So Close

Harry went to tell Remus Lupin and Hermione went to tell her parents. Surprisingly, both of them weren't as against the idea as they had planned. Hermione told her parents about Harry dying and Lupin already knew. Her parents tried to point out all of the negative things about raising a child by herself but Hermione had counters to almost every argument.

Ron had setup a time that Harry could come to the Burrow when only his parents would be at home. Harry was dreading this but didn't have time to beat around the bush. After a nice lunch Harry decided the time wouldn't get any better. "I'd like to talk to both of you for a minute," Harry said before either could get up from the table. "What I'm going to tell you is only known by a couple people and it has to stay that way," he said seriously causing both adults to become worried. "Now, the reasons for what I'm going to do will become apparent later this year but for right now you have to trust that I know what I'm doing." Harry paused and said, "On the first Saturday in March, I'm getting married and would like you two to attend."

Molly jumped up and hugged him which Harry wasn't expecting. "Oh Harry dear, I'm so happy! I had no idea you were dating someone so seriously."

Harry extracted himself and said, "Well, that's just the thing." Molly became less excited and Harry added, "I'm marrying Hermione."

The two adults were silent for a second and then Mrs. Weasley said, "I didn't know you two were..."

"Well it is very sudden," Harry hesitantly said.

"You're not?....she's not?...is she?" Molly asked.

"No Mrs. Weasley she's not and we haven't," Harry added knowing what she was worried about. "You'll understand everything later, I promise. But for now, you can't tell anyone. Only her parents, Ron, Professor Lupin and you two will be there."

Mr. Weasley spoke up, "Don't worry Harry, we won't say anything and will be proud to be there with you."

Over the next week, Hermione was busying herself with small wedding issues. She had already found a very nice dress, even though Harry hadn't seen it. Once it was decided, she had done everything by the bride's book. She even told Harry that he had to leave the flat the night before the wedding but before leaving, Harry sat her down for a small talk.

"Listen Hermione," Harry said. "You've never asked about how much money I have or anything but I want to tell you a few things."

"Oh Harry," she said. "I don't care about that. I have a good job."

"I know but listen," he said. "This all goes to you being happy when I'm gone. You will have enough that if you decide to take time off with the baby you can easily do it. In fact you could take the rest of your life off." Her eyes got wide never having considered this before. "You may decide later to do something that doesn't pay well but you really enjoy and you'll be able to do that. I know you would never do this but if you never wanted to work again, you could. I expect you won't want to be away from work for much time at all and that's fine, whatever you want. I just want you to know that you have the option to do anything you want. Whatever is best for you and the baby is what I want."

She looked at him warmly and said, "Thank you Harry. You know I don't know exactly what we have together but I do love you and this is what I want."

Harry sighed and smiled brightly before replying, "I know how you feel. I love you more than anything in this world. I'd do anything for you." Harry kissed her on the cheek before standing to leave.

Hermione stopped him and said, "You know that tomorrow we'll be doing more than kissing on the cheek?" Harry blushed and nodded. "Well then I think this is appropriate," she said before pulling him into a deep kiss. It took a second before Harry responded but when he did it was the most natural thing on earth to him. The two parted some time later both feeling quite flushed.

"See you at the church Hermione," Harry said before leaving.

"Um...church," she absentmindedly said.

Harry stayed at a Muggle hotel and was already dressed when Ron came over. "Did you take care of that thing Ron?" Harry asked.

"Yep," he said with a laugh. "Little bloke doesn't have a clue who it's for."

The two went to a small white church in the country. It overlooked a large field where they could see horses in the distance. Since it was such a nice day, the ceremony was going to be outside on the top of a small hill. Harry saw the car arrive carrying Hermione's parents and knew the others were already there. "Better tell Colin what's going on now," Harry said and Ron left.

After an hour, Colin Creevy and Ron came to where Harry was standing with Professor Lupin and Mr. Weasley. "Hi'ya Harry!" Colin announced. "I can't believe you're getting married! I can't believe I'm taking the pictures."

Harry laughed and said, "Hi Colin. I really appreciate you taking care of this. Remember, no one sees the pictures but us. Ron will tell you which one you can give to the Prophet."

