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The Beginning and End of Everything

Hermione peeked up from her potions essay and grinned at Harry across the table from her.

Harry caught her staring and narrowed his eyes. “What?”

“It's just always a novel experience to see you studying.”

“I study,” he protested.

“Not as much as anyone would think you do considering some of your grades,” she griped.

Harry grinned. “Imagine how annoying it'd be if I did study.”

Hermione narrowed her eyes. “I'd still be top of our year.”

“I think I could give you a run for your money,” he teased.

Hermione scoffed and turned the page of her textbook.

Harry leaned forward, voice still hushed since Madame Pince was always on the prowl for noisy students. “Wanna make a bet?”

Hermione looked up at him, eyes narrowed. “Gambling is bad.”

“I didn't say we were putting money on it. Bet I can beat you in the History of Magic test coming up.”

Hermione laughed. She covered her mouth quickly and glanced around. A few students glanced over, but no one paid them much mind.

“Harry, you nearly failed your History of Magic OWL.”

“So?”

“I'm surprised you're still even taking it.”

He shrugged. “Well, it's an independent study now. I don't have to listen to Binns drone on anymore. Come on. How about it?" He grinned mischievously. "Up for a challenge, Granger?”

“It's not much of one. But fine." She drew her shoulders back and stuck her nsoe up at him. "Challenge accepted, Potter.”

“Great and when I win-”

“-You said we weren't putting money on it!” she hissed.

“-When I win, you have to make an effort with Ron again.”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “Oh, you've got to be kidding me. Ron and I are fine now.”

He made a face. “It's awkward.”

“I'm not the one who made it awkward. He can't handle his own issues. He needs to grow up.”

Harry raised his eyebrows.

Hermione leaned forward and dropped her voice even lower. “Look, yes, I'll admit that I did have feelings for him. But seeing him and Lavender really, really ruined it. I'm not going to apologise because I no longer return affections that didn't seem to mean much to him in the first place.”

“Maybe he needed some perspective.”

“I don't want someone to need perspective about me. I just want someone to want me. Is that so much to ask for?”

"No, of course not. He does want you, Hermione. Who wouldn't?"

Hermione smiled and rolled her eyes. "Thanks, but it's still a no. Ron and I aren't going to happen."

Harry sighed. “Can you at least have a talk with him?”

“That, I can do. If you win.”

Harry grinned. “What do you want if you win? Not that you will, but-”

-She scoffed again. “ When I win, I want an IOU.”

“A what?” he laughed.

“An IOU. It means ‘I owe you’ a favour.”

“ Oh .” He shrugged. “Done. Not that you'll win.”

She threw her quill at him and he laughed quietly.

<>

Hermione was supervising the last of the students getting onto the train for the trip back home. The early spring day was bright, with just a lingering bite of chill as winter lingered in the air. 

Boxes toppled over behind her.

Hermione frowned and turned at the noise. “Hello?”

Most of the students were already on the train, ready to head home for the Beltane holiday break. She didn't see any boxes. But she was certain she heard something fall.

She drew her wand. 

The curse hit Hermione in the back. Her eyes widened and the world grew blurry as she fell forward. Everything turned black before she hit the ground.

<>

Hermione woke up slowly. Her head was spinning and she was hot all over. She groaned and pressed a hand to her sweaty forehead.

Her surroundings came into view and she felt dread crawl over her flushed and irritated skin. It was some sort of richly decorated office. There was a roaring fire that made her already hot skin itch and prickle.

Where was she?

She scanned her surroundings and came to a sudden halt when she spotted the figure sitting in the armchair just before her. Lord Voldemort.

Hermione's eyes widened. She scrambled back until she bumped into another armchair.

The Dark Lord continued to stare at her with his blood-red eyes. 

Hermione’s heart raced inside her chest. A horrible chill shuddered through her body and Hermione was sure she was going to be sick right then and there.

Voldemort tilted his head consideringly. “Finally.” He stood. “Get up.”

He grabbed her arm and Hermione’s entire body revolted. She screamed out as pain and disgust rolled through her body. 

He threw her forward and Hermione slammed into a table. Her head smacked against the wood and the room spun. She tried to get up but a hand pushed down between her shoulder blades. Her entire body shivered in disgust. Hermione released a small cry as she tried to get away, but there was nowhere to go. She felt the Dark Lord's presence at her back. Her heart beat so fast in her chest that she was sure she was going to have a heart attack.

“My Lord,” a familiar voice drawled. “A situation has arisen that requires your attention.”

“Now? Severus, how cruel of you.”

Hermione remained very quiet and very still as the Dark Lord's attention drew away from her. 

“My apologies, my Lord.”

“Oh, I don't mind," the Dark Lord returned in a high voice. "I meant cruel for the mudblood. You're only raising her chance of dying.”

Hermione felt her stomach twist. Dying? Something was wrong with her. She sweating profusely. Her entire body felt hot and itchy. 

“You mean raising the chances I won't have to answer her inane questions come May? How unfortunate.”

The Dark Lord chuckled, high and cruel. Hermione whimpered.

“Oh, how I do enjoy your wit, Severus. Perhaps I should chain you here, little mudblood?”

“She’s not going anywhere,” Snape drawled, uncaring.

Voldemort cackled. The sound sent shivers down Hermione’s spine. She bit her tongue and blood pooled in her mouth. She waited, eyes fixed on the dark wood of the floor as Voldemort walked away. She didn't dare move from her position bent over the end of the table.

The door swung closed.

Hermione slipped down the table and fell to the floor. She pressed a hand to her mouth as she choked down a sob. She had to get out of here. She had to get out of here.

The room was spinning. She was trapped. She was trapped .

She had to get out of here.

The Order, she thought with a gut-wrenching sob. She needed to get to the Order. Their faces flashed through her mind. Mr. Weasley – her stomach rolled. Remus Lupin – her head spun. Ron – Hermione’s skin crawled. Harry – everything came to a stop. Hermione’s pupils blew wide as she sucked in a slow breath. 

Harry’s bright emerald eyes stared back at her in her mind’s eye. His teasing smile as he made his bet with her in the library. The warmth of his gaze as he stared at her. Harry.

Harry.

Harry . 

She had to get to Harry.

Hermione’s eyes blurred with tears as she struggled to take in her surroundings. There were windows. But through them she could only see the tops of trees. Her head turned and the room swam. Focus. She had to focus. She opened her eyes and saw it.

Hermione stared uncomprehendingly.

The door was open. The door was open . 

Hermione scrambled to her feet. She stumbled and almost fell right over. Her heart was racing dangerously fast in her chest again. Sweat dripped down the side of her face and down her back. She shivered.

Stumbling and half-crawling, Hermione finally made it to the door. She was on her hands and knees, unable to stay steady on two feet. She pushed it open. 

Almost there. Beyond the door, she had no idea what to do. But she was almost there .

Hermione crawled the last few paces until she was finally on the other side of the door. Magic tingled across her skin as she exited some sort of barrier. The second she was through, a being popped into existence before her.

Hermione caught sight of Dobby before her and flinched back. The little elf darted forward and Hermione screamed at the top of her lungs. They apparated away in a swirl of limbs and magic.

<>

Screams announced Hermione’s arrival in the Burrow. Fleur shot to her feet along with all the other Weasleys, a portion of the Order, and Harry Potter. Hermione’s name was chorused around the room.

The young witch continued to scream. She wrenched herself free of Dobby and scrambled back. 

Tonks hurried forward and crouched down in front of Hermione. The younger witch screamed and kicked out. She caught the metamorphmagus in the chest. A twist of accidental magic shot the woman straight across the room. Remus hit Tonks with a quick spell and the witch landed softly on a couch. 

Hermione raised her hands to her face as she sobbed. 

Mrs. Weasley stepped closer. Hermione eyed her warily. The older witch bent down.

“Hermione? Love, you’re safe. You’re at the Burrow. It’s okay now.” She inched closer with a hand in front of her. “Come here, dear.”

“No!” Hermione scrambled back. “Don’t touch me!” she shrieked. 

Hermione gasped desperately.

“I can’t- I can’t breathe.” Hermione stripped off her school tie and ripped the top buttons of her blouse. Her face and neck were red. Sweat curled her hair around her face.

“Wait,” Fleur snapped as dread filled her. “Wait. Hermione? Hermione, did they give you something?”

Hermione cried and fell forward, face against the cool floor of the Burrow. 

“ Hermione, listen to me, did they give you something ?” Fleur spoke in French, her voice a soothing and gentle sound.

Hermione whined.

“What do you think they gave her?” Remus demanded from where he had inched closer to Hermione. 

Hermione released a small scream and scrambled away until she was tucked in the corner. 

Fleur didn’t respond. She slowly broke away from the others and joined Remus. She whispered, quietly so only he could hear. “Is she aroused?”

Remus reeled back. “Fleur!”

“You can smell it,” she snapped.

“Smell what?” Ron demanded.

Remus glared at Fleur before he closed his eyes. His nostrils flared and he tensed. He opened his eyes again and they were the bright yellow colour of Moony. 

“What did they give her?” he growled out.

Fleur’s shoulders fell. She turned to Hermione and reached out. A soft, soothing smell wafted towards the distressed witch. Hermione caught Fleur’s wrist and pulled it close. Fleur wrapped herself around Hermione soothingly. 

“Fleur?” Bill asked softly. “What’s going on?”

Fleur sucked in a shuddering breath as she tried to control her emotions. Hermione would only react to her like this for one reason. “They gave her a veela potion.”

“Hermione’s turning into a veela?” Ron exclaimed.

Fleur shot him a glare. “No. It’s a potion used on veelas. That's why she's letting me near her. My scent would be comforting." Fleur bent her head down ran a gentle hand over Hermione's head. The witch in her arms whimpered and cried.

"What potion?" Remus demanded, voice a deep growl.

Hermione trembled in Fleur's arms. Fleur looked up. "It’s used in… in the underground trade. Highly illegal.”

“Are you sure?” Mr. Weasley asked.

“Yes. She wouldn't respond to my veela scent like this for any other reason. I know the signs. My cousin went through it.”

“What potion is this? What's it for?” Remus demanded.

Fleur looked away from them all. “It’s for breeding," she revealed quietly.

An awful silence fell across the Burrow, the only sound was Hermione’s soft crying as Fleur held her.

“But Hermione’s not a veela,” Mr. Weasley pointed out hopefully.

Fleur shook her head and gently stroked Hermione’s head. “It still works. Just… differently. She has a choice. She made it.”

“A choice?” Remus asked.

Fleur met her fiancé’s eyes. “If I was given this potion, I wouldn’t have a choice who wanted to… use me. It would erase my will to care. To consent. Hermione is human though. When she was dosed, within the first couple of minutes, she would have chosen someone she wanted to see this through with – even if she didn’t know that’s what she was doing. It’s instinctual. About trust and attraction.”

A silence stretched out. “Who?” Mr. Weasley finally dared to ask.

Eyes turned to Hermione. 

“It’s okay, Hermione,” Fleur soothed as she gently brushed back Hermione’s sweaty curls. “Anyone you chose will help. Anyone here would help you. You have to tell us, Hermione, we’re running out of time.”

“Maybe they’re not here,” Ron whispered.

“Someone from school?” Ginny whispered back.

“She was snogging Cormac MacLaggan.”

“She was not snogging Cormac,” Harry snapped and Hermione’s breath caught in her chest. Fleur’s sharp eyes narrowed in on the movement. Remus’ yellow eyes, having also caught the reaction, shot to Harry.

“Yes, she was!” Ron snapped back.

“Boys,” Mr. Weasley cut in. “Now is not -”

“-Harry,” Fleur interrupted. “Will you come here, please?”

Harry, Ron, and Ginny all tensed. 

“Why?” Ginny demanded.

Fleur didn’t respond. Everyone could see that Hermione had stopped crying. She was staring up at Harry, her pupils blown wide. Her cheeks were flushed and her lips were almost red. 

