Chapter 6
Disclaimer: You know they're not mine. Everything is JKR's.
A/N: Sorry that it took so long for this chapter but I hope you find it's worth to wait :)
Big thanks to Nakhash, my wonderful beta, and many many thanks to you all readers and your wonderful reviews!
No reply for review in this chapter. I'm doing the last minute job in posting it, but I assure you I have read all your reviews (more than once :)), maybe in the next chapter. Now please R/R!
***
Hermione Apparated to Harry's house the next morning. Feeling a little nervous, she opened the gate and walked in.
"Morning, 'Mione!" Harry called out.
She looked up and saw that Harry was standing at the front door. He was wearing his black Auror's robe and smiling at her. She smiled back and said quickly, "Morning Harry. Did you sleep well?"
As soon as the question left her lips, Hermione regretted it; the look on Harry's face told her he was reminded of yesterday evening, even it was only for a brief moment.
"Oh, it was all right. In fact, I've never slept that well." He gave her a small smile. Hermione was relieved, knowing it was sincere. "Come in, Hermione. It's rather cold outside."
She smiled and followed him inside.
"Have you had breakfast, 'Mione?" Harry asked, once they were in the living room.
"No," Hermione answered. "Are you going to work, now?" she asked him, taking her cloak off.
"Not for another hour," replied Harry. "Will you join me in breakfast?"
"Sure!" answered Hermione brightly.
Harry smiled and said, "Come on then, let's go to the dining room."
***
"Please, sit down," said Harry as he pulled out a chair for her, "and let me hang your cloak for you."
"Thank you," said Hermione, handing him her dark red-gold cloak and sitting down.
He took it and smiled. "You're welcome. I'll let Dobby know you'll be joining me. He was cleaning last I saw him," he added as an afterthought as he walked out of the room, leaving Hermione alone at the table. She busied herself with the hem of the tablecloth waiting for Harry to return.
A few minutes later, Harry entered the room carrying a large tray with coffee, a pitcher of pumpkin juice, some toast, butter, and two plates of fried eggs and chips. He put the tray down, seating himself opposite her.
"I hope you still like it," he said, handing her the pumpkin juice.
"Oh! How I missed it, Harry," Hermione exclaimed. She took the glass and sipped delightedly. "Hmm... I feel like I'm home, again," She sighed, and closed her eyes savoring the feeling of the sweet liquid flowing down her throat. Opening her eyes, she saw Harry was watching her. She blushed a little, embarrassed. "You know, I haven't had this for so long."
His lips curled into a smile and he interrupted, "I understand, Hermione, and I'm glad you still like it."
Hermione smiled. The two best friends started eating their breakfast, peacefully.
"Is Agnes awake, yet?" asked Hermione, wiping her mouth with a white napkin.
"No," Harry replied, shoving another piece of egg into his mouth. "She was still sleeping when you came, but don't worry, if she wakes up Dobby will take care of her."
Hermione frowned. "You should at least see her before you go to work, Harry," she commented.
"I do, but she's always sleeping when I leave," Harry sighed. "She's my child, Hermione, I love her but I also have to work. You know that, don't you?" He looked into her eyes as if it would help in explaining things to her more clearly.
"I'm sorry. I was just thinking it would be nice if you two spent more time together," she said ruefully.
"Don't be, Hermione, I know you want to help and I really appreciate it," he said softly and smiled, drawing a small smile from her.
"I think it's time, now," said Harry finishing off his coffee. "Do you want to stay here till this evening or do you have other plans?" Harry asked.
"No, I don't have anything to do other then spend time with Agnes today," Hermione responded immediately.
"Thank you, 'Mione," said Harry appreciatively.
"My pleasure," Hermione beamed. "Oh, Harry, I've got something to ask you," she said quickly, as Harry stood up.
"What is it, 'Mione?" inquired Harry, turning to her. She began shifting in her seat, uncomfortably, making Harry nervous. He walked around the table to her side and urged, "Tell me, 'Mione, is something wrong?"
"No, no, nothing at all," she stammered, chewing her bottom lip before continuing. "I've arranged a friendly reunion here this evening at five," she blurted out briskly yet quietly, almost liked a whisper.
