Chapter 8
Harry went up the steps forgetting where he was headed. He saw the door marked 'Harry's Room' and went inside. He fell across his bed and closed his eyes. Everything seemed too loud…and too bright. He flung an arm over his eyes. The pain began to lessen as he drifted off to sleep. A short time later he bolted awake. After taking the steps several at a time, he bypassed the final flight and vaulted the handrail. Landing gracefully on the floor, he saw Andrew clapping at him. He bowed to the boy before scooping him into his arms.
"Harry!" shouted Kate. "Give Andrew to me!" Harry laughed and 'flew' Andrew through the air. Andrew chortled with delight.
"He's fine…look!" Harry laughed.
"You are not fine and I don't want to tell his mother that he got hurt, so give him to me now!"
Harry pouted and put the boy down. Andrew clung to Harry's leg and started jumping. Harry saw that this looked like big fun and joined in. "We need music!" he shouted.
Kate joined in the laughter and put on the WWN. Harry did a fine pirouette before leaping around the room in a caricature of ballet. Andrew danced in place, while Kate stood back and watched. She had a hard time reconciling the persona of Harry Potter and this man who was putting his all into entertaining his son. She'd come to the conclusion that Andrew was Harry's long before Andrew started calling him, 'Da'. The fact Hermione never corrected him strengthened that theory.
Hermione came in. Her jaw dropped at the sight. Harry came toward her in a Pas de Chat and lifted her above him and spun around. "Harry! Put me down this instant!" she shouted through her laughter. He complied. Hermione raised an eyebrow at Kate who confirmed that Harry was indeed feeling the effects of the potion.
Harry pulled her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. When he finally released her, she cleared her throat as a way of stalling for time, and said, "Well aren't you in a mood this evening!"
"These two have been dancing non-stop since about two this afternoon," Kate explained. "Some young man is going to be dead on his feet as soon as he gets a little dinner in him…"
"Ah," said Harry with a rakish smirk, "Monster goes to bed early leaving more playtime with Mommy…Go me…"
"He is not a monster…" Hermione complained, intentionally ignoring the rest of Harry's statement. "Anyway, I'm going to start dinner…Any requests?"
"Yeah," said Harry. "Let's have pork chops…no goulash…no hamburgers…no pasta…no…"
Hermione interrupted him. "Why don't I just find what's in there and prepare that…"
"Excellent idea," said Kate with a chuckle. "I have a feeling that he'll eat whatever is placed in front of him…"
"I don't like coffee…" Harry called to her retreating back before turned to grin at Kate and said, "I remembered that…."
"Well done," Kate returned.
During dinner, Hermione had never heard such foolish giggling since sharing a dorm with Lavender and Parvati. The fact that it was coming from Harry and Andrew made it even odder. It was almost as if they were telling jokes to each other telepathically. Kate and Hermione remained silent giving each other significant looks every so often. Soon Andrew began to tire. He dozed off several times before Harry's snickering awoke him. Hermione washed his face and hands and carried him up to bed.
She meant to have a serious discussion with Harry this evening. It didn't appear that was going to happen. Returning to the drawing room, Kate approached her. "He seems to be coming out of it. I set him to washing the dishes. That should keep him out of trouble for a bit."
"Thanks, Kate," Hermione said with a hug. "You've been unbelievably helpful throughout all of this. I really appreciate it."
"In any case, before you give me too much credit, I've had a soft spot for Harry since I heard his story as a child. I had a bit of trouble separating the man from the legend at first."
"I wish you could have met him before he was hurt. He was such an amazing man…"
"He still is," Kate corrected.
"I-I didn't mean…"
"I know you didn't, but if he had heard you, it could set him back…"
"I'll try to be more careful…"
Harry quickly crossed the room. "I think I'll head up, too," he said tiredly. "It's been a long day."
"I'll come up with you…" suggested Hermione.
"No, I'll be fine" he stated firmly. "Don't worry about me."
Hermione looked at Kate who shrugged as if to say, 'I tried to warn you…'
Hermione knocked on Harry's door. He beckoned her in. "Harry, I'm sorry…"
"For what?" he asked quizzically.
"…for what I said. I didn't mean to imply that…"
"See… Hermione…the thing is…about my …er…problem is that I don't remember things. I remember being angry, hurt even, I just don't know why. It seems a bit silly to be angry for no reason, so I let it go…"
"You were hurt by something I said. I told Kate that you were amazing before your accident. You took it as my saying I don't think you are amazing now. That's not the case. I…"
"What are we doing here, Hermione?" he asked.
"I'm trying to talk to you."
