Hermione sighed as she hung up the phone. She soon felt Harry's arms slide around her neck as he planted an innocent kiss on her cheek.
"I love you," he murmured in her ear.
"And I love you," she replied softly as she leaned back into his embrace.
"I'm going to take a nap," he said finally as he pulled away from her.
"I'm going to go read outside. It's so beautiful…"
"Alright. Wake me if you need anything."
"I will," she assured.
"Good," he yawned as he peeled off his shirt and fell into the bed and closed his eyes.
x-x-x-x-x
Harry and Hermione dedicated their first week to relaxing and sightseeing. They had found the local hospital, and Hermione had met with the specialist, who confirmed their suspicions about the baby being ready to be born at any time.
It was three am on a warm December 6th when Harry was roused from his sleep. He was alone in the bed. Slightly alarmed, he through the covers off his semi-naked form and peered into the sitting room. He light was on in the bathroom.
"Hermione?" he called; his voice raspy from sleep.
"Bathroom," she called back.
He quickly pushed open the bathroom door to see Hermione pushing a towel around on the floor with her foot.
"My water broke." She said quietly.
"Oh shit," muttered Harry as he ran a hand through his hair and stared at her.
"This isn't the time for you to start your swearing," she warned, referring to Harry's habit of cursing whenever he got frustrated or nervous.
"I'm sorry," he said apologetically. "Should we get dressed and drive to the hospital?"
"Sounds like a plan."
Harry had quickly put on a Snow Patrol t-shirt, pyjama pants and his trainers as Hermione pulled on a loose zipper-up sweater over her night gown and Harry grabbed her hospital bag and rushed her into the lift.
"Have you had any contractions yet?" he asked as she leaned into him.
"Not yet, but I expect they'll be starting soon," she whispered as he gave her a comforting hug and a kiss on the forehead.
"Okay," he said simply as he helped her into the Jetta. As he was settling in, she let out an audible groan and clutched his hand.
"It's going to be okay," he whispered.
"Just get me to the fucking hospital," she said through gritted teeth as he tore out of the parking lot. Harry sped the whole way. He silently thanked Merlin that there were no muggle police out. As son as they entered the hospital, they were quickly met by a nurse and a wheelchair. Hermione eased herself down into the chair and allowed the nurse to lead her and Harry to their private room.
x-x-x-x-x
Harry had somehow fallen asleep in the chair by Hermione's bed. He had closed his eyes for what seemed like a minute, the next he was greeted with a-
"HARRY JAMES POTTER WAKE UP IF YOU KNOW WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU!" shouted Hermione, nearly sending Harry flying out of his chair.
"Memories of my childhood…" he muttered to himself as he yawned.
"Ms. Granger, we're going to need you to start pushing," instructed the doctor.
Harry looked out the window to see that the sun was indeed shining bright. He glanced down at his wristwatch; it was nearly seven am. He had been asleep for two hours. A wave of guilt rushed through him as Hermione grasped his hand. He smoothed her hair out of her face and kissed her forehead lovingly. Hermione let out a strangled cry as she pushed. Harry was sure she was soon going to break the skin of his palm with her fingernails. He felt utterly helpless to her as he whispered words of encouragement.
"Mr. Potter would you like to see your baby's head?" asked the doctor.
"Sure," replied Harry quietly as he peered over the sheet.
"What is it?" asked Hermione breathlessly.
Harry grinned. "The Potter genes live on."
Hermione groaned, "He probably looks just like you."
Harry frowned. "You say it like it's a bad thing."
"Oh shut up," she groaned as Harry felt the skin break in his right hand.
"Mr. Potter, can you come here?" instructed the doctor as Harry reluctantly left Hermione's side. He came face to face with half of his son's struggling form. "You're going to catch him," explained the doctor. "I need you to give me one more huge push, Ms. Granger."
Harry stared at the man like he was insane.
"Come on then."
Harry closed his eyes and positioned himself in front of Hermione. I must look ridiculous, he thought. Standing in front of his soon-to-be-wife in sea foam green hospital scrubs looking like a deer caught in headlights. Oh, if the Wizarding world could see him now.
"Alright, Hermione Now… 3 … 2 … 1…"
Harry's breath caught in his throat as the small, blood covered boy fell kicking and screaming into his arms. The doctors and nurses quickly cut the umbilical cord and removed the baby from Harry's arms. He was beside Hermione in a flash. He grasped her hand as her tears flowed down her face. He bent down and pressed a passionate kiss to her moist lips.
"Harry? Hermione?"
They broke apart to see the nurse beaming at them as she held a bundle of green blankets in her arms. Hermione struggled to sit up as the nurse placed their child into her arms and left them alone.
Hermione stared down at their tiny pink son, with wisps of jet-black hair, identical to Harry's.
"He's gorgeous," she whispered as Harry slid onto the bed beside her.
"He is," agreed Harry as he reached over and moved the blanket so he could see his son's sleeping face.
"I don't mean to interrupt, but can we have his name for the birth certificate?" asked their nurse gently.
Hermione looked to Harry.
"James Noah Potter," said Harry finally, his voice just above a whisper.
"Noah is an interesting name," commented the nurse.
"Yeah," said Harry as Hermione gasped. His head snapped over to James, who had opened his eyes. Emerald Green made contact with emerald green.
"Damnit Harry, he's you!" laughed Hermione.
"Yeah well…" he said scratching t he back of his neck, "can't help it if my good looks over powered. But he's got your nose. Lord knows he'll be smarter than Merlin. Look at who his parents are; top students at Hogwarts."
"True…" sighed Hermione as she stroked James's tiny head.
