but she has no problem at all in taking their children - and Ron's and Ginny's and Sally's - to do crazy stuff hidden from their parents.
"Well, I'll talk to Jade tomorrow." He says, his attention going back completely to Hermione. "Did you magically lock our room?" He asks while his hands slide down to her ass, squeezing.
She opens that devious smile that he loves so much. "Of course I did."
September 1st, 2027
Potter Manor
It's the silence that astonishes her the most. Hermione turns her head to kiss Harry's chest. He sighs. They're spending their afternoon together rocking on a hammock that they put outside where they can watch their huge property.
It's relaxing.
And knowing that none of their children will interrupt their moment is odd but yet… peaceful.
They just came back from King's Cross. Leonardo and Cecilia finally went to Hogwarts. And as they stated when they arrived home, now they're Minerva's problem. Harry and Hermione laughed at this, their hearts full of love, though. They'll miss them immensely, but they're not going to complain. At all.
"Can you believe that we have this place all to ourselves?" Harry asks her, kissing her neck and pulling her closer to him, his hand wandering on her body.
She smiles. "It is very-"
"Mum! Dad!"
"Oh, come on." Harry mumbles against her skin. Hermione laughs.
They'll never stop being parents. And she loves the notion.
Both raise their heads together to look at Dante. He's coming to them with a smile on his face.
"Oh, lovebirds, I'm sorry for interrupting." Their son says, opening his arms. "But I do have a request."
Harry and Hermione sit together on the hammock. Dante is keeping the suspense alive and she can't help thinking how much he looks like Harry.
"Come on, say it." Harry urges him, curious. It's hard for Dante to ask for anything. He's so responsible and independent that Harry and Hermione sometimes suffocate him a bit, asking if he needs anything, if he wants anything.
"How do you feel about… throwing a Ball?" Dante opens a small smile, his eyes a bit big, expectant.
Hermione shares a look with Harry. He's frowning. "A Ball?" She asks, unsure. "Why?"
Many traditional families continued to throw these Balls, even Muggleborns and Half-Bloods. It's something people like, an opportunity for them to gather and have a nice night. From what they know there was only another couple that had the Perfect Harmony in all these years. Harry and Hermione never met them, but they do wish their best for them.
"Well," Dante looks nervous. They're very interested now. "I- I want to dance." He shrugs. "I mean, I want to marry her."
Hermione opens her mouth, a bit shocked. Harry cocks his head.
"Laura?" Hermione asks and Dante nods. They adore Laura. She's such a nice person. And perfect for their son. They both play professional Quidditch together. They started dating three years ago, on their last year at Hogwarts. In her opinion they're too young to marry, but… well. Hermione only clears her throat. "Son, then marry her. You don't need a Ball-"
"I know, mum, but-" He stops, a bit frustrated. "I'll marry her, regardless what the Traditional says, but I feel inside me that she's my soulmate and I want to be sure."
"What if she isn't?" Harry asks, serious.
Hermione is a bit nervous now. This could be a big disappointment to Dante. If they don't have the Perfect Harmony he could even change his mind on this.
"She is." Dante says firmly.
Hermione clicks her tongue and shakes her head, standing up to look better into her son's eyes.
"I'm going to ask you only once." She says the phrase she most used when dealing with their children. "Is that what you really want? A Ball? Are you ready to deal with the consequences?"
He's a grown man. He can make his decisions. They're only here to give their support. If Dante confirms that he wants this Ball, then they'll throw a fucking Ball.
"Yes." He says.
Hermione inhales deeply and looks at Harry. He has a strange expression on his face.
"Okay." Harry says. "At the end of the year, then, when everyone will be home."
Dante smiles. "Thank you. I love you." He hugs Hermione and then he hugs Harry.
They watch while their son leaves. In silence, they lie back on the hammock. Harry hugs her and she closes her eyes, relaxing. There's a comfortable silence between them, but they're both thinking the same thing.
"A huge gamble." Harry whispers, kissing her temple.
"Indeed. But it's his choice." She states.
