Chapter 12-The Unlikely Ally
That afternoon Harry and Hermione spent the day laughing and enjoying the freedom of their own home. They decided that the nickname they would give their homestead would be The Orchard. While it had a long way to go, this spring and summer would take care of any questions people might have. By seven forty-five, Hermione was a mess. She was afraid that Harry had taken his meeting with the Prime Minister of England for granted.
"Harry, how can you be so blasé about this meeting?" asked Hermione.
"Sweetheart, the man puts his pants on the same way I do. I will be respectful. Believe me, Hermione, every moment we were not talking today, I was rehearsing in my mind," acknowledged Harry. "The main thing is to not be in too much awe or he will sense that he has us over a barrel, so to speak."
"You sound like a politician, Harry. I suppose in this case, that's a good thing," she said with a nervous grin.
Harry was quite a bit more nervous than he let on to Hermione. He had indeed spent a good deal of time thinking about his presentation to the Prime Minister, but he also knew that he was best when he spoke from the heart. That was his plan. He'd memorized his main points and would address them extemporaneously. He felt that the Prime Minister would trust him more if he didn't look like he was preaching the Ministry party line.
"Sweetheart, give me a kiss and wish me luck," he entreated. "I am confident that it will turn out well, but you're my good luck charm."
Hermione couldn't help but smile. She kissed him and put her hand to his face. "You'll do fine, my love. Good luck."
Harry walked to the fireplace, tossed in the floo powder and spoke, "Number 10 Downing Street."
Hermione sat quietly wondering how Harry was doing with the Prime Minister. Harry had proved time and again that he was more than lucky to her. The rumors had always persisted that without his friend's help he was nothing special. Hermione knew differently. She crossed to the window and looked on as the glow of the moon bathed the place they called home. Unexpectedly at 9 PM exactly, Harry returned with an expression Hermione could not read.
"Harry, so how did it go?" she asked anxiously.
"In the end, it went spectacularly. I know now why muggles spend so much of their time watching and remarking about politicians. He was not very pleasant at first. I suppose that was due to my admission that we had flaunted their system of justice," said Harry. "When I explained that had one of us clearly violated the laws of non-magical society willfully that our penalty would be much stiffer since they had violated not only theirs but our laws as well, he understood we meant business. He questioned me at every turn about our cover story and what our purpose was in returning us to magical society."
"Was he horrible to deal with, Harry?" asked Hermione.
"No, I think he is a man much like we are. He is tired of law-breakers who mean to push society to its limits for their own gain. I think he had the impression that we were being rather self-serving at first. I assured him that he had our support for his war on terror wherever and whenever he needs us. It was then that he asked how he could help," explained Harry.
"You know that it will be hard for us to help him, Harry. I hope in the end you explained the type of help we can provide," she said.
"I explained that we would provide intelligence since we must remain out of sight," said Harry. "He understood. He gave me a name of a Scotland Yard inspector; I've forgotten titles already, who will be trustworthy. He is actually the Prime Minister's childhood chum. He was sure that we could divulge almost anything to him and he would willingly do whatever we asked to ensure our society remained hidden. He is Peter Wycliffe."
"How soon do we expect to be able to contact him?" asked Hermione.
"Hermione, he called Mr. Wycliffe while I stood there and asked to meet with him in the morning. He had Kingsley clear his schedule for the morning tomorrow. I believe we will begin very soon," said Harry.
*(&(*&(*&(*(&
Harry was absolutely right. The following day he met with Peter Wycliffe and several of his men. The all out search began for Julie and any traces as to her whereabouts. Harry found himself working twelve to fourteen hour days alongside Hermione, looking at pictures of possible accomplices or acquaintances. The first week finally ended with a two-day break, which gave them time to breathe.
"Harry, if I ever look at another photograph again, it will be too soon," said Hermione as they sat a London restaurant. "It's nice to be out in the real world again though, don't you think?"
"Yeah, I have to agree. I'm sick of pictures, but the hustle and bustle of muggle life is so invigorating," said Harry. "I still can't wait to get back to the Orchard."
"I love that name, Harry. It was a good we decided on that name," said Hermione as she picked at her salad. "There was something familiar about quite a few of the people's pictures that I saw today. I think they must have taken photos from one of the studios I worked with in the past."
"It was strange also, because I was handed a list of names to see if I recognized any of them and several rang a bell. Yet, I couldn't put a finger on the faces. They brought pictures of those people mixed with ones that I didn't know," said Harry. "I kept picking people that the names didn't match."