Harry clambered off the narrow hospital bed and fished out his cell phone from his sweater. "Smile," he whispered.
"What're you doing?" she demanded.
"Taking a picture to send to your parents and Ron."
"Don't. We'll make the rounds when we get home. Mum and dad are staying with us for Christmas, remember? They're already at the flat. They'll see him when we get home."
"True," replied Harry.
"But go outside and call them … they'll all be sacks of nerves."
"I'll change out of these … but do you mind if I got a coffee? I'm not too fond of the stuff they serve here."
"If you get me a latté and scone."
"I'll bring you your scone and latté," he reassured as he bent over and kissed her passionately, then placed a soft kiss to James's head.
He quickly changed and headed down to the lobby. He flipped open his mobile and dialled his home number.
"Hello?" came Helen's voice.
"Hey Helen," said Harry brightly.
"Did Hermione…?" she asked excitedly.
"Yes, about an hour ago. James Noah Potter."
"Oh, that's absolutely wonderful!" she exclaimed.
"Yeah, it is," laughed Harry. "I expect we'll be home by next Sunday."
"I'll tell Edward the good news."
"Thank you," said Harry and ended their conversation. He walked into a small coffee shop and got in line behind a short, podgy man and dialled Ron.
"Hello?" said Lavender.
"Hey, Lavender. Where's Ron?"
"He's at Molly's with Henry and Sarah. I've only just got back."
"Ah. Shit."
"Is everything alright?" she asked worriedly.
"Everything's fantastic, actually."
"Has Hermione had the baby?"
"She did this morning."
"Oh Harry, that's wonderful! I'll tell Ron immediately when he gets home … Sarah will be absolutely thrilled … what did you name it?"
"James Noah Potter."
"That's a beautiful name."
"Thanks. Lavender I've got to go, but tell Ron for me…"
"Of course I will. Talk to you later, Harry."
"Bye, Lavender."
"Can I help you sir?" asked the teenage boy behind the counter.
"Two blueberry scones, one mocha latté, and one extremely large black coffee."
"One moment please."
Harry took this opportunity to ring Remus.
"Hello, Harry."
"Hello Remus. How are you?"
"As well as to be expected with a full moon approaching. How's Hermione?"
"She's doing well. She gave birth this morning."
"James?"
"James Noah."
"Looks like you, I suppose."
"Unfortunately."
"I can't wait to see him; I'm sure Tonks can't either."
"We'll likely be home by next Sunday."
"Alright. Take care, Harry. Give my best to Hermione."
"I will. Thank you for everything, Remus."
"The Prophet's been shitting themselves over you and Hermione."
Harry laughed. "Good."
"I'll see you when you get home. Congratulations again."
"Thanks. Bye." Harry slid the phone into his pocket and took the bag and tray from the server behind the counter and paid. Harry rushed back to the hospital to Hermione and James. When he arrived, he found Hermione asleep, and James was in a crib by her bed. Quietly setting the bag and tray down, he walked over to his son's crib. James was indeed awake. Harry bent down and carefully picked up James who squirmed slightly in his father's arms Harry slowly sank down into the chair beside Hermione's bed and stared down at his son.
James was indeed his father's son. With his jet-black hair and unusually green eyes, he was sure to grow up to look exactly like Harry. Harry smiled faintly as the baby's hand curled around his finger. Harry sighed contently as he glanced at Hermione's sleeping form. Now, after giving birth, Harry found she had never looked more beautiful. Her hair somehow managed to stay in its perfectly corkscrew-curled state, her limps plump and inviting. He could only imagine the shine in her eyes when she awoke. He guiltily allowed his eyes to travel down to her chest, where her perfectly round breasts were rising and following peacefully, even with every breath she took. Merlin, he loved her body. She was made for him, and he thanked whatever higher power there was for it every single day he woke up with her next to him.
"Harry?" came Hermione's tired voice.
"Yeah?"
"Where's James?"
"Right here with me, love." Said Harry as he carefully handed the baby to his mother.
"Did you get my scone and latté?"
"Yes I did. Do you want them now?"
"Later," she said as she looked adoringly down at James.
x-x-x-x-x
Three days later, Hermione and James were permitted to leave the hospital. Harry was happy that they could finally all be together, as he had gotten used to having Hermione in bed with him. He had been highly uncomfortable the past few night because he had been sleeping alone. Hermione had practically been glowing the day she, Harry, and James left the hospital.
It was obvious Harry loved his son very much. Whenever someone came near, he kept a watchful eye over both mother and child. Remus had called him the precious day with an update. It appeared the English Wizarding population was anticipating the arrival of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger's baby. It had been made painfully obvious that they were not in the country. Harry hadn't shown up at work for weeks, Hermione's bookstore was in the care of the assistant manager. There were rumours that the Daily Prophet and Witch Weekly had undercover reporters in Heathrow Airport, waiting to alert the rest of the media of their arrival.
They decided to leave on Thursday. They called Helen and Edward to alert them of t heir travel arrangements, and under no circumstances were they to meet them at the airport. They were determined not to allow anyone to take a picture of their baby.
"Harry?" called Hermione from the balcony where she was feeding James his bottle.
"Yes?" he said as he appeared in the doorway looking dishevelled wearing nothing but stark white Bermuda shorts.
"Can you finish this? I need to use the loo."
"Of course." He said happily as he lifted his son out of her arms and took the bottle from her. As soon as James was settled in his arms, Harry gave him his bottle and leaned against the railing.
