Chapter 7
Home
It's been a year.
It has been one year to the day since I've arrived in this magical land realized Hermione.
Out on the practice grounds, she had decided to perfect her archery and no one was in sight, except the old Armory master, Hagrid. Everyone was off on this lazy day, where clouds began to gather and the air held a gentle wind. A perfect day for reminiscing.
A year, it seemed hard for Hermione's mind to wrap around that thought. She had left all she had known behind, not by choice of course, and was able to get along without them for a whole year. It was a scary, and at the same time, exciting thought.
She let another shaft fly and it hit the bull's eye once again.
"Great shot, `Ermione" Hagrid called over from the spear section. "I don't see why you think you need more practice."
Hermione smiled, "It's the only way I'll know for sure if I can put an arrow through Voldemort."
Hagrid shivered at thought of the evil plague that had spread across the land. "Well careful there then, your dropping your elbow too soon."
Hermione thanked him and retook her stance further away. She let her arrow fly and it fell short. Three more times she tried and three more times the arrow came close but didn't hit her intended target.
"Still dropping your elbow." Hagrid advised before he went inside, unnoticed by Hermione.
She was determined to get it right this time, so she took her stance once again. As she took a deep breath an arm raised her elbow, keeping it up. Hermione, shocked at first for letting someone get his close to her without her knowing, soon identified the stranger as his other arm extended and his hand steadied hers.
A hand bearing a metal ring
She exhaled and leaned back slightly.
Harry
She released her arrow. It landed with a twang in the bull's eye to Hermione's great delight. With a smile on her face she turned around.
Only to be met with Harry's eyes. "Perfect shot" he said.
"Thank you and thank you for the help." Hermione said, slightly shy. Realizing what she might be getting herself into, she began to walk away until Harry called her back.
"Hermione, wait. I wanted to apologize… about what happened. I didn't mean to make you cry. I just….. I love you, Hermione." This confession seemed to shock her slightly but with it being said Harry was not going to back out now.
"I do, I think I've loved you since the first dream I had about you. I didn't know who you were then but when I met you I knew that it was you in my dreams."
Hermione was a little shaken, "You…had dreams…about me?"
He nodded, "All through the crusades. Whenever I closed my eyes I would see this beautiful woman with this misty lake. I remembered her ghostly touch and I knew I loved her. And then that day at the lake…..I knew it was you, Hermione."
"I had dreamt of you too." She said quietly. This boosted his confidence and he took her hands.
"Hermione, all I want to do is love you. I want to take care of you and always have you by my side. Ask me to give up the crown and I will, ask me to swim through the deepest ocean and I'll do it. Anything to prove how much I love you."
Rain began to fall and this seemed to snap Hermione back to her senses. She was getting too close to admitting it, to admitting how she felt about him. "You'd best go inside Harry; we don't want you to get sick."
She began to walk away but Harry grabbed her arm, "Hermione, don't run away this time."
"I'm not running from anything" Hermione was beginning to get a little frustrated, all she was here for was to help the kingdom and then she could go home, that was what she wanted, wasn't it?
Harry's other hand came around to wrap around Hermione's other arm. This only added to Hermione's frustration and she began to struggle, she couldn't stand here anymore. With a simple flick of her leg she tossed Harry off balance but he caught her around her waist and took Hermione down with him.
Harry laid there on top of Hermione.
She stopped struggling as she realized he rested his own body weight on her, something she couldn't fight. Harry's face filled her vision and she found that she couldn't look away.
"Hermione, tell me what it will take to get you to admit how you feel." He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. It was a light kiss but desperate. She felt the emotion Harry was putting into it and couldn't help but return it. She found that one of her arms had been freed so she brought it to his cheek, keeping his face close to hers.
The need for air became so great the two parted, leaning their foreheads together, slightly panting. Something seemed to break inside Hermione, and she could no longer deny what she had felt since the first time she had seen him. She raised her head slightly, felt the light rain fall upon her face, and whispered into his ear, "I love you."
Harry pulled his head back and looked at her for a moment, as if unsure of what she had said. To reassure him, she smiled and said it again, her heart fluttering with every word, "I truly love you, Harry. I always have and… I always will."
A wide smile broke out onto Harry's face and he kissed her again, this time it was filled with joy and passion. She loves me; she really loves me he thought.
He stood up and pulled her up with him only to spin her around as the rain began to let up. Bringing her into a tight hug he whispered,
"I love you, Hermione"
"I love you too, Harry" was her reply before they entangled themselves in another tender, yet passionate kiss.
Above the practice ground on one of the balconies stood two very happy women. Ginny gave a little jump for joy while the queen hugged her daughter and promptly turned back to the beautiful sight below her, "It's about time."