"I'm so confused, Harry. At one point they put a few of my pictures in with the others to see if I recognized them. I didn't and they decided that it was time for a break," she laughed. "I was so exhausted I didn't recognize myself."
"Now that's funny," Harry replied as he sipped his wine. "You look tired too."
"I guess it's just the long days. I'm used to long hours, but in a homier environment," said Hermione. "Those offices are cramped with all those people running around."
The waiter arrived with the meal. Harry looked at Hermione, smiled and lifted his wine glass, "To love, friendship, marriage, and family."
Hermione lifted her glass to his. "Beautifully said, Sweetheart." She smiled and sipped her water.
"I still don't understand why you won't have wine with me," said Harry.
"If I am pregnant, I don't want to do anything that would harm the baby, Harry," she said. "I guess it's my muggle upbringing that has me feeling that way and praying."
Harry was happy to hear that Hermione was so excited about he prospect of a child. He couldn't imagine a more wonderful thing in his life than a son or daughter. "I keep forgetting about alcohol and pregnancy, Hermione. I'm sorry."
"That's okay, Harry. I won't forget, it means too much to both of us," she replied.
"Hermione, I know I'm stupid about these things, but how will you know you're pregnant?" he asked innocently. "Well, I mean besides the obvious."
"I'm not altogether sure, Harry. I suppose I will feel bloated or queasy. You know the old stories about morning sickness. Remember this is new to me too," she smiled. "It's not like a woman gets to practice first."
Harry laughed as Hermione smiled broadly. "I suppose if a woman truly knew what she was in for, she'd
decline the opportunity to have a baby more often, huh?"
"I should suppose so," said Hermione, "unless she loves her husband enough to want nothing more than to be with him and love him." She reached across and touched Harry's hand. "And I do love you that much."
Harry felt choked up and unable to respond for a moment. The look in Hermione's eyes was one he'd never experienced. A depth and softness to her filled him with joy that night. When he regained his composure he remarked, "We're preoccupied with children, aren't we?"
"I know it sounds silly, but each time we make love I wonder," said Hermione. "Will this be the moment my life changes? I don't mean while we're making love, but as I lay in your arms. I hope and pray that it is."
For one of the first times in his life Harry realized that his destiny was not to be a hero at all. It was to be the most noble of all things, a good parent and husband. He smiled at Hermione, "I know it will be the highlight of my life."
Several more weeks passed as evidence grew harder and harder to come by in the investigation. That was until Draco Malfoy and Ginny Weasley came to visit Harry and Hermione at the Orchard.
"Hey, Ginny, guess what?" whispered Hermione smiling.
"Omigod, you're pregnant," said Ginny starting to leap for joy.
"Shh, I'm not sure. But this is the first time I ever had reason to think so and I'm so excited," said Hermione. "I don't want to say anything to Harry until I'm sure though."
"How long overdue are you?" she asked still trying to hold in the cries of happiness and surprise.
"I'm about a week now. Except in the hospital, I've never been more than two days either way," said Hermione getting almost excited as Ginny.
"Promise me you will take a picture of his face when you tell him," Ginny laughed. "Even if you have to snap the picture before calling the ambulance, you have to promise." She laughed even harder.
"Hey, what's all this cackling about?" asked Draco standing at the window watching Harry working in the yard.
"Nothing, Draco, I'm just talking girl stuff with Hermione," said Ginny.
"I hope Potter isn't going to ignore me all day. No offense girls, but if what I have in store for me is women giggling at their secrets all day, I'll hang myself in your living room." He smiled.
"No, Harry promised me he would dig three small garden areas today. We thought you guys might be a little later than this and well, we got a late start," said Hermione blushing.
Ginny smiled again. "So, are you two still acting like rabbits and having a go at each other three times a day?" she giggled.
"Yeah, sometimes we're limited to three," Hermione teased. "No, Harry slept in because I kept him awake talking about having kids again. It's killing me knowing that it's finally possible but I can't tell him. Then, well one thing led to another." She blushed again.
"Sheesh, if it's like that when you get married I'd better start looking for a hobby to have an excuse not too," she laughed. "I'm only kidding."
"So, what's for dinner?" asked Draco in typical male style. "Harry's working pretty hard out there. Maybe I should go offer a hand. That might loosen him up a bit."
"That's a great idea, Sweetie. Who knows, maybe Harry won't try to hit you with the shovel. That's an improvement." Ginny giggled. Draco just shook his head.
Draco walked the hundred yards or so toward Harry without saying a word. As he got closer, Harry said, "I wondered when those two would drive you out of the house." A faint grin passed over Harry's face.