They had looked into wedding chapels, and finally agreed on using the one that was located in their hotel. It would be a small, quick and private ceremony. Hermione secretly felt bad because she had invited his aunt to their wedding, and here they were eloping. She still hadn't mentioned a thing about it to Harry.
"Hold still," said Hermione quietly.
Harry looked up to see Hermione holding her camera.
"Let me put a shirt on or something," protested Harry.
"No. It's too perfect. You're in your white shorts, and he's just in a diaper … you're both in white. And the backgrounds beautiful…" she said fervently.
"Fine." Harry muttered as he shifted James in his arms. He blinked as the flash went off, and James let out a cry of protest. Harry set the bottle on the ledge and held his smiley son out in front of him. "You shit yourself. Bugger." He muttered as he slid his forearm under his bottom and supported his head with his hand and walked past Hermione who shook her head, smiling. Harry walked into the bathroom and nicked a clean diaper and walked over to the changing table and laid James down on it. He quickly removed the diaper. Making a face, he quickly produced his wand and muttered a quick Evanesco.
Five minutes later, he had dressed and laid the baby in his crib and went to join Hermione. He found her lying on the couch, smiling faintly, he silently approached her. Harry slowly lowered himself on top of her and began kissing her neck. Her hands flew to his hair as his lips came in contact with hers.
"Harry no," she groaned as his hands slid up her camisole.
"Harry yes," he whispered roughly.
"I can't for another week, you know that."
"For fuck sakes…" he swore as he buried his face in the crook of her neck.
"I want it too, but the doctor said-"
"To hell with him. I'll take you to a healer."
"No you won't," she replied warningly as he wrapped her arms around his bare back and kissed his cheek.
"Want to go get married?" he asked finally.
"When?"
"Now."
"But-"
"No buts."
"I'm not dressed or anything," she protested.
"Well go put on a dress, and I'll find a clean shirt and put James in his seat…"
"Alright," she said finally as he climbed off her and disappeared into the bedroom. He quickly checked on James before he opened his suitcase and pulled out a navy blue cotton button down shirt. He saw Hermione thumbing though her dresses out of the corner of his eye. Rolling his eyes, he quickly buttoned his shirt up and directed his attention towards his son. He carefully picked up the sleeping baby and placed him in the car seat and picked it up. He glanced at Hermione, who had finally settled on a pale pink strapless dress that seemed to flow around her.
"Ready?" he asked as she slid into her shoes.
"Yes." She said softly.
"You look absolutely amazing," said Harry truthfully.
Hermione blushed, "you clean up nice."
"I try," he joked.
"I can't believe this," whispered Hermione, as they stood alone in the lift.
"It's very surreal," agreed Harry while they walked into the lobby and headed towards the chapel.
"Can I help you?" questioned the friendly middle-aged man who was seated at a desk in the corner.
"We saw your brochure…" explained Hermione
"Ah," he said simply as he stood up. "You two wish to be married?"
"Quickly," said Harry.
"Alright," said the Minister joyfully as he rubbed his hands together. "Do you have rings?"
"No. Is there any way we can purchase them?" inquired Harry.
"The hotel jewellers have a celestial selection."
"Wonderful," said Hermione, beaming.
"I'd be happy to show you the selection."
Ten minutes later, they had purchased simple gold bands. Harry had promised Hermione they would get her something more suitable when they returned home; as the selection in the hotel didn't exactly have what they were looking for. For now, they didn't want anything that was flashy, or that would attract attention to them. It was the last thing they wanted at the moment. They had quickly sighed the necessary paperwork to make everything official for them. Presently, they were standing in front of the Minster; James was asleep in the front pew in his seat.
Harry had seemed to have fallen into a daze. He had said all the suitable things Father Mathews had instructed him to say at the right times, but further down the road, he knew he wouldn't remember it. His senses finally kicked in when he took the cool, gold wedding band into his hand and placed it in front of Hermione's delicate ring finger. He locked eyes with her and she flashed him an encouraging smile.
"I, Harry James Potter, take you, Hermione Jane Granger as my wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for rich and for poor. I promise to love you for as long as I live, and on after the day they burn my body." Harry recited quietly as he slid the ring slowly onto her finger.
Hermione drew in a shaky breath. "I, Hermione Jane Granger, take you, Harry James Potter as my husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for rich and for poor. I promise to love you for as long and I live, and on after the day they burn my body." Repeated Hermione as she gave Harry his ring.
Father Mathews smiled and stated, "I'm honoured to pronounce you husband and wife."
Harry grinned as Hermione launched herself into his arms and he kissed her passionately. Her fingers wove into his hair as he pulled her body as close to his as possible. When the need for air overtook them, they carefully broke apart. Harry rested his forehead against hers.
"I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," replied Hermione breathlessly before standing on the tips of her toes to plant a kiss on his cheek before turning to James, who had started to whimper.
x-x-x-x-x
England was covered in a glistening white sheet of snow when Harry and Hermione stepped off the plane. To their relief, James had slept for the most part of the flight home. Before entering the public terminals, Harry had dawned his winter jacket and he kept his hood up, keeping his face semi covered. He had put the top over James and placed a blanket over the front so he couldn't be seen, and it kept him sheltered from the harsh cold as he and Hermione quickly exited Heathrow as quickly as they could, in case the rumours about the media scouts were true. They had simply minimized their luggage so they wouldn't have to deal with the baggage terminal, which would waste their time.
They took a taxi back to their flat, where Hermione's parents had been staying since the first of the month to make the place look like it was being lived in. They intended to spend Christmas together as a family, resulting in Ron and Lavender staying with them on Christmas Eve. It was important to Hermione that they all were together on Christmas morning, no matter who was married or seeing who. Christmas was a time for family, and she was determined to make sure they were all together.