"Yeah." Another silence falls between them. Hermione takes his hand and brings it to her lips, kissing softly in a loving gesture. "We should dance again."
She turns her head to look at him, a smile on her face, her eyes a bit wide. "Do you want to?"
"I do. Both our Patronus changed. It will be fun."
Hermione agrees. Her Patronus changed one year after they ended Ludwig. "I love your new Patronus." His is now a Phoenix, of course.
"And yours is perfect. I already told you that. I love it. Suits you way better than that dubious snake."
She nods, now her Patronus is a lioness.
"Do we end or begin the night with our Dance?" She asks, thinking.
"Hm. Maybe we should end the night. We do have the Perfect Harmony. If it doesn't happen for Dante at least the night will end on a high note."
"Indeed." She turns more on the hammock to look at him better. They lock their eyes. Her hand goes to his cheek, cupping it. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
December 28th, 2027
Potter Manor
"Oh, Dio mio." He whistles, entering their room.
Hermione is looking at herself in the mirror. She looks absolutely ravishing. Through the reflection she winks at him. She's wearing a dress that resembles the one she wore when they danced for the first time. But this one is a bit less revealing on the back. And the slit is not that long. Even so, he can see her right leg and the phoenix tattoo.
Not to mention that this dress is a deep green and not black. Suits her more. And this time her hair is up in a beautiful bun. Hermione is also wearing diamond earrings and their necklace.
"Gorgeous." He says in a low voice, hugging her from behind and kissing her neck. She smiles.
"You're very handsome too." Her hands find his over her middle. She wets her lips. "Delicious."
He opens a naughty smile. "Oh, I'm so going to fuck you senseless tonight." He says in a serious tone and Hermione inhales deeply.
"Please, do. I'm counting on it."
He bites on her neck gently, her natural smell driving him insane. It crosses his mind that maybe they should start-
A knock sounds on their door. The peace they've achieved with all their children out of home was interrupted when the Holidays started. Everyone is there and it's almost impossible for them to share a private moment.
"Come in!" Harry calls, distancing himself from Hermione and straightening his jacket.
"Hey, guys." It's Jade who enters their room. "Wow, mum. You look absolutely perfect!" Jade exclaims and Hermione chuckles, dismissing her words.
"Don't I look beautiful too?" Harry jokes, opening his arms and showing off his suit.
Jade laughs. "Well, you try your best, dad." She sits on their bed, next to Harry. They wait. If she's here she has something to say. Which she does after taking a deep breath. "I'm worried."
Hermione raises her eyebrows. "With?"
Jade grunts. "Mum, come on! You can't be serious." Harry frowns and another knock sounds on their door. This time Benjamin and Mia enter the room. "We're all worried." Jade says, pointing to her siblings. They nod.
Harry shares a look with Hermione.
"We don't want Dante to have his heart broken." Mia says in a low voice.
"I told him this wasn't a good idea." Ben says. "But he's sure-"
"Okay." Harry softly cuts Ben. "Look, this is Dante's choice. He wants to do this."
"But he's too analytical, dad." Ben says. "If she isn't his soulmate he'll have a breakdown or something. He's counting on this to define the rest of his life."
Hermione crosses her arms, making a face and Harry knows what she's thinking.
He sighs. "Okay, my little mafia, the thing is… if she's not his soulmate, Dante will have to deal with it."
"We can't stop him." Hermione says. "You know your brother. You just said it, Ben. He's analytical. He loves to test things out because that's how he gets answers. I know this is different from a study or a spell or even a Quidditch maneuver, but it's his choice."
"And you're all looking at this from a terrible perspective." Harry says. "What if she is his soulmate?" He widens his eyes to make a point.
There's a small silence. The children are considering their words. Then, Hermione claps her hands, changing the mood.
"Oh, you all look so pretty." She begins, smiling. "Come on, let's go. Dante is going to dance as soon as the guests arrive, so, if this goes down the drain, you'll have the rest of the night to comfort him."
They only mumble a few answers while they exit the room. Harry takes Hermione's hand. She squeezes it gently. Of course they're also worried. But they can't decide for Dante. Not anymore.
