Harry and Hermione are happily married. But will Voldemort ruin their happiness once and for all? This is the same story it was originally, but I've tweaked it and polished it up. I hope I made it better!
From the Unofficial Portkey Archive: https://portkey-archive.org/story/2817/
Disclaimer: You know the drill. None of this belongs to me (Well, a character at the end is mine, but that’s all, folks) and no money is being made from it. I thank JKRowling for the inspiration.
A/N: I wrote this a while ago and it’s been posted. But since it was my first story, I wanted to tweak it. It was obviously written before OotP, but there were things that I just couldn’t change.
Please enjoy!
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The Potter’s were having a pleasant evening at home. They were finally both back from their classes and they were more than happy to be there.
Their life probably seemed too ideal to those outside of their circle, but neither could care. Both of them had received their teaching positions right out of school and had married a year later. Now, three years later, they were comfortable in their lives. They had routines and they had a connection that no one could ever break.
Even still, it wasn’t perfect. It was just as hard to be Harry Potter and, at times, even harder to be his wife. The press was always after a story for something. An anniversary, a night on the town, what they had for breakfast, when they would be expecting children. It never mattered what it was, the media just wanted anything they could get. Harry would get furious, but it was always Hermione’s cool head that brought him back to reality.
But even with all of this, the Potters had a life they had always dreamed of. Ever since their sixth year at Hogwarts, this was what they wanted.
Harry practically raced back home that day. He couldn’t explain why, but he just couldn’t focus on any of his lessons. He just kept thinking of how much he missed Hermione and how much he wanted to see her.
Hermione had the same problem that day. It was odd for her not to be able to concentrate on anything academic, but there she was, just wondering what Harry was doing at that moment. She just had to get home. There was something that she had to talk to him about.
That evening, she was supposed to be making dinner, but Harry kept pulling her back on to his lap, threatening to tickle her.
“We can eat later. Can’t I just hold my wife for now?” he asked.
“Sure you can. But if you want to eat at all tonight, then you should let me go,” Hermione giggled.
“Nah, food is overrated. Especially when there’s a gorgeous gal on your lap.”
Hermione blushed and smiled. “I love you, Harry.”
“And I love you, Hermione.”
“Harry?”
“Yes, sweetie?”
Hermione took a deep breath. She’d been thinking of ways to tell him this. She wanted it to be perfect, but it seemed that none of the ways she had practiced were coming out.
‘Oh well, there’s nothing like the basics,’ she thought.
“I want to have a baby,” she told him.
Harry had to resist the urge to leap to his feet since Hermione was on his lap.
“What?”
“You heard me. I want to have a baby,” she said as calmly as possible, even though she thought she was going to burst with anticipation.
“Hermione! That’s wonderful! I can’t wait to have a child with you,” he said as he scooped her up and swung her around. He sat back down with her still in his lap and began to kiss her.
Suddenly, Hedwig flew in and landed in Hermione’s lap. A note was attached to her leg.
“Hedwig? I didn’t even know you left,” Harry said as he untied the note and began to read it:
Harry,
Something terrible has happened! We’re beginning to suspect that Voldemort is gaining power and supporters. Meet me at the Leaky Cauldron tomorrow at 6 so we can discuss things.
All my love to you and Hermione,
Sirius
“Voldemort in power!” Hermione screeched as she read the letter. She knew what that meant, danger to her husband. Voldemort vowed to kill all the Potters and she knew that Harry was definitely still at the top of the list. “Harry, what are we going to do?”
“Calm down, Mione. I’m sure that it’s just Sirius over-reacting. We’ll meet him tomorrow and we’ll find out what’s going on,” Harry said, hoping to conceal the worry in his voice.
Sirius had become one of the greatest Aurors in years after his name was cleared. He wanted to make sure that all the Death-Eaters were finally put to justice. It was a lofty goal, but it was for his dead best friends.
And it was because of Sirius’ drive that made Harry believe that maybe it wasn’t just over-reacting.
“That’s a good idea,” Hermione mumbled, uncomfortable with the whole idea.
The rest of the night was quiet.
Dinner was awkward from all the forced conversations.
Harry tried to seem composed and not worried about what he would hear tomorrow, but Hermione was sure she saw him cover his scar every now and then and wince. The scar only hurt when Voldemort was near or when he had a surge of evil energy. Harry always hated the scar, not only for the stares it invited but mostly because it acted as a connection between him and the madman that killed his parents and countless others.
“Harry. Is your scar hurting?” she finally asked him as they got dressed for bed.
“A little,” he admitted. “It might just be all the worrying.”
“Or it might be that Sirius is right. Oh, Harry, what are we going to do?” Hermione questioned as they both climbed into bed.
“We’re going to get all the information before we jump to conclusions, ok?”
Hermione nodded weakly and ran her finger along the scar on her husband’s forehead. He beat the evil before, why couldn’t he do it again? She tried to convince herself that everything would work out again, but she couldn’t quite believe that it was 100% guaranteed. She looked down at Harry’s deep green eyes now. The love of his mother was there, along with whatever she protected him with. Finally, she found Harry’s smile. That smile made her melt. She loved this man more than she ever thought possible. How could she lose him?
“Hermione,” Harry began. “You’re not going to lose me. Ok?” he said, almost reading her thoughts.
“That transparent, huh?”
“You could say that. I just know how that beautiful head of yours works, that’s all. Don’t worry about things until they need worried about, ok?”
“Fair enough. I love you so much, Harry.”
“I love you, too, Hermione.”
“Show me,” she whispered.
Harry nodded knowingly and pulled her into a passionate kiss that gradually led to more. If Hermione needed to know that their love would get them through this, then Harry would tell her every way he knew how.
