A/N: Sorry for such a long wait! I had to wait for the betas to get back, and you know how people's time is eaten when it comes to the new term starting and time quickly draining away. So, here's chapter 16! Keep in mind that things speed up because Tonks has died. A total of 7 months passes in this chapter... (1,000 words per month! :)
"How was your session today?" Harry asked concernedly over his steaming cup of tea. Hermione had stopped by the Burrow to help 'James' get settled in the castle. One article or another had reminded them so much of Tonks or Marion they had to stop and take a breather.
"They're going a bit smoother," Hermione said softly, closing her eyes in an attempt to chase off the images that kept tormenting her. After the excellent mediwizards in St. Mungo's removed her memory charms, Hermione had become somewhat withdrawn and twitchy around other people, specifically men. Though she didn't react as badly with Harry as she did everyone else, she still had issues when he was nearby for too long. "I just wish I could get these images out of my head for good..." she said sadly.
"I should have told you that day," Harry whispered. "If I had, this wouldn't have happened, Tonks wouldn't be-"
"You stop right there, Harry James Potter!" Hermione scolded. "You are not going to blame this all on yourself!" Harry opened his mouth to protest. "No! I'm not going to let you do the same thing you did when Sirius died! Ron is the one to blame for all this, not you!"
Harry sighed but unwillingly nodded his head. "I'm sorry, Hermione, I know this is just as hard, if not harder, on you as it is on me..." He took a sip of his tea and sighed miserably.
"Harry, it doesn't look like you've been sleeping well," she said softly and though her hand was shaking like a leaf, she set it gently on his arm. "Are you still dreaming about her?"
Harry replied with tears and a nod, not looking up from his cup. "It's been a month and it still feels like I held her just a few minutes ago," he whispered. "I just don't dream about her, Hermione, I see her when I'm awake, I smell her when a warm breeze passes by... I miss her so much it's driving me mad!"
"Harry," Hermione said sadly, pain evident in her voice. "I miss her too. She's here, watching over you... she's never really left and Tonks is trying to let you know that..."
"But she keeps telling me to let her go each night!" Harry said exasperatedly. "I finally get to hold her again, to kiss her, and for what? To wake up in the middle of the night pleading for her not to go..."
Hermione sighed and withdrew her hand, only to clasp both of them nervously on the table. Subconsciously, she looked to her barely protruding stomach and ran a hand over it gently. "I can't believe that she's given me a chance to be a mother," she said quietly. Tears began to stream from her eyes and she closed them tightly. "Why did it have to happen?" she asked with a trembling voice.
Remembering what her therapist had told him, Harry gently slid his hand up her arm to her shoulder. He knew she needed a hug and this way, he could let her know he was there so she could make her own decision concerning the closeness. Hermione was slow to react, but after a moment, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. Harry gently stroked her hair and whispered softly in her ear, "I don't know... I just don't know. But everything will turn out well."
"How can you know?" she asked quietly, her voice muffled by the wool of his jumper. "After everything that's happened, how can you know?"
"It's just a feeling," Harry replied softly. "Something deep in my gut tells me everything will be fine."
They didn't know how long they'd been hugging each other. Was it minutes or hours? Neither of them could recall. Harry just knew that Hermione needed him and he needed her. They were interrupted by someone clearing their throat, and Hermione pulled away to face their visitor.
"Do you need any help with the move?" Ginny asked quietly from the door. She'd just come in from outside and her normally alabaster skin was pink from the cold, winter wind. She smiled softly at her two friends and looked outside expectantly.
"I think we'll be fine," Harry said with a slightly curious smile. "What are you looking for?"
Ginny turned around quickly and nervously looked at the two of them. "I... uh-"
"Is that Neville?" Hermione asked somewhat nervously as a tall, round-faced man stepped up to the door. He looked worried and glanced through the glass at Harry and Hermione before giving Ginny a questioning look.
"Do you want to go into the sitting room, Hermione?" Harry asked concernedly.
"N-no..." she stammered. "I need to face this or I'll never get better," she said with determination and steeled herself for Neville's entrance.
Ginny looked at them nervously again, but opened the door for their old housemate.
"Hi," he said somewhat awkwardly. "H-how are you holding up? I was at the service, it was beautiful..."
Harry's shoulder's sank somewhat but he stood and shook Neville's hand as warmly as he could. "I'm getting along," Harry said with a shrug. "It's hard, you know..."
"I can't say that I understand your pain," Neville replied with a sad look. "But if you ever need a friend, Harry, you know where I am."
Harry forced a smile for Neville's benefit and they invited him in to a cup of tea and some biscuits that Hermione had baked earlier. "How're things going in your life, Neville?" Harry asked in an attempt to shift the conversation from Tonks and how sorry everyone was about her passing. "I hear you'll be going to work with aquatic plant life?"
