Angels Among Us

Angels Among Us

Chapter 5: Safe at Home

The N.E.W.T.s came and went. The last Quidditch match was played on the final Saturday of term.

On the final day of school before the Seventh Years finished their Hogwarts careers, Harry was walking around the grounds. He was remembering some of the better times he had with Ron and Hermione.

Harry was surprised that he was the only student on the grounds seeing as it was such a warm day. Mind you most were probably packing and some of the Third Years and higher were in Hogsmeade because it was also the final Hogdmeade weekend of term.

As he approached the lake, he heard someone crying. He raised his head a bit. He saw a pair of familiar legs sticking out from behind a tree. "Hermione," he called.

When she heard Harry call, Hermione got up and started back towards the castle. "Hermione didn't you hear me."

"I heard you Harry. I don't want to talk to you right now."

"Why?"

"I know what it is you want Harry."

"Yeah? If you know me so well, what is it that?"

"You want to have a relationship with me. I cannot give you that -- not now, not ever."

"Look, if I cannot have you in my life as a girlfriend, I at least want you in my life as a friend."

Hermione smiled. "I can be your friend, Harry. In fact I'll be happy to be your friend again.

Come on the leaving feast and grad dance start in a couple of hours."

"Maybe we sould find R..."

"Don't mention that bastard's name in front of me if you want to keep my friendship."

"He really hurt you didn't he?"

"What do you expect? Last summer he told me that he loved me. Then when we come back here he cheats on me.

How would you feel if some girl did that to you?"

"Hurt and betrayed."

"That's how I felt when I found out."

* * *

The following day they got on the Hogwarts Express for the last time. Hermione and Harry sat in their own compartment and reminisced about their adventures. Any mention of Ron was carefully avoided.

After the train pulled into Platform 9 3/4 and Harry and Hermione exited the train, Harry pulled Hermione to the side. "Promise me Hermione, promise me that no matter where life takes us we will be friends."

"I promise."

"Promise me, that we will meet either weekly or bi-weekly for lunch or dinner."

"I promise."

"Promise me that you will write me on a weekly basis, even though we meet for lunch."

"I promise."

"Finally, promise me that if you ever need anything, anhing at all, you'll come to me."

"I promise." Harry pulled Hermione into a tight hug. He released her and kissed her cheek. "I've got to go now. Bye Harry."

"Bye." Harry watched Hermione pass through the barrier. He stood standing there, watching all the other young wizards and witches passed through.

He then casually strolled through the barrier. "There you are, Boy," barked Uncle Vernon, "We were about to leave."

"Don't start with me Muggle," said Harry in the same tone of voice, "I'm only going back to that hell hole of a house long enough to get the rest of my stuff and find my own place."

Harry stood toe to toe with Vernon. His 6'3'' towered over Vernon's 5'7''. Vernon cowered under Harry's fierce stare.

Harry marched past the Dursleys with his head held high. He had told his uncle off and was proud of himself.

The ride back to Number 4 Privet Drive was shrouded in silence and seemed to take a lot longer than usual.

* * *

Hermione practically left the magical world behind her. Her only liason to the place in which she grew up was Harry.

As promised, she wrote him weekly and they met at least once a week for lunch. Harry never mentioned his love for her at all.

About a year after they graduated from Hogwarts, they were supposed to meet for lunch. On the night before this particular meeting, Hermione phoned Harry.

"Harry, we're supposed to be meeting for lunch tomorrow."

"That's right 'Mione. What, can't you make it?"

"It's not that. I was wondering if a friend of mine from medical school could join us?"

"Sure."

"Okay. Thanks. Bye."

"Bye."

The next day Harry arrived early at the small Muggle café. He saw Hermione and a man drive up. "See you in few minutes hon," said the man, "I'll just go park the car and I'll be right inside."

"Okay." They quickly kissed. Harry opened the car door for Hermione. They watched as the man drove around the corner.

"Hermione who was that?"

"He's myoyfriend. We're in the same Medical Sciences class at the school we attend. He'll be joining us for lunch. I'll introduce you when he gets in the café.

Oh, I see, when I said 'friend' on the phone last night you didn't think I meant boyfriend."

"Something like that."

"Sorry to disappoint you."

