Harry's Album

dumbles

Rating: R
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 09/08/2004
Last Updated: 24/08/2004
Status: completed

Harry has a special album that he's kept hidden from Hermione- an album full of memory's he's shared with her. One night, he finds he can't sleep and he allows himself to go back in time and relive the moments that made him love her so much. Re-rated. Final chapter uploaded 24/08.

Chapters

1. Part One

2. Part Two

3. Part Three

4. Part Four

5. Part Five

6. Part Six

7. The Day Hermione Caught A Fish

8. Part Eight

9. Part Nine

10. Part Ten

1. Part One

Harry’s Album: Part 1

Lying awake in the dark, Harry rolled over and checked the time on the glowing alarm clock. 3:07am. Cursing, he rolled back over and looked at the sleeping form of his wife.

His wife.

The words rolled off his tongue so easily. They’d been married for eighteen months now- it seemed like forever, yet seemed like it was only yesterday that they had met.

In the darkness, he could make out the outline of her body, including the small bump she carried so well. Nothing had changed Harry’s life so dramatically than the news that he was going to be a father. She was only five months and already Harry was so excited that he didn’t want to wait another day. Every day he came home from work with some new toy or book or just anything for the baby- Hermione was always telling him not to buy anything more, but he just couldn’t help himself.

Sighing heavily, he gave up on the idea of getting any more sleep. He only had to be up in two hours to go to work. Carefully, so as not to wake her, he climbed out of bed and threw his dressing gown on. With one last look at her; he headed out of the bedroom and down stairs.

The living room was still full of boxes, owing to the fact that they had only moved into the house a week ago. He knew what he wanted was in a box, and he knew exactly which box. Hermione had marked it ‘Harry’s Useless Junk’ when they had moved from separate flats into one, and it had stayed sealed since. Ripping the tape off, he discovered that what he wanted was actually on the very top.

The album was leather covered. It was once a deep brown, but had been fading and was now a very light brown and very worn. But the album was very important to Harry. It didn’t hold photos. It held every memory of his relationship with Hermione- little tokens of things that had happened and places they’d been. She didn’t know he kept it- he hadn’t put anything in it in so long. But he had things to put in, hidden in another box somewhere.

He made his way over to the lounge and stretched out and opened the album, looked at the picture of the Hogwarts lake and allowed himself to be whisked away into the memory of their first kiss…

The summer was so close that Harry could taste it in the air- only a week to go and there’d be no more school work. Of course, having to go back to the Dursley’s put a damper on his spirits, but he wouldn’t need to think about essays or anything for eight wonderful weeks.

He stretched out on the grass in the sun and enjoyed the silence of his surrounds. It was a Hogsmeade visit day and all the senior students had relished the chance to escape. The novelty of the village had worn off for Harry and he was more than happy to spend the day on his own.

‘I figured you’d be down here,’ a voice said from behind and he looked up to see Hermione heading towards him. She laid down on the grass beside him and just grinned to him.

‘Why didn’t you go into Hogsmeade?’ he asked and she shrugged her shoulders.

‘I just didn’t. Ron did- he went with Luna.’

‘What’s going on between them?’ Harry asked, smiling. He was happy for Ron.

‘I think they’re together- but it changes every minute,’ Hermione said with a small laugh. ‘It’s so peaceful here.’

‘I know. I love coming down here,’ he said, sitting up and looking around. ‘And it’s all ours. No one else knows how to find it.’

‘That’s why I knew to find you here,’ she said, beaming, making Harry beam back at her. They had discovered this secret section of the lake whilst on a walk one morning and had been returning ever since. It had become their secret spot- they hadn’t even shared its location with Ron.

‘Let’s go for a swim,’ Harry said suddenly, causing Hermione to look at him like he was insane.

‘But- I don’t have my suit!’ she exclaimed.

‘So- swim fully clothed,’ he said, standing up and offering her his hand. She looked at him warily for a few seconds, before taking hold of it and allowing herself to be pulled to her feet. They ran down to the water and kicked off their socks and shoes and ran into the water in their jeans and shirts. They swam around for a bit and Harry kept dunking Hermione under water, much to her disgust.

‘Harry!’ she finally protested after he did it to her again. ‘Enough!’

‘Sorry,’ he said, grinning. ‘You can dunk me if you want.’

Hermione shook her head, suddenly becoming aware of the fact that for the last few minutes Harry’s arms had been wrapped around her waist and his around her neck… Harry was looking into her eyes… they were close, very close…

‘Harry,’ she whispered, looking into his eyes. He didn’t say a word, just captured her bottom lip with his, and kissed her softly. She fell into his kiss, holding him tighter and kissing him deeper. They broke apart and he just laughed nervously.

‘I… I think we’ve done enough swimming,’ he whispered and she nodded. They swam towards the shore and climbed out, both dripping wet from head to toe. They grabbed their socks and shoes and began to make their way up the grass towards the school- but Hermione had other plans.

Halfway up the grass she grabbed hold of Harry and kissed him hard, pulling him down onto the grass with her, where they allowed the hours to simply pass them by…

2. Part Two

Authors Notes: Huge thanks to everyone who reviewed!!! This chapter isn’t my favourite one- no matter how many times I changed it, I couldn’t get it to sound any better. So I apologise in advance for the crapness of this one- the next one is better!!!

Harry knew he’d never forget that first kiss- nor any other kiss shared with Hermione. That first kiss was so magical and every time he looked back on it, he was always amazed that they lasted that long without taking that step with their friendship- it was that moment, in the lake, that he realised how in love with her he actually was.

And obviously she felt the same.

Turning the page of the album, he smiled at the two tickets. His souvenir from their first ‘date’…

Harry had never felt so nervous as he rang Hermione’s doorbell. He knew he had nothing to worry about- he had met Mr and Mrs Granger at Kings Cross every year when they collected Hermione off the Hogwarts Express. But he had never done this- he had never picked a girl up for a date, even one that was his best friend. And he was terrified.

‘Harry!’ Mr Granger beamed, opening the door. ‘Come in, come in.’

Awkwardly, Harry stepped into the house and realised that in six years of knowing Hermione, this was the first time he had ever come to her house. It was exactly what he had expected- very plain and simple and tastefully decorated. He followed Mr Granger into the lounge room and knew instantly why Hermione loved to read so much- unlike every other lounge room Harry had ever been in, the furniture was not all pointed towards a television. There was a television in the corner, a very old style and Harry figured it didn’t get used much. The walls were covered in bookshelves and books overflowed off them, and were stacked in piles around the room.

