Return of a Hero

A/N: Here's a story I guess you could say was complied from several different fan fics I've read over the months…particularly like one called Right and Easy by Harmonykate…though it is definitely not just like mine! I promise!! Hee hee! Well here you go!!

Heres my story Return of a Hero…

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10 years. It had been 10 years since her and Ron had wed. 10 years their first child had been born.

10 years since Harry Potter left.

“Guess what, Harry?!” Hermione approached him excitedly while he was attempting to study.

“What?” Harry asked looking up.

Ron came over and put and arm around his girlfriends shoulders. “We're getting married. I'm pregnant.”

Harry's grin fell, “What?” He was in shock but recovered quickly, “I mean, wow, uh…that's great.” Ron smiled, “Thanks mate.” He slapped him on the back.

Harry had realized earlier that year, after the final battle, that he was deeply and crazily in love with his best friend: Hermione. He was with Ginny them, but he was going to tell Hermione how he felt anyway that night. But he didn't. Hermione was busy kissing Ron and hugging Harry. Now they were getting married. Great. Wonderful.

“Harry?” Hermione called pulling him out of thought. “Yeah? I'm sorry, just dazed a bit.”

Earlier that day he'd been offered a chance to do some investigate work in America for the Ministry. He thought he'd say no, but now… “Guys, that's great. I have good news, too! I've been offered a big job in America; I'm going to take it!”

“Oi! That's great, Harry!” Ron exclaimed.

2 Weeks Later…

“So when will we see you? It's only for a few months, right?” Hermione asked him as he packed his bags in the boot of the car.

“I...I...dunno, Hermione.” He didn't want to tell her he probably wasn't coming back. He needed to get out of the way of his friends relationship before he did something crazy he'd regret. “But, yea, a couple months.”

Hermione's face fell, “I'll miss you.”

“I'll miss you, too…I'll write.” He said, hating he just made a promise he probably couldn't keep.

She hugged him goodbye.

10 years had gone by: nothing. She had gotten one letter after he first moved, then; nothing. Until one day a few months ago when they received a certified message by owl.

“Mum we got mail!” Gabriella yelled.

Hermione smiled, “Thanks, Gabby!” She took the message from the owl's leg and untied it.

In perfect penmanship it wrote:

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley:

I am terribly sorry to inform you that your dear friend, Harry James Potter has been killed while on duty in America. We are sorry for your loss, and send our regards.

Minister Kingsley

“NO!” Hermione exclaimed collapsing to the ground on her knees. “No…” She said crying hysterically and clutching the letter in her hand.

“Mum?” Gabriella asked frantically. When her mother didn't respond and continued crying, she ran to get her dad.

“Mum…she read a letter, she started crying and yelling `no'. She won't answer me, she collapsed to the ground!” Ron ran into the kitchen to find his wife looking exactly as she had described. She was shaking and crying harder than she had in her whole life, some moments so hard you couldn't hear the sobs. Her hair was falling out of its bun.

“Hermione…what's wrong? What's happened?” She continued crying, handing him the note. He took the letter from her shaking hand and read it. All the color drained from his face. He just stood there, not saying a word.

“Dad?” Gabriella asked, “Dad? What's wrong???!!” She frantically questioned.

“Go to your room, Gabriella.” He said softly.

“But-” She tried to protest.

“Go!” He yelled. Gabriella ran to her room. Ron bent down and held his wife, she pulled away and continued hysterically crying.

From then on, Hermione was never the same. She hadn't known where he was all those years, hadn't heard from him. And now he's gone. Really gone. She had realized she was in love with him long before Ron and she had started dating. But he was with Ginny then, and she knew that he didn't love her. And besides, Ron had kept her happy all these years. Don't lie to yourself Hermione, he's always drunk…he's abusive…But she had a 10 year old daughter to worry about, Gabriella.

“Mum?” A soft voice called, pulling her out of her gazing thoughts.

“Oh, I'm sorry, Gabby.” She apologized.

“Are you okay?” Gabriella asked, worried.

“I'm fine, dear.” Hermione lied, faking a smile.

Ron looked at his wife, “Are you sure? Wait…is it?”

She simply nodded, “Yes.”

