Harry had been gone nearly two hours; Hermione knew he would be gone most of the day and planned her day accordingly. She answered many of the owl messages that arrived in the months they were missing. Hedwig nearly groaned under the stress of the deliveries Hermione had tasked the owl with; the bird was nearing twenty years old, quit past middle age for most owls.
She settled in her favourite chair in the lounge with a book and waited.
The time seemed to pass slowly until a knock on the front door roused her from the depths of the story she was reading.
"Hermione? Are you here?"
"Mrs. Potter is expecting you; please follow Dobby, Mrs. Luna."
"I'm in here, Luna," she called out and stood to greet her friend.
"You are alive! I never believed it. Ron was so convinced you were still alive. He said he had strange dreams."
Hermione and Luna embraced briefly, before Hermione motioned her to a seat opposite her chair. "What dreams has he had?"
"He wouldn't talk about them, just that you and Harry were alive. We had many discussions about that subject and it appears he was right."
"I hope you didn't force him to sleep on the sofa."
"Not too often," she said with a chuckle.
"I needed you here to ask a favour. I know this is not a normal request, but it is terribly important to me."
"Anything, if I can, you know that."
"Well, first I need a complete examination."
"Is there something I need to look for?"
"I don't want to taint your results; I want an independent confirmation. And then I'll tell you what I need."
Luna looked puzzled, but nodded. "Of course, do you want to go to St. Mungo's or stay here?"
"Here, I don't want others to know yet."
"Then we'll need some privacy, the spare room upstairs?"
"Yes, I've made necessary changes and left instructions not to be disturbed." The pair left for the upstairs bedroom she had converted into an examination room. Hermione stepped behind a screen and changed into a dressing robe.
"A clue of what I'm looking for might help," Luna said, as she waved her want over Hermione, starting at her head. The wand produced a blue glow over her body, old scars glowed red. The glow radiated from her skin as the wand passed over her abdomen and down her legs.
"Well, no new wounds, now to check for illnesses." She passed the wand over Hermione again, this time a yellow glow radiated from her body. Luna passed her wand over Hermione's head, then chest.
"You've had a bit of a cold?"
"Um-hum. A few months back."
The glow continued to her belly and changed from the yellow to pink. Luna stopped scanning and looked up to a smiling Hermione. She repeated the spell and held her wand over Hermione's stomach again; the unmistakable change in colour told Luna what Hermione wanted to know.
"You're pregnant? But that's impossible, that curse…"
"…Is gone. I believe I'm due to deliver in May. I wanted professional confirmation before we told anyone. It happened when we were in another world."
"But still, this is extraordinary, does Harry know?" Luna asked, as she sat next to Hermione.
"Of course, we discussed this, and he's as excited as I am. With our history, neither of us wants to take the risk," Hermione replied, as she sat up.
"As far as I can detect, this is a healthy and normal pregnancy."
"I want to have this baby in the same hospital I was born in; it would be the closest to having my mum there." Hermione reached for her dressing robe and pulled it on while they talked.
"That is reasonable, although St. Mungo's would be a safer option. They have been delivering babies for a few years, you know."
"Yes, I know. But I have a personal request. I can understand if you can't help. I want you there with us, when the baby is born."
"I wouldn't dream of letting you face this alone. Of course I'll be there."
"And one other request, this is for you both. We want you and Ron to be the child's godparents."
Luna sat back in surprise and barely thought the request in depth, "Wouldn't Ginny be a better choice? You are closer to her."
"Luna, I thought this through carefully and I want you to be part of my child's life. Of course I can always count on Ginny, if you would rather not."
"Of course, we both would be honoured to stand with you and Harry. It's that this request is unexpected."
Hermione nodded, "I have to shoulder the responsibility for that; when you and Ron first came together, we should have treated you better. I know what it feels like to be shunned. I learned many lessons recently that I could never learn from a book."
"Hermione, I'm shocked to hear you admit you could learn something that was not in a book," Luna smiled.
"It is terribly important to me that you and I be better friends and not just because you and Ron are together."
"I would like that."
"Good, then it's settled. Now, I have an errand to run in the Ministry and then I will pop by the Hospital."
"I will make what ever arrangements are needed for you and the baby. But for now, I have to report at the hospital myself."
