Sorry yet again about my lack of updating. Yesterday was a really bad day- if any of you were ever Angel fans, you probably know that the guy who played Lorne died of heart failure at 33. I was lucky enough to meet him a few years back and was pretty upset about hearing that he passed away. RIP Andy Hallet, you will most definitely be missed.
Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper
Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick and think of you
Caught up in circles, confusion is nothing new
Flash back warm night, almost left behind
Suitcase of memories
Time after sometime you pictured me
I'm walking too far ahead
You're callin' to me
I can't hear what you've said
Then you said, "Go slow, I fall behind"
The second hand unwinds
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you, I'll be waiting
Time after time
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you, I'll be waiting
Time after time
"Okay," she said softly. "I'll get some sleep."
Harry gave her one last look before he walked out of the room. Bella, Billy and Hermione's parents were waiting for him.
"You didn't tell her, did you?" Bella asked, folding her arms and looking up at him.
"I didn't say a word," Harry promised.
Bella grinned. "I told Grandma and Grandpa all about it."
"It sounds very nice," Elinore said. "I'm sure Hermione will love it. It's very nice of Tilly to agree to cook that for her."
"Tilly definitely cares about Hermione," Harry replied. "I've spoken to her a few times and she's been worried."
"She's been with us for a long time," Bella told her grandparents.
"I think she'd want to stay with Hermione, wherever she decides to go." Harry told them as they left. Billy stayed close to his side.
"She's family," Bella said. "She helped keep me safe."
"I always liked her too," Billy volunteered.
Bella linked her hand in Billy's. "She always let me bring you biscuits."
"And pie," Billy nodded.
"And cake," Bella said with a grin.
Elinore laughed. "You two will ruin your appetites before we even eat."
Harry picked up Billy and swung him around. "You haven't seen this one eat yet." Billy laughed. "Harry!"
Bella laughed too. "You're flying again!"
"He has quite a way with them, doesn't he?" Robert commented in a low voice to his wife.
Elinore nodded. "He and Billy seem quite taken with each other."
"They do," Robert said. His eyes fell on his granddaughter. "And Bella---she reminds me so much of Hermione."
"She's brilliant," Elinore agreed.
"Damian's not going to hurt her or our daughter again," Robert vowed.
Elinore nodded. "And you know we do have Harry to thank for bringing Hermione back into our lives."
Robert sighed. "I know, Ellie. We were so wrong."
"We won't lose her again," Elinore replied.
"Absolutely not," Robert agreed, squeezing his wife's hand.
"Come on Grandma!" Bella called. "Here's the restaurant!"
"I'm coming," Elinore smiled at her.
The group spent a few hours having a nice dinner, then Harry took Billy back to the orphanage and he and Bella picked up Hermione's dinner.
"Want to pick up some flowers for her, too?" Harry asked.
"Mummy loves daisies," Bella answered.
Harry grinned. "And how about you? What kind of flowers do you like, Miss Isabella?'
Bella blushed. "Snapdragons."
"Snapdragons it is," Harry said grinning at her.
"You're going to get me flowers?" Bella asked in surprise.
Harry smiled. "Of course. All princesses deserve flowers, don't they?"
Bella blushed deeply.
Harry tweaked her nose. "Right?"
"Right," Bella said shyly.
"Hello, sir," the woman behind the counter said. "What can I get you and your little girl?"
"A bunch of those daisies there," Harry pointed. "Can you mix in a few red roses?"
"They're for my mummy," Bella told the woman.
"I see," the woman smiled.
Harry picked Bella up so she could see the woman arrange the flowers.
"What else can I get you?" the woman asked after she'd finished wrapping Hermione's bouquet.
"Snapdragons," Harry said looking at Bella who shyly nodded.
"You're in luck," the woman said. "I have one bunch left."
Bella grinned. "Really?"
"Do you want anything else?" Harry asked.
Bella shook her head. "No, thank you."
"Just the snapdragons then," Harry said, setting Bella down.
"Thanks, Harry," Bella said looking up at him.
