How Far I'll Go -- Hugo

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Merlin, what a few months it had been as Minister of Magic. Addison Shacklebolt was successfully incognito, but they were no closer to finding Elaine Dupree as they had been when she first took the office. This was something incredibly frustrating to Hermione, even though she had spent the good part of a year dropped out of Hogwarts searching for the Horcruxes to defeat Voldemort. This time she was an adult, and had the might of the Ministry working for her instead of against, yet she remained as elusive as a snake. She knew in her gut that there were likely spies in the Ministry, which was why she tended to leak several versions of one plan to multiple sources to be cautious. She had gotten the idea from a Muggle show she had roped Ron into watching with her on Sunday evenings, a bottle of red wine between them and allowing themselves to be sucked into this world of fantastical reality - even though some of the magic on the television program was quite real to them. Ron did have fun mocking some of the aspects of the show, but he mainly remained silent as to not receive a deadly look from his wife.

Today however, had nothing to do with Elaine - the Third and final Triwizard Tournament task. Personally, Hermione was quite relieved for this to be coming to an end. She was sure the majority of the students didn’t mind having the foreigners around (indeed her own niece had kindled a romance with one), but the logistics and security had been a bit of a nightmare, especially since with this Tournament being at Hogwarts and Elaine still on the loose. She was sure Hugo and Rosie knew she’d be at Hogwarts for the Task, but she had arrived a little earlier to surprise them at lunch. She walked into the Great Hall, and looked towards both the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw table. Her Head Girl daughter was nowhere to be seen, but she spotted her son immediately. With a smile, she strode over to him and casually took the seat next to him. “Anything good for lunch today?” she asked, leaning an elbow on the table.

@hugo

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It was the day of the last Triwizard Task and Hugo was excited. Everyone seemed to be, but on the Hogwarts side of things he thought the Gryffindors were perhaps a bit more excited than everyone else. It made sense, since the Hogwarts Champion came from their house. Hugo also thought he had more reason than most to be excited because they were family! He was proud of Anna for what she'd done in the tournament so far and couldn't wait to see what happened in the next task. 

Due to his excitement, Hugo really couldn't sleep in that morning. He hurried to the Great Hall early and ate a bit, talked a bit, then ate some more. Really he was just greeting everyone as they came in and talking to a bunch of them. Then he went to class, though he really couldn't pay attention because he just had too much energy! Luckily enough for him, the morning passed quickly enough. Soon he was back in the Great Hall, doing the same thing he did in the morning. He could have eaten and then gone to study ... but he really wasn't in the mood for that. When someone took the seat next to him, Hugo turned to greet them and was stunned when he saw his mother. "Hey mum!" he said, reaching over to give her a quick hug. He shrugged at her question. "I just had a sandwich. Are you here for the tournament?" The answer to his question was obvious, but he asked it all the same. It was a good way to start the conversation, after all.

@hermionejean

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Hermione was glad to see that her son seemed pleased to see her; as both he and Rosie grew older, the worry that her children would outgrow their need for her weighed on her mind. Now that she was Minister for Magic, her mind was usually kept busy both day and night; even after she got home and she and Ron had their dinner, she was still going over meetings and briefings from the day, and what she was facing the next day. She was immensely relieved that the Triwizard Tournament was coming to an end, as it would be one less thing for her to worry about. The French and Scandinavian ministers were pleasant enough company, but she was sure they were as relieved as she that in a weeks’ time everyone would be home. But there was that time, two minutes before she fell asleep each night, that her anxieties focused on her children. Rosie was graduating soon, and Hugo...Hugo and his visions were always something to be concerned with. Hermione had to admit, sometimes she wished she had her TimeTurner back so she had more hours in the day. But in the end, the fact they had all been destroyed was for the best.

“I am yes, I’m judging the final Task. No bias allowed though,” Hermione answered her son, chuckling lightly. When Anna had first been announced as Champion, the other Ministries had been concerned that she couldn’t do her job without bias However, once they had gotten to know her, they realized that her work ethic and determination to do the right thing won over favoring anyone. “How are you? Have any visions lately?” she asked, dropping her voice to a low whisper. She still wasn’t positive how many people knew of Hugos’ visions, outside the family and Xan of course, so she didn’t want to give him away.

