A/N: I'm back. I quit Quantum Bang but I still continued to write my project. If you want to read it, the title is God Save The Children.
My Cheating Heart Book 2
By: tweety-src-clt9
Chapter Six: Bridging the Gaps
After the first briefing with the organizers and the champions of the Tri-Wizard tournament, Harry calmly made his way back to Gryffindor tower. Everything happened the same way it did before, minus the extreme animosity from his co-champions. This time around, they all treated him as an unfortunate competitor. They all thought that he's just someone who was very unlucky to have his name unwillingly entered at such a young age. He snorted at the thought. If only they knew the truth, he mused.
In his prime, he was Merlin and Osiris' equal in magic in his previous lifetime. Now that he accepted the mantle of being the Master of Death though, along with the special training he received from his predecessors, he was confident that things would be a lot better and easier this time around.
He would be able to stop Voldemort way before the bastard could start wreaking havoc again. If he were honest with himself, his real challenge would be hiding the true nature of his powers. Aside from that, he had to find a way to help ease Hermione into her new role as the Mistress of Death. There's also the challenge of fully winning her heart all over again.
Even from outside the Gryffindor Tower, he could hear the loud noises and the cheering. Great! A party just for me, he rolled his eyes. Eager to just get it over with so he could talk to Hermione again, he muttered the password and entered into chaos.
Instead of the party, it seemed that Gryffindor house found a more entertaining subject – Ron and Hermione fighting. Well, it's more of Ron shouting abuse and Hermione reining in her temper.
"I don't know what's gotten into you! You're such a slag – whoring yourself out to Potter! He's just using you. I mean look at you – you're not – " Ron was shouting so loud that every single person in the common room was just stunned at his words.
Hermione was shaking in anger and hurt. This was just like the incident that led her to be face-to-face with a troll all over again. Before she could run away, Harry firmly gripped her arm.
"She's not what, Ron? I dare you to finish that sentence," he said in a cold voice.
"She's not – she's not! You! You just had to come in and take everything don't you?" This time, Ron's ire was focused on Harry.
"I'm only going to say this once, Ron. And I will never repeat it again. You will never deserve, Hermione Granger. She's smart, you're dumb. She's kind, you're selfish. She's caring and helpful, but you are someone who only wants to take and take… She will never be yours! And as for your issues with me, I don't fucking care – " Harry held Hermione's hand and was about to lead her away from the prying crowd when he felt harmful magical energy lingering near them.
"Eat slugs!" Ron bellowed. With just a mere wave of his hand, Harry easily blocked the curse and it rebounded on the jealous ginger-haired wizard.
Hermione suddenly let go of his hand and Harry looked at her in surprise. When he saw the glint of restrained fury in her chocolate brown eyes, he winced. He was so bloody happy that his name wasn't Ronald Billius Weasley. With a determined stride and raging energy within her, Hermione stood a few feet away from Ron who was now green in the face as he vomited large disgusting slugs.
"This," Hermione punched Ron on the nose and he fell on his bum, "is for calling me a slag and a whore." And then, she had her wand in her hand and Ron was now shivering in fear as he prepared for the worst. "This is for all the shit you've been screaming about Harry even before he got here you stupid, uncouth, greedy, waste of space – Reducio tribus diebus," Hermione's wand was glowing a strong shade of red and everyone expected the spell to really hurt. To their surprise, she only let the spell hit the ground instead, just a few inches away from Ron's crotch. The men in the room gulped as they pressed their legs closer together. "You're not worth it – " and with that, Hermione punched Ron again.
Neville Longbottom cheered Hermione on. Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil followed suit by clapping their hands. After that, they were joined by Seamus, Dean, Collin, and the rest of the Gryffindors except for Ginny Weasley and Romilda Vane.
Even the twins agreed with their housemates' sentiment. Their git of a brother deserved all that he got. Since Ron's a part of their family though, they helped their brother to stand on the floor so they could escort him to the hospital wing.
"You! You – bitch!" Ginny exclaimed. She was fuming in anger as she stomped towards Hermione.
"I thought you were my friend, Gin," Hermione said in a calm voice.
"Hah! Do you really think I wanted to be your friend? I only tolerated you because you gave me information about Harry," Ginny replied sarcastically.
