Chapter 8
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Disclaimer: Well, you should know by now that they're not mine :( and never will be. JKR's own them.
A/N: I'm sooo very sooory my dear readers. I didn't mean to keep you waiting this long. It's just that real life is getting very tough for me. I hope you still like to read this fic and give me reviews which I promise to read all.:)
My thanks to my dear beta, Nakhash. She is a great beta reader. Thank you all readers and reviewers. I appreciate it a lot.
Nari: I hope this chapter answers your question.
John: Thanks for telling me the truth. No offense is taken. I will try my best to see fit.
Thanks you all again and hope you enjoy this chapter!
***
There was an earsplitting cry coming from the nursery, which was followed by a loud thud. Hermione looked quickly at Harry and saw that he, too, was wearing the same questioning expression on his face. The two quickened their stride in order to reach the door sooner. Harry pushed open the door and hurried inside. Hermione entered the room just a second later. She bumped into Harry from behind as he abruptly stopped in mid stride. Hermione looked up and saw a sight she was sure neither of them had expected.
Harry rushed to Agnes' bed and gathered the still crying baby into his arms. Hermione turned to look at Dobby, who was lying on the floor. His hat was burnt black.
"What happened? Are you okay?" asked Hermione, helping him to his feet. "Is Agnes all right, Harry?"
"She looks all right," answered Harry, rocking his child back and forth, "she's more shocked than anything, I think." He turned to inspect the very frightened house-elf. "Dobby?"
Still looking terrified, the elf stammered, "D-Dobby is sorry, Harry Potter." His eyes dampened with tears. "Dobby doesn't mean to hurt M-Miss Agnes, Dobby is sorry; he is a b-bad elf, a very bad elf." He burst into hysterical weeping and ran over to the wall, hitting his head on it rapidly.
Agnes, who had quieted down just moments before, started crying again. Harry hugged her even more tightly. Hermione hurried to Dobby's side to stop him from punishing himself further.
"Stop, Dobby!" cried Harry with a hint of anger in his voice. Dobby stopped; he whirled around but did not look at either Harry or Hermione.
"Dobby, it's all right," said Hermione softly, "no harm was done, just tell us what happened, please."
The elf looked up at Harry. "Dobby does not know what happened, Harry Potter," said the elf.
"What do you mean?" inquired Hermione, incredulously.
"Yes, Dobby, don't worry, I'm not angry with you, just tell me the truth," said Harry.
Agnes stirred in Harry's arms and struggled to pull herself from his tender grip. She looked at Dobby with her huge hazel eyes, as if waiting for him to speak.
Dobby said nervously, "Dobby does not know; Dobby is getting little Miss to wash up, but Miss is not wanting to go. Miss Agnes wants to play, but Dobby needs to get Miss to bathe so Miss can meet her father in the living room."
He looked at Agnes even more nervously before continuing. "Dobby tries to stop Miss from playing then-then Miss Agnes cries very loudly, and Dobby gets himself thrown on the floor and his lovely hat is all burnt up." He finished by patting his damaged hat sadly.
"Are you sure that no one else was here?" asked Harry, frowning.
"No, no, Harry Potter," the elf said fearfully and shook its head.
Hermione took a few steps closer to Harry and Agnes. She glanced around the room. The windows were neatly closed; there wasn't any indication that someone had broken in, and it was impossible for someone to have Apparated in. She looked at Harry and saw that he was also thinking along the same lines.
There's only one possibility, then, thought Hermione. She gazed down at the little girl in Harry's arms. Agnes' big, innocent hazel eyes looked back at her. Hermione saw a glint of recognition in those depths. The girl's red lips curled into a small smile and Hermione smiled back.
"I think I know who did it, now," said Hermione in a whisper.
"Yeah, she's the one," replied Harry in a low but excited voice.
Her head snapped up and she saw that Harry was looking at her. Before she could say anything, Dobby's voice interrupted in confusion. "What is it, Harry Potter, Miss Hermione? Is little Miss Agnes all right?" His enormous eyes filled with tears again.
Hermione turned to the poor house-elf. "Don't worry, Dobby," she assured the elf again, "there's nothing wrong; in fact, it's a wonderful thing, Dobby. Agnes has just started showing her magical ability."
It took a few second for Dobby to take in the news, but when he did, the elf squealed in delight and jumped up and down. Hermione beamed brightly, even more so when she saw the pride shining in Harry's eyes.
Harry cleared his throat. "Well, I think it's time for you to take your bath now," said Harry softly to his child, the smile never leaving his lips. Agnes cuddled closer to her father but tilted her head a little to look at him, as if annoyed; it made Harry chuckle. "You want to burn me too, you little witch?" he asked endearingly. Agnes let out a small sound of protest as Harry handed her to Dobby, but nothing more happened.
