"I think this is the one, love," Harry whispered as he pulled the car over on the side of the road.
"Harry, there's no sign," Hermione protested.
"I don't care," he said, grinning as he climbed out.
"Harry-" she called, but he had already taken off down the driveway.
Hermione sighed as she watched her husband disappear behind the house. She had to agree with him; it was indeed a beautiful, modern looking home. It did seem perfect, with a large, private lot away from prying eyes, a lake in the backyard for swimming, large, welcoming windows… It seemed too good to be true. And knowing their luck, the house wasn't on the market, and probably belonged to some muggle celebrity. Knowing Harry, he would pull every string in the world to get that house for their family.
Sighing, she slowly hoisted her seven-months-pregnant form out of Harry's car and straightened up. It did feel good to stand, as they had been driving around the English countryside for what seemed like hours. Her parents were visiting again, and had taken Henry, Sarah, and James for the day while she and Harry went house hunting for what seemed like the thousandth time since January. Nothing seemed to be `perfect'. There had always been `good', and `alright', but never perfect. She knew what kind of home Harry was looking for, and now, she was presently standing in front of it while he trespassed on private property.
"HARRY!" She shouted hopelessly.
"Can I help you, miss?"
Hermione spun around and came face-to-face with a kind looking middle-aged-man.
"I'm so sorry," she apologized quickly, "my husband is in your backyard."
The man quirked an eyebrow.
Hermione laughed nervously. "We've been driving around for hours, looking for homes for sale in this area, and he saw yours and just bolted from the car."
"I see," he said slowly, "my name is Richard Putnam."
"Hermione Potter," she said kindly as they walked around the side of the house. "That idiot halfway across your yard is my husband, Harry."
"It's quite a coincidence that you two stopped here," explained Richard, "my wife and I have just put our home on the private market. We want to move somewhere where it's warmer."
"Your joking," said Hermione, obviously astonished.
"No Mrs. Potter, I'm not," he said seriously. "I can take you and your husband through it, if you'd like."
"We'd love that," she said as Harry jogged towards them.
"I'm sorry sir, I just-"
"It's quite alright, sir, your wife just explained the situation to me. I just finished telling her that my home is for sale on the private market," he explained.
Harry's smiled, "that makes everything a whole lot easier," he laughed.
"Would you like to come through?"
"We'd love to," said Harry as he grasped Hermione's hand, "I'm Harry Potter, by the way."
"Richard Putnam," he replied, "is this your first child?"
Hermione briefly looked at Harry and smiled, "our fourth," she replied happily.
"You look so young!"
"Thanks," said Harry quickly, making it obvious that he didn't want to elaborate anymore on his family situation.
Harry remained silent as they entered the house, and immediately felt a sense of warmth. It seemed the house was perfect for them; with its eight bedrooms, tall windows in the sitting room that over looked the lake, private yard, fireplaces in the sitting room and master bedroom, oak floors and cherry wood kitchen. Hermione immediately fell in love with the balcony, and wasted no time gushing about how she could sit out there with their daughter during the summers.
"Whatever you want for this house, Mr. Putnam," said Harry seriously as they sat in the sitting room, "I can pay. Money isn't an issue, I assure you."
"I'm sure we can work something out, Mr. Potter," assured Richard.
x-x-x-x-x
"Mum?" Hermione called as she and Harry entered the flat, "Dad?"
"Kitchen, sweetheart," responded Helen.
"We bought a house," whispered Harry as she wove her arms around his neck and kissed his chin.
"We bought a house," she replied as he dipped his head down towards hers and kissed her lightly before pulling away and led her into the kitchen.
"Hello darling, Harry," acknowledged Helen.
"Where's dad?" asked Hermione.
"I believe Henry's trying to explain `Quidditch' to him again," she laughed.
"I see."
"Daddy!" called James from his highchair; completely ignoring the food his grandmother was trying to feed him.
Harry moved away from Hermione and made his way towards his son who reached out to him instantly.
"I can take over, Helen, if you'd like."
"Thank you, Harry. Getting this boy to eat is utterly impossible," she said as she and Hermione left the room.
Harry laughed and sat down in her abandoned chair and picked up the spoon and loaded it with mashed potatoes.
"Were you a good boy today, James?" Harry asked quietly as his son took his food without protest.
Silence.
"Your mum and I bought a house today," he continued, "with a big backyard. I can finally take you flying … but don't tell your mummy that. She'll kill me. I want at least one of my children playing Quidditch at Hogwarts, do you understand me?"