"I don't mean that and I think you know it. Why did you move in here? What are we doing? I mean, if we've talked about this before, I'm sorry I just can't remember it…"
Hermione let out a deep breath. "I'm here because you needed me…"
"I have a live-in nurse…"
"Let me finish, please…" He nodded never taking his eyes from hers. "You needed me for someone to cling to when nothing else made sense. I needed you for the same reason. I missed Harry, but I enjoyed getting to know Trey. I wanted my son to get to know his father. And I wanted his father to remember how much I loved him…Andrew is your son."
Harry sat down on the bed. "I think I knew this…Let me show you…" Harry reached over and grabbed his journal off the nightstand. "I was close to realizing it on my own. Every page has a mention of Andrew's father…" Then it sank in. "I'm a father…I have a son."
Hermione smiled and joined him on the bed. "Yes, you do." Harry grinned at her.
"So it wasn't only a fantasy…just a dream…"
Hermione laughed silkily. "Well, I think that would depend on the dream, wouldn't it?"
Harry reddened as he grinned. "You'll need to remind me about Andrew. My memory isn't what it once was…I don't want to forget."
"If I had known you would have taken it so well, I would have told you sooner..."
"Why wouldn't I have taken it well?" Harry asked.
"Well, you must admit, you've been a bit down on yourself. I thought it might have had a negative effect."
"I can see how you might think that. I mean what kind of father can I be? I can only focus for a brief amount of time…"
"You seem to be doing okay right now…"
"It's taking everything I've got, I assure you. I've only got a bit more before I lose it, so tell me again, alright?" Harry closed his eyes and let his mind rest. Hermione pushed him back until he was reclined and laid her head on his shoulder.
When Harry awoke the next morning, he looked across and saw the sign on Andrew's room, 'Your son, Andrew's Room'. He grinned and made his way to the loo.
He entered the kitchen to find it packed full of people. "Harry, dear," called a woman with red hair, "Come eat some breakfast. You'll need your strength today…" She walked over and engulfed him in her arms.
Harry looked at Ron. "Today?" he questioned.
"You are moving to the new house you bought, remember?" answered Ron.
Harry's wide eyes found Hermione's. "We're moving…as in leaving…from here?"
"Yes," she answered.
Harry attempted to let the idea sink in. He strolled over the counter and poured a cup of coffee, sipped and grimaced. He'd forgotten to read his notes.
"Coffee really is an acquired taste," said Luna attempting to cover his error.
An older, balding red-haired man put his arm around Harry and asked for a private word. "I misjudged you," he said seriously. "I'd like to apologize…"
"You misjudged me?" Harry asked while trying to figure out who this man was. Obviously he was related to Ron, just like the hugging woman in the kitchen.
"Yes, when you first came back. We were a bit… harsh in our treatment of you and I'm sorry. We had no idea that your trouble stemmed from an injury…"
"Well that's the thing about my particular problem," Harry noted. "First, I haven't the foggiest idea who you are, and secondly, I don't remember any offensive behavior, so it's all good, right?" He grinned widely at the man.
"I'm Arthur Weasley…Ron's father. My wife, Molly, is cooking breakfast…"
Harry extended his hand, still smiling, "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Weasley. Please don't be offended if I don't remember…"
"Call me Arthur; please…" he responded pulling Harry into a hug. "You're a good man, Harry."
"I'm starting to believe that…" Harry smiled.
The two men returned to the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley poured Harry a cup of tea. "Thanks. Breakfast smells wonderful…" he said.
"Can't start the day right without a hearty breakfast, I always say…" Mrs. Weasley answered as she set the tray of sausages on the table.
Hermione took several and put them on her plate before cutting them into tiny as well as slightly larger pieces. She tipped the smaller bits onto Andrew's tray and slid the larger on Harry's plate.
Kate hastily made conversation before Harry could get embarrassed. "Ron," she said. "I never had the chance to show Harry the house yesterday. Want to tell him about it?"
"He just saw it last week and…oh…" Ron stopped and looked down at his lap. "It's really nice, Harry! It's got a pond in the back and the bedrooms are all…."
"Excuse me, please…" Harry interrupted as he made a hasty exit. Ron ducked as his mother, Hermione, Kate and Luna all reached over to slap him.
"I forgot, alright?"
"Don't worry," said Kate. "He'll be back in a few minutes. He probably won't remember…"
Just then, Harry strolled back through the door. He walked to the coffeepot and poured himself a cup. Hermione took it from him. "Thanks, I love it when you bring me coffee. Shall I return the favor?" She winked at him and poured him a cup of tea.
"Thanks. Breakfast smells wonderful…" he said.
