Chapter Text
“So much for our weekend at home,” sighed Hermione, sitting up in her hospital bed and giving Harry a wan smile. Harry grinned back at her from his own bed in the Hospital Wing at Hogwarts.
“It could have been worse. At least neither of us needed any Skelegro,” he responded wryly.
“At least neither of us are dead,” said Hermione, raising an eyebrow pointedly. “Concussions, a few cracked ribs, a fractured wrist, and a broken leg between the both of us was a small price to pay for ending Minister Umbridge’s reign of terror.”
“Yeah, I suppose so.” Harry winced as he shifted his sore leg.
Luckily his leg had only sustained a clean break in his fall down the stone steps in the Department of Mystery’s chamber of Death, and Madam Pomfrey had healed it with a wave of her wand, but a day and a half later it was still stiff. Pomfrey had healed his cracked ribs just as easily, but they were still sore as well.
“It still hurts to breathe too,” Harry continued.
“Tell me about it,” Hermione groaned. “I almost feel worse than I did after the Battle of Hogwarts when we fought Voldemort’s forces.”
Harry nodded and looked at Hermione thoughtfully as he recalled the fall which could have otherwise killed Hermione and Jennifer.
“Yeah... those Chinese symbols are really effective,” said Harry. “I wish I’d had time to paint them on us before we went to the Ministry. Maybe... perhaps I should put them on all of us permanently.”
Hermione shook her head. “I’m not sure I’d want permanent tattoos Harry. Everything is over now.”
“But is it?” Both of Harry’s eyebrows popped up and he peered at Hermione earnestly. “I know Umbridge is gone and that the Unspeakables and Snatchers were captured and that Madam Bones and Shacklebolt are cleaning up the Ministry, but is it really over?”
“A very good question Harry,” said a new voice in the ward. Harry and Hermione looked up to see Dumbledore smiling warmly at them.
“For now,” continued the Headmaster, “I would say so. Indeed, the Order and Monsieur Delacour’s forces did manage to capture most of the Minister’s forces with minimal fatalities on both sides, though sadly, a few deaths besides that of Minister Umbridge and Mr Goyle were unavoidable during the battle at Hogsmeade and the Ministry.
“And thanks to the other files recovered from the Department of Mysteries during your most recent incursion, the Order of the Phoenix was able to locate and shut down forever the other Internment Camps yesterday. The vast majority of those who followed the Minister have been captured and are being held to await trial... including Percy Weasley.”
“Good!” Harry scowled as he contemplated Percy’s role in the Minister’s administration. “I hope he goes to prison for a long, long time.”
“Ah, I daresay that he shall,” said Dumbledore. “You will have some say of course, as a member of the Wizengamot.”
“Oh... right!” Harry looked surprised at the idea. “I’d almost forgotten that I have a seat on the Wizengamot.”
“Indeed...” The Headmaster regarded Harry with twinkling eyes. “Admittedly, the Wizengamot will be a bit smaller than you recall, as a number of Warlocks with seats are themselves facing trial as active participants in Minister Umbridge’s regime.”
“What about Bellatrix Lestrange?” asked Hermione. “Whatever happened to her?”
“Alas, Bellatrix Lestrange has thus far evaded capture,” Dumbledore sighed. “She was not to be found in Hogsmeade, nor at any of the remaining Ministry facilities. Though I do have sources which indicate that she has departed Britain for the time-being. It is quite possible that she may one day be a thorn in our side again... but I have been assured that an international arrest warrant shall be issued for Bellatrix.”
“I suppose that’s something,” Harry grumbled.
“Quite!” Dumbledore agreed. “Madam Lestrange should not be underestimated of course, but without powerful allies or a government sponsor, her reach and her ability to do harm is greatly diminished. She is on the run and with a bit of luck on our side, one day she will slip up and be arrested.”
“And the muggle Prime Minister--what’s going to happen to him?” asked Hermione pointedly. “Is Harry going to be able to go out in public as himself anytime soon?”
“Ah, well... that is an interesting story,” Dumbledore replied, perking up as twinkles returned to his eyes. “I paid a visit to the Prime Minister this morning with Madam Bones, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Dame Angelika Machschnell of the ICW.
“When we left the Prime Minister, he was in the custody of muggle Authorities. Apparently, they have discovered ample evidence that the Prime Minister was involved in numerous crimes, ranging from trafficking in human slaves, to stealing elections, conspiring with terrorist organisations, engaging in war-crimes overseas, and framing and assassinating political dissidents... just to name a few.
“So, not only does the Prime Minister face several lifetimes worth of prison, his government shall collapse within a matter of days, and new elections called for. No doubt the current party in power shall find itself unceremoniously expelled--its seats in parliament drastically reduced to a minimal number.
“As a result of these transpirings, the muggle arrest warrants for Harry and for Sirius will be rescinded within the next few days.”