‘You’ll have to excuse the mess,’ Mrs Granger said warmly from a doorway over the other side of the room. ‘Steve, Hermione and I decided to reorganise the shelves alphabetically, a bit of family fun before Hermione leaves us again.’

‘Good luck with it,’ Harry managed to say, not to sure how to respond. He was saved from further conversation by the arrival of Hermione.

Harry had seen Hermione at some point every summer since they had met, yet he had never seen her look happier or more relaxed- or more pretty.

‘Hi Harry,’ she said, blushing slightly.

‘Are you ready?’ Harry asked and she nodded.

‘I won’t be late,’ she said to her parents, kissing them both goodbye. ‘I’ve got my key, I’ll let myself in.’

With a curt nod and wave to Mr and Mrs Granger, Harry followed Hermione out the door and back down the garden path. The sun was starting to set and it was a warm night. They made it all the way to the end of Hermione’s street without talking and Harry’s stomach was jumping- perhaps this date wasn’t such a good idea…

As they waited for the traffic to pass so they could cross the road, Harry’s hand gently brushed up against Hermione’s. She smiled shyly up at him and gently eased her hand into his and squeezed it.

‘I’m nervous too,’ she whispered. ‘This- it’s so new and so-’

‘Not us,’ Harry finished for her. ‘Why don’t, just for tonight, we pretend we’ve never met before. Two strangers, on a date.’

‘Oh Harry,’ she laughed, leaning her head on his shoulder. ‘Do you really think I could do that?’

‘No- but it’s got us talking,’ he said as they crossed the road.

They managed small talk as they headed into town. When Harry had rung Hermione to set up this ‘date’ he’d suggested a movie and Hermione jumped at the idea. They were going to see ‘Independence Day’- from what Harry had gathered from the shows Dudley watched on the TV it was about aliens- it looked mildly entertaining.

Harry bought the tickets and the popcorn- much to Hermione’s protests. She didn’t think it was fair for Harry to pay for it all- especially when she knew that he had very little muggle money. But what Hermione didn’t know was that Harry’s impending 17th birthday came in very handy- Dudley was terrified of Harry becoming an adult wizard and as such had paid Harry off.

But they never made it into the cinema. They were both balancing their popcorn and drinks and on their way into the cinema when Hermione suddenly backed away and headed back into the lobby.

‘I can’t go in there, Harry, I can’t,’ she said nervously, pacing slightly. ‘That group of girls that just went in, I went to muggle school with them and-’

‘Don’t worry about it,’ Harry said. He had understood instantly. ‘We don’t need to see a movie. C’mon.’

Tossing his popcorn and drink into the garbage bin, he took hold of her hand.

‘Let’s go make our own fun.’

Next door to the cinema was a games arcade and they spent the night inside- playing mindless games and laughing at each other. They spent most of the night on the motorcycle game, racing against each other. Harry would never tell another living soul that Hermione had beaten him eighteen times.

He kissed her goodnight on her doorstep, feeling like a character from one of his Aunt’s soap shows. And after she went inside, Harry stared at the front door for what felt like an eternity.

Maybe things would turn out alright after all.

3. Part Three

Authors Notes: Two in one day!!! I’m feeling generous with my updates for once!!! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far!!! I hope you like this one too- it’s a lot longer than what I thought it was going to be- which is good sometimes!!!

Harry had never thought that Hermione would be the sort who could win on computer games until that night. He knew he should’ve figured it out before hand; Hermione strived to win at everything she did. Even now she still played chess with Ron and tried to beat him- unfortunately for her, Ron was getting better with age and no one seemed to be able to beat him now.

Turning the page of the album, he smirked at the folded sheet of blue parchment. He gently unfolded it and read the semi-faded words again.

As you’re all aware, Hermione is the last of our year to turn the big 1-7. And we’re going to celebrate.

The party will be in the DA room on Friday night, starting after dinner. Hermione doesn’t know a thing about it- Harry will bring her. Make sure you’re all in the room by 8pm.

Remember- it’s a surprise. Don’t ruin it for her!

Harry remembered organising the party- Hermione didn’t talk to him for a few days because he refused to tell her why he stopped talking when she entered the room. He couldn’t even remember how he got her to start talking again- but she had, and the party had been one of the best nights ever at Hogwarts…

Harry checked his watch as he entered the library. 7:50. Hopefully everyone had made it to the room of requirement- he couldn’t stay away much longer. He found Hermione in her usual spot, the table that had been christened as hers during their sixth year. As he approached her he realised she had changed into her favourite studying outfit, a sure sign she planned to spend the night in the library.

He knew she’d protest, but Harry was determined that this would not be a normal Friday night for Hermione Granger.

‘Hey,’ he said, sitting down beside her and kissing her cheek. ‘Happy birthday.’

‘You’ve already wished me happy birthday every time you saw me today Harry,’ she reminded him, leaning onto him.

‘I know. And you know I’ll do it again and again.’

‘I know.’

‘Say, why don’t you put the books down tonight,’ he said gently, closing the book she was reading. ‘You don’t turn 17 every day you know.’

She looked at him and her face broke into a smile.

‘Fine. I won’t study tonight.’

‘Brilliant,’ Harry said, standing up and taking her hands, helping her up. ‘Come with me.’

He lead her out of the library and toward the room of requirement- she was weakly protesting, but Harry knew she’d follow him. They stood outside the door and she just looked at him- he looked into her eyes and he knew that she knew. They needed no words.

He opened the door and all the seventh year Gryffindor’s, plus several of Hermione’s Ravenclaw friends and several other Gryffindor’s jumped out.

‘Surprise!!!’ they all called and Hermione held onto the door frame to hold herself up. She was smiling so hard that Harry was surprised that her ears hadn’t fallen off.

‘You!’ she exclaimed, turning and facing Harry. ‘You did this?’

‘And Ron. And Ginny.’

‘That’s why you were acting so weird!’ she laughed, throwing her arms around his neck, embracing him tightly.

‘I thought I always acted weird,’ Harry said with a laugh and she playfully hit him.

‘You know what I meant.’

‘I know,’ he whispered, kissing her lightly.

Seamus had arranged for music and he started it now, magically amplifying it so it could be heard everywhere. Dean had done some banners which hung around the room- he’d showed Harry the one for the back wall several nights before and Harry had spent most of the night in laughter. He had done a timeline of Hermione’s life, showing how bad it had been since she had met Harry- he even had a near experience death tally.

