Disclaimer: Last I checked, my name wasn't J.K Rowling.
Well here it is. After this chapter, things will start to get more action packed. In the future, you will see a lot more Blaise and a stronger side of Hermione. Also would anyone out there like to be my beta reader for grammar checks? The two I had seem to disappear. Just email me at scarlet_emma@hotmail.com if you do. Anyway hope you enjoy this one and hope to hear your responses. Thanks for reading!
The Middle of Understanding
Chapter 13
Birth and the Unknown Man
"My mom use to say, being alone with to many thoughts could lead to a serious problem." My dad sat besides me in the cold waiting room. I blinked away from the peach Hospital wall to see his concerned face. He sighed not knowing what else to say to my sulky manner. Then like any father, he shifted over extending his arms towards me. Automatically I snuggled into his fatherly embrace.
I closed my eyes picturing that I was 5 again. I was still his little sunshine and he was still the comforting hero. He still smelled of peppermint and dried toothpaste. His hands were large yet lean and long. I nuzzled closer in to his chest while his grip was guarding and possessive.
What felt like years of reminiscence only occurred in a few passing minutes. The silence wasn't new but the shaking was never experienced. I arched my neck to see him crying freely. I had only seen him cry once in my life, which was a long time ago.
My mother had been pregnant before but almost lost her life to the miscarriage. Yes I had a younger brother before. I was only 3 so the memory is a bit blurry. I just remember him crying and screaming out. "Only two more months and I could have held you safely." An irritated patient had accidentally pushed my mom down the stairs causing her to lose the baby. We usually visit him whenever we have the chance. Douglas Patrick Jr. would have been 12 now. I guess that's why they were so nervous to have another child. They didn't want to lose this one like his older brother. It's difficult to imagine if he was still alive today. Would he be a normal muggle? Would he be magical as well? Maybe I would have had a Quidditch star in my family.
Feeling the fresh tears in my hair, I moved back to wipe them away from his face. My action only made him cry harder into my hands. Why are you crying Daddy? You're always the carefree and strong one? You're going to have a son again. Don't cry.
"Daddy?" I murmured out, kissing his forehead. He slowly regained his composure and breathed normally.
"I'm sorry. I came here to help you but in return you did that for me." He lifted his hand to wipe away the dry tears.
"I was just thinking to myself."
"No you sat there looking so much older. You sat there and I wondered where my baby girl went. You hugged me like you use too and I didn't realize how much I needed to be your daddy again." He moved his left hand and leaned his head against it. "Sunshine, I'm going to be a father again."
"Dad you already are one." My eyebrows wrinkled in confusion.
"I know. It's just that you do not depend on me anymore. I'm not you entire world. You have a life outside of me."
"Dad you will always be apart of my world. But I do understand what you mean." I smiled with affinity.
"I guess the idea amazes me again. I mean I get another chance to hear someone call me daddy. I can see my son fall, talk, cry, and laugh. I will see him grow up exactly like you and wonder how on earth I was blessed with this." He reached out and cupped my chin. How was I blessed to have him as a father? I opened my mouth to speak when he quickly covered my lips. "I'm also sad because now you officially don't need me. I'll always be your father. I'll always be there to worry and love. But you have someone else who you need as much as he does. I was crying because I'm going to have one child who needs me while the other needs someone else. I lose one and get another. Ironic how the world works isn't it?"
"Doug, Hermy where is she?" Sophia asked abruptly standing before us in an overly expensive sparkling gown.
"Room 153, turn left at the corner." My dad pointed with his right hand. "Where is Elizabeth?"
"She is telling her date to leave but they are arguing about it now. Honestly that man is as stubborn as a mule. Our best friend is in labor and he still wants to go to the New Year's bash." Sophia brushed away a loose strand from her face.
"Men are stubborn." Especially one named Harry Potter.
"Sophy where is she?" Elizabeth appeared flustered and angry. Her usual perky smile was masked behind pure annoyance. She actually has negative emotions. Noticing our presence, she returned to her normal smile with a hint of force. "Doug, Hermy how are you feeling?"
