March 19, 1998
Harry brought a tray up the stairs of Shell Cottage very carefully, mindful of his ankle on the steps. He was bringing lunch upstairs to Hermione so they could eat together before he had to leave for the Order meeting. In this short period of time, he had to convince her to stay without resorting to ordering her to stay there as her alpha. She would never forgive him that.
It had only been forty-eight hours or so since they had been there and life had already been insane. The day before, Harry had wanted nothing more than to just crawl into bed with Hermione and sleep the rest of the day and night as she did. However, people kept interrupting, wanting to visit Hermione, wanting to check on the pair and make sure that all was well. Harry put up with it the first five or six times it happened but after that, he started shouting and ordered everyone out of his room. The last knock of the night, however, hadn't been a well-wisher or someone wanting to make sure that all was well.
*Flashback*
It had been Neville and before Harry could even speak, he had punched him in the face. It didn't knock him down, Harry was huge now, after all, even bigger than Neville, but it did turn his head to the side. He turned back to look at his friend and saw that he was seething in anger. Harry lunged for him, shoving him against the wall, hoping that the potion to keep Hermione asleep was still in full effect. He held him against the wall and positively growled at him.
"What the fuck is your problem, Longbottom?" Harry demanded. Neville shoved him off him and glared.
"You putting your hands on Luna is my fucking problem. She's fucking scared that you're going to hurt her, not to mention that you're going to kill Xeno," Neville spat at him. Harry heaved a deep sigh and raked a hand through his hair before backing away. Of course Neville had a right to be angry about that, Luna was his omega. How would he have reacted if someone had shaken Hermione like he had done to Luna? Not well, that was for sure. When he turned back to Neville, his eyes were bright with unshed tears.
"I'm sorry I shook her but I never would have hurt her. I was frantic, we were locked in the dungeon and my omega was upstairs and I could hear her screaming because they were torturing her. Her father turned us into the Death Eaters and I really will kill him if I ever see him again. Neville, Hermione was pregnant and miscarried her child because of that man. He better hope that the Death Eaters kill him first. I love Luna and would never want to hurt her but you know as well as I do that my love for Hermione transcends them all, just like yours for Luna does," Harry explained. Neville leaned back against the wall and his shoulders slumped. Harry could tell that his words were affecting him.
"I suppose you have a point. I would have acted no differently than you if I had been in your situation. Don't tell Luna but I don't blame you for wanting to kill him. He wasn't completely to blame but he shoulders a part of the blame for your family being murdered. I understand the need for revenge. I want Bellatrix Lestrange dead so badly it hurts," Neville confessed. Harry stiffened and Neville shot him a questioning glance.
"Bellatrix and Greyback are the ones who tortured her, Nev. She was almost dead. That psycho bitch carved the word mudblood into her arm with a cursed blade so it'll never go away. She stabbed her in the belly and not only killed our child, almost did too much damage to her womb for us to have more. I want that cunt to die screaming for what she's done. I'm going to ensure that they all pay. I understand that you're going to be taking care of Luna for the next few days but afterwards, make sure you get inducted into the Order. I'm taking over and things are going to change," he promised. Neville nodded and stuck his hand out. Harry obliged him and shook it, shooing the man to the door.
"I'm not sorry I punched you for shaking Luna but I'm sorry for everything else," Neville said with a grin. Harry gave a short laugh that his heart really wasn't into.
"I understand. I'll apologize to Luna next time I see her," he promised.
With that, Neville left and Harry was left to crawl back into bed with his mate, snuggling back into her heat and softness.
*End of Flashback*
He entered the room he was sharing with Hermione, wishing that he had made sure to see that there was no bruise from the punch Neville had given him the night before. Hermione was sitting up and awake now, flipping through a book from her bag while trying to still the tremors in her hands. She put a small smile on her face when she looked up and saw him but quickly lowered her hands as though she were trying to hide the aftershocks of the Cruciatus from him.