Harry paid the cab driver and quickly retrieved their luggage while Hermione entered the building to get James in out of the cold. Harry followed her into the lift and smiled down at her lovingly.
"We should take off the rings," said Hermione sadly.
Harry simply nodded as he smoothly slid the wedding band off his finger and carefully placed it in the pocket of his jeans. The lift doors silently opened and they stepped into the tiny corridor. Harry drew his keys out of his jacket pocket and carefully unlocked the door. He swung it open and stepped aside so Hermione could enter.
"I don't think they're here," commented Hermione as she took off her jacket and hung it up in the closet.
"No," replied Harry as he pointed his wand at their luggage and sent them flying to their room. . Harry slowly undid the buttons to his jacket and removed his gloves as he watched Hermione tend to their son. He hung his jacket up alongside hers and joined her side.
"Would you mind if I took a bath?" she asked softly as she handed him the baby. Harry arched an eyebrow. "Alone," she added.
"I would have offered you my company," he began as he took James in his arms, smiling, "but if you want to be alone in that bloody Olympic sized bathtub upstairs…"
"Harry knock it off," she said, slapping him playfully on the shoulder.
"Don't abuse me with our son in my arms," he said warningly as he walked towards the kitchen.
"I'll be down in an hour or so," she called.
"If you're not down in an hour I'm going up there to make sure you're still alive," he called back. "And if you seem asleep or dead, I'm climbing in."
No reply came as he heard the bedroom door slam shut. He shifted the sleeping baby comfortably into his arms while he poured himself a cool glass of water from the jug in the refrigerator. Harry looked down as James made a noise in his sleep and smiled. He ran his hand lovingly over his son's thin black hair and walked into the dimly lit sitting room and slowly lowered himself on his back on the couch, with James asleep on his chest. Harry laid his arm protectively over his son and soon, he himself had fallen asleep.
x-x-x-x-x
True to her word, Hermione silently descended down the staircase an hour later. The lights in the sitting room had been dimmed, and there was no sign of Harry anywhere. She checked the kitchen, and the only trace of him there was the water goblet sitting abandoned on the counter. He wasn't in the dining room. She would have heard him if he had come up the stairs towards his office. She double-checked the sitting room, and the sight on the couch melted her heart.
Both Harry and James were fast asleep. Harry had subconsciously draped his arm protectively over his son, while the other was wound behind his own head, supporting it. She couldn't will herself to disturb them. Smiling, she carefully brushed Harry's fringe out of his eyes and turned away from them. She walked over to her bookcase and removed one of the books and turned on the lamp by the overstuffed armchair and settled herself into it. She gazed intently at her husband and son. She prayed that they would be able to put their marriage out into the open soon. She didn't like sneaking around, only wearing their wedding rings in the privacy of their bedroom or hotel room. She understood that the Wizarding World had a sick fascination with her husband, and it was that sort of thing that drove him away to Australia in the first place. She knew he wouldn't leave for Australia again. Not now after the birth of their son, and their wedding. But she knew the media attention annoyed him greatly, and she knew he would never admit it. He had never enjoyed having his life on display. And now he feared it. He feared for the safety of his wife and son. She guessed the incident with Rita Skeeter in their fourth year always stuck with him.
Harry deserved a quiet life. He had worked extremely hard to be where he was now. He had a family that loved him; he had a job he enjoyed. He didn't deserve the Prophet hounding him at work. She didn't let on that they were sometimes outside of her bookstore trying to get an interview with her, to see what Harry Potter was really like. They tried to get details on the supposed drama that was surrounding them. And every reporter knew there was no truth to the filth they had reported about him or her. The rumour that James wasn't even his had driven him over the edge. He was ready to storm into the office and strangle the editor. She had forced him to stay home from work that day.
Hermione silently turned the page in her book when she heard the locks on the door click. She looked up expectantly when the door swung open, revealing her pink-cheeked mother.
"I say, Edward, they'll likely be home by now," said Helen as she removed her scarf and hat.
"Hello mum," said Hermione quietly as she got to her feet. "They're sleeping," she added gesturing towards the couch.
"Oh Hermione!" exclaimed Helen as she embraced her daughter. "How was your vacation?"
"It was beautiful, mum," said Hermione as she hugged her father tightly. "How are you daddy?"
"I'm marvellous, Hermione."
"Oh Hermione, he's beautiful…" said Helen softly as she peered over the couch.
"Thank you, Helen," came Harry's tired voice as he struggled to sit up.
"The baby, you prat," snapped Hermione hitting him on the back of the head before she removed James from his arms and handed him to her mother.
"I know," said Harry as he rubbed the back of his head and got to his feet. "Edward," he acknowledged.
"Harry," Edward replied.
"His eyes, Hermione … the most stunning emerald eyes…" gushed Helen, as she softly rocked the infant.
"Wouldn't know where they came from," mumbled Hermione as she rolled her eyes as Harry left the room to go to the washroom.
"He is a beautiful baby, Hermione," said Edward as Helen passed the squirmy baby to him. "Congratulations to you and Harry."
"We really appreciate it, we really do."
"Does he sleep all night?" asked Helen.
"No. But he's very quick … it takes only about a half an hour to forty-five minutes to get him fed, changed, and put back to asleep. We were blessed." She explained as Harry joined her side, looking slightly dishevelled. "The least you could have done is ran a brush through your hair," she whispered.
"Sorry," he said apologetically. "Jet leg hits me hard."
Hermione shook her head as she took her son from her father and they all headed into the sitting room.
