A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series or agree with her comments. This story is a product of my pure imagination.
Who's gonna tell me the truth?
When you blew in with the winds of fate
And told me I reformed you.
When your impressionist paintings of Heaven
Turned out to be fakes
Well, you took me to hell, too.
And all at once, the ink bleeds.
A con man sells a fool a get-love-quick scheme.
But I felt a hole like this.
Never before, and ever since
If you know it in one glimpse
It's legendary
What we thought was for all time.
Was momentary
Still alive, killing time at the cemetery.
Never quite buried
You cinephile in black and white
All those plot twists and dynamite
Mr. Steal Your Girl, then make her cry.
You said I'm the love of your life
You talked me under the table
Talking rings and talking cradles
I wish I could un-recall
How we almost had it all
Dancing phantoms on the terrace
Are they second-hand embarrassed
That I can't get out of bed?
Cause something counterfeit's dead
It was legendary
It was momentary
It was unnecessary
Should've let it stay buried
~ loml by Taylor Swift
*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
"So, Lucius ordered a hit on you. You and Draco were engaged. Harry seemed to be accepting it now. How long were you in hiding?" Luna asked.
Hermione frowned, "I never went into hiding. I was just guarded. We were all at Kingsley's house. The floo was connected directly to the Ministry from his house, so I could floo to my office. It was bloody annoying having someone constantly on my tail." Hermione sighed as she played with her necklace. She felt it warm, which made her smile. "And awkward, here I am, a newly engaged woman, and I was constantly being supervised for two weeks before I could go out anywhere close to being in public."
*If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Gold Rush – June short for June 5th*
(Draco's birthday at Kingsley and Andromeda's house muggle style after Hermione and family had been confined to Kingsley's house for her safety. Alecto has been MIA with a missing hand and massive blood loss. Narcissa asks when they will have the wedding and have children, which causes Hermione to start to freak out.)
*~*~* June 11, 2005 *~*~*
Nodding at the Auror in charge as she stepped into the Phoenix Boutique, Hermione saw that everyone she asked to come was already there. Lavender and Pansy had closed the shop so they could all shop for her and Draco's engagement party that Narcissa was throwing for her in one week.
As Lavender followed her, Pansy came out of the back and looked at Juliet, Susan, Daphne, and Luna, "Welcome, ladies! We have a lot to do and only a week to do it. Let's find the perfect dresses. Go explore, see what styles you like, and we will see what works best for everyone."
As they moved through the racks, Hermione glanced at the front windows where the two Aurors stood guard, wishing that one of them was Draco or Harry. She had barely seen either of them all week since there was dark arts activity near France that they were investigating to see if Alecto was tied to it.
"Try this one, Hermione," Pansy said, holding up a stunning emerald gown, "It would look amazing on you."
Hermione took the dress, but her eyes looked back at the window. Pansy looked where her eyes were, "They are here to keep you safe, Hermione. Try to relax and let them do their job."
Hermione nodded, "I know, it's just a lot."
Picking up the styles that a few girls had found for her, Hermione stepped into the dressing room. As she changed, she heard Lavender and Daphne discussing the latest trends while Susan discussed shoes with Luna.
Stepping out of the fitting room, Juliet smiled, "You look amazing, honey."
Hermione blushed as she looked at the mirror, "You think? I'm not sure."
"Then try on more," Juliet said with a smile as she handed her a black dress, "Try on this one. It's simple, but it reminds me of Audrey Hepburn."
Hermione changed her dress and smiled. The dress fit her almost perfectly, and her mother was right. It reminded her of Audrey Hepburn. Stepping out of the fitting room, Pansy gasped in delight, "Oh, Hermione! Draco is going to be speechless."
"Pansy, this dress is beautiful. It reminds me of a famous movie star," Hermione told her.
Pansy walked over to her, "It will only need small adjustments. Come with me."
Hermione stepped up on the platform as Pansy started pining on the areas that needed taking in.
"So, speaking of men," Pansy stated, "I've been seeing a Muggle named Christopher for two months. He wants me to meet his family, and with them being Muggle, I have no idea how to handle it."
"Muggleborn or Muggle?" Hermione asked.
"Muggle," Pansy told her with a sigh, "I haven't even told my parents. They've gotten a little more relaxed at the Pureblood mania, but deep down, it's still there."
"That's wonderful, Pansy, but meeting his family is a big step," Hermione stated.
Pansy sighed, pinning her shoulders, "That's why I need advice. You are a Muggleborn. How do I navigate this without revealing our world."
"Have you told him?" Hermione asked.
"Merlin, no," Pansy said, "I know not to open that can of dragon hearts that early in."
Hermione pulled her lip into her mouth, "Just be honest about who you are. Being a witch doesn't make you, Pansy. You are an artist, and you make wonderful clothing. You are a great friend. Focus on what you have in common, and the rest will come naturally."
Pansy smiled, "Thanks, Hermione. I appreciate it."
Susan was looking at an off-white wedding dress, and Pansy looked over at her, "Hermione said she isn't ready for that yet, Susan."
Susan blushed, "Speaking of big steps. Justin proposed," Susan said, holding up her hand, "We are thinking of a spring wedding."
"I'll do your dress!" Pansy yelled.
"That's wonderful, Susan," Hermione said as Pansy took out her wand to tailor the dress.
Luna, quietly examining a rack of shimmering gowns, suddenly said, "Professor McGonagall is going to be so busy in the next 15 years."
Daphne looked at Luna, "What do you mean?"
"With all the weddings, babies come next. It will be quite an eventful time at Hogwarts," Luna stated.
Hermione's smile faltered. The reminder of children brought back her anxieties. She still hadn't had a chance to tell Draco about her potential fertility issues. Pushing back her anxiety, the worry lingered in the back of her mind.
The other ladies quickly found their dresses, and even Juliet saw a beautiful dress Draco paid for. Glancing out at the window, her anxiety ramped up again as she had to step out of the shop.
*If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Gold Rush – June short for June 11th*
(Hermione has a dream of fantasizing about being with Draco AND Harry. She wakes Harry up by yelling his name and he runs into her bedroom and is concerned.)
*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
Luna stared at her, "It was the bond, wasn't it?"
Hermione shrugged, "Andromeda told me the dreams would probably get worse, but a threesome with Harry and Draco? Never expected that." Hermione flipped through her journal, "Then there was our engagement party. I think I saw Harry and Draco maybe twice in the two weeks between Draco's birthday and our party."
*If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Gold Rush – June short for June 17th*
(Hermione and Draco's engagement party and running into Harry.)
*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
"So, wait a second, Harry walked in on you two coming out of a quickie at your engagement party, so he could walk in to possibly have a quickie?" Luna asked in disbelief.
"Oh, he was coming in to have a drunk quickie because that night, I met her in the hallway going to the bathroom, so he brought her home. She was Draco's cousin. He later told me it was the bond. He felt attracted to her and turned on because of Draco and me. The same thing that happened to me with him and Ginny," Hermione sighed, "But she quickly became the last thing on my mind after Andromeda came to the house with the news that Lucius had passed."
*If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Gold Rush – June short for June 18th*
(Andromeda notifies them about Lucius' death. Hermione offers to go with him and he tells her no.)
*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
Hermione stared at the wall, "After Lucius died, Draco, even though he was deemed the head of the family when Lucius went into Azkaban, there was a lot he needed to do. Draco suddenly had access to all the family accounts, a seat on the Wizengamot, and a ton of responsibilities," Hermione told her sadly, "He didn't handle it well. I tried to be there for him as much as I could for him and Narcissa. The problem was, he didn't want me there. That's when we started having space from each other, and I started feeling… different."
"Trust me, he did want you there. He just was too proud to show it," Harry said from the doorway.
Hermione looked at Harry, "I thought you were going to hide away while I talked about Draco."
Harry sighed as he walked over to her and sat beside her, "As much as I hate to hear it, he changed you for the better, Hermione. You had more grace, more confidence. You knew what you wanted after being with him, and it made you who you are now. Plus," Harry rubbed her leg, "It made me so fucking jealous."
Hermione gasped, which made her cough, "What?!"
Harry laughed, "Seeing you with Draco, I had this feeling deep in my stomach. I realized I took you for granted for too long, and … now I would lose you to him. Draco Malfoy of all people." Harry sighed, "It was Dudley, of all people, that I confessed it to. Not Ron."
*~*~* June 23, 2005 *~*~*
"What is up with you?"
Harry looked up at Dudley during their monthly meeting at a little pub near Dudley's house. Harry sighed at the clinking of glasses as the busboy collected empty tankards, "What do you mean?"
"You just seem off," Dudley said as he popped a chip in his mouth.
