Disclaimer- I own nothing and lay no claim to any of J.K Rowling’s characters they are copyrighted and I acknowledge it. There has been no money in the writing of this Fan Fiction, just free opinions and reviews.
(A/N: Just a short note that this story was inspired by Hermione’s Phoenix, who posted a challenge in the forums, and she is also my BETA reader so two thumbs up and many thanks to her for both!)
Through Innocent Eyes
Chapter One
Hermione Granger quietly sat at her desk in the Department of Misused Muggle Artifacts. Honestly, she had never dreamed she would end up working in this department. However, it had made sense to take the job after Mr. Weasley had urged her to take the job when there was an opening. Hermione was perfect for the job since she understood muggles so well (being from a muggle family herself). She had of course explained that she planned to move into a more advanced field afterwards, but Hermione has to admit to herself that she liked her daily routine of filing, raids, and the numerous lectures she gave on muggle items such as hair dryers. Since she had taken the job, the summer after graduation from Hogwarts, Hermione was absolutely certain she had found her place in society, and was quite happy with it. Her job was normal unlike that of her best friend...and current crush.
'Oh, current is such a lie’, Hermione thought to herself, ‘Current was the 4th year Yule Ball.’ Her crush had become such a big part of her everyday life. Her body was as accustomed to her crush as the air she breathed. Harry Potter was not the mysteriously handsome wizard she spotted at a Hogwarts gala and found herself steeling glimpses of beyond the pumpkin juice bowl. Harry Potter was someone she saw everyday and dreamt of every night.
Hermione wasn't doing anything particular this Saturday. In fact, she was only supposed to be there for an hour meeting, about what time their lunch break should be moved to. So, after the meeting, Hermione was free to go since she never worked on Saturdays, and the meeting was impartial to her, since she packed her lunch.
When it ended, Hermione returned to her desk to find that a messy co-worker had left a copy of The Quibbler on her desk. Obviously just tossing it wherever they felt it should land. Then again, maybe it was a blessing. The article she was reading was unlike any she had thought The Quibbler could write. Usually, its articles were routinely written by paparazzi speaking of the latest gimmick or the most recent sighting of Gilderoy Lockhart. This article was different though. It was about orphans and the lack of adoption rate in the Wizarding world because parents were too proud to give a home and love to someone who wasn't their flesh and blood. Even scared perhaps... The article listed many suggestions to improve the historically low rate of adoption and the high rate of orphaned children. There were many children around the age of nine and ten whose parents had been killed in the Second War. They had only been four or five at the time and Hermione was personally touched. She, herself, had her parents taken away from her in the war.
'I'm twenty-three years old and I have a stable job, and a flat of my own. Well, I share it with Harry. But there has to be a way I can help these kids. It's completely unfair that they should have to live without a family when most of them, remember what it was like to be really loved. Maybe I could share my love with them, if only one of them...oh but what about Harry?’ Immediately, Hermione picked up the magazine and headed for the elevator. Hermione always discussed everything with Harry. Many of her attempts to help Harry during the war had ended in someone getting hurt, and from then on, Hermione had promised Harry that she would talk to him about anything that was troubling her. Harry, himself, had mainly been concerned that she would end up hurting herself.
"Department of Magical Law Enforcement please," Hermione said after entering the elevator. Down a maze of glum hallways, was the Aurors Division. Quickly, she made her way to her friend's private office. On the door, in bold black print, it said, “Harry J. Potter Assistant Chief.”
Hermione was very proud of her friend’s accomplishments. He had become a successful Auror and had managed to drown out the bad memories of his past.
"Who is it?" Harry called, when Hermione knocked on his door.
"One of your fans! Can I have your autograph?" Hermione said in the fake voice of an average, overexcited, teenage girl. Smiling, she opened the door and walked in before he could reply.
"Oh, it's my lucky day. You just happen to be my favorite fan, Ms. Granger," Harry said smiling as she sat down on the other side of his desk.
Harry looked strikingly handsome, in the black robes and cloak uniform, all Aurors wore with a badge to show their superiority. His hair had never quite lost their messiness and the spark in those gorgeous green eyes had never faded either. He had become muscular and much taller, but stayed a bit lanky. The twenty-three year old Harry Potter was a very attractive man, and was on the walls of teenage witches throughout Great Britain.