"Oh I know," Colin said with a strained look at Ron. "Ron told me what would happen if anyone got one of them before you wanted them too." Ron raised his eyebrows and smiled.

Ron turned to Harry and said, "This is it mate. I still say you're mental. You would've thought I'd be used to it by now." Ron grabbed his friend's shoulder and let him to the front of the church.

Harry stood at the front of the Church with Ron next to him and surveyed the few guests in attendance. Professor Lupin had a very strained look on his face but gave Harry a smile when their eyes met. Mr. Weasley looked genuinely pleased but Harry assumed this was as much the result of seeing a Muggle wedding and being around so many Muggle items. Mrs. Weasley was already tearing up and Harry assumed this wouldn't stop until after the ceremony. Hermione's parents seemed content and gave him a very warm smile when he met their eyes and Harry returned their smile. Hermione's father soon got up and walked to the back of the church and Harry knew it wouldn't be much longer now.

Father Barone nodded to the organist who began to play a soft melody and the next moment Tonks came walking down the aisle. Harry was surprised to see her dressed in a very frilly off-white dress. Harry had never seen her dressed in anything other than t-shirts or robes and was quite shocked at how different she looked. She smiled brightly at Harry as she stepped to the left side of the aisle.

The next minute, the organist changed and started to play the Wedding Song and everyone turned to watch Hermione and her father walk down the aisle. She was dressed in a very traditional white Muggle wedding dress and was smiling as brightly as Harry had ever seen. This lifted his spirits since she seemed to be genuinely happy that this was happening. At the sight of her, Hermione's mother began tearing up and dabbed her eyes with a tissue.

When they reached the front of the church, Mr. Granger lifted Hermione's veil and kissed her cheek and then turned to Harry and shook his hand before pulling him into a hug. This was the first time Mr. Granger had ever hugged Harry. When he turned to leave, Harry caught Hermione's eye and saw her mouth 'Thank You.'

The ceremony was short and without any incidents. The two exchanged rings and then when the Father told Harry he could kiss the bride, there was open crying from both Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Granger but then everyone began clapping as the Father announced Mr. & Mrs. Harry Potter. Harry and Hermione had already agreed that she would go by Hermione Granger-Potter to make sure she kept her own identity.

They then spent the next hour with Colin taking pictures of the group and suggesting many different situations. Colin also took some with a Muggle camera so that the Grangers could send to relatives.

They then went to a small Muggle restaurant in the small town to have a reception. Now everyone seemed to be in a very good mood and Harry spent most of the time talking to the Grangers. He never knew what Hermione told them about the situation but then never brought up why things happened so fast between him and their daughter. Immediately after the reception, Harry and Hermione left for their week long honeymoon on the Greek island of Santorini.

The Weasley's and Ron returned to the Burrow with Tonks and Remus Lupin to continue their small celebration of the wedding. When they arrived Ginny and the twins were there waiting. "Where have you been dressed like that?" Ginny asked.

"Yeah!" George exclaimed. "That's pretty fancy Muggle wear," Fred added.

Mrs. Weasley hesitated but Remus said, "It'll be common knowledge tomorrow Molly."

Mrs. Weasley smiled brightly at this and said, "We've been to a Muggle wedding!"

"Bet dad loved that," George joked. "What Muggle do you know that would have invited all of you?" Fred asked.

"Hermione," Tonks said hoping to keep the suspense up a bit.

"Hermione!" Ginny exclaimed. "I didn't know she was engaged. Who'd she marry?"

"Someone she's known for a while now," Ron said joining Tonks in winding everyone up.

Lupin decided to end the other's suspense and said, "Hermione and Harry just got married."

Ginny and the twins were speechless as their jaws dropped. Finally George said, "Harry? Our Harry?" "The Boy-Who-Lived Harry?" Fred asked.

"The one in the same boys," Mr. Weasley said. "Fascinating thing Muggle weddings. Nothing flying around or anything."

Mrs. Weasley was studying Ginny who couldn't seem to grasp what had happened. "Are you ok dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"Um...sure...Harry really married Hermione?" Ginny muttered and her mother nodded. After a moment she turned to Ron and said, "You knew about this?"

Ron was torn between feeling sorry for his little sister and slightly good that she was feeling odd since she had dropped Harry for Dean. "Yeah but I was shocked as well when they told me. It's what they want though so I'm happy."