Gabby was confused. For as long as she could remember, her parents had talked about some secret topic or something. It had gotten worse in the past few months, after the letter arrived. The letter that had her mother falling to the ground in hysterical tears. Her mother hadn't done anything for days; but cry, sit and stare. Gabriella had asked her dad what was wrong, but her dad refused to tell her. “I can't tell you, Gabriella, but don't ever, ever talk about this around or to your mum.” He had told her. She had agreed; reluctantly and frustrated.

“Gabby, are you coming to the grocery?” Hermione called from the next room.

“Yeah, Mum, I'm coming!” She yelled, grabbing her coat and running to the door. They were going to a Muggle Grocery. They lived in Muggle London, because Hermione liked it better; though Ron hated it.

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Hermione and Gabriella were walking through the store, having their usual argument.

“Mum, please, can we get…”

“No.”

“But-”

“No.”

“Please!” Gabriella pleaded.

“Let her.” A male voice came from about 15 feet away. Gabby looked at him confused, but smiling. She glanced to her mom, who was absolutely frozen, her brown eyes huge, shaking, and her heart beating fast.

There, standing a relatively far distance away from them was a man. Raven black hair, electric green eyes, scar…baggy jeans and a navy Polo shirt. She gasped.

It was none other than Harry Potter.

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A/N: Hey guys thanks for the reviews... though some were a bit, well, heated and criticizing. Not that I don't want criticism... I just need you guys to hang in there with me! One chapter—that's all I gave you at the moment…some of ya needed to hold your tongues. But please do not get angry at me for any snappy remarks…. I was just frustrated. Anyways…on with the show….

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The much awaited…Flashback: (actually a few…keep up!)

Hogwarts

January 28, 1999

Hermione looked at him…beaten and torn. Screaming in joy and laughing in victory. Gryffindor had just trampled the Ravenclaws in the match only ending a few brief moments ago. Through all the trouble with the Horcruxes hunt they had gone through in the past years, here they all were. She saw happiness in Harry that she never knew she'd see again.

She turned her gaze to Ron, who was talking in a very drunken manner to Lavender Brown. She rolled her eyes. Once a Prat, Always a prat…She thought.

Fixing her eyes upon the happy Harry, whose arm was now attached to Ginny. She giggled and pulled him in for a kiss. He laughed and reluctantly kissed her with a shrug. Hermione then saw him whisper something in Ginny's ear that made Ginny go red and giggle.

What a little…Hanging all over Harry like that…as if she REALLY likes him for who he is…not just because he's the bloody boy-who-lived in all the books….Wait. She began to think. Why do I care so much? She's his girlfriend, for the past year now…what does it matter to me?

She thought about her feelings for a minute. No. It can't be. I can't possibly have feelings for…Harry. No. He's my best friend. She quickly dismissed this internal argument with the wave of a hand.

“Hey Hermione…” Harry greeted her as he walked past.

“Oh…hey Harry.” She returned as he smiled at her and was pulled away by a not-so-sober Seamus.

Somewhere in side she was…disappointed. Why in the bloody hell do I let him get to me so much!

`Because you love him.' A random voice popped in her head.

No. I can't possibly…love…Harry. Her eyes widened with shock, and thanked the higher beings that no one had been around to watch her cover her mouth in surprise and whisper, “I'm in love with Harry Potter.”

Hogwarts

January 29, 1999

The bleary grey skies were not a welcome sight to Harry, as he slit open his eyes and tumbled out of bed reluctantly. Quidditch Practice. Joy.

Getting dressed as quickly as he could in his Quidditch robes, Harry walked down stairs to meet his two best friends in the common room before Saturday breakfast.

He stopped abruptly on the stairs and his smile dropped quickly to a frown at the sight. His two best friends, Ron and Hermione, on the couch….k-kissing. Oh Merlin. Here they are…Here she is…Oh my-

“Oi! Uh…Harry…Hello.” Ron said, springing off of Hermione as if she was on fire.

“H-Hi…Um, so…hey.” Harry said uneasily. Wow, smooth Potter.

“Harry…” Hermione trailed off, “I'm so sorry…it just happened this morning.”

She faced him with a slight smirk on her face that Harry couldn't quite comprehend. Ron jumped in, “Yea, sorry mate, for some reason I just…I guess I just finally…well, told her…”

Harry recovered quickly and nodded, “Um, yeah that's fine. You…you told her?”