It took Harry quite a few moments to register what she had just said. When he finally made the connection he screamed, "What have you done?"
Hermione flinching noticeably and Harry instantly calmed himself. She let out a deep breath and said, locking her eyes with his, "Look, I'm sorry that I've, technically, used your house without your permission; I have no intention of hurting you or meddling in your life. I just think it's a good idea for friends to get together sometimes; especially for you, Harry." She kept her eyes on him, a single tear threatening to fall.
Harry sighed, a long, low sigh. He took a step closer to her and brushed away the tear. "I know, Hermione; I understand. I'm sorry. I shouldn't yell at you."
She threw her arms around his neck; laying her head on his chest, she broke into sobs. Harry wrapped his arms around her and gently stroked her back. He whispered reassuringly, "It's all right, Hermione. I'm not angry with you."
"So you agree?" she asked between the sobs.
Harry sighed once more, "OK, you win."
Hermione stopped crying. She untangled herself from his arms and took a step back to see if he was serious, then she squeaked; her eyes gleamed with unshed tears but she was beaming as she suddenly kissed him on the cheek. Harry was stunned. He touched the spot on his check while Hermione, who seemed overly excited, clapped her hands and kept saying, "I knew you would understand, Harry."
Hermione finally calmed down. She glanced at her watch. "Gods! Harry, you're late!" she gasped.
He was pulled roughly out of his thoughts by Hermione's words.
"Oh, well, goodbye, 'Mione." He hurriedly walked to the door.
"Wait!" Hermione called out and ran to Harry's chair. Pulling his black cloak from the armrest, she hurried back to Harry, who was standing in the doorway, smiling.
"Here, it's cold outside," said Hermione, tossing the cloak into his hands.
"Thanks, 'Mione," he said, wrapping the cloak around him.
"You're welcome." Hermione smiled shyly. "Bye!"
"Bye!" said Harry, and he walked out of the house before Apparating to the Ministry of Magic.
***
After Harry left, Hermione went to Agnes's room. The girl was still sleeping peacefully. Hermione smiled and leaned forward to kiss her tiny forehead, then left the room to find Dobby. She found him in the kitchen fussing over two steaming cauldrons.
"Hello, Dobby," Hermione called out from behind the house-elf. "What are you doing?" she asked, craning her neck to see into the cauldrons.
Dobby wheeled around and smiled. "Good morning Miss," the elf greeted Hermione. "Dobby is cooking dinner for Harry Potter," he answered, and went back to stirring the cauldrons again.
Hermione laughed. "Oh! Dobby, it's only nine o'clock in the morning and you're cooking dinner?" asked Hermione, giggling.
"Dobby knows Miss would thinks he is crazy," said Dobby with a little note of hurt, "but Dobby has a lot of works to do." He again turned to his cauldrons.
"No, Dobby, I don't," said Hermione quickly. "I'm sorry." She narrowed her eyes and frowned, "Is it because of Agnes?" she inquired.
Dobby's eyes widened. He squealed, "Oh Miss! Please don't be angry with little Miss Agnes. Dobby volunteers to help Harry Potter, himself, Miss."
"No, I'm not angry with Agnes, don't worry," she answered absentmindedly. Her brows creased together as she thought.
"Eh... Miss is wanting something?" Dobby's voice broke into Hermione's thoughts.
"Oh... yes, I wanted to tell you that there will be a small party here this evening," she told him.
Dobby looked somewhat bewildered at the news; maybe it was because of the word 'party.' Who would think Harry Potter would give a party? Hermione smirked internally, then turned to the confused house-elf. She explained, "It was my idea to invite some of our old friends from school to have a little reunion."
Dobby looked pleases.
Hermione continued, "I hope you can provide us with some food and drink, maybe something that reminds us of Hogwarts?" She grinned as Dobby's eyes widened with excitement.
"Of course, Miss! Dobby is doing his best," he promised with a beam.
"Thank you very much, Dobby," said Hermione, "and don't worry about Agnes, I'll take care of her."
"Thank you, Miss Hermione," he said, bowing his head.