Harry stepped forward. Ginny caught his wrist.

“Harry, what are you doing?”

Harry frowned as he looked back and forth between his girlfriend and his best friend. “I have to help.”

“Someone else can do it.”

“That’s rape,” Fleur snapped.

Ginny’s eyes widened. She glared at Fleur. “Then just let the potion run its course.”

“She’ll die,” Fleur bit out. “She’s dying .”

“And Harry fucking her is going to save her?”

“The potion will dissipate once she’s pregnant.”

“Harry-”

“-I’m not letting anyone rape her,” Harry snapped. He looked over Ginny’s shoulder to Ron. They shared a heavy look. 

Ron nodded. “Go on, then.” He grabbed Ginny’s shoulders and pulled her back when she tried to pull Harry away again.

Harry slipped out of Ginny’s hold and slowly walked across the Burrow to Fleur and Hermione. 

“See if she’ll let you touch her.”

Harry slowly reached out a hand. He touched Hermione’s shoulder. She shuddered visibly. Before Harry could pull back, she grabbed his wrist and pulled his hand to her face. Hermione’s eyes fluttered shut as she leaned into his palm.

“Her skin’s on fire,” he whispered to Fleur.

“She’ll only get worse if we don't hurry. We’re going to go to Shell Cottage,” Fleur decided after a quick look at Bill. “Bill, I need you to give Remus the list of those potions we talked about.”

“The ones for if you ever went into heat?”

Fleur nodded. 

Bill’s brows drew together. “How many?”

“As many as we can afford.” She turned back to Hermione. “Come on, love. We’re going now. Let’s go. Bring Harry,” she instructed Bill. 

Hermione released a soft, pained whine as Fleur gathered her more tightly into her arms and rose to a crouch. She disapparated on the spot.

<>

A tense silence filled the Burrow in the wake of Fleur and Hermione’s departure.

Harry felt his heart racing in his chest. Hermione was dying. Harry looked up at Bill and Remus worriedly.

“Harry!” Ginny called out.

“Ginerva,” Mrs. Weasley snapped. “Come with me.”

“Mum! You can’t be okay with this. Harry gets a choice too!”

“Yes he does, but he will be making that choice without your input. Come on. Ronald, you too.”

Harry turned back to Bill and Remus as Mrs. Weasley ushered her children out of the room. Remus took a parchment from Bill as he finished writing out a list. Remus nodded. “I’ll meet you at the cottage.”

“Come on,” Bill said to Harry. He held out his hand. “This is your last chance to back out.”

Harry raised his eyebrow. "And if I do? Fleur says she needs to be pregnant. She’ll die or someone in the Order will have to rape her. Those are her options, aren’t they?”

Bill sighed. “Yes. Fleur has mentioned this potion to me. She had a cousin who was forced to take it.”

“And did she survive?” Harry asked.

“... No.”

Harry's chest twisted with dread. “I don’t want Hermione to die.”

“Well, we’d better go and help her then.”

Bill took his hand and they disapparated. The two of them appeared before Shell Cottage. Harry had heard of it, but never visited. Fleur and Bill had bought it to live in together after they got married. 

“A few things, before we go inside.”

Harry nodded.

“Hermione’s going to be pretty out of it. Make sure she’s drinking water. Remus is getting some nutrients potions that you’re going to have to force her to take some time tonight.”

“Force her?” Harry questioned, alarmed.

Bill shrugged. “Fleur's cousin was extremely dehydrated. She wouldn't eat. Hermione might not be agreeable to it. Just try to convince her.”

“How?”

“For veela, this whole process makes them want to have a baby. Some version of that – albeit much more painful – is probably happening to Hermione. That’s all she’s focusing on. She wants a baby and she wants it with you. So, I suppose you can try and use that to make her take it. Tell her it's for the baby?"

Harry opened his mouth, but words escaped him. This was all happening so fast. He felt like his head was still at the Burrow trying to figure out what was going on. “Why did she choose me?” he asked.

Bill shook his head. “I don’t know. You’ll have to ask her when this is all over. But, probably, she felt you were safe. Or desirable in some way. A person who would love and protect her.”

“Of course I will," Harry replied without hesitation.

Bill raised his eyebrows. “Then it seems like she chose right.”

Remus appeared before Harry could respond.

“Perfect timing. You got everything?” Bill asked.

“Yes. Here. These pink and red ones are for Hermione. The green ones for Harry and a few blue ones and I also nabbed a couple of uppers.”

“Good idea.”

Harry frowned. “Wait? For me? Why do I have to take potions?”

Bill gave him a heavy look. “Hermione isn’t coming out the other end of this unless she gets pregnant, Harry. That’s your job. The green ones will help. Take them every couple of hours. The blue ones should be familiar, Pepper Up potions for fatigue. And then the uppers.”

“Uppers?”

“In case the mood isn’t… inspiring.”

Harry’s eyes widened. “ Oh . Right.”

A pain shot through Harry's head. He clutched his head as he called out.

“Harry!” Remus shouted.

“Harry, what is it?”

Harry doubled over in pain. “He knows. He knows she’s gone. He’s furious. Fuck. I think he’s going to the Burrow.”

“Go, Harry," Bill ordered. "Go, now . We’ll sort the rest out.”

Harry took the bag of potions and hurried inside. 

Fleur was coming out of the bedroom as he arrived. Harry could hear Hermione sobbing inside the room. He felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. His heart was racing inside his chest. 

“Bill spoke to you, oui?” 

Harry nodded. He handed over the bag of potions at Fleur's gesture. “I know you are scared, but you must be brave for Hermione. Yes?”

Harry nodded. “Yes. I can do that.”

She handed him one of the green potions. “Drink. I will set an alarm on your wand.”

Harry handed over his wand and shot back the potion. He had made a face and shook his head. He waited but didn't feel any change in himself. All Bill said was that the potion would help.

She handed him a purple potion. An upper.

Harry stared with wide eyes. “Uh…”

“We want no issues, oui?”

Harry swallowed visibly as he took the potion. He nodded. 

“I will silencio the room. You must come to us if you need something. D'accord ?” 

He nodded quickly. Fleur stared expectantly. Harry made a face and then drank the upper. 

Fleur handed him his wand. “Be brave, little lion.” 

She pressed a kiss to his forehead. Harry felt a zing of magic rush through him.

“What-?”

“-A little veela magic.”

Harry felt his shoulders relax minutely. “Thanks, Fleur.”

She stepped aside and Harry took a deep breath before entering the room. 

It was a simple room with a double bed and dresser. Hermione was sitting on the floor beside the bed. Her face was red and tears streamed down her cheeks. Her hair was a mess about her head and she was in the process of throwing her socks across the room. Her shoes were tossed to the side and her top was half off. 

“Hermione,” Harry said, alarmed.

Hermione's head shot up and her eyes widened. “Harry,” she sobbed. “Harry, please.”

Harry felt an ache in his chest at the sound of Hermione’s cries. He hated it when Hermione cried. The sound of her pain tore him from his shock and he hurried to her side. He set the potions down and awkwardly helped her with her top. He tried to put it back on, but Hermione fought him as she tried to do the opposite. 

Hermione released a cry of frustration and Harry finally gave in. The shirt came off and Hermione was left in her sensible white bra. Harry’s eyes widened as far more skin than Harry had ever seen of any woman, least of all his best friend, was revealed.

Hermione grasped two handfuls of Harry's jumper and surged forward. Harry very suddenly found himself on the floor with Hermione in his lap. She pressed her flushed face into his neck and ground her hips into him. 

Harry jolted in shock followed by an intense pleasure. He felt himself immediately harden under her. 

“Hermione- holy shit. Hermione .”

His hand touched the bare skin of her back and he hissed. Her skin was very hot. It suddenly struck him like an alarm blaring through his head – Hermione was going to die . He couldn't just lie there, he had to do something.

“Okay, okay. On the bed.”

Hermione continued to kiss and suck at his neck as she moved her hips. Harry bit back a moan. 

If he didn't do something quickly, they were going to end up doing this on the floor and something told him Hermione wouldn't be amiable to splinters right now.

Harry released a huff. He wrapped an arm around her and rolled over. He sat up and Hermione released a cry of protest. She quickly sat up as well and wrapped herself around him. 

Harry picked her up around her waist and stood. Hermione’s toes dangled across the floor, more intent on sucking on Harry’s neck than anything else. Harry turned and dropped her onto the bed.  Hermione bounced as she hit the mattress. Harry stared down at her with wide eyes. She was flushed and half-naked on the bed. Harry was harder than he'd probably ever been in his entire life.

“I have no idea what I'm doing,” he whispered to both of them.

Hermione made a sound of distress, tears on her face. She reached for him and started pulling at his clothes.

“Oh, right. Okay.”

Harry helped her pull his jumper and shirt off. He kicked off his runners as Hermione started to take off her jeans. Harry could hear his blood rushing in his ears. 

He shoved his jeans down his thighs and then he saw Hermione had taken off her jeans and her pants and froze. She was completely naked.

Harry looked up at the ceiling as his cheeks grew flushed. “Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit.” 

A yelp escaped him as his boxers were suddenly pulled down his thighs. He looked down at Hermione with wide eyes. As if sensing his eyes on her, Hermione looked up. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

“H- Harry,” she cried.

“Hermione. Sh…” he bent down and gently cradled her face in his hands. “I'm right here. I'm- did you want to stop?”

Hermione's eyes widened. Her hands scrambled for purchase on his shoulders. “No! No. Please, help me.”

Harry made a pained face. 

Hermione pressed her face close as she cried. “Harry, please .”

“Sh… it’s okay. I’m- I’m going to help you.”

Hermione stared uncomprehendingly. 

“Lie back.”

Hermione did as she was told. She pulled him with her, refusing to relinquish her grip on him. Harry stumbled and just managed to get a knee under himself before he collapsed on top of her. 

Hermione whined and writhed beneath him. Harry gasped as she pressed up into him. Her body was burning up and entirely naked. Harry kind of hated himself for how turned on he was at that moment.  Completely turned on and terribly upset. The tears on Hermione’s face did a lot to quell his arousal. He was suddenly very glad that Fleur had insisted he take an upper. He wasn't sure he'd be able to do this otherwise, not with how distressed Hermione was.

Hermione reached down between them and grasped him. Harry gasped and his whole body tensed. She whined and arched into him.

Harry pressed his head against her shoulder as he tried to catch his breath. “Okay. Okay, okay, okay.”

They needed to do this now or Harry was going to finish before he even got inside her. He reached down and took hold of himself. Hermione eagerly widened her legs.  Harry gasped and his eyes widened as he entered her. She was so warm and so wet. 

“Holy shit.”

Hermione moaned loudly. Harry seconded that thought. It felt incredible.

“Are you okay?” he asked breathlessly.

“More,” she whined and shifted under him. 

“I- I can do that.”

Harry pressed a kiss into the crook of her neck. Hermione moaned. She clenched around him and Harry’s breath caught in his throat. He came immediately and felt the room spin as it kept going. 

“Jesus,” he gasped when his orgasm finally ended. He rested his forehead against Hermione’s shoulder as he tried to catch his breath. He’d never come so hard for so long before. He had a sneaking suspicion about what that green potion might have been for.

Hermione shifted under him restlessly. Harry pushed himself up and rolled onto his back. He startled when Hermione immediately climbed on top of him. Harry’s eyes widened. Hermione was on top of him. She was naked. He couldn’t look away from the sight of her. She was the most beautiful girl he knew and she was naked on top of him and stroking his cock.

“That’s- fuck, Hermione."

Harry felt a rush of fire through his veins. His head spun as he felt himself immediately harden again. 

“Okay, wow.” That was not a normal experience.