“Yeah… I did.” Ron smiled cheekily, “And I guess it turns out…that Hermione feels the same way.”

Harry eyed Hermione suspiciously. There was something different about her all the sudden. Since when did she get off just jumping into Ron's arms and telling him she's in love with him? When had this all happened? This morning? This was not the Hermione Granger he knew.

“Wow…um, that's great guys…Really.” He told them almost as if he was trying to convince himself.

Ron grinned, “Well c'mon guys, Harry and I have practice and I'm famished!”

Hermione fought the urge to roll her eyes as she grabbed his hand and walked out behind him, with Harry leading. Am I really this desperate to get over Harry? No…I like Ron. He's…well I know I have some sort of feelings for him. Its sexual tension I guess…I suppose I'll never feel the same way about anyone as I do Harry, and he's got Ginny…he doesn't love me so I might as well give up. It's Ron and I from now on.

As they sat at the table, Ron seemed to be the only one with something to say, as he forced forkfuls of food in his mouth. Hermione laughed cheekily occasionally, just to get in the spirit.

Harry's jaw was clenched as he stared at the new couple. Ron's glass suddenly burst into pieces.

“Oh, Harry dear, are you alright?” Ginny asked holding his arm as Ron shrieked. Hermione rolled her eyes and fixed the glass, refilling the cup and cleaning up the mess.

“Yea, I'm just fine.” Harry hissed.

“Where the bloody hell did that come from?” Ron asked.

Harry and Hermione shrugged. Why did I just lose control? They're just my best friends…going out. Together. In love. The thought alone made him want to puke. Why? Why did it matter so much? It's not as if I…Oh, Merlin…have…could I have….feelings for her?! No…No. Out of the question. He thought, Well, yes, yes actually yes, maybe I do…but I couldn't possibly…love her?

“Harry?” Hermione asked pulling him out of his thoughts, laying a hand on his arm. His stomach went completely queasy inside, and that answered his question. Yep, hold the phone…I'm in love. I'm in love with my best friend. I'm in love with Hermione. Perfect. He thought, Just the right time to realize it…right when she's mooning over Ron. Ron. Ron Weasley. He shuddered and pushed the thoughts far from his mind.

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April 25, 1999

The Last Battle

“Merlin…NO!” Harry screamed as the Cruciatus curse ripped through his body. They had been going at this for hours now.

“Give up Potter, you're going to die. Along with your little Weasel and Mudblood friends.” Voldemort sneered as Harry forced his eyes to the shackles at which Hermione and Ron were hanging from. He couldn't believe the position they were in. All three of them, ready for combat, training for months and months, and now…Voldemort had caught them off guard and captured his friends.

“Leave them alone!” He yelled, “It's me you want, right? Go ahead, hurt me…just leave those two out of it!”

Voldemort laughed an evil laugh, “Oh…yes, Harry. I think that's precisely what I'll do. Just let you watch your friends be set free…where's the fun in that?”

He turned to Hermoine, “Crucio!”

“NO!” Harry screamed, shouting deflected curse after deflected curse as Voldemort.

Suddenly, Harry got the intense feeling within him, a surge of great power. He quickly cast the first spell that came to mind and Voldemort didn't have time to counter-act it. Before anyone could blink, Voldemort was down on the ground, out cold, his powers already severely drained from earlier. Harry wasted no time in raising the sword triumphantly over his head and said, “For Dumbledore…For My parents…For Sirius…For every other bloody person you killed…for my friends!” He yelled as he chopped the head off of Voldemort's limp body. His breath was staggered, and he quickly released his friends from the shackles. They limped to him and he caught Hermione as she almost fell.

“I'm so sorry…I'm sorry…I tried to do something…I couldn't get you out-” Harry rambled on apologies.

“Harry. Relax. We're fine now.” She hugged him, tears in her eyes. “You did it, Harry. We did it. We defeated him!”

He smiled, “Yes. Yes we did.”

She pulled away and Ron patted Harry on the back, pulling him into a brotherly hug. “The war is over…The war is over…”

Hermione turned to Ron and kissed him.