James laughed toothlessly. "Daddy!"
"I love you, boy," he whispered as he lifted him out of the chair and set him on the floor. "Go find your mum, and yell real loud when you do. Okay?"
James nodded and tore out of the room.
"MUMMY!"
x-x-x-x-x
"I've wanted this for so long," whispered Harry as they sat on the swinging couch on their private balcony off their bedroom in their new home.
"I know," Hermione replied, snuggling in closer to his chest and closed her eyes. "It really is a shame we have to leave for Australia tomorrow."
Harry remained quiet.
"Harry?"
"Yes love?"
"Are you nervous about going back there?"
"A little, I guess. I haven't spoken to anyone since I moved back here … I'm sure they'll be shocked…"
"How so?"
Harry looked away from her. "I never told them anything about my life here. I just sort of went around and did my own thing, and no one questioned that. I'm sure some of the guys will just be surprised with me showing up with a pregnant wife and three kids."
"What do you mean, did your own thing?" she asked suspiciously.
"I partied," he said finally, "a lot. I went to clubs with some of my friends from work. It kept my mind off everything here."
"I don't believe you!" said Hermione, moving away from him. "You're no better than Ron!"
"Hey now!" protested Harry, "That's not true, and you know it! There hasn't been a night where you haven't known where I've been!"
"How am I to know you didn't bugger off with some whore?"
"Because I wouldn't do that to you," said Harry quietly, "and you know it. I'm not Ron."
Hermione exhaled loudly and walked to the edge of the balcony. She instantly relaxed when she felt Harry's hands on her elbows. "I'm sorry," she said quietly.
"Look," he said softly, "I'm not proud of what I did. But it's my life. I know I fucked up when I was there; I did so many things you wouldn't approve of … Hell, I had to wait an extra year to come home because I had to quit smoking and get my drinking under control."
"Were you ever going to tell me this?"
"No," he replied truthfully, "I wasn't. I didn't want you to know."
"Oh."
"Five years in," he began quietly as he moved away from her, "I prayed to Merlin that you didn't come. I was such a mess. I lived for my job, and to go out at night to forget about it and everything else. There was no reason for me to live down there. There was nothing here for me. I tried moving on."
"Keep going," she said softly, ignoring his flinch as she touched his arm.
"I was engaged," he admitted. "For a year. I forced myself to believe that I had to be with her. Her name was Myra. She was Australian … we worked together. She had figured out why I was in Australia; she never believed the bullshit I made everyone else believe about accepting a transfer. She knew there was a woman here I couldn't stand to be around. She told me she was proud that I was moving on. I asked her out to dinner, and it went from there. I proposed to her … she said yes. I think a part of me died; because I realised by marrying Myra, I was throwing away any chance I had of being with you. We had even set a date for the wedding. It was three weeks before we were to marry I finally realised I couldn't do it. I couldn't marry her. I went home that night and told her I couldn't. She didn't deserve some shitbag like me who was in love with another man's wife; who would leave her for the other woman in a heartbeat. She deserved someone who loved her in ways I couldn't.
"It's partly her fault I'm here," he said, "she told me to stop being a fucking idiot and go home. Go home and fight for you … so I took the job as Head of the Auror Department, flew my sorry ass back to England, and you know the rest."
She refused to look at him. She didn't know if she should be angry or happy. He had almost married another woman and never told her. Hermione quickly moved away from and retreated into their bedroom. She heard Harry come in as she sank down on top of their bed and ran her hands over her bulging stomach.
"Hermione?" Harry asked cautiously as he approached her.
She looked up at him briefly. "I love you," she whispered as he sat down beside her. "I love you so much…"
Harry let out the breath he'd been holding and gently cupped her face in his hand and rubbed her cheek with her thumb. Hermione closed her eyes and allowed him to wrap his arms around her and hold her close. She sighed as she rested her head against his chest, allowing the steady sound of his heartbeat to calm her.
Harry sighed and lazily ran his fingers through her hair as she leaned against him. "I'm sorry," he said finally.
Hermione pulled away slightly and looked at him questioningly. "Whatever for?"