"It's alright. Come on let's go get a seat." They entered the café.

A few minutes later Hermione's boyfriend joined them. "Harry this is my boyfriend, Thomas Thompson. Thomas, this is Harry Potter, my friend from high school."

Harry stood up and shook Thomas's hand. "Pleasure to meat you," said Harry.

"Pleasure's all mine," replied Thomas.

The lunch went fine and it was soon time for Thomas to return to the school. "Hermione, Hon, I have a class at one o'clock. I know your classes don't start until two. You stay and have fun with your friend."

After Thomas was out of earshot, Harry spoke again. "Have you told him."

"Told him what?"

"That you're a witch?"

"No I haven't. I don't intend too either. I left that world behind me Harry. You're the only contact I have from that life."

"Look, I don't want to lie to you. I don't like Thomas."

"Why? Because he's at my side; where you think you should be?"

"No that's not it at all. I can't explain it. I just see 008to be getting bad vibes from him.

You're my best friend. I care about you. I don't want to see you get hurt."

"Look Harry, Thomas loves me. He'd never hurt me.

I've got to get back to the school."

"Why? Thomas said you don't have class until two."

"I have a test in my first class after lunch. I need to study."

"If you say so." Hermione got up from the table. Harry followed suit. They walked to the counter and paid their bills. They then exited the café.

"I guess I'll see you in two weeks for our next lunch date."

"Look Harry, I cannot make our lunches anymore. We're entering our most critical point of our year. If I don't make it past this point, I won't be able to proceed in my medical training.

I also won't be able to get a paid internship at a hospital. I'm counting on that because otherwise I won't be able to afford my education."

"Okay, but promise you'll still keep in touch wih me. And promise you'll still meet me if you get a chance."

"I promise." Harry hugged Hermione and kissed her cheek.

"I'll send Hedwig with a letter within the next couple of days."

"Okay." Harry always knew Hermione was a poor liar. He saw right through Hermione. He knew there was more to her not wanting to meet with him, but he decided not to press the matter.

Harry walked down an adjacent alleyway. When he was out of sight of the main street he Disapparated. Harry never met with Hermione after that, but she wrote Harry on a weekly basis.

* * *

About a year after their final lunch Hermione sent Harry a letter. It read:

"Harry:

I have some important news for you. Thomas and I are getting a flat together. The flat is #1001 - 287 Concorde Avenue, London.

We are having a house warming party on Saturday, May 24, 1999. It starts at 7:00 PM. You can come anytime after 6:30.

Thomas and I sincerely hope to see you there.

Your Friend,

Hermione.

P.S.

Gifts are not required."

* * *

At 7:45 on May 24, Harry found himself outside the large apartment complex that was located at 287 Concorde Avenue.

He entered the lobby and pressed the buzzer for flat 1001. "Hello, who is this?" called Hermione's voice over the intercom.

"Hermione, it's me Harry."

"Harry, hi. I'll be right down." Hermione came down.

He thought Hermione looked hot in her skirt and blouse. "Stop it Harry. She's your friend, stop thinking about her that way," he scolded himself. "You look good," he said.

"So do you, Harry. Auror training suits you."

"Thanks. I've got an apartment too."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Remus helped me. It's located in a small wizarding corner of London. The area is named Merlin Square. The flat is located at #5 - 145 Dumbledore Crescent.

The entrance to Merlin Square is located just down the road from the Leaky Cauldron. To Muggle eyes it looks like wooded glade. To a witch or wizard it is a beautiful archway flanked by statues of Merlin himself

Maybe you and Thomas could come for dinner some evening."

"That's good for you. You got away from your aunt and uncle.

Wait a minute, I thought you didn't like Thomas?"

"Yeah, well, he's your boyfriend, so I guess if I want to be your friend, I have to accept him."

"That's a nice sentiment Harry."

The elevator doors opened and they got out. Hermione led Harry to the door. "Well Harry, this is it -- home sweet home."

She opened the door and lead Harry inside. The flat was small and cozy, just the right size for two people. However, with the twenty or thirty people there it was awfully crowded.

Harry tried to mingle with the crowd. Seeing as most of the people there were from the medical school, the conversations revolved around courses.