Harry shrugged as he picked at the remnants of his meal. Dudley took a sip of his beer and set it down, "So, how have things been going for you, Harry?"
Harry sighed, "They're going. There is a big case we are working on," Harry said as he shifted, feeling a bit weary, "The suspect that we are looking for is trying to hunt down Hermione to kidnap her, hurt her… something along those lines."
Dudley frowned, "Hermione? Why?"
Running his hand through his hair, he spat out, "Her fiancé, because her fiancé's father is a blood bigot and doesn't want her dirtying up his family. Fucker is dead, and he's still causing issues."
Dudley stared at Harry, causing Harry to scowl at him, "What?"
"Oh my god, you fucking love her. I suspected it when I was with her, and I saw you two together-"
"You two didn't actually date," Harry interrupted.
"You realize it now? Don't you?" Dudley asked.
Harry looked up at Dudley off guard and then wilted. "Bloody hell, of course, I know. I've known for years," Harry put his head in his hands. "It feels safer to love her from a distance. I can't lose her if she doesn't know."
Dudley sat back, a small laugh escaping him, "So you are just going to watch the greatest woman… witch… ever, just get married to someone else because you are too chicken shite?"
Harry finished his beer, setting the empty bottle on the table, "She is safe that way. I'm the chosen one. I'm a killer … there will always be someone trying to defend Voldemort's ways. She is a target if she is with me."
Dudley kicked him under the table, "You are a fucking idiot. You say she is in danger right now because of someone other than Moldyvort. So, what's the difference?"
Harry looked at the poster above Dudley's head as he considered Dudley's words.
"Look, Harry, I've made that mistake before. Growing up with Mum and Dad, I thought this one girl wasn't good enough for me. I loved her, but I wouldn't tell her. Suddenly, she returned from school, married, and had two kids, and I'm here. Anyone worth loving should know the truth. She is engaged, not married," Dudley told him.
Rolling his neck to try and release the tension, he weighed Dudley's words. Harry knew Dudley was right, but losing Hermione and putting her in danger was paralyzing.
Closing his eyes, they snapped open when his wand vibrated in his pocket. Pulling his badge out, he saw the message, 'Carrow spotted. Report to Ministry at once.'
"Fucking hell, I got to go. Our suspect has been spotted," Harry said as he took his wallet out and threw some money on the table, then took the potion out of his bottle and uncorked it, throwing it back, "Sober up potion," Harry told Dudley to his questioning look.
*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
Hermione hit Harry with her pillow, "Harry. James. Potter. .believeable!" She said with each hit.
"Hey!" Harry said, grabbing it.
"You put me through that torture for years later just for some bloody heroic perception that was fucking useless?!" Hermione stated, "I cannot believe you. Can I not handle myself? Did I not battle three Death Eaters better than half of your Aurors until Ron came to help me that year? I was not a helpless little flower."
"Sweetheart, I know you aren't. I was just afraid," Harry told her.
Hermione huffed as she looked at Luna, "He's unbelievable."
Luna just grinned, "What happened after that?"
Harry frowned, "Well, I kind of fell apart, honestly. After Carrow was caught, that is. It took two days for her to slip up. When she was caught, suddenly, everything came crashing down on me. So, when I wasn't working, I was at a bar or club. I made the choice that I never had the chance to grow up, never had the choice to experiment in a way. So, I'm ashamed to admit I messed around. I slept with a couple of people, only muggle girls because I couldn't sleep with witches, between the bond making it feel revolting and afraid it would get out to the public. I am not proud of it. I was talking to other Aurors, who told me I needed to blow off some steam. I decided to give myself a year and just… live. Do what I never had a chance to do by settling down with my first girlfriend."
*~*~* June 25, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione was sitting in her office working on a new briefing for the weekly meeting when Harry's Patronus came running into her office.
"Hermione, we've caught her."
Hermione felt like her body had been submerged in hot water as the tension drained. Grabbing her Ministry robes, she left her office and looked at the Auror posted, who was talking to Opal, "You are coming with me."
The Auror in training stood up and ran after her as she marched out of her office and went up to the Law Enforcement floor. He barely squeezed in as the lift doors closed. Stepping out on Level Two, there was a flurry of activity. Aurors were bustling around as Hermione descended the now familiar halls. While Harry said she had been caught, Hermione needed to see it with her own eyes.
Everyone was gathered around one of the rooms on the far side of the floor. Hermione squeezed her way through to see Head Auror Robards on the other side of the glass, sitting on the other side of a single table with the same woman that had been haunting her dreams lately. She was bound to the table, and Hermione could see Harry and Draco walk in and stand on the side wall, staring at her.
Harry looked at Robards, "Was she given Veritaserum?"
Robards nodded.
Alecto's eyes narrowed as she saw Draco, "How's your little mudblood? Let me guess, on the other side of that mirror?"
Harry stepped forward, "This isn't a show, Carrow. You'll tell us everything, or you will wish you had."
Alecto laughed, "You think you scare me, Potter? You got lucky to defeat the Dark Lord. I've lost more than you can imagine."
"Why Hermione? Why go after her?" Draco asked.
Alecto's eyes turned cold, "Your father. He was given ten minutes a day of outside time in Azkaban. My cousin was a guard there and could write and tell me what Lucius wanted."
Harry leaned on the table, "And what did he want?"
Alecto sneered, "It was just to mess with Draco. Lucius thought his son was becoming soft and pathetic. When the engagement was announced, he knew his time was near. He couldn't have his bloodline tainted by a fucking mudblood."
Hermione felt a chill run down her spine as Draco confirmed what they had suspected, "So he sent you after her?"
"He didn't care what I did to her. Wipe her memory, kill her, play with her," She grinned, "Whatever I wanted, his house elf would bring me more money. It could come to the yard when Lucius when he had his ten minutes outside."
Robards stepped in, "And now, without Lucius?"
Alecto's face twisted angrily: "Without Lucius, I won't get paid. Now it's revenge. She took my hand and my kidney. I'm not done with her yet."
Draco stepped forward, wand clenched in his hand, "You won't get another chance, Carrow. You are done."
Harry grinned, "You won't hurt anyone ever again."
After a few minutes, Harry exited the interrogation room and saw Hermione, "Are you okay?" he asked, putting his hands on her shoulders.
Hermione nodded, "Yes. It's just… hearing it all laid out like that. Knowing how far he was willing to go to prevent me from being part of their family?"
"She will pay for what she's done, and Lucius' influence died with him," Harry said, pulling her into his arms.
Hermione took a deep breath, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders, "Thank you, Harry."
Draco stepped out of the interrogation room, "She gave us three more names not to get the kiss."
Harry looked at him, "Do you think they'll continue to search for her?"
"No, there is no money in it. Alecto blamed Hermione for her losing a hand and a kidney; they have no blood in this game," Draco told him as he looked at Hermione. "You are safe now. I am going to be part of her escort to Azkaban. I will make sure that she stays there and rots."
Harry grinned, "You want to go celebrate tonight? We had to cancel last month. We can see who can come out tonight. Go to Crave."
Hermione smiled, "Sounds amazing. I think I deserve a drink or two."
*If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Gold Rush – June short for June 25th*
(They celebrate at Crave. Hermione and Draco get into a fight)
*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
"So, you and Draco had a big fight. You were mean, and he left," Luna summarized.
"Yes, I just had so much anger," Hermione told her sadly, "It was the rum. I've found out that rum makes me mean. Plus, my brain was starting to fight against the curse."
Harry looked away sheepishly, "Knowing what we know now about the bond, part of it could have been you feeding off my anger."
Hermione looked at him sharply, "What do you mean?"
"I was drunk, and seeing the two of you together honestly just made me so bloody angry," Harry told her, "You were nearly killed because of his father, and you were still with him."
Hermione groaned, "With drinking, I put my guard down, and my shield was down. The bond was stronger than the curse with you there."
Harry sighed, "I felt so lonely, so I left with her. Didn't help that I went with her back to her house because her son Daniel was with his dad for the night, slept together, well tried, and then I left. I was so ashamed that I came home and went straight to bed. I wanted to lose myself a bit, so I took a fantasy potion that George gave me."
Luna looked at him, curious, "If you don't mind me asking, what was your fantasy?"
Hermione frowned, "Do I want to know?"
"My fantasy was you," Harry told her.
*~*~* June 26, 2005 *~*~*
A small hand pulled Harry's eye open, waking him up. Opening both eyes, he looked at the little girl with a head full of curly red hair and sparkling green eyes staring at him with a mischievous grin.
"Daddy, can you make me eggies?" She asked.
Harry smiled and pulled her down onto his chest, "Lily, can't you sleep in just once in a while? Be more like me and less like your Mum?"