"While we were hunting for Horcrux's, I had made the decision I was going to Australia. I lied to you all. I never applied to England. I applied to Australia, New Zealand, America, Mexico, and Bulgaria. I was going down there to meet with the Training Officer to find a place to live and establish myself before training began. I'm sorry I lied…"
"Oh Harry," she whispered, burying her face in his shirt. "I never wanted to put you through that…"
"It's not your fault," he said forcefully. "It's mine. I made that decision to leave. I made the decision to mess around. It's my mess; I'm cleaning it up gradually. I've got my life back on track. I've got three absolutely wonderful children; with another one on the way. I've got a wife that actually loves me and doesn't resent me for my faults … I had to tell you before we went in case we ran into someone there. Sydney has a large magical population," he explained.
"Harry love, it's okay," she assured. "You've been home for two and a half years. We have a son we now we never thought we'd have. We'll be welcoming a daughter soon. You need to stop worrying about the past and move on."
"And you?" he asked.
"As far as I'm concerned at the moment," she said seriously, "I was never married to Ron, and he is not the father of my children."
A smile twitched at the corners of Harry's mouth, cracking his serious expression.
"Henry asked me the other day," she said softly, "if he and Sarah will ever have the last name `Potter'."
"What did you tell him?"
"I'd talk to you about it."
"If I legally make them mine, it might drive Ron around the bend."
"At this point, I don't care. He hasn't been around them very often, even with the limitations in his order. The last time he saw them was over two months ago, and Sarah didn't want to be around him. I think she over heard us talking about it … She yelled at him with as much seriousness as she could muster… I was strangely proud."
"Well, she's your daughter," replied Harry, kissing the side of her head.
"Speaking of daughters," said Hermione as she snuggled into his embrace, "what are we naming ours?"
"Keep with tradition and name her Lillian?"
"Lily for short?"
"Lillian Helen Potter sounds charming."
"Helen?" inquired Hermione.
"I thought it'd be nice," he shrugged. "Your mum and my mum."
Hermione smiled lovingly at him, "I think it sounds beautiful."
"Lillian Helen Potter it is then," said Harry, "Sarah will be devastated. She's been calling her Melody ever since she found out."
Hermione laughed, "I think she'll live."
"Your parents are meeting us there, right?"
"Right. They wanted to be there for the birth of at least one of their grandchildren. They'll be a godsend for when I finally give birth. They love taking care of Henry, James, and Sarah."
"I know," agreed Harry, "I'm so grateful for them."
"I've always loved the Weasleys, and I always will … but I can't help but feel like I only spent so much time there to keep Ron happy," admitted Hermione.
"They were an escape from the Dursleys," Harry admitted quietly, "I would have gone anywhere to get away."
x-x-x-x-x
"You used to live here, daddy?" Sarah inquired excitedly.
"Yes honey, not on the beach, mind you, but in the city," explained Harry as he held her protectively in his arms as they gazed out over the ocean. Harry had surprised them all, including Hermione's parents, by renting out an extremely private villa just outside Sydney, where they would have access to a private beach, and would be able to be together, without anyone staying in separate hotel rooms.
"Can you swim in there?"
"Yes Sarah."
"Can we go swimming in the morning?"
"I'll talk to your mum about it, okay?"
"When's my sister coming?" she demanded.
Harry laughed as he set her down, "soon, love, soon."
"You said that before James was born, and I had to wait two months," she said stubbornly.
"Sarah, love, I think your mother would kill me if she had to wait two more months before Lily is born. It should be no more than two weeks, I promise."
"Will she be little like James was when he came home?"
"Maybe littler," explained Harry. "But she'll grow fast."
"Dad," called Henry, "Mum's looking for you."
"Come on, Sarah. I don't want you out here alone."
"Why?"
"Because I don't know what's out here, that's why."
"Oh."
Harry took her hand and led her back inside and looked at the clock. "Go get ready for bed, darling."
"Okay, daddy. I love you," she whispered, hugging him while she was in mid-yawn before disappearing up the fight of stairs.
"James fell asleep as soon as he got in his crib," Hermione whispered as she wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her cheek into his back.
"And Henry?" He asked softly.
"Upstairs, reading some comic book."
"Wonderful," he replied, turning around to face her and kissed her lightly.
"How are you?" she asked as he nuzzled her neck.
"Tired. I want to go to sleep," he admitted.
"Mum and dad are in their suite for the night, perhaps we should lock up and head in," she suggested.
"I like that idea," whispered Harry, kissing her again. Hermione distantly heard the door lock behind her.
"Wandless?" she breathed.