Harry held her close after they made love, but neither slept well that night.
The next morning, Harry and Hermione practically had to force breakfast down. They barely spoke. Once it was time to go, they looked deep into each other’s eyes and kissed with all the love they felt. Words weren’t needed; their devotion spoke for itself. And with that, the Potters went to teach their classes (Harry, Defense Against the Dark Arts and Hermione, Charms), but neither of them was focused on teaching that day.
After classes, they went to the Leaky Cauldron. They waited for Sirius and ordered some butterbeers to pass the time. Once he finally showed up, the look on his face said everything.
“Ok, Sirius, what is the problem?” Harry asked.
“Harry, I have to tell you, I’m very concerned. We’ve never seen anything like it. There were huge dark marks appearing all over a local forest one night. We were able to capture one death-eater there and made him talk. They were talking about you guys at a meeting. Harry, Hermione, I hate to say it, but they’re after you,” Sirius said.
Hermione only gasped in horror.
“Ok, well, what are we going to do about this?” Harry asked, obviously on a mission now.
“Well, we’re organizing armies to take on the death-eaters,” Sirius replied.
“It’s going to take more than that,” Harry sighed.
“What do you mean?” Hermione asked.
“What do you think I mean? It’s time. It’s finally time. We’re going for him. We’re going after Voldemort!” Harry replied.
“Harry! Are you mad? You can not do that,” she cried.
“Hermione, I can’t keep living in fear! Voldemort has been trying to kill me for over 20 years and it needs to end now. I will not let him get to you. I’m going to get him and I’m going to do it soon,” Harry said with that Snitch-finding determination she had learned she couldn’t defeat.
“Fine. When would this be starting?” she asked, resigned to what was happening.
“Well, we’d need him as soon as possible,” Sirius sadly said.
“How soon is that?” Hermione asked, scared of the answer.
“Well . . . tomorrow,” Sirius replied.
“Tomorrow?!” Harry and Hermione said at the same time.
“Yes, tomorrow,” Sirius repeated. “Look, we cannot waste any time with this. We need to get in there and attack hard and fast. Harry is the most powerful wizard I know, perhaps even more than Dumbledore, and we need him there.”
“But . . . I . . . all right,” Hermione sighed sadly. “I guess we have to do what we have to do.”
“All right, then. Harry, meet me here, tomorrow morning at 8. We’ll start working on our game plans,” Sirius said. “Hermione, you know I hate taking him away from you, but the sooner we start, the sooner we can finally have Voldemort dead.”
“I know, I know. Just promise me that you’ll both be careful!” she said, holding back the tears.
“We promise,” Harry and Sirius said together in true Marauder style.
The three laughed a little and then returned to their seriousness. They silently ate dinner and then went their separate ways, unsure of what the future held for any of them.
After their meeting with Sirius, Harry and Hermione had a serious feeling of worry. Could this be a trap? Would it be possible for Harry to finally take Voldemort down?
Hermione joined Harry in their bed.
“I’m so worried, Harry. What are we going to do?” she asked.
“We’re going to do what we always do. We’re going to persevere. We’re finally going to defeat him.”
“How can you be sure? What if he’s ready for you?”
“Hermione, don’t worry about things until they need worried about. Didn’t I tell you that last night?” he asked.
“Yeah, but-”
“No buts,” he interrupted, putting a finger to her lips. “We’re finally going to be rid of him.”
“Oh, Harry. Just be careful, please. Be careful.”
“Of course, my love. I have to come back to my girl, don’t I?”
Hermione weakly nodded.
“And we still have babies to discuss,” he added.
Hermione had to hold in the tears. “Harry, make the world go away. Make love to me,” she whispered.
He knew she needed reassurance, so he cast a silencing spell on the bed and both gave each other the comfort they needed.
The next morning, Harry left before Hermione woke up. He knew another goodbye would be too painful for her. He wanted the last moments they spent together to be wonderful.
Harry sat at the desk by their bed and wrote Hermione a note.
My dearest Hermione,
You know how much I hate leaving you like this, but please understand why I’m doing it. I need to be rid of this nagging piece of my bloody life. I just want to know that it’s safe for us … for our babies. I love you more than anything in this world and that is why I must go. I will kill him, Mione. I will end this nightmare so that you and I can continue on with our lives.
Please keep yourself safe while I am gone. And please don’t take your frustrations out on your students. This isn’t their fault. :-)
I will return to you as soon as I can.
All my love forever and always,
Harry
Harry placed the note on the pillow next to her and sighed. He kissed her forehead gently and left to see Sirius.
Hermione woke to an empty bed and cried. She found the note from Harry and cried even harder. Finally, she got up and went to breakfast. She made the announcement that the Defense Against The Dark Arts classes would be taught mainly by Professor Snape until Professor Potter returned. She then Apparated over to Ron’s to tell him what was going on.
Once Ron heard about the recent uprising, he instantly agreed to help. Hermione explained that she didn’t come to ask him to fight; she just wanted him to be careful.
“Hermione! How could I not go out there and help?” he asked, incredulously.
“All right, all right. Just be careful!” she said as she kissed him on the cheek and Apparated out, leaving him to discuss this with his girlfriend. Lavender wasn’t going to be pleased, but Hermione figured that, like herself with Harry, she’d let Ron go.
Much to Hermione’s delight, Harry came home a week later.
“Harry! You’re home! Is it over?” she asked excitedly as she pulled him into a huge hug.
Harry sighed. “No, love. It’s not over by any means, but Sirius and Remus have decided that I need a break.”
“They decided?”
