A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series or agree with her comments. This story is a product of my pure imagination. I do not profit from this and will not pay for any commissions for art about this story.
A gentle touch of the hand, fingers runnin' through hair,
Lips pressed to her lips, oh, I was caught unaware.
Arms holdin' me tight, tears in both of our eyes,
What a beautiful way to spend the rest of our lives,
Sun will reappear, burnin' auburn and red,
My chest was the pillow, green grass lawn was the bed.
Last night was the night, one last moment of truth,
And what a wonderful way to fall in deeper in you.
~ One Life by Ed Sheeran
~*~ 22nd August 2003 ~*~
Opening her eyes, Harry crawled to her side. "What the hell, Hermione?"
Hermione swallowed, her heart hammering within her chest as she wet her lips. "It was time."
"Time for what?" Harry asked as they both looked toward the veil as it made a noise. The ripples in the veil seemed to part, giving way to a bright light, and a body was spat onto the stone floor.
It hit the floor with a solid thud, and a man groaned.
The man raised his head weakly, looking at them, "Shite… it worked."
Harry froze as he stared at the man in shock. "Sirius?"
He gave Harry a weak smile, his eyes unfocused. "Hey, Pup," as his eyes rolled back, his head hit the stone, and he collapsed.
Hermione came to stand, "Check on him. We have about 30 seconds until-" Hermione flinched as lights pulsed and alarms started blaring within the room. "Shite, I thought I had more time."
As she ran over to the wall, Harry crawled over to Sirius, gently touching his sleeve as if testing that he was real. As Hermione saw him confirm that Sirius was, in fact, whole, not a ghost or a presence, Harry went into healer mode.
Checking his pulse, as he cast a monitoring charm over him, Harry listened for his breath. "Pulse is thready, he appears malnourished and has magical exhaustion."
While he checked on Sirius, Hermione rushed over to the wall, her heart pounding as she felt for the cutout that she knew had to be there. As her fingers skimmed over the line cut into the rock, she pushed with all her might, and the rock receded into the wall, revealing two aged scrolls. Grabbing them, she shoved them into her purse carefully as the wall resealed itself.
Footsteps thundered closer as the Aurors ran in, wands drawn.
Hermione held her hands up as Harry stood in front of Sirius, doing the same. "Shite, I didn't think this part through."
"Explain it to me again," the Minister of Magic, one Arthur Weasley, stated as he stood in front of her, arms folded over his chest.
Hermione sighed as she sat stiffly in a chair, looking around the private waiting area of St. Mungo's, "I need to get Rose from school."
Arthur glanced at one of the two Aurors with him. "Contact my wife, please, tell her to pick up Rosie from school."
Hermione grumbled, crossing her legs with her arms crossed over her chest, "It was her last day of nursery school. I wanted to pick her up."
"Well, unfortunately, you two broke into the Department of Mysteries AGAIN," He said wearily, "and this time you have somehow brought Sirius Black back into existence. Hermione, I love you, but I need you to answer some questions for me here," Arthur stated, "My hands are tied this time."
Hermione rolled her eyes with a sigh. "We didn't break in. An elf from Gringotts brought us in."
Arthur looked at Robards, the Head Auror, who nodded. "All right, that is plausible, but you didn't trigger any alarms when you arrived."
Hermione flinched, "Well, we did, but I silenced them as soon as they went off."
Arthur looked at her, "You silenced Ministry official alarms? And just how did you do that?"
Hermione shrugged, "Just a spell that came to mind."
Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose beneath his glasses. "Hermione, you need to give me more. I don't want them to arrest you."
Hermione sighed, "Can I have my wand to put us in a privacy bubble?"
Arthur frowned, "Why do you need a privacy bubble?"
Hermione looked at him, "Because if I tell you the truth, we need to protect it."
Robards took out his own wand and whirled it around them. "There, we have total privacy."
Hermione sighed as she extended her hands and, wandlessly, reinforced the bubble. "Sorry, it wasn't strong enough."
Robards looked at her, surprised. "You can do high-level wandless magic? Nonverbally at that?"
Hermione nodded, "As of two hours ago," Hermione turned to Arthur, "I am a descendant of Merlin and Viviene, the Lady of the Lake."
Arthur's jaw dropped as he stared at her wide-eyed as she continued. "It was a recent discovery, when I was at my grandparents', I discovered the Pendragon Grimoire that had been in the care of my family for centuries. Together, they had a child named Morgen." Hermione looked at Robards, "Morgan le Fey. Magic was trimmed from our line after her, as a punishment for Viviene's betrayal of Merlin."
Robards stared at her, "Shite, you are crazy if you believe that's real."
"I thought it was crazy myself until Harry and I went to his vault today," Hermione looked at Arthur, "He inherited one from his ancestors long ago, the Peverell's. There was a crystal within it," Hermione explained, "I touched it, and the damn thing exploded on me, and out popped the soul of Merlin."
Arthur sat down beside her, "Hermione, you do realize how far-fetched this sounds, right?"
"I do, but it's the truth," Hermione told him, looking at Robards. "Can I have my bag?"
Robards looked at her. "It's evidence, we found travel documents within it, like you were planning to steal something from the Ministry and run."
Hermione stared at him, "Harry is taking me, Rosella, and the Minister's own son and fiancée to Majorca for a little getaway before Rose starts primary school and he starts here at St. Mungo's."
Arthur sighed, "She tells the truth. He's planned it for nearly a month."
"And I only found out about the Merlin connection recently," Hermione told Robards.
"But how did you bring Sirius Black back from the dead?" Robards inquired.