Little Lily giggled as she snuggled into his chest, "Mummy has been up for a really long time."
With a sigh, Harry gathered his daughter in his arms and sat up, "Alright, let's go make those eggies."
He carried her out of the bedroom on his hip and walked down the stairs. As they reached the sitting room, he saw Hermione sitting on the couch, holding their eldest daughter, a perfect carbon copy of herself. Hermione looked up at him with a tired smile.
"Gertrude woke up sick," she told him softly, smoothing the child's hair back in her lap. "It's just a fever and the aches."
Harry leaned down and kissed her forehead. "You should have woken me up. You need your sleep more than I do," Harry told her as he kissed her belly. "Is Jamie you keeping you up? You look tired."
Hermione touched his face gently, "No more than usual."
Harry set Lily down and then picked up Gertrude, who put her arms around his neck, "They are growing up too fast. Go back upstairs. I have the little monsters. Get more sleep. If I need help, I'll get Holly, and you know Teddy will be up soon."
Hermione rose, pressing a soft kiss to his lips, "Thank you, Harry."
As Hermione made her way upstairs, Harry led the girls to the kitchen. Setting the girls up at the table, he made scrambled eggs with cheese, a family favorite. The kitchen was filled with the smells of breakfast that had Teddy coming in, with Harmony following behind.
After serving the eggs and ensuring the kids were settled, Harry ran upstairs to check on Hermione. Finding her sleep, he leaned down and kissed her forehead, pulling the covers up to ensure she was warm enough.
"Sleep well, love," Harry whispered as he quietly stepped out of the room.
Walking back downstairs, he joined their children as he watched Teddy make the girls toast.
Inhaling, Harry rolled over, opened his eyes, and noticed how empty the bed felt.
*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
Hermione stared at him, "We will never use the name Gertrude."
Harry shrugged, "It is one of the only names I know from Shakespeare."
"Anyways, Draco and I were… a bit distant for about a week, but as much as I hated the man, I had to support Draco at Lucius' funeral," Hermione told Luna.
*If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Last Kiss – July short for July 2nd*
(Lucius' funeral)
*~*~* July 8, 2005 *~*~*
Looking at the clock on the wall, Hermione realized that if she didn't leave soon, she would be late for Girl's Night. Pansy and Lavender were shutting the Phoenix Boutique down early so she could have privacy without prying eyes to browse dresses. Grabbing her handbag, she locked up her office, bid goodbye to Opal, and headed towards the lift. Instead of heading for the Atrium, she went up to Level Two.
Pushing the door to the Auror Offices open, she was met with a buzz of activity. Waving to the rookies on her detail, she spotted Harry and Draco talking to another Auror near their cubicle.
They finished their conversation, and the Auror waved at her as he walked away as she approached. "Hey, you two. I'm getting ready to head out; I just wanted to say goodbye," Hermione told them.
Draco smiled as he kissed her cheek, "Just a forewarning, I may have mentioned you were going to Mother. She seemed excited."
Hermione's heart raced slightly as she smiled politely, "Great. See you both later."
"Be careful!" Harry called as she waved him off.
Instead of a pep in her step like before, Hermione slowed her gait. It wasn't that she did not like Narcissa, but Narcissa was a force to be reckoned with. Narcissa was the one woman with whom Hermione lost her confidence. Using the floo, she flooed into the Leaky Cauldron. With a wave to Hannah, she left, heading towards the Phoenix Boutique.
Once she entered the boutique, she found Lavender on the couch in the back, surrounded by magazines and catalogues. All the magazines and catalogues had wedding dresses on the covers.
"Hermione! Great, you arrived early. I want you to get a good idea of what you are looking for," Lavender said, patting the couch beside her.
Soon, the rest of the girls arrived: Parvati and Padma, Hannah and Susan, Daphne, Luna, and even Katie, Angelina, and the soon-to-be Mrs. Alicia Jordan.
Quickly, the girls lost Hermione to talk of lace, necklines, trains, or no trains on dresses. Hermione felt a creeping tingle of anxiety in her chest, "Look, we don't even have a wedding date yet. Isn't this a bit premature?"
"It's good to be prepared. You, of all people, should know that." Parvati said as she grinned, "Look at this. Ten Questions You Must Answer about Your Fiancé Before Marriage'. Quiz time, girls!"
The group laughed as Alicia smiled excitedly, but Hermione felt a growing dread.
"First one, what is your fiancé's biggest fear?" Parvati asked.
Alicia rolled her eyes, "That's easy. Lee is afraid of snakes. Nagini got too close in the final battle and he peed himself."
Hermione thought momentarily as everyone looked at her, "Draco's biggest fear? I would think it would be failing his family, not living up to the expectations put on him."
Parvati nodded, "Question two, what are your fiancé's financial goals?"
"Lee and George want to expand W3s globally. First, they expand their product lines and ship them globally to see if there is interest in different markets. We already know that it's a possibility that we will be moving in the coming years," Alicia said honestly. "We are well enough off. However, when we start having children, I can quit being a healer."
Angelina nodded, "They are looking at Paris right now. That store you suggested in New York, Hermione really took off and is doing well."
Hermione's mind went blank as Parvati looked at her, "What about Draco?"
Hermione bit her lip, "We haven't discussed finances in detail. He lives comfortably and doesn't need to be an Auror. He does it to keep himself busy and help others."
Susan spoke up, "Are you going to keep working?"
"Of course," Hermione stated without thinking, "I'm not going to be a stay-at-home Mum. Not that there is anything wrong with it. I just… can't see myself being one."
"Question three, where do you see yourself in ten years?" Parvati read.
Alicia smiled, "We've been looking at some land not far from the Burrow but far enough. We want a house in the countryside with a big garden for the kids to play in."
Biting her lip, Hermione thought of it. Would they live at Draco's two-room flat? There was no room for Teddy to have a bedroom with Draco's potions lab. She could not see herself living at Malfoy Manor—another thing they hadn't discussed.
"Moving on," Parvati stated, seeing her face. "Question four: Will you keep your last name or take his being a modern witch?"
"Hyphenate," Hermione nodded.
"It's much easier for people to spell Jordan than Spinnett," Alicia stated.
"Question five: do you plan to have children? If so, how many?" Parvati asked.
Alicia grinned, "Three kids would be amazing."
Hermione felt sick to her stomach. With all the drama between Alecto and Lucius dying, she had yet to tell Draco about her fertility issues. She went to open her mouth when the chime on the door rang.
"Sorry, we are closed!" Pansy yelled as she got up, "Narcissa! What are you doing here?"
"Draco stated that Hermione was coming to get ideas for her wedding dress today. I've brought some ideas of my own," Narcissa stated.
Hermione's heart jumped into her throat as she saw Narcissa pull out what appeared to be a corset, petticoat, and a hooped skirt from her bag. Then she looked at Pansy, "Where are your ball gown-type dresses?"
Pansy glanced at Hermione and then followed Narcissa back into the warehouse. "Back here."
Luna looked at Hermione as she chewed on her lip, and her knee bounced, "Are you okay?"
"I want something simple, not over the top. I… I think Narcissa and I have two different opinions on my dress," Hermione stated as Lavender came over.
"Hermione, we need to get some dresses that YOU want to wear too. Mrs. Malfoy is well known for forcing her opinions," Lavender said as she took Hermione by the hands and pulled her up, "You want classic and simple. She will want in your face and opulence. Let's find you something you will like."
Browsing the racks, Hermione tried to find something simple. She found one dress of lace, tulle, and flowered décor that felt light and airy.
"You may freeze in that if you get married anywhere between September and April, that is a summer wedding dress," Lavender told her. "Do you have any idea when you want to get married?"
Hermione breathed anxiously, "No, we haven't discussed it yet. I'm happy with a longer engagement. No need to rush, but I guess Draco has a deadline."
Lavender frowned, "A deadline?"
Hermione nodded, "He needs to be married by 26 to inherit his full inheritance. Right now, all he has is his trust."
"Damn Purebloods," Lavender mumbled.
"Hermione dear! Over here!" Narcissa called.
"Fuck my life," Hermione mumbled to Lavender as she walked over to Narcissa and Pansy to see a large ballroom-type gown in Pansy's hands. It was beautiful; it would have been a wonderful dress for someone else, but not her.
"Come, darling, let's get you dressed. I cannot wait to see you in this dress," Narcissa stated.
"Here, how about I help Hermione? You can hold the dress until we are ready." Pansy recommended.
"Oh, of course," Narcissa said as she took the dress from Pansy. Pansy led her into the fitting room and cast a privacy charm.