"You and your mum both deserve a little something," Harry said.
Bella put her arms around his middle and hugged him tightly.
Her action made Harry realise what an absolute jerk Damian Conaghan was. This little girl was as sweet as could be and he didn't even know.
Hermione was still sleeping when Harry and Bella entered her room.
"Let's let her rest," Harry whispered.
"We can set things up though," Bella whispered back.
"Very quietly," he said, a finger to his lips.
Bella nodded and tip-toed over to her mother's bedside.
She laid the bouquet down on the table and helped Harry set up the tray with the dinner Tilly had made.
Hermione started to stir. "Hmmmmm...."
"Mummy," Bella said, hurrying to her bedside.
Hermione smiled sleepily at her. "Baby."
"Mummy we have your surprise," Bella whispered.
Hermione struggled to sit up and Harry hurried over to help her. "Easy now..."
"My head is spinning a bit," she said.
"Can I get you anything?" Harry asked.
"Some water," Hermione rubbed at her forehead.
Harry reached for the pitcher on the table and poured her a glass. He handed it to her.
"Thank you," her eyes fell on the tray.
"What's all this?" Hermione asked.
"Your surprise!" Bella chirped. "Tilly made your favourite dinner!"
Hermione smiled. "She did?"
"And we got you flowers," Bella said.
"They're lovely," Hermione whispered looking at the bouquet.
"Bella said they're your favourites," Harry told her.
"They are," Hermione smiled. "Where---where are my parents?"
"Back at their hotel," Harry replied. "They wanted to give you a little rest time, and I'll ring them if you want them to come back here."
"Did you have fun with them this afternoon?" Hermione asked her daughter.
Bella nodded. "Lots."
Hermione smiled She was glad that her parents had hit it off with her daughter.
"They like Billy too," Bella climbed into the bed with her.
"I'm really glad he was able to come and see you," Hermione said kissing the top of her daughter's head.
"I hope he doesn't go away with those people," Bella said. "I'd miss him too much."
Hermione shared a look with Harry.
Harry simply smiled back at her. "Better eat before that gets cold."
"Right," Hermione said. "I hope the two of you are going to help me."
"You eat first," Harry said. "We're both pretty full."
Hermione laughed. "Okay, then."
Harry sat down in the chair next to her bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Better," Hermione told him.
"Even your head?" he asked.
"I'm still a little dizzy, but the doctor said this was normal," Hermione said before taking a bite of her food. "Mmmmm."
"Eat up," Harry encouraged. "Your doctor said it's a good thing for you to have an appetite."
"Yes, Dr. Potter," Hermione teased.
Harry smiled. "Eat."
"Harry bought me flowers, too," Bella told her.
"He did?" Hermione asked. "Let me see!"
Bella slid off the bed and grabbed her flowers from the window seat. "Aren't they pretty, Mummy?"
"Beautiful," Hermione nodded. "Just like my girl."
"I wish you could come back to Grandma's hotel with me," Bella said. "I miss you."
"I won't be here long, sweetheart," Hermione said. "We'll get our own hotel room or something."
"We're not going to leave here, are we?" Bella asked. "I like it here, Mummy."
"I don't know, baby." Hermione replied. "I'm not sure what's going to happen yet."
"Let's just enjoy the evening," Harry said to Bella. "And making sure your mummy gets all better."
"Okay," Bella settled back against the pillow.
Hermione finished her meal and even managed to eat two biscuits. Bella had fallen asleep leaning against her mother and Harry watched them.
"That helps me feel a lot better," Hermione said softly. "Thank you so much."
"You're welcome," Harry replied, his eyes locked on hers.
"It's good of you to include her in these things," Hermione looked at her sleeping daughter. "It normally takes her a long time to bounce back from these..."
"Hermione," Harry said gently.
"This is the first time I've ever stood up to him, you know?" Hermione asked.
Harry nodded wordlessly.
"It's made me realise what I fool I've been," Hermione continued.
"You tried to protect your daughter," Harry said.