Harry nodded. "I use it more than you know," he replied, smiling faintly.
Hermione smiled and raked her fingers through his shaggy hair and kissed him hard.
x-x-x-x-x
"Daddy stop!" Sarah giggled as Harry pulled her to the ground and tickled her.
"Say it, Sarah!" Harry laughed as she swatted helplessly at his arms.
"No!" she yelled, laughing harder.
"Say it, Sarah!"
"UNC-"
"Harry Potter?"
Harry stopped dead. Seeing the expression on her father's face, Sarah stopped laughing instantly.
"Harry, is that you?" the voice repeated.
Harry swallowed.
"Daddy? Who's she?"
Harry straightened up and lifted Sarah into his arms and spun around. "Myra," he said quietly.
"What're you doing here?" she asked cautiously.
"Spending the day with my kids," he replied simply.
"Kids?"
"All three of them," he said. "This one's Sarah … Henry and James went to get ice cream with Hermione."
"I thought you said you didn't have any children," she accused.
"I didn't," he replied quickly, "Henry and Sarah are my wife's. James is mine, he's nearing two," he explained.
"Ah."
"Yeah … so how about you?"
"I'm engaged to Lucas," she said happily, flashing her ring.
"Ulrich?"
"Heavens no. That boy will never marry. Lucas Hanning, from the Minister's office."
"I vaguely remember him. Tall bloke, right?"
"Yes," said Myra dryly. "The woman you went home for … is she…?"
"My wife," said Harry, smiling. "We were married not even a year after I came home."
"I told you," laughed Myra, "I told you she'd want to be with you."
"Yeah, well," said Harry awkwardly.
"Harry?" came Hermione's voice from behind him.
"Hello, love… This is Myra … Myra Ingland," introduced Harry, his eyes never leaving his wife's, "Myra, this is my wife, Hermione."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," said Hermione kindly, shaking her offered hand, "I really have to thank you for telling this one to get his sorry ass home," she added, jabbing her thumb in Harry's direction.
"Hey!" protested Harry.
"Someone needed to tell him," laughed Myra, "I'm glad he's happy. He deserved it."
"Thank you," said Harry quietly as Sarah slid out of his arms and took her ice cream from Henry.
"I really must get going … I was just passing through, and I swore I saw the back of your head," she explained. "Lucas will be wondering where I am."
"Nice seeing you, Myra," said Harry as she gave him a friendly hug.
"You too, Harry. Take care."
Harry smiled and lifted James's sleeping form out of Hermione's arms.
"Who was she, dad?" inquired Henry.
"A girl I was friends with while I lived here," answered Harry, shifting James in his arm and lightly grasped Hermione's hand.
"Oh," he said simply, before running off in the direction of the play park with his sister.
"She came up to me, I swear!" Said Harry instantly.
"I don't care. She seems too talkative," said Hermione dismissively as she lowered herself into the park bench where she could have a clear view of Henry and Sarah.
"I love you," said Harry quietly, kissing her exposed neck lightly.
"I miss being with you," she admitted quietly.
Harry exhaled, "You're not helping the situation by wearing skimpy silk things to bed … do you have any idea what that feels like?"
Hermione laughed, "Harry, it's comfortable for me … I'll just stop wearing things to bed just for you."
"You should be doing that whether you're pregnant or not," he said seriously, "I mean, it'd make things a hell of a lot easier."
Hermione laughed. "I love you, Harry," she said, looking up at him fondly.
Harry smiled and studied her face.
"What?" she asked suspiciously.
"Would you mind if I went out tonight and met up with a few of my friends?" he asked softly. "I won't stay late … I just haven't seen Lucas and Ben in years."
"If you get pissed drunk, it's your own fault," she warned. "I go with you if we didn't have three kids, and I wasn't pregnant…"
"I'm sorry about that part," he whispered.
"Only two of them are biologically your problem," she joked.
"That's not funny," he responded as he felt James bury his head in his shoulder.
"I'm so sorry, Harry, I didn't mean it that way," said Hermione quickly.
"It's alright," he assured, kissing the side of her head.
x-x-x-x-x
Harry could feel the stares on the back of his head as he was enthusiastically greeted by the bouncer at the door, making it apparent to those waiting in line that this man was obviously a VIP member. Harry breezed through the dance floor that was packed with dancing couples, engrossed in the music; oblivious to everyone else around them. Harry made his way to the bar and ordered himself a pint and made his way over to a table in the far corner.