Ginny left the others to their celebration and went to walk around Diagon Alley alone.

On the island of Santorini, the newlyweds had just finished a private meal and returned to their room both feeling very anxious. Harry really sensed that Hermione was nervous and said, "You know Hermione that if you want to wait on this, it's ok with me."

"I don't want to wait!" Hermione exclaimed. "It's just going to be awkward at first but it's what I want." She hugged him and kissed him deeply. "I promise, it's what I really want. I have no doubts about this."

This made Harry feel much better and he kissed her deeply before she said, "I'm going to go freshen up a bit and then we'll see how this goes." Harry blushed at knowing what was about to happen.

Harry woke up to a very strange feeling the next morning. There was a weight across his chest and legs and he was feeling a tickling sensation under his nose. Blinking, he saw the mass of hair across his upper chest and realized Hermione was lying half over him. He smiled as he recalled the events of late last night. What had started off awkwardly for the first few moments quickly changed to feeling very comfortable and natural to them both. The two actually ended up making love three times before giving in to exhaustion and falling asleep in each others arms.

Harry felt Hermione stir and when she lifted her head he said, "Good morning wife."

Hermione smiled, sighed and lightly kissed his lips. "Good morning husband," she said with a smile. Lifting herself up to look directly into his eyes, she got serious and said, "Thank you Harry."

Harry knew what she meant and said, "I'm still not sure you were thinking clearly when you suggested this but I can't remember ever being happier than I am now so I should be thanking you."

Hermione laid her head back on Harry's chest and after a few minutes, Harry could tell his chest was getting damp and realized she was crying. "What's wrong Hermione? Did I do something?"

Hermione sniffed and said, "No, you didn't do anything. I just started thinking about what's going to happen to you. I'm sorry. I promised I wouldn't bring it up."

Harry had also been trying to keep thoughts of what was to come out of his mind so he lightly rubbed her back and said, "It's ok Hermione. I've accepted what's going to happen. Before I didn't think it would be that bad since I hadn't been happy in a long time but now I'm dreading it. I'm not afraid or anything it's just that being back around you and Ron has been pretty great. This is why I thought about staying away."

Hermione quickly leaned up and said, "No! It's better you came back. I don't know how I would have handled it if you had died without use seeing you again. You really don't know how much it tore me up when we didn't know anything about you."

After a couple minutes of silence Harry said, "So do you want to go sightseeing today? Or maybe go find a museum or something?"

Hermione seemed to be thinking and then said, "Maybe later but right now I think you should get back to your end of the bargain and work on giving me a baby."

"Hermione!" Harry exclaimed. "Are you going to regret doing this if you aren't pregnant before it happens?"

"No I won't regret it," she said hitting him. "However I expect you to do everything in your power to help it along. I've already been taking a fertility potion so that should increase the odds."

Harry laughed and said, "You're amazing you know that."

The next day back in England the Daily Prophet headline read:

The Boy-Who-Lived Weds Longtime Friend

Harry Potter who recently defeated The Dark Lord for the final time was wed to Miss Hermione Granger yesterday in a small Muggle ceremony on the outskirts of Northshire. Harry and Miss Granger were close friends since they both started Hogwarts together. Their other good friend Ronald Weasley was the Best Man and Nymphadora Tonks who teamed with Potter and Albus Dumbledore in the defeat of the Dark Lord was the Maid of Honor.

Harry has not been seen in public since The Final Battle so we are sure it will come as quite a shock to everyone in the Wizarding Community that he has gotten married. The couple is on a honeymoon in an undisclosed location and then will be living at Harry's residence which is still unknown to all our sources.

We at the Prophet wish the couple the best of luck and hope that Harry can finally find some peace and happiness after everything he has been put through.

The only photograph of the wedding was supplied by former Gryffindor Colin Creevy

Harry Potter: a timeline Page 3

The Final Battle Revisited Page 5

Updates Most Eligible Bachelors: Page 9

The moment after the Prophet arrived, the Burrow was non-stop activity. The floo was constantly active with people wanting details and wishing to send gifts and well wishes to the couple. The Minister of Magic had personally come to the Burrow demanding to know why he wasn't invited to the ceremony. Mrs. Weasley had to be restrained by her husband from hexing the Minister on the spot. Later in the day, Ron, Remus Lupin and Tonks had all come over to take some of the pressure off of Mrs. Weasley.