"I didn't try hard enough," Hermione answered.
"The important thing now," Harry said reaching for her hand, "is getting back on your feet and building a new life for you and Bella."
Hermione nodded. "It won't be easy."
"I'll help any way that I can," Harry said. "And you'll have your mum and dad."
Hermione nodded. "I'll probably take you up on that."
Harry knew it was getting late and he busied himself by cleaning up the plates and things from their dinner.
Hermione looked at him perceptively. "What's going on with Billy?"
Harry shrugged. "He's doing okay. I mean, I stopped that fight this afternoon. And he was really happy to see Bella."
"But what are you thinking?" Hermione asked. "You care about him."
"Well, of course I do, Hermione," Harry said, not meeting her gaze.
"Tell me the truth," she said.
"It's late," Harry said. "I should get Bella back to your parents'..."
"Don't run away," Hermione said. "I've done enough of that for both of us."
Harry sat back down. "I care about him and he reminds me of myself at that age."
Hermione nodded. "I can tell."
"But adopting him..." Harry's voice trailed off.
"What would be wrong with that?" Hermione asked gently.
"That kid deserves better than me," Harry said looking at her.
Hermione shook her head. "Harry... I don't think there's anyone better than you."
Harry looked away. "When I came back after the battle," Harry said. "I, uh, I didn't recognise myself. Everyone wanted to celebrate and I just wanted to crawl into a hole and be by myself. The only person I wanted to talk about it with was you."
"And I was gone," Hermione said quietly.
"I'm not trying to dredge that back up," Harry reassured her. "We both made a lot of mistakes, Hermione. I just want you to know where I'm coming from. I deal with what I did everyday. I'm not so sure that's the ideal environment for me to raise a child in, do you?"
"I think if you love that child you'll do anything in your power to keep them happy," Hermione sighed. "I guess I should have taken my own advice.
"He had that contract over your head," Harry reminded her. "You knew that if he had full custody, she wouldn't be happy and so you sacrificed yourself."
"I never once left her alone with him," Hermione said. "I always made sure if I couldn't be there, Tilly would be."
"You're a good mother, Hermione," Harry said. He motioned to the sleeping Bella. "That little girl would do anything for you."
Hermione smiled at her daughter. "I'll always keep her safe."
"You can't change what's happened," Harry said. "But you can turn things around, Hermione."
"I want to try," Hermione nodded.
"Me too," Harry said smiling at her.
"I want us to try together," Hermione said. "I know it's a lot to ask--"
"I'd like that," Harry said leaning in.
Hermione closed her eyes as his lips brushed against hers. She didn't want to move things along too fast between her and Harry, but she needed him.
"I love you," Harry whispered.
"I love you too," she confessed.
Harry's eyes blinked open. He couldn't have heard her right, could he? "What?"
"I might be saying it too soon," Hermione said. "But I do love you."
Harry grinned. "You do?"
She nodded.
Harry gave her another kiss. He wondered if she knew how long he had waited to hear those words from her.
"I just have to take things slow." Hermione said when they broke apart. "For my sake and for Bella's."
"I understand," Harry said touching her cheek.
"I know my parents want me to move back to London but I love it here," Hermione said. "My job is here and all Bella's friends are here too."
"It's a beautiful place," Harry agreed.
"It's one of those things I have to figure out," Hermione laid her head back on the pillows.
"I haven't been in the same place for this long, either," Harry admitted. "I've been living out of a suitcase."
"You should have a home," Hermione replied.
Harry looked meaningfully at her. "I do."
"Here?" she asked.
"Home to me is where you are," Harry said.
Hermione's eyes welled up with tears.
Bella's eyes blinked open and she smiled when she saw Harry.
"Hey you," Harry said. "Ready to get back to the hotel?"
Bella nodded sleepily.
"We'll be back first thing in the morning," Harry said. "I have one more day of homework for Bella from Mrs. Morando."
Hermione gave her daughter a kiss. "You be good for your grandparents, baby."
"I promise," Bella said. "I love you Mummy."