"Look, I love that woman out there like my mother, but if you don't like this dress, don't let her push you," Pansy stated as she looked at Hermione, "Well, go on then, strip."
Hermione quickly took her blouse and skirt off, folding them on the bench in the fitting room.
Pansy frowned at seeing her bra and knickers. "We need to work on that next."
Slipping the corset on her, Pansy laced it up, pulling it tight as she tied it.
"It's a bit tight," Hermione stated.
"I know, but it's supposed to be," Pansy told her as she grabbed the hoop skirt, "Step in."
Hermione stepped into the hoop skirt and then put her arms up so the petticoat could go over her head and settle around the hoop. Pansy opened the door, requesting the dress, and Hermione smoothed her hands over her chest. Her breasts never felt larger, and her waist never smaller, but she was having a hard time breathing.
"Bend forward a bit," Pansy instructed.
Hermione put her arms up and bent, as much as she could, at the waist, and Pansy slid the dress over her arms.
"It's a bit big. If you end up liking it, we can take it in. I think you look amazing in it," Pansy stated, "Let's go let the girls get a look."
As Pansy opened the door, the restrictive corset and many layers of skirts felt like a cage was around her. Walking to the mirrors, her chest tightened as she moved. Looking at herself in front of the mirrors, the girls' voices were drowned out by the ringing in her ears.
The woman seen in the mirror was not her. It was a fancy Pureblooded witch on a Mudblooded mannequin who was wearing her face. Having a brief out-of-body moment, instead of her face looking as horrified as she thought it should, the witch on the other side of the mirror tilted her neck. She smiled as she curtseyed in the huge dress with a corseted top and three-dimensional tulle flowered bouquets, which seemed to move and grow, climbing up and constricting her chest even further.
In the far reaches of her mind, she heard Pansy yell for her to bend over, and as if under Imperius, she felt a hand on her back pushing her down into a bow.
Clawing at her chest as some of the weight came off her, she felt the stems grow into vines around her torso, "I can't breathe," She gasped out as her vision started narrowing.
Luna yelled, "Step back!" Suddenly, Hermione could breathe again as she crashed to her knees. Looking up, Luna had her wand in one hand and cut corset strings in the other. Pulling the corset from her body, she vomited all over the floor.
"I think we are done today. Nothing to see here. Everyone go home!" Luna yelled, taking charge.
"I don't understand," Narcissa stated as Hermione felt herself being pulled under again.
"Narcissa, I will get her home and give you an update. Just head home. She will be fine. It's a panic attack," Pansy whispered.
Hermione fought to open her eyes and looked up at Luna, "Am I on the floor?"
Pansy ran her hand down Hermione's arm, "You had the worst panic attack I've ever seen. Let's sit you up."
Luna and Pansy helped her sit up, and Hermione's vision cleared enough to see Daphne holding out a glass of water. Hermione held out a shaky hand and grabbed for the glass, water spilling over the rim as she shook.
"Here," Luna said as she aided Hermione in holding the glass so she could slowly sip.
Hermione wiped her eyes and face, looking down at her naked chest and the petticoats and hooped skirt that she was still in.
"Sorry about your bra. I just cut it all to make it faster," Luna told her.
"It's okay," Hermione said as the door opened and Draco ran in.
"Are you okay?" Draco asked, looking over her body.
"She had a panic attack, Drake. Your Mother put her in a corset top, and I think it was too much with her traumatic history, sent her into a panic attack," Pansy told him.
"Fuck, come on, Hermione. Let's get you home," Draco said as he helped her up, "Where is her shirt?"
Daphne ran off and then came back with her blouse and skirt, and Draco helped her into her blouse.
Draco looked at Pansy, "Can you drop your wards?"
"Already done, go," Pansy told her as Lavender stood at the door blocking it when a small crowd was gathering.
Draco pulled her into his arms, and Hermione gasped as she was squeezed again. Her knees buckled as she landed in Draco's flat.
*If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Last Kiss – July short for July 8th*
(Draco takes her back to his apartment, where she tells him about her infertility. Draco takes it well and tries to fix it, but Hermione pushes him away.)
*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
Hermione closed her eyes, "Things honestly started going downhill after the funeral. It was just too much, too fast for me. I felt like this bomb was about to go off, and a countdown was counting to nothing. We hadn't set a date, but the time was coming. You were there at the Phoenix Boutique when I had my panic attack while trying on wedding dresses."
"I was so scared," Luna confessed, "I thought you were cursed. I, myself, had had panic attacks before, but nothing like you had that day."
"It was Parvati's questions. Honestly, it made me realize that Draco and I didn't know each other," Hermione confessed as she looked back as Harry walked past the door to check on Teddy, "But I knew the answers for Harry."
Luna smiled, "Of course, you know him better than he knows himself."
*~*~* July 30, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione stood staring out the kitchen window as she stood in Harry's house. The house was filled with members of Dumbledore's Army, and all gathered to celebrate Neville and Harry's birthdays. She swallowed hard as she went back to slicing vegetables for a tray.
Glancing behind her, she saw Harry enter the kitchen with Neville, laughing.
"Need any help, Hermione?" Neville asked.
Hermione glanced up and shook her head. "No, everything is under control. We're just waiting for the rest of the food. Angelina and George are bringing sausage rolls and tea sandwiches, Luna is bringing apple crumbles, and I ordered pizza and crisps."
Neville leaned on the counter, "Is Draco coming?"
Hermione's smile faltered momentarily. "He's going to try. Narcissa requested that he attend a gala with her tonight. He said that he'd come by as soon as it's over. My place is here with you both tonight."
Neville wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "We're glad you are here."
Hermione motioned behind her towards the dining room, "There is cold Butterbeer in the cooler if you'd like one."
"Thanks," Neville said as he wandered off.
Harry lingered in the kitchen, and Hermione looked at him, "What?"
"Are things okay with you and Draco? You haven't had a date night since visiting Pansy and Lavender's. He hasn't been over, either. I asked Draco, and he said everything was okay, but is it?" Harry asked.
Hermione sighed, pausing in her vegetable chopping, "I told him about my fertility issues. He said he would try to find specialists, and we would work through it together, but it's a lot to process. I'm just trying to work through things." Hermione went back to washing the broccoli.
Harry wrapped his arms around her from behind, and Hermione closed her eyes at the calm balm that Harry's magic had provided her. "I'm sorry, Hermione. You know you can always talk to me, right?"
Hermione nodded, smiling at him, "Thanks, Harry. I appreciate it."
"Harry?" a new voice said, coming into the kitchen, making Harry jump back from her, "There you are, darling."
Hermione looked at the doorway as a woman with large breasts, a tiny dress that barely covered her bum, and heels that were much too high walked over to them in the kitchen.
"Veronica, shit, I'm sorry," Harry said as Veronica pranced over and kissed him.
Hermione tried not to frown as Harry pushed her back as the woman attempted to crawl up his body.
"I'll be right out there. Go find a drink in the sitting room in the cooler," Harry told her.
"Alright, darling," Veronica said as she grinned leaving the room.
Hermione looked at him, "Really? You invited her here?"
Harry groaned, "Not my smartest move."
"If I have to cast a Fidelius charm to keep this house safe from stalkers, I'm gonna be pissed," Hermione informed him as she plated all the veggies.
"Come on, she isn't that bad," Harry told her, "You have your fan club now after that spread in Witch Weekly."
Hermione blushed, thinking about the pictures that Pansy had her pose for in some of the newest outfits that ended up being made as part of an article not about the Phoenix Boutique but about herself. "That article was ridiculous. Muggleborn Princess, my ass."
Harry laughed as he left the kitchen.
Hermione sat on the enlarged couch with Ron on one side and Harry on the other, with Veronica on his far side.
"George! Whatever happened to those Puking Pastilles you were paying us to take in the common room?" Seamus asked.
George grinned, "They are still part of our box set. They don't sell as much as some of our other products."
"That sex shop stuff is great," Seamus stated, grinning at Dean, who hit him with a frown.
Parvati laughed, "The vibrating wands are amazing. Just saying. Also, thanks for the longer-term contraceptive potions."
"That was on Hermione," George said, pointing his bottle at Hermione.
Hermione inched her hand closer to Harry's leg. As everyone looked at her, she gave an uncomfortable smile.
"Harry, why is Hermione always so close to you? It's a little much, don't you think?" Veronica's shrill voice was sharp, cutting through the chatter and making the room silent.
Hermione moved closer to Ron, who put his arm around her shoulders.
Harry's face hardened, and he stood up, "Let's talk outside, Veronica."
Veronica huffed, following him out of the house. Seamus raised an eyebrow, "About time Harry goes after a fan girl."