Harry couldn't get involved in the conversations seeing as he was not from the school, so he wound up sitting on the couch or hanging out by the refreshment counter.

"Not having fun Harry?" asked Hermione as she came up to him.

"Well, it's hard to talk to anybody when I don't know anything about your classes."

"I can see where you're coming from. If you want to go, I'll understand."

"If you don't mind, I would."

"Okay, I'll see you to the door."

"No, I'll see myself out, but before I go, I want to remind you, if you need someone to talk to, if you need anyting, anything at all, you know how to find me.

Only you and I can get through my anti-apparation wards."

"Harry..."

Harry silenced her by placing his finger to her lips. "Remember what I said." He kissed her cheek.

As he walked out he passed by Thomas talking with a group of his friends. "Bye Thomas. Nice seeing you again. Nice flat."

After Harry left one of Thomas' friends came up to him. "Hey Thomas, that young man who just left, he just kissed Hermione."

"Thanks Matt. I'll talk to her about that later."

* * *

After everyone left, Thomas came up to Hermione. "What was Harry talking to you about?"

"He just invited you and I to his place for dinner some time."

"I can see through your lies 'Mione. There's more to it."

"No, there isn't."

"Don't lie to me Hermione. You know wat happens when you lie."

"I'm not lying."

"Why did he kiss you then?"

"We're friends. We've had numerous friendly kisses since we were fourteen."

"I don't want you having anything to do with him."

"We're friends Thomas. That's all."

"Fine keep writing to him. Ask him when he wants us to come over. But, when we go to his place for dinner, I don't want you and him to have any personal contact! No hugging! No kissing! No touching of any kind! Do you understand me?!"

"Friends hug! Friends touch!"

"Don't back talk me!" Thomas drew back his and and slapped Hermione's cheek hard.

* * *

A week later Hermione and Thomas stood outside the wooded glade. "Trust me Thomas."

"Harry lives in an abandoned overgrown park?"

"No, it's a secret place. Trust me." Hermione took Thomas's hand and proceeded into the wooded glade.

"It's just a small forest," Hermione" he said but he reluctantly followed her through the hidden archway.

Once on the other side Thomas's jaw dropped. The archway was perfectly visible from this side.

"Welcome to Merlin Square, Thomas."

"Merlin -- as in the wizard."

"Yes."

"What type of people live here?"

"Witches and wizards."

"No such thing."

"Yes there is."

"You said that you and Harry went to the same high school."

"It was a boarding school."

"Then why does Harry live in a community of witches and wizards.

"I am a witch. After I graduated from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I left that world behind me.

I went back to being a Muggle; that's what witches and wizards call non-magic folk."

"Do you still practice your witchcraft?"

"I still practice magic on occasion; if I find a need to. I used it to clean the flat after our house warming party."

"When we get home, I don't want you doing that freaky stuff anymore. Do you understand?"

"Yes. We're not turning back on Harry that we've made it this far are we?"

"No. We'll keep our dinner date with that freak."

"Harry's not a freak. He's a great wizard."

"Wizard -- freak -- it makes no difference to me. Don't talk to anyone."

"We need directions." Hermione approached a wizard. "Excuse me, we're looking for 145 Dumbledore Crescent."

"Two blocks straight down, turn right, very end."

"Thank you sir." Hermione and Thomas proceeded to 145 Dumbledore Crescent. It was a grand apartment complex.

"How does he afford to live in such a place? This place is simply amazing."

"When his parents died, they left him with a large inheritance."

"There's no buzzer. How do we contact him?"

There were several slots. Above the slots was a sign, "Place wand here." Each slot was numbered. Hermione pulled her wand from her pocket.

"I said no freaky stuff."

"We're in the magical world now Thomas. A wand is the key to survival in the magical world." She placed her wand in the fifth slot. Somewhere inside the apartment five gongs sounded.

A few minutes later Harry came and opened the door. Hermione withdrew her wand. "Welcome, come on in," he said.

He lead them down the hall. He opened the door to his flat. "Welcome to my humble abode.

I hope you enjoy tonight's feast that I have prepared -- Chicken a l'orange, Caesar salad, mixed vegetables, and for dessert Chocolate Mousse."

"Don't you pay your electric bill, Harry?" asked Thomas, "Why are you burning so many candles?"

