the_debt_of_time

"Is that clear?" she repeated.
Harry looked shamefaced. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I... old habits."
And then, very unlike Hermione, who would continue to drive the point home long
after it had clicked, Mia dropped the subject and smiled at him. She leant forward, kissed
his cheek, and said, "Good. I'm proud of you," before turning back to her list.
Harry blushed at the affectionate gesture, looking relieved. "I sent an owl this
morning to Kingsley telling him I'm taking a short leave from work."
Mia frowned in concern. "Harry, you don't have to do that. Your training is very
important right now."
"I want to," he said firmly. "I know you're still Hermione, but you're my dad's sister
now, too, and I kind of feel like I owe it to him to get to know you for, well, for being Mia
Potter."
She beamed at him with tears welling in her eyes and hugged him tightly. "You're
wonderful, Harry. Just like your dad." Pulling away, she wiped at her eyes. "You didn't tell
Kingsley―"
"I told him I'd tell him the details later," Harry assured her.
"And he was okay with that?" Remus asked.
Harry shrugged. "I'm the Chosen One. It comes with perks someti―"
Mia clenched her fists, and the teacups on the counter shattered. The broken shards
were still vibrating on the counter when she felt Remus's calming hand on her shoulder.
Tentatively, Harry said, "Er, Hermione?"
She swallowed, her throat feeling dry as magic burned beneath her skin. "I'm sorry,
Harry."
Remus stepped closer behind her, kissing the top of her head. "I'll leave you two to
talk; I apparently have some shopping to take care of," he said and snatched the list from
the counter before leaving.
"Hermione?" Harry stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. "What's
going on?"
"I'm so sorry," she whispered. "You grew up without them, and I did nothing to
stop that from happening."
Harry frowned. "Can I ask... why?"