Everyone laughed and then went back to talking. A screech very near to an owl happened outside, and Harry walked into the house, groaning, "I should have known. She was too fascinated by the old stories and kept saying that you couldn't have been that important in my life, Hermione, when we had our date the other day."
Seamus handed Harry a beer, "She was a jealous witch, bitch, whatever you want to call her mate. You are better off without her."
Harry sank back onto the couch next to Hermione and leaned back against her. Hermione reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. "He's right, Harry. That's not the type of woman you need in your life."
Harry sighed, his eyes fluttering shut as he leaned into her touch. "I know. It was just nice to have someone."
Hermione lightly scratched his head, her voice soft, "You could do so much better, Harry."
Harry's only response was a content hum. Before Harry could get too comfortable, Ron broke the moment, "You alright, Harry?"
Harry and Hermione jumped, and she quickly withdrew her hand from his hair as the front door opened. Draco stepped inside, looking dashing in his formal attire from the gala. He was overdressed for their casual gathering, but Hermione's heart skipped a beat seeing him.
"Sorry I'm late," Draco said as she stood up, "I couldn't get away any sooner."
"I'm glad you are here. Let me get some chairs," Hermione stated as she rushed towards the closet.
"Happy birthday, mate," Draco said, shaking Harry's hand.
"Thanks," Harry said.
"Actually, what do you say we move this party to Crave?" Seamus recommended.
Harry jumped to stand as Hermione brought the chair over for Draco, "I'm all for it."
Everyone agreed, but Hermione said, "You all go ahead. I'm going to stay here and clean up."
Hermione walked to the kitchen and started cleaning up as everyone yelled, "Bye, Hermione!" She heard them telling Draco goodbye as well.
*If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter (THE FINAL PART/BREAKUP), see Snow on the Beach- Last Kiss – July short for July 30th*
*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
"So, you said Harry's name during sex and learned that Malfoys have a blood curse against children who are not Pureblood. By giving back the ring, you made your decision fast," Luna told her.
"I'd been having doubts since he proposed, but so much had happened between then and Harry's birthday, and between that and the curse, which I didn't know about at the time, I guess my brain fought it and finally said no," Hermione told Luna.
*~* July 31, 2005 *~*~*
Laying in her bed, Hermione could not turn her brain off as she stared at the dark ceiling above her. Part of her was thankful that she and Draco were over. She didn't have to pretend to be someone that she wasn't. She didn't have to become a Pureblood wife in sheep's clothing. But all she wanted to do was lie in bed and waste away. She thought she had finally been able to move on from Harry and their situation.
Eventually, nature called, and she reluctantly got up to use the loo. After washing her hands and evidence of her tears from earlier on her face, other than the swollen eyes that would have to go away, she stepped out into the hallway. She nearly screamed, seeing a naked woman walking towards her.
The woman gave her a large smile, "Hi, I'm Bunny."
"Why the hell are you in my house?" Hermione asked.
Bunny frowned, "I thought this was Harry's house?"
Hermione's eyes widened in disbelief, "Wear some fucking clothes Bunny," She snapped as she stormed off to Harry's room.
Marching down the hallway, she pushed Harry's door open, and it slammed against the wall with a bang.
Harry jolted away, rubbing his eyes, "What the hell, Hermione?!"
Hermione huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, "I'd appreciate it if your conquests didn't parade naked around OUR house. Have a little decorum."
Harry blinked, "Conquests? Hermione, it's not like that."
Bunny walked past Hermione. "Sorry. Harry, I'll see you later. Call me," she said as she grabbed her purse and looked at Hermione. "It's nice to meet you."
Hermione rolled her eyes as Bunny left, "Harry, this is getting ridiculous! It's like a revolving door of women here lately. Can't you keep them out of sight if they are here at all?!"
"Look, I'm sorry. I'll try better," Harry told her.
"Thank you," Hermione said as she turned to leave and saw a pile of clothes on the floor, "And seriously, Harry, make sure your guests leave clothed next time."
"Oh shit!" Harry yelled as he jumped up and quickly covered himself with his sheet.
"I'm leaving!" Hermione announced as she pulled the door shut.
*~*~* August 1, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione opened her eyes to the touch of a hand on her forehead.
"You don't have a fever, at least," Harry said as he sat on the edge of her bed and pushed a stray piece of hair behind her ear, "What's wrong, Hermione?"
Hermione sighed heavily, turning to look at him with tired eyes, "Did you talk to Draco today?"
Harry frowned, "He was a bit grumpy and told me to butt out. Why do you ask?"
Hermione hesitated momentarily, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her blanket. "I'm not ready to talk about it yet, Harry," she admitted. "I just need time to process everything."
Harry nodded, "Alright," he said as he squeezed her hand. "I'm here whenever you're ready to talk. Is there something I can do to help? You were sick yesterday and didn't attend Lysander and Lorcan's birthday party. You didn't want to go to my birthday dinner at the Burrow. You missed the dissolution statements today."
"Fucking hell, I forgot," Hermione groaned, "Did you put your statements in?"
Harry nodded.
Hermione ran her hand over her face, "I'll reschedule and put my statement in." Looking up as her bedroom door opened, Hope entered first, then Teddy followed.
"Is Mumma okay?" Teddy asked.
Hermione held out her arms, and Teddy climbed into bed with her, "Mumma is just tired. The best medicine for me is always Teddy snuggles."
Teddy curled up against her chest, and Harry looked at her, "I'm going to go downstairs and make some tea."
Hermione offered him a smile, "Thank you."
*~*~* August 13, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione pulled her hair up into a scrunchie as she reperched her laptop back on her lap. Checking the book on Centaur Laws, she pushed her glasses up on her nose and went back to typing her proposed amendment. She was so engrossed in her work that she couldn't hear her bedroom door open.
"Hermione!" Luna's voice called out, breaking through her mindlessness.
Hermione jumped, her laptop nearly going flying across the bed. Holding her chest, she looked up at Luna standing in the doorway to her bedroom, "Fucking hell, Luna. You scared me."
Luna walked over and sat on the bed beside her, "Sorry about that, but Hermione, it's girl's night! Remember you picked the Museum After-Dark event at the British Museum?"
Hermione groaned, rubbing her temples, "I completely forgot. I'm not in the mood tonight."
Luna's expression softened, "What's wrong, Hermione? You haven't been yourself lately. Even Harry is worried about you."
Hermione laughed bitterly as tears began to fall from her eyes, "Draco and I broke up."
Luna gasped in surprise, "What happened?"
Hermione wiped her eyes, and her voice trembled, "A little of me, a lot of me. We both had too many secrets and not enough communication. The biggest thing, the nail in the head, I said Harry's name."
Luna frowned in confusion, "You said Harry's name? When did you…" Luna's eyes got wide, "Oh, Hermione! You said Harry's name during sex?"
"Shhh!" Hermione hissed, glancing towards her bedroom door, "Look, Harry can't know for one. For two, Harry has this finding himself thing going on. I think it's more like sowing his wild oats because he had never had the chance to. I would love to jump at him and tell him I am right here. The problem is my heart is bruised right now," Hermione confessed, "Yes, all this is my fault, but it hurt, nonetheless. The weird thing is, I am more hurt that I was finally moving on, but I haven't seen Draco for a while now and I don't even miss him. Shouldn't I at least miss him? I was in love with him, supposedly."
Luna took Hermione's hand supportively, "Oh, Hermione, I'm so sorry. That must have been so painful, but give yourself time to heal. You are an amazing person who deserves to be with someone who appreciates you completely."
Hermione sniffled and nodded, "Thanks, Luna. You are right."
"You are right, I am. So, let's go. Let's get you ready and go to the museum. It will be a good distraction," Luna told her.
Hermione swallowed hard, "Fine, let me get cleaned up."
*~*~* August 14, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione bit her lip as she stepped through the floo after Ron for the weekly Sunday dinners. After talking to Ginny at their Girls' Night, Hermione spoke to Harry, and they decided that it had been six months since he and Ginny's breakup. It was time for life to continue and for them to start back at Weasley Sunday dinners. Harry and Teddy stepped out behind her as Ron hugged Molly.
Molly saw Harry, Hermione, and Teddy, "Oh! You came!"
"Hello, Molly," Hermione said as the older woman came over and hugged her, then hugged Harry.
"Teddy!" Victoire yelled as she ran into the room, "Come play?"
Teddy looked up at her, "Mumma, can I?"
"Go play," Hermione told him with a smile.
Teddy ran off, with Victoire, Dominique, and little Fred following, their laughter echoing in the house.
Molly smiled, "I'm so glad to have you both back."
"Thanks, Molly," Harry said with a smile.
