Chapter 16: Shades of the Past
Hermione Granger frowned as she watched her best friend torment Regina Mills from his kitchen. While his voice took on the quality of Ford Gold, he still looked like the Harry she grew up. Even though technically, Hermione knew that was Harry's real voice. It was hard that thinking the man she was looking at had once looked completely different yet similar.
That was because Harry was technically his own grandfather, which was something she knew ate him alive each and every day. He didn't talk about his son—Baelfire—often. Honestly, he didn't admit to Hermione the truth until she practically confronted him with it since she had done a ridiculous amount of research about his past.
Though, honestly, she had no right to pry since she didn't tell Harry about Graham.
It seemed silly that she was so curious about a guy that had stood her up at a party a decade ago, but when she saw the sheriff and saw that he hadn't aged a day and for that matter didn't recognize her, she was curious about this curse and how Graham might've been involved. Of course, a part of her wanted to talk to Harry about it and get his insight, but at the same time she didn't quite want to admit that she was pining over a guy who apparently had no recollection of her eleven years ago.
Besides, Harry seemed to be wrapped up with his Regina drama right now as he was toying with her about whether or not Rumford Gold remembered his past as the Dark One.
When Harry had told his plans to Hermione that he was going to reveal Ford Gold's existence to Regina she was a little shocked.
"Really, Harry, you think that's wise?"
He shrugged. There had been something on edge about him lately, and not just because Jaime was taken away by Regina—though that contributed to it. Rather, she had a feeling it concerned Emma. "It's time. Besides, it might be easier for me to personally handle the legal matters since the good old townspeople still seem to shake in their boots when you mention my alter ego's name"
"Why is that?" Hermione said, "I'd think Regina would've whipped out your existence after she squeezed your heart into ashes."
He frowned, "I don't think she could've since technically I was alive and we made a bargain—which in that world is a bit like a wizarding oath. Not that Regina would've worked this out; she never was the pragmatic type. She was probably too busy turning one of her subjects into an animal. You know she turned Judge Reaux into a kangaroo in the Enchanted Forest. It was hilarious really, a talking kangaroo. And it's more ironic now since that court is a glorified kangaroo court."
Hermione shook her head. Since coming into his memories, he was a little subject to ramble now and then. Personally, she didn't care if Kara Reaux had been a kangaroo in a previous life; being held in a jail cell overnight had been painful enough. Especially since Graham couldn't even recognize her.
Was she really that insignificant to him?
She frowned knowing that Regina likely gave him some sort of memory charm, but it still annoyed her and Harry noticed her exasperation. "Sorry, did I go off on a tangent again?"
"A bit, but that's okay. Are you sure this needs to be done? You know I am more than capable of being your mouth piece?"
"I know," He said. "I just think Ford's presence is needed here maybe Emma—" He stopped himself. "I am being so stupid."
She shook her head, "No you're not, you just miss your wife. I have to say, I'm surprised Emma hasn't warmed up to 'Harry Potter'."
He rolled his eyes, "I don't think she'll ever have interest in me, Hermione, even if I do restore her memory. She's definitely moved on to someone else."
"Who?" Hermione asked.
But he changed the subject about how he was going to play things out with Regina.
"Harry," Hermione said wanting to get a straight answer. "Who is Emma interested in?"
"I never said she was interested in anyone." He snapped. "Now, I want to go over the letter I'm sending Graham Cracker."
"Harry." She said, "Please."
He sighed, "She's interested in Ford, okay?"
"Ford," Hermione said. "But that's-that's you."
"Sort of," He said. "She wants nothing to do with Harry Potter, but everything to do with Ford Gold."
Hermione gave him a questioning look as they heard a door slam, which was undoubtedly Emma.
The conversation was then dropped.
And it didn't continue either. Not even after Emma left to go to work the next morning, Hermione started to ask him about it. But Harry mentioned that he wanted to focus on bringing Jaime back and that he had the paperwork filed the night before.
She had to give her friend this, since finding out that he was an evil dark sorcerer he was a lot more productive than he used to be. He even had an actual law degree, she thought now slightly bemused. Not just a Regina fabricated one. So did she, actually. The two of them thought it might be worth their while if they were going to try to run a country. Not that magical law really cared much about muggle law.
A part of her knew that she should be heading back to the UK soon, someone needed to manning things from the home front at all times—though to be honest, Harry had been going back a lot to attend meetings even on days he wasn't scheduled to be in the UK. That was partially because she was stuck in town until this stupid contempt of court mess could be figured out, and partially because it was obvious that things between Harry and Emma weren't good.
The two of them barely spoke to each other, and it only seemed like they were tolerating each other's presence because Hermione was there. Emma had told her as much last night, when she pulled her over to have a little chat.
"I'm glad you're here," The blonde said.