It would be several hours into the night before Harry would find Hermione again- Ginny had dragged her away almost instantly and Harry found himself in the middle of the Gryffindor men, all of whom were enjoying the delights of the Firewhiskey Fred and George had sent for the celebrations. He finally managed to get away and found Hermione over near the table they had set up with some drinks and food.

‘Harry!’ she shrieked as she spotted him, flinging her arms around his neck and kissing him passionately. The group around them cheered and catcalled- none of them were used to seeing Harry and Hermione be physical with each other- Hermione tended to shy away from public displays of affection.

‘Hello to you too,’ Harry said when they broke apart, unsure what the strange taste in his mouth was.

‘You know, I was just saying to these wonderful people here how wonderful you are- you did know how wonderful you are, didn’t you?’

The strange taste in Harry’s mouth became apparent.

‘Hermione, have you been drinking?’

‘Only some green stuff Ginny had- really quite nice. Fruity. It’s not alcoholic but- Ginny promised!’

Harry looked at Ginny who was holding the bottle of green liquid and from the way she was standing, he knew straight away that she’d been drinking a bit of it too- and had suspicions that this was a present from Fred and George as well.

‘I think you’ve had enough green drink,’ he said gently, putting his arms around her waist and holding her close to him. ‘I think you’ve had enough of the party.’

‘No! We haven’t done the cake yet!’ She exclaimed, giggling. ‘Harry- we can’t go without doing the cake! We have to do the cake!’

‘Ok, we’ll do the cake!’ He looked around the room to find someone to help him set up the cake, only to realise he seemed to be the only one left out of the drinking.

He gave Hermione to Padma Patil who was standing a little straighter than everyone else in the room and set the cake up himself- he’d arranged Dobby to make it for him. It was chocolate mud cake, her favourite, in the shape of a book. He lined up the seventeen candles and sent sparks into the air from his wand.

‘Cake time!’ he called and everyone congregated around them and Harry relived Padma of Hermione, who was giggling even more. ‘Can you blow out the candles?’

‘Uh-huh,’ she said, grinning madly. ‘On the count of three… one… two…’

She blew as hard as she could, but the candles didn’t even flicker.

‘Dang it!’ she exclaimed, stamping her feet. She blew again and two of the candles went out. She went to blow for a third time, and standing behind her, Harry blew as well, causing them all to finally go out.

‘Speech!’ Someone called out and Hermione bounced up and down, before suddenly clutching her stomach.

‘Harry,’ she moaned, using the table to help lower herself to the ground. ‘Don’t feel so good…’

‘I imagine you wouldn’t,’ Harry said, bending down and helping her up. ‘C’mon, let’s get you outta here.’

The music started to play again as Harry helped Hermione over to the door and they managed to slip out unnoticed. Harry just hoped that they wouldn’t make too much noise- he had soundproofed the room when they had been setting up, hopefully it would be enough.

‘Quidditch!’ Harry told the fat lady when they finally made it to her portrait- sleepily she muttered something and opened up. Harry managed to get them both through the portrait hole, Hermione giggling madly.

It was only then that the humour of trying to sneak a drunk Hermione Granger, Head Girl, into bed struck him. He grinned to himself when he realised how much he could pay her out later.

He reached the staircase up to the girls dormitory’s before his memory kicked in and he remembered Ron getting spat down the stairs in their fifth year.

‘Sorry, but you’re going to have to come up to the boys room,’ Harry told her, changing direction and taking her up into his room. They bypassed the beds and he took her straight into the bathroom and as soon as she saw the toilet, she lunged for it and began to throw up.

Harry sat down beside her and pulled back her hair. When she finally stopped, she leant up against him and when he looked at her a few minutes later, he saw she was asleep. He decided not to wake her and several moments later, found himself asleep as well.

4. Part Four

Authors Notes: Huge thanks again to everyone who has reviewed!!! I’m so glad you’re liking the story! I hope you like this chapter- I loved writing it.

And just heads up that I’m heading away for a few days, so it might be Tuesday next week before you get another update.

Oh, one final thing. I obviously completely made something up in this chapter and since I don’t speak Latin, the words came from an online translator, so if they’re totally wrong, meh, there’s nothing I can do. And there’s something else that I completely made up too- that word and spell is mine. I created it ages ago for a fic that I never finished.

Harry smiled at the thought of Hermione being drunk- she had made a solemn vow the following morning as she lay on his bed with a massive hangover never to drink again- and she held herself to her word. Another drop of alcohol had not passed her lips.

She wasn’t the only one to feel the after effects, Harry thought to himself. The rest of the boys had managed to make their way into their beds at some point after Harry and Hermione had fallen asleep in the bathroom- even Neville had tried some Firewhiskey.

Turning the page of the album, he found a newspaper clipping. The first of the post-war articles. And the picture used for the story was a moving one of him and Hermione. A spell shot from the side of the photo and Harry jumped in front of her, casting his shield.

Whenever he looked at the photo, he found himself wondering why someone would have a camera at a time like that. The final battle was horrid and lived in Harry’s dreams almost every night. He had confessed to Hermione once- only once- that it felt like he was still in the forest, fighting Voldemort until the end. She said nothing- just held his hand and told him it would be alright and that she loved him and that her love would always be with him.

What she didn’t know was that it was her love that had bought about the end.

‘EXPELLIARMUS!’ Harry bellowed, pausing on his mad dash through the forest and shooting the spell out behind him. He heard a gasp of surprise and he struck again. ‘PERTRIFICUS TOTALIS!’

A dull thud.

‘One less,’ he muttered to himself and kept crashing through the undergrowth. The battle had been waging for hours- Death Eaters struck in relentless waves and the Order and Aurors were having trouble holding them back.

So many had been lost already- but Harry had pushed the thought to the back of his mind. He couldn’t let himself be bought down by the loss. Not yet. There would be a time to grieve.

He stumbled through the trees into a clearing and allowed himself a moment to catch his breath- his pursuers seemed to be a fair way behind him and he was glad for the moment. Keeping his wand out, he leaned against one of the trees and looked up to the night sky. The stars were slightly clouded over and Harry wondered if he would live to see another cloudless, starry night.

The undergrowth rustled and he stood up and readied himself. It was obvious he wouldn’t get out of this without fighting his way out.

‘Harry!’

It was Hermione. Her eyes were alight with fear as she saw him, wand drawn at her. Her hair was filled with twigs and bits of leaf and her cheeks were flushed.

‘You shouldn’t be here!’ he exclaimed, rushing towards her and embracing her tight.