"Wizard and witch communities don't use electricity. The magical energy interferes with it," answered Harry.

Harry guided them to an elegantly set dining table. "Wow!" whispered Hermione.

"Nice China and silverware," said Thomas, "Where did you steal it from?"

"Thomas!" shouted Hermione.

"It's okay Hermione. Thomas, I did not steal anything. All this finery came in the inheritances I received."

"I see."

* * *

The dinner conversation was light and casual. Hermione and Thomas left early in the evening much to Harry and Hermione's dismay.

"Why did we have to leave so early?" asked Hermione.

"I do not want you associating with that freak anymore."

"Harry is not a freak!"

"Do not raise your voice to me woman!"

"Your putting down my best friend -- one of the only friends I ever had while growing up!"

"You don't need him anymore. You have me."

"I do need him!"

"What did you say?!"

"You heard me!" Thomas backhanded Hermione.

"Don't ever back talk me again."

* * *

Approximately a year after Hermione and Thomas had dinner with Harry had passed. Thomas approached Hermione. "We've been living together a year now Hermione. Don't you think it's time we moved on to the next step?"

"You know my views on sex Thomas. I will not give my body to a man until we are married."

"By law we are considered to be married."

"Have we exchanged vows?"

"No."

"Then we are not really married and my body remains mine."

"You are my girlfriend and I want you!"

"No!" Thomas stormed towards her.

"Haven't you learned your lesson yet?! I am the Master and you are to pleasure me!"

"No! I am not yours to control!" Thomas grabbed Hermione's neck tightly. With his other hand he backanded her. "You can hit me all you want Thomas. I will not yield my body to you!"

Thomas backhanded her again. Hermione fought the urge to cry. "You will give me what I want!"

"No!" Thomas threw Hermione to the ground and kicked her stomach. Hermione got onto her hands and knees and started to crawl away. Again Thomas kicked Hermione's stomach.

Hermione screamed out in pain. Thomas grabbed Hermione and dragged her into the bedroom. Her screams echoed around the apartment as Thomas raped her and forced himself into her.

* * *

Harry sat in his apartment. He felt totally alone and betrayed. Hermione had stopped writing. She had broken her promise to him -- to keep in contact.

He wasn't alone though -- through contacts at the Ministry he had established contact with Dean, Seamus and Neville.

He discovered that Neville and Ginny were engaged. They had hidden their relationship since the Yule Ball at the Tri-Wizard tournament.

His body suddenly started to scream out in pain. It wasn't caused by his scar though. "What's this all about?" he thought

* * *

Nine months later Hermione laid in the maternity ward at London General Hospital.

"Your doing fine Hermione," said the nurse, "The conactions are still a minute and a half apart."

"Harry," she thought.

Halfway across London Harry's eyes snapped open and he sat bolt upright in bed. "Hermione!" he shouted.

A couple of hours later, Hermione had been transferred to a delivery room. "Okay Hermione, with your next contraction I want you to push," said her doctor, "Okay here we go. One...two...three...push. And one...two...three...breathe.

Same thing again, One...two... three...push. And one...two... three...breathe."

After a couple more times the doctor said, "I can see the head. On this next contraction, push with all the strength you have. Okay here we go. One...two...three...push! Come on Sweetie you can do it. Push. Come on push. That's the way. Almost there. Just a little bit further. That's it...that's it. We've got the baby.

Congratulations. It's a girl." They cleaned the baby off and cut the umbiblical cord. They wrapped the baby up and placed it in Hermione's arms. "Hi," she whispered and gently stroked her daughter's cheek.

* * *

Three months later Thomas came home from his paid internship. He went into the nursery to see his daughter. He stormed out a few seconds later.

"Hermione where are you!" he shouted.

"I'm in the bathroom."

"Get over here now!"

"Where are you?"

"Outside the nursery."

"Yes Thomas." Thomas grabbed Hermione's neck and dragged her into the nursery where all of their baby's stuffed animals were floating in the air. "Explain this! I said no more freaky stuff!"

"This isn't me. It's Elizabeth. She must be a witch."

"Then she must be killed!"

"You are not going to touch my baby!" screamed Hermione, "or you will go to bed that night and you will never wake up!"