Neville smiled brightly after taking a sip of his tea. "Professor Sprout clued me into an internship at the London Botanical Research Institute!" he explained excitedly. "They've only been around for the past three years and when I started looking for something to do with my life she pointed me to their offices. I don't know what happened, but after the first meeting, they offered me a full position instead of an internship and the next thing I knew, I was at Loch Ness studying seaweed that was thought to be extinct!"
"That's wonderful, Neville," Hermione smiled nervously at him.
"I just stopped by to take Ginny out to celebrate with dinner," Neville said and grinned sheepishly at Harry and Hermione's wide eyes.
"They didn't know yet, Neville," Ginny said quickly.
"It's ok, Ginny," Harry said with a smile. "I'm happy you're dating again!" He stood and hugged Ginny tightly. "I don't think your mum will have the garden gnomes toss him over the hedge..."
"Harry!" Ginny said with a laugh. She pulled back and regarded her friend seriously. "Are you ok with this then?"
"Of course I am!" Harry said feigning hurt. "Listen, you two head out and have fun, enjoy yourselves while you can..."
"He's right," Hermione said with a smile and hugged Ginny as well. "Congratulations, you two!"
"Th-thanks," Neville said with a blush. "I'm sorry we can't stay longer, reservations and all..."
"No apologies necessary," Harry said with a clap to Neville's shoulder. "Just take good care of her, Longbottom, or you'll have me to answer to!"
Ginny and Hermione both snorted and Neville grinned widely. "Don't worry, I'm not Malfoy," he said seriously. "Ready to go, Ginny?"
She nodded and with one more look to her two friends-who nodded that it was alright-she took Neville's arm and the two left for their night on the town.
"I'm glad she's found someone," Harry said with a grin. "She was getting a bit depressing, really..."
Hermione scoffed at his remark and the two of them broke into laughter. "Let's get the rest of your things ready to move," Hermione said after a few moments, both of them feeling slightly better than they had just a mere fifteen minutes prior. "We've got a busy day tomorrow..."
Reluctantly, Harry followed Hermione to his room where they busied themselves with boxes for what Harry was bringing with him to the school. A few hours later, Harry, as James, and Hermione were trudging through the snow and gazing at the inviting lights shining in the windows of Hogwarts. Harry's gaze immediately flitted to Gryffindor Tower and memories of his school days returned in full force. His heart ached for those simpler times when Ron was still his best friend and Hermione was whole, but growing up had complicated their lives very quickly.
"You coming?" Hermione's concerned voice broke through his reverie and he smiled in reply.
"Just remembering," he returned softly. The warmed fish tank in his arms reminded him that he needed to get inside before the charm failed and, walking slowly, he reentered the castle.
Harry's quarters were actually rather comfortable. He had about the same amount of space as the Gryffindor common room and more than enough space for his meager belongings. There was no question where everything was to be placed and after an hour, Harry looked around the room with a hollow satisfaction. Against the advice of others, he'd brought pictures of Tonks in her Marion persona and his favorite one was on his nightstand where he could see her clearly every morning.
A knock came at his door and he absently invited his visitor to join him.
"I thought you might have brought her pictures along," Hermione said quietly as she joined him on the side of his bed. She sighed miserably as Tonks smiled back at the two of them then waved happily from her frame. "I wish I could have thanked you for everything, Tonks," she whispered with a slight smile.
"If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have plucked up the courage to see you," Harry whispered.
"If it weren't for her, I would have been visiting your grave instead of sitting beside you," Hermione said quietly.
"I don't know how she managed to carry me all the way to the school with both a broken leg and arm," Harry said softly. "Thank you, Love," he whispered again and set the photo in its rightful place on his nightstand. "You helped me defeat Voldemort, and she made sure I got back..."
"How did I help you defeat him?" Hermione asked with a baffled look. "After everything-"
"Let's not get into that again," Harry said with a sigh. "You weren't there physically, but knowing you were safe was all that mattered to me. Voldemort said some things that I couldn't... wouldn't let happen. The next thing I knew, I was standing over his smoking ashes..."
"Is that when Tonks found you?" Hermione asked quietly, not willing to hear what the Dark Lord had been planning to do to her.
"No, Lucius Malfoy and Draco found me first..." Harry explained quietly. "Those two worked well together, but Dobby killed Lucius before he could use the killing curse on me."
"Dobby killed a wizard?!" Hermione asked in surprise.
"There's a little known clause in the magical contract of House-Elves," Harry said with a shrug. "Dobby had the right to return the cruelties his former master had visited upon him before he'd been set free. Lucius couldn't withstand the punishment of thirty some-odd years of torture and abuse...
"Draco, however, wasn't so lucky. I still don't know how he had the strength to apparate after I'd finished with him, but he made it out of there alive... We've been tracking him ever since, trying to capture the git.
"When I found out that Ginny had been dating him, I let Mr. Weasley know and, well, you know what happened after that... After the gnomes threw him off the property, he went into hiding."