@hugo

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Hugo rolled his eyes good-naturedly at him mom when she said no bias was allowed. "Suuuuure there isn't, Mom," he teased, making it completely obvious. Yes, his mother was the Minister of Magic, but that didn't meant she wasn't allowed to be a real person, and he definitely wasn't going to let it stop him from treating her like he normally would. That would be weird. She asked how he was and Hugo smiled, "I'm doing good. Really good. Exams are coming up and I think I'm ready for them," there. That was a detail she would care to know; she always wanted to make sure he would do his best. He shook his head when she asked about the visions. "No, not lately," he told her, feeling relieved that was the honest answer. He would never want to lie to his mom, but when it came to his visions ... sometimes it was better to keep things to himself than share them with anyone. "How have you been? With the new job and everything?" he asked in return. He wanted to make sure she was all right as well.

@hermionejean

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Hermione was relieved to learn that Hugo had not been plagued with any visions; his forte was seeing people's deaths, so the less he saw of that the better in her opinion. She had self-admittedly never been a huge fan of Divination or any of that branch of magic, but when they realized their son was a Clairvoyant, Hermione finally began to understand the ramblings of Professor Trelawney all those years ago. She knew she likely would never fully understand her sons’ Clairvoyance, but so long as he had people around him here at Hogwarts that did, that was all she could ask for.

Hermione chuckled wryly as Hugo asked how her new job was. “Oh you know, busy as usual,” she said, smiling over at him. Busy was, of course an understatement; as Minister of Magic she always had another meeting to attend, an incident to handle, a proposal to read over. The work was endless but never too tiring for her; indeed Hermione relished being challenged by something new each and every day. “Your father is being very patient with me; sometimes I don’t get home until ten or eleven in the evening, and I’m back in my office by seven the following morning. Hopefully it’ll slow down a bit after this Tournament is over, and we can have a nice, proper summer holiday as a family.” She wanted her children to have that, especially since Rose would be graduating and starting her own adventure at the Ministry.

Looking up, Hermione noticed that a few students were looking over at them, then turning to their friends and whispering. Sighing a little, she turned back to her son. “Want to go for a walk outside on the grounds? It’s nice out,” she suggested, putting on a smile. She preferred spending time with her family away from prying eyes, but as Minister she was quickly learning privacy was a very rare occurrence.

@hugo

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Hugo smiled as well when his mother said that she was busy as usual. It wasn't any surprise that she was. Being Minister of Magic was definitely a big time constraint, which was one reason he was so surprised to see her here. Surprised and pleased. Hugo loved the chance to spend some time with his mother. He nodded when she said she hoped things would slow down soon. "I think that would be fun," he agreed. It felt like ages since the last time the family was able to take a holiday together. They spent so much time working- all of them- that relaxing wasn't really something they got the chance to do often. His mother was Minister of Magic, his father had a business to run with his Uncle and Hugo and Rose had lots going on with school and all the attacks last year. 

He noticed his mom look around the room before suggesting that they go on a walk. Hugo nodded instantly. "I think that sounds great!" He wanted some time with his mother alone, if possible. Granted, they were at Hogwarts, where there were tons of students and teachers and aurors stationed. Privacy wasn't easy, but maybe they would be able to get a little bit. He grabbed an apple and stood, "I'm ready to leave when you are," Hugo said with an easy smile. There was no point in delaying, if they really were going to go for a walk. 

@hermionejean

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Hermione’s smile widened when Hugo said he’d love a family vacation. Oh Merlin help her, she would make that happen, whatever it would take. Even if it was just for an extended weekend, somewhere exotic and new. Last year they’d had a family trip with the Meagles in New Zealand; though it had been summer weather in London, in New Zealand it had been cold and snowy. She imagined this year they’d prefer to be somewhere warm, like the Greek isles or Southern Spain. Mentally, Hermione started putting a list together in her head of all the locations they could see that would have a little bit for everyone - good nightlife, rich in history, and plenty of sunshine.

She allowed her son to lead her outside past the Aurors milling about the front doors. She put up a hand when one made to follow her. “I am taking a walk with my son. Alone,” she said pointedly. She was given a look, but her command was obeyed as the two made their way out into the April sunshine. “How is my goddaughter doing? Recovering splendidly in your hands I hope?” she asked Hugo once they were out of earshot of the Aurors, giving him a teasing smile. “You know, she is more than welcome to join us on whatever vacation plans we have,” she reminded him, then hesitated. “I would like it if we could invite Scorpius too, if Rosie wants. I’m just a little apprehensive of what your dad would think of that,” she admitted. Ron had a bad habit of holding onto grudges far longer than anyone else; Hermione had been able to see that Scorpius had a lot of his mother in him, and just sort of looked like Draco. “Any ideas you may have on where, I’m all ears; I’m thinking perhaps we stay warm this year,” Hermione mentioned with a chuckle.