"Look, Potter, I'm not as comfortable about this as I look. I know there is a lot of ground to make up and it is only out of deference to Hermione that you have us here. I just want to say that I truly hope that we can put some, hopefully most, of our past behind us," said Draco.
"Malfoy, do you remember the first time we met?" asked Harry.
"Yeah, I vaguely remember it," said Draco.
"I remember it as if it were yesterday," said Harry. "You told me that I would learn to associate with the right people, or something like that. Ron had only been my friend for an hour then and I knew it would be good thing. When you said that, I got an equal feeling of sadness that we might have been friends but now we were enemies because of the way you talked about him."
"The years have been kinder to you, Harry than they have been to me. When I was young it was hard for you and relatively easy for me. The tables turned when I had to look back at what type of person I'd become. You could be proud and I was ashamed," said Draco. "That's as close to an apology as I can get. There are too many times to mention that we were at odds. If you understand what I said, it is a compliment to you and what you stand for in this world."
Harry looked at Malfoy with a sense of sadness, yet triumph. He felt guilty for a second. "I don't mind saying that I feel like gloating, but I believe you and I'm ashamed to feel that way. We both lost much more than we should have at such an early age."
Draco peeled off his jacket. "Potter, give me a shovel. I'll help." He took the heavier shovel that Harry had as a spare and began digging. Silently the two former mortal enemies seemed to bury their animosity, even if for only a little while.
Inside, Ginny and Hermione were still talking babies. Have you been sick?" asked Ginny.
"I've felt better in the morning than I have recently, but I've not been sick," said Hermione. "I can't believe this is happening, Ginny." Hermione hugged her with a tear. After a moment she looked at Ginny and asked, "How's Draco?"
"He's nervous today. He knows that you both feel it was a risk to let him come here again. I mean with all that's happened," said Ginny. "Are you still suspicious of him?"
"I'm not really worried about it when I see him and he smiles at me. In person, his expressions show warmth and he talks to me politely. Yet, I have awful memories of him calling me a mudblood with such venom that I knew if he could have killed me to please his father without punishment, he would have," said Hermione.
"Was it that bad?" asked Ginny. "Was there that much hatred in his voice?"
"It was disgust, Ginny. It was as if he were looking at a bug," recalled Hermione. "You don't forget that feeling, ever. You can try to forgive it, but you can't forget it."
"He is so tender with me, Hermione. I see him with his mother and Snape. He fights back the tears when he sees his mum. He wishes he could share his happiness with her," said Ginny. "I hurt inside for him. People that he hates still approach him. He's afraid if they learned our history or knew my last name they would be merciless toward us."
"Are they still involved in organizations we should be worried about?" asked Hermione.
"If by `we' you mean the Order of the Phoenix, I suppose. You know they don't tell me anything now that Draco and I are seeing each other," said Ginny. "I don't care though. When we are together and he holds me I know he loves me and that means he's changed."
Hermione changed the subject for the moment. "Hey, why don't you call the guys?"
Ginny went to the door and yelled, "Draco, Harry, It think dinner's ready," Harry and Draco both waved back as Ginny shut the door.
"So where were we?" asked Ginny. "Oh, yeah, I was saying how Draco's past doesn't bother me and he isn't involved with those kinds of people anymore."
Hermione continued setting the table with the beans, potatoes, a beef roast and a pitcher of water. She didn't respond. The reaction was not lost on Ginny.
"Aren't you happy to hear that?" asked Ginny.
Hermione looked at Ginny sympathetically. "Of course, I am if it's true. I don't mean to sound like I don't believe you but I worry that Draco is not voluntarily involved. I mean if he denies his new life, he's leading them to believe he is still one of them."
Ginny's face turned to one of dismay. "I hoped you'd see the change." She looked out the window. "Like I said, it's my problem to deal with and we won't be a burden. We won't stay long."
Hermione knew she couldn't let this end badly before dinner. "Ginny, we love you and Draco is welcome. We don't hate him or even dislike him. We don't know him like you do. Don't expect us to blindly accept what you've had months to have proven to you. That's all I meant."
Ginny looked back at Hermione who was smiling. Ginny seemed to accept the latest explanation. "If I were in your shoes I suspect I'd feel the same way, but ask him about things. He's not shy to talk about it. He will help you if I'm right and he's able.
Just that second the door popped open with the two dusty gardeners looking like they'd been digging for China. "Malfoy, use our bathroom here in the master bedroom. I'll go to the kitchen. You should find towels in the closet just outside. Wait a second, throw me one will you?" Draco stopped at the linen closet, took out two towels, and tossed one to Harry. "Thanks mate."