"Oh… I see. Well, it's too bad then. I always treated you like a sister – "
"Oh, come on, Hermione! You're always this little goody-two-shoes who acts like she's so special just because you're so brilliant. I don't know why Harry and my brother follow you around like you're some princess they want to worship," Ginny ranted.
Harry wanted to intervene and defend Hermione but she tightened her grip on his hand and he understood the signal she gave. She could handle this.
"Is that what you really think of me?" Hermione muttered.
"Yes! I don't like you, Hermione 'perfect know-it-all' Granger! You're an ugly bucktoothed swot that's got nothing to offer except for her brain…" and then, Ginny gave Hermione a head to toe look that's filled with so much scorn. "Enjoy Harry while you can, I or some other gorgeous beauty will take him away from you… With hair, teeth, and looks like that – you will never attract a – "
"Ms. Weasley! In my office – now!" Professor McGonagall's loud and angry voice startled everyone. Since all the Gryffindors were shocked by Ginny's words of hatred, they didn't notice that their head of house entered the common room.
"Pro – professor!" Ginny exclaimed. Her face was flushed in mortification and fear this time around.
Professor McGonagall took a deep calming breath because she was livid of all the hatred that this little witch was spouting on her favorite student. "If you want to remain in Hogwarts, Ms. Weasley, you better come to my office – NOW!"
Ginny gave Hermione one last glare before she meekly followed the stern professor outside the portrait hole. When they left Gryffindor tower, everyone immediately turned their focus on the stunned yet teary-eyed Hermione.
"Hermione… Know that whatever that bitch said, it's not true – " Harry said in all seriousness but he was interrupted by an enraged Neville.
"Don't listen to Ginny, Hermione! She's just jealous of you!
Harry and any other bloke would be so lucky to have you in their lives. You're a great friend and – "
"Neville's right, Hermione! Don't listen to that little jealous witch with a b," Lavender agreed.
"See, Hermione? Don't let Ginny and Ron affect you," Harry squeezed her hand in reassurance.
"Thank you, Neville, Lavender," Hermione turned to the other students who showed her support.
"With all the points you earn for Gryffindor, Hermione, showing our support is the least we could do," Dean piped in with a light joke that made the rest of the students chuckle a little bit.
"I – I – thank you," a teary-eyed Hermione tried to smile at the rest of her peers.
"You guys carry on with the celebrations, I need to talk to Hermione in private," Harry addressed everyone.
"You heard the champion and his lady! Let's celebrate!" Dean announced and the students cheered.
"To Harry and Hermione!" Neville yelled and the students displayed their support by following his lead. Some students even drank their butterbeer to honor the new couple.
With a quick nod to Neville, Harry took Hermione's hand as he led her away from the rowdy students in the Gryffindor tower. He knew that Hermione needed some quiet time to assess all of the revelations that had happened recently. He had all of his memories intact while she only had snippets of it. So, she surely didn't expect the bitterness and cruelty from Ginny who she clearly trusted as a close friend. He knew that she must be confused, angry, and hurting deep inside, so he was resolved to get her out of there.
"Hermione, I'm so sorry," Harry whispered into Hermione's ear as he wrapped her in a warm embrace as soon as they got settled on a couch inside the Room of Requirement.
"It's not your fault, Harry," she chuckled lightly.
"Still – I'm so sorry that they hurt you again," he pulled away so he could cradle her face in his hands.
"It's Ginny – isn't it? She and the Weasleys played a significant part as to why our marriage in the previous timeline failed, right?" she asked in a barely audible voice.
He could only nod in reply because there's just no other explanation for their failed marriage really. Although, given the passive reading he did on Ginny's and Ron's thoughts awhile ago, he now had a feeling that there's an angle that they had never explored before.
"Hermione?"
"Yes, Harry?"
"In your recent memory so far, just with our first three years here in Hogwarts, was there ever a time that you fancied, Ron? And please be honest with me, darling… I just want to confirm something," he inquired in a gentle voice. The thoughts that he had read from the two youngest Weasleys were very alarming indeed so he just had to confirm a significant detail. Ginny seemed to be reeking with confidence that she could win him over as he skimmed her thoughts. That kind of arrogance scared him. It seemed that Ginny had a hidden trick up her sleeve.