"I'm glad to see that you're awake. I brought lunch. We both slept through the morning," Harry told her. Hermione looked up eagerly, clearly she was hungry, and then her eyes froze him.
"Where did you get that bruise, Harry? It wasn't there yesterday," she demanded. Harry ignored her as he began to unload the tray of food into two piles, one on her lap and one in his. After he had doled out the sandwiches and crisps, he poured them both pumpkin juice and finally met her eyes. She was still staring at him defiantly and he was happy to see it. Bellatrix hadn't broken her if she could still stare at him like that.
"Neville showed up last night and punched me for how I treated Luna while we were in the dungeons. I told him I would apologize to her for shaking her but I absolutely will not recind my statement of killing her father if we ever cross paths again. He agreed that it was a fair agreement," Harry explained. Hermione looked at him curiously for a few moments before lowering her eyes and speaking.
"Knowing that he's Luna's father will you be able to kill him with no feeling whatsoever?" she asked gently. Harry shot her a look.
"I never once said that it would be without feeling. I don't like killing. However, he turned the three of us in and we lost our child because of it. I'm not going to actively seek him out because he is Luna's father and Luna is our friend but if I come across him I'm definitely going to kill him," Harry explained. Hermione gave him an incredulous look.
"What if they told him that if he handed us over that they would give him Luna back? What would you do to protect your child from something like that?" she challenged. Harry loved to see that her fire was back and the broken woman from the day before was gone for the moment. This was the Hermione he had fallen for clear back in their first years of Hogwarts. He reached out and took her hand in his, squeezing it gently.
"I would do anything to protect you or our children. That being said, I would know that a promise like that coming from Death Eaters would be a lie. They have done nothing but cause me heartache since the time I was fifteen months old. There is no way that they would just hand over their biggest bargaining chip to me and I know that. Lovegood should have known that too. They were never going to hand Luna over because she was how they ensured that he quit printing the truth in his paper. It makes no sense and if he had thought about that, he would have realized it," he explained gently. Hermione stared at him for a few moments before bursting into tears. Harry moved quickly to her side and pulled her into his arms.
"I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be a baby. You're just so strong and smart when it comes to things like that. I know that I would have done exactly what Xeno Lovegood did and somebody would end up killing me for it too," she cried. Harry just shushed her as he rocked her gently, knowing that it could take a bit before she was back to her usual self. When she finally quit crying, she pulled away and smiled softly, wiping her tears from her cheeks.
"Let's not talk about it anymore. I'm actually quite hungry," she said.
The pair of them dug into the meal that Harry had prepared for them. While the rest of the house was feasting on shepherds pie, Harry had worried that it would be too heavy on Hermione's stomach since she was still taking so many potions. He knew there were still blood replenishers, pain potions, and guards against infection in the line up but he wasn't sure what the others were. Surely, Hermione did though since she would never take anything willingly unless she knew what it was and what it did.
After Hermione finished, he ate the rest of the sandwich that she couldn't finish and vanished the tray back to the kitchen. He was going to have to leave soon for the meeting but knew that Remus was coming up to induct Hermione into the Order before he left so she wouldn't be excluded from their secrets just because she couldn't attend. Since she didn't know that yet, he reached out and put an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. She snuggled into him, hugging him around his belly and laying her head on his chest.
"Kitten, I know you really want to go to the meeting but I don't want you to. I want you to stay here and recover," he said, not sugar-coating it at all. Her head flew off his chest and she was looking at him with such betrayal in her eyes.
"How could you ask that of me? All I do is sit here and think about that baby and what it would have been like. This would be a perfect distraction and you don't want me to go," she whined. Harry cringed, knowing exactly what she meant. However, her safety was paramount and she was in a weakened state and he knew without a doubt that Molly Weasley was going to be there. He reached for her again but Hermione pulled away this time.