"Have you spoken to Henry and Sarah yet?" asked Helen once they were settled.
"No mum," replied Hermione. "We've only just got home. We got in about an hour and a half ago … I should go do that now… Ron and Lavender can bring them over …"
"I'll take him," said Harry as Hermione handed him the baby.
"Can I use the floo in your office?"
"Go right ahead."
"Thank you," said Hermione politely as she silently disappeared up the staircase.
"I'm just going to go change him," said Harry finally.
Helen nodded as Harry got to his feet and climbed the stairs to James's room. He pushed open the door and flicked on the lights and gently laid his son down on the changing table.
"You're very lucky," he whispered as he changed the diaper. "You're going to grow up into a handsome, strong, young man. You're going to have both your parents that love you, as well as your brother and sister. You haven't met them yet, but you will. Henry and Sarah. They're great kids," he continued.
James simply stared at him.
"But you're lucky because you're going to have a great childhood. As soon as you're old enough, I'll take you flying out in the country. I'll teach you every Quiddich position in the book. But since you're my son, I think you'll be a remarkable seeker. You're going to be safe. You'll grow up in a world with no Dark Lords. Daddy's got a team of Aurors looking for the last of the death eaters. I promise you'll be safe." He finished as he picked up the diapered baby and walked over to the dresser. He selected a tiny sweater and a pair of pants and carefully dressed his son.
He reopened the door and walked down the stairs to find the sitting room fuller than what it was before. Seated there were now Ron, Lavender, Henry, and Sarah. Hermione had rejoined them. Hermione got to her feet and smiled at Harry as she gently lifted James from his arms and kissed her husband softly before turning to the company in their sitting room.
x-x-x-x-x
As the months went by, Harry became busier and busier. They had finally received leads on the whereabouts of Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange, Lucius Malfoy, and a group of other Death Eaters. They were in Bolivia, of all places. Harry had assembled a team of the top Aurors the Ministry had to offer, including himself. Only the Minister of Magic and the Aurors involved knew of the Bolivia mission. He hadn't said a word to Hermione. He wasn't sure of how she would react. He knew she would be upset and worried. He hadn't left since James was born, almost six months ago. They were leaving tomorrow for Bolivia, and Harry had taken half the day off so he could tell Hermione. She would be furious with him, but waiting until the last minute was for her own good. It left her no time to try and convince him to stay. But this was something he needed to do. The last twenty Death Eaters had been on the top of his priority list since he became Head of the Auror Department. Now he would take pleasure in watching those who had caused his friends and family pain die. It was sick and wrong, but it was something he needed to do. To find closure, and live a normal life with his family for once and for all.
He was thankful that it was the week that Ron had Henry and Sarah. When he arrived home at noon, he had sent the nanny home so he could spend some time alone with his infant son. He had just finished feeding James his lunch, and he was now sitting in his highchair pushing Cheerios around the plastic table with his chubby fingers as his father silently memorized his every movement.
"Alice, I hope James has-" came Hermione's voice, but she stopped when she saw Harry sitting at the kitchen table, his face expressionless as he watched their son. "Harry?"
"Hey," he said quietly.
"Is everything okay?" she asked cautiously, slightly alarmed at his tone of voice.
"Sit down," he continued, still not looking at her as she set her coat on the back of a chair and sat down beside him and took his hands in hers.
"What's going on?"
"I have to leave for Bolivia first thing in the morning," he said seriously as he held her gaze. "I have no idea how long I'll be gone, or what state I'll be in when I get home. We found the last of the Death Eaters there, and we're going to get rid of them." He explained.
"Why would you agree to something like that?" she asked angrily.
"I didn't have a choice," he said quietly. "Hermione, I'm head of the department … they sought after the top Aurors for the case. This is coming from a higher power than me, or the Minister himself… It's coming from the International Federation of Witches and Wizards, Hermione … I can't control what they want."
"Then say you're sick-"
"You know I can't do that."
"Merlin, Harry … they're the most dangerous Death Eaters. I don't want you going there." She said stubbornly.
"I don't' have a choice," he repeated loudly as he got to his feet and ran a hand through his hair and exhaled loudly. "I promise you I'll be fine. I'll come home alive."
"You can't promise me that." She shot back, also getting to her feet. James looked at his parents curiously, Cherrios abandoned.
"Hermione, I'll be okay," he assured her as he pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.
"You haven't gone on a mission in almost a year, are you certain…?"
"I'll be okay," he repeated into her silky tresses.
"You're an idiot," said Hermione, her voice muffled in his jumper.
"I know." He replied as she placed her hands on his broad shoulders and stood on the tips of her toes to kiss him.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed her against the counter as he tasted her tears on her lips. His tongue gently prodded her moist lips, begging for an entrance to her mouth. She obliged to him, and soon her tongue was tangled with his. She soon felt his reaction to her pressing against her stomach. James emitting a cry of protest quickly brought them out of their world, as their attention was focused on each other, and not him.
Breathless, they turned to their son. Hermione quickly unfastened him from his highchair and whispered soothing words to him, calming him down, and soon, he was asleep. Hermione and Harry silently climbed the stairs and laid him in his crib and tucked him in. Harry gently kissed his son on his brow before he and Hermione exited the room. She pushed open the door to their bedroom and Harry followed her inside. She turned around to face him and threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. Harry lowered her onto their unmade bed and skilfully removed her blouse and quickly removed her bra. He rained kisses across her chest and suckled each of her breasts before she pushed him off her and she pushed his jumper up over his head and he threw it blindly across the room before she allowed him to pull her into his strong embrace. Her hands undid his jeans as he hiked her skirt up to her waist. A ripping sound filled the air as her now ruined knickers soared across the room. Harry felt her shove his jeans and boxers to his knees as they fell backwards, with him lying on top of her. He parted her legs with his knee and quickly thrust himself inside of her, causing her to moan loudly and mutter something incoherent about being gentle. Harry however, ignored her pleas as he roughly moved in and out of her, and soon, she forgot all about gentle lovemaking.