Hermione cast a warming charm on his plate then returned to her seat beside Andrew.
"Da hungy?" asked Andrew offering Harry a bit of his toast.
"Da is very hungry," Harry replied. He accepted the toast and gave Andrew a spoonful of his porridge. Ron gave Hermione a knowing grin. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley looked to be in shock.
"Let Daddy eat his own food, Andrew," admonished Hermione. "You eat yours…"
"Da's better," Andrew complained.
"That's alright, Hermione. I can share…" Harry said. He gave the boy a sip of his pumpkin juice.
After breakfast, everyone started helping to get ready for the move. Harry's things were easiest since all he had was his trunk. Ron and his father shrank Andrew's cot and toys and packed them into one box. Mrs. Weasley and Kate helped Hermione. Soon everything was ready to deliver to the house.
"Did Remus get the charms in place?" Hermione asked Mr. Weasley when the others had left for the new house.
"He's there now. He wanted to make sure that everything was child-proofed and well, you know…"
"That's very sweet of him. He feels so bad that he couldn't help Harry, but we didn't know. None of us did."
"I wouldn't worry too much. He'll see how well Harry is doing now. That's what's important. The problem is I'm not going to able to put the Minister off for much longer. Have you decided what to do?"
"I'm not putting him on show," Hermione answered adamantly. "He'll only get confused. The last thing he wants is pity. You saw him this morning."
"True," Mr. Weasley agreed. "Notify the Minister and tell him that Harry would only agree to see him privately. That may appease him a bit…"
Kate had taken a Disillusioned Harry in her car, while the others Apparated. She spent the trip preparing for his new home. "Now, don't be alarmed if you can't find everything right away. We'll put up signs like before. We just won't need so many."
"I'm sure I'll be fine," Harry responded in a tone that sounded like he wasn't very sure at all.
"I know you will be. It might be a bit scary at first, but you'll soon see that this house will be easier to find your way. There's only one floor." Harry nodded and continued staring at the passing scenery.
They arrived at what looked like an empty park. Kate met Harry on the sidewalk and handed him a slip of paper. "Memorize this and then concentrate on it," she instructed him. "The house has been made Unplottable. Remus is the secret keeper."
Harry nodded, even though he didn't understand it. He read the paper over and over until it disintegrated in his hand. His eyes grew wide as the paper turned to ash. Kate asked him to think about what the paper said, but it was gone. She told him to stay put and she'd be right back. She disappeared into nothing. It was a little unsettling being in this strange place by himself, so he climbed back into the car.
Kate came out with an older man. "I'm sorry, Harry. I should have realized…" she said.
Harry got back out of the car. "Harry," the man said, "I want you to grip my arm tightly. I'm going to Apparate you into the house. After that, it will recognize you and you can see it. Alright?"
Harry looked at him blankly. "You're going to what?"
"Just hold onto my arm and don't let go…It's not an altogether pleasant feeling, but it does the job. Off we go now…"
Harry felt a squeezing sensation and before he knew it he was inside the sunny house.
"Oh, Harry dear! You made it. We've all been so worried!" Mrs. Weasley said giving him yet another squeeze.
Hermione came up to kiss his cheek. He slyly turned his face at the last second to meet the kiss.
"None of that now…" Ron complained. "Think of Andrew…"
"How do you think Andrew came to be, Ronald?" asked Luna.
"Don't remind me…" Ron grumbled. "Who can forget that night…"
"Er…me…" Harry admitted bashfully, which was followed by a few uncomfortable chuckles.
"Let's get this house whipped into shape, shall we?" decided Mrs. Weasley.
A few hours later the house was charmed clean and decorated. They'd moved some of the furniture they'd need from Grimmauld Place. Harry stood in the hallway that led to the bedrooms and grinned. Facing him was a door marked: 'Harry's Room', next to it was Kate's room. On the other side of Harry's was Hermione's room, with Andrew's room adjoining. The fourth bedroom was made into a library for Hermione's assortment of books, with the remaining bedroom set up as an office of sorts for Harry.
Harry walked through his room, looking it over carefully while his friends watched. He opened the door leading to the garden and grinned. "This is brilliant!" he proclaimed.
"I'm glad you like it," Hermione said as she put her arms around him.
Ron made a quick errand to pick up pizzas and beverages, ale for the men and soft drinks for the ladies. Hermione allowed Harry to give Andrew a bit of her orange soda in a spill-proof cup. "More, pees," he asked as he handed the cup back to Hermione. Soon the excitement was too much for the little guy and he dozed off in his chair. Taking Andrew's cue, the guests said their goodbyes and left.