"'Mi, kitten, I know exactly what you're talking about. All the hours that you slept when I didn't were filled with the exact same images. I really do understand. Consider my point of view. I know that Molly Weasley is going to be at that meeting and you aren't in the best shape. I can't stand the thought of you getting hurt again. Besides, I need you at my side for the rest of this war and that won't happen if you're always sick because you didn't take the time to heal properly. Please, I'm begging you, agree to stay here with Fleur. She's agreed to stay behind and keep you company," Harry begged. Hermione sighed as she leaned forward to lay her forehead on his chest. Harry's arms wrapped around her and he kissed the back of her head.
"Alright but this is the only one. I know I'm not well but I'm getting up out of bed tomorrow. Not all day but I need to start moving before I lose the strength I have," she bargained with him. Harry smiled. It was more than he had hoped to get. He was quick to nod his agreement.
"Of course, kitten, I'll even help you," he promised. They were interrupted by a knock on the door and when he called for whoever it was to enter, the door swung open to reveal Remus. Harry quickly beckoned him inside and shut the door behind him. Remus moved to the bed and pulled Hermione into a warm hug that Harry could tell made her feel protected. When Remus pulled away, he gave her a smile.
"I'm going to induct you into the Order right now so Harry can tell you whatever he needs to when he returns from the meeting," he stated. Hermione sighed sadly but nodded. Harry fished around in the beaded bag she carried and found her wand, handing it to her. There was surprise on her face but now wasn't the time, especially since he didn't have the answers. She turned to Remus and he gestured for her to raise her wand, which she did easily.
"Repeat after me," he instructed. Hermione nodded.
"I, Hermione Jean Granger McGonagall, do solemnly vow on my life and magic to never give up the secrets of the organization called the Order of the Phoenix. I will keep those secrets to my death or until it's leader, Harry James Potter says otherwise. I promise never to betray the Order or those in it in any way, shape, or form unless directly ordered to. So mote it be," Remus recited. Hermione's eyes widened and Harry listened to her say the words just like Remus had. A golden glow enveloped her afterwards, showing that her oath had held. As soon as she stopped glowing, Hermione shot a demanding glance at Remus, one that made clear she wanted answers and she wanted them right now.
"Is that the oath that everyone swears, absolutely everyone?" she interrogated, seeking the answer like a niffler seeks gold. Harry wasn't sure where she was going with it but he was sure interested in seeing. Remus nodded his head warily, not used to being on this end of her questioning.
"Yes, the wording came from Dumbledore himself. He said that he had used it on every single member since he began the Order," he confessed. Hermione let out a whoop of triumph and shoved her finger in Harry's face.
"I knew that I was right and you threw it in my face, you told me that I was wrong, that I couldn't understand. This is my proof!" Hermione yelled triumphantly. Harry reached out and grabbed her finger, pushing it gently to the side.
"Kitten, we're confused. What are you talking about?" he asked her. Hermione closed her eyes and smiled softly to herself.
"There is no fucking way that Severus Snape could betray the Order taking those vows. Not unless he was ordered to by the current head of the Order, in his case, Albus fucking Dumbledore, the most manipulative old bastard we all know. Dumbledore ordered him to kill him, we just don't know why. Snape is still on our side which means we have a resource that we haven't been using," Hermione elucidated. Harry instantly felt stupid. How could he not have thought of that while listening to the words Remus had spoken? Hermione was right, there was no way Snape could have betrayed the Order unless he had been ordered to. He also had told Hermione that she hadn't known what she was talking about when she had tried to bring up that she couldn't believe that snape would turn on Dumbledore after all these years. Of course, it was also during the thrall of being with Ginny, only hours of breaking up with her. He had still very much wanted to be with her and it hadn't mattered that he had hurt his best friend's feelings.
"You're right, 'Mi, you did tell me that and I was horrible to you. I'm so sorry. This is getting brought up at the meeting as well," Harry said, only to find his arms full of witch. She hugged him close and kissed his neck, sending a shock of pleasure straight to his cock. He pushed it back since fucking his omega was absolutely not going to be happening until she was much better.