"Good," we both replied tiredly.
"Smashing as always. Well come on Sophy, I want to see Vicky." She tugged on her sister's arm.
"Lizzy loosen your grip! I am not Herald." The both turned left to visit my already suffering mother. I hope my mom doesn't explode with them in there. Wait a second…that would be great to see.
"In another hour and half, it'll be a New Year. Do you think I have to wait that long for me to hold my son?" Dad returned to gaze at me.
"Probably…I mean it does take hours before the actually delivery. But I know what we can do until then." I started to crawl closer to him.
"Oh and what would that be great daughter of mine?"
"I can snuggle with my daddy without sharing you with anyone else." I stared starry eyed at a man I knew as my father. "Let me be your little girl one last time?"
"Baby you'll always be my little girl. And you never have to ask to be held in my arms." Again I returned into his arms savoring the moment of being his only child one last time.
I woke hearing giggling and the smell of very expensive perfume. Rubbing my eyes, I realized I had fallen asleep on the sofa with a handmade shawl over my shoulders. Looking across the waiting area, I saw the Jones sisters flirting madly with Winston. Surprisingly he didn't shrug away from the attention. I didn't blame him though. Even with their overly enthusiastic personalities, it was hard not to notice how enchanting they were.
Sensing my awaken state, they inched apart from their obvious advance on Winston. He started to blush and I tired to hide a smirk. Well at least I know he still is the shy man I have known all these years.
"The sleeping beauty awakes from her slumber." Winston greeted sipping his tea.
"What time is it?" I returned the shawl to Sophia with a genuine smile.
"6:30 in the morning. You should sleep more." Elizabeth stood stretching her tired limbs.
"I think I'll go check on mom." I stood up from the sofa.
"Your dad just went in," Sophia replied helpfully.
"Thanks." I started to walk away when I paused. Since my return home, my feelings towards the Jones sisters were still exactly the same. Yet their dramatic attitudes didn't bother me as much, seeing my mom laugh whenever they were around. They helped her with anything and everything. And deep down in my heart, I couldn't really say they were annoying. How superficial can someone be if they notice the smallest details about someone you love? They looked up from my sudden posture and wondered what was wrong. "I really meant that. Thank you for being here for my parents. They really are lucky to have friends like you."
Then I quickly left leaving them with their own thoughts. I know I had never been a fan of the twins. But you have to admit; not many people drop everything in their life for painstaking hours. What is the world coming too? Next I'll be having girl talk with my roommates. I shivered from the thought. Now that will definitely not happen.
I entered into the room to see my dad laying his head on the bed. He was staring contentedly at my mother's face. While she had one hand running through his hair and the other rubbing her stomach. They were humming a soothing tune, which I had heard many times as a child. Closing the door, they looked towards me with enamored grins. How can they look so beautiful with only a few hours of sleep?
"How do you do it?" I stepped towards the bed.
"Do what Nene?" My mom innocently asked.
"Be so in love, even through all these years."
"Sunshine that's what love is. Enduring through all the years of heartache and pleasure."
"It's not easy. But once you find it, it doesn't seem to hard to handle." They finished each other's sentence without a wink of an eye. I smiled and sat on the bed. While my father moved up and sat next to my mother.
"I think we should discuss his name." My mom suddenly said out loud.
"Good idea! Where's the list?" My dad rummaged through her black leather purse. "Here it is." He paused glancing over the writing. "We are not naming him Lysander."
"Why not?" My mom pouted at her decision.
"We already named Hermione from Shakespeare. I'm not doing it again with my son." Dad huffed slightly annoyed.
"Well we're not naming him Churchhill either." I laughed at my mom's frustrated expression.
"I like Churchill honey. I mean he was a great man in our history."
"Our son will not be named Churchill Douglas Granger. What am I suppose to say for a nickname? Church or Hill? I rather not, thank you very much!"