***
Hermione left the kitchen and retired to the nursery where she waited for Agnes to wake up. It wasn't long before the little girl started to stir. Hermione gave her a bath and dressed her. The entire day was spent with Agnes; she fed her, played with her, took her for a walk, and even read her some of the books in Harry's library, which were mostly about Defense Against the Dark Arts and Quidditch. She found a Quidditch book with lively color photos to show Agnes. The girl seemed fascinated with the game and kept groping the golden Snitch zooming around the page. 'Like father, like daughter,' thought Hermione, smiling fondly.
In the evening, Hermione took Agnes to her room for a nap. The girl sleepily protested but once she was lying in her crib with a bottle, she quickly drifted off to sleep. Hermione made good use of the time to prepare for the party.
It was late fall. The weather had started to freeze a bit with occasional snow flurries. Hermione decided to arrange the table in the garden despite the cold temperature. She didn't know how many people Ginny had invited but better safe than sorry. Hermione conjured a long, wooded table and a dozen chairs and placed them in the middle of the well-cut lawn, near the rose bushes. Then she cast a warming charm around the space. 'Hmm...this is one the best things of being a witch,' Hermione mused slyly. She conjured a light blue tablecloth and a white china vase, which she placed on the table. She then transfigured a tree branch into a pair of clippers and cut some roses for the vase. She stood still, eyeing the decoration she had just made, and tapped her finger against her bottom lip, trying to think what else to add. A few seconds passed; her eyes glinted with excitement. She pointed her wand at the area above the table and whispered something under her breath; suddenly, dozens of white candles floated in midair lighting up the darkening sky.
Hermione stepped back a few meters to admire the sight in front of her. The candles reminded her of Hogwarts' Great Hall and everything in the garden reminded her of the dinner in the garden at the Burrow on that long ago summer, though the images still danced vividly in her memory. She let out a deep breath; she was a little tired as she had used a lot of her energy on the various spells. But, she was happy at the results and looking forward to the reunion. She glanced at her watch; it was 5:45 PM. Hermione hadn't told Ginny the exact time of the so-called party, though she figured they would be arriving soon, so Hermione went back inside to get herself ready. She wanted to freshen up before the evening and decided to take a quick shower in the guest bathroom but first, had to check on Dobby and Agnes.
***
Twenty minutes later, Hermione was ready. She preformed a cleaning spell on her clothes before getting dressed and went back to the main hall. She met Harry at the entrance. He was just back from work; still in the robes he wore that morning and looking miserable. Hermione's heart leapt a bit, with worry. She moved to stand in front of him, searching his face.
"Is something wrong, Harry?" she asked anxiously.
"No, I'm fine, 'Mione," Harry answered, forcing a smile on his face.
Hermione narrowed her eyes. "You better tell me, Harry Potter," she said in a threatening tone, "I know when something isn't right; something is bothering you."
Harry's face turned a little red and his eyes glittering dangerously. Hermione knew he was angry with her for always being right. It had been that way for years' since they were still at Hogwarts. Even the five years apart hadn't affected the knowledge she had about him. Well, not much, she still thought there was something he was keeping from her and she, for one, couldn't figure it out. Hermione shook herself from her speculations and focused on the matter at hand; Harry. She looked at him expectantly, ignoring the angry look on his face.
Harry sighed and ran his fingers through his unruly, black hair. "I was just feeling a little nervous, that's all," he said shortly and stood still as if to wait for Hermione to laugh at him.
She merely smiled and patted his upper arm encouragingly. "It's all right, Harry," said Hermione. Then she heard a sound coming from outside the house.
"It sounds like someone crashed a broom on the ground. Let's go and see," Hermione said, grinning.
Harry grinned back and the two of them walked out to greet their guests.
***
"Aaarrrgh!!! Get off me!" came the scream from outside.
Harry and Hermione rushed to see what had happened. They glanced around but the sky was dark gray now and it was difficult to see anything. Hermione spotted something moving in the flower bushes.
"Look, Harry!" exclaimed Hermione, pointing at the tattered flower bush.
"Get your legs off of me, Fred!" George's voice bellowed.
"You're sitting on the broom; I can't move!" Fred yelled back.