@hugo

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His mom seemed super excited about the idea of a trip and Hugo was glad. Maybe that would give her something to look forward to with her very busy schedule. As they walked out the doors, she waved away the aurors, telling them that she was going on a walk alone. Hugo couldn't help but smile at that. It was kind of cool that his mom came here and was going to spend some alone-time with him. His smile widened when his mom started asking about Xan. "She's doing well. Getting better and back into the swing of things. It's nice to be able to spend time with her outside of the hospital wing," he admitted with a small shrug. "I'll let her know she's invited," he added enthusiastically. Having Xan come along on that trip would make it better, no matter where they went. She mentioned inviting Scorpius and his eyes widened a little. "I'm sure Rose would like that," Hugo said cautiously. "You'd have to give dad plenty of advance notice so he can get used to the idea." Sometimes it took a while for his father to warm up to an idea and Hugo had a feeling that inviting a Malfoy on family vacation was going to take a lot of notice. Hugo thought for a moment. "We could go to the Caribbean? Or the Bahamas?" He was smiling widely now. "Hawaii? I'm trying to think of places close to the equator," he told his mom his reasoning behind the places he said.

@hermionejean

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Hermione nodded, very happy to hear that Xanthippe was able to spend time outside the Hospital Wing. What felt like the girls’ entire sixth year had been endless testing, hospital stays both Hogwarts and Saint Mungos, and many sleepless nights. Hermione considered the Meagle children as her sort of second family; it made sense seeing as their mother Leslie had become a steadfast friend of hers during her final year at Hogwarts, and she was godmother to the trio. She knew Leslie would be perfectly excited to join the Granger-Weasley clan on their vacation, and hopefully Xan would be cleared by her Healers to travel as well. They’d take extra care of course - the added security that Hermione was allotted as Minister would be beneficial as well. Not to mention the upped salary so Hermione could afford one of the nicer all inclusive resorts that she had always dreamed of visiting as a child.

Hermione chuckled as Hugo mentioned two places, both warm year round. She got the hint loud and clear; no more skiing during summer holidays! “Alright, somewhere warm and tropical, got it,” she said with a smile. She thought for a few moments as they walked, then an idea came to her. “What about French Polynesia?” she suggested, pulling out her wand. She conjured up a globe and zoomed in on where the islands were - just south of Hawaii. “Warm enough for you?” she asked him, smiling again. Yes, French Polynesia with their over water huts and beautiful all inclusive resorts would be a great escape from English summer weather.

@hugo

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His mom didn't say anything further about Xan or even about inviting Scorpius to family vacation, but Hugo didn't mind. It wasn't like there was a lot to discuss there. They both knew how his father would react, but they also knew that he'd get used to teh idea eventually. Hugo couldn't help but chuckle when his mom got his not-so-subtle hint. "Exactly! I want warmth!" He exclaimed. Since he was the one giving input, Hugo was definitely going to suggest something that he wanted to do, which meant warm beaches and such. "Sounds good to me!" Hugo agreed with a grin. "Thanks mom," he added, wanting to make sure she knew that he wasn't trying to take her for granted. He was excited about this idea to spend time with everyone he cared about.

@hermionejean

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Hermione chuckled as Hugo exclaimed that he wanted warmth. “What, summer in England isn’t hot enough for you?” she asked teasingly. There had certainly been heatwaves in the metropolis where they made their home, but only lasted a few days, and that heat was a painful, sticky, unbearable type. In any of the tropical locations they’d vacation, at least the warmer climate was normalized and there were tons of pools and warmer waters to swim in to cool off. Yes, French Polynesia was looking more and more welcoming the more she thought about it.