Oh, right. Harry thought, They are together aren't they. Yes. For the past few months now. And yet you still haven't got the courage to tell her, huh Potter? Yes. Brave indeed. I should tell her…I should tell her tonight…He saw trickles of scarred and bleeding people coming to meet the three and scream out in victory, and cry out in loss.

Ginny pulled him into a hug and a rather intense kiss. “Oh, Harry…I love you. I can't believe…that you almost died! I've been so scared….”

He tried to smile, but his gaze, through is broken glasses, was falling upon Ron and Hermione. Tell her.

Later that night, as they were all dodging members of the Order and the Ministry, hiding out in the common room, they tried to enjoy one last full night of bliss before they returned to hell of it all. The stories, their statements, the interviews, they were all almost in tears and were bleeding…and now they had to share their innermost fears and doubts to the world.

Harry told Ginny at least. “Gin…I'm sorry.” He said to her later that night. “I'm sorry that I have to do this to you…on this night and all…But I'm sorry…I can't do this anymore. And when I say this…I mean you and me.” He gestured his hand between the two of them.

“What!” She exclaimed in surprise, “You're breaking up with me! Tonight of all nights! Well done, Harry Potter…you really know how to let a girl down easily!” She slapped him and stormed off. I guess I deserved that. He thought, reaching up to touch his cheek.

Hermione. He thought, Must tell Hermione.

Gathering up all his courage, he descended down the stairs, fully intent of revealing his true feelings. But he found Ron and Hermione…together on the couch…engaged in full force snogging. His anger turned to sadness, and he returned to his room. Who am I kidding? It'll never happen.

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May 23, 2000

Hogwarts—Harry's dorm

Last day of school

This was the day he received the fateful news. He lay in bed that night after Hermione and Ron breaking the news of her pregnancy and their impending marriage to him.

I can't believe it. I can not. Hermione? Pregnant? Now? At 17! She wanted to have a job…she wanted to go places….not settle down at 17! Hermione Weasley…no. That's not right. I should have told her…maybe things would've been different now. Or maybe they'd have been worse. I have no idea what's caused this change in Hermione…but I think they just need some space. If I stick around, I'll say something, or do something I'll regret…yes. He thought, convincing himself he'd made the right decision to be an American Auror. I would probably accidentally object at the wedding…and as much as I wish that she could love me the way I want her to…she never will. She's got Ron. Ron. Ron. Ron.

Damn it, I wonder what Sirius would think of me now? Crumbling at the least sight of…this. But no, I have to do it. I have to go. It's not as if I'll never see him again….

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Same day—Hermione's dorm

She laid there, under her covers, curtains drawn, where no one could see her. No one could hear her. She cried for hours…

This isn't what I wanted…This isn't what I wanted at all! At first I was just going out with Ron to get over Harry…but now…I'm marrying him? Having his child??! No it was all too much. I still love Harry…I love him so deeply it hurts….I pray everyday he will love me the same. And now he's leaving. He's leaving. For America. I have no idea how long it'll be till I see him again…

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June 1, 2000

Grimmauld Place

Harry's departure

She watched him pack his things in the boot, as she fought the tears so willingly coming to her eyes.

Be strong, Hermione. Be strong.

He turned to her and smiled. It was fake, and so was hers. But they were smiles. Ron looked between the two of them and chuckled… “See ya soon Harry!”

Harry looked at Hermione reluctantly and hugged her. The smell of her hair…the way she looks, the way she feels…How am I supposed to go without the sound of her voice?

“Goodbye.” She told him teary eyed.

“Goodbye.” He said, climbing into the car, and turning to get one last look. Now they can move on… He thought to himself.

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Present

She acted purely on instinct, with tears in her eyes and running down her cheeks, she ran to him and threw her arms around his neck; crying hysterically into his chest.

“Harry…” She croaked. She could not believe what was happening. She hoped it wasn't a dream. But it had to be…he's dead. He's gone. No…no…this can't be happening.

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A/N: Don't be angry! I know this chapter was very choppy…considering the flashbacks…I just had to get you caught up…or else you might fall behind on the future chapters. I promise next chapter will be ALL present and Harry and Hermione's angst and friendship and oh…the repairing they'll have to do. BUT! In future warning, to some of you, you may think that Hermione will be very angry at him for leaving, which she will, and that Harry will still be mad she's with Ron…which he will, you have to realize…ten years has gone by. She'll be mad and upset…but also happy that he's back and willing to work it out…even if it takes awhile.

