Summer Writing Series Challenge (June 23)
Challenge: Harry and Hermione look back on their fondest memories.
Title: The Final Truth
Word Count: 1,012
The storm that had begun two days ago was still raging against the bitter, chilling wind. Thunder argued in a continuing effort to deafen those within earshot and sheets of electric light rippled across the heavens seemingly scoffing at its tame cousin peering out the windows of the small cottage that was currently engulfed in the uncanny deluge. The occupants of this small cottage were seeming ants in a hill of earth, trying to keep themselves warm in the comfort of their large bed. A sweltering fire was dancing merrily in the fireplace, giving the room a look of tribal fervor. There were two faces watching the entrancing flames, content to be together, yet fighting off the invasive wisps of frigid, early spring air.
There was movement upon the walls as their collected memories danced, waved, laughed, and other happy movements that were caught at the miniscule instances of time the camera flashed. Eyes flickered to several of these wizarding photographs and a dry chuckle issued into the near darkness. It was difficult to tell who had shown their mirth since the wizarding couple were both sharing their fondness of each moment in time.
Harry Potter took the hand of his wife and stroked it gently. "Do you remember our first kiss, Love?" He asked quietly. Her eyes flickered to his and smile crept to her face.
"Like it was yesterday." She said softly.
With a slight bit of concentration, they looked into each others eyes and as if they were sitting casually in a muggle cinema, the curtains of their minds opened and the moving images of their first kiss flickered to life in their inner eye. Sitting on a park bench after their first date, the two were enjoying the stars and the sweet fragrances of the many flowers that were planted around them. Somehow Harry had lifted Hermione into his lap and with hearts seemingly beating as fast as the flashes from a strobe light, the young couple inched together in slow motion as the world around them ceased to exist. Their lips met and all their hopes and dreams were confirmed.
As they pulled apart, seemingly endless years afterwards, it was to a roaring crowd. Their friends and family were giving them a standing ovation as the minister announced the latest couple to enter the bliss of marriage. Harry looked lovingly at his new wife, wrapped in alabaster, and covered in happiness. They stepped from the stage and walked hand-in-hand down the central aisle smiling joyously at each and every guest in attendance.
They crossed the threshold of the church into a panicked operating room where Hermione had gone from smile to grimace in an instant. Harry was holding her hand tightly as she was urged to push one final time. Their hearts leapt to heaven when the first cry of their oldest daughter rang out in protest. The small, dark-haired bundle was gently laid in Hermione's trembling arms, tears streaking her face as she kissed her daughter for the first time.
"Hello, Lily." She rasped weakly. "I've been waiting to meet you." Reluctantly, she handed the exhausted child to Harry whose face was glistening at the sight. Harry cradled her in his arms as if she were made of the most delicate porcelain.
"My sweet, sweet baby." He whispered as his voice cracked with emotion. "You are going to be loved more than you can know." He sat on the side of the bed next to his wife and kissed her ever so tenderly. "Thank you." He said simply as she beamed sleepily at him.
Harry shifted his daughter to his hip after walking into the hospital room once again. Hermione was lying on the bed holding identical, blue-wrapped babies, tears dancing happily down her cheeks.
"Say hello to your brothers, Sweets." Harry said as his voice broke once again. "They've been wanting to meet you for so long."
"They're really little, Mummy." Lily said with wide eyes.
"Alex, Rubeus, this is your big sister." Hermione said with a laugh as Lily compared their tiny hands to hers.
"Can we keep them, Daddy?" The little girl asked with a wide smile to which both her parents burst into laughter. Harry slipped into the bed next to his wife, smiling proudly at his growing family. They had fallen asleep at one point, but were suddenly roused by a high-pitched squeal and the impact of an eleven year-old girl.
"I'VE GOT MY LETTER!" She screamed with happiness. "I'M GOING TO HOGWARTS!" Lily jumped happily on the bed between her laughing and congratulating mother and father. They looked at one another, silently communicating their happiness when they got theirs and the joy of seeing their daughter with hers.
They were soon walking through the barrier at platform nine and three-quarters with Alex, Rubeus, Arthur, and Marion in tow. Lily was hugging her boyfriend and everyone but Arthur was stowing their trunks on the Express.
"No more trouble you two!" Hermione wagged a finger at the twins. Harry grinned as he hugged his youngest daughter before she darted off to find her best friend. Lily hugged her parents before she and Nathaniel joined the other three Potters on their way to school.
They turned to leave and Harry smiled down the aisle at his wife. The same music they had heard when Hermione and her father were gliding blissfully towards him was floating on the air. A trembling Lily was on his arm, a wide smile that never faltered splayed across her beautiful face. Nathan smiled lovingly at her as Harry offered his daughter to the young man. "You better take good care of my baby." He whispered with a smile, then, lifting her veil kissed her gently. "I love you, Lily." He said as a tear of joy slipped down his cheek.
Harry glanced up when he heard the tell-tale rattling breath that he so dreaded. With tears in his eyes, he leaned over and whispered to his dying wife with a tender kiss, "See you in a minute, Love."