"Are you threatening me Granger?!" asked Thomas in a venomous tone. He backhanded Hermione and threw her to the floor.

He turned and marched towards the crib. Hermione got up. She turned Thomas so he faced her. She then slapped him. She was about to slap him again, but Thomas grabbed her wrist. She tried to use her other hand. Thomas grabbed that wrist as well.

Thomas then kneed Hermione in the stomach. He then dragged her into their room. He threw her onto the bed face down. He strapped her down and ripped all of her clothes off.

He undid his belt and pulled it off. He folded it double and lashed at her back. Hermione screamed out in pain. Again Thomas lashed at her back. Again there were screams of pain. Thomas lashed Hermione's back at least twenty-five times.

Thomas untied her and whipped her around. He got on top of her and started to hit her face with his fists. He got off of her and started pounding his fists into her stomach and chest. To finish off he kicked her in between the legs.

He released her and watched her fall to the floor. "Don't you ever try to hit me again!" He kicked her again and started off towards the nursery.

Hermione crawled to her dresser. She pulled herself up and opened her underwear drawer. She dug out her wand. She supported her weight against the wall and made her way to the nursery.

She got there just as Thomas was reaching into the crib. "Step away from the crib Thomas!" she said firmly.

Thomas turned to face her. "Hermione."

"Step away from the crib." She pointed her wand at him. Thomas advanced towards Hermione. "Thomas don't make me do this?" Thomas started advancing on her. Thomas don't." Thomas took another step. "I warned you." Another step. "Stupefy!" A jet of red light struck Thomas's chest and he fell to the floor.

Hermione walked to the crib weakly. She bent over and picked up her baby. She concentrated her thoughts on Harry. She disapparated.

* * *

Harry woke up at 3:30. His head was buzzing. His wards were breached. He reached for his wand and glasses. He put his glasses on and muttered, "Lumos."

He got out of bed. As he approached his living room, the buzzing grew stronger and stronger.

He was preparing to have to duel, but he was not prepared for the sight that met his eyes. His jaw dropped as he entered the living room and saw Hermione sranding there stark naked and clutching a bundle of blankets to her chest.

"Hi Harry," said Hermione weakly.

"'Mione." He rushed to her side. He supported her and helped her sit on the couch.

"You want to talk about it?"

Hermione shook her head. Harry helped Hermione lay down. He struggled to get the tiny bundle of blankets away from her. "Hermione, it's me. Let go."

The baby started bawling. "Hermione let go. I won't hurt your baby." Hermione reluctantly surrendered Elizabeth to Harry. He transfigured a chair into a basinet. He laid the baby in it.

He then tended to Hermione. He said a quick spell to determine if she had any internal injuries. He sighed in relief when it turned up to show nothing more than a couple of fractured ribs.

He got a basin of water and a cloth. He then started to wipe Hermione's battered body. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

"For what?"

"Everything."

"You did nothing wrong. I did everything wrong."

"What do you mean?"

"I should have tried harder to get you away from him. Instead, I gave up."

"I was stubborn Harry. It's not your fault. You voiced your concerns right when I first seeing Thomas."

"I accepted Thomas too easily."

"If it makes you feel better, my parents never liked him either."

"Shhh. Just rest."

"But..."

Harry placed his finger to her lips. "Rest."

Harry helped Hermione roll onto her stomach. He had never seen such brutality. He had to fight tears when he saw how much abuse Hermione had suffered.

There were big red welts across the back of her arms and legs. Her back, from neck to hips was a solid mass of severe bruising.

"That Muggle is going to pay for this," thought Harry. He let water trickle from the cloth onto her back. Even the water caused her to wince. Harry knew she'd be a long time healing.

He didn't want to cause her worse pain by touching her back so he just draped a towel lightly over it to dry her off.

He then went to his linen closet and grabbed a couple of light blankets. He draped them over Hermione.

He walked over to his fireplace. He grabbed some floo powder from the container on the mantle. "Ginny Weasley," he said. He stuck his head into the fireplace and threw the floo powder into the fireplace.

After a few seconds of spinning, Harry's head came to rest in the fireplace of Ginny and Neville's flat. "Ginny!" Harry shouted, "Ginny!"