Harry stared off into space trying to get his bearings. Hermione led him to his room. "You did remarkably well today," she told him. "I don't think anyone noticed when you drifted away from the conversation…"
"You could tell, though…" Harry replied.
"I can always tell." She followed him to the bed and lay down beside him. "I'm sorry you don't remember the first time we made love…"
"There are loads of things I don't remember, but that one has to be the one that comes to mind as regret."
She pressed her body closer to his. "Maybe one day soon we can recreate the memory so you can hold onto it…"
"How soon?" he chuckled.
"Soon…" she breathed before capturing his lips with her own.
He pulled her on top of him. "How soon?" he asked again.
She gave a small gasp as she felt the reaction she was having on him. "Very soon…I hope…We'll talk more after your Healer appointment…"
"When's that?"
"Tomorrow. I won't be able to come with you but Kate will be there and Ron is available should you feel you need him there. Will you be alright?"
"I'll be fine, I promise…"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Kate Disillusioned Harry again before driving him to the city. "Are you sure you don't want me to call Ron?"
"I'll be fine," Harry replied.
Kate parked the car and led Harry through to the hospital. Once there, she removed the Disillusionment Charm. They had used a private entrance before, though this time came through the public foyer behind Purge and Dowse Ltd. Almost immediately Harry was recognized and surrounded by autograph seekers and well-wishers, some with strange protuberances who were obviously there for medical attention.
Harry clung tight to Kate's hand. As the excited throng pressed in on him, Harry became separated from the nurse, who immediately went for help. As Harry became more disoriented, he froze, clutching his aching head.
"Back off, you lot!" came a shout from afar. "Let the man breathe…"
Ron battled his way through to Harry. "Need some assistance, mate?" Harry tried to smile but his focus was diminishing. Ron wrapped an arm around his friend. Brandishing his wand threateningly, he pushed his way back through the crowd.
Kate met them once they'd gotten clear. "I couldn't hang on," she said breathlessly. "The guards are coming…" She looked at Harry's dazed expression. "I'll get Hermione here…"
Harry awoke to the sound of his name being called. "Harry…Trey…Harry…He's coming around."
He opened his eyes to see Hermione standing over him with a worried expression. "Hi," he said weakly. She smiled at him soothingly. "What happened?"
"We forgot that the entire wizarding world is clamoring for a glimpse of 'The Chosen One'…" Remus said from his other side.
"Really?" he asked, "Who's that?"
"That would be you, mate…" Ron answered. "It's been that way since first year, either they want to mob you or maul you…just depends…"
"I would ask why I haven't noticed it before," Harry grinned, "but for all I know I could very well have…"
"We kept you away from the public," Hermione responded. "You aren't ready for that yet."
Ron snickered as Remus asked, "Has he ever been? He's downplayed his fame as long as I've known him."
"When can I get out of here?" Harry asked.
"You need to see the Healer yet," stated Hermione. "Kate went to let him know you are awake. Is your headache better?"
"A bit…" Harry lied.
The Healer entered and asked everyone to leave in order to examine Harry, who tensed at his words. "Alright, one can stay…"
"We'll be right outside," said Remus, who opened the door for Ron and followed him out.
"That must have been some scene in the hallway to make you lose consciousness like that…" the Healer observed.
"He has the same reaction to Dementors…" offered Hermione.
"De-What?" asked Harry.
Hermione gave him a look to say she'd explain later. "I've noticed that reaction since our third year. I'm sure he was terrified…"
"Security will escort him out, so don't worry there. You can use a portkey, if need be…" changing the subject, the Healer asked, "Tell me about your therapy with Kate…"
"I remembered a few things, like my owl and I can usually remember my son…She has me look at pictures and tell her everything I can think of. It's quite interesting, actually. I can't do that one game. I get all messed up. I'm supposed to put the thing on the thing then add this other thing. I just can't do it…"
"Are the bolts difficult, or is it trying to remember what goes where?" the Healer asked.
"All of it…" Harry replied. "It's so difficult to focus and remember what goes where and then to get my fingers to work properly. I mean, we try it every day, I think. It seems like it anyway. I don't think I've improved on it at all."
"That's true," agreed Kate. "Most of his memory enhancing exercises go well, but add in fine motor skills and he's done for. I taught him how to meditate when he loses concentration. He took it to the next level by himself. He recognizes when he's losing track and can take corrective action."
"That's excellent!" said the Healer. "I'm impressed. Shall we take a look here and see how you are healing?"