Ps. Next chapter is rather long—it's called, “Deliver Us From Ron”! I'll leave you and your imagination to it now…

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There, standing a relatively far distance away from them was a man. Raven black hair, electric green eyes, scar…baggy jeans and a navy Polo shirt. She gasped.

It was none other than Harry Potter.

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She acted purely on instinct, with tears in her eyes and running down her cheeks, she ran to him and threw her arms around his neck; crying hysterically into his chest.

“Harry…” She croaked. She could not believe what was happening. She hoped it wasn't a dream. But it had to be…he's dead. He's gone. No…no…this can't be happening.

He held her tighter, “Mione…”

She cried harder, she didn't want him to ever let go of her. “Why didn't…how did…I thought you were…”

“I know.” He said, hands running through her hair. She loved the feeling of his arms after so long.

She only pulled back just enough to look at him and his electric green eyes. “You're here.”

He nodded and hugged her again, “I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry for leaving…I'm sorry.”

She cried harder, “I missed you; I missed you so much…” She whimpered.

“I know. I know.” He said, rubbing her back. Over her shoulder, Harry caught sight of a young girl, wide eyed; spitting image of Hermione. Hair, eyes, through her hair was a bit tamer than Hermione's was at that age.

“Your daughter?” He asked, pulling away a little and she turned to face her shocked daughter, still in Harry's arms.

“Uhh...yeah.” She said, wiping away a few tears. “Gabby, come here.”

Gabriella obeyed and walked over. Harry had no idea what he was supposed to say.

“Uh…Hi, Gabby, I'm…I'm Harry.” He said, looking a little bewildered.

Gabriella nodded, “Hi.”

“Gabriella, this was…or is, your daddy and I's best friend.” Hermione explained nervously.

Gabriella raised her eyebrows. “How come I never heard of you?”

Harry looked at Hermione's bent head, “You…You never told her about me?”

Hermione looked up into his eyes and snapped, “Can you blame me? You left.”

It hit him like 1,000 bullets to his heart. “I…I know. I'm sorry. You have no idea how sorry, Hermione, how much I missed you. We can talk…later; I do need to tell you why I left.”

“Yes. You do.” She said, feeling the need to shrug away from him. She was still angry at him for leaving.

“I know, I will.” He said kissing the top of her head. He still loved her, though she didn't know it. She still loved him, though he didn't know it.

“I thought you were dead,” She looked up into his eyes, trying not lose all her anger in front of all these peopel.

“Well I'm not, I'm here,” He told her, staring at her; wishing it was possible to just erase the past 11 years or so.

She pulled away from him suddenly. “Harry...um, Gabriella and I...we should...check out. Um...maybe you should...come back with us. Ron would probably like to see you...”

“Alright,” He said nervously, wiping away a tear she had missed with his fingers.

“And yes, Gab, You can get those.” She smiled, looking into her daughter's shimmering eyes.

Gabriella smiled, “Thanks Harry.”

“No problem, Ellie, your mom has her weaknesses.” Gabriella like that had a nickname for her now. She was beginning to like Harry a lot. She smiled and laughed, hugging him as if she'd known him forever.

“What like you?” She asked curiosity and knowing in her eyes.

Hermione and Harry fell silent at this question and looked away.

Gabriella realized they were avoiding that comment, so she changed the subject. “Mum…that one's open!” She gestured towards an empty checkout line.

“Right!” Hermione said and the three let the cashier ring up their items.

Hermione walked back beside Harry on the way back to the car, though they kept their distance from each other as Gabriella ran ahead, skipping to the car. Gabriella enjoyed knowing that her mum was at least somewhat happy; she never remembered a time where her mum was happy. Not once. She was a wonderful mother; she never thought her mom didn't love her. Her mom loved her a lot. Most of the time, they only had each other.

“So, Harry…” Hermione started nervously. “How'd ya get here?”

“Here? Oh...appa-” Harry stopped, “Wait does she know?”

Hermione nodded, “Yes. But thank you.”

“Apparation.” Harry answered.