It had been a while since they had had rough sex. There had always been children in the house, so they had to be quiet. With their newfound charm that they placed on James's crib to alert them in their room with a series of noises, they could place silencing charms around the room so no one could hear the squeaking of the mattress, and they could be as loud as the hell they wanted.
She could have screamed when she came. It was nothing like she had ever felt before. She and Harry had never been like this. She had read in cheesy romance novels that the prospect of a battle made a man's blood run hot with desire, and she was beginning to think it was true. With one mighty thrust, Harry's seed filled her, completing her. Harry collapsed on top of her, sweaty and shaking. She wrapped her arms around him and pushed his wet fringe out of his eyes and kissed his forehead as they rolled on their sides, still joined together. She felt Harry's hands slid down her sides to cup her behind, burying himself to the hilt inside of her, causing her to groan pleasurably and instinctively wrap her legs around his waist. He kissed her passionately before she untangled her legs from his waist and wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her head in his chest, and soon fell asleep.
x-x-x-x-x
It was dark outside when Harry's eyes fluttered open. He instantly realised that he was still inside of his sleeping wife, and his reaction happened almost immediately. Carefully, he removed himself from her. Harry slowly climbed out of the bed and pulled on his discarded boxers and carefully opened the door and slid across the hall to check on James. No bells and whistles had gone off, which meant somehow, the baby was still asleep. Harry entered the room and walked over to the crib and saw indeed, that James was still asleep.
Rolling his eyes, he picked up his son, who awoke instantly. Harry changed his diaper and walked over to the small mat on the floor and sat down with James. The baby squealed with glee as he reached for the blocks with his hands, and discovered that he couldn't reach. Chuckling to himself, Harry leaned forward and pushed them with his hand into his son's reach.
Harry sat quietly as James contently pushed and suckled on the plastic blocks for what seemed like hours. Smiling, Harry smoothed his son's identical messy silky black hair out and kissed the top of the boy's head. James lifted a lime green block up in his direction and looked at him expectantly. Harry took it from him and James turned determinedly back to his pile. Harry smiled and set the block by his side and quietly watched his son.
"Hungry, buddy?" he asked finally. James stared.
"I know I am. Your mum's one hell of a woman," he commented as he lifted James into his arms and stood up.
Silence.
"I love her a lot," he continued quietly as he walked past their bedroom and headed down the stairs towards the kitchen. "And I love you. This is why I hate leaving in the morning."
Harry shifted James into his other arm as he produced a bottle from the cupboard and filled it with formula and cast a warming charm on it and gave it to the baby who took it eagerly. "I know I told your mum I'd be okay, but truthfully I don't know," he admitted quietly. "She's right. I don't know if I will be okay or not. But I need to come home for you. I won't let you grow up without your father. Like I did. You have a mum that loves you, and your dad loves you too. But I need to get rid of these Death Eaters. They've been hiding for a very, very long time. And I've found them. It's the only way we can live without worrying that someone's going to show up here and A.K us all."
James quietly suckled his bottle as his father kissed the top of his head. Soon, he had finished and Harry took the bottle away and placed it in the sink. He walked back upstairs, changed James's diaper again, and placed him back in his crib. Harry walked over to the small nightstand and removed the picture of him and Hermione from the frame and placed it under the clasp on the mobile. With one final glance at his son, he left the room. Hermione was still asleep. Sighing, he dropped his shorts and climbed into the bed. He moved closer to her and nuzzled his face in her neck, familiarizing himself with her heavenly scent.
x-x-x-x-x
The sun was beginning to rise when Harry awoke. He untangled himself from Hermione and slid out of their bed and made his way to their bathroom. He showered and shaved his face. He wasn't supposed to bring a lot with him. They were to keep a low profile. Hermione was stirring awake as he walked into the closet and dressed in a pair of jeans, trainers, a light cotton t-shirt and a heavy hooded sweater. He opened one of the doors and drew out a kitbag and threw in a few extra pairs of boxers, pants, sweaters, his parka, and hats. He cast a feather light charm on the bag and swung one of the straps over his shoulder, and brought the other underneath his other arm, and put a permanent sticking charm on the Velcro strap. He pulled a hat on his head and glanced at his reflection in the mirror. He looked exactly like what he was supposed to; a field Auror. He didn't look like Harry Potter, father of three, who simply enjoyed being head of the Auror Department.
The International Ministry didn't give a damn about who he was, or if he had anything to live for. They cared about his skill level as an Auror. He was part of a team of elite Aurors from Europe, being sent to finish off twenty rogue Death Eaters. He didn't let on to Hermione the actual dangers of this mission. The Death Eaters they were dealing with were in Voldemort's inner circle, and very powerful.
Sighing, He walked over to the vanity with held various products. He opened a small plastic bag and pulled the hat off his head and laid it carelessly on top of his bureau and tied his shaggy mess of hair out of his face with tiny black elastics. He tiredly rubbed his face with his hands and pulled the hat back over his head. He turned to leave, and almost collided with Hermione, who was standing in the doorway, silently watching him.
"You look so much older than you actually are," she whispered as he cradled her face in his hands. "I don't like it, it's not you."