"But when did Tonks find you?" Hermione pressed.
Harry sighed and looked to the smiling picture once again. "I almost died," he admitted. "They'd used more than the Cruciatus Curse on me. It seems that the Malfoys don't entirely hate Muggles and their ways. They'd brought some equipment with them that I'd rather not remember. I had to have them put in a pensieve to keep my sanity..." Harry stopped what he was saying as he remembered something.
"What is it?"
"I forgot to get your Christmas present," Harry said apologetically. "But I do have something for you." Harry went to his closet and returned with an exquisite wooden box. "I can't believe I forgot I'd gotten you this..."
Hermione looked at him curiously as he set the box on a table near the bed. She lifted the lid when he indicated and tears began to sting her eyes.
"A pensieve?" she asked haltingly. "These are expensive, Harry..."
"I knew you couldn't afford one," he admitted, "but it was suggested that your therapy included pensieve sessions. I picked it up the other day when I was waiting for you, but with everything that's happened, I'd forgotten."
"You shouldn't have-"
"I know I didn't have to," Harry said quickly, cutting her off. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you... but you are going to accept this gift and you're going to get better... You need your sleep and if this is the only way to rid yourself of those memories without resorting to memory charms..."
"I don't know what to say," Hermione said as she turned the stone bowl over in her hands.
"Don't say anything," Harry said with a smile. "Just get better..."
With one swift motion, Hermione set the pensieve on the bed and hugged Harry tightly. "Thank you," she whispered into his chest as he hugged her in return.
"It's the least I can do after everything I've done-"
"We'll get to that later, Harry," Hermione said softly as she pulled away. "I should go to my suite and start on this. Classes have been hell and now I can finally get some peace..."
Harry watched as she took her gift and walked to the door. She turned just before leaving and smiled gently at him. "Get some sleep tonight, Harry... If you need anything, you know where I'm at."
"Just remember, I'll be James starting tomorrow," Harry said with a smirk. Hermione grinned slightly and with a sniff, left the room.
Harry sat for an indeterminable amount of time, looking into the spacious suite he'd been assigned at the castle. His heart ached for the woman that was smiling happily with or without him on the different shelves and other flat surfaces throughout the room.
The evening feast flashed through his mind again and he sighed miserably.
"Professor Baker, I'm terribly sorry to hear what happened to your wife," Professor Flitwick said with deep concern. "Just know that if you need a friend, I or any of the other professors are here for you."
"Thank you, Professor Flitwick," Harry said absently as he stared into his stew. He swirled the thick juices with his spoon before finally deciding to take a bite.
Harry didn't look from his place setting during most of the meal and when he heard the Headmaster dismiss the students, he sighed and pushed back from the table.
"Excuse me, Professor Baker?" an energetic fourth year girl from Hufflepuff said timidly.
He looked up and smiled slightly for her benefit. "How can I help you, Bethany?"
"I-I just wanted to say thank you," she said with tears coming to her eyes. "You saved my little brother and sister from those hags on Knockturn Alley..."
"You're welcome," Harry said with a faint smile. "How are they doing?"
"They're both fine and are looking forward to seeing you at Hogwarts next year," Bethany replied with a smile. "They can't stop talking about how brave you were... I-I saw what happened with your wife, I'm terribly sorry, sir."
"Thank you, Bethany," Harry said wanly but smiled all the same. "I'm sure she's happy your brother and sister are safe, as am I."
Bethany smiled at him then, and with a wave ran off to join her classmates.
Harry wasn't prepared to face anyone that had witnessed the attack or Tonks' subsequent fall, but he guessed it was inevitable. Wiping away the tears he hadn't realized were falling, he retreated from the hall only to be stopped by the last person he wanted to see.
"Professor Baker," Snape said with a sneer planted on his face.
"Severus," Harry said with a curt nod and stepped around the potions master. He froze when Snape's hand landed on his shoulder.
"Try to be strong," Severus whispered so only Harry could hear. "I know something of pain... The children need your strength."
Before Harry could utter a word, Snape disappeared into the halls that led to the dungeons. He stood in baffled silence before Hermione stepped into the room looking rather nervous.
"What happened?" she asked with a concerned look towards the dungeons.
"You think you know someone," Harry whispered, "and then something creeps into the light..."
"Did he say anything to you?" Hermione asked worriedly. The last thing she needed was to have Harry cursing Snape into a puddle of goo.
"Nothing bad," Harry admitted and explained the brief words from the one man he'd loathed the most during his own stay here.
"That was a surprise," Hermione said softly as they began their walk to their respective suites. "I'll see you in a little bit, James," she said with a trembling hand on his shoulder, which she pulled away quickly.
"Take your time," Harry said with a shrug and a soft smile. "I'm just going to unpack..."
The alarm on his bedside table startled Harry from the sleep he hadn't realized he'd fallen into. With bleary eyes he looked around and sighed when he remembered where he was. Dressing in a pair of sweat pants and a sweatshirt, along with a pair of trainers, he slowly made his way to the Room of Requirement.