The two women stood, Hermione gave her friend an affectionate embrace before escorting her to the front door.
"Thank you, Luna, this does mean a lot to me."
Luna nodded, as she left the cottage in Godric's Hollow leaving Hermione to prepare for the rest of her day.
It was a beautiful autumn day when she entered the telephone booth, dialed the number she had dialed dozens of times before, 6-2-4-4-2, and waited.
"Name." the receiver demanded.
"Hermione Potter, Healer."
"That name is listed as deceased."
"I assure you, that is an error. I am very much alive."
The muffled voice on the other end lasted a few moments, obvious indication of a secondary conversation. "Purpose?" he finally asked.
"I have personal business with Ginevra Malfoy."
A badge dropped into the slot identifying her and her purpose for entering the Ministry of Magic. She placed the badge on her cloak and passed into the Ministry's doors.
"Mrs. Potter?" A voice rang out, as she entered the atrium.
"Yes?"
"Please follow us, the Minister is expecting you," the security guard insisted. She acknowledged his instructions and followed him to the Minister for Magic's office. Before she or the escort could knock, the doors swung open.
"Please come in, Mrs. Potter. I have been expecting you." She heard from a familiar voice.
"Professor, my appointment was with Ginny Malfoy," she started, as the elder man quickly crossed the room to greet her.
"Yes, yes… I am quite aware of that. She will join us shortly, but I needed a few minutes of your time first."
"Certainly, exactly how can I help?" she asked, as he ushered her to a chair opposite his desk.
"I have had a long conversation with an old friend. He had all but admitted to interfering with your and Harry's lives over the years. I can't fully condone his actions, but I understand his motives."
"Myddrin, is this 'old friend'?"
Albus Dumbledore nodded, "Yes, he has been a strong influence in my life, and as it seems, in yours too."
"Sir, exactly who is he? He implied at one point to actually be Merlin, but that has to be quite impossible."
"No, that is the name most have known him as, only a few in the past several hundred years have known him."
"Then he is real? He still exists today?"
"Of course, you can thank his testimony that released the three of you the other day. And before you ask, he wishes to remain anonymous."
"I see, so he is allowed to meddle in our lives without repercussion."
"That is essentially correct, as you can understand his abilities are beyond comprehension for most in our world. As I understand it, besides you and Harry, he has made himself known to only Mr. Weasley."
She nodded, "I know. I had a dream when we were gone about Ron; it was comforting in a time Harry and I were apart."
"I had a few conversations with Mr. Weasley that related directly to his investigations. He alone insisted you both were alive. Now, the reason I summoned you here, besides resolving this issue, is to ask a personal favour. I have a personal task I must tend to and I expect I will be gone for a few months; I have made arrangements for a transition of authority to the deputy Minister during my absence. And in his place, I have been asked for the name of a successor."
"For the deputy Minister position?"
"Yes, there is little to be carried out and only administrative duties are required."
"That's all quite interesting, sir, but why are you telling me all this?"
"I wish for you to fill this post, although I expect nothing to come of it."
She sat dumbfounded and shook her head, "No, I must decline. There are new circumstances and I'm afraid I won't be fit to fill such a post."
"Hermione? What circumstances? I do not foresee any possible reason or condition that would not allow you to handle this post."
"Sir, Harry and I are having a baby. I had confirmation this morning."
"Splendid, that is the best news I've heard in years," he beamed with pride for two of his favourite younger people. "When is the blessed event?"
"In May, I believe, if all calculations are accurate," she said with a hand to her stomach.
"That is as I expected, in that case, I shall find another to handle that position," he said, as he held a pouch.
"Then, may I ask a personal favour?" the ancient wizard asked, as he handed Hermione the magically sealed pouch.
"There are personal instructions in this pouch I want carried out by you, if I fail to return before your child is born."
"Professor?"
"My request should be clear, there are very few in this world I would trust, you and Harry are among those. This is to be kept in strictest confidence. I will arrange for your husband to be informed of my request. I do not want to be responsible for forcing you to withhold anything from him."
"I appreciate that, but still, this is a most unusual request."
"Yes, I know, but you must understand I have my reasons."
She nodded and held the pouch tight to her chest.
"Now, I believe you have an appointment with Mrs. Malfoy?"
"She had owled me with a strange request of her own."