“Yes. I wanted to keep fighting, but they insisted that I come home. And after a second of thought, I realized what a wonderful idea that was after all. I mean, my beautiful wife is at home.”
“All that matters is my wonderful husband is at home. How long can you stay?”
“Only till tomorrow evening. So, we’ll have to make the most of our time,” he said.
“Absolutely,” Hermione said just before Harry began kissing her. It was her last coherent thought until the two were satiated.
It was very painful to watch Harry leave again the next day, but he told her that he would return as often as he could to see her.
Harry was only able to come back to Hermione about once a week to assure her that he was ok. After a few weeks of this, Hermione began to notice a severe bout of nausea. She knew what it was; she wasn’t the smartest girl at Hogwarts for nothing. The question was, how would she tell Harry? This wasn’t exactly the right time for this. How was she going to tell him that while battling one of the greatest evils ever known … he’d also have to deal with a pregnant wife?
Harry actually came home the morning she took the pregnancy test that confirmed her suspicions.
‘How does he always know when I need him?’ she thought to herself as he called to her.
“Hermione?!”
“In the bedroom, Harry!” she replied.
As the door opened, Hermione suddenly became terribly anxious about telling him.
“Mione? Are you ok?” he asked as he saw the worried look on her face.
“Me? Yeah, I’m fine,” she mumbled, glancing back down at the book on her lap.
“Fine, huh? Then why,” he began, taking the book from her, “are you reading the book upside down?”
“Busted,” she admitted. “Well, I’ve been thinking about some things.”
“Ok, shoot.”
“I was just thinking about children.”
“Children?” Harry asked.
“Yeah. I mean, I’d love to have them -”
“You know I’d love to have children one day,” Harry interrupted.
“One day?”
“Well, anytime with you, my love.”
“How would you feel if ‘one day’ was sooner rather than later?” Hermione tentatively asked.
“Hermione? What are you getting at?”
“Well, I just wanted to get your opinion … Daddy,” Hermione said, placing Harry’s hand on her tummy.
“Hermione? Are you saying what I think you are?”
“Yes, Harry. We’re going to have a baby.”
“That’s so wonderful!” he said, picking her up and swinging her around.
“Oh, I’m so happy! I was afraid you would be upset,” she admitted.
“Upset? Why on earth would I be upset?”
“Well, there’s a lot going on right now. I mean, this really isn’t the greatest time for us to have a baby.”
“Mione, please stop worrying so much,” he said placing a finger on her lips. “When would this baby have been conceived?”
“Well, according to Madam Pomfrey, I’m about a month along, so . . .”
Harry quickly did the math in his head. “So, that would be right around … the night before I left. Just think about it. Maybe this baby is a sign. A proof of our strong love. This baby will be another reason for me to come home - not that you weren’t enough.”
“Oh, Harry. I was so worried. I feel so much better now,” she said with a sigh.
“But this does mean that you’ll be a little more vulnerable. Maybe I should have Sirius stay with you.”
“But you’ll need him!”
“Not necessarily. I’ll just have him stay with you during the night. Dumbledore and the other professors can keep an eye on you during the day. Besides, I’ll have Moony there, too. Plus, Ron and everyone else. If I need him, I’ll send for him. For now, let’s go get Hedwig. I’ll send her straight to Padfoot. I want him here to protect you and the little one here,” he said as he patted her stomach, kissed her forehead and walked her to Hedwig’s perch.
Normally, Hermione would have resented needing someone to “keep an eye on her,” but under the circumstances, she consented it.
Hedwig accepted a treat and a petting from Hermione while Harry attached the note to Sirius to her leg.
“Ok, Hedwig, I need you to take this to Sirius. It’s very important, so be careful!” he said.
She hooted softly in reply and took off.
“Well, Mrs. Potter, how to you suppose we spend my day off?” he asked coyly.
“Hmmm, Mr. Potter, I believe I could think of a few ways,” she replied as she grabbed him by the collar of his robe and dragged him towards the bedroom, carefully putting the silencing charm on the bed again.
A/N: Hey guys! Thanks for the reviews! Here’s the second chapter! I think there will be one more chapter after this. (It’s just how I divided the old one up) Please enjoy and please review!!
***
The next few months happened the same way: Harry would come home for one or two nights, then back to the battle. He said they were making a lot of progress, but it was still a tedious process.
As much as Hermione hated having a bodyguard, it was nice to have Sirius there. He was at least someone to have a conversation with at dinner that didn’t constantly ask about Harry and the war.
Every night, Sirius would tell Hermione stories about Harry’s parents and the fun the Marauder’s had at Hogwarts. He also told her about baby Harry (at least as much as he knew).
One night, at the beginning of Hermione’s final month of pregnancy, she spent longer in the shower than usual. Her thoughts just kept going back to Harry. She was very worried, but she remembered the lecture he gave her about worrying so she tried to drop it. However, as Hermione was getting out of the shower, an unbelievable feeling of dread came over her. She hurriedly put on her robe, wrapped a towel around her hair and rushed to her bedroom.
“Sirius!” she cried as she opened the door. The big black dog was lying on the bed. His head snapped up when she came into the room. “Sirius, I--” She screamed as she dropped to the floor, clutching her forehead.
Sirius instantly turned human again and rushed to her. “Hermione! What’s wrong?”
“Aaahhh! It’s my forehead. It burns!” she replied.
Just then, Sirius noticed where she was rubbing. It was the exact location of Harry’s scar.
“Ok, Hermione, listen to me.” She whimpered in pain. “Hermione, focus on my voice.” She looked up into Sirius’s eyes, tears in her own. “I need to get to Harry,” he said. “Something must be terribly wrong if you are feeling the scar.”