Hermione needed no more encouragement from him. She shifted forward and sank back onto his cock. Harry whined. He grabbed her hips and couldn't help but just watch as Hermione rode him. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his neck. Harry gasped at the feeling. He snapped his hips up to meet her own and Hermione cried out. She kissed him on the mouth and Harry came again.

He gasped for breath, eyes wide as he realised he was still hard. Harry rolled them over. He hovered over Hermione. Her tears were gone, but her face and body were still flushed with fever. 

Harry released a heavy breath. “I don’t know how long this potion lasts, ‘Mione. But I really think we should take advantage.”

Hermione wriggled and whined under him.

Harry felt his worry mount. “Please, stay with me. I can’t lose you.”

He pulled her knee over his hip and kept going, taking full advantage of all the potions in his system guiding him forward. He buried his face in her neck and kissed her where she had done the same to him. Hermione arched and released a breathy moan. Harry kissed and sucked on her skin. Hermione's moans grew louder as he continued to thrust into her.

She fluttered around him suddenly. Harry stared down at her as she gasped and moaned, head thrown back. Harry whined as he came for the third time in a ridiculously short span of time.

“Holy shit,” he mumbled to himself. He had just made Hermione orgasm.

He kissed her again. Hermione hummed happily. He moved to pull back, but Hermione stopped him. She threaded her fingers through his hair. 

“No," she protested softly against his lips, "stay.”

“I’m not going," he promised.

Hermione pulled him down. Harry gently settled himself over her. He rested his head on her shoulder as he caught his breath. Hermione hummed contently.

He watched her worriedly as she fell asleep. He closed his eyes and tried to reign in all his confusing emotions. He'd just had sex with his best friend -- a lot of sex. And he was probably going to do it again when she woke up next. The last -- god, was it only thirty minutes? An hour? -- all of it felt like a whirlwind. 

Hermione might die.

Harry's eyes filled with tears. She couldn't die. He couldn't live without her. She was one of the most important people in the world to him. He'd already lost so many people. He couldn't watch Hermione die too. Harry didn't think he'd survive it.

An indeterminable amount of time later, Hermione's soft voice filled the room.

“Harry?”

Harry's head shot up. “Hermione?”

He felt dread fill him. Hermione had only been asleep for a little bit. He wasn't sure he had it in him to do that whole mindless sex thing again so soon. Especially if she was mindless and crying again. He would definitely need another upper if that was the case. 

Hermione’s breathing slowly picked up. “You’re- you’re inside me.”

Harry blinked widely as he realised Hermione was talking to him. “Oh!" His entire face burned. "Uh, yeah, let me just-”

“-No!” Hermione shouted. She grabbed his shoulders and wrapped her legs around his waist as she tensed around him.

Harry released a groan and dropped his head to her shoulder. “‘Mione- Hermione, stop . I’m not going anywhere.”

“The room is spinning," she whispered.

“Close your eyes. It’s okay," he soothed. He swallowed down his disappointment that she was still being affected by the potion in her system. It seemed like she was at least a bit more coherent now. "I’m here. I’ve got you.”

“Don’t go,” she pleaded.

“I’m not going anywhere.” He kissed her shoulder and then her neck. Her fever was still disturbingly high.

Hermione hummed. “That feels nice.”

Harry continued to kiss and suck. He felt her tighten around him when he got to her favourite spot.

“Oh…”

Harry tilted his hips forward in a slow, lethargic move. Hermione arched her back.

“Oh! Don't stop,” she gasped.

Harry lifted his head. He stared down at Hermione as he continued his slow thrusts. Her eyes were still closed. Her cheeks were flushed from the fever. Her lips were pink and swollen. She didn't look delirious anymore. She looked like herself or what Harry imagined she'd look like in the throws of passion. 

“You’re so pretty,” he whispered, like a confession. 

“Harry,” she moaned. 

Harry watched her as he continued to fuck her. She looked and sounded more like herself again. Harry tucked his face into her neck and sucked on the part of her neck that made her moan loudly. He wanted to make her orgasm again -- like this, like herself. 

Hermione's nails bit into his shoulders. She arched her back as she cried out. Harry came as well, long and hard while the green potion was still in his system.

Harry huffed as he caught his breath. Hermione smiled up at him. He released a breathless laugh. 

"Like that, did you?"

She nodded. 

"How're you feeling?" he asked.

"Awake," she returned with a smirk.

"Oh?"

Hermione nodded and pulled him down. Harry went willingly. 

<>

Harry stumbled out of the room and managed a quick clean in the sink of the bathroom. He drank three cups of water before wandering downstairs. He was exhausted and desperately needed sleep, but he was also starving. He was used to this over the summers with his relatives, but the first few days were the worst. He got used to three square meals a day with Hogwarts. Going back to single, sparse meals and heavy labour always sucked. It got better when he finished the work Petunia wanted done in the yard. Little food and heavy labour sucked.  This was not the usual heavy labour he went through, but the effects were similar. 

“Harry!” Fleur exclaimed when he came down the stairs. “Is everything alright?” 

“Yeah, just- uh…”

“Hungry?” Bill guessed.

Harry ran a hand through his messier than usual hair. 

“Come sit," Fleur instructed. "We were just plating up some spaghetti.”

Harry took a seat at the table. He felt awkward. There was a huge elephant in the room and it was him and Hermione having sex in their guest room for almost two days straight. 

“The Burrow?” he asked.

Bill released a heavy breath as he sat down across from him. “Yeah, it's gone.”

“What?” Harry exclaimed.

“Destroyed during the battle.” Bill ran a hand over his face. “We lost Moody and dad got hurt bad. He’s recovering in the hospital. But no one else died. Not on our side, at least.”

“Who died?”

Bill raised his eyebrows. “Mum was furious about what happened. With Hermione, I mean. She was so upset. She loves Hermione. Has this dream of her marrying Ron, you know?”

Harry made a face. “Is she mad at me?”

Bill shook his head and waved a hand. “No, no, nothing like that. She’s mad for you. For the both of you. The whole battle happened and she was so mad and then dad got hit and I guess the opportunity appeared and she took it. She killed him.”

“Who?”

“ Him . You-Know-Who.”

Harry stared at Bill. “Molly Weasley killed Voldemort?”

“Yeah.”

“Holy shit.”

A small laugh bubbled up his throat. Bill and Harry stared at each other and suddenly they were both laughing.

“Oh my god .”

“It’s insane,” Bill agreed.

A large pot hit the table, startling them. “What is so funny about a witch being capable?” Fleur snapped.

“Nothing!” Harry immediately stated, shaking his head.

“It’s just mum . She’s kind and nurturing-”

“-And one of the most vicious women I know,” Fleur added. “I would never cross her. Why do you think we are having the wedding at the Burrow? Or… we were.”

Bill grinned crookedly. “She can be a bit much, but she’s still my mum. I just don’t see her as some fierce warrior.”

“Well, check your sight. The rest of the world will see her as one now. She’s being given an Order of Merlin.”

“Bleeding hell,” Harry murmured as he shook his head.

Fleur gave him a huge portion of spaghetti. “Eat. You are weak.”

“Thanks.” He picked up his fork and ate several bites before saying, “I can’t believe it.”

“The headmaster has made a few comments that it’s not over,” Bill explained, “but a lot of the Death Eaters were rounded up from the Burrow and they’re chasing the rest of them down now.”

“That’s- that’s a huge fucking relief. Oh my god.” His shoulders sagged.

“How is Hermione?” Fleur demanded from her seat at the head of the table.

“Good. Her fever isn’t as bad, I don’t think. But she's still worryingly warm. Those potions are making her loopy.”

“Define loopy,” Bill instructed.

“Uhm, sort of… out of it? Less in control. She was kind of aware earlier. But when she drank the potion, she kind of got… lost in it. Just wanted… uhm… you know.”

Bill nodded. He turned to his fiancé. “Is this expected?”

Fleur pursed her lips. “I’ve not taken fertility potions. The red ones are for this. How are the pink ones?”

“Those are for nutrients, right?" At Fleur's nod, he shrugged. "That’s been fine. She doesn’t love them. But she doesn’t react to them after.”

Fleur hummed and nodded. “This potion is still in her system. They are reacting, maybe?”

“A possibility,” Bill agreed. He raised his eyebrows at Harry. “Any other issues after she takes it? Does it seem to be extremely detrimental?”

“No, no. I think she’s okay. It’s only- I mean, we’ve only got a few more potions left.” He turned to Fleur. “That’s when time runs out?”

“ Oui . Her fever is better?”

“I think so?”

Fleur nodded. “You are taking your potions?”

Harry’s entire face burned. He nodded.

“Then we continue as we are and we hope for the best.”

“A baby," Harry responded weakly.

“A bebe , oui . This is the only way, Harry.”

“I know." He nodded. "Okay. I’m- I’m gonna go back. I don’t want her to wake up while I’m gone.”

“Take a plate. See if you can get her to eat before you feed her another potion.” Fleur quickly put together a plate for Hermione and handed it to Harry.

“Thanks. Uhm, for everything," Harry said lamely, plate of spaghetti in hand.

“We’re here if you need us,” Bill promised.

<>

Harry woke up to the feel of someone sliding his glasses off his face. He turned away as he grabbed them and settled them back on his nose. He opened his eyes and was unsurprised to find Hermione staring back at him.

“Hey,” he greeted in a dry whisper. He swallowed before turning and reaching over for one of the cups on the side table. He used his wand to fill it with water and turned to Hermione. “Drink.”

Hermione did as instructed, eyes never leaving his face. He got her to drink two more cups before she turned her head away. Harry drank no less than four cups of water before setting it aside. He grabbed one of the pink potions and brought it to her.

Hermione pouted at the sight of it. She drank it without complaint. She took the red one next.

“There we go. All done. Come here.”

He kissed her on the mouth and then slowly made his way down her neck. Her skin was still too warm, but nowhere near as hot as before. The relief he felt was bone deep. Hermione was going to be okay. She was going to live.

“Harry.”

He hummed against her neck. She pushed her fingers into his hair and used her grip to tip his head back. Harry blinked up at her curiously.

“Hi,” she whispered.

Harry’s heart leapt. He didn’t dare move. “Are you with me?”

“A little,” she responded, still whispering. “I’m not sure how we got here?”

He wasn't surprised by that. She didn't seem to remember anything each time she woke up. “You were given a potion. It’s got a strong effect.”

She frowned. “Were you… also potioned?”

Harry felt a blush rise to his cheeks. “No. You wanted me to help you through it and I agreed.”

Hermione moved to draw back. Harry pressed a hand to her back and pulled her closer. His fingers splayed across her naked flesh. A pretty blush rose to colour Hermione’s cheeks as her eyes widened.

“Harry,” she gasped breathlessly.

Harry felt himself start to harden. It was almost pavlovian at this point. “We’re almost out the other side of this,” he promised.

Hermione’s leg shifted and he bit back a gasp as her skin stroked against his slowly hardening prick. 

“You want me,” she whispered wonderingly. 

Harry swallowed down the guilt he felt towards his girlfriend as he truthfully said, “Yes.”

He was losing her, he could tell. Her eyes were becoming glazed again. Part of it was the work of the fertility potion. She was still getting loopy after she took them. 

Hermione pressed her body against his. She kissed him softly. Harry sank into her embrace. He trailed his hand up her back and tangled his fingers in her curls. 

"You want me," she breathed.

"Yes."

<>

Harry knew it was over the moment Hermione woke up. He'd felt her fever coming down over the last two days. He was prepared for the end soon.

Hermione opened her eyes and he saw the moment she processed that they were in bed together. She shot up, the blanket clutched to her chest. 

“Harry?” she said, alarmed.

Harry raised his hands. “Easy, it's okay. You're okay.”

“Was I love potioned?” she demanded.

“Not, uh, not exactly?”

Hermione shifted and then froze. Her eyes widened. He could only imagine what sort of mess she was feeling between her legs.

She looked over at him. “Did we have sex?”