"Go on outside for the Quidditch game. I will tell you all when dinner is ready," Molly told them.
"Go ahead," Hermione told him, "I'm going to stay here and talk to Percy and Audrey."
Harry nodded as he headed to the back garden. Hermione entered the sitting room to coo over Audrey and Percy's daughter, Molly. While holding little Molly, Hermione realized that for the first time since her diagnosis, it didn't hurt seeing a baby. Even if she never was able to have children, there was adoption and all the many Weasleys and children of the DA and Luna's kids.
"If you two want to watch the game, I'll watch Molly," Hermione stated.
Audrey smiled, "Are you sure?"
"Go, enjoy yourselves. Even Molly went out there," Hermione told them as she sat on the couch, "She's asleep anyways."
Everyone headed outside, and Hermione was sitting enjoying the quiet when the fireplace lit up. Ginny walked in still in her Quidditch gear. Hermione glanced up, "Did you guys win?"
"Lost pretty fast," Ginny said as she shucked her gear near the floo and sat on the armchair. Ginny looked at her, "Are you okay?"
Hermione looked at her, surprised, "What have you heard?"
"You haven't looked at the chat. I saw that you and Draco broke up. What happened?" Ginny asked.
Hermione sighed, chewing at her nails, "We just didn't work out. I loved Draco, and I guess I still do, maybe." Hermione sighed, "Looking back has given me some clarity. I loved Draco because he made me feel so many things I had never felt before. With Ron, I had the comfort of a best friend. Oliver, I had an intellectual relationship. We had a book club. We read books together and discussed things. I should have known that Oliver wanted more, but I don't see those things. I'm starting to realize that I am horrible at recognizing feelings. Intimacy."
Hermione looked at baby Molly, "But it was different with Draco. I felt challenged. I felt alive. We read books silently, and it was never awkward. I never felt like I had to fill the silence, and he shared his home library. Then there was the sexual component."
Ginny grinned, "That sounds hot."
Hermione sighed, "It was, but I want more. I want something in the middle. I don't just want sex. I don't just want to be intellectual. I want a full relationship. I don't know if that exists."
Ginny sat beside her, "It does exist, Hermione. You just haven't found the right person yet. When you do, it will be everything you want and more, and you will get everything you ever wanted."
*~*~* September 16, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione sat nervously at a bustling Muggle restaurant's small, cozy table. For her 26th birthday, she decided to put herself out there. So, she re-signed up for a dating site and had been talking to a man named Martin. Tonight was their first in-person meeting. He was a seemingly nice man. After exchanging messages for a few weeks, he invited her to this restaurant. Smoothing down her dress, she stepped forward when a voice pulled her from her thoughts, "Hermione?"
She saw a tall man with dark hair and a friendly smile behind her, "Martin, it's nice to meet you in person."
Martin smiled at the hostess, "Table for two, back corner booth, please."
The hostess smiled, "Right this way."
Finding their table, Hermione sat on her side, and Martin sat across from her, "Could we order drinks now?"
"Sure, I can bring your order to your waitress," The hostess stated, taking Hermione's lemonade order and his fizzy drink order.
As they waited for their drinks, Martin asked her about herself. Hermione told him she was a solicitor for animal rights working for the government. She loved to read and was taking care of her godson.
As their drinks arrived, Hermione asked him about himself as she took a sip.
"Well, I am a firefighter," Martin said, "Just yesterday I… oh shit," Martin said as he accidentally knocked his glass over with his hand sending his drink all over the table and dripping on the floor, "Oh! I'm so sorry!" He exclaimed as he used his napkin to clean part of the mess up, "Could you get some more napkins, please?"
"Of course," Hermione said as she went to find a waiter. Returning with extra napkins, Martin cleaned up the spill as a waiter brought him a new drink and took their orders.
"So, tell me more about you," Hermione said.
Martin shared his love for travel, and they discussed the locations they had visited globally. As their food arrived, Hermione started feeling off. She glanced around to see if anyone else appeared to have felt the temperature as hot as she did, "Is it just me, or is it hot in here?" She asked.
"I'm fine, drink more lemonade. Maybe you are thirsty," Martin recommended.
TRIGGER WARNING -DRUGGING *
Hermione picked at her food as he talked about his time in Africa when her stomach started turning. "Excuse me, Martin. I need to use the loo, " she said, standing up as she held the table as a wave of dizziness washed over her.
"Do you need help?" Martin asked, concerned.
"No, I'll be fine," Hermione insisted as she made her way to the lavatory. Once inside, she locked the door and stumbled to the sink. Gripping the vanity, she fumbled in her purse for her phone as the room spun around her.
Vision blurred, she managed to dial Harry's number.
"Hello? Hermione, I can't talk right now," Harry's voice came through the speaker.
"Harry," Hermione gasped, "I think I was drugged. Help."
"Fuck! Draco! Stay right where you are! I'm on my way. Are you hidden from him?" Harry asked.
Hermione's legs gave out, and she collapsed to the floor, "Harry, I can't feel my legs."
"Hermione, squeeze your necklace! Hold it tight!" Harry's voice yelled through the phone.
Hermione felt like she was pushing through water as she reached up and grabbed her necklace as tightly as possible. Harry appeared in front of her within seconds, holding Draco's hand, and pounding started on the door.
"Hermione!? Hermione, honey, you need to open the door! I can't get in to help you with the door shut."
Draco's head snapped to the door as everything turned black on the edge of her vision.
"Harry?" Hermione whispered as he took her in his arms, and her consciousness faded.
The next time Hermione opened her eyes, she found herself in St. Mungo's. Letting out a groan, she suddenly had Harry standing over her, "Hey, hey, you are okay. It's me. I'm here," Harry said, taking her hand.
Hermione started sobbing, and she pulled on his shirt.
"I've got you. I've got you," Harry said, rubbing her back.
*~*~* September 17, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione rolled over in bed as her bedroom door opened. Walking into her room, he handed her a bowl of ice cream and asked, "How are you feeling?"
Hermione sat up, moving back against her headboard, "I mostly feel stupid."
"Why?" Harry asked, moving next to her.
"Dating 101 as a woman, don't leave your drink unattended. I did, and I paid the price. I was trying to get my mind off Draco, but there is no more dating for me," Hermione stated. "I may never get married."
Harry swallowed a mouthful of ice cream and looked at her, "Why did you and Draco break up? Draco had to be pulled off the guy that drugged you. I told St. Mungo's to contact Robards when I arrived. Draco could have killed the guy. He was so mad."
"We just decided that things wouldn't work out between us. Communication wasn't happening between us, and there were secrets. It turns out that the Malfoy family has a blood curse. Any children born half-blood would have shortened lives," Hermione told him, "Draco and I will be friends. I can be friends with my exes. Obviously, with Ron and Neville."
"So, nothing bad happened between you two?" Harry asked.
"No, Draco and I just decided that we wanted different things. I love him, no, I loved him. Don't get me wrong. Obviously, we were engaged. We wanted different things ultimately, and it was too much for us to overcome," Hermione stated.
"Who broke up with who?" Harry asked.
Hermione sighed, "It was a mutual breakup, but it didn't make it any easier."
Harry stuck his spoon in his mouth, "I just don't understand it."
Hermione sighed, "It was me. I am the reason that we broke up. I just realized that I wanted different things than Draco did. I realized that he didn't have my whole heart. It wasn't fair to string him along. I shouldn't have had a panic attack when I wore a wedding dress, Harry. I was not ready to marry him, and after this whole fiasco, I don't know when I'll be ready to date again."
*~*~* October 8, 2005 *~*~*
The fireplace chiming made Hermione walk over to greet Luna, her boys, and then Ginny as they stepped through. Pansy and Daphne soon followed, and Lavender was not too far behind.
"Lorcan, Lysander. Teddy is upstairs. Go ahead up," Hermione told them as they screamed in excitement and ran up the stairs.
"I brought face masks, nail polish, and luxury lotions," Pansy stated, holding up her case.
"I have the snacks," Ginny stated, holding a large bag.
"Perfect, put the food in the kitchen. If you are sleeping over tonight, set up your sleeping bags in the sitting room. Pizza should be here in ten minutes," Hermione told them.
As the girls settled in, Hermione felt comfortable being around her friends in a way she hadn't felt since the incident. Soon, the room was filled with laughter as they ate pizza, then applied face masks to each other, and Daphne worked on plaiting everyone's hair. Luna painted designs on everyone's nails in vibrant colors.
Hermione looked down at her pink and purple nails, "Thanks, Luna. Who's ready for a movie?"
"What's our choices?" Daphne asked.
"We can go the Disney princess route or Nicholas Sparks," Hermione said, holding up Little Mermaid and A Walk to Remember.
