Potters World
What an idiot!
****
Harry was sure the smile etched on his face would never leave. It had been just over a week since Hermione had told him she wanted to add another addition to their family and he still felt like he was walking on air. When he thought of what their second child would look like he felt giddy. The thoughts that were going through him excited him to no end. Would it be a boy this time, a son that would look the spitting image of him? Or would it be another princess for him to dote on? Either way, Harry was on cloud nine and he didn't expect that he would ever fall off.
When he got to work that morning, Harry struggled to think of anything else but the possibility that Hermione could have their child growing inside her right at that moment. He knew he was being overly positive of course, but he couldn't help himself, he was so excited even though they had only been trying for just over a week.
He was still in his heavenly day dream when Tonks strolled into his office without knocking.
"Ooh, someone looks like they got thoroughly shagged last night?" Tonks joked.
Harry shook himself out of his daydream and looked at Tonks blankly, he didn't even hear her come in. "Sorry what was that?"
"You were miles away," Tonks replied.
"I was," Harry smiled shyly.
"Well, wherever you were it must have been nice," Tonks said throwing a file on the desk. "Case number 85B483, boss. Permission to close."
"85B483," Harry laughed, as he picked the case file up to flip through. "Are you kidding? This thing has been on file for like a hundred years."
Tonks nodded. "Yep, it's funny how you become attached to things."
Harry flipped to the back page of the case file he was looking through, then looked at Tonks with raised eyebrows. "The suspect's dead."
"So one could presume…case closed?" Tonks gestured to the file Harry was holding.
"How did he die?" Harry asked intrigued.
"Page eight."
Harry flipped to page eight of the file and saw a picture of a beautiful blonde. "Who is this his granddaughter?"
Tonks smiled. "No, it's his wife."
Harry returned the smile and shook his head as he took another look at the picture. "What a way to go."
Tonks nodded. "So…?"
Harry placed the file over his desk and waved his wand over it. "Case closed."
"Cool," Tonks said.
"So you'll be needing to be reassigned another?" Harry asked.
"Erm, no not right now," Tonks replied carefully.
Harry raised his eyebrows. "And why is that?"
"The other cases are taking a lot of my time up Harry, I really don't think it would be responsible to take on more than I can handle."
"If you're having problems why didn't you come straight to me and I'd have give you some breathing space?"
"There really is no need Harry, I can handle what I've got," Tonks said.
"I just don't want you, or anyone else for that matter, taking on too much."
"I'm assuming that you take your own advice also?" Tonks grinned.
Harry rolled his eyes. "I don't really have any choice since I became Mr. Granger, you know that."
Tonks laughed. "How is Hermione?"
Harry smiled at the mention of his wife. "Oh she's great you know, beautiful and as smart as ever."
"And the princess?"
"Getting too beautiful and smart for her own good," Harry answered proudly.
"New term starts soon, one week without Hermione," Tonks said gently. "Something I'm guessing you're not looking forward to."
With Hermione as the Hogwarts headmistress, being in the castle for the entire first week of school was something that she felt very strongly about. Hermione lived at the home she shared with her husband and daughter throughout the school year, but was always on call through the night should she ever be needed although it was extremely rare that she was. They had the option to stay at the castle as a family, only Harry and Hermione were adamant that their daughter would not see Hogwarts until it was time for her to go there. All of the other children that would start at the same time as Charlotte wouldn't have seen the school, and Harry and Hermione didn't want to rob their daughter of the excitement she would experience discovering the castle on her own with her newfound friends. They wanted her to experience it the way they and their friend Ron had been able to.
"I do hate this time of year, although it'll be even more difficult this time around," Harry said with a hint of sadness in his voice. "What with Hermione and I trying…" Harry stopped himself but he had a feeling he had already said too much.
"Trying what?" Tonks asked.
"Oh…nothing," he stuttered. Tonks didn't look convinced. "Really."
