Ch. 13: Choice

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Amor animi arbitrio sumitur, non ponitur.

I kept fidgeting with my locket for most of the night. To Harry, love was something important…it set him apart from Voldemort. Dumbledore had said it was a great power and gift, yet failed to warn us that it was also so very fragile. This phrase means something to both Harry and I for he chose to love and I seem to have chosen not to cease loving, especially Ron. The concept of love is so complex that I sometimes wonder how in the world do we imperfect, and often selfish, humans ever find such a love that is everlasting...like the sort in fairy tales. My parents are the only example I've known, aside from Molly and Arthur, where it seemed to have conquered anything even through the difficult times. With this fragile thing left in my care, I worry a lot of breaking it. What if I don't raise Rose the right way and she goes down a dark path? What if I do something to break my parents' trust? What if my words truly end my relationship with Harry?

His note nearly broke my heart. Won't be home for a while, so don't look for me. I know what had happened was entirely my fault and I will not blame anyone else for my mistake, but that's exactly what it was…a mistake. In my entire life, I would never do something so cruel and hurtful to Harry intentionally. These five days apart have given me the time to reevaluate my feelings for him and, if anything, they've grown stronger. I know where I stand and desperately need to know how he feels. But those words so don't look for me, hurt so deep. Regardless of the situation, how could I not look for him when I haven't seen or spoken to him in nearly a week? He was my best friend even before I fell in love with him.

Once again I opened the locket and found myself staring at the photos inside. How I wished I could rewind time so I could hold my tongue. But, unfortunately, not even a time-turner could erase my memories of the past week.

"Granger, could you come take a look at this?" asked Draco. We were in Connor's dining room with paperwork and other files scattered all over the table. It was three in the morning and our second batch of coffee was almost finished brewing. I came up next to Draco at the investigation board that we also brought from the Ministry. The difference this time was that there was more photos and information plastered on it.

"What is it that I'm looking at?" I asked scrutinizing the note he had just written next to a photo of the aftermath of the explosions.

"Well, we know that there were four bombs planted on various levels at the Ministry and were set off at one thirty PM respectively."

"Yes, the first one on the second level. Next on level five and the last two on the first level," I said, arranging the photos in chronological order.

"We all know that there have been infiltrations of the Ministry before. Those incidents mainly were aided by polyjuice potion and yes I am referring to you, Granger. Security wasn't very effective a few years ago."

I laughed. "Alright, so the new security measures implemented after the war have made it nearly impossible to wear disguises to break in. What do you reckon they used this time?"

"First, I believe that each floor planted with an explosive was chosen for a reason. Each was meant to send a message. Possibly to show how vulnerable the Ministry has become in recent times."

"Of course, the first level is the Minister's office, ours is the Magical Law Enforcement, and five is International Cooperation. They wanted headlines."

"Right, so I only see two possible ways the Death Eaters could have entered. The first is that they Imperiused or coerced an employee to give them entry. The next, and possibly the most difficult to prove, is that they are staff members."

That suggestion caught me by surprise. "You don't think there's a traitor in the Ministry do you? All those under the influence of Voldemort were removed right after the war. Besides, every potential staff member undergoes a series of background checks."

"I know it sounds quite fantastic, but what if someone was overlooked? A new member in their ranks that we have no knowledge of. It is possible."

"The first option sounds more plausible...more their usual tactics."

"That is why option two is better. They know we'll be expecting that." We both stood silent contemplating the possibility of this being a realistic situation. "Maybe Gray saw them."

There was the sound of a pop and then glass breaking coming from the kitchen. "Connor, are you alright?" No response. "Connor?"

"Yes, yes. I'm alright. Just getting some coffee." He emerged from the kitchen with a mug in his hand. "Do you want any?"

"In a minute," I said. "Draco and I were just going over the board again. We were discussing how the Death Eaters got in. Did you happen to see any of their faces when we were down at the Minister's office?"

"Oh, um…not really. After I sent you off, I followed them to another office space. Honestly, I had no idea where I was. Haven't had much time to explore. One of their curses destroyed a wall. Some of the debris caught me and when I looked up they were gone." He sat down at the dining table.

"Not even a glimpse?" continued Draco.

"No, I'm sorry. They wore black robes and masks."

"Brilliant. We have nothing to go on." Exasperated, Draco fell back into a chair. "Do you mind if I rest on the couch for a while, Gray? It's been quite a day."

"Sure, have a nice nap."

I had gone to fetch myself my second cup of coffee while Draco headed to the lounge. Taking in the scent of this brew reminded me of summertime with my parents. Mum and Dad would take me on a little holiday every summer to a small house by the coast. Every morning Mum would wake me up early to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic. Her morning cup smelled exactly like this. Those are some of my favorite memories and maybe when all of this is over Harry and I can take Rose there as a break from the city life. Oh wait, that trip may just be a train ride for two.