Harry’s face was hot. “Yes.”

Hermione looked away. “Oh my god.”

“I’m… gonna go get Fleur, okay?”

“Fleur?” Hermione demanded, confused.

“We’re at her and Bill’s home. She was the only person you’d let near you… besides me.”

“What… happened, exactly?”

Harry licked his lips. He could still taste her on them. “I’ll get Fleur.”

Harry stood and grabbed a discarded pair of sweatpants. He put them on and glanced over his shoulder at Hermione. Her face was even more flushed, eyes wide as she stared at him. His heart immediately dropped.

Her fever was back.

“Hermione!”

“What? What's wrong?”

He gently touched her face. He felt the skin at her neck. “Are you okay? Are you feeling well?”

“What? Yes! I feel fine.”

“Are you sure? You're flushed.”

Hermione stared at him with wide eyes. “Of course I am! I just saw your bare backside!”

Harry's eyes widened. “ Oh .”

It hadn’t even occurred to Harry that maybe he should be a little more modest. They’d just spent days doing nothing but fucking. There wasn’t a single inch of Hermione’s body that he didn’t know intimately. 

The reverse wasn’t true.

Harry swallowed. “I’ll be right back.” 

Hermione caught his wrist. “Harry?”

“Yes?”

She reached out and touched his chest. “Did I do this to you?”

Harry looked down at the various hickeys decorating his chest and shoulders. 

He swallowed visibly. “I don't know how you want me to answer that.”

“With the truth, preferably.”

“Yes.”

Her brows twitched. “Oh.”

“I'll be right back.”

“Wait-!”

Harry ducked out the door before Hermione could comment on the scratches he knew she'd left on his back.

He didn’t have to go far. He knocked on the door to the master bedroom. A moment passed and then Fleur appeared, typing a flowery silk robe around herself.

“Harry?”

“Hermione’s awake – properly.”

Fleur finished tying her robe as the door behind them opened. 

“Harry?”

Harry looked over his shoulder. Hermione had appeared at the door to their bedroom, the bedsheet clutched to her chest. 

“Hermione!” Fleur exclaimed and then immediately dissolved into rapid-fire French.

Hermione’s eyes widened. Fleur hurried past Harry and ushered Hermione back inside. The door clicked shut behind her.

Harry decided to leave Hermione in Fleur’s capable hands. He headed outside for his first breath of fresh air in days. 

It was night. The ocean breeze felt amazing on his bare upper body. The stars above twinkled as brightly as they did at Hogwarts and the Burrow. He found Remus sitting on the front steps of Shell Cottage. Harry plopped down beside him.

Remus glanced over at him and raised a hand to his mouth, partially blocking his nose. “Christ, Harry.”

Harry grimaced. “I probably smell something awful.”

“You reek of sex.”

Harry blushed. “Well.”

Remus lowered his hand and chuckled. He rested a hand on Harry’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze of support. “It’s okay. She made it out the other side. She’s going to be fine.”

“Is she?” he whispered brokenly. “She’s pregnant. With my baby. She already had a target on her back for being a brilliant and powerful muggle-born. What the fuck are we supposed to do now? Fleur is up there explaining how she’s pregnant now and- god, she’s gonna hate me.”

“She won’t hate you. She chose you.”

Harry raised an eyebrow. “Did she? Because she came to a few times and clearly had no fucking clue what was happening. And just now- she doesn't remember a fucking thing, Remus. She has no idea what's happened the last few days. Is that normal?”

“No,” Remus replied. “Bill mentioned the potions she was taking made her a bit loopy? They were clearly affecting the veela potion. It robbed her of the memory.”

“Even the capture, you think?” Harry asked.

“I don't know. Hopefully.”

Harry pressed a hand to his chest. "I feel- I feel sick.”

“Harry…”

He dropped his face into his hands. “An illusion of consent is not consent. If given the choice, Hermione never would have slept with me.”

“She won’t hate you, Harry.”

“Ginny will.”

Remus was quiet. He couldn’t argue that point.

Harry looked up. “Have you spoken to her?”

“They’re back at school. But I heard that Ginny is… upset. Obviously.”

“Ron?”

“Coping. He spoke with Bill and I about it. He's mad at the Death Eaters and You-Know-Who. I think that's easier than being mad at you two about something beyond your control.”

Harry nodded. He looked up at Remus. “Is it true?”

“Yes, Harry. He’s dead.”

“Temporarily.”

Remus raised an eyebrow at him. “Albus has said the same. What do you two know?”

Harry sighed. “He has failsafes, basically. I think Dumbledore wants to keep it all under wraps.”

“You disagree?”

Harry shrugged. “I get why he doesn’t want the Death Eaters to know. They’re probably hiding the fail-safes without even knowing. But on the other hand, how the fuck didn’t Dumbledore know that Hermione was going to be kidnapped? Why didn’t Snape warn us? Why didn’t anyone do anything to stop this?”

“Harry-”

“-Nevermind. I know he’s not-" He shook his head. "He can’t know everything. But Jesus- the idea of what could have happened if she hadn’t gotten away? If Dobby hadn’t found her?”

“Snape let her go.”

Harry looked up. “What?”

“He told the Order that he interrupted before he could do anything.”

“Voldemort? He was going to rape her?”

“Get her pregnant or let her die. Either way," Remus shrugged, "he wasn't pleased that she got away. Snape left the door open and she got out. The second she was past You-Know-Who’s personal wards, Dobby nabbed her. Snape told him to do it. To bring her to the Burrow.”

“He saved her.”

“Yes.”

Harry released a heavy breath. “Where is he now?”

“Azkaban. He’s a Death Eater and this time, he was thrown under the bus by several others. Albus is working to get him out.”

Harry nodded. “Will he?”

Remus shrugged. “Perhaps. We have the word of the Order, but we’re an underground organisation. Albus can’t testify on Severus’ behalf unless he steps down as Chief Warlock. We don’t really have anyone who can speak on his behalf. Hermione could tell her story, but-”

“-God, no. Even if she does remember it.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty off the table.”

Harry thought about it for a moment, then said, “Have Mrs. Weasley do it. She killed Voldemort. I’m sure everyone in Britain is in love with her.”

“They are," Remus agreed with amusement. "I’ll talk to her. She’ll do it, I imagine, since he helped save Hermione.”

“Dobby can testify too. If Snape really did tell him to do that.”

Remus nodded. 

“Okay." Harry stood with a sigh. "I’m gonna go shower and then sleep for a few days.”

Remus laughed. “See you, Prongs.”

Harry tilted his head curiously. “I’m not a pup anymore?”

“Hard to be a pup when you’ve got one on the way.”

Harry released a heavy breath. “Right. Right .”

“Harry.”

He turned and saw Bill standing at the door.

“Hermione wants to talk to you.”

“Does she remember?” he asked.

“No."

Harry felt his chest tighten even though he already figured she wouldn't.

"Fleur confirmed the pregnancy though. She's going to be okay now.”

“Did you get the potions she needed for the baby?”

“Yeah, I did. We're all squared up. Your goblin took extensive notes.”

Harry shrugged. “I don't care, I trust you, Bill.”

Bill grinned wryly. “Thanks, Harry. Come on.”

Harry nodded and went back inside. He headed back upstairs and knocked on the door. It flew open and Hermione’s face greeted him. She grabbed Harry’s arm and pulled him in. Harry’s eyes widened as he stumbled into the room. She closed the door after him.

She looked better. She’d showered and changed into a pair of sweats and a big sweater that looked borrowed from Bill. There were dark circles under her eyes and her skin was a bit pale. She needed proper rest and a lot of food. She’d barely eaten at all in the last couple of days. He needed to get those potions Bill got her.

“Are you okay?” he immediately asked.

“Yes. I- Harry, I’m so sorry.”

“For what? You didn’t do anything.”

“You’re dating Ginny!” she exclaimed.

Harry ruffled his hair. “Yeah, probably not anymore. I haven’t spoken to her. Everyone is back at school now.”

Hermione’s lips trembled. She sat down on the bed. “I can’t go back now,” she cried.

Harry sat down beside her with a sigh. “Maybe we can talk to the headmaster about it? I’m sure we can work something out. It’s May now. There’s only a few months until the end of the year.”

“And then what?" She gestured wildly. "I’ll be five months pregnant come next September. I’ll give birth some time around February. I’ll have to leave before NEWTs – if they even let me back right now, which I doubt!”

“Hermione-”

“-My entire future is gone,” she cried. She jumped to her feet and began pacing. “Everything is gone! What am I supposed to do?”

“You could get rid of it,” Harry suggested softly.

Hermione spun around, eyes wide. “What?”

He swallowed thickly. “You could put it up for adoption. Or just… have an abortion.”

Hermione stared at him. “Is that what you want?”

Harry shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s not my choice.”

“It’s a joint decision, Harry. This... this baby is yours just as much as it’s mine.”

Harry took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

“Have you thought about it?” she demanded.

“No," he replied honestly. "I was a bit focused on making the baby. Wasn’t really thinking about what would happen after.”

Hermione crossed her arms over her chest and began pacing. “This is surreal. I can't believe this is happening. I don't remember anything. I'm a virgin!”

“I'm sorry," he whispered.

She turned to him, eyes wide and sad. “It's not your fault.”

“Feels very much my fault," he confessed.

“Harry… you saved my life." She crossed her arms over her chest. "That's what Fleur said.”

“I wasn't going to let anything happen to you. I never would.”

She shifted on her feet as they stared at one another. “Now what?”

Harry didn't know what to say, so he didn't say anything at all.

“I don’t know what to do," she admitted.

“We don’t need to make any decisions right now.”

“We’re missing school!” she cried out and gestured wildly.

“Hermione. Hermione .” He put his glasses back on and stood. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her temple. 

Hermione stilled, eyes wide. Her face flushed and Harry bit down his worry at the sight of the pink in her cheeks.

“Did you eat?” he asked even though he already knew the answer. He cupped the side of her face as he pulled her closer.

“What?” Hermione asked, breathless.

Harry's eyes flickered across her face. She had that look on her face she got when she wanted him to kiss her. Harry immediately decided that was probably him projecting. “Eat. Did you eat?”

“No,” Hermione replied lamely. “I showered.”

“Okay, go downstairs and get something to eat. Then you can get some proper rest. We can talk more in the morning.” 

“Harry-”

“-We’re not going back to Hogwarts tonight or probably even tomorrow morning.” He ran his thumb across the apple of her cheek. “Would you even want to?”

Her eyes teared and she looked away. “I just want to pretend like nothing happened.”

“I’m afraid that’s not an option.”

Hermione didn't respond. He tucked her head under his chin and held her tightly.

“Please, eat something. You’ve barely eaten the last few days and I can’t stop thinking about it.”

She sighed. “Okay. Are you coming?”

“I need to shower. Remus can smell me from here, no doubt. I’ll meet you downstairs.”

Hermione blinked widely. “Okay.”

Harry showered and changed into some of the spare clothes Bill had given him a few days ago. He exited the bathroom and came to a sudden stop. Hermione was standing in the hallway.

“‘Mione? Did you eat?”

She shifted on her feet. “No. I waited.”

“Fleur is downstairs. Bill too.”

She stared at him resolutely. “I wanted to wait.”

“Okay. Well, I'm ready and starved. Let's go.”

Harry wrapped an arm around Hermione’s waist. She tucked herself into his side and they made their way downstairs together. Fleur was fluttering around the kitchen having changed into a cozy sweater and trousers. Bill was at the kitchen table, organizing potion bottles.

“Hermione,” Fleur said when she spotted them. “Come sit, I have soup for you.”

Hermione glanced up at Harry nervously. He nodded and smiled. At his urging, she finally took a seat. He sat down beside her.

Fleur placed a bowl of broth and a bread roll on the table before Hermione. A big sandwich and a side of chicken noodle soup were given to Harry.

“Thanks,” he said for the both of them.