"I can't help it, Hermione."
She ignored him. "You only had that expression once before … just before you went to fight him…"
"Hermione…" he said quietly, forcing her to look at him. "I'll be okay. But in the event something happens, promise me you won't sit around here waiting for me to come back."
"Harry don't say that…" she said, her voice shaking.
"Promise me," he said forcefully as held her wrists as she tried to throw her arms around his neck.
"I promise, Harry!" She yelled as he let go of her and pressed her mouth against his, forcing her tongue into his mouth, then tore away. "I promise you," she cried, collapsing into his arms.
"I'm going to be fine," he assured her, stroking her head. "I have to go," he said finally.
"Can you owl?" she asked softly as he walked across the room to his nightstand and removed a picture of Hermione, James, Henry, and Sarah from its frame and folded it in half and slid it in his back pocket.
"No," said Harry as he laid his hand on the cool doorknob. "It could get intercepted. I'm going to say goodbye to James. Then I have to leave for the Ministry. We're Portkeying to Santa Cruz at exactly eight," he explained softly. "We'll be travelling to the outskirts of the city. There, there's an old Wizarding school. It's been abandoned for almost one hundred years. I can't tell you anymore than that," he said in the same voice before stepping out into the corridor. He strode across the hall and swung open the door to the baby's room and bent down over the crib and picked up his sleeping son. Harry hugged the sleeping boy to his chest and breathed in his familiar baby scent and closed his eyes. Finally, Harry allowed Hermione to pull James from his arms and allowed her to give him one final kiss before he willed himself to draw away from her. With one final peck on the lips, Harry quickly exited the room and down into the sitting room, and dissaparated with a faint pop.
When Harry opened his eyes, he was standing in one of the Ministry's Portkey rooms, with four other men who all bore the same sombre expression as he did.
"Ah, Harry. About time," said Minister Bates in a falsely cheery voice as he clasped Harry on the back. He would have loved to shoot the man a death glare.
"My wife isn't exactly thrilled. She was reluctant with our son so young and all," growled Harry as he moved away to the other side of the room.
Lyon Bates gulped as his top Auror moved away from him to join the other men.
"Well men, Welcome to England. I understand the severity of this mission, and I'll introduce you to Warren King, who is the representative for Great Briton in the House of Commons in the I.F,"
"Hello gentlemen," welcomed Warren. None of the men said anything. "When I call your name and country, please approach the Portkey." The Portkey itself was a mangy old woman's shoe.
"David Trenholm, Ireland. Jacob Windsor, England. Harry Potter, England. Fredrick Petra, France. And finally, Shawn Jenson, Ireland."
One by one the men adjusted their packs on their backs and climbed to their feet and silently approached the shoe. The countdown began, and Harry positioned his finger on the dirty leather and he was gone in a whirl of wind and colour. They all skidded into a muddy patch on a hill just outside the city. Harry brushed his dust off his trousers and the five of them went through the less-formal introductions.
"Any ideas on how in the hell we're supposed to get to this castle they're supposedly in?" questioned Fred.
"No fucking clue," responded Harry as they set off down the hill. "But I suggest we get a map to get the general idea of where the hell we're going, devise some sort of plan because the I.F came up with the brilliant plan of pinning five of us against twenty of them."
"I agree with Potter," said Shawn, and the others nodded in agreement. Within twenty minutes, they had bought a map of the city and its surrounding areas. They were presently sitting in a dingy pub that appeared most tourists seemed to avoid with the map spread out in front of them, with an extremely greasy breakfast on the way.
"So this castle, is supposed to be approximately a days drive outside the city," began Jacob quietly, tracing the area with a skinny forefinger. "By a lake," he continued, drawing out a muggle highlighter and highlighting potential lakes.
"To muggles, it would either be invisible, disguised as a dilapidated building, or is noticeable with a muggle-repelling charm on it," added Dave.
Harry nodded as his eyes looked over the surrounding area. "It narrows down to approximately four places."
"Five?" said Jacob pointing to a marked castle.
"They wouldn't put a magical institution on a muggle map, Jacob," replied Harry calmly. "I think it would be wise to put on glamour charms until we're actually ready to enter the castle. We could go to Xenon, which is an all Wizarding community. Get books; learn anything we can about the old Cruz Academy, where its location is, how it's involved with the dark arts … Get some background knowledge before we go in there, wands raised."
The men murmured their agreement.
x-x-x-x-x
Harry, Shawn, Jacob, Fredrick and David had quickly located Xenon. Once they were inside, they had instantly put glamour charms on themselves. If he were to walk in his own front door, Hermione would have hexed him. He had short, light brown hair and blue eyes. His scar was completely gone. They had checked in the small Wizarding hotel under different names than their own. Harry was simply known to the cheery barman as `Sirius Evans'. No one would suspect him as Harry Potter. To his surrounding witches and wizards, he was nothing but an English tourist, and he and his fellow Aurors played the part perfectly.
They had found a bookstore and quickly invaded their history section, and came across many books on the old Cruz Academy. Harry had mentioned it while the woman behind the counter rang in his purchases, and she visibly paled. He instantly knew Cruz Academy was a touchy subject for the magical Bolivian population. She was understandably suspicious of why five random men had suddenly taken interest in the old magical academy. Harry had told a smooth lie that he was recently hired at Hogwarts as the new History of Magic professor, and needed background information on some of the international schools. She had believed him, and even congratulated him on his posting.