Hermione is barely breathing. The bell tolls inside the Manor and she leans to Harry, he immediately puts one arm around her waist. All their other children are close to them while they watch Dante and Laura going to the center of the ballroom.
Her heart is hammering inside her ribcage. Dante seemed sure when he made his request. And maybe this is it, maybe Laura is truly his soulmate. Hermione gulps. Their children are right. If this doesn't go the way Dante wants it to… it's going to be hard for him to accept it.
Again she can't help wondering if Harry and her are terrible parents for allowing this. He squeezes her flesh, probably knowing what she's thinking. They share a look.
And then the lights dim.
Hermione is trembling when the music starts. Of course all their children know how to dance the Traditional. Leonardo and Cecilia are still learning, though.
Harry is stiff by her side, tense. They know that nothing will happen right now, not while Dante and Laura circle each other… the Perfect Harmony happens when the Patronus meet.
They can't perform the spell wandlessly, but they don't utter the words and on the second that they begin to waltz, Hermione only has eyes for the way Dante's owl flies close to Laura's cat. She tenses. This is not a good combination-
But it happens.
In a daze she sees herself clapping, tears running down her face while the owl and the cat dance together in a game of seduction and affection. Briefly her eyes wander to Dante and Laura. They can only see each other, both smiling widely.
It's so amazing that the waltz seems short - which it isn't. And soon it stops, the Patronus stop, Dante and Laura stop. Everyone else keeps clapping. Hermione bites on her lower lip, her heart beating like a drum when Dante leans to Laura and they share a kiss.
The trance ends and she looks at Harry, who's already looking at her. He has a gorgeous smile on his face, also some tears in his eyes.
They know what this means. They know the love. They know the hardships and the amazing things that come with a soulmate. And they couldn't be happier for their son.
She smiles when the bell tolls again at the end of the night. This has been an amazing Ball and she's glad that Dante had this idea. She's glad that he found his soulmate.
But most of all, she's nervous because she's going to dance with Harry again. The nervousness she's feeling this time is very different from the one she felt when they first danced. Now she can feel the butterflies in her stomach because she cannot believe in everything they've built. She cannot believe that they're having this chance again.
That now they're going to dance in front of their children.
When the lights dim, she opens a smile to him. It's impossible not to remember that night more than twenty years ago.
And their dance is just as exhilarating as it was.
But this time when they stop, they share a long kiss.
January 16th, 2028
Potter Manor
He's been thinking about this for a while. It's just him and Hermione now. Victor, Dante and Jade already have their own places. Ben, Mia and the twins are at Hogwarts.
So, he took the White Book from the safe they've kept it inside for the past twenty years.
It was calling to him. Harry can feel the pulsating magic wanting to break free, but he hesitates. The Book is powerful and it has its own agenda. He's not sure if he wants to meddle with this but at the same time he feels like he needs to.
Hermione enters the study and stops on her tracks when she sees the Book. They share a heavy look. Then, she opens a slow smile, walking to him. She's wearing her Head Auror's uniform and he doesn't think he'll ever get over the fact that she looks extremely sexy in it.
She circles his desk and sits on his lap, her arms around his neck. They share a slow kiss, their tongues meeting gently.
When they separate she sighs. Hermione begins to comb his hair with her fingers. It's a gentle caress and he loves it.
"So," She begins, her eyes on his hair, "before we talk about the Book, I have something to tell you."
He cocks his head, squinting. "What?"
"I had a talk with my mother today. You know how tired she is and how she wants to enjoy the rest of her life with her grandchildren and John, right?"
"Yes." He nods, already knowing where this is heading.
"She wants me to run for Minister." He opens a smile. "I'm doing it."
"Well, I think it's about time, to be honest." He kisses her. "You're going to be an amazing Minister."
"I need to win it first." She bites on his lower lip.
"I have no doubt that you will."
Hermione touches her forehead on his. "Will you be my Head Auror, then?"
"Of course. Whatever you want, as long as you keep bossing me around." She chuckles and he does too.
"Don't worry about that, I will."