"Chick flick," Everyone stated.
"Got it," Hermione said as she took the tape out of the case.
"Hey, Harry," Luna said.
"Hey, how is everyone?" Harry asked as Hermione bent down to put the VHS tape in the player. She stood up when she heard a thud.
"Did you just run into the wall?" Hermione asked in disbelief, seeing him rub his head.
"Are you okay?" Luna asked, coming over to check on him.
Harry rubbed his head sheepishly, "I forgot my glasses upstairs. Enjoy your movie, girls."
Daphne giggled, "Is he always such a clutz?"
Hermione frowned, "No, he usually has his contacts in if he doesn't have his glasses on."
Everyone settled into their sleeping bags as the movie started. Munching on popcorn and pizza, Hermione was beginning to drift off when Harry came running down the stairs.
"Hermione," Harry called urgently, "Andromeda is back in the hospital, and she collapsed. Teddy is upstairs with Ron and the boys."
Hermione's heart dropped as she scrambled out of her sleeping bag, pulling up her yoga pants that had started to fall. "I'm sorry, girls. Please stay, but I need to go."
"Go, be with her. Ron is here, but we will be here to help with the kids if he needs it," Ginny told them.
Harry went through the floo with a grateful nod, and Hermione followed soon after. One of the posted Aurors told them where to go, and once upstairs, Kingsley was sitting in the waiting area.
"Kings, how is she?" Harry asked.
Kingsley sighed as he stood up, "It's not good. She had another heart attack, but her body is attacking itself. They are doing everything they can. They have her in a magically induced coma to give her body rest so it can fight. The Dragon Pox did more damage than we realized. It's a waiting game now."
*~*~* October 13, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione sat at Andromeda's bedside, her nose buried in a thick book. Other than the steady beeping of the heart monitor display and the rustling of the pages in her hands, the room was quiet. Andromeda began to stir, drawing Hermione from her book. Marking the page with a bookmark, she set the book on the bedside table.
Andromeda looked at her, and Hermione smiled, "How are you feeling?" she asked softly as she took Andromeda's hand, noticing her cold skin.
Andromeda smiled, "I feel much better. What were you reading?"
Hermione blushed, "A romance novel."
Andromeda chuckled, then coughed, "Don't wait too long for that boy, Hermione. He may be oblivious, but don't give him too much longer to figure himself out. Give him a year to figure himself out, then knock his socks off."
Hermione laughed, "I might just."
"Now, could I talk to Teddy?" Andromeda asked, "Also, could I have some ice chips?"
"Of course," Hermione told her as she pulled her mobile out of her pocket and handed it to Andromeda with Harry's number up.
Hermione heard Harry answer, then left the room to get some ice chips for Andromeda. Nodding at the Auror posted, she walked down to the medi-witch desk, "Could I have a cup of ice chips? Andromeda is awake."
The medi-witch jumped up, "Of course, I'll notify her healer too that she is awake."
Hermione took the cup of ice chips with a grateful smile, "Thank you."
Returning to Andromeda's room, she handed Andromeda the cup, "How was Teddy?"
Andromeda took the cup with a shaking hand, her eyes shining, "He was excited to tell me about Harry taking him to the zoo and how Harry tried to talk to a snake, and he was sad it did nothing."
Hermione smiled as she went to sit down, and Andromeda reached out, "You know, I feel so much better that I think I want some ice cream. Could you get me some from Floreans's?" Andromeda asked.
Hermione stood back up, "Of course, what flavour?"
"Surprise me, get what you would enjoy," Andromeda told her with a grin.
Rubbing her hand, Hermione nodded, "I'll be right back."
Less than thirty minutes later, after a quick trip to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour and an unfortunate encounter with one beetle, Hermione got off on Andromeda's floor. She noticed the increased presence of Aurors and frowned.
As she approached the medi-witch desk, the medi-witch looked up and swallowed, "Oh, Hermione, you can't go in."
Hermione's heart skipped a beat, "Oh, is Kingsley in there?"
The medi-witch looked at her sadly, "As soon as you left, not even moments after those lift doors shut, Andromeda coded. We couldn't get her back. I'm so sorry."
The pint of ice cream slipped from her fingers, falling to the floor as her hands shot up to cover her mouth. Hermione cried as one of Harry and Draco's team members approached her, "Please, not Andromeda."
"Do you want me to call Potter?" He asked.
Hermione walked over to a chair, "No, I need to call him and Draco. Oh god, Narcissa."
*~*~* October 14, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione paced as Harry sat on the couch. Sighing as they waited for Ron to come through the floo with Teddy, Harry reached for Hermione's hand, "Sit down, you are making me nervous."
Hermione swallowed hard, "I hate doing this to him."
"I know," Harry told her, squeezing her hand, "But we have to. We are all he has left, Hermione."
Hermione wiped her tears away as Harry's phone vibrated on the table, and Hermione glanced at it, "Meredith? Who is Meredith?"
Harry sat back against the couch, "Dudley had this friend that was nice to me when we were kids. She ran into us when we went out for drinks last time and was surprised that I was the delinquent cousin. Dudley confessed that they lied and I was a great guy. Turns out she had a crush on me back then. So, we were supposed to go out tonight. I just realized I forgot to cancel in the craziness."
Hermione sighed as the floo lit up, and Ron stepped out with Teddy.
"Mumma, Dadda guess what Victoire got?! A new broom! She let me try it, and Uncle Ron said it would be okay," Teddy said excitedly as he saw their faces, "Why are you so sad?"
Hermione took a breath, trying to steady herself as Harry held his arms out, "Can you come sit with us for a moment? We need to talk to you about something important."
Teddy walked over and sat between them, "What is it?"
Hermione took Teddy's small hand in hers. She looked into his innocent eyes, "Teddy, you know how much Nana loves you, right?"
Teddy nodded, "Yeah, she always tells me she loves me more than the moon."
Harry breathed, "Teddy, sometimes people get very sick. Nana has been very sick for a long time, and sometimes they won't get better. Nana isn't going to get better, Teddy. Do you know what it means to pass away?"
Teddy's face dropped, "Like Mum and Dad?"
Hermione nodded, "Yes, Teddy."
Teddy looked at Hermione, confused, "But I just talked to her. She said she was feeling better. How can she be gone?!"
Pulling Teddy into her arms, Hermione cried with him as the young boy sobbed into her chest, "She loved you so much, honey. Her body was just so weak."
Hermione's heart broke at his sobs, "I want Nana back!" Teddy sobbed.
Harry's arms wrapped around them as he held Teddy and Hermione tight. "I know, bud. We all will miss her so much. We love you so much."
*~*~* November 19, 2005 *~*~*
The grand ballroom at the Ministry was decorated for the Wizarding Literacy Foundation Gala as Hermione entered. She was wearing a simple white dress, not feeling the need to dress up for this event. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves and looked around for Oliver Wood. Ginny had set her up with him when she needed a date, but scanning the room, there was no sign of him.
Sighing, she found Percy Weasley, who pulled her and a small group of individuals into a conversation about the new portkey technology the ministry invested in for long-distance travel. Percy had recently been named the Assistant to the Head of the Department of Magical Transportation.
"Oh, Ms. Granger," Percy said, looking at her, causing Hermione to glare at him, "Do you know if Minister Shacklebolt will be attending today?"
Hermione glared at him, "I highly doubt it, Percy."
A murmur spread through the crowd, and Hermione turned to see what had captured everyone's attention. She felt her heart drop. Draco had arrived, and on his arm was Astoria Greengrass, who looked like a model in a radiant shimmering silver dress.
Hermione excused herself from Percy's conversation and approached the alternative exit. Slipping out quietly, she apparated to Luna's cottage, avoiding the chickens that ran across the front yard. Luna opened the door, and Hermione found Ginny sitting in the living room.
"Hermione!" Ginny exclaimed, seeing her, "I thought you were going to the gala tonight."
Hermione sunk into a chair, "I did. I lost the breakup," Hermione stated.
Ginny looked at Luna, confused, "What is she talking about?"
Luna shrugged.
Hermione sighed, "It's a muggle thing. Draco is with Astoria. I was drugged by a date, and now I don't trust men, and I'm in love with someone who doesn't love me. Life sucks."
Luna's eyes widened in concern, "Would you like some wine, Hermione?"
Hermione shook her head, "No," she stood up, "I'm just going to head home, curl up with a book in the tub and forget today's event. Today was a waste of my time."
"Stay," Luna said, taking her hand.
"I appreciate it, but no. I'm just going to go home in case Teddy needs me," Hermione told her, shaking her head.