"Holy fuck," shouted one of the two men, a large grin plastered to his face.
"Sorry I'm a bit late," replied Harry as he slid into the booth. "Must've gotten lost."
"Bugger," said Lucas, "Are you embarrassed of us, Harry James? We haven't heard from you since the day you left."
"Of course I'm embarrassed," said Harry dismissively, "I wouldn't want them to know I've fraternized with you idiots."
"What the hell are you doing here then?" inquired Ben.
"My wife's having our daughter here," he explained.
Lucas stared, "Ben, did he just say `my, wife, and daughter' in the same sentence? OUR Harry Potter? The man who swore he would never marry?"
Harry laughed, "Things change, apparently."
"What's her name?"
"Hermione."
"Fine, upstanding, English woman name," said Ben knowingly. "What does she look like then?"
"Curly brown hair, brown eyes … absolutely amazing body, legs could go on for miles…"
"I wouldn't mind being married to her," said Lucas. "Wait- is this the same Hermione you said you were friends with, but she married that Wesley-"
"Weasley. And yes, same woman."
"So you went home and stole another man's wife?"
"She left him," said Harry. "I just ended up sleeping with her a week after she divorced him, and we were already in love … I ended up getting her pregnant with our son, he's almost two … We were married in December a few years back."
"So where's this Weasley guy at?"
"No fucking clue. He got a transfer to the Romanian ministry, was the last I heard. Hermione doesn't know that."
"Did they have any kids?"
"Two."
"Holy fuck, Harry. Four kids?"
"Yeah," replied Harry as he took a drink of his beer and grinned, "I really couldn't be happier."
"I suppose she made you quit smoking," inquired Ben.
"I quit before I went home, remember? I still have an odd one every once in a while when I'm stressed … but she doesn't need to know about that …"
"I wish I had that motivation," said Lucas gravely, "if an AK doesn't kill me, the smoking will…"
Ben and Harry laughed loudly.
"So let me get this straight," said Ben seriously, "You, Harry James Potter, are married, with three children, and you and your wife are here to have your fourth?"
"Yes," said Harry calmly. "Henry is seven, Sarah is five, and James is a year and a half."
"I still don't believe this," said Lucas. "You of all people… Married!"
"Things change, I guess. I love her, she loves me for some reason… that's what matters."
"Very sincere words there Potter."
"I try," said Harry dryly.
x-x-x-x-x
It was well after midnight when Harry stumbled into his bedroom. All the lights had been extinguished, and he could vaguely make out his wife's sleeping form in their bed. Yawning, he stripped down to his boxers and stumbled into the bathroom. He quickly brushed his teeth before heading back into their room. He slowly lifted the blankets up and climbed into bed with Hermione.
"Are you just getting in?" Asked Hermione groggily as she felt Harry's arm fall loosely over her stomach.
"Yeah," yawned Harry. "I didn't realise the time … we got talking and I lost track … I wanted to be home … eleven…"
"It's nearly three."
"I'm really sorry," he slurred as he buried his face in her back. "I love you."
"I'm sure you do," said Hermione, sighing as he held onto her protectively. She realised it was the first time she had ever witnessed Harry completely intoxicated.
"I do," he insisted, pressing a wet kiss to her shoulder, "I've always loved you. Always."
"Go to sleep, love," she whispered, shifting her position and rested her head on his bare shoulder.
x-x-x-x-x
"DADDY!"
Harry groaned.
"DADDY!"
He buried his head in his pillow.
"DADDY UP!"
"Daddy's up, James…" Harry yawned, opening his eyes and focused on his son who was trying to shake his shoulder. Grinning, Harry reached up and pulled his son off him and to his side and began tickling him. James instantly dissolved into giggles. Harry kissed his son's identical mess of black hair and looked up at the doorway and smiled at Hermione, who had Sarah's hand held tightly in hers.
"Morning," said Sarah brightly as she jumped in on the bed and kissed Harry's cheek.
"Morning, darling," he whispered, kissing the side of her head. He raised his eyebrow suggestively at Hermione, who laughed.
"Sarah love, take your brother downstairs. Harry and I will be down soon."
"Okay, mummy," replied Sarah, taking James's tiny hand in hers and carefully led him across the room and passed their very pregnant mother. Hermione crossed her arms and entered the room as Harry stood up to greet her.
"How's your head?" she asked softly.
"Pounding," he admitted truthfully. "How's yours?"