"He was never dead. He was pushed into the veil by a stunning spell. To retrieve him? I used old magic, a spell told to me by Merlin himself," Hermione stated, "who also gave me a mission, I guess you could say. He said that magic senses, the balance is off at the Ministry. It has tipped in the wrong direction, and she wants it corrected."
Robards and Arthur looked at each other, then back at her. "I'm listening," Robards stated, handing her bag to her.
"Here in my bag is a codex to help me translate Merlin's personal writings and texts," Hermione told them, "He told me it tells us how to fix it to keep our entire world safe."
Arthur sighed, "The Ministry has old magic that manages it, keeping things working, guarded, and protected. Things are… breaking down. They have been since Voldemort took over the Ministry. Things started to right themselves after the first purge, when Kingsley became Minister, but… as you see, we didn't get everyone, and they haven't completely recovered. If what you said is true, it might save the core of Britain's magical stability. The Ministry lies on a ley line. Instabilities can spread."
Hermione swallowed hard. "How dire is it?"
Arthur looked at her, "The Ministry isn't going to implode by any means, but as you said, the balance of the magic is off."
Hermione looked at them, "As soon as I return from holiday, I will start working on the Ministry translations."
Arthur ran his hand over his balding head. "Why is it always you two?"
Hermione scoffed, "This time, magic herself chose us for some reason."
Harry came out of the hospital suite, shutting the door behind him, only to hit the privacy wall and stared at them within.
Hermione waved her hand, cancelling it, making Robards stare at her in surprise. "What?" she asked him as she stood and walked over to Harry. "I was just catching them up. How is he?"
Harry sighed, his face pale. "It's as if he were locked away without food or water for days. He's extremely malnourished, and his magical core is weak. We have him in a magically induced coma to let his body recover," Harry told her. "He will be in it for at least a week, if not more. I've only seen this in third-world countries in children who have been starved because of a lack of resources and are close to death."
"Merlin said he was stuck in the in-between," Hermione said with a sigh as she looked at Robards. "Are we free to go now?"
Robards sighed. "Just next time, go through the proper channels instead of Apparating right into the Ministry."
Hermione watched him walk away and looked at Arthur, "He's just a ray of sunshine."
Arthur laughed. "He takes his job very seriously, Hermione." He looked at them, "So are you two staying now or going still?"
Harry rubbed the back of his neck, "I feel like I should stay, but at the same time, he's going to be in the magical coma recovering for at least a week, if not more. Wherever he was, it messed him up."
Hermione sighed, "It's entirely up to you."
Harry shook his head. "No, we will go. Nathan can get a hold of me if necessary. There is nothing I can really do for him here other than monitor him." He ran his hand over his face. "We need to get Rose."
Hermione hooked her thumb towards Arthur, "He sent Molly to do it."
Harry frowned, "It is her last day of nursery school."
"I know," Hermione sighed as she rested her forehead against his chest, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Did he regain consciousness at all after he collapsed?"
Harry shook his head, "No, I don't think he really even realized who we were. He called me pup, but did he say that because I was the last thing he saw before he went in?"
Hermione sighed, looking up at him, "I'm so ready for this holiday."
~*~ 23rd August 2003 ~*~
Hermione crouched down in front of Rosella as Harry locked up the house and held up a piece of parchment. "All right, Rose honey, this is called a Portkey."
Rosella looked at her, "That's paper."
"It is, but there is a spell on it so that we can travel far away," Hermione told her, "You have to hold on tight and not let go, no matter what. It might feel strange, but it will be over very quickly."
Rosella eyed it. "Strange?"
Hermione hesitated, glancing at Harry as he walked over to them. "She's never used a Portkey before."
Rosella held out her arms, and Harry picked her up, shifting her higher onto his hip. "It's the only way to get into the resort."
Hermione checked her watch and saw they were three minutes away from their departure time. "I thought Ron and Luna were meeting us here."
Harry shook his head. "No, they're meeting us there."
Hermione frowned. "You have all the luggage, right?"
Harry patted his pocket, "Right here."
The parchment began to glow. Hermione placed Rosella's hand on the parchment, and her hand next to Rosella's, as Harry also grabbed hold. "Remember, hold on tight. Five… four… three… two…"
The world lurched around them as the Portkey yanked them into its vortex. The violent spinning stole Hermione's breath as the three of them bumped into each other.
"I DON'T LIKE THIS!" Rosella shrieked.
"It's almost over!" Harry shouted back, holding onto her.
Finally, they were spat out onto vibrant green grass as warm sunlight and bright blue skies filled their vision, making Hermione squint.
Harry groaned, doubled over as Rosella sat up on the grass, "She got me in the stomach."
"Better than getting you in the-" Hermione began as Rosella leaned over on all fours and vomited all over the lawn. "Oh, sweetheart," she said, rubbing Rosella's back, "I know that was difficult for you."
Rosella curled into her lap, pale and sweaty. "I don't want to do that again."
Hermione looked up at Harry.
"I'll see if I can apparate her out," Harry said, helping Rosella stand and tapping her mouth with a breath-freshening charm, "Or find a floo. There has to be one."
Hermione stood, taking in where they arrived. They arrived on a circular lawn surrounded by fluttering flags of the Ministries of the UK, Ireland, Spain, France, Portugal, Morocco, Italy, and many others. Palm trees swayed lazily against the blue, cloudless sky as they walked toward the carved stone arch, its gold letters welcoming them to the resort in Spanish. Underneath it stood Luna and Ron, waving.
"UNCLE RON! AUNT LUNA!" Rosella yelled, her elbow going wild, hitting Hermione in the stomach as she scrambled.
Hermione groaned as Rosella ran across the grass.
Ron caught her mid-jump, lifting her high in the air. "Rosie! How's my favourite girl?"