"Never mind," Tonks said as she started to leave. "I'm sure Remus will get it out of you later."
"Yeah whatever," Harry said jokily.
Tonks winked and left Harry alone in his office, where he began entering dream world once again.
****
Hermione, like Harry was feeling on top of the world. She thought that being married to Harry for over six years and having a daughter, that it wasn't possible to be happier than she was already. She was wrong. But no matter how happy Hermione felt inside, it didn't stop her from being sensitive to Luna's situation that morning. She was aware that Ron and Luna had been having some problems lately, and the last thing her friend needed was to have her nose rubbed in her and Harry's loved up baby making bubble.
"So, have things improved any?" Hermione enquired gently.
"Not really," Luna replied pouring her friend a cup of tea. "Merlin Hermione, he won't even talk about it."
Hermione felt so sorry for her friend. Luna looked so fragile and broken lately.
"I could ask Harry to try and talk to him if you want?" Hermione offered. She was aware that Ron had already spoke to Harry about the problems that he and Luna were having, but wasn't sure how Luna would feel if she knew about that. Hermione didn't want to make things worse, but was desperate to help if she could.
"Do you think he would?" Luna asked sadly. "Only I'm willing to try anything at this stage."
"Surely things haven't gotten that bad," Hermione said trying to be supportive.
"I don't even know what's going on anymore, Hermione," Luna replied sounding tired. "Don't get me wrong he's wonderful with Ashlee, he's an amazing father but…" Luna trailed off not knowing how to explain it.
"But?" Hermione asked, already knowing what her friend was about to say.
"He can be so insensitive sometimes," Luna said, putting a hand to her forehead. "Hermione, I have no idea what to do. Why do I feel like this?"
Hermione put her arms around her friend as soon as she noticed tears forming in Luna's eyes. "Hey, I'm sure everything will work out eventually. There are lots of couples who go through this after a new arrival, and the most important thing that you need to remember is that you're not alone in this."
"I'm not?" Luna sniffed.
"Of course not," Hermione said reassuringly. "Harry and I are here for you whenever you need us ok?"
"That really is kind of you to say Hermione," Luna said gratefully. "I know how weird this must be for you."
"How do you mean?" Hermione asked.
"I know that you and Harry are Ron's best friends," Luna explained. "I'd never expect--"
Luna wasn't able to finish what she was going to say as Hermione cut her off rather sharply.
"Stop right there," Hermione said sternly. "We think just as much of you as we do of Ron and you should know that by now. And where Ron may be our oldest friend, it certainly doesn't give him the right to act like a complete arsehole and expect Harry and I to agree with his behaviour."
Luna smiled slightly at Hermione's choice of words, but her smile was quickly replaced with a frown when she again thought about how much of a mess her life was in right now.
"Hermione, I love him so much," Luna said, tears flowing freely down her face.
Hermione hugged her tighter. "I wish there was something more I could do."
"Just being here is enough," Luna said still sniffling. "Thank you so much Hermione, you really are a good friend."
Hermione looked at her friend with concern, Luna was really struggling lately and she hated that there wasn't anything more she could do to help. All of a sudden she had an urge to kill, a familiar urge that she experienced regularly in school. It was no surprise to her that the same person was responsible for her feeling this way as they were back then. "Just wait till I get my hands on you Ronald Weasley!"
****
Harry reread the letter in his hand for the third time. He was worried for his friend, in all the time he knew Ron, he'd never seen him come across as so vulnerable before. Ron's owl had landed on the window ledge of his office in the auror department just as he was about to go and get some dinner. As he held the letter in his hand, he read it again for the fourth time.
Harry,
I know that this is dinner hour but I really need to talk to you about something. I'm in the Hogs head Tavern. I know the food is pretty crap but at least you'll be able to have a bite to eat while you listen to me tell you…well…just please be here will you.
Ron
Harry put the letter in his pocket and grabbed the cloak that was on the back of his chair. He was just about out of the door when he bumped into Dean Thomas.