The winter had gotten pretty bad-or perhaps he just felt it was worse than what it actually was-whatever the case, Hermione had to continue her training inside where it was warmer. Harry modified her training regime due to her pregnancy and the two of them felt it would be best to train together.
Despite everything that had happened, Harry was rather relieved that Hermione hadn't gone spare on him for his undercover mission and keeping her in the dark about Tonks and the baby. Though, with the memories of Ron's machinations returning to her in full force, he could very well understand why she hadn't broached the subject with him.
Harry found himself walking up and down the very familiar corridor as he had hundreds of times during his school years. Memories of Cho Chang's kiss, Malfoy tripping him in the hall, teaching Occlumency to the D.A. members and many the night he found himself using the room for quiet study during his final year came to mind. He opened the door when it appeared to find Hermione working on her morning stretches.
A sort of serene look had settled on her face and Harry realized she'd finally gotten those disturbing images out of her mind and gotten a good night's sleep.
"Morning," he said distantly as he went to his station and began stretching at a leisurely pace.
"Good morning," Hermione said with a slight edge to her voice. "Thank you for the pensieve, it helped so much..."
"You're welcome," Harry said with a slight smile. "Seeing you rested is a good thing."
"Without the dreams, I finally got a good night's sleep," she still hadn't looked up at him during the conversation and Harry knew it was time.
With a sigh of resignation, he conjured two soft chairs and took a seat in one. "Why don't we go ahead and talk then," Harry offered quietly. "I can tell you're ready..."
Hermione stopped stretching immediately and finally faced him. Her red-rimmed eyes and tear-stained cheeks were enough to tell him that she'd been thinking quite a bit about what had happened.
"How the HELL can you read me like that and not have seen what was going on?!" she asked forcefully. "If you know me so damned well, why didn't you just tell me about what happened between you two right away?! YOU TOLD ME YOU WOULD WAIT!" Her hands balled into fists that were so tight, her knuckles had gone white. The anger that was radiating off her was palpable and thick enough that Harry had difficulty breathing.
Harry nodded, knowing that it was time to get everything in the open.
"DON'T NOD! SPEAK!" Hermione bellowed angrily, tears streaking from her eyes.
"I was... afraid," Harry said with a sigh.
"Afraid?" she asked in disbelief. "What the hell were you afraid of?"
"I'd promised that I'd wait for you," Harry started, looking at his feet and swallowing nervously. "I just got you back in my life and I didn't want to lose you again. Tonks and I had been together for a while and I... I realized that you might never return my feelings... She and I loved each other so I chose her." He reached up and wiped away a few stray tears that had found their way to his cheeks. "I hadn't been happy for so long," he continued as she took the seat across from him. "She made me happy. We've leaned on each other for so long it was natural for me to fall for her...
"We talked about everything just before the Hogsmeade trip," Harry admitted, "and I wasn't lying when I said I had to go deeper undercover... there was a threat of an attack in Hogsmeade and we had to be there as James and Marion..."
"So, you two were together that long?" Hermione asked evenly, but not angrily as she had before. "Is that when she got pregnant?"
"I don't know when she got pregnant, really," Harry said with a sigh. "She must have found out that day because she'd talked with Madam Pomfrey before we left...
"I know it's inexcusable what we did to you," he continued. "I was afraid you'd look at it the same way that Ron had manipulated you and you'd leave again..."
"You had Tonks!" Hermione said quietly. "Why would you be afraid if I left again? We were only ever friends..."
"We were best friends," Harry said quietly. "But you were more to me than that... you have been for so long," he admitted. "I couldn't bear it if you threw that all away again... I know you didn't do it on purpose," he added when Hermione tried to protest. "But I didn't then... I knew something was wrong with you, but not what..."
"Harry..." Hermione said softly and he jumped when her hands took his. "I'm furious, yes, and you should have told me... you really should have." Harry nodded quietly and let her continue. "After the memory charms were removed, I realized that I'd been fighting his control for years," she whispered. "My letters to you were the only way I could keep sane... we might not have seen each other during those years, but you were there, Harry," she said with a tight squeeze on his hands. "You've always been there... that's one of the reasons Ron did what he did... he felt he was still fighting against you... for me!" she said furiously and shook her head.
"I meant what I said at the Three Broomsticks, Harry," she whispered, "I'm not about to throw away our friendship, not willingly anyway. Thanks to you, I can finally look at everything that happened with a clear mind and work it all out."
"I'm glad," Harry said quietly and squeezed her hands in return. "I really am sorry I didn't tell you straight away... that I never replied to your letters nor spent enough time with you after you'd gotten away from Ron..."
"There's nothing we can do about it now," Hermione said with a sigh. "Thank you for the apology, it doesn't fix everything, but I believe you..." She slumped back in her chair and pinched the bridge of her nose while she absently rubbed her stomach, though she hadn't really started showing yet.