"Do you think Lysander would be any better. I could never picturing myself calling him Ly or Sander." Their bicker continued on down the list and I sat with amusement at the scene. They went through a variety of names when they glanced at the last one.
"Did you put that name down?" My mom asked my dad.
"No I didn't"
"I did." I sheepishly replied. "I know it's not a popular name. It's not even English but I love the way it sounds. And don't you think the name carries mystery and intelligent. When I say it out loud, I think it describes who a Granger is." They were awfully quiet which I assumed was they're thinking of how to turn me down.
"I like it!" Dad folded the paper away.
"Me too," my mom smiled gleefully. "Dante Douglas Granger." She voice became very soft.
"Our son." Dad looked over at my mom with love shining through.
"We can call him DD for short." I teased playfully at the idea. They didn't reply but their smiled carried a very mischievous aura.
"Oh dear lord, my water just broke!" And with that said, metal chaos broke through everyone's mind. My mom was then rushed off to the delivery room with my dad faithfully following behind. Winston calmly sat waiting but I saw him gently check his pulse every few minutes. The Jones sisters were twitching like frogs being poked by little boys. If I weren't so nervous, I would have been laughing frantically. Uncle Drew and Aunt Rosemary had just arrived from the earliest train in from Paris. They had worn out face expressing little sleep but they had grins a mile wide. Various other friends paced the hallway, while chanting amiably about life in general. I sat there quietly wondering if this day would ever come.
Then at 10:42 am on January 1, 1996, Dante Douglas Granger was greeted into this world after 14 gruesome hours of anticipation. I'm finally a sister. Someone who will look up to me for help and advice. Someone who will always carry the same blood and heritage as me.
Suddenly I found myself standing in front of the hospital room with them inside. Half of visitors were inside while the other in the hallway. I wanted to step inside but part of me held back. What if he doesn't like me? What if he turns into a major brat? What if he thinks I'm weird for being a witch? What if I never love him?
Sensing my anxiety, Uncle Drew guided me into the cheerful and noisy room. Every clamor, action, and thought tuned out my head, when I saw them comfortably sitting there. My dad had his arm proudly around my mother's shoulder. His other hand gently caressed the baby's fragile head. My mom was carrying him with love glowing brightly around her. Her head was tilted brushing against my father's chest. I sucked in a choking croak from the awe of picture perfect. I had never seen anything more siren in my life. I walked closer; noticing everyone had ended their conversations to stare at me. I stepped besides my dad, while only staring at him. He is so small. Was I ever that size? My mom carefully moved and held the baby out towards my arms. Apprehensively I took him in to my arms in wonder. He opened his tiny blue eyes and stared directly at me. Then all the doubts and worries flew out of my mind. My baby brother…Dante. I had never experienced love at first sight until now.
"Send me millions of pictures mom. I don't want to miss a single thing Dante does." I repeated again as we arrived near the Hogwarts Express.
"I will Nene." My mom answered gently holding Dante in her arms.
"Sunshine remember to send us a letter about Harry. We want to hear that everything is all right." Dad pushed the cart towards me, so I could take the bar.
"I will the minute I see him." I tried to conceal my very stressed expression.
"Don't worry Nene. I'm sure he is fine." My mom reassured again. "Well give me one last hug." I embraced her cautiously trying not to wake my brother.
"Bye mom. Bye little guy." I placed a small kiss on Dante's squishy forehead.
"Becareful Sunshine. I rather not want to hear about you being petrified or turned into an animal again." He opened his arms towards me.
"I'll try not to repeat that." I hugged him one last time. Then I headed towards the barrier shouting out, "love you, always will and never half way!" I lost sight of my family and into the chaotic atmosphere of magic. Younger children were being fussed over while older students conversed with friends. I strolled along with my belongings, looking for a familiar face. Sadly I stumbled upon the last person I wanted to see.
"Granger I see you have returned to your original roots. When you're always one way, you can never change the fact of it." Malfoy taunted smugly with his goons standing behind him.