Sitting back down at the dining table, I looked over the board and photos once again. "You alright, Granger? You seem quite…distraught."

"Hmm? Oh, uh, it's nothing. Just a bit put out about this case. This game they're playing this time feels different…more dangerous. I don't feel as safe as usual."

"Understandable, but wouldn't having Potter and your daughter at home every night make you feel better." Connor took another sip of his coffee. The way he looked at me seemed like he knew I wasn't happy.

"Yes, you're right. I just need to see things in a positive light." I stood up and went up to our board, not really looking at the information.

"Hermione…we've been partners for nearly six months now. You know you can talk to me."

To speak or not to speak. Ginny was really the person I needed right now since I couldn't have Harry. But wouldn't sharing remove him off my mind for a bit so I could finish this case?

"I feel…damn, I'm sorry. This is hard for me to say. I just feel like every time I try to move forward there's always something that comes up that pushes me back. Almost like I'm stuck. First my daughter in the hospital. Then, Ginny and my b-" No, I am not going to share that. What happened is between Harry and I.

"If you don't mind me asking, did something happen between you and Potter? You haven't given Malfoy and I an explanation for his...sudden disappearance."

"I, well...um." Stumbling over my words surely gave him his answer. "Yeah."

"Something big?"

"Unfortunately."

"Something fixable?"

"I wish I knew."

He stood up and came to stand next to me. "Did he do something to you?"

"No. It's quite complicated and yet so simple. I honestly have no idea how to fix this. There has never been anything that I couldn't find a solution to and...there's never been time I wanted to fix something so bad."

"Hermione." Connor put his hand on my shoulder and turned me towards him. He came in closer. "I've gotten to know you these past few months and you're a very beautiful person. Everyone who gets to call you family is lucky to have you. You're a genuine woman and, if I were him, I'd forgive you in a heartbeat."

Oh bloody hell. Please no. I thought we had corrected this months ago. I'm sure he is great and all, but no! Even if not right now, I belong to someone else.

Connor's hands went up to cup my cheek and my breathing quickened. I didn't want this, but my body froze...it wouldn't respond. He came in closer and I felt afraid. Not only afraid for what Harry would think, but, like earlier, the look in his eyes didn't send the message of love, infatuation, or anything romantic. Our lips were about to meet when suddenly a bright blue light shot into the room and hovered over the dining table.

The light turned into the form of a lynx. The Minister had sent his patronus.

"There has been a break-in at Gringotts. Death Eaters spotted." I jumped away from Connor when the patronus disappeared.

"Malfoy! Time to go!"

Many Aurors and other law enforcement were positioned in the main hall of Gringotts. The goblins congregated next to the entrance to all the vaults. Our department Head and Kingsley were in conversation when we approached them.

"Minister, what's the latest?" I asked.

"Thankfully, your services aren't required anymore. The Aurors that first arrived on the scene apprehended the thieves trying to get past the dragon." There was a commotion coming from the shaft leading to the vaults. "Here they are now."

We all turned to see who was captured. A few of the faces I recognized didn't surprise me, but some of the others were Death Eaters still meant to be in Azkaban. Fenrir Greyback and Lucius Malfoy emerged as the last suspects in handcuffs.

"Father?" Draco walked after the Auror handling his dad. "What is this? You promised you'd stay out it. What will Mum think?"

"Well son, you have you're loyalties and I have mine." Malfoy spat at Draco. "Traitor."

I knew Draco's father was horrid to him, but this was something I've never seen. All this time, I had a small feeling that Draco was a part of this plot, but now I'm certain. What I'd really like to do is give him a hug, but I know that would be a blow to his pride. I'm sorry that he had to have him as a father.

Greyback in handcuffs was a fine sight, but seeing him again triggered the memory of him running his nails across my cheek. I shivered. As he passed by he stared down Connor and he stared right back. Greyback smiled right before turning towards the exit and off to Azkaban.

"Auror Granger, thank you and your team for all your hard work. Tomorrow you will go to the courts for their hearings." Kingsley shook each of our hands and disapparated.

Draco, Connor, and I returned to the Ministry. We were in the Atrium when Connor pulled me aside.

"I know this may be quite forward, but would you like to go have a celebratory breakfast? This is our first big case closed."

What excuse could I give him? "Connor, I'm sorry, but-"

"Oh, come on Hermione. When are you gonna stop saying no..."

I didn't hear the rest of his interruption because Harry was on the other side of the fountain, waving me over.

"Sorry, Connor, I've got some paperwork I need to get started on." I'm positive I interrupted him mid sentence, but who cares. I certainly didn't...Harry was waiting for me.

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Alright everyone, here's another. Thanks to all of you who have stayed with the story and to those who are just discovering it. Next chapter coming soon. Thanks again and please don't forget to read and review!

-lasombra93