"Can't they just leave him alone!" she exclaimed after the fifth reporter tried to enter the Burrow from the floo.

Lupin felt bad for how irritated Mrs. Weasley was becoming and said, "Let me handle the floo for a while Molly. We can get it shut down for a while if you want."

It took a couple days but things did quiet down at the Burrow especially after two reporters were stunned after entering the home late one evening. Ron and Bill had been playing chess when the two strange people appeared from the floo and before they could say anything the two Weasley boys had them stunned and then shoved them back into the floo sending them into a very seedy part of Knockturn Alley.

Ron was receiving an unexpected bonus from being in the wedding. The witch he was currently dating really liked all the extra attention Ron attracted when they were out and was being especially nice to him. Ron thought it was only fair after being Harry's sidekick for so long to get a little special treatment out of it. Ron flatly refused however to take her to Harry's or to promise to introduce her. Ron still found himself thinking about the future and what he and Harry would be doing but would catch himself and remember that Harry wouldn't be around that much longer. That thought just seemed so bizarre to Ron. After everything that Harry went through he was just supposed to die in about four months. All because he got cut by some stupid knife. When he was around Harry, his friend acted like nothing was wrong and that in turn made Ron forget what was going to happen. Only when Ron was alone did the reality of what the near future was bringing sink in and only then did he allow himself to wallow in the sadness.

Harry and Hermione arrived home after a week spent without worries. A week where they didn't talk about the future or allow it to intrude on their moment of happiness. "Well back to the real world," Harry said as he summoned the luggage back into the bedroom. "Now the reality of having me as a husband will start," he joked.

"Yes well not quite reality yet," Hermione firmly said. "I'm going to make Kingsley give me a few months leave so we can spend as much time together as possible," she said and blinked her eyes to keep any tears from forming.

Harry came up and hugged her from behind and said, "I told you that you didn't think this through enough. I should have just stayed away."

Hermione wheeled around and angrily said, "No you shouldn't have! I have no doubts about what we're doing and I'm trying to stay upbeat about everything but it's just hard." She allowed him to hug her again and then said, "I don't mean to be like this but sometimes it just seems so unfair."

"I know Hermione, I know," Harry softly said. "I wish you could cheer up. I've never been happier in my life and will gladly take whatever time I have with you and Ron."

"That's better," Hermione said. "Now let's see what this note is," she added as she picked up a note that was from Ron. Hermione laughed as she read it and then said, "Ron says his mom is going mad with all the people wanting information about you. He says we need to go over there and get all the gifts and notes that people have sent us."

"Now you're going to get a little taste of the weirdness of my life," Harry joked.

"Yes but we're staying away from all of that," she firmly said. "I don't want us to deal with any hassles. You have to focus on keeping your end of the bargain."

"Hermione give me a rest!" Harry exclaimed. "I'm doing the best I can."

"Yes well if things haven't happened by July you're going to a doctor and making a donation so I can keep trying," she added as Harry's eyes got huge.

"I don't think I could do that," Harry quickly said realizing what it would take.

"Well then you better concentrate on doing it the natural way because that was our deal," she said as she began to unpack.

The next few months seemed to fly by for Harry. He and Hermione spent most of their time together and they often took small weekend trips with Ron to Muggle parts of Europe. It was like they all had dreamed of, the three friends doing things together and enjoying life. However there was always the little itch in the back of their minds that they were just barely able to keep up the act, none of them wanting to be the first to break down with the weight of what was coming.

By the end of June, Harry was getting very anxious about two things, his commitment to Hermione and his birthday. Hermione hadn't said she was pregnant yet and Harry became stressed about this and his birthday would be the one year anniversary of being cut and he didn't know exactly how things would progress after that point. He began getting a little more withdrawn and started spending some time alone with Remus Lupin as well. Hermione hated to be away from him but knew he wanted some time alone with the only remaining friend of his father.

When July first rolled around, the friends had dropped all pretense of everything being fine and were now openly talking about how they would miss Harry when he was gone. Ron still joked enough about Harry having to go to the fertility clinic to make a donation if Hermione didn't become pregnant soon. Hermione however was very quiet on that subject and Harry assumed it was because she didn't want to add to his concerns.