Gabriella squealed, “Oh! Good you're a wizard I wasn't sure! What's your name again?”

“Harry Potter.” Harry told her with a smirk.

Gabriella stopped walking and her jaw dropped. Harry and Hermione turned back to look at her. “H…Harry Potter??!!”

“Yes, Ellie, Potter.” He chuckled.

“Oh!” She exclaimed, “I've read a lot about you when you were a baby and a little boy! Though I can't seem to find anything about when you were at Hogwarts…” They continued to walk.

Harry and Hermione both knew why. Hermione had hidden every book that had any indication of Harry, especially the trio's relationship. But it was impossible to hide Harry Potter completely. They chose to ignore that comment and tell her the truth later.

Harry sighed, “Just like your mother…”

Hermione elbowed him in the ribs and Gabriella laughed.

They finally reached a pricey black SUV and got in. Gabriella sat in the back, but leaned forward so she could talk to her mother and Harry.

There was a silence as Hermione put the key in ignition and turned on the engine. They pulled out of the parking lot and on to the London roads.

There was a vibe of awkwardness throughout the car and Hermione took a second to evaluate her surroundings. She was driving `home' in a car with her best friend whom she loved and she had thought dead of for years. This was a little too insane.

Harry was feeling the same way but decided they had to start some where.

“So, Hermione, what do you do?” Harry asked curiously.

“Umm…I'm a stay at home mum.” Hermione answered, biting her lip.

“Excuse me?” Harry asked shocked.

“You heard me.” She smirked.

“I…you…that's…whoa.” Harry was at a loss for words.

“Why is that hard to believe?” Gabriella asked confused.

“I always thought your mum would have a career…I mean at school…You always were so set on having a successful career outside of your home life.” Harry answered honestly.

“Yeah, but Ron's busy with the Cannons' so…I have to be around to be home.” She answered, realizing how much she had given up for Ron.

“That's not right for you to give everything up for him, Hermione. I know you have Gabriella, but…” He didn't know what to say.

“Its okay, Harry…uh…later.” She answered giving him a look saying they could talk later.

Her MagiCell started to ring. “I'll get it!” Gabriella exclaimed. “Oh...it's dad.” Her voice seemed to soften in disappointment.

She answered, “Hello….oh, Hi dad…yea…no…really? Cool…no…yea almost…ok…bye.”

She hung up and sighed, “It sounds like he's drunk again, Mum.”

Hermione avoided Harry looking at her. She was frowning and focused on the road.

“Hermione?” Harry called her, touching her arm as she drove.

“I'm fine; Harry…Ron's just a little tipsy.” She lied to him.

Gabriella sighed, “Don't lie, mum, I hate him.”

“Lily Gabriella Weasley!” Hermione exclaimed, she didn't like Ron either but didn't want her to say she hated her own father, no matter how bad he was.

“Lily…” Harry said softly. “Lily…” He said a bit louder.

Hermione looked at him, “Oh, umm…I'm sorry Harry I didn't mean to…”

“No.” Harry said, holding his hand up. “It's fine. I like it. Lily Gabriella...”

“What?” Gabriella asked curiously.

“Oh, we named you, your middle name, after Harry's mother.” Hermione told her.

“Really?” Gabriella asked. “That's cool. Why dont you call me Lily then?”

“Because, Gabby, we don't. Ron...was never fond of the name and wanted to call you by your middle name. So we did.” Hermione answered paitently.

“I'm sorry, mum, but I don't like daddy like this.” Hermione closed her eyes for a moment.

“How long, Hermione?” Harry asked her.

“Just…well, a few months after we got married. He's gone all the time…he just gets really drunk and bad sometimes. I…” She didn't know what else to say.

“Hermione…” He started.

“Later, Harry, please.” She told him.

They pulled into a long driveway of a big white house. The three got out of the car. Hermione opened the front door. They walked in.

“Well, hello.” Ron said as they sauntered in the door. Harry noticed that Hermione was upset, but hiding it. Gabriella looked afraid. Harry wished he knew what she wasn't telling him.

“Hi, Ron.” Hermione said.

Ron spotted Harry, “Well, you two were gone for a while. And look if it isn't our dear best friend, I thought he was dead.” He hissed.

“Ron…stop.” Hermione asked him fearfully.