Ginny walked out of the bedroom tying up her house coat. She saw Harry's head floating in the fireplace. She walked over and knelt down in front of the fireplace. "What's wrong Harry it's 4:00 AM?"

"Hermione's hurt."

"What?! Where is she?! Will she be okay?!"

"She'll be fine. She's here at my flat. Her Muggle boyfriend beat her up badly.

I need you to come and look after her while I run over to St. Mungo's to get some healing salves and pain killing potions for her.

I'll drop my anti-apparation wards for you."

"Just let me get dressed and leave a note for Neville. I'll be right over."

"Thanks." Harry pulled his head out of the fireplace.

"Harry..."

"I'm here." He returned to Hermione's side.

"Can I stay with you -- at least until I get on my feet again?"

"Of course."

Harry heard a small popping noise. "Okay Harry, I'm here," said Ginny.

"Hi Gin," said Hermione weakly.

"Merlin's beard. What did that Muggle do to her?"

"She wouldn't talk about it. Can I see you in the kitchen briefly."

"Yes."

"Hermione, Ginny and I will be right back."

"Okay."

Harry and Ginny went into the kitchen. "Look, I'm not just going to St. Mungos. I'm aslo going to get her clothes from that bastard who did this to her."

"I understand, but don't use magic. It's illegal to use magic against Muggles."

"I don't plan on it. I plan to use Muggle Dueling as Professor McGonagall called it."

"Do you know the extent of her injuries?"

"Just a couple of fractured ribs and severe bruising. I checked using a couple of charms. There's no internal bleeding or anything."

"That's good. I'm not as good as Madame Pomfrey, but I'll try and heal her a bit."

"Thanks. There's also a baby."

"Hermione's not pregnant is she?"

"No, I transfigured my easy chair into a basinet. The baby's in there."

"We'd better get back in there. She'll probably be worried. "

"Yeah." They returned to the living room. Harry knelt beside Hermione. "Hermione...'Mione."

"She's sleeping Harry."

"That's even better. Ginny, I'll be back soon. If she wakes up tell her that."

"Okay." Harry went into his bedroom and grabbed his trunk. He disapparated.

He apparated at St. Mungo's. He walked up to the reception window. "What do you need?"

"I was just wondering if I could get some pain killing potion -- the strongest you have, and some healing salves for severe bruising and welts caused by physical violence -- also the strongest you have."

"The pharmacy on the second level."

"Thank you." Harry went up to the pharmacy.

"Can I help you?" asked the clerk.

"I was just wondering if I could get some pain killing potion -- the strongest you have, and some healing salves for severe bruising and welts caused by physical violence -- also the strongest you have."

The clerk came out from behind the counter. He picked out the potion and the salves. He then went back behind the counter. "That will be fifty galleons please."

Harry paid the clerk and went back downstairs. He went back to the reception window. "Do you ave a fireplace I can use?"

"Down the hall in the waiting room."

"Thanks." Harry went into the waiting room. He pulled a packet of floo powder from his pocket. He threw it into the fireplace. "Ronald Weasley," he said.

A few seconds later, the bunk room for the Chudley Cannons spun into view. "Ron! Ron! Wake up Ron!"

"What do you want Harry? I said I was never going to speak wit you again."

"Did you ever love Hermione?"

"What's that got to do wit anything?"

"Just answer me."

"Yes. Why?"

"She's been badly beaten by her Muggle boyfriend. I'm going to teach him not to mess with a friend of mine. Do you want to help me?"

"Yes."

"I'm at St. Mungos now. Get dressed and meet me here." Again Harry pulled his head out of the fireplace. He waited for Ron to get there. It didn't take long. There was soon a whooshing sound and Ron stepped out of the fireplace.

"How do we get to the Muggle's?"

"I've got some Muggle money. We'll take a cab." Together they left St. Mungos."

They walked out onto a Muggle street. Harry flagged down a cab. "Where to?"

"287 Concorde Avenue," said Harry. The cab driver drove them to the apartment complex. Harry paid tne driver and then he and Ron walked into the main doors.

"How are we going to get into the apartment?" asked Ron.

"Hold onto me. I'll apparate us there. A few seconds later they were in apartment 1001.