Late one night after Ron had left, Hermione sat next to Harry and said, "We need to talk."

"I've been trying Hermione!" Harry exclaimed assuming she wanted to bring up the donation. "I don't know if I can go to one of those places," he added obviously squirming.

"You won't do it for me?" Hermione questioned looking hurt.

Harry gave her a pleading look and finally said, "Of course I will, but I won't enjoy it."

"Ok then," she said giving him a light kiss. "However, it doesn't seem like that will be necessary anymore."

Harry gave her a confused look and then it finally clicked, "Really? It worked? I mean we did it?"

Hermione chuckled and said, "Yes Harry we did it. You make it sound like we just passed a test or something."

"Are you still ok with this happening?" he tentatively asked.

Hermione whacked him on the arm and said, "Of course I'm ok with it. Merlin Harry you have no idea how important this is to me."

Harry hugged her tightly and said, "Thank you Hermione. I can't tell you how happy you've made me. You're the best."

Hermione had tears of happiness and as she wiped them she said, "I don't know how things would have been if you hadn't been cut but I have no regrets about doing this."

"I still say you're a bit mental but I learned long ago that I can't win an argument with you," he joked back. "How far along are you?"

"A little over two months," she said. "I wanted to be sure before I said anything."

The two spent the next two days totally alone and then invited Ron over to tell him. Ron was happy but also a bit disappointed that he couldn't continue to give Harry a hard time about being unable to perform.

Mrs. Weasley insisted on having a birthday party for Harry and as much as he and Hermione tried to find and excuse for not going, but they realized it would be impossible. As the date got closer, Ron and Hermione became much more depressed but Harry had now resigned himself to what was happening and tried his best to keep the spirits of his friends up.

Harry spent the entire day before his birthday with Remus Lupin, making sure things were in order and just talking about the past. Ron and Hermione had decided to spend the day together as well and both seemed to be more comfortable with the situation after talking things through again.

When Harry got home that night, Hermione had brought in food from his favorite restaurant and had a nice table setup for them. "You didn't have to go through any trouble Hermione," Harry said.

"I want tonight to be perfect," she said holding back her emotions.

Harry nodded as they sat down to eat. They were both very quiet during the meal and Harry again started feeling guilty for the pain he knew Hermione was feeling. After eating, they went to the couch where Hermione pulled him into a deep kiss.

After reluctantly ending the kiss Harry softly said, "Thank you for everything Hermione."

"Don't talk about it Harry," Hermione quickly said blinking rapidly. "Don't mention it anymore. I'm doing my best to keep it together. Just kiss me."

Harry obliged her and the two were quickly embracing on the couch until Hermione said, "C'mon let's go to the bedroom."

"What about the baby?" Harry asked.

"As long as you don't go too crazy we'll be fine," she said pulling his hand and leading him down the hall.

The two stayed in bed until almost noon the next day and then leisurely got ready before going to the Burrow late that afternoon. They arrived via floo and were luckily able to sneak off with Ron before everyone realized they were there. When the three reached the small paddock at the edge of the Burrow they sat down under a tree and Ron quickly asked, "So are you still feeling ok?"

"Yeah, maybe this thing is just a myth," Harry joked back knowing full well it wasn't. "It was my entire ruse to get Hermione into bed."

"Yes well you won't like the results if that turns out to be the case," she said trying to sound mean.

"When are you going to tell Mum about the baby?" Ron asked.

"Next month at the latest," Hermione quickly said. "I'll be showing a bit by then."

"It's still kind of weird you know," Ron added looking between Hermione and Harry. "My former girlfriend is having my best friend's baby. The Prophet will have a field day with this one."

Harry grimaced but Hermione turned to Ron and quickly said, "I'll handle the Prophet. It will be fine. You and I decided long before this that we were better suited as friends. We know the truth and that's all that matters."

After sitting around talking, the three made their way back to the Burrow where Remus Lupin, Tonks, the twins and Ginny with her date Dean were waiting. "We didn't know you were already here," George said. "Yes, very rude of the guest of honor keeping us waiting," Fred added.

"Shut it you dolts," Ron said as the three sat at the end of the table.