"We get to go on holiday and swim, Uncle Ron!" Rosella yelled.
Ron laughed. "I know! Did you bring your floaties?"
Hermione pulled Luna into a hug as they joined them.
"I'm so glad we're doing this," Luna said, "Do you hear the ocean? It calls to us."
"I cannot wait to lie on the beach if they have one," Hermione said, looping her arm through Luna's.
Ron turned to Harry as they started walking towards the main building. "How's Sirius?"
"No change," Harry said quietly. "There won't be any until we bring him out of it. When we do, we'll need to check for any deficits."
Ron clapped Harry on the shoulder. "Let's go have a fun holiday."
As they walked down the stone path, Rosella gasped as fountains on either side of them burst upwards into the air. Water curled above their heads before splashing back into the basins opposite the ones they came from.
"The water flies!" Rosella said excitedly.
Harry opened the wide glass door for everyone, and they stepped into an immaculate welcome centre. The walls were lined with coolers filled with complimentary drinks and snacks, and a lounge area with games that several guests were using, including a large chaotic game of Gobstones.
A witch in pale khaki robes greeted them with a warm smile. "Welcome, Potter family. Your arrival has been anticipated. Welcome to Serenity!"
Two house elves appeared dressed in fine clothes of pressed shirts and trousers. "May we take your bags?"
Ron set their bags down, and one of the elves took them popping away.
Harry looked at the other elf, "I appreciate it, but I shrunk mine."
He bowed, "If you require my service, I am Winnie," as he popped away with a crack.
The receptionist presented them with their room cards. "Here is a map of the resort. There is a non-magical resort down the beach about 10 kilometres away. Please be mindful of that boundary. To access your rooms, tap your wands on the cards. Purchases may be made with your wand or card. The same applies to the access to the doors to your rooms. Have a wonderful stay."
Harry and Hermione took their cards and tapped their wands to them. Hermione gasped as the marble floor suddenly lit with footprints for them to follow, and she looked up at Harry, "This reminds me of the map."
Ron read through the pamphlet as they followed the footprints. "Luna! All the snack machines are free! This is the best place I've ever been."
Hermione snorted as they followed the footprints down a glass corridor. On one side, it offered views of the rest of the grounds. Hermione took in the various pools shimmering in the sun, a Quidditch pitch in the distance, and multiple cabanas littered the grounds as people roamed around. On the other side of the corridor was the ocean, with more glass corridors branching off to various bungalows. "Harry," Hermione breathed out, "How much did you spend on this?"
Harry grinned, "It was worth it." He said as he put his arm around her.
Hermione inhaled the scents of citrus and salt in the air that filled her lungs as the footprints moved down another corridor that suddenly led over the crystal-clear blue water. A bit further down, the glass seemed to open up, allowing them to go right as a new corridor appeared, and the footprints continued over a glass floor, giving them views of various fish swimming beneath their feet. The glass was opaque as they walked through the corridor between various bungalows, giving each ground its privacy. At last, the corridor opened to the side, with a door, while the rest continued. In Hermione's hand, her card grew warm. "I think this is ours."
Luna followed the footprints, and slightly further down, she looked back, "Ours isn't too far away from yours!"
Hermione tapped her key to the door, and it swung open, revealing another glass corridor. "See you both at dinner?"
Ron let Rosella down, "I'm hungry already," he said as he and Luna went through their door.
Taking Rosella's hand, they closed their door behind them, and the glass turned clear as they walked over the crystal water. Hermione gasped as she saw where the corridor led, "Harry! This is massive."
"They may have given me a discount to advertise in the Prophet," Harry explained.
"Well, that makes me feel a little better," Hermione said as the glass corridor ended, not on pavement but on sand.
Not only had Harry gotten them a bungalow, but it was its own small island. Palm trees and flowering vines surrounded their little home away from home for five days. "Harry, this isn't a Bungalow from the pamphlet," she said, showing him the pamphlet from the front desk.
"No, we got a villa," Harry said, "Look, there is even a slide into the pool."
"A pool?!" Hermione asked in disbelief, "We are on an island in the freaking sea, and we have a pool?!"
"And a hot tub," Harry said, kissing her cheek as he and Rosella ran up to the Villa, "Oh, and we can come back whenever we want. Turns out the investment company I'm part of owns this place. So, whenever we want one of these villas, it's ours."
Stepping onto the pool's deck, they walked past an outdoor dining area, and with a tap of his card, the door slid open. "This is unbelievable."
Harry smiled, "They even put children's guards in place," he told her, "She cannot go near the pool unless one of us is with her."
At the threshold, Winnie met them with a smile, "Welcome! I have wine chilling on ice, and the refrigerator is fully stocked. If you should require anything, please call for me," Winnie said as he disappeared.
Hermione looked at Harry as she took in the lounge area, "I may never leave this place," she chuckled.
"They even have a library, a cinema, an ice cream parlour," Harry told her.
Rosella, who was jumping on the couch, froze mid-jump, landing on her bottom. "Ice cream?"
Harry laughed as he sat down next to her, "Yes, ice cream."
Hermione had just helped Rosella put all her belongings away in her small bedroom after both of them had changed into their matching pink swimsuits, and came into the lounge area to find Harry letting Ron and Luna into their villa.
Ron was already in sandals, wearing bright orange swim trunks that clashed terribly with his red hair and pale skin. Luna looked beautiful in a shimmering blue swimsuit that complemented her pale skin. Walking into the room, Ron shook his head, "This place is crazy, Harry. This had to cost more than I make in a year."
Harry shook his head, "I got us a great deal, but you can use the pool. It even has a slide."
"You don't have to tell me twice," Ron said, kicking off his sandals as he picked up Rosella, who squealed, "Come on, Rosie Posey… let's go be ducks!"