She realized that Harry was in real danger. His scar only burned like this when he was in trouble - specifically with Voldemort. “Sirius? What can we do?”
“We are not doing anything. I need you to go to Dumbledore. Stay with him and do not leave his side.”
“But I--” she began.
“No buts!” he interrupted. “I cannot let you endanger that baby you’re carrying. Harry would never forgive me.”
“And I can’t let this baby grow up without a father.”
“Better without a father than with no parents at all! Besides, I am not going to let Harry die. But we need to get moving on this. Please, Hermione! Find Dumbledore. He will protect you while I find Harry. I will bring him to you as soon as I find him. And I promise . . . I will bring him home safe and sound.” And with that, Sirius Black turned back into a dog and ran out of the room.
Hermione could only blankly stare at where her Godfather-in-law stood while she attempted to pull herself together. She wanted to follow him so desperately, but she knew better. Voldemort was probably expecting her at some point and he would want to kill her and the unborn Potter as well. So, she ran out to find the Headmaster.
Meanwhile, deep in the forest where the dark marks were spotted, Harry was tied to a tree, almost unconscious.
“What’s the matter, Potter?” a ghostlike voice said from behind me. “Is that Gryffindor courage failing you? Can’t even keep awake at a time like this?”
Harry knew the voice; it would be impossible for him not to. It was Voldemort.
‘I guess he was too much for me in the end. I’m so sorry, Hermione. I never meant for it to turn out like this. Please forgive me and please take good care of our baby. I love you,’ Harry thought to himself.
“Oh come on, Harry! You can’t possibly think that this is the end! Far from it! No, we’re waiting for everyone to arrive at this party before the real fun begins. And I think another guest has arrived! Why look, Mr. Sirius Black has decided to grace us with his presence!”
Harry saw a large black dog surrounded by a strange green glow being tied to another tree. He instantly recognized the dog as his godfather and figured that he was enchanted to stay in his Animagus form.
“Well, well, well. Two down and one to go … or should I say two?” Voldemort said with an evil laugh. “Yes, Harry, the little missus is next on the list and she’ll be bringing the newest member to the Potter family as well. You’ll all be together soon! Crucio!” he yelled as he pointed his wand at Harry. The pain roared through his body for the second time since he was captured. The pain seemed 10 times worse than it was during his fourth year. His scar burned like a branding iron was pressed to his forehead.
In the distance, Harry heard Sirius barking and howling. Padfoot was pulling at the chain that kept him tethered to the tree. He wanted desperately to help his godson, but to no avail. Sirius was helpless to do anything but watch Harry being tortured.
Finally, Harry gave into the pain and passed out again.
Back at Hogwarts, Hermione was running through the halls. “Professor Dumbledore! Professor Dumbledore!” she cried.
“Hermione! What is the matter?” a voice said from behind her.
“Minerva!” Hermione replied. “I need to find Professor Dumbledore!”
“He’s in his office, dear. What on earth is wrong?”
“Oh, Professor! It’s Harry! We think Voldemort has him! Sirius sent me here. He’s afraid for the baby’s safety.”
“And yours, too, I would imagine,” Professor McGonagall said quietly as she her to Dumbledore’s office.
“I don’t care about me. I just want to keep my baby safe and find my Harry,” Hermione said on the verge of tears.
“We’ll find him, dear. Don’t worry. He’s a strong man and his Godfather will be with him. Not to mention he has a family to come home to,” Minerva said, hoping to lift her spirits. “Chocolate Frog!” she called, opening the secret door to Dumbledore’s office.
Hermione burst up the stairs on the way up to the study. “Professor Dumbledore!” she screamed as she reached the door.
“Why Professor Potter, I was wondering when you would be arriving,” Professor Dumbledore said, looking up from his papers.
“You know?” Hermione asked, knowing that was a stupid question. Dumbledore always knew everything that was going on.
“Yes, though I had hoped that I would be incorrect this time. Harry has been sending me owls and keeping me updated on the current fight. When I didn’t get one at the exact time as usual, I began to get worried.”
“When do they usually arrive?” Hermione asked.
“About an hour ago. But one could set their watch by the times the owls would come in. So I knew something must have gone wrong. Now, Hermione,” Dumbledore began, “We must make arrangements for you. We will have all staff on alert and we will keep you posted.”
Hermione knew it was pointless to protest. “Ok, professor.”
“I have already conjured a protection spell for your room. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to call for me,” the Headmaster told her. “Please follow me. Minerva, please alert the staff that we have some important tasks ahead of us.”
Just as they were leaving, Hagrid burst into the room.
“’Ermione! I just ‘eard! Any news on ‘im yet?”
“No, Hagrid. Nothing yet.” It never ceased to amaze her how quickly word spread around Hogwarts.
“Hagrid, would you kindly walk with us to Mrs. Potter’s room and then stay with her for a while?” Dumbledore asked.
“’Course I will, Professor!” Hagrid said proudly.
So, Hermione and her two bodyguards walked to her room where she and her unborn baby would be safe.
Once inside, Dumbledore left Hermione and Hagrid, but both knew he wouldn’t be far.
“Oh, Hagrid!” she cried as she fell into an embrace. “I don’t know what to do without him!”
“Calm down there, sweetie,” he said, patting her back reassuringly. “Our Harry is strong. He’s beat you-know-who, what, 9 or 10 times now?”
“And Voldemort has always come back, worse than before. What if Harry can’t handle it this time?” she sobbed.
“He will handle it because he has even more incentive to come back. He’s always come back to you, but now he has a wee baby too,” Hagrid said, putting a protective hand on her growing belly. “What do you think it is? A boy or a girl?” he asked, hoping to divert her attention.