"So you've seen everything he did?" Harry asked after a moment, obviously exhausted from lack of sleep.
"Bits and pieces," she said quietly. "I spoke with mum about why she and dad only had me..."
"What did she say?"
"By time they were ready to settle down and had me she was told she had ovarian cancer..." Hermione said with a sigh. "She couldn't have any other children after me because of that... We almost lost her when I was three and I remember the visits to the hospital and crying for her. But she kept fighting and made it, obviously."
"I-I'm glad you had your m-mother," Harry stammered as a wave of sadness came over him.
"Oh, Harry, I'm sorry..."
"Don't apologize," Harry said quickly. "I'll love Erin enough for the both of us," he suddenly announced with a fiery passion. "A day won't go by that she's not happy and loved! I won't let her go through what I did!"
"Erin?" Hermione asked startled.
Harry looked up in surprise. "Did I just say that aloud?" Hermione nodded. "Tonks told me her name..." he swallowed and took a deep breath to calm himself. "The name's stuck in my head."
"I think it's a lovely name," Hermione said softly. "And I'm sorry I yelled at you-"
"Stop apologizing," Harry interrupted. "You have every right to be angry, you have every right to slug me with that same left hook you introduced Malfoy to... I'm not delicate china, Hermione..."
"I know, but with everything you've gone through..."
Harry sighed and shook his head. "Everything's happened," he said through a yawn. "And I can't stop the world so I can feel sorry for myself... God knows I'm tired of everyone else feeling sorry for me!" He stood and began pacing. "I need to put this behind me! I can't help anybody if I can't get past my own self pity... I need to be there for Erin, when she comes, for you, and the students..."
"You can't make everyone happy," Hermione said, stopping him in mid stride with a hand on his shoulder. "You can't help anyone if you can't help yourself..."
"It won't be easy, I know it won't, but I have to... I can't ignore what she's been telling me each night!"
"It's only been a month," Hermione said softly. "You can't bury it all like you did with Sirius," she said sternly. "Remember how it tore you up? Don't do that to yourself again..."
Harry sighed and nodded. "Maybe I should talk to Dr. Mudds," he said resignedly.
"That's a good first step," Hermione said with a reassuring smile. "I'll have him contact you after my session today, for now, we should get ready for class."
Harry looked at his watch and nodded. Two hours had gone by like he hadn't batted an eyelash. He looked up in surprise when Hermione hugged him with a bone-crushing hug like she'd given him when they were younger.
"I'm still angry, but I'll get over it," she whispered as he returned her hug. "I'm not going anywhere..."
"Thanks," Harry said softly. "Thanks for everything these past few weeks..."
"She was my friend in both forms," Hermione said with a sniffle. "I'm not going to let you go through this alone..."
Harry had to give credit to his students. Though he'd seen many of them glancing at him sympathetically from the tables his first night back in the castle, they seemed to have understood that he didn't need that kind of attention. Class after class he was greeted with smiles and his seventh year students actually cheered at his return. Snape had been working them to the bone in a cruel manner, forcing homework and essays about Metamorphmagi down their throats from the day he'd taken over classes to the very last day he stood in for Harry.
He smiled at the potions master's attempt to uncover Harry, but much to the ex-Death Eater's chagrin, there wasn't a student as clever as Hermione in the whole crop of them.
The day after starting classes, he went to his first grief counseling session with Dr. Mudds. He'd done marvelous work with orphans and the loved ones who were left behind during the war and with his wonderful bedside manner and compassion Harry was soon sleeping better each night.
His dreams were still filled with Tonks, her urgings for him to live and not waste his life mourning her, but they were becoming fewer and far between. Harry still cried himself to sleep the majority of the time, but Hermione's growing stomach deflected his attention towards the prospect of fatherhood.
He still vowed that his daughter would be loved and that love shown each and every moment of every day and he surprised Hermione one night while she was visiting.
"What are you doing, Harry?" she whispered as he knelt before her and rubbed her swollen belly. Her eyes went wide and Harry pulled his hands off of her. "No, keep doing that!" she squealed excitedly. "I think the baby knows you're there!"
With a wide grin, Harry went back to gently rubbing her stomach and, quite surprisingly, the baby kicked.
"OHMYGOSH!" she said with a startled look on her face.
Harry laughed joyously as he felt another kick hit his hand. He looked up to see Hermione staring wide-eyed at her belly with tears beginning to slip down her cheeks. "Are you ok?" he asked concernedly, but smiled as the baby kicked again.
"I never thought I'd feel this," she said with a widening smile as her tears increased. "I never thought I'd have children..."
"You've proven her wrong, cutie," Harry said softly, his face pressed closely to her belly. He laughed as he imagined the baby's small foot connect with his cheek.
Hermione laughed at his expression but the laughter died away.