Hermione remained quiet. Harry took a few bites of his sandwich before Hermione managed to pick up her spoon.

“Do you remember anything?”

Everyone came to a stop.

“ Bill ,” Fleur snapped.

“Someone had to ask.” He turned to Hermione. “Do you?”

Hermione stared at her barely touched bowl of soup.

“You don't have to answer,” Harry told her quietly.

Hermione pushed the soup away. Harry turned and glared at Bill.

“I want to go home,” Hermione declared in a small voice.

“Hermione, the Aurors-”

“-Of course,” Fleur said, interrupting her partner. “We will go soon. But eat first. You must take your potions.”

“For what?” Hermione demanded, tears on the edge of her voice.

“You haven't eaten much of anything,” Harry told her. “The potions are to help with nutrition. Some are for the baby too.”

Hermione held out a hand for them. 

“They can't be had on an empty stomach.”

She sighed and looked away. “I'm not hungry.”

“Hermione,” Fleur pressed gently.

“I want my mum.”

Fleur nodded. “You can take the potions with you.” She turned to Harry who nodded in agreement. 

Fleur ran a gentle hand over Hermione’s hair. She said something in French as she pulled Hermione closer. Hermione sank into the blonde’s embrace.

“You should go home for a bit,” Harry encouraged, “while we sort everything with school out. And maybe until we figure out what we’re doing about the baby.”

Hermione opened her eyes. “Will you come with me?”

“Hermione-”

“-Please.”

“Okay.”

<>

Harry stood to the side with Bill awkwardly as Hermione reunited with her parents. Fleur was speaking rapid-fire French with Hermione’s mother, Helena. Hugo, her father, seemed to be keeping up with it and was nodding along. Hermione was quiet, tucked into the couch between her parents as she let the half-veela witch explain what happened.

Eyes turned to Harry and he fought down the urge to turn tail and run. He'd fucked their daughter. He'd had rigorous and strenuous amounts of sex with their daughter over a series of days. He'd deliberately gotten their daughter pregnant at seventeen. 

Harry couldn't meet their gaze. If they were wizards, he'd be scared to get hexed. 

“Are you going back to school?” Hugo Granger asked.

Bill nudged Harry’s shoulder. His head shot up and his eyes widened when he realised the question was addressed to him. His eyes met Hermione’s across the room. She didn’t say anything, but she didn’t have to. 

“I’m not going back to school without Hermione.”

“You’re sixteen,” Bill stated. “You can’t drop out.”

Harry shook his head. “I didn’t mean to drop out. But, Hermione and I are still figuring things out.” He met her gaze seriously. “I’m not just running off back to school while you deal with this all on your own.”

“You’re missing school,” she whispered.

He shrugged. “When don’t I? And it’s his fault, anyway.” He turned to Bill at his side. “We should set up a meeting with the headmaster, see if we can figure out what our options are.” He turned back to Hermione. “That’ll help us with our… decision.”

Hermione nodded. “I like that idea.”

“I’ll go speak with him,” Bill stated. “Love?” He nodded at Fleur towards the door, indicating they should head out.

Fleur nodded. She bent down in front of Hermione. “Will you be okay?”

Hermione nodded back. “Thank you.”

She smiled softly. “I will be back tomorrow. I will bring food. Have you had magical French croissants?”

Hermione shook her head.

“I will bring some.” She said something else in French. Harry caught his own name in the sentence. Hermione’s eyes shot to him. She nodded and looked up at her mother. Helena eyed Harry for a moment and then nodded as well.

Fleur stood and joined Harry and Bill. Fleur rested a soft hand on his shoulder as she looked down at him. “You will stay, if you’re comfortable, yes?”

Harry blinked at her. She was blocking his view of the Grangers. 

“Only if you’re comfortable,” Fleur pressed.

Of course he wasn’t comfortable with it. He was pretty sure Hugo Granger was going to smother him in his sleep. But if Hermione wanted him here then he would stay.

“I’m good," he responded.

“Are you sure?”

He nodded.

Bill squeezed his shoulder. “I’ll come back once I’ve spoken with Dumbledore.”

Hugo Granger stood and saw Bill and Fleur out of the house. Harry stood awkwardly where he was. Hugo returned and all four of them were silent for a long moment.

A thought occurred to Harry and he looked up. “I don’t have a toothbrush.”

Hermione smiled. Hugo chuckled. “We’re dentists, Harry. I’m sure we can scrounge up a toothbrush for you. Maybe even a clean one.”

Harry grinned at the quip. “That’d be appreciated, sir.”

“Come on, I’ll show you the spare bedroom. You haven’t got anything on you, have you?”

Harry followed Hugo up the stairs. “Uhm, just my wand, sir. And I’m not allowed to use it.”

“Not until you’re seventeen, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

“When’s your birthday?”

“July 31st.”

Hugo hummed. He stopped before a door and opened it up. A double bed sat inside a light and airy bedroom. It was decorated with pastel blue walls and a white bed set.

“This is our guest room. I’ll get you a toothbrush, a towel, and see if I can’t scrounge up some spare clothes for you.”

“Thank you, sir. I really appreciate it.”

“Yes, well I- from what Fleur explained about the effects of that potion and what could have happened… I’m glad you were there for her.”

Harry’s face burned hotly. He couldn’t meet Hugo’s gaze. 

“I’ll leave you to get settled.”

<>

Harry woke up to someone climbing into bed with him. He wasn’t surprised when Hermione curled into his side. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pressed his nose into her curls. She smelled like some sort of fancy French soap of Fleur’s.

“I’m pretty sure you’re going to get me in trouble,” he whispered.

Hermione pressed herself closer to him in response. She sniffed and he immediately knew she’d been crying.

“You’ve been thinking about it?”

“Have you?” she asked in a wet voice.

“Can’t stop.”

“Me either.”

A long silence passed. The house was quiet in the dead of night. Harry felt peaceful having Hermione in his arms again. He'd gotten used to her there.

“It feels cruel,” she cried. “And selfish. To deliberately get pregnant and then just… give it up. I can’t bear the thought that we just abandoned our child.”

“Same.”

“So, no adoption," she determined.

“No adoption.”

“Do you want to keep it?” she asked in a soft voice. “You could still finish school-”

“-And what? Leave you alone with the baby until I graduated?”

“If either of us want this baby, then I can’t finish school. That’s just the way it is. And you’d think that would make it a simple decision. It should be a simple decision. We’re kids. We have our whole lives ahead of us.”

“But?” Harry prompted, oddly breathless.

“But- but what would our lives be like with this baby?" Hermione asked and Harry felt his heart stutter in his chest. "And there’s something about getting rid of- of a Potter that just hurts so much.”

Harry swallowed thickly. “Please, don’t think about it like that.”

“How else am I meant to think about it?” she asked tearfully. “Even if we don’t keep it, everything is different. Everything has changed.”

“I still have to find and destroy the Horcruxes.”

“Molly killed Vol- him . Clearly, this prophecy is bullshit," Hermione snapped. "The Order can destroy the Horcruxes. It’s obviously not your responsibility the way we thought it was.”

“Yeah. Yeah ." His body sagged into the mattress. "Fuck, that’s a relief, isn’t it?”

Hermione didn't respond.

Harry stared at the dark and blurry ceiling above. He knew Hermione was still awake. He thought about the idea of keeping the baby. It wasn't really a thought he'd entertained before. He assumed the moment he suggested it that Hermione would get rid of it.

“My parents were about our age.”

“When they got pregnant with you?”

He nodded. "Yeah. Just a bit older. They graduated, but they were still teenagers. And they were in the middle of a bloody war.”

“They were also married.”

“Yeah, or they got married because of me.”

“Oh. Do you think?”

He shrugged. “It’s never been stated. But I think so.”

“If we kept the baby… would you want to get married?” she asked quietly. 

“Yes?”

She shifted against his shoulder as she looked up at him in the dark.

“I mean, is that silly? I would want us to be married and raise this baby together. Live muggle or magical, I don’t know. I don’t care. Both? I have money in my vault. We’d have to see how much.”

She shook her head. “You're not seventeen yet, Harry.”

“Okay, so we get married after I turn seventeen. You'll still be pregnant. Or we get married after you have the baby. I'm more concerned about money and where we would live.”

“Sirius left you Grimmauld.”

He released a huff. “We are not raising a baby there. There's so much dark magic in that place.”

“Is there?” 

“Can't you feel it?" he questioned. "In the kitchen mostly. Don't know what they did in there, but it makes my skin crawl like when-”

-Harry sat up suddenly.

“Harry?”

Harry leapt out of bed. “I have to go!”

“What? Harry-”

He pulled on a jumper and scrambled for his runners. “-I think there's a Horcrux at Grimmauld.”

“What?”

He grabbed his wand and a thought occurred to him. “Fuck, I can't use magic. Can you cast a patronus? Send it to Remus, call him to the backyard.”

“Harry- Harry .”

He shoved his shoes on and hurried out of the bedroom, wand in hand. Hermione hurried after him. 

“ Harry ,” she hissed quietly.

“Sh…” 

Harry went down the stairs and out the back door. Hermione followed. 

She grabbed his arm when they reached the back deck. “Harry, stop. Talk to me.”

“The feeling I get in the kitchen at Grimmauld. It's like when I had the diary. It's the same feeling.”

Hermione frowned and shook her head. “Why would there be a Horcrux in Grimmauld Place?”

He shrugged. “I assume the Blacks supported him.”

“I'll come with you.”

Harry’s eyes widened. “ No. Hermione, you're pregnant. You're not going anywhere near something like that. Are you insane?”

Hermione frowned.

Harry sighed. “Please, just call Remus.”

Hermione pursed her lips. After a moment she finally raised her wand. She cast her patronus and shot it off towards Remus.

“I thought we just discussed this,” Hermione said. “He’s dead. It’s not your problem anymore.”

“If he comes back, he'll come after me again. It's still kind of my problem. I'll just go with Remus and find it.”

“And then come back,” she stated firmly.

Harry nodded. “I will, I promise.”

A crack sounded as Remus appeared in the backyard. 

“Is everything alright?” he asked.

“We're going to Grimmauld, you and I.” He turned back to Hermione. “I'll be back, I promise.”

Hermione hugged herself. “Okay,” she responded in a small voice.

Harry eyed her suspiciously. “I'll let you know what I find.”

She nodded and looked down. 

Harry studied her for a moment longer. “Do you want us to grab Fleur? Bring someone here while we’re gone?”

“Tonks is up. I'll go get her,” Remus said before Hermione could say no and disapparated. 

Harry pulled Hermione close and pressed his nose into her temple. Hermione melted into him. 

“I'm sorry, I didn't realise you might be scared for me to leave.”

“I'm not scared,” she whispered, clearly lying.

Harry tightened his hold on her. “I'm sorry.”

Harry looked over when Tonks and Remus arrived. 

“Please be safe,” Hermione whispered to him.

“I will. Tonks will stay with you until I get back.”

Harry stepped back and let Tonks take his place at Hermione’s side. She stared back at him with wide eyes. Harry had never had Hermione look at him like that before. Standing on a chessboard in first year, running from a werewolf in third – she was always filled with brave resilience. Harry’s chest twisted at the sight of her fear and uncertainty.

Harry stepped forward again. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her strongly. Hermione made a sound of shock. He pulled back and the fear in her eyes had turned to shock and wonder.

“I'll be right back,” he promised. “You can even wait up.”

“I will .”

Harry grinned. He turned to Remus. “Okay. I guess we better make this quick.”

Remus took hold of Harry’s arm and the two apparated away. They landed on the street just in front of the townhouse. 

“What're we doing here?” Remus asked as they crossed the property line and headed up the porch. 

“Looking for something. I have a hunch.”

Harry opened the door and they headed inside the house. Grimmauld Place was silent and empty. The corners felt darker than the last time they’d been there – when Sirius had still been alive. Harry took a deep breath and forced himself to focus. He headed for the door to the basement.