"Well, until legal matters are cleared up it's not like I have a choice." Hermione said. "I'm sorry for imposing."
Emma shook her head. "I still can't believe you got arrested. I am so sorry about it."
"It's not your fault, it should be resolved soon enough Ford said he'd be handling the matter personally."
"Yes, I heard." Emma said twirling a piece of her hair. "I saw him the other day."
"He didn't mention that," Hermione said.
"It wasn't business," Emma said. "So, I guess he wouldn't."
"We're friends as well," Hermione said.
Emma shook her head. "I doubt he'd mention it to you, it was really nothing."
Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"We're friends," Emma said with a shrug sounding slightly disappointed.
"Oh," Hermione said.
Emma then said something unexpected, "How long do you think I'll have to stay married to Harry, Hermione?"
"What?" She said surprised that Emma asked that.
"I want to move on in my life," She said. "And being with Harry is preventing that."
"You want to move on with Ford," Hermione stated.
The way Emma blushed, she didn't have to answer the question. In some weird alternative universe this would've been somewhat humorous. Emma had fallen for her husband again, or a version of her husband.
Hermione shook her head. "You don't have to say anything."
"It wouldn't work anyway," Emma said. "At least not now, and Ford still isn't over his wife."
"How do you know that?" Hermione said. "Did you two talk about it?"
"I—" Emma stopped. "I just want an answer to my question, how long do I need to wait before I can divorce Harry?"
"When the custody case is settled, I guess." Hermione said biting her lip. "But Emma I'd—"
"Don't." Emma said, "I told Harry that this marriage is just a charade and that's what it is. I'm at a different point in my life right now."
"You want to be with Ford."
"I never said that."
She had meant to ask Harry more about this, this morning but he and Emma were having an odd moment of drinking their coffee together, so Hermione decided to walk Jaime's dog. Only to run into Regina.
Hermione knew all about the Evil Queen. How she had murdered her best friend, destroyed and cursed a kingdom, how she had thrown her in jail the past few days and rigged an entire hearing; but today was the first time she had ever spoken one on one with her and the only word she could describe Regina was crazy.
To think, all these years Harry hadn't exactly been exaggerating about the woman like she suspected. Hermione inwardly winced as she threatened her as she made a remark about hating book smart people.
A part of her was wondering if the witch was referring to Lady Belle. Although, Harry had been reluctant to share any sort of details about her past love, he did reluctantly talked about her after Hermione presented him with the details that he was apparently married in this world.
"Maybe in Regina's little world, but not in the Enchanted Forest." He said, "Things didn't end well between me and Belle, Hermione. It's something I really don't like to talk about."
"Please tell me you didn't turn her into a snail," She said.
"No," He shook his head. "I was just a fool and sent her away. It's one of the reasons why, why, I've been so determined to not give up on Emma."
Needless to say, when Graham appeared she was sort of relieved to see him. Although, all those feelings in the past were brought up again.
She still didn't get why it upset her. They had just been casually dating, although eighteen year old her thought it was something else she supposed.
"Hermione," Harry was now addressing her in his own—well, Harry's voice. "What's wrong?"
"Besides being harassed by Regina, nothing. I see you ended your phone call already."
"Yes," He said. "Short and sweet, I revealed that I'm alive. But I didn't reveal whether or not I remembered my past or that I was reborn. I mean, she's already having kittens from that reveal."
Hermione shook her head. "You really think this will get her to back off?"
"No," He said. "It's going to make her crazier, which is what I need to for the court case. Plus, it allows Ford to enter Storybrooke with a little less drama. Or at least they won't be meeting first time face to face."
"Why does Ford need to be in Storybrooke?" Hermione said. "And I don't want the whole it's for legal purposes Hermione garbage, it's because of Emma isn't it?"
He frowned, "I'd—"
"No," She said. "You mentioned Emma's interested in Ford, and Emma basically mentioned it as well."
"She did?" He asked sounding almost as giddy as a fourth year.
She frowned, "Harry. Seriously?"
"What?" He said.
"You are not thinking about having a relationship with your wife as Ford Gold."
"You told me to try it ten years ago," He snapped.
"Because that was ten years ago and you hadn't introduced yourself as Harry Potter. Dear lord, she wants to divorce you so she can be with your alter ego. Don't you find that odd?"
He didn't. She frowned, "Oh God, something happened when you were with Emma. Didn't it?"
"It really doesn't matter, dearie." He said.
She shook her head. "Harry."
"She's going to dump Harry Potter regardless," He said. "He's just means to an end."
Hermione frowned and shook her head. "Do I even need to tell you how crazy this is?"
Harry was about to say something—undoubtedly cagey and rude—when the door started knocking.
"Sad to see this after school special got interrupted," He snapped. "We have visitors."
It was Regina. Big surprise there, though the fact that Graham was following her like a sad puppy confused Hermione.