"Toora, loora, loora... Toora, loora, li... Toora, loora, loora... Hush now don't ye cry," Harry sang softly to her stomach. The look on his face caused Hermione to sniffle and he looked up to her with a reassuring smile. He continued to sing softly until the baby stopped moving and with a smile, he rubbed her stomach once more before sitting back.
"Harry-"
"Sorry, I got a little carried away," he said sheepishly. "I'd read that by now the baby can hear everything... I thought I'd try singing something."
"That was beautiful," she said with a sad smile and held her stomach protectively. "I-I need to get to bed..."
"We still on for tomorrow?" He asked as he helped her up.
"Luckily I can eat Madam Rosmerta's stew," Hermione said with a laugh.
"I'm sorry if I upset you with that-"
"You didn't upset me," she said with a reassuring smile. "It's just beautiful; you're going to be a wonderful father, Harry..."
"I hope so," he said with a wan smile. "I've a lot to make up to her."
"Don't start that again," Hermione said warningly. "You've more than enough love, and then some! Don't spread yourself thin... Remember what you talked about with Dr. Mudds."
Harry sighed and nodded then accepted a hug from Hermione.
"I'll see you tomorrow," she said with a smile.
The days quickly turned into weeks, which then turned into months. Harry was smiling happily as Dennis Creevey and Natalie McDonald gave their speeches in front of the gathered students, friends and families. It was no surprise when the two teenagers had started dating two months before they finished school and Harry couldn't help but beam proudly as the two top students in the school were given their just rewards.
There was a moment during the ceremonies that caught him off guard. Hermione had taken his hand as the Headmaster stepped onto the podium and cleared his throat.
"I'm happy that everyone was able to attend this year's ceremonies," he started. "Your sons and daughters have proven once again that Hogwarts isn't made of stone and mortar, but the wonderful souls that have spent their time within its halls.
"This year, through the masterful planning of our head boy and head girl, Mr. Creevey and Miss McDonald, I'd like to make an announcement," the old wizard turned to Harry and smiled before returning his attention to the crowd. "Over the summer holiday, there will be an addition added to Hogwarts, one that we have been without for as long as the school has been standing. Taking our lead from the many Muggle universities, we here at Hogwarts will add a new gymnasium to the school grounds. Planning is underway and when your children resume their classes this coming fall, the Marion Baker Memorial Gymnasium will be open for all!"
Applause rose like a tidal wave crashing on an unsuspecting shore as Harry looked dumbly at his old professor. He felt Hermione's grip tighten on his hand and he turned to see her tear streaked face.
"Professor Baker, you and your wife were instrumental in saving so many this past Christmas Eve. The students all pitched in and devised the new addition in honor of your wife."
Hermione urged him to stand and stunned, he made his way to the podium where Dennis and Natalie were smiling at him.
"Sir, we all felt your loss when your wife died," Dennis said quietly, but the magically enhanced podium boomed his voice to everyone in attendance. "You've been such a wonderful professor and we just wanted to give you something in return."
"You've shown us the importance of physical fitness and you and your wife showed us again just how important it is to be ready to fight for those you love, even if they're strangers caught unawares in the street. We all hope you're ok with what we've done," Natalie said, a hopeful look on her face.
Harry was speechless. He looked out over the crowd and spotted the respect and hope in the other student's eyes, along with that of the adults who were present. With a nod, he took both Natalie's and Dennis' hands. "Thank you," he said hoarsely. Natalie sprang forward and hugged him tightly before stepping back to wipe her cheeks. Harry turned towards the rest of those in attendance and said, "Thank you, everyone."
Every person in attendance clapped as Harry returned to his seat. Hermione set a hand on his arm as he fought to control his emotions.
"How long have you known?" he asked in a choked whisper as students' names were read off to receive their wizarding licenses.
"Since the day they returned to school," Hermione whispered back. "I'm sorry it's not her real name-"
"I'd gotten to know her as both," Harry said quickly, not trusting his voice. "Whatever her name, she was still Tonks..."
The day went by rather quickly from there. Students boarded the Hogwarts Express, some for their final trip, and headed home for the summer holidays.
Harry was itching to get back to the Burrow, the first time he'd ever gone straight to the Weasley household after school let out, and it seemed his packing wasn't going fast enough.
Hermione joined him later that evening, waddling around the room even though he'd told her to sit down and not fret over anything, but she'd refused to be idle while Harry rushed about her haphazardly throwing things into his trunk.
The first night back was a welcome relief and the remaining Weasleys, plus three, sat at the kitchen table for tea.
"How're things at the Ministry?" Harry asked Mr. Weasley after a bite of roast.
"It's the same red tape everywhere," Mr. Weasley replied with disgust. "Even though I'm Minister, there're still hundreds of forms that have to be-"
Ginny smiled brightly after clearing her throat.
"What is it, pump... err... Ginny?" Mr. Weasley asked curiously, trying to cover his use of his daughter's nickname.