“What is your problem, Hermione?” Ron walked towards his daughter, “You met him didn't you? Huh?”

Gabriella was trembling. He grabbed Gabriella by the arm.

Harry was shocked, “Ron!” He exclaimed.

Ron let go of his daughter and looked to Harry and Hermione. He stepped toward Hermione and she took a step back. He walked toward her fast. He grabbed her arm, squeezing it tight and raised his hand. Gabriella closed her eyes.

Harry jumped forward and pushed him off of her. He slammed Ron against the wall, “Don't you dare! Don't you dare touch her!!”

“What do you care? You left us?” Ron said harshly.

Harry pushed him harder against the wall, “Your right, that was terrible of me, but I'm back and I swear to Merlin I will not let you touch her! Or Gabriella!”

Hermione was breathing heavily; she turned to Gabriella, cowering in the corner, watching the events fold out. “Gab…go…get your stuff, pack as fast as you can and come back down.” Now was the time, after all these years. She didnt know why she decided just then, but there was no turning back.

Gabriella didn't waste a second, she bolted up the stair. Hermione stayed where she was, “Ron, I'm leaving.”

“No.” Ron said defiantly.

Harry held his wand to Ron's neck, “She is leaving. What is wrong with you?”

Hermione ran up the stairs and magically had all her things together and downstairs in no time at all. Gabriella was already down stairs when she walked down the steps.

“Don't even think about touching either of them again. If you say anything threatening to them again, I'll kick your arse. And if you lay a hand on them, I'll kill you.” He said, punching him in the gut. Ron must have had too much to drink and that punch did him in. He passed out. “You're pathetic,” He whispered, following Gabriella and Hermione out the door.

Once outside, they walked all the way to the car before stopping. Hermione took her daughter in her arms.

“I can't believe that he just…Has he done this before?” He asked her, watching her.

“A few times. I tried to leave, but I couldn't bring myself to do it and…” She said. “This time...when you were holding him there...I figured we could get out...”

“I promise. I won't let him hurt you anymore.” He let one of his hands brush way a strand from Hermione's eyes.

“No offence, Harry, but I don't really take your promises that seriously anymore,” Hermione snapped. She closed her eyes. “I'm sorry. I didnt mean it. All I'm saying, is that you can't promise that...because after you leave, I'll just get sucked right back there. Ron's been very touchy about you.”

“So you're saying this is my fault? He started drinking after I left?” Harry asked, knowing very well it was probably true.

“No,” Hermione argued. “But it did have something to do with that. Do you have any idea what you did to us? You know I cried myself to sleep for months.”

“Hermione...”

“Look, thank you...for...intervening. I didn't know he'd be that bad today. But...I think it might be best if Gabriella and I just...stayed at my parent's house for now...”

“ Why can't you stay with me?” Harry commented.

“Mummy?” Gabriella looked between them.

“Harry...” Hermione shook her head. “I need to stay with my parents now...not with you...I'm not...just, please don't make this difficult.”

“Okay,” Harry held his hands in the air. “At least let me take you there. I remember exactly where it is.”

“Fine,” Hermione conceded.

“Yay!” Gabriella smiled and jumped unexpectedly into Harry's arms.

Harry laughed slightly and hugged her. He wiped away a few of Hermione's daughter's tears and knelt in front of her. “You know, your daddy wasn't always like that. He's a good guy, Ell. I don't know what's gotten into him, though. I'm sorry.”

“He's always been like that, Harry. As long as I can remember. It's okay.” She confessed, before whispering to him. “My mum's never tried to leave him before. She's always been too scared. She's mad now but I know she'll get over it.”

Harry smiled at the little girl's comment and said, “C'mon, let's go take you to your grandparents.”

Each of them climbed in the car, Hermione reluctantly letting Harry take the keys.

“My parents will be absolutely thrilled to see you,” Hermione shook her head.

~*~

A/N: So that's been a long time in the making. I'm not making any promises about updating. I know, I'm terrible and you probably want to strangle me but i since i paused this story i have had four popular, successful stories, three of which are still in progress, so this pause was good for me.

I wrote this chapter a LOONG time ago, so its not as good as my current writing skills are. The next few will be better. Hopefully it wont be long before those are out.

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