"That request is not as strange as you may realize. I expect she will give you all the details. I believe she has some loose threads to tie up."
Albus stood from his seat and walked around the desk to where she sat and held a hand to her. "Now, I believe she is on her way here."
"Here?"
"Yes, I'm afraid you will require an escort until your status is cleared up, but I have expedited that process; Harry's status has already been cleared. I'm certain your status will be corrected by the end of the day."
"I see. So I'm still officially dead?"
"You and Sirius both are listed as deceased, yes."
A knock on the door drew their attention from the conversation, "Come in Director."
"Sir, I came as quickly as I could. You are aware of the regulations of leaving the department unsupervised," the Head of the Department of Mysteries said, as she quietly entered the chamber. She wore the proper attire for an official of this level and the woman's long, fiery red hair was wrapped in a tight bun. She saw Hermione sitting patiently and the two old friends shared a smile. Ginny held her composure, but her fidgeting clearly indicated she wanted to discard protocol and grab her friend the way two school girls would after a long summer break.
"I'm certain you have received word by now of our friends' return."
"Yes, sir. They sent a message last night when they arrived at home. I spent hours with that sorry sod of a brother getting details," Ginny replied.
"I felt having Hermione brought here would be easier then being paraded through the halls to your office. I believe you both would like some time alone, I have a pressing appointment elsewhere, but I should return before you are ready to leave, Mrs. Potter." The ancient wizard stood, shook Hermione's hand, and left his office.
Ginny waited until the door closed before allowing her mask of propriety to vanish.
"I couldn't believe you both are back," she shrieked with joy, as Hermione took to her feet and found herself in a trademark Weasley embrace.
"When you two vanished, do you have any idea how we all felt?" Ginny finally managed to blurt out.
"I know, it was all my doing, actually. I had a horrific experience and couldn't face myself anymore. As it turned out, I had no reason for such an attitude."
"Tell me everything that happened, where you went, what you did, and don't leave any details out," Ginny said, as they sat in the chairs.
"I'm afraid I can't relate too many details. Many of the events have been classified and we really can't talk of them."
"I see, but you did say you had exciting news."
"Yes, Harry and I are having a child."
"So, you've decided to adopt after all?"
"No, we are having a child, our child. Some time late April I believe."
Confused, Ginny stared at Hermione, "But that incident, how…"
"It is one of the events I can't explain. Simply accept that what Harry and I went through had certain effects that had wonderful benefits."
Ginny sat staring in disbelief. "This is absolutely wonderful news," she finally said, after shaking off the shock. "Have you planned to make an announcement?"
"No," Hermione said shaking her head, "we wish to keep this confidential; we plan to tell only a few people, for now. Ron and Luna know, as does Professor Dumbledore and a few others we encountered when we returned."
The days had passed into weeks. The weeks turned to months. The seasons turned from autumn to winter. The Christmas holiday was celebrated for the first time in known history without the shadow of the past to mar the festivities.
Luna had decided to stay home after the first of the New Year, their second child was due for a mid February delivery, and she wanted time alone with her family.
Hermione's maternal condition had progressed normally and, as time progressed, she discovered the same truths that all expectant women knew. As wonderful as this event was, the process was not as pleasant. Her physical changes left her restless some nights.
She had again left the bed for a late night cup of tea and a book on one of these nights, leaving Harry to sleep.
His arm instinctively reached for his mate, as he rolled over. His hand fell onto an empty pillow, his mind, however, was not as easily satisfied.
His vision faded to see the stark stone chamber he and Hermione had known all too well over the past several months. The raised dais with the stone arch was now the centre of activity; a man dressed in black robes, buttoned to his neck, stood at the pulpit. His characteristic hooked nose left little room for doubt to Harry who this man was.
In the first row watching the drama unfold he saw three familiar faces, two lads and a young woman sat together; the face of the woman was obscured from view as her face was buried in one young man's shoulder. The third man was all too familiar to Harry; he watched his younger self sit silently next to his two closest friends.
"Ron, Mione," he called out in his sleep, but the bed was still empty and she never heard him.
Professor McGonagall sat on his other side, in quiet conversation with a man to her other side, a man Harry had known years earlier as the Head of the Auror Office, Rufus Scrimgeour.