Hermione followed the exchange between father and daughter. She was glad that Harry was much more relaxed with Agnes, and she told him so as they retreated back to the living room.
"Do you think it's dangerous that Agnes has started showing her magical ability at this young age?" inquired Harry.
"Well … not yet properly three years old can be a little early," answered Hermione, after some thought, "and she's very powerful, too, I can tell."
Sitting on the couch, Harry sighed. "I'm starting to doubt my decision to go to France, now," he told her quietly.
Hermione looked up, a little startled. "Harry, don't worry so much," she said. "It's natural for a witch or wizard that is not a Squib to do things like that, there's nothing to worry about."
"I want to be near her, to look after her," he went on sadly. "I want to be there to explain the strange things that she accidentally causes."
Hermione smiled a little. She reached for his hand and squeezed it tightly in a comforting motion. "I understand, Harry, but it's not as if you're going to be gone long. Agnes will be fine with me. It's ok, trust me."
"Of course I trust you," he said. He gave her a small smile and covered their joined ones with his free one. "I was just being weak, that's all," he said.
"No, you're not," replied Hermione instantly, giving him a disapproving look. "Don't talk about yourself like that," she went on seriously. "It's a father's instinct to want to protect his child. You're not weak, Harry." She tightened her grip on his hand.
"Go on and fulfill your duty," Hermione spoke again after a brief moment of silence passed. "I'll keep a watchful eye on her."
"Thank you, Hermione," said Harry. "It will be difficult for you do your own work and have any free time. I feel terrible about that."
"It's not that bad," answered Hermione cheerfully. "I like to keep busy. Never doubt my abilities. I'll manage it all right."
Harry did not reply. He only smiled weakly and squeezed her hand. Hermione felt warm inside seeing Harry's smile.
***
The time for Harry to leave came at last. Hermione held Agnes' hand while standing by his bedroom door, waiting for Harry to finish shrinking his trunks.
"Harry, I have one more thing to ask your permission for," said Hermione, when Harry had put the last shrunken box into his pocket. "I was wondering if you would mind me taking Agnes to see Ron or Ginny, or to the Burrow or maybe to my parents' house."
"No, Hermione," answered Harry, picking Agnes up when the girl tottered to her father and pulled at his robes insistently. "It would be great for Agnes to see other people and other parts of both the Muggle and Wizarding world." He sighed. "I'm a very bad father," he went on slowly, gazing into Agnes' hazel eyes. "I've never taken her anywhere at all since, since … forever." He shook his head sadly.
They walked from Harry's room to the main door. "Don't worry, Harry," Hermione began, "everything will be just fine when you get back."
"Thank you so much, Hermione," said Harry, "you're wonderful!"
Hermione smiled, holding out her hands for Agnes when they reached the door. The girl clung more closely to her father. "Come on, Agnes, Daddy has to go to work, dear," cooed Hermione.
"I'm going to Apparate to the Ministry first then take the Portkey to France," explained Harry. He patted Agnes on the head and kissed her lovingly on both cheeks. "Be a good girl, darling," he said softly and hugged his child tightly to his chest. Agnes cuddled closer and gave an unintelligible noise, which sounded like "Daddy."
Hermione felt tears prickle the back of her eyes, but she tried hard not to give in. She stepped closer to the pair and wrapped her arms around them. For a few seconds, they stayed in the same position, but Agnes started to stir, like any small child when held still too long.
"All right, I'll leave you girls, now," said Harry, breaking the embrace and handing Agnes to Hermione. She didn't protest, but rested her head on Hermione's chest, seeming to be falling asleep. Harry looked sadly at his child. "Hermione, thank you again for offering to take care of her," he repeated.
"I'm happy to help you, Harry," answered Hermione with an assuring smile as she patted Agnes' small back, lulling her deeper into sleep.
Harry took a step closer to Hermione and leaned in to kiss her. It was only a quick peck on the cheek, but it left Hermione slightly off-kilter, especially when he pulled back and she saw his eyes looking sharply at her - her mouth to be exact. Hermione looked back at him, stunned at first, then her eyes shifted to his mouth. The memory of their kiss, a few nights before, came back to her. She didn't know what possessed her, but she closed the distance between them and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. As quickly as it happened, she pulled back and turned away. "Good luck, Harry," she said as she walked back into the house with the sleeping Agnes in her arms.
***
True to her word, Hermione took excellent care of Agnes. She also started slowly writing her book. Usually she wrote at night or when Agnes was napping, but when the girl was awake, she looked after her, mostly by herself.