Harry squeezes her in his arms. These moments when they're close like this are his favorite ones.
"I think it's time, love." He says, glancing at the Book. "It's calling to me."
She nods. "We knew this day would come, right? I'm here for whatever you need me."
"Thank you, beautiful." They share another kiss. "I just think-"
An owl interrupts him. They frown, looking at the window. It's his mother's owl. Hermione stands from his lap and fetches the letter, walking back to him with a strange expression on her face.
She hands him the letter and Harry opens it. He has no idea what this might be about. They're going to visit the Villa next week, so…
But when he begins to read, he stops breathing for a moment.
"What is it, handsome?" Hermione is standing in front of him, leaning on the desk, waiting.
"It's…" He trails, feeling the tears in his eyes. Hermione looks worried now. "Nonnino passed away."
Hermione opens her mouth, shocked. Harry is now truly crying and she hugs him, again on his lap, her lips on his temple. She's also crying.
"What happened?" She asks after a while.
"Mum said he went to bed and didn't wake up on the next morning. This morning." He inhales deeply, calming down. "Oh, the children are going to be so sad."
Hermione nods. "I know." She keeps kissing his temple gently. "But he lived a long and amazing life, didn't he, love?"
"Yes, yes." He says, brushing away a few tears. "I- I'm sad but I know that this was bound to happen. It- it's just strange." He looks at her. "He's finally with Beatrice."
She can't help but opening a smile at that. "He is."
They don't talk after that. But Harry finds solace in her arms. The love and the warmth that gives him peace.
Matteo D'Angelo was a good man. A good man who made bad choices at one point. But he was loved and he made amends while he could. Harry knows that Matteo had no regrets. And he's happy in a way. Happy that he forgave his nonnino and happy that his children had the chance of knowing this incredible man.
Matteo D'Angelo will be missed.
May 20th, 2029
At a wedding
Harry pockets his hands. His oldest daughter looks absolutely incredible in her wedding gown. He can't stop smiling. It's hard to put into words how happy he is for Jade. She's marrying a nice man that she says is the love of her life. She didn't want to dance the Traditional with him and that's fine, they know she's good with it.
"Are you ready, dad?" She asks, coming to him. Jade is glowing. And she looks a lot like Hermione.
He extends his arm for her to take. "I'm more than ready, sweetheart. Are you happy?"
"I am." She squeezes his arm. "Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you."
His heart swells. "I love you, too." Harry kisses her forehead and they begin to walk together. It's time to marry his daughter.
Hermione is sitting alone at the moment. It was a beautiful ceremony and Jade's happiness is her own. But she's worried about one thing. And she's looking at him right now: Ben.
Ben sometimes feel like a puzzle to her and Harry. Even if they know their son well, they also know that he hides a part of his life from them. And Hermione wished this was not the case. She wished he felt good enough to tell them the truth. Which makes her wonder if they did something wrong. Maybe-
"What's on your mind?" Harry sits by her side, kissing her cheek. "You look worried."
The music is relatively loud and she knows that others won't hear them. "I'm worried." He raises an eyebrow and she just moves her head to point out to Ben. He's at a corner with a drink in his hand, enjoying the music alone.
Harry sighs. "I just don't understand why he doesn't open up to us."
"Right? Do you think he doesn't trust us or something?"
Harry opens his mouth but Mia sits with them, "What are you guys gossiping about?" She's eating something, her eyes narrow at them.
Hermione ponders. Mia surely knows. And Jade. And Dante and Victor. Maybe even the twins. They're a mafia, after all.
"We were talking about Ben." She says in a neutral voice and Mia widens her eyes.
"What about him?" Mia asks, nervous.
Hermione looks at Harry. He raises his eyebrows. "Do you know why he doesn't share his secret with us?" He asks bluntly.
Mia opens and closes her mouth a few times, totally shocked. Then, she glances at Ben.
"You know?" Mia is shaking a bit.
"Of course we do, Mia. We're your parents." Hermione states as if this is enough answer.