Rosella giggled, "I'm not a duck! I'm a mermaid, Uncle Ron!"
Hermione and Luna followed them out to the pool, coming to stand next to Ron and Harry as they took in the pool area.
"I cannot believe there is a slide," Ron said, shaking his head.
Harry looked at Rosella, "Want to try the slide?"
"Yes!" Rosella yelled as Harry took her from Ron.
Hermione led Luna over to the loungers, "This can be our space."
Luna laid down and looked over at her, "Thank you guys for inviting us."
"This was all Harry," she said as she stretched out.
A shriek made her sit up to see Harry and Rosella coming down the twisting slide. They splashed into the pool, and Rosella came to the surface with a giggle. Thumping came from the slide as Ron yelled at the top of his lungs. Harry paddled Rosella out of the way as Ron screamed and launched into the water on his belly, splashing both Harry and Rosella.
Harry spat out water, making the girls laugh, "You did that on purpose."
Luna settled in on her side beside Hermione. "How are things between the two of you?"
Hermione smiled as she watched Harry help Rosella back up the ladder, "Better than I ever could have imagined. How is the wedding planning going?"
Luna's face turned dreamy, "I've decided not to get married at the Burrow like Molly planned for us."
"Oh, really, where are you planning to get married then?" Hermione asked.
"My mum took me to the Hill of Tara when I was younger. She grew up in Ireland, and it has a lot of history. On Samhain, locals say the spirits of the dead come to visit the Hill of Tara, especially the Lia Fail, the stone of destiny. I went to visit it last week, I just… it felt right for a simple ceremony. I don't need a lot of people there, and I don't even want a lot of people there. Just Daddy, me, Ron, you, Harry, Rosella, and the Weasley family. Those are the people that I care about, those are the people I want there," Luna told her.
"Then stick by what YOU and Ron want. That is the only thing that matters," Hermione told her.
Luna turned her head. "Where would you like to get married?"
Hermione bit her lip as she watched Harry and Rosella in the water. "I told Harry that I didn't care. I want a quick legal wedding, and the reception can come later. I said that I wanted just to get married legally, then have a reception that was Muggle-friendly for my family that might want to attend." She hesitated, "Truth is… I want to have a wedding, but that would mean waiting longer."
"But if you want it, tell him," Luna told her.
Hermione drew her knees up to her chest, "I know, but I know my dream location would be booked up. My mum's best friend had her wedding at the Signet Library in Scotland, and it was gorgeous. It was near Christmas, and they had it all decorated."
"Sounds like you want it there," Luna said.
Hermione shrugged, "I'd rather be his wife faster at this point. I don't want to wait months just because of a venue."
"You'd want it around Christmas?" Luna asked.
"Hers was, and they already decorated it for the holidays. But no, the 27th of November holds a significant date for us, but it's a Thursday," Hermione told her.
Luna smiled, "Then have your private ceremony on that day, and have your Muggle ceremony and reception that weekend."
Hermione chuckled, "It's a moot point. There is no way that I'd be able to reserve the library this late in the year."
She paused as she looked at the pool where Harry was pretending to be the giant squid in Black Lake while Rosella shrieked on Ron's shoulders.
"And that's if Harry were to propose in the first place."
Luna hummed, "He will."
Hermione snorted, "You sound so certain. We've talked about it. Talking and action are two different things."
~*~ 24th August 2003 ~*~
Hermione woke up to sunlight spilling across her body from the balcony of their room and the distant crashing of the waves against their beach. Placing her glasses on her face, she climbed out of bed and found Harry leaning on the balcony railing, looking down to the pool area. Two mugs sat on the table next to him.
"Morning," Hermione said, looking at the outdoor sofa and surprised to see Rosella already up. "What are you doing up already, my darling flower?"
Rosella patted the couch next to her, "Too excited to sleep."
Hermione took her coffee and sat down next to Rosella, who curled into her side. "When did she get up?"
Harry grinned, "She heard me up and getting ready this morning for my workout and decided to come with me."
Hermione looked down at Rosella, "You did yoga with Daddy?"
Rosella nodded, "Downward doggy and cat pose are my favourites."
Hermione sipped her coffee as she looked at Harry, standing in swim trunks, looking like the adonis that he was. "What is the plan today?"
Harry set his own mug down, "I ordered us a picnic lunch. We have an excursion planned."
Rosella sat up. "An adventure?"
Harry grinned, "How about going to a place called Mermaid Island?"
Rosella froze mid-stretch. "Real mermaids?"
"Very real," he replied.
Rosella screamed in joy as she launched herself at Harry, then ran into their room, presumably to her own.
Hermione looked at Harry, "Really? Mermaids? You do remember what they look like, right? Do you really want to subject her to that?"
Harry grinned, "These mermaids are half-merperson and half-siren."
Hermione stared at him, "Siren?"
Harry nodded as he finished his coffee, "Exceptionally beautiful and friendly. Think Ariel."
Hermione smiled, "Got it."
A small, enchanted boat carried the five of them across part of the Mediterranean, which needed no captain. Looking through the crystal clear water, it seemed to follow a glowing ribbon beneath the surface.
Ron leaned over the side, watched the fish swimming beneath them, and frowned. "If something grabs me, Harry, I'm blaming you."
Luna had her hand down in the water as they moved through it, "Nothing is going to hurt you here. Plus, only eels like to grab ankles."
Ron sat back, growing more pale underneath his already reddened skin.
As a cluster of jagged rocks approached, their boat slipped in the narrow passageway between them, and an island came into view. Pale sand in a crescent shape curved around a small lagoon, so blue that it looked as if it were a highly realistic painting. Stone formations seemed to rise from the water as the boat slowed to a stop against the pale sand.