"It's alright, you were still all about Ginny. You didn't want to listen to me then," she said. Her giving him the out didn't make him feel any better but that didn't mean that he was going to sit there and argue about it when they really needed to be going. He kissed her once, very soft and sweetly on her lips, his hand brushing hair back from her eyes.
"I have to go. I'll be back as soon as it's over and will fill you in. Don't worry about me, Remus and your mother will have my back," he promised her. She still looked worried.
"Alright, just stay away from Molly and don't eat anything she gives you. Call for Kreacher or Dobby," she told him and Harry made a mental note of it. He wouldn't have thought about that. He laid her back against the pillows and called for Fleur, letting her find a seat next to the bed before Harry gave his final wave goodbye.
Harry followed Remus through the house to the floo and picked up a handful of floo powder. The werewolf called out for Grimmauld Place and even though Harry was a little surprised, he followed suit. When he stepped out of the green flames, he was in the entrance hall of Grimmauld Place, somewhere he hadn't been since September. He reached out and grabbed Remus' arm.
"You know that the Death Eaters followed us here from the Ministry, right?" he questioned. Remus nodded and smiled.
"Yes, we renewed the wards. I put up blood wards like you did around your camp. Nobody can come through. I told the others that it was the fidelius because blood wards are considered dark but what they don't know won't hurt them. If they ask, just tell them I shared the secret with you," Remus explained. Harry nodded and followed him into the kitchen of Grimmauld Place, the place where he remembered everyone sitting around for dinner with Sirius and then getting kicked out of so the Order members could hold their meeting. How far they had come since he was getting ready to take the helm of the war.
The room was cram-packed. Harry wasn't even sure how everyone was fitting inside, there was barely room to move around. He started to maneuver his way through the throng of people, greeting the people that he knew and smiling politely at those that he didn't. Remus was right on his tail, hand on his shoulder, until he reached the head chair. Harry had no problems taking the chair since it was legally his house and he was taking over the Order. Aberforth was at his side instantly, a look of censure on his face.
"What do you think you're doing, boy?" Aberforth demanded. Harry smirked up at him.
"This is my house and my table. You're here because I'm kind enough to let you hold your meetings here. I will sit where I damn please especially when I'm getting ready to take my rightful place as leader in this complete shit show you call a war," Harry spat at him. Aberforth took a step back, clearly surprised, before a grin spread across his face.
"I told Albus that you could handle it. He told me you couldn't, that you would hesitate to make the hard decisions. I'm happy to see that you're proving my brother wrong, Potter. Let's get you inducted," Aberforth said, changing his tune completely.
With a wave of his wand, chairs appeared everywhere and people instantly started taking them. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ginny in one of the corners and he looked around wildly for Professor McGonagall. When he caught her eye, she strode to his side so she could whisper in his ear.
"I know you don't want her here, son. Molly asked me to retrieve her and bring her home because things are getting too dangerous in Hogwarts. Most of the non-Slytherin students are in hiding in the Room of Requirement because the Carrows are forcing the Slytherins to practice the Cruciatus on them. They're being strung up in chains and beaten with whips. It's horrid," McGonagall said, her voice showing just how affected she really was at what was happening in her beloved school. He gave her a nod and she took her seat once more. Before he could say anything, Aberforth stood and started.
"We need to induct two new members, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley. Please come forward," Aberforth ordered.
Harry stood and Ron followed. Aberforth bade them to pull their wands much the same as Remus had done to Hermione. After he gave them the same exact vow to repeat, Harry did so, as did Ron, though everyone gasped when Harry's name was substituted as the leader's name. After the golden glow had receded, Harry turned to the rest of the Order.
