Deception Hurts More Than Death

SORRY IT HAS TAKEN SO LONG FOR ME TO ADD THIS. I FOUND OUT I WAS PREGNANT, AND I HAVE BEEN AWEFULLY SICK. I AM FINALLY FEELING BETTER AND WANTED TO FINALLY PUT AN END TO THIS STORY. THANKS FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL REVIEWS AND I HOPE YOU LIKE THE FINAL CHAPTER.



Ten months later.........

Somewhere, hidden from the world.



Hermione awoke out of her sound sleep and noticed Harry was not in bed. Had the baby woken and she not heard, she wondered? She rose from the bed and put on her robe, tied it loosely around her waist and made her way to the nursery. She stopped just shy of the nursery when she heard Harry’s voice.



“The dress was lavender and periwinkle, and it flowed from your mother like it was made for her. As she walked down those stairs, I could tell she was nervous. But she held her head high and walked like an angel. And that, James, is the moment I knew I loved your mother. I was so young, but looking at her then I couldn’t imagine living a day without her by my side. Life got in the way, and duties tore us apart, but we always seemed to find out way back.” Harry paused and Hermione thought he was done and started to walk into the room. But stopped as Harry began talking again.



“We did horrible things, things no one should ever do, especially to family, people they care about. But, James, looking at you now, seeing you look at me with those green eyes, the ones your grandmother gave to me, it all seems worth it. We are a family, the three of us. And that is one thing I wouldn’t give up for the world.” Harry leaned down and kissed his sons forehead.



“And neither would I.” Hermione said as she walked around the corner, tears in her eyes. Harry placed James in his crib and turned to Hermione. He took her in his arms and kissed the top of her head. “Did you really fall in love with me at the Yule Ball?” Harry chuckled against her head.



“You were so bloody sexy, how could I not?” Harry pulled back and smiled to her. She chuckled and slapped his arm playfully. “I loved you the moment I was born, I just didn’t know it was you who was the other half of my soul until then.”



Hermione looked at Harry, wondering how she had come to be this lucky. Harry was right in his story to James, they had done terrible things. But this moment, as she stood with her soul mate, their son in the crib next to them, none of it mattered. This was where she belonged. This was her destiny after all. And she would never allow anything to come between that again.









Across the world, England



Ron walked through Diagon Alley, his arm draped over Luna Lovegood, the future Mrs. Weasley, he couldn’t help but smile. How his life had changed in ten months? He spend little time feeling sorry for himself and hating Harry and Hermione for what they had done. He moved on with his life as they had done. He ran into Luna seven months earlier and never realized how perfect they were for each other. He still found her odd at times, but she fascinated him with her imagination. And she loved him, and only him, with her whole heart. He was happy, truly happy, for the first time in his life.

“Ron!” He heard his sisters voice from behind him. He turned to see her and Neville walking to meet up with them.



“Hi guys.” Luna said, as watched a nearby butterfly in amazement.



“Hi Luna.” Ginny said, stiffling a giggle.



“Are you guys still coming for dinner on Sunday?” Neville asked, his arm around Ginny’s waist.



“Yeah, we are still bringing a cake.” Luna answered, still mesmerized by the butterfly.



“Luna, let’s go browse the shelves at Flourish and Botts.” Ginny said, grabbing Luna’s attention and pulling her away from the butterfly, leaving Ron and Neville alone.



“I’ve never seen my sister this happy. Not even with Harry.” Ron said, breaking the silence.



“I love her very much, Ron, I always have.” Neville said, looking to Ron, waiting for something he feared was coming.



“I’ve never mentioned this Neville. Hell it’s been nearly a year, and I’ve kept it quiet. I’m not mad, I forgive them, I forgive you. I know what happened. I know they are alive. I figured it out. I’m not as daft as everyone thinks. I just want to know one thing.” Ron looked to Neville, who looked mildly horrified, as he nodded his head.



“Are they okay?” Neville let out a held breath in relief.



“I have only spoken to them once, about two months ago. Harry popped into my fire at Hogwarts. Told me the baby was born, healthy, brown curly hair and green eyes. It was a boy, they names him James. He didn’t tell me where they were, and I imagine we’ll never know.” Neville told Ron, almost relieved to be talking about it finally.



“I don’t want Ginny to know. She couldn’t handle it. And I don’t want to speak of it again. But if you talk to them again, let them know I have forgiven them. I am happy and in love and I want to thank them for that. And I want to thank you, Neville, for making my sister happy. I know your love for her is why you did it. She deserved better. And I think she got it.” Ron nodded to Neville and walked into the bookstore to join Luna.



Neville stood in the alley alone, almost not able to breathe. He looked to the cloudy sky and smiled. Life had a funny way of working things out. No matter how screwed up things got, or how twisted things ended, they always worked out. Give it time and it all settles into place. He looked to the bookstore and saw Ginny in the window. She motioned for him to join her and he smiled to her warmly. Yes, life had a funny way of putting everything right.