“That’s wonderful!” Hermione beamed. Purring, she pounced on Harry and gave him a big hug, her bushy tail quivering happily. “You’ll be able to go out as yourself again, Harry.”
~o0o~
“Yeah... Me too,” Daphne added sadly.
“Says who?” Harry half-grinned and rolled his eyes. “Just because I don’t have to be someone else in public anymore, doesn’t mean I don’t want to be Harriet occasionally. You’ll still get your chance to dress me up like a dolly.”
“Mmm, zat is good,” said Fleur with a smirk, “because I was thinking of getting you a lovely evening gown for Christmas.”
“Oooh! Excellent idea Fleur,” Parvati giggled, swishing her sleek tail mirthfully. “Maybe we can find Harriet some nice lingerie for Christmas too.”
Luna peered at Harry perceptively and smiled. “Maybe we should keep this to ourselves though,” she said quietly. “Harry might not be ready for everyone to know that he’s a metamorphmagus yet.”
“Yes...” Hermione murmured, glancing around the corridor nervously, “maybe we should talk about Christmas presents for Harriet later.”
“True, it’s still a secret,” said Dora, nodding.
“Well, Dean already knows,” Harry sighed. “I probably can’t hide it forever. I’m not that fussed about it now that the Ministry isn’t after me anymore. Anyway... I’ve been thinking--what I really want for Christmas is to visit Godric’s Hollow. I think I’m finally ready...”
The rest of the Coven quieted and stopped teasing Harry about their plans for Harriet’s wardrobe. Hermione smiled sadly and slipped her hand into his, giving it a comforting squeeze.
“That’s a nice idea Harry,” she said. “If you want to go by yourself, we’ll understand...”
“No!” Harry interjected firmly. “I want you all to come with me. You’re all my family now. I’m going to bring the Ring of Peverell with me. I don’t know if it really does bring spirits back from the other side, but if it does, I want my parents to meet you all.”
“We’d like that Harry,” said Luna earnestly. “And they are real--I’m sure of that now more than ever. I heard the whispers beyond the veil in the Department of Mysteries.”
“Wait... you heard the voices too then?” asked Harry. “They weren’t just a figment of my imagination?”
He glanced at Hermione, who had been as close to the veil as anyone could possibly be without passing through it. Hermione looked briefly disconcerted.
“I... I thought I heard something too,” Hermione admitted. “I thought maybe it was just because I had been knocked on the head though. But Luna’s right Harry. With everything we’ve learned, we know that the spirits of people who’ve died continue on after death, and... and it seems that Peverell’s Ring is a real way to talk to them again--even if it can’t really bring them back to life.”
~o0o~
Hermione began with the good news about the end of Minister Umbridge, but when Jean saw her daughter’s blushing features and nervously twitching furry ears in Abby Brixton’s mirror, she knew that Hermione had something more to tell her. Jean listened patiently without interrupting as Hermione hesitantly began to explain the extent of her and Harry’s relationships with Luna and Parvati, Fleur and Daphne, and Jennifer and Dora.
Jean only frowned once when Hermione told her about Dora’s part, clearly concerned about the age difference. But Jean pushed her concerns aside as she continued to listen.
“...We... we’re a Coven--a family--and we love each other very much,” said Hermione as she began her closing remarks. “It’s not just about sex--even though that’s part of it. And it’s not like we’re a harem all just about serving Harry’s needs... it’s not like that at all.
“I love them all as much as Harry does, and... and they all love us, and each other. I’m sorry--I know it’s hard to understand how we can all be in a relationship together all at once...”
Seeing her daughter on the verge of tears, Jean finally gave in to her urge to say something.
“Darling... Hermione, it’s alright... really! I promise. You’re right, it does seem a bit strange to me, but as long as you’re sure that you all love each other, that’s all that really matters. Please--you must believe me that I’ll get used to it.
“Anyway, your aunt and I will begin settling things here in Canada, and make arrangements to come home after the New Year. Oddly, we’ve both got used to living with Petunia and Dudley--we’re both quite fond of them, and we’ll be waiting for Dudley to just finish out this term at school. So I suppose I can at least understand the extended family aspect of your relationships.
“I remember Luna and Parvati, and Dora of course, and I recall meeting Daphne and Fleur once. You'll have to introduce me to Jennifer. I look forward to seeing you and Harry and the rest of your companions when we return.”
“Oh, thanks Mum,” Hermione squeaked as she brushed aside a tear and smiled. “I just know you’ll love them all too! Really! They’re all so smart... and so brave... and kind...”
“Of course dear,” Hermione’s mother laughed. “They all sound delightful. Anyway, give Harry my love. I can’t wait to see you both again...”