“How is she?” Remus asked.

Harry sighed. “Sad. She can’t say Voldemort’s name anymore. I don’t know what he did to her before he potioned her and I’m scared to ask.” He opened the door and they headed down into the basement. “I don’t want her to have to talk about it, but I also think she might need to talk about it, if that makes sense?”

“Yes. It does. I’ll talk to Fleur. I think Hermione feels very safe with her right now – beyond you.”

Harry nodded. They entered the kitchen and Harry felt his skin crawl with dark magic. Just like he’d thought.

“Can you feel her yet?”

Harry blinked and turned to Remus. “What do you mean?”

“There’s a magical bond that forms in a witch when she’s pregnant. The baby is a Potter, so it’s generating Potter magic and so is she. The further into the pregnancy she gets, you’ll start to feel them in your family magic.”

Harry shook his head. “I don’t think I can feel it yet. What’s that like?”

“I don’t know. I don’t have it. James and Sirius used to tell me it was a bit like our pack bond. But stronger. Family magic has a personality to it. Each family is different.”

Harry swallowed and then said, “We're talking about getting married.”

Remus looked up, eyebrows high on his forehead.

“Is that crazy?”

Remus shrugged. “Not really. Especially not in the Wizarding World. You are going to keep the baby then?” he asked slowly

Harry sighed and shrugged. He wandered around the kitchen, casually looking for what he didn’t know, while they spoke. “We took adoption off the table. So either we keep it or get rid of it. We haven't decided, but if we keep it, I told her I'd want to get married.” Harry glanced over at Remus and hesitated at the look on the older man’s face. “What?”

“Nothing. Just- you're very much like your father in all the best ways.”

Harry grinned. “Yeah?”

“Yes. That's what he and Lily decided to do about you.” Remus raised his eyebrows pointedly.

“Ha!” Harry shook his head, a smile on his face. “I knew I was an accident.”

“A happy one.”

Harry shrugged. “Point stands.”

“It wasn't too much of a surprise. From what James said, it's a Potter thing. This might be the first planned pregnancy in the Potter line in decades.”

Harry’s eyes widened. “Christ. I'm glad it worked. Is that like… a magic thing?”

Remus nodded and shrugged. “It's called a magical family quirk. Like the Weasleys having big families. It's common for them. Or the Black insanity.”

“Huh. And Potters have unplanned pregnancies.”

Remus shrugged. “According to your father. Might have also been a joke. But I can't imagine anyone would see a pregnancy at sixteen as overly planned, so maybe your magical quirk was working in your favour on this one.”

Harry lifted a mug that had been left behind on the kitchen table. He turned it over, mind otherwise occupied. “Do you think we should keep it?” he asked quietly.

“That's entirely up to you, Harry. And Hermione. It's not a decision that I can make. Or anyone else.”

Harry nodded, having expected that answer. He looked up and met Remus’ gaze. “I want Hermione to get her NEWTs. They're important to her. She should get them and I mean, she's probably smart enough to take them now.”

“She is seventeen," Remus agreed. "I'm sure the headmaster would allow it. It's not perfect, but it's better than dropping out.”

“Which is what I'll have to do.”

“Harry… you can't be an Auror if you drop out.”

Harry knew that. “There's very little I can do if I drop out. But I'm not gonna be the arsehole who goes back to school and leaves Hermione alone with a baby.”

Remus raised his eyebrows. “Then maybe you should consider the option of abortion.”

“It's not off the table.”

“You haven't said a word about it and what that path would look like.”

Harry frowned. “I guess I'm just trying to find a way that… we can have it all. Is it selfish to have an abortion so we can… live our lives?”

“No. Not at all. It’s one of the reasons the procedure exists at all. You're sixteen. You're still in school. Those two reasons alone are good reasons not to have a baby.” Remus sighed and rested a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “I'm not telling you what to do. But I do want you to consider the option before you make a decision like dropping out of school.”

“Right.” Harry nodded. “Thanks, Moony. Let's find this thing now. Hermione is waiting up.”

“What thing is this?”

“Something very dark. You must feel it?”

Remus looked around and shrugged. “There’s dark magic all over this place.”

“This is concentrated,” Harry explained. “Worse than the other bits.”

They quietly moved around the kitchen.

“Here,” Remus called.

Harry looked over. He hurried to Remus’ side. He’d opened up a closet or cupboard of some sort. Inside was a nest of fabrics and items. 

“What is this?”

“House-elf nest. Kreacher lives here.” Remus bent down and pulled out a heavy metal locket. “Merlin, what is this?”

Harry glared at the locket with a huge ‘S’ on the front. “Something bad. Take it to Dumbledore.”

Remus nodded. “Sure. Sure, let's get you back to the Grangers.”

They made their way back out of Grimmauld Place and apparated to the Grangers’ backyard. Harry stepped inside the kitchen to find Hugo at the table with Hermione and Tonks. Tonks was vibrantly telling some story that had Hugo laughing and Hermione grinning. They all looked over when he stepped inside.

“Did you get it?” Hermione demanded as she stood. She came around the table and he wrapped an arm around her as she stepped into his space.

“Yeah, Remus is outside. He's gonna take it to the headmaster.”

Tonks stood and said, “I'll go with him.”

Hugo stood and shook Tonks’ hand. “Wonderful to meet you, Tonks. Come on, sweetheart, I'll tuck you back into bed.”

<>

Harry stood under the spray in the shower and let the hot water fall over him. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He needed to talk to Dumbledore about that locket. The headmaster won’t be happy that Harry brought Remus and Tonks into this. Harry didn’t care. He had other things to worry about.

He thought about Hermione. Everything had shifted on its axis. Hermione had always been one of the most important people in the world to him. That hadn’t changed. If anything, her level of importance had grown significantly. 

He tried not to think about the baby. He tried not to focus on the fact that if they waited long enough, he would be able to feel it and Hermione in his magic. It sounded like a dream. 

It was a dream. It wasn’t going to happen. Hermione deserved to go back to school. She deserved to get her NEWTs and go on to be brilliant at whatever job she wanted. Harry wanted that for her. He wanted her to be happy. He had no intentions of pressuring her about the baby. He knew Hermione needed to see it from all sides before she made a decision. He also knew what decision she would make and he knew it was the right one for all of them.

Harry turned off the water. He stepped out of the shower and dried off before wrapping the towel around his waist. He glanced at the mirror. It was covered in fog, hiding his likely red eyes from his own view. He sniffed and wiped any stray tears away. Harry opened the bathroom door just as Hermione appeared.

“Harry!”

Harry jumped as he suddenly found Hermione's arms tightly wrapped around him. “Hermione? What’s wrong?” He looked over her head to Hugo and Helena as they appeared from the stairwell.

“I thought you were gone,” Hermione cried. 

“No, Hermione, I’m here. I didn’t leave. I’m sorry.” He pulled back and cupped her face. “I’m sorry I just ran off with Remus last night. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I’m not upset,” she cried.

Harry nodded. “Okay. How about I get changed and then we can… read a book?”

Hermione frowned at him. “You want to read?”

“Sure.” He glanced at the Grangers again. 

“Come on, love,” Hugo said. “Let’s give Harry a moment.”

“I’ll wait.”

“Hermione-”

“I said I’ll wait!” she snapped.

“Okay,” Harry immediately agreed. “Give me a second.”

Harry entered the guest bedroom and left the door cracked while he got changed. He heard the sound of creaking as Hugo and Helena went back downstairs. Harry changed quickly, anxiety filling his chest at Hermione’s behaviour. It was so unlike her. He was starting to think they were really going to have to have a conversation about what she remembered.

When he exited the bedroom, Hermione was standing in the hallway alone. She was crying. Harry immediately went to her. He pulled her into his arms and held her against his chest. Hermione released a breath of relief. They were quiet for a long time.

“What happened?” Harry asked in a hushed voice.

“I’m just…” Hermione sniffled and cleared her throat. “I didn’t know where you were.”

Harry gently ran his hand down the back of her head. “You were napping, so I took a shower. Hermione?”

She looked up and revealed, “I had a bad dream.”

Harry felt the anxiety in his chest crawl up his throat. “Do you want to talk about it?”

She shook her head. “I don’t… I don’t remember anything about the past week. But I remember… the start. I can’t get it out of my head.” Her tears streamed down her cheeks. “I just- I needed you. That’s all I could think about. And now you’re the only person who makes it better.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he promised. “You’re safe now. He’s dead. He’s gone.”

Hermione released a harsh, angry laugh. “You forget I know about the Horcruxes.”

Harry wiped her tears away. “Yeah, well, it took him fourteen years to use one to come back to life last time. We’ll find and destroy the others before he ever gets the chance again.”

She looked up at him again. “Do you really think so?”

“I will never let anything happen to you. Come here.” He kissed her forehead and held her tight.

Hermione rested her head against his chest again. “Are we going to read a book now?”

“Whatever you want.”

“We could watch a movie? It’s a better two-person activity.”

“I’m not sure I’ve ever watched a movie before.”

Hermione was quiet for a moment. “Well, we’re definitely doing that then. Come on.”

<>

“Dr. Granger?”

“Yes, Harry?”

“Could I have a minute of your time, sir?”

Hugo looked up from his book. He peered at Harry over his reading glasses for a moment before taking them off entirely. 

“Certainly. What can I do for you?”

Harry shifted on his feet for a moment and then sat down on the edge of the couch. He cleared his throat. “I just- I guess I wondered what you thought of the situation.”

“The situation?”

“I'm an orphan, sir. I haven't got any parents to upset. None that are living, at least. Hermione and I are considering our options and I wondered what your opinion was. I don't want to cause any problems between you all.”

Hugo was silent as he thought that over. Harry’s knee bounced as he anxiously awaited an answer.

“Helena and I have very different opinions on the matter.”

“Okay?”

“She and I are similar to you and Hermione. We come from very different backgrounds. Helena was an orphan. She was never adopted. When we had Hermione, it meant the world to her. Not that Hermione doesn't mean so much to me, but I had a family. I have blood relatives. Hermione was Helena’s first. I know how much that means to her and I'm sure, to some extent, there's a similar feeling for you there.”

Harry swallowed thickly. “I hadn't really thought about it like that,” he replied. He was pretty sure he was going to think about it like that now though.

Hugo stared at him. “Then how are you thinking about it?” he asked gently.

“I've been thinking that Hermione is the most special person in the whole world to me and that means that any baby she had would probably be incredible. It wouldn't even matter if it wasn't mine, I'd still be here figuring it out and making these decisions with her.” Harry stared at his hands and swallowed thickly. “I just want what's best for her.”

“You’re a good person, Harry.”

Harry's head shot up at that. He stared at the older muggle man with wide eyes.

Hugo leaned forward. “And you also need to think about what's best for you .”

He stared at Hugo. “You don't want us to have the baby.”

“No. I think you're both very young and very bright. This would radically alter your entire life.”

Harry grinned. “See, that sounds wonderful.”

“And that's where you and Helena are very similar, Harry," Hugo said with a grin. "But a baby shouldn't be born because you think it will fix your life. Helena waited, despite her urgency and we went to dental school and we started our own practice. We've both accomplished many other goals we had. None of that would have been possible if we rushed into things.”

“Did you have a baby on the way? Or was it just an idea?”

“It was just an idea,” Hugo admitted.

“That's different.”

“It's very different,” he agreed. “But my point remains the same.”

Harry nodded. “I agree. My parents were about this age when they got pregnant with me. And that was in the middle of a war. I think there are a lot of reasons to have or not have this baby. Would you be mad about it?”

“Absolutely not," Hugo said without hesitation. "This isn’t- this isn’t exactly a case of you two being reckless teenagers. I have no reason to be mad at either of you and I’m not, Harry.” Hugo sat forward. “But there's a lot of trauma involved in this whole thing. Hermione might not want to keep the baby because of that. Will you be okay with that?”