Hermione felt Rosella's hand tighten within hers.
The water rippled, and a head appeared above the surface.
"They're here," Rosella whispered as another head appeared.
A total of six mermaids appeared in the lagoon, most of their hair long and dark against their olive skin. As they all exited the boat, the mermaids watched them with curious eyes. One swam closer to them, the scales of her tail glittering beneath the water in hues of green, teal, and purple. She rested her arms on the rocks, looking up at them. "Welcome land-walkers." Her voice was nearly singing a melody as she spoke.
Rosella stepped forward before Hermione could stop her. "I like your tail."
Another Mermaid broke the surface and smiled, her hair a dark auburn, "And I like your hair."
Rosella giggled, "Thank you."
"Little land-walker, I am Oceania," the auburn-haired mermaid said as she pulled herself out of the water to sit next to Rosella. She pulled on one of Rosella's curls, "Your hair is so soft and beautiful. May I braid it?"
Rosella looked at Hermione, who nodded.
Rosella sat down in front of the mermaid, who worked weaving thin strands of sea grass of various colours into Rosella's hair. The grass shimmered in the sunlight as she finished. Rosella beamed at her, "Thank you."
Oceania smiled, "Now you look more beautiful." She looked at Hermione, "Does the little one swim?"
Hermione shook her head, "Not well."
"We can teach her," Oceania told her.
Hermione stiffened, and Harry touched her arm. "I'll be right there."
Harry and Rosella waded into the shallow water, and she bit her lip as the mermaid supported Rosella's arms.
Walking to the main beach, they sat down watching the mermaids working with Rosella. Ron shook his head, "I thought mermaids were awful."
Luna smiled, "Not all creatures should be treated like they are all the same. Look at people. Voldemort was a Slytherin. Are all Slytherins bad like he was?"
"Yes," Ron stated.
Luna frowned, "Your prejudices weigh you down. Look at Harry's father's friend. He was a Gryffindor and sided with him. Does that make all Gryffindors bad?"
"No, of course not," Ron said.
"You cannot generalize mermaids or anyone else by the acts of a few," Luna stated.
Ron looked at Hermione, who glanced at him as she watched Rosella with the mermaids, "What Luna said. As Harry said, there is good and bad in all of us. It's what you choose to act upon," Hermione told him, burying her toes in the warm sand.
After Rosella's swim lesson had wound down, Luna spread out a blanket on the warm sand. Once she opened the basket, fresh bread, fruit, cheese, and sandwiches flew onto the blanket. Ron started tearing into the sandwiches.
Hermione looked at the shoreline to see Harry and Rosella exploring stones that were scattered along the coastline. Harry crouched down beside her and showed her how he could skip stones. Taking her hand in his, he showed her how to hold the stone, angle her wrist, and flick it.
Hermione smiled as Rosella grew increasingly frustrated after the first two sank.
"It's part of learning. Try again," Harry insisted.
The next stone skipped once, and Rosella jumped up and down. "I did it!" as the mermaids all clapped for her.
Hermione shook her head, grinning. "Lunch is ready!"
Harry picked Rosella up, "Tell the mermaids thank you."
"Thank you, mermaids!" Rosella yelled.
The mermaid closest to her looked at Hermione. "He is a great father. We see many families here, and he is one of the better ones. Most of the families have us play with the children while they explore the island."
Hermione smiled, "We are very lucky."
The ride back to Serenity felt slower, as Rosella leaned against Hermione, her eyelids drooping.
"I'm not tired," she insisted, her head snapping up for the fifth time.
Ron grinned, "That's what tired people say."
After returning, they all changed for dinner and met in the courtyard for dinner and a movie. Plates appeared as soon as they sat, as the family movie that Hermione had never seen before appeared on the screen, playing as they devoured their meal. Rosella made it halfway through dessert before her head ended up inside her chocolate cake.
"Well," Ron said, "She's done."
Luna smiled, "She's had a full day."
Harry lifted Rosella into his arms. She didn't even stir, only burrowed into his chest, spreading chocolate against his shirt.
They said their goodnight as they separated in their corridor. The glass was lit by soft golden light beneath the floor as they walked back to the villa.
Hermione helped Harry change Rosella into her pyjamas without waking her. Tucking her into the bed, Hermione ran her hand over Rosella's head, the sea grass tickling her skin as she pressed a kiss onto her forehead. "Sweet dream, Rose."
She pulled the door closed behind her and walked down to their room to find that the bed was empty. Through the open balcony doors, she could see Harry sitting outside on the long sofa, looking out at the sparkling moonlit water.
Hermione stepped out onto the balcony and sank onto the outdoor sofa beside him. Shifting, she curled up so that her head rested in his lap. "What are you thinking about?" she asked, looking up at him.
Harry looked down at her with a small smile. His fingers slid into her hair, combing through it. "Just how glad I am that we took this vacation."
Hermione sighed, her eyes drifting closed. "Me too. I didn't realize how much I needed to relax."
Harry scoffed and began scratching lightly at her scalp in the way she loved. "You relax? Unheard of. Hermione Granger has been stressed since the womb."
"Exactly," Hermione murmured, relaxing into his hand. "I haven't called the shop once. I didn't even think about it until just now."
"Once a year, we come back here," he told her gently.
Hermione smiled, a sleepy smile. "That sounds like a perfect plan to me."
Listening to the waves of the ocean, the steady rise and fall of Harry's breathing, and the feel of his fingers lazily tracing her scalp, Hermione slipped into a peaceful sleep.