"I love you too," Hermione said. "Thank you so much for tonight."
Bella nodded happily.
"Come on, Snapdragon," Harry said lifting Bella gingerly up into his arms.
"I'll leave my flowers with yours, Mummy." Bella said. "They look pretty together."
"They do," Hermione agreed. "Good night, my sweet girl."
"I'll come by with her in the morning," Harry promised. "Breakfast... and I'm sure your parents will be back as well."
Hermione nodded. "Thank you, Harry."
"Anytime," Harry smiled at her and ducked out.
Bella put her arms around his neck and closed her eyes. "You love my Mummy," she whispered.
"I sure do," Harry said, shifting her a bit.
"I do too," Bella said resting her head on his shoulder.
"She's a good mum, isn't she?" Harry asked as they got on the lift.
"The best," Bella replied.
"Good," Harry said. "Things are only going to get better now."
Bella had heard that so many times over the years, but for the first time, she actually believed it.
Harry patted her back reassuringly. "When I pick you up tomorrow, we'll get some extra donuts from that bakery you like."
"Can we get some for Billy too?" Bella asked. "You could bring them to him."
"Absolutely," Harry replied.
Bella hugged him again. "I love you, Harry."
Harry kissed the side of her head. "I love you too Bella." the words came so naturally he didn't realise he'd even said them until after he had done so.
Not too long ago, he had been living out of a suitcase, traveling from one location to another. Looking everywhere he could for his best friend and wondering what would happen if and when he found her. Just when he'd given up hope, he had found her and his life had changed forever. He could actually see himself settling down and building a life somewhere.
More importantly, he could see himself settling down here.
He knew he would have to be patient with Hermione and he knew that he couldn't rush things. Looking at the sleeping girl in his arms, though, made him realise it would be worth the wait.
*** *** ***
After another day in the hospital, Hermione was finally released. She had mixed feelings about going back home, but she was glad to be surrounded by her own things.
"Mummy!" Bella said happily. "You're here!"
"Hi, sweetheart," Hermione said bending slowly down to give her daughter a hug. She was still bruised and in a little pain.
"Tilly made your favourite dinner," Bella chattered. "And Grandma says I can sleep with you tonight."
Hermione smiled. "That sounds perfect."
"Yay!" Bella ran ahead.
"How are you doing?" Harry asked Hermione.
"Still sore," she said, wincing.
"You look beautiful," Harry said squeezing her hand.
"Flatterer," Hermione said wryly.
Harry laughed. "Come on, Granger."
Hermione let him help her into the kitchen. "Welcome home, Madame," Tilly said respectfully.
"Thank you, Tilly," Hermione said. "I wanted to thank you for looking after Bella that ...that night."
"Of course," Tilly nodded.
Harry and Elinore had cleaned up the house with the help of Tilly. All traces of Damian had been removed.
"How about some tea?" Harry asked Hermione.
Hermione nodded. "That would be lovely."
"I will get it, Madame," Tilly said.
Hermione sat down. She was still a little woozy from her pain medication.
"How about something to eat?" Harry asked. "I'll make you a sandwich."
Hermione shook her head. "I'm not really hungry."
"Hermione!" Elinore said. "Welcome home, love."
Hermione looked up to see her parents standing in the doorway. "Hi, Mum, Dad."
"How are you, sweetheart?" Robert asked.
"I'm okay, Dad," Hermione replied. "Glad to be out of hospital."
"We cleaned up your bedroom," Elinore said. "Went out and bought you a new mattress and bed set."
"Mum, you didn't have to do that," Hermione protested.
"We wanted to," Elinore said.
Tilly set a cup of tea in front of Hermione. "Here you are, Madame."
"Thank you so much, Tilly," Hermione said. "Just the way I like it."
Robert looked at Harry. "Mind if I have a word?"
"Sure," Harry nodded.
Robert and Harry stepped out of the kitchen and into the sitting room. "Damian made bail again," Robert told him quietly.
"What?" Harry asked in disbelief.