"Fine," she replied, laughing as he kissed her softly.
"How's Lily?"
"Fine," she repeated as he looked at her curiously.
"What's wrong, love?" he asked her softly.
"Do you still find me attractive?" she demanded.
Harry looked slightly taken-aback. "You know I do," he said carefully, "You're absolutely beautiful, Hermione. Why would you doubt that?"
Hermione looked away from him and wandered across the room and stared out the window. "After yesterday, I don't understand why you're with me and you didn't stay with her. She was gorgeous."
Harry exhaled. "I have no idea what runs through your mind half the time," he began quietly, "but you need to understand I never loved Myra. I cared for her, yes, but I wasn't in love with her. She was pretty. She cared about me. I doubt she loved me. We were two pathetic saps who thought we could make each other happy. That was it. I love you, Hermione. I could never love another woman the way I love you. You're beautiful, and I thank Merlin everyday that I have you. I love our children, all four of them. I promise you this, Hermione," said Harry seriously.
"How can you do that?" she asked finally, leaning into his embrace.
"Do what, darling?"
"Make me feel like I'm he only thing that matters to you."
"It's a talent," he murmured, kissing her exposed neck. "You have no idea how much I love you," he continued, his fingers grazing her stomach.
"I-I love you too, Harry," she moaned as his fingers expertly slid into her flannel pyjama pants and gently began stroking her. "The healer said-"
"The healer said we couldn't make love so close to your due date," he said, "she said nothing about this."
Hermione whimpered and slumped against him as he inserted another finger inside of her.
"HARRY! HERMIONE! ARE YOU TWO COMING DOWN FOR BREAKFAST?" Shouted Helen. Hermione froze against Harry, whose hand has stopped dead inside of her.
"We'll be down in a minute, mum!" called Hermione as Harry slowly removed his fingers from inside of her and pulled away.
"I'll be down in a few moments," whispered Harry, kissing her lightly.
"Alright," replied Hermione, returning his kiss and left him.
Harry exhaled and pulled on a pair of old jeans and a t-shirt before disappearing into the bathroom. He relieved himself and washed his hands before slowly descending down the stairs and into the kitchen.
"Morning, dad," said Henry, not looking up from his comic book.
"Morning Henry," replied Harry as he took his place by Hermione and loosely grasped her hand under the table.
"What time did you come in last night, Harry?" inquired Edward seriously over his newspaper.
"Err," said Harry, glancing sideways at Hermione, "A little late. I met up with a few of my mates … lost track of time."
"I see," said Edward carefully, "did you socialise with these men often while you lived here?"
"Yes I did," replied Harry, not looking at his father-in-law as he poured himself a mug of coffee. "That's what I normally did with my friends. We went out a few nights a week so we wouldn't have to be bothered with work."
Edward studied his face, as if trying to find some underlying message that would find some flaw within him. Harry had only recently told Hermione fully of his life there, and there was no way in hell was he going to tell Edward. He would never hear the end of it. Harry looked up briefly, but Edward had already gone back to his paper.
"I was thinking," he announced, "since you lot are going shopping, I'd spare Henry the pain and take him to the Ministry here with me. Show him around."
"Really?" said Henry excitedly, "can I go mum, please?" he asked anxiously.
Hermione sighed and glanced at Harry who held her gaze with a serious expression on his face.
"Alright," she sighed, "just … don't stay there all day."
"Okay, mum!" said Henry happily.
"Go brush your teeth, Henry. We'll be leaving soon," said Harry seriously.
"Can't I finish my breakfast?"
"How many hot cakes have you had so far?"
Henry looked at his empty plate guiltily. "I'll be ready soon," he said.
x-x-x-x-x
Harry glanced at Henry as he drove down the highway towards the outskirts of Sydney, where the Ministry of Magic was located. The boy had been unusually quiet since they left their villa.
"Is everything alright, Henry?" questioned Harry.
"Can I ask you something?" said Henry finally, "and you've got to promise not to lie to me."
"Okay," said Harry slowly as he glanced over his shoulder as he swerved into the passing lane.
"Why did you come here? I mean, dad always said that you just wanted a change of sights or something. I tried asking mum, and she changed the subject. Now dad isn't around anymore, mum doesn't know where he went. I want to know what's going on."
Harry let out the breath he'd been holding and looked at Henry with a serious expression painted across his features. "I came here when I was eighteen to get away from your parents," he admitted quietly.