~*~ 26th August 2003 ~*~
After two days of Serenity, the five of them gathered at the docks next to other vacationers for the daily excursion. Their boat was big enough for around twenty people to sightsee. Hermione kept one hand loosely hooked through Rosella's lifejacket and the other on her sunhat as they set off, the sea calm and blue in every direction around them.
Not far out, a flash of grey popped from the water beside them.
"Dolphin!" Rosella squealed, leaning over the edge for a better look.
Hermione pulled the back of her lifejacket tighter. "Let's stay in the boat, okay?"
Rosella sat back, though her eyes never left the dolphins frolicking beside them.
Their tour guide pointed out various spots and creatures as they appeared around them, until ahead, a jagged rock formation seemed to rise from the sea. A large, dark opening at its mouth appeared as the boat slowed, a faint shimmer marking the protective boundary as they entered.
Harry subconsciously leaned closer to Hermione. "Caves give me the heebie-jeebies after that one with Dumbledore."
Hermione gave him a look. "This one does not look as cursed. Don't worry."
The boat slowly skimmed the water's surface, and the air temperature dropped. Water lapped gently beneath their boat as the waves crashed softly against the stone, and their guide's voice echoed against the walls of the cave.
"This cave has served as a protective sanctuary for several magical species. If you look to your right, you will see cave paintings left by some of the earliest settlers of this magical region."
Torches lit along the walls as they drifted deeper. Figures painted in dulled colours and black stretched across the stone, telling stories of long ago: Wizards with staffs and sea creatures battling, various symbols that Hermione longed to stop and study.
As the cave grew darker, flickers of light began to appear below the surface of the water. Hermione watched as electric eels wound through the water like lightning bolts across the sky. Their bodies pulsing as they darted through and illuminated schools of fish.
Rosella pressed both hands to the side of the boat, making both Harry and Hermione reach out for her lifejacket.
At the far end of the cavern, the boat nudged up against a stone platform where small walkways wound deeper into the cave.
"We ask that you be careful as you explore," The guide stated as people began disembarking the boat. "There are bioluminescent creatures further in. They are not to be touched, collected, or taken home."
Hermione frowned as Harry helped her and Rosella out of the boat. "Do people really try?"
The guide gave her a tired look, "You'd be surprised, Miss."
Rosella gasped, "Pretty!" she said, picking up a seashell. "Can I collect some shells?"
The guide smiled, "As long as they are not in the water, you may."
Rosella darted forward, nearly knocking someone else over, crouching to scoop another one up. "Look, it glows!"
Harry grinned, walking over to her. "Need help gathering treasure?"
Rosella bounced on her toes. "Yes!"
Hermione smiled as she watched them move slowly deeper into the cave, looking for shells, Harry crouching beside her, examining them with her.
A high squeak sounded right beside Hermione, startling her. She turned to find a dolphin lifting itself from the water near the platform where she stood.
"Well, hello there," Hermione said softly.
Luna stepped up beside her, reaching out. "Hello, lovely."
The dolphin chirped as it rubbed up against Luna's hand, and as if jealous, two more surfaced nearby. Hermione laughed, scratching one lightly beneath its chin. "I can't believe this is happening."
Beside them, the third dolphin popped out of the water, spitting a stream of water at Ron. He sputtered as it hit him directly in his face, making her and Luna laugh.
He wiped his eyes, "Not funny."
Luna grinned, "But it is."
The dolphins squeaked, circling the platform as Rosella ran back over to them, her hands full of glowing shells. "Mumma! Can I make a tiara…" Rosella said, freezing as she stared at the dolphins, "Hiiiii."
"Carefully, sweetheart," Hermione said as Rosella carefully set her shells in the sand, then walked over to her. Hermione helped her hold her hand out, and the smallest dolphin swam over to her and nudged Rosella's hand. Hermione almost pulled her away as the dolphin rubbed up against Rosella's face, making her giggle.
Hermione swallowed hard as Rosella gently petted the dolphin, "Hi, Mr. Dolphin. I'm Rosella."
The dolphin squeaked back at her, and Rose shook her head, "Sorry, I don't have any shrimp."
Hermione looked at Harry, "Has she ever had shrimp?"
Harry shrugged, "Does she even know what one is?"
"Obviously, somehow," Ron said.
"She can understand animals," Luna told them, making the three of them stare at her, "Didn't you know that?"
Hermione shook her head, "I mean, she talks to Crookshanks all the time, but… I thought it was just her imagination."
That evening, the courtyard that had hosted movie night had transformed into something out of a fairy tale. Floating lanterns drifted over their heads like glowing stars, casting a warm glow over everyone in attendance. Music played through the air from a small stage where witches and wizards played unique instruments, and each table had a small bonfire in the middle. Rings of fire spun through the air as dancers danced in front of them barefoot on the sand. Weaving between everyone on the stage was something that made Ron gasp, "Those are fucking Blasted-Ended Skrewts!"
Hermione stared at them in disgust as they seemed to move to the beat, "Did we ever think of music to work with them?"
Harry snorted as one of the dancers twirled a ribbon of flame over the Skrewt's shell, and it tapped its shell in time with the music. "Honestly, Hagrid would love this."
Luna stood up, grabbing Ron's hand, "Ron, come dance with me!"
Ron downed his drink and stood up, following her and looked back, "Rosie, you coming?"
Hermione stood up after Rose went to the dance floor, "Want anything to drink?"
Harry shook his head, "I'm good, thanks though."
Hermione walked over to the drink table and took two glasses just in case Harry changed his mind. Smiling as she saw Rosella and Luna moving in their unique way on the dance floor, as Ron did his own dance, completely unbothered by those around them.
Walking back to their table, Hermione handed him a drink. "Everything okay? You're quiet tonight."
Harry smiled as she sat down beside him and leaned in to kiss her. "I just don't want this to end."