Flooing back to the house, she stepped out into the sitting room. Heading towards the stairs, she heard voices coming from the kitchen hallway. Looking over the rail, Harry came out of the kitchen laughing with a blonde woman behind him.
"Oh! You are cute. You must be Hermione," The woman said with a smile, "I'm Meredith."
Hermione offered a polite smile to the woman who appeared to be the human form of sunshine: "Nice to meet you. It's been a long night. I'm going upstairs."
Harry moved on the floor to stand under her, "Are you okay?"
"Oliver Wood stood me up tonight, and then I lost my breakup when it appeared Draco got back with Astoria," Hermione sighed. "I just need some time alone. I will soak in the tub, then head to bed."
Hermione reached her bedroom and closed the door behind her. Grabbing her comfortable pajamas and book, she returned downstairs for a relaxing bath.
*~*~* December 15, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione looked up as Harry entered the dining room. He put a bowl of fruit and mixed nuts in front of her and Teddy, who was working on his homework.
"What are you working on?" Harry asked, sitting next to Teddy.
Hermione glanced at him over her glasses, a grin on her face, "Mum is forcing me to visit my family this weekend again, so I'm making myself a bingo card to keep myself entertained."
Harry laughed as he turned his head, trying to get a look at her list, "What do you have on it right now?"
Hermione smiled, "This row is Aunt Beth commenting on my hair or how I dress, Aunt Leigh asking Grandmere for an advance on her inheritance, Mary-Beth being a total stuck-up, Aunt Jolene asking me when I'm going to have children, Jessica being a germaphobe, Uncle Roger talking about politics, Sue being a bitch and Rich coming in high or drunk. The fun crowd I have for my biological family."
Harry pointed to the space in the middle, "What's the free space going to be?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "When Grandmere tells me I need to find a nice man. After the last couple of years, she realizes that we aren't together."
Harry grinned, "I can go with you."
"No," Hermione said, shaking her head, "I need to go myself as much as I hate it. Remember, you, Meredith, Dudley and his girlfriend are going on your romantic skiing trip? Teddy and I will have fun. I didn't even add Christina's kids having accidental magic episodes. That's nearly a given, so I thought it would be cheating to put it on there." Hermione chuckled, looking at her self-made bingo card, "Although all these are possible, honestly. With this craziness, imagine what my biological dad's family might be like."
Harry sat back, "What about the Granger side? Do they know about your dad?"
Hermione's smile faded, "That I'm not an actual Granger? Oh yeah, now that I know, it's why they've treated me the way that they do. Now that I know, they want nothing to do with me, not that they did before."
Harry took her hand, a comforting surge of magic flowing over her, "You never know. Maybe there will be a blood test in the future, and you can find your father through a service."
Hermione nodded, "Maybe science is changing all the time."
Teddy looked up from his homework, "Can I help with the bingo card, Mumma?"
Hermione smiled, "Sure, Teddy. What do you think I should add?"
Teddy thought about it, then grinned, "Someone asks you if I am your son."
Hermione smiled, "Teddy, sweetheart, you are my prize always. There is no losing for me there."
*~*~* December 25, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione smiled as she watched from the kitchen. The Burrow was alive with festive cheer as the Weasleys, Hermione, Harry, and Teddy gathered for Christmas. The house was filled with laughter and the warm glow of twinkling candles. Wrapping paper and ribbons lay scattered around after the last presents had been exchanged. The children played outside in the snow as the adults talked amongst themselves. Walking over, she sat beside Harry and picked up the hot chocolate Harry had made them.
George walked into the room carrying a tray of eggnog, "Anyone for some eggnog? It's my special recipe. Adults only while the kiddos are out playing."
Percy frowned, "None for me if you put alcohol in it, George."
"Live a little, Perce. It won't kill you," George said as he tried to hand Hermione a glass, "I put a little extra special in yours."
Hermione shook her head, holding her mug of hot chocolate up, "No thanks, George. Harry and I still have our hot chocolate."
George looked at her, "Oh, come on, Hermione. It's Christmas! You should try it."
Reluctantly, Hermione took the glass and set it down next to Harry's. Harry shot her a wary glance, then jumped as Ginny screamed.
"George!" Ginny screamed.
Ginny and Ron were standing in the kitchen entry. They attempted to push each other away but were now stuck under a sprig of enchanted mistletoe.
"Ah, looks like you two found the mistletoe. You know the rules: one kiss to break the spell," George said, grinning.
Ron tried to pull away, but Ginny yelled, "Fuck you!" Then she grabbed Ron's head and gave him a quick kiss. Stepping back, she threw up her middle finger, marched past George punching him on the shoulder, "You are an arsehole. Now, I must go wash my mouth out."
George laughed as he dodged a bat-bogey hex that Ginny sent his way. Hermione couldn't help but grin as she picked up her eggnog and took a cautious sip.
"You are brave," Harry whispered in her ear, "What did he put in it?"
Hermione smiled, "Cinnamon and a lot of alcohol."
Harry snorted as he picked up his mug, sipping, "I trust you."
After finishing their eggnogs, the room was suddenly filled with the exciting shouts of Victoire running into the house, "The fairies are out! They are all over the trees!"
Everyone quickly put their cloaks on and headed outside. Harry exited the guest bedroom with their cloaks and helped Hermione into hers. As they reached the back door, Hermione felt like she hit a wall as Harry ran into her back. "Fuck," Hermione stated, noticing the mistletoe that had moved and was now hanging above their heads.
Harry looked up at the mistletoe and then back at Hermione, "I guess we're stuck."
Hermione swallowed hard, feeling a flutter in her chest, "One quick kiss."
Harry nodded, leaning in. Their lips met, and Hermione's heart and body sang at the contact. Lips lingered on hers, and a rush of warmth ran through her. As they broke the kiss, Harry rested his forehead against hers.
"You are my soulmate, Harry," Hermione whispered, trembling.
Harry stepped back, "I'm not who you think I am, Hermione."
Hermione shook her head, her eyes stinging with unshed tears, "Just forget what I said."
As she turned outside, Harry grabbed her hand, stopping her, "Hermione, I love you. I really do. I just… you are my best friend. I can't lose you if it doesn't work out."
Hermione shook her head, pulling her hand away, "Forget about it."
*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
Luna looked at her in disbelief, "Seriously?"
"Well, here is the thing. George tried to get us drunk and use the truth serum to get us to confess," Hermione told her, "Thinking that Firewhiskey and it shouldn't be mixed, he thought he would try brandy. Brandy and it don't mix, either. So, Boxing Day was fun for both Harry and me. Neither of us remembered much about Christmas Day until Ginny confessed, around Ron's birthday, that she had overheard and seen us. I vaguely remembered some details about our kiss after she triggered the memory. Then we finished the year out. Harry and Meredith broke up. Harry and I went to the Ministry's Yule Ball together, and he kissed my cheek at midnight, then went home with a random witch. It was a great end to the year. It was partially because Daphne and Blaise announced they were pregnant, which was exciting. The rest of the holiday sucked, though, without Andromeda." Hermione looked at her family picture on the wall, "Who knew, though, that everything would start changing within a year? So many things happened in 2006 for us."
A/n: And they're over! Things are going to start moving very quickly now. I have stated on my Tumblr, but Chapter 35: Closure (2006) is a huge reveal chapter, and the same is true with Chapter 36: Today Was a Fairytale (2007). 2007 will be a busy year for our duo, and because of that, there are five chapters about 2007, and of course, we make it to the prologue that year. I've already written many chapters for Harry and Hermione together, and I cannot wait for you guys to see them! I'm having so much fun with it. Again, thank you for sticking it out. The best is yet to come.
Thank you to the new followers this week: Kimberlee Knapp, love4HP, , ga1661, partygod9, harleyrichard8894, bluescorpio2005, and skammer3
Review: alix33- Thank you for reading and reviewing
Preview of Chapter 34: I Can See You (2006)
She saw Harry lick his lips out of the corner of her eye as she swirled her tongue around the quill. Then, trying not to grin, she slowly moved the quill in and out of her mouth, "Mmm, so good."
Harry's gaze was fixed on her, a mix of amusement and something that could be desire, but she did not dare let her heart hope, "I'm glad you like it."
Luna's voice filtered in from the kitchen, "I'm going to need you to stop for one second because I find it incredibly rude that you think that I am not head over heels in love with your stupid, oblivious arse! Are you a brick, Ronald Weasley? Because you are dense as fuck if you haven't seen that you have been my rock since Rolf died. I couldn't have done without you, and slowly, as I was ready to move on, there wasn't anyone else."
Harry looked at Hermione wide-eyed as Hermione covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "Guess that answers that," Harry whispered as Hermione giggled.