"Why Malfoy I didn't know you cared so much for my appearance? I must say I am quite proud of who I am. Are you?" I scoffed back at him.
"Of course I am. I am a Malfoy!" he arrogantly replied with his bodyguards nodding.
"Yes the great pureblood Malfoys. Your one of the oldest and richest family in the magic community." I started to notice people forming a circle around us.
"What is your point Granger? Or are you just stating the pure fact again?" He rolled his eyes in boredom.
"There really is no point. I'm just wondering what that name means outside magic society?"
"What does that have to do with anything?" Malfoy answered puzzled at my comment.
"Of course it does Malfoy. Do you really think there is no connection between muggles and wizards?" I shook my head in his ignorance.
"Granger I'm tired of this petty verbal exchange. So get to the main objective within this century." I ignored his statement and continued on.
"Malfoy in the magic community your powerful, rich, and famous. While I'm still new and making my own name." The crowd was fairly large now, wondering at my point as well.
"And you're point is?" His voice barked out.
"While you have this status, I still carry my muggle representation. My family is well known with money, respect, and influence. And do you want to know why I'm so happy about that?" I innocently asked.
"Do tell?" Malfoy's voice was dripping with sarcasm.
"While you fiddle around forever in your own little impudent circle, I'll be gaining everything you have on both sides. That's why I'm so proud of myself Malfoy. Because I can make something out of myself with either side of the coin and you'll be stuck endless with one name and title." I challenged with an eyebrow raised waiting for a reply. My words slowly fused into their minds, and no one could answer back. Flipping my bushy hair with a brush from my hand, I walked away with pride spilling out of my skin. Got him!
"Quite a show Hermione! Prepare me next time when you're in the mood for another verbal massacre and I'll bring the popcorn." Blaise entered in to the compartment with her usual smirk.
"Actually I feel a little bad about it. I mean I have been so worried lately that he just got the end of it." I continued to pet Crookshanks, who sat comfortably on my lap.
"Don't be remorse. Malfoy is a spoiled nitwit who hasn't seen the real world yet. Besides I've been waiting for someone to wipe that aggravating smirk of his." She flopped onto the seat across from me.
"I take it New Years was as fun as always." I tired not to laugh at her frustrated expression.
"Hardly! There was the great Draco and his loyal baboons walking around like snotty kings. My favorite pretentious roommates bragging about what daddy got them for Christmas. And the most narcissistic stepmother, who wouldn't know how to survive without her own bloody mirror handy." Blaise vented out all in one amazing breath.
"Sounds like fun!" I replied sarcastically.
"Being a smart aleck doesn't suit you." She sighed. "I see you brought your cat again."
"Yes, we decided that it would be better for Dante. Besides my parents can owl me whenever they want with Nice." Crookshanks adjusted his body over towards the left.
"Come here you overly obese feline." Blaise cooed out towards him. Yet again he listened and jumped to her lap.
"I think you are the only person that can tease him and still have his attention."
"He respects honesty." She started to baby him. "Did you miss me? Oh you have gotten fatter. What are we going to do with you?" She smiled sweetly at Crookshanks. I shook my head back and forth. How can this overly cynical and blunt girl still have this unseen girlish attitude? The world works in funny ways.
"I can only help you if you talk outside of your head." Blasie looked up at me.
"Who said I was?" I gazed to see the moving scenery passing by.
"You were frowning and biting your lip. You only do that when you're thinking."
"You notice?"
She smirked again. "I have studied in the library enough with you to notice."
"I am scared to return to Hogwarts." I replied knowing she knew what I meant.
"Don't be. Harry is fine. He will be waiting like he always does in that overly white infirmary."
"But I don't know what to expect. Ron just told me to be prepared to see him changed. Can I handle what happened to him?" I started to cry again. Blaise quickly moved next to me.
"Hey…don't start the tears. You know it will not solve anything. Besides I think you have cried enough these past few weeks." She continued to hold me.