"Whoa, sorry Harry," Dean apologised.
"No, I wasn't looking where I was going," Harry said a bit disorientated. "What can I do for you, Dean?"
"Were heading down to the Broomsticks for dinner, wanna come?" Dean asked chirpily.
"You know what maybe tomorrow, I have to go meet somebody right now," Harry said quickly. "I might be a little bit late back so if anyone wants to get hold of me they know how to contact me."
"Sure Harry."
Without another word Harry apparated to the Hogs Head Tavern.
****
When he arrived at the pub he found Ron sitting hunched against the bar. He was very curious as to why Ron had chosen this pub to get sloshed in, maybe because it wasn't exactly popular amongst upstanding wizarding folk, it was usually the place where depressed people went to drink away there problems. Harry supposed that it made sense for Ron to be here after all.
He walked over to the bar and sat on the stool next to Ron. His friend barely noticed him sit down, only looking in Harry's direction when the barmaid came over to them.
"What can I get ya?" the barmaid asked.
"Just coffee please," Harry answered, then looked into the haggard face of his friend. "Make it two."
The barmaid nodded and walked off to get their drinks.
"Thanks for coming," Ron said groggily.
"What's going on Ron?" Harry asked seriously.
Ron opened his mouth to answer but found that he couldn't. He tried again but without success, causing him to sigh and throw his head back slightly. "Merlin…I cant even say it."
"Can't say what?" Harry asked urgently. "Ron, what the hell is going on?"
There was a short silence before Ron managed to get out another sentence. "I've done something."
Harry raised his eyebrows. "What? What have you done?"
"I've ruined everything," Ron croaked.
Harry was still confused. "Ruined what?"
"You know the case that you assigned me last week?"
Harry nodded. Ron was an auror in his department and just last week Harry assigned him to a case that required him to go to Italy for two days and two nights. "You said everything went by without a hitch, that you followed the guy and got all the information we needed."
"I know," Ron said glumly.
"So then what are you talking about?"
"It's just that…while I was there…something happened," Ron stuttered.
"Ron--"
"Harry, I slept with someone," Ron confessed.
Harry had a look of pure shock on his face. He looked at the best friend he'd known for over eleven years, the friend who along with Hermione had been through almost everything with him. For the first time in their whole indestructible friendship, Harry looked at Ron like he had never seen him before.
"And by 'slept', I'm assuming you mean that you had sex?" Harry clarified flatly.
Ron nodded slowly. "Yeah."
Harry immediately saw Ron's wife Luna and his little goddaughter Ashlee flash through his mind. He then felt anger begin to build up inside him as he thought about what Ron's confession would do to his friend's family.
"You stupid, fucking, idiot!" Harry said disgusted.
"Harry, please," Ron said sadly. "I understand what I've done and how badly I've messed up."
"Do you?" Harry asked fiercely. "Do you really understand what it is you've done?!"
Harry stopped his rant when the barmaid returned with two coffees. Ron began to sip his straight away in an attempt to perk him up a bit, not at all bothered that the burning hot liquid was stinging his tongue.
"So who was she?" Harry asked his anger still present.
"Nobody," Ron said evenly. "Just some witch I met at the hotel."
"Well that's great," Harry said sarcastically. "I'm sure Luna's gonna be thrilled to know that you've thrown your marriage down the toilet for a 'nobody'!"
Ron closed his eyes in anguish. "Harry, you gotta know that I hate myself right now, and no matter how hard you try you're not gonna be able to make me feel worse."
"Hermione could I'm sure," Harry retorted.
Ron's back shot up straight as he harshly put his cup onto the bar. Who needed coffee to make you alert after a threat like that?
"Harry, you can't tell Hermione," Ron pleaded. "She'll tell Luna and then castrate me!"
Harry shrugged. "You're supposed to be talking me out of telling, Hermione."
Ron sighed "Don't tell Hermione just yet."