‘I had to,’ she said defiantly. ‘In case you haven’t figured it out already you can’t escape me this easily. I want to be with you, Harry.’

‘You can’t,’ he said. ‘This isn’t your fight, Hermione.’

‘Isn’t my fight? Harry, as long as this fight involves you, it’s my fight.’

‘Ah, young love,’ a new voice injected. The hairs on the back of Harry’s neck stood up on end. Lord Voldemort. ‘Makes you do some silly things.’

‘And how would you know?’ Harry said, stepping in front of Hermione. ‘Have you ever been in love?’

‘Fools are the only people who love,’ Voldemort sneered. Harry felt Hermione clench his waist and he realised that Hermione had never seen Voldemort. He had hoped she never would.

A loud crack resonated in the air, making Harry jump slightly. Voldemort gave his chilling low laugh.

‘Excellent. The anti-Apparation charms have been broken through.’

Broken through… Hermione…

A soft pop echoed behind him, alerting him to the fact that Hermione had either read his mind or was two steps ahead of him.

‘Silly girl,’ Voldemort scorned. ‘Running for help from that old muggle loving fool.’

‘Dumbledore cannot help me here,’ Harry said, drawing his wand.

‘So this is how it shall come to end? You are a fool to duel me. You cannot win.’

‘I can at least give you a fair fight and die trying.’

‘Very well, Potter. I shall enjoy seeing the look on your face as you realise you are about to die. I particularly enjoyed the look on your father’s face.’

‘CARITCHENGELLA!’ Harry bellowed. A jet of silver light streamed out of his wand and hit Voldemort unprepared. The light encased him in a silver orb and Harry raised his wand slowly into the air, levitating Voldemort within the orb.

Little jets of light were hitting the interior of the orb- he was trying to fight his way out. The orb wouldn’t break but and Harry lifted it higher and higher. In the back of his mind, he could hear Dumbledore, explaining that Voldemort couldn’t stand those who love- that love would win out in the end.

Voldemort was panicking in the orb- he could not fight back and he was very high over the forest.

‘What’s the matter?’ Harry called up, aware that he could still hear. ‘Afraid I’ll look up your robes or something?!’

He took a deep breath and summoned his Gryffindor courage. Dumbledore’s words echoed in his head again… ‘the spell will only work by the force of pure love’…

Pure love…

Hermione’s face swam before his eyes. She was smiling and tilting her head back and laughing. She was happy. Her eyes shone and her cheeks were rosy pink.

Heart souring and raising the silver orb even higher, he bellowed the Latin phrase he had spent many months rehearsing.

‘PUTUS DILIGO MOS ADDO TERMINUS!’

The beam of silver light connecting Harry’s wand to the orb containing Voldemort turned bright gold and Harry closed his eyes to shield the light. He could hear Voldemort shrieking and Harry knew what was happening. The spell was projecting every feeling of love Harry had into the orb, trapping Voldemort.

Harry’s wand started to grow red hot in his hand and he winced in pain, but he knew he had to hold on. It wouldn’t be long…

Suddenly the shrieking stopped and the world seemed to go quiet. Harry opened his eyes and saw the clouds had parted, allowing him to look upon hundreds of stars.

‘At least I got to see them one last time,’ he muttered to himself.

The now gold orb exploded in a rush of air, forcing Harry backwards and onto the ground. The force field of magic around him was so strong it was painful. His scar was burning and he felt like his head was going to explode as well.

And then there was nothing but blackness.

When Harry came too he couldn’t remember where he was or what had happened at first. There was only one thought in his mind. Hermione.

She was two steps ahead of him, as she always was. She was crouched beside him, her eyes red and puffy from crying. Beside her, standing tall, was Ron, cut and bruised, but smiling.

‘Oh Harry,’ she whimpered, throwing herself onto him and collapsing in tears. ‘I thought I’d lost you… I thought the spell had backfired…’

‘It’s alright,’ he said weakly, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tight. ‘I’m alright.’

And for the first time since his fifth year, Harry broke down and cried.

5. Part Five

Authors Notes: Thanks to everyone who’s reading and reviewing this!!!

This chapter actually took the longest to write- it’s very hard to write a chapter like this when your mum keeps coming into the room to show you stuff lol.

The next page of the album contained a single photograph and sprinklings of sand. Harry laughed as he watched the three of them muck around.

The holiday had been Hermione’s idea. They were finished with Hogwarts and the war was over. They’d lost so many people and they needed time away from the constant onslaught of the wizarding media.

She had booked the entire trip without telling them- one weeks holiday at an exclusive muggle beach resort in Spain. It had been exactly what they had needed and Harry had fond memories of the days they spent lazing around the pool and on the beach- but his fondest memory of all took place on their second last night…

The table on the balcony was immaculately set, the candles flickering slightly in the slight breeze coming up from the beach. The sun was setting over the water and the air felt magical.

Hermione let herself into Harry’s room and came and stood beside him on the balcony and looked out to the sea with him.

‘I wish we didn’t have to leave,’ she said sadly, resting her head on his shoulder.

‘We don’t have to. We could buy a house and stay forever,’ Harry said and she laughed softly.

‘You know we can’t. You’re going to training in six weeks. And then- and then I’m off to Rome.’

Harry sighed. Hermione had received a letter just two days into their trip, with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study out of the Italian ministry's archives, the oldest in the wizarding world. Hermione, who had been studying ancient magic since the start of their sixth year, had jumped at the opportunity and flew to Rome as Harry and Ron were flying back to London. Harry was going to miss her severely- they'd never been separated for more than two months. But he would be occupied for the time she was away, with his first six months of Auror training, training which Tonks had brightly told him was hell- but it got better.

‘So, are we going to eat?’ He asked, indicating to the table he’d arranged so perfectly.

‘Well, um, actually,’ she said nervously, stepping away from him, back into the room. ‘Harry…’

Harry felt his palms go sweaty… she had never said his name that way before. Feeling as if he was possessed slightly, he stepped into the room, following her steps of only moments before and found himself standing in front of her.

‘Harry…’ she whispered, lifting her hand and running it down his cheek.

‘You… you know I love you…’ he whispered hoarsely, mimicking her gesture.

‘I know…’ she whispered. ‘Which is why… why this is right…’

He looked into her chocolate brown eyes and felt his heart melt. Clumsily, feeling as if it was his first kiss again he bent ever so slightly and captured her lips with his own.

The kiss he received was nothing like any kiss Hermione had ever given him. He stumbled backwards slightly and she fell with him, breaking away and laughing slightly. As soon as Harry righted himself, she was kissing him forcefully again, but this time Harry was prepared for the intensity.