Hermione and Harry dashed off to where the sound was coming from.
"Lumos!" Hermione muttered, and a small light beamed from the tip of her wand, revealing two redheads entwined with something that looked like a broomstick but was twice as large and longer.
"Fred, George! Are you okay?" asked Harry, helping them disengage from the broom.
"Okay, mate," said George, brushing himself off.
"Ow! He sat on my stomach," Fred grumbled, clutching his middle. "It's your fault," he said accusingly, "I said to light your wand but you didn't."
"I couldn't reach my wand!" George argued. "You flew too fast."
"Oh, do stop, you two!" Hermione yelled.
"Harry! Hermione!" someone called from the front entrance. The twins stopped arguing as another redhead with a dirty blonde, dreamy-looking Luna walked in.
"Hey, don't tell me you two are arguing again," Ron smirked, then turned to Harry. "Hi, Harry! Haven't seen you for ages, mate!" As they hugged, Hermione could see the two grown men were on the brink of tears; she smiled.
"Let's move to a proper place, all of you," announced Hermione, in her best Head Girl voice. "Where's Ginny and Draco?"
"Here!" came Ginny's voice from behind them. They turned to face a very annoyed witch striding toward them and a platinum blond wizard jogging behind trying to keep up.
"Ginny, wait!, you're walking too fast!" Draco called out to his wife.
"It's your fault we're late!" Ginny retorted angrily.
"Look, I just want her to be safe and she's mad at me because of it," Draco told them, once he had caught his breath.
"Well, Draco, she is pregnant; you should indulge her a little more," Luna chipped in.
"But- but-" he stuttered; Harry cut him off. "Let's get to dinner, shall we? Hermione says she has a surprise."
Hermione grinned and led the way to the back garden where she had set up the dining table.
"Wow! Hermione!" Ginny and Luna said in awe.
"Hermione! I can't believe such a bookworm as you was able to set up such a romantic environment," said Draco.
Hermione turned to face him, putting both her hands on her hips. "And what am I suppose to say about that? Is that a compliment or an insult?" she asked, quirking an eyebrow.
Fred and George broke into a fit of laugher. "Draco, you're so unlucky, today," Fred commented with a grin, "what have you done?"
But before Draco could answer Ron whined, "Hey! When will you all stop arguing? I'm starving."
They all laughed and sat down, food appeared out of nowhere. It was Dobby's idea to serve the food this way when Hermione went to check on him earlier. He would be with Agnes right now. They started eating the delicious food. Everything resembled Hogwarts except the drink - Fire Whiskey.
They were in the middle of dinner when Neville Longbottom showed up. "Sorry," he muttered in embarrassment, "the students get loose and I had to sort things out."
"Never mind," Said Harry, smiling, "I'm glad you were able to join us."
"Hey, you didn't tell me you invited him," Hermione told Ginny.
"You never asked; besides, he said he wasn't sure if he could make it," replied Ginny, shrugging and turning to Draco.
"Pass me another sausage, please."
Draco complied but reminded Ginny, "It's your third sausage now, dear."
"That's right, 'Mione," Neville chimed in.
"Well, how are you, Neville?" Hermione asked, while Ginny was pouting that Draco thought she was getting fat and ugly and Draco was trying to tell her it wasn't true.
"I'm fine," answered Neville, serving himself a piece of Yorkshire pudding. "Teaching is fine."
"He's as 'fine' as prey in a lion's clutches, only Snape is a snake," said Fred, laughing.
"Severus is not really bad once you get to know him," Neville told them.
The twins roared with laugher. "Severus! Oh Severus?" said George, wiping his eyes, "that greasy git is good?"
Neville ignored him, turning to Hermione. "What are you doing, 'Mione?"
The twins stopped laughing and turned to talk with Harry and Ron about their newly invented broom. Hermione answered Neville truthfully. "I don't know yet, Neville."
"You know, Professor Binns finally decided to retire…" Neville started, but was interrupted by the sound of Ron spitting Fire Whiskey.
"He what?" Ron stuttered as everyone turned to look at Neville.
"Professor Binns decided to retire," Neville repeated.