“I think it’s a girl. I don’t know why. I just have a feeling.”
“What will you name her?” he questioned.
“I don’t know yet. If I can have my Harry back, I’ll let him name her whatever he wants,” she began to cry again.
“Shh, ‘Ermione. Don’t you worry. He’ll be ok.”
“I just need him here. What if he doesn’t come back?” she said between sobs.
“Now, you listen ‘ere. He is coming back and he will help you raise this baby. He loves the two of you more than anything. And that will bring ‘im home!”
Hermione wanted to believe Hagrid, but she was still so scared.
“Look, just get some rest and I’ll see ya at breakfast tomorrow?”
“Of course,” Hermione said, standing on tiptoes to reach Hagrid’s cheek.
And with that, Hagrid left and Hermione climbed into the bed.
She knew she wasn’t going to sleep well, but she never imagined the nightmares that would plague her. So often she found herself in a forest, finding Harry tied to a tree. His scar was glowing a deep shade of red and she thought she saw blood trickling from it. Horror struck, she would always wake to find herself back in the room at Hogwarts. Once she went back to sleep, the same dream would start again. In the last one however, she was forced to watch Voldemort kill her beloved husband.
She sat up screaming and found herself completely alone . . . except for Dumbledore.
“Professor? Why are you here? Is something wrong? Is it Harry?”
“No, do not worry. It was actually you I was concerned with. I heard your screams and wanted to know what was wrong,” he replied.
Hermione figured he was with her all night guarding her. He probably never left her side.
“Oh, it was horrible. Harry was tied to a tree and his scar was bleeding and I saw him die!” she said, forgetting that the elderly man was once her teacher and hugging him tightly.
He returned the embrace, attempting to comfort her. “We have sent a task-force out to find him. He will return to you safely. I can assure you of this.”
“How can you be sure?” she softly asked.
“Now, Professor Potter, why do you ask this question after all these years?”
Hermione chuckled because he was right. It really was pointless to ask.
“I just know things will turn out all right. Now, when you are ready, please join us in the Great Hall for breakfast.” With that, he rose and left.
Hermione quickly dressed and hurried down to the Great Hall. It hadn’t changed in the years since her graduation. Her mind began to wander back to those times. Those fun times with Harry. Her Harry.
“’Allo, ‘Ermione!” Hagrid yelled as he pulled out a chair for her. She sat in silence with the other professors. They didn’t know what to say to her and she didn’t know what to say either. Hagrid tried to make things seem ok, but nothing was really working. Finally, Hermione excused herself to go take a walk.
She wandered the grounds of Hogwarts aimlessly. She wanted to be alone, but her thoughts always went back to Harry and the dreams. It was like Voldemort was walking with her. Suddenly, she had an eerie feeling. She didn’t think Harry was in trouble, but herself. She turned to the school and ran as quickly as she could. Hermione needed to get back into her safe room. Nothing was going to hurt her baby.
Nothing.
However, that night (Halloween), things took a terrible turn. Hermione was walking down to dinner when she felt an awful tenseness in the air. Suddenly, she felt someone put a cloth over her mouth from behind. Someone murmured the “Petrificus Totalus” spell and Hermione could no longer move her limbs or scream for help.
She was blindfolded, so she couldn’t even use her eyes to explain what was going on. Once they reached their final destination, her blindfold was removed and her hands were tied. The spell was reversed and she was able to see what was happening.
Hermione looked to her left and saw the thing she had been dreading for days: Harry was tied to a tree and his scar was an ugly shade of red.
“Harry!” she screamed. “Harry, please wake up!”
She saw him move, so she knew he wasn’t dead, but he wasn’t waking up. Then she looked slightly beyond Harry and saw a black dog tied to another tree. It was Sirius. He was glowing a strange greenish color and Hermione figured Voldemort cast a spell on him to keep him as a dog. So, great. The rescue party was captured, she and her unborn baby were captured and there was no way out. Her only hope right now was Dumbledore and the Hogwarts army, but would they make it in time?
“So, Mrs. Potter, the gang’s all here right now,” a voice said from behind her. It was an evil voice, one that made her shiver with fear. She knew it must have been Voldemort. “Now I can finally get my revenge on all the Potters. I thank you for making more; I would be so bored with just Harry. Now, who to go first? Yes, I think mummy, then dear old dad!”
Hermione screamed as Voldemort shot a spark at Harry that awoke him violently. “Come on, Harry. Wake up and join us! You’re going to miss all the fun if you stay asleep,” Voldemort said as he shot at Harry again.
“Harry!” Hermione called.
“Hermione!” he replied when he noticed that she was also there. He heard a dog barking as well. “No! Leave them alone! It’s me you want!” Harry yelled to his enemy. “Let them go!”
“You really think that I only want you? How terribly narcissistic of you. This goes far beyond just you. I want revenge on all of those who oppose me. I got your parents and I almost got you. But waiting really turned out in my favor because now I have you, your wife and a new little Potter as well. Plus an unexpected bonus of Sirius Black. How lucky for me!”
“Just leave them! I’m willing to sacrifice myself for them, just let them go!”
Harry shouted, hoping to stall for time. He needed a plan and he needed it quick.
“No! Harry!” Hermione cried. He hated to hear her in pain like that, knowing that he couldn’t help her.
“Hermione, it’ll be ok,” he called to her.
“Oh, do you really think that? Please!” Voldemort sneered. Just then, Peter Pettigrew ran over.
“Master! We think Dumbledore is coming. What should we do?” he whimpered.