Their daughter makes a face and leans closer to them. "Talk to him. He's dying to tell you. He just fears the exposition, you know? You're Minister now, mum."
Hermione sighs, but on the same beat she rises from the chair and takes Harry with her. They walk to Ben in a straight line, ignoring the others for now. Ben widens his eyes when he sees them.
"Mum, dad, is something wrong?"
She hugs him. Then, she says into his ear. "We just want you to be happy, Ben. We really don't care if you like boys or girls, okay? And I care even less about my position as Minister. Let people talk. They always will, no matter what."
Hermione feels him stiffening in her arms. Then… he hugs her tightly, crying. In a beat Harry puts his arms around both and Ben sobs.
"We love you, son. Nothing is going to change that." Harry says, looking into Ben's eyes.
And in this moment Hermione can clearly see a huge weight leaving Ben's shoulders. He smiles widely. A smile she's sure she never saw before.
"I love you." Ben says and they share another hug. And then, all the family is there, pulling them to the dancefloor.
It's a great wedding.
March 19th, 2030
Potter Manor
"Hermione? Come out, come out…" Harry is walking slowly, trying not to make a noise so he can hear her inside the mansion. "…wherever you are."
He thought he knew where she was, but Harry was wrong. Hermione comes from a corridor behind him, and she moves so fast that he barely reacts. Her wing hits him with force and he brings out his fire, trying to battle her in some way.
They don't say a word while they exchange punches and kicks. They're both sweating and panting. But there's a smile on their faces. They love this. For a while, years ago, when the children were small, they stopped doing this. They stopped training and there was no reason to push themselves to the limit. But since Harry took that Book from the safe they've been testing new spells. They started to train combat again. They now explore their bond and their phoenix power everyday.
And they enjoy every second of it. The balance between them is bizarre. Harry is sure they're tied in wins.
Not to mention that the way they're more connected is truly… transcendent.
Harry thinks they'll never stop enhancing what they share and that's fucking amazing.
Hermione moves in a dive, her wing bringing him down in one incredible motion. In a blink he's on the floor and she's straddling him. They're both on fire. Literally.
"Do you yield?" She asks, her face close to his, her smile dangerous and provocative.
He tries to move from under her, but Hermione knows pretty well how to keep him there, and now she also has her wings that pin him even more to the ground.
Harry makes a face and sighs, "Fine, I yield."
She chuckles, releasing his wrists and lowering herself to kiss him. Harry immediately caresses her wings and Hermione practically melts in his arms. They're in the middle of a corridor, kissing and grazing against each other like two teenagers.
One of his hands go down her back, squeezing her ass with force. Hermione bites on his lower lip, moaning in his mouth. They stay in this provocation for a while, both kind of high from the exercise.
But soon he sits on the floor, taking her with him. She straddles him, her wings still open, his fire still burning. They discovered that when they have sex like this it enhances the sensation. The orgasms are almost real deaths. Harry is sure his heart stopped for one second the other day. But they're addicted to the feeling. It's too good. Too intense.
It's perfect for them.
Hermione involves both with her wings and Harry groans, moving his hand to vanish with their clothes. He moves his hips up, his erection on her sex, the warmth of this simple encounter making them moan loudly.
She moves to accommodate herself better in his arms and on the next second he's entering her. They squeeze each other so hard that Harry knows they'll leave bruises, but there's no other way of dealing with the extreme pleasure.
They move slowly, together, in sync, in perfect harmony.
It lasts enough to send both to the edge in a blinding way.
Harry bites on her neck, his tongue tasting her skin. Hermione digs her nails into his back, saying his name in a plea.
They both need several seconds to even be able to move. Harry extinguishes the fire and Hermione recoils her wings. They look at each other. There are huge smiles on their faces.
She kisses his nose tenderly. And he rises from the floor, taking her in his arms to their bedroom.
There's nothing else he wants in this life.
June 1st, 2030
Potter Manor
Hermione just packed the last bag. The house is full again. They're going away on a family trip for the whole summer. Along the way they'll meet with their friends. But for now it's just the Potters and their in-laws.