Slowly, as the kissing grew more and more intense, Harry cautiously slid his hands underneath the white singlet she was wearing. Her skin was silky smooth and her stomach recoiled slightly at the shock of his touch. Ever slowly his hands inched their way up her front, until they came into contact with the bottom of her bra. Harry’s hands then found a life of their own, sliding up over the soft satin, massaging gently. She moaned ever so softly and Harry figured he had to be doing something right.

The possessed side of his mind taking over again, he drew his hands away from the treasures he’d discovered and carefully gripped the bottom of her shirt and broke away from the kiss they were sharing. He looked into her eyes and knew he didn’t need to ask the question. She was sure.

Slowly and cautiously, not wanting to ruin the moment, he lifted the flimsy white singlet up and over her head, tossing it to the side. His hands quickly found her breasts again and it took him by surprise several seconds later when he felt her cool hands on his chest- she had unbuttoned his shirt and he hadn’t even noticed. He slid the shirt off his shoulders and tossed it aside, in the general vicinity of her shirt.

Much to his surprise, Hermione took the next move. She sat down on the edge of his bed and, very teasingly, removed her bra. She shifted backward onto the bed a little bit more and Harry couldn’t contain himself and he practically leapt onto her, making her laugh out loud.

He loved her laugh.

Possessed again and finding himself very comfortable lying on top of this beautiful woman, he began to furiously kiss every bit of creamy skin he could find. He took a trail of kisses down her stomach and found that her light blue skirt was stopping him from going any further. The skirt was removed very quickly, along with the panties she was wearing. Harry knew there would never be words to explain what he was feeling as he traced a lazy circle on Hermione’s naked stomach.

Whilst he was concentrating on the wonderful sight which he could now enjoy, Hermione was concentrating on the buckle of his belt, which she pulled off like a whip, before undoing his fly and sliding her hand in gently. It was Harry’s turn to moan as her hand gently played with him, before sliding his jeans off him and tossing them aside like a piece of garbage.

Harry’s palms started to sweat nervously as he lay above her again- he could hardly believe what he was about to do… he loved Hermione so much it left him breathless…

‘All I’ve ever wanted is you,’ she whispered, running her fingers through his hair. ‘I love you, Harry.’

‘I love you too, Hermione.’

Waking up the next morning, a soft breeze blowing in through the still open balcony doors, where the table still lay set and the candles had burnt down to stubs, Hermione in his arms, Harry knew what it meant to be truly happy.

6. Part Six

Authors Notes: As usual, thanks to everyone who reviewed!!!

Just a heads up that I’m heading out of town again this weekend- I’ll be able to update tomorrow night, however I’m not sure about Thursday night because I’m leaving town at 6am and probably won’t be online.

That wonderful night at the end of the holiday had made it even more painful to say goodbye to her at the airport two days later. She confessed in her first letter to him from Rome that she had cried the entire flight and was already missing him terribly.

But the two nights they had together stayed in Harry’s mind for the entire six months and were what got him through his rigorous training regime, as were her letters. He didn’t know how she found the time to fit in over ten hours of research a day and managed to write two page letters to him everyday. He could hardly manage training, study and writing to Hermione.

The sixth month separation ended at the end of January and Harry had gone to the airport to pick her up. The next page of the album contained a coaster from the airport bar, where he had waited for hours for any sign of her…

The bar was the only place in the airport where one could escape the hustle and bustle and Harry had found it comforting, despite the fact it was 4am. He was slightly unshaven and dishevelled and he wished he didn’t look as bad as he did. Hermione’s flight had been delayed for hours and he was beginning to get tempted to just Apparate to Rome and Apparate back with her.

She was only flying for the sake of her parents- they didn’t trust magical transportation and felt better if their only daughter was coming home in a nice, normal fashion. Harry was sorely tempted to find a payphone and call Mr and Mrs Granger and tell them that flying might be a nice, normal way to travel, but delays were always inevitable.

Sighing, he laid his head down on the table and closed his eyes. He was so very tired and incredibly glad he didn’t have to go to training the next morning. The recruits had been given Saturday off, a first ever.

‘Mind if I sit here, mate?’ someone said and Harry lifted his head and looked at the man standing beside the table. ‘You looks like you could use the company, that’s all.’

‘Yeah, I guess I could,’ Harry said, yawning and running a hand through his hair.

‘Guess your flights been delayed too, eh?’

‘Actually, I’m waiting for someone,’ Harry replied. The man grinned at him.

‘Whoever she is, she’s damn lucky to have a bloke who’ll sit around at the bloody airport at 4am waiting,’ he said and Harry was too tired to think of a smart reply. ‘Which flight is she on?’

‘She’s on the-’ Harry started to say, before the airport announcer cut over the top of him.

‘Attention all- flight IA764 from Rome has now landed at gate seventeen.’

‘She’s on that flight,’ Harry said, standing up and collecting his jacket.

‘Good luck mate!’ the man called as Harry dashed out of the bar and through the airport, following the signs to gate seventeen. He caught sight of himself in one of the mirrors he passed and shuddered. He ducked out of sight and withdrew his wand and cleaned himself up a bit. As a last minute though, he conjured a small bunch of flowers, and held them in the opposite hand to his jacket.

He arrived at the gate as the first passengers started to trickle off and he felt nervous as he watched and waited.

He spotted Hermione before she spotted him and he was able to let his breath be taken away. She seemed to be taller than she was when she left, and her hair was a lot shorter and lighter. And she looked stunning in just a pair of simple jeans and a long black jumper.

She shrieked when she spotted him and broke into a run, leaping into his arms, laughing with joy. Close up, he could see that she had bags under her eyes and was obviously as tired as he was, but she was smiling. Smiling and laughing.

‘Oh, I missed you so much,’ Harry whispered into her hair, holding her close. He felt complete again, after six months of feeling empty. He had never realised until that moment how well Hermione fitted into his arms.

‘I missed you too,’ she whispered back, holding onto him even tighter. ‘Oh, I’m never leaving again.’

‘I think I want that in writing,’ he teased, kissing her gently. ‘Oh, it’s good to have you back.’

‘It’s good to be back,’ she replied, before gasping in surprise. ‘Are they for me?’

Harry was puzzled for a moment, wondering what she was talking about. Then he remembered the flowers he’d conjured.

‘No, they’re for the pilot actually,’ he teased, earning a small slap on the chest from Hermione as she laughed at him.