Remus Lupin noticed how Ron, Hermione and Harry stayed very tight during the birthday party and it brought a flash of pain at the thought of him no longer having friends like that. He knew that Ron and Hermione would be ok once Harry was gone since they had remained so close. He hated that he had thought Sirius was a traitor for twelve years after James and Lily had died and wondered how much easier things would have been if Sirius hadn't been suspected and the two could have leaned on each other for support. Knowing that Harry was going to be gone soon had at first been a devastating blow to Remus but he had the time to come to grips with the fact and had prepared himself as much as possible.

Tonks was having a harder time keeping her mood up today than she expected. She had been through so much pain with Harry while they were trying to defeat Voldemort that she thought she could deal with this as just another horror of the war but seeing Harry and his two friends together made her very sad for them. She promised herself that she would become closer to Hermione since Ron would be her main source for comfort in the coming months. Tonks wasn't totally surprised when she found out about Hermione wanting to have Harry's baby. In some way she fully understood the younger girl's fantasy of clinging onto some part of her best friend.

Mrs. Weasley had suspected something was up with Ron and his two friends for some time now. There seemed to be some secret they were keeping from everyone. This didn't really bother Mrs. Weasley much since she knew that Harry had probably confided some things that happened during the battle with them but she still wished she could help with his pain. Seeing the three of them together at the party confirmed that something indeed was going on. Even through they all kept up a good face, she could see something dark lingering just below the surface and wanted nothing more than to see if she could help but knew from experience that all three of them would not reveal anything until they all agreed on it.

Ginny could also tell something was different about the three. She had suspected they were keeping some big secret ever since she heard Harry and Hermione had gotten married. Something about this just didn't make sense to her. Harry and Hermione had always been very close but to get married so soon after his ordeal just didn't fit. She had never fully patched things up with Harry and since he had been so closed off to her since returning, she didn't feel able to do much.

Everyone had finished their first helping of cake when Hermione thought she saw Harry give a slight flinch but then he quickly looked normal so she didn't mention anything. The next moment Harry stood to say something. Since this was so out of character for him, everyone quickly became silent. "I just wanted to say thanks for all of this," he said gesturing to the food and presents. "You've all been great since I've been back and I can't tell you how much it has helped. Since then I've felt like I had a family for the first time in my life. Thanks." Harry raised his glass of juice and took a drink, instantly joined by everyone else and then he sat back down.

Hermione leaned in close and whispered, "That was nice. It meant a lot to Mrs. Weasley." Harry kind of blushed at this.

The twins quickly took over the conversations and kept everyone entertained while they ate even more cake. Hermione definitely saw Harry flinch and noticed a slightly strained look in his face and was just about to ask him about it when he turned and said, "Hermione do you and Ron want to take a quick walk with me?"

Hermione focused with all of her might not to cry and quickly stood up only slightly beaten by Ron who hadn't said anything. Harry turned to look at Professor Lupin and Tonks and gave them a slight nod before walking away with his friends.

Tonks stood and mumbled, "I need to check on something Molly. I'll be right back." The young woman quickly walked to the house and entered.

Remus Lupin could only watch Harry walk away and fight to control his own feelings. He knew this day would come and had prepared as much as he could but it was almost like watching his best friend from school leave. He thought that at least this time he was able to say goodbye properly. Deep inside he wanted nothing more than to leave and spend time alone but knew that Hermione and the others would want company when they found out.

Once the three friends got to the paddock Hermione turned Harry around and asked, "Is it happening?" Ron looked at his friend obviously concerned.

"I think so. It just feels weird right now," Harry said and turned to Ron. "Ron make sure she gets the baby flying lessons as soon as possible," Harry said trying to smile but seeing Ron start to tear up made that hard. "You'll be a great godfather you know," Harry added and then gave his best friend a hug.

Ron sniffed a bit and said, "I'll take care of her. We'll miss you mate." Ron quickly turned and walked a few feet away to give Hermione some privacy.

Hermione now had tears running down her face as she said, "I'm sorry Harry. I tried not to cry."

"It's ok Hermione I'm not doing much better," Harry said. "Thank you for everything. You gave me more than I deserved."

"Oh Harry," she said and hugged him tight. She felt Harry flinch again so she pulled back.