"No problem," said Draco.
The term mate was not lost on Hermione or Ginny. There was a brief smile between them. It appeared to each of them that there was a flash of hope in that exchange.
Dinner must have been delicious by the way Harry and Draco devoured everything in front of them. The water pitcher needed filling twice. Dessert was not far behind.
"So you two got awful chummy for one afternoon working in the garden," said Hermione. "I half expected one of you to be wearing a shovel across the head."
"Oh that happened, we just wiped the blood off and then covered it with dirt," said Draco smiling.
Harry laughed as he took a sip of water. "We decided that seven years of animosity wouldn't be solved in one day so we just let things go. I'm still trying to figure out which shovel to hit him with."
Ginny smiled at Harry's obvious attempt to make light of the difficult situation. "Draco, I was telling Hermione that some of your old friends still come around bugging you and you have to tell them to piss off regularly."
Draco shot Ginny a glance, but when she nodded toward Harry and Hermione he seemed to understand. "Yeah, that's pretty true. It's those oafs Crabbe and Goyle. Sometimes they come with others they know, but it's always the same. They say they're meeting at a pub and invite me."
Harry just looked at Draco with suspicion. "Harry, those two have no clue as to what is going on. I do. There have been some serious inquiries by Scotland Yard. It's unusual for the muggles to get involved in our affairs, even when it does have something to do with muggles."
Harry's face remained impassive. "Yeah, like what activities, Malfoy?"
"That's just it. I don't know. I just know that they are recruiting because they need to find people who will help them with some business to do with land reclamation," said Draco. "Whose land it is, I don't know. I'm not much interested when that's the kind of people I want to avoid."
"You don't have the least bit of interest?" asked Harry. "I mean it could be pretty lucrative."
Malfoy's expression changed to one of despair. "The wealthy wizard families were exactly the ones that caused so much trouble for my family. I'm well off on my own. I think that they want me as an investor."
"How do you know that they haven't changed?" asked Harry.
Malfoy looked at Ginny, Hermione and back at Harry. "I'd prefer not to discuss it," he said. "The discussion would bring up old wounds I'm trying to avoid."
Ginny was concerned. "Draco, you've told me the truth, haven't you?" she asked. "I mean the whole truth."
A pained look crossed Malfoy's face. "Most of it, darling, but I haven't told you everything."
Hermione tried to hide her emotions, expecting the worst.
"Crabbe and Goyle spilled the story to them that Ginny was the youngest Weasley. I get all sorts of unflattering calls now…just like the old days when I used to give you guys the devil," said Draco. "I wish you hadn't asked me to talk here, Ginny. I was going to tell you more this weekend."
Harry stopped to listen harder. "What's going on with them? Are they still terrorizing muggles, half-bloods and what they call blood traitors?" asked Harry.
"Fortunately, they have been driven to be more accepting with the new decrees requiring former Death Eaters and their families to submit to periodic visits from the Ministry. It's not publicized but we have lost much of our privacy to the Aurors."
Harry couldn't contain his surprise. He'd not been made aware of this. "How long has this gone on?" asked Harry.
"Since a month after Voldemort's fall," said Malfoy. "It is not totally intrusive. Opinions are now hidden much the same as racism is a hidden fact of life in the muggle world."
"Am I to understand that they have gone underground?" asked Harry.
"I don't think so, Harry. I think they've tried to hide in the muggle world where such prejudices can be hidden in the fabric of society. Many have moved to the United States. Crabbe and Goyle aren't the brightest. They say things they shouldn't say, which is actually more dangerous for me. I know things I don't want to know," said Draco.
Harry knew the time was now or never. If Draco were hiding anything, he would certainly be more cautious in the future. To bring up the subject in the future would be futile, because he would be ready for it. "Malfoy, I have to ask you, because I'd be an idiot if I didn't. Are you involved in anyway with the group you're talking about?"
Draco looked at Harry for a moment as if he were trying to read Harry's expression. "I would have to ask that too, if I were you. I suppose by not declaring myself against them, I am. It's a difficult thing to do. I'm despised by most outside of my old group of friends and mistrusted by those inside because of the unconfirmed rumors that I helped you bring down Lord Voldemort," said Draco. "I'm not complaining. With Ginny by my side, I have been able to get by better than ever in the last few months. It isn't what I'd planned for my life though, I can tell you that."