‘Oh Harry.’

They managed to locate Hermione’s luggage with relative ease and it was still pitch black as Harry hailed a taxi outside. Harry gave the driver the address of his London flat and he lay back in the seat, Hermione nestled in beside him.

‘I am so tired,’ she said, yawning. ‘I feel like I could sleep for a hundred years.’

‘Hopefully you won’t,’ Harry said, kissing the top of her head. ‘I don’t think I could bear it.’

‘Well, I won’t. Just for you.’

The taxi stopped at the door of the building and Harry gave him some muggle money without even looking at how much he gave him. They stumbled their way up into Harry’s flat and lay down together on the lounge and within seconds they were both fast asleep, wrapped up in each other.

7. The Day Hermione Caught A Fish

Authors Notes: Of course, thanks to everyone who’s reviewed :D

This chapter isn’t actually the chapter I wrote originally- that chapter is coming next. Instead I thought I’d put in this cute idea that came into my head whilst eating lunch :p This is the only chapter that’s going to have a special name- I couldn’t resist the name :p

The day Hermione came back from Rome was the day Harry felt his life truly began. She rented her own flat right near the entrance to the Ministry, so she could gain easy access to their archives. Her research on ancient magic had gone incredibly well in Rome and she had made a start on writing her book whilst in Rome and set about finishing it as soon as she returned.

Harry had finished the basic training program by the time Hermione returned. He graduated early, having demonstrated extraordinary skills. He took up his employment at the Ministry as an Auror the day after his nineteenth birthday, the youngest in the history of the Auror’s.

He flicked through the next few pages in his album, small memories he and Hermione had made. Soon after she got back Harry had purchased a small, cheap car and they would often take off for the weekend. Having friends spread out across the countryside motivated them a lot more- they were the only ones to have remained in London.

The next page he stopped at made him laugh. All that was on the page was a piece of fishing line and a small fish hook.

The day Hermione caught a fish.

The lake was off the main road, up a hardly used dirt track. They had found it several months before and every time they were in the area they would stop. Today was the first day they had come specifically for the lake. Harry had found some disused fishing equipment in the basement of Grimmauld Place, and after wondering why the Black’s had muggle fishing equipment, decided they should put it to good use.

Hermione had been slightly curious when Harry had suggested a fishing trip- they didn’t even know if the lake had fish in it, but they were going to give it a try. They had cheated slightly and had conjured bait- just some basic worms.

‘Here we go,’ Harry said, dumping the stuff on a patch of grass that wasn’t as high as the rest. Hermione appeared moments later, looking slightly disgruntled.

‘Harry, what is the point of this?’ she asked, looking at him over the top of her sunglasses. ‘Neither of us know how to fish!’

‘I got the general gist of it on the TV the other day,’ he said, grinning broadly. ‘Besides, it’s a fun day out!’

She muttered something Harry didn’t catch, but he figured it would’ve been about her book. She had been growing increasingly stressed over how the book was going- from what Harry had been allowed to read it was fantastic, but whenever he told her that she would reply with a comment about how his opinion was always going to be biased.

The worms were all squirming around in a bucket that Harry had magically sealed and he pulled one out and grabbed the nearest fishing rod.

‘Now, if what I saw was right, we’ve just gotta get the worm on the hook and toss it in the water,’ he said, as he pushed the hook through the belly of the worm and passed the rod to Hermione.

‘I seriously think you’re going insane,’ she said, holding the rod gingerly. ‘Can you imagine what people would think if they saw us?’

‘They’d think you’re insane too,’ he said, kissing the tip of her nose.

‘I always knew being with you would have side effects,’ she said bitterly, but smiling at the same time.

‘Just throw the line in the water!’ Harry exclaimed. He pushed a worm onto the hook of the other line and went and stood down near the water. ‘Ready?’

They threw their lines out into the water at the exact same moment, both of them making a slight noise as they entered the water.

‘And now we wait.’

‘And what do you suppose we do whilst waiting?’ she asked him, stepping right up close to him and wrapping her arms around his waist.

‘Mmm… I dunno… I do have an idea but…’ he murmured, kissing her softly. ‘I packed a book.’

‘A book?’

‘Yes- you know, got pages and stuff,’ he joked and she hit him playfully. ‘I thought I might read to you.’

‘You do know I can read,’ she said as they sat down beside the stuff Harry had dumped.

‘Yes, but you read too much. And I want to read to you.’

Wordlessly, she surrendered and snuggled herself in beside Harry as he opened the book. He’d grabbed the first one he came to, he had no idea what it was. He was just about to start when Hermione leapt up suddenly.

‘The fishing rod!’ she exclaimed, running down to where they had left them. Harry stood up and realised why she was running- hers was slowly sliding towards the river. As he made his was down to her, she managed to lunge on it and get a good hold and pull the line out of the water.

And there, hanging on the hook, was a fish. Hermione burst out laughing as she held the rod up high, the fish dangling helplessly.

‘I caught a fish!’ she exclaimed, laughing hysterically. ‘I don’t bloody believe it!’

Harry started laughing along with her and looked down at the book he had in his hand and realised how fitting it was.

Moby Dick.

8. Part Eight

Authors Notes: Sorry I didn’t get this up earlier- things got crazy trying to plan for my trip away, but I’m back now, so you get the update now :D Not a terribly long one I’m afraid- although the story is a lot longer than I thought it would be- it’s 20 pages in Word now!!!

Hermione catching a fish was priceless- Harry had dearly wished he had something other than his memory to rely on for that day. Of course, after she got the fish ashore, they had to get it off the hook and Hermione had spent most of the time squealing in disgust. Harry hadn’t helped matters by chasing her back to the car, threatening to give her a slap with the fish.

He turned the page and found a single sheet of parchment, folded over once. Without even opening it he knew what it was. The original, handwritten, dedication page of Hermione’s book…

Closing the file on his desk, Harry quickly sent it flying across the room into the automatic filing tray and stood up, relieved. He’d spent all day behind his desk, catching up on the paperwork he hadn’t done in so long.

‘Night Harry!’ Tonks called to him brightly, as she headed past his cubicle. ‘Don’t be here all night!’

She disappeared out into the hallway outside Auror headquarters and Harry went to follow her, but at the last minute decided he couldn’t be bothered. Being an Auror meant that Harry was one of the only few people who could apparate in or out of the Ministry building. They weren’t meant to abuse the privilege, but Harry had had a long day and couldn’t be bothered going out the normal way. He closed his eyes and several seconds later opened them and found himself in the small entry way into his flat.