"I'm glad to hear that, but your favorite fan has a bit of info we need to discuss," Hermione said playing along for a while. Harry always enjoyed when she came into his office to talk and hang around.
"Oh really?"
"Yes, it seems there have been multiple requests for a new photo shoot. The old posters just aren't selling. The club insists that you need to do some new posters. Total shockers so that you really get noticed."
"Well, you're the director. Set up the time and place and, I’ll come in my birthday suit," Harry answered and Hermione blushed, not expecting him to answer so confidently.
"You know very well I'm not the director and that if you say that too loud, she'll be here faster than you can say Quibbler," Hermione said, a bit unhappy that she had lost the teasing battle.
"Ah, my intelligent roommate! Now that I'm an Auror and detail and trickery are part of my job, you can’t really outwit me, can you? Okay, okay, I’m just joking,” Harry said when Hermione looked at him reproachfully, “Speaking of Quibbler, why are you holding one? Did S.P.E.W. finally make headlines?" Harry said teasingly and Hermione gave him a look that clearly said she was not amused. "Sorry, but really, what's so interesting in that thing?"
"There just so happens to be a very touching article in it. It was written by one of the members of our D.A. It has to do with orphans. I thought perhaps you could take the time out of your obviously busy schedule to read it," Hermione said pointing at his blank notice board. She knew he was in the same boat as her with absolutely nothing to do, which was rare, but not as uncommon as one might think. Harry wasn't on or part of a current mission and was on sabbatical until after Christmas on Mrs. Weasley's orders. (The Weasleys were having a huge get-together and she wouldn't let Harry miss it like he had the seven previous years. There were many new Weasley grandchildren he needed to meet.).
"It's not my fault they won't give me anything to do since I'm off starting tomorrow. When your husband's the Minister of Magic and you decide one of his employees needs to take it easy, well everyone basically leaves you alone, and the alternative is being bored to death. So, why did you bring me the article? I mean I'm thankful it'll give me something to do. However, what's your interest in it? Besides the fact that you’re a very caring person," Harry said taking The Quibbler from the hands of a pleased Hermione Granger who had a somewhat secretive smile on her face. Hermione didn't take too much time to note the fact he called her a caring person, but she did note it.
Hermione was caught off guard, she had been preoccupied thinking about what a caring parent Harry would make.
"Well?" Harry asked finding the article and starting to read.
"I, well, I'm twenty-three years old and I have a steady job and a nice flat that we share. I mean it's huge, you have your floor and I have mine (the flat was a two-story duplex), and I thought that being the mature adult I am. I was thinking..."
"Hermione?" Harry asked looking up from the article. "You don’t want to have a...a...baby, do you?" Harry asked his friend wide-eyed. He was wondering who would have to be the father. Hermione hadn't dated anyone for a long while, though she was quite attractive. Her hair was still thick and wild. Her eyes, deep and chocolate colored, and she had a great figure.
"No Harry! Well...not right now at least, just keep reading the article," Hermione said alarmed at the way Harry was looking at her.
Harry decided to continue reading and then looked up after a few minutes.
"You want to adopt someone?"
"Harry, think about what I could give them. You said it yourself. I'm a caring person, and all the family that Mrs. Weasley would love to share, just like she's shared with us, especially after the death of my parents..."
"Hermione I'm sorry that never should have happened..." Harry said reaching over and putting his hand over Hermione’s consolingly. Hermione never once blamed him. In fact, it had happened the day after he had made her swear to talk to him about anything that was troubling her, before she did something irrational. Well, it was never irrational when she thought about it, but doing things without telling anyone was dangerous. She couldn’t blame him for not running to Dumbledore when he had been taking that time to help her with her own demons. If he hadn’t had to sit with her, calm her down, and talk to her, he could’ve worried more about his occlumency.
"Harry, don't you see? This is my chance to give someone a great family! Help raise the future and make sure a child grows up in a safe, loving environment. That's the best Christmas present you could give one of these kids...I just...I just want to help," Hermione said looking into Harry's eyes and instantly melting his heart.