Harry had been away for five days. Hermione had received a letter from him when he arrived, but after that, there were no more owl posts from him. She assumed that he must be very busy.
A week later, Hermione took Agnes to the see Ginny Malfoy. She let the girl play with Joey, Ginny and Draco's son, under Draco's supervision. She told him to keep a close eye on Agnes because she might show her magical ability and put both herself and Joey in danger.
Hermione and Ginny went upstairs to the drawing room where the witches could talk privately. When they arrived at the large, expensively furnished room, Hermione helped Ginny to sit on the couch. It had become a little difficult for her to move around quickly now that her pregnancy was so advanced.
Ginny summoned some tea for them as Hermione started to talk. "You know that Harry is in France?" asked Hermione.
"Yes, Draco told me after Harry left," the younger witch answered, while pouring them both some tea.
"Do you think it's dangerous, this mission?" inquired Hermione, furrowing her brows as she tasted the bitter liquid Ginny gave her.
"No. I don't think it's as dangerous as facing Voldemort," Ginny replied casually.
"That was what Harry said," replied Hermione, recalling the talk she had with him before he left. Hermione felt so unsure of herself. It was as if she was being overly concerned, but how could she not be worried about her friend? Even when she had been away, living an independent life with few friends, least of all close friends, she was still the same Hermione: the Hermione who would worry about her friends' homework, the Hermione who was watchful of her friends' well-being.
She had missed Harry badly these last few days, more than during the five years she was away, and she couldn't figure out the reason why. Maybe Agnes was too constant a reminder of him, or maybe it was the fact that she was now thinking of Harry as more than a platonic friend, now. Hermione scowled at herself. Why am I thinking of Harry as more than just a platonic friend?
"Hermione?" said a voice, pulling Hermione from her train of thought. Coming back to reality, Hermione realized that she had spend the last five minutes debating with herself, leaving her friend staring at her worriedly.
"Are you all right, Hermione?" asked Ginny with concern.
Hermione nodded her head. "I'm all right, Gin." She smiled at Ginny, who was still looking at her doubtfully.
"Are you sure? You stared at the same point for so long," said Ginny, trying to get Hermione to tell her the truth. "What were you thinking about?"
"Nothing - nothing at all," Hermione stuttered. How could she tell Ginny about her thoughts? They were so muddled!
Narrowing her eyes, Ginny gave her friend a suspicious look. "There's something going on between you and Harry, right?" asked Ginny, but she didn't wait for Hermione to reply, she went on, "You two are getting closer, Hermione, and all of us want to see you two happy, so if there is something I can help you with, please just tell me."
Hermione sighed heavily. "I don't know, Ginny," said Hermione weakly, "everything is so confused. I- I think I'm attracted to Harry, now." She put her head in her hands, afraid to see the shocked look on Ginny's face that she was sure was there.
"I don't think it's really such a bad thing," said Ginny, after a few seconds of silence.
Hermione's head shot up, a look of shock and disbelieve clearly written on her face.
"You don't know what you're talking about, Ginny Wea- Malfoy!" said Hermione tightly. "I'm telling you that I am developing feelings for a man who is my best friend, and who is already married, and you're telling me it's not a bad idea - why?"
Ginny raised an eyebrow but her face held a serious expression. "I can understand what you're thinking," she said then paused, considering her next words carefully. "Hermione, you're a smart woman and a very thoughtful friend, but sometimes you can be so hard on yourself."
"And what, pray tell, does that mean?" said Hermione, a little irritably.
Ginny sighed. "No offense, Hermione, but think about it: people are allowed to be a little selfish sometimes, aren't they?"
"I still don't get what you mean, Ginny," said Hermione warily. She did get what Ginny was hinting at, but fear of the idea was still keeping her from acknowledging it.
"What I mean is that, if you and Harry do have a feelings for each other, which I don't doubt is true," said Ginny bluntly, "why don't you try to work things out?"
Hermione looked at Ginny, speechless. She didn't mean it, did she? she asked herself. "How can you say that, Ginny?" said Hermione, after finding her voice. "Harry is a married man with a child, and Cho, Harry's wife, is our friend, is she not?" Hermione hoped that her voice sounded convincing enough, because deep down the words Ginny spoke had already jolted her and was threatening to cause her mind to rebel.
"That's a problem to be solved by you two," said Ginny calmly. "There's no ignoring it. You know quite well what the problems are. The only real difficulty is the fact that you two are best friends, and when someone's that close to us, it can make choices more difficult, but think about it, Hermione, there's nothing more important than your happiness. You know that you won't be able to be happy with anyone but Harry and vice versa. Don't deny it," added Ginny as she saw the look of protest on Hermione's face. She went on, "It can't be that bad; why don't you give it a go?"