Without turning on any lights, he dropped his cloak on the floor and headed into the kitchen, where he managed to find a bottle of Butterbeer in the cupboard. He really needed to do some shopping- he wasn’t sure if there was anything for him for dinner. He knew if there wasn’t he could just go to Hermione’s flat- she always had food.

Still without turning any lights on, he headed into the living room and turned on the television. It gave the room some slight lighting and Harry sank down into the lounge.

‘Hey,’ a voice said from beside him and Harry jumped so high that his Butterbeer went flying into the air and came back down, smashing on his head. He had no idea how he got off the lounge so quickly and over to the light switch. The overhead light came on and, dripping with Butterbeer, heart pounding, he took a look at his mystery visitor.

‘Hermione, you scared the bejesus out of me,’ he panted, pulling his wand out and cleaning the Butter beer off himself.

‘Sorry,’ she whispered, standing up and looking at him ashamedly. ‘I- I just thought I’d come and meet you.’

‘Meet me?’ Harry asked, confused. He then realised that she was clutching a rather thick volume close to her chest. ‘Is- is that-’

‘My book,’ she whispered, holding it out with slightly shaking hands. ‘I finished. I finally finished.’

Harry took hold of the book- it was incredibly heavy. It was bound in scarlet leather and the title was embossed on the cover in gold.

‘Exploring The Myths and Inconsistency’s in Ancient Magic, by Hermione Granger,’ he read off the cover, proudly. ‘Hermione- you did it.’

‘I know,’ she said, smiling. ‘That- that’s your copy. An original.’

‘Did you send-’

‘Yes, I sent it to the publisher already. But I wanted to give you this copy,’ she said, coming over to him and throwing her arms around his neck and laughing joyfully. ‘Oh Harry, I never thought I’d finish it. I was reediting today and I reached the end of that and knew that I was finished. I’m free Harry.’

‘Until your next book,’ he teased, kissing her. ‘What do you say we go out to dinner and celebrate?’

‘Sounds like a plan. Pick me up in an hour?’

‘Will be there with bells on,’ he told her and, with a final kiss, she Disapparated. Harry knew he should take a shower, but first he wanted to see what Hermione’s book was like. He slid down the wall and sat on the floor and opened up. It was definitely an original- it was written in her handwriting. And the first page was the dedication.

For Harry, who stood behind me whilst I wrote this book and who knew without words what I needed, when I needed it. I love you.

His heart soared. Full of new energy he bounded off into the bathroom. He was not going to risk being late.

9. Part Nine

Authors Notes: *jaw drops* I always seem to do this when I’m writing- this is actually the second-to-last update! I thought I had ages left to go, but as I’m writing this, I’m putting the final touches on the final part.

It’s the last memory- the end does come up rather quickly, but there’s really nowhere else to go. So I hope you enjoy the last two parts!!!

And so you don't need to ask, there will be a companion piece to this posted sometime after I post the last update. It will be called 'Hermione's Box' and, yeah, I hope you enjoy it when I get it up :D

Hermione finishing her book was a major achievement for her- it had taken almost three years for her to finish it, but it was done and came out in the July, exactly three years after she had gone to Rome to start her research. And considering the subject matter, the book sold well and was continuing to sell. Harry was so incredibly proud of her- and he had even read the book from cover to cover.

But the book he was more focused on now was the album in front of him. He turned the page and there was a single newspaper clipping that had a giant ink circle around it.

Flat hunting.

The sun was shining in through Harry’s bedroom window, causing him to wake up with a start and panic that he was going to be late for work. It took him several minutes to realise that he had a day off- he didn’t have to go anywhere.

Sleeping peacefully curled up into him was Hermione. He loved watching her sleep, she was always so serene. He shifted himself slightly so he could watch her better, but the combination of the warm sunlight and the slight movement jolted her from her sleep and she woke up and just looked up at Harry a smiled.

‘Morning, love,’ she whispered, yawning slightly. Harry kissed the top of her head, giving him a slight whiff of the smell of her shampoo.

‘Morning to you too.’

‘What’s the time?’

‘Umm…’ Harry rolled back slightly and checked out the clock beside the bed. ‘8:50am.’

Hermione sat bolt upright and swore rather loudly. Without giving an explanation she jumped out of the bed and began grabbing clothing from the floor.

‘God damn it,’ she muttered. ‘I’ve got the plumber coming at 9am to fix that damn shower!’

She threw her pair of jeans onto the bed, along with one of Harry’s t-shirts. She picked a few more clothes up and tossed them around, muttering to herself. Harry just watched, unsure of what she was actually looking for. With a cry of frustration she picked up Harry’s jeans and tossed them across the room and turned around and faced Harry.

‘Harry James Potter, where the fuck is my underwear?’

‘Third drawer, as always,’ he told her, somehow managing to keep a straight face. Hermione swearing was one thing. Hermione swearing at him whilst standing in the middle of his bedroom with nothing on was priceless.

She stomped over to the third drawer and grabbed the clothes from the end of the bed as she walked past again and went into the bathroom. Harry dragged himself slowly out from under the covers, his visions of the two of them spending all day relaxing in bed fading. His dressing gown was the first thing he found on the floor and he pulled it on and tied it tightly.

‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ Hermione said softly, coming out of the bathroom and kissing him. ‘I completely forgot about this plumber. I’ll be back straight away.’

‘Well, why don’t I make us some breakfast?’

‘Excellent idea,’ she said, grinning at him. ‘See you soon.’

She was gone with a pop and Harry made his way slowly into the kitchen. He was pulling some pots and pans out of the cupboard when the doorbell rang. Sighing, he tiredly headed towards it and looked out the peep hole and saw a shock of bright red hair.

‘Morning, Ron,’ he said, opening the door, yawning.

‘Hey Harry, hope you don’t mind me calling in,’ Ron said brightly, raising his eyebrow at Harry’s dressing gown. ‘I, erm, didn’t interrupt anything?’

‘What? Oh! No- Hermione had to duck back to her flat for a plumber,’ Harry told Ron with a laugh. ‘I was just making some breakfast. Do you want a coffee or something?’

‘Coffee would be wonderful,’ Ron said, following Harry into the kitchen. Harry magically made Ron’s coffee and made one for himself to help wake him up.

‘So I’m assuming you didn’t just come for the coffee,’ Harry said, lifting himself up and sitting on the kitchen bench.