Robert nodded gravely. "The trial is in the next couple of days. I would think he wouldn't do anything to jeopardise that by coming anywhere near Hermione or Isabella."
"I'll stay here just in case," Harry said. "I won't leave either of them alone."
Robert nodded. "Elinore and I would certainly feel more comfortable with that."
"I'll do anything I can to keep them safe," Harry told him.
Bella had gone upstairs to her room for a moment but she hurried downstairs and smiled when she saw her grandfather and Harry. "Grandpa got me a goldfish, Harry."
"He did?" Harry exclaimed.
Bella nodded. "I named him Buckbeak."
Harry laughed. "That is a perfect name, Bella."
"Do you want to see him?" Bella asked him.
"Of course I do," Harry picked her up.
Harry carried her upstairs.
"He has a really cool fish tank too," Bella told him.
"Does he?" Harry asked.
Bella nodded. "He's my first pet ever."
"Really?" Harry asked. "I used to have an owl, named Hedwig."
Bella looked at him. "An owl?"
Harry nodded. "She was all white."
"What happened to her?" Bella asked as Harry set her down.
"She died of old age," Harry said. "Just a few years ago."
"That's so sad," Bella said softly. "Did you cry?"
"Yeah," Harry tugged on a lock of her hair.
"I'll share my goldfish with you," Bella told him.
Harry gave her a hug. "That's very sweet, but it's your pet."
"I want to share," Bella said.
Harry wanted to promise her every pet she'd ever wanted to get, but knew it was much too soon to be making those type of promises. "Are you sure? I might want to take him to my hotel once in awhile." he teased.
Bella bit her bottom lip. "Um, he might miss me..."
"I'm just kidding," Harry said. "He's got to live here with his mistress."
Bella giggled and waved at her mother who was watching them in the doorway. "Mummy, come here! You can meet Buckbeak too!"
"Who's Buckbeak?" Hermione asked.
"My goldfish," Bella said pointing to the small tank on her desk. "Grandpa got him for me. Isn't he pretty?"
"He's lovely, darling." Hermione told her daughter.
Bella beamed at her. "I love him already, Mummy."
Hermione smoothed back her hair and smiled at her. "I bet you do. And I'm sure Buckbeak loves you as well."
"I'm going to go and get a biscuit," Bella said. "Do you want one?"
"Not too many," Hermione said. "You'll spoil your dinner."
"Okay, Mummy," Bella promised. Once Hermione and Harry were alone, Harry put his arms around her and hugged her gently.
Hermione buried her face in his chest. "What a day," she sighed.
"I know," Harry said softly. He wondered if he should tell Hermione about Damian.
"What is it?" Hermione asked, sensing his discomfort.
"Nothing," Harry said quickly.
"Something's wrong," she said perceptively.
"It's nothing," Harry said forcing a smile. "Let's get you to your bedroom---"
"I know you too well," Hermione said. "What is going on?"
"Damian was released on bail," Harry said quietly.
"What?" Hermione asked loudly.
"Your father just told me a few minutes ago," Harry said, putting a hand on her arm to calm her. "Look, chances are, he's not going to come anywhere near you or Bella. It would jeopardise his case."
"I'm not going to sleep tonight," she muttered. "What if he does try?"
"If he does, I'll take care of it," Harry said firmly. "I can set wards on the house, too."
"Promise to protect me?" she asked softly.
"Of course," Harry said hugging her again. "He wants you; he'll have to come through me."
"Thank you," Hermione said gratefully. "For everything."
"You should know that I'd do anything for you by now," Harry said. "Everything's going to be fine."
"I hope so," Hermione said. "And I'd like to keep Bella out of the courtroom. She's already terrified of Damian."
"Did your attorney say she'd have to testify?" Harry asked.
"She's not sure yet," Hermione said. "If Damian's attorney wants her there..."
"Maybe it won't come to that," Harry said. "Besides, she'd be on your side. Anything she said would implicate him. I can't see any reason they would call her."