"Hermione, what about the memories they have of their parents? You can't take that away unless you adopt a baby. And sometimes even babies have some memories that are never erased," Harry said recalling the dreams he had about his mother and father.
"Yes, but this is a chance to give them more happy memories. Maybe they lost their parents, but I can give them a chance for a better life. You know, as well as I do, what scars a war can leave," At that Harry's hand nonchalantly ventured towards the place his trademark lightening bolt scar had once been. "We can help take theirs away too."
She had him, as much as Harry hated to admit it. She had him wrapped around her little finger. He would've done anything for his friend, and to try and crush her dream now would just be pointless.
"Hermione, if you really want to do this...I will completely support you," Harry said handing her the Quibbler.
Actually, Harry really liked the idea of adopting someone. Harry knew that anyone could be happy with Hermione. Any man who married her would be the happiest man in the world. 'What is wrong with me? Why do I keep thinking about Hermione in that sense?' Harry told himself.
"Thank you Harry. Oh, thank you so much," Hermione said coming around to hug her friend and letting herself become teary-eyed.
"Don't cry, Hermione. I said I supported you didn't I? I don’t like you crying" Harry said wiping away the stray tear that had fallen down her cheek.
Wiping away the rest of the stray tears, Hermione scanned the Quibbler for orphanage names and all the necessary requirements and information that would have to be brought on the day of adoption.
"There is no way you can't meet all the requirements Hermione. You are a wonderful witch and perfect parent figure, you’ve never been called on any law violation…ever, and believe me I’ve seen your file both muggle and Wizarding. You moral perfection it’s fact, " Hermione smiled at the vote of confidence in her friend’s voice, but paled again at the sight of one of the requirements listed under proof of citizenship and magical diploma.
NO SINGLE PARENT ADOPTIONS ALLOWED!
"Oh no."
"What happened?”
"I’m not married.”
"So what?"
"Harry parents...you know man and wife...male and female...lover and lover...I haven't even dated someone for months! The rules say no single parent adoptions!" Hermione exclaimed. She was not too happy that her wonderful plans had been shattered because of a silly single parent prejudice in the Wizarding world.
Harry knowing what was to come next decided to act bewildered.
"Harry..."
"Yes, Hermione"
"Well, we do live together, eat together at meal times, and basically spend most of our free time with one another...I mean it would only be right for the agency to assume..." Hermione didn't want to come out and say it. She was afraid to play the role of his girlfriend because she secretly did want to be his real girlfriend.
The press ran a story every other month about the two of them secretly planning to elope on the next full moon, but they didn't let it bother them. Now, their situation seemed to be playing into their favor.
"Like what?"
"Oh, for Pete’s sake Harry! Quit playing stupid! I may have been more convinced if you had just walked in from a night at the Hog's Head with Ron, but for Merlin's sake you know bloody well like what! Like we're a couple! You know, live together, eat together, they'll probably assume we shag..." Hermione said turned very red. She couldn’t believe she had just said that.
"Well, if I do agree to this, the press will have a field day," Harry said, equally red.
"It doesn’t really matter. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. You have to help me! I won't hold you to it if you don't. I mean there's always Ron to ask, or if at last resort...Neville, but please Harry, you would make a great father."
Harry didn't say anything after she said he would make a great father because he was thinking of all the things he never got to do when he was a kid. All the things that Mr. Weasley had done with Ron and his siblings: Quidditch games and family outings…
Hermione became nervous when he didn't answer, "Um, I'll make your favorite meals for a week...polish all your brooms...and I don't know be your slave if I have to...just please..."
Harry tried not to laugh when she got so desperate as to offer to sell herself into slavery. "Fine, but only because you'll make my favorite meals for a week. But umm I guess you’ll have to borrow Dobby because...your cooking’s um...well..."
"Deal," Hermione said and kissed his cheek. Both of them knew there was no light way to say Hermione’s cooking skills were virtually non-existent.
"So what's next?" Harry asked.
"Well, I think the child certainly needs to have his or her own room.
"Oh," Now that he was excited he had half expected to go downstairs and bring up the files they'd need before skipping off with her to the orphanage, but now he saw there were other things to discuss.