"I know. I know. But what if he's missing an arm? Or a leg? Or an eye? How can Ron just say be prepared and not say why?" I started shaking and lunged forward.
"Sh…" Blaise pulled me and I crashed into her lap. "Your Harry is going to be fine M. Ron maybe an insensitive git but he would tell you if it was worst."
"Really?" I blew my nose and rubbed my puffy eyes.
"Have I ever lied to you?"
"No," I hoarsely answered.
"I'm confident he is fine and you should be too." I sat up and stared into her unyielding blue eyes.
"You help me way too much. I really can be such a nuisances to you. I feel like I have not helped you enough as a friend." I took her hands carefully.
"Hermione anyone else in this world can say that but you! You're the only reason why I keep going on in this painstaking community." She tightened my grip showing me never to let go of her as well.
Blaise and I parted ways when we finally arrived at Hogwarts. I numbly followed Neville across the river, and listened to him talk about his Christmas with his Gram. It seemed like the water was extra thick and miles apart. I need to see him! Once we reached land, I sprinted off not caring how I looked to others. I entered in to the enormous castle to be greeted by Professor McGonegall.
"He's awake. I'll take you to see them." She gave a small but firm smile. I stood still frozen from her words. He's awake. He's really awake. Regaining my focus, I quickly followed her to the infirmary. Every step I took, I was wishing to arrive sooner. Finally those familiar white doors were seen straight down the hall. Not even realizing it, I started to run towards the destination. Forgetting all my other thoughts, I pushed inside.
In the far corner stood the whole Weasley clan, smiling gleefully about something just said. Opposite of them was a bandaged up Remus with Professor Figgs peeling an orange. Next to her was the Headmaster who had his hand on a familiar man's shoulder. Glancing over him, I saw that he had a broken arm and wide humorous grin. Is that? Wow he looks different. Sirius you finally look normal again. He had shaved his beard showing off his very handsome face. His black hair was still long but was held by a low ponytail. He looks healthier or at least he actually has eaten meals. Finally my eyes landed on a lone figure in front of the window near Ron. He appeared to be very muscular with wide broad shoulders. He looked to be in his 30s and had the rugged warrior appearance. His hair was glimmering black that was shining in the sun's reflection. This mystery man seemed to be older yet he carried this age of innocence. Maybe he hasn't seen much in this world. He could have been held captive like Harry was. I glanced remembering about Harry. Where is he? They said he would be here.
"Where is he?" I spoke so quietly I wasn't sure they heard me. Ron turned away from the stranger and opened his arms to greet me. I crashed into him allowing the much-needed support.
"Mione, he's all right. Did you get my last letter?"
"Yes, you told me to be prepared. Ron tell me where he is? You promised I would see him when I returned. Well I'm back! I want to see Harry." I started to cry again, helpless to this vulnerable side of myself.
"Mione you are seeing him." Ron guided me towards the window. "Because there he is." The strange figure turned around properly facing me. I saw his defined cheekbones and tight jaw. He had messy black hair and what looked like a lightening scar. And finally I saw those piecing green eyes, which only belonged to one person. It couldn't be!
We stood there only a few feet apart, letting the silence seclude us from everyone. I gasped then sighed. It couldn't be! It's just not possible. You never thought being a witch was possible either. I reached out and touched his face. He felt rough and worn, unlike my Harry who had smooth skin. I moved closer searching for the familiar warmth he always radiated. My Harry sent tingles with in eyesight. Desperately I embraced him around his slim but firm waist. My Harry wouldn't be so motionless towards me. But he smells like Harry. He feels like Harry. He looks at me like Harry.
I was shaking now, with confusion mucking in my mind. My sobs echoed in the room and I never felt so naked before. Slowly this man bent down, holding my left hand firmly. He moved his mouth to my ear and whispered out.
"Nene please don't ignore me. I could never handle that from you." Sweet Merlin what has happened to you?
"Oh Harry!" I shouted out and collapsed in to his arms.