The sun creped into Hermione's room to wake her and start a new day but she was already awake. Her hand lay across Harry's chest and her head rested on his shoulder. She watched his breathing and marveled at how innocent he looked as he slept, though, she thought, he was far from innocent last night. She gave a little chuckle to herself and a slight shiver ran through her as the memories from the night before came back.
She had never felt so at peace and rested, especially with such little sleep. The castle would soon be waking and she didn't want the world to find them like this, at least not yet. With a sigh she tried to wake Harry,
"Harry….love, it's time to wake up." Hermione gently nudged his head with her nose. The only reply was a slight grunt and the turning away of his face. Hermione gave a slight chuckle. So he does sleep like a rock, I thought so.
An idea suddenly came to her and the smile upon her face began to grow. She began to sprinkle light kisses all over his face; his eyes, his nose, and finally coming to his lips where she left a long, lingering kiss. A pair of arms wrapped themselves around her keeping her close to the now wide awake Harry.
Hermione pulled away after a minute and smiled at him, "Good morning, love"
He stretched one arm while keeping the other draped over her body, he answered, "It certainly is, especially if this is the way I get to wake up everyday."
This made her giggle slightly, "That's a possibility, considering you sleep like you're dead."
"Well, you learn to block out sounds while you sleep when spells with very loud effects are going off around you." His eyes turned suddenly dark and distant.
Hermione noticed and caressed his cheek, letting him know she was there and would always be there for him. Her touch seemed to bring him out of his memories and he smiled up at her.
"I don't know why, but when I'm with you I feel as if everything is ok, as if I could do anything." He kissed her gently, with such tenderness she let out a slight whimper.
"Well you're not invincible, so don't go getting any ideas that you can take on every death eater and Voldemort, I don't want you getting hurt…or worse."
He held her close, "I'll never leave you Hermione, never."
They stayed in each other's arms for some time before finally beginning the day. Harry went off to breakfast first, but not before giving her one last kiss.
After a bath and getting dressed she headed down to the breakfast hall. Queen Lily had invited her for breakfast the first day they had returned to the castle and she would just not see Hermione eat anywhere else. She entered the room and saw that all three royals along with Ron were already seated and enjoying a light breakfast.
"Good morning, everyone" Ginny said brightly.
"Morning, Hermione"
"Good morning, dear."
"Mormin Ermione," greeted Lily and Ron with his already stuffed mouth.
Hermione took her seat across from Harry and next to Ginny and began to fill her plate.
"You seem a little hungry, dear" Queen Lily stated with a smirk.
Hermione blushed slightly. She looked over at Harry who was grinning broadly and Hermione blushed even deeper.
"I was planning on a ride to our boundaries next to Voldemort to make sure defenses are still in good shape. I'm just trying to eat my fill now so I won't be hungry later." Hermione said matter of fact. It wasn't a complete lie; she really had intended to check the defenses at some point.
"Is that why you slept in then, to get your full rest?" Ginny asked, a knowing grin dancing on her face.
"Yes" Hermione muttered.
Across the table Harry was silently chuckling to himself. He felt bad for Hermione but he enjoyed watching her receive the intense interest of his mother and sister.
"Well" Harry said standing up, "As much fun as this is, I think I would rather enjoy a round in the particle ring. See you all later." Harry went to make his way toward the door when he stopped half way. "Oh, I almost forgot…."
He promptly turned around, walked straight up to Hermione, and kissed her squarely on the lips. They stayed like that for a minute before separating only to find Hermione standing and her arms wrapped around his neck, while his arms found their way around her waist.
"Ah, young love" The Queen sighed.
"It was about time the two of you got together" Ginny said.
"To be sure" Ron agreed.
Hermione found herself blushing again under their gaze. I agree, she thought.
Harry smiled, "Now I should do even better in the ring. I'll see you all later." Harry turned to give Hermione a kiss but at the moment a messenger ran into the room.
"Your majesty, your highnesses, I have urgent news." The royal messenger panted.
"Dean, sit down and have a drink, then you can tell us." Ron said handing him a cup of water.
Dean drank deeply but did not sit. "Thank you, but there is not time." He turned to the Queen, Ginny, and Harry, who had stepped in between his sister and mother. "It's Voldemort." He said simply.
The room immediately became tense and Hermione walked over to Dean, "What do you mean it is Voldemort, what has happened?" She demanded.
"We sent two scouts out a few days ago to check on the reports we received, only one returned. It seems Voldemort has created a massive army, of both death eaters and creatures that have no name. Ugly brutes, they are, apparently only good for chopping down an opponent. The scout reported that the army continues to grow and it seems as if Voldemort intends to move on us within the next three month."