“Dumbledore?! No! he’ll ruin everything!” Voldemort angrily yelled as he took off after Pettigrew.
“Hermione? Are you ok?” Harry asked.
“I’m fine. Are you ok?” she replied.
“I think so. My head is killing me, though. Don’t worry. We’re going to get out of this. Hermione, what are the chances you actually still have your wand?”
“I think I do. The goons that kidnapped me never bothered to check.”
“Ok, Hermione, this is so important. Can you reach it?”
“No, my hands are tied too tight. I can’t reach my pocket,” she cried.
Harry sighed. There had so be something he could do. If only he had his wand! “Wingardium Leviosa” kept running though his mind.
Suddenly, Hermione’s wand flew into her hand. “I’ve got it!” she yelled. She said an untying spell and everyone’s ropes came undone. She then took the hex off of Sirius and he returned to human form. Everyone ran together, but were split apart by a bolt of energy sent by Voldemort.
“So, you got loose, huh? Doesn’t mean you’re going to leave here alive!” he shouted. “Black! Do you think you’re actually going to protect them?” Voldemort screeched. “You have no power against me! I’m finally going to finish what I started decades ago! I am going to kill the Potters - all of them!”
“Never . . . threaten . . . my family . . . again!” Harry said, his rage rising. “Expelliarmus!”
It never even occurred to Harry that he wasn’t holding his wand. But light shot from the palm of his hand and knocked the dark lord back, sending his wand flying.
Hermione didn’t have time to be surprised at what her husband just did. She just ran to him.
“Harry! What do we do?”
“I don’t know,” he replied. They both ran to Sirius, but by then Voldemort had recovered. “This is not over!” he screamed, he summoned his wand and began to charge at them.
“This ends tonight!” Harry said as his eyes flashed with anger.
“Harry!” Hermione screamed when she saw Harry walking toward Voldemort.
He had only taken three or four steps when he found himself surrounded by a beautiful golden light. “Hmm? Did I die already?” he thought.
Suddenly, he realized what it was. He was surrounded by a force field. Hermione finally knew what was going on.
“Harry! It’s love! Love is the counter-curse!” she yelled.
He stepped back to her and grabbed her hand. They both stood protectively with Sirius hoping that love would still protect them.
Voldemort hadn’t noticed the force field. The evil wizard yelled “Avada Kedavra!” He had hoped to kill them all with one spell, but what he wasn’t counting on was love. The death curse bounced off of the force field and killed Voldemort forever. The blast traveled for over a mile and killed all of the death-eaters nearby as well.
“Harry! Do you know what just happened here?” Sirius asked quickly.
“He’s finally gone?” Harry replied softly.
“Yes, but that’s not all. It was you. It was your love for Hermione and the baby and the rest of us. You created the force field and you defeated him . . . again.”
“It was my mother,” Harry whispered. “Whatever my mother saved me with is in my blood. It’s all because of my mum.”
Hermione was so happy she was laughing and crying at the same time. “Oh, Harry! It’s finally over.” She tried to look into his eyes for the warmth she needed, but she couldn’t since his glasses were broken in several places. “But you still can’t keep those glasses fixed!” she laughed as she said, “Oculus reparo. There. Maybe we should put an anti-breaking charm on them.”
“Whatever you want, sweetheart,” Harry said as he kissed her. “I am so sorry that I had to leave you guys, but I’m back and we’re going to go home right now!”
“Um, not yet,” Hermione mumbled.
“Why not?” Harry asked.
“My water just broke!” she cried.
A/N: Ok, here’s the last chapter. It’s a little too idealistic, I realize, but this was my first story and I love the fluffy happiness of it anyway.
Please enjoy and please review!
***
Hermione’s word quickly sunk into Harry’s mind.
“Oh God! Ok, we can handle this. Sirius, we need to . . . we have to . . . Madam Pomfrey! Have to get to … hospital!” he stammered.
“Oh, just hurry!” Hermione cried.
Harry picked her up and told Sirius to get Dumbledore and meet him in the hospital wing at Hogwarts. They both Apparated to the edge of the grounds and Harry conjured a stretcher to carry Hermione on. Sirius ran towards the castle.
“It’s ok, love. You’re going to be fine. Just fine,” Harry said to Hermione as they hurried to the castle.
Just then, Professor Dumbledore came running out of the main entrance. “I was wondering what was taking so long. Madam Pomfrey is waiting for you.”
Madam Pomfrey prepared Hermione for labor and left to get some ingredients for a pain-relieving potion.
Harry could only hope that she was hurrying. He was afraid that Hermione was going to break his hand every time a contraction hit.
“I’m sorry, Harry. I must be grabbing kinda hard,” she panted.
“It’s ok, sweetie. You can break my hand as long as you don’t make the bones completely disappear. Skele-gro tastes terrible!” he said, hoping to make her laugh. It worked, if only for a second. Hermione screamed with the next contraction and Harry held back the urge to scream as well. His hand felt like it was going to break off.
Just then, Madam Pomfrey returned with the potion. Hermione gulped it down and almost instantly felt better.
“Oh that’s so wonderful,” she sighed. Harry silently agreed.
Hermione was in labor for a few more hours when the baby began to crown.
“Thank God for pain relieving potions,” she sighed as she continued to push.
“Tell me about it!” Harry agreed as he remembered the pain his hands went through earlier.
“Ok, Hermione. This should be the last one,” Madam Pomfrey told her.
Hermione gave the biggest push she could and then fell back with exhaustion.
“Congratulations! It’s a girl!” the nurse announced.
“I knew it was a girl,” Hermione sighed. “Well, I promised Hagrid that if you came back to me, I’d let you name her anything you wanted. So, what do you want to name her, Harry?”