"You are regarded the same way I was when I came to Hogwarts, Malfoy. No one knew what to think. Was I a Dark Wizard with tremendous powers to survive the Killing Curse? On the other hand, was I a pretender who got too much credit for everything I did? Parents told their kids to be careful around me. Others told them I was okay. I know a bit about how you feel," said Harry. "No matter what you do now, your past haunts you in a very real way, I am sure."
"I suppose that's the irony of it all, is it not?" asked Draco.
"I hate to be incredibly rude, but I have to talk to Hermione for a minute in private," said Harry. He motioned for her to step out into the night air, which was quite a bit colder than it had been an hour before.
"Hermione, my first instinct was to tell him about the Prime Minister, but something is holding me back from being that open. I want to get his help for the Ministry and Scotland Yard, but how do we know absolutely that we can trust him?" asked Harry.
Hermione looked at her husband carefully as a tear grew in her eye. "Harry, I knew it would come to this when Draco got involved with Ginny."
"What Sweetheart?" Harry asked. "Come to what?"
"I knew there would come a moment when trusting Draco would be difficult for you," said Hermione. "I never like to bring up the past to you-especially when I know the emotions it brings up."
"Honey, you are losing me hear," he replied as Hermione wiped away the tears.
"You have to do something again that is against your nature, my love. You have to do what Dumbledore did with Snape. You have to have faith in the unknown. You have to trust him even against your better judgment," said Hermione. "Dumbledore made Snape vow to protect you and to work for the good of the school and Ministry. Snape had no alternative except Azkaban. Draco has alternatives. You have to trust him if you plan on letting him help."
Harry understood why Hermione was crying but would ruin her secret. She was emotional in a way that he hadn't expected. He could feel the excitement in her about the baby and she knew that she was as afraid of making a mistake as he was. "Sweetheart, you are asking me to make a decision that will affect our lives dramatically. I am not willing to do this without you telling me it is the right thing to do."
"Sweetheart, that's why I am crying. I can't tell you I approve. Harry, I'm pregnant with your child. I will do nothing to put his or her life in danger. I wanted to tell you in such a different way. I know that you will not take chances that will endanger our child. That's why I'm telling you now," she said tearfully. "I have faith in you, darling. More faith than you will ever know, but you must decide this."
Harry smiled and kissed her passionately. "I'm so happy, Hermione. I knew when I touched your breast last night kissing you good night and you jumped."
Hermione smiled. "I jump a lot when you touch me. How would that tell you?"
"It wasn't as soft as usual. The website said that there would be telltale signs. It was your news to give me though," said Harry. "Without knowing it Hermione, you've given me the answer about Draco. I will trust him."
"How did I answer?" she asked.
"You would have told me no, if you truly thought he was a threat-and, I would never have entertained the thought if I thought it would harm are unborn child," said Harry. "I think I just had to ask the love of my life, because I have faith in your judgment too."
They were freezing now that the night had fallen completely. "We have to go in Harry or both of us will die of exposure before the baby is born," said Hermione with a laugh through her tears.
Harry opened the door and smiled. "I'm going to be a father," proclaimed Harry as Draco and Ginny looked at them shivering inside the door. "How do you feel about being a sort of Uncle to my kid, Draco?"
Stunned, Malfoy looked at Hermione who was staring at Harry. "What the bloody hell are you talking about?"
"Malfoy, if you're going to be friends with my family and we're going to share meals together, you have to agree to be a distant Uncle to my kid," said Harry again with a smile. "Okay, there's more to it than that. Here's the deal. You told me how much you learned from Snape. I have to tell you what I learned from Dumbledore. Faith is based on the belief in someone or something. I have faith that you will protect what I'm about to tell you with your life. You risked it once for me. I'm counting on you again."
Malfoy hung his head looking at Harry's feet. "What is it, Potter?"
"It's the plan we are using to free ourselves from the threat of evil that faces the Ministry," said Harry. "Are you in?"
Malfoy walked over to Harry and put out his hand. "Congratulations on the baby Potter. I'm not as callous as you might think. If an Unbreakable Vow is necessary, I'm willing. I am proud to be working with you."
Harry took Draco aside and explained the plan in detail. He left Ginny out for moment. "Draco, I don't need the Unbreakable Vow. I think we understand each other. I will kill you, if you break the faith," said Harry.
"I know. You also know that I would not disgrace myself again," said Malfoy. "I can see that you understand that too."
"I do, but let there be no doubt we will have to be on opposite sides of the game. You will be with them," said Harry.
"I'm ready and you know what I'm capable of doing," said Malfoy.
"That's why I need you," said Harry. When they were finished they sat at the table and toasted to their new agreement.
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