"Eww! Of course, not! Ron has his great moments sometimes, the chess in our first year and his overall good-natured easy demeanor. But really, Harry? Why would I ever fancy him? He's like an annoying little brother – "
"Merlin! I'm an idiot! Of course! We were acting the way we were in the previous timeline because they've been dosing us with love potions! And then, when you returned to Australia and came back, Molly wasn't able to dose you again and that's why your fake feelings for Ron never recurred," it finally dawned on him that they had been duped by the Weasleys even before their marriage.
"Harry – what are you saying? I don't understand," her eyes shown genuine confusion.
"Do you trust me?"
"That's a stupid question. With my life, Harry. Of course, I trust you," she replied in earnest.
"Look straight into my eyes, Hermione, and open your mind," he lovingly traced her jawline.
With their eyes connected, Harry entered her mind as he shared glimpses of his memories of their sixth year, the Horcrux hunt, and the incidents that led to their marriage…
Later, Harry broke their mental connection and Hermione was again teary-eyed despite the angry glint in her eyes. He hugged her once more and she eagerly leaned into his embrace. He lovingly rubbed her back as a gesture of comfort. He allowed her to cry for a little while. After all that she had been through in this timeline and in their previous life, she deserved to let it all out.
"Harry – do you think – do you think we could find out if they dosed us with love potions in our previous life? I just – I just want to make sure," she sniffed.
"Of course, my love… Just hold my hands and close your eyes. There is more to being the Master and Mistress of Death that you should know," he whispered.
Hermione pulled away and she slowly held on to each of his hands. When she closed her eyes first, he followed suit. Using his connection to the former Masters of Death, he brought Hermione to meet Osiris and Merlin in a metaphysical headspace…
"Harry Potter!" Osiris greeted the new Master of Death in his signature bow that Harry happily returned. Hermione may have been shocked but she easily followed Harry's lead.
"My dear, Hermione!" Merlin exclaimed before he gallantly bowed like a besotted squire that made Harry snort and Osiris chuckle.
"Stop flirting with my Mistress of Death, old man," Harry feigned annoyance.
"I can't believe you are still such a jealous git, young Harry," Merlin smirked and Harry rolled his eyes.
"Ow!" Merlin yelped when Osiris elbowed him.
"Osiris, meet my beloved, Hermione. Hermione, meet Osiris, you've already met the git Merlin anyway," Harry introduced.
"It's nice to meet you, sir," Hermione bowed in respect.
"It is my pleasure, Hermione," Osiris replied.
"So… You've finally figured it out, eh?" Merlin propelled the conversation forward.
"Oh… So, we really were dosed with love potions?" Harry asked for confirmation despite already knowing the answer. Osiris and Merlin only nodded gravely.
"All this time… I thought Ginny is my friend," Hermione was gobsmacked.
"Envy is such a cruel thing, my dear. This girl Ginny has always been jealous of you… Young Harry wanted to protect you so his wish was granted by the Creator for you to only have select memories of your previous life… You have suffered a lot the first time around – "
"So, Harry is doing his best to protect me from feeling that hurt again," Hermione interrupted Merlin who only nodded in acknowledgment. Her analysis was spot on.
"Ow!" Harry rubbed his arm after Hermione punched him. Osiris and Merlin laughed at him.
"You're being a noble git again! Choosing to protect me by asking to conceal all my memories of the pain I've suffered!" Hermione glared at Harry who only winced in return.
"I'm sorry, love, but I – "
"I understand, Harry. Truly, I do… It's just – argh! It's so annoying," Hermione huffed.
"My Isis will love you, Hermione… Not to mention Amaterasu," Osiris chuckled.
"Er, thanks," Hermione blushed and Harry wrapped an arm around her waist.
"So… when do you plan to end that git, Voldemort?" Merlin inquired.
"I don't know maybe during the third task," Harry shrugged.
"Use your scar. Use it as a conduit to him. You are connected somehow because of that vile thing in your scar… With the diadem of Rowena, you can easily kick the bastard where it hurts through a ritual. I'm sure that Apolaki taught you a lot about rituals like that," Merlin explained.
"Oh… Is that – is that even possible?" Harry mused.