"I require all of you to swear that same vow, one by one, all over again but with my name in the leader's spot. I won't have anyone betraying me. If you don't wish to follow me, you simply be honest, we'll erase your memories, and you'll be on your way. No harm done and no hard feelings," Harry told them. There were numerous incredulous looks and Harry knew that he was going to have to explain.
"Look, I've been away on a mission from Dumbledore. I'm still going to be working on that mission, make no mistake. In pursuing this mission, Hermione, Ron, and I were captured by Death Eaters, Greyback to be precise. He took the three of us to Malfoy Manor where Hermione was brutally beaten and tortured for information not only on me but the Order as well. She had no vows in place and she still revealed nothing. She almost died for this cause and since she is my omega, things are going to change. We are done pussyfooting around in this war, following after the Death Eaters and cleaning up their messes. We are going to make them fight on our terms and we're going to fight to win. Hermione and I are of one mind in this; she wishes that she could be here right now but is still healing from her death-defying wounds. She will be present at the next meeting, I assure you. If any of you come across Xenophilius Lovegood, he is to be taken prisoner and brought here, locked in a room. I will deal with him personally. I don't want you to seek him out but if you happen upon him, take action if it is safe to do so," Harry ordered. The others were seemingly getting more comfortable with the situation. Harry stayed on his feet since it made him a little more comfortable.
"Since I have no idea what has been happening in this war since I left Bill and Fleur's wedding, I want a status report and what every single person in charge is doing. I realize this makes for a long meeting but I need to be informed. Ron, you need to pay close attention, you as well Bill. I want the pair of you to head up my strategy department. We don't make a move without the say so of you two," Harry said. Ron puffed up his chest in pride and nodded, Bill doing the same.
Harry paced a little while he listened to everyone report. Arthur had been returning to work in the Ministry. He was watched heavily and learned nothing and Harry knew that it was because they were well-aware that he was an Order member. Remus was trying to make contact with the werewolf packs and even though he was an alpha, they were snubbing him because they were loyal to Greyback. Kingsley was on the run since he had used the taboo but he was spying on Death Eaters while in hiding, bringing back useful information. McGonagall was in the school spying on Snape and the Carrows while doing her best to protect the students. Tonks was pregnant so was stuck at home while her mother Andromeda had taken a job at Gringotts to try to learn information on where her husband could possibly be. Bill still worked there as well and since he was placed higher than Andromeda, he had information on Death Eaters that would be useful. Charlie was making international connections while the twins were making products that could aid them during war. Molly and her Aunt Muriel claimed to take care of any prisoners of war, though he hadn't been aware that they had any. There were so many more reports but finally, Harry had had enough. He raised his hand to show that they all needed to quiet. He turned to Ron and had a quiet conference with him and Bill for only a few moments before turning to the rest of the meeting.
"Alright, you have all done well so far. However, things are going to change. Like I said, Bill and Ron are head of strategy. If you have an idea, go to Bill since Ron is still going to be helping on my mission. Remus, quit with the werewolves, they aren't ever going to trust you. You went to Hogwarts and you have a wand. Save yourself the time and injuries. I want you to lead up the training department. I want you training our fighters every single day in the backyard. Make up a schedule so everyone gets in at least twice a week. You have a Mastery so you're the best choice. I plan to use you to my advantage, not to mention you're a brilliant teacher," he told his de facto godfather. Remus beamed and nodded. Harry turned to Tonks.
"You can help him with the schedules and managing class plans. I don't want you doing anything else. You're due in a months time and I won't have that baby in danger. Andromeda and Bill, continue with your work with the goblins. I want all the information you come across regarding the Death Eaters. Not only does it come to me, it goes to Bill and Ron. All information routes through them. Arthur, pull out of the Ministry. They know who you are and that you're a member of the Order. When we broke into Umbridge's office in September, I found a file with all the Order members names in it and the information they had. You won't learn anything. I want you to start organizing weapons, extra wands, swords, anything we can use in a pinch against the enemy. I would like to have all members armed with both," Harry ordered, pausing for a drink that Kreacher had placed in front of him. After a moment, he began again.