"Why?" Henry demanded.
"Because, I didn't want to be around them."
"Why?" he repeated.
"Because I loved your mother," replied Harry, "I loved her so much. I wanted what was best for her. She was happy without me. I never thought she would marry so young. The Hermione Granger I grew up with was always career first, family can come later … don't get me wrong, she loves you all to death, and she wouldn't change anything for the world. But after the war, everyone changed. I made the decision long ago to come here. I never thought they would get engaged so quickly. I was with your Aunt Ginny for the longest time, but we separated before the war. The woman I was in love with was with my best friend; my ex-girlfriend tried to get back together with me and I didn't want to… there was no one here for me. I was eighteen, fresh out of a war. I didn't know what to do with myself. So I applied all over the world for Auror Training… I got accepted here, lied to your whole family, and just up and left everyone high and dry. I was a mess while I lived here. Your mother would've killed me if she saw what I was doing.
"But I stayed away. Didn't answer any telephone calls, post, nothing. I moved to Italy for a year, and then I moved back to Australia, got engaged, left my fiancé, and moved back to England. I hadn't been home for a week until your mum and sister nearly murdered me in Flourish and Blotts. It was all happening so fast. It seemed it like I had just gotten back here and the next thing Hermione was pregnant with James. I was so scared I was going to lose her. Lose you and Sarah.
"I have no idea what happened with your father and Lavender. Lavender refuses to say. I know she loves him, but Ron can be an insufferable Git sometimes. You mum and dad had a huge row a few months back. It was bad… Your mum placed a magical restraining order against your dad," he explained seriously. Henry hung on to his every word.
"Did he hurt her?" he asked angrily.
"Physically, no. Emotionally, yes," said Harry. "Shortly after that I was notified from someone in the Ministers office that your dad had asked to be transferred out of the country. He's living in Romania now with your Uncle Charlie and your Aunt Janine. Your mum doesn't know that yet. I don't have the heart to tell her."
"Why's he there?"
"I have no idea, Henry. I wish everything was fine between us. But your father's a jealous person. I suppose he just cracked. I don't want you to think for a minute that I ever came back to England with the intention to break up your parents."
"Would you have started seeing my mum like dad started seeing Lavender?" inquired Henry.
"Yes," admitted Harry quietly. "I would've been with her in a heartbeat. I know it sounds selfish. But your mum and I have talked about that, and if it did happen … we wouldn't have taken it as far as Ron and Lavender did."
"You're not going to leave us, are you?"
"No, Henry. I swear to you I'll never leave you. I don't think I could live with myself if I did," said Harry honestly. "I've got a family now … I have a duty to you lot. All five of you."
"Are you and mum going to have anymore kids after Lily's born?"
"You're full of questions today," laughed Harry.
"Answer it, dad," Henry said with about as much seriousness a seven-year-old could muster.
Harry smiled faintly, "I would love to have at least one more," he said quietly, "but you and Sarah are getting too old. There'd be too much of a difference between you all. There's already six years between you and James, seven between you and Lily. I don't think there's going to be anymore. You're mother's almost been constantly pregnant for the past two and a half years; I don't think she can take it anymore. I think we'll be done after Lily. Why?"
"I don't know. I just thought it'd be cool to have another brother."
"I see," said Harry knowingly, "I would've killed for a brother or sister when I was your age. All I had was my cousin. He was horrible. I haven't spoken to him in years."
"Dad?"
"Yes, Henry?"
"Thanks."
x-x-x-x-x
Harry felt Henry's hand slip into his as they entered the Australian Ministry of Magic. Harry knew if he should say anything, Henry would pull back immediately. Smiling faintly, Harry breezed through the security checkpoint, saying hello to the middle-aged balding man sitting behind the desk.
"Glad to see you back, Potter," called Robert.
"Thanks," called Harry.
"Who's he?" enquired Henry, glancing over his shoulder.
"Robert Patterson, he's the head of security here," explained Harry. "You've been inside the Ministry back home, right?"
"Once, with dad."
"This place is kind of laid out the same way, except we're above ground and invisible to Muggles, much like the Quidditch stadiums. The Auror Department, where I used to work, is on the seventh floor, near the top, which is below the Ministers offices. On the sixth and fifth floors, is the Department of Magical Games and Sports. Fourth floor is the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Third Floor is Magical Law Enforcement, Second Floor is International Wizarding Affairs, the main level are administrative offices. The basement is full of courtrooms, and the dungeons are for potion experiments. The Department of Mysteries is off site at some clandestine location. Got it?"