Everyone turned to look at the glowing woman and she made a point to brush the hair out of her face to reveal a stunning engagement ring.
"OH GINNY!" Mrs. Weasley said in a sudden burst of joyous laughter before engulfing her daughter in a tight hug then pulling Neville Longbottom into the suffocating embrace. "When did he ask?!"
"Ginny, I'm so happy for you!" Hermione squealed and took her unofficial sister in her arms. "Congratulations!"
"When's the date?! When are you going to start planning?! Have you picked out robes? Nonsense, you'll wear mine!" Mrs. Weasley said in rapid, excited succession much to Ginny's irritation.
Harry smiled brightly at the couple and offered his congratulations as well. His hand went to a lump beneath his jumper and his smile faltered a bit, but he didn't let that diminish the happiness that Neville and Ginny were currently sharing.
"Well, Neville, tell them about your new job, Love," Ginny said with a nervous smile.
Neville blushed, still not used to attention and turned to everyone. "I'll be working in Australia for the Sydney Oceanic Institute for Magical Marine Life," he announced with a wide smile. "They just opened an aquatic plant life branch and want me to head the department!"
Everyone cheered happily at the news with Neville receiving hugs and claps on the back from those present.
"But we want to get married before he leaves," Ginny added. "Which will be in three months..."
"We have a lot of planning to do!" Molly said in surprise. "Where are we going to have it? The invitations! Bridesmaids! Oh, lord, there's so much to do!"
"Mum! To answer your questions," Ginny said with a roll of her eyes. "Here, our family and closest friends, Hermione and Harry, if they'll stand by us..."
"I'd love to, Ginny!" Hermione said with a sob and hugged the younger girl awkwardly. "Oh, this hugging business gets harder and harder," she said exasperatedly.
"You can count on me, Neville," Harry said with a warm smile. "Thank you for thinking of me..."
"You're the closest friend I have, Harry," Neville smiled in return. "Thanks for accepting..."
"We'd like to have the wedding a few weeks before Neville and I have to report into work-" Ginny started.
"You and Neville starting work?" Mr. Weasley asked in surprise.
"Ginny's been accepted as a magical creatures researcher," Neville said, beaming with pride.
Mrs. Weasley didn't look like she could handle all this good news at once. She seemed to be on 'proud-parent-overload' and instead shook her head and smiled widely at her daughter. "My little baby..." she whimpered before hugging Ginny tightly again to everyone's laughter.
There wasn't a day that went by where wedding plans weren't being discussed in the kitchen and Harry would be sent on an errand for this item or that bauble. To be honest, he was happy to be so busy. By the time the evening rolled around, Harry had his hands full with reading children's books or singing lullabies to Hermione's growing stomach. The same night that Ginny and Neville announced their engagement and subsequent jobs, Hermione also announced she'd be moving into the house as well.
Harry was surprised at first, but Hermione smiled and laughed. "When you're not around, the baby throws fits! I can't sleep when she's kicking like mad... she needs her dad to sing her to sleep!"
Harry didn't argue the point and welcomed the chance to bond with his unborn daughter. The time spent with Hermione was wonderful as well and they'd quickly repaired their friendship with such close contact over the course of just a few months.
The last day in July, he woke to the sound of several voices, most of which were trying to be quiet and curiosity got the best of him.
"Fred! Be quiet! George, put that over there!" Hermione's hushed voice wafted up the stairs. "If you wake him up, Bill, I know a few curses that the goblins haven't even heard of!"
Harry chuckled to himself when he heard the last comment and slipped back into his room. What are they doing? he asked himself as he gathered his clothes for the day. Tonks' picture caught his attention and he smiled at the photo. "It's my birthday today, Love... Erin should be here soon..."
He walked down the hall to the bathroom where he showered and changed for the day. When he headed downstairs, he was greeted with silence.
"Hermione?" he called into the house, only to be answered with silence. Smiling, he walked into the kitchen.
"SURPRISE!" everyone shouted as he appeared in the doorway.
Harry jumped but smiled and took in the faces of Ginny, Neville, Fred, George, Arthur, Molly, and Bill. Their significant others were there as well and the startled birthday boy let out a laugh.
"You should have seen the look on your face, Harry!" George laughed heartily.
"He'll get the chance!" Fred said as he held up a camera.
"Happy birthday, Harry," Ginny said with a hug, followed by handshakes from the men and another hug from Mrs. Weasley.
"Thanks," Harry said with an even wider smile. The only time he'd had a surprise party was one that Tonks had thrown him two years ago. He looked around in an attempt to find Hermione and smiled when he saw her sitting on the other side of the table.
"Happy birthday, Harry," Hermione said with a wide smile on her face. Harry bent and gave her a fierce hug.
"You planned this, didn't you?" he asked with a laugh.
"Guilty as charged," she replied with a grin.
"Let's get you into these gifts then!" Arthur said with an excited look that he only reserved for his children on special days such as this.