Harry had walked over to Hermione and taken her hand, giving it a small squeeze. She returned the squeeze with her own, reassuring him as much as herself.
Voldemort has finally come out of the shadows. Now we have to face the demons he has brought with him. She thought.
Hermione was the first to react, "Dean, report this news to the generals and have them begin gathering the armies. Send battalions to each watch post along the border for back-up. Have the generals meet me, Ron, and Harry on the practice grounds first. Please hurry."
Dean didn't need telling twice, he ran off without another word, leaving a room full of people stunned to silence.
"So, he finally decided to show his face" Ron said breaking the stillness.
"We've got to start preparing, get the men together like Hermione said. We still have a chance." Ginny stood up, "I'm going to see if there is anything I can do to make the men mobilize faster." She left with Ron following behind, heading straight for the barracks to give his poor soldiers the grave news.
"I must go too. The wizards will want an update and we must discuss some form of a plan." Before she left she turned to Hermione, "Hermione, please, whatever you do be careful. I don't want to lose you." The two shared a look and the Queen left to wing to gather the strongest wizards.
Harry turned to Hermione, "Hermione--" She flew into his arms and he held her close.
"We wasted so much time; I was so stupid for not letting myself love you. I-"
"That's enough" Harry cut her off. "It's in the past now, we know we love each other and that's all that matters." He hugged her close, "I don't suppose it would do any good to ask you not to go near the battle, would it?"
"Not a chance" she said simply and kissed him.
The next week was spent preparing the troops for a war that would determine all their fates. Harry and Hermione barely saw each other except at night when they weren't to tired to let their passions fly.
Hermione spent most of her time practicing and training the new recruits while Harry stayed with Ron and double checked their battle plans while calling up new soldiers. It was a hectic and fearful time that most of the villagers remembered all too well.
It was two weeks later that the five of them met at the dinner table when a different sort of news reached their ears. All were too tired to carry on a proper conversation but when Albus Dumbledore walked into the room more than one face lit up.
"Good evening, everyone" He nodded to each of the table's members in turn.
Turning to Hermione he said, "I have some news for you, my dear"
Hermione raised her eyebrow in question.
Albus continued, "The rest of the wizards and I have found that we are able to create a portal back to your home. It took us longer than I'm sure you liked, but we should have enough power to sustain it, and have enough power to help fight in the up-coming battle."
The news shocked Hermione. Home? But I am home, what is he…… And then she remembered her mother and her father. Her house and her neighborhood along with her childhood years returned in a flash as well.
Her fork clattered against her plate, how could she have forgotten her home, her parents?
"What" she asked dumbly.
Dumbledore nodded, "You can go home, Hermione. I personally believe you have done you job splendidly and I speak for all of us when I say thank you."
Hermione turned to look at her friends. Ginny smiled at her, "Going home is what you always wanted, and I'm sure you must miss it terribly. I think you should go, Hermione, if you want."
"I will miss you like a mother to a daughter, but I believe that if you want to go then you should. I agree with Albus, you are a wonderful champion and person. I'm glad to have met you." The Queen said, a tear forming in her eye.
Ron nodded his agreement, "All I know is, you can fight better than most of the soldiers, and have one of the biggest hearts I've ever known. You'll be sorely missed, but you've earned the right to take your leave."
Hermione nodded dumbly toward all of them, would they really not mind if I left?
Finally she turned to Harry who apparently had gotten up and walked over to a window. She stood and walked over to his side.
"Harry?"
He didn't look at her at first. "I'm not sure." He said. Turning to face her he took her hands in his.
"Hermione, part of my heart is telling me that I should let you go. I know how you must miss your family, and your world. You deserve to go back and you'll be safe there. Voldemort can't follow you there and….and I'll be happy knowing you'll be safe."
He pulled her close to him, ignoring the sympathetic looks the two were receiving. He whispered into her ear, "The other part of my heart is saying it'll break if you leave me. I know I don't have the right to ask you to give up your past for me, but please, don't go. If you must, then know that I will never stop loving you, whatever you decide."
Hermione pulled back slightly and locked her eyes with him. They stood there like that, the world oblivious to them for only a few mere moments. She raised her hand to his cheek and he leaned into her calming touch. Sharing a brief kiss, Harry could not determine whether it was a good-bye kiss or not.
Hermione turned from him and walked over to Dumbledore, "Professor, may we talk in private for a moment?"
He nodded, "Of course" and walked through a set of doors. Hermione turned to follow but not before looking at her friends one last time, giving them a small smile.