"I hope not," Hermione said. "I want to protect her from all of this."
Harry rested his forehead on hers. "She is just happy to have you home."
"What about you?" she ventured.
"What about me?" Harry asked.
"Are you happy?" she asked softly.
"I'm with you, aren't I?" Harry asked.
"I feel safe with you here," Hermione said.
"I'll stay here with you as long as you need me," Harry said.
She nodded. "I don't know... after this is all over and I divorce Damian... how things will be. It may take me awhile--"
Harry ran his hand up and down her arm in a comforting fashion. "You take as long as you need, Hermione. I'm not going anywhere."
"Promise?" she asked.
"You know what I was thinking might do you a world of good?" Harry asked her.
"What?" Hermione asked.
"After the trial, I was wondering if you might want to take a day trip with me." Harry asked. "To Hogwarts..."
"I haven't been back there in so long..." Hermione said.
"Ron and Luna would love to see you," Harry said. "I know you and Ron didn't exactly get off to a good start last time..."
"Do you even think he'd want to see me?" she asked.
"He loves you," Harry told her. "He was so worried when he found out what had happened."
"He knows?" Hermione asked. "About everything Damian's done?"
Hermione pulled away from Harry. "Hermione..."
"What must they all think of me?" Hermione asked. "And what I did to myself?"
"Hermione," Harry said coming up behind her and putting his arms around her. "He knows what kind of horrible position Damian and that stupid contract of his put you in."
"But I was the smartest person in our class," Hermione sat down on the bed. "I should have seen right through him from the start."
"You said he swept you off your feet," Harry said.
"I was upset," Hermione said.
"Because of what I did," Harry said. He sat down beside her. "I can't help thinking none of this would have happened if only I'd told you the truth that night or if I'd taken you with me."
"Why didn't you?" Hermione asked. "The real reason."
"Fear," Harry replied thoughtfully.
"Fear of what?" she asked.
"Fear that you'd reject me," Harry said after a moment. "Fear that you didn't feel the same way and that there'd be this awkwardness between us and I'd lose the best friend I ever had. Fear that I'd die and leave you behind. I didn't want that for you."
"You never realised it did you?" Hermione asked.
"Never realised what?" Harry countered.
"That I was in love with you?" she asked, her eyes stinging as tears welled up.
"What?" Harry asked.
"I never thought you would see me that way," she said.
"I was an idiot for not seeing it sooner," Harry said reaching for her. "You were the one person who stood by me no matter what."
Hermione nodded. "I always would have."
"I loved you then," Harry said softly. "And I love you even more now."
"Harry," she whimpered as her eyes welled up again. "How can you love me?"
"How could I not?" Harry asked before leaning in and gently kissing her.
Hermione closed her eyes and welcomed the gentle feel of his lips on hers. She knew she needed time to recover from everything, but she wouldn't ever get tired of this.
"I love you," Harry whispered.
"I love you too," she managed.
They heard Bella coming up the stairs and reluctantly pulled away from each other.
He squeezed her hand as Bella burst into the room. "Dinner's ready!" she announced.
Hermione stood up. "I'm starving."
"Grandpa says it's good if you're hungry," Bella recited.
Hermione took her daughter's hand. "You know I think you're your grandfather's new favourite person."
Bella giggled. "He's fun."
Hermione was so happy that her parents were a part of her life again. It meant more to her than anything that her parents were supporting her and Bella during this tough time.
Harry put his arm around her shoulders and gave a gentle squeeze. "All right?"
"Getting there," Hermione replied smiling at him.
"If you don't find it too intrusive, I thought I'd take the room adjoining to yours," Harry said. "I can be close that way in case... in case of anything."
"I'd like that," Hermione said.
"Good," Harry said, relieved she liked the idea.
"We're going to have the best time," Bella chimed in. "The three of us."
Harry reached and picked Bella up, making the young girl laugh.
"The four of us," Harry corrected her. "You, me, your mummy and Buckbeak."
"Right," Bella nodded. "I can't forget him! And Billy too!"