“Well, I think I would like to name her after my mother. I think she was with us tonight and helped us defeat Voldemort finally. Does that sound ok?”
“That’s fine,” Hermione said as she beamed with happiness. “How about Lily Victoria. Kinda like ‘Lily’s victory?’ It was like your mother’s victory tonight, right?”
“Oh, Hermione. That’s beautiful. Thank you so much,” Harry said with tears in his eyes.
Madam Pomfrey laid the baby on Hermione’s chest. “Hello, Lily. Quite a bumpy ride you’ve had, huh?”
Hagrid, Sirius, Lily, Dumbledore and McGonagall all rushed in, completely against Madam Pomfrey’s orders.
“’Ermione! She’s beautiful!” Hagrid said, sobs in his voice. “Reminds me of you when you was just a baby, ‘Arry.”
“And she’s going to have those eyes as well. Hello, sweetie,” Hermione said as baby Lily first opened her green eyes.
Harry sat down next to his wife stared into her eyes. Sirius conjured a camera and took a candid shot of the growing family. Then he gave them a chance to make themselves a little more “presentable” and took another one (one that Hermione approved of).
Both Harry and Hermione looked back on their lives. There were so many good memories and so many bad ones. But the bad ones didn’t matter at all, because they all led to this point. Voldemort was finally dead. Harry, Hermione, and little Lily Potter had all lived through a horrible ordeal, but in the end, it was worth it.
Harry no longer had to worry about Voldemort coming back to get him and his family. Sure, there was always going to be evil in the world, but he now certainly knew that his family could protect themselves. He also hoped that now his parents could rest in peace. Their killer was finally brought to justice by their heirs. Harry (with an assist from Hermione and the baby, Harry was sure of that) had finally brought Voldemort down. It was a wonderful feeling.
Hermione was happy that Harry now had some closure. The madman who killed his parents was finally gone. The scar would always remain, but the pain could finally die down and the scar could be a reminder of the great defeat instead. Maybe the nightmares would come less frequently. Maybe the sadness in his eyes wouldn’t be as obvious. Maybe he could begin a life with less fear for his loved ones. Hermione wanted all of these things and if even one could happen, she would be happier.
“So what is this lovely lady’s name?” Minerva asked.
“I’d like you all to meet Lily Victoria Potter,” Hermione said.
“Lily’s victory. Beautiful sentiment,” Dumbledore smiled. “Harry and Hermione, I must say that you have a beautiful daughter and her name is already on the list to attend Hogwarts.” Professor McGonagall slapped his arm. He quickly added, “Though I did not tell you that.”
Even Minerva McGonagall couldn’t hide her excitement looking at the Potter baby. She smiled and even began to cry.
“Now I have another announcement to make,” Dumbledore said. “As of the end of this term, I am retiring from Hogwarts. I am ready to take some time off and explore some of my passions. I would love some more time on my hands. Perhaps I will learn to make myself some socks, seeing as how I never get any,” he said as he winked at Harry. Harry was the only one to get the joke. “Furthermore, because of my retirement, I will need to name a replacement for the position of Headmaster. Harry, I believe that you would have the qualifications for the job. Providing you are up for the task.”
“Really? Me?” Harry asked incredulously.
“Yes, you.”
“Well, thank you, sir! Thank you very much! It would be an honor to follow in your footsteps!”
“And I believe I have an announcement as well,” Professor McGonagall said.
“Yes, Minerva?” Dumbledore said, knowing what she had to say.
“Well, I also was planning my retirement. I have been wanting some rest time and I thought perhaps I would make you some socks,” she said to Dumbledore with a glimmer in her eye. “And I was thinking what a fine Transfiguration teacher Hermione would be. I can only hope that these two can handle being Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress together. Not to mention joint heads of Gryffindor house.”
“Professor McGonagall! Thank you so much! I’m thrilled that you have that much confidence in us,” Hermione said with a huge grin on her face.
“Well, at this rate, they’ll have to change the name of the school!” Sirius laughed.
“’Arry, I’ll be proud to say I work for ya!” Hagrid said, bringing a hankie to his eye.
“Well, I think we should leave this family in peace now, before Poppy comes back and shuffles us all out. Congratulations to the both of you,” Dumbledore said as he stood to leave. Everyone lined up to hug the Potters and then follow Dumbledore out of the room.
“You have a beautiful little girl,” Professor McGonagall said as she began to follow. “And I know you’ll do us proud in your new positions.”
“’Arry, ‘Ermione. Today was quite a day for ya, huh? I just want you to know that I’ll always be around for you to watch the kiddies anytime you need,” Hagrid said.
“Thank you, Hagrid,” Hermione said as he bear-hugged her.
“Harry, what can I say?” Sirius began. “You did something remarkable today. You and the whole family did. Not only did you avenge your parents’ deaths, but you gave them a grandchild. Plus you both got quite a promotion. I know that Lily and James are beaming with pride right now. You’re a good man, Harry Potter.”
“Thank you, Sirius,” Harry said.
“And Hermione, I have to tell you, Lily and James would have loved you as a daughter-in-law. I’m sure that they are happy that you are the mother of their grandchild. You did wonderful today, sweetie,” Sirius said as he kissed Hermione’s forehead.
“Thank you so much for everything, Sirius,” Hermione said, tears springing to her eyes.
“All right! That’s enough!” Madam Pomfrey called. “No more upsetting my patients!”
“He’s not upsetting me!” Hermione protested.
“Doesn’t matter. Only ones I want in here are parents. Off with ya!” the nurse said as she shooed Sirius away.