"What if Cho comes back?" asked Hermione in a small voice. She didn't feel like herself at all, having this kind of a talk with Ginny. Hermione Granger, the know-it-all of Hogwarts, could be quite stupid when it came to matters in the heart department. It was almost ironic.
"It doesn't really matter, Hermione," said Ginny, almost relieved that somehow her words had had some effect on Hermione.
"How could it not matter?" Hermione whispered, hopelessly. "I can't steal someone's husband, let alone my own friend's." Tears slid down her cheeks. Hermione was angry with herself for not being able to control her own heart, now that it was obvious her heart was yearning for Harry. She could no longer deny it.
Ginny came round to sit next to Hermione and gathered the sobbing witch in her arms. Hermione allowed the tears of frustration and long-denied feelings to come out. The moment faltered on until Hermione calmed down. She wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her robe and looked up at Ginny, but the younger witch shook her head. "Things are not as bad as you think, Hermione," she said in a motherly tone, "sometimes you need to take a step back, and then you'll see that the answer is quite easy. Even if we're witches, we don't live forever, so you have to treasure what you have and the take the opportunity to go after what you want."
"Thank you," said Hermione, smiling, then she added playfully, "you're a real mother, Gin."
"It's real life experience," she said, stroking her bulging stomach. "I've learned a lot."
***
Later that evening, Hermione and Agnes returned home. Dobby was already busily preparing dinner, even though Hermione had told him not to bother because they might eat with Ginny.
Hermione had a bit of sausage for dinner; somehow, she didn't feel like eating at all. Whenever she looked at the food, all she could do was sigh or move it about her plate. Ginny's words kept returning to her jumbled mind, and the more she thought about it, the more sense it made. Finally, Hermione decided she'd had enough thinking for the day and went up to the nursery where Dobby was trying to get Agnes to bed.
The girl was tired from the day's activities, but as stubborn as she was, she tried to fight Dobby and refused to go to bed. Hermione played with her for about half an hour then sang her a song to lull her to sleep. Finally, Agnes was peacefully asleep, so Hermione went back to her own room. She got her parchment and quill out, intending to continue writing her book, but after about an hour, Hermione still was unable to concentrate. She gave up and fell into restless sleep.
One week, and then another; still Hermione heard nothing from Harry. She began to feel troubled, but didn't want to overreact. She kept her worries to herself and continued her life with Agnes, as usual.
On Sunday evening, the fourth week, Hermione was taking Agnes for a walk outside in the garden when Ronald Weasley
turned up.
"Hi, `Mione!" Ron called from afar.
"Hey, Ron!" said Hermione delightedly. "How are you?"
Agnes tottered back to Hermione and extended her hand for support. The older witch heaved the girl up and walked over to her old friend.
"Great, I'm just back from a Quidditch trip," answered Ron, "how about you and Agnes? She's not a troublemaker like her father, is she?" Ron grinned wickedly and Agnes, who was clutching to Hermione, appeared to take offense at the redheaded wizard's words.
Hermione chuckled softly. "Nah, she's a good girl, Ron," said Hermione. "How's Luna?"
"She's fine," replied Ron. He craned his neck and looked around. "Where's Harry?"
"He's in France, didn't you know?" said Hermione.
"Yes, but I think he's back now," responded Ron. "I saw David, who was one of the Aurors on mission in France, just fifteen minutes ago; that's why I thought Harry would be home by now."
Hermione's brows knitted together as her brain started to think of any logical reason for Harry's absence. But the fact that she had not heard from Harry in all this time made it hard for her to not worry.
"Are you sure, Ron, that this David has been to France and is back now?" asked Hermione sharply, hugging Agnes to her even more tightly.
"Yes, Dad told me David was going the day after they left," said Ron; he too sounded worried.
"I want to go to the Ministry of Magic," stated Hermione suddenly.
"But it's Sunday," Ron told her. "Don't jump to conclusions too quickly, Hermione. We all know that Harry is quite capable of protecting himself; besides, if something bad had happened someone would have informed you and the press, don't forget."
They fell into silence. It was the second time now that Hermione felt like an immature child in front of her friends. How unlike her! Hermione thought irritably. Maybe she did need to learn about real life and not just what was in a book.
"Okay, Ron," said Hermione finally, "maybe tomorrow, if Harry still doesn't turn up, we can go to the Ministry."
"Yeah, that would be good. I'll go with you, Hermione," said Ron, and he leaned down to kiss both Hermione and Agnes on the cheek before saying goodbye to the two witches.
***
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