"Billy," Harry said. He felt guilty for not checking on Billy today. With everything that had been going on, he hadn't been at the school these last couple of days.
"Can he come over tomorrow?" Bella asked her mother.
"After school," Hermione nodded. "If it's okay with Dr. McGraw."
"Yay!" Bella said happily. "I bet he misses me. And I can't wait to show him Buckbeak!"
"I hope you don't mind about the goldfish, Hermione," Robert said as they entered the dining room. "She mentioned that she'd never had a pet and I thought this would be small enough..."
"It's fine, Dad." Hermione assured him.
Bella grinned. "Thanks, Mummy."
Hermione reached for her daughter and hugged her. "I love you so much, baby."
"I love you too, Mummy," Bella said. "I'm really glad we're home."
"Me too," Hermione nuzzled her daughter's soft cheek.
"And Daddy will never hurt us again," Bella said. "Right, Mummy?"
Hermione shook her head. "No more, sweetheart."
Dinner was quite surreal for Hermione. She never thought that she'd be setting here with her daughter, the man she loved and her parents.
She ate better than she thought- but after days of mostly sub par hospital food she was glad to put something that had taste into her stomach.
Her parents stuck around for about an hour after dinner.
"Hermione, what do you plan on doing after this trial is over?" Elinore asked.
"I was thinking that Bella and I would stay here," Hermione said. "I love teaching at the school."
"But don't you miss London?" Elinore pressed.
"Mum, I do, but this is my home now," Hermione replied, putting an arm around her daughter. "Bella loves her school and she has so many friends here."
"Like Billy," Bella nodded.
"And what about you?" Robert asked Harry.
"I'm not sure yet," Harry replied. "I suppose it depends on the outcome of the trial and what comes after."
Bella looked at Harry. "You're not going to leave, are you?"
"I hope not," Harry replied.
"I don't want you to leave, ever," Bella said.
Hermione smoothed her daughter's hair back. "Why don't' you go get yourself ready for bed?"
Bella gave her grandparents a hug and kiss. "Good night, Grandma. Good night, Grandpa."
"We'll see you tomorrow, love." Elinore said.
Bella hurried upstairs.
"I should go tuck her in," Hermione said.
"Harry can see us out," Elinore told her. She stepped forward to give her daughter a hug. "I'm so glad you're home, sweetheart."
Hermione hugged her mother back tightly. "I'm so glad you both are here."
"Us, too," Elinore said. "You get some rest and don't worry. You're safe."
Hermione nodded. "I know."
Hermione gave her father a hug before she, too, went upstairs to check on Bella.
"Harry," Robert put out his hand. "Thank you for everything you've done for Hermione."
Harry shook his hand. "I love your daughter, Dr. Granger."
"I'm glad," he nodded.
"And Isabella?" Elinore asked.
"She's as beautiful and sweet as Hermione," Harry answered. "I can't imagine her not being a part of my life now either."
Elinore smiled. "We're trusting you with them, Harry."
"I won't let you down," Harry promised.
He saw the Grangers out and then went upstairs to check on Hermione and Bella. The little girl was going to sleep with Hermione tonight and Hermione was trying to choose a book to read for her bedtime story.
"The fairy tales, Mummy." Bella said. "That's what Harry read to me."
Hermione smiled. "Okay, let me just grab the book."
She saw Harry in the doorway. "Come on in."
Harry stepped inside. "You two look cosy."
"Mummy's going to read to me from that book," Bella said happily.
"We'll see if she can do the voices," Harry teased.
Hermione shook her head. "I don't know about that."
Harry chuckled. "I'm sure you'll do fine."
He sat down in a chair while Hermione made herself comfortable next to her daughter.
Hermione opened the book to Little Red Riding Hood and began to read. When she got to the part with the Big, Bad Wolf, Harry leaned forward to see how she'd do.
Hermione glanced over at him and began to read in a somewhat gruff voice.
"No, no." Harry shook his head. "That's not right, is it Bella?"
"It's not THAT bad," Bella said loyally.