"I have to go," Harry said. "If it's nothing I'll be back soon."

"Do you really think it could be nothing?" she asked hopefully.

Harry didn't answer and lightly kissed her on the lips before he said, "I do love you Hermione," and vanished with a small pop.

Hermione dropped to the ground and began sobbing uncontrollably. Ron quickly came over and hugged her trying to keep his own tears in check. "I can't believe this is actually happening," she sobbed. "He's not coming back."

"We'll be ok Hermione," Ron said comforting her. "We'll have each other. We won't forget him."

It was over a half hour when the two came back to the table not even trying to hide their sorrow. Tonks was the first one up as she ran to hug Hermione. Lupin was there next and patted Ron on the shoulder. Now everyone else at the table started to move to the group with Mrs. Weasley their first. "What's happened? Where's Harry?"

Hermione sobbed and managed to get out, "I can't do this. Ron you tell it. Tell it all." Hermione ran inside and was quickly followed by Tonks.

Ron composed himself, took a deep breath and said, "Harry's gone."

"Gone? What do you mean gone?" George asked. "Yeah, why'd he leave the party?" Fred questioned.

Ron didn't seem to have the words so Remus Lupin said, "Harry's dying. He won't be back. He's known since he returned from the battle."

"What?" everyone who didn't know already exclaimed.

Lupin directed everyone back to the table and between him and Ron they spent the next hour explaining everything. On top of the shock of learning that Harry had left to die, the added news about Hermione being pregnant with Harry's baby had caused Mrs. Weasley to faint. Everyone present ended up staying at the Burrow that night trying to comfort each other and to answer all the questions.

Harry had apparated to his flat after leaving the Burrow and picked up the small satchel he had packed earlier. He hadn't told anyone about this part of his plan. He was indeed dying and felt the first symptoms but wasn't going to wait around to melt. He walked over to Hedwig who was looking at him intently with her large brown eyes and said, "Thanks for everything girl." Harry stroked her feathers. "I'm going to miss you terribly. Take care of Hermione for me will you?" The snowy owl hooted softly and nibbled Harry's fingers. Harry cast a disillusionment charm on himself, grabbed the cursed blade from the top of the television, put his invisibility cloak on and disapparated.

When Harry reappeared, he instantly felt another pang of pain and backed against the wall of the now familiar corridor. Making his way to the side, he slipped through the less obvious doorways that they had researched over a year before. Avoiding any area that may have people and after making many turns, he ended up in a circular room with seven doors. Softly he whispered, "Show me the death room." The room spun and ended with a door directly in front of him. Harry slowly opened the door and glanced in to make sure no one else was inside before stepping in and casting a locking charm on the door.

Slowly Harry approached the veil and heard the whispers coming from within. He walked completely around the softly ruffling cloth twice, looking for anything that may give him a clue to what was inside. Harry removed his cloak and cancelled the disillusionment charm before placing the cloak and the knife into his satchel. Harry raised his palm near the veil and could almost feel a soft breeze across his hand. Listening closely, he tried to make out anything in the whispers but nothing seemed familiar. Another stab of pain almost brought him to his knees and he knew it wouldn't be long now. He was startled to hear the door rattle and then heard a voice on the other side mumbling something. Not wanting to be stopped when he was this close, Harry put the strap of the satchel over his shoulder, firmly grasped his wand in his right hand and said, "Sirius, I hope you're there." Harry knew that his next action would answer a question that had haunted him for over three years and with a final effort, Harry made a large step into the veil causing it to swing back before fluttering to its original position.

On February 14^th, Ron Weasley was in the delivery room as his best friend gave a final groan and slumped back onto the hospital bed breathing rapidly. Hermione opened her eyes as her and Ron watched the doctor make some quick movements and then stand straight up with a blue blanket wrapped tightly around a very small baby. "It looks like you have a very healthy baby boy Mrs. Potter," the doctor said as he handed the bundle to Hermione.

Ron's eyes were huge but Hermione couldn't stop smiling as she held the tiny little person in her arm. She lightly ran a finger over the tufts of auburn hair and almost gasped as the little boy's eyes snapped open at the touch revealing a pair of brilliant green eyes. That moment Hermione knew she had a part of her back.

Her best friend's announcement made her realize he knew it as well. "Bloody Hell!"