Sensing Hugo was still thinking about Xan and Scorpius’ pending invitations, Hermione sighed a little. “We both know that your father gets a little...over-reacted when it comes to his childrens’ significant others," she began, trying not to laugh. She distinctly remembered their holiday last summer when Xan and Hugo announced that they were going to get married someday; Ron nearly had had a heart attack, and they had been great friends with the Meagles for years. As for Scorpius well...it wasn’t as if Draco Malfoy was coming on their holiday with them, which was the real issue for Ron. Her husband certainly knew how to hold grudges; Draco she supposed was more understandable, but she hated that the Krums were still persona non grata to her husband. She had met the children on several occasions and had found them all to be pleasant company, even if the eldest daughter and Rosie hadn’t gotten along. “Your father will just have to deal with it,” Hermione said firmly, making up her mind. Besides, if he tried to throw a fit Hermione would simply threaten to owl Viktor and invite his family as well. She wasn’t a fan of using the threat over her husband, but sometimes she had to do what was in the best interest for the entire family. “It’s not like we’ll all be sharing one room anyway, so he doesn’t have to see Scorpius on a regular basis,” she reasoned, as if that solved the matter

@hugo

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Hugo made a face at his mother when she teased him about summer in England, "Not really," he admitted, though she obviously already knew the way he felt about it. Sure, it got warm in England, but not the comfortable type that he was looking for. He just wanted somewhere fun and remote and relaxing. 

She started talking about how his father would react to the guests to their family vacation and Hugo nodded carefully, though nothing was really said that was surprising. From his point of view, his father didn't deal well with change. Especially big change like his children being interested in other people ... especially when it came to feelings that were stronger than just a casual relationship, though he wasn't sure how his father would respond to that either. He nodded when she said that he would just have to deal with it. "If you say so," Hugo responded, a small smile on his lips. At least he wouldn't have to be the one to deal with his father's wrath. He wasn't going to break the news to him. That would be on his mother. He laughed when she gave more reasons. "Yeah, because being in a different room is definitely going to make him happier about it," he commented. 

@hermionejean

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Hermione chuckled; she could tell that her son really didn’t believe her when she said Ron would have to make do. That’s why she was planning on telling him before the kids got home, so that he’d have some time to process it. True to form, she already had her arguments planned in her head, imagining the objections her husband would raise to any part of the vacation. He had been hinting for months now about wanting to take a solo vacation, just the two of them, and in part they could do that with this trip. Their kids would be there too, but their significant others would be joining them so they’d be off doing on their own thing on the resort. They could have a couples massage, dinner on the beach...all the romantic things they used to do before they had children. It was usually Hermione that planned these excursions, but she was a planner so she preferred it that way. “Well regardless of how he feels about it, he’ll have to learn to live with it,” Hermione told Hugo firmly, smiling at him. It was hard for her to not reach out and hug her son - his Clairvoyancy showed him how people would die if they touched him, and while Hermione had scoffed at Divination in school, she had learned to accept his ability over the years. “Do you think you’ll be okay at a resort? If anyone bumps into your or something?” she asked him, wanting to cover all bases before dropping funds on a vacation like this one.

@hugo

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Hugo nodded as his mother explained that his father would just have to deal with it. He didn't really expect anything differently, since he knew she wouldn't let his father get away with being rude to the people that her children cared about. He just hoped it didn't make things too awkward for Rose and Scorpius. Hugo felt kind of lucky that his dad was used to his relationship with Xan by now. That should be normal. He nodded as his mother asked about going to a resort. "I think I'll be fine. I can normally avoid bumping into people. I'm pretty good at it now, even in crowds. And if they do ... I'll just need some time to myself," he answered confidently. Hugo had no intention of not going on this vacation because of his visions. They were manageable and he was pretty good at avoiding people's touch by now. Xan would help him too, as would his family, he was sure. There was nothing to worry about here.

@hermionejean

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Hermione was excited; in her head the gears were already spinning with the finer details of this much needed vacation. She had always wanted to swim with dolphins, explore the local villages and really get a sense for the culture on the islands. Plus, they were pretty well known for their over water bungalows, a type of suite Hermione had always fantasized about. Each couple would have their own and she would check with the resort they chose if they could all be relatively close to each other, particularly the childrens. She wouldn’t want Ron to be trying to eavesdrop from their own bungalow the entire trip after all, but in case they were needed they could be there in a hurry.

“Good, and hopefully Xanthippe will want to come so she can be with you in case...well, in case anything does happen,” Hermione said, glad to hear that Hugo had been able to mostly overcome his aversion to being touched and knew how to avoid it whenever necessary. “Most of the resorts have some pretty fun day trips too that we can all go on,” she said, sounding excited. The bell began to gong and Hermione looked up at it with a small frown. “Huh, I didn’t realize the time. Do you have class Hugo?” she asked him.

@hugo