"Mum! Victor is here!" Cecilia yells from the corridor and Hermione zips up the bag.
"Have you finished packing, Ceci?" She asks from her room.
"Yes!"
Hermione makes a face, though. Cecilia always forgets something and then they need to go out of their way to find whatever she forgot. She snorts a bit. It wouldn't be Ceci if it weren't like that. And this thought makes her wonder how Leonardo is so freaking calm. He's the total opposite of his twin sister, and yet, they're practically one.
Harry comes out of the bathroom, drying his hair with a towel, another one around his waist.
"Hey, handsome, everyone is here. Are you all packed?"
He kisses her briefly. "Yes. I'm ready to go. Is Victor home?"
She nods and they share a smile. It's been a while since they last saw Victor because he and his wife - Linda - are always traveling. They work studying Magical Creatures and they're making their name in the field. It suits Victor perfectly. It makes them happy that their son is happy.
"Hey!" Victor appears at their door, opening his arms. "Mum, I missed you!"
Hermione hugs him tightly. "How are you?" She asks while Harry puts on some clothes.
"I'm good." He kisses her cheek. "Excited for this trip!" He opens a huge smile. "I miss spending time with everyone."
Harry, already dressed, hugs their son. And just then Hermione notices Linda at the door, a bit hesitant.
"Linda, hey!" Hermione goes to her, embracing her daughter-in-law warmly. And she immediately knows. Hermione has no idea how, but she knows. "How are you, dear?"
Linda inhales deeply. Victor comes to her side, taking her hand.
"Mum, dad, we have something to tell you."
Hermione wets her lips, Harry puts one arm around her shoulders.
Victor and Linda share a look.
"We're having a baby!" Victor exclaims. "You're going to be grandparents!"
In a blur everyone is inside their room.
Hermione and Harry hold hands, they're overflowing with happiness and love.
August 30th, 2033
Ministry of Magic
Harry enters the room with a serious face. He knows that this is Mia's class and he doesn't want to ruin the experience for her, which means that she doesn't want him treating her any differently from the other Aurors.
Two other Aurors that are responsible for the final training are there, giving the young adults a few instructions. But they do stop when Harry steps inside.
He can feel the respectful silence. It happens regularly. People see him and Hermione as… saviors. Which is flattering but he's not sure if it's accurate. Regardless, as Head Auror he needs to demand this kind of respect. The same that Hermione so masterfully handled when she was in this position.
Standing there in an open stand and putting both hands in front of him, he lets his eyes wander the classroom. He doesn't stop at Mia. He pretends she's not even there.
"Good morning." He says in a grave voice that echoes inside. They all answer him with a vigorous 'good morning, Head Potter'. He does notice the way Mia moves a bit uncomfortably at the 'Potter'. "I'm not going to sugarcoat this. Your final training is brutal and merciless. If you don't have what it takes then you can go home. We will not tolerate weak and scared Aurors in our Ministry. We have a honorable duty to Society and we cannot waver when civilians' lives, our lives or our fellow Aurors' lives are on the line. Is that clear?" He waits for them to answer. 'Yes, Head Potter.' "If you think you're special because you passed all the other tests with excellent grades, be ready to have your bubble burst. I see one hundred eager and dedicated young adults in front of me, but only thirty of you will make the cut." He lets the words sink in, his eyes discreetly on Mia. She didn't ask him what these final trials were about and the fact that she can separate things makes him insanely proud of her. "The first trial begins in twenty minutes. Good luck, Aurors."
He leaves the room without another glance in his daughter's direction. And he goes straight up to the highest floor to meet Hermione.
She allows him inside when he knocks on her door. She's reading a file and raises her head to smile at him.
"So, was she nervous?" Hermione asks, closing the file.
Harry sits on the couch by her side, sighing heavily. "I think I was more nervous than her."
They share a chuckle and a kiss. He can tell that Hermione is also a bit anxious.
"What if she doesn't make the cut?" She asks, widening her eyes a bit.
From all their children Mia was the only one who chose to follow her parents' footsteps. Of course they're nervous. It's a lot of pressure.