“I’ll talk to you guys soon!” he said from the doorway right before she slammed it.
“Now as for you, missy. I want you to rest very, very soon. Your husband here can take care of the baby!” Pomfrey said as she started towards her office.
“Well, alone at last,” Harry said as he pressed a kiss to Hermione’s forehead.
“I cannot believe the day we’ve had,” she replied, leaning back onto her pillows.
“We certainly got a lot accomplished,” Harry joked.
“Do you realize what you did?” Hermione asked.
“Yeah, I finally avenged my parents’ deaths and-”
“No,” she interrupted. “With your magic.”
“What are you talking about?” he asked with a puzzled look.
“You levitated my wand to my hand and you shot Voldemort back all without your wand.”
Harry sat back and thought about that for a second. “You know, I never thought of that.”
“You’re becoming a more powerful wizard than either one of us thought,” she said.
“And I have my family to thank for that!” Harry said, beaming. “I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am right now. Or how much I love you,” he said as he kissed her again. “Or how much I love you,” he added, kissing his daughter on the head.
Hermione could only sit back and wonder about their luck. Imagine, avenging Harry’s parents’ deaths, having a baby and becoming Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress all in one day!
“Harry, are you ok?” she asked, knowing that the day had to take a toll on her husband.
“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just weird, you know. All those years I spent trying to defeat him and now that it’s over . . .”
“Well, you’ll have lots to keep you busy now, Headmaster Potter.”
“What about you, then? Deputy Headmistress Potter and Transfiguration Professor. I know you’ll enjoy teaching that much more than Charms,” Harry said.
“Yeah, I will. I can’t believe it. We’ve become Dumbledore and McGonagall. Do you think we’re really up to the challenge?” Hermione cautiously asked.
“I know we are. This will be great.”
Just then, the door creaked slowly as someone peeked in. Harry recognized the red hair right away.
“Ron!” Hermione exclaimed as she recognized him as well.
“Hey! I just heard the great news - all of it!” Ron said taking a seat next to the bed. “Oh, look at her! She’s just gorgeous! What’s her name?”
“Lily Victoria,” Hermione said.
“Well, hello, Lily. You got your grandma’s name, huh? I’m your Uncle Ron and I’ll be teaching you all sorts of fun things that your mother will hate!”
“Ronald Weasley! You will teach my daughter no such things! I don’t think I could deal with another one like you two!” Hermione began to yell.
“Calm down, mum! I’m just kidding!”
“She’s a little sensitive right now, Ron,” Harry said.
“I see that. Sorry, Hermione. So, it’s over, huh? Finally took the dark lord down?” Ron said to Harry.
“Yeah, I guess it’s finally over,” Harry replied.
“Hard to believe?” Ron asked.
“Yeah, all those years of hatred and now it’s over. But now I can focus all my energy on love as opposed to hate. Because now I have a beautiful wife and a beautiful daughter.”
“And I hear you have new jobs as well,” Ron said.
“Yeah. Hard to believe, huh? The trouble makers we were and now I’m Headmaster,” Harry said.
“No, no, no. The troublemakers that you two were. Not me!” Hermione protested.
“No, it was the three of us. We just usually did the worst or got the worst in punishment!” Ron said.
“Regardless,” Harry interrupted. Even after graduation, Hermione and Ron could still get into a row. “it does seem strange, to be in charge of the place,” sighed Harry.
“Well, as long as we all have good news to share, I might as well share mine,” Ron began. “I had been waiting to tell you until after the war was over and I guess that’s now. Since my father got promoted to Minister of Magic, I got his job as the head Misuse of Muggle Artifacts department.”
“Ron! That’s great! Congratulations!” Harry said.
“That’s so wonderful!” Hermione agreed.
“Thanks, guys. Kinda weird now, huh? To be the adults, I mean,” Ron said.
“Very weird,” Harry said quietly.
“Just look at us. You guys are married, you have a beautiful baby and I’mgoingtoaskLavendertomarryme,” Ron mumbled quickly.
“Excuse me?!” Hermione swiftly asked.
“Ok, ok. I’m going to ask Lavender to marry me. I knew that if we made it through this war, then it would be like a sign. Well, we made it and now I’m going to do it. You guys are like an inspiration.”
“Ron, that’s excellent. Congratulations!” Harry said.
Just then, Hermione gave a big yawn. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I guess it was a bigger day than I thought!” she apologized.
“That’s ok. I should go anyway before Madam Pomfrey comes out here and hexes me. I just wanted to see you guys and congratulate you on everything. Bloody brilliant work, you two,” Ron said.
“Thank you for that assessment, Mr. Weasley,” Hermione said in her best Minerva McGonagall impression.
“You’ll make an excellent Deputy Headmistress, Hermione. You’re turning into McGonagall already!” Ron said with a laugh. Hermione and Harry laughed as well.
“Well, I have to get going. You have a beautiful daughter. I’ll see you soon!” Ron said as he began to leave.
Harry and Hermione said their goodbyes as well and then it was just them. Hermione yawned again.
“I’m sorry. I guess I’m a little more tired than I thought,” she said.
“Well, that’s ok, because you need your rest. You give me our little princess here and you take a nap,” Harry said as he took Lily from Hermione. “Don’t worry, we’re not going anywhere. We’ll be right here when you wake up.”
“Ok, ok. You win,” Hermione said drowsily. “I love you, Harry. And I love you, little Lily,” she said as she fell asleep.
“I love you, too, Mione. And I love you, precious Lily,” Harry said as he kissed the most important women in life on the foreheads.
‘I am the luckiest man in the world,’ he thought as he sat back into his chair and fell asleep as well.