Harry nodded. “I was the one who suggested she have an abortion.”

Hugo tilted his head. “From what I understand, you're also the one who suggested marriage.”

Harry felt his cheeks warm. He ran a hand through his hair. “Well, we're thinking about it from all angles. That’s how Hermione likes to process… even if we all know what she’s going to do.” He was quiet for a moment and then said, “You won’t be mad if she doesn’t keep it, will you?” 

Hugo stared at Harry for a long moment. “No, Harry. I will love and support her no matter what. Just like you.”

Harry swallowed. He nodded.

Hugo reached forward and squeezed Harry’s shoulder. “Regardless of what happens, you're always welcome here.”

“Thank you, sir. I'll remember that.”

There was a knock at the door. Harry leaned back and glanced through the window. 

“It's Bill!” he called into the house.

Hugo and Harry stood and went to the door together. Bill nodded in greeting and entered. 

Hermione was just exiting the kitchen as Harry asked, “Did you speak to the headmaster?”

“I did. The gates will be open to you both after dinner. You can go and talk to him then. Professor McGonagall will be there as well.”

Hermione nodded. “Good, that's good. Thank you, Bill.”

“Happy to help. Fleur said she would be by?”

“She’s in the kitchen with my mother. She brought croissants.”

“Come on in, then,” Hugo invited. 

“Do you have any other news?” Harry asked as they made their way into the kitchen.

“Yes, actually.” Bill smiled brightly when he saw Fleur. He kissed her in greeting. “Death Eaters are being rounded up all over the place.”

“It was in the paper,” Harry said with a nod. “Hermione has a subscription.”

Bill nodded. “Oh, good. Well, then I’m sure you’ve seen the news about mum.”

Harry grinned. “Yeah, she got her Order of Merlin.”

Hermione smiled. “Well deserved.”

Harry couldn’t argue with that.

“Mum and dad are gonna go on vacation in a few days to celebrate.”

Harry laughed. “They deserve one.”

“So things are… getting better?” Helena asked.

Bill nodded. “Things are clearing up. There are still Death Eaters at large, but they’re scattered and scared. Kingsley tells us they’ve got a pin on the last of them. Shouldn’t be much longer.”

“What about Snape?” Harry asked as he sat down at the table beside Hermione. “Remus told me Mrs. Weasley and Dobby would speak on his behalf?”

Bill nodded. “It’s scheduled for the end of the week. We don’t know if it’ll be enough, but we’re hoping it’ll help.”

Bill and Fleur left soon after and the Grangers sat with them at the table. 

“I guess… I guess we’ll have to make a decision soon,” Hermione said. She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

Harry stared at her. He swallowed visibly. “Yeah.”

“Hogwarts first,” Helena determined. “Let’s see what the headmaster has for you. ”

Hermione nodded and took a deep breath. “Yes, of course.” She raised her eyebrows at Harry. “And we can't make any decisions until you talk to your girlfriend.”

Hugo blinked widely. His head shot around to Harry. “You have a girlfriend?”

Harry made a face. “I did . We'll go to Hogwarts and talk to Dumbledore about your options and I can talk to Ginny while we're there.”

“What do you mean you did?” Hermione demanded.

Harry raised his eyebrows at her.

“Right," Hermione responded lamely. "But you didn't break up.”

“There wasn't exactly time for that. But I consider her trying to stop me from saving your life as an immediate break up, personally.”

Hermione blinked. “What?”

Harry released an angry breath and stood. He paced away from the table. 

“Harry?" Hermione demanded. "What’re you talking about?”

“She- she didn’t want me to help you," Harry reluctantly revealed.

Hermione’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh,” was all she said.

“Hermione…”

“Well, that’s between you and your girlfriend.” Hermione stood.

“Hermione-”

“-I’m going to lie down before dinner.”

Harry sighed. He shook his head. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“She probably would have found out regardless,” Hugo responded gently. “Was your girlfriend there?”

Harry nodded. “Dobby brought her to the Burrow. We were all trying to sort out what happened. And when we did …”

“Right.”

Helena rested a gentle hand on Harry’s shoulder. “I will speak to Hermione. And when you speak to your girlfriend, remember that one moment does not define an entire person.”

Harry nodded slowly. “I know that. But it does make me think of her differently.”

Helena tilted her head in agreement. She patted Harry’s shoulder and then moved past him to go speak to Hermione. Harry sighed heavily.

“Come on, Harry. I went to the store earlier and got some things for dinner. Can you cook?”

“I can, actually.”

<>

Hermione apparated them to Hogsmeade. They stood just outside the gates of Hogwarts together.

“I shouldn’t have said anything,” Harry said suddenly.

“Too late for that,” Hermione responded.

“It’s not as bad as it sounds.”

She looked over at him.

He winced. “Okay, it’s bad. But… I don’t know. She’s your friend.”

“Yeah, that’s why I’m upset. But I get it? I guess? Who wants their boyfriend to go have a week long shag-athon with another girl?

Harry’s eyes widened. “Did you just say shag-athon?”

Hermione ignored him and walked through the gates. She headed up the path to Hogwarts. Harry hurried after her.

“Hermione- Hermione, wait.”

“We have an appointment to keep, Harry.”

He grabbed her arm and gently pulled her to a stop. “What exactly do you think went on during the last week?”

She refused to meet his eyes. “I don’t think anything, Harry. I know .”

Harry's breath caught in his chest. He stared at her. "You remember now?”

“... No,” she admitted. “But I had Fleur bring me information on the potion. I know what the effects are. I know how I would have been. All wanton and desperate.”

“No! Hermione. That’s not what it was like."

She pursed her lips and looked away.

"Hermione. You were- you were crying . You were sobbing. Asking me to help you. It wasn’t… sexy or romantic or some weird fantasy. You were in pain.”

Hermione crossed her arms over her chest. She didn’t say anything.

“You got better. As your fever lowered and you started to come out of it through the week, it wasn’t as bad. But it wasn’t that .”

“Then what was it? Later on when I got better?”

“Intimate," Harry responded.

Hermione’s cheeks turned pink. Harry felt his stomach twist. He was pretty sure it would take a long time before he stopped panicking at the sight of her blushing. 

“I can give you my memories of the later stuff… if you want.”

She finally met his gaze. “You would do that?”

“They’re your experiences too.”

“Just the later stuff?” she questioned.

“If you really want to see it all, we can talk about it… but maybe not right now.”

“Right. Okay.” She tilted her head towards the school and they began walking again. 

After a moment, Harry reached out and took Hermione’s hand. She shot him a weak smile. 

Harry dropped Hermione off at the headmaster’s office. He left only once Hermione assured him that she felt safe in Professor McGonagall’s hands. 

He turned and headed for Gryffindor Tower. The halls weren’t that busy, but he made sure to keep to the side hallways and out of the main stairwells to avoid running into too many people.

He made it to the portrait hole just as a few Gryffindor third years were leaving. Harry climbed through and into the common room. Neville was just passing by the entrance and came to a stop.

“Harry?” Neville said and then everyone looked over.

“Harry!” voices exclaimed. 

Ron, Seamus, and Dean hurried up to him and Neville.

“Hey!”

“Are you back?”

“Someone said you were dying .”

Harry raised his eyebrows. “I’m not dying.  Christ, Seamus.”

“Well, clearly not. Where’s Hermione, then?”

“With the headmaster.”

“Everything alright, then?” Ron asked.

Harry nodded. “Yeah. Ginny around?”

Ron raised his eyebrows. Seamus stepped back. “Oi!” he called. “Ginny! Your boyfriend wants to talk to you.”

Harry clenched his jaw.

Neville clapped his back as he, Dean, and Seamus headed towards the fireplace. 

“How is she?” Ron asked quietly.

“Adjusting. She’s… upset a lot.”

“Can’t blame her, having to see your pasty arse.”

Harry released a shocked laugh. “Not mad at me?”

Ron made a face. “Nah, mate. I got over it.”

“Okay," Harry responded, relieved.

Ginny joined them, arms across her chest. “Harry.”

“Hey.” He nodded his head to the portrait hole. “Let’s talk.”

Ginny eyed him critically. She nodded and led the way. Harry shared one parting look with Ron and then followed after his girlfriend.

They headed down the hall and turned into a more secluded passage. Ginny came to a stop and turned to face Harry. They stared at each other for a long moment. Neither said a word.

“I don't blame you,” Ginny blurted out. “I get it. And I'm glad you ignored me. If anything happened to her, I'd never forgive myself. But I just-” she stopped and looked away.

“Go on.”

Ginny met his gaze. She took a deep breath. “I can't help feeling betrayed. And I don't think I can get past it any time soon.”

Harry nodded. “I figured.”

“It was supposed to be us. I wanted our first time to be together.”

He shook his head. “It's not exactly how I imagined it for myself either, Ginny. What was I supposed to do?”

“No. I know that. I just- I'm in love with you. I have been for years .”

Harry swallowed thickly. He looked down. No words came to him. He felt his mind turn blank. His heart began racing and his hands were clammy. 

What was he supposed to say?

No one had ever told him they loved him before.

“You don't have any response to that?” she cried. 

Harry's mouth opened but no words came out. He felt even less sure at the sight of Ginny’s tears. He felt uncomfortable. He felt bad that he was the reason she was upset, but he didn't want to pull her close the way he always did with Hermione. Harry had been noticing a lot of differences between his interactions with Hermione and his interactions with Ginny. He was still sorting out what it all meant.

“Well,” she cried and wiped her tears away, “I guess that answers that.”

“You matter to me,” he responded weakly.

“I’ll never matter as much as her, will I?” Harry opened his mouth but Ginny cut him off as she raised her hand. “Don’t answer that.” She wiped her tears away again and cleared her throat. “Are you two coming back now?”

“Uh, figuring out if it's an option.”

Ginny’s brows creased. “What do you mean? Is she keeping it?”

Harry shrugged and shook his head. “We haven't decided yet.”

Ginny narrowed her eyes. “And what happens if you keep it?”

“That’s what we’re trying to figure out.”

Ginny clenched her jaw. “You’re trying to figure out if you’ll be together. That’s why you’re here. You’re trying to see if there’s anything worth salvaging here before you decide to jump ship and be with Hermione.”

Harry frowned, confused. He shook his head. “No, I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t matter what’s here.”

“It doesn’t matter? " Ginny steamed. "I just told you I loved you and you’re telling me it doesn’t matter ? Fuck you!”

“Ginny-”

“-You saved Hermione. Your part is over. Step the fuck back.”

“That's not true and you know it. I am going to do what Hermione wants. If she wants to keep the baby, I will marry her. If she doesn’t, I will stand by her.”

“Marry her?” Ginny exclaimed. “If she wants to keep the fucking thing that’s on her!”

“Hey!” Harry stepped forward angrily. “That fucking thing is my child .”

“Do you even want it?” she demanded.

“I’m also still figuring that out,” Harry replied honestly.

“Well, don’t marry her!" She gestured. "Figure it out, but don’t let the adults or Hermione push you into marriage.”

“They aren’t. Ginny, no one is pressuring us." He swallowed and revealed, "I’m the one who suggested marriage.”

Ginny looked like he'd slapped her. He felt rather like he had.

Harry swallowed and said. “If we keep the baby, I want us to be married.”

Ginny swallowed visibly. “You came here to break up with me.”

“I thought that’s what you did at the start of this conversation?”

“No, Harry. That wasn’t a fucking break up. That was me talking about how you hurt me and I need time to get over it.”

Harry took a deep breath to calm himself down. “I’m sorry.”

Ginny glared at him. “She really does mean more to you than anyone else, doesn’t she?”

Harry met Ginny’s eyes resolutely. “I’ve never tried to hide that.”

“I think we’re done here. In more ways than one.”