The Healer pointed his wand at Harry's left eye and mumbled an incantation. Harry tried to squint, but was prevented. The Healer looked closely into the eye before releasing the spell. He did the same with the other eye. Just then a noise sounded from the hall.
"I'll see whomever I choose now out of my way…" The door burst open as Rufus Scrimgeour strolled through.
"I tried to stop him, Hermione…" said Remus. "He wouldn't listen."
"Minister," began the Healer with a barely contained rage. "As if you couldn't tell, I am examining a patient. You have no business here…"
Harry looked up at the intruder with red blurry eyes. "I'm here to see Mr. Potter, and since I was not granted audience prior, I took steps myself. I'll only be a moment…"
"NO," shouted Hermione. "I will not allow this now! Minister, please, if you have one shred of decency, leave before I have security called." She looked at Kate knowingly before Kate slipped from the room.
"What's wrong with him? Is it true that his brain has been addled?" asked the Minister ignoring Hermione's request.
"I won't discuss a patient with you, Minister. You know the rules about confidentiality…"
"Yes, yes, well, I can see there's something wrong with him. He's not said a word since I've arrived…."
Hermione willed Harry to speak, but just lay on the bed blinking. "Harry, please tell the Minister that you are alright…then maybe he'll leave!"
"I'm fine, sir…" Harry croaked. "Thank you for your concern…"
Scrimgeour smiled at him, not that he could tell. "Very good…very good… So that means you'll be in fine shape to be present on the day we officially recognize you…very good indeed."
"I'm fine, sir…" Harry repeated with what looked like intense concentration. "Thank you for your concern…" Scrimgeour's mouth dropped open.
"Now as he's said, he's fine. I'd like to get back to my examination…Minister, if you please…"
Kate came back in with two burly security wizards. "I have all I need to know…" the Minister said breezily. "Good day to you…" With a swish of his robes, the Minister was gone.
"I don't like this…" Hermione told Kate. "There's no telling what he will do…"
The Healer finished the examination quickly. "I didn't go as thorough as I'd have liked, but I think Mr. Potter has had all he can take for one day, don't you think?" Hermione nodded. "We can reschedule for next week. I'll give you a portkey to my private office. That should eliminate some of the trouble….Kate?" The Healer left the room with the nurse explaining as he went what therapies he'd like her to try with Harry.
Harry lay almost catatonic, breathing rapidly. Hermione scooped him into her arms and rocked him back and forth. "Just escape, Harry. You don't have to come back until you are ready…"
Kate returned. Upon seeing the comfort Harry was receiving, she came close and spoke softly to him. "Fly fast and free, Harry. Take your broom as high as you can go…"
After a few minutes his breathing returned to normal. He opened his eyes and looked at the two of them. "Thanks," he murmured. "I guess I needed to check out for a bit…"
"Your eyes are still red from the spell," Kate noticed handing him his glasses. "Is your sight returning to normal?"
"A bit…" Harry lied.
"Let's get you home," suggested Hermione. "I brought your invisibility cloak. We can get you out of here without anyone noticing."
Ron and Remus were waiting outside. Remus took Harry's arm and led him through the hospital. Ron, Kate and Hermione went separately, knowing that if they were waylaid, Remus would get Harry away without incident.
They were correct. Masses of people, hearing Harry was at the hospital, turned out to see him. Upon Ron and Hermione's appearance, they pressed forward hoping to catch a glimpse of Harry. Remus used the back entrance where another swarm was waiting. When the gathered crowd saw that it was just him, they returned to speaking among themselves, waiting for the next person to leave.
Remus got Harry into the alley and summoned the Knight bus. He gave enough money for two people, to the confusion of the young man collecting. "Just in case I forget to pay another time…" Remus explained. The man accepted the sickles and showed him to his chair. I'd like it if I could have one extra, to prop my feet. It's been a long day already…"
"You paid for two, I reckon," the young man agreed.
Kate pulled up in front of the house worried about what state she'd find her charge in. Ron and Hermione had apparated back. She walked in the door to find Harry, Ron and Andrew playing an exciting game of 'Simon Says', with Hermione playing Simon.
"Simon says…..Jump up and down…" The participants followed her instructions, with the exception of Ron who stopped every few minutes to take a swig of his ale. Harry had a carefree look on his face as he rapidly hopped in place. Remus looked on smiling from the couch.
"You lot look like you are having loads of fun." Kate said announcing her arrival.
"Yes, I figured our patient needed a little toddler time to take the edge off things…"
"Harry doesn't have to worry about forgetting the instructions," Remus added, "because he's doing what everyone else is doing."
"I wish I'd thought of it…" Kate praised with a smile. "You lot are going to put me out of a job…"