"No," said Henry as they stepped into the lift.
Harry laughed. "Good."
Henry stuck close to Harry when the lift nosily opened. Harry pushed the chipped brass gate out of the way, held out his hand for Henry to take, and walked down the narrow pathway between the cubicles.
"Dear Merlin, it can't be," shouted a male voice.
"This will be the most idiotic man you'll ever meet. More so than Fred or George," whispered Harry. Henry grinned.
"Don't just stand there, boy, turn around and face me like a man!"
"You were always full of yourself, Seth," said Harry loudly as he turned around to face the tall, sandy haired man with a foolish grin plastered to his face.
"Every word out of your mouth Potter is a lie," he joked as they shook hands. "I could've sworn when you first came here you said you had no kids."
Henry instantly became interested in his shoes and stuck closer to Harry.
"He's my stepson," explained Harry seriously. "He is my son as far as I'm concerned."
"Married?"
"Almost three years."
"To whom?"
"Hermione Granger," said Harry carefully.
"Wasn't she that bird you kept the picture of on your-"
"Yes," said Harry quickly.
"Only one child, then?"
"Three," said Harry, laughing nervously, "Henry here, who's seven, Sarah, who's five, James is almost two, and Hermione's going to give birth to our daughter any day now."
Seth wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at Harry.
"Shut it," he said quietly.
"I didn't say a word," replied Seth innocently. "Have you seen Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dumb yet?"
"Went out for a few drinks with them last night," responded Harry. "I swear Ben's going to die before he's forty."
"How long are you here for?"
"No idea. I suppose we'll stay for a few weeks after Lily's born then we'll head home. Apparently my temp at work isn't that great. They'll want me back…"
"You know, the Head position's opening up here. You should apply," said Seth, his tone becoming suddenly serious. "It really hasn't been the same since you left. You're the best damn Auror to come through here in years."
"I don't think so," said Harry finally as he cast a glance down at Henry, who looked at him expectantly. "England's my home. It's their home. I couldn't take that away from them."
"Well, you should still consider it," shrugged Seth. "Tell you what. How about you two stick around here for another few hours, have lunch, and we're all heading over to the Stadium on lunch. Why don't you come along?"
Harry nodded vaguely. "I'll consider it."
"Can we, dad? Please?" begged Henry. "I've never ridden before."
Harry looked down sharply. "Of course we will. I haven't ridden in almost three years, and you've got to promise me you're not going to tell your mother you were on a broomstick. She'll have kittens."
"I promise," laughed Henry. "You know, we probably could fly at home, you can take the day off work and we can go in the backyard."
It was Harry's turn to laugh. "Alice would tell your mum. We'll go to the stadium in Wiltshire. I've got connections in the Department of Magical Games and Sports at home."
"Really?!"
"Really."
True to his word, almost three hours later, and with his arms bracing Henry protectively, Harry's broomstick shot into the clear blue Australian sky. He closed his eyes as the sharp wind blew the hair off his face and allowed his natural Qudditch instincts to over take him. He opened his eyes as he felt Henry nervously tighten his grip on his forearms.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked instantly. "Just say the word and I'll go back down."
"It was just really speedy," said Henry quickly. "Just … just don't go that fast."
"Alright," Harry assured as he steadied the broomstick.
"How come you didn't play Professional Quidditch?" asked Henry curiously.
"I don't think I would have enjoyed it," confessed Harry. "I mean, I love the sport, I adored playing it while I was in Hogwarts, but I it was something I couldn't see myself doing as a profession. Remember what I told you earlier?"
Henry nodded. "Partly because of those reasons, and partly because I couldn't stand the attention," he added with a dry laugh. "I prefer to watch it and shout profanity at it. There's more important things in life than chasing after a shiny gold ball."
Henry nodded again and remained silent as Harry did a few steady laps around the pitch, ignoring the shouts of his former colleagues as they tossed around a Quaffle. The muffled ringing of Harry's mobile broke their silence. Harry leaned back and gently eased the phone out of his pocket and flipped it open.
"Hello?"
"Harry? It's Edward."
"You sound serious," laughed Harry nervously. "Is everything okay?"
"It's Hermione." Harry froze.
"She's alright, right? She and the baby are okay?"
Silence.
"Edward?"
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