She entered a cozy little study with a few chairs and stacks of books lying around everywhere and a fireplace where the flames danced. Dumbledore took a seat next to the lightly burning fire and Hermione followed suit.
"Professor…." She began but could not seem to find the words.
"I know Hermione, I apologize it took this long. I've seen you, how you have become part of the lives of the people here. I daresay you have created a home for yourself here, but what you must decide is which home you desire. It would take us years to recreate this portal; it was not only the amount of magic needed but the right conditions in which the portal could be opened." Dumbledore said.
Hermione nodded, "I understand." A thought suddenly hit her, following the ideas that were shooting through her mind she came to one final though, could it work?
"Professor, how long could you keep the portal open?" Hermione asked, hope hiding behind her voice.
Dumbledore looked thoughtful for a moment, "I suppose if all of us combined our powers and kept our strength, perhaps a few hours, why do you ask?"
Ignoring his question for the moment, Hermione smiled, "Do you happen to know how much time has passed in my home?"
"We attempted to calculate that, and we found that no more than a few days have passed since you were brought here. Our two worlds apparently move at different times."
Hermione leaned back and gave a slight chuckle. In only a few days I have fought battles and fallen in love.
"Hermione, what are you thinking?"
"If it is all right with you sir, I think I might have an idea."
******
The next day she kept busy trying to figure out a way for her parents to believe what she has been through, at the end of the day she had come up with nothing. Sitting down to dinner did not help her thought process either. Ginny and Queen Lily seemed to want to ask Hermione what she had decided upon but were trying to restrain themselves. Harry was missing from the table, being held back by some of the generals and their questions. Ron was present, though, and after swallowing his latest mouthful he asked the question burning on everyone's tongue. "So are you staying here, or leaving?"
Hermione looked up from her plate. "I'll be leaving tomorrow morning." She now had their attention. "Please, know that I love you all and I am very grateful for how you've brought me into your lives, but I have a life back home, and I owe it to the people I love there to return."
She noticed that Ron's eyes had drifted towards the door and she turned, only to find Harry standing in the doorway, perfectly still.
Hermione stood up and walked toward him, "Harry…I'm sorry." She stood before him, raised her hand to his cheek, and brought his face close to hers. "I have to do this, but don't think it isn't tearing my heart in two."
Harry pulled out of her embrace, hurt and loss evident in his eyes. "Good luck Hermione, don't forget me." He leaned in to give her a kiss, a long lingering kiss that made a tear appear and trail down Hermione's cheek. Pulling apart, Harry whispered, "I love you, Hermione." And pulled off his ring; the ring that held the Gryffindor crest, and slid it onto Hermione's finger. "No one else will ever be my queen, nor hold my heart."
Harry turned around and walked out of the room and away from his true love.
Hermione watched him go and when he turned a corner she fell to the floor, tears following her descent. Ginny rushed over and held Hermione in a tight hug, trying to comfort her heartbroken friend.
The next morning came without a sound and Hermione took one last look at her room. Turning Harry's ring around her finger, she walked to the Great Hall where the portal would be opened. Walking in she noticed all her friends were there along with the wizards. Ginny, the Queen, and Ron waited until she came to them before the goodbyes began.
"I'll miss you, Hermione. You'll always be like a sister to me." Ginny said shakily, giving her friend a hug.
"And you will always be a daughter to me." Queen Lily said as a tear or two found their way down her cheeks.
"Good-bye Hermione, don't forget us ok" Ron said, not much for sad adieus.
Hermione gave all of them a hug in turn, tears trailing down her cheeks as well, "I love you all." She looked around the room for the one person she loved the most but could not find him.
"Ginny could you please tell Harry that I…." She couldn't finish.
Ginny nodded in understanding, "I will."
Professor Dumbledore walked over to them. "Hermione, it's time." She nodded and gave her friends one last hug before walking in the middle of the ring of wizards.
"Thank you, Professor. Thank you all" She said to Dumbledore and the rest of the wizards gathered. They nodded in turn, while Dumbledore merely said, "I'm sure we'll see you again someday." The twinkle in his eye shinning brightly.
"Combine our powers" Dumbledore announced. And a bright light began to fill Hermione's vision. A rushing sound filled her ears and the next thing she knew she was on a grassy patch of earth.
Looking up, she found a white two-story house. Standing up she began walking toward the front door.
I'm home.
****Author's Note****
I'm going to save you all a lot of pain and yelling at me right now, this is not the last chapter. I hope you like where it's going, if you please review, I would really appreciate to know that I am a decent writer. Enjoy and the next installment should be soon. I also apologize for the grammar and other mistakes, I'm sorry but it's just one problem I don't think I'll ever be able to fix.
-->