Hermione smiled. "That's my girl."
Harry cleared his throat and in a high pitched voice said. "Grandma, what big eyes you have." Bella giggled before Harry continued in a gruff voice. "All the better to see you with my dear."
Hermione turned the book towards him.
Harry grinned in triumph. "Come on, Granger. There are only a couple of things I'm better than you at. You can let me have ONE of them, right?"
"Maybe just one," Hermione relented.
Bella tugged on Harry's hand. "Read!"
"Your wish is my command," Harry said. He finished Little Red Riding Hood, and read Rapunzel, Cinderella and Snow White before Bella finally fell asleep.
"She fought falling asleep," Hermione whispered.
"I'll say," he nodded. "Can I get you anything?"
Hermione shook her head. "It's been a long day."
"Yes it has," he agreed.
"I'll see you to your room," Hermione offered.
"Don't get up," Harry said. "I know where it is,"
"You don't need me to tuck you in?" Hermione asked teasingly.
"Perhaps tomorrow night," he joked.
Hermione gingerly got out of the bed and walked over to him. "Can I at least get a kiss good night?"
"You don't even have to ask for that," he said softly, leaning in.
Hermione looped her arms around his neck and gently pressed her lips to his.
"I love you," Harry said when they broke apart. "And if you need me at any point tonight--"
"I know where you are," Hermione said softly. "And I love you, too."
"Sleep well," he said.
"You warded the house, right?" Hermione asked him.
He nodded. "No one can even step on the lawn and not set something off."
Hermione smiled. "Thank you."
Harry gave her one more kiss. "I'll see you both in the morning."
"Good night, Harry," Hermione whispered.
"Night," he said, touching her cheek before leaving the bedroom.
Hermione watched him go and then closed the door behind him.
She washed her face and got into bed next to her daughter.
"Night, Mummy," Bella mumbled.
"Night baby," Hermione whispered. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," Bella said cuddling up beside her mother.
Hermione closed her eyes and buried her face in Bella's hair.
It wasn't too long before she fell asleep as well. Today had been very trying and being back here had drudged up so many memories.
As soon as things were straightened out, she would find a new place for her and Bella to live.
She knew that her parents would like nothing more for her than to return to London.
Hermione didn't want to leave Johannesburg. She loved the city, her job and her friends.
She also knew how important this city was to Bella. Despite Damian, they had made a life here.
"I'll figure it out tomorrow," she said drowsily to herself.
In a hotel room, a few miles away, Damian Conaghan was barking orders into his mobile phone. "I don't care, Michael. You're my attorney and you're going to find someway out of this! She's ruining my life!"
"You wrote up that contract," Michael reminded him. "For some reason you thought it would be a good idea for that stipulation, not me!"
"Find a loophole!" Damian shouted. "And I'm the wronged husband here! She's been carrying on with that Potter..."
"She's been having an affair?" Michael asked.
"Yeah," Damian replied angrily. "With this bloke she went to school with."
"If you can prove this, we can claim infidelity." Michael said.
"I can do more than prove it," Damian said. "That bastard is with her right now in MY house."
Michael wrote a few things down. "We can use that in court- that she's been carrying on with him. We'll use your upstanding image in the community as well as your time overseas to show that you're a good doctor."
"So you think I have a chance then?" Damian asked.
"If we can prove this," Michael said. "I'll have to work to keep your arrest under wraps."
"Do what you can, mate," Damian pleaded.
"I will, but you have to stay away from her and the child," Michael warned him. "Promise me."
"For now," Damian said. "You better dig up what you can on this Potter."
"I'll see what I can find," Michael said. "Good night, Damian."
Damian hung up the phone without saying anything. He would get his bitch of a wife and take her for everything she was worth.
He could care less about custody of Isabella. He had never wanted a child. When he won the case, he'd ship her off to boarding school where he wouldn't have to worry about her.
Then he would be free to do whatever he wanted, with WHOEVER he wanted to do it with.
He would be damned if Hermione would make a fool out of him again.