This was not the guy she met over a decade ago. Graham had been assertive, definitely not dopey. He had been willing to help Hermione, but he had also been there to question her. The guy she saw was a lapdog. She didn't understand what Regina had done to him, and she shouldn't care. She told herself. He didn't even recognize her, and it was probably not because Regina zapped his memories away. Emma did mention, that he remembered her from before. Yet, he didn't remember her. Then again, Hermione wasn't the type of girl that was really remembered.
It was true; she had done some growing up in the past few years. Her hair was mostly controllable now, save for when it was extra humid or when she went jogging like today. Her figure had actually ripened and she wore clothes that suited her. While she would never be stunning like Emma, she was presentable. And seeing as how Graham had seen her with all her clothes off (multiple times), she thought he'd at least remember her.
She blushed at the thought.
Dear lord, she was a grown ass woman. Thinking of her past sexual encounters shouldn't have her blushing like a fourth year. And she had had plenty of guys since Graham.
Though, none of them stuck. Hermione was pretty sure she wasn't the type for a relationship, much like her best friend.
Scratch that, Harry was technically married and would be if he didn't fuck things up.
She shook her head as she thought of the whole mess he got himself in as Regina ranted.
"Are you finished?" Harry finally said after the barracuda's mouth closed.
Regina glared at him. "Not until you call off Rumford Gold of all people."
"He goes by Ford, and I'm welcomed to hire whomever I want, Ms. Mills."
"Mayor Mills," She growled. "You're not allowed to threaten to arrest me, tell him that, Graham."
"I was wondering why you brought Do-Right with you."
"I was trying to explain to Regina that it probably wouldn't be a good idea to come here."
Harry ignored him, "Where's Jaime?"
"I was trying to get Regina to tell me." Graham said as his eyes looked at Hermione. "Uh, hello, Ms—"
"Granger," She said rolling her eyes. "Tell me you didn't forget me already."
Not that it would be the first time.
Graham shook his head. "Uh, no. I'm—Regina, I really think it would be wise if you told me where Henry is, I don't want to arrest you."
"This is ridiculous." Regina said.
"I agree," Harry said. "I think it's ridiculous that you are throwing a temper tantrum and shouting orders in my home."
"It's not your house it's Gold's." She snapped.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Whatever. I'm sure Ford wouldn't want you here either, unless you were delivering Jaime here. But then again, you couldn't since he's not supposed to be one hundred feet near you."
"Harry," Hermione warned.
But he was ignoring her; at that moment she knew that it wasn't Harry Potter talking. Well, it technically was Harry—but it wasn't the part of her friend that she loved that was doing the talking. It was the older more bitter part of Harry. Rumpelstiltskin. He was confronting the woman who killed him, alas not in his old form, but clearly the hate and animosity still existed.
"I'm just stating what the order states, Hermione. Clearly, being my lawyer you know I'm right."
"I do but—"
Regina started laughing, "Yes, let the mouse do the talking."
"Shut. Up." Hermione said glaring at Regina.
Regina started clapping, "Well, you do have a spine after all."
"Regina," Graham snapped. "I think you made your point. However, I can't deny the court order. You have to return Henry to Mr. Potter or I have to arrest you."
"You wouldn't arrest me," Regina said.
"He would too, if he wants to keep his job." Harry stated. "Or not get sued."
"I'm well aware of that, Mr. Potter. Mr. Gold made that quite clear in the letter he sent to the sheriff's office."
"I'm sure he did." Harry said. "I wouldn't have hired him otherwise."
Regina rolled her eyes, "Figures you would hire a bastard like that. How do you know him anyway?"
Of course, she was digging for information. Hermione really didn't want to hear Harry lie again—because it bothered her just how effortless it was for her best friend and spoke up. "Harry and I are school friends, I recommended the firm to him."
"That still doesn't explain how he knows Ford Gold." She snapped.
"You're getting off subject," Harry snapped. "Are you going to return Jaime or will Do-Right have to arrest you?"
Regina glared at him.
"Guess, that's your answer." He said turning to Graham.
"Surely, we can reach some sort of reasonable compromise—" Graham tried to cajole Harry.
Bad move, Hermione thought, inwardly rolling her eyes. One thing she knew about Harry with or without his past life memories was that you couldn't pacify him. It would make him angrier, crabbier, and a lot more violent.
Though, she didn't think he'd pull out Graham's heart, at least not in front of Regina.
Hermione shuddered, as she thought of heart pulling. She had only done it once in the heat of the battle and it about killed her doing it. Grant it, she had summoned enough hatred to pull out Draco Malfoy's little black heart—the bastard.
She hoped he rotted in Azkaban. He had been one of the few Death Eater who had decided that living with their heart in the care of the ministry (Harry) was better than being sentenced to death.