They searched the apartment and found Thomas in the nursery. "Ron, start packing all the baby stuff you find, then go to the other bedroom and pack Hermione's things."

"I thought you wanted me to help you fight him."

"You can. When you're done packing, bring the trunk to me. I'll go home, then you can beat on this bastard."

"Okay then, let's get at it." Harry dragged Thomas into the living room.

"Enervate," said Harry pointing his wand at Thomas. Thomas blinked once then got to his feet.

"What are you doing in my flat, Freak?!" Before Thomas could react, Harry's hand was gripping his throat tightly.

Harry forced Thomas's back into the wall. His free hand clenched into a fist. He ploughed it into Thomas's stomach. "You'll pay for what you did to Hermione!" Harry ploughed his fist into Thomas's stomach a second time. "I can't believe I had scum like you at my place for dinner!"

The next punch found Thomas's ribs. Harry then released Thomas's neck and unleashed a hail of fists to Thomas's upper torso and face.

Thomas then kicked Harry in the stomach. Harry was back on his feet in a flash. Harry landed a few more blows to Thomas's stomach and ribs.

Thomas kicked at Harry again. This time Harry grabbed Thomas's led and pulled. Thomas lost balance and crashed to the floor. As Thomas got up, Harry gave him a kick in the ribs.

Harry bent over and grabbed the back of Thomas's neck. He pulled Thomas to his feet. "You...are... never...going...to...touch...Hermione ...again!" Harry said each word nice and slowly. He then threw Thomas against the wall.

"I'm done packing Harry."

"Your turn with this bastard. When you're done here, apparate to #5 - 145 Dumbledore Crescent," Harry took the trunk from Ron.

"You live in Merlin Square!?"

"Yes."

"That's the richest wizarding area in London."

"I know. It's also a stone's throw from The Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley."

"Get going. Hermione needs you."

"Okay." Harry apparated back to his apartment. "Hey Gin. I'm back. How is she?"

"She's still sleeping. I cast the healing charms. The less severe bruising was completely healed. The welts across her arms and legs have decreased in size. Even the more severe bruising was healed a little bit, not much though. I don't think I did anything to heal her ribs."

"Thanks Ginny."

"The baby also woke up. I fed and changed her."

"Thank you Ginny."

"No Thomas...not Elizabeth... not Elizabeth. Thomas stop. Please stop."

Harry rushed over to the couch. "Hermione," he whispered, "'Mione it's me Harry. Wake up." Still asleep, Hermione slapped Harry. "Hermione, wake up."

Hermione woke up and burried her head into Harry's shoulder. Harry gently wrapped his arms around her. "Harry, he was going to kill Elizabeth because she's a witch."

"Shhh. He can never touch you or Elizabeth again. You and she are safe now."

There was another small pop and Ron was standing beside Harry. "Thanks for the help Ron."

"You're welcome Harry."

"What's Ron doing here?"

"Harry told me what that Muggle did to you and we took care of him."

"You didn't....?"

"He's not dead, but he'll think twice about hurting you again."

"Thank you Ron."

"Hermione, I should tell you why I did what I did in Seventh Year."

"Why did you hurt me like that?"

"It was obvious that you didn't love me as a boyfriend. It was just as obvious that you loved Harry."

"What?"

"I could tell -- the way you two looked at each other -- especially after Hermione came out of the hospital wing.

I never meant to hurt you Hermione."

"I know. I've always known."

"Friends Hermione?"

"Friends."

"Friends Harry?"

"Friends. I'm going to have to modify my anti-apparation wards again."

"Why?"

"To allow you, Ginny and Neville through, along with Hermione and myself."

"Can you allow Luna through as well. She's my girlfriend now. When I'm not at my Quidditch training camp I'm either at her place or she's at The Burrow."

"Sure. The first time you two will have to come in through the door. I'll have to have her here at least once in order to allow her energy to meld with my ward though."

"Fair enough." Ron came over and hugged Harry and Hermione. Then with a small pop he disapparated.

Ginny then came over and hugged them. She too disapparated.

Harry then wrapped his arms around Hermione. He picked her up and carried her into the bedroom.

He covered her up and crawled into the bed beside her. She snuggled up to Harry.

Finally after three long years their auras melded. Laying there in Harry's arms, Hermione felt safe at home.