"I want you, Kingsley, to keep spying. It seems that you're learning valuable information and it will greatly help when we attack on missions. Try to spy on residences, though not Malfoy Manor. The defences there are too strong. Just get what information you can to Ron and Bill and it will be appreciated. Professor McGonagall, I want you to continue at the school and try to protect the school. If we need to start sneaking them out of school, we will. Their safety is paramount. Charlie, keep doing the wonderful job you're doing. Get as many allies as you can because we're going to need them. Molly, I want a detailed report as to who your prisoners of war are and just what their crimes are. I want healers reports on their conditions; I won't have them mistreated. We are not the Death Eaters, remember that, people," he called out. There were whispers all over and Harry knew that it was time to play his big card. All thanks to Hermione. He held up his hands for silence.
"We'll meet again in a week or so and plan a few raids. We're done playing passive aggressive here. I want you all ready to win this war. However, there is one last order I want all of you to make sure that you obey above all others," he said, pausing for effect. When the silence was deafening, he started again.
"I want nobody in this organization to lift a wand to Severus Snape. After hearing the vow Hermione took before I arrived, she pointed out that there was no way that Snape could have killed Dumbledore unless he was ordered to. We have no idea why that would happen but the fact remains that it had to have happened that way. You lift your wand against him and I'll kill you myself. I will question him and kill him myself if the need arises," Harry ordered. There were loud shouts of anger and indignance but Harry didn't care. He turned to Professor McGonagall and beckoned her forward. When she was at his side, he spoke.
"Professor, I need you to try to get Snape on his own and tell him that we know he's loyal. He'll try to deny it at first but be persistent. There is something else going on and I don't know what but rest assured that he does. We need to know. Please," he asked her. She smiled softly at him.
"You should call me Minerva, we're going to be family, after all. I will do as you say and let you and the Weasley boys know as soon as I do. Can you have Hermione make up some of those coins from when you ran the D.A.? That way we aren't communicating by owls? Much more secure," she suggested. Harry nodded eagerly. It was a great idea and Hermione could contribute and keep her mind off things. Suddenly, there was a plate of sandwiches in front of him, placed there by Molly Weasley. She simpered at him and he just glared.
"I won't be eating those, Mrs. Weasley, thank you for the offer. You should see if anyone else is hungry," he told her before turning back to his future mother-in-law. There was an indignant huff from behind him.
"Your mother would be horrified at your terrible manners, Harry," she chastised him. Harry turned slowly to meet her gaze and she started at what she saw there. His voice was ice cold when he spoke.
"Don't you dare talk to me about my mother. You didn't know her as more than a passing acquaintance and you damn sure will never take her spot. My mother would never condone poisoning me with a lust potion so I would sleep with your disgusting daughter. My mother would be horrified at the fact that you have tried to manipulate me into fucking your daughter until she got pregnant so she could steal my fortune, my birthright. I promise you, if you meet my mother or father in the after life, you should run. I've heard my mother wasn't a forgiving witch and I can't see her ever forgiving such a heinous crime against her son," he yelled at her, making sure that the whole room heard him. Everyone was paying attention as Molly tried to correct the situation.
"Now, Harry, you're confused. Hermione was in complete agreement to continue taking the potion after school let out. If she told you otherwise, she's lying. I would never have drugged her without her permission," she explained. Harry stood up so fast that his chair flung out several feet behind him. His eyes were dancing with fury and the magic was palpable in the air. Everyone watched with bated breath.
"She didn't give permission because you wiped her memory of it. You drugged me up until I left from Bill's wedding. I should take you up in front of the Wizengamot for attempted murder and attepmted line theft. You will never get your hand on my money. Keep your food away from me and if you come near Hermione, I won't blink an eye as I slit your throat," he vowed. The entire room had fallen silent but they heard the sincerity of his vow. Remus and Minerva both had hands on his shoulders as Molly stood there silent and dumbstruck. It was Ginny that approached next, the innocent girl next door fact plastered on her features.