The drone of the assembled crowd died down as Scrimgeour stood to take a stand behind a pulpit on the dais. He noticed the old Auror walked with a noticeable limp, something he never had seen before. The old lion faced man with streaks of grey in his tawny mane of hair raised his hands to the audience.
"We are here to bear witness to the execution of a common murderer. The man standing here is responsible for the death of one the greatest wizard since Merlin himself."
Harry watched from his dream, chuckled at the thought, and made a mental note to ask Myddrin about this in the future.
"Albus Dumbledore's death shook the confidence of all, leaving a young man alone to witness the murder. As Minister, it is my duty to pronounce the sentence of death to a known Death Eater and traitor…"
Harry strained to listen, but the images faded.
He lay in his bed and moaned at the images. He felt a hand run through his hair, as his senses were tickled with the mixed memories of treacle tart the woody smell of a broomstick handle and a flowery scent reminiscent of the Burrow.
"Good morning." He heard from a voice whisper in his ear. The warm breath on his neck preceded warm lips pressed to his skin. She kissed his neck playfully and nibbled at an ear lobe. That same flowery scent filled his mind as her nails drew light lines on his chest. Her long smooth hair glided over his bare skin as her head followed her hands down his body. Her hands paused at his waist, slipping under his pyjama bottoms.
He moaned as she continued to kiss him down his chest, to his firm stomach. Her lips began to follow her fingers, as his pyjama bottoms were pushed down.
"Hallo, what's all this then, 'Arry?" a voice rang out, "Got yourself a bird in the sack 'ave we? You'd best get rid of 'er before…"
"Bugger off Ron," she said under the bed sheets.
"Ginny?" Ron asked.
His eyes burst open; that same scent lingered in his mind as he tried to focus. The room was dark; it was still night.
"Dream, it must have been a dream," he muttered, as he reached across the bed to an empty space.
"Hermione?" he called out, as he threw the bed sheets aside and sat up.
She came through the door moments after he called out; her growing profile slowed her return.
"Harry, what's the matter?" she said, as she came to his side.
"You're here? But Ginny? Where did she go?"
"She's home, you know full well she and Draco haven't been here in a fortnight."
Harry sighed heavily.
"I had the strangest dream. We were back in the Death Chamber in the Ministry. There was a meeting or trial going on. But it was so different."
"Who was on trial?"
"I can't remember." But all I remember is a white crypt. Someone had died."
"Who, any idea?"
He shook his head, "No, I can't remember all the details. It's the same as those dreams I had when we were young, of you…"
She nodded. "That's ok, don't think of it," she said to console him.
"Now, please one last time, and it will be done," she said, as she wiped her brow. The effort was clearly worth while, as Hermione pushed again.
She screamed at the effort, holding Fred's hands tightly.
"Now bear down, come, one last time."
"Hermione, breathe and push," Fred coached, as he ignored her crushing grip.
She sat nearly straight up and gritted her teeth. She felt as if she were torn open, but that subsided as the child was delivered. Caterina quickly wrapped the infant in a clean blanket and tied off the umbilical cord as she had been taught, the times she assisted the birth of family and friends clearly obvious as she took to her task.
"Hermione, you have a beautiful daughter. She is perfect," Caterina said, as she laid the child in Hermione's waiting arms.
"Hi," she whispered to her daughter, "I'm your mum." She kissed her on the forehead, gently and gingerly, as she cuddled the baby.
"Please, let me take her now," Caterina said softly, "She's safe."
Caterina took the child to a waiting crib while a second mid-wife tended to Hermione, cleaning the freshly soiled bed linens. Fred stood over the woman as she carefully cleaned the child.
"Blimey, she's opened her eyes. Hermione, I think she smiled!" Fred exclaimed. His enthusiasm for this child could not have been greater, even if it were his own.
"Fred, she won't be able to smile for some months, but it's a pleasant thought," she replied.
"Here, papa, is your daughter," Caterina said, as she handed Fred the child.
Fred cradled the infant and gave her the same greeting her mother had moments earlier, "Hi little one, I'll be your papa; he's not with us, but I know he would have loved you."
Fred carried the baby to Hermione as she sat up and stretched out her arms. He handed her the child and instinctively the child nuzzled to her chest. Hermione smiled and opened her gown, giving the baby her first meal.
"There, darling Anna. Easy, I know you're hungry," she cooed, as she nursed her daughter.