She still remembered that day she pulled out the wretched Slytherin's heart. It had only been to save her own life, but such power. Such hatred, it surprised her that she had it in her.
God knows, she threw up after she had done it. Not in front of Draco though, she had enough belittling from that blonde Slytherin and enough abuse to want to let him know she was in control. At least until she promptly handed his heart to Harry and told him to do whatever he wanted to Draco.
She was honestly surprised he let him live. Then again, Harry said being heartless was a fate worse than death.
Though, Bellatrix Lestrange seemed to enjoy it (enough) with all those creepy fan letters she sent Harry.
Needless to say, she was in the maximum-security ward and her heart had been blood coded so no one but Harry could have access to it.
Hermione's thoughts were interrupted by Regina once again making a comment about how mousy Hermione supposedly was.
"Really, are you resorting to that line again?" Hermione snapped at the woman.
"Well, if the shoe fits," Regina snapped. "I've seen your type plenty of time. God, Rumford, doesn't change. I should've known you're screwing him."
"Excuse me," Hermione said appalled.
She had heard horror stories about Regina for years, but there was nothing like experiencing the real thing. She couldn't believe the shit that was spewing from the woman's mouth. Grant it, Harry had been goading her and from all the stories he had told her throughout the years he knew how to press the woman's buttons until she became unhinged. Hermione believed him, mainly because the woman had killed her best friend is cold blood.
But still, seeing Regina in real life was something else entirely.
Regina rolled her eyes. "It's obvious, isn't it? Don't deny it, he always did have a thing for book-obsessed morons who think they're smarter than they are. He'll use you like he used Lacey French you'll probably end up dead because of his machinations."
Crunch.
Hermione didn't know what came over her, but somehow she ended up slugging the Evil Queen in the nose. She hadn't hit anyone since her third year when she had decked Draco Malfoy. And to say the least, she did some damage, since Regina clutched her nose and started wailing.
Graham groaned as Regina hissed and spewed.
"It's just a broken nose," Harry said rolling his eyes. "If even that. I'll get you a cup towel for the blood."
Regina muttered something about stuffing the cup towel up Harry's ass.
"Don't want your blood getting on Ford's floor," Harry stated. "He's picky about things like that."
As Harry was tormenting Regina whose nose was indeed oozing blood onto the antique wood floor, Graham turned towards Hermione and sighed. "You do realize that I'm going to have to bring you in the stations, Ms…uh."
"It's Granger." Hermione said.
"Uh, right." Graham said. "Regina, I'll take you to the hospital before I book you."
Regina said something garbled, Hermione took it that she was asking if she was still being arrested.
"You refuse to give up Henry." Graham said. "You're violating a court order and Mr. Potter doesn't look like he's going to be reasonable."
"Oh, I'm being very reasonable Do-Right, my child's welfare is in danger."
Graham sighed heavily and shook his head.
To be fair, the jail wasn't that bad the second time around. Sure, she knew that she was pretty stupid. She had broken Regina's nose in front of the town's sheriff of all people, but a part of her didn't care. Especially since she was pretty sure "Ford" would take care of it by using diplomatic immunity or some other bullshit.
It was at least better than being at the hospital, where Regina currently was. She hoped they doped the woman up with lots of pain meds before she came to the jail. And God knows, Hermione didn't hope she had to share a cell with her. The thought of that made her skin crawl.
As she was thinking this she heard someone enter the station a few minutes later there was Graham staring at her.
"Are you okay?"
"Oh, I'm just dandy." She snapped.
You broke Regina's nose. Whale isn't sure it will ever look the same again."
"Is that supposed to make me feel bad?" Hermione asked.
Graham shrugged, "I just thought you'd want to know."
"Honestly, I don't care." Hermione said. "That woman deserves more than a little cosmetic damage."
"You sure you should be saying that?" Graham said.
"Regina is a disgusting human being." Hermione stated. "You heard the things she said."
"I did," He said frowning. "She shouldn't have called you mousy. You're not, by the way."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "That's not why I punched her, she was insulting my friend."
"You mean, your boyfriend."
Hermione laughed, "There's no Ford and me. He's a friend. But why are you interested? You made your feelings perfectly clear a decade ago."
She bit her lip as soon as she said that. She hadn't meant to say anything about whatever their past had been. She kept telling herself she could care less, but somehow she wanted to know. Did he even remember?'
"We know each other?" He asked. "I—I'm sorry, I'm sure I would recall someone like you."
Hermione laughed bitterly.
"Really," He said. "When did we meet?"
Hermione frowned, "It doesn't matter, you don't remember."
"I—" He said. "I'm sorry, Ms."
"Granger." She stated. "My name is Hermione Granger. And we slept together, multiple times. You told me you loved me, damn it. And then you left me."
And Graham couldn't say anything, but stare.