"She's excellent, love." He answers. "She was the top of her class and only if something extremely out of the ordinary happens the top of the class doesn't make the cut."
"You're not exactly answering my question." She points out, narrowing her eyes at him. "I know the statistics, but she's our daughter, Harry, she has a lot on her shoulders and I fear this might get in her way. I'm sure the other Aurors look at her with disdain. I'm sure they think she shouldn't be going through the final trials and stuff like that."
"Was that what people thought when you did it?"
She snorts. "Of course. I lost count on many times I heard 'Riddle's daughter? You shouldn't be here taking the place of another Auror!' and stuff like that." She makes a face. "I know that she deserves the spot, but I wonder if she can handle all the rest."
Harry cocks his head. "She can, Hermione." He says it firmly. "She's your daughter, after all."
She opens a smile at that. "You talk as if you're not the best Head Auror this Ministry has ever seen."
He raises an eyebrow, opening a cocky smile. "Oh, I have big shoes to fill."
They share a heated kiss. Then, Harry's watch emits a sound and they stop.
"It's time." He says, rising from the couch. "Are you coming?"
"I'm not missing this for anything."
September 19th, 2040
Potter Manor
They're lying on their favorite spot.
The hammock.
Harry's foot is on the floor, swinging them gently. Hermione has a smile on her face. She just turned sixty-one. Everyone was home, the children, the grandchildren, her mother and John and the D'Angelos. Their friends. It was a day filled with love and good memories. And even knowing that wizards and witches live longer lives than Muggles, Hermione can't help feeling a bit… old.
"Handsome, I'm old." She states.
He chuckles, kissing her cheek. "Oh, please, you're perfect."
A tiny smile takes over her face. But- "I'm serious. We're getting older…" She trails, looking at the stars. It's a beautiful night.
"Yeah, we are." She can hear the resignation in his voice. "But I'm sure we're going to live one hundred years or more. I mean, Dumbledore was one hundred and seventy when he died."
"It's so crazy that as we get older our children also do. I mean, Leonardo and Cecilia are already twenty-four."
He grunts at that. "When you put things in this perspective…"
"And we already have ten grandchildren." Her smile widens. "Soon to be eleven when Ben and Erik's adoption goes through."
Harry squeezes her in his arms. "I love you. I love our life. I love our family." He kisses her cheek again.
"They're all so grown up." She's feeling nostalgic.
"They are."
A silence takes over and they stay that way, in a hug of sheer love. But Hermione's mind is running wild. She's thinking about a thousand things while remembering moments of their lives.
"Harry…"
"Huh?" He was already dozing off.
"We need to talk about who's going to inherit the Cloak. And the Stone. And the Book."
He tenses. "We're still young, love. Don't worry about that."
"I know you don't wanna burden them, but we need to do this while we're here. While we're well to deal with things if something happens."
Harry sighs. "Why are you always right?" She snorts. "I mean, is this a situation where I can use the card 'you stabbed yourself and I'm winning all the arguments for the rest of our lives'?
Hermione laughs now and Harry begins to spread kisses all over her neck. She turns her head to kiss him properly, her hand on his hair. She loves the gray in them.
When they separate, she says, "No, you can't use this card." He makes a face, scrunching his nose. "We can't run away from this." She lowers her voice. "We've never been this powerful, Harry." His face turns serious. Their magic, bond and phoenix have reached another level. "We don't need the Stone nor the Cloak. But I do think the Book should stay with us until… the end."
He touches her forehead with his. "You're right. I think we should talk with all of them."
She clears her throat. "Leonardo and Cecilia should have the Cloak and the Stone." This is a certainty in her mind. The Hallows are twins just like them, they go together.
Harry opens a side smile and nods. "Yeah, I think so too."
"And the Book…"
They stare at each other. They know who should take the Book.
"Mia." Harry states. Hermione nods. "Next week we can explain everything to them."
She kisses him. And they continue to gaze at the stars.
July 31st, 2085
Potter Manor
"Are you ready, my love?" Hermione asks, glancing at Harry.
"I am, love."