Grindelwald. Dumbledore. Bolivia. It all made sense now. Harry's first-ever Chocolate Frog card came in handy yet again. Dumbledore had defeated the Dark Wizard Grindelwald, who was of Bolivian decent. He was the 1800's Voldemort. And Dumbledore had defeated him on the lawns of Cruz Academy of Magic. There had been bloodshed … death of students, staff, Aurors… Harry now fully understood why Cruz Academy had been abandoned. There were so many bad memories. The Magical Republic of Bolivia needed to start over. They refused to send their children to a place where so many of their friends and family had died. It was completely understandable.
Grindelwald had a fascination with the Dark Arts. He was of pureblood decent. It seemed only natural that he would stray away from his prudish upbringing and terrorise the Wizarding World. He was the Pureblood Voldemort.
Harry set the book on his nightstand and sighed. He missed Hermione very much. He longed to have her warm body next to his; assuring him everything would be okay. So badly he wanted to speak to her. It would be a mighty risk to venture out into the night, find a payphone and make a collect call under his false name. No one would suspect a thing but her. She knew who Sirius Evans would be. Her husband. A simple anagram of two people he loved. He prayed they wouldn't be long. James would wonder where his father was. He would be able to sense some anxiety with his mother with the absence of his father. He reached in his back pocket and removed the picture he had placed in there yesterday. He unfolded it to reveal his wife's smiling face as she spun their six-month-old son. The picture had been taken at the Weasley's just a week ago. James had always been a happy baby. He never gave them any trouble, to their relief. Harry missed him already, and he had only been gone a day. Harry flinched when the door opened to reveal David standing in the doorway.
"Think we're ready to go in tomorrow?" he asked quietly.
"As we'll ever be," replied Harry, his eyes never leaving the photo.
"What're you staring at?" questioned David curiously as he walked to Harry's side. "Your family?"
"Wife, three kids," replied Harry, handing it to him.
"Eldest two yours?"
"No," replied Harry, "hers from a previous relationship. Henry and Sarah … the baby's mine. James."
"Cute kids," he commented as he handed Harry the picture. "I've got kids of my own as well… we all do." David explained, reaching into his wallet and handed Harry a photo. "Keira, my wife, and our twins. John and Gregory."
"Cute," said Harry. "They really picked the good ones. I'm sure there's five pissed off women spread throughout Europe."
"There is, I had to practically pry Keira off to make it to the Portkey."
"Hermione was the same," chortled Harry. "Her excuse was I haven't gone away in a year since I got the promotion…"
"What division of the Auror Department are you from?"
"Head of the Auror Department in England," explained Harry. "You?"
"Assistant Head of the Irish Ministry."
"What a colourful assembly we have here."
"Indeed."
"I guess we'll go over everything in the morning with the other three," said Harry as he scratched the back of his head.
"Yeah. Night Harry."
"Night David."
Harry removed his shirt after he had locked the door. He dropped his jeans and placed the photo on his nightstand, leaning against the ancient oil lamp. Climbing into the cool sheets, he fell into an uneasy sleep.
x-x-x-x-x
Harry awoke to the alarm clock. He instinctively reached to his left side to slam off the alarm. Groaning, he moved back towards his right to wrap his arms around Hermione, but grabbed an arm full of sheets, and reality hit him. He wasn't at home. He was in Bolivia. Opening his eyes, he winced as the sun came in contact with his eyes. He finally willed himself out of the bed and into the bathroom. He came back out almost ten minutes later with a towel around his waist. He sloppily dressed himself in a pair of old jeans and a wrinkled white t-shirt. Sticking his wand in his back pocket, he threw his sweater in his bag, and shrunk the books to the size of his thumbnail and threw them in the front pocket of his bag. He swung the bag over his shoulder and exited the room.
He met David in the hall and the pair silently walked downstairs into the pub to meet the rest of them. They greeted each other with tired `mornings' as they sipped their coffee in silence. They were silent for almost ten minutes before Harry brought up what was on all of their minds.
"Does everyone know where to dissaparate to?" he asked quietly.
"Yes," they all said in unison.
"We'll remove the glamour charms when we get there?" questioned Jacob.
"Yes," said David as they stood up and walked towards the bar to return their keys. "If all goes well, we'll be home by sundown."
"Wonderful," said Jacob happily as they stood in a circle by the door and dissaparated with a loud crack.
Harry spun around to see a castle that looked like it indeed had been neglected for nearly a century. In the distance, he could see a sparkling lake. He exhaled as he pointed his wand at himself to remove the glamour charm and instantly reached up to swipe away his familiar raven curls out of his eyes. He joined the rest of the men as they crouched behind a ruined stonewall.
"I've just sent out an invisible spell to check for any traps," whispered Shawn.
Harry nodded as a faint pink ball of light came towards Shawn and burnt out inches from his face.
"It's all clear."
They carefully made their way up to the front gates and slid easily through without being detected. Finally, they were at the ancient doors. Harry took a deep breath as he and Jacob threw them open. They heard distant shouts. Harry drew out his wand and raced inside. Harry flattened himself against the wall as a jet of green light flew from above him. His chest heaving, he looked up and made eye contact with the same woman who brought an end to his godfather's life. Harry raised his wand arm and sent a disarming spell up towards her; she easily dodged it and laughed.
"It can't be," she called down, her deep voice echoing off the stonewalls. "Little baby Harry's all grown up."
"Thank you, Bella. It's a shame I can't say a nice thing for you," he snarled as he shot a stunner at her.
"You always were a nasty boy. Just like your father."
Harry ignored her as he glanced over his shoulder. The others had spread out and were involved in various duels. Harry held her gaze as he heard shouts of "WATCH OUT HARRY!" before all went black.
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