"Harry, you're telling me that you've moved onto Hermione? You didn't wait for me? How could you do that to me?" There was a short sob at the end of her sentence but Harry wasn't fooled. This was just act two of the same play. He glared at her coldly, not caring about the tears that were slipping down her cheeks.
"I don't want you, Ginny. I never have and you know that. The potions your mother gave me manufactured the feelings that you think are real. Blame her. Hermione is my omega, she has been since we were born. It has always been her. I will never marry you and you will never have my money or my child. I would rather die childless and let my line die than have a baby with you," he vowed. There was a faint glow about him, telling everyone how bloody serious he was. Ginny was led away by an upset Molly but Harry didn't care that they were sobbing because of him. They had done enough damage to him and his omega that they deserved whatever unhappiness they received.
The meeting quickly disbanded, Harry heading back to Shell Cottage while Ron stayed behind to gather intel with Bill. He headed up the stairs to find that Hermione and Fleur were engaged in what he could only describe as girl talk. Both blushed when he interrupted but he didn't comment on it. He crawled in bed with Hermione and ate dinner next to her while he held her close.
Afterwards, he told her everything, every single detail of every conversation he had heard and had. She seemed to agree with his suggestions of what people should do, though she was leery to let Kingsley spy. However, even she admitted that it was just her maternal instincts wanting to protect everyone that she cared for. After fighting with Kingsley on the thestral during the Battle of the Seven Potters, there was no doubt that she cared for him. After he had detailed his confrontation with Molly and Ginny she had become just a little withdrawn. Harry knew exactly what was wrong and decided to nip that right in the bud.
"What's wrong? Are you worried about me seeing Molly and Ginny?" She turned guilty eyes to his face and nodded slightly.
"Not so much Molly. Ginny, though, she's gorgeous. I know I'm pretty but she puts me to shame. I know that I'm your omega and that you're committed but I would understand if you sometimes wished that she were me," Hermione confessed, barely whispering, telling him just how deep of a fear this was. Harry wrapped her into his arms and laid down with her, holding her as close as he possibly could. His voice was soft in her ear.
"I could no sooner wish that you were her than you could wish that I was Ron. It wouldn't feel right and there would be something wrong with the whole situation. Even when I was with Ginny, I could tell that there was something not quite right. The potion made me not care, that I'll admit, but that didn't mean that I wasn't aware. Hermione, you are the only girl for me. I love you and we are going to have a family together after this war," he promised her. She threw her arms around his shoulders and kissed him rather indecently. After several minutes of snogging her, Harry had to force her to gentle the kiss. The last thing he wanted to do was fuck her and end up hurting her because she was still injured.
"When you're better, we'll celebrate. Until then, you have to make due with only kisses just like me," he told her. She groaned but nodded good-naturedly.
The pair ate dinner together and had a wonderful visit from Ron. Afterwards, they snuggled down to sleep together with Hermione in Harry's arms. He had been just on the verge of sleep when Hermione suddenly started screaming, scratching at her arm and turning on her side to dry heave. Harry tried to calm her with his touch but to no avail. Even though he had heard that it was bad to wake a person from their nightmares, he shook Hermione so hard she had no choice but to fall to the side and realize exactly where she was.
She sobbed in Harry's arms for she wasn't sure how long. He comforted her as best he could but didn't feel like he had been a huge success. However, she finally agreed to take the proffered potion from him and quaffed it quickly, falling asleep in his arms. With a sigh of relief and partly of dread, he settled back against her and hoped against hope that this never happened again. However, he wasn't stupid enough to believe that it wouldn't. There was no way that he would allow her to become addicted to Dreamless Sleep; the nightmares and dealing with them were the only other option.
It was with high hopes for the future and a heavy heart for the present that Harry let himself fall into Morpheus' care that night.