“Yeah, I think so. Just be nice, okay? If Hermione comes back, please be nice.”

“Of course I’ll be nice," she returned sharply. "She’s family.”

Harry felt his anger stir in his chest. “Yeah, well she wasn’t family when you told me to let her die.”

“Fuck you, Harry,” Ginny snapped. “I’ll be nice to Hermione, but you stay the fuck away from me or I’ll hex the shit out of you.” 

Ginny stormed past him. He let her go. He had no desire to stop her. He knew it would just result in a larger fight. Harry raised a hand to his face and took a deep breath. 

What a fucking mess.

Harry headed back to the headmaster’s office and up past the gargoyle. Hermione was speaking excitedly with Professor McGonagall and the headmaster. He swallowed down any lingering anger he had about his fight with Ginny and took a seat next to Hermione.

“This looks promising.”

“I can take almost all of my NEWTs this year,” Hermione enthused. “The only one I will have to defer would be my Potions NEWT, since I can’t brew while pregnant. And there’s a cloak we could get and I would just have to wear it when I’m in the halls and in class.”

“No participation in DADA, but you’d still be able to practise the spells on your own and take the NEWT,” Professor Dumbledore explained.

Hermione nodded. “Right.”

Harry nodded along.

“It’s a much better option than I was expecting,” Hermione admitted. “I mean, I still wouldn’t come back next year. I’d be done. And that means I wouldn’t be up for Head Girl because of my… condition. I’d give birth partway through seventh year if I returned, so it seems sort of pointless to come back for it anyway.” 

Harry nodded slowly. “This is great. Could I also graduate early?”

Professor Dumbledore didn’t look pleased at the question. Harry turned to Professor McGonagall instead.

“You can only take NEWTs at certain times during the year in Britain and only after you turn seventeen," their head of house explained. "You would take your NEWTs at the same time as if you were attending seventh year, which I would advise you to do. Independent study is difficult and if you don’t mind me saying, Mr. Potter, not exactly your strength.”

“Well, if we do this, I’m not abandoning Hermione and the baby.”

“I’d be with my parents,” Hermione reminded him.

He turned to her. “I want to be there. I want to be involved. It’s my baby too. I don’t want it to ever feel like I’m not there.”

Hermione’s face softened. “It’s just an option.”

Harry nodded. “I know. And my option, if we went this way, would be to stay with you and the baby.”

“That’s admirable, Mr. Potter,” Professor McGonagall calmly stated, “but it would be greatly to the benefit of yours and your family’s future to get your NEWTs at the best level possible. I do believe you need another year of tuition here. You won’t be able to become an Auror if your grades are too low. Your options will be limited.”

“I understand, Professor. Thank you.” He turned to Hermione. “Anything else?”

She shook her head.

“Thank you for your time.”

“A word, Mr. Potter?” Professor Dumbledore asked.

Harry raised an eyebrow at the headmaster. “Perhaps another time, Professor. When we come back to school.” 

If we come back to school, went unsaid amongst the office.

Professor Dumbledore hesitated. He nodded once. “Of course.”

Harry took Hermione’s hand and they headed out of the castle.

“How did it go with Ginny?” Hermione asked as they made their way towards the gates of Hogwarts.

“She told me she loves me. That she's in love with me.”

Hermione's eyes widened. “And?”

He shrugged. 

“Do you not love her back?” Hermione asked curiously.

“I don't know. No one- no one's ever told me that before. No one has ever loved me.”

“Harry, you must know that's not true? Sirius loved you. Remus loves you. I love you.”

Harry looked down at her with wide eyes. She smiled and leaned into him.

“It's true. You were my first friend. I love you dearly, Harry. You're one of the most important people in the world to me. And I know you're not comfortable saying it back, that's okay. I didn't think you'd feel comfortable hearing it, so I've never said. Maybe that's why I like this so much.”

“What?”

She squeezed his hand. “You're so physically affectionate with me now. I like the way you reach out to me and touch me and... kiss me. I feel safe in your arms.”

“You are. You're… everything, Hermione.”

She looked up, eyes wide. Hermione stretched up and kissed him. Harry gently cradled her face in his hands. She pulled back after a moment and tucked herself into his side. Harry pulled her close. They continued walking down the path to the gates.

“So, I suppose it didn’t go well with Ginny?” she guessed.

“We broke up.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I was going to do it," he revealed, "even if she didn’t.”

“I know. Because of me?” Hermione asked quietly.

Harry didn’t respond as he thought about that. “Because of a lot of things. And in the end, because neither of us are going to be able to get past the fact of what happened. That’s not really your fault.”

“Isn’t it?”

“No. I’m angry about Ginny’s reaction to it all. And she’s angry about my response and decision. You’re not involved in either of those things. It’s not your fault.”

As they passed the gates, Harry turned to her.

“What're you grinning for?”

“I got our test scores back from Binns.”

Harry frowned. “What?”

“Do you not remember our bet?”

He shook his head. “I’ve been a bit preoccupied.”

“Yes, well, I don’t like loose ends.”

Harry rolled his eyes as he grinned. “You mean you don’t like losing. And I take it by that grin on your face that you won?”

Hermione nodded happily.

“What was it you won again? An IOU? What do I owe you, then?”

She shook her head as she smiled. “I haven't decided. Nice to have an IOU from Harry Potter though.”

“Is it?” he asked, laughter in his voice.

She nodded. “Come on. We should head home.”

“Actually, I was thinking we should go to Gringotts.”

“What for?”

He shrugged. “We’ve got pretty much all the information we need to make a decision now. I’m just worried about money.”

“My parents are happy to support us for a bit. My mother told me so.”

Harry nodded slowly. “She wants us to have the baby.”

“She doesn’t want it," Hermione corrected. "But she’s supportive.”

“I’ve heard that babies are expensive though. That’s a thing, right?" At Hermione's nod, Harry continued, "While it’s nice to have your parents’ support, I do want to make sure that we won’t be stressed for the rest of our lives. You know, if we do this.”

“Okay. Let’s go.”

<>

Harry lied in the grass the next day as he stared up at the grey sky above. 

Hermione’s steps were loud in the grass as she walked across the backyard to his side. She sat down by his head. “Are you okay?”

“I’m still processing.”

“That you’re richer than the Queen?”

“I’m not richer than the Queen .”

“Maybe not as a Potter. But with Sirius’ inheritance? Sort of.”

Harry raised his hands to his face. “I own a castle.”

“When you turn seventeen. And a town. Two, apparently. I’ve been reading the file. Sorry.”

He waved his hand. “What’s mine is yours.”

Hermione’s lips curled in a soft smile. She reached out and threaded her fingers through his fringe. “Are we doing this?”

He sighed and turned to look at her. She looked better now that they had so much more information at their disposal. Her eyes were brighter and her face wasn’t so pale. He was making sure she ate and took her potions. The look on Bill's face when he told Harry they were square on the money made a lot more sense now.

“Remus said we’re considering keeping it a lot. That we should consider the other half of it all. Your dad basically said the same.”

“Right. That makes sense. I guess…" Hermione looked up as she thought about it. "I guess if we didn’t do it… we’d go back to school. I’d be Head Girl.”

“Oh, you would, would you?” he teased.

“Yes,” she replied with a little wrinkle of her nose. “You’d finish seventh year too. You could be an Auror. I’d… figure out whatever the hell I’m doing.”

He grinned as turned back to look at the sky. “Helping people.”

She smiled. “Helping people. Making a difference. Maybe I’ll use your galleons to create a charity.”

“Go for it.” He shrugged.

“I think I want to have your baby,” she revealed in a soft voice.

Harry blinked. He turned to her. He felt his heart race in his chest. His fingers twitched with the desire to pull her into his arms.

“It’s stupid," she whispered. "It’s objectively smarter for us to not have this baby. But I can’t help but want it. And the idea of getting to have you all to myself for the rest of my life…" She swallowed and looked down. "I guess I’m selfish. But I’ve really enjoyed cuddling with you, watching you sit with my parents in the morning for breakfast, and making dinner together. You fit so well here. And I love you and I don’t want to lose you.”

“You would never lose me,” he assured her as he reached out to her. His fingers touched her cheek. She leaned forward and rested her head against his chest. Harry carded his fingers through her hair.

“I know. But I’ve realised I’m also a little scared whenever you’re not with me.”

“I don’t know if having a baby will help that.”

“I think it’s a separate issue,” she agreed quietly. She played with the collar of his shirt. “I don't want to prevent you from becoming an Auror.”

“Hermione, the moment we started talking about options, I knew I didn't want to be an Auror anymore.”

She sat up so she could see him better. “But your father?”

“My father was an Auror," he agreed. "He also had me at like nineteen and died at twenty-one.”

“That was because of You-Know-Who . Not being an Auror.”

Harry met her gaze. “I don't want to do something that could take me away from you and the baby. I want it to have a family. I want it to be loved.”

Hermione’s eyes filled with tears. She shook her head. “Then maybe… maybe we should listen to all the adults and not do this. I don't want you to resent me for this.”

Harry sat up. “Hermione, I could never resent you. I don't know if I'm gonna be an Auror, okay? Voldemort is gone and I- I feel good for the first time in a long time. I like it here. Your home and your family are so warm and so welcoming.”

“We're not the Weasleys.”

“I didn't say you were. And you don't have to be. I'm just trying to say that you've shown me a different life here and I like it a lot. And your father has promised me that we don't have to have the baby to keep that life – and I believe him.” He took a breath. “I guess what I'm trying to say is that if the only reason you don't want to have this baby is because I want to be an Auror, I need you to know that I am so much more sure about you and this baby than I am about one day maybe being an Auror.” 

Hermione stared at him with wide eyes. She didn't dare speak. Harry raised his hand and cupped the side of her face.

“I want you to have my baby.”

Hermione’s eyes fell shut as she released a heavy sigh. After a moment, she opened her eyes again. “We could do it again. Years from now. It doesn’t have to be this baby.”

“I agree. But I am pretty set on you having my baby at some point. I think, even if we don't do this now, I'm still going to try to get you to marry me.”

Hermione blushed. “What?” 

He nodded. “I got a ring from my vault while we were at Gringotts.”

Hermione's eyes glittered with unshed tears. “Show me.”

Harry's lips twitched. “Are you saying yes?”

She narrowed her eyes. “Are you asking?”

He shrugged. “I thought maybe I'd wait. Surprise you.”

“Show me the ring,” she demanded.

He laughed and dug a little box out of his pocket. He opened it for her.

Hermione sighed at the sight of the ruby surrounded by diamonds. “Oh, Harry. It's beautiful.”

“I don't know who in the family it belonged to first. But I saw it and I knew it should belong to you next.”

He kissed her forehead and Hermione looked up from the dazzling ring. 

“You're right, you know?" he told her. "It doesn't need to be this baby. It’s the smarter move. That's what we should do.”

“Yeah.”

Harry stared at her and she stared back. The ring glittered in the afternoon sunlight between them. 

“We’re not gonna do that, are we?”

“I don’t want to,” she admitted quietly.

A breeze swept through. The leaves fluttered above. Hermione took the ring out of the box and slipped it on. She looked up at him, expectant and hesitant. 

Harry closed the short distance between them and pressed a chaste kiss to her lips. Hermione curled her fingers into his jumper.

He pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. “Do you want to get married before or after the baby?” he asked softly.

“Before.”

He nodded and leaned back. “Okay. We’ll let Mrs. Weasley plan it.”

Hermione grinned. “She’d love that.”

Harry grinned. “It’ll soften the blow that we’re not gonna marry her kids.”

She shook her head. “She won’t care. She killed him for me. I think she’s made it very clear how much she thinks of us as family.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

Hermione glanced at her ring and then up at Harry again. She smiled sweetly. “Want to bake a cake to celebrate?”

Harry tilted his head consideringly. “Can you bake a cake?”

“It can’t be that hard.”

As they soon found out, it was very hard.

The End