‘No, not for the coffee,’ Ron said, sitting on the bench beside Harry. ‘It’s- it’s Luna. I think she’s getting ready to ‘cut and run’. It’s been years and we’re not moving any further forward- I know she wants to get married, I just don’t know if I’m there yet and-’

‘I think you’re there,’ Harry cut over Ron. ‘You love this girl. And she loves you. Don’t worry about it. Buy a nice ring and just do it.’

‘That’s why I came over- I knew I’d get it straight from you,’ Ron said, draining his coffee. ‘Not that you can really talk.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, you and Hermione. You’ve been together for as long as Luna and I and you still live in separate flats!’

‘It was easier, you know, when Hermione was writing.’

‘Harry, it’s November. Her book came out in July. You’re too scared to take that next step, aren’t you?’

‘How did this end up being about me? Weren’t you the one with the problem?’

‘Yes, but yours is bigger,’ Ron said and the two of them giggled like teenagers for a moment when they realised the double meaning of Ron’s words.

‘Hermione and I will take that next step when we’re ready,’ Harry managed to answer and Ron just smirked slightly at him.

‘I think you’ve already taken it, just without realising. Does she have a drawer of clothes? Has she taken over the bathroom? Has she-’

‘I get the picture,’ Harry said. Ron smirked at him again, before slapping Harry on the back.

‘I’ve got to get to work. Thanks for the advice.’

‘What advice?’ Harry asked- he’d said what Ron had wanted to hear.

‘And think about it, alright?’

‘Think about what?’

But Ron had already walked away and out the door.

‘Mental. Absolutely frigging mental,’ Harry muttered to himself as he sent food flying around the kitchen to make breakfast. He was just serving when the door banged shut and Hermione let out an exasperated cry.

‘Honestly,’ she said, coming into the kitchen. ‘It’s going to cost so much to get this shower repaired- I don’t know what I’m going to do.’

‘Why don’t you move in here?’ Harry said suddenly. ‘Move in here with me and we’ll find a place of our own.’

‘Are- are you serious?’ Hermione asked and Harry nodded.

‘Yeah, I’m serious. You pretty much live here anyway. And you can move in today and never have to worry about that shower again.’

‘This- this is big, Harry,’ she said softly, standing in front of him with her hands on his waist. ‘Don’t think I don’t want to, but it’s a big step to take and if you’re-’

‘Hermione, I’m dead serious and dead certain. I want you to live with me, whether it be here, somewhere we rent together or in a cardboard box on the side of the road. I want you with me.’

‘Oh, Harry…’

The plans for a nice relaxing day in changed after breakfast when Hermione ducked out and bought every single newspaper and they scoured the classifieds, looking at the rentals.

Harry found the perfect flat in the paper he was reading and using the thick black marker Hermione had bought as well, drew a big circle around it and quickly turned the page- he wanted to have a look at that one alone, surprise Hermione.

‘This one- this ones perfect!’ Hermione exclaimed suddenly. Harry stood behind her and read over her shoulder. The flat she had found was even better than the one he had found- it was everything they wanted and was in their price range.

‘Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go have a look!’

The leasing real estate agent was incredibly nice and trusting, giving Harry and Hermione the key to the flat. It was a ground floor flat with a small garden and was in between their current two flats.

‘What do you reckon?’ Harry asked as they stood in the middle of the empty living area.

‘I love it.’

‘Well, we’ll take it.’

10. Part Ten

Authors Notes: Ok- this is the last part of ‘Harry’s Album’ however, as I mentioned somewhere, there is going to be a companion piece (I don’t like ‘sequels’ it’s an excuse for me not to write it). The companion piece is called ‘Hermione’s Box’ and it should be up at some point over the next few days- we’ll have to see what happens.

I hope you’ve all enjoyed reading this and will hopefully enjoy ‘Hermione’s Box’. A huge thank you to everyone who read and an even huger thank you to everyone who reviewed :D

Harry smiled remembering the way Hermione had thrown herself into the move- within 2 days Harry’s entire flat was packed, aside from day-to-day living items. They moved in only a week after they first looked at it.

He turned the page in the album and sighed heavily. That ad was the last thing he had put into the album- and even that had been a quick thing before Hermione had packed it. And ever since that day the box had sat unopened. It had been two years since they had moved into the flat. He knew he had things to still put into it- he’d been hiding them in other boxes and couldn’t wait to put them into the album.

The wall clocked chimed quietly and Harry saw the glint of the hands from the little light in the room. It was 5am. He had to be getting ready for work.

Slipping the album back into the box from where he got it, he stood up and stretched- he wasn’t as young as he once was and sitting for two hours straight on their lounge was not the most advisable thing in the world- he vowed as he did every time he got up from the lounge to purchase a new one- he never got around to it.

‘Before the baby,’ he muttered, massaging his lower back. ‘Definitely before the baby.’

‘What before the baby?’

Harry jumped a mile high and with a racing heart found himself looking at Hermione, who had been seated on the stairs.

‘You scared me,’ he gasped, holding a hand over his heart. ‘You’ll give me a heart attack.’

‘Sorry love.’

Harry stared at her for a moment, smiling slightly. All his reminiscing about the past had made him realise how much he was looking forward to the future. And his future was within her. Their child.

‘How long were you sitting there?’ He asked, climbing up the bottom two steps until he was level with her. She smiled impishly at him.

‘Long enough,’ she said, cupping his chin and kissing him very gently. ‘Long enough to know why I love you.’

‘That long, eh?’ Harry joked and she lent her head on his chest.

‘You know what I mean,’ she said, ending the sentence with a rather large yawn. ‘I’m so tired.’

‘So am I,’ Harry said as they made their way slowly back upstairs. ‘But I’ve got to go to work.’

‘Stay home?’

‘I wish I could. I want nothing more right now than to go into that bedroom with you and spend the day lying with you in my arms.’

‘Surely they won’t miss you for one day,’ she said, standing teasingly in the doorway. ‘What sort of an employer would they be to not allow you to spend time with your poor pregnant wife who really needs you…’

‘You’ve got me convinced,’ he said as they entered their bedroom and crawled back under the covers of their bed. ‘You’ll have to cop Tonks’ wrath, but.’

‘Tonks I can handle. Harry coming home from work after next to no sleep I can’t,’ she joked, leaning into him and he wrapped his arms around her and held her close.

‘Harry?’ she whispered after a few moments silence.

‘Yeah?’ Harry managed to say. Nothing could put him to sleep faster than listening to Hermione’s soft breathing and feeling her warm body lying up against his.

‘I love you.’

‘I love you too,’ Harry replied, kissing the back of her head. ‘And I always will.’