~o0o~
At the time, Mr Weasley had been the head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office, though as Perkins had been the only other Ministry employee in that particular subdepartment of the DMLE, it hadn’t been the most prestigious position in the Ministry. In fact, it had been considered by many to be a very lowly position. Which had probably been one of the main reasons that had led to Percy Weasley’s utter disdain for his father.
But now, Arthur Weasley was the reluctant Minister of Magic. Kingsley Shacklebolt had been offered the job of Minister by the Wizengamot, but he had turned it down flat and nominated Mr Weasley instead. One of Harry’s first acts as a member of the Wizengamot had been to vote in favour of Kingsley’s recommendation.
Mr Weasley had been a bit reticent about accepting the post of Minister, but he had been persuaded by the argument that the Ministry needed a Minister who was strongly supportive of muggles and muggleborn wizards.
Mrs Weasley was very proud of her husband. And all things considered, Molly Weasley seemed more cheerful than anyone had a right to expect, despite the fact that her son Percy was spending the rest of his life in prison for aiding and abetting Minister Umbridge’s many crimes. Molly had bustled about and provided a sumptuous Christmas Dinner for the numerous houseguests sharing Christmas with the Weasleys.
Harry supposed that Mrs Weasley was just pleased that all of her family were alive and had escaped the war unscathed. Though he felt more than a bit awkward, as Harry had been one of the many Wizengamot members to vote in favour of Percy’s conviction. Harry took some solace in the fact that the rest of the Weasleys rather felt that Percy deserved it.
It also helped that Sirius and Remus and the rest of the Coven had been invited to Christmas with the Weasleys as well. And despite Harry’s anxiety, it had actually been one of the nicest and most stress free Christmases that he could remember. Bill Weasley had introduced everyone to his muggle fiancée, Miriam--whom the Coven remembered meeting briefly at Halloween--and Parvati and Luna had announced an official date for their own wedding, which was to take place after the end of the school-year.
But as pleased as Harry was with all the joyful tidings and Christmas Cheer, he felt the need for a moment of quiet reflection. Hermione Potter glanced across the living room at her husband, having sensed his mood. Quietly, she made her way to Harry’s side and whispered in his ear.
“Do you want to go outside Harry?”
“Er... yeah,” Harry replied, nodding. “Just for a bit anyway.”
It was a cold, clear, moonlit night; snow crunched underfoot as the Potters made their way to the Weasleys’ orchard, arm in arm. Sitting on a log just on the other side of the orchard, they could see the lights of Ottery St Catchpole twinkling in the near distance. Hermione curled her bushy tail around Harry and lay her bushy head on his shoulder. They sat in silence for a short while. Finally, Harry spoke.
“You know Hermione, it’s funny--in a way, this is our real anniversary. Two years ago tonight, I realised how much you meant to me... how much I loved you--after your furry little problem started and you turned part cat--even though I didn’t quite understand it then. But it seems so much longer ago than that now--like a lifetime ago...”
“I know what you mean Harry,” Hermione responded. “So much has happened since then--and we’ve both grown up so much. Dumbledore is right, we’ve done as much as, if not more than, many adults have.”
“Yeah,” Harry continued, “And, it really finally hit me yesterday evening, while we were visiting my parents’ grave. Introducing my parents to you and the others: Luna, Parvati, Dora, Daphne, Fleur and Jennifer--I finally felt it in my bones like I never really did before... I finally really believed it.
“I know that my parents are really dead--that they’ll never come back... not really come back. But talking to their spirits with the Ring of Peverell made me realise that we really do go on to the ‘next great adventure,’ whatever that is. That quote on their headstone...”
“‘The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death’...” Hermione recited. “Yes Harry, I remember it.”
Harry nodded. “At first I thought it was like a Death Eater idea--like that whole Master of Death business--but it’s not, is it?”
“No Harry,” Hermione agreed, her furry ears twitching. “The Three Brothers created the Hallows, and Voldemort had his Horcruxes... but none of them were really ‘Masters of Death’... It’s Love Harry... Love is what truly transcends Death! To Love someone is to keep them alive in your heart, even long after they’re gone. To pass on life from parent to child is an act of love... Love is Life itself Harry...”
“...And that’s why Love is the greatest magic there is,” said Harry, finishing Hermione’s sentence.
They were silent again for a moment, Harry’s iridescent green eyes meeting Hermione’s golden ones. Then their lips pressed together in an eternal kiss as they were bathed by the silvery light of the moon and stars above. By the time their lips wetly parted, the silvery illumination was pulsing from within, radiating from themselves, and they could no longer feel the cold.
All of a sudden Harry grinned, thinking what a surprise the two luminous Potters would be for the Weasleys--except for Bill, who had witnessed the Coven glowing at Halloween.
“Right... I think I’m hungry for some Christmas Cake now,” said Harry impishly.
“Prat!” Hermione giggled and gave Harry another kiss as they both stood up to return to the Burrow.