Hermione laid her head on his, "We still have another night. What do you have planned for tomorrow?"
Harry draped his arm over her shoulders. "Nothing, really. I thought we'd stay at the villa. Swim and relax. I found some games inside. We can try to teach Rose chess or Gobstones. Although I did see a Candyland game."
Hermione threw her head back laughing. "She knows Candyland. She's ruthless, and she cheats. I taught her, but Ron taught her how to cheat."
Harry scoffed, "Of course he did." He kissed her temple, then hesitated. "Are you happy?"
Hermione blinked at him, surprised. "Do I not look happy?"
Harry exhaled. "That's not it. I just… I only came back at the beginning of May. Broke up with Melinda not long after. I don't want to rush you into anything."
Hermione turned to him fully. "Where is this coming from?"
Harry shook his head. "Ignore me, it's just my insecurities talking."
Hermione slid into his lap, cupping his face in her hands. "Look at me, Harry James. I love you. I don't want you doubting that for even a second. Did we take an unconventional route to get here? Absolutely. Would I go back and change any of it? No."
Harry stared at her face. "Really?"
She smiled. "I love my life. If I could, I'd go back and find depressed me that was miserable and tell her it all works out exactly as it should. Do I wish you could have been there to see Rosella growing up? Of course." She brushed her thumbs across his stubbled cheeks. "But I'd be terrified that if I changed anything, we wouldn't be here right now. On this ridiculous island, having the best week of our lives."
She took his hands and placed them on her shoulders. "Feel that."
Harry squeezed them lightly. "They're… soft."
"When was the last time they weren't full of stress knots?" Hermione asked.
He laughed quietly, rubbing them. "I don't think I've ever felt them relaxed."
"Exactly." She leaned down and kissed him. "I love you, Harry. I love our life. Don't let the ghosts of your uncle's words weigh down your mind."
Harry rested his forehead against hers. "I love you so much, Hermione Jean."
Hermione licked his nose.
He jerked back, laughing. "What was that for?"
"Keeping you on your toes," she said, "Now, after Rose goes to bed tonight, how about we finally try that hot tub… alone."
Harry grinned, "All naturale?"
"Of course," Hermione said as she kissed him.
"Seriously?!" Ron's voice cut in as they looked back at him. "You two are in public."
Hermione reached up and flicked his ear as she slid off Harry's lap. "We weren't doing anything, Ronald."
~*~ 27th August 2003 ~*~
The villa had settled into a lazy afternoon hush as Ron and Harry sat cross-legged on the floor with a chessboard between them while Rosella sat on Harry's lap, trying to offer extremely unhelpful advice.
"No, Daddy, move the horsey! The horsey is sneaky," Rosella stated.
"It's called a knight," Harry stated.
"It's a horsey," Rosella insisted.
Ron moved a piece. "Checkmate."
Harry squinted at the board, "How did you even…"
Ron grinned, "I'm a genius."
"You are absolutely not," Hermione called from the lounger where she and Luna were painting each other's nails.
Luna glanced at Hermione. "You two haven't had a night alone the entire time we've been here. Could Rosella stay the night with us?"
Rosella's head snapped up so fast, she nailed Harry under the chin so hard his teeth clicked together audibly.
"Shite, Rose, honey… warn me," Harry mumbled, sticking his tongue out and trying to inspect it. "I bit my tongue."
"Poor baby," Ron said. "Doesn't mean I'm going to take it easier on you."
Hermione set the bottle down. "Are you okay?"
Harry waved his hand. "I'm fine. It's up to you."
Hermione looked at Luna. "Are you sure?"
Luna nodded. "There's a little sofa bed in our bungalow, or she could sleep with us."
Ron looked at her, "Excuse me?"
Hermione turned to Ron. "Are you okay with it?"
"What? The squirt having a sleepover with us? Hell yeah."
"Hell yeah!" Rosella repeated.
Hermione pointed at her. "Rosella Lily Potter, we do not repeat Uncle Ron."
Rosella rolled her eyes. "Fine."
After Rose had happily skipped off with Ron and Luna, the villa felt too quiet.
Harry looked at Hermione. "Want to see how far we can walk around our island before it gets too dark?"
She slid into her sandals. "Sure."
Together they walked hand in hand along the edge of the beach, their fingers interlaced within each other, the tide slipping in and out over their feet. Neither of them spoke for a while. But they didn't have to.
They made it halfway around the back of the island before the sand thinned into rocks and thick green wild grass.
"Well, I think this is where it ends. I'm not hiking through the woods in shorts," Hermione chuckled.
"Agreed," Harry said as he steadied her as they turned around on the rocks.
Hermione glanced at him. "Are you nervous?"
Harry looked at her, surprised, "About?"
"Starting at the hospital," she said, "You've mentioned it a few times. I want to make sure this is what you really want."
He exhaled slowly. "I've signed a five-year contract. I'll give it five years. By then… I hope to have the hospital at the Manor finished."
Hermione squeezed his hand. "So, you're sure that you want to move forward with it?"
He nodded, "It was my grandmother's wish. And I think the people need somewhere they can go besides St. Mungo's if they are on the other side of the country."
Hermione squeezed his hand. "Then we'll make it happen."
As they rounded back towards the stretch of beach in front of the villa, Hermione slowed. "Did the tide wash those up?"
Small, glowing shells dotted the sand near the waterline, and Harry let go of her hand so she could investigate them. Following their trail, she realized that the shells weren't randomly scattered as if they had washed up on the shore. No, there were distinct patterns.
Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up towards the villa and finally saw what it was.
The shells formed words.
WILL YOU MARRY ME?