"You can't do it alone but if you do it together – you and Hermione – can easily take Voldemort down in a single ritual… Although, we're not sure if it will remove the magic of his followers too. If it works that way, it's a great boon for you though," Osiris expounded.
"Let's do it, Harry! I won't have you facing Voldemort without me!" Hermione insisted.
"But I haven't even taught you about rituals – "
"Harry Potter! I don't fucking care! You're not facing Voldemort in a head-to-head combat. I'll learn whatever is necessary for the ritual to work… But you! You are not battling him in person! Or I swear – I'm – I'm – I don't know what I'll do but I'll punish you!" Hermione said sternly.
"Yes, dear," Harry immediately agreed.
"Siri, can you spell whipped?" Merlin teased.
"W-H-I-P-P-E-D," Osiris grinned and Harry rolled his eyes.
"So… What do we have to do for the ritual?" Hermione asked with excitement.
"It's not that hard. It's more like invoking the Creator's help. As the Master and Mistress of Death, you can eradicate darkness in this world provided that it's justified – "
"And you have a conduit," Osiris added and Merlin nodded.
"Hmmm… I see," Hermione mused.
"You should give it one or two weeks. Learn the ritual rites while Harry gives you the basics for all the new magics he has learned," Merlin suggested.
Hermione pouted, "fine." The three Masters of Death chuckled at her cuteness until she adapted a stern look that made them wince.
"Two weeks at most. And you and I – we will end Voldemort for good. I need to know everything, Harry. Even if it's just a summary of what had happened. I know you… The things that happened to me must be really bad for you to decide to spare me from all the pain… However, I need to know, Harry. I need to know so that I can help you," Hermione said with determination.
"Alright… I promise, Hermione. I'll tell you what happened but I'll spare you the darkest details… I can't imagine the pain you've – please, Hermione. Just don't push for thorough details… It remains with me you know, seeing your pains," Harry pleaded.
"Thank you," Hermione smiled as she held his hand.
"Good luck you two… Stay in love…" Merlin said.
"Remember to trust and be honest with each other," that was Osiris' last reminder before everything faded.
Harry and Hermione opened their eyes. The first they saw was each other. They were sitting on the couch in the Room of Requirement again. Hermione was the first one to break the silence.
"Are they always like that? Merlin and Osiris, I mean."
"Oh yeah! They can be annoying gits but Amaterasu keeps them in line. Apolaki is tamer too," Harry chuckled as he remembered meeting all the former Masters of Death.
"Do you think I can meet all of them someday?" her eyes were sparkling with excitement.
"We always have a connection to them, my love. We can only do it together though if we want to talk to them… If, however, it's them who wanted to speak to us, they can appear in our dreams," Harry expounded. After he passed Merlin's test and he was given the knowledge of various magical practices, he was also given a run-down of his duties and responsibilities on earth along with how he could contact the previous Masters of Death. So, he had a lot of information to tell her.
"That's great! I'm so happy that we can end Voldemort soon. I don't want you near him," Hermione cupped his cheek.
"We'll end him together, love. Just like we did the first time around," he promised.
"If we did it before as ordinary people – "
"We can do so much better now," Harry added and Hermione's eyes sparkled with happiness and relief.
"We need to plan, Harry. Despite our new powers, we have to prepare. We can never be too confident… Besides, this is our chance to make things better this time around," Hermione's passionate voice reminded him of the wife he once had.
"I love you," he leaned in to kiss her forehead and she sighed wistfully. When they pulled apart, Hermione frowned.
"Everything alright, love?"
"I'm like the best healer in Britain before, right?"
"More like in the world, darling," Harry chuckled.
"Right," Hermione looked for her wand and she pointed the tip to her teeth. Harry watched in amusement as she shrunk her two larger front teeth until she reached its desired size.
"There! Now Ginny or anyone can't call me buckteeth again," Hermione said with gritted teeth.
"There's my fierce Lady Potter," he chuckled as he kissed the top of her head. They had a lot to talk about but he knew that they would have a better life this time around.
First thing on their list of tasks – ending Voldemort for good.
A/N: What do you think?
P.S. tribus diebus means 'three days' in Latin. Hermione almost spelled Ron's family jewels to shrink for three days but she pitied him and changed her mind.