"Now, I don't think it would be wise to decorate the room. Every child has his or her own since of style, and we don’t really know if we’re bringing home a boy or girl. But a room does need to be empty." Hermione said thinking of the eight rooms in their flat. There were four rooms upstairs and four rooms downstairs. All together they made up a kitchen, two bathrooms, two bedrooms, a living room, a library, and a study for Harry.
"Well, what do you suggest?" Harry asked since there wasn't an extra room. "I could buy us a house..."
"Harry, don't be ridiculous, besides that would cause quite a stir. Not to mention that Mrs. Weasley wasn't happy when we decided to live together because of the controversial circumstances. Could you imagine if we bought a house together! I think we should just compromise. We both know it either has to be the library or the study." Hermione said in her know-it-all tone that others knew was her trademark. However, she didn’t usually use that tone with Harry because he had –literally speaking– become a part of her.
"Which is bigger?" Harry asked simply.
"The library is and if we adopt a girl she would love the window seat!" Hermione exclaimed. She was going to miss reading in front of the large window that overlooked one of London's busiest streets, but was happy to share.
"We could shrink some of your books and keep them in my office. You’ll have to put up with my messiness though."
"Harry that's the least of my concern, I'm more worried about whether or not the child will like his or her new room."
"Guess what? I have to add one more thing to my set of terms." Harry said thinking quickly.
"I suppose, you're taking this for all it's worth, aren't you?"
"Yes, and my terms of agreement, now, includes the fact that I get to escape the shopping trip for furnishing the new room." Harry said smiling.
"Deal, I'll go home and start moving things. See you in a few hours," Hermione said leaving the copy of The Quibbler on Harry’s desk.
"So, what should I do?"
"I don't know, you’ll think of something," Hermione said exiting his office with the biggest smile on her face.
"Well, I suppose I can make a list of what I would want my child to be like," Harry said scanning the end of the article. Under the list of requirements, there was a list of things to consider before adopting. Harry's list was very random and unorganized in ways of importance.
1. Quidditch interest on a scale of 1-10
2. Favorite team
3. Knowledge of Dark Lord
4. Attitude
5. Smile
6. Name
7. His or her past
8. Intelligence (Harry wrote that down after he had discussed his list with Hermione. He, obviously, had been thinking of Hermione)
Later that day, Hermione decided to accompany Harry home and Harry showed her the list he had made. She laughed knowing only Harry would've written that list. However seeing his exuberance, Hermione quickly jotted down a few requirements.
1. Attitude
2. Interest in being adopted
3. How well they get along with other children
4. A little about their past
5. What they are interested in, besides Quidditch
6. What they know about Hogwarts
7. Name
8. How well they embrace the idea of having Harry Potter as their potential father.
Harry looked at Hermione oddly after reading the last bit.
"What does that mean, and I'm not being dense this time," Harry, said confused. He didn't understand how she could write that when she’d said he'd make a great father.
"Harry, don't take it the wrong way. However, has it ever occurred to you these kids may decide to put on a show? To – you know – tempt your interest into adopting them. I'm sure they know who you are and being the child of a celebrity has its perks. I wouldn't want to think badly of any of them, but they may decide to try and get us to adopt them. Some of them might love to bask in glory that they haven't had a chance at for many years. They'll want attention; being in an orphanage doesn't offer much individuality in a lot of ways. So I'm just saying, we should be careful. These children will almost be ten, some of them, they aren't daft," Hermione explained. Harry saw that she was right, but he still didn't like it. It was just one more of those things that came with the name Harry Potter.
"Fine, I'll metamorphosis my hair and eyes, but that's it."
"Anything else you feel like adding to the deal, now that, I've made you cast your glamour away as well?" Hermione teased and Harry took a moment to think.
"Actually there is, Mrs. Potter," Harry laughed.
"You can't be serious," Hermione, said opening her mouth wide in shock.
"Don't worry I'm not saying you have to marry me and I’m planning on calling in a favor as far as the official adopting goes, but I thought we could put on a great show for the kids." Harry said smiling.
"Isn't that a form of deceit?"
"Isn't glamour, a form of deceit?" Harry replied.
"Alright, but nothing else, this is almost too far," Hermione said secretly congratulating herself.
"What's the limit then? Sleeping with me?" Harry asked and both blushed furiously as they walked home in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
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