Hermione turned to Harry and found him on one knee behind her, a box in his hands, and her hands flew to her mouth.
"Hermione Jean Granger," he began, his words slightly shaking. "You walked into my life on the first real day I ever had in my world, and you saw me. Not my name, not my scar, just me. You have always seen me. Will you marry me and spend the rest-"
"Yes!" Hermione yelled, dropping to her knees in front of him.
Harry laughed. "I didn't even get to finish."
"Sorry, sorry," she cried, tears streaming down her face. "Continue."
He took her hands in his. "Will you spend the rest of your life with me, and let me spend mine trying to make you as happy as you make me?"
"Yes!"
He grinned, "Still not finished."
She clamped her hands over her mouth.
"You're my person," Harry said quietly, "The one I want beside me for the rest of my life, and until the end of time, if you'll have me."
Hermione nodded, her hands still clasped over her mouth.
Harry laughed, removing them, "I'm done now."
"I will, I will, I will!" Hermione said.
Harry opened the box, and Hermione gasped. Inside was a beautiful white gold ring with a gorgeous diamond at the centre. Large but not ostentatious, nestled between two infinity symbols. Set into each infinity symbol lay two small emeralds. "I had it designed, and I told the designer that your wand was vine, and he incorporated that with the infinity rune. He showed me his design for leaves… and I thought it was fitting. In my mind, they aren't leaves. It reminds me of mine and Rosella's eyes, and we are watching over you." He slid the ring onto her finger with trembling hands.
Hermione pulled him into a kiss that knocked him over into the sand.
"Yes, yes, yes!" They heard in the distance.
Squinting behind them towards Ron and Luna's small island, they barely saw three figures on the top floor.
"Goodnight!" Harry and Hermione yelled.
"Goodnight!" Rosella yelled back.
"We're taking her to bed now!" Ron yelled back.
Hermione giggled, "Want to go skinny dipping?"
Harry gasped, looking up at her, "Who are you and what have you done with Hermione Granger?"
Hermione smiled down at him, "Use it while you can, Mr. Potter, because soon it won't be Hermione Granger." She sat up, straddling his lap, "Or should I hyphenate?"
"Hermione Granger-Potter… or Harry and Hermione Granger-Potter. Harry Granger-Potter doesn't sound bad," Harry replied.
Hermione stared at him, "Seriously? You'd do that?"
Harry propped himself up on his hands, "Sometimes I wonder what it would be like not to be Harry Potter… in those moments I can be Harry Granger."
Hermione pressed her lips against Harry's and sat back, pulling her sundress over her head. "Now, we should celebrate properly."
Harry grinned. "You just want to get me naked."
She stood up, "Well, is it working?"
He didn't answer as he stood. Instead, his hands found the zipper of her shorts and tugged them down to her feet. "Fuck, Hermione. Your skin is so tan, and you seem to be glowing," he palmed her ass. "You're trying to kill me."
She hooked her fingers in her knickers and slid them down. Slowly, she removed her ring, tucked it into the box, and put it back in his shorts. "Don't want to lose that in the ocean."
She slowly backed towards the ocean, "Well, are you joining me?" she asked, grinning.
He quickly pulled his shirt off, then his shorts, as she turned and sprinted towards the waves. Harry caught up to her as the water lapped at her knees, and she gasped as he grabbed her, pulling her to his chest. "You are such a tease."
"And you love it," Hermione said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist, making him groan as he felt how wet she already was without even the ocean.
Harry carried her deeper, the ocean seemingly swallowing them.
"I love you," she whispered in his ear, tangling her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck. "Make love to me right here, Harry."
Holding her into position with one hand, he lined himself up and thrust into her in one smooth thrust, making her gasp. The warmth of the water and the waves made everything feel amplified, and it was almost too much for Hermione. "Oh God," she choked out, gasping against his neck as his hips snapped up to meet hers. "Harder, Harry."
Harry growled, "Touch yourself."
Hermione reached between them and found her clit, rubbing it in tight, desperate circles. "Harry, I'm so close."
"Come for me, darling," He grunted.
Hermione shattered with a cry, clamping onto him like a vice as he came with a groan. Hermione's legs lost their grip, and she nearly sank into the ocean as Harry's hands grabbed her waist to prevent her from completely going under. Licking her lips to clear the salt water, she looked at Harry, "I wonder what makes ocean water so salty. Is it from the whale's giant sperm? Or maybe all the ocean creatures together?"
Harry barked out a laugh. "Seriously?"
"Well, I know the answer deals with the rocks and runoff, but it makes you wonder," Hermione said.
Harry laughed, kissing her, "I love you, Hermione Jean."
Hermione smiled, "I love you, Harry James."
Preview of Chapter 47- She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy
Hermione took it off and looked inside the band. "HASAT F&B HJP?" She looked at him, confused, "Your initials, I get… but the rest, doesn't spell anything."
Harry replaced the ring on her finger. "Do you remember the first words you ever said to me?"
"The first words I ever said to you?" Hermione asked, confused, "Hello?"
Harry grinned, "Has anyone seen a toad?"
Hermione's jaw dropped, and she hit him, making him laugh. "You did not put that inside my ring!"
"It was a very important moment in my life, and you know, according to that damn poem in the second year, my eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toad," Harry stated.
Hermione looked at him, "You do realize that Ginny wrote that to you, right? While under Tom Riddle's influence."
Harry stared at her, "Aw, shite, and I put that on your engagement ring!"
Hermione snorted, "Fresh pickled toad. Voldemort was so obsessed with you."
Harry groaned, "Don't take the mickey out of me. The engraving isn't the toad poem. It's because it was the first thing you said to me. The F&B is for friendship and bravery… two things I hope to have for the rest of my time because of you."