SERENDIPITY | harmione

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

• so let me hold both your hands on the holes of my sweater •

★ ★ ★

With a disgruntled sigh, Hermione stood up, making way to leave.

"Ms. Granger-" Dumbledore started, causing her to whip around, glaring at him. "—I know you're upset, but just listen to me."

The brunette bitterly nodded, resting her hand against the back of the seat.

"I called you both here because you have another chance. If you manage to move baby Harry out of Godrics Hallow before Voldemort can reach him, then he'll never become a Horcrux."

"If?" Hermione mumbled, gulping slightly as she looked at the professor.

Professor Dumbledore nodded, reaching into a glass bowl and retrieving two candies, that were identical to the ones he gave them the first time. He motioned for her to grab the lemon sweets, which Hermione quickly stuffed in her pocket.

"Whenever you two are ready, take these, and you'll wake up as James and Lily Potter again. If you fail the mission, not only will you be stuck in that time, but Harry will remain a Horcrux."

"If we complete the task, will Harry's parents be alive?" Hermione wistfully asked.

The professor solemnly shook his head in disagreement. "Unfortunately, you two will still have to die as James and Lily, but will safely regain consciousness in the hospital wing if you succeed. I warn you, however, that if you fail, you'll be stuck in October 31st, 1981 until you can complete the mission."

Hermione hummed in agreement, her brows furrowing. Her stomach turned with uneasiness and a sickly feeling of dread.

"Now, I suggest you find Mr. Potter and make sure he's alright..."

Upon hearing Dumbledore's words, the curly-headed girl raced up from her seat, leaving the office. She swiftly jogged through the corridors, the candies lightly bouncing in her pocket. Arriving outside, Hermione's eyes drifted down towards the shore, where she saw a silhouette of a boy sitting.

With haste, she approached Harry from behind, remaining silent. The sight of him in pain shattered Hermione's heart. She watched as his adam's apple bobbled each time he swallowed. Painfully, her eyes traced over the small tears that formed in his glassy eyes, watching as they rolled down his cheek.

Quietly, Hermione stepped out from behind the tree, sitting beside Harry. Her arm lightly brushed over his, frightening him slightly. For a moment, Harry looked in her eyes, brown meeting broken emerald, before he nuzzled his head against her shoulder.

Hermione held him tightly, wrapping her arms around his frame. Harry sniffled once more, burying his face in the crook of her neck. She grabbed his hand, gingerly fondling it. Sweetly, she began pressing delicate kisses along Harry's knuckles, calming him.

"H-Hermione..." He stuttered, his voice cracking as he cried.

"Shhh-" She cooed; her airy voice soothing him. "—I've got you."

Hermione continued pressing kisses to Harry's knuckles, now continuing with his other hand. She felt his cold tears falling against her jumper, soaking against her skin. Harry wrapped his arms around her thin waist, feeling a sense of belonging around her.

"I-It's going to be alright, Harry, I promise you..." Hermione whispered, resting her head on top of his. "We'll make it out of this, together." 

Harry didn't know why, but he believed her. They fell into a comfortable silence again, the only noise being the boy's remaining sobs. The sound, however, was soon muffled by Hermione's bushy hair.

Hermione's brown eyes rested on the horizon, smiling as she pulled Harry's body closer to hers. She realized how much she missed Hogwarts, and never understood how much it was truly her home until now.

Her hand draped across the raven-haired boy's shoulder, caressing his bare arm softly. The feeling of her smooth fingertips against his skin instantly sent Harry into a state of serenity; and for a brief moment, he forgot all about his corrupted future.

Hermione's focus was moved towards the boy who was tightly wrapped in her embrace. She scanned his nose, observing all the freckles that were lightly spread on his skin. Unknowingly, the brunette began connecting the dots, creating constellations.

Next, her eyes traveled to his lips, tracing every line. Hermione noticed how they were red from crying, which sent a sharp pang to her chest. Leaning down, she placed a comforting kiss against his forehead, leaving tingles on Harry's skin.

At that moment, Harry had never felt more valued. He lifted his head off her shoulder, placing his hands against her cheeks softly. Without processing, his fingers began to rub small circles against Hermione's neck, causing her to let out a soft sigh.

Harry lowered his forehead against hers, currently feeling more than content, beside her.