The twins, Ron, Draco, and even Harry howled with laugher. Ginny and Luna giggled madly. Hermione gave them all disgusted looks and glared at Harry. He grinned at her guiltily.
"I- I think History of Magic will be- will be less 'dreamy' without him." Ron managed to gasp out.
Luna hit him on the head. "Are you saying that dreamy is boring?" asked Luna sharply.
"No- not at all love," Ron said quickly and gave his wife a kiss on the lips, drawing a cough from the twins.
"So, who's teaching, now?" asked Harry.
"Professor Dumbledore," Neville replied, smiling, "but he keeps complaining that his back aches from standing too long and he's always tripping on his robes in class." They laughed as Neville continued. "If you're looking for a job, Hermione, I can inform Professor Dumbledore."
"Hmm...that is interesting," said Hermione, thinking, "but teaching a lot of kids will not leave me much free time."
"Tsk, tsk, this is the first time I've heard you need free time, 'Mione," said Ron, mockingly.
Hermione glared at him. "For your information, Ronald Weasley, I need time to write a book about my research."
"Oh, you want to be an author?" asked Neville.
"Yeah, she does," said Ginny, answering Neville's question. "She wants to find a place to write in peace."
Hermione glared at her but she merely snickered in turn.
"Hey, why don't you stay with Harry?" Draco blurted out and all heads turned to look at him. "Eh- well?" he asked uncertainly.
"Well, that's a great idea!" Fred exclaimed, patting Draco's shoulder.
"Yeah, that would be wonderful, Harry!" George chimed in. "Hermione can have a place to work and she can help care for Agnes." Every one nodded in agreement. Harry looked from one to another then looked at Hermione.
Hermione could see the unasked question in his eyes. She shrugged as if to say, 'they do have good points,' though she didn't say anything. There was a silence; finally Hermione spoke, "Well it sounds good; if you don't mind, Harry."
Harry let out a deep breath. "I don't, Hermione," he said, somewhat desperately, "but I'm afraid that you'll think I'm taking advantage of your staying by having you look after Agnes."
"Silly," said Hermione, smiling, "I won't think that; besides, I'll have my own place. It's fair." She grinned and Harry smiled.
"Deal!" said Fred and George. Everyone smiled as they raised their glasses to toast the decision, "Cheers!"
They ate and talked until late into the night. Around one o'clock, everyone started to bid their good-byes. Soon, only Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Luna were left.
"Harry, I'm glad we're back to normal," said Ron, as they walked to the front entrance.
"I'm sorry. I've been behaving stupidly for so long, Ron." Harry said sadly.
"No, no sorry, mate," said Ron, "only promise me that we'll be friends forever, can you do that?"
The two men shook hands and hugged each other. "Yes, we're friends."
Harry and Ron parted. Ron turned to hug Hermione. "I'm very, very glad you're back, Hermione."
"You said that already, Ron," said Hermione playfully, as she hugged him back.
"I know, but I just wanted to remind you." He grinned. "Thank you for today, Harry, Hermione."
"And thanks for coming, too." Hermione hugged Luna.
"Night, Harry, Hermione," said Luna sleepily.
Ron hugged Hermione and Harry one last time before taking Luna into his arms and Apparating away.
"Want to help me clear away your garden?" asked Hermione.
"It's late now, Hermione, you should go home. I can do that alone," said Harry worriedly. "You must be very tired after all you've done."
"No, I'm not." Hermione didn't let him speak anymore; she ran to the garden and Harry followed.
"Did I tell you how wonderful this was, Hermione?" asked Harry, when he caught up with her, standing under the candlelight.
"No, but I knew you liked it, didn't you?" Hermione replied, fixing her gaze on his face.
"Yes, I liked it," Harry whispered breathlessly. They were so close now that their noses brushed softly against each other. Unlike the other day, Hermione didn't pull away when their lips came closer and closer, finally touching in a soft, sweet kiss.
***
Hermione couldn't recall how she got back to the Burrow. All she knew was that her heart was beating like crazy and her lips tasted oddly sweet. She took a shower and changed from her robes into a nightdress, then went to sleep, still completely dazed.
***
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