They led Harry to the head of the table where everyone set a gift in front of him. Eagerly, he began ripping open the packages, smiling at each gift in turn.
Hermione had gotten into a standing position by then and waddled to him with her gift. "I hope you like it," she said with a smile. "It wasn't easy to find everything I needed."
Harry grinned at her and unwrapped the package only to stop as soon as the portrait's occupant peeked from behind the paper.
"Wha?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Wotcher, Harry?" Tonks' portrait asked with a wide smile. "Sorry I'm not there in person..."
"Tonks?" Harry said hoarsely as she nodded with a smile. He looked to Hermione who was smiling hopefully, tears beading over her long lashes. He looked back to the portrait and smiled. "I haven't heard your voice in so long," he said in a whisper.
"I know," she said with a wan smile. "Enjoy your day, Love, we can talk later..." Tonks' portrait smiled lovingly and disappeared from the frame.
Harry looked back to Hermione, his watery eyes speaking volumes to her. She was smiling, but crying freely by this time. Hermione bent and hugged him tightly.
"Happy birthday, Harr-OOOH!" she said and doubled over.
"Hermione, is everything ok?" Harry asked with concern. He looked down at the puddle of fluid that was spreading from her feet.
"It's time," she whispered hoarsely as another contraction hit her. "The baby's coming!"
"Mrs. Weasley, can you bring her bag?!" Harry asked quickly and Molly handed him Hermione's overnight bag with a wide smile.
"Don't just stand there like a daft idiot!" she barked. "Get her to St. Mungo's!"
Harry nodded dumbly and after grabbing the bag and Hermione, they apparated to the wizarding hospital. Unlike Muggle hospitals, he wasn't allowed in the operating room during birth, but he could wait in her room.
Four hours after they arrived, the door to Hermione's private room opened and an exhausted Hermione was wheeled in on a mobile bed.
"Is she ok? Is the baby ok?" Harry asked the nurse who was following alongside the bed.
"They're both fine," she said with a wide smile. "We'll bring your daughter by after she's cleaned up and checked over."
Harry stood in stunned silence for a moment at the proclamation that he had a daughter. He snapped to and looked to Hermione. Her hair was slick with sweat and disheveled, her eyes were half open, and Harry had a difficult time telling if she were smiling or grimacing.
"Hey," he said softly, pulling a chair close to the bed and brushing her hair from her forehead.
"Hey," she said in a quiet voice.
"How're you feeling?"
"Like I passed a St. Bernard out my arse," she said with a soft chuckle. Harry smiled and dried her forehead with the sleeve of his shirt. "Are they going to bring her in? I haven't seen her yet," Hermione asked groggily.
"They will," Harry whispered.
"Mr. Potter," the nurse said with a bright smile. "Congratulations on your baby daughter." She passed a small, pink wrapped bundle to Harry.
He took the baby in his arms and gently moved the blanket so he could see her entire face. "Hello, I'm your daddy," he said in a choked sob. Harry gently kissed her forehead and smiled lovingly as she yawned sleepily.
Harry looked up and saw something in Hermione's face that made his heart go out to her. A few steps brought him to the bed and with a tender smile, set the tiny bundle in Hermione's arms.
"She's so beautiful," Hermione sobbed as she smoothed away a tuft of dark hair that clung to the top of the baby's head. "Oh, Harry, you're so lucky..."
"We're lucky," Harry whispered in her ear. "All three of us..." he looked to his daughter and smiled happily. "Thank you so much, Hermione," he whispered to her and kissed his best friend's forehead. "You're absolutely beautiful..."
"Harry?" she asked in a startled whisper.
"I saw that look on your face," he said and smiled when she winced. "Did you really think I'd keep you two apart?"
"I'm not her mum," she said sadly.
Harry shook his head and held his baby's hand. "You're as much her mum as I am her dad," he said with a caring smile. "Erin, say hello to your mum..."
Hermione let out a sob and hugged Harry with all of her strength, to which he laughed. "Thank you, Harry," she sobbed as he stroked her hair. "I couldn't bear it if I couldn't see her..."
"You're daft if you think I'd do that to you," he said with a smile and pulled back a little. On impulse, he gently tipped her face to his and kissed her tenderly.
Hermione's eyes went wide but as he pulled back, a shy smile spread across her lips. Her eyes drooped heavily and Harry could see she was fading fast. As gently as he could, he took Erin from her arms. "Rest, mum," he said with a laugh as Hermione's smile widened, even as her eyes sealed themselves. Harry turned Erin towards Hermione and waved her tiny arm. "We'll be here when you wake up, won't we, Sweets?" Erin's tiny yawn was her reply and Harry kissed his daughter's head as he sat down to wait for Hermione to wake up.
The onslaught of memories subsided and Erin found herself staring into her father's tear-filled eyes. She glanced around in confusion for a moment before locking eyes with Hermione.