"Ron," Harry's eyes flashed dangerously. "I don't keep things from my wife."
"I just…wanted to tell Luna myself," Ron said fidgeting. "I know that there's a possibility that if Hermione finds out, she'll tell Luna before I get the chance to."
Harry heard the desperation in his friends voice but was still finding it hard to feel any sympathy towards Ron at that moment.
"If she asks me I'm not going to lie," Harry told Ron firmly.
Ron grimaced. "I'm gonna tell Luna today."
"Good," Harry said before taking a sip of his coffee.
"Harry?"
"What?" Harry asked, his anger fading a little.
"Am I going to lose them?" Ron asked sadly.
Harry was sure he was seeing Ron at what had to be his weakest moment, but he still couldn't believe his friend was capable of doing such a thing.
"I think there's a very strong possibility that you could lose your wife, yes," Harry replied honestly.
Ron let his head fall to his hands in defeat.
****
Harry still couldn't believe it, his best friend Ron had committed adultery. He'd been back from the pub for two hours now and was sitting in his office just looking out of his window. He might as well have gone home seeing as how he was unable to concentrate on anything since returning from his meet with Ron. He had tried to put himself in Ron's shoes in attempt to understand it, but even then it was no good. He thought about what he would do if he and Hermione were going through exactly what Ron and Luna were going through, and even then he couldn't understand what possessed Ron to do such a thing.
His mind started to wonder what was happening at Ron and Luna's house right now. Luna for certain was going to be heartbroken after Ron confessed to his infidelity, and Harry wasn't sure Luna could deal with much more stress. Hermione had speculated that Luna could be going through some sort of post partum depression and that her insensitive git of a husband wasn't helping matters. Hermione. He guessed she would also be very angry and disappointed with Ron when she found out what he had done. Hermione and Luna had become very close over the years, and she always made a point of not showing favouritism to himself or Ron just because she had known them longer. Harry smiled as he thought of this, he once joked to Hermione that she should always be on his side seeing as how he's her husband. Hermione simply replied that she of course was always on his side, but sometimes that meant telling him things that he didn't always want to hear.
Harry's smile was getting wider the more he thought of his wife and her funny know it all expressions, but his smile started to fade as he was again floored with thoughts of how Ron could do something so stupid. Harry mused that he must just be totally different from Ron when it came to being a husband. Harry adored his wife and loved her with all that he had, he constantly told her how beautiful she was and how happy she made him, and that his life would be nothing without her. No matter what hard times they were to go through in life, he'd swear on the life of his daughter that he would never even contemplate doing such a thing to Hermione, as Ron had done to Luna. He just couldn't understand it, and realised in that moment that maybe, he never would.
With that final thought, Harry raised from his chair and started to put away the files that were on his desk. There was no way he was going to get anymore work done for the day. He suddenly had an overwhelming urge to wrap Hermione and Charlotte up in his arms and never let go of them. Grabbing his cloak, he left his office and took out his wand to perform a locking charm on his door, before finding Remus to tell him that he was taking the rest of the day off to spend with his family, and that he was only to be contacted if absolutely necessary.
****
When Ron arrived home he felt like a dead man walking. After dusting himself down from the floo, he walked straight into the living room to find Luna sitting on the end of the sofa beside Ashlee, who was fast asleep in her bassinet.
Luna looked up and smiled when she saw him. "Hello, darling."
"Hi," Ron said quietly.
"Good day?"
"Not too bad," Ron replied, getting more nervous by the second. "Yours?"
"Oh you know, so and so," Luna said, glancing towards Ashlee then back at her husband. "Finally got her to go down, she's been cranky all day."
Ron smiled weakly, his wife looked so innocent and he felt sick to his stomach knowing that he was about to break her heart.
"Ron," Luna said softly. I think we should talk."
Ron nodded. "So do I."
"I know that things have been…difficult lately," Luna said standing up. "And I know that this is going to sound so strange, but…I miss you." Ron remained silent. "I love you."
Ron could swear he felt bile rise in his throat. "Luna stop, please."
"Sorry?" Luna said confused.
"God, I'm sorry." Ron told her sadly. "I'm so sorry."
"Ron, are you ok?" Luna asked worried.
Ron shook his head quickly. "No, no I'm not."
Luna approached him and took his face in her hands. "It's ok. Whatever it is we'll get through it together."
Ron looked into his wife's eyes. "I never wanted to hurt you."
Luna's face slowly went from one of concern to dread. Ron never acted like this. It was becoming increasingly obvious to her that something serious had happened, something that threatened her and Ron's happiness, or whatever it was they had these days. She slowly took her hands from his face and stepped back slightly. "What did you do?" she asked, her voice breaking.
Ron looked down. He couldn't bear to meet her eyes but thought it was the least he could do seeing as how he was about to turn her life upside down. He looked up and faced her. "There's no easy way to say this but…I've…I…I slept with someone when I was in Italy."
Luna didn't move, she gave no indication that she had heard what he said, but she had heard loud and clear. One emotion she never thought she could feel towards her husband, no matter what happened in life, was hate. She was wrong. The feeling engulfed her instantly as she slowly felt the life she had built with the man in front of her, begin to crumble.
****
Hermione was in the kitchen cutting off the first layers of vegetables she was preparing for tea, when a chiming sound made her look above where she was standing. She was surprised when she saw on what had been a wedding gift from the Weasley's, an arrow with Harry's face on it pointing to 'home'. Harry didn't usually finish work till 5.30pm at the earliest and it was only 2.15pm.
Hermione heard her husband come into the kitchen and watched him approach her slowly.
"Well this certainly is a pleasant surprise," she beamed happily. "What are you doing home so early?"
Harry said nothing as he reached for his wife. Instead he took her face in his hands and kissed her as passionately as he could. His spontaneous actions had understandably surprised Hermione, who gasped as she felt Harry's tongue begin battling with her own. It wasn't long before she just melted into him like she always did. When they finally broke apart, Hermione gazed at him lovingly, all the while trying to read the serious expression that she was confronted with.
"Not that I minded that in the slightest," she grinned. "But what on earth has gotten into you?"
"Did I tell you I loved you today?" He asked seriously, not answering her question.
Hermione regarded him strangely before pretending to think about it . "Well lets see, you told me when we woke up, then you told me again in the shower, and then you said it once more before you went to work. So yes, you told me."
Harry's expression didn't change. "I really do love you, you know that don't you?"
Hermione smiled and slowly caressed his cheek with one hand. "Of course I do."
Harry nodded. "That's good."
"Harry, are you ok? Only you're acting a little…odd."
Harry knew he wouldn't be able to answer the question directly without dropping Ron in it. Ron was still his best friend, and Harry respected his wishes for his indiscretion to remain a secret until he told Luna.
Harry managed to reply honestly. "I just wanted to make sure you knew how important you are to me, you and Charlotte," he said.
Harry didn't expect Hermione to understand, but he felt the need at that moment to make it perfectly clear to her that she and their little girl was his entire reason for living.
"Harry, you show us everyday," Hermione took a deep breath, then took both of his hands in hers and placed them against her chest. "I know that something's bothering you, I can see it in your eyes. Has something happened at work?"
"No," Harry replied shaking his head. "Nothing like that."
"Then what is it?"
Harry thought for a while before answering. "Do you ever think that our lives are too perfect?"
Now it was Hermione's turn to think. "No," she said after a while.
"No?" repeated surprised.
"I know, that our lives are too perfect," she said softly. "I always think everyday that my life can't get any better, but then I'm always proven wrong when I wake up in your arms the following day."
"Are you ever afraid of losing it?" he asked, hating how vulnerable his voice sounded when he asked the question.
"Its my worse nightmare," Hermione admitted straight away. "Which is why try not to think about it."
"Mine too."
****